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2017 ASIA TOURS
NEPAL TOURS Nepal is a destination that offers a rich history, pure beauty, enthralling scenery and vibrant cities. From the birthplace of Buddha to the tallest peak of the world, the folks of Nepal will steal your heart. Discover Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu which is boundlessly captivating with various sights, sounds and smells, marvel at the medieval temples, discover Pokhara, a city which offers remarkable scenery, adventure pursuits and an abundant of food options, experience an incredible trekking adventure at Annapurna and visit the beautiful Chitwan which is home to Nepal’s first national park and holds the status of a UNSECO World Heritage Site. This really is a country like no other, ideal for those inquisitive travellers on the quest for amazing experiences. www.traveltalktours.com/destination/nepal/36
THAILAND TOURS Home to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, known for their massage and beauty treatments and loved for their laidback and party lifestyle, it’s no wonder Thailand is a popular destination for tourists. Often referred to as Land of Smiles, the Thai people are renowned for their friendly natures and strong sense of hospitality and generosity. Religion is also very significant in Thailand with the majority of the population following Buddhism. Located all throughout the country are thousands of famous and remarkable temples not to be missed by visitors. The beloved Thai cuisine will have your mouth watering with enough restaurants, stalls and markets to suit all budgets. Go explore Thailand – relax on the heavenly white, sandy beaches, take part in a local cooking class, experience the monks praying, enjoy the lively night markets, ride an elephant and party until dawn. www.traveltalktours.com/destination/thailand/26
CAMBODIA TOURS
Located between Thailand and Vietnam, Cambodia is undeniably one of the more less-known countries in Southeast Asia however, makes the country all the more interesting. With secluded beaches, ancient temples and a fascinating culture this small country is not to be missed on your Indochina travels. Discover Cambodia’s impressive and tumultuous history evident by the prominent war memorials and monuments. Prepare to be awed by the sensational architecture of the world’s largest religious structure and often referred to as ‘the mother’ of all temples, Angkor Wat. Explore the charming streets of Phnom Penh, learn to cook traditional cuisines and fall in love with the natural beauty and genuine locals of Cambodia. www.traveltalktours.com/destination/cambodia/28
ENCOUNTER TANZANIA
Any overland tour throughout Africa is bound to fill you with tales of adventure. From the desert plains of Namibia to Zimbabwe’s Victoria Falls, Africa takes the crown when it comes to adventure tours. However if you want to see some of the most exciting and endangered animals on earth as well as some spectacular scenery then Tanzania is pretty high up on the bucket list when it comes to touring Africa’s eastern countries. Tanzania is home to the iconic Mount Kilimanjaro and is also where you’ll find the Ngorongoro Crater - the cradle that holds many of the world’s endangered species. Its within the Crater that you’ll find everything from rhino to leopards, lions and elephants all living harmoniously alongside one another in a delicate balance threatened only by man. Tanzania is also home to the great Serengeti National Park that borders Ngorongoro where you’ll see great herds of zebra, wildebeest, impala and more as they graze on the great plains. A vast country away from the national parks you’ll also find the stunning tropical, turquoise waters and pristine beaches in Zanzibar - a group of islands just off the coast of Tanzania. It’s here that you may be lucky enough to come
across some extremely rare and indigenous creatures such as the Zanzibar Red Colobus Monkey, the Zanzibar Servaline Genet, and the Zanzibar Leopard. Bordered by Kenya and Malawi, an overland tour to Tanzania can be combined by driving through and onward to other Eastern African destinations meaning you can expand your experience of Africa as you travel over the borders, meeting the local people and seeing the difference in their cultures and their way of life. Depending on how long you have to take on your overland adventure you could even continue south to Zambia and Zimbabwe over the course of 21 days - giving you a real insight into some of the most unspoilt terrain on the entire planet. For those of you looking for a real adventure packed to the brim with wildlife, culture, adventure and more, Encounters Travel offer both 10-day and 21-day overland tours to Tanzania. Find out more about overground Africa tours with Encounters Travel at www.encounterstravel.com
SKIFEST JAPAN Japan isn’t the first place you think of when it comes to skiing destinations, however it actually is the premier hub for skiing in the far east. For those of you who love to experience the thrill of skiing and snowboarding then why opt for the ultimate New Year’s holiday at Skifest 2016/17. At Skifest you can hit the slopes of Niseko Village by day, and enjoy the restaurants, bars and karaoke bars by night. Here, you’ll get an authentic taste of the Japanese lifestyle whilst getting your daily snow fill. Niseko boasts 5 ski resorts with some of the best snow on Earth. You’ll find an international mix of visitors at the resorts making for a cultural melting pot. Whether you’re an advanced skiier or a beginner there are a mixture of runs to experience, meaning everyone is catered to! You can even ski into the night as 80% of the mountain is floodlit! It wouldn’t be a Japan snow holiday without taking part in the traditional onsens, meaning you can soothe your achey skiied out bodies in the hot waters of the pools whilst taking in the stunning snow-laden landscape. Enjoy skiing in Japan with The Fanatics Skifest Japan tour departing between 23rd Dec 2016 to72 Jan, 2017. Skifest Japan includes accommodation, airport transfers, 5 day lift passes, Fanatics merchandise and the famous Fanatics parties all from £971! You can even choose to extend your stay for up to 8 nights if you wish!
www.thefanatics.com
THE HIDDEN GEMS OF KOH SOK
Step into the unknown at Koh Sok National Park Nestled in the Southern Thailand province of Surat Thani, the Koh Sok National Park presents 739 square kilometers of dense, tropical jungle just waiting to explored. Lush and vibrant, the national park was established in 1980 and is Thailand’s 22nd National Park. This stunning national park spreads to the areas of Khlong Yee and Khlong Pra Sand forests, meaning there is a seemingly endless amount to explore whilst here.
Wildlife in Koh Sok
In amongst the forest however, you’ll also be able to spot some of the native Thai wildlife. Koh Sok is where you’ll find an exciting plethora of animals including Leopard and Tiger and the illusive and stunning Clouded Leopard. Cat’s aside this is also one of the only countries in the world that you’ll find the endangered Malayan Sun Bear. This Sun Bear is the smallest member of the bear family, and it’s dwindling population is down to deforestation for farmland. Other inhabitants of this rainforest include the Gibbon, the seriously cute Spectacled Langur and Macaques!
Activities at Koh Sok
A highlight of visiting Koh Sok National Park is the Elephant Experience. The experience is a much better way to interact with these giant mammals as
you will have the chance to feed, wash and care for the elephants as opposed to riding them at the Elephant sanctuary. The process that young elephants have to go through in order to become “domesticated” is a long and torturous one known as ‘The Breaking Of The Spirit’ where a baby elephant is captured and beaten mercilessly in a pen until they become submissive to humans for the rest of their life. So if you want to get up close and personal with an elephant whilst in South East Asia, visiting a sanctuary is the ethical and exciting way to do so. Koh Sok Lake in the park is where you’ll be able to take part in watersports such as kayaking, tubing, swimming and even stay overnight in the floating bungalows on the lake!
Climate
It’s a good idea when planning a trip to Thailand to consider the weather. Thailand is famous for its bucketing monsoons, so to be in with a chance of skipping the down pours you could visit between December and April - although the monsoons are actually quite spectacular, and welcome in the heat! Visit Koh Sok National Park as part of Thaintro’s 9 day tour of Thailand.
www.thaintro.com
THE MALDIVES
The Maldives once just a dream destination for many, has with the development of guesthouses and local island tourism opened its door to backpackers and independent travelers. But what is there to do if you are not just a sun worshipper? Probably more than you would expect! DIVING & SNORKELLING Diving in the Maldives is a unique experience not only for experienced divers but also for beginners. Once you have discovered the underwater world here, it will be difficult to find others of its kind. The water is azure blue, warm, and the varieties of dive and snorkel spots are stunning. Renowned for the abundance of big aquatic animals such as Whale Sharks and Manta Rays together with the diversity of corals, sharks and fish of all sizes the Maldives offers many underwater highlights. WATERSPORTS It is also a great destination for adventure seekers and watersport enthusiasts. Take to the water by kayak, SUP, Jet Ski or wake board. Whether you are in search of quiet lagoons or chasing the waves, watersports are a great way to hang out with the locals. No previous experience required as all the activities are offered with a coaching session. SURFING Numerous world class breaks can be found in North Male Atoll and the Central Atolls, mostly in the form of right-handers. The beauty of surfing these Maldives islands is that there are many spots within a short distance of each other and waves that accommodate every level. Swell size peaks from June to September but breaks can be found between April and October. CULTURAL EXPERIENCES Travel by public ferry, stay on a locally inhabited island, relax with a coffee in a local cafĂŠ all allow you to discover this tropical paradise through the eyes of a local. But if you really want to engage with the locals and learn more about their culture and tradition travel with a Secret Paradise guide who will open doors to experiences most travelers will not experience!
www.SecretParadise.mv
LEARN TO SKI IN ANDORRA All you need to know for you weekend in the snow, Stoke offer cheap ski holidays with plenty of apresski in Andorra. You don’t need sun to have fun – come with Stoke Travel on an Andorra Snow Weekender, a European jaunt full of powder, hot tubs and apresski in the ever-beautiful Pyrenees. Travellers on a budget often assume that a European snow holiday is beyond their means, but Stoke’s all-inclusive packages mean that everyone can afford to go to the snow. The Andorra Snow Weekender is just €250 per person and includes two nights in a three-star hotel, two breakfasts, one dinner, private coach from and to Barcelona, lift pass and ski equipment. You can hire a snowboard for just €12, purchase ski insurance for €13 and even receive a discount
if you bring your own equipment! There are trip every weekend from January to March. Of all the places you can hit the slopes in Europe, Andorra has a reputation for being the best value and offering guaranteed powder. Never heard of it? That’s because Andorra is a tiny, picturesque nation-state nestled between France and Spain, just a few hours from Barcelona. We’ll collect you on Friday afternoon and get you there in time for dinner and drinks – a little warm up before you hit the slopes on Saturday morning. Don’t be scared if it’s your first time in the snow – follow our advice and you’ll go from spud to shredder in no time! Book now with the code BBM to receive a free Stoke Travel beanie – a must-have in the snowy Pyrenees Mountains!
www.stoketravel.com
SAIL IN GREECE
As we hurtle toward the end of 2016 there’s just one thing on our mind, and that’s summer 2017 holidays!
If you’ve already got itchy feet about wanting to make the most of the European summer in 2017 then you’ll be pleased to know that Sail In Greece have got you covered. Combining touring and exploring with sun soaked days, how does island hopping around Greece’s coastline sound to you? On board Sail In Greece’s island hopping cruises you can wake up after a night on the tiles in some of the Greek Island’s premier party islands and jump straight into the Mediterranean to blast off your hangover. Spend the days swimming, kayaking and exploring the islands of Ios, Mykonos, Paros and the stunning Santorini, all whilst sampling the fantastic Greek cuisine. The good food isn’t just reserved for terra firma however! On board Sail In Greece’s yachts and ships you can expect to start your day with a delicious and filling breakfast including seasonal fruits, freshly
baked bread and Greek pies.
If chilling out whilst listening to some fantastic beats and topping up your tan is your thing, then relaxing on the ship’s sun deck whilst downing a few fresh cocktails is also something you’ll find readily available whilst on a Sail in Greece Tour. Sail In Greece operate a variety of tours to suit whatever you’re after - the Yolo Yachting tour is perfect for those of you who are after a tour alongside a group of friends, whereas the Yolo Cruise will bring you together with a whole bunch of new people for a proper party cruise around the Greek Islands. If time is of the essence you can even try out their 1 day booze cruise from Athens. With some of the most stunning scenery to experience in Europe, cruising around the Greek Islands doesn’t sound too bad for summer 2017. Find out more and book at www.sail-ingreece.com. www.sailingreece.com
BASEL: THE ULTIMATE PRE CHRISTMAS GETAWAY Christmas is around the corner, so why not plan the ultimate preChristmas getaway and visit the Basel Christmas Markets. With Christmas adverts and festivities getting underway increasingly earlier each year, it’s hard to not feel that the magic has been somewhat sucked out of the festive holiday months before it event happens, but we’ve discovered a way to make your Christmas as magical as it would be for a 5-year-old awaiting Santa’s arrival… even if you’re in your 20s! We may have become accustomed to European themed Christmas Markets popping up in our local high streets each November but nothing will quite compare to that of the Basel Christmas Markets in Switzerland. Last November the BBMLive team were lucky enough to fly out from London City Airport aboard a SkyWork Airlines jet to Basel Switzerland for a truly magical Christmas themed weekend. After feeling like we were in our own private jet in the comfort of the little plane we landed in Basel and we were immediately hit with an icy and calm vibe, getting us ready to feel the crisp, cool and calm atmosphere of a winter wonderland.
Suspended between the borders France and Germany, Basel is one of the quietest cities you can ever hope to visit – mostly due to the complete lack of cars. The main mode of transport here are trams, so climbing on board the tram car we made our way to the other side of the city passing by the castellated buildings and medieval looking architecture until we reached the Hotel Basilisk which would become our base for the next few days. A comfortable hotel in a fantastic location with a decent adjoining restaurant close to the nearby shopping centre and the stunning Rhine we enjoyed a brisk walk along the river to get our bearings before our first taste of the Swiss Christmas Markets. With the cold crisp air of the high altitude of Basel we took to the Christmas Market at Claraplatz to see the gorgeous arts and crafts on show, but not before indulging on bratwurst and gluhwein to help keep out the cold. Armed with hats, scarves and gloves the native Swiss and tourists piled into the network of timber chalets as the light faded and the fairy lights above came alight. Upon the fall of darkness the magic of Christmas came alive as the giant snowflake lights suspended from trees lit up, reflecting in the water
features below creating a beautiful and eerie sight to behold… and in the middle of this market place the largest Christmas tree we had ever seen adorned in the most traditional and beautiful decorations (a thing that would become a lot clearer the next day). But tonight we would feast on the most hearty and scrumptious Swiss cuisine consisting of beetroot and potato roulade and fillet of beef at restaurant Zum Isaak. Awaking the next day to a dusting of snow covering the rooftops, we really felt as if we had walked straight into a classic Hollywood Christmas movie but that was just the beginning of the Yuletide charm as today we were to meet the Father of Christmas himself – Mr Johann Wanner.
decorated for Princess Diana! Head Elf to the stars, upon meeting Mr Wanner at his Christmas shop in Basel it’s hard to believe that this man surrounded by the finest glass Christmas ornaments in all his finery is also an avid antique Oriental and Egyptian furniture collector as we find out after he invites us to his tea room to sample the 24 different teas of advent with silver snowflakes and miniature baubles within the tea leaves and all! We spent hours talking to Mr Wanner about how he came to create the most successful Christmas shop on earth and how he began his business from trading behind the Iron curtain and importing stunning antique glass Christmas ornaments – some even from the 19th Century!
World famous for his Christmas decorations and Christmas shops in Basel, Mr Wanner has decorated the Christmas trees of the White House, the Monaco Royal Family and even
After a quick fondu (a must do) at a local Swiss pub near Barfüsserplatz, we were to embark on a tour of the Basler Munster as we learned about Christmas in Basel. Walking around the Christmas
Markets it’s hard to not buy every stunning glass bauble you see as well as the hand-knitted gloves and hats on show – but if you do wish to reign in the spending a little it’s wise to keep 10 Swiss Francs handy for a couple of gluhweins as well as getting to keep the shoe shaped mugs with the date and the name of the market that you drank it in as a keepsake! (Bear in mind the bars take a 5F deposit for these mugs). During our time in Basel we were also lucky enough to visit a handful of the fantastic museums including the Natural History Museum, which is surprisingly like the London one – aside from the fact you can actually look at the exhibitions as it’s not overrun with people and the Spielzeug Welten Museum Basel which had a rather impressive umbrella and parasol exhibition for the fashion lovers amongst you.
Travel Tips For Visiting The Christmas Markets in Basel - This year’s Christmas Markets open from 24th November – 23rd December 2016 - Pack plenty of warm clothing as you’ll never want to leave the markets! - Take a proper camera – there are so many amazing views around Basel - Leave plenty of time to explore the city and its incredible architecture - Although the Christmas markets open from 11am, the best time to visit is from 4pm. - Don’t expect to catch a taxi – trams are pretty much the only way to get around the city as well as walking! - Bring Swiss Francs not Euros! - Eating out can in restaurants can be expensive but well worth it, however pubs and the markets are more affordable.
HOGMANAY Win a NYE in Scotland
In need of something awesome to do over New Years in Europe? First Festival Travel are giving one lucky person the chance to win a place on their Hogmanay Tour this New Year’s Eve. The beautiful and friendly city of Edinburgh is home of the Scottish Hogmanay and one of the greatest places on earth to see in a New Year. Edinburgh is a fantastic city to visit at any time and the really comes alive for Hogmanay and Edinburgh’s Winter Festival. The official program of events includes live bands and DJs, street entertainment, dance stages, spectacular fireworks displays, a fun fair, and hundreds of thousands of revellers welcoming in the New Year. The festival is drawn out over several days, while the Princes St Street Party is the biggest celebration of New Year in Europe and an event not to be missed. Plus, you can take your own booze into the street party! So it won’t break the bank! @firstfestivaltravel offer packages for every type of traveller: whether you’re keen to train/ fly to Scotland while staying in a cosy hotel right on the doorstep of the festival, or if you are looking for an affordable and fun way from London with hostel accommodation, they have the answer. Let an experienced tour operator organise your New Years so you can just take in the Scottish atmosphere and traditional Hogmanay festivities! In addition to the Hogmanay celebrations, First Festival also provide the opportunity for passengers to participate (or just watch for the more sane!) in the Loony Dook MidWinter Swim into the Firth of Forth. This takes place on the 1st January where thousands of people come together to brave the cold waters while most often trying to get rid of the NYE hangover. What’s more, the event is to raise money for charity. Check out the different 4 day tours First Festival offers here www.firstfestivaltravel.com/Hogmanay-Tours To enter and view full terms & conditions visit bbmlive.com/competitions
OFF TO PANAMA
Discover the beauty of Panama in the New Year
If you’re currently planning your adventures for 2017, then this Latin American country is one to consider. Situated in the highlands and flanked by lush tropical forests, Panama is surprisingly large and offers a diverse abundance of activities to be enjoyed upon arriving. Panama is the gateway to South America and is wedged between Costa Rica in Central America and Colombia in South America. With both an east and west coast, there’s plenty of fantastic snorkeling and diving on hand on both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts. Speaking of coasts, Panama is also surrounded by gorgeous islands just waiting be explored, so a trip to this Central American country means you can take delight in tropical islands and play castaway for the day. With the lifestyle being pretty cheap in Panama it means you can easily stretch your travel budget to spend a bit of time here. Bocas del Toro is a must for those of you who want to scuba dive, surf and party and is situated on the Caribbean side, so if long, pristine white beaches is what you’re after you’ll find it here. Panama is one geographically diverse country so traipsing through jungles doing your best Tarzan impression, as well as tango-ing your way around town by night will give you the ultimate Latin American experience. As an emerging tourist destination, you can be sure to avoid the crowds whilst travelling around all its points of interest. And what’s more the flora and fauna of Panama are also incredibly diverse with the country playing host to over 900 different species of birds. But it’s not just wildlife that makes the country an attractive travel destination, Panama’s many indigenous tribes still thrive and live traditionally as their ancestors would making it an extremely culturally rich experience for visitors. Due to it’s thoroughfare location, Panama is a great launch pad to either exploring other Central American countries or making your way down to South America. Whichever way you choose to explore Panama, the choice is your. www.freeandeasytraveler.com
STRAY NEW ZEALAND
GO EVERYWHERE, DO EVERYTHING
Jump aboard Stray and set yourself up for the ultimate f New Zealand adventure where you are guaranteed to see more and do more than the average travellers.
For September only, if you book the Stray’s Everywhere Hop-on Hop-off Bus Pass for an amazing $1299
NZD, you will not only save $696, but you also get a free full day sailing trip in the paradise waters of Abel Tasman National Park, usually valued at $180.00
Stray’s Everywhere Pass suits the adventurous traveller, who wants the freedom to do what they want
when they want, to meet amazing people, do lots of cool stuff and explore some of New Zealands incredible National Parks and hidden gems. Enjoy total flexibility with passes valid for 12 months. Pay as you go for
accommodation and activities (bookable with your Driver Guide) and only pay for the things you want to do. Stray’s hop-on hop-off travel network provides the ultimate platform the freestyle traveller to make the most out of New Zealand.
Pass: Stray Everywhere Start: Auckland* Finish: Auckland* Minimum Days: 33-34 Recommended: 6+ weeks *This Pass can start or finish anywhere on this route, however most people start/finish in Auckland. Notes: The 3 day East Coaster section of this pass (Rotorua – Te Kaha – Tatapouri/ Gisborne – Rotorua) operates summer only between 4th October, 2016 – 29th April, 2017.
HOW STRAY’S HOP-ON HOP-OFF PASS WORKS?
Book today, travel anytime within the next 12 months. Once you have commenced travel, you have another 12 months before your pass expires. Awesome! Travel with a knowledgeable Driver Guide who will offer top tips on what to do and where to go along the way. They will even book your accommodation and activities if you need it. Guaranteed accommodation: Stray reserves beds at of its’ overnight stops so you don’t need to worry about booking accommodation ahead. Simply pay as you go on arrival. If you’ve made other plans and don’t need the reservation, no worries! Total flexibility: Have the freedom to hop-off anywhere along the route and spend more time in the places you love. When you are ready to get back on, simply book a seat and you are away again. With up to 6 departures per week in summer (a minimum of 3 in winter) there are always plenty of options. Meet great people: Stray attracts adventurous, fun types of travellers who all have the same agenda; to have a great time exploring New Zealand and planning fun missions together. Go further off the beaten track: While Stray’s route includes some of the iconic hot spots (like Queenstown and Rotorua), they are better known for their more adventurous ‘off the beaten track’ overnight stops into a remote and beautiful places most tourists have never heard about. Visit 8+ National Parks: Across the Stray route you can expect to stay in or very nearby over 8+ iconic National Parks that are otherwise challenging to access. Hop-off to enjoy hikes, bikes or just relax enjoying the beautiful scenery around you. Pay-as-you-go: Different people are into different things so Stray gives you complete freedom to pick what activities you want to do and when. Each day you’ll be given plenty of options from free local walks to epic guided Glacier Tours. Only pay for the activities you want to do. www.straytravel.com
Australia
Discover your next adventure at bbmlive.com
EXPLORE FLINDERS CH 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, brush-tailed possums and of course - Kangaroo Island Kangaroos (a subspecies of the Western-Grey kangaroo from the mainland)! When it comes to
HASE NATIONAL PARK birds, Flinders Chase is also home to an 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
2 Day Wilderness Explorer
Enjoy 2 days of fun and adventure! • Return coach & ferry tra Adelaide, South Austr nsfers from alia • Visit Rob’s Shearing an Emu Ridge Eucalyptus d Sheep Dogs, Australian sea lions at Distillery, see sandboarding at Little Seal Bay, go Bay, Koala Walk at HansSahara, Vivonne Sanctuary, Flinders Ch on Bay Wildlife Remarkable Rocks andase National Park, Admirals Arch • Accommodation at Viv FREE use of kayaks, bik onne Bay with es and WiFi • Meals include 1 brea kfast, 2 lunches and an Aussie BBQ din ner
Call 08 8202 8678 or vi sit kiadventuretours.com .au
#kangarooisland
CAST AWAY TO
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.
FRASER ISLAND
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 allinclusive 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 about Fraser Island tours visit
DISCOVER ANCIENT RAINFORESTS IN CAIRNS Discover ancient tropical rainforest and journey into one of the oldest continually surviving rainforests on earth with Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. Ascend to the rainforest canopy and glide along Skyrail Rainforest Cableway’s 7.5km experience of pure paradise! Float gently above the rainforest canopy as you take in views of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, Cairns Highlands, tropical Cairns and the Coral Sea on board the six person gondolas that glide just metres above the trees. Whilst experiencing Skyrail Rainforest Cableway you can disembark at two stations to stretch your legs and take in the calming, steamy rainforest and discover what lies beneath the canopy on the forest floor. At the Red Peak station you can walk amongst ancient, towering Kauri Pines and giant buttress roots as they weave through the forest, all whilst the Skyrail Rangers give you a guided boardwalk tour sharing their knowledge of the ancient forest and surrounding areas. Barron Falls Station has walkways to three separate viewing points providing breathtaking views of the Barron Gorge and Barron Falls. You can also learn more about your surroundings and the Australian Tropical Rainforest here at the Rainforest Interpretation Centre that Skyrail developed in conjunction with CSIRO to provide an informative and fun learning experience. The most unique rainforest experience in the world, Skyrail Rainforest Cableway is just 15 minutes from Cairns city centre and 50 minutes from Port Douglas making it the perfect day trip out whilst visiting these areas. Skyrail is open everyday from 9:00am except for Christmas Day and during programmed, preventative maintenance. To find out more about this must do experience and all the fantastic Cairns tours Skyrail Rainforest Cableway provide, view prices and packages and to book visit the website.
www.skyrail.com.au
WHITEHAVEN BEACH
Setting off on an East Coast adventure? Tropical North Queensland is calling you!
Exotic encounters await you at Cape Tribulation, where the rainforest meets the ocean. A tangled jungle overlapping the shores of the Pacific Ocean, the Daintree is full of wonderment and excitement in the form of rainforest adventures as well as exploring the Great Barrier Reef and Whitsunday Islands. A day trip out to the Whitsundays from Abell Point Marina in Airlie Beach, you can make your way out to Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island. It’s here where you can spend time relaxing on the pristine white silica sands of this world class eco-friendly beach taking in the perfection of your surroundings, every which way you turn. For those of you who want to explore the incredible marine life that bustles beneath the surface, snorkelling here will put you in full view of some of the most interesting marine creatures on the planet. Whilst snorkelling here you can hope to see colourful tropical fish, sea turtles, clams and some of the most stunning coral on Earth. All within a day’s work, you can venture out to Whitehaven Beach via high speed craft giving you plenty of time for your ocean adventure. It’s on Whitsunday Island that you can also take a bush walk via the iconic Hill Inlet beach giving you further insight into the nature that inhabits the Whitsunday Islands. For a change of scene you can also explore the less frequented snorkelling spots of Border Island and Dumbell Island - taking a less touristy approach to visiting this part of Australia. All the above and more is accessible via Ocean Rafting’s Northern Exposure and Southern Lights tours operating daily from Airlie Beach.
www.oceanrafting.com
10 THINGS YOU DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT THE GREAT BARRIER REEF If No trip to Australia is complete without snorkelling at the Great Barrier Reef. You may know that it’s the largest living structure on the planet, but there’s a lot more than what meets the eye to this beautiful and fragile wonder of the world.
1. The Great Barrier Reef is actually made up of 2900 coral reefs, 1050 islands and corals cays.
2. Although being the largest living
structure on Earth, the reef is actually around the size of Japan - spanning 350,000 square kilometres and stretches 2,300 kilometres along the Queensland coast.
3. The Great Barrier Reef plays home to
over 1500 species of fish, 6 of the world’s 7 types of marine turtle, 3000 species of molluscs, 215 types of bird and 30 species of whales and dolphins and is also where you’ll find the majority of the world’s endangered dugong population.
4. Due to all the inhabitants of the Reef
as we mentioned above, come each November there is a mass spawning season due to the temperature of the water. This natural event is also colloquially referred to as ‘sex on the reef’.
5. Not forgetting the enormous amount
of coral, the hard coral that acts as the backbone of the Great Barrier Reef only grows a miniscule 1.5 cm each year.
6. With the Great Barrier Reef needing
a massive amount of protection from environmental and human factors, every visitor over the age of 4 years old must per a $6 reef tax when visiting - with the money raised from this going to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority to help fund the continued conservation of the fragile eco-system.
7. The thin layer of the living coral
that comprise the Great Barrier Reef is only 8000 years old, which is a baby in comparison to the 500,000 year old dead coral and algae beneath it.
8. One of the most delicate ecosystems
in existence, the worst natural predator of the Great Barrier Reef aside from humans are the beautiful, yet dangerous crown-ofthorns starfish. These starfish strip the reef of living coral, however the reef can usually regenerate after an infestation of these spiky gluttons.
9. The Great Barrier Reef is so large it can actually be seen from outer space.
10. One of the seven natural wonders
of the world, alongside sites such as the Grand Canyon and Mount Everest, The Great Barrier Reef was named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1981. Explore the Great Barrier Reef and more on board with Ocean Safari. www.oceansafari.com
Imagine sleeping under a sparkling night sky, miles away from any land, as you gaze out at the blue depths of the Coral Sea as luminous marine life bobs to the surface. Sound like an unreal experience? Well you can make this your reality with Awesome Whitsundays’ Reefsleep experience. With Awesome Whitsundays you can make your way out to the Reefworld Pontoon situated on the outer Great Barrier Reef atop Hardy Reef for a reef experience unlike any other. The Hardy Reef is just one of the many thousands of smaller coral reefs that make up the Great Barrier Reef. It’s here that you’ll discover an abundance of tropical fish, from tiny ones to even giant gropers. The vibrant subaqueous garden is where you will also have the chance to spot unicorn fish, cuttlefish, moray eels, parrotfish, marine turtles and reef sharks if you’re lucky.
DISCOVER REEF WORLD Above deck you’ll find the sundeck with shaded areas as well as air-conditioned lounges where you can relax in between dives! For those of you who want to stay dry there’s even an underwater observatory and semi-submersible rides to see the reef up close. Onboard Awesome Whitsundays Reefsleep tour you can combine an unforgettable two days of diving and snorkelling as well as a night sleeping out on the reef. Spending the night out on the reef will also give you the opportunity to take a night dive to uncover a whole new experience under the cover of darkness. An oasis surrounded by ocean, you can really experience the delights of the Great Barrier Reef’s kaleidoscopic water world when you spend a night on Awesome Whitsundays Reefworld pontoon.
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.
www.awesomewhitsundays.com
GET AWAY TO SUMMER BAY Hold me in your arms, Don’t let me go, I
The tour includes free time at Palm Beach
Home and away…
locations from the show such as the
want to stay forever, Closer each day....
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
where you can explore the all-important 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.
Aussie soap. Departing from Sydney,
A great day trip out from Sydney you’ll
you to Palm Beach - fictionally known as
stunning Northern Beaches before ending
The Official Home & Away Tour takes ‘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
experience the fun side of Sydney’s
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.
as visiting famous parts of the set such
With tours priced at just $99 per person,
Home & Away tour you can also learn
Aussie bucket list!
as Alf’s Bait Shop. On board the Official 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.
there’s no excuse to not tick this off your
officialhomeandawaytour.com.au
BRIDGECLIMB SYDNEY
It goes without saying that travelling is such
necessarily know if you’ll ever visit again,
many things out of it; be it discovering new
been my philosophy while away and I am
an enriching experience. You just get so
cultures, learning a few life lessons, making unforgettable friends, trying unusual
activities and generally escaping that
comfort zone. Personally, travel helped me to face some of my fears. I am a London girl through and through and have never
been particularly sporty or outdoorsy. But these days I can say I have trekked in
the jungle and up waterfalls, pet tigers,
so you may as well just go for it. That’s all the richer for it. Aside from that, the
Sydney Harbour Bridge is one of Australia’s most revered and iconic sights; and the
climb itself is hailed as one of the top things to do while in the region. It would be crazy to not really. Though nervous does not
even begin to describe how I felt once it was booked and locked in.
fed crocodiles, as well as many other
But upon walking through the doors
attempted, had I not left home.
overwhelming wave of calm washed over
things that I never thought I would have
Before going travelling I had seen photos of friends scaling Sydney’s striking landmark, or recall mates telling me how they had done it, or were planning to do it. I had always found it surprising how casual
they were about it too. The thought of
actually undertaking such a feat, left my
spine tingling and legs feeling like jelly. But overall, I admired their fearlessness and longed to be more like them.
And after four years since I started my own epic journey abroad, I figured that it was
time that I tackle that BridgeClimb. I was in Sydney and there was just no way I could
leave without doing it. Before, I would have let the fear get the better of me. But when
you’re going from place to place, you don’t
of the BridgeClimb headquarters, an
me and remained from that point on, as I was led to BridgeClimb Base to start
preparation for the climb itself. Every single member of staff, every step of the way continued to make me feel completely
at ease and valued as we were guided
through the activity, safety and kitted out in the gear. And they just couldn’t assist you
enough. So you never felt silly if you put on some of the protective accessories wrong
or just needed a bit of help. It was as if they had some sort of magical Jedi training.
But in reality, I think everyone just had a
wonderful demeanour and loved and were brilliant their jobs! We then met our climb leader, who again exuded the epitome of
tranquillity, as he further prepared and took us through the trip. He especially took note
of my nervousness and constantly checked
on me before we made our way out; which
Sydney’s breath taking coastline and
Fortunately, I was with a great group too,
prestigious architectural masterpiece, I knew
just made me feel extremely reassured.
who all took me under their wing and gave
me a lot of encouragement and kept making sure I was enjoying myself. On top of that, it was a beautiful day with a bright blue
sky and gorgeous sunshine. I was literally winning on every level!
Harnessed to the bridge itself, we made or way up the steps, enjoying varying levels of the city as we ascended. At the same
time, I listened to my Climb Leader through headphones as he guided us single file on our route, as he spoke about the bridge’s
fascinating history and countless anecdotes; while at the same time checking everyone
was alright – okay, mostly checking on me.
surrounding landscape from the top of this I was going to be heading home with one
less phobia. Returning back down along the opposite side of the bridge offered a further chance to see the city from a completely
new perspective, as the wonderful Climb Leader continued with more bridge tales
and facts. As things drew to a reluctant end, we undertook our post climb transformation and headed back to reality. I walked away feeling that while the climb might be over,
the experience will forever stay with me and has permanently altered me. I can’t thank
everyone at BridgeClimb Sydney enough for all playing their part in helping me getting
over my fear. I left Sydney a braver person.
The walk itself was at a steady pace, which
BridgeClimb Sydney is available for day,
feel in awe by all that was around me. The
www.bridgeclimb.com
allowed me to really take everything in and
ascension was more exhilarating than scary and the higher I got, the better I felt. As I took in the panoramic views of
dawn, twilight and night climbs.
DISCOVERY MELBOURNE RECOMMENDS:
CHERRY BAR
Tucked cosily between some of the city’s most iconic laneways is the legendary Cherry Bar. A raucous live music venue, whose reputation has long been shamelessly preceding itself since its opening sixteen years ago. Heck, this decadent dive bar is even located along a national treasure, AC/DC Lane no less! It doesn’t get any more rock and roll than that really - just in case you needed any further clarification in regards to the venue’s hard rocking credentials. Anyone who is anyone on the Australian live music circuit has either played or are aspiring to play at the infamous bar too; with many of the country’s biggest acts having already cut their teeth on Cherry’s very own red curtained stage. The home grown likes of Jet, Airbourne and The Living End, as well as international acts including the New York Dolls, the Black Keys, Cherie Currie and Richie Ramone are all counted amongst the star studded alumni of this much loved basement bar. The impressive posters covering the bar’s walls will further attest to that! Most interestingly though, it’s not necessarily who you might see playing at Cherry, but in fact who you might see hanging out there on any given night. The likes of Axl Rose, Jack Black and the Arctic Monkeys have all been spotted knocking back
drinks and dancing the night away across Cherry’s sticky floors. While Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine / Audioslave fame has been known to DJ whenever he’s passing through, loving the place so much that he’ll be in every night whenever he’s in Melbourne. Comedic glam metallers Steel Panther will also without fail head over to throw their notorious and rather chaotic post gig parties while in the city. And Noel Gallagher had such an amazing time last time he was there, that he even put in an offer to buy the place. The offer was of course declined, the owners are far too cool to sell out of course. Let’s face it, what other venue would turn down a booking from Lady Gaga in favour of keeping an existing booking promised to a local act. You guessed it, Cherry! There are so many extraordinary stories surrounding this bar, the place is the stuff of legend. From open mics and blues nights to soul and rock and roll parties, there’s always a memorable night to be had in this intimate setting. The decor might be shabby, the floors might be sticky and the bouncers may seem a tad scary, but you’re not going to find a more eclectic mix of people or a more genuinely friendly, laid back atmosphere. AC/DC Lane, Melbourne, 2000 | www.cherrybar.com.au
FROM THE ROCK TO THE REEF Explore Australia from the inside out with
Garden of Eden without being that little bit
Adventure Tour Australia’s Rock to Reef.
special – so make sure you’ve got a camera handy to capture this epic landscape for the
Take a week-long road trip from the Red
folks back home. Head back to charismatic
Centre’s dusty expanses to Cairns’ tropical
Alice Springs for the next part of this
coastline – you’d better believe it when
adventure.
Aussies say their country’s diverse.
Australia’s Red Centre
Go Off The Grid
After a day in Central Australia’s most
Kick off this adventure in the arid heart of
iconic town, hit the old dusty road to
Australia and the true Outback town of Alice
Queensland. We’re not just saying that
Springs, then stand in the shadow of iconic
either – this is a properly dusty route,
Uluru and count the ‘many heads’ of Kata
a mostly dirt track through some of the
Tjuta (The Olgas). Bond with your new travel
world’s remotest countryside. Heading east
mates as you tackle terrain that’s classic
you’ll have the chance to grasp just how big
Australia.
this country is – Boulia is seen as just down
Aboriginal Culture
There’s no better way to understand this land than by learning about it from
the road from Alice at a 9-hour drive.
Rainforests & Waterfalls
Discover a whole different side to Australia
its traditional owners. You’ll take an
as you enter Queensland. Memories of
interpretive walk lead by a member of the
the dry desert will be washed away by the
local Mala people and learn more about their
tropical rainforests, Millstream Falls and
traditions and beliefs. Maybe take home a
Porcupine Creek surrounding Hughenden.
piece of the oldest culture on Earth with the
Head onto Cairns, where this tour comes to
Aboriginal arts and crafts of the Cultural
an end but the wonders of the Great Barrier
Centre, then set up camp for the night in
Reef wait to be explored.
Watarrka National Park.
This trip is also available in reserve from
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
Cairns to Alice Springs.
To find out more and book your Australian adventure visit
adventuretours.com.au
WESTERN AUSTRALIA TRAVEL GUIDE
Western Australia is Australia’s largest State and is
packed to the brim with adventure and excitements
Exmouth
The gateway to the Ningaloo Reef, Exmouth is a
from the coast to the bush! Sprawling along most of
must for those of you who want to see WA’s answer
Australia’s coastline it will come as no surprise that
the the Great Barrier Reef, and should you visit
you can experience most water activities here as
between March and September you may even
well as the stunning beaches that fringe the Indian
have the chance to swim with Whale Sharks as
Ocean.
they migrate through the Indian Ocean to feed at the Ningaloo Reef.
If you’re planning on touring Western Australia then you’ll want to leave yourself plenty of time and with our hop-on-hop-off pass you’ll be pleased to know
Karijini National Park The jewel of Western Australia, Karijini National
you can go at your very own pace. With routes
Park is where you’ll find adventures by the bucket
going from Perth all the way up to Broome you’ll be
load. From swimming in billabongs under waterfalls
spoilt for choice on where to stop off, so here’s a
to watching out for crocodiles and spotting other
few highlights not to be missed whilst backpacking
native wildlife, it’s here where you can really get
across Western Australia.
back to basics and have your fill of nature and the
Lancelin One of the most famous and sandiest parts of Western Australia, Lancelin is the first stop north
real Aboriginal culture.
Broome An old pearl fishing town, Broome is where you’ll
from Perth on Integrity Coachlines hop-on-hop-
see endless skies and some of the most dramatic
off route and is perfect for a few lazy days by the
sunsets on earth. Due to its location it is also
beach and a spot of sandboarding down the sand
where you’ll be able to see the Staircase To The
dunes.
Moon - an optical illusion that happens as the moon
Monkey Mia Famous for its local dolphins, Monkey Mia is where
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.
you’ll have the unique opportunity to hand feed wild dolphins as they swim into the shallows each day
If you’re thinking about touring the West Coast
and is a fantastic resort to stop over at for relaxing
of Australia then save yourself some money with
and water sports whilst making your way north.
Integrity Coachlines hop-on-hop-off pass with an added 10% off with Promo Code BBMLIVE5.
SHARK BAY Discover your inner explorer Soak up the scenery and take part in exhilarating activities amongst a dramatic backdrop of white beaches on Shark Bay, with an Integrity coach lines hop-on hop-off pass. Shark Bay is a world heritage listed area that is said to be one of the most remarkable places in Australia, and is one of the most important natural treasures on earth. Whether you’re looking for incredible marine experiences, white sandy beaches or water sports, this place has it all. There is an endless list of things to do and see here, and a favourite with the Bay’s visitors is the epic water sports opportunities. But don’t be put off by the name of Shark Bay, almost all of the local sharks and rays here are harmless!
The protected inner gulfs of the amazing Shark Bay is perfect for Sea Kayaking. Surrounded by limestone islands, deep red sand dunes and incredible wildlife, you won’t find many other places that are perfect for this activity. Snorkelling and scuba diving are also a favourite amongst the Bay’s visitors. The sandy, seagrass sea beds are something you have to see with your own eyes, as well as the epic underwater shipwreck and private, vibrant coral reefs. The super strong winds on Shark Bay also make it the best place for kiteboarding and surfing! Tick Shark Bay off your must-see list with a hop-on hop-off tour at
www.integritycoachlines.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. www.mulgasadventures.com.au
NORTHERN TERRITORY
Glamp Your Way Through The Northern Territory You’ve hit the dusty trail, you’ve washed the mud out from under your fingernails and you’ve forced down BBQ’d meat that quite possibly has grass on it, and all in the name of adventure. If this sounds like most of the tours you’ve ever been on and you can’t face the thought of doing it again, then fear not as it’s quite possible to have all the sense of adventure, whilst also having a few creature comforts. Although glamping has made its mark on music festivals throughout the world it’s now edging its way into the adventure tour arena - and it’s really quite welcome! One of the tour companies welcoming “glamping” into their world is Kakadu Wild who have recently upgraded their three day Kakadu & Litchfield Adventure to a slightly more comfortable few days of bush camping and exploring. A forward thinking move and with comfort in mind, you can now take advantage of the powered up tents to charge all your tech you just can’t live without whilst on the tour meaning you’ll never miss a chance to snap all 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!
www.kakaduwild.com.au
www.bbmlive.com
3
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! www.kimberleywild.com.au
PERTH TO BROOME Take On Australia’s North West
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. To find out more about this stunning tour, which is also available in reverse from Darwin to Broome visit www.aussiewanderer.com.au
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT WORKING IN AUSTRALIA Australia is one of the top travel destinations in the world, but it’s also full of employment opportunities. With a thriving economy, high demand for skilled workers and desirable work-life balance, it’s no wonder thousands of people every year apply to work Down Under. See what your chances are with our quick guide to working in Australia.
Visas
There are a number of work visas that permit you to work in Australia from one day to retirement. Temporary visas include the Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417), a one-year visa that allows you to work for any one employer for up to six months while having a holiday in Australia. For something a little longer term, the Temporary Work (Skilled) Visa (subclass 457) is an employer-sponsored visa valid for up to four years. Permanent work visas that will allow you to stay in Australia indefinitely include the Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) and Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (subclass 186). There are also business visas available for if you’re planning on relocating your current business or starting a new business in Australia.
Skilled Occupation Lists
In many cases, work visas are for skilled individuals only, particularly permanent visas. The occupations that have a high demand for skilled workers can be found on the Skilled Occupation Lists. You must nominate an occupation on the
list in order to be considered and you must be able to provide evidence that you have skills and experience in your chosen occupation. Occupations currently on the Skilled Occupation Lists include Electrical Engineer, Secondary School Teacher, Midwife, Bricklayer, Carpenter, Dental Hygienist and Chef (excluding fast food/ takeaway).
Booming Business
Australia has one of the healthiest economies going with low unemployment and high wages. As a result, living in Australia is considered to be more expensive than the UK, but it’s all relative: high wages, high prices. Industries that are evergrowing in Australia include healthcare, I.T, trades and construction.
Skills Shortage
When employers can’t find permanent residents or citizens qualified enough to fill a job position, they can look overseas and sponsor someone to move to Australia and work for them. Australia is currently experiencing a skills shortage, resulting in a high demand for skilled individuals. If you have the skills that Australia needs, you could be ending 2016 with a new life in Australia…
For more information on working in Australia, visit www.bbmlive.com/ getting-started-in-australia and find jobs at www.bbmlive.com/jobs
WHAT’S THE COST TO BUY & RENT IN OZ? How much bed can you get for your buck? Looking at the three of the most popular cities for migrants, here’s what you can expect to pay for a one, two and three-bedroom home in Australia. Perth
P/W
To Buy
P/W
To Buy
P/W
To Buy
Central
1 Bed
400
500k
2 Bed
600
550k
3 Bed
1000
1.2 mill
Inner Suburbs
1 Bed
375
420k
2 Bed
450
425k
3 Bed
950
1.1 mill
25 Minutes From CBD
1 Bed
350
420k
2 Bed
400
400k
3 Bed
600
600k
50 Minutes From CBD
1 Bed
300
300k
2 Bed
300
350k
3 Bed
450
450k
P/W
To Buy
P/W
To Buy
P/W
To Buy
Sydney Central
1 Bed
650
500k
2 Bed
800
830k
3 Bed
2000
1 mill
Inner Suburbs
1 Bed
300
400k
2 Bed
650
850k
3 Bed
1000
900k
25 Minutes From CBD
1 Bed
300
420k
2 Bed
600
400k
3 Bed
900
600k
50 Minutes From CBD
1 Bed
300
300k
2 Bed
350
350k
3 Bed
450
450k
P/W
To Buy
P/W
To Buy
P/W
To Buy
Melbourne Central
1 Bed
200
200k
2 Bed
500
350k
3 Bed
700
600k
Inner Suburbs
1 Bed
200
165k
2 Bed
450
350k
3 Bed
700
600k
25 Minutes From CBD
1 Bed
200
420k
2 Bed
450
350k
3 Bed
600
550k
50 Minutes From CBD
1 Bed
200
300k
2 Bed
300
350k
3 Bed
450
550k
Prices are in Australian Dollars and current of January 2016
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.
HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR AUSTRALIAN WORKING HOLIDAY? With some of the strangest indigenous wildlife on the planet and some of the best surfing beaches in the world, it’s no surprise that Australia attracts people who are craving adventure. A working holiday is often the perfect choice for those of us who dream of exploring unknown lands and want to gain work and life experience. If you have your working holiday visa sorted and your bags packed, you should probably try to plan some of your trip. Listed below are some useful tips you can keep in mind when heading to the land down under. These tips should help make your life easier and ensure you get the best out of your time in Australia.
Organise accommodation
You might think it’s better to wait until you get to Australia to find a place to stay, but be warned! You might not have heard about the queues of backpackers forced to pay hefty sums to stay in hotels. Booking accommodation in advance is the best way to avoid this. Accommodation in Australia isn’t cheap, especially in the cities, so you should research good value hostels before you leave. There are plenty of websites that can help – all you need to do is search! Make sure you read the reviews and find out what facilities they offer.
Get a TFN
Don’t know what a TFN is? As a future working holiday maker, it’s time for you to come to grips with some basic Australian tax terms.
Anyone who works in Australia should provide their TFN (Tax File Number) to their employer within the first 30 days of employment. Your TFN is a unique number, and it prevents you from paying taxes at higher rates than you need to! It also helps you change jobs easily, and, once you have it, it’s yours for life. So you should get onebefore you leave for Australia to save time when you get there.
File your taxes
Here is when most of you would stop reading, because tax topics are usually too boring. However, filing your taxes in Australia could give you a serious boost to your budget and bring in some extra money for travelling!
How is it possible?
If you’re staying in Australia for more than six months, you could be entitled to a tax refund. The good news is that you don’t have to waste your time filling out complicated tax forms! You can rely on an authorised tax agent, such as Taxback. com, who helps thousands of working holiday makers obtain their tax refunds without even lifting a finger. All you need to do is register with people2people and they do all the hard work while you continue your epic road trip and explore the spectacular landscape of Australia. Please keep these tips in mind and enjoy your Australian adventure!
people2people.com.au
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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.
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.
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.
www.downundercentre.com 48 Haven Green, Ealing, W5 2NX info@downundercentre.com
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.
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
In The Down Under Centre
An approved Registered Training Organisation (RTO), Authorised by the Australian Government (TRA), who can assess your skills against an Australian Qualification for the purpose of migration. visaskills.com
We are approved by Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) by the Australian Government, to provide skills assessments to assist with obtainining skilled migration visas and for licensing purposes for electricians. futureskillsinternational.com.au
PSS are specialists in shipping international removals Australian Nursing Agency supply nurses on a and excess baggage to Australia and are known as casual, locum or permanent basis from all specialities the UK's 1st choice for international removals. to both public and private health sectors. Visit them at downundercentre.com/pss-internationalthe Down Under Centre in Ealing today. downundercentre.com/australian-nursing-agency removals_partner
Tailored made packages that include a bundle of services to suit anyone moving either to or from the UK that help young travellers relocate to Australia stress free! downundercentre.com/working-holiday-club/
Moneycorp are an award-winning foreign exchange specialist. Saving money for both individuals and businesses with bank-beating exchange rates when sending your money to a bank account in Australia. downundercentre.com/moneycorp_partner
National Australia Bank, known as NAB, is one of Australia's largest banks. Open your accounts with us prior to departure with priority opening downundercentre.com/nab_partner
Bupa provide high quality healthcare insurance for when you move to Australia. Quote the Down Under Centre for a consultation with their team in the UK. downundercentre.com/bupa_partner
T: 0203 376 1555 WWW.DOWNUNDERCENTRE.COM
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
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 a 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
www.australiannursingagency.com recruitment@australiannursingagency.com
www.bbmlive.com
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MUSIC
WERRIBEE PARK MANSION GROUNDS
ALEX NIGGEMANN • CUT CHEMIST DUSKY • EDIT • HEIDI LEON VYNEHALL • MANO LE TOUGH MAREK HEMMANN (LIVE) MARIBOU STATE (DJ SET) OLIVER HUNTEMANN • ONRA SHADES (ALIX PEREZ & EPROM) SHANTI CELESTE • TOKIMONSTA LETTHEMEATCAKENYD.COM.AU
HANNAH WANTS She’s become on of the leading female DJs in recent years and now we catch up with superstar, Hannah Wants ahead of her touchdown in Australia this January for FOMO Festival.
represents me at this current time as an artist. I kind of went through old hard drives and old mixes and it’s kind of mad to see how my sound has evolved. I just wanted to put out there, my sound I’m playing at the moment. My sound has gone kind of less in your face, and slowed down a Hi Hannah, how are you? little in terms of techy and house sounds. It’s still Yeah I’m good thanks, how are you? bassy music. So I just wanted to represent myself as an artist now and include some of my own music. Obviously with everything that’s going on Yes great thank you! So where abouts are you with Fabric at the moment, I’m pleased it’s come at the moment? out when it has. I’m literally just at home at the minute, just sorting out some work, before going to play in Amsterdam this evening for a show, so just yes, just at home What were your thoughts on Fabric closing? before I go to the airport. It’s just sad really. I’m not from London so I’m not as involved. If Rainbow venues in Birmingham, which is what I grew up with got closed down, I You’re travelling a lot at the moment… would literally be devastated. So I can see how Yeah, yeah. I had my last Ibiza gig last week, so everyone is feeling. It’s good they’re getting some I won’t be travelling every week now, so it’s nice support from some big people, so hopefully it will not to be travelling so much. But in a little while return. it’s back out to America. On Tuesday I’ll be off for a Halloween tour so I’ll be at the airport every day again for a little while. But it’s all good, I’m loving We hope so! So being from Birmingham where it. would you say is the best night out there for anyone who’s visiting? I would definitely say any of the Rainbow venues. So how did you find Ibiza this summer? They’re ahead of the game in terms of what they Amazing. It’s my favourite place in the world put on. They cater for all kinds of music tastes, anyway and it means so much to me. And from dance to techno, house, drum and bass, obviously, just having had a residency there at after parties, day parties. For me, I’d just tell one of my favourite clubs, it’s always really special people to go to Rainbow venues all day long! and I can’t wait for next year already! You’re off to Australia in the New Year for FOMO Festival, when was the last time you What was a highlight? were there? Oh God, there were so many. I was lucky enough Let me check the diary… erm… it was 2015. to be asked to play the Amnesia opening and the I always try and get out there December actual official Amnesia closing, so they were two big dream gigs of mine. I played at Pacha as well, January time as it’s our English winter but their summer. So there’s a lot festivals on for the first time. So it was really nice to go and then. It’ll be fun to play a different festival in get a different vibe and a different crowd.
Adelaide, Brisbane and Sydney.
So your Fabric Mixtape, that came out in September, tell me, what did you want to put across with that? I just wanted to kind just put out the sound that
What are the three things you have to have with you when you’re travelling so much? There’s an obvious one - my phone as if
I don’t have my laptop with me, I can be working off my phone when I’m travelling, so I can speak to people and stay on top of my socials. Starbucks as I’m really fussy with food. So sometimes I don’t know what’s going to be available when I’m travelling, so Starbucks really saves me. Earplugs as well. I just like to block out the noise. I may look stupid, but I need a rest and I can’t sleep on planes without them. Where would you say is the most amazing place that your career has taken you in the world? So many places. I love Dubai. But just travelling in general I love, even if it’s somewhere like Texas, as I wouldn’t have visited there had I not been DJing there.
It’s interesting just going to different places and even going to Australia and hitting the different cities. It’s better than just going on holiday to Sydney. I just like going to all of these places. Countries like Poland, that you wouldn’t normally visit. For example, I’m going to Estonia in a few weeks, and I wouldn’t have even known where that was. So places like that, I wouldn’t have visited if it wasn’t for work, so it’s good experiences, bad experiences, funny experiences but I get to see more of the world than I ever would if it wasn’t for my job. Catch Hannah Wants live at FOMO Festival this January. www.fomofestival.com.au
DJ HYPE
A man that defined the sound of a generation, we speak to DJ Hype ahead of Innovation in the Dam this in November. Find out what the DnB/ Jungle heavy weight has to say on the closure of London raving institution Fabric and the highlights of his summer.
90s and noughties? I love the way drum and bass / jungle music just keeps evolving. Our scene has grown over the last 20 years and London is still as important as it always was, London is the unique cultural heartbeat.
Hey Hype, thanks for speaking to us, what are you up to today? I am going through dubs and promos sent to me this week.
Where would you say are the best places in London to hear proper DnB? Up until July this year I would have said Fabric of course, but there are loads of other nights that happen throughout the year from the likes of Jungle Fever, Hospitality, Breakin Science, Awol, Soul In Motion, plus loads more…
Cool! What have we torn you away from to speak with us? I was building a boat in my garden made from natural materials all salvaged from the forest. That’s amazing! So, busy as ever – what’s new at Playaz? We have a great project out now from Tyke, followed by guest release from Majistrate and Turno – plus we have a fantastic project from Annix about to be promo’ed. Also I have just started to get back in the studio myself and hope to get some projects out in 2017. Any cool artists or tracks we should be watching out for? Too many to mention! I love the way new and fresh artists are popping up everywhere, showing our scene is healthy in all its styles. So it was a busy summer for you playing Exit, Mallorca and also Fabric… speaking of which, what are your thoughts on all of that bother? Summer festival highlights were without a doubt Glastonbury Arcadia stage and Boomtown section 6 stage back to back with Hazard! And the closure of fabric was the low light! 15 years of Playaz at Fabric was bought to an abrupt end and naturally I was upset at the pass of the club but it’s been amazing how the whole music community is supporting the fight to get their license back and hopefully they will win that fight. What do you think of London’s DnB scene nowadays? Do you feel its lost its edge of the
You’ll play Innovation in the Dam in November – how did you first get involved with Inno? I think they called my agent and booked me but I have known Loyd for years and is a totally generous giving person that I am loyal to. When touring what 3 things do you need to always have with you? Phone, computer, incense sticks. What do you most love about living in London? The diversity of people and music. What are your top 5 drum n bass tracks that put you in the zone? Can’t tell you as they are all dubs with no release date from my label, so I am keeping shush! When you’re looking for new artists or music which platforms do you rate? I don’t usually hunt for artists much, I seem to be quite organic in my signing for new artists. Thanks for taking the time out for us Hype! Catch Dj Hype at Innovation in The Dam on the 25th – 27th November.
innovationevents.co.uk/in-the-dam
Festivals Dow 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
wn Under
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