VOLUME 7 • ISSUE 1
XPtraveller XP traveller
YOURS TO KEEP
d r 3 y a d s r u Th y a M h t 6 y a d to Sun
4 Big Bands over 4 Huge Days at 3 Different Locations
Thursday 3rd May Zed Bar
“Rubber Soul” perform from 9pm to 1am
Friday 4th May Albion Hotel “Let It Be Beatles” perform from 9pm to 1am
y a M h t 5 y a d r u t a S y t r a P t e e r t S s e l t Bea
Food and drink stalls will be available for food purchases. Dean Street will be a licensed area for the Beatles St Party.
5pm... to m Beatles, a e 1 B 1 It t m e L Fro l, u bber So Features Rub Four. and The Fa -booking includes g. on pre d seatin $10 per Peersparty and reservey . entry to thrson entry on the da8 years of age. 1 e $5 per P to persons under Free entry
Saturday 5th May Sunday 6th May Commercial Club Commercial Club Zodiac Lounge Zodiac Lounge “The Melbeats” perform from 9pm to 1am
“The Fab Four” Australian Beatles Show perform from 4pm to 8pm
Book your tickets today! Call us on 02 6057 2000 0000000000000000000000000000000
Contents 8
Tim McGraw & Faith Hill
14
Interview with Michelle Bridges
18
Vivid Sydney
North Coast Region
10
8
Brisbane Nightlife
North Western Region
12
Graze at Graze Restaurant
13
Long Lunching in Tamworth
10
Western Region
21
Keppel Street Precinct in Bathurst
Southern Region
23
Have a Laugh in Melbourne
Every Issue
4
Meet the Staff
5
CountryLink Updates
6
CountryLink Holidays
16
Network Map
14
24 Fashion 26 Puzzles 28 Safety & Security 29
CountryLink Carriage Maps
30
Talk Back
COVER IMAGE: Tim McGraw and Faith Hill are heading to Australia
18 If you would like to obtain a copy of XPtraveller call CountryLink Sales on 02 8575 0685 or email sales@countrylink.nsw.gov.au
XPt r a v e l l e r V o l 7 I s s u e 1 _ 3
Meet the Staff:
PUBLISHER Inflight Publishing Pty Ltd For XPtraveller Patrick McElligott
BETH CAMPBELL,
PO Box 6133, Buranda Qld 4102
PASSENGER SERVICE SUPERVISOR COUNTRYLINK
Ph (07) 3891 7793 Fax (07) 3891 7702 patrick@inflightmagazine.com.au www.inflightmagazine.com.au SALES Anita Hennessey anita@inflightmagazine.com.au Ph 0412 844 560 EDITOR Bettina Maniatis bettina@inflightmagazine.com.au DESIGN & PRODUCTION Lawrence Borchers lawrence@inflightmagazine.com.au ALL ENQUIRIES & ADVERTISING
B
eth Campbell is committed to excellence in customer service. Before starting her career with CountryLink in 1999 at Camden NSW, Beth spent many years as a professional hairdresser. “I am used to listening to people and understanding their needs,” she says. “When the opportunity came up to join CountryLink, I didn’t hesitate as I have always been committed to providing good customer service.” As a Passenger Service Supervisor for CountryLink, it is Beth’s role to ensure the smooth running of passenger safety and comfort during long distance journeys as well as the management of onboard staff. “Depending on the type of trip we’re doing generally I am called on to prepare the train for safety checks, to make sure everything is working correctly, meeting and greeting passengers and assisting those who may have special needs,” Beth says. “Sometimes I do quite long journeys, for example, the Sydney to Grafton run is around 700 kilometres and I’ll stay overnight at various destinations.”
XPt r a v e l l e r V o l 7 I s s u e 1 _ 4
Contact Inflight Publishing
“On occasion, challenges can arise like the late running of a service. In these cases I will be called upon to make announcements to the passengers and to keep them abreast of the situation, ensuring they are as comfortable as possible and have all the information they need at hand,” she says.
PO Box 6133, Buranda Qld 4102 Ph (07) 3891 7793 Fax (07) 3891 7702 PRINTING www.dynamicprint.com.au
Beth says that what she enjoys most about her role is the variety it affords. “Every journey is different and so is the crew,” she says.” In a sense the challenges of the job are the rewards too.”
DISCLAIMER: Views expressed in the
“Working for CountryLink suits me very well because not only is there a massive focus on customer safety and customer service, which I enjoy, but there is also great flexibility to work the hours that fit best with your lifestyle.”
or the printer for the accuracy of information
“At the moment I’m on the Explorer service from Moree, where I wear a variety of hats,” laughs Beth. “That’s the thing I like most about working for CountryLink,” she says, “Unlike many other places it’s somewhere you’ll never get bored in your role.”
XPtraveller magazine are not necessarily endorsed by the publisher. No responsibility is accepted by the publisher
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.
CountryLink Updates Autumn in Sydney 5-18 April 2012
Sydney comes to life in a sleepy haze during Autumn, where the nights are buzzing, the temperature is just right and the festivities rage. CountryLink can take you there with our special packages for a limited time only. Be sure to visit the Royal Easter show where the kids will be dazzled by a unique world of discovery. The Royal Easter Show offers a chance to meet their favourite farm animals, spark curiosities with their most beloved characters such as Alvin and the Chipmunks or Puss ‘n’ Boots and of course experience trueblue Aussie culture at the woodchop. The rest of the family will love the thrills of Freestyle ‘MotoX’ in their nightly stunt shows flaunting such gravity-defying moves as the ‘Holy Grab’ and ‘SuperflipIndy.’ Dad will be at the edge of his seat watching the bucking of the Royal Rodeo Series and the Show’s famous showbags will leave a smile on everyone’s face. Get in now as CountryLink is offering the first 200 bookings before the 31st of March a guaranteed FREE family pass (that’s good for 2 adults and 2 children) to the Royal Easter Show. Experience Sydney in its leafiest season thanks to CountryLink’s Autumn in Sydney package from $239 per person twin share, including 2 nights accommodation and return travel to Sydney from any CountryLink destination in NSW. Make sure to bring the kids along, as children aged from 4 to 11 travel for just $2 with a full fare paying adult.
Australian Celtic Festival Glen Innes 3 – 6 May 2012
year of the festival’s revels in song, dance and food held at the Australian Standing Stones that overlooks Glen Innes. The festival rotates between different Celtic nations, which it honours with special events and honorary guests. From grand openings by Irish Ambassador Mairtin O’ Fainin to Peter Miller and dance spectaculars, the Australian Celtic Festival is a must see regardless of heritage. For more information, entry passes and accommodation visit: www. australiancelticfestival.com CountryLink has daily train services to Armidale and a connecting coach service will take you to Glen Innes. A three-day-aweek coach service from Grafton and Moree provides comfortable, safe and stress free options to enjoy the festival.
Wintersun Coff’s Harbour 1-11 June 2012
Bursting with the energetic jive of the 50s, the Wintersun rock ‘n’ roll music festival swings its way to Coffs Harbour in its 25th year showcasing a plethora of nostalgic culture from yesteryear. Grab those blue suede shoes and take the XPT to experience the sounds of timeless legends, learn some new grooves and admire the curves of some flaming hot rods. Coffs Harbour is located on the east coast of Australia, roughly halfway between Sydney and Brisbane, making it the perfect venue to rockabilly in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. CountryLink provides up to 3 services to Coffs Harbour each day. Tickets can be purchased online, in person at your local CountryLink travel centre and at the Coffs Coast Visitor Centre. For more information, visit www.wintersun.org.au.
Orange F.O.O.D week 13 – 22 April 2012 Orange
Starting as a meeting place for Celtic Clans and Associations of Australia to gather and celebrate their rich history, the Australian Celtic Festival has turned into a fully fledged exciting event offering a unique cultural experience. Attracting over 4500 visitors from across the nation, 2012 marks the 20th
Experience the aromas and authentic tastes of the NSW ‘Food Basket,’ as Orange, Cabonne and Blayney shires come together in celebration of local produce and fine foods. An annual event, 2012 sees the 21st year of festivities and promises spectacular activities ranging from farm gate tours to cabaret and picnics. A huge Night Market ensures you are able to sample the best in home-grown produce prepared by local chefs and cooks. Make sure to wear your elastic waist bands and tingle your tastebuds as you pop down to Orange on one of CountryLink’s daily services. See www.orangefoodweek.com.au
and www.countrylink.info to find out how you can experience the wonders of F.O.O.D week or head down to your local CountryLink travel centre.
Newton’s Nation Mount Panorama 27 – 29 April 2012
Promising to eliminate boredom and quash the everyday norm, Newton’s Nation pushes adventure and bravery. Atop scenic Mount Panorama, of the Bathurst 12 Hour motor race fame, Newton’s Nation sees individuals push the human body to its limits in extreme sports, action and music. Newton’s Nation, named after the physicist for his attribution to gravity, sees everything from skateboarders to lugers abusing and redefining the very force Sir. Issac set out to document. Along with extreme sports comes even bigger music. Newton’s Nation features a lineup of some top Australian rock, hip hop and Indie artists over a 360 degree panoramic backdrop. Along with live bands, a host of local DJs will be spinning the turntables throughout the festival site all day long. Come see the spills, thrills and extreme speeds on one of CountryLink’s far more gravity abiding services to Bathurst daily. See www.countrylink.info and www.newtonsnation.com.au for more information or visit your nearest CountryLink Travel Centre.
Dungog Film Festival Dungog 29 June – 1 July 2012
The Dungog Film Festival offers the biggest celebration of Australian films on the planet, in a welcoming and friendly environment. A festival specialising in showcasing and appreciating filmmakers both new and old, since 2007, the Festival has become a key event on the calendars of industry professionals. A festival founded by filmmakers, the Dungog Film Festival ensures a positive nurturing ground for Aussie-born content, that fosters genuine connections between directors and audiences adding to a surely remarkable experience. Whether you’re a film buff or moviegoer, CountryLink offers daily services to Dungog. For more information on the Festival, including ticket prices and packages, see www.dungogfilmfestival.org and www.countrylink.info or visit your local CountryLink travel centre.
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CountryLink Holidays
CountryLink has a great range of accommodation and package options. Fantastic destinations include Outback NSW, Country NSW, Canberra and the South, Sydney, North Coast and Queensland.
Outback
Experience the real NSW Outback. Wonder at the beauty of the Menindee Lakes, an oasis in the Outback. Explore the many national parks which are rich in Aboriginal culture and heritage and where special tours are run by traditional owners. Broken Hill is home to many famous artists including Pro Hart, Jack Absalom and many more. Relive Australia’s movie history by taking a visit to Silverton which is now only inhabited by a handful of people and marvel at the Mundi Mundi Plains just down the road. At sunset visit the Sculpture Symposium a major attraction within the Living Desert area. Also take a visit to White Cliffs for that ultimate underground experience. There is just so much to see and do.
Canberra and the South
Canberra, home to world class attractions such as the Australian War Memorial, Parliament House, National Gallery, Australian Institute of Sport, Questacon and much more. Festivals feature throughout the year such as Floriade which runs from mid September to mid October. Visit the picturesque areas of north east Victoria and explore the natural beauty and famous attractions of the south coast. You might want to take the family to Hanericka to experience, a working farm and for those wanting a more cosmopolitan experience a visit to Melbourne is a must.
Highlights • Day tours and short breaks to areas such as Menindee Lakes, Kinchega National Park, White Cliffs and Silverton • Outbreak Break (7 days/6 nights or 6 days/5 nights) • Classic Corner Country Adventure (7 days/6 nights or 6 days/5 nights) • Flinders Ranges Farm Experience (6 days/5 nights) • Outback Wanderer (9 days/8 nights) • Corner Country & Birdsville Adventure (10 days/9 nights) • Outback to Ocean (9 days/8 nights) • Lake Eyre Discovery (5 days/4 nights)
Highlights • Canberra hotel and apartment style accommodation • Canberra Explorer Bus • Albury – Discover Bright and the Alps (6 days/5 nights) • Merimbula and the South Coast (6 days/5 nights) • Hanericka Farmstay (3 days/2 nights) • Riverina Short Break (3 days/2 nights) • Melbourne accommodation • Gray Line Day Tours • Melbourne sports and shopping tours
Country NSW Travel to one or more of these fantastic regional locations. Dubbo, a historic regional city known for its country hospitality and the famous Taronga Western Plains Zoo. The Hunter Valley, a producer of fine wines and gourmet cuisine, is the perfect place for that short break. Discover Armidale’s wonderland of World Heritage listed national parks,art galleries and the Aboriginal Cultural Centre. Explore Glen Innes famous for its Standing Stones and Celtic heritage and Inverell where you can step back in time at the Pioneer Village. Moree, known as the spa capital, boasts mineral rich waters which rejuvenate the body and relax the mind.
North Coast Explore the Hunter Valley wineries and ride the dunes at Stockton Beach. Visit the Great Lakes Region, famous for its dolphin watch cruises and charming country towns. The areas of Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour showcase magnificent beaches, sheltered coves, farming country and lush hinterland.
Highlights • Dubbo Zoo (3 days/2 nights) • The Golden West package (3 days/2 nights) • Dubbo accommodation and day tours • Hanericka Farmstay (3 days/2 nights) • Hunter Valley • Armidale accommodation • New England Discovery (5 days/4 nights) • Manilla Farmstay • Moree - Healing Waters Experience (4 days/3 nights) • Riverina Short Break (3 days/2 nights)
Highlights
Visit the Gold Coast area, famous for its white sandy beaches and theme parks with Brisbane a thriving city nestled on the banks of the Brisbane River. Take a leisurely cruise to Moreton Island or hop on a tour with Gray Line.
• Port Stephens Blue Water Paradise (4 days/3 nights) • Great Lakes Experience (7 days/6 nights) • Port Macquarie – Best of the Holiday Coast (6 days/5 nights) • Coffs Harbour and Port Macquarie accommodation • Grafton Getaway (6 days/5 nights) • Byron Bay accommodation • The Mid North Coast (7 days/6 nights) • Tweed Heads accommodation • Ballina Northern Rivers Rover (8 days/7 nights) • Gold Coast Explorer and Tweed Coast Escape (8 days/7 nights) • Gold Coast and Brisbane accommodation • Theme park passes • Gray Line Day Tours and Moreton Island Adventure Tours
Sydney
Highlights
There are plenty of fun activities for all, great shopping and fantastic restaurants. The Clarence Valley is a place of great beauty when it bursts into colour during Jacaranda time. Explore the towns of Ballina, Byron Bay and Tweed Heads.
Visit Sydney, a cosmopolitan and beautiful city. Explore famous attractions such as the Harbour Bridge, Opera House and Sydney Tower. Browse in the shops and restaurants of Darling Harbour, King Street Wharf and the Queen Victoria Building. Take a harbour cruise, walk the Rocks and picnic in the Botanical Gardens.
Call 13 28 29 or visit your nearest CountryLink Travel Centre. www.countrylink.info
• Hotel and apartment style accommodation • City Sightseeing Bus • Sydney Aquarium, Wildlife World and Sydney Tower and Skywalk • Captain Cook Cruises • GrayLine Day Tours to the Blue Mountains, Hunter Valley, Port Stephens and around Sydney.
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Tim McGraw & Faith Hill Heading to Aussie Shores
H
e’s handsome. She’s gorgeous.
Separately, they’re two of the world’s biggest country music superstars. Together, they’re an “I don’t how do they do it” mega force. Husband and wife, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill have dominated music charts across the world since the early 90s, generated 70 million album sales and earned eight Grammys and 46 US #1’s between them. They’ve been happily married 14 years and on top of being mum and dad to three teenage daughters, they star in movies and have been immortalised as Barbie dolls made in their likeness. This March, McGraw and Hill will tour Australia together for the very first time; their first joint tour outside
North America and the first time they’ll have toured together in five years.
– first in 2000, then 2006 and 2007.
“This tour, Tim and Faith performing together, is exclusive to us in Australia,” said promoter Michael Chugg. “They’re not doing this any where else in the world right now.” “We don’t ever want anyone to get tired of us,” McGraw told Australian radio last year speaking of the couple’s five year hiatus. “We look at it as three different careers - Faith has her career, I have my career and we have our career together, we don’t ever want to overdo that. “It’s special to us and we want it to be special for everyone else.” The couple has toured together only three times and all in North America
Their 2006/2007 tours made them the highest-grossing country music tour of all time and the highestgrossing tour that year, full stop, across any genre, beating out the likes of Madonna, Tom Petty and Crosby, Stills & Nash. For this upcoming concert, they will perform individually and together. Their shows will feature each of their massive hits including McGraw’s Live Like You Were Dying, Everywhere, Real Good Man and Hill’s Breathe, This Kiss and The Way You Love Me, as well as their duets It’s Your Love, Let’s Make Love and I Need You. Tickets for all shows are available from www.ticketek.com.au or by calling 132 849.
SHOW DATES DATE Friday 16 March Sunday 18 March Tuesday 20 March Wednesday 21 March Friday 23 March Saturday 24 March Sunday 25 March Tuesday 27 March
CITY Adelaide, SA Hunter Valley, NSW Melbourne, VIC Melbourne, VIC Brisbane, QLD Brisbane, QLD Brisbane, QLD Sydney, NSW
VENUE Adelaide Ent. Centre (Arena) CMC Rocks the Hunter Rod Laver Arena Rod Laver Arena (NEW SHOW) Brisbane Ent. Centre (SOLD OUT) Brisbane Ent. Centre (SOLD OUT) Brisbane Ent. Centre Allphones Arena
INFLIGHT PUBLISHING HAS TICKETS TO GIVEAWAY TO THE SYDNEY, MELBOURNE AND BRISBANE SHOWS!
For your chance to win, simply email us at info@inflightmagazine.com.au with your name, mailing address, preferred city and the answer to this question: How long have Tim and Faith been married? Competition closes at midnight on the 19th March 2012.
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NORTH COAST REGION
Brisbane Nightlife
Whether you’re up for a quick drink after work or a night on the town into the early hours, the river city has a venue to suit everyone.
PRESS CLUB Providing the stylish and sophisticated people of Brisbane with the finest service, cocktails and music seven days a week! It has a timeless quality and the venue's gothic, otherworldly decor and design is just as contemporary today as it was when first unveiled. It's all black leather couches, heavy drapes, odd light fixtures and an iconic (eye shaped) clock that rests above the bar. www.pressclub.net.au
CLOUDLAND The sky is literally the limit for this Brisbane development – Cloudland. Patrons will be visually stunned by 5,000 plants climbing and sprawling over a 14 metre interior wall, retractable glass ceiling, water features covering another wall and such outstanding design features as a solid hand carved ‘china white’ marble bar and a glass bar made from 17,000 glass balls threaded by hand. www.cloudland.tv
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ZURI Luxury at its finest is now in Brisbane with Zuri, a venue destined to become world famous for its well-defined elegance and attention to detail across everything from food and wine to service and interiors. Zuri, meaning beautiful, is just that. A lavish lounge described as 19th Century elegance meets 21st Century opulence, with more than a hint of decadence – where guests are spoiled from the moment they arrive. www.zuri.com.au
NORTH COAST REGION
Kick Your Hangover to the Curb
G
o a little too hard with the partying last night? Here are a couple of top hangover remedies to have you back in ship shape in no time!
Coke The fizz helps with nausea and the caffeine and sugar will give you that all needed boost. Bananas Bananas are sugar in the form of fructose and potassium as well as a natural antacid helping with nausea. The magnesium in bananas can also help with headaches. CRU BAR Cru Bar is the place to watch the world go by and savour many boutique wines from its impressive wine list. Away from the hype of the Valley, Cru Bar offers a dining experience of sophistication and style. The antique Baccarat Crystal Chandelier from Paris forms the centre piece of the Wine Bar, tied with the mesmerising glow of the solid onyx bar top. www.crubar.com
Brisbane Bites
T
he city has more to offer than it’s emerging bar scenecheck out these top dining spots. With delectable menus, magnificent ambience and superb service, they’re guaranteed to tantalise the tastebuds.
Salty food Food generally helps all round, but salty is best. Although it won’t actually absorb alcohol as many will tell you, it does increase your metabolism, which will in turn increase the speed in which the body processes alcohol. Remember, these remedies really only help with the symptoms of your hangover. The hangover won’t actually stop until all the alcohol is out of your system, which of course takes time. There are talks of a new over-the-counter drug available in America called Blowfish which apparently wipes out a hangover in just 15 minutes according to its manufacturers. Two tablets of Blowfish contain: • 1,000mg aspirin • 120mg caffeine • 816mg of sodium • 25.2mg phenylalanine
THE CORO Brisbane’s benchmark in chic wining and dining, The Coro is a multipurpose venue located only minutes from the city, walking distance from Suncorp Stadium and is home to award-winning Lure Restaurant, Lure Lounge, The Table, The Patio, Gaming Lounge and The Wine Store. The Coro Hotel’s elegantly styled Lure Restaurant has won Queensland’s Best Seafood Restaurant many years in a row so is well qualified to offer guests the outstanding fresh local seafood and modern Australian cuisine. www.thecoro.com THE BREAKFAST CREEK HOTEL Celebrating 123 years in 2012, the Breakfast Creek Hotel is an iconic institution in Brisbane. Famous for world class steaks and “Beer off the Wood”, the hotel attracts visitors from all corners of the globe. Rich in history and folklore there is many a local with a story or two to tell about ‘Brekky Creek Hotel’. There is however a museum in the hotel that can relay many of these stories. www.breakfastcreekhotel.com
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NORTH WESTERN REGION
The Graze Craze
Graze Restaurant at the Willow Tree Inn
I
f you’re travelling on the North Western route today, the Willow Tree Inn comes highly recommended with its famous Graze Restaurant sure to put a smile on any gastronomer’s face. Located half way between Scone and Tamwoth – just a 45 minute drive from both – Graze has become a culinary landmark because of its professional, friendly service, and most of all, great food. All the beef used at Graze is pasture fed and grain finished Black Angus, which comes directly from Colly Creek Pastoral Company at Willow Tree. It’s approximately 2kms from the restaurant, and is processed and MSA graded locally.
which is incorporated into the restaurant with a viewing window meaning you can see the specialised process for yourself.
Colly Creek produces all the beef for Graze restaurant and The Grain Store bistro and function room – that’s all beef dishes such as steaks, pies, sausages, lasagne and burgers.
Additionally, the kitchen is open plan on two sides meaning you can view your meal being prepared and cooked on the unique charbroiler – something that is sure to get your mouth watering.
The venue has an in-house dry aging room
If all that feasting has you a little weary,
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the Willow Tree Inn has you covered with four double accommodation cabins, with ensuites. There are also two separate double rooms with ensuites, as part of the original Willow Tree Inn building. Each cabin also has its own verandah – the perfect place to relax with a glass of wine. Willow Tree Inn New England Highway Willow Tree NSW P: 02 6747 1272 W: www.grazewillowtree.com.au
NORTH WESTERN REGION
Food Lovers Long Lunching in Tamworth BY ALISON TRELOAR
D
iscover premium cuisine from one of Australia’s richest food producing regions when Tamworth’s finest local chefs prepare a five course feast at the 2012 Long Lunch. Held on Sunday 1st April, the lunch is part of the Taste Tamworth Festival and is one of the highlights of the town’s culinary calendar. Situated in the heart of New England North West, the Tamworth region is one of the finest livestock and cropping regions in Australia. Combine this with recent growth in gourmet industries such as olives, berries and viticulture, and Tamworth is perfectly placed to celebrate the best local wine and produce on offer. Usually a bustling strip in the city centre, Peel Street will be closed to cars on the day as the long table is set and 400 lucky diners will enjoy five delicious courses in leafy al fresco surrounds.
The Quality Hotel Powerhouse to create a sumptuous event menu. Diners will enjoy a complimentary bottle of wine and can expect the afternoon to drift on, with entertainment from local band Well Primed and delectable platters of cheese and fruit supplied by Hunterbelle Cheese of Muswellbrook and Gwydir Grove Olives.
The third annual Long Lunch sees two new chefs from The Ritz Restaurant and The Square Man Inn come on board. They will join talent from Corey’s Catering and
As part of two weekends of unforgettable eating and drinking, the Taste Tamworth Festival also hosts foodie festivities at Taste in the Park, on Sunday 15th April. Savour
treats from a mouth-watering line-up of regional exhibitors in a relaxed, picnic environment and soak up some jazz from the John Muller Band over a glass of wine. Tickets for the Long Lunch are $100, including five courses, complimentary bottle of wine, commemorative “take home” wine glass and entertainment. Email info@tastetamworth.com.au to purchase. Entry to Taste in the Park is via gold coin donation and all proceeds from both events go to Ronald McDonald House Tamworth.
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“I think motivation is like a bad boyfriend - it’s never there when you need it.” – Michelle bridges
Be Motivated By Michelle BY BETTINA MANIATIS
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I
t’s the beginning of the year, and statistically weight loss is at the top of the list for New Years resolutions throughout Australia. So, with this year’s Biggest Loser looking like the best season yet, I took some time out with one of the show’s inspirational Personal Trainers, Michelle Bridges, and I can tell you, this girl is seriously passionate about fitness. B: Michelle, a lot of our readership is within the mining and resources industry, and their lifestyle can be very different to those who work the average 9 to 5 job - so for those wanting to lose weight in this scenario, but with no idea where to begin, where might they start? M: So much of it is about getting organised –having a plan and getting into a routine. Given the fact that the mining community work in shift work, that’s not all that easy I know, but just thinking ahead and planning week to week, even month to month if it’s at all possible so they can really work around it and start thinking about their nutrition and their training. Get a plan, get a diary. Really go and really try and map out time to get on with your training and with your shopping. So for example if you are in the mines, with regards to meals, set it up so you have healthy nutritional food available to you and you can do a cook up on the weekend, or when you’re at home and you can put that in the freezer and you can very easily defrost it in the microwave and maybe add a bag of salad or steamed vegetables or something. It’s about having that organisation. So I really recommend having that plan. Also, I really recommend training before or after work, because you know once you go back to your room, it’s really difficult to get back out again. Either on your way to work or straight after work. And try and make it a regular time slot to make it a part of your life. B: OK, now for me personally, and for a lot of our readers, motivation might be an issue… M: Motivation’s a funny thing. I think motivation is like a bad boyfriend – it’s never there when you need it. So many people tend to hang their hats on motivation and use that as an excuse. So when you ask why they’re not eating healthy or exercising, you just get: “oh, I’m just not motivated.” I know as a human being, and as a personal trainer, you’re not always going to be motivated. I don’t wake up at 5 in the morning and go: “wooo bring on that 10K run! Yeahhh.” You know, I just don’t. Some mornings I have a bit of a spring in my step, but some mornings I’m just “urghhhh.” So I just get into robot mode; get my shoes
on and get out the door and don’t let my head start thinking because then it’ll be like “oh maybe I’ll just train this afternoon,” or “oh it’s just one session.” So yes, I think motivation can be a bit of an excuse. That said, you can be motivated by setting yourself goals. You might want to get fit for a fun run or you might want to fit into a pair of pants – there’s your goal right there. Set yourself up for little mini goals to get yourself to your major goals. If you want motivation though, why wait until you’re being told you are a diabetic and you have to take this medication for the rest of your life? Why wait until you have a heart attack and you’re in hospital? Why wait until the choice is removed from you when you have the choice in your hands right now? What about the people who have children? Have you considered the fact that you might not be around to see your child get married? Take a look around – you don’t see very many old obese or heavily overweight people. If you’re obese, you’re lucky to make it to over 50. Personally - I’m motivated by that! B: So for those who are quite active, can you tell me how they know if they’re being active enough? Are there some tell-tale signs that you’re doing a good ‘work out’? M: Well one of the biggest tell tale signs over and above in terms of intensity, I think, the most critical element is consistency. I think if you’re doing something every day, more power to you and congratulations. If you’re doing something every day, 30 to 40 to 60 minutes a day, preferably, then you are absolutely on the right wicket. With regards to actual intensity, there are a few ways you can monitor that. I love using my heart rate monitor and watching my heart rate go up and down and I use it as bit of a game during my workout – so spiking my heart rate and bringing it back down again. Or you know, I’ll tell myself I need to burn 500 or 600 calories during my workout before I can finish – my heart rate monitor tells me that. Another way without even having to use technology is if you can say your name and address easily, then you’re not working hard enough. If you can barely get your phone number out, or not even, then you know you’re working at a good intensity. If you are a regular exerciser, I totally recommend getting a heart rate monitor though. But the most important thing is consistency, consistency, consistency. B: Now the new season of Biggest Loser is underway - tell us how you feel about the contestants this year and how they
compare to some of the contestants we’ve seen in the past? M: They’re doing fabulously. We have some contestants that hit the ground running and they want it, want it, want it and then we have others who fight the system, think it’s what they want to do and then they get in there and and think “urghhhh it’s all too hard.” And of course that’s the beauty of watching the show is you see all these different personalities, on the same journey. Ultimately they all lose weight. There’s no way they can’t. We feed them healthy food, we move their bodies and they drop the weight really easily. And you see every individual journey. In comparison to other years gone by, they’re doing really well. I’m really loving this season – I think it’s probably one of our better ones. B: You’ve been doing Biggest Loser for a number of years now and there are some pretty inspirational stories. Can you tell us some moments that have really stuck out for you, or even if you have one favourite memory so far? M: I’ve had so many memories and moments and exhilarating times and humbling experiences, to try and think of one would be tough. But I do have to say that doing the marathon two or three years ago, that was extraordinary. I’ve done a marathon. I know how hard they are. Admittedly, I ran mine and they walked – but ultimately they did it. They did 42.2km. And you know, if they can do a marathon, any body can do a marathon. B: One of the things I’ve always wondered is how some of the people on the show start out so large - How do they get to that point? And what could some of the warning signs be as to whether you’re on that path? M: I think when I talk to people, a lot of them bury their head in the sand. They just don’t want to know about it. It’s all too hard. A lot of them say they didn’t realise how big they had gotten until they look back. And for some of them, it’s because their doctors have told them they have got to do something about their weight. For others, it’s just the clothes just keep getting bigger, the messages just keep getting louder, they can’t find anywhere to sit down in a restaurant, they can’t find a seat on the plane - it’s just constant messages. The belt buckles just keep going up up up up. Or in the case of this season, because they’re singles, they realise they’re just watching their life go by, and it’s because their weight is holding them back.
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For information on CountryLink services phone 13 22 32 or visit www.countrylink.info
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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
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Phone 13 22 32
Visit www.countrylink.info
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Grenfell
Bumbaldry
Eugowra
Parkes
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Sawtell Urunga
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Hastings River
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Billinudgel turnoff
Pottsville
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Bogangar
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Tweed Heads
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Burleigh Heads
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Gold Coast
Chatsworth Island Maclean Tyndale
Coffs Harbour
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Mt George turnoff Burrell Creek
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Stroud Booral Allworth turnoff Limeburners Creek
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Llangothlin
Glencoe
Glen Innes
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Bolivia
Tenterfield
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Stuart Town
Wellington
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Coonamble
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Central West
Manildra
Narromine
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Girilambone
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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
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Wondalga
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Tumut
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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
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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
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Southern Tablelands
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Southern Cross (Melbourne)
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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
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Viva Sydney 2012
XPt r a v e l l e r V o l 7 I s s u e 1 _ 18
V
ivid Sydney, the largest celebration of light, music and ideas in the Southern Hemisphere, will once again transform the harbour city after dark from the 25th May to the 11th June 2012.
at the Museum of Contemporary Art.
Sydney’s world famous Harbour Foreshore, Circular Quay and The Rocks will become the ultimate outdoor stage for over 50 light art sculptures, large scale light installations and projections and including the spectacular illumination of the iconic Sydney Opera House sails.
Details of the Vivid Sydney 2012 program will be announced in March 2012.
Vivid Sydney also features contemporary music performances at Vivid LIVE at Sydney Opera House; international creative industry conferences and the new Vivid Ideas Exchange, a hub for creative ideas, discussion and debate
Vivid celebrates Sydney’s influence as the creative centre of the Asia Pacific - sparking innovation, fostering connections and showcasing innovative ideas on a global scale.
For more information on Vivid Sydney, visit www.vividsydney.com What: Vivid Sydney When: 25 May to 11 June Where: Sydney Opera House, Circular Quay and The Rocks. Web: www.vividsydney.com
XPt r a v e l l e r V o l 7 I s s u e 1 _ 19
AUTUMN COLOURS 2012 AUTUMN – the best season, the best reason to visit Bathurst. From March to May the magnificent parks and tree lined streets of Bathurst are ablaze with the wonderful colours of autumn. Leaves of red, gold and orange cover the trees and pile up on the ground. It’s a great time to visit this historic city and region to celebrate the rich history and heritage. The Autumn Colours program brings together a wealth of events and activities from fetes, fairs and markets to exhibitions, concerts and feasts. Special tours are created each year that give visitors the opportunity to learn more
about Australia’s oldest inland settlement and discover many hidden treasures from the past.
With wineries to visit, museums and galleries to see, concerts and performances to attend there’s so much to do that it will take all three months. Bathurst Visitor Information Centre publishes details of all these activities and events in the Autumn Colours brochure. This is available from Bathurst Visitor Information Centre from February and anyone wanting a free copy should call 1800 68 1000 or pop in to 1 Kendall Avenue next time
you’re passing through. An electronic version is just a click away at visitbathurst.com.au\see and do. Come and see what autumn is all about.
To find out more about what’s happening in Bathurst this autumn contact Bathurst Visitor Information Centre Freecall: 1800 68 1000 E: visitors@bathurst.nsw.gov.au and we’ll send you a FREE copy of the 2012 Autumn Colours program
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WESTERN REGION
Bathurst’s Keppel Street The bustling precinct is well worth a visit
A
vibrant, regional city located on the Western line, Bathurst combines the best of country life with all the facilities and conveniences of modern living.
Travellers alighting from a train or coach service will find themselves at the Bathurst Railway Station at the bottom of Keppel Street – the main thoroughfare to the city’s CBD, and a unique commercial precinct in its own right. Since the railway arrived in Bathurst in 1876, Keppel Street has been a hive of activity. In the early days the street catered to the needs of the vast numbers of railway employees from the workshops and rail yards, and their families. Over time the railway presence wound down, but the street, full of history and charm, has continued to change and reinvent itself. These days, as well as offering all the services you’d expect of a local shopping centre (including a pharmacy, newsagent, takeaway, pet shop and butcher), the presence of the Bathurst Regional Library and Art Gallery means Keppel Street has become a real community and cultural hub for the city. It has also become a foodie destination, with The Hub, Al Dente and Le Gall Patisserie being popular spots for locals and visitors alike.
• Steam Trains • Diesels • School Groups • Special Events
PHONE 02 6355 2955
visit www.zigzagrailway.com.au
• Clarence Station, Bells Line of Road (10km east of Lithgow) • Trains run daily (except Christmas Day) at 11am, 1pm, 3pm
For both interesting wares and a unique shopping experience, be sure to take the time to explore Keppel Street’s wide range of independent retailers. Whether Bathurst is your final destination, or if you’re filling in time between connections, Bathurst’s Keppel Street is well worth the wander.
The Party Table
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n the heart of Bathurst’s Keppel Street shopping precinct, just a short stroll from the Bathurst Railway Station, is The Party Table – an unexpected treasure trove of bright and beautiful paper goods and party ware. With a range not often encountered outside of metropolitan areas, The Party Table stocks items for special occasions including paper tableware, rice paper lanterns, paper daisies and honeycomb paper decorations, garlands, bunting, and packaging and baking accessories. They also have a growing stationery and greeting card collection. Proprietor, Karen Pearce has sourced products from across Australia and around the world. As well as carrying well known brands, including Sambellina, Paper Eskimo, Meri Meri and Talking Tables, she has found some beautiful, unique and even practical products not widely available elsewhere. The store, which opened in October 2010, is building a loyal following not only in Bathurst but also across the region. “We’re delighted that the store has become a place people bring their out-of-town visitors,” says Karen. “And that people from across the region are travelling to visit us.” With the opening of their online store last July, The Party Table also now enjoys a growing profile in metropolitan areas, shipping orders regularly to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and everywhere in between. “The online store gives our customers the best of both worlds,” Karen added. “They have the convenience of online shopping with the confidence that they’re dealing with a real person in a real shop, and getting real service as well.” Visit The Party Table at 77 Keppel Street Bathurst, or shop online at www.thepartytable.com.au
XPt r a v e l l e r V o l 7 I s s u e 1 _ 21
SOUTHERN REGION
See More and Save with Canberra Renaissance Rail & Stay Packages
You will be staying right in the heart of the city at Canberra City YHA, located at 7 Akuna Street in the CBD, within walking distance of shops, restaurants, cinemas, banks, nightclubs, transport and some of Australia’s best cultural and historical attractions. Facilities at the YHA include an indoor pool, spa and sauna, barbeque area, self-catering kitchen, and a cool onsite café with high-speed internet. The hostel also boasts the underground Transit Bar, with regular live entertainment.
F
rom Raphael to Titian, Botticelli to Bellini, more than 70 masterpieces from some of Europe's greatest Renaissance artists are in Canberra this season to grace the walls of the National Gallery of Australia. Direct from Italy, this priceless collection of extraordinary 15th and 16th Century paintings is the first of its kind in Australia, and a must-see for anyone with even a passing interest in art. To celebrate the exhibition, Canberra City YHA and CountryLink have joined forces to help you see more and save with their Canberra Renaissance Rail & Stay Package, which includes:
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Return travel to Canberra with CountryLink (ex Sydney)
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• • •
Two night’s accommodation at Canberra City YHA Daily breakfast at on-site Bytes Cafe Entry ticket to the Renaissance exhibition at the National Gallery of Australia
All this will cost you only $183 per person staying in a multi-share room, or $205 per person in a double/twin room (conditions apply). So if you’re thinking of visiting Canberra to see the exclusive exhibition, why not leave the driving to someone else, enjoy the views and travel to the capital in comfort with CountryLink.
There are 100 unique YHA properties across Australia providing affordable, quality accommodation with no age limits – everyone is welcome! Stretch your holiday budget further with great YHA member discounts on attractions and activities in and around the capital. Jump on board and jump online at yha.com.au, or join at any YHA. The Renaissance exhibition runs until 9th April 2012. Package is subject to availability. Prices are based on adult economy class travel from Sydney with CountryLink. First class, sleeping berth and child fares are available on application. Call 13 28 29 or contact your nearest CountryLink travel centre to book or visit www.countrylink.info.
SOUTHERN REGION
Have a Laugh in Melbourne Melbourne International Comedy Festival 28 March to 22 April 2012
I
f your train trip is ending up in beautiful Melbourne, you might want to hang around and have a laugh as it’s Melbourne Comedy Festival time again. Having been around for over 20 years, launched in 1987 by Barry Humphries and Peter Cook, the Melbourne International Comedy Festival is one of the three largest comedy festivals in the world, alongside Edinburgh Festival Fringe and Montreal's Just for Laughs Festival. An annual event, the Melbourne International Comedy Festival literally takes over Australia's comedy capital each autumn with an enormous program of stand-up comedy,
cabaret, theatre, street performance, film, television, radio and visual arts. Some highlights include: Opening Night Comedy Allstars Supershow 28 March 7.30pm Palais Theatre The Melbourne International Comedy Festival kicks off with a comedy concert where headliners get five minutes each behind the mic. With over 20 international and local acts all taking place on the stage of the Palais Theatre, Network 10 cameras roll and so do the laughs.
RAW Comedy National Grand Final 15 April 5pm Melbourne Town Hall The nation’s most prestigious open mic comedy competition sees the funniest comedians from each state battling it out for the title of ‘2012 RAW Comedy National Champion’. The 23rd Annual Great Debate 8 April 5pm Melbourne Town Hall Fighting for the ‘affirmative’ or ‘negative’ will be the biggest brains of the Festival, collecting plenty of laughs along the way.
XPt r a v e l l e r V o l 7 I s s u e 1 _ 2 3
FitFlop Launch a Dazzling Collection
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t’s fashion and function combined, with the introduction of the hottest new styles from FitFlop Footwear’s revolutionary Spring/Summer collection.
b
FitFlop’s latest range includes styles for women, men and girls offering a fabulous selection for the entire family. From well-loved originals, bright colours, metallics, bejewelled designs and dazzling sequins, this new range of sandals are fit to make your summer shine! Combining Microwobbleboard™ technology, which can help increase the time that your muscles are engaged every single time you take a step, with fashion-forward footwear - FitFlop gives you a workout while you walk™. Whether you’re into suede, sequins, leather, sparkles or ruffles, you’ll be sure to find the FitFlop for you from the new Spring/Summer collection. Visit www.fitflop.com.au or call (02) 9939 0200 to find a FitFlop Footwear retailer near you.
a.
Luna Pewter>> RRP $129.95
b. Lolla Black>> RRP $159.95 c.
Electra Strata- Black Magic>> RRP $119.95
d. Pietra Silver>> RRP $129.95 e.
Positano Mediterranean>> RRP $149.95
f.
Pietra Patent Black>> RRP $129.95
g. Floretta Antique White>> RRP $159.95
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™
Sleeve-ons d
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S
leeve-ons are the newest must-have addition to any woman’s wardrobe adding short, three-quarter or long sleeves to an outfit.
Making any sleeveless item of clothing suitable for every season, Sleeve-ons can be worn under your garment and matched to the colour so it blends to look like sleeves, or coordinated with a pattern giving a bolder look. Alternatively, they can be worn over the outfit as a shrug creating a different look once again.
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With all material sourced in Australia, the quality of Sleeve-ons is second to none and Sleeveons backs this up with a 100 per cent hassle-free policy for returns and exchanges. • Great for hiding unsightly arms • Protect your skin from the sun • Free delivery Australia-wide • All material sourced and made in Australia For more information, to see the full range, and to order your Sleeve-ons today, visit sleeve-ons.com.au
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Puzzles
crossword
ACROSS 6 7 9 10 11 13 15 17 18 19 20 23 26 27 28
Adoration, devotion (7) Spouse's parent (2-3) Horizontal timber block (4) Something designed for rough or casual use (10) Well produced (8) Hip, cool (6) To swallow loudly (4) To unfasten (5) Honk (4) To make up, to make... (6) Overturn (8) Labour union of related crafts (5,5) Desperate (4) A response to something funny (5) On edge, aware (2,5)
DOWN
Glasbergen cartoons are available for newsletters, presentations and other professional purposes. For more info, please visit www.glasbergen.com
1 2 3 4 5 6 8 12 14 16 17 21 22 24 25
A cooking device used to flatten (7,3) Genuine, authentic (6) An exercise of right (4) Microprogram stored in ROM (8) Fatty flesh (4) Pertaining to, or situated near (5) Pretending to be (5-2) To provide food or service (5) Art of working in threads (10) Neither moral nor immoral (7) Unwanted (8) Number of printed lines in an article (6) Creepy (5) To beat with a stick (4) Cooled by means of ice (4)
Solutions
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sudoku
Enter digits from 1 to 9 into the blank spaces. Every row, column and 3x3 square must contain one of each digit.
find-a-word
Can you find all the celebrity names? Daniel Craig Hugh Grant Sylvester Stallone Uma Thurman Whoopi Goldberg Will Smith Damon Wayans
Al Pacino Bruce Willis Jake Gyllenhaal Edward Norton Michael Douglas Harrison Ford George Clooney
Eva Mendes Rob Lowe Christian Bale Salma Hayek Shirley Maclaine Diane Keaton
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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.
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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.
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Talk Back with Charli Robinson
OCCUPATION: Breakfast radio host - SeaFm , TV Host - It’s a Knock Out and The Dirt (my own nightly entertainment radio show nationally). FAVOURITE TRAVEL DESTINATION AND WHY: I seem to have travelled for work so much internationally that my holidays are happily in Port Stephens, NSW with family. When I have managed to jet off for pleasure my favourite is a train ride through Italy. Stopping at little towns, drinking beautiful wines and eating copious amounts of pasta! My hidden treasures include Asolo and Corinaldo. WHAT DO YOU NEVER TRAVEL WITHOUT AND WHY: A universal adapter! Phone chargers, laptops, even hair straighteners are not worth living without. I get so homesick without texting
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family all the time while away! TRAVEL TIP: During my ten years touring with hi5 I did a lot of sight-seeing alone. It taught me no matter how beautiful a building, breath taking a mountain or sunset, having someone to share that with makes it so much more memorable and special. I’d take my dad on tour to the UK as much as possible and beers in pubs and old English museums were all the more incredible! So my tip, travel with the one you love or friend you make while travelling - and get ready for fun! MOST EMBARRASSING/FUNNY TRAVEL STORY: My first international trip, I was in Hi5 and I had left my passport beside my bed at my parent’s house, three hours drive from Sydney airport! The rest of hi5 had to go on their flight, while
I waited alone at the airport. It was Christmas and I sat crying, but then a Santa started singing to me to cheer me up! So random but needed! Three hours went by while the most expensive courier ride ever delivered my passport two minutes before the last flight to NZ closed check in! I made it- and my first overseas journey began. I’ve never forgotten my passport again! WHAT’S COMING UP FOR YOU IN 2012? There will be a lot of travel! I’ve just started breakfast radio on the Gold Coast which I love, and still work in Sydney often for my Dirt show. Filming It’s a Knock Out was hilarious fun and a reminder how much I love being in front of the camera. This year, I’ll enjoy my new jobs and make the most of my new coastal life style.
From grand adventure to luxurious relaxation, you really can have it all with a holiday package on the Indian Pacific or The Ghan. And with a package to suit every traveller, every budget and every mood, you’re sure to book this once in a lifetime journey, again and again. THE GHAN Rock & RAil $1798 pp Adult 5 days 4 nights
THE GHAN TASTE oF THE ToP END $2513 pp Adult 6 days 5 nights
iNDiAN PAciFic PERTH & MARGARET RiVER $3143 pp Adult 8 days 7 nights
iNDiAN PAciFic TASTE oF SoUTH AUSTRAliA $1280 pp Adult 5 days 4 nights
Adelaide – Alice Springs – Uluru 1 night on The Ghan, Gold Service, 3 nights in the Red Centre, Guided Mala Walk, Sunset and Sunrise Uluru Tours $1484 pp Pension Concession
Darwin – Alice Springs – Adelaide 2 nights on The Ghan, Gold Service, 3 nights in the Top End, Darwin City Sights Tour, Jumping Crocodile Cruise $1908 pp Pension Concession
Sydney – Adelaide – Perth 3 nights on the Indian Pacific, Gold Service, 3 nights in Perth, 2 day Margaret River Wine Region Tour, Perth City Sights Tour $2514 pp Pension Concession
Sydney – Adelaide 1 night on the Indian Pacific, Gold Service, 3 nights in Adelaide, McLaren Vale & Adelaide Hills Winery Tour, Barossa Valley Tour $1118 pp Pension Concession
Book noW To SAVE UP To $400* PER CoUPLE! Don’t wait to make the most of Australia and this offer.
Call 13 28 29 or visit your nearest CountryLink Travel Centre
*Save up to $400 based on adult fare, per person twin share. For bookings 01 January 2012 to 31 March 2012, for travel from 1 April 2012 to 30 June 2012. Fares based on twin share per person, with single supplements applicable. Offer subject to availability at time of booking. Booking, credit card and amendment fees may apply. Hotel surcharges may apply to event period dates. All fares include fuel price surcharge, and will be subject to availability at the time of booking. Through or stopover fares not applicable with any holiday package unless otherwise specified. Concession (Pension) fares are valid for Australian citizens only. To receive concessional fares Great Southern Rail is required to confirm your eligibility at the time of booking and travel for the concession electronically with Centrelink. If you do not want this to happen you will need to contact Centrelink to obtain a Pension Concession Letter as proof of your eligibility for the concession and provide this directly to Great Southern Rail before the concession can be given. Offer not available in conjunction with the GSR seniors concession travel offer nor any other offer except $99 – $299 Motorail offer. Taste of the Top End package based on shoulder season for the month of April only. All fares and timetables are subject to change without notice. All fares quoted in Australian Dollars. Conditions apply. For general terms and conditions of carriage please visit greatsouthernrail.com.au. Travel Agent License No.TTA164190. 01849CDBS