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Adventure Travel Festival Tours Django Django Interview Gorgon City Interview Days Like This Festival + More Cover photo by Palash Jain on Unsplash

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vibes.mag #1

GORGON CITY

Gorgon City are one of the UK’s finest dance music exports, they have sold in excess of 2.5 million combined singles and albums worldwide. The guys are well known for bringing house music to the mainstream field, the duo have completed a sold out UK live tour late last year and a sold out KINGDOM DJ tour across the UK and Europe.

Working with the likes of Duke Dumont, Jennifer Hudson, MNEK, Clean Bandit, Katy B, Wyclef Jean to name a few, the duo are truly in full flow of blowing up globally.

Following their debut singled released on Black Butter in 2012, things went into overdrive in 2014 with the release of their album ‘Sirenswitch’ which also birthed their huge single ‘Ready For Your Love’ ft MNEK peaking at #4 in the UK Chart.

My bed at home and being able to cook. Also my motorbike How was Gorgon City born back in 2012?

We just did a casual collab and then it turned into a full blown album project. We haven’t looked back since.

It must be really great to travel and perform as a duo, what is your funniest or weirdest memory on tour?

DJing on a plane over the atlantic was insane. Also performing at Coachella with Jennifer Hudson was mind blowing.

Your show at Brixton Academy in London looks set to be a winner, you must be so psyched for a homecoming show..? & you’re playing alongside Electronic legends Booka Shade which will be incredible…

Yes we love playin at Brixton Academy so much. We went raving there as kids so to headline it is a dream come true. Booka Shade are a big inspiration to us too so having them on the lineup is an honour.

You guys have also collaborated with greats such as Duke Dumont, Clean Bandit, MNEK – do you have any collaborations coming up in 2018?

We have loads to come, but can’t mention many of the names. Naations will be featuring on another track though!

Who would be your dream collab?

Our girl Frankie Salt (aka Frankie Goest To) caught up with Matt & Kye before they visited Australia and ahead of their UK & Europe Tour dates.

James Blake

Hi Matt & Kye of Gorgon City, hope you’re having a grand day!

GALA – Freed From Desire

How are things going on your tour over in Aus this week? & what is it that makes you want to go on an Aussie trip?

Which festivals can we come join you on the dancefloor this year?

We love playing in Aus – it’s a long way away but it’s always worth it. The crowds and atmospheres in the gigs are always great. The food is also really good!

Thanks Lads!

What home comfort do you miss the most when you are on the road?

croatia 4-7th July 2018

Name a record which never leaves your record bag…?

Hideout in Croatia, CRSSD in San Diego and loads more! All info at gorgoncity.com Keep up with Frankie’s latest interviews @facebook.com/frankiegoestodiscover

beats-travel.com

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Treats from home There is absolutely no doubt that Australia as a whole makes up for anything us British folks may be missing from back home. However, this does not mean that our craving for our delicious treats from back home will not persist. This is why so many are ordering from Treats From Home to stock up on the British treats we relish the most!

The island LIVE

Friday 23rd February 2018

The Island LIVE returns on Friday 23rd February for the penultimate party of the summer and an absolutely stacked line-­‐up featuring 3 of Australia’s hottest electronic artists in Paces, Just A Gent, MUTO plus Purple Sneakers DJs. Fresh from two epic sold out parties with the likes of Hayden James, Set Mo, Young Franco and Hot Dub Time Machine in December and January, The Island LIVE is returning to Sydney Harbour’s favourite venue to present two very special live performances. We caught up with The Will Steven’s, the man behind the Island Live’s artists bookings to find out about the artists and what makes this event so unqique.

First up, we have Paces playing live; what should people be most looking forward to about the act?

Paces has been playing some huge shows in the last few years so to see him play live in this intimate setting is going to be something pretty special. Up close and personal!

What was his stand out track of 2017?

He released Savage at the start of 2017 which has now amassed over 7 million Spotify streams. He’s also recently remixed Set Mo’s latest hit I Belong Here so let’s hope we get to hear that on The Island!

Paces works with some amazing vocalists and his music has a great summer sound. For those who haven’t seen a Paces live set before, what can we expect? Will there be any special guests?

Paces’ sound is made for Sydney Harbour! His bouncy melodies and feel-good energy are the perfect fit for a night-out on the water. I guess we’ll have to wait and see who he brings along ;) What does 2018 have planned for Paces? Will there be any festival shows or international tours?

Paces is already set for a big year with a fresh single coming out on January 25th. He’ll also be heading north to play at Mountain Sounds Festival in February.

Purple Sneakers DJs, for people who aren’t aware of Purple Sneakers who/what are they and why are they so popular with Sydney-siders?

Purple Sneakers DJs are dance-floor filler professionals. They bring the vibe that makes you want to move. The PS DJs have the ability to chop and change smoothly between so many different genres and moods and they’ll be kicking things off perfectly!

MUTO [live] has been working on great music over the year and much like Paces, has been collaborating with some great vocalists, what can we expect from the live show?

2017 was definitely a giant year for MUTO with 3 songs reaching triple j high rotation and countless tour supports alongside acts like Odesza, Crooked Colours, Cosmo’s Midnight and more. He’s also on the cusp of dropping new music so I have a feeling we’ll be hearing some unreleased gold when he takes to the stage for us!

The line up sounds like we can expect a party full of summer vibes, other than the music what else can people expect from the Island Live?

The location of the event is honestly incredible. We’re on a boat, in the middle of Sydney Harbour, with the Harbour Bridge and Opera House in the background. Truly a breath-taking view!

Anything else you want to add?

Our last two events for The Island LIVE have sold out in record time so it’s safe to say that tickets for this one won’t hang around either. 3 of Australia’s hottest electronic artists taking over Sydney Harbour for a night? It’s going to be amazing!

Tickets: theislandlivefeb.eventbrite.com.au

EDITORS PICK: YOKO-ZUNA of New Zealand and are a festival favourite across the ditch.

In 2015 the band released their debut album ‘This Place Here’ which showcased a sound that had been rarely heard in New Zealand. The band then backed it up by releasing their ‘Luminols’ EP in 2016 which featured some of New Zealand’s best musicians.

Loop & Niche Talent Agency Present

YOKO-ZUNA

Australian Tour

Yoko-Zuna are set to play their first headline Australian shows this March. After massive slots at New Zealand festivals, Rhythm & Vines and Rhythm & Alps, Yoko-Zuna are gearing up for a big 2018 including the release of their second album.

Formed from the ashes of one of Auckland’s most musically creative hubs, Yoko-Zuna have quickly established themselves as one of the most exciting bands to come out

These shows will see them showcase tracks from the upcoming album, plus recent single ‘Voltron’ and brand new single ‘Day Job’. The Auckland-based four piece will be bringing their combination of unique electronic/hip-hop compositions to Sydney and Melbourne audiences for the first time, for two shows not to miss.

Yoko-Zuna will be supported at both shows by Sydney artist Godriguez who has just released his debut album ‘Godtet’ as well as boasting production on Sampa The Great’s mixtape, ‘The Great Mixtape’.

Thu 22nd March Oxford Art Factory, Sydney Fri 23rd March - Howler, Melbourne **Tickets On Sale NOW** www.nicheproductions.com.au

So let’s have a food stare off between Aussie Treats and British Treats

Penguins vs TimTam TimTam’s actually do ok as a second best, but with the option to have Penguins in your cupboard or if you are like me, in the fridge, there is no way, no how, that I will be sipping on a cup of tea with TimTam’s in front of me.

Marmite vs Vegemite Do not tell me that sometimes Marmite, in all of its simplicity, spread on toast with butter is not one of the most glorious things known to man.

And for some reason, the Aussie didn’t fancy it, perhaps they needed their own thing to claim but unfortunately for them, they messed it up big time.

Dairy Milk vs Dairy Milk What an earth happened. As stories go, an extremely intelligent man forgot about the invention of fridges and thus, decided to add an element to the Australian chocolates to prevent them from melting. I can only imagine that his joy was short lived when he discovered that it didn’t work and that it tastes rather funky.

Naturally, this is a completely bias approach, however, I feel extremely confident that my fellow brits would agree with me. This is why so many travellers have been jumping online and ordering their favourite snack from Treats From Home which is delivered straight to their door step.

For More Information About Treats From Home, Head To www.treatsfromhome.com.au

clubbing:syd Goodbar 11a Oxford St, Paddington House, Techno Best Nights: Friday, Saturday www.facebook.com/goodbarsydney/

Chinese Laundry 111 Sussex St; Sydney House, Electro, Techno, Hip Hop, Drum and Bass Best Nights: Friday, Saturday www.chineselaundryclub.com.au www.facebook.com/chineselaundryclub

SASH Sundays - Home Night Club Darling Harbour, 1-5 Wheat Rd, Sydney House, Techno, Tech house Best Nights: Sunday www.sash.net.au www.facebook.com/sashsundays

Greenwood Hotel 36 Blue St, North Sydney Dance, House, Techno Best Nights: Friday, Saturday www.greenwoodhotel.com www.facebook.com/GreenwoodHotel

Taylors Rooftop 69 - 73 Pitt street, Sydney Disco, House, Techno Best Nights: Friday, Saturday www.republichotel.com

vibes.mag #1

s e b i v s e n i t n e l a v # Need some tips for valentines day? We checked out a few romantic restaurants around Australia If there’s one ingredient of a romantic date you don’t need to worry about in Australia, it’s the restaurant. With an abundance of fine eateries, brasseries and seductive establishments, whether it’s your first or fiftieth date, these romantic restaurants in Australia guarantee a great result!

Portello Rosso, Melbourne Take your date for a night of traditional Spanish dining and drinking. Walk inside the red brick walls of Portello Rosso and take your seat upstairs overlooking the bar. Share some tapas of $8.50 olives, $7.50 lamb skewers and $7 pork belly, and sip on a fine red wine from Rioja, Valdepenas or Murcia. When it’s time for something sweet, indulge your naughty side with the Five Layer Raspberry Trifle for $16.50.

15 Warburton Lane, Melbourne portellorosso.com.au

Opus Restaurant, Perth This New York-style restaurant boasts shelf-upon-shelf of bottles of wine, the red carpet adds a touch of romance and the table-for-twos just beg an intimate evening. If you’ve got three days wages to blow on the weekend, treat your other half to a degustation menu complete with barramundi, quail, venison and a raspberry and white chocolate soufflé for $135 each, plus $85 each for matching wines.

32 Richardson Street, West Perth, Perth, Western Australia www.opusrestaurant.com.au

Cuvee Lounge Bar, Brisbane If you just fancy a few drinks to see where the evening takes you, this sophisticated bar specialises in champagne – 20 of the world’s finest in fact – and offers impeccable service with mood lighting. Cuvee Lounge Bar also happens to reside in Sofitel Brisbane, if you just so happen to need a room for the night.

249 Turbot Street, Brisbane www.sofitelbrisbane.com.au

Eau De Vie, Sydney and Melbourne A cocktail bar big on quality and atmosphere, let the background jazz set the scene for your next date night. Sample the range of cocktails, from 1950s-inspired to contemporary experiments, or get some Dutch courage with whiskies from the Highlands of Scotland and distilleries of Japan.

229 Darlinghurst Road, Darlinghurst 1 Malthouse Lane, Melbourne www.eaudevie.com.au

With valentines day on horizon, what better reason do you need to finally get yourself up there.

What better way to show off to your date? Or could it be time to seal the deal with the love of your life?

Seal the deal with BridgeClimb on Valentines Day

BridgeClimb provides the most spectacular views of one of the world’s most beautiful cities. Here’s 5 reasons why you have to make this valentines day one you will never forget.

The View Quite an obvious reason, but you really haven’t seen Sydney until you’ve looked down on it from the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. With panoramic views of the harbour, the city, the beaches and beyond towards the national parks, you can see so much more than you ever thought possible. Can you think of a more romantic place to serinade your loved one?

Face Your Fear Of Heights Scaling to this great height will tell vertigo where to go. By climbing the bridge you can face your fear head-on and you’ll be rewarded with an enormous sense of achievement.

And just think how much will you impress your partner?

Memories Will Last A Lifetime Not only will you never forget conquering such an epic climb, you’ll be able to brag about it. This is a real bucket list activity, and the views will stay emblazoned in your mind’s eye forever.

Insta-famous Your climb includes a photo-opp taken by the BridgeClimb team once you reach the summit, meaning you can share the madness of what you’ve just done once you’re back on terra firma with your family and friends to look extra tough/insane/cool.

A Different Perspective BridgeClimb Sydney offer climbs at dawn, during the day at twilight and at night time meaning you can choose which time of day to marvel at the spectacular city below, either taking in the sun bouncing off the sea or the twinkling lights of the Sydney skyline.

WIN A DOUBLE PASS TO CLIMB THE HARBOUR BRIDGE THIS VALENTINE’S DAY Treat your valentine to the most romantic Climb of the year! WIN a double pass to our special event Climb on top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge this Valentine’s Day. Climb your way to the summit at dawn to watch the sun peak above the horizon, and sing a romantic duet on our karaoke machine with your loved one.

Enter at bridgeclimb.com

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MELBOURNE “the culture hotspot of Australia” Photo Credits - Cover image Annie Sprat on Unsplash Pineapple Girl - Section 8 on Facebook

There has never been a better time to visit Melbourne than right now. Known as the culture hotspot of Australia, the locals embrace having a good night out, and it might just be one of the only Oz cities which truly can call itself a 24-hour city for entertainment. The city is divided into various areas with each precinct acting as a self-contained hub of bars, clubs and food.

Traveler’s are advised to traverse every nook and cranny of the Melbourne CDB as it is filled with many gems. There are way to many CBD watering holes to mention here so we will focus on a couple to get you started. if you are looking for dance music the best place to start would be New Guernica. With it’s very quirky interior design, it features two rooms with the side room modelled on a kitchen. Open every night from Thursday to Saturday, you can reliably find international DJs and locals playing anything from disco to techno.

And if you are hungry they also have a dedicated downstairs area called Chuckle Park.

In King Street you can find all sorts of adult entertainment alongside musical pleasures. The main player here is Brown Alley, a 3-level behemoth which can hold over a 1000 punters when it’s cranking. You can find anything from Indie nights to drum n bass to techno nights to live bands. Check their site for listings. Just one block down is Inflation Bar, home of Cloud Nine. Responsible for the creation of the Melbourne Bounce sound, they have been packing out the club every Saturday night since their inception. The music might not be up your alley, but this is well worth checking out if you are looking for… um… a different experience.

For a couple of quiet drinks check out Madame Brussels on Bourke Street, a rooftop bar which fashions itself on the 1920’s bourgeoisie and features fake grass and waiters dressed in skimpy tennis outfits. We recommend the jug of Pimms or a jug (yup) of expresso martini. Finding The Croft Institute is half the challenge but definitely worth it. Tucked away through a maze of alley ways, the Croft retained the feel and aesthetics of it’s old science facility roots - with a drinks menu that could have been made by scientist (drinks in syringes anyone?

Section 8 is an open-air bar made out of shipping containers and wooden pallets for seating. A musical selection of funk, soul, hip-hop, house and everything else, you are advised to head in early as the queues can be long. If you like rock music then you have to go to Cherry Bar. Located in AC/DC Lane (no, really), the intimate bar plays live music and is usually the venue of choice for touring musicians looking to party on after their show.

The Chapel Street precinct in Prahran is a bit more glitz and glamour than the CBD, with numerous bars and clubs lining it’s street. The most infamous would be Revolver. It only closed for 3 hours from Friday night to Monday morning making this is a place to get lost in. The infamous ‘cage’ has hosted everyone from Dixon to Nina Kraviz and is also the spot international DJ’s go play if they still feel the urge to play after their show. Oneisxone in High Street is more ritzy than Revolver, but nonetheless fun. It’s also the home of Melbourne’s only Monday to Tuesday morning party, ‘The Breakfast Club’. It’s the home of those who can’t go home just yet.

The Fitzroy area is home of the hipsters and can be split into two sections: Brunswick Street and Smith Street. Brunswick street has become way more gentrified over the years and feature a large selection of bars. Glamorama with it’s crisp Funktion-One sound system is the street’s only dedicated dance music club, while Tramp Bar with it’s airplane cockpit DJ booth features a younger and up-for-it crowd. Naked for Satan’s walls are adorned with old-school pornography pictures and also sells 2 dollar finger food. Head upstairs to their rooftop for some great city views.

Smith Street are only a couple of blocks down and is on it’s way to becoming more trendy, but currently it still holds some of it’s urban, grungy appeal. Lining Smith Street is a multitude of restaurants and themed pop-up bars which is all worth exploring. Yay-Yah’s with its anything goes music policy is great for a night out, while a couple of shops next to it is Grumpy’s, a smaller bar which feature a dance floor and a outside beer garden.

Expect more beats-based DJs and the odd Reggae night. Happy exploring!

PITCH MUSIC & ARTS With over 30 international guests, the Pitch Music & Arts lineup is an absolute treat for any discerning electronic music lover, and includes massive names like live electronic duo Booka Shade; Berghain resident Marcel Dettmann; German House pioneer Motor City Drum Ensemble; electronic jazz auteur Floating Points; post-dubstep duo Mount Kimbie; Dekmantel house favourite Tom Trago; the return of Diynamic mainstay HOSH; Visionquest main man Seth Troxler, plus many more!

Pitch Music & Arts is now excited to share its complete roster of local acts...

CC:DISCO! (AUS) || Cinthie (GER) || DJ EZ (ENG) || DJ Tennis (ITA) || Eelke Kleijn (NL) || Fantastic Man (AUS) || Floating Points (Live) (ENG) || Fortunes. (Live) (AUS) || Function (USA) || Giorgio Gigli (ITA) || GL (Live) (AUS) || HOSH (GER) || Haiku Hands (Live) (AUS) || Heidi (CAN) || HVOB (Live) (AT) || Kate Miller (AUS) || Kim Ann Foxman (USA) || Kllo (Live) (AUS) || Kornél Kovács (SWE) || Len Faki (GER) || Maceo Plex (USA) || Mano Le Tough (IRE) || Marcel Dettmann (GER) || Marvin & Guy (ITA) || Mike Callander (AUS) || Moodymann (USA) || Motor City Drum Ensemble (GER) || Mount Kimbie (Live) (ENG) || Nite Fleit (AUS) || Octo Octa (Live) (USA) || Or:La (UK) || Rodriguez Jr. (Live) (FR) || Seth Troxler (USA) || Sonja Moonear (SUI) || Sven Väth (GER) || Tom Trago (NL) || Tornado Wallace (AUS) || Wax’o Dystopio (AUS) || Willaris. K (Live)(AUS)

LOCAL ACTS Adrian Bell || ALTA (Live) || Boogs || Cassettes For Kids || CC:Disco! Dan Bentley || Dave Dinger || Fantastic Man || Fortunes. (Live) || GL (Live) || Haiku Hands (Live) || Interstellar Fugitives (Georgia Bird & Sarah Morgan) || Jennifer Loveless || Jordan Brando || Kate Miller || Kerry Wallace || Louis McCoy || Market Memories || Mike Callander || Millú || Mitchell Gee & Paul Lynch || Monty McGaw || Nite Fleit || ONE PUF || Otologic || Prequel || Project 95 || Retza || Salvador Darling || The Journey || Tornado Wallace || Walter Juan || Wax’o Dystopio || Willaris. K (Live)

pitchfestival.com.au

Friday 10th - Monday 13th March Mafeking, Victoria

vibes.mag #1

DJANGO DJANGO

We catch up with the band about their latest album “Marble Skies”

How is everything going in 2018 and where are we speaking to you from?

Hey no problem at all. 2018 has been great so far thanks, the album has just been released and right now we’re holed up in or rehearsal/recording studio in Tottenham getting the live show ready for our March tour.

Can you tell us the story of how you guys came to be Django Django?

Well, Vinny and Dave had been threatening to work together for a few years up in Edinburgh but it wasn’t until they moved down to London that they got together with some of Vinny’s tracks and Dave spent some time producing them. I think they put a few tracks up on myspace initially and straight away got gig offers, and that’s when me and Tommy came into the fold. Tommy had known Dave for years and I knew Dave from going out in Glasgow where I studied. Things kicked on from there really.

Your new album ‘Marble Skies’ came out on January 26th in Australia, can you fill us in a little about the album?

It’s a record that, to me, feels much lighter and more poppy than the last record. We kind of went back to basics with it and tried to make the environment we wrote and recorded the songs much more comfortable which, I think, allowed us to be more playful with ideas. Being in our own studio also meant that we didn’t have the weight of a huge expensive studio hanging over us and we could take our time with tracks. If they weren’t working we could leave them for a month and work on something else. We threw a lot at the last record and his time around we wanted to keep it simple and playful.

Your self-titled debut album earned you a Mercury nomination, is that something you’d like to achieve again? Or are the awards/nominations just a nice bonus to the hard work put in?

It was obviously great to get the nomination and it’s always nice to have any critical acclaim but once you begin to concern yourself too much with those things you start to loose focus. We’ve always been quite critical of our own music and if we’re into a song or a record that we release then we’re always going to be confident that some people will like it. I think now we’re 3 records in the awards become less important and just being able to make new music takes priority.

I heard that after your last tour Dave went off to L.A. while the rest of you went to India, what was that all about?

Ha…actually Dave went to LA and me, Tommy and Vin went back to London and started writing and jamming ideas. It wasn’t until later in the year me, Tommy and Dave all went to India to do some field recordings of musicians based in Mumbai. We had been invited over to work on a project with the British Council which turned out to be a great opportunity for us to meet some amazing musicians.

Do any of you do a lot of travelling when you aren’t touring, and, if so, where is each of your most loved destinations?

Man we’ve seen so many places when we’ve been out on tour. I think generally though when we’re back we want to hide away at home and catch up with friends and family. I spent some time in Istanbul with my wife a couple of years back which I loved. Being in India with Django was a pretty special time too. Tokyo was a bonkers place and I’d love to spend some tie in South America. It’s place we’ve never toured in but would love to see.

I also read somewhere that you recorded this album at the Urchin studios in

Tottenham, being from just down the road in Finsbury Park myself, I have to ask, why Tottenham?

Well Urchin studios was where we did the initial jam sessions after we got back from Australia in 2016…we then took those scraps of ideas and songs back to our own studio in Tottenham which is where we’ve been for about 3 years now. We all lived pretty close to Tottenham up until recently and the rent was cheap so it just made sense for us to set our HQ up there. I used to live in Finsbury Park too…I loved the faltering full back.

Now you’ve got another tour coming up in 2018, you will play venues like The Printworks, in London, which is quite an unusual venue for a rock band to play. Do you guys have a favourite venue to play at?

For me the smaller and sweatier the better. I guess that’s why the Printworks appealed to us. It feels more like a club than a venue. Sometimes when venues are purpose built and clean and fresh it takes some of the atmosphere away that you find in dank old clubs that are falling apart. I love Shepherds Bush Empire though, we’ve only played there once but it’s small enough for you to feel close to the crowd but big enough for it to feel special.

Do you have any plans to take the tour overseas after you have finished with the UK? Yeah, we go into Europe in March then the US in April…hopefully we’ll make it over to Australia as long as there’s a demand for it. But, yeah we love getting out of the UK and travelling about to places for shows so hopefully we’ll be doing a few tours over seas.

Speaking of overseas, who in the band is the hardest to travel with? Do any of you have particular qualms with being on the road?

After 3 weeks on the tour bus it gets pretty gross. I try to keep away from the snorers so I usually share hotel rooms with Dave but he manages to turn a pristine spotless room into a total bomb site within 15 to 20 seconds. I think generally though we’re pretty good at travelling together…there’s usually a few cabin fever moments but nothing that’s split the band up…yet.

Are there many games played on the tour bus?

There’s usually a play station on the bus so it’s either golden eye or fifa. There’s always scrabble kicking around too if we get desperate.

Do you guys have any particular routine before going on stage?

We usually start behaving like school kids…unlock the toilet door on Tommy, things like that. Anything to take our minds off the fact we’re about to go on stage I think! Vinny usually disappears just before we’re meant to go on so our tour manager is usually running around the venue looking for him.

Thank you for taking the time to talk with us guys, good luck with the new album and tour!

Django Django’s new album, Marble Skies out on January 26 via Because Music /Caroline Australia Interview by Paraic Walker Photo by Fiona Garden

vibes.mag #1

Britain’s rocking roots trio Kitty, Daisy & Lewis are bringing their infectious energy and nostalgia-soaked fusion of rockabilly, vintage country and firstgeneration rhythm and blues to Sydney and Melbourne in February 2018.

Delivering their 4th studio album Superscope to Australian audiences for the very first time, featuring Black Van & Down on My Knees, the siblings from North London have been inspiring audiences and gathering an impressive fan base since conception, including Eagles Of Death Metal, the late Amy Winehouse and David Lynch.

Having sold over a quarter million albums, playing to sold out crowds worldwide, including support slots alongside Coldplay, Mark Ronson plus performing at some of the world’s biggest festivals (British Summer Time Festival, Bestival, Fuji Rock and Splendour in the Grass) their live set highlights their extraordinary musicianship, a tightly packed multi-instrumental jam session with each sibling playing any instrument they lay their hands on. Described as a “gift to those of us who still believe in magic,” Kitty, Daisy & Lewis are sibling revelry on stage, captivating audiences worldwide and delivering a set so dynamic they will have you up and dancing by the first beat of the drum.

Hello Kitty, thank you for taking the time to talk with us today. How is everything going?

Hello! Everything’s good, we’re just on tour in Japan and having a blast!

You guys are now on your fourth studio album ‘Superscope’, would you say the process of making an album gets easier or harder the more you write?

It really depends on what you want to do and how you want to make it. For us we usually write separately and then develop and arrange the songs together, so we never really know how it’ll turn out until it all starts to come together at the end. We record everything in our own studio, which is useful, but we’re always changing things around and experimenting with new bits of gear to try and get different sounds. For our last album “The Third” there were six of us in the studio all making decisions and each person with their own ideas and opinions, which can be a good thing but at times it was difficult to get work done and a lot of compromises were made. For our new album “Superscope” it was mainly just me and Lewis after Daisy got heavily pregnant, which made it a lot easier to get on with work as we were on the same page for most things.

You are coming to Australia in February, what can the Australian crowds look forward to from your shows?

Well we’ll be doing stuff from the new album as well as old stuff too, so a good mix really.

Expect a lot of high energy and rocking out, as well as a couple of soulful ballads thrown into the mix. Joining us on stage will be legendary Jamaican trumpeter Eddie Thornton or “Tan Tan” as he’s known. He’s a joy to watch and takes the show to another level. We always like to hang out after the show and have a few drinks or head to a bar with the locals, so it’s usually a bloody good time!

We know your mum and dad also play on stage with you, will they be joining you down under, and are they excited for the trip?

Yes! They play every gig with us! My Dad says, “February is a great time to go as London is cold and it’ll be nice to get some Aussie sunshine. Also the people seem jolly!”

Have you guys got anything planned as a family while you’re in Australia? Assuming you have any time for leisure.

On tour we don’t usually have a lot of time to explore unless there’s a day off, but I think it’s pretty tight. We’ve been several times before so have a few friends out there who I’m looking forward to catching up with! Other than that I’m looking forward to playing the gigs and seeing how the new stuff goes down. I also can’t wait to get some sunshine; it’s cold at home (and freezing here in Japan!)

Do you guys have a favorite city in the world to play your music in?

I love playing in Berlin, Germany is our biggest market and Berlin is a great City. I also have lots of friends there and we always have a good piss-up after the gigs!

Is there one venue in the world you haven’t played but wish you could? Being a North Londoner, like myself, surely Alexandra Palace must be in your sights one day.

Yeah would be cool to play Ally Pally! We grew up right near the Forum in Kentish town but have never played there either. I like playing small venues as well though, like little sweaty clubs where the crowd is right in your face.

If you could travel anywhere in the world for a holiday where would it be?

I’ve never been to South America so maybe Brazil or Argentina as I love some of the music from there. Also Jamaica or Trinidad would be great.

Do you listen to any Australian artist at the moment?

C.W Stoneking is a good mate of ours, and a good guitar player.

You used the former Clash guitarist Mick Jones on your last record, what prompted the decision to take over the production on chores for this one?

Name of your favourite pub?

We’ve always worked on our own so we thought about getting a producer in for the third record, just to see if they could bring anything interesting to the table. We thought of Mick as we’d known him from around and knew he was a fan of our music already. While we were still building the studio he would come round and play along while we rehearsed the songs a

Secret Sounds Present: Kitty, Daisy & Lewis Headline Tour February 2018

The Southampton Arms, Kentish Town.

Weds 14th Februay, The Factory, Sydney / Thurs 15th Februay, Corner Hotel, Melbourne

Photo Credit Gullick

KITTY, DAISY & LEWIS

few times a week for about 5 months. So by the time we went into record we knew them like the back of our hands. All the songs were written and pretty much arranged before he got involved, but it was nice to have an extra pair of ears around, and he was good fun to hang out with too. He encouraged us not to get bogged down if we were doing multiple takes or something wasn’t working.

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

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

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

Tickets and volunteer applications are now open via the website:

4-6 May 2018 Weather: Warm days, cool nights – perfect festival weather.

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

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PRESS CLUB

Frenetic and Raw. This female fronted punk group out of Melbourne, Australia is the coming together of four Brunswick natives. Their roots lay in a city in a state of flux experiencing decay, demolition and development on a mass scale. PRESS CLUB is the musical embodiment of the attitude of a generation experiencing impermanence in every way. We caught up with Press Club’s Iain Macrae ahead of their upcoming gig at Grampians Music Festival and the band’s debut album ‘Late Teens’, which will be released independently in March!

Your home town of Melbourne seems to be teeming with talent and is arguably Australia’s creative capital. What is it about Melbourne that seems to be such a big draw with artists and creatives?

I’m sure Sydney-siders will love this one. I’m not so sure about it being the capital. Most of Australia’s cities put out some pretty good music and have equally talented creative scenes, Melbourne’s is just really big at the moment. Might have something to do with our laws being (somewhat) more conducive to keeping live music venues open. Maybe it’s to do with people being locked in their homes/studios for 7 months of the year while the weather is dismal.

For our readers who will be heading to Melbourne for the first time, which live music venues would you suggest they go check out?

Depends on what you’re looking for. There’s hundreds. There’s the obvious institutions like The Tote or some newer joints like the Gasometer. Just grab a gig guide, find a band you might like and go and see them regardless of what the venue might be.

You will be playing at the upcoming Grampians Music Festival which is situated at the foothills of the Grampians mountain range. Quite a beautiful setting! Do you have any hot tips for acts that everyone should definitely see?

Yeh, I love it out there. I had a panic attack at the top of one of the Grampians mountains when I was a kid, might have been the sheer beauty of the place. Maybe just vertigo. In the last year we’ve played with 6 bands on the lineup and they’re all brilliant. Can’t pick just one y’know? Would be unfair. Like asking a mother to pick her favourite son (she’d pick me anyway Alisdair).

Your raw and punk-inspired sound really hit a nerve last year, especially the first single ‘Headwreck’, and last year you told Rolling Stone that ‘The climate’s right for some guitars’. Is 2018 the year we see even more of a change towards organic sounds in music?

I think so. Everything in music is cyclical and there’s been an obvious shift away from electronic music. Even certain broadcasters have noticeably changed the pallet of music that they’re selecting from. Not that there’s anything wrong with electronic music, it’s great. But no-one is ever going to write Born Slippy again are they? I think we’ll have a few more years where support for band based music will grow. Until the masses decide it’s time for another change of pace.

You recently released a new single ‘My Body’s Changing’, a very uptempo track which is very energetic and extremely catchy! When we can we expect a full length album from Press Club?

The album is all recorded and mastered. We’re just running around like maniacs doing all of the organising that goes into a release. We aren’t signed to a label or nothing so the four of us and our manager do absolutely everything ourselves. It’s a huuuge task. Should be on shelves at your local In2Music in Autumn!

You have had a busy summer to date playing many shows and festivals like NYE on the Hill and Falls Festival. What has been your standout out show so far this summer?

NYE on the Hill was the best show we’ve ever played. Great crowd, sun was blasting’, generous rider..

Who were your standout artists for 2017?

I’ll give you five.

West Thebarton Horace Bones These New South Whales Sweet Gold Tropical Fuck Storm With Grampians Music Festival running for 3 days, you have to be very prepared. What is your most essential item to never leave at home when going a festival?

Stubby Holder.

And finally, if you could camp with any act from the Grampians Music festival lineup who would you choose?

Polish Club. There’s only two of ‘em, so more room for me.

Press Club will play at the Grampians Music festival from 2nd to 4th of February in Halls Gap in the Grampians National Park. For more info and tickets visit grampiansmusicfetival.com

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THE GUM BALL 2018 The Dashville team has announced the first round of artists to perform at The Gum Ball on Friday, April 27 to Sunday, April 29, 2018.

The annual Hunter Valley based three-day camping event returns for its 13th instalment in April, continuing its legacy of a supreme family friendly escape with thoughtfully chosen acts, both new and legendary, in a mix of genres.

THE LINE UP REMI / The Aints (Play the Saints, ’73 to ’78) / Butterfingers / Dave Graney ’n’ the Coral Snakes / The Creepshow (CA) / Hat Fitz and Cara / Screamfeeder / Wanderers / Terra Lightfoot (CA) /New Venusians / Coda Chroma / Lachlan X. Morris / Plus many more to be announced.

Leading this first announcement is one of Australia’s finest hip hop acts, REMI. Alongside his musical collaborator Sensible J, in 2017 REMI has taken his impressive, high energy performances to sold out venues all around the country. No stranger to the international circuit, around the world he has shared the stage aside acts like Kendrick Lamar, Gorillaz, De La Soul and Danny Brown to name a few.

Excitedly, REMI will perform at The Gum Ball with his six-piece band. This is a chance to see a future superstar in a serene bushland setting.

“Rock music in the seventies was changed by three bands—the Sex Pistols, the Ramones and The Saints.” (Bob Geldof). On the 40th anniversary of the release of The Saints’ classic album ‘(I’m) Stranded’, founding member, guitarist and songwriter Ed Kuepper will revisit the material performed by that seminal band from an era when a suburban Brisbane band took their sound to the world.

The Aints, the powerhouse vehicle of founding member and songwriter for The Saints Ed Kuepper, bassist Peter Oxley (Sunnyboys), drummer Paul Larsen (The Celibate Rifles), keyboardist Alister Spence (Laughing Clowns), complete with a 3 piece horn section, will performing the material from the holy trilogy of Aussie Punk Rock: The Saints era defining albums ‘(I’m) Stranded’ (1977), the hugely influential ‘Eternally Yours’ (1978), and the genre-defying ‘Prehistoric Sounds’ (1978) Alongside these two diverse top liners is Australia’s favourite musical misfits, Brisbane based larrikins Butterfingers, who after a few years in hiatus, are back in a big way with new vigour and a swag of fresh material. They dropped new single ‘Big Night Out’ in 2017 and have lost no time in reclaiming their status as one of Australia’s most fun live acts.

Rounding out the first round of acts are legendary ARIA award-winning band Dave Graney ’n’ The Coral Snakes, Canadian psychobilly punk rockers The Creepshow (CA), the beauty and the beast blues of Hat Fitz and Cara, seminal ’90s fuzz-pop gurus Screamfeeder,, captivating soul trio Wanderers, Canadian blues/rock powerhouse Terra Lightfoot (CA), Sydney seven-piece indie soul maestros New Venusians, the gorgeous space-folk alt-pop of Coda Chroma and local rising star and purveyor of dad-rock, Lachlan X. Morris.

The Gum Ball is a BYO all age camping festival featuring an array of amazing gourmet food and markets, licensed bar precinct, popular late night silent disco, a night-time kids crèche, various workshops and activities, morning yoga, pro skater demos and live artworks.

The Gum Ball 2018 is on Friday, April 27 to Sunday, April 29, 2018. Early Bird tickets sold out in record time for 2018. Standard tickets and discount bundles are now selling and available via the website. www.dashville.com.au

Photo Credit Renae Saxby

DAYS LIKE THIS

Photo credit LeilaJoy

Days Like This Festival returns for its second year at an amazing new location. The boutique one day festival will showcase a carefully curated selection of the world’s best in house, techno and electronica at the picturesque setting of Victoria Park. Situated in the heart of Sydney’s cultural hub of the Inner West, Victoria Park conveys the perfect summer festival vibe with large, open, grassy dance floors, flanked by luscious tree lines, a plethora of shade and boasting a city skyline view.

Days Like This will feature a lineup of twenty international acts across three main stages. We caught up with British expat promoter Scott Robertson to find out more about the festival and agency that has helped put Sydney’s underground music scene back on the global music map.

Hi Scott, thanks for taking a minute to chat with us today! You’re about to head into your second year of Days Like This Festival, how has the lead up to round two been?

SYDNEY 10.3.2018 Give us a quick flashback to last year, what were a couple of your favourite moments?

There were so many highlights but having guys like Dixon, Ame and Ben Klock play on our main stage in year one was a proud achievement and they all rose to the occasion on the day. Fatima Yamaha and Octave One both playing live towards the end of the night on different stages were also clear stand outs for me personally.

Your touring and events company Division Agency is the driving force behind DLTF. Give us a little background on what DA is all about and what your plans for the future are?

I started Division Agency just over 3 years ago after leaving Future Music Festival as I wanted to focus primarily on underground music again. Since then it has grown at an impressive rate especially in the past 18 months having launched two of Sydney’s most exciting new venues (Goodbar and Seadeck) and in the event space we have enjoyed a sold-out run of shows at the Greenwood Hotel and launched Days Like This Festival at Royal Randwick last March. More recently we announced a strategic partnership with TEG and in December we launched The Warehouse Collective.

Running festivals is not without its challenges or stresses, however the lead up to year two has been a really positive experience. The feedback to first year was overwhelmingly positive and once we secured the lineup for year two we knew we had the chance to produce another incredible event. Across the board the response to the lineup and new venue announcement this year has been fantastic and it is keeping everyone in our team very motivated and excited.

Once this year’s edition of the festival is over we will focus on more large-scale tours in partnership with TEG as well as dates at The Warehouse Collective and Greenwood.

For 2018 you’ve moved to a new location (in Victoria Park), what made you decide to make the change?

The first event was really special. A project of that magnitude took months of hard work and planning to get all the approvals and to see it all come to life was one of my career highlights. The venue itself is truly spectacular and until you see it yourself first hand it’s hard to grasp the scale of it. The Presets show was awe-inspiring and we are now working on more events for that project in the year ahead.

Our original venue was Royal Randwick Racecourse which we love however it is primarily a racecourse and unfortunately our festival date clashed with a scheduled race day and we had no choice but to find a new venue. That being said, everything happens for a reason and Victoria Park works as the perfect location so close to everything and situated in the heart of the cultural hub of the Inner West. It’s an extremely beautiful park with large grassy dance floors and shaded tree lines, which is allowing us to create something really special for festival goers. We are close to finalising the site plans and I think everyone is going to be very happy with the new location.

Aside from the new venue, what else can punters expect this time round?

We are spending a lot of time thinking about the overall festival experience from the minute you walk in the gates of the festival. We want it to be more than just stages and music. We want to engage people visually as well as aurally and our team are currently working on bespoke stages and plans for an event precinct with a diverse range of bars, premium food options, activations, chill out areas and an array of market stalls all combining to create a unique festival experience.

‘The Warehouse Collective’ launched late last year with The Presets as headliners, how was the inaugural event and what do you have planned for 2018?

Finally, some departing words to Days Like This 2018 attendees?

First and foremost, we are extremely thankful for everyone’s support. If someone told me Sydney could support a lineup of this calibre and a festival of this scale a few years ago I would never have believed them but here we are and on the 10th of March we get to show our thanks by delivering an incredible experience for you all to enjoy.

Days Like This Festival feat. acts like Maceo Plex, Sven Vath, Black Madonna, Booka Shade and more will happen at Victoria Park in Sydney on Saturday 10th March from 12PM – 10PM Tickets available now from www.dayslikethisfestival.com.au

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vibes.mag #1 Photos by Felix Hohagen

Sonus Festival set for legendary 6th edition with Amelie Lens, Charlotte de Witte, Jackmaster, Nicolas Lutz, Peggy Gou, Richie Hawtin, Ricardo Villalobos, Ryan Elliott, Seth Troxler, Solomun, Sven Väth and 34 more!

Following a mammoth fifth birthday last year, Sonus is back for its sixth outing in 2018. 5 days and nights of unrivalled partying between 19th – 23rd August set in the hedonistic paradise of Zrce Beach, Sonus boasts its most thrilling lineup to date. Underground music lovers from around the globe will descend once again on the idyllic Zrce Beach, Croatia for a one of a kind adventure combining impeccable beaches, world-class calibre of artists and unbeatable programming under the sun.

From global kingpins Adam Beyer, Jamie Jones, Joseph Capriati, Maceo Plex, Marco Carola, Pan-Pot, Richie Hawtin, Ricardo Villalobos, Solomun, Sven Väth to techno ladies Amelie Lens, Charlotte de Witte, Nastia plus club takeovers, boat parties and more, Sonus Festival is THE go to event for any house and techno fan. Standard tickets are available to buy from www.sonus-festival.com, from €159.

With an incredible bill of international heavyweights, Sonus Festival have pulled out all the stops for their most impressive lineup to date. Drumcode boss Adam Beyer, DIYNAMIC founder Solomun, and techno veteran, Chris Liebing, return with open arms. Expect epic blends and mesmerising sets from festival mainstays Maceo Plex, Marco Carola and Loco Dice.

Key members of the Cosmopop familia, the masters Sven Väth and Richie Hawtin are set to cast their spell over Sonus Festival goers once more. Of course, Sonus favourite, Ricardo Villalobos will take dancers on a genre-defying sonic journey. Welcomed back to Sonus Festival’s stages with open arms are techno craftsman Luigi Madonna as well as the almighty Joseph Capriati.

Hot Creations veteran, Jamie Jones, returns, along with non-stop vibes from Seth Troxler’s infectious grooves, jazz-tinged house from MEAT and the mighty Tale Of Us. While party purveyours Jackmaster and Peggy Gou bring the best in house, disco, techno and everything in between. Panorama Bar resident Ryan Elliott and Giegling co-founder Konstantin make their debuts, bringing a taste of Berlin. Amping up the sunshine vibes with chunky beats and dancefloor heat are Eats Everything, Butch and Frankfurt’s Dorian Paic. InFine founder, Agoria is set to spin dance inducing disco influenced techno, while Valentino Kanzyani and Ian F. rep for the Slovenian scene.

Spellbinding selections from revered spinners Adriatique, plus Innervision’s key players Âme DJ return with Dixon, while Enzo Siragusa reps for the FUSE camp. Uplifting house and melodic blends come from Nicolas Lutz, Kölsch and D’Julz. Pushing deeper sounds, expect magic moments from minimal gurus, Raresh and Praslea, returning as Praslesh, with Rhadoo, Dana Ruh, Sonja Moonear and Perlon wizard, Binh in tow. Harder hitting sounds come from the inimitable Rødhåd, an annual highlight, plus Techno titans Pan-Pot and Len Faki. Leading ladies of the European techno and house, Charlotte De Witte, Nastia and Jennifer Cardini flex dense, deep and dark techno, with Amelie Lens bringing her storming rave ready sets to Sonus for the first time. Seasoned selector Recondite, will also grace Zrce Beach once more, with an expertly executed live performance. Year on Year, Sonus Festival partners up with the hottest clubbing institutes the world round, for infamous showcases. After joining forces with Junction 2 and Movement in 2017, both brands are back for Sonus 2018. Newcomers to the network are French electronic festival virtuosos, The Peacock Society, Belgium’s finest, Fuse, and the Swiss Techno-Mecca Nordstern. Media partners Resident Advisor and XLR8R will again be the hosts for two parties – expect massive sets by the finest artist.

Cosmopop party promoters have established Sonus Festival as the go-to party for any house and techno aficionado, combining a jaw-dropping all star bill, unrivalled production, and infamous after parties, set along the glittering Adriatic coast. As the team behind Time Warp, “one of the most preeminent techno festivals”, there’s a strong close knit feel. Together with the We Love Sound crew, the gang are known for bringing along the Cosmopop familia from their two decade journey for their perfect summer rave adventure. Rest assured you’re in safe hands with this one! From Hawtin closing (and crowdsurfing) in 2015 to Seth Troxler and Martinez Brother’s epic B2B in 2017, expect more special Sonus memories to be made at this years’ momentous event.

World renowned as the best place in the universe to experience a sun-soaked festival, Croatia is the perfect spot to combine a holiday and festival, from just €294. The sunkissed Zrce Beach is a dreamy combination of golden beaches, on-site clubs and beautiful waves fit for Sonus Festival’s prolific boat parties. Pag Island is easily accessible from Zadar / Split / Zagreb, with flights from London and other European destinations at under €200 at present. With an abundance of travel and accommodation options, whatever your budget, Sonus Festival has you covered. Head to www.sonus-festival.com for information, with official packages for hotels and tickets available via official travel partners Collegium, Festicket & Papaya Travel.

Early bird tickets have already SOLD OUT, but first release tickets are now on sale at €159, via www.sonus-festival.com. With further artists, boat parties and more to be announced it’s set to be a vintage year. Do not sleep on your chance to dance with Sonus Festival as the hedonistic Zrce Beach reaches new levels of techno majesty.

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Solo Travel Vibes Inspired By You

Cappadocia, Turkey by Mahir Uysal on Unsplash

Athens, Greece by Arthur Yeti on Unsplash

Canguu, Bali by Sweet Ice Cream Photography

Stegastein, Aurland, Norway by Rob Bye on Unsplash

Sri Lanka by Maxwell Gifted on Unsplash

Black Rock Desert, USA by Gerome Viavant

Fraser Island, Australia by Erynn Peperkamp

For more travel inspiration, culture bites, tour recommendations and travel stories visit our website bbmlive.com

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Health Retreats in Australia There’s never a bad time to visit a health retreat, but no better time than the beginning of a New Year after the party season. There are many retreats in Australia that provide lessons in health and wellbeing, opportunities to relax and a chance to get away from home, that also make use of the luscious landscape. Treat yourself with a visit to a health retreat in Australia. There are many to choose from…

Gwinganna

KalyaaNa

With a selection of beautiful buildings, Gwinganna spoils guests with ocean views, fluffy white pillows atop four-poster beds, steam rooms and plunge pools. Proud of providing ecotourism, there is a focus on getting back to basics with added luxury, from challenging walks within the Hinterland of the Gold Coast to relaxing massages and facials in the spa during Gwinganna Dreamtime. Enhance your wellbeing, improve your knowledge of a healthy lifestyle and discover how to have downtime in ordinary life. A weekend at Gwinganna costs from $980pp and includes a 50-minute massage, meals and drinks, a wellness seminar and scheduled activities.

South of Perth within the Maslin Reserve is KalyaaNa, a spa and wellness retreat highly regarded as one of the Western Australia’s finest breaks. With help and guidance from health and fitness professionals, you can improve your wellbeing and discover how to live a balanced lifestyle, or simply bask in the stunning surroundings with outdoor activities including mountain biking, walks, forest meditation and a massage. There are different packages depending on the reason for your stay, two suite-style accommodations with private spa en-suites and complete seclusion, and an in-house chef making gourmet meals with natural ingredients for maximum flavour.

The herbs and vegetables are courtesy of the kitchen garden, the eggs come straight from the KalyaaNa chickens and the extra virgin olive oil is made in the next town of Bridgetown. The price you pay depends on the retreat you seek, around $600-800pp, and make sure you spend some time soaking up the Bali-inspired garden.

www.gwinganna.com

Eden The activities on offer at Eden will give you a new thirst for life. As no two days are the same, you will wake up to new opportunities every morning. The day begins with something to get the heart pumping, like flying fox, bike riding and boxfit, while afternoons are all about self-development and relaxation. There is a wide variety of things to try, but absolutely no pressure to do anything that you don’t fancy. The Currumbin Valley provides a serenity that’s hard to match, with wide-open space, thick rainforest and plenty of walking trails. Accommodation comes in the way of ecologically-sensitive lodges, with floor to ceiling windows, private balconies and mountain views. There are packages from five to 21 nights starting at $2690pp, depending on how long you need. www.edenhealthretreat.com.au

www.kalyaanawellnessretreat.com.au

Hopewood Fresh air, gentle exercise, good food and delicious juices, Hopewood is beneficial to your health. And where better to replenish and rejuvenate than in the foothills of the Blue Mountains? Just over an hour from Sydney, this retreat offers a relaxing day spa, lifestyle workshops and cooking classes all to help you continue your new life back home. You don’t need to stay overnight – go for a special pamper day or a wellmade meal – but packages range from two to 10 nights and indulgence to complete renewal. Accommodation is pretty basic, but you won’t be spending much time in bed with the Nepean River and forest to explore. The two-night Mini Escape costs from $728 while the Blissful Glow for seven nights costs from $2191. www.hopewood.com.au Images courtesy of venues.

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Perth to Melbourne

The land, culture and people between Perth and Melbourne are truly awesome. We talk with Hassie, the founder of Nullarbor Traveller about one of Australia’s most epic road trips.

I can remember the first time I crossed the Nullarbor. It was in 1973 with my father when I was 13 years old. We were in our Valiant Station Wagon and the road was all dirt at that time.

There were huge pot holes and my dad thought the best way to get over them was to not go in them, so he would go as fast as he could to pretty much fly over them. I remember pulling up at Eucla where we were going to sleep the night but Dad said “you’ve snored most of the way across son, let’s just keep driving”. That’s my first recollection of the Nullarbor.

My first tour across the Nullarbor was back in 2004 when we first purchased Nullarbor Traveller. I couldn’t tell you how many times I’ve been back and forward those 4000km each way between Adelaide and Perth, but I can tell you I haven’t done it near as many times as my guides or wife. One guide might do up to 80,000km back and forward in one season alone! It is one of the longest haul tours in Australia but they keep coming back every year because they love it. That says something does it?

Every time I cross the Nullarbor, whether it’s taking a tour, camping with my wife or transferring a vehicle, it always holds something special for us and it’s just a really unique destination. It combines the outback, world class coastlines and wildlife. It covers two thirds of Australia and its ticks all the boxes of what people come to Australia for. It’s the wildlife, the outback, the nature, the landscape, the coastline, all of those things the Nullarbor holds.

The Nullarbor is one part of a very comprehensive journey of seeing an amazing part of Australia as you travel east to west across Southern Australia.

Traditionally people come to Australia for those iconic things, the rock, the reef, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and they spend most of their time there. But those places are very commercial and there’s lots of people there fighting for space, for time and experiences. To really get a feel for Australia I think it’s important to do all that, but then move on from there and see other parts of Australia.

For example, the journey from Melbourne to Perth is an iconic journey, whether you come along the Great Ocean Road through to Adelaide, Kangaroo Island, the Flinders Ranges, the Eyre Peninsula, The Nullarbor then over into the South West of Western Australia. That’s what Australia is really about. Australia is a very north south country in my thoughts but it when you come across from east to west when you see the differences and diversity in landscapes.

A classic is coming out of Sydney. You’ve got Sydney Harbour, the Blue Mountains, the hay plains, the Flinders Ranges the Great Australian Bight and Nullarbor, the beaches of Esperance and the old growth Karri forests of the Margaret River region. So it’s a very different experience when you are travelling ‘across’ Australia and people that do this get to see so much more, they are always blown away.

If you can take the time, slow down and see it all, you’ve seem something really special in Australia.

Elephant Rock, South Australia, Photo courtesy of Nullarbor Traveller

Join Hassie and his team on his Nullarbor Traveller Tours nullarbortraveller.com.au

MARGARET RIVER

Words by Viki Photo Adobe Stock They say reaching nirvana is near impossible, especially since Kurt Cobain’s swallowed his gun, but you can come pretty damn close to it when you visit the south west of WA. Just a few hours south of Perth, you will find yourself jumping up and down in delight in a manner that would make even America’s campest big-haired aerobics instructor Richard Simmons seem glum when you see what the region has to offer.

The south west is home to world-famous surf, premium wines and gourmet foods, stunning scenery and wildlife, and tons of cultural stuff that will ease the guilt after all your hedonistic activities.

Margaret River is perhaps the best-known area in the region that lies between Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin along the coast. Here you can sample wine at some (or all, if you’re Keith Floyd or have a very understanding driver) of the 40-plus wineries churning out the nectar of the gods. To ensure you’re not going to make a complete show of yourself and end up on your back bellowing out Sinatra’s greatest hits, however, you’d be well-advised to make a few pit stops along the way to try a few of the home-grown delicacies.

From outrageously orgasmic chocolate and the creamiest cheeses to lip-smackin’ preserves and berry wines, the factories dotted along the route will help you ward off the karaoke craving and give your taste-buds something they haven’t had for a long time: the taste of real food without a load of chemicals bunged in. They all offer free tastings, so you can sneakily eat your fill under the pretext of buying and then bugger off. I myself couldn’t resist filling up the rental car with goodies, but leaving empty-handed has been known to happen.

Next on your list should be a trip to one of the pristine beaches to burn off a few of those extra calories you’ve just wolfed down and try the surf. The waves here can hit 20ft several times a year, so if you are feeling brave and Patrick Swayze in Point Break-esque, head to Yallingup and the world-famous Smith’s Beach. Home to a special Malibu contest each year, this spot has been attracting the universe’s top surfers (and its duff but fool-hardy ones) since the 60s.

As you travel to surf heaven along the Caves Road coastal drive, be sure to stop off along the way and check out the stunning caves, art galleries, and the Cape Naturaliste lighthouse, which offers a spectacular view of where the Indian and Southern Oceans meet. The nearby Aboriginal Centre gives you an informative tour of life in the bush, and then shows you how to throw boomerangs and spears without looking like a spazz.

If you look up occasionally, you will also notice the giant karri trees, the tallest found in WA, and perhaps even be moved into visiting the Valley of the Giants near Walpole during your trip. A few hours’ drive south east from Margaret River, this excellent attraction allows you to walk amongst the trunks of the oldest and tallest trees in the state and amble through the treetops at 40m on the famous Treetop Walk.

Heading up north again, your trip wouldn’t be complete without a brief stop at Busselton, where you can walk along the longest jetty in the southern hemisphere and do some scuba-diving, or taking a whale-watching tour at Dunsborough. Pick of the pops, boys and girls, is however watching the wild dolphins that come in and play in Bunbury. Kicking Monkey Mia’s bottom, you can go and swim or snorkel with the cuties in Koombana Bay, or just stand ankle-deep on the shore and watch them come in to you. Whatever you choose to do in the region, you will leave feeling happier than your teachers did when you left school.

Fraser Island

10 THINGS YOU PROBABLY DON’T KNOW ABOUT K’GARI (AKA FRASER ISLAND) K’gari is just one of Australia’s natural wonders that makes it a must-visit travel destination. Beckoning travellers from all over the world to its sandy shore, this popular island holds one or two secrets as well as the odd world record breaker…

“K’gari is the world’s largest sand island” 135km long and 30km wide, K’gari is the world’s largest sand island. This means that everything quite literally grows out of the sand – including the towering rainforest found at Central Station.

Lake Boomanjin is one of Fraser Island’s many perched lakes, but at 200 hectares, it’s the largest in the world.

Dingoes are not only found in Australia, but Fraser Island’s dingoes are such a pure breed that domestic dogs aren’t allowed on the island.

The name Fraser Island originates from Eliza Fraser, the wife of the captain of Stirling Castle that crashed on the island back in 1836..

The indigenous name for Fraser Island is K’gari, meaning paradise.

During World War II Australia’s Special Operations Commando used K’gari for secret training. With the rainforest and beach, it was considered the ideal location for a gruelling regime.

You can cruise down 75 Mile Beach in a 4WD, but this enormous stretch is not only Fraser Island’s main highway, it’s also the landing strip and airport.

There are more than 230 species of bird on Fraser Island including pelicans, white-breasted sea eagles, kingfishers, ospreys, peregrine falcons and the ground parrot.

You can watch the migration of humpback whales during the winter months from several lookouts on Fraser Island, with Platypus Bay on the western side sees them relax in the sheltered waters.

There are over 2000KMs of 4wd tracks on K’gari. Close to the return journey distance to Sydney and back!

Discover more about K’gari with Team Drop Bear and discover their epic adventure tours including four-wheel-driving, camping, swimming and trekking.

Explore Fraser Island for yourself from just $395pp, book now at dropbearadventures.com.au

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Travel Money Saving Tips

Get A Tax Refund Whether you’re working in Australia you may be travelling for work and there may be various other expenses you’re incurring due to work such as working from home, transport, marketing equipment or a uniform. Well most of these expenses can be claimed when you make your tax refund application. Find out if you are owed a tax refund in the UK, Australia, USA at taxback.co.uk with their no-refund, no-fee service.

Claim back your superannuation Claim back your superannuation. After you’ve worked in Australia as a temporary resident and have departed Australia and cancelled your visa (or your visa is no longer active), you’ll be eligible to claim back your superannuation. This could be a good $2000 of savings back in your bank within 30 days. Find out more about claiming back your super refund with a no refund, no fee service at backpay.com

Sell Sell Sell…

When you’re finally getting ready to head back home start to sell some of the goods you’ve accumulated. If you’ve got time we would recommend posting adverts on Gumtree stating ‘entire flat content for sale’ and you’ll find that someone at the start of their journey will most likely come and clear you out. Visiting markets and chatting to traders can also be a great way to clear down clothes and any more bespoke items that won’t quite work back home.

International Shipping Deciding what to ship back home is a tough one. Consider the weight of items and also the time it has taken you to acquire the items.

International shipping can be expensive but buying the entire content of a home can also be time consuming. Before you decide what to throw, sell and ship back home, write a list of your items and think about what you would need to do to replace it. It’s not always that easy to just buy it again. It may actually be quicker to earn £2000-3000 again. For a trustworth and cost effective service we recommend sevenseasworldwide.com. And BBM readers can secure 5% off their shipment by quoting BBM when booking by phone.

Travel Money Choose your bank wisely and consider changing your credit card. When travelling overseas on a working holiday or gap year, it’s really important to choose your bank wisely. Certain accounts don’t charge for international fee’s like withdrawals which can save you a packet over a year. When you’re travelling it’s also really important to have a credit card if you want to hire car. Again, try and choose a card that will not charge for use overseas. Depending on your country of residence, there will be different offers from local banks but we can recommend HSBC’s Advantage account and Monzo.com travel card, which allows you to make purchases with your travel card abroad without charge.

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4-7TH JULY CROATIA