BBM April 2015 Issue 821

EDITOR

Hannah Shakir hannah.shakir@what-media.com SUB EDITOR

Charlotte Mellor SPORTS & NEWS EDITOR

Richard Gadsby CONTRIBUTORS

Alex Saint, Mentari Sandiastri, Omar Soliman, Dan Barnes, Robin Lewis, Ash Lesczcuk, James Barker, Ashleigh Osborne, Thomas Curtis-Horsfall, Joe Phillip, Jeremy Snelling WEB DEVELOPMENT

Luke Webber / What Media Pty Ltd DESIGN

Basil Thomas / Daniela Pondros PRINT & WEB ADVERTISING

Tom Shakir tom.shakir@what-media.com +61 2 8005 8162

ACCOUNT MANAGERS

Jessica Barry Isaac Tesfamariam marketing@what-media.com ACCOUNTS

accounts@what-media.com CLASSIFIEDS & LISTINGS

info@what-media.com +61 8 9382 3147

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 to the newsletter

Crocosaurus Cove, Darwin - www.crocosauruscove.com

ANZAC DAY 2015 Sydney

game shown on six screens including a 120-inch projector screen, with a DJ providing tunes in the quarter and half-time breaks. If you want special treatment, you can book a VIP booth including lager on arrival, personal staff, unlimited mixers, food and a 55-inch plasma screen all to yourself and your friends to watch the match.

60 Swan Street, Richmond www.precincthotel.com.au

Cargo Bar

Young & Jacksons

On 25th April, the entire country commemorates ANZAC Day, to remember those that have fought in war. Here are the venues making a special effort to get you involved.

Cargo Bar will be commemorating ANZAC Day with a special 100th anniversary special. The popular bar in King Street Wharf will by throwing the world’s biggest 2 Up Arena hosted by Tom Williams with a BBQ serving your favourite grilled meats all day, and an outdoor bar to chill out and relax with your mates.

52-60 The Promenade, King Street Wharf, Sydney cargobar.com.au

Coogee Bay Hotel

Located seconds from the beautiful beach, Coogee Bay Hotel will be welcoming you inside with music, beers and burgers for ANZAC Day. A great atmosphere guaranteed, there’s also 2 Up in Selina’s from 2pm and plenty of room for everyone with the fantastic beer garden.

253 Coogee Bay Road, Coogee coogeebayhotel.com.au

Melbourne Precinct Hotel

A full day of football, music and drinks is how Precinct Hotel will be remembering ANZAC Day. Open from 12pm, there will be the live Collingwood v Essendon 6

www.bbmlive.com

If live music’s more your thing, Young & Jacksons will have three days of live singers and musicians. On Thursday 23rd, Chris Doheny will take to the stage at 7pm to warm up Friday’s music from Kristen vs The Spider, Scott-E, and Prank, from 6.30pm. On ANZAC Day itself, Unlimited will perform from 6.30pm, with the return of Scott-E at 9.30pm, and No Dramas finishing the line-up at 10.30pm.

Corner of Swanston and Flinders Streets, Melbourne www.youngandjacksons.com.au

Brisbane The Victory Hotel

Keeping with tradition, The Victory Hotel will mark the 100th anniversary of ANZAC Day with all-day entertainment including some of Brisbane’s best bands. Live music will be brought to you by Acoustic Moose, Solar Rush, The Febs and Caillin Malley in the beer garden from 1pm, and DJs Hanja and Strex will be spinning the decks in Level 1 Nightclub between 7pm and 5am! There’s even a game of 2 Up, and, as always, free entry to all.

127 Edward Street, Brisbane www.thevictory.com.au

T O H T H G RI W NO

SYDNEY

Roast Dinners At The Porterhouse

With the temperature cooling down, you might be getting a hankering for a roast dinner, and we couldn’t recommend one better than at The Porterhouse. With a choice of lamb or chicken, you can compare it to your mum’s for just $15, and wash it down with a cold pint of Guinness, Kilkenny or Magners for just $7.

233 Riley Street, Sydney porterhouse.com.au

The Sheath Beneath

Just in time for the dip in temperature, Sheath Beneath is a new ladies fashion brand with camisoles and slips to wear underneath your favourite outfit, or simply at home on the sofa. Super chic, very soft, and in a range of colours, these sexy pieces complete any outfit, with camisoles at $54.95 and slips at $64.95.

Sheathbeneath.com

WIN TICKETS TO

Growings Bar & Grill

QT Sydney’s Growings Bar & Grill combines the style of a European brasserie with contemporary furnishings and Australian produce. Using wood fired ovens, every dish is an experience, including Smoked Salmon Omelette with goats cheese and asparagus for breakfast, Beer Steamed Prawn Cocktail for lunch, and Old School Chicago Veal for dinner, served with mozzarella, mild red chilli, tomato passata, black olives, capers and a splash of brandy. No wonder this place has become so trendy.

Corner of Market and George Streets, Sydney www.facebook.com/GrowingsBarGrill

PEACE

UK indie band, Peace, are embarking on their second ever Australian tour from April – May, and we’ve got one double pass to give away to one lucky individual for their Sydney show.

Playing at the Oxford Art Factory on Friday 8th May, you could be seeing Harry, Sam, Doug and Dom live on stage, playing hit tracks from their two studio albums, ‘In Love’ and ‘Happy People’.

Want to know what the boys have in store during their tour? Check out our interview with frontman, Harry, in our Interviews section!

To enter, just head to www.bbmlive. com/win-one-double-pass-to-seepeace-in-sydney.com.

8

www.bbmlive.com

Sydney Comedy Festival

From 20th April – 17th May, the funniest men and women from around the world will be coming to Sydney for the popular Comedy Festival. An event for side-splitting stand up, comic stars include the UK’s Ross Noble, Noel Fielding and Stephen K Amos; Canada’s Deanne Smith and Angelo Tsarouchas; and Greg Behrendt, Jen Kirkman and Adrienne Truscott making their debut at the festival.

Throughout Sydney www.sydneycomedyfest.com.au

www.bbmlive.com

9

Staying In Sydney

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

Hump Backpackers

In the bustling Kings Cross district, Hump Backpackers is where you can hangout with new friends, rest between your travels, and lay your head down! This renovated hostel has undergone a revamp that includes a courtyard, TV room, and the popular Blue Room where all of the parties and nights out begin. The highlight of the Hump, the Blue Room features a TV, a graffiti mural and an incredible view of Kings Cross. With over 100 cable channels, the TV room is great to chill out with a bit of sport or reality TV, or you can hang out in the Courtyard with a ice-cold beer. With private and dorm rooms ranging from four to 12-bed, rates start from just $20pp per night and include free breakfast, free WIFI, free BBQ on Saturdays and free pancakes on Sundays – not to mention fantastic and helpful staff.

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

Sydney Backpackers

With a superb location in the CBD, Sydney Backpackers is a great place to start your daily adventures of the city. In fact, they even provide tour packages as well as individual accommodation. As well as private and dorm rooms for one – 16 persons, the packages help you to see the best of Sydney and its surrounding 10

www.bbmlive.com

areas. Depending on your preferences, you can enter the best attractions in Sydney, head down to Port Stephens or the Hunter Valley wine region, meet the iconic animals of Australia, or take a surfing lesson from a local expert, from as little as $109pp including two nights’ accommodation. As for the facilities, you can expect a sky view rooftop terrace and BBQ facilities, free airport pickup and a fridge in every room.

Victoria House, 7 Wilmot Street, Sydney sydneybackpackers.com

Bounce

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

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

T O H HT G RI OW N

MELBOURNE Julio Bashmore At Brown Alley

On Friday 24th April, smalltown will be bringing one of the biggest names in dance music in recent times, when Bristolian bass-masker, Julio Bashmore, plays at Brown Alley. As anyone who has seen this electronic heavyweight live will know, a set from Bashmore is not to be missed.

585 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne www.brownalley.com

It’s Bedlu m Wednesdays At The Turf Bar

Serving up $6 pints of Carlton, $6 glasses of house wine and $6 glasses of Smirnoff Vodka, It’s Bedlam at Turf Bar every Wednesday – and that’s just the drinks!

There’s also $5 pizzas, $10 burgers, a pool competition with a $30 bar tab up for grabs, and $750 worth of Peterpans Adventure Travel prizes! All this and a DJ playing the best tunes ‘til late, this might just be the midweek party you’ve been looking for.

We do advise you get in early to avoid missing all the fun!

131 Queen Street, Melbourne turfbar.com.au

12

www.bbmlive.com

Ganache

Easter may be over, but you can still enjoy delicious, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate. Located in South Yarra and Melbourne city, Ganache Chocolate are masters in sweet treats, from macarons and mousses to bars decorated with cranberries, almonds and orange segments. They also host chocolate-making classes so you can create your own sugary goodness!

250 Toorak Road, South Yarra 245 Collins Street, Melbourne www.ganache.com.au

myki Visitor Value Pack If you’re travelling around Victoria as an international or interstate visitor, make sure you purchase a myki.

Like Transport for London’s Oyster card, myki provides access to public transport by offering a smartcard that can be topped up with myki money, and used as many times as you like. myki can be used on trains, trams and buses in Melbourne and on some train and bus services in regional Victoria.

Visitors usually get their myki with the Visitor Value Pack, which includes a ready-to-use myki card with enough value to travel for one day on Melbourne’s public transport network (Zones 1+2).

The myki Visitor Value Pack also comes with a load of other benefits, offering great discounts at 15 city attractions including Melbourne Aquarium, the National Sports Museum, and Eureka

Skydeck.

There’s also a very handy souvenir wallet to keep your myki in. myki Visitor Value Packs are available to buy from the Melbourne Visitor Centre, PTV Hubs at Southern Cross Station and 750 Collins Street, Docklands, and many hotels for your convenience. The full fare pack costs $14 and includes $8 myki money. myki gives you the freedom to travel, whether you’re heading to Melbourne Airport, St Kilda Beach or on a tour of the famous laneways. With myki, you don’t have to worry about buying a ticket each time you use public transport, just make sure your myki is topped up and you’re ready to go.

Find out more about myki at ptv.vic.gov.au

www.bbmlive.com

13

Staying In Melbourne

Looking for somewhere to stay in Melbourne? We take a look at some of the best hostels around the city.

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

As well as clean and comfortable rooms on a budget, you’ll get to take advantage of all the facilities and cool stuff when you book a night at Discovery Melbourne, including a beanbag cinema, rooftop and basement bars, free breakfast, laundry, kitchen and WIFI. There are also daily events to help you get to know your fellow hostellers, including bingo on Monday nights, trivia on Tuesday nights and a bar crawl on Wednesday nights.

There’s always someone on reception, so you can ask them for advice on where to go and what to do, including the best way to get around the city, local shopping and emergency numbers. The lobby also hosts Backpackers World Travel, to help you create the travel itinerary of your dreams and the best local tour companies to do it with.

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

Beds, breakfast, new buddies and bundles of fun – Discovery Melbourne is the ideal hostel for your adventures in a beautiful city and beyond.

167 Franklin Street, Melbourne www.discoverymelbourne.com

14

www.bbmlive.com

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

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

Habitat

Away from the hustle and bustle of the inner city, Habitat sits in the heart of the Melbourne seaside district, St Kilda. This laidback accommodation is Melbourne’s first carbon neutral hostel, so your stay will be completely guilt free but still enjoyable, with free WIFI, free breakfast, open mic nights every Tuesday, bar crawls, BBQs, walking tours and more. You can also discover more about this beautiful city by working with Conservation Volunteer Australia every third Thursday of the month and enjoy a free tour of the bush spotting wildlife and learning about the environment. There are shared dorms and private motel style rooms to suit everyone.

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

Explore The Beauty of Victoria with Mountain Bike Tours Australia Explore Melbourne and its surrounds including; the Great Ocean Road, Phillip Island, and most of the premier sightseeing destinations from a different perspective. MTB Adventures has launched its tours through the You Yangs Regional Park only 45 mins from Melbourne. Set in the volcanic plains to the west of the city, the You Yangs granite hills are home to over 50km of mountain bike trails for all levels of riders and home to Koalas, Wallabies, Kookaburras, Kangaroos and the elusive Echidna.

Taking groups no larger than 12 people for beginners and above, the tour begins with a ride through the Kurrajong; an area of trails winding though beautiful eucalyptus and pine plantations.

After a lunch break to restock the energy supplies, the tour moves to the Stockyards on the east side of the park. The trails become a little more

adventurous and the scenery changes as you ride amongst giant boulders and the old quarry with spectacular views of the park.

Tours are $149pp including a guided tour, a bike, a helmet and inner city pick up and drop off.

Visit www.mountainbiketoursaustralia.com.au for more information.

www.bbmlive.com

15

PERTH

Snap F itness

Snap Fitness located in West Leederville, near to Perth city, is a neat little gym filled with friendly members, unlike your typical commercial gym which is completely full between 4-6pm where going in the weights area feels like entering a battlefield. Snap Fitness West Leederville has a home-like vibe where you can come and carry on with your health and fitness goals without feeling like you’re invading other people’s space and taking their equipment.

109 Cambridge Street, West Leederville www.snapfitness.com.au

16

www.bbmlive.com

Weekly Events At Billabong Backpackers Resort

As well as providing great accommodation, Billabong Backpackers Resort throws weekly events every day of the week. To help you mix with your fellow hostellers, you can attend the pool competition at the Brass Monkey on Mondays, watch movies on a rooftop in Northbridge on Tuesdays, go to the Backpacker Night at Mustang Bar on Wednesdays, and try Latin nights at The Game on Thursdays. The weekend kicks off on Fridays at Hawkers Market and a night out in the city bar district, and continues with a Cottesloe Beach day on Saturdays, and Sunday sessions in Perth’s best pubs to end the week.

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

Sneaky Tony’s

Head inside this small bar for rum, music and low lighting. Sneaky Tony’s is a local favourite and a great find in Perth – that’s if you can find it! Sneaky by name, sneaky by nature, they have no website, nor do they give their address away (it’s “somewhere in Chinatown”), and you need a dailychanging password to enter, which they, thankfully, do post on their Facebook page…

Chinatown www.facebook.com/ sneakytonys

Westons Barbershop

If you’ve got a beard that needs regular attention, put your faith (or rather, hair), in Westons Barbershop. From haircuts to shaves and trims, or a combination of two, Westons can satisfy the service you need with incredibly skilful hands at great prices including $10 off walk-ins. Open every day except Sundays, they stay open ‘til 8pm on Thursdays if you need to pay a visit after work.

456 William Street, Northbridge www.westonsbarbers.com

By Mentari Sandiastri, images courtesy of venues.

T O H HT G RI OW N

London Café & Bar

In the northern suburb of Currambine, the London Café & Bar is serving up a plate of Ol’ Blighty with proper British grub. Warm your belly with pie, mash and liquor, toad in the hole, or a traditional roast dinner, and choose from the many homemade cakes including banoffee cupcakes, trifle and bakewell tart. It’s also got quite an interesting interior with British memorabilia, but we don’t want to spoil the surprise.

C1/2 Currambine Central, 1244 Marmion Avenue, Currambine www.facebook.com/LondonCafeandBar

www.bbmlive.com

17

Staying In Perth Looking for a great place to stay in and around Perth? Here’s our pick of the best accommodation around the city.

Britannia on William

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

Rooms are made to suit the budget traveller, whether you choose a private single or eight-share dorm, with prices starting from just $27 per night. As it’s about the experience as much as it is comfort, there are plenty of facilities to make your stay enjoyable, including a communal kitchen and lounge room, BBQs, lockers and free WIFI in the courtyard. There’ll always be someone on hand on reception should you be arriving in the early hours of the morning, or in case of emergency.

When you stay at Britannia, you’ll also get 24-hour access to the Internet café, so you can print off your CV, burn CDs, send emails and check Facebook to see how everyone’s getting on back home.

The Internet café is extremely useful alongside the Work West Job Shop, which helps supply work to travellers looking for short or long term employment in a range of industries. They can also refer you to reliable contacts for visa extensions and any other immigration query you may have.

As comfortable and welcoming as it may be, Britannia understands that you don’t want to spend all your time at the hostel, so they’ve also got the addition of a travel desk to offer tours and activities that you may want to do during your time in WA, while considering any of your budget and time restraints.

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

253 William Street, Northbridge www.perthbritannia.com

18

www.bbmlive.com

Billabong Backpackers Resort

The super fun hostel for the enthusiastic traveller in Perth, Billabong Backpackers Resort offers one of the best experiences with fantastic facilities.

A swimming pool is the big seller for this place, especially when you feel the Australian heat in the peak of summer. Because you need plenty of fuel to make the most of your stay, you’ll receive a free breakfast every morning and the use of a kitchen. Rooms include private and dorms, all of which include private bathrooms, a balcony and air-conditioning. Situated on Beaufort Street, Billabong is close to the cafés, pubs and bars that make this area so popular with like-minded travellers.

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

Ocean Beach Backpackers

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

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

www.bbmlive.com

19

SHIPPING

Making Your Move With Seven Seas Worldwide

If you’ve made the choice to return to the UK or move overseas or indeed have fallen in love with Australia and don’t want to leave, all of your shipping needs can be met with Seven Seas Worldwide. Seven Seas Worldwide Shipping services help you move excess baggage, personal belongings and commercial items all over the world at an affordable price.

Whether you’ve packed one suitcase too many for a holiday or moving abroad for good, they can assist you in getting it all from A to B. From Australia to the UK, you can send two large boxes weighing a total of 60kgs. Or, if you’ve acquired a houseful of stuff, you can send back bulkier household items with the aid of a Seven Seas Worldwide MoveCube. Oh and we’ll also be with your items from the start of their journey, right up to the designated address with no third party involvement. This means that you can have a stress-free trip with just your essential luggage at the airport.

20

www.bbmlive.com

However, there are some things to be mindful of when packing and moving overseas. Remember how picky customs were when you entered Australia? Well, they’ll be just as picky on your way out, so you must be aware of prohibited and restricted items before you get to the airport. The Seven Seas Worldwide team in Australia are on hand to assist you with this and more information, as well as guiding you through the relocation process via our comprehensive transport network.

Seven Seas Worldwide also provide great prices if you’re relocating and moving bags and boxes to Hong Kong, Malaysia or China, quoting from as little as $199, or you can ship large household items from $690.

If you’re relocating within Australia, Seven Seas Worldwide offer quotes from just $299, making your move that bit easier.

Need Seven Seas Worldwide services now? Take advantage of our special promo code, which gives you 5% off the cost of your shipment. All you have to do is book your shipping over the phone and quote BBM15IP04. Give them a ring on 1300 216 698, to start saving and shipping!

Find out more about shipping your stuff from Australia at www.sevenseasworldwide.com.au.

JOBS

Barmax If you’re looking to further your career in hospitality then BarMax can help you. BarMax run courses in cocktail making as well as RSA’s and RCG’s. Here we find out a bit more about how BarMax can help you.

Bar and hospitality work is a sure fire way to fund your time and travels in Australia, or even make new friends, but to get a job in hospitality you will need two very important certificates: an RSA (Responsible Service of Alcohol) and an RCG (Responsible Conduct of Gambling) – for venues that may have gambling machines, also known as ‘Pokies’.

So What Does An RSA Involve?

An RSA course will ensure you’ve had training in every aspect of the legalities behind serving alcohol. It involves recognising if someone is intoxicated or under age, as it is illegal to serve these individuals. Failure to abide by these rules can lead to extreme penalties to both employer and employee, especially if the customer becomes injured! It covers problems with excessive consumption of alcohol, general facts about alcohol, providing a safe environment for patrons, and general alcohol laws. However, because of the different states, you may need to retake the RSA course if you move states as the laws may vary. Or make sure that you do a course that is accredited for all of Australia, which makes sense if you’re planning on travelling a lot!

After successfully completing your assessment, you’ll be issued a certificate that you should keep safe for all future employers. You ain’t getting hired without one, so don’t forget to mention it on your CV!

And an RCG?

If you’re planning on working in a bar or pub you will need to complete the Responsible Conduct of Gambling (RCG) course. Even though you may not be working in a fancy swanky casino, gambling machines dubbed as ‘pokies’ (basically 22

www.bbmlive.com

slot machines) are rife in Aussie drinking venues i.e. pubs and hotels. And, unfortunately, with playing the pokies being a very popular pastime in Australia, it means gambling addictions are high. By doing the RCG course, it’ll allow you to be trained in detecting and recognising problem gamblers, and then how to take the appropriate actions. If you’re pretty sure you’re only going to be working in a bar or café/restaurant without a pokie slot machine lurking on the premises, then you’ll probably be fine just with an RSA. Like the RSA, you can do it online or in a class depending on which state you’re in, but unlike the RSA, an RCG isn’t mandatory in every state! TAS, VIC and NSW require you to physically attend a class, or you could save money by doing your RSA and RCG rolled into one course!

The RSA and RCG will give you the freedom to apply for any job in Australia. Whether it’s bar work, cocktail serving, café and restaurant employment – all the avenues of hospitality will be open for you! Then you get the fun of choosing which venue is right for you.

How BarMax Can help you...

BarMax hold training across NSW for the Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) and the Responsible Conduct of Gambling (RCG) under partnership agreements with St Patrick’s Institute of Education (SPIE). These courses are held weekly in all their venues; RSA & RCG Sydney in Broadway, RSA & RCG in Wollongong, RSA & RCG in Gosford, RSA & RCG in Newcastle and RSA Parramatta and Liverpool. Their most popular package is the BarMax Bar Course package which includes the accredited Provide Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA- SITHFAB201) and Provide Responsible Gambling Services (RCG/

RGS-SITHGAM201) combined with a 6 hour practical Bar Skills course. Once you’ve got those skills down you may want to embellish them further with their Cocktail Course. During the Cocktail Course a comprehensive booklet is provided, but most of the action is with your trainer (all are experienced Cocktail Bartenders), who will guide you through the processes and techniques required. In addition to the best techniques, you will be armed with an essential knowledge of ingredients - the basics of different spirits and liqueurs and a knowhow of where to use them!

The cocktail course provides you with the base skills to help you further your career options and mix great cocktails.

What does It Cost?

BarMax is an affordable way to make sure you have the skills you’ll need to get a job in hospitality. Their bar courses start from $80, with RSA’s starting from $130 and RCG’s starting at $90. Their cocktail courses start at $110, but make sure you check their website www.barmax.com.au for package deals.

Students must have a USI number if completing the RSA and RCG courses and must use the USI when booking on the enrolment page. Anyone can apply for a USI visit www.barmax.com.au for more info.

30 % OFF COCKTAIL COURSE BarMax are offering a 30% off discount on their Cocktail Course for BBM subscribers, reducing the cost to just $84 prepaid (normally $120 for a single course).

Readers can obtain the discount by using promo code ‘BBMAUS’ before 30th June 2015.

The code is only valid for Cocktail courses.

Standard Terms and Conditions apply for all BarMax products.

Promotional Code can only be used with a single course purchase, (no further discounts for packaging).

Log on to www.barmax.com.au/12-content-pages/ top-menus/85-promotional-code-instructions.html to get your discounted Cocktail Course now!

Bar Course Points - Do you have practical bar skills or know how to pour an Australian lager?

-You stand a better chance of employment if you have practical bar skills and qualifications taught the Australian way (Local customs and cultures) - Understand the difference between various drinks and how to serve them correctly - It’s a great confidence builder - You will be work-ready knowing the basics - Gain invaluable skills the right way from the industry professionals - Learn to pour spirits into a jigger - Learn to open up and prepare the bar with consumables -You will understand the different house spirits, mid shelf. top shelf and which glassware to use - Additional practical qualification means you have a greater chance of being employed over someone who has never set foot behind a bar

Cocktail Course Points - Our course is written and taught by one of the top 5 bartenders in Australia right now - We show people not only how to make them but also why they are made a certain way - Delve into the histories behind them and how they came about - Provide you with the base skills to extend your employment opportunities - Gain the confidence to mix great cocktails at work, at home or simply have a fun night out!

www.bbmlive.com

23

HEALTHCARE AUSTRALIA Want to stay in Australia for longer and do a rewarding job?

Join Australia’s leading healthcare recruitment agency and be part of a network of 40,000 + healthcare workers.

Healthcare Australia (HCA) offers short term and permanent positions to nurses, doctors and allied health professionals, with the opportunity to be sponsored.

With HCA, you will be able to get a job anywhere in Australia, including regional and rural areas, which should satisfy anyone’s thirst for adventure!

As you can see, you will have the flexibility to work and holiday at the same time and find time to have fun outside of your job.

24

www.bbmlive.com

If these pictures inspire you and you want to make the most of your experience Down Under, get in touch with HCA! To search all the great jobs available in healthcare all over the country, visit

www.healthcareaustralia.com.au

TAX INFO

Are You Owed A Tax Rebate?

It’s coming up to the end of the UK Financial Year, so do you know if you could be sitting on a pot of gold or not? On 5th April 2015, the UK Financial Year comes to an end and that means when the clock hits midnight, you will lose access to all the tax free allowances such as Instant Saver Accounts (ISA). Also that means many who have worked in the UK through the Financial Year will be receiving the Tax Rebates.

However, you’ve escaped the delightful grey clouds and constant drizzle of the British rain and made the fantastic decision to spend some time to live and work in Australia. Well done you!

Now you’re time in paradise can become that more exciting if you have spent any time of the last four years working in the UK. If you have, then you can claim a tax rebate that will add a bit more money in your pocket to invest in discovering the Australia’s amazing landscapes and tourist destinations.

The UK Government requires anyone who has worked in the country to pay taxes on the income that has an earning greater than the personal allowance, set at £10,000 (set to increase to £10,800). Did you earn an income anytime between the four years before you left for Australia? If you answer yes and hadn’t received 26

www.bbmlive.com

a tax rebate because you hadn’t filed a tax return previous to your arrival Down Under then there’s a chance you could be owed money back from the UK Government.

The benefit of being a UK Expat are great and being able to receive a rebate from the past four years can be the difference between having a good time in Australia and an unforgettable one.

However, the first thing you should have done before leaving the UK to live and work abroad for at least one tax year or permanently is notify HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC). This isn’t necessary if you are leaving for just a holiday or business trips.

Imagine what you could do in Australia with a tax rebate that spans back from four years? If you had worked each of those previous four years without making a claim then you could be looking at a very big cash return. That could mean embarking on an adventure tour of Australia, exploring destinations from the beautiful Gold Coast to an inland tour of The Red Centre.

Do you feel that you could be owed some money back from your Tax Return? If so, then you should get in contact with a Tax Agent to help you ensure you are affective in your claim. Taxback.co.uk is the biggest and most successful tax agent in the UK and is affective in securing you your tax return.

If the tax agents are unsuccessful in ensuring you are sent a cheque in the post then you will not owe a penny.

Recruiters Wanted

EXPRESS TAX Level 6, 155 Castlereagh St Sydney, NSW, 2000 1800 739 739 +61 (0) 2 9267 3200 www.expresstaxback.com.au

TAXBACK.CO.UK Overseas worker tax refunds UK, AUS, NZ, CANADA, USA, IRE info@taxback.co.uk www.taxback.co.uK

BACKPACKER TAX REFUNDS First Floor, 1A Morts Road Mortdale NSW 2223 +61 (0) 2 8065 5668 info@backpackertaxrefunds.com.au www.backpackertaxrefunds.com.au AMY ACCOUNTANTS Suite 101, Level 1, 250 Pitt Street Sydney NSW 2000 1300 179 934 +61 (0) 2 92627188 info@amyaccountants.com.au www.amyaccountants.com.au

Experienced Recruiters wanted for various industries including IT, Finance, Media, Blue Collar, Health Care, Sales & Marketing Immediate start

Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth 457 Sponsorships available for the right candidates

CONTACT US info@ozvisainfo.com

www.bbmlive.com

27

TRAVEL

Welcome To The

Northern Territory

The Northern Territory is where adventure begins. Unchanged for thousands of years, it’s here you’ll find Australia’s most famous landmark, the ancient and looming, Uluru, as well as some of the most dangerous and exciting wildlife Australasia has to offer.

A world of intrepid adventures awaits you, from discovering the dense jungles of Kakadu National Park, to trekking through the sandstone domes of Kings Canyon, and taking in the unrivalled views of Uluru at sunset from Kata-Tjuta, there’s no place on earth quite like the Northern Territory.

From the ferocious saltwater crocodiles that can reach up to seven meters in length and lurk in the waters of Northern Australia to their smaller reptilian cousins, the thorny 28

www.bbmlive.com

devil, frilly necked lizards and monitors - the Northern Territory is a haven for cold blooded creatures, as well as playing host to 400 types of bird and 150 types of mammal.

But it’s not just incredible wildlife you’ll find here, there’s also thousands and thousands of miles of National Parks to uncover, including the aforementioned Kakadu, Litchfield, Djukbinj, Nitmiluk, Barranyi, Watarrka, Uluru-Kata Tjuta and of course, Charles Darwin National Park – to name a few. Despite its abundant natural beauty, the Northern Territory has an incredibly small population, last recorded at just 233,000 – fewer than half the population of Tasmania.

With a solid aboriginal population, the Northern Territory thrives on tourism, and will leave you in an awestruck state to behold the magnificence of all the natural wonders it has to offer.

You’ll most likely start your Northern adventure in its capital city, Darwin, where you’ll find a fully functioning modern city, filled to the brim with activities, great accommodation, and nightlife, however other settlements in NT include Alice Springs and Palmerston, Katherine, Nhulunbuy, and Tennant Creek.

So with over 1,349,129 square kilometres (520,902 sq miles) to discover… what are you waiting for?

WIN a 5 Day Darwin to Alice Springs Explorer trip including Uluru

PAGE 37

www.bbmlive.com

35

crocosaurus cove Based in the heart of Darwin is an experience that can’t be matched. Some may call it exhilarating, others terrifying, but it’s one you’ll never forget. Welcome to Crocosaurus Cove...

Crocosaurus Cove is home to a particularly large Australian predator, and if you can’t guess which, the clue’s in the name.

With almost 200, some at over 5m long, Saltwater Crocodiles are the star of this urban wildlife enclosure, and you can get as up close to them as your nerves will let you. Not only do you have the opportunity to watch them during feeding time, or feed them yourself, behind the safety of the viewing platform, you can share the water they swim in, for Crocosaurus Cove is home to the Cage Of Death.

The only experience in Australia that allows you to dive inside this beastly reptile’s enclosure,

60

www.bbmlive.com

your transparent cylinder cage is lowered into the water by an overhead monorail, and you’re left in the water with this brilliant animal for 15 minutes.

With regular feeds while in the water, you’re guaranteed plenty of activity and movement from the crocodile, and a view that so very few people can say they’ve experienced. Bring a friend or go it alone, but prepare to be wowed by the extreme size of the Saltwater Croc.

If the Cage Of Death is a little too close for comfort, you can choose to swim in a separate swimming pool with the illusion that you’re swimming with the nearby crocodiles, and even hold a baby croc when their size isn’t quite so intimidating!

The Cage of Death costs $165 for one person, and $250 for two, while the swimming pool experience is included in the entry fee of $35 per adult – just don’t forget to bring your

swimwear! Away from the star of Crocosaurus Cove, there are other attractions that shine a spotlight on the rest of the reptile family. The Reptile Enclosure offers a chance to meet the famous critters of the Northern Territory, including snakes, geckos and frogs, while the Aquarium is home to the Whipray and the Barramundi.

The cutest residents of the Top End, you can meet Red and Yellow Face Turtles and the Snapping Turtles in the aptly named Turtle Sanctuary.

Crocosaurus Cove has been firmly put on the map thanks to all of these attractions, none more so than the Cage Of Death, and is another great reason to visit the tropical city of Darwin.

Check out www.crocosauruscove.com for more information.

Around town...

Darwin is a very popular destination for travellers as it sits on the coastline of the Northern Territory and offers some exciting travel activities in the city as well as the rest of the state. Here’s a few of the best things to do in Darwin.

Head straight to The Cav Hotel on Cavanagh Street for a great coffee and a range of different, delicious breakfast options! Also, new restaurant, The Pearl is pretty popular and also serves up a pretty good breakfast!

I need a drink!

The Tap on Mitchell Street is a great place to start your evening off with al fresco dining, cold beers and fishbowl cocktails… you can soak up the atmosphere and get ready for the night ahead, or just chill out after a hard day’s work or excursion!

I want to party!

Monsoons is where it’s at. Their famous backpacker night and crab racing is not to be missed.

Enjoy wine and tapas, or a cold beer or cocktail before hitting the dance floor. Here you’ll find great DJ’s, live bands, and a party vibe seven days a week!

I need to send an email

The Smith Street Mall and McDonalds both offer free wifi, as do a variety of backpackers - for a small fee - so whether you need to send an email or

delete an embarrassing photo on Facebook, you’ll get your wifi here!

I don’t want to spend any money…

Then hang out at the new Darwin Waterfront Precinct.

The Museum and Art Gallery of the NT is also free and offers a great insight into the Top End, including displays on Cyclone Tracy and the famous saltwater crocodile, Sweetheart, who was caught in the ‘70s measuring 5.1 meters long.

I want to do a day trip

Litchfield National Park is simply stunning with its waterfalls, termite mounds and rugged landscapes. Berry Springs is also a great place to check out on the way there, and if you’re driving yourself take a blow up lilo and float amongst the pandanas trees for an hour or two.

What else is good to do in Darwin?

Of course there’s Crocosaurus Cove for the daredevils, but there’s also the Military Museum at East Point, which gives you

a great opportunity to learn more about the Bombing Raids in Darwin during WWII. From Stokes Hill Wharf you can take to the water with Darwin Harbour Cruises and see the most stunning sunset over Darwin.

I need to shape up

Then head on down to Darwin Yoga Space on Smith Street.

It’s a great space and has been going for 20 years.

It’s walking distance from the major backpacker hostels and offers reasonably priced classes for all levels.

I’m thinking of staying for a few months...

Well then you’ll probably find the best places to live in are Stuart Park, Parap and the City Centre.

What’s the best thing about living in Darwin?

The lifestyle, the people, the weather, the multicultural elements. It all comes together to create a wonderfully unique part of Australia. And it’s closer to Asia than any other Australian city, so you can carry on your travels with ease and take advantage of the beautiful weather all year round!

www.bbmlive.com

Images courtesy of venues

I need breakfast

31

Where To Stay In Darwin Heading to the Northern Territory in Australia is a brilliant decision as it is one of the most stunning destinations Down Under. With so much to discover, you’ll need a place to rest your head so you’re fully fuelled for the adventures that lie ahead of you. Here’s our picks of the best places to stay in Darwin. so far from home. At these great hostels you can get fully immersed in the fun, and take advantage of their great locations as well as fantastic atmospheres. And get ready to have some real Aussie fun!

Melaleuca On Mitchell

Take full advantage of the fantastic facilities on offer at Melaleuca On Mitchell and the variety of suites available when you visit Darwin. From the twin, double and four share bunks (with and without en suites) and more, you can choose to relax in the hostel that is locally owned, as well as be looked after by the very friendly and accommodating staff.

When you arrive, you will be drawn in by the major cities, that include Darwin, Alice Springs, Katherine and Tennant Creek, with Darwin being one of the most popular destinations. Setting off on your travels can be as daunting as the first day at a new job, so it’s great if you can find a place that you feel comfortable in, and even better if you can make a few friends along the way who may even turn into travel buddies. Staying in a hostel is a great way to meet new like-minded people, who just like you may be in need of a friend being

52

www.bbmlive.com

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

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

the essentials a young traveller could ask for, you’ll find local pubs, restaurants and bars all on the doorstep.

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

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

Chillis Backpackers

Located in the heart of Darwin, Chillis is one of the biggest hostels in the city! Boasting an awesome spa deck, sun loungers to relax and top up your tan as well as a BBQ area to enjoy the famous Aussie BBQs.

Other facilities include, 24 hour check-in, domestic and international travel desks, job shack agency, laundry facilities, swimming pool, kitchen and utensils, sun deck, internet, computers and Wi-Fi, air conditioning, tax back desk and of course a bar with weekly events to keep you entertained. youthshack.com.au

If you’re after a decent breakfast in the mornings and not sure where to go, then Chillis has you covered with its daily FREE breakfast for every night you stay at the hostel.

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

Youthshack

Mitchell Street is the home to the exciting Youthshack backpackers in Darwin. Close to all

www.bbmlive.com

53

Working in Darwin Thousands of miles from the hustle and bustle of southern cities like Sydney and Melbourne, Darwin offers something completely different and unique as a lifestyle.

With the Northern Territory coast on one side and the wilderness of the outback on the other, living in Darwin is just easier.

A much slower pace, Darwin’s balmy weather urges you to relax at any opportunity, and everything really is outdoors.

Festivals under the sun, eateries on the water’s edge, markets on the beach and sailing down Darwin Harbour, there are worse things in life.

46

www.bbmlive.com

Living in Darwin makes working in Darwin worthwhile, because your surroundings include amazing landscapes, unspoiled national parks and superb sunsets. You’re also within an easy distance from the Tiwi Islands and Arnhemland, and even Uluru is just a tour ride away.

Like many of Australia’s cities, one end of Darwin is within walking distance to the other, so you can even stroll to work and get there on time! The city is so small, there’s not even a local rail service. Can you imagine…? However, there are buses if you’re ever feeling lazy.

The airport is around 15 minutes journey by shuttle or taxi from the city centre, and the handy shuttle runs 24 hours.

When it comes to available properties, there are furnished and unfurnished apartments and townhouses, many with views of the harbour and picturesque Charles Darwin National Park, but you could be looking at an extra $500 for coastal views.

While it may be the smaller city, the Northern Territory has

unlimited opportunities for those seeking work, travel and play.

The Job Shack offers a wide variety of job opportunities throughout the Northern Territory and with the highest paid wages in the country on offer and plentiful second year visa job options, make sure you add Job Shack and Darwin to your to do list.

Arrival Package

For $330 including GST, Job Shack can sort out your new life in Darwin! When you sign up to their Arrival Package, you receive - 12-month membership at the Job Shack - 7 nights’ accommodation - Free airport shuttle service - Australian bank account - Tax File Number - Free printing services - Optus sim card - Free mail holding - Travel discounts - Free breakfast - Selected free dinners - Make friends!

Visit

www.thejobshack.com.au

Territory Expeditions Due to its natural ruggedness and semidesert landscape, getting around the most desolate areas of the Northern Territory can be a task and a half, but not if you’ve got the motor of a 4WD leading you. These vehicles can take on the terrain like a duck to water, so you’re going to want to put your trust into a tour company that relies on these vehicular gladiators.

Territory Expeditions is such a tour company. Four-wheeldriving during the day and camping at night, these guys travel the length and breadth of Kakadu, Arnhemland and Litchfield, showing you the highlights to provide you with those ‘wow’ moments you’ve been longing for. Each tour is designed for fit and active travellers seeking unique experiences, Aboriginal education and lots of fun.

Ranging from two to five days, you can relax in the cooling

waters of lakes and lagoons, hike to the top of incredible natural viewing platforms, and see actual Aboriginal art created thousands of years ago.

Your Territory Expeditions guide holds a great deal of knowledge about Kakadu, and they’re the best person to show you all that the national park has to offer. The itineraries of each tour also mean that you get to enjoy every sight without any disruption. For example, on the $380pp 2 Day Kakadu 4WD Adventure, you’ll take to the Adelaide River for the Jumping Crocodile cruise, take in the art and views of Nourlangie Rock, try crocodile, buffalo and kangaroo in an Aussie BBQ, and swim beneath the Gunlom Falls. If you want more time to enjoy each area, you can opt for five days at $1,050. You can combine a tour of Kakadu with a visit to Litchfield for $545, so you can also swim in Florence Falls, visit Buley Rockhole and see the giant termite mounds over three days. Depending on wet and dry seasons, your tour itinerary will differ. Or take the 3 Day Kakadu 4WD tour running from May to October for $570.

The 4 Day Kakadu and Arnhemland tour only runs in the dry season from May to October for $905, and concludes with a day in the restricted area of Arnhemland.

Paying particular attention to its Aboriginal heritage, ancient rock art, the Injalak Hill, and billabongs and birds of the valley are major highlights.

All tours begin and end in Darwin, and include food and water, tents and swags, transport, park fees, activities and your guide. With a highly respected local tour company travelling by 4WD, you get to see more of the outback with very own eyes.

Book your tour at

www.territoryexpeditions. com.au

www.bbmlive.com

47

Mulga’s Adventures Discover the spirit of the Outback and all it has to offer with Mulga’s Adventures.

The Red Rock, camel rides, camping under the stars and natural springs – if you want a unique experience of the Northern Territory, you can’t go wrong with Mulga’s Adventures.

With a range of tours, plus the option to book a private charter, you can explore this outback region of Australia extensively.

As the symbol of the outback, Mulga’s Adventures pays a focus to Uluru with three and four-day tours, both of which begin and end in different

50

www.bbmlive.com

locations to suit your plans, and run all year round. The 3 Day Rock Trip kicks off in Alice Springs with visits to Uluru, Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) and Kings Canyon, camping under the clear night sky, and even tasting kangaroo and camel meat in an authentic bush meal before your return back to Alice Springs to continue your travels. To top it off, on this tour, you even get to experience a ride on a camel’s back, all for just $370pp. If you want longer in the outback, you can opt for the Rock To Rock Tour at $395pp for four days.

Seeing the highlights, enjoying classic outback food and camping with new friends, you can choose to depart and return from Ayers Rock Airport, Ayres Rock Resort, or Alice Springs.

If you’re looking to get to Alice Springs or Darwin quickly, while being able to see unique spots of the north, you can get to your destination in just two days with Mulga’s Adventures Express

Tours. Only available between March and October due to the extremely hot summers, you spend a night at the famous Daly Waters pub, and even visit the Devils Marbles, Mataranka Thermal Springs and Edith Falls, at $259pp.

How about combining the two?

As well as a tour of Uluru and the surrounding area, you can start from Darwin and end in Alice Springs and vice versa with the package tours. Not only do they save you money at $589pp, you really get to discover the true treasures of the outback across five days, including Uluru, Kata Tjuta, Kings Canyon, Mataranka Hot Springs, Devils Marbles and Edith Falls, with travel to your final destination. Rather than simply going from A to B, this is a great opportunity to see the Northern Territory of Australia from March to October.

Book your tour at www.mulgasadventures.com.au

N I W

5 Day Darwin to Alice Springs Explorer including Uluru with Adventure Tours Australia

Jump on board a Darwin to Alice Springs road trip that includes a visit to the heart of the Red Centre, Uluru. Along the way you’ll stop off at the famous Daly Waters pub after a visit to the breath-taking Katherine Gorge where you’ll have the chance to dust off your walking shoes and explore the outback area. You’ll experience an authentic Uluru Cultural Experience learning about the history of the local Aboriginal communities. Watch the sunset at night and rise in the morning while you camp under the stars. Visit Kings Canyon and Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) and have the full Red Centre experience.

Highlights include: Daly Waters, Kata Tjuta (the Olgas), Katherine Gorge, Kings Canyon, Nitmiluk National Park, Uluru, Uluru Cultural Experience, Uluru Sunrise, Uluru Sunset.

How To Enter: Visit our competitions page at

bbmlive.com/win-a-5-day-adventure-tour-from-darwin-to-alice-springs or via our Facebook /BBMMagazine Terms & Conditions:

Darwin To Alice Springs Explorer Including Uluru competition closes the 31st May 2015 11:59 GMT. The prize is valid for one passenger only. Winner will be chosen at random by the 10th June 2015 and contacted via email. If we do not receive a response within 72 hours of the email being sent the prize will be re-drawn and a new winner selected so please enter with an email that you have access to 24/7 and please check your junk folder. The winner must hold a valid passport, be eligible for travel to Australia and hold a valid visa for the entire trip. Winner must be over the age of 18 and hold valid travel insurance for their entire trip. This prize can only be redeemed when four passengers are already booked on the desired trip departure. This prize cannot be used on existing bookings or in conjunction with any other discounts or special offers. It is not transferable and is not redeemable for cash or exchange. Not included in the prize are the airfare, arrival tax, departure tax, any additional meals, any additional accommodation and your spending money, trip kitty or any travel visas required. The trip is subject to availability and confirmation by Adventure Tours Australia and must be taken on or before 31 December 2015. No extension is available. Please refer to the booking conditions available here at http://www.adventuretours.com.au/about-us/conditionsof-travel-cancellation-policy/terms-and-conditions-of-travel-aud-20142015. Prize redemption and trip booking must be made directly with Adventure Tours Australia at reservations@adventuretours.com.au. By entering this competition you agree to receive promotional content including newsletters from What Media Pty Ltd, What Media Ltd and their affiliate partners by email. If you wish to stop receiving our emails or change your subscription options please follow the prompts on the email correspondence. Entry to the competition is conditional on acceptance of these terms.

www.bbmlive.com

51

explore the northern territory with Adventure Tours australia If you’re looking for an incredible adventure that will give you the memories of a lifetime, then Adventure Tours Australia are what you’re looking for.

From Kakadu, to Alice Springs, Litchfield National Park and The Olgas, they’ve got it covered. Here’s what you could discover on your adventure.

Kakadu National Park

About the same size as Slovenia and a whole lot hotter, Kakadu National Park is Australia’s best-known national park for good reason. Chock-a-block with billabongs, waterfalls, weird rock forms and all manner of wildlife, this is where Australia runs wild. Roos bounce about the bush land, dingoes loiter along rocky outcrops, dugongs wallow off the coast and crocs rule the waters of Alligator River (we’ll call it a case of mistaken identity). Following a landmark land rights ruling back in 1976, approximately half of the land was given back to its original inhabitants, meaning indigenous culture is very much evident.

Come see what Kakadu can-a-do for you.

Uluru

Even if you’re not one generally riveted by geology, sideline your reservations until you’ve come face-to-face with Uluru.

Because while size certainly ain’t always everything, in this rock’s case it’s still a pretty big deal. 348 m high and almost 10 km in circumference, this is about as spectacular as sandstone gets. Due to local indigenous traditions, climbing up to the top is a bit of a cultural no-no – but take it from us that the views are better from below anyway.

Witnessing the rock’s changing of colours come sunrise and sunset is a very special experience, only enhanced by a cold beer in-hand (for sunset at least).

Darwin

Perhaps it’s the tropical climate, perhaps it’s the wild frontier feel or perhaps it’s the local cast of eccentric characters attracted by both, but things tend to get a little ‘troppo’ up Darwin way (that’s Aussie for crazy).

How else do you explain such local newspaper’s headlines as ‘Why I stuck a cracker up my clacker’ and ‘Horny Ghost Haunts House’? For all its occasional uncouthness, perennially laidback Darwin does possess a real charm. Pay a visit, venture into a pub, order a ‘frothy’ and chances are you’ll be being relayed an outlandish ‘yarn’ in no time (Aussie for story).

Kings Canyon

Place names like ‘The Garden of Eden’, ‘Lost City’ and ‘The Amphitheatre’ may well sound a little audacious, but in Kings Canyon’s case the designations are fitting. Venturing in for an explore of this vast sandstone chasm invites a very real sense of adventure, and be it traipsing about its rim or wandering through its gullies, you’ll consistently be being surprised by what you come across next. Dusty red canyons enter onto shaded swimming holes, sheer rock ravines peer down onto palm-filled grottoes, and some of Australia’s most iconic animals are always a chance of making an appearance.

38

www.bbmlive.com

Litchfield National Park

When Frederick Henry Litchfield first entered the tract of wilderness that would one day bear his name, he noted the land’s ‘fine plains’, ‘small timber’ and ‘belts of honeysuckle’; musing that it would make for a great cattle station. A scary start for what would one day become one of Australia’s most prized national parks, but good sense thankfully won out. These days, visitors may spot the odd wild brumby galloping about – but it’s the nature that really impresses. Waterfalls, rock-holes, creeks and plunge pools present plenty of choice places for a swim among some truly enchanting surroundings.

The Olgas

Had it not been for the show-stealing antics of Uluru, The Olgas – also known as Kata Tjuta – would likely be the Australian rock show on everybody’s lips. Comprised of 36 separate red domes bunched together (where Uluru is one massive chunk), what The Olgas lack in recordbreaking abilities they more than make up for in experiential impact. Not only is it a memorable moment beholding the boulders from a distance, but the opportunity to walk through some of the gorges in between offers a sense of the rocks’ scale and sacred significance to local indigenous culture.

Check out the Northern Territory for yourself with Adventure Tours Australia. Find out more at www.adventuretours.com.au www.bbmlive.com

25

THE NORTHERN TERRITORY WITH CONTIKI Don’t just see the Outback – experience it! With Contiki, you can visit all of the amazing places in the Northern Territory and do amazing activities to create incredible memories.

Some of these activities are optional extras, but they’ll make your trip one hell of a ride!

Stay At A Camel Station

One of the accommodations when you visit the Northern Territory with Contiki is Kings Creek Station, a working camel and cattle station. Here, you get to meet and ride the humpbacked stars of the Outback, before settling down for the night in a bush camp with the desert sky above you.

Quad Bike Ride

The morning you wake up at Kings Creek Station, you’ll have the chance to charge your way around it on a quad bike. Super fun in such an expansive area, you can really appreciate its huge size and the freedom of the Outback.

Harley Davidson Motorcycle Ride

After you’ve completed the three-hour walk around the base of Uluru, you can jump on the back of a Harley Davidson and ride you way around it. This wild ride is unbelievably cool, and creates a bug noise in such a peaceful location!

Scenic Flight

You’ve seen Uluru from the ground up, now it’s time to take it all in from a bird’s eye view. With a scenic flight, you can appreciate the striking shape of this great red rock, as well as getting a different angle of The Olgas nearby. There’s informative commentary throughout the flight and plenty of opportunities to take photographs!

Hot Air Balloon Ride

Inside the graceful movement of a hot air balloon, you can soar up high over the bright red MacDonnell Ranges in the early hours of the morning, to see these striking rock formations during sunrise.

You’ll find information on Contiki’s Northern Territory tours on their website Contiki.com, including the Alice & Kakadu six-day tour, the Rock & Red six-day tour and 11 day Outback Adventure tour which cover a range of the above activities, so tailor your tour to what you want to do whilst in the Northern Territory.

All of these activities and much, much more are available on Contiki’s Australian adventures from 3-25 days. Whether you’ve got a few days or a few weeks to travel, and you’re looking to experience Australia and make new friends along the way, Contiki is perfect for you. Give them a call on 1300-188-635, head to Contiki.com or visit your local travel agent.

www.bbmlive.com

41

Images by Contiki, Hot air balloon image courtesy of Krista Bere.

Which Tour to book?

Explore Australia From Top To Bottom With

Mighty Campers

Start your Australian adventure from the north, traversing the enormous island country in all directions in a campervan. In a mobile home, you can get to wherever you want to go, even with the kitchen sink. This means that all of the country’s famous sights and destinations are at your fingertips, or at least after a few days’ driving.

Picking up in the Northern Territory capital of Darwin, you can visit the outback town of Alice Springs, passing breath-taking national parks like Litchfield, Kakadu and Nitmiluk. These areas are dreamlike landscapes for the adventurous type, with rivers to canoe, rocks to abseil and caves to…cave. The first thing you’ll notice the further you head into the outback, is that you have a freedom to stop off and admire the remarkable views of craggy rocks, orange sand and dry vegetation that seemingly goes on forever.

The drive from Darwin to Alice Springs takes a consecutive 18 hours along National Highway 1 and 87, but with the comfort of a campervan, you can take a break from the road and cook up a lunch of sausages or visit a rare natural spring.

When you arrive in the quintessential outback town of Alice Springs, you can park up in one of the caravan parks and explore. Pop into a pub for a cool drink, visit the galleries of local artworks, check out the residents of the reptile centre or experience a camel ride through desert-like terrain. Alice Springs is also your gateway to the Red Centre and its awesome scenery. Blessed with features like the great Uluru, Devils Marbles, Kings Canyon and Kata Tjuta, you could spend a 42

www.bbmlive.com

week in Alice Springs and you won’t have seen everything.

With the use of a campervan, you can be your own tour guide and decide where to go next.

You could head south to The Flinders Ranges and Adelaide in South Australia, where the hills roll into the distance, the food and drink is always local and the coast is alive with wildlife. Or, you could stay in the north of the country and take the drive to Cairns in the tropics of Queensland. About 28 hours from Alice Springs via National Highways 87, 66, A2, A6 and A1, Cairns is the complete opposite of the outback. Between the dense greenery of the Daintree Rainforest and the gloriously blue waters of the ocean, Cairns is a springboard to the Great Barrier Reef, so you can swap the campervan for a boat and spend a day or two cruising and snorkelling around the coral.

Now you’re on the East Coast, you can do the ultimate drive down to Brisbane or Sydney, passing through seaside towns with coastal views, ocean activities and island escapes. The 18-hour drive from the north to the south of Queensland includes numerous whale-watching locations between July and November including Mackay and Hervey Bay. As well as being a premier destination in its own right, Hervey Bay is also the door to Fraser Island, possibly the most unique island in the world.

Not only does it boast a 175-mile coastal highway, 4WD heaven and rainforest, it’s also entirely built on sand. The paradisiacal Whitsunday Islands are just a short hop from Airlie Beach, where clean white sand, turquoise waters and beach games await.

Brisbane is your first experience of a big city in Australia. Sandwiched between the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast, it might just be Australia’s number one entertainment district with casinos, theme parks, resorts, shopping and more. Rather than staying in the city, drive south to the Gold Coast, and see if Surfers Paradise, Mermaid Beach and Broadbeach Waters are as good as they sound.

When you’ve had enough of Brisbane, it’s time to head to Sydney, but take it leisurely by stopping in the famously laidback Byron Bay, exploring the beauty of Bundjalung and Yuraygir National Parks, and catching sights of migrating whales from Coffs Harbour, Nambucca Heads, and Port Macquarie. There are undisturbed views of the ocean along this 10-hour coastal drive, and regular idyllic towns for when you need to fill up on fuel, grab some food or rest.

As one of the most popular drives in the world, this road is used to those travelling in campervans.

When you get into Sydney, drive over the Harbour Bridge and take in one of the most iconic cities in the world. The glory of the Sydney Opera House, the history of The Rocks, the trendy suburbs of Surry Hills and Darlinghurst where coffee flows, and the beach vibes of Bondi, Bronte and Coogee all make Sydney

the city you can’t help but love. The hustle and bustle of this major city may make it difficult to park your camper, so head for the outskirts and travel into the centre on public transport.

With Mighty Campers, you can choose to travel as far and wide as you like. With pick-up and drop-off locations in Darwin, Alice Springs, Cairns, Brisbane and Sydney, as well as Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth, you can truly experience Australia. You can choose your destination when booking, but if you want to extend your journey, you can call them up and let them know – phone signal dependent!

Not only do Mighty Campers provide a range of campervans in Australia, they’re also available in New Zealand, where you can discover the mountains, crystal-clear lakes and alpine regions of the North and South Islands.

Hire your own campervan from

www.mightycampers.com.au and travel Australia and New Zealand at your own pace.

www.bbmlive.com

43

QUEENSLAND

THE GOLD COAST’S BEST BEACHES The Gold Coast is an idyllic part of Australia, packed full to the brim with entertainment, but one of its most exquisite features is its incredible coastline and pristine beaches – it ain’t called the Gold Coast for nothin’!

Currumbin

Currumbin is an active coastal haven where you can get your watersports and hiking fixes. Take advantage of the Currumbin Creek waterway where stunning rainforested mountains meet the open golden sands of the coast.

Coolangatta

Coolangatta sports some of the best swimming conditions in the Gold Coast.

With Greenmount Beach and Rainbow Bay being the Gold Coast’s only north facing beaches it provides perfectly sheltered conditions for a dip in the ocean. You may also be in with a chance of spotting whales from Snapper Rocks during their annual migration from May – October.

Kirra

Kirra – a beachside suburb of the Gold Coast, is famous for being one of the world’s best surf breaks. A short walk from the beach you’ll find the Kirra Tourist Park, which also borders New South Wales. The Tourist Park is the perfect place to learn how to surf, and is also home to the first surf club in Queensland!

44

www.bbmlive.com

Fraser Island Bucket List The long sand highway that stretches as far as the eye can see, wild dingoes roaming the beaches, and the crystal clear freshwater lakes in the middle of a thick rainforest; there’s so much to do and see on Fraser Island, it even deserves its own bucket list. So here’s ours.

4-Wheel-Driving

Fraser Island is one of the best places on earth to be at the wheel of a 4WD. Driving down a wide open beach with the coast at your side, or along the bumpy tracks of the inner island, the best way to travel along Fraser Island is in a 4WD so you get to all of the highlights of the island.

Swimming In Lake McKenzie

The dramatic colours of Lake McKenzie are amazing. The water closest to the shore is crystal clear, quickly becoming turquoise, and then, in almost a perfect straight line, the water becomes a deep blue, like ink. Contrasting with the silicacream sand, Lake McKenzie is an image of pure beauty.

46

www.bbmlive.com

Camping On The Beach

Imagine getting out of bed, opening your door and being greeted by one of the most stunning sunrises in the southern hemisphere. When camping on Fraser Island, you can achieve just this. Just bring some games, a guitar and a line to catch your dinner.

Delving Into The Rainforest

The whole of Fraser Island is built on sand, so the fact that Central Station Rainforest was able to flourish is a mystery, but a glorious one. There’s an abundance of plant life to weave your way around, and the Wanggoolba Creek boardwalk passes through Basin Lake, Pile Valley and many other scenic spots.

Maheno Shipwreck

The most famous shipwreck in Australia, a visit to the ruins of SS Maheno is unforgettable. The abandoned ship is a symbol of human history on an island overwhelmed with natural beauty.

Rusting away in the ocean’s waters, it has become one of the most scenic spots on the island, a real picture-perfect moment.

United Backpackers Port Douglas Check into paradise with United Backpackers Port Douglas...

In the northern tropics of Queensland is a beach town so beautiful, it makes your heart ache when you have to leave, so it’s a good thing there’s a United Backpackers to make your new home – even if it is for a short while!

Blessed with a 4 Mile Beach, palm trees, golden sands and blue waves lapping against your feet as you take a leisurely stroll, it’s a place to relax and unwind.

Located right in the middle of town and just seven minutes from the beach is United Backpackers, a brand spanking new hostel that aims to make your stay as pleasurable as possible. The hostel takes great advantage of its location, with an outside pool, free BBQs and bike hire to help you explore a little easier. There’s even a poolside cinema with scheduled evening movies, a chilled bar with even chillier drinks, and an upstairs TV lounge with a deck and hammocks for complete relaxation, and free wifi in all common areas. Basically, it’s every overworked, over-travelled traveller’s dream.

Now to the important stuff – the rooms. As a brand new hostel, the facilities are top notch and sparkling clean, and there’s a range of dorm and private rooms with high quality bed and bedding, a locker, airconditioning, swipe card access and all rooms cleaned daily, and all for just $22 a night.

United Backpackers also offer the chance to help connect you with local employers if you’re on a Working Holiday and need to make some extra cash to fund your travels, so make sure you ask the friendly staff upon arrival.

You needn’t worry about getting to Port Douglas either, because if you’re staying three or more nights (why wouldn’t you be?), you can grab the free pick up from any Cairns hostel, hotel or bus stop at either 11am or 6pm, and it’s only $10 if you’re staying one or two nights. The drive only takes an hour, and is a pretty spectacular way of preparing you for the surroundings of Port Douglas.

If the successful Melbourne hostel is anything to go by, Port Douglas will be a huge hit so we do advise you book your rooms now, pack your swimsuit and get ready for some sun!

Book your stay at unitedportdouglas.com.au

www.bbmlive.com

47

Endless activities on Kangaroo Island

Kangaroo Island appears to have an endless amount of space and with its 4,500 square kilometres, you’ll always be able to find somewhere that you can call your own, somewhere to enjoy a little quiet time and let nature soothe your soul.

But if it’s action you want (and we’re not talking about nightclub action), then you can certainly include a mix of activities into your Kangaroo Island adventure cocktail!

A coast with the most...

The Kangaroo Island coastline measures 540kms in total. Whilst this might seem daunting, it is large enough to bestow a real sense of peace, wild enough to harbour a few secrets and small enough to tour.

The recreation possibilities are endless around the coastline. Surfers, sailors, fishermen, wreckdivers, snorkelers, wildlife lovers and people who simply want to feel the sand between their toes, all relish the island’s coastal fringes.

Swimming with the dolphins is an amazing opportunity and can be done with Kangaroo Island 48

www.bbmlive.com

Marine Adventures. View seals, sea eagles, remote beaches, ancient fossil beds, snorkel with fish life and sit back and enjoy the ride – it’s well worth it.

Walking trails...

There’s a network of walking trails and boardwalks of varying levels of difficulty criss-crossing Kangaroo Island’s national parks. Experienced hikers can traverse the true wilderness Ravine des Casoars hike or enjoy Southern Kangaroo Island Marine Park’s coastal scenery of the Cape Gantheaume Coastal Trek, an overnight hike that follows the spectacular rugged coastline from D’Estrees Bay Road to Bales Beach. (Discuss your hiking plans with national parks’ staff before you set out).

Recently announced is the exciting ‘Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail’, which will take in famous landmarks and attractions, including Cape du Couedic Light House, Admirals Arch, Remarkable Rocks and Kelly Hill Caves. The 63km fiveday walking trail, due to be completed in June 2016 will rival other popular walks such as New Zealand’s Milford Track and the Overland Track in Tasmania.

Cave Adventure...

Kelly Hill Caves is one of the few dry limestone

SOUTH AUSTRALIA caves in Australia. Take a tour and walk amid stalagmites, stalactites, helictites and towering columns to discover how the caves and their decorations are formed. Suit up with a helmet and headlamp to delve deeper into the cave system on an adventure caving tour. Bookings are essential.

For adrenalin junkies...

For further information and bookings call +61 8 82028678 or visit www.kiadventuretours.com.au To view the tour video visit www.youtube.com/user/KIAdventureTour FB www.facebook.com/KIAdventureTours

For an adrenalin-packed day, try sandboarding the massive sand dunes at Little Sahara, kayaking along the Harriet River or take a guided quad bike tour. Kangaroo Island Outdoor Action offer naturebased quad bike adventures and are based near one of Australia’s best beaches, Vivonne Bay. Add to your Kangaroo Island experience with yabby and marron catching as well as the opportunity to view Kangaroo Island’s wildlife, including koalas, in their natural habitat with Bush Getaway Adventures, located on the South Coast Road. Have a fun day with paintball and a guided quad bike tour.

Kangaroo Island Adventure Tours 2-Day Wilderness Explorer will show you plenty of adventure including sandboarding and kayaking.

If you have your own car, they can also advise you on where to stay and what to see and do to get the most out of your KI trip.

www.bbmlive.com

49

The Old Skool Karijini Tour If you want to experience an adventure playground, the Karijini in Western Australia is brimming with rivers, caves, canyons, gorges, waterfalls and miles and miles of rocky landscape. Now that the temperature has cooled down a bit it’s time to delve deep into the heart of the Karijini, and experience the refreshing waters of Hancock Gorge, Circular Pool and Knox Gorge.

From 7th April until 27th October, you can discover the Karijini with The Flying Sandgroper. Don’t think you won’t get to enjoy the typical Australian heat – the Karijini has balmy weather even in winter. To get to this red desert and join The Flying Sandgroper Old Skool Karijini Tour, you have to be travelling with Integrity Coach Lines on a hop-on hop-off pass.

The Old Skool Karijini Tour takes place over three days and two nights, including sleeping in a traditional swag in the heart of the Karijini National Park. The first full day kicks off with breakfast, a visit to Hancock Gorge, a dip in Kermits Pool and walking through the Spider Walk. After a BBQ lunch, you’ll get to swim in Knox Gorge and watch the stars beside your fellow passengers at Dales Campground.

The third and final day begins with another breakfast and a hike to Dales Gorge, before swimming in Circular Pool and taking a break for lunch. After paying a visit to the Karijini Visitor’s Centre, you’ll meet back up with Integrity Coach Lines to continue your journey through Western Australia.

50

www.bbmlive.com

WESTERN AUSTRALIA This Old Skool Karijini tour is exclusive to Integrity Coach Lines hop-on hop-off passengers and costs $385, and you can now get 10% off of your Integrity hop-on hop-off pass when you enter the promo code BBMLIVE2 when booking online. This way, you get to see some of the most spectacular, unspoilt areas of Australia including the Karijini, and save some dollars!

Other locations with Integrity Coach Lines

Visit www.integritycoachlines.com.au to book your Western Australia travel and tour of the Karijini.

Cervantes – The Pinnacles, fishing and Nambung National Park Geraldton – water sports, the Abrolhos Islands and tonnes with history Kalbarri – sandy beaches, abseiling adventures and Nature’s Window Monkey Mia – wild dolphins, kayaking and Francois Peron National Park Carnarvon – bananas, One Mile Jetty and The Blowholes Exmouth – surfing, turtles and the Ningaloo Reef Broome – camel rides, Staircase To The Moon and pearling

Travelling up the west coast of Australia, here are the other fantastic locations that you can visit with Integrity Coach Lines.

www.bbmlive.com

51

Dolphin Discovery

With swimming encounters, and up-close cruises, the Dolphin Discovery Centre is one of the few places in Australia where you can meet wild bottlenose dolphins. A fully interactive experience, this is a tourist haven for anyone keen on getting to know more about these loveable mammals.

Based in Bunbury, just under two hours’ drive from Perth, the Dolphin Discovery Centre is a not-for-profit organisation that aims to help visitors understand more about the dolphins with memorable experiences. You can meet the regular visitors in the shallow waters of the Interaction Zone in Koombana Bay. Here, you are encouraged to get into the water, about mid thigh-deep, so that you’re within close distance of the dolphins that come and go as they please.

To increase the chances of seeing them, it is recommended to arrive at the centre by 8am and spend the morning on the lookout.

You can watch the dolphins in the water without getting wet – just opt for the Dolphin Eco Cruise.

For one-and-a-half hours, you will be taken around Koombana Bay to watch them frolicking, playing and feeding in the wild. Costing $49pp, there are a maximum 25 passengers on the eco cruise, so you can guarantee a brilliant view of the dolphins in their natural habitat. The price also includes three visits to the Discovery Centre.

The Discovery Centre is full of dolphin facts, historic conservation and ground-breaking research and information on other marine life that you can find in the waters of Koombana Bay. There are sound booths so you can hear how dolphins communicate under water, a 360-degree digital dolphinarium, a 3D movie on the dolphins in the bay, and a discovery pool where you can touch starfish and other sea creatures.

Come face to face with wild dolphins and other marine life that make Koombana Bay the centre of discovery. Book your trip today at dolphindiscovery.com.au.

Image by Troy Mayne

If you want an even closer experience, the centre can take you out to swim with the dolphins. A truly fantastic trip, you will be joined by an experienced guide, trained volunteers, and no more than 17 other swimmers on the Swim Encounter, as you journey out to the open waters of Koombana Bay by boat. If dolphin sightings do occur, you may

be lucky enough to interact with them, but it’s completely up to the dolphins. Costing $149pp, choosing this tour also gives you entry to the Discovery Centre, and your wetsuit, mask, snorkel and fins are provided.

52

www.bbmlive.com

Margaret River Vintage Wine Tours Our universal love of food and drink could not be more appropriate than in Australia.

Top of the list for seafood and steak, it’s Australia’s wine production that gets everybody heading to the rolling hills of the wine regions. In Western Australia, Margaret River is its most popular.

If you want to see what all the fuss is about, you can visit the boutique wineries of Margaret River with Vintage Wine Tours. Offering half and full-day experiences, these trips are fun and informative.

On the $105pp full-day tour, you start with wine tastings at Leeuwin and Watershed Estates, before enjoying a lunch at Voyager Estate. You’ll then get the chance to sample chocolate, cheese and port, and purchase your favourites, from The Venison Farm, Olio Bello, Bettenays, Edwards Wines and more; or you may prefer a visit to a brewery to end your day of indulgence.

The half-day tour costs just $65pp, and involves a snapshot of Margaret River with a visit to Voyager Estate, tastings at the chocolate and cheese factories, and finishing at Venison Farm and Olio Bello. In just half a day, you’ll be introduced to wines such as Bettenays, Brookland Valley, Edwards Wines ad Redgate.

An even more in-depth tour can be had with The Leeuwin Margaret River Experience.

At $145pp, this slower-paced tour involves a lesson in wine tasting at Watershed, before an exclusive tour of Leeuwin Estate and a chance to match wine with food like oysters and yabbies.

When it’s time for lunch, you get to enjoy two courses in the award-winning Leeuwin Estate restaurant.

The afternoon is spent at smaller vineyards, visiting the very first vines in Willyabrup, and tasting venison, chutneys, olive oil, chocolate and cheese to end the day on a full stomach!

As a small-group tour, you will be made to feel very special. With pick-up from your accommodation, friendly and experienced guides, and even the opportunity to ship wine abroad for you, the service is exceptional considering it only lasts one day. But take it from us, it’s one day that will leave you wanting more local food and wine from a beautiful region in the southwest of Australia, and there’s nothing wrong with that!

Discover the tastes that await in Margaret River at www.winetoursmargaretriver.com.au.

www.bbmlive.com

53

Explore The Peel Region The Peel Region is one of the most beautiful and most diverse regions of Western Australia. Encompassing Mandurah, Murray (Pinjarra & Dwellingup), Waroona, Boddington and Serpentine/Jarrahdale, it is the perfect destination for your wild adventures, anytime of the year.

Less than an hour from Perth to the north and Bunbury to the south, the region boasts over 6,600 square kilometres of outdoor fun and activities.

So close to Perth but a million miles from city life, you find a massive area waiting to be explored from the Indian Ocean coastline, up rivers, across estuaries and through native bushland to the eastern escarpments. Spend your day kayaking, bush walking, off-road cycling or even on a horseback in the vast open spaces and state forests or sample local wines and produce and spot kangaroos and local wildlife. The opportunities are endless.

If you love adventures with adrenaline, there are extreme options from high speed, open water jet skiing to four wheel driving on the beach and surfing, white-water-rafting, skydiving and much more.

54

www.bbmlive.com

For those of you looking for more chilled environments, you can choose from many options including waterfall picnics at Serpentine Falls, hiking and mountain biking tours through Jarrah forests and national parks, fine dining and visiting the region’s excellent wineries. The Peel Region is also home to unique treasures of nature. You can find the largest Thrombolites reef in the Southern Hemisphere at Lake Clifton, which offers a glimpse into what life was like 600 million years ago.

Home to the Peel-Harvey estuary (twice the size of Sydney Harbour at 130 square kilometres), Mandurah holds just as much outdoor fun in a city. The waterways make Mandurah feel like a modern Venice with the addition of kayaks, canoes and jet skis, and its fantastic location boasts one of Australia’s healthiest dolphin populations alongside evening entertainment in bars, restaurants and cafes along the waterfront boardwalks. You can easily stay in Mandurah to head off and discover the rest of the Peel Region every day.

The entire Peel Region is a world of adventure, anytime of the year.

For more info log on to visitpeel.com.au

DISCOVER THE KIMBERLEY Discover the blue ocean and sun-orange terrain by day and by night…

At a distance of over 4,000km, the journey from Perth to Darwin isn’t one you can rush, so if you want to see the national parks, beaches, towns, rock formations, lakes and reefs of the west coast, keep 21 days of your year free to travel with Kimberley Wild.

Starting from the Western Australian capital of Perth, your first highlight is the Pinnacles Desert with its unique standing sandstone structures, then onto Kalbarri National Park to see Nature’s Window and Murchison Gorge. You then get to experience your first beach on the trip, Shell Beach, made entirely out of shells.

After the drive up to Shark Bay, you’ll get to meet the famous dolphins of Monkey Mia, before heading to the jewel that is Coral Bay for a visit to the marine life of the Ningaloo Reef. For two days, you can choose to snorkel the turquoise blue waters, or jump on a quad bike on dry land, while staying overnight in the private campsite of Yardi Creek Station. Heading inland, you are welcomed to the striking landscape of Karijni National Park, where gorges, ranges, waterfalls and pools have blessed the region with some of the best picture-perfect moments that you’ll have two full days to take advantage of! When it’s time to leave the Karijini, you’ll visit the coastal town of

Port Hedland, before advancing onto the Pilbara region. Home of Cable Beach, the Staircase To The Moon, and camel rides, you’ll get to spend two days in the pearl fishing town of Broome, but not before a visit to the stunning 80 Mile Beach where white sands caress your feet and cooling waters lap the shore. You’ll also have three nights free stay at Broome Backpackers during this leg of the tour.

Embarking into the outback, you’ll get to meet the freshwater crocodiles of Windjana Gorge, before travelling 600km through the Kimberley region along the Gibb River Road. After two nights at El Questro Station, you’ll visit the Bungle Bungles of Purnululu National Park, camp overnight, and then explore the surrounding chasms, caves and gorges, with the option of a helicopter ride.

Onto Kununurra, you’ll camp at Lake Argyle, and visit the enormous lake the next day, before entering the Northern Territory and the Katherine region. Your final day is spent at Katherine Gorge or Edith Falls, before reaching the tropical city of Darwin. You can do this entire itinerary with Kimberley Wild, from Perth to Darwin or Darwin to Perth, for $3690pp, so the west coast of Australia is no longer a distant dream.

Book your west coast travel at www.wildexpeditions.com.au

www.bbmlive.com

55

GLOBAL TRAVEL

tuk tuks & elephant encounters in thailand

A cultural experience to say the least, travelling around Thailand can be daunting for some, especially alone. To put your mind at ease, ThaIntro introduce you to Thailand with a bunch of people you’ve never met that quickly become lifelong friends. Here, Will Gorton takes us through his seven days with ThaIntro – tuk tuks, elephants and floating bungalows included…

I graduated last May with a degree in marketing.

Because I was adamant on graduating in a fouryear time span, I wasn’t able to study abroad, and upon finishing my undergrad degree I didn’t land a solid job in my field so I figured I would do the next best thing and travel abroad.

I found ThaIntro to be reasonably priced and, according to everything included in the package and photos, it appeared that I would have the time of my life! I never had my heart set on travelling to Thailand, but I could not be happier with my decision. I fell in love with Thailand and I cannot wait to travel back!

Having this adventure be my first, I’m very pleased with the fact that I went with a tour because the people that I met will forever be my close friends. On our last dinner we had together in Koh Phangan, we went around the table and each spoke about our most memorable moments within the last week. The most significant thing for me was learning about everyone else’s cultural backgrounds. I also loved getting around Thailand by every possible means of transportation – tuk tuk, cab, taxi truck, overnight train, plane, long tail boats. Sleeping on bungalows in Khao Sok National Park was quite the experience as well; I loved every minute of it because it was the perfect bonding experience with the crew of about 20 other mates around the globe!

56

www.bbmlive.com

for a great experience. When any of us had questions, they knew the answer. Adam was great, considering it was his first time leading a tour group. And Allen just seemed to know everyone wherever we visited. When it came time to planning our further travels, the guys had all the best advice.

There were many bonding opportunities during the trip because there was a lot of travelling; waking up and having breakfast together, sleeping in bunks on the overnight train, and snorkelling together in the ocean. I loved everyone I toured with. Speaking of, this weekend, friends in Adelaide and Melbourne are visiting me in Sydney that I met in Thailand.

Find out more about experiencing Thailand with ThaIntro at thaintro.com

Bangkok was everything I expected it to be, plus more. With ThaIntro, we spent a couple of nights in the major backpacker area of Bangkok, Khao San Road. Once the tour was finished, I had a couple of nights to play with at my own leisure before I flew over to Sydney. So, I decided to take a flight back up to Bangkok, but this time I decided to stay in Sukhumvit Soi 11. It was great to see two different sides of Thailand’s Capital.

As for the beauty of nature that Thailand has to offer – wow. Sarana Bungalows is a beautiful resort right on the beach, within walking distances from Koh Phangan’s small town. It was amazing to wake up in the bungalows in the national park. Just to walk outside and look off into the mountains was breath-taking.

The leaders of our ThaIntro tour were amazing.

Every since I received the email from Adam and Allen introducing themselves as our “leaders/ life advisors/dance partners” I knew I was in

www.bbmlive.com

57

INTERVIEWS From The Mighty Boosh to Noel Fielding’s Luxury Comedy, your comedy is so unique and bizarre; how did your ascent into the comedic world begin?

I studied painting at college and wanted to be an artist, but was always fascinated by comedy, so I decided to give stand up a whirl at university. I started by doing stand up pretending to be Jesus Christ, until I was confident to try it as myself. In my first year of stand up, I met Juilan, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Who would you say is your most popular character with fans? Do you have a personal favourite?

Probably Old Gregg from The Mighty Boosh. For my solo stuff probably Fantasy Man and New York Cop. I love playing New York Cop most because he’s big, brash and American, so nothing like me.

NOEL FIELDING The brilliantly unique stand up of Noel Fielding will be making a return to Australia, including a stint at Sydney Comedy Festival! Here, the popular comic talks to us about New York Cop, prehistoric flying dogs and Tim Tams.

We know An Evening With Noel Fielding will be full of colour and loads of fun; what sort of things do you have planned for the lucky audience?

There’s stand up, some sketches, some music, some audience interaction and some live animation. I’m also bringing my brother and Tom Meeten who play various characters in the shows.

So yeah... I’m keeping it pretty simple as usual.

58

www.bbmlive.com

We had a chat with Harry Koisser from Peace, who told us that you saw a spider so big in Australia that it used a pedestrian crossing to cross the road; what other crazy things have you seen during your visits Down Under?

I love Harry and I’m hoping to meet up with him in Australia. Apart from the big spiders, the thing that fascinated me was the fruit bats in the Botanical Gardens in Melbourne; they were like prehistoric flying dogs. Julian and I used to call them the fruit dogs. Wonderful specimens.

Is there anything you’d like to get up to during your visit besides the shows?

I’d like to meet up with Greg Fleet and Sam Simmons, two of my favourite Australian comedians; visit some art galleries in Sydney and maybe go to the zoo in Melbourne. And maybe track down the Tame Impala and Pond boys. And hang out with the legendary Henry Wagons.

Do fans ever send you any gifts? What are the most memorable?

They send me a lot of artwork and sweets. I don’t eat the sweets anymore but I love how creative they all are – there’s some talented people out there. If any Australia fans want to know what to bring me – Tim Tams. I love Tim Tams sucked through tea. That’s another thing I’m looking forward to do in Australia.

Noel Fielding Australian Tour Dates 19th April & 3rd May – Hamer Hall, Melbourne 25th April – Riverside Theatre, Perth 1st & 5th May – State Theatre and Enmore Theatre, Sydney

10% of the population, so it’s changed and that was the biggest surprise.

Did your own ideas and preconceptions of Australia change?

I’ve grown up in Blighty being fed an Australian diet of Neighbours and Crocodile Dundee, and while they’re fun, they create a one-dimensional view of the place. So what we wanted to do on the series was to challenge the preconceptions and show that Australia is a much more interesting place than people think. It’s got more issues, extraordinary landscapes than people realise, it’s more of everything. It was the great joy of doing the series.

SIMON REEVE With a new series for the BBC that sees him travel to the brightest and harshest places in the Caribbean, we thought it was about time we caught up with our favourite explorer, Simon Reeve.

You’ve travelled all over the world, making programmes and writing books based on your journeys, so why did you decide to do an entire series just on Australia?

It’s big and it’s amazing and it’s packed with extraordinary wildlife creatures and lovely, eccentric characters, so who on earth would not want to do it?

What surprised you the most when you were there?

For a long time, Brits thought of Australia as being some sort of quaint European backwater on the other side of the planet, and now the reality is it’s on the edge of the most dynamic region in the world – Asia. It’s become a really multicultural nation; a quarter of Australians were born overseas, Asian-Australians account for more than

Why do you think people should travel Australia now?

People need to decide for themselves what they want to do and see, but the way I like to travel is to push myself out of my comfort zone, so I like being forced to do things that tweak my buttons, that can be trying different food, getting out there and having experiences. Australia’s big, it’s beautiful, it’s absolutely enormous, you’ve got to get out and enjoy it, and you’re not going to do that sitting on the lovely beaches of the southeast coast. You have to travel with your mind and your eyes open, and not ignore problems when confronted by them.

Your new series sees you travelling the Caribbean; as your work always focuses on more than just sightseeing, what sort of things did you experience and discover?

We started our Caribbean journey on the island of Hispaniola, which is the island between the Dominican Republic and Haiti, and we went clockwise from there through Puerto Rico, into Barbados, and along the mainland coast of Central America and through Venezuela, Colombia, Nicaragua, Honduras and finished in Jamaica. It was a pretty extreme journey – I don’t think I’ve been in a region quite like it because it’s got an array of experiences. One day I was diving into coral reef off the coast of Honduras helping scientists to take samples from parrotfish, and the next day I was walking onto the gang wing of a prison in the most dangerous city of the world outside of a warzone, meeting some of the most dangerous criminals, murderers and gangsters in the world, so that was the idea, to incorporate the light and the shade, all aspects of life, whether they’re glossy and sunny or dark and scary.

Read the full interview on

www.bbmlive.com/celebrity-interviews

www.bbmlive.com

59

PEACE Since their debut album in 2013, Peace have come a long way in every sense of the word.

Embarking on tours around the world and recently releasing a second album in ‘Happy People’, we had a chat with frontman, Harry Koisser, to find out how it’s all going ahead of their Australian tour!

Hi Harry, how are you?

I’m really well, thanks.

So, you released ‘Happy People’ last month, almost two years after your debut; how would you say it compares to ‘In Love’?

I think its only real similarity is the four of us and what we do, but it’s still very us. It’s a little bit more structured in its conception, less of a throwingfour-guys-into-a-room-and-see-what-happens.

The first record was definitely an experiment, and this one was the outcome.

‘World Pleasure’ is one of my favourites on the record, especially the closing instrumental, but what was quite unexpected was your rapping at the beginning.

Yeah, the spoken word! It was unexpected for me to be honest, because, I’m really lazy when I record demos, so I just spoke it similar to how it ended up, but I’d always intended to sing it. It was Jim (Abbiss) who pushed me into speaking it a bit more, and he played me ‘Rapture’ by Blondie and that was the first rap video ever played on MTV. It was a vocal style that I was unfamiliar with, but it worked with the track and it was something I never thought I’d do – I didn’t wanna do it because I was scared of people saying I’m a knobhead… but I like the fact that people have reacted in many different ways to it.

You’ve been compared to so many bands, from Oasis to Vampire Weekend and Foals; what are your feelings on people drawing comparisons?

If it was always the same band that would piss me off, but because it’s SO many different bands, like Whale, Blur, Suede, The Verve, Oasis, Foals, it kind of works because no one can pigeonhole 60

www.bbmlive.com

us and that was always the idea, to be something that doesn’t fit into anything. Kind of like ourselves as people – not ones to fit in!

Well, with another album comes another tour, so you’re returning to Australia this April! How was your experience of your first visit Down Under?

I actually didn’t do anything… I was writing ‘Happy People’ at the time so I just stayed in the hotel and did demos everyday, which is really sad, but what I thought was, “If I stay inside and write another album, I’ll be able to come back and actually see it next time.” So I don’t know anything about Australia, I only went to the gigs and the hotel, but a lot of the songs were written or worked on while we were in Australia, so it’s going to be odd coming back and maybe feel the same feelings – will I get off the plane and break down in tears?

So, I don’t have much experience – but my friend Noel Fielding said that he saw a spider use a pedestrian crossing because it was so big! So I’m looking forward to seeing things like that…

So your plan is to see more of Australia this time around?

Yeah, I worked hard the first time so this is my reward; I’m going to go with leisure in mind.

Peace Tour Dates

Tuesday 28th April – Rosemount Hotel, Perth Thursday 30th April – Ding Dong Lounge, Melbourne Wednesday 6th May – The Zoo, Brisbane Friday 8th May – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney For tickets to the Sydney date visit moshtix.com.au.

For all other dates visit oztix.com.au.

STEVE BUG

We’re very excited to hear that you’ll be joining Josh Wink at Kehakuma for four Saturdays at Space Ibiza; what can partygoers expect from these events?

From my point of view, Kehakuma has been doing a great thing on inviting great artists that are mostly not exactly in the Ibiza spotlight, but who stand out for great music and that have a sound of their own and a personality. I have been playing for Kehakuma for a few years now and I’m happy to be back for this season with a special b2b session with Josh. It’s always fun playing b2b with Josh; it is challenging too, since we have a different style of DJing, but that makes it so interesting I guess.

Despite competition from the likes of Croatia and Greece, why do you think Ibiza has remained at the top of the clubbing holiday scene?

I think Ibiza has been known as a party island for many years, and even though it has lost a lot of its original spirit already, it is still a special place.

It will take many years until other places can really keep up with it – especially when it comes to the amount of parties, clubs and DJs passing by during the season. But there are great parties

elsewhere as well, maybe not as many, but do you really need five parties every night? Also, who can still afford partying in Ibiza? The prices for drinks and entrances are incredibly high. A lot of people are already going elsewhere and the vibe is at least as good if not even better at some of the other places you mentioned.

Where was it you actually started DJing?

My actual first gig was in Ibiza in a small bar near space, it was a daytime party.

Oh wow, how does it feel to play in Ibiza now then compared to your very first time?

Well, the first time I was living in Ibiza for the whole summer, living off the money that I made with working extra hours at bars besides my normal job. But I was continuing to buy records on the island, so at the end of the season I knew a lot of people and I had a small collection of records as well. One of the dancers of Pacha was opening this bar near Space, so knowing that I was buying records all summer and having listened to my mix tapes, he asked me if I wanted to play at the opening. I actually played in the kitchen with no window to the dance floor, so they could have just played a pre-recorded mix. Pretty much everything is different about playing in Ibiza nowadays.

As your dates are spread out between June and September, what else are you doing this summer?

I will play a few festivals of course and a bunch of club gigs as well.

www.bbmlive.com

61

Interviews by Charlotte Mellor. Image by Mirjam Knickriem.

With the European summer just around the corner, we talk to DJ, producer and record label owner, Steve Bug, about his affiliation with the party island of Ibiza.

MUSIC NEWS

Major Lazer Announce New Album The makers behind big beats and huge productions, Major Lazer will be releasing new album, ‘Peace Is The Mission’, on 1st June 2015.

Launching as an underground indie project, Diplo, Walshy Fire and Jillionaire have created a successful global pop-reggae-hip-hop mash of music. The sound of Major Lazer is unmistakable, from 2009’s ‘Pon de Floor’ to ‘Bubble Butt’ in 2013, and most recently heard on their collaboration with DJ Snake and MØ, ‘Lean On’.

The new album will feature even more names from a range of musical genres including Ellie Goulding, Pusha T, Tarrus Riley and Chronixx, as well as a reworking of ‘All My Love’ from the Hunger Games: Mocking Jay Pt 1 soundtrack

featuring Ariana Grande and Machel Montano.

Major Lazer will be touring all over this year, with shows already confirmed at Wireless Festival in the UK, Encore Beach Club in Las Vegas, Tinderbox Festival in Denmark, and on the Mad Decent Boat Party from Miami, Florida to Cozumel, Mexico between 11th and 15th November.

album review: Ta me Impala – Let It Happen

‘Let It Happen’ the first release from the distinguished psychedelic band’s much anticipated follow up to the Grammy nominated ‘Lonerism’ immediately suggests the evolution into a more electronica tinged psychedelia, a natural progression from the acid drenched guitar based sound established with their first two full length releases.

The sprawling drum beat pounds throughout the course of the 8 minute journey of a track only to be muted ever so slightly during the verses when lead singer Kevin Parker’s understated yet glittery acid soaked vocals loop over the hazy synths, culminating in progressive kaleidoscopic 62

www.bbmlive.com

exploration of ambient electronica which is indicative of the band’s extensive jams on stage being introduced to the studio whilst touring the world for the past three years, drawing influences ranging from The Flaming Lips to Caribou.

Marking a new direction from the heralded ‘Innerspeaker’ and ‘Lonerism’, Kevin Parker almost addresses the sceptics with “Let It Happen” echoing into your ears, beckoning you to meander with the band into new territory yet maintaining their introverted and psychedelic sensibilities.

Although clocking in a just under eight minutes, ‘Let It Happen’ could potentially be one of the pop records of the year with it’s grandiose radiofriendly synth hook, and with a new album due for release this year we are highly anticipating the interstellar sonic adventure.

By Thomas Curtis-Horsfall

When interviewed at the tail end of last year, although keeping his cards close to his chest, Tame Impala keyboardist Jay Watson hinted that their new album would “less rock again and more electronic, even more than the last one”, which came as some surprise from a band who had been given the moniker of ‘a contemporary Beatles’.

SINGLE REVIEW: Redlight x Tinashe Pretend

Already having made an impact on the underground UK Club scene, Redlight is tenaciously making waves in mainstream contemporary R&B dance music, initially with his BBC Radio 1 Essential Mix, then last single ‘Gold Teeth’, and now the recently unveiled follow up ‘Pretend’.

Featuring US R&B up-and-comer Tinashe on guest vocals, the bass-line is swelteringly dark, moody and destined for the latenight chaos of the 3am dancefloor haze. The tight beat energetically pulses through the track, edging ever closer to the brink of the drop

SINGLE REVIEW: Set Mo – White Dress (ft. Deutsch Duke) ‘White Dress’ is the brandspanking new single from Australian production duo Set Mo, the first in a line of big releases they have planned for 2015.

Written in London after a week in Ibiza, ‘White Dress’ was inspired by great music, bronzed skin and golden beaches. Set Mo set out to write something inspiring and emotional, something that would perfectly capture that neverending summer feeling.

They teamed up with good friend and studio-neighbour Deutsch Duke (aka Dennis Dowlut), a musical genius who has worked

but simmers gently on occasion to leave the mouth-watering, and is punctuated by Tinashe’s honey vocal cuts which are delicately peppered throughout the track adding a smooth contemporary R&B aesthetic.

‘Pretend’ skilfully mixes elements of underground UK dance sensibilities and a contemporary R&B chart melody, demonstrating the transition of Redlight’s sound into the mainstream consciousness. With a new album impending, ‘Pretend’ is a prime example of why Redlight is being hyped up for a big year in 2015.

BBM MUSIC CHART LION BABE WONDER WOMAN CHELLEY TOOK THE NIGHT (AMINE EDGE & DANCE REMIX) THE HONEY ANTS THE DEVIL TOLD ME SO

with everyone who is anyone in the Australian music scene; from Elizabeth Rose to Gypsy & The Cat, Flight Facilities to Daniel Johns.

Working with Set Mo’s original theme, Deutsch Duke had a vision of meeting a girl in a white dress, on a summer holiday. He then laid down some powerful vocal melodies to echo out across Set Mo’s silky production, perfectly complimenting their smooth housey beats, layered percussion and whispering sax arrangements.

WE-ARE-Z WALKAWAY SAUN & STARR BIG WHEEL TURBOWOLF NINE LIVES DANIEL JOHNS AERIAL LOVE www.bbmlive.com

63

FUNNY NEWS

Doctor’s Diagnosis Proves Dead Wrong A German grandmother pulled off one of the greatest unintentional practical jokes of all time after being pronounced dead by a doctor, put in a coffin at a funeral home, then springing out of it to startle an undertaker, who duly passed out through shock.

When the funeral director eventually woke from his ordeal, he saw the elderly woman lying in the coffin with both eyes open.

If nothing else it proves that

watching the living dead spring up unexpectedly is just as humorous as watching them suddenly fall down (otherwise known as Madonna at the Brit Awards).

“This is terrible and inexplicable,” wailed Lother Burger, the head of the retirement home where the woman lived and was pronounced dead. “We are being devoured by the press, we are being pilloried.”

It’s still not quite understood how the old prankster slipped through her doctor’s less-thanrigorous screening procedure to determine if someone’s dead or alive. As a general rule of thumb, we find it’s a giveaway if they’re breathing and have a heartbeat – which, coincidentally, are the only two attributes a woman needs for BBM to sleep with them.

Sadly, although an ambulance rushed to the funeral home to take the old woman to a local hospital, she fell ill and died a couple of days later.

Now, a police investigation is hoping to find out how she was pronounced dead in the first place. It’s been reported that a carer found the woman in bed at the nursing home where she lived, and wasn’t breathing.

A doctor was called to the home, and the woman was pronounced dead before being taken to the funeral directors.

Think about that the next time you think about being cremated.

An investigation will determine if there had been a failure in recording the woman’s death.

We suspect it won’t be a very long investigation.

64

www.bbmlive.com

Keep Your Hair On If you can turn a frown upside down, then surely, by that head-spinning logic, you can also turn a beard into a wig.

If you don’t believe us then, frankly, you’re of sound mind.

But one man who dared to dream such madness has found himself in court in Norway, after super gluing bits of his beard onto a bald man’s bonce to create a toupee.

According to the Bergen’s Tidende newspaper, the accused claims the act was “consensual” – but seeing as he’s standing in front of a judge now, we severely doubt it.

Not only that, but he’s also accused of a string of other crimes – such as burglary and theft – as well as the violation of a restraining order intended to keep him away from the poor bald bastard to whom he “gifted” his hair.

Serving Time In Loo If you’re going to plead “insanity” in court to get off some pretty serious charges, you really have to commit to the role.

One Night In Bangkok Getting blind drunk and waking up with a Thai ladyboy is a rite of passage for every man.

In fact it’s a weekly occurrence for BBM. But a couple of blokes in Middlesbrough took drunken debauchery to new levels last month after going up town to get pissed – and waking up in Thailand. Guess they must have fallen asleep on the bus home.

Phillip Boyle, 33, pulled an all-nighter and in his drunken haze found himself in Thailand with mate Jamie Blyth and a Tesco carrier bag with just some T-shirts and underwear.

“Jamie asks if I have my passport handy and comes up with the idea of us going to Thailand straight away,” Phil recalled. “I thought he was joking at first and then he pointed out how there are quite a few lads from Middlesbrough over there we hadn’t seen for a while.”

So move over Daniel DayLewis and Sean Penn, because American armed robber Andrew Gilbertson has raised the bar in terms of method acting after eating his own shit while giving evidence in court. Now that’s commitment.

If he isn’t insane, he should at least get an Oscar.

And, just to make sure there’s no doubt he’s a fruit-loop, Gilbertson claims the real offender was the Virgin Mary, who told him to commit the crime in San Luis Obispo, California. Apparently she was also the one who told him to consume his own poo. In his defence, the Virgin Mary did give birth in a stable, so we know she’s not exactly a fan of hygiene.

Mo Monkeys, Mo Problems A gold-digging chimp in India has sparked outrage among a wealthy couple’s relatives after they changed their will so that the monkey gets everything when they die.

Oddballs Brajesh Srivastava and wife Shabista were ostracised by their families when they married because he’s a Hindu and she’s Muslim.

But in 2005 they bought Chunmun the monkey for $8 and believe he’s the reason their financial luck changed.

As a result, they’ve lavished the little chimp with gifts and even splashed out on an expensive wedding for Chunmun and a lady monkey called Bitti Yadav.

The two monkeys live together at the couple’s home, and have a party for their wedding anniversary every year. Weird.

Look out Geoffrey Edelsten – with your track record there’s no doubt Chunmun will be gunning for your fortune next. On the plus side, he’d probably provide more stimulating conversation than Brynne Edelsten and Gabi Grecko.

www.bbmlive.com

65

SPORTS NEWS

Taxi For Fletcher Is your team down in the dumps?

Manager sacked? Relegation scrap looming? A striker who’s scored seven goals in two years?

That’s right Sunderland supporters, we’re talking about you. But luckily for Mackems everywhere, unprolific striker, Steven Fletcher, has reached out to the fans with a message of hope. He’s responded to the critics who say footballers are out of touch with the game’s grassroots in the only way he knows how – by buying himself a £260,000 Lamborghini Aventador and posting a picture of himself smiling next to it on Twitter.

The fact there was also a £160,000 Bentley sat in his driveway behind the Lamborghini made the photo all the more delightful for long-suffering fans of the Black Cats.

And for the cherry on the top, it came not long after Sunderland’s 4-0 home humiliation at the hands of fellow strugglers Aston Villa.

Way to alienate your supporters, Steve. We’re not sure why he didn’t just post a picture of himself sucking off Alan Shearer and have done with it.

“This is where the Sky money goes, into mediocre players’ pockets while lower league clubs can barely afford their academy,” a suspiciously articulate Sunderland fan told the Daily Star.

Luckily, Steven’s agent, Scott Fisher, was on hand to clear up the mess.

“It wasn’t Steven that put the picture up,” he said.

“The company who were doing advertising on it done it.”

So what he’s basically saying (in very bad English) is there’s nothing wrong with a shit footballer buying himself a ludicrously expensive car when his turd of a team are floating around the rim of the Premier League flush zone, so long as no one finds out about it. And agents wonder why they get such a bad press.

Living The High(land) Life The closest Bournemouth star, Matt Ritchie, has ever come to Scotland is drinking a can of Irn-Bru while watching Taggart – but that hasn’t stopped Gordon Strachan bending FIFA’s always-flexible eligibility laws to grant him his first international call-up.

“I haven’t actually been to Scotland,” confessed Ritchie, before explaining that he qualified for the national set-up because Strachan made him put on a big skirt and dance about on some crossed swords.

“I had a call a couple of weeks ago from the manager [Strachan]. He said he had been 66

www.bbmlive.com

watching a lot of our games and liked what he had seen. He said he felt I would fit into the squad so, hopefully, I can impress and can fit in.”

Well that shouldn’t be too difficult. Just slap some blue face paint and yell “freedom!” every so often.

That should fool the locals.

It’s not like he’ll be alone either. Ritchie might have been born and raised in Gosport, on the south coast of England, but only four of the 26-man squad ply their trade in Scotland anyway: Craig Gordon, Mark Reynolds, Scott Brown and James Forrest.

Roo Ready For The Ring Premier League super hunk, Wayne Rooney, is being urged to put his Ryan Gosling-esque good looks on the line in a boxing match against old nemesis Phil Bardsley.

Nutjob bookmakers, Paddy Power, have now offered a £50,000 charity prize for the Shrek-a-like to take on Bardsley in an official boxing rematch, after footage emerged of the Stoke City defender accidentally knocking out Rooney in a play-fight.

The “rematch” would be broadcast live on TV and possibly take place at a famous boxing club in London.

“Punters have been going crazy for the re-match, and there’s no doubt it could be as big as Froch versus Groves 2,” Paddy Power said.

You can already get odds of 18/1 for Bardsley to knock Rooney out in the first round.

Pepe Plays Pique-boo With Baby Proud father, Gerard Pique, took the phrase “first world problems” to a new level this month when the Shakira-banging millionaire had a whinge about people asking him how his newborn son was doing.

Admittedly, it wasn’t so much the questions as the timing that annoyed him – coming as it did

from Real Madrid defender Pepe and the referee during the middle of a crucial El Clasico clash.

“At a corner, Pepe asked about my second son and if he is a handful at home,” said Pique, whose little lad Sasha is his second son by belly-dancing diva Shakira, the sultry pop temptress whose hips famously refuse to tell fibs. “So did [referee] Mateu Lahoz at one point when Ronaldo was attacking.”

Next week, we reveal Eden Hazard’s outrage after being asked by Zlatan Ibrahimović, during a Champions League game, if Birdman was worth watching.

Men United In The Bedroom BBM loves a good threesome as much as the next sexual deviant. If you don’t believe us, just ask any of our ex-girlfriends. They know what we’re talking about, *wink, wink*… (because they left after checking our internet history).

But what we’ve never understood about footballers and their need for threes, is why is it always two blokes and one woman? Who wants to see your mate’s hairy arse banging away when you could be the filling in a lady sandwich?

And so we turn to Manchester United youngster Andreas Pereira, who apparently offered a girl £10,000 to have sex with him and teammate Paddy McNair. Idiot.

The 19-year-old Belgian met student Kelly McKinney in a bar and, after tracking her down on Twitter, told her he and McNair would pay £5000 each for the fling.

Kelly turned it down and told the Sun she was “very, very insulted”, before describing Pereira as a “low-life”. We believe this is technically known as haggling.

www.bbmlive.com

67

CRYSTAL BALLS SCORPIO

Move over Superman and Spiderman, after being bitten in a jazz club by a radioactive percussionist you become “Scatman” (or “Scatwoman”, let’s not discriminate).

You decide to use your superpower of saying “skeebedee-bapbap-bo-doobydoo-wapwap-shawow-brrattat-at-tat” really fast to defeat crime and evil in all its forms.

Just how you intend to do this is unclear, but good luck fleshing out the plan.

SAGITTARIUS / TOTES CRAY CRAY SAJJY

In a bid to stop a decline in membership and appeal to the zodiac’s younger demographic, the “Sagittarius” brand is replaced with a much fresher name that targets youth culture.

From now on anyone born between November 23rd and December 22nd is a “Totes Cray Cray Sajjy” rather than a “Sagittarius” (it’s basically just like when Starburst replaced Opal Fruits – you’ll get used to it). As part of the rebranding process, you are legally required to wear an Adventure Time hoody and a T-shirt that says “Sajjy be sick, yo!” on the front.

ARIES

You decide to add a bit of showmanship to the start of the day by playing “I Can’t Go For That” by Hall and Oates really loudly on your iPod as you walk into the office, then dancing and miming to it for the full four minutes while waggling your finger at various members of staff when the chorus kicks in.

It’s the first time anyone has been given a written warning for too many fake sax solos.

68

www.bbmlive.com

GEMINI

Ethelred, was the first person in the world to repeat a popular catchphrase in a bid to be funny.

After watching “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”, Ethelred repeated the line “O me, you juggler, you canker-blossom, you thief of love!” down ye old tavern to much laughter and mirth. Sadly, his brief rise in popularity was usurped the following week when everyone started saying “You should be women, yet your beards forbid me to interpret that you are so” from Macbeth. It was the “I’m the only gay in the village” of its day.

CAPRICORN

You make a life-altering career decision this month. Instead of having your early morning dump before you go to work, you decide to do it after you get there. This buys you an extra 10 minutes to get ready for work, but makes for a very uncomfortable commute.

Especially for anyone sat next to you.

CANCER

Where did it go wrong Cancer?

You used to be cool.

PISCES

Bloody hell my connection to the zodiac keeps dropping out.

Every time I try to look in my crystal ball for a video of what you get up to this month, it just play a few seconds from a Vevo advert and then starts buffering indefinitely. And to think I queued up outside the Apple store for this. Maybe if I give Bill Gates another blowie he’ll fix it for me. He’s head of the Internet right?

You annoy a lot of people by giving away spoilers to the next series of Game of Thrones. Like the bit where Arya goes blind, or when Jorah teams up with Tyrion, or when Cersei does that whole nude walk thing.

Remember, it’s not big or clever to ruin things for people who haven’t read the books, so don’t do it.

A month after Tony Abbott ate a raw onion, you manage to goad the imbecile into drinking his own urine.

TAURUS

Listening to your iPod while waiting at a train station can be dangerous. Sometimes you won’t hear an oncoming train until it glances your arm and breaks it, or – as in your case – you’re too busy miming the words to “Shake it Off” to realise you’re stepping onto a carriage marked “Rabid Monkeys: Do Not Enter”. Those two minutes between Town Hall and Central are the longest of your life as you’re bitten, scratched and thrown from one frenzied simian to the next.

LEO

You manage to trace your family tree all the way back to Elizabethan times. Turns out your great, great, great, great, great, great, great grandfather,

LIBRA

AQUARIUS

Inspired by the film “Catch Me If You Can”, you dress up as an airline pilot and attempt to blag your way through security by using a load of sexy stewardesses as cover.

The following 12 months are spent at a detention facility on Christmas Island where you are routinely beaten and sexually assaulted by fellow detainees.

It’s not quite as sexy as Di Caprio made it look but that’s Hollywood for you.

VIRGO

It’s been coming for a while now but this month we can officially confirm the news: you are the least popular/ most boring star sign in the whole zodiac. Now I’d love to give you the rest of the news for April but I’m afraid I’m washing my hair. Maybe next time yeah?

ASK CRYSTAL Dear Crystal, For years I’ve kept this secret but after the recent revelations from Operation Yew Tree about the various nefarious activities of British celebrities during the 70s and 80s, I feel I have to speak out and tell my own hellish story. To put it bluntly, when I was a naïve, fresh-faced 16-year-old girl during the 80s, I began a sexual relationship with Bully the animated mascot from Bullseye which lasted for over six months. At the time, I didn’t know what we were doing was wrong, but I was enamoured by his wit, charm and ability to spell complicated words with the help of Jim Bowen and a cartoon dictionary. I can still remember the first time we did it. He slid off his red-and-

white stripey shirt and had me up against the back of the revolving dartboard, yelling “mooo!” as the show was going live to air. I’ll never forget the way he climaxed just as Tony the announcer yelled “And Bully’s special prize!”

What should I do Crystal? I won’t rest until this cheaply animated monster is behind bars – or at least shaking his head in comic fashion like he did whenever Jim Bowen said “look at what you could have won”.

Yours, Rachel Dear Rachel, It’s quite clear that you have some sort of mental disorder and I’d advise you book an appointment with a trained

psychiatrist as soon as possible. Bully is a fictional animated figure who can’t even touch you let alone have sex with you; whereas you are a human being with some very serious issues when it comes to separating reality from fiction. Not only that but everyone knows Bully is gay.

I caught up with him at Mardi Gras last month and he was in great form, reminiscing about his old friend Mr Chips from Catchphrase. Now he WAS a sexy bastard – and he loved the ladies. Do you know why they called him Mr Chips?

Because a woman’s knickers always ended up smelling like fish when he started seducing them.

JOKES

I was watching the God channel with my disabled little sister the other day. After around thirty minutes, she rose from her wheelchair and walked across the room.

I stood up and screamed, “it’s a miracle.”

She turned round and replied, “no, I just can’t stand to listen to this shit anymore,” turned the TV off and collapsed in a heap in the middle of the room.

Amy, Darwin A woman brings 8-year-old Johnny home and tells his mother that he was caught

playing doctors and nurses with Mary, her 8-year-old daughter.

Johnny’s mother says, “Let’s not be too harsh on them.... they are bound to be curious about sex at that age.”

“Curious about sex?” replies Mary’s mother. “He’s taken her fucking appendix out!”

Dylan, Northbridge I was walking in a cemetery this morning and saw a bloke hiding behind a gravestone. I said “morning.”

He replied, “No, just having a shit.” Kevin, Cairns We call our grandfather “Spiderman”.

He hasn’t got any super powers - he just finds it difficult to get out of the bath.

Helen, Margaret River

Women are like parking spaces, normally all the good ones are taken. So, occasionally, when no one’s looking, you have to stick it in a disabled one.

Nigel, Surry Hills Little Johnny walks into his parents’ bedroom to find his Dad giving his Mum one. His Dad smirks and throws a pillow at the door saying, “Get outta here, you little shit!”

A couple of hours later Dad hears a whole lot of commotion coming from little Johnny’s bedroom. He goes up to find little Johnny giving his Grandma a right royal seeing to.

Little Johnny smiles, “It’s not so fucking funny when it’s your Mum, is it?”

Patrick, Yorkeys Knob

www.bbmlive.com

69

By Richard Gadsby

They’re going to start playing porn at the fuel pumps....

This is so you can watch someone else being fucked at the same time as you.

Jason, Alice Springs

ADULT FUN

THE TANTRA MANTRA

Involving men, women and couples, tantric sessions are the hot new trend for those wanting to increase the pleasure in their lives. Whether single or in a relationship, everyone can benefit from the theories and practices of Tantra. Take a look at your options in Australia to improve your lovemaking.

Australian School Of Tantra

Tantric Blossoming

Embodied Connections

Oztantra

With coaches around the country including Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Brisbane, the Australian School Of Tantra can assist you in sex, love and relationships. Drawing from 25 years of professional experience, men can benefit from these individual classes by discovering tantric skills, while women are encouraged to connect to their inner tantric goddess, resulting in fulfilling relationships with more soul and spice. Focusing on physical, emotional and spiritual lovemaking, you’ll be able to deepen intimacy, sustain a relationship and enjoy passionate pleasure. australianschooloftantra.com.au

If your sex life is lacking in passion and pizzazz, you and your partner could reinvigorate it with the sexual masterclass at Embodied Connections.

A couples weekend retreat in Melbourne, these two days will help you transform your sexual and intimate experiences with your partner. Using the traditions of Tantra, you are invited to embrace your sensuality, sexual desires and pleasure points, to become a better, more confident lover.

This exceptional weekend takes place on 16th – 17th May, and costs $500pp.

Pulse Studio, Brunswick, Melbourne cyndidarnell.com 70

www.bbmlive.com

With a range of workshops, you can be as sexual as you like with Tantric Blossoming. With men, women and mixed-group workshops, activities include meditation, massage and relaxation, through to sexual energy exercises and looking into different types of orgasm. Techniques are shown and discussed, and attendees are welcome to go home and try it in the real world.

With different levels of intimacy involved, you’re bound to find a workshop for your inner needs.

Available regularly in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Canberra. www.tantricblossoming.com

Get the most of your relationship with love and sex intertwined at Oz Tantra. Helping couples get the most out of togetherness, there are sessions, workshops and retreats, including the paradise island of Bali. During these times, you will discover how to increase the passion during sex, speak from the heart, reignite your desire for your partner and find out more about yourself. If you can’t make it to one of the scheduled sessions, workshops or retreats, there are also Skype sessions to transform your love life. www.oztantra.com

ADVERTISE HERE CALL 0497100731 72

www.bbmlive.com

WANTED!

ESCORTS, DANCERS, MASSEURS CALL OR TEXT 0497 100 731 OR VISIT WWW.BBMLIVE.COM

www.bbmlive.com

73

Venture to www.bbmlive.com for more amazing travel inspiration Global Travel Destinations

Lifestyle In The City

Festival Experiences Around The World

Tour Reviews From Passengers

Travel Deals, Discounts And Giveaways For The Best Australian Tours

With new travel stories every day, make sure you don’t miss out on your next adventure!

74

www.bbmlive.com

THINGS TO DO SKYDIVING

IFLY DOWNUNDER 123 Mulgoa Road, Penrith, Sydney Ph: 1300 366 364 www.iflydownunder.com.au

DOLPHIN DISCOVERY CENTRE Lot 830 Koombana Drive, Bunbury Ph: 08 9791 3088 dolphindiscovery.com.au

SYDNEY SKYDIVERS 745 Picton Road, Wilton, New South Wales, Australia 2571 Ph: 1800 805 997 admin@sydneyskydivers.com.au www.sydneyskydivers.com.au

WESTCOAST JET The Boardwalk, Mews Road Fishingboat Harbour Fremantle Ph: 0403 606 033 info@westcoastjet.com.au www.westcoastjet.com.au

SOUTHERN SKYDIVERS 2 hours South from Perth Busselton Ph: 1300 449 669 info@southernskydivers.com.au www.southernskydivers.com.au

KANGAROO ISLAND ADVENTURE TOURS Vivonne Bay, Kingscote, SA Ph: 08 8202 8678 www.kiadventuretours.com.au

SCUBA DIVING

SWAGABOUT TOURS Ph: 08 82661879 info@swagabouttours.com.au www.swagabouttours.com.au

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

ADVENTURE TOURS

CAMEL TREK AUSTRALIA P.O Box 95, Hawker S.A 5434 cameltreksaustralia@gmail.com www.cameltreksaustralia.com.au BUMS ON SEATS TOURS Glenelg & Adelaide City South Australia Ph: 0438 808 253 sales@bumsonseats.com.au www.bumsonseats.com.au OUTBACK CAMP TOURS Ph: 04 2711 1071 outbackcamptours.com

KALBARRI ADVENTURE TOURS Ph: 09 9371677 kalcanoe@wn.com.au www.kalbarritours.com.au

GOIN SOUTH Four days, two famous Aussie icons, one awesome tour Ph: 1800 009 858

NINGALOO EXPERIENCE Ph: 08 99 425 877 manta@ningalooexperience.com www.ningalooexperience.com

MY MATES TOURS NSW, Package Bus Tours M: 0431 936 435 www.mymatestour.com

WILD EXPEDITIONS Shop 20, Johnny Chi Lane, Broome Ph: 1300 73 88 70 www.wildexpeditions.com.au

BLUE MOUNTAINS ADVENTURE COMPANY Ph: 02 4782 1271 bmac@bmac.com.au www.bmac.com.au

MARGARET RIVER VINTAGE WINE TOURS Ph: 0417 948 933 www.winetoursmargaretriver. com.au THE PEEL REGION TOURISM 75 Mandurah Terrace, Mandurah Ph: 08 9550 3999 www.visitpeel.com.au

WAYOUTBACK AUSTRALIAN SAFARI Ph: 1300 551 510 / 08 8952 4324 reservations@wayoutback.com.au www.wayoutback.com.au

PENRITH WHITE WATER RAFTING Ph: 02 4730 4333 booking@penrithwhitewater. com.au www.penrithwhitewater.com.au

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

DROP BEAR ADVENTURES Ph: 1800 061 156 www.dropbearadventures.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

FREE MOTION SPORTS 6 Davenport Road, Shoalhaven Heads, NSW 2535 Ph: +61 401934236 info@freemotionsports.com.au www.freemotionsports.com.au

BOWLING

OVERLAND TRACK PHOTO TOURS Ph: 04 13 487 644 info@overlandphototours.com.au overlandphototours.com.au

STRIKE BOWLING Nationwide Ph:1300 787453 www.strikebowling.com.au PADDO BOWLS 2 Quarry Street Paddington NSW, 2021 Ph: 02 9363 1150

CROCOSAURUS COVE 58 Mitchell Street, Darwin Ph: 08 8981 7522 www.crocosauruscove.com

TRANSPORT

TERRITORY EXPEDITIONS Ph: 1300 115 922 www.territoryexpeditions.com.au

MIGHTY CAMPERS Nationwide Ph: 1800 670 232 www.mightycampers.com.au

MULGA’S ADVENTURES Ph: 08 8952 1545 www.mulgasadventures.com.au ADVENTURE TOURS AUSTRALIA Ph: 1300 654 604 adventuretours.com.au

KITE SURFING

KITE REPUBLIC 10-18 Jacka Blvd. St.Kilda Sea Baths Complex, St.Kilda, 3182, Melbourne, VIC Ph: 03 95370644 www.kiterepublic.com.au

GREAT SOUTHERN RAIL Nationwide Ph: 1800 703 357 www.greatsouthernrail.com.au INTEGRITY COACH LINES PO BOX 1131, Midland, 6936 WA Ph: 08 927 47464 www.integritycoachlines.com.au GO CAMPER 90 Parkin Street, Rockingham, WA Ph: 1300 667 363 www.gocamper.com.au

SURF SCHOOLS GREAT OCEAN ROAD SURF TOURS 55B Surf Coast Highway, Torquay, Victoria, 3228 Ph: 03 5261 3730 info@gorsurftours.com.au www.gorsurftours.com.au KANGAROO MARINE CHARTERS 9 Chapman Terrace, Kingscote,

www.bbmlive.com

75

ACCOMMODATION NEW SOUTH WALES SYDNEY

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 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

76

www.bbmlive.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

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 Ph: (02) 4406-3101 www.laketabourietouristpark.com.au

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

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 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 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

PORT DOUGLAS

UNITED PORT DOUGLAS 37 Warner Street, Port Douglas, QLD Ph: 07 4099 5011 unitedportdouglas.com.au

CAIRNS CAIRNS SHARE HOUSE 17 Scott Street, Cairns, QLD 4870 Ph: (+617) 4041 1875 info@cairns-sharehouse.com www.cairns-sharehouse.com 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

Get your accommodation or business listed here and online contact us info@bbmlive.com www.bbmlive.com

77

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

COOLIBAH LODGE 194 Brisbane Street Northbridge Perth WA Ph: (08) 9328 9958 www.coolibahlodge. com.au

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

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

SCARBOROUGH

MONKEY MIA

WESTERN BEACH LODGE 6 Westborough Street Scarborough, Western Australia, 6019 Ph. (08) 9245 1624 westernbeach@iprimus. com.au www.westernbeach.com

COTTESLOE PERTH OCEAN BEACH BACKPACKERS

1 Eric St Cottesloe Beach Ph: 08 9384 5111 backpackers@obh. com.au www.obh.com.au BILLABONG RESORT 381 Beaufort Street, Perth WA Ph: 08 9328 7720 bookings@billabongresort. com.au www.billabongresort. com.au BRITANNIA ON WILLIAM 253 William Street, Northbridge, WA Ph: 08 9227 6000 www.perthbritannia.com 78

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

www.bbmlive.com

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

MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL BACKPACKERS 450 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne Vic 3000 Ph: 03 9662 4066 res@mibp.com.au www.mibp.com.au MELBOURNE DISCOVERY 167 Franklin Street, Melbourne VIC 300 Ph: 03 9329 7525. Freecall 1800 645 200 reservations@ hoteldiscovery.com.au www.hoteldiscovery. com.au UNITED BACKPACKERS 250 Flinders Street, Melbourne Ph: 03 9654 2616 unitedbackpackers.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

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

HALLS GAP

GRAMPIANS YHA ECOHOSTEL 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 DARWIN

ASHTON LODGE & WISDOM BAR 48 Mitchell St, Darwin, NT, 0800 Ph: 08 8941 4866 ashtonlodge@gmail.com www.wisdombar.com.au

YOUTH SHACK 69 Mitchell Street, Darwin Ph: 1300 793 302 youthshack.com.au MELALEUCA ON MITCHELL 52 Mitchell Street, Darwin Ph: 09 8941 7800 momdarwin.com CHILLIS BACKPACKERS 69 Mitchell Street, Darwin Ph: 1800 351 313 chillis.com.au

ALICE SPRINGS

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

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