FEATURED
The Easter Bunny came and delivered, but now we need to dance off some of that excess Easter weight. These events should help your cause… Sydney is showing some signs of waking up from their lock out slumber with a selection of great events. On April the 2nd the Burdekin Hotel will play host to a Australian nu-disco and house stars, Francis Inferno Orchestra and Dreems, while The Hordern Pavilion will see the Carl Cox festival, Pure, roll into town on April 23rd with Joseph Capriati, Format: B, Dj HMC and more in tow. This will be a proper rave. Sydney locals will be on display at The Chippendale Hotel for ANZAC Day Monday (a bank holiday weekend) on 25th April, hosted by the Fireball Whisky crew. Canberra’s La De Da will play host to Norway’s finest label, Sex Tags Mania, to celebrate the Box Cutter crew’s 2nd birthday on the 8th April, and if 6
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you find yourself in Tasmania, check out the cozylooking Rose Quartz Festival from 1st April to 3rd April, featuring a selection of Australia’s’ brightest DJs, indie-tronica acts and more. In Melbourne, the Bunker crew will be hosted by Howler Bar for a day journey into the softer side of electronic music with their Soft-Pedal series on Sunday 10th of April. After presumably destroying Sydney, the Carl Cox Pure circus will bring the rave to Shed 14 on Sunday the 24th of April. This one is highly recommended. The Espionage crew will be taking over Railway Hotel in Brunswick on Monday the 25th featuring Om Unit, Mark Pritchard, Soulection and more… the perfect day party to ease you in to the week. If you like techno and find yourself in Brisbane on Friday the 22nd of April, make sure to check out Italian Joseph Capriati in his debut Brisbane performance at The Capulet Bar for the Dragonfruit crew. That is really the tip of the iceberg so make sure to ask around if you want some more entertainment. The locals are more than willing to have a dance with a traveler… Find more music news at
bbmlive.com/music-news
CAST ARE COMING TO OZ
Cast are an English Brit-pop/Indie band from Liverpool. The four piece were originally made up of John Power (vocals, guitar), Peter Wilkinson (bass), Keith O’Neil (drums) and Liam Tyson (guitar). The members had previously been part of other bands including The La’s and Shack. Formed in the early 90’s the band started off supporting acts like Elvis Costello and Oasis. Casts debut album, All Change, reached double platinum and made it into the top ten. It has the label of being the fastest ever selling Polydor album. Reveiws of the album talk about the similarities to the La’s but also the advancement of the sound. It had big Brit Pop anthems like Alright and ballads like Walkaway and really captured the sound of the time. They were seen as a real people’s band The band had success up to their split in 2001. There began a nine year hiatus. 8
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In 2010 John Power began to do shows where he would play old Cast songs and then later that year it was officially announced that Cast would reform. The band then went on tour to celebrate the 15th anniversary of All Change. 2012 marked their first full studio album since 2001. Troubles Times was released in November 2011 as a download and then in 2012 as a physical copy. Critics praised it as “episodically excellent way to spend threequarters of an hour.” Another album is due for release in March 2016. Despite multiple line-up changes, Cast continue to tour regularly and bring out fans old and new.
Cast Tour Dates:
Friday 13th May - Kings Arms, Aukland Saturday 14th May - The Gov, Adelaide Sunday 15th May - Capitol, Perth Thursday 19th May - The Triffid, Brisbane Friday 20th May - The Corner, Melbourne Saturday 21st May - The Factory, Sydney Find out more and book tickets at
troubadour-music.com//casttour.com
By Tom Bacon
The age of Brit Pop wings its way to Australia & New Zealand as Cast touch down for a national tour this May, courtesy of Troubadour Music.
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April is full of great events, so here’s just a few to pack into your calendar!
The hot-spot for discerning dance music-lovers in Melbourne, New Guernica is going to be packing in EDM fans from around the city to see experienced producer, remixer, DJ and artist Gareth Whitehead this April. Gareth has established his own signature brand of deep and dubby tech-house and will be sure to kick-off the weekend in style. Friday 8th April , New Guernica, 322 Little Collins St, Melbourne www.newguernica.com.au
Bunker presents Soft-Pedal 5
This marks the fifth instalment of Soft-Pedal which takes attendees to the relaxed location of Howler’s outdoor Garden Bar to see performances from Nali, Sam Hilton and many more. After a busy summer of some serious partying, head to Howler to take a break from the techno scene, relax in the sun and enjoy ambient electronica, dub techno and everything in between. Sunday 10th April, Howler, 14 Dawson Street, Brunswick, Melbourne bunker-music.com
Maddawg Mondays
It may not be the best-loved night of the week, but resident DJ T-Rek is on hand on Monday nights 10
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at Boney to play a broad mix of blues, kraut rock, dub and old school rock to get you moving early in the week. Drinks are cheap, and the kitchen’s open until midnight so you start your week on a high. Mondays in April, Boney, 68 Little Collins St Melbourne www.facebook.com/boneymelbourne
Rum-ble in the jungle
LuWow is the best place for your mid-week fix of roots music from the 1940s through to today’s chart-topers. Expect blues, rockabiliy, rock’n’roll and R&B for all you movers and shakers. Be sure to sample some of bar’s extensive collection of international rums. Wednesdays in April, LuWow, 62-70 Johnston Street, Fitzroy www.theluwow.com
Arteq Turns One
For the past year Arteq Productions have been showcasing their passion for EDM to the Melbourne community and on the 16th April, they will be saying a big thank you with their first birthday and an awesome line-up to boot. Expect to hear beats from the likes of Uone, Adrian Bell, Muska and many more. Saturday 16th April, Scratch Warehouse, 275 – 285 Macaulay Road, Melbourne Tickets available online.
Image courtesy of venue
Morning After and Mono Loco present Gareth Whitehead
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Coming up... This month is packed to the brim with epic events taking place around town... so here’s some of the cream of the crop to add to your diary!
Hilltop Hoods
The Restrung Tour will see the only Hilltop Hoods headline performances in 2016. It will be an extraordinary event as play music from their new album ‘Drinking From The Sun, Walking Under Stars Restrung’ accompanied by Australia’s best orchestras and choirs. Sat 30th April, Perth Arena Pertharena.com.au
Jim Jeffries
Having sold out every Australian show in 2015, Jim Jefferies is bringing his new show to Australia, kicking off with Perth Arena on 9 April 2016. Jefferies is an international superstar selling out venues such as Carnegie Hall and the Brixton Academy and has recorded six specials for US television. 9th April, Perth Arena 17th & 18th, 21st – 26th April , Enmore Theatre, Syndey, 27th & 28th April, Margaret Court Arena, Melbourne frontiertouring.com
Soul of Sydney Feat. Danny Krivit
On the long weekend for Australia’s Anzac Day, lovers of funk and soul will be congregating en masse in a unknown location in Sydney. The evening has a fantastic line-up for an evening of original New York disco, roller boogie, soul, funk, garage and afro-beat. Stay tuned for venue announcements. Sunday 24th April, 14:00 – 22:00, Secret Location, Sydney www.facebook.com/soulofsydney 12
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Trad Sunday Sessions
If you haven’t had your fill of Irish-themed parties after a truly crazy St Patrick’s Day, head to PJ O’Brien’s for their live music sessions that showcase the best live Irish music in Melbourne. Hear from the likes of Irish Soloist Pat McKernan from 4.30pm, then The Hijacked Penguins from 9pm. Drink Specials from 6-9pm with $6 Pints Bulmers & Guinness. $6 Vodka & Captain Morgans and of course their Traditional Sunday Roast available all day for $20 and includes a Pint of Bulmers. Sundays, Southgate Restaurant & Shopping Precinct, Southbank, Victoria www.pjobriens.com.au/southbank
Roger Sanchez
Legendary New York DJ Roger Sanchez comes to Perth to play The Court Hotel. The multi Grammy Award winner DJ has been around for a while but has always managed to maintain integrity with the House scene and keep his sets feeling fresh and new. His shows are always of the highest quality. Saturday 23rd April, The Court Hotel, Perth thecourt.com.au
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Words by Serina Lee & Bethany Park, images courtesy of venues.
Gum Ball Festival 2016 Gum Ball Music and Arts Festival is back for yet another year of family friendly fun. Over two stages for 2 nights and 3 days, stay in the wonderful Hunter Valley at Beltford, ‘Dashville’ on the 22nd-24th April, celebrating the ANZAC long weekend. Providing a relaxed and chilled out atmosphere, festival goers can expect a down to earth vibe with eclectic live music and relaxed bush camping. All tickets to the festival include onsite camping if you wish; from super shady level bushland to more open areas, the choice is yours where you set up camp. Once you’re settled, you’re ready to stroll through the pearly gates and feast your eyes on the main site. Laze about chilling to the live music or get involved with the visual art performances. With a large arena this year, Gum Ball is set to feature workshop spaces, play areas, chill out zones and market stalls. With plenty of activities including morning yoga to get you up in the morning, this feel-good festival wont let you down. Feel at peace with the picnic like ambience and take advantage of the Bring-Your-own element. Not only does it save you ridiculous festival prices, you can craft your own picnic with all your favourite snacks and refreshments. There is restriction against bringing in glass and mass quantities, however feel free to enjoy your own booze lazing in the sun. Simply 14
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hang out with friends, listen to good music, and enjoy the comfortable, dreamy vibes of Gum Ball Festival. Laden with the best quality of food and market stalls around and with so much choice and culinary delights on offer, don’t forget about the impressive bar known as The Bird Bath, where everyone is welcome to pop in for an ice cold drink. Imagine pure tranquility. With the sun-setting at that beautiful time of day where the ground is still warm and the breeze is bliss, lay back and hear the best tunes around. The music is not the only attraction to Gum Ball Festival, although it is pretty damn good. With a high caliber and a complete mix in genres, there’s always room for surprises. From the upbeat tracks to those chilled out tunes, from the new to the old, enjoy the good old solid favorites and open your eyes to unbelievable up and comers. For the hardcore partygoers, make a trip to the Silent disco arena where the idea of sleep is a distant thought. If you can bear to leave the campfire, join in this unique dance set up where you can make the most of those sweet tunes. From night to day, all good things must pass. The last morning is as relaxed as the whole festival, as no-one rushes you out of Dashville. Eat some amazing brekkie on the porch and relax knowing you’ve collected some great memories to cherish forever, or until next year.
Ones to watch: Gumball Festival 2016 in Dashville, Hunter Valley is set to be huge this April. A celebration for all music lovers, the festival has been built from the ground up, providing the ultimate live music experience for all. With amazing artists including The Cactus Channel, Dan Brodie, The HeartBrokers, Folktronica innovator Caitlin Park and headliner You Am I, Gumball has an undoubtedly powerful lineup. Here are our hot picks and artists to look out for at this year’s festival...
Dan Sultan
With a voice like no other, Dan Sultan can pull off both acoustic ballads and big-band soul rock. His diversity makes him a perfect artist for a festival like Gum Ball. Expect a powerhouse performer with a sweet and rough tone, encouraging all the crowd. Dan Sultan is receiving music praise in the music world, with support from legends including Bruce Springsteen. The only direction Sultan is set to venture is up.
Suzannah Espie
With a unique blend of country, folk, blues and soul, Suzannah Espie has a truly magical sound. Her ability to move someone to tears in one moment, and set the party on fire in the next proves she is one talented singer. Expect Melbourne’s voice of an angel to put on an extremely top class show at Gumball this year.
Jeff Lang
What a dynamic and creative talent this guy has. Based in Oz himself, Lang has become renowned for being a virtuosic guitarist. His gift for songwriting has elevated his success; performing unique gigs all round the world. Already having 15 albums under his belt, Jeff Lang has been playing at clubs, art centers and festivals for ten years. He has mastered the skill of blending rock, folk, blues and that tricky improvisation into one amazing set. He’s insane.
Citizen Kay
This Sydney hiphop star deserves all the credit he can get. Citizen Kay is a self-taught rapper who battled the realities of the music world, only to learn the art of making memorable beats. His success reached new heights, as he recorded to tour with incredible artists including Wiz Khalifa and Ice Cube. Give his standout singles a listen, these include ‘Raise A Glass’, ‘Freedom’ and ‘If Life gives you Lemons’, while his debut mini-album is called ‘DEMOKRACY’.
Bullhorn
Gumball is about offering you music with a difference, and that’s what you get with Bullhorn. The brass-based and MC-led nine-piece party animal are kitted out in suited with crazy arrangements. Enjoy their virtuosic musicianship and upbeat rhymes. With their own catchy original tunes and covers including Bonobo and Easy Star All Stars, be ready for a soul-filled time of fun.
To see the full lineup and to get tickets, visit dashville.com.au www.bbmlive.com
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COMEDY
TIME TO LAUGH
Australia’s comedy festival season is in full swing! Kicking off the proceedings at the end of March, Australia will see the world’s best comedy acts descend on its shores from now until May. But it’s not just international acts who will be taking centre stage, some of the best home grown talent will also be ready to entertain the masses at venues across the country and New Zealand. During Australia’s Comedy Festival you can expect the likes of Lou Sanders, Mae Martin and Al Murray as well as locals Gen Frickler, Alex Williamson and many many more. The shows in Melbourne run until 17th April before heading to Western Australia. Once the tour hits Perth, every local venue will be taken over from 16
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22nd April to the 15th May with a plethora of comedy gigs. The festival will then jump across Australia to Sydney from 18th April – 15th May. That’s six weeks of amazing shows with amazing people. From 22nd April - 15th May the tour will be hopping over to New Zealand and will be bringing down the house across several venues. Other big names to grace the rosta include Ross Nobel, Daniel Sloss, Andrew Maxweel, David O’Doherty and Luisa Omielan. With such a wealth of talent and with the show making it to so many different venues, The 2016 Australian comedy is impossible to miss.
DON’T MISS...
Here’s who not to miss whilst Daniel Sloss they’re touring Down Under... Scotland’s internationally acclaimed and award-
Lou Sanders
Once described as a nine year old having a mid life crisis, Sanders is a true professional when it comes to jokes and has written for some major UK television comedies including hit panel show ‘Mock The Week’ and Miranda Hart’s ‘Miranda’. Debuting back in 2011 at the Edinburgh Festival with her show, ‘How To Be Awesome: An Introduction, Sanders’ comedy is relentlessly funny and quirky. An hour with her is an hour well spent. 24th March- 17th April- Roxanne, Melbourne
Andrew Maxwell
Ireland’s own Andrew Maxwell is back in Australia with his new show Yo Contraire, which is the latest from the accomplished comedian who makes audiences laugh with his satirical mocking of international news stories. He was the only person to tackle the Scottish Referendum head-on last year and this year will see him broach even more controversial topics! Don’t miss him at the Perth and Sydney Comedy Festivals in April and May. 27th – 30th April - Factory Theatre, Sydney 4th – 8th May - Perth Town Hall, Perth
winning comedian Daniel Sloss will be making his debut appearance at Melbourne International Comedy Festival in 2016 with his hit new show, Dark. Despite Sloss only being the tender age of 25, he has been writing and performing stand up ever since he was 16, and continues to go from strength to strength and taking his dry wit to an international level. Catch him in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth in the upcoming months! 24th March – 17th April – Roxanne Band Room, Melbourne 21st - 30th April - Loft @ Q Theatre, Aukland, NZ 13th May – Enmore Theatre, Sydney 6th May – Perth Regal Theatre, Perth
Mae Martin
Canadian comic Mae Martin will bringing her show, Us, to Australia to talk about how we label people and how we label ourselves. Martin weaves jokes into charming tales from her life during an hour. Mae takes on the themes of identity, sexuality and loneliness to brilliant comic effect. 24th March-17th April Cloak Room, Melbourne Town Hall
Get your tickets at : perthcomedyfestival.com, sydneycomedyfest.com.au, comedyfestival.com.au www.bbmlive.com
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HEALTH
GET YOGA FIT IN SYDNEY With convenient locations in Bondi Junction and Newtown, Yoga Synergy celebrates the ancient art of yoga in a safe, fun and intelligent way. Offering a practice that is suitable for the modern body across all levels of fitness, even if you have not been tempted to try yoga before or have injuries, give Yoga Synergy a try. Ignite your yoga practice with the Yoga Synergy method, which has been designed by physiotherapists and advanced yoga teachers, Bianca and Simon. The Yoga Synergy method aims to lighten the body, increase mobility and movement through all your systems. Join and establish a steady calm mind, a fit vibrant body through regular meditative practice. With daily classes, you can be sure to fit in time in to practice a range of yoga, including Vinyasa, Hatha, Dynamic and Prenatal Yoga. You can also choose from Pilates, Qi-gong and Dance and achieve great results.
Looking to keep in shape… these products will ensure you look and feel great!
TomTom Spark Fitness Watch
TomTom has launched the TomTom Spark GPS Fitness Watch with integrated music player, making it easier for fitness enthusiasts to boost their training. $208 www.tomtom.com/fitness
Salter Blender Pro 1500
Blitz up your very own tasty smoothies packed full of veggies and vitamins with this fantastic blender that is a must-have for any health-nut! $569 www.saltercookshop.com
And what’s more, Bondi’s new studio space is exceptional. The beautiful space has been designed to inspire your yoga practice with new classes and an expanded timetable, reception for easy admin and login, state of the art flooring, mood lighting, a fab new sound system, dedicated spaces for mat storage and personal items, with bright and fresh bathroom and changing areas. New students can take advantage of their $25 for 2 weeks unlimited classes offer. For class times, booking and further information visit yogasynergy.com or download their free app Yoga Synergy. Adresses: Level 1, 17 Bronte Road, Bondi Junction 196 Australia Street, Newtown yogasynergy.com
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Hoolio App
This clever fitness app works with the latest technology from Apple including Apple Watch and Apple TV to allow you to creates a world class gym in your living room. $15.15 www.hoolio.com
The Perks of Nursing In Melbourne Melbourne is said to be Australia’s most loved city, and it is not hard to see why. A popular place to work in for so many travelling nurses, this cosmopolitan city has great work opportunities across all nursing specialities and has some of the world’s best medical facilities. There’s a demand for nurses in Melbourne in a range of departments, with jobs available in Care, A&E, Midwifery or General Nursing. So whether you are wondering if Melbourne could be your new home, or simply hoping to work in the city to fund some travels, it is the perfect place to be a nurse. The conditions here are outstanding, and all of the public hospitals are major teaching facilities affiliated with the universities and are equipped with modern technologies. Nursing in Melbourne is not only enjoyable and rewarding, but it also offers opportunities to enhance your nursing knowledge and experience. There is a large amount of shift work available across Melbourne’s multiple specialities, and the people here are known to be incredibly enthusiastic and friendly. But we all know that life is not just about work! Melbourne is popular with Australians and overseas tourists alike, due to the fantastic combination of bustling city life and stunning beaches lining the entire coastline. This makes it the perfect place to live, and when you aren’t working in the hospitals there is plenty to see and do. There are 4.2 million people who are lucky 20
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enough to call Melbourne their home, and now is your chance to become one of them. On your days off, you could spend your days surfing on the gorgeous beach, or wandering the city to see sights such as the Queen Victoria Market and the aquarium, or just meeting up with new friends in the cool bars and sipping on some of the world’s best coffee in the abundance of cafes! Melbourne isn’t too far from other attractions outside of the city, such as wineries, secret beaches, the Dandenong Ranges and more. It is easy to see why so many people consider it to be the most liveable city in the world. With so many opportunities for both UK and Irish nurses to work within the city, and a similar healthcare system to the UK, you can only agree that this is a fantastic opportunity. The Australian Nursing Agency is here to help you along your journey to becoming a Melbourne nurse. Before contacting them, please note you will need to be registered with the Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency (AHPRA). If you are, then the next step is to ensure you have your CV, a current Police Check or Working with Children Check and two professional referees.
To apply for any roles with Australia Nursing Agency mention BBM and Phone 039481 7222, email recruitment@australiannursingagency.com or visit www.australiannursingagency.com for more info.
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What You Need To Know About Nursing Downunder There are endless benefits to becoming a Nurse in Australia. Nursing is one of the most respected professions in the country, and they enjoy a very high standard of living. There is currently quite a high demand for nurses in a range of specialities, and so there is no better time to apply than now! Working as a Nurse in Australia will mean you get to experience the perfect balance of great working environments and a much better lifestyle. Apply through Bower Health care and start your journey to becoming a Nurse in Australia today. Here’s the lowdown on your first steps to becoming a Nurse in one of the most amazing countries in the world:
Visa Requirements
Firstly, you must make sure you hold a valid visa with work entitlements before you apply. Check your visa eligibility with the Department of Immigration and Border Protection. Of course, if you are a citizen or permanent resident of Australia there is no need to worry about this!
Experience
All registered Nurses must have a minimum of 12 months post-graduate experience, and is also preferred for Endorsed Enrolled Nurses (but not always necessary!) All of your relevant experience must be within the last year, and all assistant in Nursing applications must be in their 2nd year or above of a current nursing degree, having completed Nurse Placements. 22
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Registration Requirements
Australia has a national registration scheme for health practitioners, and nurse registration is actually now managed by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia. For more info on the requirements for registration from overseas, head to their website and look under the ‘International Qualified Nurses and Midwives’ tab! If you are a registered Nurse from New Zealand, you are covered by the Mutual Recognition Act, and you have a current practise card, then luckily for you, you can transfer your registration across. We recommend you allow yourself at least 6 months, since the registration process can be quite rigorous for overseas applicants. Don’t let that put you off – we’re just saying don’t commit to any official travel plans before confirming registration in Australia!
Screening and Vaccination Records
Finally, you must comply with NSW Health’s policy directive regarding screening and vaccination against specific infectious diseases. You must also be able to provide evidence that satisfies the Policy requirements. This usually means documented evidence and proof that you are covered against diseases including Hepititus B, Diptheria, Tetanus, Measles, and many more. We really recommend that you prepare in advance for these requirements and bring all the relevant bits with you to your interview when you apply. So what are you waiting for?! Apply for your big move now at
www.bowerhealthcare.com.au.
Mental Health Nurses - Sydney
Various mental health facilities are seeking a number of experienced nurses to work as agency staff. The facilities incorporate various specialist units including rehab, PECC, and ICU. Essential requirements include work rights in Australia, minimum 12 months of postgrad clinical and mental health experience, compliance with NSW Health’s vaccination policy, current AHPRA registration, eligibility for National Criminal History Record Check, and NSW Working with Children Check clearance. We offer on-going guidance with attaining compliance to work in the public sector in NSW (if coming from outside), national Criminal History Record Checks, referral preparation, introduction to hospitals, and CPE training opportunities.
ICU and Acute Care Nurses Sydney Eastern Suburbs
We are seeking acute care Registered Nurses interested in casual agency work. Our reputation of providing a friendly, casual and highly professional service makes us the ideal choice for nurses seeking agency representation. We are currently seeking experienced RN’s (a minimum of 12 months post-grad experience essential) for shifts within acute care units at popular and conveniently located public and private hospitals in Sydney’s east. You must have work rights in Australia, compliance with NSW Health’s vaccination policy, current AHPRA registration, eligibility for National Criminal History Record Check, and NSW Working with Children Check clearance.
Visit www.people2people.com.au to apply
Legal Secretary – Sydney CBD
With more than 300 employees and offices internationally, this globally reputable firm is located in the heart of the CBD. Take part in ongoing learning opportunities, social events, and benefits. This is a 12-month contract position. Supporting two Partners and a Senior Associate within Disputes, you will process billing and expenses, coordinate work functions, create and amend documents, and liaise with clients. A successful candidate must have a minimum of 2 years’ experience working as a Secretary/ PA in Legal or a banking environment, advanced MS Office skills, experience using a billing software, ability to prioritise effectively, and immaculate presentation.
Corporate Receptionist – Sydney CBD
This financial services firm with an excellent working culture and outstanding reputation is seeking a Corporate Receptionist to join their global head office. Work in a rewarding environment where you can enjoy benefits including an extra week of leave and a bonus. The main duties include greeting clients and visitors, directing calls, booking meeting rooms, preparing refreshments, coordinating mail distribution, arranging courier bookings, and maintaining reception area cleanliness. A successful candidate must have proven corporate reception experience ideally within the finance industry, immaculate presentation, communication skills, ability to work independently, demonstrated initiative, and intermediate to advanced MS Office skills.
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Making your CV stand out from the crowd can be difficult, especially in a competitive recruitment process. So how do you ensure you are noticed? According to recruiting experts at Hays, it is important to understand that the direct purpose of your CV is to secure an interview and not the job. At this stage, getting a foot in the door needs to be the main focus. Susie Timlin, Global Director of People & Culture at Hays Talent Solutions, offers six tips to help put you ahead of the competition. • Your personal statement: “A concise personal statement directly beneath your contact details provides employers with a snapshot of your key skills and work ambitions,” she says. “It’s the first place an employer is likely to look, so succinctly detail your proudest achievements here.” • Matching the job description: “Try to use adjectives that are similar to those used in the job advertisement, without replicating it word for word. If the employer prioritises someone with ‘effective leadership skills’ then make sure you demonstrate yours during the early part of your personal statement.” • Avoid clichés: “Remember that employers are interested in tangible evidence of your abilities, not just a list of overused adjectives. It’s not enough to just say that you’re hardworking, loyal and a good team player, you need to be able to demonstrate it with solid evidence,” says Susie. • Provide hard evidence of your achievements: “Similarly, when listing achievements, keep in 24
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mind that what really impresses employers is data. If you can illustrate your achievements with facts and figures – how much revenue you brought to the business that year, how much the client increased their investment by and so on – then do.” • Put yourself in the thick of the action: “Remember that you are trying to sell yourself. Using phrases like ‘was involved in’ and ‘assisted’ implies that you were more of a bystander than an instigator. Use strong action verbs and take credit where credit is due. However, never claim involvement in something that had nothing to do with you and don’t bad mouth former colleagues or employers.” • Make it accessible: “The most often overlooked point is to make your CV as accessible as possible. Send the document over as a PDF to ensure easy viewing. Make sure all the font is of a legible size and your contact details are correct. Recruiters appreciate a streamlined process!” Susie offers one final thought on the subject: “Of the many CVs I review each week, I appreciate the clear, concise, and accessible ones the most. Build your CV around a few key achievements which relate directly to the job advertisement and you can progress to the next stage of the process.” If you would like an informal discussion about the Australian job market, please contact Hays on 1800 805 051 or email globalinkteam@hays.com
Systems Administrator – Brisbane CBD
This is a 12-month contract with a large government department to assist with a SQL Server Service Improvement Project. You will be responsible for the migration of SQL Server databases, administration and monitoring of Windows Server systems. You will be responsible for the administration of a SQL Server database platform and the IIS Web Server environments. You will produce and maintain quality systems documentation and advise clients on Application Hosting solutions. This position requires experiences in the creation, implementation, and maintenance of SQL Server database migration plans. The candidate must be highly competent in Windows Server 2012R2 administration and complex SQL Server migrations, including SQL 2000. You will also have PowerShell or VBS scripting skills. Experience with SCCM, SCOM, VMware vSphere, DELL & HP Hardware will be looked upon favourably.
Site Manager – Melbourne
Our client is a leading fit out specialist within the Melbourne market. Working within the fit out sector on commercial projects up to the value of $20M they are now looking to appoint an experience and professional site manager who specialises in commercial fit out projects. This job will entail the ability to take a project programme, schedule the works, coordinate the trades, manage onsite issues, and maintain OH&S and IR issues. This will involve meticulous attention to detail, the ability to build and maintain close working relationships with people at every stage of the project, and the ability to think on your feet. The right candidate will have a strong background in commercial fit out with wellestablished builders and come from a trade background.
Project Manager – Geelong
Hays Construction has a dedicated team of specialist recruiters that work exclusively within Construction, and service Geelong’s top building and construction contractors. We are currently seeking a skilled Project Manager for an upcoming project within the Geelong region. An ideal candidate will be highly motivated, team oriented, have initiative and problem solving skills, knowledge of the industry and a great awareness for timeframes and deadlines. Performance requirements for the role include strong front end project management experience, previous scoping work experience, an in depth knowledge of the tendering process, and evident budgeting skills. A successful candidate will have completed a minimum of ten years previous project management experience on large construction projects. Knowledge of OH&S policies is a must, along with a valid White Card.
Business Analyst Guilford – Sydney
This employer remains a household name across the globe, delivering a high quality range of products to a global consumer base. Due to a significant system upgrade, they are working in conjunction with Hays IT to appoint an experienced Business Analyst based in Sydney. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record as a BA, with the capability of gathering business requirements and translating those needs to a technical team. In addition, the BA will be involved in supporting a Project Manager, managing workshops, mapping processes and documenting training procedures. This is an opportunity for an Experienced BA to join a global organisation and work with Senior Stakeholders across multiple departments. If you are interested in any of the above jobs or would like an informal discussion around positions in Australia then please call 1800 805 051 or email your most recent CV and contact information to globalinkteam@hays.com
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Top Tips For Transferring Money To Or From Australia Whether you’re thinking of moving to Australia or you’ve already made the leap and are enjoying your new life Down Under, you might need to make payments to or from your adopted home. Using the most efficient and cost-effective foreign exchange provider could save you hundreds or even thousands of pounds. Banks can be expensive as they don’t typically offer the most competitive exchange rates or a personal service. Thankfully, there is an alternative. By using a currency specialist such as moneycorp you could benefit from:
Competitive exchange rates
When using a foreign exchange specialist company like moneycorp, you can benefit from exchange rates that are typically 3-4% better than you might receive from your high street bank. That percentage can make a huge difference when sending large sums of money across the world to start your new life Down Under.
Low transfer fees
When using a specialist, rather than your bank, you could also save money on the transfer fees. Banks can often charge up to £20-£40 every time you move money abroad. With moneycorp, the transfer fees start as low as £5.
Personal service
Every moneycorp client is allocated a personal account manager. Based at moneycorp’s London office, they can guide you through the transfer process and help protect your transfer from negative exchange rate fluctuations.
Online
Don’t be limited to making payments in UK office hours with a bank. moneycorp’s online 26
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service enables you to buy or sell currency and make transfers 24/7, so you can manage your international payments at your convenience – at any time and from anywhere in the world.
Regular payment plan
If you already live in Australia and need to make recurring payments back to the UK – to your family or to cover a mortgage perhaps – you can use moneycorp’s Regular Payment Plan. They will collect your sterling by Direct Debit, convert it into foreign currency and automatically send it abroad as frequently as you wish – whether it’s weekly, monthly or at more irregular intervals.
Get started with moneycorp
The first step is to register for a free, no obligation moneycorp account – the process only takes a few minutes. Once registered, you will have an Account Manager on hand to provide live quotes and they can talk through your money transfer requirements in detail. moneycorp is regulated and authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority – they have been providing foreign exchange services for over 35 years. For more information on money transfers, visit
www.moneycorp.com
GREEN MIGRATION
Registered Migration Agent – 1464351 Little City Studio 118 Prospect Road, PROSPECT SA 5082 +61 8 417 837 973 zoe@greenmigration.com.au www.greenmigration.com.au
OPTIMA MIGRATION
EXPRESS TAX Level 6, 155 Castlereagh St Sydney, NSW, 2000 1800 739 739 +61 (0) 2 9267 3200 www.expresstaxback.com.au
VISA SOLUTIONS AUSTRALIA Unit 10/162 Colin st, West Perth, WA 6005 Ph: 08 9328 2664 1800 828 008 visas@visasolutions.com.au www.visasolutions.com.au
BACKPACKER TAX REFUNDS First Floor, 1A Morts Road Mortdale NSW 2223 +61 (0) 2 8065 5668 info@backpackertaxrefunds.com.au www.backpackertaxrefunds.com.au
Registered Migration Agent - 0532045 Subiaco Business Centre/ Suite 5, 531 Hay St Subiaco WA 6008 + 61 8 93808397 |M: 0409130865 lidia@optimamigration.com.au www.optimamigration.com.au
TAXBACK.CO.UK CLAIM BACK YOUR UK TAX REFUND INFO@TAXBACK.CO.UK WWW.TAXBACK.CO.UK
Address: Second Floor 524 Hay Street Perth WA 6000 Phone: +61 8 9225 7417 Email: info@lawsonlegal.com.au www.lawsonlegalmigrationlaw.com.au
LAWSON LEGAL MIGRATION LAW
If you need to find employment, reliable migration agents and tax agents head to bbmlive.com
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The Little Things You’ll Notice When Moving to Australia
They’ll be about communities, jobs, families, cultural changes and the like. You know, the important stuff that will either make or break your adventure Down Under. But none of them note the ‘little things’. There’s an abundance of little things you should be aware of when moving to Australia and so we’ve assembled the top five here to help make the transition a smooth and relatively stressfree one. Okay they won’t shake up your world but it’s nice to know about them before you don your sunnies and slip on the thongs.
1) Australians aren’t as mad on bottled water
as Brits. Water from the tap is clean and many Australian families keep a jug in their fridge. Okay so perhaps other countries are leading the world on environmental issues (for example, it seems bizarre solar power in Australia is only a recent development) but the decision to shirk the endless plastic bottle production is a great step forward.
2) Tipping is nowhere near as important in
Australia as it is in the UK. In many restaurants, cafés and bars across the UK, waiting staff will try to bump up their tip by making conversation, regularly checking in and perhaps even offering up the odd compliment. Australian patrons for the most part don’t want this nor expect it. They want to be served food and drink and left alone. Sometimes they will tip, sometimes they will not. It’s not mandatory. 28
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3) The heat does not automatically mean people
in Australia convert their homes and offices into fridges. In the UK, we tend to complain about those severely oppressive days in summer when it feels like we can’t do anything. Okay we complain about weather generally, that’s our thing, but when we feel we can’t function in the humidity, we tend to whack the air conditioning right up. However don’t assume that’s what Australians do. They have a much more laidback and sensible approach to the heat given they’ve had to deal with it all their lives. So expect nice cool environments rather than frosty receptions.
4) You’ll notice insects and arachnids are bigger in Australia but nine times out of ten they are no more dangerous than the insignificant itsy-bitsy ones you used to gather up and flap out with a duster back in the UK. Sure there are more poisonous and deadly creepy-crawlies out there but the last time someone died from a spider bite in Australia was 1979. You’re more likely to die swerving out of the way to avoid a cute little quokka.
5) Vegemite is everywhere and you will probably consume a thousand tubs in the first two weeks. Resistance is futile. Another way of making your transition a smooth one is to talk to Seven Seas Worldwide about affordable and convenient relocation. Take a look at the website for the best options for a comfortable house move! Visit sevenseasworldwide.com.au for more information.
Words courtesy of Seven Seas Worldwide
As a potential expat in Australia, you may want to search the internet for an array of blogs and articles about what to expect when moving to Australia, and let us say this; most of them will be very useful.
AUSTRALIA
Ultimate Australian Road Trip Destinations With Mighty Campers
Explore Australia through its very veins as you take to the road with Mighty Campers. Traverse the vastness of Australia from tip to toe with Mighty Campers. Driving some of the most scenic views in the world, you can really see this great country from an intimate perspective and at your own pace. So if you’re thinking about embarking on an epic road trip, then here’s a few ideas to get you started.
Darwin to Alice Springs
Setting off from the Northern Territory city of Darwin, you can make your way through the picturesque and remote outback to Alice Springs. In Alice Springs, you can explore the local galleries, relax in a proper pub or even take an authentic camel ride through striking, desert-like scenery. Whilst here, be sure to make every travellers pilgrimage to the great Uluru, or the absolutely mind-blowing Kings Canyon.
Drive to Cairns in Tropical Queensland For an incredible road trip, continue your adventures from Alice Springs into Cairns in 30
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the tropics of Queensland. You will find yourself in a Cairns tropical heaven when you travel via National Highways 87, 66, A2, A6 and A1. With the oldest rainforest in the world, Daintree Rainforest, and the glorious ocean, you can try your hand at snorkeling and cruising around or simply getting active and adventuring through nature. If you’re one who thrives on an adrenaline rush then maybe even go Jungle Surfing through the Daintree Rainforest…
From Northern Territory to Idyllic Adelaide
The most ideal place to chill out, go wine tasting and take in beautiful scenery and rolling hills, Adelaide is a road trip essential. Pass through the famous Australian Outback which provides you with plenty of opportunities to stop off along the way to take in the striking and photogenic red desert, sand ridges and empty salt lakes. When you reach South Australia make a trip to The Flinders Ranges which are a must for bushwalks and wildlife spotting. You’ll now also only be
220km from Adelaide. Now you’re in wine country it’s essential you sample some of delights on offer in South Australia when you park up for the night. You’ll also be within easy reach of the historical Hallet Cove Conservation Park - a significant geographic and architectural site where many Aboriginal artefacts have been found.
East Coast to Brisbane and Sydney
Drive the Legendary Pacific Coast where you’ll pass through coastal towns with unreal ocean views as well as fantastic beaches to stop off at along the way and have a dip in the ocean. Stopping off in Brisbane, you can visit theme parks, the entertainment district, shopping and many lively bars if you’ve been missing city living for a while. From here, you can carry on south to the glorious Gold Coast to see the spectacular Mermaid Beach and world famous Surfers Paradise! Making your way further south, you can stop by the stunning Byron Bay before reaching Sydney. This is the perfect coastal drive, which will average at about 10 hours in your comfy campervan.
Once in Sydney you can see the iconic sites of the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour and, of course, Bondi Beach.
From the North to the South of Queensland
Driving from the north to the south of Queensland takes 18 hours, but is also the most unforgettable and dreamy route for lovers of paradise. There are various whale-watching locations (from July until November) such as Hervey Bay and the stunning Fraser Island within easy reach. Fraser Island is a must on your travels as its the world’s largest sand island. It also boasts a 75 mile long beach! Finally, make time for the famous Airlie Beach along the way, which is your gateway to the absolutely stunning, paradisiacal and unspoiled Whitsunday Islands where you can soak up the blazing sun on the white sands and cool emerald waters, and maybe take an excursion to the Great Barrier Reef.
Begin your awesome Australian road trip of a lifetime now at
www.mightycampers.com.au
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NORTHERN TERRITORY
Three Day Kakadu & Litchfield Tour This jam-packed 3 day tour offers you experiences like never before. Meet tropical waterfalls as you begin your adventure. Learn aboriginal traditions from the LimilnganWulna tribe, cruise the Mary River Wetlands and spot the crocodiles and venture to Urbirr to enjoy the rock art on display. This exciting trip can only get better by experiencing it through 4WD safari. Kakadu is the very best place to seek rich landscape, interesting culture, and unique history. Absorb the stunning nature by staying in a safari tent. Sleep under the clear sky with your meals all sorted: two breakfasts, three lunches and two dinners are all included in the price of the tour. On day 1, as you say goodbye to Darwin, you will travel deep into Wulna County, only to be received with a warm welcome or ‘Cul Cul’ by the Limilngan-Wulna people. After sharing their amazing Aboriginal culture with bush tucker talks, have a go at the didgeridoo and some tricky basket weaving. Next, be ready to snap your camera as you visit the Mary River Wetlands system on a billabong cruise, viewing the highest concentration of saltwater crocodiles south of the equator. The afternoon leads to Kakadu National Park, World Heritage site. After a challenging hike in Maguk, have a refreshing dip in the plunge pools of Barramundi Gorge.
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Day 2 is where the 4WD action really picks up. Jim Jim Falls is the next highlight, as you enjoy the stunning views of the 200m natural wonder. With a chance of free time, explore, swim or rest on the white sandy beach. Post-lunchtime, discover the wonders of Aboriginal rock art at Ubirr with a helpful guide who explains the history and culture behind these incredible paintings. For sunset, you will head to the peek of a rocky lookout, and fall in love with the view over Nardab Floodplain. The last day begins in Litchfeild National Park. Scattered with waterholes and waterfalls, it’s the perfect location to absorb all the tropical nature, particularly Florence Falls, Wangi Falls and Buley Rockholes. Feast on a delicious picnic lunch, wonder through the overgrown rainforests and cool off in one of the swimming holes. Sadly all good things have to end. However as you head back to Darwin, there is the option for one last night out with your new tour friends. Say farewell to this incredible trip in style. For more info and to book, visit: www.kakaduwild.com.au
From Alice Springs To Darwin Some of the world’s best-kept landscapes and wildlife are tucked away in the Australian Northern Territory. The glorious scenery on display make this vast region a desirable destination for any camping enthusiasts, but its vastness makes it difficult to plan and execute a well-organised, thorough trip. But fear not, as Mulgas Adventures offers expertguided tours that cater to both expert campers and camping newbies. The Alice Springs to The Rock to Darwin tour is the ultimate 5-Day camping adventure that will take you from the remote, charming Alice Springs to the Northern Territory’s capital, Darwin. A guided walk at the base of the UNESCO World Heritage Uluru, a relaxing swim in the scenic Mataranka Thermal Springs, and a journey through the majestic Kings Canyon rim trail only begin to scratch the surface of this in-depth tour. The expert guides will usher you through every step of the way to ensure your safety and full experience, along with historical and local insights regarding each stop. Aside from a full-scope
knowledge of the area and some of the best views in the world, this package offers a range of exciting activities that will bond you with your fellow campers and unforgettable experiences including camel rides, campfire fun, traditional bushtucker meals, and nights sleeping under the stars. This 5-days and 4-nights tour package combines the 3-day Uluru camping tour with the Alice Springs to Darwin Express meaning you get to save money whilst experiencing this incredible journey. This package tour comes with a free night in dorm accommodation at one of the selected Alice Springs hostels, a free camel ride, and 8 complimentary meals. What’s more the tour is also reversable so if you can see all of the aformentioned when starting in Darwin! The Alice Springs to The Rock to Darwin Package Tour is just $629 per person and departs only between March and end of October only. For more information visit www.mulgasadventures.com.au
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Step into...
Kakadu National Park Embark on a 3 day adventure in the wilderness and explore Kakadu National Park! With Territory Expeditions adventure, you can see all of the main attractions such as Jim Jim Falls, Twin Falls and Ubirr Rock. Departing from Darwin, day one will kick off with a wildlife cruise where you have the chance to see crocodiles and unusual birds. This is the perfect photo opportunity, so don’t forget your camera! But that’s not all. On the same day you drive straight toward Kakadu National Park, and have a picnic lunch on the East Alligator rivers bank (not too close though!) Here you have the opportunity to see some crocodiles, and also flying foxes, known to be the largest bats in the world. Next you will head over to the ancient rock art, Ubirr Rock, and see the incredible views over the Nardab floodplain. Finish off the day with a tasty dinner and camping under a canopy of stars in a 34
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safari camp, and getting some rest for the next day’s activities. The following day, experience some 4 Wheel driving to Twin Falls, where you will get to take the amazing escarpment walk to the top of the falls for a dip in the crystal clear pools. A climb up Budjimi Lookout offers spectacular views of the ancient Arnhemland escarpment and a 1km walk through monsoonal vine forest will truly take your breath away. Do some more swimming in the plunge pool at the base of Jim Jim Falls to cool yourself down after the day’s adventures. On your final day of the 3 day tour, you get to learn more about the local Aboriginal people of Kakadu at the Warradjan Cultural Centre and head to Barramuni Gorge for a walk to its crystal clear waters and a plunge pool. For only $615, you can experience all of this and more. All food and water, tents, transport and camp fees are provided, so you couldn’t really ask for much more. Just make sure you bring all of your essentials – a swimming costume and good walking shoes are a must on this park adventure! To book your 3 day adventure tour visit
www.territoryexpeditions.com.au
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Festival Meets Adventure With Kakadu 4WD Safaris Explore the wanders of the Top End and immerse yourself in the rich culture of the Northern Territory in Barunga and beyond.
After the festival, the tour heads to Nitmiluk Gorge for a river cruise. The stunning expanse of Nitmiluk National Park boasts impressive sandstone gorges and magnificent waterfalls that have been carved by the Katherine River. The park provides plentiful opportunity for adventure activities such as canoeing and exploring the waterfalls and rock pools. The area is owned by the local Jawoyn people, meaning the land is steeped in Aboriginal history. From Katherine, the tour ventures to the iconic Kakadu National Park. Unleash your inner explorer with intrepid hikes and observe the diversity of native creatures. The magnificent waterfalls of Jim Jim, Twin & Maguk are focal
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points of the park, and attract hundreds of adventurers every year. The next morning the tour heads to the northern region of Kakadu for another day of cultural immersion. Join the Guluyambi Cultural cruise and hear stories from the local Aboriginal guide. After marvelling over the ancient Aboriginal rock art at Ubirr it’s onwards to Litchfield. On the last day, you will have the chance to explore & relax in the waterfalls of Litchfield National Park before returning to Darwin’s Mindil Beach Markets – a great way to finish off the Top End expedition. If time is of the essence then don’t despair as Kakadu 4WD Safari’s also offer 3 Day tours to Kakadu. Book your spot on this 6 day adventure that runs exclusively from 11th June for $1,365AUD. Find out more at www.kakadu4wdsafaris.com
Image courtesy of Barunga Festival
Combine the Barunga Festival with all the delights of Kakadu, Nitmiluk and Litchfield National Parks with Kakadu 4WD Safari’s 6 day Barunga tour. The tour begins at Barunga Festival – a celebration of native Aboriginal cultures and the spirituality of the region. You’ll camp for the night before spending the day taking in the cultural workshops, dancing ceremonies, didgeridoo making classes and all that the festival has on offer, as well as enjoying music from local talent as well as international artists such as Courtney Barnett.
Surf The Canopy Flying between the treetops on a zipline course 20 metres above ground, this amazing experience gets you up close and personal with Cape Tribulation in Tropical North Queensland. Bundled with other gems in the region, these tours are second to none and will provide one of the best weekends of your life. Jungle Surfing offer great overnight packages as there is just so much to see and so in the Daintree region. If you’ve got a few days, why not experience their Go Troppo (budget) and Go Wild (premium) packages. Both offer a range of accommodation options in Cape Trib and activities including the iconic Wildlife Habitat in Port Douglas. Tropics Explorer offer budget overnight packages with a range of accommodation options in Cape Tribulation plus optional extras. For the extra mile, book a Tropic Wings Coach Tours, a fully inclusive tour with all meals, guided walks, a Daintree River cruise and Wildlife Habitat, and accommodation at Ferntree Rainforest Lodge. If you’re limited for time or you have already sorted your own accommodation, you can still participate in Jungle Surfing on one of these exhilarating tours. The Go Jungle Surfing Full Day Tour departs Cairns, Northern Beaches and Port Douglas daily and is operated by Tropic Wings/Jungle Tours. This action-packed coach tour includes a visit to Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas, plus the Daintree River Ferry, scenic lookouts, picnic lunch, morning tea plus a Daintree River Cruise, all combined with the thrilling Jungle Surfing experience. Back Country Bliss Adventures are based in Port Douglas and offer boutique small-group tours including the Daintree Adventure Day and the amazing Jungle Surfing Express. If you have something specific in mind, they can also put together a personalised itinerary just for you.
Book now at www.junglesurfing.com.au
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SWIM WITH WHALES IN HERVEY BAY Hervey Bay has long been a whale watching mecca and our Fraser Island & Whale Watching packages are hugely popular with visitors. Many have been on Whale tours, and seen them swimming in the ocean from a distance. But how close have they actually managed to get to them? Well, Drop Bear Adventures are offering a totally unique and new package for you to experience – the amazing chance for you to actually get up close and even swim with the Whales! Hervey Bay has long been a whale watching mecca and Drop Bear Adventure’s Fraser Island & Whale Watching packages are hugely popular with visitors. If you choose to visit Fraser Island between July and October, you’re pretty much guaranteed to see the whales frolicking and swimming just off the coast, as they take a break from their long journey. However, this year visitors are able to exclusively get up close and personal and swim with the whales for the first time on selected whale watching tours. Hervey Bay is now the first location in Australia to allow you to swim with whales. Unlike many other popular whale watching spots across Oz, the whales aren’t just quickly passing through. Instead, they often rest in the calm bay to recuperate from the first stage of their long trip. It is here that they gather enough energy for the homeward stretch, which gives the tour operators ample time to observe and approach them as carefully as possible. 38
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Boats will always have to keep a distance of 100m from the gigantic whales. But this doesn’t mean that you can’t get any closer… If you want the real Whale experience, then why just sit back and watch them? You’re now allowed to be dropped in to the water with other swimmers, and carefully swim up to the whales. For a real “eye-to-eye” experience with these beautiful, giant creatures, then look no further. There really is no other way to get this close to these whales, and what better place to do it than Hervey Bay? What makes this place so special is the abundance of pristine clear waters. It is the ideal place to explore, with lakes, streams, sandy shores, and is a welcome oasis on those hot sunny days. This amazing swim with whales experience may or may not be here to stay, so book yours while you can. Don’t miss out on this incredible experience, this is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity. Imagine coming home and being able to actually tell everyone that you’ve swum with gigantic Whales… Ask Drop Bear Adventures about the option to book a swim on your whale watching tour when you are booking a Drop Bear Fraser Island & Whale Watching package.
Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity! Book your experience now at dropbearadventures.com.au
Thunderbird Park-Australia's Natural High Take adventure to the top at Thunderbird Park, this rainforest playground has it all within an hour’s drive of Queensland’s Gold Coast and Brisbane.
Thunderbird Park on Mount Tamborine is the ultimate adventure destination with the added advantage of great scenery and relaxing rainforest surrounds. This magnificent 112-hectare property is ideal for a big day out, a few days holiday in the hills or a romantic break.
Enjoy a hearty barbecue breakfast with the birds, chill out on the Terrace or dine in style in the Rainforest Grill and Lounge Bar. The Terrace serves light meals and snacks all day every day, homemade pizza from the wood-fired oven is a speciality. Take a break, enjoy the scenery and set up camp on the banks of Cedar Creek. All campsites have a fire pit for cooking and easy access to well maintained amenities.
Come for the day or stay and play. Tackle the high ropes course at TreeTop Challenge and boost the adrenalin with a thrilling ride on the Canyon Flyer, Australia’s highest and longest zip line.
Thunderbird Park shares the rainforest property with Cedar Creek Lodges. Accommodation options range from contemporary rooms to stylish lodges and larger family holiday homes.
Find treasure filled thundereggs formed when dinosaurs roamed the earth, play laser skirmish in the jungle, enjoy a horse trail ride or play a round on the championship mini golf course.
Stay in a stylish two bedroom Creek Lodge or a family holiday home with self-catering facilities or choose a contemporary room. All lodges and some rooms have spa baths and private balconies.
Explore natural bushland along the walking tracks and see hundreds of colourful birds. Lucky visitors may catch a glimpse of Plato the Platypus, Thunderbird Park’s most elusive resident.
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Visit www.thunderbirdpark.com.au to see all the adventures and accommodation specials.
Embark Upon The Ocean Safari Discover the brilliantly blue waters of the Great Barrier Reef and the verdant forestry in Daintree on this exhilarating ocean raft ride. The half day Great Barrier Reef tour takes you from Cape Tribulation beach, where the waters of the Tasman Sea lap lazily on the shoreline. You’ll head off to two different destinations, both ideal for snorkelling and perfect for discovering the unique underwater world. Explore the Great Barrier Reef’s remarkable array of marine life and rare coral on this day trip that takes you to all the best spots. Your trip takes you to Mackay and Undine Reefs - destinations that provide a stunning setting and the perfect conditions for snorkelling. In both these spots there is ample opportunity to take a dip with the native sea turtles, which are typically found leisurely swimming over reefs full of colourful coral. You will also see schools of tropical fish, eagle rays, giant clams and starfish in these parts. Above water, marvel at the view of the Daintree Forest and the dense forestry that stretches along the coast – a striking balance between the turquoise waters and the lush green of the rainforest. The Ocean Safari vessel is based on the original design of a rescue craft and is a rigid inflatable boat driven by 700hp engines meaning you’ll be 42
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zipping along the coastline. The vessel takes a maximum of 25 passengers, so you are free to enjoy this tropical paradise with an intimate group. The tour is also a personalised expedition, with your own skipper who is experienced in guiding punters around the Great Barrier Reef and showing the best of the local habitat. Your guide will always be sure to respect the world heritage sites of the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. The Ocean Safari Reef tour includes a courtesy bus pick up from Cape Tribulation and departs every morning at 8am and the afternoon tour runs from midday. Be sure to confirm pick-up times at least 12 hours prior to departure to avoid disappointment! Book your Ocean Safari at
www.oceansafari.com.au
Explore The Whitsundays’ Best Bits Visit three of the most beautiful locations in the Whitsunday Islands whilst zipping around in an ocean raft! The Whitsunday Islands are made up of 74 unique islands that sit just off the central coast of Queensland. The island’s sandy fringes disappear into stunning shades of indigo and turquoise and make for some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The islands are also home to native wildlife that live amongst the lush greenery on the islands. The conditions are perfect for watersports like scuba diving and sailing and are ideal for an ocean rafting adventure. Of all the beautiful bays and hidden coves the most famous is Whitehaven Beach – a sandy beach that stretches a mammoth 7km. Hop on board an ocean raft and enjoy an exhilarating ride to this iconic beach, whilst marvelling at the pristine snorkelling reefs and the island’s national parks. The inflatable vessels are expertly designed to be streamlined so they can cut through the waters at super-fast speeds, adding to the thrill of the tour. Aside from the ride, there is also the chance for snorkelling at Hook Island and Border Island – locations known as ideal diving spots for their pristine, calm waters. Ocean Rafting also takes you to the off the beaten track parts of the Whitsunday Islands, so you can observe first-hand the island’s only inhabitants – the tropical birds, rare animals and its unique marine life. The option is between the two tours on offer, the Northern Exposure and the Southern Lights tour. The main difference between the two tours is that the Northern Exposure tour allows you to enjoy more time snorkelling, whilst the Southern Lights offers more time for lazily soaking up the sun on the beautiful beaches. Daily tours depart from Apell Point Marina North in Airlie Beach and both Whitehaven Beach tours are also ideal for private charters. Book your Ocean Rafting tour at
www.oceanrafting.com.au
ISLAND HOPPING THE WHITSUNDAYS With 74 paradise islands in the Whitsundays, it is unlikely you’re going to see them all in one trip. Each one is pretty awesome in its own way, all with captivating beaches and unique things to do to fit your individual travel style. So how do you choose which islands to explore? We’ve done all of the hard work for you and narrowed down the best beaches and islands for you to discover when you arrive with the help of Awesome Whitsundays’ Island Hopping pass. Daydream Island This island truly lives up to its name and it’s here you’ll find the Daydream Resort and Spa, and should be on the top of your list. Daydream your day away by the pool, on the beach or simply swimming in the turquoise ocean. Daydream Island also offers water-sports for the active adventurers amongst you. With an Awesome Whitsundays hop-on hop-off day pass, you can take a boat to Daydream Island from just $99pp. Hamilton Island One of the most famous and inhabited islands of the Whitsundays, on Hamilton you’ll find fun activities such as go-karting or taking a spin on 44
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a jet boat! If you’re looking for less adrenalinefuelled activities then you can also cuddle a koala, do a spot of bowling, mini golf, or simply laze around on this charismatic island. Whitehaven Beach Whitehaven beach is the largest island in the Whitsundays. With enticing coves, and the white silica sands blending just perfectly with the turquoise waters, Whitehaven is one of the most visited islands and you can tell why. It can be seen in a variety of ways, however we recommend seeing it with the Awesome Whitsundays sailing excursion. From $159pp, you will sail on one of the word’s fasted commercial sailing catamarans and see many beautiful beaches, while swimming and snorkelling in between. You’ll be taken to the stunning Whitehaven beach to explore, and as soon as you arrive you will see just why it is the most photographed beach in Australia. Airlie Beach Once you’ve visited these stunning Whitsunday Islands, it’s time to party at the famous Airlie Beach. Situated on the Whitsunday Coast, Airlie is the perfect place to use as a base for your Whitsundays holiday. Packed with great places to stay, tons of nightlife and, of course, a stunning beach.
Planning a real Whitsunday’s Adventure, there’s even more to see and do with Awesome Whitsundays... Reef & Whitehaven Adventure On Day 1 you’ll get to explore Airlie Beach and all of its curiosities. The lagoon overlooking the Coral Sea is a highlight. On Day 2, board one of our modern vessels and cruise to the outer Great Barrier Reef. Dive, swim and snorkel with thousands of fish or just watch it all happen around you while you sunbathe on the sundeck. Spend the last day, enjoying the thrill of sailing to stunning Whitehaven Beach. Snorkelling, beach games, a delicious BBQ lunch and all refreshments are included. Awesome Foursome It’s four days of fun on this package, which, on top of the Great Barrier Reef Adventure, Camira Sailing adventure and a day exploring Airlie Beach, also includes Island Hopping. With an extra day and your Island Hopper Pass, you are free to explore more of the Whitsunday Islands such as the wonderfully-named Daydream Island, and the well-known Hamilton Island.
By Bethany Park
Castaway This is the big one; five days, five nights. It includes all activities both previous packages do but your last two days are spent on the Great Barrier Reef, meaning one night’s Reefsleep on our Reefworld pontoon. Watch the sunset over the reef as you sip bubbles, then sleep under the stars in your swag before waking up for a morning swim and snorkel; a spectacularly memorable experience. The coral reefs, rich blue waters, blindingly white sands and stunning scenery makes the Whitsundays an incredible holiday experience so make the most of your time here with one of Awesome Whitsundays’ great packages. Book your Awesome Whitsundays holiday at www.awesomewhitsundays.com
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NSW
Home and Away Flamin’ Galah is working with Channel Seven on the Official Home and Away Tour to Summer Bay. This unique tour to Palm Beach visits the stunning location of the hugely popular Home and Away TV Series, offering an insightful and authentic brand experience. The tour allows fans from all over the world to connect with their favourite show and experience the iconic outdoor locations featured in the hit TV program. On board, fans will be able to capture once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunities, whilst expert guides share their Home and Away knowledge. Guests will be able to re-live some of their favourite scenes from the series, whilst soaking up the Summer Bay lifestyle and enjoying the scenery along the stunning coastal roads of Sydney’s breathtaking Northern Beaches. Visit some of the iconic locations on set, such as Alf’s Bait Shop, the Surf Club and walk along the famous golden beach. With so many beautiful areas to enjoy, this tour is also suitable for nonHome and Away fans as well. During the tour, you will be able to learn things you didn’t know about Home and Away, the area, the production, the filming and the people who make the show possible. If you’re one of the lucky ones, filming at Palm Beach means you may just get a photo with one of the cast or at least see them in action. Next time you watch the show 46
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you’ll be able to visualise the whole process and the place where it all happens. After visiting the stunning Palm Beach, you get to explore the ‘real Australia’. The northern beaches are without doubt some of the best in Australia. Experience the beauty of Whale Beach, Avalon Beach, Bilgola Lookout and more. Capture the fabulous views whilst travelling along Sydney’s unofficial ‘Great Ocean Road!’. You’ll also see some of Sydney’s finest and grandest million-dollar real estate. Depending on season, you may see the stunning whales en route to your last stop in Manly. The tour runs on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. The pick up location is at 1.15pm outside the Museum of Contemporary Art, George Street and The Rocks in Sydney. Manly is the final destination of the tour, where you can catch the iconic Sydney Ferry back to Circular Quay and unwind after your day escaping to Summer Bay. The Official Home and Away Tour to Summer Bay lasts around four hours and costs just $99pp.
Book your tour to Summer Bay at www.officialhomeandawaytour.com.au or call 02 9977 7890
NEW SOUTH WALES
Fun Facts About the Show
An iconic part of Aussie culture for decades, Home and Away has been the most watched serial drama for millions of Australian TV viewers. The lure of the Australian beach lifestyle and the unmissable drama further captivates lots of international fans. The idyllic beaches of Summer Bay are the backdrop to the loves, lives, tragedies and challenges of Home and Away. Summer Bay is the place that makes you feel safe, loved and supported. The place where you know, no matter what the world throws at you, your friends and family have got your back. Together you can face anything! Escape to the quintessential Aussie beach, escape to Summer Bay.
The Whopping Statistics
With so much drama lighting up the show, it comes with no surprise that we’ve seen 23 births, 24 marriages and over 100 deaths on the show!
The Setting Location
It’s pretty well known that the gorgeous set of Summer Bay is filmed up on Palm Beach on Sydney’s northern beaches. But the Summer Bay surf club, the Pier Diner, Alf Bait Shop and the lighthouse are all regular features up on the nearby beaches of Sydney’s northern beaches. The interior shots are now shot right in the heart of Sydney, filmed at the Australian Technology Park in Redfern.
Celebrity Appearances
Do we even need to talk about the endless big names which had their start on Home and Away?! Heath Ledger, Chris Hemsworth, Isla Fisher, Dannii Miogue, Guy Pearce, Ryan Kwanten and more have all appeared on the show.
Hit Single
In the UK, the Home and Away theme song was released as a single in 1989 and hit no 73 of the UK charts.
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explore the
SYDNEY OUTBACK Just 45 minutes out of the city, explore the best of what Sydney’s Outback has to offer. With Sydney Outback you have the chance to explore nature, Aboriginal heritage sites and Kuring-gai Chase National Park – so if you’re looking for a totally authentic experience, look no further. You’ll be sat on a 23 seat Mitsubishi Rosa tour bus whilst on land and on the water you’ll have the chance to board a 52ft power catamaran moored at Akuna Bay Marina in the heart of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. Sydney OutBack’s Wilderness + Aboriginal Explorer Tour + Cruise combines sightseeing with sailing, hiking, finding Aboriginal Heritage Sites, spotting wildlife making for an excellent day’s escape from the city. With access to out-of-the-way gems only frequented by locals, you’ll gain an insight to the real Australia. Sydney OutBack provides tours with a difference. The educated, knowledgeable and friendly guides can help you discover more about what interests you the most in this region, and provide city hotel
pick-ups, transfers and meals for your time in the Sydney Outback. For those picture perfect moments, you can enjoy panoramic views over Broken Bay, Lion Island, West Head, Pittwater and the Central Coast, and learn about shipwrecks, smugglers, pirates, escaped convicts and the area’s important role in WWII. Enjoy a 2.5 hour scenic cruise through the waterways, and imagine how Sydney Harbour looked over 250 years ago prior to European arrivals. This tour includes Aboriginal cultural demonstrations and Aboriginal rock-art sites only accessible by water, including some of the most important rock engravings in Australia. The Wilderness, The Aboriginal Explorer Tour is $199pp, but you can save 20% off this price by quoting bbmlive when booking directly online at
www.sydneyoutback.com.au
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
KANGAROO ISLAND AWAITS Kangaroo Island is an adventurer’s haven. Delve deep into its native bushland, get to know the wildlife, explore the pristine beaches and take in the epic sunsets… This wildly gorgeous destination is just 155km from the East to the West coast, and has a sprawling coastline. If you’d like to discover Kangaroo Island’s abundant wildlife, breath-taking scenery, fresh produce and exquisite wine, then keep on reading… Kangaroo Island Adventure Tours helps you experience the beautiful island in the best way possible, with multiple tour packages to suit you, and accommodation at the spectacular Vivonne Bay Lodge. The comfy, modern and centrally located lodge is set on natural Australian bush land with 1km beach frontage and plenty of long walking trails. It’s the perfect base to explore what this incredible island has to offer, with opportunities to go biking, kayaking, and even sand boarding! If you’re more of an independent traveller, then check out their Kangaroo Island’s self-drive packages. We recommended to give yourself at least three days to explore the island’s best bits if you’re travelling at your own pace in your own vehicle. Depart from the picturesque town of Cape Jarvis, and make your way to the small, pretty country town of Penneshaw on Kangaroo Island. Penneshaw’s stunning beach, Hog Bay, is perfect for those who wish to swim or relax on the beautiful sands. 50
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Penneshaw is just the gateway to so many other places in Kangaroo Island where there is even more just waiting to be explored. From just $147pp, you can have return SeaLink ferry travel to Penneshaw for up to four adults travelling in your own standard vehicle, with one or two nights’ accommodation at Vivonne Bay Lodge and tasty continental breakfast. Bring your own car, or if you don’t have your own with you, then they even offer a package with affordable car hire! If driving yourself isn’t on the agenda then take the 2 Day Kangaroo Island Wilderness Explorer tour available from $436pp. This tour is the ultimate backpacker’s tour! For the more spirited travellers amongst you, this incredible tour takes you to places off the beaten track. On this tour you’ll be in a small group touring Kangaroo Island, and see hotspots such as Seal Bay, Remarkable Rocks, Admirals Arch, Little Saraha and the amazing north coast of Kangaroo Island. This is the ideal way to deepen your true understanding of this spectacular island, get off the tourist track and see how the locals live. The tour includes free hostel or hotel pick-ups in Adelaide, return transfers to Kangaroo Island, tasty meals and amazing lodge accommodation. If you’d rather stay a little longer then you can even stay an extra couple of days in Penneshaw on either side of the tour. Experience the beauty and wilderness of Kangaroo Island by booking your tour at
kiadventuretours.com.au
Touring Tasmania A short hop from the mainland is well worth the journey to discover the wilderness of Tasmania. Breathtakingly beautiful, if you’re looking for adventure in its purest form, this is where you’ll find it. Lucky enough to show visitors just what this island has to offer, we spoke to Andrew West, owner of Under Down Under, about touring Tasmania. Why should visitors to Australia make the hop over to Tasmania? Tasmania is fast becoming the environmental tourism capital of the world, remaining one of the few places on the planet you can visit vast areas of wilderness in its untouched, natural state. With an abundance of breath-taking scenery, Tasmania offers a large variety of different landscapes, environments and eco-systems to explore plus some great wildlife. Whether you are hoping to visit some of the best beaches in the world, climb dramatic alpine ranges, explore dense rainforest and old-growth forests, Tasmania can accommodate and quite often, visitors will find themselves to be the only people present in an area at any one time. Even the largest cities of Hobart have a small-town, friendly feel about them, not to mention the renowned local produce available around the island. What kind of landscapes, activities and experiences can visitors expect? Tasmania tends to offer an experience that is quirky and very genuine. This is evident in the vast array of quality small businesses around the state, offering interesting and unique services, 52
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experiences and produce. Visitors to the state can expect a lot of outdoor activities, encounter a lot of history and a lot of unique fresh food experiences. They can expect to enjoy the raw, wild scenery without the need to line-up or wait among crowds of people to see it. Tasmania is vast – with mountains, beaches and large bodies of water and wild places. Where’s your favourite place to take people to in Tasmania? It’s hard to name one spot – there are so many fabulous places including the iconic Wineglass Bay and the Bay of Fires on the east coast and the wild rivers of the west coast, but I’ve always loved showing people Cradle Mountain National Park. The area is simply amazing, with fantastic short walks, spectacular scenery and abundant wildlife. Cradle Mountain is a must-see place. What would you say is the most surprising thing about Tasmania? Probably just how much there is to see and do, and how large the island is! Even though the population of Tasmania is only just over 500,000, the island land mass is roughly the same size as Austria or Ireland. Along the larger coastlines, sometimes you can walk an entire stretch of beach without seeing another human. Not only is there a lot of wilderness to explore, but there is an abundance of art, culture, history, food and wine to enjoy, award-winning distilleries and breweries to test and some of the best fishing waters in the world. Where’s the best photography spot? There are honestly too many to mention, but one of the greatest views has got to be from the
summit of Mt Wellington, 30 minutes from Hobart CBD. Are there any secret places in Tasmania that you would recommend? The best part of our tours are some of the secret places we know and share. We always try to include a little extra to our itinerary depending on the season. Whether it’s finding the freshest produce at the farm gate or maybe a platypus playing in a river, there’s plenty of hidden secrets to find on the journey. One of my favourite “less travelled” places is the Pieman River. We go there on our tour and each time I visit, I always wonder if I will see a Thylacine (Tasmanian Tiger – supposedly extinct, probably is but we can always live in hope) emerge from the dense surroundings. What wildlife are you more likely to find on Tasmania? The wildlife in Tasmania is special with some unique species along with Tasmania’s versions of some well-known Australian favourites. Fortunately, as we have vast areas of wilderness, you are far more likely to come across these species in their natural habitat. Of course, you can also see the infamous Tasmanian Devil – thankfully still around in the wild, as well as up close in the wildlife sanctuaries around the state. Commonly spotted along our journeys are Wallabies, Wombats, Platypus, Quolls, Possums, Echidnas, Wedge Tail Eagles, Little Penguins, Dolphins and Devils. What is the one must-do activity or mustvisit place that visitors should tick off? Take on the Mt Wellington Descent – a 2.5hour mountain bike ride from the summit of Mt Wellington down to Hobart’s waterfront! Or for those who are not inclined to balance a bicycle, take a look at the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA). Even if art is not your normal thing, this place is amazing.
Book your Under Down Under tour of Tasmania with Adventure Tours Australia. Visit them at www.adventuretours.com.au, give them a call on 1300 654 606, like them on www.facebook.com/ AdventureToursAustralia and check out their awesome pictures on www.instagram.com/_adventuretours
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
If you’ve been looking for a fantastic way to tour the West Coast of Australia, then look no further. Integrity Coach lines provide the trip of a lifetime, and what’s more is Integrity is the only coach service in Western Australia that offers this flexible way of travelling, at your own pace. With so many things to see and do along the way, this unique and simple way of traveling is a great way to turn a standard travel journey into an awesome adventure. The hop-on-hop-off tours are the perfect ticketing option for the traveller seeking discovery. From the golden outback to stretches of white sandy beaches between Perth and Broome, you will be able to see everything Western Australia has to offer.
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With unlimited stops at only the best destinations in Western Australia, take advantage of the multiple departures, meaning you can tailor your itinerary to suite your adventure. With no stress and a 12-month expiry, you can take your time and plan the best trip for you. Explore the must-see locations including Coral Bay, Lancelin, Geraldton, Port Hedland and the Karijini National Park in style. Relax in comfort and travel at extremely low prices. The reliable coach service is ideal for locals looking to get around or visitors and backpackers wanting to explore this wild region. For more information and to book your place on an Integrity Coach Liner, visit:
www.integritycoachlines.com.au/ bookings/Hop-on-Hop-off
EXPLORE THE KIMBERLEY with aussie wanderer A place known for its wilderness, rugged mountains and gorges, the Kimberley region of Western Australia has so much to explore. With Aussie Wanderer’s energetic and knowledgeable tour guides, you can begin a tour at Perth and embark on a safe and relaxing journey to one of these fantastic destinations that are available.
If you would prefer a return journey from Perth to Broome, then set out on the 14-day-tour, which involves everything from the 9 day tour but will whizz you straight back to Perth after the trip of a lifetime.
Perth To Broome
Perth To Darwin Safari
Travel from Perth to cultural Broome, with either a 9-day tour from $1545pp or a 14-day return tour from just $1845pp. The 9 day tour and the 14 day tour both entail wildlife interaction, hiking, cool hostels, captivating scenery, so if you’re looking to truly explore Western Australia, then keep on reading. On this journey along the West Coast, you will discover the ancient desert rock formations of the Pinnacles Desert, meet the world famous Monkey Mia dolphins, snorkel the Ningaloo Reef, and peer through Nature’s Window in Kalbarri National Park. Next up you’ll visit the idyllic Cable Beach in Broome where you’ll be able to stroll the length of the beach on the back of a camel. But it doesn’t end there, you will even be able to witness the Stromatolites in Shark Bay and stay at the River Ranch Farmstay.
Looking to travel even further? Then indulge your inner adventurer in 19 days of hiking, wildlife spotting, Aboriginal culture and even more on this Perth to Darwin Safari tour from just $3390pp. Here you can discover the wild and remote Kimberley Wilderness, and see both amazing coastlines and wildlife. Explore the depths of Karijini National Park, wind down on Cable Beach in Broome, and venture along the Gibb River Road, also known as one of the country’s most challenging journeys to explore the wilderness of the Kimberley Region. This trip is truly unique as you get to see captivating gorges, waterholes, working cattle stations, the Bungle Bungles and end at tropical Darwin. Accommodation, transport, meals, attractions are included – you couldn’t ask for any more! Book your Western Australia journey now at
www.aussiewanderer.com.au
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The Kimberley Awaits Discover the captivating Kimberley region on this 9 day overland safari adventure! Leave the open road behind and explore this amazing region on a stylish and comfortable 4WD coach, journeying from Broome to Darwin with Kimberley Wild Expeditions. Witness the iconic Gibb River Road, the vast wilderness of El Questro, Purnululu National Park and the Bungle Bungles. Not only this, but you also get to see the beautiful Kimberley gorges, Bell & Windjana, with water-streaked walls that rise majestically to heights of 100 metres. Fancy the exciting idea of sleeping in the outback? Well, this tour is camping based, so you can soak up the outback air in shared facilities for five nights. The other nights you can take in the outdoor atmosphere whilst bush camping for two nights and enjoy the incredible safari tent for another night. Departing from Broome, the first stop is the Willare Bridge at the Fitzroy River. From here you depart and hit the outback, heading to the Oscar Range and on to Tunnel creek, where a 750 metre tunnel passes under Napier Range. A local Bunuba guide will also be here to share his deep knowledge of the area and cultural stories! The next day you embark on a journey to Windjana Gorge where you can take lots of pictures of the many crocodiles. Following the famous Gibb Road; the dirt track winds through the heart of Kimberley and you get to sample the remote areas of Australia.
During days three and four, you will encounter the Pentecost River and the famous El Questro Station. Next, take a hike in the crazy Cockburn Ranges for a swim under the waterfall at Emma Gorge and wind down with an Aussie beer at the station bar for the true Aussie experience. On days five and six, you will be able to see the enchanting scenery at Purnululu National Park. Admire the stunning surroundings of the Carr Boyd and Durack Ranges before catching the sunset over the Osmond Ranges. Towards the end of your trip you will enjoy an overnight bush camp before snapping away at the Bungle Bungles rock formations and the views of Echidna Chasm and Cathedral gorge. If you dare, then you can even take a helicopter ride and see it all in a completely unique light! The final parts of the tour take you to Lake Argyle, Australia’s largest manmade lake, before delving into the Northern territory to reach the Katherine Region. Take a relaxing dip in the refreshing Edith Falls before departing to Darwin – you’ll deserve it after this crazy adventure! If you’d rather begin in Perth and end in Darwin, then that option is also available and you can check out the itinerary online. With Kimberley Wild Expeditions you won’t even have to worry your food, it is all sorted with 8 Breakfasts, 9 Lunches and 8 Dinners included in the price. Book your ticket for this epic 9 day tour from only $1995 at www.kimberleywild.com.au
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GLOBAL TRAVEL
The Big Indochina Adventure With Contiki 25 days, 4 exotic countries, explore the true Asia with this unique Contiki experience. The Indochina Trip covers Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam, offering the perfect mix of culture, iconic sights and chill out time. This huge Adventure is truly one of a kind, incorporating all the hottest spots you cannot miss in this golden region of Asia. The Big Indochina Adventure has rave reviews and five star ratings from previous explorers, so you’re sure to be looked after and guided throughout your trip. The team are experienced and want you to make the most of your travels. Take advantage of their great knowledge and professional sightseeing tours in all destinations.
see the real culture within. On this epic tour 20 of your nights will be spent in 3-star hotels, 2 nights in a guesthouse, 1 night on an overnight train and 1 night on an overnight cruise, meaning you’ll always be comfortable and enjoy a well deserved rest after exploring all day. Combining sightseeing and adventure, what more could you want? You’ll even get to stay in authentic accommodation with local families in the Mekong Delta, and enjoy a rare opportunity to sleep on Contiki’s own private boat, moored in Halong Bay itself.
With 6 included flights to get you where you need to be faster, you’ll have more time on your hands to be able to explore more, and that is what this is all about.
For those who love their food, you can tuck into delicious local cuisine and learn how it’s done whilst in this spectacular part of the world. Some of the top highlights of this tour include giving Alms to monks in Luang Prabang, dinner at Friends restaurant in Phnom Penh and fishing with local Mekong Families in the Mekong Delta. Nothing is better than feeling at one with the local people, getting to grips with their culture, and taking in the divine landscapes.
Travel these alluring destinations on private coaches and local transport. With 24 nights accommodation, you have ample opportunity to
Beginning your expedition in the hustle and bustle of Bangkok, check-in to your hotel, meet your fellow travellers and head straight out to explore
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the undulating city. With the buzz of tuk-tuks flashing past, street side BBQs, traditional long-tail boat cruises and over 50,000 places to eat from including noodle stalls to gourmet restaurants, Bangkok is a feast for the senses and a wonderful way to welcome you to Thailand. Next you’ll visit the Royal Palace with its 61 acres of towering spires: Bangkok’s most spiritual hot spot, not forgetting the no.1 Buddhist site in the country, the Emerald Buddha Temple. Your Local Guide will show you the epic murals, incredible architecture and tell you about the visiting pilgrims. The day ends with a trip to Klongs canals, said to be the ‘Venice of the East’. Laos will allow some truly off the beaten track living. Experience the rural traditional lifestyle and stay in a simple guesthouse. Siem Reap in Cambodia is also an incredible sight to behold. The jaw-droopingly beauty of the Angkor Wat Temples boasts the largest religious monument in the world. Ho Chi Minh City delights Day 15 of your journey. As Vietnam’s capital and an up-and-coming metropolis of urban activity, it’s packed with pagodas, roadside shops, xe om (motorbike taxis), high-rises and reminders of the Vietnam war. Ho Chi Minh’s markets are second to none. Stalls spill out in all directions and anything from Vietnam’s iconic conical hats to jasmine incense are up for sale, so get haggling. The markets are also a great place to try some simple and tasty local foods from a push-cart kitchen. Order a whole lot of different snacks and dishes like pho (noodle soup), nem rolls (fresh spring rolls) and chao bo (grilled beef skewer with lemon grass) offering a real treat for your tastebuds. Cruise the Mekong Delta on traditional boat and take in Vietnam’s major rice producing area, where you’ll see local fruit farms, floating markets and the everyday life on Vietnam’s waterways.
As the trip nears to an end, you’ll visit Nha Trang, famous for its sweeping, golden beach, turquoise waters and fun water sports. With the optional treat, revitalise yourself in a mineral mud bath and hot thermal springs. Halong Bay is one of the final destinations to absorb before the journey sadly comes to an end. Board a Chinese-style junk boat for an overnight cruise through the absolutely stunning waters of this UNESCO World Heritage-listed site. Here, you’ll pass hidden coves, sheer cliffs and stunning beaches before arriving at the Sung Sot Caves. Stop for a swim in an idyllic remote lagoon and dock at Dao Ti Top for sunset. With a whopping 5 World Heritage Sites to see, explore a local night bazaar, visit the vine-covered Ta Prohm temple, as seen in ‘Tomb Raider’, experience the underground tunnel network built by the Cu Chi guerrilla fighters over the course of 40 years and take a dragon boat down the “Perfume River” to visit the Thien Mu Pagoda.
If the The Big Indochina Adventure With Contiki appeals to the explorer within you, book now at www.contiki.com.au or give them a call on 1300-266-845.
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One Week in Southeast Brazil
You have some well-deserved holiday time coming up and you fancy sampling the wonders of South America. Do you want to soak up the sun on soft golden beaches? Gaze at some of the world’s most iconic landmarks? Wander the streets of quaint colonial towns? Fortunately for you, this can all be done in a single one week trip to the south-eastern corner of Brazil.
Online South American travel agency Daytours4u and their network of destination brands have crafted a one week itinerary that promises untold authentic travel experiences in three stunning Brazilian highlights. Three Days in São Paulo, Brazil’s Cosmopolitan Megacity Its midday and you have just arrived in the mega metropolis of São Paulo (there are daily direct flights from New York, Chicago, London, Santiago, and Buenos Aires). Make yourself at home, get your bearings, and set off into the heart of the city. It’s worth mentioning here that São Paulo is simply massive – an intimidating concrete jungle that even the most ardent travellers find difficult to master, but don’t let that inhibit your intrepid impulses. Begin your Brazilian adventure with a half day sãopaulo4u city tour. Take in the beauty of Ibirapuera Park, a fine piece of landscape architecture home to a collection of museums and performance spaces designed by renowned modernist Oscar Niemeyer. Amble down the famous Avenida Paulista; visit the imposing Metropolitan Cathedral, one of the largest neogothic structures in the world; and stop at the Mercado Municipal, a covered market specialising in exquisite edible delights. Go easy tonight with a quiet dinner in the trendy Vila Nova Conceição neighbourhood.
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Day 2 and you can take things at a relaxing pace – stop by Beco do Batman (Batman’s Alley) and Beco do Aprendiz (Apprentice Alley) to marvel at the graffiti, head downtown to discover the city’s rich architectural offerings, and then call on the São Paulo Museum of Art for a glimpse at some truly wonderful art collections. In the evening, dine late as the locals do, and enjoy some live Brazilian music in one of the many bars or clubs. There is no time to sleep in on your third day as you’re up early and out uncovering the wonderful nearby coastal attractions of Santos & Guarujá in the hands of sãopaulo4u. The Pearl of the Atlantic, as Guarujá is nicknamed, is a place of gorgeous white sands and makes for a perfect mini getaway from the big city – jump the waves and soak up some rays before travelling back to the city for another night of fine dining. One Night in Paraty, Brazil’s Hidden Colonial Gem The tranquil haven of Paraty is next on the agenda. The short journey eastwards along the Costa Verde is a joy in itself: weaving between mountainous rainforest with the azure blue waters of the Atlantic shimmering to the right. An array of fabulous accommodation options await in Paraty and instead of booking a hostel, why not take the opportunity to stay in a typical Brazilian pousada. The popularity of these boutique guesthouses has soared in recent years due to their individual uniqueness. Settle in quickly and hit the Old Town where you can spend the whole afternoon dipping in and out of independent art galleries and admiring the centuries-old colonial architecture that remains tremendously well-preserved. Alternatively, if you fancy exploring the Mata Atlántica, reserve a place on the rdj4u Waterfalls Jeep Tour and soak in the beauty of this rich tropical paradise. Three Days in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil’s Seductive Tropical Paradise Rio de Janeiro is an attack on the senses – the city offers pretty much everything a traveller could wish for. Begin with some sightseeing and a trip to the top of Corcovado Mountain where you will find the welcoming embrace of Christ the Redeemer.
The statue is situated in the middle of Tijuca National Park, so once you are done glaring in awe at the vistas, take a stroll through the world’s largest urban forest and savour the sights and sounds. Day 6 and the draw of Copacabana can no longer be resisted: don your most revealing swimsuit and plonk your body on the sun-kissed sands. Saunter over to a beachside kiosk when you get hungry and be sure to wash down whatever you eat with some cooling coconut water. As the sun starts to descend towards the horizon, make your way to
the summit of Sugar Loaf Mountain and simply stand in amazement as you watch the city come to life under the cover of darkness. On your final day, it’s all systems go. Continue topping up your tan on the beaches of Ilha Grande, slip on your dancing shoes for a private samba class, cruise around the city on two wheels, or get adventurous with some ocean kayaking – whatever you do, don’t hold back, for tomorrow you are back to the humdrum realities of everyday life. From São Paulo to Rio – an extraordinary journey. Book your Brazilian tours now with Daytours4u. Contact them at hola@daytours4u.com to receive personalised assistance, or book online by visiting their brand websites saopaulo4u.com and rdj4u.com
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Vino And Tango With Green Toad Bus
This trip sums up all that we love about this incredible part of the world. The Vino and Tango route with Green Toad Bus is a celebration of the continent’s red wine production that courses through the veins of every Chilean and Argentinian. The trip also rejoices in tango - that quintessentially Argentinian dance style which seems to come oh so naturally to the natives. Hop aboard Green Toad Bus’s tour and experience the best of these beautiful South American countries with enough wine to keep you nicely topped up for 8 days! The trip begins in the buzzing metropolis of Santiago - the capital of Chile and a cultural hub of cosmopolitanism nestled in an impressive, mountainous setting. Explore the city’s rich arts scene, the epic nightlife, and get to know your fellow travellers before leaving behind the jagged, snow-capped mountains of Santiago and crossing the border through to Argentina. The first stop across the border takes you to the wine capital of Argentina (if not, the world), 62
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Mendoza. This stunning region is abounding in leafy vineyards that produce a staggering twothirds of the country’s entire wine population, and is the source of Malbec wine which is a favourite amongst knowledgeable wine connoisseurs. Mendoza is situated in the eastern foothills of the Andes Mountains, which mean the vineyards are planted at some of the highest altitudes in the world and are surrounding by dramatic, mountainous scenery. Spend your time in Mendoza whiling away the days hopping from vineyard to vineyard. For a speedier way to get you around town, rent a bike from a local tour operator and whiz around the vineyards whilst taking in the majestic, panoramic views of the Andes Mountains.
After exploring Mendoza, the route then ventures east to the colonial heart and geographical centre of Argentina – Cordoba. This city lies in the heart of the romantic-sounding Sierra Chica Mountains, and is a firm favourite for backpackers travelling the gringo path. Holiday makers flock to this city year in year out for its architectural reminders of Spanish colonial rule that give the city such colour, character and vibrancy. Corboda is also a popular spot for art-lovers who are attracted by its plethora of art galleries. By night, the city boasts a reputable 24 hour party scene. After discovering all this city has to offer, the Green Toad Bus heads to the eastern coast of Argentina to culture and party capital - Buenos Aires. This city is exactly how you’d imagine the capital of Argentina – a concentration of all that is great about this marvellous country in a hip, urban setting. The city has a truly European feel, and is a goldmine of quirky bars and is home to treasuretrove antique shops where you can find some great bargains. Buenos Aires comes alive in the evenings with bustling restaurants and bars and musicians take to the streets to showcase the best in live music from local talent. The city is, of course, the birthplace of the steamy strut that is the tango and is a mecca for carnivores making it a popular stop for backpackers on the gringo trail. Enjoy this electric city before the trip culminates for one explosive night of tango, including a lesson from the professionals, a delectable Argentinian dinner (most likely steak-orientated) and red wine galore to help bid farewell to your Latin American adventure and fellow travellers!
Book your spot on board the Vino To Tango Hop for just AUS $450 or £235 at www.greentoadbus.com
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Explore the best of the Philippines
The Philippines, a tropical country with over 7000 islands, is every traveller’s dream and adventurelover’s paradise. Characterized by emerald-coloured rice terraces, friendly locals, bustling and lively cities and an overall laid-back charm, this country will romance you leaving you blindly in love.
The best way to really appreciate the true paradise that is the Philippines is to take an island-hopping adventure like Bamba’s Philippines Island Hopping 14D/13N. This spectacular 14-day trip takes you through the Philippines as you hop from one island to the next with a wealth of adventure activities to choose from. Make unforgettable memories on this oncein-a-lifetime trip to pristine islands where you can snorkel, scuba dive, trek, mountain bike, zipline, kayak or simply forget about the worries of life in this breath-taking paradise. Savour mouth-watering Filipino cuisine by sinking your teeth into a fresh-fish lunch in the shade of a giant palm tree. Then, take a nap in a hammock as you recharge your batteries for an exciting zip lining or mountain biking adventure that awaits you in the afternoon! There are a wealth of adventure activities waiting for you in the lush countryside scattered across the islands to get your adrenaline pumping and experience this country to the fullest! Make sure you come at the right time of year so your trip is full of sunny skies (and you avoid the day after day torrential rains during monsoon season). From July to September the monsoon pours over the western part of the
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known as an adventure-lover’s paradise complete with any adventure activity you could imagine. Try your luck at kiteboarding, spelunking, canyoning, kayaking, surfing, scuba diving, wakeboarding, whitewater rafting, rock climbing, ziplining, mountain biking and more! Short on time? Check out the following adventures that take you for a quick peek at some of the Philippines most intriguing highlights!
Palawan Getaway 5D/4N - Enjoy an island hopping tour to El Nido beaches - Explore an underground river in Puerto Princesa - Forget about life on the beautiful island of Palawan
Cebu & Bohol Discovery 5D/4N - Visit the twin cities of Cebu & Mactan - See the stunning chocolate hills in Bohol - Enjoy free time to explore on your own
Manila, Tagaytay & Pagsanjan Discovery 5D/4N country. Choose to travel in the east during these months and save the west for October through June. No matter the time of year, the Filipino culture is always alive and upbeat, one of the most attractive draws of this country for foreign travelers. Wander through the streets of former Spanish colonial towns with stunning SpanishFilipino architecture, cobblestone streets and stone buildings. Slip into an old church to escape the heat and awe at the preserved architecture. Let yourself be captivated by the friendly local charm and smiley kids that will cross your path. Outdoor fanatics and nature-lovers won’t have a dull moment in the Philippines. The country is
- Enjoy trekking to the Taal Volcano crater - Row a canoe on the Pagsanjan River to the Falls - Explore the city of Manila on a tour & during free time
Northern Philippines Highlights 8D/7N - Trek the Taal Volcano & see Manila City - See ancient burial caves in Sagada - Admire rice terraces and local villages Find out more about our Philippines tours at www.bambaexperience.com or send us an email at sales@bambaexperience.com
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Authentic Biking Adventures With Faralong Tours
Have you ever thought of exploring a new country by bike? Well, if you would like to get up close and personal with remote areas, local villages and tribes people, then you should probably consider going on one of these amazing bike tours…
North West Thailand
If your ideal travel destination is somewhere with jungle-clad mountains, vast valleys and rushing rivers, then look no further than North West Thailand. This area is a really ideal place to go biking, even for those who are less advanced cyclists, and it is a great way to get up close and personal with the area’s best sights and captivating landscapes. With Faralong, you could go on a 10 day bike tour that allows you to see hill tribe villages and national parks. Beginning in the northern capital Chiang Mai, you will continue onto other mesmerising destinations in Thailand and cycle through its pristine landscapes. Sample Thai cuisine, meet locals, have long-tail boat rides through the waterways and cycle up to the White Temple in Chaing Rai, for just £1063pp.
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Myanmar
This mysterious country is full of cultural temples and colourful scenery. Spend eight days on an active cycling holiday with Faralong to visit the highlights of Myanmar and take in the varied terrain. Travelling around by bike means you get closer to the people and the country, and get the full authentic experience. With Faralong to guide you around Myanmar you will get the chance to witness the wonders of Mandalay, the temple ruins in Ancient Bagan, Mount Popa, and experience the local culture at close range. Book your Myanmar cycling tour for just £1236pp.
Kruger in South Africa
If you’re after something a little more unique, then why not spend 5 days immersing yourself in the African wilderness of Kruger. This starts with a visit to a traditional homestead to experience the Shangaan’s of Lulekani’s way of living. You’ll then visit a local school as well as a sangoma or traditional healer. Try some local cuisine and the Amarula Liquor! Next up you’ll embark on a 40 km cycle along the Letaba River by following the dry Malopeni River bed until it reaches the river. From there, follow the Letaba River to the campsite in the riverine vegetation along the southern bank. This tour gets you up close and personal with the African wildlife and also includes a night camping in the world famous Kruger National Park. You’ll awake in the morning to your guide unveiling all that has passed by in the night as they identify the tracks left by the animals before breakfast, before more cycling and incredible knowledge of the wildlife being imparted to you by your guide. For just £1323pp, you can cycle the park, camp under the African skies, see the real South African bush, and even visit the Lulekani Township. Book your cycling trip of a lifetime now at
faralong.com
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Dive Into The Tropical Paradise of Koh Tao
With Thaintro you can experience Thailand in a group tour, and it is the perfect way to begin a backpacking or gap year adventure. Starting in Bangkok, and moving on to explore islands, ancient temples, luscious rainforests, crashing waterfalls, and elephants before finishing on the beautiful island of Koh Phangan. But what next? Well, Thaintro have some unforgettable add-on trips that you can do after your group trip. So, how does learning to dive in the paradise that is Koh Tao sound to you? This small yet captivating island is one of the best diving spots in South-East Asia and you can even earn your own PADI Open Water Dive Certification to take home with you! This add on package offered by Thaintro includes another 4 nights accommodation, a PADI Open Water Dive Course, 6 SCUBA Dives, all equipment, and a Western Dive instructor.
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With a plethora of kaleidoscopic marine life for you to see, this premier diving location is the best place for you to truly get a real Thai diving experience. The water temperatures here vary between 29 – 31 degrees celsius all year round, and are home to turtles, coral, scorpion fish and starfish. Not only this, but if you visit between November and April, you might even be able to witness the gigantic Whale Shark, which is a seasonal visitor to the shores of Thailand. Diving in this ocean cavorting with sharks and rays in a playground of electrifying neon coral is totally unforgettable, and after your Thaintro trip, we are sure you won’t be able to resist this. So why not book your Thaintro group trip now to explore the best bits of Thailand, before finishing off your epic trip by learning to dive in the shores of Koh Tao. Just think of the memories you will take home with you! Book your Thaintro and add-ons now at
thaintro.com
By Bethany Park
Experience the very best of Thailand with a Thaintro group tour…
BIG NAMES ADDED TO SONUS 2016 BILL
The full sixty names that will be packing out the beach-side stages at this year’s Sonus Festival has been announced in all its glory and we’re extremely excited.
Proving once again why it’s the leading party in the techno world, Cosmopop’s beach-side soiree can reveal that Dubfire, Eats Everything, Jamie Jones, Tale Of Us and plenty more have all jumped on board to join 2016’s squadron, making it set to be one of the best years yet! With a solid artillery of heavyweight selectors already on the bill, from the likes of American DJ and producer Seth Troxler, legend in the EDM world Loco Dice and house music sensation Oliver Koletski, Sonus Festival 2016 is looking to be topping this year’s summer festivals in Europe. This August, self-pronounced techno fans will be travelling from across the globe to congregate en masse at this clubbing mecca. Sonus 2016 is set
to be the ultimate pilgrimage for the party people out there. Across an epic five days and nights between 21st – 25th August, Sonus attendees will get the chance to watch internationally revered DJs and live acts in stunning surroundings on the Croatian Island of Pag, which is located just off the coastline. Festival goers will be treated to the best international musical talent from the EDM world, and will get the chance for some incredible beach and boat parties that makes the most of the amazing Croatian setting. For tickets and more information on what to expect at this year’s Sonus, head to www.sonusfestival.com. Tickets are going from €179 and VIP tickets can be purchased for €249, entitling you to the full festival package plus some luxury VIP treatment. For tickets and more info visit
www.sonus-festival.com
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the ultimate greek odyssey
Free and Easy Traveler’s adventures emphasise the importance and beauty of spontaneous travel – feeling free and taking life easy is their core ethos and exactly what backpacking should be all about. On board their spectacular 20-day Grecian odyssey, this philosophy is exactly what you can expect as you leisurely sail the Aegean Sea, visiting 5 of Greece’s paradise islands. The tour begins in the ancient city of Athens. The birthplace of Western culture and a metropolis steeped in mythological heritage – Athens is the ultimate destination to begin your Grecian odyssey. Get to know the city and soak in the history on a walking tour and explore the iconic Acropolis and the Pantheon before heading to the port and venturing south to the paradise Greek Islands. After getting to know your fellow travellers in the capital, you’ll head to Santorini – an island of unparalleled natural beauty. On Santorini, classical Grecian white-walled buildings nestle on its blackened volcanic cliffs and provide a striking setting for some of the world’s most beautiful sunsets. Enjoy a walk down the winding alleyways that make up a web of cobbled streets and discover the striking red and black sandy beaches. On board the tour you will hike the impressive volcano and reach the 70
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highest point in Santorini for incredible vistas of the island in its entirity. Spend a day relaxing on board your own boat and explore the island’s bays. A bus tour of the island is also included, as well as a wine tasting at a local vineyard. After 3 days of some serious beach time, it’s off to Ios, where the Free and Easy adventure continues. Ios is only accessibly by boat, but despite its isolated location, the island is a backpacker hot spot. The island has some of the best nightlife in Europe, and every year party-goers flock to this clubbing mecca for its epic nightlife in a stunning setting. By day, enjoy the vast stretches of beach and the calm waters of the Aegean Sea that lap lazily on the shore. The island is also a hot spot for water sports, so be sure to take advantage of the abundance on offer (unless of course the hangover renders you bound to your sun bed!) After soaking up the sun on Ios, it’s onwards to the dreamy landscape of Crete which makes for a welcome break from the party lifestyle on Ios. Explore the ancient village of Plakias on the south coast of the island and hike the ancient paths to hidden caves and bays that pirates once used to stash their gold and valuables. There is also the opportunity on Crete to discover the unique underwater world of the Aegean Sea with some diving with professionals. You will also get the chance to explore the ruins of the palace of Knossos – one of the earliest cities in Europe before heading to Rhodes. The
island of Rhodes is the largest of the Dodecanese Islands and abounds in beaches, verdant valleys and historical antiquities. Whilst it is the ultimate spot for the history buffs amongst you, the island strikes a fantastic balance between the old and new with a plethora of opportunities and activities such as sampling the local bars and shopping at its bustling markets. Discover the length and breadth of the island on a bus trip that takes you from the Old City to Prasonisi Beach and enjoy the island’s beautiful beaches before heading back to the mainland after what’s sure to be an incredible Free and Easy adventure. If you like the sound of this Grecian adventure, head to www.freeandeasytraveler.com where you can book your spot for $2390.
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Explore The Waterfalls Of The PlitvIce Lakes Hidden away in the vast and mountainous area of Lika, Croatia, is the breath-taking Plitvice Lakes National Park. This incredible park is a sight to behold and well worth a visit for nature lovers. The park is located halfway between the coast and the buzzing capital Zagreb, and boasts 16 beautiful, interconnected lakes and over 90 spectacularly thunderous waterfalls that dramatically cascade and tumble into pools. The waters at the Plitvice Lakes are worldrenowned for their emerald colour that run crystal clear, meaning you can marvel over the colourful, kaleidoscopic fish that swim beneath the surface of the water. The verdant forest and luscious surroundings of the lake also add to the charm of this very special destination. There is plenty of opportunity for budding hikers to explore this expansive national park on foot, with its ample trails and well-trodden paths. As well as the chance for some light hiking, you can also hire a small rowing boat for an alternative perspective of the park. The location is the ultimate spot for outdoor adventure and you will be sure to find your inner explorer as you discover the multiple caves and caverns. Spend a glorious day basking in the Croatian sunshine and wandering across the rustic wooden footbridges and pathways which are positioned around the edges of the park and act as viewing platforms for the optimum panorama. As well as the plethora of colourful fish, you will also witness
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clouds of colourful butterflies that drift by the edges of the water. It’s also not unusual to spot rare species of birds here, and the forests are even home to bears. Visit the Plitvice Lakes before or after a tour on board Koda Sail’s sailing trips that cruise around the stunning Croatian coastline. Visit www.kodasail.com for more information.
How To Sail Greece in Style Scattered throughout the Mediterranean Sea are the Greek Islands, each one a haven of sheltered bays and coves, sandy beaches and coastal caves and cliffs. No matter how stunning the pictures you’ve seen, they just don’t compare to the real thing. Not only are these islands beautiful, rich in history and sun-drenched; their close proximity to each other means that the best way to explore them is by boat, allowing you to get up close and personal with the crystal clear waters that lap lazily on their rugged shores. Now there are plenty of public ferries that will cart you from one island to the other, but public ferries aren’t exactly peaceful and certainly not the quaint Grecian experience. We recommend you ditch the public ferries and explore the Greek islands from your own private deck, and there aren’t many better ways to do so than with Sail in Greece. Specialising in cruises and adventures around Greece, they are a team of experts tailoring your trip to the best it can be. They focus on one country and boy do they do it well, sharing their experiences to ensure yours are truly memorable, in a good way. From the 7 day YOLO cruises to one day booze cruises there is a range of activities for young travellers looking for a good time whilst exploring these incredible islands. Whilst partying is high on the agenda, it’s not all just mindless madness with Sail in Greece. They also promote sustainable tourism, using local
family owned boats and yachts and employing local crew, so you’re giving back too, whilst also soaking up the luxury lifestyle. With specialist staff who are only too delighted to turn their passion for travel into a profession, you’re guaranteed the best service during your experience. Let someone else do the hard work whilst you lap up the sun and enjoy the scenery from a truly comfortable and glamorous deck.
For more information check out www.sail-ingreece.com
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Run With The Bulls In Spain Pamplona. San Fermin. Running with the Bulls. Whatever you call it, this festival is one of a kind and an incredibly unique spectacle to behold. Known locally as San Fermines in honour of Saint Fermin, this legendary festival is a controversial tradition in Spain. However, reserve your judgement until you have travelled to Pamplona and been involved in this time-honoured tradition and felt the national sense of Spanish pride firsthand. The celebration takes place every year in San Fermin from 6th – 14th July and there is so much more to it than just a solid week of bull fighting. For nine days every year, this small and proud city turns into a sea of red and white as hundreds of thousands of people from all over the world gather to celebrate the Spanish culture with music, food, bull running, sporting contests, fireworks, and best of all, sangria fights! The opening day of the festival alone is worth heading to Spain for! The entire city congregates in Pamplona’s centre, dressed in white trousers and matching tops. A pannulo (red bandana) is traditionally tied around the wrist and at midday, traditionally thrown in the air at the start of the festival to mark the beginning. As soon as the fireworks kick off, visitors find themselves surrounded by singing, dancing and some serious drinking. The crowds then spill out into the plaza from the narrow streets and the nine day non-stop party has officially begun. Your
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white outfit doesn’t stay white for very long as you quickly become soaked in sangria! The Bull Run itself takes place early on the morning of 7th July. Runners tactically position themselves early in the day around the city’s streets that will give them the best advantage once the starting shot is fired. Once the run starts, there is no going back. The event of the bull running evolved much later than the actual fiestas, which began around the 13th and 14th centuries and involved young men testing their courage by running in front of the herd as they were led through the city to the bull ring for fighting. Gradually this became more popular and by 1867 the bull running custom was officially included in the San Fermin festival. Why not visit Pamplona, in the beautiful Navarra region of Northern Spain, with First Festival Travel this summer? Spend your days leisurely eating tapas, throwing and drinking sangria, and of course, participating in the celebration of San Fermines with friends, old and new. Visit www.firstfestivaltravel.com to book.
Your Ultimate Spanish Adventure As the sun sets on summer in Australia it’s time to start planning your endless summer by hopping over to Europe. With Stoke Travel, the world is your oyster! Prepare yourself for a trip of a lifetime with dozens of festival and travel deals available for you to discover. The only thing you have to do is decide which epic trip you wish to attend...
Still not enough?! Why not go for 7 all-inclusive days for the Running of the Bulls, BBK Live, and 2 days in Stoke Travel’s stunning coastal SurfCamp in Zarautz for €420!
There’s even a bar right in the centre of town to provide you with unlimited sangria and beers – for only €10 a day! Make friends from all around the world in this completely unique and unforgettable festival.
There are plenty of festivals to pick and choose from, many with all-inclusive packages. Whether you’d like to dance in the famous beer halls at Oktoberfest in Munich, have a legendary boat party in Barcelona or go partying in Ibiza, Stoke Travel have got it sorted for you!
If you’re craving something more, then do not fear. Stoke Travels have made an exclusive package for you! The Running of the Bulls takes place from the 6th until the 14th of July, which just happens to be in the middle of the amazing rock and pop music festival BBK Live in Bilbao. With Stoke Travel you can book 5 all-inclusive days to experience the crazy Running of the Bulls and also BBK Live for just €300.
Head over to see Stoke Travel at the Show for more incredible deals. Why not grab yourself a Stoke Passport whilst you’re at it? With openended and flexible travel options, you only have to book your dates 7 days before your desired arrival to guarantee you place, with free unlimited beer and 3 nights all-inclusive at any of your chosen festivals. Find out more about what Stoke Travel have to offer at stoketravel.com to book.
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By Bethany Park
How about getting involved with the famous Running of the Bulls in Spain this July? Here you can celebrate all day at one of the largest and loudest street parties in the world! Stoke Travel have got it all sorted for you as they will provide you camping accommodation, breakfast and dinners every day.
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Magical Spain, Portugal & Morocco in 15 days Experience the rich history and culture of Spain, Portugal and Morocco in just 15 days with Travel Talk tours for 18-35 year olds. Starting in Madrid and ending in Marrakech, this group tour like no other encompasses chilled coastlines, hectic markets, architecture and adventure. Madrid is touted as one of the most vibrant cities in Spain and for good reason. Upon arrival you’re welcomed with an exotic decorum, historical glamour and artistic delights. We then journey to Andalusia, a region which embodies Spain’s stereotypical feisty reputation – think fiestas, bullfights and saucy flamenco dancers. This region is home to the picturesque provinces of Granada and Seville where we discover numerous palaces, monuments and museums. History lovers, rejoice! Travel via the backpacker’s paradise of Lagos and onto Lisbon in Portugal. There’s more culture and sightseeing before heading back to Madrid to experience the last of Spanish nightlife. Flying from one frantic city to another, we arrive in Marrakech to begin our adventure in Morocco. First up we hit the road, driving to Ouarzazate and visiting a local Berber village. Then it’s onto Zagora at the edge of the Sahara Desert. Buckle up in a 4x4 as we venture to our desert camp to eat together under the stars, watch the sunset over the rolling sand dunes and rest up for camel riding the next day. ‘How’s the serenity?’ has never rang so true.
Once we’ve had enough of desert life, we drive to the resort town of Agadir to soak up the sunshine, do some water sports, feast on the local seafood and check out the nightlife. There’s an overnight stop in the dreamy, hippy town of Essaouira before heading back to the chaos in Marrakech and the famous Djemaa el-Fna Square. Travel Talk’s 15-day Magical Spain & Portugal + Morocco tour starts at £636 with accommodation in 4-star hotels, transport including flight from Spain to Morocco, airport transfers and some meals and activities. Find out more at traveltalktours.com
INTERVIEWS We speak to Carl Cox – the iconic DJ, producer and the champion of techno who is set to bring ‘Pure’ to Melbourne and Sydney for the ANZAC Day long weekend. ‘Pure’ will showcase players from the global techno movement and will feature Carl’s favourite peers. Hey Carl, thanks for chatting to us! How are you this morning? No problem! I’m great thanks.
So have you had a good reaction from the public towards pure? I think people are definitely excited about it. I went out to a comedy club last night and the guy that was serving me had just bought his ticket two hours before I turned up, and he didn’t even know I was going to be there! So you can imagine the smile on his face when he randomly got to see me on downtime. It’s not like any festival where you’re swamped by 50,000 people in a middle of a field somewhere, this is something much more intimate.
You said your aim was to support the techno How has 2016 been for you so far? Are you and house community in Australia, does this missing Space Ibiza at all? mean you want to encourage up and coming I’ve been doing a few parties in Australia that I’ve artists? enjoyed this year, and at New Years I played a Well it’s really hard for any DJ to break out with festival in New Zealand called Rhythm & Alps “For their music in Australia. What happens which was fantastic. On New Years Day is that the only way you can basically me to be able I came back to Melbourne to play seen, earn money, cross the Alumbra and had a great response to create something bewaters to play in Europe, is to be to my house and techno music. here in Australia, I feel commercial. It’s the only way. All the parties have been very passionate and also And the biggest problem with amazing and I’ve been enjoying that is, anyone who wants to the summer! This being my last proud at the fact I’m able be successful has to become season at Space Ibiza for me, to put something out on commercial to be successful. once it finishes I will miss it a the doorstep where I So you miss out all the beautiful, lot. Every year on the island since amazing records made from an 1989 I’ve done nothing but play at actually live.” underground point of view. The ideas Space Ibiza, so as you can imagine 27 of Pure festival is to play the best music, years is a large part of your life. and have people listen to the best music possible.
Do you aim to turn Pure into an annual bespoke Carl Cox event or create a brand with it? Absolutely. I think it’s something people can believe in and understand. I live here and I’ve been living here for the last 11 years, so I’m dedicated to the cause of music. This music has been around for a long time, it’s not a phase, it’s here to stay. All we need to do now is nurture it and enjoy what we have for years to come. Now for me to be able to create something here in Australia, I feel very passionate and also proud at the fact I’m able to put something out on the doorstep where I actually live.
Where do you see the future of house music? Well I think house and techno music has just got more understood, as a genre of sound. And the thing is, the sound of this music in the late 80s and the people who were into house at that time are over 50 now, so probably don’t go out anymore. I don’t think much has changed in a sense of what the genre stands for, I just think time has moved on and now people get to understand the true meaning of what house music, deep house or future house is. I guess house is that soundtrack to your weekend, so it’s not going anywhere! And finally, After Pure festival, whats the next step for your career? To be honest, I am going to be stepping down a little bit, from what I’ve been doing for many years. I do want to still become an ambassador and work on my record label. Where I’ve been on the front line, on the decks for so many years, I believe my time has come where I feel I should take more of a back seat, which suits me fine. Thanks for talking to us and good luck with Pure 2016!
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By Suanne Cunningham
We’re really excited about Pure, does your set have any surprises? I have no idea what to expect until I actually get there. The DJ’s we’ve chosen for this one are really amazing! I love that we were able to get in contact with Joseph Capriati, he’s one of the very busiest DJ’s right now and the hottest around, as well as Format:B, the artist who had one of the biggest records that came out in 2015.
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Andrew Maxwell We chat to Irish comedy sensation Andrew Maxwell before he jets off to Australia for the nation-wide comedy festival! Hi Andrew, Thanks for putting some aside to talk to us! I’m actually moving house today, it’s been incredibly stressful but here we are! So you won’t have long to settle in before you’re off to Australia? That’s right, doing the comedy festivals. I can’t remember exactly when – all I can think of right now is packing boxes! But I’m excited for it to kick off. I’ve toured Australia for the last 20 years so I’ve been there as a young man and now as an old man! Although I’ve never been to Perth so I am really looking forward to that although I’ve done all the touristy stuff now – I’ve hugged a koala, I’ve shooed a particularly angry spider out of my hotel room! So you know Oz well! How do you find the Australian festival compares to Edinburgh or your own comedy festival – Altitude? Compared to all of the comedy festivals, Perth, Sydney or Altitude, in golfing terms – Edinburgh is the Open. Anybody can try, all of the other comedy festivals aren’t open and so Edinburgh is just so vast. I mean it’s a decent-sized city of half a million people utterly consumed by the festival for a month, so it just doesn’t compare. You’re known for your satirical and controversial style of comedy, how do the audiences reactions differ internationally? People aren’t offended by what you say it’s more the way you say it or who you are. So I’m interested in current affairs, I also respect that a lot of people aren’t, including my wife, we’ve got a cockapoo puppy and she’s mainly interested in the puppy. There are a wide-range of ways of seeing life. I do have a comedy side that is about current affairs and politics and sometimes controversial. Sometimes I’ll just go on stage and f**k around with the audience so it varies. 78
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So is your material more a spontaneous reaction to the mood of the room or how you’re feeling? Yeah, satirical comedy has to be relevant to the lives of the audience. So for example, in my topical pilot Laid Agenda, I took apart the recent populism phenomenon in politics, but a sunny day in Perth am I going to talk about populism? Probably not! First and foremost I just want make people laugh. It feels f**king fantastic to make people laugh. How do you prepare yourself mentally before you go on stage? I do enjoy a good cup of tea, and I tell you what that’s one fantastic thing about Australia is that they brought the tea with them. A good cup of tea, a quick tinkle and walk out on stage. What’s in the pipeline for 2016? I’m developing a sitcom right now which is in its early stages. Then the UK summer season which means comedy and music festivals. Glastonbury will be a big one I’ll be headlining the comedy tent there. I’ll also be over voicing the filthy juggernaut of an MTV show Ex On The Beach - It’s a filthy series everybody loves it! I guess that’s the other side of me, I mean I am a news junkie and current affairs bore. I’m the only f**ker on radio four and MTV that’s a fact!
Daniel Sloss We chat to Brit comedy sensation Daniel Sloss on the eve of his tour down under which sees him take to the stage at this year’s Australia Comedy Festival. Hi Daniel, thanks for setting some time aside to chat to BBM Magazine. How are you doing? Pretty good thanks!
is very similar to the Edinburgh fringe. I do find that there isn’t much of a difference in sense of humour between the Brits and the Aussies though.
Where in the world are you at the moment? At the moment I’m at home in Edinburgh but I’ll be heading down to London today to do the Comedy Store.
How do you find the audiences vary worldwide, are there some audiences that find your jokes more controversial than others? They hate the word c*** in America! Like properly hate it. It’s only really Australia where that word is heard or used as liberally which is good for me. I find the Aussies are a bit more difficult to offend!
And then Oz? I believe you’re an old hand at touring down under? That’s right, I’ve done Sydney, Perth, Adelaide for the past six or seven years, I’ve been going to Sydney every year since I was 19. I’m an old pro! So it’s your first time at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival this year? Yes – I am so excited for it, I literally can’t wait. Every year for the past couple of years I’ve seen all my mates over there just having the most fun and I’ve always been so jealous so I genuinely can’t wait to go over. Are you going to be doing material from your show Dark at the comedy festival? Yes it will mainly be a mixture of that show but also I’ve got some stuff from other shows to bring to Australia too. I reckon it will be a best-of show really. How do you think the audience at the comedy festival are going to compare to the fringe in Edinburgh? Yes well I hope and imagine the audiences will be very similar – I’ve heard the vibe of the festival
Are you every inspired for new material on your travels? How does material for your shows come to you? I’m a grumpy bastard so anything that annoys me really. So you’re working on a pilot for Warner Brothers Studios, can you give anything away about that? It’s still in the pipeline, whenever I’m over in America we work on the idea, throw stuff about and work on the idea and just see if we can come up with stuff but because I travel so much at the start of the year with Australia, Austria and France, you’ve really got to be over in America to do that so it’s still there but I really need to be there in order to do that. How long are you going to be in Austraila for? I’ll be in Australia for around 2 months, I’m going from Melbourne to Sydney to Perth to Auckland and then back to Perth again I think What are you going to miss from home? My best friends and my family. They tend to be the things I miss the most – I tend to not get as homesick as I do when I’m in Australia just because I’ve been going there for around 6 years. Buy your tickets to see Daniel Sloss at ticketmaster.com.au
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Interviews by Oonagh Turner
Will you be exploring the sights when you head down or is it strictly business? Oh god no, I don’t do touristy things – I’ve been to London so many times I just visit some friends really. Then I’m off to France next week. I’m going to Maribel for some skiing and snowboarding which should be good, I’ve got a bunch of gigs there too.
MUSIC NEWS
Descending on Australia and New Zealand this May, don’t miss Rudimental alongside special guest, Jess Glynne. The boys are heading downunder for their biggest Australian and New Zealand tour to date.
“It’s one of our favourite places to come to. We can’t really speak highly enough of it! Every time we’ve been, we’ve had such a good time.” This May the formidable quartet will bring hits from their latest album ‘We The Generation’ to our shores. With a Mercury Prize nomination and BRIT Award winunder their belt from when they debuted, the world awaited the release of their second album We The Generation with baited breath. And the sophomore release did not disappoint and solidified Rudimental as a global music force to be reckoned with, debuting at #4 on the ARIA Albums Chart and setting airwaves ablaze with unstoppable singles ‘Never Let You Go’ (ft. Foy Vance) and ‘Rumour Mill’ (ft. Anne Marie & Will Heard) and Ed Sheeran collaborations ‘Bloodstream’ and the platinum certified ‘Lay It All On Me’. Bringing a slice of the UK to Australia and New Zealand this May, Rudimental’s electrifying live performances command your attention. Renowned for their work with a multitude of talented instrumentalists and vocalists, their sound really is unique in their quest to constantly uncover up and coming talent. 80
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RUDIMENTAL TOUR DATES Wed 04 May w/ Jess Glynne and Sachi Vector Arena (All Ages) Auckland, NZ ticketmaster.co.nz 0800 111 999 Sat 07 May w/ Jess Glynne and Thandi Phoenix Riverstage (All Ages) Brisbane, QLD ticketmaster.com.au 136 100 Sun 08 May w/ Jess Glynne and Thandi Phoenix Hordern Pavilion (All Ages) Sydney, NSW ticketek.com.au 132 849 Tue 10 May w/ Jess Glynne and Thandi Phoenix Margaret Court Arena (All Ages) Melbourne, VIC ticketek.com.au 132 849 Wed 11 May w/ Jess Glynne and Thandi Phoenix AEC Theatre (All Ages) Adelaide, SA ticketek.com.au 132 849
Special Guests...
Jess Glynne
UK powerhouse Jess Glynne will be joining Rudimental for all Australian and New Zealand shows this May. After making her introduction to the global stage with featured vocals on Clean Bandit’s 4x platinum ‘Rather Be’, 2015 saw Jess Glynne go from strength to strength and go on to become the second British female solo artist in history to have five number-one singles in the UK charts. Her debut album also debuted at the top of the UK charts and reached the top ten in Australia. The album is packed with uplifting beats that have made her songs such as ‘Hold My Hand’ and ‘Real Love’ summer anthems. For the first time, Australians and New Zealanders will be treated to her incredible vocals and storming performances.
Thandi Phoenix
This Aussie sensation hails from Sydney and is certainly on the road to international success after making a name for herself down under. Thandi Phoenix has cultivated a unique soulful sound that has impressed audiences at Bluesfest, Soulfest and Splendour In The Grass this summer. Thandi Phoenix’s current single ‘Come Around’ is the first taste of exciting things to come for the young songstress and sets the tone nicely for her highly anticipated debut EP which is due to come out soon. Audiences on Rudiemental’s Australian tour should count themselves very lucky to be amongst the first to hear from her forthcoming release.
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FUNNY NEWS who led the survey. I guess Match Of The Day must have got really dark recently. The main antagonist for tears is the love of a loved one. But watching an emotional scene on TV gets the tear ducts working with over half of British men. If E.T wasn’t on at Christmas, this number would be half. Gets us every time.
F*ck The Police
A DJ has been fined by the Massachusetts state police for disorderly conduct after playing NWA’s F*ck The Police as they tried to clear a bar. 350 people had crammed into Shenanigans Pub, which has a capacity of 160, and the police had been called to dispel the crowd.
The Man Who Lives With Goats Thomas Thwaits, or ‘GoatMan’, decided human life was too stressful for him so he became a Goat. In his new book GoatMan: How I Took A Holiday From Being a Human Thwaits tells of how he was dog sitting and thought “wouldn’t it be nice to just have a break from all of this stress”. Thwaits was given a grant and so preceded to have prosthetic limbs made and even tried eating grass to adjust his digestive system. He then spent three days on a goat farm, living amongst the goats, before returning to human life.
Officer Juanita Mejias reported “I believed at that time the combination of alcohol, the excessive amount of people in the bar and the song that the DJ chose to play at that time was an intentional act by the DJ to incite the crowd which showed a reckless disregard for public safety,” She went on to say that she asked the DJ, DJ Boogey, to turn of the music and that’s when he played the song. I want to boogey with DJ Boogey at Shenanigans.
Speaking about his experience, Thwaits described it as “special kind of time”. Someone tell Attenborough, we want to see this doc made.
A recent study has revealed that the average UK male cries 30 times a year. The average length of a blub is two minutes 18 seconds. That’s an hour and ten minutes per year. Men are also more likely to cry in public whilst women are more likely to cry alone. “The main reason that modern British man is more likely to cry in public than his father is due to TV dramas that are more realistic, gritty and hard-hitting as well as the last two decades of confessional and counselling-type TV programmes.” Says Psychologist Donna Dawson, 82
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Boy Racer
A 92-year-old man took a wrong turn onto a dual carriageway in West Sussex. A frustrating enough moment at the best of times, but considering his chosen method of transport was his mobility scooter, quite a scary one too. A passer by stopped and called the police and all was quickly resolved. We’d like to think this was his break for freedom, like Steve McQueen on that bike, but in Crawley, slightly less glamorous.
By Tom Bacon
Boys Do Cry
Australian Registered Migration Agent - 0208986
SPORTS NEWS
Striker gets into a dangerous position It was brown-trousers time for Napoli striker Lorenzo Insigne when he stopped at red lights on his way to Naples only to have a motorbike rider pull up and rob him at gunpoint.
But it wasn’t just cash the armed robber was after - he also demanded the shit-scared striker score a goal for him. Sounds like a tactic straight out of the Roy Keane book of motivational manmanagement. The player’s agent Antonio Ottaiano said the robber fled with a Rolex watch, jewels and 800 euros in cash and made the unusual request before a Serie A match against Fiorentina. “Lorenzo suffered a terrible experience and told me that it was a really bad moment,” said Ottaiano.
Fight over footballers ends Messi-ly
Human history is stained with the blood of those killed in the crossfire when different ideologies clash. Whether it’s religion or politics, the cost in human life caused by conflicts between Christians and Muslims or communists and capitalists, can be counted in millions.
Insigne, who has scored 12 goals this season, has been linked with a summer move to Tottenham. Because everyone knows if you want to get away from violent crime, London is the perfect destination.
And now it seems the first casualty has fallen, the first innocent life taken, in the great debate of the modern era – Messi or Ronaldo, who is the better footballer? Sadly, this was the argument that sparked a violent brawl at a birthday party in India which left one man dead. Michael Chukwuma, 21, stabbed 34-year-old compatriot Obina Durumchukwu in a Mumbai suburb, Indian police said. “They were discussing football players.
” Argentina international Messi, 28, is a five-time winner of the Ballon d’Or and generally regarded as one of the greatest players ever to have graced the game. Portugal captain Ronaldo, 31, has only won it three times, but he does have a lovely range of underwear to choose from. You can weigh up those facts yourselves and decide who is the better footballer. Just don’t stab each other while you do it. 84
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Pendleton streaks ahead on debut
The phrase “won by a nose” is quite common in horse-racing circles, but it was another pointy part of the anatomy that had punters squinting through their binoculars at the Cheltenham Gold Cup last month – and we’re not talking about Victoria Pendleton’s nipples. The race had already grabbed more headlines than usual as retired golden girl of British cycling Pendleton saddled up for her first big ride (as a jockey).But it got even more, ahem, exposure on the day when a bloke whipped off his clothes and promptly ran down the course much to the delight of spectators. The 57-year-old, from Coventry, pelted towards Pendleton during the Foxhunter Chase, but was wrestled to the ground by security guards and told to “get on his bike”.
Images by Lo, Lodouic Peron, Paul
One is a fan of Messi and the other was for Ronaldo,” a police inspector said. “During the conversation a quarrel has taken place. The deceased threw a glass into the face of the accused person. The glass broke and caused small injuries. “After that the accused took the broken glass and assaulted the deceased person who died due to heavy bleeding.
fellow” from the club itself, otherwise he’s allowed to go to the press and whinge like a spoilt eightyear-old child. And to add to the growing list of oddball contract clauses is former Liverpool starlet Sebastien Coates’ deal with Sporting Lisbon, which states that he is never allowed to wear red boots. Apparently the club made the demand because of the colour’s association with their bitter rivals Benfica. It’s also been reported that players have been banned from wearing blue boots too, due to the connotations with Porto. At this rate, expect them to be playing barefoot within the next few weeks.
In a scene reminiscent of many an A-Team episode, when no matter how many bullets were fired or cars exploded, no would get killed, West Ham death cheater Ogbonna has spoken about the time he fell asleep at the wheel, drove off a bridge, span 50 times, fell four metres into a river, then emerged unscathed scratching his head saying “dear oh dear, what av I darn?”. OK we made up the bit with the Cockney accent. And the spinning 50 times bit. But the rest is true, and no less remarkable for it. “I’m lucky to be alive,” he said of the incident, which happened in Turin eight years ago. “I was in hospital for two weeks, but it could have been much worse.” And in a bizarre twist, the Cockney accent bit might actually be true after all. Apparently the Italian is taking rhyming slang lessons. “They say something about a steep step and a pair,” he said. “What is that? Oh yes, apples and pears. It’s very confusing. Cockney slang is very difficult, but it makes understanding English much easier.” Would you Adam and Eve it?
Coates puts his foot in it
There have been numerous weird and wonderful contract clauses in football over the years. Who could forget John Terry’s now infamous clause from his previous Chelsea contract, when the club agreed to let him pick one of his teammates’ girlfriends to sleep with. And no one will forget the consequences when Manchester City forgot to honour the fine print in Yaya Toure’s contract that states he gets a birthday cake and a public “for he’s a jolly good
Wake-up call for Bendtner
Legendary Arsenal goal machine Nicklas Bendtner may have moved on from the club years ago but the lightning reflexes and sharpness that made him such a cult hero at the Emirates were on show again at his new club Wolfsburg this month. The dopey Dane was fined 2,250 euros after sleeping through his alarm and turning up for training 45 minutes late. The striker was also punished last month after posting a photo of himself alongside his Mercedes car, when Wolfsburg’s policy only allows employees to turn up to training in a Volkswagen. “I didn’t hear my alarm,” the Denmark international told Germany’s Bild newspaper. “It’s my mistake.” So it’s not just the Arsenal defence that gets caught napping.
Twist and shirt for Klopp
Jurgen Klopp’s transparent attempts to get the people of Liverpool to love him get ever more desperate after he turned up at a press conference not in a tracksuit or smart shirt and tie, but in a Beatles T-shirt. Surely if he really wanted to prove his connection to Merseyside he should’ve turned up in a shell suit and bubble perm? Klopp, who at least hasn’t gone “the full McLaren” by adopting his new club’s accent, turned up to the conference shortly after Liverpool’s victory over Manchester United in the Europa League. Whether it helped endear him to the locals remains to be seen, but it certainly went down well with the press who used the opportunity to squeeze as many Beatles-based puns into their copy as possible.
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News by Richard Gadsby
A bridge too far for West Ham star
CRYSTAL BALLS
Leo Congratulations! You are named employee of the month. You use the opportunity to make a speech about the importance of tackling climate change and the need to reduce the gender pay gap in Hollywood. Always one to back your words with actions, you donate your prize to Jennifer Lawrence. I’m sure she’ll put that $25 gift voucher for Coles to good use. Aries Malcolm Turnbull shocks everyone by not only calling an early election, but also announcing the launch of a futuristic gladiatorial-style contest where people claiming for disability allowance have to battle to the death in a synthetically made arena for the right to keep up their payments. Cancer Hot on the heels of her smash hit political dirt-digging book The Road to Ruin, journalist Nikki Savva releases a new book detailing how YOU were personally responsible for some of the Abbott government’s biggest cock-ups, including Choppergate, Joe Hockey’s controversial first budget, and the decision to dump a billion tonnes of sludge on the Barrier Reef. Gemini You are forced to barricade yourself inside your own bedroom to get away from climate change activists after scientists discover that 50 per cent of global warming is caused by you leaving the bathroom light on just before you go to work. The amount 86
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of methane you release in the bathroom accounts for a further 10 per cent. Pisces Incensed by “Casino” Mike Baird’s lockout laws, you take matters into your own hands by committing as many violent assaults as possible during a rampage through Kings Cross, thus proving once and for all that the new rules don’t reduce violence in the CBD. In fact the stats show that violent assaults have skyrocketed since the new rules, all thanks to your selfless acts of heroism. Sure you get a jail sentence for GBH, but it’s a small price to pay to allow other people to get pissed up at whatever time of the day they feel like. See you in 12 to 18 months. Aries You are forced to barricade yourself inside your own bedroom when Russian forces build-up on the border between your house and next door, which is owned by a Ukrainian billionaire. Vladimir Putin says the move is in response to “continued provocation of the Russian people” and that as President he has a duty to protect Russians everywhere. After two weeks of tense stand-offs, he finally annexes your bathroom using the help of military-trained insurgents and declares the area “part of Mother Russia”. Despite strong protests from the UN, they are powerless to intervene and for the next few months you are forced to dodge Russian snipers every time you go for a piss. Aquarius You break a long-held personal record this month when you have no less than six poohs in one day. Well done. Sagittarius You are forced to barricade yourself in your own bedroom when Kim Jong-Il moves in next door and starts conducting unauthorised rocket tests on
the border between your house and his. You are also woken at 6am every morning by a loud PA system blaring pro-communist propoganda in Korean followed by a military parade where 1000 army personnel march through his living room while saluting their head of state. Virgo Bad news. Your dreams of winning gold at the Olympics in Rio officially come to an end when you miss the deadline to enter the World Archery Championships, one of the main qualifiers for the Games. The fact you have no interest in archery and wouldn’t have been allowed to enter the championships anyway are also major hurdles. Still there’s always 2020. Don’t stop believing. Scorpio The makers of Game of Thrones pull off a huge shock in the first episode of the new series when popular character Harry Potter is beheaded by the Lannisters and a frost giant sexually assaults Katniss Everdeen. The scenes are all the more shocking for the fact that neither character belongs in this particular fantasy franchise. Taurus It’s been 10 months since you last masturbated over Game of Thrones, so it’s with great anticipation and a tub of Vaseline that you wait for the first episode of the new series to kick off with your trousers around your ankles. Twenty minutes in, and just as you’re about to climax over a particularly sexy scene involving a well-endowed dragon and several Dornish slave girls, the shot suddenly cuts to that fat bloke who plays Sam Tarly throwing up over the side of a boat. Worst. Orgasm. Ever. Libra I’m spent.
ASK CRYSTAL
Dear Crystal, I met a bloke on the internet a couple of months ago and we’ve fallen in love. He’s generous, caring and very good to my young son, whose dad is no longer on the scene. There’s just one problem - he has a harmless, but slightly embarrassing, mental issue. He keeps talking about some sort of imaginary deity who created the world and lives somewhere called heaven. At first I thought he was joking, but the next day he brought home a book full of gibberish about some bloke being nailed to a cross for performing a few magic tricks. Trying to be polite, I told him I was more of a “Fifty Shades of Grey” kind of girl, but that only seemed to upset him. Then I found out that every Sunday morning he goes to an old, musty building to talk to this imaginary creation with other fuzzy-minded friends. I’m wondering if I should urge him to get some professional help. I have a young child to take care of after all, I can’t leave him in the care of some nutter who believes in sky fairies. Yours, Mary Dear Mary, I’m sorry to tell you this but this is actually quite a common mental illness that affects a lot of gullible people globally. In this instance, it sounds like a specific affliction psychologists refer to as “Christianity”. There are other variations - Islam, Judaism, Hinduism - but they all share the same
basic delusion, that some sort of magical air creature governs over everything we do. The only cure is to try and use logic and reason to counter their bizarre theories. Sadly this rarely works. Dear Crystal, I met this girl on the internet about two months ago. She’s funny, smart, and has a lovely young son from a previous relationship. The problem is whenever the subject of religion comes up, she becomes an Atheist arsehole and looks down on me just because I’m a practicing Catholic. OK, I get it, a lot of the bits in the Bible are crazy and organised religion has been the reason for some major bloodbaths in the past, but that’s no reason to act like a condescending knowit-all prick every time she catches me on my way to church. What should I do? Sincerely, Barry Dear Barry, I’m afraid this is a fairly common affliction for atheists, with symptoms including smugness, pompousness and a general feeling that they’re “better” than everyone else. The only known cure is to introduce them to a vegan, the one group of people more smug than they are. Unfortunately, sometimes they then become vegan themselves. By that stage, it’s too late to save them and it’s only a matter of time before they complete their transformation into a hipster.
JOKES Lost my watch at a party. Then I saw a guy stepping on it while harassing my girl. I walked up to the dude, punched him straight in the nose. No one does that to my girl. Not on my watch. Alf, Melbourne For Sale: French WW2 rifle Never fired Dropped once Irene, Sydney A Welsh man couldn’t sleep, so he counted sheep. And so the wet dream was discovered. Olivia, Newcastle Christmas is a lot like having sex, the build up is really exciting but when it finally comes, it’s not worth all that money. John, Fremantle
Congratulations to Tu Youyou on winning the Nobel Prize in Medicine and for being the most confusing person to sing Happy Birthday to. Kyle, Richmond Two people have been killed and another seriously injured in a knife attack at an Ikea store in Sweden. Police are currently at the crime scene trying to piece the evidence together. Felix, Perth So I heard that the hackers “Anonymous” are waging war on ISIS and al-Qaeda Ironic that 72 virgins will be attacking the terrorists now! Danni, Geelong
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Best Burlesque in Australia
Australia has some of the best burlesque and cabaret performances and clubs in the world. With so many sexy shows and beautiful burlesque dancers to choose from, its hard to know which way to turn. Whether you’re looking for more traditional acts or the darker side of burlesque, read on as we point you to the best burlesque and cabaret shows in Australia.
Burlesque Showboat Cruise
All board for a fun-filled evening with fine refreshments and talented performers! This cruise-meets-burlesque twist takes place on the beautiful Lady Cutler. The entertaining live show takes place on the upper deck only, but the slightly naughty atmosphere and breath-taking night view of Melbourne surround the entire boat. You can dress up for fun themes like ‘Great Gatsby Burlesque’ and ‘Prom Night’ to get into the spirit. Book your tickets for this monthly show on their website. www.burlesqueshowboat.com.au
The Crystal Bar
Standing as one of the most renowned burlesque bars in the heart of Sydney, The Crystal Bar puts on its infamous Crystal Boudoir Cabaret show on Saturday nights from 9pm to 2am. The venue has a Parisian feel with rouge-hewn sandstone walls and glitzy pink bar backdrop. The dancers are adorned with handmade, sequinned, tasselled costumes, and aim to delight you with their sexy moves. 1 Martin Place, Sydney www.facebook.com/CrystalBoudoir
Slide Lounge
This Oxford Street lounge was voted Sydney’s Number one Burlesque venue by Time Out Sydney and befits its description as ‘the living playground for beautiful people’. The Slide’s sensational shows for the bodily and psychic pleasures will not disappoint. Their most famous Risqué Revue takes place every Thursday night and involves a lavish Parisian burlesque show and a 3 course French dinner. Indulge in this highly acclaimed multi-act production along with the fine French cuisine. 41 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst slide.com.au With various shows around Perth, you can enjoy the very best burlesque from this troupe of performers inspired by the traditional burlesque from the 1920s to the ’60s. This award-winning burlesque troupe has performed in Perth’s hotspots including The Brass Monkey, Charles Hotel, and The Bakery. To learn more about this incredible burlesque experience and see their performance dates visit their website. If you’re feeling really inspired, head on over to take the introductory burlesque courses they offer. sugarblueburlesque.com
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By Serina Lee
Sugar Blue Burlesque Troupe
CLASSIFIEDS
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ADVERTISE HERE CALL 0497 100 731
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THINGS TO DO SKYDIVING
IFLY DOWNUNDER 123 Mulgoa Road, Penrith, Sydney Ph: 1300 366 364 www.iflydownunder.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 SOUTHERN SKYDIVERS 2 hours South from Perth Busselton Ph: 1300 449 669 info@southernskydivers.com.au www.southernskydivers.com.au
SCUBA DIVING
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 DIVE SHED BUSSELTON 21 Queen Street, Busselton, WA Ph: 08 9754 1615 www.diveshed.com.au
ADVENTURE TOURS AWESOME WHITSUNDAYS PH: 1800 293 7663 www.awesomewhitsundays.com AUSTRALIAN KAYAKING ADVENTURES PO Box 1055, Ashmore City, QLD Ph: 04 1294 0135 www.australiankayakingadventures.com.au SKYRAIL RAINFOREST CABLEWAY Cnr Captain Cook Highway and Cairns Western Arterial Road Smithfield, QLD Ph: 07 4038 5555 www.skyrail.com.au CONTIKI Ph: 1300 188 635 www.CONTIKI.COM AUSSIE WANDERER Ph: 0894382070 info@aussiewanderer.com.au www.aussiewanderer.com.au KALBARRI ADVENTURE TOURS Ph: 09 9371677 kalcanoe@wn.com.au 92
www.kalbarritours.com.au NINGALOO EXPERIENCE Ph: 08 99 425 877 manta@ningalooexperience.com www.ningalooexperience.com WILD EXPEDITIONS Shop 20, Johnny Chi Lane, Broome Ph: 1300 73 88 70 www.wildexpeditions.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 DOLPHIN DISCOVERY CENTRE Lot 830 Koombana Drive, Bunbury Ph: 08 9791 3088 dolphindiscovery.com.au FREMANTLE PRISON 1 The Terrace, Fremantle Ph: 08 9336 9200 www.fremantleprison.com.au WESTCOAST JET The Boardwalk, Mews Road Fishingboat Harbour Fremantle Ph: 0403 606 033 info@westcoastjet.com.au www.westcoastjet.com.au KANGAROO ISLAND ADVENTURE TOURS Vivonne Bay, Kingscote, SA Ph: 08 8202 8678 www.kiadventuretours.com.au GOIN SOUTH Four days, two famous Aussie icons, one awesome tour Ph: 1800 009 858 PENRITH WHITE WATER RAFTING Ph: 02 4730 4333 booking@penrithwhitewater. com.au www.penrithwhitewater.com.au DROP BEAR ADVENTURES Ph: 1800 061 156 www.dropbearadventures.com.au FREE MOTION SPORTS 6 Davenport Road, Shoalhaven Heads, NSW 2535 Ph: +61 401934236 info@freemotionsports.com.au www.freemotionsports.com.au OVERLAND TRACK PHOTO TOURS Ph: 04 13 487 644 info@overlandphototours.com.au overlandphototours.com.au
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CROCOSAURUS COVE 58 Mitchell Street, Darwin Ph: 08 8981 7522 www.crocosauruscove.com TERRITORY EXPEDITIONS Ph: 1300 115 922 www.territoryexpeditions.com.au MULGAS ADVENTURES Ph: 08 8952 1545 www.mulgasadventures.com.au KAKADU WILD EXPEDITIONS Ph: 1300 73 88 70 darwinsales@kimberleywild.com.au www.kakaduwild.com.au KAKADU 4WD SAFARIS Ph: 1300 525 238 info@kadu4wdsafaris.com www.kakadu4wdsafaris.com ADVENTURE TOURS AUSTRALIA Ph: 1300 654 604 adventuretours.com.au SYDNEY OUTBACK TOURS Ph: 1300 307 634 www.sydneyoutback.com.au REAL SYDNEY TOURS Ph: 0402 049426 www.realsydneytours.com.au THE TRAVEL YOGA COMPANY Ph: 0411301820 www.theyogatravelcompany.com OUTBACK CAMP TOURS Ph: 4-2711-1071 www.outbackcamptours.com KIMBERLEY WILD EXPEDITIONS Ph: 1300 73 88 70 www.kimberleywild.com.au Visit Peel Ph: 08 9550 3999 THE OFFICIAL HOME AND AWAY TOUR TO SUMMER BAY Ph: 02 9977 7890 www.yahoo7.com.au/homeandaway ACTIVITY TOURS Ph: 1800 990 457 www.activitytours.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
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, 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 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
TRANSPORT
MIGHTY CAMPERS Nationwide Ph: 1800 670 232 www.mightycampers.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 MELBOURNE CITY SIGHTSEEING Ph: 0432 379 322 info@melbournecitysightseeing. com.au www.citysightseeing.melbourne
ACCOMMODATION NEW SOUTH WALES SYDNEY
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 WEST END BACKPACKERS 12 Pitt St Sydney NSW, 2000 Ph: 02 9211 4588 Free Phone: 1800 013 186 bookings@westendbackpackers.com www.nomadsworld.com/westend BOUNCE SYDNEY 28 Chalmers Street, Sydney 2010 Free call 1800890897 Ph (02) 9281 2222 book@bouncehotel.com.au www.bouncehotel.com.au LORD WOLSELEY HOTEL 265 Bulwara Rd Ultimo, Sydney 2007 Ph: (02) 9660 1731 info@lordwolseleyhotel.com.au www.lordwolseleyhotel.com.au PORTERHOUSE HOTEL 233 Riley St Surry Hills NSW 2010 Ph: (02) 9211 4454 info@porterhouse.com.au www.Porterhouse.com.au BIG HOSTEL Single and double & Dorm rooms available Max 4 bed dorms. 212 Elizabeth Street, Surry Hills Sydney NSW 2010 Ph: (02) 92816030 Free: 1800 212 244 reception@bighostel.com www.bighostel.com O’MALLEY’S HOTEL 228 William Street, Kings Cross Sydney, NSW 2011 Ph: 02 9357 2211 admin@omalleyshotel.com.au www.omalleyshotel.com.au SYDNEY CENTRAL HOSTEL 428 Pitt Street Sydney 2000 Ph: (02) 9211 7323 stay@sydneycentralhostel.com.au www.sydneycentralhostel.com.au
THE ROYAL HOTEL 370 Abercrombie St, Darlington, NSW, 2008 Ph: (02) 9698 8557 info@royal.com.au www.royal.com.au KANGA HOUSE BACKPACKERS 141 Victoria Street, Kings Cross, Sydney Ph: (02) 9357 7897 www.KangaHouse.com.au
SYDNEY NORTHERN BEACHES
SYDNEY BEACHOUSE - YHA 4 Collaroy St, Collaroy, 2097 Ph: +61 2 9981 1177 mail@sydneybeachouse.com.au www.sydneybeachouse.com.au Guaranteed jobs/work all year. Cheap weekly rates by the beach with free Surfboard, Bodyboard & Bike hire
SYDNEYS SOUTHERN BEACHES
CRONULLA BEACH YHA Level 1, 40 -42 Kingsway Cronulla Sydney, 2230 Ph: 02 9527 7772 enquiries@cronullabeachyha.com www.cronullabeachyha.com www.yha.com.au
PORT STEPHENS
MELALEUCA SURFSIDE BACKPACKERS 2 Koala Place, One Mile Beach, NSW 2316 Ph: (02) 4981 9422 Mobile: 0427 200 950 melaleucabackpacker@bigpond.com www.melaleucabackpackers.com.au HUNTER VALLEY Hunter Valley YHA 100 Wine Country Drive Nulkaba, Hunter Valley, NSW Ph: 02 4991 3278 huntervalley@yhansw.org.au www.yha.com.au
BLUE MOUNTAINS BACKPACKERS HOSTEL 144 Bathhurst Road, Katoomba, NSW 2780 Ph: 02 4782 9630 www.bluemountainsbackpackerhostel.com.au
BYRON BAY
BYRON BAY ACCOM Ph: 02 66 808 666 Email: bookings@byronbayaccom.net www.byronbayaccom.net 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 MACA’S CAMPING GROUND Ph: 02 6684 5211 1156 Main Arm Rd, Upper Main Arm NSW 2482, Australia http://www.macascampingground.com/ macascampingground@gmail.com
LAKE TABOURIE LAKE TABOURIE TOURIST PARK Princes Hwy, Lake Tabourie, NSW 2539 Ph: (02) 4406-3101 www.laketabourietouristpark.com.au
KATOOMBA
KATOOMBA MOUNTAIN Backpackers Lodge 31 Lurline st Katoomba, NSW Ph: 04782 3933 stay@katoombabackpackers.com.au www.katoombabackpackers.com.au
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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 CEDAR CREEK LODGES THUNDERBIRD PARK Cnr of Cedar Creek Falls Rd & Tamborine Mountain Rd, Tamborine, QLD 4272 info@cedarcreeklodges.com.au www.cedarcreeklodges.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
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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
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
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 Heron Island Ph: 02 9538 0751 www.heronisland.com
TOWNSVILLE RAMBUTAN 113 – 119 Flinders Street, Townsville 4810 enquiries@rambutantownsville.com Ph: 07 4771 6915 www.rambutantownsville.com
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
RAINBOW BEACH
PIPPIES BEACH HOUSE Cnr of Spectrum Street & Cypress Avenue, Rainbow Beach FREEPHONE: 1800425356 info@pippiesbeachhouse. com.au www.pippiesbeachhouse. com.au 30mins FREE Internet on presentation of this ad PLUS FREE Breakfast & Eco Whale-Watching for all!
WESTERN AUSTRALIA SCARBOROUGH
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
COOLIBAH LODGE 194 Brisbane Street Northbridge Perth WA Ph: (08) 9328 9958 www.coolibahlodge. 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 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
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 kununurrabackpackers. com.au info@ kununurrabackpackers. com.au
BROOME
BEACHES OF BROOME 4 Sanctuary Road, Cable Beach, Broome, WA, 6725 Ph : 1300 881 031 bookings@ beachesofbroome.com.au www.beachesofbroome. com.au
VICTORIA MILDURA
REDCLIFFS HOTEL 25 Jacaranda St, Red Cliffs VIC 3496 (03) 5024 1704
GREAT OCEAN ROAD
BORANUP FOREST RETREAT 422 Sebbes Road, Forest Grove Ph: +61 404 895 901 www.boranupforestretreat. com.au
JOHANNA BEACH COTTAGES 225 Blue Johanna Road Johanna Heights Victoria 3238 (03) 5237 4224 cottages@johannabeach. com www.johannabeach.com
MONKEY MIA
HALLS GAP
BORANUP
MONKEY MIA DOLPHIN RESORT Monkey Mia Road, Shark Bay 3537 Ph: +61 8 9948 1320
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
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
NORTHERN TERRITORY DARWIN 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 adelaidebackpackers.om.au
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