BBM Nov issue 800

CONTENTS

33-47 EDITOR Hannah Shakir hannah.shakir@what-media.com

Travel ideas

SPORTS & NEWS EDITOR Richard Gadsby

This issue we tour Western Australia with Integrity Coaches, explore South Astralia’s Kangaroo Island, frolic in Indonesia’s Gili Islands, and do the Caribbean on a budget.

Get ready for Earthcore Festival.

PAGE 50 - 51

SUB EDITOR Charlotte Mellor CONTRIBUTORS Alex Saint, Mentari Saniastri, Omar Soliman, Dan Barnes, Robin Lewis, Ash Lesczcuk, Louise Molyneux WEB DEVELOPMENT Luke Webber DESIGN Basil Thomas design@what-media.com Michael Cusack PRINT & WEB MARKETING Tom Shakir tom.shakir@what-media.com +61 2 8005 8162

THINGS TO DO

SYDNEY MELBOURNE PERTH

ACCOUNT MANAGER Jessica Barry marketing1@what-media.com

JOBS & VISAS PAGES 24-32

Interviews

Jamie T - 52 Flight Facilities - 54 NERVO - 56 Dusky - 58

HOT RIGH T NOW

Isaac Tesfamariam creative@what-media.com MANAGING DIRECTOR Guchi Shakir guchi.shakir@what-media.com ACCOUNT ADMIN Rahim Noruzi accounts@what-media.com CLASSIFIEDS & LISTINGS info@what-media.com +61 2 8005 8162 PRINTED BY SPOTPRESS NOTE TO ADVERTISERS Gaining the approval for the use of trademarks and images in advertisments is the responsibility of the advertiser and not What Media Pty Ltd. Advertising material is accepted in good faith and What Media Pty Ltd bears no responsibility for any claims or errors. Copyright of original material is held by What Media Pty Ltd. Reproduction in whole or part is forbidden except with written permission of the publishers.

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NEW YEAR’S EVE Tropicana NYE

The hottest beach club in Europe, Tropicana Beach Club Mykonos will be turning Bungalow 8 into a sensual escape for New Year’s Eve. Featuring a load of European and Australian MCs and DJs including Fear Of Dawn, Sasa and DJ Argie, there will be pyrotechnics, the private use of balconies and a stunning view of the Sydney Harbour fireworks once the clock strikes midnight. Tickets start at just $40 and special NYE packages are available from www.moshtix.com.au.

3 Lime Street, Sydney bungalow8sydney.com

NEW YEAR’S EVE IN AUSTRALIA With New Year’s Eve being the biggest night of the year in Australia, now’s the time to start thinking about the event or party you’re going to attend to see in 2015.

Bonkers Cruise 2015

Keep your celebration going post countdown with a New Year’s Day cruise along Sydney Harbour.

Bonkers Cruise 2015 will set off at 1.30am – 6.30am, with entertainment including five of Sydney’s hottest DJs, an all-you-can-eat sausage sizzle, over $1000 in dance floor giveaways, and the strikingly beautiful sunrise. You and hundreds of other party animals can experience this unique event for just $75pp, boarding at Lavender Bay by 1.30am. Tickets are available from sydneyharbourbookings.com.au.

The Aviary

Prepare for the sights and sounds of the jungle when The Aviary celebrates the end of 2014. The Jungle Feast inside the Bird Cage Restaurant will include Jungle Punch, canapés and a threecourse dinner with Vinaceous wines at 7.30pm.

At the same time, The Nest Rooftop Bar will be throwing a wild Jungle Party, with DJs, canapés and vibrant animal print. Early bird tickets to the feast are $150pp, and the party costs $160pp.

General admission tickets are $5 extra.

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

Young & Jacksons

Party the night away until 3am at Young & Jacksons. For as little as $25, you can experience entertainment across all three levels of the hotel, with food and drinks packages to make your night absolutely epic. In the bar, you can gain entry to the VIP level and enjoy a tapas selection and five drinks for $110pp. For $160pp, the restaurant is also offering VIP level entry, as well as a fivecourse degustation menu, with full table service and five drinks.

Cnr of Swanston & Flinders Streets, Melbourne www.youngandjacksons.com.au

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ON THE PITCH

When Saturday Comes... a bit early

Drafting a new system

In a move designed to stop AFL games sliding towards NRL levels of emptyseatedness, Aussie rules big wigs have agreed to bring “bounce off” times forward for Saturday’s late games to aid families with young children.

For anyone from UK and Ireland, the “draft system” is something to do with central heating and double glazing rather than sport.

Considering the average AFL match attendance last season was 679,945 fans per game, it’s a pretty generous gesture. “We’ve listened to what people have said,” trumpeted AFL boss Gillon McLachlan. “And they’ve told us that Saturday night games are finishing too late, particularly for families with young children and supporters coming in from country areas.

And when we say “unique system” we mean “stolen wholesale from the Yanks”. It’s also a shitter system than the Yanks’ as most of the No.1 picks in AFL end up as journeymen rather than star recruits.

Anyway, this year’s national draft is being held on the Gold Coast on Thursday 27th November, when we will get a glimpse of the game’s future stars and sex offenders of tomorrow.

By Richard Gadsby

“We’ve looked at the research and we made the call some time ago that the 2015 fixture will be attendance-focused.” It remains to be seen whether this “kids first” mantra will also lead to the AFL dropping its gambling sponsors. We suspect not.

But in the land Down Under, it’s a unique system they’ve come up with for Aussie rules which is designed to spread young talent evenly between the clubs.

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SYDNEY

Let’s Go Al Fresco!

With the days getting longer and the skyline of the city as your backdrop, it’s time to enjoy your food in the fresh air of Sydney once again.

Sweethearts BBQ Rooftop

A BBQ, on a rooftop, with your mates – there’s not much better on a sunny summer’s day. Sweethearts is adorned with picnic tables and bauble lighting hung across the canopies, and you can’t miss the smell of the sizzling grill. From chicken, beef, salmon and pork, whether on skewers or as steak, all come with hand cut fries and you can add a sauce for $2 to make your dish all the more succulent. Closed Monday and Tuesday, dive straight in Wednesday – Sunday.

33-37 Darlinghurst Road, Potts Point sweetheartsbbq.com.au

Coogee Bay Hotel

This award-winning accommodation and entertainment venue has an impressive feature in the way of a beer garden. Sitting just a short walk from Coogee Beach, rest beneath the sprawling parasols and enormous palm trees and enjoy a casual meal with friends. A large space that does get full quickly, find your spot and nest with food and drinks under the beating sun, or take a stroll to the beach to work it all off.

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

The Glenmore Hotel

Hurricane’s Grill

Our favourite steakhouse in Bondi is blessed with a front exterior eating space that you can enjoy well into the evening. Look out towards the ocean and bask in the sun as you feast on $55 Surf And Turf or the epic $94.90 Hurricane’s BBQ Meat Platter. Even in winter, this place coaxes you to eat outside with the cascading fairy lights creating a relaxed, romantic setting. Whenever you choose to visit, you can capture the famous Bondi vibe right here.

130 Roscoe Street, Bondi Beach bondibeach.hurricanesgrill.com.au

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Image courtesy of Sweethearts BBQ Rooftop

Take your meal upstairs to The Glenmore Hotel’s rooftop. Bright orange patio chairs, a view of the Opera House and in the heart of The Rocks, you can admire the scenery and breathe in the fresh air any time of year thanks to the retractable roof, but summer is when this place really comes alive.

Get your hands around a juicy burger, get your teeth into a sirlon steak or get your fingers sticky with the BBQ beef ribs, all under the Sydney sun.

96 Cumberland Street, The Rocks www.theglenmore.com.au

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a local’s guide to...

BONDI

Harbouring one of the most famous beaches on the planet, we take a look at what else you can expect in and around Bondi.

Arguably the most famous suburb in Australia, Bondi is extremely diverse; an area where beach meets city, and day to evening can change dramatically, but where everyone becomes part of the “Bondi Bubble”.

coastal walk. One of the most popular things to do, the views of the ocean are spectacular, a swim at Gordon’s Bay unforgettable, and best of all – it’s completely free. Do the walk backwards (Coogee to Bondi) to end up in this vibrant hub.

Calling travellers far and wide, there’s no doubt that it’s a lively place to work and visit, due to the large amount of cafes, wine bars and restaurants, markets, hostels and coastal living. When it comes to eating out, there’s a focus on health with amazing vegetarian, vegan and glutenfree options, and the beach boasts excellent opportunities to keep fit, including surfing and free outdoor gyms. Those that have been ingrained into the Bondi way of life will know, when they start the day with some form of exercise and coconut water.

When day turns to night, everything changes.

Coconut water is spiced up with rum, and those that work out hard, party even harder. The bars, clubs and restaurants cater to wine drinkers, beer sippers and cocktail enthusiasts, and the food is devilishly good. For a solid meal, you can’t go wrong with a burger. Bondi is renowned for them, but you’ll find the most satisfying of selections at Moo Gourmet Burgers. The healthy ideal hasn’t waned, with all ingredients being fresh, homemade and free range, but make sure to indulge in one of the flavoured milkshakes. In terms of the main event, you’ve got a choice of meats including kangaroo, lamb and duck, but you can go traditional with a twist and sink your teeth into the Wagyu Beef with caramelized onions and Tasmanian brie.

If you’re not one for surfing, you’ll definitely notice those that are, taking to the waves as early as 5am, just as the sun rises over the horizon, which either way you don’t want to miss. Whatever your interests, you can’t pass by the Bondi to Coogee

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If you’re in search of bar-hopping, you’ll find them all within easy reach. Mr Moustache on Hall Street is Bondi’s home to Mezcal and a sharing menu they reckon you could get through in one sitting. Most appealing to groups of girls looking for specialist cocktails, you can let your hair down while the staff take care of you. Seeing everyone from families to Tinder dates, Fat Rupert’s is on the famous Bondi Road that leads you to the beach. Come here for dessert (the cheesecake flavour changes every week, forcing you to return) and order the Emerald Forest No. 2 for a sweet and savoury balance with floral notes.

When you put everything Bondi has to offer together, it’s no wonder it’s become a big, old melting pot. Putting the stereotypical hipster to

one side, the landscape and entertainment draw in surfers, musicians, artists, lifesavers, fashion designers, TV personalities, the gay community and, of course, the wandering traveller. As a result, accommodation is aimed at the young professional or traveller.

Hostels are plenty but booked well in advance, apartments are trendy and offering short and long term leases, and those with some serious dollar could even consider a house. The only problem Bondi has is it may be almost too liveable, and you could soon see yourself engulfed by the “Bondi Bubble”…

By Charlotte Mellor

On Friday nights, kick-start your weekend with live music. Open until 3am, Jam Gallery hosts a night of live bands, art shows and great vibes in a multifaceted venue. There are over 30 craft beers, cocktails (of course), and a sound system you can’t fault. Attached to Spring Street Social, offering a more bluesy vibe like that of a New York speakeasy, creative types flock here for an outlet, so you’ll never be without some form of entertainment, or a space to release your own creativity, should you wish to do so.

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T HO HT G RI OW N The Balvenie Craft Bar

Chuck Close – Prints, Process and Collaboration

The portraits of Chuck Close will be on display at the Museum of Contemporary Art from 20th November, as part of the Sydney International Art Series. This American visual artist is famous for his creative techniques and portraits of some of the world’s most famous people from Kate Moss to Barack Obama, and will be celebrated with a look at his contribution to printmaking.

140 George Street, The Rocks www.mca.com.au

Keg & Brew

Recently reopened, Keg & Brew could soon become your Surry Hills favourite. Craft beer, bourbon and succulent goodies to get your teeth around, K&B is taking its inspiration from South America one step further with soft cowhide, stuffed animal heads and over 30 tap beers and ciders including Rocket Science, The Grifter and Nomad.

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

Image courtesy of venues.

An opportunity to appreciate craftsmanship of all kinds, The Balvenie Craft Bar will celebrate Australian creativity alongside the world’s most handcrafted single malt Scotch whiskey, The Balvenie. From 17th – 20th November, this pop-up bar will feature the handy work of a guitar maker, stone sculptor and cheese maker, while visitors sip on the deliciously smooth Balvenie range and listen to background music between 4 and 6pm.

Zenith Interiors, Cnr Lansdowne and Marlborough Streets, Surry Hills

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Surviving An Orphan Xmas downunder We’re aware that Australia may not offer the white Christmas and Mum’s roast that you get back home, but there’s no reason you need to spend it alone or without festive cheer.

Christmas in Australia is a different affair to the one you may be used to back in the UK and Ireland. Instead of three feet of snow, there are miles and miles of beautiful beaches, and due to the opposite seasons everyone’s walking around in bikinis, swimming shorts and flip flops rather than puffa jackets and boots. A turkey dinner will be the last thing you crave when the sun is beating down on you. Christmas dinner here is more of the seafood and cocktail variety, and will most likely be served up on the beach from a public BBQ. If your family haven’t sent you a hamper full of goodies (are they still punishing you for leaving?), there are stores where you can find your favourite things. British Sweets & Treats

(www.britishsweets.com.au) sells hampers of chocolate including Galaxy Minstrels, Dairy Milk and Yorkie from $55, and Best Of British (www.bestofbritish.com.au) has your PG Tips, Angel Delight and Walkers for comforting, homely food and drink.

There will also be a whole host of Christmas parties, Boxing Day parties and all manner of festive events to keep you entertained. So fear not, your first Christmas Downunder may not be that traditional, but they’ll be plenty of places offering festive meals and celebrations to keep you more than entertained – and if the family don’t send you that hamper of goodies, forget them, you’ll be getting a tan for Christmas!

Xmas Eve Boat Party

If you want to truly break the ice with some new friends, you could always join the Red & White Party. Setting sail along Sydney Harbour, the Christmas Eve cruise returns for the eighth time this year. Over 300 backpackers and students are invited on the Aussie Legend party boat for four hours of DJs, dancing and best dressed prizes.

On 24th December, between 7pm and 11pm, take note of the red and white theme to be in with a chance of winning up to $1000 in prizes.

Tickets, which sell out every year, are $40 and available from sydneyharbourbookings.com. au. So there really is no need to spend Christmas on your own.

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MELBOURNE

AL FRESCO DINING

The sun is shining, and the weather is easy, so get outside and enjoy what these eateries have to offer in their fantastic outdoor spaces. booked, so come early before they all get filled up with hungry – and lazy – diners.

10-18 Jacka Boulevard, Melbourne www.republica.net.au

Union Dining Terrace

The interior of this speakeasy bar and restaurant may be dimly lit in the evenings with solid wood furnishings, but the large wrap-around balcony is near perfect for eating under the summer sun.

With a view of the surrounding city as you gorge on burgers and Buffalo wings, you could easily marvel at what’s around you until Happy Hour kicks off at 5pm.

249 Little Lonsdale Street, Melbourne fathersoffice.com.au

Republica

Where better to go al fresco than on St Kilda Beach? Indulge in freshly shucked oysters, beer battered barramundi and salted caramel parfait at one of the outside tables at Republica, and accompany your meal with one of their gorgeous $17 cocktails. Outside tables, which are stood upon grass with a view of the beach, can’t be 16

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Ponyfish Island

Floating beneath Pedestrian Bridge in Southbank, Ponyfish Island is one of the most unique drinking and dining experiences in Australia, let alone Melbourne. Surrounded by the water of the Yarra River on all sides, there’s an interesting take on food to match the environment, including muesli jars, toast and subs, otherwise knows as submarines – ha.

Kiosk Southbank, Pedestrian Bridge, Southbank www.ponyfish.com.au

Images courtesy of venues.

Father’s Office

The al fresco terrace at Union Dining is just what you want when spring turns to summer. Offering a release from the streets below, it has its own separate bar from downstairs and even its own menu for casual dining. Share some onion rings, mussels and olives with friends, ask to see the dessert list and just while away the hours with a jug of Pimms or two. Open Wednesday – Sunday, give them a bell to avoid disappointment.

270-272 Swan Street, Richmond www.uniondining.com.au

T O H HT G RI OW N

Bar Americano

With a new spring cocktail menu, all eyes are on Bar Americano. Passionate about the Golden Age of drinking, delicate mixers and the art of bartending, the menu explains the recipe and method for concoctions such as Bobby Burns Cocktail, Honeymoon Cocktail, and Appleblow Fizz. It’s also hidden in the tiniest laneway in Melbourne serving coffee through a barista window.

20 Presgrave Place, Melbourne www.facebook.com/baramericanomel

Innocuous Laneway Party

As part of Melbourne Music Week, new touring company, Innocuous, will be throwing a laneway day party to promote the city’s local talents in dance music. Taking over Somerset Place from 4pm on Friday 21st November, artists include Mokumo, Loose Joints, Move Your Feet and Out Of Focus, while revellers can also enjoy the palm trees, beer and a fabulous sunset to round off the day. If the party inspires you to purchase some tunes, Gallery One Three will host all your favourite record stores for thousands of vinyls right at your fingertips.

Somerset Place, Melbourne CBD www.innocuous.co

Richmond Hill Café & Larder

With summer approaching, how about some cheese?

Richmond Hill Café & Larder is open seven days a week, selling picnic hampers stuffed with Milawa Blue and Gabriel Coulet Roquefort, Kangaroo Island creamed honey, chocolate and orange jam, and shortbread. If you fancy a spot of lunch, the café serves up simple Mediterranean cuisine for breakfast and lunch.

48-50 Bridge Road, Richmond rhcl.com.au

Brothl

Images courtesy of venues.

There’s nothing naughty about this place – although the name sign certainly does resemble a red light district. Taking nutrients and wasteconsciousness to a new level, Brothl takes the produce that most eateries would throw away, and uses it to make delicious broths. Small but yummy, the menu consists of a variety of broths, which can be ordered with mussels, beef brisket, bacon, noodles or egg. The combinations are endless but each one is good for the tastebuds and the soul.

123 Hardware Street, Melbourne byjoost.com/brothl

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CARLTON Just 2km north of the Central Business District, Carlton is one of the major suburbs of Melbourne, combining student lifestyle with an amazing array of food and striking places of interest.

Originally Melbourne’s mecca for Italian culture, Carlton has grown to include American, Asian and UK cuisine with an Australian twist. This is not to say that it has lost its roots – you can still find Little Italy on Lygon Street for coffee, pasta and gelato. On a warm morning, relax with eggs benedict outside Seasons Provedore.

With the University of Melbourne to the west and the Melbourne Museum residing within the beautiful Carlton Gardens to the east, there is a stress on education and recreation during the day, and the CBD being just a short walk away offers plenty of opportunities for work and business.

Not only does the university influence social happenings and popular establishments, the amount of students in the area also effects the accommodation you can find. Apartments make up nearly half of all housing, with Carlton having one of the highest amounts of lone and shared rented properties in the city. This can benefit travellers and young professionals looking for long-term accommodation – as long as you don’t mind the student mentality.

Images courtesy of Toby Ord.

Being a student hub, prices are fairly reasonable and there are deals everywhere you turn. A popular haunt for such is the Shaw Davey Slum.

Found on Elgin Street, you can enjoy $5 bottles of beer, $6 spirits and $10 meals including pub favourites like chicken schnitzel and burger and chips. They even throw in evening entertainment and, as of November, the rooftop is open on Fridays and Saturdays for an even better experience.

The social culture continues into the John Curtin Hotel, or “The Curtin”, with live music every weekend from local bands aiming to get onto your radar to international artists seeking an intimate venue. Huxtaburger resides inside The Curtin for meat lovers looking to fill their boots with beef, bacon and chips.

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BARGAIN HUNT

Quality nights out on a budget don’t come much better than this...

Hit The Turf

Every Wednesday, Turf Bar (pictured) throws a massive party for anyone minding their spending, to prove you can still have a wicked night on a budget. From 7pm ‘til late, you have $6 pints, vodka and wine to choose from, $5 pizzas to munch on and a Killer Pool Competition to win a $30 bar tab to finish your night on a high!

131 Queen Street, Melbourne turfbar.com.au

Beat The Clock

Every Friday at Pint On Punt, bag yourself a pint of Magners, Guinness or Boags for a special price. Be aware, though, the cost of each goes up by the hour. Beat The Clock kicks off at 4pm, with pints at $6 each. Once the clock strikes 5pm, each pint increases to $7, and again at 6pm to $8. Those that want wine and basic spirits don’t have to worry about the clock, costing $5 and $6 respectively.

42 Punt Road, Windsor pintonpunt.com.au

Sunday Sessions

There are numerous deals at Asian Beer Café running simultaneously, and Sunday is without a doubt the best day to head down for them. For Sunday Sessions, there are $9.50 bento boxes from 11am-3pm, $4 pizzas available from 11am3pm and 7-10pm, $8 jugs and Happy Hour prices between 4pm and 8pm, two-for-one cocktails and $15 jugs on all tap ciders all day – giving you a reason to love Sundays.

Level 3 Melbourne Central, Melbourne asianbeercafe.com.au

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PERTH

Take It Outside

Enjoy fantastic food in a fantastic setting, and bask in the great weather this summer.

The Conservatory

The Conservatory is reminiscent of a garden party, with long picnic tables, a spacious bar and large grills to watch your food cook before your very eyes. BBQ chicken, pork ribs and lamb cutlets are regularly consumed, but there are also all-day tapas and cheese boards for a more relaxed affair.

356 Murray Street, Perth theconservatory.net.au

The Byrneleigh The Brisbane Hotel

There are tables out the front and back of The Byrneleigh, so you can pick and choose where you want to sit and eat. High tables, colourful stools and plant pots compliment the contemporary timber theme, which exudes a Western Australian atmosphere. The $1 Wings on Wednesdays are perfect to share with friends over a $25 cocktail jug.

156 Hampden Road, Nedlands www.thebyrneleigh.com.au

Image courtesy of The Brisbane.

The Brisbane Hotel combines the contemporary London gastro pub with traditional Australian produce. The large terraced beer garden is dotted with lush trees, soft furnishings, and even has a pond in its centre, making it perfect for large gettogethers as well as intimate date nights.

Cnr of Brisbane and Beaufort Streets, Highgate www.thebrisbanehotel.com.au

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Varnish On King

Food, wine and whiskey, Varnish On King is a basement level small bar that knows what it wants.

The food menu focuses on quality over quantity, with a selection of finger food and a few “knife & fork” options from fried chicken wings to pork shoulder. The wine and whiskey lists are copious in comparison, serving traditional, new and interesting brands from around the world in a warm, clean setting. Simple, effective, and it works.

75 King Street, Perth varnishonking.com

Fez

Baked goods on the counter and a kitchen that exudes warm smells like home cooking, Fez is a cute, family-run café, with coffee and grazing at its heart. From pancakes to poached eggs and Mediterranean gourmet rolls, the dishes are fresh and vibrant, and perfect followed by any coffee you desire. Grab a muffin and a smoothie to go or nest with a solid meal for an hour or two. Open every day except Tuesday.

83 Walcott Street, Mount Lawley www.fezcafe.net.au

Pop ART Café

Celebrating life and work in Belmont, the Pop ART Café will form outside Ruth Faulkner Public Library every Wednesday lunchtime noon – 3pm in November. There will be yarn bombing, board games, chalk art and mural art, live acoustic performances, amazing local street food and funky chairs to chill out in. Food trucks from The Wagon, Jumplings, Bollygood, and Vince’s Pizza will most certainly tempt you forward.

Ruth Faulkner Public Library, 215 Wright Street, Cloverdale

Rooftop Movies

Sitting atop the Roe Street car park in Northbridge, Rooftop Movies offers an escape from the city streets with a movie screening every night except Mondays. Look out upon panoramic vies of Perth, but don’t miss the main event, with new and classic films including The Dark Knight, Alien and Goonies, shown until April 2015. Tickets are $15 online, $16 on the door, and you can park in the Roe Street car park all night for just $10.

Roe Street Car Park, Northbridge www.rooftopmovies.com.au

Images courtesy of venues

T O H HT G RI OW N

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the local’s guide to...

NORTHBRIDGE

Perth is often considered a city with no abundant nightlife, but spending your time around Northbridge area will prove that wrong. As the heart of Perth’s nightlife, Northbridge is the city’s most popular destination for those seeking to dance the night away after a long day. If parties aren’t your thing, Northbridge also offers a wide choice of fine restaurants and arts and culture centres. Located conveniently near the city centre, Northbridge is always ready to welcome you with open arms and invite you to join all the fun.

Drinking & Dancing Northbridge’s most popular nightclubs and bars are located along James Street and Aberdeen Street. Most of them operate well into the early hours and are at their busiest on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, although a wonderful fun and atmosphere is always guaranteed at any day of the week. Urban nightclubs such as Air Club, Connections Nightclub, and Geisha Bar always have their DJs ready to invite you to move along and refresh. There are also good old Irish pubs like Rosie O’Grady’s and The Cure Tavern which make for ideal places to share a few beers and laughs with mates while listening to catchy Irish drinking songs to boost the mood. For sports fans, enjoy a variety of drinks at The Brass Monkey while watching your favourite sports broadcast live in an exciting atmosphere.

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Wining and Dining If you simply want to spoil yourself with delicious choices of food from different parts of the world, Northbridge houses many of Perth’s best restaurants and cafes where you can indulge yourself and relax. Chocolateria San Churro is a must visit for those with a sweet tooth, affectionately known for presenting a world-class chocolate experience in the form of numerous sweet creations. Fans of delicacies from the Far East will also find the ultimate paradise in Northbridge with a number of fine Vietnamese, Chinese, or Japanese restaurants scattered across the area. Viet Hoa, which has been going for nearly 30 years, serves authentic Vietnamese cuisine and is an ideal family dining destination with great portions and prices. Dim sum lovers simply cannot afford to miss Dragon Palace, one of Perth’s best known Chinese restaurants offering first class dim sum and an exciting karaoke area.

Live Entertainment

Arts & Culture So nightlife with parties and noisy crowds is not your thing? That doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy Northbridge. The State Theatre Centre of Western Australia, the home of Perth’s performing arts, which features the Heath Ledger Theatre - named after the late Aussie actor - presents top notch contemporary stage performances by local and international artists. Also for the culture vulture, you can visit the Perth Cultural Centre which houses the Art Gallery of Western Australia, the State Library, and the State Museum.

You can also sit down and relax at the James

Street Amphitheatre, where Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts (PICA) students regularly showcase their performance and art installations.

Where to Stay Whether you’re stopping for a while to experience Perth life, or just here for a holiday, Northbridge has numerous accommodation options close to the centre, from budget hostels to lavish apartments. Stay in one of those, and you’re within a short distance to the best entertainment and delights Perth has to offer.

Even in the world’s most isolated capital city, Northbridge proves that you can still have good fun and excitement after an exhausting day.

There you’re faced with endless choices of entertainment, from clubs and bars to have a few drinks and music venues to rock out. If you’re up for all kinds of entertainment, just take a short walk from one spot to another to get to know what choices you have. When you’re tired with your daily activities or simply dying to enjoy yourself, Northbridge is always ready to provide all you want.

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By Mentari Sandiastri, Images courtesy of Tourism Western Australia

Look no further if you feel like jumping around and dancing to marvellous music, as Northbridge is also the heart of Perth’s music scene. As well as regular live music and DJ nights at various nightclubs and bars, Northbridge has spots exclusively dedicated to exciting musical entertainment, with gigs and concerts held regularly every year. Universal Bar, which draws inspiration from New Orleans’ blues and jazz scene, hosts outstanding live blues and jazz performances from Wednesday to Sunday from the evening until the wee hours. You will find similar experiences at The Ellington Jazz Club, which provides New York-style jazz entertainment seven nights a week and is among Australia’s finest jazz clubs. If you prefer more of a crowd, Metro City Concert Club is one of Perth’s best known entertainment venues, hosting dozens of concerts of world class acts every year.

EXPAT INTERVIEW

DANIELLE MCGRANE Danielle McGrane was working in Dublin as a music journalist, and was bowled over when she managed to land a job as the national music writer with AAP in April this year. Expat Danielle explains how she managed to achieve her dream life in Australia.

This Dublin girl came for a year-long adventure in Australia...four years ago. It seems bizarre when you say that out loud but I guess Sydney has just sucked me in, like it’s done to so many other expats. As a journalist in Dublin, I had worked for several national newspapers and publications so I was ready for an adventure and Australia seemed like a good fit (well, it helped that I speak the same language). So I brushed up on the lyrics to Waltzing Matilda, practised my barbecuing skills and took my surfboard to the local pool so I could assimilate easily into Aussie culture. What I found was a place full of optimism, blue skies and likeminded people.

The Job Search

I did a Google search for “rock journalist” and when nothing came up I started sending out my CV to various news outlets. After a couple of weeks, I landed a six-month contract as a news reporter for Australian Associated Press so I started brushing up as furiously as I could on Australian culture, history and politics. Having experience in my field before I came, and university qualifications behind me, was really helpful when it came to looking for work. I’ve seen people struggle who come over with enthusiasm and not much else. So a word of advice to anyone planning a move here: don’t be naive, come with something other than your charming wit to offer employers.

The Job

The job itself was like a crash course in Australian society, politics and history. Within my first few months I had covered inquests, a major murder case, interviewed John Travolta (seriously) and had a front-row seat to my first state election. It was a sink-or-swim moment so I doggy-paddled 24

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furiously and now I work for the same company and just this year got the role as the AAP national music writer. Music has been my first love and passion from the time I took up the violin aged four to wondering how the world could ever be worthy enough to have access to the music of The Beatles so to say this is my dream job is an understatement.

The Industry

Perseverance pays off in the media. You shouldn’t expect to spend your first month in Australia hanging out with your heroes, for me it took four years. Media is a particularly cut-throat industry so starting out doing freelance or casual shifts can be a good way to get in the door at a major organisation. But it’s also an ever-changing industry so be open-minded. Many journos I know have found work by thinking outside the box: writing content for online voucher companies or by working as social media managers or online producers.

Experience

It turns out I’ve only sung Waltzing Matilda once, briefly, in a Sydney pub one Christmas Eve. I still haven’t surfed and my fiance does most of the barbecuing. So the initial skills I thought I would need were utterly useless. But it’s been a pretty amazing experience. I’m getting married in February in Sydney to an Englishman (a fellow journo) and I’ve learned the best thing about being an Irish person in Australia is being Irish in Australia. One of the best pieces of advice I can give anyone coming here is to celebrate your difference, and use it to your advantage. I like to think it’s given me the enthusiasm to be able to approach older Australian music with fresh eyes, and, while I still feel so green and so new, I feel honoured to have been welcomed into the fold of the Aussie music and media industries.

By Danielle McGrane

The Move

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MIGRATION there is ample working opportunity in the sector. After four months of graduation, 97% of graduates with Bachelors in Medicine and Pharmacy were in employment. Dentists even earned a median wage of $80,000!

If you’ve decided to take advantage of Australia’s multiple Visa options and are looking to study, work, and travel; a student visa or educational visa is a great option for you.

An Australian Student Visa has some fantastic benefits; not only are you able to take on higher education and study for more than three months, you can also work part-time during the school-term, and full-time during your breaks and holidays.

Whilst there’s a variety of assessment levels to apply for a student visa, these will depend on your individual circumstances.

Most importantly, you’ll need a letter of enrolment or an offer letter from a CRICOS (Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students) college or uni.

It’s no wonder people want to study in Australia: it is a country that is booming with opportunity, with 71.3% of Australian graduates last year finding employment within four months of their graduation. That’s higher than the UK where 40% are still unemployed after six months of graduation.

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On top of this, Australia is recognised as having some of the best Universities in the world. University Of Melbourne, University of Sydney, University of Queensland, University of New South Wales, and the Australian National University are all within the top 100 Universities in the world! Why not study at one of the best institutions on the globe? You can search a full list of courses, all of which you can find your visa for, at cricos.deewr.gov. au/Course/CourseSearch. aspx Whether you’re planning on coming back to the UK or staying in Oz, there are some courses which both countries view as the most valuable.

This gives you the advantage of being able to find successful employment either side of the globe.

The main course is Healthcare and Medicine. Not only is this a successful course, in Australia,

Another opportunity is engineering. Australia’s mining sector is booming, and Western Australia was perceived to be the sixth best region in the world for mining. On top of mining, there’s a host of opportunities in engineering with mechanical, electrical, petroleum, and metallurgical. Not forgetting Australia’s love-affair with F1, automotive engineering still has a big place in the sector.

Australia is crying out for teachers in the education sector. More than ever there is a massive necessity for Maths and Science teachers in the country. The Australian Government deemed the demand for these subjects so high that Student contribution rates are set to $4,355 and on top of this, students studying Education, particularly Maths or Science, may even be eligible for HESC-HELP Benefits.

Shorter, more practical, vocational options are offered with TAFE (Technical and Further Education) Courses. A search of the available courses can be found at www.tafensw. edu.au/howex/simpleSearch. do, these often provide skills along the way and will take a lot less time to complete than your average degree.

You can apply for your Student Visa for Australia at www. immi.gov.au/services/ pages/student-visa-onlineapplications.aspx

More info at www.bbmlive. com/visa-information

By Jonathan Harris

STUDENT VISAS

How Did A 457 Visa Holder Buy A Home In Australia?

When Stephen Eaves migrated to Australia to be closer to his daughter and grandchildren, he had no idea that purchasing a home would be so challenging on a 457 visa and why a mortgage broker was essential.

Moving to Hillston in western New South Wales from Worcestershire two years ago, he and his wife were able to find somewhere to rent fairly easily. After getting his 457 visa approved though, Stephen soon had his sights set on purchasing an investment property for his family. “We moved to Australia for a better lifestyle but we found mortgages here a little confusing,” he said. “There were hidden costs and many limitations in being a non-resident.”

Unfortunately, being on a temporary business visa meant that Stephen was let down by a lender not

doing their homework on their situation.

Because he and his wife weren’t Australian citizens, it was important that Stephen find a lender that was happy to work with people on a working visa.

Although the Australian government itself doesn’t restrict particular visa types when it comes to lending money, banks and other lenders tend to only prefer certain types of visas. These include: • Investor Retirement Visa (Subclass 405) • Temporary Business (Long Stay) – Standard Business Sponsorship (Subclass 457) • Foreign Government Agency Visa (Subclass 415) • Domestic Workers Visa (Subclass 426) • Diplomats Visa (Subclass 995) • Medical Practitioner (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 422) The reason banks are a little apprehensive about lending to borrowers on a visa is because there is some uncertainty as to how long you will be staying in Australia. You may also require Foreign Investment Review Board approval depending on the type of property you are purchasing. Luckily, Stephen found a broker that specialised in getting home loans approved for people on 457 visas.

“My broker was able secure a new lender and took care of the interfacing, which at times was frustrating,” he said.

At the time, Stephen was able to borrow 90 per cent of the purchase price of his Hillston investment property. However, thanks to recent changes to bank policy in Australia, 457 visa holders can borrow up to 95 per cent of the purchase price as a special exception to normal bank criteria.

“I would certainly suggest that a prospective buyer should consider using a broker if only to source what should be the most appropriate loan,” he said. Stephen is currently still renting but says the next move is to buy his own home in Australia once he earns enough equity in his investment property.

Visit homeloanexperts.com.au for more information on how you can buy a home Down Under.

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Words courtesy of Home Loan Experts.

Home Loan Experts explain how you can buy a home in Australia, even if you’re on a 457 visa...

JOBS

Ban On Pension Transfers

Whilst you’re toned and tanned, pensions may be the furthest thing from your mind, but Paul Lawson-Tyers of Global QROPS explains why it’s important to address where your money is if you’re settling in Australia for the long haul.

• NHS • Teachers • Police • Civil Service • Armed Forces • Firefighters The UK government will no longer allow transfers to be made from these schemes from 6th April 2015.

Although this is several months away, this does not mean that you still have a while to act. It can take three months to obtain a valuation, after which an assessment must be made as to the suitability of a transfer. If a transfer is then recommended, you would need to set up a new scheme to which the funds can be sent and submit your transfer request to your existing scheme administrators before 6th April 2015. This means that we are already starting to run out of time and you must therefore act quickly in order to ensure that you do not potentially miss out on the 28

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chance to make a transfer.

There can certainly be tax advantages if you transfer your funds; when you retire in Australia and draw benefits from an Australian scheme, your lump sums and income will be free of tax. If you were to draw those benefits from your existing UK schemes instead then it would be subject to tax in Australia. In addition, your income would be subject to fluctuations on the exchange rate throughout your retirement.

Having said this, there are a number of other considerations that must be taken into account before a transfer is recommended. Even with the taxation benefits of moving your funds to Australia, you could still find that you would have been better off in your retirement by leaving them in the UK. This is particularly the case with “Final Salary” pensions, which are very different to Australian pension schemes (called Superannuation); a careful analysis must be conducted before taking the plunge. Although a transfer is usually the best course of action, it should not be assumed that it is in your best interests to do so until you have received proper advice and analysis.

Whether you have benefits in one of the above listed schemes or you have benefits in any other UK scheme (whether “Final Salary” or otherwise e.g. Personal Pensions) please speak with one of the Global QROPS advisers today on 0044 (0)1372 724249 about how we can help you to take the next steps or visit www.globalqrops.com for more information.

Courtesy of Global QROPS’ Paul Lawson-Tyers.

Whether you are considering emigration to Australia or you have actually made the move, if you have built up pension funds in the UK then you should be considering whether a transfer to Australia will be in your long term interests.

Due to a change in pension rules in the UK, it is particularly important that you address this immediately if you have benefits within any of the following ‘Unfunded’ Public Sector schemes:

chefs wanted downunder Have you dreamed of one day opening up your own restaurant and being the head of your own kitchen, creating innovative cuisine that would appease the most hoity toity of palettes? Helping hundreds of people a year to secure their chances of their dream life in Australia, Thames Migration explain how to get your dream hospitality job in Australia.

I’ve just lost my job as a chef when the restaurant I worked at closed down. This is not the first time this has happened to me so moving to Australia is starting to sound like a really good idea. I’m fully qualified with three years experience. What are my chances and how do I go about it?

But fear not...

Your chances are very good indeed! The catering and hospitality business in Australia is expanding and the Australian Government put chefs back on the skills lists in July which means you can now apply without needing an employer to sponsor you. In addition there are a number of employers looking to recruit - so at this moment you are spoilt for choice.

Where Do I start?

If you want to make the move quickly the best way is to find a job and if you look at the Thames Migration website you will see there are positions available. The visa you will find on offer is the 457 (temporary work) visa which will allow your

employer to employ you for up to four years. In addition there is now a transitional pathway to permanent residency when you have been there for two year. One other thought - you could start the process of applying for a 189 or 190 (skilled independent or skilled sponsored) visa as well.

Your occupation is now on the skilled occupations list which means that you no longer have to depend entirely on your employer for sponsorship and could cut a few years off the time it would take to get permanent residency.

HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?

As to the cost - it might well be cheaper to apply sooner rather than later as visa fees tend to go up year on year and don’t forget that occupations can be removed from the lists as well as added!

WHAT OTHER JOBS ARE GOING?

Thames Migration is currently seeking a number of hospitality trades including, but not limited to Cooks, Head Chefs, Restaurant Managers, and Sou Chefs. Sponsorship is available. The positions are throughout Australia. To learn more, visit our website and apply for a position at www.thamesmigration.com Thames Migration are Australia Visa & Migration Specialist and winners of ‘the Best UK/Australia Cross Border Immigration Agents 2014’

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Words courtesy of Thames Migration

Helping to process hundreds of visas successfully each year, Thames Migration agents have often been posed with the following scenario...

Jobs Available In Oz We are looking for candidates to fill a wide range of jobs across Australia.

Take a look at a few of the opportunities that we have available through our network of employers.

SECRETARies

Insurance Sales Representatives

Insurance Sales Representatives need to have tenacity, consistency and be goal oriented. Proven track records are highly important for getting ahead, and an FSRA Tier One is essential. The average annual salary is $44,000 a year, with 65% of employees having one to four years’ experience.

A secretary in Australia earns an average of $45,000 a year, which is highly associated with having skills in typing and office administration.

Secretaries can go onto become personal or executive assistants, and can work in a number of industries from medical to legal. Perth offers an 11% better pay than the national average, compared to Newcastle at 15% below.

We need candidates now for all these jobs and more... send CV’s to jobs@bbmlive.com

RECRUITERs

The national average salary for a recruiter is $61,000, with Perth seeing wages at 14% higher and Brisbane 11% lower, but the job is most popular in Sydney.

Recruiters need to be able to sell, have good communication skills and have the motivation to be successful, but trends show that people do move onto other positions after 10 years.

JOB ALERT!

We are looking for someone to work for a minimum six-month period within a busy migration company in West Perth. The job will involve answering calls, and processing vias applications. No legal experience required.

Please send your CV to jobs@bbmlive.com 30

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Nursing There are some jobs in Australia that are always looking for qualified individuals to fill the spaces available, and nursing is one of them. A highly important occupation in all states, only those that are deemed to have substantial qualifications will get to take care of Australia’s population.

For starters, nurses in Australia have to be registered, which is a lengthy process even if you’re a born-and-raised citizen. To be considered for approval, international applicants need to undergo assessment with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia, which also approves registration. The board will decide whether your educational qualifications, as an international applicant, are substantially equivalent to approved Australian qualifications, which will help them decide whether you’re qualified to care for patients safely.

As an international applicant, you must meet eight criteria based on your qualifications to be eligible for registration, and provide supporting documentation as evidence.

(evidence of identity, criminal history, English language skills), in an AGOS-40 application for general registration for internationally qualified nurses and midwives. The national fee for general registration is $150. If you are approved and become registered as a nurse, you can start finding job openings in Australia. You can contact hospitals directly for employment opportunities, search online, or join a nursing agency in Australia that can supply you with casual work or long-term placements.

Visit www.nursingmidwiferyboard.gov.au to get you started.

1. The qualification makes you eligible to register as a nurse in the country you gained said qualification.

2. The education institution where you did your studies was externally accredited while you were there.

3. The program of study you chose was externally accredited to award you with a qualification in nursing.

4. The qualification is equivalent to at least an Australian bachelor degree.

5. The qualification was awarded following at least 800 hours of experience in a practice setting.

6. The qualification was awarded following study into various aspects of nursing.

7. The qualification was awarded to you following successful completion of all parts of your study and graduation from your education institution.

8. The education institution has confirmed that you have a qualification in nursing, with assessment in medication management including drug calculation, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics.

You will need to provide relevant support for your qualifications, and all other requested documents

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Get Started With Oz Start Up

Travelling half way around the world is no mean feat, so first may we congratulate you on arriving in Australia safe and sound. But now you’re left with the task of setting up a bank account, applying for a tax file number, choosing a SIM and finding a job to keep the money coming in.

Rather than go it alone, there is a company that can help you with everything you need. Oz Start Up is your key to getting started in Australia (hence the name), and has plenty of information and resources from working to living. Providing three, six and twelve-month membership options, packages include: • An Australian SIM card and mobile number with $10 credit and cheap call rates in Australia and abroad.

• An Australian bank account to keep your dollars safe.

• An Australian Tax File Number so you can work in Australia and claim tax back.

• A mailbox in Sydney for delivery of letters and parcels.

• Free internet access in the Oz Start Up office in Sydney • Use of the Job Agency so you can find work and come back any time during the period of your membership.

• Travel deals and discounts exclusive to members.

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Some of these services are optional, so you can take advantage only of what you need.

Should you only need help to find work, you’re in luck, as these guys are experts in recruitment for travellers, with loads of contacts, tips, hints and job opportunities to offer. With a focus on Sydney, Oz Start Up can also help you find work in Melbourne, Brisbane, Northern Territory and Tasmania, whether you’re looking for single shifts or six-month employment. The work they can help with ranges from unskilled labour in warehouses and production lines to chef, bartending and events staff roles in hospitality, and even harvest work and fruit picking to help gain that allimportant regional work for your second year visa.

There’s no need to worry even if you have little or no work experience, or if you want to try something different, because there are plenty of members in the same boat. No matter what, Oz Start Up will not turn anyone away, and while work can’t be guaranteed, you can be sure they’ll do their best.

The security and guidance of Oz Start Up comes in three, six and 12-month memberships at $149, $249 and $299 respectively. You’re more than welcome to pop in for a chat at the Sydney office at 59 Goulburn Street, or give them a bell on 02 8987 3700. For more information, visit ozstartup.com.au.

TRAVEL

Take A WILDLIFE Trip With...

Kangaroo Island Adventure Tours

As a staple tour company in Adelaide, South Australia, you can put your trust in Kangaroo Island Adventure Tours to show you the very best of the island, with buckets of fun and activities with a group of like-minded travellers. Their two-day Kangaroo Island Wilderness Explorer trip is just enough to satisfy your appetite. Not only do you get to stay at the renowned Vivonne Bay Lodge, the coolest accommodation in the vicinity, you’ll also get full use of the kayaks and bikes, plus visits to Seal Bay, Remarkable Rocks, Admirals Arch and sand-boarding down the amazing Little Sahara sand hills.

Based on the south coast, you’ll get the chance to experience Kangaroo Island’s main attractions.

Seal Bay, so called because of the large colony of Australian sea lions, is a spectacular area that allows you to get closer than ever to these adorable mammals. Meanwhile, Vivonne Bay, where you will be sleeping for the night, is a stunning beach and was aptly named Australia’s best beach by a scientist who studied 10,000 beaches around Australia. Head into the ocean for a surf or swim, grab a bike to get your heart pumping or take a peaceful kayak on the nearby Harriett River through to the beach – they’re all complimentary during your trip with Kangaroo Island Adventure Tours.

The fun doesn’t end there, because your guide will be ready to take you into Flinders Chase National Park to walk the trails and witness the sights of Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch. You’ll also get to meet Australian koalas at Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary and discover the ins and outs of a working farm at Rob’s Sheep Shearing.

With plenty of wildlife-spotting opportunities within the parks and conservation areas of Kangaroo Island, you might just see something special. For example, why come to Kangaroo Island and not see an actual kangaroo? Those inhabiting the island are smaller (cuter!), darker and have longer fur than their mainland equivalents, due to the island’s separation from Oz over 10,000 years ago.

Choose this amazing trip with Kangaroo Island Adventure Tours and pay just $436pp. That’s all your touring, activities, accommodation, hostel or hotel pick ups in Adelaide, travel to and from the island, all meals across two days and a friendly expert guide.

Find out more about Kangaroo Island Adventure Tours and book your trip today by heading to kiadventuretours.com.au

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Image courtesy of Kandgaroo Island Adventure Tours

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

FRASER ISLAND

Bondi Beach Radio’s Katie Mayors joined Drop Bear Adventures for a Fraser Island 4WD camping safari.

Some pockets of Australia can be as strange as they are beautiful. In Queensland, for example, there is an island made of sand that has a tall rainforest growing through its centre, where you can drive along the shoreline of a beach for miles, and spot wild scavenger dogs descendent from wolves as easily as you can sight freshwater mini turtles in vast natural lakes tinged with tea tree oil. This 127kms of peculiar paradise off the Sunshine Coast is known as Fraser Island, but to the Indigenous inhabitants who have called it home for over 5,000 years, it is the sacred land of K’gari, meaning Paradise.

4WD Driving Experience

Drop Bear Adventures offer a three-day/two-night guided selfdrive tour of the island. Fourwheel-driving is the only way 34

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to get around the island, and Seventy-Five Mile Beach, which stretches down one side of the island, is an actual highway. The options of drive-or-be-driven make this a non threatening but fun way to experience this sandy playground. You are going to want to drive at some stage, whether on the flatter wet packed beachside sand or in the soft and shaky challenging inland forest tracks, where wheel spins, getting bogged and communal vehicle pushing are all part of the experience. Our self-proclaimed ‘nature geek’ guide ‘Danger’ Dave Tome took any diversion into his easygoing stride, even taking notable joy in the odd rescue tow down the beach. Most of the time, though, passengers and drivers alike are in cruise mode, hair flying out windows into the salty sea air, sandy toes tapping to killer tunes, eyes in wide awe of

the surreal natural surrounds.

“That was my first time fourwheel-driving,” said Kars Heinen from Holland, “you really have to take care and not drive really fast, but it’s ok if you stick along the tracks”

Beachside Campground Drop Bear have a permanent camping area on the island, which means a few things, most notably that you don’t have to set up a tent when you arrive at camp, as they are already erected by the time you get there. It also means you always have the same position right behind the beach with easy access to those epic ocean sunrises and beach dune stargazing.

Work is being completed on a 70-bed hostel for Drop Bear, so the option for camping or

hostel accommodation will soon be available, but the new hostel site is close to the beach anyway, so a true Fraser experience can be had either way, perhaps just with less chance of the dingos invading camp. Easy rules are currently in place to avoid dingo sabotage on site though, namely always travelling in pairs at least and keeping a dingo stick handy to whack any dog-like scavenger that comes too close. A didgeridoo works well for this.

Speaking of didgeridoos, you can expect to be bribed into attempting this ancient native instrument – no go, no dessert.

But never fear, the guide will show you some techniques and your first toot will be as piss funny as everyone else’s.

Other features at the campsite are a homemade giant Jenga set, complete with custom rules

(tip = stand next to a babe, there may be a kissing rule or two), a pretty deluxe toilet as far as camping ones go, occasional Aboriginal dreamtime story hour (showing the genuine commitment of Drop Bear to the original Butchulla inhabitants of K’gari and the passing down of their tales), and some pretty tasty nosh too where the Aussie BBQ reigns.

Lake Mackenzie

The bumpy road inland (thanks to non-Drop Bear buses that don’t use 4WD mode) to Lake Mackenzie can be slow, and once you start to glimpse this expansive lake through the trees, it looks like any other lake, albeit a large one. But this is anything but ordinary.

For one, it is a ‘perched lake’, which means it is not filled by

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to the white sand below, and then at a point the water turns a deeper royal blue, the two shades sitting together to create a stark two-tone contrast.

Add to this the aforementioned skeletal trees that periodically rise from the sand and you can see why this is the most iconic part of the island.

“Lake Mackenzie is really beautiful,” said Emily Bedford from Scotland, “I love swimming in water and the freshwater here is so beautiful and refreshing. We’ve done lots of swimming in the lakes and we swam down a creek which was really fun.”

Other Tour Features

connecting arteries of water, but rather consists purely of rainwater. And if that doesn’t seem too unique, when you realise that Fraser Island has 40 perched lakes, which makes up for half of the rainwater-only lakes in the world, you may reconsider.

Once vehicles have been disembarked and you take the sandy track down to Mackenzie, your sense of touch is heightened as the softness at your feet becomes apparent. This is no typical lakeside sand – this is the Empress of all fine white granules (no, I’m not talking about cocaine so you have the right to disagree), silica sand. You may have come across this rarity on Whitehaven Beach in the Whitsundays. It can be used as an exfoliant (and mixed with some of the natural tree oils of the lake water, it really is worth the effort to scrub it all over your skin), as a hair treatment, and even as a teeth cleaner. Your Drop Bear guide will encourage you to do all of the above, while wedging the stereo into one of the nearby bony trees and pulling out the volleyball. They will also lead you to a deserted stretch of the lake, a treat when you discover the Bondi-like popularity of one of Fraser’s biggest drawcards.

The colour of the water at Lake Mackenzie is unlike any you are likely to witness elsewhere.

The water along the shoreline is the colour of pale blue crystal, which doesn’t obstruct any visibility

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With over 100 freshwater lakes on the Island, you could spend a lifetime exploring them all, but two that are worth discovering are Lake Wabby and Lake Allom. Lake Wabby is what is called a ‘barrage’ lake, which means it has been trapped by a moving sand dune – in this case the Hammerstone Sandblow - so a visit to this waterhole is an adventure over a hilly expanse of sand. As you descend towards the lake, you become aware that this spot is also a spiritual one, even before being told it is a sacred area for the Butchulla men, who used it for initiation ceremonies for thousands of years. There are little fish in the water that, if you stay still for long enough, will suck some of the dead skin from your body, further proving that Fraser is one large natural day spa. In the late afternoon, beautiful sunlight shines on this green body of water from over the surrounding trees, making for some great photo ops.

The water of Lake Allom is a dark tan colour that makes your skin look more than sunkissed, but the true treat here is when you arrive at the viewing platform. Dark little thumb-size heads peek out of the water to curiously examine visitors – freshwater turtles! Swim with these little guys, take a walk around the lakeside track beside Hoop Pines and Melaleuca trees, or stop to eat in the designated picnic area.

Shipwrecks abound on Fraser Island, with the SS Maheno being the star attraction. One of the

first ever turbine-driven steamers, the Maheno ran aground in 1935 after its tow chain snapped in a huge storm. It had previously served as a passenger ship between Sydney and Auckland, and a hospital ship during World War One.

well as snakes, an abundance of sea life and over 350 bird species. The Drop Bear Adventures 4WD trip is an absolute must-do and the best way to possibly experience the World Heritage-listed Fraser Island.

At the north end of Fraser Island juts the impressive Indian Head, named as such by Captain Cook when he sailed past in 1770 and saw many native Butchulla people on the land.

The views from Indian Head, with ocean stretching wide in all directions, sand banks swirling amid water on the stretch of beach to one side, is a precious reminder of why this is such a sacred promontory to the first peoples of this wondrous place.

“You can expect an amazing two nights camping on the beach. You can expect a diverse and interesting trip, with lots of different things to see and do, but with lots of time to enjoy them as well,” said guide Dave Tome.

As the group gathers around, our Drop Bear guide relays the shocking history of the rock on which we sit, which involves tales of Gods and spirits, human protectors and noble laws, the mislaid adventures of explorers and their encounters with the peaceful inhabitants, and ultimately false colonial justifications for the tragic slaughter that would see the Butchulla population dwindle. A moving experience that deepens any listener’s spiritual connection to this place called K’gari, and sheds new light on the name Fraser Island.

Also at the north end of the island is another natural gem called Champagne Pools, and from Indian Head there is a fun 4WD soft sand obstacle-ride to get there, making it an earned experience. Called “Fraser Island’s natural Jacuzzi”, these rock pools get their name from the ocean currents that spill over to fill them, often leaving a frothy surface behind reminiscent of our favourite party drink. Due to the dangerous rips in the ocean surrounding Fraser Island, and typically scary Australian wildlife like stingers and sharks, Champagne Pools is actually the one sea-fed spot on the island you are allowed to swim. Float about and laze in the pools or explore the smaller rocky water catches, where you are sure to see blue crabs and jellyfish.

Booking And Getting To Fraser Island

A three-day 4WD tour of Fraser Island with independently owned Drop Bear Adventures costs $425 and includes all meals, camping accommodation, the use of 4WDs and an experienced and knowledgeable guide to take you to an array of the island’s best attractions. Your guide will pick you up from your accommodation in Noosa, Rainbow Beach or Hervey Bay. Bookings can be made through dropbearadventures.rezdy. com Images by Dave Tome & Katie Mayors.

Words by Katie Mayors, host of the weekly ‘Wanderlust’ show on Bondi Beach Radio.

Twitter and instagram @katiemayors

You are guaranteed to see dingoes on your trip to Fraser Island. Dingoes are the Asian Wolf, and the ones you will encounter on this island are the purest dingo breed in Australia. While they look like cute dogs, especially the pups newly emerged from their dens, they can in fact be dangerous animals and they do attack humans from time to time, so do be cautious when they are around.

Never wander off alone, be extra aware when you are around food, and above all – do not feed them! Dingoes share Fraser Island with other mammals such as wallabies and echidnas, as

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Fun In Fiji Providing experiences in the culture, activities and relaxation of island life on Fiji.

Intrepid Tours

Small group adventure holidays with a local focus on eating, sleeping and living, across every continent.

The Sealink Travel

A tourism and transport company offering travel to South Australia, New South Wales, Queensland and Northern Territory.

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Busabout Europe

Hop on, hop off bus travel through Europe with a focus on freedom and flexibility.

Haggis Adventures

Trips through the countryside of England, the highlands of Scotland and the scenery of Wales.

Chimu Adventures

Specialists in Latin America and Antarctica, providing trips, cruises and hotels in all regions.

Chalet Guardian

Linking up chalet owners with those looking for chalet jobs in the beautiful French Alps.

With hundreds of amazing adventures to choose from all around the world, planning where to go can be a challenge. This November is your opportunity to get first hand advice from the people who live and breath travel as they’ll be flocking to Sydney for the annual Adventure Travel Expo.

Make sure you don’t miss out on this FREE opportunity to speak with tour operators, travel agents and other industry professionals from all over the world about planning your big trip.

8th & 9th November 2014 Sydney Town Hall FREE ENTRY

Awesome prizes to be won all weekend including a $1000 STA Travel Voucher

www.mytravelexpo.com

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Hop Around Western Australia Touring Western Australia needn’t be a struggle with this fantastic way to see it in all its vastness…

Quiet beaches, undisturbed natural beauty, desert to one side and beautiful, blue ocean to the other, Western Australia provides the trip of a lifetime, but it’s always been less accessible than its eastern counterpart – until now. With the hop-on, hop-off service of Integrity Coach Lines, you can see and experience the entire stretch of Perth to Broome. Over 2,300km, all you need is yourself, your backpack, and a list of destinations you want to see up close. Without the stresses of driving, where would you go?

Kalbarri

Where the coast meets inland adventure, Kalbarri is home to some of the most striking and unique natural phenomenon and creations. Explore the gorges of the national park, sit behind Nature’s Window and look out to the view before you, and marvel at Hutt Lagoon, the pink lake that looks like a strawberry milkshake! If you’re interested in the wildlife Australia has to offer, Rainbow Jungle is regarded as the country’s best parrot habitat, with majestic birds from all over the world free to come and go as they please. Closer to the shore, the dunes are great for sandboarding and the Kalbarri Beach Resort a spectacular home for the night.

Drop off and pick up at Ajana-Kalbarri Road turnoff.

Monkey Mia

The bottlenose dolphins at Monkey Mia are 40

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famous. For over 40 years, they have visited voluntarily almost every day and have become treasured members of the Monkey Mia family. Set within the Shark Bay Marine Park, you can interact with these loveable creatures, explore the nearby Francois Peron National Park by 4WD, and glide along the ocean’s still water on a kayak for some serious scenic moments. Take your time here and enjoy a stay at the wonderful Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort, because chances are you won’t be in a hurry to leave.

Drop off and pick up at Overlander Roadhouse, North West Coastal Highway.

Exmouth

A water baby’s dream, Exmouth is on the edge of the Ningaloo Reef, a beautiful eco-system of coral and marine life that create a kaleidoscope of colour only matched by the Great Barrier Reef.

Surfers Beach is ideal for surfing – hence the name – and Turquoise Bay should be explored by putting your head under water! Come between

November and March and you can take a guided tour to see the turtles nesting on the surrounding beaches, as well as learn about their survival, all at the Jurabi Turtle Centre.

Drop off and pick up at Exmouth Visitor Centre, Murat Road

Karijini

This is your hub for adventure and activity, set in the heart of the Pilbara. Waterfalls, gorges and a rugged landscape await on board the Old Skool Karijini Tour, where you leave Integrity Coach Lines at the small mining town of Tom Price to join The Flying Sandgroper. This tour features spectacular views from Oxer Lookout, a lesson in the history of the park, a night’s sleep under the stars and a morning bathe in fern-fringed pools and gorges. Due to the incredible heats that the Karijini experiences (up to 45 degrees Celsius in summer), this tour is only available between 13th May and 11th November, but the weather will still be balmy and warm in the winter months to enjoy the water pools.

Broome

There’s a reason why Broome is the final stop on this journey. A seaside pearling town with

a rich history and gorgeous cafés, it provides respite from the otherwise desolate areas of the outback while keeping the fabulous views and coastal activities you’ve enjoyed along the way, so you won’t want to leave in a hurry. Here, you can shop and dine, or, as you can never see too much of the coast, head to Cable Beach and relax on the golden sands. Experience the beach with a ride on a camel’s back, or capture a sight of the famous Staircase To The Moon, where the moonlight beams down upon the exposed tidal flights to create an illusion of stairs reaching up to the moon.

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Dive The Rainforest With The Duck Billed Platypus

Intrepid rainforests aren’t always what springs to mind when you think of Australia, but transport yourself to Queensland and you’ll come face to face with some of the most luscious jungle on the planet.

Queensland is one of the most spectacular places you can visit in Australia, and now you can experience the very best of the rainforest by diving in the crystal clear waters and seeking out the allusive duck-billed platypus. “It’s just different to the coral dives you do in Australia - it’s just different in the middle of the bush, you have a rock pool and it’s just fantastic to dive with the turtles and fish. It’s a special experience,” according to Hendrik Tietze from Germany. Swimming in the crystal clear waters also offers the perfect chance to cool down from the oppressive heat during the summer months.

You can take part in this amazing underwater experience in Finch Hatton Gorge, which is located just outside of Finch Hatton, between Mackay and the Eungella National Park. It’s here that you may be lucky enough to see Australia’s most secretive resident. The platypus – as most may know, is the world’s only egg-laying mammal, and has fascinated researchers and animal lovers since its discovery – owing to its bizarre appearance combining a duck’s bill, webbed feet and its beaver-like tail.

Having discovered this hot spot for platypuses, Dr Grant of the University of New South Wales 42

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who has written numerous books and journals on the creatures explains, “This area is particularly special because of its orientation within the rainforest and it’s an area where you can get in, dive and swim with the platypus, that doesn’t happen very often. Certainly it hasn’t happened to me in the 40 years that I’ve been working. This has been on my bucket list since I heard about it,” says Dr Grant.

Much like whale watching, it can never be guaranteed that you will spot the creature you’re looking for, but the chances are higher at this specific location, “It’s almost guaranteed you’ll see a platypus at dusk and at dawn every single day.

And during the mating season, it’s not uncommon to see them in the middle of the day also. So it’s a pretty special place,” says Tina Ball a Senior Conversation Officer from Queensland National Parks and Wildlife.

It’s not just duck-billed platypus that you can see whilst visiting Finch Hatton Gorge, you’ll also come face to face with fish and turtles – and maybe a water monitor lizard basking by the water, if you’re lucky. Finch Hatton Cross also plays home to other wildlife such as; bush turkeys, brolgas, the azure kingfisher, the eungella honeyeater, wallabies, possums, flying foxes and even the brooding frog and orange sided skink.

So what are you waiting for? Get yourself over to Queensland and get ready for the underwater wilderness adventure of a lifetime.

Visit www.rainforestscuba.com for more information.

Words and images courtesy of Rainforest Scuba.

One thing that many do travel to Australia for is diving, especially as the coast of Australia plays host to two of the world’s largest coral reefs – The Great Barrier Reef and the lesser famous, Ningaloo Reef off of the coast of Western Australia. But if you’re looking for an entirely different diving experience to the postcard perfect coral reef diving experiences then read on…

GLOBAL TRAVEL

THE BEST OF

THAILAND With ThaIntro you can experience the very best of what Thailand has to offer in just seven days. Their package tour won’t leave you feeling like you’re with a Magaluf tour group, and will see you take in the sights of Bangkok, Koh Phangan and the stunning Khao Sok National Park.

We speak to traveller Tom Ranford who decided to book on to a ThaIntro trip after previously completing his introduction to Australia with OzIntro. “I decided to travel to Thailand for the beaches, tropical islands, and the famous nightlife.”

Says Tom, who also found out about the fabulous itinerary through the ThaIntro Facebook page and reading rave reviews.

Admittedly not doing too much research before heading off, Tom notes how helpful it was to have everything planned out for him ahead of his travels, “They helped sort and plan all aspects of my trip. I was surprised actually how much they did! From the time I booked until after my ThaIntro week they were there to help with everything!” During his trip, Tom took in everything from the nightlife of Bangkok to the tranquillity of Khao Sok National Park, recalling the trip, “We visited temples, partied in Bangkok, had a cooking class, slept in floating bungalows, played with elephants, had a Thai massage and visited amazing beaches. The highlight was definitely the elephants and Khao Sok National Park. Amazing!” Pinning the experience of Khao Sok as the highlight, “ My favourite part

was probably Khao Sok, sleeping on the floating bungalows in the middle of a pristine rainforest was an absolutely amazing experience! It has to be the most beautiful place I’ve ever been too.”

Tom notes that their guide was extremely knowledgeable on Thailand, and how he was asked if he had any preferences or special requirements of his trip, as well as being asked as to what his plans were after the ThaIntro week, “I travelled around the rest of south east Asia (Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia). I did two of ThaIntro’s add-on trips. One was to Phi Phi where we slept overnight on the famous ‘beach!’ one of the most awesome nights of my life! And then up to Chiang Mai for their trip up there.

We stayed overnight with hill tribes, did jungle zip lining (epic) and went to an amazing elephant sanctuary. Taking an elephant bareback through the jungle and washing it under a waterfall!”

“I can’t thank ThaIntro enough for such an unbelievable trip, would highly really made an impact on recommend to hisHaving travels and allowing him to get his anyone!” bearings before heading off on his tour

Image courtesy of ThaIntro

of South East Asia, Tom found the trip a great way to make friends and travel buddies, “It was so awesome to have a group of people to share the trip with and party with! Made friends for life and still travelling with a bunch of them now!”

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A Taste Of The Caribbean...

Tropical islands, soothing warm waters and beaches as golden as the sunken treasure still rumoured to exist out in the beautiful blue… The Caribbean Sea sings a seductive, siren song to avid wanderers the world over with its utopian character and colourful culture.

But what’s an independent backpacker on a tight budget to do in this region famed for its all-inclusive resorts, cruise ships and luxurious lifestyles? Enter Utila, an island perched just off the shores of Honduras and right on the edge of the Mesoamerican barrier reef system, where the bohemian dream still exists and you can experience the riches of the Caribbean Sea without burning a hole in your back pocket.

About Utila

The smallest of the Bay Islands, Utila is situated a short ferry ride from the Honduran coastal town of La Ceiba. It’s the kind of island travellers come expecting to stay a short time and then wake up six months later to realise they have become part of the island’s community. As a result, the one main street is lined with enticing eateries, quirky drinking holes and enough amenities to keep a traveller happy without being too over-developed.

What To Do

Despite its idyllic, Caribbean location, it may surprise you to hear that there is only one public beach, a man-made streak of sand called Chepes Beach, to the south east of town. However, what’s 44

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more astonishing is that you genuinely don’t need the sand on Utila. Firstly, the still humidity of Utila means pesky sand-flies with their silent but ever so unsightly bites are often in operation, particularly around dawn and dusk (repellent is a must), and secondly, most of the bars and accommodation are built up on piers where you can sun yourself safely and cool off with refreshing dips straight into the plunging depths.

And anyhow, once you see the glorious, underwater kingdom pulsing with colour and life beneath those gently lapping waves, you’ll be hard pressed to stay up top. The big draw of Utila is that it’s renowned as one of the cheapest places in the world to get PADI certification (from around $282 AUD) with a whole host of dive shop options at your fingertips. The Utila Dive Centre has won awards from dive agency PADI for its training programmes whilst the Whale Shark and Oceanic Research Centre organise whale-spotting trips at certain times of the year. However, the best bet for finding a dive shop you’re happy with is to investigate and ask around – you’re looking for a place with people you’re comfortable with.

For snorkellers, hop in a golf buggy (the transportation of choice on Utila) and get to Coral

View Reef where you can rent gear and make use of the big pier – ideal for sunbathing and experiencing magical encounters with fish of all sizes and kaleidoscopic colours amongst the vivid coral.

Out of the water, spend a bit of downtime at the relaxing island cinema that screens just one film a day, or dive into some new reading material from the excellent book shop/exchange. You can also arrange with a local fisherman to take you out to one of the nearby cays such as the uninhabited Water Cay where you can indulge yourself with sugar-spun sands and crystal clear waters for an afternoon. Visit in August and Water Cay hosts Sun Jam festival with international DJs and all night dancing. There is also an Iguana Rescue Station up on the hill where you can learn a bit more about the little critters that make the island their home.

Just take a stroll down the high street for an array of tantalising options. Munchies, with its colonial style porch and iguana playground out the back, offers a range of breakfasts from healthy muesli to decadent waffles, from exotic fruit salads to the full, Honduran plato tipico consisting of eggs, cheese, plantain and beans.

At lunchtime, pick up some freshly chopped mango and a street style baleada (flour tortilla with an assortment of fillings), or treat yourself to some ice cream at Mermaids. For dinner, it would be simply rude not to try some of that fresh-off-the-boat fish, and RJ’s BBQ Bar and Grill, open Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays, attracts a buzzing crowd with delicious options and sides. Babalu is another favourite with its excellent sunsets, checker-board tables for a

quick pre-dinner game and large hole in the floor to watch the fish congregate and flicker through the darkness below.

Tranquila is a great, sociable spot for drinks with its double-decker pier before the crowd shifts next door to Coco Loco for dancing late into the night.

A taste of the Caribbean can be found at Rehab, a chilled out reggae bar with free-flowing rum, oh-so-Caribbean décor and a view out to sea that is to die for. For acoustic tunes, try out La Cueva, the tiny bar opposite the pier and the perfect place to make a few new friends.

Where To Stay

On an island of such small size, accommodation is actually quite easy to come by and comes at next to nothing. The resort of Mango Inn is synonymous with the Caribbean, with coconut, banana, lime and mango trees dotted here and there and Honduran pine holding up hammocks for ridiculous relaxation. It only has 10 rooms and six cabins from $67 AUD per night, so you won’t be surrounded by occupants and competing for space in the pool. There are also houses and apartments to rent, some of which are further away from the town centre for a more deserted escape. Around $395 AUD per week for a twobedroom apartment, you’ll be left with plenty of dollar to enjoy island life.

A visit to Utila is proof that you don’t need to spend a fortune to live in paradise. With its ability to welcome you with a warm charm and a cold beer and drift your troubles away on the open ocean, consider Utila for a Caribbean holiday on a budget.

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Words and images by Alex Saint

Where To Eat And Drink

gili islands A trio of paradise islands located off the northwest coast of Lombok, the Gilis were once legendary among backpackers exploring the next big step on the banana pancake trail. They gained notoriety as a laid-back lotus land where likeminded travellers could escape the tourist hordes and live the dream of full moon parties, sugar-spun sands and dazzling, aquamarine waters.

Fast forward a couple of decades to the present day and the little Gilis have matured with a range of activities and amenities springing up to appeal to a wide range of holiday-makers. However, with an abundance of low cost places to stay, eat and drink still readily available, the Gilis have successfully retained their reputation as a key destination on the beach loving, budget traveller’s Indonesian itinerary.

Introducing the Gili Islands

The reason these tropical triplets hold such universal appeal is that each possesses its own distinct personality and ambience. All you need to do is figure out which most closely resembles your own personal paradise.

Gili Trawangan, affectionately nicknamed Gili T, is the largest and most developed of the islands. The main street is lined with beach bars, dive shops and accommodation options that look right out onto the ocean whilst the stunning, west side beaches are filled with bronzed bodies and comfortable spots to sip a sunset drink.

Gili Air is the middle-sized island, a low key and relaxed retreat, appealing to a more sophisticated crowd as well as honeymooners enjoying the blissful beaches. The smallest island is little Gili Meno, a rustic hideaway where you can live out your Robinson Crusoe or

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Girl Friday fantasies and get back to mother nature.

What to do in the Gili Islands

All three islands are idyllic locations for lounging on the beach, swimming, snorkelling and diving. The Gili Islands are renowned for having some of the best dive sites in the world and shops such as Blue Marlin, Manta Dive and Dream Divers are amongst the many establishments offering courses for all abilities. Expect to swim with sea turtles, bumphead parrotfish, manta rays and reef sharks. Or simply hire snorkel equipment and explore the coral reef straight off the beach. Paddle-boarding, kayaking or taking a trip on a glass-bottomed boat are other wonderful ways to enjoy all that beautiful blue.

To explore the islands up on dry land, pack water and sunscreen and take a walk – all three can be circumnavigated in under an hour. Bicycles can also be

Visit the turtle sanctuaries on Gili T and Gili Meno and observe the snug hatcheries where the eggs are protected from predators as well as the bubbling nurseries where baby turtles splash and play, waiting to be released back into the sea. For more encounters with local wildlife, explore Gili Meno’s bird park where over three hundred exotic birds fly free.

Later, as dusk falls, soak up the sensational sunset views on the west side of the islands where the silhouette of Bali’s mighty Mount Agung fades away as the sun streaks the sky with red, orange and pink. Or catch a movie at the island cinema where you can munch popcorn, relax on comfy cushions and kick back with a beer.

Where to eat and drink

Foodies rejoice - the range of delectable dishes available on the Gilis will get those tastebuds tingling. From authentic, local meals served up in simple warungs to swanky, global cuisine, all tastes are catered for. Try the Night Market on Gili T just south of the jetty for a popular range of street food stalls with all the Indonesian favourites like nasi goreng and spicy satay. Tiny Gili Meno is home to Bibi’s Café, a firm, traveller favourite due to the good, old-fashioned pizza served up fresh from their woodfired oven.

those that prefer live music with a fantastic house band playing all the classics from reggae to rock.

Gili Air is markedly more laidback but still has the ability to sink a few drinks. Legend is an atmospheric reggae bar towards the north of the island and home to the full and black moon parties the island occasionally hosts.

Where to stay

There are plenty of accommodation options on the islands including private budget rooms from $14 AUD to air con bungalows at around $37 AUD and luxurious villas with private pools that can cost up to $565 AUD. During peak times like July and August it is a good idea to book ahead for at least the first couple of nights.

The cheapest accommodation on Gili Trawangan is located in and around the village – head inland to explore and negotiate for the best price. Gili T&B Homestay is a welcoming family home with wifi, a tasty breakfast, air-con and a private terrace from $14 and a top choice on Gili Meno is Sunset

Gecko, with rustic, A-frame bungalows a short skip away from the ocean.

Which Gili will you choose?

Will you be tempted by fun loving Gili T’s buzzing nightlife, reeled in by Gili Air’s laid-back charm or seduced by the peace and tranquillity of remote Gili Meno?

Of course, if you simply can’t decide, then jump aboard the island hopping service that runs daily. After all, why stick with one Gili when you can have three?

Images and words by Alex Saint

hired and the preferred method of transport for the local people is to hop in a cidomo (horse and cart) and trot your way around town.

When it comes to nightlife, Gili T is where the party’s at.

Rudy’s Bar is a long-established institution with a buzzing dance floor where locals and visitors alike love to mingle. Sama Sama is a firm favourite for

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COMPETITIONS

This month’s competitions are damn special, if we do say so ourselves. From NYE tickets to Tattoo vouchers, we’ve pulled together a great collection of goodies for you. To win any of the below prizes all you need to do is sign up to the BBMLive newsletter at bbmlive.com by the 31st November or email us at competitions@bbmlive.com with the name of the competition in the subject, your full name and out of work hours contact details.

Future Music Festival ‘15 Double Pass

We’ve got 1 x double pass to one of the hottest festivals on the planet and we’re giving it away for FREE. All you have to do to win two tickets to Future ’15 in the city of your choice is sign up our to our newsletter this month or email us your entry by the 31st November 2014. That means you and a friend could be watching Drake, Avicii, The Prodigy, Martin Garrix, Gorgon City and many more this summer – tickets are on sale now, see www.futuremusicfestival.com.au for details. Full promotor T&Cs apply, entrants must be over 18 and have valid ID to claim the prize.

Enter online at www.bbmlive.com or via email to competitions@bbmlive.com

Tropicana NYE at Bungalow 8 & The Loft Double Pass

Say goodbye to 2014 and welcome 2015 at Tropicana New Year’s Eve inside Bungalow 8 and The Loft. With a double pass up for grabs, you could be dancing the night away to some of Europe and Australia’s top DJs, while taking in the world famous Sydney Harbour fireworks from one of the best locations in the city. All entrants must be over 18 and have valid ID to claim the prize. All venue and promoter T&C’s apply.

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$200 Tattoo Voucher Courtesy of BlinD Tiger Tattoo - Kings Cross

Have a permanent memento of your travels with a new tattoo. If you are set on getting one, Blind Tiger Tattoo (formerly known as Kings Cross Ink Tattoo), have given us a $200 voucher towards the payment of your new body art. Whether you’re a first-timer or want to expand your collection, this discount will go a long way. Cannot be used with any other promotion. All Blind Tiger Tattoo policy and legal requirements apply.

Stereosonic Festival Anthems 2014

Grab yourself one of 5 copies of the dance compilation of the year, Stereosonic Festival Anthems 2014. Overflowing with the biggest names & hottest talents Stereosonic Festival Anthems 2014 contains 42 of the best tracks and remixes from Stereosonic stars including Calvin Harris,Diplo, Disclosure, Steve Aoki and many more. Your perfect Stereosonic, pre & post party starter with all the big summer hits.

$50 Bar Tab at Parkside Bar

Get your next round at Parkside Bar on the house with a $50 bar tab to use on food, drink and anything they can muster together. Enjoy a visit to this Surry Hills favourite and experience their proper pub grub and quality drinks menu that includes some top Beers and Wines.

Travel Essentials Whilst you’re travelling it’s important you have everything you need. Here are our trusty essentials for the month...

EcoHydra Hand Sanitiser

Keep your hands clean of bacteria with a good hand sanitiser. You could be touching all sorts while travelling.

If you’re travelling with a tour group, germs can spread like wildfire when you’re all in one small space for a long period of time, but EcoHydra Instant Hand Sanitiser is a defender against fast-spreading germs and stubborn bacteria.

It comes in a nifty 50ml bottle at $5.50, so is very travel and budget friendly. www.ecohydra.com

JBL synchros Headphone Range

Bringing high quality sound to your ears, JBL have released Synchros, a new headphone series brought to you by pioneers in audio. Full of the expert knowledge that they have developed over decades, the Synchros line offer exceptional audio, clarity and bass for an experience on a whole new level. $59.99 - $399.99 available from www.jbhifi.com.au

Victorinox Huntsman Pocket Knife

Without a mobile phone app that can magically open bottles and cut through tough material the Victorinox Huntsman Pocket Knife can be a lifesaver in many a situation. Featuring a small and large blade, corkscrew, can opener, screwdriver, tweezers, scissors, and even a toothpick for that bit of burger between your teeth, carry it everywhere with you for surviving in the Outback. At just $63.90, it’s an amazing price for a multifunctional piece of kit. www.craigdonmountainsports.com

A PERMANENT MEMORY...

As travel mementos go, tattoos are high up there with t-shirts and keyrings. From “I Love Ibiza” on your arse to the Maori tribal markings of New Zealand and the Statue Of Liberty from the USA, whatever your reason/state of mind for getting them, if it reminds you of an amazing time in your life, and adds an extra special piece of body art.

Should you be in Sydney and considering your first or fifth tattoo, you may yet to have found a local tattoo studio to put your faith into. Blind Tiger Tattoo, formerly Kings Cross Ink Tattoo, are just the guys and girls you need.

Located in the bustling Kings Cross district of Sydney, they’re used to their fare share of travellers, students and young professionals, and will aim to give you the tattoo you’ve always wanted.

To help you on your way to the tattoo of your dreams (and because we know you have to pay for necessities), Blind Tiger Tattoo are giving us a $200 voucher to give away towards the payment of your tattoo. Head to our special Competitions page to find out how to enter and visit www.facebook.com/kingscrossinktattoo to view their work.

Not only are they ridiculously friendly and able to put you at ease, their talents are remarkable, having designed and inked everything from eagles to skulls, tribal markings to caricature on all parts of the human body. Whether you want the Sydney Opera House, a kangaroo wearing boxing gloves or a green turtle, you can flip through the books or have something unique made for you at no extra cost.

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Preceding all other electronic music festivals in Australia, Earthcore returns with five days of music, culture, arts and an out-of-this-world experience in the heat of summer. Between 27th November and 1st December, Earthcore will return for 2014, 21 years after it was born.

Residing near the town of Pyalong, roughly 90 kilometres north of Melbourne, Earthcore will be bringing the best artists in trance, house, techno, EDM and psychedelic to five different stages, including Victor Ruiz, Format: B, Tripswitch, Klopfgeister, Raja Ram and Astrix.

As well as music across the main stages, there will be spirituality workshops, interactive talks and classes within the Elemental Planet. This epic experience enables you to indulge all of your senses with outstanding live music and DJ sets, colour and light installations, where expressive movement and chill out music are parts of everyday life, just like water, earth, fire, air and spirit. Combining the five elements of life, each zone offers an ingredient that is beneficial to mind, body and soul. Chill out with carefully selected artists and DJs at Yellow Sunshine Chillout, where the essence of water washes over you, or partake 50

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in the physical exchange of dance, movement and yoga to spread fire through the body.

There will be other forms of entertainment on hand should you already be at one with yourself, plus food and drink stalls to keep you going until the finale. There is a range of camping to please everyone, whether you’re used to sleeping in a tent or more upper class accommodation.

With plenty to amuse your senses, Earthcore is good for your mind, body and soul, and promises to put on a show you won’t forget in a hurry.

Bursting with creativity and a no-expense-spared production, ticket-holders can look forward to a festival that’s much more than just music.

Tickets to Earthcore are just $259 + booking fee and are on sale from www.dashtickets.com.au.

Find out more about this festival experience at www.earthcore.com.au.

Don’t Miss...

Astrix

One of the most popular DJs in the world, Astrix does what no one else can, and makes music that appeals to both underground and mainstream audiences with refined melodies, progressive house and a splashing of vocals for good measure. Whether spending time in the studio or touring the globe, he is incredibly smart about every set and includes every single listener and member of the audience, from those that have just discovered him to dedicated fans. Since debut album ‘Eye To Eye’ all the way to his free downloads under ‘Trance For Nation’, he has been at the forefront of the production industry, hence why has been chosen for festivals such as Tomorrowland, Burning Man and BAT, and why he will be heading to Earthcore this year.

Format: B

German duo, Franziskus Sell and Jakob Hildenbrand, started Format: B together after studying to be sound engineers and discovering they shared a love of all things techno. Together, they have toured Asia, Australia, USA, South America and Europe, released several hit singles and formed their own label, Formatik Records. With a studio in Berlin, they recorded their second album, ‘Restless’, in 2011 and hold label nights in the local Watergate Club. Bouncing off of each other on stage and an enigmatic sight to watch, they are not to be missed when they hit up Earthcore.

Shpongle

By Charlotte Mellor

Simon Posford and Raja Ram are Shpongle, a psychedelic music project formed in the UK in 1996.

With Simon on production and instrumentation, and Raja as the flautist and linguist, Shpongle is an experience of music, colour, strange happenings and earthly delights. They tour both together and separately, with live dancers, fire and projections for an epic extravaganza like the 2011 US tour, The Shpongletron.

Like nothing you’ve ever heard or witnessed before, the positive and euphoric Shpongle credit Albert Hoffman, Bill Hicks, Salvador Dali and acid-drenched outdoor parties in the English summer as their influences.

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INTERVIEWS Talking to Jamie T echoes his third album, ‘Carry On The Grudge’. He is reflective but direct, and wants to show that he has grown both personally and professionally during his time away from the public eye. While for us, his five-year break has been a couple too long and resulted in many questions wanting answered, for Jamie, it was really quite simple.

This period of writing has given us an album that includes the soft, touching tracks of ‘Don’t You Find’ and ‘Limits Lie’, and the harder, stomping alternatives of ‘Zombie’ and ‘Trouble’.

It’s this range of material that puts Jamie apart from everyone else, and has created an album of soul, reggae and punk that you can tell he’s pleased to be able to accomplish.

that have changed in the last five years.

playing live – although I enjoy it I find it quite draining.”

With regards to the pressure Jamie felt upon his return, he explains that “after being out of the hamster wheel, at points it’s difficult, but this time I’m trying to get on with it rather than think about it”; he hopes that his songwriting has “moved on a bit” because “if I was still writing the same stuff as when I was 16, I’d be pretty bored”; he expresses that, as he gets older, he doesn’t want to be a “little Englander”; and he jokes that, following his comeback, people talk about his first two albums “as if they’re seminal records, but at the time I don’t remember journalists giving much of a shit about them!”

I ask him to explain further, and he obliges: “Travelling is exhausting, my voice finds it quite hard, air-conditioned buses, and I suffer with quite bad anxiety at times and being exhausted makes that worse. I find it hard to step out on stage anyway, so I’m a bit more wary these days.”

“My big thing is a fresh pair of socks and a fresh white t-shirt.” Whatever the critics

“When I was younger, I realised that I could do whatever I wanted as long as I didn’t care what people thought. I’ve always tried to stay true to that: use what you want, as long as you’re not pilfering people and doing it respectfully. It’s made me, as a musician, be able to put an acoustic song next to a fast one. I’m aware some musicians can’t get away from it, but it’s important to have a bit of both.”

However, there are many things

thought, his fans were indisputably excited for his return, for when Jamie did finally announce a few UK shows in July 2014, it would be an understatement to say they went a little bit nuts. “We thought we’d do four shows and they sold out immediately, but we stupidly decided that the first show should be in Glasgow, which is a great place to play and we were playing full capacity clubs – great fun, but a little daunting. We got through it and that was the best way to do it, to throw yourself in the deep end. It’s been good but it has come with issues because I have a funny relationship with

As a result, Jamie is touring much less for ‘Carry On The Grudge’ than his previous two records – “I wanna play the shows I wanna play and I don’t wanna be away forever” – but he is still fitting in an Australian tour in January, which he stresses he’s looking forward to due to fond memories and the high probability of good weather.

To make touring a little less traumatic, I can’t help but wonder what he takes with him on the road, besides hot water with honey and lemon. “Yeah, there is that stuff! My big thing is a fresh pair of socks and a fresh white t-shirt. I just think it’s a real morale booster. There’s nothing better than getting off stage hot and sweaty and putting your brand new socks on! The rest of the band looked at me like I was mad when I first did it, but after two shows suddenly everyone’s asking me for socks. Who looks like the season pro now, eh?”

Jamie T’s national tour kicks off in January 2015. For tickets and information visit lovepolice.com.au/tours. www.bbmlive.com

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By Charlotte Mellor

“I was home a lot of the time, writing, keeping busy. Nothing seemed to make its way to becoming an album for quite a long time, and if it wasn’t good enough to release, then I wouldn’t release it. After touring ‘Kings & Queens’, I wanted to take stock of things and stop playing live for a while, but I never stopped writing and trying to come up with new material. I was just taking a step back from touring and the public eye.”

Flight Facilities Performing under the moniker Flight Facilities, Hugo Gruzman and James Lyell have taken their time to deliver their much anticipated debut album, ‘Down To Earth’. We catch up with one half of the duo - James Lyell - to find out more about the latest release...

Having drip fed their loyal fans with droplets of musical prowess since 2009, the producer duo have already made a name for themselves with their moody, atmospheric, and at times party tracks, bringing us releases such as ‘Clair de Lune’ and ‘Crave You’. The first release from the album being ‘Two Bodies’ features the much lusted-after vocals of Emma Louise, and the album also sports collaborations with Owl Eyes and Reggie Watts. Lyell says of the collaboration, “Emma is one of the most talented singer/songwriters we’ve ever come across. We’re working with her on her own stuff, and from the time we all sat down to figure out ‘Two Bodies’ to this day, she never ceases to wow us.”

Speaking about the other artists that feature on ‘Down To Earth’, Lyell elaborates, “We usually do two or three sessions on a track before we know what kind of voice or character we want. We feel really lucky being able to work with all the artists we have. We’ve met them in all different places from bars accidentally to misplaced emails. Sometimes we just go out on a limb and ask, it doesn’t always work out though, once we asked Thomas Mars from Phoenix to collaborate, he simply replied “No”. It might have made us like him more.”

With their aviation theme firmly in place, Lyell recalls how it all came about, “The logo and name came from Hugo’s grandfather. He started the company in the 70s in Merimbula (NSW) and when we wanted to look for a name it seemed like the perfect fit. Ever since then we’ve just played on the flight theme to get people in a good fun mood. It’s also become a great branding device for us. We had no idea it would get to this point.”

With multiple genres seemingly influencing the Flight Facilities lads, Lyell explains, “You can hear our early influences in the decade mixes and some of the edits we’ve done, but for certain tracks on the album like ‘Two Bodies’ we were influenced by sounds like Orbital ‘Belfast’, Lovebirds ‘Want You In My Soul’, Toro Y Moi ‘Rose Quartz’ and Everything But The Girl ‘Missing’. We looked at all these sounds and wanted to take small elements from each to make one song. We hope we did them all justice.”

With a busy world tour ahead of them and dates in Australia, Lyell speaks of the quintessential intentions of Flight Facilities and its mission, “We really just want to have fun in our music, I guess that’s why we wear our uniforms and have such a strong theme. We almost want to disarm people, and it’s fun watching that happen from the stage. Throughout the show you can just see the crowd unwinding and getting more into it, I think we feed off their energy as much as they do ours.”

By Hannah Shakir

“We really just want to have fun in our music”

NERVO

Having written hits for a whole host of stars including Kylie Minogue, Ke$ha and Kelly Rowland, the Nervo sisters are also credited with being amongst the best female DJ’s in the world. Spending the majority of their time either spinning tracks in the clubs, hopping on and off planes, writing new music and performing at festivals the world over, we catch up with sisters Mim and Liv, A.K.A NERVO to find out a little bit more about the sibling duo ahead of their performance at Stereosonic 2014.

Describing their sound as “Bold, fresh, and (hopefully) moving.” they regularly write songs for A-listers, and have a brand new release out with R3HAB featuring UK singer Ayah Marar entitled, ‘Ready For The Weekend’.

“We’ve been writing songs since we were 15-years-old, but our major cut was when we were 19 or 20 and was for Rachel Stevens. Before we were artists, we used to work with a lot of record labels and music management companies, and that was how we got to work with so many pop stars.

We started working with DJs because we were becoming more and more inspired by tougher beats and found the

sound more inspiring and the release process quicker.”

Wowing crowds the world over, NERVO are often jet setting around the world, from Ibiza to Las Vegas and even Taipei their schedules certainly keep them busy, as they try and balance out DJ-ing, songwriting and performing; “We love it all! Maybe the answer is in balancing writing and touring so you keep fresh and motivated.

For example, just when we’re tired of touring for a few weeks we’re very happy to sit still and make some new music. Similarly, once we’ve been staring at a computer screen for two weeks, it’s nice to jump on that plane and play our tunes to a live crowd.”

“There were about 3000 people plonked in the middle of the rainforest.

It was quite surreal.”

Obviously racking up a few airmiles between gigs, NERVO recall a particularly interesting trip, “There have been so many cool places. One that springs to mind is a party in the Amazon in Brazil. That was wild! Our set started at 6am, the people had been raving all night long. There

were about 3000 people plonked in the middle of the rainforest. It was quite surreal.”

Away from the glitz and glamour, the sisters explain what life is like for them when they’re not spinning records at ungodly hours of the day. Their priorities run in the order of… “chilling with friends and family, eating food, watching movies, talking crap over cocktails. If we’re on the road then we love site seeing, trying new foods, getting to know new cultures…”

Excited about their Stereosonic debut, the girls are upbeat about partying with the crowd, “It’s our first ever Stereosonic so we’re super psyched! We haven’t seen the line up yet, so not sure who is playing, but we do know a few of our friends (Showtek and W&W) are playing so it will be nice to hang with them on our days off and also to show them where we’re from.”

Don’t miss NERVO at this year’s Stereosonic 29th November - 7th December 2014. Visit www.stereosonic.com.au for tickets and information.

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By Hannah Shakir. Image by Chloe Paul.

Hailing from Melbourne, Mim and Liv explain what it’s like to work with family, “We’re like all normal sisters and we do squabble. Luckily it’s not too often and it’s often over before it has even begun. All in all we feel super lucky to have each other and couldn’t do this without each other.”

Dusky Almost a year since we last caught up with them, there have been quite a few developments for house and techno duo, Dusky.

At the time we speak, Nick is preparing a set list for the 20th anniversary party of Bugged Out, for which he has to choose his top five tunes of all time. “I’m trying to whittle down a very long list. I’m almost there; I’ve got about 10, including a jazz tune called ‘Superstar’, ‘Regulate’ for some hip hop, some jungle and then old school stuff.”

While this set list is considerably short, Dusky have set themselves a huge task of late to play much longer sets for their UK autumn/winter tour.

“It’s the first time we’ve committed to playing long sets.

Last weekend we did a party in London for Bugged Out and we played for six hours. We had some great people in the other room like Juan Atkins, Trevino and Will Saul, so it was like an old school rave: hot, sweaty and packed until 6am.”

crowd will be up for a variety of stuff, so you can get away with it, but at other places, people just want you to bang it out. Playing longer, you get the opportunity to play stuff you wouldn’t normally, and it’s nice to have that freedom.”

Never mind the crowd, how do they keep themselves going?

“We just bounce off other people.

I tend to not even drink that much during long sets, because it makes me really tired. You don’t want to be standing there yawning, and it’s a commitment you’ve made so you have to put your energy into it.”

Following on from their UK tour, Dusky will be heading to the USA and Australia. After a quick reminder about their last visit for New Year’s, Nick explains why they’re paying a visit to Harbourlife on 8th November.

“Last time we were over, everyone was telling us we need to play Harbourlife, so we decided to come back for that rather than do the New Year’s thing, so we can be home for Christmas instead of away. I’m looking forward to it; it’s supposed to be really good and we can play good tunes.”

“People send stuff that isn’t ready at all. I did the same”

BBM are more than happy to party all night, but we can’t imagine trying to keep a crowd happy for six hours. “It depends where you are. Sometimes the 58

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Despite long sets and touring the globe, Dusky have committed themselves to their biggest project yet, for this year, they set

up their label, 17 Steps, which he explains was based around the concept of 17 Steps of the Monomyth. An exciting move for the pair, Nick is quick to stress that it’s not a Dusky project. “It’s very much its own entity. We don’t want it to be forever tied to us, but that’s something that will take time.”

Even though they want to separate the label from the Dusky name, it was only right that the first release was their own, ‘Love Taking Over’, as it has great advantages. “It’s a platform for our own music and we don’t have to wait to put stuff out. Alfie and I have always wanted to do it, but we never thought it was the right time. We wanted to build up our profile as artists before we committed to starting a label.”

Now they have, there’s no getting away from the demands of owning and running their own label. Keen to know what they’ve learnt so far in its early stages, Nick rather sheepishly tells of his surprise of “how much terrible music we get sent.” To defend his remark, he explains, “People send stuff that isn’t ready at all. I did the same; I sent stuff to labels, which, looking back, just wasn’t the right thing to send at all. It’s hard to have that objectivity, but there’s so much stuff that is nowhere near good enough to release.” Let that be a lesson to all you avid music makers aiming to impress!

By Charlotte Mellor

Regularly requested to play the best events and clubs in town and forging their very own label, 17 Steps, which has already seen releases from the duo, the future looks set to be extremely bright.

MUSIC NEWS

EP Review Paces featuring Youth On My Mind If you’re a fan of exceptionally produced house, then give Paces featuring Youth On My Mind a chance, as you’ll most likely be pleased by what you hear .

The sub-tropical producer, MPC power-master, and allround nice guy Paces joins the growing roster at Australian electronic indie label etcetc with

the release of his upcoming EP ‘On My Mind’. With gentle synths carrying a melodic backing, the three-track EP features the vocals of the UK’s Youth.

Her sweet voice sits perfectly on top of the muted synths, as the powerful chorus penetrates the listener’s ears. With a purposeful beat and chord progressions, this is a track you’ll instantly want to whack on repeat, and as the track comes to a close we are met with a snare drum that affirms what you’ve previously heard in the track and concludes the song neatly.

Having released two EPs over the past 12 months, one featuring Kitsune’s Chela and another, Erin Marshall, it’s plain to see that Paces means business.

Paces featuring Youth ‘On My Mind’ is out 7th November 2014.

Single Reviews

Tennis – I’m Calling

Ahead of the release of their new album ‘Ritual in Repeat’, due out in February, husband and wife due Tennis release single ‘I’m Calling’.

The dreamy pop track features tight production and the wispy and whimsical vocals of Alaina Moore. With an 80s vibe snapping along throughout the song, it automatically feels easy and slightly kitsch – but not in a cringe-worthy way. Any fans of Haim will certainly love this track.

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Gabriel Rios – Gold (Thomas Jack remix)

Gentle yet busy guitars open quiet and amiable track from Gabriel Rios, before his placid vocals lullaby over the backing.

With strings setting the pace after the initial instrumental, the track gathers a solid pace as the vocals continually nip and twist throughout the track. ‘Gold’ belongs to the same country/folk influenced pseudo dance music as Wanklemut’s ‘One Day’ yet sits in a less affected position to Avicii’s ‘Wake Me Up’.

Kuage – A Part Of You

Opening with a lonely guitar solo, pulsating 4-step chords set the tone for the track.

Almost sounding like a marriage between Aphex Twin and M.A.N.D.Y, synths ease their way throughout the track as they crescendo, until later we hear a sample of FKA Twigs, and other morphed and stretched vocals, acting as instruments to build a colourful multi-layered track. This dance track shows off the capabilities of the French duo, and is sure to play soundtrack to many a night out in the near future.

Album Review CHLLNGR Form Of Release Deep dark dub, with a soulful pop twist.

Denmark’s CHLLNGR creates some-time driving electro based dub, full of smooth synths and darkened kick-drums, with an acapella dessert.

Enlisting a cavalcade of up-andcoming vocal talent, Denmark’s newest musical starlet takes influences from the school of Jamie Woon and James Blake and mixes them with some elements of FKA Twigs and a hint of Blood Orange.

Opening with the dark and moody ‘For The Books’, this is a good antidote to the surplus of generic Dub/EDM hybrids that currently pop over the airwaves.

Moving effortlessly from genial sparseness (‘First Time’) to soundscapes of bass notes so drawn out you can hear their

longing (‘Fall’), before creating a funk driven number that puts you more in mind of Pharrell or Jungle, with an understated Erykah Badu-alike intoning “what you really want from me?” (‘Yes’), this is an album created from the dub cookbook, but with more than enough interesting twists to keep you listening.

There are smatterings of TV in the Radio, and Tinashè in the oddly driving ‘Art and Science’, and the African percussion and repetitive chanting of ‘Waiting’ will stick in your head.

Ending with the delicate plodding Gospel chorus of

‘Save Me’, it’s a varied offering, and one that bodes well for the highly ranked newcomer.

It’s a remarkably elusive listen the first time: the energy of the album is akin to a restrained Walter White – you know there’s something else that could come out and you’re waiting to see if it’ll happen. It’s an intelligent record that engineers the Bassy dub space well, every sound is expertly placed, but unlike Walter, it doesn’t ever quite explode; the album ends with you needing to listen to it again to see if it will happen the second time.

The Best Of Soundcloud We love finding new music, and one of our favourite sources for doing so is Soundcloud, so here’s our favourite discoveries this month... get Googling now...

Jaguar – Superpoze Shpongle – Brain In A Fishtank Tourist – Your Girl Blood Cultures – Indian Summer FTSE featuring Kenzie May – Float Ajimal – Nothing Touches Me Flying Lotus Ft. Mapei Co Produced by Dj Mehdi – Ideas Mapei – Video Vixen (prod. by Marcus Price) Snoh featuring Common - Bad Things Jack Garratt - Worry (Iyes Remix) www.bbmlive.com

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Ones to watch:

BLEACHED

Sisters Jennifer and Jessie Clavin make up Bleached, a lo-fi psychedelic pop band from America. With only one full length release so far, ‘Ride Your Heart’, they are quite new on the scene however they do seem to have their style down. For the most part it is extremely catchy pop hooks with all the cool of lo-fi and the fuzz of psychedelic rock. ‘Next Stop’ and ‘Waiting By The Telephone’ are simplicity itself but retain an edginess that keeps them from being boring.

Astpai

It is refreshing when you find a band that breaks the trend. Modern punk bands seem to mainly drift towards the evergrowing bland mass of whining hardcore and pop-punk. These bands all sound the same. Astpai don’t. They are cut from the same cloth as Rancid and Minor Threat. They write songs about things that matter, good songs. Good songs which, for the most part, are punk as it should be, fast, powerful but not overcrowded or unintelligible. This Austrian band know what they are doing, their most recent record ‘Efforts and Means’ balances fun with seriousness, energy with refrain.

‘Biting Dogs Don’t Chew’ and ‘Give Us Today Our Daily Bread, Cars And Flatscreens’ are typical of Astpai at their best. How they aren’t huge already is a mystery. Their material is available to listen to via their website at astpai.org.

Bleached are also able to do both happy/carefree and angsty/bleak songs equally well, following one with the other almost seamlessly. They sound like the perfect band to see live in a small venue. Any further releases are well worth checking out. Some of the band’s material is available to listen to through the Soundcloud page belonging to their label, Dead Ocean.

Dinosaur Pile-Up

With two albums to their name so far, Leeds band Dinosaur Pile-Up are in the process of establishing themselves as mainstays in the live circuit. They play alternative rock but are more influenced by the early 90s grunge bands than many of their contemporaries. They also, play loud for a three-piece they possess a venue-destroying volume of noise. Their live shows are definitely worth checking out. ‘Nature Nurture’, their second record, came out last year and while slightly more refined than their first album, ‘Growing Pains’, there is still more than enough of what make this band great: energy, rawness and volume.

Tracks like ‘Heather’ and ‘Draw A Line’ are Dinosaur Pile-Up at their best and could easily have been on the first record. Future releases are well worth keeping an eye out for. The band have Bandcamp and Soundcloud pages where you can listen to their material.

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London Grammar return to oz With Hannah Reid’s haunting voice and the technical skills of Dan Rothman and Dot Major, London Grammar have surpassed all expectations and garnered a huge following around the world.

Their debut album, ‘If You Wait’ was one of the finest to come out of 2013, and their single, ‘Strong’, earned them a coveted Ivor Novello award for Best Song Musically and Lyrically.

Returning to Oz in March 2015, the trio have sold out all tickets for Sydney’s Hordern Pavilion and Melbourne’s Festival Hall, but two extra dates have been added for fans that were unable to get tickets.

London Grammar will be playing Riverstage in Brisbane on Saturday 7th March and Enmore Theatre in Sydney on Monday 9th March. Tickets for Brisbane are available to get your hands on right now fromTicketmaster, as are tickets for Enmore Theatre available from from www.ticketek.com.au.

Considering two dates have already sold out, we suggest you get a move on and confirm yours sharpish!

Also touring in 2015...

Milky Chance

Tuesday 6th January – 170 Russell, Melbourne Wednesday 7th January – Metro Theatre, Sydney

George Ezra

Wednesday 7th January – The Corner Hotel, Melbourne Thursday 8th January – Metro Theatre, Sydney

The 1975

Saturday 10th January – The Barton Theatre, Adelaide Sunday 11th January – Festival Hall, Melbourne Friday 16th January – Hordern Pavilion, Sydney Sunday 18th January – The Marquee, Brisbane

Band Of Skulls

Tuesday 7th April – The Corner Hotel, Melbourne Thursday 9th April – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney For more inforamtion log on to

secret-sounds.com.au

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By Robin Lewis & Dan Barnes

The three talented singer, songwriters and musicians that we know as London Grammar return to Australia in 2015, following a successful tour in 2013 and appearances at Glastonbury, Bestival and Lollapalooza back home.

FUNNY NEWS

Airports are just plane sexy...

So with certain death approaching with each step you take towards the runway, it’s perhaps no surprise that a new survey shows a fair few of us have enjoyed a bit of pre-flight nookie at an airport.

Apparently a whopping 10 per cent of us have had sex at an airport, with three-quarters choosing to do it in the toilets. In other words, hanging around airport bathrooms is even better than Tinder when it comes to random shagging.

In this post- 9/11 world of missing planes and ebola infections, you pretty much have a 50 per cent chance of dying the minute you set foot in an airport.

If you don’t believe us, just look at the true-life events depicted by Samuel L Jackson in hardhitting documentary ‘Snakes on a Plane’. One bloke even had his cock bitten off. Still, that’s what you get when you book with China Southern Airlines.

“These results shocked us a little. We’re surprised that more people haven’t been caught in the act,” Antoine Michelat, co-founder of Jetcost.co.uk, said. “Clearly, intimate acts in airports are even more common than those that take place on planes! I suppose one of the reasons many people are tempted is the thrill of knowing you’re not supposed to be doing what you’re doing, where you’re doing it.”

More than 2500 people across the UK were quizzed about their amorous airport experiences, but to find out if it was just a British thing, the website also polled 1000 people from European countries.

The results showed Italians (17 per cent) are the most randy when it comes to sexual encounters in airports, followed by the Spanish (14 per cent).

We were a little surprised to hear only 8 per cent of Germans have had an airport bathroom bonk, though, as we thought the idea of having sex and a shit would appeal to the scheisse-fetish freaks.

STUCK IN THE MIDDLE WITH YOU BBM has always dreamed about making love on a beach. It’s not that we think it’s particularly erotic or romantic, we just really like making jokes about crabs.

But STD-based puns were the last thing on the mind of a young couple relaxing on a Porto San Giorgio beach in Italy when they decided to take to the water to express their physical love.

Alas the wet dream became a real nightmare when the pair of saucy swimmers got their genitals stuck together due to suction and had to go to hospital to uncouple themselves - which we’re assuming isn’t what Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin meant when they “consciously uncoupled”.

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Apparently the conjoined couple were forced to shuffle to shore while stuck together.

A doctor was called and the young lovers were taken to a nearby hospital, where the woman was given an injection used to dilate the cervix of pregnant women. They didn’t show that bit in From Here to Eternity.

STICKING HIS NECK OUT TO ESCAPE JAIL

Celebrity Tweets Katie Price @MissKatiePrice On way to my signing at whsmith in Maidstone Kent woooo - About the only place where people look up to you.

Sean Penn raised the bar for method actors when he went “full retard” in I Am Sam – but a Swansea-based fraudster has taken “getting into a character” to a new level after faking being in a vegetative state for two years.

Kerry Katona @KerryKatona7 Laugh as much as possible,love with every bit of your heart,appreciate all you have been blessed with,&never ever take any of it for granted - And never blow all your dosh on coke and man hookers.

Alan Knight, 47, claimed he was unable to move from the neck down and was frequently pictured on an oxygen machine, drooling, and being wheeled about by his “caring” wife as he tried to escape punishment for conning an elderly neighbour out of £40,000.

Alas, after 24 months, the jig was up when he was spotted on CCTV pushing a shopping trolley around Tesco and driving. Doh!

KANYE WEST @kanyewest Sometimes I feel like just saying I love you isn’t strong enough to express how much I love you - Kanye West should really get some professional help, talking to yourself is a true sign of madness.

Detective Constable Paul Harry, from South Wales Police, said: “In my entire career this is the most calculated, long-term deception of a vulnerable, elderly neighbour I have ever seen.”

Amanda Bynes @amandabynes My dad never did any of those things The microchip in my brain made me say those things but he’s the one that ordered them to microchip me - So rehab’s going well then…

The irony is Knight will probably end up in a vegetative state when his cellmates find out what he’s been sent down for.

Taking Crap From Customers Being British, the worst thing we do when we get poor service at a restaurant is tut quietly to our friends.

Even then, if the waitress has decent cleavage we’ll still leave a generous tip. It’s why we dine almost exclusively at Hooters.

In America, though, they’re a little more direct with their complaints – as a waitress in Indiana discovered this month when she went to pick up a $2 tip left by a teenager, and found it was covered in poo.

Police say the 17-year-old suspect was part of a group of American football players from a nearby university who had been “causing problems” at the Brothers Bar and Grill.

He was promptly arrested by police at the scene and charged with “battery with bodily waste” – which, to us, makes it sound like he hit her with a bat made from his own crap. Bet they never showed you how to make one of those on Blue Peter.

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Woolly-thinking on drugs

A flock of doped-up sheep spent a day stumbling around, making strange noises and, presumably, ordering pizza after accidentally feasting on thousands of pounds worth of cannabis.

The sheep made their way through seven bags of the drug – worth around £4000 – which had been dumped in a corner of a field in Merstham, Surrey.

So there you go Glastonbury fans, you’re not the only ones who enjoy standing in a field off your tits on weed. All that was missing was Michael Eavis and some overpriced vegan food.

“At first I thought it was someone’s hedgerow rubbish. I went down to collect the bags so the sheep weren’t eating black plastic,” said Nellie Budd, who manages the sheep’s farm.

“When I got there I realised it was a form of herbal cannabis plant. They were very strong in scent. I have no idea how they got there. It’s right next to a road and the footpath is quite open.”

A crime of fashion

We’re not criminal masterminds here at BBM. Our idea of getting away with something is remembering to use the tap after we’ve pissed in the sink.

However, it seems like a fairly obvious rule of thumb that if you’re going to try and steal something, then it’s best to look as inconspicuous as possible. Maybe dark, indistinguishable clothing and balaclavas. Well two blokes in Yorkshire got the balaclava bit right when they stole several expensive monitors from a train station last month, unfortunately the rest of their attire didn’t exactly “blend in”.

Police are now hunting a man wielding a spade and a polkadot onesie, and another dressed in red leggings armed with a Jedi light sabre. “It’s not often we get CCTV of thieves wearing a polkadot onesie and wielding a spade, but they could be the vital clues needed to name these two,” police understated.

Getting tanked up at your local

A bloke from rural Lancashire took “Pimp My Ride” to Syria-esque levels after driving up to his local pub in a tank.

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Families enjoying a Sunday dinner at the Tollemache Arms in Buckminster soiled themselves when the 1950s Vickers Abbot tank pulled in outside the pub and a man clambered out.

We don’t condone drunk driving but good luck to the copper who tries to pull that guy over.

“All the traffic stopped outside the pub when this blooming great tank suddenly arrived – everyone was absolutely gobsmacked,” said landlord Steve Turner, 60.

“With us being a family pub there were lots of children around on Sunday and a lot of them went outside to have a look and have their picture taken next to the tank.”

THE SPIDER WHO LOVED ME

If Immigration Minister Scott Morrison wants to stop people coming to Australia, there’s a much easier method than torturing asylum seekers for months in gulagstyle conditions on a remote island (i.e. current government policy).

Australia has the sun, the beaches, the economy and a lazy attitude to work that makes it a mecca for boat people. But it also has animals and insects that can kill, maim or decapitate you just by being within a 10m radius. While this may freak out any would-be immigrants from ever setting foot Down Under, it’s made natural-born Aussies uber-tough when it comes to squeamishness.

This point was rammed home again this month when Sydney bloke Dylan Maxwell had a spider burrowing its way into his body for three days before finally having it removed.

The freakish creature tunnelled through a small appendix scar and travelled up his torso, leaving an angry red scar from his navel to his chest.

“Just glad it’s all over”, Dylan said, adding it was the worst thing to get under his skin since “Shake It Off” by Taylor Swift.

SPORTS NEWS

Food for thought at Queens Pork Rangers It’s not just handbags at dawn at QPR, it’s hamburgers at lunch and ham sandwiches at dinner too.

In a literal battle of the heavyweights, Arry Redknapp – a man so unhealthy his cheeks look like a spaniel’s ears – has taken Adel Taarabt to task over his weight, claiming he’s “three stone” heavier than he should be.

Taarabt, the plus-sized Sophie Dahl of footballers, hit back by claiming he was 85kg and in good shape. Since then it’s been an exchange of sumo-style slaps as the two squabble over size. For Redknapp, getting Taarabt into shape has become his own personal white whale. So to speak.

Rumblings in Argentina as 12 See Red An Argentinian third division football game between long-standing rivals Deportivo Roca and Cipolletti FC took a surprise twist in the 67th minute when the players decided to stage an impromptu Royal Rumble.

“I can’t keep protecting people who don’t want to run about and train, who are about three stone overweight,” Redknapp slobbered. “What am I supposed to keep saying, keep getting your 60, 70 grand a week and don’t train? What’s the game coming to?”

Taarabt responded with: “He spends most of the time in his office but when he gets off the phone he comes down to watch for five or 10 minutes - he never takes a session … I am a professional this is not about retaliation, this is about protecting my reputation.”

We’re not sure if Taarabt needs to lose weight, but he could definitely do with trimming an excess “A” from his surname.

It could all be academic now anyway, because like a teacher trying to separate two fat kids fighting over an éclair, QPR chairman Tony Fernandes has grabbed both their ears and pulled them apart.

“I have spoken to them both personally,” Fernandes headmastered. “Both have been notified of our disappointment regarding their handling of the situation.”

From Russia With Love

Bayern Munich’s quest to replace Barcelona as football’s Mr Nice Guys continued when the club refunded a group A war-crime of a tackle sparked an all-in mass of fans who rented out brawl, which lasted for over a minute and ended an apartment in a skyscraper next to the Arena with no less than 12 players receiving their Khimki to view their team in action in the Champions marching orders. All it needed was the Undertaker League. to hit the referee on the back of the head with a steel chair and Vince McMahon would have The German champions played away to CSKA added it to his next Wrestlemania DVD. Moscow but no fans were allowed in due to Russian rowdiness the previous season. Undeterred, The fixture had to be over 50 Bavarian fans rented an apartment in a suspended as a result neighbouring building which overlooks the pitch – of the brawl and the and their efforts have duly been rewarded by the Argentine FA are now club. looking at handing out lengthy bans to both “The action was made known to us, and my clubs for failing colleague Jan Dreesen (Bayern’s CFO) has indeed to control their paid the rent for the game,” umlauted Karl-Heinz players.

Rummenigge, the club’s chief executive.

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Mum’s The Word For Hayne Jarryd Hayne’s mother is thrilled her son is heading to America for his doomed attempt at cracking the NFL, but we doubt it’s got anything to do with her son following his dreams.

And if Jarryd’s American dream dies on its arse (which it will), don’t assume he’ll come straight back to the NFL. There could be an even weirder switch in store.

More likely it’s because the poor cow used to get the crap knocked out of her while young Jarryd was learning to become a professional sportsman.

“He used to tackle me – we’d play tackle until he was a teenager,” she said while removing a sling from her arm.

“The first thing he wanted to be was a jockey because he loved horses but I took him aside and said, ‘Son, you are going to be way too big to be a jockey’,” his mum waffled.

“You know we’d play gridiron out the front of the house sometimes. I remember a few years ago he pegged a ball at me, it nearly sent me through the fence.”

Trouble in the Twitterverse

Wee Spot of Bother

After a bad-tempered 3-0 shellacking away to Dunfirmline last month, Rodgers decided to vent his frustration online by calling residents of the small Scottish town “mutants” and “absolute creatures” in a series of tweets. He was promptly banned for two matches.

That nearly happened in Holland’s lower leagues last month when a Dutch glovesman with a small bladder was caught short mid-game.

Peterhead striker Andy Rodgers and Football League journeyman Dele Adebola are the two stars of this month’s instalment of “Why footballers shouldn’t use Twitter”.

And followers of Adebola - the former Coventry, Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest and Birmingham striker – raised eyebrows when he asked for help on how to remove a tweet from his account. A quick scan through his page quickly revealed why – he had accidentally posted a link to the PornHub website. So remember kids, always log out of your social media accounts before you look at internet porn. Otherwise one sudden hand spasm and you’re just a click away from telling the world you love the “Barely Legal Poodles” website.

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For goalkeepers, there’s almost nothing more embarrassing than letting one trickle through your legs… except perhaps letting one trickle “down” your legs.

The shotstopper was forced to halt proceedings during Excelsior 31’s victory over CSV Apeldoorn to dart behind his goal and take a piss next to the advertising boards.

Thankfully for him, the referee had sympathy and allowed the keeper time to give it a quick shake and stick his gloves back on before restarting the match.

In BBM’s opinion, it sets a dangerous precedent.

It may seem harmless enough now, but how long will it be before we see Mario Balotelli squatting over the penalty spot and taking a dump?

Rash Cash Decision

World Cup film is “Ghana” THE terrible

It’s often said that money can’t buy you happiness. Just look at Manuel Pellegrini, he’s spent a bloody fortune at Eastlands but still has a face on him like the Emperor Escape to Victory, When Saturday from Star Wars.

Comes, the Goal trilogy.

But while we agree that money isn’t everything, we still think American teenager Rhiannon Conelley is a fricking tool. The 16-year-old won a competition organised by the Brazilian drinks brand Guarana Antarctica and, as a result, was offered either $10,000 or a meeting with Neymar in Spain.

The Yank promptly chose the meeting with Neymar.

“I just wanted to meet Neymar,” Rhiannon said. “I thought it was more important than $10,000.

And now the pantheon of shit football films is set for another addition following the news a movie script is being written for Ghana’s recent World Cup shambles, when the Black Stars almost quit the tournament over an unpaid bonuses row.

The Ghana squad refused to train because of unpaid appearance fees just days before their match against Portugal, forcing the government “Nobody agreed with me, but I stood my ground.” to send more than £1.8m in cash by plane with Of course, the trip to Spain could still pay for itself if players then reportedly keeping the money in Rhiannon gets some tax-evading tips from Messi while their backpacks. visiting the Nou Camp.

“It’s really about the journey of the guy who actually is entrusted to deliver the money and what happens if he doesn’t get it there in time,” said screenwriter Darryl Wharton-Rigby.

“I saw footage of the police cars taking the money on the highway and you can just see that scene playing out in your mind with someone like Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson as the guy having to save the day.”

“A bit Like Renée Zellweger, Liverpool just doesn’t look the same as last year.”

We just hope they give the story a happy ending, like The Rock performing a piledriver on Sepp Blatter.

By Richard Gadsby

Joke of the month...

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CRYSTAL BALLS changing jobs to something in journalism or teaching, your search for a new career path takes an unexpected twist when you land the role of Rumpleteazer in a Sydney Opera House production of Cats.

LEO

GEMINI

After mocking your best friend for years for subscribing to Puzzler magazine, you’re left eating your words when you get a new job on a farm and, on your first day, find yourself needing to cross a river with a chicken, a fox and a bag of corn – but with only enough room in the boat to take one at a time.

VIRGO

Four down: Disheartened when fighter aircraft with corrosion gets admired (10 letters)

AQUARIUS

A mix-up at the chemists could unlock hidden superpowers, or relieve painful bowel cramps and incontinence. Alas, it’s one or the other – which is why pedestrians grab for their umbrellas whenever you fly overhead in your cape.

LIBRA

Don’t forget to Skype your mum this weekend or you’ll really regret it at her funeral in December.

ARIES

After months of thinking about 70

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It’s a haberdashery of a month for you. He who calls the piper pays the tune. A man called Dodecahedron will have a big impact on your career. Listen out for the numbers six, five and 459. They will call to you in the night, like a red squirrel pining for the golden days before grey squirrel dominance. Large Hadron Collider. There is also a 50 per cent chance you will be left confused this month by a deliberately obtuse horoscope.

Adding to the confusion is the fact you don’t know what the word “obtuse” means.

SCORPIO

You start a “no-strings” physical relationship with the actress who played Blanche in the Golden Girls. Despite the age difference, the sex is absolute dynamite. The only downside is she died four years ago and grave robbery is punishable by up to 10 years in jail.

CANCER

Your decade-long battle to sue the producers of Jurassic Park for stealing the idea for a film you had after your parents took you to West Midland Safari Park reaches a climax this month when the judge issues a restraining order banning you from going within 100 metres of Stephen Spielberg and any members of his immediate family. It would have been worse but his lawyers failed to prove beyond doubt that the turd he received through the post was mailed to him by you,

even though DNA testing proved it was one of yours.

CAPRICORN

After a particularly heavy night on the sauce, you wake up in the middle of the afternoon on a bench somewhere on the coast near Bondi wearing only your pants and with scores of tourists taking photos of you. You try to shoo them off but the effort just makes you vomit onto the floor and you spend the next hour dry heaving and crying about where your life is headed.

About a month later, you receive a letter from the organisers of Sculpture by the Sea confirming that you’ve come second in the People’s Choice category. Your prize? A $100 bar tab at the Tea Gardens in Bondi Junction. And so the cycle continues.

PISCES

Number 112. Number 113.

Number 114. Please take a ticket and wait for your horoscope to be called.

TAURUS

You decide to make a bit of extra money by renting out your Facebook cover photo as advertising space. It’s eventually hired out by an extreme rightwing political party whose name I am unable to print due to decency laws. Let’s just say you lose all your Jewish friends and are investigated by the police for inciting racial hatred. On the plus side, you get a friend request from Mel Gibson.

SAGITTARIUS

I’m running out of space to do your horoscope so I’ll have to make it quick. Basically, you’re enjoying a game of lawn bowls with a group of close friends when - to cut a long story short - four end up dead and you lose half your face to acid burns.

ASK CRYSTAL Dear Crystal, My girlfriend gets very upset whenever a celebrity dies and won’t have sex with me for a few weeks out of respect.

Unfortunately they’ve been dropping like flies recently. It started with Robin Williams in August, then Dickie Attenborough copped it a few weeks later. Now that Lynda Bellingham’s popped her clogs I’m worried I won’t get my end away until bloody Christmas.

Please help.

Yours sincerely, Chris Dear Chris, You could actually turn this to your advantage. Try and convince her that sex can be a celebration of a celebrity’s life.

Maybe suggest a game of “strip” Jumanji, for example, or dress up as a sexy Patch Adams.

You could even offer to eat Oxo cubes off her naked body as a tribute to Bellingham. If you’re

really lucky, Ron Jeremy will die soon and you’ll get to have a lesbian threeway in his honour.

Dear Crystal, A couple of weeks ago I went up town with my friends and we ended up in a night club. I started dancing with this really sexy tall blonde and, well, one thing led to another and we ended up at her place.

I was pretty drunk so it’s all still a bit of a blur, but we’ve met up a couple of times since then for drinks. The thing is, she’s not been quite as “forward” as she was that first night and there are a couple of other odd things about her. My suspicions were first aroused when I used her bathroom and noticed she’d left the toilet seat up. Then we passed a friend of hers on the street who called her Steve (which she told me was short for Stephanie). Suddenly a lot of

other odd little things caught my attention: the broad shoulders, her love of cigars, her firm understanding of the offside rule. Also, my arse has been pretty sore since that first, and only, night we slept together. Am I missing something here?

Yours, Justin Dear Justin, Wake up and smell the big throbbing penis. Your sheila is a he-la. The real question is: are you really that dumb, or so deep in the closet you’re practically in Narnia?

Dear Crystal, When? Will I? Will I be famous?

Love Lee Dear Lee, I can’t answer. I can’t answer that.

JOKES Yo momma is so fat, I took a picture of her last Christmas and it’s still printing. Helen, Brisbane A husband and wife are trying to set up a new password for their computer. The husband puts, “Mypenis,” and the wife falls on the ground laughing because on the screen it says, “Error. Not long enough.” Claire, Adelaide If at first you don’t succeed, skydiving is not for you!

Darren, Perth An elderly couple are in church.

The wife leans over and whispers to her husband, “I just let out a long, silent fart. What should I do?” The husband replies, “First off, replace the batteries in your hearing aid!”

Mike, Byron Bay Steven Hawking came back from his first date in 10 years.

His Glasses were smashed, he had a broken wrist, twisted ankle and grazed knees.

Apparently she stood him up.

Liam, Surry Hills Mother Superior was taking a bath. There’s a knock on the door. She says, “Who is it?”

A male voice responds, “The blind man.” After a few moments of deliberation the nun says, “Come in.” The man enters and says, “Nice tits, Mrs Nun. Where do you want me to hang the blind?” Nick, Bondi

seriously out of hand.

Ryan, Northbridge A little girl goes shopping with her dad. After the shoe shop, and the cake shop, she goes into the barber shop with her father. She stands next to the barber’s chair, while her dad gets his hair cut, eating a cupcake. The barber says to her, “Sweetheart, you’re gonna get hair on your muffin.”

She says, “Yes, I know, and I’m gonna get boobs too.”

Simon, Melbourne

Christianity is one woman’s lie about having an affair that got

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ADULT FUN

What are the Odds In Oz

There’s been a resurgence in gambling, dining, accommodation and entertainment complexes recently that has seen future projects in Australia come to light, including an $8.5 billion resort opening in Cairns in 2018 and a James Packer project in 2019 that will feature views of Sydney Harbour. With so much under one roof, casinos are beckoning locals and visitors to explore the interior and find something for them. With this in mind, here’s a look at what Australia already has to offer.

Seeing a few renovations in its time, Jupiters stands proud along the Gold Coast with five restaurants, four bars, 592 guest rooms and one entire floor filled with 70 table games and over 1300 machines. With so much space, it makes room for entertainment night after night including comedy gigs, music performances, dancing, movie marathons, trivia nights, live sports screenings and food and drink promotions everywhere you turn. Seriously, you could come here every day of the week and still find something new.

1 Casino Drive, Broadbeach www.jupitersgoldcoast.com.au

Crown Resorts

The daddy of them all, Crown Resorts has a complex in London, Melbourne and Perth, and will be opening their third in Australia in Sydney in 2019 (mentioned above). Crown Perth, opened in 1985, features two hotels, a day spa, salon, fitness centre, over 10 restaurants and a range of bars and nightclubs to appeal to all. A new hotel, Crown Towers Perth, is expected to be open in 2016 and a recent approval means that the casino will soon hold 2500 machines and 320 tables.

This is still less than its Melbourne younger sister, which is licensed to operate 500 table games.

Great Eastern Highway, Burswood, Perth 8 Whiteman Street, Southbank, Melbourne www.crownresorts.com.au 74

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Wrest Point Hotel Casino

Believe it or not, the first licensed casino in Australia wasn’t even on the mainland. Opening its doors in 1973, Wrest Point Hotel Casino aimed to improve tourism to Hobart, Tasmania, when seven months of the year were considered “off-season.” The boutique casino features table games like Blackjack, Roulette and Texas Hold’em Poker, while Riverview and Boardwalk gaming areas hold the machines. Four bars and five restaurants offer refreshment with stunning views of the waterfront, and an overnight stay includes use of the gym, sauna, spa, pool, tennis court and mini golf course.

410 Sandy Bay Road, Sandy Bay, Tasmania www.wrestpoint.com.au

The Star

An entertainment centre sitting on the banks of Sydney Harbour, The Star boasts nine bars, two hotels, 12 eateries, a spa and swimming pool and a casino floor. The Event Centre hosts some of the biggest names in the world and their live tours, and from comedy nights to DJ sets, dance classes and festival pre-parties, there’s always something going on.

80 Pyrmont Street, Pyrmont www.star.com.au

By Charlotte Mellor

Jupiters Hotel & Casino

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

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 SCUBA CENTRE Port Douglas-Cairns-Airlie Beach, 230 Sugarloaf Rd, Whitsunday Ph: 07 4946 1067 whitscub@gmail.com www.scubacentre.com.au

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

ADVENTURE TOURS

GOIN SOUTH Four days, two famous Aussie icons, one awesome tour Ph: 1800 009 858 www.facebook.com/goinsouthtours A J HACKET BUNGY JUMPING McGregor Road, Smithfield, QLD, 4878

Tel: 07 4057 7188 Free: 1800 622 888 cairns.reception@ajhackett.com www.cairns.ajhackett.com BLUE MOUNTAINS ADVENTURE COMPANY Ph: 02 4782 1271 bmac@bmac.com.au www.bmac.com.au WAYOUTBACK AUSTRALIAN SAFARI Ph: 1300 551 510 / 08 8952 4324 reservations@wayoutback.com.au www.wayoutback.com.au BRIDGE CLIMB SYDNEY Ph: 02 8274 7777 www.bridgeclimb.com BUNYIP TOURS 570 Flinders Street Melbourne Victoria, 3000 1300 286 947 info@bunyiptours.com www.bunyiptours.com PENRITH WHITE WATER RAFTING Ph: 02 4730 4333 booking@penrithwhitewater. com.au www.penrithwhitewater.com.au AUSSIE WANDERERS Ph: 09 438 2070 www.aussiewanderer.com.au KANGAROO ISLAND ADVENTURE TOURS Vivonne Bay, Kingscote, SA Ph: 08 8202 8678 www.kiadventuretours.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

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

WESTCOAST JET The Boardwalk, Mews Road Fishingboat Harbour Fremantle Ph: 0403 606 033 info@westcoastjet.com.au www.westcoastjet.com.au

BOWLING

STRIKE BOWLING Nationwide Ph:1300 787453 www.strikebowling.com.au

TONGARRA Abel Point Marina Kiosk Airlie Beach, QLD Ph: 07 4946 5755 julie@tongarra.com.au tongarra.com

PADDO BOWLS 2 Quarry Street Paddington NSW, 2021 Ph: 02936 1150

TRANSPORT

KITE SURFING

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

KITE REPUBLIC 10-18 Jacka Blvd. St.Kilda Sea Baths Complex, St.Kilda, 3182, Melbourne, VIC Ph: 03 95370644 Mob: +61 418583233 info@kiterepublic.com.au www.kiterepublic.com.au

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

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

INTEGRITY COACH LINES PO BOX 1131, Midland, 6936 WA Ph: 08 927 47464 www.integritycoachlines.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

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ACCOMMODATION NEW SOUTH WALES SYDNEY

SYDNEY BACKPACKERS 7 Wilmot St Sydney NSW 2000 Ph: 02 9267 7772 1800 88 77 66 (Free Call) info@sydneybackpackers.com www.sydneybackpackers.com CLOVELLY HOTEL 381 Clovelly Road Clovelly Ph: (02) 9665 1214 office@clovellyhotel.com.au www.clovellyhotel.com.au THE GLOBE BACKPACKERS 40 Darlingurst Road Kings Cross, Sydney NSW 2011 Free: 1800 806 384 Ph: (02) 9326 9675 info@globebackpackers.com www.globebackpackers.com CITY RESORT HOSTEL 103-105 Palmer St Woolloomooloo, NSW 2011 Ph: (02) 9357 3333 bookings@cityresort.com.au Skype: City Resort Hostel www.cityresort.com.au Show this ad for $5 off!

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

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

212 Elizabeth Street, Surry Hills Sydney NSW 2010 Ph: (02) 92816030 Free: 1800 212 244 reception@bighostel.com www.bighostel.com

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

SYDNEY NORTHERN BEACHES

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

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

SYDNEYS SOUTHERN BEACHES

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

PORT STEPHENS

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

KATOOMBA

KATOOMBA MOUNTAIN Backpackers Lodge 31 Lurline st Katoomba, NSW

Ph: 04782 3933 stay@katoombabackpackers.com.au www.katoombabackpackers.com.au BLUE MOUNTAINS BACKPACKERS HOSTEL 144 Bathhurst Road, Katoomba, NSW 2780 Ph: 02 4782 9630 www.bluemountainsbackpackerhostel.com.au

BYRON BAY

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

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

QUEENSLAND BRISBANE

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

Minimum 2 week stay BASE BRISBANE CENTRAL 308 Edward st Brisbane QLD 4000 Ph: 07 3211 2433 brisbane@stayatbase.com www.stayatbase.com

BUNK 11-21 Gipps St, Fortitude Valley, Qld, 4006 Ph: +61 7 3257 3644 Free: 1800 682 865 info@bunkbrisbane.com.au www.bunkbrisbane.com.au BRISBANE CITY YHA 392 Upper Roma St, Brisbane QLD 4000 Ph: (07) 3236 1004 brisbanecity@yha.com.au www.yha.com.au

GOLDCOAST

TREKKERS BACKPACKERS 22 White Street, Goldcoast, QLD, 4215 Ph: (07) 55915616 Free : 1800 100 004 info@trekkersbackpackers.com.au www.trekkersbackpackers.com.au AQUARIUS BACKPACKERS 44 Queen Street Gold Coast, Queensland Ph: 07 5527 1300 Free:1800 229 955 info@aquariusbackpackers.com.au www.aquariusbackpackers.com.au SURFERS PARADISE YHA AT MAIN BEACH Mariners Cove, 70 Seaworld Drive Main Beach, Surfers Paradise 4217 Ph: (07) 5571 1776 surfersparadise@yha.com.au www.yha.com.au BACKPACKERS IN PARADISE 40 Peninsular Drive Central Surfers Paradise Queensland, 4217 Ph: (07) 5538 4344 Free: 1800 268 621 info@backpackersinparadise.com www.backpackersinparadise.com SURF N SUN Beachside Backpackers 3323 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast, QLD 4217 Ph: (07) 5592 2363 Free: 1800 678 194 info@surfnsun-goldcoast.com www.surfnsun-goldcoast.com SLEEPING INN SURFERS 26 Peninsular Drive Surfers Paradise QLD Ph: 07 5592 4455 info@sleepinginn.com.au www.sleepinginn.com.au COOLANGATTA SANDS HOSTEL Cnr Griffith & McLean Streets Coolangatta 4225 QLD Ph: 07 5536 7472 hostel@taphouse.com.au www.taphouse.com.au SURFERS PARADISE BACKPACKERS RSRT Backpackers Resort,2837 Gold Coast Highway, Queensland 4217 Ph: 07 5592 4677 Free: 1800 282 800

spbr@bigpond.net.au www.surfersparadisebackpackers.com.au

NOOSA

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

HERVEY BAY

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

TOWN OF 1770

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

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

4 Terminus Street (corner of Bunda st.& Terminus st.)

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

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

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

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

www.bbmlive.com

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

PERTH UNDERGROUND BACKPACKERS 268 Newcastle Street Northbridge WA 6003 Ph: (08) 9228 3755 www. undergroundbackpackers. com.au

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

MONKEY MIA

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

KUNUNURRA

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

BROOME

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

www.bbmlive.com

VICTORIA MILDURA

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

GREAT OCEAN ROAD

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

HALLS GAP

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

MELBOURNE

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

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

HALLS GAP

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

NORTHERN TERRITORY DARWIN

ASHTON LODGE & WISDOM BAR 48 Mitchell St, Darwin, NT, 0800 Ph: 08 8941 4866 ashtonlodge@gmail.com www.wisdombar.com.au MELALEUCA ON MITCHELL 52 Mitchell St, Darwin, NT, 0800

Ph: 08 8941 7900 Freecall: 1300 723 437 www.momdarwin.com info@MOMDarwin.com

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 www.adelaidebackpackers. com.au MAJESTIC MINIMA HOTEL 146 Melbourne Street, North Adelaide SA 5006 Ph:(08) 8334 7766 minima@majestichotels. com.au www.majestichotels. com.au