BBM Live October 2016 Tabloid

AUSTRALIA

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PROPER BOOZERS Melbourne

Perth

Brisbane

EUROPEAN BIER CAFE

ROSIE O’GRADY’S

GILHOOLEY’S

TURF BAR

Sydney CHURCHILLS SPORTS BAR

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

532 Anzac Parade, Kingsford, NSW churchillsbar.com.au

The Turf Bar is a frequent favourite of BBM Live’s, it is one of the most well equipped sports bars in Victoria and will be a popular watering hole for the Euro 2016 cup watchers.

131 Queen Street, Melbourne Turfbar.com.au

BALD FACE STAG

Serving up some damn good food also courtesy of Chicken & Sons, it’s here you’ll find great grub, and great music in The Stag Bandroom and Front Bar. With live music every week, you can’t go wrong with a weekend visit to this bar!

345 Parramatta Rd, Leichardt, NSW www.baldfacestag.com.au

THE HORSE

From wood smoked beef brisket to roasted pork belly, if you want to fill up on the good stuff, then you can do it at this fine bar with food from Chicken & Sons. Not one for beer drinkers however, as you’ll find mostly cocktails and a great wine list here!

381 Crown Street, Surry Hills www.thehorsesurreyhillsl.com.au

THE BAT & BALL HOTEL

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

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

P.J. O’BRIENS

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

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

THE CRAFTY SQUIRE

The Crafty Squire is a premium craft beer venue with a wide (and delicious) selection of brews on tap. www.thecraftysquire.com.au 127 Russell Street, Melbourne

Full of Irish charm, this Irish pub in Northbridge is where you can enjoy happy hour from Monday to Friday as well as live traditional Irish music and live sports! You’ll also find great food deals every day of the week between $10-$15.

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

ODIN TAVERN

Odin Tavern boasts an impressive layout of facilities with an outdoor beer garden, full TAB set-up and pool tables available near the sports bar.

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

CROWN PERTH

Claiming to have ‘Australia’s biggest sports bar screens’ the Crown Perth is where you go if you are a real hardcore fan and don’t want to miss a pixel of action.

Great Eastern Highway, Burswood, Perth www.crownperth.com.au

ELEPHANT & WHEELBARROW

You can expect live music throughout the week as well as a damn decent Sunday Roast for just $15 and meal deals for just $14.90 throughout the week!

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

One of Brisbane’s most popular Irish Taverns, Gilhooleys is where you’ll find a proper meal straight from the grill, including their Friday steak deal and ribs for just $18.95 each. Fridays are also topped off with live music from 4.30pm.

Corner of Albert & Charlotte Street, Brisbane www.gilhooleys.com

PIG AND WHISTLE

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

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

MICK O’MALLEYS

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

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

Image courtesy of the The Horse.

The European Bier Cafe is a welcome relief from the ‘true blue’ character of Australian pubs, the bier cafe has a modern interior, a rooftop bar and plenty of Bier!

120 Exhibition Street Melbourne www.europeanbiercafe.com.au

www.bbmlive.com

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SPORTS

Hitler-loving scamp Paulo Di Canio has been up to his old fascism-loving antics again – this time getting booted off Sky Italia after displaying a tattoo linked to wacky dictator Mussolini.

The West Ham legend turned Nazi nutjob revealed his tattoo of the word “dux”, a reference to the Latin title Mussolini gave

himself, during the channel’s Premier League coverage. Maybe “Dix” would have been more appropriate.

“We made a mistake, we are sorry to all who were hurt,” said a Sky executive.

“After speaking at length to Di Canio, and despite his professionalism and his expertise regarding football, we have decided together to suspend the partnership.”

The latest PR disaster for Di Canio has prompted many to question whether a man who believes in a fascist regime and a corrupt system has a place in the modern game. Frankly he seems perfect for a job at FIFA.

So it’s cute when a parrot does it, but when BBM says it while hiding in our exgirlfriend’s wardrobe as she falls asleep it’s considered aggravated stalking? Where’s the justice in that.

Drink up for the cup Melbourne Cup Day is almost upon us again - the day when Australia’s chronic gambling and drinking problems are celebrated across the nation. Huzzahs!

Dog of a day for footy fan For a sports fan, there’s only one thing worse than watching your team throw away a good lead - and that’s being made to wear one.

Alas, that’s what happened to a Cruz Azul supporter, who must have been pretty confident his side would go on to win their game against Club America after racing to 3-0 lead by half-time last month. In fact he was so confident, he had no qualms making a bet with a rival fan during the break that he would walk through the streets of Mexico City on a dog lead if his side lost the match.

Club America went on to score four goals and win the game 4-3. Oh dear.

True to his word, the fan was paraded through town on all fours like a dog by the jubilant victor of the bet.

And just to add the cherry, the whole thing was filmed and went viral. Not the greatest day in that guy’s life.

Ron on the run When you make your living in the shady underworld of organised crime, anonymity is your biggest ally.

The ability to blend into the background at a crime scene, to look bland and difficult to describe can mean the difference between getting away with it and a life behind bars.

So we feel a little sympathy for the hapless criminal in France who happens to look the spitting image of arguably the world’s most famous footballer - Cristiano Ronaldo. He might have better luck trying to get laid in night clubs. Especially gay ones.

The bungling burglar tried to break into a

house in Saint-Max, near Nancy in Northeastern France with an accomplice when they were caught in the act by the house owner.

They ran off, but the owner got a good look at their mugs, and told police to look out for a Ronaldo-alike. Sure enough, he was spotted by the authorities soon after and arrested.

Police also received reports of a drunken, homeless man with a scraggy beard muttering to people in an incomprehensible dialect who looked just like Paul Gascoigne. When police arrived, it turned out to be Paul Gascoigne.

So be a “true blue” Aussie and head down to the bookies to put your lifesavings on top nags like Buggery Boy, Paxman’s Foreskin or She’s Got The Painters In - and if you live in NSW, make sure you do it soon as Mike Baird continues his quest to outlaw all forms of gambling that don’t involve casinos or the Packer family.

This year’s race is being held on November 1st and apparently Wicklow Brave and Order of St George are two of the favourites – so if your Irish or English, it’s a safe bet to guess which one you’re going to put your money on.

Mansfield find an unhappy medium You don’t have to be psychic to know that League Two also-rans Mansfield town won’t be lighting up the Premier League in the near future, but curious Stags fans were still eager to pick the brains of a touring clairvoyant, known simply as Trisha, who had agreed to perform at a club function to raise funds.

Alas, the show was cancelled and normally that would be that – except the club announced the change by using the time-honoured phrase “due to unforeseen circumstances”.

Cue Twitter hilarity as the message went viral on social media with many people wondering “why she didn’t see it coming”.

They should’ve hired BBM’s Crystal Balls, who is not only a professional clairvoyant but also has experience entertaining whole football teams – usually in the showers after the game.

Cheltenham image via Carine06. Words by Richard Gadsby

Di Cani-oh dear not again

By Richard Gadsby

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Behind The Scenes in Summer Bay Growing up in the UK, especially during the 90s, probably meant that Australian soap Home and Away would have been a fixture in your all-important after school schedule.

While we might not have been around watercoolers yet, Summer Bay’s soap plotlines, favourite characters or most hated villains would have been staples amongst the notable chatter in the school playground.

with their homegrown shows, as they tend to love all things British by contrast. But to me, it’s obvious really, who wouldn’t want escape the doom and gloom of daily grind in the UK for the sun, gorgeous people and outdoorsy way of life Down Under. I distinctly remember wishing I could stroll along that very beach, hang out in the diner and maybe go and stay with Pippa when things were feeling all too much in real life.

This routine might have even extended to your university or work life. Personally, I arranged my uni timetable around my favourite soap, studying and writing assignments in between my twice daily visits to Aussie soapland! I didn’t even care that I had watched the same episode earlier that day, I still had to sit down and watch it again. It just had to be done! And when I was too busy with work, thank goodness for the weekly omnibus! Surely, I’m not alone?

It’s why I think Home and Away will always have a place in so many of our hearts, even if we’re no longer religiously catching it every day. It offers such a beautiful comparison to home, while evoking a wonderful nostalgia of a time that may feel like another life. It’s hardly surprising that so many of us move over to Australia really!

Australians themselves have always been a bit baffled by our obsession

Whilst on a recent trip to Sydney, I rounded off my coastal break with a tour to the picturesque Palm Beach, home to the beloved daytime drama.

And it was truly the stuff of bucket list

dreams. After years of imagining walking down that beach, I was finally getting the chance to do it!

The Official Home & Away Tour started in the historical part of Sydney, The Rocks, where our friendly driver Paul filled us in on the history of the area. Lisa, our co-guide and a member of the Home and Away production team, soon joined us to give us all the latest behind the scenes gossip, while answering our questions, as we made our way to the famous setting via the illustrious scenery of Sydney’s Northern Beaches.

As we arrived, we were informed by security that filming was currently in progress. We were lucky too, as a funeral scene was taking place with many of the characters involved in the episode. After having the opportunity to see some of our favourite stars in the flesh, we were then able to see the

familiar exteriors of the Summer Bay Surf Club, Alf’s Bate Shop and a number of the characters’ houses; all while finding out the inside scoop from our enthusiastic and knowledgeable guides. They clearly loved the show just as much as everyone on the tour. As we set off back to the city, we all engaged in a rousing sing-a-long of that catchy theme tune we all know the words to; before heading home via Manly.

The Sydney Harbour Bridge, Opera House and Blue Mountains may be the region’s top must do’s, but to go home having done Summer Bay as well, you know you’re going to be the envy of all your mates, while feeling like you’ve left Sydney having fulfilled the expat dream! I know I did!

www.officialhomeandawaytour.com.au

www.bbmlive.com

On Top Down Under Get to know Sydney from the bottom to the top with BridgeClimb Sydney.

Whether you’ve been living in Sydney for a while, have just arrived, or are planning a trip to Sydney, there’s one thing you’ll want to make sure you put on your itinerary.

BridgeClimb Sydney is the number 1 way to experience the enormous structure that is Sydney Harbour Bridge and will also give you the chance to take in unrivalled views of Sydney.

BridgeClimb Sydney have been taking daring climbers up 1332 steps since 1998 including a whole host of worldfamous actors and actresses, so why not embark on a mission to get the ultimate photograph whilst in Sydney?

Top Reasons to take on BridgeClimb Sydney Unparalleled Views of Sydney

From the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge you’ll have the most stunning views of the Harbour, Sydney’s beaches and the National Parks in the distance. No matter what time of day you visit you’re guaranteed a spectacular view! Although you can’t

take your camera, you will be able to purchase pictures from your climb as well as take in the views for yourself!

It’s Really Brave

Some people may think it’s nuts to walk across a steel bridge that is 440 feet high, but others will think you’re seriously cool, so it’s worth doing it just for the kudos!

Conquer A Global Icon

The Sydney Harbour Bridge is one of the most famous bridges in the entire world - as well as being one of the largest, so getting to say you climbed it, is certainly one for the travel tales!

The History

Before your climb you can learn all about the Sydney Harbour Bridge and its incredible history from the Visitors Centre and Cinema, meaning you’ll not only walk away with a massive sense of achievement - you will have also learned a thing or two!

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

Explore The Sydney Outback

BBM Readers get 20% off. Book online with promo code BBMLIVE If you’re visiting Sydney or even living there then you’ll be pleased to know that you could be immersed in the NSW outback within an hour of Sydney’s CBD. The outskirts of Sydney are flanked with unspoiled bushland just a few kilometres from the hustle and bustle of the city, so why not take a daytrip out to the Blue Mountains lesser known rival - Ku Ring Gai Chase National Park for an unforgettable day out. So here’s 5 Reasons To Visit Ku Ring Gai Chase National Park this spring.

1. ANCIENT ABORIGINAL ROCK ART

Ku Ring Gai Chase National Park is home to one of the biggest concentration of Aboriginal heritage sites in the world and also plays host to some impressive ancient rock art.

2. NATURE FLOURISHES

This National Park is packed to the brim with gorgeous flora and fauna, including the likes of the Grey-headed Flying Fox, Eastern Grey Kangaroo, Swamp Wallaby, Platypus, Long-nosed Bandicoot, Sugar Glider, Short-beaked

Echidna, Little Forest Bat, Eastern Water Dragon, Eastern Long-necked Tortoise, Diamond Python, Stone Gecko, Lace Monitor to name a few.

3. WATERWAYS

If you’re a fan of taking to the water, then you can explore the National Park via the waterways, seeing it all from a totally unique perspective and also getting to some locations that are inaccessible by any other means.

4. IT’S NOT FAR!

You can be surrounded by Ku Ring Gai Chase’s natural beauty within just 45 minutes of Sydney, meaning it’s an excellent day trip if you want to get away from it all for an afternoon.

5. CULTURE

Aboriginal culture is still very much a part of this special National Park, and that also means you can sample some authentic bush tucker whilst visiting the area - a must for a true Aussie experience!

You can experience all of this and more with Sydney Outback, visit www.sydneyoutback.com. au to view tours and book.

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BRITISH & IRISH FAVOURITES The Irish rockers last touched down in Australia in 2014 for an impressive tour,and will now return for three special shows this December to promote their new album ‘Arms’.

Bell X1 are known for the variety of styles, outstanding live performances and witty lyrics. Back in Ireland Bell X1 are nationally renowned for headlining festivals and have also got a fantastic following in the US and Europe. Four of their albums have been nominated for the Choice Music Prize for Irish Album of the Year and three of them debuted at #1 on the Irish Album Charts.

2015 was also a busy year for the band and saw Bell X1 keeping busy on a fully sold out acoustic tour and supporting Ed Sheeran at Croke Park.

Bell X1 Australia Tour This December will see Bell X1 back in Australia for a three date tour, playing in Melbourne, Sydney and Perth.

The previous Irish trio have recently recruited a fourth member, increasing the dynamic of their sound.

Their new album ‘Arms’ is full or depths and both light and shade. There’s new space and sense to the songs, which maintain a shabby grace alongside a bittersweet romantic undertone.

Bell X1 Australia Tour 2016 Dates Friday 2nd December – Prince Bandroom, Melbourne Saturday 3rd December – Factory Theatre, Sydney Sunday 4th December – Amplifier, Perth

www.troubadour-music.com

Find The Perfect Sunday Roast Downunder Hailed as the most sacred meal in the British Isles, the humble Sunday Roast is one thing that you just sometimes can’t do without.

When it comes to Yorkshire puddings oozing with gravy, sausagey stuffing popping out of chickens, and the crispiest, fluffiest roast potatoes that money can buy - the BBM Live team are deadly serious when it comes to their Sunday Roasts, so here’s where you can find some of the best around to make you feel at home!

PJ O’BRIENS

With branches nationwide, you can get your fill of the perfect Sunday Roast for just $20 including a pint of Bulmers! www.pjobriens.com.au

THE BAT & BALL HOTEL

One of Sydney’s best pubs, you can bag a Sunday Roast with all the trimmings for $21.50 every single Sunday from 12 noon. www.parksidebar.com.au

FIBBER MCGEES

Serving up traditional meals with Irish charm, this Leederville pub in Perth is where you’ll get a Sunday Roast for $25 with different roasted meats each week. www.fibbermcgees.com.au

MARQUIS OF LORNE

One of Melbourne’s finest establishments, good food at great prices is what you’ll find here. For just $20 you’ll get a proper rustic roast with whole roasted baby carrots and more. marquisoflorne.com.au

A TASTE OF HOME

The Irish Butcher

Having been in Sydney for over 15 years, The Irish Butcher specialises in Irish meats such as Pork Sausages, Black Pudding, White Pudding, Irish Ham, Irish Bacon and Gammon Steaks.

4-5 Plasser Crescent, Sydney www.theirishbutcher.com.au

British Corner Shop

Missing your Digestives, Marmite and PG Tips? Well the British Corner Shop online shop will deliver them to your door almost anywhere in the world. It has a huge variety of Britain’s best known brands from Cadbury to Weetabix. www.britishcornershop.co.uk

Paddy The Baker

Paddy has been providing both the Irish with a taste of home for generations. It has famous soda and potato bread and an excellent gluten free range.

Throughout Sydney www.paddythebaker.com

Treats From Home

Treats From Home is a slice of Britain in Australian shores. Selling the best of British goods and known brands, Treats From Home provides Brits abroad with a recognisable comfort.

Level 1, 234 Collins Street, Melbourne www.treatsfromhome.com.au

Cousin Jacks Pasty Co.

Run by an ex-pat, Cousin Jacks has been cooking up authentic British pasties since 2010.

The authentic Cornish Pasty has been a staple of the British diet since time began, it feels, so being able to pick one up the other side of the world is amazing.

175-181 Oxford Street, Sydney cousinjackspastyco.com

Tell us about your favourite British, Irish, Italian, German, French or other expat run business in Australia! Or does your company have a service for expats and like minded Aussies, get your company listed in next months issue. Contact info@bbmlive.com

www.bbmlive.com

photo courtesy of cousinjackspastyco.com

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TELL NO TALES 4th December 2016 Sydney, NSW

JAPANESE FILM FESTIVAL 2016

pulseradio.net/events/view/13729

BOUCHE ON BRIDGE

A swish place to grab a bite and a beverage at Sydney’s hottest new establishment!

Bar open 4pm til Late www.bouchonbridge.com

FALLS FESTIVA

29-31st December 2016 - Marion Bay, Tasmania 7th - 8th January 2017 - Fremantle, WA www.fallsfestival.com

SUGAR MOUNTAIN

21st January 2017 Melbourne www.sugarmountainfestival.com

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

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

SECRET GARDEN

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

Live music from 5pm with their house bands!

Friday 7th October www.sodafactory.com.au

UK Garage’s finest are on their way downunder!

Saturday 8th October maxwatts.ticketscout.com.au

2016 - 2nd - 4th December 2016 NSW www.subsonicmusic.com.au

1st January 2017 Melbourne letthemeatcakenyd.com.au

FACTORY FRIDAYS

DJ LUCK & MC NEAT + ARTFUL DODGER

SUBSONIC

LET THEM EAT CAKE 2017

LATE NIGHT SYDNEY

With one of the most fascinating cultures in the world, Japan’s film culture in world renowned for Animé, Horror, Thrillers and more!

With the Japanese Film Festival coming to Australia, you’ll be able to watch the very best new and old Japanese Films, courtesy of The Japan Foundation, Sydney. The JFF started in 1997 with three free film screenings by former Festival Director Masafumi Konomi, and is now the largest Japanese film festival in the world.

LNDRY FT. DR FRESCH & DANIEL BORTZ

Get ready for a hard night of beats at Chinese Laundry.

Saturday 15th October Laundryclub.com

S.A.S.H BY DAY - PRIKU

Sydney’s hottest day time party returns with Priku at The Greenwood Hotel.

Sunday 23rd October www.residentadvisor.net

Last year, the Festival celebrated its 19th year with an audience of approximately 26,300 throughout Australia. The Festival has enjoyed great success over the years, with the opportunity to showcase a vast variety of cinematic delights from classics to newly released films currently screening in Japan. The JFF brings out special guests from Japan for Q&A evenings and film screenings. So if you’re a fan of the silver screen make sure you get your tickets!

14th – 23rd October - Canberra 21st -30th October - Adelaide 26th – 30th October - Brisbane 2nd – 6th November - Perth 2-6 17th - 27th November - Sydney 24th November – 4th December – Melbourne japanesefilmfestival.net

Images courtesy of venues. Email marketing@bbmlive.com to appear on this page.

PICK OF THE FEST

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DISCOVERY RECOMMENDS: THE CROFT INSTITUTE Fancy a nostalgic trip back to your high school days?

But don’t worry classes aren’t as boring because there is alcohol!

The Croft Institute is located down the back of a sinister looking alley in Melbourne’s Chinatown - but looks can be deceiving, the atmosphere inside this retro cocktail club is warm and welcoming.

The first floor takes on the theme of an old school science lab. Although we doubt bunsen burners are readily available for use, there is a vast selection of special cocktails to experiment with.

A large array of interesting glassware also populates the ground floor, flasks and test tubes with bright liquids slide from host to host like the experiments of a mad scientist. Very looney toon-esque. You can even drink with some special lab equipment as some cocktails are served with syringes for garnish (but don’t think about that too much or it might gross you out!).

If you want a break from class, level 2 of the Croft Institute has a

gymnasium themed event space and bar. Complete with artificial turf, grimy old basketball hoops and a bar that looks like an old footy shed. The gymnasium bar is perfect for a lazy afternoon drink or a pumping Saturday night if you

bring all your mates and want to re-live the glory days of school!

A DJ plays in the gymnasium bar every night of the week delivering some pretty killer tunes to the cool ‘back of the bus’ type kids,

but doors don’t open ‘til 5pm and shut at 1am on weekdays and 3am on Friday and Saturday, so make sure you get in and enjoy it while it lasts! If you like tasty beverages and appreciate a top notch atmosphere and intricate attention

to detail, head down to the Croft Institute for a drink or to host your own special little gathering.

21 Croft Alley, Melbourne www.thecroftinstitute.com.au

Images courtesy of The Croft Institute, words by Locke Fitzpatrick

One floor up from the lab you can find the ‘departments of female and male hygiene’ A.K.A the toilets which keep very true to the ‘old school’ aesthetic.

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CLUB PICKS

DRINKS DEALS

WANKELMUT

The German dance DJ & producer will be touching down at Brown Alley for a night of Deep House and Techno.

Friday 7th October www.brownalley.com

UPFRONT FRIDAYS PRESENTS DISCOURSE, MEGALOMANIAC ALBUM LAUNCH

A night of gritty samples and breaks courtesy of Megalomaniac!

Friday 7th October Revolverupstairs.com.au

MELBOURNE FESTIVAL PRESENTS CAMILLE O’SULLIVAN (IRE)

Irish-French singer Camille O’Sullivan will be touching down in Melbourne for the Melbourne Festival with several gig dates.

Sunday 16th October Thetoffintown.com

JAALA: ‘JUNIOR SPIRIT’ SINGLE LAUNCH

Don’t miss the Wondercore Island’s Jaala single launch party at The Gasometer Hotel.

Friday 28th October www.facebook.com/WondercoreIsland

NOAH EARP ‘DISINHERITOR’ ALBUM LAUNCH

Join Noah EARP alongside special guests GRETTA RAY and BUSY at Melbourne’s Toff In Town.

Thursday 27th October thetoffintown.com

FATHER’S OFFICE

Get over the weekend with Happy Hour from 5-7 & 8-10pm every Monday!

249 Little Lonsdale Street, Melbourne fathersoffice.com.au

NINA KRAVIZ AUSTRALIAN TOUR The female Russian techno powerhouse that is Nina Kravis will be touching down for a national Australian tour this coming November.

An accomplished techno DJ and producer, and one of dance music’s breakthrough names of the last five years, Nina Kravis is one of electronic music’s most interesting characters, someone who has stuck to her musical guns since day one.

With her wide-ranging roots that run deep in the past, she’s also the embodiment of the future. Her signature sound is a raw blend of house and techno with a very acidic feel. If that feels very current then Kraviz has a lot to do with it.

With a long time passion for house and techno that dates back to her days as a journalist, Kraviz is first and foremost a DJ, and one engrained with the roots of her first love - Chicago house and Detroit techno. Her hunger to dig deep into the archives of House & Techno balances all of

her sets perfectly between now and then, introducing her fans to where this scene has come from and where it might be heading.

This unique sound and uncompromising attitude has led to Kraviz becoming one of the most in demand artists in the world, playing at major festivals like the Amsterdam Dance Event, Coachella, Sonar, Decibel, Awakenings and DEMF, as well as landing a much-coveted residency at Richie Hawtin’s ENTER. project at Space in Ibiza plus regular appearances at clubs including Berghain, Fabric and The Warehouse Project.

Friday 11th November. Auckland, Friendly Potential Saturday 12th November. Melbourne, smalltown -TicketsSaturday 19th November. Sydney, Harbourlife Sunday 20th November. Perth, Garden Party More TBA www.wearenovel.com.au

ASIAN BEER CAFE

Get a taste of the Orient at Melbourne’s Asian Beer Cafe. With specials every day of the week in a chilled environment,we like to take advantage of the $15 jugs of cider all day on Wednesdays.

Level 3, Melbourne Central (Up escalators, CNR La Trobe & Swanston Street), Melbourne asianbeercafe.com.au

SHAW DAVEY SLUM

If you are after proper beer sesh in a great atmosphere, then the Shaw Davey Slum have got your backs with $3 house beer and cider all day long!

171-175 Elgin Street, Carlton theshawdaveyslum.com.au

SOMEWHERE BAR

With a great food and drink menu, you can’t go far wrong at Somewhere Bar. Every Thursday evening you can sink 2-4-1 cocktails at this Melbourne bar!

181 Chapel St, Prahran www.somewherebar.com.au

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LIANNE LA HAVAS AUSTRALIAN TOUR One of the UK’s most popular exports - Lianne La Havas, has announced that she will be performing two solo headline shows in Sydney and Melbourne this December.

Coming over to Australia as Coldplay’s main support act on their upcoming ‘A Head Full of Dreams’ stadium tour.

Having already opened for Coldplay at their UK, Europe and Latin America tours the eclectic songstress last appeared in Australia for four Sydney festival shows as well as gigs in Melbourne and Brisbane.

While on tour the British artist will perform songs from her recent sophomore album ‘Blood’, the 2015 follow-up to her acclaimed 2012 debut ‘Is Your Love Big Enough’, which earned La Havas a Mercury Prize nomination and the iTunes ‘Best of 2012’ Award. ‘Blood’ brought La Havas her first Grammy nomination for Best Urban Contemporary Album and debuted locally as Double J’s Album Of The Week. The album is a collection that shakes, shimmies and swings with imaginative and immersive grooves, firmly placing La Havas at the top of any ‘Ones To Watch’ list.

La Havas established a close friendship with Prince during her 2013 American tour, culminating with the legendary performer hosting a press conference at her London home the following year. “He heard my music,

somehow, two years ago and decided he wanted to meet me,” said La Havas. “So after a show in New York, I went to Paisley Park, Prince’s studio outside of Minneapolis. We listened to music and had crudités and tea. He had PG Tips. It was surreal.”

La Havas has continued to go from strength to strength, selling out headline dates at some of the world’s most prestigious venues including Brixton Academy and Royal Albert Hall, as well as performing at some of the biggest music festivals, including Glastonbury, Latitude and Bestival.

LIANNE LA HAVAS AUSTRALIAN SIDESHOW DATES Thursday 8th December – Howler, Melbourne Monday 12th December – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney

COLDPLAY A HEAD FULL OF DREAMS AUSTRALIAN TOUR DATES Tuesday 6th December – Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane Friday 9th December – Etihad Stadium, Melbourne Saturday 10th December – Eithad Stadium, Melbourne Tuesday 13th December – Allianz Stadium, Sydney Wednesday 14th December – Allianz Stadium, Sydney

ENJOY THE LAST OF THE OKTOBERFEST FUN AT MELBOURNE’S HOPHAUS Having spent all September long living it up Bavarian style with Bratwursts and Bier, Hoptoberfest will continue until 23rd October at this Contemporary German Beer Hall-style bar!

An establishment that prides themselves on capturing the good food, good beer and good conversation vibe of a German Beer Hall, HopHaus holds regular events to keep you entertained whilst you sample its stock of over 30 draft bier taps. HopHaus is where you can get a real taste of Europe with biers from Germany, Austria, Belgium and even the Czech Republic.

At the HopHaus you can expect some fantastic big eats, including; Chicken Schnitzel, Crispy Pork Knickle, Haus Rotisserie Platter and Coal spit roasted Lamb Shoulder, if you’re in the mood for a proper feed, then this Southbank joint should be your main port of call!

EVENTS COMING UP AT HOPHAUS Thursday 29th September, Grand Final Eve Eve, DJ, Hoptoberfest Sausagefest Market Stall – $20 Rack o Schnapps, $25 Stein & Sausage, Fest Bier Saturday 1st October, AFL Grand Final Day! Watch the game live on our screens Tuesday 11th October, Trivia Night, register at 6.30pm for a 7pm start Sunday 23rd October, German Family Day, KIDS EAT FREE! Face painter & live music.

Find out more at www.hophaus.com.au

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EMMA LOUISE Q & A Yes. It was strange because I wrote and released ‘Jungle’ a few years before it was remixed by Wankelmut. So it was like going on another ride again with that song.

The remix was awesome because it helped people find my music. I think that’s a great way to expand your listening pool.

You have a really calming voice, and your tracks are somewhat stripped back, what are your personal influences? Who do you like to listen to?

At the moment I am listening to a lot of Tobias Jesso Jr. He’s a great songwriter from Canada. I love Bon Iver and Joni Mitchell at the moment too.

Where do you get your inspiration from?

From feelings. From people and experiences. Sometimes places and senses. It’s all a bit up in the air really.

You may know her as the dreamy voice that has featured on tracks with the likes of dance music heavyweights Wankelmut and Flight Facilities, but there’s a lot more to Emma Louise’s music. Here we catch up with the artist to find out more about herself and life downunder.

How are you today? Where are you right now and what have we

dragged you away from to speak to us?

Haha, well I have just got back home to Melbourne. I just made some soup and am eating that. It’s pumpkin soup. But I am eating the soup and doing this so you haven’t dragged me away too much!

You first popped up on our radar in the UK with your tune with Wanklemut and you’ve since collaborated with Flight Facilities and released several great tracks. How has this helped your music?

You have a massive Australian tour coming up this October through to November, where are you most looking forward to playing?

I’m really excited to play this tour.

I can’t wait to play the tracks from my new album ‘Supercry’. But I’m also excited about playing some of the old songs too. I love performing.

Any plans for playing overseas anytime soon?

Not yet! As soon as this tour is over I am going to start working on the next album. I may record that overseas somewhere.

Who are five of your favourite recording artists?

Tobias Jesso Junior Bon Iver Joni Mitchell Little Dragon Bjork

If you’re not performing or recording how do you like to spend your free time?

In my free time I like to hang out with my friends and family. Do solo activities. Explore. Paint and do other things with my hands.

Do you play any instruments aside from your voice box?

Yes piano and guitar

Where’s the most interesting place your singing career has taken you so far?

I spent a bit of time in Mexico a few months ago. That was incredible. I feel very lucky to be able to travel because of music. I was just writing in Mexico. It was amazing.

You’re originally from Cairns, so what would you say is the best thing for anyone visiting there to do?

Definitely go and check out the Great Barrier Reef and Kuranda.

Get out to Port Douglas and Mossman Gorge. It’s so beautiful up there, I feel very lucky to have lived there.

Where do you spend most of your time in Australia and why?

In Melbourne. I guess it’s just a great place to live. I spend a lot of my time bouncing around from city to city anyways because I find it hard to stay still but Melbourne is just a great place to be based.

There’s lots going on and it’s beautiful.

What are the three best things for people to see in Australia whilst visiting?

Go to the Great Barrier Reef for sure. Spend a week in Melbourne and hit up all the cafes and shops and soak up the general vibe. Go out to Alice springs. Check out the red desert. It’s so peaceful.

EMMA LOUISE TOUR DATES: Friday 7th Oct- The Workers Club | Geelong, VIC Saturday 8th Oct - Corner Hotel | Melbourne, VIC Thursday 13th Oct - Street Theatre | Canberra, ACT Friday 14th Oct - Uni Bar | Wollongong, NSW Saturday 15th Oct - Cambridge Hotel | Newcastle, NSW Thursday 20th Oct - Miami Marketta | Gold Coast, QLD Friday 21st Oct - Sol Bar | Maroochydore, QLD Saturday 22nd Oct - The Triffid | Brisbane, QLD Thursday 27th Oct - Adelaide Uni | Adelaide, SA Friday 28th Oct - Fly By Night | Fremantle, WA Saturday 29th Oct - Capitol | Perth, WA Sunday 30th Oct - Prince of Wales | Bunbury, WA Friday 4th Nov - Metro Theatre | Sydney, NSW

PAUL VAN DYK Q & A Ahead of headlinging Dreamstate on 1st October in Melbourne, we caught up with the legendary Paul van Dyk to find out a little more about one of the world’s most in demand electronic stars.

So you are one busy man who’s often flying all over the world, so where are you right now and how is it there?

I am in my office in Berlin right now. It’s the end of the summer so it’s getting grey….

Sum up a typical week for yourself in just 3 words?

It’s different all the time… By the way I can count, just couldn’t find the right 3 words!

Aside from racking up the world’s biggest air miles score - what are you currently working on?

I did spend a lot of time in the studio so there is a lot of new music out there and coming…

Your sound is traditional club music with all the highs, the lows, synths and all. What originally drew you to this type of music?

The energy of this music is just very unique, and don’t forget back in the day electronic sounds where are not as familiar as they are now...

Coming from Berlin, where would you say is the best club to go to in the city?

It’s different all the time, I am not a fan of those over hyped venues in town. To me it’s more about who is playing than where it is...

As someone who regularly plays to some of the largest crowds in the world, how do you get ready for a show?

I sleep before the show and I try to be as prepared as I can be!

As a frequent flyer - what’s the three things you have to have with you when you’re travelling?

The love of my life, my phone and my equipment.

Being such a well-travelled person, where’s the place you’ve been that’s taken your breath away the most?

Colombia, it’s probably the most breath-taking country in the world.

Where’s the worst place you’ve visited?

I’d rather not mention the place, but I indeed have a list of never ever again places...

The best country for food?

Well, I love all kinds of Asian food but my favourite is the ceviche of my girlfriend so most likely it’s home...

The best place for parties?

Ibiza still is the best place to find the right balance between party and holiday… unlike other places you can still find a lot of decent events there.

Tell us, what PvD’s idea of the perfect holiday?

Sleep, eat and exploration.

You’ll be headlining Australia’s Dreamstate this October and it’s set to be an incredible show as well as visual! How important do you feel the visuals of a show like this are to the sensory experience of the audience?

Dreamstate is an all over concept around the music we love… it’s an all-in experience and so far all of them have been incredible.

By Hannah Shakir

Do you remember your first club experience? Where was it and was it good, bad, or weird?

Yes I do, it was actually rather scary. When I started I mixed at home in my bedroom. So I took the bass out and the volume was rather low, so when I played in the club it was loud and I heard many things that were not there in my bedroom...

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MAMBO BROTHERS

Hot off the heals of an Ibiza summer, we catch up with the Mambo Brothers – founders of the world famous Café Mambo, Christian and Alan Anadon to find out how the Ibiza 2016 has been, and pick their brains as locals on the best bits of the White Isle.

Hi Christian, Alan, How are you?

Hola!! We are very well thanks!

Loving the arrival of September!

Where are you right now and how is it?

Right now we are in our studio above Mambo, working on some fresh beats!

For those planning on coming out to Ibiza next season, we’d love your opinion as locals on the best way to do it so here’s some quick fire questions: Best place for lunch/late breakfast?

Hostal La Torre. Magic!

So, can you sum up how this summer has been in Ibiza in just 3 words?

Hot, fun and successful!!

Best place to find a quiet spot to recover at?

Cala d’Aubarca… if you’re lucky enough to find it!

What was a top highlight for you and why?

Well there were loads of nights at Café Mambo this summer that stood out. Eric Prydz’s 3 hour set was epic! Fatboy Slim absolutely rocked it as always, Major Lazor making their debut was really cool and the BBC Radio 1 weekend was massive this year. Away from Mambo we loved seeing the legendary DJ Harvey and then Kolsch at Hostal La Torre to play sunset sets, which was pretty special. DJ wise, playing for El Row at Space was amazing but we’re both really looking forward to spinning a few tracks at Space for the last ever closing party in just a few weeks. That will definitely be one for the history books.

Best place for dinner?

Balafia. Go for the lamb chops with tomato and onion salad.

Best place to get away from the clubs?

A day out on the boat… no one can find you that way Best activity to do in the daytime?

Scuba diving. We have an amazing coastline for it!

Top 3 bars/hotels to visit?

Café Mambo (of course), Hostal La Torre and La Mescaleria inside the old city, the Dalt Vila.

Top 3 clubs to visit?

We can’t choose 3, we love them all! We just would say that Pacha is always a must. We always feel at home there.

Essential Ibiza survival items?

Sunglasses and clean underwear!

What’s the best thing on the menu at Cafe Mambo?

Mmmm difficult one, but one thing you can’t really miss at Mambo is a Strawberry Daiquiri!

Where do you like to holiday when you’re not in Ibiza?

One of the good things about being DJs is that we are travelling the world and visiting new cities and countries constantly. But we love to go to new places, see new cultures and try different food.

Do you spend the whole summer in Ibiza or do you like to getaway?

Because of our commitments at Mambo, we can’t really leave the island too much in the summer months. We’ve had a few gigs this year in the UK, Barcelona and Malta, which has been the first time that we’ve left Ibiza during the summer. We actually have to turn down some of the DJ requests at that time of the year just to focus on what’s happening in Ibiza.

How do you find it working with family, is either one of you the boss or is it team work?

It is a team, the only real boss is our father, Javier!

As we approach the closing parties in Ibiza, what’s the atmosphere like?

There’s a strong buzz in the air as usual but especially this year with the last ever Space Closing Party approaching! There is so much anticipation for this one. As native Ibicencos we are really proud to be able to play there for such an important date in electronic music history!

Where’s one of your favourite cities in the world to party?

Sydney. What a city!

Where throws down the best closing parties?

Each one is pretty special. The

What makes for the perfect getaway for you?

Anywhere that has sea so we can do some diving!

TREND

closing parties are not just for the tourists, it’s also a great day for all the team behind the brand or venue that has been working hard all the season. Also a lot of local workers come out who haven’t had the chance to really party all summer. So there’s a special kind of atmosphere. But if we had to choose one this year it would be Space, no doubt.

When’s a better time to visit the White Isle for the season?

We think September is a really nice month to come to Ibiza. The air is more fresh than in July and August, you can find more space on the beaches and the club dance floors and there’s less traffic on the roads. As the low season approaches, most local people are pleased that the long, hot and busy summer has passed and everyone seems to breathe a sigh of relief. The island is still stunning and you get some great closing parties so it really is a great time to be here

BBMLIVE.COM/NEW-TRENDS

Got a holiday coming up or simply love a new gadget, here’s our round up of the best new products to take you intro spring...

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1. XDREAM Plus - Power Bank and Portable Speaker in One - $48 - www.wowzr.co.uk 2. X-TEREO Wireless Customisable Bluetooth Hi-Fi Speakers - $170 - www.wowzr.co.uk 3. Steripod toothbrush cover - $8.50 - www.steripod.co.uk 4. 7. Snugpak travel towel - $10 - www.snugpak.com 5. Hycosan Fresh - $15 - www.boots.com 6. Lumie Zest Jetlag adjusting light - $215- www.lumie.com 7. Escentual lipstick size travel perfume - $18 - www.escentual.com 8. VerveLoop+ - $103 - www.verve.life

by Hannah Shakir

6.

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18

EXPAT SERVICES

GET YOUR SUPER Some things are rightly described as ‘super’. For instance, no-one can argue against Superman deserving such a title. However, the term is also abused for mediocre objects simply for good effect. Find anyone that actually enjoys a trip to a ‘supermarket’ and they are either lying through their teeth or they barely ever leave the house. Blueberries are a “superfood”? Seriously? While Superannuation will not save the world like the Man of Steel you are much better with it than without it when working in Australia.

Ok. Declaring itself as super is a tad outlandish as superannuation is basically a pension arrangement.

Yup. That’s not even barely stirring is it? Let alone super. However, in Australia this is governmentsupported which also means that minimum provisions are enforced for employees, which is kinda nice. From July 1st2013 employers

Thanks to your burgeoning career, you’ve spent the last year or so working in Australia. You thought it would only be a temporary measure but now you’ve been bitten by the bug - and we’re not speaking figuratively despite the unprecedented levels of creepy crawlies one finds Down Under – you love it here and you’ve decided to extend your stay.

Your lifestyle – coupled undoubtedly with the climate – has led you to make the decision that your future lies within the Land of Oz. This means you’re probably going to need personal belongings shipped out to you from your home country. Just considering the logistical problems surrounding such a dilemma is stressful enough. But luckily there are relocation experts out there to collect, store and deliver your items worldwide. And Seven Seas Worldwide is one of the best options available. But more about them later.

Unfortunately if you desire to extend your stay in Australia, you can’t just send a polite letter to the PM: You will need to set the administrative wheels in motion to secure an extension to your visa. There is plenty of information on the Australian government’s website but here are a few pointers: • The visa you will require is the Skilled Independent Visa which guarantees permanent resident status as soon as you receive it • Once your request has been processed, your skills will need to be assessed by an independent body • There is a points-based test for which you will need to score at least 120 points, so get swotting

• Medical professionals are always in great demand but if you do not work in this area, you will need to check the current list of desired skills available on the Department of Immigration website as it changes regularly • Employee sponsorship is a quicker and easier way of extending your stay if you do not wish to go through the lengthy process of obtaining a Skilled Independent Visa • Your employer must nominate you and prove that you have the necessary skills to continue work in Australia – they’ve got to be your cheerleader basically Once you’ve established the best method of extending your stay, the next project is having the rest of your personal items sent from your home country to Australia.

And this is where Seven Seas Worldwide comes in.

Seven Seas Worldwide has a shipping network covering both the UK and Australia and can be trusted to collect, store and deliver your goods, whatever you choose to relocate. Whether you’re shipping a few extra clothes or arranging to have the contents of your whole house transported Down Under, Seven Seas Worldwide has a system in place to ensure smooth and secure doorto-door delivery.

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

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

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

To be eligible the employee must be over 18, working over 30 hours a week and earning over $450 per month from one employer, so it would be beneficial to hold a single job instead of several.

As far as assurances go the Australian Government have that covered too as from 1st January 2014 employers were obligated to pay default contributions to an authorised MySuper product, with the most well known being AustralianSuper and AustSafe Super. This means that losing your payment due to a suspect provider is now far less a risk.

That all sounds grand and all for Australian citizens yet for shortterm visitors such as those on Working Holiday Visas the reality is a little different. Of course, if you meet the criteria then you can expect the contribution.

Remember, as long as you earn over $450 a month from one employer you will be entitled. The arrangement is for any worker; whether permanent or casual, resident or non-resident for tax purposes (that would be you by the way).

For more information on Australian financial matters visit www.bbmlive.com/tax-advice

TAX WISE Tel : 08 9248 8124 Fax : 08 9463 6208 mairead@taxwiseaustralia.com.au PO Box 1874, Malaga 6944 www.taxwiseaustralia.com.au www.taxwise-australia.com

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

GREEN MIGRATION

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

OPTIMA MIGRATION

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

IMMIGRATION HELP CORPORATE OFFICE (AUSTRALIA)

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

TAXBACK.CO.UK Claim back your uk tax refund info@taxback.co.uk www.taxback.co.uk BACKPACKER TAX REFUNDS First Floor, 1A Morts Road Mortdale NSW 2223 +61 (0) 2 8065 5668 info@backpackertaxrefunds.com.au www.backpackertaxrefunds.com.au

MOVE MIGRATION PTY LTD

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

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

Sydney image courtesy of Tourism NSW

Staying In Australia

were required by law to contribute a minimum of 9.25% of an employee’s ordinary time earning into a superannuation fund, which is called a ‘Superannuation Guarantee’. The detail that is really super is that this is an additional payment borne by your employer; it is not deducted from your gross pay. There are also plans to increase the proportion to 12% by 2019, which is nice.

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RECRUITMENT. EMPLOYMENT. STUDY. MIGRATION.

How to Make the most of your working holiday in Australia

With some of the strangest indigenous wildlife on the planet and some of the best surfing beaches in the world, it’s no surprise that Australia attracts people who are craving adventure. A working holiday is often the perfect choice for those of us who dream of exploring unknown lands and want to gain work and life experience.

If you have your working holiday visa sorted and your bags packed, you should probably try to plan some of your trip.

Listed below are some useful tips you can keep in mind when heading to the land down under. These tips should help make your life easier and ensure you get the best out of your time in Australia.

Organise accommodation You might think it’s better to wait until you get to Australia to find a place to stay, but be warned!

You might not have heard about the queues of backpackers forced to pay hefty sums to stay in hotels. Booking accommodation in advance is the best way to avoid this.

Accommodation in Australia isn’t cheap, especially in the cities, so you should research good value hostels before you leave. There are plenty of websites that can help – all you need to do is search! Make sure you read the reviews and find out what facilities they offer.

Get a TFN Don’t know what a TFN is? As a future working holiday maker, it’s time for you to come to grips with some basic Australian tax terms.

first 30 days of employment. Your TFN is a unique number, and it prevents you from paying taxes at higher rates than you need to!

It also helps you change jobs easily, and, once you have it, it’s yours for life. So you should get one before you leave for Australia to save time when you get there.

File your taxes Here is when most of you would stop reading, because tax topics are usually too boring. However, filing your taxes in Australia could give you a serious boost to your budget and bring in some extra money for travelling!

How is it possible?

If you’re staying in Australia for more than six months, you could be entitled to a tax refund. The good news is that you don’t have to waste your time filling out complicated tax forms! You can rely on an authorised tax agent, such as Taxback.com, who helps thousands of working holiday makers obtain their tax refunds without even lifting a finger.

All you need to do is register with people2people and they do all the hard work while you continue your epic road trip and explore the spectacular landscape of Australia.

Please keep these tips in mind and enjoy your Australian adventure!

Find jobs in Australia now at www.people2people.com.au

Anyone who works in Australia should provide their TFN (Tax File Number) to their employer within the

CARPENTERS. ELECTRICIANS. CHEFS RECRUITERS. NURSES. SPONSORED JOBS Our clients are seeking professionals from overseas to fill a range of jobs across Australia. If you’re serious about staying in Australia and are seeking permenant employment or looking at skilled visas options, we want to hear from you.

If you’re coming to the end of your first or second year working holiday visa, or if you’re already in employment and are looking for a new sponsor please get in touch with our team asap. Our clients are looking for top talent and willing to sponsor for the right candidates.

Call 02 8005 8162 or email your CV to jobs@bbmlive.com

5 Reasons To Make Australia Your Permanent Home people you’ll meet. The weather probably has a lot to do with it, but they always seem to have a smile on their face and they’re pretty laid back in most situations. Australia is very cosmopolitan, particularly in the larger cities where pretty much anything goes – their relaxed nature and non-judgemental attitude is the envy of many other parts of the world.

The Language

The Outdoors Australia has always been a popular destination for those looking to emigrate from the UK, but being so far away, some people still need a little bit of convincing – so here are the main reasons why you should think about making Australia permanent your home.

The landscape in Australia offers something for everyone – it’s best known for its beautiful sandy beaches and its vast deserts and dense forests of the outback, but you’ll also find hills and mountains as well as lush green parks which are ideal for children and sports enthusiasts alike.

The Weather

With opportunities for plenty of fresh air, spectacular scenery wherever you go, a low population so it never feels crowded, low crime rates so you can feel safe, high standards of education and great career opportunities, the quality of life in Australia is second-to-none.

Well, this is the most obvious one. Why choose rainy and cold when you could have consistently warm weather all year round. Australia is a sun-worshippers paradise, however if you really feel like you will miss the UK weather, then perhaps look at a location slightly further south, where the climate is still hot in summer, but the winter is much milder.

The People

Australians have a reputation the world over as being some of the warmest, friendliest

Quality of life

Working with an Australian migration agent such as Freedom Migration can ensure your visa application is as laid back as the Aussie lifestyle.

For more information visit www.freedommigration.com

Sydney Opera House image courtesy of Tourism NSW.

One thing you won’t have to worry about when you move to Australia is learning a new language. Australian slang may take a little getting used to, but it’s no barrier to fitting in and you’ll soon get the hang of it! Or simply add an ‘ie’ or ‘o’ on to the ends of words and you’ll fit right in!

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WWW.BBMLIVE.COM/JOBS

Meet Chef Christopher This is his story on working as a chef in Australia For the last decade TSS have been involved in placing chefs from all over the globe into Australian kitchens and in that time one thing has become clear; while every chef is skilled and passionate about their career, none of our past candidates share the same story.

As a recent migrant to Western Australia Chef Chris, originally from the Philippines, has a wealth of unique and diverse cultural experiences that have shaped him and his career.

Recently Chris was generous enough to take time out of his busy day in the kitchen to tell us the story of how is career began and what brought him to Australia.

MARN 0960361

Growing up in Bahrain, Chris travelled back to the Philippines to study the culinary arts, graduating there when he was 17. After returning to Bahrain he began working as a Commis Chef before receiving an offer from the InterContinental Hotel in Dubai.

“Well Dubai is a big city” explained Chris “It was really good for a young chef starting out to be experienced in that environment, culinary wise and career wise with a really big company. It’s really fast paced, I learned a lot of skills”.

One of the best parts of that environment in his opinion, was the people he worked with. “People from South Africa, America, UK, France, pretty much all over…

India, Indonesia. So you get to be in the environment where you’re surrounded with different cultures and you sort of adapt and you grow and you have fun at the same time”. Though his career in Dubai was going

TSS RECRUITMENT

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

WHY YOU SHOULD STUDY IN AUSTRALIA If you’re looking to study overseas, even just choosing a country can be a difficult decision. Australia attracts a huge number of international students each year for many positive reasons – but here are just a few reasons why Australia is an excellent place to choose when studying abroad.

An Outstanding Education System For a country so large, Australia actually has a relatively small number of universities.

However you’ll discover that quality is much more important than quantity. Australia offers a phenomenal standard of higher education – with eight institutions ranking in the top 100 of the QS World University Rankings and several featuring in the Times Higher Education Rankings, scoring highly on academic reputation, employer reputation as well as having a high ratio of international students.

Experience A Culturally Diverse Nation Australia is known as one of the most culturally diverse nations in the world, with nationalities from across the globe calling it home. Making up a large proportion of Australia’s varied population are thousands of international students who come to study here from all around the world – and the diverse culture means that they are still able to experience plenty of home comforts such as international restaurants, festivals, films and music.

as the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the famous Opera House, but also home to the natural beauty of the Great Barrier Reef and Uluru. Although you’re here to study you’ll get lots of free time and opportunity to explore your stunning new home!

World-class Research

Melbourne was recently voted as the second best city to live for students (QS Best Student Cities) ahead of London, and Sydney followed closely in fourth place.

Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth all featured prominently in the rankings.

Let’s get back to education – you’ll find a number of Australian academics who excel in many areas, from arts and humanities to science and technology. Australia is extremely highly thought of in the field of global research and has contributed to a number of scientific discoveries over the years including penicillin, IVF treatment and even Wi-Fi. International students will be certain that they are learning from the best, and will have great opportunities to undertake their own research.

Stunning Landscapes And Lots To Do

A Head Start Into Employment

Australia is of course known for its year round sunshine and beautiful stretches of white sandy beaches, home to a huge surfing culture. But just like the people, the country offers so much diversity in its landscape so you’ll also find vast dry deserts and lush, dense rainforests.

As an international student, you are entitled to work up to 20 hours per week in Australia. Not only can this help you to cover your living expenses and pay for travelling and nights out with your friends, it will also give you a great opportunity for some valuable work experience.

Australia is a magnet for sight-seers aplenty with magnificent man-made structures such

Once you have graduated you will have the opportunity to stay in Australia to look for

well, he was soon pulled back home. “At that time my mother was really sick…so for family reasons with the same company I went back to Bahrain.”

Three years down the track and Chris was exploring his career options. His contract with InterContinental was finishing and he was thinking about applying for work on an international cruise ship. However upon returning to the Philippines he heard about TSS. “I decided just to continue with TSS because I believed there was a better opportunity for me here in Australia”.

That was two years ago, and Chris hasn’t looked back since. Taking up a position in a pub in Bunbury, Western Australia, he was excited to live and work in Australia. “I’d visited Australia several times when I was younger on family trips…I was really looking forward to coming over here”.

Having worked in several large-scale busy kitchen teams before there was a lot of adjusting that Chris had to go through.

“The kitchen here is busy however it’s also very organised” he said comparing Bunbury to his last positions. “Every place, every country, anywhere that you go there would always be a little bit of a cultural difference, but to me personally it’s all about the attitude that you put towards it”. Continuing on his new found life in Australia, Chef Chris muses… “It’s a chef environment, in the kitchen…we have a reputation for being a little bit politically incorrect at times…that’s a fun side of it”.

To find out more about applying for hospitality jobs in Australia speak to a TSS Recruiter at recruitment@tssgroup.com. au or visit www.tssrecruitment.com.au

TSS MIGRATION

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

WWW.TSSIMMIGRATION.COM.AU

work with a post-study work visa. There are also a number of opportunities for graduates on the Professional Year Program (PYP). An apprenticeship/mentoring scheme in the fields of accounting, IT and engineering, completing this can help you to apply for permanent residence following your studies.

Staying In Australia Longer If you’ve visited Australia and have decided you want to stay longer, then applying for one of the two student visas available is also a great option. The two student visas for Australia available are the Subclass 500 (Student) and the Subclass 590 (Student Guardian). The Subclass 500 allows you to study a full-time course at a registered school, and stay until you graduate.

The Subclass 590 on the other hand, is applicable to guardians of an international student younger than 18 years old.

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

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Rural and Remote Nursing Placements in Australia Rural and remote nursing or R&R, as it is popularly known, is an opportunity for nurses to work in areas where their expertise are badly needed, and will be most appreciated. R&R nurses working at an advanced level can also extend their duties to: • Advocate strongly for their community • Participate in interdisciplinary collaboration for clients/patients to benefit positive health outcomes • Mentor health professionals that only have less work experience Rural and remote practice provides a sense of fulfilment and accomplishment that could be twice as much as what nurses will experience while working in the city or bigger health organisations.

most likely far removed from nursing in your usual setting of a busy city or town.

3. Upgrade of clinical skills R&R nursing offers you great autonomy and responsibility, which is sure to test your skills and knowledge. There’s a good possibility that you will be assigned to an area where clinical needs and focus are different from those of the big cities and the work challenges you will encounter will make you a better nurse.

R&R also comes with excellent benefits, so here’s a few reasons why you may want to consider nursing in rural and remote areas in Australia…

Add to this a diverse mix of patients and healthcare professionals; and your interpersonal, communication and people skills will be upgraded as well.

In some instances, it could be a case of making do of what is available, so you can provide the right healthcare services for your patients. So you can just imagine the level of ingenuity you will learn from rural practice.

1. Cultural travel

4.Range of financial benefits

Some of the most amazing tourist destinations in Australia are found in communities that offer unique cultural experiences. They’re not your usual tourist attractions that are only ideal for a photo op. What they offer is an opportunity to immerse in the local culture and the local way of life in some of Australia’s most beautiful and unspoiled places.

2. Cultural awareness As a foreigner working in Australia, your knowledge about the country and its people may be limited so you can get away from the stereotypes and discover the real Australia. With remote and rural nursing jobs, you will see a different side of the country, one that is built around a local community with shared interests and full support of one another. You’ll be taken into a completely different world with a culture that is different from what you may have already encountered – and

R&R nurses will receive a financial and incentive package that is far different from what conventional nurses receive. In NSW, for example, they provide Remote Areas Attraction and Retention Pilot Incentive Package that covers costs of relocation, removal, furniture storage, personal transport, housing, and even compensation for the accelerated depreciation of your things due to relocation. You will also get an attraction bonus, five days of paid learning and development leave, two days of full paid leave while preparing and packing for relocation, and notebook computer and Internet connection.

In the event that an immediate family member is seriously ill or has died, R&R nurses will also receive a compassionate air travel allowance.

Apply for nursing jobs now at

www.bowerhealthcare.com.au

WHY WORK AS A NURSE IN AUSTRALIA We all know that working as a nurse can be one of the toughest jobs in the world, however if you want to make the most of your nursing career, then working in Australia is a great way to make the job even more rewarding! Working as a nurse in Australia has many benefits including great salaries and in the case of agency nurses – great hours!

With Australia being a popular travel destination due to its expanse and diverse terrain and culture, working as a nurse in Australia also means you can make the most of your leisure time by travelling and seeing what this amazing country has to offer.

If you are a master at work/life balance, you can work hard and play harder whilst nursing in Australia. There are so many things to see and experience in Australia that one of your hardest decisions will be whether to visit the Great Barrier Reef or whether to travel to the world famous Uluru in your free time.

Nurses are highly in demand in Australia When nursing unemployment is high in other parts of the world, there’s no such thing Down Under. Nurses across all specialties and pay grades are most welcomed in Australia with their currently being over 16 nursing and healthcare occupations listed on the Skills Occupation List.

With medical facilities across the country calling out for nurses and healthcare professionals, providing you’re a registered nurse and you meet all the visa requirements you’ve got a good chance at finding work in Australia.

Work during holidays Nurses can be employed on a Working Holiday Visa, which is a great idea if you want to test the waters, so to speak. So if you are 30 years old or under, and a passport holder of the UK, Japan, Canada and other eligible countries, apply for a Working Holiday Visa and enjoy a short nursing stint in Australia.

Approval is usually quick and uncomplicated, provided that you pass the assessment program.

You can then work for a period of 3 to 6 months.

If you can work for longer, such as 2 to 3 years, you will then be eligible for Permanent Residency. Because nurses are currently in demand in Australia, there is an increased chance your application will be approved which can open up a whole world of opportunities for you in Australia.

Enjoy the best travel experiences Australia has the world’s best salaries for nurses, so if you’re working during your holidays, you will earn more than enough money to spend on your trips and excursions, which is yet another great excuse to explore more of Australia and extend your stay, whenever possible. And did you know, a nurse’s annual income is also in the top 20% of all Australian workers.

Enhance nursing skills Australia is known to have the world’s best health facilities that implement the best practices. They have been providing cutting edge professional nursing education since 1994, and universityacquired qualifications are recognised around the world. So you can just imagine how your nursing skills will improve when working in some of the best hospitals, clinics and other facilities in the country.

Improve your way of life Remember that Australia offers great nursing salaries? Add to this higher standard of living, the high quality of life and it’s clear that working as a nurse in Australia would definitely improve your existence in one of the hardest fields in the healthcare sector.

To find out more about Nursing jobs in Australia, contact the Australian Nursing Agency today at

www.australiannursingagency.com

www.bowerhealthcare.com.au info@bowerhealthcare.com.au Registered Nurses for Northern Sydney Hospitals Client hospitals in the Northern Suburbs are crying out for experienced nurses to work in general wards and specialty units, so we are particularly keen to hear from any Registered Nurses interested in immediate casual agency work.

We are currently seeking RGN’s (a minimum of 12 months post-grad experience essential) for shifts at popular public hospitals in Sydney’s north, as well as around Sydney and regional/rural NSW. Essential requirements: Work rights in Australia, a minimum of 12 months postgrad clinical experience, compliance with NSW Health’s vaccination policy, Current AHPRA registration, Eligibility for National Criminal History Record Check and NSW Working with Children Check clearance

Got a question?

ICU / Acute Care - Sydney We are particularly keen to hear from any acute care Registered Nurses who are interested in casual agency work in ICU/ CCU/ED & HDU. We are currently seeking experienced RN’s (a minimum of 12 months post-grad experience essential) for shifts within acute care units at popular and conveniently located public and private hospitals in Sydney’s east.

We offer: Guidance with achieving compliancy for work in Australia, preregistration before arrival (if travelling from outside NSW), day to day and advanced rosters, block bookings, access to our on-line rostering/availability system, professional Indemnity Insurance cover, CPE online training options, professional, friendly service - no call centres, guaranteed! Choose your work pattern, from one shift to full-time equivalent hours.

Essential requirements: Work rights in Australia, a minimum of 12 months postgrad clinical experience, Compliance with NSW Health’s vaccination policy, current AHPRA registration, eligibility for National Criminal History Record Check and NSW Working with Children Check clearance.

Rural Contract (Registered Nurse) From beautiful coastal areas to the stunning Snowy Mountain ranges, with scenic agriculture and regional towns between, our client hospitals are always pleased to accommodate travelling Registered and Enrolled nurses willing to help out on a short-term, casual contract basis.

We are currently recruiting for many Registered (and Enrolled) Nursing positions, with immediate start dates and others with a lead time into the next month or so. Contract duration varies from a few weeks to 3 months and the terms for many are negotiable with 35 to 100 hourly rate.

Although most roles require extensive specialty skills such as ED, ICU and mental health, we do also have general positions at larger, regional hospital facilities.

Aside from the opportunity to assist an area in need of your services, we offer: •Single room accommodation in nurses’ quarters or hospital rentals •Return travel (from Sydney or Melbourne) or Travel expense reimbursement • Speedy and efficient turn-around from application to placement

RN’s - All Regional - NSW Our client hospitals are always pleased to accommodate travelling nurses willing to help out on a short-term, contract basis.

Although most roles require extensive specialty skills such as ED, ICU and mental health, we do have general positions at larger facilities at times. Although these roles do not suit nurses arriving in the country wishing to start immediately (as there are a lot of compliance requirements to achieve, some of which need you to be on shore to fulfill) we can help keep you busy locally in Sydney while you wait for a suitable opening.

Essential requirements: Work rights in Australia, a minimum of 24 months post-grad clinical experience in the area required, compliance with NSW Health’s vaccination policy, current AHPRA registration, National Criminal History Record Check and NSW Working with Children Check.

Contracts come with single room accommodation in nurses’ quarters or hospital rentals, travel expense reimbursement can be negotiated and a lump-sum bonus applies at the successful completion of the agreed terms.

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NORTHERN TERRITORY Glamp Your Way Through The Northern Territory You’ve hit the dusty trail, you’ve washed the mud out from under your fingernails and you’ve forced down BBQ’d meat that quite possibly has grass on it, and all in the name of adventure.

If this sounds like most of the tours you’ve ever been on and you can’t face the thought of doing it again, then fear not as it’s quite possible to have all the sense of adventure, whilst also having a few creature comforts.

Although glamping has made its mark on music festivals throughout the world it’s now edging its way into the adventure tour arena - and it’s really quite welcome!

One of the tour companies welcoming “glamping” into their world is Kakadu Wild who have recently upgraded their three day Kakadu & Litchfield Adventure to a slightly more comfortable few days of bush camping and exploring.

A forward thinking move and with comfort in mind, you can now take advantage of the powered up tents to charge all your tech you just can’t live without whilst on the tour meaning you’ll never miss a chance to snap all t,;’he amazing flora and fauna you’ll see whilst on the tour. And what’s more these “powered” tents come complete with fans, beds, proper bed linen and pillows meaning you’ll get an excellent night’s sleep leaving you energized to make the most of the tour during the days.

An exquisite tour as it stands,

this three day adventure takes you from Darwin to the nearby Litchfield National Park to see the stunning Florence Falls and Buley Rockholes, then it’s on to the Mary River Wetlands to spot some gigantic crocs! You’ll then make your way to Kakadu National Park where you’ll immerse yourself in some real Aussie bushland and learn more about the native Aboriginal culture.

Make no mistake, however, on this tour you will still be getting back to basics whilst exploring the Aussie bush, so make sure you pack sturdy boots for hiking, swimming gear for taking a dip at the many swimming holes and waterfalls, warm clothing for night time, insect repellent, a hat and sunscreen. After all, this is the real Australia… creepy crawlies and all! www.kakaduwild.com.au

Darwin’s Top 5 Experiences If you’ve decided to visit Darwin during your time in Australia, then make the most of the abundant adventures to be had. With its close proximity to the Australian outback and some of the best National Parks in the whole country, you’ll be spoilt for choice on what to do during your time here. So to help you along with a loose itinerary, here’s a few of the best things to do whilst in Darwin.

Swim with Crocodiles One of the main attractions of Darwin is the awesome Crocosaurus Cove.

It’s here where you can get as close as humanly possible to giant saltwater crocodiles without being their lunch. If you’re feeling brave and want the ultimate photo opp then take on the Cage of Death as you are lowered into a tank with these master predators.

Cruise the Mary River Wetlands from Darwin If you don’t think you’re brave enough to swim with crocs, then the Mary River Wetlands may be more up your street! Home to the largest concentration of saltwater crocodiles on the planet, explore the Mary River Wetlands on a two-and-a-half-hour cruise. The boat will get you close enough to these ferocious giants meaning you can snap some photos of these ancient beasts in their natural habitat.

Discover Natural Wonders at Litchfield National Park Just 130 km outside of Darwin, Litchfield National Park is where you can see towering termite mounds and swim under cascading waterfalls. If time is of the essence and you want to see some typical Aussie bushland, then Litchfield is easily visited within a day setting off and returning to Darwin.

Cruise Around Darwin Harbour Discover the history, intrigue and natural environment of Darwin Harbour. See the local marine habitats, shipwrecks, mangroves, sites of cultural significance and learn what happened when World War II came to Darwin. You may even be able to meet nesting or hatchling turtles on the Turtle Tracks tour between April and October.

Immerse yourself in Northern Territory Aboriginal Culture Explore the enthralling culture of the local Pudakul people on this authentic, nature-based experience. Learn about bush tucker and traditional medicine, try blowing a didgeridoo, play the clapsticks, throw a spear and see basket and dilly bag making demonstrations. You’ll also discover the significance of Dreamtime and Djukbinj, the Rainbow Serpent and enjoy damper (bush bread) and tea.

You’ll find Crocosaurus Cover at 58 Mitchell Street, Darwin City (Corner of Mitchell & Peel Street) or visit www.crocosauruscove.com

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Situated in Australia’s North West, the Kimberley Region is a wild and untamed corner of Western Australia.

From rugged mountains, to desert terrain and lush tropical rainforests, you can see one of the more diverse areas on the Australian continent within the Kimberley Region.

The Kimberley Region covers a vast 423,517 square kilometres (163,521 sq mi) meaning it’s not just inland adventures to be had whilst visiting. The Kimberley Region is in fact flanked by the Indian Ocean on the west and the Timor Sea on the North coast, meaning there’s miles of stunning coastline to take in.

Highlights of The Kimberley Region Tunnel Creek

A vast network of caves that causes a 750m tunnel that passes under the Napier Range.

Windjana Gorge

Windjana Gorge is a lush oasis where you are able to spot plenty of freshwater crocodiles.

El Questro Station

A great place to stop off for the evening, it’s at El Questro that you can sleep out under the great Kimberley sky and take in the stunning starry skies above.

The Bungle Bungles

These beehive shaped mountains are a sight to behold. Only officially put on the map in 1983, the Bungle Bungles are situated within the Purnululu National Park.

Lake Argyle

A whopping 18 times bigger than Sydney Harbour, Lake Argyle is the largest manmade lake in all of Australia and is where you’ll find more freshwater crocs as well as some great fishing!

To find out more about tours of The Kimberley Region visit www.kimberleywild.com.au

Go Walkabout In The Northern Territory The adventure capital of Australia, the Northern Territory plays host to some of the main tourism draws in the whole of the country.

Everyone’s heard of Uluru or Ayers Rock, but did you know the Northern Territory is also home to other geological wonders such as The Devils Marbles, Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon.

When embarking on a tour from Alice Springs to Darwin you can see all of these weird and wonderful sites whilst taking in the vastness of the Northern Territory’s landscape. Known at The Red Centre of Australia, you’ll find a striking and desolate looking landscape that will make you feel dwarfed in comparison.

It’s not just big red rocks that you’ll find in the NT, the Territory is also home to lush and tropical national parks such as the famous Kakadu National Park, as well as Litchfield, and Nitmuluk National Parks. In fact you’ll find 87 national parks and reserves within the NT. It’s within the parks that you can have the opportunity to learn more about the native aboriginal ways of life, as well as witness ancient aboriginal rock art.

Of course with these luscious parks comes some exciting wildlife including a vast amount of ferocious saltwater and freshwater crocodiles. As you explore the parks you’ll come across epic cascading waterfalls pouring into water holes below that are teeming with life including freshwater turtles, fish and even water monitor lizards who like to bask on the rocks beside these oasis’.

A great way to experience all of this is by taking a tour from either Darwin to Alice Springs or in reverse, meaning you won’t miss a thing.

Join Mulgas Adventures to explore the best of the Northern Territory with their 5 day one way camping adventure tour which includes 4 nights camping from Alice Springs visiting Uluru, the Devils Marbles, Daly Waters, Mataranka Hot Springs, Edith Falls and Darwin.

www.mulgasadventures.com.au

Images courtesy of Tourism Western Australia & Tourism NT

The Kimberley

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EXPLORE A WATERY WONDERLAND

Explore Australia’s stunning west coast...

enjoy. However there is one place you won’t want to miss during your travels of WA and that’s Monkey Mia.

It’s no secret that Western Australia hosts an unfathomable amount of coastline, so it can be tough where to choose to spend the bulk of your time whilst travelling in Western Australia.

And if you’re making your way up or down the coast you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to beachside towns to stop off at and

Situated North of Perth towards Shark Bay and Exmouth, Monkey Mia is simply stunning and is one of the few places on Earth that you can get up right close to bottlenose dolphins as they visit the shallows every day to be hand fed by the public. Aside from the famous Monkey Mia dolphins however there is a lot more to explore whilst visiting Monkey Mia.

Away from the dolphins you can also indulge yourself with a range of watersports including kayaking and paddle boarding which are a great way to take in the scenery from the perspective of the water.

Visiting this corner of Western Australia will also give you the chance to visit the Francois Peron National Park - a visually impressive area of red dunes, cloaked in acacia trees and shrubs all surrounded by stunning azure water.

From Monkey Mia, you are in prime position to continue your tour of WA north to Exmouth where you can visit the incredible Ningaloo Reef - and should you time it just right between April to July you may even encounter the world’s largest fish - the Whaleshark - as it migrates to the Western Australian waters.

However, visiting at any time of year will equally give you an amazing snorkeling or scuba diving experience as the Ningaloo Reef is also where you’ll find dolphins, dugongs, manta rays

and humpback whales and on shore the Ningaloo Beach is an important breeding ground for loggerhead, green and hawksbill turtles.

If you’re thinking about touring the West Coast of Australia then save yourself some money with Integrity Coachlines hop-on-hop-off pass with an added 10% off with Promo Code BBM5. www.integritycoachlines.com

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WA - WHERE ADVENTURES LIVES Setting off from Perth, Aussie Wanderer’s 9 day Perth to Broome tour will see you encounter big adventures every single day.

From experiencing the rugged and rocky Kalbarri National Park, the Z Bend, and deep gorges to going face to face with the Monkey Mia dolphins, as well as snorkelling the Ningaloo Reef and swimming in the billabongs of Karijini National Park, there is so much to do

on this tour that it will leave you with the memories of a lifetime as well as putting a dent in your storage space from all the pics you’ll take!

Departing every Saturday from March to December, this tour is a great way to see the diversity of Western Australia and will take you from the city, to the north western town of Broome. It’s here that you’ll be able to take a camel ride on the famous Cable Beach - world renowned for its stunning sunsets, it’s here that you’ll also see

the Staircase To The Moon phenomenon.

If you’re a water baby, then you may want to consider timing this tour to coincide with the annual visit from the Whale Sharks who flock to Western Australia’s shores between April and July every year to feed at the Ningaloo Reef.

It’s also worth mentioning that every day you will hike for up to 4km on uneven terrain, so make sure you’re of a good fitness level, and of course have some proper hiking boots! This incredible tour includes five nights dorm accommodation, two nights safari tent camping, one night camping.

Get the full tour info at aussiewanderer.com.au

NORTHERN TERRITORY UNCOVERED

Setting off from Darwin, you can embark on the adventure of a lifetime whilst experiencing the diverse landscape of the north.

Escaping To Litchfield Upon arriving in Litchfield National Park you’ll be confronted by a truly unruly landscape as giant termite mounds tower over you as well as dense woodland. Litchfield is packed to the brim with stunning waterfalls, swimming holes and rock pools transporting you to an exotic jungle just waiting to be explored. During your time in Litchfield you’ll have the chance to visit Florence Falls, Buley Rockholes as well as Wangi Falls.

From here it’s on to the Mary River National Park where you’ll be able to try and spot some of the largest crocs on the planet in the Mary River wetlands.

Culture At Kakadu Upon arriving at Kakadu National Park, you’ll quickly realise just why it’s a World Heritage Listed destination. Rich with Aboriginal culture dating back more than 50,000 years, it’s here that

you’ll have the chance to learn more about the land and Aboriginal culture from your guide as well as see some stunning Aboriginal rock art.

During your time visiting Kakadu you will also visit Maguk, otherwise known as Barramundi Gorge, or the Gunlom Falls where you’ll be able to cool off in the clear swimming hole.

The Towering Heights Of Katherine Gorge After you’ve explored Kakadu it’s time to move on to Katherine Gorge. An ancient gorge carved from the Katherine River over 23 million years, the rock faces rise a massive 70 metres up. Situated within the Nitmiluk National Park you’ll have the chance to take a cruise down the river or even hire a canoe or boat for another perspective of the imposing gorge.

The Ancient Art Of Spear Throwing Following exploring Katherine Gorge, you will then be taken to an indigenous art gallery where you’ll get some first class coaching on the ancient art of spear throwing, making fires and traditional Aboriginal painting before returning to Darwin where the tour concludes.

Find more tours at www.adventuretours.com.au

Images courtesy of Tourism Western Australia

One of the wildest corners of Australia, the Northern Territory takes the crown when it comes to intrepid adventures.

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Spring Time on Kangaroo Island

With the chill of winter wearing off, it’s time to start looking forward to spring time on Kangaroo Island.

During spring you can expect temperatures to range between 10-18 Celsius, making it the perfect weather to go exploring without the oppressive heat in tow!

Spring time is a great time of year for nature on Kangaroo Island. From the abundance of wildflowers beautifully littering the ground, to the arrival of the Cape Barron Geese to nest in the iris grasses, tranquility oozes from every corner of the island.

Spring time also sees many young mammals and marsupials as the joeys will be outside of their mother’s pouches and seal pups will be making their first moves towards the water.

It’s between September and November that the strange and wonderful Platypus’ also lay their eggs, but this happens deep within burrows of up to 20 metres long, so it’s unlikely you’ll catch a glimpse of this shy and unique creature.

During spring on Kangaroo Island you can take advantage of the many walking and cycling trails on the island. These trails give you the opportunity to head into the bush and really explore in amongst the flora and fauna.

There are 23 hikes all around Kangaroo Island with different levels and lengths to suit everybody. From half an hour treks to full 8 hour day treks you can plan your route depending on just how much walking you want to do. For those of you who are feeling fit and brave there is also the Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail which actually takes an arduous five days to complete. For those who wish to explore via bike the mild temperature make for the perfect time to head off on a bike and work up a sweat whilst seeing the best of the island including the bays and beaches.

Kayaking is also something you may want to do whilst visiting Kangaroo Island. As you take to Harriet River in your kayak you’ll have the chance to spot fish in the crystal clear waters as well as the wildlife that live on the banks. You may

even be lucky enough to spot a koala relaxing up in the trees above.

For those who are looking for a few days of indulgence then Kangaroo Island have got you covered when it comes to food and drink. Whilst visiting the Island we suggest sampling the prized local dish of Marron (freshwater crayfish), as well as the abundance of fresh seafood on offer.

You’ll also find locally produced cheeses and honey which can all be washed down with a locally produced wine.

There are a fair few cellar doors dotted around the Island, so make sure you leave enough room after all that seafood for fantastic red and white wines, produced from locally grown grapes and bottled on Kangaroo Island.

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

RAINFOREST, MOUNTAINS & ADVENTURE

A trip to Queensland has to include the world’s best surfing beaches and the rainforest but you don’t have to travel to the outback to see the natural beauty of Australia. Tamborine Mountain between Brisbane and the Gold Coast is famous for ancient rainforest and exciting adventures.

An easy drive along the scenic road from the city or the beach will take you to Tamborine Mountain in less than an hour. We stayed at Thunderbird Park, a favourite destination for day-trippers and holidaymakers. This 112-hectares rainforest property offers all the splendours of the natural environment with affordable accommodation, a range of exciting adventures and great dining facilities. Nature lovers can walk the natural bush tracks, meet Australian native animals in the wild, see rare birds, butterflies and plants,

swim in the rock pools and enjoy all the comforts of home.

Campsites have fire pits to cook on, the bunkhouses, holiday homes and lodges have fully equipped kitchens.

up in camouflage gear and play laser skirmish. Horse riding through the rainforest is an amazing adventure and one of the most memorable experiences.

Most accommodation packages include a hearty barbecue buffet breakfast. Thunderbird Terrace serves drinks, light meals and delicious homemade pizza all day every day and the Rainforest Restaurant and Lounge Bar is open on Friday and Saturday nights (more frequently during peak holiday periods).

Imagine riding the winding trails through cool green rainforest, sauntering along the banks of the tumbling creek and up the gently sloping mountainside through a forest of majestic gum trees. The only sounds are the gentle tread of the horses, the birds, and the creek. Reach the top and see the breathtaking views of the valley below. This is the ultimate rainforest experience.

Relax in the rainforest, get back to nature or take it to the top with one of the onsite adventures. Take the Tree Tops Challenge high ropes course, go to extremes on the Canyon Flyer and zigzag across the creek at 70 klms and hour and 60 metres above ground.

Fossick for gemstone-filled thundereggs formed when dinosaurs roamed the earth and take home a unique treasure.

Play a round of mini golf on the championship course or kit

Travelling is all about experience; Tamborine Mountain is a hidden gem with so much to offer within easy travelling distance of the city and the beach. Visit www.thunderbirdpark. com.au for more information on this destination.

Visit www.thunderbridpark.com.au for details.

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Nothing screams Aussie adventure more than the thought of spending a few days castaway on a desert island, but when we say desert island we actually mean the world’s largest sand island.

Life On The Island...

Fraser Island is situated off the coast of Queensland across the waters of Hervey Bay, north of the Sunshine Coast. Fraser Island boasts one of the longest beaches in the world, Seventy-Five Mile Beach as well as some stunning lakes such as Lake McKenzie and Lake Wabby.

Away from the water you’ll also find stunning, ancient and towering rainforests that will leave you breathless in awe of their lush and peacefulness.

Whilst visiting Fraser Island

you can embark on a real adventure as you explore via 4WD, cruising along the sandy beaches or over-landing through the bumpy terrain of the forests.

Camping under the stars and feasting on a proper Aussie BBQ whilst you take in the tranquillity of the place which will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.

You can cool off during the day with a dip in Lake McKenzie as you peer through its crystal clear waters, or soothe your aches with a visit to the Champagne Pools - a natural jacuzzi created by waves crashing into the rock pools!

Fraser Island also plays host to dingos that you’ll often see on the beaches, as well as being a great place for whale-spotting. Hervey Bay is known as the Whale Watching Capital of the

World, and between August and October each year, you are more than likely to spot a migrating mother and calf Humpback or two as they pass through the calm and warm waters close to the Island.

It’s on Fraser that you’ll also find the decaying and eerily stunning Maheno Wreck - a shipwreck that has been on the beach since it was washed ashore by a cyclone in 1935.

If you’re looking for adventure during your East Coast travels, then it certainly starts on Fraser Island.

To find out more about Fraser Island tours and volunteering on Fraser visit www.dropbearadventures. com.au

WHICH IS YOUR FAVOURITE ISLAND? The Whitsunday Islands play host to tens of thousands of visitors every year and are situated off the coast of Queensland.

A group of 74 islands, with 60 of them being left to there to own natural beauty. Imagine white sandy beaches, surrounded by crystal clear water and no cars in sight!

There is so much to see and experience here that you’ll want to spend at least a few days getting to know each island you can get to during your visit.

As Australia’s largest cluster of Islands, you can reach the Whitsunday Islands from the popular tourist hub of Airlie Beach on the mainland. Some of the most popular islands to visit in the Whitsundays are Hamilton, Daydream, Heron, Hayman, Hook, South Molle, Whitsunday, Long and Lindeman Islands. But with so many islands to choose from you may need a little help.

Island hopping in the Whitsundays is a great way to make sure you get around to see as much as possible, and with Awesome Whitsundays’ Island Hopper Pass you can get from the mainland to Daydream Island and Hamilton Island.

The Island Hopper Pass is just $99 for backpackers (if you have a bona fide backpacker card) or $125 per person.

Arming yourself with the Island Hopper Pass allows you to explore at your own pace, meaning all you need is a timetable and a map so you can get to where you want to be.

Things to do on Daydream Island On Daydream Island you can experience the man-made lagoon where you can get a close look at baby stingrays, sharks, and sea cucumbers. The island also plays host to a huge outdoor cinema, plenty of restaurants and even a spa. However if you feel like getting a bit wild whilst in the Whitsundays, then why not take a trek through the rainforest on Daydream Island?

Things to do on Hamilton Island Possibly the most popular of all the Whitsunday Islands, Hamilton Island sports a whole range of adrenalin junkie activities such as go karting and jetboat riding as well as a fantastic array of restaurants and hotels. For those of you who love watersports, you’ll find these in abundance on Hamilton Island, and you’ll also be able to discover both land and marine wildlife whilst visiting this island.

Island hopping in the Whitsundays is a great way to get a taster of everything there is to do and see, but if you just can’t get enough then why not consider taking a longer tour and explore the Great Barrier Reef.

Adventure Tours Sailing There’s no doubt about it, the Whitsunday Islands are a sailor’s paradise, so why not take advantage of Awesome Whitsundays Reef & Whitehaven Adventure which includes climbing on board the stunning ‘Camira’ – a high speed catamaran that has been built for speed and comfort.

Whilst using this vessel as a base for your trip you can swim and snorkel on your way to Whitehaven Beach. Awesome

Whitsundays Reef & Whitehaven Adventure is a 3 day 3 night package that includes accommodation, Camira Sailing Adventure and Great Barrier Reef Adventures

Reefsleep One of the most tranquil places on earth, take advantage of Awesome Whitsundays Reefsleep package which enables you to actually spend a night under the stars on a pontoon out on the Great Barrier Reef. Reefsleep includes 2 days on the Great Barrier Reef where you can spend the day diving or snorkelling and the night watching and waiting to see which creatures of the deep float to the surface.

Castaway Combining all the above Awesome Whitsundays also offer a 5 days and 5 nights tour called Castaway, where you can combine sailing around the islands on ‘Camira’ as well as snorkelling and an unforgettable experience – spending a night under the stars on our pontoon in the Great Barrier Reef. As well as that you have a day exploring the islands with your Island Hopper Pass and a day to relax and chill at Airlie Beach.

www.awesomewhitsundays.com

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Skyrail Rainforest Cableway We catch up with Tropical North Queensland local, Khalia Pepper to find out the best reasons to visit Cairns, and get some insider knowledge!

If you were to sum up TNQ in 3 words what would they be? Paradise, Unique and Adventure. TNQ is a dream destination for any adventurer!

For anyone visiting the Tropical North for the first time, what are the top 3 things they should do? There are so many world-class features to do here that its difficult to narrow down to my top 3, but I would say Diving and snorkelling on the Outer Great Barrier Reef is a must, self drive and explore the Waterfall Circuit up at the Atherton Tablelands and discover World Heritage Listed Tropical Rainforest with Skyrail of course.

What else is there to do near the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway? Visit the colourful quirky Kuranda village, cuddle a Koala at Kuranda Koala Gardens - but for a slice of beach paradise you simply have to visit Palm Cove.

Absolutely beautiful and only 10 minutes away!

What types of animals can visitors hope to see? One of the benefits of living or visiting the wet tropics, especially for those nature lovers amongst us, is that the whole area is a buzz with wildlife. You can see unique animals such as Tree-Kangaroos, Cassowaries, Cairns birdwing butterflies, Flying foxes and lets not forget the crocodiles!

Where’s the best place in Cairns to grab dinner out? Boatshed and Dundees Restaurant. Both on the

waterfront, the food, view and service is first class.

Where’s the best place to head out for a drink in Cairns? The Salt House. You get harbour, mountain and ocean views, making it near impossible not to unwind and soak up the beauty of Tropical North Queensland!

Where’s the best place to stay if visitors are thinking of visiting for a week or so? If on a budget I’d suggest Travellers Oasis Backpackers, Calypso Inn Backpackers, Cairns Central YHA or The Northern Greenhouse.

When’s the best time of year to visit? Every month of the year offers something different here in Cairns. During the summer is hot and wet the waterfalls are in full splendour and the rainforest is amazing, everything is so green.

The bird life is also spectacular. Our winter offers mild temperatures and probably is the most popular time to visit.

Where’s the best place off the beaten track to visit?

Crystal Cascades - a popular swimming hole where locals spend the hot, sunny days swimming in cool mountain water at the bottom of a fantastic waterfall. The only way you’d know about this gem is by speaking to the locals – it’s not advertised to tourists.

skyrail.com.au

WHITEHAVEN BEACH TOURS The jewel of the Whitsunday Islands, no tour to this idyllic destination is complete without visiting the remarkable, Whitehaven Beach.

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

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

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

In fact there are actually 1625 species of fish, 630 types of starfish and sea urchins, 14 varieties of sea snakes, and 30

species of whales and dolphins - so you may want to pack a waterproof camera when visiting!

One of the best ways to visit Whitehaven Beach is via Ocean Rafting. With their high-speed vessels you can spend the day soaking up the stunning scenery of the Whitsunday Islands as well as snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef.

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

www.oceanrafting.com.au

SNORKEL THE REEF

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

With the Reef being the largest coral reef on the planet (you can see if from outer space!) it will come as no surprise that close to 10% of the world’s entire fish population call the Great Barrier Reef home. But it’s not just fish you can hope to see whilst visiting. The Reef is also home to 6 of the world’s 7 marine turtle species including Green Turtles, Leatherbacks and Loggerheads! Getting to see one of these guys is a real treat, and you’re also likely to spot Giant Clams, Starfish, Eagle Rays and an abundance of colourful corals. If you’re staying in Cape Tribulation for a few days it’s well worth venturing out to the ocean on a day trip to snorkel at the Reef. With Ocean Safari you can jump on

board one of their fantastic half day tours off the Daintree Coast that will take you on a 25 minute ride out to the Reef where you’ll discover all the rare and wonderful wildlife.

Morning tours depart at 8 am and afternoon tours at 12 midday. Tours start from $139 per person.

The Ocean Safari check in office is where you’ll also find the Turtle Rock Café where you can fill up on some wholesome meals after all that snorkelling. You’ll also find Jungle Lodge just 400 metres from the beach. Jungle Lodge offers camping in the stunning Cape Tribulation rainforest making it the perfect base if you want to stay in the area over a few days!

www.oceansafari.com.au

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TRAVEL TALK LAUNCH ASIA TOURS FOR 2017 Who fancies seeing a bit of Asia? From Delhi to Chiang Mai Travel Talk have got you covered. Starting in January 2017 Travel Talk will being going to the exciting countries of India, Nepal, Cambodia and Thailand ranging from 5 to 16 day tours.

We’re in, are you?

India Tours

A tour to India takes you on a voyage that provides a remarkable fusion of people, traditions and landscapes. A country that is delightfully diverse, India offers you the opportunity to visit mighty monuments and forts, experience the colourful and chaotic streets of Delhi, discover Jaipur; a beguiling ancient city and doorway to India’s utmost flamboyant state, visit Fatehpur Sikri a magnificent fortified historical city and see the jewel of Muslim art and also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the grand Taj Mahal.

An India Tour is a pilgrimage of sorts and is a necessity for any thrill-seeking travellers

who want to get off the beaten track and experience a country like no other.

Nepal Tours

Nepal is a destination that offers a rich history, pure beauty, enthralling scenery and vibrant cities. From the birthplace of Buddha to the tallest peak of the world, the folks of Nepal will steal your heart.

Discover Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu which is boundlessly captivating with various sights, sounds and smells, marvel at the medieval temples, discover Pokhara, a city which offers remarkable scenery, adventure pursuits and an abundant of food options, experience an incredible trekking adventure at Annapurna and visit the beautiful Chitwan which is home to Nepal’s first national park and holds the status of a UNSECO World Heritage Site. This really is a country like no other, ideal for those inquisitive travellers on the quest for amazing experiences.

Thailand Tours

Home to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, known for their massage and beauty treatments and loved for their laidback and party lifestyle, it’s no wonder Thailand is a popular destination for tourists.

Often referred to as Land of Smiles, the Thai people are renowned for their friendly natures and strong sense of hospitality and generosity. Religion is also very significant in Thailand with the majority of the population following Buddhism. Located all throughout the country are thousands of famous and remarkable temples not to be missed by visitors. The beloved Thai cuisine will have your mouth watering with enough restaurants, stalls and markets to suit all budgets. Go explore Thailand – relax on the heavenly white, sandy beaches, take part in a local cooking class, experience the monks praying, enjoy the lively night markets, ride an elephant and party until dawn.

Cambodia Tours

Located between Thailand and Vietnam, Cambodia is undeniably one of the more less-known countries in Southeast Asia however, makes the country all the more interesting. With secluded beaches, ancient temples and a fascinating culture this small country is not to be missed on your Indochina travels. Discover Cambodia’s impressive and tumultuous history evident by the prominent war memorials and monuments. Prepare to be awed by the sensational architecture of the world’s largest religious structure and often referred to as ‘the mother’ of all temples, Angkor Wat. Explore the charming streets of Phnom Penh, learn to cook traditional cuisines and fall in love with the natural beauty and genuine locals of Cambodia.

Find out more at www.traveltalktours.com

ENCOUNTER VIETNAM

An ever increasingly popular destination for travellers in southeast Asia, Vietnam is a one stop shop for culture, adventure, and natural beauty.

From the bustling capital of Hanoi to the banks of the Mekong River there is so much to see and do that you’ll never want to leave.

Hanoi is everything you’d expect from a southeast Asian city with scooters zipping around, horns tooting, an abundance of markets, farmers karting their wares around and food stalls galore! You can take in the sites of the Ancient Quarter, and visit the stunning Hoan Kiem Lake. If you’re up early enough you may even see the locals practicing Tai Chi on the banks of the Lake - making for a pleasant and calming sight.

The real adventure, however starts outside of Hanoi at the famous Halong Bay. An aweinspiring natural wonder of the world, you can explore the Bay by traditional Junk boat as you meander around the many islets, whilst taking in the panoramic views.

At Hoi An you can really experience the Vietnamese way of life. A few must do’s whilst visiting Hoi An include getting tailor made clothes, taking a cooking course and visit the stunning beaches. Or experience Hoi An and the surrounding traditional villages by bicycle

to really get a great perspective of the local way of life.

A world apart from the traditional villages is Ho Chi Minh City. The vibrant business district of Vietnam is where you’ll see modern skyscrapers juxtaposed with traditional Vietnamese buildings which is certainly something you don’t see every day!

Another must see whilst visiting Vietnam is a trip to the Mekong Delta. The Mekong Delta is an epic maze of rivers, swamps and islands that can be found in Southern Vietnam - close to Ho Chi Minh City. It’s here that you’ll find the famous, traditional floating markets, Khmer pagodas and rice paddy fields. The Mekong Delta is so vast that boats are the main mode of transportation when it comes to navigating the region.

A country that blends fantastic cuisine with an ancient culture and awe-inspiring natural beauty, you can explore Vietnam with Encounters Travel’s 7, 8, or 11 day tours.

Find out more about Asia adventures at www.encounterstravel.com

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SKIFEST JAPAN Japan isn’t the first place you think of when it comes to skiing destinations, however it actually is the premier hub for skiing in the Far East.

For those of you who love to experience the thrill of skiing and snowboarding then why opt for the ultimate New Year’s holiday at Skifest 2016/17.

At Skifest you can hit the slopes of Niseko Village by day, and enjoy the restaurants, bars and karaoke bars by night. Here, you’ll get an authentic taste of the Japanese lifestyle whilst getting your daily snow fill.

Niseko boasts 5 ski resorts with some of the best snow on Earth. You’ll find an international mix of visitors at the resorts making for a cultural melting pot.

Whether you’re an advanced skier or a beginner there are a mixture of runs to experience, meaning everyone is catered to! You can even ski into the night as 80% of the mountain is floodlit!

It wouldn’t be a Japan snow holiday without taking part in the traditional onsens, meaning you can soothe your achy skied out bodies in the hot waters of the pools whilst taking in the stunning snow-laden landscape.

Enjoy skiing in Japan with The Fanatics Skifest Japan tour departing between 23rd Dec 2016 to72 Jan, 2017. Skifest Japan includes accommodation, airport transfers, 5 day lift passes, 6 nbights accommodation, Fanatics merchandise and the famous Fanatics parties all from $1800 AUD! You can even choose to extend your stay for up to 8 nights and book your spot with a $500 deposit when booking direct via thefanatics.com website.

early bird discount now available use promo code BBMPRESALE *offer ends 31st October or when allocation has been reached

Spend Christmas and New Year on Japan’s slopes! www.thefanatics.com

CROATIA 2017 SET SAIL ON THE DALMATION COAST

Spend the week sailing Croatia and exploring the crystal blue Adriatic along the amazing Dalmatian coastline for summer 2017.

Starting in Split, set sail to discover hidden bays and magical swimming spots with visits to Hvar, Dubrovnik and Makarska - to name a few.

Enjoy a relaxed sun soaked day on the boat before getting those feet on to dry land to take in a touch of culture, adventure and nightlife. Docking in a different destination each evening over the course of the tour, you’ll get to experience the individual personalities of the Croatian islands.

During the day you can swim, snorkel, sunbathe and take a dip into the sea and by night you can explore and discover everything these amazing destinations have to offer.

Sailing around Croatia offers great diversity as you visit different ports during your sailing adventure, and combining this with life on the high seas offers the ultimate summer holiday.

After all those heavy nights on the town, you’ll be fully refreshed the next day as you splash around in the sea and have the cooling sea breeze whilst sailing from port to port.

Sailing Croatia with Koda Sail also gives you the opportunity to travel in a group and make friends for life as you take it all in together.

Koda Sail’s Dalmatian Voyager tour gives you 8 days of sailing and 7 nights on board. During the tour you will get to see the Biokovo mountain range, Mljet National Park, Dubrovnik Old Town, Korcula, Hvar and Omis where you can indulge in exciting activities such as zip-lining and white water rafting on the Cetina River.

For more info visit www.kodasail.com

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10% OFF CENTRAL AMERICA Costa Rica, Panama and Nicaragua are all amazing Central American countries with their fare share of wildlife, stunning landscapes and opportunity for outdoor activities. Costa Rica offers some of the best surfing spots in the world and incomparable routes for hiking in the rainforest.

Panama’s crystal-clear water is perfect for scuba diving and the Archipelago of Bocas del Toro is ideal to sea kayak between islands. Practicing your Spanish and intercultural competence in Nicaragua will sharpen these important skills and allow you to get an image of Central American culture as a whole.

Not only can you do all these things in only three months, but also we offer a Semester Program in which you will accomplish all this while engaging in outdoor and water activities every day. Participants learn surfing, rafting and scuba diving and get the chance to earn several professional certifications that will allow them to work anywhere in the world, including: Wilderness Advanced First Aid (Outward Bound Costa Rica) Whitewater Rescue Technician (Rescue 3 International) Scuba Diver Certification (National Association of Underwater Instructors) Waterfront Lifeguarding (American Red Cross)

WINTER SUN SURFING IN MOROCCO There’s never a bad time to travel to Morocco, but when the winter temperatures plummet elsewhere, Morocco offers a beacon of hope for a little winter sun!

Morocco sports some of the best surfing in the world, and with Stoke’s Moroccan Magic Week, you can spend 6 nights all inclusive soaking up the sand, sea and surf at their Surf Palace. This all inclusive package includes three delicious meals a day, daily surf lessons and equipment, and Stoke-guided trips to the hammam bathhouse, souk markets, and the oasis of Paradise Valley.

The bustling town of Agadir comes alive as soon as the sun sets, meaning you’ll see the locals congregating in squares to exchange tales of the day.

However shopping on the weekend has to be done at the souk where you’ll see mountains of spices and other Moroccan wares.

This part of Morocco boasts endless beaches that are evocative of deserts making for some pretty epic landscape shots! During Stoke’s Moroccan Magic Week you can enjoy panoramic views of the sun rising over the Sahara and setting over the Atlantic ocean as well as

spending each day surfing up a storm. You will stay in Taghazout just 30 minutes from the Airport and the package price includes everything!

So... great food, great activities, and sun and all for just 400 Euros - what more could you want?

Check out the weeks in October, February, or April. Or head to Morocco for just 60 Euros per day anytime.

And that’s not all – use our exclusive promo code “BBM” to get a free cap! www.stoketravel.com/moroccomagic-week

To make the course more authentic, participants will also live with homestay families which will teach them how to cook traditional meals and converse with them in Spanish. To share with others this amazing opportunity and our love of Central America, impactful service projects have been integrated into the program.

If discovering Central America in the most exciting and authentic way possible sounds like something you’d like to do: we have good news.

We are currently offering a 10% discount on our River to Sea Semester to anyone who heard about us through BBM Magazine! Spots are limited so make sure to grab yours before the course is full.

Head to our website and discover everything there is to know about our River to Sea Semester Program. If you have any questions, contact our office and one of our staff members in Costa Rica will answer all your questions.

You can stay in touch with our community to get more advice on travelling and making your time abroad meaningful by following us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

SAILING HOLIDAYS IN GREECE

BBM Readers get 10% Off Outward Bound River to Sea Semester Booking online at www.outwardbound.org

HOGMANY 2017 It may be a difficult thought that Christmas and New Year are just around the corner, but fear not as First Festival Travel have got the ultimate New Year’s Eve lined up for you in Edinburgh, Scotland.

If you want to do New Year how it should be done then don’t miss out on this year’s Hogmanay. To make the most of your trip to Scotland you can embark on a Hogmanay tour that will give you all the perks of a city break with a little exploration.

After arriving at your hostel in Edinburgh you will meet your tour leader in the evening who will talk you through your itinerary for the next few days. Come nightfall you will kick off the Hogmanay festivities with a torchlight procession. A spectacle to behold this is one tradition you won’t want to miss out on, and you can even purchase your own flaming torch to join in with the Scottish tradition. You’ll then have the chance to party the night away

and enjoy the Edinburgh nightlife.

On New Year’s Eve you’ll be issued with your official Street Party Pass meaning you can take advantage of all the Hogmanay festivities on offer.

The day will kick off with a huge group party at The Three Sisters Pub to ring in the New Year for New Zealand at 11am and for Australia at 1pm. The party will then rage on until night falls and it’s time to go to Princes Street for the world famous street party to welcome in 2017!

Upon waking up in the brand new year you’ll be free to explore Edinburgh or simply sleep off the NYE revelry. There will be plenty going on around town to keep you entertained either way so make the most of exploring this beautiful city.

To find out more about attending Hogmanay for New Year’s Eve visit firstfestivaltravel.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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THE HIDDEN GEMS OF KOH SOK Step into the unknown at Koh Sok National Park…

Nestled in the Southern Thailand province of Surat Thani, the Koh Sok National Park presents 739 square kilometers of dense, tropical jungle just waiting to explored.

Lush and vibrant, the national park was established in 1980 and is Thailand’s 22nd National Park. This stunning national park spreads to the areas of Khlong Yee and Khlong Pra Sand forests, meaning there is a seemingly endless amount to explore whilst here.

Wildlife in Koh Sok In amongst the forest however, you’ll also be able to spot some of the native Thai wildlife. Koh Sok is where you’ll find an exciting plethora of animals including Leopard and Tiger and the illusive and stunning Clouded Leopard.

Cat’s aside this is also one

of the only countries in the world that you’ll find the endangered Malayan Sun Bear. This Sun Bear is the smallest member of the bear family, and it’s dwindling population is down to deforestation for farmland. Other inhabitants of this rainforest include the Gibbon, the seriously cute Spectacled Langur and Macaques!

Activities at Koh Sok A highlight of visiting Koh Sok National Park is the Elephant Experience. The experience is a much better way to interact with these giant mammals as you will have the chance to feed, wash and care for the elephants as opposed to riding them at the Elephant sanctuary. The process that young elephants have to go through in order to become “domesticated” is a long and torturous one known as ‘The Breaking Of The Spirit’ where a baby elephant is captured and beaten mercilessly in a pen until they become submissive to

humans for the rest of their life. So if you want to get up close and personal with an elephant whilst in South East Asia, visiting a sanctuary is the ethical and exciting way to do so.

Koh Sok Lake in the park is where you’ll be able to take part in watersports such as kayaking, tubing, swimming and even stay overnight in the floating bungalows on the lake!

Climate It’s a good idea when planning a trip to Thailand to consider the weather.

Thailand is famous for its bucketing monsoons, so to be in with a chance of skipping the down pours you could visit between December and April although the monsoons are actually quite spectacular, and welcome in the heat!

Visit Koh Sok National Park as part of Thaintro’s 9 day tour of Thailand.

www.thaintro.com

Next Stop...

CAMBODIA Explore this ancient land of temples, traditions and natural beauty.

Steeped in a rich tapestry of Buddhist culture, Cambodia is a must see whilst travelling around South East Asia. Full of natural wonderment, humid weather and exotic wildlife cross paths with some of the friendliest people you will ever have the pleasure of meeting.

There are many things to see whilst visiting Cambodia, but in a stretch of forest the size of Paris lies the ancient city of Angkor Wat. Angkor Wat is one of the most breathtaking ruins on the planet as it is strangled by great vines that twine up its ancient frame.

Away from the depths of the forests however you’ll find stunning beaches that will make you feel as if you’ve arrived in paradise. With Cambodia not being an obvious location for beach visits, the white sands that stretch along the coastline and tropical islands are some of the least-visited areas of South-East Asia, offering peace and tranquility to all visitors away from the tourists.

of the very tapestry that shadows this now, tranquil country.

Sandwiched between Thailand and Vietnam, these beaches are just as incredible as the ones found in their sibling countries.

Surrounded by a handful of beach huts, limestone cliffs and crystal clear waters, this is unlike any other beach experience.

Feeling inspired to tick Cambodia off your South East Asia bucket list? With Free and Easy Traveler you can also experience the neighbouring countries of Thailand and Laos on many of their packages – including a shopping day in Bangkok, Thai food cooking lessons and even experiencing a couple of nights sleeping in hill top huts (just like the locals!)

During your time in Cambodia you will also meet the local people known as Khmers.

Having suffered a dark history of brutality, horror and war, the Khmers are inspiringly humble and will always have a heartwarming smile across their face to welcome you. It’s worth taking the time to learn more about the devastating war history of Cambodia through museums and a visit to The Killing Fields in Phnom Penh for a taste

Lengths of trips around Cambodia (combined with Thailand and Laos) with Free and Easy travel start from 25 days all the way up to a whopping four months!

Prices start from $2,490 USD for shorter trips, all the way up $10,620 USD for the more full experience. With some trips not departing until 2017, book now and give yourself plenty of time to save those pennies!

Free and Easy offer a 25 or 40-day experience when it comes to their Laos, Thailand and Cambodia tours. The 25-day experience starts at $1990 USD. With some trips not departing until 2017, book now

and give yourself plenty of time to save those pennies!

Find out more and book at

www.freeandeasytraveller.com

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ACCOMMODATION New South Wales Sydney The Globe Backpackers 40 Darlingurst Road Kings Cross, Sydney NSW 2011 Free: 1800 806 384 Ph: (02) 9326 9675 info@globebackpackers.com www.globebackpackers.com West End Backpackers 12 Pitt St Sydney NSW, 2000 Ph: 02 9211 4588 Free Phone: 1800 013 186 bookings@westendbackpackers.com www.nomadsworld.com/westend Bounce Sydney 28 Chalmers Street, Sydney 2010 Free call 1800890897 Ph (02) 9281 2222 book@bouncehotel.com.au www.bouncehotel.com.au Porterhouse Hotel 233 Riley St Surry Hills NSW 2010 Ph: (02) 9211 4454 info@porterhouse.com.au www.Porterhouse.com.au Big Hostel Single and double & Dorm rooms available Max 4 bed dorms.

212 Elizabeth Street, Surry Hills Sydney NSW 2010 Ph: (02) 92816030 Free: 1800 212 244 reception@bighostel.com www.bighostel.com O’Malley’s Hotel 228 William Street, Kings Cross Sydney, NSW 2011 Ph: 02 9357 2211 admin@omalleyshotel.com.au www.omalleyshotel.com.au Sydney Central Hostel 428 Pitt Street Sydney 2000 Ph: (02) 9211 7323 stay@sydneycentralhostel.com.au www.sydneycentralhostel.com.au Kanga House backpackers 141 Victoria Street, Kings Cross, Sydney Ph: (02) 9357 7897 www.KangaHouse.com.au Sydney Northern Beaches Sydney Beachouse - YHA 4 Collaroy St, Collaroy, 2097 Ph: +61 2 9981 1177 mail@sydneybeachouse.com.au www.sydneybeachouse.com.au Guaranteed jobs/work all year.

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

Port Stephens

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

Katoomba

Katoomba Mountain Backpackers Lodge 31 Lurline st Katoomba, NSW Ph: 04782 3933 stay@katoombabackpackers.com.au www.katoombabackpackers.com.au Blue Mountains Backpackers Hostel 144 Bathhurst Road, Katoomba, NSW 2780 Ph: 02 4782 9630 bluemountainsbackpackerhostel. com.au

Byron Bay Byron Bay Accom Ph: 02 66 808 666 Email: bookings@byronbayaccom. net www.byronbayaccom.net Aquarius Backpackers 16 Lawson Street Byron Bay NSW 2481 Ph: (02) 6685-7663 Free: 1800 028 909 info@aquarius-backpackers.com.au www.aquarius-backpackers.com.au Nomads Byron Bay 1 Lawson Lane, Byron Bay, NSW 2481 Ph: 02 6680 7966 Free: 1800 766 673 bookings@nomadsbyronbay.com nomadshostels.com Arts Factory Lodge 1 Skinners Shoot Road, Byron Bay, NSW Ph: 02 6685 7709 info@artsfactory.com.au www.artsfactory.com.au An essential part of your journey LAKE TABOURIE TOURIST PARK Princes Hwy, Lake Tabourie, NSW 2539 Ph: (02) 4406-3101 www.laketabourietouristpark.com.au

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

Queensland

CEDAR CREEK LODGES THUNDERBIRD PARK Cnr of Cedar Creek Falls Rd & Tamborine Mountain Rd, Tamborine, QLD 4272 info@cedarcreeklodges.com.au www.cedarcreeklodges.com.au Backpackers in Paradise 40 Peninsular Drive Central Surfers Paradise Queensland, 4217 Ph: (07) 5538 4344 Free: 1800 268 621 info@backpackersinparadise.com www.backpackersinparadise.com Surfers Paradise Backpackers rsrt Backpackers Resort,2837 Gold Coast Highway, Queensland 4217 Ph: 07 5592 4677 Free: 1800 282 800 spbr@bigpond.net.au www.surfersparadisebackpackers. com.au

Port Douglas United Port Douglas

37 Warner Street, Port Douglas, QLD

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

Cairns

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

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

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

Western Australia Perth

western beach lodge 6 Westborough Street Scarborough, Western Australia, 6019 Ph. (08) 9245 1624 westernbeach@iprimus.com.au www.westernbeach.com BILLABONG RESORT 381 Beaufort Street, Perth WA Ph: 08 9328 7720 bookings@billabongresort.com.au www.billabongresort.com.au Britannia On William 253 William Street, Northbridge, WA Ph: 08 9227 6000 www.perthbritannia.com EXCLUSIVE BACKPACKERS 158 Adelaide Tce, Perth 6000 Ph: (08) 9221 9991 exclusivebackpackers@hotmail.com www.exclusivebackpackers.com Beatty Lodge 235 Vincent Street West Perth WA 6005 Ph: (08) 9227 1521 www.beattylodge.com.au info@beattylodge.com.au

Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort Monkey Mia Road, Shark Bay 3537 Ph: +61 8 9948 1320 monkeymia@aspenresorts.com.au www.monkeymia.com.au

Kununurra Kununurra Backpackers Adventure Centre 24 Nutwood Crescent, Kununurra WA 6743 Ph: (08) 9169 1998 or 1800 641 998 kununurrabackpackers.com.au info@kununurrabackpackers.com.au broome Beaches of Broome 4 Sanctuary Road, Cable Beach, Broome, WA, 6725 Ph : 1300 881 031 bookings@beachesofbroome.com. au www.beachesofbroome.com.au

Victoria redcliffs hotel 25 Jacaranda St, Red Cliffs VIC 3496 (03) 5024 1704 Johanna Beach Cottages 225 Blue Johanna Road Johanna Heights Victoria 3238 (03) 5237 4224 cottages@johannabeach.com www.johannabeach.com Brambuk Backpackers Hostel 330 Grampians Road, Halls Gap, VictoriaPh: 03 5356 4250 bramback@netconnect.com.au www.brambuk.com.au/ backpackers.htm Brambuk Backpackers offers travellers an affordable and comfortable range of accommodation, ideally situated within the stunning Grampians National Park.

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

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

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

Melbourne

The Deck 117 Harcourt St, New Farm Brisbane QLD 4005 Ph: 0433 777 061 the_deck@live.com.au Designed with the working Traveler in Mind. Minimum 2 week stay Brisbane City YHA 392 Upper Roma St, Brisbane QLD 4000 Ph: (07) 3236 1004 brisbanecity@yha.com.au www.yha.com.au

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

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

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

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

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

Wild Expeditions

Territory Expeditions

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

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

Townsville

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

OCEAN BEACH BACKPACKERS

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

Boranup

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

THINGS TO DO Skydiving iFly Downunder 123 Mulgoa Road, Penrith, Sydney Ph: 1300 366 364 www.iflydownunder.com.au

Adventure Tours

Sydney Skydivers

Ph: 1800 293 7663 www.awesomewhitsundays.com

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

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

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

The Dive Shed Busselton

Awesome Whitsundays Australian Kayaking Adventures

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

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

aussie wanderer

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

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

Margaret River Vintage Wine Tours Ph: 0417 948 933 www.winetoursmargaretriver.com.au

The Peel Region Tourism

Mulgas Adventures

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

Kakadu Wild Expeditions

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

Kakadu 4WD Safaris

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

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

Kangaroo Island Adventure Tours Vivonne Bay, Kingscote, SA

Ph: 1300 654 604 adventuretours.com.au

Ph: 08 8202 8678 www.kiadventuretours.com.au

GOIN SOUTH

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

PENRITH WHITE WATER RAFTING

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

Drop Bear Adventures Ph: 1800 061 156 www.dropbearadventures.com.au

Adventure Tours australia Sydney Outback Tours Ph: 1300 307 634 www.sydneyoutback.com.au

Real Sydney Tours

Ph: 0402 049426 www.realsydneytours.com.au

The Travel Yoga Company Ph: 0411301820 www.theyogatravelcompany.com

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

The Official Home And Away Tour To Summer Bay

ADVENTURE KAYAKING

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

Kite Surfing

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

KITE REPUBLIC

PARADISE JET BOATING

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

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

Water Activities

TRANSPORT MIGHTY CAMPERS

GREAT OCEAN ROAD SURF TOURS

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

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

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

GREAT SOUTHERN RAIL Nationwide Ph: 1800 703 357 www.greatsouthernrail.com.au

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

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

38

CRYSTAL BALLS morbidly obese and end up dying on the toilet with a Big Mac in your hand.

Gemini

Love is in the air, and is that wedding bells you hear? No, it’s tinnitus. See your doctor immediately.

Sagittarius

Cancer

You fail to earn a rose from Richie the Bachelor and are escorted away from the horoscope in an expensive limo while mascara runs down your face. Which zodiac sign will Richie eliminate next? Tune in to next month’s Crystal Balls to find out!

Leo

You get caught up in the World AntiDoping Agency hacking scandal when it’s discovered that you once had a Lemsip before going for a jog. Your face is subsequently splashed across the back pages of the Daily Telegraph, the Australian and the Sun, under the headline “Drug Cheat”. WADA eventually caves in to media pressure and you are handed a lifetime ban from jogging. Consequently, you grow

You experience bullying in the workplace when your boss grabs you in a headlock, takes you to a toilet cubicle and flushes your head down the toilet while two burly Year 11 students goad him on. He then grabs your hands and makes you slap yourself while sarcastically asking “why are you hitting yourself? God you’re so gay!”

Aquarius

First he took away the free bonus trip you get with the Opal Card, and this month Mike Baird screws commuters even further by cutting out the floor on all the state’s buses and trains. From now on, all public transport will be powered by people pedalling their feet along the ground Flintstones-style. The money saved by this exercise will help build a new casino in Barangaroo for the Packer family.

Pisces

Your boss puts up posters at work with the anti-terrorism slogan “If you see something, say something” - urging people to report any suspicious activity they see to the relevant

ASK CRYSTAL

Dear Crystal, After years of unhappy searching for the right man on the Sydney single scene, I’ve finally met a wonderful guy. We’ve only been seeing each other a couple of weeks but already he’s treated me with more love and tenderness than all the other losers before him combined. There’s just one small problem - he has a rabid pet monkey that runs amok around the house and he’s convinced it contains the spirit of his dead brother. I’ve tried to accept this weird quirk but it seriously affects our day to day lives. He insists on bringing “Steve” the monkey on dates, and inevitably the demented simian ends up smashing plates and screeching until we’re asked to leave.

The other day, we tried to make love for the first time, but the whole experience was ruined when Steve flung his own shit at us halfway through. In every other respect, my fella is a normal, sensible, great guy - he just has to get a tetanus shot every month. Please help Crystal, I’ve no idea what to do.

Yours, Samantha Dear Samantha, As Shakespeare once wrote, “the course of true love never did run smooth”. Admittedly he probably didn’t have a faeces-flinging monkey in mind when he said it, but he was correct nonetheless.

Yet it seems to me your solution is a simple one - kill the monkey. A few sleeping pills squished into a banana should do it. If it helps with the grieving process, tell your bloke you saw Steve’s spirit enter a budgie when the monkey died. Problem solved.

Dear Crystal My wife and I have been trying for a baby for years and, finally, a few months ago, we got the news she was pregnant. Naturally, we were both thrilled and started planning for our growing family. But last month, tragedy struck. We were called in to see the doctor. He told us the results of some tests had come back and they strongly suggested there was a good chance our baby would be born ginger.

As you can imagine, I went numb. It’s the news no parent wants to hear. My wife began to cry but I was in such a state of shock it didn’t even register. After a long debate, we decided we will keep the baby - but I must confess I’m not sure we’ve made the right decision.

What do you think? John Dear John.

It’s a little known fact but as many as 5 per cent of all babies are born ginger. Sadly this terrible affliction receives little to no media attention, and scientists are still no closer to finding a cure. Yet many gingers go on to live full and meaningful lives. Mainly indoors.

It might seem overwhelming right now, but there are many ginger support groups out there to help you through this tough time.

Although when I say “out there”, I again mean they mainly stay indoors. I’ll send you my award-winning pamphlet “So Your Child is a Ranga”. I hope it helps.

authorities. Inspired by these messages, you spend the day staring at a co-worker’s arse and telling them how great it is. You are duly fired for sexual harassment.

Virgo

On your way home from work you spot Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull crying at a bus stop. When you ask him what’s wrong, he tearfully explains that some older kids from the National Party stole his lunch money and told him they’d “get him” if he didn’t implement their hard-line right wing financial policies. You tell him he needs to stand up to bullies and tell them who’s boss. After he’s finished blowing his nose, he agrees and promises to put them in their place. The following week he introduces a law making it illegal for poor people to own property.

Libra

Always slightly behind the times, you start telling everyone about a great new game you’ve downloaded called Pokemon Go. You found out about it while searching on Ask Jeeves.

Aries

Botox at your age. Seriously?

Taurus

When it’s discovered you’re the third cousin twice removed of former S Club 7 singer Hannah Spearritt, you are immediately

invited to tour with the remaining members (now just S Club 3) for their upcoming Australian reunion shows with B*Witched, East 17 and Atomic Kitten. When the other three S Club members also pull out in in a belated attempt to salvage what’s left of their dignity, you gamely solider on as S Club 1.

Despite, this major setback you still get a higher billing than East 17.

Scorpio

You get punched in the groin by an angry agony aunt on the train home from work. That’ll teach you for looking over my shoulder when I’m trying to write horoscopes.

Capricorn

After moving to a new neighbourhood, you are confronted by a group of karate students who study the school of Cobra Kai. After various run-ins with the mob that end badly for you, you are taken under the wing of a mysterious, old Japanese martial arts expert, who teaches you the ways of the Crane school of karate by getting you to do odd jobs around the house and saying things like “wax on, wax off”. You then enter a karate tournament to take on the bullies and earn their respect. Unfortunately, the Japanese bloke turns out to be a conman who just wanted you to clean his car for free. The karate “moves” he taught you are just gibberish and you are duly beaten to a bloody pulp at the tournament.

JOKES What’s hard and dry, but comes out soft and wet? Gum. Daria, Surry Hills What did Cinderella do when she got to the ball? She gagged. John, Darlinghurst What do a Rubik’s cube and a penis have in common?

The more you play with is the harder it gets.

Ryan, St Kilda Why does Dr Pepper come in a can? Because his wife died.

Chitan, Paddington Three guys go to a ski lodge, and there aren’t enough rooms, so they have to share a bed. In the middle of the night, the guy on the right wakes up and says, “I had this wild, vivid dream of getting a hand job!” The guy on the left wakes up, and unbelievably, he’s had the same dream, too. Then the guy in the middle wakes up and says, “That’s funny, I dreamed I was skiing!”

Graham, Fremantel What does it mean when a man is in your bed gasping for breath and calling your name? You didn’t hold the pillow down long enough.

Sarah, Richmond How do you circumcise a hillbilly? Kick his sister in the jaw.

Jo, Cottesloe What should you do if your girlfriend starts smoking?

Slow down. And possibly use a lubricant.

Sara, Jundaloop What did the banana say to the vibrator? Why are YOU shaking? She’s going to eat me!

Fabio, Kings Cross What does a 75 year old woman have between her breasts that a 25 year old doesn’t? Her navel.

Pat, Glebe Why does the Easter Bunny hide Easter eggs? He doesn’t want anyone knowing he’s been shagging the chickens!

Trent, Manly

How do you embarrass an archaeologist? Give him a used tampon and ask him which period it came from.

Frances, Kilburn What has a whole bunch of little balls and screws old ladies? A bingo machine.

Rich, Balmoral How do you make your girlfriend scream while having sex? Call her and tell her.

Darren, Kew Why don’t blind people skydive? It scares the shit out of their dogs.

Charlie, Gold Coast How does a Scotsman find a sheep in tall grass? Very satisfying.

Mary, Brisbane

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