BBM Live March 2016 - Issue 867

ST PATRICK’S DAY

THE BEST IRISH MUSIC DOWNUNDER

always say the Irish are loud and visible, but when we do a show that brings out the English expats, you really see just how many call Australia home.

We try to deliver top quality production, venues and overall experience to keep them coming back.

Bringing a hoard of Irish musicians, bands and singers on tour, Troubadour Music has changed the face of the Irish music scene in Australia. Headed up by Fran Daly, here he discusses the past, present and future of Irish music and culture Down Under.

What was the Irish music scene like in Australia when you arrived in comparison to now?

It was bad; very few Irish acts had been here in years due to the cost of getting here. It was preInternet so no acts had direct communication with their fans through social media like they do now.

Now you have Irish acts like Damien Dempsey signed to ABC Music in Australia, The Villagers playing at Splendour In The Grass, and Soak, a really talented young artist, making her way here at a much earlier stage in her career than had happened previously.

The Irish and British music scene has remained fairly strong since you started Troubadour over 10 years ago; what is it about the scene that keeps people coming back to your gigs?

We have a huge amount of people who come to every event we put on. It shows an amazing loyalty across a pretty diverse set of genres. I 6

www.bbmlive.com

What have been the biggest changes that you’ve witnessed? Are there particular moments, bands, tours or events that have stood out?

There are a few tours that really stand out – some because they never even happened! The ash cloud a few years back caused us to cancel several tours as the acts simply could not get here; Damien Dempsey at Sydney Opera House was pretty special; Alabama 3 and Bad Manners tours pretty wild and Sinead O’Connor last year was definitely a highlight.

Which Irish bands and artists are you most looking forward to touring Australia in 2016?

Who should we be watching this year?

We have Declan O’Rourke, Pauline Scanlon and John Spillane here for our production of ‘Exile’ and then Mary Black’s farewell tour in March. We’re programming a series of shows during St Patrick’s week at the Tea Gardens in Bondi, which includes Rosin O, Mark McCabe – DJ of Maniac fame – and Mick McHugh. In terms of who to look out for this year, Soak, Walking On Cars and Gavin James could have massive years.

How would you recommend the Irish to spend St Patrick’s Day in Australia?

By going to see Mary Black in Melbourne, Mark McCabe in Sydney or Mick McHugh in Brisbane.

Make sure you visit an Irish pub and try a Guinness if you never have before. Everywhere will be lively and everyone is welcome.

For all events and tours, visit

www.troubadour-music.com

www.bbmlive.com

7

Mary Black Returns To Australia For Her Final Tour Mary Black is returning to Australia for her final tour, ‘The Last Call’.

Black has been a dominant presence in Irish music for over a quarter-century, with 11 studio albums all of platinum sales status. The tour, with special guest Róisín O, is marking her retirement from touring, and is not to be missed.

Tour Dates:

Tuesday 8th March – Astor Theatre, Perth Thursday 10th March – Enmore Theatre, Sydney Saturday 12th & Sunday 13th March – Port Fairy Folk Festival, VIC Tuesday 15th March – QPAC, Brisbane Wednesday 16th March – Capri Theatre, Adelaide Thursday 17th March, The Forum, Melbourne Saturday 19th & Sunday 20th March – Blue Mountain Folk Festival, NSW

P.J. O’Brien’s

P. J. O’ Brien’s, one of Australia’s most authentic Irish pubs, will be hosting a giant celebration for St. Patrick’s day on 17th March. Beginning at 8am with a Big Irish Breakfast, the day will go on late with the music and Guinness flowing into the early hours. With real Irish pub grub, live Irish music, dancers and pipers, this really is an authentic way to spend St. Patrick’s Day in Australia, so head on over and join the mighty craic on 17th March!

Southbank, Melbourne 57 King Street, Sydney 14 East Terrace, Adelaide www.pjobriens.com.au

8

www.bbmlive.com

Ash Australian Tour

Irish alternative rock legends, Ash, will be embarking on an Australian tour this March with new album, ‘Kablammo’, of which you can expect a slew of high-energy power pop punk mosh pits and raucous live performance. The trio hail from Downpatrick, where it’s believed to be the city St. Patrick’s bones are buried, so there’s no doubt that they’ll be getting up to some mischief on 17th March.

Tour Dates:

Friday 11th March – Corner Hotel, Melbourne Saturday 12th March – Max Watt’s, Sydney Wednesday 16th March – The Triffid, Brisbane Friday 18th March – The Gov, Adelaide Saturday 19th March – The Rosemount, Perth

Moxie Australian Tour

Irish band, Moxie, from the untamed West Coast of Ireland, are set to tour various parts of Australia during St Patrick’s week. The band’s music is inspired by the surroundings of the west of Ireland, but with a world and jazz influence. With a truly unusual and distinctive sound, they are one of the top new acoustic music acts from Ireland.

Tour Dates:

Friday 11th March – Port Fairy Folk Festival Wednesday 16th March – Brunswick Music Festival, Melbourne Thursday 17th March – The Basement, Circular Quay, Sydney Friday 18th March – Blue Mountains Music Festival, Katoomba Wednesday 23rd March – Cat & Fiddle Balmain Friday 25th March – The Fly By Night Club, Fremantle

www.bbmlive.com

9

If you want to party on a rooftop this St Patrick’s Day, then head over to The Glenmore at The Rocks, Sydney. With a Guinness Pop-Up Bar, you can celebrate the luck of the Irish whilst taking in the sweeping harbour views on their incredible rooftop. Sample a taste of Ireland with Irish food and drink specials, then stick around for their live entertainment from 5pm onwards.

96 Cumberland Street, The Rocks theglenmore.com.au

Mark McCabe At Tea Gardens

Playing a one-off show in Australia, Mark McCabe of Maniac 2000 fame, will be playing non-stop classics during a three-hour set at Tea Gardens.

This free event is not to be missed, with the Irish DJ coming down to the Bondi venue for a very special St Patrick’s Day. 2-4 Bronte Road, Bondi Junction, Sydney www.troubadour-music.com

10

www.bbmlive.com

Teeling Whiskey At Bar 1806

Celebrate St Patrick’s Day in style and sophistication this March by swapping the pints for a traditional Irish whiskey. Teeling Whiskey is an award-winning, independent whiskey producer and is the only distillery right in the heart of Dublin.

Teeling will be celebrating St Patrick’s Day with an early, decadent event at Bar 1806 in Melbourne on 16th March, which you can attend for only $40.

There will be cocktails on arrival, Irish-inspired canapés, and samples of five Teeling whiskies including a new limited edition whiskey.

Bar 1806, 169 Exhibition Street, Melbourne teelingwhiskey.com

The Last Jar

Experience traditional Irish fare at The Last Jar in Melbourne and start your St Patrick’s Day strong with a full Irish breakfast. With authentic Irish cuisine, culture and hospitality, The Last Jar aims to provide a true Irish country pub experience. You can expect a selection of Irish meals and drinks without ever leaving Melbourne CBD. Understandably, The Last Jar takes St. Patrick’s Day celebration seriously and the full Irish Breakfast will be everything you’d hope for and beyond.

616 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne thelastjar.com.au

Words by Serina Lee & Bethany Park, images courtesy of venues.

The Glenmore Rooftop

www.bbmlive.com

11

The Drunken Poet

A top Irish pub in Melbourne on a regular day of the week, The Drunken Poet has everything from open mic nights to trivia nights and traditional Irish music sessions, so you can get a touch of Ireland in the heart of Melbourne. There’s the typical Guinness, Kilkenny and Magners Apple Cider on tap, while you can also choose from a selection of Irish and Scottish whiskies – if you’re after something a bit stronger. More than anything, you can’t ignore the quintessential Irish hospitality as soon as you step through the door.

65 Peel Street, West Melbourne www.thedrunkenpoet.com.au

Celebrate St Patrick’s Day in true Irish style by heading over to British pub The Pig ‘n’ Whistle.

Hosting live entertainment over the pub’s 6 different Brisbane venues, this will be a class evening not to be missed. Join the Pig ‘n’ Whistle at one of their venues for an array of Irish musicians, bands, traditional dancers, pipers and food specials. For a truly authentic feel, they will also be serving Guinness pie, and pints of Guinness will be flowing on into the evening. Local and talented musicians are also playing in the evenings to set the atmosphere and give you an authentic Irish experience you will never forget.

Riverside Centre, 123 Eagle Street, Brisbane Indooroopilly, Station Road Queen Street Mall, Brisbane Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley, King George Square, Brisbane Melbourne & Merivale Street, West End pignwhistle.com.au

Waxys Irish Pub

Thursday nights are strictly Irish nights at Waxys Irish Pub, and it just so happens that St Patrick’s Day falls on a Thursday this year! This Surfers Paradise institution welcomes you with $10 Irish meals, a live band and plenty of Guinness as a VIP. On any given day you can choose from the Dublin Steak Sandwich, Lamb Stew and Guinness Pie. 3206 Surfers Paradise Road, Surfers Paradise www.waxysirishpub.com.au

12

www.bbmlive.com

Words by Serina Lee & Bethany Park, images courtesy of venues.

St Patrick’s Day At Pig ‘n’ Whistle

St Patrick’s Day At The Cure Tavern

In the heart of the busy Northbridge and central to Perth Arena, this Irish tavern is perfect location for a traditional Irish meal. They offer a large variety of food from the Irish pub fayre, including traditional Irish bacon and cabbage, and have an extensive whiskey list for all you whiskey lovers.

Of course, if it’s just a pint you’re after, then it’s also the perfect place to have a traditional pint of Guinness on St Patrick’s Day! 73 Francis Street, Northbridge thecuretavern.com.au

Lively Rosie O’Grady’s For St Patrick’s Day

Sample Irish Food At The Fenians Pub

This St Patrick’s Day, why not head over to the Fenian’s pub to taste some classic Irish dishes. Known as Perth’s original authentic Irish pub, it has a true traditional feel and the warm atmosphere has made it popular for both locals and tourists alike. Either have a tasty Irish dish or have a pint of Guinness inside the cosy interiors and out on the lovely outdoor terrace.

221 Adelaide Terrace, Perth novotelperthlangley.com.au

Words by Serina Lee & Bethany Park, images courtesy of venues.

One of Perth’s first ever Irish pubs, Rosie O’Grady’s has a reputation for its both friendly and lively atmosphere. In the heart of Perth’s entertainment district, it’s a great spot to have a pint of Guinness on this year’s St Patrick’s Day. On the 17th March last year, the crowds flocked the pub dressed in their most green and Irish attire. So dress up green, and raise a pint of Guinness to the luck of the Irish at Rosie O’

Grady’s! Cheers!

205 James Street, Northbridge northbridge.rosieogradys.com.au

14

www.bbmlive.com

Folk Festivals Across Australia

Port Fairy Folk Festival

Drive four hours west of Melbourne for this amazing festival by the oceans of the south-west coast. This year is the festival’s 40th and they’re going big. Running from 11th - 14th March 2016, you’ll be able to catch “something old, something new, something blue” with a line-up including Jaaleekaay and Songhoy Blues; Ireland’s Luka Blook, Róisín O and Rambling Boys; contemporary trendsetters like Kate Miller-Heidke and Robert Forster; great local talents such as Tom Richardson, the Howard family, Lost in Suburbia and loads more.

11th-14th March www.portfairyfolkfestival.com

Blue Mountains Music Festival

Katoomba, the most visited town in the magical Blue Mountains, sits on the edge of the UNESCO World Heritage listed wilderness. The area’s own folklore includes the stunning Three Sisters, so where better for a folk festival. Taking place from 18th-20th March 2016, the line-up boasts folk, roots, blues and indie music from artists such as Shellie Morris, Colin Hay, Mary Black, Ann McCue, Buckman Coe, Dave Spry and a whole host of others. Not that you ever needed an excuse for a trip to the Blue Mountains, but this is a great one.

18th-20th March www.bmff.org.au

16

www.bbmlive.com

National Folk Festival

How does “5 days in a perfect world” sound?

Pretty peachy? Yeah, we think so too. That’s how the National Folk Festival describes their celebrations running from 24th-28th March 2016.

Head to the country’s capital for not only folk music but also dance, spoken word, circus and street performers. Held in Canberra’s Exhibition Park, performers will include Frencham Smith, The Beez, Castlecomer, Women in Docs, 19-Twenty, All Our Exes Live in Texas and loads more.

24th-28th March folkfestival.org.au

Woodford Folk Festival

Taking place in a rural valley surrounded by bushland about an hour-and-a-half drive north of Brisbane, this is folk-fest at its finest. With a festival programme that features concerts to writers’ panels, comedy to arts and crafts, cabaret to folk medicine, it’s just as well Woodford is held over 6 days and nights from 27th December 2016 – 1st January 2017. Artists that have previously performed include the Paul McKenna Band, Irish Mythen, The East Pointer and Josh Pyke.

27th December 2016-1st January 2017 www.woodfordfolkfestival.com

Illawarra Folk Festival

Kick off your 2017 with this four day festival running from 13th-16th January 2017. Bulli Showground NSW hosts this hot ticket and 2016’s folk extravaganza, which has already wrapped up, had big folk names on offer such as Kutcha Edwards, Dougie MacLean, The Poozies, Ami Williamson, Shane Howard, Mick Thomas and Alma Mater. Head south of Sydney for this authentic folk festival experience.

13th-16th January 2017 www.illawarrafolkfestival.com.au

Image courtesy of Port Fairy Festival

From the bush, to the beach, there are some seriously awesome festivals in Australia.

There are also, however, plenty of fistpumping, muscled meatheads in singlets.

For those looking for something a bit more stripped back and authentic, here are a selection of folk festivals that offer a genuine festival experience.

INTRODUCING THE JESSICA STUART FEW If you have never witnessed a Japanese 13-stringed harp in action, then let Canada’s award winning “Koto-toting Folk/Jazz power trio” THE JESSICA STUART FEW show you how it’s done.

The Jessica Stuart Few has captivated live audiences around the world with their quirky mélange of folk, jazz, rock & soul. The trio’s dynamic live performances has seen them grace the main stages of Festivals in Canada, Japan, Germany & USA, and perform alongside the likes of Jamie Cullum, Melbourne Ska Orchestra, Bruce Cockburn and members of The Barenaked Ladies among others.

A consummate guitarist, Jessica Stuart also amazes as she weaves her magic over her 13-stringed harp (Koto). With her pitch perfect vocals (often compared to Joni Mitchell) & storytelling, backed up by double bass & drums, it’s easy to see why The JS Few resonate with critics & music lovers alike.

Following their tour through Australia, Japan & China in 2015, The Jessica Stuart Few hit the studio to record their third album, The Passage.

An impressive follow-up to the critically acclaimed trio’s previous award winning releases: Kid Dream (2010), Two Sides To Every Story (2014 ‘Best Album’ Award - International Music Awards) and Japanese Top 40 single, Don’t Ya, The Passage looks set to put The JS Few back on the map once more.

Spellbinding from the first listen, The Passage features the infectious singles Easier Said Than Done, the Stereolab feel of Lost Friends & charming slow burner The Letter, as well as a couple of tracks directly inspired by her travels last year in Australia, One Day and Passage, both written based on birdsongs from NSW. To coincide with the release of The Passage, The Jessica Stuart Few will return to Australia in March, catch them at:

TOUR DATES:

Thursday March 10 – Shirt Bar, Sydney NSW Friday March 11 – Great Northern Trading Post, Laguna NSW Sunday March 13 – The Royal Exchange, Newcastle NSW Monday March 14 – Foundry616, Sydney NSW Wednesday March 16 – Smith’s Alternative, Canberra ACT Friday March 18 - Saturday March 19 – Yackandandah Folk Festival, VIC Sunday March 20 – Elwood Food & Wine, Melbourne VIC Monday March 21 – The Retreat Hotel, Melbourne VIC Tuesday March 22 – Worker’s Club, Geelong VIC Thursday March 24 – So Far Sounds Concert Series, Adelaide SA Friday March 25 – Blenheim Fest, Blenheim SA

www.jessicastuartmusic.com | www.facebook.com/jessicastuartfew www.bbmlive.com

17

COMEDY

Comedy

COMEDY HEAVYWEIGHTS WING THEIR WAY TO OZ

The Comedy World Descends On Oz for the Australian Comedy Festival Season.

Whilst the slow demise from summer to autumn is certainly no laughing matter, the annual Australia Comedy Festival will be hitting Oz to brighten your mood and put a jolly spring in your step!

The biggest and best comedians from across the world will be descending on Australia’s biggest cities of Melbourne, Perth and Sydney for four weeks of non-stop laughter, all kicking off at the end of March in the capital of Victoria - and even includes a stint over the pond in New Zealand.

The shows begin in Melbourne on 23rd March and run until 17th April with a jam-packed itinerary before heading to Sydney from 18th April- 23rd May. Once the tour hits the capital of WA - Perth from 22nd April - 15th May, every local venue will be taken over for comedy gigs showcasing local and international talent. The festival will also be 18

www.bbmlive.com

on the road and cross the breadth of Australia to Sydney from 18th April – 15th May where it will make its triumphant finale after what’s sure to be an all-round fun-filled celebration of the comedy world!

The festival will be taking over various venues of all shapes and sizes across these three big Aussie cities and transforming them from hotels, town halls and arts centres to packed-out auditoriums.

The gigs will be complete with an animated crowd, 60 minutes of hilarity, cheap ticket prices and a lively atmosphere for some spectacular comedy shows.

Hopping over to New Zealand, the tour will also take be filling up NZ venues from 22nd April - 15th May. Expect a star-studded line-up showcasing fresh material from the likes of Ross Noble, Daniel Sloss, Andrew Maxwell, David O’Doherty, Luisa Omielan and plenty more international and Australia-bred A-list acts guaranteed to get the whole of Australia roaring with laughter!

DON’T MISS...

Here’s who not to miss whilst Daniel Sloss they’re touring Down Under... Scotland’s internationally acclaimed and award-

Craig Hill

On the back of Craig Hill’s successful sold-out tours last year, Craig will be taking to Australia with his no-holds-barred style of comedy, delivered in his gloriously camp manner that has won over audiences worldwide. Be sure to catch Craig on his Playing with my selfie tour at The Comedy Store in Sydney and Perth.

22nd - 23rd April – Comedy Store, Sydney 28th – 30th April – Perth Town Hall, Perth

Andrew Maxwell

Ireland’s own Andrew Maxwell is back in Australia with his new show Yo Contraire, which is the latest from the accomplished comedian who makes audiences laugh with his satirical mocking of international news stories. He was the only person to tackle the Scottish Referendum head-on last year and this year will see him broach even more controversial topics! Don’t miss him at the Perth and Sydney Comedy Festivals in April and May. 27th – 30th April - Factory Theatre, Sydney 4th – 8th May - Perth Town Hall, Perth

winning comedian Daniel Sloss will be making his debut appearance at Melbourne International Comedy Festival in 2016 with his hit new show, Dark. Despite Sloss only being the tender age of 25, he has been writing and performing stand up ever since he was 16, and continues to go from strength to strength and taking his dry wit to an international level. Catch him in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth in the upcoming months!

24th March – 17th April – Roxanne Band Room, Melbourne 21st - 30th April - Loft @ Q Theatre, Aukland, NZ 13th May – Enmore Theatre, Sydney 6th May – Perth Regal Theatre, Perth

Sarah Callaghan

Exciting times are definitely ahead for this young female comedian as she has been spotted over the past couple of years as one to watch out for in the comedy world. 2015 saw her criticallyacclaimed debut hour show Elephant pack out theatres at the Edinburgh fringe festival, be sure not to miss her in Sydney and Perth.

30th April – Thatchers Cider House, Sydney 11th -15th May – Mt Lawley Bowling Club Laugh Locker, Perth

Get your tickets at : perthcomedyfestival.com, sydneycomedyfest.com.au, comedyfestival.com.au www.bbmlive.com

19

Top Tips For Transferring Money To Or From Australia Whether you’re thinking of moving to Australia or you’ve already made the leap and are enjoying your new life Down Under, you might need to make payments to or from your adopted home.

Using the most efficient and cost-effective foreign exchange provider could save you hundreds or even thousands of pounds. Banks can be expensive as they don’t typically offer the most competitive exchange rates or a personal service.

Thankfully, there is an alternative. By using a currency specialist such as moneycorp you could benefit from:

Competitive exchange rates

When using a foreign exchange specialist company like moneycorp, you can benefit from exchange rates that are typically 3-4% better than you might receive from your high street bank. That percentage can make a huge difference when sending large sums of money across the world to start your new life Down Under.

Low transfer fees

When using a specialist, rather than your bank, you could also save money on the transfer fees.

Banks can often charge up to £20-£40 every time you move money abroad. With moneycorp, the transfer fees start are as low as £5.

Personal service

Every moneycorp client is allocated a personal account manager. Based at moneycorp’s London office, they can guide you through the transfer process and help protect your transfer from negative exchange rate fluctuations.

Online

Don’t be limited to making payments in UK office hours with a bank. moneycorp’s online 20

www.bbmlive.com

service enables you to buy or sell currency and make transfers 24/7, so you can manage your international payments at your convenience – at any time and from anywhere in the world.

Regular payment plan

If you already live in Australia and need to make recurring payments back to the UK – to your family or to cover a mortgage perhaps – you can use moneycorp’s Regular Payment Plan. They will collect your sterling by Direct Debit, convert it into foreign currency and automatically send it abroad as frequently as you wish – whether it’s weekly, monthly or at more irregular intervals.

Get started with moneycorp

The first step is to register for a free, no obligation moneycorp account – the process only takes a few minutes. Once registered, you will have an Account Manager on hand to provide live quotes and they can talk through your money transfer requirements in detail. moneycorp is regulated and authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority – they have been providing foreign exchange services for over 35 years.

For more information on money transfers, visit

www.moneycorp.com

EXPAT INTERVIEW

WHAT’S IT LIKE NURSING IN AUSTRALIA?

Meet Polly Frapwell, an intensive care nurse in paediatrics from Wiltshire, UK, who has been nursing and travelling around Australia. Find out more about her experience of nursing Down Under and how you could benefit from nursing in Australia with Healthcare Australia (HCA).

Why did you decide to make the move to Australia?

I really wanted to nurse and travel and everyone says how brilliant it is to live in Australia, so I thought “Why not?”! When I told my friends and family that my friend and I were quitting our jobs in England and going to go for it, they thought we were crazy, but it really paid off.

What is it that you like most about your lifestyle in Australia?

It’s just a much happier lifestyle. The sun is shining, you can go to the beach, and you have a nicer working environment – that’s the reality!

How have you found working with HCA as an agency nurse?

It’s been great! Agency work really suits my circumstances, the money is amazing and the hours are flexible – you can take the time off when you want and work when you want as well. As HCA have offices all over Australia, you can just get in touch with them when you move

somewhere new and they find you shifts relevant to what you want to do.

What sort of nursing placements have you been doing?

My friend and I are both intensive care nurses in paediatrics and we’ve always wanted to work in those units but travel as well. HCA were able to block book us when we were working in both Brisbane and Adelaide. We worked five nights a week – it was more like a full-time job but you get the benefits of being with an agency and we made loads of friends there too!

What do you think the job opportunities are like for nurses across Australia?

There are plenty of opportunities – we’ve never struggled for work! It is a good idea to have an open mind though – we always go where the work is. When it gets hotter and there’s less work in Brisbane, we go down to Adelaide. In the winter, we go where they need nurses, so we know that we can earn money when we’re there.

www.bbmlive.com

21

What nursing experience has stood out the most to you since you’ve been here?

From the moment I landed in Darwin, I knew I wanted to live in Australia, which is really strange as I’d never been there before. Darwin feels like a completely different place to the rest of Australia.

As a nursing experience, it was very different to back home and that was quite a big shock at first, but it was a great experience working with Indigenous people in the public hospital.

Is it something you would recommend to other nurses to come out to Australia?

Definitely! It was something I’d never done before, and whilst it was scary at times to be doing something so different, it was a brilliant experience and you learn so much! HCA have rural placements for anything from six weeks to three months or longer, so you can fit it into your plans and experience a side of Australia that you might not otherwise see.

Has working for an agency made it easier for you to travel?

Certainly – it’s been fantastic! You get time to do everything and see everything too. We worked for six to eight months to be able to fund our adventures and then spent about the same amount of time travelling – or until the money ran out! And then we started the cycle all over again for the next trip!

What have been the highlights of your Australian adventure so far?

Skydiving in the Whitsundays is up there for sure!

I think one of my favourite trips was the four-day boat trip in the Whitsundays, we went diving in the Great Barrier Reef, fed dolphins and saw some of the most beautiful beaches! I also really enjoyed driving the Great Ocean Road, spending New Year’s Eve in Sydney Harbour, seeing the crocodiles on the beach in Darwin, driving six hours from Perth to Exmouth and not seeing a single car – the list is endless! It’s been great just 22

www.bbmlive.com

living the Australian life too – I love going to the beach and having a BBQ! Do you plan to stay here in Australia?

Yes! My partner lives in Brisbane and I’m currently applying for my prospective marriage visa. I want to continue working here as an agency nurse – hopefully at the Lady Cilento Hospital, as I absolutely loved working there!

Discover more in HCA’s video ‘What’s it like nursing in Australia?’ at www.healthcareaustralia.com.au/nursing-inaustralia and find out how you could get a FREE FLIGHT* to Australia when you work for HCA! *Terms & conditions apply, see the HCA website for details.

Nursing In Melbourne We speak to Eric Smith, Director of the Australian Nursing Agency, for all you need to know about nursing in this brilliant city.

What would you say is the best thing about nursing in Australia?

It’s hard to say what the best thing is about nursing in Australia, but key features are that facilities and standards of health services are amongst the best in the world, the pay is great, you have manageable work hours and great opportunities for ongoing professional development. Add to this the fact that Australia is one of the most popular destinations in the world for people to migrate to due to climate, lifestyle, safety and adventure.

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

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

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

For nurses eligible for a working holiday visa what’s the main thing they need to do before booking their trip?

Obtain their national nurse registration through AHPRA. This can take some time to organise so start early! Second most important is pack your sunscreen!

24

www.bbmlive.com

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

Agency nurses can choose where they work, when they work and how often. Our nurses have total flexibility with their working hours.

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

Due to the fact agency nurses are paid at a casual rate and we also pay higher than award rates, 20-30 hours per week should provide plenty of income to do whatever travellers wish to. A lot of our travelling nurses work full time for a few months and save enough money not to have to work again as they travel.

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

Is there a particular qualification required to work in Australia?

Any nurse or midwife wishing to work in Australia as a nurse must first have national registration with AHPRA. Only midwives and nurses with a nursing degree are eligible for registration.

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

Once you have your AHPRA registration and have signed on with us you can commence work immediately!

To apply for any roles with Australia Nursing Agency mention BBM and Phone 039481 7222, email recruitment@australiannursingagency.com or visit www.australiannursingagency.com for more info.

Nurses wanted for Western Sydney Local Health District Bower Healthcare are currently seeking experienced registered nurses for shifts in ICU/ HDU and ED, and EEN’s for all areas within popular client hospitals throughout the western Sydney suburbs. They are offering guidance with achieving compliancy or work in NSW, pre-registration before arrival, shifts around the western Sydney area and professionally indemnity insurance cover! You are valid for this role if you have a minimum of 12 months post-grad clinical experience in an applicable acute care area and a current AHPRA registration!

To apply, please visit www.bowerhealthcare. com.au/page/candidates/submit-resume/

Home Care Support Workers Work in the Western Sydney suburbs on a casual basis and guarantee anywhere between 25 – 40 hours a week.

Candidates with 6 months recent practical experience in a relevant, local work environment, your own transport with current NSW driving licence, excellent communication and time management skills, a certificate III of IV or a current manual handling and first aids certificates are necessary.

To apply, please visit www.bowerhealthcare.com.au/page/ candidates/submit-resume

Visit www.people2people.com.au to apply

Senior Legal Assistant – Brisbane, CBD and Inner Suburbs

Work for a well-known and respected law firm with offices around the whole of Australia.

This particular firm are seeking particularly for Wills and Estates Legal Secretaries to join their team in a short term temporary role. The office is made up of a dynamic, fast paced team perfect for young travellers on their working holiday visa. Duties include diary management, liaising with clients and management of telephones and emails.

Receptionist - Sydney

Head to Sydney, for a temporary role involved in one of the world’s largest food organisations. This specific company has opened up thousands of stores across the world supplying countries such as the US, China and Australia with buzzing restaurant franchises. To be considered for this temp to perm opportunity, you must have previous experience within a senior administrator or Sales Analyst role. Proven experience of high levels of time management and excel proficiency are also a must.

Financial Assistant – Sydney CBD, Inner West and Eastern Suburbs

A leading government department going through organisational wide change is seeking two financial analysts to work on an exciting new ERP rollout project. For the successful candidate, this position could extend from a temporary contract to 12 months and beyond. The role involves planning and management of all business analysis related activites, gap analyses, solution assessment and validations. Financial modelling and working with ERP must be second nature to you!

26

www.bbmlive.com

How To Get a Job In Australia In 2016 What will it take to be the winning candidate and land a top job in Australia in 2016? According to recruiting experts, Hays, disrupting your CV, being open to freelancing and getting outside your comfort zone to promote yourself online are just three ways to aid your 2016 job search.

1. Disrupt your CV

We’ve all heard of digital disruption, so think about how you could ‘disrupt’ your CV and add a digital element to it. While a traditional CV remains the accepted way to show you have the necessary skills and experience for the role, you could add a link to a website, video or blog post that profiles digital examples of your work or demonstrates your expertise in a particular area.

Adding such links at the end of your CV will help you stand out – provided they are relevant to the role you have applied for.

2. Align your online and offline CVs

Hiring managers will research you online, so make sure the CV you submit matches your online profile. Any discrepancies throw up a red flag. At the very least you’ll be asked some hard questions in the interview, and at worst your CV will be removed from consideration.

28

www.bbmlive.com

3. Be open to freelancing

Expect the number of contract and temporary assignments to continue to surge ahead. With employers looking for flexible headcounts and jobseekers looking to expand their industry experience and networks, freelancing is an option worth considering.

4. Target realistic jobs

Employers are becoming more impatient with candidates who apply for a role that they are not suitable for. In 2016 it is therefore important to be realistic in the roles you consider, and clearly demonstrate your suitability for a role based upon your experience.

5. Promote yourself

You need to go outside your comfort zone and promote yourself on social media to get ahead in 2016. A LinkedIn account will not be enough if you are not active online – so like, post, share and comment on relevant content, ask for endorsements, be active in relevant groups and showcase examples of your work and achievements.

If you would like an informal discussion about the Australian job market, please contact Hays on 1800 805 051 or email globalinkteam@hays.com

Revit Architects - Sydney

This internationally recognised Architecture practice, specialise in delivering client focused solutions for architecture and infrastructure projects. They have an immediate need for an advanced Revit Architect, to assist in a variety of projects across Australia and globally.

This role requires that you provide handson support with DA and construction documentation packages. As an advanced Revit user, you will be across all stages of the project life-cycle, helping to develop other Graduate Architects as you go.Candidates must have a minimum of 5 years practical experience, having worked on large complex projects through to construction in Revit. You will work both autonomously and as part of a larger team. This position requires a confident and ambitious candidate with a desire to achieve. Those who have worked for global practices are encouraged to apply. You must have full working rights for Australia to be eligible for this position.

Quantitative Credit Risk Model Manager Big 4 Bank - Sydney

This role will collaborate with senior stakeholders, have a quantitative focus within the Credit Portfolio Analytics team, contribute to the development of models implemented within the bank and analyse model risk management practices and the independent validation of all models across various risk classes across the different areas of the bank.

You will come with a credit risk background and a quantitative, mathematical or similar tertiary qualification with 5 years’ or more experience in quantitative modelling or a risk analytics area. You will have built, or reviewed and validated risk models within a financial services organisation looking at design and methodology, be proficient at programming in SAS and SQL and have the ability to conduct data analysis with complex datasets such as data profiling and model transformation review.

Marketing Coordinator Brisbane CBD Global residential business in Brisbane is looking to appoint a Marketing Coordinator.

They offer a range of capabilities in the residential sector and consistently produce homes that feature luxury finishes, inspiring locations and cutting-edge architecture.

In this exciting role you will be responsible for supporting marketing, campaign and project launch initiatives to drive sales outcomes for the organisation. The role will also see you managing budgets and assisting with delivering marketing collateral, sales events and data analysis. The ultimate objective is to assist delivery and contribute to the successful launch of projects while providing target audiences with experiences and product offers consistent with the brand.

A tertiary marketing-related degree and experience coordinating projects on time and on budget is essential. Ideally, you will have experience in the construction industry.

Electricians Sydney Wide

Hays are currently recruiting the finest Licensed Electricians available across Sydney. One of Sydney‘s most respected Electrical contractors has a large commercial project due to ramp up in Sydney‘s western suburbs. You will have extensive Commercial Construction experience and the ability to work in a large team delivering maximum productivity. You will need to have working rights in Australia - working holiday visa will be considered.

If you are interested in any of the above jobs or would like an informal discussion around positions in Australia then please call 1800 805 051 or email your most recent CV and contact information to globalinkteam@hays.com

www.bbmlive.com

29

Top Tips For Moving Within Australia

• Don’t rely on a man with a van. Seek out a professional service. We are sure there are some great independent removal men and women out there but you need a company who has a proven track record and a strong online presence. These are your treasured possessions we’re talking about.

• As soon as you know when you’ll be moving, start packing! It’s much better to pack over a period of time rather than rushing towards the end. It will only lead to confusion and possible damage if you’re not paying enough attention. If your boxes are making a considerable journey, state-to-state for instance, every fragile item and electronic piece of equipment needs to be wrapped, double-wrapped and taped up securely – as well as being inserted into a space where it cannot move around. Oh and make sure the boxes are robust – don’t reuse old boxes; they may not withstand the journey.

30

www.bbmlive.com

• Remember to let everyone know where you’re going – not just friends and family. Alert the tax office, the electoral roll, Australia Post and any healthcare organisations. Perhaps take advantage of Australia Post’s redirection service. In addition, remember to let people know you’re leaving your old address such as insurance companies, telephone companies, and internet service and energy providers.

• Different states in Australia have different laws, so make sure you’re aware of any changes. For instance, if you’re taking your car across states, make sure it’s registered to your new address.

• Any important documentation or valuable items should probably be boxed up and brought across Oz by you personally. Nothing’s going to happen, of course not, but it’s just for peace of mind.

For the best removal company in Australia, check out Seven Seas Worldwide. They’ve got a range of services on offer including the revolutionary MoveCube®, a shipping container that’s brought directly to your door for loading!

Visit sevenseasworldwide.com.au for more information.

Words courtesy of Seven Seas Worldwide

If you’re moving from one place to another within Australia, just because you’re not leaving the country doesn’t mean your move will be any less stressful. So let us take you through what to expect as you transfer your belongings from A to B.

NOW HIRING...

If you’re looking for a new job or career, or if you’ve just arrived in Australia we may be able to help you!

Builders

Do you have experience as a builder? How does $74,000 per year sound? This is the national average builder’s salary in Australia, with big opportunities in all thriving cities.

Carpenters

If you’re looking for a job as a carpenter, why not try the Northern Territory? There are more positions available there than anywhere else in the country.

WANTED Carpenters Labourers Electricians Welders Arborists Are you a skilled worker looking for employment in Australia?

We want to hear from you.

Email us at

jobs@bbmlive.com or call us

02 8005 8162 32

www.bbmlive.com

Fruit Picking Jobs Do you need to complete regional work in aid of your second year working holiday visa?

Now’s the time to complete your 88 days regional work, so get in touch to find your regional work placement.

Quality Control Jobs In Victoria

Quality Control Inspectors required for a busy packing shed in Victoria.

Melbourne’s Music Industry Needs You! Start your career in music in Melbourne. From account managers to A&R, you don’t have to sing to earn money from the music capital of Australia.

Cooks And Chefs Required Nationwide Sponsorships and Permanent Residency available for the right candidate with the right experience.

Can you cook up a storm? How about for $60,000+? This is the salary you’re looking at as a cook or chef.

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

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

VISA SOLUTIONS AUSTRALIA Unit 10/162 Colin st, West Perth, WA 6005 Ph: 08 9328 2664 1800 828 008 visas@visasolutions.com.au www.visasolutions.com.au

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

TAXBACK.CO.UK CLAIM BACK YOUR UK TAX REFUND INFO@TAXBACK.CO.UK WWW.TAXBACK.CO.UK

457 Sponsorships available for the right candidates CONTACT US JOBS@BBMLIVE.COM LAWSON LEGAL MIGRATION LAW

Address: Second Floor 524 Hay Street Perth WA 6000 Phone: +61 8 9225 7417 Email: info@lawsonlegal.com.au www.lawsonlegalmigrationlaw.com.au

If you need to find employment, reliable migration agents and tax agents head to bbmlive.com

www.bbmlive.com

33

Explore New Zealand On The Big Tiki

Discover the natural wonders of New Zealand on board The Big Tiki.

The world is full of natural beauty – but it would seem that the globe’s spectacles are heavily concentrated in New Zealand. With Contiki’s 19-day Big Tiki, you have the chance to travel the two landmasses that encompass New Zealand, exploring all that this incredible island country has to offer.

The tour starts off on the North Island in the city of Auckland, where you’ll be meeting the like-minded travellers that will be accompanying you on the trip of a lifetime. Immediately jumping aboard the airconditioned coach, you’ll begin your journey and

head northbound up New Zealand’s magnificent coastline, making a stop to discover the ancient and spiritual Kauri Forest. The final stop of the day will land you in Paihia, a small coastal town located in the heart of the Bay of Islands, with ample photographic opportunity for shots of hidden coves and subtropical beaches. The town offers a host of activities from parasailing to dolphin spotting.

After some down time at the jewel of the North Island, you’ll head back to Auckland in time to watch the sun set over the city from the incredible Sky Tower – the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere – before heading to one of Auckland’s VIP nightspots.

After leaving behind the hustle and bustle of city life, the tour journeys on through the lush farmlands of Waikato. Your coach will then arrive at Waitomo – a small town famed for its incredible natural caves. Here, you’ll have the chance to explore the famous underground chambers and see them come alive in the light of glow worms that reside in these limestone dwellings. There is even the opportunity to head deeper into the caves to do a spot of underground tubing! The day is topped off with an all-out traditional Kiwi dinner and some locally brewed beer.

The next stop on The Big Tiki tour will take you to Rotorua Lake, where you’ll spend some time immersing yourself in the local Maori mythology and culture, whilst admiring the astonishing crater that has developed into one of New Zealand’s

34

www.bbmlive.com

largest lakes. The town is popular amongst tourists for its spurting geysers, boiling mud pools and natural hot springs.

En route to Lake Taupo, there is the chance to stop off and admire Huka Falls, the gushing whitewater that drains the lake. After marvelling at the thunderous waterfalls and enjoying a relaxed evening at Lake Taupo, the journey continues south towards Wellington.

The route towards Wellington takes you through spectacular landscapes peppered with imposing volcanoes; a backdrop widely recognised from ‘The Lord of the Rings’ trilogy. Once arriving in the capital there are plenty of things to see and do from visiting arty cafes and bars to galleries and historical museums.

The next day marks a momentous part of the trip as you say goodbye to the North Island and begin the next leg of the adventure to the South Island.

The journey is a picturesque cruise, as idyllic bays and remote coves come into view across the horizon, making up the picturesque Marlborough Sounds. You will jump back on board the coach for a jaw-dropping route that continues south down New Zealand’s eastern coastline, eventually getting to the city of Christchurch.

The trip continues through alpine mountains with spectacular views of sharp and jagged peaks and crystal clear rivers and lakes. You will stop off at the historical town of Hokitika, a settlement that gained industrial momentum during the years of the gold rush. The voyage continues towards Franz Joseph, an area rich with green forestry and immense glaciers that tumble down the mountainside. You will even have the option to climb these mighty ice fields.

After days of rural landscape the tour will take you to the adventure capital – Queensland. There is the opportunity for the adrenaline junkies amongst you to have a go at skydiving, white-water rafting and, of course, the exhilarating Ben Nevis bungy jump – New Zealand’s highest bungy that is certainly not for the faint hearted! After getting the

action-packed activities out of your system, there are a couple of days left of the tour for cementing those friendships with some fun-filled nights out.

From $3,596pp, this action-packed adventure includes 24 meals and 18 nights of accommodation in either hotels or lodges. The tour will embrace the traditions of the local Kiwi culture and unforgettable excursions to natural spectacles, making it the trip of a lifetime.

The Big Tiki and many more New Zealand tours are available with Contiki Holidays from 3-25 days. Whether you’ve got a few days or a few weeks to travel, and you’re looking to experience New Zealand and make new friends along the way, Contiki is perfect for you.

Give them a call on 1300-266-845, head to Contiki.com or visit your local travel agent.

www.bbmlive.com

35

Stay And Play In Cape Tribulation

Cape Tribulation: where the Daintree Rainforest becomes nature’s playground.

ocean, including snorkelling in the Great Barrier Reef and, diving adventures, eco activities, fishing and more.

Where the cassowary roams free, the rainforest meets the ocean and you can say goodbye to modern life, Cape Tribulation is an oasis in Tropical North Queensland that you can make your own adventure park. As alive at night as it is during the day, you can join a group tour for a night walk to discover the nocturnal wildlife, go kayaking along the coast, fly through the towering trees on a zipline and go horse riding on the beach.

To make the most of Cape Tribulation, you need somewhere to stay – and that’s where Cape Tribulation Beach House comes in.

The only beachfront accommodation in the Daintree Rainforest, Cape Tribulation Beach House provides cabins and shared dorms for every type of traveller, and offers facilities such as a bistro, a bar and a swimming pool alongside tours and events such as live music and bonfires on the beach. There’s even WiFi available if you just can’t help yourself from checking in online.

There’s so much to see, do and explore in Cape Trib that you should prepare to spend a few days or even a week in this region – so put your iPhone away and get out into the wilderness! Go hiking, hire a 4WD, try your hand at archery or take to the skies in a helicopter. To help get you into the heart and depth of the region, there are some great tour companies that cover the rainforest and the

36

www.bbmlive.com

Giving you the chance to stay in Cape Tribulation for more than just a sweeping visit, you can truly immerse yourself in the area by staying at Cape Tribulation Beach House.

To book your stay, visit www.capetribbeach.com.au

Welcome To The Jungle Here’s one for the bucket list: Jungle Surfing...

Flying between the treetops on a zipline course 20 metres above ground, this amazing experience gets you up close and personal with Cape Tribulation in Tropical North Queensland.

Consisting of seven ziplines, a Jungle Surfing Canopy Tour lasts two hours with at least one hour in the rainforest canopy that also includes a ride on a Human Hamster Wheel – it needs to be seen to be believed! Up the adrenaline even more by strapping on a harness and whiz through the treetops. Enjoy the spectacular views of the rainforest, waterfalls, streams and the Great Barrier Reef.

Joining you in the jungle, wildlife you might be lucky enough to see includes Wompoo Fruit Doves and Green Tree Frogs, while the fresh flora and abundance of green vegetation is enough to make you feel as if you’ve stepped back to prehistoric times.

Jungle Surfing run eight tours per day, rain or shine, so come prepared for all weathers! With a limit of 13 surfers per tour and friendly guides to keep you pumped, you’ll have an enjoyable, high quality experience of the Daintree Rainforest that’s once-in-a-lifetime.

Book now at www.junglesurfing.com.au

The Fraser Island W ilderness Awaits

Camp on the beach, swim in crystal clear lakes and walk through the rainforest on Fraser Island.

A unique island off the coast of Queensland, Fraser Island offers the most authentic adventure.

Covered in thick rainforest growing out of sand, dotted with more than 100 freshwater lakes and home to some seriously weird and wonderful wildlife, if you’re offered the chance to embark on a wilderness camping safari on Fraser Island, you grab it with both hands.

Drop Bear Adventures provides such an experience over three days. Visiting the many attractions on Fraser Island and then some, you’ll get to swim in the vivid waters of Lake McKenzie, which is so pure that no animal on the island could live in it; hike through Central Station Rainforest, which grows out of the sand; and let the flow of Eli Creek carry you down stream.

You’ll also get to learn about the history of the island with a visit to Maheno Shipwreck, abandoned and rusting on the shore, as well 38

www.bbmlive.com

as Aboriginal culture, with a chance to sample delicacies, learn to play a didgeridoo and come to know Fraser Island as K’gari, meaning “paradise”.

Within a small group and your amazing Drop Bear guide, camping on Fraser Island is a pretty awesome experience in itself. With beach fishing at sunset, you can play games such as giant Jenga or cricket, listen to the strumming of a guitar around camp, or just chill out with an ice-cold beer straight out of the cool box. And if there’s wet weather expected during your night, you can get a free upgrade to Drop Bear’s Beach House Hostel!

Whether you’re camping or staying at the hostel, you’ll get a memorable couple of nights sleep, ready for whatever the next day brings!

All of this plus courtesy pick-up from your accommodation, meals, 4WD transport and a free Facebook photo album for just $465 all-inclusive!

Book your Fraser Island 3-Day Camping Safari at www. dropbearadventures.com.au

All Aboard The Ocean Safari this trip! The staff are great and a real laugh, they have researched some great spots to go and explore. Seeing turtles was particularly magical.”

NJ, Winchester With a maximum of 25 passengers, you’ll have plenty of space to experience this oasis without any overcrowding. And with an experienced skipper and eco host, you’ll also get to discover more about the reef and the rainforest from this Advanced Eco Accredited tour company.

Depart from Cape Tribulation bound for the tropical waters of the Great Barrier Reef.

Ocean Safari combine views of the Daintree Rainforest with the spectacular underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef to offer a once-in-alifetime experience. Beginning with a 25-minute ride on board a rigid inflatable boat at top speed, you’re taken to two pristine locations to snorkel alongside turtles, tropical fish, eagle rays, giant clams, starfish and more.

Your two destinations for the day are Mackay Reef and Undine Reef. Located in the Great Barrier Reef, you can often see the coastal Daintree Rainforest on a clear day as you explore the colourful coral below you. Where else can you find two World Heritage areas side by side?

“Put this on your bucket list! Whatever you do, don’t leave this part of the world without doing 40

www.bbmlive.com

Ocean Safari costs just $134pp and includes courtesy bus pick-up from accommodation in Cape Tribulation. The Ocean Safari check-in office is also home to Jungle Lodge, which offers campsites in the tropical rainforest just 400 metres from the beach, where your Ocean Safari adventure begins.

Book your Ocean Safari at

www.oceansafari.com.au

Experience Whitehaven Beach Truly something else, Whitehaven Beach is the star of Ocean Rafting in the Whitsundays.

Ocean Rafting have provided tours of Whitehaven Beach since 1997, and as an award-winning, ecocertified tour company, can take you to protected areas, unspoilt snorkel sites and beauty spots that others can’t.

Each tour includes an exhilarating ride to the world-famous Whitehaven Beach on board a super fast semi rigid inflatable vessel. When visiting this beautiful stretch of sand, you can also enjoy exclusive access to Hill Inlet Beach on the northern end of Whitehaven, which is absolutely stunning with the white sand and blue hues blending and swirling together, and where you can observe rare estuarine stingrays and ghost crabs in their natural habitat.

With two tours to choose from, those that want to spend as long as possible on Whitehaven Beach should opt for the Southern Lights tour, which provides more beach time including two hours of relaxation at the southern end of the 7km beach.

As well as a visit to Whitehaven Beach, you get some time to snorkel for over an hour at Border Island or Dumbell Island to experience the fringing reefs.

Anyone that would prefer to enjoy more snorkelling time should choose the Northern Exposure tour. With slightly less time on Whitehaven Beach, this tour visits pristine sites such as Mantaray Bay and Maureens Cove located around Hook Island. At these sites, you can expect to see an amazing example of our blue planet, with turtles, sea stars, crustaceans, fish and even humpback whales during migration season from June to October.

Both Southern Lights and Northern Exposure offer entry into some of the most breathtaking areas of the Whitsundays, only available with Ocean Rafting. For just $149pp, each passenger receives a buffet-style lunch, guided walks, snorkel lessons and courtesy coach pick-up.

Book your Ocean Rafting tour at

www.oceanrafting.com.au

www.bbmlive.com

3

y r u F g in

m a o F

Battle the elements as you take on the rapids of North Queensland.

If you’re ever near the tropical city of Cairns, you can cool yourself down while pumping up the adrenaline along North Queensland’s rivers with Foaming Fury. Providing half and full-day adventures in Barron River and Russell River, they’ve been showing visitors just what this region is made of for 30 years.

You can truly get to know North Queensland’s landscape as you journey down these rivers. The half-day white water rafting takes place along the Barron River in Barron Gorge National Park, and offers up views of the rainforest, mountains and waterfalls. With calm and high-impact sections of the river, there are opportunities to enjoy the scenery and have full-on adventure. Located just 20 minutes from Cairns, this is an easy day trip for city dwellers.

For extra time, head to Russell River for a full day white water rafting. One hour south of Cairns, you start the day exploring the depths of Wooroonooran National Park with a spectacular rainforest walk to the river, where your white water rafting adventure begins. After three hours, you 42

www.bbmlive.com

can refuel with a supplied lunch and finish the day with a relaxing swim in a crystal clear natural waterhole.

Foaming Fury provide another river experience that turns Tropical North Queensland into a natural theme park. Along the Mulgrave River, you can try your hand at river tubing. A combination of calm water, small rapids and beautiful rainforest scenery, river tubing provides a fun ride on board twin chamber tubes so you can float downstream.

You don’t need any previous experience to enjoy white water rafting or river tubing. With pick-up and drop-off in Cairns and certified river guides included, you can be sure that you’ll be well taken care of.

Half-day rafting costs from $99pp and a full day of rafting from $165pp, while river tubing costs $64pp. There’s also a rafting levy fee.

Foaming Fury provide one of the most exhilarating, exciting experiences of Tropical North Queensland. If Cairns is on your travel plans of Australia, make sure you don’t miss this wet and wile ride.

For more information and to book, visit

www.foamingfury.com.au

Holiday In The Whitsundays Explore this tropical paradise with Awesome Whitsundays’ great range of packages!

Immerse yourself in the splendour of the Great Barrier Reef, a World Heritage listed site, the Whitsunday Islands beckon for you to explore their oceanic utopia.

Surrounded by the calm, warm waters of the Coral Sea, there are 74 tropical islands making up the Whitsundays, and each one you visit with Awesome Whitsundays is part of the Whitsunday Islands National Park. The abundance of pristine beaches, marine and wildlife, incredible views, and the sheltered turquoise waterways make it the perfect place for sailing or cruising.

There is no off season for the Whitsundays. The climate is that of a sub tropical rainforest region with an average annual temperature of 27⁰C and 8.25 hours of sunshine per day, meaning you

44

www.bbmlive.com

can take up the offer of Awesome Whitsundays’ packages at any time of the year. January is usually the warmest month and July the coolest, but it rarely drops below 20⁰C during winter days and the waters are a warm and welcoming 23⁰C to 29⁰C year-round.

Sold yet? As if the natural merits of The Whitsundays aren’t enough, Awesome Whitsundays have a range of three to five-day packages which cover a number of the most famous Whitsunday icons and activities, the ‘must-dos’, to make sure you see the very best of the islands.

Awesome Whitsundays cater for all budgets, so if you think you can’t afford a holiday in the Whitsundays, you’re wrong! Each package is available with either backpacker or deluxe accommodation and are self catering, so you can choose to dine in or take advantage of the many takeaways and restaurants in Airlie Beach.

Here’s a breakdown of each adventure to help you see The Whitsundays in a way that suits you.

Reef & Whitehaven Adventure On Day 1 you’ll get to explore Airlie Beach and all of its curiosities. The lagoon overlooking the Coral Sea is a highlight. On Day 2, board one of our modern vessels and cruise to the outer Great Barrier Reef. Dive, swim and snorkel with thousands of fish or just watch it all happen around you while you sunbathe on the sundeck.

Spend the last day, enjoying the thrill of sailing to stunning Whitehaven Beach. Snorkelling, beach games, a delicious BBQ lunch and all refreshments are included.

Awesome Foursome It’s four days of fun on this package, which, on top of the Great Barrier Reef Adventure, Camira Sailing adventure and a day exploring Airlie Beach, also includes Island Hopping. With an extra day and your Island Hopper Pass, you are free to explore more of the Whitsunday Islands such as the wonderfully-named Daydream Island, and the well-known Hamilton Island.

By Amy Leonard

Castaway This is the big one; five days, five nights. It includes all activities both previous packages do but your last two days are spent on the Great Barrier Reef, meaning one night’s Reefsleep on our Reefworld pontoon. Watch the sunset over the reef as you sip bubbles, then sleep under the stars in your swag before waking up for a morning swim and snorkel; a spectacularly memorable experience.

The coral reefs, rich blue waters, blindingly white sands and stunning scenery makes the Whitsundays an incredible holiday experience so make the most of your time here with one of Awesome Whitsundays’ great packages.

Book your Awesome Whitsundays holiday at www.awesomewhitsundays.com Here’s a breakdown of each adventure to help you see The Whitsundays in a way that suits you.

www.bbmlive.com

3

Campervan Adventures In The Red Centre Experience one of the most striking landscapes in the world, with red desert sands, mountainous gorges and sparkling waterholes, as you drive a campervan through the Red Centre of Australia.

Turn up the heat with hikes in blistering heats and cool down with morning showers in a natural rock pool. Along the way, you can pay a visit to the most famous landmarks in the outback, including Uluru, Kata Tjuta, Kings Canyon and the West MacDonnell Ranges.

With a journey through the Red Centre in a campervan, you can feel truly alone with the landscape. Barren, desolate and not another soul for miles, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’re the only one for miles. Especially as you may very well be right. But with the safety and facilities of your campervan, you can embrace any challenges that the Red Centre gives you and enjoy the wild ride.

Stopping off at the natural landmarks of the Red Centre is one reason why many do embark on a campervan trip in this region. There are so many once-in-a-lifetime things to do that it’s well worth the drive. Swap your van for a 4WD to venture along rockier roads; stop at Kings Creek Station, a working camel farm, and hop on the back of the four-legged, humpback residents; take the hike around the 100 metre-high walls of Kings Canyon; and find little drops of paradise in the West MacDonnell Ranges with Redbank Gorge and Ellery Big Hole.

46

www.bbmlive.com

Thanks to your campervan and such grounds as Kings Canyon Resort and Ayers Rock Resort and Campgrounds, you can spend more time exploring attractions than you would on a group tour. Take days off from driving and discover the desert with walks, cultural talks and a visit to Desert Park, where you can learn all about the wildlife, Aboriginal culture and history of this ancient setting. Then, come nightfall, sleep beneath a blanket of stars with the comfort of your home on wheels.

It may be daunting to take on the Red Centre on your own in a humble campervan, but it’s one of the best experiences your could ask for.

Need to hire a campervan for your own Australian adventure? Book your camper now, visit:

www.mightycampers.com.au

Travel around the Northern Territory in 2016 and you can save 25% off the price of your campervan with Mighty Campers.

You can experience the rugged beauty of the Northern Territory and all that it has to offer when you have the keys to a campervan. Get amongst the natural wonders of Uluru, the Devils Marbles, Kings Canyon, Mataranka Thermals and more with your mates.

This 25% off offer is for travel in the Northern Territory from April 2016. All you have to do is book before 31st May for travel between April and June, and before 15th October for travel between October and December.

Offer is subject to availability, for full terms and conditions, visit

www.mightycampers.com.au

OFFER!

25% Off Campervan Travel In The Northern Territory

www.bbmlive.com

47

NSW

Welcome to Summer Bay Flamin’ Galah is working with Channel Seven on the Official Home and Away Tour to Summer Bay. This unique tour to Palm Beach visits the stunning location of the hugely popular Home and Away TV Series, offering an insightful and authentic brand experience. The tour allows fans from all over the world to connect with their favourite show and experience the iconic outdoor locations featured in the hit TV program. On board, fans will be able to capture once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunities, whilst expert guides share their Home and Away knowledge.

Guests will be able to re-live some of their favourite scenes from the series, visit famous locations like Alf’s Bait Shop, the Surf Club and walk on the iconic golden beach. All while soaking up the Summer Bay lifestyle and enjoying the scenery along the stunning coastal roads of Sydney’s breathtaking Northern Beaches. With so many beautiful areas to enjoy, this tour is also suitable for non-Home and Away fans as well. The tour concludes at the world-famous Manly Beach.

A great day out for everyone!

The Official Home and Away Tour to Summer Bay lasts around four hours and costs just $99pp. It starts at the The Rocks, Sydney at 1.15pm and finishes at world-famous Manly Beach at approximately 5pm.

Book your tour to Summer Bay at

www.officialhomeandawaytour.com.au

or call 02 9977 7890

48

www.bbmlive.com

A Wilderness Tour of the Sydney Outback Take a quick break from Sydney’s cityscape and step back into time to discover Sydney’s rambling outback.

Sydney Outback combines the hidden natural beauty and authentic historical experience with the convenience and efficiency of a guided tour, all while committing to sustainable operations and honouring the Guringai Aboriginal people and heritage. The Wilderness + Aboriginal Explorer Tour + Cruise comes with a chance to receive an Aboriginal Welcome to Country Ceremony, spot wildlife, and learn about the history of Australia’s second oldest National Park. Guided by a helpful and passionate expert well-versed in the area, the tour includes a stroll through the Ku-ring-gai

Chase National Park. The jewel in the crown is a two-and-a-half-hour scenic cruise on a 52-feet motor catamaran, where you can expect to see the Australian waterfalls and the Aboriginal rock carvings tucked away in a stunning landscape.

The 8-hour tour makes for a great day trip and includes a pick-up and drop-off service, so all you have to do is relax and take in the eucalyptinfused seaside breeze.

The Wilderness + Aboriginal Explorer Tour + Cruise is priced at $199pp and also includes complementary snacks, lunch, and drinks.

Book online with code ‘bbmlive’ to receive20% off at www.sydneyoutback.com.au

By Serina Lee

Sydney Outback allows a closer look at some of Australia’s oldest, most well-preserved sites. A unique tour of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park by land and water, Sydney Outback’s Wilderness + Aboriginal Explorer Tour + Cruise connects you to the untrodden parklands and more than 1000 Aboriginal Heritage sites. This exclusive and historical tour contains many delightful contradictions, including the fact that this “out the back” experience all takes place within an hour from Sydney CBD.

Journey Into Olkola Country Discover more than 1 million hectares of untouched wilderness in north Queensland’s Cape York Peninsula Experience a very different side to Australia as you embark on a journey into Olkola Country, complete with hundreds of plant and animals species, traditional lifestyle and culture, breathtaking sunsets and a back-to-basics concept of travel. Spend your time hearing stories from the Traditional Owners of the land, drinking billy tea from an open fire, and travelling through an untouched landscape that many don’t venture far enough to witness.

Adventure Tours Australia offer a six-day tour through Olkola Country and the surrounding region. This round-trip from Cairns is an experience of the true diversity of Australia; landscapes changing constantly in what is the world’s largest unbroken savannah outside of Africa.

You’ll spend your first four nights camping at a homestead in Killarney, and during the first dinner you’ll hear the story of how the Olkola people came to live on the land once again.

50

www.bbmlive.com

After a traditional ‘welcome to the country’, your Olkola guide will provide in-depth knowledge and stories of the region, before you refuel with morning tea and discover traditional bush tucker.

Visit an outback waterhole, learn how to make billy tea and damper over a fire, and then watch the sunset from a mountaintop – and that’s just your first full day!

On day three, you venture into Jungle Creek, where waterways split in five directions to travel the Cape York Peninsula before reaching the sea. With lunch overlooking the mountain ranges, you can go in search of ancient Aboriginal rock art before enjoying another spot of billy tea, handmade damper, dinner and a night under the stars.

Waking on day four, you explore this beautiful part of the world even further with a visit to Alwal National Park, named after the endemic and endangered Golden-Shrouded Parrot found here.

Search for the birds in the termite mounds they

nest in, then head back to camp and discover more with insightful stories from your hosts.

You leave Olkola Country through Rinyuirru National Park and along Battlecamp Road to Cooktown, where you can relax with a night at a local guesthouse and immerse yourselves on your final night in the depths of northern Queensland. Before you make your way back to Cairns on day six, there’s time to explore Cooktown’s local market, and then take the coastal drive on Bloomfield Track to Cape Tribulation, home to the towering canopies and jungle adventures of the Daintree Rainforest. After a ferry ride across Bloomfield River, you return to Cairns, where you can celebrate with your new friends with a night out in the tropical city.

This unique tour of northern Queensland greatly acknowledges and respects the traditional owners of Olkola. From $2,845pp, Journey in to Olkola Country provides guests with an indigenous guide, meals and accommodation.

Journey in to Olkola Country is just one of many tours provided by Adventure Tours Australia. They also do tours in, South Australia, Western Australia, Northern Territory, Tasmania and the rest of Queensland.

Book your Journey in to Olkola Country with Adventure Tours Australia.Visit them at www.adventuretours.com.au, give them a call on 1300 654 604, like them on www.facebook.com/ AdventureToursAustralia, and check out their awesome pictures on www.instagram.com/_adventuretours

NORTHERN TERRITORY

EXPLORING KAKADU & LITCHFIELD Up in the Top End is a region of national parkland just waiting to be explored.

Join a Kakadu Wild Expedition of Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks. On a three-day 4WD group safari, you can take in the dramatic landscape of these two areas, including wetlands, waterfalls and rainforest.

Departing from Darwin, you travel into Wulna Country for a Welcome to Country by the traditional owners of the land, including bushtucker talks, didgeridoo demonstrations and basket weaving. With a stop at the Mary River Wetlands, you join a cruise to spot the lurking saltwater crocodiles before heading into Kakadu National Park in the afternoon. Your first stop in the park is Maguk, or Barramundi Gorge.

Following a hike, you’re rewarded with a swim in the inviting plunge pools before you spend the night in your permanent campsite.

Time to wake early on day two for some actionpacked four-wheel-driving to the spectacular Jim Jim Falls, the jewel of Kakadu and undoubtedly a highlight of your experience. Take in the sight of the 200m walls and enjoy a swim or some relaxation on the sand banks. After some lunch, it’s time to head to Ubirr, a hotspot in the Top End for ancient Aboriginal rock art and the best sunsets you could possibly ask for. With a cultural walk, you get to climb to the top of a rocky lookout for fabulous views over the Nardab floodplain.

52

www.bbmlive.com

After taking in the sunset, you return to the Mary River region for another night under the stars.

On day three, you leave Kakadu for Litchfield National Park, filled with waterholes and waterfalls. Soak up the tranquillity of the tropics by visiting Florence Falls, Wangi Falls and the Buley Rockholes. With a picnic lunch, rainforest stroll and a dip in one of many of Litchfield’s swimming holes, this is the perfect way to end your expedition of Kakadu. Heading back to Darwin, why not celebrate the end of your tour with a night out with your new friends?

Kakadu Wild Expeditions visit Kakadu and Litchfield on this amazing three-day tour. From $795pp, the tour includes camp accommodation, transport, activities, an experienced guide, meals and national park entry fees. Due to the wilderness of the Top End, the itinerary is subject to change.

Book your 4wd group safari of Kakadu and Litchfield at

www.kakaduwild.com.au

Rock Nation See Australia’s super rocks with nature at its most incredible.

In the small outback town of Alice Springs in the Red Centre is where your 3-Day Rock Trip with Mulgas Adventures begins. Prepare to absorb rugged natural beauty, Aboriginal culture, red earth and rocks – lots of them.

Day one kicks off nice and early with a 6am pickup. First stop is Uluru. This mammoth monolith is 348m tall, with a round-base distance of 9.4km. A trip to the Cultural Centre provides insight into local plants, animals and Aboriginal people, and the site’s cultural and historical significance to them. Your guide will take you on an interpretive walk at the base of Uluru, and then kick back with a glass of bubbles for the jawdropping Uluru sunset, finishing up back at camp for a hearty dinner and hot shower before retiring under the stars.

Your second day begins with an early breakfast before watching the sunrise over the world’s most famous rock. Next stop: Kata Tjuta. Different entirely to Uluru, it’s a collection of 36 domeshaped formations which look other-worldly. Walk through the Valley of the Winds to feel the magic of the place, and understand its name! That evening enjoy an outback BBQ and campfire at Kings Creek Station before sliding into your swag to sleep under the stars. Can you get more Aussie than that?!

The final day takes on the spectacular Kings Canyon rim walk, incorporating the North and South walls, The Garden of Eden and the Natural Amphitheatre, each equally stunning, unique formations. As if that wasn’t enough excitement, before returning to Alice Springs you stop at a camel farm with the chance to hop on for a free ride!

This incredible outback experience is just $370pp and includes an experienced guide, park entry, camping fees, pick-up and drop-off, air-conditioned bus transport, meals, swags and a free camel ride.

For more information visit www.mulgasadventures.com.au

www.bbmlive.com

3

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Discover What Lies Beneath Coral Bay A small seaside town with pristine white beaches and spectacular coral gardens just metres from the shore, Coral Bay is just as beautiful as it sounds.

Home to Paradise Beach, this place is as good as it sounds. Kick back, relax and relax in the turquoise waters as you soak up this quiet beach.

While the beaches of Coral Bay boast beautiful white sand with gorgeous weather year-round, it’s what lies beneath the water that’s truly mesmerising, because Coral Bay is home to the Ningaloo Reef.

Just metres from the shore, this enormous fringing reef is a snorkeller’s paradise. Immerse yourself in this underwater world with coral and marine life that includes many different species of fish, manta rays and whale sharks. A once-in-a-lifetime experience, you’ll never forget the moment you come side by side with these gentle giants as they make their way through the reef to feed on krill.

54

www.bbmlive.com

Stop at Coral Bay with your Integrity Coachlines Hop-On Hop-Off Pass. Visit www.integritycoachlines.com.au u to book.

Wander From Perth To Broome Experience 9 days of hiking, wildlife, culture and scenery on this Perth to Broome adventure.

On a journey along the West Coast of Australia, you venture into the wild and experience all that this gorgeous stretch has to offer. Visiting the paradise spots of Monkey Mia, Ningaloo Reef, Cable Beach, and even heading closer inland to the Karijini, there’s a wealth of experiences to be had, and you can do it all on the 9-Day Perth To Broome One Way tour with Aussie Wanderer.

Tour the Indian Ocean Road and you’ll get to wander the white sandy beaches and stunning coastline with your fellow group and experienced tour guide.

Become close friends as you take on unique activities and experiences together, including meeting the wild dolphins at Monkey Mia and snorkelling the Ningaloo Reef. You’ll get to see unique landscapes such as the Pinnacles Desert, where yellow limestone formations stand tall out of the sand, and Shell Beach, one of the only beaches to be completely covered in tiny shells.

The opportunity for activities is huge. You can opt to abseil a wall in Kalbarri National Park, go kayaking in Monkey Mia and swim with manta rays in the Ningaloo Reef (at your own expense).

You can also expect to go hiking up to 4km per day, so a good level of fitness and good walking boots are advised! Spending your days exploring from coast to outback and staying in a range of accommodation from farm stays and resorts to

camping in safari tents, you’ll gain an all-round Western Australian experience in just 9 days!

The 9-Day Perth To Broome One Way tour with Aussie Wanderer costs from $1,495pp (until March) and includes accommodation, meals as listed, transport, attraction and national park entry fees, an experienced tour guide and loads of fun!

There’s also plenty of opportunity for free time to do as you please.

This tour is one way from Perth to Broome. If you want to do a round-trip, Aussie Wanderer also provide a 14-Day Perth To Broome Return.

Book your tour of Western Australia at

www.aussiewanderer.com.au

www.bbmlive.com

55

Explore The Kimberley

Have an adventure in one of the most spellbinding regions in Western Australia.

The Kimberley is an explorer’s paradise. With dazzling rock formations, natural wonders and pristine wilderness, you can’t pass up the opportunity to experience this part of Western Australia. Located in the northwest of the state, there’s everything from savannah to the sea with plenty of surprises.

There are so many highlights in the Kimberley region, it’s impossible to pick just one. While you may be sad to leave one, you’ll be amazed at what lies just around the corner. The World Heritage-listed Bungle Bungles are a sight to behold with their striped beehive structure standing tall in the outback. They’re made all the more amazing when you discover that only the local people knew of their existence until the early 1980s!

Despite being renowned as a dry region, the Kimberley is in fact home to Australia’s secondlargest freshwater manmade lake, Lake Argyle.

A sunset cruise along this expansive waterhole shows just how much it has changed the landscape of northwest Australia.

56

www.bbmlive.com

Other lush oases include Manning Falls, the Zebedee Springs, Bell Gorge and Windjana Gorge, the latter of which is home to harmless freshwater crocodiles.

The departure point for many tours of the Kimberley region is Broome. A coastal outback town, it’s home to Cable Beach, one of Australia’s finest stretches of sand, where you can even ride on a camel’s back during sunset. This pearling town is also home to the spectacle of the Staircase To The Moon, a rare occurrence in which the reflection of the moonlight appears like steps on the exposed tidal flats.

From natural waterholes to towering rock formations and outback towns, the Kimberley is one of the most amazing regions in Western Australia. You can book a group tour with Kimberley Wild Expeditions, providing short breaks and extended touring with accommodation, transport, meals, activities and an experienced tour guide included.

Find your ideal tour of the Kimberley at

www.kimberleywild.com.au

Fremantle Prison Bringing History to Life

The most unique of all the tours on offer is the underground Tunnels Tour. Those with a spirit for adventure can explore a one kilometre labyrinth of tunnels built by prisoners which run under the Prison. Equipped with hardhat, overalls, boots, headlamps and harnesses visitors are locked into the ladder system before descending 20 metres into the depths below. Skilled guides lead the trek through dry sections of the tunnels by foot, before boarding replica convict punts to explore the submerged passageways accessible only by boat.

Fremantle Prison is one of Western Australia’s premier visitor attractions and is the only World Heritage listed building in Western Australia. In 2015 Fremantle Prison was announced as the winner of both the Major Tourist Attractions and Cultural Tourism categories at the WA Tourism Awards.

In addition to its guided tours Fremantle Prison also features exhibitions in the Prison Gallery, interpretive Visitor Centres and an award winning Gift Shop.

You can find more information on this heritage jewel by visiting

www.fremantleprison.com.au

Built by convicts in the 1850s, Fremantle Prison was used as a place of incarceration for almost 140 years. Decommissioned as an operating maximum security gaol in 1991, the empty prison with its solitary cells and gallows now welcomes ‘inmates’ of a different kind – tourists.

Visitors can ‘step inside and do time’ with Fremantle Prison’s experienced guides on a range of tours that vary from pure history, to heritage adventure. On Prison Day tours visitors can learn about the daily life of convicts and prisoners alike.

Featuring cells, yards, solitary confinement and an opportunity to view a once operational gallows these tours are perfect if you are interested in history or heritage. For a more spooky experience you can’t go past an eerie Torchlight Tour as tour guides delve into the darker side of the Prison’s history.

www.bbmlive.com

57

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Discover A Foodie Paradise On Kangaroo Island From farm gates to cellar doors, Kangaroo Island is full of flavour.

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

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

The food and drink is so popular on Kangaroo Island that there’s even a Food & Wine Trail.

Taking you to farm gates and cellar doors, not only can you sample local produce, you can meet the people that produce it. Meet the bees at Clifford’s Honey Farm in their glass beehive and taste the delicious honey ice cream, try a seafood platter at Ferguson Australia, and take a tour of the 25acre vineyard at The Islander Estate where you can sample premium wines made by Bordeaux’ Jacques Lurton.

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

Other events include the Gourmet Gallop, held in January, which welcomes local companies to sell their fare by the racecourse track; Kangaroo Island Art Feast, which combines the food of the island with the art and culture during springtime; and 3-Day Kangaroo Island Cup Carnival in February.

58

www.bbmlive.com

Supporting the local producers and providing you with somewhere to dine, there are many restaurants, cafes and eateries that serve up delicious meals created with what you can find on Kangaroo Island. The Marron Café near Vivonne Bay showcases the island’s prized freshwater crayfish, while Bella Café specialises in Italian dishes and pizzas.

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

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

WIN 2 Day Kangaroo Island Wilderness Explorer We’ve got two tickets to give away for the Wilderness Explorer tour with Kangaroo Island Adventure Tours, so you can experience the best of Kangaroo Island in two days. You’ll get to visit Vivonne Bay, Seal Bay, Flinders Chase National Park, Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Distillery and more.

Activities include kayaking, bike riding, bushwalking and swimming – and that’s just at Vivonne Bay! Included in the prize is pick-up from Adelaide or Glenelg, a return ferry ride to Kangaroo Island, one night at Vivonne Bay Lodge in a dorm room with bed linen, free WiFi and use of a shared bathroom, entry into all listed attractions and meals of one breakfast, two lunches and one dinner.

To enter, visit www.bbmlive.com/wina-kangaroo-island-adventure-tour Terms & Conditions 2 Day Kangaroo Island Wilderness Explorer competition closes 20th April 2016. The prize is valid for two passengers only travelling together before 31st March 2017. Winner will be chosen at random by 30th April 2016 and contacted via email. If we don’t receive a response within 72 hours of the email being sent, the prize will be re-drawn and a new winner will be selected so please enter with an email that you have access to 24/7 and please check your junk folder. Flights are not included and winners must have a valid visa for the duration of the tour. The prize is not transferrable or redeemable in cash. For full terms & conditions, visit: www.bbmlive.com/win-a-kangarooisland-adventure-tour

SOUTH AMERICA

Explore Brazil & Argentina At Your Own Pace

Travel between Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires to see the highlights of Brazil and Argentina on a flexible Hop-on Hop-off Pass.

Brazil and Argentina are two beautiful countries full of amazing places to visit, and even with an entire lifetime of travelling there wouldn’t be enough time to discover all of their gems. The best to fully enjoy the journey is to travel at your own pace between Rio and Buenos Aires on a flexible Hop-on Hop-off Pass, so you can really be independent, do what you want, and stay as long as you wish in each place. Your transport and amazing experiences are included along the way so you can lie back, rest-assured that the structure of your trip is taken care of.

Rio de Janeiro is definitely one of the best places where to begin such an adventure. Rio is renowned for its wild Carnival parties, breathtaking panoramic views and fun-loving Carioca people.

Beside the beautiful beaches and natural wonders, here you will have the opportunity to learn about true Brazilian society by taking a tour into one of its favelas, and have a close-up look at the complex architecture, developing commerce and warm friendly people.

When you feel like it is time to get out of the city, just a short trip from Rio, you can transfer to the stunning Ilha Grande, one of Brazil’s most picturesque and pristine islands, boasting a tranquil quiet existence with only a few villages 60

www.bbmlive.com

with nothing more than dirt roads and small family businesses. You’ll find yourself never wanting to leave this tropical paradise!

Next on the list is the beautiful colonial town of Paraty, once an important Portuguese port, where you’ll get the opportunity to go on a schooner boat ride within its bay, discovering beautiful sandy beaches and snorkelling in search of tropical marine life.

As you travel south you will pass by the commercial capital of Brazil, Sao Paulo, which lays claim to the country’s best gourmet restaurants, finest museums, hottest clubs and most diverse population. From Sao Paulo you’ll catch a bus to one of the most awe-inspiring waterfalls, the Iguazu Falls, for a full day visit of the Argentinian side of the falls.

The adventure will come to an end as you take an overnight bus to the tango capital of the world, Buenos Aires. This metropolis will keep you entertained by day and night with its eclectic neighbourhoods, vibrant nightlife and culinary delights. A tango show will round off this incredible trip.

View pass: www.bambaexperience.com/ MoquecaWaysfromRio Moqueca Ways (Rio de Janeiro Buenos Aires) From $959USD Per Person Recommended Time: 11 Days Find out more about Bamba Experience at www.bambaexperience.com

www.bbmlive.com

61

Discover Ancient Civilisations And Trekking Adventures In Peru

Located on the Western coast of Latin America is Peru - a haven for backpackers and budding adventurers.

From seaside surfing paradises to jagged mountainous landscapes, to its rich historical heritage and fascinating Andean culture, Peru certainly has it all and is waiting to be explored.

With Free & Easy Traveler, you can discover the length and breadth of this majestic Incan land.

Free & Easy’s 20-day Wander Through The Incan World tour of Peru begins in the bustling capital of Lima – one of the gastronomical capitals of the world and a fantastic city to begin your trip and get a real feel for Peruvian culture. Explore Peru’s world-famous markets that sell an abundance of wonderful Andean garments, fresh foods and classic Peruvian drinks such as horchata and pisco! First things first in Peru – try a searingly fresh ceviche dish packed full of the flavours of zingy lime, red onion and cured fish.

After getting to know your Free & Easy buddies in the buzzing metropolis of Lima, the tour heads south to the incredible oasis town of Huacachina.

The journey winds through Peruvian deserts until you reach this town nestled amongst the sand dunes and situated on the banks of a dreamy desert lagoon. The next day kicks off early with a spot of thrilling dune buggying before having a 62

www.bbmlive.com

go at riding the dunes on a sandboard! This is a particularly exhilarating excursion that is made all the more special amongst this breath-taking desert setting. After a night under the stars at Free and Easy’s very own camp, and a traditional Peruvian BBQ, the tour continues south to the beautiful town of Arequipa.

Arequipa is an ancient Peruvian town dramatically situated amongst impressive volcano peaks.

Explore the town’s rich colonial heritage and discover the intricate architecture before heading away from the city to the Colca Canyon. This river canyon is the world’s deepest and has been carved by centuries of water erosion, making for incredible scenery and above all – an amazing two days of trekking. This hike is a challenging mission given the terrain, the dramatic downhill descent into the heart of the canyon and, of course, the altitude. However, the hike is certainly worth it. You will spend two whole days surrounded by beautiful landscapes speckled with colourful flowers and alpine scenery as well occasionally spotting the unique wildlife. Be wowed by the impressive wingspan of the condor or the quintessential Peruvian animal - the llama.

After a spectacularly rewarding two-day hike, head to the local baths to sooth any aching limbs and get some rest before you hit Cusco!

This next stop is the beating heart of Peru and is the country’s de facto capital. With its incredible nightlife, picturesque colonial buildings and

breath-taking setting in the rolling hills of the Sacred Valley, Cusco will be one of your highlights on your journey throughout Peru. Of course, the city is also the base camp for backpackers and holidaymakers with Machu Picchu next on their agenda.

Of course, no trip to Peru is complete without a visit to the incredible national heritage site and one of the Seven Wonders of the World – Machu Picchu. You will journey by train through the jawdropping landscape, where you will learn in depth about the ancient culture of the pre-Columbian empire, whilst taking in the landscape. Nothing can prepare you for the vast scenery and the clear devotion of this age-old civilisation, consecrated in this city in the sky. This is the perfect place to round off your 20-day trip and the ideal spot to reflect on Peru’s incredible historical heritage, its natural beauty and your time in Peru before heading back to Cusco for a few days before departing for Lima, and then home.

Book your Peruvian adventure now from just $2,470CAD per person (approximately £1,225GBP/$2,513AUD). This price includes all your accommodation, group travel, some meals and activities such as riding a dune buggy, sandboarding, desert camping, desert clean-up, a Pisco tasting tour and a professionally guided tour of Machu Picchu! As with every Free & Easy tour, there’s also plenty of time to explore at your own leisure and if you fancy any of the extra excursions offered on the way, such as zip lining over sweeping valleys, or white-water rafting in a thunderous lake that weaves through the mountains – this can all be arranged!

Book your Peruvian adventure at

www.freeandeasytraveler.com

www.bbmlive.com

63

Explore The Jewels Of South Brazil

From the buzz of Rio de Janeiro to stunning isolated beaches, embark on a journey from city to coast and beyond.

Brazil is Latin America’s largest country that expands over the vast majority of the continent and boasts a variety of picturesque natural landscapes. From the Amazonian jungle to paradise beaches and buzzing metropolises, this country has it all and is the definitive travel destination for budding explorers. With the Green Toad, these unbelievable locations are all at your fingertips. Jump on board Beleza Hop and explore from carnival capital, Rio de Janeiro, to the spectacular Iguazu Falls that border Argentina.

Ilha Grande

The first port of call on this trip is Ilha Grande – a stunning island retreat that is a safe haven and well-needed break from the party metropolis of Rio. Lying just off Rio de Janeiro’s coastline, your transport reaches this picturesque jungle island within a mere couple of hours. The island is almost entirely covered in verdant jungle, tropical forestry and is inhabited by rare plants and unique wildlife. Its landscape is rugged and hilly and makes for a great location for tough hikes that take trekkers up through the shrubbery to incredible but relatively unexplored viewpoints.

One of the island’s most spectacular walks is a 2-hour hike through the heart of the jungle and leads to the secluded Lopes Mendes beach which is rated amongst the most beautiful in the world.

Enjoy a day along this vast sandy stretch and 64

www.bbmlive.com

watch the crashing waves that make it the perfect surfing spot, then trek back to your hostel or catch a boat – the only two ways to return to civilisation!

The island is also blessed with pristine, still waters on its western coast that are sheltered from the great Atlantic Ocean. Coupled with its rocky reef that fringes the island, Ilha Grande is the perfect spot for snorkelling and scuba diving. The island has only recently exploded onto the gringo path, given its recent but fascinating history as the site of a notorious Latin American prison. Its heritage means that the island is still unexplored and is undeveloped – with only a handful of small towns on the island, adding to Ilha Grande’s local feel and charm.

Paraty

Just south of Ilha Grande lies this charming colonial town situated right on the seafront. The town remains to this day quintessentially colonial, complete with exquisitely preserved Europeanstyle buildings with colourful murals and irregular cobbled streets. Paraty is certainly the ultimate time warp, and its heritage has earned its status as a National Historic Site. Its cultural significance has also attracted poets, artists and writers who seek inspiration for their artistic works. Its centre has a plethora of museums, independent shops and restaurants selling searingly fresh seafood and local delicacies. After exploring the web of narrow cobbled streets, see Paraty in all its glory on board an unforgettable boat cruise that ventures around the shoreline and weaves through rocky uninhabited islands, courtesy of Beleza Hop.

Sao Paulo

After a peaceful break from the madness that is Rio de Janeiro, its back to the hustle and bustle of Brazilian city life. Sao Paulo is another sprawling urban city that is home to an astonishing 20 million citizens. Its sheer size and appearance as quite the concrete jungle can be an intimidating sight at first, but beyond this orchestrated chaos is a fascinating metropolis waiting to be discovered.

Its visitors must throw themselves into the spirit of the city, delve into its culture and get a feel for its philosophy to really appreciate it. Sao Paulo is world-renowned as a fascinating cultural hub, competing for the title alongside cities such as Berlin and Tokyo. This is reflected in its dizzying array of museums, galleries and cultural centres.

By night, the city doesn’t sleep and its streets come alive with its notorious 24/7 nightlife scene.

Florianopolis

With idyllic beaches and a laid-back party vibe, the island of Florianopolis is a fantastic stop on Beleza Hop and deserves its title as one of Brazil’s hottest resorts. The Green Toad Bus takes you off the continent and onto the island via the main bridge that connects the two. The island is home to a staggering 42 beaches that overlook the Atlantic Ocean or are nestled in the heart of the island on the banks of the lagoons. Its multitude of beaches, waterfalls and lagoons make it one of the top places in Brazil for water sports – from snorkelling and discovering the island’s rocky coral to windsurfing and sailing. After a busy day of adrenaline-fuelled activities, tuck into some local cuisine, which heavily comprises of tasty seafood. By night, the island comes to life with fantastic nightlife during the summer months.

Foz de Iguacu

The last stop on Beleza Hop is well worth the wait.

This spectacular series of waterfalls physically carve up the border between Brazil and Argentina and is one of the continent’s most popular destinations as a sight of unparalleled natural beauty. A trip to the falls involves a delightful walk through the verdant forestry, where the waterfalls’

thunderous roar can be heard as you encroach nearer. The power and noise adds to the thrill of the walk, and eventually you turn a corner and are faced with a jaw-dropping scene. The experience is aided by the stunning setting amongst Brazilian rainforest teeming with unique species, not to mention the thousands of colourful butterflies. The mist created by the crashing water reflects the beating sun, creating rainbow spectrums that also add to the romance and allure of the destination.

Aboard the Green Toad, visitors can explore the Argentinian side, which boasts spectacular panoramic views that give depth and a real idea of the sheer size of the waterfalls. After your 13-day trip, you can choose to finish your tour on either the Argentinian or Brazilian side of the falls.

Book your place on Beleza Hop now for a fantastic 13-day tour that includes 2 van and boat transfers and 3 coaches including 2 overnight sleeper buses. Activities included are the boat cruise in Paraty and a day trip to the Argentinian side of Iguazu Falls.

Book now at

www.greentoadbus.com for $581.

www.bbmlive.com

65

South American Travel Ideas with Daytours4u Summer is dissolving into autumn across South America and many of the region’s iconic destinations are at their most beautiful.

The cooler temperatures, changing seasonal colours, and low, slanting light cast the cities and landscapes in an enchanting iridescence that inspires travellers to embrace adventure and the great outdoors. In the company of Daytours4u and their network of subsidiary brands, the incredible wonders of this continent can be discovered in style and comfort. Imperial landscapes of ice, beautifully preserved colonial towns, trendy seaside cities and exquisite tropical islands – the vibrancy of South America is unrivalled across the world. Discover which sites you should explore this fall and what tours take you there.

Immerse yourself in the spellbinding beauty of Patagonia

In the Argentinian south, the nature is wild and the vistas are mesmerising. Covering some 400,000 square miles, the region of Patagonia is geographically immense and home to an astounding mosaic of landforms. By avoiding the peak summer season, the sleepy villages that transform into bustling tourist retreats are back sleeping again and the traveller experience becomes more authentic. In the suite of tours and activities provided by Argentina4u, you can find an immeasurable wealth of cultural adventures.

Gently coast over the crystal clear waters of Lago Argentina and glide between mammoth icebergs in a double touring kayak; embark on a full day mini¬trekking excursion across the ancient ice of Perito Moreno glacier, or cruise in the shadows of Mt. Fitz Roy and navigate some exhilarating rapids on a rafting tour near the picturesque mountain village of El Chalten. The extreme Patagonian wilderness is simply a magnet for intrepid explorers.

Embrace the Charm of Colombia’s Caribbean Coast

Glancing at the skyline of Cartagena de Indias, you would be forgiven for thinking that this is a beach metropolis to rival Miami. This seemingly forgotten coastal paradise was once a significant trade port and it holds an important place in the history of New World exploration. Today, the old walled city represents a charming Colombian getaway complete with beautiful 66

www.bbmlive.com

colonial architecture, wonderfully photogenic neighbourhoods, and a sensuous nightlife. At this time of year, visitors will hit the breezy season which brings much needed relief, yet the city remains swelteringly hot. To escape the scorching afternoon hours, take a trip to the mangrove tunnels in the cooling swamps of Juan Polo with Colombia4u. Glide in classic wooden canoes through a truly unique ecosystem and make your way to the Punta Icacos beach for some relaxation and exquisite local cuisine - the perfect break from traditional city travel.

Get in Touch with Nature in Uruguay’s Hidden Paradise

From the moment aristocratic Argentinian holidaymakers descended on Punta del Este, this sun-kissed peninsula perched on the Atlantic coast has been a playground for the region’s elite upper classes. As the party season slowly begins to wind down and the international scenesters move on, the beaches are not unbearably crowded and there are plenty off¬season special discounts to be found. This also serves as the perfect time to uncover many of the city’s other charms. On a Punta del Este guided city tour, you can wander down the exclusive shopping street of Avenida Gorlero, admire the stunning blue facades of Candelaria Church, marvel at the array of sculptures that adorn Paseo de las Americas, and gaze at the sunset in front of the Mediterranean-¬styled architecture of Casapueblo. Punta del Este is glitzy, stylish, and eccentric all at once.

Relax and Unwind in an Idyllic Brazilian Retreat Rio de Janeiro is synonymous with world¬renowned landmarks and an enviable beach¬going lifestyle. Even as the weather conditions start to cool somewhat, the white sands of Copacabana and Ipanema continue to thrive.

Away from these classic tourist hotspots, the picturesque haven of Ilha Grande – set against the backdrop of verdant rainforest covered mountains and limpid blue coastal waters – presents a fabulous unwinding alternative. The

best way to sample this off¬-the-¬beaten¬-track tropical wonderland is on a tour with Rdj4u. Hop on a sightseeing cruise from Angra Dos Reis and drift among the myriad islands before arriving at Ilha Grande for an afternoon of hammock swaying and beach strolling. All the trappings of Brazil without the masses.

Explore the classic South America travel destinations beyond the traditional sites, and become immersed in the local culture with Daytours4u. Contact them at info@daytours4u.com to receive personalised assistance, or book online by visiting www.daytours4u.com.

www.bbmlive.com

67

GLOBAL TRAVEL

Uganda Awaits A truly spectacular part of the world, Uganda is a small but lively country with a variety of experiences on offer. From mountain gorillas to tree-climbing lions and night safaris to the Kaziranga Channel, open your eyes to all of the visual delights of this wild nation on a Highlights of Uganda Safari.

Mountain Gorillas

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest holds about 50% of all the mountain gorillas left in the world. That means just over 400 individuals.

Coming face-to-face with these incredible close relatives of ours is an experience not to be missed. In this ancient jungle that has origins dating back to the last ice age almost 20,000 years ago, tracking the group of gorillas might set you back US$600pp, but is worth every cent.

Chimpanzees

A great addition to any tour, you can visit these lively primates in Kibale Forest National Park, that also has a dozen species of monkeys from baboons to colobus and vervet monkeys.

Spending an hour with these very human-like creatures is an amazing experience and a chimp-tracking permit including the tour only costs US$120pp.

Kaziranga Channel

Home of the Kaziranga Channel, Queen Elisabeth National Park is a great one for wildlife with an amazing variety of scenery. The unique boat safari between the two lakes that cover the northern edge offers two hours of intensive wildlife that can be seen while local people head out to fish tilapias through the night in the background.

68

www.bbmlive.com

Tree Climbing Lions

Night And Walking Safaris In Lake Mburo National Park

Ishisha is a whole new world in the southern end of Queen Elisabeth National Park. Just the drive here is magnificent but everyone – the few more adventurous who make it here – comes to see the lions hanging in the shade of the fig and acacia trees.

The Scenery

Mountains, gorges, waterfalls, rivers and lakes, open plains, classic savannah, jungles and woodlands, mixed with local villages and wildlife for a lifetime. Just driving around in Uganda is an experience worth visiting for.

The smallest of Uganda’s national parks, Mburo has a great number of animals including the leopard, while giraffes and lions have been introduced for future development. This cosy area gives opportunities to head out into the dark to see nocturnal creatures and stretch your legs with the rangers to come across herbivores on foot.

The People

Uganda has the second biggest population of any landlocked country, after Ethiopia, but that doesn’t mean it’s crowded. Friendly and smiling locals welcome visitors with open hearts, and while neighbouring countries are opposed to tours in such close quarters, here you will see local life at a close distance throughout, stopping in local villages or joining a community walk with local tribes that can be the best part of the trip for many.

The Highlights of Uganda Safari is an 11-day tour that you can book with Faralong.com. As with all Faralong tours, the more passengers that book, the cheaper it gets for each, but this tour has a maximum of six passengers, so you can enjoy an intimate, personable experience in real Africa!

Guarantee your seat at www.faralong.com

www.bbmlive.com

69

Sailing Around The World With Darroch Tait

The Journey

I fly to Las Palmas, then set sail down to the Cape Verde islands and across to St Lucia to Colombia through Panama Canal to Galapagos, South Pacific, Tahiti, Fiji, Vanuatu and finish that leg in Australia. That takes me to September.

As I don’t have a boat at the moment, I’m crewing on someone else’s yacht because I have a lot of sailing experience (when I’ve got $100,000 I’ll go and buy a boat!). Skippers advertise on websites for what kind of crew and experience level they’re looking for, and then you send a message and say, “Hi, this is Daz. If you’re still interested, let me know.” Wonders of modern technology!

Why He Does It

I could work for the next 30 years of my life and not really experience anything, or I can go 70

www.bbmlive.com

and hit it while I can. When I was buying boats, there were so many people in their 60s, literally crying down the phone telling me to go, telling me they’ve spent the last 15 years getting a boat ready, and their wife’s just had a stroke, so they can’t go. You have a limited time on earth and you have to choose what you do with it.

Beauty Of The World

I left South Africa on my own when I was 18 to move to England. I’ve been travelling ever since.

The four-and-a-half months I did in New Zealand – I’m in love with that country. It’s so spectacular.

Every 50 miles is totally different scenery. When you see the Yellow-Eyed Penguins – the rarest penguin in the world – and 400kg sea lions sitting on the beach and you go surfing and they chase you out of the water – those kind of experiences you’ll never forget.

I’ve always loved the ocean. Half the adventure is getting there, so the experience of acknowledging the distances you’re travelling to get somewhere.

You can get to places that other tourists can’t get to. It’s a much more wholesome experience because you’re making an effort to get there – not just jumping on a plane.

Words and images by Darroch Tait

Darroch Tait is a former schoolteacher who sails around the world. Seriously.

His latest voyage takes him from the Spanish city of Las Palmas all the way to Brisbane, Australia, in around nine months. Looking forward to his journey and exactly why he does it, here he reveals just what drives him.

Discover Bali In Just 9 Days

Bali is a stunning, cultural haven. So what better way to experience this Indonesian island than on a nine-day adventure with Balintro?

You will be eased into Bali life immediately once you are picked up from the airport and taken to the Kuta guesthouse to meet everyone you will be travelling with. So just relax by the pool with everyone before you set off on this amazing adventure. On the second day you head to Uluwatu to see the amazing ocean, an incredible temple, and the iconic Padang Padang beach for a total relaxation session before you can all end with a sunset dinner. But you won’t be finished yet – next you head to Kuta to throw yourselves into the insane nightlife!

Over the next two days you will be taught how to surf by local Balinese surf dudes and see the natural wonders of Lovina, a quiet and cultural paradise. After this, you will get to see an authentic side of Bali. Go wild dolphin spotting, snorkelling and relax in natural hot springs before travelling to the amazing white sands of Gili T island.

Over the next couple of days you will be able to stay and explore the beautiful Gili islands. You can cycle, relax and also snorkel in the crystal clear

waters where you might even spot wild turtles! A tasty farewell dinner is included before you can head back out into the crazy nightlife scene of Bali. But here is where the Balintro trip concludes.

Head home or opt to go on for an extra three days to explore the wilderness of Ubud.

Balintro is the perfect start to a long backpacking adventure, and it is the best way to see the highlights of this paradise.

Nine days on Balintro is $799pp and includes transport, accommodation and some meals. Or book ahead for the 12-day Balintro tour and spend 3 extra days in Ubud for $999pp.

Book your introduction to Bali at

www.balintro.com

www.bbmlive.com

71

St Patrick’s Day In Dublin If you’re in Dublin on 17th March you will be there at the best time of year, because this is of course, St Patrick’s Day. If you’re in Dublin on St Patrick’s Day you should head to Parnell Square to secure yourself a spot for the famous St. Patrick`s Day Parade, which makes its way through the city centre. Throughout Dublin there will be plenty of local singing and dancing and this day in Dublin is truly a once-in-alife-time experience not to be missed!

An absolute sea of green encompasses Dublin and celebrations carry on well into the evening. If you visit Dublin for St Patrick’s Day you will have plenty of opportunity to listen to live traditional Irish music as it is performed in almost every pub and bar throughout the whole city.

Another option for people to consider is to get on a walking tour of the city to take in all the sights. Everyone who goes to Dublin – be it for St Patrick’s Day or just any time of the year in general – should take a tour of the famous Guinness Storehouse, where you can watch and learn how the famous drink is brewed before tasting a sample yourself. You can even take part in the Guinness Connoisseur Experience, the Guinness Storehouse’s luxurious bar-lounge, for a 75-minute tasting session!

Alternatively, you might want to explore the galleries, museums and shops and watch all the iconic buildings, which have been ‘greened up’ for St Patrick’s Day festivities. In the evening hit the Temple Bar area for some lively Irish nightlife.

Seriously, you will probably not find more drinking

72

www.bbmlive.com

establishments in one particular small area in any other place in the World!

The biggest and best thing to do for St Patrick’s Day in Dublin is just simply make sure you have a pint of beer or Guinness, dance the jig and stand on tables and get wild in the home of Ireland’s biggest festival.

One of the easiest ways to enjoy St Patrick’s Day in Dublin is to join one of the many tours on offer and FOMO Travel has some information on a few of the great tour operators who operate tours to Dublin for St Patrick’s Day. Find out more at www.fomotravel.com

The Wine Fight Get drenched in the good stuff in Spain’s spectacular Rioja region.

A lesser-known festival in Haro, La Rioja, The Wine Fight (or San Vino if you’re local), is one of the fiercest battles going. Prepare to fight until you’re wet and weary and paint the hills with red wine until you can take no more. The fight itself takes place on 29th June, but you can spend three days enjoying the festivities with Stoke Travel.

The night before the fight, the village of Haro hosts street parties with bar hopping, dancing and food all night until sunrise. Then it’s a 7am start with locals and tourists marching up the hill, clad in white, and carrying jugs, bottles, water pistols and anything that can possibly be filled with red wine. Reaching the Cliffs of Bilibio, all niceties are put aside for a mass free-for-all with a bottomless supply of red wine. Throw it over everyone you see, friends and strangers, until all you see is a sea of wet, purple shirts.

When you’re drenched from head to toe, head back down the hill to the Stoke Travel bus and get refreshed back at camp.

Take a shower, laze by the pool, chill on the grass in the sunshine and get ready for one last party at night.

When you experience San Vino with Stoke Travel, you get two nights all-inclusive camping, two breakfasts, a BBQ dinner, transport to and from the festival, and unlimited beer and sangria at the campsite. You can choose bus packages from Barcelona or San Sebastian, or simply meet your Stoke Travel guide and fellow travellers in Haro.

If one weekend of festivities isn’t enough for you, The Running of the Bulls runs on 6th – 14th July in Pamplona, including street parties and grown men running from ten-tonne bulls. Or you could head to Bilbao from 6th – 10th July for BBK Live, a medium-sized music festival that brings around 60 acts from all over the world.

All of these festivals make it a great time to be in Spain, especially when you’re hopping from one to another with Stoke Travel.

The Wine Fight is just €130/$183AUD per person.

Visit stoketravel.com to book.

www.bbmlive.com

73

Satisfy your wanderlust this summer in croatia Imagine a holiday exploring the . Now picture all of this aboard a private boat filled with friends, both old and new. This vision is the holiday dreams are made of, but now these dreams are being realised by many young travellers thanks to Koda Sail.

ensured young travellers are in for the holiday of a lifetime with Koda Sail.

Koda Sail provides young travellers with the opportunity to experience Croatia in an authentic, fun and exciting way. With a focus on quality, freedom, and friendships those looking to satisfy their wanderlust need look no further. Clientele range from 24-35ish and the tours are aimed at young professionals from all walks of life.

“Over the years I’ve seen what works, and more importantly what doesn’t work. Experiencing first-hand what travellers want from their vacation has resulted in me being able to create a winning formula for Koda Sail that not only works, but surpasses even the highest expectations” said Tabone.

This exciting new venture is taking the travel industry by storm. The dynamic company was recently named Tourradar.com’s ‘Sailing Tour of the Year’, a feat made even more impressive by the fact that 2015 was Koda Sail’s first operational year.

Koda Sail offers two tour packages for the summer of 2016. The Dalmatian Voyager is an eight-day island hopping tour taking in the highlights of Croatia’s Dalmatian coastline. For the traveller who wants more, Koda Beats is an exclusive VIP music festival package. After sailing the Adriatic Sea for the week, Koda Sail leaves the boats behind and heads north on land to experience the most talented DJs the Balkans have to offer at Sonus Music Festival. Along the way there’s opportunity to take in some more of Croatia’s highlights.

Koda Sail is passionate about providing the best of what Croatia has to offer. Get on board today with Koda Sail to start your next adventure.

Koda Sail prides itself on the knowledge and quality of its staff, ensuring clients discover hidden gems that you won’t find in guidebooks.

Melbourne-born Chris Tabone, who has strong ties to Europe with his Maltese heritage, founded Koda Sail in late 2013 with the vision to improve Croatian sailing holidays for young people.

Tabone has travelled all over the globe for more than 15 years visiting many diverse countries and cultures. Years of industry experience with some of the world’s most recognisable brands has

74

www.bbmlive.com

Save €150 on all Koda Sail tours when you mention BBM!

www.kodasail.com

WIN A 7-Day Cruise Of The Greek Islands

Sail in Greece Adventures are very generously offering the chance for one lucky BBM reader to jet off this summer and join a 7-day YOLO cruise round the Greek Islands worth £455!

What could be better than enjoying a fun-filled party cruise that tours around some of the world’s most stunning beaches and to world renowned party destinations? The YOLO tour kicks off in the nightlife capital Mykonos, before setting sail south and journeying to the island Paros – best known for its breath-taking beaches and traditional Grecian towns. Make the most of the peaceful and serene setting before the tour ventures to Naxos and Koufonisia before and the infamous isle of Ios. This island is a favourite stop on the tour, with narrow winding alleyways that extend up the Grecian hillside and hidden bars and clubs that carry on the party well into the early hours.

After experiencing the mind-blowing party scene offered on Ios, it’s off to Santorini to enjoy the incredible setting with its white walled Greek houses that contrast sharply against the blackened volcanic rock. Enjoy the landscape as

the sun sets on your last day and reflect on the journey of a lifetime before heading home and nursing those hangovers!

The lucky winner receives 7 nights’ accommodation aboard the YOLO voyager.

The cruise also includes countless boat parties as well as beach parties in some remarkable seaside settings. The prize is also available in reverse, meaning the journey starts in Santorini and heads North until hitting Mykonos. Meals include breakfast and lunch and of course, ouzo in abundance!

To enter, visit www.bbmlive.com/win-a-7-daycruise-of-the-greek-islands-with-sail-in-greeceadventures Terms and Conditions:

7 Days on board the YOLO cruise with Sail in Greece Adventures. Closes 7th April at 11.59 GMT. The prize is valid for one passenger only. The winner will be chosen at random by 11th April and contacted via email. If we do not receive a response within 72 hours of the email being sent the prize will be re-drawn and a new winner selected so please enter with an email that you have access to 24/7 and please check your junk folder. For full terms & conditions, visit www.bbmlive.com/win-a-7-day-cruise-of-the-greek-islandswith-sail-in-greece-adventures

www.bbmlive.com

75

Experience La Tomatina Arguably the craziest festival around, join First Festival Travel at the end of August in the beautiful city of Valencia for the World’s largest food fight – La Tomatina!

With hotel accommodation, rooftop pool and bar, transport and entry to the tomato fight in Bunol, plus awesome group party nights, this is a summer festival not to be missed.

What is La Tomatina you ask? Every year since 1945, on the last Wednesday of August approximately 22,000 participants from all over the World gather in Bunol and join the locals in throwing 145,000kg of tomatoes at each other! The fiesta will officially begin at 11am on Wednesday 29th August this year when the first rocket goes off, or when someone manages to claim the ham (yes an actual ham) from a greased pole. The first of the six lorries will make its way down the packed street and through the sardinelike crowd, with locals lobbing the most ridiculous amount of tomatoes at them. Grab those tomatoes and get throwing, squashing, flinging – you have exactly one hour!

First Festival is also proud to offer the exclusive and highly recommended Wine & Water festival taking place in a tiny Spanish town the night before La Tomatina. This is a truly authentic and unique street party and will make your La Tomatina experience that much more memorable.

Most of our passengers soak up the opportunity (excuse the pun) to be covered in red wine and water by the locals of Requena – who wouldn’t?

With a bull arena, music competition and street parade, it’s an unforgettable night. Well, depending on how much of the free wine you manage to collect in your plastic ‘vessel’…

First Festival offer three and four day packages, and inclusive of a buffet breakfast, hotel

76

www.bbmlive.com

accommodation, experienced Tour Leaders, and great drink specials. They also organise walking and bike tours of Valencia – a city with plenty on offer and an awesome beach!

Check out www.firstfestivaltravel.com/LaTomatina-Tours for more info

WIN 4 Day Deluxe La Tomatina Package with First Festival Travel.

We’ve got one ticket to give away on this amazing tour worth £239 ($486 AUD). Included in the prize is: 3 nights’ hotel accommodation in twin, double or triple ensuite rooms with air-conditioning, a rooftop pool and bar, return transport from Valencia to Bunol for the La Tomatina Event, one ticket and transport to the Tomato Fight and the Water & Wine Festival (worth £20/ $40AUD), daily buffet breakfast, souvenir ‘La Tomatina’ t-shirt, experienced First Festival Travel tour leaders, organised group party nights, club entry and drinks specials at some of the city’s best bars.

To enter visit:

www.bbmlive.com/win-a-la-tomatinaexperience-with-first-festival-travel

S O N U S F E S T I VA L B R I N G S T H E M A G I C O F C R O AT I A’ S A D R I AT I C COAST

Novalja on the Croatian Island of Pag, “the jewel of the Adriatic Coast”, invites visitors from all around to world to celebrate Sonus Festival at Zrce Beach 21st -25th August!

If you are planning a Euro trip this summer, you better take into consideration stopping by this beautiful venue that enchants more than 1 million visitors per year. Those who have experienced the thrill of Zrce Beach with all of its facilities agree that it’s one of the best party spots in the world – you can relax and enjoy at the chill out lounge inside the clubs, taste different types of local fresh food, participate in various types of sports or simply sunbathe on the shore of beautiful pebble beaches and take long swims in the clear Adriatic.

The beach has therefore become Croatia’s most popular beach and festival location over the last decade. Sonus Festival brings 5 days and nights of techno at its finest to Zrce with about 80 international artists playing at fantastic open air clubs!

The area has got a lot more to offer! Quality cultural and historical sites, lovely restaurants, bars and cafés, a multitude of facilities for sports

and recreation and various beaches nearby guarantee a unique summer experience for everyone. Divers and deep-sea explorers come at their own expense at Caska Beach with its ruins and caves across the cliff while others prove their courage and serenity bungee jumping, water skiing or wakeboarding at Zrce. The stunning, unspoilt landscape leaves nothing to be desired creating an inimitable atmosphere.

Pag is easily accessible by plane, ferry or bus.

Travelling by plane is recommended via Zadar, Split or Zagreb airport with airport shuttles to Novalja available online. Ferries go from several spots in Italy and buses from all over Europe, making it easy to integrate the festival into every traveller’s itinerary. Official travel partners offer attractive packages affordable for every budget with basic, standard or superior accommodation.

Adventurers have the opportunity to camp at beautiful and award-winning Camp Straško next to a festival bus shuttle pick-up.

Standard festival tickets are on sale for €179.90 (fees excluded) and basic accommodation packages start at €21 per person per night.

For tickets and more info visit

www.sonus-festival.com

www.bbmlive.com

77

MUSIC NEWS

Discover a boutique music and arts festival in the middle of the desert.

Wide Open Space Festival is back in 2016, providing music lovers and art aficionados a weekend with likeminded people in the heart of Australia. Full of adventure, creativity and plenty of atmosphere, this is the opportune time to celebrate the cultural diversity and incredible landscape of this great big island country.

This year, Wide Open Space will take place from 29th April – 1st May. Held at Ross River Resort, about 85km east of Alice Springs in the Northern Territory, this will be one of the most unique locations you’ll ever attend a festival.

Just as the name suggests, you can enjoy a wideopen space of sprawling desert, nature parks and reserves, with the majestic MacDonnell Ranges as your backdrop. Where better to spend a couple of days camping? In April and May, this part of Australia can experience warm days but cold night, so pack for all temperatures. With plenty of shady trees and intriguing wildlife, 1500 people turning up for Wide Open Space is guaranteed to set the air with a temporary buzz.

Providing the music across the weekend will be an eclectic mix of delights in chunky beats, finely crafted folk and low-slung hip-hop. Acts coming from interstate and around the world include UK producer and DJ, Om Unit; Melbourne soul outfit, Saskwatch; San Francisco bass heavyweight, Hypnotech; Melbourne mini orchestra, Tek Tek Ensemble and many more.

There will also be acts representing the Northern Territory; from Dezert7z & E-Town Boyz to Cutlery Pool Party and Room 105, ticket-holders can expect a smorgasbord of music from across the region.

Speaking of tickets, you can get your hands on one for just $170 + booking fee. Included in the price of your ticket is camping and parking, plus three days of partying in the desert with three stages and many more performance spaces to delight every one of your senses. If you’d rather stay in permanent accommodation, you can book private cabins directly at Ross River Resort, which also offers the use of a swimming pool – but book quickly because these are in high demand during the festival.

Buy your ticket now from wideopenspace.net.au 78

www.bbmlive.com

ones to watch...

Here are our top picks of the acts you don’t want to miss…

Saskwatch

It would be an understatement to say that this Melbourne soul six-piece shy away from the unconventional. New album, ‘Sorry I Let It Come Between Us’, was recorded during a month at Mt Slippery – a recording studio in Philadelphia that in a past life was a silversmith warehouse. The album itself is refined, honest and simple – characteristics that we’ve come to know and love of this Melbourne group.

EminE

Hailing from Melbourne, Eminé has spent her time travelling Europe with three years in Berlin. Visiting Turkey, she bought a Turkish guitar called a Saz, and was given the name Eminé by her Turkish friends (her real name is Emma Kathryn Stuart). Since writing some catchy songs with her guitar, she has played gigs in Berlin, Melbourne and Alice Springs, and is currently based in Alice Springs where she sings and paints trees.

Cutlery Pool Party

Brother Moonbug and Kyran Smith joined forces to form Cutlery Pool Party, a DJ collective from Alice Springs. Bringing their brand of fun, dancefloor-focused, house-infused music to Wide Open Space, they have become renowned in the Northern Territory for playing great parties, pushing new sounds and even starting their own club night.

Om Unit

UK DJ and producer, Om Unit A.K.A Jim Coles, has become a significant member of the dance music circle in the past five years. Travelling across genres and scenes such as hip-hop, dubstep, ambient and jungle, Om Unit is never complacent, and takes inspiration from the journey rather than the end destination. This effort has earned him praise from critics and music lovers in his home country and around the world.

Hypnotech

Every Hypnotech set is focused on booty-warping bass-heavy dancefloor transmissions, dedicated to bringing the finest electronic music to your ears. Since 2000, he’s become a staple in the underground San Francisco circuit and branched out to specialise in outdoor festivals with a psychedelic edge – making him perfect for Wide Open Space.

www.bbmlive.com

79

If you are an electronic music connoisseur/fan/tragic, it really has been a big ol’ summer Down Under and Australia has been absolutely bursting with events. And it’s not relenting anytime soon with a smorgasbord of electronic music touring across the country in March.

Melbourne has really upped the ante this year to live up to its ‘the Southern Hemisphere’s Berlin’tag. Every Sunday at Federation Square you can find international brand Piknik Elektronik throwing down a family-friendly day of beats featuring an r-rated selection of some of the world’s best selectors. Kode9, The Hacker, Busy P and Sonja Moonear are just some of March’s guests. Ame’s Frank Wiedemann will be playing his live lush house and techno at Brown Alley on 4th March, with Paula Temple bringing the techno on the same day (at the same venue) for the Stranger crew. If you’re after a rave check out our pick for March: smalltown presents Dixon, Mano Le Tough and Recondite LIVE. It all goes down at Caulfield Racecourse on the 19th March and is set to be Party Of The Year (hyperbole definitely intended).

80

www.bbmlive.com

Sydney has been shackled by lock out laws, but the show must go on. Prins Thomas will be bringing the nu-disco to the Civic Underground on the 5th of March, whilst Kölsch is set to deliver his ‘romantic techno’ at Chinese Laundry on the same night. Guy J will be prog-ing up the Burdekin Hotel on the 12th of March, and a host of artists will ‘Return to Rio’ on the 18th of March at the Del Rio Riverside Resort for a 3 day camping excursion featuring Dixon, Mano Le Tough, Sebastien Leger, Adana Twins and more.

Sorry Perth, Adelaide and Brisbane, but the month of March really is all about the Sydney-Melbourne rivalry. Happy clubbing y’all!

INTERVIEWS

Cyril Hahn Cyril Hahn has been in the limelight since his early remixes and signature ethereal sound, including that ‘Say My Name’ remix, brought a high demand for touring. Such demand sees him visiting Melbourne on 5th March for the Novel Open Air Party.

Hi Cyril, how has 2016 been for you so far?

It’s been great! 2015 was a very busy year in terms of touring so I’ve been enjoying being home over the last couple of weeks. I hadn’t been home for more than two weeks since April last year so it feels nice to hermit for a bit and work on new music.

Early on in your career, your remixes really made everyone sit up and take notice; how did you decide to remix tracks from Destiny’s Child, Mariah Carey and Jessie Ware?

The first remix of Mariah’s track ‘Touch My Body’ was supposed to be ironic. I mean, the lyrics are pretty silly if you actually listen to them. I thought it’d be interesting to juxtapose the bad lyrics with an instrumental that’s very melancholic and dark.

Were you drawn to R&B music particularly?

Growing up, I was into punk and hardcore so I

never really listened to R&B. In my early 20s I went through a bit of a phase when I listened to a lot of ‘90s R&B and rap that I missed out on growing up. That was around the same time I started doing the remixes.

The reaction to your remix of ‘Say My Name’ was huge. Did you anticipate such a reaction?

Definitely not. It was surreal.

Do you ever get sick of playing it?

Sometimes, but I try to be aware of how much the song means to certain people. Seeing their reaction makes it worthwhile in the end.

If you could remix any song, which would you choose?

Probably Kate Bush – ‘Running Up That Hill’.

Does your DJ set follow the same sound? Do you use any specific visuals to support it?

My DJ sets have gotten a lot heavier and darker over the last couple of months. My girlfriend did live visuals for my sets last year and it was an amazing experience. She knows me better than anybody else so the vibe of the visuals was really spot on.

You’re playing at Open Air in Australia on 5th March. Will your set have any surprises itself?

I will probably be trying out some new tunes I’ve been working on over the last couple of weeks.

Don’t miss Cyril Hahn at Novel Open Air in Melbourne on 5th March. Get your ticket for just $45 from www.novel.com.au www.bbmlive.com

81

So what did get up to in your time off?

I’ve been teaching my children what my face looks like which has been a bit of fun for them. I’m now able to walk around the house without my kids screaming for Mummy and thinking there’s an intruder in the house!

After a much needed break are big things are on the horizon for 2016?

Oh yeah I’ve been doing a film! I’ve been working in Ireland shooting a horror film so I’ve been keeping busy – it’s due to come out around Halloween time.

We catch up with legendary British comedian Ross Noble on the eve of his mammoth Australian tour to find out what he’s been up to in 2015 and what we’ve got in store at his upcoming ‘Brain Dump’ tour.

Hi Ross, how are you doing? You’ve recently jetted off to Oz for your upcoming tour?

Yep that’s right, I’m in Sydney at the moment. I’ve only been here for a couple of days so I’ve been focusing on relaxing and getting over the jet lag before the first show!

It’s pretty hot there at the moment, how are your Jesus-like locks of hair dealing with the humidity?!

Well funny you say that, I arrived and I just couldn’t work out what was going on! In the cold weather it had got really long, but this heat has literally just added to the curls. As for my beauty regime I tend to go in the shower and pull it as straight as possible and I just slowly let it curl up over the day. When somebody comes up to me and asks me if I’m Diana Ross, it’s time to get back in the shower!

82

www.bbmlive.com

How do you tend to prepare for your shows when you go on, when your sets seem to be an unprepared stream of consciousness?

Well what I do is follow an idea and I see where that takes me. It depends on what’s going on in my head, who I’m talking to in the room, something might have happened that day, I just follow the stream! It’s all about playing around with ideas and seeing what comes up. What I tend to do when I’m getting ready for a tour is book a small theatre and just go on and see what happens. And that usually gets me match fit – same as a boxer! It’s all about sharpening everything up by the time I get to the big theatres I’m firing on all cylinders!

Well I suppose you have to get match-fit physically as well because your sets involve a lot of running around on stage!

Yeah it is such a work out - funny how as soon as I start a tour I usually drop a stone pretty much straight away! And then as soon as I finish it’s like someone has injected my face with pizza.

You’ve been doing this from a really young age, I read somewhere that you were almost smuggled into your first show?

Yeah that’s right, I started when I was 15, so coming up to 25 years this year! I’ve started feeling old because people turn around and go ‘I wasn’t even born when you started doing comedy!’

Cheers and good luck with year 25 Ross!

By Oonagh Turner

Ross Noble

Exciting! So you’ve got a mammoth Australia tour coming up, what have you got in store?

Well the show changes all the time, it’s not about anything in particular it’s mainly just about what’s in my head but what we have got are some new props. I’ve got like a giant pile of giant lightbulbs which are all glass so that’s something fun to look at!

Rudimental

Rudimental are coming back once again this May. Playing five shows including a hop over to New Zealand. We caught up with Piers Agget to find out what they have in store this time around...

You can’t deny where you’re from and no matter what we do, London will always be in us, that’s why the house, jungle, garage and bass influence is always there. That’s always going to ooze out of us anytime we make music. But, naturally as a band, we’re going to change and we have changed. I feel like our second album is more soulful and, I don’t know where we’re gonna be in album seven, but I think it’s gonna be a really different place to album one. I can see us creating our own genre, hopefully!

So, six months after your last Australian tour, you’re making your return; could you just not wait to come back?

I think so, yeah. It’s such a nice part of the world – it’s one of my favourite places to come to. Not just because the country’s so beautiful but the people are great. Australia’s always supported us from the beginning so we love it.

Travel’s obviously a big part of what you guys do. Does it inspire you much creatively?

Just seeing parts of the world inspires you, but then also meeting different types of people from different cultures, you get to understand a little bit more and compare the way you live and the way others live. I always wanted to travel and luckily I’ve had the chance to travel with my job, and it goes hand in hand. Music is so different all around the world; you go to South Africa and your mind will be blown by the rhythms, and the same with Jamaica, and you can meet up with producers in Australia and they’ll bring a whole new way of thinking.

You’re all so much fun on stage, working with the crowd and bringing fellow musicians and singers with you; does that energy and togetherness continue off the stage?

Yeah, we’re all genuine friends and, when you tour with a band, you become like a family. When we come off tour, we end up missing each other and you end up hanging out with each other anyway.

The reason why I run around like a madman is because I genuinely am a bit crazy. I’m loud; I’m the class clown.

At the start of Rudimental, it seemed important to you all to represent and share the sound of London, is it still that way today?

83

www.bbmlive.com

Rudimental Australia & New Zealand Tour 2016 Wednesday 4th May – Vector Arena, Auckland Saturday 7th May – Riverstage, Brisbane Sunday 8th May – Hordern Pavilion, Sydney Tuesday 10th May – Margaret Court Arena, Melbourne Wednesday 11th May – Adelaide Entertainment Centre Theatre, Adelaide

places that lay claim to him, and we’re pretty sure that we’ve got his bones! It’s very close to our hearts so hopefully there’ll be some parade going on.

You must have felt the big Irish expat community in Australia before…

Oh yeah, big time. There’s always a big Irish crew at the shows. Maybe we need to plan an impromptu gig somewhere…

Irish alt-rock band, Ash, are returning to Australia on tour with new album, ‘Kablammo!’

With a day off on St Patrick’s Day, we chat with frontman, Tim Wheeler, to find out what they’ll be getting up to.

Where in the world are you right now?

I’m in New York. I’ve lived here for the past 10 years and I’m just hanging out in the studio.

You must be looking forward to swapping the cold streets of New York for the beaches of Australia?

Oh yeah, very excited. We had such a good tour a few years ago and it’s awesome to go back and have a new album this time.

What are you looking forward to getting up to?

I always love the shows, of course, and it’s great jumping around different cities. We’ve got a few days off in Sydney – it’s quite rare to get time off in places when you’re on tour.

You’re also around for St Patrick’s Day… Oh shit, that’s right! We haven’t made any plans yet, but there’s definitely a chance of making some trouble! We’re from Downpatrick, and it’s where St Patrick is buried – well, there are two

Have you been able to see much of the local music scene in Australia?

Yeah, the second time we came over we went to this really cool rock ‘n’ roll high school in Melbourne. Because we were kids, we got to go check it out, and it was all really young kids; one of them was Brody Dalle, who started The Distillers. There’s such a strong music scene there that it’s always good to find new bands.

You sold out your last tour, so what do you have in store for ticket-holders this time around?

This time we’ve got the new album, ‘Kablammo!’, and we’re playing a good chunk of that record. But we also have loads of old stuff that we still love playing. When you’ve been around for 23 years, it can be hard to introduce new stuff, and people sometimes just wanna hear the old stuff.

Tracks like ‘Burn Baby Burn’ and ‘Shining Light’ are still huge tracks for you. Do you ever get sick of playing them?

No, never. I don’t really understand when people get sick of their own songs, especially big favourites – they get the biggest reactions and that’s always fuelled us more playing live.

Ash Tour Dates Friday 11th March – Corner Hotel, Melbourne Saturday 12th March – Max Watts, Sydney Wednesday 16th March – The Triffid, Brisbane Friday 18th March – The Gov, Adelaide Saturday 19th March – The Rosemount, Perth

www.bbmlive.com

By Charlotte Mellor

ASH

That would be awesome! Do you have anywhere in particular that you like to hang out from your previous tours?

Melbourne’s always been a great place to go.

The nightlife and culture is always really great.

We walked over Sydney Harbour Bridge, but we probably need to go wrestle some crocs at Australia Zoo or something! I always wish we had more time, but we’re actually writing at the moment, so we might just find a rehearsal room somewhere.

84

FUNNY NEWS

Having an old friend for dinner In possibly the only example of a meal were sprouts weren’t the worst thing on the plate, a bloke in Germany chowed down on some of the horrible veggies along with a side order of rump steak taken from the back of another man. Oh, and for starters, he had a side order of penis. From the same bloke.

Armin Meiwes became one of the most infamous cannibals in history after killing and consuming 43-year-old computer technician Bernd Brandes in 2001. Now the notorious man-meat muncher has described how he killed and ate his gay lover ‘with his permission’. Well that makes it OK then.

“I decorated the table with nice candles,” he said.

“I took out my best dinner service, and fried a piece of rump steak – a piece from his back – made what I call princess potatoes, and sprouts,” he said.

“After I prepared my meal, I ate it. The first bite was, of course, very strange. It was a feeling I can’t really describe. I’d spent over 40 years longing for it, dreaming about it.

“And now I was getting the feeling that I was actually achieving this perfect inner connection through his flesh. The flesh tastes like pork but stronger.”

After the pair met, they went to Meiwes’ isolated farmhouse, where they had sex. But, according to Meiwes, Brandes was not satisfied because “he wanted to be eaten alive”.

Brandes then swallowed 20 sleeping tablets with half a bottle of schnapps before Meiwes cut off his penis “with his agreement”, and fried it for them both to eat.

Meiwes later ran a bath for Brandes, and read a Star Trek novel while checking on him every 15 minutes.

He eventually killed Brandes in the early hours of the morning, by stabbing him in the neck and then chopping him into pieces. Disgusting. Who reads Star Trek novels in this day and age?

85

www.bbmlive.com

Fishy excuse fools no one

In A move that could prove a blow for lovers of Wine Gums and rum pudding, a drunk driver in Wisconsin reckons the only reason he was over the limit was because he’d just eaten some beer-battered fish and chips.

His fishy story might have sounded a little more convincing had he not been convicted for nine previous DUI offences. That’s a hell of a lot of fish and chips by anyone’s standards.

John Przybyla, 76, was arrested after a deputy noticed his truck cross the centre line of a state highway. Przybyla denied drinking alcohol, but said he had eaten beer-battered fish earlier in the evening and took that same excuse to court.

Unsurprisingly, the judge wasn’t convinced and John faces a few years behind bars for repeated offences.

Doh! Such a bad idea

There’s always that moment when you’ve just been to the gym and pop into Coles, then as you pass the freezer aisle you think

“fuck it, I’ve just run 8k. I’m gorging on ice-cream”.

Well in a cautionary tale of why junk food and exercise is never the best of mixes, a bloke in North Carolina keeled over and died after taking part in a Krispy Kreme challenge ¬- which involves running 2.5 miles to the shop, eating 12 doughnuts, then running back to the start line.

Jeff Woods, 58, is believed to have suffered a heart attack while running to the shop. BBM is no medical expert, but it seems to us the moral of the tale is, if you are going to eat unhealthily make sure you don’t do any exercise either. The BBM doctor knows best.

SPORTS NEWS

Streets ahead in the movie business

Move over Bend it Like Beckham, take a hike Escape to Victory and Fever Pitch can fuck right off, because we’re soon to be blessed with the greatest football story ever told Jermaine Pennant: the Movie.

Vincent’s advice on how to score

Cardiff City owner Vincent Tan’s unusual medical condition is worsening with doctors confirming this week he’s now just a cheap spray-tan away from turning into Swiss Toni from the Fast Show after a bizarre pep talk to the team involving metaphors about making love to beautiful women.

The Malaysian businessman visited the club’s training ground to give some advice to Russell Slade’s side after a blip in form.

“I gave them a pep talk and said they have got to start shooting,” he said. “Have you seen ugly men walking around with a very beautiful wife? Well that’s because they’ve asked 30, 40, 50 times before getting a ‘yes’.

“We were working on a football project about a kid from the inner city that signs for a big club etc but when we heard Pennant’s story and read excerpts from his book we were all blown away,” said Sheridan Demyers, the film producer of ‘Running Films’. “His

story is incredible, unbelievable in fact. The movie is currently

in pre-production and we will start filming in the summer.”

The film will be based on Pennant’s rise to fame, his misdemeanours and his footballing achievements once he has finished writing his autobiography – ‘My Crazy Football Life’.

Will the story of a gifted footballer wasting his talent to become a Premier League journeyman prove a bigger hit than Star Wars: The Force Awakens? Only time will tell. But if they really want to bring in the punters, why not try Lust for Mediocrity: The Steve Claridge Story.

It’s unclear if he then mentioned something about being a gold member in the pussy club.

Joleon gets driven to distraction

He may have football’s biggest forehead but Joleon Lescott clearly has little inside it after the Premier League’s resident Klingon “accidentally” tweeted a photo of a a £121,000 Mercedes not long after apologising to Aston Villa fans for the club’s lack of passion during a 6-0 spanking at the hands of Liverpool.

Lescott then got involved in an ugly spat with a fan, angrily inviting the supporter to come to Villa’s Bodymoor Heath training ground.

Lescott also took a swipe at Stan Collymore, after the former Villa striker offered his thoughts on the sports car tweet.

“That div Stan Collymore getting involved like he never made a mistake, his a complete tool,” he said, before challenging him to a bat’leth duel on the Klingon home world of Kronos.

www.bbmlive.com

86

Image by Carl Recine

Apparently the former Liverpool midfielder has agreed a deal to have a movie made about his life called “From the Streets” charting his miraculous rise from promising 15-year-old at nonleague minnows Arsenal, to the dizzy heights of international glory at global mega-club Tampines Rovers, who he currently plays for in Singapore.

What a film it promises to be. The big challenge for the director will be trying to squeeze in so many highlights from such a miraculous career.

You could make a trilogy just about his time at Stoke.

“On the other hand, you’ll see a handsome man ask once, get a ‘no’ in response and that’s it. So the more you try, the more success you’ll have.

We need a lot more goal attempts, we’ll score more and win games.”

CRYSTAL BALLS Pisces

Taurus

You are accused of first-degree murder in the American state of Connecticut, despite never having been there, and also having several witnesses confirming you were at work in Australia at the time of the crime. However, your accuser is none other than belly-dancing Latino diva Shakira, whose hips famously never lie. After months battling an extradition order in the court, you’re finally sent to the States for trial. The verdict stands on a knife edge, until the police get you to take part in a line-up with four people of similar build and complexion.

Officers then lead a blindfolded Shakira down the line and, as she passes you, her hips start gyrating furiously – indicating that you are indeed the guilty party. You are sentenced to life imprisonment with no chance of parole.

Aquarius

Controversial new Channel 9 sitcom “Meet the Aquarians” comes in for criticism for its stereotypical depiction of Aquarians as a bunch of watercarrying hoodlums who all come from Western Sydney.

Cancer

Running short on people to attack and demonise, Donald Trump suddenly turns his attention to you, calling you “A f—king pussy” for not turning up to the televised debates and calling for your public castration by anyone with access to a bowie knife.

88

www.bbmlive.com

You go for a routine filling on one of your molars and, to your surprise, the dentist looks almost exactly like famous method actor Daniel Day Lewis. After half-an-hour of excruciating pain as he works on you, during which you lose a tooth and swallow two pints of your own blood, the dentist reveals that he is indeed DayLewis and he is “getting into the part” of his next role for a film called “All The President’s Teeth”. Refusing to break character, he still charges you $250 for butchering your mouth.

Gemini

While experimenting in the kitchen, you stumble across a fantastic new recipe of your own design that involves baking a combination of mincemeat, mashed potatoes, carrots and peas. You head straight to Coles and Woolworths with your product, hoping to start a high-range bidding war, only to be told the recipe has been freely available for centuries and is commonly referred to as shepherd’s pie.

Capricorn

With viewing figures plummeting, producers of the show “I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here Australia” officially scrape the bottom of the celebrity barrel when they convince you to be parachuted into the jungle as the show’s new contestant. Apparently you qualify as a celebrity because you once appeared in the background of an episode of Bondi Vet. Ironically, that still makes you more famous than Dean Geyer.

Scorpio

After a drunken night up town, you end up in bed with Asher Keddie, the star of hit Aussie drama Offspring. It proves

a disappointing experience, however, as you’re constantly interrupted by her internal monologue discussing her dead husband Matt Le Nevez.

Aries

Despite being tipped for relegation at the start of the season, Aries United still top the Zodiac Premier League at Easter thanks to the astute man-management of veteran Italian coach Claudio Ranieri.

Libra

You buy a coffee at your favourite café and, as the barista hands you your drink, he says: “enjoy your coffee”.

Unfortunately, you thought he was going to say “enjoy your day” and so you instinctively reply “you too”, which doesn’t really make any sense.

Consequently, you spend the rest of the month taking the long way to work just to avoid that cafe due to social embarrassment.

Leo

You fulfil a lifelong ambition when you punch the Pope full in the face.

Sagittarius

You and the rest of the crew of the Nostromo are on your way back to Earth when you pick up an SOS warning from a distant planet. After searching for survivors, the crew heads home only to realize that a deadly alien that bleeds acid and has a prehensile tail has joined you.

Virgo

You catch a rare disease from an uncooked chicken leg and turn into a caribou. The last anyone sees of you is you migrating to the frozen wastes of the Ungava region in Quebec.

ASK CRYSTAL

Dear Crystal, About two years ago my mother and father told me that I was adopted. Although I will always consider them my real parents, I still felt a need to seek out my biological parents to know who I am and where I came from. After a long and exhaustive search I finally discovered that my birth mother was a young glamour model called Crystal Smith, who later married porn tycoon Harry Balls in the 70s shortly before his suspicious death from asphyxiation during a sex game. Now, at last, I have tracked you down to Sydney, Australia, and wondered if you wanted to reconnect after all these years. I’m 48 now and have three children who would love to meet their grandmother. Also, I would dearly like to know who my father is as all you put down on the adoption certificate was “some tradies”.

Yours, Heather Dear Heather, Not this again. I’ll tell you what I told the other half-dozen motherless bastards who’ve tried to get in touch with me over the years. Firstly, no I don’t want a touchy-feely reunion with you and your children. I bloody hate kids. Secondly, your dad could be anyone from Jimmy Tarbuck, Telly Savalas, Richard Pryor, the 1967-68 FA-Cup winning West Bromwich Albion squad and the cast

and crew of Love Boat. Thirdly, it was proven in a court of law that it was entirely possible for Harry Balls to tie himself to his bed and still force a dildo down his mouth until he choked to death. Anyone who suggests otherwise will hear from my lawyer.

Dear Crystal, I’ve been having an affair with the Fat Controller from Thomas the Tank Engine for six years now, but I’m scared to go public in case there’s a backlash on social media. The last time we had sex we did it up against Henry until his eyes span around and steam came out of his chimney. What should I do?

Sincerely, Clare Dear Clare, This is a tough one. It reminds me of the time I once had an orgy with a group of beloved children’s TV characters. For legal reasons, I can’t say who they were, but let’s just say the name “Tinky Winky” does not do him justice. More like “Massive Schlong”. I’d say just enjoy it while you can and make sure you do some sex tapes so you can blackmail him when it all goes tits up. That’s what I did with Matthew Corbett from the Sooty and Sweep Show. Very talented with his fingers.

He certainly made me squeak when he shoved his hand up there.

JOKES What’s the difference between God and Bono?

God doesn’t wander around Dublin thinking he’s Bono. Duncan, Cottesloe What’s the difference between an Irish wedding, and an Irish funeral? There’s one less drunk.

Richard, Surry Hills How do you blind an Irish woman? A: You put a bottle of scotch in front of her. Trudy, Paddington What’s the difference between a smart Irish man and a unicorn? A: Nothing, they’re both fictional characters. Ronan, Darlinghurst The Irish gave the bagpipes to the Scots as a joke, but the Scots haven’t got the joke yet...

Peter, Richmond

The old Irish saying goes there are only three kinds of men who don’t understand women: young men, old men, and middle-aged men. Paddy, St Kilda Recipe for the ultimate Irish Stew: Get some meat, some potatoes and a lot of Guinness. Drink all of the Guinness - forget about the stew. Stuart, Fremantle Why did God invent whiskey? So the Irish would never rule the world. Sarah, Kings Cross How does every Irish joke start? A: By looking over your shoulder. Rich, Adelaide I’m excited for St Patrick’s Day - the time of the year when the colour green’s meaning shifts from saving the environment to polluting our major organs! Paul, Scarborough

www.bbmlive.com

89

Spa Weekend Getaways for Couples Valentine’s Day has come and gone but that’s no excuse to stop feeling the love! Take your other half to one of these swanky spa retreats and you’re guaranteed to be in their good books. From x in the rolling hills of x to the romantic sun-baked scenery in x, this is our definitive guide to Australia’s ultimate spas.

Chateau Elan, Hunter Valley, NSW

This multi-award winning chateau is nestled in the heart of the majestic Hunter Valley and offers luxury accommodation in one of Australia’s most romantic settings. Splash out on a loved one and sample some local wines whilst adorned in your bath robe and taking in the stunning scenery of the rolling hills. www.chateauelan.com.au

Lizard Island Spa, Great Barrier Reef, QLD

Enjoy the ultimate pampering experience at this tropical beach-side spa. On a romantic weekend break on Lizard Island, you and your partner can

enjoy the draw-dropping natural beauty of the great barrier reef and totally indulge yourselves with the abundance of choice on offered at this day spa. Choose from a variety of traditional spa rituals, organic skin care products and make the most of the Essentia Day Spa. www.Spaandclinic.com.au

Silky Oaks Lodge, Healing Waters Spa, QLD

Head north to the tropical Daintree forest that provides a picturesque verdant setting for theSilky Oaks Lodge. This spa and hotel is inspired by ancient relaxation techniques that have been handed down from generations. These traditions celebrate water as a life-giving force that has contributed to the surrounding landscape of the oldest living rainforest on earth. The spa is exceptionally welcoming, with treehouse accommodation, a serene nearby river and lush greenery setting the scene for the ultimate weekend of pampering. www.silkyoakslodge.com.au

The Sebel, NSW

Sebel Hawkesbury Resort and Spa has wellearned its status as luxury, 4.5 star hotel. The hotel has a mammoth 105 beautifully decorated rooms and a fully equipped spa. The spa has a tranquil heated pool, sauna options, steam rooms, an invigorating blitz shower and a couples room so you can enjoy the experience with your partner. www.Sebelhawkesbury.com.au This luxurious spa offers sublime quality and affordable treatments in a stunning setting, perfect for a weekend of relaxation. Pick from spa relaxation, exfoliation treatment, yoga services and full body massages whilst enjoying the natural surroundings of WA’s Margaret River. Also be sure to take advantage of the region’s booming wine trade, and enjoy the fine produce from Margaret River’s ample wineries. www.hanudayspa.com.au 90

www.bbmlive.com

Image courtesy of Silky Oaks Lodge

Hanu Day Spa,WA

CLASSIFIEDS

www.bbmlive.com

91

92

www.bbmlive.com

ADVERTISE HERE CALL 0497 100 731

www.bbmlive.com

93

THINGS TO DO SKYDIVING

IFLY DOWNUNDER 123 Mulgoa Road, Penrith, Sydney Ph: 1300 366 364 www.iflydownunder.com.au SYDNEY SKYDIVERS 745 Picton Road, Wilton, New South Wales, Australia 2571 Ph: 1800 805 997 admin@sydneyskydivers.com.au www.sydneyskydivers.com.au SOUTHERN SKYDIVERS 2 hours South from Perth Busselton Ph: 1300 449 669 info@southernskydivers.com.au www.southernskydivers.com.au

SCUBA DIVING

NINGLAOO WHALE SHARK & DIVE CENTRE Located inside reception at the Exmouth Cape Holiday Park: 3 Truscott Street, Exmouth, WA Ph: 1800 224 060 www.ningaloowhalesharkndive. com.au THE DIVE SHED BUSSELTON 21 Queen Street, Busselton, WA Ph: 08 9754 1615 www.diveshed.com.au

ADVENTURE TOURS AWESOME WHITSUNDAYS PH: 1800 293 7663 www.awesomewhitsundays.com AUSTRALIAN KAYAKING ADVENTURES PO Box 1055, Ashmore City, QLD Ph: 04 1294 0135 www.australiankayakingadventures.com.au SKYRAIL RAINFOREST CABLEWAY Cnr Captain Cook Highway and Cairns Western Arterial Road Smithfield, QLD Ph: 07 4038 5555 www.skyrail.com.au CONTIKI Ph: 1300 188 635 www.CONTIKI.COM AUSSIE WANDERER Ph: 0894382070 info@aussiewanderer.com.au www.aussiewanderer.com.au KALBARRI ADVENTURE TOURS Ph: 09 9371677 kalcanoe@wn.com.au 94

www.kalbarritours.com.au NINGALOO EXPERIENCE Ph: 08 99 425 877 manta@ningalooexperience.com www.ningalooexperience.com WILD EXPEDITIONS Shop 20, Johnny Chi Lane, Broome Ph: 1300 73 88 70 www.wildexpeditions.com.au MARGARET RIVER VINTAGE WINE TOURS Ph: 0417 948 933 www.winetoursmargaretriver. com.au THE PEEL REGION TOURISM 75 Mandurah Terrace, Mandurah Ph: 08 9550 3999 www.visitpeel.com.au DOLPHIN DISCOVERY CENTRE Lot 830 Koombana Drive, Bunbury Ph: 08 9791 3088 dolphindiscovery.com.au FREMANTLE PRISON 1 The Terrace, Fremantle Ph: 08 9336 9200 www.fremantleprison.com.au WESTCOAST JET The Boardwalk, Mews Road Fishingboat Harbour Fremantle Ph: 0403 606 033 info@westcoastjet.com.au www.westcoastjet.com.au KANGAROO ISLAND ADVENTURE TOURS Vivonne Bay, Kingscote, SA Ph: 08 8202 8678 www.kiadventuretours.com.au GOIN SOUTH Four days, two famous Aussie icons, one awesome tour Ph: 1800 009 858 PENRITH WHITE WATER RAFTING Ph: 02 4730 4333 booking@penrithwhitewater. com.au www.penrithwhitewater.com.au DROP BEAR ADVENTURES Ph: 1800 061 156 www.dropbearadventures.com.au FREE MOTION SPORTS 6 Davenport Road, Shoalhaven Heads, NSW 2535 Ph: +61 401934236 info@freemotionsports.com.au www.freemotionsports.com.au OVERLAND TRACK PHOTO TOURS Ph: 04 13 487 644 info@overlandphototours.com.au overlandphototours.com.au

www.bbmlive.com

CROCOSAURUS COVE 58 Mitchell Street, Darwin Ph: 08 8981 7522 www.crocosauruscove.com TERRITORY EXPEDITIONS Ph: 1300 115 922 www.territoryexpeditions.com.au MULGAS ADVENTURES Ph: 08 8952 1545 www.mulgasadventures.com.au KAKADU WILD EXPEDITIONS Ph: 1300 73 88 70 darwinsales@kimberleywild.com.au www.kakaduwild.com.au KAKADU 4WD SAFARIS Ph: 1300 525 238 info@kadu4wdsafaris.com www.kakadu4wdsafaris.com ADVENTURE TOURS AUSTRALIA Ph: 1300 654 604 adventuretours.com.au SYDNEY OUTBACK TOURS Ph: 1300 307 634 www.sydneyoutback.com.au REAL SYDNEY TOURS Ph: 0402 049426 www.realsydneytours.com.au THE TRAVEL YOGA COMPANY Ph: 0411301820 www.theyogatravelcompany.com OUTBACK CAMP TOURS Ph: 4-2711-1071 www.outbackcamptours.com KIMBERLEY WILD EXPEDITIONS Ph: 1300 73 88 70 www.kimberleywild.com.au Visit Peel Ph: 08 9550 3999 THE OFFICIAL HOME AND AWAY TOUR TO SUMMER BAY Ph: 02 9977 7890 www.yahoo7.com.au/homeandaway ACTIVITY TOURS Ph: 1800 990 457 www.activitytours.com.au

KITE SURFING

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

SURF SCHOOLS

GREAT OCEAN ROAD SURF TOURS 55B Surf Coast Highway, Torquay, Victoria, 3228 Ph: 03 5261 3730 info@gorsurftours.com.au www.gorsurftours.com.au KANGAROO MARINE CHARTERS 9 Chapman Terrace, Kingscote, Kangaroo Island, SA Ph: 0427 315 286 www.kimarineadventures.com ADVENTURE KAYAKING 7 Hastings Street, Glenelg South, SA Ph: 08 8295 8812 bookings@adventurekayak.com.au www.adventurekayak.com.au PARADISE JET BOATING Jetty ‘C’ Mariners Cove Marina, Seaworld Drive, Main Beach Qld 4217 Ph: 1300 JET BOAT (1300 538 262) thrills@paradisejetboating.com.au www.paradisejetboating.com.au

TRANSPORT

MIGHTY CAMPERS Nationwide Ph: 1800 670 232 www.mightycampers.com.au GREAT SOUTHERN RAIL Nationwide Ph: 1800 703 357 www.greatsouthernrail.com.au INTEGRITY COACH LINES PO BOX 1131, Midland, 6936 WA Ph: 08 927 47464 www.integritycoachlines.com.au GO CAMPER 90 Parkin Street, Rockingham, WA Ph: 1300 667 363 www.gocamper.com.au MELBOURNE CITY SIGHTSEEING Ph: 0432 379 322 info@melbournecitysightseeing. com.au www.citysightseeing.melbourne

ACCOMMODATION NEW SOUTH WALES SYDNEY

THE GLOBE BACKPACKERS 40 Darlingurst Road Kings Cross, Sydney NSW 2011 Free: 1800 806 384 Ph: (02) 9326 9675 info@globebackpackers.com www.globebackpackers.com WEST END BACKPACKERS 12 Pitt St Sydney NSW, 2000 Ph: 02 9211 4588 Free Phone: 1800 013 186 bookings@westendbackpackers.com www.nomadsworld.com/westend BOUNCE SYDNEY 28 Chalmers Street, Sydney 2010 Free call 1800890897 Ph (02) 9281 2222 book@bouncehotel.com.au www.bouncehotel.com.au LORD WOLSELEY HOTEL 265 Bulwara Rd Ultimo, Sydney 2007 Ph: (02) 9660 1731 info@lordwolseleyhotel.com.au www.lordwolseleyhotel.com.au PORTERHOUSE HOTEL 233 Riley St Surry Hills NSW 2010 Ph: (02) 9211 4454 info@porterhouse.com.au www.Porterhouse.com.au BIG HOSTEL Single and double & Dorm rooms available Max 4 bed dorms.

212 Elizabeth Street, Surry Hills Sydney NSW 2010 Ph: (02) 92816030 Free: 1800 212 244 reception@bighostel.com www.bighostel.com O’MALLEY’S HOTEL 228 William Street, Kings Cross Sydney, NSW 2011 Ph: 02 9357 2211 admin@omalleyshotel.com.au www.omalleyshotel.com.au SYDNEY CENTRAL HOSTEL 428 Pitt Street Sydney 2000 Ph: (02) 9211 7323 stay@sydneycentralhostel.com.au www.sydneycentralhostel.com.au

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

BLUE MOUNTAINS BACKPACKERS HOSTEL 144 Bathhurst Road, Katoomba, NSW 2780 Ph: 02 4782 9630 www.bluemountainsbackpackerhostel.com.au

BYRON BAY

BYRON BAY ACCOM Ph: 02 66 808 666 Email: bookings@byronbayaccom.net www.byronbayaccom.net AQUARIUS BACKPACKERS 16 Lawson Street Byron Bay NSW 2481 Ph: (02) 6685-7663 Free: 1800 028 909 info@aquarius-backpackers.com.au www.aquarius-backpackers.com.au NOMADS BYRON BAY 1 Lawson Lane, Byron Bay, NSW 2481 Ph: 02 6680 7966 Free: 1800 766 673 bookings@nomadsbyronbay.com nomadshostels.com ARTS FACTORY LODGE 1 Skinners Shoot Road, Byron Bay, NSW Ph: 02 6685 7709 info@artsfactory.com.au www.artsfactory.com.au An essential part of your journey MACA’S CAMPING GROUND Ph: 02 6684 5211 1156 Main Arm Rd, Upper Main Arm NSW 2482, Australia http://www.macascampingground.com/ macascampingground@gmail.com

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

KATOOMBA

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

www.bbmlive.com

95

QUEENSLAND BRISBANE

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

Minimum 2 week stay BRISBANE CITY YHA 392 Upper Roma St, Brisbane QLD 4000 Ph: (07) 3236 1004 brisbanecity@yha.com.au www.yha.com.au

GOLDCOAST

TREKKERS BACKPACKERS 22 White Street, Goldcoast, QLD, 4215 Ph: (07) 55915616 Free : 1800 100 004 info@trekkersbackpackers.com.au www.trekkersbackpackers.com.au AQUARIUS BACKPACKERS 44 Queen Street Gold Coast, Queensland Ph: 07 5527 1300 Free:1800 229 955 info@aquariusbackpackers.com.au www.aquariusbackpackers.com.au CEDAR CREEK LODGES THUNDERBIRD PARK Cnr of Cedar Creek Falls Rd & Tamborine Mountain Rd, Tamborine, QLD 4272 info@cedarcreeklodges.com.au www.cedarcreeklodges.com.au BACKPACKERS IN PARADISE 40 Peninsular Drive Central Surfers Paradise Queensland, 4217 Ph: (07) 5538 4344 Free: 1800 268 621 info@backpackersinparadise.com www.backpackersinparadise.com

96

www.bbmlive.com

SURFERS PARADISE BACKPACKERS RSRT Backpackers Resort,2837 Gold Coast Highway, Queensland 4217 Ph: 07 5592 4677 Free: 1800 282 800 spbr@bigpond.net.au www.surfersparadisebackpackers.com.au

NOOSA

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

HERVEY BAY

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

TOWN OF 1770

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

PORT DOUGLAS

UNITED PORT DOUGLAS 37 Warner Street, Port Douglas, QLD Ph: 07 4099 5011 unitedportdouglas.com.au

AIRLIE BEACH AIRLIE BEACH YHA

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

CAIRNS CAIRNS SHARE HOUSE 17 Scott Street, Cairns, QLD 4870 Ph: (+617) 4041 1875 info@cairns-sharehouse.com www.cairns-sharehouse.com NOMADS ESPLANADE 93 The Esplanade, Cairns, QLD 4870 Ph: 07 4031 7477 Free: 1800 175 716 bookings@nomadsesplanade.com www.nomadshostels.com DREAMTIME TRAVELLERS REST 4 Terminus Street (corner of Bunda st.& Terminus st.)

Cairns 4870 Queensland Ph: (07) 4031 6753 info@dreamtimehostel.com www.dreamtimehostel.com JJ’S BACKPACKERS 11-13 Charles Street Cairns QLD 4870 Ph - (07) 4051 7642 Free- 1800 666 336 jjsbackpackers@ledanet.com.au www.jjsbackpackers.com Heron Island Ph: 02 9538 0751 www.heronisland.com

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

CAPE TRIBULATION PK’S JUNGLE VILLAGE Cape Tribulation Road (PMB 7) Cape Tribulation QLD 4873 Tel: 07 4098 0040 info@pksjunglevillage.com www.pksjunglevillage.com

RAINBOW BEACH

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

WESTERN AUSTRALIA SCARBOROUGH

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

COTTESLOE OCEAN BEACH BACKPACKERS

1 Eric St Cottesloe Beach Ph: 08 9384 5111 backpackers@obh. com.au www.obh.com.au BILLABONG RESORT 381 Beaufort Street, Perth WA Ph: 08 9328 7720

bookings@billabongresort. com.au www.billabongresort.com.au

COOLIBAH LODGE 194 Brisbane Street Northbridge Perth WA Ph: (08) 9328 9958 www.coolibahlodge. com.au BRITANNIA ON WILLIAM 253 William Street, Northbridge, WA Ph: 08 9227 6000 www.perthbritannia.com EXCLUSIVE BACKPACKERS 158 Adelaide Tce, Perth 6000 Ph: (08) 9221 9991 exclusivebackpackers@ hotmail.com www.exclusivebackpackers. com BEATTY LODGE 235 Vincent Street West Perth WA 6005 Ph: (08) 9227 1521 www.beattylodge.com.au info@beattylodge.com.au

BORANUP

BORANUP FOREST RETREAT 422 Sebbes Road, Forest Grove Ph: +61 404 895 901 www.boranupforestretreat. com.au

MONKEY MIA

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

KUNUNURRA

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

BROOME

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

MELBOURNE

MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL BACKPACKERS 450 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne Vic 3000 Ph: 03 9662 4066 res@mibp.com.au www.mibp.com.au MELBOURNE DISCOVERY 167 Franklin Street, Melbourne VIC 300 Ph: 03 9329 7525. Freecall 1800 645 200 reservations@ hoteldiscovery.com.au www.hoteldiscovery. com.au UNITED BACKPACKERS 250 Flinders Street, Melbourne Ph: 03 9654 2616 unitedbackpackers.com.au INDEPENDENT & BUDGET TRAVELER ACCOMMODATION PROVIDER Victoria Hall Accommodation 380 Russell Street, Melbourne 3000 Ph: 03 9662 3888 www.victoriahall.com.au

ST. KILDA

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

NORTHERN TERRITORY DARWIN YOUTH SHACK 69 Mitchell Street, Darwin Ph: 1300 793 302 youthshack.com.au MELALEUCA ON MITCHELL 52 Mitchell Street, Darwin Ph: 09 8941 7800 momdarwin.com CHILLIS BACKPACKERS 69 Mitchell Street, Darwin Ph: 1800 351 313 chillis.com.au

ALICE SPRINGS

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

SOUTH AUSTRALIA ADELAIDE

ADELAIDE TRAVELLERS INN BACKPACKERS 220 Hutt St Adelaide 5000 Free call 1800633747 Ph: +61 08 82240753 bookings@ adelaidebackpackers. com.au adelaidebackpackers.om.au

www.bbmlive.com

97