BBM Live January 2017 Tabloid

AUSTRALIA

BBMLIVE.COM WORK & TRAVEL FREE #904 | Australia’s no.1 publication for Brits, Irish & Internationals

2017 Travel Special Plus

International & domestic shipping deals Don’t lose money from dollars to pounds How to achieve the perfect work/life balance through agency nursing

What’s On Around Australia?

Festival Season In Oz 2017 Early Bird Australia Travel Deals

European Festival Guide Yosemite Travel Special Caribbean On The Cheap Interviews

MATTHEW KOMA

PAUL OAKENFOLD

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PROPER BOOZERS & EXPAT HANGOUTS Situated in one of Sydney’s oldest buildings, The Argyle, situated on The Rocks present five bars over 2 floors. With resident DJs and musicians regularly hypnotising you with their sound, The Argyle is one of the best places to get your party fix on almost any night of the week. Here, you can expect $5 happy hour drinks from 5-7pm every day, as well as delicious pizzas, and deserts to keep you satisfied. From sneaky hidden booths, to chilled out lounges, an outdoor area and dancefloor The Argyle has something to suit everyone.

18 Argyle St, The Rocks www.urbanpurveyor.com

Sydney THE DOG RANDWICK

From great food to a great atmosphere there’s no better place to hangout after work or on the weekend. With 2 for 1 meals on Tuesdays, and quizzes on Wednesdays, there’s always plenty going on here to keep you entertained.

2 St Marks Road, Randwick www.doghotel.com.au

THE DOVE & OLIVE

This pub is the perfect place to pop in for a proper pub lunch, serving up steak and chips, burgers and pie, you can’t go wrong with their $12.50 specials.

156 Devonshire St, Surry Hills doveandolive.com.au

KEG & BREW

With over 30 taps, this pub is where you’ll get an extensive selection of craft beers, ciders and golden oldies, alongside a great range of bourons. If you’re a real connosieur then the Keg & Brew is where you can get your fill. Hungry? Fill up on their daily specials for under $10.

26 Foveaux St, Surry Hills www.kegandbrew.com.au

CHURCHILLS SPORTS BAR

Chruchill’s have an exceptional menu where you can enjoy a schnitzel and beer for just $15.

Here, you can also check out all the latest sport live on their screens.

532 Anzac Parade, Kingsford churchillsbar.com.au

THE BAT & BALL HOTEL

From 10kg buckets of chicken wings to one of the best roast dinners in town, the Bat & Ball will keep you fed and watered all week with nightly meal deals at great prices.

Corner of Cleveland & South Dowling Streets, Sydney www.parksidebar.com.au

Melbourne TURF BAR

The Turf Bar is a frequent favourite of BBM Live’s, it is one of the most well equipped sports bars in Victoria and shows live sport all year round.

131 Queen St, Melbourne Turfbar.com.au

ASIAN BEER CAFE

Immerse yourself in amongst an Asian style boozer complete with Bintang Jugs and Katsu Curry.

Don’t miss happy hour from Wednesday to Saturday - 4 - 8pm.

120 Exhibition St, Melbourne www.europeanbiercafe.com.au

P.J. O’BRIENS

This Irish themed chain of pubs will certainly give you the feel of a traditional Irish pub. With live trad music, Guinness, Sunday roasts, pies and more, it’s the perfect place to cosey up on a Sunday for some TLC in the form of great ales and comfort food!

Southgate Restaurant & Shopping Precinct, Southbank www.pjobriens.com.au

THE CRAFTY SQUIRE

The Crafty Squire is a premium craft beer venue with a wide (and delicious) selection of brews on tap.

127 Russell Street, Melbourne www.thecraftysquire.com.au

Perth ROSIE O’GRADY’S

This Irish pub in Northbridge is where you can enjoy happy hour from Monday to Friday. You’ll also find great food deals every day of the week between $10$15. If you’re looking for pub atmosphere, you’ll find it here.

205 James St, Northbridge www.rosieogradys.com.au

ODIN TAVERN

Odin Tavern boasts an impressive layout of facilities with a fantastic outdoor beer garden - perfect for summertime pub sessions, full TAB set-up and pool tables available near the sports bar. With $16 steak night on Wednesdays as well as their bottle shop this place certainly know how to look after your every need.

51 Erindale Road, Balcatta, Perth www.odintavern.com.au

Brisbane PIG AND WHISTLE

The Pig and Whistle has a style and ambience all of its own and claiming a reputation as a ‘classic British pub’ get ready to fight for the best seats with some hardcore fans.

Riverside Centre123 Eagle St, Brisbane www.pignwhistle.com.au

MICK O’MALLEYS

Another great Irish pub in Brisbane, you can enjoy their Thursday special from 5-9pm every week, including BBQ Pork Ribs, slow cooked and smoked with fries, coleslaw and an ice cold stubbie of Coors beer. You can also keep up with all the latest live sport including NRL, AFL, NFL, NBA and EPL throughout the week. And what’s more is their bottle shop is open til 9pm most nights and 11pm on Fridays and Saturdays!

171 - 209 Queen St, Brisbane www.mickomalleys.com.au

Image courtesy of the The Horse.

THE ARGYLE

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SPORTS

... But at least Stuart Broad was not involved! Another test series and another Australian batting shambles. Last summer the scourge of Australian cricket, Stuart Broad, took 8 for 15 which were the best bowling figures by a fast bowler in an Ashes test as Australia suffered a humiliating 60 all out in the Fourth Test. 60.

Pretty pathetic figures but at least that was away from home. Now the Australian

batting line-up has embarrassed itself in nearby Hobart as South Africa dismissed them for the slightly less hilarious total of 85. Like a punch drunk koala they stumbled to 4 for 8, their lowest four-down total in a Test innings for nearly 80 years, before rallying to 6 for 43 then the inevitable collapse. At least it was not at the hands of Stuart Broad.

Red Faces All Round Edin Dzeko gets himself sent off for pulling down an opponent’s shorts. Celebrating jailed for 12 months for punching a police horse.

Yes, a police horse.

Now they have sunk to a new low after failing to check a Twitter handle.

Newcastle United fans Mistakenly Troll The Wrong Steve Martin

And poor Steve Martin.

Imagine being a beloved nineties movie star icon and checking your Twitter account to find you have been verbally abused by thousands of Newcastle United fans. And you possibly don’t even know where Newcastle is!

Ah yes, Newcastle United fans. They are not renowned for their subtlety after one Geordie was

Whether Steve Martin (@ SteveMartinToGo) has heard of the English Championship is doubtful but referee Stephen Martin will be warned off ever going on social media judging by the wrath that followed his performance officiating the Magpies’ visit to Nottingham Forest.

Two debatable penalties, a strangely disallowed goal and two contentious red cards all before half-time left Newcastle with nine men, arguably against 12.

What an absolute jerk.

with your own fans. A teensy bit of backchat. Falling to the ground after a whisper of contact. You can get booked for pretty much anything in football these days.

Just ask ex-Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko.

down the Greek’s shorts. The referee failed to see the funny side and, already on a booking, Dzeko was shown a second yellow while Papasastathopoulos was shown a straight red. Red faces all round.

The Bosnia-Herzegovina captain was on international duty against Greece in a World Cup qualifier when he found himself in a tight spot. Falling to the ground after a rough challenge from Sokratis Papastathopoulos, Dzeko grabbed the ball and tried to shield himself.

After a quick skirmish Dzeko cheekily pulled

South Africa Suffer While England Enjoy A Perfect 2016 In Rugby Union In rugby union, South Africa suffered their own humiliation as they were beaten 2018 by Italy in an Autumn international. To put this into perspective, this was the first time Italy had beaten the Springboks in 13 attempts. In fact, dating back to 1995 Italy had lost the previous 12 encounters with South Africa all by 16 points or more.

This was the latest in a string of poor performances by South Africa having suffered their heaviest home loss at the hands of New Zealand (15-57), only drawing with the Barbarians and losing 37-21 to England. Meanwhile, England capped off a winning Autumn and a perfect 2016 with a 37-21 defeat of Australia at Twickenham.

This followed the Six Nations triumph, beating Wales, the 3-0 test series rout of Australia down under and the wins at home against South Africa, a 58-15 demolition of Fiji and a tight 27-14 battle over Argentina.

The success can largely be traced to the new manager Eddie Jones, an Australian, sweet.

Wayne Rooney Gatecrashes A Wedding Party Poor Wayne Rooney. Being captain of Manchester United and England is enough to push any man close to drink, now he cannot even do that in peace.

The night after England’s 3-0 win over Scotland he was snapped looking the worse for wear (red wine lips, bleary eyes, we have all been there) after he joined a wedding party at The Grove Hotel in Hertfordshire.

England’s record goalscorer has been vilified but has fired back some shots at the press with most hitting the mark; “‘It shows a lack of respect. I think enough is enough.

It feels as if the media are trying to write my obituary and I won’t let that happen.” You tell ‘em Wayne, now put the bottle down.

By Omar Soliman, images by Ailura & David Shankbone

Australia Suffer Another Batting Humiliation

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5 Reasons To Climb The Bridge in 2017 If you’re making a list of New Year’s resolutions, then tackling one of the world’s highest bridges should definitely be on there. Whether you’ve just arrived in Sydney or have been here for a while, there’s only one way to see the city and that’s from the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

With nowhere else in the city offering 360 degree panoramic views, getting yourself up the bridge may be nerve wracking but what you’ll witness from up there is well worth the jelly knees!

BridgeClimb Sydney has been taking climbers up the steel steps since 1998, with everyone from families, friends,

girlfriends and boyfriends to professional photographers and even world-famous actors and actresses taking on the 1,332 steps. Here we look at the top 5 reasons to climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

1.The View

As we said, the view from up here is simply breathtaking. From way up here you can see the entire Sydney Harbour, the beaches and beyond towards the national parks - not to mention the dwarfed city skyline.

2. The Adrenaline

If there’s one thing to get your blood pumping, scaling the 134 metre bridge is it. Try not to let vertigo get the better of

EXPLORE THE SYDNEY OUTBACK Aboriginal rock engravings that will leave you feeling humbled by their age and craftsmanship.

You may have come to Sydney for the beach style, city living, but there’s much more to this metropolis than meets the eye. Did you know that just a stone’s throw from the city you’ll find some of the most ancient Aboriginal rock art in all of Australia? Take a day out to find out more about the history of this interesting land.

Just a couple of hours outside the city, you can discover some of Sydney’s most pristine beaches, incredible national parks

and stunning waterways New South Wales has to offer. In fact the landscape here is so unchanged you can imagine just what it all looked like through the eyes of Captain Cook when he arrived at Australia’s shores in 1770.

On the outskirts of Sydney, you’ll find the Ku-ringgai Chase National Park.

Deep in the heart of this stunning National Park, you’re able to gaze upon world’s most concentrated collection of recorded Indigenous Heritage Sites, as well as its remarkably peaceful waterways. Here, you’ll come across ancient

With Ku-ring-gai Chase being wild and wonderful in all its untamed glory, a good way to explore the park is via the waterways.

Setting off from Akuna Bay - one of Sydney’s most exclusive and remote marinas, you’ll see the tide washing up against the golden sandstone shores as you take in the unruly Australian bush land spilling over the edges - a remarkable sight to behold.

A day trip out to this wonderful corner of New South Wales will expose you to a tangle of both ancient culture, art and nature and is all just a short ride away from the city.

Traveller’s Tip: Tour operator Sydney Outback conduct day tours to Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. BBMLive. com readers get 20% OFF Sydney Outback Tours – Use promo code BBMLIVE when booking online or enquire by email. www.sydneyoutback.com.au

you as the sense of achievement you’ll feel afterward is well worth the nerves!

any time of day is truly special from the top of the bridge.

3. Make Memories

5. Fun For All

Climbing this world famous architectural icon is really something you’ll never forget.

What’s more is you can get hold of the photographic evidence once you’re back on terra firma so you won’t have to convince anyone of your bravery.

4. Climb Day Or Night

With a choice of climbs throughout the day and even at night, you can choose the time that’s right for you, whether you want to see Sydney under a blue sky, just as it’s waking up at sunrise, or beneath a blanket of stars

As you make your ascent to the top with 13 others climbers, you tackle the bridge together before striking a pose, gawping at the view and trying to wave at the tiny people below. Having your fellow climbers by your side will also take away from the daunting fact that you’re walking on top of a bridge above a very busy road and a very shark infested harbour!

BridgeClimb Sydney is available for day, dawn, twilight and night climbs. Book your climb at www.bridgeclimb.com

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Get Away To Summer Bay Stroll along the golden sands of Palm Beach, visit Alf’s Bait Shop and see where all the action takes place on the Official Home and Away Tour to Summer Bay. On this four-hour tour, you get to make the beautiful locations that you see on Home and Away a reality as you jump on the minibus from Sydney and take the journey to the Northern Beaches. Before you reach your main destination, you’ll get to take in Sydney’s beautiful natural surroundings including national parks and coastal inlets, with commentary from your tour guide on soap secrets and dramatic storylines!

Upon arrival at Palm Beach, you get free time to get the sand of Summer Bay between your toes and take photographs of The Summer Bay Surf Club, Alf’s Bait Shop and the iconic lighthouse. If you’re lucky to visit on a day of filming, you can see the production process take place right before your very eyes – a unique experience that will get you inside all the action. If you’re really lucky, you

HEALTH: NEW YEAR NEW YOU

may even get to have a photo with one of the cast!

After about an hour-and-a-half on set, you jump back on the minibus to do a bit more sightseeing of Sydney’s incredible coastline including Whale Beach, Avalon Beach, Bilgol Lookout, and, last but not least, Manly Beach, where your tour ends. By finishing here, you can soak up the beautiful and vibrant beach before heading back to Sydney CBD on the ferry in your own time (at own expense).

The Official Home and Away Tour to Summer Bay departs from the entrance of the Museum of Contemporary Art in Sydney on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday (when you’re most likely to see filming). The tour costs just $99pp and includes transport. Lunch isn’t included, but you can bring it with you if you wish.

Visit the real Summer Bay A.K.A Palm Beach and bring Home and Away to life.

www.officialhomeandawaytour.com.au

offer a 2 week unlimited yoga pass for $25 to newcomers. At Yoga Synergy you can take classes in Vinyasa, Hatha, Dynamic, Flo and Prenatal Yoga, you can also choose from Pilates, Qi-gong and Dance for great results.

The New Year is always a great time to get fit and transform yourself into a healthier being. If you’ve come to Australia to start afresh then it’s also a great excuse to get yourself in shape for the beachy lifestyle.

Yoga is a great way to get fit and tone up, and the great thing is… you can practice yoga pretty much anywhere! If you’re looking to take up yoga this New Year, or simply want a regular class to keep you on point, Yoga Synergy in Bondi Junction

The physical benefits of yoga, coupled with pilates all aid a lean and toned physique. Yoga Synergy founders, Simon Borg-Oliver 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.

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.

Find out more and view class timetables at yogasynergy.com

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BEN & JERRY’S OPEN AIR CINEMA

LATE NIGHT SYDNEY

SUGAR MOUNTAIN 2017

THE AVALANCHES + GRANDMASTER FLASH

21st January 2017 Melbourne www.sugarmountainfestival.com

Thursday 5th January 2017 Enmore Theatre, 118-132 Enmore Rd; Newtown www.enmoretheatre.com.au

ELECTRIC GARDENS FESTIVAL 2017

GHOSTLY PRESENTS SHANTI CELESTE Saturday 7th January 2017 Venue TBA www.facebook.com/ShantiCeleste

26th January - 4th February Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth www.electricgardensfestival.com.au

RAINBOW SERPENT 2017 27th - 30th January 2017 Victoria www.rainbowserpent.net

PARTY IN THE PADDOCK 2017 19th - 20th February 2017 Tasmania www.partyinthepaddockfestival.com.au

SECRET GARDEN

24th - 25th February 2017 Brownlow Hill, NSW www.secretgardenfestival.com.au

PITCH MUSIC & ARTS FESTIVAL 10th - 13th March 2017 TBA - Regional Victoria pitchfestival.com.au

THE GUM BALL 2017 21st - 23rd April 2017 Hunter Valley, NSW thegumball.com.au

BYRON BAY BLUESFEST 2017 13th - 17th April 2017 Byron Bay, NSW www.bluesfest.com.au

Ben and Jerry’s Openair Cinemas kick start the New Year in Bondi. The return of Ben and Jerry’s quintessential Openair Cinemas is due to hit Australia’s most iconic beach at Bondi from January 19th to February 26th 2017.

Continuing traditions that commenced way back in ’79 when they used to project movies onto their car park wall and gift free ice cream to all, their Openair Cinemas are set to be a winner this summer! With a great range of movies including comedy, cult classics, action, drama, new releases, family friendly and award winning features there is something to suit every cinemagoer.

And no trip to the cinema is complete without a tantalizing selection of food and beverages. Sparkly wines, cool beers, fruity ciders and fresh non-alcoholic offerings feature among Rocketboy’s

Pizza and other scrummy snacks! And last but not least… ‘a drum roll please’ for the ultimate, Ben and Jerry’s ice cream, which saw over 160,000 scoops consumed at last year’s events! And if that wasn’t already enough to persuade you, why not get in the spirit of summer with Ben and Jerry’s Sundae Sessions.

Live music, entertainment AND free ice cream all before the movie’s even started!

C.U X STRANGE SIGNALS PRES. KONTRA MUSIK 10 YEARS WITH ULF ERIKSSON AND TM404 Saturday 14th January 2017 Civic Underground, 388 Pitt St; Sydney www.facebook.com/civicunderground

ROTARYDISCO PRESENTS RON BASEJAM & DR PACKER Saturday 14th January 2017 The Port, 2-10 Darling Drive, Sydney www.theportdarlingharbour.com.au

Tickets Available Now

Don’t miss out on this awesome event and book your tickets here today.

You can even purchase gift vouchers and give your bestie.

• Adult tickets - $20 • Concession tickets - $16 • VIP Star Lounge - $40 (inc. reserved seating on a comfy lounger, a blanket, seat side service and a glass of wine) o p e n a i rc i n e m a s . c o m . a u / bondi/home#whatson

Shanti Celeste

Images courtesy of venues. Email marketing@bbmlive.com to appear on this page. Words by Gemma Glover

PICK OF THE FEST

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Q & A: MATTHEW KOMA

Where are you right now and how is it?

Right now I’m in Los Angeles recording, writing and getting ready to head to New York for the holidays to see some family.

What’s this week been like for you?

I drank a ton of coffee, wrote a song with Steve James, saw Jonathan Richman play something along the lines of a concert, and am getting ready to release a bunch of acoustic versions of songs from my album.

So, your new single is called ‘Kisses Back’ – can you tell us a bit more about what this track is about?

It’s a song about infidelity. I think we’ve all been in relationships that ended with some version of deceit...I wrote the song on piano in a sitting and tapped my buddy Flux Pavilion to bring the track to life with his world of production. It feels like a good introduction into the album I’ve made.

The Grammy Award winning Matthew Koma is back with his brand new single ‘Kisses Back’. With a new album on the way and a huge tour set to follow, we caught up with the super talented writer, producer and remixer recently to talk about his new album, Japan and the importance of Bruce Springsteen.

With 2017 set to be a big year for the talented song writer, this year will see him release more music than ever before alongside some of the biggest talents in electronic music night now.

Can you tell us a bit more about your new album that is coming out?

It’s the first time I’ve gotten to dig in and work on a body of work that is completely mine. It’s truly my story and I got to work with some incredible producers on it like Louis The Child, Jai Wolf, Grey, Steve James, Flux, Lophiile… I think for people who have heard my voice or songs through other collaborations, the album will make a lot of sense

as a natural progression… and for the new audience, they’ll get a real look into who I am and where I come from.

Your song ‘Clarity’ won you a Grammy award; did you ever expect to win such a prestigious award when you started out in music? How did it affect you?

I don’t think a “Grammy” was ever something I even thought about...

It’s such a far fetched thought or dream when you’re first starting out that it hadn’t even registered as a possibility. That particular song took on a life of its own and I could never have predicted any of it. It was an exciting ride.

Out of all the places you’ve got to travel to on tour what is the country that you fell in love with the most and why?

I love spending time in Japan. I’m a sushi fanatic and I’ve always dug getting clothes in Tokyo. It’s just a really fun city to spend time in. Lots of beauty. Lots of culture. Lots of music.

Do you often get time on tour to soak in the culture?

Very rarely. I tend to work around the clock and when I’m traveling, I’m usually in and out of places very quickly.

You are a self proclaimed writer, producer and remixer, but what do you consider to be your speciality when it comes to making music?

That’s a really interesting question.

I think at the core, I always wanted to be a storyteller. To tell a story in your own way, that can resonate

universally is such an exciting idea to me. I love being a part of that process because it’s part craft but mostly magic. Something that’s delivered to you. There’s something still really romantic about that for me.

Your brand of music is not typically known as a lyricist genre but you seem to break that stereotype. Is this something you strive to change with your work?

I think it’s more just a reflection of what I grew up listening to and being influenced by matched with a unique opportunity to collaborate with artists from a different set of references. I feel very lucky to have had the ability to work with so many artists in the electronic world and still maintain what it is that I’ve always been happy doing.

What was your biggest highlight of 2016?

I got to introduce my father to Bruce Springsteen who my dad turned me onto when I was 5 years old… It was my first concert and a huge part of my father and I’s bond. To see that come full circle was really special.

What does 2017 hold for you Matthew?

Releasing more music of my own than I ever have before!

What country are you most looking forward to visiting in the coming year?

Australia. I’ve never been and am dying to go.

By Paraic Walker

Hi Matthew, how are you?

I am currently on the favorable side of mania.

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CLUB PICKS

DRINKS DEALS

BUNKER OPEN AIR WITH MARY VELO

PRAHRAN HOTEL

THE MONDAY BONE MACHINE AT BONEY

BIG MOUTH

Kick off the weekend at this iconic venue with $3 pots, $6 pints of craft and $3 wines every Friday between 4pm and 7pm.

82 High St, Windsor prahranhotel.com

Berlin based techno artist, Mary Velo will kick off the 4th annual Summer Open Air series with Chiara Kickdrum & more at The Gasometer Hotel.

Saturday 14th January 2017 www.thegasometerhotel.com.au

You’ll be spoilt for choice as you try and decide on a post work drink, with $4 schooners, $10 jugs, $5 basics and more to choose from on weekdays between 4pm and 7pm. Then on Fridays from 4pm until 10pm, don’t miss the $6 cocktails.

168 Acland St, St Kilda bigmouthstkilda.com.au

RUM-BLE IN THE JUNGLE AT THE LUWOW

Get down to this quirky Fitzroy venue for its rowdy mid week Rum party and music courtesy of celebrated vinyl collector Joey Elbows.

Now until Wednesday 18th January 2017 theluwow.com

SOUL IN THE BASEMENT AT CHERRY BAR

Don’t miss Cherry’s weekly soul party blending old and new, plus live bands and DJs taking you into the early hours.

Now until Thursday, 19th January 2017 www.cherrybar.com.au

DANCE TECHNIQUE AT NEW GUERNICA

With its Hansel and Gretel meets Alice in Wonderland style decor, this free, Thursday night dance party couldn’t feel any more surreal. Enjoy disco grooves and cheap drinks ‘til late.

Now until Thursday, 19th January 2017 newguernica.com.au

HOT SINCE 82 Hot Since 82 is heading back to Australia and he’s bringing a few of his Knee Deep friends with him.

Known as Daley Padley to his friends, the British producer has had an astonishing five years. Among the success of his label Knee Deep In Sound, Hot Since has had four sold out North and South America tours, he’s played Coachella, he’s been featured four times on Pete Tongs ‘Essential New Tune’ listing and spearheaded the most experimental party experience we’ve ever seen. Meanwhile, Padley has been taking full advantage of Knee Deep’s rise to prominence and rightfully so. The label has reputable bragging rights for featuring high profile artists such as ANNA, new kid on the block Cristoph and the winner of DJ Awards – Ibiza’s ‘Best Producer’ Emanuel Satie.

Lately, Hot Since 82 has been busy taking the label on tour with his Knee Deep Experience reaching all the major party capitols of the world and now it’s Australia’s turn. The party’s lineup features the man himself, Butch, Cristoph, Emanuel Satie as well as some stellar local support. The tour will be hitting our shores on Friday February 10th at Habitat in Perth (won’t feature all the acts so please check local listings). The second stop will be Melbourne at The Paddock in Federation Square on the 12th, after which they travel to the Royal Randwick Racecourse in Sydney on the 13th.

TOUR DATES

Friday 10th February: Habitat, Perth Saturday 12th February: The Paddock @ Federation Square, Melbourne Sunday 13th February: Royal Randwick Racecourse, Sydney Tickets available at www.hotsince82.com

THE LUWOW

Venture to Melbourne’s very own Tiki bar for $10 Mai Tais every Wednesday, Friday and on weekends between 5pm and 8pm, or $6 tequilas and $12 Margaritas all day on Thursdays.

62-70 Johnston St, Fitzroy theluwow.com

BEER DELUXE

Chase away the weekend blues with $5 pints on Mondays and $6 for selected lagers, ciders, wines, spirits and more on Tuesdays, until 1am.

29 Burwood Rd, Hawthorn www.beerdeluxe.com.au

LITTLE RED POCKET

Looking for the perfect after work hang out. Head on down to this bar/club for a fun filled Friday night with $10 Absolute cocktails, $15 beer jugs, and 2-4-1 on beer, cider, spirits and wine every Friday 4-8pm.

Mezzanine, 422 Lt Collins St, Melbourne littleredpocket.com.au

By Sandy Dhaliwal & Stefanos Mak

DJ T-Rek will help you get over those Monday blues with his mix of punk disco & garage.

Now until Monday, 16th January 2017 boney.net.au

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DISCOVERY RECOMMENDS: HEARTBREAKER Get ready to fall in love with Melbourne’s very own equivalent to a Sunset Strip dive bar.

If you like your nights served up with equal doses of decadence and disorder, plus your music booming, heavy and thrashy as hell - or trashy, depending on just how messy things tend to get well then you have most certainly arrived in the right place!

Welcome to the world of Heartbreaker, a scuzzy, downand-dirty drinking establishment inspired by the classic dive bars of Los Angeles and the more intimate bar experience of sister bar The Everleigh just up the road in nearby trendy Fitzroy.

WHAT’S ON AT DISCOVERY

It is here that you’ll find that the jukebox will always be pumping out your favourite post punk classics, as long as all of those came out well before 1980 –the likes of Led Zeppelin, Fleetwood Mac, Blondie, Television, Iggy Pop, The Rolling Stones, Rod Stewart and Lou Reed, to name but a few – and the black, rugged interiors and cherry red neon signs will constantly keep you feeling flawlessly lit; perfect for masking any evidence of all those years of living a hard rocking lifestyle.

But don’t take our word for it,

TIGHT ASS TACOS

Tuesdays from 6pm get your free tacos until their gone. Happy hour from 5pm in the Disco Bar.

FREE WINE & CHEESE last year both the Australian Bartender Magazine and Time Out Melbourne awarded the venue the accolade of best bar status; a pretty epic feat, seeing as though Heartbreaker has only been around since 2015.

But also understandable, as undoubtedly if you’re looking for a memorable time well into the early hours, while enjoying only the finest cherry-picked cocktails and beers on hand throughout,

plus impromptu performances and musical acts, you will not find anywhere more willing to fit the bill.

And if you’re wanting to wind things down a little, just head over to the pool tables towards the rear of the bar, or load up at the on-site bottle shop and take things back to your place.

234A Russell St, Melbourne www.heartbreakerbar.com.au

Meet fellow backpackers for some free wine and cheese at 7, 8 and 9pm in the Disco Bar and get acquainted with your new friends and surroundings each Wednesday.

LATE LATIN NIGHTS

Dance the evening away to samba, Latin funk and salsa with $3 Prosecco all night from 5pm on Thursdays.

FEEL GOOD THURSDAYS

Get your exercise on Thursdays with a free sports class including Yoga, Zumba, martial arts, bootcamps, dance and more.

Sign up at reception.

SHOOTERS NIGHT

Love a game of pool, don’t miss Shooters Night in the Disco Bar with $5 shots on the hour at 8,9 and 10pm every Friday.

SEDUCTIVE SATURDAY

Party the night away every Saturday from 7pm and dress to impress. Includes drinking and party games in the Disco Bar.

By Sandy Djaliwal

Located just off of Chinatown, specifically on the corner of Lonsdale and Russell, this rough around the edges, shabby chic setting is conveniently situated to effortlessly escalate your evening from quiet laneway drinks to full on rock and roll debauchery!

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Why It’s All About NYD Downunder

The hopes that are pinned on New Year’s Eve across the world reach epic proportions.

From the iconic Big Ben donging at the stroke of midnight backlit with an explosion of colours strewn across the London sky, to the ball dropping in New York’s neon Times Square - the world’s capitals certainly know how to welcome the New Year. Did you know that in Brazil they all wear white like Candomble priestesses and throw flowers into the sea for the African sea Goddess Yemanji?

New Year’s Eve may just be another night to some, but to many of the world the shift from year to year represents a time for celebration, change and renewal, but in most corners of the world where the emphasis is on celebration - January 1st often results in extreme nausea, a blinding headache and an inability to raise oneself from the dead.

Not in Australia though. No. Downunder, the 1st January is a time to celebrate and put off today’s hangover until tomorrow… after all what the hell else would you possibly be doing on 2nd January?!

With the Australian summer in full swing over January, you’re of course a million miles away from cold, crisp

days giving the festive period a complete makeover in to a festival filled frenzy. Whilst Europe revell all summer long from May to September, the Southern Hemisphere comes alive from November to March - meaning if you play your cards right you don’t really ever have to deal with the post summertime blues.

This New Year’s Day, Melbourne’s Let Them Eat Cake festival looks to be stealing the crown in celebrating the first day of 2017. The festival, which started in 2012 looked to provide a mature audience an electronic music outing with a difference to more mainstream New Year’s Day events. As founder, Matt Bonner says of LTEC, “ [It’s] somewhere people could get lost in the construct of the festival and the beautiful mansion grounds to start a new year.” Describing the overall aesthetic of the festival, Bonner coins it as “Architectural Abstract: it’s informed by the beauty of the grounds and the existing sculpture gardens.”

When quizzed on what the 2017 edition of Let Them Eat Cake has to offer, Bonner coyly states, “... not going to say too much detail but there’s a big emphasis on interactive art and a push to take our food and beverage (particularly

cocktail) offerings to an even higher level. As usual the site has been moved around to incorporate new/different parts of the grounds.” So even if you’re an LTEC veteran you can expect something new and different this year!

This year’s event will be continuing the hedonistic festival vibe for its fifth year beckoning the likes of Dusky, Tokimonsta, Alex Niggemann, Maribou State and more to Melbourne.

Having attracted some of the biggest names in electronic music over the past half a decade, organiser, Matt Bonner reminisces about the festival’s most epic moments in his eyes “For me it’s the sets that really stand out: Kerri Chandler, James Holden, Jon Hopkins.

Getting the Australian launch for Funktion One’s new Vero system last year was spectacular. There was a moment just before sunset last year looking out over our first venue capacity crowd it was so calm and peaceful. I hadn’t heard an angry voice all day, it was just about perfect.”

Get your tickets to Let Them Eat Cake this January 1st at letthemeatcakenyd.com.au Find loads more festivals at www.bbmlive.com/ festivals-in-australia

Q & A: MIGUEL CAMPBELL We took the 10 year milestone as an opportunity to not only to celebrate some of our favourite tracks on the label but also to highlight some of the tracks that may have been missed by some listeners over the years.

Having worked with many of the industry’s finest when it comes to remixing, we grab a chat with Leeds born and bred House DJ, Miguel Campbell whilst he tours Australia and Fiji.

I have played a couple of impromptu back-to-back sessions in Fiji. One was on the main stage with Justin Martin, Doorly & Skrillex. The second was a small set up on the beach where I played disco tracks with Breakbot all day.

These are my definite highlights!

Firstly, you’re currently on your Australian/Fiji tour. You’ve played at Sydney and Melbourne in the past, is it exciting to be bringing your music to a new area of Australia?

I always enjoy visiting Down Under and playing my music to people.

Usually, I only tour there once per year so it’s exciting to play my favourite tracks of the year and see how it goes down.

For you, how does playing in Fiji differentiate to the bigger cities of Sydney and Melbourne?

Playing in Fiji has more of a festival feel to it and a real holiday vibe.

When you are away on an island the feeling is very different from playing in a club in a major city. To play on the beach in the middle of the night is very magical. The nightclubs around the world can also bring their own form of magic but it is conjured in a different way.

What has been the highlight of the tour so far?

Whilst on your travels is there anything in particular you want to see/experience in between your tour dates that Fiji has to offer?

The main thing I want to do is to take time out, swim in the sea and take in some of the nature, which can be found in abundance on the Malolo Lailai island.

Will you have any time to relax as well?

My down time on this tour is in Fiji.

Once I get back to Australia it is non-stop travelling and shows!

You have also been celebrating the 10 year anniversary of your label, Outcross Records, which included a ’10 Years of Outcross’ compilation. Why are particular tracks on the comp important to you since you started the label?

Can you talk us through the journey of your label and what you have achieved so far?

Outcross Records has always been a labour of love. I launched the label at Back to Basics in Leeds with a live performance of an unreleased album I had written. In the early days, Matt Hughes and I would make music to play at our residency and release the tracks on Outcross. We began our MAM project and this was the first act we signed to the label that became popular. After releasing music on other popular labels, the Outcross fanbase grew quite rapidly and we continued to release music by the most interesting artists around us whose music we loved. Next up we are releasing an EP by our friend Clyde P along with remixes by Tim Baresko and myself.

Speaking of remixes, you recently remixed Janet Jackson, can you explain the process of this track? Has Janet always been an influential icon for you?

I have always been a big fan of Janet Jackson and so when I was presented with the opportunity to remix her single, I was delighted and jumped at the chance. My music has been closely associated with female vocals as they have been a huge feature in some of my most popular records. There are not many other vocalists that I

would consider as in the calibre of Janet and so it was a real honour to work the record for her.

Have you been showcasing tracks from the compilation on your Fiji tour?

Yes - I always like to highlight my DJ sets with one or two of the classic style tracks and I use larger shows to road test new music.

How does it feel to be touring around one of the biggest countries in the world since starting off as a hip hop DJ in your local youth club in Leeds?

I feel very blessed to do what I do. For a very long time I have dedicated my life to music and now I dedicate my life to playing that music to as many people as possible.

Are there any other cities in Australia you would like to play in the future? Or any you would like to revisit?

There are so many places in Australia that I would love to visit.

Most of all, I want to include one of the bush parties on my next tour so I can take some time out and enjoy something new whilst on the road.

What does 2017 hold for you and your label, do you have any exciting projects planned or visits to any other countries?

At this time, 2017 is like a big reset button. We have achieved a cool amount of success in what we have done and as times are changing and the sounds on the dance floor are changing, we can remain committed to exploring the genetics of house music.

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PAUL OAKENFOLD

One of the biggest legends in house music, Paul Oakenfold has been with the club scene since the beginning. Continuing at the top of his game, the label owner, producer and DJ looks to the future with a worldwide tour on the horizon for 2017 and a quick stop off in Australia to see in 2017. Here we catch up with the incredibly successful musician to find out more about what he’s been up to and what’s in the pipeline.

Where are you right now and how is it?

I am in LA in the sunshine.

What have you been up to the last week?

I have just been in the studio recording.

It’s been a busy year as usual for you, where’s been a highlight on your globetrotting and why?

I think this year I have done some wonderful shows and have been working with an orchestra which I have being doing for 15 years. Next year is a big year as it’s the 30 year anniversary of club culture, as it’s known today, so I’m excited for that.

You played at Dark Woods Festival in Mexico, tell me what was that like?

Yeah what a great festival that is! I always enjoy Mexico. It’s one of my favourite countries and they have always been into electronic music there.

There are so many big festivals coming out of Central and South America at the moment, what do you think has brought this on? What’s the festival

vibe like out there?

There are always many festivals there, South Americans love to enjoy themselves and have a great time.

Having had such an extensive career, what other trend music/festival wise do you see emerging?

I think at the moment we are going to see a big upswing going back to where it all started. We have seen that already in the UK actually so we will see a lot more, I think.

You’re heading out to Australia for the New Year, what would you say is the best thing about visiting Australia?

Well I’ve been going to Australia for the past 25 years so I have lots of friends there. I really enjoy going there, good people, good food, good wine – it’s a good time to be in Australia!

How’s all at Perfecto Records?

Yeah we have Perfecto House now, with all the house music - Perfecto Black which is progressive and Perfecto Fluoro which represents underground music.

Do you get much downtime, and if so what do you like to do to unwind?

I watch a lot of movies!

Living in the US is there anything you really miss about the UK or anything you wish you could get in the US that you can’t?

Friends, family, and certain English ways of course!

Can you sum up LA life in 3 words for us?

Hot. Every. Day. (Groundhog Day!) If someone’s visiting LA where’s the best place to check out for a night out?

Avalon Nightclub or Sound Nightclub.

What are you currently listening to?

New Little Nikki records – a UK artist.

Where do you look for new music?

How do you gather inspiration when producing? Anywhere, there is no certain place, it’s whatever suits you. You find it anyway you want and wherever you can. I listen to a lot of soundtracks.

What advice would you give to any DJ or producer trying to carve out a career nowadays in such a quick turnaround market?

Focus on yourself, don’t worry about anyone else, work really hard, learn your trade and you will become the best that you are and your time will come.

What’s been a major highlight for you in 2016? What’s been the most shocking thing to you in 2016?

I don’t think it’s been a good year for a lot of people, it’s been a really tough year for the world. Politically, what has been going on in the U.S., Brexit in the UK, the Middle East, situations with the refugees, iconic people dying, it’s not been a good year! The message here is to take a step back and help one another. Greed is becoming a big thing nowadays with everybody taking what they can and not helping each other.

It feels good to smile and to help each other.

What’s on the cards for 2017?

Generations Tour – The 30 year anniversary of club culture as we know it today. It’s the big tour, I will be playing vinyl as well, it’s going to be an exciting year!

TRAVEL ESSENTIALS Planning a big trip in 2017? You’ll not want to go anywhere without our edit of the best travel essentials.

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1. Happy Plugs Deluxe phone cases in Champagne, also available in pink gold and silver $42 available from happyplugs.com 2. Happy Plugs wireless white headphones - $136 available from happyplugs.com 3. Wunderbrow eyebrow gel - $34 available from www.wunder2.co.uk 4. Olixar portable power up set for charging on the go - $50 available from www.mobilefun.co.uk 5. X-Doria Defense Lux iPhone 7 case - $50 available from www.amazon.com 6. Go Travel Zip Cubes to help you pack - $25 available from go-travelproducts.com 7. Tile Mate bluetooth tracking pads to keep tabs on your valuables - $39 available from www.thetileapp.com/store 8. Go Travel Body Towel to save you room in your bag - $25 available from go-travelproducts.com 9. RiutBag - backwards backpack to protect all your items against pick pockets whilst travelling - $169.2961 available from www.riut.co.uk/choose-your-riutbag 10. Delsey suitcase available in a range of colours - $210 available from lhco.co.uk

by Hannah Shakir

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EXPAT SERVICES

Don’t Get Caught Out

By Exchange Rates What to Look Forward to When Moving to Australia

Naturally there are many practical changes to take into consideration when adjusting to life in Australia such as buying a house, finding work and finding a school for your children, but there are just as many reassuring aspects of Australian life that will hopefully lower the stress levels a little.

Firstly, the Australian coastlines. If you’re moving somewhere close to the coast, you’re already winning.

Many Australians are drawn to the sea which has inevitably led to Australia becoming a nation of swimmers. Everyone can swim. Most of them could swim for their country. And those that do swim for their country are superhuman fish-like hybrids, though admittedly that is yet to be verified. And as a result of this aquatic love, Australia’s public pools are of the very highest standard.

A recent study showed six of the ten most affordable cities for public transport are in Australia, ahead of London, Berlin, Paris and New York: Music to your ears if you intend on being a city commuter.

It almost goes without saying but let us give you a quick heads-up as to the weather situation: It’s still really hot. Like, unbearably hot,

This year we have seen a large amount of volatility due to the EU referendum and the US election which have influenced currency markets as far away as Australia and New Zealand.

What will happen now? It is clearly too early to call, just like elections and referendums, currency markets are unpredictable in their very nature.

by using a foreign exchange specialist such as moneycorp who can provide you with their expertise and a number of advantages.

In these variable times it’s more important than ever to consider a foreign exchange specialist when sending money overseas.

To find out more and to start saving money visit www.moneycorp.com

What measures can you take to ensure you get the most costeffective deal when making an international money transfer? Take advantage of the market volatility

Moneycorp is a trading name of TTT Moneycorp Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (firm reference number 308919) for the provision of payment services.

a lot of the time. Now if you’ve been away living somewhere not as hot, like, say Europe or the Sun, it will take a little time for you to adjust and adapt your wardrobe accordingly. But adjust and adapt you will!

Australia is the world leader when it comes to looking after the working man and woman.

The minimum wage in Australia is currently $17.70AUD per hour.

That’s pretty good news, not just because it’s so generous but because it demonstrates that when it comes to workers’ rights and working conditions in general, Australia can’t be beaten.

Aussies are social animals who love to talk, make friends and help out where possible. It’s not a trait you find everywhere in the world and returning to this land of affability will come as a bit of a culture shock. But if you’re here to stay, you’ll soon be instigating random conversations at the ATM queue with the best of them.

So there you go. Just five examples of how your trip to Australia will feel a little more comforting. And for extra security and reassurance, don’t forget to talk to Seven Seas Worldwide about reliable and affordable door-to-door relocation. Oh and check out our MoveCube service, it’s a revolutionary approach to house removals!

If you’re moving within Australia, then call 1300 216 698 FREE and quote our BBM promotional code BBMAUS15W06 for a 5% discount.

Find out more about moving your belongings from A - B with minimum stress www.sevenseasworldwide.com.au

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

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

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

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

Sydney image courtesy of Tourism NSW

If you’re starting a new chapter in Oz, you may find several negative voices in your head making a case for staying home in good old Blighty. Whichever way you dress it up, moving halfway across the world is a big deal. So we thought it would be a nice idea if we put together a series of wholly optimistic factoids to help put your mind at rest.

A currency’s value depends upon much more than just one major event and foreign exchange markets are constantly reacting to economic data and political news items (no matter how big or small, expected or unexpected) and can move sharply in a matter of hours.

www.bbmlive.com 17

18

RECRUITMENT. EMPLOYMENT. STUDY. MIGRATION.

Don’t Burn Your Bridges

Keep your consultant updated. Be straightforward and open during the entire recruitment. If you have other offers in the pipeline, be upfront and let us know where your priorities lie. If our role isn’t your preferred one, tell us. We won’t be offended.

What are your hesitations? Don’t be afraid to be honest and advise us that for example, the salary on offer is lower than other job opportunities you are considering. What if you decide you do not want to work there anymore after accepting and prior to commencing? Again, I would just like to let you know that this happens and recruiters understand, as long as you communicate with us.

The best approach to this situation is honesty.

Call your consultant immediately when you have changed your mind or your situation has changed.

We do understand that life can get in the way of you commencing a new job. If it’s after hours, call their mobile or leave a voicemail and follow up with an email explanation.

Please DO NOT disappear off the face of the Earth.

We understand that you may be embarrassed or not confident in making contact, but the fact is you must let us know. We can understand and empathise with you during your change of mind or situation, if you help us to understand.

What you may not realise is that your consultant is working with the hiring manager, to help them find the best candidate. Along the way, your consultant has promoted you and your skill set to the hiring manager, perhaps even valuing your reliability and trustworthiness. If you don’t arrive on the first day of work with no call, no explanation and no apology, we get worried.

After your recruitment consultant has spent the day unable to reach you and getting a bit worried (falling just short of calling various emergency departments), you then send a text in the afternoon advising that you have accepted another role. A role of which you had not made anyone aware, even when specifically asked.

Let’s go back to my first conversation with the hiring manager where they were told of your reliability and honesty….uh oh.

Now the hiring manager becomes sceptical of not only me, but other candidates too!

By Samantha Eydt, Consultant in Western Sydney, people2people.

Find temporary & permanent work and job advice at people2people.com.au

CARPENTERS. ELECTRICIANS. CHEFS 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 permanent 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

Sydney Opera House image courtesy of Tourism NSW.

Many of us have been in a situation where we changed our mind about a job offer. As recruiters, we understand that this happens! However, there has to be a professional manner in which this is done.

www.bbmlive.com 19

WWW.BBMLIVE.COM/JOBS

What Makes A Good Chef?

What makes a successful Chef?

Once you are employed as a Chef there are many reasons you will be successful.

Some of the reasons are listed below:

MARN 0960361

· A passion for and genuine interest in the hospitality industry, food and cooking · Good communication and people skills · Desire to keep learning, improving and refining your skill set · Organisational skills · Ability to stay calm under pressure · Ability to work as part of a team · Ability to think quickly and make decisions · Understand your customers and handle complaints when they arise · Ability to stand for long periods of time Chefs work in an environment where deadlines can never be moved and must be met. The customer is waiting. Therefore, being organised in the kitchen is a must.

You will often work under constant pressure

TSS RECRUITMENT

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

HOW TO ACE THAT INTERVIEW WITH 5 SIMPLE TIPS Whether you’ve finished studying in

Australia, or need a job whilst you study in Australia, you’ll need to make sure you ace your job interview. Job interviews can be seriously daunting, so here are a few tips to help you through a job interview in Australia.

2. Don’t overlook common interview questions Whether it’s your first or tenth job interview, some questions never grow old. Why do you think there are entire articles about how to answer questions, such as “Why should we hire you?” or “What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?” These questions, and many others, reveal certain things about a job seeker, which is why you should prepare your responses for them. If they never come up during the interview, at least you are prepared. If they do, then you won’t end up at a loss for words, because your mind is completely blank.

1. Do some intelligence gathering More often than not, interview questions are designed to determine how you’ll fit in with the company culture and the job opportunity on offer. This applies to any job – be it working in a bar, shop or office! So knowing more about the company, your future employer, and the requirements of the job will guide you in providing the answers they are looking for.

Do your homework, and you will ace your interview. Check out the company’s website, published materials, and other resources that can provide you with a lead.

3. Arrive on time or earlier Arriving late for an interview is not something you want to do. Ever. One, it will reflect on your lack of punctuality, which is a major no-no for employers. Remember that time is money, and wasting even just a few minutes of it can result in loss of productivity and business. Two, you won’t have time to relax and calm down before the interview.

Can you imagine how you would feel being bombarded with interview questions, while your heart’s still racing from that jog up the stairs or the panic you felt knowing you’re late? Whichever way you look at it, arriving late should be avoided at all cost.

to deliver food quickly without sacrificing quality throughout the process. Once you become a Head Chef your responsibilities will increase significantly. Executive Chefs, or Head Chefs, are in charge of coordinating the work of the kitchen staff, control food cost, determine serving sizes, plan menus, order supplies, ensure the quality and presentation of the dishes is correct, train the cooks on public health regulations and how to store all products in order to control waste.

There are advantages over a standard office job. You will never be bored, there is always something going on in a kitchen. You will often be trying to outdo yourself and cook the most memorable meal possible for each of your customers. There is a great deal of satisfaction that comes with a job well done at the end of your shift. Kitchen teams can be a great source of camaraderie and teamwork and you will have the possibility to apply your creativity on a daily basis.

Find Chef & hospitality jobs at www.tssrecruitment.com.au

TSS MIGRATION

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

WWW.TSSIMMIGRATION.COM.AU

4. Dress for success Ever heard of the term en-clothed cognition? It’s the idea that a person acts and behaves according to how they dress. Your clothes can influence your psychological process, so if you dress for success, you’re most likely to succeed.

During a job interview, success calls for a professional and formal outfit. Nothing too severe, of course. But decent and respectable. Along with appropriate clothing is good grooming.

5. Make a lasting impression Self-confidence can go a long way. If you add being courteous and polite into it, then you’re sure to make a good first impression.

Offer warm greetings to everyone, from the receptionist to the hiring manager, shake hands firmly, and express enthusiasm.

During the interview, be authentic, honest and concise. Hiring managers and recruiters can spot a liar a mile away, so don’t be that job seeker who lost their chance because of one small lie.

Find out more about studying in Australia at www.aussiestudies.com.au Or make an enquiry via email admissions@aussiestudies.com

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Achieve The Perfect Work/Life Balance With Agency Nursing

Whilst we may have been told all our lives that we need to have a permanent, consistent career, today’s world is a completely different ball game when it comes to work. Now, more than ever there is more emphasis being put on achieving a work/ life balance so you can make the most out of your professional and personal life.

If achieving the perfect work/life balance is for you and you’re a registered nurse, then a Working Holiday in Australia could well be what you’re looking for.

What Will Working For A Nursing Agency Give You?

Whether you’re just starting out as a newly qualified nurse, or in fact you have years of experience under your belt, sometimes it’s good to have a wide range of skills across the nursing spectrum. A permanent role may see you involved in just one area, however agency nursing could offer you the opportunity to work with a much wider network, and gain vital experience in the nursing field.

For those who are in the early stages of nursing and are looking to select a speciality, or if you’re looking for a change of direction in your career, agency nursing will give you further work experience that will help with your future as a nurse.

Variety

If you’re the sort of person who relishes new opportunities and new challenges then agency nursing can provide all that. Rather than being stuck in a permanent role, facing the same thing day in day out, agency nursing will allow you to work at different hospitals and health facilities across NSW where you’ll meet new people and expand your network making each job different to the next.

Work-life balance

We all know how life can change. A full-time nursing job may have been perfect whilst you were saving up for your working holiday in Australia, however now you’ve reached the sunny shores of Oz, you’ll want the flexibility to work on and off whilst you explore this vast and incredible country.

Apply for nursing jobs now at

www.bowerhealthcare.com.au

Nursing in Melbourne – The Facts

If you’re considering a working holiday, and you are already a Registered Nurse, then Australia could provide you with a number of exciting opportunities.

As one of Australia’s major cities, nurses are highly in demand in Melbourne. There is work in a range of specialities, across both private and public sector healthcare organisations.

What is it like to work as a nurse in Melbourne?

Compared to the UK, you’ll notice a number of similarities to working practices, particularly when it comes to policy and procedures; however the working conditions for nurses are of a particularly high standard in Melbourne.

Patient-nurse ratios are around 4:1, enabling you to concentrate on providing a high quality of care and attention.

By signing up to a nursing agency in Melbourne, you are sure to find a range of varied and interesting roles to suit your qualifications and experience, whether you are looking to work in a hospital or in a care setting. Many overseas nurses find themselves based in the large teaching facilities in the city; however there are plenty of opportunities, which arise in the smaller facilities as well as aged care units.

How do I get a visa?

If you are planning on coming to Melbourne on a working holiday, then you’ll need to apply for a Working Holiday Visa. This is suitable if

you are aged between 18-30 (the upper age limit rises to 35 in 2017) and is an ideal way to supplement your income whilst you travel around the country. The visa allows you to travel around Australia whilst finding work. Your visa will not automatically entitle you to obtain work as a nurse in Australia – you will need to register separately for this – see below.

Registering as a nurse in Australia Just as you would with the NMC in the UK, you’ll need to register with the ANMC, the Australian equivalent, in Melbourne. The process can take a number of weeks to complete, so it’s advisable to complete your application before you travel, as you won’t be able to enter employment as a nurse without this.

If you completed your training in the UK, you may be eligible for direct entry onto the register.

If there are any issues with your registration, you may need to undertake some additional training in order to be accepted onto the register.

An important element of the criteria is the ability to be proficient in the English language.

If English is not your first language, it may be necessary to complete a test in order to prove your proficiency.

To find out more about working as a nurse in Australia or to find nursing jobs in Melbourne contact one of the Australian Nursing Agency team today at

recruitment@australiannursingagency.com or

visit www.australiannursingagency.com

www.bowerhealthcare.com.au info@bowerhealthcare.com.au Mental Health Nurses for Eastern Suburbs We have been asked to source experienced Registered Mental Health nurses (or general nurses with mental health experience) for block bookings in a popular public hospital’s various mental health units (aged care through to MHICU).

Paid as a casual, your roster will be set up to 2 weeks in advance. Part-time hours might also be considered providing your availability is regular and ongoing. Block bookings available.

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.

Got a question?

Theatre Nurses Eastern Suburbs

We have been asked to source experienced Registered Nurses with Operating Theatre experience for block bookings in a popular public hospital’s various theatres. Paid as a casual, your roster will be set up to 2 weeks in advance.

Part-time hours might also be considered providing your availability is regular and ongoing.

What’s in it for you?

Block bookings at a popular and conveniently located public hospital, guidance with achieving compliancy for work in NSW (if moving from interstate, access to our on-line rostering/availability system, additional ad hoc shifts outside the block booking if required, professional Indemnity Insurance cover, other shifts around the Sydney/Metro area and contracts in regional/rural NSW. Essential requirements: Work rights in Australia , a minimum of 12 months post-grad 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.

Community Support Worker (Eastern Sydney)

We assist aged, frail, vulnerable and disabled consumers to live independently in their own homes in the community by providing support services, either on a private, fee for service basis, or through brokerage with a variety of Not-For-Profit community providers. We currently have a critical need for more experienced casual home care and support workers around Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs (multiple vacancies).

Duties include; the provision of high and low-level personal care, including personal hygiene, showering, dressing, etc.

Essential requirements: 3 months recent practical care experience in a relevant, local work environment (e.g. in-home care, nursing or group home, hospital, etc.), current work rights in Australia, 2 recent employment or study related references, your own insured vehicle with current NSW drivers licence, excellent 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).

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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22

Michaela Strachan Gets Really Wild From Cairns to Darwin A face we all grew up with on TV with the likes of the Really Wild Show, and more recently Spring and Autumn Watch, we speak to nature enthusiast and presenter, Michaela Strachan about her recent trip to Australia, where she went, stayed and explored.

Taking to the rainforest canopy with Skyrail Rainforest Cableway.

It’s not just a couple of TV programs that Michaela has done however, she’s flown the flag for nature enthusiasts in National Geographic’s Safari Live from Kruger National Park in South Africa, Adopt a Wild Animal and Postcards From The Wild for Discovery’s Animal Planet, as well as programs such as Michaela’s Zoo Babies and Michaela’s Animal Roadtrip to name a mere handful!

With conservation at the forefront of her endeavours, Michaela is not only a seasoned presenter but is also a veritable expert when it comes to wildlife. Returning to Australia, but this time taking her husband and son along for the ride, the family of three decided to take three weeks out to travel from Cairns to the Northern Territory.

“We did ten days around Cairns and a week around Darwin and Kakadu.” Continuing she says, “We went with a company called Discover the World and they organised this amazing trip for us.

I think they’ve gotten to know us and they know that we’re a family that likes to have busy holidays.

We are not people that like to sit on the beach. We’re not people that like architecture in cities and museums. We like the great outdoors and a bit of adventure.

They just did the most brilliant job of making sure that we were busy at all times. So, we started off in Cairns.” The rapid speed and enthusiasm that Michaela recalls the trip is a tell tale sign of how much she and her family enjoy the

“great outdoors.”

Continuing on the Cairns portion of their trip, Michaela says, “What I loved about the area around Cairns is it’s all incredibly accessible and you can have totally different adventures when you travel a couple of hours in the car. I think when you’re on holiday with an 11-year-old, the last thing you want to do is spend hours on end in the car and I think a lot of people’s perception of Australia is that.”

Michaela states that over 10 days on their trip they only used just over a tank of petrol whilst going all over for their adventures.

During which they also visited Kuranda Koala Gardens for an up close look at some koalas and kangaroos. A must on any East Coast trip, the family visited the Great Barrier Reef with Michaela dubbing her return to the area as “shocking” with regard to the bleaching. “I know there’s been a lot in the newspapers in the last couple of days about ‘the Great Barrier Reef is dead’ and in fact it turns out that it’s not. But I certainly saw a big difference between when I went 20 years ago when I did my advanced diving course, to going now when I saw a lot of white bleaching. It’s still the most amazing experience but it was different.”

From under the sea to above the trees, Michaela and her family also found time to cruise the rainforest canopy with Skyrail

Jabiru. That was really beautiful.

Again, loads of birds and you could go on a lagoon thing. That was out near Atherton Tablelands.

We did a hot air balloon ride there as well.” Continuing on their action packed time there, “We went to a creek where we spotted platypus and then we went to a tree plantation where we managed to spot a tree kangaroo which is really difficult to see because they’re in such a confined area now. So, we saw loads of wildlife.”

Whilst visiting Queensland Michaela also stayed at the Thala Beach Reserve as well as visiting Kewarra where she partook in yoga on the beach – “I really liked it and felt really special for me.” Michaela and her family also visited the Daintree Eco Resort and Spa for a few days of pampering and relaxing in between their coastal and jungle adventures!

Her love of wildlife never escaping her, Michaela recalls returning to a rescue centre she’d not been to for 15 years not realizing how close it was to where they were.

“I just went ‘oh my god, it’s Tolga Bat Hospital. I went there 15 years ago.’ So, we went back and saw it again and it was the same lady there that ran it. That was really nice. So, around Cairns we really felt like we had an amazing adventure. We went from diving in the Barrier Reef to Daintree Forest to Atherton Tablelands and they’re all totally different habitats.”

Making their way up to the far north of Queensland they journeyed to Mossman Gorge, took boat rides to see the crocodiles and native wildlife as well as embarking on a Dreamtime Walk and even taking to the canopy of the Daintree Rainforest via zipline.

Onward to the Mareeba Wetlands, Michaela recalls their time there “We stayed in a place called

Flying up to Darwin, and after soaking up a bit of the Northern Territory city, Michaela and her family made their way out to the Mary River Wetlands taking in the sights of thousands of geese, whistling ducks and, of course, crocodiles. Going somewhere not many go to, the family were

lucky enough to head up to Northern Kakadu with their guide on an Arnhemlander Cultural and Heritage Tour. “I think it’s really unspoiled and it’s only open to restricted tour operators who have gained the respect of the traditional land owners. So, you do feel quite privileged to go in there and see the landscape. We also went to the most amazing place – it was an art gallery where you see the local Aborigine guys painting and the women doing the materials.” The presenter says of the coveted trip.

With more adventures to be had in the Northern Territory, Michaela and her family also visited Nitmiluk Gorge which is near Katherine for a spot of kayaking down the gorge.Michaela pins the highlight of her trip on the versatility, from the varying accommodation to the dramatically different eco-systems and habitats they encountered.

Travelling from June - July gave them a great opportunity to visit some areas of the Northern Territory that can be off limits during the wet season. Michaela arranged her Cairns to Darwin tour via Discover The World.

View our Australia tours section online to find tours departing from both Cairns and Darwin much like the ones Michaela did at www.bbmlive.com/australian-tours

Diving with Moari Wrasse on the Great Barrier Reef.

by Hannah Shakir. Images with special thanks to Michaela Strachan

Discovering Aboriginal rock art in northern Kakadu, Northern Territory.

Rainforest Cableway, recalling her experience, Michaela enthuses…

“That was great. Things like that, they’re really touristy but they’re brilliant. I get really cross with people that turn their noses up at these and so ‘oh, it’s a bit touristy’. It’s like ‘you are a tourist.

You’re here on holiday. It makes you a tourist even if you’ve got a backpack on.’ So, we really enjoyed that and it was a fantastic way to see the rainforest. And again, it feels like an adventure.”

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NORTHERN TERRITORY

The Cage Of Death What better way to get the authentic Australian experience than to swim next to one of Australia’s most dangerous reptiles at Crocosaurus Cove?

Housing almost 200 saltwater crocodiles, some over 5 metres long, Crocosaurus Cove allows you to not only see their crocodiles from the safe viewing platform, but also share the water they swim in. The saltwater crocodiles are also known to be one of the most dangerous reptiles in Australia, and so it is no wonder that they call this thrilling attraction the ‘Cage of Death’.

In a transparent cylinder cage, you are lowered into the reptile’s water enclosure, where the crocodile handlers will be regularly feeding the crocodiles, encouraging more activity and movement from the animals. Get out of your comfort zone and experience this face-to-face encounter that has to be seen to be believed.

The Cage of Death is the only place in Australia that will allow you to get this close to the Crocodiles underwater, and you could be in the water with the beast for up to 15 minutes.

Whether you see it as exciting or terrifying, this really is a rare opportunity not to be missed. Pay

4 Days At The Top

Where Australia really gets wild…

Breath-taking escarpments, crocinfested wetlands, Aboriginal rock art and dramatic pockets of oasis make up the Top End’s biggest attractions – Kakadu, Katherine and Litchfield National Parks.

The tropical climate of Australia’s Top End makes for an exciting few days of exploration around some of the wildest national parks the country has to offer. When it comes to creepy crawlies, the Top End is teeming with them - not to mention the enormous saltwater and freshwater crocs, so if you don’t fancy slumming it whilst exploring this wild corner of Oz, we’d suggest booking on a Top End Tour.

Kakadu Wild’s Four-Day Kakadu, Katherine & Litchfield tour departs from Darwin, and the first stop is Litchfield National Park. In just one day, you’ll see Florence Falls and Wangi Falls, have a picnic in the rainforest, and take a cruise of the Mary River Wetlands where crocodiles lurk in the waters.

After a great night’s sleep in a proper bed whilst camping, you’ll wake early on day two to head to Kakadu National Park – Australia’s largest national park at 20,000 square kilometres. Here you’ll first discover the ancient Aboriginal rock art at Ubirr, and then take in the incredible views of the Nardab floodplain. Next,

refresh with a reviving swim as you soak up the plunge pools of Maguk A.K.A Barramundi Gorge, followed by another night under the stars.

Considering Kakadu is around the same size as Slovenia, a scenic flight is a great way to take it all in, and on day three you’ll have the option to. You then receive a lesson in Aboriginal culture with more rock art sites and 20,000 years of tradition, after which you visit the gold-mining town of Pine Creek and enjoy a quick swim at Edith Falls. Heading into Katherine, you arrive at your campsite on the edge of Nitmiluk National Park for your final night on the tour.

Experience 23-million-year-old Katherine Gorge on your fourth and final day on a cruise or canoe (season dependent and optional add-on), then get closer to Aboriginal culture with a display in fire making, boomerang and spear throwing, and painting. After trying your hand at Aboriginal art, it’s time to head back to Darwin where the tour concludes.

Sound good to you? This tour is just $1,138.50 per person and includes safari camp accommodation, meals, an experienced guide and national park entry.

Travellers Tip: Kakadu Wild Expeditions have tours departing from March - October from 3-5 days.

www.kakaduwild.com.au

only $250 to experience this with a friend or just $165 to go it alone; however you wish to do the Cage of Death, it is certainly for the brave.

But if the Cage of Death isn’t something you feel brave enough to dive into anytime soon, then Crocosaurus Cove has many more activities on offer. Meet and interact with snakes, geckos and frogs at The Reptile Enclosure, see the Whipray and Barramundi in the Aquarium, or even get your photo taken with a baby croc!

Darwin itself boasts some of the planet’s most brilliant and tropical wildlife, but also many restaurants and classy bars. The Cage of Death is simply one of the many reasons to visit the cultural city of Darwin. www.crocosauruscove.com

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Uluru Tours From Darwin

Making 2017 you’re biggest travelling year yet? Don’t miss Australia’s centre piece on a 5 day tour from Darwin to Uluru.

Darwin

Looking for a huge adventure in 2017? Embark on a memorable 10 day safari from Perth to Broome and make this the highlight of your year.

Traversing the West Coast of Australia is one of the greatest journeys you can take. For an authentic and comfortable experience, Kimberley Wild Expeditions provide a 10-day adventure where you’ll have the chance to visit all the highlights of W.A. along the way.

Beginning in Perth, the discoveries kick off right from day one with a stop in the Pinnacles Desert to marvel at a unique landscape of towering limestone formations, before you take to the sand dunes of Jurien Bay on a sand board and drive on to Kalbarri. You spend the start of your second day in Kalbarri National Park, admiring the dramatic scenery of the Murchison Gorge, Natures Window and Z-Bend Gorge, where you can go swimming or abseiling. It’s then onto Shell Beach – one of only two in the world made entirely out of shells.

Come day three, it’s time to meet the wild dolphins of Monkey Mia, view the fascinating stromatolites of Hamelin Pool, and then travel up to Coral Bay, home of the spectacular underwater world of the Ningaloo Reef. After a day in the crystal clear waters of Coral Bay, you make your way to Exmouth for snorkelling in Turquoise Bay, swimming with whale sharks (when in season and at own expense) and to spot hopping kangaroos.

With amazing gorges, waterfalls and natural pools, you get to spend the next three days in Karijini National Park, Western Australia’s outback oasis formed more than 2.5 million years ago. On the penultimate day on the West Coast Safari, you continue onwards to the Pilbara region for a night in an outback station. Your 10th and final day is spent enjoying the white sands of the breathtaking Eighty Mile Beach, followed by your arrival into the Kimberley region and Broome.

Departing from Darwin on this whistle stop tour of central Australia’s dusty landscapes you will first visit the stunning Edith Falls, an area of swimming holes, waterfalls and intricate rock faces. The perfect place to cool off before heading to the Mataranka Thermal Springs - a healing, natural spring to sooth aching muscles.

The Devils Marbles As you make your way to Alice Springs you’ll stop at Karlu Karlu A.K.A the Devils Marbles.

These weird, unnatural looking, spherical rock formations seem like they have been purposefully and precariously placed on top of one another - as if defying gravity, so be sure to get your camera ready!

Uluru Next up is the rock you’ve been waiting for as you arrive at Uluru. Gaze up at its magnificent presence and learn about the flora, fauna and Aboriginal culture at the Cultural Centre surrounding the world famous monolith. Stay for the sunset (certainly the best time to capture the magic of the place with a glass of champagne) and admire the colours radiating from the rock and the sky as the spectacular scenes unfold. Hit the sack early because it’s up at the crack of dawn tomorrow to see the sunrise over the rock, which is just as mesmerizing as sunset.

Kata Tjuta

Departs Mondays May - October, Saturdays - May - September, selected Thursdays in June and July.

You will then be taken to Kata Tjuta, another eerie and stunning rock formation of domed rocks that dominate the landscape. These almost miniature versions of Uluru are bizarre to walk through and will certainly be like nothing you’ve ever experienced before. Come the evening you’ll spend a night at King’s Creek Station, an authentic outback lodge, so get ready for an evening of relaxing by the pool with beers and a BBQ to boot! A perfect way to end a long day of walking!

www.kimberleywild.com.au

Kings Canyon

From $2995pp, the West Coast Safari is 10 days of adventure in Western Australia. Complete with luxury camping (including ensuite options), an experienced guide, meals and national park entry, you can add on activities such as abseiling, scenic flights and quad bike rides to make your experience even more memorable.

It’s up early the next day for the dizzying Kings Canyon Rim walk, a spectacular hike along the edge of the 300m high canyon, where the ‘Garden Of Eden’ sits. Stunning views of the Watarrka National Park are yours once you reach the top.

This amazing outback tour concludes with a relaxing camel ride through the dramatic landscape before heading back to Alice Springs where the trip ends.

www.mulgasadventures.com.au

Images and words by Gabriel Laine

10-DAY WEST COAST SAFARI FROM PERTH TO BROOME

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How To Stay Safe Whilst Travelling Western Australia

As Australia’s largest State, Western Australia offers an enormous amount of diversity for any traveller.

From the bustling city of Perth to the remote outback of the Kimberley Region the differences are almost incomprehensible for a green backpacker to Perth. Western Australia covers 2.646 million kilometers squared and with a population of only 2.5 million, you’ll want to keep your wits about you whilst exploring.

Like most destinations around the world you should always consider how to best look after yourself to make sure you capitalise on the amount of fun and adventure there is to have. After all Australia may be an English speaking country, but it still may be a foreign country to you, so to make sure you get the most out of backpacking across WA here’s a few tips on how to stay safe whilst touring Australia’s west coast.

Sunscreen It may sound like a basic tip, but with such a thin ozone layer, it only takes a moment to burn and get

skin damage, so if you don’t want to spend days on end nursing yourself with Aloe Vera and fans for the sake of half an hour in the sun, make sure you slap on the factor 50! After all you don’t want to return home looking like an old leather handbag.

Emergency Numbers

Whether you’re visiting a city or decide to go off into the bush, it’s important to make sure you know what number to call should something go wrong whilst travelling. When it comes to WA the emergency number is 000.

So make sure you commit that to memory before setting off

anywhere - especially if you are travelling alone!

Beach Safety With WA’s 12,000 kilometers of coastline to enjoy it’s worth remembering that the weather and water currents can vary significantly - as well as the hazards. So be sure to read beach safety signs before taking to the water so you know what hazards to expect whilst enjoying the water.

Ocean Safety Similar to what you should regard with beach safety, the weather can vary dramatically whilst you’re out

on the water so be sure to get the weather forecast before heading out on the ocean whether you’re fishing, diving or snorkeling!

All hazards aside, Western Australia is an amazing place to explore, so if you bare all the above in mind you’re sure to have a great time.

If you’re thinking about touring the West Coast of Australia then save yourself some money with Integrity Coachlines hop-on-hopoff pass with an added 10% off with Promo Code BBMLIVE5.

www.integritycoachlines.com

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Visit Monkey Mia This Summer A sun soaked summertime paradise Monkey Mia is a must whilst touring Western Australia. A coastal destination like no other, there’s many a memorable moment to be experienced at this beachside resort as well as along the way to this coastal getaway.

Departing from Perth, you can make the most of getting to Monkey Mia by stopping off at some amazing points of interest along the way.

First stop as you make your way from Perth is the Pinnacles Desert, with its yellow limestone formations jutting out of the sand.

From here, you can travel up to Kalbarri, home of natural wonders such as Nature’s Window and Murchison Gorge, which you have the opportunity to abseil should you be feeling active and in need of an adrenaline surge. Venture further north to one of Western Australia’s most spectacular beaches – Shell Beach – one of only two beaches in the world to be made entirely out of shells.

As you arrive in Monkey Mia you can spend the day enjoying the delights of this beautiful area.

Located within Shark Bay on a tip of the West Coast, Monkey Mia is a popular travel destination for one reason in particular: the Monkey Mia dolphins.

For decades, wild bottlenose dolphins have come up to these shores, giving visitors a close-up experience of one of the most beautiful creatures on the planet.

Other things to do in the area are kayaking (at an extra charge), sailing (at an extra charge) and relaxing on the beach.

After spending some time soaking up the holiday atmosphere of

Monkey Mia and exploring its surroundings, or simply lazing around on the pristine white beaches, you can take advantage of an adventure filled return to Perth. As you make your way back

you’ll find the famous Lancelin along the way. Renowned for its epic sand dunes it’s here that you can sand board your way down as you feel as if you’re in the desert a prime example of the diversity of Western Australia’s terrain.

You can visit Monkey Mia and many attractions along the way with Aussie Wanderer’s 4 day Perth to Monkey Mia return tour from just $645 with upgrades available at an extra cost. Tours include meals, entry fees and an experienced tour guide.

aussiewanderer.com.au

Planning big adventures for 2017?

Well the West Coast is calling and adventure doesn’t get much bigger than this.

Departing from Perth, there’s so much to see and do along this epic 2,240.0 km journey to Broome that you’ll barely notice the distance.

From cruising along the Indian Ocean Drive out of Perth it’s not long before you find yourself far away from the city and entrenched in Australia’s wild, wild west.

Explore The WA National Parks

From Perth your first stop off is at the Nambung National Park where you’ll witness the otherworldly site of the Pinnacles Desert. After you’ve taken in the weird and wonderful limestone formations, it’s onward to Jurien Bay to sandboard down the epic sand dunes. Come nightfall you and your fellow passengers will reach Kalbarri National Park. Whilst visiting this vast national park, you’ll see the stunning ‘Nature’s Window’ a picturesque rock formation that perfectly frames the landscape in the distance in a natural picture frame created from erosion to the rocks. At Kalbarri you can take in

the deep ravines and gorges as well as the snaking waterways that make for an extremely dramatic landscape.

West Coast Adventures

Kalbarri is your springboard to the beginning of your west coast adventure with your first stop being at Shark Bay. A pretty beachside destination, here you will be able to snorkel in the Indian Ocean whilst taking in the kaleidoscopic marine life native to Western Australia.

A short drive takes you to Peron Peninsula to meet the world famous Monkey Mia dolphins that swim up the shore several times a day. Once you’ve got up close and personal with these majestic mammals it’s time to head to Carnarvon to see the fascinating stromatolites at Hamelin Pool. These marine rock formations are some of the world’s oldest and largest living fossils! After you’ve had your fill of dolphins, stromatolites et al it’s on to the ‘Jewel of the North West’, Coral Bay.

The Ningaloo Reef

Coral Bay is the gateway to the Ningaloo Reef - also known as WA’s answer to the Great Barrier Reef. At the Ningaloo Reef you can view the 250 species of coral and over 500 species of fish either by snorkelling or via glass bottom boat. Should

you visit from April to July you may also see the enormous whale sharks.

Entering Bliss At Karijini

Karijini is where you will feel a million miles from it all. Your time in Karijini is the real highlight of the tour. It’s here that you’ll be able to spend a few days hiking and exploring and getting back to basics. A vast network of rainforest, marbled rock, caves, waterfalls and billabongs, it’s simply paradise personified and the perfect way to reflect on your journey before arriving in Broome.

The Biggest Sunset In The World

Broome is famous for the seemingly endless Cable Beach where you can see epic sunsets that streak the expansive skies as well as the natural phenomenon of the ‘Stairway to the Moon’ that creates an optical illusion of stairs leading up to the moon come nightfall.

All this and more is available with Adventure Tours Australia’s Perth to Broome Overland trip that runs over 10 days.

Find more tours at www.adventuretours.com.au

Images courtesy of Tourism Western Australia

Embark on the ultimate West Coast adventure in 2017.

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Summer Holidays on Kangaroo Island

Experience a scenic getaway on Kangaroo Island One of Australia’s most pristine and breathtaking islands, Kangaroo Island is the aptly named escape island just 45 minutes from the mainland, yet feels like a million miles away. Providing inland adventure one side and a clear, blue ocean on the other, you won’t want to miss a second of the experiences on offer, so take a trip with Kangaroo Island Adventure Tours and get to know this beautiful isle inside and out.

The spectacular coastline of Kangaroo Island is the perfect place to be this time of year and offers a vast array of activities. From surfing at Vivonne Bay, to fishing at Emu Bay and swimming in the enchanting waters of the secret beach at Stokes Bay, the summer fun is endless on this South Australian island.

It’s not just all activity based on the island though, as nature lovers can look out for native Australian wildlife, including koalas, possums, echidnas, reptiles, Australian SeaLions, Long-Nosed fur-seals, and of course, kangaroos and wallabies. Kangaroo Island also harbours an extensive

birdlife population, and you may even spot pods of dolphins close to the seaside areas.

World renowned for its rare rock formations, visit the Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch, sculpted by the weather and erosion from the sea over thousands of years and located at Cape du Couedic in Flinders Chase National Park. From Admirals Arch you can see the colony of LongNosed fur-seals lazing around on the rocky outcrops below.

Breeding season occurs in the summer, so look out for seal pups playing in the rock pools beneath the arch if you visit in the next couple of months.

From hiring holiday homes, staying at a lodge or even camping out at the many caravan and camping parks, there are accommodation options for any budget. Kangaroo Island has 509 km of coastline for you to explore, so make sure you spend your visit making the most of everything there is to offer. Whether you want to go seal-spotting, surf down the sand dunes of Little Sahara, take a dip at Vivonne Bay or sail past sparkling beaches with pure white sand, Kangaroo Island is a land waiting for you to discover.

Traveller’s Tip: Kangaroo Island Adventure Tours can help you with everything from self-drive packages to 2- 6 day tours. Find out more at kiadventuretours.com.au

Who’s This Tour Good For? Active types Explorers People who want to see the real Australia Wildlife lovers Wine gluggers Foodies

What to pack?

Swimming costume/bathers/sunscreen/hat Good walking shoes Backpack Comfortable clothing Warm, layered clothing for the evening Camera

To find great deals on Kangaroo Island tours visit www.kiadventuretours.com.au

SWIMMING WITH SEA LIONS IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA A bit more friendly than their seal cousins, sea lions tend to hang out in bigger groups and are generally a little less timid. Ever wondered what the difference is between seals and sea lions? Well, sea lions have visible little ear flaps and can walk on their fins, whilst seals have no visible ears and have to belly crawl on land which is totally not graceful and really funny to watch. In South Australia you’ll find Australian fur seals, New Zealand fur seals and of course, Australian sea lions.

If you want to get a closer look at the Australian sea lions whilst on your travels then swimming with sea lions is a really memorable experience. Setting off from Port Lincoln you’ll make your way out to either Hopkins or Langton Island. Here, you’ll get kitted out in your wetsuit and snorkelling gear before being taken closer to shore to meet the sea lions. Once in the water these pups of the sea will swirl around you doing somersaults as they whoosh past you in the water.

Australia’s south coast is packed to the brim when it comes to exciting wildlife, so should you find yourself in this neck of the woods during your travels, don’t miss out on the awesome wildlife encounters on offer such as swimming with sea lions.

As the Great Southern Ocean laps the shores of South Australia, its waters bubble with the playful native Aussie sea lions.

These excitable pups of the sea can be found in the waters off the south coast, so no trip to South Australia is complete without swimming with sea lions.

It’s important to find an eco friendly tour company to take you to swim with sea lions, as this way you’ll ensure that you aren’t disturbing the sea lions and eco friendly tour companies will often restrict how often they visit specific areas on their tours so as not to disrupt the natural way of life for the sea lions. Most tour companies will give you around an hour’s swimming time so you can

really observe these majestic creatures in their natural habitat… just remember to stay calm and not to approach the sea lions as after all, they are wild animals and you are in their ‘hood!

Of course, when it comes to wildlife encounters if swimming with sea lions sounds just a little bit too tame you could always do a shark cage dive with Great White Sharks. An added optional extra on the Southern Ocean Wildlife adventure, diving with sharks is an adrenaline-pumping activity that adds another dimension to your South Australian adventure.

Swim with sea lions on Nullarbor Traveller’s Southern Ocean Wildlife Adventure.

TRAVEL DEALS:

Book a Southern Ocean Wildlife Adventure Tour now for 2017/2018 and receive 10% off with promo code BBMLIVE Book a Secrets of Esperance Tour now for 2017/2018 and receive 10% off with promo code BBMLIVE6 Book an Adelaide to Perth 10 Day Camping Adventure Tour now for 2017/2018 and receive 15% off! Use promo code BBMLIVE10 Book now at www.nullarbortraveller.net

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Fraser Island

White beaches, crystal clear lakes, mangroves and rainforests… Fraser Island is one stop off on an East Coast adventure that just can’t be missed.

Fraser Island isn’t just beautiful though, it’s got some gravitas to it being the world’s largest sand island sporting a 75 mile long beach - aptly named 75 Mile Beach - as well as a real life shipwreck, dingoes, 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!

On Dropbear’s three 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.

as well as taking to the various beaches and inland tracks in the 4WD.

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?

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.

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

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?

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!

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.

Sleep on the Great Barrier Reef

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.

Sailing The Whitsunday Islands

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 The Whitsundays 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!

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.

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 with snorkeling and staying overnight on the 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.

www.awesomewhitsundays.com

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The Best View in Queensland Go above and beyond Queensland’s World Heritage listed Wet Tropics rainforest with Skyrail Rainforest Cableway.

Perfect for a weekend away and a must do whilst visiting Tropical North Queensland. This Cairns attraction is one of the greatest journeys you can take in Australia.

A unique experience, you’ll encounter the rainforest in a truly unique way by travelling 7.5km in a gondola that is suspended just metres above the rainforest canopy, giving you spectacular views as far as the Coral Sea and Cairns Highlands. Not only do you glide over rivers and the rainforest, you also make two stops at mid-stations to stretch your legs and explore the forest more closely.

A Skyrail Ranger meets you at Red Peak Station for a guided boardwalk tour of the ancient tropical rainforest, where they share their knowledge of the giant buttress roots, towering Kauri Pines, climbing wait-a-while palms and other flora and fauna that surround you in this fascinating eco-system. After your tour, be sure to take the time to absorb the beauty and atmosphere of the rainforest before re-boarding Skyrail Rainforest Cableway to Barron Falls Station.

The all weather walkways at Barron Falls Station lead to

three separate lookouts and more breathtaking views of Barron Gorge and Falls which are at their most spectacular during the wet season from December to March. Also make sure you take the time to visit the Rainforest Interpretation Centre that was created by Skyrail in partnership with the CSIRO (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation).

Skyrail Rainforest Cableway is located just 15 minutes from Cairns city centre and 50 minutes from Port Douglas, and is open every day except Christmas Day and during scheduled maintenance. It is a multiple award winner for its excellence in sustainable tourism and is accessible for all ages and abilities, making it the best and most beautiful rainforest experience in the world.

For tour packages and prices, visit skyrail.com.au

RAFT TO PARADISE The jewel of the Whitsunday Islands, no tour to this idyllic destination is complete without visiting the remarkable, Whitehaven Beach.

A 7km stretch of pristine white silica sands on Whitsunday Island, the island is only accessible via boat. Whitehaven Beach has been rated the most eco-friendly and cleanest beach in the world, and due to its silica sand, it doesn’t retain heat, meaning you can spend a lazy day here without burning the soles of your feet in between dips in the ocean.

Whitsunday Island is the largest amongst the 74 islands that make up the Whitsunday Islands National Park. During a day visiting Whitehaven Beach you can either sink your feet into the purest silica sand on Earth, or take a dip in the ocean to explore the colourful marine life that bustles below the surface.

The Whitsunday Islands’ National Park offers some of the best snorkelling in the world and it’s here that you can hope to spot marine turtles, jellyfish, mollusks, crustaceans, fish and maybe a few dolphins along the way! Exploring the Great Barrier Reef will give you the chance to take in the largest coral structure on Earth as well as all the marine life it attracts, including; sharks, rays, eels, and many, many more.

In fact there are actually 1625 species of fish, 630 types of starfish and sea urchins, 14 varieties of sea snakes, and 30 species of whales and dolphins – so you may want to pack a waterproof camera when visiting!

One of the best ways to visit Whitehaven Beach is via Ocean Rafting. With their high speed vessels you can spend

the day soaking up the stunning scenery of the Whitsunday Islands as well as snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef.

Ocean Rafting offer two tours, their Northern Exposure Tour and the Southern Lights tour. The main difference between the two tours is that the Northern Exposure has more snorkelling time and the Southern Lights offers more beach time. Ocean Rafting also offer a Double Deal for both cruises so you can experience more adventure for less!

Book your Ocean Rafting adventure now at

www.oceanrafting.com.au

Snorkel The Great Barrier Reef Explore the largest living structure on earth with Cape Tribulation Great Barrier Reef Tours from just $139 per person.

Heading up to Tropical North Queensland to see the Great Barrier Reef is a must whilst visiting Australia.

With the Reef being the largest coral reef on the planet (you can see if from outer space!) it will come as no surprise that close to 10% of the world’s entire fish population call the Great Barrier Reef home. But it’s not just fish you can hope to see whilst visiting. The Reef is also home to 6 of the world’s 7 marine turtle species including Green Turtles, Leather Backs and Loggerheads! Getting to see one of these guys is a real treat, and you’re also likely to spot Giant Clams, Starfish, Eagle Rays and an abundance of colourful corals.

If you’re staying in Cape Tribulation for a few days it’s well worth venturing out to the ocean on a day trip to snorkel at the Reef and with Ocean Safari you can jump on board one of their fantastic half day tours off the Daintree Coast that will take you on a 25 minute ride out to the Reef where you’ll discover all the rare and wonderful wildlife.

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. You’ll also find Jungle Lodge 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!

www.oceansafari.com.au

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Chiang Mai Travel Guide As soon as you arrive and take your first breath of the fresh clean air of Chiang Mai, you’ll practically feel the Zen-like calmness sink into your bones.

Thankfully, this city won’t push oppressive humidity and heavy smog down onto you like Bangkok, so it truly feels like you’ve emerged into the old historic Thailand, that pollution forgot.

Chiang Mai, also known as “The Rose of the North” is Thailand’s fifth largest city and is elevated at 316 metres with a surrounding of dense green jungles and mountains.

It could only be accessed by river or by elephant until the 1920s, and this remote location enabled its authentic charm to be retained. The historic walled city is still surrounded by a square moat and the old crumbling brick gates on each side of the compound city still exist. Little “Sois” (laneways and alleys) criss-cross the old city allowing plenty of exploration, and you’re unlikely to get lost as the moat and gates provide some sort of navigation.

Friendly locals fill the Sois, going about their everyday business, so the top thing to do as soon as you arrive is hire a 50 baht bicycle (be prepared for some pretty vintage designs) and get rolling about. You’ll really get a feel for the community and score some delicious cheap roadside eats.

Bizarrely, the Thais seem to have infinite access to vintage Levi clothes so if you’re lucky, you’ll come across an old secondhand clothes shop and be able to pick up some cool plaid shirts or jeans.

You’ll notice Chiang Mai has a ridiculous amount of ridiculously beautiful “Wats” (temples). Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep is the temple to see, as it’s a massive Buddhist temple still in all its glory.

Situated on a mountainside, it grandly overlooks the city and is open to the public (roughly 30 baht entrance fee). Many catch a Songthaew (pick-up truck taxi) up the huge winding hill, but if you’re feeling daring (and you can’t drive a scooter), load one up with your bicycle and take a white-knuckle ride back down to the city.

Songthaew taxis are in abundance in the city and are the best and cheapest way to get around. The red ones wander the streets with no particular routes, picking randoms up who flag them down. Just don’t forget to haggle!

There’s an insane amount of things to get up to in the city. Take a walkabout in the massive Night Bazaar that is on nearly every night. It’s a massive pull for tourists and it’ll feel like you’ve walked for miles with stalls upon stalls selling goods! It’s great for picking up gifts, but the stalls begin repeating themselves after a while.

Every Sunday there’s the Sunday Walking Night Market where you can see crafts and try some fantastic food that can be so authentically spicy it will truly blow your face off. The market is popular with Thai tourists who are wrapped up in scarves and hats as it’s considerably cooler than the south, but to most visitors, it will still feel positively balmy.

Be prepared to find some seriously cheap street food. Not only is it delicious and healthy, but authentic and pure. Who can argue with a noodle soup for 30 baht?!

Afterwards, head up to THC Rooftop Bar. Blindly feel your way in the darkness until you reach the top where there’s glow-in-thedark graffiti adorning the walls. Good food, cheap beer, birdseye-views of the market, cushioned floor seating – it’s a great place to drink and kick back. There’s no raucous partying like in the South of Thailand, so quiet places with good music are where most people head to.

If you’re not in the mood to relax, go watch some fighting. Muay Thai boxing matches are some of the most intense fighting you’ll witness in Asia and mustn’t be missed on your trip! Kalare Boxing Stadium (behind the Night Bazaar) have real fights (not sissy tourist demonstrations) every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday starting at 9:30pm for four hours (400-600 baht) – that is if you’re not squeamish!

The great thing about Chiang Mai is its abundance of hostels. Dorms are rife and so cheap, which is a nice alternative to Bangkok/the South’s plethora of guesthouses. They make great places to meet new travelling buddies too! Same Same has some excellent dorms and

rooftop toilets, but has great vibes and hammocks to lie back on in the midday heat.

Other wholesome activities include Thai cooking classes, the Zoo (PANDAS!!), Elephant Parks, top-notch massages and sunbathing on straw mats with locals in the city’s grassy parks. It truly lives up to its nickname, and this “Rose of the North” is merely a taster of what beauty the North of Thailand possesses.

Travel Talk’s Essential Thailand 7 day tour ends in Chiang Mai, leaving you plenty of time to explore this fascinating city.

Book a tour now from just $425 at www.traveltalktours.com.

Asia Tours For 2017...

• • • •

India tours from $596 from 8 to 16 days including the Taj Mahal, Delhi and Jaipur.

Nepal tours from $922 over 9 days including Kathmandu, the Himalayas and Chitwan National Park.

Cambodia tours from $310 from 5 13 days including Angkor Wat, Siem Reap and Phnom Penh.

Thailand tours from $623 from 7 days including Bangkok, Chiang Mai amd Wat Rong Khun.

Alternatively see what Asia combination tours are available to tick off more countries from your bucket list.

Article by Sophie Saint, follow her travels at saintsonaplane.com

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SNOWBOMBING 2017

When it comes to snow festivals, it doesn’t get much bigger than Snowbombing.

Taking place each April in Austria’s Mayrhofen, this festival combines the very best winter sports with one of the toughest line ups of any festival.

With the dramatic backdrop of the Austrian Alps, this year’s Snowbombing festival will see the likes of Run The Jewels, Courteneers, Novelist, Groove Armada, DJ Koze and Eli & Fur take to the slopes to unleash some grade-A tunes for the biggest apres ski session in Europe.

8497 feet up in the Austrian Alps you’ll also find a whole host of international DJ talent to send you truly off piste including Doorly, Huxley, David Rodigan, Eats Everything and more. But don’t let the abundance of world class talent on show completely take over, as there’s also some powder to be enjoyed.

From black runs to blue runs and everything in between, Mayrhofen offers some incredible skiing and snowboarding, meaning you can blast off the cobwebs from the night before with serious action during the day. To relax you can take advantage of the luxury jacuzzis and prepare yourself for an afternoon and evening of icey hedonism.

You wouldn’t think you’d be able to attend a pool party surrounded by snow, but at Snowbombing, anything’s possible. This year you can spend your afternoons getting wet and wild at the daily pool parties and

warm up after a day in the snow.

When it comes to extraordinary settings, this snow festival has it by the bucketload.

From raving in an igloo, to the Mountain Stage and the Snow Park Terrace, each way you turn there’s something otherworldly to look at. As Fatboy Slim so eloquently put it “there’s no shared experience in the world as mental as this.”

It’s worth remembering when you’re at any destination festival that you’re in a different country, so get involved with a little culture.

The town of Mayrhofen will be celebrating The Leder-Hoedown - a traditional Austrian party in the centre of the village. Here, you’ll be able to try some local food and listen to some traditional oompah sounds, courtesy of Zell Brass.

With fun and excitement cascading down every slope, you’ll experience that festival feeling every second of the 5 day festival.

Kick back and relax at Rompa’s Reggae Shack before fuelling up on some Bavarian sausage at Hans The Butcher - a must for any Snowbombing survivor. New for Snowbombing 2017 will be Pat Sharp’s Fun Haus - an homage to the 90s. Here you’ll be able to take a trip down memory lane as you sing and dance your way through the likes of Daft Punk, Oasis, Pulp and more.

This year you’ll be pleased to know that you can put down a deposit for this usually sell-out festival - which also means you can spread the cost! Snowbombing takes place from 3-8 April 2017.

You can book now for just £130 deposit +BF at snowbombing.com

BILBAO BBK LIVE 2017

Phoenix and Two Door Cinema Club are announced as coheadliners at Bilbao BBK Live 2017. The festival will mark French indie-rockers Phoenix first show since 2014 when they were touring behind Bankrupt! Northern Irish indie pop trio Two Door Cinema Club will present ‘Gameshow’, their third album and what they call, “the most enjoyable album of their discography to this day”.

The twelfth edition of this Spanish music festival will take place from 6-8 July 2017 atop the Kobetamendi Hill in the the heart of the Basque Country - Bilbao, Spain.

Depeche Mode will headline Bilbao BBK Live 2017! The British band and music pioneers continue to sell out arenas worldwide, having sold over 100 million albums and performed live to

more than 30 million fans around the world. At Bilbao BBK Live they will present their 14th studio album ‘Spirit’, set to be released early next year as they embark on their ‘Global Spirit Tour’ and prepare to continue their history of musical innovation and success.

Since bursting onto the scene in 2004 with their debut LP Hot Fuss, Las Vegas-based four-piece The Killers have received countless accolades for their artistic achievement, including multiple Grammy nominations, MTV Video Music

Die Antwoord bring their unique mix of rap, dance music and roots to the atmospheric landscapes of the Kobetamendi Hill. The South African duo revolutionised the music scene in 2010 with their debut album and their very personal imagery and powerful

performances turn each show into a true experience. Fleet Foxes also join the bill. Following five years of silence, the alt-folk heroes have recently announced the release of a new album, the first since 2011’s ‘Helplessness Blues’.

Following the success of last year’s first edition, Basoa, the festival’s carefully curated dance music space will return for 2017. Located in a clearing in the beautiful Basque woodland, Basoa will play host to uninterrupted party sessions from many of the mostrespected names in electronic music from sunset to sunrise. Acts confirmed to perform include electronic maverick Andrew Weatherall, Caribou lead man Dan Snaith’s solo project Daphni, Life and Death label head DJ Tennis, and Italian duo Marvin & Guy. Set high upon the Kobetamendi Hill with views overlooking the beautiful city of Bilbao and inviting golden, sandy beaches, Bilbao BBK Live offers the perfect fusion

of holiday and festival. With many more acts still to be announced, 2017 is shaping up to be the biggest edition to date. Book now at bilbaobbklive.com

LINEUP

Depeche Mode | The Killers | Die Antwoord | Fleet Foxes | Phoenix | Two Door Cinema Club Andrew Weatherall | Daphni | DJ Tennis | Marvin & Guy

TICKETS

General Admission 3-Day Ticket from 96 euros + BF Book now at bilbaobbklive.com

Traveller’s Tip:

Want to combine BBK Live Festival with a tour and save money, check out Stoke Travel’s awesome BBK Live packages which include the San Fermin Running of the Bulls and a couple of days surfing at the Zarautz Beach Camp near Pamplona from as little as 60 euros per night all inclusive.

Book at stoketravel.com

email features@bbmlive.com to be featured on these pages.

Awards, NME Awards and more.

With their adrenaline-fuelled live performances, packed with anthemic hits like ‘Mr. Brightside’, ‘Somebody Told Me’, and ‘When You Were Young’, Flowers and co. are guaranteed to be a true festival highlight.

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SONUS FESTIVAL 2017 It’s no secret that Croatia has become the must go destination for summer music festivals, and with its many islands, stunning sea, ancients forts and fantastic weather the destination remains the premier rival to Ibiza when it comes to the European summer music scene.

Now in its fifth year, Sonus Festival returns for yet another edition of world class entertainment upon the shores of Pag Island. With the festival taking over the Island in August, revellers can party on the world famous Zrce Beach, dance the night away at the open air Kalypso club, or party at Papaya overlooking the clear Adriatic Sea and Velebit Mountain. Whilst at Sonus you can also take advantage of the boat parties, taking to the high seas to party under the sun soaked skies of Croatia.

When it comes to visiting Pag Island there’s also an abundance of great restaurants to fuel you for your days and nights partying.

The main city, Novalja stands out due to the beauty and uniqueness of its beaches, its unspoilt landscapes, its entertainment

and nightlife, the quality of its cultural and historical sites, the multitude of facilities for recreation make it your main hub whilst at Sonus Festival.

The great thing about this beachside festival is that it’s flexible depending on what budget you have. With camping readily available, you and your friends can save money - and with the weather remaining pretty good in August, there’s slim to no chance of having any wash outs. If camping isn’t your thing you can look at a package that includes accommodation, or simply look online for an apartment or hotel that’s near to the festival.

This year’s festival is set to be one of the biggest ones yet as the organisers celebrate 5 years of Sonus. On the bill for 2017 you’ll find electronic heavy weights such as Richie Ahmed, Jamie Jones, Apollonia, Ricardo Villalobos, Richie Hawtin and many more.

First release tickets are priced at 159 euros, with VIP tickets just 249 euros.

www.sonus-festival.com

SAILING HOLIDAYS IN GREECE

Make Memories In Morocco Morocco makes for the perfect getaway all year round. Offering mild winters, balmy summers, and enough culture to feed your travel bug for years to come.

From the edges of the Sahara desert to the bumpy trails of the Atlas Mountains, Morocco has adventure and culture by the bucket load. Upon arriving in this energetic country, you’ll immediately be confronted by a blend of cultures and influences like no other place in the world.

In the bustling souks you’ll find colourful mountains of spices that look too perfect to be true, then turn around and you’ll find Moroccan embroidered slippers in every colour imaginable.

The souks are a tourist haven where you’ll instantly start trying to think of ways to ship back as much Moroccan

furniture as possible as well as working out how many kgs of spices you can take back with you. But slow your roll as if there’s one thing Morocco is good for, it’s shopping.

So try not to go overboard as you never know what might be around the corner.

Even as you take to the Atlas Mountains you may encounter even more shopping opportunities - especially the famous Moroccan carpets, so make sure you save your pennies and your hand luggage as you don’t want to cramp your touring by lugging too many new wares around with you.

Aside from shopping and stunning architecture, Morocco is also famous for its cuisine. From succulent lamb tagines to cous cous and the offer of mint tea wherever you go, the food is simply stunning. However, always remember to drink bottled water only and fully cooked food!

From Cassablanca to Essaouira, there’s so much to see and experience in Morocco. Encounters Travel offer a selection of cultural and desert tours and trips in Morocco ranging from 4 - 12 days meaning you can have that classic moment atop a camel in the sand dunes as well as experiences all of the above. www.encounterstravel.com

Sailing holidays in Greece are the perfect way to see the beauty of the Greek Islands. From Kefalonia to Ios, Lesbos and Mykonos, each island holds its own individuality.

Planning Sailing Holidays in Greece

Island Hopping In Greece It’s a good idea to consider where you want to see during your travels of the Greek Islands, but we can honestly say, no matter how many you get around to, you’ll always want to see more. With Sail In Greece you can travel from Athens to the Greek Islands of Ios, Mykonos, Paros and the gorgeous Santorini.

The European summer may be drawing to a close but that doesn’t mean you can’t plan summer 2017 right now. Planning the perfect summer holiday involved just three ingredients, sea, sun and, in this case, sailing!

The great thing about a sailing holiday in Greece is that you can combine both relaxing beach time, swimming and snorkeling with the crazy, free spirited Greek Island nightlife!

The romanticism of hopping from island to island and tasting the authentic Greek cuisine by day teamed with the rawness of slugging ouzo by night in the busy towns is everything you need for a fun summer holiday. But by adding the element of sailing the Greek islands you can also get to swim in the crystal clear waters, as well as explore the old towns and natural wonders on the shores of the islands.

Sail in Greece offer varying lengths of sailing holidays in Greece including their YOLO Yachting which runs over 7 days, as well as their YOLO cruise which too runs for 1 week. If you’re looking for a small taster of sailing around the Greece coastline then you could even join in with one of their one day party cruises departing from Athens.

Types of Greek Island Sailing Holidays

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

36 But it’s not all about the foundations… Yosemite Falls are also a sight to behold whilst visiting the Park, the tallest waterfall in all of North America, you’ll see the water plummet a massive 2,425 feet from the top of the upper fall to the base of the lower fall as it pours down the granite into the waters of Merced Valley below.

Yosemite National Park is situated in the Sierra Nevada Mountains in the state of California making summertime a popular time to visit. However as the weather is pretty reliable in California the park can be enjoyed most of the year round. Come autumn you’ll see the trees turn to shades of fiery reds and orange as the leaves begin to shed. Winter offers solitude and picturesque scenery, including snow covered meadows and mountains, whereas spring is a time for the waterfalls to gush and the rivers to flow. In spring you can also witness an abundance of wildflowers in the meadows.

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK A geological wonderland, Yosemite is one of the most awe-inspiring destinations in all of North America.

From the tumbling waterfalls to the peaks, glaciers, rivers and lakes, Yosemite spills over with

stunning, natural beauty. Famous for its unique geological features, the exposed rock that you’ll see in Yosemite is made up of large quantities of granite - some of which was formed over 200 million years ago. Granite is formed from the slow cooling of magma under the Earth’s surface. Over time, the layers on top are eroded away to

expose the granite beneath. Some of the iconic geology you can see in Yosemite include Half Dome, Glacier Point, El Capitan and Royal Arches which were all formed by glaciers carving their way through the area 3 million years ago to 10,000 BCE polishing the faces of many of these cliffs and rock faces you can see today.

ESCAPE TO THE CARIBBEAN White-sand beaches, reggae pumping, hammock siestas and serene turquoise water this is everything you can expect when you make your way down Costa Rica’s Caribbean coastline.

If you’re looking for a holiday in 2017 that combines sun, sea, surf and sailing then a trip out to the Caribbean alongside Free And Easy Traveller should be well placed in your travel plans.

Visiting Costa Rica and Panama over 10 days, you can take your time getting to know these two incredible countries, whether sinking your feet into the white sandy beaches or white water rafting down Rio Pacuare.

There are some memorable activities included that will get you deep beneath the skin of the Caribbean, including a yacht cruise, surfing, beach-hop bicycle parade and visiting stunning waterfalls. The location means you can combine all elements of an active adventure tour with more luxurious and relaxing activities such as sailing and soaking up the sun on the beach.

For those looking to try their hand at something different, underwater surfing is a must try activity whilst in the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean Sea. Moving at speed you’ll feel like a dolphin as you glide through the water effortlessly taking in the colourful marine life and coral.

Of course you’re also well placed for snorkelling and diving, so just take your pick of how you’d like to

observe the bustling underwater world of the Caribbean.

These activities fit naturally and easily into your adventure, so they don’t get in the way of precious moments spent sleeping in hammocks, bathing in turquoise waters or discovering the Latin and Creole cultures of Puerto Viejo and Bocas del Toro.

This part of Central America welcomes a melting post of both Latin and Creole cultures meaning you’ll have the opportunity to feast on some real Creole cuisine as well as practice your best Spanish with the locals. With a relaxed vibe interwoven throughought the Caribbean coast, you’ll have the best combination of both fun, culture and relaxation - as well as having the chance to meet some likeminded travellers who will more than likely end up as friends for life.

Accommodation on this 10-day Caribbean Retreat includes a range of backpacker, guesthouse and jungle cabin shared rooms, with facilities including Wi-Fi, airconditioning, private bathrooms, bars and restaurants, swimming pools and natural surroundings complete with wildlife such as howler monkeys and sloths.

A buffet breakfast and lunch during the white water rafting day trip are included, as well as mini bus transportation. You can even add on return international flights and airport transfers should you book a flight option.

Prices start at $1,289 CAD per person (approximately $1,328 AUD/£780 GBP) with 2017 dates now available.

www.freeandeasytraveler.com

With all this unadulterated natural terrain on offer it will come as no surprise that you can do a bit of wildlife spotting whilst visiting Yosemite. The park plays host to Mule Deer, Squirrels, Yellow Belly Marmots, multiple species of birds and you may even catch a glimpse of the Californian Black Bears if you’re extremely lucky.

Did you know…

Half Dome (8,839 ft) - The most recognisable feature in Yosemite that rises 4,737 feet above the valley floor, is featured on the state quarter and the North Face logo, and is actually thought to be 80% intact but appears cleft in half as a result of glacial polishing. Its Native American name is Tis-sasack.

El Capitan (7,569 ft) - with a face over 3,000 feet high, it is the largest piece of unbroken granite in the world and was the birthplace of modern climbing.

It was named by the Mariposa Battalion as a loose Spanish translation of the Native American name for the cliff which meant ‘The Chief’. Named To-to-kon-lah by the Native Americans.

Yosemite means Grizzly Bear – of which there are none left in the area or in fact the whole State of California.

Visiting Yosemite

Taking out day trippers as well as offering extending touring of up to five nights in Yosemite National Park, Lasting Adventures operate tours in Yosemite all year round. To find out more about how to explore Yosemite with their expert guides visit their site

lastingadventures.com

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ACCOMMODATION New South Wales Sydney The Globe Backpackers 40 Darlingurst Road Kings Cross, Sydney NSW 2011 Free: 1800 806 384 Ph: (02) 9326 9675 info@globebackpackers.com www.globebackpackers.com West End Backpackers 12 Pitt St Sydney NSW, 2000 Ph: 02 9211 4588 Free Phone: 1800 013 186 bookings@westendbackpackers.com www.nomadsworld.com/westend Bounce Sydney 28 Chalmers Street, Sydney 2010 Free call 1800890897 Ph (02) 9281 2222 book@bouncehotel.com.au www.bouncehotel.com.au 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 Stephens

Melaleuca Surfside Backpackers 2 Koala Place, One Mile Beach, NSW 2316 Ph: (02) 4981 9422 Mobile: 0427 200 950 melaleucabackpacker@bigpond.com www.melaleucabackpackers.com.au

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

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

Queensland

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 Surfers Paradise Backpackers rsrt Backpackers Resort,2837 Gold Coast Highway, Queensland 4217 Ph: 07 5592 4677 Free: 1800 282 800 spbr@bigpond.net.au www.surfersparadisebackpackers. com.au

Port Douglas United Port Douglas

37 Warner Street, Port Douglas, QLD

Ph: 07 4099 5011 unitedportdouglas.com.au Airlie Beach Airlie Beach YHA 394 Shute Harbour Road Airlie Beach QLD Phone: (07) 4946 6312 Free:1800 247 251 airliebeach@yha.com.au www.yha.com.au

Cairns

Cairns Share House 17 Scott Street, Cairns, QLD 4870 Ph: (+617) 4041 1875 info@cairns-sharehouse.com www.cairns-sharehouse.com Nomads Esplanade 93 The Esplanade, Cairns, QLD 4870 Ph: 07 4031 7477 Free: 1800 175 716 bookings@nomadsesplanade.com www.nomadshostels.com Dreamtime Travellers Rest 4 Terminus Street (corner of Bunda st.& Terminus st.)

Cairns 4870 Queensland Ph: (07) 4031 6753 info@dreamtimehostel.com www.dreamtimehostel.com

Cape Tribulation PK’s Jungle Village Cape Tribulation Road (PMB 7) Cape Tribulation QLD 4873 Tel: 07 4098 0040 info@pksjunglevillage.com www.pksjunglevillage.com Rainbow Beach Pippies Beach House Cnr of Spectrum Street & Cypress Avenue, Rainbow Beach FREEPHONE: 1800425356 info@pippiesbeachhouse.com.au www.pippiesbeachhouse.com.au 30mins FREE Internet on presentation of this ad PLUS FREE Breakfast & Eco Whale-Watching for all!

Western Australia 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

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

Victoria 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.

Habitat HQ Freephone 1800 202 500 info@habitathq.com.au www.habitathq.com.au Award winning 4.5 star hostel with a homely & relaxed atmosphere Northern Territory Darwin Youth Shack 69 Mitchell Street, Darwin Ph: 1300 793 302 youthshack.com.au Melaleuca on Mitchell 52 Mitchell Street, Darwin Ph: 09 8941 7800 momdarwin.com Chillis Backpackers 69 Mitchell Street, Darwin Ph: 1800 351 313 chillis.com.au

Alice Springs Annie’s Place 4 Traeger Avenue, Alice Springs , NT, 0871 Ph: 1800 359 089 www.anniesplace.com.au Haven Backpacker Resort 3 Larapinta Drive, Alice Springs Ph: 1800 79 4663 / 08 8952 4663 www.alicehaven.com.au

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

Melbourne

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Townsville

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

OCEAN BEACH BACKPACKERS

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

Boranup

Melbourne Discovery 167 Franklin Street, Melbourne VIC 300 Ph: 03 9329 7525. Freecall 1800 645 200 reservations@hoteldiscovery.com.au www.hoteldiscovery.com.au United Backpackers 250 Flinders Street, Melbourne Ph: 03 9654 2616 unitedbackpackers.com.au Independent & Budget Traveler Accommodation Provider Victoria Hall Accommodation 380 Russell Street, Melbourne 3000 Ph: 03 9662 3888 www.victoriahall.com.au

THINGS TO DO Skydiving iFly Downunder 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

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

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 Cancer You get royally pissed one night and end up talking to some random bloke in a pizza shop about Syria, and your theory that their problems could be solved if they just got everyone around a table with a crate of Pure Blonde, two packets of pringles and four boxes of Domino’s pizza. Little do you know that the randomer is none other than UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon, who then implements your idea and takes full credit when it proves a success, earning him the 2017 Nobel peace prize.

Aries Libra You blow your nose into a napkin and enter it into the Archibald Prize as a portrait of Tony Abbott. You are narrowly beaten to first place by controversial artist Tracey Emin, who wipes her arse on a piece of toilet paper and enters it as a portrait of Barnaby Joyce. To be fair, the likeness is uncanny.

Capricorn You launch your own range of perfumes named Capricornia - essence of goat.

The financial hit you take from the failed fragrance wouldn’t be so bad if you hadn’t taken out a $4million loan to hire Heidi Klum as the face of Capricornia. Two weeks later, you file for bankruptcy and spend the rest of your working life paying off Klum’s army of lawyers.

Your New Year’s resolution to stop making New Year’s resolutions falls at the first hurdle.

presidential rival appears on the show. The make-up guys do a flawless job making you look like her, and you even get her accent down pat, but the ploy fails when Trump insists on you using his own personal wigmaker. As a result, not only does your hairpiece look spectacularly unrealistic but it also flies off as you try to perform one of Ellen’s dance routines. You are duly beaten up by a TV audience of enraged, screaming Americans.

Gemini

Pisces You learn an important life lesson this month - it doesn’t matter how much money your friend bets you, it just isn’t worth sticking a rabid possum down your pants. Not if you want children anyway.

Taurus

Scorpio While listening to “24K Magic” by Bruno Mars, you realise there is an encoded message in the lyrics in which he openly brags about committing a terrorist atrocity against the Royal Family on January 24th.

Scorpios are notoriously lazy and antiRoyalist, however, so you just let him get on with it.

Two new guys move in next door called Joey and Chandler. However, far from their amiable sitcom namesakes, your two new neighbours are Rebel bikie gang members who regularly point guns at your window and smear human faeces on your front door.

Ironically, that’s the exact same plot of the original pilot episode of Friends.

Leo

Sagittarius

You are drugged and kidnapped by CIA agents who then brainwash you into thinking you’re androgynous TV lesbian Ellen DeGeneres. The reason? Donald Trump wants you to replace her and assassinate Hillary Clinton the next time his former

ASK CRYSTAL

Dear Crystal, I met the woman of my dreams online a couple of months ago – she’s funny, intelligent, and a dead ringer for Cindy Crawford, right down to the mole on her upper lip. We fell in love straight away and, despite the fact that Roberta lives in Burkina Faso, she agreed to fly to Melbourne to see me. Since then it’s been disaster after disaster. First, the travel company messed up her booking and she needed to borrow $500 off me to secure the flight. Then, on the day she was due to fly, Roberta’s entire family was kidnapped by armed militants who demanded exactly $500 in Aussie money for their release – money she didn’t have. Naturally, I was happy to lend her the cash – but the bad luck didn’t stop there. After giving her another $500 to rearrange her flight, her sister was then bitten by a rabid ape and needed urgent surgery to save her life – the cost of which was $500. It’s been one thing after another for my beloved since then - brother’s arm fell off ($500), car broke down on way to airport ($500), house destroyed by giant monkey ($500) – all of which I’ve been happy to pay for. But then last week I began to grow suspicious when she sent me another bikini photo from her early morning swim – because in the corner it said FHM p79. There seems to be only one logical conclusion - is it possible I’m being scammed by the real Cindy Crawford?

Yours, Clive Dear Clive, I’m sorry to confirm your suspicions but I’m afraid you’ve been had by a scam-loving supermodel. Lucky for you, I know a lawyer who specialises in this sort of thing and can help get your money back.

Just give me $500 and I’ll send you her email address. Just to let you know, she bears a striking resemblance to Helena Christensen and she’s single. I think you two will really hit it off.

Dear Crystal, I’ve got a question for you: why is it that when your first letter of the month is really long, the second one is really short? It’s almost as if they’ve been written to a word count. Admit it, you write these letters yourself don’t you? That’s why you always come up with a really lame excuse for a short reply to the second problem, because you’re running out of space.

Yours, Jackie Dear Jackie, Preposterous. I refuse to dignify that with an answer.

Yours, Crystal

Virgo Having seen the viral success of that bloke who punched a kangaroo in the face, you decide to get a piece of the YouTube action by duffing up various iconic Australian animals. First you kick an emu, then you slap a wallaby - but you take things too far when you punt a koala off the Sydney Harbour Bridge and are duly arrested on animal cruelty charges.

We’re caught in a trap, I can’t get out.

Because I love you too much baby!

You are both shocked and thrilled when Mel ‘Mad Max’ Gibson offers you $2million to star in his next project following the success of Hacksaw Ridge and his acceptance back into the Hollywood community. You sign up to the deal eagerly, but begin to have doubts when the script for “I Hate Jews with a Passion” comes through the post.

Due to the contract’s wording, you can’t legally remove yourself from the film without crippling yourself financially, so you turn up for shooting on day one and spend the next two months spouting anti-Semitic dogma direct to camera and being forced to high five Gibson after every scene. When the film is finally released, you are forced to change your name and flee to South America to escape retribution.

Aquarius Sorry Aquarius, I’m running late for the BBM Christmas party and I reckon I’m definitely in with a shout of shagging the new intern - so no horoscope for you this month. Wish me luck!

JOKES My Grandpa said, “Your generation relies too much on technology!” I replied, “No, your generation relies too much on technology!” Then I unplugged his life support.

Richard, Bondi How do you get a nun pregnant? Dress her up like an altar boy. Quent, Surry Hills How do you embarrass an archaeologist? Give him a used tampon and ask him which period it came from.

Debby, Paddington I was reading in the paper today about this dwarf that got pickpocketed. How could anyone stoop so low? Sarah, Cottesloe What did the leper say to the prostitute? “Keep the tip”.

Tim, Kings Cross My wife came home from work crying yesterday and asked me to console her.

So I hit her over the head with my Xbox. Geoff, Darlinghurst A bear and a rabbit are taking a shit in the woods.

The bear says to the rabbit, “You ever have a problem with shit sticking to your fur?”

The rabbit says, “No.” So the bear wipes his ass with the rabbit. Gary, Fremantle What do you give a cannibal who is late for dinner? The cold shoulder. Harry, St Kilda How do you get a fat girl in bed? Piece of cake. Caroline, Newcastle What did Cinderella do when she got to the ball?

Gagged. Terry, Manly Why does Dr. Pepper come in a bottle? Because his wife died. Matt, Perth What did the banana say to the vibrator? Why are you shaking? She’s gonna eat me! Tara, Leederville

What do a penis and a Rubik’s Cubes have in common?

The more you play with it, the harder it gets. Brian, Darwin What does one saggy boob say to the other saggy boob?

If we don’t get some support, people will think we’re nuts.

Taylor, Glebe What’s the best part about gardening? Getting down and dirty with your hoes. Faye, Richmond How is a girlfriend like a laxative? They both irritate the shit out of you. Ben, Collingwood What’s long and hard and full of semen? A submarine.

Selena, Fitzroy

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