Down under jobs guide 2017

2017 EDITION

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DOWNUNDER JOBS.TRAVEL.VISAS.BBMLIVE.COM

TIPS • INTERVIEWS • LIFESTYLE • CAREER OPPORTUNITIES • DISCOUNTS

Photograph courtesy of Nullarbor Traveller - thetraveller.net.au

DOWNUNDER JOBS.TRAVEL.VISAS.BBMLIVE.COM Whether you’re planning on moving down under permenantly, for a career move or on a working holiday, it’s a step in your life that you will remember forever.

This issue focuses on the vast opportunities to work and travel across Australia. Our aim is to give you the opportunity to properly plan your trip so you can make the most of your travels. Whether your under 35 and heading off on a working holiday, backpacking or a skilled professional wishing to migrate for work opportunities on your own, or relocating with your family and loved ones, we’ve got the inside knowledge to help you on your big adventure.

Inside you’ll find everything from job listings to migration tips, getting started guides, finance, shipping, travel information, accommodation overviews and even stop over guides on some of the most amazing destinations and experiences you can have on your way to and from Australia.

For more in depth information visit our website www.bbmlive.com.

Cover image courtesy of BridgeClimb Sydney

5 Reasons You’ll Love Australia One of the most iconic cities in the world, it’s no wonder people mistake Sydney for Australia’s capital. Often newcomers’ first port of call, there’s a lot that can keep you here, but here are the five best things about Sydney that you really shouldn’t miss.

The Restaurants

Whether you insist on five-star dining or require nothing more than a burger in a bar, Sydney’s got it all. The restaurants in Sydney have beckoned the finest chefs from around the world to make Sydney their home and delight locals and visitors with exceptional cuisine. Due to location, there’s a melting pot of Asian, African, European, American and British flavours, with Sydney hospitality being the cherry on top.

The Landmarks

Even if you’ve never stepped foot in Sydney, you’ll have seen the iconic structures that have become symbols of the city. The Sydney Opera House with its shell roof and the Sydney Harbour Bridge that joins the north to the south are known the world over – whether from New Year’s Eve photos, the 2000 Summer Olympics, or Finding Nemo…

The Coastal Suburbs

Without a doubt the most popular suburb in Sydney is Bondi Beach. Beckoning surfers and yogis in the morning, the sweeping beach is internationally recognised for being full of

beautiful people topping up their glowing tans. A coastal walk from Bondi takes you to another beachside suburb, Coogee, which boasts hotels, water sports and golden sands.

In the north of Sydney is Manly, yet another suburb with a beach on its doorstep. Is it any wonder Sydneysiders spend so much time outside?

The Small Bar Scene

From experimental cocktails to secret rooms and inventive décor, the small bars of Sydney make evenings out an experience you’d call back home about. The creativity and imagination is second to none without sacrificing on quality drinks. So whether you prefer wine, whiskey, craft beer or cocktails, you’ll have an awesome time guaranteed.

The Countryside

The city may have you in the palm of its hand, but the surrounding countryside of New South Wales has plenty to offer just moments from the hustle and bustle. From the magical haze of the Blue Mountains and the towering Three Sisters to the waterways and Aboriginal heritage sites of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, you can imagine a time before Sydney even existed.

Find many more things to see and do in Australia at bbmlive.com/things-to-do-sydney

When coming to Australia from overseas, you should consider that Australia may not have the same recruitment culture as your country of origin. The first thing to do when looking for a job is to write an appropriate resume. Here are some do’s and don’ts that will help you prepare a resume for the Australian job market.

Do’s • Provide an Australian postal address and Australian mobile where possible.

• Add a career overview, including main qualifications and relevant experience.

• Add an employment history starting with the most recent position first and maybe highlight the relevant experience in bold.

• Give an indication of organisational context, industry, size of the company, challenges and achievements.

• Include challenges and drivers of the businesses you’ve worked in.

• List any education or training, including the name of the education provider and years • attended. List your most important or relevant qualification first.

• Have an Australia-based local referee listed on your resume if possible. This referee could be someone you meet through networking, unpaid work experience and/or volunteering.

• If you are overseas, provide a personal or work reference (reference letter or testimonials work well too).

• Pay attention to the soft skills, such as the ability to listen and communicate well and work in a team environment.

• Use British English spelling, as used in the official Australian dictionary.

• Add a cover letter – this should be no more than one page and include the title of the job you are applying for, why you are interested in the job and employer, how your skills, qualifications and experience match the requirements of the job and make you a suitable candidate for the job (in a paragraph or two), and state that you are available for an interview or further discussion of the position and your application.

• If the job requires you to write key selection criteria, you can write your responses by using specific examples of your skills and work experience for each of the key selection criteria to demonstrate your suitability for the role.

Don’ts • Don’t include personal details such as age, marital status or religious beliefs.

• Don’t worry about mentioning your gender, date of birth, and document details (like passport number or driver’s license).

• Don’t include a photo.

• Don’t over complicate. Create a clear, concise and easy to read resume.

• Don’t make it too long. Employers in Australia generally prefer resumes to be one to three pages long, depending on which job you are applying for. We recommend a one pager for hospitality and bar jobs, two pages for junior positions and three to four pages for senior roles.

• Don’t create one resume and think it will work for every single job you apply for. A resume should always be tailored to the specific job for which you’re applying.

• Don’t assume that people know everything. If all your previous experience is overseas, you should provide information about the company and industry and add a website for reference.

• Don’t use old resumes. Your resume should be current and include the details of your most recent work experience.

• Most of all, don’t expect everything to work like home. Be flexible and willing to fit in with local ways of doing things. In the beginning, the job offers may not be at the same level or higher than you had overseas because of your lack of local knowledge and experience, so you may need to take a step back in order to advance later.

However, if from day one you look for help and assistance from the experts in the industry and prepare yourself for when the opportunities come, you will have a much higher chance of finding your dream job much quicker.

people2people.com.au

Booking Accommodation Online Thanks to the digital revolution it’s now easier than ever to find a bed for a night, a week, six months or forever. However with so much choice, it can be a lot of effort. To save hours of scrolling through search engines, we’ve put together a collection of some of our favourite accommodation booking sites to get you going.

Hostels, Hotels & Apartments

Most synonymous with the travelling backpacker, hostels are the number one go-to for short-term lodging for a number of reasons. To save time you may want to go directly to our very own bbmlive.com. We have a basic listing of some of our favourite hostels and accommodation around the country, however if you’re looking for an all-in-one viewing and booking option check out websites such as hostelbookers.com and hostelworld.com.

For hotels wotif.com, booking.com are two of the best booking platforms for last minute or advance bookings. Also, keep an eye out for deals on undisclosed hotels at a discounted price, as you could bag a 4 or 5 star hotel for a fraction of the price.

Moving onto apartments and a new trend that is sweeping the world, airbnb.com and homeaway.com are at the forefront of providing a booking service that creates a secure platform for yourself and homeowners to rent out your properties. The websites hold your deposit and rent until you and the flat owner have confirmed arrival and departure.

House Swap

If you’re looking for home comforts on the other side of the world but you’re worried about paying rent or your mortgage while on your travels, you can swap your house for someone else’s. You don’t even have to swap at the same time. If a member of lovehomeswap.com stays in your house while you’re away, you can even earn points

which can later be used to holiday in a house completely free. Other house swap websites include guardianhomeexchange.co.uk and aussiehouseswap.com.au.

Semi-Permanent Accommodation

For anyone looking to stay in one location for at least six months, whether to work solidly for the same employer or have a base for family and friends to visit, long-term accommodation is the logical choice. With many rental properties coming with a minimum six-month lease, you can have somewhere to call home while still experiencing the beauty of Australia.

House Shares

With accommodation eating a predominant chunk out of your wage, you’ll want to save as many cents and dollars as possible.

FlatmateFinders.com.au lists hundreds of homes, as well as people that are also looking for a house share, based on your chosen city.

The website is free to sign up to and contact 35 people but if you’re successful in your search, there is a finder’s fee.

Those of you from the UK will be pleased to know Gumtree.com.au is here to help as well local sites such as au.easyroommate.com, domain.com.au and furnishedproperty.com.au, who list fully furnished share accommodation, apartments and student digs.

Permanent

If you’re migrating permanently to Australia for work or family then you may well be looking for a home of your own. Whether you’re buying or looking for a long term rental there are two main websites in Australia that are worth a visit, as mentioned above domain. com.au is a great place to start and then you also have realestate.com.au. Both websites cover the entire country and most estate agents will have their properties listed.

How to get a mortgage in Australia Did you know you can get a mortgage on a house in Australia even if you don’t have a permanent visa?

To get the ins and the outs of it all, we find out more from CBM Mortgages.

Can someone who is not an Australian resident secure a mortgage?

Yes, definitely, but the deposit required would all come down to their visa type. If you are on a 457 Visa living in Australia it may be possible to go to a 90% lending to value ratio on a property but if you are offshore then the maximum would be an 80% lending to value ratio.

How much capital would be required for a mortgage?

Again, this really all comes down to your visa type and would also impact the benefits you may receive as a First Home Buyer. Permanent residents should probably aim for around at least 8% of the value of the property and selected temporary visa holders such as a 457 Visa holder should aim for a minimum of 15% of the value of the property to cover deposit and stamp duty fees and charges.

Are you able to secure a loan against a property overseas for example in the UK or Ireland?

Not unless you have an ongoing revenue stream that you can demonstrate to the bank. Any finance would be organised via lenders in the UK.

What are the borrowing rates like in Australia?

There are some great offerings at present with variable rates starting from 3.99%. Rates offered by banks can differ depending on the loan amount and the lending to value ratio.

Is it possible to get a buy to let mortgage in Australia?

Yes, but this will all depend on your residency status. If you don’t have permanent residency and you wish to purchase an investment property then the property you purchase would need to be brand new.

There are no restrictions for permanent visa holders.

Do you have to pay stamp duty or is there an Australian equivalent?

You do have to pay stamp duty. Each state has a different offering in terms of discounts and waivers for First Home Buyers but this is only available for permanent visa holders. The amount and guidelines differ from state to state.

If you are still a resident in the UK or Ireland do you have to pay Capital Gains tax there?

What kind of evidence on earnings and/or savings would you need to provide?

This will all depend on the lending to value ratio you are seeking. If you’re applying for finance with less than 20% deposit then you normally need to demonstrate that you have held the equivalent of 5% of the purchase property for more than 3 months in the form of savings or equity in property.

What’s the difference between using a broker or going direct to the bank?

A bank will only offer their products and each bank has their own policies and niches. Where you get declined with one bank you might get approved with another. A broker has access to a wide range of offerings and lenders and a good experienced broker should know the difference between their different policies.

Australian home loans and mortgages by cbmmortgages.com

Australian Visas Explained Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417)

Available to young people that want to holiday and work in Australia for up to a year, the Working Holiday Visa is the most popular visa for travelling to Australia.

To apply for the Working Holiday Visa you must:

• Be at least 18 years of age but younger than 31 • Not have a dependent child coming with you to Australia • Have around $5000 AUD to support your time in Australia • Have the funds to purchase a return ticket when your visa runs out • Have a passport from an eligible country The countries eligible for this visa include the United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, Germany, France, Canada and Japan and a few select others.

Employer Nomination Scheme

The Employer Nomination Scheme is a visa that enables skilled individuals to work in Australia on a permanent basis. It involves two stages; nomination by an approved Australian employer, and an application made under the nominated stream. They must also be younger than 50 years old (unless stated otherwise) and meet certain skills, qualifications and English language requirements.

Within the application form is a statement that applicants will obey Australian law and respect Australian way of life. Anyone 18 years old or more will be expected to sign this after reading

the Life in Australia book. Applications for the ENS visa are to be made online in or outside of Australia.

Higher Education Sector Visa (subclass 573)

If you are enrolled as a student to receive a bachelor degree, a graduate certificate/diploma, a masters degree, or a higher education diploma, you may be able to apply for the Higher Education Sector Visa to stay and study in Australia.

The visa conditions and process are streamlined depending on the country you’re applying from, the country your passport is registered to and your age. Generally, you can apply for this visa if you need your first student visa, a subsequent student visa, or to join a family member who is in Australia on a student visa.

Temporary Work (Skilled) Visa (subclass 457)

The 457 Visa allows a skilled worker to come to Australia to work in their nominated occupation for a sponsored employer for up to four years. The occupation must appear on the Skilled Occupation List to be approved for sponsorship.

To obtain this visa, you must:

• Be sponsored by an approved business • Have the skills to fulfill the job you have been nominated for • Only fill a position that could not be filled by an Australian citizen or resident • Speak vocational English Holders of this visa are able to work in Australia for up to four years, bring their family to work or study, and travel in and out of Australia as much they want.

Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189)

For anyone that hasn’t been sponsored by an employer or nominated by a state or territory government, you can apply for the Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) based on your points as a skilled worker.

You can apply for this visa if you:

• Submit an expression of interest • Nominate an occupation on the skilled occupation list • Achieve a skills assessment for the chosen occupation • Have not yet turned 50 years of age • Have a competent level of English • Have been sent a letter of invitation by the Australian Government The Skilled Independent Visa allows you to live and work in Australia as a permanent resident.

You can also include your partner and any dependent relatives in your application.

Partner Visa (subclasses 820 and 801)

The Partner Visa (subclass 820 and 801) is available to the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen, to live in Australia.

To apply for the visa, applicants must be married or in a de facto relationship with their partner.

The temporary Partner Visa (subclass 820) is approved before the permanent Partner Visa (subclass 801), but you only have to lodge one application and pay one application charge. You must be in Australia when the visa is applied for and when the decision is made.

ozvisainfo.com

Partner Visas

Photo courtesy of Heron Island Tourism

If your partner is moving to Australia and you’d like to go with them, there is the possibility that you can lodge an application for a Partner Visa, also known as a De Facto Visa. Or perhaps you have landed a Skilled Working Visa in Australia and would like to find out more about bringing your partner along with you. Either way, you’ll need to look into what is entailed when it comes to temporary partner visas (subclass 820) and provisional partner visas (subclass 309).

Owing to a high demand, visa applications for the aforementioned classes are currently taking between a year to 15 months to process. As such, it’s vitally important that your Partner Visa application for Australia is submitted with accuracy and no errors.

The Australian Government’s Department of Immigration and Border Protection has a website with document checklists to assist you with your Australian De Facto Visa application. It’s a good idea to print these out and check off each item to ensure you have collected all the prerequisite certificates and other evidence required. This site also lists the necessary forms you will need to fill out for both the permanent and temporary classes of Partner Visas for Australia.

Once you’re confident you’ve gathered all the necessary evidence and filled out all the necessary forms, it’s time to submit your application. The fastest and easiest way to do this is online, by creating an account using the Australian Government’s ImmiAccount service, which is featured on the aforementioned Department of Immigration and Border Protection section of their site. Here you can scan in all your documents and upload them directly to your account.

The more detailed and exhaustive your application is, the faster it will be processed and you will stand a much better chance of gaining your desired visa. Once you’ve made an account you can login at your leisure to check on the progress of your application.

If you have any queries whatsoever regarding any aspect of the process of lodging an application for an application for a De Facto Partner Visa for Australia, it’s not a bad idea to get in touch with a registered migration agent.

Find out more about applying for a Partner Visa for Australia contact a migration agent today

info@freedommigration.com.au +61731 123 204 www.freedommigration.com

Moving Overseas Packing Tips Whether you’re returning home to the UK from Australia, or you’re making a big move from Oz, there’s certain things you’re not going to want to leave behind, and with Seven Seas Worldwide you don’t have to!

Here’s our top tips for shipping from Australia to the UK to make your life easier…

1. Make a list

Do you really need the kitchen sink… are you that attached to it? No is the answer, prioritise what you really want to take to the UK with you. For instance, your beloved 10 speed bike will be handy as you can still scoot around town when you’re in the UK, so make a list of the essentials before you start packing!

2. Choose what kind of storage you’ll need for the big move

Seven Seas Worldwide offer a range of their MoveCube®. So opt for the one that will comfortably fit all your belongings in.

3. Use space wisely

Treat packing like a game of Tetris! You can fit way more in that way, rather than just shoving stuff in boxes, and clearly label your boxes. That way you won’t be in complete chaos when you get to the other end!

4. Bubblewrap is your friend

If your planning on packing up fragile items, such as the irreplaceable ceramic pot you bought at a visiting ancient Mongolian market then make sure you wrap it up in bubblewrap to save from disappointment when you find it in a thousand pieces at the other end! And remember – bubbles go on the inside!

5. Arrange storage

If you’re moving into rented accommodation, or staying temporarily with friends, family or in a hotel, you may need to store your stuff, so think ahead about where everything but the kitchen sink is going to live until you have somewhere to live!

www.sevenseasworldwide.com.au Moving within Australia? Call FREE on 1300 216 698 and quote our BBM promotional code BBMAUS15W06 to receive a 5% discount! This offer is only valid over the phone and not available from the website.

Photo courtesy of Gold Coast Tourism

Banking Down Under If you’re on an Australian working holiday visa or residing in the country for a long period of time, you will need to get an Australian bank account. Once you arrive at your destination, go to your chosen bank as soon as possible and present them with your passport as identification in order to open the account. Try to do this within six weeks, because if you leave it any longer, they will require utility bills and other documents.

You have a choice of three bank cards: cheque, savings or credit card. Your everyday normal account in Oz is called a ‘savings account’ and your savings or secondary account is called a ‘cheque account’. When you use your EFTPOS card (Electronic Funds withdrawal at Point of Sale), or a cash machine (ATM) you will be presented with three options on the screen: cheque, savings or credit. You will need to make sure you choose the correct option for the money to go from the correct account.

Most Australian banks charge a monthly account-keeping fee of around $5, and little or no interest. You’re also limited to the number of transactions, some banks limit the number of free withdrawals you can have per month. With a bank account you will normally receive an EFTPOS or ATM (cash machine) card so you can withdraw your money. If you use another bank’s ATM then you will incur a fee of around $1.50 – $2.00.

The main banks in Oz are Commonwealth, National, ANZ, St George and Westpac, and you’ll need to shop around in order to get the best deal. To find a bank account that best suits your needs, the Australian Bankers’ Association provides helpful information. Visit www.bankers. asn.au to start looking. You can also find international banks such as HSBC and Citi Bank. We recommend banking with the largest banks in Australia, as they have many ATM machines dotted around, including in rural areas, which is useful when you’re travelling.

Each of the large banks have deals online from time to time in order for you to get the best out of your card, including no bank charges for the first 12 months. It’s always worth contacting the bank directly about these offers.

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

Using the most efficient and cost-effective foreign exchange provider could save you hundreds or even thousands of pounds. Banks can be expensive as they don’t typically offer the most competitive exchange rates or a personal service. Thankfully, there is an alternative. By using a currency specialist such as moneycorp you could benefit from: Competitive exchange rates When using a foreign exchange specialist company like moneycorp, you can benefit from exchange rates that are typically 3-4% better than you might receive from your high street bank. That percentage can make a huge difference when sending large sums of money across the world to start your new life Down Under.

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

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

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

Online Don’t be limited to making payments in UK office hours with a bank. moneycorp’s online service enables you to buy or sell currency and make transfers 24/7, so you can manage your international payments at your convenience – at any time and from anywhere in the world.

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

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

For more information on money transfers, visit moneycorp.com

Transferring Pensions To Australia Receiving the correct financial advice, when migrating to Australia, could provide you with some excellent financial benefits for your existing UK assets and investments, including pensions.

Pensions

If you have a UK private or company pension, you will need advice as to whether to transfer your pension to Australia or leave it in the UK - and on the timing of any potential transfer.

With the right advice, it is possible to transfer your UK pension to Australia and retire tax free on those benefits in Australia.

However, neither the UK’s HMRC nor the Australian Tax Office make the process easy. There are procedures to be followed and regulations to be adhered to, both in the UK and Australia, before a transfer can go ahead.

With expert advice, you can minimise the tax implications and reduce exposure to currency fluctuations, when transferring your pension funds to Australia.

Other Tax Considerations

There are important UK income tax, capital gains tax (CGT) and inheritance tax (IHT) implications that centre around whether an individual should retain or sell their UK property or investments. Allied to this, Australia have their own tax regulations, on foreign investments, held by a resident of their country.

Global QROPS Ltd

Global QROPS’ unique expertise can provide insight into the considerable differences between the tax regimes in the UK and Australia, and provide an individual with pre-migration advice that will help you take advantage of the tax breaks available and avoid falling into some of the tax traps that a move Australia could potentially lead to.

Global QROPS Ltd are UK based financial advisers, authorized and regulated by the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Their advisory team has many years’ experience in advising people, who are migrating to Australia, on the best strategy for their UK pensions, property, savings and investments.

Based in Australia, BDH Sterling, the licensed Australian arm of Global QROPS, will then be perfectly positioned to continue the advice process for when you need advice in Australia.

For more information on Global QROPS Ltd or to arrange a free initial consultation in the UK, call 01372 724249 or email info@globalqrops.com

www.globalqrops.com

MARA 0208986

Agency Nursing Down Under The Australian Nursing Agency are currently offering Working holiday jobs for nurses and recruiting nurses from a range of skilled occupations for positions across Melbourne now.

If you’re eligible for a working holiday visa, have already registered with AHPRA, and are qualified nurse from the UK, Ireland, or other country, then please apply by email or calling our London office at the Down Under Centre or if you’re already in Australia, call our Melbourne office on the details below.

If you’re not yet registered with AHRPA, or are not eligible for a working holiday visa, then please get in touch anyway and we can help you start your Australia migration process.

Nursing Occupations Include: Registered Mental Health Nurse Critical Care / ICU Nurses Emergency Department Nurses Registered Nurses Operating Theatre Nurses Opportunities include: Positions available in both public and private sector health services Casual, locum or permanent positions Work in some of the best medical facilities in the world You require: Current or pending registration with AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency) A post graduate qualification and/or relevant experience working in Emergency Departments Minimum of 12 months experience A valid visa enabling you to work in Australia About Australian Nursing Agency Established in 2000, Australian Nursing Agency is one of the most professional and reputable nursing agencies in Australia supplying casual, locum and permanent nurses to public and private healthcare sectors in Melbourne trading as SwingShift Nurses. The Agency has an extensive partnership network throughout Australia meaning we can find work for you wherever and whenever you want it. We are specialists in providing for working holiday nurses and finding permanent jobs for nurses looking to move to Australia permanently.

We offer: Assistance and guidance obtaining your AHPRA registration Visa advice referral Information on working as a nurse in Australia Information on life in Australia Wide range of work opportunities on either a casual or permanent basis Supportive, friendly staff who work to ensure you have plenty of shifts Free professional indemnity insurance Free uniform Free car parking for shifts worked Free ongoing training including mandatory updates Attractive pay rates designed to reflect how we value you Nurse rewards program to give you that little extra

Register your interest today

australiannursingagency.com

recruitment@australiannursingagency.com

Bower Healthcare

Now that healthcare professionals applying for a nursing job in Australia no longer have to register with each individual state, practising their profession has just become easier. It pays to be employed in one of the most popular travel destinations in the world as nursing in Australia means you can also travel Australia. But what does it take to work as a nurse in Australia?

Eligibility Requirements For Nursing Jobs In Australia You must prove that you are qualified to practise as a nurse through your educational attainment and work experience. If you still need to acquire additional skills, you have an option to sign up for a bridging programme.

You must prove that you are proficient in speaking the English language through a series of tests, such as the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). If you’re from the UK, the US, New Zealand, Canada or Ireland, however, you may be able to skip the English language test.

Upon arriving in the country you will need to register with the Australian Health Practitioners Registration Authority (AHPRA) in order to nurse in Australia.

Visa Options For Nurses There are several visa options to choose from, permanent or otherwise, whether you have a high level of skills or not. You can choose to work temporarily, during a working holiday – available for nurses aged between 18 and 30 (or 35 as of 2017), or permanently as a skilled migrant. If you still need to upgrade your skills, you can apply for an occupational trainee visa and undergo a supervised training programme.

If your qualifications are accepted and you are approved for a visa, you only need to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia and the AHPRA to start doing the job you love.

Due to the complexity of the Australian visa system, you should employ the services of a migration agent. It is best to get all the requirements and paperwork right before lodging an application to ensure a higher rate of approval.

Australia is looking for nurses in all fields. You should grab the opportunity to get a nursing job Down Under.

www.bowerhealthcare.com.au

Meet Chef Christopher This is his story on working as a chef in Australia For the last decade TSS Recruitment 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.

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 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”.

recruitment@tssgroup.com.au

www.tssrecruitment.com.au

The Down Under Centre - London The Down Under centre is your one stop centre for migration to Australia. They will provide you all the essential information for your journey to Australia. Welcoming all walk in clients who are looking to move to Australia, visit them in Ealing today to get you started on your migration journey!

Specialising in providing Trade Skill Assessments for the purpose of migration to Australia, the Down Under Centre work exclusively with these Australian Government (TRA) Approved RTO’s: - Australian construction training services Visa Skills programme (ACTS) - Future skills international (FSI) ACTS seek those in the construction and engineering trades to gather previous qualifications and evidence of employment to submit for a Skills Assessment so that they can gain a qualification valid in Australia and work under their trade.

Future Skills International offer the Skills

Assessment to Electricians for the purpose of migration, where they would need to obtain an Offshore Technical Skills record (OTSR) in order to work in Australia as an Electrician.

The Down Under Centre also host monthly webinars where you can meet our partners and experts to help you with your migration journey. Speak with a MARA Approved Migration Agent for migration and visa advice, or speak with a recruiter who can go over the job opportunities available all over Australia. Receive special offers from their partners or special guests on the Webinar!

We have handpicked a range of partners who are experts in getting you set up for your migration journey.

downundercentre.com 48 Haven Green, Ealing, W5 2NX info@downundercentre.com

CARPENTERS WANTED IN AUSTRALIA Apply to today: Sponsorships Available for the right candidate Refer a carpenter and if they’re successfully placed you’ll receive $100AUD Email your CV and contact details to jobs@bbmlive.com terms and conditions apply

Travel Essentials 1.

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1. £24.95 - Manfrotto PIXI and TwistGrip Smart Phone Stand - www.manfrotto.com 2. £129.99 - TomTom Touch Fitness Tracker - www.tomtom.com 3. £59.95 - Podo Stick and Shoot Selfie Camera - cuckooland.com 4. £29.99 - Happy Plugs In Ear Headphones - www.happyplugs.com 5. £6.49 - Zap-Ease for Mozzie Bites - www.lessmosquito.com 6. £74.95 - STM Haven Lightweight Backpack -. www.stmbags.com 7. £29.99 - Happy Plugs Marble Look Phone Case - www.happyplugs.com 8. £79.99 - Edifier Kaleidoscope Bluetooth Speaker - www.edifier.com 9. £199.99 - Waterproof & Sweat proof VerveOnes+ Wireless Headphones - verve.life

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10. £70 - Yoga Bellies ultra skinny yoga mat for yogis on the go - www.amazon.com 11. £34 - Groov-e Fusion Headphones - Amazon, World Duty Free & Prezzybox.com 12. £68 - Happy Plugs Soundpiece Mini Bluetooth Speaker - www.happyplugs.com 13. £147 - HD multi-screen set-up for designers on the go - www.packedpixels.com 14. £95 - Picturekeeper 8GB photo drive for iPhone and iPad - picturekeeper.com 15. £117 - Tranverz Small Carry On Case - Eastpak.com 16. £98 - Olloclip Core Lens Set for iPhone 7 - www.olloclip.com

Study In Australia Thinking about studying in Australia? Then make sure you know what is required for your student visas for Australia. From 1st July 2016, dramatic changes were introduced by the Department of Immigration and Border Protection to the Student Visa.

From the current 8 subclasses, the number of student visas has now been cut down to just 2.

Now that’s really worth the drama.

Students who wish to study in Australia may only need to apply for either the Subclass 500 (Student) or the Subclass 590 (Student Guardian). The former lets you study a full-time course in a registered school, and stay until you finish it. The latter, on the other hand, is applicable to guardians of an international student younger than 18 years old.

Changes to Student Visas For Australia The changes of the student visa are believed to help streamline the application and processing requirement, simplify onshore applications, strengthen the integrity of the student visa program by replacing the current assessment level framework, and clearly outline visa conditions to eliminate confusions.

Student Visa Assessment Levels Speaking of the Assessment Levels, an applicant’s country of origin no longer matter in the new system. The new focus is now on the risk rating of the education provider.

Academic institutions are now ranked by the Department of Immigration with a Risk Rating of 1 to 3. The lower the rating the easier the student visa application will be. Requirement of the English language will also be lenient at this rating.

Most student visa conditions will be the same, including the application fees, arrangement for health cover (OSHC), and the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE). Students interested to study in Australia can visit Border.Gov.Au for more information or speak to one of the team at Aussie Studies.

www.aussiestudies.com.au

EXPLORE THE FLINDERS The jewel of South Australia’s Kangaroo Island, if you happen to be visiting this part of Australia, there’s no way you’ll want to skip Flinders Chase National Park.

A massive 326.6 km² there’s so much to see within Flinders Chase that you’ll want to make the most of your time here whilst visiting Kangaroo Island. Situated on the Western End of Kangaroo Island, Flinders Chase National Park is where you’ll find the famous Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch.

A bountiful area of dense foliage, and both sandy and rocky coastlines, Flinders Chase is also where you’ll have the opportunity to see some of Kangaroo Island’s treasured wildlife.

From December to January you can enjoy the delights of witnessing sights such as the fierce territorial battles between the Long-Nosed Fur Seals, at the peak of breeding season, from the viewing boardwalks at Admiral’s Arch. In February you’re also in prime time to see the island’s biggest predator - Rosenberg’s Goanna. A threatened reptile species, you can see these long lizards at this time of year due to breeding and egg-laying season.

You can also enjoy the park and its diverse wildlife via a network of walking trails and boardwalks. Animals you are most likely to see include the Tammar wallabies, echidnas, brushtailed possums and of course - Kangaroo Island Kangaroos (a subspecies of the Western-Grey kangaroo from the mainland)! When it comes to birds, Flinders Chase is also home to an

CHASE NATIONAL PARK enormous menagerie - including black cockatoos, black swans, galahs, rainbow lorikeets and many varieties of sea birds.

Learn more about the park and its fascinating natural and cultural heritage at the Flinders Chase Visitor Centre. Stay in one of several campgrounds or rest in the heritage accommodation located throughout the park.

Sitting high on ancient rocky platforms above the sea, Remarkable Rocks’ surreal shapes and golden orange colours provide extraordinary photo opportunities.

The Cape du Couedic Lighthouse is also worth a visit. Commissioned in 1902 due to a vast number of fatal shipwrecks, there are also Lighthouse Keeper Cottages that you can stay in.

Take in the dizzying heights of Weirs Cove - a steep sheer cliff that leads to a boardwalk where the Lighthouse supplies would have been delivered to - despite the 3 kilometres the inhabitants had to walk to pick up their goods!

Whether you choose to visit Flinders Chase for the wildlife or the scenery, you can make the journey with Kangaroo Island Adventure Tours.

www.kiadventuretours.com.au

6 Things You Didn’t Know About The Nullarbor Plain One of the greatest journeys in Australia, crossing the Nullarbor Plain can be treacherous, so it’s advisable to pick a tour from Adelaide to Perth of versa vicer when considering making this journey. After all, it was once deemed the most dangerous crossing in all of Australia due to the vast distance from Adelaide to Perth and complete lack of amenities along the way.

A desolate plain with not one tree breaking the horizon, the Nullarbor Plain makes for one epic view, and one heck of an adventure whilst on South Australian tours. But here’s a few things you maybe didn’t know about the Nullarbor Plain that will put you in good stead for your South Australian tour.

It’s Massive!

So massive in fact, that The Nullarbor is officially the world’s biggest piece of limestone covering a whopping 200,000 km squared and ranging 1200 km from east to west.

It’s Record Breaking

The Nullarbor Plain also boasts the longest section of straight railway line on the planet, spanning 478 km. But that’s not all, it’s also home to the longest straight length of tarmacked road at 146.6km!

It’s Extra Terrestrial

Luckily for its extremely low population, many meteorites have been discovered on the Nullarbor Plain with some weighing many tonnes and are often perfectly preserved due to the desert climate.

It’s Latin For…

No Trees! Although the name sounds exotic and interesting, it literally translates as nothing (nullus) tree (arbor).

There’s No Nullarbor Nymph

In the 1970s an image of a woman living semi nude amongst wild kangaroos leaked, however after many journalists descended on the tiny town of Eucla, population 8, it emerged that the whole thing was a publicity stunt.

There Are Camels

Although camels aren’t endemic to Australia, you’ll find around 100,000 roaming the Nullarbor after being abandoned there having helped build the railways… and now they’re pretty much at home!

thetraveller.net.au

T R AV E L . M U S I C . L I F E STY L E . J O B S . B B M L I V E . CO M

Glamping in 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 the 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!

kakaduwild.com.au

Go Walkabout 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.

mulgasadventures.com.au

From The Rock To The Reef

Explore Australia from the inside out with Adventure Tour Australia’s Rock to Reef.

Take a week-long road trip from the Red Centre’s dusty expanses to Cairns’ tropical coastline – you’d better believe it when Aussies say their country’s diverse.

Australia’s Red Centre Kick off this adventure in the arid heart of Australia and the true Outback town of Alice Springs, then stand in the shadow of iconic Uluru and count the ‘many heads’ of Kata Tjuta (The Olgas).

Bond with your new travel mates as you tackle terrain that’s classic Australia.

Aboriginal Culture There’s no better way to understand this land than by learning about it from its traditional owners. You’ll take an interpretive walk lead by a member of the local Mala people and learn more about their traditions and beliefs. Maybe take home a piece of the oldest culture on Earth with the Aboriginal arts and crafts of the Cultural Centre, then set up camp for the night in Watarrka National Park.

The Garden of Eden Wake up in prime position to explore the towering rock faces of Kings Canyon. The sights here didn’t get dramatic names like the Lost City, the Amphitheatre, and the Garden of Eden without being that little bit special – so make sure you’ve got a camera handy to capture this epic landscape for the folks back home. Head back to charismatic Alice Springs for the next part of this adventure.

Go Off The Grid After a day in Central Australia’s most iconic town, hit the old dusty road to Queensland. We’re not just saying that either – this is a properly dusty route, a mostly dirt track through some of the world’s remotest countryside. Heading east you’ll have the chance to grasp just how big this country is – Boulia is seen as just down the road from Alice at a 9-hour drive.

Rainforests & Waterfalls Discover a whole different side to Australia as you enter Queensland. Memories of the dry desert will be washed away by the tropical rainforests, Millstream Falls and Porcupine Creek surrounding Hughenden. Head onto Cairns, where this tour comes to an end but the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef wait to be explored.

This trip is also available in reserve from Cairns to Alice Springs.

adventuretours.com.au

The Kimberley 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!

kimberleywild.com.au

Perth to Broome

The ultimate outback road trip A land where the hills roll high and the valleys run deep, Australia’s North West will make you feel a million miles away not only in space but time. The unchanged ancient landscape is a sight to behold when travelling from Broome to Darwin.

With the red earth scattering the vista, it would be easy to believe there was nothing here, but look a little deeper and you’ll discover more adventures to be had than you could ever imagine.

Setting off on the Gibb River Road from Broome this 8 day tour will take you to a number of natural wonders including the Windjana Gorge, Silent Grove, and the enormous cave system at Tunnel Creek.

With plenty of gorges working their way through the Kimberley landscape you’ll also find an abundance of Aussie wildlife when visiting Bell, Galvans and Manning Gorge. At Manning Gorge you’ll also have the chance to take in the spectacular Manning Falls as they cascade down the craggy rocks into the crystal clear pool below - perfect for a dip to cool off!

On your way from Broome to Darwin you’ll also have the chance to stop at El Questro and Zebedee Springs to have a dip in the hot springs and emerged healed from any aches you may have acquired on the long journey.

Purnululu National Park is where you’ll come face to face with the famous Bungle Bungle Ranges which you can even fly over if you wish to take an optional helicopter ride.

As you make your way further toward the edge of the Northern Territory you’ll pass through Lake Argyle where you can take an optional boat cruise, and also visit the Victoria River before arriving at the stunning Edith Falls in the Northern Territory. It’s here that you’ll have one last chance to lose yourself to the wild paradise of the bush before arriving in Darwin.

aussiewanderer.com.au

Hop On Hop Off Travel Guide To WA Western Australia is Australia’s largest State and is packed to the brim with adventure and excitements from the coast to the bush! Sprawling along most of Australia’s coastline it will come as no surprise that you can experience most water activities here as well as the stunning beaches that fringe the Indian Ocean. Here’s a few highlights not to be missed whilst backpacking across Western Australia.

Exmouth The gateway to the Ningaloo Reef, Exmouth is a must for those of you who want to see WA’s answer the the Great Barrier Reef, and should you visit between March and September you may even have the chance to swim with Whale Sharks as they migrate through the Indian Ocean to feed at the Ningaloo Reef.

Karijini National Park The jewel of Western Australia, Karijini National Park is where you’ll find adventures by the bucket load. From swimming in billabongs under waterfalls to watching out for crocodiles and spotting other native wildlife, it’s here where you can really get back to basics and have your fill of nature and the real Aboriginal culture.

Broome An old pearl fishing town, Broome is where you’ll see endless skies and some of the most dramatic sunsets on earth. Due to its location it is also where you’ll be able to see the Staircase To The Moon - an optical illusion that happens as the moon rises. You may have seen the postcards of camels trekking across the beach at sunset, so why not make your picture perfect moment happen here.

A unique view of Sydney awaits on the climb of your life...

The Sydney Harbour Bridge is a Sydney icon and a part of city life. Since 1932, it has been a symbol of Australia known the world over, and an important feature of the spectacular New Year’s Eve firework display. With its coathanger-like structure stretched across the beautiful natural harbour, Sydneysiders have driven it, walked it and sailed under it for years to travel between North Sydney and the CBD.

3. Strike A Pose

With an arch length of 503 metres and the top of the arch at 134 metres above sea level, the Sydney Harbour Bridge is enormous, and chances are it will inadvertently appear in one or two of your holiday snaps – which isn’t a bad thing. Whether sparkling in the evening or clouded in fog on an early morning, the bridge is a marvel to look at any time of the day.

5. Tick It Off The Bucket List

If looking at the Sydney Harbour Bridge just isn’t enough and you want to get close enough to feel its smooth steel in your hands, you can climb it. BridgeClimb has been available since 1998, and it has become one of the top must-dos when visiting Sydney.

With a range of climbs available throughout the day, including Twilight, Night, Dawn and Day, it’s an unforgettable feeling once you reach the top.

Here’s 10 reasons why you should experience a Sydney Harbour BridgeClimb.

1. See Sydney From A Totally Different Perspective You can’t get the same view of Sydney and beyond without sprouting wings, so get to the top and take in the views of the harbour, the CBD, the beaches and the surrounding region.

2. Face Your Fears

You know what they say: if you have a fear, face it head-on. So if you have a fear of heights, take it on with the BridgeClimb Sydney and be rewarded with spectacular views.

A holiday photo album isn’t complete without a snap of you on the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Whatever your pose, make it something to remember!

4. Check Out That Sunset

Choose the Twilight climb and you can take in the beautiful sunset as the day comes to an end.

BridgeClimb Sydney is one of the best things to do in Sydney and should be on most travellers’ bucket list!

6. Join The Celebrities

The likes of Eva Longoria, Kevin Spacey, Kit Harington and Usain Bolt have all climbed the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and you can join the list!

7. Experience A Piece Of Australian History

When you embark on the climb, you don’t just get a view, but also a lesson in Australian history since the proposal of the bridge in 1815.

8. It involves 1,332 Steps

You climb 1,332 steps on the BridgeClimb, so it’s not only loads of fun, but also a bit of a workout.

9. It’s Romantic

If you’re in Sydney with your beloved, the views from the bridge are super romantic – which is why it’s so popular for popping the question!

10. It’s Fun!

In a group of 14, you can take on the bridge together, have a group photo to take home, and soak up the moment on the upper arch before making your way back down.

www.bridgeclimb.com

Get away to Summer Bay Hold me in your arms, Don’t let me go, I want to stay forever, Closer each day....Home and away…

If those lyrics are permanently emblazoned on your mind, then there’s one experience you can’t miss whilst in Sydney and that’s The Official Home & Away Tour.

Channel Seven and Flamin’ Galah Sydney Tours have developed a fantastic tour to give you a real taste of this famous Aussie soap. Departing from Sydney, The Official Home & Away Tour takes you to Palm Beach - fictionally known as ‘Summer Bay’.

The famous strip of beach is where you may even be lucky enough to see some filming in action whilst on the tour as well as visiting famous parts of the set such as Alf’s Bait Shop. On board the Official Home & Away tour you can also learn things you didn’t know about Home and Away including the area, the production, the filming and the people. There’s also a chance to hear some backstage gossip from those who have worked on the show.

The tour includes free time at Palm Beach where you can explore the all-important locations from the show such as the Pier, the Lighthouse and of course The Summer Bay Surf Club. For die-hard fans of Home & Away you can relive some of your favourite scenes from the soap all whilst taking in the breath-taking scenery from the surrounding areas. There are plenty of photo opportunities along the way and should the timing be right, you may get to meet some of the cast.

A great day trip out from Sydney you’ll experience the fun side of Sydney’s stunning Northern Beaches before ending up in Manly where the tour comes to an end. You can either then spend the evening wandering around Manly or catch the ferry back to Sydney.

With tours priced at just $99 per person, there’s no excuse to not tick this off your Aussie bucket list!

officialhomeandawaytour.com.au

Explore Sydney’s Outback

Leaving the city behind for the day, you can experience some real Aussie outback on Sydney’s doorstep.

With Sydney Out Back tours you can be immersed within the wilderness of the stunning KuRing-Gai Chase National Park just a short drive out from the city.

Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park is where you’ll find one of the biggest concentrations of historic Indigenous Heritage Sites in the world. Over the course of 8 hours, you’ll see stunning, unspoilt bushland as well as take to the water on board a 50 foot motor catamaran, giving you unrivalled views of this part of New South Wales. From the moment you leave Akuna Bay, one of Sydney’s most exclusive and remote marinas, you’ll feel like you’ve entered another world.

Taking to the water is one of the best ways to see some of the ancient Aboriginal rock engravings whilst you cut your way through the dense bushland.

This tour will fill you up with local knowledge about the area and its history as you take in the flora, fauna and ancient culture before you indulge in some real Aussie bush tucker for lunch.

On board with Sydney Out Back you’ll feel a million miles away from the glam and modern sites of Sydney, and will be transported back in time - giving you an idea of what the Sydney landscape looked like 250 years ago prior to the arrival of European settlers.

Sydney Out Back pride themselves on taking passengers off the beaten track to sites that are inaccessible to the average tourist, all whilst packing in a medley of breathtaking moments giving you lasting memories of Sydney’s real history away from the buzzing lights of the city.

BBM Readers can get a 20% discount using promo code BBMLive when booking online.

www.sydneyoutback.com.au

Festivals Down Under

Festival season is well and truly here. Here’s a rundown of some of the best festivals not to miss out on in the coming months across all of Australia! earthcore 2016 - 24th - 28th November 2016 Victoria www.earthcore.com.au Subsonic 2016 - 2nd - 4th December 2016 NSW www.subsonicmusic.com.au Let Them Eat Cake 2017 - 1st January 2017 Melbourne letthemeatcakenyd.com.au 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 WOMADelaide 2017 - 10th - 13th March 2017 Adelaide www.womadelaide.com.au

Castaway to Fraser Island The world’s largest sand island, Fraser Island offers adrenaline, excitement, relaxation and exploration across its 1,840 km² mass.

Boasting many things to see and do, when it comes to relaxation, you’ll be able to sooth your bones in the Champagne Pools as well as take a dip in the crystal clear lakes including Lake McKenzie and Lake Wabby.

On the flip side of the coin, you’ll find action packed adventures as you 4WD along 75 Mile Beach and into the rainforests, taking a hike through the dense and tangled jungle of this tropical island.

When it comes to watery adventures, Fraser Island borders Hervey Bay - one of the premier whale watching spots in the world, so keep your eyes peeled when you look at to the sea as you may see a passing Humpback Whale. On land you’ll see dingoes aplenty, but as cute as these wild dogs are, be sure not to feed them.

A trip to Fraser Island also gives you the chance to experience some real Aboriginal culture.

Here you can collect and taste Wongs – an Aboriginal delicacy, as well as learn how to catch worms for fishing bait before indulging in two true Aussie pastimes - throwing a boomerang and playing the didgeridoo. By night you can camp under the starry night sky, far away from the towns you’ll see more stars than you ever imagined were up there.

Combining wildlife, action and the great outdoors, Fraser Island is something that has to be experienced by real adventurers, and with Dropbear Adventures all-inclusive 2 and 3 day tours it’s a tour you simply can’t miss whilst travelling the East Coast.

Find out your tour options and prices, including additional whale watching and Whitsunday Islands tours from the mainland.more

dropbearadventures.com.au

Adventure Tours In The Whitsundays Reefsleep

Awesome Whitsundays Reefsleep package enables you to stay overnight on the 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.

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 3 day and 3 night package which includes climbing on board the stunning ‘Camira’ – a high speed catamaran where you can discover the thrill of sailing. Whilst using this vessel as a base for your trip you can swim and snorkel on your way to Whitehaven Beach. Stop at Whitehaven Beach – voted number 1 Beach in Australia and play beach games, go for a walk or just chill. Awesome Whitsundays Reef & Whitehaven Adventure package includes accommodation, Camira Sailing Adventure and a day out on a Great Barrier Reef Adventure.

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 Reefworld pontoon in the Great Barrier Reef. As well as that you have a day exploring the Hamilton and/or Daydream Island with your Island Hopper Pass and a day to relax and chill at Airlie Beach town.

awesomewhitsundays.com