Rex June/July 2017

June/July 2017

ORANGE is the new BORDEAUX Why it’s the wine region on everyone’s lips

Adventure cruising

Explore Alaska, Antarctica and Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast by sea

Sydney’s harbour secrets Venture down hidden lanes and visit historic islands

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

A HOME AT SCHOOL COME AND SEE US ACROSS RURAL NSW THROUGHOUT 2017 • TOCAL, Paterson, 5-7 May • Mudgee Field Days, 14-15 July

• Boarding Schools Expo - Dubbo, 19-20 May • Boarding Schools Expo - Tamworth, 28-29 July

• Knox comes to Griffith, 1-2 June • AgQuip, Gunnedah, 22-24 August

For more information, contact Martin Gooding, Head of Enrolments, at goodingm@knox.nsw.edu.au or call 02 9473 9768.

A Uniting Church school for boys, K-12 – Wahroonga, Sydney www.knox.nsw.edu.au

Bamaga NPA

WHERE WE FLY

Mornington Island (Gununa) Karumba Normanton

Cairns

Burketown

Flights to Karumba operate until 30 June 2017

Doomadgee

Townsville Mount Isa

Julia Creek

Hughenden

Richmond

Winton

Boulia

Longreach Bedourie

Windorah Charleville

Birdsville

Brisbane West Wellcamp (Toowoomba)

Quilpie Cunnamulla Coober Pedy

Brisbane

St George

Thargomindah

Lismore Ceduna

Grafton (Yamba) Armidale

Cobar

Broken Hill Whyalla

Perth

Dubbo

Parkes

Albany

Port Lincoln

Adelaide

Kingscote (Kangaroo Island)

Griffith

Bathurst

Narrandera-Leeton Wagga Wagga Albury

Mount Gambier

Taree

Orange

Mildura Esperance

Ballina (Byron Bay)

Melbourne

Newcastle

Sydney

Moruya Snowy Mountains (Cooma) Merimbula

King Island

Burnie

Dear friends of

Welcome to the June/July 2017 issue of Outthere.

In this issue you’ll find some inspirational stories from some very remarkable women.

Earlier this year, Julia Harpham from Mingoola on the NSW/QLD border, won the Rex Airlines Regional Woman of the Year Award. By welcoming the settlement of four families of African refugees, Julia’s civic leadership has enabled the rejuvenation of the township. The success of this groundbreaking initiative demonstrates hope to the plight of other deteriorating regional communities.

Jenna Brook, from the outback town of Birdsville in Queensland, is another inspirational woman. In February 2018 she

will embark of a journey of epic proportions, running from the most southern tip of Tasmania to the tip of Cape York all in the name of bowel cancer. She aims to raise $30,000 to support Bowel Cancer Australia.

For more on her efforts and how you can support this cause, see the article inside.

We hope you enjoy this issue.

Until next time, from all 1,000 of us at Rex, Air Link, Pel-Air and AAPA, we invite you to sit back, relax and let us do the flying.

The Rex team

www.finditinforbes.com.au

And the bush hath friends to meet him, and their kindly voices greet him In the murmur of the breezes and river on it's bars, And he sees the vision splendid of the sunlit plains extended, And at night the wondrous glory of the everlasting stars.

Clancy of the Overflow - Banjo Patterson

contents

07 Rex News 1 5 Port Profile

Discover culture and history in Cooma.

24

1 6 Puzzles 1 9 Houseboating High Romance along the Murray Darling rivers.

2 4 Orange is the New...

Bordeaux! Why it's the wine region on everyone's lips.

3 0 Harbour Secrets

LIFESTYLE 01 ENTERTAINMENT 03 WHAT'S ON 04 CULTURE CLUB 09 HOT PRODUCTS 11 WINE COUNTRY DINING The Hunter Valley's top fine dining restaurants 16 AUTO REVIEW The best cars for less

Explore historic Sydney.

DESTINATION 20

RENAISSANCE CITY Discover a glamorous new Perth – first stop, the luxurious COMO the Treasury

25 NEW AGE OF CRUISE It's time to challenge everything you thought you knew about the cruising experience 36 AUSTRALIAN WINE SPECIAL Our wine industry has come of age. Find out why the whole world is excited in our special review

BUSINESS 57 NEWS AND VIEWS 59 AUSTRALIA'S ENERGY CRISIS What can be done to fix the issues surrounding Australia's energy supply?

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75 EDUCATION SPECIAL Top boarding schools and universities around Australia 105 REX DIRECTORY Our pick of Australia's best offerings for travellers

TRANSPORT & LOGISTICS

A U S T R A L I A N

INDUSTRY SKILLS COUNCIL 2014 2013 2014 BEST REGIONAL AIRLINE 2011 AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE

PEOPLE’S CHOICE

63 WHEN ONE DOOR CLOSES...

In the wake of recent power station closures, how are we reskilling the jobless?

AWARDS

TOP PERFORMING 2009-14 REGIONAL AIRLINE

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did you know flying causes dehydration?

Mention ‘Rex air’ to receive 15% off your bill at Beer DELUXe * Come enjoy some of the best craft beer in our venues; Albury Fed-Square, Melbourne Hawthorn King St. Wharf, Sydney Wagga Wagga www.beerdeluxe.com.au Everything we do, we do for beer.

*Terms & condition apply. Offer expires 31/08/2017 Not to be used in conjunction with any other offers

contents

Get in ! touch EDITOR Zoe Meunier zoe.meunier@edge.agency COMMISSIONING EDITOR Annabelle Warwick ART DIRECTOR Guy Pendlebury SUB-EDITORS Merran White, Jiyan Dessens PRODUCTION MANAGER Brian Ventour CONTRIBUTORS Darren Baguley, Michael Benn, Rowan Crosby, Jiyan Dessens, Deborah Dickson-Smith, Patrick Haddock, Sally Macmillan, Tim O'Reilly, Ben Smithurst, Anna Warwick 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, SA and NT SALES REP Helen Glasson, Hogan Media Phone: 08 9381 3991 helen@hoganmedia.com.au MANAGING PARTNERS Fergus Stoddart, Richard Parker

Read and share Outthere online at issuu.com/edgeinflight

Cover image of Orange

by Kyle Manning

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

T

his is my first issue as editor of Outthere, and if you’ll excuse the pun, I couldn’t be more thrilled to be on board. It’s inspiring to be at the helm (or should that be cockpit?) of a magazine that celebrates the beauty, diversity and unique stories of every corner of our magnificent country – and beyond.

In Rex this issue, we take off on a romantic houseboating adventure along the Murray and Darling rivers and uncover Sydney’s hidden past via its cobbled back streets and historic city islands. We also explore the bounty of Orange, which is fast cementing its reputation as a wine-growing region to rival the world’s finest.

Speaking of wine, don’t miss our huge special in Outthere which explores just how far Australian wine has come in recent years, with a state by state, region by region

guide to the best places for wine lovers to visit (best read with a glass of red in hand!).

We also have a fantastic cruise special in the issue, which will make you rethink everything you thought you knew about cruising. If you ever wanted to experience dog sledding, glacier hiking or swimming with turtles, we have the cruise to transport you there in style.

Enjoy getting Outthere!

Zoe Meunier, Editor

5

NEW RELEASE WINES ...........................

AVAILABLE ONLINE NOW

JACK ESTATE C O O N AWA R R A JACKESTATE.COm

news

The 2017 NSW Women of the Year Awards at the International Convention Centre, Sydney.

NSW Women of the Year Awards 2017 Each year, the NSW government holds

the NSW Women of the Year Awards to recognise outstanding women across the state and celebrate their significant achievements. This year there were six categories; the Harvey Norman Young Woman of the Year, the Community Hero Award, the NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year, the NSW Business Woman of the Year, the NSW Premier’s Woman of the Year, and the Rex Airlines Regional Woman of the Year.

The 2017 awards were presented on 8 March 2017 at the International Convention Centre in Sydney by the NSW Premier, the Hon. Gladys Berejiklian MP and Minister for Women, the Hon. Tanya Davies MP. Rex has sponsored this particular award since its inception in 2015, and each year Rex staff involved in the process of judging the nominations are inspired to learn of the important contributions these women are making to their regional communities. This

year Julia Harpham was the winner of the Rex Airlines Regional Woman of the Year award. From Mingoola, a small township on the NSW/QLD border, Julia personifies civic leadership. Most notably, Julia championed a grassroots resettlement plan for African refugees that transformed her community and addressed the problems of an aging and declining population. Welcoming four families (29 members) to Mingoola has allowed the town to reopen its school and provides permanent seasonal workers for local farmers.

Julia and the Mingoola Progress Association’s model successfully connects refugees to regional Australia, breaks migrant misconceptions and shows hope to other deteriorating regional communities.

Speaking about the awards, Julia said, “The opportunity to make the plight of refugees who would prefer to be rural dwellers rather than city dwellers more widely known, and to correct some

2017 Rex Airlines Regional Woman of the Year finalists (from left to right) – Annette Baker, Lynette Fragar AO, Julia Harpham (winner) and Stephanie Cameron.

misconceptions about refugees was wonderful. The sponsorship provided by Rex Airlines was very generous.”

International Women’s Day 2017

International Women’s Day was celebrated in true style for the women of the southern inland Queensland town of St George. A beautiful luncheon was attended by 270 local women who celebrated the occasion with inspirational speakers and delightful food. A highlight of the day was listening to the Q&A session with former Governor-General of Australia (and the first female to hold this office), The Honourable Dame Quentin Bryce. Another highpoint was listening to athletes, Laura Clemesha and Alison Jones, young women who have achieved great success in their lives and are amazing ambassadors for the region.

Rex has supported the event since 2015, and this year provided a complimentary flight for Dame Bryce.

“Rex has sponsored this particular award since its inception in 2015, and each year Rex staff involved in the process of judging the nominations are inspired to learn of the important contributions these women are making to their regional communities” 7

news

F or Runn al l t hi n g s in g f o rB ru n n r e l a te d g o u m s ingf o to rb u or fol ms.com.a u l ow @ ru n n o n s o i n g f o rb u m ci a l m s e dia .

Jenna Brook with Rex First Officer Jacob Brenan.

Running for Bums In February 2018 Jenna Brook from the outback Queensland town of Birdsville, will embark on a journey of epic proportions, running from the southernmost tip of Tasmania to the tip of Cape York. The run is proudly supporting Bowel Cancer Australia and has been very aptly named 'Running for Bums'.

Over the course of her journey,

Jenna will traverse in excess of 4,500km, go through ten pairs of shoes, visit many rural communities, and raise more than $30,000 to support the great work that Bowel Cancer Australia do. Jenna is a fierce advocate for early screening and knowing your risk of bowel cancer. Her ultimate goal is to reduce the stigma associated

with bowel cancer and to get communities and families openly talking about it.

Jenna invites everyone along her route to join her for an hour or a day, and to drop into camp for a cuppa if you see her out and about.

Rex is proud to support Jenna on her adventure and looks forward to following her journey along the way.

THE FASTEST WAY TO THE SNOWIES Bookings now available for the winter season.

Visit rex.com.au/schedules for the 2017 winter schedule.

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news From far left: Rex First Officer Michael Paris hands Toby to WIRES CEO Leanne Taylor; ‘Toby’, the Eastern Long Necked Turtle.

Toby the Turtle Gets a Courtesy Flight on the Way Home to Cooma Earlier this year ‘Toby’, the Eastern Long Necked Turtle commenced his journey home to Cooma thanks to WIRES* and Rex Airlines, which provided him with a courtesy flight to Wagga Wagga.

A kind member of the public found the injured turtle on the roadside in Cooma in early February, suffering from a badly cracked shell, probably from being run over by a car.

As all native animals must be released back into the area where they were found, WIRES had to organise Toby’s return to Cooma.

“As WIRES relies almost entirely on public donations to rehabilitate and release our native animals we are extremely grateful to Rex Airlines for their generous offer to help us take Toby back home,” said WIRES CEO Leanne Taylor. *If you find an injured animal or bird, please call WIRES on 13000 WIRES (94 737) or you can “Report a Rescue” following the links on the website wires.org.au.

There is also a free Wildlife rescue app available for download from Google Play or the App Store to a smart phone or tablet.

GIVING FLIGHT A GO(ANNA) This little guy thought he would save himself the trek and hitch a ride with Rex to Townsville. The goanna had the procedure down pat at Winton airport, weighing himself for travel!

GIRL POWER Captain Margaret (Margie) Howies, First Officer Megan Fricke and Flight Attendant Kylie Buckberry after landing at Perth Airport.

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PULL UP. TAKE OFF. If you want to fly through Sydney Airport there’s nothing quicker than Pronto Valet.

Simply drop off your car and head straight to the gate. It’s that easy. Pronto Valet car parks are conveniently located just steps from the Domestic and International Terminals and you can save by booking online at sydneyairport.com.au

Frequently Asked Questions As you sit back in comfort en route to your destination, the Rex crew hope you enjoy this interesting and informative light reading.

Q. Why do the flight attendants insist that all window blinds be up for take-off?

A. The most critical phases of a flight are the take-off and the landing. In the most unlikely event of a situation that requires an emergency evacuation, it is important that crew and passengers are able to have a clear view of the outside conditions in case of obstructions. For example, before exits are opened, staff must check for fire or other obstacles that may present potential hazards during the evacuation.

Q. Why do you have to stow your hand luggage in the overhead lockers, under the seats or in the seat pockets for take-off and landing?

A. Flight crews are required by Civil Aviation Regulations to secure the cabin as well as possible for take-off and landing. As mentioned, these are the most critical phases of the flight and securing as much hand luggage as possible ensures that in the unlikely event of an emergency, the exits and aisles stay as clear as possible, in case evacuation is necessary. It is also important to keep hand luggage secure whenever possible to ensure that heavier items do not become airborne within the cabin.

This is especially important when the aircraft is experiencing turbulence.

Q. Why do you feel so tired from flying?

A. As the aircraft altitude increases, air pressure decreases. As the pressure of the air decreases, the body absorbs less oxygen than it would at sea level – therefore, it must work harder to supply oxygen to the body’s cells. As the body is working harder, it becomes more tired.

Q. Why do you sometimes feel pain in your ears or sinuses during ascent or descent?

A. The sinuses and middle ear are air-containing cavities that connect with the nose via narrow channels. As aircraft ascend and cabin pressure drops, air passes out of these cavities (without any effort from the passenger) to balance the cabin pressure.

It is a different matter during descent, as the cabin pressure increases. The channels close down and must be actively opened by holding the nose and

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blowing to inflate the cavities. Facial and ear pain can occur during descent if re-inflation does not occur, and this is much more likely if the passenger has nasal congestion. If you must fly with a cold or hayfever, use a decongestant nasal spray before descent and buy some ‘ear planes’ to plug your ears. (Information contributed by Dr Daniel Hains, ENT Surgeon.)

Q. When can electronic equipment such as laptops, iPods and mobile phones be used?

A. All Personal Electronic Devices (PEDs) must be placed in flight mode inside the departure terminal and must remain in flight mode until inside the arrival terminal. Small handheld PEDs weighing less than 1kg, such as mobile phones, can be used in flight mode during all stages of flight on Rex’s Saab 340 aircraft. PEDs over 1kg, such as laptop computers must be stowed appropriately for taxi, take-off and landing, and are permitted to be used only during cruise when the ‘Fasten Seatbelt’ sign is switched off. PEDs cannot be used while crossing the tarmac.

Q. What is the average speed of the aircraft in cruise?

A. Approximately 500 kilometres per hour.

Q. Why do you have to get permission from the Captain to move to a vacant seat?

A. The aircraft’s take-off speed is calculated by the weight and balance of the aircraft, and many factors need to be considered for a successful take-off.

Factors include the weight of passengers and where they are seated, the weight of cargo, freight and fuel, the distance available on the runway et cetera.

For example, if there are 100 or more kilograms of freight in the cargo, the balance of the aircraft will be better maintained if passengers are seated in the forward rows.

AIR TURBULENCE Q. Aircraft often experience air turbulence, but what causes it?

A. Imagine the air around the aircraft is water in a stream. We can see how water is disturbed around rocks or when two streams converge. Turbulence in the air is similar: as the aircraft passes through cold air or in the vicinity of terrain that has disturbed the

airflow – often incorrectly referred to as ‘air pockets’ – the aircraft climbs and descends in the same way that a boat moves on water. Though turbulence can be uncomfortable, it poses no threat to the aircraft and is akin to driving on a rough or unsealed road. More severe turbulence can be associated with developing thunderstorms. The Saab 340 has a sophisticated weather radar that pilots use to avoid these areas. Occasionally, a flight attendant will discontinue serving passengers in turbulent conditions; this is a precaution to ensure everyone’s safety.

Q. Why should you keep your seatbelt fastened even when the ‘Fasten Seatbelt’ sign is switched off?

A. On occasions, the flight crew cannot foresee turbulence or it is not picked up on the flight-deck radar. Because of this, we could unexpectedly experience turbulence at any time. The company recommends that you always keep your seatbelt fastened while you are seated – for your safety, just in case unexpected turbulence is encountered.

ENGINE NOISES Q. Why do the aircraft’s engine noises change during flight?

A. Aircraft need more power to climb than to descend, in the same way that a car needs more power to go up a hill than down one. The Saab 340 turboprop has more than enough power to climb, so shortly after take-off you will notice a change in noises as the power is reduced. The pilots also control the pitch angle of the propellers for various stages of the flight and as they ‘change gears’, this can also be heard in the cabin.

Q. What should you do if you see or hear something that does not look or sound right or normal?

A. Please advise your flight attendant. The flight attendant may be able to answer your query and allay any fears. If not, the flight attendant will contact the flight deck and advise the pilots of anything unusual. Rex encourages open communication and will always treat a passenger’s concerns with the utmost seriousness.

Exercise and stretch regularly while seated.

SEATED EXERCISES

Inflight comfort Flying can be demanding and altitude may make your body more sensitive to the effects of alcohol and caffeine. Sitting in one place for a long time can be uncomfortable and slow down your blood circulation. To help your body adjust to flying and to maintain your personal comfort and wellbeing, we recommend you take the following steps:

ANKLE CIRCLES. Lift feet off floor, draw a circle with the toes, simultaneously moving one foot clockwise and the other foot counterclockwise. Reverse circles.

Do each direction for 15 seconds. Repeat if desired.

FOOT PUMPS. Start with both heels on the floor and point feet upward as high as you can. Then put both feet flat on the floor. Then lift heels high, keeping the balls of your feet on the floor. Continue cycle in 30-second intervals.

Keep hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids – water, juice, non-caffeinated soft drinks – to prevent dehydration, fatigue and headaches. Minimise intake of alcohol and coffee. Moisten the face to help reduce the drying effects of cabin air.

Eat lightly. Eat lightly on longer flights to avoid indigestion – our inflight menu is designed to provide lighter meal options.

KNEE LIFTS. Lift leg with knee bent while contracting your thigh muscle. Alternate legs. Repeat 20 to 30 times for each leg.

SHOULDER ROLLS. Hunch shoulders forward, then upward, then backward, then downward, using a gentle, circular motion.

ARM CURLS. Arms held at 90° angles, elbows down, hands in front. Raise hands up to chest and back down. Alternate hands. Repeat in 30-second intervals.

SEATED STRETCHES

Exercise. We encourage you to do the gentle onboard exercises on this page to enhance your wellbeing during the flight.

We recommend you do these exercises for about five minutes every one to two hours.

You should also occasionally walk down the aisles, as space permits. In addition, we recommend that you avoid crossing your legs.

Please note: you should not do any of these exercises if they cause you pain or cannot be done with ease.

Moving about the aircraft. You may move about the aircraft as space permits and when the seatbelt sign is off. However, when the seatbelt sign is on you are required to remain seated with the seatbelt fastened.

KNEE TO CHEST. Bend forward slightly.

Clasp hands around left knee and hug it to your chest. Hold the stretch for 15 seconds.

Keeping hands around knee, slowly let it down. Alternate legs. Repeat 10 times.

FORWARD FLEX. With both feet on the floor and stomach held in, slowly bend forward and walk your hands down the front of your legs toward your ankles. Hold the stretch for 15 seconds and slowly sit back up.

OVERHEAD STRETCH. Raise both hands straight up over your head. With one hand, grasp the wrist of the opposite hand and gently pull to one side. Hold the stretch for 15 seconds. Repeat on the other side.

If you feel unwell, tell the cabin crew.

They can assist with the more common inflight complaints and, if necessary, can seek further advice and assistance for you.

On descent. Ears and sinuses can cause discomfort, due to the change in air pressure on descent. To minimise discomfort: • Yawn or swallow frequently.

• Pinch your nostrils together and blow firmly into your cheeks with your mouth closed.

If you have ongoing discomfort, seek the advice of the cabin crew.

SHOULDER STRETCH. Reach your right hand over your left shoulder. Place your left hand behind your right elbow and gently press your elbow toward your shoulder. Hold the stretch for 15 seconds. Repeat on the other side.

NECK ROLLS. With your shoulders relaxed, drop your ear to shoulder and gently roll your neck forward and to the other side, holding each position for five seconds. Repeat five times.

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All photos (except for top right) courtesy of Lake Crackenback Resort & Spa

THE FASTEST WAY TO THE SNOWIES Enjoy the Snowy Mountains in summer with Rex Airlines

SNOWY MONARO REGIONAL COUNCIL SUPPORTING EVENTS IN OUR REGION

www.visitcooma.com.au/events

news

PORT PROFILE

Check in to

COOMA

Known as the gateway to the Snowy Mountains, the historic southern New South Wales town of Cooma boasts a vibrant cultural heritage.

Words: Jiyan Dessens PERFECTLY positioned between the sweeping Monaro Plains and the scenic snow-capped peaks of Australia’s foremost alpine area, Cooma is a town steeped in both history and scientific innovation.

Just 114 kilometres from Canberra and with a population of more than 6,000, it’s the largest township in the Snowy River Region. As with any large regional town, there’s a fair bit of activity going on. Caravan parks, motels, hotels, cabins, parks, gardens, restaurants and taverns abound – all of it a good mix of modern and historical.

A town with a population that exploded in the 1860s due to the discovery of gold nearby, Cooma was first explored in 1823. Four years later, early settlers brought their herds of cattle out to graze, the location selected because of its idyllic surroundings and the stable water supply offered by the

neighboring Murrumbidgee and Snowy Rivers.

The town’s heritage-listed Royal Hotel was first licensed in the 1850s and it’s been serving cold brews and mouth-watering local fare ever since. Besides being the only pub in town that still has an iconic wrap-around verandah, Cooma’s oldest pub is situated on historic Lambie Street, the area’s first commercial precinct.

Swing by the lush, cool groves of Centennial Park and drop in at the Cooma Visitor Information Centre, which has information on everything you’ll need to make your stay in Cooma memorable.

Next door is a commemorative statue of Banjo Paterson’s The Man from Snowy River, an homage to the famous semi-fictional mountain man who sealed the beauty of the surrounding countryside in local lore.

Exploring those scenic surrounds is easy, with the

Nanny Goat Hill Reserve and North Ridge Reserve lookouts, hiking and biking trails just a short walk away.

An hour out of town, you’ll find Yarrangobilly Caves, created within a belt of limestone some 440 million years ago, and the rugged alpine splendour of Kosciuszko National Park.

If modern is more your thing, Cooma is also home to the mighty Snowy Mountains Scheme, one of the greatest engineering achievements in all of Australia. The post-war influx of workers from more than 28 countries to work on the pioneering hydro-electricity project resulted in Cooma being a town rich in culture.

Savour the delights of its cafés, restaurants and wineries, and definitely don’t leave the area without sampling the locally roasted Snowy Mountains Coffee.

Also visit ...

SNOWY HYDRO DISCOVERY CENTRE A state-of-the-art visitor facility showcasing the remarkable story of the Snowy Mountains Scheme, from the early days of its construction to the pivotal role the scheme continues to play today. snowyhydro.com.au

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Intermediate Sudoku by KrazyDad, Volume 1, Book 1

SUDOKU #1 Sudoku Rating  (Medium)

2 4 3 8

8. Suvarnabhumi Airport is which nation’s main air terminal?

9. In 2015 Kuala Lumpar Airport advertised unclaimed property (requiring collection in 14 days to avoid disposal) of three: elephants; Van Gogh paintings; human fingers; or Jumbo Jets?

2. What discipline contains ‘asanas’ including names such as half boat, full boat, tree, and happy baby?

3. Genever is the old word for what alcoholic drink?

10. Which one of these is not a member of the same Mustelidae mammal family as the others: marten; wolverine; otter; mink; badger; or fox?

4. The Latin words bellum and bellus are similar because Ancient Romans saw (which two concepts?) as highly noble: love and loss; war and beauty; nature and science; or incest and marriage?

1

2

5

5 6 7

© 2013 KrazyDad.com

CROSSWORD

Fill in the blank squares so that each row, each column and each 3-by-3 block contain all of the digits 1 thru 9.

If you use logic you can solve the puzzle without guesswork.

Need a little help? The hints page shows a logical order to solve the puzzle.

Use it to identify the next square you should solve. Or use the answers page if you really get stuck.

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ACROSS 1. Pulled 5. Ox harness 7. Make on loom 8. NZ bird 9. Delicate fabric 10. Nonconformist 11. Alone, by ...

13. Central US state 14. Car shed 18. Blueprint 21. Molten rock 22. Sayings 24. Himalayan republic 25. Wearing footwear 26. Travel by yacht 27. Overly fat 28. Garden of Creation 29. Ponged

Sudoku #5 QUIZ 2 3ANSWERS 6 7 8 1 9 4 5 1. Darling (Grace Darling 1838) 2. Yoga 8 5 1 9 4 6 7 2 3 3. Gin (from Old French reference 5 3 2 the 8 juniper 7 4 9to juniperus, 1 6 tree, genevre, whose 4 7 berries 2 1 are 5 used 8 in 3 9 6 production) 4.3 War Beauty 5. Spain 6. FIFA 9 and 5 2 6 7 1 8 4 7. Edinburgh 8. Thailand 9. Jumbo Jets 6 1 8 4 9 3 2 5 7 10.

Fox (from mammal family Canidae) 4 Tenant 8 1 farmer 9 313.7War2 5 12.6 6 12.

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1 Mona 2 3Lisa6 7 5 4 9 8 9 8 7 3 2 4 5 6 1

Quiz © Businessballs 2016 / Sudoku & Crossword © Lovatts Puzzles

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14. Lisa Gherardini (aka Lisa del Giocondo) is better known as the: Snow Queen; Barber of Seville; Cadbury’s Flake model; or Mona Lisa?

Sudoku #3 CROSSWORD 1 6 8 9 5 3 9 5 2 7 2 7 4 3 6 8 1 6 4 3 4 2 3 7 8 7 5 9 1 2 9 8 7 5 4 5 4 2 6 1 6 3 1 8 9

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13. Ares, equating to the Roman god Mars, is the Greek god of: love; music and dance; war; or chocolate?

Sudoku #4 1 9 2 3 5 7 4 1 8 3 6 9 9 8 7 5 4 2 3 8 6 5 1 4 7 6 8 2 3 4 5 6 2 1 9 7

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1 3 2 8 6 9 7 7 9 1 8 4 5 6

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Sudoku #2 8 2 1 7 5 9 6 8 7 4 3 2 4 6 5 9 9 1 7 3 2 3 8 4 6 5 4 1 3 7 2 5 1 8 9 6 1

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7 5 6 8 2 4 3 7 5 1 4 3 8 6 1 9 8

SUDOKU#1 Sudoku 6 2 4 3 1 3 9 4 7 5 8 1 4 9 6 8 2 8 3 7 5 1 7 9 9 4 1 2 3 6 2 5 8 7 5 6

7

4

12. The American term ‘sharecropper’ refers to a: stock market trader; tenant farmer; tax inspector; or 1ice-hockey player?

7 4 6 8 6 2 2 5 4 6 2 1 1 9 5 3 7 9 5 1 3 9 8 7 4 3 8

Intermediate Sudoku by KrazyDad, Volume 1, Book 1

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Answers

THE ANSWERS

7. The Forth Road Bridge connects which major city to the ‘Kingdom of Fife’?

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11. A circle of 12.6 metres circumference has an area roughly how many square metres: 1.5; 2.8; 5.7 or 12.6?

5. The Almeria region, driest in Europe, used for filming many famous Cowboy/Western films, is in: Turkey; Spain; Cyprus; or Germany?

6. French lawyer Jules Rimet (1873-1956) became the longest serving president (1921-54) of: Ford Motor Company; FIFA; NASA; or France?

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DOWN 1. Chattering 2. Slicer 3. Miniature (plant) 4. Risked 5. Shades of gold 6. Striking with foot 12. Haul with effort 15. Ashamed 16. Forsake 17. Broke out suddenly 19. Outcome 20. Lay cosily 22. Modify 23. Gangway

It is far better to be deceived than to be undeceived by those we love.

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Fill the grid so that every column, every row and every 3x3 box contains the numbers 1 to 9.

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MURRAY DARLING Rendezvous A weekend houseboating along the Murray and Darling rivers offers a heady blend of beauty, history, relaxation and romance.

WORDS: Anna Warwick

nlike childhood memories of wild adventures on the Murray River, a grown-up houseboating weekend proved to be delightfully romantic. Forced to dock by sunset, we succumbed to our circadian rhythms and got plenty of rest.

Captains of our destiny

We commandeer our ship from the charming town of Wentworth on the Darling, the longest river in Australia, where it marries with the mighty Murray.

Wentworth sits at the gateway to the New South Wales outback, only 280 kilometres from Broken Hill, with the Murray River the state border. On the other side of the junction you’re in Victoria, with Mildura the nearest big town.

Back in the 1800s, when hundreds of paddle steamers used these two great waterways as highways and carried mail, cattle and produce between South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales, the port of Wentworth was a

riverboat mecca. Now it’s a quiet and leafy village with a fascinating heritage.

Learning the ropes

After doing our shopping for the weekend we receive a driving lesson aboard the two-bedroom houseboat, from Murray Darling Houseboats manager Trevor.

He gives us a quick tour of the ins and outs and the extensive full kitchen on board. It’s clear that safety comes first, but by and large this is a super-safe way to travel. Trevor shows us how to release and tie up the ropes, and how to moor the houseboat to appropriate trees – dead trees and those leaning too far over the water being no-go zones.

It’s de rigueur to honk the horn three times as you pull out, Trevor explains.

It takes several back-and-forth turns of the huge steel steering wheel to adjust to the reaction time as the boat swings slowly on its rudder – as we discover on setting off down the Darling after

sunrise next morning.

Once we’re underway and through the bridge it’s a lovely smooth ride, with plenty of room for error until we get our bearings, overcompensating for the current on one side.

The Sweet Darling

A family of tiny swallows has ducked out from under the houseboat, where they live, and are swooping and swirling around us. The water twinkles in the morning sun. Gums tower over the water as we cruise, just the two of us, up the Darling. Fellow river folk wave from docked fishing boats and houseboats on either bank.

We manoeuvre along the Darling’s curves, one of us driving, the other getting coffee or perusing Trevor’s maps, until we’re weaving past huge expanses of farmland, with sheep lazing under the trees on the banks.

Finding a shady spot, we steer the boat into the bank and I keep the motor 19

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running to push it hard against the shore as the ‘Captain’ runs from tree to deck to tree grabbing ropes and securing us front and back on both sides.

Now we can relax. We take a stroll onto the adjacent property but it must be enormous as the sheep have left droppings but there’s no sign of them among the dry scrub in the distance.

After paddling the kayak around for a while and messing about, we fire up the barbie and have lunch on the upper deck.

There’s not a soul in sight. It couldn’t be more idyllic.

Trevor had suggested we head 50 kilometres further down the Darling, to the heritage-listed retreat at Avoca Station Homestead, owned by Barb and Ian Law, for a meal and a stroll through the gardens. But I’m keen to head to the Murray, place of my water-skiing, ropeswinging, yabbie-barbequing youth.

Where two rivers meet

Heading back past Wentworth, we pass Junction Island, also known as Snake Island, more for its long shape than any reptilian inhabitants. The island was

once a gathering place of tribes from far and wide, and great corroborees were held here.

This is where Captain Sturt was met by 600-odd Aborigines, ready to escort him off their land. The story changes depending on which side you speak with (Sturt was either a good man who befriended the Aborigines with the help of a few Indigenous buddies; or he was a bad, violent type who the tribes tolerated only as long as he didn’t start any funny business). Either way, Sturt was allowed to continue on his journey – and the rest is history.

clay banks, which also lend it a healthy stony colour. There’s nothing to be feared, the water is clean and filled with fish and yabbies, easily caught – no crocs lurk this far south of the tropics.

We spend a while securing the boat against the bank of the mighty Murray, eventually roping it to not-quite-alivebut-still-strong-looking tree trunks.

On the Murray

We reach Lock 10 and turn left, heading upstream. Those who head downstream through the lock, will discover scattered sandy beaches as the Murray winds its way towards Renmark, and the scenic forests of Mildura, perhaps fishing for cod off the back of the boat, or docking for a round of golf at the river’s edge or to sample wines at the region’s cellar doors.

This river is deep and wide and has that distinctly earthy smell thanks to its

ALL ABOARD THE RUBY

“The island was a gathering place of tribes from far and wide, and great corroborees were held here”

If you’re after something fancy for a big celebration, the newly restored Ruby paddle-steamer (it took around 20 years to gather the parts) is just stunning, complete with her original wheelhouse and brass fittings.

Built in Morgan, South Australia in 1907, the Ruby transported passengers and cargo between Echuca, Mildura, Wentworth and Goolwa, ending her days as a houseboat. The Rotary Club of Wentworth purchased the P.S. Ruby in 1968, then in 1995, gifted her to the Wentworth Community.

The Ruby has 14 quaint little cabins (numbered 1-15 but 13 is omitted for superstitious reasons), each with a bunkbed. There’s a dining room upstairs and you’ll be crewed and catered for on river cruises and for private functions.

To book the Ruby, phone Wentworth Visitor Information Centre on 03 5027 5080 or head to psruby.com/ruby

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Despite the strong currents, we succeed just as the sun, a fiery red ball, disappears into the bush. The sky lights up with orange, pink and purple, its pastels reflected across the water. Huge birds swoop and nestle into the trees. Our swallows have turned in for the night.

It’s hot after dinner, so we head upstairs and lie on the sun loungers.

The stars are so bright out here they are reflected, pinpoints of white, in the slick black water below. We stare up at the Saucepan, the Southern Cross and the thick, white smudge of the Milky Way. One, two, three shooting stars pass overhead. Some things haven’t changed since childhood.

There’s no need for blinds as I stare out at the stars from bed and the fresh river breeze blows in. In the morning, a cavalcade of pretty birdcalls wakes us.

A long weekend on the rivers is almost enough. To do it right you’d really need a week, maybe more.

Houseboats come in all shapes and sizes; some can accommodate up to 20 people. Costs are reasonable – budget for boat hire plus around 10 litres of petrol per kilometre Even for first-timers like us, houseboating was simply heaven.

Visit murraydarlinghouseboats.com.au for more information.

“The sky lights up with orange, pink and purple, its pastels reflected across the water.

Huge birds swoop and nestle into the trees”

WHEN IN WENTWORTH

• Do your grocery shopping on Darling Street and stop in at the Visitor Information Centre for maps and guides.

• Stretch your ‘sea legs’ on Snake Island, where you’ll find tiny bush tomatoes and salt bush as well as a few huge canoe trees from which the local tribespeople used to cut bark to make canoes and rafts.

• Most of Wentworth’s buildings are original, making it heavy on charm. Visit the Old Gaol, the Courthouse, the old Convent and Schoolhouse buildings and the Customs House.

• Bustling with diners, the Artback Gallery & Café on Adelaide Street is a delight.

A two-storey heritage building that was once a theatre, it’s been immaculately refitted by artist couple Steve and Anne Hederics. The light-filled building, its walls lined with art, offers loft level dining as well as lounges and a terrace overlooking the Darling River. Meals are innovative, with garden-picked produce.

Outside, Steve’s carving of an entwined Murray cod and Darling catfish symbolises the romance of the region. artbackaustralia.com.au

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ORANGE is the new

BORDEAUX In the 20 years since official recognition of Orange as a wine-growing region, the area has flourished, becoming a favoured destination for the epicurious.

WORDS: Deborah Dickson-Smith

he region of Orange is gaining significant traction with its reputation as the coolclimate wine-producing region of New South Wales, with a distinct and elevated ‘terroir’ producing elegant and sophisticated wines compared frequently to those of the Bordeaux region of France.

Terroir is a word of French origin used to define the features of a winegrowing region including its climate, geology, topography and soils, all of which contribute to the unique qualities of the wine-grapes grown in each region. With 2017 marking the 20th anniversary of the Orange appellation’s official recognition as a wine-growing region by the Geographic Indicator Committee, there are plenty of reasons to celebrate.

We tour the region with Orange Wine Tours, and discover many fine wines, meet several passionate winemakers and dine at cafés and

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restaurants that rival the finest in our largest capital cities.

Joining us on tour are two local winemakers: Justin Jarrett of See Saw Wines and Marty Gransden of Cumulus Wines. Seeing this community of winemakers come together to promote the region is quite something.

“Orange is a cosmopolitan region,” says Jarrett. “If we can all stick to improving our quality, delivering the truth of it and working together, the region will continue to leap ahead.”

Our tour starts at Philip Shaw Wines, guided by Dan Shaw, Philip’s son, who now runs the winery. Philip established the vineyard here in 1989, having searched Australia for years to find the best site, lured by the opportunity to pioneer and champion an emerging wine-growing region.

Dan returned to the family business after having worked all over the world making wine, from California to Chianti, Burgundy and New Zealand.

“It’s my mission here to perfect sauvignon blanc, having made so much of it in New Zealand,” says Dan, admitting to a bit of family rivalry.

“Chardonnay was what Dad was most famous for, so I’d like to try to create a better one.”

He’s also working on a special project, mainly for his own personal interest (and consumption): the perfect cabernet franc – a varietal I get to hear a lot more about over the course of the weekend.

Our next stop is at Tamburlaine Wines, a Hunter Valley-based label that sources 95 per cent of its fruit from this vineyard in Orange. Covering an area of 87.7 hectares, it’s the largest vineyard in Orange, 100 per cent biodynamically managed and certified organic.

We head next to the city of Orange itself, to have a local tipple at Ferment – The Orange Wine Centre, a very funky wine bar run by Simon Forsyth. Simon has a selection of wines for us to try,

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including an award-winning Carillion riesling, and a Davis verduzzo – the latter a dry white that includes the same grape varietal as chardonnay, but gives it a different treatment.

Dinner tonight is at Racine Restaurant, an old homestead looking over a sweeping valley crisscrossed with grape vines. The menu here changes regularly, according to what can be sourced seasonally and locally; dishes are delicately presented and delicious.

Owners Shaun and Willa Arantz aim to provide the ultimate Orange experience, “beautiful food sourced from as close to locally as possible from the abundant land that surrounds Orange, in a picturesque setting so typical of Orange: overlooking a vineyard on the foothills of the famous Mt Canobolas”.

The next morning for breakfast, we load up at The Agrestic Grocer, an organic grocery store and café. This former apple packing shed has been transformed by two couples, recently returned home to Orange after years working in the Big Smoke.

The menu is impressive, making it difficult to choose, but I settle on poached eggs with creamed leeks,

The organic grocery store and café, The Agrestic Grocer offers some fantastic choices for breakfast and lunch.

mushrooms, double-cream brie and truffle oil on wood-fired sourdough.

Our next activity is an exhilarating Helicruz helicopter flight over the local vineyards, taking in some magnificent scenery that includes a few ’roos hopping through the vineyards.

We land at D’Aquino Highland Heritage Estate, the oldest winery in Orange, established in 1946 and now managed by Rex D’Aquino, thirdgeneration manager of this family business. Here, we’re treated to two styles of riesling: a German kabinett and an

“Dan returned to the family business after having worked all over the world making wine, from California to Chianti, Burgundy and New Zealand”

Phillip Shaw’s son, Dan has brought a wealth of experience to Orange.

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Australian, both current gold-medal winners; and a lovely dry shiraz.

Our next tasting is at Ross Hill, another repurposed apple-packing shed (this, along with cabernet franc, is a recurring theme). James Robson manages the vineyard and winery.

His mother, originally from Orange, returned in 1994 and planted 12 hectares of vines, and James has turned the business into a successful carbon-neutral and sustainable operation. The highlight here is another tasting: of a delicate, fragrant, red cabernet franc.

Templers Mill is perfectly nestled within the Orange CBD, offering convenience and effortless style to corporate and leisure travelers alike.

M OT E L

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Brangayne Vineyard is our next opportunity to sample a few delightful Orange wines. The winery is named after the catalyst of the opera Tristan and Isolde – the handmaiden who gives Isolde a love potion so she will fall in love with Tristan. It is housed in yet another converted apple shed, while the vineyard is a converted apple orchard.

Apples are no longer a profitable business in Orange for a small familyrun enterprise, which is why so many have now been converted.

Our last stop for the day is at De Salis Wines, its highest point perched 1,050m above sea level on the northern slope of

Mount Canobolas. The view from the verandah of the cellar door is spectacular.

Charlie and Loretta Svenson show us around their labour of love. All wines here are made using traditional methods; on our tour, we even encounter one of the winemakers stomping on grapes in a barrel. We adjourn to the verandah to sample a few and the highlight, again, is the cabernet franc – the wine we’d never heard of before and that is now our favourite red.

For more information visit brandorange.com.au Union Bank Wine Bar.

Where to stay De Russie Boutique Hotel.

Centrally located (and across the road from Ferment) this is a gorgeous little establishment. derussiehotels.com.au

Where to eat Percy’s Bar & Kitchen, a cool little hipster joint, specialises in Americana fare, including pork-belly burgers and southern fried chicken with waffles. Percysorange.com.au

Orange Wine Festival The 11th annual Orange Wine Festival will run 14-30 October, with a great lineup that includes wine-tasting masterclasses; the Wine Show Public Tasting; and the Festival Wine & Food Night Market. Two new events will be introduced this year: to kick off, a Wine Festival Launch Party; and, on the festival’s final weekend, the Vino Express, which departs from Central Station in Sydney for two days and nights of food and wine.

For more information visit Orangewinefestival.com.au

Byng Street Store offers a highly recommended smashed avocado with goat’s curd and tomato.

Byngstreet.com.au Racine’s Bakery does a prosciuttoand-cheese croissant that people queue up for. Racinerestaurant. com.au The Agrestic Grocer has a mouth-watering organic selection on the menu. It also opens occasionally in the evenings with live entertainment. Check the Grocer’s Facebook page for upcoming events. Facebook.com/ theagresticgrocer Union Bank Wine Bar is a Heritagelisted building that was once the first bank in Orange. Now run by Nick and Emma Bacon, the Union has an Australian-Asian fusion menu. unionbank.com.au

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De Salis Wines, perched 1,050m above sea level on the northern slope of Mount Canobolas.

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secret

HARBOUR

There’s more to Sydney than meets the eye. Search beneath the surface and you’ll uncover hidden shops, bars and cafés in cobbled laneways, historic harbour islands and intimate dining destinations.

ydney’s iconic skyline is characterised by the distinctive arch of the Harbour Bridge, Harry Seidler-designed high-rises and the sweeping ‘sails’ of the Sydney Opera House, but dig deeper and you’ll find that Australia’s oldest city has much more to offer – if you know where to look.

Founded in 1788 on the traditional lands of the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, Sydney Cove’s informal back alleys and narrow, twisting tracks grew quickly into a web of labyrinthine laneways, oblivious to any planner’s grid.

It’s here, among uneven cobblestones, centuries-old sandstone buildings and grungy service lanes often overlooked by passers-by, that the city’s true treasures can be discovered. Step back in time to explore historic Sydney Harbour, epitomised by the complex tapestry of the country’s first residential and commercial precinct: The Rocks.

Wreathed in history

“I love how Sydney is a city of transformations,” says Lisa Norris, strategic stakeholder relations manager, The Rocks, for Property NSW. “All of the buildings we look after have so much history, and each time a new business moves in, it adds another layer… heritage coming to life.”

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Just minutes from Sydney Cove Passenger Terminal, The Rocks Markets and, nearby, The Rocks Street Food takes place every Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 5pm. Sprawling across several cobbled laneways and pedestrian-only thoroughfares, stallholders set up shop where rough watering holes, thieves’ dens and sailors’ shanties once lay.

Here, not far from the distinctive oldstyle red telephone box on George Street, you can walk around the harbour and see where the original shoreline was, but a quick skip down one of the area’s many concealed stone staircases will place you right in the thick of ‘Old Sydney Town’.

During the day it’s a family-friendly precinct where you can watch rock candy being made from scratch, enjoy a delicious meal with breath-taking harbour views at one of Kendall Lane’s enchanting courtyard cafés, or partake of a locally-brewed pint straight from the keg at The Endeavour Tap Rooms (taprooms.com.au), inside the building that once housed Sydney’s longestrunning colonial hotel, Seaman’s, dating back to the 1800s.

And after dark? The Rocks shifts seamlessly from family fun to swinging nightlife, with intimate cocktail bars, wine meccas and all-star eateries hiding behind heritage-listed façades.

Hidden gems

“Around every corner, there’s something new to discover,” says Lisa. “No matter how well you know the area, you can pop down a little lane and find something you’ve never seen before.”

Stop by Tuxedo (kansascityshuffle.net), Sydney’s first-ever venue dedicated to the espresso martini.

Occupying what was formerly part of the Cadbury-Fry-Pascall Ltd chocolate warehouse complex, at 195 Gloucester Street – which Lisa explains was once convict housing and later an auction house – Tuxedo’s fit-out features exposed brick, bare light bulbs, huge steel girders and an original goods lift. Stop by on a Tuesday night to enjoy interactive events such as Seinfeld trivia. In addition to caffeinated, barista-made cocktails and other martinis, the bar also offers a deliciously snackable menu packed full of super-foods.

If you’re after something more substantial, a short walk will bring you to Wild Ginger (wildgingerdiningbar.com. au), an exotic Thai eatery secreted within an original sailor’s home. Renowned restaurateur Warindah Goh offers a delicious selection of traditional dishes with an ingenious twist – don’t miss the choo chee whole trout, a house special, and the spicy tom yum cocktail on the rocks.

Whether you’re out and about day or

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SY D N E W Y CU Explo ALKS A LTURE PP r e Th a se e

D i s co l f - g u i d e R o c k s w d h i s t o ve r t h e a w a l k i n g i t h rea’s r y, ar to u and c chitec tu Indigen r. o o l o ni r al w on us al Jus t d ow n h i g h l i g h t d e r s s. lo ap p a nd se ad t he t off !

night, the best way to explore Old Sydney’s little lanes is via a walking tour – either by yourself or with a guide.

If your boots aren’t made for walking, try an historic cruise courtesy of Sydney Harbour Tall Ships (sydneytallships.com. au), or a 15-minute ferry ride from nearby Circular Quay to one of Sydney Harbour’s heritage-listed islands.

Harbour highlight

From Fort Denison to Goat, Clark and Shark islands, the archipelago of islets dotted across Sydney Harbour is rich with significant Indigenous sites, industrial attractions and remnants of early colonisation, of which UNESCO World Heritage-listed Cockatoo Island is the undisputed harbour highlight.

Situated in beautiful blue waters between the exclusive enclaves of Woolwich, Birchgrove and Balmain at the mouth of the Parramatta River, Cockatoo Island was first colonised in 1839 when then Governor Gipps chose it for the site of a new penal establishment.

Over the ensuing 150-plus years, it also became a gaol, a reform school for wayward children and a Commonwealth maritime hub, before being abandoned to the elements in 1992.

Cockatoo Island then lay dormant for a decade, becoming an unofficial Indigenous

embassy, until the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust assumed control and embarked on major restoration works.

The island was reopened to the public in 2007, and with its lonely peaks, abandoned dry docks and gaping, empty warehouses, there’s nothing quite like it.

Isle of history

“We have two distinct layers of history here,” says David Johnson, Cockatoo Island’s accommodation manager and sole permanent resident, “convict and industrial. The convicts came here for hard labour in the quarry. Every bushranger in New South Wales was incarcerated at Cockatoo Island – this was Australia’s version of Alcatraz.”

With its beautiful sandstone buildings constructed by backbreaking convict labour and Commonwealth shipyards and docks covering three of its four sides, the island is steeped in cultural heritage.

Wandering among the abandoned industrial warehouses and aged remnants of the deep, ragged holes in which the prisoners slept, it’s easy to be transported back to a time when the wide-open fields and grassy knolls weren’t so inviting.

“Eventually, the gaol was closed because the conditions were deemed too appalling, even for convicts,” says David.

“That’s when Cockatoo Island became a

reform school – a home for wayward boys and girls called Biloela.”

Learn about the Island’s chequered history by taking one of the Trust’s award-winning self-guided audio tours, or hunt for ghosts on an expert-led twilight ‘haunted history’ walk.

From the recently refurbished industrial steam cranes to the roughly hewn sandstone tunnels and breathtaking vistas, there’s so much to see in and around the island, you may need to stay a few days.

Luckily, the accommodations are now world-class, offering harbourside camping and glamping as well as beautiful historic houses and apartments at affordable prices just minutes from Sydney’s CBD. Entry to the island is free. Visit cockatooisland. gov.au to find out more.

“Explore historic Sydney Harbour, epitomised by the country’s first residential and commercial precinct: The Rocks” 31

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Iron Maiden: Vinyl Reissues We’re stepping back in time this month, courtesy of Iron Maiden releasing brandnew pressings of albums from 1990 to 2015 in heavyweight 180-gram black vinyl.

Cut from high-resolution remasters so you can enjoy crystal-clear audio, each album will be packaged in identical artwork to that of the initial vinyl releases.

Brave New World, Rock in Rio (Live), Dance of Death and A Matter of Life and Death are available from 23 June. Death on the Road (Live), Flight 666 (Live), The Final Frontier and En Vivo! (Live) are available from 21 July.

Prince: Purple Rain (Deluxe Edition) Transport yourself back to 1984 with this exciting reissue of Prince’s iconic album, Purple Rain, including major hits ‘Purple Rain’, ‘When Doves Cry’ and ‘Let’s Go Crazy’. Celebrating Prince’s extraordinary legacy, the remastered deluxe edition also features two albums of previously unreleased Prince music from the era, and two complete concert films from the Paisley Park vault.

Available from 9 June.

App Store, free Google Play, free Looking for a new or old book? Look no further! This is a free-for-all of downloadable books for your chosen device.

Offering an endless library of literary favourites – books

by Jane Austen, Arthur Conan Doyle, Lewis Carroll and Shakespeare – it also includes many publications from up-and-coming authors and fanfiction stories ripe for endless reading.

TED

App Store, free Google Play, free Feed your curiosity and expand your world with TED – a carefully curated library of more than 2000 inspiring TED talks from remarkable people. Organised by topic and mood, from tech and science to the surprises of your own psychology, you’ll be able to create your own lists, download talks directly to your device for long-haul flights and even bookmark titles for later.

watch Beatriz At Dinner Comedy M

It premiered at the Sundance Film Festival to international acclaim: Beatriz at Dinner, starring Salma Hayek, John Lithgow and Connie Britton, will take you back to every awkward conversation you’ve ever witnessed at a dinner party. Heroine Beatriz, a passionate and righteous LA healer hailing from a poor town in Mexico, finds herself locking horns at an affluent dinner party with a rapacious real estate developer. You’ll find yourself laughing and wincing at the satirical styling and squirm-inducing silences.

Beatriz at Dinner opens in cinemas across Australia from 9 June.

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Wunderlist

Half Wild Pip Smith, Allen & Unwin $29.99

Based on the true story of Eugenia Falleni, a runaway from Wellington, New Zealand who lived a life of dark intensity on the edge of Sydney society in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Half Wild is a brilliant exploration of identity, power and shifting perceptions.

Scheduled for release in June.

Some Tests Wayne Macauley, Text Publishing $29.99

This unsettling fictional journey deep into the strange world of the medical system follows Beth, who is shunted from specialist to specialist, never receiving any answers. Unnerving and brilliant, Some Tests is about waking up one morning and finding your ordinary life changed forever.

The Gulf Anna SpargoRyan, Picador $29.99

A heart-wrenching coming-of-age story, The Gulf traces the journey of 16-yearold Skye and her 10-year-old brother Ben as they take their fate into their own hands to escape family violence.

Acute, moving and ultimately uplifting, It explores issues of family, responsibility and power.

App Store, free Google Play, free Forget paper lists and trying to track down long-past expenses and receipts, Wunderlist is the answer to all your family admin needs.

From organising and sharing your to-do, work, grocery, movies and household lists to assigning tasks to specific family members, no matter what you’re planning, how big or small the task may be, Wunderlist will make it super easy to get stuff done!

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Discover the Murray River Join the gracious PS Murray Princess on one of her regular 3,4 or 7 night cruises or join one of the fabulous special event cruises.

Join one of our many special cruises we operate during the year. They are lots of fun and fill fast, so book early!

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*Conditions apply, see website for Special Event Cruise departure dates, Early Booking Saver conditions and further details on cruises and packages. From rates based on inside cabin with 2 x single beds. Cruises depart Mannum, South Australia and include coach transfers from Adelaide or secure car parking at Mannum. Fares valid to 31 March 2018. ABN 69 007 122 367.

Call 1300 729 938 or visit murrayprincess.com.au

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JULY

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O T T SED O N MIS BE

Splendour in the Grass, Byron Bay, NSW 21–23 JULY This fantastic coastal festival features a line-up of the hottest acts of 2017, including The XX, Queens of the Stone Age, LCD Soundsystem, Royal Blood, Haim and Sigur Rós. Combining live music, mosh pits, great festival food and on-site camping, Splendour typically sells out in a matter of minutes – though you can always hope for ‘resale tickets’. Happily, there are some exciting sideshows to placate those unlucky fans who miss out on the main event. splendourinthegrass.com

JUNE

JUNE

9

JULY

23

JULY

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9–12 June

23–25 June

4–6 July

July 12

Tatts Finke Desert Race, NT

Truffle Kerfuffle, WA

Big Red Bash, QLD

Holden State of Origin game III, QLD

The richest off-road, multi-terrain race in Australia. Each year, 600-plus competitors cover the 460-kilometre course from Alice Springs to the remote Finke community, traversing some of the most remote parts of the country. A true Outback experience, the Finke Desert Race delivers oodles of excitement and true-blue action.

Held in the heart of Australian truffle country, Manjimup, this festival pays homage to one of the world’s greatest delicacies: the black Périgord truffle.

Along with the live truffle hunts, masterclasses and farmers’ market, there will be a veritable glut of gala meals featuring other produce from the region, including wine from the famed Margaret River region. trufflekerfuffle.com.au

The world’s most remote music festival, the Birdsville Big Red Bash takes place in the heart of the Aussie Outback. This year, it’s set up on the Simpson Desert and features some of Australia’s bestloved country and rock music stars, with a flotilla of homegrown talent as well as desert drag races, Indigenous craft workshops, delicious food and family fun. bigredbash.com.au

State versus state, mate versus mate, with more than three decades of history, the State of Origin continues to be a pinnacle event on the NRL calendar. Held at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium, this year’s State of Origin decider is sure to be a nailbiter.

Be there to be a part of one of Australia’s unique sporting experiences. tickets.nrl.com/origin

finkedesertrace.com.au

else

where

21–25 June Glastonbury Festival, UK The UK’s biggest music event is back for another epic set on the unique Pyramid Stage. glastonburyfestivals.co.uk

22–25 June Queenstown Winter Festival, NZ An exhilarating blend of sports, culture and entertainment: experience the ultimate in cold-weather fun. winterfestival.co.nz

look

ahead

19–26 August Audi Hamilton Island Race Week, Hamilton Island, Qld Australia’s biggest offshore keelboat regatta has something for everyone! hamiltonislandraceweek.com.au

29–30 September Deni Ute Muster, Deniliquin Celebrate all things Australian at this epic cultural event beside the beautiful Edward River. deniutemuster.com.au

3

lifestyle

CULTURE

club

Got a thing for theatre? Love live music? Enjoy great galleries?

Read on for what’s happening this month...

9–24 JUNE ADELAIDE CABARET FESTIVAL, SA The best local, national and international cabaret artists take centre stage at the Adelaide Cabaret Festival, which delights each year with its bold program. A wondrous feast for the senses, this year’s festival will host 58 international artists from as far afield as the United States, Ireland, United Kingdom, Japan and New Zealand, together with 372 Australian artists including 234 from South Australia. adelaidecabaretfestival.com.au

VIVID SYDNEY, NSW 26 MAY–17 JUNE

It claims to be the world’s largest festival of light, music and ideas, and this year’s Vivid celebrations will be bigger, bolder and brighter than ever. In addition to the stellar light displays, this year’s festival features a diverse line-up of music, including performances from Boy George, Fleet Foxes, The Avalanches and Dianne Reeves, plus an ideas program headlined by renowned American contemporary artist Shepard Fairey. vividsydney.com

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lifestyle

14–16 July CAIRNS INDIGENOUS ART FAIR, QLD Experience the vibrant Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures at this three-day celebration of the power and beauty of Indigenous Australian art. Featuring curated exhibitions of big-name artists such as Gail Mabo, Daniel Body and the globally-recognised Pormpuraaw Art Centre, the eighth Cairns Indigenous Art Fair is shaping up to be one of the best yet. ciaf.com.au

2–5 JUNE

Jazz by the Bay, WA After four fantastic years, this sensational west-coast extravaganza is going global, with international acts making an appearance for the very first time.

Headliners include three musicians from the legendary Buena Vista Social Club orchestra; popular Perth jazz crooner and musician Adam Hall and the Velvet Playboys; UK-based jazz singer and recording artist Karen Lane; and festival favourite Cathrine Summers. jazzbythebay.com.au

30 JUNE–15 JULY

What Rhymes with Cars and Girls, TAS Unabashedly romantic, this tender musical is adapted from Tim Rogers’ iconic solo album.

Playwright Aidan Fennessy has threaded Rogers’ beautiful songs together to create an engaging new tale of contemporary love in urban Australia. Performed with a live band, it’s an intimate musical treasure telling of two lovers brought together by fate – and a pizza delivery gone wrong.

tastheatre.com

June–July THE BOOK OF MORMON, VIC Nothing’s sacred in this multi-award-winning Broadway blockbuster from South Park co-creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone and Frozen songwriter Bobby Lopez. The story of two missionaries who attempt to bring the Mormon religion to a remote Ugandan village, The Book of Mormon is a smart, satirical and surprisingly moving musical that will have you hooked from start to finish. bookofmormonmusical.com.au

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lifestyle

Frank Stella Feneralia from the Imaginary places series 1994–97, National Gallery of Australia, Canberra, gift of Kenneth Tyler 2002

 Frank Stella: The Kenneth

Tyler Print Collection National Gallery of Australia, ACT Until July 2017 Artist Frank Stella and master printer Kenneth Tyler played a significant role in the development of 20th-century American printmaking.

Throughout his career, Stella has been “a constant adventurer and highwire act, an unstoppable risk-taker”, says the NGA, and this is evident in the technicolour masterpieces that validate and renew abstraction, finding new imagery that embraces shape, space, colour and decoration. nga.gov.au/stella

Jeffrey Smart: The Traveller, courtesy of the Queensland Art Gallery, Qld.

 Sidney Myer Fund

Australian Ceramic Award Shepparton Art Museum, VIC 17 June–13 August A must-see for those passionate about emerging Australian artists, these inspirational awards celebrate and promote contemporary homegrown talent in the field of ceramics. With the 2017 shortlist including up-and-coming artists such as Glenn Barkley, Karen Black, Laith McGregor, Jenny Orchard and Yasmin Smith, this year’s event is set to push the boundaries of contemporary ceramic art. sheppartonartmuseum.com.au

6

Queensland Art Gallery, QLD 1 July–29 October This exhibition explores the metaphysical aspects of travel through works by Jeffrey Smart, Jan Senbergs, Hiroaki Takahashi, Craig Koomeeta and others. Including decorative objects as well as paintings, prints, sculptures and videos, Travellers uses the idea of the journey to raise questions about freedom and physical limitation, the fluidity of identity and the passage of time. qagoma.qld.gov.au D.D DUMBO

Tickets and tour dates available online now.

TOUR

 Travellers

Astor Theatre, Perth, WA 29 June

THE AMITY AFFLICTION Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide, SA 17 June

REMI & SAMPA THE GREAT Beachfront Hotel, Darwin, NT 7 July

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lifestyle

RE WHE T TO EIANK & DR

FIVE OF THE BEST

WINE COUNTRY FINE DINING The Hunter Valley has long been a world wine mecca, but its fine dining options also deserve accolades. Jiyan Dessens takes a tasty tour of some of wine country’s best restaurants.

BISTRO MOLINES MOUNT VIEW

Looking for five-star French fare in the Hunter Valley to go with your favourite pinot noir? Look no further: under the helm of legendary Hunter Valley chef Robert Molines, this many-timeshatted French provincial-style bistro is a destination well worth including on your gourmet getaway itinerary. Set in the grounds of Tallavera Grove Vineyard in aptly named Mount View, Bistro Molines delivers consistently fine food, made even more enjoyable by the personable service and European-influenced serenity. Packed with locally sourced seasonal produce and much-lauded, long-standing favourites, Molines’ menu may change frequently but never strays far from his French roots.

Indulge in the divine duck liver pâté, pan-friend quail with thyme buerre noisette, twice-roasted Hunter duckling or nearirresistible braised black mussels mariniere, served with Sally’s famous champagne cocktail. bistromolines.com.au

When entering Pokolbin go for Broke – Broke Road, that is! Between the rows of vines and verdant dells, you’ll discover Muse, a two-hatted modern Australian restaurant at Hungerford Hill Winery. Head chef and co-owner (with wife Sally) Troy Rhoades-Brown plans a new four-course degustation menu for each season. Don’t miss the smoked Newcastle mackerel served with house-made crème fraîche, Hunter Valley partridge or suckling pig, and Rhoades-Brown’s famed coconut-shell dessert. Each delicious course is paired with matching local wines, and you’ll dine alongside an open fireplace in a dining room warmed by earthy colours and a mix of textures: gleaming metal, raw wood and roughly hewn stone. musedining.com.au

MUSE RESTAURANT POKOLBIN

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lifestyle

RESTAURANT BOTANICA

POKOLBIN

Perhaps the most famous restaurant in the Hunter Valley is Circa 1876, secreted at the end of a tree-lined drive within the idyllic Roscrea Estate. Housed in an historic cottage with soaring ceilings, raw timber beams, classical chandeliers and several working fireplaces, the Circa 1876 dining room exudes an aura of whimsical luxury that appeals no matter what the season. Under Sydney-born head chef Trent Barrett, the restaurant offers two-, three- and five-course chef’s tasting menus, designed to please even the pickiest gourmand. Highlight dishes include the sesame-crusted yellowfin tuna served with wasabi roe; the seared duck breast; Wagyu 5+ MB rib eye on the bone, for two; and Barrett’s iconic crème brûlée foam served with house-made truffle honey. convent.com.au/dining/circa-1876

CIRCA 1876

POKOLBIN “At EXP., it’s all about the experience,” says the spiel for head chef Frank Fawkner’s modern Australian fine-dining hotspot in the heart of the Hunter Valley. And they’re not lying. Set in a scenic country garden within Oakvale, one of the oldest wineries in Australia, EXP. is renowned for its theatricality. Think culinary experimentation and interactive, envelope-pushing presentation, with a chef personally delivering each and every plate. Embark on a food odyssey when you order the ‘EXP.osure’ or ‘EXP.erience’ tasting menu – five courses or a belt-loosening eight – with dishes that might include delectable house-made haloumi, local Pinnacle Meats Wagyu beef served with native rice and black garlic, Riverine warm blue cheese and famed Fraser Isle spanner crab, each perfectly paired with boutique wines or the EXP. take on beer: honey ferment topped with chai foam and served in corked test tubes. exprestaurant.com.au 12

You can sit outside and enjoy panoramic views across leafy green vineyards to the Broken Back Range, or hunker down indoors in front of a roaring fire. Whatever you choose, Restaurant Botanica will be a highlight of your culinary excursion. With an emphasis on all things botanical (and many fine, fresh botanical specimens sourced from the restaurant’s own kitchen garden), head chef Matthew Bremerkamp creates modern Australian dishes with pan-Asian influences, focusing on seasonality and freshness. As well as mouthwatering meat dishes – local pork belly served with apricot and almond; crispy confit duck – there are vegetarian and vegan menus featuring dishes such as wild mushroom risotto served with truffle oil; tarragon gnocchi; and stuffed zucchini flowers. spicersretreats.com/spicers-vineyards-estate/dining

EXP

POKOLBIN

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snapshot Cape Peron, Francois Peron National Park, WA

lifestyle

BANG

If money is no object, by all means, enjoy your Bugatti. But you needn’t spend big to enjoy your next car – in a crowded market, there are bargains galore.

FOR YOUR BUCK WORDS: MICHAEL BENN

BEST PERFORMANCE WAGON Skoda Octavia RS If you’re a car company, being called ‘quirky’ can be taken many ways.

If you are Hyundai, you will think it’s an insult and insist that the asymmetric-doored Veloster is very sensible, thank you: Have you seen our i30? If you are Mini, you will smile broadly and send flowers to your marketing team.

And if you are a French marque, and thus believe it is perfectly acceptable to jam the transmission tunnel so far into the driver’s left knee that he hobbles about like a Tonya Harding victim after every trip to the shops, then it’s par for the course. (Citroën, for example, was so concerned that the insouciance of the 2CV was wearing off that it made the Cactus. It is a subcompact SUV so ugly there are plastic mattresses glued to the sides, presumably because aesthetes would be prone to ramming it with shopping trolleys.)

But Škoda? It’s the genuine article: a company 16

as weird as its low-key, wilfully disruptive marketing. Once, it was a hilarious Czech joke, but access to Volkswagen’s parts (and tech) bin has made it genuinely formidable… and genuinely competitive. If still a bit fruity.

Skoda’s best car, and volume seller, is the brilliant Octavia RS. It has a 169kW/350Nm Golf GTI engine and European styling, but isn’t even a consideration for most buyers. True, its resale

value is given a kicking due to the badge, but to sit behind the wheel of the RS is to experience genuine sleeper-car joy. It’s punchy where it matters, comfortable for everyday trips, utterly practical and still ‘wagon sexy’, with a great manual version – the driving enthusiast’s option in a world gone mad for automatics and SUVs. The Octavia RS should cost more than $43,490 driveaway, but it doesn’t.

lifestyle

European model shown

“Amongst fierce competition, Mazda’s booming seven-seat familyhauler stands out” FAMILY MOVER Mazda CX-9 Sport Soft-roaders were once abominations – weird, talentless, big-bottomed motoring curiosities that everyone expected would fade without fanfare, except then they thrived, like the Kardashians. But now? Well, here’s the thing: on the way to becoming the new normal, SUVs got good. And not just some of them – most of them. Yet even amongst what is, arguably, the fiercest competition in the history of the motor vehicle, Mazda’s booming seven-seat family-hauler stands out. It’s willing and refined, dependable and has a more than capable – if not enthusiastic – 2.5cyl four-litre petrol engine, toting 170kW/420Nm. With a $51K price, as new, it will even fetch you a quite healthy resale in a few years.

“Excellent comfort, styling and frugality make the CX-3 legitimately lovely”

BABY SUV Mazda CX-3 Neo What’s this? A Mazda2 in high heels? Well, sort of – but no. If SUVs generally would’ve been difficult to predict two decades ago, then the pint-sized ‘city SUV’ would have blown your V8-lovin’ old man’s mind in his teens. Except, over the past few years, they’ve gone to the next level – with options offered by everyone from the premium Germans (Audi’s Q2) to the formerly gasoline-swilling Americans (Jeep Renegade) to the Amelielevel perky (Fiat 500X). But for delight-perdollar, the little two-litre in-line four-pot Mazzy takes beating. Excellent comfort, styling, frugality and 109kW/192Nm make the CX-3 legitimately lovely – and it murders many of its rivals for engagement behind the wheel. Just don’t expect to fit your golf clubs in the 264-litre boot. Hard to top for $23,546.

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lifestyle

AUSSIE BRUISER Holden SS-V Redline Ute The last locally produced Holden ute is a corker so corky it could plug wine – cheap wine, admittedly, dribbled down a chin bristling with three-day growth, before falling asleep in a telephone booth on a highway. The SS-V Redline is a lovely sendoff, blessed with a booming, brash engine note that sounds like you’ve trapped Thor under the bonnet and he’s trying to yodel his way out – thanks to a pliable, party-ready, 304kW (and 570Nm!) V8. Don’t let the fact

that the 6.2L V8 also drinks like Thor put you off. Car-based utes will soon be extinct, and we’ll be the poorer for it. Be warned, though: you’ll struggle to brush anything like Holden’s claimed 12.9L/100km figure for the six-cog auto (12.8L/100km with the manual). It’s just too tempting to sink the slipper. And the cabin! Finally, Holden boasts a Commodore interior to match many of the Euros. Oh well – at just $54,600 (a bargain for this dying breed of V8 oomph), enjoy it while you can.

“It’s blessed with a booming, brash engine note that sounds like you’ve trapped Thor under the bonnet”

CHEAP AND VERY, VERY CHEERFUL Suzuki Celerio Its name sounds like a Japanese/Italian proskater and it is definitely bare bones – sans cruise control, telescopic steering wheel adjust, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and with a tiny 1.0-litre, three-cylinder engine.

But from just $12,990, the Celerio is relatively spacious, pliable up to 110km/h (a speed you’ll never top, legally, anyway), and harder to argue with, overall, than a career politician.

But its best quality is its manners. Micro cars often cope poorly with choppy surfaces and Australia abounds in these. Typically, especially when cornering, Celerio-sized cars are easily – and alarmingly – unsettled.

Suzuki’s li’l guy is no 7-Series but, pound-forpound, it’s almost as unflappable. And you can even put passengers you don’t actively despise in the rear seats.

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experience

With new jewels adorning its crown, downtown Perth is a breath of fresh air, just like the ‘Freo Doctor’ that blows along the wide blue river below.

COMO The Treasury is the perfect hub from which to enjoy it all.

WORDS: Anna Warwick

n the wake of the boom, this west-coast city is enjoying a renaissance. The Elizabeth Quay riverside precinct, new arcades, laneway bars, top-notch restaurants, a swanky stadium – recent developments mean even the locals barely recognise their home. But they’re not complaining.

The lungs of Perth have always been the enormous oasis that is Kings Park.

20

Rich in wildflowers, it is home to a few manicured lawns and gardens but is mainly untamed bushland. Likewise, there’s nothing tinsel about this town – even with its Hollywood-esque number of technicolour blue-skied days.

A short stroll from the park, the beating heart of the glamorous new CBD is the Cathedral Square development, an elegant precinct that houses the best hotel in Australia and

New Zealand and the second-best hotel on Earth, according to the Conde Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2016 and the Gourmet Traveller awards 2016 (in which it was named Hotel of the Year and New Hotel of the Year).

Occupying part of a cluster of grand old Victorian-era State Buildings, COMO The Treasury is a trove of wonders with New York style. The 140-year-old buildings, which once

RENAIS

experience

served as the post office, land titles office, treasury and Perth’s original seat of government, have been immaculately restored to the tune of $110 million.

Outside, the precinct boasts stately columns, cantilevered balconies and Victorian slate-tiled roofs finished with copper trimmings. The interiors have stunning original features – grand halls, beautiful archways and original dark wood flooring – plus gleaming

modern touches and distinctive artworks. The huge and impeccably appointed hotel rooms and suites are different shapes; their pared-back grey-green décor echoes the West Australian landscape.

Walking into the pristine hotel after a long drive up from ‘down south’, we felt we’d stepped into a sophisticated sanctuary with every elevated detail of style and service

designed to soothe and delight.

Woven together by softly lit corridors, sweeping staircases and lifts, the four State Buildings are something of a maze, but once you find your way down to the COMO Shambhala spa and yoga studio – and up to the glasswalled pool that hangs, seemingly weightless, over Murray Street and then over to two-hatted Wildfire restaurant – you’ve got the sum of it.

SANCE

city 21

Our outback gold prospecting tours run from May to October. This is a 7 day all inclusive tour leaving Perth or Albany heading to the West Australian goldfields. We use the latest Minelab equipment and accommodation is at our gold lease staying at the million star hotel - actually canvas tents, comfy beds and a eco friendly camp! You will get to experience first hand the historic goldfields and all this amazing region has to offer. So what are you waiting for? Join us for a wine around the campfire and come look for some GOLD!!!

Take a trip on the wild side! Travel on a 4wd only track to the stunning rugged scenery of West Cape Howe National Park. Our extraordinary eco-tour will take you on an awesome off-road journey to places that few people will ever see. 1, 3 and 5 day guided walks along the Bibbulmun track and Stirling Ranges are also available. Please call for more details.

The Great Southern is the largest wine region in Australia with approximately 50 wineries, many of international acclaim. There are a fantastic selection of boutique farms boasting delicious fresh organic produce from berries, marron, cheeses to irresistible hand made chocolates. With such a diverse range, there is sure to be something to tempt the most discerning pallet. We offer various wine tours around the Albany, Denmark, and Mt Barker/ Porongurup Regions.

The Western Australian wild flower proliferation is a must see. This fantastic tour will quench your thirst for natures best. We take you on our special route to capture the most scenic and diverse ecosystems. You will travel through the Stirling Range National Park, stay overnight at a seaside camp, travel through Fitzgerald National Park and Climb Mount Barren.

You will visit some pristine beaches, Cave Point, Point Ann and Bremer Bay and overnight at Quaalup Homestead to walk among the wild flowers.

Starting in Western Australia's oldest established city, Albany is alive with stunning scenery and a deep history, just waiting for you to discover. See inspiring sites such as rugged coastlines, pristine beaches and stunning National Parks. Let us show you a region rich in Biodiversity with rare and unique flora and fauna. We are a specialist tourist company offering quality service, safety and maximum experience at an affordable price. With creative itineraries, new adventures are never far away.

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experience

Perth city folk love the precinct’s restaurants and its awesome front bar, The Treasury, on St Georges Terrace and Cathedral Avenue, with smartly dressed professionals lining up each morning for espressos from the downstairs coffee cart.

As we were guests, breakfast at hatted restaurant Post, on the ground floor, was included. Once the franking room of the original Perth General Post Office, the clean-lined restaurant serves Mod-Oz delicacies with French flair, as well as a healthy COMO Shambhala menu. The maître d’ recommended her favourite dishes, and remembered how I like my eggs when we came back.

Breezy and light by day and glittering by night, the prize diamond in COMO The Treasury’s crown is heavenly Wildflower, occupying a glass box that was crane-lifted onto the fourth floor.

Sneaking up for a peek after lunch at subterranean Thai restaurant Long Chim, we realised we’d discovered Perth’s best-kept secret – and stayed a

couple of hours lounging on the shady balcony, sipping tea and enjoying the spectacular river views.

We were back for dinner among the city lights that night – definitely the highlight of our stay.

In fact, we barely left the hotel, meaning to but somehow being drawn instead to another beautifully refurbed nook or cranny of the complex. Stepping out to explore Cathedral Square and the curved glass walls and cosy spaces of the new City of Perth Library – also part of the State Buildings redevelopment by Kerry Hill Architects – was easy.

As was a sunlit wander down to Elizabeth Quay, from whence you can climb The Bell Tower, walk around the suspended bridge and catch a ferry to South Perth or Fremantle.

Pop-up markets and concerts come and go across the lawns year-round.

But aside from a stroll, The Treasury was home, until we reluctantly took our keys back from the valet and checked in to reality again. comohotels.com/thetreasury

“The maître d’ recommended her favourite dishes, and remembered how I like my eggs when we came back”

DURING YOUR STAY On Foot

CBD shopping: Murray Street has it all, with a paved mall flanked by department stores offering well-known brands.

Luxury lures are tucked away in little lanes between Murray and Hay streets.

Kings Park: Astonishingly tall, whitetrunked trees line the entrance road to this inspiring patch of green. Dine on a gourmet picnic by the Swan River.

Perth Cultural Centre: Get your fix of Aboriginal art at the Art Gallery of Western Australia before roaming the Urban Orchard, a city rooftop garden of leafy greens and herbs. Nearby, The Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts (PICA) houses free exhibitions.

Small bars: Down in the old Safe room of The Treasury, velvet-laden Halford Bar is the place to lounge. Beneath St George’s Terrace, Bobèche is a Prohibition-style haven. Varnish on King is a sophisticated wine and whiskey den. Helvetica is one of Perth’s favourite clandestine gems, while The Laneway Lounge boasts cocktails and live tunes.

In neighbouring Northbridge, the Mechanics Institute is an institution. If you can find the entrance to Sneaky Tony’s cocktail joint, you’ll have to check Facebook for a password on weekends.

Alley bar Alabama Song offers American fare, cocktails and 130-plus rye whiskeys and bourbons.

Cruise

Take a day trip to car-free Rottnest Island and explore more than 60 pictureperfect beaches as well as coral reefs and history-packed buildings. You’ll also meet the happy (and always hungry) local marsupials, the quokkas.

Cruise upriver to Western Australia’s oldest wine region, the Swan Valley, stopping for tastings of the region’s warm-climate wines as well as local chocolates, coffee, craft brews and more.

Private cruises, organised by COMO The Treasury, can be personalised to include snorkelling, diving or sunset dining. Keep an eye out for the Swan River’s resident dolphin pod as you drift along.

Fly

Experience a scenic fixed-wing flight or helicopter adventure over the Perth coastline and Rottnest Island, the Swan Valley or the Perth Hills and patchwork farmland of the Avon Valley.

23

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NEW AGE of CRUISE

Ever wanted to swim with turtles in the Galápagos?

Go dog-sledding in Alaska? Or indulge in great food and wine in Europe?

You can do all this – and much, much more – on a cruise.

© Nathalie Michel

Words: Sally Macmillan

Galápagos Islands • Antarctica • Croatia • Alaska • Canada • Southeast Asia

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one are the days when cruising meant boarding a ‘floating block of flats’ for a so-organised-it’s-regimented holiday – now, there’s a wealth of choice for discerning travellers to destinations that are accessible only to boutique ocean ships. Here are six of our favourites.

GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS Close encounters with rare animals and birds in their native habitat; swimming with turtles, sea lions and reef sharks; and meeting people from all walks of life who are passionate about wildlife are among the many highlights of an expedition-style cruise around the Galápagos Islands.

Travelling from Australia to Quito in Ecuador can take more than 30 hours, so it’s definitely worth adding on a side-trip in South America. But even if you don’t, sailing through the Galápagos Islands is one of life’s most extraordinary and unforgettable adventures.

Small ships operate year-round in the archipelago, which is the world’s secondlargest marine reserve. Island visits are carefully controlled to preserve the natural environment and wildlife – the native birds and animals here have no instinctive fear of humans, as the islands have been isolated from the mainland for millions of years.

Ecuadorian naturalist-guides take you in small groups on kayaking, snorkelling and hiking trips for astounding wildlife experiences. On Isabel Island, you’ll see giant Galápagos tortoises ambling through the bush mere metres away, while your guide fills you in – quietly – about each tortoise’s age, size and sex.

On shore walks, you’ll learn about the island’s marine iguanas and neon-coloured Sally Lightfoot crabs, and you can join inland hikes to photograph spectacular volcanic rock formations.

The islands are an ornithologist’s dream. As well as spotting Darwin’s famed finches, you’ll see blue-footed boobies, red-footed boobies, frigate birds and flightless cormorants – so close that you won’t need binoculars or a zoom lens.

Cruise

Insider Alastair Fernie is MD of CruiseAway, Australia’s leading cruise travel specialist. Here is the lowdown on his hot cruise tips.

Travel is Alastair Fernie’s lifelong passion. He has enjoyed a 36-year career in the travel industry and 10 years ago, he discovered the world of cruising.

Q. What are the top five destinations you have experienced on a cruise?

A. Egypt’s Nile River; island-hopping in Hawaii and the Caribbean; anywhere in the Mediterranean; and New Zealand’s South Island.

Q. What makes these places so special and why are they best visited by ship?

A. The life and history of Egypt is all about the Nile, so a river cruise is the best way to experience the country. Sailing from one exotic island to another can only be done by ship and, in Europe, visiting a string of cities in one journey is easy when you take a river or ocean cruise.

The glorious vistas of Milford Sound are simply stunning from the sea.

Q. What’s next on your cruise ‘to do’ list?

A. A trans-Pacific voyage from New York to Sydney – my two favourite cities – that sails through the Panama Canal is right up there.

G ADVENTURES – GALÁPAGOS Our pick: G Adventures’ 15-night fly/cruise/stay package in May 2018 includes a 6-night Galápagos Islands cruise onboard the 20-passenger Montserrat, 1 night stay in Quito & Lima and a 7-night National Geographic Journey to Machu Picchu in Peru.

Phone 1800 917 730, see cruiseaway.com.au/outthere

Q. What’s your number one tip for travellers who might think cruising is only for the ‘newly wed, over-fed and nearly dead’?

A. Talk to a travel specialist about the destination and the experience you’re looking for – chances are, travelling by ship will be the ideal way to achieve your travel goals.

Q. Why should clients book with CruiseAway?

A. First and foremost, we are passionate cruise travel specialists – with a website. This is compared to an online agent you can’t even talk to, or a general travel agent who doesn’t have specialist knowledge about cruise travel.

© Lorraine Turci

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© Nathalie Michel

ANTARCTICA It’s the driest, coldest, windiest continent on the planet, yet this vast frozen wilderness has exerted a powerful fascination for explorers since the early 1800s.

Antarctica has no indigenous population – the few people who live there work on international research stations – but during the summer, intrepid travellers can now cruise to the Antarctic Peninsula and beyond to experience mind-blowing mountain scenery, surreal, glacier-studded icescapes and an awesome array of wildlife.

Most 10- and 12-day voyages to the Antarctic Peninsula start from Ushuaia, the ‘Land at the End of the World’, in Argentina’s Tierra del Fuego province. Prepare yourself for rocky seas on the two-day crossing of Drake Passage (then it’s a pleasant surprise when it’s almost glassy!) and don’t expect to follow a rigid itinerary. Your captain is likely to change course if he spies humpback or killer whales (orcas), so passengers can see them up close; equally, if conditions don’t allow a scheduled landing, the ship will divert to a safer harbour.

Once the ship is anchored, you can take Zodiac or kayaking trips around majestic bays packed with gigantic icebergs, or go ashore to see colonies of Adelie and Chinstrap penguins; elephant, leopard, crabeater and Weddell seals basking on the ice; and native skua, snow petrels and albatrosses nesting or soaring into the wide open sky.

It’s virtually impossible to convey the sheer majesty of Antarctica in words and photos; it really has to be experienced to be believed.

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PONANT — ANTARCTICA Our pick: The 13-night fly/stay/cruise package is built around a 10-night cruise on Ponant’s luxury expedition ships Le Soleal, Le Lyrial or Le Boreal, with multiple departures between November 2017 to February 2018 and November 2018 to February 2019.

Return flights to Buenos Aires, domestic flights to Ushuaia and 3 nights’ accommodation in BA are included.

Phone 1800 917 730, see cruiseaway.com.au/outthere

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DALMATIAN COAST, CROATIA Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast is a European hot spot that offers sophisticated, historic cities, unspoilt villages, Roman ruins and beautiful beaches – and one where you don’t have to pay through the nose for coffee or to eat out in style.

Island-hopping on a small ship is the best way to explore this stunningly scenic stretch of the Adriatic – there are 79 islands and some 500 islets in Dalmatia – and a round-trip cruise from Split is a wonderful introduction to its people, places and culture.

Split is the region’s biggest city and fans of Game of Thrones will recognise Diocletian’s Palace, the sprawling Roman ruins that make up the heart of the city and are now home to buzzy bars, restaurants, shops and some 3,000 local residents.

A good cruise itinerary will take in a sprinkling of popular islands – Korčula, Hvar, Brač – as well as the fairytale walled city of Dubrovnik, where you need to spend at least a couple of days.

Every island has its own distinct character. Korčula claims to be the birthplace of explorer Marco Polo and is renowned for its white wines; Mljet’s National Park is a paradise for nature lovers; Hvar’s spectacular waterfront ‘Old Town’ is a magnet for partygoers; and Brač is famous for its beaches. You will find your favourite and be hooked for life.

KATARINA LINE – CROATIA Our pick: Katarina Line’s Croatian Islands cruise.

Enjoy an unforgettable 7-night round-trip cruise from Split on a Deluxe class vessel with multiple departures between May to October 2018.

Phone 1800 917 730, see cruiseaway.com.au/ outthere

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ALASKA Alaskans are extremely proud of their state and often refer to the rest of America as ‘the lower 48’. There are surprisingly few of them in the country’s biggest state – only about 740,000 people live in 1,717,856 square kilometres of vast open spaces, mountains and forest.

Most mainstream cruise lines follow a similar route through Alaska’s stunning Inside Passage, calling at towns such as Ketchikan, Skagway, Sitka and Juneau – Alaska’s capital, which is accessible only by air and sea. Away from the touristy waterfronts, there’s a wealth of exciting activities on offer: heli-skiing, dog-sledding, fishing, zip-lining and glacier hiking, to name just a few.

You’ll probably spend a day ‘scenic cruising’ in Glacier Bay but if you’re looking for a more in-depth experience of this wild and wonderful place, a small-ship cruise is the way to go.

Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve is, arguably, Alaska’s crown jewel, a 13,355 square-kilometre coastal area within the Inside Passage. Flanked by towering snow-capped mountains, the bay is an almost mystical place of deep fjords, massive tidewater glaciers and abundant wildlife.

Three days of hiking, kayaking and Zodiac trips in the Glacier Bay area gives you the chance to see brown and black bears, moose, wolves, humpback whales, seals, sea lions and hundreds of native eagles and seabirds. National Park rangers are on hand to share their expert knowledge of wildlife sightings and geological phenomena; witnessing a glacier calving is one of life’s most memorable experiences.

UNCRUISE ADVENTURES – ALASKA Our pick: UnCruise Adventures’ Glacier Bay National Park Adventure 7-night round-trip cruise from Juneau. Multiple departures available between April to September 2018 onboard the 60-passenger Wilderness Adventurer.

Phone 1800 917 730, see cruiseaway.com.au/outthere

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© Scott Forsyth

© Dennis Minty

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CANADA & THE NORTHWEST PASSAGE Traversing the Northwest Passage – the formerly frozen sea route between the northern Atlantic and Pacific Oceans across the roof of Canada – has been described as “the new frontier in soft adventure”. Only in the past few years has this challenging route become navigable by ships other than icebreakers, and even today it’s not a journey for the faint-hearted.

Highlights of a 16-night voyage from Kugluktuk, on Canada’s mainland north of the Arctic Circle, to Kangerlussuaq in Greenland range from the sheer exhilaration of following in the footsteps of famous explorers to seeing polar bears, seals and whales among the icebergs and pack ice. Onboard experts, such as historians and scientists, present lectures and workshops en route, and you’ll learn more than you ever imagined about the culture, wildlife and geography of the Arctic.

Unlike Antarctica, which has never been inhabited, the Canadian Arctic is home to the Inuit (meaning ‘people’), who are thought to have migrated to the region from Alaska several thousand years ago. Their history is much debated by archeologists but today, the Inuit welcome visitors to their fascinating communities, where you can witness traditional drum dancing and throat-singing and buy locally made sculptures and artworks.

The Arctic is not all about ice, either; during the summer months, when the sun shines for up to 24 hours a day, hikes across the tundra reveal all sorts of lichens, flowers and berries. You’re also likely to see herds of shaggy musk ox, caribou deer and maybe even Arctic foxes and hares.

ADVENTURE CANADA – NORTHWEST PASSAGE Our pick: The 18-night Into the Northwest Passage in August 2018 or Out of the Northwest Passage in September 2018. Both cruise/stay packages include a 16-night Adventure Canada expedition cruise to the Canadian Arctic and Greenland onboard the 198-passenger Ocean Endeavour. Phone 1800 917 730, see cruiseaway.com.au/outthere © Michelle Valberg

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special feature © @PONANT

SOUTHEAST ASIAN ISLANDS An island-hopping voyage that visits West Papua, the Spice Islands, Borneo and the Philippines offers a fascinating insight into ancient and diverse cultures – in West Papua alone, there are more than 300 different tribes and about 40 who have never been in contact with the western world.

When you arrive in Asmat, in West Papua, local tribesmen adorned in war paint and feathers meet the ship in canoes; in sleepy Banda Neira you’ll discover the tragic story of its people as it was colonised by Dutch, French and British spice traders.

Banda Neira is at the heart of the Spice Islands (now known as the Malukus) and is the only island that has a town of any size; it was originally built by the Dutch East India Company, and crumbling colonial buildings, a museum and the 17th-century Fort Belgica stand witness to a turbulent history.

Today, the region’s pristine coral reefs and breath-taking natural beauty attract divers and travellers who are looking for a tropical escape far from the tourist crowds; sailing among the spectacular limestone Kai Islands is like going into another world.

In Borneo’s Sandakan, the Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve and Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary offer the best areas for viewing wildlife in Malaysia and a visit to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre is a must for animal-lovers.

This is a voyage of discovery on many levels; L’Austral’s expedition team of naturalists, marine biologists, geologists, an anthropologist and ornithologist organise and accompany excursions; sometimes these are spontaneous, depending on the destination, which adds to the sense of adventure.

PONANT – SOUTHEAST ASIAN ISLANDS Our pick: Our fly/stay/cruise package is created around a 16-night expedition cruise on Ponant’s luxury expedition ship L’Austral between Cairns and Manilla. Departing in March 2018 it includes accommodation in Cairns and Manila, a domestic flight to Cairns to join your cruise, and return from Manila.

Phone 1800 917 730, see cruiseaway.com.au/outthere

This feature was made possible by CruiseAway

by Dreamlines. Visit cruiseaway.com.au/outthere or phone 1800 917 730 to find out about these and many more life-changing adventures.

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Escape to where time stands still to ensure your business doesn’t

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT SESSIONS IN TUSCANY

RETREAT TO ADVANCE

How does Retreat to Advance work?

Retreat to Advance is a five-day retreat in Tuscany. It is the space to think; a place to develop your ideas aided by two experienced business mentors; and an opportunity to share and receive feedback from other business owners just like you. It is the gift of time, the time you don’t have day to day. It is a place where you can stop the inputs and focus on your output. It is a space where you are able to set free your business’s potential.

Who will benefit from Retreat to Advance?

Eddie Thomas Rarebreed Consulting

The retreats are designed for small to medium size business owners, entrepreneurs and start-ups, who lack both the space, time and support to drive the success of their business. Whether you are looking for accelerated growth, acquisitions, a buyout, or simply to share your business thoughts with other likeminded business owners, then Retreat to Advance is for you. The retreat is designed around your needs, we are there to guide you process of mapping out exactly what you need to do to achieve your objectives.

www.rarebreedretreats.com Get in touch today to discuss how this will benefit you and your company: +393661213941 eddie.thomas@rarebreedconsulting.com

experience

Wine Trails

Australian wine country is tailor-made for road-tripping, with stunning country vistas, gourmet eateries and local attractions all vying for your attention – before you’ve sampled even a drop of wine. The experts at New Age Caravans lead the way along some of the best wine trails on offer…

HUNTER VALLEY, NSW Home to some of Australian’s oldest wineries and most stand-out wines, the Hunter region is a little under three hours’ drive north of Sydney. One of the eastern seaboard’s newest self-drive tours, the Hunter Valley Way is an ideal route for anyone keen to enjoy the area’s scenic attractions. The drive starts at the M1 in Lake Macquarie and finishes in Merriwa on the Golden Highway, at the end of the Hunter Valley. En route, you can take in the quaint country towns and rural vistas set against the majestic backdrop of the Broken Back Range and Watagan Mountains. Camp around Cessnock to ensure you’re within easy access of the region’s best wineries, cellar doors, restaurants, and cheese and chocolate factories. visitnsw.com/Hunter_Valley

MARGARET RIVER, WA Around three hours’ drive south of Perth, the Margaret River region offers not just premium wines, cellar doors and vineyards, but the best of Western Australia’s rugged beauty, with its iconic red coastline, beautiful beaches and caves. Start your tour ‘down south’ at Busselton and its famous jetty before heading to Dunsborough, an arty gourmet Mecca. From here, you’re within easy reach of some of the area’s most glorious beaches: Meelup, Eagle Bay, Yallingup and more. Head further south along Caves Road and spend as long as you possibly can touring conveniently sited wineries, heavenly restaurants, gourmet ‘factories’ and art galleries. margaretriver.com

BAROSSA VALLEY, SA With expansive vineyards and magnificent vistas, South Australia’s Barossa Valley is ideal for touring, with good signage throughout the region. Make it memorable by taking the Barossa Scenic Heritage Drive, a picturesque 57-kilometre route that winds through Bethany, Angaston, Nuriootpa, Greenock, Seppeltsfield, Marananga and Tanunda. Meander along Seppeltsfield Road, lined with palms and no fewer than 18 wineries. Drive up to Mengler’s Hill Lookout for awe-inspiring views across the

Barossa Valley. Not enough wine action for you? The Epicurean Way is a gourmet food and wine drive that links South Australia’s four iconic wine-making regions: McLaren Vale, the Adelaide Hills, the Barossa and Clare Valley. It’s a four-day trip, but nobody will judge you if you stretch it out a bit longer. barossa.com/visit

TAMAR VALLEY, TAS Tasmania’s north offers a wealth of attractions – not least, its covetable cool-climate wines. The vibrant city of Launceston on the banks of the Tamar River is the gateway to this enticing region and offers an eclectic array of food, wine and culture. Nearby lies the rugged natural beauty of Cataract Gorge. From Launceston, drive through the stunning Tamar Valley to Hillwood Berry Farm, before taking your pick of 30-plus vineyards on the Tamar Valley Wine Route, enjoying the locals’ warm hospitality, delicious fresh produce and award-winning restaurants. While you’re in the area, visit historic George Town and Mount George Lookout, meander along the North East Arts Trail and go coastal at Lagoon Bay and East Beach. discovertasmania.com.au/what-to-do/self-drive/ tamarvalley

YARRA VALLEY, VIC Sample Australia’s best pinot noir and sparkling wines in the Yarra Valley, less than 60 kilometres – an hour’s drive – north-east of Melbourne. Take in the best the Valley has to offer along the 13-kilometre Coldstream Trail: sample (and buy) delicious cheeses, pick strawberries and visit lush gardens, microbreweries and dairies in between tastings at cellar doors. From there, continue your journey in whatever direction you choose – Lilydale is a 10-minute drive away, the wonders of the Dandenong Ranges lie nearby. Or get close to some Australian wildlife at Healesville Sanctuary, home to more than 200 species of native birds and animals. Want more of a wine fix? Travel a further 200 or so kilometres north to the King Valley, famed for its Italian wine varietals and traditional cool-climate wines. visityarravalley.com.au

HOW TO NAVIGATE

THE WINE TRAILS

SAFELY

A day spent tasting wines doesn’t mix with driving, so here’s how to ensure you enjoy your wine routes safely: 1. CHOOSE YOUR DRIVER Decide in advance who your designated driver will be. In most states, the blood-alcohol limit for drivers (or ‘qualified passengers’ accompanying learner drivers) is 0.05. For L-plate and P-plate drivers, and anyone in control of a transport vehicle, the limit is zero.

2. MASTER THE SPIT Your designated driver can still enjoy tasting wines en route by swilling and savouring without swallowing.

To experience a wine’s full ‘flavour profile’, draw enough air into your mouth while tasting to move the wine all over your palate. After spitting out the wine, preferably into a plastic cup you then tip into the ‘dump bucket’, draw air into your mouth again to allow you to taste the wine’s ‘finish’.

3. CONSIDER LEAVING YOUR VEHICLE BACK AT BASE If you’re planning a full day exploring local wineries, consider leaving your vehicle at your base and joining an organised car or cycle tour.

4. MAKE SURE YOU HAVE ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE Plan for every eventuality by ensuring you’re covered, with roadside assistance and adequate insurance. New Age Caravans customers can call New Age Assist on 1300 968 396 for 24-hour help.

Check out the amazing caravan ranges at newagecaravans.com.au

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experience

Australian wine

COMES OF AGE Experience, confidence and lessons learnt from the past have led us to a wine-making industry well worth raising a glass to...

WORDS: Patrick Haddock

t’s official: Australian wine has never been in a better position, globally. One could argue that there has not been such tangible excitement since James Busby planted what were among the first wine grapes Down Under.

And it’s not just us blowing our own trumpets; the world is excited about Australian wines, and is enthusiastically banging the drum for this ‘New World order’.

It’s a far cry from the times, not so long ago, when overoaked chardonnays and rich, extracted reds from Aussie wine labels failed to impress overseas critics. Australia’s new generation of winemakers exudes a new-found confidence and is hell-bent on making its mark on an increasingly

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discerning global market.

Industry body Wine Australia is championing this bold new wave of winemakers.

At the recent The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2017 awards in Melbourne, Wine Australia jumped at the chance to invite 30 of the best sommeliers on the planet to the party. This select group are global taste trendsetters, making decisions about which treasured wines to pair with exquisite dishes from the world’s top chefs.

This was tactical genius from Wine Australia, enabling them to present the next generation of Australia’s vinicultural industry: a dynamic and innovative crop of winemakers – alongside established family wineries, each with an engaging story to tell.

Finding our way Of course, it has not always been this way. Australia’s wine export industry has had more than its fair share of ups and downs. It started with great hope in the late 1980s as the UK market discovered in Aussie chardonnay what it coined “sunshine in a glass”.

This appeal, however, had a shorter-than-expected shelf life. Almost as quickly as Aussie wines had been embraced by the British, they were shunned by late-’90s consumers and critics with more pared-back tastes, for producing over-oaked chardonnays and overly simple reds that, all too frequently, made their way into the discount bins of high-street wine outlets.

There followed a grape glut Down Under as a wave of eager

new vignerons, banking on export success, planted row upon row of grape vines, only to have orders from the UK dry up.

The Brits’ change of heart left Australia with tonnes of grapes that had very little worth.

Remember when we first started seeing ‘cleanskins’ in the 1990s? It was around this time that oversupply meant you could get a bottle of wine for less than you could a litre of ‘goon’.

Add to this wine aficionados’ sudden love affair with a certain variety from New Zealand, and we were facing a wine crisis. Everyone was drinking imported sauvignon blanc and ignoring what was right on their doorsteps.

There was the odd success story, such as that of Australia’s

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Yellow Tail label, low-priced ‘critter wine’ that enjoyed such popularity in the US that at one stage, the company was selling up to eight million cases of its product to America a year.

It was time for some introspection.

Quietly, the Australian wine industry re-grouped and took a good, hard look at what was important: vineyard sites, climate, clones, picking times and fermentation techniques.

We travelled and worked in wine regions the world over, with Aussie winemakers taking on board some of the techniques their wiser old-world counterparts were employing.

This quiet momentum has led us to what is, arguably, the most exciting time in this country’s rich

but chequered vinicultural history.

We now have a diversity of old vines – some even more ancient than those in France – along with established singlevineyard vines. And we have a bold new band of winemakers who are reinventing the rules, mixing random varieties and exploring ‘minimal-intervention’ winemaking.

The ‘less is more’ approach is being adopted by a groundswell of regional heroes who appreciate that wine is ‘just fruit’ and does not need many of the nasty additions typically used to make ‘clinically perfect’ wines. These new minimalists are creating wines of interest and character – made more distinctive, more exciting, by their slight imperfections.

In recent years, Australian winemakers have made more progress with regard to wines made from chardonnay grapes than with those of any other variety. Indeed, our top chardonnays can now rival the best of Burgundy, thanks to smart picking regimes and less overt use of oak, resulting in wines with tight acidity and sculpted fruit.

Regions have clearer ideas about the best varieties to plant in their respective areas, and are pulling out vines not well suited to the terroir.

We are seeing a dominance of mid-weighted Mediterranean styles instead of the blockbuster reds of yesteryear – wines that suit our food and are more subtle and refined.

Elegant wines from Australia’s cool-climate regions are winning top international awards. And we’re getting increasingly positive feedback on our pinot noir as vine age increases, boosting the intensity of flavour of the resulting wines.

This is just the tip of the iceberg: exceptional new varieties are being planted and harvested in the Riverland region; wines are being made in egg fermenters and open vats, then housed in large-format oak.

Important decisions are being made regarding quality, and we, the consumers, are benefitting as never before.

Right now, rest assured that Australian wine is in extremely good hands.

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New South Wales

New South Wales NSW has some of the most diverse wine regions in the country. There are old and new wine-grape-growing regions, including some of the oldest vineyards in the world. There are regions in hot climates and cool; vineyards on elevated slopes and on the flat; classic varieties and new ones to discover. There’s tradition mixed with innovation and assured modernity. The 14 regions that make up the state’s

vinicultural bounty have something for everyone.

Collectively, the output from NSW’s abundant wine regions accounts for nearly a third of Australia’s $5 billion-perannum wine industry.

Since 1995, wine production across NSW has trebled to more than 480 million litres a year, making it a significant contributor to regional economies in the Hunter region north of Sydney and around Mudgee, Cowra and Orange in

the state’s Central West.

Wine is a growing industry in various other NSW regions, too, including the Mid North Coast’s fertile Hastings region, New England, Shoalhaven, the Southern Highlands, the Canberra district, Hilltops (around Young) and Tumbarumba.

The state’s oldest wine region is the Hunter; the youngest and most recent addition is the GI of New England, making interesting cool-climate wines.

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The variety of soils and climates across NSW make it possible to grow just about any wine-grape variety imaginable.

Currently, the varieties planted most widely across the state are shiraz and chardonnay, but semillon and riesling varieties are almost as well represented.

New varieties, such as vermentino and tempranillo, are gaining a foothold as people’s tastes change and ‘food-friendlier’ wines are being conceived.

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New South Wales

experience

Jim Chatto, McWilliam’s Wines.

© Chris Elfes

Jim Chatto – McWilliam’s Wines What do you like about the Hunter Valley?

It is a beautiful place with a rich history. I love the wine styles, for their uniqueness and sheer quality.

What’s so special about Mount Pleasant?

The estate’s three vineyards, Mount Pleasant (planted 1880/1921), Rosehill (planted 1946/1965) and Lovedale (planted 1946), have stood the test of time, and continually produce great fruit. Mount Pleasant also has a strong company culture, with everyone engaged in the legacy and in being a part of something truly great.

What does it mean to continue the work of Maurice O’Shea?

It’s humbling. At first, it was a little bit daunting – ‘big shoes’ and the like.

The gravity of the responsibility is not and will never be lost on me. There is so much to learn about the wines he made and the vineyards he planted.

Experimentation was and will always be part of the legacy O’Shea gifted to Mount Pleasant. This realisation has allowed me to relax and explore. It’s really very liberating.

Shiraz or semillon?

Like choosing a favourite child, this is an impossible question. That said, I first came to the Hunter to make semillon. Hunter semillon was the first wine that ‘caught my eye’. So, if pushed, semillon.

What’s great about living in the Hunter Valley?

The picturesque mountain ranges. The proximity to some of Australia’s best surf beaches. The strong wine community, which works together towards success and long-term sustainability.

Is the climate of the Hunter challenging for a winemaker?

Climate is a challenge for all winemakers, everywhere. Whether it’s frost, hail, rain or drought, every vintage presents new and different challenges.

The climate in the Hunter has shaped the styles we make; this is the way it should be. We make medium-bodied reds and light bodied whites. We crop our vines very low, allowing for full-flavour maturation at moderate

to low sugar levels – meaning we can pick earlier and, hopefully, avoid the pressures of rain later in the season.

I believe the best wines are made in marginal climates where everything needs to be right; nothing can be left to chance. To quote a great mate and legendary Hunter winemaker, Andrew Thomas, “It’s the one per centers that make good wine great”.

What’s the wine you’re most proud of?

The 2014 Mount Pleasant reds – probably some of the best wines I will ever make. Only time will testify to this.

What’s so special about Hunter wines?

They are unique in style and flavour. No other region can make wine that tastes like a great Hunter period. In the Australian context, they have an unmatched ability to age – yet, due to style, drink well from day one.

In an international context, they easily hold their own. They are unashamedly medium-bodied and thus extremely versatile. Every good wine list should have Hunter shiraz and semillon.

Focus on Mount Pleasant:

This is a winery that needs little introduction; it is renowned for making some of the Hunter Valley’s best shiraz and semillon. In 2017, the winery was voted Winery of the Year (and Semillon of the Year) by wine writer James Halliday, in his annual guide.

Mount Pleasant Wines has a rich history, thanks in large part to the forward-thinking Maurice O’Shea, who was instrumental in harnessing the quality of the fruit and creating some of the most special wines ever to come out of the Hunter Valley.

Today, chief winemaker Jim Chatto and his team are the custodians of the estate’s vines and continue to work on the legacy left to them.

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experience

New South Wales

Hunter Valley It’s Australia’s most visited wine region, has some of the oldest vines on the planet and is home to a unique white grape variety – semillon – that is the envy of the vinicultural world.

Of course, we are talking about the Hunter Valley, one of Australia’s most unique regions, home to gloriously inconsistent weather patterns, a region where every vintage is like playing Russian roulette with Mother Nature.

Hunter winemakers would have it no other way, and whether it’s boiling hot or pouring with rain, they manage to turn out some of the nation’s best shiraz and chardonnay. The other white variety of note is the aforementioned semillon, a mercurial grape variety which 42

can be opened and drunk right away or left to age 10 years in the bottle, developing slowly into a golden elixir.

The Hunter’s dramatic backdrop is the jagged Broken Back Range, a picturesque setting for some of the oldest vines in the country at Tyrrell’s, one of the nation’s oldest wineries.

The Hunter also has a vibrant emphasis on tourism, boasting more than two million visitors a year. In 2016, a record three million visited. Not just wineries are drawcards; visitors come here for rock and jazz concerts, ‘weekend escapes’ in luxury hotels and spas, and to dine at superb regional restaurants.

The Hunter Valley boasts some memorable cellar-door experiences, too, from the grand

and modern to the boutique and artisanal.

No trip would be complete without stopping in at the cellar door at Tyrrell’s Wines, with its original homestead; or at Keith Tulloch’s, with its Hamptons-like architecture.

There are countless additional options for tasting and buying wine – from wineries specialising in traditional Hunter varieties, such as Mount Pleasant and Andrew Thomas, to innovative wineries experimenting with

At a glance…

alternatives, such as Domaine De Binet; low-intervention winemaking at Harkham Wines; and biodynamic wines at Krinklewood.

NSW’s Hunter Valley, by being unafraid to mix tradition with innovation, has maintained its reputation as one of the world’s most forward-thinking, collaborative wine regions, with Hunter winemakers – even the most competitive among them – congregating frequently to taste each other’s wines post-vintage.

Climate: warm to hot Varieties: shiraz, semillon, chardonnay, verdelho Cellar doors: Mount Pleasant, Audrey Wilkinson, Usher Tinkler Wines, Tyrrell’s, Tulloch, Andrew Thomas Restaurants: Muse, EXP, The Cellar

E S T A B L I S H E D

1 8 9 5

experience

New South Wales

Calabria.

Riverina Sometimes referred to as ‘the engine room of NSW’, the Riverina is a vast cropping, horticultural and vinicultural region known for producing a huge amount of Australia’s bulk grapes.

It’s also the home to one of Australia’s most successful wine export stories: Casella and its mighty Yellowtail brand.

The Riverina has a richly diverse culture, with large populations of Italian and Greek immigrants ensuring that a cultural heritage celebrating food and wine has been maintained. One of the most famous dessert-wine styles – the Noble One from De Bortoli – comes from the heart of the Riverina; the inspiration behind it was, allegedly, to make a wine ‘in the shadow of France’s famous Chateau d’Yquem’.

At a glance…

Also in the region is the headquarters of McWilliam’s Hanwood Estate and its vast array of table wines, as well as some terrific fortifieds.

A visit to Calabria Family Wines is a must; expect warm Italian-style hospitality and an extensive range of wines at its Tuscan-style cellar door.

De Bortoli Wines’ cellar door is another to asterisk on your tasting itinerary. Follow your tasting with a picnic under pergolas in the extensive winery gardens.

A little over six hours’ drive from Sydney, Griffith is your gateway to the Riverina, and is the perfect place to base yourself if you’re keen on activities such as farm and orchard visits, or want to join in one of the many celebratory festivals held in and around the region’s heart each year.

Climate: hot Varieties: shiraz, semillon, chardonnay Cellar doors: McWilliam’s, Calabria, Casella Restaurants: La Scala, Guiseppe’s

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Victoria

Yarra Valley Viticulturally, Victoria is as varied as the rest of the country, with a rich topography of climates and regional idiosyncrasies making it a must on the itinerary of serious wine-lovers.

Some might argue that no visit to Victoria would be complete without a day trip to the Yarra Valley. An hour’s drive from Melbourne’s CBD, the region is responsible for some world-famous chardonnay, pinot noir, cabernet and shiraz.

It’s a Mecca for the wine tourist, with such a dizzying array of cellar doors it’s hard to know where to start.

The first Yarra Valley vines were planted nearly 180 years ago by the Ryrie Brothers, on a property known today as Chateau Yering. The potential of the region did not take long to be realised and today, Yering’s winery produces two of Australia’s most revered varieties: chardonnay and pinot noir.

Must-sees are the amazing Giant Steps/ Innocent Bystander complex in Healesville, which marries food and wine in a one-stop destination; and the recently upgraded Oakridge winery, with its excellent chardonnay and one of the Yarra Valley’s best restaurants, run by chef Matt Stone.

Of course, it’s not all wine: make a beeline for Four Pillars Gin distillery for a tasting of one of Australia’s best-loved gins.

Alongside world-class wineries and restaurants, there are scenic walking and cycling trails, hot-air ballooning operations, and a wealth of five-star accommodation in case you want to stay longer in the Valley.

At a glance…

Climate: cool Varieties: chardonnay, pinot noir, cabernet sauvignon, shiraz Cellar doors: Giant Steps, De Bortoli, Yarra Yering, Yeringberg, Mac Forbes, Seville Estate Restaurants: ezard @ Levantine Hill, Oakridge

Yarra Yering.

experience

Other regions to head to in Victoria There’s so much diversity on offer in Victoria that it’s hard to know where to start. Head to Goulburn or Nagambie Lakes and stop in at Tahbilk, one of Australia’s oldest family wineries, or visit the Great Western and iconic Best’s winery: the stories and the wines here will have you captivated.

If fortifieds are more your thing, journey to Rutherglen for some of Australia’s best examples: the cellars of Stanton & Killeen, Campbells Wines and Morris Wines will ensure you leave with a boot-full of topaque, muscat and apera (port).

Cool-climate wine regions such as Henty, Beechworth, Milawa and the Pyrenees all produce stellar wines, many of them now household names: think Castagna, Giaconda, Brown Brothers and Mount Langi Ghiran.

There’s the Italian imprint and influence in the King Valley, with an abundance of prosecco and Italian varieties such as sangiovese.

And if you’re a lover of pinot noir, you’ll want to sojourn to the Mornington Peninsula, with its diverse and interesting estates.

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experience

Leeuwin Estate vineyards.

46

Western Australia

Western Australia

experience

Margaret River Western Australia is a dream for winemakers – particularly for those in the Margaret River region, with its regular maritime breezes cooling the vineyards at night. Just three hours from Perth and less than 50 years old, the Margaret River wine region – or ‘Margs’, as it is affectionately known – is producing wines of global importance.

The region was founded by Dr John Gladstone, a man perspicacious enough to recognise the combination of climate and soil type as the perfect environment for grape growing. Although the region is responsible for just three per cent of the country’s grape production, it represents more than 20 per cent of the premium wine market.

The varieties that dominate here are chardonnay and cabernet. The region also lays claim to some of Australia’s most famous and ‘collected’ wineries, including Cullen, Vasse Felix, Leeuwin Estate, Voyager Estate and many more.

At a glance…

Climate: Maritime, warm Cellar doors: Vasse Felix, Voyager Estate, Leeuwin Estate, Cullen Wines Restaurants: Settlers Tavern, Cullen, Voyager Estate, Vasse Felix

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Tasmania

experience

This image and below: Moorilla Estate at MONA, Tasmania.

Images this page © Moorilla Gallery

TASMANIA It’s difficult not to be seduced by the natural beauty of Tasmania – and then you try the wines and become smitten with the seductive reds and whites of this cool-climate paradise. Like much of Europe, Tassie enjoys mild summers and long autumn days that help produce refined and elegant wines.

The varieties that prosper here are pinot noir and chardonnay, both also used for sparkling wine production, as well as cabernet sauvignon, pinot gris and riesling. With more than 160 producers and 90 registered cellar doors on the Apple Isle, you’re spoilt for choice, and each year, the southernmost state’s fine wines gain greater notoriety, forging a global reputation for excellence.

The best thing about visiting Tasmania as a wine destination is that everything is within a relatively short distance, whether you’re basing yourself in Hobart or in Launceston.

At a glance…

Climate: cool Cellar doors: Josef Chromy, Moorilla Estate, Pipers Brook, Frogmore Creek Restaurants: Franklin, Stillwater, Black Cow Bistro, The Source at MONA

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experience

South Australia

SOUTH AUSTRALIA When people think of Australian wine, those big, flavoursome reds come to mind – and South Australia is the one state that produces these styles consistently and with aplomb.

There’s so much diversity and history here that choosing which regions to cover can be a challenge, especially if you’re a first-time visitor. But whether it’s the dry rieslings of the Clare Valley, the full-bodied reds of the Barossa or the sleek, pared-back chardonnays of the Adelaide Hills, South Australia delivers an enviable abundance of classy wine.

Phil Lehmann, WD wines Barossa Valley, Coonawarra As group winemaker for WD wines, what does an average day entail?

Right now we are in the midst of vintage so it’s a daily grind of processing fruit and ensuring everything is getting done. It also means being on the phone and talking to the guys in Coonawarra regarding the right time to pick. I’m also on the road a lot between the regions and juggling being a dad of two, it’s fairly hectic but fun and challenging.

How many tonnes are you processing per vintage?

Just over a thousand tonnes which includes our interests in the Barossa and Coonawarra.

What is it about the Barossa that you love?

It’s the diversity. People think we are a one trick pony for big reds but in essence the region is a complex tapestry of different soils and an amazing viticultural resource. We can make supercharged shiraz or medium bodied and elegant wines too.

Taylor’s Wines, Clare Valley, SA.

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Was it always inevitable with your family connection that you would work in wine?

Not necessarily, but my father was a larger than life character and it was hard not to get swept up with his enthusiasm, plus we grew up surrounded by winemaking and were always in the winery. I studied engineering and was headed in that direction but then realised that I wasn’t doing what I should have been doing. After several vintages overseas in Burgundy and California I realised it was in my blood.

People, Places and Time.

Phil Lehmann, Winemaker

Modern Barossa Valley Reds.

Pure Eden Valley Whites.

2015 Block 8 Shiraz —

96 points

James Halliday, Wine Companion Online, July 2016 “Full crimson-purple; if only more Barossa Valley shiraz could taste and feel like this.

Purity and intensity, its characters border on minerality - great life, vitality and length.”

2014 Evangelist Shiraz —

97 points

Tony Keys, The Key Report, September 2016 “It’s all that top-quality, old-vine Barossa shiraz should be, and more. A wonderful, wicked temptress that takes one to heights of pleasure. Fantastic wine.”

2016 Peace of Eden Riesling —

97 points

Kim Brebach, Best Wines Under $20, August 2016 “There’s so much bright energy here, the wine almost leaps out of the glass. I can’t recall the last time I gave a $20 wine 97 points but this one is brilliant.”

2015 Blood and Courage Shiraz —

93 points

Toni Paterson MW, The Real Review, March 2017 “The cherry and raspberry aromatics are extraordinary and I adore the suppleness of the tannins and the quiet intensity of the fruit, not to mention the wine’s value!”

Visit www.stjohnsroad.com and enter promo code ‘fly’ to receive a special introductory offer.

Available nationally at fine dining establishments and all good retailers.

experience

South Australia

This image and above: Grant Burge, Barossa.

Barossa Valley The Barossa is quintessential Australian wine country. It may be an oddball mix of German butchers and Lutheran churches, custard slices and winery dogs – but it’s this fascinating melding of German and Anglo-Saxon cultures that makes the Barossa such a hotbed of diversity – and, of course, wine.

The Barossa has a history dating back to 1837. The region is split into three sub-regions: Tanunda, Angaston and Nuriootpa.

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German migrants made Tanunda their home in the late 1800s, which is why you can enjoy some of the best cured meats outside Germany in the region’s top butcher shops even today. Angaston is a more Anglophile hangout, with an ‘old-school’ English feel about it. Here, you are surrounded by 19th-century architecture and, on weekends, it becomes even more of a foodies’ paradise as the famed Barossa Farmers Market comes alive, selling fresh local produce and tempting treats.

Nurioopta – or ‘Nuri’, as it’s known to the locals – is the region’s bustling epicentre; you’ll find the cellar doors of renowned regional labels such as Wolf Blass and Penfolds on its doorstep, along with Linke’s Central Meat Store, which is

At a glance…

famed for its top quality range of smoked meats, particularly its bacon.

The Barossa continues to be Australia’s ‘engine room’ for shiraz, producing styles that are recognised and admired the world over.

Climate: warm to hot Varieties: shiraz, cabernet sauvignon, grenache, riesling, chardodnay, semillon Cellar doors: Grant Burge, Peter Lehmann, Penfolds, Kaesler, Teusner, Chateau Tanunda, Seppeltsfield Restaurants: Fino, fermentAsian, Appelation

Rich in history and tradition, Katnook Estate lies in the heart of Coonawarra. Influenced by unique terroir, Katnook Estate wines offer concentrated flavours, great complexity and true regional expression.

VISIT US

Cellar Door OPEN DAILY - Riddoch Highway, Coonawarra S.A.

experience

South Australia

McLaren Vale Of all the South Australian wine regions, there’s something extra-special about the Vale. First-time visitors to the region will be struck by the Vale’s glorious vistas of sea meeting vines. There’s something infectious about the enthusiasm of this region, too.

McLaren Vale is famous for its ‘big reds’ and Mediterranean blends, but produces a host of other varietals in between. The region is full of innovators, a fact that’s reflected in the action of many of the area’s wineries, which forge boldly ahead, experimenting with new ideas and varieties.

The regional hero is shiraz, full-flavoured and redolent of the diverse soil types of the area. Grenache is also a much-loved variety produced locally, as is chardonnay. But it’s this experimentation, and the planting of alternative varieties – everything from fiano and vermentino to nero d’avola and sagrantino – that’s keeping the Vale’s innovators excited.

And this melting pot of medium-bodied Mediterranean grape varieties is now getting their chance to shine Down Under.

At a glance…

Climate: Mediterranean, warm Cellar doors: d’Arenberg, Chapel Hill, Oliver’s Taranga, Wirra Wirra, S.C Pannell

This image and above: d’Arenberg, McLaren Vale.

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South Australia

experience

Wayne Stehbens Katnook Estate Senior Winemaker, Coonawarra

Wayne Stehbens, Katnook Estate Senior Winemaker.

You have done more vintages at one winery than any other Australian winemaker, what does Katnook mean to you?

There are a couple of others out there, but I am coming up to my 40th vintage in Coonawarra. My first vintage in Coonawarra was in 1978 at Rouge Homme, but 1980 up to this current vintage have all been with Katnook. Katnook is a very large part of, not just my working life, but also my family life. My father was Katnook’s vineyard manager starting in 1968, so I grew up helping in the vineyards and winery before moving on to making Katnook’s wines. My wife, Michelle, is Katnook Estate cellar door manager and has also worked for Katnook for over 20 years.

So, it’s been a real family affair and in many ways Katnook is part of my heart and soul.

Coonawarra Known for its long-lived reds from the ‘terra rossa’ (red soils over limestone), Coonawarra produces some of the country’s most distinct cabernets. Coonawarra is geographically long and flat, which is why it’s also known as the Cigar. While the big Cigar’s not renowned for its natural beauty, the region’s vineyards and cellar doors more than compensate, with an array of varieties produced but cabernet, shiraz and chardonnay remaining the regional heroes.

Why is cabernet sauvignon so suited to the region?

Definitely the climate and soils.

Cabernet sauvignon grows and ripens well when planted on Coonawarra’s terra rossa soils and combined with the sea breezes and cool climate. The grapes also tend to be smaller so there is a large skin to juice ratio. All this just combines and works for making premium quality and ageworthy cabernet sauvignon that Coonawarra is so well known for.

At a glance…

The Coonawarra area can thank one John Riddoch for planting vines here in 1890, followed by famous names like the Redmans and Wynns, who saw the potential of the unique soils of the region.

Penola is the town at the heart of the region and it’s here you’ll find some local attractions that will give you the historical background of the area’s early settlers. Of course, food and wine is a big drawcard here, and there are fine offerings in abundance.

Climate: warm Cellar doors: Balnaves, Zema Estate, Katnook Estate, Wynns, Parker Estate Restaurants: Pipers of Penola, Upstairs at Hollick, Ottelia+Fodder

What’s the wine you’ve been most happy or proudest of?

A difficult question but Katnook Prodigy (the first vintage released in 1997 won a Jimmy Watson) and Odyssey. World class wines from Coonawarra which have endured.

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business

NEWS&VIEWS Cyclone Debbie relief approved for Queensland primary producers The unilluminating stoush between the Queensland and Australian governments ended, finally, with the Commonwealth approving Category C funding for primary producers affected by Cyclone Debbie and the resulting floods.

The much-anticipated decision means that farmers from the Gold Coast north to the Whitsundays can now apply for grants of up to $25,000 each to assist them with clean-up and recovery.

While the Queensland Government is still totalling the damage bill, Queensland Emergency Services Minister Mark Ryan said the impact of Cyclone Debbie and the associated flooding will be in the region of $450 million.

An initial damage assessment for the agricultural and fisheries sectors in the Mackay and Whitsunday region came in at $300 million; the horticulture industry around Bowen has sustained losses of about $100 million; the sugar industry is looking at $139 million in damage; and the cyclone has cost the beef industry an estimated $30 million.

Further south, the torrential rain that followed Cyclone Debbie has caused around $35 million in damage to agriculture and fisheries in the Logan, Scenic Rim, Lockyer Valley and Gold Coast local government areas.

Dinosaur Canyon opens in Winton Winton’s premier tourist attraction, the Australian Age of Dinosaurs museum, has opened a new attraction: a permanent outdoor dinosaur exhibit built over boulders and a gorge.

Centred on a 300-metre suspended walkway that was three years and $1.3

million in the making, the exhibit consists of five galleries displaying 1:1 scale bronze replicas of the dinosaurs indigenous to Outback Queensland as long ago as the Cretaceous Period, 100 million years ago.

The unique display is the brainchild of Australian Age of Dinosaurs founder and chairman, David Elliott. The local grazier discovered a dinosaur bone while mustering sheep on his property in 1999 and has spent the past decade developing the Australian Age of Dinosaurs museum.

For Elliott, the walkway and its galleries are another step towards developing a world-class natural history museum.

Testing produce for contaminants in Katherine An Australian Defence Force investigation into chemicals linked with firefighting foam has been extended to the Northern Territory town of Katherine.

The ADF investigation is studying the effect the leaching of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) into the water table near RAAF Base Tindal has had on the environment and the area’s human population.

PFAS chemicals are an ingredient used in firefighting foam employed by the ADF at RAAF bases all over Australia, including Darwin, Katherine, Amberly and Williamtown. An ADF spokesperson stated that produce such as eggs and vegetables that were produced with contaminated bore water would be tested for PFAS levels.

Commercial producers in the area had already done their own testing and the ADF investigation will be confined to private residential properties.

Fish from the Katherine River are also being tested as part of the investigation, as fish caught near RAAF Base Williamtown had been found to have detectable levels of PFAS following the use of firefighting foams.

In the wake of the Williamtown investigation, both the Environmental Protection Agency and the Health Department had concluded that fish with detectable levels of PFAS were safe to eat as part of a balanced diet coming from a range of sources.

CSG report warns of increased methane near Condamine River A University of Melbourne Energy Institute report has warned that continued coal seam gas (CSG) operations “could significantly increase gas releases from weak or porous zones such as the Condamine River” in southern Queensland.

Last year, landholder concerns about increased methane emissions from the Condamine River near Chinchilla received national attention when the ABC and other news outlets aired dramatic footage of NSW Greens MP Jeremy Buckingham setting the river alight.

The Melbourne Energy Institute’s report, which was commissioned by The Australia Institute, reviewed existing scientific literature to assess the level of migratory or ‘fugitive’ emissions from CSG development in Queensland.

Report co-author and geophysicist Dimitri Lafleur and University of Melbourne chair of geology Mike Sandiford, the report’s other co-author, said the data provided by CSG producer Origin Energy showed a quadrupling of the amount of methane released into the Condamine River between 2013 and 2016, then a decline in recent months.

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business

AUSTRALIA’S ENERGY CRISIS WORDS: ROWAN CROSBY

How is it that Australia, a nation built – at least in recent times – on its plethora of natural resources, can find itself in the midst of an energy crisis? And how can it be resolved?

ecent years have seen the prices of electricity for both domestic and industrial use in Australia rise steadily, while there has been an increasing incidence of supply interruption and blackouts around the nation, most notably in South Australia. This prompts us to pose the obvious question: why?

As Australia transitions away from ‘traditional’ energy sources such as coal toward renewable energy, the road becomes a little rocky, and it’s this period of transition that is causing some headaches for the government and both domestic and industrial energy users.

As it stands, around 86 per cent of Australia’s electricity is generated through what we could call ‘fossil fuels’, according to Origin Energy.

In fact, the entire world relies heavily on fossil fuels, as they are generally the cheapest and most commercially accessible source of energy, and Australia is no different.

However, the sudden closures of ageing coal plants at Hazelwood in Victoria and Port Augusta in

South Australia in the past few years have put increased pressure on an already strained power supply.

Renewables and reliability

Interestingly, South Australia has been the state that has embraced the use of renewable energy sources the most.

In April this year, SA surpassed its renewables target of 50 per cent by 2025 eight years early, having previously met its 2014 goal of 33 per cent well ahead of schedule. This is significantly more, on average, than the proportion of power generated from renewable sources across the rest of the country, according to RenewablesSA. Renewables represent the future of energy generation globally; the challenge is coping with variation in supply. “The quantity of renewableenergy generation in a region such as SA can vary substantially, from supplying less than one per cent up to 80 per cent of the state’s needs,” explains Environment and Energy Minister Josh Frydenberg.“When the wind’s not blowing and the sun’s not shining, power is not being

generated. This means that days of easily forecastable supply are over.”

After more than a decade of advancing the cause of renewables, the SA Labor Government recently announced an emergency energy package that includes the establishment of a new, state-run gas power plant and a proposed 100-megawatt battery storage system for power generated from renewable sources such as solar and wind.

In the meantime, that leaves not only SA, but all Australia’s states and territories, and the federal government, to examine closely the mix of energy sources they rely upon moving forward.

The issues with gas

As the world makes a slow transition away from fossil fuels such as coal, energy investment has also been moving towards different energy sources. Natural gas, long touted as a stop-gap measure to help Australia transition toward renewable energy sources, has seen significant development and investment in the past decade.

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59

business

ELECTRICITY GENERATION ACROSS AUSTRALIA 13% NATURAL GAS

7% HYDROPOWER 4% WIND 2% ROOFTOP SOLAR 1% BIOENERGY

73% COAL

SOURCE: ORIGIN ENERGY

However, a recent report from the Climate Council, ’Pollution and Price: The Cost of Investing in Gas’, highlighted various problems with this.

Climate Council Councillor and energy-sector expert Andrew Stock still sees some issues, economically and environmentally, with using gas in the near term.

“Australia’s massive expansion of international gas exports is pushing up power prices here on home soil,” explained Stock at the time of the report’s release. “We’re now in a situation where Australia has overcommitted to its gas exports, resulting in even steeper domestic prices. Prices will only rise into the future.”

Part of the problem dates back to the approval of three export terminals in the Queensland port town of Gladstone, which allowed companies on the east coast to ship their gas overseas for the first time.

A 2009 Queensland Government report, ‘Blueprint for Queensland’s

LNG Industry’, noted that allowing gas to be converted from coal seam gas (CSG) into liquefied natural gas (LNG) for export, had the potential to create a shortfall of gas for domestic usage.

The report advised the Queensland Government to ensure there was enough gas available to meet domestic demand, listing options including holding back production in certain areas to supply Australia’s needs.

Stock said using gas power as a stop-gap in the transition to renewable energy and storage technology was not only financially risky, but would lock in up to a billion tonnes of extra pollution over future decades.

“There is no doubt, however, that Australian industrials are being screwed by the LNG industry, who contracted to sell more gas to overseas producers than they can produce,” he contended.

In March, PM Malcolm Turnbull hosted yet another gas summit

aimed at fixing soaring gas prices; however, little progress has been made since to address the underlying issues that the nation is facing.

Potential solutions

Regulations can change, and rising prices have the potential to encourage new gas supply.

Renewable storage solutions are getting cheaper and more efficient at an exponential rate and, as energy prices continue to increase, consumers are presented with the option of taking energy generation into their own hands through the use of retail-level solar panels and battery storage, as we’ve seen from high-profile companies such as Elon Musk’s Tesla and its Powerwall.

In the near term, however, Australia’s states and territories are faced with the possibility of continued interruptions, and a power grid that is less than perfect, unless there are some significant changes in policy and thinking on a national level.

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business

RESKILLING AN INDUSTRY

WHEN ONE DOOR CLOSES...

Is enough being done to help workers left jobless after the closure of Hazelwood power station – and others like it – as they make the transition to a new future?

t’s been deemed one of the dirtiest power stations in the world. Indeed, the closure of Victoria’s Hazelwood brown-coalfuelled power station has been mooted ever since carbon emissions became a serious political issue.

When its owner, French energy giant Engie, announced late last year that it was shutting Hazelwood down, shock waves reverberated through the Latrobe Valley community.

Nevertheless, the focus quickly turned to how to best assist the community to transition in the face of the loss of nearly 1,000 jobs.

The Victorian Government pledged $266 million to create an “economic growth zone” in the Latrobe Valley, including $50m

to attract businesses by reducing relocation costs, “cutting red tape [and] making quick planning decisions”; $22m to help workers transition with training, financial and personal counselling and $20m to run the Latrobe Valley Authority as it manages the transition. The biggestticket item, however, will be $174m in infrastructure projects such as railway lines, roads, schools, sporting and other community facilities.

Late to the game?

Although the Victorian Government’s robust response is laudable, the ACTU, the CFMEU and Latrobe Valley community groups such as Voices of the Valley have asked the obvious question.

WORDS: DARREN BAGULEY

Due to its age, it was only a matter of time before Hazelwood ceased operations, so why did the transition planning start only after Engie announced it was closing the plant?

Why was there no transition plan already in place?

This really is the million-dollar question. The Australian energy market is undergoing a structural shift, and has been doing so for some time – nine coal power stations have been retired in the past five years.

In its 2015 World Energy Outlook Special Report, Energy and Climate Change, the International Energy Agency (IEA) flags the closure of old and inefficient coal power stations as a key component in taking effective action on climate change.

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business

According to the Australian Energy Market Operator’s consultation paper, Material Issues and Proposed Inputs for the 2016 National Transmission Network Development Plan (NTNDP), we will need to close 8,700MW of capacity (the equivalent of about five large coal power stations) by 2030 to meet the Turnbull government’s climate target under the Paris Agreement. To meet the more aggressive target of keeping global warming to under two degrees Celsius, Australia will have to close one Hazelwood-sized power station every year between now and 2030.

The question therefore remains how to help affected communities best achieve this transition.

According to London-based management consultant Robbie Tilleard, who grew up in the Latrobe Valley and wrote a Masters’ thesis on de-industrialisation, “Australia is not the only economy dealing with this sort of thing”.

“Western economies have been de-industrialising for decades now,” Tilleard says. “In some ways, we have a really good idea of what we can do in the short term to help individuals but we’re also really bad at understanding how to transition communities and have sustainable growth in the long term.”

Smart business sense

Tilleard says that the Victorian Government’s response ticks all the right boxes. The infrastructure spending will provide shortterm employment to cushion the economic shock of hundreds of job losses, while the retraining funding will help people acquire new skills.

“Access to credit is also important,” he says. “The further you get away from capital cities the harder it is to access funding for business ventures.” Tilleard also sounds a note of caution, however. While providing existing businesses with credit and assistance in helping them expand is often very effective, helping people start new businesses is less so.

“Evidence suggests business64

“nine coal power stations have been retired in the past five years” start programs are better for sales turnover [in the region] than employment and productivity,” he says. “The danger is that a large proportion of small businesses fail, so business credit and advice needs to be well placed and well timed.”

A tailored approach

Over the longer term, Tilleard says it’s important that reskilling efforts combine individualised training with career advice.

“Newcastle in 1999 is a really good example of things going right,” he says. “As a region, it had a lot of things going for it, but one of the good things government and BHP did was to provide individualised training and career support.

“One great example is that of someone who had been an electrician at the smelter for more than 20 years.

He had access to a training grant to do anything he wanted, and career guidance. As part of the career guidance process he established

that he really liked using his hands and eventually he chose to become a remedial masseur, and he ended up having a vibrant and successful second career.”

Somewhat more controversially, Tilleard argues that de-industrialising communities need to be prepared to “shrink their way to greatness,” in other words encourage and incentivise people to leave the Latrobe Valley to seek work elsewhere.

“Population decline … undermines a wider sense of community and social trust, [but] if people stay and there is no work, welfare dependency and social issues will increase. Policy must recognise out-migration as an essential part of the Latrobe Valley’s recovery process,” he contends.

While the Latrobe Valley has an uncertain future, it won’t be the first regional community forced to deal with the disruption caused by the massive structural shift the Australian economy is undergoing.

*

Purchase any selected new Toyota 2.5 tonne counter-balance forklift and get a free $500 Caltex Starcash card.* $500

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*Free $500 Caltex Starcash card awarded on the purchase of an eligible new Toyota brand forklift model between 1 June 2017 and 31 July 2017. Eligible models are: Toyota 32-8FG/FD25; Toyota 32-8FG/FDK25 engine powered counterbalance forklifts; Toyota 8FBN25 battery-electric counterbalance forklifts. Offer only available at participating Toyota Material Handling branches and subject to change without notice and whilst stocks last. Available to private buyers only. Please allow 4 - 8 weeks for delivery of your Caltex Starcash Card. Caltex Starcash cards are issued and administered by Caltex Australia Petroleum Pty Limited and use is subject to their terms and conditions. Orders cannot be cancelled except with TMHA’s written consent and on terms which indemnify TMHA against losses, damages and expenses suffered or incurred by TMHA as a result of that cancellation. Images used for illustration purposes only.

P: +61 8 9259 4955

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A member of the Codan group

business

SPECIAL FEATURE

AGGREKO LAUNCHES REMOTE MONITORING SYSTEM AGGREKO has launched a next

generation remote monitoring and dedicated technical support combined to improve productivity and reduce costly downtime.

The Aggreko Remote Monitoring (ARM) solution provides real-time asset monitoring and dedicated diagnostic support from technical experts, preventing issues, improving uptime and helping customers keep operations running at maximum efficiency.

An integral part of the ARM solution includes the company’s Remote Operations Centre and technical support team. The team of technical experts work 24/7 and coordinate rapid response to ARM’s alarm notifications by evaluating equipment data and initiating the most efficient response.

The system monitors thousands of critical equipment parameters,

including operations, loads, run hours, fuel levels and GPS location.

When equipment is outside certain parameters, alerts are sent to the Remote Operations Centre, enabling the team to diagnose and respond efficiently. Aggreko remotely fixes the issue with the site when possible, or dispatches a qualified technician if necessary.

A mobile application is also available for customers where users are notified of any critical equipment performance alarms and contacted immediately by an expert. With the ARM mobile application, Aggreko gives customers visibility anytime, anywhere into its equipment’s performance conditions, potentially saving unanticipated downtime and capital expenditure costs.

An example where the use of the ARM system has already

demonstrated its worth eliminating downtime was for the Ichthys LNG project. The system was able to remotely identify a slipping fan belt for a generator. Aggreko were able to then quickly repair the unit without any inconvenience or damage caused. The generator is vital to the project’s operations and thanks to the ARM system any potential risks were mitigated.

ARM is already on most of Aggreko’s fleet of generators in the Australia Pacific region with plans to expand across to cooling and heating equipment in the near future. Centralised, real-time asset monitoring, the technical expertise of the Remote Operations Centre and the performance of Aggreko’s network of local service centres combine to offer customers a strong, next-generation solution.

Solve challenges before they become problems.

Find out more about Aggreko Remote Monitoring at www.aggreko.com

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World Leader in Power, Cooling and Heating Rental We provide innovative power, cooling and heating solutions that enable our customers to reduce risk, eliminate redundancy, streamline operations and create new growth opportunities. Our success means we’re now widely regarded as the global leader in our field. But we don’t rest on our laurels: day-to-day we go above and beyond our customers’ expectations to deliver the highest possible levels of service.

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T: 1300 929 031

E: info@aggreko.com.au

Aggreko operates from over 200 locations throughout the world.

For the location nearest you, please go to: www.aggreko.com

Is Precision Paramount?

If you pride yourself on the accuracy of your work, talk to us about Z+F 3D laser scanning instruments.

With unparalleled data clarity, Z+F is the brand you need if you’re serious about 3D laser scanning.

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*Terms and Conditions apply. 5010X and 5016 models only.

business

SPECIAL FEATURE

GERMAN 3D LASER TECHNOLOGY

BACKED BY LOCAL SUPPORT GEOSPATIAL technology provider Position Partners has teamed with Zoller + Fröhlich (Z+F), a well respected German electrical engineering firm, to offer Australian, New Zealand and PNG customers a competitive edge when it comes to laser scanning applications.

Under the agreement, Position Partners will offer sales, training and technical support for a range of Z+F laser scanners to customers throughout Australia, New Zealand and PNG. “Z+F has a reputation for delivering industry-leading solutions that are innovative, reliable and highly accurate,” said Martin Nix, Position Partners CEO. “We are delighted to partner with a company that shares our passion for pioneering a better way and we look forward to offering customers the very best when it comes to 3D laser scanning technology that is backed by our extensive technical expertise and local support,” he added.

Position Partners laser scanning experts have been trained at Z+F’s headquarters in Germany, to enable

comprehensive support for customers.

Z+F will also assist Position Partners to establish a local calibration check facility in Australia to minimise service turnaround times.

In what’s believed to be an industry first, Position Partners and Z+F have also agreed to provide free customer training at Z+F’s German headquarters with the sale of every 5010X and 5016 laser scanner. Each sale includes flights, accommodation and training for one representative at no extra cost.

“Sceptics may assume we’ve built the cost into the price of the product but that isn’t the case,” explained Position Partners’ Scanning Systems Product Manager, Paul Malatzky.

“We want to ensure customers get the maximum amount of benefit from these sophisticated instruments by providing training and knowledge direct from the people who developed them.”

Ideal for use in a wide range of applications for the built environment, resources industry, natural landscapes or forensic investigations, Z+F 3D laser scanners are used by engineers and

surveyors to create high resolution point clouds for data analysis and reporting.

Position Partners will offer the popular Z+F IMAGER® 5010 series as well as the new Z+F IMAGER® 5016, a compact, high performance instrument that delivers more than one million points per second accuracy up to distances of 360 metres.

Z+F’s unique Blue Workflow is designed to maximise productivity and provide users with more accurate, comprehensive data sets. By enabling in-field scan registrations and the ability to manipulate the data during the scans rather than waiting to get back to the office, Z+F scanners make field work more efficient and effective.

“We welcome this new reseller agreement with Position Partners, a company with a large network of offices to support customers at a local level,” said Dr. Christopher Fröhlich, one of the founding partners of Z+F. “We look forward to a successful partnership and offering well supported, reliable instruments to the surveying, engineering, construction and mining industries.”

For more information on the range of Z+F 3D laser scanning instruments available from Position Partners call 1300 867 266 or visit www.positionpartners.com.au

71

OUR NEW RTP NUTRUNNER Welcome to the revolution in heavy duty bolting.

Atlas Copco has released the RTP pneumatic nutrunner for the Oil and Gas, Mining and Energy markets.

The RTP is a reliable, durable and fast solution for all bolting applications including flange related applications, wheel work and maintenance.

For information, hire or to arrange a demonstration please contact our Bolting partner National Tools.

08 9456 2104 sales@ntah.com.au

73

VISUALIZE YOUR UNDERGROUND OPERATIONS Lift the lid on your underground operations with Sandvik OptiMine® 3D Mine Visualizer.

The integrated and fully automated system uses data from 3D scanner and mine planning systems to visualize underbreak, overbreak, convergence, and the underground environment.

Sandvik OptiMine® 3D Mine Visualizer integrates with mine planning systems and other OptiMine® modules for effective control of your full mining operations.

FIND OUT MORE AT MINING.SANDVIK.COM

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

The right move for young men

OPEN DAY

Tuesday 15 August, 8am - 12pm

Register at nudgee.com

specialfeature

From blue and white, to green and gold he boarding experience at St Joseph’s Nudgee College is one like no other. The support for your learning is immeasurable, the friendships forged are forever, and access to world class facilities is at your doorstep. Current Captain of the Under 20 Australian Rugby Union team Reece Hewat experienced Nudgee College’s boarding life firsthand as a student from 2013 to 2015.

“Being a boarder is really something special; the term home away from home is often used, because that’s exactly what it is,” he said.

“It’s a bit like being on a big school camp all year where you get to spend most of the time with your friends.”

While Reece said he enjoyed his entire Nudgee College journey, his Senior year in 2015 was a highlight.

“As a boarder, you grow up with all the boys in your year level, so finishing school together is an incredible experience,” he said.

In life, there are always challenges, and the challenge that is often spoken about in regards to boarding is homesickness. During his boarding years, Reece’s family were located more than 1000km away in the New South Wales Central Coast region.

“You can get a bit homesick early on, but then you realise that all the boys there are in the same situation and you have heaps of people to talk things through with,” he said.

“All the House Mums, Heads of Boarding House and Supervisors definitely do their part and prepare you for any problem that you may face.”

According to Reece, boarding can give you the upper hand when you finish school and are faced with the ‘real world’.

“In many ways you are starting your independent life; you get used to doing things for yourself and not relying on your parents as much,” he said.

“I’m living out of home now and being in boarding definitely made the transition easier.”

As a boarder Reece also developed a knowledge of different cultures through living with more than 250 boys from all over the world.

At Nudgee College, Reece was the Captain of the Nudgee College 1st XV Rugby team when he was in Year 11 and Year 12, and also earned the captaincy of the Australian Schoolboys team as a Senior.

77

WE SEEK MORE THAN THE QUALIFIED WE VALUE THE FEARLESS Uni of Southern Qld p78

SKROO TURNER CEO, FLIGHT CENTRE

If you’re looking for that combination of knowledge and belief that top employers seek, look no further than USQ – the No. 1 uni in Australia for graduate employment.* With over 700 professional development courses available, including one of Australia’s top 5 MBA programs^, and renowned online learning resources, we equip postgrads with the skills the world demands.

USQ.EDU.AU/POSTGRAD *Good Universities Guide, 2017 ^Financial Review Boss magazine, 2015

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USQ tips its hat to Roneel oneel Narayan has 3,000 reasons to smile; the same number of kilometres he travelled to make it to his USQ graduation.

“I’m so excited! This is a big milestone for me,” he said, pumping the air with his fist.

Born in Fiji, Roneel quite literally crossed an ocean to study USQ’s Master of Business Administration.

His journey started two years ago, as on online student undertaking a Master of Project Management.

“I was studying online from Fiji.

But when I finished, I knew I needed to keep going.”

“With further study, there’s opportunity for growth,” he said.

Roneel was awarded USQ’s Vice-Chancellor’s International Postgraduate Scholarship.

He moved to Australia last year and completed his Master of Business Administration.

“I’m working full time now with an engineering firm. And I’m looking forward to what opportunities the MBA brings me.”

Ranked in the top five MBA programs

in the country, according to Australian Financial Review BOSS rankings, the degree is one of Australia’s largest.

The survey, which is undertaken every two years, saw the USQ School of Management and Enterprise’s MBA program move from eighth to fifth.

The grading system assesses business education across Australia, weighing factors such as feedback from recent alumni, academic staff credentials and business experience, and program design.

“It is a testament to the quality of our program and commitment to delivering the best outcomes for our students,” said USQ’s MBA Program Director, Associate Professor Jane Summers.

She said providing a flexible program that allowed students to study online and in their own time and space was clearly meeting a market niche for postgraduate business education.

“One question on the MBA survey asks why they chose this particular institution, and many noted they wouldn’t have otherwise been able to study if they didn’t have the online option.”

USQ’s MBA program has a number of

key features that help to set it apart and provide enhanced value to students.

These include being able to specialise in focused areas in addition to the traditional business courses, an emphasis on high quality teaching with personalised support, relevant and innovative curriculum and an international faculty with strong industry networks.

USQ Vice-Chancellor, Professor Janet Verbyla, said the ranking is a reflection of the dedication and hard work shown by staff and MBA students.

“With the MBA from USQ, students are landing themselves jobs in some of the fastest paced and most interesting careers in the business world,” Professor Verbyla said.

“Just go for it,” is the advice from graduate, Roneel Narayan.

“Look for opportunities to further your education and go for it.”

For more information on USQ’s master’s degree in business administration (MBA), visit: www.usq.edu.au/study/degrees/ master-of-business-administration.

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It starts with understanding.

From the moment your daughter moves into our Boarding House, she’ll feel a part of something special.

We believe that caring for your daughter is not only our job, it is our privilege. We would love to play a part in your daughter’s journey.

OranjeCreative_7979

Please call 08 8373 4062 or email admissions@walford.asn.au to learn more about boarding life at Walford.

Walford Anglican School for Girls 316 Unley Rd Hyde Park SA 5061

T. 08 8373 4062

E. admissions@walford.asn.au

/walfordschool

walford.asn.au

specialfeature

From the Riverland to National Champion alford Boarder and Rowing National Champion, Ella Grummet, was born and raised in Loxton South Australia. Loxton is located on the south bank of the River Murray in the Riverland region and is known for its grain farming.

Growing up in Loxton Ella attended Loxton Primary school and applied for a boarding scholarship at Walford School in 2013. During the scholarship process, Ella was asked if she would be interested in being part of the rowing community and as her father, Mac Grummet, was a rower in Victoria, she fondly remembers the way Mac talked highly about the sport and how much he enjoyed it.

When Ella arrived for her first year of boarding in 2014, she trained with the rowing squad and successfully made the two seat in the Year 9 A quad boat, a position she would also retain the next season in the Year 10 A boat. Her Year 10 A crew won the Rowing South Australia Champion Schoolgirl Crew in the 2015/16 season for being the most

successful schoolgirl crew in the state.

Now into her fourth year and studying Year 12 as a boarder at Walford, Ella reflects on her time in the boarding house.

‘Living with all the girls and having lots of sisters is a great support system; there are girls who started with me in Year 8 and we are close friends. Ms Jones-Parry (Walford Boarding Manager) and the boarding house staff are really supportive and when I have any problems they are like my second mum.

On the weekends we go to sporting events like the AFL at Adelaide Oval, we go shopping in Rundle Mall, watch movies at the cinema and of course there is rowing training in there too!

All the girls really enjoy the Boarding Socials with other schools too.

Walford is so close to everything.

It’s really easy for us to get into the city, head to the beach at Glenelg or get something to eat at all the cool cafés on King William Road.’

With a disrupted first half of the season the Walford First VIII of; Meg

Juers, Kirsty Penhall, Charlotte Hall, Aine Seed, Lavinia Prince, Matilda Young, Katelyn Nicholson, Mia Gowland and Ella, came together for the first time on January camp 2017.

When the season proper commenced, this First VIII crew opened their first of eleven South Australian Schoolgirl eight races with a convincing win. They went on to win the following ten races in South Australia with an average winning margin of 9.46 seconds.

This Walford First VIII crew, now declared the State and National Champions are only the third South Australian Schoolgirl crew to ever achieve this exceptional result. In fact, the past keepers of this record are both Walford Crews from 1994 and 1997.

“Ella is an exceptionally hard worker. She is a huge asset to the Walford rowing program and it has been fantastic to see how much she has grown and learnt over the years.”

Walford Director Of Rowing - Coach David McGrath

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The school of

choice for

Learning | Co-curricular | The Arts Agriculture | Boarding Downlands College has a unique history, beautiful surrounds, a distinctive spirituality and unequalled character. Our 38 hectare campus, located 20km from the Brisbane West Wellcamp Airport, is a great place for siblings to grow up together, forming memories that last a lifetime.

W h e re y o u r

h e a r t finds a home

T: 07 4690 9500 | 72 Ruthven St, Toowoomba | A Missionaries of the Sacred Heart College INDEPENDENT |

CATHOLIC | COEDUCATIONAL | YEARS 5-12 | DAY & BOARDING

specialfeature

One school, two experiences Written by M Cavanough (Downlands Past Student and current staff member)

am in a position that few people experience – that of returning to work at their high school to take up employment after graduation. I am lucky enough to have experienced Downlands under two different leaders, in two different eras and from two different perspectives, one as a student and the other as a staff member.

My Downlands journey began in 2001 after my family relocated from Rockhampton. Being in Year 10, the thought of starting over at a new school was daunting; however, my fears were quickly allayed as I immediately felt welcomed by staff and students alike, and was quickly drawn into a great group of friends, many of whom are still close today. I also met teachers who have left a lasting and positive impact on my life.

Downlands provided opportunities that were not available to me at my previous school. One example was the subject offerings. As I was not interested in mainstream Science subjects (I did not require Science for university), the option

to study Agricultural Science as an OP subject in Senior was appealing. I always enjoyed attending classes at the Colleges on-site Rural Centre.

I learned valuable lessons at Downlands, both in and out of the classroom. Through the Colleges Pastoral Care program, founded on the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart (MSC) Ethos, I began to appreciate and understand others; to consider how I could give back to my community; and to become a more selfless person.

I graduated from Year 12 with a good OP, an offer in the tertiary course of my choice, a strong network of friends and experiences that taught lessons that would last me a lifetime.

Fast forward to 2013 and an employment opportunity at Downlands.

It sounded like a wonderful role and I considered that my previous experience at the College would compliment the requirements of the position.

The past four years as a staff member of Downlands has exceeded all my expectations. Given the time since my

own graduation, change was inevitable - not only in small things, such as the uniform (hurrah!), but also the extension of choices available. Downlands now has the most diverse curriculum on the Darling Downs; more career pathways for students; and a vast and varied offering of co-curricular activities. There are many new, and a few familiar, teachers who continue to inspire young minds through a dedication and passion that can only be driven by an enjoyment of their workplace and what they do.

One aspect still underpinning all areas, including academic lessons, is the aspiration to be ‘people of the heart’.

Through Social Justice programs, Retreats and the over-arching Pastoral Care program, students and staff are encouraged to connect, to become involved in their community, and to seek to make a positive contribution to society.

My experience at Downlands has shaped who I am and I am grateful for the opportunity to share my school with a new generation of Downlanders.

Downlands College is a Years 5 – 12, independent, Catholic, coeducational, day and boarding school, located in the picturesque region of the Darling Downs in Queensland. The College offers a broad curriculum, diverse co-curricular opportunities, on-site rural centre and a quality pastoral care program built on the Ethos of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart (MSC).

We invite you to experience the Downlands community for you and your family, please book a personalised tour with Enrolments Coordinator, Ms Merilyn Rohde via phone, 61+ 07 46 909500, or email, enrolments@downlands.qld.edu.au.

Above from left: The beautiful grounds at the front of the College; My friend Corinne and I at our Year 12 Valedictory. Corinne remains one of my closest friends to this day; With one of my Downlands colleagues, Mrs Catherine Mims.

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Three Frensham Full Boarders are national team members rom Walgett, Gilgandra and Wellington, three Year 12 students, Arabella McKenzie (Rugby 7s Youth Commonwealth Games), Paige Wilson (Australian U20 High Jump Champion – Youth Commonwealth Games) and Olivia Barton (Oceania Cup Team – 3 Day Eventing) will be representing Australia this year, in three different Sports.

Arabella has represented Frensham since Year 7, in Softball, Basketball, Football, Hockey and Touch. ‘Over the past two years I have had to learn to prioritise and organise my commitments to meet expectations as a sportswoman and a senior student. I am grateful for the support of my parents and the School. Being from such a small town, so far from training, I feel extremely fortunate to be representing Australia.’

Olivia, selected for the trans-Tasman team as one of four riders to represent Australia, will compete against a New Zealand team at the Melbourne International 3 Day Event in June.

An equestrian friend noted, ‘this is an incredible achievement; she is so quiet about her success and is really dedicated.’

Olivia Barton

Paige Wilson

Amelia Douglass

Paige is one of Frensham’s most recognised achievers in Sport, having reached national championship level as an U16 high jumper. ‘She is an inspiration! When her coach comes to Frensham, we see her complete a gruelling couple of hours of agility and sprint training – and that’s just the part we see!’

Additionally, local student Amelia Douglass (Year 11) represented Australia in the Junior Competition at the 2017 Aquis Champions Tour in Queensland, the team winning against Japan: ‘To be invited to compete was amazing and the results were my best ever – on the three horses I had at the event.’ Also a senior rider, Valentina Aliprandi (now Year 12) was selected in 2015 for the Australian Youth Show Jumping Festival team which successfully competed against a New Zealand team and won the competition.

Arabella McKenzie

A boarding tradition we value If there is one thing that sets Frensham apart from other schools, it is our boarding tradition. For generations it has helped shape our values, and exists in the rhythm of daily life here.

Being a boarder is more than just a title at Frensham. It is a way of life.

State-of-the-art Learning Environment Frensham’s teaching facilities are worldclass. The richness of Frensham life provides girls with the environment in which both emotional and intellectual maturity can develop, combined with the skills, confidence and academic discipline to excel in their further studies.

85

Abbotsleigh p86

An Anglican Pre K-12 day and boarding school for girls In Sydney?

Come and visit us – we’d love to show you around Enrolment infomation www.abbotsleigh.nsw.edu.au Email registrar@abbotsleigh.nsw.edu.au Phone 02 9473 7744

Empowering young women since 1885

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From bush to jungle –

former boarding student follows dream bbotsleigh, a Pre Kindergarten to Year 12 Anglican day and boarding school for girls, has welcomed boarders since its foundation in 1885.

The School offers all the advantages of a large city school, but is set on the tranquil surrounds of Sydney’s upper North Shore in Wahroonga – sprawled across 12 hectares of land and close to the end of the M1 motorway and 10 minutes from the end of the M7 motorway.

The majority of the School’s 170 boarders in Years 7 to 12 come from country areas, with around 90 per cent from regional New South Wales.

Along with day students, Abbotsleigh boarders enjoy the highest standards of education, resources and opportunities.

Aside from its exceptional academic results, the leaders and staff of Abbotsleigh also believe in a rounded education in a caring, Christian environment that helps empower students to become compassionate and constructive global citizens.

Past boarder parent Nicola Dillon and her family, from Moree, chose to send their daughter Lara to Abbotsleigh.

Lara completed Year 12 in 2015. She is

currently studying at Sydney University for a Bachelor of Veterinary Biology/ Dr of Veterinary Medicine, after taking a year off in 2016 to work and travel throughout Europe.

Nicola says her daughter, once a ‘shy little girl’, positively thrived during her time at Abbotsleigh.

“Coming from Moree, a farming area eight hours’ drive north west of Sydney, we found Abbotsleigh to be the perfect school for our daughter Lara, who spent six years there as a boarder. The boarding cohort and culture is very strong and committed with boarding being an integral part of the school,” said Nicola.

“My daughter came to Abbotsleigh at the age of 12 from a small bush school of 20 students. She found the boarding experience to be invaluable, making lifelong friends in the care of remarkable academic and boarding staff. The culture of Abbotsleigh helped her blossom into a fine young girl and she became Head Boarder. Abbotsleigh gave Lara the opportunity to excel in sport, academics and the arts which she would never have had otherwise,” said Nicola.

“The style of education at Abbotsleigh with the high standard of teaching has

enabled many of the boarding students to receive excellent HSC results – this would not be possible without the care and constructive learning that is given to all the girls throughout their boarding years, particularly in Year 12. The School Council and the Headmistress show a strong commitment to boarding and this has made Abbotsleigh one of the top boarding schools in the state.”

“As a parent, I thoroughly enjoyed our six years at Abbotsleigh. Being President of the Boarder Parents’ Association for two years gave me a huge insight into the running of the boarding school and being a link between the country and the city, and the warm associations I had with both parents and staff.”

Abbotsleigh will be present at the Boarding Schools Expo in Tamworth held at the Memorial Town Hall on 28-29 July where families can speak with Boarding staff about all that Abbotsleigh has to offer.

When in Sydney, tours of the campus and boarding facilities can be arranged through the School’s Registrar, Colleen Fenn on registrar@Abbotsleigh.nsw.edu. au or by phoning 02 9473 7744.

Visit www.abbotsleigh.nsw.edu.au

Lara Dillon with elephant in Thailand

87

OT0517 CRICOS No: 00489C

Explore the BGS Journey

OPEN DAY Saturday 12 August 2017 from 12-3pm

Brisbane Grammar School invites you to explore the opportunities that are part of being a BGS student at our Open Day on Saturday 12 August.

Open Day will allow you to explore what opportunities are available to support the success and enjoyment of your son’s BGS Journey. We are committed to learning and preparing boys for life as global citizens through: academic development, sport, the Arts, special interest clubs, community service and much more.

Walk through the School accompanied by our senior students and explore your BGS journey.

For more information enrolments@brisbanegrammar.com | +61 7 3834 5200 | www.brisbanegrammar.com

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A world of opportunity beyond the classroom any are aware of Brisbane Grammar School’s reputation inside the classroom, but outside the classroom its students are learning and growing equally. Learning beyond the classroom is a key component of the BGS journey.

Extracurricular involvement is seen as central to students’ overall development, promoting connectedness, skills in teamwork and fostering leadership.

The school’s rich extracurricular life embraces sport, the visual and performing arts; including music, art and drama, as well as a range of other cultural activities, and special interest clubs. There is a place for boys wanting to learn new skills and make new friends, through to elite performers with the highest aspirations.

While BGS students aren’t required to participate in the extracurricular program, an incredible 93% of boys take part in at least one extracurricular activity each year, with that number growing to almost 100% for Middle School boys in Years 5-8. Both the music and football (soccer) programs, for example, each attract just shy of 50% of all students.

The extracurricular program aims to develop students’ skills, and to fulfil their potential for intelligent performance.

It also seeks to provide important opportunities for boys to both explore and extend their talents, and gain greater self-knowledge and awareness.

Enriched by the involvement of staff, all teachers across the school are involved in coaching a team or club, alongside parents, former students, and the many qualified coaches and instructors.

The outdoor education program is another important part of a student’s BGS journey where learning is

encouraged beyond the classroom.

Located on the shores of Lake Moogerah, about 100km south-west of Brisbane, the core program is adventure-based and focuses on experiential education.

Students take on everything from climbing and abseiling, to kayaking and hiking and much more in between.

They develop strength within the individual, between individuals, and between groups and the environment.

There are expedition components within the program for each year level, which increase in difficulty as students progress through the years.

Further afield, BGS students continue to establish themselves as global citizens through the public purpose program, and opportunities such as the annual service

trip to Cambodia. Students form teams and embark on local projects, including building homes or improving schools.

Many return with newfound perspectives and tighter bonds with their classmates.

Students at BGS receive a world-class education inside the classroom, but equally important is the school’s focus on learning beyond the classroom. Together they combine to offer an education nurturing their intellectual, physical and emotional wellbeing to become thoughtful, confident men of character who contribute to their communities.

Explore the BGS website today at brisbanegrammar.com or visit the school on Open Day on Saturday 12 August.

89

specialfeature

Iconic Queensland school creating endless possibilities tanding proudly in the treelined streets of Toowoomba, Queensland, is a school where once visited, impressions last and conversations are had of the ‘feeling’ you get when exploring the grounds. This feeling is one of positivity, possibilities, inclusiveness and respect. This is the Glennie difference.

The best option for your daughter’s education is the one which is right for her.

Glennie provides a well-rounded education for girls from Kindergarten to Year 12 and boarding from Year 6, grounded by Christian values within the Anglican ethos.

A nurturing environment for your daughter.

There is a lot to learn and manage when growing as a young woman, so at Glennie we take seriously our responsibility creating a comfortable and private second

home for boarders to be able to feel capable to all there is in and outside of school life, within a vibrant, supportive and dynamic environment.

Each boarder in Year 6 to 11 has her own living area; a cosy and modern roomette to ensure her privacy, as well as spacious common rooms, lounges and kitchens to encourage social interaction.

Year 12 boarders enjoy their own semiindependent living with their own room in a dedicated building complemented by shared lounge spaces, and kitchenettes.

At Glennie your daughter has the opportunity to become a confident, considerate, self-assured, well-skilled young woman, ready to face the everchanging demands of the adult world. We will encourage her to find and develop her unique talents and become All She Can Be®.

on the affordability of high quality independent schooling and Glennie strives to ensure families are supported as much as possible in this changing economic climate.

Glennie has limited the annual boarding fee increase to 2.5% per annum for new and continuing boarding enrolments. In each subsequent year, this annual fee increase will be capped at this amount for the duration of your boarding enrolment, so you have consistency and can be prepared for the investment in a Glennie education.

Casual, weekly and full-time boarding options are available with flexible fee payment options afforded to every Glennie family. Sibling discounts are also available for tuition and boarding.

A unique school for your unique daughter.

Consistency in fees for your security.

Increasing school fees have an impact

For more information or to book your personal tour of the school, contact our Registrar, Karen Morris on 07 4688 8807.

91

AN EDUCATION DESIGNED FOR GIRLS Strong Academic Focus Nurturing, Personalised Care Technology and Innovation Focus Marine Science and STEM + Arts, Enrichment and Sports Programs Fully Renovated Boarding College with Ocean Views CATHOLIC (61) 7 4753 0300

ALL GIRLS

SECONDARY

DAY & BOARDING

St Patrick’s College Townsville 45 The Strand Townsville Qld 4810 Australia enrolments@stpatscollege.qld.edu.au www.stpatscollege.qld.edu.au/enrolments

Cricos # 03317K

specialfeature

Look at us now! Renovations are complete, boarding with ocean views ur girls have returned this year to find a fully renovated boarding house including dormitories, common rooms and study rooms. This completes the 2016/17 boarding renovation project which also included the refurbishment of the dining hall, our Café by the Sea, with its large deck overlooking Cleveland Bay. The boarding house at St Patrick’s College is located in one of the most iconic buildings along Townsville’s Strand beachfront. Featuring the original 1800s front verandah and entrance, the building has a grand feel, capturing the essence of heritage Queensland style. Our boarders love to make use of the verandas with their sweeping views of the ocean and cool breezes.

St Patrick’s College Townsville has been serving the needs of rural, remote and international families for generations and continues to educate

confident, intelligent and empowered young women in the Mercy tradition.

Contemporary learning in a contemporary environment

It is important that our boarders feel at home and inside our boarding house, our new spaces cater to the various age groups, leisure and study needs.

Study rooms are equipped with funky furniture, contemporary lighting, movable boothing and ‘genius bars’. All dorms, study and common rooms are air-conditioned, Wi-Fi connected and provide a homely feel with kitchenettes and modern facilities that make life comfortable. The entire College has now undergone a major renovation that has transformed the campus into a beautiful and contemporary learning space.

With a variety of accommodation options suited to different age groups, our girls have the very best of care.

Director of Boarding, Ms Benita Bowles says boarding at St Patrick’s College is welcoming and joy-filled. “We are all about empowering our girls and this means different things to each student, depending on their talents, abilities, strengths and passions,” Ms Bowles said. “Through the curriculum, extracurricular opportunities and pastoral care, girls know they are respected and loved. In return, they know a successful and happy life means respecting themselves and each other. We are about preparing our girls to live and work in a global community without borders and prejudice, inspiring our girls to contribute meaningfully to their world.”

If you are looking for boarding options for your daughter, visit us online or call us to arrange a tour of our College campus and boarding house.

Above from left: The grand building, St Patrick’s College boarding house on Townsville’s Strand beachfront; Ms Benita Bowles, Director of Boarding; Our boarders are loving the renovated facilities 93

St Margaret’s PRE-PREP - YEAR 12

BOARDING YEARS 5-12

Interviewing now for 2018 to 2020 entry From Athol Station to Womblebank, and Allandale to Whitwell, the daughters of rural and remote Australia are at the very heart of the St Margaret’s boarding story.

Discover why St Margaret’s has been the first choice in boarding for generations of outback families for more than 120 years.

DISCOVER the DIFFERENCE!

www.stmargarets.qld.edu.au

11 Petrie Street Ascot QLD 4007 • T: (07) 3862 0777 • E: admissions@stmargarets.qld.edu.au

St Margaret’s School Council Ltd ABN: 69069684019 CRICOS Code: 00511K

specialfeature

Boarders are never home alone at St Margaret’s f you were ever to pass by St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School in Brisbane of a weekend, you would hear the sounds of laughter from a cobbled-together team of boarders having a hit on the tennis courts, the chatter of children relaxing under the shade of wisteria vines adorning the arbour outside their dormitory, and the giggles of the younger girls playing jump rope against the backdrop of spectacular views that extend to the city and beyond to distant ranges.

Head of Boarding Lesa Fowler says what you would hear are the sounds of home.

“On any given weekend there are usually 130 to 140 girls in residence, so there is always plenty going on and lots of company to be had,” said Ms Fowler.

Ms Fowler said that St Margaret’s had long adopted the very deliberate approach of not offering overnight or weekly boarding.

“So many of our boarders are from

remote and regional areas of Queensland, New South Wales, the Northern Territory and beyond, and don’t have the chance to go home most weekends.

“To accept weekly boarders who can return home every Friday diminishes opportunities to build an authentic and connected boarding community, which is the key to a successful boarding program” said Ms Fowler.

“While the girls have plenty of freedoms and can go out whenever their parents are in town, we do have a number of closed weekends that help the boarders really get to know one another and bond through fun, purposeful activities, that often have a life skill element to them as well.”

The other aspect of maintaining a consistent boarding population was the importance of routine.

“Consistency and routine play a big part in students successfully navigating their busy teenage lives – whether living

at home or in a boarding house,” said Ms Fowler.

“Having friends and relatives staying over can be exciting, but, if it’s always happening, the disruption can be unsettling, and it’s exactly the same with boarding.

“We have rejected short-term boarding options, offering instead a sixweek minimum stay, which in itself is a rarity, with most boarders here for the duration of the year, in term time.

“We take our intent to create a home away from home for our girls very seriously, and this means that sometimes it’s what we don’t do – in this weekly boarding – that makes all the difference,” said Ms Fowler.

St Margaret’s is now interviewing for entry into 2018 – 2020. Contact Mrs Judy Robinson on (07) 3862 0762 for all boarding enquiries or email admission@ stmargarets.qld.edu.au

95

CSU GRADUATES IN THE SPOTLIGHT – JOSHUA THOMAS

With a Bachelor degree from Charles Sturt University (CSU) under his belt, Joshua Thomas is ready to take on the world.

He has exhibited his art at major local and international galleries and has recently returned from the trip of a lifetime where he was a finalist in the Sony World Photography Awards 2016 Student Focus category in London.

Now that he’s back in Australia, Joshua is embarking on his next project - Bachelor of Creative Practice (Honours) in Photography with Charles Sturt University (CSU).

“I can’t think of any other place where I would receive such unique opportunities to further my career, such as exhibitions at major galleries, unique resources such as a black and white dark room for developing,” he said.

“You have access to top of the line equipment and lecturers who take you seriously and push your abilities to a whole new level.”

F5248 *Graduate Destinations Survey 2013-15, published at: qilt.edu.au

Offered on campus at Wagga

Wagga, the Bachelor of Creative Arts and Design (Photography) delivers hands-on experience from the moment students step into the classroom, and darkroom.

“The visual art department offers many resources such as photographic studios, equipment and close lecturer and student consultations,” Josh said, “My lecturers were always very supportive and engaging, opportunities were always offered to further my practice and conceptual thinking, which was an aspect I felt was really important towards my learning process.”

Redevelop your world with a degree from CSU.

futurestudents.csu.edu.au

specialfeature

Workplace learning at CSU delivers jobs for graduates eading off to university is an exciting time for students. And studying for a Charles Sturt University (CSU) degree, there’s never a dull moment. From the time students start at CSU, they are at the forefront of their chosen field. Hands-on learning experiences, from providing dental care in remote NSW, to working alongside paramedics at the London Ambulance Service or paid work placements for student engineers, set CSU students up for future success.

A CSU degree takes students beyond the classroom and into the field so they are ready to tackle the challenges of their chosen career.

When Nathan Ross started studying to become a paramedic he had no idea his degree would take him all the way to one of the world’s busiest ambulance stations in London.

Nathan says, “I’ve had the opportunity to work alongside many paramedics in trauma situations, and with patients facing a variety of medical complaints, mental health cases and much more.

“I am grateful to have had this international experience as it’s developed my communication, clinical practice and teamwork skills to prepare me for a job.”

Erin Currier’s Bachelor of Dental Science placement in outback NSW gave her first-hand experience in the challenges of rural health care. Erin says, “We treated members of the local community and patients from surrounding properties who travel hundreds of kilometres for dental treatment.

“We did teeth extractions, denture work and restorative treatment to people of all ages including school children.

“Working on placement out at Brewarrina provided a real insight into working in a rural and remote

community and highlighted the limited access to health care in these communities”.

CSU has a long tradition of incorporating workplace learning in its education of the professions which is why CSU has the highest graduate employment rate in the country* and the University’s new engineering program is set to break new ground in this space.

“We provide every opportunity for our students to undertake real projects and gain real experience while receiving sound academic support and guidance during their five years of study at Charles Sturt University,” says CSU Foundation Professor of Engineering, Euan Lindsay.

Now in their second year, the first group of engineering students is preparing for CSU’s first placements in businesses and local government organisations, which could see these students earn up to $135,000 during their degree.

Workplace learning - also known as an internship, cadetship, clinical placements, practicum, field work or professional experience - gives CSU students’ real-world learning opportunities and practical skills they need to hit the ground running after graduation.

Secure a future as a highly employable graduate by calling CSU on 1800 334 733 or visiting futurestudents.csu.edu.au.

Below left: CSU dental science student in Brewarrina in 2016; Below right: CSU paramedicine student Nathan Ross (middle) in London in 2016

*Graduate Destination Survey 2013-2015, published by Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT).

97

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO PARTNER UP WITH AUSTRALIA’S LARGEST REGIONAL UNIVERSITY? It means finding the edge to your advancement in CQUniversity’s wide range of postgraduate courses. It means studying where and how you like – on campus or online via our renowned and flexible distance education mode, with access to our 20+ national locations. It means benefitting from the expertise and support of a uni ranked in the top 2% worldwide*.

It means choosing a uni doing things differently. *Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2016–7.

POSTGRADUATE COURSES STARTING MID-YEAR IN:

» » » » » » » »

accident forensics

technology

accounting

» maintenance and

arts

asset management

business creative industries dementia studies diagnostic imaging domestic and family violence studies

» engineering » healthy aging studies » human resources management

» information systems

THE

CRICOS Code: 00219C | RTO Code: 40939 | P_AD_170041_OutThere

UNI

TAFE AND UNIVERSITY QUALIFICATIONS

» information

» management » marketing and

public relations

» nursing (re-entry, mental health)

» » » » »

OH&S paramedic science project management teaching tourism

APPLY NOW TO START MID-YEAR

TO YOUR

AMBITION

specialfeature

Best brains in the industry lead CQUni’s safety sciences afety science is a rapidly growing field of expertise; a field that has been spurred on by increasing regulations around safety and health, not only in Australia but worldwide.

According to the Australian Government’s Job Outlook, employment in the safety sciences is expected to grow strongly until late 2020, with most jobs to be in public administration and safety, mining and construction.

This increasing regulatory focus on health and safety, together with a global business emphasis on achieving reduced costs and higher reliability, has resulted in CQUniversity safety sciences graduates being highly sought after by a range of industries including mining, manufacturing, maritime, aviation, defence, transport and logistics, health and consultancy.

CQUniversity has recently welcomed Dr Milos Nedved to its safety science team. He will be based at the University’s new Perth campus.

Dr Nedved has spent half a century at the forefront of industrial safety across the globe. He believes that, by joining CQUniversity he has now joined one of the world’s top safety science academic teams.

Dr Nedved says, “CQUni’s Associate Professor Yvonne Toft has assembled the best brains in the transport and industrial safety domain which is why I’m proud to join the team.”

He says the safety science courses offered by CQUniversity are by far the best he has seen in Australia, United States or Europe in the last 35 years.

Dr Nedved will be supporting new students at the Perth campus, while helping with fresh course developments and supervising postgraduate research students studying via distance.

He brings with him vast experience in chemical process safety analysis methods, drawn from work with the giant Dow and Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI) consortiums.

Dr Nedved has also worked

extensively as a United Nations (UN) Expert in Chemical Safety and as a UN Chief Technical Advisor in Major Hazard Control. He has also assisted legal firms as an expert witness in accident investigation for hundreds of court cases.

CQUniversity offers a range of courses in transport and safety sciences, available to start mid-year, from certificates through to PhDs. These courses include a comprehensive range of graduate certificates suited to those who would like to upskill in niche areas such as accident phenomenology, advanced accident investigation practice, advanced safety science practice, and fatigue risk management. Masters courses are also available in both advanced safety science practice and safety science (specialisation).

All transport and safety science postgraduate programs are offered online via distance education.

For further details about starting a course in safety science mid-year, search ‘CQUni’ or visit cqu.edu.au/midyear.

Above left: Safety science expert Dr Milos Nedved joins CQUni’s academic team in Perth; Above right: Master of Safety Science (Accident Investigation) students on fieldwork at the crash lab facilities at CQUniversity Bundaberg.

99

Boarding at Loreto

Years 7 - 12 (full time and weekly) We support our boarders by providing:

Marryatville

• • • • • •

Individual rooms Academic support, including supervised study sessions by tutors and teachers Access to gym and cardio facilities Health and wellbeing programs, including an on-site clinical psychologist An on-site Heath Care Centre with regular doctor visits A school environment which is conducive to high academic achievement and to the development of strong, articulate and independent women

An independent Catholic day & boarding school for girls from ELC to Year 12 316 Portrush Road, Marryatville, South Australia www.loreto.sa.edu.au | (08) 8334 4200

CRICOS No. 00692G

specialfeature

Helping shape strong, confident and articulate young women Loreto is a leading South Australian day and boarding school offering an all-girls’ education in Early Learning (6 weeks – 5 years), Primary School (Reception – Year 6), and Senior School (Years 7-12).

s an Early-Learning-to-Year-12 College offering both day and boarding, we have a strong focus on the developmental needs of girls, both academically and pastorally.

One of seven Australian Loreto Schools united by the vision of Mary Ward, the College prides itself on the development of confident, articulate and courageous girls and young women who have the social consciousness to make a difference in the world.

We are driven by an international focus, through our connection to over 150 Loreto schools worldwide and through our dedication to the International Baccalaureate programme, from Reception to Year 10.

We value the holistic education of girls as demonstrated by our students’ outstanding academic achievements and their sporting accomplishments.

Our students achieve some of the best Year 12 results in the state and our student performance in the National Assessment Program - Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) tests are consistently above average. Our strong academic performance has seen the College produce two of South Australia’s

Rhodes Scholars in the last four years.

Our girls’ success is attributed to a 400-year-old tradition of Loreto education, our dedicated staff, and our broader community, who share our vision for young women.

Boarding

Loreto College, Marryatville, is the only all-girls’ Catholic boarding school in Adelaide. The boarding precinct is home to 60 girls from Adelaide, country South Australia, interstate and overseas.

Our Boarding House caters for students in Years 7-12 as full-time or weekly boarders. Weekly boarding provides the capacity for students who live in the regional areas of Adelaide to return home on weekends.

Boarding school life provides the opportunity to establish lifelong friendships and enables each student to develop resilience, confidence and leadership.

Loreto boarding students are encouraged to develop initiative and self-reliance and to act independently.

Our boarders consistently achieve strong academic results due to support structures, including study and

tutoring programs aimed at assisting girls to achieve their personal best.

Two separate houses on the College grounds form the Boarding School, the historic Karrawood House, which provides a wonderful sense of home, and Reid House, comprising contemporary designed accommodation. Each purposebuilt space has been designed to best facilitate communal living, while providing privacy by way of each girl having her own individual room. Main dining and common areas provide ideal spaces for all our Boarders to come together for meals and activities.

Living within the College grounds, Boarders have access to all school facilities including the gymnasium and fitness studio (consisting of a cardio and weights room), netball and tennis courts and music centre.

Our Little Sister program provides a caring relationship between older and younger students, particularly when they are new to the Boarding House.

For more informtion, visit the Loreto College, Marryatville website: loreto.sa.edu.au

101

Boarding at Pembroke opens a world of opportunity • A vibrant co-educational, non-denominational, day and boarding school from Early Learning Centre (ELC) to Year 12. Boarders are enrolled from Years 7–12.

• Offering the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE) and International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB) as pathways to tertiary studies.

• Average class size in Middle School is 18. Average class size in Senior School is 13.

• An outstanding learning culture – students want to learn and enjoy learning.

Students are engaged, purposefully busy and well-rounded.

• Renowned for academic excellence and outstanding Year 12 results. Extensive subject choice including Vocational Education and Training (VET) options.

• Careful focus on the personal development of students and their well-being.

• Community service and leadership opportunities feature prominently across all year levels.

• Outdoor Education programme and opportunities from Years 7–12.

• 30 sport choices.

• 25+ co-curricular choices (music and other non-sporting options).

• Located on 10 hectares 6km east of Adelaide City centre in a quiet residential area.

Enrolling now for 2018 and 2019

ADELAIDE, SOUTH AUSTRALIA

“Boarding at Pembroke has challenged my thinking about what I am capable of doing in the world – there are endless opportunities waiting for me.”

Year 9 Boarder

Year 10 outdoor education camp, Coorong, SA

For further information email admissions@pembroke.sa.edu.au, visit the School website www.pembroke.sa.edu.au or telephone +61 8 8366 6217 342 The Parade, Kensington Park, South Australia 5068

snapshot Hamersley Gorge, Karijini National Park, Western Australia

directory Your directory of things to see, eat and do in destinations across Australia

NAME

ADDRESS

WEBSITE

PHONE

NEW SOUTH WALES Absalom Gallery

638 Chapple Street, Broken Hill, NSW 2880

jackabsalom.com.au

08 8087 5881

Bella Vita Tours

Griffith, NSW 2680

bellavita.tours

0437 927 651

Eurobodalla South Coast

Batemans Bay | Moruya | Narooma

eurobodalla.com.au

1800 802 528

Go Whale Watching

Departs from Darling Harbour, Sydney

gowhalewatchingsydney.com.au

02 6495 1686

Mount Pleasant Wines

401 Marrowbone Road, Pokolbin, NSW 2320

mountpleasantwines.com.au

02 4998 7505

Parkes Visitor Information Centre

Newell Highway, Parkes, NSW 2870

visitparkes.com.au

02 6862 6000

Quality Hotel Rules Club Wagga

188 Fernleigh Road, Wagga Wagga, NSW 2650

qualityhotelrulesclubwagga.com

02 6931 2000

Sapphire Waters Inn Motel

32–34 Merimbula Dr Merimbula, NSW 2548

sapphirewatersmotorinn.com.au

02 6495 1999

Snowy Hydro Discovery Centre

Yulin Avenue, Cooma, NSW 2630

snowyhydro.com.au

1800 632 776

VIP Private Tours

13 Pleasant Place, Tuross Head, NSW 2537

viptours.net.au

0437 143 477

Wingham Akoostik Music Festival

PO Box 177 Wingham, NSW 2429

akoostik.com.au

0417 570 359

QUEENSLAND Charleville Cosmos Centre & Observatory

1 Milky Way Charleville, QLD 4470

cosmoscentre.com

07 4654 7771

Eromanga Natural History Museum

1 Dinosaur Drive, Eromanga, QLD 4480

enhm.com.au

07 4656 4967

Rambutan Townsville

113-119 Flinders St Townsville, QLD 4810

rambutantownsville.com.au

07 4771 6915

Tambo Teddies PTY LTD

17 Arthur St, Tambo, QLD 4478

tamboteddies.com.au

07 4655 6223

SOUTH AUSTRALIA Commonwealth Bank RoofClimb

War Memorial Drive, North Adelaide, SA 5006

roofclimb.com.au

08 8331 5222

Katnook Estate

Riddoch Highway, Coonawarra, SA 5263

katnookestate.com.au

08 8737 0300

Parker Coonawarra Estate

15688 Riddoch Hwy, Coonawarra, SA 5263

winecountry.com.au

08 8737 3525

The Lookout Cave Underground Motel

1141 McKenzie Close Coober Pedy, SA 5723

thelookoutcave.com

08 8672 5118

Whyalla

Eyre Peninsula, SA

whyalla.com

1800 088 589

WESTERN AUSTRALIA Busy Blue Bus

13 Chevalier St Albany, WA 6330

busybluebus.com.au

08 9842 2133

Quest Albany

176 Adelaide Terrace, East Perth, WA 6004

questeastperth.com.au

08 6210 6000

Skyhook Helicopters

81 Whaling Station Rd, Frenchmans Bay, WA 6330

skyhookhelicopters.com.au

0427 421 745

TASMANIA King Island Discovery Tours and Benn's Buses

PO Box 265, Currie, TAS 7256

kingislandbustours.com.au

0429 709 864

King Island Tourism Incorporated

5 George St, Currie, TAS 7256

kingisland.org.au

03 6462 1778

THE RE X DIRECTORY

Promote your business nationally and reach over 300,000 readers each issue.

To advertise, contact Kylee Dixon: E kylee.dixon@edge.agency T 0421 022 004

105

DIRECTORY

ABSALOM GALLERY

BELLA VITA TOURS

638 CHAPPLE STREET, BROKEN HILL, NSW 2800 T 08 8087 5881 E jackab5@bigpond.com.au jackabsalom.com.au

GRIFFITH, NSW 2680

On your next visit to Broken Hill, a visit to Absalom's Art Gallery is a must. Home to the finest collection of outback paintings by Jack Absalom, it also features the largest opal display in the Southern Hemisphere.

Come say hello. Gallery hours 10am-5pm, closed January & February

Griffith's early Italian migrants brought with them traditions like salami making, preserving olives and sauce (suggo) day. Since then, Griffith has become a cosmopolitan city with a thriving wine industry, abundant agriculture and topnotch hospitality. Join Bella Vita Tours to experience, taste, and explore the fascinating and beautiful Griffith lifestyle.

GO WHALE WATCHING

MOUNT PLEASANT WINES

PARKES, CENTRAL WEST NSW

DEPARTING FROM DARLING HARBOUR, SYDNEY DAILY JUNE TO NOVEMBER.

401 MARROWBONE ROAD, POKOLBIN, NSW 2320

PARKES VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE

T 02 6495 1686 E info@gowhalewatchingsydney.com.au gowhalewatchingsydney.com.au

T 02 4998 7505 E mpcellardoor@mcwilliamswines.com.au mountpleasantwines.com.au

We are a company with a commitment to the welfare and wellbeing of whales. Our crew are passionate about the whales and enjoy sharing their experience and knowledge of these magnificent animals.

Our cruises are relaxed, friendly and informative.

Mention this add and receive 50% off your booking!

Established in 1921, by legendary winemaker Maurice O’Shea – Mount Pleasant is one of the great wine estates of Australia. Mount Pleasant is home to four of the Hunter Valley’s most Iconic Vineyard sites – Old Hill, Old Paddock, Lovedale and Rosehill. Visit our Cellar Door to taste benchmark wines.

Iconic attractions and colourful events including the world famous CSIRO Parkes Radio Telescope and the internationally renowned Parkes Elvis Festival, have cemented Parkes as a must-visit destination. Located in Central NSW on the major inland motoring corridor, Parkes offers quality accommodation and dining options along with friendly country hospitality.

QUALITY HOTEL RULES CLUB WAGGA

SAPPHIRE WATERS MOTOR INN

188 FERNLEIGH ROAD, CNR OF GLENFIELD ROAD (GLENFIELD PARK) WAGGA WAGGA, NSW, 2650

T 02 6931 2000 E hotel@rulesclubwagga.com qualityhotelrulesclubwagga.com

Quality Hotel Rules is a modern, three-level complex with a lift service to all floors and secure parking onsite for hotel guests. Accessible rooms are available on each level. Travellers can enjoy the complimentary dining and entertainment facilities within the Club.

106

T 0437 927 651 E info@bellavita.tours bellavita.tours

32–34 MERIMBULA DR MERIMBULA, NSW 2548 T 02 6495 1999 E info@sapphirewatersmotorinn.com.au sapphirewatersmotorinn.com.au Sapphire Waters Motor Inn is an award winning motel located a short walk from the CBD, restaurants and clubs of Merimbula. We have a large range or room types to suit all occasions. Set on Merimbula Lake on the Sapphire Coast, we offer some of the most spectacular scenery on the NSW south coast.

RELAX & RECONNECT EUROBODALLA, STH COAST NSW BATEMANS BAY | MORUYA | NAROOMA, NSW T 1800 802 528 E info@eurobodalla.com.au eurobodalla.com.au Relaxed, unspoilt, nostalgic, are just a few words that describe Eurobodalla. Whether a first time or returning visitor, connect with nature and discover 4 mighty rivers, wildlife galore, coastal islands, ancient headlands and vast tracks of tall timbered forests. Want to know more? Ask for your FREE brochure today.

T 02 6862 6000 E tourism@parkes.nsw.gov.au visitparkes.com.au

SNOWY HYDRO DISCOVERY CENTRE YULIN AVENUE, COOMA, NSW 2630

T 1800 632 776 E info@snowyhydro.com.au snowyhydro.com.au This state-of-the-art visitor facility showcases the amazing history of the Snowy Mountains Scheme; from the early days of construction through to current operations by Snowy Hydro.

This is a must for any visitor the Snowy Mountains region! Entry is free all year round.

DIRECTORY

WINGHAM AKOOSTIK MUSIC FESTIVAL

CHARLEVILLE COSMOS CENTRE & OBSERVATORY

PO BOX 177 WINGHAM, NSW 2429

1 MILKY WAY CHARLEVILLE, QLD 4470

The Wingham Akoostik Festival is a 3 brilliant days of music held every October in Wingham on the NSW mid-north coast. The event showcases local and regional music, and provides social and economic benefits to the community. Subscribe on our website for 2017 updates and super earlybird tickets.

BE AMAZED - visit our observatory and experience the wonder of our outback sky. View the sheer beauty of the Milky Way Galaxy, stargaze through powerful Meade telescopes. During daylight hours join us in Sun Viewing and Astronomy by Day. Bookings are essential.

EROMANGA NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM

RAMBUTAN TOWNSVILLE

TAMBO TEDDIES PTY LTD

113-119 FLINDERS ST TOWNSVILLE, QLD 4810

1 DINOSAUR DRIVE, EROMANGA, QLD 4480

T 07 4771 6915 E bookings@rambutantownsville.com rambutantownsville.com.au

17 ARTHUR ST, TAMBO, QLD 4478 T 07 4655 6223 E info@tamboteddies.com.au tamboteddies.com.au

VIP PRIVATE TOURS TUROSS HEAD, NSW FAR SOUTH COAST, 2537

T 0437 143 477 E hello@viptours.net.au viptours.net.au

From arrival at Moruya Airport, VIP Private Tours will integrate your travel between accommodation, business, leisure activities and sightseeing.

Our flexible private transport and local tours accommodate up to six people with luggage. Book a tour and visit a working oyster farm, see stunning coastal scenery and get close to native wildlife.

T 07 4656 4967 E info@enhm.com.au enhm.com.au

At this new Outback Australian dinosaur museum, you'll see the real bones of Australia’s largest dinosaur ‘Cooper’. You can prepare dinosaur or megafauna bones, join a dinosaur or megafauna dig, stay 4 star on-site or take a 4WD dig tag-along tour. Schools to seniors, there's something at Eromanga for all ages.

T 0417 570 359 E hello@akoostik.com.au akoostik.com.au

A luxury backpacker’s hostel for both international and domestic travellers visiting tropical Townsville; Rambutan is Townsville's most vibrant place to eat, stay or play. Rambutan Backpacker Resort combines a variety of affordable accommodation options, with a relaxing poolside, plus a stunning rooftop bar and restaurant where guests can get aquainted.

T 07 4654 7771 E enquiries@cosmoscentre.com cosmoscentre.com

Tambo Teddies create innovative quality Australian made 100% natural woollen teddy bears.

Our products are all hand crafted in the tiny Outback town of Tambo. Get your Tambo Teddy and have a friend for life.

COMMONWEALTH BANK ROOFCLIMB

KATNOOK ESTATE

PARKER COONAWARRA ESTATE

RIDDOCH HIGHWAY, COONAWARRA, SA 5263

T 08 8737 0300 E cellardoor@katnookestate.com.au katnookestate.com.au

15688 RIDDOCH HWY, COONAWARRA, SA 5263

ADELAIDE OVAL, WAR MEMORIAL DRIVE, NORTH ADELAIDE, SA 5006

RoofClimb will literally take you to new heights at the world-class Adelaide Oval - in the heart of the city!

This exhilarating adventure will have you travelling along the impressive curved roofline of the Oval as you soak up 360 degree views of the city and beyond.

Rich in history and tradition, Katnook Estate lies in the heart of Coonawarra. John Riddoch’s beautiful historic buildings have been converted into our Cellar Door and you can enjoy free, personalised tastings of Katnook’s award winning wines and sample local produce. Available for weddings and functions. Open daily.

The Parker Coonawarra Estate cellar door is situated upon the famed 'terra rossa' strip of soil, in the renowned Coonawarra grape growing region. Specialising in estate-grown, premium Cabernet Sauvignon. Winemaker: Phil Lehmann.

T 08 8331 5222 E enquiries@roofclimb.com.au roofclimb.com.au

T 08 8737 3525 E info@parkercoonawarraestate.com.au winecountry.com.au

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DIRECTORY

THE LOOKOUT CAVE UNDERGROUND MOTEL

WHYALLA

ALBANY & ESPERANCE

EYRE PENINSULA, SA

1141 MCKENZIE CLOSE, COOBER PEDY, SA 5723 T 08 8672 5118 E info@thelookoutcave.com thelookoutcave.com

T 1800 088 589 E visitor.centre@whyalla.sa.gov.au whyalla.com

13 CHEVALIER STREET, ALBANY, WA 6330 T 08 9842 2133 E info@busybluebus.com.au busybluebus.com.au

Sleeping underground is a one of a kind experience.

A popular destination for outback travellers, the Lookout Cave is a motel excavated into Sandstone, set on a hillside overlooking Coober Pedy. Plan your holiday and cross it off your bucket list! Mention this ad for 10% off and complimentary airport transfers.

Wake up where the sun rises up into an endless sky early each morning, spreading its glorious colourful rays on the sparkling water. Where some locals are setting their boats ready for fishing and others are starting their day with a morning stroll along the sand and shores. Unearth natural wonders; visit Whyalla in South Australia.

QUEST EAST PERTH

SKYHOOK HELICOPTERS

176 ADELAIDE TERRACE, EAST PERTH, WA 6004 T 08 6210 6000 E questeastperth@questapartments.com.au questeastperth.com.au

81 WHALING STATION RD, FRENCHMANS BAY, WA 6330 T 08 9844 4021 M 0427 421 745 E enquiries@skyhookhelicopters.com.au skyhookhelicopters.com.au

M 0429 709 864 E jimbenn53@hotmail.com kingislandbustours.com.au

Opened late 2016, brand new Quest East Perth is within easy walking distance to many of Perth’s attractions. Choose from 130 rooms – Studio, 1 or 2 Bedroom Apartments – ideal for an overnight or long stay. With 24hr reception, a roof top BBQ area and free wifi (400mb) Quest is your perfect location to stay.

To really explore Amazing Albany and the Western Australian south coast, take to the skies in our helicopter. View spectacular natural harbours, islands and stunning white beaches, or land on historic Breaksea Island for a ground tour. Fly to a winery or brewery for lunch. We also do Charters on request.

King Island Discovery Tours and Benn's Buses have all your transport needs covered on King Island. Offering golf, scenic or special interest tours, we can move you wherever you want to go, and provide competitive rates, gourmet food packages and expert informative drivers. We look forward to being of service to you.

Busy Blue Bus is the premier tour operator along the Amazing South Coast of Western Australia, showcasing the extraordinary natural landscape, cool climate wines, delicious local produce and iconic Australian, historic connections. We have the ‘must do’ touring for any visitor to the south coast region!

KING ISLAND DISCOVERY TOURS AND BENN'S BUSES PO BOX 265, CURRIE, TAS 7256

TO ADVERTISE IN THE REX DIRECTORY SECTION, C O N TAC T U S TO DAY. KING ISLAND TOURISM INCORPORATED 5 GEORGE STREET, CURRIE, TAS 7256

T 1800 645 014 E tourism@kingisland.net.au kingisland.org.au King Island – a place to stay with space to play. Visit this Tasmanian isle for Australia's best golf, cheese, beef and seafood with a friendly, laid back pace to boot! Experience deserted beaches and million dollar views, just forty minutes from Melbourne.

What are you waiting for?

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kylee.dixon@edge.agency

T 0421 022004

Blowes Clothing established in 1936 is a third-generation family owned and operated heritage clothing company, our speciality lies in our multi-brand collections of classic casual wear, traditional attire and on-trend suits at competitive prices. Major supplier of iconic Australian and international brands.

Rex25 Coupon

$25 off your next pair of R. M. Williams boots*

Redeem this Coupon online or present a photo of the coupon in-store.

Dynamic Flex Comfort Craftsman RRP$545 Our price $475.00* *Receive a total $95 off RRP by using the Rex25 Coupon above.

Enjoy free Australian delivery and easy returns

blowesclothing.com.au

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Orange, Bathurst, Dubbo, Mudgee – Now open in Wagga Wagga

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UNLOCK A FREE UPGRADE WHEN YOU NEXT RENT WITH HERTZ, A PREFERRED PARTNER TO REX AIRLINES. To upgrade simply go to the Hertz counter on arrival and quote promotional code 304194 or visit hertz.com.au/rex

HERTZ.COM.AU/REX *Offer available for rentals up to 30 November 2017. This offer is applicable for rentals in participating locations in Australia only. Offer excludes taxes, fees, optional products and services, fuel, additional charges such as airport taxes and sundry fees and the GST that applies to these charges. This offer may not be combined with any other offer, discount promotion, special offer or coupon. Offer applies to economy to full size vehicles. Visit hertz.com.au/rex for full list of participating locations and terms and conditions. Blackout periods apply.