Travel Lifestyle Music Festivals Jobs December 2016

TRAVEL. MUSIC. LIFESTYLE.JOBS.BBMLIVE.COM

2017 ASIA TOURS

Q: WHY TRAVEL BLOGGERS LOVE ASIA ?

With the launch of our Asia tours to India, Nepal, Cambodia and Thailand we thought we’d find out the top reasons to travel around Asia from some of the world’s most prolific travel bloggers. From Kathmandu to Bangkok, these guys are seriously well-travelled so we’ve also picked their brains for travel tips when it comes to exploring Asia. So before you book your next Asia adventure tour, find out from the professionals, the ins and outs of travelling Asia.

A:

What’s your favourite thing about Asia?

‘In a world that’s getting smaller, I think cultures are also becoming more similar. But every time I go to Asia I am reminded how many unique places still exist in the world.’ Michael Turtle, @michaelturtle ‘It’s almost like a one stop shop for the 3 essentials; value, culture, beauty.’

- Tess Willcox, @hashtagtravelsociety ‘Asia is such a melting pot of cultures that offer a unique and different experience to anywhere in the western world. Be it the beautiful temples, unending and limitless hospitality and the food’ - Vicky Louise, @maketimetoseetheworld Why does Asia have such a pull for backpackers?

‘A lot of independent travellers have small budgets, and many destinations in Asia boast low-priced accommodation, food and experiences’ - Linda Martin, @indietravel ‘Asia has long been known as a budget traveller’s haven which is the main pull for independent travellers who are looking for ease of travel.’ - Roma & Russell, @roamingrequired ‘Asia really does offer a plethora of different experiences and cultures that offers something for every market - not just backpackers. It is the quintessential destination for travellers who want to immerse themselves in a stunning place without the necessary price tag!’. - Tess Willcox, @hashtagtravelsociety ‘It’s the perfect place to travel solo and have an unforgettable - and potentially life-changing experience. Some continents are too similar to home and don’t offer enough of a challenge, while others may be considered a little too risky for independent vagabonds - Asia is the perfect balance.’ - Sophee Southall, @sopheesmiles

What are the benefits of group tours around Asia?

‘Tours tend to go to the tourist hotspots, so they can be an easy way to see everything you’d like to, without having to organise transport. Plus, they can be a great way to meet like-minded people — as long as you choose the right company!’ - Linda Martin, @ indietravel ‘You really can just go with the flow. No need to worry about language skills or reading a map, it’s all done for you!’ - Roma & Russell, @roamingrequired ‘Group tours are great for people who are short on time, but are looking to experience as much as possible’ - Vicky Louise, @maketimetoseetheworld ‘It’s a convenient way to meet cool people and make new friends - if you prefer being around like-minded people with a similar background to your own while travelling through foreign countries, group tours are a great option. The most important and valuable person on any group tour is the guide.

Having this resource of local information at your fingertips is a major plus, so ask as many questions as you can!’’ - Sophee Southall, @sopheesmiles ‘For people who aren’t seasoned travellers, group tours are fantastic to both meet people, and travel with a bit of a safety blanket.’ - Tess Willcox, @hashtagtravelsociety ‘Many parts of Asia don’t have the infrastructure that you find in places like Europe. It can be difficult to get between cities and it can take a long time, but group tours make the whole experience way more relaxing.’ - Michael Turtle, @michaelturtle

What is your top travel tip?

‘Read the reviews but don’t over plan. Book your flights and your first night or two of accommodation, then let yourself go with the flow. Having the freedom to change your plans is one of the highlights of travel’ - Linda Martin, @indietravel ‘Do your research and speak to the experts - they know what they’re talking about’ - Roma & Russell, @roamingrequired ‘Try and bear in mind time, running out is the worst. Ultimately, pick a country and/or a tour that interests you and just do it’ - Vicky Louise, @maketimetoseetheworld ‘Spend more time with locals than fellow travellers. If you show locals a strong desire to immerse yourself in their culture, you’ll be surprised what doors will open up for you. Invitations to family gatherings, help when you need it, new international friends...the possibilities are endless. Help build cultural bridges. Be open-minded, friendly and genuine. Locals will want to learn as much about you, as you’ll want to learn about them.’ - Sophie Southall, @sopheesmiles ‘Asia is an area where the culture and the experiences with local people are just as important as the landmarks. Make sure there is time to eat the street food, explore the markets and walk through the neighbourhoods.’ - Michael Turtle, @michaelturtle ‘Talk to people and engage in their recommendations - the best trips I have taken have been the ones where locals opened up their homes and allowed me to experience traditions and customs through their eyes.’ Tess Willcox, @hashtagtravelsociety Read up on more of these fantastic travel tips by visiting our lovely travel bloggers’ websites. http://indietravelpodcast.com http://www.roamingrequired.com/ http://maketimetoseetheworld.com/ http://indietravelmedia.com http://sopheesmiles.com http://www.timetravelturtle.com http://www.hashtagtravelsociety.com/

THE AMERICAS RISE The whole world knows about Rio Carnival but with the rise of festivals featuring world class DJs in Central and South America, we take a look at what the Festival Gods of the Americas have to offer…

Some of the UK’s and USA’s best known and loved festivals have been taking place right under our noses in South America, from Creamfields in Argentina, Chile and Peru - to Lollapalooza popping up in Chile, Brazil and Argentina, the Latin American festival scene is one that is often overlooked, but really shouldn’t be. With the Latin American summer taking place from January March, it brings in its stride a whole new festival calendar for the global party elite to chase the endless sun.

Kicking off the festival season in Latin America will be Storyland festival (6th-8th January 2017), although the lineup is still to be announced, last year’s event saw the likes of Jamie Jones, Hardwell and Oliver Heldens descend on the Colombian beach town of Cartagena. Storylands Festival Cartagena aims to import the best house, techno and progressive house to the stage - as well as the beach for some epic partying in the hot Colombian sun.

With DJs and producers taking the reigns when it comes to putting on festivals and parties, in recent years we’ve seen the likes of Annie Mac put on Lost & Found Festival through AMP (Annie Mac Presents) as well as Gilles Peterson’s Worldwide Festival in Sete which has become a veritable staple on Europe’s summer calendar.

And now it seems Nic Fanciulli will be taking things a step in the Latin American direction by bringing his event, The Social to Mexico and Colombia.

At present The Social Festival is a boutique music festival that showcases some of the world’s greatest dance music acts at The Kent County Showground in Kent, UK. The Social is put together by Saved Records and world famous, Kent local, DJ Nic Fanciulli. Speaking about the new direction of the festival, Fanciulli says, ““We’re extremely excited to be bringing the social to Latin America for 2017. The festival started five years ago as a real labour of love and we’ve been inundated with support worldwide ever since. 2016’s Summer edition saw a huge influx of fans from around the world, so we wanted to give something back.” Continuing on the location of the new events, he says, “I’ve always had an amazing relationship personally with Mexico and Colombia, and we couldn’t think of better places to bring the first international editions of the festival. We’ve got some extremely exciting headliners in place, and as always, we’re not holding back on the production.”

The new intercontinental chapter of The Social will take place on 17th & 18th March in Mexico and Colombia in 2017. Having curated a selection of world class House and Techno talent, the Central and Latin American chapter will see iconic names such as Carl Cox headline the Colombian event. Fanciulli and Cox are said to be on a mission to shine the spotlight on the flourishing dance scene in Latin America, and it looks like they may well succeed.

Also on our Americas radar when it comes to festivals is Envision Festival which will take place in Uvita, Costa Rica from 23rd - 26th February in 2017. This festival, now in its sixth year, is a yoga, arts, music and wellness festival. Music at this festival includes; reggae, ethereal house beats, sultry grooves, global bass, glitch hop as well as live performances. Taking place in picturesque settings, Envisions is one that is definitely for the “festival experience” as you dance barefoot on the Costa Rican beaches where the rainforests meet the shore.

A festival taking the crown when it comes to Latin America’s party scene is Electric Daisy Carnival. Having sprung up in the UK a couple of summers ago, unbeknownst to many EDC was raging all the while in Mexico City. This year’s EDC Mexico edition will take place on 25th and 26th February 2017. At the event you can expect impressive set design, epic stage shows (pyrotechnics and all) as well as some A Grade electronic, house and dance music.

The pros of jetting further afield to Central and South America for a festival are combining your trip with a chance to see some of the most beautiful places on earth.

Immersing yourself in the home of latin beats combined with the Latinos flare for the austentatious when it comes to partying, you can guarantee you’ll have the festival experience of your life.

LATIN FESTIVAL CALENDAR Storyland festival 6th - 8th January 2017 www.facebook.com/thisisstoryland Envision Festival 23rd - 26th February 2017 envisionfestival.com Electric Daisy Carnival 25th - 26th February 2017 mexico.electricdaisycarnival.com The Social Festival 17th & 18th March www.thesocialfestival.com

WHAT TO DO WHILST YOU’RE IN LATIN AMERICA Combine your time in Latin America with adventure tours and experiences…

1

Free & Easy Traveller

With FNEZ you can enjoy tours of Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Peru and Panama. www.freeandeasytraveler.com

2

Outward Bound Costa Rica

On a gap year and got time to spare, spend a semester in Costa Rica with Outward Bound Costa Rica including expeditions, whitewater rafting, abseiling and more. outwardboundcostarica.org

3

Day Tours 4 U

Operating in Colombia, Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Chile if time is of the essence then get a taste of your surroundings with Day Tours 4U. daytours4u.com

4

Green Toad Bus

Want to travel around with one pass? Green Toad Bus can ferry you between Brazil, Peru, Bolivia, Argentina and Chile at an affordable price so you can see the most of Latin America during your visit. greentoadbus.com

PERU

Peru was once home to the Incan people and their stamp on the area, still survives today in the form of the old Incan capital of Cuzco, and one of the most famous ruins on earth - Machu Picchu.

Machu Picchu is believed to have been built circa 1450, around the time that Pachacutec Inca Yupanqui (1438–71) and Túpac Inca Yupanqui (1472–93) - two of the greatest Incan rulers were in power. However, interestingly the fort was abandoned around 100 years later due to the arrival of the Spanish settlers. Today the ruins are frequented by hundreds of tourists who come from all around the world to walk around the ancient ruins 7,970 ft above sea level.

There’s more to Peru than Machu Picchu however. Lake Titicaca near to the Bolivian border is one of South America’s largest lakes and houses some of the most rare aquatic wildlife - including giant frogs. The lake borders both countries and is said to be the birthplace of the Incas. On its banks, you’ll also find ancient ruins as well as a tangle of jungle that fringes its shores.

Nazca Lines also takes centre stage whilst visiting this history-filled country.

Nazca Lines are huge rock carvings that are thought to be around 2000 years old, however they were only discovered 80 years ago by plane (which should give you some idea of how large they are). These veritable “white elephants” appear to depict various animals such as monkeys and birds, however the meaning behind them is often theorised and disputed.

Another sight to behold whilst visiting Peru is the 900 meter deep, Colca Canyon. Vast in size the canyon is also home to the giant Condor. Whilst visiting Colca you can also take advantage of activities such as water rafting, cycling, horse riding and trekking.

Travellers Tip: Encounters Travel have 15, 19 & 21 day tours of Peru. (21 day tour includes Bolivia.) Visit Encounters Travel also operate tours in Morocco, Jordan, Russia, Namibia, Kenya, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, China, Turkey, Vietnam, Italy, Greece, Malawi, South Africa & Nepal! Check out their tours at www.encounterstravel.com for more information.

HELP ENDANGERED LEATHERBACK SEA TURTLES ON YOUR NEXT HOLIDAY

Leatherback turtles are fewer and fewer in numbers in spite of the fact that female leatherbacks may lay 60 to 120 eggs around four times per season (a phenomenon called arribada).

This is happening notably due to the fact that their eggs are collected to be sold and turtles often get caught in fishing nets. Certain subpopulations of leatherback turtles have been said to be critically endangered by large conservation organizations. The U.S. Federal government has also listed the leatherback as endangered worldwide.

Though the future might seem grim for Leatherback sea turtles, important conservation efforts have been made in Africa and Central America – and you can now be part of it.

For the conscious traveller, you’ll be pleased to know that Outward Bound Costa Rica carry out tours where their “students” can have the chance to work with local biologists and with non-profit organisations dedicated to making the sea turtles thrive again. If you want to not only help endangered species, but also to hold baby turtles in your hands and learn more about marine life, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

These efforts are essential to increasing the sea turtle population, considering that the most important nesting beaches in the Pacific are in Mexico and Costa Rica, with other important beaches found in Nicaragua, Panama and Guatemala.

Should you choose to embark on a semester with Outward Bound Costa Rica, you not only get the opportunity to participate in these incredible service projects, but also to discover Central America thanks to their local instructors.

You will also participate in activities such as scuba diving and zip lining!

Outward Bound Costa Rica offer one Summer Expedition and Custom Programs that include service projects to protect endangered sea turtles. Register now and get 10% off your tuition fees for your adventure next summer! If you have any questions, contact them at outwardboundcostarica.org

SONUS FESTIVAL 2017

Phase One of Sonus 2017 is here to tantalise you into booking THE summer festival of 2017.

Every year, party goers flock in their thousands to the stunning island of Pag, Croatia to bear witness to some serious musical talent play at beach-side stages up and down the clubbing mecca that is Zrce Beach for Sonus Music Festival.

With the first 33 names on the bill for this year’s festival being announced it looks like Sonus 2017 is going to be one to remember.

With Croatia’s balmy summer temperatures, beautiful bays with crystal clear water and its fascinatingly unique culture, it’s no surprise that the country is a hot spot on the European travel trail. Tourists from across the globe visit the nation every summer for its unique blend of historic culture and party scene - with areas such as the walled city of Dubrovnik and the coastline at Split being particularly popular. Aside from its natural beauty and historical heritage, it is also home to some of the continent’s best-loved music festivals and nightlife.

If you, like many seasoned festival goers wish to chase the endless summer then there’s no time like the present to start

planning trips to Europe for the 2017 summer festival scene. We’ve been eyeing up this year’s Sonus Festival that takes place annually on the rocky island of Pag, off Croatia’s coastline. Sonus year in year out attract party goers from across the world, and this year looks like it will be no different, having just announced an epic line-up that puts this festival firmly on our festival bucket list for 2017. Proving once again why it’s the leading party in the techno world, the beachside festival have revealed that the likes of American DJ and producer Seth Troxler, legend of the EDM world Loco Dice and Berlin-based duo Tale Of Us will be jumping aboard to form 2017’s line-up. As well as these techno

heavyweights, highlights of the line-up to date include house DJ Nick Curly, UK favourite Jackmaster, Apollonia, Marco Carola, Fabio Florido, as well as mighty Bronx remixers The Martinez Brothers whom will also be performing. As things stand, Sonus 2017 looks set to be a clubbers’ paradise.

Across an epic five days and nights between 20th - 24th August 2017, Sonus attendees will be treated to the best in internationally revered DJs, live acts from the EDM world alongside stunning beach surroundings and the warm and balmy Mediterranean weather. There is also the chance to jump aboard some incredible, once in a lifetime pool, beach

and boat parties that makes the most of the amazing Croatian setting and the sensational talent that will be frequenting Croatia’s sunny shores.

Buy your ticket from as little as 159 Euros. Alternatively, opt for a VIP ticket which gives you access all areas, fast lane entries, separate bars, separate sanitary areas with your own unique VIP wristband from 249 Euros. This can also be upgraded from a regular ticket from 90 Euros.

For ticket options and travel, rooms and package information as well as this year’s Sonus line-up in full, visit: www.sonus-festival.com

IT’S NEVER TOO COLD TO GO TO A FESTIVAL...

Paraic Walker takes us through the best snow festivals for 2017.

a hangover like skiing down the highest slope in Europe.

Festival revellers all over the world seem to think that the festival season ends with the good weather but this could not be further from the truth. We take a look at what Snow Festivals have to offer to cure your summer festival blues.

One common factor that seems to put most people off Snow Festivals is the financial side of things. But fear not there are winter festivals that come at very affordable prices! There literally is no better place in the world to go to a snow festival on a budget than Horizon Festival. This trippy snow festival is now in its fifth year and has recently moved from the Bulgarian resort of Bansko, to the equally cheap and cheerful resort of Arinsal in the Pyrenees. This Andorran festival is perfect for techno lovers who want to enjoy their music in obscure forests raves and scenic mountain stages.

Taking place from March 26th – April 2nd, this year’s line-up includes Motor City, Craig Charles, Red Dwarf and One Man!

With winter fast approaching in Europe and America there is no need to go into hiding, what you should be doing is booking up one of the many snow festivals that are popping up everywhere from France, Andorra and Austria, all the way to Canada and the US. The Ski-Festival scene is one that is too often overlooked by so called full-time festival goers; with so much on offer we just can’t understand why.

With the snow festival season kicking off from late November to April 2017 there is plenty of fun to be had over the next few months and there is still loads of music to be heard.

If you want to go into the Christmas period in true festival fashion then Rise Festival is the place to go. This phenomenal festival takes place on the highest skiable glacier in Europe, situated in the Les Deux Alpes region of France from December 10th – 17th.

This weeklong party offers Ice discos in igloos, nights in the woods and a perfect mix of live acts and DJ’s playing in both indoors and outdoor venues.

The standout acts from this year’s line-up include the world famous Detroit born DJ Seth Troxler and London grime god Kano. When you’re not partying make sure you make the most of your chance to get on the amazing slopes this resort has to offer. After all nothing knocks off

Another Snow Festival to consider is Snowboxx 2017. Taking place from 18th - 23rd March 2017, this festival will take over the Avoriaz ski resort in France.

Here you’ll be able to take to the slopes by day snowboarding and skiing and for apres ski you can enjoy some world class music from the likes of Basement Jaxx, Hannah Wants, Bicep, DJ Luck & MC Neat as well as Norman Jay and many more!

Snow Festivals are certainly not a new idea and closing this year’s winter festival season is a festival that has been in the game longer than most others.

Snowbombing Festival really is one of the world’s No.1 music snow festivals and is returning this year for its 18th year in a row! Snowbombing 2017 will be taking place in the ‘party capital of the Alps’, Mayrhofen, Austria, from 3rd - 8th April 2017. This veteran of the snow

festivals has redefined winter sports holidays and has set a very high bar for the rest to follow. Constantly looking to give revelers the most unique festival imaginable, this year is no different with a host of new additions, including House of Voga. This fitness craze has taken the UK by storm and this year festival revelers get the chance to unwind and stretch out with a unique music-led yoga and voguing. If that wasn’t enough Snowbombing also offer igloo raves, mountain top stages and their famous pool party. All this matched with a huge line up of stars including one of the

biggest bands in Britain at the moment, Blossoms. Joining these young lads from Stockport will be the likes of Giggs, Chase & Status, Shy FX, Eats Everything and many more.

The pros to jetting off to a Snow Festival this winter are endless, you get to immerse yourself in great music, great scenery, winter sports and there’s no muddy tents and wellies involved!

By Paraic Walker

SAIL IN GREECE Soaking yourself in the waters of the Aegean, sunbathing on the deck of a boat as it rocks gently to the rhythm of the waves whilst you sip on a cocktail… is this all sounding a bit too good to be true? Well you can make this a reality on a sailing holiday around the Greek Islands during the European summer.

The clear blue waters surrounding the Greek Islands are beckoning you to their shores for summer 2017.

Spend a week swimming, sunbathing, island hopping and partying your way around the Greek Islands. As you coast from port to port you’ll have a unique opportunity to sample the cuisine, culture and nightlife of different islands, including Ios, Mykonos and the beautiful Santorini.

Spend your days exploring the islands and trying some real Greek cuisine such as Moussaka, Kleftiko or Saganaki (it’s fried cheese and you will become addicted), or simply frolic all day long in the waters with your

shipmates, or laze on the stunning beaches.

Holidays are of course best when you go with the flow, but for those of you who like to have a loose plan so you have more time for relaxation here’s a few places that you should definitely visit whilst sailing in Greece.

Things to do in the Greek Islands…

- Go kayaking around the island of Ios - Party the night away at Gupaloca on Mykonos - Eat Gyros!

- Go hiking on the islands of Naxos - Have a swim at Agios Fokas by Paros - Have a sunbath on the secluded Maganari Beach on Ios - Feel the healing Aegean Breeze coming off the sea - Ask for a Dr OUZO whilst on board with Sail in Greece

www.sailingreece.com

THE MESSIEST FESTI

IVAL IN THE WORLD Love Tomatoes? Love a bit of culture? Then add La Tomatina Festival to your summer 2017 plans right now! The incredibly messy, traditional Spanish festival takes place in Bunol near Valencia, Spain and sees millions of tomatoes hurled at everyone to create something resembling an OTT budget horror film. The tomato fight itself only lasts for 1 hour, but is certainly a once in a lifetime experience. The fantastic location of La Tomatina festival puts you in the heart of Valencia, a fabulous city toexplore. From the Old Town, to the world-class aquarium, the famous City of Arts & Sciences, or stunning beaches, there is so much to see in this gorgeous city.

This is an exciting time to visit Spain as the day before you can also enjoy the Wine and Water Festival. This is a chance to join in with the Requena locals and celebrate the grape harvest. Here, you’ll also find a bull arena, street parade and live music to give you an epic prelude to La Tomatina.

If spending a few days in this region of Spain and experiencing La Tomatina for yourself sounds like the kind of fun-filled holiday you’re after, then First Festival Travel can take you there. Their four day package includes hotel accommodation with rooftop pool in Valencia, private transport to and from each festival, exclusive parties with discounted drinks, and of course the La Tomatina festival ticket.

The tour is usually £219 pp but if you quote ‘BBM10’ when emailing info@firstfestivaltravel.com they’ll offer a 10% discount. www.firstfestivaltravel.com

6

REASONS WHY SPRINGFEST IS BETTER THAN OKTOBERFEST You might worry that if you’re not in Europe for September, you’re doomed to miss out on the Oktoberfest experience.

Never fear, there’s more than one German festival dedicated to bier. Enter Springfest, aka Fruhlingsfest, aka ‘Little Oktoberfest’. Like Oktoberfest, but better.

1. Better weather As the name suggests, Springfest takes place during spring. In 2017, the golden showers will flow between April 21 and May 8, so you can expect the sun to be out, the flowers to be blooming and the birds to be singing you sweet German drinking songs as they sprinkle your dirndl-clad bosom with hop blossoms. Sure, it’s not the height of summer, but spring is certainly nicer than those cloudy days at the end of September, when winter obnoxiously decides to announce it’s on its way. Get tanked at Springfest and you might even get a tan.

2. Better crowd Springfest is Oktoberfest on a “smaller” scale.

There’s the same bier halls, just fewer open, meaning that they’re flooded with fewer tourists.

Fruhlingsfest draws crowds of tens of thousands, rather than millions, and unlike Oktoberfest these crowds are largely local. You’ll learn to prost with the bustiest of Bavarians, making Springfest an all-round more authentic experience than sharing a table with a bus group full of Australians at Oktoberfest. Despite the largely local crowd, you’ll be welcomed with open arms and overzealous meetings of stein glasses, and these are seasoned stein fiends, far less likely to get overexcited and chunder all over your lederhosen.

3. Better surf The Eisbach (“ice brook” in German) is a refreshingly temperate man made river which flows through the beautiful Englischer Garten in Munich.

If you need a day to heal your hangover, take a blanket and some snacks, go nap on the sunlit grass, and indulge in a hangover-curing float down the river. Near the top of the Eisbach, there’s even a man made wave where you can go for a surf. Get in there and let the ice brook’s frozen fingers fondle you back to health, we promise it’s invigorating.

4. All the same good bits and still better Dirndls and lederhosen. Pretzels and pork knuckle and other Bavarian bites. Bier and braids. Carnival rides and fun-houses with psychedelic holographic glasses. Bands of Germans drunkenly playing instruments and leading the halls in choruses of drinking songs, the words to which you can only guess at.

Springfest boasts all of the same delights beloved by fans of Oktoberfest, but better, because the queues are shorter. And there’s the added bonus of a carousel that doubles as a bar - round and round and round it goes, it won’t stop ‘til up you throws. [Video]

5. Better football Football, the world sport, die Welt sport. If you’re in town for Springfest, it means you’re also in town for football season. Go check out FC Bayern Munchen at at Allianz Arena, or if that doesn’t suit your slim Springfest budget, head to a kneipe to watch them on the big screen amidst shouts of schizen!

6. Stoke Travel - good, better, best Yes, we know that Stoke is the best thing about Oktoberfest, so how could it be better at Springfest?

That’s because Stoke Travel matures like a fine wine, and with each passing festival we learn how to get Stoked or die trying just a little bit better. Each time you come with Stoke, we’re the best we’ve ever been. Best fun, best looking, and best value for money. [Video] Springfest 2017 will take place between April 21 and May 8. Come with the budget-friendly funsters at Stoke and €60 per night will get you accommodation in pre-erected tents with mattresses and bedding provided, hot dinners and breakfasts made by our celebrity chefs, and exclusive access to the best party in Munich - Stoketoberfest at the Stoke campsite. The beer halls are an easy commute away, and an extra €10 will get you unlimited beer and sangria for the duration of your stay with Stoke, so you don’t have to spend one minute sober.

If you’ve got your eye on more than one festival that falls during your Eurotrip, the Stoke Travel Passport lets you choose which combination of festivals you’d like to attend and when, perfect for those who like to keep their plans flexible and costs low.

Check out stoketravel.com/stoke-passport/ and get designing your dream Passport.

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

YOUR GUIDE TO KANGAROO ISLAND IN SUMMER

Nowhere does summer time like Australia, and now that time of year has arrived it’s time to truly embrace the great Aussie outdoors for a summer to remember. South Australia is now hotting up meaning frolicking in the sea; camping and long walks on the beach are all within reach.

If you’re looking for a short break away then hop on a ferry and head over to Kangaroo Island. Just a one and a half hour bus ride from Adelaide and a 45 minute ferry, Kangaroo Island is the perfect getaway for a summer holiday.

The pleasant Mediterranean weather means you get lots of long, sunshine-filled days to enjoy the exciting terrain of the Island - including the sandy beaches and fantastic walking trails.

You could spend a couple of days seeing the key attractions on the island including the Remarkable Rocks, Little Sahara and Admirals Arch. Or spend a little longer watching the seals play on the shore at the aptly named Seal Bay or kick back and relax at Vivonne Bay Lodge.

If you want to really make a trip out of it, then stay for longer and sample the delightful local cuisine including some of the best wine and seafood South Australia has to offer. Kangaroo Island is also famed for its locally made honey thanks to the Ligurian Bees. Take a tour around Clifford’s Honey Farm or see some real Aussie sheep shearing at Rob’s Sheep Shearing. Fancy some healing Eucalyptus oil to take home as a souvenir? Visit the Emu Ridge Eucalyptus

Distillery and you’ll not only see how the product is made, but you’ll also have your own piece of Kangaroo Island to take home with you.

Plus when you get that dreaded cold in a few months you’ll be able to inhale the scent of the oil and you’ll feel as if you’re back in your happy place - Kangaroo Island!When it comes to activities during the summer on Kangaroo Island you can really get to explore the island.

Whether you choose to explore via kayak taking in the island from the perspective of the water, or take to one of the many walking trails, you really can have an active trip. For the thrillseekers you may even want to try your hand at sandboarding down the great dunes of “Little Sahara” - a perfect activity for those of you who don’t like to get too wet!

Who’s This Tour Good For? Active types Explorers People who want to see the real Australia Wildlife lovers Wine gluggers Foodies What to pack?

Swimming costume/bathers/sunscreen/hat Good walking shoes Backpack Comfortable clothing Warm, layered clothing for the evening Camera.

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

8

THINGS YOU DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT THE NULLARBOR PLAIN

One of the greatest road journeys in Australia, crossing the Nullarbor Plain was once deemed the most dangerous crossing in all of Australia due to the vast distance from Adelaide to Perth and lack of amenities along the way. Nowadays it is right of passage for international adventure seekers and an incredible once in a lifetime experience. Our 10 day camping adventure tours from Perth to Adelaide and vice versa show travellers the Real Australia as we cover two thirds of it overland! Yes that’s just a mere 4000km give or take a few.

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 and Western 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 adventure 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 478km. 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.

Another Spaced Out Fact…

The Skylab crashed to earth in 1979 in Balladonia, near the Western Australia end of the Nullarbor.

It’s Latin For… No Trees! Although the name sounds exotic and interesting, it literally translates as nothing (nullus) tree (arbor).

It’s Dry So dry in fact the whole region only receives on average 200 mm of rainfall per year!

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. Damn it!

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!

TRAVEL DEALS:

Book a Southern Ocean Wildlife Adventure Tour now for 2017/2018 and receive 10% off with promo code BBMLIVE Book a Secrets of Esperance Tour now for 2017/2018 and receive 10% off with promo code BBMLIVE6 Book an Adelaide to Perth 10 Day Camping Adventure Tour now for 2017/2018 and receive 15% off! Use promo code BBMLIVE10 Book now at www.nullarbortraveller.net

WELCOME TO K’GARI Galangoor djali! Galangoor. Butchulla bilam, midiru K’gari galangoor nyin djaa. Ngalmu galangoor Biral and Biralgan bula nyin djali!

Wanya nyin yangu, wanai djinang djaa.

These are the welcoming words of the Butchulla. The traditional landowners of Fraser Island, known to them as K’gari.

You’ll see these words upon arriving on the island. The meaning roughly translates to - “Good day. Welcome! Butchulla people, Traditional Owners of K’gari, welcome you to country. May all our good spirits be around you throughout the day. Wherever you go leave only footprints.”

Cared for and inhabited for thousands of years by the Butchulla Tribe, they hope that all who come to K’gari’s shores will treat it with the deep respect it deserves as K’gari is in fact royalty amongst their spirit world.

In Butchulla legend, K’gari was a beautiful white spirit called Princess K’gari. Beiral - a great god that lived in the sky - the god responsible for the creation of mankind.

However once Beiral had made all the people he realised they had no land, so alongside the help of Yendingie - his messenger - Yendingie came down to earth with Princess K’gari to what is now called Hervey Bay. Here, they made the beaches and the mountains, the lakes and

the rivers. In fact Princess K’gari enjoyed what she was doing so much that she worked extremely hard. Yendingie ordered her to have a rest so she went to sleep on some rocks. Upon awakening she said to Yendingie “I think this is the most beautiful place we have ever made. Please Yendingie, I would like to stay here forever.”

Yendingie replied saying, “Oh no, I could not allow you to do that. You are a spirit and your place is with me”. The princess begged and pleaded with him and at last he relented on the condition that he would have to change her as she couldn’t live on earth as a spirit. She agreed and the beautiful white spirit princess was turned into a stunning paradise island.

Yendingie did not want K’gari to get lonesome however, so he also gave her some trees and flowers. The babbling brooks became her voice and the lakes were made to mirror so that she could look up to the skies and keep watch over Yendingie.Yendingie also gave K’gari birds, animals and people to keep her company - and he even taught the people about procreation so their children could always make sure she was never lonely.

www.dropbearadventures.com.au

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

TOUR REVIEW

OCEAN SAFARI BBM Live Gabriel Laine jumps on board with Ocean Safari from Cape Tribulation to see just what’s so special about this part of the world, and this eco-friendly tour operator.

WE LIKED Eco-friendly tour No other tours operate : beautiful untouched spots Turtles and stingrays almost guaranteed Time saver : 20 min to reef - half day tour Beautiful and clean accommodation at jungle lodge

OCEAN SAFARI An unbelievable experience heading out with Ocean Safari was the highlight of our East Coast trip.

Ocean Safari is a unique independent company and the only one operating out of Cape Tribulation.

Upon reflection, I still can’t quite figure out why this place isn’t packed; they are the only one operating on the island, they are fairly cheap, this is a half day tour which leaves time to visit other places, the ride is only 20 minutes, AND their staff are all locals who know all the best secret spots. To sum it up in three words this was a pretty amazing trip. We arrived the night before at the Jungle Lodge where we enjoyed a good night’s sleep in a very large and private campground. It is right in heart of the forest too, so you get to see amazing bits of nature, and wake up with the sound of the birds. (We also got to see a rather large prehistoric looking cassowary bird on our way too whilst it hung around the lodge!)

The morning before check-in at Ocean Safari, we had breakfast near the pool where they have all the appliances and power outlets you could possibly need. We were even offered to leave our camper van at the lodge for the whole trip, and actually come back for a hot shower before our next trip, which definitely upped the comfort and convenience levels. What you will find should you be lucky enough to visit is that the guys and gals at Jungle Lodge are very welcoming, and their lodge is pretty special. After check in, you get to walk 5 minutes to the beach where the boat is waiting for you, and the staff help you get onboard. You actually need to wade through the water to the boat, so be prepared to get wet up to your knees - however this won’t bother you if you’re already in a wetsuit!

Onboard, you get the security brief, and before you know it, the boat has taken off to the Reef ! On board this high speed and powerful boat you can definitely feel it cutting through the waves, but the seats are nice and comfortable. But either way you’re only on a 20 minute ride so the quick burst is only temporary. As we made the quick journey out to the reef the good tunes pumped out including drum and bass, Creedance, Clearwater

TOUR REVIEW and the Beatles - surprising, but fun! And much better than the rubbish music you sometimes get whilst on tours.

During the tour it felt like the locals were taking you to their spot, and you were a guest onboard… which made for a special atmosphere. Despite this being a half day tour, we got to snorkel in two different locations. First, we stopped at XX Creek where we got to spend almost an hour in the water. Over there, you get to see a lot of wildlife, and the corals are absolutely amazing… Most importantly however, no one else but your group is in the water! So, if you want peace and want to feel like you are alone visiting this beautiful part of the world, this is it.

We then moved to a different snorkelling spot not far from the first one, and this time we got to see sea turtles, stingrays, and starfish, which was truly amazing. And what’s more is despite having travelled all around Australia, I’ve never got to see and swim with turtles that close in any other location I’ve snorkeled at! What was also a bonus is that the knowledgeable, local crew were also great at answering any questions the passengers had about the reef and wildlife. After an hour in the water, we jumped back onboard, removed the wetsuits and headed back to shore. Another great sets of tunes ended our trip smoothly back to the Lodge, where we got to enjoy lunch and a well deserved latte. They even carry almond milk, which is nuts considering they live far from land and use mostly rainwater and solar power!

This tour really is a highlight whilst visiting Queensland and we highly recommend you to try it. Trust me you won’t be disappointed. Just remember to to recycle, keep your crap away and leave everything on the reef as you found it, so many more like us can enjoy this unique spot!

www.oceansafari.com

CRUISE AROUND THE WHITSUNDAYS A world famous water world awaits off Australia’s East Coast.

Spend a day cruising around one of the most pristine areas on Earth as you take to the water with Ocean Rafting.

Offering day tours where you’ll encounter the top three destinations of the Whitsunday Islands; the stunning Whitehaven Beach, the gorgeous and intricate reefs and the Whitsunday Island National Parks. A day tour with Ocean Rafting will also take you to the iconic Hill Inlet beach on their Whitehaven Beach tours as well as extra special snorkel sites at Hook Island and Border Island to ensure a memorable underwater experience where you’ll take in the marine life of this enchanting area.

Each Ocean Rafting vessel holds 25-32 passengers allowing you to experience the gorgeous oceanic terrain away from the crowds, as well as providing snorkel lessons from your guide meaning you’ll be able to experience the stunning marine life up close and personal below the surface.

Ocean Rafting provide two Whitehaven Beach tours to choose from – the Northern Exposure Tour which offers lots of snorkelling time for the water babies amongst you, and the Southern Lights tour which offers more beach time for the beach babes!

All tours depart from Abell Point Marina North which you’ll find next to Sorrento Restaurant & Bar in Airlie Beach. Tours start from $149 per person. www.oceanrafting.com

Q: WHAT’S IT REALLY LIKE SLEEPING ON THE GREAT BARRIER REEF?

A: One of the number one Great Barrier Reef tours departing from Airlie Beach, Awesome Whitsundays really knows how to give you the experience of a lifetime. If submerging yourself amongst the tranquillity and kaleidoscopic wildlife of the Great Barrier Reef is high up on your Australia bucket list, then read on.

With Awesome Whitsundays you can literally stay overnight on the Great Barrier Reef on their Reefworld Pontoon. Operating a variety of Great Barrier Reef toursfrom Airlie Beach, staying overnight on the Reefworld Pontoon comes via Awesome Whitsundays’ Reefsleep Tour. We speak to Awesome Whitsundays to find out what it’s really like on a Great Barrier Reef overnight tour.

What food and drink can you expect on the Reefsleep tour?

2x all you can eat buffet lunches, 2x morning & afternoon tea, a delicious barbecue dinner that’s all cooked on the pontoon and cooked breakfast in the morning before the day trippers arrive on your second day.

Is there a masseuse on board?

Yes, it is a little extra but you can book a massage either on board the vessel or at Reefworld pontoon.

Does the pontoon bob up and down (is there risk of sea sickness?)

The pontoon is very stable, because the enclosing reefs protect it. Sometimes it gets a bit choppy on the way out through the shipping channel. If you do feel a little seasick our staff are extremely helpful and caring.

Do you provide snorkel and diving equipment hire? Is this at an extra cost?

Yes we provide snorkel equipment, which is free. There is a guided snorkelling tour where you can learn about the fish and coral life, which costs a little extra. It’s well worth it to learn more about the incredible environment you are in.

Diving is available and is an extra cost. We have experienced divers and dive masters on board. You can do an intro dive – if you would like your first dive to be in the Great Barrier Reef. If you’re certified you can even do a night dive after dinner on Reefsleep. You just have to let us know 3 days prior.

Is there any particular times of year that are a special time to visit the Reef?

All year round is amazing!

What’s the rarest creature to look out for whilst snorkelling or diving on the Reef?

Seahorses are so tiny that they are really hard to find. There are thousands of different fish species – it really is like you’re in an aquarium but in the ocean. If you’re lucky you’ll find Nemo, Crush the turtle; Gill the rebel, Bubbles and more.

Is the weather changeable?

Not really!

What are the risks when diving or snorkelling the GBR? Our staff are well trained, we have lifeguards on board watching the snorkelling areas.

What’s the absolute best thing about staying on the pontoon overnight?

The serenity of being in this stunning natural location. You are one of a small group left on the pontoon for the afternoon, evening and morning before the day-trippers arrive. It’s so peaceful, waiting for the underwater nightlife to come to life, looking for turtles that come to nibble, laying back and seeing such a star-struck night sky. Sleeping in a swag is an experience too and completely different – it’s such a unique Australian experience that you just have to experience if for yourself!

www.awesomewhitsundays.com

YOUR FESTIVE SYDNEY BUCKETLIST

If you’re lucky enough to have some time off over the Christmas period and need to fill those weird non-days between Christmas and New Year then grab Sydney by the horns and really experience one of the most exciting cities on Earth. Packed to the brim with sensational activities on both land and water, Sydney packs a punch to any visitor to her shores. So here’s just a few ideas on how to spend your time in Sydney over Christmas and New Year! www.bridgeclimb.com

1 Bondi Beach

Here in Sydney, it’s the height of summer of

Christmas, so take advantage of the beautiful weather by visiting one of the most famous

beaches on the planet. Bondi Beach is famous

for its surf, stunning views, sands and even the refreshing Bondi Icebergs Swimming Club - an

essential stop off to cool off on a hot afternoon.

2 BridgeClimb Sydney

Literally the pinnacle of any Sydney activity, scaling the Sydney Harbour Bridge is an absolute must do

whilst in town. Not only will you get the most incredible panoramic views of the city and Sydney Harbour,

you’ll also be able to say you’ve climbed one of the largest bridges on earth. BridgeClimb Sydney offer climbs in the daytime, at dawn and at nighttime.

You can even spoil someone with a BridgeClimb gift voucher this year and give them a truly memorable present. Visit www.bridgeclimbsydney.com for more information and to book.

3 St Georges Open Air Cinema The Christmas holidays are a time

for relaxing and watching obscene

amounts of movies, so why not do so at the world’s most beautiful cinema - St

Georges Open Air Cinema. Situated at Mrs Macquaries Point, the cinema will open on 5th December and overlooks

the Sydney Harbour Bridge as well as the opera house.

4 The Blue Mountains

Got a few days to kill over the holidays?

Why not head for the hills on a day trip to the Blue Mountains. Here you can

hike, discover ancient Aboriginal rock

art, horse ride, go kayaking, or simply have a picnic in this lush and wild

National Park just a couple of hours outside of the city.

5 The Rocks Very Merry Markets

Need to do a spot of Christmas shopping

before the big day? The Rocks’ Very Merry Markets has everything from handcrafted

gifts to tasty snacks and is open until 8pm in

the run up to Christmas meaning you can get your Christmas shopping done whilst walking around the markets and get some thoughtful and unique gifts for your friends and family.

The market will be open on 2nd, 9th, 16th and 23rd December from 4pm-8pm.

NYE ON THE HARBOUR

Looking to party at one of the most epic New Year’s Eve parties in Sydney?

Cargo Bar is ready to bring it all in aid of welcoming in 2017. Cargo Bar’s NYE on the Harbour 2017 will see a sh1t hot line up take to the decks in the form of The Aston Shuffle, Yolanda Be Cool, Touch Sensitive, Benson, Elizabeth Rose, Bad Decisions, Friendless and Ariane.

And if you’re not familiar with some of those names - you may remember Yolanda Be Cool from their smash hit ‘We No Speak Americano’ which sold 5 million copies worldwide, and The Aston Shuffle who regularly feature on Ministry of Sound compilations.

Sydney does New Year’s Eve bigger than any city in the whole wide world, so brace yourself for one hell of an epic night. Cargo Bar is situated on the banks of the stunning Darling Harbour.

VIP $109 Package includes 2 hour beverage package, including spirits & canapés from 6-8pm downstairs in Cargo Bar. Platinum VIP $159 Package includes champagne on arrival 3 hours of beverages, including premium spirits & canapés between 6-9pm upstairs in the lounge overlooking the stunning wharf and fireworks.

The party will take place over two floors and out onto the pier with fantastic views of the Harbour. cargobarnye.iwannaticket.com.au

HARBOUR PARTY NYE

Spend New Year’s Eve at Luna Park Sydney

Brown. These are just a handful of the artist who will be performing on the night with more acts set to be announced very soon!

One of the most famous destinations in Sydney, Luna Park is renowned for bringing joy to the masses.

Spending New Year’s Eve with some of the best live acts and DJ’s in the setting of an amusement park doesn’t get much better than this. In between acts you can enjoy rides on the carousel, ferris wheel, the Moon Ranger, the Spider and more. To keep you fed and watered you can pick from a plethora of food, including vegetarian, and alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks. There are a number of tickets available from Palais VIP, Deck VIP, Sonar VIP, Diamond VIP and general admission tickets.

In prime position to catch the midnight fireworks, this year’s Harbour Party at Luna Park is set to be a big one. Live music, great food, drinks and a party atmosphere, you can hear the likes of Sneaky Soundsystem, Matt Watkins, KLP (Kristy Lee Peters from triple J’s House Party), Mashd n Kutcher and Havana

PALAIS VIP TICKET

With the Palais VIP ticket you can gain access to a private venue space above The Deck restaurant including a private balcony, floor to ceiling glass windows and views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Opera House and Circular Quay. Perks of this ticket include canapes from 7-11pm, the Chef’s carvery until 1.30am, premium wines, beer and spirits all-inclusive until 1.45am and access to the Palais, Deck or Sonar cocktail party. This ticket also includes exclusive entry to the Crystal Palace and Big Top VIP lounge bars and entry to Big Top Sydney and Crystal Palace for live entertainment from DJs and performers.

Tickets - $519.00 + booking fees

THE DECK VIP TICKET

Luna Park’s award-winning restaurant and bar, The Deck is where you’ll find uninterrupted views of the New Year’s Eve fireworks, the Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge and Circular Quay. This ticket gets you a selection of canapes from 7-11pm, the Chef’s selected carvery until 1.30am, a range of selected wines, beer and house spirits until 1.45 am and exclusive access to the Palais, Deck or Sonar cocktail party space from 6.30pm-2am. Also included are priority entry to Luna Park with free rides all night and entry to Big Top Sydney and Crystal Palace for live entertainment from DJs and performers.

Tickets - $499 + booking fees

SONAR VIP TICKET

For wining and dining with a side of VIP

treatment, Sonar is an exclusive cocktail party space below The Deck which goes on to the Luna Park boardwalk. Included with the Sonar VIP ticket are canapes from 7-11pm, the Chef’s carvery until 1.30 am, all-inclusive wines, beer and house spirits until 1.45am and access to the Palais, Deck or Sonar cocktail party space.

You’ll also get priority on the rides and entry to the Big Top Sydney and Crystal Palace for the live entertainment and DJs. Tickets - $429 + booking fees

DIAMOND VIP TICKET

Get the best of both worlds with the Diamond VIP experience. With this ticket you’ll get a free drink ticket upon arrival, free cloakroom use, priority entry to the rides and entertainment at the Big Top Sydney and Crystal Palace and access to the Big Top VIP lounge bars! You’ll

even be able to get in prime position for the fireworks on the boardwalk.

Tickets - $259 + booking fees

GENERAL ADMISSION TICKET

Want to combine the excitement of Luna Park’s amusement rides with your New Year’s Eve celebrations? The General Admission Ticket gives you entry to Big Top Sydney and Crystal Palace for all the live entertainment, performers and DJs as well as access to loads of bars and eateries, including Lavender Green.

Tickets - $139 + booking fees

Get your tickets to Harbour Party NYE at harbourparty.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

DISCOVERY RECOMMENDS: NAKED FOR SATAN It doesn’t get much hipper than Fitzroy drinking hole Naked for Satan.

Head a mere two kilometres north-east of Melbourne’s city centre and you’ll arrive in trendy Fitzroy, a rough around the edges hipster haven, filled with a treasure trove of quirky cafes, vintage clothing stores, independent record shops and a plethora of edgy live music venues. If that weren’t enough, head down on any given day of the week and you’ll be greeted with a wonderful mish-mash of lively street entertainment, impromptu pop up markets and an ever changing and much celebrated art scene; varying from commissioned murals and street art to galleries, studios and workshops.

Sitting gloriously at the centre of all this goodness is the award winning and fiendishly named Russian vodka and Spanish tapas haunt, Naked for Satan. And though it might sound like an odd combination, the eccentric concept manages to work on every level. And we literally mean every level, with the roof top terrace undoubtedly dazzling on any first visit with its stunning views of Melbourne’s dramatic skyline, as well as its plush and chic outdoor setting, just oozing rustic appeal, while epitomising the city’s laid back and sophisticated drinking scene.

As you enter the cosmopolitan Brunswick Street venue, you’ll inevitably be equally as blown away at the lower level too, as you take in the exquisite and wonderfully preserved vodka distillation equipment positioned at the front of the bar, as well as the bold, exposed ventilation ducts and provocative découpage of nudes adorning the bar’s shabby chic walls. With a rich history dating back to the 1930’s Depression Era, there is a real old soul ambience that resonates beautifully throughout this unique location. From its framed vintage photos lining the walkways and gleaming chandeliers providing revellers with the most romantic lighting arrangements, to the grand, oldfashioned library style furniture and charming and fully functioning antique lift that takes you up to the bar above.

But what to drink you ask? Well, NFS prides itself on its exclusive blends of infused vodkas, ranging from the delectable chilli and cherry to the scintillating opium flower poppy. There are also an array of risqué cocktails including Lucifer’s Lovejuice, Bloody Satan and Dirty Diablo. While the wine, ciders, beers and spirit options are all fully and extensively stocked, ready for your deliberating. If you’re partaking in a canape or five (definitely have five), be sure to ask what tipple might complement best, as the food and beverage menus have been harmoniously created to make for the perfect counterparts.

Salud!

285 Brunswick St, Fitzroy, 3065 nakedforsatan.com.au

Summer Savings

- hostel accommodation -

low weekly rates

-

www.discoverymelbourne.com

use promo code ‘SummerSavings’ for 10% off +61 3 9998 3775

-

earlybird specials stay@discoverymelbourne.com

MONEY SAVING TIPS FOR MOVING TO AUSTRALIA

IF you’re hoping to make y

pitch up at your new Australia courtesy of Seven Seas Wor experience, shipping persona Perhaps the first issue to brin

IF you can buy a property t

‘needs a bit of work’ and kno on the asking price, you coul a desirable investment – par lucky enough to find the prop coming area or one going thr regeneration. You’ll know wh undergoing regeneration – th bright colours, straight edges red jeans wearing non-presc

A

your pound go a little further when you an address, we’ve a few tips for you rldwide and our two decades’-worth of al belongings to and from Australia. ng up is the subject of property.

that, as they say, ock the seller down ld find yourself with rticularly if you’re perty in an up-andrough extensive hich areas are here will be a lot of s and hipsters in cription glasses.

IF you’re trying to locate a reasonably

priced property, remember to talk to your chosen bank in Oz: There are four big banks – Commonwealth, National Australia, Westpac and Australia & New Zealand Banking Group. It should be one of these from whom you obtain a mortgage, so speak to their advisers about house prices and house-buying in general in Australia.

IF you find you have packed a fair amount of household items and

furniture for the move, it may be in your best interests to ditch some of it. Sorry we meant ‘donate/sell’ some of it. It’s understandable that you would want to take items of sentimental value but if you can replace an item in Australia with something similar - such as a bed, sofa, wardrobe, etc. - take that option. It will cost less and you won’t have to worry about transportation

Trust us, it’s going to feel very rewarding travelling to your new address with a lighter shipment and a healthier bank account. A lot of people move to Australia for work purposes with a view to returning to the UK and if you’re in a situation whereby you still have premises back in the home country, you might want to think about renting it out while you’re in Oz. However, if you’ve moved to Australia to make a clean break, a number of local governments have schemes in place to assist you financially should this be a requirement. And here’s a tip straight from a customer of Seven Seas Worldwide who moved to Australia last year; it might be worth getting your hands on a prepaid money card in Australia. It’s not quite a credit card, it’s not quite cash; it’s somewhere in the middle. And it can be preloaded with different currencies so you don’t have to worry about currency conversion rates.

For more money-saving advice and general guidance to moving to Australia, don’t forget to visit the Seven Seas Worldwide website. We’ve been in the moving business a while now and we know what it takes to make a success of your adventure abroad. www.sevenseasworldwide.com

KAKADU TRAVEL GUIDE Fun fact - Kakadu National Park is roughly the size of Slovenia, so with 20,000 kilometers squared to explore, she’ll certainly keep you busy!

Amongst an ever-changing landscape of desert, lakes, forest, wetlands and escarpments, there are bountiful pieces of natural beauty coexisting next to some real Aussie wildlife. And when we say real Aussie wildlife we mean the likes of massive saltwater crocs, monitor lizards, turtles and more!

If we had to choose the highlights, it would have to be Twin Falls and Jim Jim Falls. Whether they’re in full cascade during the wet season (November til March) or dried up in the dry season, the actual rock formations are spectacular.

In face, Jim Jim Falls is so spectacular that the water falls from a 150 metre height into a rock pool below - so if there’s one thing you need to see whilst visiting Kakadu - make sure it’s this waterfall!

However, as we said, Twin Falls isn’t to be overlooked. This waterfalls gives you a real taste of tropical paradise as they lead to a sandy beach below creating an idyllic place to cool off.

Exploring Kakadu National Park isn’t just about seeing the flora and fauna however, as you have the chance to learn more about the traditional landowners as well as seeing some ancient Aboriginal rock art. Another fun fact - the Aboriginal traditional landowners of Kakadu National Park have been living in the area for 40,000 years and are subsequently the longest continuous surviving human culture in the entire world!

Thanks to the knowledge of the local Aboriginals, they have denoted that there are six seasons that take place throughout the year in Kakadu, meaning there are different things to see at different times of year. From December to March the season is known as Gudjewg and temperatures are at 24 - 34 Celsius. At this type of year you can expect tropical thunderstorms, heavy rain and flooding. This is also when you’ll find Magpie Geese nesting.

DISCOVER AUSTRALIA’S BIGGEST NATIONAL PARK Come Banggerreng - also known as April, temperatures remain the same, however the rain lets off but you may get the odd ‘Knock ‘em down storm’ which can damage the new plants as they attempt to grow. Yegge from May to mid June is when the locals will often burn some of the land to encourage growth, and temperatures are a little more bearable having cooled off somewhat.

The cool season from mid June to mid August sits at around 1732 Celsius is when the dry season (Wurregeng) begins and the burning continues. As the billabongs and creeks shrink wildlife crowd around the waters as it becomes scarce. From mid August to October temperatures begin to rise again as Sea turtles come on shore to lay their eggs, and from October - late December Gunumeleng takes place as the land prepare once more for the wet season. With the ever changing weather of the Kakadu region it’s important to plan your trip.

Travellers Tip: Kakadu Wild Expeditions have tours departing from March - October from 3-5 days. www.kakaduwild.com.au

RACE TO THE CENTRE

It’s no secret that Australia is massive, but some journeys may sound longer than they actually are. After all with Australia’s miniscule population, one thing you certainly don’t have to worry about whilst on a long journey is getting stuck in traffic.

The joy of taking to the open road in Australia, is that it is just that. Literally miles and miles of open road surrounded by mind-altering scenery that will leave you agasp in awe of the sheer size of the place. It’s with all this in mind that hitting the road from Darwin to Alice Springs is one of the best ways to get yourself to the ‘Red Centre’ - also known as the home to Uluru.

There’s no way you’ll want to miss out on the Red Centre whilst in the NT, trust us.

After all the Red Centre is home to not only the most famous rock in the world, but also other mind boggling sites such as Kata Tjuta (also known as The Olgas), Kings Canyon and The Devils Marbles. In order to see the majority of these famous rock formations against the vast backdrop of the Outback you’ll need to get yourself to Alice Springs. Setting off from Darwin, if you’ve got a couple of days then it’s best to go via road so you can see more along the way. Of course flying in to Alice Springs is an option, but it’s also an expensive one, and you won’t get the added bonus of seeing more sites along the way.

As well as epic scenery, you can also stop by the Mataranka Hot Springs for a healing dip (and essential if you’re stiff from being in the vehicle), as well as Daly Waters and the Devils Marbles. Upon arriving in Alice Springs you can make your onward travel plans to visit Uluru, Kings Canyon and more, or plan out your Red Centre adventure before you leave Darwin!

Travellers Tip: Mulgas Adventures offer a Darwin to Alice Springs express service via Edith Falls, Mataranka Hot Springs, Daly Waters and the Devils Marbles for just $299 over one night and two days. Departs March - October so get ahead now and book! www.mulgasadventures.com.au

www.bbmlive.com

3

HOW TO

SURVIVE BACKPACKING IN

N WESTERN AUSTRALIA? So you’ve arrived in Perth and you’ve got several weeks ahead of you free to travel through Australia’s largest and most diverse State, however you, like most working holiday makers have the sinking worry about finances. If you did your research before arriving in Australia and realised you’d need to save up loads of money, then well done you smug lot, but if you’ve saved what you can and need to eek it out, then you’ll need to be smart.

Like most things in today’s world, it’s quite easy to get what you want for a discounted rate, you just need to do your homework.

Searching the Internet for discounts, deals and packages when it comes to travelling is key!

If you’ve given up city life, manicures, regular haircuts and fine dining to travel Australia, then leave those things in the past, but be realistic with yourself. Ask yourself if you can cope sleeping in a dorm with 5 other people, and whether you’re comfortable sharing a bathroom with exotic strangers from around the globe. If the answer is no, then make sure you book suitable accommodation once you’ve mapped out your route. WA may be large, but there are some great routes that you can take over the course of a few weeks or days, depending on how long you’ve got. Navigating through this large state however, is another animal entirely.

You may feel safer either booking on a tour that takes you from A - B, or book on

a coach service with unlimited travel to all the highlights in WA. If you manage to bag a travel pass that takes you all over WA, then you can make your way from Perth to as far north as Broome before perhaps taking your journey across state lines to the Northern Territory. To save even more money whilst travelling always look out for meal deals online when you’re in a major city. When you’re in more remote areas try and book a hostel that has cooking facilities.

This way you can knock up a quick and easy pasta to fill you up, or make sandwiches to have whilst you’re out exploring during the day. WA has so many things to see from incredible National Parks such as Karijini, to the Bungle Bungle Ranges, the Ningaloo Reef and Kalbarri, so make sure you hop online to look for deals on tours and excursions ahead of arriving at your destination.

Speaking of getting online, the number one way to keep your phone bill to a minimum whilst travelling in WA is by getting a pay-as-you-go Aussie sim when you arrive. That way you can check emails, update your instagram, and book accommodation whilst you’re on the go giving you a bit more freedom whilst exploring the West Coast. www.integritycoachlines.com.au

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

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

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.

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 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.

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

MONKEY MIA A tropical paradise combining beach fun and marine adventures awaits you in Monkey Mia. Although Monkey Mia is almost 850 kilometres from Perth there’s so much to see and do along the way you may as well make an action-packed road trip out of it.

Setting off from Perth over four days with Aussie Wanderer will give you an action-packed road trip alongside like-minded travellers. Your first port of call will be the Pinnacles Desert which looks more like a moonscape than a desert, and is the perfect place to kick off your adventure.

Driving along the stunning Indian Ocean Road you’ll take in epic coastal views as you make your way up to Kalbarri National Park. Upon reaching Kalbarri you’ll be confronted with vast panoramic views of the rocky landscape and you’ll have the chance to hike the famous Z-Bend and maybe even abseil down the 25 metre walls of Murchison Gorge.

As you head towards Shell Beach and Shark Bay the beach portion of your road trip begins as you prepare to meet the world-famous Monkey Mia dolphins.

The Monkey Mia dolphins have been swimming into the shallow waters of the Monkey Mia resort for many years which attracts tons of visitors as you get the opportunity to see these incredible creatures up close.

Whilst visiting Monkey Mia you can take a wildlife cruise for $35 or hire a kayak for $15 and go exploring in the crystal clear, blue waters.

Your way back to Perth doesn’t have to be a straight run, so on your way back to Perth you’ll stop off at Greenough Wildlife Park where you can hand feed kangaroos and also meet some other local Aussie wildlife. There’s even time for one last adrenaline packed moment as you reach Lancelin. Lancelin is famous for its great sand dunes, so grab a sand board and surf your way down for one last hurrah before you return to Perth.

Prices start from $645 and includes most meals, all accommodation, transport and entry fees to attractions. 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

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

吀䔀䴀倀 䨀伀䈀匀 昀漀爀 圀漀爀欀椀渀最

䠀伀䰀䤀䐀䄀夀 䴀䄀䬀䔀刀匀

䤀一 䄀唀匀吀刀䄀䰀䤀䄀

眀眀眀⸀瀀攀漀瀀氀攀㈀瀀攀漀瀀氀攀⸀挀漀洀⸀愀甀

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.

PARTNER VISAS FOR AUSTRALIA 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.

To find out more about applying for a Partner Visa for Australia contact a migration agent today at info@freedommigration.com.au and mention BBM Live advert when calling on +61731 123 204.

For more information visit www.freedommigration.com

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

21

A GUIDE TO WORKING AS A NURSE IN AUSTRALIA 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.

Apply for nursing jobs now at www.bowerhealthcare.com.au

TRAVEL ESSENTIALS Whether you want to spoil someone this Christmas or need tgo pack for an upcoming trip, here’s a few travel essentials you just can’t go without...

2.

1.

3.

4.

5.

6.

8.

9.

7.

10.

1. Yoga Bellies ultra skinny yoga mat for yogis on the go - $120 - www.amazon.com 2. VOYA Voyager organic skincare travel set - $72 - www.voya.ie 3. Groov-e Fusion Headphones - $58 – Amazon, World Duty Free & Prezzybox.com 4. Happy Plugs Soundpiece Mini Bluetooth Speaker - $115.99 www.happyplugs.com 5. HD multi-screen set-up for designers on the go - $250 - www.packedpixels.com 6. OBEY Women’s backpack - $99.00AUS www.obeyclothing.com 7. 4-in-1 Calming Concealer for dry & sensitive eyes - $20 - www.skinshop.co.uk 8. Picturekeeper 8GB photo drive for iPhone and iPad - $162 - picturekeeper.com 9. Tranverz Small Carry On Case - $200 - Eastpak.com 10. Olloclip Core Lens Set for iPhone 7 - $167 - www.olloclip.com

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

DUSKY

Dusky will be heading out to Australia for the epic New Year’s Day festival that is Let Them Eat Cake. Here we caught up with the dance duo to find out about their new album ‘Outer’ and unearth just what goes into their techno influenced sound.

We’re at the end of another year and what seems to have been another huge year for Dusky. What has been your high and lowlights of 2016?

Our first live show at Village Underground in London last April was a big moment for us. It was the first time we played a lot of the ‘Outer’ music out and was a big change going from DJing to actually performing our music. We had a few technical issues just before doors so it was a nerve-wracking few hours before we went on, but everything went without a hitch and it really went off in there.

Orbital. Do you have an affinity with the music from early-mid nineties?

What was your favourite artists/ albums from that era?

It’s a hugely important era for us, as it is for a lot of electronic music fans who grew up when we did. There are almost too many acts and sub-genres to mention, which is probably what made it such a diverse and inspiring time - there was so much to immerse yourself in: old school rave, hardcore, UK garage, Belgian techno, jungle, electronica, acts like Orbital, The Orb, Daft Punk and Chemical Brothers, we could go on!

As for other big moments: finally releasing ‘Outer’, doing our first Maida Vale session and being asked back to do a second Essential Mix were all special for us. Our live show at Parklife in Manchester was especially crazy and a festival highlight! It’s definitely been a busy year fitting everything in, but there haven’t been any real lowlights and we tend not to focus on the negatives.

Congratulations on the new album ‘Outer’, it really is a killer album!

What music/artists had the most influence on the album when you produced it?

Thank you - that means a lot. We wanted to make sure it sounded like us and for the album to have a modern style, but also represent the music and influences that have meant so much to us over the years. On that side, it’s heavily influenced by a lot of the 90s electronic music that we grew up with and mentioned in the last question, and the classic albums that many of those acts released in that era. We also really wanted the album to have an overall arc and narrative, rather than just being

You released your sophomore album ‘Outer’ not that long ago, and the first single taken from that was the retrospective beats-based track ‘Ingrid is a Hybrid’. An amazing track which is very old-school sounding and very reminiscent in parts of

a collection of club tracks. Something people can listen to at home or on the bus, as well as out at clubs or shows.

‘Outer’ features a host of vocals from guests like Pedestrian, Solomon Grey, Gary Numan Wiley and Wiley. Numan especially must’ve been a big one for you to get! Was it an easy process getting him involved?

The instrumental for ‘Swansea’ had a very 80s-inspired electronic vibe, which Gary Numan felt perfect for - he pioneered those sounds. We knew we wanted him on the record so found a way of getting the track to him… a friend of a friend of a friend used to work with him and passed it on. Luckily, he really loved the track and emailed to say he was up for working on it. It was a massive result and a real honour for us.

The remix package for the first single included an awesome version from

techno mainstay Shed, a brilliant and inspired choice for remixer. Is there anyone left on your wishlist that you would like to approach for a remix?

Thanks - it’s always fun choosing remixers for singles! We’d love to get one of the old Belgian techno legends like CJ Bolland on a remix at some point, or even a classic US electro pioneer like Drexciya. In terms of more modern artists, Denis Sulta and Fort Romeau have both been smashing it this year, so they’d be great too.

From some of your recent DJ sets we’ve heard (the Triple J Radio mix comes to mind) it feels like Dusky is moving towards a more technoorientated sound. Is this a natural progression for you or a definite decision to move towards a harderedged sound?

Techno is a big influence on what we do and has been for some time. It’s

one of the bedrocks of modern dance music and has arguably influenced all the subgenres that have come since in some way.

You will be returning to Australia to play at the Let Them Eat Cake Festival just outside of Melbourne.

You played there in 2014 which was only the second year of the festival - and now Resident Advisor calls it the best one day NYD festival in the world. What was the lasting memories from the festive which you took away with you?

The line-up was on-point and there was an obvious commitment to quality, credible sounds, so it was a really enjoyable one to play for us. The weather is always a lot better than London at that time of year too!

With 2017 just around the corner and your album released, what will be your main focus for next year?

Touring and promoting the album has been pretty non-stop for the past few months, so we’re looking forward to just getting our heads back into the studio and seeing what comes out. We’ve got a lot of activity planned for our 17 Steps label over next year, with EPs signed from Bwana, Christian Piers and B.K.R - the latter including a Jamie Jones collaboration. We’re also going to bring back our Take A Trip all the night set at some point next year too.

And finally, what is your most essential travel item that you cannot leave home without?

It’s an obvious one but we’d have to say our laptops… We DJ with them and we start writing the majority of our tracks on them whilst on the road, so we’d be a bit fucked without them!

DOORLY

Living la vida loca as he jets around the world to exotic locations bringing with him his “Wonky, after-party, house” we catch with Doorly ahead of what will be a very busy and tropical, touring season...

Hi Doorly, how are you?

Very good thank you!

Where are you in the world right now?

Currently In Ibiza, my last day at home before I head off on a two month tour tomorrow morning which will take me all the way around the world and then halfway around again before returning home in mid-January. I’ll be touring America for two weeks with Booka Shade on their live tour as their support DJ. Then hitting Mexico, Fiji, Bali, the Caribbean, Dubai, New Zealand and of course my favourite Strayaaa!

What have you been up to this week?

Just trying to wrap up any loose ends of music bits before I hit the road as it’s pretty much non-stop, so I like to make sure I’m ahead on everything as it’s really hard to keep up whilst on the road. Been spending as much time as possible cuddling my dog as she’s definitely going to miss me a lot!

So, you had another epic summer in Ibiza, what was a highlight for you?

It was my 11th season here, and was

a real honour to run my own party in the main room of Space this season in its final months. I had some great guests come and play for me: Green Velvet, Dusky, Derrick Carter to name a few. My highlights were always at my regular parties at Pikes though, which will continue next summer. Pikes is by far the coolest place on the island and maybe the world!

Where’s your favorite place to grab a bite whilst on the island?

To be honest it’s such a treat to actually be at home. Because of how much I’m away I tend to really enjoy just eating at home whilst I’m on the island: we love having friends round for boozy dinners and it gives my body a chance to be healthy as it’s not easy when you spend most of your life in airports and nightclubs!

Our favourite place when we do go out is a British-owned contemporary tapas place which is amazing Tapas Restaurant Ibiza.

So, off to chase the endless sun you’ll be touching down in Australia over December & January, what do you look forward to the most when in Australia?

Australia is my favourite place to

DJ and has been for several years.

The crowd is warmer, happier and just generally more up for a party than anywhere else on earth. I really love Melbourne so I will be spending Christmas there with friends: it’s such an amazing arty, cultural 24-hour city with so much to do. Also I’m really looking forward to seeing in the New Year with good friends in Byron Bay at a pool party gig there. I’m bringing my girlfriend with me this year who’s never been before so I’m really excited to show her around.

What do you make of the festivals over there compared with European ones?

Again the crowd is the best in Oz, so the vibe is so much stronger than in Europe where it can sometimes all be a little too serious. Also the weather is always spot-on, whereas there’s a decent chance of rain at all European festivals!

You’re hitting up Your Paradise too in Fiji - just how much do you love your job as this is a real festival paradise!?

Haha yeah exactly. I played the first year and it was so beautiful there, I can’t wait to go back! I’m throwing a Doorly & Friends party on a sandbank in the middle of the ocean with Justin Martin and a few other friends when the tide is out so we have around six hours there with our generator powered sound system until it’s swallowed up!

What’s the best or most exotic location you’ve played at?

I think Fiji is pretty hard to beat to be fair. I’ve played in the Caribbean which is cool as well, and some of the Islands in Thailand aren’t too shabby either.

Where’s the weirdest place you’ve played?

I DJ’d in Time Square in New York once in this big show for Nokia, I did some production for Nicki Minaj then we both had to perform the track in a packed out Time Square to 35,000 people. That was all very bizarre So tell us more about Reptile Dysfunction, what are you putting out on there?

It’s been a long time in the making but basically I’ve been so happy and fortunate to work with the amazing labels that I release with (Cajual, Dirtybird and Hot Creations for example). But sometimes I make a track that just doesn’t fit any of them but it’s my biggest track in my sets.

This started happening too often so I just needed to set up my own label and little collective of some of the amazing artists I meet on my travels who don’t quite fit anywhere either.

Our first release comes out 23rd December and features a vocal from Mike Skinner from the Streets: we have a lot of really cool stuff lined up!

Can you sum up the project in three words?

Wonky. Afterparty. House.

Any exciting finds that we should be listening out for?

I’ve signed this incredible artist called Tan Dem, a fellow Brit based in Los Angeles. He’s actually the brother of Dave “Switch” Taylor who to me is maybe the most gifted producer of our time. He has some absolute gold ready to be released this year, so I’m really stoked to be able to put some of it out on my label.

What are your hopes for 2017 and what’s in the plan for the year ahead?

I really want to push the label as hard as possible and make it a really nice strong collective of artists and a Party that everyone can come and feel completely part of. The Reptile Dysfunction events will take over from my worldwide Doorly & Friends parties and become a much more immersive and bespoke experience for our guests.

Thanks for taking the time out to chat to us and have a great time bouncing around the Pacific!

Thanks for having me! See you along the way!

By Hannah Shakir

Festivals 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!

s Down Under FALLS FESTIVAL

RAINBOW SERPENT 2017

LET THEM EAT CAKE 2017

PARTY IN THE PADDOCK 2017

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

1st January 2017 Melbourne letthemeatcakenyd.com.au

FOMO

6th January 2017 - Adelaide Gaol, SA 7th January 2017 - Riverstage, Brisbane, QLD 8th January 2017 The Crescent, Parramatta Park, NSW www.fomofestival.com.au

SUGAR MOUNTAIN

21st January 2017 Melbourne www.sugarmountainfestival.com

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

19th - 20th February 2017 Tasmania partyinthepaddockfestival.com.au

SECRET GARDEN

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

PITCH MUSIC FESTIVAL

10th - 13th March 2017 TBA - Regional Victoria pitchfestival.com.au

&

ARTS