Jetstar Australia Magazine — JAN 2020

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BIK E, H IK E A N D SK I I N S O U T H K O RE A

MAGAZINE

7 I N C REDIBL E AC T I V E FA M ILY H OL ID AYS T H E BES T H A PP Y H O U R S I N M EL B O U R N E

Days like these →

Life is beautiful on the Whitsunday Islands

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K YOTO

B Y R O N B AY

HAWAII

M A L AY S I A

SYDNEY

F I JI

N E W ZE A L A N D

C O O K I SL A N D S

JAN 2020

CONTENTS

the traveller W HERE T O G O N E X T

the checklist ALL T HE T R AVEL IN T EL YO U NEED N O W

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P O S T C A R D F R O M ...

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T W O S I D E S O F...

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H A C K: H O L I D AY SKINCARE

Haymarket, Sydney.

Malaysia.

050 T H E W H I T S U N D AY S How to enjoy the Queensland paradise solo, with family or with the one you love.

Expert top tips and the best products for summer-ready skin.

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7 M Y T H S A B O U T...

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T R AV EL T R E N D S: GARDEN TOURISM

Tokyo.

Plan a trip where you can delight in the wonders of botany.

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TECH

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SMARTER WORKING

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TR AVEL NE W S

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CALENDAR

What’s new on the scene; must-have apps; and a buyer’s guide to e-book readers.

We uncover the latest trends and hack the best minds of the business world.

All the latest updates, info and events from around our network.

Festivals, musicals, tennis and kitesurfing – what not to miss this month.

056 SOUTH KOREA Choose your adventure on your next holiday to Seoul: biking, hiking or skiing.

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C O N T EN T S

066 FA M ILY H O L I D AY S The best destinations for an active vacation.

the cut T H E BES T OF W H ERE T O E AT, D R IN K A N D PL AY

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E AT + D R I N K: K YO T O This buzzing Japanese city is a food lover’s delight.

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H A P P Y H O U R S: MELBO URNE CBD Beer, wine, cocktails – have it all without breaking the bank.

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DRINKS TRENDS Boozy kombucha and booze-free gin – the new ways to imbibe.

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EXPERIENCE It’s never too late to learn how to surf the waves.

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M Y H A P P Y P L A C E: QUEENSTOWN Actor Luke Carroll tells why he loves the New Zealand town.

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FASHION

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NEW ZEALAND SPECIAL

What’s hot in swimwear.

All you need to know about the Land of the Long White Cloud.

the insider JE T S TA R N E W S, M AP S A N D EN T ER TA IN MEN T

122 125 130 134 136 142

JE T S TA R N E W S IN-FL IG H T EN T ER TA IN M EN T AIRPORT TO CITY W H E R E W E FLY GAMES + PUZZLES H I G H E R, B I G G E R, FA S T E R, L O N G E R

M ATA K A N A The once sleepy NZ town is now a happening place – but hasn’t lost its magic vibe.

Cover photography

by James Vodicka.

@these.wander.days

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E DITOR I A L .

EDITORIAL INQUIRIES

EDITOR Jacqueline Lunn

SENIOR EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

DEPUTY EDITOR Sudeshna Ghosh

Anneliese Beard

CONTRIBUTORS.

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Jon Gregory DESIGNER Lisa Emmanuel CHIEF SUB EDITOR Nick Hadley SUB EDITOR Deborah Grunfeld PHOTOGRAPHIC EDITOR Nicola Sevitt

Suite 58, 26-32 Pirrama Road, Pyrmont, NSW 2009 P (02) 8114 8944 E jetstar.editorial@mediumrarecontent.com

ACCOUNT MANAGER, TRAVEL

Samantha O’Brien

MANAGING EDITOR, JETSTAR Simon Tsang

A DVERT I S I N G .

HEAD OF SALES, TRAVEL AND LUXURY

VIC & QLD ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

Tony Trovato | (02) 8114 8920

Chris Joy | (03) 9292 3207

DIGITAL SALES DIRECTOR

VIC GROUP SALES MANAGER

Mike Hanna | (02) 8114 7626

Belinda Morton | (03) 9292 1159

NSW SALES MANAGER

VIC ACCOUNT MANAGER

Tim Partridge | (02) 8114 6101

Brittany Groth | (03) 9292 3180

NSW ACCOUNT MANAGER

VIC ACCOUNT MANAGER

Anthony Sullivan | (02) 8114 8954

Tim Beecroft | (03) 9292 2321

ADVERTISING SALES COORDINATOR

NEW ZEALAND BUSINESS

Madeline Payne | (02) 8114 8643

DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

WA & SA STATE MANAGER

Stuart Tovey | +64 21 711 606

Gloria Karageorge | 0424 034 430

M EDIUM R A R E C O N T E N T A G E N C Y. MANAGING DIRECTOR Gerard Reynolds DIRECTOR Sally Wright CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Fiorella Di Santo HEAD OF CONTENT, TRAVEL AND LUXURY Kirsten Galliott DIGITAL DIRECTOR Karla Courtney MULTIMEDIA DIRECTOR Shannon O’Meara SOCIAL DIRECTOR Scott Drummond STRATEGY DIRECTOR Lyndsey Long FINANCE MANAGER Leslie To

Jetstar magazine is published monthly and is complimentary to domestic and international passengers. Published for Jetstar Airways

by Medium Rare Content Agency (ABN 83 169 879 921), Suite 58/2632 Pirrama Road, Pyrmont, NSW 2009. ©2019. All rights reserved.

Printed by Ovato Print Pty Ltd. Paper fibre is from sustainably managed forests and controlled sources. No responsibility is accepted for unsolicited material. Articles express the opinions of the authors and not necessarily those of Jetstar Airways or Medium Rare Content Agency. For a copy of Medium Rare Content Agency’s Privacy Policy, visit mediumrarecontent.com. ISSN 1443-2013.

We want you to know that at Jetstar our writers are not armchair travellers.

Any assistance we do accept from the travel industry to produce our stories does not compromise the integrity of our coverage.

For flight reservations jetstar.com For hotel bookings and holiday packages jetstar.com/hotels jetstar.com/holidays

EMMA CASTLE Sydney-based Emma has been in media for 16 years.

Specialising in travel and hospitality, she has worked with tourism boards and publications such as Escape.

She loves plants, which led her down the garden path of horticultural tourism (p. 29).

ERIN CRAIG An itinerant travel writer for the last five years, Erin’s work has featured on the BBC and in National Geographic Traveler. This issue Erin pursues outdoor adventure in one of her favourite places: her current home base of South Korea (p. 56).

KIRSTY MUNRO After eight years as a writer and editor in fashion magazines such as Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar, Kirsty moved to Japan 10 years ago to focus on travel writing. This month she revisits one of her favourite cities, Kyoto (p. 84).

antlerluggage.com.au

CEO’S LE T T ER

Happy New Year > Hello, it’s great to have you on board with us.

As the new year begins it’s also good to take stock and reflect on the year that was.

2019 was a big year for Jetstar with plenty of exciting milestones. In May we announced direct flights between the Gold Coast and Seoul, marking the first low fares service directly linking Australia and South Korea.

That same month we celebrated our 15th birthday and our 300 millionth customer.

We also welcomed thousands of new Jetstar Club members, with our 340,000 members saving almost $30m on airfares, extra baggage options and seat selection in the last year alone.

In November we announced that this March we will begin direct flights between Melbourne and Busselton, opening up Western Australia’s southwest, including the world-famous Margaret River region, to more visitors than ever before.

QAL CEO CHRIS MILLS AND G OL D C OAST AIRP ORT C O O MARIO N CHARLTO N WELC O ME T HE FIRST PASSENGERS FRO M SEO UL.

“JETSTAR WILL BE T HE FIRST AIRLINE IN AU S T R AL I A A N D T HE PACIFIC T O OPER ATE T HE NEX T-GEN A321 LR A IR CR AF T.” November also saw the unveiling of the new interiors of our nextgeneration Airbus A321neo (LR) aircraft that arrives in August.

Jetstar will be the first airline in Australia and the Pacific to operate the A321 LR, which will be the most fuelefficient aircraft in the Jetstar Group fleet, helping us to keep airfares low.

This year we also saw growth across the Asia Pacific, with Jetstar Asia celebrating three years of flying from Singapore to Okinawa, the hot travel spot in Japan. Since the inaugural flight, the Singapore-based airline has welcomed more than 85,000 passengers on the route.

We’re looking forward to another big year in 2020.

Thanks for flying with us and we hope to see you on board again soon.

G A RE T H E VA N S CEO, JE T S TA R G R O U P

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JE T S TAR S O CI AL

LIKE. FOLLOW. CLICK. SHARE. Get social with us and join the conversation online.

MADE IN THE SHADE ROWS OF PRETTY PALM TREES HOLD LOTS OF SWAY AT THALA BEACH NATURE RESERVE, QLD. @ANNARITAEVANS

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the checklist > ALL THE TRAVEL INTEL YOU NEED NOW

GARDEN TO URISM PAG E

029 SY D NE Y

PA G E

> After English, Arabic and Cantonese are the most popular languages spoken in Sydney.

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PA G E

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> Following in his shoemaker father’s footsteps, Penangborn Jimmy Choo went on to create a global brand.

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> During peak times, over 3000 people can be seen using the famous Shibuya Crossing featured in Lost in Translation.

Haymarket SYDNEY P O S TC ARD FR O M

—Once known simply as “Chinatown”, this inner-city neighbourhood, now home to vibrant new precincts such as Darling Square and hip local stores, has exploded in popularity—

W O R D S _ A L E X A N D R A C A R LT O N

ILL U S T R AT IO N _ G ER G Ő GIL IC ZE

T H E C H ECKL IS T

1 CITIZEN WOLF This unique ethical fashion brand plans to change the way the world buys clothes, by custom fitting each of their chic cotton and merino wool basics to ensure they never end up discarded at the back of your wardrobe or thrown in the Vinnies bin after one wear. They’re so committed to minimising waste, they’ll even do free lifetime repairs. citizenwolf.com 2 MAKER’S DOZEN At this upmarket new cluster of food and drink outlets, inside the Exchange Building in Darling Square, you can grab a group of friends and mix-and-match an artisanal multicultural feast that could include hyper-spiced Sri Lankan curry and roti from Hopper Kadé, bespoke bao from Mr Bao and natural wine and craft beer from Bucket Boys. darlingsq.com 3 AUVERS This social space is named after the little French town where van Gogh once lived – although the vibrant Gillie and Marc mural featuring a rabbit and dog gliding through the streets on a Vespa is quite Parisian. Even the drinks have a van Gogh theme with names like Sunflower In Hand and the food is French-meets-Asian (escargot with wonton wrappers anyone?). auverscafe.com.au 4 DOPA DON AND MILK BAR Brought to you by the folks behind the beloved Devon Café in Surry Hills, Dopa Don is where to go for flavour-packed Japanese rice bowls topped with everything from sea urchin to tempura.

Asian-style milkshakes and desserts play a starring role too – the Japanese shaved ice is not to be missed. fb.me/dopabydevon

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5 ESPIONAGE Boasting one of the most impressive collections of rare, avant-garde and up-andcoming kicks from Australia and around the globe, this sneaker emporium has been the place where hip Sydneysiders buy their shoes since 2002.

Expect offbeat brands such as The Hundreds, Clot and DGK. fb.me/espionage.sydney 6 CAPITOL THEATRE Even if you’re not a theatre buff, dressing up for a night at the opulent Capitol, with its grand statues and ceiling designed to look like the twilight sky, is a magical experience. In 2020, the program includes the upbeat Menopause the Musical, divine Chinese dance spectacular Shen Yun and family favourite Frozen. capitoltheatre.com.au 7 4A CENTRE FOR CONTEMPORARY ASIAN ART This small but vibrant gallery space, tucked behind the Capitol Theatre, celebrates the diversity of work by Asian and Asian-Australian artists. In 2020, the Centre’s I Am a Heart Beating in the World exhibition explores the challenging theme of “diaspora” and what it means to those who live it.

4a.com.au 8 BANCHŌ Hidden in a nondescript alleyway with nothing more than a small black and white sign to point to the entrance, the Japanese-feel bar is the edgy drinking hole Haymarket has always cried out for. The creamy matcha chocolate Negroni is a drink and dessert in one. banchobar.com.au

S N APS H O T @ H U M MIN GL IO N

Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Mosque This exquisite place of worship, located in Shah Alam, Malaysia, is a combination of Malay and modernist architecture and can accommodate 24,000 people.

Two sides

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@ HEARTPATRICK

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of Malaysia

Pusat Sains Negara (National Science Centre) The rainbow walkway is illuminated by sunlight filtering through the cladding encircling the building, in Kuala Lumpur.

T R AVEL H ACK

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PROBLEM: SUNSCREEN SENSITIVIT Y > Opt for what’s known as a physical sunscreen – one that uses minerals zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to deflect the sun’s rays. “These tend to be less irritating,” says Dr Liz Dawes-Higgs, from Northern Sydney Dermatology. They’re also kinder on our oceans. Whatever sunscreen you use, “reapply every two hours”, Dr Dawes-Higgs notes.

TRY: Avène Sunscreen Spray SPF 50+, $34.95. avene.com.au

Love your skin —Don’t let sweat, sun and soaring temperatures get in the way of a fresh face. Whatever your skincare issue, here are the expert tips and products you need—

PROBLEM: DEHYDRATION > Try using an oil cleanser to replenish moisture, suggests beauty author Bernadette Fisers. A few spritzes of face mist can also refresh parched skin.

PROBLEM: SUN DAMAGE > “The best step is to prevent it,” says Dr Dawes-Higgs. “This means sun-protective clothing, hats and sunscreen.” Use a soothing after-sun lotion to aid recovery after sun exposure. Noticed some damage? “Products containing vitamin A, hydroquinone, fruit acids and antioxidants can help,” says Dr Dawes-Higgs.

Use these ingredients in the evening only, Fisers advises.

TRY: Sun Bum After Sun Cool Down Lotion, $11.99. Medik8 Retinol 6TR Serum, $89. trustthebum.com; medik8.com.au

TRY: Mere Phytosphere Bio-Divergent Cleansing Oil Complex, $56.

Bybi Beauty Mega Mist hyaluronic acid facial spray, $42. mereskincare.com; bybi.com

PROBLEM: CONGESTION > Lighten up your products for summer, opting for gels and lotions over winter’s thick creams. “Wear a light moisturiser and try to get an SPF in it so you are not doubling up on product,” Dr Dawes-Higgs says. She adds that you should also exfoliate once a week to keep skin clear.

TRY: Essano Rosehip Gentle Facial Exfoliator, $14.99. Natio Daily Defence Face Moisturiser SPF 50+, $19.95. essano.com.au; natio.com.au

PROBLEM: EXCESS SHINE > If you have oily skin, use a primer under your makeup to help control the shine. Dr Dawes-Higgs suggests carrying blotting papers, too, for on-the-go shine control. “You can also cool off with a hydrogel mask,” Fisers adds.

TRY: Bobbi Brown Primer Plus Mattifier, $57.

Swisspers Blot-Off Oil Tissues, $7.65. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrogel Mask, $5.99. bobbibrown.com.au; swisspers.com.au; bobbibrown.com.au neutrogena.com.au

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7 M Y T H S AB O U T...

Tokyo —This fascinating, fast-paced and quirky metropolis continues to surprise with its unique attractions and hospitable culture, finds Louise Southerden—

MYTH #1 It’s not family-friendly > For all its sophistication, Tokyo is incredibly childoriented thanks to interactive attractions such as teamLab’s Borderless digital art installation (borderless. teamlab.art) and the Ghibli Museum (ghibli-museum.jp), which celebrates animator Hayao Miyazaki – the “Walt Disney of Japan”. There’s also a Hello Kitty theme park, called Sanrio Puroland (en. puroland.jp), and the marine-themed Tokyo DisneySea (www.tokyodisney resort.jp), right next to Tokyo Disneyland.

MYTH #3 MYTH #2 Cherry blossom season is the best time to go > Japan might be crazy about its national flower but hotels and flights can be booked solid during sakura season (March to April). Instead, visit in early spring – late February to early March – for the darker, sweeter smelling and arguably prettier, plum blossoms. Kairakuen (about an hour out of Tokyo) has some 3000 plum trees, or try the established gardens of Koishikawa Korakuen in town.

It’s near Mount Fuji > Only from space could Japan’s highest mountain be said to be close to Tokyo. The 3776-metre active volcano (relax, it last erupted in 1707) is about 100 kilometres southwest of the city. The good news? You can still see its snowy cone on clear days from the top of Tokyo Skytree (tokyoskytree.jp), the world’s tallest broadcast tower, or the Mori Art Museum’s open-air Sky Deck (tcv.roppongihills.com).

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“JAPA N’S CAPI TAL CA N BE C H ARMIN GLY

MYTH #4 It’s hyper-modern and futuristic > Japan’s capital can be charmingly old school.

Side-by-side with cutting-edge architecture, you’ll see women in kimonos, trams circling low-rise neighbourhoods such as Otsuka and quiet lanes populated by tiny rustic yakitori bars that have been there for decades. Two tips for first-timers: cash is king and bank ATMs often don’t accept foreign cards; use the ATMs in convenience stores such as FamilyMart instead.

OL D SC H O OL.”

MYTH #6 It’s packed with people > Even when doing the Shibuya Scramble or shuffling down Harajuku’s Takeshita Street with teenagers and tourists, Tokyo never feels unpleasantly crowded. That’s partly because of Japan’s culture of consideration, and partly because it’s so easy to get around. Trains come every two to four minutes on the Metro subway, lines are colour-coded and English signs make it tourist-friendly. At green spaces such as Ueno Park you might even forget you’re in one of the world’s most populous cities.

MYTH #5 It costs too much > Tokyo quietly slipped off the “10 most expensive cities” list a few years ago, which is happy news for travellers. Subway tickets cost as little as 140yen (less than $2). Affordable accommodation abounds: try the high-ceilinged “pods” at the new Hotel Zen Tokyo (from 4000 yen, about $54, hotelzen. jp) or a room at Hoshino Resorts’ new OMO5 Tokyo Otsuka design hotel (7000 yen, or about $94, omo-hotels. com). For cheap eats, make for Tokyo’s hole-in-the-wall izakaya bars or Japan’s first Michelin-starred ramen joint, Tsuta (tsuta.com), where you’ll pay less than $10 for a bowl of world-class noodles.

MYTH #7 Everyone drinks green tea > Espresso, drip or decaf – you name it, Tokyo drinks it.

Starbucks is big – the US brand opened its largest Tokyo roastery in February 2019, a “coffee wonderland” complete with Kengo Kuma-designed façade, Milanese bakery and cold brew bar. For more beans for your buck, try Downstairs Coffee in Roppongi, run by a former latte-art champion, the cosy Little Nap (littlenap.jp) in Yoyogi or the ultra-modern Café Kitsune in Omotesando (maisonkitsune. com).

AND 3 TRUTHS It’s kooky > Tokyo is like the “mad scientist” of world cities.

Think piglet and hedgehog cafés (cat cafés are so five minutes ago; make sure to choose ethically run ones), a giant Godzilla head atop the Hotel Gracery in Shinjuku and maid bars where the waitresses actually cry when you leave.

It’s one of the safest cities in the world > Leave your wallet or bag almost anywhere in Tokyo and it will most likely still be there, untouched, an hour or a day later. In fact, last year, Tokyo was ranked the world’s safest city for the third year running by the Economist Intelligence Unit.

People are unfailingly polite > Tokyoites are never too busy to be nice. As in the rest of Japan, respect for others prevails, even on the subway where signs ask passengers to switch their phones to silent and refrain from making or taking calls – and everyone does.

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The bloom boom —Garden tourism has grown to become a global phenomenon.

Emma Castle explains why you simply must stop and smell the roses (and all the other flowers)—

R OYAL B OTA NIC GARDEN SYD NEY

S TO NEFIELDS

Famed English naturalist Sir Joseph Banks may have been the original garden tourist but in the 21st century, it’s not only botanists who are enjoying exploring the flora. From millennials who want to learn more about sustainability, to leisure travellers eager to bathe in nature, garden tourism has never been trendier.

According to international researcher Richard Benfield, garden tourism is the second largest tourism sector after food tourism, with a third of tourists globally including at least one garden visit in their travel itinerary. While Europe, the UK and the US are no strangers to the concept, Australia is not far behind. In fact, the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney is one of the world’s most visited botanic gardens, with more than five million visitors every year.

Jimmy Turner, Director of Horticulture at the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney says, “It’s

popular because it’s a free site that is right next to the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. You can get a glimpse into the natural wilderness of the country you are visiting, including rare and threatened plants, which is very different to the man-made built environment of a city.”

According to travel researcher Bronwyn White from New Young Consulting, “Gardens in any city or town tell a great story and, in a way, are the unofficial pulse of a place. There are often old gardens with a focus on the local native fauna of the area, statues that show the history and tell the story of the place and local heroes. And it also helps people focus on health, fitness and walking.”

It doesn’t hurt that features such as the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney’s Calyx – which includes the largest interior living wall in the Southern Hemisphere – are Instagram catnip. According

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PADDIN G TO N RESERVOIR GARDENS

SIX GARDENS YO U M UST VISIT:

to Instagram, “photographic trophies” are a big trend. Case in point: Toowoomba’s Carnival of Flowers in Queensland became one of Australia’s highest-trending hashtags in September 2019, thanks to events such as their floral crown-making workshops.

Meanwhile, the Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show is even giving the iconic Chelsea Flower Show in the UK a run for its money in terms of visitor numbers, welcoming more than 103,000 people in 2019 (Chelsea sees an average of 157,000 visitors annually).

Not bad for a festival that only started in 1995.

Canberra’s Floriade is another star attraction and from September 2022, Australia is set to host Australis, the southern hemisphere’s first six-month International Garden Expo in Sydney Olympic Park. The event, dubbed the “greenest games ever”, will see more than 40 countries exhibit and compete.

But you don’t have to wait for a festival.

From Victorian-style state-owned botanic gardens to privately owned gardens, most of Australia’s green spots are open year round, offering unique experiences in different seasons.

And travellers can’t seem to get enough of them.

WENDY W HITELEY’S SECRE T GARDEN

01

Paronella Park, Mena Creek, Qld In 1935, Spanish sugar cane farmer José Paronella created a tropical paradise next to Mena Creek Falls.

The five-hectare garden has a castle, a picnic area, tennis courts, bridges, a tunnel and a hydro-electric station. paronellapark.com.au

02 Cruden Farm, Langwarrin, Vic

At this former home of Dame Elisabeth Murdoch, mother of Rupert, you will find a “picking” area of roses and lavender hedges, a sunken walled garden and a landscaped pond with sweeping willows. crudenfarm.com.au

03

Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden, Lavender Bay, NSW Wendy, the widow of artist Brett Whiteley, took derelict railway land at the back of her house in Sydney and turned it into a tropical jungle. wendyssecretgarden.org.au

04 Paul Bangay’s

Stonefields, Denver, Vic Famed landscape designer Paul opens his garden for private tours throughout the year. The opposite of wild – Stonefields is groomed like a haughty show poodle – it is loved for its exacting geometry. stonefieldsthefarmhouse.com

05 Paddington Reservoir

Gardens, Paddington, NSW This dramatic garden features a sunken section lined with epic Romanesque pillars and an upper lawn with perches to relax on. cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au

06

The Garden at Old WesleyDale, Mole Creek, Tas Set adjacent to an historic Georgian house and a bookable stone holiday cottage, Old WesleyDale is the perfect spot for high tea. oldwesleydaleheritage.com

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T H E C H ECKL IS T

TEC H N OL O GY

Update —Gear, apps, tech talk and more—

Realme 5

$29 9

> Competing with premium devices at a fraction of the cost, this Android smartphone packs a quad 12MP camera with ultra-wide angle, portrait, macro and standard lenses. Cutting-edge AIpowered software enhances night-time photos and will bring an expert’s touch to portraits while the large 5000mAh battery charge will handle day-long usage – with enough left over to update social media with your adventures. realme.com/au

Alcatel 3T 10 Audio Station

$ 324

> Take your movies, TV and music on the road with this 10-inch tablet and dual-speaker audio dock combo. Fire up Google Assistant to search media and services by voice, then enjoy up to eight hours of high-definition video playback. You can lock the tablet in the bassboosted audio dock for hands-free use and improve your media experience with dynamic, room-filling audio. telstra.com.au

WORDS_ MARK GAMBINO

AirPods Pro

$ 39 9

> With active noise-cancelling and customised ear tips, the new wireless AirPods Pro offer immersive music playback in a pocket-sized package.

A superior level of noise cancelling is achieved with dual microphones to eliminate unwanted sound inside and outside the ear. The H1 audio chip features 10 cores to power audio processing and Siri voice commands. apple.com/au

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M UST-HAVE

APPS

B U YERS’ G UIDE

E-book readers > These handy devices, which let you carry thousands of electronically copied books anywhere you go for a fraction of the space (and weight) of physical books, have been a game changer – especially for travel.

Many models have a simple black and white LCD screen but not all are backlit to allow use in the dark, so you’ll need an external light source for reading those thrillers late at night. Colour screen models are backlit like tablets and smartphones.

With a touchscreen model you can flip pages and navigate menus with the tap of a finger, while some e-book readers may only feature buttons for interaction. Standard devices allow you to change the font and size of letters for easier viewing; some offer a highlight feature, enabling you to mark up text or look up the meanings of words.

Check battery life before you buy, as it varies.

You’ll need a wireless data connection to purchase content.

Once downloaded, media will stay saved until you delete it. Memory for e-book readers ranges from 2GB to 32GB – which means anything from hundreds to tens of thousands of books.

PatchPets

3 to try... #1 LENOVO TAB E7 $99 This basic tablet PC becomes a lightweight library when used with e-book reader apps. There’s 16GB of memory to store content and you can add up to 128GB extra space with an SD expansion card. lenovo.com/au #2 KINDLE OASIS $399 This gadget has an adjustable backlit display that you can make warmer or cooler to suit the time of day. The seven-inch waterproof device is also available with 32GB of memory. amazon.com.au #3 KOBO FORMA $429.95 The large, 8-inch screen of this e-book reader can be held with one hand and light intensity is automatically adjusted so the device won’t keep you awake after use at night. You can also connect to eligible local libraries to borrow books without needing to purchase. au.kobobooks.com

Connecting the dots > Travelling the world and staying connected is about to get a lot easier with global satellite internet. Using a network of thousands of interconnected satellites, companies such as Elon Musk’s Starlink are developing high-tech space-faring equipment into low-earth orbit to provide universal internet services to every country on the planet.

Provided wirelessly via distribution points on the ground, high-speed internet will soon be free to access on smart devices in remote areas.

Along with Starlink, Canadian firm Kepler Communications and Swarm Technologies in the US are seeking approval to set up shop in Australia, to launch services later this year.

IO S + A N DR OID Calling all pet parents – this app takes the guesswork out of finding help and services when travelling with pets, wherever you are in Australia.

Find nearby petfriendly hotels, dog parks, groomers and pet stores for supplies, as well as vet services and emergency care.

The social app also lets you connect with other pet lovers nearby.

Trotter IO S + A N DR OID Broaden your travel mind with this crowd-sourced travel planner. Ask for tips when you hit the ground in a new city or submit your own to other travellers if you consider yourself a local expert. You can also connect with people to build up a worldwide social network of buddies, and save travel guides, trips and suggestions to access offline later while off the grid.

20766463AB 2019-12-05T18:23:27+11:00

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Automotive Dealerships Hospitality

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Values are Rising for:

Demand is Rising for:

Aged care, Service Stations, Facilities Management, Cosmetic Enhancement, Medical and Dental, Security, Waste and Food Wholesale.

Child care, Service Stations, Transport, Supermarkets and Property Management.

Values are Falling for:

Demand is Falling for:

Hospitality, Retail, Printing, Auto & Marine

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Auto repairs, Motels, Hotels, RTO’s, ) *

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and Hospitality.

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T H E C H ECKL IS T

S M AR TER W ORK IN G

Balancing work with parenting —We explore that elusive workplace holy grail, walking the fine line between finding career success and enjoying quality family time—

More than 12 per cent of the ads placed on the Australian version of the job search site indeed.com include words such as “family friendly” or “flexible conditions” – a higher rate than any other OECD country. On the face of it, Australia seems to be doing pretty well in the work/parenting balance stakes but data can be deceiving. The 2019 Working Families Survey from advocacy group Parents At Work showed that many parents felt that while employers might talk the family-friendly talk, the reality didn’t always match.

In fact two-thirds of respondents reported feeling too emotionally and physically drained from their jobs to contribute to family life. But some parents and employers are figuring out how to harmonise career and home life – in ways that benefit everyone.

ILL U S T R AT IO N _ B RE N T W IL S O N

JOB SHARING SUCCESS STORY Elle Ritson and Beth Holden are both 35, both are mums to daughters around three years old and – incredibly – are both pregnant with little ones who are due on the exact same day. They also share their job as Senior Executive, Experiential Marketing, at Audi Australia. Each works two days solo, then together on Wednesdays. “Because we bring two sets of experiences and two brains to one role, I think we get more done than one person would,” Elle says. “And when I’m at home with my daughter I can be fully present for her, knowing Beth is taking care of things.”

HOW TO MAKE IT WORK, P O S T- B A B Y: 1. If you want to turn your full-time role into a part-time one, start the conversation before you go on parental leave to give everyone some certainty.

2. Write a memo outlining exactly what your tasks are. Then, if your work begins spilling into your days off, refer to the memo and ask to re-prioritise your workload or be paid more.

3. Agree to a trial before locking anything in. That way both parties can reassess if it’s not working out.

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IN TERV IE W

N A ME JO D HI M E A RES O C C U PAT IO N F O U N DER OF AC T I V E W E A R BR A N D T H E U P SIDE L O C AT IO N SY D NE Y OFFICE A N OL D W A REH O U SE IN SY D N E Y’S E A S T W I T H A BIG L O U N G E A RE A T O W O RK FR O M, PLEN T Y OF PE T S A N D A FR ID G E S T O CK ED W I T H C H A MPAG NE.

T O P 3 T IP S F O R B U D DIN G EN T REPRENEU R S 1. Have a thick skin because everyone’s a critic. But also remember the saying: if there are two people with the same opinion, you don’t need one of those people. Learn when you should take suggestions on board and when you should leave them.

2. Don’t be a micromanager.

If you’re too controlling, then people can’t flourish.

3. Work with people you trust. My sister Sophie works in sales and marketing and has driven 70 per cent of our offshore revenue singlehandedly. It gives you a lot of trust when you know someone is treating your business as if it’s their own.

W O R D S _ A L E X A N D R A C A R LT O N

> What has your entrepreneurial journey looked like? I started swimwear brand Tigerlily in 2000 before selling it in 2007. In 2013, I launched The Upside, as a sportswear label, which has now expanded into mens and swimwear. > How have things changed in the business world in the last two decades? Back then we had no social media, no online stores and I was a wholesaler; now I have three retail stores and an online business. Social media’s the big one – you have a lot more avenues to tell your story and storytelling is the fun side of branding. > What’s the one gadget you can’t live without? I’m not really a tech person but I can’t live without my iPad. > What’s your everyday morning routine? My dog Soda Pop wakes me up earlier than I’d like! We have a juice and a coffee and she goes out with her walker so I can practise yoga; I can’t do it when she’s there because she thinks it’s a game. > If you could have done one thing differently, what would it be?

Listen to my intuition more. It’s healthy to second-guess yourself – but only up to a point. > As a fitness-focused brand, are there ways you help your team make movement a priority? Every Tuesday we have yoga in our office. Our instructor leads the team based on what people need that week. We also try and walk to meetings and be in nature as much as possible. A healthy team – mentally and physically – is a productive team. > How do you keep your ideas fresh? I travel a lot. You want your creatives out of the office and taking the world in as much as possible.

Anything from architecture to Mother Nature can spark an idea.

When I had Tigerlily I used to say that everything was a bikini, from a beautiful fish to a tree. It’s about looking at things in a certain way.

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T H E C H ECKL IS T

T R AVEL NE W S

In the know —The latest buzz on where to play, stay and holiday—

CYCL E CL A S SIC

On your bike The Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race, to be held from 30 January to 2 February, is a Geelong-based cycling festival celebrating pedal power. Pick a scenic spot along the professional competitors race route (it includes a coast run from Barwon Heads to Bells Beach) for free viewing of the elite men and women’s events, part of the UCI World Tour. Or take part in the non-professional People’s Ride, the festival at Steampacket Gardens or the 1.6km Family Ride where little cyclists can spin their wheels. cadelroadrace.com

N E W H O T EL

Designer digs Love the quintessentially Bali beach club vibe? You’ll adore The Clubhouse at Ulu, a cool new cliffside boutique hotel in Uluwatu. An extension of popular day club Ulu Cliffhouse (i.e: it’s perfect for retreating into after a day of poolside partying), the seven uniquely designed suites ooze 1950’s Palm Springs-inspired glam – think luxe materials, pop colours, four-poster beds, freestanding bathtubs and even a complete in-room cocktail bar. The Cliff restaurant serves up a curated selection of crowdpleasing international dishes and gourmet breakfasts, while the intimate Clubhouse Bar offers delicious cocktails. theclubhouseatulu.com

GI V IN G B ACK

A suite thing to do In a bid to provide practical assistance to people affected by the devastating bushfires across Australia, Oaks Hotels, Resorts & Suites are offering those who have been left without a home seven nights’ free accommodation at a selection of their apartment-style properties. The offer is valid until 30 June. oakshotels.com

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Perth playground > Hyde Perth Kitchen + Cocktails in the new The Adnate hotel is fast becoming the CBD hotspot for its fresh décor, pastelhued cocktails and a fun-factor bordering on explosive. Peruvian chef Danny Sanchez has created a something-foreveryone menu with pizza, steak and salads on offer (don’t miss the roving dessert cart). It’s all about tropical vibes à la Miami here, so bring your bathers for a dip in the pool too. hydeperth.com

Get in the game at 2020’s top sporting events —Fancy a trip with bells and whistles?

Take in the adrenaline-pumping action live at Australia’s biggest sports matches—

Wear your Sydney

01.

02.

03.

04.

TENNIS > AUSTRALIAN OPEN MELBOURNE, VIC 20.01–02.02.20

CRICKET > T20 FINAL MELBOURNE, VIC 08.03.20

RUGBY LEAGUE > STATE OF ORIGIN GAME 1 ADELAIDE, SA 03.06.20

MOTORSPORT > BATHURST 1000 BATHURST, NSW 08–11.10.20

Swing into the world’s bestattended tennis competition – 2019 saw 796,435 spectators. ausopen.com

The men get their turn later, but for now the World Cup’s best women’s teams come to the crease. And Katy Perry performs. t20worldcup.com

The annual clash between NSW and Queensland will be played out for the first time in South Australia. nrl.com

Rev up for all the action at Mount Panorama on the 60th running of Australia’s most prestigious racing event. supercars.com

> To mark its recently celebrated 100th birthday, Sydney Airport has launched a limited-edition collection of lifestyle products. The “SYD” range includes branded T-shirts, slides, cap, bottle and artisanal chocolate, each designed to capture “that Sydney feeling” – making it the perfect souvenir. Available now at Sydney domestic and international terminals.

a

Need to pack more carry-on baggage?

You can now purchase extra carry-on to bring your total weight allowance up to 14kg* Find out more at jetstar.com *Purchase an extra +7kg carry-on allowance for a total allowance of 14kg. Size restrictions apply.

No item can exceed 10kg. Limited availability per flight. Not available on all routes.

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T HE C HECKL IS T

C ALEN DAR

JANUARY NO MATTER WHERE YOU ARE THIS MONTH, THERE’S PLENTY TO ENJOY...

MUSICAL

ADEL AIDE Billy Elliot The Musical UNTIL 26.01.20

Lancelin Ocean Classic

Jeté for joy! The 10th anniversary tour of the uplifting show lands in the South Australian capital for the first time. billyelliotthemusical.com.au

09-12.01.20

In 2020, it’s women only for the ace event, as the world's top players, including number one, Australia's own Ash Barty, take to the Pat Rafter Arena. brisbaneinternational.com.au

TENNIS

06–12.01.20

CULTURE

SYDNEY Sydney Festival 08-26.01.20

Immerse yourself in opera, catch a cabaret, take in a dance show – there are more than 75 diverse events across the city. sydneyfestival.org.au

James D. Morgan, Jose Caldeira, Helen Maybanks

Brisbane International

BRISBANE

Held 90 minutes north of Perth, this surf comp is famous for its kitesurfing and windsurfing events, in particular the 25km Ledge to Lancelin marathon. lancelinoceanclassic.com.au

SURF RACING

CAR FIESTA

L ANCELIN

CANBERRA Street Machine Summernats

T H E RE’S A D AY F O R T H AT ?!

02-05.01.20

Be among the 100,000 spectators trackside for Horsepower Heroes and Burnouts as the country’s biggest car festival revs up for another year. summernats.com.au

Festival of Sleep Day 03.01.20

CELEBRATION

VICTORIA Midsumma Festival

World Braille Day

19.01-09.02.20

04.01.20

Over 5000 “culture makers” will participate in Australia’s premier queer arts festival, including Handsome and Imbi the Girl. midsumma.org.au THEATRE

MELBOURNE

International Thank You Day 11.01.20

Alice In Wonderland 07-26.01.20

Enjoy a picnic with the kids in the gardens of Rippon Lea House as you venture down the rabbit hole with the Australian Shakespeare Company. shakespeareaustralia.com.au

MUSICAL

SYDNEY

International Day of Education 24.01.20

Mona Foma 11-20.01.20

Shrek The Musical The ogre-ous story, starring Todd McKenney and Lucy Durack, goes Broadway at the Lyric before (high-)kicking on to Melbourne and Brisbane. shrekthemusical.com.au

ARTS

01.01-09.02.20

L AUNCESTON

One summer festival, 25 venues and more than 400 artists. Expect gigs from global stars including Laibach, parties and art installations. mofo.net.au

ADVERTISEMEN T

049—082

the traveller > WHERE TO GO NEXT

FA M ILY H O L I D AY S PAG E

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@offgoesannie

T HE W HI TS U N DAYS

PA G E

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> Comprising the largest group of offshore islands in Australia, the Queensland archipelago is 70 per cent national park.

S O U T H KO RE A

PA G E

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> Hallasan, the country’s tallest mountain at 1950m, is still an active volcano (although it has not erupted in centuries).

NE W ZE AL A N D

PA G E

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> In 2013, the North Island was given the official name Te Ika-a-Māui, which means “Māui’s fish” in Māori.

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T HE T R AVELLER

island DRE A M

—Airlie Beach, Daydream Island and Hamilton Island are the jewels of the Whitsundays. We test the waters at this Queensland paradise and find the perfect stays for families, solo travellers and those seeking their own love island—

T H E T R AV ELLER

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Mantra Boathouse Apartments VIBE NO-FRILLS CREATURE COMFORTS DON’T MISS A SUNRISE STROLL ALONG THE BICENTENNIAL WALKWAY WHO SOLO TRAVELLERS

> Mega yachts, clear blue skies and turquoise ocean as far as the eye can see. The view from the private balconies at each of the Mantra Boathouse Apartments’ self-contained rooms is definitive (and stunning) proof of exactly why this lodging, on the Queensland mainland and an hour by ferry to Hamilton Island, is the embodiment of the “location, location, location” maxim.

Set smack bang on Airlie Beach’s marina waterfront, it’s a breezy, balmy five-minute walk to the town centre, but far enough to avoid any late-night revelry – or join in if you want. And that’s the beauty of Airlie Beach, it lets you pick and choose what you want to do.

You can use it as a jump-off point to explore the surrounding islands, be it the touristy – yet unbelievably pristine and dazzling – sands of Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island, or lesser-known islands such as Armit, Olden and the spectacularly unspoiled Gloucester (about 40 kilometres north from Airlie).

Airlie Beach Day Sailing (airliebeachday sailing.com.au) takes small groups to secluded spots around the Whitsunday Islands for a full day of snorkelling and seafaring. A gourmet lunch is included and it’s BYO tipple.

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EIG H T A RE I N H A BI T ED.

1500 PE O PL E T IE T H E K N O T I N T H E W H I T S U N D AYS E AC H Y E A R.

“M AKE SURE TO KEEP YO UR E YES PEELED F OR G OA N N AS, PAR A DISE K IN GFISHERS A N D T HE G OR GEO US NEO N-BLUE ULYSSES B U T TERFLY.”

While getting offshore is top of mind for most visitors, a quick drive inland from Airlie provides the location for one of the best kept secrets in the Whitsunday hinterland – a series of picturesque walking trails through the lush rainforest and seasonal waterfalls of the Conway National Park.

Absolute Airlie (absoluteairlie.com.au) offer a range of guided bushwalking tours that explore the natural beauty through the ancient parkland. Make sure to keep your eyes peeled for goannas, paradise kingfishers and the gorgeous neon-blue Ulysses butterfly before cooling off with a dip.

Back in town choose between a hit of tennis, a relax poolside within your apartment complex, or the huge palmfringed man-made Airlie Beach Lagoon where you can swim all-year round, stingerfree (elsewhere the stinger season lasts from October to May). It’s also here where the Bicentennial Walkway begins.

The four-kilometre-long waterfront walk stretches from Airlie to Cannonvale Beach, showcasing stunning coastal views along the way. Once at Cannonvale, you can reward your labours with a slap-up all-day brekkie at the Fat Frog Beach Cafe (fb.me/ fatfrogbeachcafe). Serving what locals cite as the best coffee in town, the café enjoys prime position directly opposite the beach to help induce extra feel good vibes.

Talk about breakfast with a view. mantraboathouse.com.au

W HITEH AVEN BEAC H

AIRL IE BEAC H L AG O O N

James Vodicka

PAS SAGE PEAK, H A MILTO N ISL A ND

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T HE T R AVELLER

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Daydream Island VIBE FAMILY-FRIENDLY FUN IN THE SUN DON’T MISS SNORKELLING THE CRYSTAL CLEAR WATERS OF LOVERS COVE WHO FAMILIES

L IVIN G REEF

> “And here comes our main attraction!” laughs our guide, as Luanne the stingray waves her fins under the water, before shimmying onto my wetsuit-clad body in the hope of feasting on the bite-size fish morsel I’m holding in my palm.

You can snorkel at many holiday resorts, however you don’t usually get to pet and feed such huge aquatic critters up close – but then this is newly opened Daydream Island, home to the Living Reef, a 1.5 million litre eco-friendly lagoon that wraps 200 metres around the main hotel building. (Beloved by Aussies since it opened in 1932, Daydream Island was a victim of 2017’s Cyclone Debbie. After a $100 million makeover, it’s back.)

Outside your door, the Living Reef is home to baby stingrays, starfish, sea cucumbers, colourful coral and plenty of other fascinating underwater creatures. And while perhaps specifically geared towards children, it appeals to kids – and adults – of all ages. The snorkelling experience is for children aged 10 and up, but there are plenty of other wet- andnot-too-wild opportunities for little ones to get hands-on with the marine life. The Reef Exploration Centre has a “touch tank” and there’s a new underwater observatory – both will educate and excite the whole tribe.

But the Living Reef isn’t the only brush with wildlife and family fun at Daydream; come sunset, wallaroos come out to play, cockatoos like to say goodnight and someone small will inevitably ask: “What are we doing tomorrow?” Pool, beach, kids’ club, lunch, dive, relax, meet a sea cucumber… daydreamisland.com

W HI T S U N DAYS

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Palm Bungalows

CATSEYE BEAC H

VIBE LAID-BACK TROPICAL LUXE FOR LOVERS DON’T MISS SUNDOWNERS AT ONE TREE HILL WITH VIEWS ACROSS THE WHITSUNDAYS WHO COUPLES

“T HE BE AU T Y OF T HESE M O DERN, UPSCALE BE AC H H U TS IS T H AT YO U FEEL BL ISSFULLY REM OTE B U T YO U’RE RIG H T UP CLO SE TO ALL

PAL M B U N GALO WS

WORDS_ PAUL EWART / TR ACY WIT HERS

T HE ISL A N D’S HIG HL IG H TS.”

JE T S TA R H A S G RE AT L O W FA RES T O T H E W H I T S U N D AYS.

> What will it be today? An energy-charged bushwalk to a sandy secret cove or an easy dawdle to the glimmering resort pool?

From the hammock on the deck of your garden-enveloped bungalow you’ve got choices to make. But no rush – you’re on “Hamo” (Hamilton Island) time now and Palm Bungalows has a 24-hour front desk to help make anything happen on land or sea.

The beauty of these modern, upscale takes on a beach hut (apart from a cloud-feel kingsized bed) is that you feel blissfully remote but you’re right up close to all the island’s highlights – the calm, coral-dotted bay of Catseye Beach, where guests at the bungalows can pick up free kayaks, snorkels and stand up paddleboards, is two minutes’ walk away; a massage at Spa Wumurdaylin or yoga stretch at the glossy Sports Club is even closer.

Hire a golf buggy to whizz around on (maximum speed 20km an hour) and soak up a cocktail and the panoramic view of a sunset that makes every other pale by comparison.

Your bungalow has a neat kitchenette but we’d stick to making breakfast. South East Asian hawker food at Coca Chu restaurant (have the “son in law eggs”) change your life and local seafood at the Yacht Club’s Bommie Deck call for a waterside lunch or dinner.

Lovers, if you really want to level up, reserve your spot on the new Hamilton Island Air “Journey to the Heart” experience (hamiltonislandair.com). A helicopter coasts above the Whitsundays’ heart-shaped reef then sets you down onto the “Heart Island” pontoon to explore turquoise lagoons via snorkelling and glass-bottomed boat. hamiltonisland.com.au

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—Cycle the country along its winding rivers, hike its rugged mountain trails or ski its elegant snow slopes – South Korea is the perfect place to choose your own adventure—

Seoul searching WORDS_ ERIN CRAIG + GLENN CULLEN

A DVEN T U RE

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F O U R R I V E R S C R O S S C O U N T R Y C YC L I N G R O A D WHERE SEOUL AND BEYOND WHO GOAL-ORIENTED ADVENTURERS WHY EXPLORE AT GROUND LEVEL

> You’re in a country of about 51 million people and only 100,000-square kilometres – this is no isolated wilderness ride. The Four Rivers Cross Country Cycling Road (sometimes known as the 4 Rivers Bike Path or Trail) goes where the rivers go, be it through green forest or urban cement.

A day’s ride might visit a bustling temple, thread a patchwork of rice fields or deposit you in the neon glow of a city at dusk.

This network of cycling routes opened in 2012 as part of a project to revitalise South Korea’s rivers. Now, winding lanes trace the country’s four major waterways: the Han, Nakdong, Geum and Yeongsan Rivers, with additional routes along the coasts.

The most famous challenge is the crosscountry haul from Seoul to Busan: 633 kilometres of dedicated bike trail cutting through the mountainous interior to the south-east coast. Make it all the way and you deserve a medal. That’s why the South Korean government awards them. No, really.

“The cross-country trail is a ‘bucket list’ for many people in Korea,” says Jack Park, manager of Seoul cycling shop Bike Nara. He recommends it as an experience beyond the usual guidebook highlights.

Four Rivers cyclists should grab a “passport” at the trailhead to stamp at certification centres along the way. Collect all the stamps to qualify for the medal.

It is a surprisingly accessible goal. Touristfriendly South Korea accommodates every travel style, from a tent beneath the stars to glam hotels, BBQ and noraebang (private karaoke rooms with drink service, so there’s no need to belt your heart out to the entire bar).

Each season brings its own rewards.

Jack completed the route in late 2018 with winter closing in. He recalls vivid early morning rides along the riverbank. “Imagine cool and quiet air, and floating fog above the water.

Beautiful!” he says.

Most cyclists finish in four to five days, but there’s no rush. Bike Nara (bikenara. co.kr) offers week-long rental packages with drop-off in Busan. If you only have a few days, the 132-kilometre stretch between Seoul and Chungju is a popular abbreviation and the Han River section makes a lovely, lazy afternoon of cycling within the capital.

S TAY You have three options along the trail: camp sites, hotels and jjimjilbangs (Korean bathhouses). Look for reasonably priced hotels near bus and train stations. Jjimjilbangs, identified by a symbol of steam rising from a bath, are a budget-friendly option with lockers for your gear and heated-floor sleeping rooms.

Reservations are often not required for midlevel hotels and camp sites, while jjimjilbangs do not accept reservations.

GA M C HEO N C ULT URE VILL AGE, B USA N

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David Dare Parker P05381.037

This special exhibition honours those Australians who work tirelessly to avert tragedy and build peace.

From Bougainville to East Timor; Rwanda to Solomon Islands – explore the stories behind peacekeeping and humanitarian operations, where Australian civilians, diplomats, police and military, have shown the courage to make peace.

awm.gov.au/courageforpeace

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ULSA NBAWI, SEOR AKSA N N ATIO N AL PARK

HIKING

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S EO R A K S A N N AT I O N A L PA R K WHERE GANGWON PROVINCE WHO EXPERIENCED FRESH-AIR FIENDS WHY UNPLUG FROM HIGH-TECH SEOUL

> If you’re looking for a challenge, Seoraksan’s got you covered ‒ the park has 30 peaks and 92 kilometres of rugged mountain trails graded from easy to expert. Climbing upward, lush forest gives way to splintery ridge lines and drop-away views. Clouds snag on the rock spires and cushion the valleys below. It’s no wonder these vistas draw more than three million visitors a year.

“If you are here for a short time and want to see the showpiece mountain of Korea, then Seoraksan is it,” says Roger Shepherd. He knows what he’s talking about – he co-authored the guidebook Baekdu Daegan Trail: Hiking Korea’s Mountain Spine and leads custom treks in both South and North Korea (hikekorea.com).

For an overnight adventure, enter the park from the west at Baekdamsa Temple or, if you’re truly ambitious, Namgyo-ri (both two hours from Seoul by bus). It’s a precipitous hike past fairy pools and along stunning ridges to the crest of Daecheongbong, the park’s highest peak at 1708 metres. From there a steep descent ends at the mineral hot springs of Osaek.

If staying overnight, reserve a bunk in either Socheong or Jungcheon shelter (reservation. knps.or.kr) near the top of Daecheongbong – the perfect starting point to catch a summit sunrise. Lighten your pack by renting blankets at the shelter.

Even at sunrise, it is rare to have the trail to yourself. This is especially true in autumn, when weather and nature’s colours are at their peak – roughly 25 per cent of park visitors arrive in October alone.

“There is also a deep culture of mountain worship for the Korean people reaching back thousands of years,” notes Shepherd.

A word to the wise: most walkers in this area opt for the east coast entrance at Sokcho, with easily accessible paths, cafés and a scenic cable car.

has a free 24-

S TAY

to answer all

The Korean Tourism Organization hour hotline

Treat your aching muscles to a soak in Osaek’s mineral springs. The Osaek Greenyard Hotel is famous for its on-site hot spring spa (+82 33 670 1000).

your travel questions (dial 1330 within Korea).

SEO UL

B O K WA N G P H O E N I X PA R K WHERE NEAR THE TAEBAEK MOUNTAINS, 2-3 HOURS NORTH-EAST OF SEOUL WHO BUDGET-CONSCIOUS BEGINNERS TO INTERMEDIATES WHY FOR A COMPLETELY DIFFERENT CULTURAL EXPERIENCE

> The successful 2018 Winter Olympics in South Korea brought skiing and snowboarding out of the cold and into the mainstream.

At 4am at Bokwang Phoenix Park, the lights are on but skiers and snowboarders aren’t at home. That’s because they’re on the slopes.

It’s a surreal sight, blearily watching riders carve arcs down the floodlit Penguin course at a time when most sensible people are asleep.

But it’s also very “South Korea”, where those with enough energy drive from Seoul after work on Friday, get their slide on until all hours, then return to the city. Compact and easy to navigate, Phoenix Park was the home of freestyle events at the 2018 Winter Olympics, so a world-class terrain park and half-pipe are standard.

In many ways the resort is representative of the kind of riding you’ll find in the region; with an emphasis on excellent grooming (off-piste skiing isn’t allowed in South Korea), a gondola

and fast lifts. It’s a smallish drop of 400 metres but if you’re after more of a thigh burner, venture to Yongpyong Resort, 25 kilometres away. Here you’ll find some of the longest runs in the country (700-metre vertical), 14 cable lifts, 28 runs and a well-appointed base facility.

For something completely different, try High1. It’s like Korea’s Lake Tahoe, where casinos meet the mountains. The hotels are high-end and you can hit the slopes and then try to hit a jackpot.

S TAY Phoenix Pyeongchang Hotel has views out onto the runs of Bokwang Phoenix Park (phoenixhnr.co.kr). In Yongpyong, try the ski-in, ski-out Dragon Valley Hotel (+82 33 330 7111).

HIG H1 SK I RES ORT

Food variety can be challenging in mountain towns but you can’t go wrong with Korean BBQ. Cook your meat, stuff it in lettuce with banchan (vegetables and pickles) and Korean chilli paste and you’re on your way.

SKIING

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KOISHIKAWA KORAKUEN GARDENS, TOKYO

> Tokyo dazzles with its high-tech culture and right in the middle of it all, next to Tokyo Dome City, these picturesque gardens – which date back to the 16th century – are the perfect place to switch off. Created by a feudal lord to calm his mind with beautiful scenery, the gardens are magnificent at any time of the year. See maple trees ablaze in rich autumnal shades of crimson and orange, let visions of delicate plum blossoms soothe your soul on a stark wintry day and bask in the pinks and purples of blooming wisteria and iris in the height of summer. www.tokyo-park.or.jp

SEOUL FOREST, SEOUL

> Melding futuristic architecture with graceful old-world charm, Seoul is endlessly intriguing. Home to almost 10 million people, it’s also a city that never stops. Need to press pause?

Step into sprawling Seoul Forest in Seongdong-gu, on the banks of the Han River. Once the hunting grounds of the royal family, here you can hand-feed deer, cycle along the river and amble through forests of oak. seoulforest.or.kr

THE THRILLING BUZZ OF BIG CITIES CAN BE INCREDIBLE BUT WHEN YOU NEED TO TAKE TIME OUT FROM THE BUSTLE, YOU CAN FIND UNEXPECTED POCKETS OF PEACE – EVEN IN THE BUSIEST URBAN CENTRES. HERE ARE THE SPOTS TO ESCAPE THE CHAOS AND RESTORE INNER CALM.

ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS, MELBOURNE

> Renowned for its fascinating laneways, fabulous food and flourishing street art, Melbourne is a feast for the senses. When you’ve had your fill, cross to the south side of the Yarra River to these worldfamous gardens. Just minutes from Federation Square, you will be enveloped in an oasis of ornamental lakes, native bush and an amazingly diverse collection of exotic plants.

With inner peace in mind, the park launched three Wellbeing Gardens in 2019. Follow the boardwalk into Fern Gully to meditate in the Moss Garden, hide in the Grotto or simply contemplate life from a chrysalisinspired swing among the ferns. rbg.vic.gov.au

T HE C HINESE GARDEN OF FRIENDSHIP

WAT MAHATHAT, BANGKOK

> There is so much to see and do in Bangkok, with its glittering palaces, stunning temples, shiny mega malls and heaving street markets.

If touring around is taking its toll, keep calm and head to a wat. With more than 400 temples in the city, there are plenty to choose from.

The most famous, such as Wat Pho, are exquisite – but save them for sightseeing. For genuine serenity, head to ancient Wat Mahathat in the Old City, where you can learn to still your mind in daily Vipassana meditation classes. bangkok.com

WAT M A H AT H AT

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Singapore’s vibrant Book at jetstar.com/travelinsurance Chinatown, this heritage teahouse provides a respite from the urban rush. Enjoy the feeling of stepping back in time as you cross the BOOK STREET, threshold to find traditional décor, HO CHI MINH CITY > You don’t need to be a book lover wood furnishings and a serene to appreciate Nguyen Van Binh ambience. Relax and enjoy the ritual Book Street. Established in 2016, as a tea master gracefully serves the this quaint, tree-lined lane, located finest of brews, or join a Chinese Tea opposite Notre Dame Cathedral in Appreciation Workshop to learn the the middle of the city, is dedicated etiquette of this peaceful pastime. to all things literary. Leave the roar teachapter.com of motorbikes and boom of karaoke bars behind and immerse yourself in an open-air library-style experience complete with shady reading areas and old and new books and magazines covering various subjects. Browse antique book stalls, sip a smoothie while reading at Book Café, and enjoy the refined atmosphere of famous bookshops such as Nha Nam and Phuong Nam.

THE CHINESE GARDEN OF FRIENDSHIP, SYDNEY

> Bold, beautiful and busy, Sydney’s sun-drenched beaches and stunning harbour make it Australia’s most populous city. But you can escape the thronging crowds and immerse yourself in a calming landscape of cascading waterfalls, willow trees and lotus-filled lagoons at this tranquil garden at Darling Harbour.

A bicentennial gift from sister city Guangdong, the garden was carefully planned to balance yin and yang. Soak up the serenity in the Courtyard of Welcoming Fragrance, spot water dragons and turtles in the lake and indulge in a soothing cup of tea (and delicious dumplings) at the traditional teahouse. darlingharbour.com

*For Australian Residents, insurance products and services are provided by AIG Australia Limited, ABN 93 004 727 753, AFSL 381686 (AIG). Jetstar Airways Pty Ltd, ABN 33 069 720 243 (Jetstar), is an authorised distributor of AIG. You should read and consider the policy and PDS at jetstar.com and note the limitations and exclusions in the policy, in light of your personal circumstances, prior to making any decision to acquire the product. For New Zealand residents, insurance is underwritten by AIG Insurance New Zealand Limited (Company Number 3195589, FSP189804) (“AIG NZ”). Jetstar is not authorised to provide any advice regarding insurance or to bind any person on behalf of AIG or AIG NZ. Jetstar Travel Insurance must be purchased before the trip commences.

one team one dream

T H E T R AV ELLER

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FA MILY

—The tribe that gets active together, stays together. Have an adventure-filled holiday with the kids and you’ll be making memories for a lifetime says Lucy E Cousins—

The Big Island HAWAII KNOWN FOR VOLCANOES GET ACTIVE HIKING, SNORKELLING, QUAD BIKING SUITS 10- TO 18-YEAR-OLDS

> Imagine a place where you can swim with turtles in the morning and play in snow in the afternoon. The Big Island of Hawaii, about 300 kilometres south of Honolulu, is that destination. An island of contrasts, you’ll need your swimsuit to explore the vibrant coral reefs at Kahalu’u Beach Park, a wetsuit to swim with giant manta rays in Kona, hiking boots to walk on extinct volcanoes in Volcanoes National Park and a warm jacket for snowy mountain visits on Mauna Kea. Made up of five volcanoes (only three are active), the Big Island offers a chance to see fields of molten lava by helicopter, or steaming lava as it hits the Pacific Ocean by boat.

Adrenaline-fuelled families may like the quad-biking adventure with views over the famous Punalu’u black sand beach, or ziplining over spectacular Akaka Falls. For a more “educational” high, you can take an observatory tour by four-wheel drive to the top of Mauna Kea, the Big Island’s highest mountain. Reaching over 4000 metres, you’ll feel the air become thinner and snow crunch underfoot as you look through telescopes that make you believe you could almost touch the moon. gohawaii.com

Hoi An VIETNAM KNOWN FOR STREET ART AND A HISTORIC TOWN CENTRE GET ACTIVE CYCLING, WALKING TOURS, KAYAKING SUITS 11- TO 18-YEAR-OLDS

> Voted best city in the world by Travel + Leisure in 2019, Hoi An is a melting pot of Japanese, Chinese and French culture stretching back to the 15th century. Adding to its rich history, Hoi An’s Old Town is a UNESCO-listed World Heritage site.

The nation is also innovative – Hoi An was the first Asian city to offer free Wi-Fi. Here, the family will discover the perfect blend of old and new in one place.

Active families can rent bikes to explore the beautiful Old Town, kayak on the nearby Thu Bon river delta or join a mountain bike tour of the surrounding rice paddies.

A popular day trip is a visit to the spectacular Marble Mountains, half an hour from Hoi An. Climb the 250 stairs to the top (or catch the glass lift if you have smaller kids). From there you can visit the shrines and temples that are dotted around the peak or explore the extensive cave networks and famed tunnels carved by pilgrims. vietnam.travel

Yasawa Islands FIJI

> The beaches of the Yasawa Islands are so impressive they’ve starred in several Hollywood films including Cast Away (“Wilson!”) and The Blue Lagoon, with a young Brooke Shields. Yet, despite this, they remain surprisingly underdeveloped. A popular destination with families, the region has a year-round average temperature of about 27 degrees, crystal-clear waters and friendly locals. To get there, it’s a two-to-four hour trip from Nadi airport, including a ferry ride, depending on which island you choose to stay on. If you can’t decide, don’t worry, as the ferry offers a hop on/hop off island pass allowing you to visit a couple of islands during your stay. Choose from island homestays, where you can learn how the locals live, luxury resorts with infinity pools, or private beach bures (thatched cottages) on perfect stretches of sand. For families wanting to get active, there’s kayaking, reef fishing, sailing, snorkelling or scuba diving and you could even earn your scuba diving PADI licence while you’re there (open only to children over 10).

A highlight is a visit to the famous Sawa-i-Lau caves, with their ancient and majestic limestone formations. fiji.travel

@my_rarotonga (previous page)

T HE M ARBLE M O U N TAINS

KNOWN FOR TROPICAL FAMILY-FRIENDLY BEACHES GET ACTIVE KAYAKING, SCUBA DIVING, ISLAND HOPPING SUITS 5- TO 17-YEAR-OLDS

FA MILY-FR IEN DLY H OL IDAYS

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Sapporo JAPAN KNOWN FOR SAPPORO SNOW FESTIVAL GET ACTIVE SKIING, SNOWBOARDING, DOG SLEDDING SUITS 7- TO 15-YEAR-OLDS

> Sapporo is so cold in winter, locals use a maze of underground walkways and shopping malls to avoid the chilly air. But what it lacks in winter warmth, Hokkaido’s capital city delivers in snowy wonderland fun for families who love powder. Sapporo Teine, just outside the city, was the site of the 1972 Winter Olympics and it now hosts the Dinosaur Kids’ Park where you can take the little ones tubing and sledding.

For those with more time, Japan’s largest and most famous ski resort, Niseko, is only two hours south of Sapporo by car. You’ll find ski schools, snow tubing, winter camps, zip-lining, dog sledding and snowshoe adventures along with restaurants and hotels. Then, after a day on the ice, thaw out and relax in the hot springs near Sapporo.

If you’re there in January, visit the impressive seven-day Sapporo Snow Festival where gravity-defying ice sculptures (some reaching more than 15 metres tall) are displayed in Odori Park and several other locations throughout the city. sapporo.travel

SAPP OR O SN O W FES TIVAL

“T HE BE AC HES OF T HE YASAWA ISL A N D S ARE S O IMPRESSI VE T HE Y’VE STARRED IN SE VER AL H OLLY W O O D FIL MS IN CLU DIN G CAST AWAY A N D THE BLUE LAG O O N.”

Rarotonga COOK ISL ANDS KNOWN FOR FRIENDLY LOCALS GET ACTIVE STAND-UP PADDLE BOARDING, SWIMMING SUITS 0- TO 12-YEAR-OLDS

> If spending long days swimming in one of the world’s most beautiful natural lagoons sounds like paradise for your tribe, then Rarotonga in the Cook Islands is the perfect place to get wet. Locals are warm and friendly, children are welcome and the pace of life is relaxed and easy.

After all, this is a place where no building can legally stand higher than the tallest coconut tree.

There is a range of self-contained villas backing onto the teal-coloured Muri Lagoon where the family can spend days wading in the warm, wave-free shallow water, then chill out and relax in hammocks on the shore. Stand-up paddle boards (SUPs) can easily be rented and you can even take SUP yoga lessons, where you test your core strength by doing easy yoga moves on your boards ‒ falling in the ocean is half the fun.

In the evenings, wander the Muri Night Markets, where fresh seafood and local dishes including curries are served with delicious “island fries”. cookislands.travel

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FA MILY-FR IEN DLY H OL IDAYS

Magnetic Island QUEENSL AND KNOWN FOR BEAUTIFUL BEACHES AND NATIONAL PARKS GET ACTIVE SNORKELLING, HORSE RIDING, HIKING SUITS 2- TO 15-YEAR-OLDS

> Queenstown receives about 2.9 million visitors a year, and for good reason. Winter is an obvious time to visit for families who love the snow, because the skiing is worldclass and the après ski activities are as plentiful as an August snowfall – from innovative burgers to relaxing hot pools.

But, this adventure capital offers plenty of activities in the hotter months, too. For teenagers craving an adrenalin hit, this will be their happy place. Not only is there paddle boarding, jet boating and parasailing on Queenstown’s Lake Wakatipu, you can also canyon, zip-line and rock climb in the surrounding hills. If that sounds a little too intense, book a farm visit or take a scenic horse ride or mountain bike ride to explore the surrounds. Whatever you decide, this is not a holiday for relaxing by a hotel pool – this is an adventure getaway served with a side of spectacular scenery. queenstownnz.co.nz

Jay French

KNOWN FOR ADRENALINE ADVENTURES GET ACTIVE CANYONING, ZIP-LINING, LUGE SUITS 13- TO 18-YEAR-OLDS

M AG NE TIC ISL A ND

Queenstown NZ

> With 24 kilometres of walking tracks and 23 bays and beaches, Magnetic Island, or “Maggie” as it is known locally, is the answer for families who can’t decide between beach and bush.

Water babies can kayak and paddle board plus there are easy-access snorkelling sites along the shoreline.

Confident swimmers can opt for two self-guided snorkelling trails. Just pick up a snorkelling card ($5 at many local retail outlets) and look for the easy-to spot numbered floats in the water, which correspond with the map on your card.

Next, head bush on the Forts Walk to find the remaining command posts and gun placements left over from old WWII defences. Horseback riding along Horseshoe Bay at sunset is almost a rite of passage, so leave time in your schedule.

Fun fact: Of the 900 islands along Queensland’s Great Barrier Reef, Magnetic Island, eight kilometres off the coast of Townsville, is the only one to have its own postcode (4819). townsvillenorthqueensland.com.au

T H E T R AV ELLER

T HE C O N NEC T IO N

sleeping beauty

—When Helen Hawkes returns to Matakana in New Zealand to look for her old family holiday home, the beloved place of childhood summers, she finds canvas tents have been replaced by multimilliondollar houses. But the beachside magic remains—

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M ATAK A N A

TAW H AR A N UI

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IT’S ON A RECENT SUMMERTIME TRIP, from Ballina in northern NSW to Matakana in New Zealand, that my twin sister and I attempt to find “our” beach section after a 30-year absence. It was sold by my mum for NZ $20,000 (about $18,700) to our neighbours after my parents separated when we were eight.

Driving alongside the white, sandy beaches of Omaha, Leigh, Pakiri, Tawharanui and Snells, the whiff of ocean and espresso blend like exotic perfume. My sister and I are all at sea, unable to pick out “our” cove and wondering whether it was the marine reserve of Goat Island – our own Treasure Island – that we canoed to as kids while our dad stood on shore and shouted for our return.

Surrounded by masses of colourful fish, today it’s billed as New Zealand’s first and most accessible marine reserve.

A “starter” house here, surrounded by native bush and standing near a fresh water stream – the Matakana River flows through the town and into Kawau Bay – can now be scooped up for the bargain price of NZ$795,000 (about $743,000). It’s enough to make this Aussie-Kiwi kid cry.

NE W ZE AL A N D

“DRI V IN G ALO N G SIDE T HE W HI TE, SA N DY BE AC HES OF O M A H A, LEIG H, PAK IRI A N D TAW H AR A N UI, T HE W HIFF OF O CE A N A N D ESPRESS O BLEN D L IKE EXOT IC PERFU ME.”

M ATA K A N A

A U C KL A N D

If there was one perfect thing about growing up in New Zealand, besides hokey-pokey ice-cream, it was my childhood beach house.

Well, I say beach house. But, truthfully, it was a quarter-acre block that jutted onto the grainy east coast of New Zealand’s picturesque Matakana region.

Today the shoreline of sheltered coves is littered with multimillion-dollar houses featuring wraparound timber decking positioned for panoramic ocean views, sustainable design principles that involve palettes of rustic steel, timber and glass and expensively polished concrete floors.

It’s a far cry from the Matakana of 1881 where the population that sat on land (bought by the Crown from Hauraki tribes) was 150 residents who would have to wait until 1936 for electricity. The power never came to our beach section though. Kerosene lamps and bonfires were the only light to distract from the constellations of the Southern Cross or the Milky Way.

T HE WRITER A ND HER SIS TER IN M ATAK A N A, 1969 M ATAK A N A VILL AGE FARMERS’ M ARKE T

T HE TR A M CAR DINER

Back in the late ‘60s, the place was cheerfully daggy – our temporary home away from our Auckland home was simply an enormous, brown canvas tent; our bathroom a dunny hole with a toilet seat and a privacy screen over it, dug by my dad and the source of much anxiety in case a katipo (one of only two types of poisonous spider in New Zealand) delivered a fatal bottom bite.

On holidays we abandoned times tables and spelling tests and stepped through a portal into magical summers of warm, freshly picked strawberries we purchased from a retiree who lived up a very steep, very dusty hill. Add to that daredevil dinghy and canoe adventures and beach hunting for driftwood and shells to decorate our imaginary houses fashioned under pohutukawa frames, which swept away when the tide came in.

I can still see the six-year-old me, in lime-green gingham playsuit and jandals, tramping determinedly up the dusty, gravel road that curled Seuss-like past our holiday section. The prize: two punnets of fresh, tangy, red berries.

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M ATAK A N A

My mother fried snapper caught off the shore on an old gas stove housed in a corrugated shed – our only permanent fixture – or my dad and his friends cooked it in a homemade smoker while bonding over a Lion beer. On some days every one of us children had a fish on our lines, placed there by our dad as we bobbed up and down in our dinghy with our homemade fishing rods.

Later, the aroma of wood-fire and fresh seafood made our tummies rumble, the only other noises the crackling of drift wood on our bonfire and the ribbits of slippery frogs in the narrow gully that ran up our section.

There was only one predictable holiday routine and that was after our family of five, plus dog Midgey and cat Felix, piled out of my parents’ old Humber car: the tent must go up and that dunny hole must be dug. We’d then run next door to see if our neighbours would take our dog surfing – she was soon wobbling proudly on the front of their teenage son’s malibu surfboard.

Today, there’s no need to fry your own snapper, although you could, just to Instagram it. Matakana, only 67 kilometres north of Auckland via State Highway 1 (about an hour’s drive), is now the kind of indulgent escape where you can buy Salumeria Fontana sausages at Matakana Deli (salumeriafontana.co.nz); organic handmade bread at Ringawera Bakery (fb.me/ringaweracafe); or wittily named house-made burgers – the quinoa and feta “Hipster” burger, for example at the Tramcar Diner (tramcarmatakana.co.nz).

RIN GAWER A BAKER

M ATAK A N A DEL I

“T O D AY, T H ER E’S N O N EE D T O F R Y Y O U R O W N S N A P P ER. M ATA K A N A IS N O W T H E K I N D O F I N D U L G E N T ES C A P E W H ER E Y O U C A N B U Y S AL U M ER I A F O N TA N A S A U S A G E.” Fresh strawberries have been superseded by grapes made into chardonnay, pinot gris, a cabernet sauvignon, merlot and syrah, with tours and tastings on offer at 30-odd boutique vineyards dotted around Matakana.

No need for tents, either, unless you fancy the coastal camping grounds. Accommodation ranges from boutique B&Bs to motels and five-star luxury lodges, such as Takatu Lodge & Vineyard (takatulodge.co.nz), with its open-log fires, cosy library and views of the Hauraki Gulf.

Matakana Village’s permanent population has swelled to about 300 people and the numbers blow out over the summer period as day trippers, tourists and holiday home owners take advantage of the pristine beaches, weekly Farmers’ Market offering sustainable, organic food, local vineyards, breweries and eateries.

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M ATAK A N A

W HERE TO STAY

BRICK BAY WINES

> The Cottages, Matakana Self-contained houses overlooking the lush bush of Mahurangi Harbour with private spa bath house and direct access to tranquil bush walks. thecottagesmatakana. co.nz

On a Saturday morning, my sister and I wander through the Matakana Village Farmers’ Market (matakanavillage.co.nz/ market) and pick up a picnic of chewy, handmade breads, gourmet spreads, fresh paua fritters and craft beers to enjoy by the riverside as we reminisce about our alfresco snapper lunches.

Since the first vineyard was planted in the early 1970s, Matakana now has 28 different wine varieties across at least 18 boutique wineries. We spend an afternoon tasting some deliciously tart pinot gris at Brick Bay Wines, and meandering along a sculpture trail where large scale works are set among the native trees, wildlife and ponds bursting with waterlilies; it’s touted as the largest selection of outdoor sculpture for sale in New Zealand.

We never do find our section in the end, but I am able to relive one of my favourite childhood memories in Mathesons Bay. I remove my jeans and T-shirt, do the swimsuit-change-under-a-towel and fling myself into the not particularly balmy water of the New Zealand coast. It takes me back to dingy rides across the briny ocean and cool dips, between building “beach houses” out of drift wood, on warm days.

Jimmy Buffett said, “If there’s a heaven for me, I am sure it has a beach attached to it.”

In my memories, it is that perfect beach of my childhood, the sights, smells and sounds of a more innocent time preserved forever.

JE T S TA R H A S G RE AT L O W FA RES T O A U C KL A N D.

> Riverside Matakana With its tennis court, a private boat jetty and patio, barbecue facilities and heated outdoor pool, Riverside Matakana is located on the banks of the Glen Eden River. riversidematakana.co.nz

W HERE TO EAT

> Plume the Vineyard Restaurant Dine on peri peri prawns or lamb tagine while you enjoy a 180-degree view of the vineyards and mountains. There’s accommodation on site too. plumerestaurant.co.nz

JE T S TA R.C O M

> Matakana Market Kitchen Local fish, produce and wine and an imaginative menu make this a favourite with locals and tourists.

Try the nut crusted salmon. matakanamarketkitchen. co.nz

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FE A ST FOR THE

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WHATEVER YOUR FAMILY WANTS IN A HOLIDAY, BALI HAS IT. FROM WATER PARKS AND BEACHES TO HOT SPRINGS AND CULTURE, THIS ISLAND PARADISE WILL THRILL THE WHOLE TRIBE.

UB U D M O NKEY FORES T

MONKEY AROUND

> You may think your kids love monkeying around, but wait until they visit the Ubud Monkey Forest nature reserve. There are around 700 cheeky macaques living in the forest who are keen to make your acquaintance.

They’ll peek out at you as you wander along the tree-lined paths and some will get very close, so it’s an experience more suited to older kids (however, visitors should take care not to pet or handle the animals). The three temples in the forest were built in the 14th century and offer a fascinating insight into the ancient Balinese kingdom. monkeyforestubud.com

SAVOUR THE SUNSET

> Jimbaran Beach is renowned for its sunsets, surf and seafood.

If you’re after fresh fish, wander along the white sand and choose a warung (a small family-owned restaurant or café). Each warung tends to have similar offerings – think fresh prawns, grilled fish and huge lobsters served piping hot. There’s no better feeling than kicking off your shoes, wriggling your toes in the sand and feasting as the sun sets over the ocean.

GO TO MARKET

> If your haggling game is strong, head to Ubud Art Market where you’ll find beautiful handicrafts and souvenirs such as rattan baskets, sarongs, scarves, hats and statues. Kids love wandering through the busy market, gazing at the colourful stalls and spending their pocket money.

Most of the items are made in the neighbouring villages, so shopping will support the local community.

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DEVDA N SH O W

MAKE A SPLASH

EXPERIENCE FLOWER POWER

> Breathe in the cool, misty mountain air at Bali Botanic Garden, the largest in Indonesia.

The extensive collection of delicate wild orchids is fascinating and eye-popping (especially between March and June), but kids will want to make a beeline for the Bali Treetop Adventure Park inside the garden. With ziplines strung among the tall trees and rope walking circuits, they will leave the garden on a high. kebunrayabali.com

PRICE From $454^ per person, based on 2 adults and 2 kids

SEE THE SHOW

> The Devdan Show is a great way to sneak culture into a holiday. Bursting with traditional Indonesian dance, acrobatics, magic, puppetry and fire, this action-packed 90-minute performance at Nusa Dua Theatre is a stunning exploration of the history of the Indonesian archipelago as seen through the eyes of two children. The colourful costumes, dramatic use of water and special effects will have your eyes glued to the stage. devdanshow.com

TRAVEL DATES 1 March – 24 October 2020 For more information visit jetstar.com/holidays ^Sale ends 11.59pm AEDT Friday 31 January 2020 unless sold out prior. Prices are per person, based on two adults and two kids sharing, departing Darwin, staying at Hard Rock Hotel Bali. Selected travel dates and terms and conditions apply.

SPRING INTO LIFE

> Keen to have a different kind of family experience in Bali? The sacred Banjar Hot Springs in the north of Bali are an ideal spot to rest and recuperate. Set among verdant jungle, the three pools are filled with warm sulphurrich water, which is thought to promote good health. There’s a children’s pool featuring ornate stone dragon fountains and the site complex offers soothing massages for weary visitors. banjarhotspring.co.id

UB U D ART M ARKE T

> Waterbom Bali, located in the heart of Kuta, is a huge water park with slides and water play areas suited to all ages. Grab a tube and feel your cares drift away as you float down the Lazy River, surrounded by lush tropical gardens, waterfalls and fountains. Older kids and adults (with nerves of steel) won’t want to miss the exhilarating Climax ride, whereby a trapdoor sends adrenalin junkies screaming down a thrilling enclosed tube slide. waterbom-bali.com

Make your getaway easy on the wallet and simple to organise. Jetstar Holiday Packages have hundreds of holiday deals across the network, backed by their Price Beat Guarantee.

KENZAN

AUTHENTIC JAPANESE DINING

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EXCELLENCE

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CERTIFICATE of

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Kenzan Japanese Collins Place, 45 Collins Street, Melbourne +61 (03) 9654 8933 | kenzan.com.au

2015 • 20 1

Visit Kenzan Japanese restaurant for some of the freshest sushi and sashimi dishes in Melbourne, along with daily changing à la carte dishes and surprising specials. The restaurant has been in its current CBD location for 38 years, and is the most awarded Japanese restaurant in Melbourne. Be welcomed by friendly staff for an authentic Japanese dining experience.

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the cut > THE BEST OF WHERE TO EAT, DRINK AND PL AY

MELBOURNE BAL I PA PAGE G E 090 0 93 K YOTO

PA G E

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> From 794 to 1868, the Honshu town was the capital of Japan (now it is Tokyo). In fact, Kyoto means “capital city”.

BYR O N BAY

PA G E

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> After gold was discovered in 1870, the black sands of Byron were mined for nearly 20 years – for little reward.

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> Attention pinot noir lovers: 77 per cent of Central Otago’s more than 80 wineries are devoted to that drop.

E AT + DRINK

K YOTO —This historical city’s culinary reputation precedes itself – whether it’s for ritualistic multicourse feasts or traditional temple cuisine. Kirsty Munro plays food guide—

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> KICHI KICHI. Omurice, a fluffy omelette on a bed of tasty fried rice, is classic Japanese comfort food. Chef Yukimura Motokichi adds a touch of theatre to his cooking, with his signature red hat, a love of flame and a mesmerising technique for shaping the omelette. It’s filling and the perfect fuel for a day of temple traipsing. With just eight counter seats available, it’s worth making a reservation. kichi2.net

K IC HI K IC HI

> HONKE OWARIYA.

casual dining > AWOMB. Control freaks and frustrated chefs, rejoice: you can have your sushi exactly how you like it if you make it yourself. In a beautifully modernist renovated machiya with communal tables, you’ll be served a tray of very photogenic toppings and condiments and all the elements you need to assemble your own sushi feast. Don’t forget your camera. awomb.com

> NO NAME RAMEN. The first trick is to find it. No signs, just a dark staircase below a café in Nakagyo Ward, Ebisucho. Lucky diners will find the space opens out to a chic courtyard garden and a sleek concrete counter. Use the touch screen to choose your custom ramen, topped with slices of braised pork belly or wagyu beef, hand over your ticket and await your steaming bowl of umami rich chicken-based soup with perfectly chewy noodles.

> TSUJIYA. There’s good, cheap yakitori – charcoal-grilled chicken – all over Kyoto, but Tsujiya takes it up a notch, with locally sourced ingredients including organic, free-range Nanatani chickens. The slightly sweet, smoky house sauce, which they’ve been perfecting for 40 years, is finger-licking good. Order some cool, creamy tofu made at the local Nanzenji Temple as the perfect foil to the rich, smoky dishes. kyoto-tsujiya.com

SPECIAL MENTION On summer nights, head to rooftop bar Sho-ki on top of The Screen hotel for champagne and hors d’oeuvre, plus sweeping views of the city and the mountains beyond. screen-hotel.jp

Taste history at Japan’s oldest family-run restaurant, which started as a sweet shop in 1465, then began supplying soba noodles to local temples around 1700. The specialty, Hourai Soba, is a set of cold buckwheat noodles with fresh toppings including finely sliced Japanese leeks, grated daikon radish and shredded omelette, with a side of light and crispy tempura prawns. Save room for some traditional sweets such as the soba warabi mochi, delicate jellies made of bracken starch and dusted with roasted buckwheat flour. honke-owariya.co.jp/en

YAK ITORI

K YO T O

KOE D O N U TS

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SECRET VIEW The retro-futuristic Kyoto Tower (built in 1964) houses Sky Lounge Kuu, with dramatic views over the city. Try the signature Tower Cocktail: a mix of lychee and yoghurt liqueur, inspired by the colours of the tower itself. keihanhotels-resorts.co.jp

> TSURUYA YOSHINOBU.

> KOÉ DONUTS. This striking shop lives up to its motto, “Life happens, donut helps.”

While the doughnuts themselves are beautiful and clearly aimed at the young women wielding phone cameras, they’re also (relatively) low-calorie, organic and delicious.

Try unique Japanese flavours such as red shiso, sesame and candied beans or the more familiar tastes of lemon meringue and strawberry and cream. donuts.koe.com

tea shops + cafés

This confectioner has served the Imperial Palace and many of the most prominent tea masters since it was established in 1803. The traditional wagashi are super-sweet concoctions of sugar and pounded rice to balance the bitterness of green tea and each is an exquisite jewel. Sit at the counter and order a matcha and sweet set, then watch a master craftsman concoct your chosen sweet right before your eyes. www.tsuruyayoshinobu.jp

> ITOH KYUEMON. Uji, south of Kyoto, is Japan’s most famous region for green tea. At Itoh, one of the country’s most respected tea producers, the main tea shop sells the most amazing parfaits, combining green tea with seasonal tastes, from spring’s sakura to autumn’s sweet potato jelly. itohkyuemon.co.jp

TAS UK I

> SLOW JET COFFEE. It’s not all about green tea – Kyoto is also a cool coffee town with independent roasters setting up in the historic narrow wooden townhouses known as machiya. This airy, caffeinated space right outside Kodaiji Temple is also known for its spectacular parfaits. Tall glasses stacked with mountains of matcha ice-cream, sweet azuki beans, handmade cookies and seasonal fruits rival the views of Yasaka’s towering pagoda. slowjetcoffee-kodaiji.com

> TASUKI. In summer, when the long, hot and humid days sap energy, locals seek out cool spaces and icy treats for relief. Retreat to Pass the Baton, a gorgeous vintage store in a renovated machiya right in the middle of the geisha district, for shopping, then head up to its café, Tasuki, for shaved ice. Flavours change monthly to mirror the seasons – it could be plum in early spring to bracing citrus in summer; each presented in a unique and quirky dish. tasuki.pass-the-baton.com

K YO T O

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N AK ASHIM AYA

traditional restaurants

> SHIGETSU. Shojin-ryori, developed by the temples as the ultimate vegetarian cuisine, nourishes the soul as much as the body. And one of the best places to try it is inside the grounds of Tenryu-ji Temple. Take a seat on the tatami floor and enjoy the views of the surrounding gardens and temple roofs as you await your red lacquer tray of seasonal treats. You’ll get six or seven dishes including white miso soup, simmered vegetables and sesame tofu. Dessert is simple: a perfectly ripe piece of fruit. tenryuji.com

TEMP UR A VEGE TABLES

> NAKASHIMAYA. C U LT U R E T I P Meet a real maiko (apprentice geisha) at traditional restaurant Yasaka-Dori Enraku.

Watch the classic dance as you eat obanzai dishes, then chat with the maiko and try some drinking games. Translators are on hand to aid communication.

@lifty_ifti_desserts

> KOUSAGISHA. For a modern take on shojinryori, this beautiful space above an art gallery could convert the most obstinate carnivore to the joys of vegan food. Sit at the long communal table with locals and tuck into a lunch set of seasonal delights such as miso-marinated eggplant, baked sweet potato and veggie curry. You’ll leave feeling satisfied and just a little more virtuous. kousagisha.com

travel-kyoto-maiko.info

> TORIYASA. Perched over the Kamogawa River is a restaurant that has been popular for some 220 years and the main building has been preserved pretty much as it was in the Edo period. Specialising in traditional cuisine, the draw here is mizutaki, a chicken hot pot full of chicken meat and local vegetables in a rich stock. Ask for a table on the wide, tatami-covered deck. +81 75 351 0555

This family restaurant gets to the heart of obanzai cuisine – a farmto-table concept which uses locally sourced seasonal ingredients. There, vegetables are fresh harvested from selected farms and cooked simply. Don’t miss the fresh yuba, the delicate skin lifted off cooling tofu, with a texture like burrata cheese. The day’s specials are piled up on platters along the counter, watched over by an impressive selection of sake bottles. ouchi-nakashimaya.com

> INE. Just before you’re enveloped by the cool green of the bamboo forest in Arashiyama, you’ll find the northern branch of this restaurant dedicated to tofu. Meal sets include different crispy tempura vegetables and velvety miso soup. Satisfy your sweet tooth with some tofu doughnuts. kyo-ine.com

K YO T O

K AISEK I

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japanese degustations AGEDASHI TOFU

> KIYAMACHI SAKURAGAWA. Each element of the ceremonial kaiseki dining experience is designed to delight the eyes before the palate. And this warm, informal space is a great introduction. With just 10 seats around the counter, you’ll need to reserve a spot but it’s worth it for the elegant but unpretentious dishes, all prepared in front of you. Every season has its specialties and spring’s freshly picked bamboo shoots is a must-try. kyoto-sakuragawa.jp/english.html

> GION KARYO. Although the lunch courses are half the cost of dinner, if you can stretch your budget, visit this restaurant at night for the full effect. Walk down the narrow, lantern-lit alley of the traditional wooden machiya house and you’ll find a gorgeous, modern space over two floors. Starting with delicate, cold seasonal appetisers, the meal builds through richer, simmered dishes such as eel with fresh gingko nuts and ends with a refreshing sorbet. karyo-kyoto.jp/gion/en

> SHORAIAN.

BRAND NEW Newly opened Aman resort brings its minimalist luxury to town with the elegant Living Pavilion for kaiseki feasts. aman.com

> GIRO GIRO HITOSHINA. Watching as the staff arrange each dish with the precision of surgeons, the anticipation is rewarded by amazing flavours and classic local ingredients such as sweet white miso and Kyoto pickles. After about 10 small courses (which are pleasantly light on the wallet), the night turns into a bit of a party around the open kitchen, where diners can interact with Kyoto’s up-and-coming chefs – who sometimes drop by for a guest shift. The restaurant is in a small converted house overlooking the Takase River. Bookings are a must for one of the prized counter seats. +81 75 343 7070

JE T S TA R H A S G RE AT L O W FA RES T O JAPA N.

Kyoto is famous for its tofu and this is the perfect place to try it, relaxing in a traditional country retreat amidst the bamboo forest at Arashiyama. After a bit of Zen relaxation, meditate on the meaning of sustenance with a feast of delicate tofu dishes such as deep-fried agedashi tofu in a slightly smoky dashi sauce and yuba – silky sheets of soy milk skin. Go at lunchtime to fully enjoy the views of Oi River and the tranquil forests beyond. shoraian.com

> OGATA. Chef Toshiro Ogata is devoted to the highest-quality ingredients and if that means getting up before dawn to pick the day’s bamboo shoots, or being the first at the fish market, so be it. This elegant space has two Michelin stars and your stomach will thank you when you try seasonal dishes such as sweet crab from Taiza and rare matsutake mushrooms.

Expect around 13 small courses over a leisurely few hours. +81 75 344 8000 JE T S TA R.C O M

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T HE C U T

H APPY H O U RS

MELBOURNE [CBD]

—Home to an eclectic mix of drinking spots, from laneways and rooftops to converted storage vaults, the Victorian capital’s CBD is full of good times. Local Larissa Dubecki hand-picks the best happy hours, where you can double the fun—

> PEACHES Sitting pretty in peach above Swanston Street, this glamorous address attracts a stylish crowd to its Hamptonsesque rooftop and its bar adorned with gilt-edged booths upholstered in blush-coloured suede. But it also knows how to appeal to the hoi polloi with extravagant happy hour specials – every day from noon to 2pm and midnight to 2am you can grab $7 burgers, while themed days include Mad Mondays, with $5 chicken burgers and two-for-one Peaches cocktails from 5-8pm, and Taco Tuesdays, the home of $4 tacos and $5 lucky-dip tinnies.

D O N ’ T M I S S : Posing for an Instagram shot on the pink staircase, one of the quintessential Melbourne images. peaches.melbourne

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T HE D UKE

> SPLEEN BAR > GOOD HEAVENS

PEAC HES

The upstairs sibling to American barbecue kings Fancy Hank’s, this rooftop bar rocks a Miami Vice vibe with its pastel colour scheme and 1980s-themed cocktails such as their riff on the Piña Colada. Good Heavens also pours $8 pints of beer (the exact brew rotates through their multiple craft taps) and $6 glasses of the house wine from 4-6pm Monday to Thursday. Fancy a board game?

Just ask at the bar.

D O N ’ T M I S S : The excellent Cubano sandwiches and barbecue wings, thanks to Fancy Hank’s taking charge of the menu. goodheavens.com.au

G O OD HEAVENS

Open until 5am from Monday to Saturday, this pioneer of the city’s small bar scene remains one of Melbourne’s favourite latenight haunts. Yet there are some compelling reasons to pop in early to this slip of a convivial drinking spot at the top end of Bourke Street, chief among them happy hour, celebrated every weeknight from 4-7pm with $9 pints, $5 pots and $8 wines.

D O N ’ T M I S S : Monday comedy night, with free stand-up from some of the best in the business. spleenbarmelbourne.com.au

> THE DUKE It’s Melbourne’s oldest pub, having poured its first drink in 1853, and this corner haunt opposite present-day Federation Square is also one of the best. Sports fans love the big screens playing everything from tennis to cricket, while a smart 2018 makeover has added a rooftop terrace with stunning views of the extravagant Moorish Revival architecture of the Forum theatre across the road. You can admire the domes and statues every weekday from 4-7pm with $8.50 pints, $7.50 house spirits and house wines, plus $10 Espresso Martinis and Aperol Spritzes.

D O N ’ T M I S S : The $20 parma and pot offer, every lunchtime from noon to 3pm. dukeofwellington.com.au

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MEL B O U R NE

RIVERL A ND

> RIVERLAND If there’s one thing better than sitting at an umbrella-shaded table overlooking the Yarra River on a sunshine-filled Melbourne day, it’s doing it during happy hour at Riverland. From 5-7pm Monday to Friday, this thoroughly urbane beer garden (it deservedly won a slew of design awards for reactivating the bluestone vaults under Federation Square) celebrates the end of the working day with a selected range of $8 pints, wine and spirits.

D O N ’ T M I S S : Club Aperol’s all-day $14 slushies, from 7 January. riverlandbar.com

RIVERL A ND

> MERCHANT Happy hour sports an Italian accent at Merchant, Guy Grossi’s casual-chic Venetian osteria at the Rialto in Melbourne’s west end. Celebrate aperitivo hour in Latin style from 4.30-6.30pm, Monday to Friday, with $8 Bellinis and $9 Negronis, matched by lots of equally cut-price cicchetti (Venetian snacks) such as arancini, house-cured salmon or simply a plate of freshly sliced prosciutto San Daniele.

D O N ’ T M I S S : The duck tortellini with sage and burnt butter, a Grossi specialty. merchantov.com

CA MPARI H O USE

> CAMPARI HOUSE This classic Italian bistro was opened on Hardware Lane back when Harold Holt was prime minister (1967, to be exact) but joined the ranks of Melbourne’s thoroughly modern bars when it added an astroturfed allweather rooftop a decade ago. Head along for magnificent skyscraper views and a happy hour celebrated in triplicate each Sunday to Thursday from 4-7pm with $6 house wine and $10 pints of Furphy, Little Creatures, Heineken and Panhead beer.

D O N ’ T M I S S : Free Sunday trivia sessions timed to coincide with happy hour. camparihouse.com.au

HIGH STREET

that’s Armadale

Fashion. Shoes. Cafes. Homewares. Furniture.

High Street Armadale has everything you need for your summer break.

T HE C U T

BRU NSWICK ACES

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W H AT'S

> If, like many Australians, your New Year’s resolution is to imbibe less, then Brunswick Aces non-alcoholic gin (actually an age-old drink style known as a sapiir) is a guilt-free treat. “The great thing is it is made using the same process as gin, just without any of the alcohol,” says Aces’ Stephen Lawrence, meaning it still has all the aroma and flavours of botanicals without the hangover.

Try the Spades blend, a winning hand of green cardamom, native lemon myrtle and parsley notes. brunswickaces.com

DIRT Y BUCHA

[ TRENDING]

IN DRINKS?

> Gut-boosting kombucha just got more interesting. Dirty Bucha, a premium range of pre-mixed alcoholic kombucha cocktails, are low-sugar and low-carb flavour bombs – think Ginger Spiced Rum, Tropical Vodka and Botanical Lemon Myrtle Gin. dirtybucha.com.au

—Non-alcoholic gin, kombucha with added firepower and a vodka made with hemp. The holiday season is a great time to taste-test new refreshments—

WORDS_ DEBORAH GRUNFELD

HEMP VODK A

> The lush Gippsland hills of Victoria. With terroir suited to the environmentally beneficial crop cannabis sativa and the region’s pure water perfect for distillation, where better for a company to manufacture spirits made from hemp? The Natural Distilling Co’s vodka has notes of lavender and lemongrass and features myrcene, a clinically proven sleep and pain aid. naturaldistillingco.com.au

EXPERIEN CE

totally awesome

I M A G ES_ N ATAL IE G R O N O

—Always wanted to learn how to surf?

If not now, then when! Matt Shea says “carpe diem” and heads to boardriding mecca Byron Bay for a beginner’s lesson— Sean Riley is staring at a wave I can’t see.

“Here’s a good one,” he says. “You see it, Matty?” I lift my head from my board. All I spy is the Pacific Ocean and a bunch of kayakers. No crests. No whitewater. It doesn’t matter. Suddenly he is behind me, turning my board to face the shore.

“You ready? One! Two! Three!” he shouts. “Go!” Sean pushes me and I’m propelled towards the beach. I remember my training: feet onto the board’s base, pivot up, back leg forward, then front. I’m shuffling about when my coordination gives way and I fall, bum first. Luckily, it’s like a warm bath – because I’m in Byron Bay. In fact, how to fall was the first thing Sean taught me back before we paddled out. It seems comical but then he runs Soul Surf School (soulsurfschool.com.au) – a local outfit that’s been offering surfing lessons along the NSW north coast for more than a decade. And some of the international travellers he takes out have never even seen the sea before.

I have no such excuse. I’ve lived near the beach all my life and swim in the sea regularly.

I’ve always been envious of the wave riders sitting out beyond the breakers but it’s only now I’ve gathered the courage to try surfing myself.

Why? Probably because surfing is changing in Australia. Research from both Roy Morgan and the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows that the sport’s culture has shifted significantly in the past 10 years, with a slight decline in numbers of young “surfer dudes” being offset by increases across every other demographic. Everyone’s hitting the waves now, from women to goofyfooted 40-year-old first-timers like me.

“It’s really changed the whole tone of surfing.

Up until the ‘80s, it was just 15- to 25-year-old guys. The surf was a territorial place,” says renowned Australian surf writer Nick Carroll.

In 2020, surfing is set to become an Olympic sport for the first time too.

Helping propel this growth are Australia’s generally easygoing surf conditions and a rise in the number of surf schools. “The interest in learning to surf has blossomed,” Nick says.

Sean couldn’t agree more. In peak summer season, the Soul Surf team will be in the ocean every day, teaching etiquette, pushing students into waves, or sometimes “taxiing” (quietly swimming behind them and guiding the board to help build confidence).

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My own confidence levels are rising as I look back at the beautiful crescent of Byron Bay stretching off to the north, with clouds collecting around the hinterland’s emeraldgreen mountains. As far as classrooms go, it’s hard to beat. “The bay itself is protected,” Sean says. “The waves don’t get too big too often... ” He cuts himself off as another wave approaches.

I spot it too this time – a gentle crest moving towards us. He’s back behind me. “Remember, Matty, back foot first,” he says. “Go!” This time I try to pop up quicker but I’m fighting the instinct to move my front foot.

I carve through the water for an exhilarating moment before I stumble and plop back into the sea. Sean appears, smiling, and gives me a high five. “You’re so close!”

And I feel close. Back out in the sea awaiting my final attempt, I’m spotting the waves along with my instructor. “Ready?” he asks. By now my toes are numb and there’s sunscreen in my eyes but I’m ready. “Go!” This time my back foot moves first and suddenly I’m in the middle of the board, gliding serenely towards the beach.

I can’t believe it. Any nerves I had before the lesson are gone, replaced by that weightless exhilaration surfers talk about. I hear Sean yelling in celebration behind me. “I think I might be hooked,” I say. He gives me a knowing smile.

Back on dry land, we pack our boards into Riley’s vintage Ford F100 and retire for brunch burgers at The Byron Bay General Store (byrongeneralstore.com). I wonder... these guys are gun surfers – don’t they ever get bored shepherding beginners like me?

“No way,” Sean says. “It’s sick seeing someone throw their hands up, shouting, ‘Yeaaahh!’

They’ve just caught this cruisy little wave but for them, that’s epic. And it’s just the start.”

“S U D D E NLY I’M IN THE MIDDLE O F T H E B O A R D, G L I DI N G S ER E N ELY T O W A R D S T H E B E A C H. I T H I N K I M IG H T B E H O O K E D.”

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4 O T H ER S U RF S C H O OL S IN A U S T R AL I A > Manly Surf School, NSW Coach Matt Grainger runs several centres across Sydney’s Northern Beaches. manlysurfschool.com > Currumbin Alley Surf School, Qld Offering year-round lessons, its location is perfect for beginners. currumbinalley surfschool.com.au > Go Ride a Wave, Vic & Qld The Anglesea operation is the original of the now 16 locations. gorideawave.com.au > Margaret River Surf School, WA Operating for over 20 years, this school caters for everyone. margaretriver surfschool.com

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Queenstown M Y H APPY PL ACE

W ORDS_ PAUL EWART

—When he’s not appearing on stage, TV or the big screen, actor Luke Carroll loves to explore this New Zealand alpine region on a gondola or ramp up the adrenaline on its snow-capped mountains—

THE CUT

Best known as a presenter on long-running children’s show Play School, seasoned theatre, film and TV actor Luke Carroll has been a fixture on both the screen and stage for decades, whether it be in Home and Away, All Saints and Heartbreak High or treading the boards in theatres across the country. Ahead of appearing on stage at this year’s Sydney Festival, the actor lets us in on his across-the-Tasman getaway, Queenstown – a world-adventure capital where ski slopes, beautiful scenery and extreme sports meet.

What’s keeping you busy at the moment? > I’m performing in a tour of Black is the New White with the Melbourne Theatre Company – it’s a fun romcom and is definitely keeping me busy! Straight after, I’ll be back in Sydney for Black Cockatoo at the Ensemble Theatre. It’s part of the Sydney Festival (sydneyfestival. org.au) and tells the true story of 13 Aboriginal men from country Victoria who became the first Australian cricket team to tour England way back in 1868.

What’s the best thing about your job? > That one job is never the same as the next. I’m almost constantly changing characters and mediums – be it stage, TV or film.

LUKE CARR OLL

Your happy place is in Queenstown, New Zealand. Why? > I first visited about eight years ago during winter and was absolutely blown away by the natural beauty of the whole region. The snowcapped mountains, Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables… they’re all sublime.

Q UEENS TO W N M ALL

LUKE’S QUEENSTOWN HIT-LIST “I FIRST V ISI TED AB O U T EIG H T YE ARS AG O A N D WAS AB S OLU TELY BLO W N AWAY

BY T HE N AT UR AL BE AU T Y OF T HE W H OLE REGIO N.”

What’s a typical day like for you when you’re there? > I’d start by taking a short stroll into town for breakfast at one of the local cafés – Vudu (vudu.co.nz) is my favourite. Then, I’d walk down to the lake to explore the shoreline before heading up the gondola to Bob’s Peak for some of the most amazing views over the city.

Queenstown is renowned for its adrenaline sports, so either skiing, bungee jumping, zip-lining, jet boating or hang-gliding would likely feature at some point in the day. I’d end the day winding down in one of the relaxing onsen baths in the area – complete bliss.

You’re based in Sydney – what do you love about where you live? > How beautiful it is. We have the harbour, the beaches, the mountains and a great climate – Sydney in summer especially comes alive.

Your dream destination? > Japan, definitely. But I’ll need to visit twice, during the cherry blossom and ski seasons. I can’t wait to immerse myself in their quirky culture.

T O U R MILF O RD S O U N D > Driving through snowcapped mountains and stopping to fill up your water bottles with ice-cold pure water flowing down from the mountains at Milford Sound is something you’ll never forget. milford-sound.co.nz R IDE IN A H EL IC O P T ER > The area is so picturesque and the ultimate way to view it all is from above.

You’ll fly over alpine glaciers and remote lakes and you can even get dropped off for a picnic on the top of a mountain. For a romantic date, that’s tough to beat. queenstownhelicopters.nz HI T T H E SL O PES > With four commercial ski resorts , Queenstown has some of the country’s best skiing and there’s epic views from the runs. queenstownnz.co.nz

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Dive right in

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—Make a statement on the sand this summer with cossies in vibrant patterns and sunset colours—

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1. Speedo Shore one-piece, $90, speedo.com.au 2. Kaipo Tara bikini top in stripe, $79, tigerlily.com.au 3. Cut-out bikini top in red and white stripe Pebble, $19.99, cottonon.com 4. Womens eco paddle suit in Black/Bliss, $125, speedo.com.au 5. Sierra swimsuit in Sorbet, $90, isidorathelabel.com 6. TK Maxx patterned one-piece in blue, $29.95, tkmaxx.com.au 7. Hurley quick-dry top, $89.99, and max bottoms in Camp Orange, $79.99, hurley.com/au 8. Cannes matte crop bikini top in Ballerine, $58, australia-frankiiswim.com 9. Cheeky straight neck one-piece in Spicy Red rib, $29.99, cottonon.com 10. Mambo ladies one-piece rashie, $35, bigw.com.au

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THE GREAT JOURNEYS OF NEW ZEALAND

SPECI AL FE AT U RE

N EW Z E AL AN D YOUR ULTIMATE G UIDE TO

E S S E N T I A L F A C T S // A D V E N T U R E // F A M I LY // F O O D + D R I N K

NZ 101 FIRST UP...

LAND

New Zealand spans 268,021 square kilometres.

There are no states; rather, the country is divided into 16 regions, from Northland to Hawke’s Bay and Otago.

Visiting our neighbour requires a little travel homework. Here are your need-to-know facts about New Zealand (aka Aotearoa).

MĀORI WORDS

kia ora (hello)

mōrena

(good morning)

whānau (family)

iwi

(tribe or nation)

P EO P L E

NZ has a population of almost 5 million people, with roughly 50 per cent of residents living between the triangle of North Island cities Auckland, Hamilton and Tauranga.

KIWI PHRASES

togs

(bathers)

jandals (thongs)

dairy

(corner store)

ROA D S

Roads follow extreme courses. They snake and roll and most freeways are one lane. Getting from point A to point B may look simple but it can take up to double the expected time.

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AUSTR ALIA

H OT H OT H OT! V I SA?

Visitors to New Zealand travelling with an Australian passport do not require a visa.

NZ is home to natural geothermal hot water. Rotorua in particular is famed for its steaming and bubbling landscape, with numerous geysers, mud pools and springs in its active thermal areas.

A P P LY

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is strong in NZ. Use sunscreen daily.

W E AT H E R

To travel between the two islands, you can fly, or catch a ferry service across the Cook Strait between Wellington (North) and Picton (South) – it takes about three hours.

R E L A X!

The country is snake and crocodile free, so you’re safe on land. There are a few poisonous spiders (such as the redback and whitetailed variety) but sightings are said to be rare.

W O RD S_ C ASE Y VAS SALLO

TR ANSPORT

The weather is generally mild in the north and temperate in the south, with temperatures ranging from 32 degrees to -10 degrees respectively. You need to dress for four seasons in one day – layer so you can peel off or pile on at any time.

BEST EXPERIENCES

A TA LE O F T WO I S L A N DS

NORTH ISL AN D

AUCKL AND MAN UK AU HAMILTON

TAUR ANGA

ROTORUA TAUPO NEW PLYMO U T H

GISBORNE

NAPIER HASTINGS PALMERSTON NORT H

NELSON

TASMAN SEA

WESTPORT

WELLINGTON

BLENHEIM

K AIKO UR A

CHRISTCH URCH HA AST

AK AROA

SOUTH ISL AN D

Q UEENSTO W N

DU NEDIN

PACIFIC OCEAN

Dynamic, surprising and bestowed with wild and diverse landscapes, it’s as though New Zealand invented the holiday.

But with so many epic adventures and cool things to do, how exactly do you tackle this incredible country? Island by island, that’s how. The North and South islands are distinguished by their striking natural features, individual attractions and unique food and drink offerings yet united by their warm, welcoming cultures. Here are 24 wonderful reasons why you should say “kia ora” to Aotearoa.

Get high at Lake Taupo

Walk the walk at Tongariro National Park

> If you’ve ever wanted to feel like a character in The Lord of the Rings, there’s no better place than Tongariro National Park, one of the locations for the iconic film in the centre of the North Island. The best way to explore the soaring mountains, waterfalls, lakes and forests is by foot. The daylong Tongariro Alpine Crossing is popular, but for a longer, quieter alternative take the Round the Mountain Track – a tough 66-kilometre walk taking in glaciers, moors, beech forests and rocky alpine uplands. nationalpark.co.nz

> Soaring in a little plane above the gleaming waters of New Zealand’s largest lake and the snow-capped volcanoes surrounding it might seem daring enough, but that’s only the beginning. The real adventure starts when you take a leap from the aircraft. Sign up for a tandem skydive from 9000, 12,000, 15,000 or 18,000 feet, where you’ll rush towards the ground at 200 kilometres per hour. Dives take place over one of the world’s most stunning drop zones at Lake Taupo. With up to 75 seconds’ freefall, your adrenaline is sure to spike. taupotandemskydiving.com

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Jump to it in Queenstown

> Jumping off the 43-metre tall Kawarau Bridge, known as the home of bungee, is a New Zealand rite of passage.

Falling at speed towards the sparkling Kawarau River to touch the water before you spring back up, your heart pounding out of your chest, is an essential experience for any thrillseeker. Do it with a partner, with your eyes closed, or even naked – but just do it. bungy.co.nz

Use pedal power in Otago

> Get on your bike to see the rustic side of New Zealand. The former railway line that forms the Otago Central Rail Trail winds its way through hills, valleys, old goldfields and farms dotted with lambs. You can tackle the length of the 152-kilometre off-road trail in about four days, staying in historic lodges and country hotels along the way. otagocentralrailtrail.co.nz

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Go beneath the surface at Waitomo Caves

> In 1887, a Māori chief discovered thousands of glow-worms inside a cavern 2.5 hours south of Auckland, and some of his descendants now take visitors into those same Waitomo Caves. There are six eperiences on offer, including a gentle boat ride through the glowworm grotto, floating through the subterranean caverns on inner tubes (known as black water rafting), and the adrenaline-fuelled Black Abyss tour where you’ll zip line through a gallery of glow-worms and jump off underground waterfalls. waitomo.com

Have a ball at Rotorua

> It’s the stuff childhood dreams are made of – rolling down hills in a giant, transparent inflatable ball. As the largest ball-rolling park in the world, minutes from Rotorua CBD, Zorb is for those who want a dose of laughter with their adventure. Choose from four grass tracks, including the Sidewinder – the longest zig-zag track on Earth – and the H²OGO, where 40 litres of water will have you slipping and sliding inside your tumbling sphere. zorb.com

Feel uplifted in Wanaka

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> When you join a heli-skiing adventure to explore remote back-country terrain on skis or a snowboard, you’re surrounded by mountains and fresh snow waiting for first tracks. If you’re a powder hound, the untouched peaks near Wanaka in the Otago region are pretty much calling your name by the time you jump out of the helicopter.

With the option to ski or board up to 10 pacy, vertical runs surrounded by silence, you’ll lay down fresh lines among the spectacular serrated peaks. southernlakesheliski.com

Dive with dolphins in Kaikoura

> The first time you see a fin in the water, the heart skips a beat. But once you realise you’re surrounded by a frolicking pod of dusky dolphins, everything changes. In the chilly ocean off Kaikoura, on the east coast of the South Island, you’ll get to swim with the social creatures in their natural habitat.

There’s nothing like the thrill of seeing a dolphin leap out of the water, only metres away. dolphinencounter.co.nz

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Explore nature in the Te Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley

Zip around on Waiheke Island

> EcoZip Adventures, which run one of the country’s most spectacular zip-lining experiences, is located high on a hill on Waiheke Island, a 35-minute ferry ride from Auckland. Dual cables mean parents and kids can zoom side-by-side over the lush forest canopy, reaching speeds of up to 50 kilometres an hour. The three-hour EcoZip Experience also includes a guided nature walk on which you’ll wander among towering trees while being told stories of Māori legends. ecozipadventures.co.nz

> If you’ve ever wanted a family nature experience that feels like something out of The Princess Bride, look no further than Te Puia’s gurgling mud pools, tranquil hot springs and seven geysers venting in the Rotorua region.

Explore the valley by day, but as the sun sets, grab a mug of hot chocolate and watch the illuminated Pohutu Geyser erupt, sending water as high as 30 metres. tepuia.com

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See the stars at Mount John Observatory

> As the sun dips below the Southern Alps, the first stars begin to appear. The University of Canterbury’s Mount John Observatory near Lake Tekapo is one of the world’s best destinations for stargazing, with plenty of options for younger children. The Twilight Experience allows kids to see the southern skies through powerful optical telescopes, while older ones can ponder the heavens from a purpose-built crater or the summit of Mount John. darkskyproject.co.nz

Be cool in Christchurch

> Kids need to chill out? Then head to the International Antarctic Centre, an immersive experience that shows you just what it’s like in the South Pole.

Battle an Antarctic storm at the indoor storm room or snuggle up to a lively husky, the intelligent and robust dogs known for pulling sleds for scientific and exploratory teams. iceberg.co.nz

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Be wild in Wellington

> Step back in time with Zealandia, a 225-hectare urban eco-sanctuary that shows what the picturesque reservoir and valley was like before human arrival. Offering a rare opportunity to see vulnerable native birds and reptiles such as tīeke, hihi, little spotted kiwi and tuatara (below) in the wild, it’s a groundbreaking conservation project that has reintroduced 18 species of native wildlife. visitzealandia.com

Turn up the heat at Coromandel Peninsula

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> How many sand castles have you made that have hot water running through them? None? Then grab a bucket and spade and tap into the natural warm waters at Hot Water Beach, a couple of hours’ drive south of Auckland.

While adults may want to dig a natural hot pool to soak in, kids love the novelty of the clear, warm water bubbling up through the holes they create.

Go gaga for glaciers at Franz Josef

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> It’s not every day that you get to walk on a glacier, but on the Franz Josef Glacier, on the west coast of the South Island, you not only get to see it from a viewing platform, you can strap on crampons and venture on to the creaking ice to see the glittering caves and rockencrusted surface up close. It is easy to understand how this river of ice has imperceptibly but surely retreated and advanced over time with this view. franzjosefglacier.com

Baffle your brain in Wanaka

> Smartypants, prepare to meet your match at Puzzling World, a huge fun park home to the world’s first 3D maze, illusion rooms and bizarre buildings located just north of this lakeside resort town. You’ll shrink and grow in the forced perspective room, change the way you see the world in the hologram hall and stretch your creativity trying to solve mind-bending puzzles and mazes. puzzlingworld.co.nz

Milford Sound’s First Morning Cruise S U M M E R M U S T- D O M O M E N T S MOMENT

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Treat your tastebuds to a food tour

Feast on seafood in Doubtless Bay

> For some of the best fish and chips you can find, enjoyed with a stunning backdrop, head to the Mangonui Fish Shop located in the eponymous historic fishing village in Doubtless Bay. Just 100 metres from the pristine waters of the harbour, the fish shop has been trading on the same site for more than 70 years – the line-caught fish is fresh and the golden chips are super crunchy. For a gourmet experience, book into Ortolana (above), widely considered one of Auckland’s best restaurants. mangonuifishshop.com; ortolana.co.nz

> You’ll work up a healthy appetite while pounding the pavement on a Zest Food Tour, sampling artisan baked goods, cheese, charcuterie, dumplings, ice-cream and chocolate. The intimate Wellington Capital Tastes Walking Tour includes a visit to the bustling Harbourside food market, but if you have the time to spare, opt for the five-hour Walking Gourmet experience, which also stops for lunch at Field & Green, an innovative “soul food” restaurant. zestfoodtours.co.nz

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Enjoy a Māori meal in Christchurch

> Press your nose against that of the Māori chief (known as the hongi) before you take part in a powhiri – a traditional welcome. You’ll be able to learn the fearsome haka, poi dances and stick games before settling down for a fourcourse feast of traditional hangi, tucking into pork, chicken, lamb and kumura cooked in an earth oven. The poroporoaki, or the farewell ceremony, is a rousing way to end the night. kotane.co.nz

Get the beer necessities in Queenstown

> Craft beer lovers, we may have found your spiritual home. Some of New Zealand’s tastiest beers are brewed amidst the striking Southern Alps. Take a Brewbus tour to visit the awardwinning Altitude Brewing, where only Kiwi ingredients are used in their tipples, and Searchlight Brewery – a secluded spot with 18 house-made beers on tap. brewbus.co.nz

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Hone your kitchen skills in Auckland

> Hungry for some nutritious new recipes? Little Bird Organics offers chef-led classes on plant-based meals where you’ll learn to create tasty vegetarian, vegan, paleo, raw, sugar-free, gluten-free and dairy-free dishes. From wholefoods to fermentation and desserts, this is a cooking school with a delicious difference. littlebirdorganics.co.nz

Have a grape escape in Hawke’s Bay

> Find yourself a designated driver for a day (or two) and start exploring some of the 72 wineries in this beautiful region on the east coast. As the second largest wine-growing region, Hawke’s Bay is renowned for its crisp chardonnay, but the river valleys and rolling vineyards also produce wonderful cabernet sauvignons, merlots and cabernet francs. Don’t want to do it alone? Bay Tours takes you to vineyards and cellar doors at the region’s best wineries, including those at Gimblett Gravels, near Hastings. baytours.co.nz/wine-tours

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Go raw at Stirling Point

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> From March to April, oysters are the word on the southern coast. The clear, icy cold Foveaux Strait grows some of the country’s best bivalves and there are many places to sample them. Barnes Wild Bluff Oysters sells fresh oysters from their retail shop, or you could grab a half dozen (or more) from Fowler’s Oysters and head to Stirling Point to enjoy the view of the rugged coastline.

The season is short, so go hard. barnesoysters.co.nz; fb.me/fowlersoysters

Say “cheese” in Oamaru

> While the cheesemakers may be blessed, a visit to Whitestone Cheese in Oamaru, south of Christchurch, leaves you feeling the cheese tasters are also pretty lucky. Join a tour at this renowned factory in the North Otago region for a behind-the-scenes look at how different cheeses such as fetta, blue and camembert are made. If the goody bag sample at the end of the tour only serves to ignite your hunger, you can always stock up on more at the on-site shop.

Our pick? The crumbly Ohau goat’s blue. whitestonecheese.com

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121—142

the insider > JETSTAR NEWS, ENTERTAINMENT AND MAPS

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> Keep up to date with Jetstar news and our StarKids charity.

Plus, check out who got married on a Jetstar flight.

EN T ERTA IN MEN T

PA G E

> Let us entertain you with a huge selection of movies, TV shows, podcasts, music videos and much more.

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A IRP O RT TO CI T Y

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> Heading from the airport to the city centre? Use our guide to find out the best way to get there by bus, train or taxi.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT Families in Vietnam are overcoming malnutrition and disease with support from StarKids and World Vision. By Kervin Mathew.

> Twenty-two-year-old Trung lives in a small town in the capital

of Vietnam, Hanoi, and her son, Linh, is just over three years old.

A few months after giving birth to Linh, Trung noticed that he was not as energetic as other children his age. Also, he was not gaining as much weight as them.

Families such as Trung’s are often found to have insufficient knowledge of healthy food habits and nutrition requirements, especially concerning children’s diets. This tends to increase the risk of malnourishment and consequently, illnesses such as malaria, tuberculosis and dysentery.

In her desperation, Trung sought the advice of volunteers at a nutrition club set up by World Vision back in 2017. The club’s volunteers, who make it a regular practice to visit families with children under the age of five, advised her to join the club so that she could learn better feeding and nutrition techniques. These would not only help increase her son’s weight but also ensure that he remains healthy.

At the club’s sessions, Trung learned about different nutritious foods and how to prepare them in a way that retained nutrients.

She also built a network with other mothers who were a source of encouragement for each other. Trung started noticing improvements in Linh after two months of being in the nutrition group. He gained weight and was smiling more often. He also seemed to have more energy to play and had a brighter face.

Trung is grateful for the club and volunteers who taught her, and other women, how to be better mothers to their children.

YOUR CHANGE CAN HELP MAKE A CHANGE! Consider donating to StarKids using change from your inflight purchases or any loose change you have at the end of your flight. We also accept debit/credit cards. Ask your cabin crew for assistance.

LOVE IS IN THE AIR

> A couple had their wedding

dreams come true, getting married at 34,000 feet over the Tasman – with a little help from Jetstar.

“For our wedding we wanted something really memorable,” Cathy says of her wedding to David on a commercial flight between Sydney and Auckland. “We wanted it to symbolise our love for aviation, our love for Australia and New Zealand (where I’m from) and our love for each other. I thought: I’ll be cheeky and ask Jetstar.”

And like Cathy and David, Jetstar said yes.

Jetstar arranged for Cathy, David and their wedding party to sit up front of the flight where they could hold a ceremony and pledge their life-long commitment to each other. Jetstar employee and marriage celebrant Robyn Holt married the happy couple.

“It was a really special occasion,” Robyn says.

“And definitely the first time I’ve conducted a wedding in the air!”

Cynthia Mulenga

WI T H A HEALT HIER AND M ORE N U TRI TIO US DIE T, L INH N OW HAS M ORE ENERGY TO PL AY.

Jetstar news

REM OTE C O MM U NI TIES WILL BENEFI T FRO M T HE GR AN T

T HE IN SIDER

1 23

HAPPINESS IS A B O OK

UP AND AWAY Jetstar is proud to support the Indigenous Literacy Foundation with a grant from its Flying Start Program.

> More than 280 Indigenous communities across the

country are being helped by a $30K grant from Jetstar to the Indigenous Literacy Foundation (ILF).

The ILF aims to achieve equity of opportunity for all Indigenous children living in remote Australia by donating new books, publishing books written by Indigenous children and elders, and working with communities to support their existing literacy programs.

“We are enormously excited to be awarded the grant and to be embarking on a new partnership with Jetstar in 2020,” ILF Executive Director Karen Williams says.

“Accessing remote communities is no easy feat, so we are thrilled to begin working with Jetstar to send our managers around the country to oversee our Book Supply program.”

Jetstar Head of Group Operations and Flying Start judge Kate Cotter adds, “We are pleased that our grant will be able to support the Foundation in its work in some of Australia’s most remote communities.”

ILF is the 22nd recipient of a grant from The Flying Start Program, which invites community organisations across Australia to apply for a $30,000 award to fund a project that enriches the lives of people in their local area. jetstar.com/au/en/flying-start

READING CAN HELP B O OST L I TER ACY SKILLS

BAGGAGE BOOST

> We hear you! Taking passenger feedback on board, Jetstar

is excited to announce new baggage allowances on selected flights. Travelling customers have the choice to purchase an additional seven kilograms of carry-on baggage, increasing the total carry-on weight limit per customer to 14 kilograms. This upgrade can be purchased when booking your ticket, or at the check-in desk – for an additional charge.

The limit of 10 kilograms for a single item still applies, as does the rule of one main item and one personal item per passenger.

CURE CANCER

“LET’S CURE CANCER, AUSTRALIA”

MAKE YOUR BARBIE A Register now at

BARBECURE.COM.AU

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In-flight Entertainment —Take off into a world of entertainment – we’ve rounded up today’s most talked-about movies and TV shows, plenty of kids’ favourites, plus hit music and podcasts to keep you occupied throughout your flight— MORE THAN 60 MOVIES AND 500 TV EPISODES AVAILABLE

ONLY $13 BLOCKBUSTER MOVIES TV COMEDY AND DRAMA KIDS’ FAVOURITES HIT MUSIC PODCASTS

> NEW RELEASE MOVIES.

© 2019 100 to 1 Films Pty Ltd

The Operative

Ride Like a Girl

Thriller Follows Rachel, a rogue spy from Israel’s national intelligence force.

Drama | MA15+ Michelle dreams of winning the Melbourne Cup. A family tragedy all but ends the dream.

© 2019 Universal City Studios Productions LLLP. All rights reserved.

Fast and Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw Action | M Sworn enemies must team up to take down a cyber-genetically enhanced anarchist. © 2020 Disney

The Lion King Family | PG The Lion King brings beloved characters to life in a whole new way.

© 2018 CTMG, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood Crime | MA15+ The ninth film from Quentin Tarantino.

RATINGS

© 2019 CTMG, Inc. All Rights Reserved. © 2020 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. All rights reserved.

Ad Astra Drama | M Roy McBride travels to the outer edges of the solar system to find his father.

Angry Birds Movie 2 Animation | PG The angry birds and scheming pigs take their beef to the next level.

G General.

PG Parental guidance recommended.

M Recommended for mature audiences.

MA15+ Not suitable for people under 15.

Under 15s must be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian.

PRE-PURCHASE IN-FLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT WHEN YOU BOOK YOUR FLIGHTS AND SAVE!

© 2019 WBEI

> NEW RELEASE MOVIES.

© 2019 WBEI

The Kitchen Crime | MA15+ Three Hell’s Kitchen housewives’ mobster husbands are sent to prison by the FBI.

> HOLIDAY FAVOURITES.

Luce Drama A married couple is forced to reckon with their idealised image of their son.

© 2019 WBEI

Shaft

Fred Claus

A Christmas Story

Comedy | PG Santa Claus’ older brother, Fred, almost destroys Christmas.

Comedy | G Ralphie wants an air rifle.

He campaigns for the most fabulous Christmas present.

National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation

Miracle on 34th Street (1994)

Comedy | M Clark Griswold’s neighbourhood will never be the same.

Family | G Susan meets Kris Kringle, a department store Santa who believes he’s genuine.

Four Christmases

Elf

Comedy | M A well-planned day spins out of control into the whirlwind of Four Christmases.

Comedy | G Raised an elf, Buddy grows into an adult and realises that he will never fit in.

© 2020 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation.

All rights reserved.

Action | MA15+ JJ may be a security expert, but he needs an education only his dad can provide.

© 2020 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. All rights reserved.

The Art of Racing in the Rain

Home Alone

Comedy, Drama A dog named Enzo recalls the life lessons he has learned from his owner, Denny.

Family | PG Kevin is left to defend his home from two burglars until the relatives return.

EN T ER TA IN MEN T

> FAVOURITES.

© 2020 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. All rights reserved.

© 2019 WBEI

The Devil Wears Prada

Beetlejuice

Comedy | PG A young woman ends up as assistant to the editor of a major fashion magazine.

Comedy | M When a couple of nice ghosts try to haunt humans, they ask for help.

© 2020 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. All rights reserved.

© 2019 WBEI

Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride

Edward Scissorhands

Comedy, Drama | PG A young man weds a corpse while on a trek to the village of his real bride.

Drama | PG About Edward Scissorhands whose hands were cold but whose heart was warm.

> FOREIGN FILMS.

© 2019 Five Million Dollar Life Film Partners

Kakegurui The Movie Thriller A student finds herself in a gambling battle to win a place on the council.

Detective Conan: The Fist of Blue Sapphire Animation The world ‘s largest sapphire was lost at sea.

5 Million Dollar Life Drama Mirai’s life belongs to those who invested. He sets out to pay it back.

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> TELEVISION.

© 2019 WBEI

© 2019 WBEI

Veronica Mars (2019) (Season 1)

iZombie (Season 5)

Drama | M In the wealthy community of Neptune, the rich make the rules. They are trying to keep their dirty secrets just that... secret. Unfortunately for them, there’s Veronica Mars, a private investigator.

Drama | MA15+ Our heroes try to keep the peace in the zombie state that is New Seattle but with starving zombies on one side and terrified humans on the other, they’ll have their work cut out for them.

© 2020 Disney

© 2020 National Geographic Partners, LLC. All rights reserved.

© 2019 WBEI

Kim’s Convenience (Season 3)

Big Hero 6: The Series (Season 1)

Activate: The Global Citizen Movement

Animal Kingdom (Season 4)

Comedy | M The funny story of the Kim family and their downtown convenience store.

Kids | G Hiro, Baymax and team protect the city from villains.

Lifestyle | PG A documentary on Global Citizen’s efforts to eradicate extreme poverty.

Drama | MA15+ The Cody family will be a threat to each other as they are to their targets.

© 2020 Disney

DuckTales (Season 1) Kids | G Join Scrooge and family on globetrotting adventures!

© 2020 Disney

Disney Tsum Tsum (Season 3) Kids | G The Tsums create collectible memories of themselves.

© 2020 FX Productions, LLC. All rights reserved. MARVEL TM & © 2019 MARVEL

Legion (Seasons 1-3) Drama | MA15+ The story of David Haller, a man who is the most powerful mutant.

© 2020 Disney

Big City Greens (Season 1) Kids | G The Green family moves from the country to Big City.

EN T ER TA IN MEN T

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> MUSIC VIDEOS.

> ALBUMS.

Silverchair

III The Lumineers The Lumineers have taken their latest album, III, as an opportunity to shine a light on a topic that’s close to many of the members’ lives – addiction. As the album runs from one song to the next, it’s a tale of a family facing the same problem.

No Need to Argue: The Complete Sessions 1994–1995 The Cranberries No Need to Argue is the second studio album by the Irish rock band The Cranberries. This contains the band’s most successful singles, such as “Zombie”, and four bonus tracks.

The Kids Are Coming Tones and I

Fear Inoculum Tool

Former Melbourne busker and Byron Bay local Toni Watson AKA ‘Tones and I’ releases her ARIA number one EP The Kids Are Coming.

Includes the hits “Dance Monkey”, “Johnny Run Away” and “Never Seen The Rain”.

Tool’s first album in 13 years was released to critical acclaim, with reviewers agreeing that the band had successfully refined their established sound. Enjoy your flight and for those about to rock, we salute you.

> PODCASTS & RADIO.

Fitzy & Wippa

The Bump The Hits WSFM Pure Gold ChillZone Will & Woody Jonesy & Amanda Aussies in Hollywood The Mentor with Mark Bouris: Elle Ferguson – Elle Effect

New Hits Various The freshest new clips from today’s biggest artists featuring Miley Cyrus, Guy Sebastian, Shawn Mendes, Liam Payne, Boogie Wit da Hoodie, Halsey, Mark Ronson & King Princess.

00s + 10s Various Millennium hits for you to enjoy featuring Silverchair, The Veronicas, Leona Lewis, Katy Perry, Pharrell Williams, Bruno Mars, Beyoncé and more noughties and tens.

90s Various Lenny Kravitz, The Fugees, The Soup Dragons, Britney Spears, Daryl Braithwaite, T.L.C. and Backstreet Boys are just some of the nineties music artists included in this Hit List.

80s Various Featuring awesome 80’s clips from George Michael, The Police, Cyndi Lauper, Lionel Ritchie, the Clash, Whitney Houston, Style Council and Bryan Adams.

Adam Shand at Large: The Real Chopper Part 2 The Slow Home Podcast: Brooke & Ben McAlary Osher Gunsberg Podcast: Stan Grant I Don’t Know How She Does It Girls: Jade Hameister Feed Play Love: Shevonne Hunt

Hitched: The Art Of Hiring A Wedding Planner True Crime Conversations: The Lady Vanishes The Property Couch: Bryce Holdaway and Ben Kingsley Fitzy & Wippa Kennedy Molloy

SYDNEY. >

TAXI ABOUT $45

>

>

AIRPORT TO CIT Y Touching down in a new city?

Here's how to get to the centre of the action your way.

>

TAXI ABOUT $40

>

BUS $4.80 Bus Route 380, which takes its name from the Airbus A380 aircraft, departs T1 and T2 and is a limited stops service, terminating at Elizabeth Quay Bus Station in the city centre.

For those travelling from T3 and T4, Route 40 operates daily between the airport and Elizabeth Quay Bus Station.

>

TIP...

The Experience WA smartphone app gives you access to the latest information on local tourist attractions, restaurants, accommodation, transport options and more.

TRAIN $18.70 Catching a train into the city is easy and takes about 10 minutes. Grab the T8 Airport and South Line towards City Circle, which stops at Central Station.

> BUS $5.80 While it does not head into the CBD, Route 400 operates between Bondi Junction in the city’s east and Burwood in the west.

You can catch the bus from outside the T1 International and T3 Domestic terminals. > TIP...

Trains and buses from the airport start around 5am daily and end at midnight.

ADELAIDE.

PERTH. “MY FAVOURITE TRAVELS ARE LINKED TO HISTORY, WHEN I UNDERSTAND THE HISTORICAL CONTEXT OF WHAT I’M EXPERIENCING. SOMETIMES TRAVEL NEEDS TO BE WHERE YOU STEP OFF AND YOU’RE IN ANOTHER WORLD, NOT JUST ANOTHER COUNTRY.” MARTA DUSSELDORP (AUSTRALIAN ACTRESS)

>

MELBOURNE. (TULLAMARINE)

TAXI ABOUT $30

>

BUS $10.40 (DAYTRIP) The JetBus and doubledecker JetExpress airport to city services depart the terminal from Sir Richard Williams Avenue and stop at Currie Street in the city centre. From there, it is just a short walk to Adelaide Oval, Rundle Mall and the city’s main train station on North Terrace.

> TIP...

If you are staying in the city of churches for the weekend, purchase a $25 Metrocard Visitor Pass.

The ticket gives tourists unlimited travel on buses, trains and trams across three consecutive days.

TAXI ABOUT $65

>

BUS $19.75 The Skybus Melbourne City Express departs the airport every 10 minutes and stops at the busy inner city Southern Cross Station. From there, you can catch another bus, train, tram or slip into a cab at the taxi stand located directly outside on Spencer Street.

> TIP...

Explore the CBD onboard the free City Circle tourist tram between 10am and 9pm from Thursday to Saturday and between 10am and 6pm from Sunday to Wednesday.

MELBOURNE. (AVALON)

> TAXI ABOUT $130 TO MELBOURNE, $50 TO GEELONG >

BUS $24 TO MELBOURNE, $11 TO GEELONG The SkyBus Avalon City Express takes about an hour to travel from Avalon Airport to Southern Cross Station in Melbourne CBD. If you are heading to Geelong, the SkyBus Avalon Geelong Express takes about 40 minutes to reach the port town.

> TIP...

Download the handy Avalon Airport smartphone app for information about transport, car hire, parking and flight schedules.

T HE IN SIDER

BRISBANE. >

TAXI ABOUT $45

GOLD COAST. >

> BUS From $15 (adults) and $2 (children) The daily SkyBus Gold Coast Airport Shuttle is a dedicated service for visitors travelling from the airport to the Gold Coast’s most popular tourist spots. The shuttle departs from outside the airport terminal and stops at Burleigh Heads, Broadbeach and Surfers Paradise.

> TIP...

Download the BNE app to help you find transport options, maps, where to dine and shop, parking information and more.

> TIP...

Gold Coast Cabs offer special flat rate fares from the airport to Surfers Paradise ($65) or Broadbeach ($55).

CAIRNS. >

TAXI ABOUT $30

> BUS $6 The Airport Connect bus departs from Cairns Airport every 30 minutes from 4.30am until the last flight of the day. The bus takes passengers on a 10-minute trip to a bus depot at Sheridan Street in the city, where they can continue their journey on a Translink public bus.

Alternatively, book a $6 one-way fare with Backpacker Shuttle Cairns. > TIP...

Look for the friendly Airport Ambassadors in the sky-blue shirts to help with any transport questions or other queries.

HOBART. “IF I DON’T TRAVEL, IF I STAY AT HOME FOR A WEEK, I WOULD GO OUT OF MY MIND. THAT IS JUST THE WAY I AM. I LOVE TO BE ON THE MOVE AND I AM FORTUNATE THAT I HAVE FRIENDS ALL OVER THE WORLD.” LEWIS HAMILTON (BRITISH FORMULA ONE DRIVER)

TAXI ABOUT $60

> TRAIN $18.50 The Airtrain is a quick and easy option for travelling from the airport into the city. Trains depart every 15 minutes during peak hour and every 30 minutes during off-peak periods.

The Airtrain takes just 20 minutes to get to Central Station in the city centre.

The service starts at 5am on weekdays and 6am on weekends and the last train departs at 10pm.

“A MAN OF ORDINARY TALENT WILL ALWAYS BE ORDINARY, WHETHER HE TRAVELS OR NOT; BUT A MAN OF SUPERIOR TALENT WILL GO TO PIECES IF HE REMAINS FOREVER IN THE SAME PLACE.” WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZART (AUSTRIAN COMPOSER)

131

>

TAXI ABOUT $50

>

BUS $19.50 The SkyBus Hobart Express service operates daily and departs regularly from the airport. The bus takes about 30 minutes to travel to the city centre, stopping at Brooke Street Pier before terminating at 19 Macquarie Street, which is located behind the Grand Chancellor Hotel.

> TIP...

Download the Hobart Cabs 131 008 smartphone app to order and track your taxi from the airport.

For everything to see, eat, sleep, shop and play in Hobart, get The Guides

by Lonely Planet app.

BALLINA.

DARWIN.

> TAXI ABOUT $100 TO BYRON BAY

>

>

BUS $7.20 The Route 640 bus from Ballina Airport takes close to an hour to make the 37-kilometre journey to the popular beachside town of Byron Bay.

> TIP...

If you prefer to have your transport organised and booked in advance, check out the Ballina Byron Gateway Airport website for information about shuttle bus services.

For those who want to explore and find their own way, all major car rental companies are represented at the airport.

TAXI ABOUT $30

>

BUS PRICE ON BOOKING The Darwin City Airport Shuttle Service is available seven days a week to take you from the airport to your accommodation in the city. The shuttle departs every 20 minutes during peak period and services all major flights to the airport. Online bookings must be made 24 hours in advance.

> TIP...

If you are staying at the Mercure Darwin Airport Resort or Novotel Darwin Airport Hotel, a free shuttle bus service is available for transfer from the terminal to your accommodation.

BALI. >

TOKYO. “I THINK IT’S PART OF MY PERSONALITY – I LOVE TO TRAVEL; I LOVE DIFFERENT CULTURES AND PHILOSOPHIES AND PERSPECTIVES ON THINGS.” MARTIN HENDERSON (NEW ZEALAND ACTOR)

TAXI ABOUT $7 TO KUTA

>

BUS $2 There are a range of bus options to choose from but a popular choice is the bright green Kura-Kura tourist bus, which stops at most major locations across the island. The closest departure point to the airport is outside the Aston Kuta Hotel, which is a brisk 16-minute walk from the terminal.

(NARITA AIRPORT)

>

TAXI ABOUT $250

>

>

TRAIN $37 The Narita Express or N’EX departs every 25 to 40 minutes and takes under an hour to reach Tokyo Station. Buy your ticket at JR EAST Travel Service Centers, which are located inside each of the three airport terminals.

> BUS $11 The Keisei group’s Tokyo Shuttle takes 90 minutes to reach the city centre near Tokyo Station.

> TIP...

Knowing how to say a few phrases in the local lingo can go a long way in Bali.

To ask a local to help you call for a taxi, try saying, “Bisa tolong untuk telepon dan order taksi?”

SHANGHAI. (SHANGHAI PUDONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT)

> TIP...

Grab the free shuttle to travel between the airport’s three terminals.

TAXI ABOUT $40

> TRAIN $10.40 The Maglev train runs from 6.30am to 9.45pm and reaches Longyang Road Subway Station in a speedy eight minutes. >

BUS $5 Catch the Airport Line 5 bus to the main Shanghai Railway Station. It leaves every 15-25 minutes from 6.30am to 11pm.

> TIP...

Use Google Translate and write your name in Mandarin on paper to make it easier for taxi drivers to understand.

HO CHI MINH CITY.

SINGAPORE.

FIJI.

>

>

> TAXI ABOUT $10 TO NADI

TAXI ABOUT $10

> BUS $1 The Route 109 bus departs the airport every 15 to 20 minutes between 5.30am and 1am. It travels to the city centre (District 1), terminating at 23/9 Park via Pham Ngu Lao backpacker district and the Ben Thanh bus station.

Travel time depends on traffic, but the yellow bus generally takes about 30 minutes to reach the city. > TIP...

Show the name of your hotel to the bus conductor so the driver can tell you where to get off. It is also handy to have a map available on your phone.

TAXI ABOUT $35

> TRAIN $2 The Changi Airport MRT Station (CG2) is located under Terminal 2. Take the train to Tanah Merah station and change to the East West Line heading towards City Hall. > BUS $9 The City Shuttle bus departs every 15 minutes during peak periods and every 30 minutes during off-peak. The trip to the city takes 25 minutes and stops at most major hotels. > TIP...

Long layover? Take a free tour of the spectacular Jewel Changi Airport.

> “WHERE YOU COME FROM DOES MATTER – BUT NOT NEARLY AS MUCH AS WHERE YOU ARE HEADED.” JODI PICOULT (AMERICAN AUTHOR)

BUS $11 Airport Shuttle Fiji operate a 24-hour shuttle service from Nadi International Airport to most major hotels and resorts in Nadi.

Bookings must be made at least one day prior to arriving at the airport.

> TIP...

It is an offence for taxi drivers to take passengers without having their meter running. If your driver is not using a meter, note the taxi registration number and report it to the police.

The driver may have their license suspended and receive a fine.

A IRP O R T T O CI T Y

AUCKLAND. >

TAXI ABOUT $60

WELLINGTON. >

TAXI ABOUT $35

> BUS $17 The SkyBus departs the airport every 10 minutes and takes approximately 55 minutes to arrive in the centre of Auckland.

Alternatively, Super Shuttle can take you straight to your accommodation for $23 for the first passenger and $9 for every extra passenger travelling in the same group.

> BUS $12 Exit Door E, near the baggage claim, and follow signs to the Airport Flyer Bus. It departs regularly from around 6.30am-9pm for the half-hour journey to the city, with stops located within easy reach of Wellington’s train station and New Zealand’s iconic parliamentary building, the Beehive.

>

>

TIP...

The Auckland Transport mobile app makes it easy to move around the city.

Download the app to help you plan and track AT Metro buses, trains and ferry services in real time.

TIP...

It is free to join Wellington Airport’s Wildcard program which offers special deals at selected food outlets and shops and also on car hire services at the terminal.

PHUKET. > TAXI ABOUT $40 TO KATA, PLUS A $5 AIRPORT SURCHARGE >

BUS $5 Find public transport to the left of the terminal.

The orange Airport Bus will drive you the one-anda-half hours to Phuket Town or the blue and white Smart Bus ($8) heads direct to 11 stops along the west coast beaches.

> TIP...

You’re likely to pay more for a flat fare from the taxi or limousine drivers waiting inside the arrivals hall. So exit the airport, turn right and look for the Taxi Meter sign. Or organise transport through your hotel.

133

HONOLULU. (DANIEL K INOUYE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT)

> TAXI ABOUT $61 TO WAIKIKI >

BUS $4 Routes 19 and 20 depart from the second-level roadway at Honolulu Airport and stop off at downtown Honolulu, Ala Moana Shopping Centre and the hotel-dense Waikiki precinct.

> TIP...

Taxi drivers are referred to as “ambassadors of aloha”.

They are proud of their island and love pointing out landmarks and places of interest. Ask questions – you never know what local secrets you might learn.

W HE RE W E F LY Here’s how to get around our network – have fun planning your next trip.

INTERNATIONAL. Seoul Xuzhou Hefei

Shanghai (Pudong) Osaka (Kansai)

Tokyo (Narita) Nagoya (Chubu)

Okinawa Guiyang

Taipei

Guangzhou Hanoi

Shantou/Jieyang Hong Kong Haikou

Tho Xuan Vinh Chiang Mai Dong Hoi

Da Nang Siem Reap Bangkok Phnom Penh

Yangon

Phuket Penang Medan

Hawaii (Honolulu)

Clark

Manila

Ho Chi Minh City

Phu Quoc

Kuala Lumpur

Singapore Jakarta Surabaya

Bali (Denpasar) Darwin Fiji (Nadi)

Cairns

Cook Islands (Rarotonga)

Brisbane

Gold Coast

Perth

Sydney Adelaide

Auckland

Melbourne (Tullamarine)

Wellington Christchurch

Operated by Jetstar Airways Operated by Jetstar Asia Operated by Jetstar Pacific Operated by Jetstar Japan

Queenstown

T HE IN SIDER

DOMESTIC VIETNAM.

135

DOMESTIC JAPAN.

Hanoi Sapporo

Hai Phong Thanh Hoa Vinh

Shonai

Dong Hoi Nagoya (Chubu)

Hue Da Nang Chu Lai Pleiku

Matsuyama Osaka Fukuoka Takamatsu Nagasaki Oita Kochi Kumamoto Miyazaki Kagoshima

Quy Nhon

Tokyo (Narita) (Kansai)

Tuy Hoa Buon Ma Thuot Nha Trang Da Lat Phu Quoc

Ho Chi Minh City

Okinawa Miyako (Shimojishima)

Operated by Jetstar Pacific

Operated by Jetstar Japan

AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND.

Darwin Cairns

Townsville Hamilton Whitsunday Coast Island Mackay Sunshine Coast

Ayers Rock (Uluru)

Brisbane Gold Coast

Ballina Byron

Perth

Newcastle Busselton Margaret River

Sydney

Adelaide

Melbourne (Tullamarine)

Auckland

Melbourne (Avalon) Flights are operated by Jetstar Airways and commence 25 March 2020 (Melbourne–Busselton Margaret River), subject to regulatory approval Operated by Jetstar Airways

Wellington

Launceston Hobart

Christchurch Queenstown

Dunedin

PUZZLES 1

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Across 6 Eiffel Tower city (5) 7 Respectability (7) 9 First female premier of New South Wales, Kristina ... (8) 10 Beekeeping structure (4) 11 Surname of picture A (7) 13 Alter (rules) (5) 16 Comedian and actor, ...

Flanagan (5) 19 King or queen (7) 23 Country music legend, ...

Dusty (4) 24 Surname of picture B (8) 25 Tangled (rope) (7) 26 April star sign (5)

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© Lovatts Puzzles

PICTURE A

CROSSWORD

PICTURE B

QUIZ 1 Who lit the Olympic flame at the opening ceremony of the 2000 Summer Olympics?

2 How many species are there of New Zealand’s iconic native bird, the kiwi?

3 Name all three of the Hemsworth brothers (pictured far right).

4 Which two-time Nobel Prize winner coined the term radioactivity?

Down 1 Garden pavilion (6) 2 Messenger bird (6) 3 LP material (5) 4 National song (6) 5 Gold medallist in speed skating, ... Bradbury (6) 8 Dental thread (5) 12 Groove in track (3) 14 Listening organ (3) 15 Surname of picture C (5) 17 Lord Howe or Rottnest (6) 18 Bloody Mary juice (6) 20 Watercolour artist, ... Namatjira (6) 21 Tight spot (6) 22 Spiral nail (5)

PICTURE C

5 With which country does Vietnam not share a border: Laos, China, Thailand or Cambodia?

6 The last time an Australian player won the Australian Open men’s singles title was in what year?

7 According to a popular Australian nursery rhyme, what type of bird is king of the bush?

8 What is the name of the author who created fictional characters Mr Jeremy Fisher, Mr Tod and Mrs Tiggy-Winkle?

CROSSWORD AND PUZZLES COMPILED BY LOVATTS

9 How many ships sailed in the First Fleet?

10 Igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary are all types of what?

11 Okunoshima, a small island near Hiroshima, Japan, is famous for its abundance of what?

12 Who was the twin sister of the Greek god Apollo?

13 Since the 1990s, Englishman Robert Fulford has been one of the world’s most successful players of which sport?

T HE IN SIDER

137

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14 What are the two vegetables used to make the thick French soup vichyssoise?

15 Name the 30 Rock actress and comedian who wrote the script for beloved 2004 comedy Mean Girls.

16 Honeysuckle Creek Tracking Station, which relayed the first televised footage of Neil Armstrong setting foot on the moon in 1969, was located in which Australian state or territory?

Create words of 4 letters or more using the given letters once only, but always including the middle letter. Do not use proper names or plurals ending with S. See if you can find the 9-letter word using up all letters.

14 good

20 very good

25+ excellent

17 Maui and Oahu are two of the Hawaiian islands. What is the name of the largest island in the Hawaiian chain?

18 In what year were Australian women granted the right to vote in Commonwealth elections?

19 Long-running Australian TV soap Home and Away is shot in which beachside Sydney suburb?

20 Covering over 419,000 square kilometres, what is the name of Australia’s largest desert?

SOLUTIONS ON PAGE 140

Find the solutions on page 140.

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Why is Cinderella bad at soccer?

Because she’s always running away from the ball!

8

Between us, something smells!

9

Which hand is it better to write with?

Neither, it’s better to write with a pencil!

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SO URCE: G O O DH O USEKEEPING.C O M

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Bison!

Because she was a little hoarse!

Because they’re always coffin!

What animal can you always find at a baseball game?

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What did the buffalo say when his little boy left for school?

Why do vampires seem sick all the time?

APPL E JUICE C AR A MEL C H O C OL AT E C OFFEE C O R DI AL FIZZ Y DR INK GL AS S ICED T E A L AT T E L EM O N S Q UASH L EM O N A DE MILKSH AKE O R A N G E JUICE R ICE MIL K SM O OT HIE S OF T DR INK S OYA MIL K T U MBL ER

6

What did one eye say to the other eye?

Why couldn’t the pony sing “Happy Birthday”?

There are 18 drink-themed words hidden in the grid. Search up, down, forwards, backwards and diagonally for the words.

Can you find them all?

4

3

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9 1

A bat!

P U ZZLES

139

Can you spot the EIGHT DIFFERENCES between these two images? Circle what’s changed on the image below.

1 STAR WARS Test your knowledge with these super fun, totally awesome trivia questions.

1 Which two characters are brother and sister?

2 What is the name of Poe Dameron’s droid?

3 Which character built the droid C-3PO? 4 What is the name of Han Solo’s ship?

2 INVENTORS 1 Which household object did Alexander Graham Bell invent?

2 The light bulb was created by which inventor?

3 Henry Ford improved the assembly line used in which industry?

3 TRUE OR FALSE 1 The Summer Olympics are held every four years.

2 The German flag is made up of four different colours.

3 The Roman numeral M represents 1000.

4 Herbivores eat meat.

140

P U ZZLES

SOLUTIONS CROSSWORD

G P D P A R I S G F Z K E N E A L L O O B C O R N I S H U S M K I T T Y S O S C H S L I M R A A K N O T T E D O W D

S A V I G N I T E T N H I V Y E E L A M E N A H O N A R C O G L A M B E R N E N A R I E R T

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Café, Face, Fact, Fane, Fast, Fate, Feat, Fest, Feta, Fiat, Fine, Fist, Safe, Sift, Facet, Facia, Faint, Feast, Fecit, Feint, Tafia, Caftan, Facies, Fascia, Fasten, Fatsia, Fiancé, Fiesta, Finest, Infect, Infest, Fanatic, Fascine, Fanciest, Fasciate.

9-letter word: FASCINATE

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© Lovatts Puzzles

QUIZ 1 Cathy Freeman 2 Five 3 Luke, Chris and Liam 4 Marie Curie 5 Thailand 6 1976 7 Kookaburra 8 Beatrix Potter 9 11 10 Rocks

11 Rabbits 12 Artemis 13 Croquet 14 Leek and potato 15 Tina Fey 16 ACT 17 Hawaii (or Big Island) 18 1902 19 Palm Beach 20 Great Victoria Desert

1 There is an extra Dewey Duck (on the far left).

2 The buttons on Donald Duck’s jacket are missing.

3 The pattern on the door is missing.

4 Webby’s beak is a different colour.

5 Scrooge McDuck’s glasses are missing.

6 Dewey’s (blue) shirt has buttons on it.

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7 Huey’s (red) hat is a different colour.

8 The pattern on the carpet is missing.

Star Wars

Inventors

True or False

1 Luke & Leia

1 Telephone

1 True

2 BB-8

2 Thomas Edison 2 False; it is made

3 Anakin

3 Automobile

up of three colours

Skywalker

industry

3 True

4 Millennium

4 False; they

Falcon

eat plants

ByronBayBeachLife_Ad_180x125_HPH_Jetstar_Final.indd 1 AD_0120p141 141

15/10/19 am 10/12/19 11:14 3:03 pm

142

T HE IN SIDER

HIGHER. BIGGER. FASTER. LONGER. EACH ISSUE WE FOCUS ON A PL ACE PU NCHING ABOVE ITS WEIG H T

4205 METRES

SE A LE VEL

6000 METRES

> If you thought Mount Everest was the world’s tallest mountain, think again. Rising from the depths of the Pacific Ocean is a mountain so large that it easily outstrips the famous peak. It might sound impossible but Mauna Kea, a dormant volcano on the island of Hawaii, is about 1000 metres “taller” than Everest.

While the summit of Mauna Kea is only 4205 metres above sea level (half that of the lofty 8848-metre Everest), the mountain extends a further 6000 metres below the water’s surface.

Measured from its base at the bottom of the ocean to its snow-covered peak, the Hawaiian giant pips Everest at the post.

But there’s more to this mountain than size.

It is the highest point in the Pacific Basin and contains nearly every type of climate zone, including tropical beaches, rainforest and alpine desert. It is also one of the most sacred sites in the Hawaiian islands, with the summit considered the realm of the gods and long off-limits to all but high chiefs and priests.

Today, Mauna Kea is one of the only locations in the world where you can drive from sea level up to more than 4000 metres in two hours. (Be sure to stop at the Visitor Information Station beforehand for weather updates, important safety information and time to adjust to the change in altitude.) Given its distance from the city lights and the stable summit atmosphere, it is one of the world’s best locations for stargazing; the mountain is home to 13 of the world’s largest and most powerful telescopes. Pretty impressive for a landmark that’s mostly hidden underwater.

W O R D S _ K A I T LY N PA L M E R-A L L E N

Jetstar Holiday Packages Book your flight and hotel as a package, and you’ll always get the best prices available at jetstar.com

C A P T I VAT I N G C U LT U R E / S E C R E T T O W N S / FA B U L O U S F O O D / A M A Z I N G I SL A N D S

THE INSIDER’S GUIDE TO

THAILAND

A TOURISM AU THORIT Y OF THAIL AND PROMOTION

I T’S S I M P LY S P E C TA C U L A R

SPECI AL FE AT U RE

THE PLACE TO BE Something magical happens when you find the place you truly belong, where you’re welcomed like family no matter where you go, and cared for sincerely with a gracious Thai touch.

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C ON T EN T S 02

PHUKE T

EXPLORE ITS SECRETS

06 DISCOVER

TAKUA PA

12

BANGKOK

WALK THE CITY

PHUKE T —There is more to Phuket than pictureperfect palm fringed beaches and buzzing nightlife. Venture off the beaten track to find historic architecture, fun water parks and traditional cuisine—

> T IME TR AVEL Discover the glory of a bygone era with a visit to historic Phuket Old Town, brimming with ancient shrines, elaborate mansions and quaint shopfronts built in the ornamental “Sino-Portuguese” style – a unique blend of Chinese and European design elements. Many of the buildings date back to the early 19th century when Phuket was the centre of a tin-mining boom and lured people from around the world.

Get the inside story by joining a tour with a local guide; or take a stroll, making sure to visit atmospheric Soi Romanee where picturesque houses are fringed in tropical greenery. Visit the Phuket Walking Street Sunday night market to find a friendly, festive atmosphere with buskers, tasty local food stalls and historic houses lit up with twinkling lights.

> C ULT URE DASH A wonderful place to learn about Phuket’s multicultural history, Thai Hau Museum is housed in a beautiful Sino-Portuguese mansion, with interactive displays that tell a vivid story of the Chinese expats who came to Phuket. Exhibits and antiques are spread over 13 rooms encircling a sunny openair courtyard and shed light on traditional Peranakan clothing, architecture, tin mining, calligraphy and local cuisine. thaihuamuseum.com

> H O ME SC H O OL

543 T HE SIZE OF T HE ISL AND IN SQ UARE K ILO METRES.

BA A N C HINPR AC H A

For a tantalising glimpse into how the wealthy lived during the glory days of the tin-mining era, visit Baan Chinpracha (Chinpracha House) on Krabi Road. Built in 1903, this elegant Sino-Portuguese mansion is still a family home and you may be lucky enough to meet the charming owner, Khun Daeng, who graciously opens the house to the public.

Rooms filled with antiques and artwork surround an inner courtyard where sun streams in through to a pond decorated with fresh flowers.

Vintage Italian floor tiles and old family photos are a highlight of this house that has been a film set in several movies, including Oliver Stone’s Heaven & Earth.

BLUE TREE WATER PARK

PH UKE T OLD TO W N

T H A IL A N D

> N AT URE’S B O U N T Y Dubbed “The Queen of the Andaman fruits”, Phuket pineapples are renowned for their mellow sweetness and satisfying crunch. As well as tasting divine they are also considered auspicious, which is why you will often see them in religious ceremonies. Visit Old Phuket Farm and take a tour of the pineapple plantation in an old-fashioned buffalo cart. You can also try your hand at tapping for latex at the rubber tree plantation, learn how to mill rice, and finish with coffee and a homemade coconut dessert in a riverside pavilion.

03

> C HILL O U T Featuring a 17,000-square metre sparkling lagoon, Phuket’s newest entertainment attraction Blue Tree takes the concept of a water park to a whole new level. The Slip N Fly ramps catapult thrillseekers into the air before landing in the pool, you can also zoom above the lagoon on the zip line, indulge in some cliff jumping or test your skills at the Ninja Warrior obstacle course. The Family Splash Zone has a plethora of activities for kids of all ages and the park also offers beach volleyball, paddle boarding and ice skating.

If chilling out is more your style, poolside hammocks, sun loungers and the Sunset View Cocktail Bar beckon. For the hungry, dine at the Bay Grill, or sample delicious gourmet street fare from food trucks stationed around the arena. bluetree.fun

> W H AT’S C O OK IN G? “FE AT URIN G A 17,0 0 0 S Q UARE ME T RE SPARKL IN G L AG O O N, P H UKE T'S NE WEST AT T R AC T IO N TAKES T HE C O N CEPT OF A WATER PARK TO A W H OLE NE W LE VEL.”

Learn the art of preparing Thai specialties at Blue Elephant Restaurant and Cooking School, housed in the glamorous surrounds of the former Governor’s mansion.

The lesson begins with a trip to a local market for an immersion into the world of Thai herbs and spices.

Back at the mansion, you learn the tricks to perfecting delectable dishes such as spicy squid salad and crispy crab soufflé. Pay attention, as you will be dining on the fruits of your labour for lunch. blueelephant.com

T H A IL A N D

05

> A NIM AL M AG NE T ISM

> L IKE A LO CAL Discover eco-tourism in action with the award-winning Baan Bangrong Agricultural Preservation Tourism Group, a self-sustaining community tucked into the mangrove forests of north-east Phuket. Inhabitants of this small Muslim village have created a unique and informative cultural experience for visitors. Explore the mangrove forests by kayak, visit the goat farm, learn about reforestation and hike up to Bang Pae Waterfall for a refreshing dip. The floating restaurant serves fresh seafood and flavourful southern Thai cuisine, and you can book a homestay to experience genuine Thai hospitality in this welcoming community.

PR O M T HEP CAPE

The lush forests of Phuket once resounded with the howl of wild gibbons, who were sadly poached to the point of extinction. The good news is that, thanks to the tireless efforts of the Gibbon Rehabilitation Project – set up in 1992 to rescue, rehabilitate and release captive gibbons – a number of animals have been reintroduced to the wild. Visit the centre to learn all about these remarkable primates and see some of its inhabitants, including slow lorises and dusky langurs, from the observation platform. gibbonproject.org

> S U NSE T DREA MS

600K T HE N O N-TO URIST POPUL ATIO N OF T HE ISL AND.

EXPLORIN G M A N GR OVES

Phuket is famous for its dramatic sunsets and one of the best places to catch nature’s nightly extravaganza is at the southern-most point of the island, at Promthep Cape. Jutting into the glimmering Andaman Sea, this stunning headland is a popular, Instagram-friendly spot but you can wander away from the car park for a quieter experience.

The restaurant straddling the hillside has a wonderful outdoor terrace cooled by the evening breeze. Look out for shooting stars. phuket.com

> TR A IL R U N Mangroves have a crucial role to play in protecting coastlines and create a rich, fascinating ecosystem.

Head to the Sirinath National Park where an 800-metre elevated nature trail leads through thick mangrove forests. Along the way you will find wild flowers, creepers, climbers and helpful signs that point out various species. Other options for exploring the mangrove forests of Phuket include tours by mountain bike, kayak or ATV. phuket.com

06

T H A IL A N D

WAT SEN A N U C H R A N G SA N

TAKUA PA

—Step back in time with a visit to Takua Pa Old Town, one of Thailand’s best kept secrets.

Nestled on the banks of Yan Yao River in Phang Nga province, this riverfront town is filled with candy-coloured stucco shopfronts, graceful Sino-Portuguese mansions, friendly local inhabitants and nostalgic charm—

> WAT BEAU T Y Several wats (Thai Buddhist temples) can be found in Takua Pa Old Town. The most important, Wat Senanuch Rangsan, dates back to 1847 and houses an elaborate white marble Buddha featuring Burmese artistic influences. The grand and imposing ordination hall is ideal for moments of quiet contemplation.

Make sure to visit the small museum which has a number of interesting religious relics including a wooden Buddhist pulpit.

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T H A IL A N D

09

> HIS TORY LES S O N

S TREE T ART IN TAK UA PA

> IN T HEIR FO OTS TEPS Exploring the streets of Takua Pa is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon.

Covered walkways provide shade and retro shopfronts are built in colourful Sino-Portuguese style, featuring pastel louvres, gold fretwork and inlaid wooden doors. While some buildings are well preserved, others are crumbling, merely hinting at the days when the town was the most cosmopolitan in southern Thailand.

Many of the shops are adorned with old black and white photos showing Takua Pa families dressed in traditional Peranakan Chinese attire.

Concessions to tourism are few and the experience is like stepping into a time warp. Locals sit outside their houses and shopfronts, watching the world go by – stop for a chat and you may be invited in for iced tea.

"LO C ALS SI T O U TSIDE T HEIR H O USES WATC HIN G T HE W ORL D G O BY. STOP F OR A C H AT A N D YO U M AY BE IN V I TED IN F OR TE A."

As merchants became wealthy from the tin-mining boom, they commissioned elegant mansions as a portent of their success. Many were built in the Sino-Portuguese style, melding Chinese and Portuguese design and aesthetics. The style is also known as Chinese Baroque, due to highly ornamental fretwork, stucco mouldings and grand neoclassical pillars. Constructed

by Chinese artisans in 1917, Baan Khun In House has been beautifully preserved. You will find it amidst prett y gardens on the outskirts of town. You can also visit Tao Ming School – a colourful example of Chinese Baroque.

G UA N Y U C HINESE SHRINE

> M AJES T IC M A NSIO N

Once a famous international port, traders began arriving in Takua Pa in the 13th century. The town flourished in the 1800s as the tinmining boom drew migrant workers from around the world. When the boom ended many Chinese immigrants stayed on and their influence on local culture remains strong. You will find red paper lanterns fluttering in the breeze and a number of colourful pagodas and shrines throughout the historic quarter. The oldest is the vibrant, dragon-adorned shrine dedicated to Guan Yu, ancient god of war, who was renowned for courage and righteousness. Business owners come here to pray for honesty, while students pray for academic success.

The shrine is also the centre for carnival-like celebrations during the nine-day Tesagan Gin Je (vegetarian festival), 16-25 October 2020, when you will find chanting monks, vegan food stalls and plenty of lively percussion which is intended to awaken the spirits. Most locals, as well as many Thais across the country, turn vegan for the duration of the festival, as participation is believed to contribute to a long and healthy life.

T H A IL A N D TAO S OR

10

TAK UA PA OLD TO W N

> TO M ARKE T, TO M ARKE T Sleepy Takua Pa Old Town buzzes to life on Sunday afternoons from November – May with a very “un-touristy” market. Enjoy the authentic and welcoming Thai atmosphere while browsing vintage postcards, Chinese lacquer ware and fascinating bric-a-brac. Locals set up stalls right in front of their houses and are always open for a chat. The main street is closed to traffic and fabulous aromas waft through the air as vendors set up food carts selling local specialties such as duck and rice, massaman curry and spicy Thai fishcakes. As this is a local-style market, be warned, you may find flavours more fiery than you would at a tourist restaurant.

This is also the perfect opportunity to sample the famed local dessert specialties such as taosor.

B O O N S O O N G BRID GE

> S WEE T TREATS Takua Pa is well-known for its cakes and desserts, best enjoyed with a gafe bolan – a Thai iced coffee brewed from robust, full-flavoured beans and served with whipped cream and a sprinkle of anise. Look for kuih kosui – a glistening palm sugar cake. And try khanom buang – crispy pancakes that resemble tacos and caramel graham cracker waffle cookies. These are a local specialty similar to a Dutch stroopwafel. The town is particularly well known for taosor. Similar to a Chinese moon cake, golden pastry is stuffed with mashed mung beans and seasoning to give either sweet or salty flavours. Enjoy them fresh from the oven at Tuangrat Taosor, a family-owned cake shop where you can also try your hand at shaping and filling the pastry.

1300s W HEN TR ADERS BEGAN TO ARRIVE TO T HE PORT TO W N OF TAK UA PA.

> BRID GIN G T HE GAP Known by various names including “Iron Bridge”, Boon Soong Bridge is a landmark situated just out of town. Constructed by the Boon Soong family, a powerful Takua Pa clan who owned a mining concession, it was built in 1968 with iron taken from old tin-mining ships. Its original purpose was to make it easy for workers to cross the Takua Pa River to get to the mine.

Although the mine is now closed, the 200-metre bridge is still in use.

> BY T HE RIVER Enjoy a wonderfully scenic river tour through narrow tributaries surrounded by lush jungle on the Little Amazon, on the outskirts of Takua Pa Town (keep an eye out for brightly coloured birds, butterflies, giant lizards and monkeys swinging through the trees). Local guides paddle the small canoes, following the river as it winds through the shady canopies of giant old banyan trees, where you will often see pythons asleep in the branches.

Look for the sign near the police station to find the departure point. fb.me/TK.Amazon

T H A IL A N D

BANGKOK —A blend of old and new, east and west, serene temples and teeming sidewalks, Bangkok is endlessly captivating. The best way to discover the character-filled neighbourhoods of the city is on one of these fascinating walks—

> YAO WAR AT “T HE DR AG O N'S L A IR” 2K M FR O M YA O W A R AT C H IN AT O W N H ER I TAG E CEN T RE

Bangkok’s “Chinatown” is the largest in the world.

Learn about the area's history at the Yaowarat Chinatown Heritage Centre, located within Wat Traimit Withayaram, home to a gold Buddha weighing 5.5 tonnes and almost five metres in height. Close by is the dragon-adorned King Celebration Arch which is known as Chinatown's gateway.

Wind through alleyways packed with herb shops, spirit houses and food stalls to the Thai Heng Restaurant, famed for its mouth-watering Khao Man Gai (Hainanese chicken rice) and suki. Then duck into Wat Bamphen Chin Phrot, a small temple often known as Wat Yong Hok Yi. Here you’ll glimpse beautiful Buddha images through a haze of incense.

Wat Mangkon Kamalawat is one of the most important Chinese Buddhist temples in the city and is filled with shrines and dragon motifs. Finish your walk at Thien Fah Foundation Hospital, home to the Guan Yin Shrine, where people pray for good health at the statue of the Chinese Goddess of Mercy.

> BA N G R AK A ND SILO M 5K M FR O M S AT H O R N PIER

Behind the busy Charoen Krung Road is a peaceful riverside district that's a melting pot of cultures, faiths, hipster cafés and funky art spaces.

Start at Sathorn Pier, the main pier for the Chao Phraya Raya Express Boat.

Close by, the Hainanese-style Bang Rak Shrine, built in the late 1800s, is dedicated to 108 Chinese traders who were mistaken for pirates and killed in Vietnam. Walk on to Wat Suan Phlu, a heavily ornamental community temple just near Assumption Cathedral. Built in 1821, it is the main Roman Catholic church in Thailand. Come to the old Muslim quarters to find great halal food in the street markets then pass by Haroon Mosque and Customs House, a grand European-style building dated to 1888. Head east to the leafy gardens of Bangkok Folk Museum, also known as the Bangkokian Museum, for history of the area. Finish at the Sri Maha Mariamman, a historic Hindu temple in the area dubbed “Little India”.

TEMPLE OF T HE G OLDEN M O U N T – WAT SAKE T A ND P O M M A H AK A N

12

T H A IL A N D

H OLY R O SARY C H URC H

14

> YAO WAR AT B UKR UK 3K M FR O M T H E G R A N D P O S TAL B UIL DIN G

This route explores Talad Noi, a riverside Chinese community brimming with ancient temples and tasty street food.

S TREE T ART

C O OK IN G C HES T N U TS

> PR A N AKORN: T HE OLD CIT Y WALL 2.5K M FR O M KO PE H YA TA I K EE

The old city is best known for its glittering Grand Palace and famous Wat Pho but wander into the back streets to discover lesser-known neighbourhoods near the ancient city wall.

Soak up the atmosphere while sipping a caffeine-rich brew at Kope Hya Tai Kee, a traditional Chinese-style coffee shop.

Then visit the Ban Bat community who have been making alms bowls for monks (for food offerings) for generations. In the next block you come to Trok Shanghai, a community of Chinese carpenters from Shanghai (look for the lane packed with hand carved wooden furniture). Towering over the precinct is Wat Saket – the Temple of the Golden Mount, with a gleaming gold chedi that houses a Buddha relic.

Climb up the 300 steps for panoramic city views. Finish your walk at Pom Mahakan, a striking white octagonal fort on the Chao Phraya River, dating back to the 18th century.

Start at huge neoclassic structure the Grand Postal Building, then come to a long wall adorned with eclectic street art – a colourful legacy of the 2016 Bukruk Urban Arts Festival.

Heading towards the river, see Holy Rosary Church – its Gothic design and creamy-hued facade make it popular with photographers. Take a peek inside the evocative Heng Tai Mansion. More than 200 years old, it is essentially a living museum, albeit now used as a dive shop. On the riverfront, the Chao Zhou Shi Kong Shrine was built in the Quing Dynasty style and dedicated to Zhou Shi Kong – a highly respected Chinese monk. End your walk on Song Wat Road where beautiful old buildings are characterised by stained glass windows, Corinthian pillars and decorative stucco work.

N E W M R T S TAT I O N S T H E OL D CI T Y IS N O W E A SIER T O G E T A R O U N D T H A N E V ER BEF O RE W I T H T HE O PENIN G OF T H REE N E W M R T S U B WAY S TAT IO N S, E AC H D E C O R AT ED IN U NIQ U E S T YL E T O H O N O U R T H E H ER I TAG E OF T H E A RE A. T R AV EL T O W AT M A N G KO N F O R C HIN AT O W N, S A M YO T F O R WAT S AKE T A N D S A N A M C H A I F O R T H E G R A N D PAL ACE.

Wedding Chapel

Premier Pool Villa

The Nest Dinner

Crest Resort & Pool Villas

Phuket’s Best Luxury Wedding Chapel located in the luxurious naturally inspired 5 star hotel has been recently launched to offer a new romantic dream wedding destination with a spectacular view of Tri Trang Beach. Along the Wedding Chapel, there is also an indoor and outdoor area for a memorable wedding reception hosted by Andakira Group’s Signature Hospitality.

Crest Resort & Pool Villas offers variety of rooms from deluxe to pool villas.

We are also very proud to have garnered the prestigious Award of Global Destination Wedding Hotel 2019 under Golden Vane Awards held in China on the month of November of the current year.

LUXURY ROMANTIC HOTEL WINNER SOUTHEAST ASIA

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For more information on having a picturesque tropical wedding in Phuket, please contact us via email below : facebook.com/crestphuket facebook.com/crestphuket

crestresortandpoolvillas crestresortandpoolvillas

www.crestphuket.com www.crestphuket.com

info@crestphuket.com info@crestphuket.com

+66 (0) 76 310 088 +66 (0) 76 310 088

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