TNT Downunder 695

August 20-26 2012 Issue 695 tntdownunder.com

IHNAPPY W AP

A SN NORTHERN TERRITORY ADVENTURE

GORGE OF THE JUNGLE

STAY CLASSY Cruising for a brew in San Diego

Travel from Darwin to Alice via Katherine

S E L P P A E B L L SHE’ ania n state, Tasm e re g ’s a li a tr Aus ! We explore it e v E d n a nna Adam You’re not go + NEWS & SPORT WHAT’S ON FILM REVIEWS TRAVELLERS’ TIPS

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ALEX HARMON EDITOR editor@tntdownunder.com

EDITOR’S LETTER Do you like good food, wine, clean air and stunning surrounds? If you said no, we can’t be friends. But if you said yes, you need to head south to Tasmania, the emerald state below Victoria. We have all the Tassie tips you’ll ever need on pg6. Trust us when we tell you it’s worth your time.

We also jump on the train from Darwin to Alice, and learn to surf and appreciate beers in San Diego. Happy travels!

THIS WEEK OZ DIARY

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CHATROOM

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FILM

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TRAVEL

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COMPETITION

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NEWS

40

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 NT

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LISTINGS TASMANIA

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LISTINGS WA

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LISTINGS SA

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LISTINGS NEW ZEALAND

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WORK

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TRIVIAL PURSUITS

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FEATURES DEVIL’S DELIGHT

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Everything you’ll ever need to know about the green state, Tasmania

RICKI’S GLEE

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We chat to pop diva Ricki-Lee Coulter about her bold new album

TRAINING DAYS

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The soothing train journey from Darwin to Alice Springs, stopping in Katherine

GOLDEN BROWN Catching breaks and pulling boutique brews in San Diego, California

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OZDIARY EDITORIAL Editor Alex Harmon Contributors Laura Chubb, Leigh Livingstone, Andrew Westbrook Interns James Besanvalle, Priyal Dadhania, Caitlin Stanway

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Canadian country singer Corb Lund has an Asprin between acts

DESIGN AND PRODUCTION Design and production manager Lisa Ferron SALES Account manager Justin Steinlauf MARKETING & EVENTS Business development manager Tom Wheeler DISTRIBUTION Lee Sutherland ACCOUNTS Financial controller Trish Bailey Accountant Hannah Waters

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MAIN EVENT GYMPIE MUSTER

AMAMOOR CREEK STATE FOREST Spend the last weekend of winter bootscooting inland with Queensland’s cowboys and country music aficionados. A phenomenal experience, held over 4 days and nights, set in one of Queensland’s most beautiful and normally peaceful National State Parks, the Gympie Music Muster honors the true spirit of country Australia. So much so that Kenny Rogers (US) is headlining the festival. Seriously though, you can’t get much more Aussie than this. Giddy up!

August 23-26 Regional Queensland

muster.com.au

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WINNING SKY PHOTOGRAPHS

WRITERS’ FESTIVAL (MELB)

PHOTOS: FASHION FLASHBACK

Calling all space nerds: still high on the Mars Curiosity landing?

Well the Sydney Observatory will exhibit images of the Australian night sky in a new exhibition. Photos of the planets, solar systems, nebula, Milky Way + more.

Sharpen your pencil for the annual Melbourne Writers’ Festival opening this week at Federation Square. Over 400 writers from around the world will gather for all sorts, including talks, debates, banquets, film, workshops and gigs.

The glamorous story of Australian fashion photography is revealed in a new exhibition at the State Library. With images ranging from 19th century hand-coloured portraiture through to contemporary fashion shots. See a young Nicole Kidman + more.

Until Sept 19 The Rocks, Sydney NSW sydneyobservatory.com

Aug 23-Sept 2 Various Melbourne, VIC mwf.com.au

Until late December State Library, Sydney NSW sl.nsw.gov.au

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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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South of the border A lot of travellers neglect little old Tasmania, but with seductive beauty, friendly locals and unique attractions, that’s a big mistake WORDS PRIYAL DADHANIA

Australia’s very own Emerald Isle, Tasmania harbours fine wine and food, celebrates art and culture on a regular basis, and is home to breath-taking scenery. The island offers the ultimate Australian experience with something for every traveller. For those of you who have acclimatized to the summer sun it’s time to invest in some warmer gear, as Tassie’s winter months with slap you with clean, crisp Antarctic air.

Much of Tasmania is National Park, so you’ve not seen the real thing until you’ve chucked on those hiking boots and gone trekking. While the west coast of Tassie is known for its rainforest and parkland, don’t forget Freycinet National Park on the east coast. Tassie’s oldest park is surrounded by bays and white sand beaches. Home to Wineglass Bay, it has become known 6

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for housing one of the world’s top ten beaches.

If this is all a bit too chilled, get the heart racing by quad biking on the Henty sand dunes or grab a board and slide down. If this doesn’t take your fancy, ever considered jet boating?

Tours run though Strahan to the west coast’s incredible King River. Double the size of Sydney Harbour, the super speedy journey is set to impress.

That’s not all – for those culture vultures there’s a chance to get stuck right in. It’s difficult to ignore the history the island, telling horrific stories of convict labour through architectural wonders like the bridges at Ross, Richmond and Campbell Town, or places like Port Arthur which recall grim tales of the past (and even recent times). Point Puer, the first boys’ prison

in the British Empire, was built here too. Push your limits on the ghost tour!

It doesn’t end there, for art lovers, one of the must-sees is The Museum of New and Old Art (MONA). The selfproclaimed “Adult’s Disneyland” is set to delight as much as it will shock.

After the exploring it’s only fair that there’s time to relax. For those flashpackers who want to avoid the goon, Tassie is the perfect place to splash out and taste the finer things in life.

Tassie’s sparkling’s and Pinot Noir have been highly accredited, so wine tasting should be on the cards. Many vineyards across the state have cellar doors and restaurant facilities allowing you to indulge for an afternoon or two.

And, as if you need further encouragement, we’ve got 35 more reasons why you should visit...

IT’S DIFFERENT

THE GREAT DIVIDE

The landscapes, the people, the cities, the climate... They are all markedly different to the rest of Oz.

Tassie is an odd place – in a fascinating way. The isle is split between greenies and people who want to cut down magnificent ancient hardwood trees (the tallest in the world). See them before they’re cut down.

ESCAPE THE CROWDS Don’t be too busy getting pissed on the Gold Coast to make it down here.

INTO THE WILD Not carefully manicured “wilderness areas” with concrete paths through the middle. Proper lifechangingly spectacular, genuinely untouched and pristine wilderness.

PARKLIFE The western half is dominated by a huge swathe of unbroken greenery – the Tasmanian World Heritage area, made up of Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair, Walls of Jerusalem, Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers and South-West. Around a third of Tassie is national park.

MYSTERY As well as the dark colonial history there’s the great tiger debate. The Tasmanian tiger was hunted to “extinction” in the 30s, but numerous “sightings” make it the Aussie equivalent of the Loch Ness Monster.

GHOSTS Visit Port Arthur for the best insight into the hellish existence of convict life – the worst of the worst were sent here. Ideally do an evening ghost tour.

GREEN ACTIVISM It’s hardly surprising then that the world’s first Green Party was born here.

BEER Mmmm, beer. Partly because the water is so pure down here, Cascade and Boags are two of the best beers you’ll taste in Australia.

We advise that you sample them at your leisure.

WILDLIFE Many of the introduced mainland pests haven’t made it down here so pademelons (the Tassie wallaby), wombats, duck-billed platypusses and fiesty Tassie devils all run rampant. The area at the base of Cradle Mountain is a great place to hang out with wombats.

TASMANIAN DEVILS With the table manners of Ridley Scott’s Alien (they like to eat carcasses from the inside out), these ferocious furballs manage to be both endearing and repulsive.

RIGHT ON TRACK The 80km Overland Track is an exhausting yet exalting walk through stirring gothic landscapes. It rivals anything New Zealand has to offer.

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WALKING THE WALK(S)

CITIES

PENGUINS

And there are plenty more less famous – and less crowded – trails, too. Tassie is a hikers Valhalla. Look into the South Coast Track, near Hobart. .

Hobart is lovely. It’s old fashioned and cosy, with great pubs (and we’re not talking sports bars). Easily Australia’s second most picturesque city

These perky, tuxedo-clad little fellas can be found around much of Tassie’s coastline. In the town of Penguin (no really), they clamber out of the sea at twilight to party and passing out in their burrows. Other top spots include Bicheno and Bruny Island.

KEEP IT WHEEL We’ve also done some fantastic cycling along the east coast, stopping off every hour or so for a quick dip in the sea. Bombing down Mt Wellington, Hobart, is another pumpaction fave.

PROFOUND BEAUTY We could name so many spots – incredible forests, islands, rivers, beaches – but Wineglass Bay is possibly our favourite spot in the whole country.

WINEGLASS BAY A seductive curve of dreamy white sand, with bush on one side and the turquoise sea and dolphins lapping the other.

Camp at the end of the beach and find yourself surrounded by curious pademelons. .

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HEY MONA! Take the ferry from Hobart’s harbour and step into the self-proclaimed “Adult’s Disneyland”: MONA, The Museum of Old and New Art. Opened in 2011 by an eccentric millionaire by the name of David Walsh, the controversial museum is putting Tassie on the map. The three levels of underground galleries have been carved into the rock featuring over 400 works of art. Even if you’re not an arty person, you’ll be blown away.

RIVERS RUN THROUGH IT The Arthur River cruise through the wonderful Tarkine region (in the north-west), complete with brandy-tea and Banjo Paterson poem recitals.

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The TNT Golden Backpack Awards recognise those companies who make backpacking around Australia and New Zealand that extra bit special.

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THE LOCALS

CRADLE MOUNTAIN

THE WILD WEST COAST

To them the mainland is “North Island” – they live on the “main land”. They are easily the friendliest and most unassuming Aussies.

The double-headed Cradle Mountain towers above tranquil Dove Lake in the midst of highland heath. Spectacular.

It may be wet, windswept and rugged, but it’s wonderfully, lusciously green too. Proper edge of the world stuff. Make sure you call in at Strahan, a cosy fishing village.

THE WORLD’S CLEANEST AIR

SAND STORM

The Roaring Forties weather system passes over the Atlantic, Indian and Southern Oceans, and no grubby polluting land masses, before hitting Tassie.

While there, venture out to the ever-moving, desert-like expanse of the Henty Sand Dunes – ideal for flinging yourself down on a board or zooming over on a quad bike.

MOUNT WELLINGTON

ISLANDS

Snow-capped in winter, this lofty peak towers over Hobart. From the summit, on a clear day, the views are breathtaking.

There are many more islands off Tassie worth exploring, especially gorgeous Bruny Island, near Hobart, and Maria Island (entirely national park).

SALAMANCA MARKETS Hobart’s waterfront hippy bazaar is full of buskers, stripey leggings, saris, comics, crystals, candles and stuff made from spoons...

SNOW-CAPPED MOUNTAINS In the central and south-west areas they seem to be everywhere you look. Very pretty with the sun setting.

TO THE CLOUDS Want to get really high?

Treat yourself to a seaplane ride with Tasmanian Air Adventures. Glide off the waterfront and see Hobart, Mt Wellington, Port Arthur, Bruny Island and the Tasman Island – in the one flight!

LAST YEAR’S TASMANIAN WINNERS...

Bes hostel: Best Bes Central City Backpackers, Cen Ce n Hobart Ho Best Be es tour/activity: Jump Jum Ju m Tours 10

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Best backpacker night: The Pickled Frog, Hobart

ADAM AND EVE IT Not sure you want to do “the Sydney thing” on New Year’s Eve? Well, Tassie is a great alternative as Hobart comes alive after Christmas as the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race crews cross the finish line. Head to the stunning Marion Bay to catch the likes of Coolio and Hot Chip the playing the Falls Festival before heading back to town for the Taste Festival.

APPLES, CHEESE AND CHOCOLATE Tasmania was once the world’s major apple producer and we’ve never tasted better. It’s also dairy country, meaning they make great cheese and chocolate.

Seafood is exceptional – and cheap – too.

CHATROOM

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Pam Ann She’s the straight-talking, foul-mouthed hostie and she’s back with a brand new show.

We chat to the woman behind the trolley, Caroline Reid, about how she likes to fly...

INTERVIEW ALEX HARMON

“Virgin Australia: once a slut, always a slut”

Which is the best airline to travel?

Long haul, British Airways for me, I’m not fooled by mood lighting, okay Emirates? Short haul through Australia – I know I slag them off – but I would have to say Qantas. They have all these museum pieces they like to pull out, I was on a 676 and they had ashtrays in the arm rests. I was like, fuck me, you know something is old when it has an ashtray on it.

What about that engine that fell off the QF32 plane?

I know, imagine being the one on the plane that saw that. Everyone is watching a film but you have to be the one to say to the pilot, “I just want to tell you that your engine fucking fell off the plane, bitch.” Like hello? I love how they’re trying to be the new “Miracle on the Hudson.”

They’re like “oh we are just like them because we landed safely after our engine fell off.” It’s not a competition. I bought the book and it’s so thick. I mean, what is there to talk about? You flew, the engine fell off, you landed. How come it’s a 500 page novel?

What do you think of Virgin?

Well, I heard Virgin Australia want to try and desex the crew, which is impossible because I say once a slut always a slut.

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Any tips for flying cattle class?

I don’t fly cattle. I haven’t been back down there since the Eighties.

What do you hate about economy passengers then?

That they exist. That they go to the toilet barefoot and step on all of the piss. I hate the sound of their voices. And I hate people that sit down on the floor in airports when they’re getting a connection. Just stand up and have some fucking dignity.

What is the most creative reason you’ve heard a passenger use for an upgrade?

That they’re dead. Apparently on BA someone did die and they put them in first class – to the horror of the other people up there. In a body bag is the only way you’d get an upgrade on my airline. Unless you looked really fierce. I’d clear the way for someone who looked really hot.

What’s your favourite airline food?

Well, it depends, I had a really nice salad on Qantas, I think their food is great, it’s cooked well, it’s healthy – this is in business of course.

What do you get on Jetstar? A kick in the face.

Some salt and vinegar chips if you’re lucky.

Pringles if you can afford it!

Best film to watch on a flight?

I like a good glass of red wine and movie that makes you cry. Especially when a flight attendant comes up to you and you’re in tears and they have no understanding why. Some of the domestic flights, like on Qantas, they just show news clips. Emirates probably have the most blinging entertainment program, the thing with Qantas is, you have to wait for one film to finish before you watch the next one. Emirates staff would freak out if they got on there and realised they were still using VHS! What about in-flight magazines?

I love them. High Life is the BA publication and that’s a good one. I also like the Qantas magazine, Australian Way. I always read them, but I also take trash to read, like Enquire, Heat, Grazia, OK, Hello. And it’s the same shit, just regurgitated. I don’t even read it, I just look at the pictures and just go “sucked in bitches.”

Your thoughts on the mile high club?

I think it’s a myth that people fuck on the plane.

I think it’s such an un-sexy place. I mean apart from on Pam Ann Airways where it’s encouraged and there are double beds and dark rooms. But on a normal airline – no. You’re never sitting next to anyone hot anyway. You always get the ugly ginger minger sitting next to you.

What sets Pam Ann Airways apart?

Well we nail the economy passengers to the seat and shut the curtains and turn up the gas. You complain that you can’t sleep, well there you go.

Who gives you the most material?

Oh, Qantas the poor things, they just keep feeding me stuff. If it’s not a guy put on hold for 15 hours, it’s a drunk pilot.

What’s next for you?

I might get into the sex industry, crank it up a bit. Why not get into some porn, I say?

Catch Pam Ann in Perth (August 24 & 25) or pamann.com visit her online at

FILMREVIEW

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Damon would never go out with a loaded gun

THE BOURNE LEGACY FILM review by Leigh Livingstone STARRING: Jeremy Renner, Rachel Weisz, Edward Norton / MA / 135mins

THE EXPENDABLES 2 FILM preview STARRING: Sylvester Stallone, Bruce Willis, Chuck Norris, Jet Li | MA | 102mins

Sylvester Stallone is back with his band of geriatric ass-kickers for more Eighties hommaging, blood splattered action spectacle. Along for the ride this time, as well as the returning Jason Statham, Dolph Lundgren and Jet Li, are Jean Claude Van Damme, Arnie, Bruce Willis and Chuck Norris. With a line-up this stellar, who cares about story? Blow some shit up!

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Usually the sequel/remake goes overboard, rehashing old ideas until they are done to death but, with the fourth installment of the franchise, they may have just saved Bourne from a fate worse than Treadstone.

With the motto “There was never just one,” audiences are introduced to Aaron Cross (Jeremy Renner), a new action hero trying to escape a similar and slightly better government program than Jason Bourne’s Treadstone.

On the run with him is the lucky Dr. Marta Shearing (Rachel Weisz), who acts as more of a teammate than a helpless love interest. This simple fact instantly makes Renner’s Cross more likeable and relatable than Matt Damon’s Bourne ever was.

Director Tony Gilroy has done a good job of stripping back the complicated political agendas that The Bourne franchise tangled itself into and created a story that has all the hallmarks of a classically simple action blockbuster. Good guy escapes bad guys, rescues girl and then fights more bad guys. The action scenes were done using minimal CGI and Renner’s own skill of looking like he could beat anyone with just the right amount of effort.

The only disappointment was the final battle, which turned into more of a chase without any satisfying conclusion and the under-utilisation of Edward Norton who has a track record of playing evil sublimely.

GOOD FOR: People who think Matt Damon should stick to writing

BNH - 195mm x 270mm + 5mm bleed to all sides TNT MAG indd 1

16/08/2012 3:18:44 PM

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Got me looking so crazy She's ambitious, headstrong and reached great heights. Now that Ricki-Lee Coulter is living without fear, she's aiming for the stars WORDS ALEX HARMON

It's been eight years since Ricki-Lee was eliminated from Australian Idol, and like a rebellious catholic girl let out of the convent, she has tried her hardest to shake the tag. Now she's signed with EMI, sporting a new look and a gutsy new album, it seems she has finally come into her own.

“Every time you write an album you’re a different person, you grow and you evolve and you change, and I’m a very different person, living a very different life to what I was when I wrote my last, and even my first album."

Ricki is speaking to TNT from the comfort of her bed on a rainy Sydney afternoon. Her third album, Fear & Freedom, is just about to drop and she couldn’t be more thrilled. It’s the first with her new record label and her third solo album since she was placed seventh in series two of Australian Idol.

“I think it’s a killer pop album," she says. "I went out with a goal to write an album that was unlike anything else that any other Australian artist was doing. I feel like I stepped outside of my comfort zone. I worked my ass off and I worked with the best in the world. I feel like this album is my best album to date and I am so proud of it. I can’t wait for everybody to hear it."

Ricki is bursting with excitement, gushing as she talks about the album. In fact, keeping it under wraps has been the hardest obstacle for the overt singer.

“I am so honest and I share so much with everyone all the time, and this is the only thing that I have had to hold close to my heart," she says. "Finally letting everyone hear it – it’s so exciting." Although, she admits, "it’s also pretty scary.”

Now that it’s been released, Ricki will do the rounds, making appearances at shopping centres across Australia before kicking off a national tour.

Fear & Freedom is about overcoming fears to become an uninhibited person and this is certainly reflected in tracks such as Human, Do It Like That, Never Let Go and Crazy. But what does freedom mean to Ricki-Lee? “Freedom to me is being fearless, it's not being restrained, it’s not being weighed down or held back. Freedom is feeling confident enough to do what you want to do. Even if it does rub people up the wrong way, or go against the grain, you

“

I want to be someone that people either love or hate

”

know? Nobody wants to be normal.”

It’s no surprise that one of Ricki's biggest influences is Michael Jackson, the King of (amongst other things) pushing boundaries.

“If you were to explain Michael Jackson on a piece of paper to someone that has never heard of him, you would say he’s wacky, he’s odd, he’s weird. But he’s a genius. He dresses weird, he speaks like a woman, but he’s extremely masculine when he’s on stage and he’s in charge and in control. I think that people that are a bit outrageous make the world go round," she reflects.

"So many of us spend our lives trying to be normal," she goes on. "But I don’t want to be normal. I want to be different, I want to be controversial, I want to be someone that people either love or hate."

This out-there persona is portrayed best in the third single from the album, Crazy. Ricki explained the video's concept in a behind-the-scenes video: “The song Crazy is all about letting the music take over your body and take control, losing your inhibitions and going crazy. And I thought why not do a play on the word crazy and do it in an asylum and act a bit crazy. I'm actually every character, so I'm the patient but I'm also the nurse and I'm also the psychologist that's evaluating me, so it's like I'm trapped within my own head.”

Upon observation it appears to be a homage to Britney Spears’ Toxic with the playing of multiple characters and the misunderstood-mental-patient personage that Ms Spears does so well. But its not just pop that influences Ricki.

“I’m influenced by so much music – and music that people wouldn’t even expect. I love 30 Seconds to Mars and

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Is it J-Lo? No it's the new-look Ricki-Lee Coldplay. Even though I’m a pop artist and I write pop dance music, listening to those records has been a big inspiration. It has inspired my writing and the way I approach my writing.

I think listening to music that is different helps you be more open-minded and approach things in a different way.”

At 26 years of age, Ricki has three albums under her belt, carved out a career in radio, become mentor on Nine's reality TV show, The Voice, been signed as the Australian face of Covergirl make-up up and fronts a national television campaign for Woolworths. She’s also been married – and divorced. While her life may seem like a rollercoaster in the e media’s eyes, the one thing that has been stable in her life is music. Asked if there was anything g else she has ever wanted to do she is frank.

“Absolutely not. There was never er any doubt on what I wanted to be. I wanted to be a pop star and have my photos in magazines agazines and see my name on the charts and d see my CD's in stores. I wanted to perform m on stage and have people singing along to the songs that I had written. There was neverr any question," she says.

“When I told my Dad that I wanted nted to be a pop star, he was like: 'no Ricki, what are you actually going do for a job?' And I said: seriously, I am going to be a pop star. tar. People are going to know my name and sing ing my songs," she reveals.

"I just didn’t understand that he e didn’t understand."

Luckily it worked out. But it wasn’t sn’t seamless.

Most people don't realise that Ricki ki auditioned for the first series of Idol but didn'tt make it.

"I went back the next year, even n more

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determined to make it, and the rest is history.

"It [Idol] was a massive opportunity to be seen and heard and I think that’s all that any artist could ever ask for.”

She hasn’t looked back either, the girl from the Gold Coast will release her third album in Canada and there's talk of rolling it out in other countries.

"Sydney y y is home now,, moving from the Gold Coast fresh air to think for myself. I gave me a breath of fre control of my life now,” she says. feel like I am in contro forgotten her roots either, giving But she hasn’t forg TNT T TN T some travel tips for the Gold Coast “Ah the G.C!” G G. C!” she exclaims.

“You have to go g for a drive into the into Mount Tambourine – get hinterland and in another perceptive of the Gold Coast. People a an other percept think think that it's just th ju Surfers Paradise, but there iss so much more,” more she assures me.

And, as if her he life isn’t enough of a rollercoaster ride, she admits the theme ri parks are where whe she blows off steam.

“Oh, they’re they’r amazing even as an adult.

Me and my Dad Da – that’s our thing. That’s what we do together,” she says. tog “Then there are the nightclubs, and let me tell you, in the Gold Coast nightclubs there is a whole lot of fun waiting to be discovered."

She may be released releas from the Idol clutches, travelling the world and living the high-life in Sydney, but it's reassuring to know you can’t take reass the Gold Coast out of the girl. ❚ Fe & Freedom is out now through EMI Music.

Fear Catch Ricki's in Ca in-store appearances: Southland W estfield Vic (Aug (A 23), Whitford City + Carousel Westfi W estfield WA (Aug ( Westfi 26). See Ricki perform in Melbourne (Se (Sept 5) and Sydney (Sept 6). ricki-lee.com

Official

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tour and night night FREE king a when boo at Ocean Bunyip Gre . . Visit www r… u to d a Ro rs.com bunyiptou

A B

Neighbours Tour A. Official Neighbours tour WITH STAR MEETING. $50 Departs Mon-Fri.

Neighbours Tour B. Official Neighbours Ultimate tour with “EXCLUSIVE ACCESS TO EXTERNAL SETS”. $68 Departs Sat & Sun. Official and World famous Neighbours night! Meet and take plenty of photos with the Stars and Rock out to Dr Karl* or Paul Robinson* with the band Waiting room. $40 Monday nights from 7pm @ the Elephant & Wheelbarrow, St Kilda. *On selected night.

Bookings essential! Book online, at reception, travel agent or call:

03 9629 5866 *Unscheduled filming in Ramsay St will result in no public access with limited photo opportunities.

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ARE YOU SPOTTED IN THE CIRCLE?

Email us at tom@ tntdownunder.com with ‘Spotted’ in the subject line, email must include a photo of yourself! Boom - You’ve won yourself a $100 bar tab at Scary Canary.

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SCARY CANARY Friday 10 August

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HUGE SCREENS FOR ALL THE BEST LIVE SPORT!!!

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WINNER

WEEKLY WINNER NO SWIMMING: Lee Thomas, 34, UK LEE SAYS: “I took this photo on Cable Beach in Broome, WA” WE SAY: “We all know that the convict colony of Australia is full of rule breakers, and this photo expresses that thought beautifully. It raises the question: do the beach goers not care for their safety, or is simply too hot to obey the beach rules?”

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 Lee 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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WIN

HOT TIPS: Motion CAPTURING MOVEMENT Depicting movement in still photography is, unsurprisingly, a difficult skill to master.

Yet, as this photo shows, it is possible, and, more than that, it adds another dimension to your photography. A well-staged shot of motion draws the viewer into the photo, as their eyes follow the perceived movement.

Leaving the shutter open for longer allows more light in through the lens to capture the flow of a river or the trail of a brake light. Having said that, a simulation of movement can be achieved through careful framing, dynamic subject matter and the clever use of perspective. Play around and see what works for you.

Capturing movement at night with lights is also another great skill to have, but we’ll leave that tip for another day.

TRAVELTIPS

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ON THE ROAD WITH TRAVEL

TALK MARIANNE VAN DER KOOY 23, NETHERLANDS WHY DID YOU COME TO OZ?

Because of Skippy the bush kangaroo, he’s my all time hero!

YOU ASKED FOR IT...

WE ANSWER YOUR TRAVEL QUESTIONS

is a big country – what’s the Q Australia best way to get around and see it all?

Peter Lakeman, USA seven-and-a-half-thousand square A At kilometres, it may be the smallest continental land mass, but it’s the world’s largest island, and with a population of 22 million, 85 per cent of whom live along its 26,000 kilometres of coast, it may have also occurred to you that there must be a lot of Australia that is uninhabited. Clearly if you are going to get around Oz, it’s going to take a bit of planning and some form of transportation. Cycling is a possibility, but it’s unlikely you have the time or inclination to sweat, puff, roast and possibly die in the unforgiving outback. So what are your options? A plane gets you places fast, but leaves a big carbon footprint. Sometimes a plane can actually be the most economical way to travel, thanks to Australia’s highly competitive domestic market, especially if you only have time for a couple of destinations. But air travel dislocates you from the journey and removes you from any adventure. You didn’t come here to jet set around in an air-conditioned bubble. You want the wind in your hair and the kangaroos hopping across your path. A bus puts you on the ground, seeing the sights, but only stops where it wants to stop, never venturing into the unknown to explore. It seems the obvious choice is your own wheels. You can rent one, but that can get very pricey if you’re looking to travel long-term.

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Alternatively, a used car or van can be pretty cheap, most backpackers paying somewhere in the region of $1,000 to $4,000. Now clearly, those sort of prices are down the bottom end of the market, so you need to have your wits about you to avoid buying yourself a deathtrap (and a huge mechanic’s bill). However, if you choose well, the rewards will be fantastic. You can sleep in it to save more money and you have total freedom to stop and go, when and where you want. Plus, you might make most, if not all, of your money back when you sell it on at the end of your trip. living in Melbourne but want to Q I’m spend a peaceful day by the seaside.

Any suggestions? Emma Parker, UK out Sorrento, a chic seaside town A Check just an hour-and-a-half out of Melbourne.

This little gem is situated on the well-known Mornington Peninsula and is a bustling, fashionable hub in the summer and a sleepy village in the winter. There’s a great range of cafés and restaurants to keep you full and happy. Dolphin-watching is a popular activity for visitors, organised cruises and tours departing regularly. It’s a popular detour after or before the Great Ocean Road and if you’re keen to stay, there’s a backpackers hostel in the town. Before you go, download the song “Sorrento Moon”

by Aussie singer Tina Arena, who spent her childhood holidays in the area.

FAVOURITE PLACE? The part between Darwin and Alice

Springs. It is beautiful out there and I absolutely love all the gorges and fresh water creeks as in Litchfield, Katherine and around Alice in the west and east McDonnell Ranges.

MOST OVERRATED PLACE?

Melbourne! I don’t see why everybody is so enthusiastic about it.

CRAZIEST EXPERIENCE?

Me and my friend hitchhiked all around Tassie and then from Melbourne to Cairns. Overnight we just pitched the tent sneakily between the trees.

DONE ANYTHING DIFFERENT?

I came there to do three things: fruit picking, shearing sheep and working in a country pub. I’ve done them all and they were fun!

BIGGEST SURPRISE?

People are incredibly friendly, hospitable and inviting!

CONSERVATION VOLUNTEERS AUSTRALIA EXPERIENCE

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Each month our fave interview WINS a four-day Conservation Volunteers Australia experience. Email: travel@tntdownunder.com.

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TRAVELLERSTALE

HIPSTER’S PARADISE

N

Laoighse Styles, from Ireland writes us a love letter to Melbourne...

Dear Melbourne, Silly, funny Melbourne. Home of hipsters, trendy coffee shops where everyone spends the day avoiding work, wide roads that yawn to cater to trams, and a CBD that transforms into a far more spectacular and happening place at night.

You offered me my very first home away from home, when I decided to not only finally leave my parents’ peaceful abode, but to launch myself to the other side of the world. I landed, dazed and confused, having been just released from an overly intimate embrace with a border control officer through your airport’s bright sliding doors and set off determined to see and become all that is Melbourne.

My first job was a true backpacker experience. English, Irish and Canadian service staff delivered American steakhouse food cooked by an entirely Chinese kitchen to nostalgic Australians and groups of wealthy Asian teenagers.

I was hired, naturally enough, by an Irish girl determined to look after her own and replace herself with someone who’d attended the same university as her.

It was here that my impossibly spelt name (Laoighse), with its overly generous amount of vowels and just-for-fun silent consonants was

phonetically re-spelt as the rather Asian sounding Lee-sha.

When one of your real estate agents showed me that one bedroomed hidey hole in Brunswick I knew I had to have it. The neighbourhood unicyclist and 80 year old rollerblader always made for an interesting jolt awake when dashing to work for the 7am sandwich order.

Nightly shrieks from police cars and ambulances, and reports of gangland bickerings are but a careless shrug when no one in the area has shown you anything but enthusiastic and welcoming interest. Even the local brass band had its own celebratory anthem.

Barbecues became a tentative worry, whether hosting or attending, due to the impossibility of keeping up with each persons’ meat/ dairy/ nuts/ gluten/ sugar intolerance and its habit of changing week to week. But at least everyone agrees that alcohol has its benefits – health related or not.

Thankfully fashion has become so DIY that wearing your shirt inside out and incorrectly buttoned gets you into the style pages of the Sunday magazines, and less than hygienic hair is really an indication of a true bohemian spirit, rather than another water shortage.

Hailstorms and lightening strikes were filmed from our balcony, and sunny picnics photographed later that same day. Halloween passed dismally

under-celebrated and Christmas felt confused – the roast dinner sweating in a 30 degree foggy haze. New Years was spent giggling at the tiny blaze atop of the arts centre following a belligerent firework. And many the late afternoon passed trying to capture on film the particular shade of red burning stone of Flinders Street Station.

I know you’re angry Melbourne. I left you to tour the coast – that smiley sunny slut of a coast. The bitch of a sister to your fake glasses geek chic.

And I’m only back now to say goodbye to the mates I made here before my visa finally runs its course. We won’t last Melbourne, they won’t let us be.

But isn’t this almost better? I leave now, loving of your knobbly old houses, still curious of your alleyways and excited by whatever big festival that the entire city will throw itself into wholeheartedly. I’ll proudly brag to anyone who’ll listen about how you have to live Melbourne style to understand Melbourne style. And I’ll make sure to mention you in lists of great cities like Paris, New York and Berlin, despite not having as yet visited the others.

More than that, I’ll remember you as my first city, my first blind start, my first terrifying beginning from blank – and how happy, and at home, I eventually became. Thank you for absorbing me as you have a million other immigrants.

We had some good times.

Sincerely yours, Laoighse.

P.S. You totally kick Sydney’s ass.

TRAVEL VOUCHERS

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Send us your scary, funny or embarrassing travel tale (preferably about Australia or New Zealand) 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 travel@tntdownunder.com

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WIN

HOW TO ENTER

Go to tntdowunder.com and click on the WIN page. See webpage for terms and conditions. Winners will be selected at random.

UNLEASH THE ADVENTURE! WIN A KAKADU OR ULURU TRIP FOR TWO To celebrate our special Northern Territory month in which we will be exploring the various attractions of this stunning section of Australia, we’re giving our readers the chance to win a couple of epic tours.

TNT has teamed up with Adventure Tours Australia and Mulgas Adventures to offer you a Northern Territory prize of a lifetime. Kakadu and Uluru are both boxes you need to tick off on your NT wish list. And with these tours you’ll be able to get snap happy while experienced guides make sure the NT’s (rather snap-happy residents themselves) are kept at bay.

So if you’ve burnt a hole in your wallet (and your liver) in Darwin’s pubs and you’re looking for some adventure

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that isn’t on Mitchell Street, we’re here to rescue you.

We’re offering two lucky readers and a friend the following prize: GRAND PRIZE WIN a 3 day 4wd Kakadu and Litchfield trip for 2 from Adventure Tours. This prize includes: Three day touring with an experienced guide. Two nights bush camping. Cruise the Mary River, r discover ancient rock art at Ubirr, take a relaxing swim at Maguk (Barramundi Gorge), see the famous Twin and Jim Jim falls, and visit the Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre.Accommodation transfers. Quality meals.Crocodile wrestling is optional!. Total value $1,175.

RUNNER UP PRIZE WIN a 3 day Mulgas adventure Uluru Tour for 2, plus 2 nights dorm accommodation at Annie’s place.

This prize includes: Visit to Kings Canyon for one of the most stunning walks along the North & South walls. Swim in the majestic Garden of Eden. Overnight bush camp cook up feast Curtain Springs. Hiking through the Valley of the Winds at Kata Tjuta. Uluru base walk and a visit to the cultural centre. Total value $780.

Terms & conditions apply. Visit tntdownunder.com for all entry details.

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worth

$2,000

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The Ghan NORTHERN TERRITORY

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Going, going Ghan One of Australia’s – and the world’s – greatest train journeys, the Ghan travels from Darwin to Adelaide via a croc fest in Katherine WORDS ANDREW WESTBROOK

It’s not often I look forward to a long And so, never one to miss a Hollywood WHAT TO DO: Travel journey. Don’t get me wrong, I love moment, I jump aboard a helicopter and lurch from Darwin to Alice Springs travelling. After all, doing the job I do, I’ve towards the skies. Strapped in and with “The on The Ghan from $232pp. passed through unknown lands in the backs (greatsouthernrail.com.au) Ride of The Valkyries” blasting through my of cars, buses and trucks more often than mind, Apocalypse Now-style, we swoop, dip Flights with Nitmiluk Helicopter Brangelina are rumoured to be splitting up. and dive over the low-lying shrubs that follow Tours costs from $161pp.

And while in hindsight these journeys (airbornesolutions.com.au)Canoe the Katherine River, which has twisted and often prove to be some of the most carved its way through the sandstone to form hire from Nitmiluk Tours costs memorable parts of trips – full of strange the dramatic gorge, split into 13 sections all from $35pp. (nitmiluktours.com. characters, blurring landscapes and surreal lined by imposing orange cliffs. au) middle-of-the-night rest stops – I still find From being close enough to admire the WHERE TO STAY: it near impossible to get excited about the gorges’ intricate nooks and wallowing water A bed in a dorm room at prospect of spending a day or two trapped buffalos, we soar upwards to see the plunging Annie’s Place Backpackers in one seat. crevices against the backdrop of an endless costs from $20/night. See But there’s something different about Outback. This is nature viewing at its most anniesplacebackpackers.com trains. Rolling and shaking across the exciting – and I celebrate by firing off my SEE: tourismnt.com.au horizon, they’re the epitome of romantic camera like a trigger-happy gunner. travel, oozing old-fashioned charm and Kayaking with crocs timeless adventure – which is why, preparing to head south from Darwin, I was excited about catching the Ghan.

Having seemingly taken a million photos, none of which

High times

Photos: Tourism NT, Great Southern Rail

The Ghan is the perfect example of a great train journey.

Named in honour of the Afghan camel drivers who crisscrossed Australia’s unforgiving Outback over a century ago, the Ghan cuts the country in half.

Twice a week it sets out from Darwin and Adelaide before snaking its way straight through Australia’s sunbaked heart, stopping at the likes of Katherine, Alice Springs and Coober Pedy.

After a morning departure from the Northern Territory’s wild and unruly capital, it’s just a few hours until we pull into the town of Katherine. With four hours to explore the nearby Nitmiluk National Park, which is home to the headlinegrabbing Katherine Gorge, the train eagerly empties.

As one of the main attractions of the Top End, as well as handily-located to break up the Darwin to Alice journey, I was keen to make the most of it and experience the gorge both from above and within.

Shoot first, talk later Dodging crocs

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do the landscape any justice, we touch back down on solid ground in Nitmiluk, which means cicada dreaming in the indigenous Jawoyn language.

Jack Bauer-style thrills over, it’s time to get amongst the

“

Half relieved, half disappointed, we made it back to shore with the croc count at zero

”

gorges and hit the water. Stepping swiftly past the tour boats crammed with Australia’s finest silver nomads, I jump into a kayak with my partner in crime and paddle off down the gorge.

With nobody else in sight and just the sound of our paddles swishing through the water, it quickly felt a million miles away from the spinning blades of the chopper.

Indeed, drifting along in almost no current, protected by the gorge’s high walls and only the occasional wedge-tailed eagle for company, it was hard to remember another time when I’d enjoyed so much serenity… well, until we drifted past the crocodile trap anyway.

Yep, a crocodile trap. As in saltwater crocodiles.

Apparently the world’s biggest reptiles, who are far from averse to choosing humans from the dinner menu, are also known to call the Katherine River home.

When you’re floating in a precarious bit of plastic just inches above the water, this isn’t the best revelation to have.

Luckily, however, we were there in the dry season (April to November), meaning that while there would likely be plenty of smaller (and generally harmless) freshwater crocodiles around, you’re “unlikely” to come across a salty. Indeed, it’s said to be so unlikely to meet a salty in the dry that it’s actually safe enough to swim there.

Hmm. Cue quick picture in precarious canoe by the trap for maneating crocodiles and move on.

Half relieved, half disappointed, we made it back to shore with the croc count at zero.

Back on track It’s then back to the train, eager to jump back on board before the siren sounds. One thing’s for sure, I don’t want to repeat the mistake made by an American traveller last year.

After missing the Ghan’s departure from South Australia’s Port Augusta, the 19-year-old, who had all his luggage and money on the train, managed to run fast enough to catch up with the train, jump on board and then cling to its side, where he stayed for over two hours before his screams were finally heard.

Luckily no such drama for me though, as I made it safely back to my seat where I make a new friend – red wine.

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lll#VYkZcijgZidjgh#Xdb#Vj Valid for travel until 31 March 2013. Itineraries may vary and/or attractions substituted due to seasonal conditions, (including opening and closing of Twin Falls and other natural attractions) Traditional Owner and national park requirements. All activities are included in total tour price unless otherwise stated. National Park fees comprise AUD$37.50 including AUD$25 entry into Kakadu National Park and AUD$12.50 Twin Falls boat transfer â&#x20AC;&#x201C; (seasonal). Please refer to our full Terms and Conditions at www.adventuretours.com.au before booking this tour. Adventure Tours Australia Group Pty Ltd ABN 60 068 242 535.

There’s no doubt that when crossing some of the driest lands on Earth it’s hard to beat travelling by train. Whether mesmerised by the passing deserts through the windows, walking up and down the click-clacking train, or getting back to being mesmerised, it’s easy to fall into a dreamlike state... and a drowsy red wine haze helps for sure.

There’s no screeching roadtrains, mournful trails of roadkill or glaring service stations to distract. Indeed, except for the train itself, there’s probably nothing in sight that looks any different to how it would have done a thousand years before.

End of the line Staring out of our trundling carriage as the sun dips towards the scorched soil, sparking a spectacular Outback sunset, it’s easy to understand how these landscapes have inspired so many Aboriginal Dreamtime tales – the building blocks of the world’s oldest continuous culture.

Once the sun has gone, complete darkness quickly follows in this ancient expanse. My eyelids aren’t far behind.

Awaking the next morning to the sun warming up for its next circuit, it’s easy to quickly fall back into the hypnotic lull of watching the passing Outback.

Within a few hours we pull into Alice Springs, the most central town in Australia, the gateway to Uluru and where I say goodbye to the Ghan, even though it will carry on heading south, all the way to Adelaide.

Refreshed and excited, I jumped from the train into the Outback dust. Whatever lay ahead of me in the Red Centre, I knew I’d arrived in the best way possible. ❚

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Simply gorge-ous

BATHTIME RACES THE HENLEY-ON-TODD REGATTA IS ONE OF THE COUNTRY’S WEIRDEST FESTIVALS...

Australis is full of weird and wonderful festivals and the Northern Territory is home to quite a few of them. In August every year the Henley-on-Todd Regatta kicks off. In the dried-up River Todd, groups of eight people run up and down inside a variety of bottomless vessels such as bathtubs, yachts and rowing boats. They race without the water and they do it because they think it’s fun.

Watching seemingly sane people race in bottomless “eights”, “oxford tubs”, “bath tubs” and yachts through the deep coarse sand of the Todd River provides an unique spectacle amongst world sporting events. The multi-event program attracts many local and international participants from the audience who often finish up on world TV news paddling canoes with sand shovels and in “land lubber” events like filling empty 44 gallon drums with sand.

Legend has it that in 1962, the idea was taken up to hold a rowing and sailing regatta in Alice Springs - and the fact that the town was 1500 kms from the nearest large body of water was never seen as a problem. So, to parody the annual boating regatta between Oxford and Cambridge Universities on the Thames, they named the event the Henley-on-Todd.

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San Diego CALIFORNIA

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California dreaming Head to San Diego for California’s best-kept secret, with beer to rival Belgium and a surf scene evoking Sixties cool WORDS LAURA CHUBB

“You stay classy San Diego,” Heidi WHEN TO GO: San Diego much the territory of cutting-edge cool.

Hageman mocks, rolling her eyes. is sunny year round, though the Never is this more apparent than in Little “Seriously, every travel article I read about warmest temperatures arrive in July Italy’s Craft & Commerce, where Heidi has San Diego ends like that. I’m sure you’ll and August. While the phrases ‘May brought me. A low-lit, book-lined bolthole – in be more imaginative.” Shit. There goes my grey’ and ‘June gloom’ have been which the soundtrack of a posh Brit narrating closing line. coined for the cloudy mornings that a novel accompanies a visit to the loo – I’m Heidi is a local who is treating me to tend to accompany those months, seated facing a wall lined with at least 20 local dinner at one of San Diego’s best gastro skies usually clear by about 11am. beers on tap. I’m also sipping a beer cocktail: pubs, so I owe it to her to go beyond Ron CURRENCY: $1 = US$0.95 Negra Modelo blended with house-made Burgundy for inspiration. Poor old San ACCOMMODATION: The sangria, lime, cayenne pepper and salt.

Diego; in many ways it’s had to put up Andaz is a party hotel for hot young Summer Nixon, co-founder of Brew Hop with being the runt of California’s litter.

Tours, likes to call the phenomenon “beer things in the Gaslamp Quarter. From While liberal, landmark-rich San Fran and $236pn. sandiego.andaz.hyatt.com enlightenment”. Coming off as every inch the glam, celeb-saturated LA have hogged the Californian, with her gold-blonde hair, peppy Tower 23 is a seafront hotel close limelight, San Diego has long been best to the thriving student bar scene at temperament and habit of prefixing every known as a slightly insalubrious military adjective with the word “super”, Summer isn’t Pacific Beach. From $221pn. town and annual gathering place for the your archetypal ale-chugger. But you won’t t23hotel.com socially inept (the city hosts Comic-Con find a more enthusiastic proponent of the San SEE: sandiego.org every year). Then came Will Ferrell’s comic Diego beer scene. Over a curry stout at Ballast tour de force, Anchorman, seemingly Point’s brewery, the first stop on the tour, she tells me: “You could drink a different beer every day and sealing San Diego’s fate by ensuring it would forever be never catch up. There are 20 to 40 styles coming from each synonymous with [adopt silly Ron Burgundy voice] “a whale’s brewery in the area per year.” vagina”.

Crafty culture But in recent years California’s second-largest city has been assembling a far more appealing reputation for itself. Thanks to the celebrated list of microbreweries and nanobreweries based in San Diego, plus the fact that the World Beer Cup – which pits the planet’s best brews against each other – takes place here, it is widely labelled ‘America’s craft beer capital’.

‘What does America know about beer?’ I hear you snort.

But you’d be dead wrong to dismiss the US as a nation of Bud-swilling beer philistines. The ever-spreading fad for going local – the likes of ‘farm-to-table’ and ‘artisan’ are inescapable when confronting a menu in the US – has twined its tendrils around food and drink, paving the way for a lengthy catalogue of brews to rival even those of Belgium.

And while in the UK, beer geekery tends to conjure images of beardy blokes in socks and sandals, in the US, it’s very

Craft & Commerce: gourmet snacks, taps aplenty

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Stand-up paddleboarding is the fastest growing sport in the US.

Resultantly, beer tourism is a growing industry – hence Summer’s Brew Hop business. And it’s a different prospect from tasting the fruits of Europe’s older brewing traditions, most notably in Germany and Belgium. The scene in San Diego is more “experimental”, Ballast’s head brewer Yuseff Cherney tells me. Just think back to that curry stout.

The next stop on our frothy odyssey is Stone Brewing World Bistro and Gardens – or “Disneyland for beer drinkers,” as Stone Brewing Company’s Randy Clemens calls it. As it offers 37 varieties of draught beer and 125 of bottled, a food menu boasting ingredients such as Mike’s Stone Smoked Porter and Garlic Beer Cheese, and sweatshirts emblazoned

“

My mini bar offers an ‘intimacy love kit’

”

with the moniker of one of the brewery’s best-loved ales, Arrogant Bastard, there’s little room to disagree. “[CEO] Greg has delusions of grandeur that would make Napoleon blush,” Randy half-jokes. “His motto is ‘act now, think later’.” For that reason, the owners are in the midst of building the brewery’s first boutique hotel. Looking about the bistro’s sun-soaked gardens with a glass of Stone’s obscenely silky Imperial Russian Stout in hand, I can’t think of a better idea for a getaway.

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Going Downtown “Fucking wanker! One-on-one! Come on, one-on-one!” It’s 7pm on a Sunday, and I’ve been watching scenes more akin to Newcastle on a Saturday night unfold in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter. Outside Stingaree, a club famous for rooftop pool parties, a British tourist has clearly been hitting the booze hard and is now looking for someone to hurt. Not that the American partygoers are much better behaved. Inside, as girls dressed in nothing more than bikinis and ankle-breaking wedges dance around the darkened interior, a vacant-eyed shirtless man stumbles into the ladies’ toilets.

Perhaps I shouldn’t have expected anything less of San Diego’s party district, although I am visiting on the weekend of Cinqo de Mayo, which rowdily commemorates a Mexican victory of the 1800s. That might explain the ramped-up atmosphere (still, Heidi did tell me of the legend “Sunday fun day” in the Gaslamp). San Diego was part of the newly independent Mexico in 1821 and it took a few decades for the US to reclaim it; the city is just a 20-minute drive from the Mexican border. The influence of its neighbour is keenly felt, therefore, most happily in the food – fish tacos and breakfast burritos are San Diego staples.

The rejuvenated Downtown area has played a huge part in making San Diego more sexy, a fizz it had lacked thanks to dour military associations (the city is host to the largest naval fleet in the world). An influx of glam bars into the district, not to mention a raft of saucy hotels (my mini-bar at the Andaz offers a vibrator and ‘intimacy love kit’), could almost be considered a return to vice-friendly form. In the 1880s, the Gaslamp Quarter was a red-light district riddled with prostitutes and gamblers. Even renowned gunman Wyatt Earp ran gambling halls here.

The Gaslamp is at odds with the rest of San Diego, however. While there are examples of a more stereotypical Californian energy – the ‘see and be seen’ clubs; women ‘walking’ their dogs in strollers; eccentric vignettes, such as when I see a hard-body being pulled along on a skateboard by his dog, only to hit the kerb and do a somersault when the mutt dashes off, so that he is then harangued about his dangerous conduct by an angry tarot-card reader – San Diego is better known for its ‘retro California’ vibe.

Hitting the beach “You are an Indian warrior princess,” my instructor, Izzy, soothes, rather imaginatively. Standing up on my long board, paddling the Pacific’s still waters with big, sweeping strokes, I can almost picture myself as a kick-ass chick striking out across the ocean – well, if I didn’t feel nervous as hell. Blame the disclaimer I just signed absolving surf school Surf Divas of all responsibility should I die from contact with a ‘carnivorous creature’. A couple of dolphins just tipped their fins to say hello, so now I’m searching the waves for signs of a more sinister dorsal. “Don’t worry,” Izzy says, nodding towards a swimmer further out than we are.

“If there are any sharks, they’ll go for him.”

We’re in much deeper than the surfers, who’ve been hard at it since even before I opened my curtains at 8am and spotted clusters of them catching waves along the coast. This is my first attempt at stand-up paddleboarding, so I need flat water to get a feel for it; there is, however, a more proficient SUP-er deftly navigating the surf closer to shore.

SUP is the fastest-growing sport in the US today. An ancient Hawaiian form of surfing, it’s attracting a wider range of disciples than its paddleless relative, probably because it’s easier to learn (I stand tall on my first try) and there’s no need to schedule sessions around high and low tides. It also provides a strong core workout – the balancing act coupled with paddling leaves me with no choice but to stay taut – and can be more versatile, as you are able to catch more waves in a set. Even better, the board is so long that Izzy also fits on it and catches some waves for me as we head back towards the sand.

A trip to San Diego isn’t complete without visiting its beach communities, where it seems Sixties California surf culture never died. Back in Craft & Commerce, Heidi tells me that “there’s just a very laidback mentality here – people come from LA to San Diego to chill”. I feel this ‘vacation vibe’ first-hand after my SUP session, when I rent a bike and ride the boardwalk along Pacific and Mission beaches.

Both are filled with the young, beautiful and bumming around – I feel like I’m on a movie set watching the washboard stomachs rollerblade by. Further down at Ocean Beach, there’s a more hippy feel; shabby bungalows with surfboards stuck in their windows decorate the seafront.

I breathe in the typical San Diego day of blue skies and sunshine (the last time snow fell here, it was 1987), then notice the tiny corner shop I’m headed for claims to stock 250 kinds of craft beer. No wonder this city’s sensibility is so mellow – with great beaches, great beer, and great bodies, the California dream is being lived right here.

So I’ll refrain from telling you to stay classy, San Diego.

You just crack open some brews and be chill. ❚

Finding skunk fish

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DA A

TRAVELWEEKENDER

Yes we can!

This is Cairns in 48 hours WORDS PRIYAL DADHANIA

DAY 1: It’s hard to resist Cairns' charm. With so much do during the day, not to mention the beautiful weather of the Sunshine State, there is only one solution: to get outdoors.

But that’s not where it ends, let’s not forgot the Cairns' party reputation. Where clothing is optional!

7:30: Check in and leave your stuff in storage at the legendary backpackers, Gilligan’s (gilligans.com.au) then get outside. Every Saturday there is free Sahaja yoga meditation for an hour at the Cairns Lagoon (cairnsesplanade.com). The Esplanade is the focal point of the city, so now is your chance to check it out and get yourself relaxed before the day kicks off.

9:00: It’s time to get the tunes pumping and jump into the car. A half hour drive north will take you toward dense tropical rainforest, mountains, and waterfalls. Amid all of this tranquillity it’s time to climb 196 stairs to the highest viewing point in Cairns – yes, you’ve guessed it, AJ Hackett’s Bungy (ajhackett.com). The sadistic bungy masters will have you looking out onto the northern beaches and the Great Barrier Reef as they edge you toward the end of the platform and make you take the plunge.

11:00: Back on the road now with adrenaline pumping through your body it’s time to let the real adventure begin back in Cairns. Pull up at the Marlin Marina and climb aboard for an epic cruise over the stunning reef.

12:30: Back on land, but not for long, because there’s nothing like the high life. You get to enjoy the epic views

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of the reef from a different angle – on your very own helicopter ride (downunderheli.com). This is your own mission impossible and you’ll be flying over the Coral Sea and Green Island. While you're up there don’t forget to look out for marine life below. Roger that!

13:00: From up above to down below land, take a dip in the ocean waters. Experience the adventure of snorkelling, diving and sailing on the Great Barrier Reef with Passions of Paradise (passions.com.au). They'll take you out to the exclusive Paradise Reef, where you can dive and snorkel with turtles, colourful fish and see an amazing variety of coral.

18:00: Arrive back in Cairns at dinner time, freshen up, get the sea water out of your hair, and knock back a few jugs of beer (or vodka – you're in Cairns). Then you're ready for the dance floor in the one and only Gilligan’s. It doesn’t have a reputation for partying for no reason! With a different themed night on seven days a week, the place is pumping.

DAY 2: 8:30: For those culture vultures who are missing their fix The Cairns Festival (ciaf.com.au) which celebrates all the good things about the far north, including a Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art, dance and music fair will be on until September 2.

10:30: After this it’s time to explore. Drive toward Port Douglas following a coastal road along Cairns’ northern beaches. Let the scenery wash away your hangover, not to mention the beauty of Rex lookout – photo opp anyone?

Pulling up near the port there are a number of local cafes

The postcard worthy shot

and fast food joints to help with your Gilligan's hangover.

13:00: Continuing north of Port Douglas you’ll land in Mossman Gorge (mossmangorge.com.au). At Daintree National Park the gorge is a must-see. Once you’ve trekked along the path you’ll be able to give your feet a rest and admire the crystal clear Mossman River that cascades over granite boulders.

15:00: Heading back to the car and continuing north you’ll find yourself at Cape Tribulation. Check out Ferntree Rainforest Lodge (ferntreerainforestlodge.com.au) which has classic huts with a bar and wooden tables. They serve scrumptious meals night and day. After eating it’s time to enjoy the delights of the Cape with a Croc cruise (daintreerivercruises.com.au) A one hour wildlife cruise that lets you spot wild animals in their natural habitat. Be warned: don’t walk too close to any mangroves, you might get an unwanted snap.

19:00: With all that excitement it’s time to head back towards Cairns. As the evening settles, head straight into the city centre where there is wide array of restaurants for you to pick from along the main strip.

19:00: And it wouldn't be true Cairns experience without dancing the night away at The Woolshed (thewoolshed. com.au). With themed nights on every night, try your luck in the wet T-shirt competitions or see how you fare in their Mexican drinking games. Either way you'll end your Cairns trip on a high.

Gorgeous Mossman Gorge

Drinking the night away TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

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NEWSWEIRD

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Clearly a predator

‘SORRY SIR, YOU CAN’T SIT NEXT TO MINORS’ AUSTRALIA

An Aussie airline has come under fire for its policy of not letting single men sit next to unaccompanied kids.

Virgin Australia will review its rules after a man was forced to move seats on a flight from Brisbane after it was noticed he was sitting next to two young boys.

Johnny McGirr, 33, told how an attendant asked a female passenger to swap places with him, saying: “Can you please sit in this seat because he is not allowed to sit next to minors?” McGirr added: “I got really embarrassed.”

Virgin Australia said it will review the policy after the story sparked a backlash.

SHITTERTON IS WORST NAMED TOWN UNITED KINGDOM

The picturesque hamlet of Shitterton in Dorset has been named Britain’s most unfortunate place name in a survey.

The tiny settlement between Dorchester and Poole beat the nearby valley of Scratchy Bottom, near Durdle Door in Dorset and Brokenwind in Aberdeenshire in the study by findmypast.co.uk.

Shitterton is a very literal English translation of the village name recorded in Norman French in the 11th century Domesday Book as Scatera or Scetra, which means a little town that is on the stream of a midden or sewer.

Crapstone, a village in Dartmoor in Devon, came forth in the survey of 1773 people, ahead of Golden Balls in

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All Shook Up: Elvis tribute artists climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge to honour the 35th anniversary of Presley’s death. Thirty-five suited, booted and quiffed lookalikes took part. Let’s hope they’re not lonesome tonight. Although they probably will be ...

Oxfordshire, Ugley in Essex, Crackpot in North Yorkshire, Backside in n Aberdeenshire, Great Snoring in Norfolk and nd Happy Bottom in Dorset.

CAN’T GET ENOUGH NOUGH OVE, BABY FLAMINGO LOVE, UNITED KINGDOM M

Crooner Barry White hass been helping a group of Chilean an flamingos at a Sussex zoo oo get it on, with his songs played d into their enclosure at night.

White’s classic hits such as I Can’t Get Enough of Your Love, Babe and You’re the First, the Last, My Everything, were played d to the creatures to help put them hem in the mood for love.

It seems to have done the trick as two of the birds, Maurice and an Gabriella, have hatched hatch a chick.

The new ne addition is much-welcomed as much-w flamingos are a a threatened species, with water pollution and human activity near breeding sites driving down the population.

Smooth work, Barry.

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THIS WEEK

IN NUMBERS 1

Number of extra wives Lisa Curran, from the UK, found her husband had after snooping on his Facebook page

Amount of cash, in millions, in bundles of £20 and £50 notes found by police hidden in a home in Shropshire

Wild: don’t send smoke signals when hunting

BOAR HUNTERS CAUSE FLIGHT CANCELLATION

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TONGA

A group of boar hunters caused an international flight to be cancelled after lighting a fire to flush out the wild animals.

The men were on the volcanic island of Tofua when they set fire to the scrub, sending an “ash cloud” into the sky.

A pilot flying in the region reported it, and when the image was seen on satellite, official advisories were issued by the Meteorological Service in Wellington.

The warning prompted Virgin Australia to cancel its flight out of Auckland to Tonga, leaving passengers stranded for 24 hours, while the hunters reportedly enjoyed themselves with wild pork.

POLICE SEARCH EXPLOSIVE FIND

Photos: Getty Images

AUSTRALIA

For officers conducting a Victorian roadside traffic search, it was a discovery that nearly blew them away.

Police in East Geelong pulled over a car and found a grenade sitting in the centre console.

A police spokesman said the army was quickly called in and after two hours it was determined the World War II-era explosive device was luckily no longer active.

Police then allegedly found cannabis in the car and later searched the driver’s home and found unregistered firearms, prohibited weapons and a quantity of drugs.

Cost, in thousands of pounds, of a ‘pig pod’ – holiday homes based on pig shelters, created by a Devon man

Compensation, in thousands of pounds, awarded to a fireman who injured himself putting on gloves

Sorted

MEN-ONLY SHELF TO MAKE SHOPPING FUN UNITED STATES

A New York supermarket has just opened the city’s first men-only shelf stocked with products aimed solely at male customers.

The aisle is located right beside the entrance to the Westside Market, making it especially convenient for men who hate going shopping.

“If you’re going to have some guys over to watch a game, you can pretty much stand here without moving two feet,” said the store’s manager, Ian Joskowitz.

Joskowitz came upon the idea after reading about a survey that discovered that the number of men shopping for their families has gone up.

1.3

5

QUOTE OF THE WEEK Why would I fix them? I can spit water through them.

They’re useful Johnny Depp’s ex Vanessa Paradis is totally owning that gappy smile

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OUR VIEW COMMENT: ALEX HARMON Email: editor@tntdownunder.com

The new Australian laws.

All smoke and mirrors?

Put that wacky tobacky legislation in your pipe and smoke it Plain packaging is an affront to smokers and the colour olive-green

» Agree or disagree? Will plain-packaging make smokers think twice? editor@tntdownunder.com

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Melbourne has been named the most livable city in the world for the second year in a row. Seriously?

The Economist Intelligence Unit’s (EIU) Global Liveability Survey has added up and crunched its numbers, choking itself on Melbourne’s muddy Yarra River and poked itself in the eye with Melbourne’s spiky architecture, and as a result crowned the Victorian capital with the coveted title.

Not New York, which didn’t even make the top ten. Or London, still sweeping up Olympic sized buckets of Spice Girl glitter.

Melbourne is the “Phelps of cities ” Melbourne is fast becoming the Michael Phelps of cities. And nobody likes a smug champion. Especially Sydneysiders.

However the EIU lost all credibility when I noticed that Adelaide was decreed equal second with Calgary, Canada. Excuse me?

Just how many points do you get for low population? And on that note, where is Canberra?

Photos: Getty Images

Unless you’re a character on Mad Men, smoking is evil, smoking isn’t cool, and smoking stinks. We hear this until we’re black and blue in the face – which is incidentally how most smokers end up. (Boom-tish.) Clearly I am a non-smoker, but I still believe that plain-packaging is not the solution to fighting cancer sticks.

If you haven’t heard, the Australian government claimed a historic court victory over the tobacco giants, meaning cigarettes will be sold in plain packaging by December.

The Attorney General said: “Without brave governments willing to take the fight up to big tobacco, they’d still have us believing that tobacco is neither harmful nor addictive.”

The law is the first of its kind in the world and means cigarettes will be sold in “drab olive-green” packs and have no commercial logos on the packaging. Packs will be distinguishable only by printed brand names in a standard font and size.

Aren’t the ghastly images of rotting teeth and blackened, puss-ridden lungs enough?

And why is olive-green the most repulsive colour? Smokers love green olives, they go superbly with alcohol. You know what else they say goes great with alcohol? Smoking.

Jokes on you, Australia. The design team were clearly a bunch of nicotine-fiends.

Think about it, when you buy a suit from Prada it comes in a plain, sophisticated black box with their small, elegant branding. When you buy pants from Kmart you’re given a gaudy, bright red bag telling the world that you’re a cheap bastard. The more hidden the brand, the more cool or exclusive it appears. It’s the ‘underground effect’. What does the sophisticated smoker carry his smokes in anyway? A (plain-packaged) cigarette case.

If you want to make smoking un-cool, wrap cigarettes up in something truly horrible and loud. Get Ed Hardy to design the packaging. I guarantee even Mr Hardy himself would be too embarrassed to spark up a smoke from one of those boxes.

LOST AT OLYMPICS BUT WINNING AT LIFE

dK KK< W,KE ϭϴϬϬ D '/ KZ s/^/d ǁǁǁ͘ŵĂŐŝĐďƵƐ͘ĐŽ͘Ŷnj

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SPORTNEWS

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Nice wheels buddy: James Ellison of Great Britain rides the cart during the Bridgestone Golf pre-event of the Red Bull Indianapolis Grand Prix. Does anyone else think the Golf Buggy Grand Prix should be a real sport? Anyone?

Sad lion

NOT-SO-SUPER LIONS BECOME EXTINCT RUGBY

The Lions have been dropped from next year’s Super Rugby competition to make way for new South African team the Southern Kings.

The Lions, who finished last in 2012, were relegated so the Eastern Cape side can join the 15-team competition.

SARU president Oregan Hoskins said: “The Kings franchise represents more clubs than any other region – apart from the Stormers – and contains numerous leading rugby schools. It has been starved of topclass competition.”

There has been ongoing political pressure to promote the Kings. Eastern Cape boasts the largest number of black players in the country and some officials from the ruling ANC party have expressed unhappiness at what they believed was the neglect of the sport in the region.

BUSTED BELARUSIAN LASHES OUT AT KIWI ATHLETICS

Drug cheat shotputter Nadzeya Ostapchuk has verbally attacked New Zealand’s Valerie Adams after being stripped of her Olympic gold medal.

Ostapchuk (an anagram of ‘A shock put’, incidentally) claimed doping was the real reason Adams was left off the start list at London2012, not an administrative error by the New Zealand Olympic Committee.

“She had a positive drug test in 2005,” the Belarusian claimed. “We will see how all of this will end, including for her.”

Adams denied the claims, requesting an end to what her management described as “slander”. Ostapchuk, meanwhile, vowed to work alone on an investigation to uncover a wide-ranging “conspiracy”.

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PLAYER POACHING RULES TIGHTENED AFL

The AFL has warned clubs they face $98,000 fines if they breach new rules regarding poaching of players.

Previously, the only way a player could sign a deal with a different club while still under contract was in the ‘off-season window’, where offers could be made to players before the start of the final year of their existing deal.

Now, while clubs can still negotiate with players, no binding deals can be agreed outside a three-week ‘free agency window’ at the end of each season.

Clubs who are discovered to have made a binding agreement with a player outside that window face the hefty fine.

BIG WEEK FOR ...

This weekend’s Bledisloe Cup Test will be Sonny Bill Williams’s final game in the All Black strip for some time. It could be his last in Kiwi colours for a while too, with some pundits saying he’d consider playing league for Australia if it gave him a shot at Origin. Surely not, but you never know with SBW. Whatever, he’ll be aiming to play the game of his life and leave rugby with his head held high, and the door to a return before the next World Cup ajar. He’ll be willed on by a vocal Eden Park crowd, eager for a last look at a true superstar.

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QUOTES OF THE WEEK Sin Since S in I taught Ronaldo iin n2 2009, he has gone on to score 40 goals a season. I don’t think he would have scored them all without me Usain Bolt reveals exactly why Christiano Ronaldo has become one of the world’s top two footballers. Bolt to replace Fergie?

Brett Delaney on the charge

PREVIEW LEEDS V WARRINGTON Challenge cup final This may the best British rugby league has to offer, but there are a few Antipodeans lurking round the field.

For Warrington, strike weapons the Monaghan brothers are a couple of class acts. Since Joel joined the club in 2011, he’s made 52 appearances for the Wolves, scoring 48 tries, and Michael grows as a senior player with each passing season.

At fullback, former Wests Tigers player Brent Hodgson has maintained his excellence since leaving Australia, and scored 17 points in a man-of-the-match

semi-final display against Huddersfield.

For Leeds, former Kiwi international Brent Webb will be itching to go after a rough time with injury and suspension.

And hard-tackling second-rower Brett Delaney, formerly of NRL’s Gold Coast Titans, feared his Cup dream was over after damaging his thumb. He should play through the pain, however, delivering big hits all over the field.

This game will be a cracker. Tune in.

SKY SPORTS, THIS SATURDAY

THE CHAT | What’s KP all in a fuss about?

I tri tried rie to bounce back d recover; I’ve done and great, I have to say A few recent losses don’t seem to have bothered Serbian tennis star Novac Djokovic, even if he does say so himself

TV HIGHLIGHTS Port Adelaide v Brisbane

Pietersen’s nose these days?

Catch the Lions take on the Magpies Saturday 2pm, Fox Footy

Pietersen, who’s always fancied himself, sent a A Outspoken few text messages to the South African squad, bagging

Photos: Getty Images

Ian Holloway won’t be welcoming DJ Campbell back to Bloomfield Road. Thank the stars – no one wants to see that

AUSTRALIAN RULES

It appears one of England’s cricketing Saffas Q has gone a bit rogue. What’s got up Kevin

out his England teammate Andrew Strauss and coach Andy Flower. To make matters worse, a fake Twitter account – KP Genius – was set up in his name to mock him, tweeting such gems as: ‘Which cricketer in your view would have made a great Olympian and in which discipline? KP – in all of them #genius.’ A friend of bowler Stuart Broad admitted responsibility, although Broad denies feeding him anything. A united dressing room for the Poms, then ...

The There’s T er about as much h chance of re-signing DJ Campbell as there is of me wearing high heels and calling myself Sheila

GOLF ULSPGA Watch the Canadian Open, round three Sunday, 4.30pm, Fox Sports

RUGBY UNION Australia v New Zealand ‘I know it was you’

See the Bledisloe Cup rivals in action Saturday 5.30pm. Fox Sports

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The hardman Wheelchair rugby player Ryley Batt is on the hunt for glory WORDS JAHN VANNISSELROY

In full flight, Ryley Batt is an impressive sight, a human wrecking ball of aggression, speed and skill propelled by powerful, tattooed arms and with no compunction about slamming into his opponents in order to impose himself.

And when he does, it’s his adversaries who come off second best. On the wheelchair rugby court, Batt’s fierce competitive spirit stands out, a beacon of determination and domination. It’s this that makes the Australian 23-year-old his sport’s most captivating player.

The Port Macquarie local, in London hoping to lead Australia to gold at the 2012 Paralympic Games, which start on August 29, is the lynchpin of his side, striking fear into opponents’ hearts wherever he plays. Batt has no legs, but he’s not afraid to tip out of his chair and land on the ground if it means securing victory for the green and gold.

“I am an aggressive player,” Batt admits. “When I’m off court, I’m a nice guy, but when I’m on court, I’m just a totally different person. I just want to have the ball and be the most dominant player out there.”

It wasn’t always like this. Born without lower limbs, Batt resisted the use of a wheelchair for the first 12 years of his life, instead preferring to get around via prosthetic legs and a skateboard. “I didn’t like the idea of being in a wheelchair, thought it was for ‘disabled’ people,” he remembers. “I was born like this, so I don’t really know what it was like to walk and I’ve adapted fine.”

A wheelchair rugby demonstration at his school piqued the then 12-year-old’s interest. He decided to abandon his prejudices and give it a go. Three years later he was representing his country at Athens.

“Getting into the sport was fantastic,” he says. “It opened a new life for me, to train everyday and keep motivated and know that you’re playing for your country in a sport is an unreal thing.”

While being the star in the Australian side, Batt is the first to admit he wasn’t in the best shape for the 2008 Beijing

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Paralympics, where his team was beaten to gold by the US. There’s been no chance of shortcuts leading into London.

“Look, I don’t think I’ve trained as hard in my life as I have this year and I’m feeling good and I’m ready and I’m excited and mentally strong for it,” he says. “I can see the excitement of the younger players around the team and I just can’t wait for it to begin, actually.”

That’s good news for the Australians. In wheelchair basketball, each player has a classification, based on their disability. Batt is rated as a ‘high pointer’, his 3.5 points forming the bulk of the combined eight a team can field at any one time.

However, his unparalleled power and manoeuvrability has attracted criticism, most notably from former Great Britain wheelchair rugby athlete Justin Frishberg.

Frishberg is something of a Paralympics purist, preferring to see wheelchair rugby remain the preserve of those with spinal injuries, those unable to compete at the Paralympics’ other popular sport, wheelchair basketball.

“I think he is probably too good to play wheelchair rugby,” Frishberg said of Batt earlier this year. “Obviously he’s expensive for the Australian team, but it takes more than 3.5 points to nail him down. Sometimes it takes three players.

“Come London 2012, if Ryley is dominating games on his own, then it takes away from the team element of the sport which is so important to us.”

Batt diplomatically says he takes such criticism as a compliment, pleased that his presence is creating doubt in his opponents’ minds. However, it won’t affect his performance.

“Every sport’s got their politics and people just want to stir the pot, I guess. I’ve been classified, I’m in the game,” he says. “A lot of other players have the same function, if not more function than me. I think people are worried about the game style we pay, Other countries don’t necessarily play like that. Some teams do manage to contain me, so other sides will just have to work it out and do it for themselves.”

Lolo Jones

Ryley Batt: wheelchair rugby’s most dominant player is ready to take gold

Batt is confident of taking gold in London, describing the Australian side as a ‘tight-knit, determined’ bunch who also know how to have fun. But he also remembers the lessons of Beijing, and remains wary of all opponents, singling out one in particular for special attention.

“Over the last decade, America has been the team we’ve struggled against. They’ve got the depth over there. Their national league has about 36 teams, but in Australia it’s five or six teams,” he says. “Every other team we’ve beaten consistently over the past five or six years, but not the Americans. But look, we have to get that final first.”

The three-time Paralympian is more than aware of the significance of his high profile. As the Games grow in stature with each passing four years, Batt becomes more of a role model, not just for those in a similar situation to himself, but

COOLEST MAN ON WHEELS? MEET DYLAN ALCOTT

also for able-bodied people, who are inspired by his attitude.

“I do school talks a couple of time a week now. I try and do as many as I can,” he says “I talk to the kids about the ability of people in wheelchairs. I give them the rundown and show them what we can do and can’t do. They really love it and so do I.” His own role model is motorcross superstar Travis Pastrana, and true to his skateboarding roots, Batt keeps it extreme when he’s off the court, taking part in motorbike Photos: Getty Images

and quad bike riding. He’s hopeful that one day, he’ll get to showcase his skills in that area in a competitive environment.

“If there was a Paralympic X Games, I’d be the first one in there,” he says. “I love that extreme adrenaline rush sort of stuff. It really suits me, but, for now, it’s just wheelchair

Ryley Batt has a competitor for the title of ‘coolest guy in a wheelchair’. Basketballer Dylan Alcott (above) was just 17 when he was part of the gold medal-winning Australian team in Beijing. Two years later, he was named in the sports World All Star Five at the World Championships as the Aussie took the title.

Alcott, cemented his national fame status in Australia when he crowdsurfed in his wheelchair at a 2011 Queens Of The Stone Age concert in Melbourne.

Lead singer Josh Homme saw the 20-year-old and invited him to watch the rest of the set from the stage, describing Alcott as “one badass motherfucker.”

For the moment, though, Alcott’s focus is strictly on retaining gold for his team as he showcases his range of skills at London 2012 – the biggest stage of his life.

rugby … and winning in London.”

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OZLISTINGS TRAVEL AGENTS Adventure Travel Bugs 07 3236 3266, adventuretravelbugs.com Backpackers World Travel 1800 997 325 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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Maxi Ragamuffin Whitsundays sailing 1800 454 777 maxiaction.com.au

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

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

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

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

Explore Whitsundays Whitsundays packages 1800 675 790, explorewhitsundays.com

Ocean Rafting Whitsundays tours 07 4946 6848, oceanrafting.com

Mighty Cars and Campers (Formerly Backpacker Campervan Rentals) 1800 809 944 mightycampers.com.au

Oz Experience Hop on-hop off Australia-wide tours 1300 300 028, ozexperience.com

Boomerang Cars 0414 882 559, boomerangcars.com.au

Surfcamp Sydney to Byron surfing tours 1800 888 732, surfcamp.com.au

Hippie Camper 1800 777 779, hippiecamper.com

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

The Rock Tour Red centre tours 1800 246 345, therocktour.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

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

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

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

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

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

Topdeck Tours covering all of Oz 1300 886 332, topdeck.travel

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

RENTAL FIRMS Apollo Motorhomes 1800 777 779, apollocamper.com

Kings Cross Car Market For buying and selling vehicles. 110 Bourke St, Woolloomooloo.

02 9358 5000, carmarket.com.au Spaceships 1300 132 469, spaceshipsrentals.com.au Standbycars.com 1300 789 059, standbycars.com

@tnt_downunder

wickercampers.com

TRANSPORT CO Greyhound Australia Buses around Australia. 13 20 30, greyhound.com.au Jetstar Airline.

131 538, jetstar.com.au Premier Transport Group Buses along the east coast.

13 34 10, premierms.com.au Qantas Airline.

13 13 13, qantas.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

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

Redline Coaches For getting around Tasmania.

03 6336 1446, redlinecoaches.com.au

Wicked Campers 1800 246 869,

Virgin Australia Airline.

13 67 89, virginaustralia.com

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

QT HOTEL SYDNEY Melding two of Sydney’s grandest and most prominent historical buildings, the QT Sydney is set to open its doors next month. The hotel is a unique designer space that celebrates an eclectic mix of quirky artefacts, bespoke furniture, graphica and a daring use of colour and art. This is fun, modern decor at its finest. Even the staff uniforms look like they’ve stepped off the set of a Jetson’s cartoon. Think quirky, space-age fun. If you want to treat yourself to something special, then a stay at a QT hotel is something you’ll never forget. If the new Sydney hotel is anything like its Surfer Paradise sister, then you’ll never want to leave. And with restaurants, wine bars, cafes and a spa, you have an excuse not to. See qthotels.com.au for more information.

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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

NSWLISTINGS

facebook/tntdownunder Boomerang Backpackers 141 William Street, Kings Cross.

02 8354 0488, boomerangbackpackers.com Dlux Hostel 30 Darlinghurst Rd, Kings Cross.

1800 236 213 dluxbudgethotel.com.au Kangaroo Bak Pak 665 South Dowling St. Surry Hills.

02 9261 1111 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

BOOK NOW

Glebe Point YHA 262-264 Glebe Point Road. Glebe. 02 9692 8418, yha.com.au Boardrider Backpacker Rear 63, The Corso, Manly. 02 9977 3411 boardrider.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 DO Manly Surf School Manly Beach.

02 9977 6977, manlysurfschool.com Maritime Museum Darling Harbour. anmm.gov.au My Sydney Detour Unique city

SALOONS Upstairs Beresford. Aug 24. 8pm. Free New brothers on the block, the Saloons, whip out the harp and hypnotic tunes to prove they’re a cut above the indie-pop pack.

Bourke St, Darlinghurst

merevail.com.au

tours. mysydneydetour.com

skydivethebeach.com

Oceanworld Manly West Esplanade. oceanworld.com.au

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

Powerhouse Museum Darling Harbour. powerhousemuseum.com.au

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

Skydive the Beach Wollongong.

Sydney Harbour Bridge The Rocks. bridgeclimb.com

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QLDLISTINGS

follow us on Backpackers in Paradise 40 Peninsula Drive, Surfers Paradise.

1800 268 621, backpackersinparadise.com.au

@tnt_downunder

DON’T MISS

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

07 5536 76442, yha.com.au Coolangatta Sands Hostel Cnr Griffiths & McLean Sts, Coolangatta. 07 5536 7472, coolangattasandshostel.com.au Gold Coast International BP 28 Hamilton Ave, Surfers. 1800 816 300, goldcoastbackpackers.com. au

DON’T MISS JULIA STONE Tanks Art Centre. 23 Sep. From $35.

The sister half of the Stone’s shows she can more than hold her own sans Angus. Touring with her second solo album By the Horns.

University of Queensland

BRISBANE STAY Aussie Way Backpackers 34 Cricket St. 07 3369 0711, aussiewaybackpackers.com Banana Bender Backpackers 118 Petrie Terrace.

07 3367 1157, bananabenders.com Base Brisbane Embassy 214 Elizabeth St. 07 3166 8000, stayatbase.com 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 Bunk Backpackers Cnr Ann & Gipps Sts, 1800 682 865, bunkbrisbane.com.au The Deck 117 Harcourt Street, New Farm.

04 3377 7061

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

BRISBANE DO Australia Zoo Glasshouse Mountains, Tourist Drive, Beerwah. 07 5436 2000, australiazoo.com.au Gallery of Modern Art 07 3840 7303, qag.qld.gov.au

Islander Backpackers Resort 6 Beach Rd, Surfers Paradise.

1800 074 393, islander.com.au 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 Trekkers Backpackers 22 White St, Southport. 1800 100 004, trekkersbackpackers.com.au

GC DO

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

07 3891 5766, riverlife.com.au

Dreamworld Theme park. dreamworld.com.au

Story Bridge Adventure Climb 170 Main St, Kangaroo Point.

1300 254 627, storybridgeadventureclimb.com.au

Seaworld seaworld.com.au

XXXX Ale House Brewery tours.

Cnr Black & Paten St, Milton.

07 3361 7597, xxxxalehouse.com.au

GOLD COAST Aquarius Backpackers 44 Queen St, Surfers Paradise.

1800 22 99 55, aquariusbackpackers.com.au

KATCHAFIRE The Hifi. 31 Aug. $39.50 The legendary Aotearoa roots rockers are touring Oz and all eight of them promise to turn it on real good for you, bro!

West End, Brisbane

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

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

Get Wet Surf School 07 5532 9907

Skydive Rainbow Beach 0418 218 358, skydiverainbowbeach.com

Wet ‘n’ Wild Water World wetnwild.myfun.com.au

HERVEY BAY

Warener Bros Movie World movieworld.com.au

Aussie Woolshed

Zorb 07 5547 6300

181 Torquay Rd 07 4124 0677

SUNSHINE CST Mooloolaba Backpackers

moshtix.com.au

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

nextbackpackers.com.au Nomads Hervey Bay 408 The Esplanade.

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

FRASER ISLAND Eurong Beach Resort 07 4120 1600, eurong.com.au 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 Northside Backpackers 12 Queen St. 07 4154 1166 Bundaberg Bondstore Distillery tours.

07 4131 2999 bundabergrum.com.au

WORKERS WANTED

WORKERS WANTED WORKERS WANTED WORKERS WANTED WORKERS WANTED WORKERS WANTED

Y PLACE TO BE! THE ONL

Backpacker Resort

AYR NORTH QUEENSLAND

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

Innisfail North Queensland 50 fruit pickers wanted NOW! Guys & girls s #ABLE TELEVISION GAMES ROOM SPORTING OVAL s !LL 4RANSPORT PROVIDED 30%#)!,)3).' ). !33)34).' 7)4( 3%#/.$ 9%!2 6)3! 7/2+

Phone: 07 4061 2284 50

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s /PEN AND AIRY 1UEENSLAND STYLE FOUR AND SIX BEDROOMS s )NTERNET #AFÏ s 0OOL ""1S AND TROPICAL GARDENS s 4ABLE TENNIS AND &2%% POOL TABLE s ,OCKERS s #LEAN COMFORTABLE QUIET AND FRIENDLY s 4RANSPORT PROVIDED TO WORK s &IVE MINUTE WALK TO MAIN STREET SHOPPING AND FAST FOOD STORE s &REE PICK UP FROM !YR BUS TERMINAL AND RAILWAY STATION s 6IDEO AND 46 ROOMS s &IVE FULL KITCHEN FACILITIES

WORKERS WANTED Call Mick & Daphne 07 4783 5837

WORKERS WANTED WORKERS WANTED WORKERS WANTED WORKERS WANTED WORKERS WANTED

Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Gold Coast

Famous for fun

AdventureGoldCoast.com

facebook.com/AdventureGoldCoast twitter.com/AdventureGoldCoast

QLDLISTINGS

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TOWN OF 1770

BOOK NOW

1770 Backpackers 6 Captain Cook Dr. 1800 121 770, the1770backpackers.com

MISSION BEACH

1770 Undersea Adventures 1300 553 889, 1770underseaadventures.com

AIRLIE BEACH airliebeach.com 259 Shute Harbour Rd. 1800 677 119

BIGSOUND

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

Brisbane. 12-13 Sep. From$50.

Electro prodigy Flume, indie kids New Navy and soul songstress Clare Bowditch are among the many not to be missed at this festival.

Fortitude Valley

bigsound.org.au

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

7/2+%23 7!.4%$ &RUIT AND 6EGETABLE PICKING JOBS AVAILABLE

CAIRNS DO

Absolute Backpackers 28 Wongaling Beach Road. 07 4068 8317, absolutebackpackers.com.au Scottyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Beach House 167 Reid Rd. 07 4068 8676, scottysbeachhouse.com.au

Pro Dive 07 4031 5255 prodivecairns.com

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

Backpackers by the Bay 12 Hermitage Dr. 1800 646 994, backpackersbythebay.com

1800 229 228, nomadshostels.com

AJ Hackett Bungy jumping & canyon swinging. 1800 622 888 cairns.ajhackett.com

CAIRNS STAY

Airlie Beach YHA 394 Shute Harbour Rd. 1800 247 251, yha.com.au

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

Arcadia Bay. 07 4778 5177 magnetic-island.com/arc-rsrt.htm Pleasure Divers 07 4778 5788

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Bohemia Resort Cairns 231 McLeod St. 1800 155 353, bohemiaresort.com. au

Raging Thunder Adventures Whitewater rafting.

07 4030 7990, ragingthunder.com.au Skydive Cairns 07 4052 1822, skydivecairns.com.au

CAPE TRIB

Calypso Backpackers 5 Digger St. 1800 815 628, calypsobackpackers.com.au

Crocodylus Village Lot 5, Buchanan Creek Rd, Cow Bay. 07 4098 9166, crocodyluscapetrib.com

JJâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Backpackers Hostel 11 Charles St. 07 4051 7642, jjsbackpackers.com

PKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Jungle Village Cnr Avalon & Cape Trib Rd. 1800 232 333, pksjunglevillage.com.au

NJoy Backpackers Hostel Harbour 141 Sheridan St. 1800 807 055, njoy.net.au Nomads Beach House 239 Sheridan St.

INNISFAIL IInnisfail Budget Backpackers Workerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hostel 125 Edith St. 07 4061 7833

WORD FROM THE STREET

s 4RANSPORT TO FROM WORK s &2%% COURTESY BUS PICK UP s ,AUNDRY FACILITIES s )NTERNET FACILITIES s 0LEASANT AND FRIENDLY STAFF s "ISTRO AVAILABLE AT "ANJO S TAVERN NEXT DOOR

6!2)%49 /& 7/2+ !6!),!",% 9%!2 2/5.$

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&EDERAL "ACKPACKERS "OURBONG 3T "UNDABERG 1LD

0HONE WWW FEDERALBACKPACKERS COM AU FEDERALBACKPACKERS HOTMAIL COM #OMPLIES WITH ALL SAFETY REQUIREMENTS QUANTITY DEPENDS ON SEASON

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Grant Perkins, USA WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN IN OZ? I studied in Sydney for two years and now I am enjoying my time and the rest of my money to travel FAVE SPOT? One of my favourites has been Coolangatta in Queensland. I lived there in a backpackers and discovered an amazing beach on which we could play football ANY PACKING REGRETS? The only regret I have is about clothes.

When I was in Melbourne it was so cold, but before I left home I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t realise that it could be cold in Australia so I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t bring any warm clothes

TURTLE POWER

FREE UNLIMITED INTERNET

Awards!!

rated 9/10 on

Vote for us!

go to: goldenbackpacks.tntdownunder.com

FEATURES

FREECALL: 1800 000 541

Air-conditioning 24 hour reception Kitchen & laundry Keycard access Secure parking Free BBQ

HEAPS OF ACTIVITIES!

LADY ELLIOT ISLAND If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking for fantastic diving away from the crowds then this could be the place for you. Forming the southern-most coral cay of the Great Barrier Reef, Lady Elliot, about 80km north-east of Bundaberg, is one of only a handful of islands where you can actually stay on the reef and literally dive from the beach. Teeming with life, the surrounding waters boast a resident population of 40 manta rays and are also one of the best places in the world to view green and loggerhead turtles. If visiting between November and March you may even catch a glimpse of the majestic creatures lumbering up the beach to lay their eggs.

Day trip to Crystal Cascades, Wakeboarding, Sailing, Movie nights and much more!

117 Grafton Street Cairns, QLD Australia 4870 northern@friendlygroup.com.au www.northerngreenhouse.com.au www.greenhousebackpacker.com.au

FREE DAILY BREAKFAST

SCAN TO

BOOK

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

FREE UNLIMITED INTERNET

!!

Awards

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

Vote for us!

Flinders Station Hotel 35 Elizabeth St. 03 9620 5100, flindersbackpackers.com.au

go to: goldenbackpacks.tntdownunder.com

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

MELBOURNE DO Australian Centre for the Moving Image Federation Square.

03 8663 2200, acmi.net.au Melbourne Aquarium Cnr of Flinders St & King St. 03 9923 5999, melbourneaquarium.com.au Melbourne Cricket Ground Brunton Av. 03 9657 8888 mcg.org.au Melbourne Museum 11 Nicholson St, Carlton. 13 11 02 melbourne.museum.vic.gov.au National Gallery of Victoria Federation Square. ngv.vic.gov.au Old Melbourne Gaol 377 Russell St. 03 8663 7228,

STRIKE GOLD

FEATURES

FREECALL: 1800 249 207

Central location 24 hour reception Kitchen & laundry Keycard access Luggage Storage Lockers

HEAPS OF ACTIVITIES!

Level 6, 228 Flinders Lne Melbourne, VIC 3000 greenhouse@friendlygroup.com.au www.greenhousebackpacker.com.au www.northerngreenhouse.com.au

FREE DAILY BREAKFAST

Walking tour, Pub crawl, Bingo night, Pasta night, Sunday pancakes and much more!

BALLARAT

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Ballarat gets its fame from being a boom town of the Aussie gold rush during the 1850s.

Because of its past success as an area where you could easily find gold, there’s still the opportunity here to pan for a nugget or two. The best place to do so is at the open-air period museum Sovereign Hill. The attraction is located at the site of where the second-largest gold nugget in the world was found, weighing 69kg. You never know your luck! You’ll find it about a 90-minute drive north-west of Melbourne, or eight hours south-east of Adelaide.

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oldmelbournegaol.com.au

03 5237 7899, yha.com.au

Official Neighbours Tours 570 Flinders St. 03 9629 5866, neighbourstour.com.au

Great Ocean Road Backpackers YHA 10 Erskine Av, Lorne.

03 5289 2508, yha.com.au

Skydive the Beach Melbourne 1300 798 843 skydivethebeachmelbourne.com

MELB MUSIC Cherry Bar myspace.com/cherrybarmelbourne Corner Hotel cornerhotel.com

Port Campbell Hostel 18 Tregea St, Port Campbell.

03 5598 6305, portcampbellhostel.com.au Surfside Backpackers Cnr Great Ocean Rd & Gambier St, Apollo Bay. 1800 357 263, surfsidebackpacker.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.

MORNINGTON Bayplay Lodge 46 Canterbury Jetty Rd, Blairgowrie.

03 5988 0188, bayplay.com.au Sorrento Foreshore Reserve Nepean Hwy. 1800 850 600, mornpen.vic.gov.au Sorrento YHA 3 Miranda St, Sorrento.

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

03 5980 1234, tortoisehead.net

DANDENONG Emerald Backpackers 03 5968 4086

BOOK NOW

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

03 5480 6522, yha.com.au 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

CHET FAKER

GIPPSLAND

Revolt. 8 Sep. 7:30pm. $23 There’s a lot of love around for this hipster king so get in quick for the Melbourne local’s lazy tunes.

Prom Country Backpackers 03 5682 2614 Rawsom Caravan Park Depot Rd, Rawson.

03 5165 3439, rawsoncaravanpark.com.au

PHILLIP ISLAND Amaroo Park YHA 97 Church St, Cowes.

03 5952 3620, yha.com.au

Elizabeth St, Kensington The Island Accommodation 10-12 Phillip Island Tourist Road.

03 5956 6123 theislandaccommodation.com.au

GRAMPIANS Grampians YHA Eco Hostel

seatadvisor.com.au Cnr Grampians & Buckler Rds, Halls Gap. 03 5356 4543, yha.com.au Tim’s Place 44 Grampians Road, Halls Gap. 03 5356 4288, timsplace.com.au

Stay. Play.

Melbourne.

$20

Accommodation from $20 a night (subject to availability)

Maximum 4 bed dormitories with linen and towel FREE all you can eat breakfast (cereal, toast and juice), weekly meal, rice and pasta, tea and coffee FREE in room oversized locker with personal power point 5 minute walk to city Large bar with big screen (all major sporting events shown) Drink specials at the bar Public transport on doorstep

UC103

Unique value tour packages

Book Now 1800

631 288 urbancentral.com.au

334 CITY ROAD SOUTHBANK MELBOURNE VIC 3006 AUSTRALIA

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

KATHERINE STAY

DON’T MISS

BIG4 Katherine Holiday Park 20 Shadforth Road.

1800 501 984, big4.com.au

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

KATHERINE DO

Gecko Lodge 146 Mitchell St. 1800 811 250, geckolodge.com.au

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

DARWIN DO 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

ALICE DO Alice Springs Desert Park Larapinta Drive.

08 8951 8788, alicespringsdesertpark.com.au

Airborne Solutions Scenic helicopter flights.

08 8972 2345 airbornesolutions.com.au

Frogshollow Backpackers 27 Lindsay St. 1800 068 686, frogs-hollow.com.au

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

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

Palm Court Kookaburra Backpackers Giles St. 1800 626 722

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

Alice Springs Reptile Centre Meet and hold lizards.

9 Stuart Terrace.

08 8952 8900, reptilecentre.com.au

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

BUSH BANDS BASH Alice Springs. 7 Sep. 6pm. Gold Coin Donation.

Embrace the didgeridoo and raw bush sounds at the Bush Bands Bash, the ultimate cultural experience that transforms Alice Springs.

Alice Springs

alicedesertfestival.com.au

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

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

WORD FROM THE STREET

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

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

Haven Resort 3 Larapinta Drive.

1800 794 663, alicehaven.com.au

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

FALL FOR IT

Calista Hannigan, UK WHAT MADE YOU COME TO OZ? Me and my best friend decided to come to Australia so we started with Sydney and travelled up the coast to Cairns. Unfortunately she broke her leg so I decided to come back to Sydney and do a tour WHAT DO YOU MISS THE MOST? An English roast for dinner. It’s not the same here as it is back home CRAZIEST THING YOU’VE DONE? Probably scuba diving up in Cairns. We were floating around with the turtles and we could hear the whales. It was brilliant

EDITH FALLS Nestled amongst sandstone escarpments and eucalypt wooodland, these often missed waterfalls, also known as Leliyn Falls, are part of the Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park.

Sometimes inaccessible during the wet season (October to April), the impressive falls drop to a forest-encircled lower pool, which makes a great spot for a cooling swim. Keep your eyes peeled for some of the local protected animals, such as the black wallaroo. There is a campsite nearby.

The falls are a 20km drive from the Stuart Highway. The more adventurous can try the three-day hike from Katherine Gorge

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57

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

LAUNCESTON DO

BOOK NOW

Cataract Gorge launcestoncataractgorge.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

DEVONPORT

Transit Backpackers 251 Liverpool St. 03 6231 2400, transitbackpackers.com

Republic Bar & Café. 31 Aug. $10.

The Triple J Unearthed 2011 winners are back in Tassie to launch their indie-pop debut record House come Home.

HOBART DO

Mt Wellington Descent Bike tours. 03 6274 1880 mtwellingtondescent.com.au

Hobart

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

GO WILD

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

moshtix.com.au

PORT ARTHUR

Salamanca Markets Every Saturday, Salamanca Place. salamanca.com.au Tasmanian Museum & Art Gallery 5 Argyle St. tmag.com.au

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

BEN WELLS & THE MIDDLE NAMES

Cascade Brewery 140 Cascade Rd. 03 6224 1117 cascadebreweryco.com.au

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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

Photo: Tourism Tasmania

Charli Scarbourough, UK

58

FRANKLIN-GORDON NATIONAL PARK This World Heritage area in Tasmania, made globally famous by the intensely-fought conservation campaign in the 80s to get it protected, is about as wild, rugged and inaccessible an area as you could hope to find in Australia. Those with an adventurous spirit will struggle to beat the experience of rafting the mighty and dangerous Franklin River. Expeditions range from five to 10 days and offer the only opportunity to access the major Aboriginal site at Kutikina Cave. If you don’t have as much time, trek to the top of Frenchman’s Cap for views across the whole south-west. The park starts about 120km to the west of Hobart.

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HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN ON THE ROAD? I’ve been spending some time in the sun for the last six months or so. I’ve been to Sydney, Cairns, then zig-zaged down to Melbourne, flew to Fiji and came back to Oz FAVE SPOT? Sailing in the Whitsundays. A mum and baby humpback whale followed the boat and then when we stopped to kayak, enormous turtles swam alongside us MOST OVER-RATED EXPERIENCE? Nothing is over-rated in Australia, it all does exactly what it says on the tin... and is better!

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ADELAIDE STAY

DON’T MISS

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

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

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

KANGAROO IS

Adelaide Travellers Inn 220 Hutt St. 08 8224 0753, adelaidebackpackers.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 Glenelg Beach Hostel 5-7 Moseley St. Glenelg. 1800 359 181, glenelgbeachhostel.com.au Hostel 109 109 Carrington St. 1800 099 318, hostel109.com My Place 257 Waymouth St. 1800 221 529, adelaidehostel.com.au Shakespeare Hostel 123 Waymouth St. 1800 556 889, shakeys.com.au

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

08 8300 3800 cricketsa.com.au

1 Oliver St. 1800 633 891, radekadownunder.com.au

HANSON HQ Complex. 13 Sep. $65.50 The baby faced brothers are finally back, with beards, to bring you some nostalgic mmmboppin’ goodness.

North Terrace, Adelaide

Adelaide Zoo Frome Rd. 08 8267 3255, zoossa.com.au Haigh’s Chocolates Factory tours. 153 Greenhill Rd, Parkside 1800 819 757, haighschocolates.com.au Temptation Sailing Dolphin swimming, Glenelg.

04 1281 1838 dolphinboat.com.au

hqcomplez.com.au

BAROSSA VAL Barossa Backpackers 9 Basedow Road Tanunda.

08 8563 0198, barossabackpackers.com.au

COOBER PEDY Opal Cave Coober Pedy Hutchinson St. 08 8672 5028, opalcavecooberpedy.com.au Radeka Down Under

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

Kangaroo Island YHA 33 Middle Terrace, Penneshaw.

08 8553 1344 yha.com.au

Baird Bay Ocean Eco Experience Sea lion and dolphin swims.

08 8626 5017 bairdbay.com

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

Calypso Star Charters Great white shark cage diving.

08 8682 3939, sharkcagediving.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

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 Wilpena Pound Resort Wilpena Rd. 08 8648 0004, wilpenapound.com.au

WINE TIME

This beautiful and lesser known wine region of South Australia is a must-do for red vino lovers. It can be found just south of Adelaide on the Fleurieu Peninsula. After a hard day tasting all that the region has to offer, there are some tasty central places to grab a bit to eat. The Wine House and the Bridge Hotel in town give good grub. The town is on the banks of the Bremer River which flows into Lake Alexandrina. In winter, the river frequently floods across the vineyards, contributing to the unique composotion of the region.

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Photo: SATC

LANGHORNE CREEK

59

WALISTINGS

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DON’T MISS

One World Backpackers 162 Aberdeen St, Northbridge.

1800 188 100, oneworldbackpackers.com.au Perth City YHA 300 Wellington St. 08 9287 3333, yha.com.au The Old Swan Barracks 6 Francis St. 08 9428 0000, theoldswanbarracks.com

THE MEDICS Amplifier Capitol. 8 Sep. $18.

The Cairns boys are packing up and going cross country for a night of rock pop madness.

Murray St, Perth

oztix.com.au

PERTH STAY Billabong Backpackers Resort 381 Beaufort St. 08 9328 7720, billabongresort.com.au

Globe Backpackers & City Oasis Resort 561 Wellington St. 08 9321 4080, globebackpackers.com.au

Britannia on William 253 William St, Northbridge.

08 9227 6000, perthbrittania.com

Ocean Beach Backpackers 1 Eric St, Cottlesloe. 08 9384 5111,

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

FREO STAY

Wa

Albany Bayview Backpackers YHA 49 Duke St 08 9842 3388, yha.com.au

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

Cruize-Inn 122 Middleton Rd. 08 9842 9599, cruizeinn.com

PERTH DO

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

Brisbane

Sa Perth

Nsw Sydney

Adelaide

Vic Melbourne Hobart

1355

Visit our website for great accommodation specials and online bookings 60

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Surfpoint 12 Riedle Drive Prevally 08 9757 1777 surfpoint.com.au

Old Firestation Backpackers 18 Phillimore St. 08 9430 5454, fremantleprison.com.au

A

Qld

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

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

u t n e v d A n e p s

Nt

Rottnest Express 1300 Go Rotto rottnestexpress.com.au

Backpackers Inn Freo 11 Pakenham St. 08 9431 7065, backpackersinnfreo.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

Aspen Parks Begin your re today...

Darwin

Rottnest Island YHA Kingstown Barracks. 08 9372 9780, yha.com.au

Underground Backpackers 268 Newcastle St, Northbridge.

08 9228 3755, undergroundbackpackers.com.au

Aquarium of Western Australia 91 Southside Drive, Hillarys.

08 9447 7500, aqwa.com.au

Emperor’s Crown 85 Stirling St, Northbridge. 1800 991 553, emperorscrown.com.au

PERTH MUSIC

@tnt_downunder

ALBANY

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

Holiday Parks with a difference Australia Wide Western Australia Woodman Point Holiday Park Coogee Beach Holiday Park Perth Vineyards Holiday Park Exmouth Cape Holiday Park Blue Reef Backpackers Pilbara Holiday Park Cooke Point Holiday Park

1800 244 133 1800 817 016 1800 679 992 1800 621 101 1800 621 101 1800 451 855 1800 459 999

South Australia Port Augusta BIG4 Holiday Park 1800 833 444 Myall Grove Holiday Park 1800 356 103 Victoria Boathaven Holiday Park Geelong Riverview Tourist Park Golden River Holiday Park Yarraby Holiday Park Ashley Gardens BIG4 Holiday Village

1800 352 982 1800 336 225 1800 621 262 1800 222 052 1800 061 444

New South Wales A Shady River Holiday Park Maiden’s Inn Holiday Park Magic Murray Houseboats Murray River Holiday Park Wymah Valley Holiday Park Twofold Bay Beach Resort Wallamba River Holiday Park

1800 674 239 1800 356 801 1800 356 483 1800 357 215 1800 776 523 1800 631 006 1800 268 176

Queensland Island Gateway Holiday Park

1800 466 528

aspenparks.com.au

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NZLISTINGS

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BUS TOURS

Rent-A-Dent 0800 736 823, rentadent.co.nz

Kiwi Experience +64 9366 9830 kiwiexperience.com Magic Travellers Network +64 9358 5600, magicbus.co.nz Nakedbus.com 0900 62533, nakedbus.com

Rental Car Village +64 9376 9935, hire-vehicles.co.nz Spaceships 1300 139 091, spaceships.tv Standby Cars 1300 789 059, standbycars.com.au

NZ Travelpass 0800 339 966, travelpass.co.nz

Wicked Campers 1800 246 869, wickedcampers.com

Stray +64 9309 8772, straytravel.com

AUCKLAND

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

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,

Darn Cheap Rentals 0800 447 363, exploremore.co.nz

Base Auckland 229 Queen St. 0800 227 369, stayatbase.com

Econo Campers +64 9275 9919, econocampers.co.nz

Bamber House (BBH) 22 View Rd, Mt Eden. +64 9623 4267, hostelbackpacker.com

Escape Rentals 1800 456 272, escaperentals.co.nz Explore More 1800 800 327, dcrentals.com.nz Jucy Rentals 0800 399 736, jucy.com.nz

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

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

Base Discovery Lodge St. +64 Queenstown 49 Shotover St. +64 3441 1185, stayatbase.com

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

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

Bungi Backpackers (VIP, BBH) 15 Sydney St. 0800 728 286, bungibackpackers.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

Cardrona Alpine Resort Between Queenstown and Wanaka. +64 3443 7341, cardrona.com

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

Less clicking and more member savings on the new, faster yha.co.nz.

Backpacking just got easy as.

YHA Wellington City 292 Wakefield St. +64 4801 7280

CHRISTCHURCH

Flaming Kiwi Backpackers (BBH) 39 Robins Rd. +64 3442 5494, flamingkiwi@xtra.co.nz

Chester Street Backpackers (BBH) 148 Chester St East. +64 3377 1897, chesterst.co.nz

Hippo Lodge (BBH) 4 Anderson Hts. +64 3442 5785, hippolodge.co.nz

Foley Towers (BBH) 208 Kilmore St. +64 3366 9720, backpack.co.nz/foley

Nomads Queenstown 5-11 Church St. +64 3441 3922, nomadshostels.com

Jailhouse Accommodation (BBH) 338 Lincoln Rd. 0800 524 546, stay@kiwibasecamp.com

Peterpans Adventure Travel 27 Shotover St Queenstown. peterpans.com.au

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

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

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

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

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

QUEENSTOWN

WHEN YOU

JOIN YHA

YHA Queenstown Central 48A Shotover Street. +64 3442 7400, yha.co.nz YHA Queenstown Lakefront 8890 Lake Esplanade. +64 3442 8413, yha.co.nz

yha.co.nz

TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

61

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

YASAWA ISLANDS

Complete freedom to explore the Yasawa Islands, including Beachcomber.

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

Passes from $217

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

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

ISLAND ESCAPES 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

info@awesomefiji.com

www.awesomefiji.com

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

62

TNTDOWNUNDER.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

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

Long Beach Backpackers Resort +679 666 6644

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

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

Tailevu Hotel +679 343 0028

Wayalailai Island Resort +679 672 1377 wayalailai@connect.com.fj 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 The Funky Fish Beach Resort +679 628 2333, funkyfishresort.com

AAF3373 - Issue 674

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

Seashell Cove Resort +679 670 6100, seashellresort.com

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

Sunrise Lagoon Resort +679 666 6644

Daily departures for all packages and passes from Denarau Marina

Robinson Crusoe +679 629 1999, robinsoncrusoeislandfiji.com

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

Octopus Resort +679 666 6337 reservations@octopusresort.com

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

Rendezvous Dive Resort +679 628 4427, surfdivefiji.com

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

Oarsmans Bay Lodge +679 672 2921, nacula@hotmail.com

5 days 4 nights 2 islands

Pacific Safaris Club +679 345 0498, safariclub@connect.com.fj

Awesome Adventures Fiji +679 675 0499, awesomefiji.com

Nabua Lodge +679 666 9173 nabualodge@connect.com.fj

GREAT PAIRS

Mango Bay Resort +679 653 00690, mangobayresortfiji.com

The Resort Walu Beach +679 665 1777, walubeach.com

CORAL COAST Beachouse +679 653 0500, fijibeachouse.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

Welcome to your Australian Adventure, Guys and Girls!

We are a company that was started by backpackers for backpackers 17 years ago and have given literally thousands of backpackers their dream travelling jobs while they are here.

We know that you need your job to provide...

Lots of money Lots of travelling around Australia A very sociable environment where you can meet lots of people Visa sponsorship opportunities if you want to stay Overseas transfer opportunities /RWV RI ﾃ？[LELOLW\ IRU \RX WR WDNH WLPH RII WR explore Lots of fun and a good challenge Your dream job awaits if you have excellent English, drive, determination and a sense of adventure.

Call Sally today on 1800 64 64 78 and we will give you an interview tomorrow.

Good Luck, The Ministry of Paintball Team www.ministryofpaintball.com

Looking for

work?

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63

OZWORK

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@tnt_downunder

The learning curve Travellers with teaching qualifications have the chance to earn great money, while making a difference and seeing the country

There are few jobs that allow travellers to practically walk into a well-paid position, improve their long-term career prospects and feel good about themselves at the same time – so teachers are quite a lucky bunch really.

“Rates of pay vary across each state and sector,” says Select Education’s Louise White. “Generally a casual teacher in Sydney could expect to earn $200-plus per day.”

And the reality of actually landing a job that pays so

64

TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

well shouldn’t be just a pipedream.

White says: “There is always a high demand for teachers across Australia, especially casual teachers in Sydney.”

But, as anyone who has already worked as a teacher should know, you need to make sure all your paperwork is in order first.

“To have your qualifications accessed by each state you are generally required to submit your CV, qualifications, transcripts, visa/passport, birth certificate and current police clearances,” says White.

Also, be aware that while it’s taken as a given that you will need to hold a full teaching qualification, such as a Bachelor of Education or an equivalent, Australia has no national curriculum, meaning the qualification requirements vary between the states.

If you’ve got the right qualifications and all your paperwork is in order, then by far the most important thing to have is a willingness to be flexible – you will be sent wherever cover is needed, which may mean commuting to the suburbs.

“In Sydney, we place teachers across a wide band of suburbs so teachers should be prepared to travel,” says White. “Along with a flexible attitude, they need to be prepared with resources as work is not always set.”

B Confidential is Brisbane longest running gentlemen club with restaurant.Its Unique approach to entertainment sets itself apart within this industry.

To be one our club dancers, you will need to be sexy, sociable and fun.

In return you get paid cash each day, a flexible roster so you still have time to travel and work in a safe fun environment.

Full training is provided from a management team with over 30 years experience, you will be made feel welcome by all the girls and staff.

We are looking for: Bright pleasant personality Team players Excellence in customer service Well spoken Willingness to learn Glamorous appearance desirable Why work for us?

Female owned and operated Safe and clean No cost to you to work here Low percentage of walk by traffic which means high targeted clientele (not many time wasters) Friendly staff with trained hostesses that help book you dancers Ongoing dance training and NLP tips for better sales Family owned and operated Job perks!

Discounted drinks on the job Cheap meals Second day pay days Free NLP sales training that will give you the tools for moving outside the industry Stage Tips are 100% yours Full makeover and photo shoot for free Flexible hours Discounted food shopping for staff Discounted shoes and clothing You are your own boss and can run it as a business Staff Christmas party

Available shifts : Tuesday - Thursday 12 noon-7pm & 6pm-1am Friday 12 noon -7pm & 6pm-3am Saturday 6pm-3am Apply in person during opening hours at 445 Upper Edward st Spring Hill (just up from central station) e: admin@confidentialclub.com.au www.confidentialclub.com.au/recruitment

Try us just once and you will not be disappointed!

Call us now on

02 9212 1195 www.tiffanysgirls.com.au

Tiffany’s has Sydney’s largest selection of immaculately groomed, stunning girls who are specialists in the art of making a man feel totally at ease and relaxed. Easily found in a peaceful central location, spread over five large terraces, Tiffany’s boasts a number of beautifully appointed self-contained spas, double bedrooms and private waiting lounges.

Work with us:

Unlimited earning potential Shifts to suit Full training provided Quality accommodation provided 99 Albion Street, Surry Hills, NSW

Paramour of Collins Street

SETTING A WORLD-CLASS STANDARD IN AUSTRALIA. Melbourne’s most exclusive escorts, models, dinner dates and travelling companions.

Paramour is a Melbourne’s leading Escort Agency with over 40 beautiful women.

Paramour provides the most outstanding outcall adult entertainment in Melbourne.

Since the 1980s, we have been providing high class escorts in all Melbourne suburbs.

Paramour is the only escort service agency located in the city area of Melbourne.

Paramour girls are very highly paid, beautiful women for international executives. Our ladies are the elite of Australia and are treated as princesses.

Our girls come from many different countries and speak many languages. We understand that the best clients deserve the very best, most feminine ladies and we are continually interviewing to keep our standards high - Paramour Girls are the pinnacle.

MASSEUSES WANTED

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www.paramour.com.au 03 9654 6011 PCA 113E TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

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MYTHBUSTERS WINNING DESIGN?

THIS WEEK’S QUIZ

SYDNEY

MYTH

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 a Q 2.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

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AUSSIE-ISM “A BLUDGER”

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3 66

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TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

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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...

UNUSUAL WORLD DELICACIES 1. FLOGGER SS 2. WITTY BUG RETCH 3. BIG CURSE 4. I AGEING UP ANSWERS: 1. Frogs legs 2. Witchetty grub 3. Rice bugs 4. Guinea pig

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

OF THE Is it true that the design of the Opera House was based on WEEK a competition?

Yes, the design was part of a competition held in the late 50’s by the Australian government. And it was Danish Architect Jorn Utzon’s who had the winning design. His submission was one of 233 designs from 32 countries. In 1966 Jorn Utzon resigned from the project due to disagreements with the government and left the country.

The Opera House was completed in 1973. Unfortunately, Jorn Utzon died in 2008 and never saw the building in its full glory. But there you go, you have got to be in it to win it!

Scubar_691wrkfle.indd 1

19/07/12 10:10 AM

TM

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