Airnorth October/November by Edge In-flight Magazines

TA K M E HO E ME

Oct/Nov 2017

Islands in the sun An idyllic escape awaits off Townsville’s coastline Camping special 2017 Best Aussie camp sites, gear, gadgets and more! Port of plenty Why Port Macquarie is tailor-made for family fun

WET SEASON WONDERLAND Visit Nitmiluk Gorge in the wet and be rewarded with a lush, verdant landscape of cascading waterfalls and rampant wildlife

AUTO REVIEW • ENTERTAINMENT • ART & CULTURE • MINING & INDUSTRY • EDUCATION

DEDICATION. EXPERIENCE. FOCUS. A tailored business approach to support rural property owners in remote regions of Northern Australia.

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Mobile: +61 409 987 436 Email: sue@tanamiruralproperty.com.au Postal: PO Box 1995, Katherine NT, Australia 0851 tanamiruralproperty.com.au Tanami Property NT Pty Ltd | ABN 14 168 998 370 | NT 1045/RBL WA TC RA69691

Dili, Timor-Leste Milingimbi Elcho Island

Maningrida

Gove Truscott

Wadeye

Groote Eylandt Katherine

Kununurra McArthur River

Broome The Granites

Tennant Creek

Cairns

Townsville

Alice Springs

Toowoomba

Perth

Melbourne

Welcome aboard your

Airnorth flight!

For those travelling in the Top End, you might have noticed a change in the weather. We are now officially moving into the infamous ‘build-up’ months ahead of the northern wet season, but don’t let this stop you from getting the most out of your travel. The wet season is a terrific time to explore the Top End. Our spectacular waterfalls are gushing at full capacity; the landscape turns to a lush, exquisite green; and every day, our sunrises and sunsets put on a magical show. If you are looking to chase that sun, take advantage of our easy schedules to beautiful tropical destinations such as Broome, Cairns and Townsville. With plenty of social events on in these regions over the next couple of months, from Australian rock royalty

Midnight Oil touring for the first time in 15 years to Cairns, Townsville, Darwin and Alice Springs, to blockbuster 2017 Rugby World Cup matches in Townsville. It’s the perfect time to get a little break in before the looming holiday season. Our air services from Toowoomba’s Wellcamp Airport continue to expand, with many customers taking advantage of our jet services to Melbourne and Cairns. We continue to grow and strengthen links between regional communities, having recently added additional services from Toowoomba to Townsville. If you live in these regional areas, it’s the ideal time to head down south to Melbourne or Toowoomba and get a head start on your Christmas shopping ahead of the big rush.

Just in case you needed another excuse to fly south this spring, the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival is now in full swing. You can be there for ‘the race that stops the nation’, the Melbourne Cup, on 1 November with Airnorth, courtesy of our regular services to Melbourne from Toowoomba. If you’re travelling with Airnorth for the first time today, we’d like to wish you a very warm welcome. To our regular customers, we’d like to thank you for your continued support. Now sit back, relax with our friendly inflight service and enjoy your journey with Airnorth. Daniel Bowden Chief Executive Officer

Airnorth reservations: 1800 627 474 or airnorth.com.au

Stay and Play AT B R I S B A N E M A R R I OT T Soak up the sights of Brisbane as you â&#x20AC;&#x153;stay and playâ&#x20AC;? in style at Brisbane Marriott. Enjoy a night or two in a river view room and feast on a variety of dining options including our Seafood Dinner Buffet, Afternoon Tea and Buffet Breakfast. For our latest deals visit: brisbanemarriott.com or call (07) 3303 8000

contents

08 Airnorth News

LIFESTYLE

1 4 Islands in the sun

Exploring the glorious islands in and around the Townsville coastline.

2 3 Wet and wild

Why the wet season is a special time to visit Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge.

2 9 Tiwi Islands treasure The project transforming lives in the Tiwi Islands.

01 ENTERTAINMENT 03 WHAT'S ON 04 CULTURE CLUB 09 BEST COUNTRY PUB GRUB Pull up a fork at these fantastic regional watering holes. 13 TRAVEL NEWS

DESTINATION 14

PORT MACQUARIE FOR KIDS Why this coastal hub is tailor-made for families.

20 EXOTIC VIETNAM The must-do experiences of this diverse Asian country. 24 BOY FROM WA Actor Joel Jackson reveals how his unique WA childhood shaped who he is today. 29 CAMPING SPECIAL Explore Australia's most incredible camp sites; all the hottest new gear.

INDUSTRY 48 AUTO REVIEW Best off-road rides. 54 AUTOMATION IN THE BUSH How the agriculture industry is being transformed by tech.

61 GOING BANANAS The innovative solution for stopping banana waste. 69 EDUCATION SPECIAL Top boarding schools and universities around Australia.

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Tunnel Creek, WA.

Get in ! touch EDITOR Zoe Meunier zoe.meunier@edge.agency ART DIRECTOR Guy Pendlebury ENTERTAINMENT/EVENTS EDITOR Jiyan Dessens SUB-EDITOR Merran White PRODUCTION MANAGER Brian Ventour CONTRIBUTORS Darren Baguley, Michael Benn, Jiyan Dessens, Deborah DicksonSmith, Leah McLennan, Tim O'Reilly, Ben Smithurst, Rob Tibbett, Anna Warwick, Merran White PRINTER SOS Print & Media ADVERTISING SALES DIRECTOR Scott Hunt Phone: 02 8962 2600 scott.hunt@edge.agency NATIONAL ACCOUNT MANAGER Peter Anderson Phone: 02 8962 2600 peter.anderson@edge.agency WA & NT ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES Kylee Dixon Phone: 0421 022 004 kylee.dixon@edge.agency Nicole Prioste Phone: 0410 618 331 nicole.prioste@edge.agency MANAGING PARTNERS Fergus Stoddart, Richard Parker

Read and share Outthere online at issuu.com/edgeinflight

Outthere is published by Edge Level 4, 10–14 Waterloo Street, Surry Hills NSW 2010 Phone: +61 2 8962 2600 edgecustom.com.au Outthere is published by Business Essentials (Australasia) Pty Limited (ABN 22 062 493 869), trading as Edge, under license to MGI Publishing Pty Ltd. Reproduction in whole or in part without prior written permission is strictly prohibited. Opinions expressed are those of the individual contributors and not necessarily those of the Publisher. Information provided was believed to be correct at the time of publication. All reasonable efforts have been made to contact copyright holders. Outthere cannot accept unsolicited manuscripts or photographs. If such items are sent to the magazine, they will not be returned. Some images used in Outthere are from Thinkstock and Getty Images.

Editor's letter

hat’s not to love about an island escape? In the October/November issue of Airnorth, we explore the breath-taking and diverse islands in and around the Townsville region. From the luxurious decadence of Orpheus Island and Bedarra Island, to the camping and wilderness experiences available at Dunk and Hinchinbrook Islands and the tantalising pull of Magnetic Island, you’ll be booking your next tropical holiday before you know it! So many of us rule out a visit to the Top End during the wet season, yet this can be the most rewarding time to see the area in all its lush, vibrant beauty, with waterfalls and rivers cascading at full capacity. We take a wet season exploration of the captivating Nitmiluk Gorge in Katherine and find it teeming with possibilities. Elsewhere, we share some one-on-one time with award-winning Aussie actor Joel Jackson, currently appearing in the

adventure film Jungle. A WA boy through and through, Joel shares how his upbringing – first in the Albany region and then in NorthWest WA – has shaped his perspective on life. From the family-friendly Port Macquarie to the magic and mystery of Vietnam, our travels take us here, there and everywhere this issue, while nature lovers will love our bumper camping special, in which we unearth Australia’s most magical and unique camping spots, and furnish you with everything you need to enjoy them in style and comfort. Enjoy getting Outthere!

Zoe Meunier, Editor

EMBRAER E170 Engines Two jet Wingspan 26m Length 29.9m Height 9.95m Maximum take-off weight 37,200kg Maximum cruise altitude 41,000ft/12,535m Maximum cruise speed 450kns/820km/h Passenger seats 76 Crew 2 pilots, 2 cabin attendants Passenger facilities 2 galleys, 2 lavatories, pressurised and air conditioned

EMBRAER E120 BRASILIA Engines Two turboprop Wingspan 19.78m Length 20.0m Height 6.35m Maximum take-off weight 11,990kg Maximum cruise altitude 32,000ft/9,754m Maximum cruise speed 300kns/555km/h Passenger seats 30 Crew 2 pilots, 1 cabin attendant Passenger facilities Lavatory, cabin ground heating/cooling system

METROLINER 23 Engines Two turboprop Wingspan 17.70m Length 18.10m Height 5.10m Maximum take-off weight 7,485kg Maximum cruise altitude 25,000ft/7,620m Maximum cruise speed 265kns/490km/h Passenger seats 19 Crew 2 pilots

Notice to Passengers Dangerous Goods

For safety reasons, the following types of dangerous goods must not be carried in your baggage. These goods fall into the following categories:

Corrosives such as acids, alkalis, wet cell batteries, mercury and apparatus containing mercury.

Compressed gases such as flammable, non-flammable or poisonous such as camping gas, butane, propane, oxygen and aqualung cylinders.

Poisonous and Toxic substances such as arsenic, cyanides, insecticides and weed killers.

Explosives such as munitions, fireworks and flares.

Miscellaneous such as dry ice, heat producing articles and engines.

Infectious substances such blood, bacteria and virus cultures.

Flammable liquids such as lighter and heating fuels, petrol and turpentine.

Organic peroxides such as bleaching powders or liquids and peroxides.

Radioactive materials such as any form of radioactive substances.

Flammable solids such as matches, disposable lighters, refills or any other easily ignited articles.

Oxidising materials such as pool chemicals, paint strippers, fibreglass and repair kits.

Other dangerous articles such as magnetised materials.

Briefcases and attache cases incorporating dangerous goods such as lithium batteries are totally forbidden. Disabling devices such as mace, pepper spray etc. containing irritants or incapacitating substances are prohibited anywhere on the aircraft, including on the person or in checked-in baggage or carry-on baggage. Medicines and toiletries in limited quantities and alcoholic beverages may be carried in checked-in baggage or carry-on baggage â&#x20AC;&#x201C; maximum 2 litres or 2 kilograms. Small arms, sporting munitions and dry ice may be carried in limited quantities only under certain conditions; please apply to Airnorth for details. Firearms are not permitted in the cabin.

safety/info

Your safety and comfort are our priority BELOW ARE SOME GUIDELINES TO ENSURE YOUR FLIGHT WITH US IS SAFER AND MORE ENJOYABLE

SAFETY BRIEFING ON TIME EVERY TIME

To assist in maintaining on-time departures, check-in time is 45 minutes prior to departure for domestic flights and 90 minutes prior to departure for international flights. Airnorth check-in counters close 30 minutes prior to domestic scheduled departures and 45 minutes prior to international scheduled departures.

FREQUENT FLYERS

Airnorth is a member of the Qantas Frequent Flyer program. Members can earn and redeem their Frequent Flyer points on selected Airnorth scheduled services.

Please listen carefully to the Safety Briefing and take the time to read through the Safety On Board card prior to take-off. This will help you familiarise yourself with the emergency exits, brace position and the location of your life jacket.

SEAT BELTS

Seat belts must be fastened firmly for take-off, landing and while the seat belt sign is on. We recommend that your seat belt be fastened at all times while you are seated in case of unexpected turbulence.

CARRY-ON LUGGAGE

If you have carry-on luggage, please stow it in the overhead locker or under the seat in front of you. Hand luggage that is not correctly stowed may cause injury in the event of unexpected turbulence.

TRAY TABLES/SEAT BACKS

Please ensure that your tray table and your seat back are in their upright positions for take-off and landing.

FLYING WITH CHILDREN

SMOKING

CHILDREN FLYING ALONE

DEEP VEIN THROMBOSIS (DVT)

Infant safety belts are available on Airnorth aircraft and are distributed prior to take-off.

If you have children between the ages of five and 11 (inclusive) travelling alone, we ensure they enjoy the attention of our staff on the ground and in flight.

AIRNORTH SERVICES

On our services, you can expect a snack accompanied by a selection of tea and coffee or cold refreshments. On selected afternoon services, alcoholic beverages are also available. Refer to airnorth.com. au for more details.

SPECIAL NEEDS

Government regulations strictly prohibit smoking on all domestic flights. Special smoke detectors have been fitted to the toilets on board all of our aircraft. Smoking is also prohibited on the tarmac and throughout airport terminal buildings.

It has been reported that some airline passengers have developed clots in deep blood vessels, often in the lower legs, as a result of sitting for extended periods without exercise or movement. This condition is known medically as deep vein thrombosis or DVT. If blood-clot fragments break off and lodge in other areas of the body, such as the lungs, they may cause a potentially fatal pulmonary thrombosis when the person starts walking after being immobile for a lengthy period of time. Risk factors for DVT include varicose veins, recent surgery or injury to the lower legs, malignant diseases, past history of DVT, obesity, pregnancy and recent childbirth. Anyone with any of these risk factors is advised to consult a medical practitioner prior to flying to find out how to minimise the risk of DVT. During the flight, we recommend that you take the following precautions: â&#x20AC;˘ Drink plenty of fluids, especially water, and minimise your intake of alcohol. â&#x20AC;˘ Exercise on board the aircraft by moving and stretching your toes, rotating your ankles, raising and lowering each leg and massaging your calves gently. In addition, we suggest that you avoid crossing your legs during the flight.

Passengers with special needs and/or disabilities, please contact our Reservations Department.

airnorthnews

UPCOMING

s t n e v E

DISNEY’S ALADDIN THE MUSICAL

Until 19 November A beloved Disney classic comes to life in this thrilling theatrical experience. Full of show-stopping production numbers, awe-inspiring visual effects and energetic choreography, the musical comedy version of Aladdin has garnered praise worldwide. See all your favourites, from the Genie to Princess Jasmine and the magic carpet, on the big stage. Get in quick, these tickets will magically disappear. ticketek.com.au/aladdin

WALLACE & GROMIT AND FRIENDS: THE MAGIC OF AARDMAN Until 29 October

Head to the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) at Federation Square for an exhibition devoted to the iconic clay creations of Bristol-based studio Aardman Animations – the genius behind Chicken Run and Wallace & Gromit. The exhibition features more than 350 objects, from sketchbooks to clay figures and puppets. It’s an event the whole family can enjoy! acmi.net.au

MELBOURNE

NORTH SHORE MARKET

THE COLOR RUN TOWNSVILLE

Every Saturday until 30 December

15 October

Held every Saturday from 7am until 12.30pm in Townsville’s North Shore Town Square, this boutique market offers up all things homemade, handmade, local and fresh. With free entry and plenty of parking, it’s the perfect way to start your Saturday. northshoremarket.net.au

The Color Run, a fivekilometre, untimed ‘fun run’, is a terrific way to get some exercise and have a few laughs along the way. The ‘colour runners’ are doused in bright-hued powder as they pass each ‘kilometre mark’, ending in a rainbow of vibrant colour at Strand Park. thecolorrun.com.au

TOWNSVILLE

airnorthnews

MINDIL BEACH SUNSET MARKET

Every Thursday and Sunday evening until 26 October There’s still time left to enjoy the Mindil Beach Sunset Market, a highlight on Darwin’s social calendar. Food is the main attraction, with vendors selling everything from Thai to Mexican, Indian to Greek and Spanish food and many more cuisines in between. Shop here for handmade items; be thrilled by a fire show and other performers; or simply sit on Mindil Beach and feast as you watch the sun set over the Arafura Sea. mindil.com.au

MIDNIGHT OIL: THE GREAT CIRCLE WORLD TOUR

TWILIGHT NIGHT AT TERRITORY WILDLIFE PARK 22 October

BYO camping gear, torches and sense of adventure for Twilight Night! There will be craft activities, a jungle gym and music for kids, and a barbeque dinner and camp fires from 6-8pm. As this fun, family-focused event will be held at Territory Wildlife Park, you may also get the chance to see some adorable animals. The number of camp sites available is limited, however, so book early. territorywildlifepark.com.au

DARWIN

7 October

KICKARTS

Until 31 December KickArts is a wonderful free exhibition for locals and visitors, and anyone who’s keen to experience the diverse and vibrant visual culture of Tropical North Queensland. KickArts promotes contemporary arts and celebrates the cultural life of Northern Australians. Don’t forget to check out the terrific KickArts shop, on site at the Cairns Centre of Contemporary Art. cairnsevents.com

This will be Midnight Oil’s first tour in more than two decades, with the group making its way to Kuranda Amphitheatre to perform classics from their hit ’80s and early ’90s albums. Don’t miss this epic event – it’s sure to rock the house down! If you haven’t been lucky enough to score a ticket for the Tablelands show, the Oils will also be performing on Monday 2 October in Alice Springs; Wednesday 4 October in Darwin; and Tuesday 10 October in Townsville. premier.ticketek. com.au/default.aspx

CAIRNS

airnorthnews

MELBOURNE FESTIVAL 2017

This year’s Melbourne Festival is the most ambitious ever, bringing together epic and intense works and performances that put a spotlight on all of humanity. From highlighting years of growth in the United States, to the development of civilisation and the entire history of the planet, we are encouraged to explore where we’ve come from and what incredible things we are capable of. elbourne Festival Artistic Director Jonathan Holloway recently launched his exciting second Melbourne Festival program, which will see more than 65 events enlivening the city of Melbourne over 19 days in October. The pinnacle performance of the festival is A 24-Decade History Of Popular Music, from dazzling New York performance artist Taylor Mac. This once-in-a-lifetime event is a walk through American history from 1776 to 2016, told through the songs of the time, reinterpreted via Mac’s unique 10

perspective. Part celebration, part exorcism, all party, it’s a spectacle unlike any Melbourne has ever witnessed. Also sure to electrify audiences over six performances at the State Theatre is Tree of Codes, a breathtaking collaboration between choreographer Wayne McGregor, visual artist Olafur Eliasson, musician Jamie xx and the Paris Opera Ballet. Launched from novelist Jonathan Safran Foer’s enigmatic book-sculpture of the same name, Tree of Codes is a collision of contemporary ballet, visual art and electronic music. Dance-lovers will also be drawn to Danish choreographer and dancer Mette Ingvartsen’s 7 Pleasures, which has its Australian premiere at the festival. Exploring the seven roles of pleasure and how perceptions of nudity and sexuality

have changed over time, 12 dancers – wearing nothing but what nature gave them – join to form a single organism of flesh, blurring the distinction between bodies to represent the search for pleasure beyond our own skin. He’s been the mind behind American indie pop band The Magnetic Fields for decades and now Stephin Merritt has created a brand-new set to celebrate his 50th birthday – a song for each year of his melodious existence. Exclusive to Melbourne Festival, this live kaleidoscopic journey will see him singing each song from his 50 Song Memoir, released to critical acclaim earlier this year. History, culture and music combine in Bangsokol: A Requiem for Cambodia, an extraordinary new work spanning song,

This year’s Melbourne Festival is the most ambitious ever, bringing together epic and intense performances and works that put a spotlight on all of humanity

airnorthnews

film, dance and voice. This orchestral performance conveys Cambodia’s traumatic past and marks the first collaboration between Oscar-nominated film director Rithy Panh and lauded composer Him Sophy – both survivors of the Khmer Rouge and now the leaders of Cambodia’s cultural renaissance. One of China’s most epic stories is reinvented as a ravishing spectacle in Under Siege. Renowned choreographer and dancer Yang Liping presents the epochal Chinese opera Farewell My Concubine with a high-octane mix of performers from ballet, hip-hop, kung-fu and Peking opera, performed below thousands of suspended steel blades. The production is designed by Academy and BAFTA award-winning set and costume designer Tim Yip (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon). Victorian Opera and Malthouse Theatre team up with Meow Meow, Paul Capsis, Le Gateau Chocolat and Kanen Breen for the Australian premiere of Tom Waits’ The Black Rider: The Casting of the Magic Bullets, a wild journey through a Gothic and devilish theatrical landscape. “We have searched the world for the most courageous, visionary and ambitious artists: artists who are actively taking on the biggest subjects with flair, excitement and drive,” says Jonathan Holloway of his artistic vision for the Melbourne Festival. “We have drawn together as many of them as possible to create a blockbuster that attempts to remind us all what humankind is capable of. “Nowhere else in the world could you see monumental or sentinel works like

Tree Of Codes, Taylor Mac, Under Siege, Magnetic Fields’ 50 Songs and Bangsokol under the same banner and in the same three weeks, but that is what makes Melbourne astonishing. This year’s Festival is the result of collaboration without compromise, of great people bringing out and amplifying the best in other great people.” Minister for Creative Industries, The Hon. Martin Foley MP, said: “This is an ambitious, audacious program from the Melbourne Festival team that will bring iconic artists and spectacular

international works to our city, while celebrating and profiling our own groundbreaking creatives. It’s a festival for a city that embraces bold art and big ideas.” Also featuring highlights from a line-up of dance, theatre, contemporary and classical music, visual arts and free events, the festival opens on Wednesday 4 October with Tanderrum – part opening ceremony and part Welcome to Country – a celebration of the ground we stand on and the people whose ancestors walked it before our time. Don’t miss this amazing opportunity.

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festival.melbourne/#melbfest

festival.melbourne/2017

airnorthnews

The Darwin Trailer Boat Club Located on the shores of Fannie Bay overlooking the Arafura Sea, the Darwin Trailer Boat Club is about to celebrate its 60th birthday. Sixty might not sound old in a land where the traditional custodians measure time by the millennium but to modern-day Darwin, the Club is an historical treasure. The original Club House was a caravan on the beach serving hot tea and snacks. Today, it boasts a modernist design that welcomes everyone from tourists marvelling at the tropical sunsets, to locals relaxing over great food as their kids play in the playground or pool, and fishermen reminiscing about the “one that got away”. The Club has many claims to fame, such as the annual Sand Bar Cricket Day and the Fun and Safety in the Water open day. It’s also home to many other

clubs such as the Volunteer Coast Guard and the Darwin Game Fishing Club, with the trophy event on the Club calendar being the Coopers Blue Water Classic. Running over the last weekend in October, the 15th Cooper’s Blue Water Classic is a challenge that tests participants’ skills and knowledge. It targets 15 different species of fish, and contestants, who compete according to their boat size, are judged according to the size and range of their catch. There is always a healthy and very ‘Darwin’ mix of serious anglers seeking their moment of glory and local families having some fun. The Classic has always kept entry fees to a minimum and prizes to a maximum. Contestants fees are as low

as $99 for Club members and, thanks to lots of generous sponsors, the prizes are well worth winning. Airnorth, a supporter for many years, is offering return flights to Broome for category winners. The Classic is a keen supporter of the NT Foodbank, with contestants donating any fish they’re not planning to take home. The excess fish are filleted and distributed to Darwin’s many soup kitchens, with 1,500 fish fillets served up after last year’s event. If you’ve ever thrown a line, enjoy a bit of adventure or treasure the beauty of a tropical sunset, the 2017 Cooper’s Blue Water Classic awaits. 8 Atkins Dr, Fannie Bay NT 0820 08 8981 6749

destination

ISLANDS in the SUN The coastline around Townsville boasts a scattering of unique islands offering a variety of idyllic experiences. WORDS: KATE WEBSTER

destination

n island holiday is perfect for anyone looking for complete escape from a stressful world – and within its maritime borders, Queensland is blessed with some of the best of Australia’s 8,222 islands. Many of the isles dotted along the coast of the Sunshine State lie within the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, and much of their terrain is protected as national parks and reserves. While most of us are familiar with the Whitsundays, which includes 74 islands, there are many more island groups that are just as glorious,

including a special handful that lie mostly within a short boat-ride of the delightful coastal city of Townsville, in Tropical North Queensland. Lying directly offshore from Townsville is the alluring Magnetic Island. Head further north and you’ll find Orpheus Island, part of the Palm Islands group. Further north again is Hinchinbrook Island, home to a wild and wondrous national park. Keep travelling towards the equator and you’ll run across the Family Islands group, which includes beautiful Bedarra and Dunk islands. All are just a short ferry ride from the mainland or a scenic helicopter

flight from Townsville or Cairns – and each is unique, with its own ‘hidden gems’ and experiences. Collectively, the islands off Townsville’s coast offer a wealth of outdoorsy activities for people of all ages, interests and budgets, while island accommodations range from remote luxury eco-lodges and elegantly sophisticated resorts to family-oriented island getaways and budget camping.

Magnetic Island Just 25 minutes on a ferry from Townsville gets you to Magnetic Island. Its relaxed tropical vibe hits

The islands off Townsville's coast offer a wealth of outdoorsy activities, while accommodations range from luxury eco-lodges to budget camping

destination

you the moment you step ashore, but while it’s blissfully quiet and peaceful, with dozens of secluded beaches, rugged nature walks and abundant wildlife, it also has a buzz of excitement about it. Magnetic Island sits within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, and you can dive and snorkel from the island. However, the environs here are unlike those of most Great Barrier Reef isles. Forces of nature, acting upon the terrain over millions of years, have shaped an extraordinary landscape of rocky terrain and gigantic boulders; and as it receives less rainfall than other islands in the wet tropics region, ‘Maggie’, as the locals call it, has a dense covering of eucalypt woodlands. The main settlements on Magnetic Island are around Horseshoe Bay, Arcadia, Nelly Bay, Picnic Bay and West Point, with the 1.2-kilometre Hawkings Point Track hike offering sweeping views across the island.

Opening page and this page: Magnetic Island.

The history of Magnetic Island stems back to its traditional owners, the Wulgurukaba Aboriginal people, who call the island 'Yunbenun' 16

destination

Above, above right and this image: Orpheus Island.

Orpheus Island Resort's executive chef concocts a personalised dinner menu tailored to guest's tastes

Adventure-seekers can dive the SS Yongala wreck, not far offshore, or follow the Nelly Bay and Geoffrey Bay snorkel trails. For those less energetic, there are 23 gorgeous beaches on which to relax. The history of Magnetic Island stretches back millennia: traces of its traditional owners, the Wulgurukaba Aboriginal people (who call the island ‘Yunbenun’), are evident across the island in the form of shell middens, stone tools and art sites.

Orpheus Island Located further offshore, right on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, Orpheus Island is a paradise for nature-lovers. Situated roughly midway between Cairns and Townsville, the island is blanketed in more than 1,300 hectares of unspoilt national park and fringed by coral reefs. Housing a maximum of 28 guests, the five-star Orpheus Island Resort is a celebrity favourite thanks to its exclusivity, seclusion and reputation as the ultimate ‘gourmet getaway’.

Each day, the resort’s executive chef concocts a personalised degustation-style dinner menu tailored to guest’s tastes. A scenic helicopter flight from Townsville whisks guests to the island in just 30 minutes; disembark and you’ll be transported instantly into a peaceful state of mind. More serenity lies beneath the azure sea offshore, where you can dive or snorkel among a wealth of vibrantly-hued marine life – reef sharks and rays cruise the shoreline, and if you dive beneath the surface, you’ll find an array of colourful fish and amazing coral gardens in these pristine waters. The resort offers numerous activities to excite, enthral and entertain, including diving, snorkelling and fishing trips, kayak, catamaran and boat hire, and intimate picnic lunches on secluded parts of the island. Guests who just want to relax can find shade in the hammocks between the palm trees, or laze by the infinity pool and soak up the sun and views. 17

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6 Pearce St, Katherine, Northern Territory 0851 P 08 8971 0036 M 0428 514 133 E: mimi-arts@bigpond.com

www.mimiarts.com GROUP SAFARIS CORPORATE RETREATS PRIVATE CHARTERS Staying at Groote Eylandt Lodge:

one of the most exciting fishing grounds in the world

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destination

Hinchinbrook Island Hinchinbrook Island is the largest island on the Great Barrier Reef, and the largest island national park in Australia. Separated from the mainland by the Hinchinbrook Channel, it is staggeringly beautiful, with an abundance of flora and fauna calling the island home. Natural features of this biodiverse area include 50 square kilometres of dense mangrove communities lining the shoreline, tropical rainforest areas and hidden waterfalls, dotted across the island. For this reason, Hinchinbrook Island is described as a ‘wilderness area’, and it is indeed wild and rugged, with soaring peaks. Visitors to Hinchinbrook can enjoy the diverse landscape on and off shore. The island is a popular destination for hikers, with many trails winding through the vegetation to lookouts affording spectacular views. You can explore the island’s coastline in a kayak and really get among the mangrove systems that support much of this island’s abundant life. And speaking of abundant life, be aware this is croc country, so be croc-wise at all times! The most well-known walking track on the island is the Thorsborne Trail. The 32 kilometrelong trek along Hinchinbrook’s eastern coast takes you on a rugged journey through virtually untouched tropical rainforest, mangroves and bushland. Taking approximately four days, depending on your pace, you'll traverse cloudcloaked mountains, jungle-like rainforest, melaleuca swamps and pristine white-sand beaches. This trail, albeit challenging (and not for the ill-prepared!) is a bucket-list must for any fit and adventurous nature-lover.

Natural features include dense mangroves, tropical rainforests and hidden waterfalls

Dunk Island

This image and above: Hinchinbrook Island.

Dunk Island.

Possibly one of Australia’s most spectacular and breathtaking tropical rainforest islands, Dunk lies off the coast from Mission Beach and can be accessed by water taxi. Known as Coonanglebah, ‘the island of peace and plenty’, by the area's Indigenous people, Dunk is the largest in the Family Group of Islands, with more than half the island falling within the boundaries of the Family Islands National Park. The pristine waters that surround Dunk are a conservation zone within the Hinchinbrook Management Area of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, making it perfect for those keen to soak up the area's natural beauty on a day trip, or seeking a few days of affordable camping. A day on Dunk can be spent wandering around the island’s tracks, including one that starts at the east end of beautiful Brammo Beach and crosses a suspension bridge before continuing on to the island's highest point, Mount Kootaloo Lookout, with sweeping views across a palm-fringed beach to distant islands. While the resort remains closed for repairs from the devastation caused by cyclone Yasi, the island’s natural beauty makes it a huge drawcard for visitors anyway: there's still Dunk Island Spit camp ground, the day use area and Family Islands National Park. There's also an open-air café and bar next to the island’s jetty where you can watch the sun go down, beer in hand and toes in the sand, but it’s not always open so be sure to bring your own provisions. 19

destination

The Point Villa, Bedarra Island.

Bedarra Island Also a part of the Family Islands Group, the smaller and much more exclusive Bedarra Island is a place where time is measured only by the passage of the sun. Approximately seven kilometres off the tropical North Queensland coast, the island is accessible by daily launch transfers from Mission Beach or via a scenic 45-minute heli-transfer from Cairns airport directly to the island’s beachside heli-pad. Marine charts initially referred to Bedarra Island as Richards Island, then Allason Island after the first European settler, Captain Henry Allason. The name Bedarra came about as a misspelling of the Aboriginal term biagurra, which, roughly translated, means ‘the place of endless water’. The island is encircled by coral reefs and sandy beaches, with coves formed by gigantic granite 20

The name Bedarra came about as a misspelling of the Aboriginal term biagurra, which, roughly translated, means 'the place of endless water'

boulders and fringed with lush green jungle. Set amid this jungle is Bedarra Island Resort, a romantic hideaway loved by honeymooners, celebrities and those craving seclusion, luxury and relaxation, with just 10 private villas hidden in 45 hectares of tropical rainforest. With a maximum of 18 guests at any one time and no guests under the age of 16, a peaceful sanctuary is guaranteed. Enjoy a romantic beachside dinner for two, or select your own champagne and seafood beach picnic fare to be enjoyed on a nearby deserted island. Alternatively, head to the pool that overlooks the resort’s legendary self-service bar – the extensive selection of alcohol and gourmet dining experiences on offer here are all included in your rate. If you can summon the energy, there are also glorious rainforest walks and a selection of water-based activities to enjoy.

Catch you in the Kimberley!

moonlightbaysuites.com.au

Camels at Cable Beach, Broome

kimberleyhotel.com.au

Bungle Bungles Purnululu National Park

hotelkununurra.com.au

Lake Argyle Ord River Irrigation Scheme

Katherine is a traveller’s dream destination. Whether you want a relaxing cultural holiday or an adventurous one, Katherine has plenty to offer. Only 5 minutes from town is the Katherine hot springs where you can soak in the natural warm waters pumped from deep within the earth. Or if you feel like exploring, the Katherine gorges are only a 30 minute drive from the town centre where you can choose between day treks or even camp and explore the 13 stunning gorges.

KATHERINE, NORTHERN TERRITORY ‘The Crossroads of Northern Australia’ Recommended time of stay: 4+ days

The town also has plenty of hidden gems including colourful festivals, scenic flights, world class fishing, canoeing, sunset catered river cruises, local art and culture, museums, cafes, restaurants and of course local bars. To individually customise your adventure, why not call or email the Visitor Centre in advance so we can plan your experience for you. Or you can simply pop in and chat with one of our friendly staff who are always more than happy to help.

Katherine Visitor Information Centre

Cnr of Lindsay St and Stuart Highway Katherine NT

Phone: 08 8972 2650 Email: visitor@ktc.nt.gov.au

visitkatherine.com.au

destination

WET SEASON Head to Nitmiluk Gorge during the wet season and be rewarded with a lush, verdant landscape of cascading waterfalls and rampant wildlife.

wonderland WORDS: ZOE MEUNIER

destination

any of us wouldn’t consider visiting the Top End during the wet season, but if you’re prepared to put up with some sultry heat and a tropical afternoon storm or two, you’ll soon appreciate that there’s no better time to experience this region's majestic drama. Nowhere is this more evident than at captivating Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge, located within the 292,008-hectare Nitmiluk National Park. The awe-inspiring, rugged beauty of the Gorge is only enhanced in the wet – its deep, craggy sandstone walls cascade with water as the Katherine River turns into a raging torrent and waterfalls thunder at full capacity. Twelve kilometres of sheer rock extending more than 70 metres high, Nitmiluk Gorge is a maze of 13 separate gorges, carved out of the sandstone by the mighty Katherine River over countless millennia – at the height of the wild weather you can clearly see how the forces of nature wield their power. The rain also brings the bonus of a profusion of native wildlife – frogs and reptiles bring a host of smaller birds, while kangaroos and other mammals are more active, enjoying the riotous greenery.

Land of the Jawoyn people The Jawoyn people are the traditional owners of Nitmiluk National Park – which has provided them with an abundance of water and food for thousands of years – and they now manage the park jointly with the Parks and Wildlife Commission of the Northern Territory through the tourist operations Nitmiluk Tours and Cicada Lodge – the luxury eco-resort located within the park. Nitmiluk (pronounced Nit-me-look) is the Jawoyn name for Katherine Gorge. Meaning

Cicada Lodge – the luxury eco-resort.

‘cicada place’, the name was bestowed by Nabilil, an important figure of the Creation Time who, upon arriving at the gorge, heard the iconic “Nit, nit, nit!” sound of the cicada – a noise that soon becomes emblematic of the region to anyone who visits. While common belief divides the Top End into two seasons – ‘wet’ (roughly November to April) and ‘dry’ (May to October) – for the Jawoyn people, there are at least five major and many more minor seasons in the annual cycle, determined by weather patterns and subtle events such as plants flowering and fruiting

destination

Nitmiluk (pronounced Nit-me-look) is the Jawoyn name for Katherine Gorge. Meaning ‘cicada place’, the name was bestowed by Nabilil, an important figure of the Creation Time

and animal behaviour. In Jawoyn culture, the dry seasons are Pankarrang, Malapparr and Jungalk, while the seasons Kuran and Jiyowk represent the electrical storms, sun showers and humidity of the wet season. Within the wet season, there are also distinct variations between different months. October through to December is the best time to experience the region’s exhilarating electrical storms. November and April’s rainfalls are considerably less than those of the other wetseason months, while January and February have the highest rainfalls – but are also,

arguably, the most exciting months to visit. The good news is that despite the high rainfall, storms usually occur in the afternoon, affording you the opportunity to get out and explore in the morning – after which you’ll probably more than welcome a good drenching!

Explore by air and water A must-do experience when visiting Nitmiluk in the wet season is to take a helicopter tour. There are scenic flights to suit all budgets, from an intense three-gorge experience to a captivating aerial journey over all 13 gorges,

offering you spectacular aerial views of Nitmiluk Gorge, the Arnhem Land escarpment and local wildlife. Options include an Adventure Swim Tour, on which you fly to your own private waterfall and rock pool for a swim in the pristine waters; and a Jawoyn Rock Art Tour, which transports you deep into the heart of Dreamtime with an Indigenous guide who’ll help you interpret the fascinating artworks adorning this ancient land. If your budget allows it, it’s also well worth factoring in a scenic flight over Kakadu National Park, which also offers magnificent 25

destination

scenery during the wet season, when its waterfalls and wetlands run rampant. Another wonderful way to experience the Gorge is on a cruise. On the two-hour Nit Nit Dreaming Cruise, you will explore the first two gorges and learn about their cultural significance to the Jawoyn people. According to tradition, Bolung, the rainbow serpent, still resides in the deep, dark pools of Nitmiluk’s second gorge, and special care must be taken not to disturb him. These cruises are subject to weather and river conditions, although when the Katherine River gets too tempestuous, visitors can experience a real treat – a wild ride on a power boat, which provides all the thrills and spills of a jet-boating experience. A host of other tours and activities are on offer, from taking part in Cultural Safari Tours, all of which include a cruise and cultural activities, to exploring Aboriginal art and wildlife along Nitmiluk National Park’s many walking trails. Swimming and canoeing in the Gorge are also on offer in the early shoulder

season, but through much of the wet season (roughly December to May, as determined by Parks and Wildlife), they are prohibited due to the prevalence of saltwater crocodiles in the area. Pack your swimsuit, though, because you’ll still be able to enjoy the region’s swimming holes and rock pools, washed clear by the tropical rains. The steamy conditions will also afford you plenty of opportunity to enjoy the pool facilities at your accommodation, if you choose to stay within the park. Whether you’re opting for the stylish luxury of Cicada Lodge or for a chalet-style lodge, permanent tent or caravan/camping site, there’s a resort-style pool just waiting for you to dive into. And the best part about exploring this wonderland in the wet season? The price – expect significant savings, depending on which time of the wet season you travel… heading to Nitmiluk for the festive season will see you enjoying a seriously costeffective holiday exploring this amazing wet and wild destination.

INFO GUIDE

WHERE TO STAY Luxe: Located within Nitmiluk National Park, close to all the Gorge has to offer, Cicada Lodge is a luxury eco-resort offering an indulgent and authentic Indigenous experience. cicadalodge.com.au Mid-range: Nitmiluk Chalets offer one- or two-bedroom, self-contained, air-conditioned accommodation within Nitmiluk National Park. nitmiluktours.com.au Budget: At Nitmiluk’s well-maintained campground, you have the choice of staying in a permanent tent or bringing your own tent or caravan to the powered and unpowered sites. nitmiluktours.com.au WHAT TO DO Experience the wonder of the Gorge from the comfort of a cruise: nitmiluktours.com.au/book-a-tour/gorgecruises Take to the skies to explore the region by helicopter: nitmiluktours.com.au/book-a-tour/ helicopter-flight Immerse yourself in the world of the Jawoyn people on a Cultural Safari Tour: nitmiluktours.com.au/book-a-tour/ cultural-safari-tours GETTING THERE Nitmiluk National Park is about 28 kilometres north-east of Katherine via sealed road. Katherine is approximately 320 kilometres south of Darwin on the Stuart Highway. Airnorth flies to Katherine three times a week. airnorth.com.au

Your story starts with us...

Kununurra, the Kimberley

helispirit.com.au call 1800 180 085

freshwaterapartments.net.au call 1300 729 267

triplejtours.com.au call 08 9168 2682

Remote and Remarkable’ Tiwi Islands Adventures – Melville Island Lodge is arguably the best fishing lodge in Australia and features in Tourism Australia’s latest International Marketing campaign – “Great Fishing Adventures of Australia”.

www.tiwiadventures.com.au TIWI ISLANDS ADVENTURES Melville Island Lodge and Johnson River Camp T 0457 162 472 E fishing@tiwiadventures.com.au

Look us up!

initiative

A BRIGHTER FUTURE

TIWI ISLAND

for

WORDS: ZOE MEUNIER

o angling enthusiasts, the Tiwi Islands are perhaps best known as the ultimate in secluded fishing destinations. But in this small, isolated and remote enclave, a surprising collaboration is taking place: the local Indigenous community and corporate Australia are banding together to create a remarkable future for the children of the Tiwi Islands. Lying off the coast of Australia around 60 kilometres north of Darwin, Melville Island and nearby Bathurst Island are known collectively as the Tiwi Islands and are home to the Indigenous Tiwi people. With little infrastructure, the islands are not open to the public for tourism, except on organised trips operated by Tiwi Islands Adventures (TIA),

who offer sensational two- to six-day fishing expeditions from two remote locations: Melville Island Lodge on the shores of Snake Bay, and the ultra-remote and wild Johnson River Camp on Melville Island’s east coast. Lured by the prospect of world-class fishing in this untouched environment, former Australian cricketer Matthew Hayden and executive director of Macquarie Bank Guy Reynolds visited Melville Island Lodge at Milikapiti in 2009. While there, the close friends and philanthropists accepted an invitation to visit the newly constructed Tiwi College campus – a day that would change the lives of both men significantly. Built by the government in 2007, the College was sited in a remote location to allow the local

children a quiet and peaceful place to study, away from community troubles that at the time were resulting in a suicide rate some four times the national average. While well-intended, initial management of the College failed to inspire the local community leaders, and a mere 30 children registered to attend the institution, with attendance levels languishing at just 30 per cent. The following day on the water, a plan was hatched between the two men. They drafted a strategy on a table napkin outlining what they believed was needed to spark community interest in the College and bolster student numbers and attendance rates. An advisory committee was assembled and proceeded to raise funds – all from private sources, primarily the 29

initiative

Above: The Junior Guides program in action; Above right: Matthew Hayden with college students.

Macquarie Bank Foundation. Within four years, they had built a garden and dam precinct the size of the MCG, containing an open-air classroom capable of seating 30, along with 32 crops that provide the children and staff with fresh produce yearround. Chook sheds were built for ducks and chickens, which roam through the garden, while cyclone-proof sheds protect a million dollars’ worth of farm equipment. The process became one of solid cooperation between the College Executive and The Hayden Reynolds Group, with requests from the College received, priced and negotiated with various corporate partners to ensure commercial opportunism aimed at remote communities was not accepted. This meant, for example, that after an open-air classroom quote of $970,000, the classroom was finished and functioning for just $240,000, with no compromise in quality. “The job of the Hayden Reynolds Group was never to impose their will on the College,” explains Hayden. “It was about adding value; working with the College on all their needs but making sure price, promptness of delivery and quality was always assured.” Student numbers have now reached 85, with an attendance rate of 80 per cent. Despite this 30

success, one statistic still concerned the pair: in 2010, half of the 2,500 Tiwi were aged under 25 and, of these, only one had managed to get a job on the Islands. So the task of addressing youth employment on-island became their new focus. Several work scholarships were offered to students, who were employed outside of school hours in the garden, administration or hospitality. But the real game changer came from TIA’s then-manager Garry Cross. Cross had been supporting the Hayden Reynolds Tiwi College Project since 2009 by hosting the charity’s annual fishing trip. He suggested to Hayden and Reynolds that clients might like to have a Tiwi trainee guide on board when fishing the rivers and bluewater areas of the Tiwis. The Junior Guides program started slowly in 2016, with only a couple of days on the water per month, but momentum started to build and opportunities for the young guides grew dramatically. Within the first three months of this year, The Hayden Reynolds project, which pays each junior guide $150 per day to spend time on tourist fishing boats, has had to increase its proposed budget by an astonishing 400 per cent. With the program’s popularity exploding, the TIA Lodges have built two small cabins to accommodate junior guides, reducing travel

time and expenses for the young guides, who rotate through the Lodges, working around their study schedules and on weekends. The guide program has attracted more and more students to the Hayden Reynolds Work Scholarship Program, which now has 11 students working part-time and one employed full-time. Tiwi employee Jessica started as a Work Scholarship student in 2015 and is now a mentor to all scholarship recipients – before she spent her first day as a junior guide, she had never seen her country from the water, an indication of just how enriching this program is for all concerned. Cross is now planning to enhance the educational levels within the Junior Guides program to allow Indigenous children opportunities to obtain coxswain’s licences. The Lodges and tourist fishing boats are giving them greater freedom, more promising futures and a positive outlook on pursuing careers that most of these young islanders would not have dreamed were achievable as little as 10 years ago. To book a fishing trip or requests a Junior Guide, head to tiwiadventures.com.au

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Visitors should not miss this major Centre...â&#x20AC;?

Lonely Planet Guide to Indigenous Australia

Established in 1976, Buku-Larrnggay Mulka is one of Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s oldest and most celebrated Indigenous community controlled art centres. Visit our award winning museum, art gallery and theatrette. The Internationally renowned art centre exhibits and sells bark paintings, larrakitj (memorial poles), yidaki (didjeridu), carvings, fibrework, jewellery and limited edition prints. Opening Hours Monday - Friday 8am - 4.30pm Saturday 9am - noon Visitors are welcome

Buku-Larrnggay Mulka Art Centre 138 Tuffin Road, Yirrkala NT 0881 PH +61 (0) 8 8987 1701 art@yirrkala.com Visit our online shop

www.yirrkala.com Located in Yirrkala community, 15 mins drive from the Gove airport No permit is required if coming directly from Gove Airport or Nhulunbuy.

Book directly and get a 30% discount (valid Monday-Thursday) use promo code: HappyStayTPHA30 http://www.timorplazahotel.com/rates-reservations Email:reservation@timorplazahotel.com Phone: +670 331 3288

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Support the Club that Supports the Community!

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Gaming room with 45 machines • All day dining in our Gold Plate Award Winning Restaurant Live Entertainment every Thurs to Sat nights with Local and Interstate bands and DJ’s Jumping Castle for the kids • Free Courtesy bus available for pick-up & drop offs Crn Franklyn & Westal St Nhulunbuy (located next to Town Pool)

08 8987 0600

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Entertainment

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The latest and greatest things to hear, see and read...

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Google Trips

st picaff k

Lance Ferguson: Raw Material Best known as the guitarist, founder and leader of Aussie soul giants The Bamboos, Melbourne soul mastermind Lance Ferguson is back with the very first album to be released under his own name – a project that embraces Ferguson’s 25-year-long love affair with vinyl, beat-digging culture and the alchemy of sample-based music. Raw Material was recorded with more than 35 producers, vocalists, MCs and musicians from around the world, including eccentric US producer Javelin, the UK’s Lack Of Afro and Australia’s Katalyst, One Above, Planet Self and Jace XL. Out now.

The Doors: The Singles The Doors’ 50th anniversary celebration continues with two new collections that spotlight every single and B-side the band released in the US, all comprehensively compiled for the first time. The two-CD collection includes the single versions from all six landmark studio albums the quartet released between 1967 and 1971, including classics such as ‘People Are Strange’, ‘Love Her Madly’ and ‘Riders On The Storm’. Also included on the CD versions are four mono radio versions of some of the band’s biggest hits. Out now.

watch Jungle

Adventure/Thriller, MA Starring Daniel Radcliffe, Alex Russell, Joel Jackson and Thomas Kretschmann and filmed in regional Queensland and Colombia, Jungle follows the thrilling true story of a young man who leaves a safe future behind to chase an improbable dream in the mysterious depths of the Amazon rainforest. For a year, he journeys along paths well-travelled, but when he and two fellow adventurers meet a darkly charismatic guide and follow him into the jungle, what begins as the pursuit of a dream soon turns into a harrowing psychological test of faith and fortitude. Out now.

read Burke & Wills Peter FitzSimons, Hachette $49.99

Australia’s bestselling historical storyteller is back this month with Burke & Wills: The triumph and tragedy of Australia’s most famous explorers. You’ll soon be immersed in the story of this ambitious quest by Robert O’Hara Burke and surveyor William Wills to be the first Europeans to cross the harsh Australian continent in searing heat and flooding rains. Out October 31.

Hello, Goodbye Emily Brewin, Allen & Unwin $29.99

It’s 1968 and independent country girl Maya’s world is turned upside down when she finds out she’s pregnant. Set in Melbourne against the backdrop of the Vietnam War, the story of Maya’s evolution from naive country girl to free-thinking woman is a compelling story about standing at a crossroad, and the decisions we’re forced to make in deciding which road to take. Out now.

Australia Day Melanie Cheng, Text Publishing $29.99

Offering a fresh look at Australia today, this collection of stories tells the tales of the young, old, rich, poor, Chinese, Lebanese, Christian, Muslim – their common bond being a desire to belong. The stories explore universal themes of love, loss, family and identity while asking crucial questions about how humans connect in a globalised world. Out now.

App Store, free Google Play, free Between finding flights, getting best deals on hotels and planning your itinerary, going on holiday can be a real headache. This ultimate travel companion makes exploring the world easier by organising your essential info in one place and even making it available offline. Get activity suggestions based on what’s nearby, customisable day plans and all your travel reservations from Gmail.

Pocket

App Store, free Google Play, free Found something interesting online that you want to look at later? Just put it in your Pocket! Simply save your favourite videos, articles and more to your smartphone and you’ll be able to peruse them at your leisure. Once saved to Pocket, your personal list of content is visible on any device – phone, tablet or computer – and can be viewed anywhere, anytime. You don’t even need an Internet connection!

PackPoint

App Store, free Google Play, free If you’re one of those people who leaves packing your bags to the last minute, then PackPoint is the perfect app for you. Touted as “a travel app that practically packs your bags for you”, PackPoint lets you enter in the purpose of your visit, your destinations and what you plan to do; the app checks the weather forecast and generates a list of exactly what you’ll need. You’ll never forget to pack any of those essentials again!

MALLEE BORN

DRINK YOUR BEER WHERE IT WAS BORN. Mallee born craft and easy drinking mainstream beers all on tap and set inside Milduraâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s historic art deco style astor theatre. Enjoy casual lunch and dinner, cold beers and drinks right next to the brewhouse. Perfectly positioned in the heart of town, Mildura Brewery Pub is a must visit destination. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the home of great value meals and Mallee born beers.

Mildura Brewery Pub. 20 Langtree Avenue. Mildura Brewhouse, Bar, Casual dining, Entertainment and Brewhouse sales. Telephone (03) 5021 5399

lifestyle

What’s On

Our top pick of events coming up around the country...

NOVEMBER

O T T ED NO ISS M BE

16–19 NOVEMBER

Margaret River Gourmet Escape, WA At the 2016 event, UK cooking queen Nigella Lawson held court on her first visit to the Margaret River region, and this year’s event is billed to be even bigger. With a kitchen full of internationally acclaimed chefs including Curtis Stone, Rick Stein, Alex Atala and Pierre Koffman and some of WA’s finest local foodies, gourmands will be treated to a showcase of exceptional ingredients, beer and wine, hands-on masterclasses, live music and book signings with celebrity chefs, all in one of Australia’s most stunning regions. gourmetescape.com.au

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

13–22 October

20–29 October

4–5 November

18–19 November

Orange Wine Festival, NSW

Renmark Rose Festival, SA

Iron Cowboy, Townsville, QLD

Toast one of Australia’s best wine regions at this showcase of tasty tipples. Try wines straight from the cellar door, or immerse yourself in one of the 90-plus events. Hop aboard the Vino Express for exclusive access to top wine and food experiences; browse at the Wine & Food Night Market in Robertson; and indulge at Wine in the Vines.

Don’t miss this festival celebrating the beauty of Shakespeare’s favourite flower, held in the picturesque SA town of Renmark on the banks of the mighty Murray River. The festival’s packed program includes open gardens, blooming flower beds, activities, shows and demonstrations designed to enchant and inspire.

Bitter & Twisted Boutique Beer Festival, NSW

orangewinefestival.com.au

renmarkroses.com

other events

15 October Medibank Melbourne Marathon Festival, VIC 30,000+ runners descend on Melbourne for the country’s largest marathon event. melbournemarathon.com.au

20–22 October V8 Supercars Gold Coast 600 Petrol-heads unite for a high-speed thrill ride throughout the streets of Surfers Paradise. supercars.com/gold-coast

Held in the grounds of the historic Maitland Gaol, Bitter & Twisted has more than 80 different brews on offer. With a top line-up of bands, food, home-brew masterclasses and other twisted surprises, options abound for both craft-beer connoisseurs and those who indulge only occasionally. bitterandtwisted.com.au

look

ahead

Experience a once-in-a-lifetime event as the Professional Bull Riders prepare to deliver two huge nights of the roughest sport on dirt. It’s a showdown like no other – elite cowboys versus the toughest bulls in a three-hour action-packed sporting event. Cowboys eager for glory will strive to overcome the power of extreme bucking bulls in exhilarating battles of power, agility and stamina. pbraustralia.com.au

28 December–3 January The Taste of Tasmania, Hobart Gather on Hobart’s glorious waterfront for a summer celebration of all things delicious and delectable. thetasteoftasmania.com.au

27 December–1 January Woodford Folk Festival, Woodford, QLD Escape reality and immerse yourself in other cultures at this otherworldly event. woodfordfolkfestival.com

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CULTURE

club

Got a thing for theatre? Love live music? Enjoy great galleries? Read on for what’s happening this month...

19 OCTOBER–5 NOVEMBER

SCULPTURE BY THE SEA, NSW

Now in its 21st year, everyone’s favourite seaside sculptural exhibition returns to Sydney’s east coast. The internationally acclaimed al fresco showcase spans the length of the world-famous Bondi to Tamarama coastal walk, which is transformed for three weeks each year into a temporary twokilometre-long sculpture park, this year featuring more than 100 works by artists from Australia and 17 other countries across the globe.

sculpturebythesea.com

7–12 OCTOBER

Op en

VELVET, DARWIN ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE, NT

: rg be d n Lu er Pet y b ture Sculp

Deafening disco beats and sparkling ’70s-style outfits combine in VELVET, a divine discotheque circus filled to the brim with everything from acrobatics to dance and cabaret. The ARIAnominated, award-winning hit has been dazzling audiences across Australia and New Zealand all year; now it’s bringing gold-plated glitz and glamour to the stage of Darwin Entertainment Centre. velvettheshow.com

lifestyle

14–15 October BUSKERS BY THE CREEK, QLD From award-winning performers to talented teens, swing music and sword swallowing, the Gold Coast’s eclectic underground festival has it all. Last year’s event attracted record crowds to watch a swag of award-winning performers and the country’s first-ever floating half-pipe, and the 2017 line-up looks set to eclipse it, with more musicians, jaw-dropping tricks, daring world record attempts and waterborne magic than ever before. buskersbythecreek.com.au

5–15 OCTOBER

TORUK – The First Flight

by Cirque du Soleil, Brisbane Entertainment Centre, QLD Inspired by James Cameron’s record-breaking film Avatar, Cirque du Soleil’s TORUK – The First Flight envisions a world beyond imagination. A live immersive experience fuelled by a riveting fusion of cutting-edge visuals, puppetry and stagecraft buoyed by a soaring cinematic score, TORUK encourages the audience to dive into the mythical planet of Pandora and experience a storytelling odyssey through a new world of imagination, discovery and possibility. cirquedusoleil.com/toruk

9–12 NOVEMBER

Bendigo Blues & Roots Festival, VIC Celebrate all things soulful in the southern state’s spiritual heart at this year’s Bendigo Blues & Roots Festival. A predominantly free, grass-roots event, the four-day festival will fill the town’s spectacular Victorian Colonial streets with performances and workshops by more than 100 artists from Australia and all over the world, conducted at 30 venues throughout Bendigo and surrounds.

bendigobluesandroots.com.au

25 November OPERA IN THE VALLEY OF THE GIANTS West Australian Opera is celebrating its 50th birthday in a unique and beautiful way: with free concerts beneath the stars, against the backdrop of one of the state’s most iconic natural wonders, the Valley of the Giants. Pack a picnic, chairs and blankets and enjoy arias from the greatest hits in the operatic repertoire, performed by world-class artists, surrounded by towering red tingle trees in the heart of the Walpole wilderness. waopera.asn.au/community/regional-touring

RED RUBBER™ PRODUC T S

It’s our trademark. Since 1923.

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Below: Archibald, Wynne & Sulman prize 2017 nominee, artist Dee Smart. Title: ‘The mayor of Bondi’; medium: oil and acrylic on canvas; size 77 x 77 cm.

 Archibald, Wynne & Sulman prizes

Until 22 October Get up close and personal with the topical, the influential and the sometimes scandalous portraits in contention for this year’s prestigious Archibald Prize at the Art Gallery of New South Wales. Currently celebrating its 96th year, the highly anticipated and much-loved annual showcase of ‘who’s who’ in Australia features the work of artists from across the country, all competing for $100,000 in prize money. Gallery-goers will also be able to enjoy works by finalists in the Wynne and Sulman prizes as well as the enchanting entries in the Young Archie competition. artgallery.nsw.gov.au/prizes/archibald  Heath Ledger: A Life In Pictures

14 October–29 January Curated in close collaboration with Heath Ledger’s family and friends, this unique exhibition is a tribute to the much-loved actor’s life achievements and cinematic roles. From Ledger’s teenage years in Western Australia to his final role in The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus (2009), the exhibition follows a career driven by unbridled passion for creativity. Featuring costumes, photographs and moving images from some of Ledger’s most memorable roles, Heath Ledger: A Life in Pictures gives visitors a behind-scenes glimpse of Ledger’s life and creative processes. artgallery.wa.gov.au/exhibitions/heathledger.asp

 David Hockney: Current

Heath Ledger: A Life in Pictures is a personal glimpse into the life and achievements of the iconic late star and features costumes, photographs and moving images.

11 November–13 March A must-see for those passionate about contemporary art, Current is a major solo exhibition of one of the most influential living artists of our time: David Hockney. A celebration of Hockney’s skill and wide-ranging creativity, the exhibition features more than 1,200 works from the past decade of the British artist’s career – some new, and many never seen before in Australia – including large-scale landscapes, animated digital drawings of still-life compositions, photography and immersive video works. ngv.vic.gov.au/david-hockney

BOO SEEKA

Tickets and tour dates available online now.

TOUR

Above: Archibald, Wynne & Sulman prize 2017 nominee Anh Do. Title: ‘JC (Jack Charles)’; medium: oil on linen; size 240 x 200 cm.

Nationwide 6 October–18 November

LORDE ALICE COOPER Nationwide 21–25 October

Perth, Sydney, Canberra, Brisbane & Melbourne 18–26 November

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COUNTRY PUB GRUB

Whether it’s schnitty and chips, a beef burger, pork belly or a piping-hot Sunday roast, there’s nothing quite like Aussie pub food. Words: Jiyan Dessens

LAWSON PARK HOTEL MUDGEE, NSW

“Our bistro menu choice is second to none,” the pub’s website claims, and it’s not wrong. Smackbang in the middle of Mudgee wine country, the award-winning Lawson Park Hotel, with its warm wood panelling, crackling fire and cracking bar service, gives every gussied-up restaurant in the region a run for its money. At the hotel’s Red Heifer Bistro, with tree-change head chef Stefano Brulando of Bondi Icebergs fame at the helm, you’ll enjoy crispy skin pork belly, 24-hour slow roast lamb shoulder with all the trimmings and sticky barbequed pork ribs with homemade slaw. But really, you can’t go past their signature steak. lawsonparkhotel.com.au

Serving cold brews with spectacular mountain views since 1876, the Prairie Hotel is situated right where the Flinders Ranges meet the Aussie Outback. Renowned for innovative dishes with an emphasis on native ingredients and South Australian produce, it’s also home to one of Gourmet Traveller’s Top 100 Australian Gourmet experiences: the Feral Mixed Grill or ‘FMG’ – that’s kangaroo fillet, camel sausage, a goat chop and an emu patty. Also available is the signature Feral Antipasto, which includes kangaroo mettwurst, emu pate, goat’s cheese and bush tomato chilli jam. An array of exciting non-feral and non-carnivorous options are also on offer, and there’s accommodation if you’re looking to stay the night. prairiehotel.com.au

PRAIRIE HOTEL PARACHILNA, SA

lifestyle

MALT (AT THE BREWERY) TOWNSVILLE, QLD

With a magnificent colonial façade, a full top shelf, locally brewed ales and a timeless oak bar, Tanswell’s has been serving strewth-inducing fare since 1853. This is classic pub grub with a loving local twist. You’ll find old favourites such as the steak sarnie and chicken parmigiana on the menu, as well as mouth-watering ‘posh nosh’ using ingredients from all around the region – hoisin duck breast, vodka-cured trout and slow-roasted lamb shoulder – and a drinks list as long as your arm. It’s come a long way since (allegedly) being a favoured haunt of the infamous Kelly gang. Stop in during winter to enjoy a roaring blaze in the pub’s open fireplace. tanswellshotelbeechworth.com.au

If you’re a fan of fair-dinkum freshness, you’re in luck – diners at this exemplary establishment can enjoy beer brewed and bottled just a few metres away! But award-winning beer isn’t all this brewhouse occupying the century-plus-old Townsville Post Office building is known for. Exposed wooden beams and Federation features hide the brewery’s award-winning Malt bistro, serving everything from braised beef to crumbed scallops, crispy pork belly and battered barramundi. Here, you’ll be spoilt for choice, whether you’re after traditional ‘pub grub’ or a gourmet getaway. townsvillebrewery.com.au

TANSWELL’S COMMERCIAL HOTEL BEECHWORTH, VIC

Between swimming in the aquamarine waters of Geographe Bay and walking along the world’s longest wooden jetty, stop in for a squiz at Busselton’s premier pub. Dating back to the early 1840s, this Busso institution is one of the oldest watering holes in town. Boasting a long, wood-panelled bar, a Colonial-era wrap-around verandah and a newly renovated, family-friendly bistro, it’s the perfect place to unwind and have a feed. Enjoy Aussie pub favourites such as ‘surf and turf’, braised beef ribs and pork-belly bites – or, if you really want a treat, the seafood platter for two. Keen to meet the locals? Stop in on Wednesdays – popular ‘Parmi and Pint’ night – for a well-priced meal, fine ale and a good yarn. shipinnbusselton.com.au

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Embrace the luxury coastal accommodation staying at LifeTime Private Retreats and combine gourmet delights with award-winning local wines and spirits, all in some of Kangaroo Island’s most inspiring locations. 3 Day Sensations of Spring and Summer Tours from $2,644pp* from Adelaide. Includes: • Indulgent dining experiences include dinner in a rustic shearing shed, breakfast in a beachside taverna and brunch in the fairytale setting of the 150 year-old Enchanted Fig Tree (summer only), hosted by catering specialists Hannaford & Sachs • Exclusive vineyard and winery tour with private barrel room tastings at The Islander Estate Vineyard • Join local chef Tony Nolan, of Latitude 36, for lunch in his farm kitchen for a home-cooked feast, local island produce cooking tips and some ‘island-life’ stories • Visit KI Spirits Distillery, Island Pure Sheep Dairy, Island Beehive, Emu Bay, Stokes Bay and much more *Conditions apply. Return flights from Adelaide only. Price valid to 31 March 2018. Selected departures throughout spring and summer. Autumn and Winter itineraries will differ. Minimum numbers apply. See website for details. ABN 69 007 122 367.

Call +61 8 8553 0386 Email kireservations@kiodysseys.com.au Visit kangarooislandodysseys.com.au

s w e TRAVEL n

lifestyle

WA farmers open their doors

Enjoy a slice of authentic country life in Western Australia’s Southern Forests region on the new Genuinely Extraordinary Southern Forests Food & Farm Experience tour. You’ll get to meet down-to-earth local farmers, walk among fruit orchards, hunt for truffles under towering oak and hazelnut trees, commune with chooks and enjoy farm-fresh seasonal produce. The three-day, four-night, all-inclusive tour will run across the first weekend of each month from Friday 1 September 2017. southernforestsfood.com

Elements of Byron relaunches Ahead of its October relaunch, Elements of Byron resort in Byron Bay has received a Sustainability Award from the Australian Institute of Architects’ Queensland Chapter and an award for Best Large-scale Corporate Retreat at the recent Qantas Business Travel Awards. The relaunch will see the opening of a suite of luxury two-bedroom villas, each complete with outdoor bathroom and fireplace-adorned deck. The villas are sited in a new section of the property, surrounded by forest and creek, while a dozen new and revamped leisure areas include a new adults-only heated pool with swim-up bar; a giant chess set; a bocce rink; and a massive fig tree with hanging chairs. elementsofbyron.com.au

Lonely Planet’s new mobile travel platform

Walk the length

Following a recent report finding that 63 per cent of consumers look to social channels before booking holidays, Lonely Planet has launched Trips, a selfpublishing content platform that allows travellers to discover and share their experiences with ease. The Trips platform lets you upload photos and videos directly from your phone’s photo library; write about your experiences; ‘like’ trips; follow other travellers; save favourite stories to your profile; and discover new trips by location or theme. It’s available free on iOS now, and will be on Android later this year. lonelyplanet.com/trips

Specialist walking operator Tasmanian Expeditions has launched the ultimate wilderness experience – five weeks traversing the entire length of Tasmania. The first of its kind in Australia, the Great Tasmanian Traverse combines five of TE’s most popular adventures: the Coast to Cradle Trail; the Overland Track; Frenchmans Cap Trek; Franklin River Rafting; and the South Coast Track. tasmanianexpeditions.com.au

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destination

FAMILY FUN in PORT MACQUARIE WORDS: Zoe Meunier

When it comes to Aussie destinations tailormade for families, Port Macquarie is hard to beat. lessed with breathtaking beaches and waterways, and a magnificent hinterland that’s home to more than 40,000 hectares of National Parks and State Forests, Port Macquarie’s natural charms are peerless. But it’s not just the majestic mountains, captivating waterfalls, sandy shores and tracts of sub-tropical rainforest that provide an irresistible lure for families – ‘Port’ also offers a wealth of unique attractions and activities, top-notch waterside eateries and a fun and friendly atmosphere, thanks to its warm and quirky locals. It’s located on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales, halfway between Sydney and Brisbane, and improved 14

highways and new flight routes mean it’s never been simpler to visit… so what are you waiting for? Beach bliss Few beaches are as family-friendly and jaw-droppingly beautiful as the 18 that make up the Greater Port Macquarie region, and there’s one to suit every family’s needs. Town Beach, with its great surf conditions, impressive skate park and famous breakwall festooned with colourful graffiti rocks, is just crying out for kids to descend upon it with bikes and scooters. The iconic Flynns Beach is a must-visit, with its distinctive rocky outcrops and generously shaded, grassy picnic areas making it perfect for young families. Oxley Beach also offers picturesque picnic facilities in a more secluded environment, while Nobby’s Beach is a doggy’s paradise.

The Coastal Walk, a ninekilometre track starting at Town Beach, takes you past eight of these postcard-perfect beaches, headlands, lookouts and a subtropical rainforest, ending at the recently-restored lighthouse at Tacking Point, Australia’s third-oldest, which offers superb panoramic views of the coastline and down to Lighthouse Beach. On nine-kilometre-long Lighthouse Beach, another popular spot for surfing and beach fishing, a must-do experience for the whole family is taking a Camel Safari along the sand. Don’t book: just rock up to meet highly entertaining local characters John and Ken and their four-legged, one-humped friends, who also have their own distinctive personalities (I was on board the feisty one!). As we rock gently along the beach on the backs

Images clockwise from top-left: Billabong Zoo; Bago Maze at Bago Vineyards; Camel riding on Lighthouse Beach; on board an authentic Chinese junk.

destination

A must-do experience for the whole family is taking a Camel Safari along the sand of these unique animals, we’re treated to a sighting of a pod of dolphins, with whales also often visible between May and November. portmacquariecamels.com.au Koala country Port Macquarie has no shortage of fantastic wildlife, but it’s the koala that has become symbolic of the region. A fun family pastime is to try to spot all 56 colourful koalas on the Hello Koalas Public Sculpture Trail.

They’re dotted around the region, with each metre-high sculpture designed and hand-painted by a different artist. hellokoalas.com Port Macquarie is also home to the world’s first dedicated koala hospital, managed by the Koala Preservation Society Australia Incorporated and run almost entirely by volunteers. Entry is free and you can view koalas being treated, cared for and fed. koalahospital.org.au But for the most up-close and

personal koala experience, head to Billabong Zoo, a four-hectare wildlife park and world-renowned koala breeding centre. Here, we got the chance to pat and pose with one of these furry fellows and feed some of his marsupial pals in the kangaroo and wallaby hand-feeding area. There are keeper presentations half-hourly, and ‘hands-on’ experiences with everything from snow leopards to cheetahs, red pandas, penguins and snakes are available. 15

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Each of the 56 koala sculptures is hand-painted by a different artist

Images clockwise from top left: View from North Brother lookout; picking strawberries at Ricardoes Tomatoes and Strawberries.

Don’t forget to watch as ‘Shrek’, the park’s monster five-metre-odd croc, chows down on his daily grub! billabongkoala.com Family-friendly wineries Gone are the days when parents had to curtail their wine tastings for fear of boring the kids. Port Macquarie has a number of family-friendly wineries guaranteed to entertain the young’ns while parents relax and savour a tasty drop. Nowhere is this quite so well set up as at the magical Bago Maze, NSW’s largest hedge maze, located on the grounds of the romantic Bago

Vineyards in Wauchope, just inland from Port. As the grown-ups settle back to enjoy their wine with a cheese platter or gourmet chocolates, they can look over the hillside as their children get lost in 2,000 metres of pathways surrounded by lilly-pilly hedges, which took around six years to grow. The brainchild of Bago farmer and wine-grape grower Jim Mobbs – reportedly “after a bottle or two of chambourcin” – and designed by his landscape architect son Ian, the maze features lookout towers, bridges, boardwalks, musical instruments and animal sculptures to find along the way. bagovineyards.com.au

At family-owned boutique winery Rose’s Vineyard at Innes Fail, parents can enjoy wine and cheese or tea or coffee with a lovely view over the vineyards and Lake Innes, while a petting farm and jumping castle keep the kids amused. If you can, time your visit for 10am or 3pm, when the kids can feed the baby animals, some of which are still being bottle-fed. rosesvineyard.com Cassegrain Wines is renowned throughout the region for its exemplary wines made in the French tradition, its picturesque surrounds and its French-infused, familyfriendly restaurant Seasons. Less well known is the fact that adults and children can enjoy horseriding in this beautiful setting. Port Macquarie Horse Riding Centre is located on site and offers winery and bush trail rides for ages six and over, with pony rides also available for little ones. cassegrainwines.com.au 17

destination

Seasonal whale watching is a thrilling day out, while dolphin-spotting is a year-round event and every bit as magical for kids

INFO GUIDE

WHERE TO STAY Macquarie Waters The award-winning 4.5-star Macquarie Waters offers both hotel rooms and generously-sized contemporary self-contained apartments. Ideally located close to everything, and with fun inclusions such as a rooftop hot tub with views to the ocean and a heated outdoor pool that’s the venue for ‘divein’ movie screenings in summer, it’s also home to one of Port Macquarie’s favourite restaurants, The Corner. mwaters.com.au BW Macquarie Barracks Best Western Macquarie Barracks provides 4-star quality in a convenient location, and its Governor’s Restaurant offers delicious meals on the new poolside deck. bestwestern.com.au WHERE TO EAT Burger Rebellion

Water, water everywhere There’s no better way to take in the glorious Hastings River and waterways of Port Macquarie – and the abundant marine life that call them home – than on a cruise. The Cruise Terminal has daily departures on an array of boats, depending on what tickles your fancy. Whale watching (from May to November) is a thrilling day out on the ocean for the whole family, while dolphinspotting is a year-round event and every bit as magical for kids, who can also enjoy the adrenaline rush of a boom-net ride. One of Port Macquarie’s most unique cruise offerings is aboard an historic and authentic Chinese junk, complete with cosy lounges and options for indoor and outdoor seating. Head out at sunset and enjoy fish and chips, BYO drinks – and an unforgettable evening. cruiseterminal.com.au 18

Savour fresh produce Prise your kids away from their chicken-nuggets-and-chips-fest and have them enjoy the very best of farm-fresh produce. Visit one of the region’s fantastic farmers’ markets, such as the Real Food Local Produce Markets every Tuesday afternoon at Port Central. And you simply must take a trip to Ricardoes Tomatoes & Strawberries in Port Macquarie’s hinterland, where row upon row of red, ripe strawberries, grown vertically in undercover hydroponic greenhouses, are waiting for you to pluck them from the vine. There are plenty of other fresh goodies on offer – as the name suggests, plump, juicy, sweetfleshed tomatoes are a specialty – and you can also enjoy free tastings of Ricardoes’ delicious chutneys, jams, pickles and relishes. ricardoes.com

Fun and buzzy, with an openplan kitchen, Burger Rebellion specialises in humungous burgers of every description, as well as ‘burger bowls’ – all the burger goodness minus the bun. Kids will love the perfectly sized sliders, ice-cream sandwiches and order numbers that come in the shape of trophies. theburgerrebellion.com.au The Corner Restaurant Cafe A Port Macquarie institution, award-winning The Corner is cosy, classy and relaxed, with indoor and al fresco dining options. Focusing on fresh, seasonal food, it’s open for breakfast and lunch seven days a week – the smashed avo with quinoa is a must – and for dinner Monday to Saturday. cornerrestaurant.com.au Cafe Red The home-style café attached to Ricardoes Tomatoes & Strawberries, Cafe Red offers Devonshire teas, coffees, affordable and hearty meals – and the biggest, fluffiest scones you’ve ever seen (served with Ricardoes homemade strawberry jam, of course!). ricardoes.com

destination

EXOTIC VIETNAM

WORDS: Belinda Kerslake

With its diverse terrain, famed street food and rich history, Vietnam is the perfect place to tick off some bucket-list-worthy experiences.

he pure exoticism of Vietnam, its vibrant but somehow ordered chaos, draws us back after our first stint living here, years ago. The cacophony of horns tooting in narrow streets; bicycles, cars and motorbikes weaving haphazardly, dodging hawkers with the sweetesttasting tropical fruits, others carrying feather dusters or whole food stalls; street stall vendors with steaming pots of fragrant broth – these are the memories I savour. With Vietnam’s coastline stretching 3,444 kilometres from north to south, from the sea to the Mekong delta, over jungle and near-impassable mountain ranges; through provinces, all with their own dialects and cuisines – the possibilities for exploration are almost endless. There are some experiences, however, that you simply must do – and these are four of the best.

Dining in Hanoi’s old quarter We stand in line for pho – fast food at its finest. Our bowls are filled with slow-cooked broth, slippery rice noodles, beef, handfuls of bean sprouts 20

and fragrant herbs, and we sit on tiny plastic stools and watch Hanoi go by as we enjoy the simple flavours of the dish, said to originate from the French colonial masters’ pot au feu. The waft of grilled pork meatballs and charcoal alerts us to another addictive Hanoi specialty: bun cha. A dish of pork meatballs in broth laced with nuoc nam, pickled vegetables, sugar and vinegar, it’s served with rice vermicelli (bun) and fresh herbs. The dishes we could eat, from pho to rice pancakes (banh cuon) or snail noodle soup (bun oc), to name a smattering, are limited only by our stomachs. In Hanoi’s old quarter, with its French influences and tiny, bustling streets, this stall (and hundreds of others like it) is one of Vietnam’s foodie highlights, says Jimmy Pham, Vietnamese-Australian founder of hospitality social enterprise for disadvantaged youth, Koto. “Our dishes are always fresh; the ingredients are about a journey, a burst of flavours,” says Jimmy. Koto restaurants (in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh) are a great place for the uninitiated to get a taste for Vietnamese food. Most of the enthusiastic staff have gone through the Koto program, and guide diners

through the intricacies of each dish. And no plastic stools here!

Trekking the mountains of northern Vietnam About six hours by road from Hanoi, Sapa – originally a French hill station – is the gateway to the mountains of northern Vietnam and is like stepping into another world. The surrounding emerald-terraced, mist-covered mountains are home to around two dozen distinctively attired tribes, each with its own language and traditions. This backdrop signals the promise beyond tourist-ridden Sapa – visits to tiny, remote hill-tribe villages, and experiencing the beauty of the mountains plunging into the river below. Well into our trek, below the lowhanging cloud, we see a hill-tribe man collecting long pieces of bamboo on the hillside, and our breath catches as we watch men manoeuvring a small tractor across a swaying bamboo bridge over the fast-flowing river. Among the rice terraces, we see a Dao woman in an intricately-embroidered black dress carrying a young child on her back. Her red head-dress shimmers with silver chains and tassels in the sun. We’re touring with Sapa O’Chau,

destination

From the sea to the jungle and nearimpassable mountain ranges; through provinces, all with their own dialects and cuisines – the possibilities for exploration are almost endless

This image: Ho Chi Minh City; Above: Terraced rice fields,YenBai.

the area’s only non-profit, minority-run trekking company. Their trips give back to the communities we visit and help kids who would otherwise be working in the fields finish their schooling.

Seeing the other side of history Vietnam’s rich history is one of repelling foreign invaders, with ‘the American War’ – as it’s known in Vietnam – just the latest example. Exploring Vietnam’s history means

seeing the other side of that war, and the influence of invaders throughout the ages. One of Vietnam’s oldest sites is the evocative temple ruins of My Son (near Hoi An), dating from the fourth to 13th centuries when the Cham held sway over central Vietnam. An important religious and intellectual centre during the Cham Kingdom, these UNESCO World Heritage-listed temples and sculptures are surrounded by emerald-hued jungle.

The Chinese ruled Vietnam for 1,000 years and the Temple of Literature, dedicated to Confucius and founded in Hanoi in 1070, was built after Vietnam gained independence. The site of the country’s first university, it illustrates the influence of Chinese occupation. The gloomy Hoa Lo prison, dubbed ‘the Hanoi Hilton’ by American POWs – the second group of prisoners housed here – focuses primarily on the appalling conditions for revolutionaries during the French 21

destination

With wide-brimmed hats, we cycle along the river to the sea or into town to dine on famous Hoi An dishes

Hoi An, situated on the bank of the tranquil Thu Bon River.

occupation (1887–1954). There’s even a guillotine, once used to behead them. Moving on to the American invasion, the Cu Chi Tunnels, in Ho Chi Minh, give a taste of the ingenuity of the Viet Cong, and aren’t for the claustrophobic. These tunnels were part of a network running throughout much of the country, with kitchens, hospitals and sleeping quarters all below ground. After sightseeing, the historic French colonial-style Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, where war correspondents such as Grahame Greene, and anti-war luminaries 22

including Joan Baez and Jane Fonda hung out, is my go-to for relaxation.

Biking around beguiling Hoi An Situated on the bank of the tranquil Thu Bon River, which is scattered with wooden fishing boats and winds its way from Cua Dai beach past the historic centre, this former trading port dates back to the seventh century. It is dotted with an eclectic mix of majestic Chinese temples, Japanese merchant houses and French colonial buildings festooned with lanterns.

The best way to get around Hoi An is by bike – albeit at a leisurely pace in the tropical heat. With wide-brimmed hats, we cycle along the river to the sea or into town to dine on famous Hoi An dishes such as white rose (shrimp) dumplings and cau lau (fat noodles served with pork and mint). We take care not to expand our waistlines excessively, as Hoi An is also wellknown for its tailors. It’s impossible not to succumb to the town’s numerous tailors, who will whip up made-to-measure clothing that’s easy on the hip pocket, so we come prepared with ideas of clothes we’d like made or copied. We check out fabrics in various shops and get some test pieces made – if we’re happy with the results, we order more. Shopping done and back at our hotel, I watch fishermen on the river and the rolling jungle vista beyond while munching on green mango salad. It reminds me of why I’ve returned here, and why I’d like to stay much longer.

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JOEL JACKSON:

Boy from WA Actor Joel Jackson, now starring in the action thriller Jungle opposite Daniel Radcliffe, reflects on how his unique outback upbringing has shaped his outlook on life, love and creativity. WORDS: ZOE MEUNIER

t’s not easy to be larger than life and emanate a gentle warmth all at once, but Joel Jackson carries it off. He rocks up to our interview on a motorbike in movie-idol fashion, his broad 190-pluscentimetre frame swathed in black leather, but any intimidation is soon dispelled when he confides laughingly that he “almost froze to death on the ride over”. The 25-year-old, whose star-making turns in Deadline Gallipoli and Peter Allen: Not the Boy Next Door have earned him accolades in Australia, won his latest role in Jungle with that same mix of chutzpah and affability. Based on the true-life tale of Yossi Ghinsberg (Daniel Radcliffe), Jungle is an adventure thriller about four men who travel into the Amazon for the adventure of a lifetime, only to experience a wilderness nightmare when they become hopelessly lost. Having come across the script years earlier and fallen in love with the role of Marcus “because he is the heart of the film”, Joel begged his agent to put him in front of

the movie’s producers even though another actor was earmarked for the role. “I met them and told them I’d lived in Brazil for a year on exchange and spent 20 days in the Amazon on a tour. That piqued their interest,” says Joel, who then sent the producers three scenes he’d filmed at home to show them his interpretation of Marcus, including the character’s Swiss-German accent (perfected, in part, by “listening to Roger Federer”). Four months later, Joel learnt he was off to Colombia to film alongside ‘Harry Potter’ himself, Daniel Radcliffe, the pair soon bonding over a shared love of Greek philosophers. “Daniel is such a gem – one of the most humble and genuine people I’ve ever met,” says Joel. “He’s also very hard-working; he would ask for line reads until midnight the day before shooting and nobody else was doing that – it was so admirable.” The shoot, which took place in Colombia and around Mount Tamborine and the

Joel begged his agent to put him in front of the movie’s producers even though another actor was earmarked for the role

profile

Joel mud-crabbing at Cleaverville with family.

Indigenous culture is especially significant for Joel, whose great-grandparents are from the Noongar tribe and whose father is an Aboriginal educator

Gold Coast in Australia, wasn’t without its challenges, with the actors performing many of their whitewater rafting scenes in the jungle, in raging waters – despite Daniel being unable to swim. “It was very testing, as the nature of the story was testing,” Joel recalls. “The journey is a backdrop to the story of the friendship eating itself alive – think about having to desert your best friend. It was also trying times, physically: we all got dysentery because of the food; we were working long, hot days in the jungle. But we all turned up on the set as support even if we weren’t acting, and we’d A young Joel and his father.

all chip in to help carry film equipment in the jungle. I loved that; it was a big family.”

From Albany to Karratha Family is of great importance to Joel. Born in Albany, on WA’s south coast, he has two older sisters and, for the first 10 years of his life, enjoyed a rural upbringing on 45 hectares at nearby Elleker, with extended family close by. “Grandad’s farm was a couple of kilometres away. He had a cattle farm so we’d help him get the cattle, go duck hunting down by the river, go surfing down at Mutton Bird Beach, getting around on PeeWee 50s with no helmets on; we were crazy kids!” he laughs. The family’s life changed dramatically when Joel’s father, then a PE teacher, had the opportunity to be deputy principal at Millars Well Primary School in Karratha, North West WA. “It was a big culture shock because we didn’t have any family nearby or any possessions, just a car and a couple of pushbikes in this tiny village,” recalls Joel. “There were brown snakes in the roof of our house; the air con didn’t work in the height of summer. It was pretty tough.” After six challenging months, Joel says his family soon felt the warmth and generosity of the mining and desert people, who showed them “this huge oasis” beyond what was then the tiny town of Karratha. “We’d go fishing along the pipelines and go out to Bear Rock; we’d go mud-crabbing at Cleaverville… you’d walk out with a pole and

bucket and catch 10 mud crabs and then have 20 people in your back yard, cracking open beers, with kids and dogs charging around.” Joel says the kindness and friendship shown “taught me to have a really big heart” – which he admits has been challenged since he moved to Sydney to forge his acting career. “When you move to the city it’s quite difficult to keep that big heart, because it’s easy for people to take advantage,” he says. “It’s a really hard thing to still keep it, because that’s who you are, but also be able to shield it a little.”

An Indigenous connection Joel also feels blessed that his upbringing afforded him first-hand knowledge of the Indigenous culture of the region. “There’s a huge Yindjibarndi, Ngarluma population in places like Roebourne, so we’d go out and play footy at Roebourne, barefoot – they didn’t have shoes, so I didn’t wear shoes,” he says. “It was great; I’ve got a lot of mates who still live up there from the Indigenous tribes, who now have five or six kids and are living life so happy, getting groomed to be elders.” Experiencing Indigenous culture is especially significant for Joel, whose great-grandparents are from the Noongar tribe in south-west WA and whose father is an Aboriginal educator. Hearing his father and grandparents talk about Indigenous culture and seeing his

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mates go on walkabout and get initiated into manhood, Joel feels a strong connection to the “culture and mysticism up there”. When we joke about where we would scatter our respective ashes when we die, Joel said he’d choose a beautiful, remote area at the back of Dolphin Island. “It has Aboriginal carvings of stuff that resembles the First Fleet,” he says, “and a corroboree spot that’s a natural amphitheatre – you can sit in that spot and have a little camp fire and be able to hear what someone is saying about 150 metres away. It’s one of the most incredible spaces I’ve ever experienced.”

[We got back in the boat,] which was parked inside the bay and, as I’m pulling on the anchor, I look up and see a wave that’s closing out the bay, about a boat and a half high... And it’s like, we have to go over that; we can’t get hit by it. So as I was pulling the anchor, my dad’s gunning this thing to get over it... we got out of there with seconds to spare.” Joel admits laughingly that some of these tales seem a bit, well, larger than life when he shares them on film sets. “People are like, ‘Yeah, cool, it sounds like the scene in San Andreas; good one, buddy.’ But they were the best of adventures. I love where I came from.”

Family ties

Land of opportunity

Joel’s father features heavily in his recollections of childhood, including some of his more hair-raising experiences – like the day the family went surfing in a little dinghy off Angel Island and saw what they thought to be a big beautiful stingray moving beneath them, only to find out later it was an eightfoot-long tiger shark. Or the time Joel and his dad snuck out on a boat during a ‘blue alert’ cyclone warning so that the two keen surfers could make the most of the huge swell. “We were surfing in this little bay that was all reef break. The swell was huge; the water was red from everything getting churned up and it was starting to get pretty hectic.

Joel is eager to dispel the myth that he was in any way disadvantaged by his remote rural upbringing. “It gave me so much opportunity. I was able to [go to] Brazil for a year, sponsored by the local Rotary Club; I played football in Perth. [Former West Coast Eagles AFL stars David] Wirrpanda and Dean Cox used to come and coach us; they were absolute superstars.” He was “the one kid in town who could play guitar”, so Joel’s musical talents also got the chance to flourish from an early age. By his teens, Joel found himself playing support gigs at local pubs for the likes of Jon Stevens, Mental as Anything, Hoodoo Gurus, Diesel and Darryl Braithwaite.

Joel surfing at Mutton Bird Beach near Albany, in WA’s south.

Ever the keen musician, Joel says he’s still writing music, jamming with friends, playing drums and learning bass guitar, but admits his musical aspirations have taken a back seat to acting, which will soon see him heading to LA to pursue his dreams. “Growing up in the bush, the temperament is that you don’t force things,” he explains. “You let the world happen and you work hard and if it’s right, it’ll happen. I’m very lucky to have had the opportunities I’ve had, and to have met the people who have given them.”

Thomas Kretschmann as Karl, Joel Jackson as Marcus, Daniel Radcliffe as Yossi and Alex Russell as Kevin in Jungle.

HELLO WEEKEND!

GO YOUR OWN WAY IN THE 3-LITRE, 430Nm, 6-SPEED ISUZU D-MAX Isuzu D-MAX drivers put up with a lot from Monday to Friday. So when the weekend comes around, nothing beats getting away from it all. With a powerful and efficient 3-litre turbo diesel engine, 3.5 tonne braked towing capacity+ and a Terrain Command 4WD system, the D-MAX is all you need to pump up any adventure. Discover the Isuzu D-MAX for yourself – visit your Isuzu UTE Dealer or isuzuute.com.au

5-star ANCAP safety rating on 4x4 D-MAX Crew Cab models built from November 2013 onwards and 4x2 D-MAX Crew Cab High Ride models built from November 2014 onwards.+3.5 tonne braked towing capacity on D-MAX 4x4 and 4x2 High Ride models when fitted with an optional genuine Isuzu UTE tow bar kit. ^5 years/130,000km whichever occurs first, for eligible customers. Excludes trays and accessories. >The Capped Price Servicing Program (“CPS Program”) applies to Eligible Vehicles with a Warranty Start Date on or after 1/1/15 at Participating Isuzu UTE Dealers only. The 5 years Capped Price Servicing covers the first 5 Scheduled Services for 16.5MY and later vehicle models for up to 5 years/50,000km (whichever occurs first). CPS Program is subject to change. For full terms & conditions and current pricing visit isuzuute.com.au/service-plus.

WORDS: BEN SMITHURST

WHAT ARE YOU UP TO THIS WEEKEND? At Anaconda, we believe everyone should put a little more play back in their lives. Whether it’s camping under the stars or heading off-road with your mates, we have everything you need to Play More in the great outdoors this weekend.

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A little something for the weekend Hotels are great. The

gigantic fluffy robes! The room service! The day spas! But sometimes you just want to make a fire, clean your catch and crack open a beer – and in most hotels, that will get you kicked out of your suite. Better to pack the tent, the kids and the dog, and head into the great outdoors. And there’s no better place to do that than Australia. Our sunburnt country offers millions of unique bush experiences, many of them within a few hours' drive of our teeming capital cities. But whether you need to be back by Sunday or are setting off for your seventh trip across the Nullarbor, there’s always more to see. And – just as enticing – people to meet. “Every country is like a particular type of person,” said Douglas Adams, genius author of Hitchhiker’s Guide

To The Galaxy and an avowed Australiaphile. “America is like a belligerent, adolescent boy, Canada is like an intelligent, 35-year-old woman. Australia is like Jack Nicholson. It comes right up to you and laughs very hard in your face in a highly threatening and engaging manner. “In fact it’s not so much a country as such, more a sort of thin crust of semidemented civilisation caked around the edge of a vast, raw wilderness, full of heat and dust and hopping things.” And none of those hopping things, apart from bellhops, obviously, and possibly the firemen banging on the door of your room, are to be found in hotels – no matter how luxurious. It’s time to to hit the road or, even better, leave it altogether. Australia’s not going anywhere… but you should be.

contents 32 BEST CAMPING SPOTS Past, future and present tents 36 NSW'S MUST-VISIT NATIONAL PARKS Best picnicking, sights and trails 39 THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO CARAVANNING Tips for first-time caravanners 40 CAMPING ESSENTIALS What to bring along 44 FISHERMAN’S FRIENDS Like it says on the tin 46 BETTER CAMPING! 3 steps to a great experience

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WORDS: Ben Smithurst

CAMPING SPOTS

Freycinet National Park, Tasmania.

Few countries lend themselves to a night under the stars like the Great Southern Land does. These are some of our favourite spots. NEW SOUTH WALES Booderee National Park Maybe Australia’s whitest sand, classic unpowered camp sites nestled among trees, and migrating whales in season. Booderee has various camping options at three locations: Green Patch, for a real embedded-in-bushland feel; Bristol Point, for larger groups; and Cave Beach, among stands of tea-tree, with a prime surf-beach frontage. parksaustralia.gov.au/booderee Dawsons Spring, Mount Kaputar National Park With altitudes rising to 1,510 metres, this socalled ‘ecological island’ – isolated by its height over the surrounding range – has 360-degree views claimed to encompass one-tenth of New South Wales. Perched on the mountainside just past the Mount Kaputar summit, the fully equipped 25-site campground at Dawsons Spring gives you access to more brilliant walking tracks than you can poke a stick at, and countless fantastic snow-gum sticks to poke at them. nationalparks.nsw.gov.au Main Range, Kosciuszko National Park You can camp almost anywhere within this park and there’s nowhere in Australia you’ll camp higher. Trout streams, bitterly cold winter nights, glacial lakes and brilliant trans-seasonal colours feature in a landscape of proper alpine vistas. Large swathes of the park are snowbound in winter. The Grade 4 Main Range walk is a ripper for more intrepid trekkers. nationalparks.nsw.gov.au 32

Booderee National Park. Grampians National Park. VICTORIA The Fortress, Grampians National Park No tent? No problem! Sleep under the stars on a rollout mattress on a rocky overhang surrounded by glorious Grampians topography as part of the three-day, two-night, 27-kilometre trek of the Fortress and Mount Thackery, which starts and finishes at the Harrop Track Carpark. For details, read Parks Victoria’s recommended schedule. You’ll also need to fill out an ‘intention form’ before you set out. parkweb.vic.gov.au TASMANIA Friendly Beaches, Freycinet National Park Basic facilities but spectacular access to one of the world’s most breathtaking spots. Close to the stunning Wineglass Bay, Friendly Beaches has secluded camp sites, sandy beaches whiter than a Republican Convention and bushland that bursts with life. parks.tas.gov.au

QUEENSLAND Flinders Beach, Stradbroke Island Think dog-friendly, remote, 4WD-onlyaccessible camp sites and the sort of Spartan camping facilities that even your greatgrandfather would not have considered plush (if your great-grandfather had helped build the Ghan railroad). Seriously, all you’ll find here are a couple of toilet blocks on the road in. If that hasn’t reeled you in, then there’s the outlook – an ocean that tips over the horizon unimpeded – and a pace slower than a snail’s first marathon. straddiecamping.com.au 75 Mile Beach, Fraser Island It’s hard to go wrong on any of the 4WDfriendly isles clustered off the coast of South East Queensland but Fraser Island is a stand-out. Don’t let the resident dingoes put you off – although do be sensible. The waters off the world’s largest island are dotted with shipwrecks, while its 75 Mile Beach boasts the natural wonder of the Champagne Pools swimming holes. Take your pick of well-appointed campground options along 75 Mile Beach – some with dingo fences, reassuring if you have kids (or kittens, probably). npsr.qld.gov.au Cape Tribulation, Daintree National Park Thick rainforest; incredible creatures – only a few species of which are potentially deadly (the Southern cassowary and, offshore, Irukandji jellyfish) and only one of which will kill and eat you (the saltwater croc); and a wet-dry dichotomy that’s more Jekyll and Hyde than anything Robert Louis Stevenson ever wrote. It’s not for the critter-phobic but Australia offers no more verdant spot than here, where the rainforest meets the reef. npsr.qld.gov.au

Daintree National Park. Lake Eyre.

It’s not for the critter-phobic but Australia offers no more verdant spot than here, where the rainforest meets the reef SOUTH AUSTRALIA Iga Wata, Flinders Ranges An Indigenous-run, Indigenous-guided sanctuary in the northern Flinders, where the ignored natural bounty of Australia is suddenly as accessible as the groceries at your local corner shop. Expect to see aeons-old rock art in rugged ranges, a billion-year-old blanket of stars that presses low and clear against the Earth, and cracking, crackling camp fires at night. Magical. igawarta.com

Flinders Beach, Stradbroke Island.

Lake Eyre You can’t get lower than this in Australia without digging a hole or wearing scuba gear. Hardy bush types; a lake that – when dry – shimmers like milk in the moonlight; red-dirt roads that will provide as many iconic memories as they do layers of dust to your duco. Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre National Park is around 700 kilometres north of Adelaide, but it feels like it could be on the moon. environment.sa.gov.au 33

Swim in crystal-clear water and beachsunbake alongside kangaroos on the enamel-white sands of Lucky Bay

Kangaroos at Cape Le Grand National Park. Mitchell Falls.

WESTERN AUSTRALIA James Price Point, Broome Wade far enough into the azure waters of the Indian Ocean from one of the isolated expanses of beach north of Broome and you’ll be splashing about in Earth’s largest humpback whale nursery. Just out of the brine, you’ll find genuine dinosaur tracks strung across the rocks. Perhaps the country’s most brilliant, most untouched free camping destination. Come prepared with lots of water and other essentials. kimberleycoast.com.au

My favourite spot

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Cape Le Grand National Park Around 800 kilometres south-east of Perth but just 45 minutes from Esperance, you can swim in crystal-clear water and beach-sunbake alongside kangaroos on the enamel-white sands of Lucky Bay – so named by Matthew Flinders following his fortuitous piloting of a tricky route between the area’s reefs in 1802. This is great terrain for 4WDing. No camp fires are allowed, however, so bring gas. parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au

Darwin off-roader Alan Specketer explains his love for Kakadu…

Mitchell Falls, Mitchell River National Park It’s nearly 19 hours by car from Kununurra to the Mitchell Plateau, but – like the Australian Test XI –what it lacks in easy access, it makes up for in things called ‘Mitchell’. Within the park are ancient rock-art sites protected by the Wunambal people and, according to Australian Geographic, the country’s most idyllic waterfall. parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au

“The pool at the very edge is just… if you can imagine being hot and sweaty – because it’s Darwin, so everyone is – and you step into the waters of this pool, which has an edge like an infinity pool, and you look out from the top of the escarpment country across the rolling hills beyond and drink it all in.

“Without a shadow of a doubt, our favourite part is Gunlom Falls, in the southern end of the park. Imagine pulling up at a car park and looking up at the top of the escarpment. There's a small walking trail which leads off through a campground nestled at the base of it. “You walk up the trail, which takes about 45 minutes, and it’s quite a challenging trek because it’s very steep. But when you get to the top, there’s a creek which feeds the waterfall – and then a series of plunge pools.

“It’s just an absolutely breathtaking spot – absolutely gorgeous. You really struggle to describe it. You must go to Kakadu.”

Happy stays, happy days! With 21 parks perfectly positioned in a touring route across coastal and inland NSW and QLD, Ingenia Holidays offers the perfect place to stay for a night, a few days or your whole holiday!

There’s something for every style of traveller with plenty of accommodation options including cabins and camping with a selection of powered, unpowered and ensuite sites – we’ll even welcome your four legged friends.*

p 1300 790 758 ingeniaholidays.com.au *Subject to participation – sites only (conditions apply).

New South Wales' must-visit NATIONAL

On October 8, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) celebrates its 50th anniversary milestone. Join the celebrations with a free day of family fun at Ironbark Flats in Audley, Royal National Park, or explore one of the many other parks, activities and walks on offer in this diverse state. Check out our guide to the best below or visit nationalparks. nsw.gov.au.

PARKS

BOUDDI NATIONAL PARK Located near Gosford on the NSW Central Coast, Bouddi National Park boasts secluded beaches, coastal walking tracks and Aboriginal cultural sites.

DORRIGO NATIONAL PARK Just an hour from Coffs Harbour, at Dorrigo National Park you'll discover World Heritage-listed Gondwana rainforests, secret waterfalls, walking tracks and Australian wildlife.

LANE COVE NATIONAL PARK Close to Sydney's CBD, Lane Cove National Park is a beautiful pocket of bushland nestled on Lane Cover River â&#x20AC;&#x201C;a great spot for bushwalking, kayaking, boating and camping.

KU-RING-GAI CHASE NATIONAL PARK Get a taste of nature without leaving Sydney. Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park protects many of northern Sydney's creeks and coves. Check out its breathtaking lookouts and Aboriginal sites, and stop for a waterfront picnic.

MYALL LAKES NATIONAL PARK Myall Lakes features one of the largest coastal lake systems in NSW. Cast a line for fish – and, in season, go whale-watching along the park's 40-kilometre stretch of coastline.

BLUE MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains National Park is a must-see when in Sydney. Visit the iconic Govetts Leap, and explore its magnificent waterfalls, wilderness walks and adventure sports.

Stats and websites • NPWS manages more than seven million hectares or just over 9% of the land area of NSW, including more than 850 national parks and reserves, four World Heritagelisted sites, several Australian National Heritage sites and 17 Ramsar wetlands.

YURAYGIR NATIONAL PARK Yuraygir National Park is a top spot for surfing, fishing and beach camping. Keep an eye out for Australia’s coastal emus on the Yuraygir coastal walk.

• Australia’s oldest national park is Royal National Park (the second oldest in the world!). • Its highest peak is in Kosciuszko National Park, the single largest protected area in NSW. • The easternmost point of mainland Australia is Cape Byron State Conservation Area. • Since 1974, 119 Aboriginal Places have been declared in NSW, with 30 Aboriginal joint management agreements covering more than 25% of the parks system in NSW.

SYDNEY HARBOUR NATIONAL PARK Sydney's harbour jewels are on show here. Explore the park's twisting inlets and islands on a foreshore walk, or enjoy a picnic with some of the best views in town.

• Around NSW, 95 campground and holiday accommodation options under NPWS management can be booked online using the national parks website (nationalparks.nsw.gov. au) and third-party booking sites. • Bushwalking is one of the most popular activities in national parks, with options for people of every age and ability level, from short, family-friendly strolls to longer and far more challenging treks. Go to nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/naturewalks-for-all-walks-of-life

ROYAL NATIONAL PARK Take a day trip to Australia's oldest national park, in Sydney's south. Royal National Park has everything from beaches and rainforest to beautiful walking tracks.

KOSCIUSZKO NATIONAL PARK Whether you're seeking adventure-sports thrills or breathtaking views, the Snowy Mountains has it all. Hit the ski slopes in winter, climb Mount Kosciuszko, or go bushwalking and cycling in spring. © Michael Simmons

Kosciuszko National Park.

• In 2016, it was estimated that more than 20,000 whales passed the NSW coast, making their annual return trip from Antarctica to the Northern Hemisphere between May and November. NSW national parks vantage points offer many options for whale-spotting; for more info, go to wildaboutwhales. com.au/top-spots • In NSW alone, there are close to 1,000 animal and plant species listed as at risk of extinction, many found within NSW national parks and reserves. As part of its Saving Our Species program, the NSW Government is investing $100m over five years, with conservation projects currently being delivered on more than 270 sites within NSW national parks and reserves. For more info, go to environment. nsw.gov.au/topics/animals-andplants/threatened-species/savingour-species-program

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE

to caravanning

If you’re new to the wonderful world of caravanning, here’s everything you need to know to ensure a fun and safe trip.

DESTINATION RESEARCH

Caravanning gives you the freedom to travel wherever and whenever your heart desires – but taking time to research and plan your trip beforehand will pay off in more fun and fewer hassles along the way. Some prior research with regard to climate, local attractions and activities, fire restrictions and regulations, campground facilities and petfriendliness will assist you not only in selecting the right route and destination but in deciding what to pack. If you’re travelling with the family, giving some thought to how you’ll keep the kids safe and entertained en route will ensure you get time to relax.

TOWING AND REVERSING

The thought of having to reverse and park your caravan – especially with an audience – can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be! Before your trip, practice. Go to your local shopping-centre car park or practise reversing your caravan at home. Towing courses are also a great way to familiarise yourself with the fundamentals of towing and reversing a caravan, and will ensure you’re educated by professionals who will offer the best advice. When it comes to towing and reversing, confidence is a major factor. Just remember to concentrate.

DON’T WITH LEAVE 1. an e OUT… x tra ex 2. tor tension lelong ch e s a d; b a an d s p 3. a p t teries; are 4. wh icnic r e levell el chocksug; in an d g 5 . cr a r f t y stuamp; and a ff lit tle o for the nes .

PACKING THE VAN

Pack smart and load evenly to ensure a safe, enjoyable journey. As a guide, place heaviest items in the bottom centre of the van, with lighter items distributed evenly at both ends. This will ensure a smoother ride without compromising the safety of your tow. Plan most of your meals before you go; then employ handy foodstorage tips such as freezing food flat to fit more in your camping freezer. Make use of campground and bush barbeques rather than taking lots of pots and pans, and don’t pack clothes you won’t wear. Don’t skimp on the essentials, though. Always pack a first-aid kit, sunscreen, bug spray, a mini toolkit, torches and fresh drinking water, for starters.

TRAVEL CHECKLIST

When packing and travelling, use a checklist to ensure you’ve covered off everything. Ticking off items such as checking tyre pressure; ensuring hatches are closed; and making sure everything has been secured before setting out not only ensures your safety but will help you to avoid trip-derailing mishaps. That means you’re free to do what you set out to do: enjoy your caravanning journey!

ENJOY THE RIDE

Caravanning is fast becoming Australians’ favourite way to holiday, thanks to its perfect blend of freedom, ease and affordability. So make the most of your trip! Take plenty of photos, laugh a lot, enjoy each other’s company (and that of all the people you meet on your travels). Embrace the sights, breathe in the fresh air and experience the magic of your Australia. 39

CAMPING essentials The great outdoors is greater when you’re having a great time outdoors.

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DOMETIC PORTABLE ICE BOXES You can do a lot of things in 10 days – binge watch every episode of Friends twice (10 days, two hours), walk the Great Ocean Road (at 24km a day) or keep ice frozen in one of Dometic's unpowered ice boxes. The refrigeration-grade insulation and incredible seal provides remarkable protection against the worst of summer. Each box is rotomoulded, or moulded in one piece, so there are no seams where the heat can enter. This also makes them easy to clean and extremely rugged. Smaller Cool-Ice boxes have a carry strap, other sizes come with strong polyethylene handles. RRP $79–$419 dometic.com

DOMETIC VACUUM SEALER Not only will the Dometic Vacuum Sealer make storing food easier and more economical than ever before, it will revolutionise the way you store your personal belongings. Want to keep your phone dry on the boat? Keep track of your washers and bolts? Or what about making a safe place to put your keys? The Dometic Vacuum Sealer will be the answer to all your storage needs on the road and at home, make sure you have one for your next adventure. RRP $59 dometic.com

IRONMAN 4X4 MULTI-PURPOSE POWER PACK Whether your name is Kevin Rudd or Tony Abbott, you need never fear losing power again if you carry an Ironman 4x4 multi-purpose Power Pack. The sturdy case and integrated handle make the Portable Power Pack easy to schlep around the campsite, and it features multiple charging options (12V DC cigarette lighter socket, 5V DC USB port), each with on/off switches and LED indicator lights. Add the solar panel (not included), and the Portable Power Pack will deliver power anywhere the sun finds you. RRP $499, ironman4x4.com

IRONMAN 4X4 SWAG BAG Lined with flannel, the Swag Bag is designed to keep you toastier than burnt bread when you're sleeping out. Its large size gives you room to roll around without tangling up or feeling restricted, even if you're carrying a healthy amount of insulation of your own, making it a godsend during cold spells. Made with a dual layer of lofty hollow fibres and a 100 per cent cotton outer, the swag will breathe while keeping you warm and helps stop perspiration for better sleep. RRP $129 ironman4x4.com

DOMETIC COOLPOWER PORTABLE BATTERY A portable compressor fridge or freezer can be the key to a great extended trip, but also a challenge when you're trying to maintain power for long periods of time. The Dometic RAPS44 12-volt battery has the benefits of dual battery systems that are normally fitted permanently into cars, 4WDs, trucks and boats, except that you can carry it about for added flexibility and convenience. Designed with an ergonomic handle, the CoolPower RAPS44 is easy to set up alongside the Dometic portable fridge/freezer anytime, anywhere. RRP $379 dometic.com

NAO REACTIVE LIGHTING HEADLAMP Legendary French caver Fernand Petzl started this company in the ’70s, and this is its ultimate headlamp. It automatically adapts the width and brightness of its beam to your surroundings, with no need for you to fiddle with your fingers – thin and bright for long paths, soft and broader for reading, all the way from seven to 575 lumens. Pricey but brilliant. RRP $289.95, paddypallin.com.au

WHAT’S IT LIKE… TO CAMP ON A CLIFF FACE?

The world’s biggest rock walls take days to climb

IRONMAN 4X4 MINI LED LANTERN AND TORCH Unless the two-dozen schoolies in the site opposite have kicked off an all-night strobe rave, the one thing you can't have enough of out bush is light. This battery-powered device is both lantern and torch (switch between the two functions with a quick twist), and offers 200 lumens and an 80mm beam distance of white light. Water- and 1.5m impact-resistant, it's built tough and is supplied with batteries, a carry strap and a carabiner. Bright and light, it's just as handy for helping you move camp at 3am because there's only so much 160dB Flume you can handle. RRP $35 ironman4x4.com

9 DOMETIC PORTABLE STOVE AND HEATER The Dometic ORIGO 5100 stove helpfully doubles as a heater, providing not only warm food but extra comfort when touring, camping or boating, even during the Winterfellian depths of winter. It is environmentally friendly and exceptionally safe. The denaturedalcohol fuel is a clean and renewable energy source, and eliminates the need for potentially hazardous fuel lines or gas bottles. The stainless-steel alcoholfuel containers will not leak even if it gets deformed by impact or turned upside down. RRP $269 dometic.com

DOMETIC WAECO CFX PORTABLE FRIDGE An evolution of its predecessors, this fridge is designed for excellent cooling performance in the harshest, hottest, most hellish Australian conditions. It uses a clever function that ensures the temperature you set is reached faster and keeps your food and drinks cool more efficiently. The CFX75DZW features two separate cooling compartments, allowing greater flexibility while you're out on the road exploring. RRP $1,799 dometic.com

IRONMAN 4X4 EZY-GO FLUSHING TOILET Convenience and comfort where you need it most! These self-contained toilets are durable, portable, and – crucially – are simple to empty, hygienic and fuss-free. Suitable for both adults and children, each has a regular-sized and comfortable seat. You’ll appreciate this when you're out in remote areas, perhaps reading the local rag. Available with a 20L or a 12L waste tank. RRP from $128 ironman4x4.com

“The one thing that’s more or less ever-present in the mountains is wind,” says mountaineer Mark Synnott. “It can be pretty violent – you can experience hurricaneforce winds.” The sport of alpine big-wall climbing is exactly as dangerous as it sounds. It’s the daredevil pursuit of scaling the biggest cliffs on planet Earth – colossal walls that take several days to conquer. And so climbers lug tents called 'portaledges', which they set up to sleep in each night, dangling from anchor points hammered into the rock. Synott estimates that the highest drop he has slept above was around 1,600 metres. One mile, straight down, with nothing but vertical cliff face between you and the ground. “But when you don’t have a fear of heights, it’s not really scary,” he told Great Big Story online. “It’s like the craziest treehouse you could ever imagine.” Except for one thing: it’s not just the strength of the wind but the direction it comes from. “There’s also this thing that we call ‘the bronco ride’,” says Synnott. “Wind comes in, hits the cliff and it really has nowhere to go but up. Eventually, it hits you and your ledge, and it can lift the whole thing up, so you can be suspended – and then, of course, the ledge slams into the wall.” And when that happens? “You’re just thinking about surviving.”

CAMPING essentials

Don't leave home without these little beauties, all of which are exclusive to Anaconda

COLEMAN Instant Up Darkroom 4 person tent

• Darkroom Technology helps to reduce light by 95% and heat by up to five degrees – sleep longer and stay cooler! • WeatherTec System, patented welded floors and inverted seams keep water out – keeping you dry • Instant up frame for simple set-up in under two minutes – no more fumbling in the dark • With a 2.4m x 2.4m floor, it's big enough for one queen airbed and still with room to move. RRP

$449

SPINIFEX 20L Solar Shower

• Use the power of the sun (it's free!) and enjoy a hot shower at even the most remote, out-ofthe-way locations • Fill with water and set it in the sun, the innovative built -in thermometer tells you the internal water temperature • Holds plenty of water for up to five showers – has reinforced pipe handle, high-impact ABS shower head and virtually indestructible double-welded seams RRP

$19.99

DUNE Outback II Swag

• Quality 12oz canvas, complete with a highdensity foam mattress • Three matrix fibreglass poles for stability and strength and to provide plenty of extra room and head space inside the oversized kingsingle design • Two entry points allow easy access, while double zip vents keep the air flowing out on warm nights • No-See-Um mesh panels for total insect protection RRP

$349

• An outdoor stove that offers an instant pushbutton start • Battery InstaStart electronic Ignition with PerfectFlow propane control system means you can cook to perfection every time • Cooking's a breeze with the Wind Block system that shields the three burners from the wind and doubles as side tables for dishing up • Heavy duty easy-clean griddle and grease cup included, 5 ft LPG hose RRP

5 RRP

SPINIFEX Drifter Sleeping Bag

• Hooded sleeping bag with a 0º comfort rating • 190cm tall plus hood x 85cm wide

6 5

$99.99

6 RRP

$249

DUNE Cobar Camp Chair

• Comfortable and stable with padded head rest • Built-in three-can cooler and bottle opener • Pocket storage organiser

COLEMAN 3 burner Eventemp Stove

$69.99

The new improved Waeco CFX portable fridge/freezer range is smart and reliable with outstanding design. It has rugged features, extremely powerful yet efficient cooling and now comes with a WiFi enabled app, which lets you monitor and control temperatures from a distance. For more information visit dometic.com or freecall 1800 21 21 21. Controlled via WiFi app*

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Fisherman’s

friends

Because it’s nice to break up the relaxation of dangling a line by actually catching something…

daiwafishing.com.au

TD SOL BAITCASTER RANGE The famous Sol name re-enters the baitcaster realm with the release of the new version – TD Sol SV TW. The new Sol is one of Daiwa's highest-performing and easiest reels to cast, thanks to some trick technology and tough engineering. Available in left- and right-handed configurations, this is a reel perfect for all anglers, from beginners to experts. Available late November 2017. MSRP: $549

TD SOL SPINNING REEL RANGE TD Sol III is the first reel to feature the all-new future design concept LT, or 'Light Tough'. Developed over the past two years, the TD Sol III features some of Daiwa's famous technology throughout the six different-sized models in the range. Whatever you like to fish for, the all-new TD Sol III has a reel perfect for you. Available late November 2017. MSRP: $399

TD SOL SPINNING ROD RANGE Combining Daiwa's cutting-edge blank design with unmatched value, the new TD Sol series is undeniably impressive. A new technology called Nanoplus has been employed, meaning it's lighter but stronger than ever before. To match the range's newfound strength and agility, the famous Fuji guides have been installed to keep things inline. This range was designed to be great value for money without compromising on quality. Available Now! MSRP: From $159

TD SOL BAITCASTER ROD RANGE 'Light', 'responsive' and 'crisp in action' are just some of the ways to describe the feel of Daiwa’s latest Baitcaster range of rods. Featuring almost the entire line-up of their most impressive rod technologies, this range is set to impress. By combining this technology with an eye-catching livery, this range steps up to be a future classic! Available now! MSRP: From $159

Fishing keeps the balance Vicki Winter-Lear, Daiwa Pro Team Angler, on why angling is so important "The stresses of everyday life and work can get pretty hectic – fishing, for me, is my 'zen'; it is my outlet to escape these stresses of life, and keeps me relaxed and level-headed to tackle the next week ahead. The adventure of being in nature, whether it is out in the ocean or out in the country, is a great experience, where every trip offers a new experience. Fishing means I get to spend quality time with my husband without the interruptions of TV, social media, etc. It is not uncommon that we can spend up to 10 hours on a boat together." daiwafishing.com.au

Feel the excitement of life through the world of fishing

STEPS TO HAVING

A BETTER CAMPING EXPERIENCE

With camping season almost upon us, it’s the perfect time to pull out your gear and start booking your next weekend getaway. And while it’s easy to get caught up in the fun, it’s also easy to forget those tips you picked up last season, so our friends at Anaconda offer a quick list of the most common mistakes made while camping – and how to avoid them!

GETTING TO YOUR CAMPSITE AFTER DARK We’ve all done it. Best-laid plans thrown out due to work, a wrong turn, and next thing you know, you’re rolling into unfamiliar territory well after sundown. Now you’re trying to find the tent in the boot, figure out which pole is which and try valiantly to not lose a finger while securing your home for the night. Solution: Buy an instant tent. These ingenious inventions make set-up and pack-down a breeze! The frames are already attached; simply unravel the tent, extend the poles and wait for it to click into place. Oh, and ensuring you have plenty of lanterns is also a great idea! New USB-powered lanterns can be charged off your car or generator if you find you’ve forgotten to pack the batteries.

CAMPFIRE COOKING DISASTERS The intent is admirable but the execution can go awry due to a lack of fuel, recent deluge in the area, no fires permitted, wind, or user error resulting in a smoky flame for the first few hours... Solution: Bring a back-up. There are some great lightweight, easy-to-use gas stove options now available, some so powerful they can have the kettle boiling in under five minutes – necessary for that morning coffee.

BRINGING THE OUTDOORS INSIDE It takes one person, once. You forget that you’ve just trekked through bushland and step into your tent, resulting in a gritty, dirty sleeping area for the remainder of the trip. Solution: Shoes off. Every time.

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Regional Industry Review

Automation in the bush

P56

Robotics and automation promise to have as big an impact on the country as they will on the city

Automotive

Mining & Resources

Agribusiness

industry

OFF THE

BEATEN

TRACK

What’s the best set of camping-trip wheels for you? Take a look at the options. WORDS: KEN KOERNER

ome of history’s most entertaining camping trips have been undertaken in rust-jointed Cortina wagons, overloaded Taragos and hired Corollas – refund of deposit not guaranteed. In 2009, Englishman Nathan Millward set off from Australia to lap the world on a 105cc ‘postie’ bike. It was a 48,000-kilometre journey that took him two years. “I camped wild a lot,” he said afterwards – including through the Himalayas, Alaska and Monument Valley, USA. “I’d never [even] backpacked!” The point is that there is no one ‘right’ set of wheels for camping… but while you don’t need a HumVee to head off the beaten track, some cars are more fit for purpose than others. Here’s our selection…

BEST FOR… A NO-FUSS ALL-ROUNDER Isuzu MU-X 130kW, 430Nm Price: from $42,800 The Japanese brand has solid foundations– Isuzu is the globe’s largest producer of diesel engines – and the local ute arm has a satisfaction rating among customers that’s bested only by Lexus. Even so, Isuzu’s decision to take the bones of its bread-and-butter D-MAX ute and drop a seven-seat SUV body onto it in 2013 wasn’t a sure winner. There are hectares of SUVs on the market, from workhorse models to posh ‘premium’ off-roaders (the latter including luxury SUVs from Lexus). The go-forever D-MAX, while redoubtable, is short on out-and-out luxury. Yet its no-frills fit-out turned out to be a masterstroke. The MU-X found its niche almost immediately as a cheerful, hard-towing, affordable favourite of families, caravanners and grey nomads alike, with three-tonne braked

towing, and it now sells by the, er, truckload (Isuzu UTE Australia’s sales have been growing by double figures for eight consecutive years). With a (detuned for reliability) 3.0L turbodiesel producing 130Nm and a hefty 430Nm spread across a long, willing torque band, the MU-X is as happy on the open road as it is off it. Fuel consumption of around 8L/100km, regardless of whether you choose the 4X4 or 4X2 variant, is also very respectable. With a generous allowance of utilitarian plastic in the cabin, and a relative minimum of tech wizardry (although one non-standard option is rear-seat DVD screens for the kids), it’s no German luxo-barge; this is a beer, cabanossi and cheese cubes kind of car. And the better for it. Embrace the five-year, 130,000km warranty, turn up the footy/cricket/Macca on Australia All Over, and head off to lap the continent. Again. isuzuute.com.au

industry

BEST FOR… HARDCORE OFF-ROADING Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series 151kW, 430Nm Price: from $68,990 Along with Nissan’s Patrol, the LandCruiser’s reputation sets it apart. Each has more hardcore fans than the Mistral back catalogue, as well as a tendency to turn up in places that are more awkward than first-date flatulence. Both have roots that reach back to the early 1950s, but it’s the retro styling and toughness that perhaps edges the 70 Series Landy – available as a single- or dual-cab, wagon or troop carrier – ever so slightly ahead. The above specs are for the single-cab. “Such is the burning passion for this Aussie (well, Japanese) icon that any criticism of it, no matter how fair, is greeted with howls of protests by our bearded brethren of the bush,” wrote one reviewer. “There's a reason people say the 70 Series LandCruiser powers the Aussie bush.” In the city, it feels as agricultural as anything by Massey Ferguson, but if there’s a canyon between your driveway and your favourite camp site, this is the beast for you. toyota.com.au BEST FOR… GOBBLING MILES Mazda6 Sport 4D wagon 129kW, 420Nm. Price: $41,440 You can camp a lifetime in Australia without once having to settle for an unpowered site – let alone a five-minute walk from the kiosk – and, of those, you’re often still on a graded dirt road and/or mown grass. So you don’t need a hulking 4WD vehicle; you just need to cover ground. Once upon a time, anyone wanting to conquer vast (read: Australian) distances would lust after a proper GT car – ‘GT’ standing for ‘Grand Tourer’, initials that, typically, have designated roomy-yet-agile cars designed to cross continents without breaking a sweat. But now, most whitegoods hatchbacks will bang into the speed limit in almost any country, including ours, without straining even a bit. So what’s the ultimate non-off-road campmobile? A second-gen Porsche Panamera, perhaps – now not ugly! – or Cayenne? An autobahnkilling Audi RS 6 or Mercedes-AMG E63 S wagon? Or a willing, lastgeneration, superbly mannered Commodore VF wagon? Shun them all and pocket the change with a mid-sized Mazda6. It’s due to be updated in 2018; in the meantime you get a potent 2.2L diesel returning just 5.4L/100km, very respectable performance and a minimum 506L of boot space (1,648L with the seats down). mazda.com.au 51

industry

BEST FOR… HERMETICALLY SEALED LUXURY Sunliner Monte Carlo 129kW, 500Nm Price: from $301,159 If your idea of camping is travelling in a set-up that’s slightly posher than many houses – and, depending on your home address, possibly more expensive – you can’t fault Sunliner’s flagship Monte Carlo.

At 9.5m long, 3.35m high and 2.35m wide, and built on an Isuzu NQR 450 turbo-diesel truck body, the Monte Carlo has four electricallyoperated interior sliding walls, separate living, bathroom and bedroom areas, and guest-friendly features such as a top-loading washing machine, a ceramic toilet and three TVs – in the lounge, bedroom and outside area. Oh, and a rear

overhang that extends so far beyond the second axle that it’s practically a postcode away. Purists will argue that this is not really camping. Watch them battling winter downpours from the kitchen window as you take a break from your DVD boxed set to make coffee. Using the inbuilt coffee machine. sunliner.com.au

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industry

AGRICULTURE

Automation

in the bush

WORDS: DARREN BAGULEY

From automated milking machines and self-driving tractors to drones and sensors on everything, robotics and automation promise to have as big an impact on the bush as they will on cities.

here are farms in Australia that, 100 years ago, were small villages populated by scores of workers and their families. Driven by labour shortages caused by World War One, agriculture mechanised and a large proportion of those jobs disappeared, never to return. Those farms now have maybe two or three workers and lots of machines. A similar revolution is happening right now, as robots, automation and digital technology promise to transform agriculture. “Whether farmers want to track livestock location, animal health status, water availability or do remote machinery fault diagnosis, the sensors and software are now available to do it,” says industry group GrainGrowers’ commercial manager Nick Bryant. “Farm managers and owners can now receive an SMS alert to let them know that a tractor being operated

on their farm several hundred kilometres away is overheating or is due for an oil change.” Dams, stock water troughs and pumping stations are being connected to the internet via wi-fi, UHF and shortwave so managers can check their status anytime, anywhere. Sensors can now scan cows’ udder temperature to help detect problems early, and the equivalent of human ‘health tracking bands’ such as the Fitbit for sheep and cattle is not far away. These technologies are being deployed now on hundreds of farms all over Australia – and the sky is literally the limit. High-end tractors and harvesters from most, if not all the major manufacturers – Case New Holland, John Deere, DeutzFahr and Fendt – ship with GPS guidance that offers the capability of operating autonomously; that is, as driverless tractors.

More and more, drivers on the large grain-growing operations that deploy the very latest equipment are nothing more than ‘machine minders’. The tractor or combine runs up and down the rows, guided by GPS, at centimetric precision, with the human on board simply there to intervene if something goes wrong. More and more graziers are using satellite technology such as CSIRO’s Pastures from Space (pasturesfromspace.csiro.au) to monitor pasture growth and livestock consumption rates, and there are several start-ups working on developing similar capabilities for grain growers. Indeed, Bryant says, “It is now possible to purchase your very own nano-satellite, engage a contractor to launch it into space for you and have it positioned over your farm. The devices are smaller than the size of an esky,

industry

weigh a couple of kilos, cost about $200,000, have a life span of around two to three years and come with no warranty!” They do, however, offer a 24/7/365 view of a farm or grazing property – and one thing is for certain: the technology will get better and cheaper over time. While the hardware currently being deployed is undoubtedly impressive, data is not information and information is not knowledge. Farmers need to be able to take the data produced by all these sensors and do something useful with it. It’s not surprising, then, that according to Bryant, “most farm software packages are focused on improving efficiencies and supporting day-to-day decisions in the farm business. There is a new app or cloud-based concept available to the agriculture market almost every other day, many of which help share

information between employees, contractors and other partners, such as banks, agronomists, livestock specialists or accountants.” While lacking the ‘wow factor’ of autonomous machines, drones and satellites, the major focus of investment in the ag-tech sector is on developing easy-to-use decision-support software technology. “The overwhelming majority of ag-tech start-ups are heavily focused on building packages that can model and forecast everything from the weather [to] future crop yields, future meat production, accurate farm input requirements, real-time and future financial performance, labour requirements... and the list goes on,” adds Bryant. Due to Moore’s Law that computing power doubles approximately every 18 to 24 months, agricultural automation is moving at breakneck pace, according to The University of Sydney’s Director

The ACFR RIPPA™ (above) A production prototype robot, RIPPA stands for Robot for Intelligent Perception and Precision Application. Mounted to the robot is VIIPA™ (Variable Injection Intelligent Precision Applicator), which has demonstrated shooting weeds autonomously at high speeds using a directed micro-dose of liquid. The technology can be used to apply the correct dose of fluid required automatically, at high speed, anywhere on the farm. It will help farmers to capitalise by minimising application input costs and improving information quality, enabling better high-level decision-making. confluence.acfr.usyd.edu.au

industry

of Research and Innovation at the Australian Centre for Field Robotics, Professor Salah Sukkarieh. “Automation changes so quickly that the immediate future is what is going to happen in the next year, and the ‘long term’ is more like 10 years. In the short term [the focus is on] digital technology, both in terms of machinelearning techniques and what can be used to produce greater knowledge of the farm, all the way through to small robotic platforms. “In the longer term, some of the bigger operations are going to have fully automated farms where there are autonomous robots planting and seeding and weeding and sensors talking, and they’ll know when to irrigate, and they’ll do it on an individual plant basis as well.” Top-tier mining companies such as BHP, Rio Tinto and Fortescue have deployed hundreds of autonomous haul trucks, and Sukkarieh predicts that in about five years’ time, there will be farms staffed by one or two people in a remote operations centre and a few maintenance technicians on the ground. “We are only talking about the larger growers, the top five per cent, and it will only be in certain industries, such as cotton or grain, where it’s relatively flat land and relatively easy to implement. With everyone else it

McClymont Distinguished Professor David Lamb, from University of New England’s Precision Agriculture Research Group.

,will be more about small, individual agriculture services that help them operationally, help with yield increases – sensors, decision-making software.” Bryant, Sukkarieh and University of New England’s McClymont Distinguished Professor (Research) of the Precision Agriculture Research Group, David Lamb, agree that apart from the sheer cost of the latest systems, the biggest obstacle to the deployment of self-driving tractors, harvesters and the like is the regulatory environment. Parallels can be drawn with Waymo, Google’s self-driving car, but Lamb also points to the experience with drones. “The regulatory framework was entirely unprepared for drones and it took CASA three years to catch up,” he says. “The same thing will happen with autonomous tractors. Currently, there is doubt as to whether an insurance company would insure a tractor working autonomously but, sooner or later, these issues will be ironed out one way or the other.” While there is no doubt that these issues will be resolved, there is considerable concern as to the impact of automation on Australian society.

Lamb argues that for some time yet, farming will remain a human activity that is assisted increasingly by drones, robots and data. “People going out to round up stock, will have a drone with them on the bike or the horse simply because it’s faster and safer to send a drone up to flush a mob of cattle out of some trees.” This may be the case, especially when it comes to livestock farming, but farm workers will need to acquire new skills in computing, data and robotics. Sukkarieh says history shows us that, at least initially, more jobs will be destroyed than are created. If this is the case, there’s little doubt that there will be jobs for those with the necessary skills, but whether they’ll want to live in a countryside that is increasingly denuded of services and people is another question.

“Automation changes so quickly that the immediate future is what is going to happen in the next year, and the ‘long term’ is more like 10 years”

WE WERE BORN IN THE FIELD 175 YEARS AGO AND HAVEBORN RAISED THE BAR175 EVER SINCE WE WERE IN THE FIELD YEARS AGO. Since 1842, we’ve been in an endless cycle of innovation. Fuelled by a desire to help you squeeze every ounce AND HAVE RAISED BAR EVER SINCE of productivity out of every hectare you farm. After THE every breakthrough — from the first rotary combine to our. autonomous tractor prototype — we’ve gotten up every day since with a mission to make them better. More Since 1842, we’ve been in an endless cycle of innovation. Fuelled by a desire to help you squeeze every ounce efficient. AndWERE more productive for you. WE WE WERE BORN IN THE INAfter THE FIELD FIELD 175 175 YEARS AGO AGO WE WERE BORN THE FIELD 175 AGO of productivity out ofBORN every hectare you IN farm. every breakthrough — from theYEARS firstYEARS rotary combine to our autonomous tractor prototype — we’ve gotten up every day since with a mission to make them better. More Which is HAVE why, forHAVE the nextRAISED 175 years, we intendTHE to continue doing the same thingEVER every day. AND AND RAISED THE BAR BAR EVER SINCE SINCE . . . AND THE BAR EVER SINCE efficient. AndHAVE more productiveRAISED for you. Since Since 1842, Since 1842, we’ve 1842, we’ve been we’ve been in an been inendless aninendless an endless cyclecycle of cycle innovation. of innovation. of innovation. Fuelled Fuelled by Fuelled aby desire aby desire atodesire help to help you to help you squeeze you squeeze squeeze everyevery ounce every ounce ounce Which is why, for the next 175 years, we intend to continue doing the same thing every day. of productivity of productivity of productivity out of outevery of outevery of hectare every hectare hectare you you farm. you farm. After farm. After every After every breakthrough every breakthrough breakthrough — from — from — thefrom first the first the rotary first rotary combine rotary combine combine to our to our to our autonomous autonomous tractor prototype tractor prototype — we’ve —gotten we’ve up gotten every up day every since day with since a mission with a mission to make tothem make better. them More better. autonomous tractor prototype — we’ve gotten up every day since with a mission to make them better. MoreMore efficient. efficient. AndAnd more And productive more productive for you. for you. efficient. more productive for you. Which Which isWhich why, is why, for is why, the for next the for next the 175next 175 years, 175 years, we years, intend we intend wetointend continue to continue to continue doing doing the doing same the same the thing same thing every thing every day. every day.day.

THE HEART OF FARMING BEATS RED THE HEART OF FARMING BEATS RED

A HOME

AWAY FROM HOME FROM THE SNUG SHEETS ON YOUR BED, TO THE CAREFULLY SELECTED INGREDIENTS OUR CHEFS USE. IT’S THE LITTLE DETAILS THAT MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE, AND WE MAKE SURE WE GET THEM RIGHT FROM THE MINUTE YOU WAKE UP AND START YOUR DAY.

Civeo’s network of villages reach far into Australia’s regional corners – spanning Queensland, New South Wales, and Western Australia. Catering to some of the largest resources projects in the country, our goal is to help people maintain healthy and productive lives while living and working away from home.

civeo.com

Mark Polley, Civeo Coppabella’s Executive Chef

* Bar and pool at select loactions

Our villages feel like home. Spacious, en suite rooms are cosy, with your own TV so you can relax and unwind after a hard day’s work. If you fancy working out, then head to our fully equipped on-site gymnasium, open 24 hours to suit your schedule. Our groundkeepers take care of our villages like it’s their own back yard. Making sure all the surroundings are tidy and green for your morning stroll to the canteen, or, if you’re in the mood for a BBQ with friends, that the outdoor recreational areas are ready to fire up. We understand the importance of keeping good habits and maintaining a healthy, balanced diet when you’re away from home. That’s why, alongside our delicious menu items, you can use the digital cook to order machine to request grilled steak, chicken or fish, all freshly prepared by our executive chefs just for you. Not only is our village life conducive to wellness, but here at Civeo – we’re a family. So whether you’re doing your laundry or checking yourself in for the night, our friendly staff are here to help… all you need to do is ask.

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1800 801 489 toolsau@au.atlascopco.com

industry

AGRICULTURE

GOING BANANAS

A homegrown project to turn on-farm food waste into a profitable bioproduct is going gangbusters in Tropical North Queensland thanks to ag innovators Rob and Krista Watkins, the duo who discovered green banana flour. even years ago, the Watkins were just like all the other banana farmers in Australia. Day after day, they’d watch as huge amounts of the ladyfinger bananas grown on their Atherton Tablelands farm – the largest of its kind in Australia – went to waste because they weren’t up to scratch, according to the country’s leading supermarkets. “Every week, we had five tonnes of waste here on our farm,” Krista explains. “It was really frustrating because we’d put all this time, money and love into growing beautiful produce and then, simply because it might have grown too big or too small or too bent, we had nowhere to sell it.” And they weren’t alone. Of the 396,000-plus tonnes of bananas grown each year in Australia, up to 40 per cent are dumped before they even leave the farm because they’re not the right colour, shape or size, or because there’s

an oversupply in the market. Then, one Friday, while taking their green bananas out to a back paddock to dump them, Rob stumbled accidentally on the solution. Together, the husbandand-wife team discovered that those unwanted green bananas could be made into a highly nutritious, glutenfree flour. As a result, they founded Natural Evolution Foods – and have disrupted an entire industry. Flour power “Rob was loading a truck and accidentally drove over a cluster of bananas which had been sitting in the sun for a few days. As he did, it was like a puff of powder in the air,” Krista recalls. “When we tried it, it tasted just like wholemeal flour.” A Google search revealed that green banana flour was an as-yet undiscovered bioproduct, so Rob and Krista started making it themselves

and selling it as a gluten-free flour alternative through a local café. “We were hand-peeling all the bananas,” says Krista. “It takes about 10 kilos of green bananas to make one kilo of flour. We were making six kilos but we actually had to peel about 60 kilos to get there. We quickly sold out of that and had a backlog of orders that we didn’t think we’d ever be able to fill.” Ever the problem-solver, Rob got to work designing and soon created the world’s first mechanical banana peeler. A few weeks later, the homespun pilot plant was up and running, and they were able to make 350 kilograms of banana flour in a week. “But we quickly outgrew that operation and knew we’d need to make a lot more, so Rob began designing our big facility,” says Krista. “It’s been in operation for the last 18 months. And with that came the design of some technology, which

industry

we’ve called NutroLock. It takes a banana to powder in under 25 minutes. We can produce one tonne of flour on an eight-hour shift with two people.” Between their different product lines, which include skincare made from the skins of Cavendish and ladyfinger bananas; green banana flour made from Cavendish bananas; and a health supplement made from ladyfingers that’s been scientifically proven by both the CSIRO and Monash University to be the richest source of resistant fibre in the world, they’re now saving millions of bananas per year

from waste, and working with other farmers in Tropical North Queensland to ensure minimal waste and maximum profits for the community. “Fifteen hundred tonnes a year,” says Krista. “I’m very confident to say, at a minimum, that’s how much we save.” Innovation station Already, Rob and Krista have won several awards for their now world-renowned waste-reducing NutroLock™ technology, including a 2016 Banksia Sustainability Food

for Thought Award and last year’s Queensland Premier’s Sustainability Award for Innovation in Sustainable Technologies. Earlier this year, they also travelled to New York City to receive a Gold Edison Award – named in honour of Thomas Edison, one of the greatest inventors of all time – for excellence in innovation. “Our process line has been scientifically tested to lock in nutrition 20 to 50 times higher than conventional food-processing techniques,” explains Krista. “We’ve also put through things like apples, berries, mushrooms and potatoes – we can put just about anything through that system and it does exactly the same job in a very short amount of time.” Rob designed the entire system himself – a feat that he says comes naturally to many farmers. “From mechanical peeling procedures and pulp-skin separation right through to the process of then drying the product very fast, we designed and built it – and from [the outset] to what we’ve got right now, it’s worked exceptionally well,” he says. “We’re just looking at advancing it with some simple tech software to

Line Blind Systems Case Study SchuF Fetterolf Cam-Set/Slide and Stacey line blind valves are commonly used in the most critical applications: aboard tankers product cross contamination or accidental overboard discharge assumes the proportions of a disaster; in chemical and petrochemical plants, refineries and tank storage farms; and where vessel entry is a problem. Power generating plants install them upstream of equipment which will require repairs. Other important users include steel mills, cement manufacturing plants, and the pulp and paper industry.

Refinery Petrobras, the leading state refinery in Brazil, uses the Cam-Set and Stacey line blind system extensively. They are used in several process areas in the refinery including: ■ Gas flare applications ■ Hydrocracking units ■ Catalytic cracking unit ■ Delayed coking

The customer has commented: “With the Cam-Set, it is a cinch to quickly change from closed to open by turning only one bolt and not moving any piping!”. Other major tank farm customers include – Vopak, Oiltanking and Emarat.

Offshore & Maritime SchuF Fetterolf has been chosen for several offshore projects. Used around compressors on oil platforms and oil refining and processing ships, the Cam-Slide and Stacey are ideal due to their ability to provide higher pressure ratings and /or large sizes up to 54”. The high quality construction and safety standards of the Cam-Slide and Stacey are greatly respected in this industry, especially as they are easy to operate in stormy weather. The special maritime Cam-Set/Slide has been installed by many marine, engineering and shipping companies including: Chevron Marine, Modec, Exxon, Pratt & Whitney, BP, Hyundai, Samsung and Ocean Ships to name a few.

■ Storage tanks

Steel Industry

Over 200 SchuF Fetterolf line blind valves have been installed. The refinery enjoys a strong reputation for good maintenance and safety procedures.

A rugged sturdy design and absolute safe shut off are critical factors for the steel industry. Line blinds installed in and around coke oven gas and blast furnace fuel lines have to be absolutely secure despite tremendous pressure on the blinds.

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The SchuF Fetterolf Cam-Set is ideal for these applications due to its attention to safety factors. The spectacle plate thickness is specified to exceed API standards, there are two o-rings sealing the plate and the body bolts are tack welded to ensure that they are not removed due to operator error. These features have led steel mill customers such as Kobe Steel USA, Corus, AK Steel Corporation, Arcelor Mittal, Tata and others to choose SchuF Fetterolf.

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A NEW SUPERFOOD ‘Superfood’ is an over-used term, but it genuinely applies to the products developed and sold by Rob and Krista’s company, Natural Evolution Foods. Here’s what you need to know.

keep an eye on things all the time and ensure a continuous production flow. Really, it’s the only continuous-flow process in the world at that speed. “As a kid, I was always just very good at making stuff,” Rob explains. “And on a farm, we do a lot of other good inventions and mechanical stuff. I think what it shows is you don’t have to go to university for five years to do engineering to be able to visualise and execute something. The most exciting thing about this day and age is you can do it anytime in your life; the world’s a different place now.” International interest The system works so well that Rob and Krista are attracting interest from overseas buyers and investors, with Natural Evolution Foods recently launching in Japan, China, the UK and Europe, and launches in Canada and the USA imminent. “The dream is to bring on another couple of farmers by the end of the year, and keep spreading and growing,” says Rob. “And now we’ve got international interest to put these facilities in other parts of the world, because we know starvation is bad and we know bananas are the fourthlargest crop grown in the world, yet 64

Australia only grows about one per cent of the world’s bananas.” Their products have yielded further, even more surprising results, including the discovery of a whole new ‘superfood’. “People use the flour as a direct substitute for wheat flour,” says Krista. “But then our resistant starch, which is a supplement, people use daily for the benefits to gut health, and also the 5 HTP, which is a valuable serotonin, as a mood regulator.” Adds Rob, “We’ve had other countries now, going, ‘Rob, we’ve got the same problems. Would you be interested in setting your technology up with us?’ “We know what this product is doing for people’s health – it’s been scientifically proven. This green banana powder is the most nutritious staple on Earth by a mile. It’s in a whole new league – and that’s not us saying it. We’ve got all of this research on our side. “What’s great about the product is it won’t just help starvation and hunger situations globally; it’s going to help people get the right amount of nutrition. “That solves a lot of situations for the planet.”

• Rich in resistant starch: “This starch is resistant to primary digestion,” says Krista. “When it gets to the large intestine, it starts to ferment and it produces a chemical called butyrate. Butyrate feeds our good bacteria but it triggers other numerous beneficial reactions for our bodies. One of those is lowering triglyceride levels, which affects our cholesterol, improving insulin sensitivity and giving abnormallygrowing cells information that they need to self-destruct.” • Better than GMOs: “The CSIRO actually designed a product called BarleyMAX, which is a seven- to nine-per cent resistant starch, because resistant starch is a critical dietary element to maintain a healthy digestive system,” says Krista. “When we started making banana flour, we didn’t know we had accidentally found the richest source of resistant starch – 44 per cent from the ladyfinger banana and entirely natural.” • 100 per cent organic: “Our NutroLock system is seamless,” says Krista. “There’s no handling at all; there’s nothing synthetic added to our products, not even preservatives; and each has a shelf life of two or more years.”

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SPECIAL FEATURE

PRECISION GEOTECHNICAL DRILLING

FOR NEW SYDNEY TUNNELS HAGSTROM Drilling is on the cusp of

completing 3 months’ worth of geotechnical drilling investigations as part of Sydney’s major Western Harbour Tunnel and Beaches Link project. As one of NSW’s priority infrastructure projects, this proposed large scale motorway is expected to deliver time savings of up to 45 minutes for motorists travelling from the Northern Beaches to Sydney’s CBD, North Sydney and the airport. Underwater drilling in Australia’s busiest waterway brought unique challenges that required the team to operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week in order to meet the project deadlines and accommodate stringent operating restrictions. In busy shipping and recreational channels, working at night was often the only option. Investigations were undertaken in Western Harbour and White Bay, the results of which will help refine the design and planning of the Western Harbour Tunnel. In what’s now becoming a congested space under the harbour with the existing Harbour Tunnel to the east of the Harbour Bridge, along with the upcoming Sydney Metro rail tunnel to its west, the Western Harbour Tunnel is planned further west still. Crossing underneath Sydney Harbour between Birchgrove and Waverton, the tunnel would connect with WestConnex at Rozelle and the Warringah Freeway at North Sydney. Drill investigations were also conducted in

Middle Harbour for the proposed Beaches Link tunnel, which would connect the Warringah Freeway with the Burnt Bridge Creek Deviation at Balgowlah under Middle Harbour. Hagstrom Drilling is a Perth-based company with offices in Sydney and Melbourne, specialising in all forms of geotechnical, environmental, hydrogeological and exploration drilling, investigation and testing Australia-wide. With a strong focus on innovation and utilisation of the most technically advanced drilling techniques, Hagstrom Drilling uses DGPS technology to precisely drill to a client’s specified locations and provide accurate onsite and drilling reports. Working in water depths between 15 and 35 metres deep, the company used three drill rigs and jack up barges to drill up to 100 metres below the sea bed for this project. “DGPS technology is critical to provide accuracy in these applications,” André Fuller, Hagstrom Drilling Operations Manager said. “Input from these drill investigations determines the tunnel boring requirements, so it is essential that we get A1 performance from the positioning technology.” Mr Fuller explained that DGPS units are fitted to the drill masts to give accurate position, relocation and elevation information to the operating crews. “We are consistently achieving +/- 100 mm HRMS and VRMS

accuracy and within 1 metre Easting and Northing, which is well within tolerance levels for this project,” he added. Another requirement for the project was to utilise the NSW Continuously Operating Reference Station (CORS) RTK network, CORSnet, now a requirement on all major infrastructure projects in the state. Position Partners’ local Sydney team was able to assist with the network connection via its AllDayRTK network, which includes full access to the CORSnet infrastructure along with other government-run and privately owned reference stations throughout Australia. Mr Fuller said that technical support was also crucial to the project’s success. “Given the cost implications of any delays, it was important to ensure smooth operations as much as possible,” he said. “Given the challenges of the job, Position Partners’ Sydney team were an instrumental in maintaining system performance and they were happy to be called on outside of business hours as required. That’s something we have valued over the years as our projects are nationwide and Position Partners has a local team in each state and territory so there are always people within close enough proximity,” he added. With investigations almost complete and the project successfully managed within time and budget, Hagstrom Drilling’s team will soon be packing up and moving on to the next project.

For more information contact Position Partners on 1300 867 266 or visit www.positionpartners.com.au

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education Insights into some of the best education institutions in the country.

St Margaret’s PRE-PREP - YEAR 12

BOARDING YEARS 5-12

A local school with a global outlook

Experience life in a new world city, living and learning in one of Brisbane’s most sought-after suburbs, with access to global opportunities and connections.

www.stmargarets.qld.edu.au

T: (07) 3862 0777 │E: admissions@stmargarets.qld.edu.au 11 Petrie Street Ascot QLD 4007 St Margaret’s School Council Ltd ABN: 69069684019 CRICOS Code: 00511K

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Opportunity knocks at Brisbane Boarding School he Garland sisters from North Star in NSW are set to soar, with exciting plans for their futures moulded by the opportunities they say they have been presented with at St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School in Brisbane. In chatting with the bubbly teenagers, one gets the sense that it is the enthusiasm with which Annabel (Year 11) and Olivia (Year 9) have embraced all the opportunities before them that has made all the difference. They are both keen rowers, with Annabel capping off this year’s season with a win in the second eight, contributing to St Margaret’s overall score, which saw the school take out the Aggregate Cup for Champion School for the third consecutive year. The both play touch football and also love to swim, enjoying their involvement in water polo, with Olivia saying she had never really heard of the sport before coming to St Margaret’s. The two sisters are also extremely

musical. Annabel has been involved in the past two school musicals – Annie and The Sound of Music, playing clarinet and saxophone in the orchestra pit, while Olivia’s instrument is her voice. She played an orphan in Annie, and sings in the school’s Choral Program. Olivia has big plans for her voice. She takes Private Speech and Drama lessons at the school and is tossing up between a career as an actress or a lawyer. In 2016, she performed at Parliament House, having won a Barbara Sisley Award, which acknowledges and celebrates the achievements of those students who top the state in Australian Music Examinations Board, Drama and Performance examinations, and Trinity College, London, Speech and Drama examinations, in the previous year. Annabel’s career ambitions are lofty – sky high in fact – as an airforce pilot. “There is something about being part of a community that really appeals to me,” says Annabel, when asked why not a

Top right: Olivia and Annabel Garland pictured with the boarding house in the background which is in the heart of the school; Above: Annabel (far left) with other orchestra musicians who performed in The Sound of Music this year at three sell-out shows at La Boite Theatre.

career as a commercial pilot. Community is important to the Garland girls. They love being a part of the St Margaret’s community as well as the micro-communities within it. “Being part of rowing shed, you get to know not only girls in your crew, but girls across all the different year levels,” says Annabel. It is the same with their involvement in the music program. “I was in Annie in my first term at school,” says Olivia, “and being a part of the cast really helped me to settle in and make new friends.” Naturally the boarding community is a big part of their lives; it’s here they have made friends from all over Brisbane, Australia and the world. When they leave school to pursue further study, they know they will have already made lifetime connections they can take with them long after their school days are finished. “That’s the great part about boarding in Brisbane,” says Annabel. 71

Global Thinker

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Potential to make a global difference s the top-ranking Catholic girls’ school in Queensland in 2016, Stuartholme School prepares students for life beyond the school gates. Academically, they strive for excellence, but as students at a Sacred Heart school, girls from Stuartholme also learn the importance of being active and engaged global citizens with a strong focus on social justice. This focus is evident in students such as Lily Chapman, who is on the executive committee of the school’s Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) Club. Lily and her club colleagues shine the spotlight on local, national and global issues such as poverty, education and health. “Our current focus is on equality, with a focus on women,” Lily says. “Locally we hope to inspire the Stuartholme students to ‘give everything a go’.’’ As a year 12 boarder, Lily is a role model to the younger students. Lily has been the “best she can be” during her boarding years at Stuartholme and has competed at state level in triathlon and cross-country events, been in the school’s sporting teams, and is an

girls from Stuartholme also learn the importance of being active and engaged global citizens with a strong focus on social justice

outstanding student in the science and mathematics fields. “Every girl has potential, they just need to take the leap and have a go,’’ she says. “I’m not sure I would have had the success I have had if I didn’t have the courage to put up my hand and try. “Being courageous can take time, but Stuartholme provides the support students need so they can develop over time.” On a national and international scale, Stuartholme day and boarding students promote awareness of a variety of programs including supporting women’s refuges, contrasting their lives to those in Third World countries.

“I believe our collective conscience and voice are an incredibly strong message for all women,” Lily says. In addition to learning the independence and resilience that goes hand-in-hand with being away from home, the boarding community fosters a sense of family, belonging and inclusiveness with girls developing and building lifelong friendships. Once they leave Stuartholme School, each of these young women has the ability to make a profound difference to the communities from which they come and to the wider world.

School delivered differently Imagine school on the side of a mountain. Or on a remote outback cattle station. Or on the beach. What would be possible if your child’s school was portable? Imagine school from 10am to 3pm. Or maybe 4pm to 9pm. Or even 5am to 10am for those early risers. What would be possible if your child’s school was flexible? Imagine school where everyone was welcome. The gifted. The disabled. The bullied. The anxious. The farmer’s son. The miner’s daughter. The autistic. The aspiring dancer. The want-to-be pro golfer. What would be possible if your child’s school was inclusive? Online school is portable, flexible and inclusive. It was developed specifically to help all students flourish. As Australia’s largest non-government online school, our students use technology solutions from the likes of Google, Apple and Schoology while following the National Curriculum.

Our team of university-qualified teachers are specialists in delivering education online. They stretch, challenge and grow our students. Your child is taught by our teachers via digital channels. You play the role of supervisor, not teacher. So relax - you don’t have to ‘know everything’. Of course, we understand the importance of socialisation, and we run regular cocurricular activities each term, including excursions and sports carnivals. Online school with Australian Christian College is currently available to students in Qld, NSW and WA. New enrolments are accepted at any time during the year.

Learn how online school could benefit your son or daughter at accde.edu.au. This is school delivered differently.

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Helping the ‘frustrated student’ rediscover a love of learning with online school f your child is frustrated with school due to distractions, commuting times, peer group pressure or wasted time during the school day, they can slowly lose their love of learning. Your child’s love of learning can be rebuilt with online school. While many students are driven to online school as a result of various frustrations, it’s also common for a family to simply choose online school as their preferred option. With online school, your child learns at home or anywhere with a reliable internet connection. The learning is self-paced yet aligned with the National Curriculum. Online school has become an increasingly popular option for parents looking for schooling choices, a change in lifestyle, or in response to physical or social pressures such as bullying or disability. Parents with gifted children also report positive outcomes with online school. Gifted students can move ahead as they wish. ACC’s Online School employs state-ofthe-art digital technologies, the teachers are qualified and experienced in teaching online. As a government-accredited online

school, the aim is to give parents a proven alternative to traditional face-to-face teaching and make sure all students have the opportunity to experience the best possible education. The school provides the learning program and online teachers, and the student is

supervised at home by a parent or another responsible adult. Online school students are diverse. For many it is a proactive choice, often driven by frustrations with regular school. Others live in remote areas and don’t have many local schooling options. Students who’ve been bullied flourish in a safe environment. Those students with special needs such as ADHD, auditory processing problems, autism and dyslexia, typically find the self-paced nature of online learning a blessing. Academically gifted students also discover that online school is beneficial because they can move forward quickly. Some have chosen this mode of schooling while pursuing a sporting or performing arts career. For them, the ability to practice during the day and learn in the evening is appealing. Also, students suffering anxiety often find the respite they need with online school. For all students, online school does not mean a compromise in the quality of education being received. To register for an upcoming virtual open day, visit accde.edu.au and click through to the ACC School in your state. 75

FRENSHAM Boarding & Day School FOR Girls

Boarding at Frensham is a way of life ~ everyone’s a boarder... not everyone’s sleeps over...

Frensham ~ set on 178 hectares in Australia’s Southern Highlands, 100km south of Sydney

Our boarding tradition sets us apart See: www.frensham.nsw.edu.au Enquiries to: The Registrar +61 2 4860 2000 registrar@frensham.nsw.edu.au Range Road, PO Box 34 Mittagong NSW 2575 AUSTRALIA Frensham is a member of the UK Boarding Schools’ Association

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Frensham’s Jamieson Programme for a rapidly changing world rensham’s unique Jamieson Programme addresses one of the most important questions we consider as educators – what’s worth learning in a complex and rapidly changing world? Head of Frensham, Julie Gillick notes that “our Jamieson Programme is built on the belief that exposure to challenges in a secure environment can awaken in young people a belief in themselves that will stay with them throughout their lives.” With a focus on health and fitness, critical and ethical thinking, service and leadership, the Jamieson Programme helps girls gain confidence and courage to deal with unfamiliar territory. Students are challenged to consider the difference they can make individually and as part of a group, when exploring real social, political and environmental issues. “The world is more connected than ever. In response, we are strengthening links internationally and moving beyond traditional structures. Our learning culture is inspired by the belief that students rise to the intellectual life around them.”

For Year 9, the Jamieson Programme includes an extended day – including evening Prep, the Cambridge Global Perspectives course and a range of physically and intellectually challenging components. After their residential Global Forum, followed by a caving expedition at Bungonia Gorge, Year 9 shared with the School their reflections: About gratitude – “we should not complain about the small things...” About empathy – “we can see the importance of being receptive to other people’s ideas and opinions...” About making a difference – “whilst great things are achieved in large groups, great things can also be achieved by individuals... but you need persistence, determination and resilience...” “Above all, we learned that our reaction to a situation has the power to change the situation itself...” This year we have taken the ‘next step’ for Year 10, through ‘Jamieson-10’, with staff and external experts delivering the Cambridge International AS Level General Paper, modified delivery of PDHPE and establishment of the Frensham Drone Academy.

The Frensham Drone Academy Top right: Dr Tristan Burg, Director of Innovation and Research, supervising the Year 10 drone project. Above: Test flight phase of the drone project.

Julie Gillick Head of Frensham 77

A UNI THAT KNOWS YOU WANT AN EDGE When it comes to career advancement, CQUniversity knows what you need to succeed. Advance in your career, make a profession change, gain the qualifications to match your experience, or specialise further in your current area with a postgraduate course from Australia’s largest regional university. Whether you’re interested in a graduate certificate, graduate diploma, masters or research higher degree, our wide range of flexible courses have you covered. Choose from postgraduate options in accident forensics, asset and maintenance management, business, emergency and disaster management, engineering, fatigue risk management, human resources management, information technology, management, occupational health and safety, permaculture, project management, safety science and much more. Study on campus at one of our many locations across the country or online via our highly flexible and renowned distance education mode.

“The only thing that stops you is you. For all those barriers I thought I had, the biggest one was myself. I thought I was past my time but in reality I wasn’t.” Find out more about our graduate Jason and his CQUni story online.

*Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2017.

CRICOS Code: 00219C | RTO Code: 40939 | P_AD_170044_CM-PG

Get a world class education from a university ranked in the top 2% of unis worldwide*, and get the edge you’re looking for.

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CQUni’s MBA leaps up national rankings uality MBA programs should focus on producing better people managers and leaders, not just those competent in the technical fields of business. That’s according to CQUniversity Dean of Business and Law, Professor Lee Di Milia who is celebrating CQUni’s MBA program’s leap from 13th to 9th in the Australian Financial Review’s Boss Magazine biennial rankings released in September. “We are focused on developing leadership capacity and critical thinking skills in our students. We model and teach reflective practice to encourage students to reevaluate their typical response patterns to consider the situation at hand,” Professor Di Milia says. CQUniversity offers its MBA in faceto-face mode at its Melbourne Campus or via the flexibility of distance education for students anywhere in Australia, with two compulsory residential schools each year. Graduate of CQUniversity’s MBA program, Kumar Parakala is reaping the rewards of studying the top-rating program. He’s recently taken up a new role as Global Leader – Digital at GHD, an

international engineering consulting firm. In an endorsement of his expertise and track record, Mr Parakala’s digital transformation and growth advisory firm Technova has been acquired by GHD, which has $1.7 billion revenue, more than 8500 employees and 200 offices worldwide. Mr Parakala brings to his new role more than two decades of experience and insights of working at the intersection of business and technology with leading global organisations. Most recently he was named International Professional of the Year at the SEARCC-ACS Digital Disruptors Awards. “CQUni’s MBA provided me with an excellent foundation in business management skills and enhanced the chances of my success,” explains Mr Parakala. “I actively leveraged my learnings from the MBA program related to Business Strategy, Marketing, Information Technology, Financial Management and Law during my 15 years senior executive career post completion of my MBA at CQUni.” Professor Di Milia says CQUni’s MBA ensures graduates have skills in

people management, leadership, change management, communication, and emotional intelligence. “The MBA also addresses the key technical skills required of managers and leaders in areas such as marketing, finance and accounting,” he says. “CQUni’s MBA is designed for experienced and emerging professionals who want to take their already successful careers to the next level. “We believe that the CQUniversity MBA, given its ranking, certifications and price point is perhaps the best value proposition in the market today.” CQUniversity is celebrating its MBA ratings surge by offering 10 part scholarships for the program. As a leader in distance education in Australia with 24 locations across the country, CQUniversity offers flexibility of studying a wide range of postgraduate qualifications online or on-campus. To find out more about postgraduate study options at CQUniversity and to learn more about CQUni’s MBA program avnd the scholarships visit cqu.edu.au/mba.

The Catholic residential college for university students who are seeking to reside with others who have positive ideals and a determination to succeed

AQUINAS COLLEGE

Limited places for 2018 residency. Now accepting 2019 applications. (08) 8334 5000 www.aquinas.edu.au admin@aquinas.edu.au 1 Palmer Pl, North Adelaide SA 5006

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Enjoy university life in Adelaide at your home away from home oasting an enviable location in North Adelaide, Aquinas College is within a short walking distance of the city campuses of both Adelaide University and the University of South Australia whilst public transport easily connects the College to other campus locations and the Flinders University. Occupancy is for the full academic year and the College provides students with three meals per day, weekly cleaning, linen service, free laundry facilities and free unlimited internet. Common rooms with Foxtel, study rooms, a chapel, multipurpose sports court and a fully equipped gymnasium complete the enjoyable lifestyle of our students. With the shops and cafes of O’Connell Street literally around the corner and all the facilities of the city centre readily accessible, it is the ideal home in the city for University students. However, life at Aquinas College is much more than simply a place to stay. With students from rural South Australia, interstate and overseas, the strength of our community lies in the enduring camaraderie and lifelong friendships that are formed. The array of sporting events, community service, social opportunities and College functions such as formal meals, music nights, guest speakers, the annual ball and Valete dinner create a history of shared experiences and memories. Through opportunities to be a student leader, or undertake management and student support roles, our students gain valuable experience and confidence to move into their chosen profession and the wider community. An extensive tutor program, mentoring and ongoing progress reviews help prepare students for study and professional life. Students are able to establish study partnerships with their peers, and the formal supportive structure the College has in place is conducive to a stimulating

Aquinas College is more than simply a place to stay platform of academic success. No finer example of this is when in March this year, the College community celebrated the outstanding academic achievements and contributions of Jordan Wray from Port Lincoln, who attended Aquinas College from 2013 through to 2016. Over the four years of study, while at Aquinas, Jordan achieved 30 High Distinctions and 2 Distinctions and was the recipient of a number of prestigious university awards and received the Flinders University Chancellor’s letter of Commendation twice. He continues to be a tutor at the College whilst he pursues a PhD in Theoretical Nuclear Physics at Flinders University. Aquinas College continues to be a place where young adults are inspired to seek their full potential, academically, socially and spiritually. Enrolments for 2018/2019 are now being accepted. Visit our website aquinas.edu.au to enrol online. Enquires/tours can be directed to: Jo Brauwers, Admissions Officer Phone: (08) 8334 5000 Email: admin@aquinas.edu.au

In his third year of Commerce at UniSA, Nicholas Hamilton from rural Victoria says:

“Adjusting to life in the city can be hard for young adults. Moving from rural areas to undertake university is a reality faced by many country students and is often quite daunting. However Aquinas College makes this move more than comfortable. When I first arrived I only knew one or two people... everyone is in the same boat so bonds form quickly and easily. “Now as a House Coordinator at Aquinas I am part of a team of 10 students appointed by the Head of College whose responsibilities range from day to day management of our houses and the welfare of students. Essentially it is our job to ensure everyone feels safe and has a great time with us here at College.0 With support received from fellow Collegians as well as staff, adjusting to life in the ‘big smoke’ is suddenly a breeze!”

Nudgee College Boarding The right move for young men

St Joseph’s Nudgee College 2199 Sandgate Road Boondall QLD 4034 P: 07 3865 0555 E: enrolments@nudgee.com CRICOS Provider No. 00572G

Boys’ day and boarding Years 5 - 12 www.nudgee.com

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The tale of two boarders ike any family, no two siblings are the same. Each have their strengths, differences, passions, and aspirations. Likewise, boarding at St Joseph’s Nudgee College is no different. The boys who call the Bathersby Boarding Village home, are connected by a shared sense of spirit and binding brotherhood, yet each are given the opportunity to grow and learn as an individual. Two senior boarders, Dylan Gracie and Ethan Bullemor, are coming to the end of the journey at Nudgee College. Dylan is from St George, Queensland, and has been boarding at Nudgee College since Year 8. With a passion for flying, in 2016 Dylan was titled as the youngest Australian to fly a helicopter solo. “It was an amazing feeling and certainly made my year – I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face,” Dylan said. Dylan is working towards obtaining his full private helicopter licence in this year, to help fulfil his future career aspiration of aerial mustering. In the classroom, Dylan has been the first student to manufacture a boat during the Certificate I in Engineering

(RTO30498); a practical, trade-based subject which provides a qualification for graduating students. Nudgee College is one of Queensland’s leading schools for students who wish to take a VET (Vocational Education Training) pathway. Students learn in a real world setting – the College’s Trade Training Centre – a state of the art facility for construction and engineering. Parallel to Dylan’s Nudgee College experience, is Ethan’s academic and rugby pathway. Ethan is a boarder from Rockhampton, Queensland, and started at Nudgee College in Year 11. Like many boarders,

The boys who call the Bathersby Boarding Village home, are connected by a shared sense of spirit and binding brotherhood

Dylan Gracie.

Ethan Bullemor.

Ethan takes advantage of the Reach for the Stars academic tutoring program; a program well supported by academic staff and tutors who help boarders with their homework, assignments and study four evenings a week. Outside the classroom, Ethan is also a talented rugby player and this year has been rewarded with vice-captaincy of the 1st XV College rugby team. His talents have also meant he has been identified by the Brisbane Broncos and has been invited into their junior development squads. “My ultimate goal is to have a career in the NRL or be a professional sportsman, but it’s also really important to get through to university and come out with a degree. I am interested in the Law pathway,” Ethan said. “I don’t like to set just one goal, I would like to be the best I can I all things, school, sport and as a person.” Whatever path Dylan and Ethan may eventually choose once their journey at Nudgee College comes to a close at the end of this year, one thing is certain. They will be Nudgee brothers for life. 83

Explore the BGS Journey Brisbane Grammar School has been educating boys for almost 150 years. Located in the heart of the CBD your son will be surrounded by the excitement of city living and nurtured in a boarding family where everyone is recognised for who they are. Every boyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s BGS journey is unique. Whatever his passion, your son will be challenged and supported to achieve his own personal best. enrolments@brisbanegrammar.com | +61 7 3834 5200 | www.brisbanegrammar.com

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The Brisbane Grammar School boarding journey nderpinned by values of endeavour, learning, respect, leadership, and community, the Brisbane Grammar School purpose is to educate boys by nurturing their intellectual, physical, and emotional wellbeing to become thoughtful, confident men of character who contribute to their communities. This is evidenced by the importance placed on learning beyond the classroom. An extensive and balanced extracurricular program across sports, art, drama, music, and clubs and activities, offers a place for boys wanting to learn new skills and make new friends, through to elite performers with the highest aspirations. Extracurricular involvement in a wide variety of activities available is seen as central in studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; overall development, promoting

connectedness, teamwork, and leadership. Complementing the extracurricular and academic programs, the student wellbeing program represents an integral element of the BGS mission. Every individualâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s progress through all areas of school life is monitored, through a formalised student wellbeing structure. BGS is committed to a culture that fosters and inspires the ongoing development of resilient, responsible and happy individuals. This culture is magnified in the boarding house at BGS, with the 100 boarders currently calling Harlin House home forming a tight knit community. With a proud boarding history dating back more than 140 years, the boys in Harlin House have access to incredible opportunities for academic and cultural growth. BGS boarders are kept extremely busy through a variety of programs, which

include everything from academic and activities enrichment, to public purpose, and learning life skills. The many programs on offer serve to keep the boys engaged and supported through their BGS journey. As well as producing wellrounded Grammar Men, Harlin House has continued to produce exceptional academic results. These excellent academic achievements could be attributed to the hard work of boarders, but also point to the success of the support structures on offer in Harlin House. These structures and routines, combined with strong peer support, align to allow boarding graduates to reach their potential. Many senior BGS boarders invest their time in the boarding houseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s public purpose program, assisting Rosies, a charitable organisation supporting the homeless and underprivileged. The success of the program was evidenced by Sam and Jack joining a long and evergrowing list of boarding graduates who return to BGS to tutor junior boarders in the evening. A BGS education is one where boys have opportunities to develop critical intelligence, imaginative and creative powers, effective communication, and the capacity and enthusiasm for independent, life-long learning. Facilities such as the state of the art Lilley Centre combine technology-rich, cutting-edge, flexible learning spaces with a well-resourced library and programs. Boarders are perfectly placed to take advantage of all the day-school has to offer, with the advantages of carefully tailored programs in boarding that engage and support them through their BGS journey. Visit brisbanegrammar.com. 85

Whole of Life Preparation. The aim of a Scotch education is not simply to get students across the line to a university place; we believe our education is the cornerstone of a long and fulfilled life. Scotch is a school firmly committed to providing a holistic education and whole of life preparation, offering every student every opportunity to develop their own special talents through an extensive curriculum that has the ability to extend to the very able, while also providing assistance for the less able. It is the best learning foundation that a student could want. EXPERIENCE THE SCOTCH COLLEGE DIFFERENCE To arrange a personal tour, or for more information about Scotch College, please contact Director of Admissions Carrie Cousar on (08) 8274 4209 or at enrolments@scotch.sa.edu.au

www.scotch.sa.edu.au

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Preparing our students for a bright future ur children will see enormous change in their lifetimes. Technology will disrupt every respected, high-paying profession from banking to the law to medicine. Most of the top jobs of the future do not exist yet, will be short term and will be highly pressured. The mental health challenges of a connected world, with vast power afforded to our young people instantly available in the technology in their pockets are influences we cannot ignore. Globalisation will bring a disturbing level of competition that we in our middle years never knew. Health challenges will proliferate. Exercise is not strongly enough promoted by our governments or society. Awareness of diet and nutrition have given us a certain longevity, but that must continue as a fundamental part of a young personâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s education. In Australia, the sense of responsibility to the environment is high. Young Australians can lead the way in environmental protection. The safe, sensible harnessing of our resources for a sustainable future is a call we rely on this generation of young people to answer. Ideological challenge is coming from every direction. The need for civic engagement and a staunch defence of our

way of life will be more and more of an educational challenge. So, how is Scotch College responding to these challenges. What is the Scotch difference? Scotch College will bring great NAPLAN scores and ATARs. Yet, a school with our resource, intelligence and depth should aim so much higher in our aspirations for our students. Scotch prepares children for a harder life than their parents had. The pattern of generational progress, when one generation has it better than the one before, has broken. Education is not stepping up to these realities. Scotch College is doing so. On top of key academic qualifications, we teach versatility, emotional intelligence, leadership, global awareness and civic responsibility. A strong emphasis through our business, service learning, global leadership and outdoor education provision on informed self-reliance puts our children in what we like to term the `discomfort zoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. The new world for our young will need them to take risks, be comfortable with disruption and be ready to be long-term, instinctive learners. Supremely, we are drawing on the best research to find ways of helping our young people nurture themselves and their own resources. Our groundbreaking Wellbeing programme, from

Dr John Newton the very youngest to our Year 12s, stresses the need for sound decision making, resilience, profound self-knowledge and the imperative to serve others as the wellspring of a well lived life. We want a fulfilled existence for your children. One in which they are grateful for their Scotch education when they are 75, not just 18. We aim high because we have the imagination, the drive, the freshness, the culture and the desire to see your children prosper so the world around them prospers too. Dr John Newton Principal, Scotch College Adelaide

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