BBM JUNE ISSUE 777

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

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CONTENTS

28

Rock Around The World

We take a look at some of the world’s most amazing rock formations.

Roast Dinner vs Craft Beers

TRAVEL

Sydney/Melbourne/Perth

This month we take a road trip to Wave Rock in Western Australia, and discover the pleasures that Mission Beach in Queensland has to offer.

Travelling to the likes of the Snowy Mountains we take a look at winter sports in Australia. We then take a trip to Spain and check out the streets of Barcelona as well as a visit to some exciting alternative accommodation in the south of Spain. Turn to pages 20-26 to get your travel fix.

Indoor Sky Diving

23 World cup Bar GUIDE 6-9

Interviews

Duck Sauce - 30 Tom Vek - 31 Bell X1 - 32 Darlia - 33

Applying For Jobs In Oz From Overseas If you’re facing the end of your visa, we take a look at how you can apply for jobs in Australia from overseas.

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WORLD CUP BAR GUIDE What better place is there to be when cheering on the Three Lions as they take to the pitches and make Old Blighty proud?

253 Coogee Bay Road, Coogee www.coogeebayhotel.com.au

Pyrmont Bridge Hotel

The Pyrmont Bridge Hotel is a brilliant location to get together with your friends for a relaxing drink and also catch a little something to eat. If you’re feeling particularly manly, through the week at PBH they host the ‘Man or Mouse’ challenge. Take on the Monster Chicken Burger ($15), Rack of Ribs or the 1KG rump steak (each $20) and be crowned the title of ‘MAN’ on completion. No one wants to go home a mouse. Across Pyrmont Bridge Hotel’s three floors you can catch all of the 64 games that will be kicking off from 12th June in Brazil for the FIFA World Cup. With PBH’s 15 screens, you’re sure to catch every moment of the games during the competition this year. The England squad kick off their campaign against Italy on 15th June in a tricky Group B that also has World Cup holders Spain and the Netherlands.

96 Union Street, Pyrmont, Sydney www.pyrmontbridgehotel.com

Ship Inn

With beer buckets, breakfast and live action straight from Brazil, Ship Inn is going all out for the 2014 World Cup. Showing matches live at 2am and 8am from Friday 13th June, you’ll be able to catch all of the England games and anyone else you’ve got your eye on. Beer buckets will be available from 2am and a big breakfast is served at 8am to keep you going. Make sure to get inside the venue by 1.30am to get your seat, and support our boys in style! If you happen to be popping down during regular hours, treat yourself to $10 pizzas on Monday and Tuesday, and enjoy a midweek cocktail at just $10 a pop on Wednesdays. We don’t know about you, but they’re some offers we just can’t refuse!

1 Pitt Street, Circular Quay, Sydney www.shipinn.com.au

We’ve only been waiting four years, but FIFA World Cup 2014 has finally arrived! So you don’t miss any of the action, here are the best venues that will be screening the matches alongside hearty helpings of beer and breakfast.

Sydney Palace Hotel

From the very first to the final kick of the Brazil FIFA World Cup, this year the Palace Hotel will be showing every moment of the tournament. With four big screens available, the bar opening from 5am and serving alcohol and coffees from when the doors open, you can’t pick a better bar to go to for the World Cup. Just a few minutes from the Capitol Theatre & Sydney’s entertainment centre, the Palace Hotel is a brilliant place to get together with friends to grab a drink as well as a tasty meal. During the week from 11am to 5pm, when you buy a drink from the bar you can get either a 250g rump steak or chicken schnitzel for only $10 or a grain fed yg porterhouse for $14. And on Thursdays, why don’t you treat yourself and friends to 2-4-1 cocktails? While you’re there, you may as well become a Palace Hotel Member to receive discounts, special drinks offers and other exciting discounts.

730-742 George Street, Haymarket, Sydney www.palacehotelsydney.com.au

Coogee Bay Hotel

A haven on the beachside, Coogee Bay Hotel is a fantastic venue to enjoy your down time, with its seven bars, high quality accommodation and a live entertainment venue that has a 1750 capacity. In the Coogee area, the hotel has become something of an icon as it is known to locals and those travelling from other states as well as tourists from overseas. The Hotel is right across the Coogee Beach and offers up more than just your typical hotel and for this year’s FIFA World Cup in Brazil, Coogee Bay Hotel will be screening all the action live.

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WORLD CUP BAR GUIDE Melbourne Imperial Hotel

Welcome to this little pub in Melbourne’s CBD, but don’t let its size fool you.

The Imperial Hotel found on the Spring Street end of Bourke Street is huge on sport, great food and ice cold beers. If you’re after the best place to enjoy live sporting action, then look no further. The kitchen dishes up only first class pub meals with food being available from 12-9pm and you will also find tasty beers and ciders on tap. The Imperial will be open 24/7 during the FIFA World Cup hosted by Brazil, and will be showing every fixture of the tournament.

A special World Cup promotion of $20 Bud Buckets is available as well as a serving of breakfast every morning at 6am whenever there’s a game. The opening game will see Brazil vs Croatia with the kick off at 6am and the earliest kick off times for the rest of the competition at 2am.

2-8 Bourke Street, Melbourne www.bourkestreetimperial.com

The Portland Hotel

A great pub that will be keeping its doors open 24/7 throughout this year’s World Cup, with the opening game between host nation Brazil and Croatia on 13th June kicking off at 6am. Wear your Three Lions jersey with pride and support the lads as they take on World Cup holders, Spain, Total Football creators, Netherlands, and the powerful Chile. We think all good luck charms will be necessary this month! The Portland Hotel is located in Melbourne’s CBD and is also a brewery, the James Squire Brewhouse. You are welcomed into its warm atmosphere with a bar, restaurant and friendly bar staff. The hotel is a must-go-to venue to enjoy a nice meal and a cool drink – and plenty of sports!

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

Perth Elephant & Wheelbarrow

As Perth’s top entertainment precinct, Northbridge is home to the Elephant & Wheelbarrow, which has grown to become a popular venue in the area. It can boast a variety of both international and local beers on tap and is a nice traditional British pub in the heart of Northbridge. Its lively atmosphere is a great reason to head on over to the E&W for this year’s FIFA World Cup in Brazil. The pub will be screening 22 games of the international tournament so make sure you grab the best seat nice and early and get your friends together to make a day of it with a cold pint in your hand.

53-55 Lake Street, Perth www.northbridge.elephantandwheelbarrow.com.au

Carbon Bar

How does the sound of a 12.5m-wide screen, 16 plasmas and sports coverage with Setanta, ESPN and Foxtel on screen sound? If you’re big on sports then the Carbon Bar in Perth is the right place for you to catch the action of the biggest sports fixtures. Carbon Bar will be screening all of the games from the Brazil 2014 FIFA World Cup. Get your friends together for a lively opening day of the World Cup with Brazil vs Croatia kicking off at 6am on 13th June. Make sure that you’re there to support England as they take on a tough Group D with their tournament starting on 15th June against Italy at 8am.

Crown Perth, Great Eastern Highway, Burswood, Perth www.carbonsportsbar.com.au

Brisbane Pig ‘N’ Whistle

The traditional British pub on Brisbane’s Riverside is a great venue for your night out and a perfect place to have a delicious sit down meal as you choose from the a la carte menu. Prepare for the Brazil FIFA World Cup kicking off 13th June with Brazil taking on Croatia by joining in the Trivia World Cup Night on the 8th at the Pig ‘N’ Whistle. Brush up on your World Cup knowledge and try your hand at winning the trivia night and pocketing the prize. For the World Cup, the Pig ‘N’ Whistle will be showing the biggest games from the group stages. All the games will be screened live for host Brazil, England, Spain, Germany, Japan and of course Oz. The earliest games will be kicking off at 2am so set your alarms and get your power naps in so you don’t miss a moment of the action.

123 Eagle Street, Brisbane www.pignwhistle.com.au

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SYDNEY

a toast to the roast As the winter nights draw closer and the temperature drops by a few degrees, what better way to warm your insides than with a traditional roast dinner?

Pair your deep Yorkshire pudding, crispy roast potatoes and succulent meats with a cold craft beer and you’re onto a winner.

The Porterhouse

P.J. O’Brien’s

A cosy Irish pub that makes you feel at home regardless of where you come from, it boasts to have the best Sunday roast in Sydney, and at $12, it is certainly good value for money with a platefull of roast potatoes, pumpkin, peas, carrots, a Yorkshire pudding and lashings of gravy along with a selection of meats to choose from. As a purveyor of Irish ales, you can expect your favourites like Guinness, Kilkenny and Magners, plus a few specials, making The Porterhouse a great place to unwind on a breezy Sunday afternoon.

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

Located within the Grace Hotel Complex on the corner of King and York Street, this Irish pub draws you in with the warm glow of an open fire and the melodic sounds of Irish tunes before you even put fork to mouth and try their roast. Claimed to be the best in town, you can judge for yourself at just $12 a pop, including a choice of beef, lamb, chicken and a roast of the day, alongside creamy mash, seasonal vegetables and gravy. For those who want to continue winding down into Sunday evening, P.J’s offers a Sunday Session where you can sip on a pint of Fat Yak or Victoria Bitter and listen to live music from 6-9pm.

57 Kings Street, Sydney www.pjobriens.com.au/sydney

Parkside Bar

Four in Hand After recently undergoing some refurbishment to further enhance the venue, Four in Hand are back to offer a home cooked roast with all the trimmings at $24pp. The roast menu changes slightly each week from beef with Yorkshire pudding to leg of lamb with roast vegetables. However, if you really want to have a meal to remember, then you could try the whole roasted pork belly with

The Local Taphouse This Darlinghurst tavern is craft beer central and has returned with its famous Sunday roast for the colder afternoons from 12.30pm. With new head chef, Adam Spencer, hailing from Yorkshire, you can expect puddings to be out of this world. The roasted pork belly comes with potatoes, carrots, cauliflower, peas and parsnip with a hefty Yorkshire on the side, all for $20. Pair with a Fullers London Pride Bitter or Murrays Angry Man Pale Ale, and don’t forget to tip your waitresses!

122 Flinders Street, Darlinghurst thelocal.com.au

By Stephanie Cross, Images courtesy of The Porterhouse & The Local Taphouse.

Situated in Surry Hills, Parkside Bar offers a splendid weekend afternoon of dining and drinking.

For $18 you can enjoy a delicious tasting Sunday roast from chicken and lamb with all the trimmings, every Saturday and Sunday from noon. With a weekly beer special of pints, jugs, schooners and middies, and plenty of craft beer to wash down your hearty roast.

495 Cleveland Street, Surry Hills 2010 www.paksidebar.com.au

accompaniments for $350 per pig. Although there is a requirement of giving at least 24 hours notice and bringing nine of your friends for the ride, you will certainly feel like the King of Roasts afterwards.

105 Sutherland Street, Paddington www.fourinhand.com.au

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SYDNEY

Hot Right Now From eating to shopping and music, we’ve got the lowdown on the top things to do in Sydney this June.

Above The Clouds

A mid-high end store with accessible fashion, Above The Clouds stocks men’s and women’s threads from worldwide brands in an inviting and well-kept environment. Browse trainers, caps, t-shirts and jackets with ease, from names such as Benny Gold, Ice Cold and Saucony, and you’re likely to find something that adds something special to your wardrobe.

Lot 6, 38-44 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst www.abovethecloudsstore.com

Depicting Marilyn By John Duncan

Vino e Cucina

By Charlotte Mellor, Images courtesy of Vino e Cucina, Above The Cloud Store, Tap Gallery

An Italian eatery with fine wine and boutique beers, Vino e Cucina is the hottest joint to hit Paddington in recent times.

With all-you-can-eat pizza for $20 every Monday night, a backyard with retractable roof that’s perfect for lunch, and as-fresh-as-you-can-get fish, meat and vegetables, you don’t need an excuse to check out this little piece of Italy right in the heart of Sydney.

209-211 Glenmore Road, Paddington vinoecucina.com.au

With his aim to show an individual’s spirit and persona on canvas using just a paintbrush, John Duncan’s pieces have a striking resemblance to the people we see in the public eye. His striking use of colour in Depicting Marilyn is no different, as well as his portrayal of the starlet as a vulnerable human being, as he believes she felt at the time. Taking a respectful look at Marilyn Monroe, his work on this Hollywood starlet go on display at Tap Gallery between 9th and 14th June only.

45 Burton Street, Darlinghurst www.tapgallery.org.au

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Concourse Bar Wynyard Station 33 York Street $9.50 Pie and House Beverage

The Roosevelt Bar & Diner 32 Orwell Street Potts Point $15 Chefs Special Burger Tuesdays

Wednesday Ryan’s Bar 264-278 George Street $10 Gourmet Pizza from 5pm

Thursday

P.J. O’Brien’s 57 King Street Thursday Live Music from 7pm

Bungalow 8 3 Lime Street $5 Beer, Bubbles and Vodka from 4-7pm P.J. Gallagher’s Sports Bar & Bistro 260 Pitt Street Poker Tournament from 7.30pm

Bar Luca 52 Phillip Street Happy Hour from 4-7pm The Soda Factory 16 Wentworth Avenue Surry Hills $16 Chicken and Waffles

Saturday

Sunday

Helm Bar 7 Wheat Road Darling Harbour $25 1KG of Fresh Prawns

The Royal Oak 36 College Street Balmain $25 Sunday Roast

Darlo Bar 36 Liverpool Street Get Happy $4 Local Tap Beer from 5-7pm

The Forresters 336 Riley Street Surry Hills $10 Margaritas

Pontoon Bar The Promenade North 201 Sussex Street $15 Sangria Jugs

The Morrison 225 George Street $1 Oysters from 6-7pm

Establishment Bar 252 George Street Free Salsa lessons from 8pm

Friday

Parkside Bar 95 Cleveland Street Surry Hills $5 Jam Jar Cocktails from 5-7pm

The Porterhouse 233 Riley Street Surry Hills $10 McDonnell’s Chicken Curry Tea Gardens Hotel 2 – 4 Bronte Road Bondi Junction R&B Thursdays

Paragon Hotel Cnr Loftus & Alfred Streets Electric Anthems Live Bands from 9pm

The Loft 3 Lime Street Sunday Sessions $5 House Beer and Wine

Sydney Film Festival 2014 of talks, exhibitions, live performances and over 25 free events plus a Festival Bar, which is designed to be a central meeting place for film lovers to relax, mingle and be entertained.

The opening night of the festival will commence with an Australian Premiere of ‘20,000 Days on Earth’ on the 4th June at the State Theatre where drama and reality collide in this innovative film about international culture icon Nick Cave which is directed by visual artists Iain Forsyth and Jane Pollard who will be in attendance at the premiere.

Tickets range from $25-$125.

‘Together in the dark we share our stories’. The 61st Sydney Film Festival kicks off on the 4th -15th June 2014. Expect to see the occasional Hollywood star, world first premieres and a sprinkling of popcorn.

The festival will take place across a variety of venues including the State Theatre, Event Cinemas George Street, Dendy Opera Quays, the Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace Cremorne and the Art Gallery NSW. This year also sees the addition of the Skyline Drive-In Blacktown where there will be a special 40th anniversary screening of The Texas Chain Saw Massacre on Friday 13th June.

In addition, The Hub which is based in the Town Hall will be an area dedicated to a packed program

On the closing night, (15th June) there will be an announcement at the State Theatre at 8pm of all the SFF awards for 2014 including the $60,000 Sydney Film festival prize. Following this will be the screening of ‘What We Do In The Shadows’ which is a vampire mockumentary from Taika Waitki (who directed Boy, which won the Audience Award at SFF 2010) and Jemaine Clement (Flight of the Conchords). Tickets start from $25.

Other highlights at this year’s festival include the film ‘Rover’, direct from the world premiere screening at the Cannes Film Festival, this highly anticipated futuristic thriller starring Robert Pattinson and Guy Pearce will be showing at the State Theatre on the 7th June. In conjunction with Vivid Ideas, there will also be an opportunity to engage in an audience Q&A about the film with Pattison and Pearce as well as the director David

Michod and producer Liz Watts. Further details on this are expected in the next coming weeks.

Along with Pattinson, UK representation also comes in the form of the film ‘Locke’, which has been described as “a daring and very successful cinematic experience” due to its minimalist setup and being shot in real time. Screenings take place at the State Theatre on Sunday 8th June 8:30pm and Monday 9th June 12:40pm.

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

The Sugarmill 33-35 Darlinghurst Road Kings Cross Monster Monday Night Trivia

Tuesday

Adding some further Hollywood sparkle to the proceedings of SFF is the Academy Award winning actress, Cate Blanchett as she introduces the film ‘How To Train Your Dragon 2’ in which she plays the voice of the character Valka. Tickets to this event are strictly limited. The event takes place on the 9th June, 2pm, Event Cinemas George Street.

Now in its 45th year as part of the SFF the Dendy Awards for Australian Short Films, including interesting film titles such as ‘I want to dance better at parties’, ‘The iMom’ and ‘The Video Dating Tape of Desmondo Ray aged 33 & ¾. The finalists of this year’s Dendy awards will screen together in one session on Saturday 14th June at 3:50pm and Sunday 15th June at 11am at Event Cinemas George Street.

Visit www.sff.org.au for tickets, program information and more. To win tickets to the Sydney Film Festival visit www. bbmlive.com/competitions

By Stephanie Cross

Monday

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MELBOURNE

It’s all gravy

Winter & Light Festival At Federation Square

Is there anything better than a roast dinner washed down with a cold beer? Even Melbourne knows how to serve up a traditional, bellywarming feast with full flavour and delicious veggies, and when winter starts creeping in, the restaurants and pubs go all out to impress alongside their fully-stocked bar of local craft beers.

Here are our favourites for the coming months…

The Commoner

The Grace Darling Hotel

This trendy pub on the corner of Smith Street has brought back its famous Sunday roast for winter.

Compared to other cooking methods, the prime cuts of meat and vegetables are cooked together in a cast iron pot and brought individually to your table. You can expect tender lamb and generous servings to fill your boots with. If you’re not much of a meat eater, the vegie roast option is also available. For just $20pp plus 12 local craft beers including Brunswick Bitter, what better way to spend a Sunday afternoon?

114 Smith Street, Collingwood thegracedarlinghotel.com.au

The Vincent

Who says a roast is just for Sunday? At The Vincent in Albert Park, a winter-warming dish of free-range roast chicken, Gippsland-grown potatoes, broccolini and honeyed carrots is available every Wednesday evening from 6pm.

This succulent meal is plucked straight from the fields of Victoria, served up within the beautiful furnishings of the restaurant and perfect with a bottle of the local White Rabbit or Coopers Pale Ale. Yours for just $16pp, satisfy your hunger and thirst with this homegrown and hearty meal.

111 Victoria Avenue, Albert Park www.thevincent.com.au

Maori Chief Hotel

When winter comes around, the Maori Chief Hotel welcomes back their winter roast and everyone celebrates. Available every Tuesday if you just can’t wait until the weekend, you can indulge on meat, tatties and veg from 12-3pm and 6-9pm.

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A Sunday staple for seven years, the roast at The Commoner is more like a banquet with a different cut of meat every two weeks. From roast pork to beef and leg of lamb, all are cooked in the wood oven to retain a smoky flavour, and each come with added accompaniments to compliment the meat at $32 a head. You can even request your own kind of roast in advance. The roast is also available on the ‘Feed Me’ menu, a substantial dinner including entrée, main and dessert for $65pp on Sundays. While The Commoner boasts an extensive wine list, the beer menu is small but high in quality, with Australia’s very own Mountain Goat Steam Ale, Cavalier Pale Ale and Bridge Road Robust Porter to choose from.

122 Johnston Street, Fitzroy www.thecommoner.com.au

The Cricketers Arms

Enjoy a traditional Sunday roast at The Cricketers Arms. Available from 12pm, there’s nothing better than gathering all your mates over a hot meal on a lazy afternoon. Better yet, kick back at 2.30pm and chill out with live acoustic music in the beer garden – perfect with a pot of your favourite frosty, cold beer from the fully-stocked bar.

69 Cruikshank Street, Port Melbourne www.thecricketersarms.com.au

Back for its eighth year running, The Light In Winter festival brings together art, music and performance over three weeks at Federation Square. From 1st – 22nd June, creative minds of local and international status from all walks of life will be showcasing their brilliant skills and talents, with a poignant theme of the circle of life.

The program for 2014 is just as special, eclectic and inspiring as previous years, including the world premiere of ‘Radiant Lines’ by Asif Khan, and the collaboration between Indonesia’s Papermoon Puppet Theatre and Melbourne’s Cake Industries on ‘Anachron’, a focus on the past, present and future through the use of shrines. Over 20 local groups will be participating in the use of shrines to remember the past and express hope for the future, and all can be viewed during The Light In Winter.

As every year, the event opens with the lighting of Leempeeyt Weeyn’, the Indigenous campfire that burns until the final day, providing an incredible setting for much of the program including storytelling, choir singing and poetry.

Federation Square is due to be brought to life with light and sound at 5.30pm every day, when handbells ring for 10 minutes to mark the beginning of ‘Radiant Lines’. The magnificent sculpture created

by London-based architect, Asif Khan proceeds to illuminate its surroundings with hundreds of LED lights that change in rhythm, volume and velocity.

A sight to behold, you can almost feel the pulsating movements as it catches your senses.

Other striking additions to the program include WAT, a shrine to the analogue television held at No Vacancy Project Space courtesy of audio-visual artist, Claudio Tocco. The Kirra Illuminating Glass Award Exhibition also holds an array of internally-lit glass art from Australian and New Zealand talents, with the winner and 40 shortlisted artists being showcased. Sculpture, performance, spoken word and woodwork will all be used to interpret shrines to life, what was and what will be.

All exhibitions, works, shrines and performances are free to the public and will make up The Light In Winter 2014. To witness something extraordinary, head to Federation Square this June and let it all sink in.

Federation Square, Melbourne www.fedsquare.com

By Charlotte Mellor, Image courtesy of The Vincet & Federation Square.

Also serving local Mountain Goat and Victoria Bitter, as well as New Zealand’s Monteith’s and Tui, grab a cold one and with your roast and get comfortable by the open fire.

117 Moray Street, South Melbourne www.maorichief.com.au

Return To Oz Lillie Almond explains just how hard it was to leave Melbourne behind, but how you can return to the city you have come to hold so dear, especially if you’re facing the prospect of coming toward the end of your Working Holiday Visa...

M

elbourne was an accident. Having planned to visit a friend for two weeks, I somehow ended up staying for a full year, punctuating my time with travel across Australia. The most liveable city in the world, Melbourne proved a hospitable and friendly place, almost impossible to leave. So, when the time finally came, it’s safe to say that it was heart-breaking – how do you get ready to leave behind the city you’ve fallen in love with, and come to call home?

Adjusting back to England was far from the easiest thing to do. Despite being blessed with English summer, and a fair amount of sunshine upon my return, settling back down in the motherland was far from easy. It seems that the air really is different; the mentality, priorities and lifestyle are colliding, and the overall everythingness is as contrasting as possible. Of course, soon, this changes. Acceptance dawns, and England becomes a normality again. It’s the small things that still niggle though: the road signs, the size of the sky in comparison to the vastness of that in Australia, the sudden lack of avocado being smashed onto everything – these are the things (even though I hate avocado), that make you realise that a tourist visa and a return to Aussie-land is, safe to say, long overdue.

Acquiring a tourist visa is one of the most accessible ways of visiting Australia once your one-year working holiday visa has expired. Unless you applied more recently, or committed to three months of regional work, your ability to live and work in Australia is restricted to several options: sponsorship, through a company who will take you on long term; a relationship (which must be genuine – they do check!) or a skills visa. None of these being relevant to me, I selected a tourist visa – an opportunity of three months that I wasted by only using three.

It is most likely that you will need an eVisitor, subclass 651 visa. However, depending on what country you’re entering from, and if you’re planning on doing any business while out there, you could be after a 601 or 600.

Nevertheless, return to the homeland has allowed hindsight, and hindsight has displayed that Australia is still its beautiful self. Nothing having changed is a giant comfort; it was incredible then, is incredible now, and as far as I can see, will be outstandingly incredible for the foreseeable future. So, maybe it wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world to embrace good old England, safe in the knowledge that the subclass 651, 25 hours of journey time and a flight’s worth of savings can always take you back to your dreamland. How lucky we are to have the best of both worlds.

Do you want to become a BBM columnist or share your travel experiences? Write to us at reporters@bbmlive.com

By Lillie Almond

So, once the visa hurdle is accomplished, getting back to this enormous island is fairly easy – minus the 25-hour journey. I could list all of the things that you could take to pass the time, but you’ve probably got that covered! It’s safe to say that the journey on the way out is far quicker than the journey on the way back, though – mentally and physically – and if you’ve done this at all recently, you’ll know what it means to stop in Brunei, or Bandar Seri Begawan, to be precise (still definitely unable to pronounce that). Just bring an eye-mask and headphones.

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MELBOURNE Ironbark BBQ

We may be facing the colder months of winter, but that doesn’t mean the barbeques have to be left to rust. The gents at Ironbark BBQ have set up shop temporarily at The Workers Club on Brunswick Street, serving delectable 12-hour smoked meats like beef brisket, pulled pork and loads of extras. If you fancy sharing, try fighting over The Woody Harrelson platter including 100g of brisket, 100g of pork, corn bread, tomato salad and slaw for an easy $30. Get down every evening before it all goes!

51 Brunswick Street, Melbourne www.facebook.com/IronbarkBBQ

Dr Morse

HUT 13

Step inside this gallery, workshop space and shop and you’ll be transported into an Alice-in-Wonderland hypnosis of colour and vibrancy.

With products from local artists and craftmakers, you won’t find anything beige, but rather a concoction of porcelain, jewellery, paintings, homewares and bits and bobs to give yourself and your home some extra personality. Head inside and see what delight catches your eye.

79 Swan Street, Richmond hut13.com

Get involved with the very best of what Melbourne has to offer this month, from art and culture, to great cocktails. It’s kicking off in this city.

The Only Way Out Is The Only Way In: Douglas Gordon

Its first day on 31st May, Douglas Gordon’s The Only Way Out Is The Only Way In will be on show at the Australian Centre For Contemporary Arts (ACCA) until 3rd August. Using images from popular culture, Gordon creates photographic and video installations to make viewers think about moral obscurity and life’s dichotomies. With work ranging from a visual collaboration with Rufus Wainwright to a slowed down version of Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho, this exhibition has high expectations attached to it.

111 Sturt Street, Southbank www.accaonline.org.au

Hot Right Now Harry & Frankie

Explore the world through the wine selection at Harry & Frankie. With bottles of red and white filling the shelves from top to floor, you can choose anything from a $31 2013 Chenin Blanc to a 2004 Nebbiolo at $200. If you can’t wait to sample what you’ve bought, the bar is extremely accommodating and you can drink at retail price plus $15 corkage fee. Should you get peckish, there’s even charcuterie plates plus some delightful main courses to compliment your sauce.

317 Bay Street, Port Melbourne www.harryandfrankie.com.au

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Jay Dillon

From t-shirts to super cool suits and smart-casual footwear, Jay Dillon can transform any gentleman’s wardrobe, and with two stores in Melbourne, you’ve no excuse not to step through the door and make a new purchase.

Labels include David Smith, Squire and Cutler & Co at reasonable prices, so you can be sure to pick up some classic, statement and key pieces.

440 Chapel Street, South Yarra Shop 2 184 Little Collins Street, Melbourne www.jaydillon.com.au

By Charlotte Mellor, Images courtesy of Dr Morse, HUT 13, Harry & Frankie, ACCA Online, Ironbank BBQ & Jay Dillon.

Fulfilling your every need from 7am – 11pm, there’s a new doctor in town supplying coffee in the morning, good food throughout the day and fabulous cocktails come nightfall. From burgers, to salads, freshly baked goods, and a fully stocked bar, Dr Morse sees to it that you have a brilliant day with fun and hospitality that few others can match.

Not taking itself (or rather – himself) too seriously, come see how this little eatery has transformed Johnston Street below Victoria Park train bridge, and venture into the surprising oasis of the courtyard.

274 Johnston Street, Abbotsford www.drmorse.com.au

Tuesday

Asian Beer Café 211 La Trobe Street $8 Gokus Choice Jugs

Wednesday

Thursday

The Common Man 39 Dukes Walk $15 Beer & Burger

Lucky Coq Chapel Street & High Street Windsor Giggle Tuesdays from 8.30pm Station 59 59 Church Street $15 Chicken Parma and Pot The Carlton 193 Bourke Street $14 Steak Dinner Cross Keys Hotel 250 Pascoe Vale Road Happy Hour from 4-6pm

Two Birds One Stone 12 Claremont Street All Day Breakfast

The Penny Black 420 Sydney Road Trivia Thursdays from 8pm

The Dan O’Connell Hotel 225 Canning Street $1 Tacos Temperance Hotel 424 Chapel Street $15 Parma and pot of Blonde/House Wine or Soft Drink wine

The Mitre Tavern 5 Bank Place Trivia Night 6.30-8.30pm

Friday Father’s Office 249 Little Lonsdale Street $6 Happy Hour Specials 5-7pm & 8-10pm

The Precinct Hotel 60 Swan Street $17.50 Express Lunch and Drink

Turf Bar 131 Queen Street Matilda’s Happiest Hour 6-8pm Asian Beer Café 211 La Trobe Street DJ Night ABC 123 ‘90s Pop

Saturday

Sunday Hoo Haa Bar 105 Chapel Street 2 for 1 Cocktails

Strike Bowling 211 La Trobe Street Night Bowling 4pm-late

St Kilda Beach House 109 Barkly Street Sunday Sessions Karaoke

29th Apartment 29 Fitzroy Street $8 Nachos from 12-7pm The Loft 3 Lime Street Sunday Sessions $5 House Beer and Wine Republica 10 – 18 Jacka Boulevard Live Music from 3-6pm

Melbourne’s Best Places To Live, Work & Play means you will be spoilt for choice. Whether you’re after dining with a sombrero at Chingon, Italian cuisine mastered by a homely man with a moustache or Greek recipes created by a togawearing goddess, Richmond can cater to every need. Lunch in Osteria La Passione; grab a light meal at Swan Street hill for traditional tastes of Greece or bite into Baby Pizza on Church Street.

Relaxing in Footscray – Enter a world full

Living in Albert Park – Just 4km from

Melbourne CBD, Albert Park is a great place to settle if you’ve managed to bag a solid pay packet.

Albert Park boasts great cafés, book shops, a village shopping centre and lovely Victorian architecture. If you’re commuting into the city it’s a great place to call home. House shares start from $170-$250 per week, with fully furnished apartments starting from $340.

Working in Collingwood – Work among professional, creative and quirky characters from all walks of life in the inner-city hub that is full of activity. In Collingwood you will find a mix of eclectic people that will brighten up your daily commute. The area is perfect for professionals and great for after work entertainment; have a drink at Kent Street or experience the artistic initiatives

taking over the suburb and browse through galleries like Ochre.

Drinking in Brunswick – Indulge in sophisticated beverages among the locals of Brunswick. The places to circulate are the trendy bars, hip restaurants and chic cafes that are dotted along Lygon, Sydney and Nicholson Streets.

During the day go to Piano Piano for your daily caffeine shot to make it through the day, then hit up the social scene a little later. Start your night at The Alderman with a few drinks and then head to the Cornish Arms where you can catch a gig, and test out your dancing skills.

Eating in Richmond – Richmond boasts an abundance of international specialities which

of spices and the relaxing aroma of brewed coffee as you enter the internationally roamed streets of Footscray. Stroll to Saigon Market where you will be able to buy tropical fruits and Vietnamese groceries, transporting your palette to another destination. Go to Maribyrnong River and settle at one of the three ponding points to catch fish with a hand net. Here you can leave behind your busy and hectic life, switch off your attention-deficit gadgets and finally relax.

Swimming in St Kilda – Venture through the many activities available in St Kilda; here you can enjoy sailing, windsurfing and kite surfing on the beautiful bay. If you’d rather have a dip in a pool then the historic St Kilda Sea Baths have heated seawater spas where the water has been taken directly from the sea and heating to a perfect temperature – great for those nippier days. The Sea Baths are open Monday to Sunday and on public holidays. Once you’ve had enough of the water you can spot little penguins at the St Kilda Breakwater.

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

Monday

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PERTH

Crafty Cuts

Perth’s Best Areas To Live, Work & Play

No matter how long you’re in Australia for, a tasty and satisfying roast dinner is something you shouldn’t have to live without. Thanks to the pubs and restaurants in Perth, you can have perfect meat, potatoes and veggies with the addition of a local or international craft beer to wash it down.

Moon And Sixpence

Fibber McGee’s

It may say steakhouse on the sign, but Fibber McGee’s is a local favourite for roast dinners every Sunday, noon ‘til 4.30pm. Precede your main with traditional Irish soda bread for just $4.50, and then dive straight into roast potatoes, vegetables, gravy, and even a crispy Yorkshire pudding, with your choice of turkey, lamb, beef or pork, for less than $20. As an Irish pub, you can accompany your meal with a classic Irish beverage like Guinness or Magners Irish Cider. If after that there’s still room in your belly, let the dessert menu tempt you over to the dark side and spend your Sunday afternoon the way it was intended – with a full stomach!

711 Newcastle Street, Leederville www.fibbermcgees.com.au

London Café & Bar

For a little extra dollar, you can experience a roast dinner of epic proportions. At the London Café & Bar, you are welcome to devour a plate of beef, pork or chicken, accompanied by roast potatoes, mash, steamed vegetables, cauliflower cheese, Yorkshire pudding and sausage stuffing all smothered in a rich gravy at the reasonable price of $25. You can even bring whatever tipple you fancy with no corkage fee! Better yet, the desserts finish your meal in true British style, with sticky toffee pudding, bread and butter pudding, apple crumble and even jam roly-poly to choose from at $10. Available from noon – 7pm on Sunday, we’ll certainly be visiting again this winter.

C1/2 Currambine Central, 1244 Marmion Avenue, Currambine www.facebook.com/LondonCafeandBar

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Elephant And Wheelbarrow

At just $15, the Sunday Roast special at Elephant And Wheelbarrow consists of slices of thick-cut meat, roasties, butternut pumpkin, broccoli, carrots and peas, with garlic butter and gravy, plus your choice of one of seven bottles of James Squire. There’s also beer on tap from Little Creatures to Victoria Bitter and Guinness, as well as bottles of Feral’s Belgian White and Redback Mild. Sundays are joined

by Daren Reid & The Soul City Groove on stage from 7.30pm, so you may find yourself sticking around well after your dinner’s gone down!

53-55 Lake Street, Northbridge northbridge.elephantandwheelbarrow.com. au

J.B. O’Reilly’s

Ever had a roast dinner and struggled to decide which meat to go for? J.B.’s has made the decision all the easier on you by combining beef, chicken, lamb and pork in their Ultimate Roast. At just $28, you get to have all this plus the trimmings every Sunday from noon.

If this seems all a bit too much for you, you can tone it down with the Traditional Roast, which contains just one meat plus potatoes and vegetables for $22. There’s live music from The Smithereens from 6.30pm, bottles and tap beers from Oz and abroad, and Beer Of The Month for just $7.50 a pint.

99 Cambridge Street, West Leederville www.jboreillys.com.au

Living in Fremantle - An easy 30 minutes from the

city centre, Fremantle is the perfect city for coast side living amongst an eclectic mix of creative people that populate the bohemian town. Around Fremantle, you can take a sip of coffee along the famous ‘Cappuccino Strip’ and mix and mingle with friends and friendly strangers alike. Prices start from $400 AUD per week for pretty townhouses and sophisticated apartments. If you’re looking for a cheaper option, house and flat shares can be found for around $150$200 per week, which really keeps the cost down whilst you’re on a working holiday visit.

Working in Leederville - This suburb is perfect for young professionals who love vibrant inner city social scenes with contagious positive energy. The suburb’s famous Oxford Street has an array of places to eat and shop to your heart’s content. Working in the city means you’re in the social centre with the best transport links to nearby suburbs.

Drinking in Northbridge - The district of Northbridge boasts plenty of reliable watering holes. The entertainment goes on ‘til early hours and provides the perfect social scene for you to let off steam. Try William Street, which hosts a number of great bars like Bivouac Canteen and Bar, 339 Bar and The Brass Monkey.

Eating in Cottesloe - This is the best place to look over the Indian Ocean and feel the gentle sea breeze while dining on your favourite cuisine. The village atmosphere in this town will lure you into a harnessing cocoon while you feast on seafood as darkness falls over the orange and pink hues of sunset. Taste Italian dishes at Il Lido or gorge on lamb-rack at The Blue Duck.

Relaxing in Kings Park - Immerse yourself in Kings Park and the Botanic Garden. You can go on bushland nature trails where the sighting of Western Australia’s wildflowers and wildlife will set your mind at ease. Go over to the Saw Avenue Amphitheatre on the western side of the park for a dose of escapism and the huge fountain, that, when the wind blows in the right direction, will cool you down on a hot day.

Swimming in Rockingham - Perth’s nearest water

sport haven. You can experience scuba diving at the West Coast Dive Park, go snorkelling, windsurfing and kite surfing along some of the best spots on the west coast of Australia.

For an adventurous swimming experience, head to Safety Bay to take to the waves on a windsurfing sail or cool catamaran.

By Arti Rajput

If you can’t wait ‘til noon or have missed lunchtime, you can order a roast dinner on every Saturday and Sunday from 11.30am – 9pm at the Moon And Sixpence. This weekend roast consists of slices of your favourite meat, potatoes and vegetables, and even comes with half a pint of Australia’s very own Hahn Super Dry for $20pp. There are also Irish, German and English tap beers to choose from, and a ‘Beverage Of The Month’. Go one step further and enjoy all the trimmings when Christmas comes to the pub in July; with turkey, honey glazed ham, chestnut stuffing and even mince pies, you’ll certainly warm your cockles this winter.

300 Murray Street, Perth www.moonandsixpence.com.au

Hatched

Until 29th June, you can take a look at what the recent graduates of art have created when Hatched comes to the Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts. From the intricate to the intense to the downright disturbed, explore the creativity of the newest artists to come on the scene, including 2014 Doctor Harold Schenberg Art Prize Winner, Zoe Kirkwood.

51 James Street, Northbridge www.pica.org.au

At the highest point of The Aviary lies The Nest Rooftop, and it’s certainly somewhere you can expect to get comfy and relax.

With 500 square metres to play with, it boasts as being the largest rooftop space in the state and offers a fantastic view of the Perth skyline. Whether you want drinks or dinner, or just to laze about on the day bed beside a potted plant, The Nest is as welcoming as you can get. With a bar catering to your thirst (from cocktail pitchers to beer on tap – it’s got the lot) as well as share plates and pizza to gorge on, you may find yourself passing the time here from now on.

140 William Street, Perth www.theaviaryperth.com.au

Hot Right Now

Bill’s Bar And Bites

Located in the front room of what was the Leederville Hotel, let the trained bar staff tend to your order and enjoy the small but delicious menu of bites. Serving some of the most lovingly-made cocktails in town, this place oozes a cool charm reminiscent of the 1950s – even the glasses scream retro-chic. The dishes are served on boards for a rustic element and the food sounds just as modest with cheese and ham toasties, chili con carne and baby Camembert on the menu, but all are unique and should not be passed by.

742 Newcastle Street, Leederville www.billsbarandbites.com.au

Images courtesy of The Nest Rooftop, Pica.org and Bill’s Bar And Bites

The Nest Rooftop

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TRAVEL

Road Trip To Wave Rock

Want to experience more of what Western Australia has to offer?

We take a trip to Wave Rock...

Now there’s several ways you could get to Wave Rock, you could take an organised tour that will save you missing any highlights on your way… or if you’re feeling brave you could hire a campervan or 4WD and take to the highway on an adventure to visit this natural phenomenon.

If you’re starting out from Perth, fear not, as it’s only a 3-4 hour drive inland to Wave Rock, with so much to see along the way. Start your journey on Albany highway and go via Brookton to take the Southern route to Wave Rock. You can drive up glorious Greenmount Hill, the oldest plateau on Earth, in the Darling Range; you can view the archaean granites from the high ground of the Perth Hills and in road cuts, with good examples in the Mundaring Weir area.

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Armadale

This is a great first stop as it is only 30 minutes from Perth CBD. Armadale is perfect for you if you’re a lover of all things vehicular. Visit the Bert Tyler Vintage Machinery Museum and discover a rare and exciting collection of Twentieth Century engines. If you were ever a boy scout then you’ll love the Morse Code demonstrations on Tuesdays between 10am and 1pm; you will get the chance to send your own telegraph message. If you’re more of a water baby and enjoy watching regattas then head over to Champion Lakes and catch a highly competitive boat race.

Brookton

Once you’ve travelled 2km from Perth, on the left side of the road, you will see farming land and the beautiful surrounding bushland before the town of Brookton. Once you enter the shire, take a break and grab lunch from Stumpy’s Gateway Roadhouse on Brookton Highway or head over to the Old Railway And Pioneer Park with your prepacked picnic. Sit by the pretty water feature (try not to take a dip) and then browse the unique arts and crafts store.

Corrigin

Enter the friendly countryside community in Corrigin and you’ll receive a warming welcome to their recreational activities. Take a stroll around the Shopping District Route and see Corrigin Museum. While you’re on the Town Site Circuit, take a dip in the Corrigin swimming pool to cool off after the walk around town – but remember to pack swimming gear and towels for your journey.

Corrigin is known as the famous dog-in-a-ute town and has a nearby dog cemetery which you can visit. Dog is a man’s best friend after all.

Kondinin

Once you enter Kondinin, you will be 272km east of Perth on the Brookton Highway and close to your destination. Kondinin plays homage to the families that called it home with The Centenary Walk; a trail of exquisite mosaics that have been laid out to commemorate past and present families, businesses and organisations. Indulge in a coffee from CC’s Coffee & Cakes to retrieve the energy you lost during the drive, and then learn more about the Wheatbelt towns that make up the various pathways to Wave Rock.

Images courtesy of Tourism Western Australia & Gabriel Delhey.

Take a road trip to see the famous ‘Wave’ on Hyden Rock in Australia’s famous Golden Outback region. This rock formation has been styled by natural forces and as a result, resembles a giant wave. Multi coloured granite adds to the magnificence of this aesthetic beauty and is a cause for fascination amongst those who see it.

You can marvel at its history being that it is over 2,700 million years old, or capture touristy pictures of you nearly being submerged by the wave.

End your pilgrimage in Hyden, the closest town to Wave Rock. In Hyden there’s indigenous rock art at Mulka’s Cave, the largest collection of lace in the southern hemisphere and a great wildlife park where you can get excited to see intriguing rare white kangaroos. From Hyden, make your way to Wave Rock which stands an outstanding 15 metres high and 110 metres long.

To make the most of this spectacular rock formation and surrounding activities, spend the night in one of Hyden’s picturesque cottages. Go to the Wave Rock Lakeside Resort for two-bedroom cottages on the shores of Lake Magic. If you took your campervan for the ride, the base of Wave Rock hosts a tranquil caravan park in a natural bush setting, perfect for an overnight stay.

An Alternative Route…

If you want to see Perth’s Northern suburbs then start your journey through the pretty town of York: York – Quairading – Corrigin – Kondinin – Hyden Drive through the Jarrah Forest of Darling Range for a completely different and enchanting experience. The Jarrah Forest is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna and has sign-posted drives for you to enjoy the scenic land.

It’s a four hour drive through the otherworldly sounds of Jarrah Forest and its captivating bloom before you come to historic York.

York

York sits in the Avon Valley of Western Australia and is the oldest inland town, 97km east of Perth. This town will charm you with its picturesque tendencies and beauty. Take a drive tour through the Avon Valley to discover the hidden allure of York. If you’re an adrenaline junkie then start your morning with an invigorating sky dive from 14,000 feet for 60 seconds of heart-stopping freefall.

You will gain a panoramic view of Avon Valley, Perth and Rottnest Island during the 5-7 minute floating canopy.

Quairading

The name Quairading comes from the indigenous word ‘Kwirading’, meaning the home of a small bush animal - this is reason enough to visit Quairading.

Stop off in Quairading to see the artistic work of Ian Wills; believed to be the only full time natural wood sculptor in Australia. He was inspired by the shapes of the roots of trees and their colours, and was a man that fought against the weakness of illness to live and continue his passion. His artistry is inspiration enough to achieve every goal. The woodland areas of the reserve have unique and wonderful wandoo, york and salmon gum forests that are perfect to experience before you set back on Quairading-York Road, with a little over two hours ‘til you reach your final destination.

Whichever way you plan to get to Wave Rock - there’s plenty to keep you entertained on your road trip.

Thinking about going it alone? Why not take the road trip of a lifetime and travel Australia in a campervan.

Just picture it… you, your friends, (fuel, food supplies, and water of course) and the great open roads. With winter taking a hold, it’s a great time to explore the tropical northern regions of Australia and venture inland without 40C heat.

There’s tons to explore from the East Coasts of Queensland right through to Western Australia. Venture away from the typical coastal routes and explore the very centre of Australia whilst driving yourself.

Now is a great time to hire a camper as during low season there are lots of deals and low prices available. You can get around 50% off, so it’s well worth it, if you’re travelling on a budget. Inland tours are a great way to delve into Australia and experience a lot of historic and natural sights. There are lots of routes you could take to explore Australia, for instance you could pick up a camper in Cairns and follow the Savannah Way through Queensland, experience the tropical rainforests before heading on to Mt Surprise to search for gemstones and Georgetown to see the gold center and have a shot at finding some for yourself. There is amazing bird watching in Bluebush Swamp and fishing in the Albert River.

The Mitchell Highway runs from Augathella to Bathurst in NSW and is a great way for travellers to experience some iconic Australian towns too, often overlooked in favour of coastal trips. The cooler weather afforded by the winter months is a great time to travel around Queensland and Western Australia and see the sights without heat, flies and huge crowds!

Western Australia is home to many mining towns; Kalgoorlie-Boulder is one of the biggest and most popular, where visitors can hunt for gold, enjoy markets and classic pubs, see the world’s largest open pit mine, and surf in the desert.

Campers can cruise across to Wave Rock at Hyden to see the beautiful formation, the local bushland and indigenous culture. The iconic rabbit proof fence is nearby as is Lake Magic where you can swim, sail or canoe. Heading deep into WA you can check out Karijini National Park - if you want to really get into the thrill of adventure, you might want to consider a 4WD, the park is popular for its beautiful, unspoiled scenery and wildlife and rock formations.

For more trip ideas, get in contact with the staff from Getaboutoz.com, who will help you find a great deal as they have a very personal one-to-one way of dealing with customers. Getabout Oz deals with 90% of suppliers in Australia and New Zealand which gives them a huge range of vehicles to choose from.

As one of the biggest online agents it guarantees that they can get the best price and customers can book or just enquire online, over the phone or visit the stores in Sydney or Auckland. If you’re simply looking for a car to rent for the weekend, or for a short trip, you can book this through carrental.com.au, where you’ll find the best deals at the lowest prices.

By Arti Rajput

Hyden

Campervan Across Australia

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TRAVEL opportunities to go swimming in the soothing sea, discover the underwater world with snorkeling and scuba diving or go white water rafting on the Tully River.

Visit the Cassowary Coast’s Mission Beach for a slice of paradise.

Only two hours away from Cairns and three hours from Townsville, Mission Beach offers an excellent choice of restaurants, galleries, gift stores, coffee shops and, of course, the famous Mission Beach Accommodation that includes everything from backpackers, caravan parks, B&Bs, motels, apartments and villas. Start your day with brunch at the Mena Creek Hotel which has been loved by locals since 1929, and boasts architectural beauty including sweeping verandahs adorning Mena Creek, while a chatty pub experience awaits you inside the restaurant. Once your palette is fully satisfied, visit the scenic shores of Mission Beach.

Mission Beach has 14 kilometres of sandy beaches, so it is easy to find a quiet place to relax with a book or indulge by checking into the couple’s room at a day spa and relaxing with fabulous beach views. There are four villages that are collectively known as Mission Beach: South Mission Beach, Wongaling Beach, North Mission Beach and Bingil Bay. South Mission Beach is home to the largest National Park Island in Australia, Hinchinbrook Island, one of the world’s most diversely beautiful wilderness areas.

There are plenty of beachfront bars to enjoy on

Wongaling Beach, or you can catch the water taxi to Dunk Island;

where you can enjoy the cooling rainforest temperature and climb to the summit at Mount Kootaloo from which inspiring views will greet you. Find time to reminisce on North Mission Beach with its eclectic and stylish surroundings or delve into your creative side at Bingil Bay; the hotspot for artists, writers and musicians will spark your creativity and rid you of any mental blocks.

Surrounded by World Heritage rainforest on one side, and the World Heritage listed

Great Barrier Reef on the other, in

this aquatic playground you can be as relaxed or adventurous as you wish. Queensland’s mild, tropical climate is perfect for enjoying water activities all year round.

For adrenaline inducing sports, skydive over the Great Barrier Reef and land on bespoke untouched beaches.

There are excellent

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Mission Beach is home to many wildlife species, most notably the endangered Cassowary. This large flightless bird can be found in the rainforest surrounding the area. Much of the area is part of the Coastal Wet Tropics Important Bird Area, named by BirdLife International because of its importance in the conservation of tropical rainforest birds. The region itself has more forest-dependent endemic vertebrates than any other area in Australia, which lends a unique and special touch to Mission Beach. Nearby is the spectacular Misty Mountains Trail, a series of long-distance walking tracks through highaltitude rainforest. Several follow the ridgelines used by the area’s traditional owners, the Jirribal and Mamu Aboriginal people. These trails don’t have to be a test of endurance and instead, help you unearth Australia’s past. The Misty Mountains Trail is a great equivalent to a romantic stroll along the four main beaches. Mission Beach also has a wide range of sophisticated restaurants, coffee shops and boutiques, mostly along the main street of Porter Promenade. Queensland is a tropical fruit paradise and boutique wineries specialising in tropical fruit wines can be found in Mission Beach and nearby Kurrimine Beach. The option to go on a Tropical Fruit Safari is available, as collectors scoured the world for an array of tropical food plants, which you now have the choice to experience. For the exotic fruit presentation and tasting go to the Visitor Information Centre at 12.45pm on Mondays and Tuesdays. Prices vary depending on number of people but it is $10 per adult and completely worth awakening your taste buds with exotic flavours. Other activities nearby are championship golf courses, which welcome visitors and are perfect if you want to settle down for a game or two. The area is one of the closest mainland access points to the Great Barrier Reef, which is about an hour away by boat. It is the main gateway to Dunk Island, only four kilometres offshore. You can take a break on Dunk Island by catching the water taxi or ferry. You get to laze on the beaches under the palm trees with cocktails, enjoy the water sports activities such as a jet ski tour around the island and learn the island’s history.

The serene beauty of Mission Beach hides another side to this friendly beachside retreat; adrenalin pumping adventure. Skydive from a plane on to the beach, head into the heart of the rainforest for white water rafting or explore the fascinating area on a jet ski or mountain bike. The four gems of Mission Beach provide ample space and time to bask in the delightful sun, traipse through cool rainforest and hit willful waves.

By Arti Rajput

Mission Beach

There is also excellent reef and estuary fishing, rainforest hikes and crocodile spotting whilst in Mission Beach. Close to shore, a shallow reef runs from Porters Creek at the south and ends off North Mission Beach, almost to Clump Point, at the north end of the beach. There are plenty of tours available for you to take part in.

Spot the seawater crocodile or learn how to catch the world’s famous Queensland Mud Crab with Mission Beach Croc & Wildlife Tours departing from Hull River Boat Ramp.

Indoor Skydiving With iFLY Downunder

A skydive back to earth may be a staple of everyone’s bucket list, but for those of you that don’t fancy jumping out of a plane or want to try the newest sport to hit Australia, the experience and feeling of flying may seem too far out of reach. However, there is now an answer to your weightlessness prayers with Australia’s first indoor skydiving facility.

In April 2014, iFLY Downunder opened its doors and has been welcoming budding skydivers with the use of a state-of-the-art vertical wind tunnel, propelling flyers into the air at a speed of 250kms per hour, using four 450 horsepower electric fans. At five feet in diameter and 13 metres high, the tunnel is one of the largest in the world, and comfortably accommodates up to eight individuals.

Joined by an instructor and wearing full flight equipment, first-timers will get two flights, which equals more freefall time than two outdoor skydives, so the whole experience lasts considerably longer!

As a result of the enclosed and controlled environment, anyone from 3 to 103 can take part!

New and returning flyers can enjoy this experience from just $89 for two flights. For $189, time in the tunnel can be extended to two double-length flights. Or for only $119 the iFLY High option, which sees the flyer whizz all the way to the top of the 13-metre wind tunnel.

Open seven days a week, 365 days a year, iFLY Downunder aims to make it as easy and convenient for you to feel the thrill of flying. To be one of the first in Australia to skydive indoors, head down to their location in Penrith along Mulgoa Road, next to Penrith Panthers. With plans to set up more wind tunnels in the future, Skydive Australia Group Limited and iFLY Downunder are set to take over Australia and solidify their status as the most exciting new adventure in Oz. 123 Mulgoa Road, Penrith, Sydney downunder.iflyworld.com

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TRAVEL

Snow Season In Oz

Get ready to hit the slopes for a season of snowy fun, we’ve sourced Australia’s greatest snow spots for skiing and snowboarding, to get your adventure sports fill this winter.

This might come as a surprise, but during autumn and winter, Australia’s mountains are covered in a thick blanket of snow perfect for skiing and snowboarding to your heart’s content. The best slopes can attract thousands of thrill seekers between June and September, the majority of which can be found in New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania. Take advantage of the fall in temperature, get some fresh mountain air into your lungs and take on one of these monumental rides, whether first timer or pro.

Snowy Mountains, NSW

It says it all in the name really, doesn’t it?

Whatever your level, the gradients of Snowy Mountains provide a challenge for all. For beginners, the 1680-metre-high Smiggin Holes is a welcoming part of Perisher Valley resorts with a ski school and nearby trails to go along at your own pace. Smiggins Hotel delivers great access to the entire resort, with nine ski lifts taking you wherever you want to go, so you can practically ski out of your room and back in once the day is over. With this in mind, Smiggins Hotel is the best place to stay for the upcoming Peak Festival from 6th – 9th June, with accommodation, breakfast and your festival ticket included in the price for four days of great music, food and wine – not forgetting snow sports! With a village atmosphere and plenty of friendly faces, you shouldn’t feel any intimidation

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from more experienced skiers or boarders, who will more likely be found on Thredbo or Superpipe.

If you consider yourself more of a daredevil, take to the heights of Mt Kosciuszko and slide down supertrails and open bowls like Friday Flat, High Noon and The Bluff. These are some of the longest runs in Australia, which make for an exciting and breathtaking experience on the snow, so there’s no more welcome sight than the accommodation, bars and restaurants at the end of an active day. Less crowds and quieter slopes can be found at Charlotte Pass. Australia’s only snowbound resort, you need snow vehicles to get to it from Perisher Valley and a limited number of people are allowed in the village at one time, so you can expect clear runs and plenty of space for you to do your thing. Grab a ride from the Perisher Valley SkiTube terminal, get straight on a ski lift and wind your way back down. A day on Charlotte Pass costs just $99pp and includes lift pass, return trip and lunch.

Hotham, VIC

With more natural snowfall than any other Victorian ski resort, plus the help of a snowmaking system, Hotham is your destination for skiing and snowboarding. Reaching 1861m, covering an area of 320 hectares and night skiing available on Wednesday and Saturday, there’s plenty of fun to be had for all levels. The village of Dinner Plain is an ideal springboard to Hotham, with a lift to take you to the mountain range and accommodation to sleep off the day. The crosscountry route from Dinner Plain to Hotham ranges from easiest to most difficult, while the Hotham trails include Easy Street, Varsity Drag and Pump House Drop.

There are 13 lifts to take you wherever and however high you want to go, and 7000 beds to prepare for the next exhilarating day, so take in the mountain views and explore this winter wonderland on the slopes.

Ben Lomond, Tasmania

If you make the short hop over to Tasmania, you can enjoy high quality snow sports in Ben Lomond National Park, the state’s only vehicle-accessible alpine resort. At 1453m, you won’t reach any higher point in Tasmania, so take in the sights below as you whizz through the snow. The area of the park itself is an astonishing 16,500 hectares and is home to the island’s second largest peak, Legges Tor, an eye-watering 5,000ft. With seven lifts taking you where you want to go and 6km of runs and slopes, you can spend all day on Ben Lomond and still find somewhere new to explore. If you’re a bit of a novice, no worries – the ski school provides private and group lessons with qualified instructors and gear hire. A lesson plus boots and board/skis costs $85 for the full day. While there is no accommodation in the resort, there are plenty of hotels in the ski village that are used to snow sports enthusiasts coming and going.

Mt Buller, VIC

The daddy of them all, Mt Buller is the most accessible ski resort in Australia and gets ridiculously busy during peak snowfall time. With 300 hectares of ski and boarding opportunities, the largest network of lifts in Victoria and three parks for all ski levels, the figures speak for themselves.

If you’re more beginner than pro, get used to the basics on Bourke St and Burnt Hut Spur, before embarking on the challenge of the black runs with Chamois and the Summit. If skiing isn’t your thing, the two toboggan parks provide loads of fun with a snowmaking machine and a spectacular view from Spurs Lookout after taking the lift from Horse Hill.

The village is situated idyllically at the heart of the mountain and offers ski in, ski out accommodation, plus plenty of entertainment with over 30 bars and restaurants. There are more on-mountain beds here than anywhere else in Victoria, so there’ll be no time-wasting and more activity on the snow.

If you want to relax with the mountain views, Breathtaker is Mt Buller’s premier spa retreat. The highest in all of Australia, chill out with a film in the cinema or a spot of retail therapy in one of the most picturesque places on Earth. Better yet, the resort is part of many initiatives to keep climate change down and Australia’s winter cold, so that you and everyone else get to ski and board for as long as possible.

Otro Mundo, Spain This month we seek out alternative accommodation in southern Spain...

Rather than a disfigured tent, a pathetic fire and a cold night shivering under a wool blanket, camping at Otro Mundo is more of a relaxing, scenic and tranquil affair.

The beautiful setting of Sierra del Segura, two-and-a-half hours from Alicante Airport, is where you will find these stylish eco domes ready to accommodate and provide you with a sound night’s sleep. With no worries about them collapsing during the night, these pods are extremely secure, with an en-suite bathroom complete with an eco-friendly toilet and a solar-heated shower. On your own private plot of land away from the stresses of daily life and just the surrounding greenery to wake up to, this is the most idyllic camping experience you never imagined possible.

A social area comes in the way of El Albericoque, where you can dine or play games, cook your own food or enjoy the daily breakfast and dinner on Wednesday and Saturday at an extra cost (€7.50/ $11 for breakfast, €18/ $27 for dinner). Fruit and vegetables are grown in the garden available to purchase for extra quality in your meals, and the natural swimming pool is perfect for when the Spanish summer sun gets too much. You are also welcome to book a guided hike, a photography class and even a yoga session in this calming oasis. Further afield are mountain bike routes, dense forest, quaint villages and the spectacular Rio Mundo waterfall, as well as kayaking, climbing and a visit to a vineyard, so there’s plenty to keep you active if the still silence of nature gets a bit too much for you!

With a limited time to enjoy these domes in the stunning surroundings of Sierra del Segura, book your stay now and go camping – in style!

By Charlotte Mellor, Images courtesy of Otro Mundo.

Open for just four months of the year between 17th May and 20th September 2014, you can stay at Otro Mundo to explore the land, read that book you’ve never got round to or just breathe in good, clean air. There are two domes – La Terrera and La Vina. Le Terrera is a couples dome nestled beside the pine forest and well secluded for that perfect hideaway. The view down to the riverbed is particularly special and a set of chairs allows hours of enjoying it – that’s if you can drag yourself out of the double bed. Le Vina is located on an area that used to grow grapes and is larger with two double beds, perfect for groups. At €70/ $103 per night in Le Terrera and €90/$133 at La Vina, it also provides a break from worrying about your finances!

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TRAVEL

Barcelona Lose yourself to this stunning Spanish metropolis, bustling with world famous architecture, and a wealth of Catalan cuisine.

The Catalan City is the largest metropolis on the Mediterranean Sea and when the summer season rolls in, so do the tourists. There are two main airports you can use to access Barcelona: Barcelona E-Prat is the closest, but landing in Girona can sometimes get you a cheaper airfare. Girona is 45 minutes from Barcelona, but cheap WIFI-enabled shuttles are always timed to perfection to whisk you from the airport to the city.

Just remember to always check the bus timetable when making your return from Barcelona to Girona airport, because if you miss your bus you’ll be forced to catch a pretty pricey taxi to catch your flight.

In the summer, the temperature hits scorching heights in the second largest city in Spain, and while you may be tempted to hit the beaches, this is a city, so they won’t be of the pristine state you may have imagined. Instead, take to the shade of the streets. Each district or ‘barrio’ of Barcelona is unique in both character and vibe, so be sure to check them all out before settling in your favourite one with a mojito in hand. Born (el Born or el Borne) is the fashionable and arty barrio full of galleries, cafes and bars, but do also check out Gràcia, which oozes bohemian charm. Las

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Ramblas is the city’s hectic tourist strip in the

centre, so explore at will, but enjoy the reward of souvenir stalls, street performers, ice cream vendors and roadside pizzerias lining the street.

The city’s picturesque alleyways reside in the

Gothic Quarter (Barri Gotic). There you’ll

find sweet hole-in-the-wall cafes and restaurants, hidden bars and unique boutiques, but you may have trouble making a return visit with the maze of streets to contend with – especially after a bit too much sangria! With this in mind, getting your hands on a map is a very wise choice. Gòtic also holds some of the oldest architecture in Barcelona, dating back to the Roman/Medieval period, but the most eye-catching structures can be found courtesy of Spanish architect, Antoni Gaudi.

His art nouveau creations are extremely unique and a little bit ‘out there’ compared to what you find in other European cities, but well worth seeing as much as you can. One of the best ways to view all of the spectacular buildings, albeit a little stereotypical, is to climb on board a double-decker bus, as they take you far and wide with additional height! Besides, trying to see them all on foot would probably write you off for the rest of your trip, especially under the Catalonian sun. The Sagrada Familia is the famous unfinished cathedral that has been under construction since 1882. An extraordinary sight, be sure to walk all the way around and try get inside to see the numerous facades.

Park Guell is another famous Gaudi creation.

The UNESCO World Heritage site holds weird and wonderful designs, but the main terrace is the perfect birds-eye-view of the city and the sea beyond. The intricately designed Gothic Cathedral in the centre of Barcelona needs to be seen with the naked eye – just be sure to wear respectful clothing or be denied entry. The double deckers

also go out to the far off Montjuic Castle and Montserrat Monastery, which are stunning.

Finally, be sure to check out the Museum D’art Contemporani de Barcelona (MACBA) for free art and exhibitions.

The local delicacies of Spain, such as sangria, mojitos and tapas can be found at every turn, especially in the Gothic Quarter. The Royal

Plaza (just off Las Ramblas) is full of great restaurants and underground bars, and Born holds cool drinking spots, like Cal Brut, but head to London Bar if you want to visit somewhere iconic. It has authentic tapas, fine wines and art deco interiors, plus you can write home and say that you’ve had a drink in the very bar that Ernest Hemingway and Picasso used to clink their glasses! Be sure to check out café Santa Piadina in Born for some delicious and healthy piadinas (toasted flat bread with tasty fillings), and make sure you try out Barcelona’s famous gelato at every opportunity!

There are so many hostels to choose from that you can cut out the mediocre ones and hit up the top range. The new Urbany Hostel is set in the former headquarters of the Architects Association and has a rooftop garden with added hot-tub. Chic&Basic Born hotel is truly unique as it merges modern design with old architecture, and is full of bizarre but extremely cool beads of changeable LED lighting in the bedrooms! Choose to stay at the iconic Barcelona and you’ll enjoy a top-notch service with indulgent rooms.

We’ve only scraped the tip of the iceberg of Barcelona, so when you’re yearning for a city break in Europe, look no further and get stuck into the Catalan city of Sangria.

By Sophie Saint

Looking for the perfect city break in Europe can be a daunting affair as there are so many picturesque and lively places to choose from, but one destination that should tick all the boxes is Barcelona. If you like to see modern architecture with bold colour and romantic streets with amazing red wine and mojitos available at each corner – not to mention the food – you’ll fall in love with this bustling Spanish city. If you need any further persuasion, read on and discover why you should travel to Barcelona for a weekend to remember.

TRAVEL ESSENTIALS From the perfect sunnies, stunning swimwear, and travel security that allows you to wander stress-free, we’ve found the perfect and most essential products to assist you on your travels.

Triangl Swimwear

If you’ve been anywhere near Instagram this year, you’ll have seen a range of eye-catchingly stunning bikinis that’s taking over the swimwear world. Started in 2012 by Aussie founder Erin Deering and her partner Craig Ellis, Triangl swimwear is the answer to inexpensive and fashionable bikinis. Made from neoprene (the same material used for wetsuits) the Triangl range comes in a wide variety of prints, patterns and dazzling colours. Check out the Triangl range at www.triangl.com where you can also chat with a representative 24/7!

From $86 available from www.triangl.com

Papaya Gold PAW PAW balm is the essential worldwide phenomenon found in every celebrity’s handbag. Its skin healing properties soothe sensitive or irritated skin as well as dry, chapped lips. With no parabens or sulfates, PAW PAW can be used on sensitive skin as well as eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis. $8.49 available from www.sanza.co.uk

Kangaroo Light

View Quest Retro DAB

Renowned for their innovative audio products, British-based company View Quest brings music lovers the latest in classic design and award-winning sound quality. Retro DAB is the new docking system for radio and iPhone/iPods. Featuring premium leatherette covering and 2 x 10W speakers, the dock is perfect for carrying around or brightening up the house. Now available in teal, brown, emerald green, blue and mustard, the View Quest Retro DAB is the ideal docking system. $177 available from www.viewquest.co.uk

Maui Jim Sunglasses

Starting as a small company selling sunglasses on the beach in Lahaina Hawaii, the Maui Jim brand has quickly become the fastest growing premium polarized sunglasses manufacturer in the world. Boasting a large variety of both trendy and sporty frames for men and women, the sunglasses will protect your eyes against any UV damage as well as eliminating any unnecessary glare. We love the statement ‘Liana’ frames that are right on trend for festival season!

From $250 available from www.mauijim.com

Masterlock Security When backpacking, your luggage is your entire life. Keeping your backpacking gear safe when you’re out and about is often overlooked, and with a lot of sight-seeing destinations crawling with pick pockets, MasterLock has you covered.

MasterLock’s range of backpack combination locks will make sure your belongings stay safe when sharing a hostel or hotel.

Available from www.mayohardware.com.au

Compiled by Alana Anderson

Papaya Gold PAW PAW

Expert shield

Let’s face it; we’ve all bought a shiny new smartphone only to have it become scratched within minutes. That’s where Expert Shield comes in. The company offers screen protectors for almost any device you can think of, including cameras and tablets. The protectors attach to the screen of your mobile without leaving any residue or bubbles and their optical grade “Crystal Film” makes it Kangaroo Light is the answer to all that inevitable impossible for anything to touch the surface of your screen. rummaging through your bag looking for your keys.

From $14 at www.expertshielduk.com The playful, portable and flexible light sits comfortably at the bottom of your bag, providing a soft glow that allows you to save time and avoid frustration.

The creators, Studio Banana Things have turned to Kickstarter to fund this magnificent creation.

Visit www.studiobanana.com for more information!

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TRAVEL The Pinnacles, Australia An amazing part of Western Australia, The Pinnacles Desert present the most unusual rock formations, that stick up from the sands like termite mounds. At night, they cast otherworldly silhouettes across the desert that will leave you feeling like you’ve landed on some strange planet in the middle of the Outback. It is thought that The Pinnacles were formed thousands of years ago by sands blowing inland, but don’t be fooled by the picture, these formations will dwarf you. If you’re taking a trip along the West Coast of Australia, this is the perfect stop off point to catch a glimpse of this unusual organic phenomenon that is just typical of Australia’s weird and wonderful landscapes.

The Giant’s Causeway, Northern Irela The legendary giant Finn McCool’s bridge to Scotland is a World Heritage Site, known as The Giant’s Causeway in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, and consists of roughly 40,000 interlocking basalt columns. You can either believe the fable of Finn McCool’s argument with a Scottish Giant... or we’ll let you in on a little secret... it was formed by volcanoes hundreds of thousands of years ago.

Rock Around The Think rocks are just rocks? Think again, these weird and wonderful rock formations will leave you standing in awe at the dramatic vistas they create.

The White Desert, Egypt Located 45 km north of the town of Farafra, The White Desert, also known as Sahara el Beyda is a national park in Egypt. It is here that you will see the giant chalk rock formations, which have been formed from sandstorms blowing across the desert.

Lake Mono, California, USA Located in Eastern Sierra in California, Lake Mono is an oasis in the dry Great Basin. It is thought to have formed at least 760,000 years ago. The lack of an outlet causes high levels of salts to accumulate in the lake. These salts also make the lake water alkaline. Lake Mono is an important eco system for more than two million birds who feed on the brine shrimp that thrive on the salty water.

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Gorem Fairy Chimneys, Turkey

and

Listed as a World Heritage Site in 1985, the Gorem Fairy Chimneys are located in Cappadocia, Turkey. The chimneys were created by volcanic eruptions that have been carved by wind and rain over the years to create this eerie landscape. Today the Fairy Chimneys play host to unique cave homes and boutique hotels.

Chimney Rock, Nebraska, USA The first mentions of Chimney Rock were recorded in 1827 by Joshua Pilcher. Pilcher had journeyed up the Platte River valley to the Salt Lake rendezvous of the Rocky Mountain fur trappers. The prominent geological formation is located in Morrill County in western Nebraska. Chimney Rock is 300 feet tall and during the Nineteenth Century served as a landmark on the Oregon Trail, California Trail and The Mormon Trail.

World

Shilin Stone Forest, China

The Shilin Stone Forest is situated in Lunan Yi Nationality Autonomous County, and lies approximately 120 km from the provincial capital Kunming. The vast limestone formations raise up from the ground much like stalagmites, and resemble petrified trees, resulting in it being referred to as a stone forest.

The Shilin Stone Forest is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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INTERVIEWS

Duck Sauce

Duck Sauce, the duo behind ‘Barbra Streisand’ and ‘aNYway’, have released their debut studio album, aptly titled, ‘Quack’, so we thought we’d catch up with one-half of this comedic Disco team, Armand Van Helden, to talk music, crotchfaces and ducks.

Hi Armand, how are you?

I’m good, how you doing?

We’re really good, thanks! Where in the world are you right now?

Right now, I’m in Miami, just taking it slow today – as usual! I live here in the winter, so I’m down here about seven months of the year and then the other five in New York.

Are you having good weather today?

Oh yeah! Gosh, you can count on your fingers how many bad days there are in six months! Not to brag!

[Laughs] You and A-Trak finally released your Duck Sauce studio album, ‘Quack’ on 18th April, why did it take so long to get the album out?

All kinds of reasons – number one would be samples. It’s a fully dominant sample album. It would be nice if it was what we call “pre Biz Markie”, the lawsuit that set up the sampling laws for the world, so from that day forward, you had to clear samples. It would have been nice to have dropped the Duck Sauce album pre Biz Markie!

‘Barbra Streisand’ and ‘aNYway’ were two of the catchiest songs of 2010; were you surprised at their level of success?

Of course; you’re always surprised, but that’s not a surprise, that’s insanity! You don’t finish that song and go “oh yeah, it’s gonna be a success,” you’re just having a laugh, y’know. Me and A-Trak were just having a laugh and then, next thing you know, it’s probably one of the biggest records in my career, if not the biggest. It’s crazy what life can dish you.

There’s certainly a lot of fun and Disco that you’ve brought back into music; what’s your inspiration behind that?

Here’s the thing, when we initially started Duck

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Sauce, we did serious Disco House; we didn’t necessarily do it to be comedy, but for DJs to play in the clubs. Then comes ‘Barbra Streisand’.

Obviously, we were a little more playful on that, but we couldn’t predict the success of it, so post ‘Barbra Streisand’, we weren’t gonna go back to the old Duck Sauce and make serious music that makes DJs happy; we had to go to a whole other stage and find a new groove. That new groove was just making it fun – having fun and presenting fun on a mass scale. After ‘Barbra Streisand’ we just went with what we created – we created a monster! In terms of inspiration, we look to Fatboy Slim, Beastie Boys, Kiss! Anything that’s very gimmicky, almost the original Daft Punk, having crazy shows and lunchboxes – that’s the Duck Sauce ideal. And anybody that’s based in comedy, taking the piss to a degree, is someone that we use for inspiration. You could say Mel Brooks, Danny Hill… That’s our vibe, we’re trying to establish a comedic vibe while using a House template, and it’s really not a safe area! It’s most fun for us because it’s unique, but most people don’t have the gall.

and holidays; are you hitting up any of the upcoming festivals or seasons on the Balearic Islands?

We’re actually not really touring the album. We did Coachella this year, and we have another festival in San Francisco called Outside Lands, and maybe one or two others. I have one personally, but I rarely DJ these days. Most people probably don’t know that because they think I’m out there like everybody else, but I’m a little beat on the DJ thing. I’ve been doing it since I was 13 and on the road since 1993. I don’t really need to do it much more! [Laughs] What do your days consist of now?

A lot of nothing! My biggest dilemma down here in Miami is: beach or bike? Should I go jump in the ocean or on the bike? Again, I’m not bragging! You asked!

“ducks have the largest penises in the animal kingdom”

Talking of comedy, ‘Big Bad Wolf’ has the sort of video that you don’t really know whether to laugh or cry at. Where did the idea of crotchfaces come from?

When it comes to the creative stuff, I play a passenger, because I’m the oldest and I’m a little more retired, while A-Trax is right there with his ear to the street, so him and the director put their heads together. I remember flying over to shoot the video in LA, and for some reason I couldn’t get my head around looking at the treatment, so I was sent a picture of a guy with baby oil all over him and he had this guy’s head taped on his crotch. I saw that and I was like, “That’s gotta be funny.” But I read the treatment on the plane and I was like, “Oh Lord, what am I getting myself into now?” I didn’t know how it was gonna go, but it turned out great.

It was one of the more physically demanding videos because that was not fake – there was a lot of onyour-hands-and-knees for quite a lot of hours!

Duck Sauce is perfect for summer parties

Yes, we brought it on ourselves! So, ‘Duck Sauce’ and ‘Quack’… do you have an obsession with ducks?

Yeah, of course – ducks have the largest penises in the animal kingdom… Nah, the Duck Sauce thing was just because we thought it was funny. When we were working on the graphics we used a duck and then we came to find that ducks are endless comedy. Fortunately, there’s a large vat of duck jokes, and for the show we can throw out duckbills to everyone and we had a big rubber duck on the stage.

You and A-Trak both live in New York. So tell us, if we were to spend a day in New York, what should we do?

Wow… there’s a lot to do! I’m trying to think of something funny… There’s a 24-hour pool hall, so if me and my friends happened to be up at 4am, we’d go and play pool! The weird thing with me personally is that I’m “normcore” – I do really dumb, normal stuff. I think I burned out New York in the ‘90s, so now I’m doing the reverse, like sitting in the park reading a book. I’m doing Grandpa stuff; I don’t care if I’m dressed or if I took a shower. But, if you get a good day, you sit at a coffee shop at Union Square, order banana cream pie, and just peoplewatch. It’s one the most fun aspects of New York and when it’s a beautiful day there’s nothing like it anywhere else in the world.

Tom Vek

It’s been a long three years since ‘Leisure Seizure’, Tom Vek’s outstanding 2011 album. But rest assured that the British self-taught multi-instrumentalist is back and better than he’s ever been. BBM caught up with Tom ahead of the release of his eagerly anticipated album ‘Luck’, a daring, self-produced triumph.

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

I’m actually in East London at the moment.

‘Luck’ refers to modern culture and being fed constant information – how do you feel life has changed in the last three years?

Good question! Obviously there was a profound change in everybody’s life with digital culture between the time I put my first and second record out. I was dealing with that and recalibrating my opinion about how a public musician or character should act, or how you would go about being “cool” with this new set of rules. Between 2011 and now, I guess it’s just the dust settling on this new world and I think it’s getting better. People are getting a bit more used to digital culture and digital responsibility. I feel like, with mainstream Internet, it’s becoming self-policed. It’s just a reality of our daily lives now.

With the second record, it took a lot of work. I had to really work it out for myself with how I wanted it to come across. Since getting past that step, it definitely gave me the confidence for it to feel like more of an easier transition.

making sure it doesn’t get swamped with external information that isn’t art. The direct relationship you have with the fan-base and those platforms, they’re incredibly useful. But it’s odd. You have that tool, but you need to use it responsibly. I think it’s always been about mainstream culture versus the underground.

“I like music to have that kind of bombastic sound”

Do you think there’s too much information out there?

I don’t think anybody could argue that there’s a lack of information on the Internet. I think it’s interesting because it’s all about what you choose to provide.

The interesting thing about surveillance, and people worrying about the Big Brother mentality, is that it’s actually most people happily providing the information themselves. You kind of feel like there’s too many people to even be spied on, there’s too much CCTV footage for anyone to even watch.

In terms of producing art, I think it’s just about

So your track ‘Sherman (Animals in the Jungle)’ was inspired by Tom Wolfe’s novel, ‘The Bonfire of the Vanities’ – what drew you to use this novel as inspiration?

I’d just finished reading the book last summer and I was working on the track in the way I usually do, which is music first. I had that riff and it was roughly arranged, then I was mucking around with lyrical ideas and vocal performances. I tend to just do nonsense takes. That just kind of popped out. It immediately reminded me of the whole story and how much I enjoyed it, the story of this guy’s downfall that he can’t control. He had this kind of perfect life but managed to mess it up for himself because he was greedy, or unhappy. I found so many themes in that book to be exciting; the psychology of success and hunger, and what real happiness is. With lyrics, I try to write slogan-istic kind of lines and phrases that stand up on their own. I wanted to put the character’s name in there because I liked the book that much and it’s not often that I feel comfortable enough about really referencing something, but it seemed to work. I thought I’d even switch some people on to the book.

You’ve still got that element of Electronic Punk Rock rebellion inherent in your music; do you

feel this is a signature of your sound?

Absolutely. I like music to have that kind of bombastic sound. I think it stems from growing up listening to Grunge and Rock. I think I just like the sound. I think it’s quite funny at the moment that Electronic music has kind of overtaken. What’s happening in the Dubstep and Trap world is more obnoxiously Punk than you can almost achieve with more traditional band instruments right now. So I sometimes think my little Grunge song sounds fairly pleasant, which is kind of funny. I’m still in search of some kind of melodic pay-off, you know. I’ve enjoyed the DIY aesthetic, it suits me and it’s increasingly relevant.

Your production is always thoroughly layered and you have a very refined overall sound. Do you do all the production and who have you been working with?

The new album is actually completely produced by me, which I’m proud of. The previous two records I have worked with other producers. It’s been at the point where it’s kind of having someone in the room to help you finish stuff off; I think that’s the hardest part. I find that it helps bring out the bratty-ness in me when I’ve got somebody else to argue with to tell me when everything is done. With the first record, Tom Rixton was instrumental with forming that sound and the second record, Liam Howe, who it was an honour to work with because he was originally in the Sneaker Pimps. Ultimately it’s performance, but it’s production as well. You’re sort of presenting it, cleaning it all up and brushing away the dusty bits to form a finished shape. Maybe leaving a bit of the dust in there as well. [Laughs] ‘Luck’ is out on Friday 6th June 2014 through Moshi Moshi/[Pias] Australia

By Alana Anderson

So we haven’t heard from you since ‘Leisure Seizure’ – which we still play all the time – what have you been up to in the interim apart from working on ‘Luck’?

That’s pretty much all I’ve been doing! [Laughs] Just working on the record. It’s been my main focus.

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INTERVIEWS

Bell X1

Hailed as “a brilliant co-mingling of Electronic music and anthemic Pop Rock”, Ireland’s very own Bell X1 have made quite the name for themselves in the music industry. Now releasing their incredible sixth studio album ‘Chop Chop’, we chatted to singer Paul Noonan about the band’s many achievements and his side project Printer Clips.

Considering ‘Chop Chop’ is your sixth studio album and you’ve toured extensively in Europe and North America, how are you only now heading to Australia?

It’s something we’ve wanted to happen for a long time but we didn’t feel like the records had percolated or filtered through enough. I think the last two seem to have been received pretty well.

We didn’t want to come up with a proper structure to it but we had things at radio and press going so it feels like it’s the right time to go. I think we’ve always relished breaking new ground.

Will ticket holders get to hear material from the past 10 or 15 years?

Yeah! We’ll do songs from every record I think. I think you’re generally more excited about your most recent music. This being our first trip to Australia knowing that it’s the first time for a lot of people to see us, it’s a different animal I think. It’ll be a greatest hits set, to an extent.

Do you have a favourite track that you like to perform?

It can vary from night to night. Sometimes things can sneak up and surprise you, or take a different direction on the night. There’s a song called ‘Thousand Little Daggers’ from the last record which seems to have turned into a different animal live and is one of those things that relies on volume and a lot of shouting, which kind of works live but not in the cold light of day. [Laughs] You’re doing four shows back to back. Will you be taking advantage of a holiday or do you have to be strictly in and out?

I think during the tour it’ll be pretty manic, flying everyday and fumbling our way through newness.

We’re going to have an Australian tour manager, thankfully, to hold our hands. I don’t think we’ll see a whole lot while we’re touring but I’m going to stay on for a few more days at the end and hopefully see Sydney. My sister’s there, so I’m gonna hang out with her for a few days and see the sights.

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On to music, you’ve written many atmospheric, rhythmic and thematic songs over the years.

Do you think that you know the ingredients for the perfect Pop song now?

Oh Christ no. Still fumbling blindly with that one.

I think if there were a formula, it wouldn’t be the magic that it is. I still find the initial spark of inspiration is the magic and the really satisfying bit.

Then it’s quite a hard slot to finish the song, having been touring with a musical idea or a verse/chorus idea for a long time and actually hammer it into shape and make sure it works as a song is a lot of work. You know, it’s satisfying when it pays off.

It’s bizarre; we’ve often missed our biggest songs first time around. We have a song called ‘Eve, The Apple Of My Eye’ which was a big song for us in the States, especially because we recorded it for our first record and didn’t think much of it – then on the second record it seemed to come to life in a totally different light.

Likewise we have a song called ‘Rocky Took A Lover’ which was a big song from our third record and we’d recorded that as a b-side, you can never tell.

so it’s pretty healthy to do that.

You branched out on your own for Printer Clips. It’s an album of duets with ladies in music.

Yeah. I’ve been working on it for about four years now. When we started the band we were a lot more into layers and complexity and different instruments. I suppose in a reaction to that, I wanted to record something really simply and the duets are just two guitarists, two vocals and that’s pretty much it. I’ve always loved singing with girls, they can kind of intertwine and create something. I wrote to a lot of people and strong-armed people into singing including Julia Stone actually, who was very gracious. We met up in London and recorded there and at the time we’d never been to Australia and she was sort of very encouraging about trying to make it happen, and I’m glad it has.

So being from the Emerald Isle, for someone that’s coming to Dublin for the first time, what are the three things someone should do during their stay?

Dublin is a very different place in the sunshine, so firstly be hopeful that the sun is shining. There’s a buoyancy and feel good factor, which is pretty universal but especially with Dublin because of the fact that the national psyche isn’t predisposed to positivity [laughs]. So, make the sunshine would be the first one. As grim as it may sound, there’s a place called Kilmainham Jail, which is an old jailhouse, which housed a lot of the revolutionaries here in the early 1900s and they’ve preserved it as it was. There are a lot of passionate tour guides that will take you around. Pretty grim, but definitely worthwhile. The other thing I think, go out to the coast and out to the sea. There are a couple of really cool towns over here from Howth to Malahide.

In the city itself, if the sun is shining, hang out in Stephen’s Green and go for some drinks along the terrace, it definitely has a feel good factor to it.

“I still find the initial spark of inspiration is the magic and the really satisfying bit. ”

What would you say was your biggest achievement as a band?

Staying together for past 15 years or so [Laughs]. We found a groove that’s pretty comfortable. I think we’re so hungry to make things that work from record to record.

Even now there’s a lot of new songs that we want to start working on over the summer, we’re always swapping stuff over e-mail and pointing each other to new music that we’re into at the moment. There’s always a childish excitement about the process and it’s not something you can fake. The thrill is not gone yet.

If it did, would you have to sit down and rethink what you were all doing?

Of course. I would hope that we would be honest enough to do that and not sort of go along for the sake of it. No good can come from that, even creatively it can really erode things. The band has become a sort of hub from which a lot of side projects have sprung over the years. We all go away and do different things between band times,

Catch Bell X1 on tour from 3rd-6th July Nationwide. To buy tickets log on to www.troubador-music.com.

By Charlotte Mellor

What have you been up to this week?

I’m working on a side project called Printer Clips, which is a record of duets that I’m doing a launch show for next week. So I’ve been rehearsing that.

We’ve been enjoying a brief spell of sunshine here in Dublin!

Darlia Darlia’s Nathan Day talks to us honestly about his cultivated passion for music and the relationship between himself, Dave and Jack, as they prepare to head to Australia for Splendour In The Grass 2014.

Hi Nathan, how are you?

Yeah, good.

With regards to your music, do you ever feel as if you’re taking a risk by using religious imagery in lyrics? Where do you think this stems from?

I don’t know about it as taking a risk, because if it offends people or if it’s offensive to someone, to me it’s purely just straight up what I’m saying. It’s never intended to be offensive so there’s no reason why I’d ever stop or change it. I think where it comes from is basically the way I was raised; my immediate family and my ancestors were very religious but my mum and dad stopped being religious when we were born. I still had all the repercussions of being religious so I didn’t celebrate Christmas or birthdays, didn’t celebrate Easter, didn’t celebrate Halloween until I was 13 or so. I think it was just pent up ideas from all that time and suddenly I was aged 13 and my family were like “right, we’re going to start doing Christmas.”

something to my mum, but the bus made a really funny noise. I was 15 at the time and I was going, “Mum, did you hear that grey noise that the bus is making?” She replied, “What’re you talking about?”

Then I was like, “You know, when you see the sounds of things, like this one’s grey,” and she said, “There’s something wrong with you.” I looked it up and it’s a condition. It’s not bad – people think it’s good. It’s like a blessing and a curse at the same time.

Since you, Dave and Jack were fired from your cleaning jobs because of your focus on music, did you ever think Darlia would become what it has and you’d be touring as much as you are?

I don’t feel satisfied in any way shape or form that Darlia is anything like what I want it to be yet. To me, all we’ve done is release a few things and I’m so grateful that a lot of people loved it and a lot of people are getting it – that’s what we want. I would never sit back in this position and decide, “Yes, we’ve made it.” I wouldn’t ever think that because that ambition is too high. My whole life I’ve waited to do this and I feel like it’s only just started. It was just perfect timing when we got fired.

“they both sleep-talk to each other at night”

You have an incredible relationship with music where you say nothing has the same effect on you. Has this been a constant feeling throughout your life or did you realise it from a young age?

It was literally just a fact of life for me. Have you ever heard of something called Synesthesia? Not to sound really weird, but there’s something called Synesthesia which I only found out was an actual condition when I was about 17. I started talking to my mum about it and she told me there’s something wrong and I need to find out what it is. Basically, my whole life I’ve seen music and seen sounds. I thought everyone could see music, visually see the music. I was on a bus and I was trying to explain

In your opinion what do the three of you bring to the group, personally and professionally?

Professionally, Jack is a powerhouse drummer who just hits them so hard and he has an understanding of music, he understands what will work and what won’t work. Dave has a massive appreciation for music and he loves all types of music, from anything to Slipknot. He’s really open-minded with the things I’m suggesting and he’s an interesting bass player; I just love the way he plays bass. Personally, I don’t think this has anything to do with the question, but as a side note, they both sleep-talk to each other at night. I can’t sleep sometimes and I’m just awake doing something and I’ll hear one of them grumble

a word and the other one will reply, they’ll be talking absolute shit to each other all night.

How did you come up with the name ‘Darlia’?

This is the truth behind that; we were debating over words and nothing was sticking, obviously the word has to be something that overhangs what you’re doing. I didn’t want something sounding like it was trying to be cool, I wanted it to be a utopian word that attributes its own meaning to the word. What Darlia specifically came from was when I was really interested in flowers at the time. I kept seeing the Darlia flower everywhere. Also a bit of trivia, when we did our first gig in Blackpool when we had no name and were just doing it to test out the sets, as I walked off the stage this girl handed me a plastic flower. I didn’t know what was going on but I took it and kept it in my pocket for months and then three months ago I found the flower again. It turns out that it’s the Darlia flower and that’s just a pure coincidence.

Was it pure coincidence or was it fate?

I think nature is fate, I could say it’s fate the sun’s going to come up and the sun’s going to go down.

I could plant a seed and say that it is fate it’s going to grow and it will grow. Nature is what pulls things together. The spiral of nature is fate. Anything that’s natural is fate because it’s happening naturally and anything that’s fate is going to happen. A bit like how we got Jack back and how Dave was working as a cleaner at the same place as me, and even though I’d known him for eight years I’d never spoken to him and the week we started talking, we started Darlia.

Catch Darlia at their Splendour sideshows on 24th & 26th July.

Tickets available from secret-sounds.com.au

By Arti Rajput

You’ve recently covered Lorde’s song ‘Team’ on Radio 1’s Live Lounge. Tell us a bit about why you chose that particular song?

When we had the opportunity to play and do Live Lounge, I knew it was really important, and yes I didn’t really want to do a cover, but at the same time it’s such a good opportunity. I really wanted to have a massive think about which song to actually do and it had to be a contemporary Pop song, and I thought one woman in particular that I have a lot of respect for in relevant Pop culture is Lorde. I wanted to slightly do a tribute to her by doing her song.

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ONES TO WATCH Emerging in the spring of 2012 in Michael Butler’s living room is Beta Frontiers, a home studio experiment influenced by 60’s science fiction and late 70’s/early 80’s Hip Hop. Following encouragement from his close friends, Michael wrote and recorded his first EP ‘....’, a modern retro extravaganza. The EP features the haunting Pop anthem ‘Honda’ with Becky Ninkovic of You Say Party!

Currently in the studio recording their next release, as well as a never-ending string of remixes, Beta Frontiers are not only taking over the Toronto Electronic scene, but they’ve been turning heads internationally after backing Dionysians Phèdre on tour.

Have a listen to Beta Frontiers’ ‘So Cold’, a warm balmy track featuring Carmen Elle’s (DIANA, Army Girls) vocals.

Vaults

Beta Frontiers

Last year, a mysterious occurrence saw London newcomers Vaults appear out of nowhere - posting a perfectly produced experimental Electro-Pop track onto their Soundcloud page which ultimately accumulated 35,000 plays in under 24 hours.

Although the band is on the rise in the music industry, their mystery is what makes them so interesting. From what we do know, Vaults are a threepiece female-fronted group from London. Known for their dark and gloomy production and imagery, first track ‘Cry No More’ saw the band gain an extraordinary amount of attention.

Mostly staying out of the spotlight and letting their music do all the talking, Vaults have followed up with ‘Premonitions’, a flawlessly produced track released on 9th June 2014 on National Anthem, a label renowned for recognizing new talent. We can’t wait to see what’s next for these mysterious mavericks.

Blessa Sheffield’s very own Blessa have been drawing all the right attention. Made up of Olivia (vocals), Alex (guitar), Andy (drums), Rob (guitar) and Jake (bass), the group has been turning heads with the release of their debut single ‘Between Times’.

Lyrically drawing inspiration from poets such as Frank O’Hara and John Ashbery, Blessa’s music is being hailed as a dreamy experience brimming with intelligence. Recorded by MJ (Hookworms, Menace Beach) at Suburban Homes Studios in Leeds, Blessa is releasing a highly anticipated EP entitled ‘Love Is An Evol Word’, set for release on 23rd June.

‘Love Is An Evol Word’ portrays an unstable and flawed notion of love in an age of detachment. Taking inspiration from the themes of artists such as Chromatics and Wild Nothing, the EP will showcase Blessa’s modern Pop angle. We can’t wait to see what 2014 has in store for the 5-piece!

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MUSIC NEWS Jillionaire & Salvatore Ganacci Fresh

Major Lazer’s Jillionaire has teamed up with Swedish producer Salvatore Ganacci on new single ‘Fresh’ – an up-tempo Electro beat that is bound to take over clubs around the world this year.

With a music video that exhibits exactly how twerkerific the song itself is, ‘Fresh’ quite literally makes you want to stop what you’re doing and furiously whip your hair around. Maybe not as choreographically as the girls in the video, but you can always try.

With an esteemed career in Electronic music, ‘Fresh’ is another track for Jillionaire to add to his credentials as a dancehall producer. As for Salvatore Ganacci, ‘Fresh’ certainly proves why he’s already earned support from the likes of Avicii and Steve Aoki.

Top Podcasts, Radio & Sets

Qtier

Ray LaMontagne

British duo Qtier, comprised of singer Adam Pless and producer Howard Whiddett, have released a shadowy and seductive new single entitled ‘Set Me On’. Set for official release on 2nd June (along with a few remixes), the track is a moody yet seductive Dance track sure to gain the attention of Electronic Pop fans around the world.

With his album of the same name, acclaimed Folk spectacular Ray LaMontagne is back with new single ‘Supernova’. Having won the Best Contemporary Folk Album for 2010’s ‘God Willin’ & The Creek Don’t Rise’, the music world has been waiting with bated breath to see what’s next from the extraordinary songwriter.

Mark Knight Presents Toolroom Knights Radio

Brimming with clap-along upbeat tempos, ‘Supernova’ is the inevitable sound of summer. The audible croaky rasp in LaMontagne’s voice is ever present, almost a replica of Van Morrison’s ‘Brown Eyed Girl’. “I want you to be my girl”, LaMontagne sings, perfecting his harmonies alongside an obviously poppy track that features his renowned Folk touch making subtle but satisfying appearances. If the album is anything like the single, ‘Supernova’ is yet another success to add to LaMontagne’s outstanding discography.

DJ Marky, one of Brazil’s most iconic selectors, welcomes Boiler Room and the rest of the Internet into his Sao Paulo apartment, spinning his eclectic mix of 20,000 strong records from his personal collection. For hours of pounding Drum & Bass, rewatch DJ Marky doing his thing.

Available at www.boilerroom.tv

Set Me On

Although not yet a household name, Qtier’s work has already seen them gain a record deal with BPitch Control, the Berlin based music label that has been home to Modeskeletor and a host of other acclaimed producers.

With constant bass and energy throughout, the transitions between warm vocals and light synth chords perfect the formula of a truly dynamic track. ‘Set Me On’ showcases Qtier’s ability to grab attention and perfect a delicate bassfilled tune.

Supernova

EP Review Allman Brown Ancient Light Allman Brown’s ‘Ancient Light’ EP is unlike anything you’ve ever heard.

Having made it big last year with single ‘Sons And Daughters’ featuring Liz Lawrence, Allman Brown has returned with his second EP to offer listeners a more mature sound.

Brimming with velvety-smooth vocals throughout, Allman opens his ‘Ancient Light’ EP with the single of the same name. As faint as his vocals are, Allman embodies peacefulness in his melodies - not only on the opening track, but also throughout the 4-track EP. ‘Ancient Light’ also includes two collaborations. ‘Shape of You’ features Canadian artist and producer Lowell, while ‘Field of England’ collaborates with UK blog darling Sophie Jamieson on backing vocals - both tracks offering a Bon Iver-esque soulful Folk sound.

The ‘Ancient Light’ EP is released via Akira Records on 9th June 2014.

Presented by UK Grammy nominated DJ/ Producer Mark Knight, this podcast is packed with 60 minutes of the best international House music.

Knight keeps you up to date with what’s hot in the clubs and brings you plenty of new releases. Let’s face it, he knows what he’s doing.

Available on iTunes

DJ Marky Boiler Room Set

Tiësto`s Club Life Podcast Rated as the number one music podcast on iTunes, Tiesto’s Club Life is the Dutch DJ’s weekly radio show. The commercial-free channel plays a huge selection of Electronic Dance music curated

by Tiesto himself and even includes a “15 Minutes of Fame” feature, where he allows up and coming DJ’s to shine.

Available on iTunes

Music Magic with Chick Corea Chick Corea, the multiple Grammy award-wining Jazz keyboardist and composer, chats with some of his fellow musicians and friends in this behind the scenes podcast. Recorded in hotel rooms and practice studios, Chick has already chatted with the likes of John Mayer and Béla Fleck.

Available on iTunes

All Songs Considered Noted as a source of discovery for music, NPR’s All Songs Considered is the place to listen to a huge mix of everything.The acclaimed weekly program – available as streaming audio, a podcast and a broadcast – melds contemporary music, live concerts, videos and artist interviews to offer a truly eclectic mix.

Available at www.npr.org/blogs/allsongs

Paul van Dyk’s VONYC Sessions Known as one of Germany’s most successful musicians and one of the ultimate superstars of Electronic, Paul van Dyk host’s sessions full of incredible mixes. Known for remixing Madonna, Justin Timberlake, U2 and Depeche Mode to name a few, we think we’re going to trust his expert knowledge.

Available at www.mixcloud.com/paulvandyk

By Alana Anderson

Single Reviews

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MUSIC NEWS

Album Reviews

Tom Vek

Glass Animals

From the moment you press play on ‘Luck’, it’s crystal clear that Tom Vek knows exactly what he’s doing.

Listening to Glass Animals, it’s hard to believe the band began in the way it did. Their music certainly sounds like years of intricate and inspired thought, as opposed to an unintentional result of singer and songwriter Dave Bayley’s insomnia whilst at medical school. However, Glass Animals proves what happens when you can become inspired by something as creative as the London Bass music scene. A sound that is evident throughout their new album ‘Zaba’.

Luck

Although die-hard fans of the self-taught musical prodigy would argue that it’s impossible to top 2011’s ‘Leisure Seizure’, ‘Luck’ is just as notably experimental, oozing with thought-provoking intelligence and impressive production. It’s easy to see where Tom Vek draws his inspiration. Peeking through his Electronic synths is that Grunge sound in which he’s known for, the kind of rawness you would hear in a Smashing Pumpkins song.

However adventurous ‘Luck’ gets, Vek sticks to his thematic goal throughout – his personal account of modern anxieties.

Opening with ‘How Am I Meant To Know’, a track that sets the tone for the album with Vek’s monotone distinction, you instantly feel drawn in by a repetitive and eery vocal sample. It almost sounds as if Vek is talking directly to you before heavy guitars interrupt.

Easily the best track on the album, ‘Sherman (Animals In The Jungle)’ is the staple Indie twang that you’d hope to hear on a Tom Vek album.

Inspired by Tom Wolfe’s ‘The Bonfire of the Vanities’, the chord sequence paired with Vek’s enticing vocals proves exactly why this song was chosen for single release.

Tom Vek’s talent and appeal is apparent throughout ‘Luck’, particularly with ‘You’ll Stay’ and ‘The Girl You Leave For Any Other Girl’. You think: “How on earth did he manage to produce such a great album by himself?” Only a connoisseur and multi instrumentalist in his own right could be so intricate and varied with his sounds. And ‘Luck’ is exactly that. Daring, irresistible and ultimately difficult to ignore.

‘Luck’ is released on the 6th June 2014 through Moshi Moshi/[PIAS] Australia

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Zaba

Inspired by Dave’s favourite childhood story, William Steig’s ‘The Zabajaba Jungle’, Zaba is a journey from beginning to end, both thematically and musically. Opening with ‘Flip’, a track that twists from beautiful ambience to extreme intensity – accurately described by Bayley as “That sound…

It’s like someone’s opening up your head with a can opener”.

‘Gooey’, a track that is sure to get stuck in your head for weeks, is unquestionably Bayley’s nod to Timbaland as a producer. Notably R&B inspired, the lyrics paired with up-tempo beats and seeping bass lines make ‘Gooey’ an outright groove anthem. “Ride my little pooh bear” and “You just wanna know those peanut butter vibes” may sound like complete jibberish, but in context ‘Gooey’ is wonderfully sultry.

From beginning to end, ‘Zaba’ showcases Glass Animals’ ability to produce flawless, varied music that sets them apart from any other band. Despite the album being inspired by Kanye West and The Velvet Underground, you can’t help but think they’ve created a new world of music. As Bayley says: “We were once afraid to do something bold.

Now when we’re together in the studio, we don’t worry about those things. In fact, we don’t worry about anything at all…” if this is the direction the Animals’ are heading, there is no need to worry at all.

‘Zaba’ is released on 6th June 2014.

Lykke Li

I Never Learn Since the success of 2011’s ‘Wounded Rhymes’, Swedish songstress Lykke Li has been away evidentially pouring everything she has into her latest release, ‘I Never Learn’, an unfolding account of heartbreak.

Listening to ‘I Never Learn’, you would never guess that Lykke Li’s musical roots are oozing with Pop. But by now, her third full-length album, Li appears to have her impeccable talent figured out.

Her themes are just as recognizable as her vastly impressive voice and the assumption that she wants to move as far away from Pop as possible is evident throughout.

Opening track, ‘I Never Learn’, echoes 2011 single ‘I Follow Rivers’. As a songwriter, Lykke Li has an impressive ability to sing the words “baby” and “honey” without channeling any form of over saturated Pop. Instead, she sings it alongside hauntingly dreamy strings that encapsulate the theme of the album perfectly. “Love Me Like I’m Not Made Of Stone” is Li’s vocals at their very best; dramatic a cappella that sets the tone for an intimate and personal memoir.

Just reading the song titles on ‘I Never Learn’, it becomes evident just how melancholy Lykke Li truly is. Without sounding like weepy heartbreak overkill, the album showcases her ability to write lyrics that, when put beside her beautiful melodies, become a spine-tingling tale of darkness.

‘I Never Learn’ proves Lykke Li as a serious songwriter and in a way; she lyrically sums up her new departure from Pop in closing track ‘Sleeping Alone’. “Someday, somehow, somewhere down the line. If you save your heart for mine, we’ll meet again.”

‘I Never Learn’ was released on 6th May 2014 through Atlantic Records

BasementJaxx The legendary producer duo has announced their new album entitled ‘Junto’ (set for release on 22nd August 2014), making it an incredibly long four years since the acclaimed ‘Zephyr’.

Back in May, Basement Jaxx debuted club-banger ‘Unicorn’, the first track to be taken from ‘Junto’. The track was met with universal praise, working as a perfect taster of what the full length has to offer. If that isn’t a tease, we don’t know what is.

Consisting of Felix Buxton and Simon Ratcliffe, ‘Junto’ will be the London duos seventh studio album, marking their names as innovators in underground House music. The pair certainly hasn’t been sitting around twiddling their thumbs – Basement Jaxx has written not one, but two film scores, ‘Attack The Block’ and ‘The Hooping Life’. Not only that, but they produced an orchestral album in collaboration with the Metropole Orkest, a renowned Jazz and Pop orchestra based in the Netherlands.

Known for playing exuberant, catchy, post-Techno beats with Latin overtones, the Brixton DJ duo burst onto the scene during the 1990’s. Starting as two underground producers and party promoters in 1995, Basement Jaxx put out their first few tracks accompanied by small raves in abandoned London buildings. Now, with album sales of more than 3 million, including their debut album ‘Remedy’ and 2005’s double platinum UK number one collection ‘The Singles’, Basement Jaxx have developed a South London sound into international success.

‘Junto’, Spanish for ‘together’, will sum up the essence of Basement Jaxx, their desire to unify people with their music. Felix Buxton says of the album, “We wanted to do something that felt more at one with the world.” And the album will do exactly that, with titles such as ‘Power To The People’, ‘We Are Not Alone’, and ‘Love Is At Your Side’.

Following their performance at this year’s Ultra Festival in Miami, Basement Jaxx are scheduled to play a string of live shows across the (European) summer including headline slots at Wireless & Bestival as well as a monthly DJ residency in Ibiza.

‘Junto’ is out on 22 August 2014 through Atlantic Jaxx/[PIAS] Australia.

Cleavage & Lars Vegas Grace

Pirate Jams Acid Party People

Jem Haynes & Mike Peters Indian Summer

Cleavage are renowned for their catchy and soulful House productions, so it’s no surprise that debut single ‘Grace’ embodies those qualities to a tee.

Featured on the next BBM Live Dance Music podcast is Pirate Jams’ latest track ‘Acid Party People’.

London bred Jem Haynes has teamed up with Mike Peters for ‘Indian Summer’, a mellow and summerinfused anthem.

Dutch duo Cleavage are quickly making a name for themselves, so teaming up with respected DJ and producer Lars Vegas for ‘Grace’ certainly makes for a great collaboration.

‘Acid Party People’ is a bass filled track full of vocal samples, including that rather posh newsreader sampled from Todd Terry’s ‘This Is Acid, Man’ saying “Saturday night in South London. Hundreds of young people are gathering for the latest craze, an acid House party in a disused warehouse.

Coaches will take them to a destination, which has deliberately been kept secret to evade the police.”

In a way, you don’t even need that introduction, as the music instantly takes you to that warehouse where you picture this song playing to a late-night rave of about one thousand people.

Jem Haynes, the weekly resident DJ for We Love at Space Ibiza, is sure to be banging this track out all summer long. Coming in progressively with a groovy and unforgettable riff, ‘Indian Summer’ progresses into a bass-filled anthem backed by sporadic vocal snippets.

‘Grace’ embodies everything you’d hear at a summer pool party – a soulful Garage anthem that features some old school vibes.

With strong and stirring vocals that are backed by a funky bassline, ‘Grace’ is undeniably a step in the right direction for both Cleavage and Lars Vegas.

If you’re a fan of Pirate Jams, this tune is worth a listen just for its bass-stomping beats.

Jem Haynes certainly knows what he’s doing when it comes to Dance music, citing influences from Balearic to Breakbeat. This latest track is no different when it comes to combining all the elements of Dance music to produce a dynamic and catchy beat. Make sure to catch ‘Indian Summer’ on the BBM Live Dance Music podcast.

By Alana Anderson

Pick Of The Promos From BBMLive.com’s Dance Music Radio Show

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FUNNY NEWS Woman Goes Old School

You’ve Been Framed

BBM loves a bit of sexual roleplay as much as the next depraved pervert with a superhero fetish.

As anyone who remembers the Milk Tray adverts from the 80s knows, there’s something sexy and seductive about breaking into a woman’s home and leaving a calling card.

Call us old romantics, but BBM does it at Cheryl Cole’s house all the time. Except it’s not so much a calling card on her bed, as a white stain in her knicker drawer.

So maybe it was this romantic ideal that wouldbe jewel thief Germain Ibrahim Fofana had in mind when he left a calling card of his own at the scene of his latest crime in London.

“While police were on scene the phone lit up having received a text message and a picture of the suspect was saved as the background.

“We also know he is wanted for further offences including shop-lifting, robbery and burglary across some other London boroughs.”

What an idiot. At least when BBM leaves photos of ourselves at Cheryl’s house, you can’t see our face – it’s usually just our penis. And so the timeless dance of seduction plays on - or rather it will when she lifts the restraining order, the little tease.

Unfortunately, his choice of calling card wasn’t exactly an ideal pick if he was hoping to get away with the deed. It was a picture of his face.

Some women can take it too far though.

One of BBM’s ex-girlfriends got so into her Catwoman role, she insisted on coughing up fur balls and burying her own shit in the backyard.

And a 31-year-old woman from Texas got a little bit carried away with the whole “naughty schoolgirl” thing last month – after posing as a teenage student at a private high school for several weeks.

Charity Johnson enrolled in October as a sophomore at New Life Christian School in Longview under the name “Charite Stevens,” with identification that said she was 15-years-old.

Johnson told school officials she had been home-schooled and had no prior transcripts.

She also told them she was a “very naughty girl” who was in “desperate need of a hard spanking”. OK we made that last bit up, but it’s the sort of thing we like to imagine happened.

Tamica Lincoln, a woman who lives in the area, said she took bonkers Johnson in after she claimed to be a teenage orphan from an abusive household, enrolled her in school and met with her teachers.

“I took her in as a child, did her hair, got her clothes and shoes,” Lincoln said.

But the highly gullible woman said she started to doubt Johnson’s story and alerted police.

The sham schoolgirl was arrested after identifying herself to police as the alias she used to enrol in school. She was charged with failure to identify and giving false information, according to jail records.

It’s understood she will defend herself dressed as “a sexy lawyer in glasses and stockings who’s been left in the office with a hunky co-worker all night”.

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Police arrived at the scene to discover the suspect had left his phone behind – and although they couldn’t open it, he had a selfie as his screen-saver.

Detective Sergeant Damion Cummings said: “In his hurry to run out … the suspect left his mobile phone on the table alongside his bag.

Chunk Of Cash Is Just Part Of The Furniture...

Everyone knows that the back of the settee is part treasure trove, part time-capsule. The last time BBM stuck our hand down there, we found $5.50 in loose change, the remote control for the DVD player, and a collection of half-a-dozen semen-stained tissues. In fact, we might add to the tissue collection after work tonight (Game of Thrones is on – boobs guaranteed).

But the traditional “ferk” down the back of the couch turned up something even more rewarding than usual for three young roommates in New York last month - $40,000 in cash.

“We just pulled out envelopes and envelopes,” said Cally Guasti, a social worker with Family of Woodstock who shares an apartment with two friends. “We put it all on a bed. We laid it all out and started counting.

And we were screaming. In the morning, our neighbours were like, ‘We thought you won the lottery.’

“My mouth was literally hanging open — everybody’s was — it was an unfathomable amount.”

But apart from the fact that $40,000 isn’t really “unfathomable” to most people (unless you’re on a BBM salary), we can understand her surprise.

What we can’t understand is why the crazy bitch promptly gave all the money back to the 91-year-old widow who gave the couch away in the first place.

Bloody do-gooders.

“At the end of the day, it wasn’t ours,” Guasti said. “I think if any of us had used it, it would have felt really wrong.”

Apparently the pensioner cried in gratitude when they gave her the cash she had hidden away. The woman’s family had donated the couch to the Salvation Army while she was having health problems.

When the family hears about the amount of money the old biddy has stashed away, our guess is her health will “mysteriously” deteriorate again, with fatal consequences.

Celebrity Tweets Here we help translate the literary treats published by the wonderful celebrities that grace the Twittersphere with their presence...

The Prize Of A Lifetime As competition prizes go, we tip our hat to a consortium of charities who are offering one winner the chance of a shot at immortality.

And we don’t mean the kind of “immortality” you get from having kids, or by becoming a famous celebrity whose name will live forever – we mean actually living forever, like Mummra from Thundercats.

Rob Kardashian @robkardashian

The “lucky” winner of the Live Forever competition will be chilled to -196C (-320F) after death, in the hope science may one day be able to bring them back to life.

We’re not sure whether sibling love to this extent is appropriate in the 21st Century.

Remember A Charity director Rob Cope said the competition aimed to get people thinking about their legacy after they have gone.

“We hope this campaign makes it clear that freezing yourself isn’t the only way to live forever,” he said.

‘and i love you @ khloekardashian...................... but i don’t want to love somebody else.’

Justin Bieber @justinbieber ‘Life is good.’

We like the fact you’ve been quiet this month.

We also like the fact you used a full stop in your status. – Someone’s trying to redeem themselves from last month’s mess aren’t they?

We couldn’t agree more. In fact, if anything, we reckon freezing yourself at -196C will probably have a negative impact on your lifespan.

Rylan Clark @Rylan

‘Big Brother Power Trip details coming tomorrow xx’

Joey Essex @JoeyEssex_

‘I’m back in the UK on Thursday for the launch of my new book #BeingReem and will be at Lakeside Shopping Centre at 5pm signing copies.’

There’s no need to be ashamed of being 26 Tulisa, we’re sure you’re more grown up than when you were a teen (uh hem sex tape).

Paris Hilton @ParisHilton

‘Massage time! Wanna take a look?’

We’ll only look if you’re butt naked, being massaged by someone equally naked.

Otherwise we couldn’t give a fuck.

Scott Disick @ScottDisick ‘Just posted a photo.’

How exactly does this help the world?

But our kinky Italian cousins have taken things to a new level after a couple was caught “in flagrante” during a murder trial in Genoa.

“They obviously thought because the glass was dark they would not be seen,” said a saucy source. “They are both court admin staff but they have not been named. It’s a bit delicate as one of them is married.”

We’ve put this in our diaries. Can’t wait to find out how to be reem, but the question is, is ‘reem’ in the Oxford dictionary? Until then we’ll define it as an ‘extremely big arsehole’.

‘Id like 2 state Im 25 not 26 as the press seem determined 2 add a year on 2 my life Im quite happy being 25.. I’ll enjoy 26 wen Im there ’

Having sex in an unusual place is a huge turn on for many people. Whether it’s on a plane, in a field or at a strip club on your wedding night, the human race is basically just one big horny beast happy to bang anyone in any place. Frankly, BBM would settle for just having sex anywhere at all. We’re that desperate.

Judge Anna Ivaldi asked the prosecutor to stop talking after she heard strange noises and looked over to see the pair in a passionate embrace in an office next door.

Because we really give a shit.

Tulisa Contostavlos @officialtulisa

Court in the act

Banking On A Bit Of Bonking

A 49-year-old oddball took an unusual approach to making a bank deposit last month – by having sex with an ATM. Dirty bugger Lonnie Hutton was stopped by police before he could “complete the transaction”, so to speak, but the real question is did he withdraw in time?

Apparently Hutton walked into a local bar in Murfreesboro, removed his trousers, had sex with the bar’s ATM, and was then apprehended by police.

But the fun didn’t stop there…The police escorted him outside and told him to sit on a nearby picnic table. Alas, his lust for inanimate objects proved insatiable, and he quickly began to have sex with his new-found seat. It’s the ATM we feel sorry for, imagine seeing the man you love moving on so quickly. Heart-breaking.

The jilted Romeo was snatched from his latest flame and arrested for public intoxication, with bail set at $250. Sounds like someone needs a trip to an ATM.

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SPORTS NEWS

translation comes via Inverdale Serves Up Another Slip handy kam

After using phrases like “he couldn’t hit a barn door with a banjo” and “fighting like beavers”, the former Bradford City manager already speaks like Google Translate went wrong, so he should have no trouble in his new role after being hired by British Airways to broadcast a video guide to Brazilian-Portuguese on all its long-haul flights to South America throughout the summer.

The clip includes his advice on how to say useful phrases such as offside (impedimento), cold beer (uma cerveja bem gelada) and gooooalllll! (gooooollllllllll).

It also has tips on how to ask for a half-time pie (torta, por favor), and his infamous catchphrase, “Unbelieeeeevable, Jeff” (Inacreeeeditável, Zé).

“It was great to have personal tuition to learn the essentials,” Kamara said almost fluently in English. “I hope viewers will find the video informative, if not entertaining.”

Frankly, we think he could come up with a few more useful translations for the streets of Brazil – like “no cocaine for me thank you” or “take my wallet, but please leave my wife and kids alone”.

The five-minute clip can be found on the airline’s in-flight ‘video on demand’ library in the sports category. You can also see a preview on YouTube.

It’s understood the United Nations have already inquired about the possibility of using Kamara’s unique linguistic skills to help negotiate a peace deal with al-Qaeda insurgents in Nigeria, who are believed to be led by Countdownpresenter-turned-warlord Jeff Stelling.

The magic of Wimbledon: it’s a winning mixture of the best tennis players in the world battling it out for grand slam glory, and sexy grunting girls in short skirts getting hot and sweaty. Marvellous stuff.

But of course, not all of the girls are hot. For every Maria Sharapova, there’s a Marion Bartoli – as BBC commentator John Inverdale mentioned to his cost at last year’s tournament.

For those who’ve forgotten, Inverdale inadvisedly spoke of how Bartoli wasn’t exactly blessed in the looks department. “Do you think Bartoli’s dad told her when she was little ‘You’re never going to be a looker’?” he said. “You’ll never be a Sharapova, so you have to be scrappy and fight’.”

Backlash ensued, Inverdale apologised, and Bartoli moved on.

So what better way to reopen old wounds than by bringing it all up again on the eve of this year’s tournament, which starts at the end of this month, and making an even more mealy-mouthed excuse than last time.

“I was feeling so ill that day, I had terrible hay fever and all I could think of was that I wanted to go home to bed,” whined Inverdale.

“I had Andy Murray in the final the next day, I knew I had to be on form.

Your mind is going all over the place, we’re on air from 12 noon ‘til 7pm with not a single word written and you’ve got to fill the time.”

Seeing as that’s basically his job description, we don’t feel too sympathetic. We’re just surprised he didn’t say “the dog ate it” too – although, to be fair, that could also be a reference to the pug-ugly Bartoli. We just hope this year he says Martina Navratilova has a face like a bulldog chewing a wasp.

Iran Get Shirty Over Kits

As anyone who’s played pub football on a boggy pitch in a British winter will tell you, it’s not the winning or the losing that counts – it’s making sure you’re not the one who takes home a kitbag full of washing at the end of the game.

The further up the footballing pyramid you go, the less these little inconveniences apply – and when you get to the pinnacle of the game, you can even swap your shirt with your opponents, knowing another one will be provided for the following weekend.

You’ll see players swapping shirts at pretty much every match at the World Cup - unless you’re watching Iran.

Apparently, the tight-fisted Iranian FA has banned its players from exchanging shirts at the end of games for financial reasons.

“We are not giving the players a shirt for every game, the players have to be economical with the shirts,” an Iranian FA source said, which seems a bit harsh considering they’ll make around $8million from the tournament.

It also means the Iranian kit-man will head to Brazil with his pockets full of Centavos in order to pay the many laundrettes of Curitaba, Belo Horizonte and Salvador. Even worse, given the team’s shirt colours are white and red; one mistake and they’ll be sent out in pink for their second group match.

Considering the team were also forced to pay $30,000 in excess baggage fees on the flights to a training camp in South Africa, it’s times like these where a few words from an inspirational coach might just get the team firing for Brazil.

“Don’t expect much from [Iran] in Brazil,” said manager Carlos Queiroz. “We will not make it to the next round.”

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By Richard Gadsby, Images by Jon Caudy, Casa Rosada, Andrew Sutherland, Reto Stauffer

When it comes to translating the phonetic dialect of Brazilian-Portuguese into English and dealing with the language’s complicated lexicon, only one man springs to mind as perfect for the task – Sky Sports pundit Chris Kamara.

Wade Into A Debate on Socceroos

As anyone who’s been in Australia longer than five minutes will tell you, the locals pride themselves on their “never-say-die” attitude when it comes to sport.

It’s usually followed by the annoying phrase “Aussie battler”, which is all part of Australia’s endless quest to portray itself as the plucky underdog on whatever sporting stage it’s on.

So after being pitted against Spain, the Netherlands and Chile for this month’s World Cup, you’d expect a few cries of “onya!” and “Straya!”, and a few inspirational words from former players as the Socceroos prepare for the group of death. “We are going to get absolutely smashed,” said former national team captain, and realist, Paul Wade. “It’s a massive step up for them, it really is.

“As a footballer, we talk about the green and gold. As a footballer, you have pride in yourself and your performance and helping your mates out. That all comes into play. But right now, without doubt, we’re going to get hammered.” Great stuff. But it’s not all bad news, according to Wade, who threw the gauntlet down to Ange Postecoglou and his team of soon-to-be-crushed youngsters. “A lot of people are saying we won’t even score a goal or get a point,” he said, suggesting that even a 7-1 hammering against Chile would represent a victory so long as they score.

OK, so even the most blindly loyal Socceroos fan would find it hard to see the team qualify from their group, but with a team of young talent gaining valuable experience on the big stage, surely they’ll be in great shape for next year’s Asian Cup, especially with the advantage of playing on home soil?

“Even that tournament will probably come too soon for this group of players to see success,” says the Sydney Morning Herald’s Sebastian Hassett. “Only by the time of qualifying for the next World Cup – slated to begin in September next year – will the benefits of Wednesday’s squad announcement be in full bloom.” So there you have it folks, the Socceroos are so shit you can forget about the next two major international competitions, but there’s an outside chance they might qualify for one in four years.Hurrah!

President Sets Precedent

It’s not entirely unheard of for a football club to buy ageing big-name players for their star power rather than their fading football skills.

Edgar Davids at Barnet, Alessandro Del Piero at Sydney FC, and David Beckham at any club in the last 10 years all spring to mind.

But Bolivian first division club Sport Boys set a new precedent last month when they signed midfielder Evo Morales on a £127-per-week contract.

Morales might not be a familiar name to anyone outside South America, but the reason he stands out as a somewhat unusual signing is not only is he 54-years old, he’s also the president of Bolivia. “He loves football and plays well. He’ll wear the No.10 shirt,” said Sports Boys president Mario Cronebold. “We’ll send him a list of matches and he’ll choose which ones to play in. We are contracting a person who is in very good shape and who lives for soccer.” We’re not sure if it was lost in translation, but we couldn’t find the line where he says “he’s also the President of Bolivia so we had to sign him or the rest of the team would have been waterboarded”.

It’s not the first time a non-footballer has been signed by a top-flight club – just think of Robbie Savage – but there have been cases of footballers getting into politics at the end of their careers. George Weah ran for president of Liberia in 2005, Belgium manager Marc Wilmots became a Liberal senator in his home country, and while in charge at Sunderland, Paulo Di Canio changed his name to “Mein Fuhrer” and tried to invade Poland.

PARDON MY FRENCH As BBM’s good buddies Richard Keys and Andy Gray will tell you, women and football can be an embarrassing combination.

Where Keys and Gray went wrong, unfortunately, is that they seem to think that all women in football are a joke – unless, of course, you’re “hanging out the back” of one. At least Sepp Blatter simply limits his misogynistic views to things like suggesting female footballers should wear tighter shorts.

And while we’re not suggesting there’s anything wrong with the women’s game (except maybe the standard of goalkeeping – seriously, what’s that about?), there can be no denying that one group of ladies aren’t exactly helping the cause when it comes to promoting the beautiful game for our brawearing brethren. We’re talking, of course, about WAGS. And for exhibit A, we need look no further than Samir Nasri’s lady friend, Anara Atanes, who wasn’t exactly happy that her beau was dumped from France’s World Cup team by manager Didier Deschamps.

“F*** france and f*** Deschamps! What a s*** manager!” she tweeted after the

French team was announced.

And to reiterate her point further, the British model then tweeted: “Incase u didnt read my tweet properly.... Ill repeat myself..... f*** FRANCE!!!!! And f*** Deschamps!”A model with a filthy mouth – sounds like she’s a keeper.

Nasri joined in on the social media act later in the evening, posting a more polite: “Thank you for all your messages of support, that’s life, another world cup at home to realize what does not kill makes you stronger.”

And he even replied to his girlfriend: “Love you dont get upset life sometimes is unfair but you have to accept it and deal with it.”

Somehow we don’t think the rational approach is going to have much effect with her.

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CRYSTAL BALLS

Horoscopes GEMINI

SCORPIO

You get depressed when no one turns up to the fancy-dress party you arranged for your birthday. What a fool you feel the next day when all your friends explain that they went to the party dressed as Harry Potter in his cloak of invisibility. That explains everything – although no one seemed to touch the nibbles.

You’re hit by a car and go into a coma for 36 years. The world is a very different place when you wake up in the year 2050. A McDonalds extra value meal now costs 400 Kronos, a house costs 4billion Kronos, and traditional monetary systems like the pound and dollar have been replaced by a universal currency called the Kronos. The most shocking discovery though is as you walk through a shopping mall in Sydney, you find a giant bronze head of Miley Cyrus. Horrifyingly, she has become the most popular singer of all time and is worshipped by billions of fans across the world. You fall to your knees in despair, tearing off your shirt and yelling “God damn you… god damn you all to hell!”

PISCES After suddenly being made redundant, you decide to invest all your money into a new business. It’s a mixture of a coffee shop and a lap-dancing club called “The Coffee Grinder”. Customers receive a complementary lap dance while they wait for their coffee, with the female lap dancer matching the choice of coffee – from “flat white” to “strong black”. Although initially a huge success, you lose your entire investment when several customers sue you for severe burns to their genitals after being gyrated on while trying to drink a scalding hot beverage.

AQUARIUS You lose your house, car and savings while betting on an especially highstakes game of Boggle.

SAGITARRIUS A lot of people you know are involved in serious car accidents this month.

LIBRA Your best friend is hit by a car and goes into a coma. When he wakes up, the last 19 years have been wiped from his mind and, in his head, it is still 1995 during the height of the Britpop war between Blur and Oasis. The doctors say he may stay that way forever, swaggering around with his hands behind his back, wearing shades indoors and telling everyone he’s “mad fer it”. After a week of hearing him say how much he “fookin hates Damon” you decide to smother him with a pillow in his sleep. Even his parents thank you.

TAURUS

VIRGO

Have you had your Inner Health Plus today?

A car accident leaves you horrifically scarred around the face. When surgeons finally unwrap the bandages, you bear an uncanny resemblance to rubber-faced funny man Rowan Atkinson. For the rest of your life, random people on the street shout “Mr Bean!” and “I have a cunning plan!” whenever they see you.

CAPRICORN

CANCER You get caught up in Operation Yewtree this week when your partner explains to you that, as a child, she was sexually assaulted by beloved BBC children’s entertainer Basil Brush. Apparently the filthy fox used to cry “boom! boom!” whenever he’d finished his seedy deeds. Sweep, from The Sooty Show, used to watch as he did it.

A serious car accident leaves you with no sense of comic timing. For the rest of your life, you start knock-knock jokes with the phrase “who’s there?”

On The Tube

ARIES To the world’s surprise, and yours, the head of NBC asks you to replace David Letterman as the star of The Late Show, after Stephen Colbert pulls out. You’re a disaster, repeatedly asking “so how are you getting on then?” to bemused celebrities when you run out of questions, most of which are about the weather. Things reach a head when you tell Tom Hanks “it’s a bit nippy for this time of year” and he responds by viciously beating you about the head and face with the “Wilson” football he used on the set of Castaway.

LEO When military scientists overhear you telling a friend that whenever you cut or graze yourself, it usually heals really fast, they kidnap you and take you to the middle of the Arizona desert. When you arrive at their base, they place you in a tube filled with amniotic fluid and attempt to graft adamantium onto your skeleton to turn you into an indestructible killing machine just like Wolverine from the X-Men. Naturally, the process fails and you die in unimaginable agony as searing-hot liquid metal is injected into your veins.

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This month’s funniest video from the net comes in the form of a 2013 banned advert for Durex, which features two balloon animals humping each other and simulating various other sex acts, before a third comes along and joins the party. Utterly hilarious, but almost cute at the same time... watch it here: http://bit.ly/1ijPOJg

CRYSTAL BALLS

Ask Crystal Dear Crystal, Since I was a little girl, I’ve always dreamed of meeting a man who could decipher wedge-shaped Mesopatamian syllabic markings that date as far back as the fourth millenium BC. There’s just something about a man in cuneiform (one of the earliest systems of writing) that turns me on. Now I’ve met a wonderful, kind and caring guy – but his specialty is excavating pre-alphabetic Sumerian inscriptions. Is he the right one for me or am I settling?

Yours Amy Dear Amy, I think the fact that you’ve found someone as mental/boring as you speaks volumes. Snap him up now before some other hot single girl with a fetish for primitive logophonetic scripts pounces on him. I’m sure there are tonnes out there.

Dear Crystal, I’m thinking of getting a DVD out, but I can’t decide between Captain America 2: The Winter Soldier and that new

Spiderman flick. What do you reckon?

Faithfully yours, Roger Dear Roger, I really couldn’t give a shit.

Yours, Crystal Dear Crystal My girlfriend takes the mickey out of me because I can’t multi-task as well as she can. Yet the other day when she caught me cleaning my teeth while having a piss in the sink, she went bloody livid.

Honestly, the logic of women baffles me at times. She’s staying at a mate’s house now, how am I supposed to keep the silly cow happy?

Sincerely, David.

Dear David, Well you could keep me happy by cleaning your teeth while pissing on my face – but that’s just a personal fetish and I wouldn’t recommend it without asking her permission first. That’s how I ended up

falling out with Christopher Pyne, the Education Minister. And he made me pay for his dry-cleaning bill. Tight git.

Anyway, I suspect the issue your lady friend has is one of hygiene. OK it might save time to combine pissing with teeth cleaning, but if she washes her face afterwards and comes out stinking of urine it’s going to take even more time to get her right again.

Just tell her you’ve knocked it on the head and buy her a card to apologise.

Just don’t wipe your arse on it first.

Dear Crystal, It’s taken me a long time to sum up how I feel about you and I just really need you to know that I love you and I’d like to express that by pissing on your thighs.

Tell me, can we make that happen?

Yours forever, Joey Dear Joey, I’ve actually got an allery to urine and it burns everytime I have a slash.

Jokes 1)Put on chicken costume 2)Go to store to pick up eggs 3)Run up to store manager and emotionally scream “Who did this to my children?”

Ricky, Paddington My car has just been involved in a hit and run accident.

Thank fuck nobody saw. Greg, Kings Cross Be quiet and ask as few questions as possible in a meeting, respect the fact that others sleep.

Tristan, Manly What is the difference between a smart blonde and a UFO? There have been sightings of UFOs. Terry, Fitzroy

You can tell a lot about a person by their car.

For example: if it’s in a ditch, it’s a woman.

Frank, Fremantle Some people say it’s sick and perverted to be a flasher.

I think it shows a lot of balls. Derek, Richmond A.D.H.D – Because lazy parenting needed a new medical term. Tom, Surry Hills There’s a chair with a pie and there’s a chair with a dick. Which one do you sit on and which one do you eat? Florian, Darlinghurst After a night of heavily drinking there is one thing I can’t stand…

And that’s up. Bret, Townsville

What did the elephant say to the naked man?

How do you breathe through that thing?

Aaron, Balmoral

A guy goes to the store to buy condoms. ‘Do you want a bag?’ the cashier asks.

‘No’, the guy says, ‘she’s not that ugly.’

Marlon, Darlinghurst What’s the difference between a Man-U fan and a Vibrator?

A Man U fan is a real dick. Gary, Kings Cross How do you make a Gunners fan run?

Build a job centre. Alex, Yarra The only time I use the word “selfie” is when I’m describing my sex life. Andrew, Perth I went to the doctors the other day and I said, ‘Have you got anything for wind?’ So he gave me a kite. Duncan, Surry Hills I tried water polo but my horse drowned.

Richard, Balmain

If the world cannot find 300 passengers in a missing jumbo jet. How the fuck are the yanks going find four Brits in a boat! Archie, Melbourne

I get the impression my girlfriend has fake boobs.

She’s a sex doll. So it would be weird if it had real boobs. Jeff, Yalingup

Did you hear about the guy who died of a Viagra overdose?

They couldn’t close his casket. Sam, St Kilda

My girlfriend gives the best blow jobs in town.

According to what’s written on this toilet door.

Mel, Manly

What do you call a cheap circumcision?

A rip off. Pete, Perth

I recently read that sharks attacked an Oz man.

Where’re the lion and tin man when you need them? Blair, St Kilda

How do you get a nun pregnant?

Dress her up as an alter boy. Jo, Kew What do you call a bunny with a bent dick?

Fucks Funny. Paul, Surry Hills

Email us your jokes to staffwriter@bbmlive.com www.bbmlive.com 43

ADULT ENTERTAINMENT

Looking for an exciting twist on your night out? We’ve scoured Australia for their very best clubs where the eyes can wander and your taste buds will be tantalized by their decadent cocktails. These are the ultimate sophisticated strip clubs. shenanigans and cocktails that taste too good to Bohemia Cabaret Club This sanctuary of desire is a live entertainment venue where you can indulge in shows ranging from the sublime to the most comical. At Bohemia, you will find burlesque, cabaret, music and dance, each with its own artistic value. Dig into a crème brûlée and sit back in the wonderful world of beautiful burlesque. Browse the food menu and specific show dates at the website. Prices start at $30 for admission and tickets can also be purchased for groups.

226-228 Coventry Street, South Melbourne www.bohemiacabaretclub.com

Twin Peeks Lingerie Restaurant

Established in 1999 near Sydney CBD, Twin Peeks is a delectable restaurant with a fantastic red, white and sparkling wine list so you can unwind in elegance after a long day. If your hunger gets the better of you, enjoy a delightful dinner while watching the three full-nude Erotic Cabaret Strip shows. You will be close to the action as the beautiful ladies strut around with confidence.

Friday nights are $120pp and Saturday nights are $130, including a delicious two-course meal.

134 Forbes Street, Woolloomooloo www.twinpeeks.com.au

Peaches ‘n’ Gin Burlesque

Based in Adelaide since January 2009, Peaches ‘n’ Gin started a burlesque revival in South Australia.

Not only can you enjoy the monthly Club Burlesk night at La Boheme Bar, you can also indulge in the venue’s premier cocktails, including their Absolut 8 range or the chance to design your own.

With names like Peach On The Beach, American Beauty and Rose Drop, they go hand-in-hand with what you see before your eyes. Get ready to lose your mind in their world of lace, tight corsets, sultry

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be true.

36 Grote Street, Adelaide www.peachesnginburlesque.com

Minx Gentleman’s Club

A focus on gorgeous, experienced ladies alongside a well-stocked bar and restaurant, Minx Gentleman’s Club is an establishment for an entertaining evening filled with debauchery, temptations and a good drink in your hand. From live shows on the main stage to private dances for your eyes only, the girls here aim to please with their womanly charms and sexy curves. The selection of beer, wine and cocktails will quench your thirst, and the options will keep you going all night. Whether sipping on a Cosmopolitan, Rusty Nail, or the rather apt, Sex On The Beach, there’s something about seductive dancing and a cocktail that gets our blood racing.

72 Pitt Street, Sydney www.minxbar.com

Make the most of enjoying your time in Oz with a job that allows you to utilise the very best of your skills.

We take a look at the wonderful world of burlesque and how you can learn this exciting art form and turn your fun into money.

Gold Coast Burlesque Dolls: You can attend a taster session and gain some fitness points along with dance floor moves, or become a professional dancer with Burlesque Dolls. Not only are they one of Australia’s largest burlesque clothing suppliers, after attending their dance workshops in the Gold Coast, they offer the chance to perform alongside them. If you’re a beginner you can start with their Open Burlesque Lessons for $16 every Monday and Tuesday, or if you have more experience go along to their Performance Burlesque Lessons every Wednesday for $16.

33 Expansion Avenue, Molendinar, Gold Coast, QLD www.burlesquedolls.com.au

Adelaide Peaches ‘n’ Gin Burlesque Academy: Enter the welcoming atmosphere of Peaches ‘n’ Gin Burlesque Academy which is open to adult women of all ages and body types. Experience in dance isn’t required to start the Beginner Burlesque classes so if you were inspired by watching Cher and Christina Aguilera star in Burlesque, but don’t have any burlesque performance experience, then you still have a chance. These classes run on Mondays and Wednesdays in 5-week blocks for both intermediate and beginners. It costs $75 for 5 classes.

Studio Menagerie, Shop 4a, 258 Glen Osmond Road, Fullarton, SA www.peachesandginburlesque.com/academy.

Sydney

Blush Dance School: This eccentric dance school will leave you stuck for choice over its many dance course options. You can choose from a 6 week Burlesque Kitten Course or a 4-6 week Burlesque The Voodoo Lounge Performance Course, that allows you to perform Customer satisfaction guaranteed, at The Voodoo in a group routine with professional choreography Lounge, you won’t just be receiving first class and gain invaluable stage experience. Once your treatment from the girls parading the stage. The confidence is as high as your heels, you can bar staff know how to make good drinks to your advertise your burlesque group or yourself on www. liking, and are fully trained to see to your needs. burlesquedancers.com.au for venues searching for Specialising in whiskey, the bar also caters to beer, performers around Sydney. wine and cocktail drinkers, with alternating drinks 372 Princes Hwy, St Peters, NSW of the week. In terms of lovely ladies, The Voodoo www.blushdanceschool.com.au Lounge hosts many events including Miss Erotica, the wildest strip competition in Australia, on 11th This great work opportunity gives you the chance to June. With world-class strippers, a swarm of porn get fit, make money and meet new people on your stars visiting the venue and pole dancing and travels. It’s time to channel your inner vixen and cabaret just some of the on-stage variety, this is experience a whole new way of living.

Perth’s hottest hangout.

174 James Street, Northbridge www.thevoodoolounge.com.au

By Arti Rajput

What Happens After Dark...

Turning Burlesque Into A Career

Top Apps To Download This Month

Download these apps to your phone for endless entertainment, whether you’re down the pub or on the way to work, or simply just travelling.

Finger-Lie Detector This free Android app is perfect for instilling fear in your partners. Place the accused’s finger on the screen and ask them a question you want the truthful answer to. It may not work as well as Jeremy Kyle’s professional kit, but is hilarious if the other person thinks it’s real. The questions can be as severe or as embarrassing as you like them to be. Only available on iPhone.

WhisperText LLC

Whisper (pictured right) may look like an innocent

way to share images and sarcastic comments but in reality it is so much more. A world away from dating apps such as Tinder, Whisper allows anonimity and with it comes a hilarious private message feature. Go ahead and upload a photo of Mila Kunis saying you like girls with green eyes… you’ll get at least one person messaging you with their picture saying ‘you’re hot’. It’s flirty fun and somehow brings back the tradition ‘ASL (age, sex, location)’ introduction – way better than a full blown conversation. Whisper is free and available on Android and iPhone.

Tunepics

This free app from the App Store is perfect for catching unforgettable moments. Whether it’s your mate making a complete fool of himself or a spectacular moment during your travels, Tunepics documents it in a unique way. Not only can you share the emotion behind each image, but you can uncover a world of music that you’d never think to listen to. The best part is that you can share it to your other social networks so everybody can live the journey with you. Only available on iPhone.

Beatphonic

If you’ve ever wanted to create music but thought you didn’t have the required skills, it’s not a problem with Beatphonic. All you need is an eager mind and an ear for the perfect sound mix.

Fear not, as the app contains 24 high quality instruments and Techno, Dance, R&B, and Pop music styles for you to choose from. It’s like using the technology you’d get in a studio but in

a much cheaper and compact way. Beatphonic is an efficient music app, all of its style patterns and instruments have been exclusively composed by professional musicians. $1.30 available on iPhone.

Brazil 2014 - World Cup

Brazil 2014 by ITnext will be your best friend this month as you can check up on everything about the World Cup. It doesn’t matter where you are so long as you have an Internet connection, you can easily and skilfully access the latest playing schedule, results, city and stadium information and, field formations. If you need to find your way around the stadium then access the app’s helpful venue map in a few quick swipes. This is the app to have throughout the World Cup and even allows you to add your favourites for ease of access.

Purchase it for $1.30 from the App Store or a good free equivalent on Android is World Cup 2014 Brazil – Jalvasco Apps.

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ADVERTISE HERE

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TRAVEL NEW ZEALAND & FIJI

Things to do in New Zealand

SKYDIVING

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

RAFTING

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

JET BOATING SHOTOVER JET

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

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

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

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

RIVER BOARDING

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

ACCOMMODATION CHRISTCHURCH

CITY OASIS 180 Peterborough Street, Christchurch, NZ Ph: + 64 3366 9531 cityoasis@xtra.co.nz www.kiwi-backpackers.co.nz COKER’S BACKPACKERS 52 manchester Street, Christchurch, NZ Ph: + 64 3379 8580 enquiries@cokers.co.nz www.cokers.co.nz

BAY OF ISLANDS

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

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

QUEENSTOWN

AUCKLAND

BUNGI BACKPACKERS 15 Sydney Street, Queenstown, NZ Ph: + 64 3442 8725 Fax: + 64 3442 8729 www.kiwi-backpackers.co.nz

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

SOUTHERN LAUGHTER LODGE 4 Isle Street, Queenstown, NZ Ph: + 64 3441 8828 southernlaughter@xtra.co.nz www.kiwi-backpackers.co.nz NOMADS QUEENSTOWN 5-11 Church Street, Queenstown, NZ Freecall: 0508 NOMADS Phone: +64 3 441 3922 info@nomadsqueenstown.com nomadshostels.com Queenstown’s brand new flashpackers, now open with rave reviews.

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

NOMADS FAT CAMEL 38 Fort Street, Auckland, NZ Freecall: 0508 NOMADS Phone: +64 9 307 0181 bookings@nomadsfatcamel.com nomadshostels.com $5 off first night if you mention this ad.

WELLINGTON

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

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

Fiji ACCOMMODATION

THINGS TO DO

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SKYDIVING

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

SCUBA DIVING

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

Things to do in Australia SKYDIVING

SYDNEY SKYDIVERS 745 Picton Road, Wilton, New South Wales, Australia 2571 Ph: 1800 805 997 admin@sydneyskydivers.com.au www.sydneyskydivers.com.au SUNSHINE COAST SKYDIVERS 1 Pathfinder Drive, Caloundra Airport, Sunshine Coast, QLD Ph: 07 5437 0211 Mob: 04 18 776 775 bookings@sunshinecoastskydivers.com.au www.sunshinecoastskydivers.com.au SOUTHERN SKYDIVERS Busselton Regional Airport, Bussleton, WA Free: 1300 449 669 skydive@southernskydivers.com.au www.southernskydivers.com.au SKYDIVE BYRON BAY Hanger 1, Tyagarah Airfield, NSW, 2481 Ph: 1800 800 840 or 02 6684 1323 info@skydivebyronbay.com www.skydivebyronbay.com The ultimate skydive experience Australia has to offer!

IFLY DOWNUNDER 123 Mulgoa Road, Penrith, Sydney Ph: 1300 366 364 www.iflydownunder.com.au SKYDIVE COFFS HARBOUR P.O. Box 351, Coffs Harbour, NSW, 2450 Ph: 0433 254 438 info@skydivecoffs.com.au www.skydivecoffs.com.au Beach landings in the heart of Coffs SKYDIVE THE REEF CAIRNS 51 Sheridan St, Cairns, QLD, 4870 Ph: 1800 800 840 info@skydivethereefcairns.com.au www.skydivethereefcairns.com.au SKYDIVE JURIEN BAY 36B Bashford St, Jurien Bay, WA, 6516 Ph: 0438 441 239 www.skydivejurienbay.com

SCUBA DIVING AUSTRALIA

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

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

ADVENTURE TOURS

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

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

TRAVEL AUSTRALIA

info@hotairballooning.com.au www.hotairballooning.com.au

KITE SURFING

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

SURF SCHOOLS

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

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

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

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

SURF & SUN AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURES Ph: 1800 786 386 / 08 8212 0211 info@surfandsun.com.au www.surfandsun.com.au

GET WET SURF SCHOOL Ph: 1800 438 938 www.getwetsurf.com

BLUE MOUNTAINS ADVENTURE COMPANY Ph: 02 4782 1271 bmac@bmac.com.au www.bmac.com.au WAYOUTBACK AUSTRALIAN SAFARI Ph: 1300 551 510 / 08 8952 4324 reservations@wayoutback.com.au www.wayoutback.com.au CAVERSHAM WILDLIFE PARK Whiteman Park, Whiteman, WA, 6068 Ph: 08 9248 1984 sales@cavershamwildlife.com.au www.cavershamwildlife.com.au MINISTRY OF PAINTBALLING L4, 362 Kent St, Sydney, NSW, 2000 Ph:1800 646 478 Ph: 02 9262 2362 www.ministryofpaintball.com BRIDGE CLIMB SYDNEY Ph: 02 8274 7777 www.bridgeclimb.com BUNYIP TOURS 570 Flinders Street Melbourne Victoria, 3000 1300 286 947 info@bunyiptours.com www.bunyiptours.com PENRITH WHITE WATER RAFTING Ph: 02 4730 4333 booking@penrithwhitewater.com.au www.penrithwhitewater.com.au BALLOON SUNRISE PO Box 229 , Yarra Glen, VIC, 3775 Ph: 03 9730 2422 Free: 1800 HOTAIR (1800 468 247)

SURF SHACK Ph: 03 5155 4933 www.surfshack.com.au GO SURFING BYRON BAY Ph: 02 6685 7099 gosurfingbyronbay@gmail.com www.gosurfingbyronbay.com LETS GO SURFING Ph: 02 9365 1800 www.letsgosurfing.com.au SURFING AUSTRALIA Ph: 07 5599 3800 www.surfingaustralia.com Marine Charters ADVENTURE BAY CHARTERS 2 Jubilee Drive, Port Lincoln, SA, 5606 Ph: 04 8842 8862 info@adventurebaycharters.com.au www.adventurebaycharters.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 JET SKI SAFARIS Birth 56, Jetty Sea, Mariners Cove, Waterways, QLD Ph: 07 5526 3111 Mob: 0409 754 538 info@jetskisafaris.com.au www.jetskisafaris.com.au

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

BIKE RIDING TOURS

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

WINE AND BEER TOURS

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

HIDDEN SECRET TOURS Melbourne CBD Ph: 03 9663 3358 tours@hiddensecrettours.com www.hiddensecretstours.com CARLTON & UNITED BREWERY TOUR Cnr Thompson & Nelson Streets, Abbotsford, VIC Ph:(03) 9420 6800 www.carltonbrewhouse.com.au BIG NIGHT OUT Surfers Paradise Every Wednesday and Saturday Night www.GoldCoastBackpackers.net FROG & TOAD BAR HOP Cairns Every Wednesday and Friday Night Mob: 0418 184 646 partyincairns@bigpond.com www.partyincairns.com

BOWLING

STRIKE BOWLING Nationwide Ph:1300 787453 www.strikebowling.com.au PADDO BOWLS 2 Quarry Street Paddington NSW, 2021 Ph: 02936 1150

TRANSPORT

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

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ACCOMMODATION LISTINGS NEW SOUTH WALES SYDNEY

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

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

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

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

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

PORTERHOUSE HOTEL 233 Riley St Surry Hills NSW 2010 Ph: (02) 9211 4454 info@porterhouse.com.au www.Porterhouse.com.au BIG HOSTEL Single and double & Dorm rooms available Max 4 bed dorms.

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

SYDNEY NORTHERN BEACHES

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

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

SYDNEYS SOUTHERN BEACHES

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

PORT STEPHENS

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

KATOOMBA

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

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BYRON BAY

AQUARIUS BACKPACKERS 16 Lawson Street Byron Bay NSW 2481 Ph: (02) 6685-7663 Free: 1800 028 909 info@aquarius-backpackers.com.au www.aquarius-backpackers.com.au NOMADS BYRON BAY 1 Lawson Lane, Byron Bay, NSW 2481 Ph: 02 6680 7966 Free: 1800 766 673 bookings@nomadsbyronbay.com nomadshostels.com ARTS FACTORY LODGE 1 Skinners Shoot Road, Byron Bay, NSW Ph: 02 6685 7709 info@artsfactory.com.au www.artsfactory.com.au An essential part of your journey

LAKE TABOURIE

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

QUEENSLAND BRISBANE

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

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

GOLDCOAST

TREKKERS BACKPACKERS 22 White Street, Goldcoast, QLD, 4215 Ph: (07) 55915616 Free : 1800 100 004 info@trekkersbackpackers.com.au www.trekkersbackpackers.com.au AQUARIUS BACKPACKERS 44 Queen Street Gold Coast, Queensland Ph: 07 5527 1300 Free:1800 229 955 info@aquariusbackpackers.com.au www.aquariusbackpackers.com.au SURFERS PARADISE YHA AT MAIN BEACH Mariners Cove, 70 Seaworld Drive Main Beach, Surfers Paradise 4217 Ph: (07) 5571 1776 surfersparadise@yha.com.au www.yha.com.au BACKPACKERS IN PARADISE

40 Peninsular Drive Central Surfers Paradise Queensland, 4217 Ph: (07) 5538 4344 Free: 1800 268 621 info@backpackersinparadise.com www.backpackersinparadise.com SURF N SUN Beachside Backpackers 3323 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast, QLD 4217 Ph: (07) 5592 2363 Free: 1800 678 194 info@surfnsun-goldcoast.com www.surfnsun-goldcoast.com SLEEPING INN SURFERS 26 Peninsular Drive Surfers Paradise QLD Ph: 07 5592 4455 info@sleepinginn.com.au www.sleepinginn.com.au COOLANGATTA SANDS HOSTEL Cnr Griffith & McLean Streets

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

res@islander.com.au

www.islander.com.au/Backpackers Coolangatta 4225 QLD Ph: 07 5536 7472 hostel@taphouse.com.au www.taphouse.com.au SURFERS PARADISE BACKPACKERS RSRT Backpackers Resort,2837 Gold Coast Highway, Queensland 4217 Ph: 07 5592 4677 Free: 1800 282 800 spbr@bigpond.net.au www.surfersparadisebackpackers.com.au

NOOSA

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

HERVEY BAY

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

TOWN OF 1770

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

CAIRNS CAIRNS SHARE HOUSE 17 Scott Street, Cairns, QLD 4870 Ph: (+617) 4041 1875 info@cairns-sharehouse.com www.cairns-sharehouse.com GILLIGANS BACKPACKERS HOTEL & RESORT 57-59 Grafton Street, Cairns, QLD Ph: (07) 4041 6566 Free: 1800 556 995 reservations@gilligans.com.au www.gilligans.com.au NOMADS ESPLANADE 93 The Esplanade, Cairns, QLD 4870 Ph: 07 4031 7477 Free: 1800 175 716 bookings@nomadsesplanade.com www.nomadshostels.com DREAMTIME TRAVELLERS REST 4 Terminus Street (corner of Bunda st.& Terminus st.)

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

MISSION BEACH ABSOLUTE BACKPACKERS 28 Wongaling Beach Road Mission Beach Queensland 4852 Ph: 07 4068 8317 Free: 1800 688 316 info@absolutebackpackers.com.au www.absolutebackpackers.com.au SCOTTY’S BEACH HOUSE 167 Reid Road, Mission Beach, QLD, 4852 Ph: 07 4068 8676 info@scottysbeachhouse.com.au www.scottysbeachhouse.com.au

WHITSUNDAYS BAREFOOT LODGE Whitsunday Passage, Whitsundays, QLD Ph: +61 7 4946 9400 Free: 1800 075 125 longisland@oceanhotels.com.au www.oceanhotels.com.au

AIRLIE BEACH AIRLIE BEACH YHA 394 Shute Harbour Road Airlie Beach QLD Phone: (07) 4946 6312 Free:1800 247 251 airliebeach@yha.com.au www.yha.com.au MAGNUMS/WHITSUNDAY VILLAGE TRAVEL 366 Shute Harbour Rd, Airlie Beach, QLD Ph: (07) 4964 1199 or 07 4964 1188 Free: 1800 624 634 travel@magnums.com.au www.magnums.com.au

CAPE TRIBULATION

PK’S JUNGLE VILLAGE Cape Tribulation Road (PMB 7) Cape Tribulation QLD 4873 Tel: 07 4098 0040 info@pksjunglevillage.com www.pksjunglevillage.com FERNTREE RAINFOREST LODGE Camelot Close, Cape Tribulation, QLD Australia Freecall:1800 987 077 International Telephone: +61 7 4098 0033 Availability and Rates: www.thebookingbutton.com.au reservationsferntree@oceanhotels.com.au www.oceanhotels.com.au

Jewell House 180 Goderich St. Perth, WA 6000 tel: (08) 9325 8488 fax: (08) 9221 4694 jewellhouse@ymca.org.au www.ymcajewellhouse.com.au UNDERGROUND BACKPACKERS 268 Newcastle Street Northbridge WA 6003 Ph: (08) 9228 3755 www.undergroundbackpackers.com.au

WESTERN BEACH LODGE 6 Westborough Street Scarborough, Western Australia, 6019 Ph. (08) 9245 1624 westernbeach@iprimus.com.au www.westernbeach.com

EXCLUSIVE BACKPACKERS 158 Adelaide Tce, Perth 6000 Ph: (08) 9221 9991 exclusivebackpackers@hotmail.com www.exclusivebackpackers.com BEATTY LODGE 235 Vincent Street West Perth WA 6005 Ph: (08) 9227 1521 www.beattylodge.com.au info@beattylodge.com.au BILLABONG RESORT 381 Beaufort Street, Perth Ph: 08 9328 7720 bookings@billabongresort.com.au www.billabongresort.com.au GLOBE BACKPACKERS 561 Wellington Street, cnr. Queen St, Perth, WA Ph: 08 9321 4080 globebak@iinet.net.au www.globebackpackers.com.au THE OLD SWAN BARRACKS 2 - 8 Francis Street Perth (Northbridge)6000 Ph: 08 9428 0000 www.theoldswanbarracks.com

COTTESLOE

MONKEY MIA

RAINBOW BEACH

PIPPIES BEACH HOUSE Cnr of Spectrum Street & Cypress Avenue, Rainbow Beach FREEPHONE: 1800425356 info@pippiesbeachhouse.com.au www.pippiesbeachhouse.com.au 30mins FREE Internet on presentation of this ad PLUS FREE Breakfast & Eco Whale-Watching for all!

WESTERN AUSTRALIA SCARBOROUGH

OCEAN BEACH BACKPACKERS Cnr Marine Parade & Eric St Cottesloe Beach Ph: 08 9384 5111 stay@oceanbeachbackpackers.com www.oceanbeachbackpackers.com

PERTH

RAINBOW LODGE 150 Claisebrook Rd Perth, WA (Have just moved around the corner) Ph: (08) 9227-1818 or 0417 927 529 Ron@rainbowlodge.com.au www.rainbowlodge.com.au ONE WORLD BACKPACKERS 162 Aberdeen St Northbridge, PERTH WA Ph: (08) 9228 8206 www.oneworldbackpackers.com.au MOUNTWAY HOLIDAY APARTMENTS 36 Mount St,West Perth WA 6005 Ph: (08) 9321 8307 info@mountwayapartments.com.au www.mountwayapartments.com.au BRITANNIA ON WILLIAM 253 William Street, Northbridge 6003 Perth WA Ph: 08 9227 6000 Fax: 08 9227 6611 www.perthbritannia.com YMCA ACCOMMODATION

MONKEY MIA DOLPHIN RESORT Monkey Mia Road, Shark Bay 3537 Ph: +61 8 9948 1320 monkeymia@aspenresorts.com.au www.monkeymia.com.au

KUNUNURRA

KUNUNURRA BACKPACKERS ADVENTURE CENTRE 24 Nutwood Crescent, Kununurra WA 6743 Ph: (08) 9169 1998 or 1800 641 998 www.kununurrabackpackers.com.au info@kununurrabackpackers.com.au

BROOME

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

VICTORIA MILDURA

REDCLIFFS HOTEL 25 Jacaranda St, Red Cliffs VIC 3496 (03) 5024 1704

GREAT OCEAN ROAD

JOHANNA BEACH COTTAGES 225 Blue Johanna Road Johanna Heights Victoria 3238 (03) 5237 4224 cottages@johannabeach.com www.johannabeach.com

HALLS GAP

BRAMBUK BACKPACKERS HOSTEL 330 Grampians Road, Halls Gap, VictoriaPh: 03 5356 4250 bramback@netconnect.com.au www.brambuk.com.au/backpackers.htm Brambuk Backpackers offers travellers an affordable and comfortable range of accommodation, ideally situated within the stunning Grampians National Park.

MELBOURNE

EASYSTAY MOTEL AND STUDIO APARTMENTS Great accommodation at fantastic rates Rooms available for up to 4 people Book online and save $$$ www.easystay.com.au Or call 1300 30 17 30 EXFORD HOTEL 199 Russell Street , Melbourne Vic 3000 Ph: 03 9663 2697 res@exfordhotel.com.au www.exfordhotel.com.au BACK OF CHAPEL 50 Green St, Windsor Prahran, Vic 3181 Ph: 03 9521 5338 www.backofchapel.com NOMADS ALL NATIONS 2 Spencer Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000 Freecall: 1800 739 989 Phone: 03 9620 1022 info@allnations.com nomadshostels.com $5 off first night (min 3 night stay) if you mention this ad FLINDERS STATION HOTEL BACKPACKERS 35 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne Vic 3000 Ph: 03 9620 5100 res@flindersbp.com.au www.flindersbp.com.au The Spencer Backpackers 475 Spencer Street, Melbourne Ph: (03) 9329 7755 1800 638 108 hotelspencer@hotkey.net.au www.spencerbackpackers.com.au Bring this ad for 40 min FREE internet (new guests only).

MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL BACKPACKERS 450 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne Vic 3000 Ph: 03 9662 4066 res@mibp.com.au www.mibp.com.au HOTEL DISCOVERY 167 Franklin Street, Melbourne VIC 300 Ph: 03 9329 7525. Freecall 1800 645 200 reservations@hoteldiscovery.com.au www.hoteldiscovery.com.au

INDEPENDENT & BUDGET TRAVELER ACCOMMODATION PROVIDER Victoria Hall Accommodation 380 Russell Street, Melbourne 3000 Ph: 03 9662 3888 www.victoriahall. com.au

ST. KILDA

ALICE SPRINGS

JACKSON APARTMENTS 80 Ikerman St ,St Kilda Beach Ph:0433 118 334 or 0412 525 510 www.jacksonapartments.com.au Jackson.apartments@bigpond.com HABITAT HQ Freephone 1800 202 500 info@habitathq.com.au www.habitathq.com.au Award winning 4.5 star hostel with a homely & relaxed atmosphere Specials from $20! FREE pick up from Tullamarine (min 3 nt stay) * Conditions apply

ANNIE’S PLACE 4 Traeger Avenue, Alice Springs , NT, 0871 Ph: 1800 359 089 www.anniesplace.com.au HAVEN BACKPACKER RESORT 3 Larapinta Drive, Alice Springs Ph: 1800 79 4663 / 08 8952 4663 www.alicehaven.com.au

SOUTH AUSTRALIA ADELAIDE

APOLLO BAY

APOLLO BAY BACKPACKERS LODGE 23 Pascoe Street, Apollo Bay Ph: 1800 157 280 +61 352 377850 Mob: 0413 504 402 ww.apollobaybackpackerslodge.com.au ECO BEACH YHA ECO-HOSTEL 5 Pascoe Street, Apollo Bay 3233 Ph: (+613) 5237 7899 apollobay@yhavic.org.au www.yha.com.au Clean, quiet and relaxing Eco-Hostel. Cosy fire in winter. DVD’s available to borrow from reception.

HALLS GAP

GRAMPIANS YHA ECO-HOSTEL Corner Grampians and Buckler Roads Halls Gap 3381 Ph: (+613) 5356 4544 grampians@yhavic.org.au www.yha.com.au Eco accredited. Solar powered. Herb garden, free range chooks and friendly local kangaroos

NORTHERN TERRITORY

ADELAIDE TRAVELLERS INN BACKPACKERS 220 Hutt St Adelaide 5000 Free call 1800633747 Ph: +61 08 82240753 bookings@adelaidebackpackers.com.au www.adelaidebackpackers.com.au MAJESTIC MINIMA HOTEL 146 Melbourne Street, North Adelaide SA 5006 Ph:(08) 8334 7766 minima@majestichotels.com.au www.majestichotels.com.au OUR HOUSE BACKPACKERS 33 Gilbert Place, Adelaide, SA, 5000 Ph: 08 8410 4788 info@ourhousebackpackers.com www.ourhousebackpackers.com ADELAIDE SHAKESPEARE INTERNATIONAL 123 Waymouth Street, Adelaide SA, 5000 Ph: +61 (0)8 8231-7655 (Oz Freecall) 1800-556-889 bookings@shakeys.com.au This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it www.shakeys.com.au

DARWIN

ASHTON LODGE & WISDOM BAR 48 Mitchell St, Darwin, NT, 0800 Ph: 08 8941 4866 ashtonlodge@gmail.com www.wisdombar.com.au MELALEUCA ON MITCHELL 52 Mitchell St, Darwin, NT, 0800 Ph: 08 8941 7900 Freecall: 1300 723 437 www.momdarwin.com info@MOMDarwin.com

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RECRUITMENT NEWS

Applying For Work From Overseas

Technology has brought people closer to the extent that you can successfully apply for a job and attend the interview without even being in the same time zone, ideal for a country as vast as Australia.

There are even distinct advantages to applying from outside the country. Namely that you can leave an application to do the work for you. So if you are considering returning to Australia after your working holiday visa is up, then you should check out SkillSelect. This is an online service provided by the Australian government that allows Australia to manage its skilled migration program based on the country’s economic needs.

The process is actually remarkably simple.

You confirm which skilled visa you want to be considered for, submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect and if a suitable opportunity comes up you could be nominated for a skilled visa or invited to lodge a visa application.

Please note, an EOI is not a visa application but you will be asked to provide information in the EOI, including which visa you want to be considered for. In this way it is quite similar to leaving a CV on a prospective employer’s table as you would detail your basic personal information and contact details, nominated occupation, relevant work experience, your education, command of English (which should be pretty high, even if you are reading this), details of any related skills assessments, related to your nominated occupation as well as business and investment experience.

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The benefit for the Australian government is that should they encounter a shortage in a certain vocation, they would have a list of willing candidates already waiting to jump to the call. The benefit for an applicant is that the visa processing time is vastly reduced.

considering. You can also speak to experts who know the job market and can dole out tips on how to gain employment in Australia. Migration experts as well as finance, banking and shipping companies also attend so you could work out all the logistics before even booking your flight.

SkillSelect also helps to manage skill shortages in regional areas. Employers in various states and territories can outline where their shortages are and will actively encourage migrants to settle there. It must be nice to feel wanted. Do consider, if you were willing to work in a regional area your chances of gaining work in Australia would be significantly increased.

Once you are ready to apply, carry out some research. Firstly, find out which visas are available and which suit you best. If it ever comes to an interview an employer will want to know that 1. You are willing to emigrate and 2. You know how to. Try to work out when you want to move; the timescale you should consider is to begin applying for jobs about one - 12 weeks before you expect to fly out. Prepare your CV and add a short cover letter which details your visa status with dates on which you have booked a flight. The details count and it would be a bonus if you could provide Australian contact details including a postal and email address so you, the applicant, does not seem that far away.

If you are leaving Australia, do not fret that the dream is rapidly fading away. You can still maintain a presence Down Under by consulting a migration agent. Through them, you can seek advice and keep in touch with industry developments so if suitable positions arise you will know about them.

They also know the visa process like the back of their hand, and can guide you through the forms themselves even from the opposite side of the globe.

There is also the option of having Australia’s employers come to you in the form of a Working International Expo. These are held across the UK with the next ones scheduled for late September in London, Manchester and Dublin, so if you are in these parts of England and Ireland at the right time, you can try to impress employers faceto-face and find out details of the jobs you are

By using SkillSelect and technology to your advantage you can prove that distance is no barrier. Any employer will want to see who they are potentially recruiting, and on Skype you can make a positive impression even if this means several cups of coffee through the night to compete with their timezone. You can also let Australia come to you in the form of a Working International Expo where you can get the inside track of gaining employment down under, even from the UK.

By Omar Soliman

Applying for jobs in Australia when on a Working Holiday Visa is difficult enough. Yet how about when you are out of the country? Surprisingly, it is not as tricky as you might expect.

Temp & Semi Perm Staff Wanted Nationally Hospitality / Promotions / Tele-Sales / Face to Face / Admin / Child Care / Recruitment email your cv and a brief cover letter telling us a bit about yourself to info@what-media.com

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

BACKPACKER TAX REFUNDS First Floor, 1A Morts Road Mortdale NSW 2223 +61 (0) 2 8065 5668 info@backpackertaxrefunds.com.au www.backpackertaxrefunds.com.au AMY ACCOUNTANTS Suite 101, Level 1, 250 Pitt Street Sydney NSW 2000 1300 179 934 +61 (0) 2 92627188 info@amyaccountants.com.au www.amyaccountants.com.au

ADVERTISE HERE CALL 0497100731 OR EMAIL MARKETING@WHAT-MEDIA.COM

TAXBACK.CO.UK Overseas worker tax refunds UK, AUS, NZ, CANADA, USA, IRE info@taxback.co.uk www.taxback.co.uK

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MIGRATION NEWS

Getting Your 457 Visa If you’re at the end of your working holiday visa, and are faced with the prospect of leaving Australia, here’s some advice from John McQuaid of ArriveAustralia.com.au on how you can stay longer.

John McQuaid is registered Migration Agent and Director at Arrive Australia Migration Services.

John, originally from Northern Ireland migrated to Australia in the early nineties and now lives permanently in Sydney’s Eastern suburbs.

The 457 visa is recognised as a fast track way to getting settled in Australia, with visa processing usually taking just a matter of weeks, and many 457 visa holders go on to become permanent residents of Australia.

Where do you begin?

There are three stages to the process and they have to be completed in order; you can’t apply for the visa before the employer has done their part.

It pays to check that each of these parts will stack up, before making any application to immigration; a good migration agent can help you assess this.

1. Employers have to be, or apply to immigration to become, an approved sponsor 2. The employer then needs to make a ‘nomination’ application to get the job (occupation) approved for the employee to fill.

3. The employee then applies for the 457 visa To be approved as a sponsor, an employer has to show that they are either spending money training their Australian staff or willing to pay a training levy to an industry fund such as a TAFE college. The training levy is a great option for Sole Traders.

The position also needs to have been offered to Australian residents and workers before it can be available as a nomination application.

For the nomination, the job on offer needs to match up with the duties of an occupation on the government’s Consolidated Skilled Occupation List (CSOL). This list has 600 occupations including all the major trades along with hundreds of professions such as medical, engineering, marketing, HR, sales, customer service and more.

See www.immi.gov.au/skilled/general-skilledmigration/consolidated-sponsored-occupation-list The job has to be full time and the employer must offer a ‘market salary’ above $53,900 per year.

Shift allowances and other guaranteed payments can be counted towards the salary but overtime or superannuation payments can’t be counted towards meeting this minimum pay rate.

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On your part as the visa applicant, you need to have the skills to do the job and must be able to prove you have them, either with qualifications or work experience relevant to the job offered.

For trade occupations this means either having the equivalent of an Australian AQF certificate III, which is a UK NVQ 3 or Irish FETAC level 6-7 cert.

If you don’t have a formal qualification, at least three years full time experience in the occupation can be accepted, but you will need strong proof of the work history.

For many of the other professions, a degreelevel qualification or at least five years’ work experience is needed. There are a few non-trade occupations that need only Diploma level or three years’ experience. If you are lucky, your employer is already an approved sponsor, and only the nomination and visa application are needed and can be completed pretty quickly if you and your employer are organised.

When lodging your applications, allow enough time to get all the documents ready; these include identity, qualification certificates, health insurance and character evaluations. You need to make sure everything is lodged with immigration before your current visa expires.

As with every visa and such great rewards, there are costs for the 457 visa which include: • Employer Sponsorship application: $420 of which one fee covers a three-year approval.

• Employer Nomination application: $330 for each new employee.

• Employee 457 visa application: $1,035 per adult (so double if you have a partner on the application).

• Subsequent Temporary Application Charge (STAC): $700. This applies if you have already had a temporary visa granted while in Australia (eg your second WHV) and you apply for another temporary visa while you are in Australia.

To improve your chances, here are some tips on finding a sponsoring employer: • Focus your job search on nongovernment roles – government bodies rarely sponsor.

• Approach employers directly rather than through agencies.

• Call anyone you know that might help

with an introduction to an employer • Get involved in local sports, social or business networks as these are great ways to meet people.

• At the job interview stage, ask if the employer is willing to/open to/has sponsored before.

• Many employers want employees to work a probationary period before they will commit to sponsorship, this means you might need 2-3 months to prove yourself. If the employer is not willing to sponsor, better not to waste your valuable working holiday visa time with them – keep looking.

For more information or advice log on to www.arriveaustralia.com.au

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

For the full up to date Skilled Occupation list visit www.immi.gov.au Construction Project Manager Project Builder Engineering Manager Production Manager (Mining) Child Care Centre Manager Medical Administrator Nursing Clinical Director Primary Health Organisation Manager Welfare Centre Manager Land Economist Valuer Ship’s Engineer Ship’s Master Ship’s Officer Architect Landscape Architect Surveyor Urban and Regional Planner

By John McQuaid

If you’ve been looking to extend your time in Australia, you might want to consider finding an employer to sponsor you on the temporary 457 visa. There are over 30,000 approved employer sponsors and over 100,000 457 visa holders in Australia today, with tens of thousands being applied for every year.