Australia Work & Travel August 2016 - BBM Tabloid

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Julian Clary T H E

J O Y

Inside Pick of the fest Club Guide Our fav bars in Oz Sports News

O F

M I N C I N G

TRAVEL DEALS

OZ JOBS BOOM JOB LISTINGS. EXPAT NEWS. VISA INFO. STUDY IN OZ.

SPONSORSHIPS

Visas

Australian employers are seeking skilled professionals from overseas for a range of jobs and sponsorship opportunities on the rise across the country. From the trade industries to healthcare, recruitment to IT, employers are looking for talent to grow their businesses and the Australia government have released recent updates to the Skilled Occupation List for Queensland, meaning there are fresh pathways for people wishing to migrate to Australia on permanent and temporary work visas.

Migration Agents Expat News Expat Services

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people2people provide tips and advice for working holiday maker jobs in Australia

$25 p7

INTERVIEWS

GORGON CITY EMANUEL SATIE Save 5% on domestic & international shipping p19

Freedom Migration discuss partner visas and pathways to Australian Pemenant Residency

Aussie Studies reveal your options for staying in Australia p21

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BEST HANGOUTS IN OZ

TANK STREAM BAR

If you are feeling a bit fancy, head down to the Tank Stream Bar to get your self some hand selected fine cheeses and take in the ancient wooden ceiling and wine-rack walls, which serve as a reminder Sydney’s novice past.

1 Tank Stream Way, Sydney www.merivale.com.au

Check out some of the best places to whet your whistle and have some fun with friends, from bright bouncy clubs with an infinite supply of DJ’s to venues with a reserved ambience where you can soak up a couple of beers after work with your mates, we’ve got you covered for what ever mood takes you!

SYDNEY JACKSON’S ON GEORGE

A triple decker of booze bliss, this hotel sports a classic Irish pub on the ground floor, a stylish club with plenty of room to dance on the 1st floor and to top it off an apple orchard themed cider bar sits like the crown jewel on the top floor of the venue.

176 George Street, Sydney www.jacksonsongeorge.com.au

THE ARGYLE

Nestled in the heritage listed buildings of the old Argyle stores, this trendy club still likes to keep up with its young whipper-snapper neighbours by offering a modern selection of food and drink and 5 super sleek and unique bars across two levels.

18 Argyle Street, The Rocks, Sydney www.theargylerocks.com

CANDY’S APARTMENT Located in the heart of Sydney’s night life, this bright and zany

MELBOURNE 1806

Having one the award for Best Cocktail Menu in the World in 2008, it is no surprise bar 1806 is itself named after the iconic year in history where the word cocktail was defined in writing.

169-171 Exhibition Street, Melbourne www.1806.com.au

THE QUIET MAN

This is perhaps the most Irish Pub in Australia, with traditional Irish dishes, old fashioned decor, plus a cozy log fire to keep you cozy warm this Aussie winter.

217 Racecourse Road, Flemington, Melbourne www.thequietman.com.au

ALUMBRA AT CENTRAL PIER

THE SANDEMAN

This trendy bar is hidden away in a 1914 heritage-listed cargo shed at the end of the Central Pier’s historic runway. Dressed up from head to toe in everything that is downtown New York, visit Alumbra for its line-up of world class UK & European DJs as well as mouth watering American menu loaded with burgers and hotdogs.

Shed 9, Central Pier, 161 Harbour Esplanade, Docklands, Melbourne www.alumbra.com.au

At first glance this venue looks like another bar trying to cash in on the craft/hipster venue aesthetic but a look under the hood and you see it is no cheap imitation.

Offering Iberico ham croquettes on one page of the menu and a hearty no-mucking-about beef pie and mash on the other Sandeman offers all your usual beverages as well with a healthy selection of craft beers available also.

Sandeman Building, 14-16 Kinnoull Street, Perth www.sandemanperth.co.uk

WESLEY ANNE

BRISBANE

Wesley Anne is a classic Scottish pub with stone walls old fashioned pew-style booths and a hearty menu to warm you up in the Aussie winter.

250 High Street, Northcote, Melbourne www.wesleyanne.com

PERTH MOJOS BAR

Mojos is one of those places that books everyone that owns a guitar and can play good and very, very loud music. Set up in what looks like a shop from the late 1800’s, Mojos will keep you warm with a bustling mosh and a face melting speaker system.

237 Queen Victoria St, North Fremantle, Perth www.mojosbar.com.au

THE WALRUS CLUB

Boasting a trendy 1920s prohibition theme, three-piece suits and ballgowns are not a prerequisite for entry however they would not look amiss in this trendy underground venue.

543 Coronation Drive, Toowong www.thewalrusclub.com.au

SUPER WHATNOT

Located in the rear storeroom of an abandoned beauty college in Brisbane’s CBD Whatnot can boast a seriously different atmosphere.

It’s menu and drinks are sure to surprise as well with dishes inspired by the Americas and a unique selection of craft and boutique beers and wines. Head down to this secret hideout with your friends on a lazy Thursday for the best experience.

48 Burnett Lane, Brisbane www.superwhatnot.com

By Locke Fitzpatrick

club is a respected juggernaut in the local music scene, showing years of constant support to up and coming artists. Find a new artist each week at this neon DJ hideout.

2 Bayswater Rd, Potts Point, Sydney www.candys.com.au

www.bbmlive.com

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SPORTS

BIG SAM TAKES ENGLAND BACK TO THE FUTURE “It’s coming home, it’s coming home, it’s coming – hoofball’s coming home.”

Those were the cheers coming from England’s green and unpleasant post-Brexit land last month, after the FA decided to make an already ugly world just that little bit uglier with the appointment of Sam “Long Ball” Allardyce as new England coach. And if you thought England were

unpopular already, wait until the Germans, Spaniards and Italians get a taste of his “direct” and physical approach to games against better opposition. Arsene Wenger knows what we’re talking about – but he can’t say anything or he’ll get lunged at by Kevin Davies.

“I have managed some world class players.

Fernando Hierro, Youri Djorkaeff, Jay Jay Okocha, Gary Speed, Nicolas Anelka and Michael Owen,” said Allardyce, whose next words were drowned out by increasingly loud coughs from Kevin Nolan. “Working with the England elite players will be very exciting for me because they will take on board ideas very quickly.”

Big Sam has described the job as his “biggest ever challenge”, which is not exactly news considering his greatest previous challenge was keeping Bolton in the Premier League. Remember this is the man who has won no actual silverware during his 20-year managerial career, who has never managed a Champions League team, and who was accused of playing 19th century football by Jose Mourinho – although that’s not necessarily a bad thing as the last time England were world beaters seems like 100 years ago.

“In terms of winning no trophies or cups, unfortunately, as an English manager I never

In a not-at-all suspicious turn of events, Sterling flew two hot sisters on a private jet to his £1million home in Jamaica while his girlfriend holidayed on the other side of the world. Elise and Elene Wagstaff joined him at his palatial home in Kingston, where the sisters posted pictures which included a pile of cash, a private plane, a fleet of supercars and a number of bikini shots showing them lounging next to the pool while enjoying the sun.

We’re sure the girls let Raheem take a few other photos too.

And while it’s easy, and frankly fun, to take the piss out of Allardyce’s inevitably doomed appointment, the real joke is on England fans - because he was still the best candidate for the job. And if that doesn’t tell you what’s really broken with English football *cough, the coaching system, cough*, then you almost certainly work for the FA.

He Must Be Kicking Himself

Sterling Bags a Brace

Manchester City’s biggest bag of wasted potential, Raheem Sterling, may be misfiring on the football field but he still knows how to bang ‘em in off the pitch.

got to go right to the top of the Premier League,” he said. “I saved clubs and never got relegated, and they are not the same as winning the FA Cup or League Cup, but they are big achievements.”

Pokemon Go Gets Going at United It’s not quite the same as pissing off the club’s hot physiotherapist but Jose Mourinho has already made one unpopular call at Old Trafford – he’s banned the players from playing Pokemon Go in the build-up to games.

The new Man United coach banned his stars from using the app within two days before a match. Apparently he needs his

players to focus on tactics, not running around trying to catch a Squirtle.

Well that’s according to a “source” who told the Daily Star, but the story’s funny enough for BBM to ignore our suspicions and run with it.

“He says for 48 hours before a match, he wants the guys to leave it alone and concentrate on the tactics he and his staff have been working on in the days before,” the source said. Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has the opposite problem with Joe Hart, who has struggled to catch anything since Euro 2016.

Remember the time goalkeeper Dave Beasant injured himself by dropping a bottle of salad cream on his toe? How about when Leeds United hardman David Batty was ruled out for a match because his toddler ran over his foot on a tricycle? Well now AFL star Mitch Wallis has added his name to the list of freakish sports injuries, albeit in a slightly more painful way.

The Western Bulldogs player broke his leg in two places during a game against St Kilda – after accidentally kicking himself.

We’re not sure if that makes his legs incredibly strong or incredibly weak.

Wallis had just been handed the ball at speed when the injury occurred. He was leaning back to boot the ball when he was given a little nudge from a Saints player, which was enough to put him off his stride and make his trailing foot smash the back of his standing leg. Initially it looked pretty innocuous… until he started screaming in agony. Yeesh.

www.bbmlive.com

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OLYMPIC FEVER TAKES GRIP

Combining live sport action with a fantastic menu, the Pig & Whistle presents the perfect place to catch up with friends after work or on the weekends!

With a string of venues across Brisbane, the Pig & Whistle can be found at Indooroopilly, Riverside, King George Square, Queen Street Mall, Brunswick Street and the West End. Serving up breakfast, lunch and dinner every day, you can enjoy delicious British and Irish classics such as pork pies, steak and Guinness pie, Lincolnshire sausages and shepherd’s pie. If there are a few of you and you’re looking to have a few bits to pick at then take advantage of the fantastic starters and sharer plates including potato wedges, pork spring rolls and wontons, mushroom arancini balls, blue swimmer crab cakes and freshly shucked oysters!

top-ranked American male tennis player, who withdrew from the Games months ago because they won’t help him improve his ranking. “I never did. And that’s not the reason why I’m not going to the Olympics.”

Cheers John, thanks for proving BBM’s point.

And with Rory McIlroy and Milos Raonic leading the charge away from Rio due to fears over zika, these Games at least show up which sports don’t really give a shit about gold medals.

“I felt like tweeting the other day, ‘At least I didn’t claim Zika,’” said John Isner, the

The whole shebang kicks off on August 5th and, as usual, all the crap sports people don’t care about take place first, with the track and field stuff to come later on. The closing ceremony takes place on August 21st, followed by the various zika-related funerals on August 22nd.

WEIRD As many of you know, breakfast is of course the most important meal of the day, so take advantage of the Bubble & Squeak and pork chipolatas with your Full English, and classic Bacon and Eggs if you’re heading out early!

Given the toughness of each stage and the pressure on saving as much time as possible, riders often have to answer nature’s call from their bike, just like Cavendish had to.

This month you can take advantage of their LCD screens as they beam the very latest from the Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games 2016 to you, meaning you won’t have to miss a second of it whilst you cheer on your country of choice!

Don’t miss all the latest English Premier League games kicking off from 13th August!

For more information and to find a Pig & Whistle venue near you visit www.pignwhistle.com.au

And urine wasn’t the only stream of filth released as he realised he was being filmed, with cantankerous Cavendish unleashing an X-rated tirade at the stunned snapper.

Cameraman Takes The Piss

Everyone knows blokes find it difficult to take a slash when there’s someone else next to them, so no wonder Tour de France cyclist Mark Cavendish was a bit pissed off when a cameraman caught him in the act mid-race.

The 31-year-old from Douglas on the Isle of Man let rip during stage 10 of the great race, calling the person the other side of the camera a “fucking wanker”.

“I took a piss,” he blasted.

“I took a piss. What are you doing? What are you doing?”

By Richard Gadsby

PUB OF THE MONTH

IT’S time for the Olympics and this year’s event promises to be one of the most exciting ever after organisers decided to spice things up by introducing a deadly airborne virus into the Athletes’ Village.

If only there was a gold medal for best immune system.

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Top 10 highlights of the official Home And Away Tour of Summer Bay Take a closer look at what you can expect on the Official Home and Away Tour to Summer Bay with our top 10 highlights.

Away - one of Australia’s finest beaches.

7.

Write your name in the golden sand of ‘Summer Bay’.

SNOWTUNES 2016

8.

1.

Escape the city and head for the iconic Aussie beach - Summer Bay!

2. Get the lowdown from your

expert Home and Away tour guide on the filming, the actors, the gossip, the dramatic storylines and much, much more!

3.

Meet other Home and Away fans from around the world!

4. Learn about Home and Away,

but also learn lots about Sydney and the beautiful natural surrounding areas, take in views of national parks, coastal inlets and multi-million dollar real estate.

5.

See the famous outdoor filming locations including the Summer Bay Surf Club, Alf’s Bait Shop, the Pier/ Diner and the iconic Summer Bay Lighthouse on the headland.

6.

Soak up the Summer Bay lifestyle and re-live your favourite scenes while you explore, photograph and discover the “home” of Home and

You may even be lucky to see filming. Die-hard fans will never forget the thrill of watching Home and Away being filmed and the possibility of being up close to their favourite actors.

9.

Enjoy a bonus tour of Sydney’s magnificent coastline as you travel between Palm Beach and the worldfamous Manly Beach.

10.

At the end of the tour, check out Manly Beach and enjoy one of Sydney’s finest tourist destinations.

Soak up the bars, the restaurants, the shopping, the beaches, the lifestyle, Debuting last year, SNOWTUNES music and to top it all off, you can take festival is set to return to Lake Jindabyne the ferry back to Sydney across the on 3rd September with an internationally spectacular Sydney Harbour.

The Official Home and Away Tour to Summer Bay is your golden ticket to get closer to the drama of Home and Away. At $99pp, the tour departs from Sydney on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and lasts just under four hours.

Book your tour to Summer Bay today at officialhomeandawaytour.com.au

acclaimed design team to bring you an aweinspiring visual extravaganza.

Presented by Phoenix Entertainment Live, SNOWTUNES is an 18+ event set on the pristine shores of Lake Jindabyne, at the base of Australia’s premier alpine resort Thredbo and Perisher in the heart of NSW’s Snowy Mountains.

At this year’s SNOWTUNES you can expect to hear music from the likes of Hot Dub Time Machine, What So Not, Ball Park Music, Tasmanian singer/ songwriter, Asta and bass-riddled beats from Sydney DJ Hydraulix.

STAFF PICK

Travel Now, Pay Later theR8

Lay-by is a trusted old friend to all, always there to help you overcome your financial woes, understanding that you need that sofa, bed, dress etc, NOW! Not in 3 months when your account balance says you can have it.

Nobody is good at saving thousands of dollars at a time, and watching $12 a week leave your account so that you can enjoy that glorious and surprisingly trendy Kmart furniture feels a load better than seeing a lump sum decimate your bank account and bringing on a diet of beans on toast for dinner every night of the week.

“I’m really excited to play at Snowtunes. Hot Dub always goes really great at the snow: it’s about good music and partying, just like a night out in Jindy.” says, Tom Loud, Hot Dub Time Machine.

Heading to SNOWTUNES this year will give festival goers the opportunity to also take advantage of the slopes whilst there and try their hand at skiing or snowboarding whilst visiting the Snowy Mountains.

What’s more is you can take a chartered bus from Canberra, Berridale, Cooma and Queanbeyan when you purchase a ticket to SNOWTUNES… so what’s left to think about. Snow - check, Music check, Epic Fun - check, Transport - Done!

Find out more and book your ticket for just $89.95 visit www.snowtunes.com.au.

situation and be spending the next two weeks in Phuket, The Philippines, India or even back home visiting the family.

You don’t have to lug around a bunch of travellers cheques and cash passports with obscure rules and limits, zipMoney ensures all of your funds are kept in the cloud all accessed through the cloud and connecting directly to online stores making sure you don’t leave your credit card details floating around out there in cyber-space.

So if you’re dreading that Australian winter and would rather spend your summer hopping between the Greek Islands or relaxing on the Croatian coastline, don’t put yourself through 7 months of self inflicted budget poverty, you can be approved by zipMoney in minutes and be off on the carefree spontaneous holiday you’ve dreamed about.

If you aren’t an Australian resident don’t fret, The R8 is a complimentary expert concierge service providing quality and professional assistance when you are booking your next trip abroad. When you do get bitten by the travel bug make sure you give The R8 a call to help you find the best deals and destinations for free!

Make it all happen in the click of a button: www.ther8.com

Well we are happy to announce that now Lay-by has moved into the world of travel.

With over 500,000 hotels around the world to chose from, the expert concierge team at The R8 will not just help you to plan and book your dream holiday, they will loan you the money to make it all happen.

The R8 offers packages that will line your virtual pockets with up to $6,000 (AUD) with no interest on purchases for up to 6 months and monthly payments starting from as little as $3 a day once you return.

Think about it, you can apply and book this week no matter your financial

SNOWTUNES image by The Social

The R8 is a travel concierge company designed differently. Having recently partnered with Australian based digital payments company ‘zipMoney’, The R8 can now offer Australian residents the opportunity to set off on their dream holidays straight away without worrying about endless months of saving up enough cash.

www.bbmlive.com

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YOGA SYNERGY

Situated in the heart of Bondi Junction with a beautifully renovated new studio, Yoga Synergy is the perfect place to unwind and keep in shape with their daily classes.

Whether you’re looking to keep fit whilst you’re on your travels and tone up for the beach, or simply want to start doing yoga for the health benefits then there’s never been a better time to start.

2 minutes from Bondi Junction station is the fantastic Yoga School: Yoga Synergy, offering a range of practices including Vinyasa, Hatha, Dynamic, Flow and Prenatal Yoga, you can also choose from Pilates and Qi-gong for great results.

The physical benefits of both yoga and pilates will have you looking long, lean and toned within a few weeks meaning you can maintain your beach bod during winter so you don’t get a nasty shock when spring rolls around.

Yoga Synergy founders, Simon BorgOliver and Bianca Machliss, combine physiotherapy knowledge with yoga so that the classes at Yoga Synergy provide you with a deep understanding

of anatomy, physiology and medical science combined with traditional yoga.

The team is dedicated to their students with opportunities to learn about the full meaning of yoga, with the inclusion of events and workshops held throughout the year from teacher training to intensive workshops.

Not local to Bondi? Yoga Synergy also have a studio in Newtown, just two minutes’ walk from Newtown train station, meaning you can get your Yoga fix there.

Thinking about signing up? Yoga Synergy offer a fantastic Introductory Pass for newcomers which offers unlimited classes for 2 weeks for only $25.

Book now YOGASYNERGY.COM

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BridgeClimb Sydney

Sydney is a city where the city and surf collide; where you can enjoy a cooling dip at Bondi in the height of summer (slap on some sunscreen!), or a refreshing surf at Manly in the midst of winter. Now, when we say winter, we do mean our winter. We get to enjoy mild temps of 10-20C (61-48F) during our cooler months, with this time of year considered one of Sydney’s most enjoyable seasons. Here’s why:

1. Pleasant time to be outdoors Unlike our northern hemisphere friends, Sydney isn’t touched by Jack Frost or looming clouds of doom as winter descends across the city. In fact, the city enjoys less rain in winter on average than in summer and autumn. The days can be full of warming sunshine (rather than searing sun) and bright bluebird skies.

2. Spectacular Sunsets Sydneysiders are spoiled for sunsets. As the air becomes clear and crisp, it allows more light to travel through the atmosphere to produce a vibrant display of colour in the skies above. Just sit back and enjoy the show.

As darkness falls sooner in winter, you can sneak in a Twilight Climb and be back on terra firma with plenty of time to enjoy a celebratory meal at one of The Rocks’ many restaurants or eateries afterwards. Check out what’s available on the BridgeClimb Sydney website.

3. Enjoy Sydney like a local With the draw of the New Year’s Eve fireworks, December and January continue to be on the most popular times for visitors to flock to Sydney. After the summer days have passed and the visitors have departed, the city returns to its regular rhythm.

Visiting the Harbour City in the off peak months will give you the opportunity to really experience the city like

Sydneysider – enjoy sipping a coffee in the sunshine of The Rocks’ alleyways, wander the impressive coastline on one of the city’s famous scenic walks, or take in the harbour when you don’t have to jostle for the perfect selfie possie in front of one of the country’s icons

4. Have a whale of a time Winter is whale watching season in Sydney, with Humpbacks and Southern Right whales visible by boat or from the coastline if you’re got your eyes peeled.

Whales and dolphins have even entered the harbour in recent years during winter, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled if you’re ascending the Bridge in winter!

5. Sydney Other Festive Seasons After you’ve got your bearings of the city from the top of the Bridge, venture out to the city’s many “little villages” to enjoy its festivals, markets and events.

Some popular ones to keep an eye out for include Vivid, Aroma Festival, The Winter Festival, Sydney Film Festival, The Rocks Village Bizzare, New Years Eve, and The Sydney Festival.

Find out more With Climbs departing at dawn, during the day, twilight and night, there is plenty for you to enjoy this winter. BridgeClimb Sydney offer a bunch of seasonal and themed climbs. For example World Yoga Day 2016 saw two certified yoga teachers instruct a class of 12 climbers on top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge at dawn. Now that would make for some pretty intense sun salutations.

Book your climb at

www.bridgeclimb.com

A TASTE OF HOME Whether you’re new to Australia or thinking about staying permanently, social media is a great place to start when you need to find out that all-important expat info. From visa info to local groups to join and making connections with other expats, these Facebook groups and pages are a great place to connect with other Brits and Irish people living and working in Australia.

A fine cut of meat, a good cup of tea, an authentic Cornish pasty, these are all things the British do best. But when you’re travelling the world it can be hard to find these British trademarks. Luckily for you, we’ve dug out the best places to buy Britain’s best loved goods in Australia.

Irish in Perth

The Irish Butcher

A community 10,000 strong ready to answer any questions posted to the from deportation policy to where they can find the best hairdresser in Perth. www.facebook.com/irish.perth.7

Having been in Sydney for over 15 years, The Irish Butcher specialises in Irish meats such as Pork Sausages, Black Pudding, White Pudding, Irish Ham, Irish Bacon and Gammon Steaks.

4-5 Plasser Crescent, Sydney www.theirishbutcher.com.au

Poms in Sydney

British Corner Shop

A group that helps each other out with finding local businesses but also providing moral support when some are feeling blue. www.facebook.com/groups/pomsinsydney

Poms Wanting Oz A group with over 4,000 members which is run in a very professional way and can provide some real answers to your questions. www.facebook.com/groups/Pomswantingoz

Emigrating from Australia from the UK A bit more serious, providing some valuable facts and job opportunities. www.facebook.com/emigratingtoaustraliafromuk

Irish around Sydney This is another quite professional page that is well maintained and includes over 11,000 members. www.facebook.com/groups/IrishAroundSydney

Poms in Oz A page run by the Australia Migration Forums most posts are external links but very useful.

Search for Poms In Oz and you’ll find it! www.facebook.com/groups/6808670364/

Missing your Digestives, Marmite and PG Tips? Well the British Corner Shop online shop will deliver them to your door almost anywhere in the world. It has a huge variety of Britain’s best known brands from Cadbury to Weetabix. www.britishcornershop.co.uk

Paddy The Baker

Paddy has been providing both the Irish with a taste of home for generations. It has famous soda and potato bread and an excellent gluten free range.

Throughout Sydney www.paddythebaker.com

Treats From Home

Treats From Home is a slice of Britain in Australian shores. Selling the best of British goods and known brands, Treats From Home provides Brits abroad with a recognisable comfort.

Level 1, 234 Collins Street, Melbourne www.treatsfromhome.com.au

Cousin Jacks Pasty Co.

Run by an ex-pat, Cousin Jacks has been cooking up authentic British pasties since 2010.

The authentic Cornish Pasty has been a staple of the British diet since time began, it feels, so being able to pick one up the other side of the world is amazing.

175-181 Oxford Street, Sydney cousinjackspastyco.com

Tell us about your favourite British, Irish, Italian, German, French or other expat run business in Australia! Or does your company have a service for expats and like minded Aussies, get your company listed in next months issue. Contact info@bbmlive.com

www.bbmlive.com

photo courtesy of cousinjackspastyco.com

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SUBSONIC

From Lee Scratch Perry to Seth Troxler, Ben UFO and Mad Professor this year’s Subsonic festival is one to get booking right now! This year’s festival will be rocking.

2nd-4th December, Riverwood Downs, Barrington Tops Moutain Range, NSW www.subsonicmusicl.com.au

LET THEM EAT CAKE

A boutique festival if ever there was one. Let Them Eat Cake takes place on NYD at the Werribee mansion in Melbourne. Come along for a full day of awesome music of the electronic/deep house variety and usher in the new year in the coolest way possible.

1st January, Werribee Park, Melbourne www.letthemeatcakenyd.com.au

MONA FOMA

FOMA boasts a colossal range and variety of art installations from theatre to cinema and dance as well as interactive workshops, talks and sculptures. Over 200 artists perform across 3 huge days across all genres of music.

January 2017 (dates TBA), Hobart, Tasmania www.mofo.net.au

RAINBOW SERPENT

A psychedelic wonderland in the nirvana of rural Australia, think Australian Burning Man… but just a bit smaller. It’s not all about the music here either Rainbow Serpent brings everything including multimedia projections, breathtaking and unique art installations, solar cinema, a lotus temple and so much more.

27th - 30th January 2017, Lexton, Victoria, Australia www.rainbowserpent.net

PARTY IN THE PADDOCK

Classic Aussie paddock bashing fun out in the bushwhacking wilderness of Tasmania. Party in the Paddock will take place in Burnscreek in 2017, making this harsh land a place of fun, dance and killer music!

19th -20th February, Burnscreek, Tasmania, Australia www.partyinthepaddockfestival.com.au

DRINKS: SYDNEY THIS MUST BE THE PLACE

A laid-back chill zone specialising in unique fusion spritzers, perfect for summer.

239 Oxford St, Darlinghurst, Sydney www.tmbtp.com.au

EAU DE VIE

Cocktail bartenders are more like alchemists; mixology is a fine art under this roof.

229 Darlinghurst Rd, Darlinghurst, Sydney www.eaudevie.com.au

FREDA’S

Your friendly neighbourhood party bar!

109 Regent Street, Chippendale, Sydney www.fredas.com.au

121 BC

A rich and diverse wine enclave that can take you on a sensory voyage with fine wine and tapas.

50 Holt St, Surry Hills, Sydney www.121bc.com.au

SOKYO LOUNGE

Sushi and cocktails… what else do you need to know?

The Star, 80 Pyrmont St, Sydney www.star.com.au

SYDNEY FRINGE COMEDY FESTIVAL 2016 Running from the 30th August - 30th September, the Sydney Fringe Comedy Festival boasts a huge line up of up-and-coming comics as well as some recognisable names. Over 100 acts will be playing at the Marrickville’s Factory Theatre, with tickets available for $10-$15 for most shows.

105 Victoria Rd, Marrickville, Sydney www.fringecomedy.com.au

Compiled by Locke Fitzpatrick, images courtesy of venues. Email marketing@bbmlive.com to appear on this page.

PICK OF THE FEST

www.bbmlive.com 11

DISCOVERY RECOMMENDS: COCKTAIL BAR 1806

The year 1806 saw Buenos Aires captured by the British, Lewis and Clarke discovered a 105 ft skeleton of a blue whale in Oregon and the word ‘cocktail’ was officially defined in the English language.

Cocktail bar 1806 in Melbourne has an extremely zealous commitment to its atmosphere, brand and its trade - they make cocktails and they make them well. The decor of 1806 hasn’t just got a few old books or stools thrown about the place to try and culminate a vintage aesthetic,

you are enveloped at every angle by 19th Century styled furniture, decorations and artwork.

Bright red velvet drapes hang from the bar, grand chandeliers light the room and the old taught leather chairs you expect to see Mr Wilde seated upon, accompany every table and booth.

All of this isn’t a lavish compensation however, as their tools appear state of the art and their selection of beverages along with their professional conduct

has won them a series of awards since opening in 2007 including; “Best Cocktail List in the World”, “Bar Operator of the Year” and “Cocktail Bar of the Year”.

As well as catering for walk-ins after a few drinks with friends, a range of activities are also available at 1806 such as:

COCKTAIL DEGUSTATION Try four different expertly prepared cocktails accompanied by uniquely compatible food bites. This is perfect when you just can’t decide

what to get, just let the staff know in advance!

COCKTAIL MASTERCLASS The cocktail masterclasses run by 1806 will definitely provide a laugh and hopefully you can come out the other side with something drinkable!

BOMBAY SAPPHIRE GIN ODYSSEY An interactive taste-testing tribute to Ivano Tonutti, the Master of Botanicals for Bombay Sapphire.

Four handcrafted cocktails will be served accompanied by four dishes with complementing flavours.

To top it all off the downstairs bar, aptly named ‘The Understudy’, is also available to be rented out for private functions and groups of up to 35 people. Have a look on the 1806 website for a full list of their cocktails and to book a function.

169 Exhibition St, Melbourne www.1806.com.au

12

CLUB PICK

THINGS TO DO

Boney

Come down for the Boney Trivia with The Grumpy Scotsman every Wednesday night.

68 Little Collins Street, Melbourne www.boney.net.au

Cherry Bar

The Cherry Bar has the communal monopoly on all things rock in Melbourne. Head down to this classic venue early in August to catch gigs from the Sweethearts, Chris Wilson Booze and Blues, Oscar Galt and The Eventual Somethings 6th August, 8pm AC/DC Lane, Melbourne www.cherrybar.com.au

STRIKING FILM FESTIVAL

ONE PUF hits Mercat with a crazy Friday night show of UK Garage Grime music. Make sure you are properly prepared for an 8 act line up.

29th July 456 Queen Street, Melbourne www.themercat.com

Kenobi

One of the newest clubs to join the line up in the CBD, Kenobi is heavily inspired by New York Pop Art and offers special deals every night, including 3 sliders and a cider for just $15 on Fridays!

Every Friday from 5pm 388 Londale Street, Melbourne CBD www.kenobibarcom.au

The Rum Diary Bar

With over 200 different bottles of the salty pirates favourite poison, The Rum Diary Bar is a perfect candidate for ye old night out you rotten scallywags!

334 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy, Melbourne www.rumdiarybar.com.au

BENDIGO ON THE HOP

Beebes, The Exchange, Handle Bar, GPO, Grill’d, Morley’s Emporium featuring The Golden Vine, and The Hub featuring The Cambrian.

From 11am to 6pm you will visit 10 venues and taste 56 different beers from 28 individual breweries. All this plus live entertainment and some tasty snacks to soak up those ‘samples’.

Then you are free to make your way around between each venue, sampling the unique 56 different beers on offer plus plenty of live music from local artists and musicians.

Bendigo On The Hop is a celebration of all things beer, you start your journey on the day at your choice of the following venues where you will receive your booklet guide and of course your glass for the day:

What’s most exciting, however, is that each brewery will be showing both a well known beer of theirs plus a unique or rare beer that is exclusive to Bendigo On The Hop. So grab your ticket and plan your trip home responsibly.

Venues Involved include; Rifle Brigade Hotel, Rocks on Rosalind, Gallery Café, Mr

20th August, 137 View Street, Bendigo www.boxoffice.gotix.com.au

BREWTALITY ROCK AND BEER FESTIVAL 33 rock and metal bands across 3 stages and two massive venues not to mention the rivers of variously brewed beers to wash it all down!

6th August, 125 Johnston Street, Collingwood www.bendigohotel.com.au

YOGA SILENT DISCO

At Flow Athletic’s After Dark Silent Yoga Disco, everyone gets a pair of wireless headphones as a DJ warms up the decks and you warm up some muscles.

30th August, Melbourne Park Function Centre, Batman Avenue, Melbourne www.flowathletic.com.au

By Locke Fitzpatrick, images courtesy of venues.

The Mercat Basement

Settle in for a night of indie/ student film, some wine and cheese and the warm and fuzzy feeling of knowing proceeds from the ticket sales will be donated to Melbourne City Mission Evolution to help at-risk youth.

4th August, 234 Collins Street, Melbourne www.collins234.com.au

www.bbmlive.com 13

Q&A: EMANUEL SATIE

BBMLIVE.COM/CELEBRITY-INTERVIEWS You recently posted a video on your Facebook page of you back in the studio; what are you working on at the moment?

Haha yes, that day I was working on a remix for Riva Starr’s hit of last year „The Loft“. I absolutely loved that track, so I’m very happy I get to put my hands on it. It’s gonna come out on Cajual soon. Otherwise I focus on doing originals at the moment. I’m working on a lot of new stuff right now, I’m full of ideas and very eager to learn new things every day.

I hear you like to have intensive recording periods, which could see you spending 20 hours at a time working in the studio… Is that what you have planned for this release?

At the moment I don’t have time for these long long sessions unfortunately. I’m touring more and more and have to organize more and more things. So I exchanged these long sessions with very consistent shorter sessions. So I’m in the studio absolutely everyday I’m in Berlin and I also work with my headphones when I’m travelling. Took me some time to adapt to the new situation, but now I’m on a roll again.

If you have a passing interest to what is happening on the underground tech house scene then you would already be aware of Emanuel Satie. The producer and DJ is based in Frankfurt, Germany and over the last 2 years he has earmarked himself as one to watch with stereos of releases which has seen him bothering dance charts across the world. More recently he spend a number of weeks on Beatport’s overall charts at number one with his edit of Late Night Tuff Guy’s ‘I Get Deep‘ remix. His music is released on labels such as Get Physical, Saved Records and Suara, and he is finally set to make his debut journey to Australia and New Zealand this August. We caught up with the rising star ahead of his tour…

It seems like you’ve got a busy Summer ahead of you, following on from what has been a non-stop couple of months. How have you found the time to dedicate to the studio?

For me it’s all about reminding myself what’s most important over and over. When touring more, it’s easy to forget what brought you there in the first place. It’a all these hours spent in the studio. So it’s important to make studio time a priority. First thing I do everyday is go to the studio, do my session and then take care of everything else.

AUSTRALIA TOUR DATES Friday 29th July: Revolver, Melbourne Saturday 30th July: Neck Of The Woods, Auckland Sunday 31st July: Our House, Launceston Friday 5th August: Sugar, Adelaide Saturday 6th August: Spice, Sydney READ THE FULL INTERVIEW AT WWW.BBMLIVE.COM/CELEBRITY-INTERVIEWS

This month will see the 13th annual Whole Lotta Love Tour in Australia.

The biggest tribute concert to legendary rock band, Led Zeppelin will take place on 3 dates and two venues.

“I grew up listening to Led Zeppelin who are one the greatest bands of all time. Over the last couple of years, for some reason, I’ve managed to do quite a few of these shows which is bizarre. Every single time is the exact same challenge, it’s no easy feat for any musician playing on stage weather they’d be singing or playing guitar or drums. Led Zeppelin were from another planet, lets face it. It’s an amazing thing to be a part of because I always come out learning a lot of things which is really good because I then adjust that to what I do in my songwriting world, so I’m a big fan and I love doing it and get a lot out of it.” Dallas Frasca Led Zeppelin fans will be able to hear all their favourite tracks including ‘Whole Lotta Love’, ‘Stairway to Heaven’, ‘Black Dog’, ‘Immigrant Song’ and more.

Don’t miss the Whole Lotta Love Tour this August…

20th August - Laycock Street Theatre, NSW 26th August - Laycock Street Theatre, NSW 27th August - State Theatre, Sydney Get your tickets at www.wholelottalove.com.au

Emanuel Satie image courtesy of www.facebook.com/emanuelsatie

This year’s line-up will sport a number of brilliant acts including guest vocalists Simon Meli (The Widowbirds), Dallas Frasca, Jimmy Cupples and Tim Meaco (The Lockhearts) joining a 9 piece band, including string section, under the creative direction of Joseph Calderazzo (guitars) and big screen visuals to recreate and reinterpret benchmark releases including ‘Stairway To Heaven’, ‘Black Dog’, ‘Kashmir’, ‘Ramble On’ , ‘Kashmir’, ‘Going To California’ ‘Rock and Roll’ and many more.

14

M AN I F E S T 2016 Bringing the best in beats to Queensland

Situated in the picturesque Cherrabah Resort in South East Queensland, this year’s Manifest is all set to bring you the ultimate festival experience.

Manifest brings together the very best in festival entertainment including; live DJ’s, live bands, fantastic surrounds and all the hippie festival action you could ever want.

The epic 2058 hectare property features an expanse of incredible bushland, sweeping views of Elbow Valley and the Great Dividing Range - all just a couple of hours drive from Brisbane. It’s here that you can forget the stresses of everyday life and take in the views and beats for three whole days.

The festival aims to bring together the best Australian acts as well as international artists with this year’s line up featuring Blockhead, Astronomy Class, Royalston and DJ Total Eclipse to name a mere handful.

What festival goers can expect from this year’s music line-up is something for everyone and an eclectic mix at that with Astronomy Class bringing their unique sound in the form of Khmer pop music from the 1950s to the mid-70’s, as they pay

FESTIVAL FOCUS

There is now so much choice when it comes to music festivals that it is hard to know which one to chose. Just about all bases are covered, all locations are used and every style of music is showcased. But have you been on a luxury cruise ship and partied a week away? If not, look no further, because Anchored has you covered.

Anchored is in charge of a multi million pound Royal Caribbean ship called the Jewel of the Seas, and this unique musical cruise takes place from June 11th to 18th 2017 and sails to and from Italy with stop offs in the Greek islands of Santorini and Mykonos as well as making its way to the breathtaking Riviera and South of France.

This is a great way to combine all your holiday and music needs into one never forgotten week of fun. The ship itself will be taken over by a team of top promoters from around Europe who will all bring the town distinct flavours tot he programme. Only the finest DJs from around the world will be playing a mix of house, techno, tech house, urban, bass, and plenty in between. They will all be announced closer to the time but already there is lots to get excited about, just off the back of the spec of what the ship itself has to offer.

The massive ocean going liner has recently been refurbished with a no expenses spared refit. In all it has more than 1000 rooms, some of which offer magical sea views, and all of which have plenty of home comforts. 10 restaurants offering Michelin star food, a cinema,

tribute to a lost Cambodian generation.

This will be complemented by the likes of Blockhead from New York who will bring his blend of instrumental hip hop alongside fellow New Yorker DJ Total Eclipse who will be spinning some grade A hip hop beats on the turntables.

Soul comes in the form of The Brains Trust, with Electronica being handles by female DJ, Doe, and with this epic mix of flavours the vibe will be an audio feast for revellers to gorge themselves on.

Since 2010 this 3 day camping festival has come a long way from its humble beginnings, and alongside this year’s incredible line up of both local and international artists, visitors will also have the option to explore the Cherrabah Resort which features a mini-golf course, a licensed restaurant, alpaca exhibitions, a pool and an international airport.

What’s more is that with every ticket that’s sold, Manifest will plant one native Australian sapling, lowering the festival’s carbon footprint and helping deliver a more sustainable, green future (bless their little beatsbased cotton socks).

So, we’ve covered the epic music, the stunning location and the eco matters at hand, so that leaves the incredible aesthetics that festival goers can expect. With Manifest going to town on the decor you can also indulge your eyes in a visual extravaganza meaning you can fully lose yourself over the three days spent at this idyllic festival.

Manifest 2016 will be held from 23rd-25th September at the lush new location of Cherrabah Resort, Elbow Valley.

Early Bird tickets have already sold out so make sure you get your ticket soon if you don’t want to miss one of the best boutique festivals in Australia.

WHAT TO PACK - Sunglasses for posing - Bags of energy - Standard headgear/ hats/headdresses/ flower garlands, etc.

- Crazy festival pants - Facepaint - Suncream - Sturdy footwear for dancing and exploring - Your best dance moves - A smile

For line-up, tickets and further inforatmion visit

www.manifestqld.com

BBMLIVE.COM/MUSIC

gym, theatre for full West End shows, spa, 24 hour casino and games room plus many different themed bars also populate the ship and ensure you will have 24/7 entertainment at your disposal.

As well as fun on the ship, it will also pull into various places for some sun kissed day trips and overnight stops in Santorini and Mykonos in Greece as well as Cannes in the South of France and Rome in Italy. As well as this, when you do hit land around various hotspots in Europe. special beach parties and club events will be awaiting for you in the most perfect locations.

There really are not many other festivals that will offer the sort of luxury and scenery of Anchored, which is brought to you by a professional team of party promotes who really know how to make sure you have a good time. As such now is the time to start thinking about this idyllic holiday and get planning for summer 2017.

BBMLIVE.COM LINE UP PREDICTIONS Jamie Jones, Solomun, Waifs & Strays, Eats Everything, Hannah Wants, Nina Kraviz, Apollonia.

www.bbmlive.com 15

16

GORGON CITY

Ahead of their Australian tour dates, we speak to Kye from Gorgon City about their incredible packed out summer, festivalling in Lithuania and their residency in Ibiza.

Hi Kye, How are you?

Yeah good thanks, how’s it going?

Yes great thanks! Where are you talking to us from?

I’m just back in London actually, just back home for the day. We were in Eastern Europe this weekend, in Lithuania and Poland, now we’re back for a day, then off to Ibiza tomorrow, then America next week.

Wow! So how was Lithuania and Poland?

It was actually amazing. It’s the first time we’ve ever played live there, I don’t think we’ve DJ’d there either, but Lithuania was one of my favourite gigs we’ve done for a long time. It was a really energetic crowd.

What festival was it?

It was Audio River in Poland and Galapagai in Lithuania.

How’s the residency been going in Ibiza? What’s the vibe like this year?

Yeah it’s been amazing. We did AMTS at Ushuaia. That’s our only Ibiza gig we’re doing this summer outside of our residency - just because we love to play there so much. But our actual residency has been going really good. We’ve been playing to really packed crowds and we’ve got great line-ups with us so it’s been really fun. It kind of does mess up your studio schedule though when you’re going to Ibiza every other Tuesday. We work on the road anyway though, so we’re getting through it.

Yes I was going to ask you, obviously I’ve seen how hectic your touring schedule is, how much time do you actually get to work on new material?

We make a lot of music on the road. I quite like making a lot of music when I’m travelling, so if I’m on a plane or on a train somewhere I’ll have my headphones on working on ideas that when we get into the studio we can produce up properly.

We’ve been working a lot with people when we’re abroad also so when we’re in LA or New York we’ll make sure we get a couple of days when we’ll hire out a studio and record with some American artists.

So it’s kind of just making the most of travelling really.

So Zoom Zoom has just dropped and you’ve teamed up with Wyclef for it, how did the collaboration come about?

That was actually our manager who suggested it, it was kind of out of the blue. We were playing at a festival in Mexico called BPM and we were all just partying and he just came out with it as a random idea, and we just couldn’t even imagine it at the time. It seemed like a ridiculous idea but we were really up for it. So a couple of weeks later we flew out to New York just to work with him.

So we spent 2 days in the studio with him and we made like 5 tracks - more song-based stuff - and that one was just a last minute idea.

We were like we still have a couple of hours before we have to leave for the airport, so shall we just do something as a bit of fun. I had this Tribal House beat that I’d

made and we just played it to him, and he said he made house music before The Fugees so it took him back to the first ever tracks he made, which was kind of surprising for us, ‘cause were we like “Is he really going to be feeling this house music?” and he was like “Yeah, that’s my vibe!” I was just really surprised.

What was he like?

He’s just like a legend really. He’s surprisingly down to earth and easy to work with, but he’s got some stories to tell, and he’s like a crazy character, so a lot of fun to work with.

Yeah I can imagine, you must have just been like, “Wow, this is incredible?!”

Yeah. Big time!

What’s the reception been like to the track as it’s quite different to your usual dancey stuff?

I mean like, yeah, we just wanted to make something really tribal and something a bit different and it’s kind of more aimed at the dance floor than the radio.

Tell me more about the Kingdom project what did you want to put across with this?

We just wanted to release music in a different way, we didn’t want to release it in a traditional album format, as people listen to music differently now. People

are streaming stuff rather than buying it and it’s good for us to just experiment a bit. So we can release a track every few weeks, one by one, and it lets each track have its own spotlight. With this kind of project we’re doing a lot of different styles. We’ve got ‘Zoom Zoom’ and then more down tempo ones like ‘Impaired Vision’ and we’ve got straight up instrumental tracks and more song-based tracks. It’s cool to just release one by one and let each track have its moment.

It just feels more exciting for us releasing music this way.

You’ve got a fair few interesting collaborations in there, how have you sourced the artists you’ve been working with?

Even with the first album we always went for artist that were a bit different, and we’re always working with people that haven’t done much dance stuff, so we find we have the most interesting results that way.

So you’re also heading out to Australia for Listen Out Festival later this year, are you looking forward to that?

Yeah! We haven’t been to Australia for a while actually, when we started Gorgon City and even before that, me and Matt were both going to Australia every year as we really love playing there, but last year we didn’t get a chance

TREND

And you’ve got a little downtime between a couple of the shows will you have time for any sightseeing?

We’ll see what happens. Usually if we have a few days off like that some gigs will end up coming in last minute, or maybe we’ll go to New Zealand for a few days as that’s what we normally do. If not it would be cool to do some sightseeing. I remember last time we were touring with a live band, and me and Matt had to go to New Zealand to DJ and the rest of the band all hung out around Perth and went skydiving, snorkeling, hanging out on the beach so we were pretty jealous.

So hopefully this time we’ll get a chance to do a bit of that.

GORGON CITY TOUR DATES

24th September - Listen Out 2016, Catani Gardens, Melbourne 25th September - Listen Out 2016, HBF Arena, Perth 1st October - Listen Out 2016, Centennial Park, Sydney 2nd October - Listen Out 2016, The Victoria Park, Brisbane

BBMLIVE.COM/NEW-TRENDS

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4.

Julian Clary Down Under

www.bbmlive.com 17

Following the overwhelming demand for the sold out spring run in the UK of his new stand up show, ‘The Joy Of Mincing’ Julien Clary heads downunder this September to bring the show to Sydney, Melbourne and Perth. ‘The Joy Of Mincing’ celebrates Julian’s 30 years as a camp comedian, so we found out more about what to expect and what he’s been up to.

Why have you named your tour, ‘The Joy of Mincing’?

I always like to get ‘mincing’ into the title. We’ve had ‘Lord of the Mince’; ‘Natural Born Mincer’; and ‘Mincing Machine’ was my first tour in 1989. I don’t know why; it sets the tone, doesn’t it? I suppose mincing, apart from being a means of walking around, is a way of life. ‘The Joy of Mincing’ is a declaration of the joy of life despite disapproval, perhaps.

Do you still feel people disapprove?

Well, exactly. I think there probably is some [disapproval]. And mincing, which is an old fashioned word, was probably in its day born out of standing up in the face of that disapproval.

Is the show as rude as ever – or have you toned things down?

No, I don’t think so. It’s the one time you can let rip a bit, on stage.

I don’t want to be filthy for the sake of it, but I think it’s a comic device. You just exaggerate who you really are on stage. I’m quite fond of moments of vulgarity.

You’ve been performing for 30 years. How has comedy changed during that time?

Yes, it’s my 30th anniversary this year. It’s changed beyond all recognition. It used to be an eclectic selection of people in small rooms above pubs, in the 1980s. Our comedy was a reaction against the right-wing men in bowties who were being offered as light entertainment in those days.

And has your comedy changed since then?

Yes, a bit. I think you evolve, whether you want to or not. There was a certain amount of anger and delight in confronting people when I started, which has more or less gone now. Making people laugh is my main aim in life these days. I don’t think there’s so much to be angry about now.

Do you have fans whom have

been following your career for that full 30 years?

There are, and they bring their children along now. I’m very fond of them, you know. You don’t know their names necessarily, but it’s always a joy to see a familiar face. There’s a delightful family from Tunbridge Wells I’ve known since the boy was 13 and now he’s a grown-up. It’s charming. We talk about the old days at the Hackney Empire, or our aches and pains.

There’s a connection there, even though we don’t really know each other, because on one level we do.

What sort of stories will you be telling on this tour?

Well, there’s a rather long story about how I once saved Joan Collins’ life in a swimming pool in St Tropez. It’s a true story, which I won’t give away now, but it’s a long, meandering tale that fills the first half. Then the second half is about MBEs. I’ve noticed a lot of my friends in the business are getting these awards.

They’re handing them out like Smarties. I think, ‘Ooh, I’d like one of those’, but it’s never happened so I’m obviously not favoured by the Establishment. I can only blame myself… So during the show, I give myself one and call it ‘Mincer of the British Empire’. I’m making lots of these MBEs and handing them out to people in the audience. Just the lucky few, you understand: it’s not included in the ticket price. I’m always looking for an excuse to talk to the audience.

That’s what keeps me going.

You can get bored if you’re just reeling off the same old nonsense.

I’m always very interested in the audience and their stories. People are very funny; they never fail to amuse.

I assume that if you were offered an MBE in real life, you would accept?

I’d bite their hands off! I think I’ve been too rude about the Royal Family over the years, unfortunately. I’m probably on some kind of black list somewhere.

What do you think of Kate Middleton Well, she’s very fertile, isn’t she?

What more can one say? She’s got lovely hair.

What was your worst ever gig?

It was in Chatham, in Kent. I don’t know what was wrong with them, but nobody laughed for two hours. I was seething. I refused to ever go back. If you search through all of my novels, I’m rude about Chatham in all of them.

It clearly scarred me for life, and I’m still seeking revenge. My children’s books are translated into twelve different languages and I’m refusing to change the name of Chatham in any of them. They will know, even in Brazil, the horrible truth that Chatham is not a town where they laugh at Julian Clary.

When I’m hoovering, I wear just a touch of raspberry lip balm and a drip dry kimono. Just like anyone else.

Your personal life seems to have changed as much as your career - you’ve turned your back on partying and now live an idyllic rural lifestyle in a village in Kent, is that right?

Yes. Well that’s what I’m telling you anyway. I think there’s nothing drearier than a 5- year-old homosexual hanging around Soho in lycra. Mercifully, one grows out of that. Thank goodness.

You don’t miss those days, at all?

Absolutely not. You’d have to pay a lot of money to get me into a nightclub, sniffing and snorting and dragging some trollop home with me. Yuck. I like to keep myself

nice these days.

What’s happened to the old outfits?

I’ve still got them, though goodness knows what I’ll ever do with them. I might bring some of them on the tour, as it’s my 30-year anniversary. A kind of retrospective fashion show. I used to look at all these drawings of rubber outfits covered in feathers and think, ‘My goodness, that’s outrageous, I couldn’t possibly’. But that was part of the fun.

Are you never tempted to wear them again?

Don’t be silly. I sniff them sometimes. Just for old times’ sake. Scent is very evocative isn’t it? A lung full of my old diamante jockstrap and I’m immediately transported back to the London Palladium in 1993.

Do you ever wear make-up anymore?

Only on tour. I like the glittery lips and all of that. Not for television.

I think on high definition; it looks a bit peculiar.

How do you feel about ageing do you enjoy it?

It’s not on the top of my list of enjoyable things, no. Although I am thrilled with my grey hair. I’ve turned from a fluffy chicken into a silver fox. It’s very interesting: when you’re young, there are all these things you want to achieve. Then when you get to your 50s you’ve either done them or you haven’t, so the physical deterioration is offset by the things that you can tick off the list. In that respect each decade is better than the last. Although I’m sure one reaches a tipping point where that’s not the case anymore.

What hobbies do you have?

I used to like yoga, although I haven’t been for ages. It started morphing into an encounter group with people talking about their depression and their marriage problems. I just wanted my

ham strings stretched. So I said ‘Namaste’ and didn’t return.

I like pottering around my garden.

Am I good? I’m very good at walking around and telling my gardener what to do.

What do you think the public perception is of you, and do you think they’d be surprised by your real life?

Maybe people imagine I’m camp and outrageous all the time and that I wear full make-up and glittery outfits when I’m at home doing the hoovering. In fact I wear just a touch of raspberry lip balm and a drip dry kimono. Just like anyone else.

Are you well known in your village?

Well, who knows? Most people here have got better things to do than get excited about celebrities in their midst. Mind you, I was in the front garden recently and a woman drove past with a friend and then I heard her car screech to a halt. And I heard her say, ‘There he is, look, there he is’. Then she shouted out to me, ‘Where’s the other one?’, meaning Paul O’Grady, who lives in the same village. Quite rude, I thought.

Probably from Ashford.

Your children’s book, The Bolds, was hugely successful. Did you feel any pressure writing the second one?

No. I’m onto my third now. They flow out of me, I don’t know where they’re all coming from. It’s delightful; I just have such a lovely time writing them. Making children laugh is a whole new thing for me, it’s lovely. No child pretends to laugh - it’s very genuine. It’s obviously a world away from my usual filth but that’s liberating. A whole new World.

AUSTRALIA TOUR DATES: 7th September - Her Majesty’s Theatre, Melbourne 8th September - Opera House, Sydney

18

EXPAT SERVICES

BACKPACKER TAX In what could be seen as an electoral populist move, the Australian federal government has pushed back the proposed date of the so called backpacker tax to January 2017.

The Government’s intention is to remove the option for WHMs to be treated as Australian residents for personal income tax purposes, effective from 1 July 2016. This would effectively remove WHMs’ access to the tax-free threshold, installing a marginal rate of 32.5% from the first dollar earned. These new tax arrangements were coupled with an increase in the working holiday visa fee from $420 to $440.

The treasury has estimated that the backpacker tax would generate $540 million in revenue across three years, but that’s with the assumption that the new tax arrangements would not have a negative effect on working visa applications.

Saving Money When Moving Abroad

- Planning. This is the most important tip. Before you pack your suitcase and bubble-wrap your mementos, work out a plan of how your current budget will work in your new location. Do the whole Excel Spreadsheet thing.

- You may be required to provide details of your bank accounts to guarantee that your income will be contributing to Australia’s economy, so if you haven’t moved yet, start saving now.

- Once accepted, make sure you open an overseas bank account straight away, preferably before you arrive in Australia. If you bank with one of the big names, this should be a relatively easy process.

- If you’re leaving an empty house in the UK, why not look into the possibility of renting it out? All you’d need to do make sure your home insurance will still cover you. Okay, admittedly that’s not all you’d need to do, there will be other stuff. Check out your options online.

- Moving money into an overseas bank account costs money so shop around for specialist money transfer companies to get the best rates.

Tourism Minister Richard Colbeck seems to have been listening to the industry and recognises that the 32.5% rate for working holiday visa tourists is not sustainable. He also said the National Farmers Federation proposal for 19% was a possibility and the government would actively discuss it.

What happens is anyone’s guess, but it’s definitely something to keep an eye on and two fingers crossed.

- In some areas, local governmentoperated schemes exist that aim to help new arrivals in adapting to their new life overseas. This includes assisting with any financial matters. Check to see if there’s a scheme near you.

- It might be worth getting your hands on a prepaid money card in Australia. It’s not quite a credit card, it’s not quite cash; it’s somewhere in the middle. And it can be preloaded with different currencies so you don’t have to worry about currency conversion rates.

- Once you’ve set up your mobile phone in Australia, make sure ‘data roaming’ is switched off.

- Oh and don’t use ATMs that charge. Every little helps!

Another way of keeping some money in your pocket is by using the services of Seven Seas Worldwide.

We have a range of solutions for those moving home to Australia.

Plus we have an established network running to and from Australia, so your consignment will always be under our supervision rather than handed over to some faceless third party.

Visit www.sevenseasworldwide.com.au

to find out more about moving your belongings from A - B with minimum stress.

TAX WISE Tel : 08 9248 8124 Fax : 08 9463 6208 mairead@taxwiseaustralia.com.au PO Box 1874, Malaga 6944 www.taxwiseaustralia.com.au www.taxwise-australia.com

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

GREEN MIGRATION

Registered Migration Agent – 1464351 Little City Studio 118 Prospect Road, PROSPECT SA 5082 +61 8 417 837 973 zoe@greenmigration.com.au www.greenmigration.com.au

OPTIMA MIGRATION

Registered Migration Agent - 0532045 Subiaco Business Centre/ Suite 5, 531 Hay St Subiaco WA 6008 + 61 8 93808397 |M: 0409130865 lidia@optimamigration.com.au www.optimamigration.com.au

IMMIGRATION HELP CORPORATE OFFICE (AUSTRALIA)

181 Marion Road Richmond, Adelaide, SA 5033, Australia Phone: +61 8 8123 6039 | Fax: +61 8 7200 7536 Mobile No: + 61 0433303774 Email:contact@myimmigrationhelp.com www.myimmigrationhelp.com

MOVE MIGRATION PTY LTD

Registered Migration Agent MARN: 1382250 104/3 Eden Street North Sydney NSW 2060 Email: Eugene.Liu@movemigration.com.au Web: movemigration.com.au

TAXBACK.CO.UK Claim back your uk tax refund info@taxback.co.uk www.taxback.co.uk

BACKPACKER TAX REFUNDS First Floor, 1A Morts Road Mortdale NSW 2223 +61 (0) 2 8065 5668 info@backpackertaxrefunds.com.au www.backpackertaxrefunds.com.au

CONTACT marketing@ what-media.com to advertise your services.

David Cameron image by Tom Evans

So now you’ve decided that overseas is where your future lies, it’s time to think about how far your budget will stretch in your chosen destination. Here are a few pointers on how to plan for financial security, wherever you lay your hat.

But the tourism industry is proposing a different set of rules.

• Lower the proposed marginal tax rate on WHMs taxable income up to $80,000 from 32.5% to 15%

• Raise the age threshold for working holiday maker visas from 31 to 35, or older • Increase the duration an employee can stay with a single employer from six months to 12 months • Raise the caps applying to source nations for the WHM visa in aggregate by 20,000 • Dedicate new funding to the promotion of Australia’s WHM program to compensate for the impact on demand that has already occurred

www.bbmlive.com 19

20

RECRUITMENT. EMPLOYMENT. STUDY. MIGRATION.

OVERCOMING EMPLOYMENT CHALLENGES ON A WORKING HOLIDAY VISA As someone who is currently on her third Australian visa, I am often asked about the challenges of finding work as a foreign resident.

I meet many people each week who have landed in Australia and are having trouble securing a job.

In case anyone reading doesn’t already know, a Working Holiday Visa 417 allows an employee to work for a maximum of 6 months with one company, and then they must find another job with another employer.

First of all - and I’ll be blunt - don’t expect to come to Australia and get a job in an area where you do not have any experience, especially on a Temporary Visa. In addition, if you are degree qualified, you may notice that you still have challenges securing a role, as many companies do not want to hire someone limited to working for 6 months, at a more qualified level.

My advice for someone on a Working Holiday Visa with minimal experience would be to look into hospitality work. My first job in Australia was working at a café in the CBD. I have found that many bars and cafés are happy to employe foreign workers, as they often have a relatively high turnover. Let’s be honest, in hospitality, you are replaceable. A manager is happy to take the risk of employing you, because they will be able to fill your position quite quickly, if you decide to leave or move on.

Of course, there are also hostels, resorts, hotels, and even retail stores that will happily employe Working Holiday Makers.

From my personal experience, the hardest part is getting in the door. If you are just emailing your resume to an employer, chances are they will look past it because they will notice that you are on a Working Holiday Visa. Some of them may not understand what work you are legally able to undertake. This is of course different with recruitment agencies though.

store. I walked in to hand in my resume and as luck would have it, the Area Manager was there and took me for an interview straight away. I ended up starting work the following week. I strongly believe you have to go in there and show the employer why they should hire you over an Australian citizen. When you send your resume by email or online, you are just another Working Holiday Maker applying to a job.

If you’re looking for work in other areas where you have to apply online, you have to do something to make yourself stand out. For example, I applied for my current position with people2people on a Student Visa that was 2 months from expiry, a huge red flag to potential employers. I applied online and called in because I wanted to know who I could email my cover letter to. This conversation lead to me being invited in for an interview. I don’t know what would have happened if I had just sent in my resume and left it at that. I honestly don’t think I would be sitting here right now if I didn’t!

As I wrote earlier, it is different with recruitment agencies. At people2people, we have many consultants who specialise in temporary and contract recruitment and their job is to get Working Holiday Makers, working!

As a side note: from working in recruitment, I have noticed that companies are happy to employee minimally experienced administrators/receptionists in temporary or contract roles. This can be for a couple of reasons. A main one I believe, is because Working Holiday Makers are typically, immediately available and eager to work. If a company is looking for a temporary receptionist to start tomorrow, a Working Holiday Maker is often able to do so.

If you are available and looking to secure work on your 417/462 visa, then please don’t hesitate to contact us here at people2people.com.au. We would love to hear from you!

By Samatha Eydt

My suggestion is to print off a stack of resumes and apply in person. I was walking through the shops and saw a “We’re Hiring” sign on the window of a retail

CARPENTERS. ELECTRICIANS. RECRUITERS. NURSES. SPONSORED JOBS Our clients are seeking professionals from overseas to fill a range of jobs across Australia. If you’re serious about staying in Australia and are seeking permenant employment or looking at skilled visas options, we want to hear from you.

If you’re coming to the end of your first or second year working holiday visa, or if you’re already in employment and are looking for a new sponsor please get in touch with our team asap. Our clients are looking for top talent and willing to sponsor for the right candidates.

Call 02 8005 8162 or email your CV to jobs@bbmlive.com

Make your way to Australia with Freedom Migration If you’ve made the decision to move to Australia, or are currently there and want to extend your visa then Freedom Migration can help you.

The Partner Visa process can be extremely expensive with the government charging $6,850 to lodge your visa application! And they’re deadly serious about that as you can’t even lodge the visa application until you make full payment in one go as they don’t take installments! Scary we know!

If you’ve made the decision to move to Australia, or are currently there and want to extend your visa then Freedom Migration can help you.

If you are already on an Australian visa that allows you to apply for another visa whilst on Australian soil then you may be able to lodge a Partner Visa application which will hopefully mean you are awarded a bridging visa that will keep you and your partner together for longer whilst you await a Partner Visa.

Whether you’re a skilled worker, foreign student, or want to join a partner or family members in Australia, their Australian migration agents can assist with acquiring you a visa to live in Australia.

There are many factors to consider when applying for your visa for Australia, and with a lot of hefty paperwork to contend with and costly applications using a migration agent can ensure the process of applying for your visa for Australia goes as smoothly as possible.

With no one circumstance being the same as another, a migration agent can help take into account your skills, family circumstances, relationship, job opportunities and education when it comes to filling out a visa application with the Australian Board of Immigration.

There are a number of visas that could suit you whilst applying to live and work in Australia, but here we discuss the Partner Visa.

It’s advisable to check whether this is an option for you before you lodge your application as you could make a wrong move and either wind up handing over all that money for nothing or find yourself without a visa at all!

The best way to avoid all the drama when applying for a Partner Visa for Australia is by using the help of a migration agent. At Freedom Migration they aim to: • • • •

provide all of our customers professional and affordable service deliver honest and comprehensive advice maintain consistent and punctual communications attain the best possible outcome for each of our clients

Applying for a Partner Visa If you’ve fallen in love with an Australian citizen or permanent resident whilst in Australia and wish to remain together then you’ll need to apply for a Partner Visa. First of all you will need to decide which of the partner visa options is the right one for you and you’ll need to make sure that you meet the visa criteria.

Working with an Australian migration agent such as Freedom Migration can ensure you visa application is as laid back as the Aussie lifestyle.

For more information visit www.freedommigration.com

www.bbmlive.com 21

WWW.BBMLIVE.COM/JOBS

Electricians

You have an overwhelming chance of getting an electrician job wherever you apply in Australia, with openings in Perth, Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.

Get Your 457 Visa Sponsorship Do you know the jobs that will get you 457 Visa sponsorship? Contact jobs@bbmlive.com now to see if you could start a new life in Oz!

Marketing Managers

Melbourne and Sydney are currently on the lookout for marketing managers with a national average salary of $77,000 per year.

Do you have the credentials?

Recruiters

Accoutants / Temps Sydney, Melbourne, Perth

Become a recruiter in Australia and earn up to $90,000 each year. Just email jobs@ bbmlive.com to start your search.

Engineering In Australia

Got your RSA and RCG?

The engineering industry offers plenty of different roles. An electrical engineer earns an average of $76,000 per year, while a civil engineer receives $72,000, and a network engineer gets $74,000.

Contact BarMax.com.au

IT / Digital

Employers across Aus are seeking new candidates

MARN 0960361

TSS RECRUITMENT

LEVEL 3, 7 HOWARD ST. RICHMOND, VICTORIA 3121 +61 03 9421 1020 WWW.TSSRECRUITMENT.COM.AU

TSS MIGRATION

LEVEL 3, 7 HOWARD ST. RICHMOND, VICTORIA 3121 +61 03 9421 1020

WWW.TSSIMMIGRATION.COM.AU

STAY IN AUSTRALIA Study in Melbourne

Have you decided that Australia is where you want to be? Well there’s plenty of ways to make sure that you can make your dream a reality, and one way is by studying in Australia.

Aussie Studies aim to help team you up with a course that will help to keep your dreams of living in Australia alive through education and gaining great qualifications.

Aussie Studies staff are highly experienced in the education sector and have hands-on experience when it comes to delivering an effective and professional service.

Being an expert education consultancy, Aussie Studies provide international students with an full introduction to the Australian education system and schools, courses, study plans, budgeting and accommodations alongside a holistic approach that aims to fulfill completely the consulting needs of the individual clients based on their specific circumstances.

The Benefits of Studying in Australia There are many benefits when it comes to studying abroad, as not only will you have the chance to absorb another culture and no doubt make some interesting friends along the way, but by choosing a country such as Australia you can also ensure a sound and respected qualification at the end of it. Australian higher education offers globally recognised qualifications meaning you can have all the benefits of living in Australia’s fantastic climate and enjoying the beach life alongside getting a degree!

Courses You Can Study

Aussie Studies have a variety of courses you can study ranging from 10-76 weeks. The fields you can study in include hospitality, accounting, leadership and management, business, English, HR management, mechanical and electrical technology, which means you can come out with some fantastic skills ready to apply for a job. The course on offer include certificates, diplomas and advanced diplomas depending on what you choose to study and the qualifications required.

Visa Requirements To Study In Australia Depending on your individual circumstances, generally to be eligible to study in Australia you will be required to apply for a visa that allows you to stay and study in the country.

Depending on the length of your course this may be a Student Visa (subclass 500) or if it is a short course a visitors visa may suffice. You can find further information about this on the Australian Government Department of Immigration and Border Protection website at www. border.gov.au.

How can Aussie Studies help you If you’re an overseas student, then you’ll be pleased to know that Aussie Studies have a number of staff conversant in many languages meaning they can help get you on to a course to further your skills.

To start your journey into studying in Australia contact Aussie Studies today or visit their website to send an enquiry on the list of courses on offer.

Visit www.aussiestudies.com.au Or make an enquiry via email admissions@aussiestudies.com

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What You Need To Know About Nursing Downunder Registration Requirements There are endless benefits to has a national registration becoming a Nurse in Australia. Australia scheme for health practitioners, and Nursing is one of the most respected professions in the country, and they enjoy a very high standard of living.

There is currently quite a high demand for nurses in a range of specialities, and so there is no better time to apply than now!

Working as a Nurse in Australia will mean you get to experience the perfect balance of great working environments and a much better lifestyle. Apply through Bower Health care and start your journey to becoming a Nurse in Australia today. Here’s the lowdown on your first steps to becoming a Nurse in one of the most amazing countries in the world:

Visa Requirements

Firstly, you must make sure you hold a valid visa with work entitlements before you apply. Check your visa eligibility with the Department of Immigration and Border Protection. Of course, if you are a citizen or permanent resident of Australia there is no need to worry about this!

Experience

All registered Nurses must have a minimum of 12 months post-graduate experience, and is also preferred for Endorsed Enrolled Nurses (but not always necessary!).

All of your relevant experience must be within the last year, and all assistant in Nursing applications must be in their 2nd year or above of a current nursing degree, having completed Nurse Placements.

nurse registration is actually now managed by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia. For more info on the requirements for registration from overseas, head to their website and look under the ‘International Qualified Nurses and Midwives’ tab!

If you are a registered Nurse from New Zealand, you are covered by the Mutual Recognition Act, and you have a current practise card, then luckily for you, you can transfer your registration across.

We recommend you allow yourself at least 6 months, since the registration process can be quite rigorous for overseas applicants. Don’t let that put you off – we’re just saying don’t commit to any official travel plans before confirming registration in Australia!

Screening and Vaccination Records

Finally, you must comply with NSW Health’s policy directive regarding screening and vaccination against specific infectious diseases. You must also be able to provide evidence that satisfies the Policy requirements. This usually means documented evidence and proof that you are covered against diseases including Hepititus B, Diptheria, Tetanus, Measles, and many more.

We really recommend that you prepare in advance for these requirements and bring all the relevant bits with you to your interview when you apply.

So what are you waiting for?!

Apply for your big move now at www.bowerhealthcare.com.au

Nursing In Melbourne Voted the world’s most liveable city, Melbourne offers many perks when it comes to living and working in Australia. Aside from the fantastic abundance of cafés, art scene and food and drink culture, there are also an abundance of job opportunities for nurses.

If you’re looking for nursing job opportunities in Melbourne then a great place to start is the Australian Nursing Agency. Here we find out from Eric Smith, Director of Australian Nursing Agency, just what you need to know about nursing in Melbourne.

For nurses looking to work in Australia, what would you say are the main perks of the job?

It’s difficult to pick out what the best thing is about nursing in Australia, but I would mainly say that the facilities and standards of health services are amongst the best in the world, the wages are great, you have manageable and flexible work hours and great opportunities for ongoing professional development. Also, Australia is one of the most popular destinations in the world for people to migrate and travel too due to the weather, lifestyle, the economy and the adventures you experience when travelling around the country.

Australian Nursing Agency operates from Melbourne, Victoria; how does Melbourne compare to other cities such as Sydney or Brisbane for nursing?

Well, of course Melbourne has been voted the most liveable city in the world many times over.

From an agency perspective, Melbourne offers the most flexible and varied work opportunities for agency nurses due to the way public and private sectors work with agencies. They value agency nurses and work closely with us to ensure we always provide the right nurse for the job.

There are a large number of health services so there exists a wide range of choice for nursing professionals.

For nurses on a Working Holiday Visa, what’s the most essential thing they should do when applying to work in Australia?

Obtain their national nurse registration through

AHPRA. Now this process can take some time to organise so I advise that you start early! The second most important thing to do is pack your sunscreen!

How flexible are the shifts you can get? Do nurses have to work weekends/nights or can you pick and choose?

Agency nurses can choose where they work, when they work and how often. Our nurses have total flexibility with their working hours and we have work available every shift for every day of the year.

What kind of hours could nurses expect to work to earn enough to pay for rent, food, entertainment and travel?

Agency nurses are paid at a casual rate and we also pay higher than award rates. Agency nurses can expect 20-30 hours per week and this should provide plenty of income to do whatever travellers wish to. A lot of our travelling nurses work full time for a few months and save enough money so that they don’t have to work as they travel. We also pay for parking and provide a very attractive rewards program.

Are there any nurses who you can’t get jobs?

Is there any particular qualification required to work in Australia?

Any nurse or midwife wishing to work in Australia as a nurse must first have national registration with AHPRA. Only midwives and nurses with a nursing degree are eligible for registration. We now offer AHPRA assistance to help nurses turn around their AHPRA application in as short a time as possible.

What’s the first step to signing up to ANA? And how quickly can someone start nursing in Australia?

Register with us online at www.australiannursingagency.com.

Once you have your AHPRA registration and have signed on with Australian Nursing Agency you can commence work immediately!

Find out more and sign up at

www.australiannursingagency.com

www.bowerhealthcare.com.au info@bowerhealthcare.com.au Community Care Workers Certificate III - Sydney With brokerage agreements in place with a variety of Not-For-Profit community providers, we help by providing support services to assist their aged, frail, vulnerable and disabled clients to live independently in their own homes in the community. We currently have a critical need for more experienced care workers around Sydney’s inner-west.

Essential requirements: 3 months recent practical care experience in a relevant, local work environment, current work rights in Australia, your own insured vehicle with current NSW driver licence, communication and time management skills, certificate III or above (Aged Care, Home & Community Care or Disability) current First Aid Certificate, current National Criminal History Record working with Children Checks (preferred).

Got a question?

ICU / Acute Care - Sydney We are particularly keen to hear from any acute care Registered Nurses who are interested in casual agency work in ICU/ CCU/ED & HDU. We are currently seeking experienced RN’s (a minimum of 12 months post-grad experience essential) for shifts within acute care units at popular and conveniently located public and private hospitals in Sydney’s east.

We offer: Guidance with achieving compliancy for work in Australia, preregistration before arrival (if travelling from outside NSW), day to day and advanced rosters, block bookings, access to our on-line rostering/availability system, professional Indemnity Insurance cover, CPE online training options, professional, friendly service - no call centres, guaranteed! Choose your work pattern, from one shift to full-time equivalent hours.

Essential requirements: Work rights in Australia, a minimum of 12 months postgrad clinical experience, Compliance with NSW Health’s vaccination policy, current AHPRA registration, eligibility for National Criminal History Record Check and NSW Working with Children Check clearance.

Mental Health Nurses - Winter opportunities galore - Sydney We are a busy Sydney agency and are always keen to hear from any experienced Registered Mental Health Nurses who are heading our way. We are currently seeking mental health nurses for shifts with popular and conveniently located client hospitals and clinics throughout the metro area.

We offer: Guidance with achieving compliancy for work in Australia, Preregistration before arrival, day to day and advanced rosters, block bookings, shifts around the Sydney/metro area, access to our on-line rostering/availability system, professional Indemnity Insurance cover, professional, friendly service - no call centres! Choose your work pattern, from one shift to full-time equivalent hours, referral program to partnering agencies around Australia.

Essential requirements: Work rights in Australia, a minimum of 12 months postgrad clinical experience, compliance with NSW Health’s vaccination policy, current AHPRA registration, eligibility for National Criminal History Record Check and NSW Working with Children Check clearance.

RN’s - All Regional - NSW Our client hospitals are always pleased to accommodate travelling nurses willing to help out on a short-term, contract basis.

Although most roles require extensive specialty skills such as ED, ICU and mental health, we do have general positions at larger facilities at times. Although these roles do not suit nurses arriving in the country wishing to start immediately (as there are a lot of compliance requirements to achieve, some of which need you to be on shore to fulfill) we can help keep you busy locally in Sydney while you wait for a suitable opening.

Essential requirements: Work rights in Australia, a minimum of 24 months post-grad clinical experience in the area required, compliance with NSW Health’s vaccination policy, current AHPRA registration, National Criminal History Record Check and NSW Working with Children Check.

Contracts come with single room accommodation in nurses’ quarters or hospital rentals, travel expense reimbursement can be negotiated and a lump-sum bonus applies at the successful completion of the agreed terms.

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24

EXPLORE THE TOP END Should you find yourself in Australia’s Northern Territory in the coming months then you will want to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of this wild and untamed region.

Australia’s Top End is brimming with natural attractions such as the intrepid terrain of Kakadu National Park, Litchfield National Park and within these, stunning waterfalls and wildlife that will make you feel like you’re a million miles away.

One of the best ways to explore the Top End is by embarking on a group tour that will take you to all the major attractions ensuring you don’t miss a thing!

Kakadu Wild Expeditions offer a fantastic 5 day tour that sets off from Darwin making its first stop at the Mary River Wetlands. It’s here that you will have the chance

to spot a few ferocious saltwater crocodiles - especially as this is where you’ll find the highest concentration of “salties” in the Southern Hemisphere. Eek! Next up on the tour you’ll also have the chance get some 4WD action as you explore Kakadu National Park, stopping off at the stunning Jim Jim Falls which cascade from a whopping height of 200 metres. You’ll also have the chance to relax and swim on the idyllic sandy beach.

It’s then on to the Nitmuluk National Park where you’ll visit yet another stunning waterfall in the form of the Gunlom Falls.

Here you can take a swim in the waterhole and take in the incredible views of the escarpment country. You’ll also visit the historic gold-mining centre of Pine Creek before heading further south and

settling in for the night at the Kakadu Wild private campsite on the doorstep of Nitmuluk National Park.

Whilst visiting Nitmuluk you will also reach the epic Katherine Gorge - where you can take a cruise along the gorge or hire a canoe and paddle yourself downstream taking in the views from the water itself.

Heading back to Darwin on the last day you’ll stop by Litchfield National Park, where you’ll visit Florence Falls, Wangi Falls and the Buley Rockholes all whilst looking out for the native wildlife such as Frilled Neck Lizards, Water Monitor Lizards and more! So keep your eyes peeled.

Find out more and book at www.kakaduwild.com.au

Melaleuca on Mitchell Recommend: Darwin Festival 2016 Darwin Festival is a unique celebration of the arts and the community that nourishes.

The biggest calendar event in the Northern Territory, the festival takes place over 18 days.

This year you will have the chance to see over 150 acts including; physical performance pieces, indigenous rituals, live music and some grade A Australian Comedy with the likes of Peter Helliar performing. A plethora of musical acts will be scattered across the e showgrounds for the duration of the festival to serenade you with a culturally diverse selection of music.

The main focus of the Darwin Festival being cultural diversity through the arts, as the Artistic Director of Darwin Festival, Andrew Ross explains, “This Festival is a vibrant reflection of our international home, from the Philippines to Ireland and especially from right here. During the Festival you can relish the very best the world has to offer.”

Top Acts To Look Out For

MOSES GUNN COLLECTIVE The psychedelic rock extravaganza band will deliver their kaleidoscopic tunes of vibrance and power on the 5th of August from 8:45pm in The Lighthouse.

NATIONAL INDIGENOUS MUSIC AWARDS Indigenous musicians from across Australia will gather together to celebrate not only a good year in local and national music, but the progression of the indigenous arts. It takes place on the 6th of August at the Amphitheatre.

It all kicks off on the 4th August and will carry on until the 21st. Although the main festival grounds that will host the bulk of the activity will be Festival Park in Darwin, venues across the city will also be hosting particular events.

4th - 21st of August www.darwinfestival.org

Darwin Festival image courtesy of Festival organisers

PETER HELLIAR The star from Rove and The Project and an Australian comedic legend in his own right delivers a live stand up set on the 5th and 6th of August starting at 7pm in The Lighthouse.

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DISCOVER THE BUNGLE BUNGLES Literally only being put on the map in 1983 when the enormous and other-wordly Bungle Bungles ranges were “discovered” by a film team, these mammoth rock formations are something to behold whilst visiting Australia’s North West.

The beehive shaped striped mountains are thought to have formed over a whopping 20 million years and are situated in Purnululu National Park.

But it’s not just the Bungle Bungles that are a point of interest in this area. On a pilgrimage to these natural wonders it’s possible to explore a number of other rock formations on Kimberley Wild’s 5 day Bungle Bungles tour setting off from Broome.

During the tour you will also have the chance to visit the Old Fitzroy Crossing, as well as the colourful Mangkaja Aboriginal Arts Centre to see a bit of the true local culture. You will then join a local National Park Ranger as you embark on a guided cruise through the stunning Geikie Gorge that nature carved between the Geikie and Oscar Ranges.

After this you will visit the Purnululu National Park where you will visit the aforementioned Bungle Bungle Ranges as well as Echidna Chasm and Cathedral Gorge.

From Purnululu National Park it’s off to Western Australia’s largest cave system, the Mimbi Caves. It’s here that you will have to opportunity to see some of the most ancient Aboriginal art in the world as it is thought that the caves are one of the first sites of human occupation in Australia.

Whilst here, you will also have the chance to share fresh damper and billy tea with the traditional landowners - the Gooniyandi people, before heading spending a night by the Fitzroy river.

On the final day of the tour you will be taken to Bunuba country which was once a Devonian reef. Whilst visiting this 350 million year old terrain you will have the chance to spot the local flora and fauna as well as visiting Tunnel Creek - a 750 metre cave system which hosts a vast variety of wildlife. You will also have the chance to learn even more about the Aboriginal history of the area before freshening up with a swim at the Windjana Gorge.

You’ll then take the famous Gibb River Road past the Napier Ranges before arriving back in Broome.

Find out more and book at www.kimberleywild.com.au

Australia’s Northern Territory is world famous for its epic rock formations, and no pilgrimage to Australia is complete without visiting possibly the most famous rock on Earth, Uluru.

But it’s not just Uluru that takes first place in the Northern Territory. It’s in this wild northern state that you’ll also find the equally impressive Devils Marbles and The Olgas. Not heard of these rocky rivals to the great red rock?

Well here’s a little info on how best to explore the area.

Embarking on Mulgas Adventures Alice Springs to The Rock tour will take you on an epic discovery of these geological marvels.

Setting off at 6am you’ll be picked up and taken to the Cultural Centre where you will learn about the Aboriginal heritage and culture of Australia’s Red Centre. After this you will have the chance to walk around the enormous monolith, and enjoy a glass of bubbly as you take in the crimson glow of Uluru at sunset. After a night’s camping under the stars, you’ll awake to get a full view of Uluru at sunrise when the rock awakens again to an illuminating glow from the blinding Aussie sun. From here it’s off to Kata Tjuta, also known as The Olgas. The Olgas are a group of large domed rocks 365 km southwest of Alice Springs.

You will then visit Kings Creek Station where you’ll enjoy a proper Outback BBQ and embark on the Kings Canyon rim walk and then enjoy a free camel ride!

Heading back to Alice Springs overnight you’ll set off at 5am to the Devils Marbles. Also known as Karlu Karlu, these great round boulders litter the landscape in an otherworldly fashion. On the last day of the tour it’s time for a little relaxation as you visit the Mataranka Thermal Springs for a soothing dip and also the stunning Edith Falls where you can have one last refreshing swim before arriving back in Darwin.

Find out more and book at

www.mulgasadventures.com.au

ROCK OUT IN NT

26

SHARK BAY AWAITS

Escape to sunnier climes this winter with a trip up north from Perth to Shark Bay. Situated on the far western coast of Australia, Shark Bay World Heritage Area is actually made up of two bays formed by peninsulas lying side by side and makes for a stunning stop if you’re on your way up to Exmouth.

The Shark Bay World Heritage Area covers more than 2.2 million hectares and offers the perfect opportunity to take to the water to discover the stunning marine life that inhabit the waters that spill out from the bay. It’s here that you will see pods of Bottlenose Dolphins, the rare and wonderful Dugong, Humpback Whales as well as a long list of shark species… hence the name!

If you fancy a spot of snorkelling or diving whilst visiting Shark Bay

then be prepared to encounter Tiger Sharks, Hammerhead Sharks, White Nurse and Grey Nurse Sharks, Pencil Sharks, Fossil Sharks, Weasel Sharks, Bull Sharks… ok we think you get the point.

name a mere few.

Whilst in Shark Bay you can take to the water in a sea kayak or try your hand at surfing and kiteboarding in popular nearby sites such as Monkey Mia, Denham Foreshore and Little Lagoon.

But it’s not just marine animals that are to be spotted whilst stopping off in Shark Bay, on land you can also look out for the Shark Bay Mouse, Western Barred Bandicoot, Rufous Hare-Wallaby, and the Southern Brown Bandicoot - to

There are also great spots to enjoy the bush and camp in the National Park.

Shark Bay is accessible via Integrity Coachlines hop-on-hop-off pass that covers a multitude of fantastic

stops along the way, meaning you can stop off and enjoy destinations such as Monkey Mia, Carnarvon, Coral Bay and Exmouth whilst heading up North in Western Australia this winter.

Get 10% off your Integrity Coachlines hop-on-hopoff pass with promo code BBMLIVE5 when booking online at www. integritycoachlines.com.au

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THE GREAT WESTERN ADVENTURE

Western Australia is one of the most diverse states of Australia not to mention the biggest! From coastal adventures to fantastic National Parks and World Heritage sites there is so much to see in Western Australia and one of the best ways to see and do the most is to embark on a group tour.

This month we take a look at Aussie Wanderer’s 9-Day Perth

to Broome tour. Setting off from Perth you will be astounded by what you can see along the 2,240.1 km journey.

embark on a fully guided tour of these ancient rock formations that litter the desolate desert landscape.

From here it’s off to stay at the Big River Ranch Farmstay before reaching Kalbarri National Park.

Kalbarri presents the geological marvel that is Nature’s Window - a naturally formed arched rock that frames the incredible vista of the park in the distance. You’ll also have the chance to kayak down the Z-Bend or try abseiling down a 25 metre drop if you’re feeling brave!

Next up is a visit to the paradise of Monkey Mia where you can visit the world-famous dolphins as they swim into the shallows to be handfed every day. From here you will venture to the stunning Coral Bay for more sun, sea and sand and even snorkeling on the Ningaloo Reef before heading back to the bush of Karijini National Park.

Karajini National Park is where you’ll have the chance to explore the dense tropical terrain and swim in billabongs.

As you head toward your final

Setting off from Perth you will follow the Indian Ocean Road, taking in the sites of the pristine, white sandy beaches along the way. On this leg of the tour you will stop off at the otherwordly Pinnacles Desert where you will

FROM WA TO THE TOP END Embark on the ultimate Aussie overland trip from Australia’s north west to the Top End. Over 9 days Adventure Tours Australia will take you on an epic journey through some of Australia’s most intrepid terrain. Setting off from Broome in Western Australia in a 4WD, you’ll make your way off road through the Napier Range.

Eventually you’ll reach Tunnel Creek - a vast cave system that extends a massive 750 metres underground to reveal stunning natural formations.

Next it’s off to Windjana Gorge to spot a saltwater crocodile or two before taking to the Gibb River Road that will take you into the heart of the Kimberley Region. It’s along this part of the journey where you can stop off for a dip at either Galvins or Adcock Gorge before camping at Manning Gorge.

The next day will take you back on to the Gibb River Road to El Questro Station where you will also have the task of crossing a river in the 4WD for an added sense of adventure!

After enjoying the delights of El Questro with two nights camping it’s time to limber up for your trip to Purnululu National Park to see the UNESCO World Heritage Site that is the Bungle Bungle Ranges.

These enormous stripey domes are impressive to say the least and surprisingly were only “discovered” in 1983 by a film crew. After your visit to the Bungle Bungles, and Durack Ranges it’s time to bed down under the starry night’s sky in a traditional Aussie swag.

After two days of taking in the land surrounding the Bungle Bungles ranges it’s off to Lake Argyle where you’ll have some free time to enjoy the area, or take an optional

sunset cruise. Whilst visiting Lake Argyle you’ll have the chance to spot Barramundi, birds and even freshwater crocodiles so keep those hands and feet well inside the boat!

From here you’ll cross the state border over into the Northern Territory. It’s here that you’ll make your final stops at either Katherine Gorge of the stunning Edith Falls before arriving in Darwin where the tour concludes.

This 9 day tour is the perfect way to make the journey from Western Australia to the Northern Territory if you’re looking to explore the North of Australia. There are a number of tours you can take from Darwin including exploring the famous Kakadu National Park or even the incredible Uluru.

Find more tours at www.adventuretours.com.au

destination of Broome, you will visit the seemingly endless 80 Mile Beach - the perfect opportunity for an instagram moment of 2!

Arriving in Broome you will conclude your tour with a picnic on the stunning Cable Beach… famous for its epic sunsets.

Want to head back to Perth? You can also take Aussie Wanderer’s 14 night Perth to Broome return tour which gives you 2 whole nights in Broome.

Find out more and book at www.aussiewanderer.com.au

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Kangaroo Island

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* See www.bbmlive.com/competitions for full terms & conditions or front cover advert With so much to see in Australia, it’s hard to choose where to start, or even how to get your travel itinerary in order. Do you start off in Sydney or do you start off in Perth? Do you embark on an East Coast tour or do you travel from Adelaide to Darwin through the Red Centre?

With so many options, it’s nearly impossible to decide on where to go and which tours to book on, but if you’re looking for a tour that combines action, adventure, nature, stunning scenery and impressive wildlife, then you can satisfy all these requirements with a tour of Kangaroo Island.

The list of reasons to visit Kangaroo Island are seemingly endless and if you are planning on heading to South Australia, then you’ll be pleased to know that this exotically named island is just a stone’s throw from Adelaide (the gateway to Australia’s premier wine region - so, yes another reason not to miss SA off your itinerary!).

Taking the ferry over to Kangaroo Island, you’ll immediately be confronted by the natural beauty of the place. Endless stretches of beach, craggy dramatic rocks, rolling green hills and dense bushland all just waiting to be explored…

If time is of the essence whilst you’re visiting Kangaroo Island, then one of the best ways to see the best of this 4,405 km² island is on a small group tour. This way you won’t miss out on any of the major attractions on the island, and will also have the option to meet some like-minded fellow travellers which is great if you’re travelling solo.

the rocks below the arch.

When visiting Kangaroo Island there are a few locations that you absolutely have to tick of your itinerary with our bucket list including The Remarkable Rocks, Seal Bay, Admirals Arch and Little Sahara.

Little Sahara presents the perfect destination on the island for adrenaline junkies as it’s here that you can surf and toboggan down the enormous sand dunes that cover 2 square kilometres of the island with the highest sand dune reaching 70 metres above sea level.

The Remarkable Rocks are where you will find a cluster of enormous boulders that owe their “remarkable” appearance to 500 million years of rain and wind sculpting them into the impressive formations you see today in the Flinders Chase National Park.

Admirals Arch is another impressive rock formation that has also been formed from natural erosion over the course of several thousands of years to create a distinctive rock bridge.

It’s from here that you can also get a glimpse of the LongNosed Fur Seal colony that have made their home here on

At Seal Bay it will probably come as no surprise that you’ll be able to get your fill of the local wildlife as the sandy beach plays host to the one of the four largest colonies of Australian Sea Lions in the world.

With all the above destinations making up just a handful of the things to do and see whilst on the island, we can assure you that it’s well worth adding Kangaroo Island to your Australia bucket list.

Traveller Tip: Kangaroo Island Adventure Tours 2-Day allinclusive package is currently on sale at just $399 per person.

For tours and information on visiting Kangaroo Island visit www.kiadventuretours.com.au

TAMBORINE MOUNTAIN: QUEENSLAND MAN UP FOR ADVENTURE

been flagged as a top spot by someone we met, so we decided to give it a go. We checked it out online and discovered an amazing range of adventures and on site camping so we loaded up the Wicked vans and headed for the hills.

My mates were staying on the Gold Coast and we had hooked up with a few others from Brisbane. It took less than an hour for both groups to get to Thunderbird Park. First impressions were great, awesome scenery, a huge rainforest property, friendly people in reception and shaded campsites.

It got better, the Tree Top Challenge Ropes Course has to be seen to be believed, it’s high and it’s huge. The Canyon Flyer zipline promised some adrenalin pumping fun and if we had any energy left we could go horse riding or book a team game of Laser Skirmish.

The boys are back in town in Queensland Australia and after a few nights clubbing in Brisbane and the Gold Coast we decided to burn off the beer and kebabs with a bit of high adventure.

Thunderbird Park on Tamborine Mountain, between Brisbane and the Gold Coast had

By the time we had set up the vans next to our cooking fire-pits, we were all starving so we tucked in to the best homemade pizza in Oz on Thunderbird Terrace.

We headed over to the ropes course, climbed in to the harnesses and hooked up for an amazing adventure. We faced our

fears and hit the heights on Australia’s largest and highest high ropes course.

We climbed ropes, flew through the trees on the flying fox and dropped through tunnels.

With more than 100 adrenalin pumping challenges spread over six courses across nine acres of unspoilt bushland this looked to be as good as it gets. Then we went on the Canyon Flyer.

The Canyon Flyer is an adrenalin junkies’ dream. We saw the video online but nothing can prepare you for the experience. This adventure started with a trip in a 4WD to the top of the canyon. I admit to the heart thumping, stomach churning feeling of going higher and higher.

We were all pretty quiet so I guess I wasn’t the only one getting nervous. I followed the instructions on my shirt, just do it seemed a good way to go.

There are seven zip lines zigzagging Cedar Creek Canyon at 60m above ground and at speeds of up to 70 kmph. The zipline tour takes about three hours and includes up to 10 adventurers.

The day was drawing to an end and we were all pretty exhausted as we headed back to camp. A hot shower followed by a cold dip in the natural rock pools livened us up and we sparked up heaps when we discovered the Terrace was still serving food and there was a licensed bar.

We didn’t cook dinner on the fire pit that night. Horse riding, laser skirmish and a competitive game of mini golf were planned for the next day. The exercise and rainforest sounds ensured a good sleep.

For more information visit: www.thunderbirdpark.com.au

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EXPLORE THE WORLD’S LARGEST SAND ISLAND On Dropbear’s 3 day tour you can either be picked up from Rainbow Beach or Noosa on the mainland. On your first day you’ll arrive on Fraser Island and will spend the morning settling into the Dropbear Wilderness Camp Site, and once that’s done it’s off to do some exploring. You’ll have the pleasure of visiting the gorgeous Lake McKenzie as well as some other lakes and also the stunningly pristine beaches of the Island. Come evening it’s time to kick back on the beach with a beer in hand and get to know your fellow travellers before a classic Aussie BBQ! Sounds idyllic right?

Day 2 sees an early start as you leave camp at 8am to see and experience even more highlights of the Island including; bathing in the bubbling Champagne Pools (a natural jacuzzi on the island), a picture perfect opportunity at the majestic Maheno Ship Wreck (wrecked in 1935 by a cyclone), drive through the towering rainforests and bushland in a 4WD as well as taking to the various beaches and inland tracks in the 4WD. If you’re planning a trip along the East Coast of Australia, then Fraser Island is a must on your itinerary.

It’s here where you’ll find the world’s largest sand island sporting a 75 mile long beach aptly named 75 Mile Beach - as well as a real life shipwreck, dingos, crystal clear lakes and so much more.

So what’s the best way to see all that Fraser Island has to offer? Well, we suggest taking a group tour so you don’t miss a thing. On Dropbear Adventures 3 Day tour you can explore at ease as well as experiencing probably the best three days of your life - or at least travels!

Whilst on the tour you’ll also have the chance to collect and taste Wongs - an Aboriginal delicacy and also indulge in learning the art of Boomerang throwing as well as playing the Didgeridoo! Could it get more Aussie? If you’re planning on visiting Fraser Island between July and November then you may also be lucky enough to spot some Humpback Whales before they migrate back down to the cooler waters of the south with their calves.

Due to the weather and tides on Fraser Island it’s important to bear in mind that not all these activities will be available at all times, but if the sun is shining and the tide is right all this awaits you!

Find out more and book at www.dropbearadventures.com.au

WILDLIFE SPOTTING ON THE GREAT BARRIER REEF

The Great Barrier Reef is world renowned for its natural beauty. Being the largest coral reef in the world, it should come as no surprise that it’s visible from space and houses a whopping 10% of the entire world’s fish population throughout its 2300 km reef system.

Whilst snorkelling or diving at The Great Barrier Reef you can look out for 1,500 species of fish, 411 types of hard coral, one-third of the entire world’s soft corals, 134 species of sharks and rays, six of the world’s seven species of marine turtles, and dolphins.

If you’re planning your trip to The Great Barrier Reef then it’s well worth combining this with seeing the stunning Whitsunday Islands - a group of 74 tropical islands fringing the Reef.

Local tour operator, Awesome Whitsunday provide a number of different day and overnight tours for you to choose from if you want to see the combined beauty of the Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef.

Island Hopping With their great value for money Island Hopper Pass, you’re able to explore the islands at your own pace. Awesome Whitsundays have high speed cruise vessels that transfer guests and day trippers alike from the mainland to both Hamilton Island and Daydream Island. Both islands have a great array of activities for you to experience, and Daydream Island is home to one of the world’s largest outdoor aquariums - so don’t forget your swimsuit and goggles!

Reefsleep One of the most tranquil places on earth, take advantage of Awesome Whitsundays Reefsleep package which enables you to actually bed down for the night on their pontoon

out on the Great Barrier Reef. With their Reefsleep package you can spend the day diving or snorkelling and spend the night seeing which creatures of the deep float to the surface.

Sailing There’s no doubt about it, the Whitsunday Islands are a sailor’s paradise, so why not take advantage of Awesome Whitsundays Reef & Whitehaven Adventure which includes climbing on board the stunning ‘Camira’ - a high speed catamaran that has been built for speed and comfort.

Whilst using this vessel as a base for your trip you can swim and snorkel on your way to Whitehaven Beach.

Castaway Combining all the above Awesome Whitsundays also offer 5 days and 5 nights on their Castaway tour where you can combine sailing around the islands on ‘Camira’ as well as snorkelling and an unforgettable experience – spending a night under the stars on our pontoon in the Great Barrier Reef.

Combining all the above Awesome Whitsundays also offer 5 days and 5 nights on their Castaway Package where you can combine sailing around the islands on ‘Camira’ as well as snorkelling at the Great Barrier Reef on Great Barrier Reef Adventures. You won’t be ready to leave when the day trippers go, and you don’t have to as tonight your sleeping under the stars on a ‘Reefsleep’. Wake up to a stunning sunrise and listen to the reef come alive. Snorkel some more or just chill out for the day before heading back to Airlie Beach. Spend the last two days exploring Hamilton Island or Daydream Island, as well as Airlie Beach town.

For more information, prices and to book visit

www.awesomewhitsundays.com

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A Local’s Guide To Cairns

We speak to Marni Barnett from Skyrail Rainforest Cableway to get the low down on the best things to do and explore whilst visiting TNQ. Why do you choose to live in TNQ? I love everything about our tropical region, the surrounding mountains, rainforest, Great Barrier Reef and many islands and sand cays, the beaches, lakes, waterfalls, creeks and the outback all so close to each other.

What is your favourite activity in the region?

Discovering Ancient Tropical Rainforest in the Wet Tropics World Heritage listed area with Skyrail Rainforest Cableway!

If you had just 48 hours in the Wet Tropics World Heritage Rainforest what would you recommend?

Start your first day with Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, explore Kuranda the village in the rainforest, spend a night on the Atherton Tablelands take an evening animal spotting tour and spend the next day searching for giant fig trees, platypus and scenic views that last for miles and try some fantastic local produce including fresh fruit and vegetables, tea, coffee, cheese and locally made chocolates.

Red Peak you will stand in front of amazing 50 metre tall Kauri Pines, at Barron Falls you will see the majestic Barron Falls which is spectacular year round and lastly before arriving into Kuranda you will have a lovely view above the Barron River (look out for Freshwater Crocodiles and turtles on the river).

When is your favourite time of year/season?

Winter, it is not your traditional winter here in Cairns, it consists of blue skies and cool afternoons perfect for fish and chips on the beach or backyard barbeques with a fire.

What’s your favourite bar/restaurant in Port Douglas?

Salsa, it really is the local’s favourite!

What are you favourite five animals?

Cassowary, Possums, Turtles, Dolphins and Whales.

What’s your favourite bar/restaurant in Cairns?

I love the waterfront precinct under Cairns Harbour Lights at the Cairns Marina, you have the choice of Dundees, Ochre and the Boatshed they are my most frequently visited favourites in the city! At Trinity Beach I love Blue Moon Grill for breakfast and dinner or Lunico’s for lunch and sunset cocktails.

What’s the best view point from Skyrail Rainforest Cableway?

From Smithfield to Red Peak for the perfect coastal and aquatic view of the rainforest, Cairns and the Coral Sea, at

Find out more and book at skyrail.com.au Sustainable Tourism, Skyrail is the world’s most beautiful rainforest experience.

EXPLORE WHITEHAVEN BEACH Escaping the chillier temperatures of the southern states calls for adventures in Queensland. Now is the perfect time to head up north for a weekend away or mini break with the Queensland weather staying sunny and warm pretty much all year round.

What could be more fun than cruising around the Whitsunday Islands on board a high speed raft? If this sounds like the perfect day out for you, then read on…

On a day trip with Ocean Rafting you’ll travel to the world famous Whitehaven Beach as well as the pristine snorkelling reefs and guided walks around the Whitsunday Island National Parks.

Ocean Rafting are one of the only tour operators that have special permits to allow them to visit the protected areas of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park meaning you’ll get to see parts of the reef that other tours don’t cover!

Ocean Rafting also take passengers to the iconic Hill Inlet Beach on their Whitehaven Beach Tours as well as much coveted snorkelling sites such as Hook Island and Border Island.

Whilst on Ocean Rafting’s tours you will see a huge variety of birdlife as well as the kaleidoscope of marine life that call

the Great Barrier Reef home.

Ocean Rafting conduct two tours, their Northern Exposure tour which offers more snorkelling time for those of you who love to be in the water, and the Southern Lights tour which offers for beach time for the land lubbers amongst you.

Each of their 5 vessels offer 70% coverage from the hot Aussie sun but you should still bring sunscreen and a hat with you as well as your swimsuit and sand shoes!

www.oceanrafting.com.au

EMBARK ON AN OCEAN SAFARI Heading up to the Tropical North Queensland to see the Great Barrier Reef is the stuff of a travellers dreams. And with it being the largest coral reef on the planet (you can see if from space!) it’s just not something you can miss off your Australia bucket list.

With Ocean Safari you can snorkel in the pristine waters around the Great Barrier Reef and get up close to 10% of the world’s entire fish population.

Ocean Safari offer fantastic half day tours off the Daintree Coast at Cape Tribulation that take you on a 25 minute ride out to sea where you’ll discover the native wildlife including colourful coral, along with myriads of tropical fish, eagle rays, giant clams and starfish, leaving the

rainforest brimmed coastline behind you.

Morning tours depart at 8 am and afternoon tours at 12 midday. Tours start from $139 per person.

The Ocean Safari check in office is where you’ll also find the Turtle Rock Café where you can fill up on some wholesome meals after all that snorkelling, and also Jungle Lodge which is situated just 400 metres from the beach. Jungle Lodge offers camping in the stunning Cape Tribulation rainforest making it the perfect base if you want to stay in the area over a few days!

Find out more and book at www.oceansafari.com.au

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12 INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT ISTANBUL

Istanbul and imageries of an expansive metropolis with an astonishing cultural and architectural heritage comes to mind.

Visitors will find a melting pot of Eastern and Western history spanning some 2,000 years in a city that is ancient yet modern.

The largest city in Turkey is not only one of the most popular locally but a favourite destination for international tourists.

So, you want to go to this fantastic city?

Here are 12 interesting facts to help get you underway on your visit to Istanbul.

1. Istanbul is the only pancontinental city in the world situated on two continents,

Europe and Asia 2. Under the Ottoman Empire, Istanbul was well-known for having more than 1,400 public toilets 3. While not the capital, Istanbul is Turkey’s largest city with more than 13 million people 4. 99 per cent of Istanbul’s population is Muslim 5. Tulips, the icon of Holland, originated in Istanbul and were sent from Istanbul to the Netherlands 6. The Grand Bazaar is the biggest old covered bazaar in the world, with over 3,000 shops of all kinds

7. Istanbul was once recognised as the most jam-packed city on earth – in 1502.

8. Istanbul has the third oldest subway in the world, built in 1875. It’s 573 meters long and located in the Beyoglu district. The first subway built was in London in 1863 and the second in New York in 1868 9. Istanbul is home to the most mosques in Turkey. It has 3,113 mosques, including the historical Sultanahmet Mosque and the Süleymaniye Mosque.

10. Sultanahmet or the Old City is where most of the well-known historic sights of Istanbul are situated 11. The Galata Tower, built in 1348 to

house prisoners of war, now offers a 360-degree observing platform of the city.

12. Istanbul was the European Cultural Capital City in 2010, but has never hosted the Olympics.

Fancy a trip to Turkey? Travel Talk Tours offer 8-12 day tours that all start and finish in Istanbul so you have plenty of time to explore this magnificent city!

Find out more and book at www.traveltalktours.com

Explore India

A distant land bound with intrigue, mystery, heritage and legend, India offers the perfect opportunity to lose yourself in all its cultural intricacies.

Encounters Travel’s Indian Spice tour takes you through the Golden Triangle of India, as well as Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, the Punjab, Amritsar and Dharamsala.

On this epic adventure you will also encounter the world-famous Taj Mahal.

Once the centre of the Mughal Empire, today it stands as one of the 7 Wonders of the World. This imposing and beautiful building was built in memory of Shah Jahan’s late wife Mumtaz Mahal it is widely recognized as the icon of India attracting 7 million visitors annually.

You will also visit the stunning Pink City also known as Jaipur for geography’s sake.

Here you can enjoy the bustle of Indian food markets, and browse the many, many shops in this surprising and beautiful city.

You will then visit Dharamsala - home to the Dalai Lama - the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism located in the foothills of the Himalayas, before returning to Delhi where the tour concludes.

From here it’s back to Delhi as you embark on a train journey to Amritsar. Arriving in Amritsar after seeing more of India along the way you will visit the Harmandir Sahib temple - the holiest of Sikh Gurdwaras. The building is set centrally in an enormous expanse of water making for a truly stunning photo opportunity.

This 13 day tour of India will not only fill you with incredible sight seeing opportunities, but will also immerse you deep into the Indian culture.

Find out more and book at www.encounterstravel.com

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LAST MINUTE OKTOBERFEST DEALS It’s time to start priming that liver of yours for the world’s biggest beer bonanza!

Oktoberfest is on the horizon, so if you haven’t booked your ticket yet, you better get clicking!

The world’s biggest annual beer festival takes place in Munich, Germany every September and proceedings kick off on 17th September and will rage for a full 16 days.

Known to the locals as Weisn, the festival say 5.9 million visitors last year, who consumed a mammoth 7.7 million litres of beer over the course of the festival.

WHY YOU NEED TO EXPERIENCE BEATS TRAVEL Beats Travel is a music and festival travel company that moves to its own beat.. Visiting some of the best parties (and creating some of their own) in the most beautiful locations, here’s why you should choose Beats Travel.

Each year, it is tradition for the Mayor of Munich to tap the first beer, (essentially opening a barrel) and take a good swig of the beer from it to mark the start of the year’s occasion.

To get in the spirit of Oktoberfest you’ll also want to don some authentic German costume such as the all-traditional lederhosen and join in with the festivities.

Never experienced Oktoberfest before and want to save money for your maiden voyage on the beer swilling streets? Book on an Oktoberfest tour with The Fanatics and they’ll ensure you’ll have a merry old time, as well as ensuring you have food, water and a roof over your head!

The Fanatics Oktoberfest tours run from 15th - 20th September and include coach transfers between London and Munich, three days at three different beer halls, transfers from your campsite or hostel accommodation to the Oktoberfest site, and you can even attend the opening ceremony.

Prices start from just £189.

Visit www.thefanatics.com/oktoberfest to book.

CROTIA

SET SAIL ON THE DALMATION COAST

EXCLUSIVE PARTIES

It doesn’t matter if you are a die hard, in-the-know music lover, or someone who just loves a dance, you get tired of the same old crowds, in the same old clubs with the same old tunes. Beats Travel have a crew of amazing DJ’s and producers who have jumped on board to deliver parties in some strange and beautiful locations from warehouses in Serbia, to private pools, and beaches in India.

EXOTIC LOCATIONS

For most, this conjures up dreamy images of idyllic aqua water, white sandy beaches and palm trees. Beats Travel tours certainly venture to stunning beaches such as these in Croatia, Montenegro, India and more, but this isn’t our only definition of exotic. Beats venture into exotic clubs, like those found on the river barges of Serbia, deserts and jungles of India, temples, private boats, palace grounds, and more.

HIDDEN BARS AND RESTAURANTS

There is no point travelling if you are going to eat Maccie D’s, or never leave the hostel bar because of the two-for-one cocktail at 5pm. Their tour guides have spent extensive time in each destination, talking to the locals and getting the feel for what they love. They know the underground bar with an unheard of, but next level resident DJ, and they know how to drink the local drink without embarrassing themselves.

FESTIVALS LIKE NO OTHER

With hundreds of different festivals happening at any given moment worldwide, there has to be a reason some stand out more than others. Sometimes it’s location; Exit Festival in Serbia finds you raving in the middle of a fortress.

LoveFest, also in Serbia, catapults you to more regional areas, far from tourist traps, to experience a secret very few outside of Serbia know about. One thing for certain is you aren’t likely to stumble across these festivals by sticking to major cities.

For more information on Beats Travel, visit www.beats-travel.com

Spend the week sailing Croatia and exploring the crystal blue Adriatic along the amazing Dalmatian coastline for summer 2017.

Starting in Split, set sail to discover hidden bays and magical swimming spots with visits to Hvar, Dubrovnik and Makarska - to name a few.

Enjoy a relaxed sun soaked day on the boat before getting those feet on to dry land to take in a touch of culture, adventure and nightlife. Docking in a different destination each evening over the course of the tour, you’ll get to experience the individual personalities of the Croatian islands.

During the day you can swim, snorkel, sunbathe and take a dip into the sea and by night you can explore and discover everything these amazing destinations have to offer.

Sailing around Croatia offers great diversity as you visit different ports during your sailing adventure, and combining this with life on the high seas offers the ultimate summer holiday.

After all those heavy nights on the town, you’ll be fully refreshed the next day as you splash around in the sea and have the cooling sea breeze whilst sailing from port to port.

Sailing Croatia with Koda Sail also gives you the opportunity to travel in a group and make friends for life as you take it all in together.

Koda Sail’s Dalmatian Voyager tour gives you 8 days of sailing and 7 nights on board. During the tour you will get to see the Biokovo mountain range, Mljet National Park, Dubrovnik Old Town, Korcula, Hvar and Omis where you can indulge in exciting activities such as zip-lining and white water rafting on the Cetina River.

For more info visit www.kodasail.com

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SURF EUROPE’S BEST WAVES

Imagine spending your next holiday chasing some of Europe’s best waves, sitting around camp with a group of friends from all over the world, and falling asleep under the stars only to do it all over again the next day...

Does this sound like your kind of trip? If so then Stoke Travel’s Van

Surfari Spain & France is the trip or you. The Van Surfari runs all summer long from June to mid- September roaming throughout the famous Basque Country of northern Spain and southern France. For 70 euros per day you’ll not only find yourself in some of Europe’s most well known (and secret) surf breaks, but it also includes three home-cooked and

delicious meals, all the surf gear you’ll need to tear it up in the water, camping accommodation, and a seat in the famous Surfari Van named “Bluey”! Plus unlimited beer and sangria for 10 euros per night.

We had the chance to catch up with Emily Rathmanner, an American surfer and travel blogger, working on the trip for an insight of what the Van Surfari looks like.

“My day normally starts by waking up and cooking up a mean, fulfilling breakfast for the customers and crew,” highlighted Emily. “Imagine eggs benedict, corn fritters, or banana pancakes

plus tea and coffee for some added energy and some good jams to get everyone pumped up for the day.

beach (and drinking) games, and soaking up that sweet Vitamin D! Don’t forget the tasty and local lunches, too.

“We throw on our board shorts and bikinis, pile the boards in the Bluey the van, and hit the road to see where the waves are breaking best. Whether you’re a beginner or expert surfer, we will find the perfect break for you!

We even offer lessons for those new to the sport, and plenty of beers for those who need some liquid confidence...

“Slowly, the sun starts to set, and we either get comfy at camp playing card games and getting to know each other or hitting up the closest town for an inside look into the local party scene.

It’s the perfect combination of party, chill, and fun. Nothing but good vibes on the Van Surfari so get your board or grab on of ours and get stoked!”

“Once we’re on the beach, maybe Hossegor in France or Zarautz in Spain, customers spend their time surfing, playing

Find out more and book at www.stoketravel.com

PARTY YOUR WAY AROUND THE GREEK ISLANDS

T LAS E TO NC A CH OOK B

LA TOMATINA Held in Valencia, Spain every year, La Tomatina festival is the world’s biggest food fight.

It’s at this annual event that hundreds of people pelt each other with tomatoes for some very messy fun.

The proceedings are kicked off with five bulbous, tomato-filled rockets being launched into the air creating a rain of crimson pulp to get the ball rolling. It’s then that the clock starts ticking and you have exactly one hour to join in in the tomato throwing frenzy.

La Tomatina Festival takes place on the last Wednesday of every August at the Valencian town of Bunol. Although no one is entirely sure how the festival began, it’s thought that the festival originated in 1945 during an annual parade of the giants (which are massive papier

mache costumes) which ended in a scuffle as one of the giants was knocked to his feet during the parade by a group of youngsters and started lashing out at everyone around him. In their defense the scamps started hurling tomatoes at him until the police arrived.

Whatever the origin of this festival, today it stands as a world renowned cultural event attracting thousands of tourists.

Although the festival lasts but one day it’s the perfect opportunity to explore Valencia by day and by night - a few points of interest being Valencia Old Town, the world-class aquarium the city of Arts & Sciences as well as the many stunning cityside beaches.

With 3 day tours starting from as little as £189 you can’t go wrong.

Find out more and book at www.firstfestivaltravel.com

Looking for a sun-soaked holiday that combines sightseeing, partying and sailing? Well Sail In Greece can give you just that.

On Sail In Greece’s YOLO Cruise you can expect 7 full days of sailing around some of Greece’s most famous and beautiful islands.

Starting your cruise around the Greek Islands in Mykonos you will meet your group in the afternoon and get to know each other. You’ll be docked overnight in Mykonos giving you time to swim and check out the beach before a private boat party on board sipping on unlimited cocktails and drinks before heading out on a bar crawl of Mykonos lead by your tour manager.

Come morning you can enjoy breakfast on board the 30 ft vintage wooden ship before having a refreshing swim in the sea and then taking a walking tour of the Mykonos old town.

It’s then time to set sail to Paros where you can explore the island via quad bike and indulge in a

few watersports such as surfing. Come sundown you can enjoy a shisha with your tour buddies and dance til the sun comes up at one of the Paros nightclubs.

From Paros it’s off on the high seas again, but this time to the island of Ios. It’s here that you’ll visit the famous Mylopotas beach, where you’ll join forces with Sail In Greece’s Pirate Booze Cruise tour for more partying under the stunning Mediterranean sun.

On the last day of the cruise you will sail to the utterly stunning Santorini. Once you arrive you’ll take a 20 minute walk up the steep donkey path to the old town of Thira. It’s here that you’ll be able to browse the many boutiques, markets, tavernas and coffee shops.

You’ll conclude your cruise by watching the stunning sunset at Oia and enjoy dinner onboard and relax on the deck.

Sound like just the holiday for you?

Find out more and book at www.sail-ingreece.com

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Bali - More than just down time There are hundreds of reasons to visit Bali from the epic waves to the bustling nightlife, but here are a handful of things you have to experience whilst visiting Bali to make the most out of your trip.

Sunrise on Mount Agung After a month of loading up on Mie goreng, cheap bintang beer and endless cocktails, a 6 hour trek up Mount Agung, the tallest (and arguably steepest) mountain in Bali probably wasn’t the best idea.

Yet any thoughts of aching legs instantly evaporated as I sipped coffee at the summit, watching the sun rise above the clouds whilst Balinese locals performed a blessing at the mountain shrine.

Diving at Liberty Wreck The experience was part of an action-packed weekend, starting with a taster free-diving session at Liberty Wreck in Tulamben, one of the World’s top diving sights, and ending with a manta ray snorkeling session off the coast of Nusa Penida. In a country where the culture is so relaxed that everything happens an hour later than planned, changing plans on the spur of the moment is easily done. Transfers are easily arranged and advertised everywhere (although haggling is a must to avoid getting ripped off), so hopping from beach to mountain to monkey forest is easily accomplishable in one trip.

Surfing in Bali From Uluwatu’s monster peaks to Canggu’s beginners break at Batu Balong, Bali is known for having some of the best surf in the world.

A good, albeit crowded, surf session is pretty much guaranteed. The popular breaks can get pretty hectic, so waking up early for a sunrise surf is usually the best way to ensure that you don’t have to share the waves with too many people.

So whether you see yourself surfing, diving, trekking, or sipping a sunset cocktail on a beautiful beach, then Bali is a place to tick off the list.

Find out more at balintro.com

Laos - A Backpacker Dream A land shrouded in mystery for eons, Laos has opened its doors in recent years to tourism.

This South-East Asian country is a destination filled with stunning natural beauty, golden Buddhist temples, and a unique and preserved culture.

It’s in Laos where you’ll find an abundance of mountains, waterfalls, rivers and countryside all just waiting to be explored.

Despite its culture being relatively in tact the tourism that has flooded the region in recent years has seen a small influx of modern culture injected into their society.

Throughout its capital city of Vientiane, and its smaller cities as well as the small hill-tribe villages a quiet pace of life has reigned supreme and kept time relatively still compared with the rest of the world. Today

you will still see boys and men shepherding water buffalo as well as farmers shifting produce via makeshift carriages and tractors.

The peaceful Buddhist religion is also something that has remained in Laos and on any visit to Laos you’ll see the daily rituals of the Buddhist culture.

During your visit to Laos you’ll start off in the city of Luang Prabang, it’s here that you’l see the stunning golden temples and the French architecture. You’ll also witness the great Mekong River as well as thousands of saffron robed Buddhist monks that live in Luang Prabang.

limestone cliffs, stunning rice terraces and more at the town of Vang Vieng. Interestingly Vang Vieng has been known to throw some of the craziest parties living dubiously outside of the strict Laos law. It’s here that you can also take a picturesque kayaking session down the Nam Song river.

You will also head deep into the Laos jungle where you’ll be surrounded by soaring

www.freeandeasytraveller.com

Book your adventure at

Should you be planning a trip to Laos then we suggest embarking on a group tour. The benefits of this include being safe within a group, not missing out on any of the premier tourist destinations and of course travelling with like minded people to want to explore this incredible country.

With so much to see and do, you will want to ensure you have plenty of time. Free And Easy Traveller offer both 25 - 50 day tours that will combine a tour of Laos along with seeing the sights of neighbouring countries such as Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Indonesia and the Philippines.

EXPLORE COLOMBIA’S LOST CITY This one day tour in Santa Marta allows you to play Indiana Jones for a day, as well as taking in some beach time to unwind.

Your trip begins early, you’re picked up first thing in the morning by an air conditioned taxi which takes you to the Calabazo sector where you stop for breakfast before embarking on the three hour walk to the archaeological site of Ciudad Perdida. Spanish for “Lost City”, Ciudad Perdida is located in Colombia’s Sierra Nevada and said to be 650 years older than Macchu Pichu – the grandaddy of all Latin American ruins.

Having the name of The Lost City, it’s probably no surprise to you that it takes a lot of effort to get reach. There’s no shuttle bus or short flights to hop on. It’s an

ancient city of mazes, cobbled streets, aqueducts and terraces deep in the jungle; built by the Tayrona Pueblo people, a preColombian civilisation - the original inhabitants of the land millennia before the Spanish discovered South America.

It consists of 169 terraces built into the mountain and to reach the entrance you face a gruelling 1,200 steps through dense jungle, so make sure you’re at an adequate level of fitness for the tour. It’s a good idea to wear some durable hiking boots or comfortable trainers with good grip as you’ll be walking for over seven hours throughout the day, possibly through wet jungle environment. Lightweight, rainproof clothing is mandatory if trekking in the rainy season.

The mountains of Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta were declared a biosphere reserve by UNESCO in 1979, so it’s a well protected place from the massive amounts of deforestation that is taking place

across the Amazon and northern parts of South America.You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time to a pre-Mayan era as you traverse through the thick, dense jungle with nothing in site but the green environment, the local wildlife and the occasional stream that we will have to cross. You can even swim in these streams if weather permits, and they aren’t flowing rapidly. Your local guide will advise you on the day if it’s safe to swim.

Once you’ve had your fill of photo opportunities it’s now time for a well earned beach break – not before more walking though!

Follow your guide down an old stone path, and after two hours of trekking you arrive at Cabo San Juan, said to be one of the top 10 beaches on the planet. Famous for its boulder strewn beach, it’s here that you’ve probably seen in countless Colombian beach photos, as it’s one of the most picturesque settings in the country. A crescent shaped bay,

backed by rows of palm trees and golden-white sand immediately hit you and you know you’re in paradise. Try to time your tour during a weekday as this beach can get very popular with Colombians during the weekend.

Once you’re done frolicking in the sea it’s off to another beach! Put your hiking boots back on because it’s another two hour walk to the beaches of Tayrona Park. Another stunning beach on Colombia’s Caribbean coastline where you can rent hammocks, chill out on the sand, snorkel or even go surfing.If there’s time then ask you tour guide about the other beaches in the area, which aren’t too much of a walk to get to. You may find your own secluded ‘private’ beach all to yourselves, which would really cap the trip off in style!

Once you can’t take anymore sun head to the Canaveral sector where your vehicle is waiting to return you to Santa Marta where your tour concludes.

Find out more about Colombia day tours and book at www.colombia4u.com

Balintro article by Elen Gibbons

An ancient paradise awaits…

www.bbmlive.com 37

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 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 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

Port Stephans

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

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 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

CEDAR CREEK LODGES THUNDERBIRD PARK Cnr of Cedar Creek Falls Rd & Tamborine Mountain Rd, Tamborine, QLD 4272 info@cedarcreeklodges.com.au www.cedarcreeklodges.com.au Backpackers in Paradise 40 Peninsular Drive Central Surfers Paradise Queensland, 4217 Ph: (07) 5538 4344 Free: 1800 268 621 info@backpackersinparadise.com www.backpackersinparadise.com

Port Douglas

Western Australia

United Port Douglas 37 Warner Street, Port Douglas, QLD Ph: 07 4099 5011 unitedportdouglas.com.au Airlie Beach Airlie Beach YHA 394 Shute Harbour Road Airlie Beach QLD Phone: (07) 4946 6312 Free:1800 247 251 airliebeach@yha.com.au

www.yha.com.au

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

Maca’s Camping Ground Ph: 02 6684 5211 1156 Main Arm Rd, Upper Main Arm NSW 2482, Australia www.macascampingground.com/ macascampingground@gmail.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

Aquarius Backpackers 44 Queen Street Gold Coast, Queensland Ph: 07 5527 1300 Free:1800 229 955 info@aquariusbackpackers.com.au www.aquariusbackpackers.com.au

Rainbow Beach

Highway, Queensland 4217 Ph: 07 5592 4677 Free: 1800 282 800 spbr@bigpond.net.au www.surfersparadisebackpackers.com.au

Surfers Paradise Backpackers rsrt Backpackers Resort,2837 Gold Coast

LAKE TABOURIE TOURIST PARK Princes Hwy, Lake Tabourie, NSW 2539 Ph: (02) 4406-3101 www.laketabourietouristpark.com.au

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

PK’s Jungle Village Cape Tribulation Road (PMB 7) Cape Tribulation QLD 4873 Tel: 07 4098 0040 info@pksjunglevillage.com www.pksjunglevillage.com

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!

Nomads Esplanade 93 The Esplanade, Cairns, QLD 4870 Ph: 07 4031 7477 Free: 1800 175 716 bookings@nomadsesplanade.com www.nomadshostels.com

Queensland

Cape Tribulation

JJ’s Backpackers 11-13 Charles Street Cairns QLD 4870 Ph - (07) 4051 7642 Free- 1800 666 336 jjsbackpackers@ledanet.com.au www.jjsbackpackers.com Heron Island Ph: 02 9538 0751 www.heronisland.com

Townsville Rambutan 113 – 119 Flinders Street, Townsville 4810 enquiries@rambutantownsville.com Ph: 07 4771 6915 www.rambutantownsville.com

Perth

western beach lodge 6 Westborough Street Scarborough, Western Australia, 6019 Ph. (08) 9245 1624 westernbeach@iprimus.com.au www.westernbeach.com BILLABONG RESORT 381 Beaufort Street, Perth WA Ph: 08 9328 7720 bookings@billabongresort.com.au www.billabongresort.com.au Britannia On William 253 William Street, Northbridge, WA Ph: 08 9227 6000 www.perthbritannia.com EXCLUSIVE BACKPACKERS 158 Adelaide Tce, Perth 6000 Ph: (08) 9221 9991 exclusivebackpackers@hotmail.com www.exclusivebackpackers.com Beatty Lodge 235 Vincent Street West Perth WA 6005 Ph: (08) 9227 1521 www.beattylodge.com.au info@beattylodge.com.au

COOLIBAH LODGE 194 Brisbane Street Northbridge Perth WA Ph: (08) 9328 9958 www.coolibahlodge.com.au Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort Monkey Mia Road, Shark Bay 3537 Ph: +61 8 9948 1320 monkeymia@aspenresorts.com.au www.monkeymia.com.au

Kununurra Kununurra Backpackers Adventure Centre 24 Nutwood Crescent, Kununurra WA 6743 Ph: (08) 9169 1998 or 1800 641 998 kununurrabackpackers.com.au info@kununurrabackpackers.com.au broome

Habitat HQ Freephone 1800 202 500 info@habitathq.com.au www.habitathq.com.au Award winning 4.5 star hostel with a homely & relaxed atmosphere

Northern Territory Darwin Youth Shack 69 Mitchell Street, Darwin Ph: 1300 793 302 youthshack.com.au Melaleuca on Mitchell 52 Mitchell Street, Darwin Ph: 09 8941 7800 momdarwin.com Chillis Backpackers 69 Mitchell Street, Darwin Ph: 1800 351 313 chillis.com.au

Beaches of Broome 4 Sanctuary Road, Cable Beach, Broome, WA, 6725 Ph : 1300 881 031 bookings@beachesofbroome.com. au www.beachesofbroome.com.au

Alice Springs

Victoria

Haven Backpacker Resort 3 Larapinta Drive, Alice Springs Ph: 1800 79 4663 / 08 8952 4663 www.alicehaven.com.au

redcliffs hotel 25 Jacaranda St, Red Cliffs VIC 3496 (03) 5024 1704 Johanna Beach Cottages 225 Blue Johanna Road Johanna Heights Victoria 3238 (03) 5237 4224 cottages@johannabeach.com www.johannabeach.com 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.

Annie’s Place 4 Traeger Avenue, Alice Springs , NT, 0871 Ph: 1800 359 089 www.anniesplace.com.au

South Australia Adelaide Adelaide Travellers Inn Backpackers 220 Hutt St Adelaide 5000 Free call 1800633747 Ph: +61 08 82240753 bookings@adelaidebackpackers. com.au adelaidebackpackers.om.au

Melbourne MELBOURNE DISCOVERY

OCEAN BEACH BACKPACKERS

1 Eric St Cottesloe Beach Ph: 08 9384 5111 backpackers@obh.com.au www.obh.com.au

Boranup Boranup Forest Retreat 422 Sebbes Road, Forest Grove Ph: +61 404 895 901 www.boranupforestretreat.com.au monkey mia

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

THINGS TO DO Skydiving iFly Downunder

21 Queen Street, Busselton, WA Ph: 08 9754 1615 www.diveshed.com.au

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

Adventure Tours

Sydney Skydivers

Ph: 1800 293 7663 www.awesomewhitsundays.com

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

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

Scuba Diving NINGLAOO WHALE SHARK & DIVE CENTRE Located inside reception at the Exmouth Cape Holiday Park: 3 Truscott Street, Exmouth, WA Ph: 1800 224 060 www.ningaloowhalesharkndive. com.au

The Dive Shed Busselton

Awesome Whitsundays Australian Kayaking Adventures

PO Box 1055, Ashmore City, QLD Ph: 04 1294 0135 www.australiankayakingadventures. com.au

Skyrail Rainforest Cableway Cnr Captain Cook Highway and Cairns Western Arterial Road Smithfield, QLD Ph: 07 4038 5555 www.skyrail.com.au Contiki Ph: 1300 188 635 www.contiki.com

aussie wanderer

Ph: 0894382070 info@aussiewanderer.com.au www.aussiewanderer.com.au

Crocosaurus Cove 58 Mitchell Street, Darwin Ph: 08 8981 7522 www.crocosauruscove.com

Wild Expeditions

Territory Expeditions

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

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

Margaret River Vintage Wine Tours Ph: 0417 948 933 www.winetoursmargaretriver.com.au

The Peel Region Tourism

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

75 Mandurah Terrace, Mandurah Ph: 08 9550 3999 www.visitpeel.com.au

Ph: 1300 525 238 info@kadu4wdsafaris.com www.kakadu4wdsafaris.com

Kangaroo Island Adventure Tours Vivonne Bay, Kingscote, SA

Ph: 1300 654 604 adventuretours.com.au

Ph: 08 8202 8678 www.kiadventuretours.com.au

GOIN SOUTH

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

PENRITH WHITE WATER RAFTING

Ph: 02 4730 4333 booking@penrithwhitewater.com.au www.penrithwhitewater.com.au

Drop Bear Adventures Ph: 1800 061 156 www.dropbearadventures.com.au

Adventure Tours australia 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

Kimberley Wild Expeditions Ph: 1300 73 88 70 www.kimberleywild.com.au

Visit Peel

Ph: 08 9550 3999

The Official Home And Away Tour To Summer Bay

ADVENTURE KAYAKING

Ph: 02 9977 7890 www.yahoo7.com.au/homeandaway

Kite Surfing

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

KITE REPUBLIC

PARADISE JET BOATING

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

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

Water Activities

TRANSPORT MIGHTY CAMPERS

GREAT OCEAN ROAD SURF TOURS

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

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

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

38

CRYSTAL BALLS Gemini

Much to your surprise you are invited to film “Carpool Karaoke” with James Corden for the following night’s episode of the Late, Late Show. He picks you up from your place in the afternoon, asks if you mind driving, and the two of you spend the rest of the day driving around singing the biggest hits of the week. Later that night, you realise you’ve been duped when you see a news report warning people to be on the lookout for a chubby 37-year-old sex offender with an English accent who pleasures himself manually while getting people to sing and chauffer him around town.

NSW Premier Mike Baird bans Pokemon Go in the state after a report finds widespread evidence of live-baiting in the game, with trainers often setting packs of wild nidorans on a scared and frightened pikachu. The nidorans are then goaded on as they tear the unfortunate pikachu to shreds. It’s also estimated that up to 1000 nidorans a year are destroyed by trainers in illegal breeding programs.

Virgo

You are accused of trolling people after spending the month under a bridge harassing billy goats gruff.

After a particularly heavy night of drinking, you wake up the next morning naked next to the cold, dead body of cheeky racist Pauline Hanson, who is decked out in a hijab.

Please explain.

You wake up in the middle of the night confused and frightened when you realise several people have surrounded your bed and are pointing their phone at you. After a while, it becomes clear the makers of Pokemon Go have put a Pokemon Gym in your bedroom and it’s just a bunch of 20-something nerds who aren’t aware of societal norms and personal boundaries.

You quickly scare them off by trying to socialise with them.

ASK CRYSTAL Dear Crystal,

I’ve developed a sexual obsession with Antiques Roadshow presenter Fiona Bruce, so much so that every time I see an antique I get a mild erection. This wouldn’t be a huge problem usually, but I’ve just been offered a job at the Museum of Sydney, and the whole place is littered with expensive historical artefacts. If I have to give a bunch of school kids a tour, I’ll end up on the sex offenders register. What should I do?

Yours, Jim

Dear Jim,

This reminds me of a woman I once met who had a similar problem, only her obsession was with Bullseye presenter Jim Bowen. She could only climax if the man she was with yelled out “and Bully’s special prize!” just before he finished. I know it doesn’t help you at all, but it gave me a chuckle just thinking about it again. Tell you what, I’ll send you her number – at the very least you can stick on UK Gold and one of you is guaranteed to get horny.

Dear Crystal,

I’m really depressed by the state of the world. Terrorist attacks in France, the rise of ISIS in the Middle East, war in Syria and South Sudan and the slow break-up of the EU. But worse than all those things combined is I can’t find a Lickitung in Pokemon Go. I’ve looked bloody everywhere but it’s really getting me down. Any advice?

Yours Alice,

Dear Alice,

Taurus

You’re in luck! I don’t know much about Pokemon Go but I know if you want a Lickitung, there are a few old friends of mine in Kings Cross who provide that service for a small fee or a bag of ice. And I don’t mean the kind of ice you put in a glass of Jack Daniels. In fact, I think the name “Licky Tongue” is the name of the establishment all these old friends of mine work at.

If nothing else, it should help you take your mind off the horrors of the world.

As part of the Coalition’s new policy to tackle climate change, Malcolm Turnbull passes a law forcing everyone born between November 21 and December 21 to wear a sandwich board made out of solar panels outside major corporations to help them with their energy bills. The law only applies to voters with an average wage of less than $100,000 a year. When asked how this will reduce carbon emissions, a blank-eyed Turnbull continually repeats the phrase “jobs and growth” over and over again until drool starts forming.

Capricorn

Libra

Pisces

Sagittarius

This is a reminder that it has been two years since your last eye test.

Aries

You go down to the beach and are bitten on the ankle by a were-fish. For the rest of your life, every full moon, you turn into a haddock and spend the night flapping about in bed gasping for breath.

Leo

In a bid to reduce BBM’s carbon footprint, as of next month we will be reducing our horoscope from 12 star signs to 11 to save on paper. However, we’ll still need to use a page with the same dimensions, so as a compromise we’ll replace the Leo section with a drawing of a miniature wind farm.

Cancer

After a good week at work, you are praised by your boss and given an early finish on Friday as a reward. However, the sense of recognition it gives you is swiftly undermined when Taylor Swift’s team of PR experts claim she did most of your work for you under a pseudonym. Soon you are being hounded on social media by Tay-Tay fans with the hashtag #hatersgonnahate.

Aquarius

Just days before the end of the English Premier League transfer window, you are called into your manager’s office. Apparently, Manchester City have offered him $2million to sign you on a four-year-deal as part of a desperate bid to make sure they win this year’s Champions League by signing anyone who’s ever touched a football. You gleefully sign the contract, but are dismayed when you are immediately loaned out to sister club Khyrsktazan Dynamo in the Yakutsk Fourth Division. For the next four years, you spend your life breaking various bones on frozen-hard pitches and hunting caribou as your only source of food. Still, at least the standard of football is the same as the A-League.

Scorpio

Your best friend goes to Ikea and is never seen again. Years later, staff find a skeleton behind a particularly ugly tartan sofa-bed.

Remember kids, never stray from the Ikea path.

JOKES

The other night I was invited out for a night with the ‘girls.’

I told my husband that I would be home by midnight, ‘I promise!’ Well, the hours passed and the Blue Wkds went down way too easily. Around 3 a.m., a bit pissed, I headed for home. Just as I got in the door, the cuckoo clock in the hallway started up and cuckooed 3 times. Quickly, realizing my husband would probably wake up, I cuckooed another 9 times. I was really proud of myself for coming up with such a quick-witted solution, in order to escape a possible conflict with him. (Even when totally smashed... 3 cuckoos plus 9 cuckoos totals 12 cuckoos MIDNIGHT!) The next morning my husband asked me what time I got in, I told him ‘MIDNIGHT’... he didn’t seem pissed off in the least. Whew, I got away with that one! Then he said ‘We need a new cuckoo clock.’ When I asked him why, he said, ‘Well, last night our clock cuckooed three times, then said ‘oh shit.’ Cuckooed 4 more times, cleared its throat, cuckooed another three times, giggled, cuckooed twice more, and then tripped over the coffee table and farted.

Lisa, Manly The other day I needed to pay a visit to the public toilet, so I found a public toilet that had two cubicles. One of the doors was locked. So I went into the other one, closed the door, dropped my trousers and sat down. A voice came from the cubicle next to me: ‘Hello mate, how are you doing?’ Although I thought that it was a bit strange, I didn’t want to be rude, so I replied ‘Not too bad thanks.’ After a short pause, I heard the voice again ‘So, what are you up to?’

Again I answered, somewhat reluctantly, ‘Just having a quick shit... How about yourself?’

The next thing I heard him say was “sorry mate, I’ll have to call you back. I’ve got some prick in the cubicle next to me answering everything I say.’

Len, Fremantle A married man was having an affair with his secretary.

One day, their passions overcame them and they took off for her house, where they made passionate love all afternoon. Exhausted from the wild sex, they fell asleep, awakening around eight PM. As the man threw on his clothes, he told the woman to take his shoes outside and rub them through the grass and dirt. Mystified, she nonetheless complied. He slipped into his shoes and drove home.

“Where have you been!” demanded his wife when he entered the house.

“Darling, I can’t lie to you. I’ve been having an affair with

my secretary and we’ve been having sex all afternoon. I fell asleep and didn’t wake up until eight o’clock.”

The wife glanced down at his shoes and said, “You lying bastard! You’ve been playing golf!”

Harry, Paddington Q: How do you circumcise a redneck?

A: Kick his sister in the chin.

Wayne, Melbourne I’m American, and I’m sick of people saying America is “the stupidest country in the world.”

Personally, I think Europe is the stupidest country in the world.

Emily, Northbridge Q: Did you hear about the new blonde paint?

A: It’s not real bright, but its cheap, and spreads easy.

Claire, Surfers Paradise

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