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CRUISING THE CONTINENT EUROPE’S BEST SAILING DESTINATIONS
Long balmy summers filled with fantastic food, azure waters, and sublime sunsets are just a few factors that come with spending the summer in Europe. Add in a sailing holiday and you’re pretty much neck and neck with the European playboys that call the Med home. However, sailing holidays are no longer a pipe dream for the everyday sunseeker with more and more affordable sailing holidays dropping anchor off the shores of Greece, Croatia and Turkey - complete with the royal combo of sun, sea, and sailing! Cruising the waterways of the Aegean and Dalmatian doesn’t get much more idyllic with temperatures sitting around 26-30 C throughout the summer, meaning a dip in the sea is the perfect way to cool off or freshen up whilst making your way along the coastline. Croatia, Greece and Turkey all have their plus points when it comes to a sailing holiday destination, whether it be in the form of culinary delights, or on shore nightlife, but choosing a destination for your sailing holiday can be tough.
Greece or Turkey? Both is the answer! When it comes to sailing in Greece or Turkey, you don’t need to choose a side as the geographical closeness of the two countries means both are within easy reach of each other. Turkey offers incredible party resorts such as Bodrum, Marmaris and Datca coupled with the Greek Islands of Kos,
Symi and Rhodes. When on a sailing holiday between the two, you can spend every night in a different town and spend days exploring the mysterious history and cultural sites of these ancient countries. Similarly, you can spend your time relaxing on board in between destinations and cooling off with frequent swims.
Sailing Back in Time For those looking for even more cultural clout to their sailing holiday, you can also sail by Gulet (a traditional Turkish sailing vessel) along Turkey’s West Coast as well as explore the ancient cities and sites of Istanbul, Troy and Pergamum before heading to the healing waters
of Pamukkale - a simply awe inspiring natural wonder.
Island Hopping & Nightlife The Greek Islands long remain an idyllic destination for any summer holiday with the food and nightlife being some of the best in the whole of Europe. Whether you’re sampling souvlaki or kleftiko or trying your best to enjoy ouzo, the Greek culture is one that is warm and welcoming and certainly leaves a lasting imprint.
Croatia - The New Kid On The Block The Greek Island’s biggest rival to date,
Croatia has become an increasingly popular destination when it comes to the European summer and has welcomed visitors on mass since 2012. With a coastline littered with hundreds of small islands there’s so much to explore that a sailing holiday is the perfect way to soak up the Croatian culture. Croatia offers the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Dubrovnik - where you can explore the walls of the Old Town as well as party the night away in a 13th Century fortress. This is nicely juxtaposed with the natural beauty of Mljet where you’ll see rolling hills and idyllic coves. Nightlife packs a punch in Croatia at Hvar’s trendy harbourside where you can expect to pay anywhere between 2-4 euros for a half
litre of beer. Sailing in Croatia, your days are filled with canon balling overboard into the clear Dalmatian waters or exploring the ancient towns on the islands - or simply sunning yourself on the deck and soaking up some rays.
Why Sail? Sailing holidays to any of these locations is a great way to travel with friends, or make new ones on board. The destinations of Greece, Turkey and Croatia all mean you can combine experiencing some of the world’s most ancient landmarks with the swashbuckling shenanigans of a sailing holiday.
The freedom of travelling by boat makes for a relaxing way to see and visit multiple locations all whilst getting the luxury factor of sunbathing, cocktails and partying on the high seas, so where will you set sail to?
Some Sailing Holidays to choose from: Croatia: Sail Dubrovnik to Split 8 days from $598
Sail Split to Dubrovnik – 8 days from $524 Greek Islands: Sail Greece Kos to Kos 8 days from $749 Turkey: Best of Turkey by Gulet 12 days from $1169
View itineraries, tour details and book direct at traveltalktours.com
Article and images by Lisa Imogen Elridge www.girlabouttheglobe.com
Discover incredible ways to see Asia, the Middle East and more www.traveltalktours.com
STEP INTO GAME OF THRONES VIA
DUBROVNIK
BBMLive’s Omar Soliman explores Dubrovnik’s terrain as he seeks out cult show, ‘Game of Thrones’ locations whilst soaking up the Croatian culture. Eastern Europe is quickly becoming one of the more alluring holiday destinations. With its Mediterranean climate and relatively cheap prices Croatia fits the bill and if you fancy a beach with some culture thrown in then Dubrovnik ticks those boxes. With a couple of days booked off either side of the Easter holiday I flew in for a few relaxing days in Lapad. This is a relatively new suburb in Dubrovnik lying about 3km northwest of the Old City, far enough from the tourist hubbub but strolling
distance away. While I got the beach I craved I also got the bonus of being transported to Westeros. Walking into the fortified Old City of Pile in Dubrovnik is like strolling into a timewarp. Encircled by huge stone walls since the 12th Century, the moats and gates look like they have been drawn up directly from George R.R. Martin’s imagination. Indeed you may have seen this backdrop before, the city of Dubrovnik has been extensively used in Game of Thrones since season two. Filling in as The Red Keep, Fort Lovrijenac was one of the first lines of defence in protecting Dubrovnik from the Venetians. After intimidation
in the early 11th Century, the locals built their fort in just three months but the Venetian influence remains in the architecture and the cuisine. Certain corners in Fort Lovrijenac will also look familiar; the top right hand corner of the courtyard was used for Cersei and Littlefinger’s ‘Power is Power’ meeting (S2: E1) while The Hound saving Sansa from the King’s Landing Riots was filmed at the back wall (S2: E6). The lookout was also used for the sun drenched Tourney on King Joffrey’s Name Day (S2: E1) and for Bronn and Tyrion discussing their bromance/his sellsword servitude (S3:E1). Pay attention on the walk back to Pile for a couple more locations. Those
green doors carved into the bay wall do look chilling, in the real world they were used as tidal prison cells but in King’s Landing they were used as the backdrop to The Slaughter of the Innocent when King Robert’s bastards were massacred (S2: E1). The small bay itself has also been the setting for Sansa and Shae watching the boats go by (S3: E1), Myrcella’s departure for Dorne (S2: E6) and Cersei awaiting her ill-fated return (S6: E1). Pile Gate itself is a picture perfect landmark yet has been the backdrop to two of the more traumatic moments for King’s Landing; King Joffrey sparking off the Riots (S2: E6) and the funeral of his grandfather, Tywin (S5: E1). You could even
recreate Cersei’s ‘Walk of Shame’ (S5: E10) from the Jesuit Stairs, Od Margarite Street, Ploce Gate and St. Dominik Street where ‘Frankenmountain’ picks her up. Do not fully recreate the walk though, public nudity is an offence that will get you arrested. The show only just got sign-off to film a naked woman on a religious site then had to fork out all the lost revenue for each of the restaurants that line the steps today. Shame. The Old City of Dubrovnik has been a UNESCO site since 1979 yet amidst all the restaurants and shops nearly 500 people call this tourist site ‘home’. You can get a better view of the back gardens by taking the steps up to the City Walls themselves. Awaiting you at the top are glorious views of the city itself and the bay. There are a couple of filming locations too, such as Tyrion and Varys using the walls to plan the defence of King’s Landing (S2: E8). Obviously, the bay was used as Blackwater Bay (S2: E9) though only dinghies would be able to fit in the shallow depths. Minceta Tower should still look familiar, it filled in as The House of The Undying when Daenerys looked for her lost dragons (S2: E10). If you fancy a sit down there are two replicas of The Iron Throne in Dubrovnik; one is in the Game of Thrones gift shop on Boshkoviceva (though the shopkeeper does insist you buy a souvenir before having a photo) and the second is on the island of Lokrum. The fifteen-minute boat ride is well worth it to spend
half a day wondering around the nature reserve. The island was once a former monastery and is said to carry a curse for anyone who stays overnight on the island. The Mother of Dragons, Daenerys Stormborn, visited to film the garden scenes from Qarth (S2: E5) outside the Barracks yet the closest to winged beasts now are the flamboyant peacocks that loudly roam free. The Barracks itself houses a museum with its own Game of Thrones exhibition and behind a curtain is the Throne itself, no need to buy a souvenir here either. Another short trip away is Trsteno Arboretum, a collection of trees from the 15th Century. The trees are not the main attraction and walking down the winding lane you get a glimpse of why the site was chosen for the Red Keep’s Palace Gardens. The villa offers a two-way vista taking in the surrounding bay and on a sunny day is the perfect spot for lemon cake and gossip as Sansa did with Lady Olenna (S3: E2) and Margaery (S3: E4). The trees act as canopies over the lanes, discreet for Varys chatting to Lady Olenna (S3: E4). The site has also been the backdrop for more macabre chats; Sansa discussing her dead family (S4: E1) and Ser Dontos handing her the necklace with amethysts which would choke a certain young King (S4: E1). With so much history of its own Dubrovnik is well worth a trip, throw in the Game of Thrones’ references and you have a fun filled few days ticking off the locations and recreating some of your favourite moments. Words and images by Omar Soliman
THE ULTIMATE GREEK ODYSSEY
Free and Easy Traveler’s adventures emphasise the importance and beauty of spontaneous travel – feeling free and taking life easy is their core ethos and exactly what backpacking should be all about. On board their spectacular 20-day Grecian odyssey, this philosophy is exactly what you can expect as you leisurely sail the Aegean Sea, visiting 5 of Greece’s paradise islands. The tour begins in the ancient city of Athens. The birthplace of Western culture and a metropolis steeped in mythological heritage – Athens is the ultimate destination to begin your Grecian odyssey. Get to know the city and soak in the history on walking tour and explore the iconic Acropolis and the Pantheon before heading to the port and venturing south to the paradise Greek Islands. After getting to know your fellow travellers in the capital, you’ll head to Santorini – an island of unparalleled natural beauty. On Santorini, classical Grecian white-walled buildings nestle on its blackened volcanic cliffs and provide a striking setting for some of the world’s most beautiful sunsets. Enjoy a walk down the winding alleyways that make up a web of cobbled streets and discover the striking red and black sandy beaches. On board the tour you will hike the impressive volcano and reach the highest point in Santorini for incredible vistas of the island in its entirety. Spend a day relaxing on board your own boat and explore the island’s bays. A bus tour of the island is also included, as well as a wine tasting at a local vineyard. After 3 days of some serious beach time, it’s off to Ios, where the Free and Easy adventure continues.
Ios is only accessible by boat, but despite its isolated location, the island is a backpacker hotspot. The island has some of the best nightlife in Europe, and every year party-goers flock to this clubbing mecca for its epic nightlife in a stunning setting. By day, enjoy the vast stretches of beach and the calm waters of the Aegean Sea that lap lazily on the shore. The island is also a hot spot for water sports, so be sure to take advantage of the abundance on offer (unless of course the hangover renders you bound to your sun-bed!) After soaking up the sun on Ios, it’s onwards to the dreamy landscape of Crete which makes for a welcome break from the party lifestyle on Ios. Explore the ancient village of Plakias on the south coast of the island and hike the ancient paths to hidden caves and bays that pirates once used to stash their gold and valuables. There is also the opportunity on Crete to discover the unique underwater world of the Aegean Sea with some diving with professionals. You will also get
the chance to explore the ruins of the palace of Knossos – one of the earliest cities in Europe before heading to Rhodes. The island of Rhodes is the largest of the Dodecanese Islands and abounds in beaches, verdant valleys and historical antiquities. Whilst it is the ultimate spot for the history buffs amongst you, the island strikes a fantastic balance between the old and new with a plethora of opportunities and activities such as sampling the local bars and shopping at its bustling markets. Discover the length and breadth of the island on a bus trip that takes you from the Old City to Prasonisi Beach and enjoy the island’s beautiful beaches before heading back to the mainland after what’s sure to be an incredible Free and Easy adventure. Book your spot for $2390 on this Grecian Adventure. fnez.com
LAND AHOY BUT WILL IT BE CROATIA OR GREECE?
Sailing holidays are hands down the embodiment of summer and flitting from island to island, swimming in quiet coves and bays are just a handful of the perks that come with any sailing holiday, but location is key.
countries boast a glorious vista, however it can be difficult to choose which one to take in. Although Croatia offers its culture, some great seafood, sunshine and some unique architecture, the waters surrounding the Greek Islands offer crystal clear waters and amazing cuisine. We’re talking Kleftiko, Mousaka, Stuffed Peppers, Gyros, Saganaki (amazing fried cheese that you have to have as a starter) and some stunning sandy beaches.
With Croatia rising to prominence over the last few years people may be quick to set sail along the Dalmatian Coast but what about the abundance of Greek Islands that are swathed in ancient legends and offer a rich tapestry of culture? Let’s take a look at the perks of sailing in Greece or Croatia this summer.
Croatia is made up of over 1000 tiny islands, many sporting Venetian style buildings and lot sof seafood to go hand in hand with a nautical adventure. However, Croatia doesn’t sport the same famous party islands such as Mykonos and tends to only come alive when there’s a festival on. The Greek Islands are famous for the gay-friendly Mykonos as well as the stunning sunsets at Santorini
Lush and dramatic landscapes - both this
and the water sports on Ios. A sailing holiday in Greece also comes complete with the prestige of island hopping and experiencing the charm and character of each individual island. If you’re keen to climb aboard a sailing holiday in Greece this summer then be sure to take a look at tours such as the seven-day YOLO cruises departing from Athens with Sail In Greece. There are a range of activities for young travellers
looking for a good time whilst exploring these incredible islands. Sail in Greece tours start from just ÂŁ299 per person. Including 7 nights accommodation on board, exclusive island excursions, free shots of ouzo and breakfast and lunch all included, you will be getting true value for money and more. Book a tour around Greece now
www.sail-ingreece.com
SAIL BEATS WEEK 2017
2nd September to 9th September 2017 Launching from the shores of Mykonos on the 2nd September is Sail Beats Week, a new concept Sailing holiday and boutique festival tour around the Greek islands.
Set Sail into a new world where every day will have you immersed in exploring hidden island gems, attending exclusive parties and experiencing a sense of relaxation that you didn’t know existed. From gazing at the stars in our Zodiac corner, to diving into the crystal clear Aegean Sea before we rave until dawn, get set for a week you’ll never forget. Sail Beats Week is the festival experience that your summer has been waiting for… We’re proud to announce our first headline act Grand Pavilion (AUS), who will be performing a live show and DJ sets across the week along with an exclusive music partnership with London based music crew Chase The Compass who will have resident DJs on hand. CTC have been making waves in the scene in recent times, playing at Shoreditch venues XOYO, Queen of Hoxton, The Magic Roundabout, NTs among other top festivals and club nights across the UK, Sydney, New York and Europe. Sail Beats Week has been created by a unique partnership from two of the most successful and innovative tour company start ups the European travel market has seen in years, Beats Travel and Sail In Greece. Filling a huge gap in the Greek travel market, Sail Beats Week will provide a unique music focused festival experience with world class underground artists who would usually be found playing summer seasons in Ibiza and Croatia.
Beats Travel bring a ton of experience in curating unique festival tours experience to the table, while Sail In Greece have extensive local knowledge of the Aegean coastline which has enabled Sail Beats Week to create what will be the most exclusive yacht festival experiences around the world. All accommodation for the week will be on Yachts as the festival will set up on a new exclusive location each day. With three travel styles including 25 berth superyachts, 8 berth private yachts and a VIP 8 berth super yacht, the week set out to achieve a true boutique festival vibe and appeal to a wide range of music lovers, bringing everyone together for what will surely become an annual pilgrimage to the sun.
Sail Beats Week Festival Tour Overview •
Exclusive parties with headline DJs
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Healing ship - Morning health and Yoga/ reading Workshops
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Dress up in your best glitter for our Secret Ocean Party in a Greek Island cave
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Gaze into the night sky at our Zodiac Corner
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Drink to the bottom of the barrel at our Bottomless Brunch
www.beats-travel.com/sail-beats/
IBIZA 2017 No one can deny that Ibiza is one of, if not the greatest party island on Earth. Revellers from every inch of the globe flock to the White Isle each year to party until sunrise, create magic memories, and fall in love with the island over and over again.
With Ibiza being such an epic, bucket list destination, you want to make sure you do it properly right? Imagine having an Ibiza expert handpick your Ibiza experience to make sure it is the tour of a lifetime. An inspirational adventure that you will be speaking about in 10 years time. Together Travel understood people’s desire to experience Ibiza, but only in it’s best way, to it’s full potential. So we put together the ultimate Ibiza tour package: • 5-7 night’s stay in Ibiza’s hottest party accommodation • E vents and parties tailor-picked by Ibiza experts to ensure you experience every dimension of ibiza. Including: Amnesia, Ocean Beach Club, Sankeys, Sunset Boat Party. • T he best support team, and tour reps the island has to offer, doubled up with buckets of expertise. And that’s just the basis of the experience that could be in store for you. Together Week Ibiza, allows freespirited, like-minded hedonists from many walks of life to come together as one, and share an unforgettable
version of Ibiza. A version of Ibiza that simply can’t be achieved without the attributes Together Week combines. Make friends for the day, for the week, for life! It’s no secret that club prices in Ibiza are hefty, but thanks to Together Week’s expert insight, and presence on the island, the package could save you some serious dough. But more importantly – you get to experience the magic that is Amnesia; stompin’ until the sun shines through the roof-terrace at dawn. Become cocktail-acquainted at Ocean Beach Club in your gladrags. Feel the House music vibrations in Sankeys’ basement, with one of the island’s most powerful sound systems. And dive, jump, swim, dance, drink and take in the unbeatable Balearic views upon the Sunset Boat Party. Ibiza is undoubtedly the best party island in the world, and indeed anyone who visits will have a good time. But we don’t strive for a good time, we aim to have the best times of our lives – Together! www.togetherweek.com
GLAMP YOUR WAY AROUND EUROPE’S BEST FESTIVALS THIS SUMMER
Stoke Travel’s accommodation options are mostly in tents and we wouldn’t have it any other way. There’s something about camping that makes for a great party. Being a recluse is nearly impossible, while the feeling of community is high. Stoke Travel aims to keep trips as cheap as possible, without compromising on
quality, and that’s why they offer more bang for less buck than other tour operators. Enter Stoke Travel’s Festival Glamping Palaces, a sleeping arrangement that lives somewhere on the luxurious side of living outside, comfortable camping, terrific tents, snug sleeping arrangements. Stoke Travel’s Glamping options won’t break the bank, and it
definitely won’t alienate you from your fellow travellers, but it will make you just that little more comfortable, cozy, and as such better rested for whatever chaotic festivities await you during your waking hours. Here’s what Stoke have got lined up in addition to the standard chef-made hot breakfasts and dinners, Stoke’s own campsite parties, and the option for an open beer/sangria bar for 10 euro extra per day… • Large glamping tent that you can stand up in, for stretching, dressing and other activities • Power and lighting • Inflatable mattresses with fitted bed sheets and sleeping bags, making them doubly as warm as the standard • Pillows, for the head on request, so you don’t have to sleep on your dirty clothes • Bottle of water to start the day right, and help the hangover • Local newspaper and free WiFi, that may or may not double as the aforementioned porn channel (don’t do it, you’re gross) • Bedside table to keep your shit in order • Hanging mirror and bin, so you can see how hot you are and keep your sleeping quarters hot too • Welcome drink, for feeling welcome • Morning coffee and turndown service, so you start fresh each day and so does your palace
• 24/7 Stoke friend at your service, kind of like a butler but way less stuffy • An umbrella for the rain or a hat for the sun, depending on what you need to keep off your beautiful face • One festival survival kit, containing things • And fast check in and check out, because we want our Glampers to feel very important indeed.
Oktoberfest & SpringFest
• Heater, for warming them bones • Unlimited coffee, tea, soup, hot chocolate & marshmallows day station to keep you human
San Vino, Bulls & La Tomatina.
• Unlimited icey poles day station to keep you cool. So while Stoke Travel do go above and beyond when it comes to our standard accommodation, the Festival Glamping Palaces take it up a notch and then some, making sure that you’re comfortable and well-rested, and the best you possible when it comes time to party with your thousands of new best friends. Book your next Stoke Travel trip in style with the promo code BBM at stoketravel.com and enjoy all that unlimited beer and sangria for free.
Book now at stoketravel.com
SONUS 2017 It’s no secret that Croatia has become the must go destination for summer music festivals, and with its many islands, stunning sea, ancients forts and fantastic weather the destination remains the premier rival to Ibiza when it comes to the European summer music scene.
Now in its fifth year, Sonus Festival returns for yet another edition of world class entertainment upon the shores of Pag Island. With the festival taking over the Island in August, revellers can party on the world famous Zrce Beach, dance the night away at the open air Kalypso club, or party at Papaya overlooking the clear Adriatic Sea and Velebit Mountain. Whilst at Sonus you can also take advantage of the boat parties, taking to the high seas to party under the sun soaked skies of Croatia. When it comes to visiting Pag Island there’s also an abundance of great restaurants to fuel you for your days and nights partying. The main city, Novalja stands out due to the beauty and uniqueness of its beaches, its unspoilt landscapes, its entertainment and nightlife, the quality of its cultural and historical sites, the multitude of facilities for recreation make it your main hub whilst at Sonus Festival. The great thing about this beachside festival is that it’s flexible depending on what budget you have. With camping readily available, you and your friends can save money - and with the weather remaining pretty good in August, there’s slim to no chance of having any wash outs. If camping isn’t your thing you can look at a package that includes accommodation, or simply look online for an apartment or hotel that’s near to the festival. This year’s festival is set to be one of the biggest ones yet as the organisers celebrate 5 years of Sonus. On the bill for 2017 you’ll find electronic heavy weights such as Richie Ahmed, Jamie Jones, Apollonia, Ricardo Villalobos, Richie Hawtin and many more. First release tickets are priced at 159 euros, with VIP tickets just 249 euros. www.sonus-festival.com
AUSTRALIA PICK OF THE FEST
SYDNEY COMEDY FESTIVAL 17
DASHVILLE COSMIC COUNTRY WEEKENDER
PERTH COMEDY FESTIVAL 17
AUSTRALIA MUSIC WEEK
Now - 21st May 2017 Various Sydney venues, NSW www.sydneycomedyfest.com.au
Now - 21st May Various Perth Venues, WA perthcomedyfestival.com
VIVID SYDNEY
26th May - 17th June 2017 Sydney, NSW vividsydney.com
SPLENDOUR IN THE GRASS FESTIVAL 21st - 23rd July 2017 Byron Bay, NSW splendourinthegrass.com
29th September - 1st October 2017 Hunter Valley, NSW www.dashville.com.au
1st-5th November 2017 australianmusicweek.com
STRAWBERRY FIELDS FESTIVAL 17th - 19th November 2017 Tocumwal, NSW www.strawberry-fields.com.au
SPLENDOUR IN THE GRASS
Splendour in the Grass is back this 2017 and with it comes some of the world’s best artists performing sideshows across the country. The festival which takes its title from the 1961 cult film about teenage love and exploring its passion and struggle, sees the world’s biggest stars land on Australian shores for one hell of a party. Although Splendour in the Grass takes place in Byron Bay, NSW each year, the sideshows travel to Sydney, Melbourne,
Adelaide and Perth - meaning you can still get a slice of the action if you’re not able to go to the festival. This year’s acts present somewhat of a noughties revival with heavyweights such as Queens of the Stoneage, LCD Soundsystem, Two Door Cinema Club and The XX all making an appearance at this year’s festival. However, they’ll be giving Banks, Stormzy and Royal Blood a run for their money. Here, we take a look at THE sideshows not to miss.
BONOBO Bonobo - also known as Simon Green returns to Australia on the heels of his sixth studio album. An incredibly talented producer, Bonobo’s melancholy, atmospheric sound is one not to be missed. Over the past few years, Bonobo has built up a loyal and varied fanbase through a myriad of tours, singles, remixes and production work for other artists. With over half a million album sales and over one hundred and fifty million streams on Spotify under his belt, you won’t want to miss a chance to see this guy in action. Friday, 21st July - The Forum, Melbourne Saturday, 22nd July - Hordern Pavilion, Sydney Tuesday, 25th July - Metro City, Perth
CATFISH AND THE BOTTLEMEN One of the most exciting bands to come out of the UK in recent years, Catfish And The Bottlemen return to Australia with their highly anticipated follow up to their platinum debut album ‘The Balcony’. The Welsh band are best known for their hit singles ‘Soundcheck’ and ‘7’. Their critically acclaimed UK Number 1 album ‘The Ride’ sold an incredible 40,000 copies in its first week alone – now claiming gold status in the UK. Friday, 21st July - Festival Hall, Melbourne Sunday, 23rd July - Hordern Pavilion, Sydney
BANKS Best known for single, ‘Beggin For Thread’, this LA girl has been on the scene since 2013 and has been described as a ‘magnetic writer with songs to obsess over’. Her musicality is evident through her lyrical prowess. BANKS will be bringing to Australia hits from her most recent album, The Altar, which debuted at no. 8 in the ARIA album charts and was triple J’s feature album on release. The album also features collaborations with Tim Anderson, SOHN, DJ Dahi, and Jenna Andrews, it was driven by Banks’ deep, insistent need for raw expression and solace. Tuesday, 18th July - The Astor Theatre, Perth Sunday, 23rd July - The Enmore Theatre, Sydney Wednesday, 26th July - The Forum Theatre, Melbourne
ÁSGEIR
ALSO PLAYING
When you think of Icelandic musicians, many are quick to go straight to Bjork, but this guy has even outsold that kooky national treasure as well as Sigur Ros. Ásgeir’s 2012 acclaimed ‘Dýrð í dauðaþögn’ featured 10 tracks of supreme, soul-searching folk, written in his farmhouse bedroom featuring lyrics penned by his father, Einar Georg Einarsson – a retired school teacher and renowned poet. The album made him a phenomenon in his native land and he also won the 2012 ‘Album of the Year’ at the Icelandic Music Awards. The album sold so many copies that it is estimated one-tenth of the Icelandic population own a copy! Ásgeir in 2017 brings to Australia a brand new electronic album, ‘Afterglow’ filled with his gorgeous blend of soul-searching, multilayered electronic soul. Comparable to Bon Iver and James Blake, this guy is truly something special and one not to be missed. Friday, 21st July - The Enmore Theatre, Sydney Monday, 24th July - The Forum Theatre, Melbourne Wednesday, 26th July - The Astor Theatre, Perth
SPLENDOUR SIDESHOWS: These are just a handful of acts playing Splendour Sideshows in July this year. You can also see: LCD Soundsystem // Queens of the Stone Age // HAIM // Sigur Ros // Two Door Cinema Club // Father John Misty // Real Estate // Royal Blood // George Ezra // Stormzy // RL GRIME // Tove Lo // Rag ‘n’ Bone Man // Maggie Rogers // Bishop Briggs // The Lemon Twigs // LANY // Oh Wonder // Bag Raiders // Lil Yachty // Julien Baker.
For more information on tour dates and tickets visit secretsounds.com.au
BEN PEARCE
Producer Ben Pearce is heading out to Australia, NZ and Indonesia for a string of shows at the end of the month. Here we find out a little more about what goes into his production and what he’s been working on. Where are we chatting to you from today? In London making my way to Heathrow for the first of three shows over the bank holiday. What’s your week been like? It’s been good, had some friends over for
dinner and been in the studio. So, we’re loving the new Rag n Bone remix - how did the collab come about? Sometimes I know straight away when I get sent a track asking to be remixed if I want to do it or not. This was one of those when I heard it, just a huge yes. He’s such an amazing artist, it was an honour. What do you look for when you’re remixing a track? Would you say you listen more to the components of a track rather than the track as a whole? Definitely the components. It might be a synth line or a bit of the vocal. It’s usually quite instinctive but sometimes I can go back a few times and change my mind if initially I thought ‘no’.
So, Ascension is your new EP with the concept coming from millions of voices competition for attention to be heard in today’s digital world - eventually moving into silence, that’s quite a complex inspiration do you feel as if we’re headed towards “Nothingness” as it were with the saturation of everything nowadays? The silence is more a personal feeling. It can be quite lonely especially when you’re on tour, not feeling connected. It was something that I had written down for a long time and it defined itself more last summer. We’re headed towards somewhere, there’s so much music and it’s becoming so disposable at times it’s quite interesting to see what will be born out of this forward motion. Ascension is also inspired by your personal experiences of the industry, how would you sum this up in three words? Whirlwind, shadows, attrition From what I’ve heard it’s very cinematic compared with some of your older stuff - what was your thinking behind this? I didn’t really go into it thinking what it will be but what it has allowed me to do is go into the studio with an idea of what I’m writing about. Before I was just going in to “make music” but now I have a complex story and theme to go with every EP so it helps to form some deeper ideas so I guess that’s why it’s took a more cinematic form. Did you employ any new techniques whilst putting together the EP? I think I’m always learning, being self taught it’s a lot of trial and error. This feels like a tipping point in terms of the depth in my music. I guess techniques are coming together in harmony now
rather than standing alone and being noticeable. I’ve been using a lot more distortion/saturation for example but often in fairly subtle ways. You’re headed out to Indonesia, NZ and Australia late May/early June for a tour - what do you enjoy most about playing the Pacific arena? Weather, people, food... I’ve always had so much fun in Aus. First time in Indonesia and NZ so that’s a lot to look forward to. Don’t think I’ve ever had a bad gig in that part of the world so it’s truly exciting when a tour is coming up. We can imagine the Indonesia gig is going to be fairly blissful, will you have some time to chill before heading to NZ? If so what are you hoping to get up to in between shows? I’ve got a few days yeah. I’m not sure, probably chill out and explore. Sample some local food as that’s a huge passion of mine. Maybe just find a nice spot and write some songs. Where’s your favourite city to visit when you’re in Australia? Ahhh that’s always tricky. Brisbane or Melbourne I guess, some of my best mates in Aus live in Brisbane so spending time there has always been great. What do you miss the most about home when you’re on tour? PlayStation... :O Which three producers do you personally rate? Floating Points, Toro Y Moi, Mark Ronson What’s in store after Australia? Back to Europe for a run of shows here, summer filling up and should be headed to a few festivals too.
Ben Pearce Tour Dates: May
Friday 19th May: Jenja Jakarta, Indonesia Saturday 20th May: Jakarta, Indonesia Thursday 25th May: Barmuda, Queenstown, New Zealand Friday 26th May: Browne Alley, Melbourne, Australia Saturday 27th May: Mr Wolf, Canberra, Australia
June
Thursday 1st June: Revolver (Fundraiser), Melbourne, Australia Friday 2nd June: The TBC Club, Brisbane, Australia Saturday 3rd June: Chinese Laundry, Sydney, Australia Sunday 4 June: Rhondas, Terrigal, Australia
RIVA STARR House legend, Riva Starr is touching down in Australia this May for a national tour bringing with him some new material as well as some dance floor fillers. Hey Stefano, how are you doing today? All good thanks. Where are we speaking to you from? I’m talking from the studio. I’m finishing a remix for Crosstown Rebels and some other new tracks of mine, a few collaborations. The one with Green Velvet and a few others.
You’ve got a host of shows lined up in Australia this May, how are you feeling about returning to Australia? I’m really looking forward to coming back to Australia. It’s been a while since I’ve been there. I’ve been touring Australia for a good few years now. I’ve got a lot of friends; some of my best friends are in Sydney. So, I’m really looking forward to spending some time with them, even though it’s going to be very fast because I have five shows in three days. But I’m really looking forward to meeting up with them because I haven’t seen them in a while and it’s always a lot of fun. They’re always very supportive.
Do you have any favourite spots you will be looking to re-visit from your previous trips down under? I played Revolver before, in Chinese Laundry, obviously being some of [my] favourite spots in the country. But I’m really looking forward to playing these new spots as well and I’m coming back fully loaded with new stuff. What are your favourite countries to perform in? In terms of favourite countries, I pretty much like to play everywhere as long as the parties are good, and there’s pretty much good parties everywhere in the world. In Italy, it’s my own country and I know how the vibe is. Even during the summer there are a lot of parties on the beach. People are always up for it. But I love to play in the UK, of course, and Ibiza. Even in Europe there are some amazing spots and the States now are really picking up with everything house music, tech house and techno. So, people are much more open to those kinds of sounds and it’s always good fun playing there. So, pretty much everywhere. Even in Asia there are some amazing spots where I’ve been having a lot of fun. You definitely sounded a bit darker on your first track of the year ‘The Basement Shit’. Is this something we can expect to hear more off? Or are you just exercising your versatility? The Basement Shit is definitely exploring my darker side, which I’m playing a lot more lately. But because I’ve very eclectic in my production, I’m just alternating these darker EPs on this new label called Snatch RAW (which is a sub-label of Snatch), along with some big room stuff like my ‘Another Dimension’ EP which recently came out on Seth Troxler’s Play It Say it. So, I like to play both styles within my DJs sets and I love making that kind
of stuff as well. Speaking of your label, Snatch! what sort of releases can we expect to be hearing from it in 2017? There’s so much good music planned for Snatch! over the next few months to after the summer already. I’m so excited about it. We recently had the new Groove Armada remix EP which features mixes from Andrea Oliva and Richy Ahmed. Obviously, the original EP went really well, which included my remix of Superstylin’ that went number one on Beatport for over a month. Now, we have a new release coming from Francisco Allendes, a new collaboration between me, Dennis Cruz and Gene Farris, some new stuff from Bret Gold, Ruben Mandolini and plenty of others. So, there’s definitely so much good music. Keep an eye on it. You have a massive tour lined up for 2017, taking your set across the continents, do you have to adjust your sets depending on where you are in the world? Do you still have the same passion for DJing as you did when you first started? My passion for DJing is intact. Actually, it’s even more now because I’m always very excited to play new music from myself, from the label and from friends. There’s always so much exciting music to test out.
Riva Starr Australia Tour Dates
Friday 26th May - Geisha, Perth Saturday 27th May - Chinese Laundry, Sydney Saturday 27th May - Grand Hotel, Wollongong Sunday 28th May - Revolver Upstairs, Melbourne Sunday 28th May - Portsea Hotel, Portsea By Paraic Walker
WE DARE YOU TO VISIT SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Shark Cage Diving
Up for paying good money to come face to tooth with one of Australia’s deadliest predators? Good. Port Lincoln is the place to go if you want to see the iconic Great White Shark up close, really close, and in their natural habitat. Though they’re not as aggressive as you might think, the sight of one of these beasts with up to 15 rows of teeth coming at you from the depths is guaranteed to get your pulse racing.
Sand Boarding at Little Sahara
Speeding down the dunes of Little Sahara on Kangaroo Island is a mustdo whilst visiting South Australia. This pristine sand dune system promises some of the best sand boarding in the country and you’ll feel like you’re in the middle of the desert. Be prepared to fall over. At speed. A lot.
Sleeping in a swag under the stars
A night spent out in the bush under the stars, sleeping in a traditional Aussie swag is a rush in itself. With no roof and crucially no floor between you and the potentially deadly creepy crawlies, just going to sleep requires some nerve. However you’ll be rewarded with more stars then you thought existed – and it’s pretty safe as the Aussies have been doing it for yonks!
Crossing the Nullarbor Plain
This 1700km stretch of absolute barren, remote bushland’s name literally means ‘no trees’. You should also be prepared for no people, no other cars and not much help if you get stranded. The Nullarbor is a road like no other and crossing it is a thrill seeker’s dream.
SOUTH AUSTRALIA TRAVEL DEALS: Book an Perth to Adelaide 9 Day Adventure Tour for 2017/2018 before 31st August and receive 10% off! Use promo code EARLYBIRD10 Book a Secrets of Esperance Tour now for 2017/2018 before 31st August and receive 10% off with promo code EARLYBIRD10 Book an Adelaide to Perth 10 Day Adventure Tour for 2017/2018 before 31st August and receive 10% off! Use promo code EARLYBIRD10 Book now at www.nullarbortraveller.net
FEASTING ON KANGAROO ISLAND South Australia is famous for its incredible cuisine, but for something a little extra special, hop on over to Kangaroo Island for a culinary expedition.
With Kangaroo Island being one of the premier food and drink exporters in the entire country foodies are well at home when it comes to the local produce. A pristine island, complete with fertile land, crystal clear waters and no pollution means the produce grown here is of the highest quality. From fresh crayfish, snapper and whiting, to sweet honey and smooth wines, food and drink is an exceptional experience to be had on Kangaroo Island. With the local fare being such a big draw to the island, it should come as no surprise that there’s even a Food & Wine Trail visitors can follow. From farm gates to cellar doors you can sample a vast variety of local produce as well as meeting the local producers - giving you a real insight into the foodie delights of the island. Seafood fan? Ferguson Australia’s seafood platter is a must - serving up some of the islands classics such as Crayfish and Prawns
. Something for afterwards? Meet the famous Ligurian bees at Clifford’s Honey Farm in their glass beehive, where you can also taste delicious honey ice cream. For those looking for a complimentary wine, take a tour of the 25 acre vineyard at The Islander Estate where you can taste premium wines made by Bordeaux’s Jacques Lurton. After all, wine is seriously big business in South Australia, so missing out on the opportunity to sample KI’s selection of Cabernet, Sauvignon, Viognier and Grenache is simply not an option. Celebrating the food and wine of Kangaroo Island, there are many events and festivals held throughout the year that are perfect for getting a taste of the local produce. Kangaroo Island Farmers’ Market runs every first Sunday of the month at Penneshaw on the north coast of the Dudley Peninsula. You can expect everything from local lamb and olive oil to freshwater marron and sheep’s cheese. Aside from the producers, you’ll also find
lots of great places to dine offering great local produce at restaurants and cafes. A must visit is The Marron Café in the Heartland of the island which showcases the island’s prized freshwater crayfish and the Vivonne Bay Store at Vivonne Bay for their famous King George Whiting Burger. , while Bella Café in Kingscote specialises in pizzas as well as a dining room featuring local KI produce. . As well as sampling some local goods, you can take advantage of the incredible activities on Kangaroo Island, such as watching Australian Sea lions at Seal Bay, sandboarding down the dunes of Little Sahara, relaxing on Vivonne Bay Beach and taking in the sights of Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch, both millions of years in the making. Kangaroo Island Adventure Tours offer a two-day Wilderness Explorer Tour which offers an all-round experience of the island. Find out more at
www.kiadventuretours.com.au
TRAVELLER TIP:
Kangaroo Island Adventure Tours’ 2 day tour is currently just $445 per person. Tour includes all entry fees to KI’s attractions, all meals, Rob’s Sheep Shearing and Sheepdogs, Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Distillery, Seal Bay, Little Sahara, Vivonne Bay, Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch inside Flinders Chase National Park. www.kiadventuretours.com.au
LAKE MCKENZIE FRASER ISLAND
If you’re planning an East Coast adventure then your journey won’t be complete without a trip to the formidable, Fraser Island. Steeped in adventure, overrun with wildlife and awash with natural beauty, Fraser Island is a real taste of paradise. The world’s largest sand island, you can expect acres of beaches, pristine waters and jungle all within a stone’s throw of each other. One of the most stunning spots to visit whilst on Fraser Island is Lake McKenzie. Lake McKenzie is a “perched” lake meaning it only contains rainwater, no ground water and is not fed by any rivers, streams or the ocean. This oasis on the island is therefore where you’ll find some of the clearest water you’ve ever seen and makes for a welcome dip to cool off from the warm temperatures during the day. The water never
drains from the lake as the sand and organic matter at the bottom of the lake forms an impervious layer, meaning the rainwater doesn’t drain away through the ground. Lake McKenzie is complemented by pure white silica sands on its shores meaning it’s not only idyllic to look at, but is also super soft to tread underfoot. The stark white juxtaposed with the endless blues and greens of the lake make for a picture perfect setting - so make sure your phone or camera are fully charged before
visiting. Dawn is a particularly gorgeous time to see the Lake whilst it’s at its calmest. There are camping facilities, loos and cold showers nearby, so it is possible to camp near the lake to see its beauty at dawn or spend a lazy day taking in the spectacular views. You can visit Lake McKenzie with Dropbear Adventures 4 x 4 tours over 3 days including many more stunning highlights of Fraser Island.
To find out more about Fraser Island tours visit www.dropbearadventures.com.au
EXPLORE THE RAINFOREST CANOPY
Skyrail is leading the way in Australia and the world with a focus on sustainable tourism and an unwavering commitment to the highest standards of sustainable environmental performance. Skyrail was recently awarded Master Certification by EarthCheck for demonstrating more than 15 years of commitment to the highest standards of environmental care and making social contributions that benefit their customers, staff and the local Tropical North Queensland community. The Master Certification is EarthCheck’s highest accolade. Skyrail was the first tourism operator in the world to achieve EarthCheck Certification and is one of only five EarthCheck Masters worldwide. The new certification confirms Skyrail as a global leader in the field of sustainability and more specifically, sustainable tourism. Some of Skyrail’s sustainable initiatives include: • A solar powered communications system between all 114 gondolas • A solar powered mobile phone recharge station in our Canopy Cafe • Recycling of all oil, fuels and solvents • Recycling bins at all terminals and on all boardwalks throughout the Skyrail experience • Collection and storage of rainwater runoff from our terminal buildings • Educating guests on Ranger Guided Tours to encourage respect for the environment and cultural heritage of the area
2017 is the United Nations Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development. The International Year aims to support a change in policies, business practices and consumer behaviour towards a more sustainable tourism sector. Skyrail showcases the world’s oldest continually surviving tropical rainforest every day to hundreds and thousands of guests without leaving a footprint on the environment. Find out more at skyrail.com.au
WHITEHAVEN BEACH The jewel of the Whitsunday Islands, no tour to this idyllic destination is complete without visiting the remarkable, Whitehaven Beach.
A 7km stretch of pristine white silica sands on Whitsunday Island, the island is only accessible via boat. Whitehaven Beach has been rated the most eco-friendly and cleanest beach in the world, and due to its silica sand, it doesn’t retain heat, meaning you can spend a lazy day here without burning the soles of your feet in between dips in the ocean. Whitsunday Island is the largest amongst the 74 islands that make up the Whitsunday Islands National Park. During a day visiting Whitehaven Beach you can either sink your feet into the purest silica sand on Earth, or take a dip in the ocean to explore the colourful marine life that bustles below the surface.
The Whitsunday Islands’ National Park offers some of the best snorkelling in the world and it’s here that you can hope to spot marine turtles, jellyfish, mollusks, crustaceans, fish and maybe a few dolphins along the way! Exploring the Great Barrier Reef will give you the chance to take in the largest coral structure on Earth as well as all the marine life it attracts, including; sharks, rays, eels, and many, many more. In fact there are actually 1625 species of fish, 630 types of starfish and sea urchins, 14 varieties of sea snakes, and 30 species of whales and dolphins – so you may want to pack a waterproof camera when visiting! One of the best ways to visit Whitehaven Beach is via Ocean
Rafting. With their high speed vessels you can spend the day soaking up the stunning scenery of the Whitsunday Islands as well as snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef. Ocean Rafting offer two tours, their Northern Exposure Tour and the Southern Lights tour. The main difference between the two tours is that the Northern Exposure has more snorkelling time and the Southern Lights offers more beach time. Ocean Rafting also offer a Double Deal for both cruises so you can experience more adventure for less! www.oceanrafting.com
SNORKEL THE GREAT BARRIER REEF
Explore the largest living structure on earth with Cape Tribulation Great Barrier Reef Tours from just $139 per person. Heading up to Tropical North Queensland to see the Great Barrier Reef is a must whilst visiting Australia. With the Reef being the largest coral reef on the planet (you can see if from outer space!) it will come as no surprise that close to 10% of the
world’s entire fish population call the Great Barrier Reef home. But it’s not just fish you can hope to see whilst visiting. The Reef is also home to 6 of the world’s 7 marine turtle species including Green Turtles, Leather Backs and Loggerheads! Getting to see one of these guys is a real treat, and you’re also likely to spot Giant Clams, Starfish, Eagle Rays and an abundance of colourful corals. If you’re staying in Cape Tribulation
for a few days it’s well worth venturing out to the ocean on a day trip to snorkel at the Reef and with Ocean Safari you can jump on board one of their fantastic half day tours off the Daintree Coast that will take you on a 25 minute ride out to the Reef where you’ll discover all the rare and wonderful wildlife. Morning tours depart at 8 am and afternoon tours at 12 midday. Tours start from $139 per person.
The Ocean Safari check in office is where you’ll also find the Turtle Rock Café where you can fill up on some wholesome meals after all that snorkelling. You’ll also find Jungle Lodge just 400 metres from the beach. Jungle Lodge offers camping in the stunning Cape Tribulation rainforest making it the perfect base if you want to stay in the area over a few days! www.oceansafari.com
EXPLORE THE SYDNEY OUTBACK
Explore what lies beyond Sydney’s urban landscape…
you’ll gain an insight to the real Australia.
Just 45 minutes from the Sydney CBD, you’re confronted with the chance to explore a slice of what Sydney was like before European settlers arrived. Aboriginal heritage sites, the stunning Northern Beaches and Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park all await you beyond the confines of the city, so if you’re looking for a totally authentic experience whilst visiting NSW, then Sydney Outback has just the ticket.
For those picture perfect moments, you can enjoy panoramic views over Broken Bay, Lion Island, Palm Beach, Pittwater and the Central Coast. Whilst on the tour you can see first hand what Sydney Harbour may have looked like over 250 years ago prior to European arrivals. The tour gives you the chance to see rare Aboriginåal rock art only accessible via the waterways in an area that has one of the highest concentrations of Aboriginal artefacts in the world. Whilst here you’ll also have the chance to see Aboriginal cultural demonstrations.
Climb on board a 23 seat Mitsubishi Rosa tour bus and be transported away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Whilst on this day tour from Sydney you’ll also have the chance to board a 52ft power catamaran moored at the exclusive Akuna Bay Marina in the heart of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. Sydney Outback’s tours of the area combine sightseeing with sailing, hiking, finding Aboriginal Heritage Sites and spotting native wildlife making for an excellent day’s escape from the city. With access to of out-of-the-way gems only frequented by locals,
Sydney Outback provides tours with a difference. The educated, knowledgeable and friendly guides can help you discover more about what interests you the most in this region, and provide city hotel pickups, transfers and meals for your time in the Sydney Outback. The Wilderness + Aboriginal Explorer + Cruise are $149 but you can claim 20% off by quoting bbmlive when booking directly online at www.sydneyoutback.com.au
GET AWAY TO SUMMER BAY
Hold me in your arms, Don’t let me go, I want to stay forever, Closer each day....Home and away… If those lyrics are permanently emblazoned on your mind, then there’s one experience you can’t miss whilst in Sydney and that’s The Official Home & Away Tour. Channel Seven and Flamin’ Galah Sydney Tours have developed a fantastic tour to give you a real taste of this famous Aussie soap. Departing from Sydney, The Official Home & Away Tour takes you to Palm Beach fictionally known as ‘Summer Bay’. The famous strip of beach is where you may even be lucky enough to see some filming in action whilst on the tour as well as visiting famous parts of the set such as Alf’s Bait Shop. On board the Official Home & Away tour you can also learn things you didn’t know about Home and Away including the area, the production, the filming and the people. There’s also a chance to hear
some backstage gossip from those who have worked on the show. The tour includes free time at Palm Beach where you can explore the all-important locations from the show such as the Pier, the Lighthouse and of course The Summer Bay Surf Club. For die-hard fans of Home & Away you can relive some of your favourite scenes from the soap all whilst taking in the breath-taking scenery from the surrounding areas. There are plenty of photo opportunities along the way and should the timing be right, you may get to meet some of the cast. A great day trip out from Sydney you’ll experience the fun side of Sydney’s stunning Northern Beaches before ending up in Manly where the tour comes to an end. You can either then spend the evening wandering around Manly or catch the ferry back to Sydney. With tours priced at just $99 per person, there’s no excuse to not tick this off your Aussie bucket list!
www.officialhomeandawaytour.com.au
UPCOMING TOURS BY MJR PRESENTS
Tickets and information at mjrpresents.com
ADRENALINE IN THE CITY Adrenaline is synonymous with Australia - be it in the form of swimming with sharks, avoiding saltwater crocs in the NT, or skydiving the beach, but you don’t often associate adrenaline activities with Sydney. That is, until you think about the prospect of scaling the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
an adrenaline rush. Taking in the pink tint of the clouds as the sun rises is simply stunning at dawn as the city is waking up, or the hustle and bustle of the traffic, people, and boats below during the day will seem as if you’re looking down on a toy city. Come night time you can see the spectacular lights of Sydney as they twinkle in the distance.
A death defying 134 metres above the Harbour, you’ll be at the summit of the Bridge surrounded by panoramic views of Sydney, impossible to see from anywhere else in the city. Having climbed the 1332 steps with your group of fellow climbers, the BridgeClimb team will ensure you have a decent photo op so you can prove to any doubters that you have in fact conquered one of the world’s largest bridges.
Your BridgeClimb experience lasts around three hours from start to finish. Beginning at the Climb Base you’ll have a chance to go to the Visitor Centre and Cinema to find out more about the history, preservation and celebration of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, before you embark on your climb.
BridgeClimb Sydney hold climbs several times a day including dawn, afternoon, twilight and night time - meaning you can view the city from this unique perspective at whatever time of day you’re ready for
Joined by a Climb Leader and no more than 14 in a group, you’re kitted out with all of the gear that you’ll need to stay safe while on the Bridge, so all you need is your sunglasses (depending on the time of day that is), a pair of comfortable shoes and a sense of adventure!
Book your climb at www.bridgeclimb.com
SYDNEY COMEDY FESTIVAL NOW – 21 MAY 2017 The Sydney Comedy Festival is Sydney’s biggest annual comedy event. Every April and May, hundreds of the world’s funniest comedians take to stages across Sydney to entertain an audience of more than 122,500 people, followed by a 56-stop Showcase Tour across Australia that performs to over 25,000 annually. The Festival kicks off in grand style with lavish gala events: the Sydney Comedy Festival Gala at the Sydney Opera House as well as Cracker Night (Sydney’s biggest night of comedy) at the Enmore Theatre, The Concourse Chatswood and Riverside Theatre. The Festival program, curated by Festival Director Jorge Menidis, features performances from the finest Australian acts, the biggest international stars and the most promising emerging talent offering up everything from stand up to sketch, satire, impro, musical, absurdist, theatre, magic and kids comedy. Beginning in 2005 as the Cracker Sydney Comedy Festival, the Festival officially rebranded as Sydney Comedy Festival in 2009. Today, the Festival is one of Sydney’s fastest growing cultural events and every year aims to offer a bigger, better or more diverse program to satisfy Sydney’s rampant appetite for comedy. sydneycomedyfestival.com.au
DANIEL SLOSS Finishing up his two month long Australia tour this May, you won’t want to miss the surly Scottish comedian’s dark sense of humour as he takes on the Sydney Comedy Festival. So, Daniel, you’ve been doing quite a lot of stuff in America though, over the last year, haven’t you? Yeah, we’re doing a couple more spots around the clubs, breaking into New York. I was here a couple of years ago, and doing the TV over there and stuff. Which is good. It’s kind of like starting again but not really. You know like start from the ground up, which would’ve been something I would’ve begrudged. The last time we spoke, last year, you were working on a pilot with Warner Brothers. How’s that all going? We pitched it and it didn’t get picked up. So basically, we’ve gone on to other ideas with them because Conan has always been very supportive. I never understand the politics of what’s going on. Just turn up to meetings and then try and talk, rein in my swearing and see what happens. But apparently, it all went well but not well enough. Well, keep on trying. The Conan stuff, it looks like that’s going well. Well, look, my heart belongs to standup anyway. Taking from other people’s reactions, I should be more upset about
things. But, I mean, I’m in New York again, at the fucking Comedy Cellar all week, doing my own show in Soho and then I’m off to Australia for two months. It’s very hard to be miserable when that’s happening. Exactly. Are you going to be adapting the Soho show at all for the Aussies? No, fuck no. My comedy is universal. I’m really reluctant to change anything. That’s the whole thing about comedy. You think something’s funny in your head, you tell it on stage in Scotland and you’re like ‘oh, that’s good. It’s funny, yeah.’ And then you get to London, you do it all there and that’s fine. And then you do Europe and you’re like ‘oh, good it’s still funny.’ And then America and Australia. And me, I’m not a political person. So, it’s not local references. I always say my comedy is relatable because it’s about how much of a c*nt I am, unfortunately. I’m a c*nt everywhere. I saw you were saying it was themed around having dark thoughts. I want to ask you, what’s the darkest thought you’ve had this week? Unprintable. Yeah, it’s hard. Yeah, the dark thoughts, it’s just that nobody else is honest about what goes on in their fucking head. People always assume that your thoughts portray intentions. They clearly don’t know the difference between fantasy and realism. Like, I’m not an idiot. I’m not going to do anything that crosses my mind. But also, I’m not going to pretend that occasionally, shitty thoughts cross my mind. And it’s about just getting people to admit that. Because
it doesn’t make you a bad person but we vilify people so quickly nowadays, where they’ve done little things, that I think we’re destroying honesty. Nobody’s pure of heart. Absolutely nobody is. And anyone who’s claiming to be pure of heart is probably the worst person on the fucking planet because they’re hiding shit. You’ve been going to Australia for ages now. Yes, since I was about 19. So, have you got any favourite spots you like to hit up while you’re over there? Just wherever my mates are. I love the Australian comedy scene so much just because the talent on it right now is phenomenal. Like, Demi Lardner, Nick Cody, Rhys Nicholson, Becky Lucas, Bart Freebairn… it’s just such a good comedy scene and they’re so fun to fucking hang out with. I’m not a tourist in any way, shape or form. I’ve been to New York twice, I’ve never seen the Statue of Liberty. Because if I wanted to see the Statue of Liberty, I’d fucking Google it. I know what it looks like. I’ve never understood tourism. But what I do like about other places is the comedy clubs and the people there. That, to me, is what a place is. It’s not what surrounds it, it’s what inhabits it. You did the Melbourne one last year, that was your first Melbourne, wasn’t it? Yeah. How was that? It was great, really good. I’d wanted to do it for years and then to finally get to do it successfully, it was fucking great and I wanted to come back. I needed to give them a reason to want me back. Yeah, just genuinely thrilled to be back
with a new show and break-up way more couples. Who are your comedy heroes? Who made you want to be become a standup? When I was younger, the person that made me want to get into stand-up was Bill Burr, who just loves the stand-up so much. I just thought he was really intelligent and incredibly silly. I like funny rants. I think comedy should be funny, but I also like when it makes you think. I like going to see a show when afterwards, you leave and you’re talking about what was on. If comedy challenges your opinion but not in a way that upsets you, but just makes you think about it, it’s a great thing. Which is the same reason why enjoy Bill Burr. I love Bill Burr. I don’t agree with a lot of what he says but I like the way his mind works. I think he’s one of the best. Obviously, you’re doing loads of comedy festivals in Australia but you’re also doing Edinburgh. What do you look forward to at the Edinburgh festival? I love Edinburgh because it’s my city. This year will be my eighth or ninth – I think it’s my ninth show at the Fringe this year and I’ve been going there since I was twelve years old to watch. I just like it because it’s where I live. I’ve been in the same venue for the past five years, the EICC. The whole thing is about playing at home for me. It gives me a chance to work out the show, the Edinburgh crowd are so great, my fan base. So, it’s where I come up with new material that I’ll eventually tour and whatnot. You obviously did so much touring last year, you’ve got loads coming up ahead of you. What do you miss the most from home, when you’re on the road?
Gene, my flatmate and best friend. But Gene, who I live with keeps me sane. And my parents, my Xbox. But fortunately, because you don’t have it so much, it’s hard to miss it, especially when we’re touring Europe and stuff, going to all these cool places. But if I’m on a European tour, it’s like every day you’re in a new city and saying, like, ‘oh my god, I’ll see you guys in a year’, then you go to the next city. And it’s just constant excitement. So, you really don’t get a chance too much to be homesick. Where’s been the most interesting place you’ve been over the last year? I’ve always loved Lithuania, Estonia was fucking sick, I went to Latvia for the first time and that was a fucking great gig. They were a really cool crowd. Also, I love Croatia. The guys out in Croatia really look after us as well. We were in – what was the name of the place? Zagreb. And I went to – there’s another place where we went, it was gorgeous – Rijeka in Croatia. Because you’ve been going to Australia for so long, what’s the thing you love the most about it and the thing you hate the most about Australia? The thing I love about it the most is it reminds me so much of the UK. I love touring Europe because you get to all these different, new places, people with different attitudes and different types of cities. I love America but the American people are very different to the Brits. They’re very positive – fuck it, I haven’t got time for that. Whereas I like Australia because it’s just like the UK. It’s the same sense of humour, it’s very hard to offend an Australian audience. They’ve got nothing wrong with the word c*nt. If you say c*nt in America, they’ll lose their mind. Whereas they’ll have the same attitude, c*nt’s not a bad word. Everyone is a c*nt there. You’re either a good c*nt or a bad c*nt but there’s no debate about
whether you’re a c*nt or not. Everyone is. The thing I hate about it most is the fucking weather. I don’t like heat. I fucking hate the sun so much. How Scottish of you! Yeah. Nothing’s fun about the sun. You just lie there and you sweat and you stew and you’re uncomfortable and then your clothes smell. Anything above 26C, I’m not fucking interested in. That’s why Melbourne’s great because Melbourne keeps it sensible. They’ll give you one day where it’s 27 C and the next day it’ll rain.
Daniel Sloss May Tour Dates
Friday 5th May – Perth Comedy Festival, Regal Theatre – www.perthcomedyfestival.com Saturday 6th May – Sydney Comedy Festival, Enmore Theatre – www.sydneycomedyfest.com.au or 02 9020 6966
DISCOVERY RECOMMENDS: BERLIN BAR
If you’re planning on a night out in the famous laneways, then you’re not going to want to miss the crème de la crème when it comes to the best that this fine city has to offer... But where to find such places, you might be wondering? Especially as Melbourne’s most unique venues also tend to be their most inconspicuous too. Yes, Australia’s culture capital sure does love its secret bars, and this one in particular would be fairly easy to pass by, should you not be too familiar with this labyrinth-like district. But ring the blink-and-you’ll-miss-it looking bell, head through the an equally as unassuming door and you will be awestruck to find two completely contrasting realms, juxtaposed wonderfully next to
each other and presiding on the first floor of Corrs Lane, close to Chinatown. We are of course talking about the fantastically quirky concept of Berlin Bar, a timeless encapsulation of post-modern German culture – with its very own wall that divides the East and West; with plush booths and extravagant excess in one room, while war stricken grenade crates and general humbleness lives in the other. While the venue attempts to create an ambience of something along the lines of opulence meets wartime misery; you will be pleased to know that those crates are surprisingly just as comfortable when the other side of the wall, which offers plush leather booths and soft lighting, is full!
A selection of cocktails, ranging from the classic to the interesting, will educate and challenge the palate too. They are in themselves, worth the visit alone. Try our personal favourite, the Frühschoppen, made up of mezcal, sauvignon blanc, dry vermouth, sage, juniper, grapefruit and bitters, served in a wine glass. It’s the least sweet thing on the list, which also includes a concoction mixing beetroot and whitechocolate and even a drink that incorporates roast duck. There’s talent behind that bar, that is for sure! Undoubtedly, they are dedicated team of bartenders who are serious about their craft; so you can always be assured of a decent tipple in here. Though, there’s always beer or wine, if you’re wanting something a little more familiar. Overall, the space is small and cosy, perfect for first dates or to illustrate to outof-town friends how cool and unique Melbourne’s hidden bars can be. With its industrial metal and dark corners, you’ll be in for an astounding night, whether you’re canoodling, plotting, masterminding or doing a bit of all three! www.berlinbar.com.au 16 Corrs Lane, Melbourne VIC 3000
ROCK OUT IN THE NT
Meet the ruggedly handsome residents of the Red Centre on a four-day adventure in the Northern Territory. Uluru, Kings Canyon and The Olgas all plead a strong case for travellers to include The Red Centre on their Australia itineraries. With the Red Centre being home to some of the oldest, most striking and mysterious rock formations on the planet, you can see them all in one fell swoop on The Rock To Rock Tour with Mulgas Adventures. Here’s a taster of what you can enjoy‌
Getting picked up at Ayers Rock Airport, your first stop is the Cultural Centre for a taster of the flora, fauna and Aboriginal culture of the Red Centre. Then, it’s straight to Uluru (otherwise known as Ayers Rock) for a long walk and a glass of bubbles while you and your new friends enjoy the view of the sunset. After dinner around a campfire, you get to experience camping in the outback in a traditional Aussie swag. Rise early on day two to catch the sight of Uluru during sunrise, and then get ready to encounter The Olgas, traditionally known as Kata Tjuta. These uneven domes are simply spectacular. Thought to once have been shaped liked Uluru, it’s believed they’ve weathered over millions of years to become 36 separate formations. After a hike through the Valley of the Winds to get closer to The Olgas, you return to Uluru for a guided base walk where you can ask your guide any questions you may have about the most famous rock on the planet. It’s then onto Kings Creek Station – your accommodation for another night under the stars. A hike around Kings Canyon is the star attraction on day three, as you get to take in the sheer size of this mighty oasis. Returning to Kings Creek Station, you can choose to add on an incredible activity at an extra cost, from a ride on a camel, a quad bike or helicopter! Leaving one station for another, you make your way to Curtain Springs Station just in time for sunset and your final night. With a quick breakfast on the morning of day four, you have to make your way back to Ayers Rock to say goodbye to your Mulgas buddies. From $439 pp, the Rock To Rock Tour with Mulgas Adventures includes camp accommodation, transport, meals, an experienced guide and a glass of bubbles beside Uluru.
www.mulgasadventures.com.au
HEADING ACROSS STATE LINES
TRAVEL FROM BROOME TO DARWIN OR REVERSE...
With Australia’s North West coming into its own during winter, you can enjoy the rugged expanse of Northern Australia whilst the mercury isn’t ready to burst. If you’re aiming to tick off a few states during your time travelling Australia then a tour across state lines from Western Australia to the Northern Territory is just the ticket. Setting off from Broome to make the 1,871.4 km journey to Australia’s most northerly city of Darwin, it will come as no surprise that there’s much to see along the way. Ideally you should clear a couple of weeks in your travelling schedule to allow enough time to experience northern Australia. From Broome you’ll experience the vast expanse of the Kimberley Region. A great first port of call along the Gibb River Road is the West Kimberley Gorges. Expect rocky escarpments, plunging cliff faces and a few snaking waterways and you’ll certainly feel the atmosphere of the wild west. Mitchell Plateau is another popular stop toward the beginning of your journey, and it’s here that you’ll witness the stunning Mitchell Falls. A real gem of the Kimberley, you can also take advantage of Little Mertens Falls where you’ll encounter natural spa pools above the cascading water as well as a cave beneath. It’s also worth seeing the Bradshaw rock paintings whilst here.
Passing through and perhaps staying overnight at El Questro, an absolutely unavoidable highlight of this dramatic journey is visiting the Purnululu National Park. This is where you’ll find the otherworldly Bungle Bungle Ranges which only came to international attention in 1983 when a film crew discovered the huge mountain range - obviously the traditional landowners and locals knew about these fairly ancient rock formations prior to that. The stripey bee-hive like rocks are well worth a visit as you wander in between them feeling dwarfed by their size, it’s certainly somewhere to give Uluru a run for its money. As you near the Northern Territory Lake Argyle makes for a welcome stop for a dip and interestingly it’s Australia’s second largest man-made freshwater reservoir! This is your last real Western Australia highlight before crossing state lines into the Northern Territory where Nitmiluk National Park awaits. This stunning park is home to the Nitmiluk Gorge where you’ll have one last taste of rugged wilderness before reaching Darwin and planning your next adventure in the Northern Territory. You can make your way from Broome to Darwin with Kakadu Wild’s 14 day tour.
TRAVELLERS TIP: KAKADU WILD EXPEDITIONS HAVE TOURS DEPARTING FROM MARCH OCTOBER FROM 3-5 DAYS. www.kakaduwild.com.au
HOW TO SPEND A WEEK IN DARWIN
Planning a trip to Darwin? It’s best to hit the Northern Territory in the dry season from mid to late April through to October. Here’s a few places to check out during your time in Darwin.
WHERE TO STAY? MELALEUCA ON MITCHELL This hostel is Darwin’s newest Backpacker accommodation situated right in the heart of the city. Big screen TV, 2 pools, licensed bar and great range of accommodation options to suit all budgets. www.momdarwin.com WHAT TO DO IN DARWIN? STOKES HILL WHARF Head to Stokes Hill Wharf and have a wander around the harbour. Book a boat tour or cruise, enjoy a yummy lunch or do a spot of fishing off the free fishing platforms. DECK CHAIR CINEMA Not in the mood for hitting the bars this evening? Why not check out what’s on at the Deck Chair Cinema, viewing perfection under the Southern Hemispheres’ starry night. www.deckchaircinema.com.au
MINDIL BEACH SUNSET MARKET Everybody loves a classic market. World famous Mindil Markets are renowned for awesome sunsets over the sea, in a relaxed, yet vibrant, tropical setting. Sunday and Thursday, April to October. www.tourismtopend.com.au CROCOSAURUS COVE A must see NT attraction that boasts the largest collection of Australian reptiles and some of the largest ‘Salty Crocs’! And if you are feeling brave, opt for the once in a lifetime ‘Cage of Death’ experience bringing you face to face with these fantastic beasts! Find out more and book here: www.crocosauruscove.com
www.bbmlive.com
3
10 DAYS IN THE WILD WEST
With the weather turning colder, there’s never been a better time to head north, so if you happen to be stopping in Western Australia during your travels, then a Perth to Broome overland tour is just the ticket you need to see some of the most varied terrain in the entire country.
Making the immense 2,348.8 km journey north in Australia’s largest State of course means you’re going to encounter adventures by the bucket load. Whether you’re a thrill seeker when it comes to adrenaline rushes or a water baby who likes to get up close and personal with the Aussie wildlife, the West Coast has got your back. Here’s a few encounters you can hope to enjoy whilst traversing the West Coast.
Into the Wild Setting off from Perth, your first stop is at the rocky Kalbarri National Park. A perfect photo opp comes in the form of the stunning ‘Nature’s Window’ - a picturesque rock formation that perfectly frames the landscape in the distance in a natural picture frame created from erosion to the rocks. Feeling active? Take in the deep ravines, abseil down rock faces and kayak the waterways. Kalbarri is perfect for those who want to start their trip with a bang!
Coastal Adventures in WA From here, your coastal adventure begins. First stop: Shark Bay. A stunning beachside destination, water lovers can immerse themselves and snorkel with some of the stunning marine life native to Western Australia’s waters. You’ll also stop at Monkey Mia to meet the dolphins that come into the shallows every day to be hand fed by visitors. The Monkey Mia dolphins are so famous they’ve been incredibly important to dolphin research studies over the last few years, and if you’re a fan of these playful, squeaky mammals then this is your chance to see them closer than ever!
Snorkelling The Ningaloo Reef Arriving in Coral Bay you’ll be at the gateway to the Ningaloo Reef. Western Australia’s much less damaged answer to the Great Barrier Reef is home to a
kaleidoscopic array of tropical fish as well as an abundance of coral – and if you visit at the right time of year, you may even be lucky enough to encounter the enormous Whale Sharks as they migrate through these shores from April to July every year. From June to September you may even see a humpback whale or two as they migrate past the WA coastline.
Delve into the Oasis Making your way inland from Exmouth you’ll arrive at Karijini National Park. Possibly the most special part of the tour, you’ll spend a few days exploring the marbled rock, narrow tunnels, caves, waterfalls and billabongs. Visiting Karijini is a real time to relax, unwind and escape back to nature, so make sure you take full advantage as you frolic under waterfalls and sooth your skin from the heat in the swimming holes before making your way to your final destination of Broome.
The Best Sunset in Australia Famous for its enormous, fiery sunsets, Cable Beach is the highlight of Broome and no trip here is complete without taking a camel ride across its expansive sands. The uninterrupted sky at Broome is where you may also spot the natural phenomenon of the ‘Stairway to the Moon’ that creates an optical illusion of stairs leading up to the moon under the cover of darkness. All this and more is available with Adventure Tours Australia’s Perth to Broome Overland trip that runs over 10 days. Find out more about these tours at www.adventuretours.com.au
THE OLD SCHOOL TOUR OF
KARIJINI
A remote and stunning national park in Western Australia - Karijini is a must see whilst touring WA. Here you can explore the gorges, rock pools, immensely vast landscape and observe the local wildlife. However for those wanting a really authentic experience, if you want to go back to basics and get to the true heart of the Karijini, you have to go old school. An exclusive tour between Integrity Coach Lines and The Flying Sandgroper, the Old Skool Karijini Experience is full of activity and adventure over two days. This tour visits the best in the west and the best in the east of northern Karijini. On this Karijini tour you’ll visit Kermits Pool, Hancock Gorge, Knox Gorge, Dales Gorge, Circular Pool and Fortescue Falls – all incredible places to visit - despite not being that easy to get to. On the tour you’ll spend two days swimming, hiking, eating BBQ lunches and sleeping under the stars in a traditional Aussie swag. There’s also a visit to the Karijini Visitor’s Centre to learn more about the park from its traditional owners – because it’s important to let them know of your presence in the park and learn about its true history. This particular Karijini tour puts an emphasis on independent travel - meaning over the two day period passengers don’t have to stay in the park for too long and can be back on the road with Integrity Coachlines on the overnight coach north to Broome or back down south to Perth.
The Finer Details For those really looking for a break and to be at one with their surroundings you’ll be pleased to know there is no phone reception meaning you really can engage with your surroundings without distraction. It can be a little eerie at first, but once you settle into it, it’s sheer bliss. This tour is perfect for the independent traveller as The Old Skool Karijini Experience fits hand-in-hand with the hop-on hop-off travel of Integrity Coach Lines. You’re given the freedom of deciding where to go and how long for, but can travel safely with a professional driver – a great way to avoid self-driving
the incredibly long and treacherous distances of Western Australia. You can also end up saving a lots on accommodation with overnight drives to your next destination. The Old Skool Karijni Experience is $385pp when you have an Integrity hop-on hop-off pass, and includes meals, water, national park fees, a local guide, pick-up from Tom Price (where Integrity will drop you off) and swag hire. Due to the intense temperatures that the Karijini can get up to, this tour can only run from April to October, the region’s dry season, which means now’s a great time to plan your tour.
If you’re thinking about touring the West Coast of Australia then save yourself some money with Integrity Coachlines hop-on-hop-off pass with an added 10% off with Promo Code BBMLIVE5. www.integritycoachlines.com.au
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KARIJINI NATIONAL PARK This stunning Western Australia National Park is a must on any WA tour itinerary.
Image courtesy of Tourism Western Australia
The highlight of many an overland tour from Perth to Broome or in reverse, Karijini National Park is the embodiment of tranquility as you immerse yourself amongst its ancient, wild landscape. Spanning 627,422 hectares just north of the Tropic of Capricorn (to give you an idea of the climate here) Karijini sits in the Hamersley Range and comes up as number 2 on Western Australia’s largest national parks, being beaten only by the Rudall River National Park. The climate at Karijini can mostly be described as tropical/semi-desert, with summertime seeing an average rainfall of 250 - 350 mm and temperatures often exceeding 40 degrees celsius - meaning the ideal time to visit is autumn, winter and early spring ( March - September). Looking out at Karijini you’ll be confronted with mountains, escarpments, valleys and dwarfing gorges interlaced with rocky waterways carved out over 2,500 million years ago. Some of the most spectacular gorges to visit being Dales Gorge, Fortesque Falls, Weano Gorge and Oxers Lookout. Karijini is the traditional homeland of the Banyjima, Kurrama and innawonga people who have occupied the lands for more than 20,000 years with practices such as “fire stick farming” that have encouraged a vast diversity in vegetation in the park today. Visit in the cooler months and you’ll bear witness to yellow cassias flowers, wattles, northern
bluebells and purple mulla-mullas to name just a mere handful of the botanical display on show. It’s not all flora when it comes to Karijini however, as the park is also home to some weird and wonderful Australian wildlife. In Karijini you’ll be able to spot a vast variety of birdlife alongside red kangaroos, euros, rock wallabies, echidnas, bats, geckos, goannas, pythons and all manner of scaly creatures! Interestingly you may even spot little mounds of pebbles which are built by a local rodent species known as the Western Pebble-mound mouse. You may also spot some rather striking columns whilst exploring Karijini also known as termite mounds so keep your eyes peeled for these impressive and towering sculptures. Visiting Karijini is the perfect excuse for swimming in the many water holes to cool down from the oppressive heat. Bushwalking is also a great activity whilst visiting the park, as you can see nature up close, but just remember to stay back from the edges of gorges as they present a casual 100 metre drop to give your vertigo a run for its money. Many overland tours from Perth and Broome visit Karijini. Check out tour operator, Kimberley Wild for a range of tours visiting this spectacular national park. kimberleywilde.com.au
MUST SEE DESTINATIONS BETWEEN PERTH & BROOME
Possibly the most epic journey on the West Coast, the journey from Perth to Broome may be long, but with so much to see along the way, it’s more than worth it. From pristine beaches to ranges and escarpments, here’s our edit of the must see destinations along the way. Nambung National Park The Pinnacles is a must as your first stop when departing from Perth. These ancient rock formations stand eerily together in the Nambung National Park with some reaching an incredible 2-3 metres high.
Kalbarri National Park Heading further north, you’ll encounter even more geologically impressive terrain as you reach Kalbarri National Park. Here you’ll find Nature’s window - a natural frame fashioned from eroded rock as well as Murchison Gorge – which you can abseil down.
Monkey Mia Next up is the coastal resort of Monkey Mia which is famous for its visiting dolphins. The dolphins of Monkey Mia are renowned for swimming into the shallows where you can get up close and personal with the marine mammals and even have a go at hand feeding them!
Coral Bay & The Ningaloo Reef More Indian Ocean fun awaits as you reach Coral Bay. Off it’s shores is where you’ll find Ningaloo Reef. This exquisite reef is home to a shark nursery, manta rays and whale sharks. From June to October you can see the humpback whales as they migrate passed.
Karijini National Park The jewel of Western Australia, Karijini National Park is simply stunning. A nature-filled oasis in the dusty Western Australia terrain, here you’ll find rock pools and swimming holes teaming with life as well as bountiful cascading waterfalls giving you a real taste of paradise. See all this and more with Aussie Wanderer on their 9 or 14 day Perth to Broome tour. www.aussiewanderer.com.au
TRAVEL ESSENTIALS Don’t neglect your wellbeing whilst you’re on the road. This month we’re going for practicality, beauty and comfort with our travel essentials.
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1. Relax whilst travelling with Olverum Bath Oil travel set - $27 available from www.olverum.com 2. Keep your hair conditioned and clean for days with Phil Smith from www.philsmithhair.com 3. A multi-use product, DR.PAWPAW balm is great for lip balm, moisturiser or on dry ends as is the DR.PAWPAW 7 in 1 It Does It All Hair Treatment Styler - browse the collection at www.drpawpaw.com 4. Going camping or having a BBQ at the beach make sure you have this Zippo candle lighter with you - $24 available from www.zippo.co.uk 5. Keep your lifeline safe with the ELEMENT AURA phone case $43 from www.elementcase.com
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6. Travel in style with your laptop with the Kings backpack - $202 available from www.stmgoods.com 7. Keep the insects away with this repellent wristband - $12 from www.theye.co.uk 8. Keep your hair moisturised when you’ve been in and out of the water with Phil Smith’s Total Treat Argan Oil Cream - from www.philsmithhair.com 9. Get your tunes in the shower or by the pool with the Polk BOOM bluetooth speaker $87 from Amazon.com 10. Protect your passport in style with a Passport & Travel Document Holder $34 available from www.penheaven.co.uk
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
LIGHTENING THE LOAD FOR YOUR TRAVELS Planning for a working holiday in Australia can be tough, and it’s often hard to know what you’ll want with you. One thing’s for sure and that’s that you’ll be wanting to save money by taking some belongings with you so you don’t have to buy them when you get there, especially if you’re planning on sticking around in a city to work for a few months before hitting the road on your travels. A lot of apartments in Sydney and Melbourne are often unfurnished meaning you could be facing the dilemma of working out where your nearest IKEA type shop is upon arrival, however you could ship smart and make sure you have your essentials ready via Seven Seas Worldwide’s MoveCube® for your arrival. This way, if you secure your accommodation ahead of arriving at your chosen destination you can unpack and get straight into the working aspect of your working holiday. Similarly, you might have gone a bit mad on the shopping whilst you’ve been living in Australia and may have become rather attached to some of your new belongings. If it’s time to head home or start your travels, then the MoveCube® is also a great way to pack everything up in one fell swoop and ship it on at one flat cost. This means you can travel light
with just your personal essentials - a great idea if you’re off to find yourself in the outback. Seven Seas Worldwide’s MoveCube® service is a mini-freight container that is designed to be carried on a trailer and parked outside of your house or apartment. All you need to do is load your carefully packed items in strong, well-labelled boxes and wait for Seven Seas Worldwide to take it to your new address! It really is that simple. The MoveCube® comes in three different sizes, for the minimalist, take a look at the small MoveCube® or if your belongings are for an apartment, perhaps check out the medium MoveCube®, but if you are a large family with heavy belongings, then the large MoveCube® will be more your style. The mini-freight containers offered by Seven Seas Worldwide are great because they’re extremely strong, safe and sturdy. Seven Seas Worldwide ensure you have a more friendly approach with the MoveCube®, so contact a member of the team today to find out more. Alternatively, visit the MoveCube® section on the Seven Seas Worldwide website. www.sevenseasworldwide.com
Moving within Australia? Call FREE on 1300 216 698 and quote our BBM promotional code BBMAUS15W06 to receive a 5% discount! This offer is only valid over the phone and not available from the website.
NEW COUNTRY? NEW JOB? MISSION NOT SO IMPOSSIBLE So, you have made the life changing decision to move to a different country. You have packed your bags, said your goodbyes, spent hours on the plane, shaken off the jetlag and now you are ready to start your job hunt. Moving from South Africa to Sydney at the beginning of 2016, I experienced the surprises, challenges and differences a job hunt in a new country will throw at you. I quickly learned that I would need to be proactive and ‘on-the-ball’ if I wanted to be noticed in a new country.
Here are 5 of my top tips... Make sure your LinkedIn profile is 100% up to date You have left your network of friends, family and colleagues behind. Sadly you are a newbie and you have to start from scratch building a new network in your new country. LinkedIn is definitely a step in the right direction and will help you build a personal brand and get you noticed by potential employers. Keep detailed notes of the roles you have applied for Don’t get caught up in the whirlwind of applications and end up having NO idea which role the employer / recruiter is referring to when you finally get that call back. Keep your phone close and your notes closer! If you are not getting any response – pick up the phone and CALL CALL, CALL! It’s quite daunting writing a new resume in a new country. What if the format is
different? What if you don’t add enough information? What if you add way too much information? The trick to overcome that fear is to swallow your pride, pick up the phone and CALL. Go to every interview you get invited to Even if you are incredibly nervous and you have no idea what to expect, take a deep breath and go to the interview. Every interview teaches you something new and you quickly learn the do’s and don’ts. My very first experience in Australia was in car-wax sales, but hey – practice makes perfect! Be confident in yourself and the skills you have learned in your country! With a little bit of luck and a whole lot of faith, you might just find exactly what you are looking for. Good luck with your job search and remember , a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step! Article by Roche Dreyer, consultant, northern districts at people2people. Visit people2people.com.au to browse working holiday maker, temporary and permanent jobs in Australia. Find temporary & permanent work and job advice at people2people.com.au
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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: • A ustralian construction training services - Visa Skills programme (ACTS) • Future skills international (FSI) ACTS seek those in the construction and engineering trades to gather previous qualifications and evidence of employment to submit for a Skills Assessment so that they can gain a
qualification valid in Australia and work under their trade. Future Skills International offer the Skills Assessment to Electricians for the purpose of migration, where they would need to obtain an Offshore Technical Skills record (OTSR) in order to work in Australia as an Electrician. The Down Under Centre also host monthly webinars where you can meet our partners and experts to help you with your migration journey. Speak with a MARA Approved Migration Agent for migration and visa advice, or speak with a recruiter who can go over the job opportunities available all over Australia. Receive special offers from their partners or special guests on the Webinar! We have handpicked a range of partners who are experts in getting you set up for your migration journey.
www.downundercentre.com • info@downundercentre.com • 48 Haven Green, Ealing, W5 2NX
Carpenters Wanted in Australia
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HOW TO INTERVIEW FOR A JOB IN AUSTRALIA Find hospitality jobs in Australia After 15 years in the recruitment industry, I have interviewed thousands of people. Some of my suggestions are listed below. Whether you are interviewing in person or via Video / Skype these tips are relevant.
Interview Structure in Australia •
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Research and Preparation •
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Do some research on the company you are interviewing for – there is a wealth of information available online and research shows you are interested in the opportunity. Find out about the company, brand, venue and the number of employees. Any newsworthy items you can discuss with the interviewer? Have some questions of your own prepared that you can ask the interviewer. Identify how your background and experience fits with the opportunity on offer. Know your own strengths, weaknesses and accomplishments. Be prepared to discuss these in detail. Arrive 15 minutes early, never ever be late for an interview. Ask who will be interviewing you and what you should prepare / bring with you to the interview. Dress appropriately for the company culture and position you are interviewing for. Don’t smoke before an interview.
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Some job interviews will begin with the interviewer describing the position and the organization to you. This will give you a chance to settle and get an insight into your interviewer and the organization. Others will begin by asking you about your background and experience. This means you will have to make an immediate impact and have the chance to sell yourself and your skills early in the process. Be prepared for both situations.
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Make sure that the language you use is respectful and polite at all times. Be enthusiastic and make a positive first impression. The first five minutes are really important! Be friendly and polite to other staff you meet along the way (in the lift, at reception). Make sure there is two-way conversation but don’t interrupt your interviewer. Avoid giving too much information and unnecessary detail. Remember there is a fine line between being confident and being arrogant. Be positive about your current / previous positions, companies, employers and ex colleagues. Making negative comments about previous employers comes across badly and implies that you don’t take responsibility for your actions. Make sure you know your own
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resume. This might sound ridiculous but not knowing the dates you were employed does not leave a good impression. Smile! Try not to slouch or fold your arms – keep still and look your interviewer in the eye. Don’t over share personal details. Keep the conversation relevant and professional. If it’s not clear at the end of the interview it is fine to ask the interviewer what the next steps in the process will be – this demonstrates your interest in the role. Non-native-English speakers may feel nervous about speaking English during a job interview. Before the interview, practice with native English speakers, preferably Australians, and ask for feedback.
Technology (for Skype / Video Interviews) •
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Check your technology, background noise and feedback levels. Ensure the area surrounding you is neat and tidy and free of distractions (dogs, children etc). Speak clearly and remember there is
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often a time lag between the image and audio. We recommend that if you are using a mobile device you sit in one spot – walking around can make your image jumpy and distorted. A stationary device is preferable. Dress appropriately even if you are using Skype / Video.
Practice makes perfect - an interview may be a formal situation or an informal meeting but it is always a social interaction. Stay professional even if the situation is very informal. Being professional and relaxed at interview will generally show more of your personality. Interview experience will refine your technique and each one will be easier than the one before. If you are not successful in getting the job you can always ask for feedback, which can assist you in your next interview. Find out more about hospitality and sponsored jobs in Australia via
www.tssrecruitment.com.au Article by Maryke Wylde at TSS Recruitment
REGISTERED NURSE JOBS IN SYDNEY If you’re a registered nurse who looking to work in Sydney then you’ll want to be sure that there is work available for you when you arrive, or if you’re already here, then you’ll need to know where to look to find a job. The good news is that there are lots of nursing opportunities available in Sydney and across Australia. Registered nurses and other jobs across the healthcare profession are currently in high demand in Australia due to a national skills shortage. The government, having created new jobs and built new hospitals to cope with the demand of a growing population, have been recruiting home-grown staff; however they are now looking elsewhere in the world to fill these positions to ensure that the required skills are met. If you have qualified as a nurse in the UK, your skills should be transferable to a nursing job in Australia. In Sydney in particular there are openings for various positions across the healthcare spectrum. Priority occupations include Registered Nurses in the following specialist areas: • Aged Care • Child and Family Health • Community Health • Critical Care and Emergency • Disability and Rehabilitation • Medical Practice
• Mental Health • Surgical • Paediatrics • There are also a number of opportunities available for qualified midwives. Moving to Sydney Although there are openings in many parts of Australia, including some remote and regional areas, most overseas nurses will end up in the busy major city hospitals, with Sydney being a particular hub for the expat community. Due to its size there are numerous opportunities available for qualified nurses – there are a multitude of recruitment websites where specific vacancies are advertised or you may find it beneficial to sign up with a nursing agency who specialise in recruiting healthcare staff from overseas. Agencies and employers may also be able to help with gaining your visa for entry into Australia – as qualified nurses are seen as a priority occupation it should be a fairly straightforward process. Working Holidays For Nurses Fancy dipping your toes in first to see if nursing in Australia is for you? Why not try out one of our working holiday packages for nurses? Find out more about nursing jobs in Sydney by getting in touch today at info@bowerhealthcare.com.au
bowerhealthcare.com.au
NURSING IN MELBOURNE: THE FACTS If you’re considering a working holiday, and you are already a Registered Nurse, then Australia could provide you with a number of exciting opportunities. As one of Australia’s major cities, nurses are highly in demand in Melbourne. There is work in a range of specialities, across both private and public sector healthcare organisations. What is it like to work as a nurse in Melbourne? Compared to the UK, you’ll notice a number of similarities to working practices, particularly when it comes to policy and procedures; however the working conditions for nurses are of a particularly high standard in Melbourne. Patient-nurse ratios are around 4:1, enabling you to concentrate on providing a high quality of care and attention. By signing up to a nursing agency in Melbourne, you are sure to find a range of varied and interesting roles to suit your qualifications and experience, whether you are looking to work in a hospital or in a care setting. Many overseas nurses find themselves based in the large teaching facilities in the city; however there are plenty of opportunities, which arise in the smaller facilities as well as aged care units.
supplement your income whilst you travel around the country. The visa allows you to travel around Australia whilst finding work. Your visa will not automatically entitle you to obtain work as a nurse in Australia – you will need to register separately for this – see below. Registering as a nurse in Australia Just as you would with the NMC in the UK, you’ll need to register with the ANMC, the Australian equivalent, in Melbourne. The process can take a number of weeks to complete, so it’s advisable to complete your application before you travel, as you won’t be able to enter employment as a nurse without this.
How do I get a visa?
If you completed your training in the UK, you may be eligible for direct entry onto the register. If there are any issues with your registration, you may need to undertake some additional training in order to be accepted onto the register.
If you are planning on coming to Melbourne on a working holiday, then you’ll need to apply for a Working Holiday Visa. This is suitable if you are aged between 18-30 (the upper age limit rises to 35 in 2017) and is an ideal way to
An important element of the criteria is the ability to be proficient in the English language. If English is not your first language, it may be necessary to complete a test in order to prove your proficiency.
To find out more about working as a nurse in Australia or to find nursing jobs in Melbourne contact one of the Australian Nursing Agency team today at recruitment@australiannursingagency.com or visit www.australiannursingagency.com
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