Culturally vibrant, fast-paced & eye opening. Everyone knows that Asia is the largest continent; we know it’s where adventures begin. Travelling Asia is all about discovery – whether that’s on a junk boat in Halong Bay, at a Thai cooking class in Chiang Mai, or hitting Shibuya Street for the best shopping in Tokyo. With so many adventures to be had, in small groups of amazing people like you, an Asia travel experience with Contiki is a must on any traveller’s bucketlist.
THAI ISLAND HOPPER EAST 9 days from $985
JAPAN UNRIVALLED 13 days from $4699
ASIAN ADVENTURE 14 days from $2299
Call us now on 1300 188 635, head to contiki.com or speak to your local travel agent.
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ALL YOU CAN EAT CHICKEN WINGS AT BUNGALOW 8 Fill up on Thursdays at Bungalow 8 with their all you can eat Chicken Wings deal! Available all day, these succulent pieces of chicken are served with fries and your choice of sesame smokey BBQ or chilli sauce. At just $20pp, will you be the first to devour more than 2kg worth of wings? This all-you-can-eat extravaganza is just another reason to take a seat at Bungalow 8. The tikiinspired bar boasts breath-taking views of the harbour, a relaxed and cool vibe, and you can wash down your wings with $5 beer, wine and spirits from 4-7pm every Thursday and Friday. For the girls, there’s also Ladies Who Lunch on Saturdays and Sundays, where you’re invited to enjoy a glass of bubbles and tiki-flavoured share plates for a very classy afternoon with friends. There’s no doubt that Bungalow 8 is in one of the top locations in Sydney. Whether for lunch or dinner, Darling Harbour is somewhere you want to spend your time. Very easy on the eye, it is home to Sydney’s boating and marine industry, some of the best bars in the city and the most unforgettable views of the New Year’s Eve fireworks. Food, drinks and harbour views: what’s not to love?
Image courtesy of venue
3 Lime Street, Darling Harbour, Sydney www.bungalow8sydney.com
BBM RECOMMENDS:
These Club Nights...
These venues in Sydney are cranking up the tunes, so what are you waiting for?
LNDRY at Chinese Laundry
An array of local and international DJs flock to Chinese Laundry to play LNDRY, the iconic club’s Saturday night regular. Previously hosting Kolsch, Sonny Fodera and Kolumbo, LNDRY will see Christian Martin, KLP, Ejeca, Weiss and Crooked Colours take to the decks in August. Open from 9pm-4am, a night of heavy beats is guaranteed every Saturday. 111 Sussex Street, Sydney www.chineselaundryclub.com.au
Red Bull Music Academy at Goodgod
A formidable club night series at Goodgod, the Red Bull Music Academy hosts a monthly instalment of party starters and beat makers, which has welcomed Clark, J ROCC, Taylor McFerrin, Luke Vibert and Onra. On Saturday 8th August, Red Bull Music Academy will be bringing KNXWLEDGE to the Danceteria. 55 Liverpool Street, Chinatown, Sydney www.goodgodgoodgod.com
Pacha Sydney at Ivy
Every Saturday, Pacha Sydney takes over Ivy with the most extravagant night in the club scene with superstar DJs, dancers and light effects. Throughout August alone, the floor will welcome Tigerlily, MaRLo, Generik, Tenzin and Zac Waters. Get the party started early with $5 Heineken, Chandon, vodka and wine from 7.30 – 9.30pm. 330 George Street, Sydney pachasydney.com
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T HO HT G RI OW N
Porterhouse
Catch all the live action at the Porterhouse with Fox Sports including Rugby Championship, Super Rugby, EPL Highlights, Football, AFL, NRL and Cricket. 233 Riley Street, Surry Hills www.porterhouse.com.au
Bat & Ball
Surry Hills Festival
Celebrating all there is to love and enjoy in the inner city, the theme this year is Stories, Love & Tales’. The free one-day festival on 26th September includes bundles of fun including live bands, performing arts shows, and art exhibitions. Creativity mixed with film, dance and cooking, makes this fresh event one for the diary. Ward Park and Shannon Reserve, Crown Street, Hill Street www.surryhillsfestival.org
Watch a game and wash it down with Churchills Sports Bar great food deals all week long at the Churchills Sports Bar serves Bat & Ball. From Sunday Roasts to up the best in international $9.90 Burgers on a Tuesday and sport, 7 days a week. From Monday’s Hot Wing Challenge again EPL to NRL, AFL, Tennis, for under $10 this place makes for a Baseball and everything in great hang out all week long. between, sports addicts can 495 Cleveland Street, Redfern get their fill here! www.parksidebar.com.au 532 Anzac Parade, Kingsford churchillsbar.com.au
Palace Hotel
Head to the Palace Hotel any night of the week for excellent food and entertainment, including Mexican Wednesdays from 5-9pm with $9 cocktails. Score! 730-742 George Street www.palacehotelsydney.com.au
Mad Pizza E Bar
In the coolest of Sydney locations, Mad Pizza E Bar is the place for a party. The most imaginative of toppings, a funky soundtrack and very friendly staff make Mad E Pizza Bar a hotspot any day of the week – so much so that it has become the place to be. And you don’t even have to feel guilty about your dinner, thanks to the first wholemeal pizza base in Sydney. 15 O’Brien Street, Bondi Beach 312 Victoria Street, Darlinghurst 135 King Street, Newtown 23 Darlinghurst Road, Potts Point 241 Crown Street, Surry Hills www.madpizzaebar.com 8
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EXPAT INTERVIEW
ASHLEY LESZCZUK GIVES US THE LOW DOWN ON GETTING SETTLED IN SYDNEY We talk to expat Ashley Leszczuk about what it’s like living in Sydney and what gems he’s found around the city since moving from the United Kingdom. Occupation: Underwriter, Crisis Management Current Location: Darlinghurst, Sydney Originally from: Chelmsford, Essex What was your first perception of Sydney when you moved there: Actually how small it is as a city, which is great for getting around and exploring suburbs, far easier than London or New York for example where I have lived and worked before. Favourite restaurant in Sydney: Tough, tough question. There are so many great restaurants around the suburbs, and especially where I live, it is easy to not go back twice as there is so much choice and I have never had a bad experience.
One place that I do love and go back to again and again, for drinks and a good time also (I had my 30th birthday there) is Ziggi’s in Chippendale. Ziggi creates Aus-raeli food, a mix of Australian and Israeli cuisine. Best place to hang out on the weekend: I don’t really have a “best place” as there are so many places to explore. From wandering around Darlinghurst / Surry Hills / Potts Point, to catching the ferry to Manly beach, to a lazy Sunday on the Opal card maximum $2.50 spend, which basically involves wandering down to Circular Quay, picking a wharf at random, picking a destination at random, getting off the other side and finding somewhere to eat. Your own mini adventure on a Sunday afternoon. Best secret hangout for those who don’t want to run with the crowd: Any of the small bars; Mojo Record Store, Frankie’s Pizza, The Barber Shop, Ramblin’ Rascals, the list can be quite endless. Best BYOB in Sydney: If you can get a table, Bar Reggio in Stanley Street, Surry Hills. Great, cheap Italian, which is always packed to the rafters, so be prepared to queue for a small amount of time. Best area to live in and why: I love Darlinghurst. There are laneways with secret cafes, there are secret bars, great pubs, a 20-minute walk to the city, a 20-minute walk to Elizabeth Bay parklands, bus to Bondi in 30 minutes. It really is central enough for a lot of things. You have Surry Hills on the doorstep, Paddington, Moore Park for footy and all things sport-related. Best place to have a weekend away from Sydney in: Melbourne. It is literally New York of Australia. Great bars, great cafes, great vibe, a great city. Find out more about getting started in Sydney at www.bbmlive.com/getting-started-in-australia
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MELBOURNE
Soak Up Melbourne’s Sights And Culture
The city leg of the tour kicks off at Federation Square, a popular congregation spot for natives and visitors alike. Everyday you’ll find something different happening, from sports and music events to protest rallies, performing arts, theatrical showcases and more. From here you’ll also pass the ornate Flinders Street Station, 19th Century-built St Paul’s Cathedral and the Immigration Museum – before reaching your first stop, Melbourne’s Sea Life Centre and Aquarium. This popular attraction, set along the Yarra River, features a diverse range of marine life including sharks, penguins and turtles and fun interactive experiences such as shark dives, glass bottom boat tours and stingray encounters. Your next stop will take you to the Southern
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Hemisphere’s tallest building, the Eureka Skydeck 88. Here you’ll be able to see stunning views of the city from the 88th floor and have the chance to test your limits with The Edge experience, a glass cube which protrudes the building, offering you a more daring viewing platform. Next you’ll pass a number of stops dedicated to eating, drinking, shopping and entertainment including the Crown Casino Entertainment Complex, South Wharf and Harbour Town. A stop at the Etihad Stadium follows this. Home to some of the biggest sporting and musical events in the country, you can hop off here for a Behind the Scenes AFL Tour to find out more about the nation’s most popular game. If you’re an animal lover, the tour will also stop at the Royal Melbourne Zoo, home to a collection of over 300 animals from across the world. There are also opportunities to get closer to the animals with activities with orangutans, tigers, elephants and more. Find out more about how you can explore even more of Melbourne at www.melbournecitysightseeing.com
By Sandy Dhaliwal
The City Sightseeing Bus Tour of Melbourne is the perfect way to see all that the city has offer. With a route that covers all the key points of interest in the centre and St Kilda, you can hop on and off with your ticket, making exploring Melbourne’s sights and culture easier than ever. You’ll also hear interesting facts, entertaining Aussie slang and the fascinating history behind the city as you progress through the route.
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T O H HT G RI OW N
BBQ Sausage Sizzle At discovery melbourne
Head on down to Discovery Melbourne’s Disco Bar every Friday at 5.30pm. Sample the delicious sausage sizzle. When you buy a drink at the bar, you get your sausage, bread and sauce all in one! Bargain eh? 167-175 Franklin Street, Melbourne www.discoverymelbourne.com
Melbourne Fringe Festival
Celebrating the wonderful, bizarre and beautiful, Melbourne’s Fringe Festival is now huge. Demonstrating all the arts from comedy to sculpture, enjoy the culture in all its glory. 16th September to 4th October. Multiple venues across Melbourne www.melbournefringe.com.au
Creative Commune
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TURF BAR
Hit the Turf each week for all the sports action, as well as trivia nights, $15 pizza and a pint on every Tuesday. They’ll also be showing all the Rugby Championship action this August, so make sure you book to avoid disappointment. All games will be live and loud! 131 Queen Street, Melbourne turfbar.com.au
Images courtesy of venues.
Hawthorn Arts centre has created a mixture of short courses to encourage creativity. With the opportunity of learning a new skill including braiding Bibelot: The Luxury classes, nail art tutorials, photography Dessert Boutique workshops and more, Specialising in all things sweet, offering tranquility Bibelot tempts the senses by and a place to exert dishing up confectionary, pastries artistic flair- suitable and cakes so exquisite, and so for all abilities. couture. Sophisticated, modern Hawthorn Town and beautiful, this high-tea salon Hall, 360 Burwood features an espresso bar, gelateria, Road patisserie, cafe and chocolate shop. creativecommune. 285-287 Coventry Street com.au www.bibelot.com.au
EXPAT INTERVIEW: Sandy Dhaliwal Reveals Her Favourite Things About Moving To Melbourne Expat, Sandy Dhaliwal, talks to BBM about her new life in Melbourne and the amazing places she’s already discovered since moving from London. Occupation: Content Writer Current Location: Melbourne Originally from: London What was your first perception of Melbourne when you moved there? I may be biased but I think London is the greatest city in the world, but Melbourne would definitely come in as a close second. Mainly because it has all the trappings of London, but with added beaches and sunshine! There is a wonderfully rich and diverse culture here that encompasses food, festivals, music, theatre, fashion, art and more. I’m literally never stuck for things to do. Favourite restaurant in Melbourne: The Banff in St Kilda for its rustic Italian menu and cosy cottage setting. The pizzas are absolutely delicious. I often struggle when trying to order as the menu will leave you feeling spoilt for choice with their creative menu. It’s also a great place for cheap eats as The Banff is definitely kind on your pocket. Best place to hang out on the weekend: I love the Laneway bars; favourites include Section 8 for its quirky graffittied decor and outdoor setting, Japanese themed Robot Bar, and Cherry Bar on AC/DC for live music. I tend to head to the laneways before my favourite nearby indie nights: Black Night Crash at Ding Dong Lounge or Razzmatazz Indie Disco at Exmouth Hotel. Your favourite place to go for breakfast: For its quirky and contemporary menu of seasonal fruit and vegetable dishes, as well as creative twists on traditional favourites, I would highly
recommend Pope Joan in Brunswick East. The owner/chef even grows his own produce out the back! Best bar for midweek drinks with friends: E Fifty Five on Elizabeth Street, which is an internet cafe crossed with a basement lounge bar. It’s got retro décor an in-house DJ and is also an art space Best BYOB in Melbourne: Tucked away in the Eastern suburbs, Forest Hill to be exact, is the Shangri La Inn, a restaurant specialising in Malaysian and Chinese cuisine. The family-run restaurant is probably the best food you’ll eat outside of Malaysia. Best area to live in and why: I love Fitzroy as it reminds me of trendy Shoreditch in East London. Best pub for lunch: The Newmarket Hotel in St Kilda, a trendy eatery with striking contemporary interior and a laid back atmosphere, specialising in rustic Californian and Latin cuisine. But don’t just go there for food, the drinks menu is amazing too. Best place to have a weekend away from Melbourne in: You can’t visit Melbourne without doing the Great Ocean Road, home to the famous 12 Apostles. Find out more about getting started in Sydney at www.bbmlive.com/getting-started-inaustralia
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T HO T H RIG W NO
PERTH
Bar Lafayette Kings Park Festival
Celebrating spring throughout the whole of September this festival is the perfect place to experience the beauty of Western Australia’s wildflowers just a stone’s throw from the city. The Kings Park Festival also hosts some fantastic outdoor exhibitions as well as hosting guided walks and activities. And for the music lovers amongst you, there will of course be live acts playing at the amphitheatre. Kings Park and Botanic Garden www.bgpa.wa.gov.au/kings-park/events/ festival
Do you have an evolved palate? Bar Lafayette is a classic cocktail bar offering an extensive drinks menu and complimentary food menu. Artisan in style, this boudoir type bar is a sophisticated venue, perfect for any sort of mood, providing intimate areas to relax and dine. Brookfield Place, 125 St Georges Terrace, Perth www.barlafayette.com
Left Bank
Artbar 2015 Artbar celebrates another amazing season of international and Aussie acts at the Art Gallery of Western Australia from August-November 2015. Music, wine and art come together with live entertainment as regular performers take to the stage. Memorable nights are lined up and are sure to excite culture vultures. Perth Cultural Centre www.artgallery.wa.gov.au/ArtBar/
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Situated on the banks of the Swan River, the 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. Open from 7am til late from Monday to Sunday you can enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner whilst taking in the spectacular views. The lunch and dinner menus serve steak sandwiches, pizza and seafood so there’s something for most taste buds, and all at reasonable prices! 15 Riverside Road, East Fremantle leftbank.com.au
Mustang Bar
For your weekly fix of entertainment head down to the Mustang Bar for live sport, games, competitions, gigs and more. Situated in Northbridge, Mustang Bar is the perfect place any night of the week for great meal and drinks deals you can’t go wrong. 46 Lake Street, Northbridge mustangbar.com.au
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What's happening in
Darwin
Darwin Festival
Full to the brim with enchanting surprises, this tropical city is best to explore when it comes alive through arts and culture onto the street. Featuring Australian and International performers from jazz to contemporary, poets and writers, to dance, theatre and comedy, there really is something for everyone. Thursday 6th August to Sunday 23rd. Various locations around Darwin. www.darwinfestival.org.au
Winner of a Gold Plate Award for the best stand alone restaurant in the Northern Territory, Pee Wee’s is undoubtedly in one of the most picture perfect locations to dine. Amidst tropical fauna on East Point Nature Reserve, enjoy a unique eating experience. With the extensive menu reflecting the areas multiculturalism, the very best dishes are certainly mouth-watering. Alec Fong Lim Drive, East Point Reserve peewees.com.au
Images courtesy of Darwin Festival, Pee Wee’s & Deck Bar
Pee Wee’s At The Point
The Deck Bar
Offering remarkable views over the Parliament building, this bar is a popular place for backpackers and locals. A premiere party destination with DJ’s playing regular sessions, or just to enjoy a relaxing drink, this is one of Darwin’s most renowned venues, offering delicious concoctions of many cocktails. 22 Mitchell Street Darwin www.thedeckbar.com.au
Wisdom Bar and Café
This cute little bar is home to live music and parties. It’s an intimate setting where you can take old friends and make new ones. From local ales to delicious cocktails, Wisdom Bar offers a vast array of options. The venue hosts live music every night of the week, making it the perfect place to listen to anything from soul to classic rock. 48 Mitchell Street, Darwin www.wisdombar.com.au
Discovery Night Club
Boasting three floors and four bars, Discovery Night Club is the perfect place to end your night. There are themed parties on the weekends, so check the calendar to make sure you don’t miss out on any grand opportunities. If you’re feeling extra fancy, check out the VIP Booth, where you will be treated to a private host and wait staff. 89 Mitchell Street, Darwin discoverydarwin.com.au
For more things to do in Darwin head to www.bbmlive.com/things-to-dodarwin
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HEALTH & FITNESS
How to stay fit & healthy whilst travelling This month, pilates instructor, Olivia Trussell, takes us through the four exercises of her daily routine that can be easily incorporated into holiday time. With a focus on core strength and mental/ physical balance, you’ll keep your body in shape whilst on your travels with these simple exercises.
CAT COW STRETCH Benefits
exhale as you slide one foot along the floor and extend completely before you float the leg up to hip height (no further however below is fine). Inhale and return. Repeat on the other side. As you progress, lengthen the opposite arm to leg and float both off the floor on the exhale, inhale to return. Keep your head and neck in line with the spine by gazing at the floor.
Improves flexibility in your spine. Excellent for relieving back pain. Core and pelvic floor awareness plus a gentle warm up.
AB CURLS Benefits
Start on all fours with hands beneath shoulders and knees beneath hips. Inhale to bring your body into a neutral position, exhale to curl tailbone under, round the spine (include cervical/neck spine) and stretch like a cat. Inhale to return to neutral spine and tilt the tailbone toward the ceiling as the ribs lower toward the floor. Lift the head, sternum, and eyes toward the ceiling. Inhale and return to neutral. Repeat x 5.
Lay on the floor in a supine position (on your back). Bend your knees with your feet in line with your sitting bones. Place your hands at the base of your skull and clasp your fingers, to support your head and neck. Inhale to prepare and as you exhale, slowly lift the chest up and draw the ribcage down towards hips. Inhale whilst returning to the starting position. Repeat x 10.
How
Builds core strength and creates a flatter stomach.
How
COOL DOWN
How
Draw your knees to your chest, rock gently from side to side and finish with your favourite stretches. Release into a relaxed supine position. Close your eyes, connect to your natural breathing - slowing and deepening your breath. Relax here for five minutes.
ALL FOURS SWIMMING Benefits
Remember to add balance to your holiday – including enjoying the food you eat. Delight in all types of food and opt for healthier food options – fresh fruit and vegetables, without denying yourself of food that will make your taste buds dance. Embrace your healthy and balanced holiday.
THREADING THE NEEDLE Benefits
Rotates the spine and stretches chest, shoulders and back muscles. Encourages neck muscles to relax. Start in all fours position as above. Thread right hand under the left arm and rotate torso to the left, come back through centre and reach right hand to the ceiling and rotate to the right. Repeat on left side. Repeat x 5 (on each side).
Strengthens muscles in the back, core and glutes, whilst improving balance and hip stability.
How
Reset in all fours position. Inhale to prepare, 20
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Courtesy of Olivia Trussell , Wellbeing Coach & Studio Manager www.shamatapilates.com.au
Yoga Under The Tuscan Sun Nestled in the hills and vineyards of Tuscany is an ancient villa waiting to welcome you on an unforgettable health retreat. From 26th September – 3rd October, seven days and nights of relaxation and rejuvenation are provided through daily yoga sessions, a midweek Yogic Cleanse, healthy and tasty food, and a swimming pool within a naturally beautiful location. The villa is called Rosalia, and sits in the heart of the Chianti region just five kilometres from the medieval village of Castellina. A typical daily schedule includes morning yoga at 7am followed by a nutritious breakfast at 8.30am. At 9.30am, you are free to enjoy a massage, take a cooking class with a local Tuscan chef, visit Castellina, or take a tour of Siena (at own expense). In the afternoon, there is a yoga & yoga Nidra class at 12.15pm, lunch at 1.30pm, free time at 2.30pm and a healthy dinner at 6pm. Finish the day at 9pm with an evening of meditation. All meals are healthy and delicious to nourish the body and get the full effects of the retreat. Vegetarian, organic and local, it will no doubt change your relationship with food and hopefully be something you take with you back to normal life. There’s also no alcohol, but you can have wine on your final goodbye meal with your group.
This life-changing yoga health retreat under the Tuscan sun is hosted by qualified yoga instructor, Shaktiprem Blaschke. A yoga teacher since 1996, she has taught yoga in Germany, Italy, India and Australia, based on holistic and authentic yoga, focusing on awareness of body, mind and thought for any age, body shape or fitness level. Through her own discoveries of yoga, Shaktiprem is focused, relaxed and balanced in mind and body, and wants to share this with you at the yoga health retreat in Tuscany. Seven days on the yoga health retreat in Tuscany costs $2100pp in a twin room, or $2500pp in a single room with a double bed. A $500 deposit is required when booking. Included in the price is accommodation, morning and afternoon yoga, evening meditation, three meals per day, a midweek Yogic Cleanse, a guided hike in the area with picnic lunch, swimming pool and other villa facilities. Flights, travel insurance, optional freetime activities and other travel-related expenses aren’t included. To book yourself onto this relaxing yoga health retreat in Tuscany, visit
www.atworkyoga.com.au
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JOBS
General Nurses Location: Melbourne About ANA Established in 2000, Australian Nursing Agency is one of the most professional and reputable nursing agencies in Australia. Supplying casual, locum and permanent nurses to public and private healthcare sectors in Melbourne as SwingShift Nurses, they can find jobs for: • General Nurses • Midwives • Mental Health Nurses • Specialty Nurses (A&E, ICU, Paediatric) To work with Australian Nursing Agency, you need to register, for which you will be required to submit your CV, a current Police Check and two professional references. You will then have an interview, where you will be required to provide a number of documents including: • AHPRA registration certificate • ID • Qualification certificates • Evidence of years of service • Evidence of mandatory training
Midwives Location: Melbourne Australian Nursing Agency currently require experienced RNs and ENs to meet vacancies in Midwifery. (Nurses must have a current AHPRA registration and a minimum of 12 months experience)
Australian Nursing Agency currently require experienced RNs and ENs to meet the vacancies in the following areas:·Medical and Surgical wards,·Aged Care facilities, ·NICU, ·PICU, ·Midwifery, ·ICU, ·A&E, ·Theatre (Nurses must have a current AHPRA registration and a minimum of 12 months experience)
Speciality Nurses Location: Melbourne Australian Nursing Agency currently require experienced RNs and ENs to meet vacancies in the following areas: ·NICU, ·PICU, ·ICU, ·A&E, ·Theatre. (Nurses must have a current AHPRA registration and a minimum of 12 months experience)
Mental Health Nurses Location: Melbourne Australian Nursing Agency currently require experienced RNs and ENs to meet vacancies in the following areas: Adult Mental Health, Child & Adolescent Mental Health, Psycho Geriatrics, Forensic Care, Correctional Facilities, Mother & Baby, Drug & Alcohol, Eating Disorders, Mental Health Specials, Community Care Unit, MST, CATT, E-CATT, Triage, Case Management, Rapid CMI Experience. (Nurses must have a current AHPRA registration and a minimum of 12 months experience)
To apply for any of the roles on this page, contact Australian Nursing Agency and mention BBM. Phone +61 (0) 3 9481 7222, email recruitment@australiannursingagency.com, and visit www.australiannursingagency.com 22
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Outbound Sales Customer Service, Melbourne Distribution Officer, Sydney’s Northern Suburbs
A health care industry provider is looking for a Distribution Officer with previous experience in distribution and warehousing systems. The successful applicant will be responsible for the receipt, storage and dispatch functions within the warehouse and ensuring effective turnaround and output on a daily basis Contact details: Shannon Barlow: 02 8244 1166 | shannonb@people2people.com.au | www.people2people.com.au
An outbound call centre is seeking experienced and confident customer service representatives with experience in outbound customer service. Successful applicants will work on campaigns and be required to conduct outbound calls, work to KPIs and sales targets, and gain commitment from customers and appointment bookings. Contact details: Elizabeth Punshon: 1300 338 546 | elizabeth@people2people.com. au | www.people2people.com.au
Senior Financial Accountant: M&A, Sydney
An expanding organisation is investing in additional staff to help in the identification and investigation of potential targets. The successful applicant will be commercially savvy, selfsufficient and able to communicate with business leaders in matters of financial and operational performance. Key duties include working with potential vendors to audit financial performance, and confirming the accuracy of financial statements and the health of the revenue streams. Contact details: Liam Hassell: 02 8270 9722 | liam@people2people.com.au | www.people2people.com.au
Registered Nurses, Sydney This agency is seeking experienced nurses. Work rights in Australia and a minimum of 12 months post-grad experience are essential. To apply or to initiate immediate contact, email info@bowerhealthcare.com.au or visit www.bowerhealthcare.com.au/contact/applyonline
Mental Health Specialists, Sydney
A boutique nursing agency is seeking mental health nurses for shiftwork in hospitals and clinics in Sydney. Applicants are required to have work rights in Australia, a minimum of 12 months post-grad clinical experience and current AHPRA registration. To apply or to initiate immediate contact, email info@bowerhealthcare.com.au or visit www.bowerhealthcare.com.au/contact/applyonline
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Intensive Care Nurses, Sydney This agency is seeking registered nurses from ICU/CCU, HDU and ED backgrounds. Work rights in Australia, a minimum of 12 months post-grad clinical experience and current AHPRA registration are essential. To apply or to initiate immediate contact, email info@bowerhealthcare.com.au or visit www.bowerhealthcare.com.au/contact/applyonline
Landscape Gardeners Sydney Job Ref: LSG1 Ongoing work, visa sponsorship considered. $60-$70K Salary Our client is an approved visa sponsor, they already have quite a number of gardeners on sponsorship visas and they need several more. If you have extensive gardening and/or landscaping work experience or qualifications and work experience in landscape gardening then we want to hear from you.
Construction Project Managers Sydney
Job Ref: CPM1 Ongoing work, visa sponsorship considered. $80-$120K Salary My client is a medium-sized building company based in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney with work across the city. They are looking for a construction project manager with a minimum of 2 years work experience in residential building. Pay rates are $80 - $120K per year depending on experience. Visa sponsorship is available. This is a rapidly growing company with room to expand your career and a pathway to gaining permanent Australian residency.
Commercial Carpenters Required Job Ref: CARP2 My client is looking for Commercial Carpenters for long term and short term work. Pay rates are depending on experience. $30-40 per hour. Applicants must have a minimum of 4 years experience in the trade. Must have hand tools, full driver’s license and a vehicle. (Or be willing to get them) Visa sponsorship is available for the right person
Construction Estimators Sydney Job Ref: ESTM1 Ongoing work, visa sponsorship considered. $70-$100K Salary My client is a medium sized building company based in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney with work across the city. They are looking for a construction estimator with a minimum of 2 years work experience in residential building. Pay rates are $70 -100K per year depending on experience. Visa sponsorship is available. This is a rapidly growing company with room to expand your career and a pathway to gaining permanent Australian residency.
Residential Carpenters Required Sydney
Job Ref: CARP1 Ongoing work, visa sponsorship considered. $30-$45 P/H My client is a medium sized building company based in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney with work across the city. They already have several Carpenters from the UK and Ireland working for them on sponsorship visas. Pay rates are up to $45 per hour depending on experience. Having your own tools and transport is advantageous.
Recruiters Job Ref: CARP2 My client is a leading recruitment company based in Sydney. They are looking for recruiters for the following industries: Trades/ Construction/Engineering/ IT/Finance Applicants must have a minimum of 6 months recruitment experience.
To apply for any of the roles on this page contact jobs@bbmlive.com To discuss the above roles or visa opportunities email your CV and covering letter. If you’re looking for any other work and don’t see your skill included here, send your CV along anyway!
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Recruitment Consultant Accounting - Sydney
Recruitment Consultant IT - Sydney
Work for this specialized boutique firm based in Sydney CBD – Awesome ongoing training – No staff turnover – $60k + Super + Comms Great team environment with billing Directors Ongoing training and support $60k base + Excellent commission scheme
Work for this Diverse Sydney IT recruitment firm - monthly commission structure, NO threshold and up to 40%, no rollover - build a desk without KPI’s, reporting or micromanagement - They are able to sponsor recruiters from overseas as long as they have over 2 years recruitment experience
The Role They are seeking someone who is either looking to get into recruitment and who comes from a sales background, or someone with 6 – 12 months recruitment experience. The desk will focus on all Accounting & Finance temp / contract roles, at all salary levels, from clients you bring on board.
Office Environment The office used to be an old art gallery so it’s open planned, banksy art on walls, pool table and X-box to help unwind. They also have showers as most head out to the gym during lunch and a dess down policy in the office unless you’re meeting clients and candidates.
You To be considered for the role you must have come from a 360 recruitment background or a business to business sales background. You must also be comfortable in working to targets and be financially motivated. You will ideally be degree qualified. The business will reward your hard work with a competitive commission scheme as well as team outings and other benefits.
The Role And You They have a monthly commission structure, NO threshold and up to 40%, no rollover. They have a number of incentives and bonuses. They are currently looking for an IT Development recruiter to come and join the team, you will be able to leverage off some of their existing client base but there is a need to bring in new business. There are 5 in the IT team, 18 in total. Sponsorship available for recruiters from overseas with 2 years recruitment experience.
Recruitment Consultant - Construction
Get into the construction recruitment industry - tipped to be a major area of growth for 2015 in Sydney My client is a global recruitment agency specialising in recruitment across the building, construction and engineering sector. With offices in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane they are now looking for new consultants to come on-board! To be successful you MUST have experience in agency recruitment, preferably in a similar field and ideally you will have knowledge of construction/building services - but happy to train the right consultant. You must be confident and credible and be able to work in a relaxed non micromanaged office. You will be a team player and be open to learning and recruiting in a new style. To apply for any of the roles on this page contact Andrew Byrne and mention BBM For a confidential discussion regarding this or other roles we currently have available. please contact Andrew Byrne on 02 9220 7302 or 0466 597301. Alternatively you can email your resume to andrew@limeres.com.au 26
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The Perks of Working in Hospitality Besides the banter, the atmosphere and the social aspect of working in hospitality, possibly the biggest perk of the industry is “Hospo Nights”, where those working behind a bar, in a restaurant, or anywhere that serves alcohol can enjoy discounts, great food and drink, and lots of fun. Get your RSA card, flash it at these places and enjoy the hospitality nights in Sydney!
The Loft
Pork’d
The Argyle
Tuesday nights are Hospo Nights at Pork’d, where anyone with an RSA card can enjoy a free craft beer with every Pigsy Plate, including pork belly, a roll and dipping sauce, and all beers are $5 thereafter! 545 Crown Street, Surry Hills www.porkd.com.au
The Ship Inn
As a staff member at the surrounding venues in Sydney, you can become a member of the Hospitality Club at The Ship Inn and take advantage of great specials like $5 house beer, wine and bubbles, $8 classic pizzas anytime, and $15 cocktail jugs anytime. Just sign up, show them your membership card at the bar when you order, and relish the deals that come with working in Sydney’s hospitality industry! Corner of Pitt & Alfred Streets, Circular Quay www.shipinn.com.au
Bring your RSA card to The Loft on Sundays from 4pm and you can enjoy a massive 49% off of the cocktail list! You can also get $7 house spirits and $5 house beer, wine and Aguila. Whether you’re heading straight from work or are lucky enough to have the day off, it’s just another reason to head to this super cool bar. 3 Lime Street, Sydney theloftsydney.com Sunday is Service Industry Night – or SIN – at The Argyle. Giving those that work in the service industry – whether that be hospitality, trade or retail – a night to let their hair down, you can enjoy 50% discount on all food and drinks from 7pm excluding already discounted items. You have to join the SIN Sundays Facebook group to become a member, and prove your membership at the bar when making your order. 18 Argyle Street, The Rocks www.theargylerocks.com Do Hospo Nights sound good to you? Get your RSA from BarMax and you can get all of these amazing deals and offers with your new industry friends! Visit www.barmax.com.au or call 1300 139 233 to get your RSA.
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SHIPPING
Shipping from Australia to the UK taking the stress out of a big move
If you want to move to the UK from Australia because you have a preference for unpredictable weather, better television, smaller spiders or are simply moving back home, then you’ll need to start planning the logistics of it straight away – like yesterday – because the more you plan ahead, the less stressful your move to the UK will be. Here are a few pointers to help you stay ahead of the game and keep your nerves under control. • It doesn’t matter whether you’re moving in a month or a year, try to get your hands on as many cardboard boxes as you can and start packing. Packing one box each day is easier and a lot less stressful than trying to pack everything on the last day. • You should pack as many things in each box as possible – the more tightly-packed your possessions are, the less chance there is of them rattling around when you start transporting them. This means your treasured breakables are much more likely to make the journey in one piece. • If you send anything via sea or air freight, you’ll need to be aware of the maximum weight allowance for each box. If you think you’ve exceeded the maximum weight allowance, the best thing to do would be to weigh them on your bathroom scales at home. If you stand on the scales holding the box, all you need to do is subtract your own weight from the total. 28
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• Of course, if you’re going through Australian customs, you’ll need to be ready to have your boxes checked. These ladies and gentlemen are thorough with a capital T. Okay you’ll be leaving Oz and not entering but they still may want to have a dig around so be prepared for possible but minor delays. • If you’re packing treasured possessions, you should really take insurance to be on the safe side. • And if you are packing any fragile items remember to wrap them safely or surround them with softer things such as bed linen or towels. Your items are going on a long journey and experiencing several different modes of transport; don’t take any risks. • You may also want to consider storage, particularly if you’re moving to rented accommodation and have yet to find a permanent place to live. So that’s just a short checklist of things you’ll need to remember prior to booking your flight from Australia to the UK and waving goodbye to the unbreakable sunshine. And should you need any further information or assistance, don’t forget to check out the Seven Seas Worldwide site; they provide a range of services for those moving abroad.
Log on to www.sevenseasworldwide.com for more information.
TAX INFO
you could be owed a uk Tax Return
So you’ve escaped the delightful grey clouds and constant drizzle of the British rain and made the fantastic decision to spend some time to live and work in Australia. Well done you! Your time in paradise can become that more exciting if you have spent any of the last four years working in the UK. If you have, then you can claim a tax rebate that will add a bit more money in your pocket to invest in discovering Australia’s amazing landscapes and tourist destinations. The UK Government requires anyone who has worked in the country to pay taxes on the income that has an earning greater than the personal allowance, the standard of which is currently set at £10,600. Did you earn an income anytime between the four years before you left for Australia? If the answer is yes and you hadn’t received a tax rebate because you hadn’t filed a tax return previous to your arrival Down Under, then there’s a chance you could be owed money from the UK Government. The benefits of being a UK Expat are great and being able to receive a rebate from the past four 30
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years can be the difference between having a good time in Australia and an unforgettable one. However, the first thing you should have done before leaving the UK to live and work abroad for at least one tax year or permanently is notify HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC). This isn’t necessary if you are leaving for just a holiday or business trip. Imagine what you could do in Australia with a tax rebate that spans back from four years? If you had worked each of those previous four years without making a claim then you could be looking at a very big cash return. That could mean embarking on an adventure tour of Australia, exploring destinations from the beautiful Gold Coast to The Red Centre. For help claiming your tax rebate and getting all that extra money, contact a registered tax agent today. For more tax information, log on to www.bbmlive. com/tax-advice For more tax information log on to
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Recruiters Wanted Experienced Recruiters wanted for various industries including IT, Finance, Media, Blue Collar, Health Care, Sales & Marketing Immediate start
Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth EXPRESS TAX Level 6, 155 Castlereagh St Sydney, NSW, 2000 1800 739 739 +61 (0) 2 9267 3200 www.expresstaxback.com.au
VISA SOLUTIONS AUSTRALIA Unit 10/162 Colin st, West Perth, WA 6005 Ph: 08 9328 2664 1800 828 008 visas@visasolutions.com.au www.visasolutions.com.au
BACKPACKER TAX REFUNDS First Floor, 1A Morts Road Mortdale NSW 2223 +61 (0) 2 8065 5668 info@backpackertaxrefunds.com.au www.backpackertaxrefunds.com.au
TAXBACK.CO.UK CLAIM BACK YOUR UK TAX REFUND INFO@TAXBACK.CO.UK WWW.TAXBACK.CO.UK
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CONTACT US info@ozvisainfo.com LAWSON LEGAL MIGRATION LAW
Address: Second Floor 524 Hay Street Perth WA 6000 Phone: +61 8 9225 7417 Email: info@lawsonlegal.com.au www.lawsonlegalmigrationlaw.com.au
TO ADVERTISE HERE CONTACT
INFO@BBMLIVE.COM
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Turn to page 43 to win an Awesome Whitsundays Tour
Top 10 East Coast Destinations
One of the most popular coastlines in the world, the East Coast of Australia has some un-missable stops. We’ve whittled all of them down to the following 10 East Coast destinations that you simply have to visit. Byron Bay
With hippy traditions, a cliff-top lighthouse and a social scene that offers a wonderful way of life, Byron Bay is a must-do holiday destination for many East Coast travellers. From the surf beaches to the shopping, you can’t help but find your own piece of heaven in beautiful Byron. (pictured above)
Surfers Paradise
There are many paradise spots on the East Coast, but Surfers Paradise is one of the few to be called so. Needless to say, this Gold Coast suburb is a surfing hotspot, with breaks for everyone from the amateurish to the experienced, but it also boasts a great nightlife, shopping experiences and an emerging arts centre.
Noosa
A classic Australian region with waves lapping at beaches, kayaking, snorkelling and surfing, Noosa is all about the outdoors. Explore to your heart’s content in the Noosa Hinterland or relax on one of its many sublimes stretches of sand. (pictured left)
Brisbane
The Queensland state capital is Australia’s most 34
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Cairns
As the most northerly city on the East Coast, Cairns enjoys warm, tropical weather all year round. Nestled between ocean and rainforest with a vibrant culture, you can find yourself swinging from the trees of Cape Tribulation one day and taking a sail and snorkel trip the Great Barrier Reef the next.
Hervey Bay
The number one whale watching location on the East Coast is Hervey Bay, with an abundance of boat trips and viewing points to spot the migrating humpback whales between July and November. It’s also the primary departure point for Fraser Island.
Mission Beach
cosmopolitan city, second to only Melbourne. Busy and booming, there’s a buzzing live music scene, a melting pot of cuisine and a coffee shop around every corner. With the Gold Coast to the south and the Sunshine Coast to the north, this city is just moments from endless adventure.
Skydiving on the beach, spotting crocodiles, white water rafting on the Tully River and coming face-to-face with the infamous Cassowary, Mission Beach is full of adventure. There are also opportunities to relax at the beachfront bars of Wongaling Beach, or let your mind wander at Bingil Bay. (pictured below) Visit these 10 destinations with Happy Travels on a range of East Coast tours, or make your own dream package. Visit happytravels.com.au to start planning!
Fraser Island
The largest sand island in the world, a beach that runs for 75 miles and the Maheno Shipwreck rusting in the sand, there’s a lot to be said about World Heritage-listed Fraser Island. Whether you visit for the wild dingoes, the 4WD or the 100+ freshwater lakes, just make sure you visit.
Airlie Beach
The gateway to the creamy sands and blue waters of the Whitsunday Islands, Airlie Beach is a traveller’s haven with accommodation and bars aplenty from budget to luxury. Tourism plays a huge part in the town and offers an array of activities from sailing and snorkelling to wining and dining.
Magnetic Island
Mountainous, tropical and slightly intimidating, the enormous Magnetic Island on the north Queensland coast feels like stepping back in time. More than half of this island in protected national parkland consisting of rainforest, secluded beaches and wildlife. (pictured above)
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Coastal Adventures With My Mates Tours
My Mates Tours are great for adventure seekers looking to enjoy what the East Coast has to offer.
The 3-day My Coastal Discovery and 7-day My Ultimate Aussie Adventure feature an abundance of coastal activities – whether you’re a first timer at surfing or an experienced paddleboarder, there is something for everyone. Both tours offer the opportunity to discover and explore things you have only ever dreamt of doing. Not only do these coastal tours focus on the action available in New South Wales, but they also boast stunning scenery and beach relaxation. With spring on its way, there’s not better time to enter the water and experience all of this for yourself. Port Stephens is the first location where your journey begins, and for wildlife lovers, this could not be better. Cruising the crystal clear waters in a boat, you’ll be able to view the local delightful dolphins up close and personal, a truly special encounter with nature. To raise the action profile slightly, excitement really begins when you arrive at The Stockton Beach Sand Dunes by 4WD. Thrilling and
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exhilarating, after tutorials, you’re free to sandboard as much as you like on the giant 3050m high dunes. Diamond Head is the next stop-off point where you can try paddleboarding and surfing lessons. During this unique water experience, kangaroos will greet you on the beach and may even swim in the surf with you if you’re lucky! Paddleboarding is highly relaxing; floating on the sea in the golden sun is hugely pleasurable. Byron Bay is the next location where sea kayaking with dolphins, whales and turtles is sure to be a heavenly experience. Some of the most beautiful tropical species are found in these waters, so the opportunity to go snorkelling amongst them can’t be missed! There is no better place to ride the waves than the magical Australian coast or view the exquisite beauty of our ocean underworld than on one of the coastal adventures with My Mates Tours. My Coastal Discovery is currently $990pp including all activities, meals and accommodation. My Ultimate Aussie Adventure is currently $1890pp including all activities, meals and accommodation. For full itineraries of activities on these tours and to see where else My Mates visit, head to www.mymatestours.com
Explore NSW’s Northern Beaches With Sydney Outback Tours This thrilling eight-hour day tour takes you around the best sights surrounding Sydney’s Northern beaches. Giving you access to two of Sydney’s national parks, the trip also includes insightful commentary of local Aboriginal heritage and culture, information on contemporary Australian coastal lifestyle, and life saving surf advice. The Northern Beaches Bus Tour is jam-packed with authentic and traditional activities, whilst relaxing all the same when you feast on the gourmet bush tucker lunch in an iconic Aussie location. Try complimentary Australian local delicacies and be humoured with Larrikin Aussie comedy - the sense of excitement never ends. As the crown jewel of Australia, Sydney’s 21km long golden beaches are too exceptional to miss. You will explore the glamorous Palm Beach, climb Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park’s Barrenjoey Headland to view the historic lighthouse, whilst not forgetting to snap a few photos at the
gorgeous views of Broken Bay and Lion Island. An unforgettable opportunity for TV lovers, the tour takes you to view the famous Home & Away production set. You can also find out more about the shipwrecks, smugglers and pirates along this strip of coastline, before visiting popular surf spots at eight beaches. Enjoy stunning views on headland walks and visit five remarkable lookout points including Sydney Harbour National Park for that jaw-dropping panoramic shot. There is truly something for everyone on this tour; the nature, scenery, history and culture is sure to amaze you and give you a great insight into what New South Wales has to offer. For the very reasonable price of $199 per person and $149 for concessions, the Northern Beaches Bus Tour is affordable too. Book today at www.sydneyoutback.com.au/our-tours/
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Stay
BYRON BAY A supreme holiday destination in New South Wales, Byron Bay has excellent accommodation options for everyone with any budget. To have the pick of the best at a great price, you can’t go wrong with these hot deals from ByronBayAccom.net
Bali Villa 52 & Bali Villa 54
Influenced by Bali, Bali Villa 52 and Bali Villa 54 are set within the lush tropical gardens of Byron Bay. While you may feel a million miles from the centre of town, you’re just a 10-minute walk from the restaurants, cafes and boutiques. Both villas enjoy a large open plan pavilion with a lounge, diner and kitchen, with a deck for BBQs and relaxing on the day bed. A walkway leads to the main bathroom and four bedrooms to sleep eight people very comfortably. If there are a lot of you travelling together, the villas can be let together. Bali Villas 52 & 54 are available for 25% off if you stay 3 or more nights until 31st August 2015, and 20% off 3 or more nights until 30th November 2015 from ByronBayAccom.net
Byron Quarter
Stylish one and two bedroom apartments make up Byron Quarter, located in a quiet location just minutes’ walk from the beach. This apartment complex is in the heart of Byron Bay and boasts a café on the ground floor and a solar heated pool exclusive to guests. All apartments are air conditioned with fully equipped kitchens, private terraces, Foxtel, DVD player, stereo and undercover parking included in the price. One bedroom apartments have a queen-sized bed and a bathroom with a shower, while the two bedroom apartments have a queen-sized bed, two single beds and a bathroom with a shower and bath. Byron Quarter one and two bedroom apartments are available with a gourmet breakfast voucher if you stay three nights or more and for 15% off if you stay five nights or more until 19th September 2015 from ByronBayAccom.net 38
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The Wave House
Just 1.5km from Byron Bay town centre and nestled behind Belongil Beach, you’ll find The Wave House. This three-bedroom beach house, surrounded by peaceful tropical gardens with a separate studio is ideal for a relaxing get-away with friends or family. The ground floor adjoins an open plan living-anddining room with a large outdoor deck leading to the studio house. Two bedrooms branch off the living area with a spacious ensuite master bedroom on the first floor. The Wave House has a flat-screen TV, DVD player, laundry facilities, air-conditioning and provides linen, so just remember to bring your own beach towels. There is no oven in the house although the kitchen does have a convection microwave and there’s an outdoor BBQ. The budget property sleeps up to eight people, and is available for 10% off if you stay three or more nights between 1st September and 30th November 2015 from ByronBayAccom.net
The Palms
A fabulous two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment lies on the first floor of a small complex right across the road from Clarkes Beach. An easy stroll to Byron Bay town centre, The Palms is a tastefully decorated apartment with an open living and dining area, a fully equipped kitchen and a balcony with bay views. The main bedroom has a queen-sized bed and an en-suite with a shower, and the second bedroom has two single beds. The main bathroom has a bath and shower. The Palms is ideal for a group of friends or a small family and is available for 15% off if you stay three nights or more until 30th September with ByronBayAccom.net Find more hot deals and book yours today at www.byronbayaccom.net or give them a call any day of the week on +612 6680 8666
A weekend away in...
Byron Bay
It’s certainly no challenge having to spend a weekend in the beautiful Byron Bay, but it definitely is a challenge shortlisting what to get up to if you’re limited to a short space of time. This traditionally hippy destination blends the creative spirit of travellers far and wide with the magical beauty of the natural landscape. Discover the unique vibe for yourself with our itinerary on how to spend a weekend in Byron Bay.
Try to arrive Friday afternoon, drop your bags at your accommodation and explore the many beaches on offer. One not to miss is The Pass. With lessons available here, whether you’re a beginner surfer or pro, be sure to catch a wave on these waxy shores before enjoying a sunset walk to Main Beach. With a colourful sky contrasting with the silhouette from the crag of Wollumbin, take a few snaps for that all-important Byron Bay photo album. As the evening commences, head to the landmark Beach Hotel for a well deserved drink, at the beach end of Johnson Street. Enjoy a refreshing beer or cocktail in the bar garden before venturing into the vibrant lanes to find the quirky Green Bistro. Set away from the hustle and bustle of the crowds, this restaurant has been said to serve the best calamari in Australia. You can be the judge, although for non-seafood fans, they serve plenty of other culinary delights too. For those who want to continue the night, head to Woody’s Surf Shack to enjoy live DJs until late, and admire the unique vintage surfboards and retro photography decor. Rise early on Saturday to catch that Byron Bay morning sun, during which lucky visitors may spot dolphins at play. Begin at Wategos, and either walk the full 4.5km Byron Bay lighthouse loop 40
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through the lush subtropical rainforest, or simply take the steep lighthouse track to the top where you will be rewarded with iconic and exquisite views. As Australia is big for their brekkie and brunches, make sure to have a feast at Dip Café; this trendy coffee house with an open kitchen, is famous for its BLT and eggs benedict. The adventurous will enjoy the thrills of an action packed boat ride in the afternoon, viewing the jewel that is Julian Rocks. Spot the mystical marine life in all its glory, including whales, giant turtles, manta rays and leopard sharks! As early evening arrives, stroll through the lanes and experience Byron Bay’s local talent of writers, poets and performing musicians playing every evening in local gigs and bars. Sophisticated topnotch food is in abundance; fine dining is available at delicate Cicchetti or have dinner at Italian At The Pacific for wonderful views. Come Sunday, if you’re lucky enough that your weekend falls on the first Sunday of the month (all year round), be sure to visit the Byron local markets. Huge, oozing creativity and showcasing local artists’ work, enjoy fresh produce including the unique sugar cane juice and wander around the fashion boutiques to find that special souvenir. Proud of its organic food ethos, Byron Bay boasts many delicatessens offering delicious produce. Treat yourself to a liquid superfood smoothie lunch at Naked Treaties before heading to Belongil Beach for relaxation time in the afternoon. Treehouse on Belongil has a casual vibe,with DJs playing throughout the afternoon. Beers and cocktails flowing and the aroma of freshly baked pizzas on the wood fires, you can reminisce over the last few days’ events. Your weekend in Byron Bay will certainly be one to remember.
QUEENSLAND
See the best of the Whitsundays with Awesome Whitsundays and their three to five day packages created to suit any budget. These gorgeous islands (74, in fact) might just be the closest you can get to paradise. By combining accommodation with their individually available activities, Awesome Whitsundays makes it even easier for you to experience them with your friends. The packages are designed to suit any accommodation budget with a choice of dorm, twin or double room options at Airlie Beach.
CASTAWAY
Castaway is the ultimate Awesome Whitsundays over five days and five nights. The first day is spent at leisure to explore the hype of Airlie Beach. Visit the bars, restaurants and shops or relax by the pool or on the beach. Day two is when you can explore the beauty of the Whitsunday Islands armed with your Island Hopper Pass to visit Hamilton Island or Daydream Island. Day three is another full day adventure, sailing on one of the world’s fastest commercial sailing catamarans to one of the world’s best beaches - Whitehaven Beach (a bucket list item for any backpacker). Spend the day swimming, 42
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snorkelling and lazing around on silica white sand. The final two days and night are spent at the Great Barrier Reef (another must see). During the day explore our Reefworld pontoon, where you can swim, snorkel amongst a myriad of fish, sunbathe on board beneath the beating sun, or take a scenic flight over Heart Reef (at own expense). As evening approaches watch a stunning sunset and then later, for those that are brave enough, enjoy a night dive where you can see the underworld come to life (extra cost). Sleep under the stars in an Australian swag and then the next day, make the most of being out on the Great Barrier Reef again. For just $779pp, this is Awesome Whitsundays’ most tempting package by far!
REEF & WHITEHAVEN ADVENTURE
If you’re strapped for time there are shorter packages available. Reef & Whitehaven Adventure takes place over three days and three nights, and includes a Camira Sailing Adventure, Great Barrier Reef Adventure and a day of exploring the festive Airlie Beach from $399pp. Cruise to the heart of the Great Barrier Reef where you can dive, swim and snorkel amongst the many species of marine life, sunbathe on board beneath the beating sun, or take a scenic flight over Heart Reef (at own expense). On the
final day, you go sailing around the Whitsunday Islands on board Camira, a purple catamaran where you can laze on Whitehaven Beach.
AWESOME FOURSOME
If four days is the perfect amount of time for you jump on board the Awesome Foursome from $599pp, which includes the Great Barrier Reef Adventure, Camira Sailing Adventure and a day of exploring Airlie Beach, as well as Island Hopping. With an extra day and an Island Hopper Pass, you can see more of the Whitsundays, including Hamilton Island and Daydream Island. Make the most of your time in the Whitsundays and experience all that the Whitsunday Islands have to offer with these three to five day Awesome Whitsundays packages.
www.awesomewhitsundays.com
Win Five Days In The Whitsunday Islands With Awesome Whitsundays Awesome Whitsundays are giving you a chance to roll your swag out in the Great Barrier Reef, as part of this five-day, five-night Castaway package and experience the very best of paradise in the Whitsunday Islands. Spend your first day exploring the popular town of Airlie Beach, your second day island hopping, your third day sailing around the tropical blue waters on board the purple Camira catamaran, visiting one of the world’s best beaches – Whitehaven Beach, and your final two days on a pontoon in the Great Barrier Reef, including snorkelling amongst the marine life of the reef and sleeping under the stars in an Australian swag on the permanent Reef World pontoon with Reefsleep.
How to enter: Visit our competitions page
at www.bbmlive.com/win-five-days-in-thewhitsunday-islands-with-awesome-whitsundays
Terms & Conditions:
Five Days in the Whitsunday Islands with our Awesome Whitsundays competition. Closes 30th September 2015 at 11.59 AET. The prize is valid for two passengers only. Winner will be chosen at random by 10th October 2015 and contacted via email. If we do not receive a response within 72 hours of the email being sent the prize will be re-drawn and a new winner selected so please enter with an email that you have access to 24/7 and please check your junk folder. The winner must hold a valid passport, be eligible for travel to Australia and hold a valid visa for the entire trip. Winner must be over the age of 18 and hold valid travel insurance for their entire trip. This prize is subject to availability and cannot be used on existing bookings or in conjunction with any other discounts or special offers. It is not transferable and is not redeemable for cash or exchange. Not included in the prize are the airfare, arrival tax, departure tax, any additional meals, any additional accommodation and your spending money, trip kitty or any travel visas required. The trip is subject to availability and confirmation by Awesome Whitsundays and must be taken on or before 31 January 2016. No extension is available. Please refer to the booking conditions available here at www.awesomewhitsundays.com/conditions.aspx. Prize redemption and trip booking must be made directly with Awesome Whitsundays at info@awesomewhitsundays.com or call us on +617 4846 7000. Please use promo code BBMCast15 upon booking. By entering this competition you agree to receive promotional content including newsletters from What Media Pty Ltd, What Media Ltd and their affiliate partners by email. If you wish to stop receiving our emails or change your subscription options please follow the prompts on the email correspondence. Entry to the competition is conditional on acceptance of these terms.
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SECRET SPOTS IN THE GOLD COAST
There’s nothing better than finding a hidden gem in the busy tourist beacon that is the Gold Coast, so take a look at the best secret locations in and around the Gold Coast that you need to know about before the masses arrive and take it from you. Natural Bridge This little piece of heaven is home to the fascinating colony of glow worms whose light can’t be seen until after sun set. A rich rainforest is found in the Springbrook National Park where the Natural Bridge is the result of crashing waters over millions of years descending through the basalt cave. Found in one of the most popular parks in Australia, join one of the nocturnal tours so that you can witness the glow worms – just remember to bring a torch with you. Greenmount Beach This is an underrated beach in the Gold Coast area, not because it lacks the quality of the more popular and famous beaches such as Surfers Paradise and Burleigh, but rather, it simply isn’t the first that comes to mind. As the large numbers pack the more famous beaches, Greenmount Beach sits fairly untouched and it’s yours to take full advantage of. Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens Slightly overlooked by even the locals, the Gold 44
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Coast Regional Botanic Gardens is a great place to visit for those quiet days out for a relaxing walk or to take a group of friends and out for a picnic. There are a number of interesting attractions to keep you entertained such as the Butterfly Garden and you can choose to take the mountain walk to stretch those legs of yours. Also, if you’d prefer, you can book on a guided tours of its 31 hectares. Caloundra’s Beaches Caloundra is known for its quiet beaches and it has great views of the heritage-listed Glass House Mountains. Moffat Beach, Happy Valley and Shelly Beach are the lesser known beaches along the Caloundra. However, we recommend that you take advantage of this fact and enjoy an almost empty beach to yourself. The other beaches such as Kings and Dicky Beach draw in more of the crowds so you can be sure to be undisturbed. Currumbin Valley Rock Pools The rock pools are ideal to have a stress-free time away from everyday life. Bring a football to make use of the large green openings, but don’t forget a towel to dry off after you take a quick dip in the pools, great on hot days and just 12km down the road from Currumbin Beach. Start planning your trip to the Gold Coast at www.adventuregoldcoast.com
Wh at n ot to miss i n Port Dou gla s If you’re thinking of making your first trip up to Port Douglas soon, here are the local secrets that you’d be mad to miss out on… The food is not what you’d expect
The pubs and restaurants in Port Douglas know how to serve up mouth-watering, unique and great value grub. Make sure you pop into Mocka’s Pies & Bakehouse on Grant Street and try a crocodile or kangaroo pie for something out of the ordinary but sumptuously delicious. If you’re after giant burgers, Off The Track should be on your hit list for a feast. With musically-inspired burgers like The J Cash, The Presley and The Stevie Chix, this Warner Street joint is often featured on “The Best Burgers In Australia” lists. And, for those looking for a bargain, we suggest the $10 Chicken Parma Night every Wednesday at Paddy’s.
There’s loads of free stuff!
As you may not have the cash to splash, there’s some great free stuff to take advantage of in Port Douglas. For the purchase of a beer at the Central Hotel, you can get free WiFi so you can post all of your holiday snaps to social media. On Tuesday nights, the hotel, located on Macrossan Street, also puts on free salsa lessons. Out on the ocean, you can even enjoy a free sunset sail courtesy of the Port Douglas Yacht Club. Every Wednesday from around 4pm, members of the club volunteer their time and their yachts to take members of the public out sailing. It’s recommended that you arrive at 4pm to get your name in and wait to be requested. Yachts generally depart at 5pm and return by 7pm.
Everyone shops at the markets
With markets held twice a week, you can buy everything from arts and crafts to fruit and veg. The sunset market on the marina offers a great atmosphere with live music alongside the gorgeous North Queensland sunset from 2-7pm. The big daddy is without a doubt the enormous Sunday market. From 8am-2pm, dozens of stalls take over Market Park on Wharf Street with all produce and goods sold made or grown by the stallholders themselves.
You can do yoga on the beach
In the early morning between 8am and 9am, you can do yoga on Four Mile Beach, Port Douglas’ most precious stretch of sand. A great way to start your day, this one-hour beach yoga class with WindSwell is just $15pp and everyone’s welcome. You don’t even need to book: just head down with your beach towel and get flexible! If all of this has made you want to head up to Port Douglas, don’t forget to book your room with United Backpackers Port Douglas, the coolest accommodation in the tropical town with hammocks, a pool, an outdoor bar and loads more! Take the first step and visit
www.unitedportdouglas.com.au or 5011 to book your holiday in Port
call 07 4099 Douglas.
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Heron Island Peaceful, serene and located within the gorgeous Great Barrier Reef, Heron Island is a paradise. Nature lovers, adventure enthusiasts and sun seekers will feel welcome upon this coral cay, with an aquamarine ocean, 20 scuba diving sites, resident wildlife and unbeatable sunsets and sunrises. Keep your eye out for turtles, manta rays, reef sharks, gropers, clown fish, maori wrasse, humpback whales (during migration season) and dolphins. Taking just 20 minutes to walk around, Heron Island has everything you could dream of for an escape from life with no TVs or mobile reception. Should you be staying in the island resort, take the ferry from Gladstone Marina on the mainland or, for a celebrity entrance, catch a seaplane for an unforgettable start to your holiday.
Beachcamp Retreat on Fraser Island
For a long time, the only option for accommodation on Fraser Island was camping on the beach – we’re talking tents and al fresco toilets. But there’s been an addition to the sand island that has made it go from sleeping under the stars, to five-star glamping. The Beachcamp Eco Retreat provides hostel-like accommodation on Fraser Island. Queen, double and six-share tents are available, with the luxury of en-suite bathrooms including hot showers and actual flushing toilets. All linen is provided including towels. As far as common rooms go, the Beachcamp Eco Retreat only enhances your experience with two kitchens equipped with a wood-fired pizza oven, enough hammocks and beach loungers to go around, a campfire, and loads of games to play to get to know your fellow guests. Oh, there’s also the amazing beachfront location so you can enjoy those royal blue ocean views all day while sipping a cold one. Sitting right on 75 Mile Beach, you can stay in this unique and comfortable island accommodation on the 3-Day Eco Retreat Safari with Dropbear Adventures. Just like their other tours, you’ll get to experience all that Fraser Island has to offer, and then enjoy a great night’s sleep in safety and style. This includes swimming in the crystal
clear waters of Lake McKenzie, walking through rainforest, visiting the Maheno Shipwreck, bathing in Champagne Pools, learning to fish and fourwheel-driving down the beach. If you want the adventure of a Fraser Island tour with the comfort of a retreat, this might just be the tour for you. From $445pp, you’ll receive all of the above, as well as a guide, hostel pick-up, meals, National Park fees covered, two-way radios and more! Convinced? Check out
www.dropbearadventures.com.au to book your 3-Day Eco Retreat Safari.
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3 Day Rock The Centre Tour with Adventure Tours Australia
Over three days, the 3 Day Rock The Centre tour with Adventure Tours Australia visits one of Australia’s most iconic landmarks, Uluru (Ayers Rock), as well as its nearby brother and sister, Kings Canyon and Kata Tjuta. Travelling by minibus and camping under the stars, this is a true adventure of the Red Centre starting and finishing in the outback town of Alice Springs, and begins with a very unique experience with a stop at a camel farm. The opportunity to take a ride on a camel’s back offers a completely different perspective of the desert, and is well worth the extra expense. After meeting the camels, it’s onto Uluru for lunch and a stop at the 36 domes of Kata Tjuta, also known as the Olgas. On a Valley of the Winds hike, you can get up close to this ancient rock formation, before watching the sunset over Uluru, 48
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enjoying a group dinner and getting down for the night in your swag, otherwise known as an Australian bedroll. Wake up early on day two to catch the colours of Uluru during sunrise. Before the heat picks up, take a stroll around the base of Uluru and then learn about the Aboriginal culture that’s so important to the local area from your guide. A visit to the Cultural Centre provides an opportunity to buy some Aboriginal arts and crafts, followed by a drive to Watarrka National Park – home of Kings Canyon – where you’ll be spending another night under the stars. The morning of day three calls for another hike as you explore the walls and caverns of Kings Canyon. A natural amphitheatre, you can take in its sheer size and beauty as you explore the Lost City, the Garden of Eden and the North and South Walls, before heading back to Alice Springs.
The 3 Day Rock The Centre tour costs $395pp and includes minibus transport, camping fees and equipment, national park entry fees, an experienced guide and two breakfasts, three lunches and two dinners. Book your 3 Day Rock The Centre tour with Adventure Tours Australia.
Adventure Tours Australia also run a number of other tours throughout the Northern Territory, Western Australia, Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia. To find out more about the adventure tours you could embark on, visit them at
www.adventuretours.com.au, give them a call on 1300 654 606, like them on www.facebook.com/ AdventureToursAustralia and check out their awesome pictures on
www.instagram.com/_ adventuretours
NORTHERN TERRITORY
5 Days 4WD In Kakadu For the fit and active traveller, Kakadu can be the ultimate adventure. While travelling by 4WD, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to hike through gorges, swim in plunge pools and stroll amongst forestry during a five-day tour with Territory Expeditions. Day One
Starting the day early from Darwin, your first experience of Kakadu is a drive along the Jim Jim Road before stopping for morning tea and getting to know your fellow passengers. New friends made, you’ll get to spend the rest of the day at Gunlom, popular for its waterfall, pools and beach, where you’ll set up camp for the night.
Day Two
Taking the day at a leisurely pace, you’ll gain access to the restricted area of Koolpin Gorge. Due to only a select number of people being allowed in at any one time, you may have the waterfalls and rock pools all to yourselves, and they’re well worth the drive and wilderness walk to reach them.
Day Three
Departing Gunlom, you and your tour group will head north to Barramundi Gorge, home to another plunge to provide relief from the Northern Territory heat. In the afternoon, you’ll 4WD it north to Jim Jim Falls.
Day Four
Today’s the day you get to visit one of the most beautiful treasures of Kakadu – the Twin Falls and Jim Jim Falls. Cascading in the wet season and trickling in the drier months, you can take a cruise to Twin Falls and admire the looming cliffs before walking to Jim Jim Falls and relax in yet another plunge pool. Finish the day with a sunset cruise along Yellow Waters spotting birds and crocodiles, and then set up camp at Mardugal for your final night in Kakadu.
Day Five
Your last day begins with a look at the aboriginal art of Nourlangie Rock and capturing the view from Gunwhardewharde Lookout. You’ll then get a chance to find out more about the region at the Bowali Information Centre, before stopping off at the Mamakala wetlands to watch native bird activity, and arriving back in Darwin in time for tea! You wouldn’t be able to see many of these spots without Territory Expeditions. For $1,050pp, they provide permits, food, water, tents, swags, transport, a tour guide and camp fees, book your 5-Day Kakadu 4WD Tour at
www.territoryexpeditions.com.au.
KING OF THE MOUNTAIN WITH MULGAS ADVENTURES Escape to the ancient landscape of the Western MacDonnell Ranges… So close to Alice Springs the outback town is practically sitting in them, the Western MacDonnell Ranges are absolutely gorgeous. They can defy what you originally pictured of the outback; refreshing water holes to swim in, a smothering of flora and bathed in sunshine, the area isn’t as visited as Kata Tjuta National Park, but it’s still well deserving of attention. With Mulgas Adventures, you can explore the Western MacDonnell Ranges over two days and visit its most pleasing highlights. Departing from Alice Springs, day one begins with a visit to Alice Springs Desert Park. Encompassing all that the outback has to offer, you can meet the residents of the nocturnal house, watch dingos and kangaroos, and check out the birds of prey. Onwards to Ormiston Gorge, this is your first experience of the Western MacDonnell Ranges, with a four-hour hike through the amphitheatre of Ormiston Pound and spotting Black-Footed Rock Wallabies. Your first day finishes with a drive to Glen Helen Resort, supper and sleeping under the stars in a swag. On day two, it’s time to discover Mt Sonder, the most breath-taking mountain in the Western MacDonnell Ranges and the fourth highest mountain in the Northern Territory. On a 16km hike, you’ll be able to capture some amazing
views so don’t forget the camera! After your mammoth walk, you’ll get to relax back at Glen Helen resort with a BBQ lunch and a cold drink, before visiting Glen Helen Gorge, a permanent waterhole. This 2-Day King Of The Mountain Tour with Mulgas Adventures costs $259pp and includes an experienced Australian guide, pick-up and drop-off from your accommodation in Alice Springs, all camping and park fees, meals, swags and an air-conditioned bus to travel around in. Remember good walking shoes (you’ll be hiking upwards of 20km over two days), a large bottle of water, a towel, a swimsuit for swimming and warm clothes during winter nights. You can bring your own sleeping bag, or hire one from your guide for $15. So what are you waiting for? Take this alternative tour of the Red Centre and become the King Of The Mountain. Visit www.mulgasadventures.com.au to book your trip now.
2 Day Kakadu ADVENTURE with Kakadu 4WD Safaris Immerse yourself in nature and serenity on this tropical adventure.
cherishing the memories you’ve obtained so far in your journey.
Crafted to offer a unique cultural experience, explore the raw authenticity of outback Australia on the 2-Day Kakadu Adventure with Kakadu 4WD Safaris. Open your eyes to the dynamic landscape and be enlightened as you have the most memorable couple of days.
Travelling south on day two takes you to Maguk, Gunlom or Motorcar Falls; all are nestled gems offering lush views. Popular for trekking and enjoying the stunning flora in the tropical rain forest, hike through the gorges soaking up this dramatic landscape before relaxing in crystal clear Moline Rock Hole.pools to cool off. Make your way back to Darwin via the stunning Pine Creek, and reflect on your memorable experience of Kakadu.
Art lovers can admire the different styles and secrets of Aboriginal rock art and scenery at Ubirr or Nourlangie Rock, the ancient rock art galleries, before enjoying views over the Arnhemland escarpment. Unwind and sleep overnight at AC Bunkhouse Accommodation at Cooinda Lodge – no sweaty sleepless nights camping here! Watch the golden sunset commence over the plains,
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This 2-Day Kakadu Adventure also includes all meals, cultural commentary, accommodation, and 4WD transport. Trips to the famous Jim Jim and Twin Falls are included although the itinerary is dependant on season travelling and may be done in reverse at the guide’s discretion. This unique 2-Day Kakadu Adventure with Kakadu 4WD Safaris is currently $395 departing from May-October and November-April, making it a perfect escape no matter the climate! To see where else Kakadu 4WD Safaris visit, head to kakadu4wdsafaris.com.au
By Suanne Cunningham
Day one of your trip leaves the Northern Territory capital of Darwin as you begin your journey to the unbelievable Kakadu. Head off on the Adelaide River cruise and get up close and personal with saltwater crocodiles, before crossing the Marakai and South Alligator floodplains. Wildlife fanatics: don’t forget to keep an eye out for the abundance of wildlife in the woodlands.
WI N
3 Day Kakadu & Litchfield Tour
Experience a little luxury as meals are provided throughout the journey and sleep under the stars in great comfort on permanent campsites, with the option of upgrading to cabins to snooze in style. A very popular choice amongst many travellers, the 3 day Kakadu Explorer tour departs from Darwin taking you to your first stop in Litchfield National Park, where explorers have the opportunity to experience the breathtaking waterfalls. Full of authenticity, you will also be greeted by a warming Cul Cul (Welcome to the Country) by traditional landowners: the LimilnganWulna people. This tour is the perfect opportunity to connect with Aboriginal culture: educate yourself with bush tucker talks, learn to play the didgeridoo, get creative with basket weaving and be adventurous with spear throwing! Get in touch with nature in the afternoon when you visit Mary River Wetlands where wildlife is in abundance; exotic birds and crocodiles may be spotted on the dazzling river cruise, so be sure to have your camera ready.
Day two starts by discovering Kakadu National Park, which is full to the brim with stunning natural scenery and even boasts ancient aboriginal rock art. The afternoon is spent on the thrilling hike to Barramundi Gorge. Don’t be alarmed as the view and scenery are definitely worth the trip, ending with a refreshing swim in the plunge pools. The final day is full of 4WD adventure and beauty: Jim Jim Falls is the first location, followed by Twin Falls where the stunning sight is sure to amaze you on a national park boat trip and boardwalk experience. As dusk commences, the journey back to Darwin continues to astound explorers one last chance to capture the bountiful beauty. And what’s more, we’re giving away a place for one person on this amazing 3-day trip worth $695 with Kakadu Wild Expeditions that departs daily from July – September.
Enter at www.bbmlive.com/ competitions Terms & Conditions:
Prize is one seat/pass on a PNTK3 3 day Kakadu & Litchfield tour. Tour must claimed for travel before 30th September 2016. Prize is for the TOUR ONLY. Any extras required like Sleeping bags, pre or post tour accommodation must be paid for by the prize winner. The prize is non transferrable, KWE must be informed of the winner’s name and contact details as soon as is possible.
Book your tour of Kakadu National Park at
www.kakaduwild.com.au
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By Suanne Cunningham
If you’re looking for an exhilarating adventure tour in the Northern Territory of Australia then look no further than Kakadu Wild Expeditions. This 3-day Kakadu Explorer tour is action packed and built to give you lasting memories of your travels.
Discover Rottofest & Rottnest Island this September... Located just 19km off the coast of Perth, Rottnest Island is a paradise blessed with a casual vibe, exquisite scenery, an abundance of marine life and some of the world’s finest beaches. Being Western Australia’s very own island getaway, Rottnest is in the perfect location and only a short ferry trip from Fremantle or Perth. With plenty of things to do and get involved in, one not to forget is Rottofest on 18th-20th September; a comedy and music festival showcasing some of Australia’s best talent. This chilled weekend will have something for everyone, and what’s more is it couldn’t be in a more picturesque setting. Rottnest Island has an appealing aspect everyone can appreciate. For nature lovers, the famous Quokkas are definitely a highlight to spot - a rat/wallaby-like creature yet much more adorable. Join one of the many free guided walking tours of the island, hire a bike and snorkel gear from Rottnest Island Pedal & Flipper, and swim in the glistening waters of 63 beaches to choose from! Encounter dolphins and explore the marine life on the Underwater Explorer trip that runs September to May. With bundles of fun to be found at the mini-golf park and Rottnest Island Karma Spa, don’t forget to dine in the island eateries and admire sweeping ocean views at Aristos Waterfront Restaurant for seafood lovers. For revellers seeking music and comedy, Rottofest is unmissable. This year Rottofest is debuting its seventh annual year and is curated by Vulture Culture. With some of the freshest music and comedians around, this festival features a diverse and contemporary line-up every year, balancing the chilled atmosphere with that pumped up party feeling. Featuring multiple stages, wander around in your own time and tailor the festival your way. Soak up the smiles, drink a pale ale under the sun, and enjoy the acts, whilst not forgetting to explore the rest of Rottnest Island and all it has to offer. Set to announce the line-up and release tickets very soon, keep an eye out via www.rottofest.com.au
WESTERN AUSTRALIA each year – an unforgettable sight if you’re lucky enough to spot them. While the town’s eateries make the most of the coastal location with seafood-packed menus, you can catch your own dinner off of the Jurien Bay Jetty, well known for its population of tailor and squid.
A beautiful 220km drive north of Perth is Jurien Bay, one of Western Australia’s most beloved holiday hotspots. Situated on the Coral Coast, there’s an abundance of ocean activities that make it a perfect weekend break away from the city… Jurien Bay’s Marine Park is home to submerged reefs, shallow lagoons and gorgeous waters in different shades of blue that make it a hotbed for marine life. From western rock lobsters to sea lions and dolphins, the underwater activity makes Jurien Bay an ideal snorkelling spot. It’s also in the path of migrating whales travelling up north
Should Jurien Bay entice you to stay (we doubt you’d want to leave in a hurry), there’s a range of fantastic accommodation from hotels to tourist parks before you set off on the rest of your West Coast adventure. Travel to Jurien Bay with Integrity Coach Lines’ direct bus trip or hop-on-hop-off bus pass. Book your journey at www.integritycoachlines.com.au
Image courtesy of Tourism Western Australia
Jurien Bay
Adrenaline seekers are by no means neglected. Windsurfing and kite surfing are popular sports on the clear waters of the bay, and you can even skydive onto a beautiful beach from up to 15,000ft or take a ride on a scenic flight – amazing views guaranteed. If you’ve got more of a taste for inland adventure, nearby Lesueur National Park is smothered in wonderful wildflower that is best viewed by going on a bushwalk.
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1 0 d a y P e r t h t o B r o o m e TO U R
Typically a tour this spectacular could cost you a fortune, Kimberley Wild however has made this dream possible with affordable prices that still offer that trip of a lifetime. Now even on a budget, you can enjoy the amazing beaches, national parks, nature and exquisite scenery as on an unforgettable journey. As you distance yourself from the hustle and bustle of Perth, the tour begins by exploring the Pinnacles Desert, a one of a kind landscape. Here, you can enjoy a sandboard down the dunes, an exhilarating opportunity. The journey continues through the gorgeous Kalbarri National Park; an opportunity to abseil down Z Bend Gorge is very affordable and the free lunch overlooking the park is sure to offer some relaxation time and beautiful photo opportunities. Shell Beach is the next destination, before ending the day watching the striking sunset over Shark Bay. A trip to view the world-famous Monkey Mia dolphins is not
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to be missed, whilst Coral Bay boasts some stunning scenery. Continuing the tour, Ningaloo Reef holds tropical marine life in abundance, best to be seen by snorkeling or glass bottom boat. Days of freedom and relaxation are yours to tailor; whether watching the kangaroos in the private campsite is your thing or being daring and viewing the whale sharks is more suited to you, there really is something for everyone, and what’s more important, is it’s all very reasonably priced. Fortescue Falls and Fern Pool are more unforgettable places you’ll visit, before soaking in the sun along 80 Mile Beach and finally heading into Broome. Kimberley Wild presents this extraordinary tour and it is very good value for money considering the amount of experiences you will have to cherish. You will be placed in small groups, have all-inclusive meals and basic accommodation, comfortable transport and an abundance of memories to treasure. Book your affordable 10 day tour now, running from October to March, from only $1695pp. To find out more and book your tour of the West Coast, visit www.kimberleywild.com.au
By Suanne Cunningham
This unique 10 day tour explores all the highlights of the West Coast. Offering the top sights through an authentic adventure, you are sure to get the true, rustic Aussie experience.
New season, New adventure with Aussie Wandererw i
Pinnacles Day Tour
By far the most popular one-day Perth tour, the Pinnacles Day Tour travels the Indian Ocean Road, visiting one of Western Australia’s most unique attractions. The morning begins with a stop at Caversham Wildlife Park, where you will have the lovely opportunity to meet the resident animals. After morning tea, explore the Pinnacles Desert, followed by a traditional Australian barbie. Experience the rush of sandboarding down the Lancelin Sand Dunes and unwind on the stunning white sandy beaches before returning back to Perth in the evening. From $150pp.
4 Day Perth to Monkey Mia Return
This exhilarating tour takes you on a journey of discovery and lets you get in touch with nature and wildlife interaction. Hiking, adventure and jaw-dropping scenery are just some of the thrilling experiences you can expect, starting with the
Pinnacles Desert trip. Stay overnight at the Big River Ranch Farm, and visit the authentic Kalbarri township. Hike down the Z-Bend in the Murchison Gorge with the option to abseil down a 25-metre wall! Visit Shell Beach and Stromatolites in Shark Bay before ending up in the famous Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort, where you get the unbelievable experience to feed the world famous Monkey Mia dolphins. From $595pp.
9 Day Perth to Broome One Way
This nine-day tour is the best way to get the most out of your time in Western Australia. Including all of the above activities in the previous tours, you will additionally get a fully guided safari tour of Cape Range National Park, Vlamingh Head Lighthouse and Turquoise Bay. Visit Tom Price, the highest town in Western Australia and have the amazing opportunity to stay in the Safari Tents at the multi award winning Karijini Eco Retreat! View the stunning gorges of Karijini National Park before exploring 80 Mile Beach, Cable Beach and the outback town of Broome! From $1495pp. Book your adventure at
www.aussiewanderer.com.au
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By Suanne Cunningham
With spring nearing, it is the perfect time to explore Western Australia with Aussie Wanderer. The temperature is on the rise making for perfect conditions to admire the gorgeous scenery, the stunning wildflowers, and of course be amazed by the abundance of wildlife on offer.
take the leap with southern skydivers With ocean views, the wind in your hair and the feeling of falling up to 15,000ft, a tandem skydive with Southern Skydivers is one of the greatest experiences in Western Australia. A tandem skydive is one of the most rewarding yet terrifying things a person can do, and the decision to fall thousands of feet to Earth is one not to be taken lightly. A once-in-a-lifetime activity, you need to get the location just right, and this is where the southwest coast of WA comes in. With the Indian Ocean on one side and the Margaret River region on the other, if you’re seeking spectacular views, you won’t be disappointed. After a 20-minute flight, you’ll jump out of Southern Skydivers plane over Geography Bay and the Busselton Jetty with Margaret River in the distance, before you land feet first (hopefully! – haha) on the sandy beach to be welcomed by the people you brought with you. With 10,000ft, 14,000ft and 15,000ft to choose from, you’ll no doubt feel the unique adrenaline
rush of a tandem skydive with at least 30 seconds of freefall at 200km per hour. When you’re 5000ft from Earth, your instructor will deploy the parachute and you’ll fall much slower with five minutes to enjoy the scenery around you. The day doesn’t end once you’ve landed back on safe ground; a complimentary glass of wine or beer awaits you at the beachside Goose Café, where you can continue celebrating your skydive, and you can enjoy the beautiful Busselton Jetty with a stroll and an ice cream. The price of the 10,000ft tandem skydive starts at $339pp, while the 14,000ft tandem skydive is at a new discounted price of $399pp, and the 15,000ft tandem skydive is priced at $450pp. You can add handcam and freefall videos and photos at an extra cost if you want to look back at your amazing day in the sky. However, you can now save $30 off of your skydive package by using the unique code BBMPROMO when booking online at southernskydivers.com.
Mandurah & the Peel Region Bucket List The Peel Region is your destination for easily accessible adventures in all sorts of natural environments, only an hour south of Perth. Explore 5,600 square kilometres of outdoor fun - from the Indian Ocean coastline, up rivers, across estuaries and through bushland to the eastern escarpments.
Meet real cowboys at the Boddington Rodeo
Experience the wild, wild West at the Boddington Lions Rodeo annually in November. The highlights are bull riding, steer wrestling and bare back riding. Recognised as the largest Rodeo in Western Australia, the Rodeo Weekend has something in store for everyone: from shearing competition, fine arts and crafts, to carnival rides.
Skydive over Mandurah
This is the ultimate adventure! Experience a tandem jump over Mandurah’s pristine coastline and take in breathtaking views of the region.
4WD on Preston Beach
Enjoy endless, clean beach when driving along Preston Beach in the shire of Waroona. Drive a scenic 20-kilometer long 4WD track between Preston Beach and Whitehills Beach, and you will be bestowed with stunning views.
Walk the Bibbulmun Track from Dwellingup Another bucket list item to tick off is walking the Bibbulmun Track. This 1000 km long-distance walking trail also passes through the rustic township of Dwellingup, the gateway to Lane Poole Reserve - the largest park in the northern
jarrah forest. The 120 km section between Dwellingup and Collie is a unique wilderness experience.
Paddle with Dolphins
Explore Mandurah’s vast waterways by kayak. When you paddle on Mandjar Bay, right at the city centre, more often than not dolphins suddenly pop out of the water right next to you. An experience of a lifetime!
Walk the Baldwin Bluff Nature Walk
Walk the Baldwin’s Bluff Nature Track at Serpentine Falls National Park. This walk requires you to be reasonably fit as it climbs up gravel tracks to Baldwin’s Bluff. You will pass through jarrah and marri woodlands, eventually coming to wandoo woodland and then finally over exposed granite. But it’s worth the effort. When you get up to the top, you will enjoy a view to die for.
Cuddle a Koala
Cuddling a koala is another thing that should not be missed on your bucket list! At Cohunu Koala Park in Byford, you can get this wonderful experience plus a souvenir photo of you holding this cutie. Find out more exciting experiences and adventures in the Peel Region at
www.visitpeel.com.au
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Image by innospiring Courtesy of Mandurah and Peel Tourism Organisation (MAPTO)
You’ll find so many unique experiences there, creating a bucket list is no easy feat. So we’ve picked the top ‘must dos’ for you.
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
A ZOO WITHOUT FENCES KANGAROO ISLAND Kangaroo Island is a true zoo without fences. Take a marine adventure cruise and swim with the island’s resident pods of dolphins, a guided beach walk amongst a colony of wild Australian SeaLions and spy on an echidna love train. What’s an echidna love train you say? Well it’s a lovelorn male echidna queuing up behind a female, nose to tail, forming long trains, up to ten echidnas long! Usually happens in winter (June to Sept) so don’t miss out! Kangaroo Island (or KI as the locals call it) has a lot and we mean a lot of wildlife which you can see in its natural environment. Flinders Chase National Park, located at the western end of Kangaroo Island and one of Australia’s largest parks covering 74,000 hectares of untouched bushland is home to a variety of fauna, including the unique Kangaroo Island kangaroo (yes they are different to the roos on the mainland!), koalas, Tammar wallabies, echidnas, the endangered Cape Barren Geese and even platypus. You can see all this and much more with Kangaroo Island Adventure Tours – one of Adelaide’s highest ranking tours on Trip Advisor. The price of their two day Kangaroo Island Wilderness Explorer Tour has dropped to just $399 for travel to the end of August. The tour also has a bit of soft adventure too with sandboarding at Little Sahara and stays at the coolest backpacker accommodation on the island, Vivonne Bay Lodge, with full use of kayaks and bikes. There is a stunning swimming and surfing beach nearby at Vivonne Bay as well. The Lodge is in bushland with 10km of sign posted walking trails to explore and one kilometre of beach frontage. Nothing beats relaxing on the big deck after a fun day of touring and being 60
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visited by friendly kangaroos and koalas that call Vivonne Bay home. The tour includes a visit to Rob’s Sheep Shearing for a real dinky-di Aussie heads up on the sheep shearing industry on Kangaroo Island, along with some sheep shearing too of course! There’s a guided beach walk at Seal Bay and visits to many other Kangaroo Island icons such as Remarkable Rocks, Admirals Arch and Hanson Bay Koala Sanctuary. The $399 price tag, $37 off the regular price, includes return coach and ferry travel from Adelaide to Kangaroo Island, tasty, wholesome meals, dormitory accommodation (upgrades available to two and four share rooms) and two days of small coach touring. Kangaroo Island Adventure Tours guides are all locals who know the island like the back of their hand. They’ll make you feel very comfortable you will feel a part of the KI Adventure Tour family in no time. Whilst you will see all the major highlights on this tour, you will also go a little bit off-the-beaten track to places that not every tourist gets the chance to see, so you won’t go home with the same holiday snaps as everyone else! Courtesy coach pick-ups are included in Adelaide from selected hostels and hotels to get you to the Adelaide Central Bus Station to join the bus transfer to the ferry. The two-day tour operates Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays from May to October, increasing to four days a week in November and then daily from December to March. To find out more call 1300 795 447 (in Australia), or +61 8 8202 8678 or visit www.kiadventuretours.com.au to book online.
GLOBAL TRAVEL
W h at To Ex p ect O n A T h a i n t ro To u r ThaIntro have laid out an incredible seven day itinerary for adventurers keen to travel Thailand. Why worry yourself and stress about seeing and experiencing all Thailand has to offer, when ThaInto ensures you have the best introduction to the exotic paradise possible! Amazing tours and activities, airport transfers, and wonderful accommodation are all included in this remarkable package for only $770 for the entire week. Have the experience of a lifetime!
Day 4:Visit Khao Sok National Park
- Be mesmerized by nature in Khao Sok National Park - an “untouched paradise” - Experience a long-tail boat ride through the limestone cliffs - Unwind overnight in floating bungalows on a lush freshwater lake
Day 5: Koh Phangan Paradise
Day 1: Arrivals
- Explore the stunning tropical island of Koh Phangan - Stay up all night at the world famous full-moon party! - Relax in beachside bungalows and adventure around the gorgeous paradise as sunset falls
Day 2: Bangkok River Cruise & Temples
- Walk the gorgeous sandy beaches and top up your tan - Snorkel in the aqua waters or simply soak up the beauty - Enjoy a short jungle trek to be rewarded with a refreshing waterfall shower
- Introductions and meet the rest of your group! - Collection from the airport and transfer to guesthouse in Bangkok - Relaxation time, chill out and socialise - Enjoy panoramic views of Bangkok city via river cruise - Be amazed by Bangkok’s best temples then travel by traditional tuk tuk through the lively streets - Night out to experience exotic nightlife
Day 3: Culinary Delights and Overnight train
- Experience a cookery masterclass in Thai delicacies! - Eat your creations, drink and relax - Enjoy spectacular views of Thailand on the train to the South
Day 6: Action Vs.Nature
Day 7: Elephants, Pampering and Farewell dinner
- Have the amazing experience to be close and personal with jungle elephants - Enjoy a relaxing traditional Thai massage before feasting on a delicious group meal - Last blowout at the big beach farewell party - the perfect way to end your first week in Thailand Book your tour at thaintro.com
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the balintro guide to bali Before you head off to discover the stunning beaches, world class surf, fascinating culture and crazy nightlife of Bali, here are some questions you may have, answered by the guys at Balintro, to provide you with a useful and informative Bali travel guide.
Q. How much money will I need? A. It depends on how long you’re going travelling
for and how much you spend along the way. It’s a good idea to have at least $1500AUD for every month that you’re going to be away.
Q. What’s the best way to use/carry my money? A. It’s best to take a Visa/MasterCard debit/credit
or a travel money card with you, with a back-up PIN-protected card to keep elsewhere (say with your passport) in case you lose the primary one. There are ATM’s and moneychangers available throughout Bali so it’s easy to get access to cash.
Q. What’s the weather like in Bali at certain times of year? A. The great thing about Bali is it’s usually quite
hot all year round, with no particularly bad time to go. There are generally 2 broad seasons: April – September is usually dryer and slightly hotter. October – March has a slightly higher chance of rain and tends be slightly cooler.
Q. Do I need a visa to travel to Bali? A . Most nationalities including the United
Kingdom, most European nations, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, USA, Scandinavia and Brazil will receive a 30-day visa on arrival in Bali at an approx. cost of $35USD. Which is best paid in cash. Be sure you have a passport with at least 6 months validity.
Q. Is a Backpack or Suitcase better and how much should I bring? A. We recommend bringing a 45-70 litre backpack
and packing light! It’s almost always hot in Bali and minimal clothing is required. And dragging a 30kg suitcase around is not cool.
Q. Will I get by without knowing the language? A. Yes. The majority of locals in tourist areas
speak English.
Q. How long in advance do I need to book Balintro? A . You can book Balintro right up until before
you leave. However groups usually fill up fast, so it’s best to book as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
Q. Is Bali a dangerous place to visit? A. No. Bali is generally a safe place. With our
help, some common sense and respect for the Balinese culture you’ll be ok. For more info, start dates or to book check out
www.balintro.com
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An asian Adventure with Contiki Vanessa Stavrou tells us all about her time on the 14-day Asian Adventure with Contiki… How does the Asian Adventure trip give you a taste of Southeast Asia in 14 days? It’s awesome; you get to cover the big sites across three countries – Thailand, Laos and Cambodia – staying in nine cities, and still manage to fit in so many local experiences. I was blown away that only four days in it felt like I’d been travelling for two weeks – I’d seen and done so much! What are the highlights that passengers can learn and discover about the main locations? The local experiences were amazing! Just a few to name are, the Thai cooking class in Chiang Mai, the two days we travelled by boat on the Mekong River into Laos, cycling through Luang Prabang and stopping off to drink rice wine fermented
into a jar with spiders, snakes and other animals (so intense!) the fabulous markets, the amazing temples and so much great food! There were also many moments on the trip that really made you stop and think; visiting the Killing Fields in Phnom Penh was definitely an emotional day for the whole group. We also visited the COPE support centre in Vientiane in Laos, an organisation that makes prosthetic limbs for those injured by cluster bombs that were dropped over Laos during the Vietnam war. As a group, we donated money to their cause after being truly moved by the stories we heard. What were your favourite cities and why? Luang Prabang for the night markets, time spent with the monks and elephants, and
the amazing bike ride we did around the city; and Chiang Mai in Thailand because the cooking class was just so good! What’s the most memorable place you visited? There are so many to choose from, so I’m going to share a favourite experience and a favourite place: My favourite place was definitely the famous Angkor Wat in Siem Reap. My favourite experience was in Vang Vieng in Laos; we had a free day to do whatever we wanted, but our trip manager, Az, organised for those who wanted a morning kayak down the river. FOMO set in and nearly all the group chose to do the kayaking. When we got there, we were surprised with first going caving on tubes: 20 of us in a pitch black cave, lying on tubes pulling ourselves along a rope with flash lights on our heads singing “in the jungle, the mighty jungle” – so random and so fun! Then we jumped on the kayaks. It was just our group on the river, mountains on either side and we had a speaker on one of the kayaks playing awesome music. It was so great to be all together surrounded by such beauty. What parts of the trip receive the biggest reaction from passengers or would you say
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were the main highlights? Tough one – there were so many – but there was one day on the trip referred to as the BEST DAY EVER in Luang Prabang: we woke up at 5am to bless the monks, referred to as offering of the arms. Then we visited an elephant sanctuary where all the elephants are rescued from logging farms or tourist parks where they were mistreated. After that, we travelled to the beautiful Kuang Si Falls, the water was so aqua blue it was amazing, and then we headed to the markets for dinner and a few drinks – a great relaxed way to end THE BEST DAY EVER. But there is one highlight that everyone shared on the trip and that was getting to know each other and becoming a family. You really do make friends for life on a Contiki trip. Does the food change much from Thailand to Laos to Cambodia? Is there a particular delicacy passengers have to try from each country? Yeah, definitely slight variations. You felt the French influence in Laos; their bread was amazing and you could get these awesome salad and chicken rolls at the markets for a few dollars. I love my chilli and the Tom Yum soup in Thailand was awesome, as was the Penang Curry. Are there opportunities throughout the trip for passengers to meet local people? What sort of
experience can they expect? Having a local guide in every city helped get us off the beaten track into lesser known areas to try food and meet people. My favourite story about meeting locals was in Bangkok: I along with three other girls on the trip left the buzzing tourist night spot one evening to head back to the hotel. We got a little lost and spotted a tiny bar playing Jazz music. We walked in and everyone looked at us – we were definitely the only tourists in the place! The band were all Thai playing the most awesome Jazz tunes. Everyone was seated listening to the music – but within 10 minutes we created a dance floor and had all the locals up on their feet dancing the night away. Such a random night, great story and legendary moment! How can passengers ensure they get value for money at the many markets? Can you suggest items that are worth buying or any haggling tips? I found haggling so hard at first. Especially when you convert it and realise you’re fighting over a dollar! One golden rule: never compare what you paid with someone else – if you’re happy with the price and the merchant’s happy with the price then you got a good deal. As a rough guide, always halve the price and then work up from there landing somewhere in the middle. Silk scarves are a must in Cambodia. The artwork at the night markets in Luang Prabang were amazing!
How do Contiki ensure passengers are safe during the trip, especially in free time? Are the areas you visit safe? Everywhere we stayed was safe. Gosh, I didn’t even give safety a second thought, we were surrounded by such beautiful people and our trip manager along with our local guide told us where to go so it all seemed pretty straight forward. In three words why should people book an Asian Adventure? Unforgettable, unimaginable, unbelievable. The Asian Adventure with Contiki Holidays costs from $2,299pp and includes accommodation, internal transport, a tour group, a trip manager, local tour guides and a total of 17 meals over 14 days. The Asian Adventure is one of many Contiki Holidays Asian trips from 9-25 days. If you’ve only got a few weeks to travel or if you’re looking to experience Asia and make new friends along the way, definitely consider organised group travel as an option. It’s great to share your experiences with likeminded people, and even better if they’re with you for the ride. Give Contiki a call on 1300-188-635, head to Contiki.com or visit your local travel agent.
life is there to be lived. make sure you look back with #noregrets www.bbmlive.com
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Explore India’s Most Famous Landmark
Travellers from all over the world have chosen Agra as a destination at some point on their journey. Home to many of India’s most precious and culturally significant gems, it deserves your attention no matter how little or much you’ve travelled… Sitting on the Yamuna River, Agra’s main attraction is undoubtedly the Taj Mahal. Majestic, alluring and picturesque, the skyline of the city would be completely different without the marble mausoleum and its iconic dome. Built between 1631 and 1648 by Mughal ruler Shah Jahan and 20,000 craftsmen to enshrine the remains of his queen, Mumtaz Mahal, this architectural masterpiece is recognised as the monument of love. You can’t visit the Taj Mahal just once in a day, as it changes so dramatically from dawn to dusk. Milky white in the early morning, dazzling orange before the sunset and shining like a pearl 66
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under a full moon, this changing light is culturally symbolic and significant. While the Taj Mahal may pull you into Agra, there are many other attractions that should keep you in the city for at least a day or two. Tombs, mausoleums – not to mention the magnificent fort – are sprinkled here, there and everywhere. The Agra Fort is about 2kilometers from the Taj Mahal, and also looks over the Yamuna River. Made of red sandstone, it has a radius of about three kilometres and a wall that stands at 70 feet! Dating all the way back to 1565, it was designed and built by Mughal emperor, Akbar the Great and boasts architecturally amazing buildings from his successors like the Pearl Mosque, Moti Majid and Jahangiri Mahal – all of which are important to the Mughal Empire. Another attraction in Agra is Sikandra, which happens to be the tomb of Akbar. There’s an overwhelming serenity in the grounds of Sikandra, which Akbar began constructing himself and was later finished by his son, Jahangir, in 1613. The tomb has Hindu, Christian, Islamic, Buddhist
and Jain influences and is square in design, remarkably different to other Mughal buildings, but follows suit with red sandstone and marble. Another significant tomb in Agra is Itmad-ud-daula. It is considered the first draft and inspiration of the Taj Mahal as it was the first tomb in India to be made solely out of marble, finishing construction in 1628. It’s also the resting place of Mir Ghiyas Beg, the grandfather of Mumtaz Mahal, for whom the Taj Mahal was built. Sitting on the banks of the Yamuna River and surrounded by a small, pretty garden, Itmad-ud-daula is a jewel of pure white, elaborate carvings and Indo-Islamic architecture. Outside of the city but still within the district of Agra is Fatehpur Sikri, a ghost city now lying in ruins that was built by Akbar the Great (no wonder he’s considered the greatest emperor in the Mughal era) in the latter half of the 16th Century. The city was the Mughal capital, but for just 12 years from 1573 - 1585, before it was abandoned by Akbar. Considering its short existence, the city contained palaces, mosques and living quarters for everyone from the army to the king’s servants. Now, the ruins of Fatehpur Sikri are perfect for a day trip from Agra. Besides impressive monuments, there are also markets selling crafts and souvenirs and bustling alleyways that can open your eyes to the local life in Agra. You can see these jaw-dropping monuments and take in everything that Agra has to offer on the Grand Heritage India Tour and Best Of India Tour with Travel & Taste. Exclusive to BBM readers, these tours are perfect for anyone that wants to travel through India comfortably at an affordable
price, with hotel accommodation, a local guide and unique experiences. The Grand Heritage Tour is 15 days at $999pp based on two people sharing an AC medium-sized car or $1499 for one person using an AC medium-sized car. The Best Of India Tour is 11 days at $899pp based on two people sharing an AC medium-sized car or $1459 for one person using an AC medium-sized car. These tours are available exclusively to BBM readers and won’t be found on travelandtaste.com.au for full details contact on +61 (0) 438 517 598 or rohit@travelandtaste.com.au or visit
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Diary Of A Travel Blogger
Jay Donnell became a dedicated traveller at 24. Embarking on a postgraduate jaunt through Western Europe at 26, he has now travelled through 55 countries in six continents, capturing many of his experiences on film and Instagram at justheletterj. Here, he tells us more about his travels. Name: Jay Donnell Current Location: Newport Beach, CA Occupation: Teacher and Tutor for the LSAT The best place you’ve been to this year: This winter I tore off back to Asia for a 90-day adventure with no plans but a one-way ticket to Bangkok. The highlight absolutely had to be Nepal. In the winter of 2014, I met a new friend at a hostel bar in Kuala Lumpur, and when I was back in Asia this year he invited me to join him and his girlfriend on a trek to Nepal. After some convincing, I acquiesced and in the first minutes of being on the ground in Kathmandu, I knew I had absolutely made the right call. We spent some days in my new favourite city in the world, then flew to Pokhara to begin our four-day trek into the Annapurna range of the Himalayas. The best cold place you’ve been to: I’ll have to throw this one to the South Island of New Zealand, more specifically the Franz Josef Glacier. Gearing up with crampons and ice picks 68
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and hiking/climbing up a massive glacier was definitely one for the memory bank. Then, later that day, I hit some extra cold weather – about 14,000 feet above sea level! Skydiving from near the peak of the glacier and landing all the way down on the idyllic farmland at sea level was one of the more special jumps I’ve ever done. The best beach you’ve laid on: I’ve been fortunate to see amazing beaches and islands in places like Panama, Cuba, South Africa, Greece, Indonesia, Mexico, The Philippines – but if I had to pick the best beach experience, I can think of none better than The Beach, aka Maya Bay on Ko Phi Phi Leh in Thailand’s Andaman Sea. The nights I spent sleeping on that beach in 2009 and again in 2010 were the best of my life. The most dangerous place you’ve been to: Again, this is a toss up. From favela parties late night in Rio, going “shopping” in La Paz and Medellin, and unadvised ventures around town in Johannesburg, I’ve been extremely fortunate to have never had too gnarly of an experience abroad. That includes swimming with Great Whites in South Africa, bull sharks in Mexico, and 13-foot caimans in the Bolivian Amazon – not to mention the world’s three highest bungee jumps (sorry mom!). Follow Jay at justtheletterj and keep up with us on Instagram at bbmlivesocial
Explore Fiji On A Budget Always dreamt of visiting the dreamy paradise that is Fiji? We have. Tropical, exotic, white sandy beaches in abundance, and now it is incredibly affordable too, thanks to HotFiji.deals.
Beachcomber Island Traditionally Fiji’s party island and best suited to the 18-30 category, experience a buzz like no other on Beachcomber Island. With beautiful beaches and turquoise waters, it’s the perfect location for snorkelling and other water-based activities. Drinks are priced low and there are large speakers pumping great tunes late into the night. Delicious buffet food will cater for all your dining needs (meal plan extra charge is compulsory) and cultural activities include a Kava ceremony, basket weaving and coconut shelling! The accommodation variety is great: dorm style, private lodges or ocean view bures – the choice is yours! Prices start at only $25 AUDpppn for a dorm style room. Book four nights with HotFiji.deals and get one night pre or post accommodation at Anchorage Beach Resort, return airport transfers and return boat transfers free.
Transfers on the Yasawa Flyer HotFiji.deals offers the best price on the Yasawa Flyer transfers to Fiji’s islands, including free pick up and drop off to Nadi and Denarau hotels to Port Denarau. Outdoor seating areas are located on the second and third decks making for a great opportunity to take in the glorious sights! With fully licensed bars and snacks available on board, start your holiday party early. From $57 AUD to Bounty Island Resort and only $104 AUD to the furthest Island, Coconut Beach Resort, this affordable transport is exciting and reaches your destination quickly. For more information, all prices and to book, head over to www.hotfiji.deals and find even more great deals on travel and tours in Fiji!
The Maccabees London indie rockers, The Maccabees, released their fourth album on 31st July. In recognition of their local neighbourhood, Elephant & Castle, ‘Marks To Prove It’ is a stomper of a record that sees the band at their very best. With much anticipation over their return, we had a chat with guitarist, Felix White, about the lead-up to the album, celebrating London’s communities and his experiences with Australian wildlife… Hi Felix, how are you? I’m good, thanks. Where are you in the world right now? I’m in South London; we just got back from Glastonbury, so we’re just crash-landing back into the real world. It takes me ages to get back to reality because you end up back in normal life and it’s hard to work out which one’s real, but Glastonbury especially is really intense because there are so many people and there’s so much going on. You released your fourth album, ‘Marks To Prove It’ at the end of July; what do you want the new record to say about The Maccabees? I think it says a lot about The Maccabees. One of the things we’re proudest of is that it contextualises what the band is in quite a strong way. It sounds like The Maccabees and it has taken us quite a long time to get to that point. Whether you love the band or don’t like the band, there’s something undeniable and concrete about 70
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us. It feels really comforting to reach that stage because we’ve had to navigate it over 10 years and it’s not been as easy as it could have been. Why do you think it’s taken four albums to get to that point? We’ve always had people that have cared about the band, but we’ve never had that big single that went somewhere and you’ve suddenly blown up everywhere. We’ve always had to create our own path, and that’s just a route we’ve taken, so it’s built a self-assuredness within us. You’ve commented previously on how long the process was to make the fourth album; why do you think this was? I think it was that we didn’t know what we wanted it to sound like. We came straight off the Given To The Wild tour, and we started by making music that sounded a bit like ‘Marks To Prove It’ but a bit more bombastic and it didn’t feel right. It probably took a year to a year-and-a-half before we realised that ‘Given To The Wild’ had been quite
INTERVIEWS
You can’t miss the references to Elephant & Castle; was it a conscious decision to associate the album with the London neighbourhood? We were living there, and that’s where our studio is, so it became obvious after a while that we were really embedded in the community. It fitted with trying to make the album feel tangible and real and that we recreate a night that should be associated with a place, and that place was Elephant. We’ve made a feature length film documenting us making the record alongside the tailor down the road, the local basketball team, the gospel church, the garden areas, with the backdrop being the regeneration of Elephant & Castle, and our album ends up soundtracking it. It’s all about seeing Elephant in a different way, and the album cover is an otherworldly shot, so it’s just a way of tying the whole thing together. So there’s a real sense of community? It’s not celebrated across London, but it’s like anywhere: once you spend a certain amount of time there, you end up knowing everyone and realising all the layers that there are, especially in a place like London. There are so many different types of people crammed into such a small space, there is real genuine community, but, worryingly, because of the government, they’re knocking down all the council flats and old buildings to build expensive flats that people can’t afford to live in and are just for foreign investment. So, this was all about documenting the last bit of that community holding on before it gets shafted out. You recently returned from a US tour with Mumford & Sons; when you return to London, where’s the first place you go besides home? Well, I had to go to the record label to approve some stuff, but my friends are opening a bar in Bermondsey literally called the Bermondsey Social Club, so that’s the first place that I thought of for our new local. Sadly, I think the studio was the first place I went. Is there a venue in the capital that screams “London” to you? We did do the Coronet a couple of months ago, which is down the road from the studio, and that’s actually in danger of being knocked down as well. That was incredible because people were queuing all the way through the subway and
twisting around the Elephant, so it was like we were taking over the Elephant in a way. The best venue in London and probably the world is Brixton Academy, no doubt about it. Do gigs at home differ much to ones away? We’re at that stage as a band where we can play any kind of gig now. Even if it’s at Glastonbury in front of 50,000 people or over in America in front of 70, you don’t really know what situation is going to be in front of you. Those two situations differ a lot, but it’s just about taking the whole of the moment. Are there plans to return to Australia? I think at the end of the year. How was your visit last time? Wasn’t it your first Australian tour after ‘Given To The Wild’? Yeah, it was. It took a long time to get out there! But it was amazing; we had such a good time. We’ve got loads of film of the Australia tour, which is like two hours long, but we kept it as a home video, and there are some really happy memories. We were going on tour with Public Enemy, and I actually went back this year for the Cricket World Cup on my own. Do you enjoy travelling? I do enjoy playing in different parts of the world. I sometimes don’t enjoy spending 12 hours a day on a bus or waking up in a car park – they aren’t that fun. It’s quite bipolar, but for the most part I enjoy it. If there’s one thing you could do in Australia that you haven’t already, what would you choose? You’d have to tell me… Well, we get a lot of shark cage diving… Shark cage diving? No no no no no. I’m not going anywhere near that. I’m fascinated by sharks but I think there are places that humans should be and where humans shouldn’t be and we shouldn’t be in cages with sharks… When we were at Groovin the Moo, people came around with snakes to hold, and I am just not into that. I have a very rational fear of deadly animals. Even when I was in Australia this year, the birds are like something out of Jurassic Park! And the bats! The bats that come out in the park at night and just swoop around are amazing! I couldn’t believe they were real! Too much for me.
‘Marks To Prove It’ is out now on Caroline Australia/Fiction Records. www.bbmlive.com
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By Charlotte Mellor
layered and soundscaped and composed and like daylight, and that this one was going to be the opposite: stripped back, back to our dynamics of how we play as a band in a room, no layering of vocals, and sounding more like evening.
since the end of May. But now I live in LA, it’s changed quite a lot. I was predominantly doing US shows and festivals. That’s great because I live there now and I want to be part of that and have a presence there. We’ve been kind of foraging away over the years, building up the Pete Tong brand and we’re actually starting to get a bit of credibility and presence at some key festivals and spots. Obviously you’ve been going to Ibiza for ages. How has it evolved since you first started playing out there? It’s a big business now, compared to back in the day. It’s good that the underground’s still thriving here and it’s still the place to play for a lot of people. A lot has changed in terms of the way it operates during the day now and the EDM sound’s moved more towards the daytime. And the nighttime’s still ‘90s. The underground tends to rule at night. It’s definitely more expensive than it used to be, and the island’s pushing more the middle to upper class tourism. That’s a concern, actually, how it’s going affect the vibe in clubs in the long-term, if the new audience at the younger end of it is forced out.
Dance music icon and radio DJ to millions of listeners around the world, Pete Tong talks to us about his summer in Ibiza, his new life in LA and the release of ‘All Gone Pete Tong & Hot Since 82 Ibiza 2015’.
Hi Pete, how are you? Where are you talking to me from? Not bad. I’m in Ibiza: it’s bloody hot. How’s your summer been so far? I gather you’ve been fairly busy. Well my Ibiza summer’s different to the way it was a few years ago; I only just got here, but back in the old days I would have been camped out here 72
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Great. What was your selection process when you were putting it all together? In one way, it’s almost like going to the theatre and getting the program. I always feel like this is a bit of an hors d’oeuvre, or a taster of what’s going on in Ibiza. It’s a memento, but it’s also a preview. I try to be really honest with it: it’s very much the way I play and what I’m into. I really do listen to the music a lot and live with the mixes for a long time before they get released. I like to create a mix like this and find a place where you can play it as well. So a lot goes into it, really.
Read the full interview at www. bbmlive.com/celebrity-interviews/
By Hannah Shakir
PETE TONG
So moving onto your new release, All Gone with Hot Since 82, how did that collaboration come about? Frankly, I’ve been asking him to do it for quite a while. Our moons didn’t align and his schedule didn’t fit when I wanted to do it: I’ve kind of been on his case since I really started championing what he was doing, since he reinvented himself as Hot Since 82. Fortunately, it was possible this time around. 2015 is a great time to have him on it: he’s flying really high. He’s a big fan of Ibiza, he’s playing here a lot this summer, he’s probably doing some of the most prestigious gigs he’s ever done in his career so far, so it’s a great time to team up.
FRANK TURNER Singer-songwriter, Frank Turner, returns with his sixth studio album, ‘Positive Songs For Negative People’ on 7th August, so we thought it was about time we caught up with the man himself.
So is this your closure album? Yeah, kind of, it’s my picking myself up and dusting myself off after a fall. I always have a problem with songs that are don’t-worry-be-happy, because it strikes me as a transparently bulls**t statement. This is saying worry, but get up and try and fight back. The European festival season is now well under way. What have been your favourite shows so far and what do you have coming up? Well, there’s politics in here… My favourite show so far has been Glastonbury Festival. I’ve had ups and downs with Glasto over the years, but they invited me back this year, and if I can say myself, we smashed it. There was something quite vindicating about it; we showed up, we did our thing and I think we made some new friends. But, coming up, we’ve got Reading and Leeds, and the reason I mention politics is because, growing
up, there was always a divide between Reading kids and Glastonbury kids, and I was always the Reading kid and that will always be my home. Is there an album tour planned? At the start of September I’m going to be going on an international tour for two years, so we will be going everywhere. Does that everywhere include Australia? Yes, I hope so. We were there in April this year and we had an amazing time! The Sydney show we had was just over and above for me. Every now and again, you have a show that really comes together, and that Sydney show really felt like me and my band firing on all cylinders. It had been two years since we came to Australia, and I want to come back sooner than that this time. You’re no stranger to our southern shores; so have you been able to take advantage of the travel experiences you can get? Not massively; with what I do, I spend a lot of my time travelling around the world and seeing dressing rooms and car parks. I’m working rather than travelling, but I do get moments where I manage to get out there. I was in Australia in 2012/13, where I managed to get out to do a show in Alice Springs, Darwin, Townsville, and that was really fantastic. We did a festival two hours outside of Alice Springs and it was the most remote place I’ve ever been in my life. No phone signal – which was a great relief!
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By Charlotte Mellor
You release ‘Positive Songs For Negative People’ on 7th August; with such a thoughtprovoking title, what’s the drive behind the album? A big part of the record and content overall is a reaction to the previous album that I made, which was a break up record about the end of a relationship and a pretty disastrous point in my personal life. I wrote a record about that and it was very cathartic, and it was really liberating when I started writing for this record to move beyond that and that formed a lot of the spirit and content of the songs.
szjerdene Singer-songwriter, Szjerdene, has a vocal range that you won’t forget in a hurry. With new songs and her second EP on the way, we couldn’t wait to find out more about this captivating songstress.
What led you to move from London to Amsterdam? I just wanted to move out from my family house, spread my wings and discover what else was out there. I’d actually just done a gig maybe a year before I moved out, and it was my first time visiting Amsterdam, and I really loved it and I knew I was definitely going to move here. Then, when I got a chance to move to Amsterdam, it’s such a creative community – there are dancers, actors, graphic designers – and they have this housing scheme where you don’t pay as high a rent in order to support your craft. In return of having low rent you have to contribute to the community, whether that’s putting on events or networking. Has it inspired you musically? Not so much directly, but just as a person I’ve become more able to channel my creativity. London is still the place that drives me and inspires me the most, and just travel in general is what fuels a lot of my songwriting because I get to meet lots of people. But Amsterdam specifically has changed my perspective and insight and I’ve been able to step out of the London bubble and look at it from a different angle and see where I fit. It’s more beneficial as a person for me to be here. It obviously hasn’t hindered your craft because you recently released ‘Are You Here’ 74
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and ‘Find Me’. There’s such emotion laid bare with your songwriting; what’s the story behind the music? I wrote ‘Find Me’ this year with Quays; we were connected through my management. ‘Are You Here’ was written with Glen Nichols, who also produced a version of a song of mine called ‘Blue Lullaby’, which was on my first EP, ‘Patchwork’. Both songs are pretty self-reflective, based on experiences I’ve been through, but also what I think a lot of people can relate to. So, ‘Are You Here’ is about when a relationship breaks down and you’re wondering if that person that you’re thinking of could just turn up at any moment. ‘Find Me’ is more about being past that point, but now you have to mend things within yourself. Will the next song follow the same story? Basically, the whole project will lead up to my new EP, ‘Paragon’. The next song will follow on in the story and theme of trying to solve the issue and move on with your life. Are you looking to make an album in the future? Right now, I’m just trying to take things slow, write songs and make it cohesive. I want to create an album, but I really felt like I wanted to get this chunk of material to the public. It’s all about my evolution as a musician, and as each song comes out I’m realising the direction that I could possibly go in. I want to secure my sound and have a bit more of a personality with my music and that takes time. My aim is to release an album but there’s no definite plan right now.
By Charlotte Mellor
Hi Szjerdene! So, you’re in Amsterdam at the moment? Yeah I live in Amsterdam, I have done for the last three years, but I’m originally from London.
dub fx Dub FX has become a global bass music sensation since taking to the streets and travelling the world in his van. Now playing the world’s best festivals and stages, he is set to bring his Theory of Harmony tour back home to Australia, so we thought it would be a great time to have a chat with the man himself…
You just finished a mammoth tour of Europe, are you excited to be bringing the Theory of Harmony tour back home to Australia in September? Absolutely! We are totally locked in with each other on stage – 40 shows in 80 days will do that to you! What were your favourite shows and places in Europe? I have so many: Bristol, Budapest, Berlin, Bologna, Amsterdam... Romania and Bulgaria are awesome countries too! What can ticket holders expect of the shows? Is it very much a live show of the album? Well, I wrote this album with my live show in mind so... I think it translates well. But I find it a lot easier transmitting my essence live than in the studio. Why did you choose a three-piece live show? I did it pretty much by myself for the first 8 years apart from having guest MCs with me. These days I like adding more musical instruments to the show to make it more colourful... Mainly because once the audience sees me build up a few tracks by myself layer after layer, it gets a bit tedious, but with musicians we can get straight into the music a lot easier and quicker so we can get stuck into performing the song.
You started performing on the streets, and then went global; what were some of your earlier live stages like? I started in 2006, and by 2009 I had found my style and started making videos, which went viral... For the main part I was always pretty much by myself on stage except for when Flower Fairy or Cade joined me... What places did your music take you to and what experiences did you have? I’ve seen over 40 different countries and heaps of cities within each country. I lived in a van for six years and drove around Europe four times over so I really got to explore Europe at ground level. I have been to North America five times, usually performing in 15 or 20 cities in Canada and USA. I’ve been to Brazil, South Africa, Nepal, Sri Lanka, India... I could be here all day if I went through them all! Is there anywhere that you’re yet to play that you’d most like to? I’m yet to visit Scandinavia, the rest of South America and parts of Africa.
Dub FX Theory Of Harmony Tour Dates
Friday 4th September – Manning Bar, Sydney Thursday 10th September – The Republic, Hobart Friday 11th September – Prince Band Room, Melbourne Saturday 12th September – Gilkinsons Dance Studio, Perth Friday 18th September – JCU Cairns, Cairns Saturday 19th September – Max Watts, Brisbane
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By Charlotte Mellor
Hi Ben, where in the world are you right now? Sardegna!!!
One to watch
Redlight Releases LongAwaited New Single ‘Lion Jungle’ Bristol-based club favourite, Redlight, has treated us to new track ‘Lion Jungle’ with US hip hop legend, Prodigy of Mobb Deep – taken from forthcoming debut album ‘X-Colour’. Already giving us some absolute bangers, this new track is once again hitting off in dance tents and party islands around the world, with its heavy heart-pounding tribal beat. Redlight’s ability to genre-mix is evidence that working with anything from garage, grime and hip-hop to house and techno is nothing but fun for this beloved Bristolian DJ, setting him apart as one of the UK’s most innovative selectors. It’s the sense of high energy that sees ‘Lion Jungle’ pick up from where the excellent ‘Pretend’ left off, offering an insight into the creative dynamics that underpin Redlight’s forthcoming debut LP ‘X-Colour’ in the process. This infectious track will keep you up until the early hours of the morning, and if ‘X-Colour’ is on the same wavelength, you are sure to love it.
Formation If you’re a fan of funky, groovecentric electro tunes then Formation might just be your new best friend. We’re all up for upbeat soulful bangers with masses of high energy, and with a smooth operator vocalist and funk fuelled rhythms, Formation are the ones to watch when it comes to electro-fuelled beats. In the spirit of vintage funk and soul, Formation is a South London brotherly duo that are quite simply masters of producing solid funky beats, taking over DJ decks everywhere this season. Watch out for these lads because they’re at the top of their game. Check out latest single, ‘Hangin’, if you don’t believe it.
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mu s i c . . .
ALBUM REVIEW: The Chemical Brothers – ‘Born In The Echoes’ Fresh from their stellar Glastonbury performance, the godfathers and pioneers of trippy acid-soaked electronica Tom Rowlands and Ed Simons aka The Chemical Brothers return to the fore with their long awaited follow-up to 2010’s ‘Further’ with their new album ‘Born In The Echoes’. Once again displaying their heralded and eclectic brand of genre spanning distorted
Lead singles ‘Under Neon Lights’ featuring St. Vincent on guest vocals channels the late night enchantment of Donna Summer, whilst ‘Go’ (accompanied by a typically unique and bizarrely futuristic performance art focused video directed by longtime collaborator Michel Gondry) is destined to be the track that has you flailing your arms in a rapturous fashion at a festival in the near future. As the 11-track album approaches mid-way, robotic freak-out ‘I’ll See You There’ stuns you into a whirling frenzy with the punchy percussion, and the next few tracks follow suit with the title track ‘Born In The Echoes’ featuring Welsh psychedelic songstress Cate Le Bon’s monotone and calming vocals which overlap a droning bassline and pummelling repetitive drumbeat, entering the most cultish vibes of the dance domain.
Robyn & La Bagatelle Magique Announce ‘Love Is Free’ Mini Album Swedish singer, Robyn, and her new project La Bagatelle Magique – comprised of Markus Jägerstedt and Christian Falk – have now announced the details of their exciting new album. Set to be released on 7th August, their forthcoming mini-album of five tracks will be entitled ‘Love Is Free’ via Konichiwa Records and Pod via Inertia. Already achieving radio
BBM MUSIC CHART Charlotte cardin Big Boy
Rhea Dean secret lies
Tep No pacing
Lyndon Kidd at the drop of a hat
Nicko Franklin carrie
model 86 friend
Vacationer go anywhere
Tulpa run baby run success, the lead single ‘Love Is Free’ has premiered as the Hottest Record with Annie Mac on BBC Radio 1. A euphoric and house influenced club-banger, this single is set to settle high in the charts this summer. With a ’90s vibe, this collaborative album is predicted to explode in popularity; but for now, we’ll just have to wait and see.
Slappd where are you now
Muzi nizogcwala
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By Thomas Curtis-Horsfall, Sabrina Shales & Suanne Cunningham
electronic floor-fillers, The Chemical Brothers successfully strike the perfect balance between experimental avantgarde-influenced electronica and accessible radio-friendly dance stompers, revealing an impressive roster of guest vocalists.
FUNNY NEWS
The Funny Men Are On Their Way Downunder There never seems to be a time when great comedians aren’t visiting Australia on tour. Here are the funny men to look out for over the coming months…
Dylan Moran
Continuing his Australia tour into August, Ireland’s Dylan Moran will hit up Brisbane, Canberra and Sydney this month in Off The Hook. The creator and star of Black Books will be ranting his way through his shows with insane observations and imagery on ageing, religion, kids and relationships, to name just a few topics. 4th, 16th, 18th & 19th August – Concert Hall Qpac, Brisbane 15th August – Royal Theatre Canberra, Canberra 23rd & 24th August – State Theatre, Sydney www.ticketmaster.com.au
Kevin Smith
One of the smartest brains in independent film and comedy including cult classic, Clerks, Kevin Smith will be embarking on an Australian tour this September, accompanied by co-star Jason Mewes. An Evening With Kevin Smith: The Jersey Boys Tour is in two parts: Jay and Silent Bob Get Old (telling stories and making fun of each other) and Q&A with Kevin Smith. The opportunity to see these two together on stage is an unmissable opportunity, and then to grill the man himself – unforgettable. 18th September – State Theatre, Sydney 19th September (5pm & 8.45pm) – The Tivoli, Brisbane 21st September – Palais Theatre, Melbourne 23rd September – Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide www.ticketmaster.com.au 78
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Russell Brand
Author, presenter, actor, activist and thinker, Russell Brand is seemingly a parttime comedian! Lucky for us, then, that he’s returning to Australia on the Trew World Order tour this October. The opinionated Brit will be speaking to Australian audiences on all manner of debates and issues, and will no doubt spark conversation among the crowd when they’re not cracking up at his quick wit. 17th October – Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne 18th October – Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Adelaide 20th October – Perth Arena, Perth 22nd October – Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Brisbane 23rd October – Sydney Opera House, Sydney 24th October – Qantas Credit Union Arena, Sydney www.ticketmaster.com.au
John Bishop
Loveable favourite, John Bishop, will be live in Australia this October including an appearance at Just For Laughs at the Sydney Opera House. Who can believe this huge UK name has never toured Australia before? Since starting his career in 2000, Bishop has played to sell-out crowds countless times, and he has even recounted the bike journey he took from Sydney to Tropical North Queensland when he was 25. Finally, he can tell his story to the people of Australia when he returns! 20th October – The Tivoli, Brisbane 21st October – Sydney Opera House, Sydney 22nd October – Athenaeum Theatre, Melbourne 25th October – Astor Theatre, Perth www.ticketmaster.com.au
However, the plan backfired somewhat when James threw up and passed out from heat exhaustion mid-flight after donning 12 layers of clothing. Nice.
Putting On While Taking Off
We’ve all been tempted to fly on EasyJet at some time or another, lured in by their promise of 50p flights to an airport that’s actually 80 miles away from the city you’re supposedly travelling to. Of course, you always get screwed in the end. It’s a lesson that James McElvar, a singer with shit Scottish boyband Rewind, found out the hard way. After being told he’d have to pay excess fees for his luggage on a trip from London to Glasgow, the typically tight Scotsman came up with a cunning plan to save some money – wear all his clothes at once.
‘I felt it was my only option to put on everything,’ James said. ‘It was impossible to walk, I could barely get on the plane. I wanted to take them all off as soon as I got to my seat – beside which was a spare seat that I could have sat one of my bags on – but was told I had to wait until we were up in the air.’ He started undressing as the plane was taking off, but for once it wasn’t to excite hormone-riddled teenagers. Alas, his body temperature had already soared. He then complained to the group’s manager that he was incredibly warm, sweating profusely, light headed and feeling sick. Cabin crew were notified, and he was offered an empty row at the rear of the plane. Without any sick bags on board, he was given a transparent bin bag in case he vomited. He was then violently sick, somehow missing the plastic bag. Funnily enough, BBM had the same reaction just from listening to one of his songs.
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Baby Baffles Ancient Mummy
They say every birth is a little miracle but for Sussex woman Doris Ayling the news that she was pregnant was a little more miraculous than most. For starters, she’s 99 years old, and therefore a smidge past the menopause. Secondly, the only evidence of anything being up her fanny in the last decade is the cobwebs down there.
Cop Cops A Feel
They’re the six little words that every policeman fears when he’s trying to arrest a dangerous felon: “Look out officer! She’s got tits!” Sadly, this warning cry came too late to save a poor defenceless policeman in Hong Kong, who was allegedly assaulted by a protester’s breasts. Quite how that’s possible, or why you’d complain about it, is still up for debate, but that’s the charge that has been levelled at 30-year-old Ng Lai-ying. Despite the fact that photos of Lai-ying with blood streaming from her nose have hit the net, and that she was the one who made the initial complaint of indecent assault, the poor protester has had the tables turned on her, with Chinese magistrates claiming she used her ‘feminine wiles’ to trap the officer. Call us paranoid, but it almost sounds like the Chinese government are trying to ruthlessly stamp out all criticism of the ruling system, no matter how bloody ridiculous it makes them look. By the way, if any women out there want to demonstrate how to assault a man with your tits, please feel free to pop into BBM Towers at any time. 80
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Somewhat predictably, the pregnancy letter from Fareham Community Hospital turned out to be “an administrative error”, which was no great surprise to her seven grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. The randy granny, who will turn 100 in November, said: “I was a bit amused by it all. “I’ve never been to the Portsmouth hospitals and I don’t know where the Fareham hospital is. It’s a complete mystery to me how I got this letter. I had three children when I was 20, 23 and 29. That was enough.”
Wife Has Husband On A Leash
In a sweet tale of finding love after heartbreak, a Dutch woman who recently lost her husband is ready to remarry again, this time to her dog. And by the way, her ex-husband was a cat. Talk about heavy petting. Dominique Lesbirel married Doerack, the aforementioned cat, eight years ago but, aged 19 and suffering kidney failure, he had to be put down. But the 41-year-old has found love with her dog, Travis, and hopes they will get married one day. Two guesses for the position of choice on the wedding night. ‘I had people emailing me telling me I was cruel,’ she said. ‘They said I was basically promoting animal cruelty. Some were horrified and thought I was condoning bestiality, which was awful and certainly not the case.” Fair enough Dominique, we can hardly criticise you for searching for love again – especially considering the number of absolute dogs BBM has shagged in the past.
Mane Man Is King Of The Urban Jungle
Forget about ice epidemics and race riots, police in Milwaukee have bigger problems to deal with after reports of a frickin’ lion on the prowl. Hilariously, the reports have sparked panic among easily spooked gun-totin’ Americans, and one poor pitbull was shot in the paw in a case of mistaken identity. Because, you know, pitbulls look almost exactly like lions with their huge yellow mane and bone-shaking roar. The poor pooch is expected to make a full recovery.
community, but you have to be pretty smart to run your own large-scale hydroponic cannabis operation while avoiding the attention of the authorities. There’s a lot of science involved, a lot of misdirection, and you have to be fully aware of the sort of tell-tale clues that police pick up on when looking for drug factories.
“It’s ludicrous. It’s not tall and not anywhere near the size of a lion,” said Karen Sparapani, director of the Milwaukee Area Domestic Animal Control Commission. “We are trying to tell people not to panic.” A cell phone video clip surfaced hours later showing a blurry image of a large cat-like animal strolling about, heightening fears and speculation. “It’s not outside the realm of possibility that someone could try to raise a lion in their basement and then get overwhelmed with the care,” Sparapani said before ordering an air strike on the residential area.
This Faith Business Makes A Sweet Prophet
Ever wondered what Willy Wonka’s son would have been like if he’d become a religious nutjob and moved to South Africa? Well, wonder no more good people, because insane pastor Prophet Penuel has given us a sign. Amen. The bonkers
preacher, from the End Times Disciples Ministries in Pretoria, ordered his flock to eat live snakes – and promised that it would become chocolate in their mouths. We’re not sure the Oompa Loompa union would have signed off on that one but there you go. And it worked, according to the not-at-all questionable accounts of the congregation. ‘I did as I was commanded and tasted the chocolate. It was different but tasted good’, one said. Another added: ‘I was not sure at first but when I bit the snake I realised it was the best chocolate I have ever eaten’.
Richard Edmunds and his flatmate Joshua Langmead, both aerospace engineers, had been doing a pretty good job of staying a step ahead of the law with their own operation – two bedrooms that had been converted into mini-cannabis factories, complete with growing lights and fans. Sadly for the duo, Richard made one tiny slip that helped police crack the case – he took a photo of himself in front of the cannabis plants, smiling and giving a thumbs up, and sent it to all his mates. Police were then tipped off about the photo and swooped on the house in South Molton, Devon. The two men, both aged 25, have both admitted to supplying cannabis at Exeter Crown Court. Idiots.
Prophet Penuel has form for his belief in divine transformation. He previously encouraged worshippers to drink petrol, which he claimed would transform into pineapple juice. Great little party trick, but if the daft bastard did it the other way round he could solve the world’s energy problems in a flash.
Potty Photo Costs Dopey Idiot
They may not exactly have the greatest reputation in the
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SPORTS NEWS
Something Fishy About Mario
From scoring the winning goal in last year’s World Cup final, to being named the second worst player in the Bundesliga by his peers the following season, Mario Goetze’s fall from grace is the biggest since Pluto had its planetary status revoked. But whereas Pluto is firmly on the comeback trail thanks to some candid long-lens snaps (tabloid gossip style) from that satellite, Goetze’s star continues to plummet.
Mour Of The Same From Chelsea
Manchester United have brought in Bastian Schweinsteiger, Arsenal finally have a world-class goalkeeper and Man City have captured the England team’s hottest property – but it’s Jose Mourinho’s two big summer signings that look set to have the biggest impact on the new Premier League season when it kicks off on 8th August. Mastermind Mourinho has splashed out on a brand new pipe and slippers, so confident is he (and BBM for that matter) that Chelsea will canter to the title again this season. United have too many new big-name players to be consistent, Man City will sack Manuel Pellegrini at the first sign of a bad patch and Arsenal are, well, Arsenal – always a couple of world-class players away from a squad deep enough to challenge. And for any Liverpool fans wondering why we haven’t mentioned you, one word - rofl. “In this moment we don’t want players,” Mourinho said while leaning back on a chaise longue and chucking peanuts into his mouth. “Of course, we must be ready because the market is open and if someone comes for one of our players with a bid, we must be ready to act. “We need a left-back because I think we will sell Filipe Luis, so we need to go to the market. But other positions, we have no space.” At the other end, we fully expect an all-out bloodbath of a relegation battle. All three promoted teams will struggle, obviously, but they will be buoyed by the fact that they will be joined by some especially poor teams in the race to finish fourth from bottom - we’re looking at you Leicester, Villa, Sunderland and Newcastle. Basically if you’re from the North East or East Midlands, prepare to have a shitbag of a season.
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His latest gaffe was the sort of culturally ignorant comment usually reserved for Americans. When quizzed by Chinese news agency Xinhau, he said: “I think Chinese food is great, especially sushi.” Well done Mario. Why offend just one nation, when you can do two in one sentence?
Feathers Fly In Pitch Invasion
Remember the ‘70s? They were the glory days of football hooliganism, when a small child could watch his father have his head kicked clean off by a bunch of scarf-waving fans and still dismiss it all as part of the “terrace banter”. As time has gone on, both the fans and the game itself have gotten softer, with players rolling around the floor in agony if someone brushes against their shirt as silent fans munch on their prawn sandwiches. And it seems the once-terrible face of football hooliganism has also undergone a facelift, after
a pre-season friendly in St Petersburg had to be delayed when the pitch was invaded by a vicious gang of hooligan ducks. In graphic footage of the violence, the referee can be seen blowing his whistle at the feathery thugs as he tries to escort them from the pitch. Eventually they moved on, but the scars of violence, and the smell of duck faeces, will linger over the rest of the Russian season.
Warneing: May Cause Side Effects
Hands up if you thought Shane Warne’s unnaturally smooth face and wrinkle-free forehead were the product of artificial help…
Thankfully Shane was on hand to set the record straight, and there’s a perfectly logical reason why his face has that plastic sheen to it. Apparently it’s all to do with filters. That’s right, all those photos of him looking like Joan Rivers are due to settings on his smartphone. “Hahahah, you Muppets, it’s called filters! Way to easy to wind people up,” he tweeted. That doesn’t quite explain why everyone else in his photos look normal, but who are we to question his logic? The king of spin indeed.
Badgering The Reporter
It’s good to see Wallabies’ star Nick “Honey Badger” Cummins back doing what he does best – giving “true blue” soundbites to chuckling reporters while looking slightly ridiculous. Only this time, he was speaking to an American reporter – who clearly didn’t have a bloody clue what he was talking about when using phrases like “red centre” and “single sheila”. The Wallabies’ cult hero told US viewers he had just started wearing a mouth guard again, after two years of not wearing one. “I finally got a whack on the gob,” he said. “On the what?” the reporter asked. “On the mouth, on the laughing gear, we call it,” Cummins explained.
Moving off-topic, the curly-haired larrikin then advised American ladies searching for love to travel Down Under to try their luck. “If you’re a single Sheila and you’re trying to find an Australian bloke, you duck off down there to Australia, you go to the Red Centre, you’ll find there’s a few shearers, a few stockmen and there you will find an Australian bloke,” he told the US reporter. “A single Sheila?” the clearly confused reporter asked. And so it went on.
Hung, Draws And Quarters
Football purists and cliché-loving commentators were up in arms when the old adage “it’s a game of two halves” came under threat during a preseason friendly between Cambridge and Norwich recently. Instead of playing two 45-minute halves, the clubs instead decided to play in 30-minute quarters – making for a whopping 120 minutes of normaltime football for fans in the stands, although why anyone would want to watch Norwich versus Cambridge for an extra 30 minutes is anyone’s guess. “The extended fixture has been agreed by both clubs in order to maximise the playing time of the respective sides ahead of the 2015-16 campaign,” said a statement on the Norwich website. It is understood Norwich, who are rumoured to be changing their name to the Norwich Wildcats soon, have also requested to wear shoulder pads and helmets for their opening Premier League game, and be allowed to use their hands instead of feet when running with the ball.
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Images courtesy of Hannes Rydén, Ronnie Macdonald and Tourism Victoria
In today’s cynical world it’s all too easy to jump to the conclusion that a weirdly plastic-looking 45-year-old man may have had cosmetic surgery to enhance his appearance. And it seems quite a few people did just that after pictures of him on Twitter seemed to show almost no signs of ageing.
CRYSTAL BALLS LIBRA You manage to break seven commandments in one weekend by stealing, having sex with and murdering a good friend of your mum and dad’s while screaming blasphemous obscenities – then lying about it to your neighbour. On a Sunday.
CANCER
As a Cancerian you are invited to the opening of Cancer World, a zoo-style theme park where previously extinct crabs from the Jurassic age are brought back to life thanks to modern-day cloning technology. Disaster strikes during the tour, however, when one of the enclosure keepers falls into a pit containing a rabid Dungeness crab and is viciously nipped on the toe by the cretaceous crustacean. Pincer-induced panic consumes the theme park and, in the confusion, the crabs escape their cages. It’s soon clear that no one on the island is safe from the unfolding nipping nightmare as the tiny terrors run amok. Luckily for all involved, a hunky American crab wrangler called Chris Pratt is on hand and after a thrilling series of sideways-scuttling chase scenes, he leads you and the rest of the theme park’s guests to safety before kissing Bryce Dallas Howard. In an ironic twist, the red-headed hotty catches crabs off Chris later that night.
RUSSIAN REPUBLIC OF VIRGO
Vladimir Putin’s lust for power reaches new levels this month. No longer content with global conquest, President Pooty strikes out to the stars, starting with the ruthless annexation of the constellation of Virgo 84
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by Russian separatists. The UN responds by deploying peacekeeping troops on Leo’s border with Virgo. Only Pussy Riot can save you now.
PISCES
After years of being told you can’t multi-task, you learn how to piss in the sink while cleaning your teeth. Well done to you. Especially if you’re a woman. If only your partner was as supportive. When you break the good news, he/she throws your laptop out of the window in disgust.
TAURUS
You are randomly struck on the head by a flying laptop and end up in a coma for two days. When you wake up, you bizarrely start speaking fluent Americanese, claiming you can’t afford Obamacare and that it’s your right as a patriot to be allowed to use a “cellphone” in hospital. When you notice there’s some sport on TV, you start whooping and hollering like an idiot and yelling “Go Wildcats!” while firing a gun in the air.
GEMINI
When an ASIO officer overhears you saying you ‘like ibis’ after you spot one of the long-beaked birds scavenging through a bin, you are immediately arrested and detained on Christmas Island under Tony Abbott’s draconian new anti-terrorism laws. Apparently the officer thought you said ISIS. After three months of waterboarding, the government finds you guilty of supporting terrorism. As a result, you’re stripped of your passport, put on a deflating blow-up dinghy, handcuffed, and then pushed from shore in the general direction of Indonesia with the words “I support terrorism” tattooed on your forehead.
LEO
Inspired by the fight for gay marriage, you join another
marriage equality cause that’s much closer to your sexual preferences - Marriage Equality for Non-player Characters in Video Games. Who knows, maybe one day in a more tolerant society you’ll be allowed to marry the true love of your life - whether it’s Lara Croft, Lydia from Skyrim, or Princess Peach.
ARIES
After three false fire alarms in a week, you stubbornly refuse to leave the office when a fourth one goes off a couple of days later. Alas, it turns out to be a reverse boy who cried wolf, and your refusal to admit when you’re wrong means you carry on working at your desk even as the flames engulf your body and burn you to a crisp.
AQUARIUS
You realise it might be time to buy new underwear when you notice a pair of undies appear on the Antiques Road Show that bear an uncanny resemblance to a pair you’ve had for as long as you can remember. Apparently the TV pants were once owned by Dr Samuel Johnson, the famous literary critic who died in 1784.
SAGITTARIUS
After three weeks of guitar lessons, you finally learn the four chords needed to play the chorus from Smoke on the Water by Deep Purple. Next month you master Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star.
CAPRICORN
They say it is easier for a rich man to pass through the eye of a needle than enter the gates of heaven. Lucky for you, you’ll be poor and miserable for the rest of your life. Hurrah!
SCORPIO
Piss off Scorpio, I’ve already gone over my word count.
ASK CRYSTAL Dear Crystal, Please help. A good friend of mine has a slight body odour problem and whenever we go out with the lads, I can’t help but take the piss out of him. It’s not that I like doing it, it’s just that the lads laugh so much it makes me feel really popular and confident. I feel bad afterwards, but I’m worried the other lads won’t like me as much if I stop. What should I do? Yours, Barry Dear Barry, Your callous jokes about a friend’s body odour problem may score some cheap laughs among your friends but it can have a lasting detrimental effect on your friend’s confidence. Remember “Words are like weapons, they wound sometimes”. Cher sang those words on “Turn Back Time”. She might be a filthy old slapper with a fanny so big you can chuck a penny in it and make a wish, but she knows what she’s talking about. Think before you needlessly insult someone. Dear Crystal, I’m really starting to worry about a friend of mine, who I think is struggling to come to terms with the
fact that he’s a homosexual. I don’t want to give away his identity, so let’s just call him anonymous. Anyway, I caught Dan getting off with another man in the toilets of the Cock n Bull (where he often drinks), even though he’s married to a lovely Cuban woman who he lives with in Bondi Junction. With all that worry about his sexuality, no wonder he’s gone bald. He’s also about 5ft 9ins and speaks with a distinct southern English accent. Anyway, like I said, I don’t want to give away his identity so I’ll say no more, especially as he works with the visa people at Border Force. Yours, Jack Dear Jack, It’s a sad situation when a man can’t embrace his obvious homosexual tendencies in one of the world’s most open-minded cities. Actually, as a Cock n Bull regular myself, I think I know the guy you’re talking about. He usually sits with that tell, handsome stallion of a man with the glasses who looks like a sexy Stephen Merchant. No wonder this “Dan” has developed homoerotic urges if he’s hanging around with that hunk – who is not gay at all by the way. Not that there’s anything wrong with that.
JOKES The conductor of my wife’s lie detector test revealed that my wife had been unfaithful. “How reliable are these results?” I asked him. “Very,” he replied. “She sucked me off in the car park earlier.” Brad, Richmond There are many breeds of rare pigs but none are rarer than my wife She’s got to be only one, who can operate the microwave when she’s sleepwalking. Terry, Darlinghurst I was casually minding my business while smoking a cigarette. “You shouldn’t do that in front of your child,” exclaimed a man.
“Technically, he’s not my child,” I replied. “What...” said my son. Gary, Paddington It’s all just sex and drugs on television these days. Mind you, I only watch the Parliamentary channel. Leonard, Surry Hills They’ve upgraded our office for wheelchair access. Which means I now go everywhere on my swivel chair. Barry, Fremantle I had a terrible break up. My friends told me that if I want to get over my ex-girlfriend, I should get rid of anything that
reminded me of her. So what I did, is I took the pillows that smelled like her, and cut them up. Then, anything we bought together, I smashed into tiny pieces. After that, I ripped up all the pictures of her. Finally, I put it all in a pile in the middle of the living room, and I lit it on fire. Then I got the hell out of her apartment! Jodi, Windsor The first rule of Alzheimer’s club, is don’t talk about chess club. Ted, Cottesloe My wife gets annoyed when I tell people she works in a poundshop, but I think it sounds so much nicer than saying she works in a brothel. Rob, Joondalup
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ADULT FUN
5 Fun ways to get a sexy body this spring With spring on the horizon it’s time to get your body looking extra sexy for the beach, so if you’re looking for fun ways to get bikini fit then you’ll love these alternative ways to shape up. Pole Dancing
Zumba
Want washboard abs, tight buns and some unique style? Pick up a hoop. Anyplace, anytime, not only will you get fit, you’ll get a good laugh out of it and gain a great new conversation starter. Sydney: www.hoopempire.com Melbourne: hooplovers.com Perth: happyhealthyhoops.com Brisbane: gethooped.com Adelaide: prettystickycircus.com.au
Lose calories virtually without noticing as you party to some rockin’ beats. No one will judge your inability to coordinate, movement as a sense of fun is all you need. There’s a reason Zumba is so popular and that’s because it literally makes people happy. Fact. Sydney: fuegostudios.com.au Melbourne: zumbaunited.com.au Perth: www.zumbaperth.com Brisbane: zumbawithcarol.com.au Adelaide: fernwoodfitness.com.au Darwin: www.darwinletszumba.com.au
Belly Dancing
Skating
Hula Hooping
We know you loved Princess Jasmine from Aladdin. Why not channel her style and work out at the same time? Classes often teach a fusion with Bollywood, Tribal dance and Yoga, plus you get to mess around with shawls, veils, coin belts and other such funky accessories. Sydney: www.inspirebellydance.com.au Melbourne: bellydancebohemia.com.au Perth: bellydancewa.com.au Brisbane: hipnoticbellydance.com Adelaide: bellydanceamethyst.com Darwin: darwinbellydance.com.au 86
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Relive the 80s and strap on a pair of roller skates. Classes tailor to all levels and you can learn such show-stopping skills as back-skating, jumping, transition, skating on four wheels, speed skating, spinning, jam skating and moon walking. Use for pick-up purposes, at your own risk. Neon leggings are mandatory. Sydney: rollerbladingsydney.com Melbourne: rollercity.com.au Perth: morleyrollerdrome.com.au Brisbane: staffordskatecentre.com.au Adelaide: skatescool.com.au
By Sarah Morland
Fun, sexy and a hell of a cardio. If you want to build some abs, and pick up a new party trick, find a class and grab a pole near you. Also, it’s as good an excuse as any to watch women defy gravity on Miss Pole Dance Australia. Don’t worry if your first class turns out a little different. Sydney & Perth: bobbispolestudio.com.au Melbourne: xpressions.net.au Brisbane: thepolegym.com Adelaide: poleboutique.com.au Darwin: 3dfitnessstudio.com.au
Date Night
Ananas, Sydney
French Mediterranean glamour, opulent surroundings and delicate cuisine make Ananas perfect for date night in The Rocks. The bar is buzzing with champagne and oysters and the tables are decorated with deep red roses, but hide in your own little corner of this decadent restaurant for low lighting and intimacy over $34 braised lamb shoulder and $38 pan roasted pork cutlet. Finish your evening feeding each other the trio of Ananas éclairs for $19. 18 Argyle Street, The Rocks, Sydney www.ananas.com.au
Portello Rosso, Melbourne
Take your date for a night of traditional Spanish dining and drinking. Walk inside the red brick walls of Portello Rosso and take your seat upstairs overlooking the bar. Share some tapas of $8.50 olives, $7.50 lamb skewers and $7 pork belly, and sip on a fine red wine from Rioja, Valdepenas
or Murcia. When it’s time for something sweet, indulge your naughty side with the Five Layer Raspberry Trifle for $16.50. 15 Warburton Lane, Melbourne portellorosso.com.au
Opus Restaurant, Perth
This New York-style restaurant boasts shelfupon-shelf of bottles of wine, the red carpet adds a touch of romance and the table-for-twos just beg an intimate evening. If you’ve got three days wages to blow on the weekend, treat your other half to a degustation menu complete with barramundi, quail, venison and a raspberry and white chocolate soufflé for $135 each, plus $85 each for matching wines. 32 Richardson Street, West Perth www.opusrestaurant.com.au
Cuvee Lounge Bar, Brisbane
If you just fancy a few drinks to see where the evening takes you, this sophisticated bar specialises in champagne – 20 of the world’s finest in fact – and offers impeccable service with mood lighting. Cuvee Lounge Bar also happens to reside in Sofitel Brisbane, if you just so happen to need a room for the night. 249 Turbot Street, Brisbane www.sofitelbrisbane.com.au
Image courtesy of Ananas
If there’s one ingredient of a romantic date you don’t need to worry about in Australia, it’s the restaurant. With an abundance of fine eateries, brasseries and seductive establishments, whether it’s your first or fiftieth date, these romantic restaurants in Australia guarantee a great date night!
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ADVERTISE HERE CALL 0497 100 731
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Venture to www.bbmlive.com for more amazing travel inspiration Culture & Etiquette Guide To Thailand
Whale & Dolphin Conservation In Tenerife
Top 10 Things To Do In South Australia 7 Must-Visit Destinations In China
A Local’s Guide To Tasmania
With new travel stories every day, make sure you don’t miss out on your next adventure!
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THINGS TO DO SKYDIVING
IFLY DOWNUNDER 123 Mulgoa Road, Penrith, Sydney Ph: 1300 366 364 www.iflydownunder.com.au SYDNEY SKYDIVERS 745 Picton Road, Wilton, New South Wales, Australia 2571 Ph: 1800 805 997 admin@sydneyskydivers.com.au www.sydneyskydivers.com.au SOUTHERN SKYDIVERS 2 hours South from Perth Busselton Ph: 1300 449 669 info@southernskydivers.com.au www.southernskydivers.com.au
SCUBA DIVING
NINGLAOO WHALE SHARK & DIVE CENTRE Located inside reception at the Exmouth Cape Holiday Park: 3 Truscott Street, Exmouth, WA Ph: 1800 224 060 www.ningaloowhalesharkndive. com.au THE SCUBA CENTRE Port Douglas-Cairns-Airlie Beach, 230 Sugarloaf Rd, Whitsunday Ph: 07 4946 1067 whitscub@gmail.com www.scubacentre.com.au
ADVENTURE TOURS AWESOME WHITSUNDAYS PH: 1800 293 7663 www.awesomewhitsundays.com HAPPY TRAVELS PH: 02 6685 6693 www.happytravels.com.au CONTIKI Ph: 1300 188 635 www.CONTIKI.COM AUSSIE WANDERER Ph: 0894382070 info@aussiewanderer.com.au www.aussiewanderer.com.au KALBARRI ADVENTURE TOURS Ph: 09 9371677 kalcanoe@wn.com.au www.kalbarritours.com.au NINGALOO EXPERIENCE Ph: 08 99 425 877 manta@ningalooexperience.com www.ningalooexperience.com WILD EXPEDITIONS Shop 20, Johnny Chi Lane, Broome
Ph: 1300 73 88 70 www.wildexpeditions.com.au MARGARET RIVER VINTAGE WINE TOURS Ph: 0417 948 933 www.winetoursmargaretriver. com.au THE PEEL REGION TOURISM 75 Mandurah Terrace, Mandurah Ph: 08 9550 3999 www.visitpeel.com.au DOLPHIN DISCOVERY CENTRE Lot 830 Koombana Drive, Bunbury Ph: 08 9791 3088 dolphindiscovery.com.au WESTCOAST JET The Boardwalk, Mews Road Fishingboat Harbour Fremantle Ph: 0403 606 033 info@westcoastjet.com.au www.westcoastjet.com.au KANGAROO ISLAND ADVENTURE TOURS Vivonne Bay, Kingscote, SA Ph: 08 8202 8678 www.kiadventuretours.com.au SWAGABOUT TOURS Ph: 08 82661879 info@swagabouttours.com.au www.swagabouttours.com.au CAMEL TREK AUSTRALIA P.O Box 95, Hawker S.A 5434 cameltreksaustralia@gmail.com www.cameltreksaustralia.com.au OUTBACK CAMP TOURS Ph: 04 2711 1071 outbackcamptours.com GOIN SOUTH Four days, two famous Aussie icons, one awesome tour Ph: 1800 009 858 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 PENRITH WHITE WATER RAFTING Ph: 02 4730 4333 booking@penrithwhitewater. com.au www.penrithwhitewater.com.au DROP BEAR ADVENTURES Ph: 1800 061 156 www.dropbearadventures.com.au FREE MOTION SPORTS 6 Davenport Road, Shoalhaven Heads, NSW 2535
Ph: +61 401934236 info@freemotionsports.com.au www.freemotionsports.com.au OVERLAND TRACK PHOTO TOURS Ph: 04 13 487 644 info@overlandphototours.com.au overlandphototours.com.au CROCOSAURUS COVE 58 Mitchell Street, Darwin Ph: 08 8981 7522 www.crocosauruscove.com TERRITORY EXPEDITIONS Ph: 1300 115 922 www.territoryexpeditions.com.au MULGAS ADVENTURES Ph: 08 8952 1545 www.mulgasadventures.com.au Kakadu Wild Expeditions Ph: 1300 73 88 70 darwinsales@kimberleywild.com.au www.kakaduwild.com.au Kakadu 4WD Safaris Ph: 1300 525 238 info@kadu4wdsafaris.com www.kakadu4wdsafaris.com ADVENTURE TOURS AUSTRALIA Ph: 1300 654 604 adventuretours.com.au SYDNEY OUTBACK TOURS Ph: 1300 307 634 www.sydneyoutback.com.au REAL SYDNEY TOURS Ph: 0402 049426 www.realsydneytours.com.au THE TRAVEL YOGA COMPANY Ph: 0411301820 www.theyogatravelcompany.com OUTBACK CAMP TOURS Ph: 4-2711-1071 www.outbackcamptours.com KIMBERLEY WILD EXPEDITIONS Ph: 1300 73 88 70 www.kimberleywild.com.au Visit Peel Ph: 08 9550 3999
KITE SURFING
KITE REPUBLIC 10-18 Jacka Blvd. St.Kilda Sea Baths Complex, St.Kilda, 3182, Melbourne, VIC Ph: 03 95370644 www.kiterepublic.com.au
SURF SCHOOLS GREAT OCEAN ROAD SURF TOURS 55B Surf Coast Highway, Torquay, Victoria, 3228 Ph: 03 5261 3730 info@gorsurftours.com.au
www.gorsurftours.com.au KANGAROO MARINE CHARTERS 9 Chapman Terrace, Kingscote, Kangaroo Island, SA Ph: 0427 315 286 www.kimarineadventures.com ADVENTURE KAYAKING 7 Hastings Street, Glenelg South, SA Ph: 08 8295 8812 bookings@adventurekayak.com.au www.adventurekayak.com.au PARADISE JET BOATING Jetty ‘C’ Mariners Cove Marina, Seaworld Drive, Main Beach Qld 4217 Ph: 1300 JET BOAT (1300 538 262) thrills@paradisejetboating.com.au www.paradisejetboating.com.au
BOWLING
STRIKE BOWLING Nationwide Ph:1300 787453 www.strikebowling.com.au PADDO BOWLS 2 Quarry Street Paddington NSW, 2021 Ph: 02 9363 1150
TRANSPORT
MIGHTY CAMPERS Nationwide Ph: 1800 670 232 www.mightycampers.com.au GREAT SOUTHERN RAIL Nationwide Ph: 1800 703 357 www.greatsouthernrail.com.au INTEGRITY COACH LINES PO BOX 1131, Midland, 6936 WA Ph: 08 927 47464 www.integritycoachlines.com.au GO CAMPER 90 Parkin Street, Rockingham, WA Ph: 1300 667 363 www.gocamper.com.au MELBOURNE CITY SIGHTSEEING Ph: 0432 379 322 info@melbournecitysightseeing. com.au www.citysightseeing.melbourne
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ACCOMMODATION NEW SOUTH WALES SYDNEY
THE GLOBE BACKPACKERS 40 Darlingurst Road Kings Cross, Sydney NSW 2011 Free: 1800 806 384 Ph: (02) 9326 9675 info@globebackpackers.com www.globebackpackers.com WEST END BACKPACKERS 12 Pitt St Sydney NSW, 2000 Ph: 02 9211 4588 Free Phone: 1800 013 186 bookings@westendbackpackers.com www.nomadsworld.com/westend BOUNCE SYDNEY 28 Chalmers Street, Sydney 2010 Free call 1800890897 Ph (02) 9281 2222 book@bouncehotel.com.au www.bouncehotel.com.au LORD WOLSELEY HOTEL 265 Bulwara Rd Ultimo, Sydney 2007 Ph: (02) 9660 1731 info@lordwolseleyhotel.com.au www.lordwolseleyhotel.com.au PORTERHOUSE HOTEL 233 Riley St Surry Hills NSW 2010 Ph: (02) 9211 4454 info@porterhouse.com.au www.Porterhouse.com.au BIG HOSTEL Single and double & Dorm rooms available Max 4 bed dorms. 212 Elizabeth Street, Surry Hills Sydney NSW 2010 Ph: (02) 92816030 Free: 1800 212 244 reception@bighostel.com www.bighostel.com O’MALLEY’S HOTEL 228 William Street, Kings Cross Sydney, NSW 2011 Ph: 02 9357 2211 admin@omalleyshotel.com.au www.omalleyshotel.com.au SYDNEY CENTRAL HOSTEL 428 Pitt Street Sydney 2000 Ph: (02) 9211 7323 stay@sydneycentralhostel.com.au www.sydneycentralhostel.com.au
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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
BYRON BAY ACCOM Ph: 02 66 808 666 Email: bookings@byronbayaccom.net www.byronbayaccom.net AQUARIUS BACKPACKERS 16 Lawson Street Byron Bay NSW 2481 Ph: (02) 6685-7663 Free: 1800 028 909 info@aquarius-backpackers.com.au www.aquarius-backpackers.com.au NOMADS BYRON BAY 1 Lawson Lane, Byron Bay, NSW 2481 Ph: 02 6680 7966 Free: 1800 766 673 bookings@nomadsbyronbay.com nomadshostels.com ARTS FACTORY LODGE 1 Skinners Shoot Road, Byron Bay, NSW Ph: 02 6685 7709 info@artsfactory.com.au www.artsfactory.com.au An essential part of your journey MACA’S CAMPING GROUND Ph: 02 6684 5211 1156 Main Arm Rd, Upper Main Arm NSW 2482, Australia http://www.macascampingground.com/ macascampingground@gmail.com
LAKE TABOURIE LAKE TABOURIE TOURIST PARK Princes Hwy, Lake Tabourie, NSW 2539 Ph: (02) 4406-3101 www.laketabourietouristpark.com.au
QUEENSLAND BRISBANE
BASE BRISBANE UPTOWN 466 George St, Brisbane City, Qld 4000 Ph: (07) 3238 5888 Free: 1800 24 2273 uptown@stayatbase.com www.stayatbase.com Free Tinbilly Limited Edition T-shirt With presentation of this BBM Ad THE DECK 117 Harcourt St, New Farm Brisbane QLD 4005 Ph: 0433 777 061 the_deck@live.com.au Designed with the working Traveler in Mind. Minimum 2 week stay BRISBANE CITY YHA 392 Upper Roma St, Brisbane QLD 4000 Ph: (07) 3236 1004 brisbanecity@yha.com.au www.yha.com.au
GOLDCOAST
TREKKERS BACKPACKERS 22 White Street, Goldcoast, QLD, 4215 Ph: (07) 55915616 Free : 1800 100 004 info@trekkersbackpackers.com.au www.trekkersbackpackers.com.au AQUARIUS BACKPACKERS 44 Queen Street Gold Coast, Queensland Ph: 07 5527 1300 Free:1800 229 955 info@aquariusbackpackers.com.au www.aquariusbackpackers.com.au BACKPACKERS IN PARADISE 40 Peninsular Drive Central Surfers Paradise Queensland, 4217 Ph: (07) 5538 4344 Free: 1800 268 621 info@backpackersinparadise.com www.backpackersinparadise.com SURF N SUN Beachside Backpackers 3323 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast, QLD 4217 Ph: (07) 5592 2363 Free: 1800 678 194 info@surfnsun-goldcoast.com www.surfnsun-goldcoast.com SLEEPING INN SURFERS 26 Peninsular Drive Surfers Paradise QLD Ph: 07 5592 4455 info@sleepinginn.com.au www.sleepinginn.com.au COOLANGATTA SANDS HOSTEL Cnr Griffith & McLean Streets Coolangatta 4225 QLD Ph: 07 5536 7472 hostel@taphouse.com.au www.taphouse.com.au
SURFERS PARADISE BACKPACKERS RSRT Backpackers Resort,2837 Gold Coast Highway, Queensland 4217 Ph: 07 5592 4677 Free: 1800 282 800 spbr@bigpond.net.au www.surfersparadisebackpackers.com.au
NOOSA
NOMADS NOOSA 44 Noosa Drive, Noosa Heads, QLD 4567 Phone: 07 5447 3355 bookings@nomadsnoosa.com www.nomadsnoosa.com
HERVEY BAY
NOMADS HERVEY 408 The Esplanade, Torquay, Hervey Bay, QLD 4655 Phone: 07 4125 3601 bookings@nomadshervey.com www.nomadshervey.com
TOWN OF 1770
(Between Bunderberg & Rockhampton) COOL BANANAS 2 Spring Road, 1770, Queensland, 4677 Ph: (07) 4974 7660 Free: 1800 227 660 wheeler_danny@hotmail.com www.coolbananas.net.au 1770 SOUTHERN CROSS (Backpackers) 2694 Round Hill Rd Agnes Water QLD 4677 Ph: 0749747225 info@1770southerncross.com www.1770southerncross.com 1770 BEACHSIDE BACKPACKERS 12 Captain Cook Drive PO Box 212, Agnes Water QLD 4677 Ph: 07 4974 7200 enquiries@1770beachsidebackpacker.com.au www.1770beachsidebackpacker.com.au
PORT DOUGLAS
UNITED PORT DOUGLAS 37 Warner Street, Port Douglas, QLD Ph: 07 4099 5011 unitedportdouglas.com.au
CAIRNS CAIRNS SHARE HOUSE 17 Scott Street, Cairns, QLD 4870 Ph: (+617) 4041 1875 info@cairns-sharehouse.com www.cairns-sharehouse.com NOMADS ESPLANADE 93 The Esplanade, Cairns, QLD 4870 Ph: 07 4031 7477 Free: 1800 175 716 bookings@nomadsesplanade.com www.nomadshostels.com
DREAMTIME TRAVELLERS REST 4 Terminus Street (corner of Bunda st.& Terminus st.) Cairns 4870 Queensland Ph: (07) 4031 6753 info@dreamtimehostel.com www.dreamtimehostel.com JJ’S BACKPACKERS 11-13 Charles Street Cairns QLD 4870 Ph - (07) 4051 7642 Free- 1800 666 336 jjsbackpackers@ledanet.com.au www.jjsbackpackers.com
MISSION BEACH ABSOLUTE BACKPACKERS 28 Wongaling Beach Road Mission Beach Queensland 4852 Ph: 07 4068 8317 Free: 1800 688 316 info@absolutebackpackers.com.au www.absolutebackpackers.com.au SCOTTY’S BEACH HOUSE 167 Reid Road, Mission Beach, QLD, 4852 Ph: 07 4068 8676 info@scottysbeachhouse.com.au www.scottysbeachhouse.com.au
WHITSUNDAYS BAREFOOT LODGE Whitsunday Passage, Whitsundays, QLD Ph: +61 7 4946 9400 Free: 1800 075 125 longisland@oceanhotels.com.au www.oceanhotels.com.au
AIRLIE BEACH AIRLIE BEACH YHA 394 Shute Harbour Road Airlie Beach QLD Phone: (07) 4946 6312 Free:1800 247 251 airliebeach@yha.com.au www.yha.com.au
TOWNSVILLE RAMBUTAN 113 – 119 Flinders Street, Townsville 4810 enquiries@rambutantownsville.com Ph: 07 4771 6915 www.rambutantownsville.com
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CAPE TRIBULATION PK’S JUNGLE VILLAGE Cape Tribulation Road (PMB 7) Cape Tribulation QLD 4873 Tel: 07 4098 0040 info@pksjunglevillage.com www.pksjunglevillage.com
COOLIBAH LODGE 194 Brisbane Street Northbridge Perth WA Ph: (08) 9328 9958 www.coolibahlodge. com.au
RAINBOW BEACH
PIPPIES BEACH HOUSE Cnr of Spectrum Street & Cypress Avenue, Rainbow Beach FREEPHONE: 1800425356 info@pippiesbeachhouse. com.au www.pippiesbeachhouse. com.au 30mins FREE Internet on presentation of this ad PLUS FREE Breakfast & Eco Whale-Watching for all!
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
EXCLUSIVE BACKPACKERS 158 Adelaide Tce, Perth 6000 Ph: (08) 9221 9991 exclusivebackpackers@ hotmail.com www.exclusivebackpackers. com BEATTY LODGE 235 Vincent Street West Perth WA 6005 Ph: (08) 9227 1521 www.beattylodge.com.au info@beattylodge.com.au
SCARBOROUGH
MONKEY MIA
WESTERN BEACH LODGE 6 Westborough Street Scarborough, Western Australia, 6019 Ph. (08) 9245 1624 westernbeach@iprimus. com.au www.westernbeach.com
MONKEY MIA DOLPHIN RESORT Monkey Mia Road, Shark Bay 3537 Ph: +61 8 9948 1320 monkeymia@aspenresorts. com.au www.monkeymia.com.au
COTTESLOE PERTH
KUNUNURRA
OCEAN BEACH BACKPACKERS
1 Eric St Cottesloe Beach Ph: 08 9384 5111 backpackers@obh. com.au www.obh.com.au BILLABONG RESORT 381 Beaufort Street, Perth WA Ph: 08 9328 7720 bookings@billabongresort. com.au www.billabongresort. com.au BRITANNIA ON WILLIAM 253 William Street, Northbridge, WA Ph: 08 9227 6000 www.perthbritannia.com 94
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
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VICTORIA MILDURA
REDCLIFFS HOTEL 25 Jacaranda St, Red Cliffs VIC 3496 (03) 5024 1704
GREAT OCEAN ROAD
JOHANNA BEACH COTTAGES 225 Blue Johanna Road Johanna Heights Victoria 3238 (03) 5237 4224 cottages@johannabeach. com www.johannabeach.com
HALLS GAP
BRAMBUK BACKPACKERS HOSTEL 330 Grampians Road, Halls Gap, VictoriaPh: 03 5356 4250 bramback@netconnect. com.au www.brambuk.com.au/ backpackers.htm Brambuk Backpackers offers travellers an affordable and comfortable range of accommodation, ideally situated within the stunning Grampians National Park.
MELBOURNE
MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL BACKPACKERS 450 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne Vic 3000 Ph: 03 9662 4066 res@mibp.com.au www.mibp.com.au MELBOURNE DISCOVERY 167 Franklin Street, Melbourne VIC 300 Ph: 03 9329 7525. Freecall 1800 645 200 reservations@ hoteldiscovery.com.au www.hoteldiscovery. com.au UNITED BACKPACKERS 250 Flinders Street, Melbourne Ph: 03 9654 2616 unitedbackpackers.com.au
INDEPENDENT & BUDGET TRAVELER ACCOMMODATION PROVIDER Victoria Hall Accommodation 380 Russell Street, Melbourne 3000 Ph: 03 9662 3888 www.victoriahall.com.au
ST. KILDA
JACKSON APARTMENTS 80 Ikerman St ,St Kilda Beach Ph:0433 118 334 or 0412 525 510 www.jacksonapartments. com.au Jackson.apartments@ bigpond.com HABITAT HQ Freephone 1800 202 500 info@habitathq.com.au www.habitathq.com.au Award winning 4.5 star hostel with a homely & relaxed atmosphere Specials from $20! FREE pick up from Tullamarine (min 3 nt stay) * Conditions apply
NORTHERN TERRITORY DARWIN
ASHTON LODGE & WISDOM BAR 48 Mitchell St, Darwin, NT, 0800 Ph: 08 8941 4866 ashtonlodge@gmail.com www.wisdombar.com.au YOUTH SHACK 69 Mitchell Street, Darwin Ph: 1300 793 302 youthshack.com.au MELALEUCA ON MITCHELL 52 Mitchell Street, Darwin Ph: 09 8941 7800 momdarwin.com
CHILLIS BACKPACKERS 69 Mitchell Street, Darwin Ph: 1800 351 313 chillis.com.au
ALICE SPRINGS
ANNIE’S PLACE 4 Traeger Avenue, Alice Springs , NT, 0871 Ph: 1800 359 089 www.anniesplace.com.au HAVEN BACKPACKER RESORT 3 Larapinta Drive, Alice Springs Ph: 1800 79 4663 / 08 8952 4663 www.alicehaven.com.au
SOUTH AUSTRALIA ADELAIDE
ADELAIDE TRAVELLERS INN BACKPACKERS 220 Hutt St Adelaide 5000 Free call 1800633747 Ph: +61 08 82240753 bookings@ adelaidebackpackers. com.au www.adelaidebackpackers. com.au MAJESTIC MINIMA HOTEL 146 Melbourne Street, North Adelaide SA 5006 Ph:(08) 8334 7766 minima@majestichotels. com.au www.majestichotels. com.au