TNT Down Under 684

June 4-10 2012 Issue 684 tntdownunder.com

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START S TART YOUR YOUR ENGINES E NGINES The best be est rroutes outes open road on the open

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TOM STURROCK EDITOR editor@tntdownunder.com

EDITOR’S LETTER Even when you’re travelling, a major sporting event can persuade you to cock an ear in the direction of the nearest TV and we reckon it’s especially true of this year’s European Championships. Will it be more heartbreak for England? Can anyone stop Spain? Will the Germans open with a joke? Check out our bumper preview, starting on page 46, for the skinny on all the teams.

THIS WEEK OZ DIARY

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CHATROOM

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FILM

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COMPETITION

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TRAVEL

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NEWS

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OPINION

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SPORT

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LISTINGS NSW

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LISTINGS QUEENSLAND

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LISTINGS VICTORIA

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LISTINGS SA

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LISTINGS NT

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LISTINGS TASMANIA

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LISTINGS WA

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LISTINGS NEW ZEALAND

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WORK

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TRIVIAL PURSUITS

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FEATURES ON THE ROAD

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Getting from A to B – and everywhere in between – on our road-trip discovery

RETRO COWBOY

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Aussie singer Sam Sparro fuses some eclectic influences on his new album

ANIMAL FARM

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Explore the wild and wonderful natural habitat of SA’s Kangaroo Island

VIET WHEELS

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Saddle up for a bicycle journey through Vietnam’s stunning Mekong Delta

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OZDIARY EDITORIAL Editor Tom Sturrock Deputy editor Alex Harmon Editorial assistant Leigh Livingstone Contributors Duncan Forgan

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Vinnie is a long way from the Surf Club

DESIGN AND PRODUCTION Design and production manager Lisa Ferron SALES Account manager Justin Steinlauf Sales executive Caroline Ward MARKETING & EVENTS Business development manager Tom Wheeler Marketing assistant Leroy Meurs DISTRIBUTION Lee Sutherland ACCOUNTS Financial controller Trish Bailey

TNT MULTIMEDIA LTD CEO Kevin Ellis Chairman Ken Hurst PUBLISHER TNT Multimedia Limited PRINTED BY Rural Press NEWS AAP PICTURES Getty Images | Thinkstock | AAP | TNT Images | Tourism Australia | Tourism Victoria | Tourism New South Wales | Tourism NT | Tourism Queensland | Tourism Tasmania | South Australia Tourism | Tourism Western Australia | Tourism New Zealand | Tourism Fiji | TNT Magazine , 126 Abercrombie Street, Chippendale, Sydney, NSW 2008 tntdownunder.com General enquiries Phone 02 8332 7500 Fax 02 9690 1314 Email enquiries@tntdownunder.com

MAIN EVENT SYDNEY FILM FESTIVAL SYDNEY

It’s one of the longest-running film festivals in the world, offering Sydney three weeks of cinematic glory. Whether you’re into action, sci-fi, Bollywood, arthouse zombie horror or cheesy romantic comedies, you’re guaranteed to find something. The hardest part will be deciding what to see. The opening-night film, Not Suitable For Children, (above) stars Ryan Kwanten as a fun-loving guy facing surgery to remove one of his testicles. $13

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June 6-17. Tickets from $13.70. Buy a flexipass to save Various, Sydney sff.org.au

LIGHT IN WINTER FESTIVAL

SNOWY MOUNTAINS OF MUSIC FESTIVAL

JAZZ AND BLUES FESTIVAL

This festival brings together local and international artists, designers, architects, filmmakers and multicultural groups in a free, month-long program involving sculpture, talks, events and workshops – aiming to shed light on chilly Federation Square.

Quite literally the ‘coolest’ festival in Oz. Kickstart the ski season with a bang during the vibrant four-day festival packed with live music over the long weekend. Catch the Black Seeds, A French Butler Called Smith, CJ Shaw and the Blow Ins and more.

Dust off your favourite dancing shoes and swing into action, or sit back, relax and enjoy a feast of homegrown and international talent at Sydney’s favourite harbourside music event over the weekend. Jazz, blues, local DJs and more.

From June 1-July 1 Federation Square, Melbourne fedsquare.com

Until June 3 Various, Melbourne emergingwritersfestival.org.au

June 9-11 Darling Harbour, Sydney darlingharbour.com

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There is no business connection between the proprietors of this magazine and TNT Ltd, the worldwide transportation group. Copyright here and abroad of all original materials is held by TNT Magazine. Reproduction in whole or part is forbidden, except with permission of the publishers. Registered by Australia Post.

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Spin your wheels The road trip is a cherished staple of any open-ended travelling experience. So leave air travel behind, rent a car and hit the road WORDS TOM STURROCK

These days, so much travel is all about the destination. And it’s fair enough – if you only have a week off work, you need to fly in, enjoy yourself and then get home in time for Monday morning.

But some destinations lend themselves perfectly to an epic road-trip, a meandering, timeless exploration, in which the getting-there is as important as the end result.

There are few things more exciting than setting out with a bunch of mates, packed into a car or a combi or a motor home, with a bunch of carefully compiled playlists and the knowledge that there’s some seriously solid driving-time ahead of you. It’s comforting to know that you have nothing more to do than sit tight and watch the world go by on the other

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side of your window. That’s the appeal of a road-trip.

And, fortunately, Australia is home to several spectacular routes – some slightly punishing, seemingly unending; others short, sweet and slightly more low-impact. So consider some of our favourite routes and imagine yourself, some fellow travellers and an uncluttered open road.

The must-dos include the Great Ocean Road in Victoria, which has been a tourist hot-spot for as long as there have been tourists. The Snowy Mountain Drive is probably less wellknown but no less scenic. Visitors are more likely to have been to the snowfields but may have neglected the surroundings areas.

If you’ve a bit more time to spare,

then why not embark on an odyssey through north Queensland’s Savannah Way? Or tackle the Nullarbor, driving from Adelaide all the way to Perth?

And the cousins across the Tasman have their fair share of cracking routes as well – but of course, you won’t be able to get your rental car all the way over there. Queenstown is a popular winter hang-out but instead of just smashing your liver, why not get hold of some wheels and make your way to Milford Sound, which is a couple of days’ drive away and one of the country’s top attractions.

Further afield, we’ve got California’s Pacific Coast, from San Francisco to Los Angeles, the island-hopping of Brazil’s east coast and the round-trip through Thailand’s Phuket. So strap in.

SNOWY MOUNTAIN DRIVE NSW, AUSTRALIA It’s not just about forging toward Australia’s highest peak, Mt Kosciuszko, but meandering through this bracing alpine region and maybe stopping off for the odd picnic if you can handle the chilly air. The Snowy Mountains Drive (pictured left) is a 496km return route that starts at Cooma, but you’ll soon be picking your way through the pretty township of Berridale and maybe even swinging past Dalgety, on the banks of the Snowy River. Leave your car behind and jump onto one of the chair lifts in Thredbo village. From the best spots, you’ll be able to enjoy the brilliant landscape of herb fields, wildflowers, limestone gorges and glacial lakes. On your way back to the big smoke, you can explore parks, idyllic streams and maybe spot kangaroos and wild horses. snowymountains.com.au

GET OUTTA TOWN! NO ONE WAY FEES WITH YOUR HIRE BOOKED IN JUNE! GREAT OCEAN ROAD VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA Driving south from Melbourne, it takes about an hour to get to Geelong and then you head along the coast to Torquay.

Even if it’s too cold for you to take a dip in the ocean, there’s still plenty to enjoy and it’s the official start of the Great Ocean Road, and perhaps the unofficial home of the nation’s surfing capital. There are even more unspoiled beaches down the line in Lorne and Apollo Bay and the route then takes you inland through Otway National Park for lush rainforests.

There are some dramatic cliff landscapes between Princetown and Port Campbell, where you’ll visit the Twelve Apostles, the towering limestone stacks off the coast. Check out the fishing village of Port Fairy before heading towards the city via the Grampians. visitgreatoceanroad.org.au

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THE SAVANNAH WAY QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA Although the Savannah Way stretches across the country from Cairns to Broome, in Western Australia, the Queensland portion, which still runs for a fairly substantial 1138km, takes in various unsealed roads to the Northern Territory Border and offers one of the finest showcases of Queensland’s northern reaches. From Cairns, the tropical rainforests give way to the food bowl of FNQ, Atherton, where you should also stop off at Undara National Park, which boasts an extraordinary volcanic landscape. As you journey west, platypus streams and plantations of tropical fruits, coffee, and sugar ramp up around Queensland’s highest town, Ravenshoe. You can try your luck fossicking for gold in Georgetown and then discover the historic town of Croydon, once the state’s second-largest inland town. After driving a cool 715km you’ll reach Normanton and its vast wetlands and then Burketown, which holds the enviable honour of being Australia’s barramundi capital. Further afield, you’ll find the grasslands of Hells Gate, just 50km from the Northern Territory, one of the world’s oldest landscapes with remarkable rock formations and an array of indigenous rock paintings. savannahway.com.au

PHUKET NORTHEAST LOOP THAILAND

PAIHIA TO AUCKLAND NEW ZEALAND

Despite Phuket’s busy atmosphere, there are a few drives that you can take to get away and just watch the countryside roll by. One is the Mission Mills Drive but another popular one is dubbed the Phuket Northeast Loop. It starts at the Heroines Monument and traverses a circle along the east coast of the island. There are dozens of small fishing villages along the way, all inviting you stop for some fresh seafood.

Don’t miss the statue of Ganesha (Ganesh), the elephantheaded Hindu god. Admire the limestone cliffs of Phang Nga Bay with its ‘James Bond Island’ – named because it appears in The Man With The Golden Gun – and other islands in the distance. You can also take a drive past Mission Hills Golf Course. Maybe stop for nine holes?

You could complete this circuit of New Zealand’s North Island in a touch under 12 hours but, depending on how many stops you want to make and how far off the beaten track you’re prepared to venture, you could string your trip out over a fortnight. Start off in Paihia, sailing, fishing or kayaking and then head around the coast to the Karikari Peninsula, where you can take a tour of New Zealand’s northern-most vineyard. Follow the road west to Awanui, a launching pad for an excursion into the far north. After that, it’s a straight shot down the west coast to Auckland, stopping off at Ninety Mile Beach in Ahipara and Maori enclaves in Kohukohu and Rawene. Also, the Kai Iwi Lakes are great for water skiing and swimming.

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ALICE SPRINGS TO ULURU NORTHERN TERRITORY, AUSTRALIA

HUON TRAIL TASMANIA, AUSTRALIA

If you’re starting out at Alice Springs, you may be tempted to take a ride in a hot air balloon – but be warned, you won’t be able to catch one all the way to Uluru. Make sure you check out the MacDonnell Ranges while you’re there, though – you can also ride a quad bike round some of the cattle stations just outside the city centre. But then you’re on the road, embarking on a five-hour drive through the red centre, stopping en route at strategic spots to view Mt Ebenezer and Mt Conner. Also explore Kata Tjuta – the Olgas – and wander through the Walpa Gorge or the Valley of the Winds. You’ll probably want to camp somewhere overnight, before getting up at the crack of dawn to visit Uluru.

The Huon Trail is an ideal touring route to take you through some of the most picturesque spots to the south of Hobart, featuring the Huon Valley, the D’Entrecasteaux Channel, Bruny Island and the remote and wild Far South. You’ll find serene waterways, rocky coastlines, quiet farmlands, boutique vineyards and rugged wilderness. There’s an exhilarating mix of outdoor adventures and some mouthwatering food. Indeed, if going on holiday is as much about eating and drinking as it is about being away from work, Tasmania might quickly become your favourite getaway.

This region is brimming with cheeses, cherries, stone fruits, berries, meats and the freshest seafood. Bon appetite.

australianroadtrips.com

SAN FRANCISCO TO LOS ANGELES UNITED STATES

QUEENSTOWN TO MILFORD SOUND NEW ZEALAND

Cruising down California’s Pacific Coast is one of the world’s most famous and coolest road trips but it doesn’t take forever and there are more than a few ways to do it. But basically, you want to start out in San Francisco and head south, stopping off in Monterey, which was the state’s capital when the Spanish and the Mexicans ran the show and also boasts a booming sardine industry. From there, head through the Point Lobos Reserve, taking in the tide pools and kelp forests before reaching the 145km stretch of coastline known as the Big Sur, thick with redwood groves. Further south, you’ll come to Cambria, a low-key town with a gorgeous pier popular with local artists. And then you’re into Morro Bay, known for its landmark volcano. Carry on thrrough Sanhta Barbara before reaching the City of Angels.

If you’re heading to New Zealand to make the most of the snow season then you’ll probably be spending a fair bit of time in Queenstown, which has become a renowned niche for extreme sports and adrenaline-junkies. But instead of just hunkering down for the whole season, it’s worth getting some wheels and making the circuitous trek around to Milford Sound in the Fiordland National Park, which is a Heritage-listed marine reserve and one of New Zealand’s top tourist destinations. Head south through Kingston and Lumsden, which have rolling pastures and stacks of great fishing spots. And then get round to Mossburn, which is the deer capital of New Zealand. Then you’re on the road to Te Anau, which is the main jumping-off point for Milford Sound but is a worthwhile destination in its own right.

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CROSSING THE NULLARBOR PLAIN SOUTH AUSTRALIA, AUSTRALIA It’s one of the most epic Australian road trips and, really, you wouldn’t want to do it unless you have at least a week up your sleeve. You can go in either direction but if you’re starting in Adelaide, it’s worth swinging past Port Lincoln before embarking on your excellent adventure, which only officially begins once you leave Ceduna, which is the last of the ‘big towns’ you’ll see before getting across to the other side. From there on, you’ve got a 1209km drive and although you’ll encounter small clusters of houses every few hours, there are no real population centres until you get all the way to Norseman in Western Australia. The Nullarbor itself is an arid expanse of limestone which has no surface water and no trees – hence its name. You can stay at roadhouses along the way or camp near the road – you can pull over in most places, except for Aboriginal land on the South Australian side of the journey. You’ll also want to limit your driving to the early parts of each day, when it’s coolest – if you want to drive in the warmer months, you’ll encounter tempratures of 40-plus degrees.

And, although it should go without saying, take more than enough water and don’t skimp on fuel. nullarbornet.com.au

THE COSTA VERDE FROM RIO DE JANEIRO BRAZIL

CHRISTCHURCH TO DUNEDIN NEW ZEALAND

If you love beaches, then eastern coast of Brazil is a must-do; the costa verde is full of the idyllic spots that you naturally associate with the South American country and they’re surprisingly easy to find. From Rio de Janeiro, you want to follow the coast west, stopping at coastal towns Barra da Tijuca, Guaratiba and Mangaratiba along the way. If you have time, take a ferry from the port town of Angra dos Reis across to Ilha Grande. If you’re on a tight schedule, you probably won’t be able to stay for more than a day or two but the island is one of the real highlights of the Brazilian coast – big enough to explore but small enough to get your head around. Once back on the mainland, head over to the towns of Paraty and Trindade. The trip of a lifetime.

After a couple of days in Christchurch – maybe go punting on the Avon river or do a spot of air ballooning – hit the road and head for Dunedin, through the gorgeous patchwork fields of South Canterbury. You’ll soon come to the Raikaia River and find yourself driving over New Zealand’s longest bridge. Depending on the time of year you’re over there, you might even be tempted to visit the ski resort near Mt Hutt. In Ashburton, there’s a man-made lake called Lake Hood which is perfect for boating, but you’ll soon be in Pleasant Point where you can tour Opihi vineyard and enjoy one of their famous custard squares. Timaru is a buzzing town overlooking Caroline Bay but keep on toward Dunedin, perhaps stopping in at Waitaki and Oamaru.

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Fatboy Slim The Superstar DJ on the next big acts, cockney rhyming slang, Brazilian groupies and why he and The Housemartins will definitely never get back together INTERVIEW CLARE VOOGHT

You’re going to be 50 next year. Any plans to calm it down?

My wife always says that. Can’t we say I’m going to be 49 this year? I’m looking at being 49 first. I calmed down a few years ago. I’ve calmed it down to a level where I think I’ve got a few more years in me yet. I’ve quit drinking and started looking after my health. There will be a cut-off point – when I stop enjoying it and when the crowd stops enjoying it. No one knows – with the era of the superstar DJ: Carl Cox, Oakenfold, Pete Tong – none of us knows what the retirement age is, because there’s never been this generation before.

“I still get a few offers from Brazil” What’s the greatest gig you’ve done so far, in the entire world?

The four Big Beach Bootiques we’ve done on Brighton Beach. I’ve played all over the globe, but nothing beats playing in front of your mates – playing to 250,000 of your close friends and feeling that warmth coming from the audience.

I’ve always had a very healthy relationship with Brighton – I’m very proud of living there and they’re very proud of me. It’s a celebration of my relationship with Brighton, so there’s that extra warmth in the crowd. And that we get to play on Brighton Beach. No one else has ever done a rave there.

Any plans to do more studio work?

I’m always planning it but we’ve got so many exciting gigs I never get round to it. I’ll probably

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What’s your all-time favourite track?

Born Slippy, Underworld. It still gets the hairs on the back of my neck going.

What two songs would be completely impossible to mash up?

I got asked to remix Born Slippy and I said don’t mess with it. There are certain tunes that I think are sacred but for a live mash-up I think anything goes.

You’ve been pretty big for years. How have you kept it up?

I’ve found this formula, which is a little bit dirty and naughty, but that’s actually quite accessible.

It’s a way of being commercial without actually being commercial. Probably just my enthusiasm for it. The day I stop enjoying it is probably when everyone else will.

Do you still get offers from groupies?

Not overtly these days. I think I’m fairly famously married [to Zoe Ball]. I get a few offers from Brazil, where they don’t know my wife. But don’t tell her that, obviously.

Do you think the name ‘Fatboy Slim’ should be incorporated into cockney rhyming slang, like Pete Tong?

It’s a lovely idea but what would it mean? I think Pete Tong is definitely completely honoured about becoming part of the English language.

But if we could find something decent to rhyme with Slim, then I’d be more than happy.

Do you still see the guys from The Housemartins, your original band?

We keep in touch. We all got together for the 25th anniversary of London 0 Hull 4 and had a big lunch and a chinwag. And we all renewed our pact never to re-form. We’ll leave that to The Stone Roses or The Smiths. The Smiths reforming is pretty much as likely as The Housemartins.

We did make a pact when we split up that we’d never get back together – we’ve all been more successful doing what we do now and we’re all a lot happier. There’s no reason for it, apart from nostalgia or money.

Photos: Getty Images

Sounds like a cracking party.

Anyone who went to any of the previous ones will know the kind of atmosphere we get there – the idea was to take the best bits from the beach parties but add the excitement of the new football stadium, which is like a mini-Wembley.

I can’t think of a rave that’s ever been done in a football stadium. I’ve played everywhere and I’m always looking for new exciting places to play.

Like the Great Wall of China.

do some more stuff with Rizzle Kicks, I’m enjoying that. One day, when I get time. I haven’t been much of a studio animal recently.

And speaking of superstar DJs, who do you think is going to become the next big thing?

I think Annie Mac is going to go up to the premier league soon. If you look at the line-up of some recent Brighton gigs, these are my mates who I predict will be big. You’ve got The 2 Bears, Maya Jane Coles, Luciano’s already quite big, but I think will be even bigger. I really rate.

Jaguar Skills.

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Forget the anti-Semitism – Gibson should still be apologising for Signs

GET THE GRINGO FILM review by Alasdair Morton STARRING: Mel Gibson, Peter Stormare, Dean Norris | R | 96mins

PROMETHEUS FILM preview STARRING: Michael Fassbender, Noomi Rapace, Charlize Theronw | R | 124mins

Alien and Aliens are sci-fi classics – let’s not discuss the other installments – and this mysterious prequel promises to ‘expand the universe’. It’s hard to know quite what that means but hopefully the audience gets $18 worth of alien.

Not like Contact, where the alien was a hologram of Jodie Foster’s dad. Boo. On general release June 7

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After his ill-advised forays into sexism and race relations, it’s good to see Mel Gibson back on screen without, relatively, much baggage. After the mental breakdown shenanigans of The Beaver and Gibson’s numerous religio-directorial outings, this is an old-school B-movie which is, mostly, pretty darn good fun.

Gibbo is Dick Johnson, a career criminal who has, as the opening car-chase through the Mexican desert shows, fallen on tough times. He winds up in a Tijuana jail – less a prison and more “like the shittest mall” with a ‘smack shack’, conjugal tents and generally unpleasant types – where he puts his conman skills to the test to secure his own freedom and survival.

It’s Mel doing his wisecracking wrong ‘un routine and he’s back to his best, outfoxing, outmanoeuvring and outmuscling his inmate compadres as he gets the run of the jail, always one step ahead, with the script’s twists and turns moving things along nicely right to the end.

There are a couple of plausibility-stretching turns – his blossoming relationship with a 10-year-old inmate is endearing but slows the ball-busting, breakneck pace – and a couple of supporting actors, Peter Stormare especially, are under-used.

It’s far from a classic but goes some way to restoring Mel’s big-screen clout, and reminds us just why we loved him in the first place.

GOOD FOR: Gibson fans left dismayed by how his past five years have panned out

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RAMPART FILM Preview STARRING: Woody Harrelson, Ben Foster | R | 108mins

There have been some bad cops in cinema over the years and Woody Harrelson’s Dave Brown is up there with the worst. The film is set in Los Anegeles in 1999, a time when trigger-happy cowboys were being phased out of the LAPD. But Brown is still kicking arse and taking names – for now, anyway. He lives with his two ex-wives, who happen to be sisters, and still enjoys a good old-fashioned bender. But then, he gets busted beating a suspect. What are the chances that it all ends badly?

Showing June 9 and June 17 as part of Sydney Film Festival

TREVOR ROCKCLIFFE 5hr Set +

SIMON CALDWELL (FBI Radio) LOVE LASTS THREE YEARS

3hr Set

FILM Preview STARRING: Gaspard Proust, Louise Bourgoin | M | 98mins

When literary critic Marronier’s wife leaves him, he despairs and writes an excoriating novel denouncing love. Of course, Marronier’s book becomes a massive bestseller but he then meets and falls for Alice, an irresistible, idealistic beauty, so Marronier must spend the rest of the film concealing the fact he has written the book. It sounds like a delightful Gallic romp, full of romantic misunderstandings and just the right lashings of melancholy to prevent the lonely hearts from hanging themselves with their belts in the gents’ afterwards.

10 June the Metro Theatre

Showing June 10 and June 12 as part of Sydney Film Festival

SYDNEY FILM FESTIVAL TIX

WIN

TNT has teamed up with the Sydney Film Festival to give some of our lucky readers the chance to take in a film at this year’s festival, which kicks off this week. We’ve got double passes to give away to Rampart and Love Lasts Three Years. Drop us a line at alex@tntdownunder.com and tell us either why you would make an awesome bad cop or why you believe true love does or doesn’t exist. First one to make us laugh wins. Good luck.

10pm till 6am Tickets $55+bf ticketek.com.au

JUNE BANK HOLIDAY WKND

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Flying birds of paradise Sam Sparro rests his hat in LA and dresses like it’s the 1930s but it’s disco music that makes the Australian singer feel at home WORDS ALEX HARMON

For the songwriter who waxed lyrical about the 21st century, singing about watching the news on a computer screen and buying weed out of a vending machine, Sydneyborn Sam Sparro has done somewhat of a 180 and drawn from the past while putting together his latest, sophomore album, Return To Paradise. The album, out now, has enabled the singer-songwriter to move in a more personal direction, while drawing on influences that range from Beyoncé to Fleetwood Mac. “I went to New York to work on someone else’s album and I rediscovered record collecting,” Sparro says. “I started listening to the funk, soul and disco records of the late Seventies and early Eighties. I started off recording stuff that was a lot more dancey. And then it turned into a more classically rock-inspired album. But in the end, listening to disco was what really shaped the record.

“It made it more human, the arrangements are more mature. Overall it’s a good progression.”

His pop-infused dance music made Sparro’s name, some critics rushing to anoint the 29-year-old as the ‘voice of his generation’. But Sparro’s new music channels an earlier era; the paradise he refers to in his album is a metaphor for “peace and happiness” but, as Sparro explains, “it’s also a reference to the nightclub in New York City, Paradise Garage, that was around in the Seventies.”

The fresh-faced singer was never able to experience firsthand the gay nightclub first hosted in a parking lot in about 1976 but Sparro doesn’t let a little thing like time get in the way of inspiration – this album has him dipping into the past like a cherry-picking time-traveller.

A few years ago, Sparro, featured on the front cover of Attitude magazine, a gay British publication – they called him a “Gay Superhero”. Having never hidden his sexuality, Sparro finds it hard to understand the Australian government’s inherent fear and lack of action regarding equal rights.

“It’s great what Obama has done,” he says of the US president’s support for marriage equality. “But I don’t think Julia [Gillard] will come out and express her opinion. And I’m

“

The theme is kind of ‘The Great Gatsby meets Blade Runner’

”

not sure that she even has one that I agree with. She seems too conservative.”

Sparrow’s own opinion is straightforward: “My view is that it’s a no-brainer. Of course everyone should have the same, equal rights as everyone else.”

Conservative views are something Sparro knows only too well. He grew up in a Baptist family – his father a gospel minister and his mother an organ player at church. So he's like the male Katy Perry?

“Oh God no, her parents were really strict, my weren’t that bad. Apparently she wasn’t even allowed to listen to any music, which was definitely not true in my house,” he says.

Sparro, ever the individual, has spent plenty of time bathing in the bright lights of LA but, as the song goes, still calls Australia home.

“I feel like an Aussie, my passport is Australian,” he says.

“I miss the beaches a lot, like Camp Cove, Watson’s Bay, north Bondi. And when I’m in Sydney I go to Jimmy Liks, a great restaurant in Potts Point.

“But I’m not patriotic to just one country,” he adds, in typical Sparro fashion. “I really don’t believe in countries.”

In reality, LA has been home for much of his adult life and was the inspiration for the track, The Shallow End, about, you guessed it, the shallowness of the City of Angels. In the century that has us spending more than ever, Sparro prefers to recycle. Whether that be music, clothes or ideas.

“I grew up listening to cassettes, CDs and then an iPod,” he says. “But I recently became a nerdy record-collector. It’s a tactile experience. I like the smell of them, even the dust.”

Although The Observer recently described Sparro’s sound

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19

Sparro contemplates life in the deep end

as “like Marvin Gaye hangin’ with LCD Soundsytem”, it’s not just musically that Sparro draws from a bygone era; his unique creative style also flows into his music videos, over which the singer has creative control.

“If you look at my new film clips, the theme is kind of The Great Gatsby meets Bladerunner,” he says. “There’s an old-world feel. I think that fashion and film have been progressing along similar lines.”

His latest film clip, for the single I Wish I Never Met You, shows off these cinematic stylings. The clip follows a gang leader known as ‘The Shark’ as he conducts his illegal businesses, including distributing booze. The clip features classic dance moves from Sparro that are inserted into the gangster storyline. It feels like Michael Jackson has entered the Prohibition Era. This theme flows naturally into Sparro’s own fashion choices, although, these days, you’re more likely to see Sparro looking dapper in a suit – no more fluro sunglasses and brightly coloured T-shirts, once his trademark.

“I used to be a bit more wild and just put on like every single colour I owned.

And I think that was the style back then too,” he says.

“Putting on a really nicely pressed suit can really lift your mood and give you an instant makeover. I’m a chameleon when it comes to fashion – it’s constantly changing and evolving. I’m really into menswear of the Thirties and how it manifested itself in the late-Eighties again.”

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Proving fashion isn’t just a statement, but more of a lifestyle, Sparro graced the front row at the recent Men’s Fashion Week, passionately blogging about it daily.

“The collections I saw at Fashion Week in Paris were amazing. A lot of that classic thirties look is coming back,” he says.

These days, the shades no longer his signature item, Sparro insists he’s become fond of wearing lingerie as outerwear, perhaps channeling the superhero alter-ego that Attitude identified early on.

“Jean Paul Gautier and Yves Saint Laurent in the early Nineties did a lot of bodices and corsets for men,” he says.

“Someone has to bring it back. You can’t just all walk around in jeans and T-shirts all the time.”

Once Return to Paradise hits the shelves, Sparro will embark on a European tour that has him headling the Lovebox festival in London, where he will be performing with Grace Jones and Chic, who Sparro has cited as one of his major influences. It highlights how far Sparro has come since writing 21st Century Life, complaining the future isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.

“When I grew up, I believed the year 2000 would bring about some kind of utopian future,” he says. “Technology moves so fast but now living in America, I see economic setbacks and that makes me think it will slow down and we will have to consume less. And I think this is a good thing.” ❚ Sam Sparro’s album, Return To Paradise, is out now samsparro.com

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WEEKLY WINNER HIGH AND DRY: Cécile Marguin 23, from France CÉCILE SAYS: This is a photo of the dry Lake Macleod in Western Australia, part of the unexpected landscape on our way up the west coast.

WE SAY: The sparseness of WA is encapsulated beautifully here, once again showing the isolated beauty of Australia. What’s interesting is the girl looks determined to reach her destination, whatever that may be.

THE MONTHLY WINNER GETS THREE DAYS CAR HIRE FROM TRAVELLERS AUTOBARN Send high-res (300 dpi) jpegs with name, age, nationality and a description to: alex@tntdownunder.com. Photos are judged by the TNT team at their own discretion.

Weekly winner Cécile wins a free night’s stay at the award-winning Sydney Central YHA (yha.com.au). The monthly winner gets three days’ car hire from Travellers Auto Barn. The runner-up wins a Great Barrier Reef snorkelling adventure and cruise with Awesome Adventures Oz (awesomeoz.com).

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HOT TIPS: Go straight HOW IT CAN GO WRONG We have all had the urge to slightly tilt our camera, thinking, “this is going to be amazing”. I hate to be the one to break it to you, but nine times out of 10 it fails miserably.

You don’t view the world by putting your head slightly to one side do you? So why would you think a photograph will look good in this way? It’s also very distracting, and takes away from what is the main subject of your image. Your brain is programmed to know what should be straight, and looking at a wonky image can be unsettling. If you look at the image on this page, it wouldn’t have been as good if the photographer had decided to shoot crooked. If all else fails and you’re really struggling, then there’s one word for you: tripod!

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It’s a bungle out there

A TRAVELLER’S TALL TALE

YOU ASKED FOR IT...

WE ANSWER YOUR TRAVEL QUESTIONS

it true the Bungle Bungles were Q Isonly discovered in the Eighties?

Grace Macau, Switzerland the unique beehive-shaped A Although domes have existed for millions of years, they were only ‘discovered’ (by Australia’s white settlers, at least) in the early eighties. A television crew came upon the domes in 1982 and in 1987 it was proclaimed a National Park.

Geologists will tell you that 350 million years ago, a great marine deposit was formed and was eroded away by the hundreds of millions of wet seasons to the present structure of domes, cliffs and gorges.

Many people will tell you the Bungle’s look like a 3D painting – gold and black bands of colour lick around each curve creating a tiger-like effect. Rather fragile, the orange bands on the rocks are of silica but the black bands are lichen, overlaying the white sandstone core. A scenic flight, whether by small plane or helicopter, over the area will put into perspective the sheer size and uniqueness of the ‘massif’, which has an area of 320,000 hectares.

Another bizarre fact involving sacks of flour make the Bungle’s even more unique. Because access to the area used to be so remote, it took the pioneering ingenuity of an East Kimberley man, a spotter plane, sacks of flour, lots of patience and a four wheel drive vehicle to find a reasonable and safe entry into the wonders

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of the Bungle Bungle Range. The spotter plane flew low and carried sacks of flour, which were thrown out from the aircraft to mark the most accessible route into the Bungle Bungles. The 4WD vehicle followed the white dusty flour trail through the brilliant red earth and found a way into this most splendid natural creation.

do I find the best diving on Q Where the Great Barrier Reef? Jo Tao, UK no shortage of options when it A There’s comes to getting a closer look at Australia’s greatest natural phenomenon. Stretching for over 3,000km up the Queensland coast, the reef begins near the town of Bundaberg and continues up past the tip of Cape York. Boasting over 400 types of coral and 1,500 species of fish, among other things, the World Heritage-listed reef varies from being just 15km from shore, up to 150km away, and is at some points a massive 65km wide. Cairns is the undisputed dive capital of Oz, the reef being nearer than down south and the excellent fringing reefs not far off. Port Douglas is even nearer the action. If wreck dives are your thing, then look no further than the SS Yongala, just off Townsville. Other hotspots include the Whitsundays’ Hook Island and Cod Hole on Lizard Island. But don’t dismiss the southern rivals, like Bundaberg. The nearby Lady Elliot Island and Lady Musgrave are fantastic, especially for diving with turtles.

Exploring ‘Under Down Under’, I got bitten by a mystery bug.

After a few too many beers in the town of Strahan in Tasmania I noticed an itch on my right foot.

The following morning on the way to Hobart, it still hadn’t gone and I couldn’t shake the itch.

“She’ll be right mate” said my mate John. “Yeah right,” I replied.

The small marks were almost like a bite and it was red and swollen.

Halfway through our locally caught dinner that night I could smile and chat along no more. “I need to see a doctor,” I announced.

The swelling was so bad it had started to go numb, and purple. I couldn’t even fit it into my shoe.

The doctor gave me the bad news, “Yep,” he said, “you have cellulitis (an infection of the cells)... and we’ll need to operate.”

“You what?” I said. “The swelling is so severe we’ll need to open the tissues to release the pressure.

You’re looking at surgery,” he said.

After a week in a boring hospital ward and some direct questioning I discovered it was a white tailed spider bite that caused all this.

I never got to see Hobart or the east coast on the trip.

Alan Gallagher, Ireland

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Send us your scary, funny or embarrassing travel tale and, if published, you’ll win a $250 travel voucher redeemable on Oz Experience passes (ozexperience.com), ATA NT camping trips (adventuretours.com.au) and with Wayward Bus (waywardbus. com.au). Email your stories (700 words max), to alex@tntdownunder.com

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TRAVELWEEKENDER

Shotover city This is Queenstown in 48 hours WORDS ALEX HARMON

DAY 1:xNew Zealand’s party town – where the hangover leads you to the ski fields of the Remarkables and Coronet Peak. But it’s not just boozey nights and action-packed days on the slopes. With its giant lake and charismatic mountains, Queenstown is charming in its own right.

8:00 You’re gonna need to fuel up on a big breakfast so head over to Vudu Cafe (vudu.co.nz) where you can enjoy a big brekky in a setting they say is, “Melbourne cool meets Queenstown charm.” Go for the breakfast quesadilla with a side of haloumi. Once the caffeine is flowing through your veins, you are ready to hit the slopes.

9:00 Catch one of the shuttle buses to the Remarkables ski fields. They’ll pick you up from most of the local hostels and hotels. It’s about a 45-minute drive to the mountain.

10:00 Once you’re geared up, take the ski lifts, admiring the view of Lake Wakatipu and the city of Queenstown. The Remarkables have good terrain for all levels of skiers and boarders. The quality of the snow is five-star.

15:00 Spend your afternoon enjoying traditional après ski drinks at Queenstown’s coolest bar – literally – Minus 5 Bar (minus5queenstown.co.nz) at Steamer Wharf is colder than the mountains you’ve just ascended. The bar, glasses and the tables are all made of ice. You’ll be given a jacket, gloves and hats but you’ll only want to stay half-an-hour.

15:30 The day is still young and a boat-ride sounds like a great way to spend an afternoon, right? Well, this is Queenstown, so there’s nothing quaint about these boats.

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The Shotover Jet (shotoverjet.com) is famous in the area for taking passengers on a breathtaking ride through the narrow canyons – at high speed.

17:00 Back on solid ground, explore the city of Queenstown, the bars and restaurants around Beach St and Lake Esplanade are great for action of all levels. Get cosy at Altitude Bar (altitudebar.co.nz) on Shotover St. There’s plenty of icebreaking activities to partake in, from gold fish racing to jelly wrestling to horizontal bungy – we’ll let you figure out what that is.

20:00 Hunger and fatigue may be clouding your judgement so there’s no better time to head to the institution that is Fergburger (fergburger.com). This burger joint quickly got a reputation among drunken tourists, because, well, it’s open 21 hours of the day – and because the burgers are worth writing home about. From the fun – Bun Laden with falafel patties – to the absolutely need-to-be-seen-to-bebelieved – The Big Al, the half-pound burger with the works.

21:30 Once you’ve conquered the Ferg, it’s time to get back into the nightlife. Hit the The World Bar (theworldbar. co.nz) and indulge in their notorious tea-pot cocktail. You’ll find it on Shotover St with the big globe above the entrance.

If you make it in before 10pm you’ll get half price teapots, but no need to rush, World Bar is open until 4am.

DAY 2: 9:00 Queenstown doesn’t believe in recovering, because the action never stops. This morning, get picked up for your Skydiving adventure. You’re going to be strapped

Gimps, swingers, all part of the action

to a stranger and hurlted from an aircraft at 15,000ft. See a bird’s eye view of Queenstown from, well, higher than the birds, that’s for sure. NZone (nzone.biz) have been throwing people out of their planes for around 22 years, so you’re in safe hands. x 13:00 Back on earth, the adrenaline pumping through your veins, it’s time to become a swinger. A Canyon Swinger (canyonswing.co.nz), of course. Get hooked up and taken up to the world’s highest cliff jump where you’ll swing through the air. Choose a style of jumps, each marked on a ‘pants’ scale of one to five pants, so there are options available for both the Nanas and the thrillseekers x 16:00 Time to unwind before you leave and what better way than a drive through Deer Park Heights to see Queenstown's largest Lord of the Rings location. See where Gandalf rode towards Gondor and where the refugees escaped from Rohan. If that means nothing to you, just enjoy the beautiful scenery as the sun sets on Queenstown. xxx 18:00 For some last-minute gift-shopping, Queenstown Mall is lined with plenty of shopping options for those in search of cheap souvenirs, postcards and travel needs. xxxxx 20:00 Bid farewell to the city that almost took your life, on several unique occasions by toasting a glass at the Lombardi Restaurant (mgallery.com) in the Hotel St Moritz. It’s a classy establishment but doesn’t stifle you with pretenses.

While you drink, admire the outstanding views of the lake and mountains you’ve just conquered.

Enjoying a few cold ones

Rush hour, Queenstown-style TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

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Kangaroo Island SOUTH AUSTRALIA

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Where the wild things are The harsh, untamed landscape of Kangaroo Island is home to some of Australia’s most endearing, disarming wildlife WORDS ALEX HARMON

I used to be obsessed with the Jurassic Park films.

This wild island where dinosaurs roamed, free from their shackles, a land of mystical beauty, magical sunrises and menacing thunderstorms. I wanted to be on that helicopter on my way to meet an eccentric Richard Attenborough and discover a new world. Granted, I was about 12. Flashforward to the present and with the rationality that comes with adulthood, combined with Ross from Friends turning me off a career in paleontology, I’ve put those dreams aside and I’m on a ferry to Kangaroo Island. I’m still dreaming of a magical place, not unlike my childhood fantasy, but I now hope it’s a lot safer.

A couple of hundred of years ago, Kangaroo Island was a violent, untamed island inhabited by convicts. It was a place the Aborigines called “island of the dead”, where they refused to live. Mainland Aboriginal women were kidnapped and brought here by escaped convicts who used them to help hunt seals. The island has a dangerous past but also a natural, present beauty; rolling hills, scenic coastline, clean air and all of those cute animals who run wild.

Like two sides of a coin, the north and south are incredibly different. Perfect surf on the north, where the water is warmer and calmer, but head south and you’ll find rugged terrain, winds and wild surf. Down on the south, the rocks are weathered by Arctic winds, their unique beauty beckons you closer to the edge of sheer, menacing cliff faces. Here you take a huge risk surfing – rolling through the waves, you could be mistaken for a seal by Great White Sharks.

Our tour takes us to both sides of this yin and yang island. The guide tells us this is Australia’s Galapagos Island.

Kangaroo Island is only 110km from Adelaide but like the Galapagos – or Jurassic Park – it feels miles from civilisation.

“

Flinders has been described as Australia’s first backpacker

”

off kangaroo meat, he thought it only natural to name the island in tribute to the food that kept him alive.

The sign at the top of the mountain claims he was Australia’s first backpacker, which just goes to show how much backpacking has changed. It would be unfortunate if the place was named Goon Island. I can’t imagine anyone wanting to visit – well, on second thoughts, there might be a few. The view there is spectacular and it’s hard not to feel an affinity with the directionally challenged Flinders.

Animal farm Our first move is to hike up Prospect Hill, where we retrace Matthew Flinders’ footsteps. This is the hill he climbed when he realised he had made a big, big mistake. He wasn’t on mainland Australia like he thought he was. He was on an uninhabited island. And he was running out of food. Living

The natives are always hungry

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The Remarkable Rocks are exactly that

[Caption]

Next we traverse over to the rugged south side, to Flinders Chase National Park. I don’t normally get excited about rocks, but these are Remarkable Rocks and as we approach, I see these dazzling artistic beauties, basking in the sun. They definitely live up to their name. Move over Bondi – these rocks are the original Sculptures by the Sea. I have this theory that modern backpackers are less concerned with the history of a place and more about the photos they can splash online. I discovered this when all these holiday photos starting popping up of people, through the tricks of photography, lying on Coke cans or holding groups of people on Bolivia’s salt pans.

I call it the Leaning Tower of Pisa phenomena. I hadn’t actually experienced it myself until climbing the rocks pretending to hang over the ocean from a ledge. Our guide helps us pose in ways that make great photographic illusions.

“Jump now”, he says, and it looks like we’re falling over the ocean. “Put your head over that rock and someone else put your feet through that” – and it looks like we’re being crushed to death. I have to admit, I enjoy every minute of it and can’t wait to upload them.

his life flash before his eyes. The group is silenced by this astonishing tale. My mind boggles.

I didn’t think it could get much cuter than sleeping fur seals until later on that night when we go exploring for fairy penguins. It’s dark but we’re given red-light torches that shine into the penguins’ burrows. We unfortunately just miss their evening “march of the penguins”, when they make their pilgrimage from the sea. But this is even better – we see them in their caves, grouped together like families. It feels like we’re shining the spotlight into their homes, invading their privacy.

The next morning we’re up early to conquer Little Sahara.

The sand dunes stretch for miles, rising 70m above sea level.

As you climb one peak you are confronted with another, they’re like waves of sand that continue as far as they eye can see. What better way to conquer these waves, than with a sand board? Sure, it’s a poor man’s snowboarding

Sealed with a kiss Photos aside, these massive granite boulders create some optical illusions of their own, glistening red with the setting sun over the coastline. Up close, they’re smooth and grey, like my parents’ driveway.

We race the setting sun and fit in a quick visit of some very cute New Zealand fur seals at Admiral’s Arch. The sun sets through a perfectly framed arch – the cameras start clicking immediately – and we then make our way over to a colony of seals as they flirt with the sea. They are the most adorable things I have ever seen, especially the baby fur seals that cuddle each other to fight the cold.

Our guide tells us about how he went surfing nearby one day and saw a Great White Shark in the water. He also saw

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SOUTH AUSTRALIA If you’ve climbed the bridge, circled the rock and snorkelled the reef... it’s time to do the stuff that other people are only just beginning to discover… diving with Great White Sharks, swimming with sea lions and dolphins, getting up close and personal with wildlife on Kangaroo Island or camping under the stars in the amazing Flinders Ranges.

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but it still has the fun, thrills and spills, plus no pricey bill at the end. We run, slide, carve and throw ourselves down Phillip Island: We the dunes until we’re out of breath. explore one of the Did I mention there are no chair lifts? most poular spots Everything seems to be named along Victoria’s coast literally on this island, but Seal Bay is a little off course. The beach is adorned with masses of Australian sea lions, lying on the beach sunning themselves while their babies run in and out of the ocean.

Just to satisfy my etymological curiosities, I find out that there are actually a colony of seals living in Seal Bay but they are rare and endangered because the killing of seals only became officially outlawed in 1972. The sea lions are pretty endangered too – they are the rarest sea lion in the world.

Because of this they have full run of the beach and we are instructed to stay back as they frolic.

They’re docile, sun-seeking, happy-looking animals, rolling around on the beach like Italian tourists. When I die, I want to come back as a sea lion. Either that or an Italian tourist – they seem to spend just as much time sunbathing.

Kangaroo Island was like two days of living in an animated [Caption] Disney film – cute and cuddly animals, friendly people and happy endings. One thing that needs to go back to the drawing board is the name – it sells the place short. I think Kangaroo’s Island’s natural sculptures they should get Mr Spielberg onto the case. ❚

TICKET TO RIDE IF YOU CAN AFFORD TO TAKE YOUR TIME, CATCH THE INDIAN PACIFIC TO ADELAIDE If you’re heading to Adelaide but are already fed up of buses and planes, then jump aboard one of the world’s great train journeys – the Indian Pacific.

I love airports. You just can’t beat that feeling of excitement as you check in. But I hated flying – travelling all that distance and seeing nothing along the way.

That’s where trains come in. Luckily, Australia is blessed with some of the world’s greatest – and suprisingly cheap – train journeys, one of which is the Indian Pacific. The full journey travels all 4,352km from Sydney to Perth, but I only need to go as far as Adelaide, which takes about 24 hours. Setting off in the afternoon, we’re soon trundling our way across the Blue Mountains and into the Outback. Doors slam, cupboards creak and wheels squeak as we cruise across the baking expanse, making even a supposedly fancy journey seem brilliantly old-school and ever-so-slightly ramshackle.

After bedding down in a cosy cabin, we wake to find ourselves in Broken Hill, an iconic area surrounded by the sort of desolate landscapes made famous by movies like Mad Max 2 and The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen Of The Desert. The once thriving mining town, however, is now also famed for its art. Indeed, as our guide Roger says: “The town’s gone soft. We’ve got twice as many art galleries as pubs now!”

Soft or not, it’s a fascinating place to lose a few hours before jumping back aboard the train for the final few hours to Adelaide.

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Mekong Delta VIETNAM

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Saddling up for Delta daze Cockfighting, fried rat and lazy locals – explore the exotic world of southern Vietnam by cycling through the Mekong Delta WORDS DUNCAN FORGAN

My head is pounding, my legs are weak and WHEN TO GO: The best time chilled water. Her job done, she sidles back my face is a lurid shade of red. It’s not the to visit southern Vietnam – and to one of the café’s many hammocks. All of first time I’ve been in a sorry state while especially to cycle – is December the other hanging beds are also occupied. exploring the backwoods of the Mekong through February, when the “Mekong people are so lazy,” Chinh says Delta. Usually, however, the malady only weather is dry and not too hot. as he drains his coffee, sparks up the latest in occurs when equally intoxicated Vietnamese CURRENCY: $1 = VND20,200 a long line of Craven A cigarettes and settles gentlemen accompany me and there’s a (Vietnamese dong). himself in his own suspended snoozing sling. clutch of discarded rice wine bottles lying “They’ve got so much here already they ACCOMODATION: Reliability beneath a Lilliputian plastic table. It isn’t don’t have to work that hard.” counts for a lot and Saigon Mini the demon booze that ails me this time, A lush landscape of emerald green fields, Hotel 5 has won itself a hardthough. It’s the fact that I’ve just pedalled shady woods and sleepy villages, criss-crossed earned reputation for service and 46km and the locals manning the rest stops by canals and rivulets fed by the mighty river, guest satisfaction. Rooms from in this, the most densely populated area of the Delta is Vietnam’s land of plenty. Formed $28pn (saigonminihotel.com).

Vietnam, appear to have downed tools for by sediment deposited by the Mekong, the Rooms are smart at Nguyen Kang the afternoon. I don’t blame them. area is one of the most fertile and productive Hotel and come with breakfast and The temperature is pushing 40˚C and the in the world. Fruit, fish and fresh produce wi-fi. Rooms from $16pn. only other cyclists on the road are occasional are abundant, and three rice crops per SEE: nguyenkhanghotel.com; groups of young children pottering leisurely year yield enough grain to feed the entire vietnamtourismboard.org home from school, the boys in spotless white country with a sizeable surplus. Contrast shirts and the girls in traditional ao dai. Wobbly looking that with the two crops, often only one, yielded from the foreigners on long-distance bike rides are a bewildering and Red River Delta near Hanoi – Vietnam’s other major riceamusing anomaly here at the best of times, and especially so producing area – and you get an inkling of why northerners in the searing pre-monsoon heat. especially often view the people of the Delta as feckless.

Many Hanoians get envious at all this easy living but most Liquid gold visitors love the languid pace. That’s why I’m lying here in this hammock thanking the guardian angel of chunky cyclists According to my guide Chinh, there are only a few more for guiding me to my ice-cold bottle of water. kilometres to go before we pick up the sampan that will ferry us down the Mekong to the town of Vinh Long. There, Freewheeling a minibus will be waiting to usher us into air-conditioned Careless brushes with dehydration aside, the Delta offers relief and transport us to the city of Can Tho, where we fantastic scope for exploration by bicycle. It is pancake-flat, will spend the night. The task ahead is as appealing as an making it easy to negotiate, and its back-country network evening spent pressed against the speakers in a Vietnamese of waterways, quiet lanes and traditional villages are a world nightclub. away from the nation’s more frazzling attractions.

A little further down the road, we finally strike liquid gold. The lady manning the café doesn’t look chuffed to This is the second time I’ve biked it around the region. be budged but she manages to rouse herself sufficiently Last time around I was here with my mother who was to present us with a round of drip-filtered ice coffees and visiting me in Vietnam for a three-week holiday. The route

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E V Backyard cockfighting – what could go wrong?

stuck almost exclusively to back-roads and narrow tracks barely wide enough to let two bikes pass in comfort.

Emancipated from the scourge of the Vietnamese highway – the fume-belching, horn-honking truck – we were able to ease into the rhythm of rural life.

The cycling was special enough, but it was the little events along the way that really made the experience. Stand-out memories include stumbling upon a cockfight in a dusty backyard and an impromptu karaoke session in a bar by the Mekong. This time, though, I’m on my own.

First, though, I need to get out of Ho Chi Minh City.

Vietnam’s southern hub can be a charmer, but not when you are trying to escape it by road. The urban sprawl drags on for miles. The road is packed with stoic-faced motorcyclists and those devil trucks I mentioned earlier, and the highway is lined with auto-parts shops and grimy-looking eateries serving delicacies such as thit cay (dog) and chao long (rice porridge with innards).

Eventually, the ugliness subsides and swaying coconut palms and sparkling waterways signify the arrival of gentler territory. The Delta proper starts when you encounter the first branch of the Mekong at My Tho. We unpack the bikes and wave a wistful goodbye to the driver outside the city.

I’ve opted for a two-day tour this time, so we’ll be cycling 50km each way on the road between My Tho and Can Tho. Another country The first day starts, as it tends to, with a degree of misguided enthusiasm. Chinh altready has a cigarette fixed in his mouth, so I race ahead greeting the frequent cries of salutation from passing kids. Luckily, I calm down a little by the time we hit the 20km mark when the minor climbs up to bridges play havoc with my calves.

The flow of Delta life is best appreciated at a languid pace anyhow. Signs of the region’s prosperity are everywhere.

Giant propaganda posters hanging next to fields depict rosy-cheeked workers carting wheelbarrows piled high with spring onions. Drivers veer all over the road as their weathered Hondas struggle to carry the weight of the durian and jackfruit they are carrying.

Searing heat and exhaustion aside, it’s a great ride. The most scenic stretch of the journey comes on the first day after a lunch of DIY rice-paper rolls with elephant earfish, claypot pork and fresh fruit at a historic garden house near Cai Be. We leave the paved tarmac behind to plot a course over rickety bridges, through leafy forest glades and alongside waterways. Here, local fishermen and merchants can be seen mending their nets and loading their boats with produce to sell at the many floating markets in the region.

I’m glad to make it to the sampan that will glide me down the Mekong to Vinh Long. With the cycling over for the day, I can finally kick back. Tour companies in Vietnam are singleminded in getting their guests to allotted tourist restaurants that have paid commission. As a solo traveller and a resident of Vietnam, I can’t think of anything worse than chowing down on sanitised local cuisine with busloads of tourists on my own. To his credit, Chinh heeds my entreaties and invites me to dine with the guides at a backstreet restaurant away from the river. Barbecued field rat and deep fried eel-like fish with a tamarind dipping sauce make a real banquet.

For the guides, it is time to unwind with the help of the local rice wine. Thimble-like glasses are charged, recharged then charged again and the Can Tho night is punctured with loud cries of “mot, hai, ba, yo” (one, two, three, cheers!). My second Delta stupor of the day turns out to be much more enjoyable than the first. )

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Gives ‘headmaster’ a whole new meaning

SCHOOL PRINCIPAL FOUND ON PORN SITE UNITED STATES

CANADA

A gay porn actor is wanted in a gruesome case of dismembered body parts that were mailed to different places, including the headquarters of the Conservative Party of Canada.

Luka Rocco Magnotta, 29, is being sought in connection with the murder, Montreal police said.

Magnotta was renting an apartment in a working-class Montreal neighborhood.

It was behind that building that police found a man’s torso in a suitcase in a heap of garbage on Tuesday.

The same day, a foot was discovered in a package mailed to the Conservative Party headquarters in Ottawa and a hand found at postal warehouse.

NEW YORK CITY TO WAGE WAR ON WAIST UNITED STATES

The New York City mayor is sticking with his decision to ban super-size soft drinks in the city, comparing the sugary drinks to asbestos.

If the mayor has his way, any soft drink over 16 ounces (473ml) will be outlawed across the city by March 2013 and restaurants that don’t fall in line will be slapped with a $200 fine.

The measure would target fast-food and other restaurants, delis, and places of public entertainment like stadiums.

It would not cover drinks sold in supermarkets, or any diet, fruit, dairy or alcoholic drinks.

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FOOT MAILED TO POLITICAL PARTY

Move over London: With the grace of Jesus walking on water, Ginger Buchanan competes in the Mud Pit jumping at the 16th annual Atlanta Redneck Olympics – wearing her wedding dress, no less. The Games originally began in 1996 – the year that the summer Olympics were held in Atlanta. Their Olympic torch is made from beer cans

Ph t

A man who wanted revenge against his son’s assistant principal has been convicted of two felonies after creating a fake porn profile under the assistant principal’s name.

The man from Phoenix, Arizona was upset that his 13-year-old son had his iPod confiscated at school and blamed assistant principal Frank Hendricsen.

He reportedly retaliated by starting a fake profile on a pornographic website under the assistant principal’s name, using photos from the school website as well as pictures of Hendricsen’s wife.

The profile was discovered when Hendricsen was interviewed for a principal position at another school.

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THIS WEEK

IN NUMBERS 500 These wives are officially off the shelf

Age of a Jurassic squidlike creature a young girl found while digging through her backyard in Gateshead, England

BAD TASTE VODKA IS MORMON INSPIRED UNITED STATES

A brand of vodka with the name ‘Five Wives Vodka’ has been declared in bad taste, offensive to Mormons, and won’t be stocked in state of Idaho.

The vodka is made in Utah, where the Mormon church is based. Its label carries the name and an image of five women, an apparent reference to polygamy, a practice abandoned by the church more than a century ago.

The State Liquor Division said the brand is offensive to Mormons who make up over a quarter of Idaho’s population.

The distillery is now trying to make the most of the rejection with the sale of ‘Free the Five Wives’ T-shirts.

SECRET AGENTS HIT RAW NERVE IN CHINA

Photos: Getty Images

CHINA

Thirteen minutes of the new Men in Black film, including a Chineserestaurant shoot-out between evil aliens and the agents, have been censored in China.

The offending moments in Men in Black 3 take place in New York’s Chinatown.

The ever officious Chinese government apparently saw some political resonance in one scene where Will Smith, playing a US secret agent, erases the memories of a group of Chinese bystanders.

“This could have been a hint on the use of internet censorship to maintain social stability,” a Chinese newspaper reported.

Chinese law limits the number of Hollywood movies that can be shown in its theatres, prompting studios to be unusually careful about any China-related content they include in their film.

Amount, in dollars, Eric Arty, 18, received after he won a bet to seduce his 26-year-old global studies teacher

400

Sheep who rolled off a highway overpass near Sydney when the truck that was carrying them crashed

Age of Fauja Singh, the world’s oldest marathon runner. He will compete in the Edinburgh Marathon Festival this month

A royal flush indeed

PRINCE CROWNED KING OF TOILET TOSS

160,000,000

101

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

NETHERLANDS

The Dutch prince, Willem-Alexander, has spoken at his shame of taking part in a traditional toilet-throwing contest.

The heir to the Dutch throne was in the village of Rhenen on Queen’s Day, where he not only entered but won a traditional game of toilet-bowl tossing.

Speaking at a function in Rotterdam the prince admitted he felt ashamed when hurling the orange-coloured ceramic toilet, given the lack of proper sanitary conditions in the developing world.

“I participated with a smile, but not without shame in thinking about the some 2.6bn people around the world that do not have this most basic infrastructure to fulfil a daily need with dignity,” he said.

The competition’s organiser said he found the prince’s attitude “childish.”

Cheryl Cole is hot.

I would just like to watch her work.

Preferably cleaning things on the floor. Picking up stuff on the floor.

Bending over It seems Rihanna wants to make Cheryl Cole her kept woman

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OUTSIDE THE FLAGS COMMENT: TOM STURROCK editor@tntmagazine.com

At least Alex and Chantelle are forced to work for it

Aussies can’t compete with Old Dart’s trashy celebrities Z-grade wannabes are allowed to play with low stakes Down Under

» Why are Australian celebrities so incredibly bland? editor@tntdownunder.com

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The Opposition leader, Tony Abbott, has got his knickers in a knot over a campaign poster parody meme that stitches him up as a racist homophobe.

The posters, in the style of a campaign banner, have Abbott looking earnest but unthreatening, the reliable everyman that everyone should be keen to vote for, with text alongside that reads: “I’m threatened by boats and gays. Gays on boats are my worst nightmare.”

“

Gays on boats are my worst nightmare

”

Predictably, Abbott isn’t happy, decrying the posters as “tacky and not funny”, as though he is the arbiter on humour as well as political ethics. But Abbott has relentlessly employed attack politics over the past few years so can’t go crying off.

And the reality is that a lot of people find Abbott’s hard-right, churchy conservatism unsettling and outmoded and, crucially, the most effective satire is rooted in truth.

Photos: Getty Images

In the UK, those seeking to extend their 15 minutes of lukewarm ‘fame’ have grasped one simple rule – if you’ve done absolutely nothing of note, you cannot afford the luxury of shame. In Australia, though, there’s less competition, so the equivalent low-wattage ‘stars’ still get away with going through the motions.

Take, if you will, the latest salacious details about Alex Reid – the cross-dressing cagefighter who was married to Katie Price for nearly a year – and Chantelle Houghton, a glamour model who won a series of Celebrity Big Brother. They’re engaged and expecting their first child – congratulations – but the tabloid scuttlebutt is that Houghton walked in on Reid, dressed in drag, in the middle of a four-day marathon of self-pleasure.

So, yeah – in that corner, you have a new benchmark for oversharing.

In Australia, meanwhile, Lara Bingle is taking another desperate stab at relevance – she was in an Australian tourism ad, dated cricketer Michael Clarke and had some nude phone pics leaked. During publicity for her new reality-TV show, Being Lara Bingle, the 24-year-old announced, without any hint of irony: “I am a brand, this is a business”.

Sorry, but for a flash-in-the-pan like Lara Bingle to talk about herself as “a brand” without being laughed out of town is, frankly, embarrassing. Someone needs to explain the deal to her: if you want to keep suckling at the fame-teat, you have no choice but to debase yourself at every turn. Fame. No shame. Alex Reid gets it. Lara Bingle doesn’t.

It’s a bridge too far to suggest that Britain’s inane merry-go-round is to be envied.

But at least their trash have to work for it. In Australia, the same stripe of wannabe gets to keep their warmed-over facsimile of fame while also clinging to some shred of dignity.

They’re getting off easy – getting the juice without the squeeze. And, perversely, that’s actually more depressing than the parade of freaks in the UK circus.

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SPORTNEWS

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Paul Scholes

SCHOLES READY FOR ONE MORE SEASON FOOTBALL

Manchester United have confirmed that veteran midfielder Paul Scholes will play on after signing a one-year contract extension.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson revealed earlier this month that Scholes was set to play on for another season – in which he will add to his 466 appearances – after coming out of retirement in January and the Premier League runners-up have now completed the formalities.

“I am delighted,” Ferguson said after he announced the news at the club’s player of the year awards dinner. “He knew he had made a mistake by retiring. He now realises if he plays 25 or 30 games next season, they will be of real quality.”

VETTEL DENIES MOVE TO JOIN FERRARI FORMULA ONE

Formula One world champion Sebastian Vettel has rubbished claims he is set to leave Red Bull for Ferrari.

Reports from the Monaco Grand Prix suggested Vettel had agreed to switch teams in 2014, but the German insists his future lies with Red Bull.

“I’ve been wearing a Red Bull helmet for almost my entire career. It is difficult to imagine another kind of life if you are so used to it,” Vettel said. “It would be like when you turn 18, 19 and move out of your family’s home. I am very happy where I am right now and I don’t want to move on to anywhere else.”

Last year, Vettel, 24, dominated en route to his second world championship.

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Was this a good idea?: Members of the Australia men’s water polo squad somehow got talked into this portrait session, days before the naming of the Olympic squad. Sure, it’s a tough, physically demanding sport, but those little bonnets remain a hard sell

BOLT BACK IN FORM AFTER BRIEF SLUMP ATHLETICS

Two weeks ago, Usain Bolt produced his slowest 100m run in three years but was back to his sparkling best at the Diamond League meet in Rome.

The Olympic champion bolted away from the field to win in a time of 9.76sec, the fastest in the world this year and a new meet record.

Bolt, the reigning Olympic champion over 100m and 200m, said he had been getting extra sleep in a bid to put sluggish recent performances behind him. ”The execution of my race was not perfect but improved,” he said. “I executed well, my drive was better and I started well.

The transition was also better.”

BIG WEEK FOR ...

England flyhalf Owen Farrell was one of the big discoveries of this year’s Six Nations, his performances in his first five Tests engendering a real confidence that the new generation of England players will be able to hit the ground running, expediting the rebuilding phase that inevitably follows a World Cup. Now, the real challenge begins for Farrell and his young teammates – after three Tests against the Boks, we’ll know a lot more about them.

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QUOTES OF THE WEEK I can guarantee you that is not the case.

I have never called Jessica Ennis fat simply because there is no reason for it Charles van Commenee, the head coach of UK Athletics, denies saying the former world champion heptathlete is overweight

England will be tested by South Africa

PREVIEW Hostilities resume in mid-year rugby Tests The Six Nations and the Tri-Nations – now expanded to include Argentina – get local rivalries cooking but it’s when the northern hemisphere takes on the southern hemisphere that world rugby really gets into its stride.

It’s been a long time since the northerners have been able to claim bragging rights and, given these mid-year Tests will be played down south, that’s unlikely to change any time soon.

It’s particularly hard to see Ireland getting over the All Blacks at Eden Park.

The men in green are formidable at home but could be in for a hiding against the world champions in their back yard.

The clash between Australia and Wales, the Six Nations champions, promises to be tighter and if Australia are at all rusty, they could find themselves on the receiving end of an embarrassing loss. Finally, in the small hours of Sunday morning, we’ll find out exactly how advanced Stuart Lancaster’s recovery mission is when England face the Springboks in Durban.

NEW ZEALAND V IRELAND SATURDAY 5PM, FOX SPORTS 3

AUSTRALIA V WALES

SATURDAY 7.30PM, FOX SPORTS 3

SOUTH AFRICA V ENGLAND SUNDAY 1AM, FOX SPORTS 1

THE CHAT | Pietersen quits limited-overs

I have more sympathy for the other guy as you cannot play against someone who is being a drama queen Former Wimbledon champ Virginia Wade accuses Andy Murray of exaggerating a back injury at the French Open

For years you get criticised and now they can have a go back. I’ve got no problems with it Former England cricketer Andrew Flintoff reckons sportsmen are within their rights to return fire over Twitter

TV HIGHLIGHTS CRICKET

Photos: Getty Images

England v West Indies does Pietersen’s limited-overs retirement Q What mean for England and, more broadly, for the international game? straight off the bat, England have lost their best A Well, ever 50-over batsman. Go down the list of their top run-scorers in the short form and KP is the stand-out. He’d be the first player picked and, given he turns 32 this month, could have gone through to the next World Cup in 2015. The reality, though, is that the cash on offer for players of Pietersen’s ability gives him all the power – it’s impossible for national boards to call the tune when freelancing is less demanding and more lucrative. It’s a big domino to fall and likely won’t be the last.

The third Test begins in Birmingham Thursday 8pm, Fox Sports 3

AUSTRALIAN RULES Carlton v Geelong Two heavyweights needing to find form Friday 7.30pm, Fox Footy

TENNIS French Open final Kevin Pietersen

Who will prevail at Roland Garros?

Sunday 11pm, Fox Sports 1

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45

GROUP A

Clockwise: Petr Cech; Aleksandr Kerzhakov; Robert Lewandowski Russia Overall: Certainly, the Euros have been a happier hunting ground for the Russians than the World Cup – for which they failed to qualify in 2006 and 2010. That lack of big-tournament pedigree and the fact that few Russians play outside their home country mean Russia are a slightly unknown quantity. But they sprung the major surprise of the 2008 tournament by going all the way to the semi-finals, knocking off the Netherlands along the way. And their roster is loaded with attacking threats – Roman Pavlyuchenko and Andrei Arshavin will be familiar to Londoners after stints with Tottenham and Arsenal respectively.

And Pavel Pogrebnyak has already established himself as a cult figure at Fulham after scoring five goals in his first three games. You’d back them to go through from this softish group.

Key player: Aleksandr Kerzhakov – the Zenit St Petersburg striker, known as The Tsar, has had a troubled relationship with the national side, having been left out of Guus Hiddink’s national squad four years ago. But a return to Zenit, after stints with Sevilla and Dynamo Moscow, has paid dividends, Kerzhakov’s past two seasons allowing him to force his way back into the Russian side. The 29-year-old was one of the top scorers in the Russian league last season, firing Zenit to the title.

Poland v Greece, June 8; Russia v Czech Republic, June 8; Greece v Czech Republic, June 12; Poland v Russia, June 12; Czech Republic v Poland, June 16, Greece v Russia, June 16

46

Czech Republic

Poland

Greece

Overall: There was a time, six or seven years ago, when the Czech Republic were among the world’s top sides, forging to a historic high of second in Fifa’s rankings. But performances have dropped off since then and the Czech Republic, while a decent chance of progressing from a weak group, have failed to capitalise.

Key player: Petr Cech – fresh from Chelsea’s remarkable Champions League-winning campaign, the towering, long-limbed keeper will be expected to anchor his country’s defence. And, given that a scoreless draw against Russia could ensure qualification, defence will be a priority.

Overall: Appearing at their second Euros, Poland qualified automatically as hosts and, although the advantage of playing at home will boost their confidence, they’ll need to start with a win over Greece and then hope they can outdo the Czech Republic. They’ll need Arsenal’s Wojciech Szczesny to stand up in goals.

Key player: Robert Lewandowski – the 23-year-old striker had a breakout season in the Bundesliga, where he was the top goal-scorer for eventual champions Borussia Dortmund.

His understanding with Jakub Błaszczykowski, Poland’s captain, will be vital to the team’s prospects.

Overall: Somehow, remarkably, they won the Euros in 2004 soit’s unwise to write Greece off completely. Like many of the smaller football nations, they have few players running around in the top leagues but reap the rewards of combinations that play together regularly. Still, it would be a surprise if Greece made it past the group stage.

Key player: Avraam Papadopoulos – the central defender for Olympiacos, who have won seven of the last eight Greek titles, Papadopoulos was voted the Greek footballer of the year in 2011.

And he’ll need to live up to that billing if Greece are to shut out the dangerous opportunistic forwards in this group.

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TALE OF THE TAPE EUROS BY THE NUMBERS Most titles 3 Germany (1976, 1992, 2008) 2 Spain (1964, 2008) 2 France (1984, 2000) Most goals 9 Michel Platini (Fra) 7 Alan Shearer (Eng) 6 Nuno Gomes (Por) 6 Thierry Henry (Fra) 6 Patrick Kluivert (Neth) 6 Ruud van Nistelrooy (Neth) Most matches 16 Edwin var der Sar (Neth) 16 Lilian Thuram (Fra) 14 Luis Figo (Por) 14 Nuno Gomes (Por) 14 Karel Poborsky (Cze) 14 Zinedine Zidane (Fra)

o games at r u E e h t l l a Watch

r a B s k c a r r the Ba CKPACKER NIGHT IN WA A

WINNER BEST B

Among the goals: Michel Platini

Photos: Getty Images

Longest gap between appearances 24 years France (1960-84) 24 years Greece (1980-2004) 24 years Republic of Ireland (1988-2012) Euros hat-tricks Dieter Muller (Ger) v Yugoslavia, 1976 Klaus Allofs (Ger) v Netherlands, 1980 Michel Platini (Fra) v Belgium, 1984 Michel Platini (Fra) v Yugoslavia, 1984 Marco van Basten (Neth) v England, 1988 Sérgio Conceição (Por) v Germany, 2000 Patrick Kluivert (Neth) v Yugoslavia, 2000 David Villa (Spa) v Russia, 2008 Most medals Rainer Bonhof is the only player to have won three medals and to have twice won gold, winning with West Germany in 1972 and 1980, coming second in 1976.

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47

GROUP B

Clockwise: Mario Gomez; Robin van Persie; Cristiano Ronaldo Germany Overall: Better than anyone, the Germans seem to understand how to peak for big tournaments. They were runners-up at the Euros four years ago and consistently figure in the final matches of World Cups. This, though, is not the kind of typical German side – the ruthlessly efficient machines that nervelessly dispatched sides and, as England know too well, never feared penalty shoot-outs. Rather, under manager Joachim Low, this German side plays a more free-flowing, attractive brand of football that relies on a couple of stars up front but a spread of contributors through the middle. If the Germans dropped off slightly a cycle or two ago, they are definitely back, in style at that.

Key player: Mario Gomez – It will be fascinating to see how Low structures his attack, which will boast some combination of Miroslav Klose and Cacau playing second-fiddle to Gomez, who scored 41 goals from 52 appearances for Bayern Munich in the past season and was second only to Lionel Messi for goals during the Champions League. If Germany’s star-studded midfield – including Lukas Podolski, Mesut Ozil, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Thomas Muller and Mario Gotze – gets going, Gomez will get plenty of chances, making him a sound bet to finish as the tournament’s top scorer.

Netherlands v Denmark, June 9; Germany v Portugal, June 9; Denmark v Portugal, June 13; Netherlands v Germany, June 13; Portugal v Netherlands, June 17; Denmark v Germany, June 17

48

The Netherlands

Denmark

Portugal

Overall: Their group-stage clash with Germany will be the pick of the early exchanges, the Netherlands boasting their own battery of superstars through the engine room – Wesley Sneijder, Rafael van der Vaart, Mark van Bommel and Arjen Robben are a genuinely elite group. The Dutchmen should go through and could go all the way.

Key player: Robin van Persie – After singlehandedly keeping Arsenal’s head above water over the past year or so, Van Persie will enjoy a bit more support from the likes of Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and Dirk Kuyt. Still, if the Netherlands find themselves searching for a goal, Van Persie is the man most likely.

Overall: For the relative minnow of the group, their victory in this tournament in 1992 is a distant memory. Of course, it is not disastrous for Denmark, who remain a positive, well-organised outfit who must be considered at least an outside chance of upsetting a more fancied opponent. The big question mark is over their attacking options.

Key player: Daniel Agger – The national captain, who runs around for Liverpool, is one of Denmark’s few players with big-league experience and, given he lines up at centre-back, will be doubly important if Denmark are to keep their heads and system against sides who will otherwise open them up.

Overall: Despite producing some of the world’s top footballers, Portugal have never been able to truly deliver at the big tournaments – they made the final of the Euros in 2004 but suffered a shock loss to Greece. They don’t have the depth of the other powerhouses – whereas Germany or Spain have whole rotations, Portugal fall away.

Key player: Cristiano Ronaldo – If Portugal are to surprise, Ronaldo will need to carry the torch and probably kick the majority of their goals. He was incredible when playing for Manchester United and has arguably gone up an extra gear since leaving to join Real Madrid in 2009.

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HUGE SCREENS FOR ALL THE BEST LIVE SPORT!!!

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28/05/12 11:31 AM

GROUP C

Clockwise: Andres Iniesta; Luka Modric; Mario Balotelli Spain Overall: The reigning champions will take some beating and should be certainties for a semi-final berth at least. Simply put, no other side can match Spain for quality all over the park and the bonus is that so many of their stars are used to playing with each other at Barcelona or Real Madrid. There was a time when Spain were one of the great under-achievers, blessed with all the talent but unable to pull it all together when it mattered most. That ship has long ago sailed, though, and Spain now occupy rarefied territory, playing spectacular, irresistible football and it would be an historic boilover if Spain somehow went under in the group stage.

Key player: Andres Iniesta – You could pick any one of half a dozen players, such is the star quality of the Spanish side.

Just look at the midfield, already blessed with the gifts of Cesc Fabregas, Xavi Hernandez and Juan Mata. But Iniesta is the stand-out, not for his flamboyance or even necessarily for his creativity but for sheer industry. If everything clicks, Spain are unstoppable but in matches where graft is needed, Iniesta is the man. When the going gets tough or momentum is elusive, Iniesta is the man most likely to dig Spain out of a hole.

Spain v Italy, June 10; Republic of Ireland v Croatia, June 10; Italy v Croatia, June 14; Spain v Republic of Ireland, June 14; Croatia v Spain, June 18; Italy v Republic of Ireland, June 18

50

Italy

Republic of Ireland

Croatia

Overall: The Azzuri have fallen of their perch in recent years – they won a World Cup in 2006 and were the world’s top-ranked football nation but the production line of world-beating talent has dried up, exemplified by the slide to a ranking of 16th. Still, they remain a dark horse and could easily make it through to the last four.

Key player: Mario Balotelli – His time at Manchester City has cemented his status as one of the most eccentric, brilliant young players – what are the odds of Balotelli going to the next level while Europe is watching? Probably about the same as him having a shocker and sulking about it for three months.

Overall: Back in the Euros for the first time since 1988, Ireland are enjoying a renaissance under Italian coach Giovanni Trapattoni – they were memorably robbed of a spot in the last World Cup by a Thierry Henry handball.

They’ve been consistently competitive but will struggle to progress beyond their group here.

Key player: Shay Given – Part of Ireland’s resurgence has been their ability to restrict opponents’ scoring – there have been few blow-outs in recent years and that owes in no small measure to the presence of Shay Given, one of the finest keepers in the Premier League, in goals.

Overall: It’s tricky to get a read on Croatia – they’ve been up and down internationally in recent times, and disastrously failed to qualify for the last World Cup. They’ve got a stack of players in the top leagues, though, but progress through the group stage will depend on whether they gel well enough to roll Italy.

Key player: Luka Modric – A midfielder with a nose for goals, he’s been a wonderful player for Tottenham over the past few years, although Spurs fans probably don’t appreciate his repeated attempts to leave the club. Looms as the player most likely to bob up for a crucial goal.

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GROUP D

Clockwise: Franck Ribery; Steven Gerrard; Zlatan Ibrahimovic England Overall: They’ll be without Wayne Rooney for the first two matches and English supporters will be hoping desperately that his absence doesn’t open the door for Sweden to give them a nasty surprise. England have enough good players with topline experience to make the semi-finals but that’s the best-case scenario. Still, England are at the start of a new cycle – the Golden Generation is almost through, having not delivered, and must soon make way for younger players. England won’t win the Euros but there will be cause for encouragement if Ashley Young, Phil Jones, Theo Walcott and Danny Welbeck show something. These are, along with the absent Jack Wilshere, the future of the English side.

Key player: Steven Gerrard – He’s never been at his best at international level, often finding himself playing a compromised role in order to squeeze Frank Lampard into the same midfield. Finally, after an absurd merry-go-round with the England captaincy, Gerrard wears the armband – he needs to become the same talisman for England he has been for Liverpool. And, most immediately, they need his goals from the midfield. He’s also coming off a dirty season for Liverpool, in which the Merseyside team attracted controversy and under-performed. He’ll probably be happy to be out of Anfield for a while.

France v England, June 11; Ukraine v Sweden, June 11; Ukraine v France, June 15; Sweden v England, June 15; England v Ukraine, June 19; Sweden v France, June 19

52

Ukraine

Sweden

France

Overall: It’s their first appearance at the Euros, having qualified automatically as hosts and, to put it bluntly, it would be a real surprise if they come away with a single point. They may fancy themselves against Sweden but could be on the receiving end of hidings against England and France. Making up the numbers.

Key player: Yevhen Konoplyanka – The Ukrainian side is loaded with experienced campaigners like Andriy Shevchenko and Anatoliy Tymoshchuk but the sun is setting on those players.

Konoplyanka is a 22-year-old midfielder who has drawn comparisons to Lionel Messi for his nimble, fleet-footed style.

Overall: There aren’t too many big names in the Swedish squad but nor will they be cowed by facing England or France. The Swedish style is, of course, to play no-nonsense, efficient football, which, if they take their chances, could be enough to give their more-fancied opponents some uncomfortable moments.

Key player: Zlatan Ibrahimovic – He’s the captain and the big dog in the Swedish attack, having played for Internazionale, Barcelona and AC Milan over the years. If Sweden are to cause an upset, it will likely require Ibrahimovic getting on the end of a couple of balls into the box.

Overall: This tournament will reveal whether France has pieced itself back together after its dramatic implosion at the 2010 World Cup and whether they again deserve to be deemed contenders after the years in the wilderness following Zinedine Zidane’s retirement.

There’s enough talent – do they have the commitment to the cause?

Key player: Franck Ribéry – The Bayern Munich midfielder will be the one who gets France going and his ability to beat opponents one-on-one will inevitably create chances. If he is able to combine with midfield partner Samir Nasri and striker Karim Benzema, France could once again be dangerous.

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OZLISTINGS TRAVEL AGENTS Adventure Travel Bugs 07 3236 3266, adventuretravelbugs.com Backpackers World Travel 1800 676 67 63, backpackersworld.com Peter Pans Adventure Travel 1800 669 424, peterpans.com.au Travellers Contact Point 1800 647 640, travellers.com.au Tribal Adventure Travel 1800 984 484, tribaltravel.com.au YHA Travel 02 9261 111, yha.com.au

TOUR FIRMS

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Bottom Bits Bus Tours around Tasmania 1800 777 103, bottombits.com.au

Maxi Ragamuffin Whitsundays sailing 1800 454 777 maxiaction.com.au

Wilderness 4WD Adventures Top end tours 1800 808 288, wildernessadventures.com.au

Travellers Auto Barn 1800 674 374, travellers-autobarn.com.au

Bunyip Tours Tours around Victoria 1300 286 947, bunyiptours.com

Melbourne Australia Tours Victorian tours. 03 9016 9347 melbourneaustraliatours.com.au

Wildlife Tours Tours around Victoria 1300 661 730, wildlifetours.com.au

Wicked Campers 1800 246 869, wickercampers.com

Cool Dingos Fraser Island Tours 1800 072 555, cooldingotour.com

Mojosurf Sydney to Byron surfing tours 1800 113 044, mojosurf.com

Explore Whitsundays Whitsundays packages 1800 675 790, explorewhitsundays.com

Nullarbor Traveller Tours from Adelaide and Perth 1800 816 858, the-traveller.com.au

Groovy Grape Getaways Tours linking Adelaide, Alice Springs & Melbourne 1800 661 177, groovygrape.com.au Heading Bush Adelaide to Alice Springs outback tours 1800 639 933, headingbush.com

Ocean Rafting Whitsundays tours 07 4946 6848, oceanrafting.com Oz Experience Hop on-hop off Australia-wide tours 1300 300 028, ozexperience.com Surfcamp Sydney to Byron surfing tours 1800 888 732, surfcamp.com.au

Adventure Tours Australia-wide tours 1800 068 886, adventuretours.com.au

Jump Tours Tours around Tasmania 0422 130 630, jumptours.com

Airliebeach.com Whitsundays packages 1800 677 119, airliebeach.com

Kakadu Dream Kakadu tours 1800 813 266, kakadudreams.com.au

Autopia Tours Tours around Victoria 03 9391 0261, autopiatours.com.au

Kangaroo Island Adventure Tours Adelaide to KI tours 13 13 01, kiadventuretours.com.au

Under Down Under Tours Tours around Tasmania 1800 064 726, underdownunder.com.au

Awesome Adventures Oz Whitsundays packages 1800 293 7663, awesomeoz.com

Kangaroo Island Wildlife Adventures South Australia 1800 786 386, surfandsun.com.au

Western Xposure WA tours 08 9414 8423, westernxposure.com.au

The Rock Tour Red centre tours 1800 246 345, therocktour.com.au Topdeck Tours covering all of Oz 1300 886 332, topdeck.travel

RENTAL FIRMS

TRANSPORT CO

Apollo Motorhomes 1800 777 779, apollocamper.com

Greyhound Australia Buses around Australia. 13 20 30, greyhound.com.au

Backpacker Campervan Rentals 1800 767 010, backpackercampervans.com.au

Jetstar Airline.

131 538, jetstar.com.au

Boomerang Cars 0414 882 559, boomerangcars.com.au

Premier Transport Group Buses along the east coast.

13 34 10, premierms.com.au

Explore More Rentals 1800 708 309, exploremore.com.au

Qantas Airline.

13 13 13, qantas.com.au

Hippie Camper 1800 777 779, hippiecamper.com Kings Cross Car Market For buying and selling vehicles. 110 Bourke St, Woolloomooloo.

02 9358 5000, carmarket.com.au

Regional Express Airline.

13 17 13, rex.com.au Spirit of Tasmania Ferries to Tasmania.

03 6336 1446, spiritoftasmania.com Tiger Airways Airline.

03 9999 2888, tigerairways.com

Spaceships 1300 132 469, spaceshipsrentals.com.au

Redline Coaches For getting around Tasmania.

03 6336 1446, redlinecoaches.com.au

Standbycars.com 1300 789 059, standbycars.com

Virgin Australia Airline.

13 67 89, virginaustralia.com

S S O R C KINGS RKET A M R A C NT BUY, SELL & RE WE ARE HERE s "59).'

3%,,).'

2%.4).'. Good selection of Cars, Wagons, Vans & Campervans. 7$ 30%#)!,)343. Over 50 vehicles in stock with up to 50% BUY BACK. All with camping gear. s All vehicles for sale have a Government approved Roadworthy Certificate (Pink Slip) issued by ).$%0%.$%.4 -%#(!.)#3, not company employees like most car dealers. s &2%% information with tips for buying, selling and travelling.

Transfer & Registration forms for all States. s &2%% Advice on Registrations, Transfers, which States are cheapest/easiest to Transfer and Register. s &2%% 12 Months Australia Wide Warranty (guaranteee) with (2 2/!$3)$% !33)34!.#% available on most vehicles.* NOT a 5000km warranty which gets you about 25% of your way around Australia. *Conditions apply

INSURANCE CE FREECALL: LL 1800 808 188 We sell the only known ‘No Excess’ 3rd Party Property Insurance available to travellers from $230* For 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 12 months. Insurance available even if you buy a car from another place and without you having to tell lies to get it.

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SYDNEY STAY Base Sydney 477 Kent St. CBD. 02 9267 7718, stayatbase.com Big Hostel 212 Elizabeth St. CBD. 02 9267 7718, bighostel.com Bounce Budget Hotel 28 Chalmers St. CBD. 02 9281 2222, bouncehotel.com.au Easy Go Backpackers 752 George St. CBD. 02 9211 0505, easygobackpackers.com.au City Resort Hostel 103-105 Palmer St. Woolloomooloo 02 9357 3333, cityresort.com.au Sydney Central YHA 11 Rawson Place. CBD. 02 9218 9000 Sydney Harbour YHA 110 Cumberland Street. The Rocks.

02 9261 1111, yha.com.au Westend Backpackers 412 Pitt St. CBD. 1800 013 186 nomadshostels.com Boomerang Backpackers 141 William Street, Kings Cross.

02 8354 0488, boomerangbackpackers.com

Avalon Beach Hostel 59 Avalon Pde, Avalon Beach.

02 9918 9709, avalonbeach.com.au Bondi YHA 63 Fletcher Street.

Tamarama. 02 9365 2088, yha.com.au Lamrock Lodge 19 Lamrock Ave. Bondi. 02 9130 5063, lamrocklodge.com Lochner’s Guesthouse 8 Gowrae Ave. Bondi.

02 9387 2162, Aegean Coogee Lodge 40 Coogee Bay Rd. Coogee.

04 0817 6634, aegeancoogee.com.au Coogee Beach House 171 Arden St. Coogee. 02 9665 1162, coogeebeachhouse.com Coogee Beachside 178 Coogee Bay Rd, Coogee. 02 9315 8511, sydneybeachside.com.au Surfside Backpackers 186 Arden Street. Coogee.

02 9315 7888, surfsidebackpackers.com.au

The Bunkhouse 35 Pine St, Manly. 1800 657 122, bunkhouse.com.au Manly Backpackers 24-28 Raglan St. Manly. 02 9977 3411 manlybackpackers.com.au Cammeray Gardens 66 Palmer St, North Sydney. 02 9954 9371 sydneyboardinghouse.com Wake Up! 509 Pitt St, CBD. 02 9288 7888, wakeup.com.au

Sydney Harbour Bridge The Rocks. bridgeclimb.com

CENTRAL COAST

Sydney Aquarium Darling Harbour. sydneyaquarium.com.au

Newcastle Beach YHA 30 Pacific St, Newcastle.

02 4925 3544, yha.com.au

Sydney Wildlife World Darling Harbour. sydneywildlifeworld.com.au

Terrigal Beach YHA 9 Ocean View Dr, Terrigal.

02 4384 1919, yha.com.au

Taronga Zoo Mosman. zoo.nsw.gov.au

BYRON BAY

Waves Surf School wavessurfschool.com.au

SYDNEY DO Manly Surf School Manly Beach.

02 9977 6977, manlysurfschool.com Maritime Museum Darling Harbour. anmm.gov.au My Sydney Detour Unique city tours. mysydneydetour.com Oceanworld Manly West Esplanade. oceanworld.com.au Powerhouse Museum Darling Harbour. powerhousemuseum.com.au Skydive the Beach Wollongong. skydivethebeach.com

Dlux Hostel 30 Darlinghurst Rd, Kings Cross. 1800 236 213 dluxbudgethotel.com.au

Glebe Point YHA 262-264 Glebe Point Road. Glebe. 02 9692 8418, yha.com.au

Sydney Olympic Park Darling Harbour. sydneyolympicpark.nsw. gov.au

Kangaroo Bak Pak 665 South Dowling St. Surry Hills.

02 9261 1111

Boardrider Backpacker Rear 63, The Corso, Manly. 02 9977 3411 boardrider.com.au

Sydney Tower and Skytour 100 Market St, CBD. sydneyskytour.com.au

Backpackers Holiday Village 116 Jonson St 1800 350 388, byronbaybackpackers.com.au

SYDNEY MUSIC

Backpackers Inn 29 Shirley St 1800 817 696, backpackersinnbyronbay.com.au

Hordern Pavillion playbillvenues.com Oxford Art Factory oxfordartfactory.com

Byron Bay Accom 02 6680 8666, byronbayaccom.net

Sydney Opera House sydneyoperahouse.com

The Arts Factory 1 Skinners Shoot Rd. 02 6685 7709, nomadshostels.com

The Annandale annandalehotel.com The Enmore enmoretheatre.com.au The Gaelic Hotel thegaelic.com The Metro metrotheatre.com.au

Nomads Byron Bay Lawson Lane.

1800 666 237, nomadshostels.com Byron Bay YHA 7 Carlyle St. 1800 678 195, yha.com.au

COFFS HARB

BLUE MTNS Blue Mountains YHA 207 Katoomba St, Katoomba.

02 4782 1416, yha.com.au

Coffs Harbour YHA 51 Collingwood St. 02 6652 6462, yha.com.au

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Van price based on Breezer Campervan, 3+ day rate, for travel 17/06/2012 – 23/06/012. Car price based on Economy Car, 1-6 day city rate for travel June 2012. Prices correct at time of print, rates change weekly so contact our Reservations team for the best daily rate. Minimum hire applies, offer subject to availability and liability reduction cover is additional. For full terms and conditions contact Backpacker Rentals.

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QLDLISTINGS BRISBANE STAY

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BRISBANE DO

Aussie Way Backpackers 34 Cricket St. 07 3369 0711, aussiewaybackpackers.com

Australia Zoo Glasshouse Mountains, Tourist Drive, Beerwah. 07 5436 2000, australiazoo.com.au

Banana Bender Backpackers 118 Petrie Terrace.

07 3367 1157, bananabenders.com

Gallery of Modern Art 07 3840 7303, qag.qld.gov.au

Base Brisbane Embassy 214 Elizabeth St. 07 3166 8000, stayatbase.com

Riverlife Adventure Centre Kayaking & rock climbing. Lower River Terrace, Kangaroo Point.

07 3891 5766, riverlife.com.au

Base Brisbane Central 308 Edward St. 07 3211 2433, stayatbase.com Brisbane Backpackers Resort 110 Vulture St, West End. 1800 626 452, brisbanebackpackers.com.au Brisbane City Backpackers 380 Upper Roma St 1800 062 572, citybackpackers.com

Story Bridge Adventure Climb 170 Main St, Kangaroo Point.

1300 254 627, storybridgeadventureclimb.com.au XXXX Ale House Brewery tours.

Cnr Black & Paten St, Milton.

07 3361 7597, xxxxalehouse.com.au

GOLD COAST

Coolangatta Sands Hostel Cnr Griffiths & McLean Sts, Coolangatta. 07 5536 7472, coolangattasandshostel.com.au

wetnwild.myfun.com.au

Gold Coast International BP 28 Hamilton Ave, Surfers. 1800 816 300, goldcoastbackpackers.com.au

Zorb 07 5547 6300

Sleeping Inn Surfers 26 Peninsular Dr, Surfers Paradise.

1800 817 832, sleepinginn.com.au Surfers Paradise Backpackers Resort 2837 Gold Coast Highway, Surfers. 1800 282 800, surfersparadisebackpackers.com.au Surfers Paradise YHA Mariners Cove, 70 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach, Surfers Paradise.

07 5571 1776, yha.com.au

Aquarius Backpackers 44 Queen St, Surfers Paradise.

1800 22 99 55, aquariusbackpackers.com.au

The Deck 117 Harcourt Street, New Farm.

04 3377 7061

Backpackers in Paradise 40 Peninsula Drive, Surfers Paradise.

1800 268 621, backpackersinparadise.com.au

Dreamworld Theme park. dreamworld.com.au

Tinbilly Travellers Cnr George and Herschel Sts. 1800 446 646, tinbilly.com

Coolangatta Kirra Beach YHA Pl, 230 Coolangatta Rd, Bilinga.

07 5536 76442, yha.com.au

Seaworld seaworld.com.au

SUNSHINE CST Mooloolaba Backpackers 75-77 Brisbane Rd, Mooloolaba.

1800 020 120 mooloolababackpackers.com Nomads Noosa 44 Noosa Dr, Noosa Heads.

1800 666 237, nomadshostels.com Halse Lodge YHA 2 Halse Lane, Noosa. 1800 242 567, halselodge.com.au

Get Wet Surf School 07 5532 9907

Wet â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;nâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Wild Water World

Skydive Rainbow Beach 0418 218 358, skydiverainbowbeach.com

HERVEY BAY Aussie Woolshed

Nomads Hervey Bay 408 The Esplanade.

1800 666 237, nomadshostels.com Palace Backpackers 184 Torquay, 1800 063 168, palaceadventures.com.au

FRASER ISLAND

Q

Eurong Beach Resort 07 4120 1600, eurong.com.au

Dingos Backpacker Adventure Resort 20 Spectrum St. 1800 111 126, dingosresort.com Pippies Beach House 22 Spectrum St. 1800 425 356, pippiesbeachhouse.com

GC DO

woolshedbackpackers.com Next at Hervey Bay 10 Bideford St. 1800 102 989, nextbackpackers.com.au

RAINBOW BEACH

Trekkers Backpackers 22 White St, Southport. 1800 100 004, trekkersbackpackers.com.au

Bunk Backpackers Cnr Ann & Gipps Sts, 1800 682 865, bunkbrisbane.com.au

181 Torquay Rd 07 4124 0677

Warener Bros Movie World movieworld.com.au

Islander Backpackers Resort 6 Beach Rd, Surfers Paradise.

1800 074 393, islander.com.au

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Palace Adventures 184 Torquay St, Hervey Bay, 1800 063 168 palaceadventures.com.au

BUNDABERG Federal Backpackers 221 Bourbong St. 07 4153 3711 federalbackpackers.com.au

R B

Northside Backpackers 12 Queen St. 07 4154 1166 Bundaberg Bondstore Distillery tours.

07 4131 2999 bundabergrum.com.au

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Freecall (within Oz) 1800 666 336 - Owner operated Tel: + 617 4051 7642 11-13 Charles St Cairns QLD

WORKERS WANTED

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AYR BACKPACKERS stay at Wilmington House Working Hostel of the Burdekin District

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QLD’S #1 HOSTEL

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1800 682 865 or +61 7 3257 3644

16/4/12 5:22:16 PM

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LET THE ADVENTURE BEGIN!

IF YOUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;RE LOOKING FOR SUMMER FUN THERE IS NO PLACE BETTER THAN THE BRISSIE SUN!

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Our 5 Day PADI Open water course is the most popular way to do it.

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We also specialise in Liveaboard dive trips and all levels of dive education.

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SHOP: Cnr Shields & Grafton Sts, Cairns FREECALL: 1800 353 213 PHONE: +617 4031 5255 RES: info@prodivecairns.com

QLDLISTINGS TOWN OF 1770 1770 Backpackers 6 Captain Cook Dr. 1800 121 770, the1770backpackers.com 1770 Undersea Adventures 1300 553 889, 1770underseaadventures.com

AIRLIE BEACH airliebeach.com 259 Shute Harbour Rd. 1800 677 119 Airlie Beach YHA 394 Shute Harbour Rd. 1800 247 251, yha.com.au Backpackers by the Bay 12 Hermitage Dr. 1800 646 994, backpackersbythebay.com Base Airlie Beach Resort 336 Shute Harbour Rd. 1800 242 273, stayatbase.com Magnums Whitsunday Village Resort 366 Shute Harbour Rd. 1800 624 634 magnums.com.au

BOWEN Bowen Backpackers Beach end of Herbert St. 07 4786 3433 bowenbackpackers.net

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TOWNSVILLE Adventurers Resort 79 Palmer St. 1800 211 522, adventurersresort.com

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Adrenalin Dive Yongala diving. 07 4724 0600, adrenalindive.com.au Yongala Dive Yongala diving.

07 4783 1519, yongaladive.com.au

MAGNETIC ISL Base Magnetic Island 1 Nelly Bay Rd. 1800 24 22 73, stayatbase.com Bungalow Bay Backpackers Horseshoe Bay. 1800 285 577, bungalowbay.com.au Hotel Arcadia 7 Marine Pde, Arcadia Bay. 07 4778 5177 magnetic-island.com/arc-rsrt.htm Pleasure Divers 07 4778 5788

MISSION BEACH Absolute Backpackers 28 Wongaling Beach Road. 07 4068 8317, absolutebackpackers.com.au Scotty’s Beach House 167 Reid Rd. 07 4068 8676, scottysbeachhouse.com.au

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CAIRNS STAY Bohemia Central Cairns 100 Sheridan St. 1800 558 589, bohemiacentral.com.au

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MELBOURNE STAY

Urban Central 334 City Rd, Southbank. 1800 631 288, urbancentral.com.au

All Nations Backpackers Hotel & Bar 2 Spencer St. 1800 222 238, allnations.com.au

MELBOURNE DO Australian Centre for the Moving Image Federation Square.

03 8663 2200, acmi.net.au

Base Melbourne 17 Carlisle St, St. Kilda. 1800 242 273, stayatbase.com Central Melbourne Accommodation 21 Bromham Place, Richmond. 03 9427 9826, centralaccommodation.net Exford Hotel 199 Russell St. 03 9663 2697, exfordhotel.com.au Flinders Station Hotel 35 Elizabeth St. 03 9620 5100, flindersbackpackers.com.au The Greenhouse Backpacker Level 6, 228 Flinders Lane.

1800 249 207, greenhousebackpacker.com.au Habitat HQ 333 St Kilda Road, St Kilda. 1800 202 500, habitathq.com.au Home at the Mansion 66 Victoria Parade. 03 9663 4212, homemansion.com.au Home Travellers Motel 32 Carlisle St, St Kilda.

1800 008 718, hometravellersmotel.com.au

Melbourne Aquarium Cnr of Flinders St & King St. 03 9923 5999, melbourneaquarium.com.au

BOOK NOW

Melbourne Cricket Ground Brunton Av. 03 9657 8888 mcg.org.au

MIIKE SNOW

Melbourne Museum 11 Nicholson St, Carlton. 13 11 02 melbourne.museum.vic.gov.au

Palais Theatre. July 31. From $70 The self-proclaimed ‘three headed band with the one man name return to Melbourne this winter. Get in quick to secure tickets.

St Kilda, Melbourne

Hotel Bakpak Melbourne 167 Franklin St. 1800 645 200, hotelbakpak.com Melbourne Central YHA 562 Flinders St. 03 9621 2523, yha.com.au Nomads Melbourne 198 A’beckett St. 1800 447 762,

ticketek.com.au

nomadshostels.com Space Hotel 380 Russell St. 1800 670 611, spacehotel.com.au The Spencer 475 Spencer St. 1800 638 108, hotelspencer.com

WORD FROM THE STREET

National Gallery of Victoria Federation Square. ngv.vic.gov.au Old Melbourne Gaol 377 Russell St. 03 8663 7228, oldmelbournegaol.com.au Official Neighbours Tours 570 Flinders St. 03 9629 5866, neighbourstour.com.au

MELB MUSIC

Cherry Bar myspace.com/cherrybarmelbourne Corner Hotel cornerhotel.com East Brunswick Club eastbrunswickclub.com Esplanade Hotel espy.com.au Northcote Social Club northcotesocialclub.com Palace Theatre palace.com.au The Hi-Fi thehifi.com.au The Tote thetotehotel.com

GREAT OCEAN RD Anglesea Backpackers 40 Noble St, Anglesea.

03 5263 2664, angleseabackpackers.com.au Eco Beach YHA 5 Pascoe St. 03 5237 7899, yha.com.au Great Ocean Road Backpackers YHA 10 Erskine Av, Lorne.

03 5289 2508, yha.com.au Port Campbell Hostel 18 Tregea St, Port Campbell.

03 5598 6305, portcampbellhostel.com.au Surfside Backpackers Cnr Great Ocean Rd &

SURF’S UP

Nicole Lodder, The Netherlands

TORQUAY

WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN IN VICTORIA? Melbourne (via the Great Ocean Road, including some small villages within) and Phillip Island FAVOURITE DAY SPOT? Bells Beach because you can look for hours at the surfers, plus the fish and chips, and ambience is great FAVOURITE NIGHT SPOT? The bars in St Kilda, Melbourne

Pronounced Tor-key (for the North Americans out there), you may not have heard of this place, despite its positioning by one of the planet’s most scenic drives. Marking the start of the Great Ocean Road, Torquay is also a legendary surf spot, thanks in part to its close proximity to the world famous Bells Beach (think Keanu and Patrick pretending to be there in the final scene of Point Break). It is also where several of the world’s leading surf brands, like Rip Curl and Quiksilver, call home, making it a great place to pick up a bargain. Make sure you do the Surf Coast Walk while you’re there too. It’s pretty spectacular. It’s about a 90-minute drive south-west of Melbourne.

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follow us on 03 5984 4323, yha.com.au Tortoise Head Lodge French Island.

03 5980 1234, tortoisehead.net

SNOW TIME

DANDENONG Emerald Backpackers 03 5968 4086

MURRAY RIVER Echuca Gardens YHA 103 Av, Mitchell St, Echuca.

03 5480 6522, yha.com.au

SLASH Hisense Arena. August 26. $90.40 Dust off your air guitars because Slash returns for an unmissable tour in support of his new album Apocalyptic Love.

Melbourne

ticketek.com.au

Gambier St, Apollo Bay. 1800 357 263, surfsidebackpacker.com

MORNINGTON Bayplay Lodge 46 Canterbury

Mildura City Backpackers 50 Lemon Ave, Mildura.

03 5022 7922, milduracitybackpackers.com.au Oasis Backpackers 230 Deakin Av, Mildura.

04 0734 4251, milduraoasisbackpackers.com.au

Jetty Rd, Blairgowrie.

03 5988 0188, bayplay.com.au

GIPPSLAND

Sorrento Foreshore Reserve Nepean Hwy. 1800 850 600, mornpen.vic.gov.au

Prom Country Backpackers 03 5682 2614

Sorrento YHA 3 Miranda St, Sorrento.

Rawsom Caravan Park Depot Rd, Rawson.

03 5165 3439, rawsoncaravanpark.com.au

ART OF FLIGHT Astor Theatre. June 13. $13.30 Are you ready for the biggest snowboard movie release ever? See this doco on the big screen with plenty of snow prizes to be given away.

St Kilda, Melbourne

PHILLIP ISLAND Amaroo Park YHA 97 Church St, Cowes.

03 5952 3620, yha.com.au The Island Accommodation 10-12 Phillip Island Tourist Road. 03 5956 6123

moshtix.com.au

theislandaccommodation.com.au

GRAMPIANS Grampians YHA Eco Hostel Cnr Grampians & Buckler Rds, Halls Gap. 03 5356 4543, yha.com.au

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ADELAIDE STAY

COOBER PEDY

Adelaide Backpackers Inn 112 Carrington St. 1800 24 77 25, adpi.com.au

Opal Cave Coober Pedy Hutchinson St. 08 8672 5028, opalcavecooberpedy.com.au

Adelaide Central YHA 135 Waymouth St. 08 8414 3010, yha.com.au

Radeka Down Under 1 Oliver St. 1800 633 891, radekadownunder.com.au

Adelaide Travellers Inn 220 Hutt St. 08 8224 0753, adelaidebackpackers.com.au

Riba’s Underground 1811 William Creek Rd. 08 8672 5614, camp-underground.com.au

Annie’s Place 239 Franklin St. 1800 818 011, anniesplace.com.au Backpack Oz 144 Wakefield St. 1800 633 307, backpackoz.com.au Blue Galah Backpackers Lvl 1, 52-62, King William St. 08) 8231 9295, bluegalah.com.au

KANGAROO IS

DON’T MISS MATT CORBY

Glenelg Beach Hostel 5-7 Moseley St. Glenelg. 1800 359 181, glenelgbeachhostel.com.au

HQ Complex. June 7. $33.80 Following his success in the Hottest 100, it seems people can’t get enough of Matt Corby. Catch the smooth operator in Adelaide.

Hostel 109 109 Carrington St. 1800 099 318, hostel109.com

North Terrace Adelaide

My Place 257 Waymouth St. 1800 221 529, adelaidehostel.com.au

Memorial Drive.

08 8300 3800, cricketsa.com.au

Shakespeare Hostel 123 Waymouth St. 1800 556 889, shakeys.com.au

Adelaide Zoo Frome Rd. 08 8267 3255, zoossa.com.au

ADELAIDE DO Adelaide Oval Home to the Donald Bradman collection. War

Kangaroo Island YHA 33 Middle Terrace, Penneshaw.

08 8553 1344, yha.com.au

Haigh’s Chocolates Factory tours. 153 Greenhill Rd, Parkside. 1800 819 757, haighschocolates.com.au

moshtix.com.au

Temptation Sailing Dolphin swimming, Glenelg.

04 1281 1838, dolphinboat.com.au

BAROSSA VAL Barossa Backpackers 9 Basedow Road Tanunda.

08 8563 0198, barossabackpackers.com.au

Vivonne Bay Lodge 66 Knofel Drive, Vivonne Bay 13 13 01 seaink.com.au

RIVERLAND Berri Backpackers Sturt Highway, Berri.

08 8582 3144, berribackpackers.com.au Harvest Trail Lodge Loxton.08 8584 5646, harvesttrail.com.au Nomads on Murray Sturt Highway, Kingston on Murray.

1800 665 166, nomadsworld.com

Riverland Backpackers Labour Hire Services 08 8583 0211

FLEURIEU PENIN Port Elliot Beach House YHA 13 The Strand, Port Elliot. 08 8554 2785, yha.com.au

EYRE PENINSULA Coodlie Park Farmstay Flinders Highway, Port Kenny.

08 8687 0411, coodliepark.com Baird Bay Ocean Eco Experience Sea lion and dolphin swims.

08 8626 5017, bairdbay.com Calypso Star Charters Great white shark cage diving.

08 8682 3939, sharkcagediving.com.au Nullarbor Traveller Tours across to Perth.

1800 816 858, the-traveller.com.au Port Lincoln Tourist Park 11 Hindmarsh St. 08 8621 4444, portlincolntouristpark.com.au Rodney Fox Shark Expeditions Great white shark cage diving.

08 8363 1788, rodneyfox.com.au

FLINDERS RANGES Angorichina Tourist Village 08 8648 4842, angorichinavillage.com.au

LOSE YOURSELF

FLEURIEU PENINSULA

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Photo: SATC

Rammed with sweet surf spots and chilled out beaches, the peninsula (which was named by a French explorer in case you were wondering) is one of the easiest places to escape to from Adelaide. It’s also the area you’ll have to pass through if you’re planning a trip to Kangaroo Island. Get dizzy trying the local wines, strain your eyes for whales passing on the horizon, or get sweaty climbing up Mt Magnificent for views which are, er, not bad. You can even see a little penguin parade on Granite Island, just off Victor Harbor. And it’s all just a half hour’s drive from the city.

63

NTLISTINGS DARWIN STAY

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HOT PARTY

Banyan View Lodge Darwin 119 Mitchell St. 08 8981 8644, banyanviewlodge.com.au

Elkes Backpackers 112 Mitchell St. 1800 808 365, elkesbackpackers.com.au

KATHERINE DO Airborne Solutions Scenic helicopter flights.

08 8972 2345 airbornesolutions.com.au

Frogshollow Backpackers 27 Lindsay St. 1800 068 686, frogs-hollow.com.au Gecko Lodge 146 Mitchell St. 1800 811 250, geckolodge.com.au

Nitmiluk Tours Gorge cruises and kayak hire. 1300 146 743 nitmiluktours.com.au

MINDIL SUMMER SESSIONS

Melaleuca on Mitchell 52 Mitchell St. 1300 723 437, momdarwin.com

Mindil Beach. June 8. From $43.90 A beach party from midday to midnight, includes sets from the queen of electro pop Luciana, Alison Wonderland, TV Rock and more.

Youth Shack 69 Mitchell St. 1300 793 302, youthshack.com.au

Crocosaurus Cove Crocodile park and cage of death. 58 Mitchell St. 08 8981 7522, crocosauruscove.com Deckchair Cinema Jervois Rd, Darwin Waterfront.

08 8981 0700, deckchaircinema.com.au

BIG4 Katherine Holiday Park 20 Shadforth Road.

1800 501 984, big4.com.au Palm Court Kookaburra Backpackers Giles St. 1800 626 722

Darwin YHA 97 Mitchell St. 08 8981 5385, yha.com.au

DARWIN DO

KATHERINE STAY

Mindil Beach, Darwin Fannie Bay Gaol Heritage prison. East Point Road, Fannie Bay. 08 8941 2260, nt.gov.au Museum & Art Gallery of the Northern Territory 19 Conacher St, Bullocky Point.

08 8999 8264, magnt.nt.gov.au

moshtix.com.au Oz Jet Boating Stokes Hill Wharf.

1300 135 595, ozjetboating.com.au Spectacular Jumping Crocodile Cruise Adelaide River.

08 8978 9077, jumpingcrocodile.com.au Wave Lagoon Waterfront Precinct. waterfront.nt.gov.au

TENNANT CREEK Tourist Rest Leichardt St. 08 8962 2719, touristrest.com.au

ALICE SPRINGS Alice Lodge 4 Mueller St. 08 8953 1975, alicelodge.com.au Alice Springs YHA Cnr Parsons St & Leichhardt Tce. 08 8952 8855, yha.com.au Annie’s Place 4 Traeger Ave. 1800 359 089, anniesplace.com.au

@tnt_downunder Haven Resort 3 Larapinta Drive.

1800 794 663, alicehaven.com.au Toddy’s Resort 41 Gap Rd. 1800 027 027, toddys.com.au

ALICE DO Alice Springs Desert Park Larapinta Drive.

08 8951 8788, alicespringsdesertpark.com.au Alice Springs Reptile Centre Meet and hold lizards.

9 Stuart Terrace.

08 8952 8900, reptilecentre.com.au Outback Ballooning Hot air balloon rides.

1800 809 790, outbackballooning.com.au Royal Flying Doctor Service Base Museum and operations room.

Stuart Terrace. 08 8952 1129, flyingdoctor.net School of the Air Long-distance schooling museum.

80 Head St. 08 8951 6834, assoa.nt.edu.au The Rock Tour Uluru tours.

78 Todd St. 1800 246 345, therocktour.com.au

WORD FROM THE STREET

Karin Leesmann, Estonia WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN IN THE NT? Darwin and Kakadu NP, Katherine and now we’re driving to QLD FAVOURITE DAY SPOT IN OZ?Kakadu National Park, Ubirr and fishing on East Alligator river, we spotted a croc there.

FAVOURITE NIGHT SPOT?A “bush pub” on the way to QLD, name has escaped my mind, but there were bras on the wall and locals were colourful. Had the best game of pool ever there

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HOBART STAY

LAUNCESTON DO

DON’T MISS

Central City Backpackers 138 Collins St. 1800 811 507, centralbackpackers.com.au

Centre for Beer Lovers Boag’s Brewery, 39 William St. 03 6332 6300, boags.com.au

Hobart Hostel 41 Barrack St. 1300 252 192, hobarthostel.com Montgomery’s YHA 9 Argyle St. 03 6231 2660, yha.com.au

Queen Victoria Museum & Art Gallery 2 Invermay Rd & 2 Wellington St. 03 6323 3777, qvmag.tas.gov.au

Narrara Backpackers 88 Goulburn St. 03 6234 8801, narrarabackpackers.com

Tasmania Zoo 1166 Ecclestone Rd. 03 6396 6100, tasmaniazoo.com.au

Pickled Frog 281 Liverpool St. 03 6234 7977, thepickledfrog.com Transit Backpackers 251 Liverpool St. 03 6231 2400, transitbackpackers.com

HOBART DO Cascade Brewery 140 Cascade Rd. 03 6224 1117 cascadebreweryco.com.au Mt Wellington Descent Bike tours. 03 6274 1880 mtwellingtondescent.com.au Salamanca Markets Every Saturday, Salamanca Place. salamanca.com.au Tasmanian Museum & Art Gallery 5 Argyle St. tmag.com.au

DEVONPORT ADVENTURE BAY BLUES AND ROOTS Adventure Bay Hall. June 10. $38.90 Held on Bruny Island, this boutique festival showcases Tasmanian blues and roots performers as well as some stellar international guests.

Adventure Bay

thedwarf.com.au

PORT ARTHUR Port Arthur Historic Ghost Tours 1800 659 101, portarthur.org.au

LAUNCESTON Arthouse Backpacker Hostel 20 Lindsay St. 1800 041 135, arthousehostel.com.au

Launceston Backpackers 103 Canning St. 03 6334 2327, launcestonbackpackers.com.au Lloyds Hotel 23 George St. 03 6331 9906, backpackersaccommodation.com.au

WEEKENDER

Photo: DiscoverTasmania.com

Cataract Gorge launcestoncataractgorge.com.au

Tasman Backpackers 114 Tasman St. 03 6423 2335, tasmanbackpackers.com.au

Mt Roland Budget Backpacker Rooms 1447 Claude Rd, Gowrie Park. 03 6491 1385

CRADLE DO Devils at Cradle Tassie devil sanctuary. 3950 Cradle Mountain Rd. 03 6492 1491. devilsatcradle.com Overland Track Six-day walk parks.tas.gov.au

FREYCINET Iluka Backpackers YHA Reserve Rd. 03 6257 0115, yha.com.au Freycinet National Park Brewery, Wineglass Bay camping. 03 6256 7000, wineglassbay.com

BICHENO Bicheno Backpackers 11 Morrison St. 03 6375 1651, bichenobackpackers.com Bicheno Penguin Tours 03 6375 1333, bichenopenguintours.com.au

CRADLE MTN Discovery Holiday Parks Cradle Mountain Rd. 1800 068 574, discoveryholidayparks.com.au

STRAHAN, Strahan YHA 43 Harvey St. 03 6471 7255, yha.com

STRAHAN DO Four Wheelers Henty Sand Dunes quadbike tours. 04 1950 8175, 4wheelers.com.au Water by Nature Extreme multiday whitewater rafting. 1800 111 142, franklinrivertasmania.com

WORD FROM THE STREET

Gus Jones, USA LAUNCESTON Centrally located Launceston is Tassie’s second-largest city and the country’s third oldest.

Surrounded by imposing mountains, it has earned its title of “Garden City” and has an interesting history. Its main attractions are the nearby Cataract Gorge, colonial gardens, tea shops and old mills. It’s 14km from the airport to the city centre. The city is easily explored on foot, but there’s also a good public transport system.

FAVOURITE DAY SPOT? The beautiful Lake St. Claire! It’s surrounded by mountains and stunning nature FAVOURITE NIGHT SPOT? Stay in a hostel, meet the people and slap the goon together!

HIGHLIGHT OF THE TRIP? We climbed the Cradle Mountain and enjoyed wonderful views of the National Park and the Lake!

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follow us on One World Backpackers 162 Aberdeen St, Northbridge.

1800 188 100, oneworldbackpackers.com.au

@tnt_downunder

HOT GIG

Perth City YHA 300 Wellington St. 08 9287 3333, yha.com.au The Old Swan Barracks 6 Francis St. 08 9428 0000, theoldswanbarracks.com Underground Backpackers 268 Newcastle St, Northbridge.

08 9228 3755, undergroundbackpackers.com.au The Witch’s Hat 148 Palmerston St. 08 9228 4228, witchshat.com

RUFUS WAINWRIGHT Riverside Theatre. September 19. $TBA Following the release of his new Mark Ronson-produced album, Out of the Game, the incomparable young Wainwright hits Perth.

Perth Convention Centre

PERTH STAY Billabong Backpackers Resort 381 Beaufort St. 08 9328 7720, billabongresort.com.au Britannia on William 253 William St, Northbridge.

08 9227 6000, perthbrittania.com

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ticketek.com.au Emperor’s Crown 85 Stirling St, Northbridge. 1800 991 553, emperorscrown.com.au Globe Backpackers & City Oasis Resort 561 Wellington St. 08 9321 4080, globebackpackers.com.au Ocean Beach Backpackers 1 Eric St, Cottlesloe. 08 9384 5111, oceanbeachbackpackers.com.au

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PERTH DO Aquarium of Western Australia 91 Southside Drive, Hillarys.

08 9447 7500, aqwa.com.au Kings Park & Botanic Garden bgpa.wa.gov.au Perth Mint 310 Hay St. 08 9421 7223, perthmint.com.au Perth Zoo 20 Labouchere Road, South Perth.

08 9474 3551, perthzoo.wa.gov.au

ED SHEERAN Riverside Theatre. August 6. $78.10 The red haired man of the minute blends acoustic music, folk and hip hop and has earned fans across the world. Catch him in Perth.

Perth Convention Centre

PERTH MUSIC Amplifier amplifiercapitol.com.au Astor liveattheastor.com.au Mojo’s Bar mojosbar.com.au The Bakery nowbaking.com.au The Rosemount Hotel rosemounthotel.com.au

ticketek.com.au

FREO STAY Backpackers Inn Freo 11 Pakenham St. 08 9431 7065, backpackersinnfreo.com.au Old Firestation Backpackers 18 Phillimore St. 08 9430 5454, fremantleprison.com.au

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Sundancer Backpackers Resort 80 High St. 08 9336 6080, sundancerbackpackers.com.au

FREO DO Fremantle Markets 08 9335 2515, fremantlemarkets.com.au Fremantle Prison 1 The Terrace.

08 9336 9200, backpackersinnfreo.com.au

ROTTNEST ISL Rottnest Island YHA Kingstown Barracks.

08 9372 9780, yha.com.au

MARGARET RIV Margaret River Lodge YHA 220 Railway Tce. 08 9757 9532, yha.com.au

ALBANY Albany Bayview Backpackers YHA 49 Duke St. 08 9842 3388, yha.com.au Cruize-Inn 122 Middleton Rd. 08 9842 9599, cruizeinn.com Metro Inn Albany 270 Albany Hwy. 1800 004 321, metrohotels.com.au

MONKEY MIA Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort 1800 653 611, monkeymia.com.au

NINGALOO REEF Blue Reef Backpackers 3 Truscott Crescent, Exmouth 1800 621 101, aspenparks.com.au Ningaloo Club Coral Bay 08 9948 5100, ningalooclub.com Excape Backpackers YHA Murat Rd, Exmouth.

08 9949 1200, yha.com.au

BROOME STAY Cable Beach Backpackers 12 Sanctuary Road.

1800 655 011, cablebeachbackpackers.com Kimberley Club 62 Fredrick St 08 9192 3233, kimberleyklub.com

BROOME DO Sun Pictures Carnarvon St. 08 9192 1077, broomemovies.com.au

UNSPOILED

THE KIMBERLEY

7 ,Ê -/Ê "-/ Ê Ê7 ÊÓääÇ -/ÊÓäänÊEÊÓää

This massive, northern region of Western Australia is truly the country’s final frontier, full of crocodiles, spectacular gorges and waterfalls, plus brilliant 4WD fun. If you don’t have a 4WD then exploring away from the highway can be tricky and mean an admittedly pricey tour might be your best bet. However, it will be money well spent.

TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

67

VELLING TRA ON TO F

FIJILISTINGS

IJI?

NADI & WEST Aquarius Pacific Hotel +679 672 6000 Beach Escape Villas +679 672 4442, beachscape@ connect.com.fj Cathay Hotel +679 666 0566, fiji4less.com

mote ere.

Visit the re ds, Fiji.

- it s all th n la Is a w k , explore sa a Ya ay k , e iv el d Chill, snork

Horizon Backpackers +679 672 2832, horizonbeachfiji.com Nadi Bay Resort Hotel +679 672 3599, fijinadibayhotel.com

entures

dv Awesome A

rs

for backpacketravellers tive and alterna xperience the e

Nadi Down Town Backpackers Inn +679 670 0600, pacvalley@connect.com.fj Nadi Hotel +679 670 0000, ndht@connect.com.fj Nomads Skylodge Hotel +679 672 2200

o

who want t

Saweni Beach Apartment Hotel +679 666 1777, fiji4less.com

“real Fiji”

Smugglers Cove +679 672 6578, smugglers beachfiji.com Travellers Beach Resort +679 672 3322, beachvilla@connect.com.fj

ISLAND HOPPING PASSES Complete freedom to explore the Yasawa Islands, including Beachcomber.

Choose from a 5, 7, 10, 12, 15 or 21 day pass.

Passes from $217

YASAWA ISLANDS

EASY FLEXIBLE PACKAGES Explore the real Fiji. From 5 to 11 nights.

Includes vessel transfers, accommodation, meals and activities. Packages from $586

Pacific Safaris Club +679 345 0498, safariclub@connect.com.fj Rendezvous Dive Resort +679 628 4427, surfdivefiji.com Robinson Crusoe +679 629 1999, robinsoncrusoeislandfiji.com Seashell Cove Resort +679 670 6100, seashellresort.com Tabukula Beach Bungalows +679 650 0097, fiji4less.com The Uprising Beach Resort +679 345 2200, uprisingbeachresort.com Tsulu Luxury Backpackers & Apartments +679 345 0065, tsulu.com Vakaviti Motel & Dorm +679 650 0526, bulavakaviti@connect.com.fj Vilisite Place +679 650 1030

SUVA Colonial Lodge +679 92 75248, sailevukaga@yahoo.co.nz

Awesome Adventures Fiji +679 675 0499, awesomefiji.com

Lami Lodge Backpackers +679 336 2240, volau@connect.com.fj

Coconut Bay Resort +679 666 6644 coconutbay_fiji2002@yahoo.com

Leleuvia Island Resort +679 331 9567, eleen@leleuvia.com

Korovou Eco Tour Resort +679 666 6644 korovoultk@connect.com.fj

Raintree Lodge +679 332 0562, raintreelodge.com

Kuata Resort +679 666 6644

Royal Hotel +679 344 0024 royal@connect.com.fj

ISLAND ESCAPES

Long Beach Backpackers Resort +679 666 6644

South Seas Private Hotel +679 331 2296, fiji4less.com

A bit like survivor but a lot more fun! Strand yourself on one island for 2, 4 or 6 nights. If you can stand nd the pain of coral lagoons and coconut palms then stay longer. Packages from $224

Manta Ray Island +679 672 6351 mantarayisland@connect.com.fj

Tailevu Hotel +679 343 0028

Nabua Lodge +679 666 9173 nabualodge@connect.com.fj Oarsmans Bay Lodge +679 672 2921, nacula@hotmail.com Octopus Resort +679 666 6337 reservations@octopusresort.com

GREAT PAIRS

Sunrise Lagoon Resort +679 666 6644

5 days 4 nights 2 islands

Wayalailai Island Resort +679 672 1377 wayalailai@connect.com.fj

Straight out of your tropical Island Fantasy.

Two island stays have always been extremely popular so we ve made it really easy for you with a matching of islands that we think make a great pair. Packages from $421 Daily departures for all packages and passes from Denarau Marina

info@awesomefiji.com

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Prices are ex Denarau, Fiji, in Australian dollars and valid for travel to 31 March 2013.

White Sandy Beach Dive Resort +679 666 4066

MAMANUCA ISL Beachcomber Island Resort +679 666 1500, beachcomberfiji.com Bounty Island Resort +679 666 6999, fiji-bounty.com Rau Kini’s Hostel +679 672 1959, rtkinihostel@connect.com.fj

AAF3373 - Issue 674

For info and bookings see your travel centre or contact us: phone1800 007 129 or SKYPE awesomefiji

The Funky Fish Beach Resort +679 628 2333, funkyfishresort.com The Resort Walu Beach +679 665 1777, walubeach.com

CORAL COAST Beachouse +679 653 0500, fijibeachouse.com

68

Mango Bay Resort +679 653 00690, mangobayresortfiji.com

TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

NORTH VITI LEVU Bethams Cottage +679 669 4132, bethams.com.fj Macdonalds Beach Cottages +679 669 4633 Morrison’s Beach Cottagess +679 669 4516, tipple@connect.com.fj Safari Lodge Fijis +679 669 3333 safarilodge.com.fj Volivoli Beach Resort +679 669 4511, volivoli.com

VANUA LEVU Bayside Backpacker Cottage +679 885 3154, tripntour@connect.com.fj Hidden Paradise Guest House +678 885 0106 Naveria Heights Lodge +679 851 0157, justnaveria@connect.com.fj Savusavu Hot Springs +679 885 0195, hotspringshotel@connect.com.fjj

TAVEUNI Albert’s Sunrise +679 333 7555 Matava Resort +679 330 5222, matava.com

NZLISTINGS

NZLISTINGS

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BUS TOURS Kiwi Experience +64 9366 9830 kiwiexperience.com Magic Travellers Network +64 9358 5600, magicbus.co.nz Nakedbus.com 0900 62533, nakedbus.com NZ Travelpass 0800 339 966, travelpass.co.nz Stray +64 9309 8772, straytravel.com

RENTAL FIRMS Ace Rental Cars 1800 140 026, acerentalcars.com.nz Backpacker Campervan & Car Rentals +800 200 80 801, backpackercampervans.com Bargain Rental Cars 0800 001 122, bargainrentals.com.nz Darn Cheap Rentals 0800 447 363, exploremore.co.nz Econo Campers +64 9275 9919, econocampers.co.nz Escape Rentals 1800 456 272, escaperentals.co.nz Explore More 1800 800 327, dcrentals.com.nz Jucy Rentals 0800 399 736, jucy.com.nz

Rent-A-Dent 0800 736 823, rentadent.co.nz Rental Car Village +64 9376 9935, hire-vehicles.co.nz Spaceships 1300 139 091, spaceships.tv Standby Cars 1300 789 059, standbycars.com.au Wicked Campers 1800 246 869, wickedcampers.com

AUCKLAND Airport Skyway Lodge Backpackers (BBH) 30 Kirkbride Road, Mangere. +64 9275 4443, skywaylodge.co.nz Auckland International Backpackers (BBH) 2 Churton St, Parnell. +64358 4584, Base Auckland 229 Queen St. 0800 227 369, stayatbase.com Bamber House (BBH) 2 2 View Rd, Mt Eden. +64 9623 4267, hostelbackpacker.com

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QUEENSTOWN

The Fat Camel (Nomads) 38 Fort St. +64 9307 0181, nomadshostels.com

Nomads Capital 118 Wakefield St. 0508 666 237, nomadscapital.com

Nomads Auckland 16-20 Fort St. +64 9300 9999, nomadshostels.com

Rosemere Backpackers (BBH) 6 McDonald Cres. +64 4384 3041, backpackerswellington.co.nz

Oaklands Lodge (BBH) St. +64 5A Oaklands Rd, Mt Eden. +64 9638 6545, oaklands.co.nz

Rowena’s Backpackers (VIP) 115 Brougham St. 0800 80 1414

Queen Street Backpackers (VIP) 4 Fort St. +64 9373 3471, enquiries@qsb.co.nz Surf ‘n’ Snow Backpackers 102 Albert St. +64 9363 8889, surfandsnow.co.nz YHA Auckland City Cnr City Rd & Liverpool St. +64 9309 2802, yha.co.nz YHA Auckland International 5 Turner St. +64 9302 8200, yha.co.nz

WELLINGTON Base Wellington 21-23 Cambridge Tce. +64 4801 5666 stayatbase.com

Central City Backpackers 26 Lorne St. +64 9358 5685, backpacker.net.nz

Downtown Wellington Backpackers (BBH) 1 Bunny St. +64 4473 8482 db@downtownbackpackers.co.nz

City Garden Lodge 25 St Georges Bay Rd, Parnell. +64 9302 0880

Lodge in the City (VIP) 152 Taranaki St. +64 4385 8560 lodgeinthecity.co.nz

YHA Wellington City 292 Wakefield St. +64 4801 7280

CHRISTCHURCH Chester Street Backpackers (BBH) 148 Chester St East. +64 3377 1897, chesterst.co.nz Foley Towers (BBH) 208 Kilmore St. +64 3366 9720, backpack.co.nz/foley Jailhouse Accommodation (BBH) 338 Lincoln Rd. 0800 524 546, stay@kiwibasecamp.com

@tnt_downunder

Base Discovery Lodge St. +64 Queenstown 49 Shotover St. +64 3441 1185, stayatbase.com Bungi Backpackers (VIP, BBH) 15 Sydney St. 0800 728 286, bungibackpackers.co.nz Cardrona Alpine Resort Between Queenstown and Wanaka. +64 3443 7341, cardrona.com Flaming Kiwi Backpackers (BBH) 39 Robins Rd. +64 3442 5494, flamingkiwi@xtra.co.nz Hippo Lodge (BBH) 4 Anderson Hts. +64 3442 5785, hippolodge.co.nz Nomads Queenstown 5-11 Church St. +64 3441 3922, nomadshostels.com

Kiwi House 373 Gloucester St. +64 3381 6645, kiwihouse.co.nz

Pinewood Lodge (VIP) 48 Hamilton Rd. 0800 7463 9663, rgrieg@xtra.co.nz

The Old Countryhouse (BBH) 437 Gloucester St. +64 3381 5504, oldcountryhousenz.com

Southern Laughter (BBH, VIP) 4 Isle St. 0800 728 448, southernlaughter.co.nz

Tranquil Lodge (BBH) 440 Manchester St. +64 3366 6500, tranquil-lodge.co.nz

YHA Queenstown Central 48A Shotover Street. +64 3442 7400, yha.co.nz

Rucksacker Backpacker Hostel (BBH) 70 Bealey Ave. +64 3377 7931, rucksacker.com

YHA Queenstown Lakefront 8890 Lake Esplanade. +64 3442 8413, yha.co.nz

TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

69

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www.salesfleet.com.au

Energy Advisor

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We require motivated and self driven individuals to join our rapidly expanding direct sales team.

Have you ever wanted to make a difference in someone’s life? Here’s your chance…

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Experience is not essential, although will be a benefit.

We now require energetic Sales Contractors to work for an ongoing campaign representing one of the world’s largest charities.

You need to be sales confident, enthusiastic and have the drive to succeed. A supportive environment and comprehensive product training will help you to achieve your best.

By promoting Child Sponsorship, you will help make a difference to millions of people around the world. You will also have the potential to be well remunerated for your efforts.

Hours and working days are flexible.

Please register your interest by E-mailing your resume to mroberts@salesfleet.com.au or call 042 550 1204 70

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Sale of the century Blessed with the gift of the gab? Can you sell ice to Eskimos?

If so, you’re a perfect candidate for a job in promotions

It’s often quite difficult (very difficult) to find a sociable, fun job where you can also make some money. But a job in the promotions sector could just about help you achieve this goal. What’s more, if you’re any good at it, the long-term prospects are great.

But are there any jobs available? Bec Wagener, of Travellers at Work, says yes. “Industries are turning more and more to travellers to help fill their staff shortages. The marketing sector is definitely one of these sectors.”

While experience and a degree will ease the route to a leadership role, there’s still plenty on offer to those without any qualifications, as most companies will provide workers with on-the-job training. There’s also a big variety of roles to choose from, whether it be in promotions or marketing.

However, sales jobs are often the most accessible for travellers. So how much money are we talking? “You may be paid on a commission-only structure or hourly. Hourly rates

72

TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

usually start from $17 per hour,” Wagener says.

But if the cash isn’t tempting enough, one hefty bonus is that many of the door-to-door sales jobs often include team road trips around the state, even the country.

However, if you don’t like the sound of living off commission, then promotions might be more your bag.

Handing out anything from chocolate to shaving products could easily earn you $24 per hour.

And with a million and one agencies touting work, it’s generally not too tricky finding shifts, although the hours can be fairly unreliable.

And one last thing. Save the bullshitting until you’re on the job. “Honesty is definitely a key factor I look at when talking with candidates,” Wagener says. “People that are up front and honest get a big tick from me.”

Start looking for jobs in sales and promotions by heading to: tntdownunder.com

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MYTHBUSTERS WHY SO BLUE?

THIS WEEK’S QUIZ

SYDNEY

MYTH OF THE

The Sydney Harbour Bridge Q 1.is nicknamed the...?

Which of the following is Sydney’s Q 6.oldest suburb?

a) Big Steel b) Coathanger c) Crown Jewel d) Big Easy

a) Kingsford c) The Rocks

Which of the following is not Q 2.a Sydney beach?

What is the capital city of Australia?

Q 7.a) Adelaide

a) Dee Why Beach b) Why Mee Beach c) Manly d) Maroubra

b) Melbourne c) Sydney d) Canberra

star didn’t grow up in Sydney?

Q 3.a)Which Mel Gibson b) Nicole Kidman d) Russell Crowe

Q 4. Which of the following is Sydney’s biggest park? a) Sydney Park b) Hyde Park c) Centennial Park d) The Domain

a) Sex b) Sin c) Symbols d) Shackles

7

9

1 4 1

4 1

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9

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6

5

7

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AUSSIE-ISM “A BLUDGER”

6 5

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4

9

4 6

2

ANAGRAM-ARAMA

This is typically an insult to describe someone who is lazy and out of work, probably living off the dole (government unemployment money) instead of finding work.

“That Barry is a bloody bludger”.

THIS WEEK IT’S...

EURO 2012 1. INK URIA 2. PARK FARMLAND 3. USA SIR 4. FEAR DUBLIN HOTEL PRICE! ANSWERS: 1. Ukraine 2. Frank Lampard 3. Russia 4. Republic of Ireland

b) The Matrix d) The Great Gatsby

SUDOKU PUZZLE 2

a) The G-String Divas b) The Bondi Boxers c) The Bra Boys d) The Commando Crew

Q 9. Sydney is nicknamed the City of...?

Q 5. Which movie was not filmed in Sydney? a) Chopper c) Happy Feet

What’s the name of south Sydney’s Q 8.infamous surf gang?

ANSWERS: 1. b 2. b 3. c 4. c 5. a 6. c 7. d 8. c 9. b

c) Eric Bana

b) Bondi d) Woolloomooloo

WEEK Why are the Blue Mountains so blue?

In Australia, they like to keep names simple. The long road beside the ocean is the Great Ocean Road. The bridge over Sydney’s harbour is the Harbour Bridge. And the Blue Mountains are so-called because, well, when you look at them, they appear rather cobalt in hue. This is because there are rather a lot of eucalypt trees in the area that give off a fine mist of minty-scented oil, which you can smell in the air. And when you’ve got that much mist, it becomes visible in the sunlight as a hazy blue cloud, which hangs over entire valleys. So there you go...

cker a p k c a B fares l i a r y d Rea > ADL $51

MEL < $127 > ADL SYD < $177 > ALICE ADL < $177 <> DAR E IC L A $221 PER > < L D A $303 PER > < D SY

The most relaxed way to see the vast Australian Outback is by train.

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Visit greatsouthernrail.com.au/backpackers or book with your licensed travel agent.

Terms and conditions apply. All Backpacker ReadyRail fares are based on Red Service Day/Nighter Seat Service and are available to members of recognised backpacker organisations for bookings made from 1 April 2012 for travel until 31 March 2013. All fares are also available in opposite direction. All fares include a fuel price surcharge.

Prices are subject to change without notice, available for instant purchase. Non-refundable. *Shower and lounge facilities not available on The Overland, Melbourne <> Adelaide.

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