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Summer Issue 2015/16

Big THANKS to our amazing contributors Front cover: Thanks to our gorgeous backpackers enjoying an orphan Christmas at the beautiful Cottesloe Beach, Perth - Theresas Fi, Paulina O’Hagan, Julia Pckrt, Naomi Vandebulk and Ocean Beach Backpackers. Editor: Pia Davids Co-Editor: Bec Holden Online Editor: Maddi Devoy Social Media Manager: Bridget Gourlay Writers: Alyce Sophia Procter Bo Daly Luke Taylor Pia Davids Bec Holden Michelle Bates Steve Savage Zoe Nixon Photographers: Katie Dyas Pia Davids Tourism Australia Andrew Smith Hugh Stewart Cameron Ernst Karen Gallagher Virgin Australia Lincoln Fowler Maxime Coquard Adrian Brown Brisbane marketing Ellenor Argyropoulos Emma Holden Noa City-Eliyahu Jayson Wyatt David Ireland James Fisher Australia’s Coral Coast

Want to advertise? Get in touch with Michelle Bates- 0424 001 265 or michelle@detourmag.com.au © Copywrite 2015 for Detour Mag. Published bi-monthly. All rights reserved. Permission to reprint or quote excerpt granted by written request only. While every attempt is made to ensure complete accuracy and legality of information presented, Detour Mag does not accept warranty or responsibility for such.

Summer Lovin! Summer in Australia is as bloody good as it gets. There is no other place like it in the world, where you can get attacked by horse flies, pricked by a patch of bindis, get solid chafe between your legs, and make out with a bogan—and that’s all just a typical Monday morning. But in all seriousness, summer is your chance to see Australia in all its glory. The humidity of North Queensland, bundled with the majestic surf beaches of Byron, and the thriving nightlife and beer gardens of Sydney—whatever your jug of beer, there is something on offer for you. From December 1st to Feb 31st, there are events galore with world-renowned festivals on offer, Christmas NY celebrations, and the one and only Straya Day on 26th January. This date is without a doubt Australia’s favourite celebration of the year, where it’s okay to wake up and crack a tinnie, pass out by 5:00, and listen to the best of Australian music thanks to Triple J. You will experience Christmas like no other, with fun-filled water activities, backyard cricket, and seafood instead of hot turkey. You may not be with your blood family, but the mates you have made here will be your adopted family, and it will be an experience you will never forget. Check out the info between the pages! It will guide you in the right direction for your summer adventure. And remember: take the detour down the road less taken. You never know where you may end up! Travel. Dream. Inspire.

Do you want to be featured in Detour Mag? If you’re an aspiring writer, have a killer blog or have some awesome pics to share please get in touch – editor@detourmag.com.au

Summer Issue 2015/16 detourmag.com.au | 5

Summer Issue 2015/16

What is detour? Contents Features

06 - Merry Xmas from Your Detour Family! 09 - Drive in or drop by - Magnetic Island 12 -

Summer festival special

17 -

Aussie bands to check out this summer

18 -

Want a free ride

21 -

What to expect when you arrive for your farmwork?

22 - The Roads Less Explored 28 - Traveling with your Partner 30 - Sydney Guide

Detour is a collective community of travellers within Australia, who want to share ideas, information, and experiences. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s about living life on the road, with the wind in your hair and the sand between your toes. Its about adventure, freedom, excitement, good times, making new friends, and creating memories. It written for, and by your fellow nomads, gypsies, free spirits, and just the average Joe who loves to travel. Your local guides are in factâ&#x20AC;Ś written by locals, and the travel articles, too, are written by travellers. Detour is simply creating the platform for you all to connect and inspire.

34 - Byron Guide 38 - Brisbane Guide 41 -

Airlie Beach Guide

43 - Cairns Guide

Subscirbe to our E- Mag! Just head to our website to get Detour delivered straight to your inbox every season. Plus a heap of exclusive travel deals, ideas and articles.

Summer Issue 2015/16 6 | detourmag.com.au

Merry Xmas from Your Detour Family! Is it your first Christmas here and you don’t know what to do? I know you’re probably having a teary that you won’t be able to celebrate with your beloved family and friends back home, but you CAN make the most of it—they will be there next year!

It might not be exactly the winter wonderland you’ve expected it to, but Australia does know how to throw a top-notch Christmas! From famous BBQs on the beach, camping, pool parties, tons of beer in stubby holders, fishing, seafood, sun, AND cricket: this is where all your favourite Aussie cliques can turn into one hell of a Christmas. We have a compiled a Santa sack filled with Christmas pressies to get you started.

Have an orphan Christmas: gather up your finest mates, speak to people in the workplace or around the hostel, and keep an eye out for backpacker adverts—there are a ton of places that will be happy to accommodate you this jolly day. If you want to celebrate in a traditional Australian way, chat to any Australians you know. They are generally very friendly people and may be willing to host you for the day. This way you can decide what option you would be most comfortable with. Have an epic first Christmas here that you can still quote to your grandkids… Christmas in Australia is the prime time for basically anything iconic—getting your group of friends or coworkers together to have a barbecue on the beach is always a primo option. Sun, sea, food, and BYO drinks will work out very cheap if enough effort is put into the planning—everyone can bring a plate or different activity. If you want to go full Aussie style we suggest cricket or a football. No playing ‘Never Have I Ever’ with a bag of goon—that isn’t how Australians celebrate Christmas. Although it could make for a fun day! Or what about hiring a car and going on an epic journey to somewhere you have never been?

Summer Issue 2015/16 detourmag.com.au | 7

Universal TV Remote $2 amazon.com

What about doing a Secret Santa with your friends? This option is cheap, can be a laugh, and ensures everyone gets a gift on Christmas. We have some solid ideas your mates will love: Bacon Toothpaste $7 amazon.com

USB Thermo Electric Cooler & Warmer $15 thinkgeek.com

XL Wine Glass $10 bedbathandbeyond.com

Fruit Keg Tapping Kit $20 uncommongoods.com

Wasabi Candy Canes $8 amazon.com

Liquor Bottle Lock $10 bedbathandbeyond.com

Summer Issue 2015/16 8 | detourmag.com.au

What do Aussies even eat? Being warm, Aussies don’t tend to go down the traditional path you might find in Europe or America. Our top three picks would be: • Prawns (seafood) • Pavlova • Roasts of any sort. They love meat.

Ingredients SERVINGS: 4

Want to be mother hen and impress your Aussie fam bam with a mean roast? Spoil your mates with this easy three ingredient beer can recipe. (This is legit and tastes amazing.)

1 can light lager

Spoil your mates with this easy three ingredient recipe.

Special Equipment

*WARNING: Cook responsibly…

A foil baking pan (for drip pan)

1 31/2-4-lb. chicken 2 tablespoons 4-3-2-1 Spice Rub (click for recipe)

Watermelon Vodka Slushy You’ll be the queen or the king of any Xmas party if you bring this delicious, easy, and cheap to make refreshment! Recipe type: Cocktail

Ingredients »» 2 cups sliced watermelon »» 1 cup ice »» 1/4 cup watermelon flavored vodka

Instructions »» Combine the watermelon and vodka in a blender. Blend until watermelon is pureed. »» Add ice and blend again until ice is crushed and texture is slushy. »» Garnish with slice of watermelon

But what is the typical way to spent Christmas in Oz? “In Australia however, the sun mirrors the steaming heat the not-refreshing-at-all, spa-like pool has to offer. Australia’s Christmas included a lot of alcohol, dehydrated people, and bbq’d goodies. It’s basically like a family get-together in a big sauna. In the end, everybody got drunk and sunburnt.”

Issue # 02 December / January Edition 2015 detourmag.com.au | 9

drop in or drive by? Magnetic Island

Magnetic Island (Maggie Island as it’s known to the locals) is the closest thing you will get to a tropical island paradise on the East Coast of Australia. It’s located just a short 20 minute ride from Townsville, and is definitely worth the trip. The 22 semisecluded beaches make this place the perfect pit stop if you are travelling between Airlie Beach and Cairns. It’s great for some down time, beach snorkelling, diving, and wildlife spotting. The sunrises and sunsets are some of the best in the country, and it boasts a heap of walking trails and lookouts to ensure you see them from a primo spot.

Stay and Play Base backpacker hostel is the only place you want to rest your head on the island. We are calling it hands down the BEST hostel in Australia, located right on the beach, with a huge open air bar and off-beach snorkelling and diving. The licensed bar holds theme nights every night of the week, with our favourite being Thursdays: ladies night, when the boys get their cock in a frock.

Full Moon Parties The Full Moon parties have become Australia’s answer to Koh Pha Ngan. You can expect up to 3,000 groovy people listening to bangers on the beach until the sun rises. With body paint, fire twirlers, and even a silent disco, this is a night to remember… or maybe you won’t. Next full moon party is set for NYE. Wildlife The best piece of advice we can offer you is to LOOK UP! It’s a goldmine of Australian wildlife, koalas in particular. There are over 180 different types of animals, including the iconic Koala and Sulphur

18 trips. 20 minutes. Your quickest link to Magnetic Island.

MAGNETIC ISLAND TIMETABLE DAY

DEP TOWNSVILLE

DEP MAGNETIC IS

Mon–Sat* Mon–Sun* Mon–Sun Mon–Sun Mon–Sun Mon–Sun Mon–Sun Mon–Sun Mon–Sun Mon–Sun Mon–Sun Mon–Sun Mon–Fri** Mon–Sun Mon–Sun Mon–Sun Mon–Sun Fri–Sat*

5:30am 6:30am 7:05am 7:45am 8:45am 9:30am 10.30am 11:30am 12:55pm 2:15pm 3:45pm 4:30pm 5:20pm 6:00pm 7:15pm 9:00pm 10:30pm 11:30pm

6:20am 7:10am 7:50am 8:25am 9:25am 10:15am 11.10am 12.15pm 1:35pm 3:00pm 4:25pm 5:10pm 5:55pm 6:40pm 7:45pm 9:30pm 11:00pm 12:00am

* Not operating on Public Holidays ** Not operating on weekends Check website for XMAS and NYE timetables

ADULT FARES from For bookings call

$29ret

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VALUE PACKAGES FERRY + ALL DAY BUS from $35pp INCLUSIONS • Return ferry to Magnetic Island • All day island bus pass • FREE all day parking offer* Child, concession, student & family options also available.

FERRY + DRINK + CAR from $42pp INCLUSIONS • Return ferry cruise to Magnetic Island • 1 drink each on ferry • 1 day car hire^ on Magnetic Island * Free parking available when travelling Mon–Fri (excl. QLD Public & School Holidays) • Must present advertisement to redeem offer • Available with the purchase of ferry tickets to Magnetic Island • Max. 1 day free parking (24hr or part thereof) • Valid until 31/12/16 ^ Excludes $9.00 fuel levy. Vehicle upgrades available. Based on 4 person hire.

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Summer Issue 2015/16 detourmag.com.au | 11

Crested Cockatoo. It’s also home to a large colony of rock wallabies, which are quite friendly and you can hand feed. You can also pay to cuddle a koala or kiss a croc at the famous Bungalow Bay Village as part of their wildlife tour. Not to mention the abundance of marine life. Keep an eye out for sea

turtles and dolphins, as it’s part of the Great Barrier Reef. Getting Around The island is quite small, covering around 52km2 and with just over 2,000 permanent residents. It takes about 15 minutes to drive from one side of the island to the other. Our advice is to hire a car or scooter. There are many options on the island, including the Instagramfriendly Barbie cars. If you’re a bit skint, grab a bus pass for $7, which lets you hop on and off all day. Walking Trails Take the Forts walk to check out some Australian history,

Magnetic Island Airlie Beach Brisbane Sydney Melbourne

with WWII remnants, killer views, and koala spotting. Take the hike and head to Hastings point for an epic sunset. Even though it’s located on top of a hill, it’s suited for all levels of fitness.

Summer Issue 2015/16 12 | detourmag.com.au

Summer festival special

Beyond The Valley

Set amongst the lush rolling hills of the stunning Lardner Park and just 90 minutes from Melbourne City, this event promises patrons a one of a kind event. It will now roll out across three days, creating a cultural and sensory experience that will go unparalleled in Australia.

Name: Beyond The Valley When: 29 Dec–1 Jan Where: Lardner, Victoria

Prepare yourself for a souldefining expansion of the senses

With a stunning new location, expanded show dates, and a fucking insane lineup, BEYOND THE VALLEY 2015 is THE New Year’s Eve event. Not to be missed!

Summer festival special

The Falls

Name: The Falls When & Where: Dec 28, 2015 until Jan 01, 2016 in Lorne, VIC (est. 1993) 18+ event Dec 29, 2015 until Jan 01, 2016 in Marion Bay, TAS (est. 2003) All ages Dec 31, 2015 until Jan 03, 2016 in Byron, NSW (est. 2013) 18+ event

The Falls Music & Arts Festival is lining up to bring you one of the finest, sunsoaked summers of your life! After the mammoth first announcement including Foals, Bloc Party, Disclosure, Kurt Vile & The Violators, Mac Demarco, Paul Kelly & The Merri Soul Sessions, Courtney Barnett, and many more, they’ve added a few

more exciting names to 2015’s top drawer line-up! All heading our way, ready for an Australian summer romance with you. <3 With a stunning new location, expanded show dates, and a fucking insane lineup, BEYOND THE VALLEY 2015 is THE New Year’s Eve event. Not to be missed!

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Summer Issue 2015/16 14 | detourmag.com.au

Summer festival special

FOTSUN

When: 11–12 Dec Where: Sundowner Breakwall Tourist Park, Port Macquarie, NSW Best grab your sunscreen, as the scorching 2015 lineup is overflowing with local talent! If you’ve got a bib handy, put it on now, so you can spare your keyboard any of the saliva damage that may result from reading this combination of familiar favourites and fresh musical talent. FOTSUN Festival Director Simon Luke says of the changes to 2015’s festival format: FOTSUN welcomes in a fresh decade with hot new additions! Ten years is a long time. But do you know what’s even longer/better? Eleven years! In 2015, a new era of Festival of the Sun (FOTSUN) peeks its sunburnt head over the horizon, as the boutique summer festival commences its second decade! FOTSUN, one of Australia’s longest running music festivals, introduces a plethora of exciting new elements this year, adding to the experience and excitement without sacrificing the relaxed, backyard vibe punters have come to know and love.

“As we entered a new decade of FOTSUN we wanted our focus to reinforce what everyone loves about the festival, making additions we felt would keep increasing these experiences.”

“Musically, we are psyched by the acts we’ve secured and believe 2015’s lineup includes some of the best talent Australia has to offer.”

Summer Issue 2015/16 detourmag.com.au | 15

Summer festival special

Lost Paradise Name: Lost Paradise When: 29–31 Dec Where: Glenworth Valley, NSW

Lost Paradise is a young, bold, boutique festival unlike any other. Situated an hour and a half from Sydney in pristine Glenworth Valley, the festival features some of the world’s hottest bands and DJs over the course of three days and three nights.

Lost Paradise is an interactive festival offering a plethora of diverse and entertaining

activities designed to tickle your fancy. Treat yourself to a massage or facial at our luxurious spa. Book yourself and your tribe in for the gourmet long table feast out amongst the trees. Submit a proposal for us to bring your art installation to life. Meander through the forest until you stumble upon secret speakeasies tucked away in the woods.

Indulge in the most luxurious glamping options at any Australian festival, resting your pretty head upon rich linens in a classic tipi tent. And as for music, the lineup is huge …

Summer festival special

NYE on the Hill Freedom from the city. Freedom from massive crowds. Freedom to hang out with great people, in an amazing location, listening to awesome live music. What better way to bring in the New Year? NYE on the Hill is a three day (two night) boutique music and camping festival for good-vibing, music-loving folk. This year we’re limiting the number of people that attend to 2,500 to ensure a ‘hills experience’ unlike any other NYE event.

Last year sold out well in advance so make sure you get in early! It is with great pleasure and excitement that we can announce that some incredible acts will be joining us on the hill come NYE. Some you will already know and love, some will hopefully be new to you. Trust us, they’re all amazing. Farmer’s guarantee. All this AND there are still more acts to be announced? Yes, there are.

Name: NYE on the Hill When: 30 Dec–1 Jan Where: “The Farm” – Loch Village, Wonthaggi, Melbourne

check us out online.

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Summer Issue 2015/16 detourmag.com.au | 17

Aussie bands to check out this summer THE CREASES

GOOD MUSIC FOR BAD HEADACHES

N ROYAL HEADACHE

THE SCUZZY PRINCES OF SYDNEY

f I had a dollar for every time Royal Headache was talked about this past year, I probably wouldn’t be writing articles about them. 2015 has been an intense year for the four-piece between releasing their sophomore album, now quelled rumours of disbanding, and their infamous performance at the Opera House. For those who haven’t been kicking around Sydney’s music scene of late, I’ll provide a quick recap. The Sydneysiders have been making heartrending garage rock in ill-fitting polo shirts since 2010 and have garnered an ardent following. Ardent might actually be an understatement after watching the footage of their show at the Vivid Live festival back in May—the Opera House performance in question. A cursory Google search will bring up dozens of articles and videos detailing the 60 ecstatic crowd members who swarmed the stage to join the scruffy and shirtless frontman Shogun as he sang fan-favourite “Girls”. They were eventually ushered off by police, and it’s since been described as “a normal Royal Headache gig.” Punk rock. The music media buzz surrounding the band has spiked again with the recent release of their long-awaited sophomore album, High. It’s ten tracks of overdrive-laden power chords and equally gravelly vocals rich with soul influences. They’re the kind of songs that are upbeat and poignant simultaneously—best listened to when you can’t decide between getting things done and reminiscing about your ex. Even with those aforementioned dollars I’d probably still write about Royal Headache, because they’re fantastic.

early everyone I know has a song or band they listen to on the rough mornings following big nights out. The ones where you wake up bleary-eyed and underslept, needing electrolytes and soothing tunes— songs my friends and I have dubbed, ‘Berocca music’. The Velvet Underground’s “Sunday Morning” has always been my go-to, but I think that The Creases have usurped that position. The Brisbane four-piece released their latest single “Point” in July on Liberation records. It’s a sweet yet danceably poppy track with a highly infectious guitar hook. It’s a Berocca tune I wholeheartedly endorse as a remedy for hangovers. “Point” joins a brief but satisfying catalogue of singles and 2014’s Gradient EP. The brevity is probably due to The Creases having formed only two years ago. Despite this they’ve fast become one of the more significant and in-demand groups in the Australian and international indie scenes. In the past two years, they’ve supported such acts as Franz Ferdinand, The Preatures, and The Jungle Giants. They’re now about to headline a national tour throughout October, visiting Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, and Perth. Details and tickets are available on the official and conveniently named website, www.thecreases.com.

Summer Issue 2015/16 18 | detourmag.com.au

Travelling for free changed my life!

Italian Workawayer Priscilla’s Experience I’m from Italy’s gorgeous island of Sardinia. As much as I deeply love my home country, there are no opportunities, no development; the only jobs available are seasonal jobs offered only to good-looking people under 25 (I’m 39, so… not so great for me). I moved to London, and for six years I had the best job in the world at My Family Care. I was eventually struck by the travel bug and at first, I didn’t even realise I’d been hit. I’d never travelled for more than two to three weeks for holidays, and very suddenly I wanted to travel for six months. I had no idea how to make this happen. My budget was tiny; I didn’t know where to go or even how to get there. All I knew was that I needed to go. Hours of internet trawling later, and I stumbled upon www.workaway.info. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing! This website was telling me that you could go anywhere in the world, volunteer, and get free food and free accommodation.

#ARE.YOU.KIDDING.ME Jumping out of my seat at the office, I told anyone who would listen that I’d found a way to travel! I signed up and my dream started to become a reality. I arrived in Australia in March 2015 and have been travelling with Workaways ever since. So far my experience has been so amazing that at times it’s felt completely surreal! Australia is a massive country with so much to see and explore, with incredible people and amazing nature. And I finally found a way to do it all for free. Where I have been So far I’ve worked at two different farms: Gingin near Perth and Cygnet in Tasmania, both of which have been amazing. I’ve learnt a lot and my Australian hosts have been very welcoming. They’ve really cared about my level of comfort. Was I sleeping well? Was I too cold or too hot?

Summer Issue 2015/16 detourmag.com.au | 19

This website was telling me that you could go anywhere in the world, volunteer, and get free food and free accommodation.

I’ve been treated to days, been shown around the neighbouring cities, and always felt like part of family. I am a vegan and in both places they’ve always ensured that I’ve had enough to eat. I’ve even had the option of picking whatever I wanted to eat directly from the garden. Pure heaven! I’m now working at a yoga retreat in Ashram, NSW, where I’m spending time practicing yoga and helping out with various tasks around the retreat. The group of fellow workers is really large (about 15 people), and I’ve made friends for life. I would recommend keeping the following travel tips in mind: »» Be prepared to work; there is no room for laziness. »» Bring some working clothes, boots, and a good hat. You don’t want to ruin all your clothes by wearing them all the time. »» Travel light and no, you don’t need five pairs of swimwear. »» Sunscreen is essential. The sun is much

harsher than in Europe. And bring it from home: Australia isn’t cheap. »» Bring your laptop and a memory stick. Hello, millions of pictures, anyone? »» Think of what you would like to see in Australia and plan accordingly. Read the reviews and if you’re not convinced, simply contact any workawayer for detailed feedback. »» Enjoy and don’t be scared! Follow your gut instinct. It might be cliché to say, but travel really is the most amazing thing you can give to yourself. Don’t be limited by your inhibitions and let life pass you by. This is an amazing opportunity for anyone ready to seize it. If you are interested in free work in Australia, check out www.workaway.info. Remember to always be safe where you stay. Look at the reviews and chat with other travellers who have stayed with them before committing. But most importantly, enjoy the experience!

Connecting farms & workers

LOOKING FOR WORK? BACKPACKING OZ? get access to new farming jobs everyday Getting your second year visa has never been easier We’ll help you with what to expect, what to remember along with providing information on regional work & access to backpacker blogs

Access to new farming jobs everyday Learn regional Australia survival tips & travel must do’s

VISIT WWW.FARMWORK365.COM.AU

Summer Issue 2015/16 detourmag.com.au | 21

What to expect when you arrive for your farmwork? Doing your farm work can bring you lots of positive experiences, but what’s it actually like, don’t head to the outback expecting it to be a walk in the park. Whether you plan on just doing the minimum or making the most out of your time there, you will have to work hard. Most employers are aware that the average backpacker has little to zero experience in this field, and they’re pretty understanding of this. They mainly want to see that you’re really trying and can listen to and follow instructions.

ACCOMODATION Don’t head to the farm thinking you’ll be staying at the Ritz but also don’t assume it’s going to be a dog house. The majority of places will provide basic utensils, furniture & washing machines, some even more than this. **Don’t expect too much and hopefully you will be pleasantly surprised. SNAKES & SPIDERS Everybody worries about being attacked by these deadly creatures….. the fact is, yes, they’re dangerous but they’re not interested in attacking you unless you are a threat. So be aware of their presence and keep your eyes peeled but don’t worry yourself too much!

These temperatures can be dangerous if you’re not taking the necessary precautions. Wearing sun block, cap or hats is essential. As well as covering the body as much as you can. Drink plenty of water especially when working outdoors. **Make sure you’re drinking at least 2-5 litres of water every day depending on the conditions you’re working in. Try filling your water bottles the evening before and popping them in the freezer. There’s nothing like a cold drink of water on a seriously hot day.

OUR TIP Give your boots a good old shake before putting them on… Just in case!

LONG HOURS They’re standard practice when you’re a farmer. Fruit pickers will usually get time off during the hottest parts of the day, as for farm hands and tractor drivers, a usual day for you would be 7am-7pm. During harvest you could be expected to work late into the night, day after day. Think of the money.

TEMPERATURES It’s standard in the outback for temperatures during the summer months to reach 40C+ degrees.

**You can be working up to 18 hours a day during harvest. Speak up if you’re struggling Don’t put yourself at risk of having an

accident. You could hurt yourself or someone else. SOCIALIZING When you have time off, a good way to meet locals and other backpackers in the area is by heading to the local. There are always heaps of people and you’ll meet some great characters! You’ll be very surprised how many people live in your area and it’s a great way to make contacts for friends looking for farm work or just to have a bit more company during your stay. **Don’t be shy if you’re working alone on a farm, get yourself out and meet people. It’s going to make a huge difference to your experience.

Summer Issue 2015/16 22 | detourmag.com.au

The Roads Less Explored Summer itineraries to get your motor running. Open up any Australia guide book, do any Google search, or ask any fellow traveller, and you’re bound to be told to travel the iconic, albeit well travelled road that runs from Sydney to Cairns. Maybe you’ve already travelled this well worn road, or perhaps you’re looking for something different. Our top two Aussie road trips go like this …

FOLLOW THE RABBIT-PROOF FENCE: Alice Springs to Darwin

This is the drive through the middle of nothing to get to nowhere. If you want to see Australia at its best, put this drive on your bucket list pronto. Alice Springs Here you’ll find an abundance of true outback history and culture. A must-see is the nearby MacDonnell Ranges, home to Simpsons Gap and Stanley Chasm. The panorama you’ll find here is second to none. Tennant Creek Famous for the rock formation, the Devil’s Marbles. This famous

goldmining town is a perfect one night stop. Mataranka Two words: HOT SPRINGS. Need we say more? The crystal clear waters of Mataranka Hot Springs make these some of the best in Australia. Do not forget to fill up before you get on-route; fuel stations are scarce in these parts.

Katherine Arguably the most spectacular region of the Northern Territory, Katherine is most famous for the Nitmiluk National Park, which is the home of the Katherine River. Here you’ll find some of Australia’s most important cultural sights: sweeping panoramas of sandstone mountains and ravenous valleys. Remember to be croc-smart around any body of water in this region. A visit to the Leliyn Edith Falls is a must, which you’ll find on the park’s west side.

Summer Issue 2015/16 detourmag.com.au | 23

Kakadu & Litchfield National Park Each national park is easily an entire driving itinerary in and of itself, and it’s worth spending a couple of days at each one. If you’re time poor, fear not—you can still scratch the surface of either park in a day. For the wildlife lovers, both parks boast a huge array of biological and ecological sights. This region has ‘six seasons’, including Banggerreng ‘knock ‘em down’ season (April). It’s recommended you check this out before hitting the road.

LOCAL TIP: Remember that animals rule the roost round these parts. Be sure that your car is insured for travel between the time before dawn and after dusk.

Darwin Capital of the Northern Territory and Australia’s most northern capital city, Darwin is a little known delight for backpackers. You’ll find frequent festivals, markets, and beer-based festivities all year round in Darwin. So great is Darwin’s love of beer, in August you’ll find the Darwin Beer Can Regatta, where contestants race boats made entirely of beer cans.

BYO PETROL: Perth to Broome

ATTENTION ALL ADVENTURE LOVERS: THIS ONE HAS YOUR NAME ALL OVER IT. One of the most unexplored coastlines in the world; if you’re a beach bum at heart, you’re going to love this incredible trip. Perth The quieter version of Sydney and it’s fabulous. This sophisticated, cosmopolitan city is packed full of colonial history and surrounded by some of Australia’s best

beaches and wineries, including nearby Margaret River. Just outside of Fremantle, you’ll find the spectacular Rottnest Island and its colony of uber friendly Qoukkas.

The Pinnacles This spot should make any Perth to Broome itinerary, if only for the night. The Pinnacles desert will make you feel as if you’ve entered an alternate universe, and happens to be home to some of Australia’s best sand boarding. Kalbarri National Park Dramatic panoramas galore, and the ultimate spot for ‘rock-sploring’, with towering rock formations that have been around for an estimated 400 million years. Keep your eyes peeled for the humpback migration from June–November.

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Roebourne Roebourne is overlooked as a pit stop for the ride between Exmouth and Broome, but it’s worth a drop in. From Roebourne is the little known town of Cossack, a well preserved, historic ghost town quite literally in the middle of nowhere.

Broome This city is as vibrant as its landscape with a tonne of stuff to check out. Home of the dinosaur footprints, bird watching, stunning Cable beach, the ‘moon staircase’ illusion; the list goes on. It’s cheap, the locals are cheerful, and the beer is always chilled (compliments of the 35+ weather average).

Monkey Mia Beach bums unite here! Monkey Mia’s scenery is simply stunning. World famous for its crystal clear blue waters, immaculate white shell beaches, and friendly, wild bottlenose dolphins. With 320 days of sunshine per year, this place is paradise. It’s worth staying for a couple of days so you can check out the surrounding areas, famous for turtles, sharks, and many different types of coral for the snorkelers; the list goes on.

Coral Bay Home to Ningaloo, the largest fringing reef on earth. With over 500 species of fish and 300 varieties of coral, this is heaven on earth for many beachgoers. Chances are pretty high of catching a whale migration here, as it’s the longest in Australia. Combine this with some of the best sunsets in Australia, and you’re not going to want to leave.

LOCAL TIP: These are some pretty big driving distances, and the petrol stations are few and far between. Bring your own petrol to be on the safe side.

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Alice Springs to Darwin Alice Springs Katherine

Tennant Creek Mataranka

Kakadu & Litchfield National Park Darwin

Perth to Broome Perth

The Pinnacles

Kalbarri National Park Monkey Mia Broome

Coral Bay Roebourne

check us out online.

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Traveling with your Partner Is it better to travel with a friend/partner or solo? Yeah, we know you have read this article a million times, which is why we have our expert contributor, partner in crime, and current partner traveller extraordinaire, Alyce, to cut the crap and give us the reality of travelling with a partner. (Sorry, Paul.) Alyce, her partner Paul, and resident dog Banjo are currently travelling all over Australia in their big blue bus. They are experiencing travel as a couple one town at a time, working to get to the next glorious location, and meeting people like yourself.

‘’

It really is a dream come true . . . *cough* bullshit! *cough*

‘’

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For those thinking about travelling with a partner . . . From my own personal experience, there are some things that people aren’t being real about. They are wearing rose-coloured glasses, but this is the cold, hard truth. If you are actually going to say “YES” to the trip, keep this in mind. Firstly: you must actually like them. I know this sounds like common sense, but just because you have good sex, they have money, they are attractive, you have an idealistic view on how they may change, and so on . . . Look at your relationship with the person. Are they a partner or a friend? Be honest with yourself and ask if a road trip will benefit your relationship. Is it going to make you or break you? You need to consider the possibility that it will break you. Follow through. All the way through. So once you have seriously thought about it and decided to take the plunge, here are some things to consider. Wants, Needs, and Stuff Every person has certain ‘needs’, things that they must have in order to follow some sort of passion or job. This means having ‘stuff’ . . . yup, that ‘stuff’ word. Blah. For example, I am an artist so I need art supplies to sell my artwork, to then make us money, to continue to let us travel. Paul, on the other hand, is a plumber, and needs tools to be able to work. Most people don’t really need a lot of these things, but as we are travelling long term with our bus as our home, we need to be able to store them somewhere. We need to organise and prioritise what to take, and that’s not even starting on exploring your basics like kitchen products, clothes, bedding, etc. In short, figure out your passions and your needs, then work TOGETHER on what to take. Be considerate of the other’s needs.

You need to consider the possibility that it will break your relationship How Do You Want to Travel? There are so many ways to travel: five-star, backpacking, quick trips, taking your time, caravan parks, free camping, and WWOOFing, just to name a few. To get what you need out of your trip, take the time to openly talk about how you want to go about the trip. Do you want to trust your intuition and see where the wind takes you, or do you have expectations about what you want to achieve? We are completely on the same page and want the same lifestyle. But if you’re not, consider the following. Time You spend A LOT of time together, we are talking 24 hours a day together. Fortunately for us, we love being around each other. But when there are natural pressures, a few hours of doing your own thing will take the pressure off. It’s important to take time out for yourself. Make the time to spend time alone. Honesty If something is frustrating you, say it! Being passive-aggressive is amplified in a small space. Basically, if you are frustrated, angry, or upset, the other person is not going to cop it. So just BE REAL AND EXPRESS YOURSELF. Say what your needs are with the view to either change it or accept it. I can’t stress it enough: BE HONEST! Money We share all of our money as it works for us. This needs to be talked about before you leave, as money can cause massive conflicts.

Follow Alyce and Paul’s journey at bluebusjourney.com

Sex The bedroom isn’t just a bedroom, it’s a space with many purposes, so keeping the bedroom a romantic lovemaking area can be a challenge. You need to consciously make the effort to transform the space into something sacred for your relationship, whatever that looks like for you. When you’re travelling and you leave your friends and family behind to start your big journey, it can be easy to turn your partner into your entire support network. At one point, I was getting really annoyed at Paul as he didn’t want to go clothes shopping with me, which is what I would normally do with my girlfriends. I just needed someone to just do girl stuff with. But when you’re in a town and don’t know anyone, your travelling buddy is all you have. Eventually, I calmed my farm and accepted that even though Paul has long dreads, that doesn’t mean that he’s a chick and likes doing chick stuff. And when Paul goes on about the mechanics of the bus, or talks about plumbing, I zone out. It’s just not my thing. Basically, try not to demand all of these needs on to one person as its simply just unrealistic. For me, travelling with someone else is worth it. To have a person you’re able to share and explore life with is such a gift. I treasure the relationship I have with Paul, and I feel humbled knowing I have a familiar face to look at every day, safe arms to cuddle with every night as I fall asleep, and mostly someone to be able to love and be loved by through my journey.

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Sydney Guide

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Why Sydney?

Day Trips

You know all those amazing pictures you see of a sunny city built on a harbour, next to one of the most epic beaches in the world, with the scenic skyline of the opera house and the majestic Harbour Bridge? Well, they don’t compete with the actual reality of how amazing Sydney really is!

Bondi * shoes optional

There isn’t a trip Down Under that shouldn’t include one of the most famous cities on Earth and Sydney holds up its side of the deal, combining historic landmarks, beautiful beaches (as well as people), and vibrant nightlife to give you everything you need. The weather ranges from good to great, and although winter nights can get a little chilly, a visit in the middle of winter will still give you enough sun for that dirty backpackers’ tan. It’s diverse, exciting, amazingly relaxed for a city of around five million people, and there’s something for everyone, whatever your budget.

Arguably the world’s most famous beach is a only stone’s throw from the city centre, and no trip would be complete without a visit to Bondi Beach. Here you can relax in the sun, and admire the beachgoers—bikinis, budgie smugglers, and bad sunburns! You can even try your hand at surfing if you’re feeling adventurous, with many learn to surf schools operating in the area. The coastal walk from Bondi to Coogee is definitely worth the 6km it spans across, and great for all fitness levels, especially if you’re trying to turn that beer belly into a 6-pack! Once you get to Coogee it’s worth sticking around. It’s like a much more chilled version of Bondi. Check out the Coogee Bay Hotel beer garden on a sunny day or one of the delicious cafes.

Manly

Things to Do While the city definitely isn’t cheap, Sydney’s backpacker scene is huge and wherever you are, you’ll find something to do that won’t cost you the world.

Circular Quay plays host to the most iconic landmarks: the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. You can do tours of the Opera House and climb the Bridge, but that might come at the expense of a few nights out—put the goon bag down, it’s totally worth it. If you’re in search of something free, check out the walking tours. ‘The Rocks’ and a trip to Darling Harbour are great for a day out. They all offer a slice of Sydney, vast with drinking holes, cafes, and grassy green knolls to rest those legs. Don’t forget to head to The Botanic Gardens, which are absolutely luscious and the perfect way to relax off a hangover (once you block out the cockatoos). Nature lovers should head to Centennial Park at sunset, where you will see an epic site of thousands of flying foxes filling the skyline. Those in search of culture should try some of the galleries and museums, but if you prefer sport, Sydney is home to two Australian Rules Football teams and nine of the top sixteen rugby league teams. Tickets are reasonably priced, too.

It would be rude to leave Sydney without a cruise on the ferry across the Harbour, and Manly is the perfect excuse. It is much less touristy than Bondi and the beach, markets, pubs, and fish and chips are good for a day out. A walk down to Shelly Beach gives you a great view of the sunset; a romantic tip for anyone with ‘travel companions’…

Blue Mountains Day or weekend trips to the Blue Mountains (50km outside Sydney) give backpackers the chance to see New South Wales’ natural beauty, with stunning mountain ranges and waterfalls. The adrenaline junkies among us can try their hand at canyoning, abseiling, and rock climbing, too.

Feeling Adventurous? In addition to the Blue Mountains and surfing at any one of the East Coast’s beaches, Sydney has a number of scuba diving and snorkeling sites. If you’ve got the stones for it, how about diving with sharks at Magic Point? There are skydiving opportunities for friends with a fear of heights, and jet boats around the Harbour if you can’t quite afford to climb the bridge itself

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Nightlife The wild and crazy nightlife of Sydney is calling your name, home to the very infamous Kings Cross and a super radical backpacker scene. It’s so lively that you’ll never struggle to find somewhere to go, or someone to go with. A lot of hostels arrange nights out to certain pubs and clubs for discounted rates, but there are travelers’ havens everywhere for a quality night out.

Scubar Without a doubt one of the most popular places to go, with free entry and various drink offers, rammed full of backpackers looking to party. Try the Monday night Crab Racing for something a bit different. Yes, you read that right. Crab racing. Scuttle, scuttle.

Side Bar This is another bar for the masses, with cheap drinks and themed party nights, including the ever-popular bikini contest. If you want to mix with backpackers and students alike, then give this place a whirl.

Cheap and Hungry? It’s worth keeping an eye out for cheap breakfast and coffee deals, which seem to be at every good café, but Coffee Alchemy in Marrickville is an award-winning coffee shop with arguably the best in the city to wake you up after a heavy one. Stop at Stop Valve in Darlinghurst to share some fried chicken that would make the colonel jealous, and Tipple Bar next to Central Station has evening food deals that often come with a free beer. Chinatown plays its part if you’re after a quick meal to fill you up before you hit the town, too.

Scruffy Murphy’s What list would be complete without an Irish pub? Popular with backpackers for it’s $8.95 lunches during the day, but the nights are long and the drinks are cheap. They also show live sports for those wanting to catch up on the latest action.

Home Nightclub If it’s clubbing you want, then Home gives you everything you need, offering three floors, multiple dance floors, bigname DJs, and attractive locals. It’s worth getting your name on the guest list to try and avoid a hefty cover fee, though. Just give them a call, tell them you’re Tom Cruise, and Bob’s your uncle!

Anywhere Else? Kings Cross and Newtown are full of pubs and bars worth exploring, with a lot of them providing the staple of backpackers’ diets: $10 dinners and Happy Hour. The Beach Hotel in Bondi is a great mix of hipsters and backpackers too, providing a huge pub with live music and a good chance to hang with the locals.

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Summer Issue 2015/16 34 | detourmag.com.au

Byron BAY Guide

No shorts, no shoes, no problem!

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his seaside village in NSW’s North East may just be the best town you will stumble across in your travels. With its salty air, hippie vibe, and its location at the forefront of some of Australia’s best surf beaches, Byron Bay is renowned for its chilled atmosphere. It caters to all types of backpackers, those looking to relax, those looking to party, and those looking for adventure. It also holds a couple of Australia’s most iconic festivals including Bluesfest, Splendour in the Grass, and the Falls Festival that takes place during New Year’s Eve. Its home to top dive spots and has wildlife galore, so keep your eyes peeled for some furry Aussie friends. It’s a great hub to venture around the popular surrounding towns, including Nimbin—famous for its hippie culture and weed, Mount Warning—the first place on Australia’s

mainland that sees the sunrise, and the Lennox Head/ Suffolk park area which is arguably one of the best kept local secrets for waves. The backpacker scene here is pumping and this is a place you do not want to bypass. It has a chic vibe, although very much catering to the backpacker with limited funds, with a lot of bars and hostels promoting cheap, fun nights out. There’s always something going on, even if it is just people-watching the colourful locals that grace this beautiful town. Leave your judgment on the road, as this town is about peace, happiness, and positive vibes. It’s an urban refuge for many people, with a lot of up and coming artists, designers, and musicians. Make sure you check out the local markets to get your hands on some of this goodness.

When to Go Byron, having a subtropical climate, boasts glorious weather all yearround. During the winter months it is a bit cooler and the water may be a bit too cold for swimming, but that won’t stop you soaking up the sun in minimal clothing. The heaviest rainfall is surprisingly from January through March, but don’t let this put you off. Summer is extremely popular, hot, and buzzing with activity.

Our Top Picks Food

Adventure

Dip Café

Soul Surf School

Check out Dip Café for a delicious brekky. It is a local secret, reasonably priced, and the food is amazeballs. It’s warm and sunny and a local family-run business. If going out for brekky is a bit out of your price bracket, grab a coffee: it’s the best in town.

Run by avid surfers who know the beaches and surf breaks like the backs of their hands, Soul Surf School’s guides are the best in the business. The offer group and solo lessons, all equipment included, and free pickup from your hostel.

Shop 1/21-25 Fletcher St, Bogarts 3 Byron Bay

14 Bay St, Byron Bay 1800 089 699

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Nightlife Go Sea Kayak If you’re chasing marine life, you HAVE to check out Go Sea Kayak. You will get a great intro to Byron from their local guides, a bit of water fun fitness, and the chance to mingle with dolphins, turtles, and whales—if you’re lucky. Best thing about this tour: if you don’t see one of the mentioned animals, you can go again for free until you do!

56 Lawson St, Byron Bay 0416 222 344

As a backpacker, you will be frothing on the bar scene here in Byron.

For the best view

Beach Hotel Big awesome pub offering amazing views over the main beach. The relaxed atmosphere, the salty air, and the mix of locals and tourists make this pub a must—expect to pay top dollar for drinks, though.

Bay Street, Byron Bay 02 6685 6402

Byron Bay and Lennox Head Hang Gliding Get amazing coastal views of Byron by going tandem hang gliding. You will feel free as a bird, soaring over the coastline, the national park, and the ever-famous lighthouse. Pete is a former Australian hang gliding team member and will keep you safe whilst flying. Tip: keep an eye out for marine wildlife, including sharks, while soaring

For the best parties and cheap eats

Cheeky Monkey’s This place has a great $5 meal menu from 7:00 till 9:30 pm, then once dinner is served, the tables are cleaned and this becomes the D Floor! Really popular place with backpackers for a heap of reasons, including the chance to win some awesome prizes—such as tours—if you compete in their bar games.

0427 257 699 115 Jonson St, Byron Bay NSW 2481 02 6685 5886

Best Hostel

For the best music scene

Aquarius Hostel

Although the Northern Hotel boasts some of the best music acts in the country, try The Rails for more of a local feel. With live music every night of the week, it’s a cool little pub on the train line with all types of musicians lining up to play here.

This place is without a doubt the best hostel in the city centre of Byron. Its clean, friendly, and has common areas to meet fellow guests. They have an in-house bar that offers very cheap drinks, and theme nights every night of the week. From jelly wrestling, to karaoke, to ping pong comps, cheap eats and pool hangs, Aquarius has it all. Book ahead if you can, especially in the summer months.

16 Lawson St, Byron Bay 1800 028 909

Northern Hotel and The Rails

The Northern 35-43 Jonson St, Byron Bay NSW 2481 02 6685 6454 The Rails Byron Bay Railway Station, Jonson St, Byron Bay 02 6685 7662

The first of its kind on the Gold Coast During our exclusive Koala Experience, an expert Koala Handler will take you where others can’t and guide you through our “off limit” koala enclosures to get up close and personal with our famous resident koalas.

#koalaselfie For further information go to www.cws.org.au/koala-experience/ For bookings call 07 5534 0803 and mention Detour magazine. *Strict conditions apply.

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Brisbane Guide

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So, Planning to Stop in Brisbane? Despite being Queensland’s capital city, Brisbane is one of those places that tends to fly under the radar, perhaps because it lies between the Gold Coast’s world famous reputation for sun, sand, and surf and the Sunshine Coast’s relaxed beach feel. But those who’ve spent just a few days here will boast about the city’s rising bar scene, gigs, great activities, and relaxed vibe. Brisbane is a place that may catch you by surprise. You might plan to stay a night or two to break up your east coast beach crawl, but find yourself staying a week. For

the fitness freaks, there’s rock climbing at Kangaroo Pont, night kayaking in the Brisbane River (don’t be deterred by the colour of the water), and the CityCycle to bike ride around the city. For the foodies and serial ‘Instagrammers’, there’s Eat Street—a must do nightmarket of 60 shipping containers reconfigured as mini restaurants just north of the City. For the drinkers, you won’t have to go far to find a great watering hole. And for those suffering beach withdrawals, there’s South Bank— home of Brisbane’s very own free man-made beach by the river.

When to Go The great thing about Brisbane is that it’s warm all year-round, especially from December to February when the sticky summer makes it swelter. In winter, Brisbane is still a warmer option than some of its beach town neighbours and offers year-round sunshine, making it lovely to visit at any time.

Where to Eat Brisbane dining options have developed exponentially over the last few years and now offer a huge range from cheap eats to fine dining experiences. The City offers a selection of late night restaurants, side street vendors, and riverside dining. For a cheap taste of the many flavours of Brisbane, go no further than Eat Street. This night-market offers great food, drink, and entertainment and will only cost you a gold coin donation to enter. Southbank is fast emerging at the latest dining hotspot for its eclectic and delicious range of restaurants running along the grey street strip. Offering everything from Turkish and Vietnamese to American and Italian, there’s something to please every taste and budget. West End is the alternative capital of Brisbane hosting a number of vegan, vegetarian, and organic cafes and restaurants. Fortitude Valley also has a large selection of restaurants with the price and quality ranging from $10 for a pub meal to $50 for a meal in a classier establishment.

Nightlife Like most big cities, Brisbane’s nightlife starts late. But that said, there’s lots of great bars to get the night started before taking it up a notch and hitting the Valley to party. For those seeking something quirky, check out West End for its chilled and eccentric haunts. The City is the place to go for bars that belt out old classics, and The Valley (Fortitude Valley) is the place to end up if you’re planning a big one.

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Our Top Picks for a Good Night Out If you’re after a bargain, several places offer great happy hour promotions with cheap drinks. Despite its ritzy appearance, Friday’s Riverside on Eagle Street Pier in the city offers $6 cosmos between 6-7pm and again from 10-11pm every Friday. Down Under Bar & Grill, or the ‘Dunda’ as those who’ve been affectionately know it, is the main backpacker bar in Brisbane and offers amazing drink promotions, especially on Thursdays. Located just across the road from Central Station, it’s easy to find, and is an ever popular joint for cranking the tunes and drawing a crowd. The Exchange is another rad place to let your hair down and have a dance. Their rooftop bar offers the perfect spot to get loose and dance to the dj’s latest mix of old-school tunes. In the Valley, Birdees is a backpacker favourite equally as popular with students for their epic mix of rooftop beer garden, private booths, live entertainment, and a 12 metre long pool! The Alfred and Constance (A&C) is another great bar run out of a renovated Queenslander house in the Valley. Complete with an upstairs tiki party bar, downstairs rave space, and multiple nooks and crannies it’s no surprise the A&C is a local favourite.

For Those Seeking Adventure Brisbane offers a great range of outdoor activities for those seeking adventure or cheap thrills. Popular favourites are the rock climbing and abseiling at Kangaroo Point, and the night kayaking along the Brisbane River. If it’s an epic view you’re after, climbing Brisbane’s iconic Story Bridge is an adventure like no other. Whether you decide to climb to the top or abseil down the side, the Story Bridge Adventure Club offers great tours of this spectacular landmark and is a great way to view the city from atop. Mt Coot-tha has a range of great walks and hikes and is easily accessible by bus. The view from the top is well worth the trek just for the spectacular views of the city.

Nearby Gap Creek Road offers great mountain biking for those who fancy some off-roading, but you’ll need to hire a bike. You can’t come to Brisbane without experiencing the river. So a cruisy ride on the CityCat is a great for seeing the city from a different perspective, and a lovely way to get from A to B. For something a little more relaxed, New Farm’s Merthyr Bowls club overlooks the river and is a great place for a game of barefoot bowls. Costing only $5 per person, this is a cheap and laidback way to spend a Sunday—and a classic Aussie pastime definitely worth experiencing. Just a stone’s throw away, the New Farm Park is (arguably) Brisbane’s most popular spot for a picnic. Attracting all types of visitors, this is the perfect place to have a BBQ, bring a few snacks, and a six-pack of beers to wind down after a busy week. The City’s nearby Botanic Garden is also worth a visit and won’t cost a cent.

All About Culture Southbank is the spot to be for those seeking museums, galleries, theatre, and entertainment. Southbank’s cultural precept is home to the Queensland Art Gallery, The Gallery of Modern Art, the State Library, and the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC). The first two galleries, known together as QAGOMA, offer a range of free exhibitions of interesting art and installations. For those wanting a see a play or go to the theatre, check out QPAC’s website for current performances. Every Friday night at 6pm the Brisbane Powerhouse in New Farm runs a free stand-up comedy show called Knock-off. With a host of great talent, this is a fun and cheap way to start your Friday night off with a laugh.

Shopping Brisbane’s Queen Street Mall is a popular place for shopping. Boasting all the big brands, this inner city hub is a great start for those wanting to check out the shops. While Fortitude Valley’s James Street is a little pricier, the range of great boutiques is well worth a visit, even just for window-shopping. Both Paddington and Bulimba are great suburban neighbourhoods to find something different, with Paddington offering a range of great thrift shops for those seeking vintage, pre-loved clothing. The Boundary street markets in West End are a great place for boutique clothing by startup designers, so there’s usually a bargain to be had here.

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Airlie Beach Guide Best Hostel/Pub Magnums This place pretty much invented the word party, and you will find yourself here all night. It has a freakin’ huge beer garden, although the rooms are surprisingly quiet. They have drink specials, cheap meals, and new friends are guaranteed. If you want a hostel that’s clean, friendly, and offers serious value for money this is it.

366 Shute Harbour Road (under the Clock Tower) +61 7 4964 1199

Cheap Eats Wisdom Health Lab If you want something cheap, tasty, and healthy, this is the place. It will nourish your body after a big night on the drink, with a selection of smoothies, sandwiches, and salads. Our tip? Grab something to take away and get some Vitamin D, as it’s right alongside the lagoon.

Montipora Building, Shute Harbour Road 07 4946 5199

Want a Free Adventure? Check out the Airlie Creek Track. It’s easy on the feet (roughly 850 metres), winding up the hill behind Airlie Beach along a gravel path. You will see rare plants like the Whitsunday Bottle Tree, and animals like the endangered Proserpine Rock Wallaby—they are only found in this region. The track winds you through tranquil forest with natural rock pools and views of the beautiful blue Coral Sea and Whitsunday Islands. See map.

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ou know the heart-shaped picture you constantly see promoting Australia? Airlie Beach is the portal to this amazing place (called Heart Reef), the Whitsundays (made up of 74 islands), and the Great Barrier Reef (coral and marine life buffet). If you want to party all night in the warm tropical weather, if you want a thongs-only policy, and if you want likeminded travellers, you want Airlie Beach. It’s everything you don’t expect, and way more than you could hope for. It’s basically a long-ass street—Shute Harbour Road—spilling into an epic marina to access the reef. It’s everything you could hope for: beer gardens, nightclubs, cafes, a lagoon, and a heap of options for adventure activities and hostels. It’s

the home of cane toad racing, great Aussie bands, and tropical tours. During stinger season you do need to wear a stinger suit, although they do have a beach where you can swim that has stinger nets. The lagoon is a hit for hot summer days, and lazing around until that hangover fades. A heap of locals are around—although they are mainly boaties and coming in from neighbouring mining towns,so the place is a bit hit and miss if you want to hang with the locals. That said, every night is a party here and you will for sure meet people from all over the world. Party with them. Adventure with them. Sleep with them. And continue to make epic memories.

When to Go The subtropical climate of Airlie Beach makes it pretty much awesome all year-round, although remember that Australia does get cold in the winter and super hot in QLD during the summer.

Best Pick for Adventure

Best Party Scene Mama Africa

Ocean Rafting If you have a spare $139, this is not only our top pick for Airlie, but the entire East Coast! This day trip ticks EVERY box. Snorkel the GBR, see the Whitsundays, have lunch on Whitehaven Beach, wander through the national park, and enjoy the adrenaline of riding on an ocean raft. Not only that, the guides know their sh*t and you get a discounted meal at the end of the day. You will not regret this one. Make sure you book ahead in peak season; it is guaranteed to book out.

07 4946 6848

Mama’s may not look like much from the outside (just your standard giraffe), but you are in for a rude shock when you walk through the doors. Mama’s is an instant party and one of the only nightclubs open until the early hours of the morning. It’s exotic and fun, and one not to miss while in town.

1st Floor, 263 Shute Harbour Rd 07 4948 0599

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Cairns Guide

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So What’s Up with Cairns? In the musty heat of QLD’s North East, you will find the vibrant, exciting, and at times crazy town known as Cairns. A backpackers’ haven, it is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and some of the best dive and snorkel sites in the world. It’s cheap and deliciously dirty, much like the backpackers that linger around these areas. The nightlife is one that starts around midday and will go long into the night. Cheap drinks, minimal rules, and a range of adventurous and adrenalin filled activates makes Cairns a must. It’s the type of place where a picture just won’t do it justice, the people you meet are a dime a dozen, and the experiences you will have will last a lifetime. It’s a

good ol’ fashioned Aussie town with a big backpacker influence. Combine these with the Great Barrier Reef and you will soon find out that it will rock your socks off. Both of them. Odd and smelly. This tends to be the beginning or ending of an epic East Coast road trip, and there is no better way to start your adventure than in this infectiously fun town. The activities may be the reason you want to be here, although Cairns also offers a bunch of free things to do, including a swim in the majestic lagoon, a stroll around the night markets, and free yoga in the park. Good luck trying to leave any time soon.

When to Go You can venture out to the Great Barrier Reef any time of year, and Cairns is pumping all year around. The best time to go snorkelling/ diving is from August–January with the high season running from June–December. The winter is mild, although it can get a bit nippy, and the summer is hot. Sometimes stinking ‘get your hanky out and wipe your balls’ HOT.

Our Top Picks for Watering Holes

Nightlife Cairns nightlife will make you pee in your pants just a little, being one of the top three destinations in Australia to party for backpackers. This is not a 5-inch heel town; it’s a pluggers and shorts vibe. The dress code is very minimal. So minimal in fact, you might even spot the odd wet T-shirt comp.

Our advice though, is to pay the $35 and go on the Ultimate Pub Crawl. This is a great way to suss out the town and all the bars. It includes food and booze, five bars, and VIP treatment, plus you’ll meet a bunch of backpackers and locals. Tripadvisor states that you’re ‘guaranteed to pick up’. Make sure you book in advance; this pub-crawl is THAT good, it will book out. They run every Wednesday and Saturday. with the price and quality ranging from $10 for a pub meal to $50 for a meal in a classier establishment.

07 4041 0332 http://www.ultimatepartycairns.com/contact-us/

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Gilligan’s (The G Spot) Stay & Party Want jelly wrestling? Bogan bingo? Pole-dancing and wet T-shirt competitions? Want world-renowned DJs or just somewhere to chill and watch the footy while you take a swim, sip on a beer, or enjoy a slice of pizza? Then you want Gilligan’s. Ticks all the boxes. Cheap food. Cheap drinks. Cheap accommodation. Wham, bam, thank you ma’am.

57-87 Grafton St 1800 556 995

White Water Rafting Barron and Tully River. Tully River white water rafting is regarded as the best rafting in Australia and NZ, located within the World Heritage listed Wet Tropics of Queensland. Take a note from Nike and JUST DO IT. Anyone from beginners to advanced can take part and it is extremely safe—they run through all safety features on board. It’s for the fun and adventurous, and those looking to have one of the best experiences of their lifetime. And a hot tip for the ladies: the guides are sexxxxxy, so if you’re looking for an extra-guided tour, I’m sure the boys will be more than willing. Check out the Raging Thunder guide profiles…

07 4030 7990 www.cairnsrafting.com.au

Our Top Picks for Adventure Great Barrier Reef Although these trips may look expensive, keep in mind you get what you pay for. If you’ve just spent your life savings on getting to Australia, it is worth whipping out that bit extra for a reef tour. The Great Barrier Reef stretches over 2000km of the QLD East Coast and you are guaranteed to see untouched coral and marine life. There are many different operators in this area, and one of the best and most competitive places for tours. It is also a great spot to learn to dive, although if that doesn’t interest you, just grab a snorkel and away you go. Even if your swimming skills are limited, flotation devices are provided on most boats. Give zero f+*ks if you are feeling self-conscious about using a flotation device. It’s your trip and your experience. I’d use one out of pure laziness. There are a huge amount of trips available, from half-day adventures to overnights, and it very dependent on budget. Check out Trip Advisor for the best comparison.

http://www.tripadvisor.com.au/Travelg255069-c2565/Cairns:Australia:Great.Barrier. Reef.html

Bungee Jumping This is more than just a bungee jump, it’s a bungee park and a complete experience! AJ Hackett generally operates rain, hail, or shine, so if your day tour gets cancelled this is a great day out. Best part about it, there is a licensed bar so you can calm those nerves no matter what time of day. This is the highest jump in Australia, so you can unleash your inner daredevil! They have a range of options for the jump, including riding a push bike off the ramp or by dangling upside down. Check it out on Sunday arvos from 1-6pm, as they have live music and a funky vibe. Make sure you book ahead for a Sunday sesh as it can get super busy. They also have a courtesy bus, so ask them for a ride! Check out AJ Hackett…

1800 622 888 http://www.ajhackett.com/cairns/

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Danger, Danger! Apart from the obvious backpacker that hasn’t showered for a week with a serious crab infestation, there is the real danger of Australia’s marine life.

Stingers From roughly October–May, stingers are present in the ocean and beaches of Cairns. Only swim in areas where there are nets, and are patrolled. If going out on a boat, they will provide you with a stinger suit. Wear it. Hear me? WEAR IT! These stingers can be deadly and are extremely painful, causing paralysis, so don’t take the risk of ruining your holiday.

Crocs You will notice signs saying, ‘Beware of Crocs’, around different areas of Cairns. These aren’t there so you can whip out your selfie stick and post a photo on Instagram. Crocs inhabit numerous areas of mangroves, beaches, and open water. Be aware of them. They are quick little buggers that wouldn’t mind eating the crumbs out of your beard, along with your head.

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