XP Traveller Volume 8 Issue 1 by Inflight Publishing

VOLUME 8 • ISSUE 1

XPtraveller

Arj Barker

AMERICAN STAND-UP COMEDIAN AND ACTOR IS HEADING TO AUSTRALIA FOR A WHIRLWIND TOUR

YOURS TO KEEP

Contents 8

Arj Barker

Time to get Healthy

Relationship Money Matters

Hayley Lewis

North Coast Region

Food Fantasies in Port Macquarie

Gold Coast Theatre

North Western Region

Armidale Autumn Festival

Western Region

20 A Roaring Good Time in Dubbo Southern Region

Walkin’ in a Winter Wonderland

Ancient Outback

Every Issue

CountryLink Updates

CountryLink Train and Coach Network

21 Safety & Security 26

Talkin’ Technology

28 Puzzles 30

CountryLink Carriage Layouts

Talk Back

COVER IMAGE: Arj Barker

24 If you would like to obtain a copy of XPtraveller call CountryLink Sales on 02 8575 0685 or email sales@countrylink.nsw.gov.au

Free app (QR Code Scan) available on iTunes for iPhone and iPad.

2 – XPtraveller Volume 8 Issue 1

CountryLink Updates P U B L I S H I N G

Toulouse-Lautrec: Paris & the Moulin Rouge National Gallery of Australia, Canberra 14 December 2012 – 2 April 2013

Alexander the Great Australian Museum, Sydney 24 November 2012 – 28 April 2013

PUBLISHER 3 DAY / 2 NIGHT RAIL PACKAGES

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For XPtraveller

PER PERSON TWIN

EXHIBITION AT THE AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM, SYDNEY

Patrick McElligott

1 DECEMBER 2012-28 FEBRUARY 2013

PO Box 6133, Buranda Qld 4102 Ph (07) 3891 7793 Fax (07) 3891 7702

14 December 2012 – 2 April 2013

patrick@inflightmagazine.com.au www.inflightmagazine.com.au

The largest exhibition ever seen in Australia from The State Hermitage, Russia

Packages from

$152.00*

ADVERTISING SALES John Atkin

Relax and enjoy the scenery in air-conditioned comfort as you head to our nation’s capital to see this magnificent exhibition.

john@inflightmagazine.com.au Ph 0419 738 580

*Conditions apply.

Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec Queen of Pleasure 1892 National Gallery of Australia, Canberra, purchased with the assistance of Mary Peabody 2011.

EDITOR Lahnee Pavlovich lahnee@inflightmagazine.com.au DESIGN & PRODUCTION Lawrence Borchers lawrence@inflightmagazine.com.au ALL ENQUIRIES & ADVERTISING Contact Inflight Publishing PO Box 6133, Buranda Qld 4102 Ph (07) 3891 7793 Fax (07) 3891 7702 PRINTING www.geongroup.com DISCLAIMER: Views expressed in the XPtraveller magazine are not necessarily endorsed by the publisher. No responsibility is accepted by the publisher or the printer for the accuracy of information contained in the text or advertisements. Advertisements must comply with the relevant Trade Practices Act 1979. Responsibility for compliance with the act rests with the person, company or advertising agency submitting the advertisement. Neither the publisher nor the editor accepts responsibility for advertisements.

For more information call

13 28 29 www.countrylink.info

13 72 45 visit www.countrylink.info or contact your nearest CountryLink Travel Centre. * Terms and Conditions: All prices are based on per person twin share, are correct at time of publication, subject to availability and are subject to change without notice. Prices are also based on adult economy class travel to Sydney. Sole use and first class travel are available on application. Photo and image manipulation Erwin Olaf.

COU0658_ATG_Poster_594x420_V01ART.indd 1

Toulouse-Lautrec: Paris & the Moulin Rouge is the first major retrospective in Australia of the art of Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec and includes more than 100 paintings, posters, prints and drawings. Toulouse-Lautrec: Paris & the Moulin Rouge presents spectacular images of Parisian café society, the high and low life of Bohemian Paris and famous dance halls such as the Moulin Rouge. This large scale retrospective is an exceptional event in this country and due to the extreme fragile nature of many of the works, it is unlikely such an exhibition will be seen here again for many years. The National Gallery of Australia has secured loans from 30 public and private collectors around the world, including renowned institutions such as Musee d’Orsay, Paris, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, the Courtauld Gallery, London and the Tate. Works have also been drawn from the National Gallery of Australia’s own collection of ToulouseLautrec’s prints and poster; the most extensive in Australia. This exhibition can only be seen in Canberra. CountryLink is offering one day and overnight packages from Sydney with return rail, guided touring and entry into the exhibition. For more information or to obtain a flyer, phone 13 28 29, contact your nearest CountryLink travel centre or visit www.countrylink.info.

21/11/12 2:54 PM

Featuring the largest collection of treasures ever to come to Australia from the world famous State Hermitage in St Petersburg, Russia, this exhibition is exclusive to Sydney. The exhibition includes over 400 objects from classical antiquity through to the modern age from both western and non-western origins, spanning a period of almost 2500 years. Signature pieces that people travel from all over the world to the State Hermitage to see -including the famous Gonzaga cameo and the polished black basalt statue of Cleopatra VII - are on display! Don’t miss this once in a lifetime opportunity. From mid November, CountryLink is offering packages to Sydney with return rail, accommodation and entry into the exhibition. For more information or to obtain a flyer, phone 13 28 29, contact your nearest CountryLink travel centre or visit www.countrylink.info.

Canberra $29 fare 26 December 2012 – 26 February 2013 CountryLink is giving you a great reason to come to Sydney this summer with a $29 one way fare from Canberra, Queanbeyan and Bungendore. Come for the cricket, tennis or just catching up with family and friends - there’s no better time to enjoy the sights and excitement of Sydney.

XPtraveller Volume 8 Issue 1 – 3

And don’t forget there’s plenty happening in Sydney over summer. The fare is also available from Sydney to Canberra so why not take the family to our nation’s capital this summer.

Kids for $1

$55 NSW north coast fare

a long and important rail heritage, which is

1 April to 31 May 2013 Escape to the NSW north coast this autumn for only $55. Travel to any destination on the CountryLink train and coach network on the NSW north coast for as little as $55 per person one way. The fare can be used in either direction and is not available to or from Queensland destinations. Conditions apply.

celebrated during this three-day event.

Phone 13 22 32 or visit www.countrylink.info.

lane. Take in the vintage car displays. Enjoy

Enjoy the local produce and talent while getting sidetracked left, right and centre by a host of activities. This Junee Festival is good ole fashioned fun! Jump on one of the beautifully restored Tin Hare train shuttles for a trip down memory the fabulous live music scene. Have a taste chocolate-related world record attempt. ll nd

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to Dubbo

of the Bush Poets’ Breakfast. Indulge in the

1-3 March 2013 o

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Kids travel for $1 to any 1 of our 365 destinations

www.visitjunee.com.au or call (02) 6924 4682

19-21 April 2013

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r rafor just $1* each way. Hi There’s a great every family and every budget. Especially when each kid can travel HaCountryLink destinationt toD usuit to visit G bbo roken Centre. www.countrylink.info offs CountryLink t o Ccall t o BTravel o visit To book on 13 22 32 or your nearest CountryLink

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amily and every budget. Especially when each kid can travel for just $1* each way.

orarest just $1* each way.www.countrylink.info CountryLink Travel Centre.

Goulburn turns 150

*Available in conjunction with one or more full-fare paying adult passengers and a maximum of four children from the same household. Conditions apply. COUN0357

ult passengers and a maximum of four children from the same household. Conditions apply. COUN0357

1-31 March 2013

A journey that will take you “over the hills and

2013 marks the 150th anniversary of the founding of the city of Goulburn.

far away” to a land of food, wine and great

To celebrate this milestone, a variety of events embracing Goulburn’s past, present and future will be held throughout March.

Travelling with food minded travellers with

Highlights will include a special meeting of the Goulburn & District Racing Club (15 March), a spectacular street parade (16 March) and the 20th Annual Rose Show (9-10 March) – a major attraction for all rose fanciers featuring thousands of flowers in extensive gardens throughout the city and a strongly contested competition.

Orange.

hold. Conditions apply. COUN0357

CountryLink operates daily services to Goulburn from both Sydney and Canberra. For more information and a full list of events, please contact the Goulburn Visitor Information centre on 1800 353 646 or visit www.igoulburn.com

memories. guest talks from local producers, sample some local Orange produce on the journey to Upon arrival into Orange, a dedicated FOOD train bus will transport through this stunning region. A weekend of food and wine experiences awaits you. Highlights include the FORAGE walk through stunning The annual Junee Rhythm ‘n’ Rail Festival is a great way to discover everything Junee has to offer. Getting sidetracked for a few days has never been so much fun with excellent food, wine, music and more at the Junee festival. The Rhythm ‘n’ Rail Festival is one of the town’s biggest tourist attractions. Junee has

4 – XPtraveller Volume 8 Issue 1

countryside, a 3.5km walk with food and wine stalls every 500metres or so. A FOOD Affair, where 40 stall holders, wineries, restaurants display local products. A lovely way to spend an autumn day. For more information visit www.orangefoodweek.com.au

3 DAY / 2 NIGHT RAIL PACKAGES

263

PER PERSON TW

IN SHARE

EXHIBITION AT THE AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM, SYDNEY 1 DECEMBER 2012-28 FEBRUARY 2013

The largest exhibition ever seen in Australia from The State Hermitage, Russia

For more information call

14 December 2012 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 2 April 2013

Packages from

$152.00* Relax and enjoy the scenery in air-conditioned comfort as you head to our nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s capital to see this magnificent exhibition. *Conditions apply.

Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec Queen of Pleasure 1892 National Gallery of Australia, Canberra, purchased with the assistance of Mary Peabody 2011.

13 28 29 www.countrylink.info

Want to quit l smoking but stilre? enjoy the pleasutte. Try an E-cigare ing products

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There is a safe start-up procedure to activate the E-cigarette and because there is no flame, and no smoke or toxic chemicals released, you have the convenience of ‘lighting up’ anywhere. And it is only when you actually draw on it that the e-cig is activated.

The problem is that the effects only last a short time so the body wants more nicotine which leads to addiction. But nicotine itself is not what makes cigarette smoking so harmful. The smoke from cigarettes is a complex mixture of more than 7,000 chemicals produced by the burning of tobacco and its additives including about 60 chemicals known to cause cancer. In fact an average cigarette only yields about 1 mg of absorbed nicotine. But even that amount is enough to make smoking a highly addictive habit. That along with the fact smoking is a learned behaviour meaning the habit of holding a cigarette can also become addictive. This is why e-cigarettes might just be one of

the best ciggy kicking methods available. Electronic cigarettes deliver the experience of smoking while eliminating the smell and health risks associated with tobacco smoke. Each e-cig is powered by a small lithium battery that atomizes a propylene glycol/ nicotine solution. The substance, which is inserted into the e-cig in liquid form, is inhaled and then exhaled as a vapour that looks almost like fog and contains a dosage of nicotine which can be controlled. Over time

The cost of having your e-cig equates to about 60c per day as opposed to around $20 per day for a pack a day smoker. And although the jury is still out on long term effects, researchers believe there is little to no risk associated with e-cigarettes if the nicotine dosage is kept at an acceptable level. Because you are still holding something in your hands and going through the motions of ‘having a cigarette’ this becomes an effective way of slowly kicking the habit for good. For more information and to purchase your e-cigarette with battery pack visit www.inflightmagazine.com.au/e-cig

XPtraveller Volume 8 Issue 1 – 7

J R A 8 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; XPtraveller Volume 8 Issue 1

o t s d a e h

AUS

ctor, median and a o c p u d n a st n for a America g to Australia in d a e h is r e rk Arj Ba , Bettina and this issue r u to d in lw ir wh e funny man. th h it w ts a h c Maniatis

ast time I spoke with you, you were just winding down from your last Australian tour – what are you up to now? I’m just doing some final preparations for my tour and my next visit to Australia. And also visiting family and all that sort of stuff. Taking a little time off but also working and preparing my new show.

how different Australian humour is to US humour? I don’t change my humour! If you think about your sense of humour, everyone has one sense of humour. So I don’t change that! The only thing I would worry about is references. Something poignant. In our country right now, gun control is a hot topic because of the terrible events recently. And I have some material about that, actually which I wrote this summer, so I was working on this material and it’s fairly relevant here although I don’t really know if it’s as relevant there because I don’t think you guys have a gun issue.

You’ve been to Aussie shores a couple of times now - what brings you back here? House payments! (Laughs) I seem to have a great rapport with the public there and I like it there! It’s too tempting I can’t stay away. What can the Australian audience expect for your next tour? Jokes and humour - and I always like to spice up my shows with a little surprise. You know with other shows I’ve used the guitar, harmonica, short film. So I have a little something musical in store with this show too but I don’t want to give away the surprise. It’s a solid show. The main thing to expect is an hour of stand up and if you like my stand up then that’s what you’d expect to enjoy! There are all different subjects you know, from things that have happened to me, to the state of the world, to politics and various issues so it’s got a wide range of subjects – something for everyone! What’s your writing/producing process for your shows? I don’t have a way to ensure that I think of something hilarious. But I try to write through something. So I might just write about my day. I like to just try to loosen things up in my mind and then hopefully I think of stuff. But also things just happen in life and then you go, “Oh, that’s it!” You’ve been doing stand up for many years now, but Flight of the Concords gave you a whole new audience - how did you get involved with those guys? The same way I meet so many comedians throughout the years, touring. They’re just your colleague. And that’s the same way I met them. We were working together in Auckland NZ - and when I say working together, we were sharing a venue. They’re really friendly. And you know, they’re Kiwis so they said ‘we know a few people in Auckland,’ they introduced me to their friends. And helped get me laid (laughs). That’s how all good friendships start! Are you still doing work with them? No that show’s finished. I recently toured Australia and New Zealand with them as their support act during their big stadium tour.

So it all boils down to references and how relevant, and what your subject matter is. But I don’t change my approach or how I tell a joke or my sense of humour. It is what it is, I can’t change it. I only have one personality. Unfortunately that’s what I’m stuck with! (Laughs)

“I always like to spice up my shows with a little surprise.” We’re still great friends. I’m sure I’ll work with them again in the future; I just don’t know what it’ll be. Maybe it’ll be something Flight of the Concords related, or something else. What kind of things do you like to do in your down time? I’m a very active guy. I like mountain biking in California and I did learn to hang glide in 2012, but I’m still a beginner. But I did do two solo flights. That was a life-long dream, at least 20 years I planned to do that. Bit of a Daredevil are you? It’s quite a safe sport actually, if it’s done carefully. In fact I think mountain biking is more dangerous. Everyone who does mountain biking long enough crashes. Most hand gliders have never had a serious crash because that’s quite serious if you do. And let’s see what else, what else do I like? Just trying to stay healthy takes up a lot of my time. Looking after this and that, travelling. I went to China and did some sight seeing, I saw the Great Wall. I like to mix touring with enjoyment too. How much did you have to change your approach, content and delivery to appeal to an Australian audience and

You travel a lot obviously – do you have any travel tips for our frequent flyers? Hold on tight! It gets bumpy on those small planes! …you did an interview for us a couple of years back and mentioned you got into a bit of trouble from a flight attendant thanks to a certain video? Oh yeah! That was when I was watching a porno! I couldn’t believe that! I was just so bored I’d been travelling for like 20 hours and I was on my third flight. And I was just watching it on my iPod just to kill time - I wasn’t going to do anything untoward or anything, and the guy scolded me! There was no one sitting behind me either! I was alone in the row. I still don’t know how he saw it to this day, but I don’t know. So can we take that as your travel tip? No dirty movies? Oh yes. No porn on the airplane, they don’t like it. Also, get to the airport on the early side rather than the late side because you save yourself a lot of stress. It’s better to be there a little too early and have a coffee than to be there a little too late and stress about whether you’ll make it through the queue in time. That’s a big one. That’s my favourite travel thing is I always leave early for the airport. It keeps my stress levels down. OK well thank you Arj, we look forward to seeing you in Australia very soon! Yes I’m definitely going to come around to a lot of the cities so I look forward to seeing all you guys! To book your tickets to see Arj in Australia, visit www.arjbarker.com

XPtraveller Volume 8 Issue 1 – 9

Time to I

get healthy

t is the start of a new year so now is the time to set some goals, get fit and get healthy. Below are some tips on how to do it. Set some realistic goals: It is all well and good to say you want to look like Joe Manganiello or Angelina Jolie but you may not have their body shape or genetics, not to mention their personal trainer or dietician. While it is great to use others as inspiration, it is important to set realistic goals and then stick to them. Try to set smaller goals each week so you can keep track of your progress. A safe way to

determine weight loss is 0.5 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 1kg per week depending on how much you have to lose. Get a training buddy: You will be more likely to stick to your plan if you have support. Get your friends or partner involved and set out on a journey to health and fitness together. Eat well and often: There is no need to pick at salads to lose weight. Eating healthy, wholesome foods regularly is the way to go. You will have the energy you need to get through the day, you will feel better on the inside and you will start

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to notice added benefits such as glowing skin and shiny hair. As a general rule, a small meal or snack every three hours helps speed up your metabolism and keeps you feeling satisfied. Stay away from processed foods and fill your tummy with lean meats, fruits, veggies and complex carbohydrates. Get physical: The best way to lose weight and keep it off is to eat a healthy diet and to incorporate regular physical activity into your lifestyle. Thirty minutes of exercise per day is a great place to start. So hit the pavement for a walk or run, join the local gym and get active.

Relationship finance: To p 4 R o m a n c e B u s t e r s

oney is the major reason for divorce, as well as the major source of friction in many relationships. Researchers are increasingly seeing that ‘financial cheating’ as in lying or hiding financial issues from a partner is as damaging as the traditional kind. Likewise, finding a financial simpatico with another person is one of the major pillars of a good relationship. So what are the top four relationship busters when it comes to money, and how can we avoid them in our own relationship? Weigh me down It’s unlikely, in the modern world, that two people can come together without one or both bringing with them some kind of debt. From youthful indiscretions with a credit card, student debt, a mortgage, a car loan; debt is a major factor in most of our financial arrangements. Sadly, when it’s not dealt with openly, it can also be a major sticking point in our relationships. The fix - the only course is to be straight up. This debt is going to be a

drain on your finances for a while yet, and will mean you can contribute less to the joint finances. That’s the reality of the scenario, and honesty is the only way to approach it. Your partner will deal with it, or they won’t. Joint or separate Relationship finance is often regarded as a tell-tale sign for the overall wellbeing of the couple. Serious judgement calls are attached to how couples deal with their finances. Trying to organise your finances according to what the rest of the world says will only strain the relationship. The fix - your relationship is unique, as your financial organisation should be. The key is to communicate with your partner about what they feel is appropriate, and be open to change it as the relationship evolves. Know the type When you get together, nothing is more important than whether he likes Neil Young or not. We tend to spend so much time on the inconsequential, often the really big issues get left to the side.

FROM www.savingsguide.com.au

However, you’ll be able to get a pretty good feel for how a person deals with money. Spender? Saver? Frugal to the point of no fun? These are big issues, and pretending otherwise is just putting your head in the sand. The fix - be open with how you see money, and where you would like your finances to be in 5 and 10 years. Talk about how their parents dealt with money, research shows it’s a big indicator. Little tykes Every self-help book in the world has told us what issues to avoid talking about when we start a relationship. Heaven forbid you scare him off, talking of kids or money. Well, the final major relationship buster is a combination of the two- the finances of having kids. The fix - generally, you ascertain whether you want to have kids first, but with the costs of raising a kid now hitting the $1 million mark, you also have to discuss how to structure your finances to adapt, especially with one partner out of the workforce for a while.

X P t r a v e l l e r Vo l u m e 8 I s s u e 1 – 11

Hayley Lewis B

ettina Maniatis talks to the mother and wife, former Olympian, business owner, author, healthy living advocate and of course, presenter of Network Ten’s The Biggest Loser. So, you’re getting into the next series of The Biggest Loser, that’s pretty exciting… Yes, it’s very exciting – I can’t wait to start it actually. You know it’s that whole excitement about meeting the new contestants and seeing how far we can go with it and the changes that they make so yes, I’m very much looking forward to getting the ball rolling! Do you meet the contestants before the competition? No, which I think is a good thing. I think it’s exciting for me to meet them on the first day of filming as soon as the cameras start rolling. It’s as exciting for me as it probably is for them starting the whole competition. What are you most excited about for this season? It’s all about the next generation - it’s mothers and daughters and fathers and sons. I think it’s a main issue obviously with obesity in our country, that it’s usually a generational thing and it’s great that it’s being addressed. You learn mainly through a generational family situation. It’ll just be a wonderful opportunity for families watching at home to realise the standards that they’re setting in terms of health and fitness. Hopefully they’ll learn and realise that having great habits as a parent certainly can lend itself to the children being healthy and aware of how important it is to look after yourself. So I think that’s what I’m most excited about this season. And it will be interesting to see the interaction and how it all works. Everyone will be learning and there are all the different ages. Also we’ll be in a new house - we won’t be in Manly anymore we’ll be out in the western suburbs so that’ll be exciting for everyone as well. Obviously health and a healthy lifestyle is very important to you – how much of your day is taken up with keeping yourself healthy and active? Probably just over an hour a day. I like to go for a run

12 – X P t r a v e l l e r Vo l u m e 8 I s s u e 1

in the morning just after I drop my kids at swimming training. I think an hour’s probably about as much as I can fit into my day and about as much as my 38 year old body can handle at this stage! I try to do that at least six times a week. With our readers having similar lifestyles to yours in that they can sometimes work crazy hours and have to juggle a lot – what sort of advice can you offer them? Putting your health first. I know it’s hard in some circumstances because you have got a job to do and people are relying on you to do your job, however there’s not much use if you’re not fit and healthy and looking after yourself - you’re not going to be productive within your daily schedule. I guess being a parent as well, it’s important not only to set a good example for your own kids in terms of looking after yourself health and fitness wise, but also being there for them for the future and being around to watch them grow up and have a wonderful life as well. I think a lot of people have the excuse that they don’t have time to exercise and look after themselves which I think needs to be a number one priority.

“Family comes first above everything and then obviously looking after yourself with health and fitness comes second.”

You have to sometimes be away from your family – do you have any advice on that side of things? In terms of the time I have to be away from my immediate family, my kids and my husband, then obviously it’s my number one priority to speak with them when I’m away. With my kids, before they go to school and then before they go to bed at night and my husband, it’s sometimes keeping in touch a few times throughout the day, especially if we’ve got issues at work or things are bothering us, we obviously keep in close contact to make sure that everything’s going smoothly where ever we might be. It’s my top priority to keep in touch with my kids when I’m away from them, and know exactly what’s going on and if anything’s bothering them I want them to feel that they can still talk to me, even if I am away and things like that. So definitely family comes first above everything and then obviously looking after yourself with health and fitness comes second. What do you do outside of The Biggest Loser seasons? I own a gift and homewares store in Brisbane so I’m pretty much a Mum and business owner 12 months of the year. The weekends that I get home, I’m at my shop and with the kids and at the time I’m

not filming The Biggest Loser, I’m at the shop. So my life is pretty full on and busy all the time – it’s just trying to manage things as best as I can and not to get too stressed and to be as organised as possible. I am very lucky to have the support of my husband. So being organised and

making sure that everything’s working like clock work and I’m staying healthy. And I think that’s the other thing with fitness; you’re not only looking after yourself, but it’s a means of relaxation and of doing something for yourself.

X P t r a v e l l e r Vo l u m e 8 I s s u e 1 – 13

NORTH COAST REGION

Tempt the taste buds in Port Mac BY LAHNEE PAVLOVICH

ort Macquarie is not a destination at the top of most people's lists when it comes to travelling in Australia. But it should be. In fact you could, and maybe should, visit Port Macquarie for the food alone. After spending a few days and nights in Port Macquarie last month my husband and I quickly discovered that there was a lot more to this coastal town than meets the eye. Some of the restaurants are five-star quality, there are activities to suit the old, the young, singles and couples, and Port Macquarie's stretch of coastline is stunning.

First stop, after we checked in at the Quality Inn HW Boutique which has arguably some of the best views in Port Macquarie, was Ricardoes Tomatoes and Strawberries. Ten minutes north of Port Macquarie, Ricardoes features just under one hectare of greenhouses producing hydroponically grown tomatoes and strawberries. After our tour of the property, we tastetested a few of the products including jams and relishes (my favourite being an old tomato and passionfruit jam recipe) then had lunch at Cafe Red where the main ingredient in each dish was the delicious tomatoes

picked fresh that morning. That night we visited a cosy L-shaped, and aptly named restaurant in the heart of Port Macquarie called The Corner. The Corner

14 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; X P t r a v e l l e r Vo l u m e 8 I s s u e 1

has friendly staff, a warm atmosphere and amazing food. Perhaps amazing doesn't even begin to describe the perfectly cooked steak I ate or the moist spatchcock my husband

NORTH COAST REGION Pablo ordered. The following morning we meandered into town for a cruise along the Hastings River with Port Venture. The fresh air and yummy morning tea treats welcomed us on board and the two-hour cruise past old and new oyster fishing grounds, fancy holiday homes and gorgeous coastline was a real treat in itself. Dinner on our second night in Port was at Zebu Bar and Grill, a stunningly designed restaurant and night spot on the foreshore and part of the Rydges hotel. Zebu is stylish. In fact it is probably the type of establishment you would expect to visit in the middle of Melbourne or Sydney, and everything from the decor (including local hardwoods, stone, marble and glass) to the staff, food and beverages are top quality. On our third day we drove out to Lighthouse Beach where John Hardy runs his camel safari daily. His friendly camels take visitors for half hour walks along the shore of Lighthouse Beach while John, a quirky, funny and typically Aussie guide educates riders about the camels. Dinner on day three in Port Macquarie was at a quaint restaurant in the heart of town, Fusion 7 where the head chef and owner Lindsey served up some of the most unique dishes of the trip. Not a bad way to end five great days. Port Macquarie I will see you again soon.

Queensland Symphony Orchestra presents MAESTRO 1: QSO WITH KUERTI & FRITZSCH – HIGH VIENNESE ROMANTICS

he Queensland Symphony Orchestra (QSO) will open the 2013 Season with pianist Anton Kuerti performing Beethoven’s Emperor piano concerto in the QPAC Concert Hall at 8pm on Saturday February 16. Anton Kuerti, born in Austria, has lived in Canada for most of his life. His vast repertoire includes over 50 concertos including one he composed himself. He has received numerous honorary doctorates and awards including the Schumann Prize of the Schumann Gesellschaft and the Governor General’s Performing Arts Award for Lifetime Artistic

Achievement.

“We have performed numbers three, five, seven and eight in recent years so the fourth Symphony Romantic was long overdue and is one of the most popular symphonies from the late 19th Century.”

Director of Artistic Planning, Richard Wenn said the choice of concerto was made once he realised that the great Beethoven interpreter was available. “The experience and grand Viennese tradition he brings will make this a stunning opening concert with Beethoven’s Emperor Concerto, a work to celebrate any new season,” he said. The QSO will also perform Bruckner’s Symphony No.4 Romantic, led by Chief Conductor Johannes Fritzsch. “The Bruckner continues Johannes’ cycle of symphonies by this great Austrian composer,” Mr Wenn said.

Mr Wenn said Bruckner’s Fourth Symphony was so popular because the work conjured up a romantic scene with haunting horns, mountains, old castles and much more. Join the QSO for the first Maestro performance for 2013 and enjoy a preconcert talk with QSO’s Principal Tuba player, Thomas Allely, at 7pm prior to the performance. Phone 07 3833 5000 for more details.

X P t r a v e l l e r Vo l u m e 8 I s s u e 1 – 15

NORTH COAST REGION

Gaining Momentum

fter four years of playing sold out runs in cities around the world including New York, Madrid and Buenos Aires, it's now Australia’s turn to experience the global phenomenon - Momentum. With an international cast of performers who are not only masters of their own skillset but also flexible and coordinated enough to adopt other abilities with a sense of mischief, spark of madness and a special glow, Momentum is an intoxicating blend of unstoppable beats and rhythm, live music, humour, stunning visuals and daredevil dance routines that come together in a high energy spectacle. Created by Eylon Nuphar and Boaz Berman, the artistic force behind the Mayumana Group, Momentum premiered in Madrid in 2008 and has since enjoyed a sold-out run on Broadway. Momentum is a 90-minute full scale stage production with a specially designed clock set and is based on a precisely timed dialogue that will spark your curiosity and alter your perception of time. Movement sensors activate sound and light effects, live sampling and synchronised video

segments are created and edited during each show, 3D depth sensing technology responds to movement and gestures, and touch screens establish a dialogue with the audience through playful interactions. The sophisticated systems create an everchanging experience, ensuring no two shows are ever exactly the same, which means Momentum is made by the talented performers and you.

Acrobats become singers, singers become actors, actors become beat-boxers, beatboxers become dancers and dancers become drummers…and all possess mandatory rhythm! See Momentum from March 1 – June 16 2013 exclusively in the Jupiters Theatre on the Gold Coast. Visit www.ticketek.com.au or phone 132 849 to book.

A doggy dog world

he dogs are having their day at Jupiters Gold Coast Casino with Australia’s biggest international hit TAP DOGS tearing up the stage until their final show on February 24. Their unique brand of electrifying entertainment has taken the world by storm and the global dance phenomenon has won over 11 major international awards and already been seen by more than 12 million people. And now, TAP DOGS are back in Australia to energise audiences with a show that is part theatre, part rock concert and part construction site. The dynamic cast of six dancers and two musicians inject raw power and passion into the ultimate visual stage show spectacular, bringing the steel works to life in a fast-paced, unstoppable display that everybody will enjoy.

16 – X P t r a v e l l e r Vo l u m e 8 I s s u e 1

Created by Dein Perry, TAP DOGS is set on a construction site in Newcastle and features 80 minutes of energy, dance, theatrical performance and live music combining the strength and power of workmen with the precision and talent of tap dancing Whether they are in water, upside-down or jumping through scaffolding, the TAP DOGS have been performing to the beat of their own drum since their world premiere at the Sydney Theatre Festival in January 1995. Tickets are just $45 for the remainder of the show and it’s your last chance to see the DOGS before they tap out of the Jupiters Gold Coast Casino. Don’t waste time chasing your tail, book now at www.ticketmaster.com.au or phone 1300 888 086 and quote code TAP45.

NORTH WESTERN REGION mass pipe bands, puppet shows, circus and various displays. Sunday morning activities on March 17 include the Hutchinson & Harlow Real Estate Autumn Festival Criterion and the New England Mutual Mile Foot race covering the CBD area as well as the ever popular Armidale Farmers' Market. And to end the festival the Armidale Jockey Club will put on activities at the Armidale Racecourse on March 18. Visit www.armidaletourism.com.au/pages/ autumn-festival-2013/ for more details.

What else is on in Armidale? What: New England Lapidary & Fossicking Club 22nd Annual Gem & Craft Show When: Saturday March 16, 2013 from 9am – 4pm Where: Armidale Showground, Dumaresq St Come and see spectacular gems, opals, rocks, crystals, jewellery, crafts, gifts and lapidary equipment at the annual gem and craft show. Loads of fun for the kids too, with laughing clowns, lucky dips and the gem wash stall where they can find and keep gems such as sapphire, zircon, topaz and many more.

Leaves are falling in Armidale I

t is that time of year where the leaves turn burnt orange and flutter to the ground, the colour of summer starts to fade and the stunning autumn hues take hold; dusty browns, auburn reds and lemon yellows. And to celebrate, Armidale will hold their annual Armidale Autumn Festival with the theme for 2013 being ‘Armidale through the ages’.

education, music, sport, retails and richness in cultures. The event will kick off on March 15 with a twilight festival, street markets and entertainment in Armidale Civic and Curtis Park from 5pm.

From March 15 – 18 Armidale will transform into a town bursting with vibrant colours, parades, music and fun for the whole family.

The Fun Day on March 16 begins with the Pancake Breakfast, complete with tunes from the Armidale City Band and the Campus to City canter in the Armidale Civic and Curtis Park. The Parade will start at 12.30pm with the route running through the CBD.

The Autumn Festival is a celebration of the city’s autumn colours, excellence in

Entertainment throughout the day includes fun fair and markets, free entertainment,

Email Kerry Tasik, club secretary on nelfc@hotmail.com for details. What: The Australian Wool Fashion Awards When: Saturday March 16, 2013 Where: Historic Saumarez Homestead, Saumarez Rd, Armidale The Australian Wool Fashion Awards has become a major Wool Industry event. Sponsored by Australian Wool Innovation Limited (AWI) the Awards are designed to showcase the use of Merino wool by national and international fashion designers and students. Visit www.tawfa.com.au/ for details. What: Armidale Blues Rugby Union Knockout Where: Moran oval, Armidale When: Saturday and Sunday March 16 and 17, 2013 The knockout tournament is a must see for Union fans featuring 20 teams from around NSW who will battle it out for the title. Visit www.experiencethehighs.com.au/ events/calendar for details on all up and coming events in Armidale.

X P t r a v e l l e r Vo l u m e 8 I s s u e 1 – 17

For information on CountryLink services phone 13 22 32 or visit www.countrylink.info

18 – X P t r a v e l l e r Vo l u m e 8 I s s u e 1

Broken Hill

Lower West

Menindee

a ni

ilc

Upper West

Vic

Darnick

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es W

Wyalong

West Wyalong

Ungarie

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Derriwong

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ou M

y pp Bo

Byrock

Tullibigeal

Lake Cargelligo

Ivanhoe

r ba Co

NSW

Qld

Bourke

l da

CountryLink train and coach network

in ol

Stations with wheelchair access Assisted access

Western train services Southern train services

Or contact your nearest CountryLink travel centre or licensed travel agent CountryLink Travel Centre CountryLink Booking Office

T B

Phone 13 22 32

Visit www.countrylink.info

•

CountryLink bookings

i da

Grenfell

Bumbaldry

Eugowra

Parkes

Alectown

Tomingley

Dubbo

Gilgandra

Cowra

Canowindra

Cudal Carcoar

Lyndhurst

Mandurama

on ol

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t s ur th Ba

Lu rin hor Sp illt M

e yn

Binnaway

Coolah

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a n ra

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al d Ry

Bingara

y tle ar

Hunter

Mittagong Bu

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Wollongong Dapto

Central (Sydney)

Gosford Hornsby

T Broadmeadow Fassifern Central Wyong Coast

North Coast

es N

Botany Bay

Sydney Harbour

Port Hunter

Port Stephens

ks aw

de H

ar G

Smiths Lake turnoff

Green Point turnoff Pacific Palms

Forster Keys

Forster

m Ya

nd sla sI

Port Macquarie

Kempsey

Eungai

Macksville

Tuncurry

a Te

er lm Pa

Nambucca Heads

Bungwahl

Tea Gardens turnoff Karuah Raymond Terrace

Sawtell Urunga

Taree

Bulahdelah Nerong

Cowper

Woombah

Clarence River

Hastings River

t ba es m W Ya

Iluka

Evans Head

Broadwater

Wardell

Ballina West

Ballina

Lennox Head

Suffolk Park

Byron Bay B

Mullumbimby

Brunswick Heads

Ocean Shores turnoff

Billinudgel turnoff

Pottsville

Hastings Point

Bogangar

Kingscliff

Chinderah

South Tweed Heads

Tweed Heads

Palm Beach

Burleigh Heads

Surfers Paradise

Gold Coast

Chatsworth Island Maclean Tyndale

Coffs Harbour

Boolambayte

Krambach

lle vi

Woodburn

lst A

r a gb

Eltham

a T rr w Bu alo ill es a ng xh un nn Ba Cl Bi Be

Ulmarra

o W

ah n llo

b lla e on

or sm Li

Mooball

Northern Rivers

Grafton

Robina

Burringbar

Hallidays Point turnoff

Mt George turnoff Burrell Creek

Kendall

Wauchope

y er

Casino

Belbora Stratford Craven Wards River Stroud Road

Newcastle

Strathfield

so rt be

Wingham

Stroud Booral Allworth turnoff Limeburners Creek

Gloucester

n ta ba w at om ith kto m to enr lac arra T a B P K P

ct Vi

Campbelltown

o hg

an w ra le al W

Dungog

Maitland

Singleton

Muswellbrook

Aberdeen

Scone

Murrurundi

Willow Tree

Quirindi

Werris Creek

Walcha

Uralla

a ck Ja

Northern Tablelands Armidale

Guyra

rR lta ra ib

Kyogle

New South Wales

Beenleigh

T Murwillumbah

Roma Street (Brisbane)

Queensland

Llangothlin

Glencoe

Glen Innes

Dundee

Deepwater

Bolivia

Tenterfield

Walcha Road Kootingal

Yarrowyck

Bundarra

Tingha

Gilgai

ll a se ll gr us off re un t R rn ve el M tu In

Tamworth

a ld

ia ar W

Rylstone Rylstone Hospital Kandos Charbon Clandulla

Lue

Attunga

Manilla

Upper Manilla

Barraba

Cobbadah

Warialda Rail

Ilford Running Stream Capertee Ben Bullen Cullen Bullen Portland East t la e w F bie Portland lm an ho ado Lam t lso gl e t Ke Ra Ye M M

Central Tablelands

Gunnedah

Dunedoo Craboon Junction Gulgong Mudgee Town Mudgee Station

Boggabri

Narrabri

Mendooran

ra now ill H e ck g p O

e ng

Bellata Wee Waa

Coonabarabran

Baradine

Burren Junction

North West

Stuart Town

Wellington

Geurie

Woodstock

Gulargambone

Coonamble

Walgett

Central West

Manildra

Narromine

Trangie

Warren

Peak Hill

Nevertire

Forbes

Nyngan

Girilambone

a G an ha rab gan ot ar O Y Bo

Coolabah

Gongolgon

Brewarrina

Lightning Ridge

Moree

All CountryLink coach services are wheelchair accessible (with 48 hours’ notice to CountryLink)

Southern coach services

Western coach services

North Western coach services

North Coast coach services

CountryLink coach services

Car park at station

North Western train services

(May be accessible with help from a friend or carer. Please check prior to travel.)

Interchange between CountryLink services

Interchanges and station facilities

North Coast train services

CountryLink train services

CountryLink services, facilities and bookings

TRAIN AND COACH NETWORK

X P t r a v e l l e r Vo l u m e 8 I s s u e 1 – 19

Robinvale

a ng on ro ust Bu E

Tumblong

Junee

South West Slopes

Wagga Wagga

Victoria

Tumbarumba

Laurel Hill

Batlow

Wondalga

Adelong

Tumut

Gundagai

Coolac

Muttama

Cootamundra

Wallendbeen

Young

Yass

Civic Centre, Canberra

Murrumbateman

w Bo

Snowy Mountains

n Bi

Yass Junction

New South Wales

Harden

Gunning

ACT

Bombala

Lismore Railway Station Union Street South Lismore NSW 2480

Macksville Railway Station Station Street Macksville NSW 2447

Murwillumbah Railway Station Tweed Valley Way Murwillumbah NSW 2484

Casino Railway Station Canterbury Street Casino NSW 2470

Coffs Harbour Railway Station 1 Angus Place Coffs Harbour NSW 2450

Grafton Railway Station 23 Through Street South Grafton NSW 2460

Parramatta Railway Station Eastern Concourse Parramatta NSW 2150

Strathfield Railway Station Albert Road Strathfield NSW 2135

Sydney Platform 1 Central Railway Station Sydney NSW 2000

Wauchope Railway Station Randall Street Wauchope NSW 2446

Dubbo Railway Station Talbragar Street Dubbo NSW 2830

Broken Hill Railway Station Crystal Street Broken Hill NSW 2880

Blayney Railway Station Adelaide Street Blayney NSW 2799

Bathurst Railway Station Keppel Street Bathurst NSW 2795

Taree Railway Station Olympia Street Taree NSW 2430

WESTERN Nambucca Heads Railway Station Nambucca Heads NSW 2448

Kempsey Railway Station Kemp Street Kempsey NSW 2440

Byron Bay Railway Station Jonson Street Byron Bay NSW 2481

Tarago Bungendore

Wellington Railway Station Swift Street Wellington NSW 2820

Parkes Railway Station Welcome Street Parkes NSW 2870

Orange Railway Station Peisley Street Orange NSW 2800

Eden

Pambula

Batemans Bay

Tamworth Railway Station 145 Marius Street Tamworth NSW 2340

Narrabri Railway Station Logan and Bowen Streets Narrabri NSW 2390

Gunnedah Railway Station Railway Avenue Gunnedah NSW 2380

Armidale Railway Station Brown Street Armidale NSW 2350

Port Kembla Lake Illawarra

Goulburn Railway Station Sloane Street Goulburn NSW 2580

Cootamundra Railway Station Hovell Street Cootamundra NSW 2590

Canberra Railway Station Wentworth Avenue Kingston ACT 2604

Albury Railway Station Railway Parade Albury NSW 2640

SOUTHERN

Albion Park

Illawarra

Jervis Bay

NORTH WESTERN

Twofold Bay

South Coast

Merimbula

Wolumla

Bega

Bemboka

Nimmitabel

Cooma

Bredbo

Michelago

Canberra Hospital

Goulburn

Exeter

Bowral Moss Vale Bundanoon

Canberra John James Hospital

Queanbeyan

Canberra

Bibbenluke

Southern Tablelands

CountryLink travel centres

Southern Cross (Melbourne)

Benalla

n ai

The Rock Henty Culcairn T Albury

Wangaratta

n a lo w ro ow H Co

Port Phillip Bay

w ul

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t ar

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Riverina

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al ng bi

NORTH COAST

ie er ild

Berrigan

a er

o St

Broadmeadow Railway Station Graham Road Broadmeadow NSW 2292

a rr Ya

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a br Co

Barooga

Moama

Echuca

Tocumwal

y ht ig Bl

Mathoura

n ui liq

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tt hi

New South Wales

l na

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o nc Ya

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Bendick Murrell

Koorawatha

METRO

Victoria

Mildura

Sunraysia

Griffith

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Barmedman

Yass Junction Railway Station Faulder Avenue Yass Junction NSW 2582

Wagga Wagga Railway Station Station Place Wagga Wagga NSW 2650

Griffith Railway Station Railway Street Griffith NSW 2680

WESTERN REGION

trip to the Taronga Western Plains Zoo makes for a great day out while in Dubbo.

And with keepers welcoming two new meerkat pups, born on December 15 last year, to the family, there is now even more to see. Keepers have named the female meerkat pup Zola meaning love, and the male Kato which means second born of twins in an African language. This is the fifth litter of pups for mother Umi. The meerkat pups can be seen on exhibit at the zoo with the rest of the troop which now comprises of 11 Meerkats. While you are there checking out the cute new arrivals, be sure to take a look at the rest of the zoo too with more than 700 animals and 300 ha of native bushland to see. Starting at dawn, when the animals rise from their nightly slumber, guests can embark on a leisurely behind-the-scenes guided walk through off-limit areas with a Zoo Friend Volunteer and come face to face with some of the world’s most exotic and endangered species. Early Morning Walks are conducted every weekend and on NSW public holidays (excluding Christmas Day). A Wild Africa Encounter is an opportunity to see some of the most iconic African animals including black and white rhinoceros and cheetah.

A roaring good time in Dubbo 20 – XPtraveller Volume 8 Issue 1

The tour also takes you on a safari-like experience as the bus heads out onto the African Savannah exhibit. For the more daring, get up close and personal with an African lion or Sumatran tiger in the Big Cat Encounter. Or if cats aren’t your thing, Giraffes in Focus is an exhilarating encounter offering visitors the opportunity to feed and photograph these magnificent creatures from the Zoo’s Giraffe Boardwalk. Taronga Western Plains Zoo is located in Dubbo in Central Western NSW and is open every day. The Zoo has a 6km circuit which is navigable by car, bike, electric vehicle or on foot. It also has more than 15km of walking trails which wind throughout the grounds. For more information visit www.taronga.org.au.

Safety & Security Safety & Security YOUR SAFETY

Trip Tips A guide to making your journey more enjoyable

CountryLink aims to provide you with a safe travelling experience. You can play an important role in ensuring your own safety. Please don’t enter or leave your train or coach or place any part of your body outside a window or door while your service is in motion. Be careful on platforms and stairs and make sure you stay behind the yellow platform line until it’s time to board. Please contact a transit officer or CountryLink passenger attendant any time you are concerned about your safety.

1. Y ou can check in two items of luggage weighing up to 20kg per item and can also take one 5kg item of hand luggage on board. Customers who prefer to carry their own luggage on board are restricted to two pieces per person weighing up to 20kg per item.

SMOKING

4. M ake sure you have your ticket and, if booked using a concession card, the relevant concession ID with you during your journey.

CountryLink provides a smoke free environment for both passengers and staff. The smoking of any substance is not allowed on trains or platforms or in booking offices and other enclosed areas. Please don’t leave the train for a cigarette break when it stops during your journey as it may have departed by the time you return.

ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION You can purchase a selection of wine and beer on CountryLink services if you are aged 18 or over. Under the Liquor Licencing Act you are not permitted to consume alcohol purchased elsewhere while on a CountryLink service. We reserve the right to refuse to serve alcohol to passengers and can remove intoxicated passengers from services and deny them entry to CountryLink trains and stations. Please consume your drinks in your own seat, not standing in the aisle or vestibule.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES By purchasing a ticket, you agree to CountryLink’s terms and conditions of travel. RailCorp transit officers patrol trains and stations regularly and are authorised to issue on-the-spot fines.

2. S pace is available for accompanied bicycles, surfboards and other large items, however these must be booked in advance and a charge will apply. 3. P lease arrive at the station at least 30 minutes before the scheduled departure in order to check-in luggage and settle in. Luggage check-in facilities are available at most CountryLink stations.

5. P lease take care of your ticket and make sure you don’t lose or damage it. Replacement tickets cost $12.10. 6. I f you book online please remember to print out the PDF file you receive as this is your ticket. If you are unable to print the PDF file, you may travel on a printed copy of the e-mail you receive. 7. Check the service status section of the CountryLink website www.countrylink.info regularly just in case your service has been changed. 8. R emember to include any medication you require in your hand luggage as your checked in bags will be stored in the luggage compartment. 9. I f you are travelling with children, don’t forget to take some books, games and quiet toys to help them pass the time. 10. M ind the gap between the train and the platform, especially when you are carrying luggage. 11. Help us keep our trains clean by using the rubbish bins on board. 12. Please consider your fellow passengers and keep the noise down. If you plan on taking a personal CD, tape player or radio, make sure you bring earphones or headphones. 13. P lease don’t put your feet on the seats - fines apply. 14. The safest way to get on or off a train with a pram is backwards. 15. W hen walking through the train, please make use of handrails in passageways, where provided.

X P t r a v e l l e r Vo l u m e 8 I s s u e 1 – 21

SOUTHERN REGION

Walkin’

in a

winter wonderland BY LAHNEE PAVLOVICH

s a kid I always believed those dreamlike faraway lands in fairy tales were real. And after spending seven days at Charlottes Pass in NSW, I know for sure. Charlottes Pass is a small snowfield located 10km from Perisher Valley in NSW. To get there you catch a snow cat from Perisher which is exactly what my husband and I did. Our journey into the towering mountains began and it was unlike anything we’d ever seen before; snow covered hills and gigantic boulders of all shapes dusted with white powder; snow gums covered in icicles that looked like someone had actually painted on the bark the colours were so perfect. 30 minutes through windy roads passed and our snow cat pulled up out front a magnificent building made of wood and stone. This was our stop, ‘Snowbird Lodge’ and it was beautiful. Our first day was spent exploring the village. Holding only 600 people at any one time including the hundred or so staff members, Charlottes Pass is the perfect place for quiet time and to get back in touch with yourself and nature. A few little lodges similar to

22 – XPtraveller Volume 8 Issue 1

SOUTHERN REGION

ours, the big castle-like Kosciusko chalet, two restaurants and bars and that’s about it besides the glorious white mountains stretching as far as the eye can see. The next few days were spent carving up the slopes on our boards for the first time. It was so many things all at once, fun, scary, hard and a damn good workout. The ski slopes at Charlottes Pass are quite small compared to some of the other ski resorts in the area but that makes them perfect for beginners and people wanting to get away from the crowds. Another great reason to visit Charlottes Pass is to do some back country hiking. The village is surrounded on all sides by lofty mountains including Australia’s tallest peak, Mt Kosciuszko. We started off our hiking day bright and early after a delicious brekky. Backpacks filled with

the safety essentials, boards strapped to our backs we took the chairlift to the top of the slopes for a cheat start up the mountains. The view from the top of the chairlift was breathtaking with nothing but white powdery snow in all directions, soaring peaks and icy cliffs. It’s a long hike to the top of Mt Kozzy and not for the faint hearted. But when you reach the top you will not be disappointed and the snowboard or ski back down the few kilometres you’ve just walked is very rewarding and an absolute blast. It was another day well spent in our snow covered fairy land and with a hot cup of chocolate in hand sitting in the onsite spa we thought to ourselves that this was not a bad way to finish off our winter holiday.

XPtraveller Volume 8 Issue 1 – 23

SOUTHERN REGION

The Ancient

OUTBACK

BY LAHNEE PAVLOVICH

24 – XPtraveller Volume 8 Issue 1

SOUTHERN REGION

t is no wonder people travel from far and wide to take in the splendor that is Mungo National Park. Dotted with saltbush and clay mounds, Mungo boasts a stretch of magnificent crescent shaped dunes with all the colours of cream, peach and tan with splashes of deep reds and browns; a strange sight in the middle of the quiet NSW outback. Mungo National Park is part of the Willandra Lakes World Heritage Area, a chain of driedout lakes, between Willandra Creek and the main channel of the Lachlan River in outback NSW. The area first grabbed world-wide attention in the 1960s when anthropologists began finding proof of a long-standing and ancient human presence in the area but surprisingly after all this Mungo has stayed reasonably untouched.

“Lake Mungo dried up around 14,000 years ago, and today a great crescent-shaped dune, called the Walls of China, stretches along the eastern shore of the lakebed.”

from Mildura by following the Arumpo Road straight down for about an hour and a half until you reach the park’s turn off. From the moment you begin the bumpy drive along the dirty dusty road from Mildura you will be gob smacked. Flat plains on either side of the road covered with nothing but prickly spinafex, saltbush and home to an abundance of Australian wildlife; kangaroos and emus, parrots and wedge tailed eagles. Lake Mungo dried up around 14,000 years ago, and today a great crescent-shaped dune, called the Walls of China, stretches along the eastern shore of the lakebed. These dunes, or Lunettes I should say, are made up of mud and sand, and are constantly eroding by wind and water leaving behind a fragile landscape of wrinkled, fluted outcrops and shifting sand, which changes colour continually from dawn to dusk.

varying difficulty. You will stroll around the Woolshed ruins, over sandy sunburnt dunes and through areas sprinkled with glorious blooming wildflowers; an incredible way to see the sights in the Park.

The great appeal of the Sunraysia region is its unique beauty; lush riverside along starkly contrasting landscapes and a rich aboriginal history. All this combined is what makes the area a must see for all outdoor enthusiasts.

The walls of China are the main attraction at the park and are named after the Chinese Laborers who flocked to the region back in 1869 to build the now historical Woolshed, part of Mungo’s pastoral heritage. It is this area that is so well known for its ancient history and you will be lucky enough to see primordial campsites, fossilised-calcified tree roots and prehistoric mega-fauna bones; woodlands and mallee scrub.

As the days come to an end at Mungo there is no better way to finish then to watch the fiery sun set over the vast and unusual landscape. The sunsets certainly rival some of the more well-known viewing spots such as Uluru and Kata Tjuta. As the final light sets behind the dunes, the sky lights up in a vivid bright red; followed by pinky hues and mauves, navy and light blues until the black sets in.

At the centre of all this beauty is Mungo National Park. You can easily access the park

Keen bushwalkers can’t go past completing the four main walks in the park, each with

Visit www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au for more information.

Mungo National Park is located 110km north east of Mildura, a quaint country town bordering Victoria and NSW. Being Mungos’ closest township, Mildura makes for an interesting place to begin your travels into the majestic countryside. A rural town of history and the regional centre of the Sunraysia district, Mildura is known as Victoria’s ‘sunshine land’ and is comprised of rich red soil, bountiful citrus, avocado and olive plantations as well as booming green vineyards that surround the township on all sides.

XPtraveller Volume 8 Issue 1 – 25

Talkin’ Technology Keeping up with the latest gadgets and gizmos

p BUSH DIGITAL RADIO With crisp sound, the Bush Digital Radio is perfect for listening to music or keeping up with sports updates when you are out and about Available at Officeworks [www.officeworks.com.au] >> RRP $87.00

u ONE DIRECTION USB An essential tool for One Direction fans Available at Officeworks [www.officeworks.com.au] >> RRP $9.99

t SPACE INVADERS IPAD COVER Add a touch of old-school cool to your iPad Available at Officeworks [www.officeworks.com.au] >> RRP $22.00

26 – XPtraveller Volume 8 Issue 1

p SPORTZEARS These wireless phones are designed with the sporty in mind. There are no wires to tangle and they have an ergonomic frame that wraps around the back of the head which makes it comfortable to wear a hat or helmet. The range includes a fully waterproof set with built in 4GB MP3 player for the water sports enthusiast or swimmer and a Bluetooth wireless set with built in microphone for runners, cyclists and others. Available SportzEars [www.sportzears.com.au] >> RRP $69.95 t MICROSOFT WINDOWS 8 PRO PACK Packed with features and applications, Windows 8 will enhance your PC experience in new and exciting ways Available at Officeworks [www.officeworks.com.au] >> RRP $48.72

p JENKINS DESIGN SERIES HEADPHONES These headphones are perfect for the style conscious music lover Available at Officeworks [www.officeworks.com.au] >> $48.00

GIVEAWAY!

t BROTHER COLOUR LASER LED PRINTER A compact printer, great for businesses with high speed printing and network capabilities Available at Officeworks [www.officeworks.com.au] >> RRP $129.00 q VINTAGE AMERICAN WOODGRAIN DESK CLOCK This retro styled desk clock is certain to turn heads in the office Available at Officeworks [www.officeworks.com.au] >> RRP $19.95

PELICAN PROGEAR LAPTOP BACKPACK Fitting laptops up to 15” this back pack is perfect for carrying your laptop around the worksite. Pelican products guarantees against breakage or defects in workmanship. Includes impact protective laptop frame, 360º protection, is light weight with superior performance and has a rigid front plate integrated laptop sleeve. With a 19.5 litre main storage, this backpack has an ergonomic design with deep ventilated channel back. Pelican ProGear Laptop Backpack >> RRP $105

Inflight Publishing has a Pelican ProGear Laptop Backpack to giveaway!!! For your chance to win, simply email us at info@inflightmagazine.com.au with your name, mailing address and why you love the magazine! The best answers will win! Entries close 11th March, 2013.

XPtraveller Volume 8 Issue 1 – 27

Puzzles crossword

ACROSS 1 5 8 9 10 11 12 15 18 19 20 21

Evidence of payment for entry (7) Chocolate drink (5) Plane driver (5) Accommodate (7) Using comparison (13) Sweet baked food (6) Assisted (6) Cooling boxes for food (13) Localised wind storm (7) Perfect (5) Affected by unhappiness (5) Focused, well balanced (7)

DOWN 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 11 13 14 16 17

funnies

Subject (5) Upright support systems (7) Amazing, bizarre, unusual (13) Public, friendly (6) Careful thought (13) Pursue (5) Irritated (7) Johnny Depp movie, ..... of the Caribbean (7) The first in a field enquiry or discovery (7) Daring, brave (6) To be dismissed from a job (5) Cold dish consisting mainly of vegetables (5)

Glasbergen cartoons are available for newsletters, presentations and other professional purposes. For more info, please visit www.glasbergen.com

28 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; XPtraveller Volume 8 Issue 1

sudoku

find-a-word

Can you find all the countries? France Greenland Hungary Libya Mexico

Nepal Norway Russia Seychelles Sudan

Thailand Ukraine USA Vanuatu Zimbabwe

Solutions

Afghanistan Belgium Bulgaria Croatia Finland

XPtraveller Volume 8 Issue 1 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 29

30 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; XPtraveller Volume 8 Issue 1

Talk Back with

Cameron Daddo OCCUPATION? Entertainer, part story teller, part salesman; mostly survivor and thriver. There's never a dull moment because everything is always changing. FAVOURITE TRAVEL DESTINATION AND WHY? Australia! I have yet to see all of our country. I tend to find a new location and have to keep going back. I am slow to move on. There's so much to discover here. WHAT WILL YOU NEVER TRAVEL WITHOUT? Toothbrush and toothpaste, I hate that furry feeling! TRAVEL TIP? Wherever I land, I always get out and into the fresh air as soon as possible. It really helps me with the jetlag, and so does a swim. Must be the oxygen. WHAT IS YOUR MOST EMBARRASSING TRAVEL MOMENT? More excruciating than embarrassing - getting stopped by a stranger on an aeroplane as we crossed paths in the aisle. He wanted to congratulate me on my series on TV. Problem was, it wasn't my show and I wasn't Julian McMahon, but try telling that guy! WHAT’S COMING UP FOR YOU IN 2013? More Legally Blonde in Brisbane and Melbourne and radio on SMOOTH FM. And maybe some more surprises.... I am very excited for this year.

X P t r a v e l l e r Vo l u m e 8 I s s u e 1 – 31

A DATE FOR YOUR DIARY

REGIONAL QUEENSLAND LIFESTYLE EXPO 16th & 17th July, 2013 Are you a Regional community or business undergoing a skills shortage or requiring investment? Do you want to attract more tourists to your area?

FREE! ENTRY

If the answer is yes, then this is the Expo for you to showcase country life by bringing your assets to the city for the residents of South East Queensland to see. King George Square, Brisbane. 16th & 17th July, 2013. Trade Booth Specifications and Sponsorship Opportunities are outlined in a prospectus which is currently available.

1 6 - 1 7 J U LY, 2 0 1 3 B R I S B A N E

For further enquiries contact John Atkin on 3891 7793 Mobile: 0419 738 580 john@inflightmagazine.com.au www.tradeshoworganisers.com.au

TRADE SHOW ORGANISERS

P U B L I S H I N G