BBM AUGUST ISSUE 787

28 EDITOR Hannah Shakir hannah.shakir@what-media.com SPORTS & NEWS EDITOR Richard Gadsby

TRAVEL

SUB EDITOR Charlotte Mellor

This month we discover the beauty of South East Asia, and travel over to the emerald shores of Northern Ireland and take a tour from Belfast to the amazing Giant’s Causeway. In Australia we venture up the Queensland Coast on a camping road trip and explore all the adventures you can have in Western Australia’s Port Hedland and South Australia’s Kangaroo Island. Enjoy all our travel adventures from pages 22-32.

Great Meals For Under $10 Sydney

Melbourne Perth

HOT RIGHT NOW

Getting Started

This issue we present you with all the information you need on visas, finding an apartment, a job, and also have a chat with Drop Bear Tour’s Hana White on how she made the move from the UK to Oz and started her own business on the idyllic Fraser Island.

PAGES 18-25

SYDNEY MELBOURNE PERTH

Interviews

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CONTRIBUTORS Omar Soliman, Sophie Saint, Chelsea Forsyth, Isaac Tesfamariam, Alana Anderson, Arti Rajput, Sarah Thelen, Naomi Finniss, Michael Fenn, Matthew Richards, Brice Detruche WEB DEVELOPMENT Luke Webber DESIGN Basil Thomas design@what-media.com Michael Cusack James Edwards PRINT & WEB ADVERTISING & MARKETING Tom Shakir tom.shakir@what-media.com +61 2 8005 8162 James Edwards promotions@what-media.com Joe Smith marketing2@what-media.com ACCOUNT ADMIN Rahim Noruzi CLASSIFIEDS & LISTINGS info@what-media.com +61 2 8005 8162 PRINTED BY SPOTPRESS NOTE TO ADVERTISERS Gaining the approval for the use of trademarks and images in advertisments is the responsibility of the advertiser and not What Media Pty Ltd. Advertising material is accepted in good faith and What Media Pty Ltd bears no responsibility for any claims or errors. Copyright of original material is held by What Media Pty Ltd. Reproduction in whole or part is forbidden except with written permission of the publishers.

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Grab A Bite For $10 or Under The Porterhouse

Traditional Irish pub, The Porterhouse, is just a two-minute stroll from Oxford Street and an ideal destination for inexpensive yet mouth-watering meals. Grab your friends and indulge in a Beef and Guinness Pie on Tuesday, Rump Steak on Thursday or McDonnell’s Chicken Curry on Friday for just $10 each! With a range of delicious ten dollar meal deals running throughout the week, the Porterhouse promises low-priced dishes without compromising on the quality!

This cosy Irish pub specialises in locally sourced seafood and boasts a variety of beers and alcoholic refreshments. The staff and management create a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere to compliment the wholesome menu, so customers are sure to have a delightful, low-cost evening.

223 Riley Street, Surry Hills www.porterhouse.com.au

The Concourse Bar The Concourse Bar, situated just outside of Surry Hills, is a warm and relaxed venue with an affordable menu. The bar provides plasma televisions which show major sporting events as well as current entertainment programmes.

Fancy a delectable meal out in Sydney on a budget? Here are our picks for the best meals and deals available for under $10!

Customers are encouraged to kick back with a hearty meal, drink and soak up the friendly atmosphere. For the bargain hunters amongst us, make sure you don’t miss out on the Monday meal deal, consisting of a pie and house beverage for just $9.50!

The Concourse Bar also makes for a great destination for a hen or bucks night, office party, corporate function or general celebration. The party is guaranteed a fully staffed bar, eclectic liquor selection and full access to a private lounge area and gaming room. So whether you seek a party venue or simply an inexpensive meal out, The Concourse Bar is certain to deliver a great evening without denting your bank balance!

Wynyard Station, 33 York Street, Surry Hills www.concoursebar.com.au

Ryan’s Bar If you’re craving a taste of Italy whilst wanting to keep a healthy wallet, Ryan’s Bar may be the perfect destination for you! Situated in Sydney’s CBD, Ryan’s Bar boasts an unrivalled canapé menu and an assortment of traditional Italian and gourmet pizzas. If you wish to stick to the classics, you can enjoy a flavoursome Margarita, Pepperoni or Hawaiian pizza for just $10 every Wednesday from 11.30am ‘til late!

If you and your friends are feeling a little peckish, then why not head down to Ryan’s Bar on Thursday from 5pm and treat yourselves to a $13 sharing plate? Relax in the stunningly modern interior or vibrant outdoor space and whet your appetite with a selection of finger food and share the cost - you can’t go wrong!

264-278 George Street, Sydney www.ryansbar.com.au

Bar 100 It’s time to start your week in affordable luxury. Bar 100 comprises an indoor bar area, outdoor veranda and beautiful sandstone restaurant. If you thought it would be expensive, you’d be wrong, because on a Monday, Bar 100 invites you to enjoy one of their tasty pizzas for just $10! Alternatively, you can end your week by paying a visit to Bar 100 on Friday and Saturday lunchtime, or all day on Sunday, and indulge in gourmet burgers and Buffalo wings for $10 each. With an exquisite interior and delicious $10 meals, a visit to Bar 100 makes for a memorable experience!

100 George Street, The Rocks www.bar100.com.au

Parkside Bar serves delicious, fresh, seasonal food seven days a week in a beautifully refurbished venue.

Boasting specials such as all you can eat hot wings on Mondays, Schnitzel Tuesdays and Wednesday steak night that all price just below $10, you can indulge in their famed tender chicken breast and the finest cuts of beef without having to worry about the cost!

495 Cleveland Street, Redfern www.parksidebar.com.au

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By Naomi Finniss

Parkside Bar

If you’ve just touched down in Sydney, or are planning a trip there, then fear not, as resident working holiday maker, Sarah Thelen, has set up home in Bondi Beach during a four-month stint in New South Wales. Here, we explore everything you need to know when you arrive in the Sydney suburb.

Bondi Beach has so much to offer and even more to experience, so don’t be put off by the amount of hipsters drinking out of coconuts – there are normal people here too.

Being the closest beach suburb to Sydney’s Central Business District (CBD), Bondi not only connects you relatively quick to the city itself with its crazy nightlife, beautiful parks and its unique mix of colonial and modern architecture, but – of course – the top tourist sights such as the elegant ivory Opera House and the famous Harbour Bridge.

Start Your Life In Bondi

Though heaps of tourists flock to Bondi (the beach counts an average of 40,000 visitors on a sunny summer day!), life here is still surprisingly relaxed. Small surf stores, fashion and home decor shops, numerous unique cafés, splendid bars and bustling pubs (often with live music) attract tourists to Hall Street and Campbell Parade, the latter providing prime ocean views.

There is a good chance that you will get lost in what Sydneysiders call the “Bondi Bubble” before you even realise it yourself. That’s exactly what happened to me. In my first days at Bondi, my Working Holiday Maker’s agenda was nothing but busy – opening a bank account (which isn’t a problem if you do it within the first six weeks after your arrival to Australia), inspecting lots and lots of apartments to share (gumtree.com.au was a big help, but make sure to take a look at the online noticeboard of Bondi’s famous photo gallery aquabumps. com.au, and also ask the friendly staff at the Traveller’s Café on Glenayr Avenue), looking for jobs etc., etc., etc. …

With time, one thing after another got settled (except for finding a job – this can be hard in Sydney even though everybody tells you it’s not) and once this was done I was able to enjoy the natural beauty of Bondi Beach – which is, of course, the beach itself. Tidy, patrolled by professional lifeguards – who by the way star in their very own TV show called “Bondi Rescue” (you’ll find all seasons on YouTube) – colourful, busy and with strong surf, this beach is a backpacker’s heaven.

You can enjoy the ocean also from the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk. Soak up spectacular cliff top views along the 7km trail and look out for blow fountains of migrating whales between May and November.

A weekend is best spent at the Bondi Markets on the Public School Ground.

Here you’ll find farm fresh produce, vegan cakes and handmade ice cream on Saturdays. On Sundays, over one hundred market stalls sell handmade jewellery, accessories and clothes by local labels.

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Words & Images by Sarah Thelen

If you’re keen on learning to surf, rent or buy a board in one of the surf shops on Campbell Parade (they often have good deals for whole sets that come with a board of your choice, fins, a leash, a bag and wax) and paddle out into the wide Pacific Ocean. That is if you manage to stay on your board instead of slipping into the sea every now and then, because let’s face it: it is way harder to manage even a relatively large beginner’s board than it looks with truly everybody else… But once you make it past the impact zone of the waves and look at beautiful Bondi from this whole new water-based perspective, you will know that all those long hours it takes to catch a wave, are worth the effort. It is almost too beautiful to be true.

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From hangouts to shows and shopping, Sydney is packed full of amazing things to check out this August, here are a few of our favourites.

Dear September

Dress up your living space with a few pieces from Dear September, experts in kitchen and homeware. The store in Waverley holds gems including lanterns, bowls, milk bottles and trays, plus several cushions and throws for a fashionable yet homely touch. For anyone that wants their home to look as good as their wardrobe, take a look inside the shop or order online.

23 Albion Street, Waverley www.dearseptember.com.au

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Pocket Street Food

Go back to basics and grab some street food from Pocket. Following a new menu in July, they’re concentrating on bites of deliciousness with rustic flavours including French fries, jerk chicken, pork steamed buns and sweet crepes. Located in the Darlinghurst area of Sydney, the decorative front gate to the animated walls and fully stocked bar put Pocket a level above the rest, so step inside and let its uber cool character wash over you.

13 Burton Street, Darlinghurst www.pocketsydney.com.au

Hinky Dinks

Fish Face

Boasting the highest quality seasonal seafood, Fish Face is renowned for serving the city’s best fish and chips! Using the freshest produce, the restaurant offers an eclectic menu, allowing customers to choose from a range of seafood dishes from fish curry to king prawn omelettes. Separated into two dining areas, from 12pm-3pm and 6pm-10pm, Fish Face is sure to deliver a delightful dining experience whether you wish to dine in a casual or formal space.

346 New South Head Road, Double Bay www.fishfaceaustralia.com.au

Head down to Hinky Dinks, a kitsch small bar situated in Darlinghurst, for a selection of innovative cocktails inspired by the 50s. The bar embodies the spirit of the 50s cocktail culture, when as well as a drink, it had become a staple fashion accessory opposing the norm. You can expect to indulge in Hinky Fizz, a concoction of Bombay Sapphire, Saint Germain and strawberry and prosecco sorbet, or the Madagascar Manhattan, combining vanilla and citrus peel infused bourbon with sweet vermouth, agave syrup and chocolate bitters with a cherry on top!

185 Victoria Road, Darlinghurst www.hinkydinks.com.au

Student Fashion

Images courtesy of venues.

Until 17th August, become inspired by the next generation of Australian fashion designers. Powerhouse Museum will showcase mesmerising pieces from final year fashion students from 10am-5pm, exhibiting their diverse designs and wide array of technical skills. This year’s exhibition includes the work of Yousef Akbar, Emma MacGregor and Rachel Kay, all emerging from top fashion academies. Open daily with ticket prices from $6-$12, relish the distinctive styles and innovative ideas of these budding fashion designers before they hit the runways!

500 Harris Street, Ultimo www.powerhousemuseum.com

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Monday

Tuesday

Thursday

Parkside Bar 495 Cleveland Street Redfern $9.90 Steaks from 5pm

Blue Fish 287 Harbourside Promenade Darling Harbour Fish Of The Day

30 Knots Level 1 Grand Hotel 30 Hunter Street $9.50 Beer Cocktails

Wednesday

The Porterhouse Irish Pub 233 Riley Street Surry Hills $10 Beef & Guinness Pie

Kit & Kaboodle 33-37 Darlinghurst Road Kings Cross $10 Cocktails All Night

Tea Gardens Hotel 2-4 Bronte Road Bondi Junction $14 Steak & Chips

Le Pub 66 King Street Sydney Happy Hour 4-6pm $6 New & Super Dry Schooners, $7 Glass of Wine The Forresters Cnr Foveaux & Riley Streets Surry Hills $12 Burgers and $10 Jugs 6-10pm

Darlo Bar 306 Liverpool Street Darlinghurst Witty Wednesdays Trivia

Churchills 532 Anzac Parade Kingsford Free Pool 6-9pm The Watershed Hotel 198 Harbourside Darling Harbour Free Psychic Reading

Friday Kepos Street Kitchen 96 Kepos Street Redfern Mediterranean Breakfast from 7.30am

Glebe Point Diner 407 Glebe Point Glebe Lunch special

Ding Dong Lounge 18 Market Lane Chinatown Black Night Crash Rock & Indie Night Blackbird IMAX Balcony Level Cockle Bay Watch magician and illusionist Neo

Saturday

Sunday The Hero Of Waterloo 81 Lower Fort Street The Rocks Old Time Jazz & Irish Jam Sessions

Bungalow 8 The Promenade, King Street Wharf Ladies Who Lunch 12-3pm

Paragon Hotel Cnr Loftus & Alfred Streets Circular Quay $12 Sunday Roast

Cauliflower Hotel 123 Botany Road Waterloo $3.80 Schooners 2-5pm

Pink Salt 53 Cross Street Double Bay $16 Cocktails

The Rose Hotel Cnr Cleveland & Shepherd Streets Chippendale $13 Tap Beer Jugs & $15 Cocktail Jugs

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Cheap Eats Around Town On the look out for an affordable, good quality meal in Melbourne? Here are our picks for the best meals for ten dollars or under in Melbourne, ranging from Australian cuisine, slices of pizza, to vegetarian all-you-can-eat buffets!

Asian Beer Café

Feel like discovering traditional East Asian flavours for under $10 this lunchtime? Make your way to The Asian Beer Café in Melbourne for an experience rich in culture, style and atmosphere. The interior boasts authentic Asian materials, and their dishes are prepared with the freshest Asian ingredients.

Treat yourself to a Bento lunch box for just $9.50, with a choice of delectable Asian cuisine ranging from Kung Fu Chicken, Crab Croquette, Chilli Squid and Kumera Tempura as a vegetarian option.

Unwind this lunch in one of their five elegant, minimalistic private dining rooms, with a balcony boasting remarkable views of Swanston. Fancying enjoying the scenery with alcoholic beverage? For just an extra $3.50 you can quench your thirst with the melon spice cocktail featuring premium Wyborowa vodka. With affordable lunchtime meals and lavish surroundings, the Asian Beer café truly is a worthwhile experience which will not pull on the pursestrings!

Level 3, Melbourne Central www.asianbeercafe.com.au

Penny Black

Cheap and cheerful, Penny Black, is situated in Brunswick and is considered by many as having Melbourne’s best beer garden. This vibrant, welcoming bar is famed for its weekly live music as well as its inexpensive selection of pizzas. Serving dinner seven nights a week, you are invited to whet your appetite with a $4 pizza and locally sourced Carlton Draught. The film lovers among us should head down to Penny Black on Tuesday for their weekly

movie night beneath the heated marquee! Who can say no to free entry and popcorn?

420 Sydney Rd, Brunswick, Victoria www.facebook.com/thepennyblack.420sydneyroad

Turf Bar

If you’re a pizza addict like BBM, you’ll love the $5 pizzas at Turf Bar. They also do fantastic meal deals from Monday to Thursday, including $20 Wagyu Burger & pot of Pure Blonde on a Thursday. With plenty going on down at The Turf, it makes for a great hangout, and an even better place to meet new people and join in on all their games and activities.

131 Queen Street, Melbourne www.turfbar.com.au

Om Vegetarian

Fancy an all-you-can-eat vegetarian and vegan Indian cuisine for under $10? If so, Om Vegetarian is an ideal destination for you to quench your appetite. This delightful Indian restaurant offers affordable vegetarian dining without compromising on quality! Customers can choose from a selection of vegan samosas, vegetarian curries and gluten-free nans for just $6.50.

Situated in Melbourne’s city centre, the restaurant is easily accessible by transport links and is open from 11am-9pm seven days a week.

First Floor – number 28, Elizabeth Street. www.omvegetarian.com

The Lucky Coq, a local favourite, is famed for its eclectic mix of entertainment alongside the $4 pizzas that are served daily. From 11.30am-3am on week days and 10pm-3am on weekends, customers are invited to choose from a selection of flavoursome toppings, ranging from Pepperonata to Taleggio. After a meal you can kick back with an Australian beer or refreshing cocktail on the outdoor rooftop whilst soaking in the relaxing atmosphere.

The entertainment on offer includes live music, film screenings and pool tables, so customers are certain to have a fun-filled evening!

Corner Chapel Street & High Street Windsor luckycoq.com.au

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By Naomi Finniss, images courtesy of venues.

The Lucky Coq

The Laneways

Grab your friends and sign up for a tour of Melbourne’s laneways!

Discover eclectic galleries and covert boutiques, or bask in vibrant street art, from stencils to murals, as you wander through the creative hub of the city. You can even explore the lofts within the lanes, which showcase unique exhibitions and independent art projects. For the serial shoppers among us, look out for the trendy boutiques boasting original pieces from local fashion designers. Once you start to feel peckish, check out the eateries on offer. From gourmet outlets to stylish coffee shops, you certainly won’t be short of places to pick up some lunch. If you fancy somewhere to relax with a good drink, Melbourne’s laneways are home to an abundance of quirky bars and taverns with outdoor seating to people-watch and enjoy live music. Just a tram ride away from Swanton and Elizabeth Streets, there is no excuse not to explore the urban art and lively bars of Melbourne’s laneways.

Eureka Skydeck

Conquer your fear of heights and see Melbourne in a whole new light.

The Eureka Tower is the highest viewing platform in the southern hemisphere, standing nearly 300 metres off of the ground. Currently the 98th tallest construction in the world, the Eureka observation deck is an ideal place to soak up the sights of Melbourne. With prices starting from $19.50, the sky deck offers an affordable and breath-taking 360 degree view of the city. Pay a little extra and climb up to the 88th floor for a remarkable panorama in The Edge, a glass cube that juts three meters out from the building and suspended high above the ground you see below!

From quirky markets to coastal road trips, here are our picks of the best things to do in Melbourne.

Your Melbourne Bucket List

Great Ocean Road

Stretching 243 kilometres, the Great Ocean Road is one of the world’s most picturesque sightseeing routes with a starting point in Melbourne. So, why not hire a vehicle and drive along this coastal wonder? Begin with a leisurely drive, just over an hour, from Melbourne to Torquay, then cruise along the shoreline and soak up the panoramic views of surf beaches, national parks and mountain ranges, including the incredible Twelve Apostles. Don’t forget to pack your camera! You’ll have a blast snapping photos as you follow the winding roads along cliff tops and river bays.

Queen Victoria Market

Chinatown

Dating back to 1850, Melbourne’s Chinatown has an illustrious history.

Immerse yourself in Chinese culture for the day and explore the delights of Asian cuisine and fashion boutiques.

Whet your appetite with a Chinese buffet and try their national delicacies.

Who knows, shark fin and flower drum may become a favourite meal of yours! You will relish the vibrancy of the lanterns and décor as you stroll down the street, drenched in culture.

If you wish to unleash your inner child, you may even take part in the various karaoke competitions, arts and crafts stalls or Chinese chess competitions on offer!

Images courtesy of Tourism Australia

The Queen Victoria Market, a delightful addition to your Melbourne itinerary, is rich in heritage and culture. In this vibrant inner-city market, visitors can find gourmet food stands, fashion merchandise, craft stalls and more. As a historic landmark, the market comprises more than 600 retailers, and with organic seasonal produce, takeaway meals and artisan cheeses on offer, the ‘Queen Vic’ is a great destination for foodies! Head down on Sunday, when the market takes on a carnival-like atmosphere, and let your hair down with a group of friends, revel in the enthusiasm of the street performers, and before you hit the road, be sure to purchase some handmade souvenirs from the craft stalls.

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Shopping In Melbourne Get your fix of the best labels and freshest designs to hit the stores in Melbourne. Here’s a few of our favourite stores to get your hands on the nicest threads in town.

Blonde Venus

Classic with a modern panache, Blonde Venus was established in 1974 and supplies clothing for both men and women. Combing vintage apparel with contemporary textiles, the label is known to attract visitors from all over the globe for its progressive and innovative fashion. Their showstopping pieces are sure to make a statement and customers won’t be disappointed with their purchase. After all, you can’t go wrong with a blend of retro and contemporary aesthetics!

3 Crossley Street, CBD

Jac + Jack

Coveted Australian label, Jac + Jack (pictured), specialise in premium cashmere, silks and wool clothing. Established originally in 2004, the label boasts luxury knits for both men and women. Jac + Jack are renowned for their professional approach to craftsmanship. Your purchase will be made from Australian superfine merino wool, the finest cotton, silk or linin, so you’re sure to feel comfortable in

your designer purchase. The timeless simplicity of this designer brand fits easily into any customer’s wardrobe!

586 Malvern Road, Hawksburn Melbourne Emporium, 269-321 Lonsdale Street jacandjack.com

Me & Co Fitters

The home of classic wardrobe staples, Me & Co comprises local and emerging designers as well as globally established labels. For the days when you want to dress comfortably but still look refined; for the days when you’re feel lethargic but want to maintain a fashionable exterior, this store has the ideal outfit for you. Boasting a wide range of clothing, footwear, swimwear and jewellery, you won’t be short of items to purchase during your visit. Me & Co is where comfort meets style at affordable prices, and this is a concept the brand prides themselves on. So grab your friends and head down to Me & Co to rediscover basic clothing with a fashionable twist.

57 Smith Street, Fitzroy www.meandco.com.au

Moss & Spy

Introducing a sprinkling of French sophistication to Australian fashion, Moss & Spy delights customers with every collection. Owner, Lia, is heavily influenced by European designers and

takes inspiration from Dior and Yves Saint Laurent, so all Moss & Spy’s pieces are current, cuttingedge and of the highest quality. The flirty florals, beautiful embellishments and shapely attire create a feminine allure to complement any woman. So make your way down to Moss & Spy to browse or purchase French inspired women’s clothing.

Shop 5, 1122 High Street, Armadale www.mossandspy.com.au

Nudie Jeans Co.

Trapped in a continuous battle to find the perfect jeans? You needn’t be anymore. Nudie Jeans understand denim, with a vast variety of styles to fit all shapes and tastes, so customers feel comfortable knowing that they’ll find their perfect pair in no time. Ranging from the Tight Long John to the Thin Finn, the worn-out looking denim to the pristine denim, you’ll find the perfect jeans for you.

Available at the Nudie Jeans Concept Stores (415 Chapel Street & 190 Little Collins Street), David Jones stores and General Pants Co.

Getting Started In St Kilda

There is no doubt that this seaside suburb is up there with the best of what Melbourne has to offer.

Not many places offer a seaside town feel just fifteen minutes from the hectic Central Business District but Melbourne’s famous tram network allows easy access in and out of the City Centre.

Just grab yourself a Myki (Melbourne’s Oyster Card) on arrival and hop on a tram – the 96 from Southern Cross Station or the 16 from Federation Square ($3.58 for a 2 hour pass, $7.16 max daily fare).

On arrival, there is accommodation for all budgets and all lengths of stay. The area is popular with backpackers, with some hostels offering deals for longer tenants. St Kilda Beach house is the cheapest hostel in the area with a bar that offers discounted drinks for guests, Habitat has won a variety of local tourism awards, dorms start around the $20-$24 mark out of season, though this increases in the summer.

If sleeping in a dorm for three months doesn’t sound like your cup of tea (fair enough) there are plenty of temporary flat shares going – just take a look on Gumtree or Flatmates.com.au.

Decent double rooms go for about $200-$250 per month so if you’re keen to keep costs down you might want to find your future life partner ASAP, or consider sharing a room with a friend/fellow backpacker.

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Next, it’s time to find a job. Bars/cafés/restaurants are always popular and St Kilda has plenty of all three, but being a backpacker area, competition can be high. ‘Seek’ and Gumtree are a good place to start for other jobs - there are plenty of sales/call centre, admin and labouring jobs going. For admin work also upload your CV to recruitment agencies – Hays, Charterhouse, PKL and Randstad all have opportunities going. If you’re lucky you might get placed in one of the office blocks along St Kilda Road.

Once you’ve got some cash in your pocket, it’s time to get out and explore the area! The massive Albert Park offers plenty of greenery for exercising or general lounging but St Kilda’s most obvious feature is of course its long sandy beach. It may not be the most beautiful of beachy settings, but on a hot summer’s day (of which Melbourne gets a generous helping) it’s hard to beat its convenient location. Just grab your speedos and head down to top up your tan. If you’re not a fan of pink skin and sand down your pants, why not take your sea legs for a spin - surfing, kite surfing, sailing, windsurfing etc. are all available for those wanting to try something new.

Outside the summer months the beach retains a lovely feel to it. With the crowds gone it’s the perfect place to exercise or take a romantic stroll.

Walk out onto St Kilda Pier around dusk and you’ll be in with a good chance of spotting the local penguins. These guys are seriously cute, so remember to take your camera.

With all this excitement, it’s easy to forget to eat, but what an error this would be! St Kilda is home to some fab cafés, restaurants and bars that are

waiting to be discovered. Head to Ackland Street at any time of day and you will be spoilt for choice regarding where to eat, drink and be merry.

If a solid meal is more your thing, why not try Blue Corn, one of Melbourne’s best Mexican restaurants, or the stoned backed pizzas at Renix Pizza? Breakfast options include 95 Café, which does tequila baked beans(!), and West Café Pavilian, where you can have breakfast with your toes wiggling in the sand. There is also a monthly farmers market where you can pick up a whole range of awesome foody bits.

Finish off the night with a few drinks at Abbey Road, which does $30 beer towers (awesome) or if you’re missing the pub feel stop by Iddy Biddy – good beer, live music and reasonable prices. If you fancy a night in get your wine from Clearskins wine shop and beer from Acland Cellars (it has big international selection).

If you do manage to save any money (a tricky proposition given everything the area has to offer) then head to Cheap As Travel on Barkly Street for great advice and bookings on all manner of interesting adventures.

There we have it. St Kilda is cool. If you’re new to Melbourne you could do a lot worse than heading straight there and enjoying the area for everything it has to offer.

By Naomi Finniss & Matthew Richards

Find your feet in this lovely Melbourne suburb with a wealth of activities, dining, accommodation and of course the beach.

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From eating to drinking and relaxing, morning ‘til night, you won’t be stuck for anything to do this August in Melbourne.

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Belle’s Diner

Belle’s Diner offers Melbourne customers a taste of America in a friendly and informal environment. A casual eatery situated in Fitzroy, Belle’s menu reflects simple American dining, boasting wholesome burgers, fresh salads and chicken dishes. Their honest cooking is certain to quench your appetite. From 3pm, choose from a wide array of meals, including the Midnight Burger of wagyu beef, caramelised onion and beetroot, and Jeweled Salad of saffron rice, pistachio and mustard seed.

Fancy an all-American pudding to sweeten your pallet? Why not try Belle’s peanut butter chocolate cheesecake? At $12.50, you can’t go wrong with this melt in your mouth dessert.

150 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy www.bellesnightlunchdiner.com

Arc One Gallery

Those that admire abstract art should head to the Arc One Gallery, home to the works of some of Australia’s most esteemed contemporary artists, as well as budding and emerging artists. Situated in the heart of Melbourne, the gallery showcases an array of artistic disciplines, from sculpting to paintings and electronic media. The gallery’s exhibitions truly represent the cultural diversity of contemporary Australia, with work from the likes of Robert Owen, Janet Laurence and Guan Wei; all of whom are celebrated in Australia’s contemporary art scene.

Ground 45, Flinders Lane, CBD www.arcone.com.au

Tuesday

Crabapple Kitchen 659 Glenferrie Road Hawthorn Breakfast from 7am

Wednesday Mister Close Shop 13 246 Bourke Street Grab a cup of Campos Coffee

Pabu 190 Smith Street Collingwood Lunchtime Ramen The Sherlock Holmes 415 Collins Street Roast Of The Day

The Cricketers Arms Hotel 69 Cruikshank Street Port Melbourne $13 Curry with rice, pappadum & tzatziki

Thursday

Horse Bazaar 397 Little Lonsdale Street Massage & Dumplings 6-10pm

Ludlow Bar 6 Riverside Quay Southbank $10 Cocktails from 5pm

Asian Beer Cafe 211 La Trobe Street CBD Late Night Menu from 10.30pm

Sunday The Clyde Hotel 385 Cardigan Street Carlton New Orleans Jazz 2-5pm

Triim 33-35 Hardware Lane Live Jazz from 6pm The Corkman Irish Pub 160 Leicester Street Carlton $15 All You Can Eat Chicken Wings The Quiet Man Irish 6-8pm Pub 271 Racecourse Road Flemington Contemporary Irish Music from 9.30pm Perseverance 196 Brunswick Street Fitzroy I Love ‘90s

Bimbo Deluxe Cnr Brunswick & Rose Streets Fitzroy $4 Pizza Loading Dock Bar 117 Franklin Street Comedoke from 9pm plus $13 jugs, $6 Peroni & $5 wine

Saturday

The Elephant & Wheelbarrow 94-96 Bourke Street Happy Hour 5-7pm The Last Jar 616 Elizabeth Street Irish Breakfast

Woolshed Pub Shed 9 161 Harbour Esplanade Well Hung Wednesday

Friday

Alumbra Shed 9 Central Pier 161 Harbour Esplanade The Best In House & EDM from 9pm

Republica 10-18 Jacka Boulevard St Kilda Live Music from 3pm

European Bier Cafe 120 Exhibition Street $10 Beer Tasting Paddles

The promotions in the calendar are subject to change at any point without notice. Please check with the venue/business that offers are still valid

Monday

Onsen Ma Japanese Bath House

Need a retreat from the bustle of city life? It’s time to unwind in the tranquil Onsen Ma. Enter an environment of serenity and soak in the hot waters of the Japanese bath. Afterwards, you can cleanse your body and mind with a few minutes in the sauna or indulge in a relaxing massage. Make sure you check out Onsen Ma’s package deals, with one-hour public bath, sauna and shiatsu (a finger pressure massage) for just $110! You’ll feel revitalised after refreshing and relaxing your body, an experience you won’t regret.

Level 1 / 12 -18 Meyers Place, Melbourne www.onsenma.com.au

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Food Deals For $10 Or Less!

Want to please your wallet as well as your appetite during your stay in Perth? Here are some of the best meals for ten dollars and under in Perth, from classic pub grub to a taste of Japan.

The Flying Scotsman

You can’t go wrong with pizza and a pint on a Sunday evening – and for just $10 from 3pm at The Flying Scotsman who can say no? This vibrant and stylish pub boasts a variety of international and local beers as well as a traditional pub menu. From 11am to midnight customers can indulge in a hearty meal whilst unwinding to the selection of music courtesy of Perth’s local DJ’s. The Flying Scotsman is an ideal location for a catch up with friends over a low-cost yet delicious meal and great drinks!

639 Beaufort Street, Mount Lawley

Alfred’s Kitchen

Satisfying the hungry people of Perth since the 1940s, Alfred’s Kitchen is a prime destination for those who crave the perfect burger. Alfred’s Kitchen offers over forty different types of burger with excellent quality meat alongside affordable prices. With the hamburger, lentil burger, chilli burger and steak burger all falling below the $10 mark, their menu is guaranteed to please your wallet and taste buds! So if you’re in search for a burger jam-packed with flavour for a reasonable price, grab your friends and head down to Alfred’s Kitchen, 5pm – midnight from Sunday to Thursday and 5pm – 3am Friday to Saturday.

Cnr Meadow & James Street, Guildford alfredskitchen.com.au

Left Bank

Situated on the banks of the Swan River, Left Bank is an ideal destination for kicking back with a cocktail. Rich in the history of Fremantle, the award winning restaurant and bar comprises a country yard, indoor restaurant area and mezzanine floor. On Tuesday from 11.30am you are invited to enjoy a midweek main special of Mussels with chilli tomato sauce and Turkish bread for the bargain price of $10! Left Bank truly offers a luxury dining experience for less.

15 Riverside Road, East Fremantle leftbank.com.au

Taka’s Kitchen

Looking for a cheap and cheerful Japanese meal? Centrally located in Fremantle and Perth, Taka’s Kitchen (pictured) has a selection of Japanese cuisine at affordable prices! A free miso soup accompanies most main meals and all meals are freshly prepared on the premises. With dishes such as Teriyaki Don, Teriyaki Chicken Udon and Chicken Katsu priced at just $7.80 for a large portion and $5.80 for a small portion, no wonder Taka’s kitchen was voted the best Japanese eatery in Perth! Seize the opportunity; grab your friends and pop down for a taste of Asia in a social atmosphere, open from 11am-9pm Monday to Thursday, 11am-9.30pm on Friday and 11am-5.30pm on Sunday.

Shop 2 Old Shanghai, 6 Henderson Street, Fremantle www.takaskitchen.iinet.net.au

This spacious and welcoming Irish pub is nestled in the heart of Perth, and serves a wide variety of inexpensive meals from seafood to chicken dishes.

With an eclectic range of liquor and fifteen beers on tap to quench your thirst, Rigby’s Bar and Bistro makes an ideal venue to escape the everyday stress.

Visit the Bistro on Monday and Tuesday to grab an absolute bargain, where at lunch time they serve their famed steak and chips for just $10!

Rear 221 St Georges Terrace, Perth www.rigbysbar.com.au

Bailey

With plenty of choice to appease even the fussiest of eaters, there are dinner deals Monday to Thursday at Bailey. Go for sirloin steak or fish and chips on Monday, parma or steak pie on Tuesday, pizza, pasta or fish and chips on Wednesday, and barramundi and chips or curry and rice on Thursday. Every one of these dishes is just $10, and there are live sports throughout the week to sweeten the deal.

20 Reid Promenade, Joondalup www.baileybarandbistro.com.au

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By Naomi Finniss, Image courtesy of Takas Kitchen.

Rigby’s Bar and Bistro

Your Perth Bucket List Discover what you simply can’t afford to miss during your time in and around Perth. From river cruises to a memorable night out, here’s the best of what Perth has to offer.

Rottnest Island

Boasting exquisite scenery, Rottnest Island is an ideal destination for a retreat from city life, and being just a short ferry ride from Perth or Fremantle, this idyllic island is easily accessible! If you’re adventurous, grab some snorkel equipment and discover aquatic life, from tropical fish to fur seals. Adrenaline junkies should attempt the wind surfing activities on offer, or go for a swim in one of the 20 bays scattered around the island. You can also learn about this beautiful island at the Rottnest Island Museum, and a point of interest is Wadjemup Lighthouse. With something for everyone, Rottnest Island is a fun-filled expedition to escape from the city.

The Swan River Cottesloe

Envisage the perfect beach and you’re probably picturing Cottesloe’s coastline. With crisp white sand and clear turquoise waters, you’re just fifteen minutes away from an oasis of tranquility.

The beach spans from the Mudurup Rocks to the southern rocks of Swanbourne Beach, where adjacent to the golden sands you will find a variety of cafés, restaurants, and bars to satisfy your appetite. Famed for its Sunday sessions, each weekend Cottesloe lures a young crowd into its welcoming and friendly atmosphere. Only a few minutes train journey from Perth, there is no reason not to head down to Cottesloe and relax in the crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean any day of the week.

Explore the Aboriginal heritage of the Swan River by boat during your time in Perth. With over 28 kilometres of river shore, the Swan River comprises Bayswater, Belmont and Bassendean. Take a twofive hour cruise from Perth to Fremantle and back, and enjoy breath-taking views of the picturesque waters. On your voyage you will be able to gawp at some of Australia’s most exclusive properties and private yachts dotted along the northern banks. Feel like a workout? Why not walk or cycle the trails beside the river rather than doing it by boat? Both are great ways to explore Perth and would be sure to make a delightful excursion!

A Day In Fremantle

Situated at the mouth of the Swan River, Fremantle is a vibrant port city just half an hour away from the centre of Perth. With frequent festivals, stylish eateries and a bustling seaside, Fremantle offers an eclectic range of activities and facilities. The area is renowned for its nightlife, so don’t be shy to indulge in a few drinks during your visit! Bustling with lively crowds, there are always tons of bars and pubs that offer live music and the best draught from around the globe. Fremantle also houses several comedy clubs with daily performances from local stand-up comedians and is home to the world famous Little Creatures brewery.

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Shopping In Perth

Free Things To Do

If you’re in need of a whole new wardrobe to suit your exciting Aussie life, head to these stores for gorgeous dresses, smart suits and stunning swimwear.

Alla Moda Chanelle

Luce Del Sol

Home to a range of stunning swim and beach wear, Luce Del Sol stocks flattering pieces which cater to all tastes, shapes and sizes. With a heavy retro influence, customers will discover clothing, accessories and swimwear from Seafolly, Tigerlily and Baku, to name a few. Choose from a selection of bikinis, one-piece swimming costumes and tankinis to wear on the beach.

The store boasts a friendly and prompt service, and you’ll love browsing the attire in a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere.

Corner of Wray Avenue & South Terrace, Fremantle www.facebook.com/lucedelsolswim

Parker & Co.

Visiting luxury menswear boutique, Parker & Co, is a must for any label lovers in Perth. Established in 1895, the store stocks the finest up-to-date male fashion, as well as a bespoke cufflink collection, luggage and skincare.

Browse through a range of distinct styles from Armani, Cantarelli and John Lobb among other high-end European designers. Providing an immaculate service, customers can even request made-to-measure attire. With classic clothing suitable for every aspect of life, whether city or country life, you can be sure to look great in your Parker & Co purchase wherever you are.

Shop 207 Trinity Arcade, Hay Street Level Shop 170 Claremont Quarter, 23 St Quentin Avenue 357 Murray Street, Kings Street Art Complex parkerco.com.au

Lexi & Roy

Boasting Australian and international designers, Lexi & Roy is an independent fashion boutique situated in the heart of Subiaco, Perth. Lexi & Roy provides wearable, catwalk style apparel for both women and men. Ranging from clothing to swimwear to accessories, the store sources the best street and boutique labels. With a wide range of classic labels and emerging designers, you’re sure to find a piece to suit your individual style.

Shop 1, 103 Rokeby Road lexiandroy.com.au

Hunt Leather

Purchased a little too much during your Australian adventures? You need a chic travel case to take all your new purchases back home!

Hunt Leather, Australia’s leading retailer of high-end cases, wallets, handbags and luggage, should be your number one stop for all things travel. Boasting renowned designer brands such as Longchamp, Boldrini and Axel Mano, customers can be certain that their purchase is of high quality. Your beautiful leather goods really are a worthwhile investment that will last you years to come.

30 King Street, CBD www.huntleather.com.au

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Never think that just because you’re strapped for cash you’re restricted to what you can do in Perth. This is the land of opportunity, so get out there and enjoy all the free things right on your doorstep!

Gallows Gallery

Exhibiting regional and local emerging artists, Gallows Gallery boasts vibrant pieces in a stunning light-filled space. With artwork in various disciplines including sculpture, murals, pottery and jewellery, Gallows Gallery is committed to showcasing a diverse range of art forms. Their artists are carefully chosen and exhibitions are renewed every three weeks. Visitors are invited to relax in the sleek, minimalistic and peaceful interior with a glass of bubbly, so don’t miss out on viewing one of these innovative exhibitions.

53 Glyde Street, Mosman Park www.gallowsgallery.com

Outre Gallery

For exhibitions with a difference, head down to the Outre Gallery for eccentric and contemporary underground art. Consisting of retro, international pop, folk and surrealism art to name a few, the Outre Gallery is home to the work of truly inspirational artists. With exhibitions from local artista Dominique Wylsestone and Gemma Jones, visitors can revel in traditional prints of Australian wildlife. What’s more, the gallery also boasts a wide-ranging collection of rare magazines, books and quirky designer toys for you to browse at your leisure.

260 William Street, Northbridge www.outregallery.com

Lake Monger

The urban wetland in suburban Perth makes for a beautiful morning stroll.

Situated between Leederville and Wembley, Lake Monger is less than five kilometres from the centre of Perth. Meander through seventy hectares of divine beauty and soak up the sights of the natural world. Keep your eyes peeled for birdlife, particularly Black Swans, as you wander around the waters. There are BBQ facilities scattered around the lake, so it’s easy to kick back with a cold beer and a burger in the picturesque landscapes. Alternatively, cycle, walk or unwind with a good book and relish the tranquility that this lake has to offer.

Scarborough

Only a twenty-minute drive from the heart of the city, Scarborough is a beautiful coastal suburb located 14 kilometres from the centre of Perth. Fortunate enough to have spacious golden beaches and a wealth of eateries catering to every budget, Scarborough Beach is ideal for a spot of sunbathing, swimming and surfing. Relax in the clear waters of the Indian Ocean and bronze yourself in the tropical climate. It doesn’t cost a penny to chill out on white sands with a novel or a game of volleyball. So grab your friends and make your way to Scarborough Beach for a fun-filled day out that keeps your wallet happy and healthy.

The Bibbulmun Track

Passing through the picturesque south west of Western Australia, the Bibbulmun Track spans over 1000 kilometres from Albany to Kalamunda.

Known as one of the world’s ultimate walking trails, hiking the Bibbulmun Track is a great activity for those who have tightened the purse strings. Pack camping gear and a camera and trek through Collie, Donnelly River Village, Walpole and Denmark, encountering a range of forests, valleys and costal heath lands along the way.

By Naomi Finniss

Women’s fashion store, Alla Moda Chanelle, is home to exquisite designer garments inspired by current global trends. Owned by a mother and daughter duo, the shop stocks a diverse range of international and local designers. For the fashionistas among us, this sophisticated boutique is well worth a visit during your stay in Perth. Browse their collection of shoes, jewellery, clothing and bags from global and Australian labels. If you’re on the lookout for that show-stopping outfit, Alla Moda Chanelle is an ideal destination.

166B Scarborough Beach Road, Mount Hawthorn www.allamodachanelle.com.au

T O H T H RIG W NO

Perth and its surroundings have an abundance of things to see, do and enjoy during your time here. Whether sipping coffee in a café or viewing the latest works from aspiring artists, the capital of Western Australia is not to be dismissed when it comes to exploration and entertainment. Here are our picks of the best things to do this August.

The Raw Kitchen

Situated in Fremantle, The Raw Kitchen is much more than a restaurant. Set in a 1920s warehouse, this plant-based eatery also consists of an eco-store, gallery and yoga studio, truly endorsing a healthy lifestyle and environment.

The menu boasts raw nachos, gourmet pizza and an eclectic mix of healthy nibbles, whilst the eco-store has many organic beauty products on offer. A venue centred around an ethos of healthy living, customers can relax in a peaceful, green atmosphere.

181A High Street, Fremantle www.therawkitchen.com.au

High Tea at Rochelle Adonis

For $55 per person on weekends and $49 on weekdays, indulge in handcrafted sweet treats and tea at Rochelle Adonis. Your high tea package will include two courses, comprising sweet and savoury platters. From bite-sized cakes to cucumber sandwiches, Rochelle Adonis uses the finest ingredients and the best seasonal produce. Savour every bite of the superbly crafted creations, all of which are freshly made in their kitchen! Do you have a dietary requirement? High tea at Rochelle Adonis even caters to the gluten intolerant, vegetarian and those with pregnancy needs; and with generous portions at affordable prices, there is no reason not to dine in luxury this lunchtime at Rochelle Adonis.

2 St Albans Avenue, Highgate www.rochelleadonis.com

The Bird

If you’re looking for somewhere with tonnes of character and entertainment night after night, just head to The Bird, Perth’s coolest hangout. Whether you’re into your art, dancing until late or just somewhere to chill with some fried chicken and beer, this is the place to be. They even have Hip-Hop karaoke with songs like Beastie Boys ‘Shake Your Rump’, Fugees ‘Ready Or Not’ and Jay Z ‘Hard Knock Life’ on the list.

181 William Street, Northbridge www.williamstreetbird.com

Common Ground

Burlesque Baby

Fancy being transported to a world of burlesque performance and pin-up fashion? Make your way to the retro boutique, Burlesque Baby, to purchase or browse a collection of 1950s swing dresses, corsets and vintageinspired trinkets. Dedicated to portraying ‘50s style, the boutique encourages customers to unleash their inner Betty Page with clothing and lingerie reminiscent of the ‘baby boom’ era. Boasting ‘50s-inspired fashion with a modern twist, you’ll definitely be tempted to purchase a pencil skirt or two from this flirty yet sophisticated store.

567 Wellington Street, Perth www.burlesquebaby.com.au

Find a new label at Common Ground in Northbridge or Fremantle. Where local labels can be showcased and bought, this retail experience doesn’t have an online store, so you know all the goods are right before your very eyes.

Stocking names like One Happy Leaf, Leo and Spargo and Mayflora, you can find floral design, vegan soap and handcrafted skateboards for both men and women. Step inside and find some common ground with the local tastes and fashions today.

224A William Street, Northbridge 82 High Street, Fremantle www.facebook.com/cmmngrnd/info

By Naomi Finniss, Images courtesy of venues.

Cove Day Spa

Winner of the Australian Beauty Industry Awards 2013, Cove Day Spa delivers high quality treatments alongside a holistic approach to wellbeing. Unwind in a peaceful and elegant environment, with the choice of bath rituals, massage, hair removal or skin solutions on offer. Treat yourself to a fivehour Cove Chill for complete rejuvenation, or just pop in for one or two spa treatments to revitalise body and mind. Located in the heart of South Perth, Cove Spa truly captures the essence of wellbeing, promising visible results!

47 Tate Street, South Perth www.covespa.com.au

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Getting started

Buy A Slice Of Australia

Mortgages for 457 Visa holders While we may not agree on your fondness for warm beer and horrible weather, Australians secretly love people from the UK, and outside of the cricket and rugby seasons, we’ve got a feeling that you feel the same.

In fact, you may already be sharing that love around (stop it!) and living it up in Australia on a temporary visa. What if we were to tell you though that you could get your own slice of the great Australian dream without being a citizen?

Home Buying Rules

There are not too many restrictions from the government that will stop temporary residents wanting to buy a new or existing property to live in as long as you sell it if you leave.

If you are a foreign citizen living overseas and do not hold a temporary visa you can still purchase an investment property or buy to let. This includes new property, off the plan apartments and vacant land.

That’s because the Aussie government is all about directing foreign investment into increasing the housing supply and preventing a housing price bubble. Australian government approval will be required, specifically, from the Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB).

What types of mortgages are available in Australia?

- Principle & Interest Home Loan: Otherwise known as a repayment mortgage in the UK. - Interest-only mortgage: These work in the same way as interest-only loans in the UK in that you pay only the interest on the loan.

- Flexible home loans: Some home loans are more flexible than others and allow you to make extra repayments and even set-up an offset account in order to reduce the interest payable.

Interest Rates

Like the UK, variable and fixed rates are both available in Australia. Fixed rates are available for up to five years with most banks, and up to 15 years with a couple of banks.

Larger interest rate discounts are also available if you are a skilled worker under a professional package.

What else do you need to know?

First Home Owners Grant: People who are buying a newly-built property as their first home are eligible for a grant which varies from state to state. You may need to be a permanent resident or Aussie citizen to qualify. Or you can just get drunk and marry the closest Aussie that you can find. Whatever works for you.

Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI): UK residents will know mortgage insurance as Mortgage Indemnity Guarantee (MIG) and it works in exactly the same as it does in Australia. It’s basically a big one off fee if you borrow over 80% of the property value.

Why is a mortgage broker essential for temporary residents?

First of all, Australian banks are disorganised and ask silly questions and delay what should be a simple mortgage application process.

Brokers can do all of this hard work for you and they usually do it all for free unless you repay your loan within the first two years.

They also have access to a wide panel of lenders to choose from and charge the same interest rate and fees as if you went to a bank directly. Some brokers such as the Home Loan Experts specialise in working with new migrants to Australia. Australian houses don’t stay on the market for long so don’t wait too long to buy your pad Down Under.

For more information log on to www.homeloanexperts.com.au

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Australia Accommodation booking is confirmed. This means that you get the comfort of a hotel at around the same price as a hostel.

Couch Surfing

One of the most informal ways of travelling, couch surfing allows you to stay with a host that is offering their spare room/blow-up mattress/couch.

On couchsurfing.org, you create a profile on your character, travelling aims and mission, and then search for locals in the city you plan to visit. Send them your dates in a Couchrequest, and if they have space for you, you’ve got your accommodation! Making sure you review each profile thoroughly is paramount: you don’t want to turn up and find you’re sharing the dogs’ room (unless you’re into that sort of thing, of course). With over 100,000 cities covered, you could literally travel the world couch surfing!

House Swap

Being the travel destination of the world, whether business, holiday or adventure, Australia has to accommodate for the hundreds of thousands of people coming into the country every year.

Thanks to revolutionary new ways, it’s now easier than ever to find a bed for the night, a week or six months. There are more options to find temporary or semi-permanent accommodation, from shortterm couch surfing and hostels to house-shares.

Looking at temporary and semi-permanent accommodation in Australia, here are the routes you can take to getting a roof over your head.

If you’re looking for home comforts on the other side of the world, you can swap your house for someone else’s with Love Home Swap. An interesting, money-saving way to holiday abroad and live like a local, list your home for free and do a two-way exchange with another house listed on the website.

You don’t even have to swap at the same time. If a member of Love Home Swap stays in your house while you’re away, you earn points which can later be used to holiday in a house completely free. There is also the option of simply renting a house, but why spend money when you could get ultimately free accommodation? All you pay is a deposit in case of any damages and you can swap houses for as long as you both agree on. Just head to www. lovehomeswap.com and find a house you can use in Australia, Thailand or USA.

Semi-Permanent Accommodation

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

House Share Temporary Accommodation

For anything up to three months, temporary accommodation is for anyone that doesn’t want to stay put for long. This includes the travelling backpacker, the businessman in and out within three days and the couple looking to get away from the European winter for six weeks of sun, sea and relaxation. Depending on which you are, it is likely your accommodation will differ.

Hostels & Hotels

Most synonymous with the travelling backpacker, hostels are the number one go-to for short-term lodging for a number of reasons. Not only are there hundreds throughout the main cities of Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Adelaide, you can also find hostels along the east coast up to Cairns and in the western towns of Exmouth, Geraldton and Broome. They are also famed for having great atmospheres, social opportunities and activities to get customers outside and exploring their surroundings. They’re also easy on the bank account.

You can find a hostel in your next destination with many booking websites including hostelbookers.com, which doesn’t add an annoying booking fee, and wotif.com, which offers bookings at undisclosed hotels at a discounted price compared to booking direct. Details of these “mystery hotels” are given, including star rating and amenities, but the name is kept a secret until your

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With accommodation eating a predominant chunk out of your wage, you’ll want to save as many cents and dollars as possible. You can decrease the amount you pay in rent with a house share. Whether you move into a house with people you’ve met in the area or apply to fill a spare room, there are many opportunities to find shared accommodation.

To help you find the best house for you, there are plenty of websites that can suit your criteria. FlatmateFinders.com.au lists hundreds of homes, as well as people that are also looking for a house share, based on your chosen city. The listings are elaborate, containing information on your potential housemates, local facilities and a description of the house and room available for rent. The website is free to sign up to and contact 35 people, but should you need more, you can pay $7.95 for two weeks or $12.95 for four weeks. If you’re successful in your search, there’s a finder’s fee of $11.95.

Other sites include Easy Roommate (au.easyroommate.com), which has a more detailed search that includes where you’re looking, the maximum rent you wish to pay, whether you are male/female/a couple, and your occupation; Domain (domain.com.au) focuses on the area you wish to live, whether house-sharing, renting or buying, and offers news and information on the property market; and FurnishedProperty.com.au lists fully furnished share accommodation, apartments and student digs.

Live The

Dream

Wondering how you can stay in Australia to live, work and play, here, we explain what all that visa malarky means so you can apply for the right one for you and your situation...

Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417)

Temporary Work (Skilled) Visa (subclass 457)

To apply for the Working Holiday Visa you must: • Be at least 18 years of age but younger than 31 • Not have a dependent child coming with you to Australia • Have around $5000 AUD to support your time in Australia • Have the funds to purchase a return ticket when your visa runs out • Have a passport from an eligible country

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

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

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

The countries eligible for this visa include United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, Germany, France, Canada and Japan. There are 19 countries in total.

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

Work & Holiday Visa (subclass 462)

Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189)

Much like the Working Holiday Visa, the Work & Holiday Visa allows young people the chance to holiday and work in Australia for up to one year.

Requirements for the Work & Holiday Visa include: • You must be at least 18 years of age but younger than 31 • You must not have a dependent child with you during your stay • You must hold a passport from an eligible country Countries eligible for the Work & Holiday Visa are Argentina, Bangladesh, Chile, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Turkey, USA and Uruguay. Greece and Poland have recently signed a work and holiday agreement with Australia, but the start date for this has not been announced.

Higher Education Sector Visa (subclass 573)

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

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

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

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

You can apply for this visa if you: • Submitted an expression of interest • Nominated an occupation on the skilled occupation list • Achieved a skills assessment for the chosen occupation • Have not yet turned 50 years o age • Have a competent level of English • Have been sent a letter of invitation by the Australian Government The Skilled Independent Visa allows you to live and work in Australia as a permanent resident. You can also include your partner and any dependent relatives in your application.

Partner Visa (subclasses 820 and 801)

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

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

The Best Websites To Apply For Jobs In Australia

If you’re looking to move to Australia, one of the first things to consider is how you’re going to afford to live. While a daunting experience, finding a job Down Under doesn’t have to be hard, especially with so many companies listing their openings on job websites.

From wait staff to marketing managers and temporary promotional work, you can find and apply for jobs easily in the comfort of your own home. To help you look, here are the best websites to use to apply for jobs in Australia.

My Career

Seek

Career One

With a professional layout and over 130,000 jobs in Australia and overseas, you might just find your next career move on Seek. The search bar is clear and precise with keyword, location, salary and industry options, although the latter may not be necessary i.e. you’re not going to find many waiting vacancies that aren’t in the hospitality classification. You can filter the results further by choosing the type of work you’re after, or change your previous choices, on the left-hand-side banner. It’s not just a potential employee that searches on Seek, for employers themselves can view your profile and see your skills, but only if they are relevant to your experience and you are registered online. www.seek.com.au

Not only can you search for a specific job on My Career, you can browse just by sector and even do a company search to see what roles, if any, are vacant in a business you are keen to work for. There is also a list of featured recruiters, from Adecco to Goodwin, with the number of job openings for each. If searching for jobs becomes a bit mind numbing, you can sign up to My Career, list your skills and let them find the roles relevant to you. Signing up will also mean that your CV is saved for future applications and you will be alerted when appropriate jobs come up. www.mycareer.com.au

Boasting over 400,000 opportunities, you can search for full-time, part-time and casual work by industry, with image tabs leading you to specific roles and the number of openings in each.

Industries are distinguished by headgear, or you can choose from the alphabetical dropdown menu (not all industries can be defined by hats). What makes this site so unique is its Tasks section. If you can’t find the full time job you’re looking for or even have a job but want to use your skills to get some extra cash, there are nearly 500 tasks advertised on Career One with people looking for someone to clean their home, create a logo for a website or repair a broken lock. www.careerone.com.au

Australian JobSearch

Trusted for being a government website, Australian JobSearch is possibly the most varied and extensive you will find. Searching by industry is the easiest option, with categories listed alphabetically, followed by city, state or region. Once you’ve chosen your preferred location, the list of jobs appears, which you can refine by location, occupation, job type and length. The industries can be extremely broad, and job listings include guitar teacher, plant mechanic and concrete worker. In some openings, there is more than one position available, so chances of acceptance are higher.

Anyone looking for regional work will also benefit from Australian JobSearch with Harvest Trail – a list of fruit and vegetable picking openings that you can apply to get your second year visa. australianjobsearch.com.au

Jobs.com.au

Putting it simply, this site is all about jobs in Oz, which is pretty much what you should be looking for. You can search manually or browse by sector or location, and then filter the results accordingly.

Newest posts are placed at the top with a “NEW” label beside them. If you are after a certain salary, you may be left disappointed as many are not specified, but the amount of jobs listed more than makes up for it, so get click-happy applying for as many as you wish. jobs.com.au

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EX-PAT INTERVIEW WITH HANA WHITE FROM DROP BEAR TOURS

The Big Move

I first came to Australia in 2004, just travelling, and fell in love with it. I then went home to England, got some cash together and decided to come back in 2008. I lived in Sydney for a couple of years, when a friend came over to see me and said, “What are you doing? You’ve got the same life you had in Bristol, but in Sydney. I thought you came over to Australia for some adventure?” So I jacked my job in, packed my car up and headed for the coast.

I stopped in Noosa and met a guy who worked for a Fraser Island company. I went out on a tour to Fraser and… didn’t want to leave! I started volunteering at a hostel and four-and-a-half years later I still live here!

I love the simple life and going out collecting wood; it’s very man versus wild – you have to be resourceful. Growing up in a city environment and a rat race, I fell in love with the community. It’s very much like, if you’ve got plenty, share. The man with lots of oranges on his trees will hand them out and the next week we’ll share our fish. I also love the challenge of living in an eco house; we’re on solar power and we pump up the water from the bore inside the island. I love the four-wheel driving and the fact that there are no roads! It’s a rural way of living, but it’s paradise.

Drop Bear Adventures

So many people come to Fraser Island all the time and I love helping them connect with it and leave their troubles behind. As soon as you get on that barge, you settle into island life. Beer o’clock tends to be around 11.30am! I’m inspired by sharing it with other people, so Mark – my fiancé whom I met

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on the island – and I set up Drop Bear Adventures.

Fraser is very easy to be a tour guide, and it’s such a beautiful place, you can turn up at Lake McKenzie and go, “Here you go, guys. Here’s a crystal clear water lake, go and have a swim.”

It’s also about sharing the aboriginal culture, the history, the spirituality, getting them to appreciate the fragile eco-system, how special and unique the lake is. They’re never going to see anything like this in the world – Fraser’s got over half of the world’s fresh dune lakes on one island, it’s the only place where rainforest grows on sand.

But we wanted to step away from those buzz words and get people to connect with island life and feel like part of the family. A big thing for us is that people come off the tour and go, “I feel like I’ve just been camping with my mates.” We’re not just a tour company that drives around, drops them off and then the tour guide has a snooze in the car!

We are just as enthusiastic as those seeing it for the first time.

Family

I was lucky enough to not have to go through all the visa stuff. My mum came over here when she was sixteen and met a beautiful Aussie man! So I have my Australian passport. When you move abroad, and so far away, you’re on the other side of the world and it’s SO expensive to fly home, you really have to make sure you’re making the right choice. I miss my family, but every day I feel happy, and I love what I do, and that’s what it’s about. You can hold yourself back from your family, because it’s really just about looking after yourself and knowing that you’re going to have a family at some point, and I want mine to grow up in this environment.

It’s still a challenge, but I brought my family out here a couple of years ago, and as soon as they saw where was – I dropped my mum off at the airport and she grabbed me by the shoulders and said “As long as that island is there, I do not want to see you home.” I’ve gone from 50 pairs of shoes for every outfit, false nails and hair extensions to haven’t done my nails in about two years, don’t wear shoes and three items in my make up bag!

Here, it’s more about going out and surfing and doing stuff with your time, and that’s so good for the soul.

Got a story to tell? Email staffwriter@bbmlive.com

Living and working in Australia may seem like just a dream to many, but Hana White from Bristol, UK has made a success of it. With a brilliant tour company that she co-owns with her fiancé, she has a life that involves four-wheel-driving, chilling on the beach and showing off the island that she has made her home.

You’d be a fool to think it didn’t take some hard work, but here’s why she’s not willing to let go of her life on Fraser Island any time soon…

Regional Work

meaning it is one of the more vibrant regional areas. Many residents have settled in fertile areas along the south-eastern coast and River Murray which make for prime orchard and vineyard country, someone has to pick that fruit.

They call Tasmania the natural state, and ‘A World Apart, Not A World Away’. As the most unspoiled state in Australia (almost 45% is comprised of reserves, national parks and World Heritage Sites) you are surrounded by nature. There are mountains, including the Central Highlands area which covers most of the central western parts of the state. There are several rivers, many of which have been dammed for hydroelectricity. Due to its isolation, the state is also known for its unique flora and fauna as well as eucalypt forests, alpine heathlands, rainforests and moorlands.

Firstly, to achieve General Skilled Migration there are bonuses on the points test if you can claim to have spent at least two years living or studying full-time in a ‘regional work district’ prior to lodging your application. This is basically the term given to the lesser populated areas of the country so excludes the state capitals as well as the popular

destinations of Newcastle, Wollongong, the Central Coast and Gold Coast as well as ACT. There is also the Skilled Regional Sponsored (Provisional) visa where you are sponsored by a participating state or territory yet you will be required to remain there, at least until you can obtain sponsorship for permanent residence under the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme.

Many are put off visiting regional Australia due to the sheer isolation, as if only Flying Doctors will save them from a nasty snake bite. Don’t let the unlikely chances of that occurring put you off visiting some truly remarkable destinations.

If you wanted to see The Outback as depicted in Crocodile Dundee then head to the Northern Territory. This is where men are men and the locals will not be afraid to show you what is and is not a knife, allegedly. Towards the bottom of the state are two of Australia’s most iconic tourist attractions; the awe-inspiring natural rock formations of Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Kata Tjuta (The Olgas). At the Top End is Kakadu National Park, featuring indigenous wildlife amidst gorgeous wetlands. Both are well worth a visit.

Then again, if you are talking natural landmarks then there is always The Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Queensland. With a daily ferry to and from Rockhampton; Great Keppel Island is the place to go if you want to live and work on an island on the reef. The work is unpaid and includes gardening, kitchen work and housekeeping. Yes, alas it is unpaid but meals and accommodation are included. You would not even have to work full-time hours, just four hours per day, six days a week for between two and four weeks. The real bonus is the fact that you can spend your spare time snorkelling, swimming, bush walking or simply living the dream on a stunning island.

With a climate not too dissimilar to Britain, the state of South Australia will feel like home. The state is unique as its origins are of a freely settled and planned British province rather than a convict settlement, a fact that the locals enjoy proclaiming.

To that end, South Australia has a lot to offer in terms of culture, fine wine and numerous festivals

Do not be perturbed by the likes of Crocodile Dundee and Flying Doctors, the lesser populated areas of Australia are home to hidden beauties and some of the most spectacular natural landscapes that the country has to offer. From Uluru and Kata Tjuta in the Northern Territory to the rainforests in Tasmania as well as the unique Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Queensland, there are several opportunities to work and enjoy your surroundings in regional Australia.

SKILLED OCCUPATION LIST Want to stay in Australia for longer? Here’s a few of the jobs going that will help you to make that dream come true.

For the full up to date Skilled Occupation list visit www.immi.gov.au Child Care Centre Manager Nursing Clinical Director General Accountant External Auditor Ship’s Engineer Architect Surveyor Electrical Engineer Veterinarian Secondary School Teacher Sonographer Dentist Physiotherapist Dermatologist Midwife Software Engineer Solicitor Welder

By Omar Soliman, Images courtesy of Gold Coast Tourism & NT Tourism.

If you’re facing the prospect of carrying out Regional Work to obtain your second year visa, here’s some of the great destinations you can visit.

You needn’t be doing fruit picking, or hard manual labour, finding yourself in one of these areas and getting a job for the 88 day period required will help you stay in Australia for another year.

For authentic Australian experiences you should try Western Australia. As the largest state with vast swathes of uninhabited land there are loads of opportunities for backpackers to work on a station, some of which are staggeringly large. For instance, the largest in Western Australia is Home Valley which is 14,164 sq km, compare that to the country of Wales which is 20,761 sq km. Here you could try building fences, mustering work and domestic duties while experience is not essential.

With few distractions you can quickly learn a lot about animal husbandry and living with a local community, which would make for a memorable experience.

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Port Hedland

If you’re heading to North West Festival, then make the most of your journey to Western Australia’s Port Hedland and explore all this coastal town has to offer...

Sitting a two-hour plane ride from Perth is the modest town of Port Hedland.

Providing refreshment from the harshness of the outback, this small town offers a relaxed and open lifestyle, where nothing is worth stressing over.

Lying beside the calming waters of the Indian Ocean, every visitor is provided with superb fishing, prime whale watching and a base to head off to the nearby Millstream-Chichester and Karijini National Parks. For the experienced explorer to first-time traveller, Port Hedland is well worth a visit.

The town sits on the coast of the Pilbara region, with ocean to the west and the incredible breadth of Australia to the east. Its ideal location means that you get the best of both worlds; water babies can swim and sail while those that prefer their feet firmly on hard ground can go off road driving, cycling and bushwalking.

Drenched in history, there are many opportunities to learn about the original inhabitants of Port Hedland, its use as a port and industries that have thrived.

Marapikurrinya is the aboriginal name of Port Hedland, given to it by the Karriyarra people for the hand-shaped formation of the tidal creeks off of the harbour. You can discover more at the Dalgety House Museum, Don Rhodes Open Air Train Museum and the Courthouse Arts Centre and Gallery. You can also embark on the Cultural and Heritage Trail, a walk that maps out the beginnings of European settlement with buildings and significant locations.

whales travel along the coast looking for warmer waters, while turtles can be found nesting on the beaches from October to March. Budding photographers can take outstanding pictures of the marine life, as well as the wildflower that comes into bloom during winter, May to November.

Winter is the more ideal season to travel to Port Hedland and the northwest, when the weather is drier and cooler than in summer (but still warmer than southern Australia!) and more ideal for outdoor activities. In summer, November to April, the rainfall restricts entry to off-roads, but the hot days and balmy nights create spectacular lightning shows and sunsets, again making for brilliant Kodak moments.

Whatever time of the year you plan to visit Port Hedland, you will experience a lovely, heart-warming town in an extraordinary setting of ocean views, wildlife habitat and desert journeys towards Broome, Darwin, Alice Springs and the Ningaloo Reef. It is the ideal place to stop off on a road trip, find out about the deep history of Australia, or just escape the bustling Perth city. Whatever your reason, whenever you arrive, you’re bound to find something to call home about in Port Hedland.

Contrasting the barren and vast outback, Port Hedland is a haven for travellers who are missing human company! As the second largest town in the region, there is accommodation for backpackers, holidaymakers and couples taking a weekend break from the city, in the way of cosy hotels and caravan parks, but booking in advance is essential to assure your spot. It’s also the perfect place to purchase the necessities you’ve run out of, indulge in some shopping you’ve missed or simply relax with delicious food and drink.

Of course, there are also plenty of chances to continue your adventure and make unique memories exclusive to Port Hedland and the coast of North West Australia. A natural wonder of epic proportions, head to Cooke Point and capture the Staircase To The Moon, a moment when the full moon rises over the exposed mudflats during low tide, creating a beautiful illusion of a staircase up to the moon that leaves most witnesses with their mouths wide open. It only occurs between March and October, so very few have been fortunate enough to see it.

If you’re a nature lover, you’re in luck. Between July and October, humpback

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By Charlotte Mellor, Images courtesy of Tourism Western Australia

The heart of the town is understandably the port itself, the world’s largest in terms of tonnage, with more than 70 million tonnes of iron ore, salt, manganese and livestock, worth over $3 billion, exported every year.

However, there is much more to the town, which is why it has seen a boom in tourists in recent times.

Kangaroo Island Sitting 112 kilometres to the south west of Adelaide, Kangaroo Island is blessed with spectacular beaches that are perfect for surfing at Vivonne Bay, fishing on Emu Bay and swimming in the enchanting waters of the secret beach at Stokes Bay. The beautiful surroundings don’t just beckon humans to Kangaroo Island - it appeals to wildlife all year round too! From cuddling koalas to hand-feeding lorikeets (arboreal parrots) and feeling the smooth slither of a snake, there are plenty of hands-on opportunities with Australia’s animals. You can also capture one of the greatest sights of seal and sea lions when they gather in masses and laze upon the rocks along the shorline, occasionally taking dips in the water. The best view of these adorable marine mammals can be found from the Seal Bay Conservation Park, where you can discover the country’s third largest colony of Australian sea lions.

Other wildlife happenings come in the way of the Little Penguins at Penneshaw, which you can get closer to with a nighttime tour as they march up the beach after a day’s fishing. And, of course, there is the famous kangaroo, which can be seen appearing from its mother’s pouch around winter time. You’ll also find the sight of eight male echidnas following a female around in a long ‘train’ quite endearing and humorous.

On a more adventurous note, you can delve deeper into the formation of the island and tour the underground caves at Kelly Hill Conservation Park, or visit Flinders Chase National Park, which holds the wonder that is Remarkable Rocks and Admiral’s Arch, sculpted by weathering and erosion from the sea over thousands of years. Whether you’re a budding geologist or simply have an increasing curiosity, you can find Admiral’s Arch at Cape du Couedic, where you can also see the New Zealand fur-seals resting and breeding. The breeding occurs during summer and you’ll have the chance to watch fur-seal pups playing near the rock pools beneath the arch.

From the soaring cliffs to the rugged rock and dense bushland, the wilderness of KI begs to be explored, and you are more than welcome to with a range of adventure tours, whether on four wheels or high in the sky. Experience the fun of a quad bike tour across 500 acres of natural landscape, hire a kayak and skim the surface of the ocean or dive further to meet marine life like dolphins,

turtles and seals. Want to see the island from a bird’s perspective? Book yourself on a helicopter flight and take in the stunning coastline from above.

If all this activity makes you a bit parched and peckish, you may not know that KI is so rich in fertile land and beautiful waters, that it’s one of Australia’s finest producers in food and drink. From freshly caught oysters and marron to sheep’s cheese, Ligurian bee’s honey and Sauvignon Blanc, you are able to consume all of this in the local restaurants, wineries and shops. See how it’s all made with a tour along the Kangaroo Island Farm Gate and Cellar Door Trail, where you can learn the history and methods straight from the producers. To get all of this in one place, head to the farmer’s market on the first Sunday of the month and taste the offerings from farmers, growers, bakers, gardeners and artisan producers.There are markets, festivals, events and exhibitions held throughout the year, celebrating local art, food, culture and talent.

Whatever time of year you take the trip to Kangaroo Island, you have the choice of many types of accommodation. Stay at isolated Cape Willoughby in a restored lighthouse keeper’s cottage, hire out a seaside holiday home where you’ll hear waves lapping on the shore, or spend your nights at a luxury lodge with access to a secluded pristine beach called Pink Bay. If you’ve taken a road trip then the island has caravan and camping parks for you to rest at, or make the most of adventurous trails by staying in bushland cottages.

Kangaroo Island has 509km of coastline for you to explore, so make sure you spend a lengthy visit making the most of everything there is to offer. Whether you want to go seal-spotting, surf down the sand dunes in Vivonne Bay or sail past sparkling beaches, Kangaroo Island is a land waiting for you to discover.

By Charlotte Mellor, Images courtesy of Tourism Australia

At 155km in length, Kangaroo Island is a haven for adventure-seekers, animal lovers and anyone looking to capture a picture-perfect moment. Get up close and personal with South Australia’s kangaroos, koalas, wallabies, penguins, seals, platypus, echidnas and bird life or take in the awe-inspiring scenery and sights that will take your breath away. This spectacular island has plenty to offer throughout the year.

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Siem Reap, Cambodia Brimming with culture, Siem Reap boasts an eclectic array of restaurants to excite your taste buds, and the beautiful Angkor night market to treat your eyes to silk scarves, inspiring paintings, unique jewellery, and detailed wood and stone carvings. For exploration, step inside the Angkor Temple Region; blanketing more than 300km of northwestern Cambodia with hundreds of structures from the 9th to the 14th Century, you can view the history of the Khmer empire through the intricate artwork. Wander around the temples of Angkor Wat and Ta Prohm at sunrise before the midday heat.

Hoi An, Vietnam Cobbled stoned streets form the pathways around the beautiful and laid-back town of Hoi An. The relaxed atmosphere is perfect for those that want to explore at their own pace.

Formerly known as Faifo, Hoi An translates to ‘peaceful meeting place’, and is a World Heritage Site with an oldtown character and beguiling riverside setting. If your eyes are bigger than your belly, you’ll adore the culinary mecca of Hoi An, with its abundance of Vietnamese street cuisine that can be cooked before your very eyes. Stroll through the local shops or take a taxi to the beachfront, either way, you can’t escape Hoi An’s idyllic charm.

Koh Rok, Thailand

Unveil South East Asia...

Explore the most amazing and beguiling places in South East Asia, where you can unearth ancient ruins, walk across 100m canopy drops, or hideaway on a secluded island. Experience our ultimate South East Asia destinations and lose yourself in the wonders of these enchanting locations.

A tranquil paradise off of the beaten track, Koh Rok is one of Thailand’s best island escapes, boasting a secluded area in the Similan Islands. Its calm turquoise waters offer great opportunity for snorkelling, swimming, or simply dipping your feet in to cool down. Camp beneath the stars in the National Marine Park’s campground, catch your dinner from the sea and cook it just to your liking on a campfire in true rustic style. With an incredibly small population and a lack of privately owned eateries and shops, Koh Rok has the potential to become your own hideaway with just the sea urchins and starfish in the undisturbed sea.

A garden city by Singapore’s waterfront, Marina Bay is a hub for people wanting to explore and entertain in a busy and growing metropolis.

Embrace its activities and opportunities and you won’t go wrong. Swim in the world’s best rooftop pool at Marina Bay Sands, view renowned collections at ArtScience Museum and laze about in the bay gardens. Spanning 101 hectares, the focus on nature is unavoidable, from the futuristiclooking supertrees to the suspended walkway and the conservatories providing relief from the tropical heat with hundreds of thousands of rare plants.

It’s a truly spectacular sight beside the towering skyscrapers and night-time light shows.

Taman Negara, Malaysia This area is Malaysia’s adventure destination and considered the oldest oldest tropical rainforest in the world, teeming with rare and protected wildlife including the Malayan Tiger, Asian Elephant and Sumatran Rhinoceros. Access Taman Negara through the town of Kuala Tahan, your base during your stay with reasonable transport connections, plenty of accommodation and a handful of stores selling necessary basics. There are many companies offering incredible tours including jungle hikes, night-time expeditions, cave-exploring and 4WD safaris, or take to the height of the Canopy Walk and view exotic birds and plants from above the treetops.

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Marina Bay, Singapore

Luang Prabang, Laos

Luang Prabang exudes tranquility and casual grandeur, nestled in a slim valley, shaped by green mountains and cut by the swift Mekong and Khan rivers. Here you’ll find decades old, redroofed temples and FrenchIndochinese architecture, along with Laos’s most refined cuisine. All of your senses will come alive when you enter Luang Prabang, with an abundance of colour in all forms, from pearly Frangipanis and banks of overgrown green trees to the golden regal wats. The heady scent of fresh coffee, riverbed soil, and spicy food will follow you everywhere you go, and the booming thump of temple drums will wake you at dawn.

Siquijor, Philippines

Immerse yourself in the old-age traditions of Siquijor, a mysterious place that is revered by locals. Here, you can go in search of a witch doctor or spend your time relaxing on the exotic coast. There are 23 stunning and adventurous dive sites, including Apo Island’s beautiful reefs and the Tubod Marine Sanctuary’s intermittent sandy areas and seagrass beds. To see as much as possible on land, rent a motor taxi for half a day for $25. As the smallest of the four Central Visayas provinces, you have the opportunity to experience an authentic low-key village life.

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queensland There are some trips you can take in Australia that will rival anything you’ve ever done before, and the East Coast drive from Brisbane to Cairns is a prime example. Over 1000 miles of adventure coastline, extraordinary islands, seaside towns and exceptional activities, this is an ideal journey whatever time of year, so take a while to soak up all the sights at your leisure with a nine-day expedition.

DAY ONE

Whether wandering the galleries in South Bank or exploring the local markets, Brisbane is a perfect place to depart for your Pacific Coast adventure. Take advantage of the shops and buzzing atmosphere of the city before heading off towards Noosa on the Bruce Highway. A region with beautiful beaches beside lush hinterland and cosmopolitan living, spend a day at Noosa and enjoy first class dining with an abundance of cafes and restaurants serving everything from French to Asian on the beachfront and in the bustling streets of its main city, Noosa Heads. If you’re after your first taste of adrenaline, take a speedboat along Noosa River, ride on horseback along the beach at Noosa North Shore, or try your hand at kitesurfing, kayaking and paddle boarding.

Being such an adventure playground, accommodation is plentiful and ranges from hostels to campervan sites. For complete relaxation with a view, set up at the Noosa River Caravan Park, and make use of the provided BBQ in the evening and the sandy shore in the morning for a quick dip before getting back on the road.

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DAY TWO

Drive for two hours further towards Cairns and you will reach arguably Australia’s most popular island. Fraser Island is accessible from Rainbow Beach, River Heads and Hervey Bay by ferry and is best experienced with a two-day 4WD tour. If you have time and want to get the most out of your trip, you will be able to cruise along 75 Mile Beach, explore the rainforest deep within and bathe in the refreshing pools. Beach camping is permitted in various locations around the island, so spend your second night here and relax beneath the stars.

DAY THREE

On your third day, you can head back to Hervey Bay and explore the city.

Acclaimed for its wild marine animals, head out on a whale watching tour when the humpback whale makes Hervey Bay its home between July and November. If you’d rather get back on the road, take the 250 miles to Rockhampton, and detour off of the Bruce Highway towards Bundaberg to see the Mystery Craters, sandstone formations thought to be created by meteors.

Once you reach Rockhampton, you are welcomed by a wealth of activities in an idyllic city setting on the Fitzroy River. Stroll through the Botanical Gardens, consume delicious lamb or chicken dishes at The Edge on the footsteps of the river, and head into Mt Archer National Park for panoramic nighttime views over the city. Rockhampton is a great base to get to Yeppoon on the coast, Koorana Crocodile Farm to watch the beasts jump for their dinner and Cooberrie Park Wildlife Sanctuary to cuddle a koala. With many travellers stopping over in Rockhampton, there are plenty of caravan parks and hotels to choose from.

DAY FOUR

From Rockhampton, take the Bruce Highway further to Mackay, a region at the mouth of the Pioneer River into the Pacific Ocean. A tropical atmosphere with year-round warm weather, you can explore inland to mining towns, Pioneer Valley and Eungella National Park, one of Queensland’s most beautiful areas for bushwalking, platypus spotting and taking a dip in the numerous swimming holes. On the edge of the coast lies Cape Hillsborough National Park; with its beautiful beaches lined with thick forest, the only other forms of life you are likely to see is a family of wallabies.

Explore Queensland With Mighty Campers

DAY FIVE & SIX

DAY SEVEN

When you’re ready to part with the stunning setting of the Whitsunday Islands, take to the road once again for the three-and-a-half hour journey to Townsville.

You can break up the drive with a stop at the peaceful Cape Upstart National Park, with its warm sandy beaches and lush vegetation, or visit the town of Ayr for eateries, beautiful estuaries and the Burdekin Bridge. Townsville is just a further 55 miles and resembles many of the idyllic cities you have seen on your road trip to Cairns. Surrounded by unspoilt coastline but buzzing with entertainment, walk the pier, laze in the Botanical Gardens, browse the stalls at Cotters Market or enjoy the cultural activities at Riverway. The gateway to the northern tropics of Queensland, Townsville is a prime spot to head off for a tour of the Paluma Range, or explore the pristine bays and rugged terrain of Magnetic Island. Whether wreck diving, fishing, sunbathing or letting your hair down, Magnetic Island is one of the most diverse on the Australian coast, with Full Moon Parties, adrenaline water sports and complete relaxation lying side by side. Like many of the holiday destinations, there is accommodation to suit everyone, so once you’ve tired yourself out, you can park up at a campervan site or book into a backpacker resort.

DAY EIGHT

On your eighth day, drive two hours to Lucinda to jump on the ferry to Hinchinbrook Island and delve deep into the national park that resides on it.

Guide yourself through the walking trails or grab a snorkel and be rewarded with outstanding corals in the clearest water you’ve ever seen. Back on the mainland, you can explore the four sections of Girringun National Park: Wallaman Falls, Australia’s highest single-drop waterfall; Blencoe Falls and the Herbert River; the ancient volcano of Mount Fox, complete with brilliant views of the Kangaroo Hills; and Dalrymple Gap, a 10km walking track. Just keep your eye out for the odd crocodile! Camping is permitted in designated sites in Girringun National Park, with additional toilets, showers and picnic areas, so get back to basics and sleep beneath the stars before the final day of this epic adventure…

DAY NINE

Getting back onto the Bruce Highway, Cairns is just under two-and-a-half hours away, but Mission Beach beckons your attention with beachfront bars on Wongaling Beach, whitewater rafting on the Tully River and opportunities to spot the endangered Cassowary, a large flightless bird that you don’t want to meet on a bad day! Mission Beach is the closest mainland point to the Great Barrier Reef, so snorkeling within its kaleidoscope of colour is just over an hour away by boat. After you’ve dried yourself off and grabbed something to eat along Porter Promenade, your final destination lies under two hours away. The capital of North Queensland and the tropics, there is an abundance of tour and activity companies in Cairns that show off the surrounding landscape, whether you want to dive into the ocean or discover the Daintree Rainforest. Fly through the treetops of Cape Tribulation on a zip-wire and take a cruise along the Daintree River and spot the fresh water crocodiles, platypus and colourful birds.

The city centre holds shops, restaurants and bars for necessities and luxuries you’ve had to live without, and there’s every kind of accommodation you can think of, from fun and lively hostels by the beach, to luxurious spa retreats and convenient caravan sites. This is the hub of North Queensland; with the rest of Australia to the west and the Pacific Ocean to the east, Cairns has everything you could want in a tropical city and more.

Don’t miss your chance to see the northern tropics of Queensland. An affordable, worthwhile and – most importantly – fun way to see all parts of the country, you can hire a campervan to take you, your luggage, and even the kitchen sink across Australia. With eight prime locations to pick up a campervan and begin your journey, hiring a van from Mighty Campers couldn’t be easier.

Jump inside your campervan at Eagle Farm in Brisbane and travel as far as you wish with an unlimited number of permitted kilometres. This means that you can drive to Hervey Bay, Airlie Beach, all of the national parks and islands, and up to the Mighty Campers Cairns branch location on Sheridan Street, without missing a single sight or activity.

A campervan will provide a temporary home that an ordinary car would not, and enables you to carry all of the things you need.

Spaciously sleeping two, three, four or six persons, there’s no need for top and tailing with the wide range of vans available. Linen and bedding are provided, ensuring you get a good night’s sleep, with all furnishings meticulously thought out to provide a substantial living space. In fact, Mighty Campers vans are so liveable, they’re more like apartments on wheels than motorhomes. All of them contain a gas stove so you can cook your breakfast, and because you can’t cook sausages without utensils, and you can’t eat them without crockery and cutlery, these are also provided. You will also appreciate a sink to wash the dirty dishes.

Some models contain a microwave for efficiency, a fridge to keep your food cold and a toilet and shower for anyone that isn’t too keen on getting that close to nature! You can also be safe in the knowledge that there is a 24-hour toll-free road service helpline in case you get any problems. If that wasn’t enough, when you book your campervan, you will receive a complimentary magazine packed with discounts to tourist attractions, so you can experience as much as possible during the road trip of a lifetime.

Booking your campervan couldn’t be simpler. Research what type of van you need, decide how many people the van will be accommodating, where and when you want to pick up and drop off your van, and state what country your driver’s licence is registered to, and you’ll receive a free quote. A one-way hire requires a minimum rental period of seven days and at least a $200 fee depending on which van you acquire.

If you’re interested in hiring your very own campervan and travelling from Brisbane to Cairns – or from any of the eight branches – you can get in touch with the reservations team directly by calling 1800 670 232 or find out more by heading to www.mightycampers.com.au.

By Charlotte Mellor

Now in the second half of your trip, begin day five with a morning stroll along the Pioneer River and breakfast at Oscars on Sydney Street. Just under 100 miles north lies the holiday haven, Airlie Beach, the door to the famous Whitsunday Islands. This is your ideal opportunity to take a sailboat out at dawn to watch the sunrise, blast through the water on a jet ski or snorkel the peaceful coral of the Great Barrier Reef. Of the 74 tropical islands that make up the Whitsundays, there is luxury accommodation on eight, but budget-friendly hotels and campervan parks can be found on Airlie Beach, so you have more money to explore the islands by air or ocean during the day. With so much to do here, there’s no need to rush back on the road. Invest in two nights beside the Whitsundays and you won’t regret it.

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Belfast

A city with an overwhelming charm and an atmosphere that warms the soul, Belfast really is a home away from home. From its welcoming pubs and bustling streets to the beautiful surrounding scenery just an hour’s flight from England, it has become the UK city we turn to for a weekend away with the girls, a raucous stag do or hen night, and a chance to escape the more heaving cities of London and Manchester.

Located in the east of Northern Ireland, Belfast really is a combination of several cities in one. It has the layout of New York, with long main roads and the city hall at the heart; it has the markets of Europe, where German sausage meets freshly baked sourdough and delectable quiche; and it has the shopping of London, with Victoria Square and Castle Court brimming with department stores and cafes you know and love to boutique shops you’ve yet to discover.

You’re spoilt for choice in terms of where to eat.

Whether a strict vegetarian, gluten-intolerant or carnivorous hunter, there are dozens of eateries, each one different from the next. Café Conor is wholesome yet beautiful, set up inside an old studio of artist, William Conor, and featuring the works of Neil Shawcross. Located on Stranmillis

Road, you can find filling breakfasts to hearty evening meals and even tapas, all with an Irish twist. Meanwhile, Home Restaurant in Wellington Place prides itself on catering for everyone, with a separate gluten free menu, pre-theatre dinner and skinny lunches for anyone minding the lbs. There’s even a selection of cocktails to tantalise your tastebuds and a wine list guaranteed to satisfy even the fussiest of sommeliers.

Of course, you can’t forgo the unbeatable experience of a true Belfast pub. The Crown Bar on Great Victoria Street is most famed for its décor; step inside and you’re welcomed by carved mahogany booths, engraved glass and intricate floor tiles. This public bar was bought by the National Trust in 1978 and continues to beckon patrons for its range of real ales and rich history.

However, as it pulls in such a crowd, try to get inside and seated around noon before the mad rush.

For a more relaxing afternoon, head to the River Lagan and sit outside McHugh’s, another beloved Belfast pub for its atmosphere, hospitable staff and excellent food. Sitting within Queen’s Square, this is the perfect spot during the odd sunny day, but within McHugh’s walls you’ll also find Irish dancing, live Jazz and a menu fit for a king! Have the black & white pudding to start as it comes with its very own baby Guinness, and enjoy roast lamb, pork belly or hake for your main.

While food and beer may take up the majority of your time here (hell, it may even be the reason you came in the first place!), Belfast is the perfect location to go off and actually see Northern Ireland. And there’s nothing worth seeing more than the Giant’s Causeway.

Legend has it the rock formations that we see today are the remnants of Irish giant Finn McCool’s bridge that he built to cross to Scotland, but the scientific explanation for

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the Giant’s Causeway is that it is the result of an ancient volcanic eruption. Either way, the 40,000 hexagonal interlocking basalt columns are one of the top natural wonders of the world.

As such, there are many tour companies that pick up passengers from Belfast, each offering something different, but an informative coach trip can be made with Allen’s Tours. During the six hours it takes to get to the Giant’s Causeway, you are treated to the driver’s somewhat satirical humour as you travel along Coast Road.

Highlights include a stop at Carrickfergus Castle, a walk across the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge and the possible sighting of minke whales, orca whales and dolphins. For any Game Of Thrones fans, you can even drive past sets used in the series, including Dunluce Castle (Pyke Castle), Murlough Bay (Iron Islands) and Larrybane (Renly Baratheon’s camp).

Once you get to the site of the Giant’s Causeway, a bus is available to take visitors to and from the rocks at a small price, but the walk to the bottom is completely safe and gives you a chance to properly stretch your legs. Allen’s Tours allows passengers to explore the rocks for about an hour and a half – and we mean explore. Despite its world heritage status, you can climb to the top of this great structure, using each rock as a stepping stone – just mind your balance on a windy day!

As we all know exploring can take it out of you, you’ll need a good bed for a proper night’s sleep, however long you plan to stay. Fortunately, Europa Belfast has just what you’re looking for. Not only is it amazingly located (opposite The Crown Bar, just ten minutes from City Hall and a drop-off point for Allen’s Tours), it is also drenched in history from The Troubles and welcomed President Bill Clinton during his visit in 1995. Featuring 272 rooms, comfortable beds and beautiful bathrooms, Europa is a little bit of luxury. The restaurant beckons you in for breakfast or dinner, while the Piano Lounge is perfect for relaxing to soft music. Just be careful of the drinks prices – a glass of wine can set you back around £10/ $18 AUD. If you’re due to head back to the UK, don’t lose your travel toes; get yourself to the delightful city that pours the best ale, serves the tastiest stew and offers a beautiful backdrop of rolling hills and idyllic coastline.

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Moroccan Oil Travel Kit

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Quay Sunglasses

Boreas Daypack

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HEALGEL

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From the company that’s renowned for rescuing hair around the world comes the Moroccan Oil Travel Kit. Essential for any holiday, the kit gives you the essential products you need to moisturise and repair dry and damaged hair for beautifully nourished healthy results. The travel set is perfect on the go as well as ideal and easy for packing!

Snugg Cases

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www.bbmlive.com 33

So that was for the track ‘Buffalo’?

I quite like that track, it’s pretty crazy…

Yeah it’s kind of like old late 80s Jungle mixed with a track from now, so we were sort of trying to keep the energy of Jungle and just update it a bit.

Basement Jaxx We speak exclusively to Basement Jaxx’s Simon Ratcliffe ahead of the release of their brand new album ‘Junto’ out on 22nd August, as he explains the global influence of the album...

Hi How are you?

I’m good thank you Simon, how are you?

Great thank you.

Where are you speaking to us from?

Tokyo, Japan.

So what have you been up to whilst you’re there?

We’re doing the Fuji Rocks festival here.

Ah how is it?

Well we did the promo yesterday, then we’re playing tonight. So it should be good. We were in LA and New York last week, so it’s been a busy month!

Yes, sounds like it. So the new album is due out really soon – the 22nd August I believe, are you excited for the release?

Yeah, yeah – the feedback’s been really good, the vibe’s really good – a lot of people are saying it’s the best thing we’ve done, which is very nice.

We spent two years working on it, and we’re just trying to do something that’s well, relevant, and that’s good for the world, and that it’s something that people want to listen to, and that’s fun. It’s stuff that we can DJ. It’s probably been a while since we did something we can play. So we’ve been playing it out, and fine honing and tuning it. We’re glad to get it out the way to be honest – as it was a lot of work, and a lot of time, and now we’re looking forward to seeing what the world makes of it. So that’s all you can do really.

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I had a listen this afternoon, and it’s really, really great – I loved it, and you’ve put so many genres in there – tell me a bit more about that, and the influences you had for it.

Well we’ve always done that. We’ve travelled around a lot, so we’ve got Japanese Taiko drums, an orchestra from Paraguay – these were kids who had nothing, and they went to the rubbish dump, they took whatever they could find, and they recycled stuff and made instruments out of it – and that formed the orchestra, and they tour it, they perform it around the world.

Yes that’s exactly what I got from it. And you also worked with Patricia Panther… is she Scottish?

Because she sounds like a Londoner.

Yeah, yeah – she’s from Glasgow.

Well if you listen to it again, you’ll pick out that she’s got a really strong Glaswegan accent. But it doesn’t always come across. The thing is with this, there’s a lot of people who are authentic, not that kind of X-Factorie thing, these people, we work with them, and use their vocals, and she’s someone who’s very sincere and believable. So she’s talking about love, summer love.

Yes, it’s a very uplifting song. So later in the album where you’ve got ‘Rock This Road’ that’s got a kind of carnival feel to it. Talk me through that, was that the sort of “togetherness” again that you wanted to put across?

So ‘Rock This Road’ we’re performing in the live show, and features the vocals of Shakka, he’s a young guy. I think he’s about 20. He’s been performing with us for the last year or so. A lot of the people we met are from friends, family, people we work with, and he’s a wicked guy.

He’s a really talented guy, he’s writing music for a play, acting, and he’s got his own album that he’s been working on and he’s been a real asset to us really. And the song has some steel drums on it, so yes, carnivally, African influences.

“I was nearly killed in ibiza, and was in Hospital for 2-3 months, in plaster up to my chin”

That’s amazing.

Yes it’s an amazing story really, and so they’re on the track ‘Power To The People’. And we’ve got an Italian Flamenco guitarist on a track called ‘Mermaid of Salinas’. It’s very global, it’s about the world coming together, and the power that each of us has to make the world a good place, and appreciating the littlest thing we do, it’s a knock on affect really, like the butterfly effect of making things good and happy.

So you worked with quite a lot of people, vocalists etc. on the album, interestingly you worked with Mykki Blanco.

Yes do you know him?

Yes, I do, I remember his stuff emerging last year.

Yes well he was probably the bestknown person on here. He was

It’s really nice. So do you have a personal favourite from the album?

Personal favourite? I don’t know – well I’m really happy with ‘Power To The People’ because we were working on it for ages, and it had so many different versions and incarnations, and for a time, it felt like we were never going to get it finished. I’m really happy with it, and I really enjoy playing it out.

It’s got rhythm, the message is strong, and there’s a website called powertothepeople.fm, and it’s a place where we’re inviting people to come and submit their own versions of that song. They can do it as an entire song, or submit stems like the tracks needed for making up a whole song.

One version that was done was from Paraguay and was translated into Spanish by this Paraguayan singer, and there was a lyric in our song that says “We’re all in it to get together”, and “together” translates as “junto” [pronounced hoonto] and that’s where we got the title of the album from.

So obviously your career has taken you around the world, where would you say is the most memorable gig you’ve played?

Oh Japan! The last time we played Fuji Rock, and there’s a festival in Korea called Jisan, which was awesome, just amazing. I’d never seen such an amazing crowd in my life. It was like there had been a music ban, and we were the first band they’d seen in a year.

And where would you say is the most amazing destination your career has taken you in travel terms?

There’s nowhere quite in the world like Ibiza. It’s funny I was actually nearly killed in Ibiza. I was knocked down by a car when I was threeyears-old.

Oh my God! I was in hospital for two or three months, in plaster up to my chin basically, you know, I smashed my leg, cracked my head, and it was all very serious, so I’ve had this thing with Ibiza. My parents would tell me the story with tears in their eyes about what happened, and I thought Ibiza is a dark place where I nearly went to the other side. So I was always a bit nervous about going there, but with the job I’m doing and the career I’m in, Ibiza was a really important part of its story. When eventually we got asked to DJ there and I was so nervous about playing there, I just had this really bad vibe about it, a fear about it, then I got there… and that all just disappeared, and I was like “this is just fantastic”.

I’ll be honest, I’m not really like a clubber, you know, obviously I’ve been in thousands of clubs, but I’m not really someone who goes out loads and clubs loads, but in Ibiza I just love the island. You’ve got deep blue seas, green forests, fantastic food, lovely people, and you can just hide away. 90% of the island isn’t exposed, you’re in paradise, and it’s close to home. It’s only two and a half hours on a plane. It’s a very special place, and I love going there.

Read the full interview on www.bbmlive.com

By Hannah Shakir, image by Phil Sharp

supposed to do a second verse to that track and he disappeared, and I think he went off into the desert apparently. So that was cool. He’s probably the most known person and was also the only one we didn’t meet. With Mykki, we weren’t sure if it was a him, or her, some people refer to him as her, he was the one who came up with the verse, but he never followed it up.

Freemasons The Freemasons are back with a brand new 3 CD compilation ‘Shakedown 3’ that will blow you away. Having taken them seven years to create, it’s some of their best work to date. We speak with Russell Small (of Phats and Small) and James Wiltshire (a.k.a Jimmy Gomez) about their new work, life in Brighton, and highlights of their Freemasons career.

You’ve had such a successful ten years in the music industry, your mix of Beyoncé’s ‘Déjà vu’ earned you a Grammy nomination, how did that feel?

It was an amazing feeling just to be nominated. It would have been nice to win one, but there’s still plenty of time yet!

What are you up to at the moment?

James is in the studio and I am out in Ibiza DJ-ing and trying to break the world record for Tapas eating.

Ha, sounds good! After taking a break in 2011, you’ve returned to the music scene with a bang! How does it feel to have a new album out after seven years of studio work, and with so much support behind it already?

It feels great to finally have it finished. We believe it’s the best body of work that we have done. We took our time over it and I think that shows with the quality and diversity of the tracks.

collection of all the new material.

‘Shakedown 3’ looks like it may be one of the biggest albums of the year! If you had to describe the new album in three words, what would they be?

Blood, sweat and tears ... Oh - and Nespresso.

We can imagine! You worked with some interesting people on the album including, Emma Rohan, Randy Chapsaw and HANA how did you go about selecting the artists?

We have met most of the artists we work with through friends - they just seem to fall into our laps at the right time, although Randy has turned out to be a nightmare - he’s wanted in three Southern states for Aggravated Menace and Possession of an Offensive Wife so we could never tour with him [laughs].

“Brighton is ‘having it right off’ - To coin a phrase”

Do you have a favourite track from the new album, ‘Shakedown 3’?

It changes all the time! At the moment it’s ‘True Love Survivor’ and for those warm summer evenings, ‘Paradise’.

There’s a very cool yet upbeat sound to the album - what did you want to put across with ‘Shakedown 3’?

This time we wanted to give a little bit more. We have been working together for 10 years now, so we wanted to make it quite special; a true reflection of what we both are about musically, both in terms of production and remixes. It contains influences from different genres, eras and styles of House music, spread over 3 CDs, with CD 1 and CD 2 mixed. The first is more laid back, more appropriate for the poolside or beach, or the bedroom for that matter! CD 2 is more upbeat - more what people would probably expect from us I suppose. And the third is an artist album; a

What was a highlight of making the album, and how long did it take you to make?

When we actually started to piece the mixes together, we realised that what was a huge list on the studio white board for over a year, had suddenly become quite a body of coherent work.

We’d stretched ourselves much further than ever before. All in all, if you consider the writing, it took three years, but we ducked out for a while during the EDM onslaught and waited for the kidz to bring House back!

As well as your own hits, you’ve created remixes with tracks from the likes of Kylie Minogue, John Newman and even Beyoncé, but do you have one particular artist or band that has influenced your own music?

We love and are influenced by so many genres and bands we couldn’t pick just one. If you listen to the album it’s quite obvious sometimes who we have been influenced by on certain tracks - wink wink!

On tour, if you could only bring three items with you, what would they be? iPhone, Headphones, SD Card.

In your leisure time, what other artists do you enjoy listening to?

It’s mainly Dance music on my iPhone. I’m listening to Clean Bandit at the moment and the Dimitri from Paris’ album on Defected.

Ah that’s a great album. Where has been to most amazing travel destination your career has taken you?

There has been a few, but I love Brazil - the people and the atmosphere...stunning!

What’s your most memorable performance?

One of the most memorable was at the Papaya festival in Croatia, playing on a horse shoe beach with the sun coming up behind you, with Sandy Rivera doing a bungee jump as you play Axwell Ft. Steve Edwards ‘Watch The Sunrise’...

What are your plans for touring/performing coming up?

Just back from the US. The rest of the summer finds me in lots of holiday destinations around Europe - promoting the album!

Thanks for your time!

By Naomi Finniss

Hi guys! How’s life treating you?

Very well, we’ve had a lot of positive feedback for our album, which is such a big relief and the sun’s out, and Brighton is ‘having it right off’ to coin a phrase.

Hailing from Brighton, what would you say about some of the new talent that’s coming out of there - acts like Anuskha for example on Giles Deacon’s label? Is it an inspirational place?

At the moment it certainly is - for example, right next to the studio is one of the UK’s best Indie music distribution companies called Republic of Music. They’re now firmly into management and have an incredible singer Called “I am L”. I’ve just helped a bit on the first record and it’s stunning.

During Brighton’s music conference (The Great Escape - which actually should be called the Great UK A+R piss-up) she showcased for the first time and literally blew everyone away! Last year it was London Grammar performing in a church - exciting times on the beach!

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Kasabian

Kasabian are back with their incredible fifth album, ‘48:13’ and are heading to Australia for a national tour. We chat to lead singer, Tom Meighan, about album titles, crowd surfing and live shows.

Hi Tom! Where in the world are you right now?

I’m in Leicester.

Brilliant. How is it today?

[Laughs] It’s sunny actually; it’s not raining, which makes a change.

So Kasabian are back with a brand new album after three years. With three consecutive UK number one albums before ‘48:13’, is there any pressure when you release an album now?

No, we’re not bothered. Y’know, I’m 33; I’ve got a kid. We’ve done all the pressure. The pressure was when we were younger. All we do is make music. For some reason it works and that’s why we’re still around. More than anything, we enjoy writing the albums now. The first one’s your baby and you’re not used to it. The second one you feel a bit hot if it doesn’t succeed compared to the first one. It’s been a blast, so we don’t really think about it anymore. We just keep making music.

You’ve said previously that the album is stripped right back and you had the confidence to lay yourselves bare. Why was now the right time to do something different?

We were at a crossroads, that natural transition of changing, and just looking for a different style.

I think it’s good that we change because bands need to change. You can’t stay on one thing and be happy with that. We went to Electronica and Hip-Hop drums and listened to a lot of influences that gave us a different approach this time.

You came back with a bang this year, releasing ‘Eez-eh’ and then cementing your return with a headline slot at Glastonbury. Was it all you expected it to be?

It was incredible. I said to the band, “By the time you blink, it will be a piece of history” and it’s

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been and gone. It was wonderful, a really defining moment in our lives, and it’s evolved with us as well. Amazing.

You’re touring nationally in Australia, do you think you’ll get any down time whilst you’re here?

Not really, just in and out basically! [Laughs] I think we’ve got one day off in Sydney and that’s it.

That’s really sad.

Oh no! Well, you crowd surf in the video to ‘Bumblebeee’, so what’s the wildest thing you have actually done on tour?

I can’t tell you! [Laughs] I’m not allowed to tell you that!

Have you been a regular crowd surfer?

No. Never. I’m not into that [Laughs] You have so many great anthemic hits including ‘Club Foot’, ‘Cut Off’, and ‘Fire’ which, with all their catchy riffs and hooks, make them so much fun to listen to whether on record or live, and this is evident in new single ‘Bumblebeee’.

What’s your process for each song? Do you aim for them to be huge live tracks?

I don’t know whether we’re that kind of band. The songs just happened. We don’t have a plan, it’s just what happens in the studio and we have to transform it live. We don’t mean to do it, we just have that big atmospheric feeling, and we’ve got some good tunes now. It gets harder to do set list, but that’s great.

We just wanted to make our mark, stamp our feet on the ground, which we have done now.

Why did you choose the length of the album as the title?

It’s simple. We’ve always done bloody silly titles for our albums like ‘West Ryder’ and ‘Velociraptor!’ and I had to keep explaining it to people! I wanted to call the record ‘Volume Five’, but ’48:13’ came in and I thought “Great, that sounds fantastic.”

As you’ll be non-stop touring for the next few months - what will you guys request on your rider?

Loaves of bread. Cheese. Ham. Vodka. Gin. Whiskey. Sambuca. The same old shit – Skittles.

M&Ms. As well as playing in Australia, you’ll be playing back in your native UK towards the end of the year - what do you like about performing on home turf?

It’s just nice, we’re so used to it. We try to make our shows as good as we can and we put a lot of thought into it. Playing home is amazing, but we love taking it to another country – it’s more of a challenge.

“We’ve always done bloody silly titles for our albums”

What was it that you wanted to put across with ‘48:13’?

Do you get the same interaction everywhere you go?

Everywhere’s different but so far it’s been groundbreaking. Superb.

Thanks for your time, Tom, and we look forward to catching you on tour!

Read the full interview on www.bbmlive.com

Declan O’Rourke

With just his voice and his trusty guitar, Declan O’Rourke will be coming to Australia, where he spent much of his adolescence, to play five special gigs in line with the tenth anniversary of ‘Since Kyabram’.

Ok... Going back to the beginning, can you describe the open-mic circuit in Dublin? Where were you playing and what’s the atmosphere like?

The first open mic I ever played was called Molloy’s in High Street, Dublin. I’d just come back from five years in Australia, I had never played any of my songs in public before and I was nervous! I got up and played two songs. My legs were shaking uncontrollably as I sat on the stool. I’ve never been sure if anyone could notice.

I played anyway. I got a huge buzz from it, and was so exhilarated I’ve never stopped since. The scene was alive, and I made many friends that year. Finding myself among the thick of a scene full of like-minded people (songwriters) I didn’t know existed was a pivotal moment in my life and I joined it instantly. By the end of the same year, I had played 140 different times at various open mics, opening slots, and wherever would let me play, sometimes multiple gigs on the same night!

Crawl, Ross Wilson, Chisel, John Farnham, you name it. There were some seriously great bands I still love to listen to.

guests and ‘possibly’ a surprise guest or two depending on who’s in town. Can’t say more than that. But hey – I’ll be there!

You’re returning to Oz to celebrate 10 years of ‘Since Kyabram’, what does the album mean to you now?

Well, it’s a lovely old friend that never lets me down and it travels with me wherever I go. I mean that in a metaphysical sense. It was a milestone in my life to make my first record. Then to be happy with it and have it endure is just icing.

As an anniversary tour, what can ticket-holders expect? Will there be older and more recent music?

Well, I’m not just playing material from my first record. To be honest, it was just a lovely coincidence that the anniversary and the tour are falling together. I will of course play some of my faves from it but there’s lots of music I’m immensely proud of since ‘Since’.

For a debut album, the songwriting is incredibly mature and managed to capture industry experts, critics and the public instantly; was there a moment when you realised how serious it had all become?

No, but I was 27. I think I was ‘maturer’ than your average first record offerer. I don’t know, I waited until I had the right bunch of songs. I wanted it to be special. I mean, the list changed every month and that’s what the wheel landed on but the timing was right. I had a following I’d worked hard to build up, which I think made every difference.

“I’d love to hear tony bennet do galileo”

Having grown up in Dublin and Melbourne, what would you say were the differences in music cultures and how have they each affected you?

They were vast in ways, and then of course some music is unhindered by boundaries. I already had my taste buds whetted by the time I arrived at 10 years old. I was a huge Beatles fan; I loved Paul Simon, Elvis, Bob Marley etc. I also brought a strong Irish identity with me and music helped me do that, with the Dubliners, the Furey’s, Paul Brady and Andy Irvine, and Planxty among my favourites.

In Australia I was exposed to the ‘80s Rock scene there, everything from Midnight Oil to Aussie

You’re playing two shows in Victoria, at the Caravan Music Club in Oakleigh and The Spotted Mallard in Brunswick; are these venues particularly personal to you?

I’ve never been to either but I’ve had them described to me and they sound like nice rooms.

Can’t underestimate the importance of a good venue.

Who will you be bringing with you as special guests and what will they bring to the tour?

Me and my guitars. There will be special opening

What are your plans after the tour? Is there any new music on the horizon?

Indeed there is. I’m about to embark on a new venture, it’s kind of experimental, but the goalposts of how music is being distributed out there have moved so much recently, an artist has to shift.

So I’m taking the initiative, and I’m going to try connect with the friends I’ve made through my music over the years, and new ones, directly by sending them music every month via a mailing list, exclusively at first. Hey, we’re trying new things!

Anyone who wants to be on board, please send us your email address to declanorourke.fanbridge. com.

Many artists have covered and performed arguably your most iconic song, ‘Galileo’; is there one that stands out for you?

I’ve heard some nice versions, but I really don’t think anyone’s nailed it yet, so it’s up there for the taking still. I’d love to hear Tony Bennett do it, or maybe Andrea Bocelli or someone.

Read the full interview on www.bbmlive.com

Interviews by Charlotte Mellor

Hi Declan, how are you?

Like a butcher’s dog – but a vegetarian one.

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ADULT JAZZ One of the most exciting bands in the UK at the moment, Adult Jazz recall in their own bizarre kind of way Dirty Projectors and Grizzly Bear.

Hailing from Brighton, Anushka are duo Victoria Port, singer-songwriter, and Max Wheeler, producer. Together they create some of the most exciting Electro-Soul music we’ve heard in quite some time.

They label their style as ‘Vocal Music for Sound Systems’, and if you listen to ‘Mansions’ you will notice Anushka strive to create a world of sounds within each of their songs, that includes both Victoria Port’s unmistakably soulfull voice and Max Wheeler’s tailor-made production for the dance floors.

‘Mansions’ is possibly their most ambitious creation yet, made up of tinkling percussions and electronic loops over disco-friendly beats and grumbling bass.

However, it’s on songs such as ‘Atom Bombs’ that Port’s voice really shines.

By contrast, the instrumentation is minimal, allowing Port to fill up the space with her soulful and jazzy timbre. On ‘World In A Room’, Max Wheeler comes up with a Michael Jackson-infused piano lick that leads to Anushka’s catchiest chorus so far. It’s smooth, uplifting and damn well deserves your attention.

Anushka are signed to Gilles Peterson’s Brownswood Recordings, which notably discovered the talents of Zara McFarlane and José James among many others. Anushka’s ‘Distorted Air’ EP was released in April and comprises four songs that alternate and balance between Jazz, Funk, Soul and House with staggering effortlessness. Their debut album ‘Broken Circuit’ is out now, so keep your eyes and ears open for Anushka, they are just getting started.

Ones To Watch

Their song ‘Am Gone’ has a almost hesitant feel to it in the way the drum patterns are deconstructed, as if they were improvising the whole thing.

On ‘Springful’, they start sounding like a Soul collective, and as the instruments start coming into the mix, they go from Blues and Country to Dream Pop and even Hip-Hop. How is that possible? We honestly don’t know how they do it, but it doesn’t really matter since their songs are a pure concentrate of energy and creativity.

Lead singer Harry Burgess has a nice falsetto that sometimes recalls Ezra Koenig, and when he sings in a lower pitch as he does on the epic 9-minute ‘Spook’, there are still touches of the Vampire Weekend frontman’s voice (see ‘Hannah Hunt’).

It’s not the only reason why they remind me of the New York quartet though.

There is a similar ‘intelligence’, dare I say, to their compositions which by the way also have an African/Caribbean vibe to them (see their ‘Community Rhythms’ video).

To make it somehow concise, Adult Jazz blend Post/Art-Rock, Folk, Jazz and World music together and the results are pretty surprising, disconcerting even, and ace above all.

The Leeds band are releasing their debut album ‘Gist Is’ on 4th August.

LAPLAND Lapland is the moniker of American musician Josh Mease who first released an album back in 2009 which, although it received positive reviews from the press at the time, was rapidly forgotten.

In late 2011, Mease dropped his real name for Lapland, a name he picked from a book called ‘Lappland Wanderland’, full of photos of vast landscapes and open spaces. That should give you an idea of the kind of music he makes.

Mease, who studied Jazz guitar, is a self-confessed fan of such Pop icons as Paul McCartney, Brian Wilson and Fleetwood Mac, as well as classic composers Ravel and Debussy. This gives his music a unique edge and flair.

It is dreamy, Folk-Pop that echoes Fleet Foxes and even early Radiohead at times. His song ‘Metal Lungs’ is already one of the best songs of the year.

Melodically, it stands on par with classics from The Beatles or Burt Bacharach.

It is also uplifting in in its sweetness and beautifully arranged harmonies and guitar licks.

Lapland’s self-titled debut album was released in March on The Lights label and bears all the signs of a great new song writing talent. He will be going out on a month-long co-headline European tour with Lucius this Autumn, so expect to hear a lot more about Lapland in the next few months.

38 www.bbmlive.com

Wolf Alice Storms

Yelle Bouquet Final

London-based quartet Wolf Alice’s latest EP ‘Creature Songs’ sees the band trying out several different genres, from Alt-Folk to anthemic Indie Rock with a touch of Punk attitude.

French Electro-Pop artist Yelle is back with a new song from her as-yet-untitled forthcoming third album due out this autumn. ‘Bouquet Final’ is the first song she’s released since ‘L’Amour Parfait’ last year.

‘Storms’ carries the latter quite efficiently with a fittingly storming intro that leads to a soft verse built upon heavy thumping bass. Grunge icons Nirvana come to mind, as well as Pixies, and we can’t really complain.

Her two first albums enjoyed significant success outside of France, but if ‘Bouquet Final’ is anything to go by, this could be her real breakthrough album.

Wolf Alice aren’t content to just emulate their Garage Rock idols though, and also bring in a XX vibe to the hushed and floating tones of the verses.

‘Creature Songs’ follows on from last years’ debut EP ‘Blush’ and while there is still no sign of a full-length album on the horizon, Wolf Alice are showing no signs of taming their wild Garage sound anytime soon.

The “Aaahaa”’s of the chorus are about as catchy as anything she’s ever done and the combination of the melody and swooshing drum sounds heard throughout, make it her most accomplished song yet.

There was talent lurking under the surface in her previous songs but none had the instant Pop appeal of ‘Bouquet Final’, a song that deserves praise on the same level as Sia’s ‘Chandelier’.

Spoon Do you Texas-born Alt-Rock quintet Spoon have got tongues wagging with their latest single instalment ‘Do You’, plucked from their impending album release ‘They Want My Soul’.

Marking the second drop from their upcoming eighth studio album, ‘Do You’ takes long sunny days and balmy carefree evenings and encompasses them into a three minute Indie-Pop melody that’ll be sure to feature on everyone’s summer playlist.

Offering a light and breezy tune with lashings of summertime feel-good vibes, ‘Do You’ is awash with choruses of light-hearted “do-do do’s” that wrap around Britt Daniel’s raw and gravelly vocals to perfection.The vivacious track follows in hot pursuit of their debut single ‘Rent I Pay’, a raucous footstomper that paved the way for their impending album, following a four-year gap after 2010’s ‘Transference’.

EP Review Pistol Shrimp - Heart Passion Pit fans, take note! Pistol Shrimp, a duo formed of UK-based electronic musician David Burreddu and US-based singer-songwriter Aaron Peterson, have just released their debut EP ‘Heart’. It comprises four Electro-Pop bangers that will please most, and what’s more, the whole EP is available to download for free from their Facebook page.

The title track opens the record in the best way possible, with a slow-burning vibe that introduces their knack for writing strong melodies. Peterson’s voice lies somewhere between Passion Pit’s Michael Angelakos and The Shins and Broken Bells’ James Mercer. The tunes are strong and all the elements of a hit are present, from the heavy bass lines and thumping drums to the head-spinning synthesizer leads and explosive choruses.

M83 and their worldwide hit ‘Midnight’ aren’t too far either in the ambient sounds conjured up by the duo. While the songs are definitely radio hit material, they are not overloaded and Burreddu and Peterson have obviously worked on variations, middle-eights and bridges as is evident in the soundscapes of closer ‘Like A Dream’.

With summer now upon us in the UK, Pistol Shrimp have delivered the perfect soundtrack for the impending Australian summer yet to come. The EP also comes with four remixes, including two of ‘Taking Names’, but quite frankly you’re better off sticking to the originals. That is with the exception of the RoboCLIP remix of ‘Heart’ which brings a nice minimalist twist to the song.

Top Podcasts, Radio & Sets The Read by LoudSpeakersNetwork.com

Take a journey with bloggers Kid Fury and Crissle as they divulge into the happenings of Hip-Hop and Pop culture’s most happening stars. Adding a dose of comedic genius into your weekly routine, these two friends will be sure to get you grinning as you hear them dissect anything and everything in the showbiz world.

Available on iTunes.

Get Physical Music Presents: Ibiza 2014 – Mixed and Compiled by Paolo Rocco

Get Physical Music have returned to what they do best with the release of their second Ibiza compilation ‘Ibiza 2014’. Mixed and compiled

by Montreal native Paolo Rocco, the House and Electro DJ and producer blends together a thumping two hours of deep, dark, edgy House with a nostalgic twist. Mixing music from the likes of John Tejada, Tini, David Kassi and more, Paolo also throws in his own acclaimed track into the mix, ‘Caution You’, featuring Wayne Tennant.

Available on iTunes.

Electronic Music Best

Collecting a variety of the best live sets in Dance music, Electronic Music Best showcases live sets and shows from Ibiza, France, Amsterdam, Las Vegas and various other locations around the globe. Brought to you by a host of DJs including Carl Cox, Laidback Luke, Tiesto and Armin Van Buuren, this should be every Electronic music fan’s go-to podcast for fresh tracks and a taste of awesome atmosphere.

Available on SoundCloud.

No Such Thing as a Fish

Join the brilliant minds that bring you British comedy gold QI, as they gather around a microphone and share the best facts that they have stumbled upon in the last seven days.

Hosted by Dan Schreiber, the radio producer and writer is joined by an assortment of names each week including James Harkin, Andy Murray, Anna Ptaszynski and many more – definitely one that needs to be heard to be appreciated.

Available on iTunes.

Resident Advisor Podcast

Allow the friendly folks at your favourite online Electronic music magazine to dominate your iPod playlists, as the guys at RA bring you a weekly podcast featuring the best producers and DJs around the world. Combining Hip-Hop and House, deep, hypnotic Techno and a range of DJs showing off their talent, this weekly podcast already ranks at number one of the podcast chart and will definitely become a new favourite among Dance music fans.

Available on iTunes.

By Brice Detruche & Chelsea Forsyth

Single Reviews

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Album Reviews

Alvvays Alvvays Toronto-based quintet Alvvays have released their self-titled debut album and if shiny jangle Pop is your type of thing, then you are in for a treat.

Molly Rankin, Kerri Maclellan, Alec O’Hanley, Brian Murphy and Phil MacIsaac gathered to form Alvvays three years ago and this first album of theirs, which they recorded at Chad VanGaalen’s Yoko Eno studio (not Ono, mind) with Sonic Youth and Kurt Vile collaborator John Agnello, is a minorkey masterpiece in execution and songwriting.

What is evident from opener ‘Adult Diversion’ is the brilliant interplay going on between Molly Rankin’s vocals and Alec O’Hanley’s guitar. ‘Archie, Marry Me’, the lead single from the record, sees the band getting more muscular with fuzzy guitars and heavy bass lines, and a blazing guitar solo.

The revelatory moment comes halfway through the album though, in a place where most bands put weaker songs. ‘Party Police’ is one of the best songs I’ve heard all year. Notice how the guitar lick is built around silence to give it that feeling of space and stretch. It feels like being on a journey across the desert, something also conveyed by the distant sound of the vocals and the ‘breathing’ quality of the main riff.

‘Atop A Cake’ and its sparkling guitar introduction once again displays the call and response patterns between Molly and Alec. Moreover, Alvvays have the melodies and tightness of a band twice their age. Like the album cover, the music is slightly unsettling in its approach to creating a world of its own in which to get lost. In that way, it could be seen as the ultimate escapist album.

The last song on the regular version of the album, ‘Red Planet’, already suggests where Alvvays might head to next. It makes prominent use of synthetic beats and veers towards a more ambient, atmospheric sound that’s both colder and eerier than any of the previous tracks.

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Basement Jaxx Junto Basement Jaxx are back with their new album ‘Junto’ released on 22nd August 2014, and the London duo certainly don’t disappoint with their latest offering.

The tribal sounding intro excites the listener for what they can expect throughout the rest of the album. The second track on ‘Junto’ is upbeat, carnival beat track ‘Power To The People’ with the title lyrics blasting out triumphantly at the chorus from singer Niara. ‘Unicorn’ has all the sounds of late 90s House with the female vocal singing a high pitched melody over the solid 4-step beat, as muted synths whomp-whomp beneath – making it a soon-to-be club stomper – despite the slightly dubious lyrics including; “Ride like unicorns, just be free”, but it’s got that trademark Basement Jaxx humour to it that we’ve all come to know and love.

Track four ‘Never Say Never’ again, visits a 90s theme of stomping piano chords, but this time male vocals ride throughout the track.

‘We Are Not Alone’ is a cheerful upbeat number with swinging vocals over digital steel pans and waltzing strings, calming things down a bit and moving away from the previous nod to the 90s.

The crescendo comes in their signature style as the layers all mount up and loop around and around until the bridge, when everything gets stripped right back before building back up, demonstrating their production prowess.

Stand out tracks on the album include the aforementioned ‘We Are Not Alone’, ‘What’s The News’ and Funk jam ‘Summer Dem’ which presents a truly London sound, despite the vocals coming from Scottish rapper Patricia Panther.

Basement Jaxx Simon Ratcliffe and Felix Buxton were adamant that ‘Junto’ which means together in Spanish wanted this album to bring people together and give them something positive and uplifting, and we can solidly say – ‘Junto’ does just that.

Goldie Masterpiece Set for release on 18th August through Ministry of Sound, Goldie’s ‘Masterpiece’ will take you on a very long and exciting musical journey. The release of ‘Masterpiece’ follows on from 2013’s first ever career-spanning retrospective entitled ‘The Alchemist: The Best Of Goldie 1992-2012’. The ‘Masterpiece’ series is a concept fronted by artists and DJs of the highest calibre. It’s an opportunity for these pioneering acts to curate a three disc musical journey that depicts their own influences and inspirations. With predecessors including David Rodigan, Andrew Weatherall, Fabio and Grooverider and Gilles Peterson, the level of reputation and irrefutable standing of acts selected for ‘Masterpiece’ in the past is a given.

The compilation is made up of three discs, the first being ‘The Alpha’ which gives us a Soul-filled relaxed collection of tracks including Goldie’s ‘My Little India’ and Soul II Soul featuring Caron Wheeler’s mammoth 90s hit ‘Back To Life (However Do You Want Me)’. ‘The Alpha’ is an upbeat offering and finishes up – almost oddly with Radiohead’s ‘Just’.

Next up is the second disc entitled, ‘Journeyman’ – which is where Drum n Bass and Techno come out to play. Opening with Top Buzz ‘Living In Darkness’ you’re transported to a rave carried on by Zero B’s ‘Lock Up’. The second disc goes through the motions and gets you hyped before finishing with Goldie’s classic Drum N Bass tracks ‘Sea Of Tears’ and ‘Kemistry’.

The third disc, ‘Headzville’ opens with dBridge ‘Inner Disbelief’ and takes us through an extensive 22 Jungle and Drum n Bass rave tunes – making ‘The Alpha’ a distant memory. ‘Masterpiece’ comes to a close with Rufige Kru featuring Cleveland Watkiss ‘Beachdrifta VIP’ and fades out with stripped vocals finishing off the 3hr25 minute compilation off nicely, making ‘Masterpiece’ a definite addition to any serious music aficionado’s collection.

BBM’s UK team were lucky enough to fly out to the South of France for the 54th Anniversary of Jazz à Juan, held in Juan Les Pins near the city of Antibes. If music, sun, sea and amazing French cuisine is your thing… read on.

Jazz à Juan 2014 Cote d’Azur With the oppressive heat that filled the Juan Les Pins air of the Cote d’Azur, France, the most dramatic sunset acted as the perfect backdrop to the Jazz à Juan stage with bubbling stormy clouds pierced with pinches of bright fiery yellow adding to the electric atmosphere.

First up were the Soulful Jazz stylings of the legendary Booker T (pictured below), who worked his way through all the classics, flanked by his band of talented instrumentalists. The performance was an aural extravaganza as the full force of the multi instrumental performance totally immersed you in their sound – and true to form when you’re having a great time, it was over before you knew it, as Booker T departed the stage in an overly humble manner – unworthy of his talents.

Next up was Rockerbilly/Jazz songstress – Imelda May, and there’s not much else you can say other than, if you have the chance, you need to watch her perform. The control May possesses over her vocals is second to none, and allowed her to

deliver a plethora of songs, from creeping upbeat Jazz number ‘Big Bad Handsome Man’ to the Rock infused ‘Wild Woman’ which had the whole crowd moving.

As Imelda May’s set drew to a close, darkness had now set in, and the lights of the Jazz à Juan sign illuminated the stage. Suddenly a very strange elongated pyramid microphone stand was rolled out on stage, followed by a pink tie dye maxi dress-clad Joss Stone who said in a very cheerful manner “Hello Antibes” – pronouncing the ’s’ of course, in a typically English lack of linguistic skills way. Jumping down in to the crowd and getting everyone moving, it was plain to see that Stone is already a veteran performer, despite her young years – but this of course came hand in hand with a lack of new material – bar two new Reggae songs – which were solid. It was enjoyable to hear the sheer power of her voice, and all together a very pleasant evening – but the wow factor certainly rested with the lesser-known Imelda May. The next day on our visit to Juan Les Pins was the Off Schedule day, allowing other Jazz acts to get in on the action, playing in venues around the town as well as on the stage just outside the main festival site. This was the perfect chance to dance in the street and let loose to a plethora of up and coming bands, and was a wonderful alternative to the more formal setting of the on schedule shows.

The main event for the BBM team came on our final night at the Jazz à Juan festival, as we anticipated the purely legendary performance that laid ahead of us, Gregory Porter and Stevie Wonder. Music know-it-alls – just pause for a minute to think about that. After bumping into Gregory Porter in the lift at the hotel, and hearing the bassy tones of him merely asking us if he was on the right floor, his

speaking voice was enough to excite us about the impending show.

Kicking off the evening proceedings Porter took to the stage with an incredible band, featuring, truly, one of the best Saxophonists we have ever, heard/ seen and witnessed. Everyone was dancing in the sold out ampitheatre as Porter took us to Harlem and back, honestly demonstrating the roots of Jazz music. His personality translated perfectly on stage as his warmth and comfortable nature filled the atmosphere – and certainly getting everyone in the mood for Stevie Wonder.

In true innovative style, one by one, musicians appeared on stage, increasing the sound one by one, from percussion, to bass, keys and back up singers, the Jazz à Juans stage was filling up – and with three drum kits on stage – it nearly seemed as though there wouldn’t be any more room, but then the moment arrived. A kaftan clad, bald headed – full dreads in the back - sun glass wearing Stevie Wonder wandered out on stage to a colossal applause – the legend had come true.

Seeing Stevie Wonder is one of those experiences that you know you will never forget, simply because he has done so much during his lifetime, and when you hit after hit for three whole hours, there is no way to not feel completely awe struck.

Working through all the hits from ‘Signed, Sealed, Delivered’ and ‘Superstition’, to even getting the audience involved a fun-filled delivery of ‘Day Tripper’.

Stevie Wonder finished off the incredible threehour set with the classic ‘I Just Called To Say I Love You’, giving the whole of Juan Les Pins a night they will never forget.

By visiting Jazz a Juan you can roll both beach holiday and festival into one, especially if you keep finding yourself compromising one for the other.

With fabulous sandy beaches, tons of restaurants and bars, Juan Les Pins is a great place to get away from it all, and get lost in the music. For more information and to book tickets for Jazz a Juan 2015 visit www.jazzajuan.com.

Stevie Wonder image courtesy of Antibes Juan-les-Pins Tourism & Convention Bureau / Gilles Lefrancq.

From hearing the sound check from the beach of the Garden Beach Hotel in Juan Les Pins, excitement spread along the beach for what was to be experienced over the coming evenings during the Jazz à Juan 2014.

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funny news

Sexual Healing After 10-Year Itch With the Commonwealth Games proving a success, a vote for independence just around the corner, and the Krankies more popular than ever, it’s no surprise to see our Scottish brethren walking around with a smile on their usually-scowling faces at the moment.

But one woman from Aberdeen has been smiling more than most for the past 10 years, after doctors discovered a decade-old sex toy inside her following a trip to hospital. Seeing as she’s Scottish, we’re surprised they didn’t find her wallet up there as well.

The 38-year-old woman arrived at hospital complaining of severe weight loss, shaking and lethargy. She

had also experienced mild incontinence for ‘a few weeks’.

On further examination, doctors were shocked to discover a five-inch foreign body protruding into her bladder from her vagina.

Apparently when the situation was eventually explained to her, she slowly recalled a drunken night of debauchery involving a sex toy with her partner 10 years ago. Oddly, she didn’t think to check if it was still inside her when she woke up – which means she’s either thick, or her nether regions are so gaping that she couldn’t even feel it up there.

One doctor at the hospital, who was not willing to comment on the patient’s specific case, confirmed it was highly unusual for such a large foreign object to go unnoticed in the majority of instances by patients or their partners.

This is because the vagina is full of nerve endings and is extremely sensitive, he said. The phrase “chucking a sausage down an alley” springs to mind.

If this is the sort of thing Scottish women get up to, we can’t wait to see how members of their female relay team carry the baton at the Commonwealth Games.

a gesture for war heroes This month marks the 100th anniversary of the start of World War One and countries across Europe are holding their own special tributes to celebrate the lives, and deaths, of the millions of soldiers who fought so bravely during that terrible conflict.

In Sarajevo, locals carried out a reconstruction of the shooting of Archduke Ferdinand in a replica open-topped limousine, an event widely considered to have triggered the war. In Berlin, there are exhibitions across the city and the British theatre production of War Horse has been translated into German for a show at the Theater des Westens.

And in Liverpool, they constructed a giant 24-foot spitting and farting grandmother to walk through the city. Lest we forget.

The grandmother figure, one of three giants who appeared in the Memories of August 1914 show, spent several days “asleep” in bed in St George’s Hall before a 30-mile walk around town.

And before we go any further, no, we have no idea what this has got to do with World War One, but that didn’t seem to bother the resident Scousers.

Apparently about 20,000 of them popped into the hall on their way to the benefits office to take a peek at the flatulent behemoth OAP. Director of Culture Liverpool Claire McColgan said she had an “incredible experience being here for three weeks in rehearsals”.

“The stories that the grandmother tells are incredible - the epicness of it cannot be underestimated,” she added. “There will not be a dry eye at the final parade.”

If the farting pensioner has been eating eggs, then that’s certainly a possibility.

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An Arresting Image On Facebook A pregnant woman got a severe case of baby brain, or more likely she’s just plain thick, when she was arrested after posing for selfies on Facebook in a dress she’d stolen just a few hours earlier.

It wouldn’t be so bad if the dress was a bland, genericlooking outfit that doesn’t stand out, but the one she nabbed was a fluoro-leopard print number.

Someone should call child services right now. The poor kid doesn’t stand a chance.

Danielle Saxton of West Frankfort, Illinois ,walked out of Mortie’s Boutique with a sizeable haul including a new dress, some shirts and some jewellery, none of which were paid for, before heading home to post pics of her new wardrobe on Facebook a few hours later. Saxton was arrested shortly after.

Police Chief Shawn Talluto, said the selfie-loving shoplifter still had the clothes in her hand when she was arrested and was also wanted on another warrant in Jackson County.

Celebrity Tweets Here we help translate the literary treats published by the wonderful celebrities that grace the Twittersphere with their presence... @LouieSpence “Is there anyone out there that does fogging for Mosquitos....”

- Is this a gay sex move we don’t know about? @JoeyEssex_ “Ain’t trained in months... Had maccy d’s today and just had wagamama ... So full up, I need to start training ... Just no time” - What do you even do? @DanniiMinogue “Who is at home in a Onesie and who is out?”

- Now now, Dannii, no need to pretend you’re down with da kids.

We all know you’re too old to rock a onesie, the botox isn’t fooling anyone. @TinieTempah “Leg day... lol” - LOL so funny Tinie. Thanks for sharing! @GazGShore “Is it wrong sometimes I prefer being little spoon....”

- No…but it is wrong that you exist. @heidimontag “Loving nature with my mama!”

- Didn’t know you were a fan of anything natural #balloontits @aaronpaul_8 “Don’t forget to dream” - Cheers, Aaron, wise words there. @KaleyCuoco “When you assume, you make an ASS out of U and ME” - ME want to make a jizz on U.

in the doghouse for sexual preference Further proof that the British National Party is made up of mentally-disturbed freaks after the leader of the youth arm of the organisation started a bitter online war of words with an opponent of a similar mental capacity – his own ‘gay’ dog.

Jack Renshaw, a student at Manchester University and the head of BNP Youth, wrote the Facebook post alongside a picture of Derek the dog, in which he criticised the mutt for “licking the penises of other male dogs”.

If this all sounds a bit odd, remember it’s possible that Renshaw was also masturbating furiously to bestiality porn while posting it. It’s just something we heard from a bloke we know in Manchester. #justsaying “I wish my dog would stop licking the penises of other male dogs,” wrote the fan of racial hatred. “I love you, Derek (my dog) – but – don’t challenge my principles because my principles will likely win.”

What next? Calls to publically “out” Sweep the dog and his long-term partner Sooty? A skinhead demonstration against lesbian cats? Still, it’s nice to see the BNP tackling subjects that don’t require beating up people with darker skin than their own (including those who’ve just come back off holiday).

Bonkers Renshaw was also recently involved in a controversial BNP recruitment film entitled “Fight Back”, in which he addresses his “fellow British youth”.

“Who is responsible for the ongoing attempt to eradicate the British culture and the British identity through the forced assimilation of different cultures and different peoples?” he asks.

Among other groups, including cultural Marxists and the media, “militant homosexuals” comprise an “unholy alliance” which is destroying society, according to Renshaw. Oh the irony.

Spread ‘em Sweetheart

We’ve all seen enough episodes of Everybody Loves Raymond to know that women hate sex and only do it to reward men for good behaviour.

It’s a dance as old as time.

But one bloke got so frustrated with his wife’s frequent excuses to get out of nookie, he decided to take matters into his own hands (no pun intended).

The husband drew up a spreadsheet showing the couple had made love three times in nearly two months, while listing “excuses” his wife had given for turning down sex complete with his own notes. The excuses included “watching reruns of Friends”, “needed a shower”, and the old classic “feeling too tired”.

“According to his ‘document’, we’ve only had sex 3 times in the last 7 weeks, out of 27 ‘attempts’ on his part,” the wife, known only as Reddit user throwwwwaway29, responded after posting the spreadsheet online. “[It’s] an immature, inflammatory email.” Cue whooping and hollering from the American sitcom audience.

Role Reversal In Medical Mix-Up

A warning to men everywhere. Be careful the next time you’re thinking of going to the doctor with stomach cramps.

A bloke in China, known only as Mr Chen, did exactly that last month and came away with a disturbing diagnosis – he was a woman.

Mr Chen visited a doctor in Shanghai after complaining of pains in his stomach and blood in his urine, along with other symptoms including fatigue and swelling in his legs and face.

In hospital he underwent a CT scan, which showed that the married Mr Chen had ovaries and a uterus, and he was actually suffering from period pains.

Admittedly, this is where the story starts to throw doubt on the sanity of Mr Chen, who claims he has regular sex with his wife – despite having female genitals.

The chief of the First People’s Hospital of Yongkang said: “He was wearing men’s clothes and had short hair so we didn’t think that he would be a female at the beginning.”

Hmm, sounds like an absolute master of disguise. No wonder they were baffled.

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sports news

Cheer Up Stevie G... Oh What Can It Mean?

Whiplash injuries in Britain soared last month when Steven Gerrard’s retirement from England duty led to a nation shrugging its shoulders.

Not only did it look amusing and piss off defenders, it also had the unexpected bonus of stopping encroaching at set-pieces. Who’d have thunk it?

The red half of Merseyside was cheering of course. The only downside for Liverpool is that he will no longer be able to provide goals for Luis Suarez like he did so effectively last season and at the World Cup. “I have enjoyed every minute of representing my country and it is a sad day for me knowing that I won’t pull on the England shirt again,” blubbed Gerrard, who amassed 114 caps and 21 goals in a spectacularly underwhelming international career. “This has been a very difficult decision, one of the toughest I’ve had to make in my career. I have agonised over this since coming back from Brazil and have spoken to family, friends and people close to me in the game before coming to this point.

“Most importantly, Brendan [Rodgers] has been fantastic and obviously I have to look after my body as much as possible to ensure I can give everything when I take to the field.

“To ensure I can keep playing to a high level and giving everything to Liverpool Football Club I believe this is the right decision, and having Champions League football back at Anfield is another big factor in my decision.”

Well now there’s a campaign to bring cans of silly string to the Premier League, but seeing as there’s no downsides and it helps clarify the game, the FA are naturally wary.

Only Roy Hodgson seemed to take the news hard, although that’s not surprising seeing as he now needs to find another error-prone scapegoat to take the flak for England’s inevitable early-round exit from Euro 2016.

We’re not entirely sure what the hold-up is. Maybe they want to test it on animals first (i.e. Joey Barton), maybe David Beckham wants to add some of his cologne to it for marketing purposes, or maybe the FA are just a bunch of slow old farts who make Frank Lampard look like Usain Bolt.

As a result, it’s not expected to get the green light in time for this season, even though Serie A has already okayed it and La Liga is expected to follow suit.

“While I’m disappointed in the decision, I can entirely understand Steven’s situation and can have no complaints given the incredible service he has given to his country,” stuttered Hodgson unconvincingly.

Spray It, Don’t Say It! There was Tim Cahill’s stunning volley, there was Germany’s seven-goal battering of Brazil, but there can be no doubt the best moment of this year’s World Cup was the referees squirting funny foam at players’ boots before every free-kick.

The Daily Mirror has even started a campaign to get the spray used in England – the first time ever BBM has ever agreed with anything that paper has said.

“It’s a no-brainer that Magic Spray should be rolled out everywhere!” roared the Mirror, inexplicably using capital letters for Magic Spray, as though Gandalf himself has patented it. “It was massively successful and massively popular in Brazil, proving that football can evolve with technology that doesn’t impinge on the enjoyment of the game. The Premier League have already introduced goal-line technology at a hefty price. But surely there must be a few pennies left over to buy some spray cans! It’s a tiny investment with a big reward.”

A tiny investment with a big reward? In other words, it’s the exact opposite of Andy Carroll.

England’s Cricketers Grabbed By Ghoulies

presence in the room,” Broad gulped.

“It was the weirdest feeling. All of a sudden the taps in the bathroom came on for no reason.

I turned the lights on and the taps turned themselves off.

If there’s something strange, in your neighbourhood, who ya gonna call?

“Then when I turned the lights off again the taps came on. It really freaked me out. I ended up asking to move rooms.”

Well not Stuart Broad or Ben Stokes apparently, as the pair were left biting their nails, knocking their knees and soiling the pants at an England team hotel due to a ghost infestation.

Fast bowler Stuart Broad even moved rooms at the Langham Hotel in Marylebone after being “freaked out”.

“One night I woke up in the middle of the night, around 1.30am and I was convinced there was a

Of course, the ghost could have been Matthew Prior, a wicketkeeper so ephemeral that balls pass straight through him as if he isn’t really there.

Or maybe there’s a more simple explanation.

If Scooby Doo and the Mystery Machine gang were here, how would they approach it? Well at first they’d find out that the hotel was built on an abandoned gold mine, then they’d discover an

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old projector in a secret passage and get chased by a monster, then the monster would fall into a net and get all tied up. Then when Alastair Cook whips off the monster’s mask they’d find out it was … old man Ricky Ponting! Turns out he was trying to nobble England so Australia would win yet another Ashes series.

And he would have gotten away with it too if it hadn’t been for that bunch of meddling over-the-hill veterans.

Lightning The Mood On A Long Road Trip

Well the twin pair of tartan-clad teen heartthrobs have got nothing on marathon runner Adam Campbell, who not only “ran” 100 miles (walking – pah!) through the American desert at the height of summer – but was also struck in the head by lightning as he did it. And he barely broke stride.

Nut job Campbell was competing at the Hardrock 100 ultramarathon at the time, a frankly insane event that sees competitors running for around 24-hours straight.

Incredibly, Campbell managed to complete the course after he and a pacer were caught in the thunderstorm beyond the 60-mile aid station.

Just as the pair approached the highest point of the 100.5-mile course around Handies Peak, he was struck by lightning. Remarkably, he kept on running.

Campbell added. “We really didn’t have much of a choice. We wanted to get over the peak as soon as we could and get out of there.”

The lunatic went on to finish in 25 hours, 56 minutes, and 36 seconds - around 49 minutes behind second place.

“Wow, that was a hard race,” he understated after the run. “That course is legit - even without the lightning.”

Seeing as BBM can’t even be arsed to do the City to Surf marathon, we tip our hat to Campbell – who, according to the movies, should have been blessed with some kind of superpower after the lightning strike. If only there’d been a nuclear explosion – he’d definitely have turned into the Flash.

“There’s nothing up there, no place to hide, no rocks, no trees, nothing,” a slightly scorched

Son Always Shines For McIlroy’s Dad BBM has never really understood why dads put bets on their young sons to win major sporting events when they become adults.

If your son grows up to win Wimbledon or captain England at a World Cup, chances are you’re not going to be short of a few bob by that stage. Not unless you’re professional athlete son is an utter tight-arse. In other words, if you put a bet on your son to find sporting glory in later life, you’re basically banking on him turning into Scrooge McDuck, hording his money away from his loved ones in a giant money pit which doubles as a swimming pool.

Still, BBM’s jaded bitterness probably won’t bother Gerry McIlroy, father of Rory, too much. When his son won the 143rd British Open at Royal Liverpool last month, it landed him $180,000 following a 500-1 bet he put on a decade ago that a 15-year-old Rory would eventually hold aloft the claret jug.

“Although we’re facing heavy losses we can’t help but admire the foresight of Rory’s dad and his pals a decade ago,” said a spokesperson for the British bookmakers. Two friends of Rory’s father also collected nearly $145,000 from a similar wager. “They are all going to be very happy,” said Rory. “My dad has never reminded me but I knew he’d done it - it’s a nice little bonus.”

If he’d really had foresight, Rory’s dad could have got odds of 1000-1 that his ugly son would eventually bang Caroline Wozniacki. And the odds of Rory being the one to end it would have been astronomical.

Tis The Season To Be Boring

The cash harvesting pre-season tours of Asia and beyond are over, Arsenal have made a raft of underwhelming signings, and Manchester United have a new bloke in charge.

Yes the start of this Premier League season is just around the corner, and it’s basically the same as the start of the last Premier League season only with less Scotsmen to influence things – and judging by the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games, that can be no bad thing.

But after all the excitement of a groin-wrecker of a World Cup, which was helped

by England’s mercifully quick end, there’s a bit of a “meh” feeling in the build-up to the EPL. In fact it’s been a bit of a snooze session as far as Premier League pre-seasons go. A bit of Wenger-baiting from Mourinho, Louis van Gaal channelling the ghost of Ferguson by moaning about a pre-season tour, Aston Villa doing absolutely nothing of interest – it’s been business as usual.

Last year, of course, we had an embarrassment of embarrassing-themselves riches in terms of headline-makers – Poland-invading Paulo di Canio, jokin’ Joe Kinnear, and of course the vampiric Luis Suarez were all on hand to make sure hilarity was never far away. And who’ve we got this year to replace them? Sean Dyche, Nigel Pearson and Garry Monk. Someone better hire Ian Holloway or this season is going to be as dull as an England team at a major a tournament.

Come on Mourinho, you’re usually good for a few digs and jibes, what have you got to say? Is Roman Abramovich pissing you off so much that you want to quit?

“Football is about competitiveness every weekend and that only happens in the Premier League,” he yawned.

“When you have the two Manchester clubs, the three clubs from London plus Liverpool, that’s six top teams, where all of them can win the title. That’s why everybody loves the Premier League.”

Maybe, but it helps when there are a few head cases thrown into the mix.

By Richard Gadsby

Scottish super-hunks The Proclaimers once boasted that they’d walk 500 miles, and then 500 more, just to fall into a door or something.

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Crystal balls

HOROSCOPES CANCER

You wake up one morning with an erection after a dream about dolphins.

Slightly disturbed, you decide not to tell anybody about it but a few days later, an old episode of Flipper comes on the TV and you find yourself getting aroused.

It’s downhill from there. Your partner dumps you after coming home one day to find you masturbating over BBC wildlife documentary Blue Planet. Thankfully she believes you when you say you were wanking over David Attenborough, but she leaves anyway. Your obsession swiftly descends after that. By the end of the year you’ve been fired, evicted and banned from Sea World. You eventually die of starvation after blowing all your money paying prostitutes to wear dolphin costumes and make clicking noises while you jerk off.

PISCES

In the words of George Orwell: “It’s only a game so, put up a real big fight. I’m gonna be snookering you tonight!”

CAPRICORN

Typical bad luck in the romance department for you Capricorn. You sign up for dating website eHarmony and end up on a date with the girl with a wonky face from the ads who paints really crap paintings. Still, at least it isn’t the fat red head.

ARIES

You try to spice things up in the bedroom by suggesting kinky Game of Thrones-themed sex to your girlfriend. She says yes and, to your delight, she dresses up like a wanton medieval sex maiden. Unfortunately, she gets a bit too into the role, cuts you your cock off with a cleaver and sends it in a box to your dad as a warning to trespassers in the north.

TAURUS

You finally get some cream for your haemorrhoids.

GEMINI

SAGITARRIUS

You spend half the month listening to that dumb bitch Libra whine on about her relationship problems. Yawn. No wonder Pisces dumped her. The spitroast sounded juicy though, and Gemini promised you $100 for bringing Libra to the party and getting her drunk in the first place. Sweet.

SCORPIO

Good and bad news this month. The bad news is you’re hit by a car while crossing the road. The accident leaves you in a coma for three weeks and when you wake up, you’re permanently paralysed from the neck down. For the rest of your life you’re forced to eat through a straw and you cry yourself to sleep every night, partly through sadness, partly through pain. The good news is, the reason you were distracted while crossing the road is because a hot woman on the other side was bending over and you could totally see her knickers and bra. Worth it.

LEO

Ugh! Some dirty bugger has left a skidmark on my crystal ball. It’s bloody disgusting. Right, that’s it, no more horoscopes until someone fesses up and cleans it. I’m serious. It’s bloody filthy that.

AQUARIUS

Look, I told you, no more horoscopes until I find out who left this skidmark on my crystal ball. This is where I work you dirty arsehole.

VIRGO

Actually, I’ve just realised, celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay was over last night for a bit of loving. I passed out after a couple of hours of vigorous sex, but when I woke up the kinky Scotch git told me he kept himself aroused using one of my anal love beads. I thought it was odd as I don’t have any anal love beads – but judging by the state of my crystal ball, I can guess what’s happened. No wonder he was limping when he left. That’s the last time I eat at his restaurants.

On The Tube

You’ve been bragging to your mates for weeks about how much “pussssaaay” you’re going to bang when your missus goes away for a week at the end of August. Little do they know that you spend every night she’s away looking at the moon and singing “Somewhere out there” just like Fieval the mouse does when he gets separated from his sister in Disney’s An American Tail.

LIBRA

Your recent break-up with Pisces hits you hard. Turns out they were cheating on you with that goat-faced slut Aries for six months, and most of the rest of the horoscope knew. The humiliation sends you into a spiral of depression.

It starts off with alcohol and a few late nights, which leads to a series of onenight stands with zodiac signs you barely know. Things reach rock-bottom at the end of the month when you go to a party with your best friend Sagittarius, get drunk and up in a strange bedroom being double-teamed by Leo and Scorpio in three-way spit-roast. Even worse, that creepy pervert Gemini is sat in the corner masturbating and taking photos of the whole thing. When you get home the next morning, you start to cry and decide to take back control of your life. Luckily, you have a true friend in Sagittarius. They’ve been there every step of the way, never judging, just listening. If only there were more people like that in the world. Mayall, who frequently teased Sir Cliff in the Young Ones – something the Bachelor Boy never forgave him for. Is it any coincidence Mayall died last month? The fate of Europe is in your hands.

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If Google Was A Guy (Parts 1, 2 & 3)

Not sure about you, but we can’t be alone in thinking (when we were kids) that Google must have been a team of super quick and smart geeks providing us with the info on the spot. We can see how it could work thanks to the geniuses at College Humour. They’ve put together a series of “If Google Was A Guy” shorts where the everyday (creep) person visits his/Google’s office to search for info… Bing makes a surprise cameo appearance, which is hilarious due to the fact that no one uses Bing!

View on www.youtube.com

ASK CRYSTAL Dear Crystal, I think I’m addicted to porn and it’s ruining my life. The first thing I do when I wake up is switch on my laptop and search for cheerleaders being pounded.

On my lunchbreak at work, I lock myself in a cubicle and bang one out looking at celebrity sex tapes on my phone. When I go to bed, I give myself one last tug while flicking through a copy of Huge Melons Weekly. It’s dominating my every waking moment, what should I do?

Sincerely Tom Dear Tom Three times a day? Pfft. That’s nothing.

I have a quick play with myself on the hour, every hour. It’s the reason I was banned from the cinema when Toy Story 3 came out. Come back when you’re a 10-a-day man, and I’m sure we can come to a “mutually beneficial” arrangement.

Dear Crystal, I recently met a very attractive girl with a wonderful personality who just seemed to click with me right from the start. We’ve been seeing each other for about two months now but there’s just one problem - she has a mutated, talking,

baby’s head in the middle of her chest that predicts the future. It really distracts me when we’re having sex and the head says something like “Quaid, start the reactor!” I swear it does it just to put me off. What should I do?

Yours Jack Dear Jack, Worst. Threesome. Ever. And that includes the time I slept with the Chuckle Brothers (I can still hear them saying “to me, to you”). So your girlfriend is a hideous mutant, tough break. On the plus side, if the head can predict the future, you can always use it to win the lotto. Then when you’ve got the cash, you can dump her to get a bird who doesn’t have a freak-show just below her tits.

Dear Crystal, I have a good friend back in England who’s recently been diagnosed with a brain tumour. It’s terminal. The doctors have given him a month, tops, and he says he wants to see me one last time before he goes. The problem is, it’ll cost a fortune to fly home and I’ve been looking forward to a stag do I’m supposed

to be going on in Thailand in a couple of weeks. Don’t get me wrong, I’d like to see him – but the whole thing sounds a bit depressing, especially when I could be shagging cheap hookers in Bangkok. How do I get out of it without seeming like a total arsehole?

Faithfully, Mark Dear Mark, As the old saying goes, if the mountain won’t come to Muhammad, then get your mate to come to Bangkok so you can bang ladies of questionable gender together. Just ask him and see what he says, chances are he’d rather die of syphilis after shagging too much than from surgical complications. And if he says no, who cares? He’ll be dead in a few weeks anyway – you can’t hold a grudge in the grave.

Dear Crystal, I think I’m gay.

Best wishes, Johnny Dear Johnny, You’re no use to me and my gaping hole so bugger off.

JOKES A guy goes to the pub, and says to his friend “You won’t believe what happened. I was taking a short cut along the railway track, and I found a girl tied to it. I untied her, and then we had sex over and over again, all the positions, everything. His friend replies, “That’s great: did you get a blow job?” Oh, no: I never found her head. Aaron, Byron Bay

and I’m scared.”

The man replies “how do you think I feel I’ve got to walk back alone” Josh, Melbourne

What’s red and orange and looks good on hippies? Fire. Claire, Paddington

A man and a woman started to have sex in the middle of a dark forest. After about 15 minutes of it, the man finally gets up and says, “Damn, I wish I had a flashlight!”.

The woman says, “Me too, you’ve been eating grass for the past ten minutes!” Laura, Woollongong

Harry answers the telephone, and it’s an Emergency Room doctor. The doctor says: “Your wife was in a serious car accident, and I have bad news and good news. The bad news is she has lost all use of both arms and both legs, and will need help eating and going to the bathroom for the rest of her life.”

Harry says, “My God. What’s the good news?”

The doctor says, “I’m kidding. She’s dead.”

Andy, Surry Hills How do you know when a date’s going badly?

When you spike your own drink with Rohypnol.

Georgios, Northbridge A man and a girl are walking through a wood when the girl looks up and says “I don’t like this its dark, cold

If you have a green ball in your left hand and a green ball in the right, what do you have?

Kermit the frog’s undivided attention. Mark, Cairns

A redhead tells her blonde stepsister, “I slept with a Brazilian....” The blonde replies, “Oh my God! You slut! How many is a Brazilian?” Joao, St. Kilda How do you get a nun pregnant?

Dress her up as an altar boy. Sarah, Kings Cross

dressing gowns opened and she’s got a prawn between her legs!” Archie, Surfers Paradise Dad goes into the house and says “No, son, that’s not a prawn, that’s her clitoris” Timmy looks confused and says “Well, it tastes like a prawn!” Kasia, Adelaide A WWII veteran earned his High School diploma at 91, 74 years after dropping out… when asked what happens next, he said ‘College Girls’.

Harry, Melbourne Three vampires walk into a bar. The first two order Bloody Marys, but the third vampire only asks for water. “Why water?” asked the other two. The third one pulls out a used tampon and says, “I’m making tea.” Thomas, Gold Coast

Email us your jokes to staffwriter@bbmlive.com

What’s the difference between a rabbi and a priest?

A rabbi cuts them off; A priest sucks them off.

Lucas, Perth When Miley Cyrus is naked and licks a hammer it’s “art” and “music”... but when I do it, I’m “wasted” and “have to leave the hardware store”. Ian, Bondi I thought I was at a Nicki Minaj concert for 20 minutes before I realized I was just watching a homeless man yell at a pigeon. Louise, Sydney Little Timmy runs into the garden...”Dad, Grandma’s fallen asleep on the couch and her

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adult Weird Dating Experiences From Around The World

Belt out your favourite karaoke tune and see what decibels you can reach at one of these karaoke bars in Australia. Whether you’ve got Whitney’s power vocals or the stage moves of Elvis, take to the mic with your closest friends and have some serious fun any night of the week.

Sydney Karaoke

In Sydney CBD you’ll find Sydney Karaoke, a Korean bar offering up the largest list of songs for you to choose from; that’s 150,000 songs in many tons of languages. Songs are available in Korean, Thai, Spanish, English, Indonesian, Russian, Chinese, Japanese, Filipino, Taiwanese, and Vietnamese. So, you not only have the opportunity to embarrass yourself in English, but you can also take to the stage with Spanish and Thai ballads.

There are 11 individual rooms to rock out in, with large plasma screens, stylish furniture and vibrant laser lighting to set the mood. If you need some Dutch courage, grab a stiff drink from the bar. This Korean karaoke bar is a great place to get to know fellow travellers a little better, especially with the choice of imported beers and delicious Korean raspberry wine. Prices vary from $15 to $50 per hour depending on the time of day and number of people.

George Street, Sydney www.sydkaraoke.com.au

Rainbow World

Rainbow Karaoke in Melbourne has 44 rooms, each with their own individualised renovation, where specific themes make them stand out.

This bar holds the largest 48-square-metre, multifunctional hall in Melbourne, which can accommodate up to 35 people. Before going crazy with your show-stopping voice, test the pool tables and make the most of the sports bar. The themed rooms are exquisite, ranging between various styles; glamorous Oscar, otherworldly matrix, fashionable Chanel, Chinese ambience, cowboy, pesky pirate, pretty pink, laidback boathouse, relaxing Japanese, bush bear, and bashful Barbie.

For a small group of up to 14 people, there is a minimum $18 per person spend between 1pm and 6pm, and $138-$338 for the group from 9pm-late.

Level 2, 206 Bourke Street, Melbourne www.rainbowworld.com.au

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Devilles Pad

This Las Vegas style hell themed bar and restaurant is in the heart of Perth on Aberdeen Street, and if you take karaoke seriously but still want a devilishly good time, this daring venue is perfect to test out your vocal chords. With a Rock & Roll theme playing Abba to Led Zeppelin, this hellish karaoke venue is intended for those fearless enough to perform in front of a crowd, as you could have hundreds of people’s eyes on you. Running every Thursday night from 6pm, grab something to eat and drink before you get your karaoke on. The $10 Demon Dinner is served before every karaoke session, and includes a delicious meal chosen by the pad’s chef, from smokehouse chilli to chicken molé.

1/3 Aberdeen Street, Perth www.devillespad.com

Strike Bowling Bar

From Rock to Pop and age-old classics, Strike Bowling has the perfect karaoke line-up for you to choose from. Things are made quick and easy by setting up your own touch screen playlist, so you can choose the music for the entire night.

Hire the prop box full of costumes and eccentric titbits to make your karaoke party even crazier.

With Strike, you’re paying for a room rather than per person, which comes out cheaper at $80 for an hour. The rooms are limited to 15 or 40 people, and come in themes of polka dot, Victorian boudoir and Executive. While you’re here, make the most of the tenpin bowling and laser tag facility. What are you waiting for? Grab a tambourine and start belting.

22 The Promenade, King Street Wharf Level 3, Melbourne Central, 211 La Trobe Street www.strikebowling.com.au

Kbox Karaoke

Before you go on your night out, Kbox let you pre-build your playlist by sifting through their selection online. You can choose your preferred songs from a collection of 100,000 and even choose the perfect running order so you waste less time during your karaoke party. You can put in a separate request if you want songs in Japanese, Chinese, Thai, Indonesian or Malaysian. The rooms accommodate four to 22 people and are equipped with a state-of-the-art video-on-demand technology. Add an extra special touch to your karaoke night out and go wild in the party rooms, dancing under the disco light and mirror balls while your mates sing their favourite hits. Prices range from $21 per head based on a full room.

52 La Trobe Street, Melbourne CBD www.kbox.com.au

Iceland Anti-Incest App If you live in a country with a small population, then you’re going to have serious trouble preventing bumping uglies with a distant relative.

Coincidently, this is exactly what Iceland found.

With just 320,000 people living within its borders, Icelanders were constantly getting dirty with their cousin without even realising it. Luckily, in 2013 a revolutionary new app came along to solve the problem. Islendiga-App uses an online database of the family tree of almost the entire population, and just by touching phones, can reveal how closely related two Icelanders are via the Incest Prevention Alarm. Nifty!

Private Detectives Find Love In India This is the part they don’t tell you about in Hugh Grant films, where the mother and father hire a private detective to research how suitable someone is for their son/daughter. In India, where arranged marriages are the norm, in-laws hire these sleuths to get all the dirt on potential partners, and if the man ain’t got enough goats or the daughter stays out past 7pm, they just don’t cut the lime pickle!

Something Evil’s Lurking In The Dark In Bhutan In rural areas of eastern Bhutan, there’s a tradition that makes us strongly advise any female readers not to leave your windows open the next time you’re in the area. Known as Night Hunting, it involves a man sneaking into a girl’s room through an open window and spending the night. It all sounds very Romeo and Juliet, however, if caught by the girl’s family, he may have to marry her or dig up a field as penalty. The offending individual may even impregnate her and then abandon her to deal with the consequences.

Speed Daters Cover Up In The UK Believe it or not, the UK has started doing something very odd when it comes to speed dating. Rather than just a quick two minutes sitting opposite a stranger pretending to be interested in what they say while marking them out of ten on their looks, the UK has started to put paper bags over their heads. In a way to combat shallowness and going home with someone simply because they look like Hugh Jackman/Jennifer Lopez, these speed dating events make you actually have to listen to what they say rather than judge them on their looks. It’s all very cute and you don’t feel like a tit at all. Honest.

By Arti Rajput

Karaoke Bars

If you think you’ve got a dating history like a who’s who of human crap, you might reconsider once you find out what goes on in the rest of the world. We all know dating is more complicated than the workings of a woman’s bra, but these weird dating experiences from around the world baffled even us professionals in the game!

The Best Travel Apps Here’s some of the hottest travel apps available for smart phones to make travelling that little bit easier...

Worldmate

Any business traveller will need somewhere to keep all of their travel info, and Worldmate manages to do just that. As well as combining flights, hotels and car hire booking info, it also reminds you of scheduled meetings and links into your LinkedIn account. Whether you need to find out the time in New York or check the weather forecast in Berlin, Worldmate is your ultimate travel buddy.

Available on iPhone and Android

The Entertainer

While there can be benefits of travelling with a friend, you may be faced with money issues on food, activities and accommodation. Thanks to The Entertainer, this is a thing of the past, as it provides you with buy one get one free vouchers in restaurants, spas and entertainment, as well as hotel offers. Covering locations including London, Singapore, Dubai and Hong Kong, now you can travel cheap and well.

Available on iPhone and Android

Wikitude

Want to find out more about what’s right in front you without having to search your location?

Wikitude is like your very own guide: just hold your iPhone or Android phone’s camera up to what you see, and the app will scan the screen and show up all sorts of information like buildings and events,

reviews on TripAdvisor and any mentions on social media. Particularly helpful in a busy city when you don’t know what to do next!

Available on iPhone and Android

Campin Australia

If you’re road tripping around Australia, you’ll need to know where the nearest campsites and caravan parks are to stay for the night. Campin Australia is the easiest and fastest way to find these, plus hostels, rest areas and petrol stations, with over 10,000 stops in total. Enter your location, find what you need on the map and hey presto; you’ve found your home for the night.

Available on iPhone and Android

Flashlight

This might be a classic, but it’s a necessity when travelling Attenborough-style. Whether in the bush or jungle or on the beach, there are many times you could be caught out in the dark. Thanks to the flashlight app, your camera turns into a handy torch, so you never need be without light again.

And let’s face: who doesn’t carry their phone everywhere with them?

Available on iPhone and Android

AlpineQuest GPS Hiking

Whatever outdoor activity you’re doing, take AlpineQuest with you and you’ll get there and back safe and sound. With online topographic maps with handy contour lines that remain available even when you go out of range, and the use of your phone’s GPS and magnetic sensor, you can find yourself on a map, track your route and receive advanced statistics in real time. Getting lost is now a thing of the past and you can explore to your heart’s content.

Available on Android

HopStop

It’s likely you’ll need to use all sorts of transport when you’re on your travels, but how can you find the nearest train station or which bus you need to get on, when you’re in a strange place?

HopStop has all the info to help out, and more, with train, bus, taxi and walking directions, maps and schedules laid out for over 600 cities including Chicago, Washington, London, Paris, Berlin, Sydney and Perth. There’s also the use of HopStop Live! which reports real-time delays and crowd control.

Available on iPhone and Android

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ADVERTISE HERE

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activities

Things to do in New Zealand SKYDIVING

SKYDIVE LAKE WANAKA LTD 14, Mustang Lane Wanaka Airport State Highway 6 Wanaka, South Island NZ Tel: +64 3 443 7207 or FREEphone 0800 786 877 info@skydivewanaka.com www.skydivewanaka.com NZONE ‘THE ULTIMATE JUMP’ Queenstown & Rotorua Tel: 0800 376 796 skydive@nzone.biz www.nzone.biz SKYDIVINGNZ.COM New Zealand Skydiving School FREEPHONE: 0800 NZSKYDIVE Email: info@skydivingnz.com

RAFTING

www.foxguides.co.nz

QUEENSTOWN

RIVER BOARDING

BUNGI BACKPACKERS 15 Sydney Street, Queenstown, NZ Ph: + 64 3442 8725 Fax: + 64 3442 8729 www.kiwi-backpackers.co.nz SOUTHERN LAUGHTER LODGE 4 Isle Street, Queenstown, NZ Ph: + 64 3441 8828 southernlaughter@xtra.co.nz www.kiwi-backpackers.co.nz

Take a breathtaking guided trip on the West Coast’s longest and less crowded glacier amidst fascinating ice formations with NZ’s most experienced glacier guiding company. Offering a full range of trips to suit all fitness levels.

MAD DOG RIVERBOARDING 37 Shotover Street Queenstown New Zealand Ph: +64 3442 7797 www.riverboarding.co.nz

ACCOMMODATION CHRISTCHURCH

CITY OASIS 180 Peterborough Street, Christchurch, NZ Ph: + 64 3366 9531 cityoasis@xtra.co.nz www.kiwi-backpackers.co.nz

RANGITATA RAFTS Peel Forest RD20 South Canterbury, NZ Tel: + 64 3 696 3534 New Zealand Freephone: 0800 251 251 info@rafts.co.nz www.rafts.co.nz

COKER’S BACKPACKERS 52 manchester Street, Christchurch, NZ Ph: + 64 3379 8580 enquiries@cokers.co.nz www.cokers.co.nz

JET BOATING

BAY ADVENTURER BACKPACKERS & APARTMENTS 28, Kings Road, Paihia, Bay of Islands, NZ Ph: +64 9 402 5162 Info@bayadventurer.co.nz www.bayadventurer.co.nz

SHOTOVER JET

The World’s Most Exciting Jet Boat Ride, and the only company permitted to operate in the spectacular Shotover River Canyons.

Shotover Jet Beach, Gorge Road Arthurs Point, Queenstown, New Zealand Free Phone (NZ only): 0800 SHOTOVER Phone: +64 3 442 8570 Fax: +64 3 442 7467 reservations@shotoverjet.co.nz www.shotoverjet.com

GLACIER GUIDING FOX GLACIER GUIDING 44 Main Rd, Po Box 38, Fox Glacier, NZ Ph: +64 3 751 0825 Freephone (NZ only): 0800 111 600 info@foxguides.co.nz

BAY OF ISLANDS

KAIKOURA ADELPHI LODGE Main Street, Kaikoura, NZ Ph: + 64 3319 5141 Fax: + 64 3319 6786 adelphilodge@xtra.co.nz www.kiwi-backpackers.co.nz

NOMADS QUEENSTOWN 5-11 Church Street, Queenstown, NZ Freecall: 0508 NOMADS Phone: +64 3 441 3922 info@nomadsqueenstown.com nomadshostels.com Queenstown’s brand new flashpackers, now open with rave reviews.

FRANZ JOSEF GLACIER CHATEAU FRANZ 8 Cron Street, Franz Josef Glacier, NZ Ph: + 64 3752 0738 www.kiwi-backpackers.co.nz

WELLINGTON

NOMADS CAPITAL 118 Wakefield Street, Wellington, NZ Freecall: 0508 NOMADS Phone: +64 4 978 7800 info@nomadscapital.com nomadshostels.com Central city backpackers with FREE MEAL every night.

GLOW WORM COTTAGES 7 Cron Street, Franz Josef Glacier, NZ Ph: + 64 3752 0172 glowwormcottages@xtra.co.nz www.kiwi-backpackers.co.nz

AUCKLAND NOMADS AUCKLAND 16-20 Fort Street, Auckland, NZ Freecall: 0508 NOMADS Phone: +64 9 300 9999 bookings@nomadsauckland.com nomadshostels.com $5 off first night (min 3 night stay) if you mention this ad NOMADS FAT CAMEL 38 Fort Street, Auckland, NZ Freecall: 0508 NOMADS Phone: +64 9 307 0181 bookings@nomadsfatcamel.com nomadshostels.com $5 off first night if you mention this ad.

Fiji ACCOMMODATION

THINGS TO DO

BEACHCOMBER ISLAND RESORT Mamanuca Island Group Ph: + 679 6661500 Fax: + 679 6664496 info@beachcomberfiji.com www.beachcomberfiji.com

ROBINSON CRUSOE ISLAND Fiji budget accommodation Ph: (679) – 6281999 (679) – 6282901 robinsoncrusoe@connect.com.fj www.robinsoncrusoeislandfiji.com

THE BEACHOUSE Coral Coast, Fiji Islands Fiji phone: 679 6530500 Free call (within Fiji): 0800 6530530 Australia info line: 07 55320412 info@fijibeachouse.com www.fijibeachouse.com

THE UPRISING BEACH RESORT 679-345-2200 Beach RoadPacific Harbour P.O.Box 416 Pacific Habour Fiji Islands enquiries@uprisingbeachresort.com www.uprisingbeachresort.com

SMUGGLERS COVE BEACH RESORT * HOTEL P.O.Box 10409 Nadi Airport.

Ph: (679) 672 6578 or 672 4578 Fax: (679) 672 0662 reservations@smugglerscove.com.fj www.smugglersbeachfiji.com, Skype name: Smugglers Cove HORIZON BEACH RESORT Wailoaloa Beach, Nadi Bay, Fiji Ph: +679 672 2832 or 4578 Fax: +679 672 0662 www.horizonbeachfiji.com

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NADI BAY RESORT HOTEL Wailoaloa Beach Road Private Mail Bag NAP 0359, Nadi Airport Ph: (679) 6723599 Fax: (679) 6720092 nadibay@connect.com.fj www.fijinadibayhotel.com/ NADI BAY DOWNTOWN BACKPACKERS Nadi, Fiji Islands Ph: [679] 670 0600 pacvalley@connect.com.fj

SKYDIVING

SKYDIVE FIJI 11 Zahoor Road, Nadi, Fiji Isalnds Tel: +679-6728166 Fax: +679-6721415 admin@skydivefiji.com.fj www.skydivefiji.com.fj ‘Incredible views of Fiji’s Islands and Reefs; Beach or Resort landings’

SCUBA DIVING

SUBSURFACE FIJI ADVENTURE DIVING & WATERSPORTS Subsurface Fiji Adventure Diving and Watersports Beachcomber, Treasure, Malolo, Walu Beach, Funky Fish and Musket Cove Island Resorts, Fiji Tel: +679 6666 738 info@subsurfacefiji.com www.subsurfacefiji.com

Things to do in Australia SKYDIVING

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 SUNSHINE COAST SKYDIVERS 1 Pathfinder Drive, Caloundra Airport, Sunshine Coast, QLD Ph: 07 5437 0211 Mob: 04 18 776 775 bookings@sunshinecoastskydivers.com.au www.sunshinecoastskydivers.com.au

Marina Pier, Holdfast Shores Marina Glenelg, SA, 5045 Ph: 0412 811 838 info@dolphinboat.com.au www.dolphinboat.com.au A J HACKET BUNGY JUMPING McGregor Road, Smithfield, QLD, 4878 Tel: 07 4057 7188 Free: 1800 622 888 cairns.reception@ajhackett.com www.cairns.ajhackett.com OCEAN RAFTING WHITSUNDAYS The Jetty, Coral Sea Resort, Airlie Beach, QLD Ph: 07 4946 6848 oceanrafting@airlie.net.au www.oceanrafting.com.au

SOUTHERN SKYDIVERS Busselton Regional Airport, Bussleton, WA Free: 1300 449 669 skydive@southernskydivers.com.au www.southernskydivers.com.au

STAND UP PADDLE SURFING 3 Graham Colyer Drive, Agnes Water, QLD Ph: 07 4974 7874 / 07 4962 0210 Mob: 0422 806 235 info@1770sup.com.au www.1770sup.com.au

SKYDIVE BYRON BAY Hanger 1, Tyagarah Airfield, NSW, 2481 Ph: 1800 800 840 or 02 6684 1323 info@skydivebyronbay.com www.skydivebyronbay.com The ultimate skydive experience Australia has to offer!

MULGAS ADVENTURE 4 Traeger Avenue Alice Springs, NT, 0871 Ph: 08 9521 545 www.mulgas.com.au

SKYDIVE COFFS HARBOUR P.O. Box 351, Coffs Harbour, NSW, 2450 Ph: 0433 254 438 info@skydivecoffs.com.au www.skydivecoffs.com.au Beach landings in the heart of Coffs SKYDIVE THE REEF CAIRNS 51 Sheridan St, Cairns, QLD, 4870 Ph: 1800 800 840 info@skydivethereefcairns.com.au www.skydivethereefcairns.com.au SKYDIVE JURIEN BAY 36B Bashford St, Jurien Bay, WA, 6516 Ph: 0438 441 239 www.skydivejurienbay.com

SCUBA DIVING AUSTRALIA

NINGLAOO WHALE SHARK & DIVE CENTRE Located inside reception at the Exmouth Cape Holiday Park: 3 Truscott Street, Exmouth, WA Ph: 1800 224 060 www.ningaloowhalesharkndive.com.au THE SCUBA CENTRE Port Douglas-Cairns-Airlie Beach, 230 Sugarloaf Rd, Whitsunday Ph: 07 4946 1067 whitscub@gmail.com www.scubacentre.com.au IFLY DOWNUNDER 123 Mulgoa Road, Penrith, Sydney Ph: 1300 366 364 www.iflydownunder.com.au

GHOST TOURS LANTERN GHOST TOURS Melbourne & Goldcoast Ph: 1300 390 119 www.lanternghosttours.com enquiry@lanternghosttours.com Experience the multi award winning Lantern Ghost Tours, offering small group tours of Australia’s most haunted locations.

ADVENTURE TOURS

GOIN SOUTH Four days, two famous Aussie icons, one awesome tour Ph: 1800 009 858 www.facebook.com/goinsouthtours TEMPATION DOLPHIN SWIM

SURF & SUN AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURES Ph: 1800 786 386 / 08 8212 0211 info@surfandsun.com.au www.surfandsun.com.au BLUE MOUNTAINS ADVENTURE COMPANY Ph: 02 4782 1271 bmac@bmac.com.au www.bmac.com.au WAYOUTBACK AUSTRALIAN SAFARI Ph: 1300 551 510 / 08 8952 4324 reservations@wayoutback.com.au www.wayoutback.com.au CAVERSHAM WILDLIFE PARK Whiteman Park, Whiteman, WA, 6068 Ph: 08 9248 1984 sales@cavershamwildlife.com.au www.cavershamwildlife.com.au MINISTRY OF PAINTBALLING L4, 362 Kent St, Sydney, NSW, 2000 Ph:1800 646 478 Ph: 02 9262 2362 www.ministryofpaintball.com BRIDGE CLIMB SYDNEY Ph: 02 8274 7777 www.bridgeclimb.com BUNYIP TOURS 570 Flinders Street Melbourne Victoria, 3000 1300 286 947 info@bunyiptours.com www.bunyiptours.com

AUSSIE WANDERERS Ph: 09 438 2070 www.aussiewanderer.com.au KANGAROO ISLAND ADVENTURE TOURS Vivonne Bay, Kingscote, SA Ph: 08 8202 8678 www.kiadventuretours.com.au DROP BEAR ADVENTURES Ph: 1800 061 156 www.dropbearadventures.com.au

KITE SURFING

KITESURF 1770 IKO Certified Kiteboarding school/Centre 3 Graham Colyer Drive, Agnes Wate, QLD Ph: 07 4974 7874 / 07 4962 0210 Mob: 0422 806 235 info@kitesurf1770.com.au www.kitesurf1770.com.au KITE REPUBLIC 10-18 Jacka Blvd. St.Kilda Sea Baths Complex, St.Kilda, 3182, Melbourne, VIC Ph: 03 95370644 Mob: +61 418583233 info@kiterepublic.com.au www.kiterepublic.com.au

SURF SCHOOLS

JET SKI SAFARIS Birth 56, Jetty Sea, Mariners Cove, Waterways, QLD Ph: 07 5526 3111 Mob: 0409 754 538 info@jetskisafaris.com.au www.jetskisafaris.com.au PARADISE JET BOATING Jetty ‘C’ Mariners Cove Marina, Seaworld Drive, Main Beach Qld 4217 Ph: 1300 JET BOAT (1300 538 262) thrills@paradisejetboating.com.au www.paradisejetboating.com.au

BIKE RIDING TOURS

ESCAPE GOAT Adelaide, SA Ph: 08 8121 8112 Mob: 0422 916289 info@escapegoat.com.au www.escapegoat.com.au

WINE AND BEER TOURS

PRIME MINI TOURS Melrose Park, SA, 5039 Ph: 1300 667 650 info@primeminitours.com www.primeminitours.com

MOJO SURF 2/9 Marvell St, Byron Bay, 2481, NSW Ph: 1800 113 044 reservations@mojosurf.com www.mojosurf.com

HIDDEN SECRET TOURS Melbourne CBD Ph: 03 9663 3358 tours@hiddensecrettours.com www.hiddensecretstours.com

GREAT OCEAN ROAD SURF TOURS 55B Surf Coast Highway, Torquay, Victoria, 3228 +61 3 5261 3730 info@gorsurftours.com.au www.gorsurftours.com.au

CARLTON & UNITED BREWERY TOUR Cnr Thompson & Nelson Streets, Abbotsford, VIC Ph:(03) 9420 6800 www.carltonbrewhouse.com.au

GET WET SURF SCHOOL Ph: 1800 438 938 www.getwetsurf.com SURF SHACK Ph: 03 5155 4933 www.surfshack.com.au GO SURFING BYRON BAY Ph: 02 6685 7099 gosurfingbyronbay@gmail.com www.gosurfingbyronbay.com

BIG NIGHT OUT Surfers Paradise Every Wednesday and Saturday Night www.GoldCoastBackpackers.net FROG & TOAD BAR HOP Cairns Every Wednesday and Friday Night Mob: 0418 184 646 partyincairns@bigpond.com www.partyincairns.com

BOWLING

LETS GO SURFING Ph: 02 9365 1800 www.letsgosurfing.com.au

STRIKE BOWLING Nationwide Ph:1300 787453 www.strikebowling.com.au

SURFING AUSTRALIA Ph: 07 5599 3800 www.surfingaustralia.com Marine Charters

PADDO BOWLS 2 Quarry Street Paddington NSW, 2021 Ph: 02936 1150

ADVENTURE BAY CHARTERS 2 Jubilee Drive, Port Lincoln, SA, 5606 Ph: 04 8842 8862 info@adventurebaycharters.com.au www.adventurebaycharters.com.au

TRANSPORT

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

KANGAROO MARINE CHARTERS 9 Chapman Terrace, Kingscote, Kangaroo Island, SA Ph: 0427 315 286 www.kimarineadventures.com

BALLOON SUNRISE PO Box 229 , Yarra Glen, VIC, 3775 Ph: 03 9730 2422 Free: 1800 HOTAIR (1800 468 247) info@hotairballooning.com.au www.hotairballooning.com.au

ADVENTURE KAYAKING 7 Hastings Street, Glenelg South, SA Ph: 08 8295 8812 bookings@adventurekayak.com.au www.adventurekayak.com.au

MIGHTY CAMPERS Nationwide Ph: 1800 670 232 www.mightycampers.com.au GREAT SOUTHERN RAIL Nationwide Ph: 1800 703 357 www.greatsouthernrail.com.au TRAVELLERS AUTOBARN Nationwide Ph: 1800 674 374 www.travellers-autobarn.com.au GETABOUT OZ 191 William Street in the Cross, Sydney Ph: 1300 613 833 www.getaboutoz.com

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Accommodation NEW SOUTH WALES SYDNEY

WORLD SQUARE HOSTEL 2/640 George St, Sydney NSW 2000 (02) 9267 5616 worldsquarehostel.com.au SYDNEY BACKPACKERS 7 Wilmot St Sydney NSW 2000 Ph: 02 9267 7772 1800 88 77 66 (Free Call) info@sydneybackpackers.com www.sydneybackpackers.com CLOVELLY HOTEL 381 Clovelly Road Clovelly Ph: (02) 9665 1214 office@clovellyhotel.com.au www.clovellyhotel.com.au CRITERION HOTEL 260 Pitt Street Sydney (crn Pitt & Park Streets) Ph: (02) 9264 3093 patk@criterianhotel.net.au www.criterionhotel.net.au JOLLY SWAGMAN BACKPACKERS HOSTEL 27 Orwell Street Kings Cross, NSW 2011 Free: 1800 805 870 Ph: 93586400 skype: jolly.swagman.backpackers stay@jollyswagman.com.au www.jollyswagman.com.au BONDI BACKPACKERS 110 Campbell Parade Bondi Beach NSW 2026 Free: 1800 304 660 Ph: (02) 9130 4660 bookings@bondibackpackers.com.au www.bondibackpackers.com.au OXFORD COURT ACCOMMODATION Bondi Junction Mobile 0412547840 Cafesbs@bigpond.net.au Clean, affordable and friendly backpackers.

Rooms for 1 to 4 people. Close to bus, train and shops. Rooms have TV, fridge, toaster, microwave, kitchenette, cutlery, crockery, sheets supplied. Laundry, internet and BBQ facilities. Prices range from $190 to $130 depending on the number of guests.

THE GLOBE BACKPACKERS 40 Darlingurst Road Kings Cross, Sydney NSW 2011 Free: 1800 806 384 Ph: (02) 9326 9675 info@globebackpackers.com www.globebackpackers.com CITY RESORT HOSTEL 103-105 Palmer St Woolloomooloo, NSW 2011 Ph: (02) 9357 3333 bookings@cityresort.com.au Skype: City Resort Hostel www.cityresort.com.au Show this ad for $5 off!

(Valid for new guests only. Min. 3 nights stay.)

WEST END BACKPACKERS 12 Pitt St Sydney NSW, 2000 Ph: 02 9211 4588 Free Phone: 1800 013 186 bookings@westendbackpackers.com www.nomadsworld.com/westend BOUNCE SYDNEY 28 Chalmers Street, Sydney 2010 Free call 1800890897 Ph (02) 9281 2222 book@bouncehotel.com.au www.bouncehotel.com.au LORD WOLSELEY HOTEL 265 Bulwara Rd Ultimo, Sydney 2007 Ph: (02) 9660 1731 info@lordwolseleyhotel.com.au www.lordwolseleyhotel.com.au PORTERHOUSE HOTEL 233 Riley St Surry Hills NSW 2010 Ph: (02) 9211 4454 info@porterhouse.com.au www.Porterhouse.com.au

BIG HOSTEL Single and double & Dorm rooms available Max 4 bed dorms.

212 Elizabeth Street, Surry Hills Sydney NSW 2010 Ph: (02) 92816030 Free: 1800 212 244 reception@bighostel.com www.bighostel.com O’MALLEY’S HOTEL 228 William Street, Kings Cross Sydney, NSW 2011 Ph: 02 9357 2211 admin@omalleyshotel.com.au www.omalleyshotel.com.au SYDNEY CENTRAL HOSTEL 428 Pitt Street Sydney 2000 Ph: (02) 9211 7323 stay@sydneycentralhostel.com.au www.sydneycentralhostel.com.au THE ROYAL HOTEL 370 Abercrombie St, Darlington, NSW, 2008 Ph: (02) 9698 8557 info@royal.com.au www.royal.com.au KANGA HOUSE BACKPACKERS 141 Victoria Street, Kings Cross, Sydney Ph: (02) 9357 7897 www.KangaHouse.com.au

SYDNEY NORTHERN BEACHES

SYDNEY BEACHOUSE - YHA 4 Collaroy St, Collaroy, 2097 Ph: +61 2 9981 1177 mail@sydneybeachouse.com.au www.sydneybeachouse.com.au Guaranteed jobs/work all year.

Cheap weekly rates by the beach with free Surfboard, Bodyboard & Bike hire

SYDNEYS SOUTHERN BEACHES

CRONULLA BEACH YHA Level 1, 40 -42 Kingsway Cronulla Sydney, 2230 Ph: 02 9527 7772 enquiries@cronullabeachyha.com www.cronullabeachyha.com www.yha.com.au

PORT STEPHENS

MELALEUCA SURFSIDE BACKPACKERS 2 Koala Place, One Mile Beach, NSW 2316 Ph: (02) 4981 9422 Mobile: 0427 200 950 melaleucabackpacker@bigpond.com www.melaleucabackpackers.com.au HUNTER VALLEY Hunter Valley YHA 100 Wine Country Drive Nulkaba, Hunter Valley, NSW Ph: 02 4991 3278 huntervalley@yhansw.org.au www.yha.com.au

KATOOMBA

KATOOMBA MOUNTAIN Backpackers Lodge 31 Lurline st Katoomba, NSW Ph: 04782 3933 stay@katoombabackpackers.com.au www.katoombabackpackers.com.au BLUE MOUNTAINS BACKPACKERS HOSTEL 144 Bathhurst Road, Katoomba, NSW 2780 Ph: 02 4782 9630 www.bluemountainsbackpackerhostel.com.au

BYRON BAY

AQUARIUS BACKPACKERS 16 Lawson Street Byron Bay NSW 2481 Ph: (02) 6685-7663 Free: 1800 028 909 info@aquarius-backpackers.com.au www.aquarius-backpackers.com.au NOMADS BYRON BAY 1 Lawson Lane, Byron Bay, NSW 2481 Ph: 02 6680 7966

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Free: 1800 766 673 bookings@nomadsbyronbay.com nomadshostels.com ARTS FACTORY LODGE 1 Skinners Shoot Road, Byron Bay, NSW Ph: 02 6685 7709 info@artsfactory.com.au www.artsfactory.com.au An essential part of your journey

LAKE TABOURIE

LAKE TABOURIE TOURIST PARK Princes Hwy, Lake Tabourie, NSW 2539 Free call: 1300 559 966 tabourie@shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au www.holidayhaven.com.au/tabourie

QUEENSLAND BRISBANE

BASE BRISBANE UPTOWN 466 George St, Brisbane City, Qld 4000 Ph: (07) 3238 5888 Free: 1800 24 2273 uptown@stayatbase.com www.stayatbase.com Free Tinbilly Limited Edition T-shirt With presentation of this BBM Ad THE DECK 117 Harcourt St, New Farm Brisbane QLD 4005 Ph: 0433 777 061 the_deck@live.com.au Designed with the working Traveler in Mind.

Minimum 2 week stay BASE BRISBANE CENTRAL 308 Edward st Brisbane QLD 4000 Ph: 07 3211 2433 brisbane@stayatbase.com www.stayatbase.com BUNK 11-21 Gipps St, Fortitude Valley, Qld, 4006 Ph: +61 7 3257 3644 Free: 1800 682 865 info@bunkbrisbane.com.au www.bunkbrisbane.com.au BRISBANE CITY YHA 392 Upper Roma St, Brisbane QLD 4000 Ph: (07) 3236 1004 brisbanecity@yha.com.au www.yha.com.au

GOLDCOAST

TREKKERS BACKPACKERS 22 White Street, Goldcoast, QLD, 4215 Ph: (07) 55915616 Free : 1800 100 004 info@trekkersbackpackers.com.au www.trekkersbackpackers.com.au AQUARIUS BACKPACKERS 44 Queen Street Gold Coast, Queensland Ph: 07 5527 1300 Free:1800 229 955 info@aquariusbackpackers.com.au www.aquariusbackpackers.com.au SURFERS PARADISE YHA AT MAIN BEACH Mariners Cove, 70 Seaworld Drive Main Beach, Surfers Paradise 4217 Ph: (07) 5571 1776 surfersparadise@yha.com.au www.yha.com.au BACKPACKERS IN PARADISE 40 Peninsular Drive Central Surfers Paradise Queensland, 4217 Ph: (07) 5538 4344 Free: 1800 268 621 info@backpackersinparadise.com www.backpackersinparadise.com SURF N SUN Beachside Backpackers 3323 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast, QLD 4217 Ph: (07) 5592 2363 Free: 1800 678 194 info@surfnsun-goldcoast.com www.surfnsun-goldcoast.com

SLEEPING INN SURFERS 26 Peninsular Drive Surfers Paradise QLD Ph: 07 5592 4455 info@sleepinginn.com.au www.sleepinginn.com.au COOLANGATTA SANDS HOSTEL Cnr Griffith & McLean Streets Coolangatta 4225 QLD Ph: 07 5536 7472 hostel@taphouse.com.au www.taphouse.com.au SURFERS PARADISE BACKPACKERS RSRT Backpackers Resort,2837 Gold Coast Highway, Queensland 4217 Ph: 07 5592 4677 Free: 1800 282 800 spbr@bigpond.net.au www.surfersparadisebackpackers.com.au

NOOSA

NOMADS NOOSA 44 Noosa Drive, Noosa Heads, QLD 4567 Phone: 07 5447 3355 bookings@nomadsnoosa.com www.nomadsnoosa.com

ISLANDER BACKPACKERS RESORT Cnr. Beach Road and Surfers Paradise Blvd Surfers Paradise QLD 4217 Ph: +61 7 5538 8000 Toll free: 1800 074 393

res@islander.com.au

www.islander.com.au/Backpackers HERVEY BAY

NOMADS HERVEY 408 The Esplanade, Torquay, Hervey Bay, QLD 4655 Phone: 07 4125 3601 bookings@nomadshervey.com www.nomadshervey.com

TOWN OF 1770

(Between Bunderberg & Rockhampton) COOL BANANAS 2 Spring Road, 1770, Queensland, 4677 Ph: (07) 4974 7660 Free: 1800 227 660 wheeler_danny@hotmail.com www.coolbananas.net.au 1770 SOUTHERN CROSS (Backpackers) 2694 Round Hill Rd Agnes Water QLD 4677 Ph: 0749747225 info@1770southerncross.com www.1770southerncross.com 1770 BEACHSIDE BACKPACKERS 12 Captain Cook Drive PO Box 212, Agnes Water QLD 4677 Ph: 07 4974 7200 enquiries@1770beachsidebackpacker.com.au www.1770beachsidebackpacker.com.au

CAIRNS CAIRNS SHARE HOUSE 17 Scott Street, Cairns, QLD 4870 Ph: (+617) 4041 1875 info@cairns-sharehouse.com www.cairns-sharehouse.com GILLIGANS BACKPACKERS HOTEL & RESORT 57-59 Grafton Street, Cairns, QLD Ph: (07) 4041 6566 Free: 1800 556 995 reservations@gilligans.com.au www.gilligans.com.au NOMADS ESPLANADE 93 The Esplanade, Cairns, QLD 4870 Ph: 07 4031 7477 Free: 1800 175 716

bookings@nomadsesplanade.com www.nomadshostels.com DREAMTIME TRAVELLERS REST 4 Terminus Street (corner of Bunda st.& Terminus st.)

Cairns 4870 Queensland Ph: (07) 4031 6753 info@dreamtimehostel.com www.dreamtimehostel.com JJ’S BACKPACKERS 11-13 Charles Street Cairns QLD 4870 Ph - (07) 4051 7642 Free- 1800 666 336 jjsbackpackers@ledanet.com.au www.jjsbackpackers.com

MISSION BEACH ABSOLUTE BACKPACKERS 28 Wongaling Beach Road Mission Beach Queensland 4852 Ph: 07 4068 8317 Free: 1800 688 316 info@absolutebackpackers.com.au www.absolutebackpackers.com.au SCOTTY’S BEACH HOUSE 167 Reid Road, Mission Beach, QLD, 4852 Ph: 07 4068 8676 info@scottysbeachhouse.com.au www.scottysbeachhouse.com.au

WHITSUNDAYS BAREFOOT LODGE Whitsunday Passage, Whitsundays, QLD Ph: +61 7 4946 9400 Free: 1800 075 125 longisland@oceanhotels.com.au www.oceanhotels.com.au

AIRLIE BEACH AIRLIE BEACH YHA 394 Shute Harbour Road Airlie Beach QLD Phone: (07) 4946 6312 Free:1800 247 251 airliebeach@yha.com.au www.yha.com.au MAGNUMS/WHITSUNDAY VILLAGE TRAVEL 366 Shute Harbour Rd, Airlie Beach, QLD Ph: (07) 4964 1199 or 07 4964 1188 Free: 1800 624 634 travel@magnums.com.au www.magnums.com.au

CAPE TRIBULATION

PK’S JUNGLE VILLAGE Cape Tribulation Road (PMB 7) Cape Tribulation QLD 4873 Tel: 07 4098 0040 info@pksjunglevillage.com www.pksjunglevillage.com FERNTREE RAINFOREST LODGE Camelot Close, Cape Tribulation, QLD Australia Freecall:1800 987 077 International Telephone: +61 7 4098 0033 Availability and Rates: www.thebookingbutton.com.au reservationsferntree@oceanhotels.com.au www.oceanhotels.com.au

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

OCEAN BEACH BACKPACKERS Cnr Marine Parade & Eric St Cottesloe Beach Ph: 08 9384 5111 stay@oceanbeachbackpackers.com www.oceanbeachbackpackers.com

PERTH

RAINBOW LODGE 150 Claisebrook Rd Perth, WA (Have just moved around the corner) Ph: (08) 9227-1818 or 0417 927 529 Ron@rainbowlodge.com.au www.rainbowlodge.com.au ONE WORLD BACKPACKERS 162 Aberdeen St Northbridge, PERTH WA Ph: (08) 9228 8206 www.oneworldbackpackers.com.au MOUNTWAY HOLIDAY APARTMENTS 36 Mount St,West Perth WA 6005 Ph: (08) 9321 8307 info@mountwayapartments.com.au www.mountwayapartments.com.au BRITANNIA ON WILLIAM 253 William Street, Northbridge 6003 Perth WA Ph: 08 9227 6000 Fax: 08 9227 6611 www.perthbritannia.com YMCA ACCOMMODATION Jewell House 180 Goderich St. Perth, WA 6000 tel: (08) 9325 8488 fax: (08) 9221 4694

jewellhouse@ymca.org.au www.ymcajewellhouse.com.au UNDERGROUND BACKPACKERS 268 Newcastle Street Northbridge WA 6003 Ph: (08) 9228 3755 www.undergroundbackpackers.com.au EXCLUSIVE BACKPACKERS 158 Adelaide Tce, Perth 6000 Ph: (08) 9221 9991 exclusivebackpackers@hotmail.com www.exclusivebackpackers.com BEATTY LODGE 235 Vincent Street West Perth WA 6005 Ph: (08) 9227 1521 www.beattylodge.com.au info@beattylodge.com.au BILLABONG RESORT 381 Beaufort Street, Perth Ph: 08 9328 7720 bookings@billabongresort.com.au www.billabongresort.com.au GLOBE BACKPACKERS 561 Wellington Street, cnr. Queen St, Perth, WA Ph: 08 9321 4080 globebak@iinet.net.au www.globebackpackers.com.au THE OLD SWAN BARRACKS 2 - 8 Francis Street Perth (Northbridge)6000 Ph: 08 9428 0000 www.theoldswanbarracks.com

MONKEY MIA

MONKEY MIA DOLPHIN RESORT Monkey Mia Road, Shark Bay 3537 Ph: +61 8 9948 1320 monkeymia@aspenresorts.com.au www.monkeymia.com.au

KUNUNURRA

KUNUNURRA BACKPACKERS ADVENTURE CENTRE 24 Nutwood Crescent, Kununurra WA 6743 Ph: (08) 9169 1998 or 1800 641 998 www.kununurrabackpackers.com.au info@kununurrabackpackers.com.au

BROOME

BEACHES OF BROOME 4 Sanctuary Road, Cable Beach, Broome, WA, 6725 Ph : 1300 881 031 bookings@beachesofbroome.com.au www.beachesofbroome.com.au

VICTORIA MILDURA

REDCLIFFS HOTEL 25 Jacaranda St, Red Cliffs VIC 3496 (03) 5024 1704

GREAT OCEAN ROAD

JOHANNA BEACH COTTAGES 225 Blue Johanna Road Johanna Heights Victoria 3238 (03) 5237 4224 cottages@johannabeach.com www.johannabeach.com

HALLS GAP

BRAMBUK BACKPACKERS HOSTEL 330 Grampians Road, Halls Gap, VictoriaPh: 03 5356 4250 bramback@netconnect.com.au www.brambuk.com.au/backpackers.htm Brambuk Backpackers offers travellers an affordable and comfortable range of accommodation, ideally situated within the stunning Grampians National Park.

MELBOURNE

EASYSTAY MOTEL AND STUDIO APARTMENTS Great accommodation at fantastic rates Rooms available for up to 4 people Book online and save $$$ www.easystay.com.au Or call 1300 30 17 30 EXFORD HOTEL 199 Russell Street , Melbourne Vic 3000 Ph: 03 9663 2697 res@exfordhotel.com.au www.exfordhotel.com.au BACK OF CHAPEL 50 Green St, Windsor Prahran, Vic 3181 Ph: 03 9521 5338 www.backofchapel.com NOMADS ALL NATIONS 2 Spencer Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000 Freecall: 1800 739 989 Phone: 03 9620 1022 info@allnations.com nomadshostels.com $5 off first night (min 3 night stay) if you mention this ad FLINDERS STATION HOTEL BACKPACKERS 35 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne Vic 3000 Ph: 03 9620 5100 res@flindersbp.com.au www.flindersbp.com.au The Spencer Backpackers 475 Spencer Street, Melbourne Ph: (03) 9329 7755 1800 638 108 hotelspencer@hotkey.net.au www.spencerbackpackers.com.au Bring this ad for 40 min FREE internet (new guests only).

MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL BACKPACKERS 450 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne Vic 3000 Ph: 03 9662 4066 res@mibp.com.au www.mibp.com.au HOTEL DISCOVERY 167 Franklin Street, Melbourne VIC 300 Ph: 03 9329 7525. Freecall 1800 645 200 reservations@hoteldiscovery.com.au www.hoteldiscovery.com.au UNITED BACKPACKERS 250 Flinders Street, Melbourne Ph: 03 9654 2616 unitedbackpackers.com.au INDEPENDENT & BUDGET TRAVELER ACCOMMODATION PROVIDER Victoria Hall Accommodation 380 Russell Street, Melbourne 3000 Ph: 03 9662 3888 www.victoriahall.com.au

ST. KILDA

JACKSON APARTMENTS 80 Ikerman St ,St Kilda Beach Ph:0433 118 334 or 0412 525 510 www.jacksonapartments.com.au

Jackson.apartments@bigpond.com HABITAT HQ Freephone 1800 202 500 info@habitathq.com.au www.habitathq.com.au Award winning 4.5 star hostel with a homely & relaxed atmosphere Specials from $20! FREE pick up from Tullamarine (min 3 nt stay) * Conditions apply

APOLLO BAY

APOLLO BAY BACKPACKERS LODGE 23 Pascoe Street, Apollo Bay Ph: 1800 157 280 +61 352 377850 Mob: 0413 504 402 ww.apollobaybackpackerslodge.com.au ECO BEACH YHA ECO-HOSTEL 5 Pascoe Street, Apollo Bay 3233 Ph: (+613) 5237 7899 apollobay@yhavic.org.au www.yha.com.au Clean, quiet and relaxing Eco-Hostel. Cosy fire in winter. DVD’s available to borrow from reception.

HALLS GAP

GRAMPIANS YHA ECO-HOSTEL Corner Grampians and Buckler Roads Halls Gap 3381 Ph: (+613) 5356 4544 grampians@yhavic.org.au www.yha.com.au Eco accredited. Solar powered. Herb garden, free range chooks and friendly local kangaroos

MAJESTIC MINIMA HOTEL 146 Melbourne Street, North Adelaide SA 5006 Ph:(08) 8334 7766 minima@majestichotels.com.au www.majestichotels.com.au OUR HOUSE BACKPACKERS 33 Gilbert Place, Adelaide, SA, 5000 Ph: 08 8410 4788 info@ourhousebackpackers.com www.ourhousebackpackers.com ADELAIDE SHAKESPEARE INTERNATIONAL 123 Waymouth Street, Adelaide SA, 5000 Ph: +61 (0)8 8231-7655 (Oz Freecall) 1800-556-889 bookings@shakeys.com.au This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it www.shakeys.com.au

NORTHERN TERRITORY DARWIN

ASHTON LODGE & WISDOM BAR 48 Mitchell St, Darwin, NT, 0800 Ph: 08 8941 4866 ashtonlodge@gmail.com www.wisdombar.com.au MELALEUCA ON MITCHELL 52 Mitchell St, Darwin, NT, 0800 Ph: 08 8941 7900 Freecall: 1300 723 437 www.momdarwin.com info@MOMDarwin.com

ALICE SPRINGS

ANNIE’S PLACE 4 Traeger Avenue, Alice Springs , NT, 0871 Ph: 1800 359 089 www.anniesplace.com.au HAVEN BACKPACKER RESORT 3 Larapinta Drive, Alice Springs Ph: 1800 79 4663 / 08 8952 4663 www.alicehaven.com.au

SOUTH AUSTRALIA ADELAIDE

ADELAIDE TRAVELLERS INN BACKPACKERS 220 Hutt St Adelaide 5000 Free call 1800633747 Ph: +61 08 82240753 bookings@adelaidebackpackers.com.au www.adelaidebackpackers.com.au

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