BBM Australia Work & Travel Paper - January 2018

AUSTRALIA Australia’s no.1 publication for internationl visitors, expats, working holiday makers and like minded Australians

WORK • TRAVEL • JOBS • LIFESTYLE • BBMLIVE.COM

FREE #957

NYE & FESTIVAL

Special

s w e i v r e t In

Inside Lifestyle

NYE Festivals Music News Jobs

Student Elrow Nomads - interview Sydney City Limits Days Like This The Gum Ball Harbourlife

Grampians Music Festival and more

457 Visa Update

Travel

South Australia Special

Perth to Broome Uluru

Fraser

Whitsundays

What Media Pty Ltd | Contact us: 02 8005 8162 | advertising enquiries: marketing@what-media.com | editorial requests: sarah@what-media.com | more information www.bbmlive.com

2

www.bbmlive.com 3

4

Meet the locals

“The Road To Ultra” is fast approaching and the excitement is building around the world. We caught up with the three local Aussie acts who’ll be playing at this years Australian shows to ask them a few questions about their travels, DJ’ing around the world and why they think Croatia is a must visit destination on your 2018 Travels

Tigerlily Undeniably captivating from the moment she enters the room, Tigerlily’s electrifying stage presence and drive to transcend the traditional expectations of a DJ sees her in a league of her own. A true entertainer taking the world by storm. Tigerlily finds herself among Australia’s elite performers with the public voting her in the top 5 DJs for both 2014 and 2015 and the #1 female DJ three years running (via Inthemix) A mainstay across the biggest festival and club stages both in Australia and around the world; Tigerlily is no stranger to the world stage. Hand picked as one of Tiesto’s main support acts for Asia and the USA, Tigerlily has enthralled audiences on some of the world’s most renowned stages and venues. From Hakkasan in Las Vegas, Echostage in Washington D.C, and Create Nightclub in Los Angeles to Club Octagon in Seoul, Tomorrowland in Belgium and the Main Stage of Ultra Music Festival Croatia, just to name a few.

What are you most looking forward to about your up coming gigs in Australia?

Summer gigs in Australia are amazing. The weather is great, people have time off work, and the vibe is just totally different to the rest of the year.

Where will you be on NYE and NYD? NYE I’m playing two shows. One in Wollongong at the North Gong Hotel, and the second at The Argyle on The Rocks in Sydney!

What was your clubbing highlight of 2017?

Playing at a club in Italy called COCO Beach. I was able to play a really long progressive house set, with a heap of old throwback dance tunes in there that I love. It was welcomed so well by the beautiful Italian people! Nothing will beat watching the sunset over the lake playing my favourite songs, and then ending my show with fireworks!

What are your top 5 clubs anywhere in the world?

Far Out Beach Club - IOS. Number 1 Club - Breisca, Italy. Create - Los Angeles. Echo Stage - Washington DC. The Met - Brisbane.

What do you think about the clubbing/holiday scene in Croatia? Why do you think it’s had such a big appeal with the Aussie travellers?

It’s always a lot of fun partying anywhere in Europe. I think the vibe there is great because everyone is there to party and have fun. The weather plays a big part in this too, the air is warm and the sun sets really late so there are long lazy days followed by crazy nights!

What Club/Festival are you most looking forward to playing/going to in 2018?

Ultra Music Festival in Melbourne in February.

What’s your perfect day out when you’re in your hometown?

Yoga in the morning followed by coffee with my fellow yogis at The Bakehouse in Maroubra. A swim at the beach and spending time with my family is really nice. Dinner with the boyfriend followed by a walk along the path at Rushcutters Bay! Relaxed and very low key.

Will Sparks At 24 years of age, Melbourneborn tastemaker Will Sparks has well and truly earnt his placing as one of the most esteemed and exciting electronic acts to break out of Australia this decade.

With a social reach in the millions, and the ability to adapt to an everchanging musical landscape whilst still holding the signature Will Sparks brand and sound, there is no doubt Will Sparks is an artist that is here for the long run.

What are you most looking forward to about your upcoming gigs in Australia?

Playing bangers to a summer crowd. Nothing tops that vibe!

Where will you be on NYE and NYD? NYE - Riva & Shed 14 Melbourne // NYD Eatons Hill Brisbane!

What was your clubbing highlight of 2017?

When my good mate Taylor, launched onto the crowd at Light in Melbourne off the DJ BOOTH! Best crowd surf ive ever seen!!

What are your top 5 clubs anywhere in the world?

Top 5 clubs in no particular order!

Bootshaus - Cologne Far Out Beach Club - Ios Create Night Club - LA Billboard The Venue - Melbourne Pacha - NYC & Sydney

What do you think about the clubbing/holiday scene in Croatia? Why do you think it’s had such a big appeal with the Aussie travellers?

Croatia is a beautiful place!! I haven’t experienced a whole lot of the club scene there, the place i played was mainly Austrians and Italians but I do know that the Aussies love going there for the sail cruises and festivals

What Club/Festival are you most looking forward to playing/going to in 2018?

All the german ones. So crazy! Club wise, bring on Greece. In saying that though, i get excited to go everywhere.

What’s your perfect day out when you’re in your hometown?

Sleep, gym, good food, sun. These you do not get on tour haha

What’s your favourite country, place or destination for down time?

What’s your favourite country, place or destination for down time?

Australia. Or Italy. Both places have beautiful people. Beautiful food. And beautiful surroundings.

Home for sure. Australia is my favourite place in the world?

What’s your favourite hangover or morning after a big night playing ritual?

What’s your favourite hangover or morning after a big night playing ritual?

Water water water. Nothing beats a hangover quite like hydration. As well, avocado and vegimite on sour dough toast. Perfect brekkie to soak up the alcohol.

Big brekky or Acai Bowl and a swim in the beach.

SAIL BEATS CROATIA 2018 ON SALE

beats-travel.com

www.bbmlive.com 5

6

An experience words cannot explain, you have to see it, feel it and hear it for yourself. The Elrow family have been bringing the best vibes & creating the most off-the-wall parties for a century, so you know you’re in safe hands no matter which party of theirs you attend across the globe.

Our resident interviewer Frankie, catches up with Juan from the Elrow family to discuss teaming up with Hardware presents in Melbourne on Saturday 13th January at Shed 14 and in Sydney on Saturday 20th January at the Hordern Pavilion. Think the best of electronic dance music with Nick Fanciulli on the decks, outrageous characters towering above you, magical confetti cannons & experiential moments pushed to the max with an infectious, electric atmosphere.

Hi Juan, hope you’re well, are you in Barcelona?

Yes, sure am, I have just got to the office- it is a beautiful morning here Frankie!

Tell me a bit about your average day when planning the next Elrow experience?

The process is quite long, there are lots of people involved in the process- I book the party venue, as I am the main contact within the industry as my family have been in the business for over one hundred years!

The commercial part of Elrow is therefore something which I deal with. When I book a date, I contact all of the team and we start the process 3 months before the show. We have these huge containers which we ship all over the world containing everything for a big party. All of the decorations sit here in Barcelona in our Elrow warehouse, which is around 2000 square metres. Two months before, we ship it out. We hire lots of the performers such as the stilt walkers from the local area to where the next party is, and we also bring our own Elrow family out there too. Five days before the show, we really push it out and we start the set up ideally a couple of days before, but sometimes we only have a few hours…

Whose lucky job is it to get creative and decide the theme? Obviously a very important part of the planning stages…

Now the company has grown, we have a team of 4 people in our creative department who decide these things but it used to be myself, my sister as my family are so involved. We love to go for the craziest ideas put on the table!

Wow, that sounds like a great job!

Obviously Elrow is all about the whole experience, it totally blew my mind in Ibiza this year. Learning from you that Elrow is not just a party, but a family legend- makes it even better. Can you please tell me a monumental moment for you guys as a family over the years?

Elrow has taken a long time to get to where it is now. It began in a club near Barcelona airport and in the very start it lost a lot of money and we had to rethink.

It was myself, my sister, my mother and father who decided that it has to be more about the customer experience. Traveling to more than 35 countries across the world every year, as a family, is something we dreamed of. Throwing parties in cities such as London, Miami, and Sydney, New York, festivals such as Glastonbury and Tomorrowland- and having a stage there- so special. My father and mother have been going to Ibiza for their whole lives, so all of these times we see now, are so incredible.

Where in the world do you feel most inspired?

I would say South Africa. I lived there before,

EVERYTHING EVERYTHING

and met so many special people. I feel so inspired by their parties and creativity. They care more about the value of the party, than the names. A lot of the people I met had never heard about Carl Cox for example, which blew my mind. Elrow is about the balance, great music and talent but we are so about the experience and feeling.

You definitely find the balance with Elrow!

You also have great line ups coming up for your Australia parties with the likes of FanciulliFriends over there told me that they are ready for Elrow. I am bringing a couple of regular DJs from Spain, but I have told them that they can choose international acts, which is where Fanciulli comes in and also some local acts. We are very excited, tickets are selling very well and I do hope Melbourne and Sydney are ready! I do not like to push the brand too much, it has to be a mutual decision. I like the promotors to come to me and tell me to bring the Elrow experience to them when they believe the crowd is there.

Well, Ibiza, Barcelona and this side of the world are most certainly loving the mind melting Elrow experience, it is such a wicked hedonistic brand- do you have a bigger plan if this is possible?

Yes, for sure- in the next few years we want the brand to be worldwide, we are doing 150 shows in 40 countries next year in places such as South America, we want to connect with the people over there in Peru etc. We are also doing shows in Asia, America, Canada and I would like to be present in the top 20 cities worldwide, and we are starting our own festival party too.

We are also wanting to create a boutique party in Amsterdam in 2018, we have such amazing things in the pipeline but I can’t tell you too much about that yet!

We love the boutique festival experience at BBM magazine, you should check out our boutique party at Sail beats too! I cannot wait to hear more Juan, and I could sit and talk to you all day but I best let you get to work, thank you for your time this morning.

Frankie, it has been a pleasure, thank you so much for thinking about us and please come to Elrow again soon, I would love to meet you in person!

Elrow are teaming up with Hardware presents in Australia in 2018 to bring the amazing elrow show to Melbourne on Saturday 13th January at Shed 14 and in Sydney on Saturday 20th January at the Hordern Pavillion.

This innovative concept blends dance, electronic music, impossible sets, outrageous characters, absurd costumes; and when you add the participation of the public, it then becomes an unbeatable and fully experiential show, both magical and inclusive at the same time.

Its combination of great artists as well as the contagious, incomparable atmosphere of the shows make up an unbeatable formula.

ELROW AUSTRALIA LINEUP: Nic Fanciulli, wAFF, Marc Maya ( elrow resident), Bastian Bux (elrow resident) + more Tickets for Elrow Melbourne - Saturday 13th January at Shed 14 Sydney - 20th January at the Hordern Pavillion

It’s been over a decade now since Jonathan, Jeremy, Michael, and Alex met in Manchester and formed the band now known as Everything Everything. In that time the band has gone from strength to strength, with every new album released they continue to grow both as musicians and performers.

These four already have a Mercury Prize nomination and three Ivor Nevello nominations to their name, and have just released their fourth latest album ‘A Fever Dream’. Paraic Walker catches up with bassist and backing vocalist Jeremy Pritchard ahead of their upcoming tour to Australia that will see them playing the famous Falls Festival in the New Year.

You’re coming to Australia in December, and playing a number of shows across the country, is there a particular city you’re most looking forward to playing? Will you get any time to explore?

We’ve loved Sydney and Melbourne especially in the past, so it’ll be great to be back there. But we’ve never been to Byron Bay proper before, or Fremantle or anywhere on the west coast so we’re looking forward to that. We’re starting in Tasmania too, about which we know almost nothing!

Australia’s got some crazy adventure sports, have any of you ever been skydiving or made it out to the Great Barrier Reef? Do any of you fancy jumping in a cage with a Croc or Shark?

We went shark diving in South Africa a few years ago actually. It was hands down one of the most incredible things we’ve been through together. I would love to do it again.

It must be hectic being on tour so much, do any of you have any funny rituals or things you can’t travel without?

We listen to the first minute of a particular Tom Jones before we go on stage. It’s a really unhealthy habit we’ve developed...

that balance between the two.

Do you try to distribute it evenly between the four albums, or take note of what the fans want? It must be hard with the way your sound has evolved over the years.

We try to do all of the above but it’s difficult.

Inevitably you want to play new stuff, but at the same time you can have a great time with the people in front of you playing older songs, and some of the older material is cast in a new light by the newer songs. We also like to do one or two unexpected things in any longer setlist. It’s anther fine balancing act. We’ll rotate a few songs across any given tour, just to keep it fluid.

Your latest album ‘Fever Dream’ came out in August, was the process for making it different from the other records you’ve made? Was there a particular influence?

We really honed in on two specific things from our musical upbringings; the 90s alt rock thing (and were perhaps less embarrassed about that than before), and the nascent electronica thing. We worked much quicker than before, were generally less neurotic.

Alex and Jon were taking the songs quite far before they even got as far as the rehearsal room too, sometimes just on the road, which was a new aspect.

I read somewhere that your name derives from the Radiohead song ‘Everything in its Right Place’. Despite clearly forging your own name for yourself over the years do you still look up to bands like Radiohead, or others, and want even more?

I think the naming thing happened subconsciously, we didn’t even realise at the time. But that record (Kid A) played a huge part in our musical understanding (or dismantling it!) and totally blew open the doors of possibility for us as kids. It used to come on to wake me up for school in 2000 so clearly it crept in..!

But yeah, we still look up to them, and plenty of others besides. I’m sure even Paul McCartney still looks up to his heroes.

Are any of you following any Australian musicians/artists/bands at the moment?

Love Tame Impala!

First stop will be Falls Festival, which has an epic line up again this year, is there anyone on the lineup you’re particularly looking forward to seeing?

I saw Fleet Foxes earlier this year and they were amazing, so honest, such bare bones.

So I’m looking forward to them. I think Vince Staples is great and I’ve never seen him. Ditto Julia Jacklin and DD Dumbo.

Thanks for your time guys and have a great tour!

What is your process for selecting songs for the tours now? Do you change up the sets for different gigs/countries? Do you find certain countries have preference for a particular sound/album?

We may change one or two songs here and there, night on night, particularly with the order we put them in. But we tend to go through different phases, rather than changing it drastically between shows or different countries. Some of the older songs bubble back up to the service with a renewed relevance, so we’ve been playing a five year old album cut called Choice Mountain again recently, for example. We’re quite aware of the difference between the festival version of ourselves and the rarities that people might want to hear at a headline show, so we’re constantly finding

For more information and tickets visit www. secretsounds.com

Thank you, Jeremy Pritchard Everything Everything will be touring Australia for Falls Festival and playing a series of sideshows on the following dates.

Thur 28 Dec - Sun 31 Dec: Falls Festival Lorne Fri 29 Dec – Sun 31 Dec: Falls Festival Marion Bay Sun 31 Dec – Tue 2 Jan: Falls Festival Byron Bay Wed 3 Jan: Metro Theatre, Sydney Fri 5 Jan: Croxton Bandroom, Melbourne Sat 6 Jan – Sun 7 Jan: Falls Festival Fremantle

Questions and words by Paraic Walker

ELROW NOMADS

www.bbmlive.com 7

8

Australia’s most “out there” music and arts festival is happening again in early May 2018!

The multi-day festival is held at Ross River Resort, nestled in the East MacDonnell Ranges under an hour's drive from Alice Springs. The festival celebrates desert culture and the incredible landscape through its incredibly diverse creative program of music, art, workshops and performance. Expect headliner artists from around Australia and some big-name Internationals.

“We attract people who are seeking adventure and experience. The very active arts community in the Centre mobilises for the event every year and builds an incredible space which attracts lots of interstate visitors” says Artistic Director, Scott Large. “We’re really proud of what we have achieved and look forward to hosting our biggest event to date in 2018!”

Tickets and volunteer applications are now open via the website: www.wideopenspace.net.au Dates for your diary: 4-6 May 2018 Weather: Warm days, cool nights – perfect festival weather.

Location: Ross River, Resort- Oasis in the desert 70 kms out of Alice

GRAMPIANS MUSIC FESTIVAL 2018 Some of Australia’s most impressive new acts – including Tired Lion, Ruby Fields, Polish Club and Didirri – will play the stage at Grampians Music Festival’s second outing in February.

GMF 2018 is following up an impressive debut line-up with 20 acts, all of whom are making waves in the Australian music scene. They will play against a backdrop of stunning 360° mountain views in the heart of the Grampians National Park from 2-4 February.

With a fresh focus on up-and-coming Australian talent, the second annual Grampians Music Festival will kick off with a stellar Friday night“Best in the West” program, headed by sombre folk dandy Didirri and featuring Melbourne-via-Ballarat retro-pop outfit Crepes and Bendigo’s Fountaineer.

Festival Director Carly Flecknoe said the 2017 festival brought music lovers from all corners of the country together for a beautiful weekend of musical discovery that included acts like Tigertown, Saskwatch, Clairy Browne and Alex Lahey.

“But 2018 is set to be much bigger with a number of artists making their summer festival debut at GMF,” she said.

“We’ve scoured iconic music venues and band rooms across the country to find the

best new bands and solo artists, and we couldn’t be more excited about our year two lineup.”

With Polish Club, Heaps Good Friends, Localles and SAATSUMAheadlining the Saturday night, and Tired Lion, Ruby Fields and Jarrowclosing the festival Sunday, all three days of GMF 2018 will be packed with huge sounds not to be missed.

Music lovers will be treated to a boutique festival experience in an incredible location, with room to dance in a valley surrounded by the iconic western Victorian mountain ranges.

“We’ve built this whole festival experience to showcase the amazing Grampians region, with local produce, boutique spirits and craft beer from some of the state’s most exciting producers.”

From powerful pop songstress ELKI to garage rockers IV League, new sounds from a diverse lineup of Australian artists will fill Halls Gap from the 2nd - 4th of February 2018.

Tickets are on sale now – visit Eventbrite. com and search Grampians Music Festival.

Accommodation packages as well as travel options from Melbourne and regional cities will be on offer soon, and a range of other accommodation options will be outlined at:

Grampians Music Festival Line-up Polish Club | Tired Lion | Ruby Fields | Heaps Good Friends | Localles | Fountaineer | SAATSUMA | Jarrow | IV League | Didirri | ELKI | Greta Stanley | Crepes | The Scrims | Ro | Phia | Zac Saber | Jack the Fox Band | Opal Ocean | Angelo Migyi www.grampiansmusicfestival.com

www.bbmlive.com 9

10

Andhim Andhim are an act that never cease to amaze.

With their impeccable productions on labels such as Get Physical, Monaberry, Superfriends and Sunset Handjob, Andhim are well known for creating a party vibe in any situation – and they never disappoint. Initially blasting onto the scene with huge tracks such as their collab with Superflu on ‘Reeves’ and their Elderbrook remix of ‘How Many Times’, in the past 12 months we’ve seen a slight change in the Andhim sound... Although they still define their music as "super house", there has been a clear change in the tide for the German duo.

It was spring 2010 when the Cologne natives decided to kick their asses into gear and get out of their studio and bring their beats to the world.

Less than 12 months later Andhim were voted in the top ten German newcomers of Groove and Raveline Magazine and their records were found in the cases and remix-wishes of many unknown and famous DJ’s alike.

Their sound, which they self describe as “Super House” has become its very own genre built from their soul and passion. Andhim’s unique sound, party proven and of reduced nature, is organic with an emphasis in the finer detail.

The boys grassroots flow from hip-hop, and they work mainly with samples which makes their tracks one of a kind. This individuality has earned them a home with Labels such as Monaberry, Terminal M, Sunset Handjob or Get Physical.

When performing live one can really feel the full commitment and passion of the boys. Energetic, creative and always entertaining, they present

their very own interpretation of electronic dance music that makes dads cheer and mums scream. The boys see the record player as their instrument, which they use to create new sound worlds, which separates them from the standard reproductive character of a DJ. Their musical talent and knowledge of technique comes from their musical resume: When other kids were playing at the pool eating French fries on their summer holidays, 16 year-old Simon was scratching with several jazz-musicians through Europe. When he was 20 he became known as Simon² tempted to electronic music.

Similarly, but on different level, Tobias developed in the late 90’s and early 2000’s. As part of the Turntable-Crew “Noisy-Stylus” he became a multiple ITF- and DMC-Champion and influenced the Turntablism scene of the time with Noisy-Stylus in their own Battlebreakrecords and album “Table Manners”.

The final chapter was at a Bavarian sausageeating contest, facing each other in the final round covered from head to toe in sausage. They immediately knew what to do and founded the boy band “Andhim." Just a logical progression!

After massive gigs through Europe, North America and Asia, the boys continuously work on their sound and development in an effort to explore new worlds of sound. With strong support from many artists and labels of the scene they are looking forward to the future with optimism and are excited to make the people of the world dance, smile and go crazy!

Saturday 30th December: Coco, Brisbane Sunday 31st December: Beyond The Valley, Victoria Monday 1st January: Field Day Festival, Sydney (Day) Monday 1st January: Habitat Garden Party @ Swan Yacht Club, Perth (Night) Thursday 4th January: Electric Rush, Queenstown Saturday 6th January: Chinese Laundry, Sydney Sunday 7th January: Greenfields, Melbourne Thursday 11th January: W Hotel, Bali

Tour Dates

The ‘festival style’ can be heard in any of their most recent releases and remixes, whether it’s in the fourtrack ‘Tosch EP’, their hard hitting ‘Donner’ release or in September's ‘Huso EP’, it becomes clear that like all good musicians, Andhim are evolving. Not leaving Australia hanging for too long, their return has one reminiscing their appearance at Rainbow Serpent festival, a set which soon became legendary. It’s clear that Australia has become a second home for the duo and with the admiration Australia holds for them, nobody’s arguing.

SYDNEY CITY LIMITS Following in the footsteps of legendary sister event Austin City Limits Festival, the team behind Splendour in the Grass and Falls Festival are thrilled to announce a brand new celebration of Australia’s happening harbour city, Sydney City Limits!

Launched in 2002, Austin City Limits Festival has grown to be one of the USA’s biggest community celebrations with a fiercely loyal audience that returns to the event year upon year.

Nestled amid the lush, inner city oasis that is Centennial Park in summer, SydneyCity Limits is a one day, all ages, centrally located, creatively curated fiesta in the sunshine that combines the best of music, food, art and community into a Sydneyblock party like no other.

With 30 acts sprinkled over four stages, Sydney City Limits boasts a bill that’s hotter than a Bunnings sausage sizzle and ten times as tasty. From icons of music and indie rock royalty to home-grown heroes and the next big things, you’ll be feeling phat and happy in no time.

Sydneysiders, how do you like these apples…

JUSTICE, BECK, VANCE JOY, PHOENIX, TASH SULTANA, GRACE JONES, GANG OF YOUTHS, DUNE RATS, THE LIBERTINES, THE AVALANCHES, CAR SEAT HEADREST, BAD//DREEMS, THE HEAD AND THE HEART, THE STAVES, ALEX LAHEY, SIGRID, THUNDERCAT and ZIGGY RAMO plus more to be announced!

Alongside the music there’s going to be some seriously good nosh on offer at Sydney City Limits. Curated by the foodie beasts behind Mary’s Newtown and The Unicorn in Paddington, SCL will offer a mouthwatering menu of eats and treats guaranteed to satisfy.

Sydney’s best chefs and restaurants will serve up signature dishes and SCL’s Foodie Fare, while all your favourite food trucks deal out a degustation derby.

“Welcome to the inaugural Sydney City Limits!! As a Sydney sider I’m super excited to bring this new event to town. Direct from Austin, Texas and the flagship Austin CityLimits Festival, sister event Sydney City Limits looks forward to presenting some of the most awesome international and Australian acts around. Offering up the best in show, it’s very much going to be a celebration of Sydney itself – the food, local artists and the community that makes it such a great place to live and visit. We have loads of ideas for this event and we can’t wait to welcome you to Centennial Parklands on Feb 24. See you there!” said Jessica Ducrou, Secret Sounds.

You might want to consider super-sizing your ticket to access SCLs VIP area The Grove, your very own private bar with craft beer and other specialty beverages, delish foodie fare, fancy super clean luxury dunnies, express entry to the festival, mini spa treatments and a bunch of other cool perks.

Presented by Secret Sounds, Live Nation and C3 Presents. #SCL2018 sydneycitylimits.com

Sydney City Limits

CAR SEAT HEAD REST

Saturday 24 February 2018 Centennial Park, Sydney, NSW

www.bbmlive.com 11

12

MELBOURNE BRUNCHES, LUNCHES, DINNER & DRINKS

SYDNEY WHAT’S ON Check out some of Sydney’s top venues for all things food and drink, chill and thrill!

Now the festive season is over it’s time to settle in to 2018!

Check out some of Melbourne’s best venues for bunches, lunches, dinner and drinks!

All Hands Brewing

‘Some say too many hands spoilt the brew. At All Hands Brewing House, we say the more the merrier!’ With a state of the art microbrewery, Southern style comfort menu, unique event spaces and the best beer garden on the wharf, fresh life has been injected into the site of the old King St Brewhouse, a long-time Sydney establishment. Be sure to check out All Hands Brewing!

(02) 8270 7901 22 The Promenade, King Street Wharf, 2000 cheers@allhandsbrewinghouse.com.au www.allhandsbrewinghouse.com.au

The Argyle Sydney

The Argyle is situated The Rocks, in one of Australia’s oldest buildings, and is the ultimate Sydney nightlife venue. With five bars held over two levels, there are a variety of event areas to suit any mood and function – so whether you decide to hide away in a booth, gather friends around the high tables, chill out in the lounges, or venture out into the open-air sandstone courtyard, the choice is yours!

(02) 9247 5500 18 Argyle St, The Rocks, NSW 2000 www.theargylerocks.com

Bat and Ball Hotel

It’s all about awesome food, service and drinks at the Parkside Bar @ Bat and Ball Hotel. This is a place to relax, meet up, have a laugh, watch the game, grab some food and unwind!

(02) 8399 0303 495 Cleveland St, Redfern, NSW 2016

HI@PARKSIDEBAR.COM.AU www.parksidebar.com.au

Eureka 89

Head down to Churchills Sports Bar for great meal deals, drinks, trivia and live sports! With huge screens showing live sports in HD all day, Churchills is the perfect place to sit back, relax and catch up with the latest matches.

(02) 9663 3648 532 Anzac Parade, Kingsford, NSW 2032 www.churchillsbar.com.au

Head to level 89 of Melbourne’s tallest building, Eureka and immerse yourself in fine food & wine whilst witnessing breathtaking views floor to ceiling across metropolitan Melbourne. Hosting many public and private events throughout the year, Eureka 89 welcomes an opportunity for all to experience the best of Melbourne.

03 9693 8889 7 Riverside Quay, Southbank, VIC 3006 events@eureka89.com.au www.eureka89.com.au

Palace Hotel Sydney

Hophaus Bier Bar Grill

Churchills Sports Bars

The Palace Hotel is one of Sydney’s best city pubs situated in the Haymarket area on George Street. With live sports daily, weekly drink and meal deals, and a host of live music acts this venue offers something for everyone.

02 9212 2111 730-742 George Street Haymarket, NSW 2000 functions@palacehotelsydney.com.au www.palacehotelsydney.com.au

Porterhouse Hotel Sydney

Indulge in some good pub grub every day of the week at one of Sydney’s best Irish pubs, The Porterhouse! Daily meal deal specials that are guaranteed to hit the spot!

Andwhat’s more you can water down your meal with their super awesome drinks deals served 7 days a week!

(02) 9211 4454 233 Riley St, Surry Hills, NSW 2010 www.porterhouse.com.au info@porterhouse.com.au

Hit the Southbank to experience Hophaus’ food and beverage show piece where Melbourne gets merged with the European styles of Munich. Describing itself as “a delightfully familiar, yet excitingly fresh food and beverage experience”, it is the reinvention, in a cosmopolitan style, of the traditional Bavarian Beir Halls.

03 9682 5900 Southgate Restaurant & Shopping Precinct, Southbank, VIC 3006 functions@hophaus.com.au www.hophaus.com.au

Ludlow Bar & Dining Room

Discover Ludlow Bar & Dining Room at Southbank, spectacularly located on the banks of the Yarra. A grotto inspired, uniquely Melbourne drinking and dining destination, public bar, cocktail lounge and dining room. Open for Brunch, Lunch & Dinner and Drinks!

03 9699 1676

6 Riverside Quay, Southbank, VIC 3006 functions@ludlowbar.com.au www.ludlowbar.com.au

PJ Obriens Melbourne

PJ Obrien’s, Irish Bar in the heart of Melbourne which keeps true to its roots and hosts some truly Irish events and entertainment. Featuring traditional live Irish musical acts, scores of drink deals and scrummy food specials be sure you check them out this festive season!

0396865011 Southgate Restaurant & Shopping Precinct, Southbank, VIC 3006 www.pjobriens.com.au/southbank

Turf Bar

The Turf Bar in Melbourne is a social hub for two of Australia’s favourite past times; drinking and sport. Happy hours, themed nights cheap drinks deals, food specials, competitions and big screen viewings of all your favourite sports, take time to enjoy Turf Bar this summer!

03 9670 1271 131 Queen St, Melbourne, VIC 3000 turf@turfbar.com.au www.turfbar.com.au

www.bbmlive.com 13

14

JASON BYRNE (IRE) – THE MAN WITH THREE BRAINS DES BISHOP –EGORITHM The highlyacclaimed ringmaster of stage chaos, Irish comedian JASON BYRNE, returns to Australia in 2018 with a brandnew show.

No stranger to Australian audiences, the Dublinborn stand-up follows up last year’s hit Propped Up tour with THE MAN WITH THREE BRAINS, a new show full of his trademark energetic humour, props and fast-thinking improv.

Opening at the 2018 Melbourne International Comedy Festival, The Man With Three Brains will then travel to the Sydney Comedy Festival and Perth Comedy Festival during March and April.

Jason has three brains which kick into action when he hits the stage.

His left brain scans the audience, looking for improv moments. His right brain collates stand-up material and stunts, poised to dish out the funnies at

speed. His centre brain is Jason’s coach, pushing him to the limit.

American-Irish comedian DES BISHOP returns to Australia with his trademark razor sharp wit in 2018 and a brand-new show.

Festival favourite, the affable Byrne is the Edinburgh Fringe Festival’s biggest selling comedian.

His inspired, original brand of high-energy intelligent lunacy ensures that there is no other comedian like him and his sell out shows both here and overseas have attracted accolades including nominations for the highly-coveted Edinburgh Fringe Perrier Newcomer Award the Perrier Award.

In addition to extensive worldwide touring, Byrne’s TV credits are immeasurable. Recently he launched a new series for the Dave channel, Don’t Say It, Bring It, an on-location game show filmed around the UK. He’s also landed a judging role on RTE’s Ireland’s Got Talent. Byrne has regularly been seen and heard on Live at the Apollo (BBC1), The Royal Variety Show (ITV1), The John Bishop Show (BBC1), Father Figure (BBC1), of which he is creator and star, Just a Minute (BBC Radio 4), and a self-titled BBC Radio 2 show now up to three series and awarded

Bishop, a native New Yorker and one of Ireland’s most loved comedians, will debut EGORITHM at the 2018 Brisbane Comedy Festival before taking the show to Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Sydney Comedy Festival and Perth Comedy Festival from March to May. the UK radio industry’s Sony Radio Gold Award for ‘best new comedy ‘ in 2011. Last year he fronted a studio-based comedy chat show, Jason Byrne’s Snaptastic Show, for TV3 in Ireland, and co-hosted Sky 1’s popular entertainment programme Wild Things.

In Australia, he is a regular on Network Ten’s annual Melbourne International Comedy Festival Oxfam Gala and The Great Debate.

as Australia, where his audience grows yearto-year. His first book, a memoir - Adventures Of A Wonky-Eyed Boy: The Short Arse Years – was published last year.

With a growing international profile, Jason has performed in New York, Boston, Hong Kong, Singapore, Brussels, Milan and Paris, as well

Tickets for all shows are now on sale.

Byrne is as sharp as a tack. His ability to execute strikingly accurate visual comedy is unparalleled.

Don’t miss the fastest thinking comic around the country in 2018.

Facebook www.facebook.com/ JasonByrneLive

CRYSTAL BALLS

Disappointment is in store this month when your performance as “Buttons” in the local panto production of Cinderella fails to earn a nomination for Best Supporting Actor at this year’s Oscars. To rub salt into the wound, the Oscar eventually goes to Kevin Spacey for his portrayal of Widow Twanky in a Nottingham Theatre production of Aladdin.

ARIES

Due to an administrative mix-up at Fifa, the right to host the 2022 World Cup is taken away from Qatar and instead given to you. Despite your initial protests, Sepp Blatter’s offer of $10billion to help build the necessary infrastructure proves too tempting. By the end of January, work has already begun on turning your bathroom into an 80,000 capacity state-of-the-art football stadium, with similar plans ahead for your living room, kitchen and linen closet. Despite the obvious problems, it’s still considered a more sensible idea than giving it to Qatar in the first place.

LEO

You finally admit defeat in your attempt to get the word “Leotard” registered as an obscene word on the basis that it’s offensive to Leos who suffer from mental impairments.

TAURUS

Inspired by hit show Breaking Bad, you decide to open a law firm called “Better Call Taurus”, dispensing questionable legal advice to the dodgiest ice-dealing members of the zodiac (like Libra and Scorpio). Your company catchphrase is: “No win, no fee… no bull”, and you use Bully from ‘80s quiz show Bullseye as your firm’s logo.

CANCER

Remember that film Sliding Doors where Gwyneth Paltrow just misses her train in one plot line but makes it in the other one? “If only I could tuuurn back time, if only I could say that I was in a Barbie world,” crooned Aqua on the soundtrack. Well something similar happens to you this month when you come so close to missing/catching your train that it could go either way.

In fact, you technically do go either way as a faulty door actually cuts your arm off as you try to hold it open. And in a strange quirk of fate, one of the nurses hums that Aqua song as you’re carried to the emergency surgery department. Spooky.

LIBRA

Your attempt to lose weight gets a boost this month when you shed 6kg in the first week of your intense new fitness regime. Well done! Admittedly it’s not got much to do with the exercise, it’s more to do with the fact that you’re hit by a car while jogging and lose a leg.

CAPRICORN

After hearing good things, you decide to go and see Birdman this month.

Not Birdman the film though, Birdman the homeless guy in Kings Cross who squawks like a parrot and flaps his arms up and down like wings. Funnily enough, you also have a nickname related to one of this year’s Oscar contenders – Nightcrawler: which is apparently what the prostitutes of Kings Cross call you due to your nocturnal habits.

AQUARIUS (brought to you by McDonald’s) According to this horoscope’s new sponsors, McDonald’s, you’re in for a

Renowned for his open, honest, and cut-throat wit, as well as his trademark rapid-fire delivery, Bishop’s mind never rests. In Egorithm he’ll delve into his thoughts on a myriad of matters: Male defensiveness around feminism; Islamophobia; his time in China; men; sexual harassment… and it wouldn’t be a Des Bishop show without a few dirty bits.

Bishop moved from Queens to Ireland as a teenager, and became a hugely popular household name in

Bishop’s 2015 stand up show Made in China received critical acclaim in Ireland, US, UK and Australia and followed the huge success of his six-part RTE series, Breaking China.

In 2017 he competed in the first ever season of Dancing With The Stars in Ireland, and debuted his most recent RTE show, a late-night news-driven chat show, This Is Ireland with Des Bishop.

Charismatic and clever, Des Bishop is not to be missed.

ASK CRYSTAL

Our resident psychic, Crystal, tells you your misfortune for this week SCORPIO

Tickets for all shows are on sale now. For complete tour and ticketing details, visit livenation.com.au.

Ireland where his incisive, irreverent and critical comedy has seen him carve out a highly successful career as both a stand up and a TV documentary maker/presenter.

Bishop has several acclaimed television series under his belt, including RTE’s The Des Bishop Work Experience (2004), Joy in the Hood (2006) and the award-winning comedy documentary series, In the Name of the Fada (2008). In 2011, RTE broadcast the critically acclaimed documentary he made with his terminally ill father, My Dad Was Nearly James Bond.

Dear Crystal,

Mac-tastic January – and with McDonald’s’ great New Year offers, why wouldn’t you be? Whether you’re a Big Mac lover or a McFlurry kind of person, there’s something for everyone at Maccas. – and you’re in for a month you’ll never forget if you upgrade with our extra value meals. I’m lovin’ it!

PISCES You prat.

GEMINI When the train you’re on gets struck by lightning, you switch bodies with the hipster sat in front of you. For the rest of the month you are forced to wear tartan shirts, prune your beard and drink coffee while sat on a milk crate.

SAGITTARIUS Sorry Sagittarius, but I’ve forgotten the username needed to get into your horoscope account on my crystal ball.

Does “Sagittarius” have two Ts or two Gs? I know it’s one or the other. Neither seemed to work and I’m locked out now. I’ve tried rebooting my crystal ball but no luck so far. I.T. are going to look into it and we should be good to go next month. Until then, read a magazine or something.

VIRGO Sorry Virgo, but I’m locked out of my crystal ball for the month (see above), so I’ve had to go old school and do your horoscope by using tea leaves.

When I asked about your month though the leaves just spelt out “What a c—t”. Bit cheeky but nonetheless accurate.

I’ve just stabbed my husband 47 times with a carving knife after he tried to order me around one too many times.

Whether it was telling me to stop overreacting or ordering me to put the carving knife away before someone got hurt, that old idiot used to nag, nag, nag me all day long. The upshot is it’s left me in a bit of trouble in terms of disposing of the body. Then I remembered a court case in the ‘70s when a certain young Sydney socialite called Crystal Balls was accused of murdering her millionaire husband, but they never found the body and therefore couldn’t prove a thing.How did you do it?

Margaret

Dear Margaret,

Well I’m shocked that those scandalous rumours and lies are still hounding me all these decades later when I was cleared in a court of law on all charges (apart from the one about arranging an illegal monkey knife fight – how was I to know you needed a permit?)

I loved my husband dearly and his vicious and bloody disappearance (not murder, definitely not murder) still wounds me to this day.

But. Hypothetically speaking.

If I had to ditch the body of a 63-year-old Wall Street stockbroker whose snoring used to drive me into a murderous rage, then it doesn’t do any harm to perform sexual favours on the nightwatchman at Taronga Zoo

in exchange for access to the lion cage. You can fill in the blanks yourself. Then you’re free to spend your beloved husband’s millions on creating a free magazine called BBM so you can insult people who like horoscopes. It’s the perfect crime.

Dear Crystal,

I suspect my foul uncle Claudius of poisoning my father the king in order to steal his crown and take his wife as his own. But what plotteth can I conceive to unravel his scheme and bring judgment on his head. I must have justice dear crone, I must know if he be capable of such foulness.

Tell me, what must I do to have mine vengeance? No deed is too black to slake mine thirst for his bloody reckoning.

Hamlet, Prince of Denmark

Dear Hamlet,

Did you just call me a crone?

You cheeky git. So you’re saying you think your uncle knocked off your dad so he could become king of Denmark and shag your mum? But you’re not sure so you’re asking me for help to find proof. That’s a tough old pickle you’re in there. Tell you what; I reckon it’d be a good idea to stage a play in your uncle’s honour that replicates the exact events of which this Claudius bloke is accused.

Keep an eye on him, and if he flinches or looks shocked, you know he’s guilty. Now that’s an awesome plot – what could possibly go wrong?

www.bbmlive.com 15

16

Top 5 of The English Sledging

English fan: “You’re *%!~ Hayden, and so is your chicken casserole.”

Waugh shouts to Ponting): “Field at silly point. I want you right under his nose.

Healy: “That could be anywhere inside a three-mile radius.”

3. Derek Randall vs Dennis Lillee Derek Randall takes the motto “show no pain” to ridiculous heights, after taking a bouncer straight to the head which was released by the thundering arm of Dennis Lillee.

Randall: “No good hitting me there, mate, nothing to damage.”

The opening day of the 2017-2018 Ashes Series has set upon us. Garden cricket is now being played religiously and every self-proclaimed cricket wiz have been strategizing bullet proof batting line ups; everything had been done to release tension from a festering anticipation. Between the Australian fans and the English “Barmy Army”, there has been a bat and ball game of speculation over who will take the lead from the currently tied statistics at 32 wins each. And with both teams having made dramatic changes over recent years, the results of this Test Series in particular, suggest the new rising kings of Test Cricket.

Ultimately, the proof is now in the pudding and all arguments shall be settled.

However, in the interest of English and Australian Cricket Fans, a very real and ongoing match is the argument over which team can produce the greatest sledging, as it has entertained us to no end throughout the years. Here are 5 sledges from each end of the pond.

2. Ian Healey vs Nasser Hussain The England skipper Nasser Hussain found himself at the crease and also at the end of Steve Waugh’s, Ricky Ponting’s and Ian Healy’s abuse as they discussed fielding tactics.

The Aussies 1. Ian Botham vs Rodney Hogg As Rodney Hogg steam rolled down the wicket, bowling to Ian Botham, he lost his balance and stumbled at the England player’s feet..

Botham: “I know you think I’m great Hoggy, but no need to get down on your knees.”

4. Michael Atherton vs Ian Healey Michael Atherton had a subtle and witty response for Ian Healy, after accusing him of cheating.

Healey: “You’re a %^&#ing cheat.”

Atherton: “When in Rome dear boy...”

5. Phil Tufnell vs The Umpire A livid Phil Tufnell took his dismay out on the umpire after his fruitful appeal against Dean Jones was denied.

Tufnell: “Are you bloody blind?”

Umpire: “I beg your pardon?”

Tufnell: “Are you fucking deaf as well?”

Top 5 of The Aussies Sledging The “English Pommies” 1. Glenn McGrath vs Michael Atherton Australia’s Glenn McGrath flexed his abuse with an old Australian classic on the English skipper Michael Atherton.

cGrath: “Athers, it would help if you got M rid of the $#!^ at the end of your bat.”

Atherton looks at the bottom of his bat.

McGrath: “No, No, the other end.”

3. Dennis Lillee vs Mike Gatting Mike Gatting is famously known for being on the larger side and thus, became an easy target for sledging from Dennis Lillee.

Lillee: “Hell, Gatt, move out of the way, I can’t see the stumps.”

4. Bill Woodfull vs Douglas Jardine In the infamous ‘Bodyline’ series, the extremely well conducted England Captain Douglas Jardine expressed his concerns to the Australian Skipper Bill Woodfull, after just been sworn at.

Jardine: “Your slip just swore at me.”

Woodfull: “All right, which one of you bast###’s called this bast### a bast###?”

5. Merv Hughes vs Graeme Hick The England batsman Graeme Hick unfortunately never came to fulfil his talent on the international stage and Hughes eagerly shared his thoughts with Hick.

Hughes: “Mate, if you just turn the bat over you’ll find the instructions on the other side.”

Perhaps it is still up for debate which team has produced the most glorious sledging over the years, and as the days full shorter, we will also discover which team will take the lead with the most Ashes wins to date.

By Dominic Ginley Hine

England vs Australia; The Top 5 Ashes Sledging

2. English fan vs Matthew Hayden The Barmy Army cricket fans can also find it difficult to rise above verbal bowling, as one had cunningly displayed when abusing Matthew Hayden over his cricket skills and his newly released cook book.

www.bbmlive.com 17

Everything You Need To Know About Superannuation Lodged within the Australian Superannuation system is a savings account that you would not have had otherwise. From your very first pay check, the Australian Government have been collecting Super payments and slowly, but surely, you have unknowingly been saving your pennies on the side. The professionals from Backpay.com has told us everything we need to know, which is likely why so many travellers turn to their services to get back all the dollar bills they have been saving.

Everything you need to know Ok. Declaring itself as super is a tad outlandish as superannuation is basically a pension arrangement. Yup. That’s not even barely stirring is it, let alone super.

However, in Australia this is governmentsupported which also means that minimum provisions are enforced for employees, which is kinda nice. From July 1st 2013 employers were required by law to contribute a minimum of 9.25% of an employee’s ordinary time earning into a superannuation fund, which is called a ‘Superannuation Guarantee’. The detail that is really super is that this is an additional payment borne by your employer; it is not deducted from your gross pay. There are also plans to increase the proportion to 12% by 2019, which is nice.

The payment is based on your pre-tax earnings so if you earned $500 before tax for the month you should be entitled to an additional $46.25. However, do not be alarmed if your superannuation balance looks a little skinny as 15% is taxed by the Australian Tax Office (ATO) and funds constantly charge administration and insurance fees which can amount to $5-10 per week.

To be eligible the employee must be over 18, working over 30 hours a week and earning over $450 per month from one employer, so it would be beneficial to hold a single job instead of several. As far as assurances go the Australian Government have that covered too as from 1st January 2014 employers were obligated to pay default contributions to an authorised MySuper product, with the most well known

being AustralianSuper and AustSafe Super.

This means that losing your payment due to a suspect provider is now far less a risk.

That all sounds grand and all for Australian citizens yet for short-term visitors such as those on Working Holiday Visas the reality is a little different. Of course, if you meet the criteria then you can expect the contribution. Remember, as long as you earn over $450 a month from one employer you will be entitled. The arrangement is for any worker; whether permanent or casual, resident or non-resident for tax purposes (that would be you by the way).

Arranging your superannuation is relatively straightforward. You can set up your own super account, which is the simpler choice if you intend of taking on temporary work or travelling while in Australia. You could also ask the bank to set up your super when you open an account with them or you can join the super account set up by the employer.

If you do opt for the company’s super account and lose the paperwork do not fret, simply contact the ATO and they can help locate your super. For anyone being paid in cash it may seem great to have your wages in your hands to hold and then spend but you will be missing out on superannuation.

You read that correctly. For all those lovely, crisp banknotes in your pocket you will be losing out on FREE MONEY. Working holiday makers are allowed to withdraw their superannuation either when their visa expires or whenever they leave permanently. This is known as the Departing Australia Superannuation Payment or DASP. A point to note is that you must have left Australia before this can be paid; the application includes checking that any

temporary visa has been cancelled by the Department of Immigration. Indeed, The Australian government must get really irked with these departures as they then take out a further 35% when you apply for the withdrawal. Bit harsh. Another point to note is that you are much better off claiming it sooner rather than later. In fact, if you do not claim your super within six months of leaving Australia, or within six months of the cancellation or expiry of your visa, the ATO will claim the money and it could be a while to organise its release from their tight grasp, especially from abroad.

Still, the money is yours but if you are having trouble working out how to claim it then do not worry. If you have already claimed your taxback then the same company, and even the very same tax professional, should be able to assist you in claiming your superannuation. All you need to do is provide your membership details, fill in some forms and the tax professionals will do the hard work while you wait for the payment to arrive. Most charge a flat fee of around 15% for the service and you should receive your super within 28 days of the Australian Tax Office receiving your application.

Superannuation may not exactly be super but it is free money that you should be entitled to when working in Australia.

Setting up your account is simple and claiming it back once your visa has expired is not that hard either. Just do not forget about it, it is free money after all.

For the Fastest Track To Receive Your Super, Visit backpay.com

18

jobs. visas. shipping. mortgages. fx. health insurance. bbmlive.com 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

Shipping article by Michael Spicer at Seven Seas Worldwide

GREEN MIGRATION

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

OPTIMA MIGRATION

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

IMMIGRATION HELP CORPORATE OFFICE (AUSTRALIA)

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

MOVE MIGRATION PTY LTD

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

TAXBACK.CO.UK

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

BACKPACKER TAX REFUNDS

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

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

Extend your stay in Australia and develop your career Are you looking for colleges in the Gold Coast and opportunities to extend your stay in a Australia? Do you want to explore the student visa option? Based in the vibrant Gold Coast with easy accessibility to Brisbane, Blue Bay college offers flexible and Australian Government recognised courses with further study pathways as well as Australian visa and migration assistance.

Blue Bay College offers: • flexible study options • nationally recognised qualifications • regular intakes • further study pathways • visa and migration assistance • flexible payment terms • practical courses And all at the exciting of living in Australia’s Gold Coast!

The best part is that by choosing to study in the Gold Coast, you’ll be bettering your education and adding important skills to your resume. Taking a gap year for a working holiday is one thing, but studying in Australia will give you so many new opportunities to make the most of your overseas experience. Employers and the

Australian Government favour applicants who have fitting skills and in some cases, it’s a necessity that your formal certificates actually match your employment history, and for many of us, this isn’t the case as our careers develop.

And you’ll be pleased to it’s not as difficult or expensive as you might think!

What courses can you study in the Gold Coast?

•

General English

• Certificate IV in Leadership Management • Diploma of Leadership and Management Blue Bay College Gold Coast, Suite 1, Level 1, 72 Nerang Street, Southport, Queensland, 4215 07 5661 6945 info@bluebaycollege.com.au bluebaycollege.com.au

www.bbmlive.com 19

Moving to Australia – Do’s and Don’ts!

So you’ve decided to escape from the land of rain, tea and scones and Big Ben for a life down under - who wouldn’t!?

In theory, moving to Australia may seem easy. Simply pack your bags and go! In reality, there’s a lot to think about - from finding a job to shipping your belongings, we’ve got you covered with our top list of do’s and don’ts.

Do

Don’t

Be prepared for the heat. If you’re moving to Australia you know it’s going to be hot - but be prepared for just how hot! With temperatures up to 35 degrees, the climate is definitely something you’ll need to acclimatise to.

Attempt to fly without the proper Visa. If you go with just a working holiday visa you’ll only be able to stay to live and work for a year, not ideal if you aim is to emigrate. Instead, you’ll need to make sure you have a specific working or skilled visa applicable to your employment. Without a visa, you won’t even make it past the airport.

Find a way to ship your belongings. Make sure to clean everything before its packed as all items will be inspected upon arrival and any in contact with food, soil, plants or animals may not be allowed in. It’s also helpful to label and list everything you pack so you know exactly where it is when you arrive. Finally, find a reliable shipping company to bring your stuff across.

Forget about your first few nights. If your new place isn’t ready to move into as soon as you arrive, you’ll want to make sure you have somewhere to rest your head as soon as you touch down. For the cheapest options try hostels or Airbnb.

Aim to find a job before you go. If you have the security of having a job when you arrive, pretty much everything else will fall into place. Scour recruitment sites and apply for as many jobs as possible.

Forget to tell your bank you’re going. Otherwise you may have a case of being stuck in a new country with cancelled cards - not fun!

Learn the lingo! Aussies have some awesome abbreviations (arvo = afternoon, goon = cheap boxed wine). Learn the slang and you’ll fit right in.

Talk to Seven Seas Worldwide to find out their options for reliable and affordable shipping options at www.sevenseasworldwide.com.au

20

jobs. visas. shipping. mortgages. fx. health insurance. bbmlive.com Questions To Ask When Starting a New Teaching Role January brings the start of a new school year for Australian students and you’ve taken the leap and decided to teach down under… great choice! The amazing weather, people and lifestyle makes Oz a highly attractive relocation destination. However, going into a new school in another country can be daunting, regardless of whether you’re an experienced teacher with several years under their belt or just starting out. Luckily, we’ve compiled a list of the top 5 questions to ask when you enter a new school, ensuring you you feel less out of your comfort zone and more able to do your job with ease.

What is the behavioural system?

This will differ between schools, but is important to know so you are aware of how to respond if a student misbehaves. Whilst some schools favour a traffic lights system, which aims to reinforce positive ‘green light’ behaviour, others may use ‘bronze, silver and gold’ rankings – learn which one your school uses to help maintain good behaviour in the classroom.

What is the marking policy?

Like the behavioural system, this will vary between schools. Some will use colour coding, some stickers, and some may require you to outline the positives and potential areas for improvement for a piece of work. Find out how this system works early on so you can master giving helpful feedback. Also find out how the school likes to track students progress, and whether this will be part of your role or another member of staff.

What are the daytime routines?

Ask when break and lunchtime are so you’re not left with an empty classroom halfway through

a lesson. Also check the end of school routines, as this is important for safety – do the children stay in the classroom to be picked up, or should you take them to the playground?

What is the assessment structure for teachers?

Ofsted doesn’t operate in Australia, nor is there an equivalent, but there are still procedures in place to ensure teachers are doing their jobs.

There are non-government bodies, some of which are nonprofit, which assess the quality of schools based on different factors.

Are there afterschool clubs and groups for teachers to run?

Extra-curricular activities are a great way to get involved in school life, particularly when first starting out and wanting to make a good impression. If you have any particular skills, ask if you can offer your services to teach or help out in an after-school club – you may see the rewards in the classroom too.

Need advice or help finding a teaching job in Australia? Check out www.smartteachers.co.uk for helpful information and loads of excellent opportunities

CARPENTERS. ELECTRICIANS. CHEFS RECRUITERS. NURSES. SKILLED JOBS. BBMLIVE.COM/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

www.bbmlive.com 21

457 Sponsored Visas - The Facts We caught up with Pendragon’s Managing Director John Glover to discuss what is really happening about Australian sponsored visas Here’s what he has to say Pendragon has been in the Migration & Visa business since 1998. We are fiercely proud and protective of our reputation for integrity, honesty and trust. These attributes have brought us many respected clients from a broad range of corporate industries including: Media, Banking, Finance, Information Technology, Recruitment, Resources/Mining, Construction, Engineering, Hospitality and Retail. We represent clients ranging from overseas entities wishing to start up their Australian operations, to national and global firms.

Being based in Sydney, we have a team of specialist Migration Agents who provide both individual and business services in the core areas of: • • •

• •

emporary Work (Skilled) – Subclass 457/ T Temporary Skills Shortage (TSS) visas.

Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) – Subclass 400 visas.

Permanent residency applications under the Employer Nomination Scheme - Subclass 186 visas (company supported).

Permanent residency applications under Skilled Independent - Subclass 189 (non-company supported).

Partner, Parent and family based visas

Essentially, the ‘Temporary Work Skilled Subclass 457 Visa’ (better known as simply 457 visa) will be removed and rebranded into the new Temporary Skills Shortage Visa (TSS). The TSS will be similar to the 457 visa with some additional restrictions. The rebranding will take place in March 2018.

Hence, you are still able to apply for the 457 visa now. After March 2018, you will need to apply under the new TSS visa category.

There is two list occupation lists one is 4 year visa and possible Permanent residency options the other is a 2 year sponsorship list and no one on this list will be able to get PR. Also the age bracket for getting PR is going to reduce… you will need to be under 45.

The first thing to do is get their cv assessed by a qualified migration agent check if they fall on either the 2 year or 4 year list then look for work. They can look themselves prior to traveling here. www.homeaffairs. gov.au/Trav/Work/Work/Skillsassessment-and-assessing-authorities/ skilled-occupations-lists To look for work they can connect with Australian recruitment agencies to list their profiles, and review job advertisements at the same time. The major job advertisement website in Australia, www.seek.com www.careerone.com.au, www.jobseeker.com.au, www.jobsearch.com.au, www.mycareer.com.au When applying for jobs, they will simply need to state on their resume, that they are seeking 457/TSS sponsorship. The recruiters will

IT Professionals, Australia Wants You! There is absolutely no doubt; IT professionals are in extremely high demand in Australia.

Australia does not have the supply to keep up with the tide of IT vacancies, which has left a window for IT pros like you, to skip across the pond and enjoy the Australian dream. This is why so many IT professionals have utilised the expertise of recruitment companies like Aurec, so that they can land the perfect job as quick as possible!

If you are an IT professional, here are 3 reasons why you should move to Australia!

Career development Because of such high demand, this also creates room for growth within companies.

Ultimately, individuals have the opportunity to climb the ladder faster which of course, will create many other perks within an individual’s life. Such vast room for growth is resulting in many IT professionals also taking the leap to receive the endless benefits.

Lifestyle There is likely not much of an argument when regarding a choice over the British Climate or the Australian climate.

Australians generally live more of an outdoors life because of the endless sun that beams upon their Australian shores.

Such pristine coastlines and astonishingly beautiful cities offer a lifetime of activities, which again is likely a big aspect to why people are seeking to call Australia home.

Because it is easier than you think There is no doubt that when any individuals begin to investigate the possibility of moving to Australia they are bombarded with an endless stream of confusing information. This is of course, not very easy.

But what is easy, is turning to recruitment agencies like Aurec to do the hard part for you. Such a transition can and should be stress free, which will leave you with more time to think about BBQ’s on the beach!

If you are a qualified IT professional there is every chance that you can be starting a new working adventure in Australia. This amazing possibility is why so many turn to Aurec to ensure that it happens.

For More IT Recruitment Information, Visit www.aurec.com Today!

understand the visa formalities and next steps.

Once the applicant is able to locate an employer and job offer, the employer may be in a position to sponsor them. Alternatively, Pendragon may also be able to act as a surrogate employer and provide sponsorship to eligible applicants under certain occupations as well. We would request for a copy of their resume and proposed job description to undertake an assessment.

We would initially recommend the applicant locate a reputable migration agent (such as Pendragon) to review their options. At times, we may be able to consider nominating them into an alternative occupation, or consider a different pathway to permanent residency through the company sponsorship route.

We would also assess whether there are any independent pathways (non-company sponsored), which would be based on the applicant’s age, qualifications, English test scores, work experience etc.

There is definitely a skills shortage in the trades sector in Australia. Again, it is always recommended to use a reputable agent to explain options and pathway to build their future in Australia.

Under the trades sector, many applicants actually visit Australia on the Working Holiday Visas (WHV) in the first instance.

This is a common pathway for young workers who would like to experience the Australian workforce and lifestyle. Many WHV holders would then approach their companies to sponsor them towards the 457 and PR, if they are eligible and intend

to remain in Australia permanently. In terms of 3 tips, we would potentially recommend: •

•

•

se a reputable migration agent.

U We have seen many “horror stories” where applications are completed incorrect which has affected future visa applications, and at times resulted in applications being declined. In worst case scenarios, the applicant may be banned from re-applying for an Australian visa for a number of years.

Check for themselves if they fall on the new TSS lists www.homeaffairs. gov.au/Trav/Work/Work/Skillsassessment-and-assessing-authorities/ skilled-occupations-lists Consider the Working Holiday Visas as a preliminary measure to enter the Australian workforce and lifestyle. Note: most visitors love the lifestyle and seek to stay!

Connect with active and reputable recruiters to list their profiles with Australian businesses.

One huge tip is not to pay anyone for finding you a job and getting the visa as one cost. Finding a job should be free the employing company pays any recruitment fees and the company should organise the 457/TSS visa then the company should pay for the visa as well.

If you would like more information on how the 457 Visa sponsorship changes could effect you or your business, please contact John and his team on the below details.

02 9407 8700 www.pendragon.net.au

22

Living and Working in Sydney Best Saving Sydney is one of the most famous cities on the entire planet, so it’s not surprising that so many people want to live and work in here.

When it comes to beauty – Sydney has it by the bucket load. From the sandy shores of Bondi Beach, to the lush tropical plants of the Botanical Gardens, Sydney is a nature lover’s ideal when it comes to choosing a city to live in.

But the mark doesn’t stop at natural beauty. Sydney is also home to two of the most famous architectural landmarks in the world, namely, the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge that dominate the Sydney horizon. An urban metropolis pulses through the skyscrapers of Sydney with a cool and unique lifeblood that keeps Sydney interesting and active at all times.

If you’re a registered nurse or healthcare worker looking to strike the perfect balance between healthy urban living alongside work then Sydney is a great port of call. As you may have heard there is a shortage of healthcare workers in Australia meaning you could land yourself in stunning Sydney doing the job you care most about.

Upon arriving in Sydney you’ll probably be stunned by the healthy habits of its residents.

The Southern Hemisphere’s

answer to LA, from 5am each morning you’ll see the many parks filled with joggers and yogis, as well as people doing tai chi and if you’re anywhere near the beach – you’ll see plenty of surfers and swimmers starting their day off in a healthy way.

The healthy living is also echoed in the many cafes and restaurants serving up all versions of avocado and eggs for breakfast alongside smoothies and some worldclass coffee.

Taking advantage of the fantastic weather most of the year-round, nursing in Sydney can mean you can spend your days off lazing on the beach, or exploring the city.

What’s more, if you take work as an agency nurse, you can maximise your time exploring Sydney and New South Wales whilst funding your travels through nursing.

Nursing in Sydney and Regional NSW presents the perfect opportunity to explore areas such as the stunning Northern Beaches as well as the Blue Mountains, and by taking agency nurse jobs in Sydney you’ll be able to work and play when it suits you most.

It doesn’t all have to be about exploring the surrounds however, as there’s so much to do and see in Sydney that you’ll be wanting to take advantage of its great nightlife. With world class artists regularly touring, a-list festivals and city wide events such as Vivid Sydney and the Sydney Festival, you can guarantee there’s something to do every single night of the week.

So what are you waiting for? Visit www.bowerhealthcare.com.au to find out more information on working with a specialist nursing recruitment agency and see details on our current vacancies.

Tips for Your Working Holiday in Australia

A working holiday in Australia presents a fantastic opportunity for nurses to see the world, but saving the money for such a trip can be hard, even for those without debt. Here’s a few ideas on how to save up for your working holiday in Australia, as once you’re there you can take advantage of all the nursing job opportunities in Australia.

Extra Shifts It’s a no-brainer, but picking up extra shifts will result in more money. Maybe offer to cover a colleague for a few nights, or plumb for those unsociable hours for the higher rates. Don’t run yourself ragged, but understand that you might have to sacrifice a few hours from your social calendar to get where you’re going.

Overpaid Tax Double-check your payslips to ensure you’ve not overpaid in taxes for the year. This is most likely to occur if the wrong tax code has been used by payroll, or if you’ve been out of work for a few months of the year and come in under your personal allowance while being taxed under the usual tax code. It might involve doing some sums, but tax adds up fast, and you can get some healthy cash injections from backdated payments. Find out if you’re entitled to a tax refund.

Don’t Spend Coins Make all of your purchases in notes only, and then start a piggy bank for the coins left over. You won’t notice at first, but soon you’ll have saved a healthy amount of spending money

just from the remains of other purchases. Since the money won’t be in your bank account, it’s also completely protected from your spending habits until you crack open the savings jar. Money you can’t reach, is money you can’t spend, after all. eBay As you’re going abroad, now is the perfect time to dig through your wardrobe and decide what you truly need. You can sell old clothes, old unwanted gifts, perhaps the nursing textbooks you no longer need. Make sure you cover all your costs for shipping, and you’ll be surprised how much extra you can make from things that would otherwise only slow you down when it comes to moving time.

Transportation Again, you’re going abroad for some time, so now might be the time to think about whether you really need your car. With a car comes the many hidden fees: MOT, tax, petrol, parking, and repairs, to

name a few. Why not see if you can carpool with a colleague, or take public transport? Most forms of public transport offer fixed-period tickets that will save you money in the long run.

Avoid Bargains It may sound counter-intuitive, but if you walk into a supermarket with no shopping list and an eye for bargains, you can easily come away having spent more than you intended. Go shopping with a fixed list, and only go near the extras if there’s truly a saving to be made. 2-for-1 on toilet roll might be worthwhile (you’ll use it all eventually), but a cheap jar of Nutella sat in the back of the cupboard is still more expensive than one you never bought at all.

Reframing As you can tell, saving money is about looking at your finances in a different way. Keep an eye out for these little opportunities as they come up, and you’ll find the old saying is true: look after the pennies, and the pounds will look after themselves.

Considering nursing on your working holiday in Australia? Get registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) to make sure your nursing qualifications are recognised in Australia and apply for your visa!

To enquire further about nursing jobs in Melbourne speak to one of our team at recruitment@australiannursingagency.com or visit uk.australiannursingagency.com

www.bowerhealthcare.com.au info@bowerhealthcare.com.au Nursing Under-Grads (Assistants in Nursing)

Registered Nurse Dementia Specific Care Home (North Sydney)

Bower Healthcare is selectively seeking experienced nursing students (year 2 +) for work as Assistants in Nursing in acute general and specialty areas in hospitals around Sydney’ north. As a preferred supplier to NSW Health Local Health Districts, we are recruiting in preparation for an expected upturn in requests.

Set in its own grounds in a leafy northern Sydney suburb, this brand new unit opens next month and Bower Healthcare has been provided the opportunity to assist with staffing shortfalls. The 57 bed residence provides care for residents with low to high range dementia, living in shared units serviced by a regular team of support staff.

Essential Requirements: Must have a current work visa, or work rights in Australia, 100% compliance with the NSW Health Department’s immunisation policy, Must be nursing undergraduates, 2nd year onwards (no Cert III applicants will be considered), NSW Working with Children Check (paid employee version) and National Police Check.

Need to live within easy travelling distance of the hospitals (to fulfil last minute booking requests).

Got a question?

The Registered Nurse oversees the support and care provided to residents, assisting with clinical needs where needed but mainly coaching and encouraging the staff to utilise their skills to the best of their abilities.

The Unit manager is on site during office hours between Monday to Friday.

Shifts range across mornings, PM’s and night duties. Because of the specialist nature of the work and the autonomy afforded to the RN in charge, only those that have regular availability and can attend an on-site induction can be considered.

Hospital Orderlies Salary: $24 to $40 Hourly Rate We are seeking a number of experienced staff to work as orderlies in various general (surgical, medical, aged care) and specialty (mental health, OT, ED, ICU, etc) areas in public hospitals in Sydney’s east and southwest. We can offer an immediate start with shifts booked 2-3 weeks in advance, as well as on an ad hoc basis.

Essential Requirements: Regular, on-going work for reliable performers Many shifts available, including weekends Advanced roster, in addition to day-to-day bookings Essential requirements: Must have current work rights in Australia Preference given to those with full-time equivalent availability 100% compliance with the NSW Health Department’s immunisation policy Must posses more than 6 months relevant experience from here or overseas (as an orderly, AIN or PCA) Recent, professional local references Current criminal record and working with children checks Please note that if you do not satisfy all of the above requirements but still apply, you will not receive a return response.

Do you qualify for our Australian Working Holiday Visa Package?

To qualify for a Bower Healthcare working holiday package you must either be eligible for an Australian Working Holiday Visa and meet the following employment requirements: • You must qualify for an Australian Working Holiday Visa or other relevant work visa for Australia.

• You must either be a registered nurse and possess a minimum 12 months postgraduate clinical experience • Or be an experienced healthcare worker, eligible for work as an Assistant in Nursing or Community Support Worker Registered Nurses must possess provisional approval for registration with AHPRA • Click here for full details on our candidate requirements and working for us Our Working Holiday Packages combine everything you need to get started in Australia including accommodation and your all-important Tax File Number as well as some great tours to get you in the mood for your working holiday in Australia.

www.bowerhealthcare.com.au

www.bbmlive.com 23

What British Treats do you miss most?

We asked British expats living in Melbourne and Sydney what they missed most about home. Top of the list (after of course family and friends!) comes the variety of foody delights and British treats.

Alex originally from Bournemouth, now living in Melbourne said: “I do miss a traditional pub roast followed up with a scrummy crumble and custard and of course not forgetting British chocolate!

No offence to my Aussie mates, the down under stuff just doesn’t compare!”

BBM

readers

get

10% O

FF

mentio n this advert to claim *

So aside from an expensive flight to grab that yummy roast or a costly package sent from mum and dad that has to navigate its way through customs, what is the solution!? During our search we met expat Jo originally from Liverpool, now living in Sydney. She has got it sussed! Here are Jo’s top tips!

Tip 1: Hone your roast cooking skills!

“I decided to treat my friends to a traditional home cooked British Roast.

I hit Coles and found most of the basic ingredients I needed. Just one bit of advice though, if you are watching your pennies be careful what vegetables you select. I ended up forking out over $8 for a cauliflower.

Clearly not a traditional vegetable for Australians, but I personally couldn’t miss out on the wonders of Cauliflower Cheese”!

Tip 2: Treats from Home t&c’s: * discount is on full price stock only and excludes Christmas stock.

“I came across this really cool shop called

Treats from Home! The day I found it was like all my birthdays and Christmas’ had come at once! Think everything British and yummy and it’s there! Malteasers, Galaxy, Milkybar, Hobnobs, Jacobs cream crackers, Hula Hoops, Chewits and Millions! If you want it they have probably got it – and if not it’s certainly worth asking if they may be able to stock it in future! And best of all I found Ambrosia Custard – the perfect accompaniment for my homemade apple crumble”!

So it all comes down to a bit of creativity, a small amount of culinary skill and good old-fashioned research in terms of finding the place that will help you get those British Treats back into your life! And in the words of Jo – “Treats from Home is the place to be”!

SYDNEY SHOP ADDRESS Level 1, Piccadilly Arcade (Food court level) 210 Pitt Street Sydney NSW 2000 MELBOURNE SHOP ADDRESS Level 1, 234 Collins Street Melbourne VIC 3000 www.treatsfromhome.com.au

24

www.bbmlive.com 25

WILD SWIMMING ON FRASER ISLAND When it’s hot, frolic in K’gari’s (aka Fraser Island’s) freshwater lakes and creeks!

With the heat of the summer sun, K’gari’s rainforest (that grows out of sand, don’t you know?) gets incredibly humid with sometimes-extreme temperatures. Luckily, the island is blessed with natural lakes and pools that provide relief from the heat.

With more than 100 freshwater lakes dotted around the island, there’s every chance you’ll find one that can accommodate your refreshment needs. 40 of these lakes are perched – the water doesn’t come from streams or flow into the ocean, but it is, in fact, rainwater.

The most famous of these lakes is Lake McKenzie. A sparkling azure jewel surrounded by trees, Lake McKenzie is about 150 hectares and five metres deep.

Swimming in it is like swimming in a very large manmade pool, only cleaner. The water is so clean that the use of sun lotion and soap isn’t advised, as they act as pollutants. While crystal clear, the acidity in Lake McKenzie means no animals can survive in it – it’s perfectly safe to go swimming in, though. And the lovely, soft,

white silica sand is also a great natural exfoliator.

Another of K’gari’s perched lakes is Lake Wabby. At 11.4 metres, it’s the deepest on the island, and has much lower acidity levels than Lake McKenzie, making it home to catfish, rainbow fish and honey blue-eye.

Make sure to enjoy it while you can – in around 100 years, it may be no more due to the bordering sand dune blowing into the lake and eventually anticipated to swallow it whole!

For nature lovers, Lake Allom is the lake for you. While it’s not as pretty as Lake McKenzie nor as mysterious as Lake Wabby, it does have one trick up its sleeve – turtles.

Hundreds or adorable freshwater turtles live in the waters of Lake Allom. While feeding them isn’t allowed, you can clap to gain their attention and watch them pop their tiny little heads out of the water.

Discover K’gari’s lakes and more with Drop Bear Adventures. Providing 2 and 3 day camping and beach house tours, you can 4-wheel-drive to many of the beautiful spots on Fraser Island.

Book your tour now at www.dropbearadventures.com.au

New Year, New Heights in Tropical North Queensland!

Looking for something to do in Cairns this January? Go above and beyond the tropical rainforest of Barron Gorge National Park on Skyrail Rainforest Cableway to get the best views in Queensland.

Located in Cairns, North Queensland, Skyrail Rainforest Cableway provides one of the greatest journeys in Australia. A unique experience, travel 7.5km in a gondola just metres above the canopy for spectacular views as far as the Coral Sea and Cairns Highlands.

Not only do you glide over rivers and rainforest, you also make two stops at mid-stations to stretch your legs and explore.

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, make sure you take the time to absorb the beauty and atmosphere of the rainforest before reboarding Skyrail Rainforest Cableway to Barron Falls Station.

A Djabugay Aboriginal Guided Tour takes place at Barron Falls Station.

Departing from the Rainforest Interpretation Centre that was created by Skyrail alongside CSIRO (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation), you are invited to learn about the Aboriginal history, language, culture, stories and traditions of the indigenous rainforest people in a small group tour on a natural rainforest trail. From Barron Falls Station, there are also walkways to three separate lookouts for further breath-taking views of Barron Gorge and Falls.

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. It is award winning for its excellence in sustainable tourism, and 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

26

Exploring the Whitsundays in one day

Fresh-faced from his backpacking stint in New Zealand, Nathan continues his new journey travelling down Australia’s East Coast and has found himself land in Airlie Beach My immediate thoughts of Airlie Beach was one of a blissful and calm-natured town, coupled with a chilled and laid back night scene.

My backpacking compadre, Tom, and I were only here for a matter of days, but we knew we had to pay a visit to the legendary and iconic, Whitsundays.

We needed an option that was reliable, creditable but, most importantly, one that allowed us to see as much as possible without it being too rushed.

That’s why we chose to go on a one-day excursion trip with ZigZag Whitsundays.

The tour was due to depart the harbour at 0830, alas, Tom and I didn’t get off to the best of starts as we had gone to the wrong harbour... Quick rerouting mission to the correct harbour and we eventually arrived just in time as everyone was getting sized up for their wetsuits prior to boarding.

As, unfortunately, not being a confident mermaid, but more instead a beleaguered seal, I was a little nervous as I don’t swim particularly majestically, more so in open water. Regardless, minor discomfort aside, we boarded the vessel, got our debrief from our captain and set sail for, arguably, one of the best boat tours I have ever been on.

The first stop was at a quiet and isolated section of the Great Barrier Reef! Due to severe tropical cyclones, large sections of the reef have been left fragmented and damaged. We were strongly advised to interfere

as little as possible with the reef to hopefully let it regenerate.

So, wetsuits on, flippers slipped on and snorkel in place – we were eager to get stuck in. The majority of the passengers chose to step down into the ocean but, as the old wife’s tale goes: ‘’If you’re friend jumped off a bridge, would you jump off one too’’ – Tom jumped off the side (this was allowed) and I followed suit. Quick gulp of seawater and floating like a used plastic bag later, I quickly made the decision to swim around starboard and grab an aided floatation device. This was a great idea as I wanted to enjoy and see as much of the reef as possible without the minor fear of getting tired and struggling to swim back to the boat. Large numbers followed my lead. This was stop number 1 and I don’t know how you could ever top that as the beginning of any tour…

Afterwards, we slalomed through the islands and arrived at Whitehaven Beach. The weather was amazing, and the sand was, well, white! We chilled here and got fed some very delicious sandwiches from Taz, the Captains right hand man.

This location would be an Instagrammers dream.

Once we all boarded the boat again, we were then taken to Palm Bay Long Island Resort. This island was crazily beautiful - the kind of place you would buy an apartment if you won the lottery. We truly felt like we were getting the 5-star treatment. We wandered around the resort and caught come rays

by the pool. Afterwards, we were treated to some more fresh fruit and, unfortunately, the royalty treatment stopped there as the staff didn’t appear to offer to feed me grapes like some kind of depicted Egyptian Pharaoh.

Shame, but all joking aside, every member of staff we met, right from admissions, to the boat crew

themselves and countless others we met along the way, they all made it perfect for us.

Not once did we think we were rushing or missing out on anything. We were given the 5-star treatment from start to finish.

If you are thinking about visiting the Whitsundays (and why

wouldn’t you be!) be sure to check out these guys, especially if you are a little stretched for time on your backpacking or holiday adventure.

Watch Nathan’s journey through the Whitsundays here: www.youtube.com/ watch?v=LIbOzqU645g

www.bbmlive.com 27

5 Aussie Animals You’ll See With Mulgas Adventures When embarking on adventure tours with Mulgas Adventures, it is not only the fantastic scenery and exciting activities that you get the chance to experience; it is also the amazing Australian Wildlife.

Something that fascinates travellers from all over, is the diversity of Australia’s animals. We decided to ask Mulgas Adventures what are the 5 animals you’ll most likely see when joining them on their tours.

1 - Camels “Australia has the largest wild Camel population in the world! They were introduced into Australia between 1840 and 1907. They were used for early exploration into centre of Australia. They can go without water for up to a week and can carry about 500 kg of weight.

Camels live up to 45 years and have a gestation period of 12-13 months.”

Apparently “Camel's milk is great and the meat is tasty and lean” whether you want to find out?

2 - Dingoes “Australia’s wild dogs (Dingoes) were brought to Australia by seafarers 5000 years ago! They do not bark but instead they howl. Dingoes eat small rodents, wallaby and are also known for scavenging. They can be a part of complex family systems or wonder alone.”

3 - Wedge Tail Eagle “The Wedge Tail Eagle is the 4th largest bird of prey in the world, with a wingspan that can reach 2.4 meters and stand 1m tall. The Wedge Tail Eagle can see up to 2.5 km away and are monogamous animals, which mean they have one partner for life.”

4 - Thorny Devil “Depending on the time of the year, these alien like creatures can be found on the road heating up or out on the

sand dunes next to an ant nest feasting.

The Thorny Devils are oddities; they have spikes all over their bodies, walk funny, have a false head and collect water from their backs. There may be other reptiles including Snakes, Perenties, Dragons, Geekos and Skinks.”

5 - Kangaroos “You need to be very quick to spot them! In the early hours of the morning is best time to see them, the quieter the better, as they get easily scared.

Red kangaroos can be up to 6ft tall and weigh 100kg; they can jump their own height, reach speeds of 60km per hour and leap an incredible 9-10 meters in a single stride.”

There are few things more exciting than coming face to face with some of the most interesting wildlife in the world.

This is why so many return from their Mulgas Adventures Tour so fulfilled and with amazing stories to share.

For More Information On Mulgas Adventures Tours, Visit www.mulgasadventures.com.au Today!

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

Right in the heart of Darwin City, Crocosaurus Cove hosts a completely unique and thrilling Crocodile dive experience.

where the crocodile handlers will be regularly feeding the crocodiles, encouraging more activity and movement from the animals.

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.

Get out of your comfort zone and experience this face-toface encounter that has to be seen to be believed.

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,

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 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.

your photo taken with a baby croc!

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.

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.

Meet and interact with snakes, geckos and frogs at The Reptile Enclosure, see the Whipray and Barramundi in the Aquarium, or even get

For More Information, Visit www.crocosauruscove.com Today!

28

There is an abundance of activities on offer thanks to the wild but inviting open road up the west coast of Australia. If you’re going to do anything while travelling along the Indian Ocean, you can’t go wrong with these exceptional pastimes.

Sandboarding The sand dunes along the west coast of Australia are sublime.

From the white sand dunes of Lancelin to the golden powder of Kalbarri, this is an alternative to surfing that guarantees all the fun without getting wet. Stretching as much as two kilometres, try your hand at picking up speed and sliding your way down these smooth slips of sand.

Snorkelling

Top 5 Activities on the West Coast of Australia

Much of the west coast is adorned with colourful coral reefs, shallow lagoons and separate islands that are perfect for snorkelling.

Jurien Bay Marine Park is in the path of migrating whales, visiting dolphins and breeding sea lions, so don’t be surprised if you bump into at least one of these marine mammals. Further north, the Ningaloo Reef can rival the underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef.

Abseiling The gorges, cliffs and canyons of Western Australia provide exhilarating abseiling opportunities. The rocky caverns

of Karijini and Kalbarri allow you to abseil to the depths of the land and see millions-of-years-old formations up close. If you think you can shimmy your way down a 20-metre wall of red rock, WA is your haven.

Feed Bottlenose Dolphins One of the few places wild dolphins come up to shore, Monkey Mia provides visitors with the unique experience of getting up close with the beautiful bottlenose and feeding them in the clear blue waters of the shore.

Ride A Camel Picture it: the sun setting over the turquoise waters and golden sands, while you sit on the back of a camel treading its way along Cable Beach – an iconic tour that’s a truly spectacular way to experience Broome.

To find out more on how to experience all these awesome activities head over to Aussie Wanderer and check out the range of adventurous tours on offer!

Visit: www.aussiewanderer.com.au

Perth to Broome, 10 days, 10 Best Bits!

The insanely long drive from Perth to Broome rewards your efforts with some amazing locations along the way. Beaches, towns and wildernesses to take a break from the road, here are the 10 destinations to experience on the 10-Day West Coast Safari With Kimberley Wild Expeditions.

The Pinnacles The first stop from Perth is the jaw-dropping Pinnacles Desert.

A unique landscape unlike any other in Australia, hundreds of tall limestone structures jut out of the yellow sand to create a mysterious and somewhat hypnotic landscape.

Jurien Bay Try your hand at sandboarding as you arrive in Jurien Bay, home to massive dunes perfect for sliding down at thrilling speeds!

Kalbarri Start the second day in Kalbarri, where you can view the amazing

scenery of red rock beside the Murchison River from Natures Window, a natural photo frame.

You can also try abseiling for an additional cost.

Shell Beach One of only two beaches in the world made entirely out of millions of tiny shells, Shell Beach is absolutely stunning. Snow-white in colour, the beach stretches for over 120km for very long walks!

Monkey Mia Wildlife enthusiasts will want to tick off Monkey Mia on day three in order to come face-to-face with the wild bottlenose dolphins that

have been visiting the shore for decades.

with whale sharks (when in season and at own expense).

Coral Bay

Karijini National Park

An aquatic playground, Coral Bay is the gateway to the Ningaloo Reef. Spend the morning of day four snorkelling the incredible coral or book a scenic flight over the reef to take it in from another perspective (at own expense)

Heading away from the coast, you come to the adventure playground of Karijini National Park for two days and two nights of exploring gorges, swimming beneath waterfalls and camping under the stars.

Exmouth Two nights in Exmouth offers amazing evening sunsets, while you can spend the mornings snorkelling, diving or swimming

Eighty Mile Beach The final day on your West Coast safari begins with a visit to the far-sweeping sands of Eighty Mile Beach. Yep – a beach that actually carries on and on for 80 miles!

Broome Finally, you arrive in Broome, the beautiful outback town with many magical moments including camel rides on Cable Beach and the Staircase To The Moon.

All of these destinations are covered on the 10 Day Perth to Broome Safari With Kimberley Wild Expeditions. From $1795pp, you receive accommodation, transport, an experienced guide, meals and entry into the national parks.

For more information and to book, visit www.kimberleywild.com.au

www.bbmlive.com 29

GET SHIT HOT AT TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY IN 2018 Whether travel photography is your job or a part time hobby, technology and platforms like instragram and unsplash are driving people to push their limits. Nowadays it seems everyone you meet on the travel trail’s a professional blogger and instagram is their personal brand platform. But seriously, some people out there really are pushing boundaries and we’re loving having the opportunity to discover the world through their eyes. We urge you to think fast, keep your camera’s at the ready and really take in your surrounding. Once you start really looking, you’ll be amazed at what you see. We say make 2018 the year you get shit hot at travel photography Deanna Ritchie on Unsplash

Mason Jones on Unsplash

Branda Godiniz on Unsplash

Mike Wilson on Unsplash

30

A Day in Broome, Western Australia Western Australia’s most northerly town, Broome is a stunning destination and layover before either heading south to Perth or northeast to Darwin.

The northern town is famous for its endless skies and of course the sunset. Here’s a look at how to spend 24 hours in Broome when you’re between tours.

Arrived the night before? Start your day bright and early at the Kool Spot Cafe on Carnarvon Street. Here, you can enjoy your all-important morning coffee as well as exotic breakfasts such as the heuvos rancheros (fried eggs on tortilla with salsa) or fruity toasted mango and coconut bread.

Once you’ve fuelled up it’s time to explore the town. If you happen to be in Broome on a Saturday or Sunday then you may be able to take in the local charm of the Broome Courthouse Markets.

Alternatively you could learn about the pearl farming industry that Broome was built on with a Pearl Luggers Tour just $20 from 11.30am.

For lunch we suggest heading to the Green

Mango Cafe for their pulled pork burger. It’s reasonably priced here meaning you don’t have to blow your entire day’s budget for a decent meal.

When having a day’s downtime anywhere it’s important not to go too overboard on the activities, after all you’ll soon be hitting the road again in search of new adventures. So during the afternoon why not head to see the 3.5 metre high, crystal buddha opposite the Cable Beach Club Resort. The Buddha Sanctuary is the perfect location for those looking to unwind and if you happen to be visiting on a Tuesday or Friday you can take advantage of the yoga classes at 5pm.

As we edge towards sunset, you’re ever closer to seeing what you came for - the epic Broome sunset. Of course the most

post card way to see the sunset is with a camel ride along Cable Beach, so make sure you leave enough time to make it happen as this truly is one of the most spectacular beaches.

Come nightfall you can either head to Oasis Bar, an outdoor nightclub at the Roebuck Bay Hotel (known as “the Roey” to locals), or if you’re really up for a relaxing one, then catch a flick at Sun Pictures - Broome’s Outdoor Cinema. They show films from 6.30pm and 8.30 pm so it’s the perfect way to spend an evening recharging your batteries before setting off bright and early the next day.

Travel to Broome from Perth via Integrity Coachlines Hop-on Hop-off pass. Find out more at www.integritycoachlines.com.au

www.bbmlive.com 31

Seasons Guide: What is the weather like in Kakadu NP? Discover Australia’s biggest National Park, Kakadu. Fun fact - Kakadu National Park is roughly the size of Slovenia, so with 20,000 kilometers squared to explore, she’ll certainly keep you busy!

Amongst an ever-changing landscape of desert, lakes, forest, wetlands and escarpments, there are bountiful pieces of natural beauty coexisting next to some real Aussie wildlife. And when we say real Aussie wildlife we mean the likes of massive saltwater crocs, monitor lizards, turtles and more!

If we had to choose the highlights, it would have to be Twin Falls and Jim Jim Falls. Whether they’re in full cascade during the wet season (November til March) or dried up in the dry season, the actual rock formations are spectacular. In fact, Jim Jim Falls is so spectacular that the water falls from a 150 metre height into a rock pool below - so if there’s one thing you need to see whilst visiting Kakadu - make sure it’s this waterfall! However, as we said, Twin Falls isn’t to be overlooked. These waterfalls give you a real taste of tropical paradise as they lead to a sandy beach below creating an idyllic place to cool off.

Exploring Kakadu National Park isn’t just about seeing the flora

and fauna. You also have the chance to learn more about the traditional landowners as well as seeing some ancient Aboriginal rock art. Another fun fact - the Aboriginal traditional landowners of Kakadu National Park have been living in the area for 40,000 years and are subsequently the longest continuous surviving human culture in the entire world!

Thanks to the knowledge of the local Aboriginals, they have denoted that there are six seasons that take place throughout the year in Kakadu, meaning there are different things to see at different times of year. From December to March the season is known as Gudjewg and temperatures are at 24 - 34 Celsius. At this type of year you can expect tropical thunderstorms, heavy rain and flooding. This is also when you’ll find Magpie Geese nesting.

Come Banggerreng - also known as April, temperatures remain the same, however the rain lets off but you may get the odd ‘Knock ‘em down storm’ which can damage

new plants as they attempt to grow. Yegge from May to mid June is when the locals will often burn some of the land to encourage growth, and temperatures are a little more bearable having cooled off somewhat.

The cool season from mid June to mid August sits at around 17-32 Celsius is when the dry season (Wurregeng) begins and the burning continues. As the billabongs and creeks shrink wildlife crowd around the waters as it becomes scarce. From mid August to October temperatures begin to rise again as Sea turtles come on shore to lay their eggs, and from October - late December Gunumeleng takes place as the land prepare once more for the wet season. With the ever-changing weather of the Kakadu region it’s important to plan your trip.

Find out more on about visiting Kakadu National Park with Kakadu Wild. Delivering a variety of tours from day trips to longer expeditions.

Visit www.kakaduwild.com.au

Kangaroo Island 2 day Tour; With Adventure Tours Australia Travel to Kangaroo Island and sample a pristine nugget of the natural goldmine that is Australia. Check out a sea lion colony in Seal Bay, give sand boarding a shot in Little Sahara and perhaps head out on a walk in search of Vivonne Bay’s wildlife. Spot koalas in Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, clamber about the bizarre natural sculptures of Remarkable Rocks and peer out at the ocean through the natural overhang of Admirals Arch. With plenty of activities on offer and abundant adorable wildlife, this two-day trip makes for a unique island getaway.

Day 2

Day 1

•

After an early morning pick up from your Adelaide or Glenelg accommodation (selected hotels/ hostels), travel along the pictureperfect Fleurieu Peninsula to Cape Jervis for the 45-minute SeaLink ferry ride to Penneshaw, Kangaroo Island. While crossing, it is not uncommon to have an escort of local dolphins that can be viewed from the dolphin deck on the boat.

After arriving and getting ready for an action packed day, you’ll have the chance to indulge in the most exciting activities on the island, which include;

•

•

•

•

ob’s shearing and R sheepdogs - Stop in at Rob’s Shearing and Sheepdogs to witness sheep being shorn.

Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Distillery - Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Distillery – the only commercial eucalyptus distillery in South Australia.

Seal Bay Conservation Park - Where you’ll have the opportunity to see rare Australian Sea-lions up close in a wild breeding colony.

Sandboarding at Little Sahara – Whiz down the stunning sand dunes on your sand board in Little Sahara.

After a glorious rise and shine breakfast it’s time to kick start the day with visiting more of Kangaroo islands attractions and jumping head first into the activities mapped out for a majestic day. All of which include; •

•

linders Chase National F Park - Ramble across its craggy coastline, marvel at its dramatic seascapes.

Admirals Arch - Stop in at Admirals Arch on Cape Du Couedic to see the resident fur seals frolicking in the ocean or basking on the rocks.

Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary - Pop into the Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary for a walk among eucalyptus trees in search of lazing koalas.

With transport, meals and accommodation provided, this is the chance to go wild and really explore one of Australia’s most iconic attractions, Kangaroo Island!

Insure you do not miss out on this great chance to tick off a bucket list adventure whilst in Australia…

For More Information, Visit www.adventuretours.com.au Today!

32

www.bbmlive.com 33

Kangaroo Island: A Foodie’s Escape!

From farm gates to cellar doors, Kangaroo Island is full of flavour.

This South Australian island is one of the premier food and drink exports in the entire country.

Naturally flourishing with fertile lands and clean waters, you can find a range of produce grown, sold and enjoyed locally. From fresh crayfish, snapper and whiting to sweet honey and smooth wines, food and drink is an experience on Kangaroo Island.

The food and drink is so popular on Kangaroo Island that there’s even a Food & Wine Trail. Taking you to farm gates and cellar doors, not only can you sample local produce, you can meet the people that produce it. Meet the bees at Clifford’s Honey Farm in their glass beehive and taste the delicious honey ice cream, try a seafood platter at Ferguson Australia, and take a tour of the 25-acre vineyard at The Islander Estate where you can sample premium wines made

by Bordeaux’ Jacques Lurton.

their fare by the racecourse track; Kangaroo Island Art Feast, which combines the food of the island with the art and culture during springtime; and Kangaroo Island FEASTival, which beckons you to discover all things delicious in May. Supporting the local producers and providing you with somewhere to dine, there are many restaurants, cafes and eateries that serve up delicious meals created with what you can find on Kangaroo Island.

The Marron Café in Vivonne Bay showcases the island’s prized freshwater crayfish, while Bella Café specialises in Italian dishes including the K.I. Special – mushroom, bacon and pepperoni pizza.

Celebrating the food and wine of Kangaroo Island, there are many events and festivals held throughout the year that are perfect for getting a taste of the local produce. Kangaroo Island Farmers’ Market runs every first Sunday of the month at Penneshaw on the north coast of the Dudley Peninsula. You can expect everything from local lamb and olive oil to freshwater marron and sheep’s cheese.

Kangaroo Island Adventure Tours provide a two-day wilderness explorer tour of this remarkable island. As well as sampling some local goods, you get incredible activities, experiences and locations such as watching sea lions on Seal Bay, sandboarding on Little Sahara, relaxing on Vivonne Bay Beach and taking in the sights of Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch, both millions of years in the making. Travelling in a small group with a guide, you can enjoy one night at Vivonne Bay Lodge, with hotel pick-up from Adelaide and ferry transfers included.

Other events include the Gourmet Gallop, held in January, which welcomes local companies to sell

Book your 2-Day Kangaroo Island Wilderness Explorer at www.kiadventuretours.com.au

34

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 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

www.katoombabackpackers.com.au Blue Mountains Backpackers Hostel 144 Bathhurst Road, Katoomba, NSW 2780 Ph: 02 4782 9630 bluemountainsbackpackerhostel. com.au

CEDAR CREEK LODGES THUNDERBIRD PARK Cnr of Cedar Creek Falls Rd & Tamborine Mountain Rd, Tamborine, QLD 4272 info@cedarcreeklodges.com.au www.cedarcreeklodges.com.au

Byron Bay

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

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

Cairns

Nomads Byron Bay 1 Lawson Lane, Byron Bay, NSW 2481 Ph: 02 6680 7966 Free: 1800 766 673 bookings@nomadsbyronbay.com nomadshostels.com

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

Arts Factory Lodge 1 Skinners Shoot Road, Byron Bay, NSW Ph: 02 6685 7709 info@artsfactory.com.au www.artsfactory.com.au An essential part of your journey Maca’s Camping Ground Ph: 02 6684 5211 1156 Main Arm Rd, Upper Main Arm NSW 2482, Australia www.macascampingground.com/ macascampingground@gmail.com LAKE TABOURIE TOURIST PARK Princes Hwy, Lake Tabourie, NSW 2539 Ph: (02) 4406-3101 www.laketabourietouristpark.com.au

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

Katoomba Mountain Backpackers Lodge 31 Lurline st Katoomba, NSW Ph: 04782 3933 stay@katoombabackpackers.com.au

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

Western Australia Perth

western beach lodge 6 Westborough Street COOLIBAH LODGE 194 Brisbane Street Northbridge Perth WA Ph: (08) 9328 9958 www.coolibahlodge.com.au

Scarborough, Western Australia, 6019 Ph. (08) 9245 1624 westernbeach@iprimus.com.au www.westernbeach.com OCEAN BEACH BACKPACKERS

1 Eric St Cottesloe Beach Ph: 08 9384 5111 backpackers@obh.com.au www.obh.com.au BILLABONG RESORT 381 Beaufort Street, Perth WA Ph: 08 9328 7720 bookings@billabongresort.com.au www.billabongresort.com.au Britannia On William 3 William Street, Northbridge, WA Ph: 08 9227 6000 www.perthbritannia.com

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

Boranup Boranup Forest Retreat 422 Sebbes Road, Forest Grove Ph: +61 404 895 901 www.boranupforestretreat.com.au monkey mia Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort Monkey Mia Road, Shark Bay 3537 Ph: +61 8 9948 1320 monkeymia@aspenresorts.com.au www.monkeymia.com.au

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

Melbourne

Alice Springs

Discovery Melbourne 167 Franklin Street, Melbourne VIC 300 Ph: 03 9329 7525.

Freecall 1800 645 200 stay@discovertmelbourne.com.au www.discoverymelbourne.com

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

Independent & Budget Traveler Accommodation Provider Victoria Hall Accommodation 380 Russell Street, Melbourne 3000 Ph: 03 9662 3888 www.victoriahall.com.au

Northern Territory Darwin Youth Shack 69 Mitchell Street, Darwin Ph: 1300 793 302 youthshack.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

Melaleuca on Mitchell 52 Mitchell Street, Darwin Ph: 09 8941 7800 momdarwin.com Chillis Backpackers 69 Mitchell Street, Darwin Ph: 1800 351 313 chillis.com.au

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

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.

EXCLUSIVE BACKPACKERS 158 Adelaide Tce, Perth 6000

THINGS TO DO Skydiving iFly Downunder

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

Sydney Skydivers

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

Southern Skydivers

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

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

The Dive Shed Busselton

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

Adventure Tours Awesome Whitsundays

Ph: 1800 293 7663 www.awesomewhitsundays.com

Australian Kayaking Adventures

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

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

aussie wanderer

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

Crocosaurus Cove

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

Wild Expeditions

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

Margaret River Vintage Wine Tours

Ph: 0417 948 933 www.winetoursmargaretriver.com.au

The Peel Region Tourism

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

Kangaroo Island Adventure Tours Vivonne Bay, Kingscote, SA Ph: 08 8202 8678 www.kiadventuretours.com.au

GOIN SOUTH

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

PENRITH WHITE WATER RAFTING

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

Drop Bear Adventures

Ph: 1800 061 156 www.dropbearadventures.com.au

Territory Expeditions

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

Mulgas Adventures

Ph: 08 8952 1545 www.mulgasadventures.com.au

Kakadu Wild Expeditions

Ph: 1300 73 88 70 darwinsales@kimberleywild.com.au www.kakaduwild.com.au

Kakadu 4WD Safaris

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

Adventure Tours australia Ph: 1300 654 604 adventuretours.com.au

Sydney Outback Tours

Ph: 1300 307 634 www.sydneyoutback.com.au

Real Sydney Tours

Ph: 0402 049426 www.realsydneytours.com.au

The Travel Yoga Company

Ph: 0411301820 www.theyogatravelcompany.com

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

The Official Home And Away Tour To Summer Bay

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

Kite Surfing KITE REPUBLIC

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

Water Activities GREAT OCEAN ROAD SURF TOURS

55B Surf Coast Highway, Torquay, Victoria, 3228 Ph: 03 5261 3730 info@gorsurftours.com.au www.gorsurftours.com.au

KANGAROO MARINE CHARTERS

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

ADVENTURE KAYAKING

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

PARADISE JET BOATING

Jetty ‘C’ Mariners Cove Marina, Seaworld Drive, Main Beach Qld 4217 Ph: 1300 JET BOAT (1300 538 262) thrills@paradisejetboating.com.au www.paradisejetboating.com.au

TRANSPORT MIGHTY CAMPERS

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

GREAT SOUTHERN RAIL

Nationwide Ph: 1800 703 357 www.greatsouthernrail.com.au

Integrity Coach Lines

PO BOX 1131, Midland, 6936 WA Ph: 08 927 47464 www.integritycoachlines.com.au

Go Camper

90 Parkin Street, Rockingham, WA Ph: 1300 667 363 www.gocamper.com.au

www.bbmlive.com 35

To advertise on this page or online at bbmlive.com email simon@bbmlive.com