Aussie Guide & Map Autumn Winter 2018

AUSSIE

GUIDE & MAP WORK, STUDY, TRAVEL

MAP

THE

OF OZ

AUSTRALIA

SKYDIVE

12

WWOOFING

11

THE REEF

16

facebook.com/wordaustralia

Kakadu

Kimberley

Kings Canyon Uluru

Exmouth

Coober Pe

Esperance

JOURNEY TIMES IN HOURS

JOURNEY TIMES IN HOURS

ROUTE

AIR

BUS

ROUTE

AIR

BUS

Sydney – Adelaide

1.40

24.00

Darwin – Alice Springs

1.50

19.00

Sydney – Canberra

0.35

3.15

Darwin – Kakadu

–

4.30

Sydney – Melbourne inland

1.10

14.30

Alice Springs – Ayers Rock

0.45

6.00

Canberra – Melbourne

0.55

9.30

Cairns – Brisbane

2.05

25.00

Melbourne – Adelaide

1.05

9.30

Brisbane – Sydney

1.15

17.00

Melbourne – Broken Hill

1.50

19.00

Brisbane – Melbourne

1.55

25.00

Adelaide – Alice Springs

2.00

20.00

Melbourne – Hobart

1.15

–

Adelaide – Perth

3.00

35.00

Melbourne – Devonport

1.05

10.00 by sea

Adelaide – Brisbane

2.15

33.30

2 THE WORD Australia Aussie Guide & Map

Cape Tr i b u l a t i o n

Mission Beach Whitsundays

Airlie Beach

1770

Fraser Island

n

Noosa

Hervey Bay Rainbow Beach Gold Coast

Byron Bay Coffs Harbour Port Macquarie

edy Blue Mountains

Kangaroo Island

Great Ocean Rd

@wordaustralia 3

AUSSIE

GUIDE & MAP Work & Study

10 18 19 Travel Maps Australia Pty Ltd have been producing tourist maps and guides of Sydney since 1993.

This Guide is distributed FREE in over 500 hotels, best value accommodations, transport hubs and international colleges in Sydney.

Other titles include: THE WORD Sydney Map THE WORD Desktop Maps

This guide is printed by PMP Limited. PMP Limited are committed to continuous environmental improvement by using environmental management systems, introducing environmental initiatives and benchmarking to globally recognised standards and monitoring. Paper fibre is from PEFC certified forests and controlled sources.

4 THE WORD Australia Aussie Guide & Map

Welcome to Australia 5 Visa Updates 6 Visa & Job Assistance 7 Harvest Work 8 Voluntourism 11 Travel Sydney Harbour – Snapshot Cruises 10 Adventure – Skydiving 12 Queensland 14 Whitsunday Islands 15 Cairns – The Adventure Capital 16 Cape Tribulation 18 Tasmania 20 Red Centre 21

22 Edition: Autumn/Winter 2018 Published by Travel Maps Australia PO Box 7023, Warringah Mall, NSW 2100 Tel: 02 8338 0842 contact@thewordaustralia.com.au Publisher/Editor: Mike Barrow Managing Editor: Chris Harrison Design/Production: KYSO.com.au Administration: Narelle van Leeuwen Customer Service: Martin Sisolak Advertising Enquiries Tel: 02 8338 0842 sales@thewordaustralia.com.au Views expressed in this guide are not necessarily those of the publisher.

WELCOME TO AUSTRALIA

Welcome to Australia!

Our vast country, which is also a continent, and often considered to be the world’s largest island.

Australia’s vast size gives rise to a wide variety of landscapes, from lush ancient tropical rainforests in North Queensland, to mountain ranges along the New South Wales and Victorian border and to the dry, desert country in the centre, known as ‘the Outback’.

Most of us (25 million Aussies) live along the coast.

Sydney is the largest city (4.8m), but Melbourne (4.4m)

is catching up fast, Brisbane (2.3m), and Adelaide (1.3m) are also large. Whereas Darwin is a capital city (of the Northern Territory) but has only 140 000 people, and the national capital (Canberra) has only 350 000.

Australia is a wealthy country, ranking second in the world (after Switzerland). Australia also has a history of extensive immigration. In 2011, 25% of Aussies were born overseas and 43% had at least one overseasborn parent.

It’s a very beautiful and diverse country and a friendly country with its own unique sense of good humour. It’s also sport-crazy, full of golden sandy beaches, blue skies and clean air. In short, a great place to live, work, study and travel.

As a traveller with money and/or time constraints, try to travel as much as you can. But still do as much as possible. Visit lots of golden beaches and mix with lots of friendly locals.

Above all, have fun and enjoy this great country. After all that’s why you came here, right? @wordaustralia 5

VISA UPDATES

The Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) is reviewing Working Holiday Visas with a view to increasing the age limit (from 30 to 35).

However the department’s position is bound by reciprocal agreements from other countries.

Keep your eyes peeled for more updates on Working Holiday Visas as the reciprocal agreements are negotiated regularly.

More information at www.aurecmigration.com.au www.border.gov.au www.thebyte.com.au

JOB HUNTING

Most jobs for working holiday makers or international students are short-term (i.e 6-months or less), are low-skills level positions and are suitable for people with minimal experience or low English language levels.

Popular jobs for backpackers and students include: call centre, childcare, farm work 6 THE WORD Australia Aussie Guide & Map

or fruit picking (see p7), health, hospitality, office work, retail, sales and the trades or warehousing.

More information at www.downundr.com www.gostudy.com.au www.goworkabout.com www.thejobshop.com.au www.workstay.com.au

FREE VISA & JOB ASSISTANCE!

Do you need help staying in Australia, or advice on how to find a job?

Go Study Australia is the nation’s leading education agency offering free advice and support on studying in Australia, gaining a student visa and how to get a job.

Go Study Australia offers academic course selection, visa processing, help finding jobs, migration services, and social activities.

Our services also can connect you to over 1500 courses across Australia. Let Go Study Australia take the stress and risk out of your study experience.

Get your visa processed for free. Guaranteed lowest prices on all courses.

Offices in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth.

Call 02 9283 0480 www.gostudy.com.au

FREE ADVICE & SUPPORT VISA • STUDIES • WORK • FUN

VISA EXTENSION STUDIES IN AUSTRALIA JOB SUPPORT & SEMINARS PARTIES & EXCURSIONS

+++....

We speak languages

students already trusted us

www.gostudy.com.au SYDNEY • MELBOURNE • BRISBANE • PERTH Level , Kent St Sydney australia@gostudy.com.au + ((() 88 @wordaustralia 7

HARVEST WORK

Every year, approximately 40,000 Working Holiday Makers/Backpackers work in Australian agriculture. Many of whom are completing their 88 days of specified work that is required for eligibility for a Second year visa.

Australian farmers rely on backpackers to help get the pruning done, beef cattle mustered, crops harvested and dairy cows milked.

There is a guide summarising a short checklist with the key things that backpackers need to keep in mind when going to work on an Australian farm – SEARCH “Farm Work – A guide for Working Holiday Makers”.

Be careful where you get information about jobs There are websites and scams galore so be careful.

Don’t pay money upfront unless you have spoken to other independent backpackers that have used that source. The Harvest Trail website www.harvesttrail.gov.au is funded by the Australian 8 THE WORD Australia Aussie Guide & Map

Government and is careful what jobs they list. Most times they can put you directly in touch with the farmer listing the job and it costs nothing to use. Ring them on 1800 062 332 and take advantage of their expertise.

Get a car There is little public transport away from the cities. If you have your own independent transport you are totally in control, and it can be your accommodation too. Sharing a van is the best way, and can be quite cheap. Try the backpacker vehicle rental market.

Piecework can be your friend Piecework is paid by the amount of fruit you pick. Don’t be scared off by it, a better than

average worker can earn more than the hourly rate once they get up to speed. Stick it out for a full week and see how much you improve before you decide whether to leave. Remember, if you socialise while working it will slow you down, leave that to the hostel in the evenings.

Don’t put up with poor treatment The farmer is the boss, but if they treat you poorly, don’t put up with it, move on... and tell others. You still have to be paid for the work done.

Report it, report it, report it Keep records of your work and if you get ripped off, report it. Don’t just grizzle and vent on social media, formally report it to an authority that can do something about it. If you don’t, the rip-offs will continue. … AND HAVE FUN!

LOOKING FOR HARVEST WORK?

Funded by the Australian Government at no cost to workers or employers

@wordaustralia 9

SYDNEY HARBOUR SNAPSHOT CRUISES

Whether it’s your first time in Sydney, or you’re a returning visitor, this is a must do activity designed just with visitors in mind. Join Fantasea Cruising on their most authentic of Sydney Harbour cruises.

This daily scheduled cruise is actually on their Yellow Water

Taxis, allowing you to get up close and personal with the various icons of Sydney Harbour.

This cruise also includes insightful commentary that will educate and amaze you as you explore Australia’s rich and diverse history with Fantasea’s experienced hosts.

Guests of these Sydney Harbour cruises also get to experience a sense of Aussie culture firsthand. This tour is perfect for both locals and visitors alike and is one of the top 10 things to do whilst in Sydney.

More information www.fantasea.com.au

Harbour SnapSHot CruiSe Fantasea Cruising’s friendly and informative ‘Snapshot’ Cruise will see you exploring the iconic sights of Sydney Harbour up close and personal. With a different, 30 minute, route in each direction you will be sure to get a glimpse of Sydney’s best from all angles and have plenty of photo opportunities.

1800 326 822 info@yellowwatertaxis.com.au 10 THE WORD Australia Aussie Guide & Map

VOLUNTOURISM

Join WWOOF as a volunteer and become a wonderful WWOOFer! 1600 WWOOF Hosts around Australia invite WWOOFers to stay and help.

WWOOFing is a fantastic way to travel Australia spending time with interesting people while learning a variety of new skills.

WWOOF Hosts live sustainable lifestyles; most are in rural areas, with a growing number of urban Hosts.

Many Hosts are Permaculture enthusiasts, about 20% use Bio-dynamic growing methods and approximately 10% are Certified Organic properties.

WWOOFers help Hosts with their current tasks. Joining in as family, often there are no set hours, but an average of four to six hours daily of farming/ gardening type volunteer work is a fair exchange for all of your meals and accommodation.

More information at www.wwoof.com.au

@wordaustralia 11

ADVENTURE SKYDIVING

Ever thought about jumping out of a perfectly good light airplane?

Well, its available right on your doorstep so now is the time to try.

Skydiving is one of those adrenaline activities on many people’s to-do list. With excellent training and operator safety levels, Australia is the perfect place to finally take that leap.

For many tandem skydiving is the way to go. A tandem skydive only requires 15–20 minutes of practical training.

A qualified instructor is strapped to your back and all you have to worry about

12 THE WORD Australia Aussie Guide & Map

is enjoying the ride!

Find the most suitable package including price, convenience and availability.

You’ll also need to think about the kind of view you want to absorb while floating to the ground.

The best advice is to go as high as you can. You’ll get a full minute of free-fall from 14,000 feet and experience speeds of around 200 km/ph.

You’ll also get complimentary transfers with Sydney Skydivers.

More information Sydney Skydivers www.1300skydive.com.au 1300 759 348

QUEENSLAND

Queensland offers some magical places to visit that are both distinctive and captivating.

Discover and experience its endless wonders from tropical rainforests, pristine beaches, World Heritage sites, outback and of course its adrenalin adventures.

Queensland has nearly 300 days of sunshine a year and so with the ideal all-year-round climate, it’s no wonder that its one of the hot backpacking destinations around the world.

Blue skies and warm weather have given Queensland the slogan ‘Beautiful one day – perfect the next.’

Your travel options include nature-based and/or adventurebased activities, cruise & sail or rail and driving holidays.

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Queensland’s capital – Brisbane, has grown over the past 15 years and is now regarded as one of Australia’s most liveable cities.

The Gold Coast is such a great place to visit for its outdoor lifestyle and party nights.

The world famous ‘Great Barrier Reef’ can be accessed from many resorts along the north coast of Queensland, including Cairns, adventure capital of the north.

Finally, all along the Queensland coast are some of the world’s most beautiful islands. From South Stradbroke Island in the south, through Magnetic Island off Townsville to Fitzroy Island in the far north, which has Nudey Beach, the #1 beach in Australia.

WHITSUNDAYS ISLANDS

Ocean Rafting Whitsundays offers two exciting day tour adventures, the Northern Exposure and Southern Lights, with each tour offering an exhilarating ride to Whitehaven Beach, pristine snorkelling reefs and guided National Parks walks.

Ocean Rafting offers the ultimate access to iconic Hill Inlet, and snorkel sites at Hook and Border Islands ensure a memorable underwater experience.

More information oceanrafting.com.au 07 4946 6848

2016 Gold Major Tour & Transport Operators

@wordaustralia 15

CAIRNS – THE ADVENTURE CAPITAL OF AUSTRALIA

SO MUCH TO SEE Reef, Rainforest, Lagoon, Markets, Kuranda, Atherton Tablelands, Port Douglas, Skydive, Bungy, Scuba Dive and PARTY!!

DAY TRIPS TO THE REEF Experience the best day out on the Reef with Evolution day boat, offering the ultimate luxury at an affordable price. downundercruiseanddive.com.au SKYDIVE Get high and experience the ultimate rush. Jump out of a plane from up to 17 000ft.

Parachute kindly supplied. tandemcairns.com.au SCUBA DIVING The Great Barrier Reef can only really be appreciated underwater whilst Scuba diving.

Turtles, rays, Nemo and sharks! cairnsdive.com.au BILLY TEA Small personalised tour with a naturalist guide into the Daintree rainforest. See crocs, birds and snakes in their natural environment. billytea.com.au 16 THE WORD Australia Aussie Guide & Map

arrier tB R a

ef e

Gr e

www.cairnsdive.com.au

D I V E CENTRE AUSTRALIA

• Learn to Dive • Glass Bottom Boat Day & Night Tours • Introductory Diving • Snorkelling • Island Hire - coral viewing

kayaks, snorkel & dive gear, stand up paddle boards & Kymera Board hire

Fitzroy Island Dive Centre Ph:

07 4041 0440

www.cairnsdive.com.au CAIRNS DIVE CENTRE

SPECIALISING IN • • • • • •

Day Trips to the Outer Reef Day Trips to Fitzroy Island 2 & 3 Day Liveaboard Trips Snorkelling & Diving Introductory Diving Learn to Dive Courses Cairns Dive Centre 121 Abbott Street, Cairns Qld 4870

Ph:

07 4051 0294

www.cairnsdive.com.au

@wordaustralia 17

CAPE TRIBULATION

Ocean Safari offers an exciting ride to snorkel the pristine untouched Great Barrier Reef off the Daintree Coast at Cape Tribulation.

After a fast 25 minute ride, guests are ready to snorkel two fabulous locations on the Great Barrier Reef.

18 THE WORD Australia Aussie Guide & Map

Rates 5 stars and ranked No 1 of 20 activities in Cape Trip on TripAdvisor.

Ocean Safari is also home to the Turtle Rock CafĂŠ and Safari Lodge (just 400 metres from the beach).

Safari Lodge offers Safari Huts and camp sites, as well as a swimming pool, camp kitchen, laundry and clean amenities in the tropical Cape Tribulation rainforest. It is the perfect base for exploring this famous region.

More information oceansafari.com.au 07 4098 0006

GREAT BARRIER REEF CAIRNS

EVOLUTION The Multi-award winning Reef Vessel

The Best Value Tour in Australia DOWNUNDERCRUISEANDDIVE.COM.AU

DAINTREE & CHILLAGOE TOURS – CAIRNS

Unique Rainforest & Outback Adventures B I L LY T E A . C O M . A U @wordaustralia 19

TASMANIA – AN ISLAND OF OPPORTUNITIES

BY MIKE BARROW Exploring Tasmania’s rich history, vast wilderness areas, dazzling beaches and amazing fresh produce and wine is best done from the comfort of your own camper.

Give yourself 7 to 10 days.

Start in Hobart and travel in a scenic loop around the island.

Hobart has Salamanca Markets on a Saturday and the Museum of Old and New. The east coast has the famous Wineglass Bay and Bay of Fires, Launceston has the Tamar Valley for wine and is the gateway to Cradle Mountain.

Penguins, Devils, Seals and maybe a Tiger are the nature options when you hit the road and explore this exciting island.

20 THE WORD Australia Aussie Guide & Map

Tassie is very different from the mainland, the people are really friendly and the food is simply amazing. The fresh, clean air keeps people coming back and the scenery, either mountain or coastline, is unspoilt and rugged.

Britz Campervans have a range of 2WD and 4WD vehicles from which to choose. The campers include everything, allowing you to explore at your own pace. The Britz Action Pod is available out of Hobart and has the perfect set up for two people, easy to drive and park anywhere.

Check out www.britz.com.au

RED CENTRE

BY MIKE BARROW Uluru is an amazing place to visit, a unique landscape, literally in the middle of nowhere. As we approached this sandstone monolith, our trusted tour guide explained the sacred significance for the local Anangu people.

Together with its cultural importance, people will no longer be permitted to walk to the top of Uluru from the end of this year. After a healthy and rather hot walk around part of Uluru, we met a local Anangu woman. She explained some of the rock art and use of wooden implements for hunting and digging. Her knowledge had all been passed down through generations, none of it written or recorded on a computer.

The nearby Kata Tjuta (Olgas) lie 25 kilometres away and are very different to Uluru.

Walking through this large group of rock dome formations was an awesome experience.

I felt as though a dinosaur was about to appear at any moment.

The surface of the Olgas is a hard granite or basalt but incredibly red in colour. The small waterholes were alive with birds and the contrast in colours from the lush green plants, the blue sky and red earth is breathtaking. There is something very moving and spiritual about Kata Tjuta which can only be sensed when there.

Given the option of camping under the stars in a swag or opting for a cabin was CONT 23 > @wordaustralia 21

ULURU AND THE RED CENTRE

If you haven’t seen Uluru at sunrise, then you are in for a beautiful surprise.

The colour changes are amazing from purple to red.

It’s a unique experience and attracts thousands of visitors every year.

The team from the Rock Tour will look after you, feed you and

22 THE WORD Australia Aussie Guide & Map

drive you to the best viewing places. You will head straight to Uluru from your accommodation and learn about the Dreamtime at the Aboriginal Cultural Centre. The Uluru Base Walk then gives you the opportunity to take in the spiritual nature of the gorges, waterholes and cave paintings and you will sleep overnight in swags under a million stars.

The three day, two night tour then heads to the amazing Kings Canyon.

Go with the professionals, go with the Rock Tour.

FREECALL 1800 246 345 www.therocktour.com.au

< FROM 21 delightful. However, as the heavens opened, it became necessary to take refuge in the cabins. Heavy storms are exciting to witness in the Red centre. Plants and flowers come alive after a heavy downfall.

Kings Canyon, part of the Watarrka National Park, is a three hour drive from Uluru and well worth the visit. The Rim Walk around the edge of the canyon is incredibly different from previous days, yet the contrast in the green, blue and red colour is still there. It takes about three hours, including a steep ascent known as â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Heartbreak Hillâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. Halfway along the walk is a detour into the Garden of Eden, a permanent waterhole within the gorge, frequented by wallabies and birds is both tranquil and serene.

The long distance driving is so different from other

parts of Australia. Camels, dingos and eagles roam freely in this vast red wilderness known as the Red Centre.

Many thanks to the following: www.wayoutback.com.au, the small safari tour company for all ages. www.aatkings, for transfers to and from Uluru www.voyages.com.au for accommodation at Uluru

@wordaustralia 23

24 THE WORD Australia Aussie Guide & Map