TNT Down Under 700

September 24-30 2012 Issue 700 tntdownunder.com

IRN W UXU IOUS

AL GOLD COAST S N RUGBY SEVE PACKAGE

LEAVE YOUR HAT ON This is Panama: rugged and raw

SHOPPING AL FRESCO We scour the world’s best markets

!

D L I W D N A WET

t g Gold Coas n li il r th e th ls, on down the hil d n a , s e h c n the pu We roll with + NEWS & SPORT WHAT’S ON FILM REVIEWS TRAVELLERS’ TIPS

et this Visit us to g

eals

week’s hot d

.au

GlobalFlexi_695.indd 1

15/08/12 7:28 PM

ALEX HARMON EDITOR editor@tntdownunder.com

EDITOR’S LETTER Welcome to the 700th issue folks. Here at TNT we like to celebrate the milestones but also the little things. Like the number of times we can roll down a hill without spewing on the Gold Coast (pg28); surviving a death drive up a volcano in Panama (pg36); purchasing the cheesiest market souvenir (pg6) and finding the most farcical film of all time about sharks in a supermarket (pg18). Have a drink for us!

THIS WEEK OZ DIARY

4

CHATROOM

14

FILM

16

TRAVEL

22

COMPETITION

26

NEWS

42

OPINION

44

SPORT

46

LISTINGS NSW

49

LISTINGS QUEENSLAND

50

LISTINGS VICTORIA

52

LISTINGS NT

55

LISTINGS TASMANIA

56

LISTINGS SA

58

LISTINGS WA

59

LISTINGS NEW ZEALAND

60

WORK

64

TRIVIAL PURSUITS

66

6

18

FEATURES BARGAIN HUNTERS

6

From the rocks to the souks, we uncover the world’s best markets

GET HOOKED

18

The director of Bait 3D tells us about the new shark thriller attacking our screens

GO FOR GOLD

28

Flying high and rolling around on the Gold Coast – the thrill-seeker’s paradise

BANANA BOAT Driving up volcanoes and exploring canals in Panama, Central America

36

28

36 TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

3

OZDIARY

follow us on

@tnt_downunder

EDITORIAL Editor Alex Harmon Staff writer Hugh Radojev Contributors Dan Thorne Interns James Beasenvalle, Amelia Gray, Caitlin Stanway

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

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

02 8332 7511 tom@tntdownunder.com

PHONE EMAIL

WHERE TO GET TNT

MAIN EVENT PARKLIFE 2012 SYDNEY

Now into its twelfth year, the hugely anticipated Parklife festival series kicks off this weekend in the heart of Sydney. Spend your long weekend in the leafy, iconic surrounds of Centennial Park with some of the best international and homegrown electronic, dance, indie and hiphop acts. Including Flume, Plan B, Passion Pit, Robyn and Australian superstars The Presets to name just a few. Grab some mates, put on your best fluro sunnies and get ready to dance because this year’s festival promises to be the biggest and the best yet.

September 30

Centennial Park

parklife.com.au

MANLY ARTS FESTIVAL

EUMUNDI MARKETS

MELBOURNE FRINGE

As one of Sydney’s largest community based arts festivals, Manly Arts highlights up and coming artists from across the beautiful Northern Beaches. Live street performances, music and markets mean that all tastes will be catered for.

The place to go if you’re looking for something special, something unique or something handmade.

Foodies too will appreciate the wide variety of fresh regional produce and delicious snackables on offer – all at low prices.

A mixture of comedy, live music and free public installations combine to make this one of Australia’s best loved festivals. Celebrating its 30th year in operation, this year’s bill features over 3,000 international and Australian artists.

Sept 14 – Oct 1 Manly, Northern Beaches manlyartsfestival.com

Every Wed and Sat Eumundi, the Sunshine Coast eumundimarkets.com.au

Sept 26 – Oct 14 Various, Melbourne melbournefringe.com.au

SEE tntdownunder.com/magazine-location.html for pick-up points

FREE

TNT Magazine is printed on paper from sustainable forests.

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.

4

TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

FREE

$30+

like us on

facebook/tntdownunder

UÊ > «iÀÃÊvÀ ÊfÎxÊ«iÀÊ`>ÞÊ 1-IÊÊ Ê UÊ > «iÀÃÊvÀ Êf{ Ê«iÀÊ`>ÞÊ <I

vÀ

f>Êx `>Þ

-Þ` iÞÊtoÊ > À ÃÊfor theÊ V «ÃiÊ iÃÌ Û> Ê $5 a day for first 6 days buy another 3 days for $75 a day.

2,4 & 6 berth motorhomes $300 towards fuel included.

> Ê1ÃÊ ÜtÊ ÀÊ} ÊÌ

ÜÜÜ°ÃÌ> `LÞÀi VðV

TNTDOWNUNDER.COM TNTDOW W NU NUN N U UN N DER DE D E ER R .CO CO C OM

standbywrkfile_652.indd 1

7

19/10/11 2:05:12 PM

Ready to rummage Get in touch with your inner-hipster by scouring the local markets – with our guide you may even get more than you bargain for WORDS CAITLIN STANWAY

They’re the place where the timid are taken for all they’re worth and those arrogant tight-arses (we all know one!) come away with a king size loot and yet another thing to brag about. With at least one in every city around the world, markets are the perfect place to get a feel for local life.

From questionable street food to authentic national costumes (think Indian saris, Moroccan babouche slippers and the all-Australian Akubra) local markets are the best way to experience a new culture and pick up a memento that’s actually worth showing off (you may have collected 25 from each country your Contiki tour waved to, but a shot glass is still a shot glass!)

Markets are usually the place

6

TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

where locals come to wheel and deal, and they tend to be easily accessible, generally found within walking distance of the city center. With many of Australia’s best markets boasting ocean views, and some of the world’s most impressive markets housed in century old precincts, the locations are often just as impressive as the wares.

Markets also tend to be true to the local vibe, and our Australian offerings are no exception. Generally sticking to fixed prices (we’re too lazy to haggle) Australian markets flow to a slower, safer pace than our international friends. As much about a sunny Sunday stroll as picking up a bargain, a trip to the local markets for a coffee and a wander is the standard weekend ritual

for many locals.

Then around the world, far from the leisurely coffee sipping, sidewalk strolling of Australian markets, the international favourites are hardcore.

It’s all about being savvy and getting your haggle on. Being reserved will get you nothing but zips that don’t zip, lights that don’t light and a pleather bag that’s only a ‘one off’ because that’s roughly how many times you’ll get to use it before it disintegrates.

With so much food to taste, instruments to test, bags to buy and stall holders to haggle with, we’ve done the hard work for you (someone had to do it!) and found the best markets to get you started.

Turn the page for our best picks...

GREAT BARR IER REEF MAR INE PARK

heart of the reef Airlie Beach QUEENSLAND T HE WHI TSUNDAY IS L ANDS

are one of the world s most spectacular aquatic playgrounds & encompass 74 tropical islands rising from pristine turquoise waters, hosting lots of incredible marine and wild life.

WHI T EHAVEN BE AC H C AMIR A S AILING ADVEN T URE

Swimming, snorkelling, beautiful beaches and bays, a stuff-yourself-stupid BBQ lunch with unlimited drinks plus exhilarating sailing aboard Camira one of the world s fastest sailing catamarans â&#x20AC;&#x2019; an awesome day out on the water! $145*pp SAVE $30

G R E AT B AR R I ER R E EF ADV E N T U R ES

The Great Barrier Reef is truly one of the great wonders of the natural world. Cruise aboard Seaflight to Queensland s most innovative reef pontoon, featuring an underwater viewing chamber and explore the underwater wonderland with diving, snorkelling, semi-sub or glass bottom boat rides. Includes morning / afternoon tea and an all you can eat buffet lunch. $145*pp SAVE $65

2 DAYS 1 NIGHT B AR E F O OT L A Z Y DA Z E

Start your holiday with a choice of either a Whitehaven Beach Camira Sailing Adventure, or a Great Barrier Reef Adventures. Overnight at Long Island. When you dream of an Island experience this is what you dream of! Spend the day enjoying the facilities at Long Island Resort or find your own secluded bay and take in the great outdoors. Great snorkelling. Ferry/ bus departures back to Airlie available at a variety of times.

You may just be tempted to stay another night!

From $215*pp (Dorm accommodation)

plus heaps of other great packages 3-6 days

info@awesomeoz.com www.awesomeoz.com prices only available on presentation of a valid Student, Peterpans, YHA, ISIC, VIP * Backpacker or NOMADS card. Valid for travel until 31 March 2013. Conditions apply, see our website for details.

TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

TNT AAO3643

All day cruises and packages depart daily from Airlie Beach. For info and bookings see your travel centre or contact us: FREECALL1800 awesome

7

THE ROCKS – SYDNEY EVERY WEEKEND 10am-5pm Saturday & Sunday

MINDIL BEACH MARKET - DARWIN Thursday & Sunday night (during the dry season)

George Street The Rocks, New South Wales

Mindil Beach Market Site, Darwin Northern Territory

therocks.com

Set in the historic precinct of The Rocks, these Sydney markets are the ultimate strolling destination. Between stunning views of Sydney Harbour, cobbled alleyways and period sandstone architecture, The Rocks are a charming labyrinth of hidden café’s and art galleries that transform into a bustling arts hub on the weekends. Being such a short walk from the CBD and transport hub, Circular Quay, the markets have a definite tourist focus but don’t let this put you off. Nestled between the fridge magnets these all-Australian markets are home to some truly memorable wares, with authentic emu leather wallets, kangaroo skin bags and crocodile belts guaranteeing you will leave with the ultimate Australian memento. If the feathers and scales aren’t quite your thing, the impressive selection of soaps and lotions made with native Australian plants will have you at least smelling better than a tired traveller. With food from surrounding restaurants making their way to the sidewalks, the night markets are the perfect place to wrap up the day.

DON’T LEAVE WITHOUT: An authentic hand painted didgeridoo – what better way to remember Australia and piss off your housemates?

8

TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

mindil.com.au

Mindil Beach Markets are possibly the most relaxed markets in the world. Setting up camp on the shore of Mindil Beac in Darwin, the sunset markets are held beneath the stars on a Thursday and Sunday night during the dry season.

Established in 1987, the Mindil Beach vision statement was to bring the multi-cultural vibrancy of Asian street markets to the tropical setting of Darwin, and it’s a vision that has clearly come to fruition. From April to October, Darwin nights are balmy and inviting, and the crowds are an attest to this. It’s the perfect climate for wandering through the hippy clothing stores, vintage jewelry stands and eclectic art stalls. Live bands, fire shows, acrobatics and street performers keep revelers entertained while testing some of the 1,200 dishes on offer is the ultimate way for a hungry shopper to get a taste of Asian-Pacific cuisine. It’s not just the food rocking an Asian flavour either, as among the local handmade wares you can pick yourself up some authentic Balinese silks or kick back with a massage under the stars.

DON’T LEAVE WITHOUT: Hightailing it to the ‘Crock, Stock and Barra’ stall to score a crocodile tooth necklace. Nothing says ‘the Top End’ like a Crocodile Dundee impersonation.

rket k

workhorse 2012

t a y a d Satur anca m a l a S t e k r a M

Enjoy the sights, sounds, action and colour of Australia’s best outdoor market, every Saturday from 8.30am to 3pm in Hobart’s historic Salamanca Place.

Getting to Salamanca Market has never been easier.

Catch the FREE HobartHopper shuttle bus at any of Hobart City Council’s off-street car parks where you get 90 minutes of free parking. Buses run every 10 minutes from 8:30am – 4:00pm.

For more details, visit www.salamancamarket.com.au or call 03 6238 2100.

Proudly operated by the Hobart City Council.

SALAMANCA MARKET HOBART SATURDAYS Salamanca Place Hobart, Tasmania

salamanca.com.au

The forgotten state, Hobart is often thought of as the slow sibling, but anyone who has found themselves venturing across the Tasman will tell you the sleepy state is full of surprises, and if the Salamanca Markets are anything to go by they’d be right on the money. Held in Salamanca Place, the Saturday markets are a hot spot for locals heading out to grab some breakfast and stock up on local produce for the weekend. Ringed by sandstone warehouses, Salamanca Place has a definite village vibe, and the locals manning the 300 hundred stalls are all too keen for having a yarn and making visitors feel welcome. The Salamanca markets really are all about the locals. The produce on sale is farmed, grown, picked and cooked by the very same local selling it too you, and the stunning hand-crafted jewellery is melted twisted and polished by the artist holding up the mirror. Short of pulling on the gumboots and becoming a sheep farmer (all gags aside, Tasmania is renown for their sheep’s milk cheese) there is no better way to be a local for a day than a Saturday jaunt around Salamanca.

DON’T LEAVE WITHOUT: Making yourself sick (and saving your lunch money) testing the hundreds of cheeses on offer.

QUEEN VICTORIA MARKET MELBOURNE TUES, THURS, FRIDAY, WEEKENDS

FREMANTLE MARKETS FRI, SAT, SUN

513 Elizabeth Street Melbourne, Victoria

Henderson Street Fremantle Western Australia

qvm.com.au

Forget about dirty stalls, hawking sellers and smells you don’t even want to try to guess, the Queen Victoria Market is arguably the classiest market around. Housed in a several connected precincts, some dating back to 1868, the period architecture sets the scene for these charming markets.

Renown amongst foodies as the cuisine capital of Australia, Melbourne’s finest restaurants all hit up the QVM’s huge fresh food markets for the best quality produce. Get into the foodie spirit and spend an afternoon trawling Deli Hall and Meat Hall where the art deco features make you feel a corset may be more appropriate than your Chuck Taylor’s. The old world charm doesn’t end on the dinner plate either, the Victoria street shops are home to so many specialty shops and boutiques you’ll start to wonder how you ever lived without that dedicated button specialist and teacup store.

DON’T LEAVE WITHOUT: A hideously quaint floral teacup for a little bit of class in the dodgy hostels – we can all pretend!

10

TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

fremantlemarkets.com.au

Take Mindle’s hippy clothes, Salamanca’s cheese, Melbourne’s tea cups, The Rocks’ souvenirs, throw in a cooking school, and you’ve got yourself Fremantle Markets. It’s the Jack-ofall-trades of markets, with a little bit of everything, including a zoo. Where else can you buy fresh produce, an opal ring, get a henna tattoo, learn to cook a risotto and get cozy with a koala? Purpose built as a market hall in 1897 this heritagelisted building is the self-proclaimed home to the weird and wonderful. If you can’t be bothered learning to cook, Freemantle Fish and Chips is a tried and tested favourite among locals as the ultimate hangover cure. With live music and street performers entertaining (or at least amusing) shoppers over the weekend, the eclectic-ness of these markets is exactly why the locals love them.

DON’T LEAVE WITHOUT: Checking out the Doll Orphanage – it epitomizes the brilliant weirdness of these markets. Just look though, buying would be creepy.

BEST OF THE REST...

CHATUCHAK MARKETS BANGKOK, THAILAND No trip to Thailand is worth it unless you return with a hideous fake Louis Vuitton, ten pairs of ‘Ray Bons’ a knock off Armani suit and a hundred DVDs that will ultimately make you seasick. With this in mind, a visit to Chatuchak Markets in Bangkok is a must for every visitor. With 15,000 stores the sheer size of these markets alone makes it worth a look.

Aside from the thousands of knock off stalls, Chatachak is full of authentic Thai clothing, questionable pet stores (a monkey anyone?) and street vendors selling food you don’t even want to try to identify. Get there early as the estimated 200,000 visitors a day combined with the Thai humidity can make for a pretty uncomfortable afternoon once things start to get sweaty. The Thai are a friendly bunch, so although you can expect to barter and negotiate, this is one market where a polite approach and big smile will help you out.

DON’T LEAVE WITHOUT: A fake bag full of fake stuff you can sell to your younger brother’s friends – it’s all about the bargain at Chatachak.

MARRAKECH SOUK MOROCCO Spread over the north of Marrakech city, this baby is not for the faint-hearted. Even the best hagglers will be put to the test, over multiple cups of mint tea (refusing the merchants tea is, if you want to buy anything, not really an option).

With shopkeepers out the front yelling, motorbikes flying down streets and more felines than a Cats production, the souks can be overwhelming. But if keep your sense of humour and brace yourself for the mayhem, the Marrakech experience is unlike any other. While the prices aren’t the cheapest, the quality is unbeatable, and the famed Moroccan rugs can easily last up to 30 years. Unless you have superlative map reading and negotiation skills it’s wise to hire a guide to take you around. Be cautious though, as although they are still worth having, they do get kickbacks from retailers if you make a purchase, so stand your ground. Aggressive shopkeepers aside, the souk is a myriad of exotic sights, smells and experienced you’d be mad to miss out on.

(LADIES) DON’T LEAVE WITHOUT: A chaperone. While you may think you’re talking carpet prices, the cost of your hand in marriage is often open for discussion (and depressingly affordable, so they think).

Photos: Getty Images, Thinkstock, Tourism Australia

GRAND BAZAAR ISTANBUL, TURKEY It’s hard to describe the overwhelming grandeur of Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar. With construction of the main building, the Bedesten, starting in 1455, the history of these undercover markets is evident in the elaborate buildings. Over 60 undercover streets house over 3,000 shops that twist into such a maze you can bet on leaving with a head spin. If the Bazaar’s architecture is a work of art, then its art is a masterpiece. Almost every wall, floor, ceiling, door and window boasts some sort of fresco or mosaic. The shopping is almost as impressive as the site, with the goods for the most part staying away from gimmicky tourist trash. Hand painted ceramics, detailed printed textiles and leadlight lanterns all add to the overall beauty of the Bazaar. Haggling is, like most international markets, par for the course in a Bazaar shopping trip, so be ready to do some fairly standard negotiating. With up to 400,000 people visiting in a single day, be sure to keep a close eye on your backpack and study the map and landmarks well, it’s scarily easy to get lost.

DON’T LEAVE WITHOUT: Spending a fortune on something gold. Midas went to town in the Bazaar’s jewellery section.

KARL-AUGUST MARKT BERLIN, GERMANY Berlin is a hipster’s paradise and the markets are their mecca.

It’s the place where they can combine their love of bargain hunting, being outdoors and recycling. They’re also the perfect way to dip into the unique aesthetic of cutesy-crafty, vintage-chic. But above all, they are the place to get a feel of the city’s culture, past and present. At the Karl-August market, ice-skating, jugglers and fire-breathers create a carnival atmosphere, and Berlin’s edgy rep as an arts hub is reflected in the sale of jewellery, paintings and sculptures by the city’s cutting-edge designers and artists. Household bric-a-brac on tabletops serve as a portal to the past, from World War II to Berlin’s industrial expansion in the 19th century.

DON’T LEAVE WITHOUT: Trying on some authentic German shorts (Lederhosen), you’ll save a few Euros (and a lot of chafing) if you buy a pair that have already been broken in.

TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

11

WIN

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! You’ve won yourself a $100 bar tab at Birdee Num Nums!

BIRDEES 15 September

12

TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

sk

www.skydivesydneycity.com 1800 800 840 skydivemission_698wrkfile.indd 1

4/09/12 9:54 AM

CHATROOM

follow us on

@tnt_downunder

Gomez The indie rock group from Southport are celebrating fifteen years as a band by bringing the party down under, but according to drummer Olly, their wild, Rolling Stones days are over INTERVIEW HUGH RADOJEV

that album. Which I guess at the end of the day is the most important thing.

Gomez are touring Australia in October.

Any tips for surviving the trip?

I don’t know, you’ve just got to sort of accept the fact that you’re going to be on a plane for two days. Maybe have a sleep pre-show.

You’re starting the tour in Darwin. Have you played in the Northern Territory before?

We have done I think once, I think in 2006 we did a show. I can’t really remember where – a small festival I think.

Any time off in between shows?

I think we might have a little time in Melbourne and we might have a little time around the Byron Bay area.

“It’s always good to cuddle a koala, if you can get near one”

So, Gomez played its first show in 1996?

That’s right. We played a small club in Leeds, which is in the north of England.

Within two years of playing your first shows Gomez won a Mercury prize. Was this early success a help or hindrance?

I can’t really fault it. It was a huge stamp of approval but at the same time it put a lot of extra emphasis on our second album. We were scrutinised a lot more because of it. But obviously it was a great, great thing to win.

Have you been suprised that your early success in the UK has maybe wavered a little in recent years?

I think its just indicative of the business really.

The wonderful world of digital music has obviously had consequences for the record sales industry. We were also experiencing some problems at the time with our label in England, Hut Records and Virgin, where the shit really hit the fan.

Since 2006 you’ve been with ATO records in the US, what’s it like being on Dave Matthews’ label?

It’s been a good relationship. Dave’s just one of

14

TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

the owners, so I’m not sure how much he’s had to actually do with us on a personal level. But we’ve always been able to do what we wanted.

Its rare to have that kind of freedom.

So you wouldn’t say he’s directly influenced your subsequent success in the US Market?

The label definitely helped us in terms of where we recorded and how we recorded and that kind of side of things. We’ve definitely reactivated our careers in the US, so yeah it’s good having them behind us.

Your last album was made in quite a unique way. Is it hard to make an album from different corners of the world?

Actually for all the distance involved there was a lot of positivity that came out of it, in that you can really demonstrate your ideas better. There were frustrations of course but in the long run it worked out well.

How do you think the album stacks up against Gomez’s previous efforts?

It’s very hard to compare things, rank them in terms of best to worst or whatever. I think we definitely achieved what we set out too with

Any particularly touristy things planned for your down time?

It’s always good to cuddle a koala if you can get near one. Hopefully we can get to the ocean and see some strange animals, yeah, I think if we manage that everyone will be pretty happy.

We also really like to see some vineyards when we’re in Australia. Drink some nice wine, eat some nice food, that sort of thing.

Anything outlandish on your rider?

Apart from the coke and the women (laughs).

I think we’re pretty regular. You wouldn’t walk into our dressing room and be blown away; maybe some nice snacks, some nice booze.

Nothing too Rolling Stones.

Do you still have as much fun playing in 2012 as you did when the band started?

There are songs we used to struggle through in the early days that we can play now with our hands behind our back. The response we get is always very good touring, and it’s still good fun.

Catch Gomez in Darwin (Oct 10), Cairns (Oct 11) Townsville (Oct 12) Brisbane (Oct 14), Sydney (Oct 19), Melbourne (Oct 21/22) gomeztheband.com

FILMREVIEW

follow us on

@tnt_downunder

Who you gonna call?

Probably not these guys

THE WATCH FILM review by Dan Thorne STARRING: Ben Stiller Vince Vaughn, Jonah Hill and Richard Ayoade /M/ 102mins

TO ROME WITH LOVE FILM preview. Released Oct 18 Woody Allen, Penelope Cruz | M | 112mins

After moving his filmmaking to London, seemingly to rejuvenate his creative juices, Woody Allen (each new film being touted as a return to form) has now moved to Europe. Barcelona, Paris, and now the Italian capital play host to his witty lyricisms. This newbie’s an ensemble drama featuring the likes of Jesse Eisenberg, Penelope Cruz and Ellen Page whose lives intertwine in the city of Rome where they reside.

16

TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

A promising cast of star players come together for this amusing suburban bromcom about a neighbourhood watch group that gets more than they bargain for when investigating the mysterious death of a shop security guard.

Store manager and community-minded good guy Evan (Ben Stiller) pulls together a gang of oddballs – Vince Vaughn, Jonah Hill and Richard Ayoade – to get to the bottom of a murder at his branch of a warehouse discount store.

The group quickly establish themselves as the town joke, getting an egging from a gang of teens and harassment from the local police.

The IT Crowd’s Ayoade doesn’t quite gel with the US cast, despite having his moments playing a geeky pervert who’s more interested in meeting lonely Asian housewives than solving crime.

Vaughn, as overprotective man-child-dad Bob, is granted room to shine, though, as he goes off on wild tangents and rants that see him back to his rapid-fire Wedding Crashers best.

With as many laugh-out-loud moments as there are awkwardly mistimed gags and half-baked cock jokes, the action gets funnier when the mystery of the town’s deadly invaders is revealed.

This is an enjoyable bit of light-hearted entertainment that attempts the goofball small-town vigilantism of Eighties classics, such as The ‘Burbs. But the promising cast and misguided script don’t always deliver the goods.

GOOD FOR: Fans of Stiller and Vaughn, even when they’re on bronze, rather than gold form

18

TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

like us on

FILMFOCUS

facebook/tntdownunder

Sharks at the checkout Just when you thought it was safe to enter the supermarket, director Kimble Rendall brings us the shark-shocker, Bait 3D WORDS ALEX HARMON

They say the best horror films combine extraordinary circumstances with ordinary settings. But these days with all the haunted houses, murderous clowns and deranged mothers on our screens, it's difficult to be original. Kimble Rendall's Australian film, Bait 3D appeals to our primal fear of sharks, which is nothing new, but sharks in a supermarket? While the very premise sounds like a farce, you have to admit, it's definitely unique.

"The producer, Chris Brown, called me and asked if I'd like to come and do a new Aussie film,” explains director Kimble Rendall. “I asked about it and he said: 'sharks in a supermarket'. I said perfect and booked my ticket.”

Rendall, who has worked on some of the largest films in Australia, and was the Second Unit Director on The Matrix Trilogy was finishing up on The Killer Elite in Melbourne when he was approached. He tells TNT he was immediately attracted to the project.

“I’m interested in genre films. I’m interested in making films that already have an audience. A good story combined with action and visual effects interests me,” he explains.

Like most people, Rendall is fascinated and terrified by sharks. And as a filmmaker, he was shaped by films like Jaws.

“Jaws is a classic film and I am definitely inspired by it. It’s a masterpiece,” he says. “But we never set out to do a better film than Jaws, it’s not possible. Ours is a different style, but it’s an influence and it inspired me to go and make films. “ While Jaws had sharks swimming around in their natural environment, Bait places them in a supermarket and carpark.

How the hell does one come across great white sharks in a supermarket, you ask? Well, that’s where the third element of surprise comes into play. A tsunami hits the Gold Coast, trapping a group of mismatched characters on the shelves of a supermarket.

“It was almost like a theatre production,” recalls Rendall.

“The actors were all up on the supermarket shelves, so it was like being on stage.”

Josh (played by Xavier Samuel, The Twilight Saga: Eclipse) is the film’s protagonist, playing the unassuming nice guy stricken by grief (a shark attack kills his best friend a year

“

We never set out to do a better film than Jaws

”

earlier). But he also plays the tough guy with equal measure.

“He was meant to be a normal suburban guy, someone you’d believe would be a lifeguard,” explains Rendall. “But also someone who could go from the worst moment in his life to then going and saving all these people.”

Indeed, one scene has him swimming to an underground carpark to source a gun and shoot one of the sharks between the eyes. He does this as if he’s on the set of a Die Hard film.

(If Die Hard was underwater and the bad guys were sharks.)

“I said to Xavier: you’re going to become an action hero,” laughs Rendall. “He got right into it, he’s really fit too.”

The love story arrives via Josh and his ex-girlfriend Tina (Sharni Vinson, Home & Away), who meet again by chance in the supermarket. As if running into your ex isn’t frightening enough, the robbery and tsunami follow in quick succession.

Downstairs in the carpark, Kyle (Lincoln Lewis, Home & Away) is trapped with his high-maintenance girlfriend and her precious dog. Rendall is not afraid to admit the set looked like a soapie reunion: “they’re all trained by Home and Away. Our acting school.”

There’s something eerie about setting a film in water.

You’ve got the element of danger that comes from the unknown – the what lies beneath. And you’ve also got the chance to push your actors to the extreme, working them to the bone in a cold, damp set.

Rendall admits he didn't cotton wool his actors.

“They knew what they were getting in for. It was uncomfortable but that’s the gig. It was also really noisy in the set with the shark, it sounded like a train."

It was no walk in the park for Rendall either, not only was

TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

19

Rendall on set with robber-turned-hero Julian McMahon he in charge of a bunch of actors, he was also controlling three large-scale, mechanical sharks.

"Every shot was challenging. You have to work out the cameras which are heavy and then you’d spend hours getting the 3D right. I guess the hardest part was the animatronic shark, getting it in the right place at the right time because it’s controlled by hydraulics."

Julian McMahon (Nip Tuck) is arguably the film’s biggest star as well as one of Australia's biggest exports. Rendall has fond recollections of what McMahon brought to the shoot.

“Well, he brought lots of ice cream,” jokes Rendall. “On Friday afternoon he’d get the ice-cream truck to pull up and he’d feed the whole crew. He also organised massages. He was really generous.

"When I first met him I had a hook up line on Skype I wasn’t sure what type of character he was. He’s well known on TV and a few films in the US so I said to him: you’d be the bad guy but there’s also redemption with a slight religious overtones," explains Rendall.

"Not that it’s that deep and meaningful, obviously. But as an actor it gives them something to grab onto," he admits.

The religious overtones are blink and you’ll miss them.

In one scene, McMahon’s character, who goes from robber to hero, delivers the line: “if you take the hand of the devil, God will make you pay.” But don’t be too concerned, there isn’t a greater message that you need to look out for.

“It’s just for fun," says Rendall. "Maybe take the message that if you see a shark in the water – don’t jump in."

Bait 3D was a surprise entrant at the Venice international Film Festival this year – the only Aussie film to be on the bill.

“It was one of only 50 films worldwide too, so I was very proud. It was interesting that a horror film made it into the festival but the (film festival) director really liked it.

20

TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

The reception in Venice was exceptional, much to Rendall's delight.

"The Italians loved it. They’d laugh, cheer and clap. They appreciated the artistry, they clapped us for our work, and they thanked us for not killing certain people."

In fact, one of the funniest scenes in the film is delivered by one of the minor characters who enters the water covering himself in armour made from shopping baskets and duct tape.

“The audience in Venice were killing themselves laughing," Rendall says of this scene. "At first the studio said we should take it out because the audience are just going to laugh at it. But I said, that’s right, that’s our intention.

Although by the end of the scene you won’t be laughing.”

The film does have its moments of poignancy and although there is no greater message to take, it was just a week before the film’s release that Ron Taylor, the shark expert and advisor on Jaws died, bringing to the headlines again the contentious issue of diving with sharks. While some people think it's great for the Australian tourism industry, others believe it changes a shark's behaviour and increases the risk to humans. Rendall admits he won’t be putting himself in a cage vis-à-vis with a real life great white.

“I couldn’t think of anything worse. It would be so terrifying,” he shudders. “I wouldn’t do it. If I had a few drinks, maybe. Seeing them when they break through the bars just scares me too much. Would you do it?" I tell him that with a job like this, it’s definitely on the cards and he makes a pact with me to do it in the future.

For now though, we both concur that we’ll stick to watching films like Bait. ❚ Bait 3D is in cinemas now. See tntdownunder.com for the film review or facebook.com/Bait3D for more.

ac pac e s_ 95

0_ ayou

0 09

age

www.TravelandLive.com.au

TravelandLive shared Melbourne Apartments Perfect for travelers in Melbourne for Two months or more from only $25 per person, per night (twin share).

TravelandLive is an accomodation service designed especially for young travelers (mostly working or studying) wanting to live in Melbourne for two months or more!

TravelandLive apartments are • fully furnished (including TVs, DVDs, dishwasher, washing machine and dryer) • include FREE internet access • include FREE swimming pool and gym access (in most properties)

Recommended by the Lonely Planet (Australian Edition)

Contact Us To reserve a room in a TravelandLive apartment, call TravelandLive headquarters on 03 9020 0246 or email info@TravelAndLive.com.au

www.TravelAndLive.com.au

TravelAndLive SHORT TERM LUXURY APARTMENTS

HOTSHOTS

follow us on

like us on @tnt_downunder

facebook/tntdownunder

WINNER MONTHLY WINNER

HOT TIPS: Wide angles

HAPPY FEET Michael Sutton, 24, UK

WE SAY: “The standout photograph sent in this month! We loved the composition of the photograph – the majestic ice cliff, the seals, the juxtaposition of blue water and white ice and of course, most of all, the cute cuddly penguins!”

MONTHLY RUNNER-UP SUNSET SESSION Clara Paganardi, 26, Italy

WE SAY: “The beautiful use of texture and of shading in this photo really made it stand out for us. We really loved the disapora between the beautiful orange and red shades of the setting sun against the dark shadowy figures in the forground and of the trees and water. Clara has captured this moment perfectly!”

A THREE-DAY TOUR OF SCOTLAND AND A PHOTOGRAPHY COURSE

WIN

Photos were judged by the TNT editorial team at their own discretion. Send high-res (300 dpi) jpegs with name, age, nationality and a description, to: hugh@tntdownunder.com Monthly winner Michael wins three days car hire from Travellers Auto Barn.

While the monthly runner-up Clara wins a Great Barrier Reef snorkelling adventure and cruise with Awesome Oz.

22

TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

GET A TRIPOD! In sports photography, for instance, the common perception is to zoom in to get as much action as possible into one tight frame. In some cases, this isn’t possible: perhaps you are too close to your subject of you don’t have the right equipment. When using your wide-angle lens, the trick is to be creative so that your subject doesn’t become a tiny dot in the frame. Finally, get the accessory photographers love to hate: a tripod.

RUNNER-UP

follow us on

TRAVELTIPS

@tnt_downunder

Maggie sure knows how to pull

ON THE ROAD WITH TRAVEL

TALK Sandra Frevel 23, Germany

YOU ASKED FOR IT...

WE ANSWER YOUR TRAVEL QUESTIONS

looking to escape the city for some Q I’m relaxation. Can you recommend a cheap getaway? Simon Blanche, UK

that’s enough to keep you occupied until both mind and body is fully recuperated. Go on feel the pull of Maggie!

Queensland coast is dotted with loads A The of islands that provide the perfect getaway

a surfer heading over to WA. Q I’m Where is the best place to chill and

from the stresses and rigours of working life.

While many are populated with expensive and charmless resorts, in turn populated by wealthy and charmless people, a number of chilled-out and cheap retreats can still be found. One that fits the bill is Magnetic Island, just off the coast from Townsville. A greener contrast from that dusty city you won’t find – ‘Maggie’ is a lush, laidback tropical paradise that has managed so far to keep developers at bay. Half the island is a national park, home to koalas and wallabies and some fantastic bird life, while a few sheltered coves provide the perfect setting for a late night dip (beware of stingers!) Also the island is the perfect place to kick back and do nothing. While it has not much else besides beaches and bush,

catch some waves? Quinn Peters, USA to Yallingup. It’s located at the A Head northern part of the Margaret River region in Western Australia and is home to some of the best beaches for surfing. Beaches Three Bears, Yallingup, Smith’s and Injidup are all worldrenowned for serving up some of the best breaks in Australia. Not only that but Yallingup Beach has safe swimming lagoons to chill out in. You can even watch your mates crash and burn in the surf from the caravan park BBQ area which overlooks the ocean. It’s not hard to discover why the Yallingup name in the local Aboriginal language means ‘Place of Love’, because you’ll be in love with it when you leave. Magic.

CHECKING IN ABSOLUTE MISSION BEACH It’s hard to believe there’s such a thing as a chilled out hostel but you’ll find it here in far north Queensland. With the friendliest staff, a pool that encourages topless sunbathing OVERVIEW

(Kate Middleton welcome) and free wildlife walks and talks – make it your mission.

ROOMS Clean, comfortable and cool. Some with verandahs and some even have rainforest views.

BILL PLEASE Rooms start from $23p/n

WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO COME TO AUSTRALIA? I finished my studies and needed a break to figure out what I want to do with my life.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN HERE AND WHERE HAVE YOU GONE? My partner and I started in April 2011 in Perth, bought our van “Pauli“ and drove all the way along the west coast to Darwin, then Alice Springs, Adelaide, Melbourne.

CRAZIEST EXPERIENCE? We met this guy in a rest area just out of Mt Gambier. He was on his way home from work and refused to leave us alone even after we brushed our teeth and told him we are going to sleep. He was weird!

ANY PLACE YOU’D LIKE TO REVISIT? Definitely the Bungle Bungles.

ANYTHING YOU’RE DESPERATE TO DO BEFORE YOU GO? Learn to dive.

ANY WORDS OF ADVICE FOR TRAVELLERS? As exciting as being spontaneous is, you have to be prepared.

CONSERVATION VOLUNTEERS AUSTRALIA EXPERIENCE

WIN

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

28 Wongaling Beach Road, Mission Beach absolutebackpackers.com

TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

23

TRAVELLERSTALES AN OPERA HOUSE BUFF

Only hours after arriving in Australia professional photographer Phillip Hill had a crack at summing up an international icon.

How are you supposed to react to one of the most cherished and photographed buildings in the world, architecture that inhabits almost all outwards projections of the Australian image? An outline that could be sketched blindfolded, seen by millions around the globe. I am, as are most, hugely familiar with the Sydney Opera House, it has always been on my ‘bucket list’ and leaving Australia without seeing it would have been unimaginable to me.

Arriving much earlier than I initially anticipated, I left Sydney Airport in the direction of my hotel which was located in Kings Cross right under the giant Coke sign. They had no trouble fixing me up with a room despite my early arrival. A quick turnover, snack and a short walk back to the train station put me smack bang in the center of Sydney.

24

TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

It wasn’t too much to ask of my feet to walk up to the Opera House in Circular Quay although at first I was very happy sitting down to sip coffee and survey my new surroundings.

Happily, I found myself at the Portobello Café with a brilliant view of the Opera House on my right, and the Sydney Harbor bridge to the left.

While I sat having my lunch and drinking my flat white, I reclined back into my chair in quiet contentment. Of all the places I had wanted to visit in my lifetime, Sydney was right up there, and now found myself looking at one of the most recognizable scenes in the world. With every sip of coffee the sun lifted the shadows from the Opera House turning it from concrete grey into the more familiar pearly white, all of the 1,056,006 tiles glistening brilliantly. I was also watching the hundreds of tourists scurrying about Bennelong Point, photographing this most famous collection of sails.

Eating and drinking much slower

like us on

facebook/tntdownunder

than normal, I was now feeling very relaxed. This was the Australia I had come to see and I wanted to enjoy every minute of it.

The building of one of the worlds most iconic structures wasn’t easy. In fact it was a very turbulent upbringing with construction finishing 10 years late and hugely over budget. As with the finished product many of the problems faced were unique to the site, and had to be ironed out in-situ. Political shifts and personal differences even led to architect Jorn Utzon resigning, never returning to Sydney to see his completed masterpiece, even when, years later, he, and the Opera house, was awarded the highest honor in architecture. Recent years have seen a renaissance in public feeling towards Utzon with recent refurbishments being completed to his specifications and a room dedicated to the late architects memory.

Unfortunately, coffee cup empty, the time had come for me to leave my seat and join the crowds, taking my turn as a photographer adding to the infinite number of images (hoping to avoid the clichés). I took a slow walk around the base, passed by runners using the path as a track, and meandered over to the Royal Botanic Gardens and towards Government house, glancing back to catch a last glimpse of the Opera House partially obscured by trees.

I am not sure another city will ever have the same initial impact on me as Sydney managed with its most beautiful of buildings.

WRITE TO TNT AND

WIN

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 hugh@tntdownunder.com

BOOK NOW!

$479 56% $439 49%

SAVE

AU

RANGI PASS

SAVE

AU

ZEPHYR PASS

add on Bottom Buss AU

$174 5S0AV%E

www.kiwiexperience.com Terms and conditions: Discounted rates apply to standard brochured rates on the Rangi, Zephyr and Bottom Bus passes only. Bookings must be made between 5 September - 2 October 2012.

Standard 12 month travel validity applies. Offer not valid in conjunction with any other offer excluding the Day Trip 5% discount. Kiwi Experience reserves the right to withdraw this offer at anytime and without notice. Prices are in Australian dollars. Standard Kiwi Experience travel and booking terms and conditions apply. KX1040-09/12-TNT-AUD

N

TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

25

like us on facebook/tntdownunder like usfollow on usfacebook/tntdownunder on @tntdownunder

WIN

HOW TO ENTER

follow us on

@tnt_downunder

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

worth over

$2,100

WIN A THREE DAY GOLD COAST SEVENS EXTRAVAGANZA! Rugby Sevens comes alive on the Gold Coast this October. The 2012/13 HSBC Sevens World Series kicks off with the “Gold Coast Sevens – Fever Pitch” tournament which is set to thrill over two days of action on and off the field at Skilled Park. Sixteen teams from around the globe will battle it out in a carnival of fun, fast and furious entertainment. It’s one of the world’s most competitive and unique sporting events, and it’s coming to the heart of the vibrant Gold Coast.

Already famous for fancy dress, music and dancing, this is an event not to be missed.

The prize includes the following: ACCOMMODATION: Three nights’ luxury accommodation for two adults (12-15 October 2012 only – must be able to travel on these dates).

TNT have teamed up with Gold Coast Adventure Travel and the Rugby Sevens to give you the chance to win a “Gold Coast Sevens Package” valued at over $2,100

Competition closes Sunday 7 October.

26 26 TNTDOWNUNDER.COM TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

TRANSPORT: Two return flights from your nearest Australian capital city to the Gold Coast. Return airport transfers.

TICKETS: Two reserved two day passes to watch the Gold Coast Sevens. PLUS two tickets to SkyPoint Observation Deck.

Terms & conditions apply.

Visit tntdownunder.com for all entry details.

Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Gold Coast

Famous for fun

AdventureGoldCoast.com

facebook.com/AdventureGoldCoast twitter.com/AdventureGoldCoast

The Gold Coast QUEENSLAND

28

TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

like us on

facebook/tntdownunder

OZTRIP

Thrills and spills The Gold Coast boasts many thrills and scaling buildings, flying upside down and rolling around in giant balls is just the beginning WORDS ALEX HARMON

Photos: Gold Coast Tourism, Visit Gold Coast , Justin Steinlauf

The chips were certainly down, I‘d put them WHAT DO DO: Acrobatic in a second plane. His pilot is about 80 years old all on red. Wait, I’m getting confused – that but is the embodiment of experience. My buddy tiger moth flights from $345. was last night at the casino. Right now I am (tigermothjoyrides.com.au). Zorb refers to him as a “salty dog” and he appears as banking everything on a bright red 1930s if he’s spent his whole life honing his craft. The with Oz Ball from $55 per roll. biplane which looks disturbingly like it is only concern I have for them is that my buddy, (ozball.com.au). Scale the Q1 made out of tin. who is also riding shotgun, is 6”4 and blocking Tower with Skypoint Climb from The pilot turns to me and says, “I know his view. With his huge SLR camera poking $69 (skypoint.com.au) this doesn’t make sense but I’m afraid of outside, I wonder if the pilot can see at all. They WHERE TO STAY: A heights.” Comforting words I think as I hop glide behind us and we wave to each other as bed at Coolangatta Sands into the plane. I zip up my brown leather we bob up and down. It feels like we’re in one Hostel will cost you $29/night. flying jacket, leather helmet and “Biggles” of those dodgy movies from the Fifties where (coolangattasandshostel.com. goggles, looking like a WWI fighter pilot. au) Or for something a little more the planes are flying with strings attached.

There’s nothing like a fancy dress costume Within minutes we’ve hit the coast and have glam, try the QT Hotel in Surfers to get you in the mood. It distracts from the magnificent views of Surfers Paradise. It’s a Paradise. Twin share from $165/ fact that my hero pilot is packing it. stunning day and with the open cockpit I have night. (qtgoldcoast.com.au) Thought of flying upside down and loopthe sun on my face, heating my leather-bound SEE: visitgoldcoast.com to-loop is already frightening enough, but a head like a pie in the oven. Did I mention I was driver with vertigo is a kick to the stomach. starting to feel ill? I block out the fear of illness, Speaking of, my stomach was already feeling pretty fragile. A just like my pilot must be blocking out the fact that we’re at hangover-induced feast at the hotel buffet probably wasn’t 4,000ft. He speaks to me through the microphone attached the brightest idea. I’m meant to be feeling like Nelly Furtado, to my head. “We’re about to make our first loop, are you flying like a bird, but all I can concentrate on is the sick bag to my right and whether this bird’s upside-down vom will withstand gravity.

The red and silver plane is iconic to the Gold Coast, it features in the Tourism Australia commercials and is part of the Gold Coast mise-en-place as much as chiselled surfers and drunk teenagers. In fact, I see it several times on my trip to the Queensland party capital.

The pilot tells me the plane must be started by hand – like a lawnmower, I think. I sit shotgun and focus on the dials, which is pointless because they mean nothing to me. It’s not long before we’re off, gaining momentum in a glorified lawnmower driven by a pilot with vertigo. The smaller the plane, the more nervous I feel. I think of Orville Wright who kept it simple, “the airplane stays up because it doesn’t have the time to fall.” He also said that no plane would ever fly from New York to Paris, but that’s beside the point.

The calm before the storm I look around to see my travel buddy taking off behind me

TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

29

ready?” Ready as I’ll ever be. The plane then tips back and we’re flying vertically towards the clouds. I take a deep breath and soon enough all I can see it the ocean below me. Then we go plummeting down. I scream and hold onto the seat. All I

“

All I can get my head around is the plastic sick bag to my right

”

am wearing is a flimsy seatbelt, I can’t understand why I’m not falling through the open cockpit. “Again?” my pilot asks. “I feel like I’m going to fall out,” I scream. “You won’t it’s the 3G forces,” he assures me.

As I struggle to figure out why the internet is keeping me safe, the second loop begins. This time it feels like we’re going in slow motion. I see Surfers Paradise’s skyline, and then I see clouds. Like being on a rollercoaster, my stomach is ripped out and dropped. I’m screaming with delight and I want to go again and again.

I still can’t understand the physics of flying, so I can’t get my head around the idea that I am still in the same position.

All I can get my head around is the plastic sick bag to my right.

Ab-zorb it all in If flying upside down over the ocean isn’t mind-warping and stomach twisting enough, how about strapping yourself up inside a big bouncy ball and rolling down a

The Zorb hill, AKA the golf course for giants

30

TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

hill? This phenomena is known as Zorbing. Invented by the slightly unhinged Kiwis, it’s a must-do on your Gold Coast thrill seeking itinerary. The Zorb course is quite surreal, it’s beautifully manicured and green, but at a distance with the giant white ball, it looks like you’re in a golf course and have shrunk to the size of an ant. Maybe I’ve read Alice in Wonderland too many times. Or maybe I am just mentally and physically drained.

The three metre PVC ball has an opening on one side, big enough for a person to squeeze through and be harnessed up. There is more protection in the Zorb than the Tiger Moth plane I think to myself. My buddy and I do the “double,” which means I get to witness his face go bright red every time he goes upside down and hear his bloodcurdling screams every time we go back around. It is like a mirror of screams, he screams then I scream. You could call it a harmony, apart from the occasional “shut the fuck up” dropped in by me. You see, while he is going red, I am turning green.

When we reach the bottom of the hill, I frantically undo my harness and make a mad dash for the bathroom. Now I’m really regretting the big breakfast. But there’s no time for regrets because it’s back to the top of the hill for round two.

This time it’s the hydro challenge. Instead of being strapped in, you’re let loose like a hamster in a wheel to tumble down the hill. If that’s not hard enough, the Zorb masters throw 30 litres of water into the ball. If you can run with the ball and not fall over, your ride is free. Of course, for me this is physically impossible, I slip over as soon as the ball makes its first roll. The rest of the ride can only be described as like a hamster in a washing machine. I emerge soaked and defeated. Then I hear another bloodcurdling scream coming from the golf course…

CATCH THE SEVENS FEVER HSBC SEVENS WORLD SERIES, ROUND 1, AUSTRALIA 13-14 OCTOBER, SKILLED PARK, GOLD COAST TICKETS FROM $39 FROM TICKETEK

goldcoastfeverpitch.com.au

Mind over matter on top of the Q1 Building

Tower of terror The Q1 building in Surfers is quite impressive to look at, like a gun with a bayonet piercing the sky. In actual fact it was inspired by the Sydney 2000 Olympic torch. It must be from all the bloodcurdling screams but this torch looks like a weapon.

It was once the tallest residential building in the world but, because everything is bigger in Dubai, the Q1 has since lost this title. It’s still the tallest in the Southern Hemisphere (if you measure it by the spire). Look, we could get into the numbers game, but at the end of the day it’s a bloody big building and we are about to climb it. We take the lift to level 77 which takes an unbelievable 43 seconds. While most people up are there to drink coffee and enjoy the view, we’re dressed in smashing olive green flight suits, looking like Ghostbusters. Everyone knows we’re not there to vacuum ghosts from the air-con vents but to step outside and attach ourselves to a railing for the daring Skypoint Climb.

We’re now 270 metres above sea level and about to experience some sick mind games from our guide, Rikki. She tells us to lean out over the tower and dangle by the rope that is attached to the railing. Every emotion in your brain tells you not to do this, while logic – and Rikki – says it’s fine. While emotions are stronger than logic, we’re convinced that this will be fine. With the camera-ready, we lean out over edge with the city below us and hang back. Our feet are firmly on the stairs and we rest, as if leaning into a deck chair. Although with fear washing over us like a tsunami, it’s hardly relaxing.

Photos are taken and we move on, climbing higher so we can take in the majestic 360 degree view. On one side you have the surf and the other we see the green hinterland. We all know Surfers is crazy down below, but up here it’s peaceful.

32

TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

Rikki relays some facts about the tower and its residents – both human and of the eagle variety. “You can hear them whistling,” she says, pointing to their nest. I look up to see the tower moving. “Oh yeah, it sways a few feet in the wind, but that’s normal.” Nothing feels normal in the Gold Coast.

Coming up trumps Although I’d been upside down, visited my breakfast on several occasions, dangled precariously over the tallest building in town and bounced down a hill in a giant ball, there’s no place that gets my heart thumping and my palms sweating like the casino.

I’d consumed my body weight in shots, hopped on a party bus complete with stripper pole, danced in a sweaty nightclub in Broadbeach – where else would I end up at 2am than at Jupiter’s Casino, right?

If I couldn’t get any more degenerate that night, I could here. I was losing. In a big way. But for some reason I was high on my buddy’s win. His chips were piling up and this gave me a sense of hope. But even after rubbing his curly mopped head, my luck continued to go down the toilet. I put my last remaining chips on red and thought about my luck so far. I defied gravity, put my life in the hands of a questionable pilot and cheated death on several occasions. I should probably just quit while I’m ahead. Nah, stuff it, I put it all on red. And lose.

There’s an old Chinese proverb that is relevant to the Gold Coast: “The miracle is not to fly in the air, or to walk on the water, but to walk on the earth.”

I walk back to the hotel ashamed, spending my last few dollars on a pie. At least I have my health, I think. Well, just barely. ❚

TRAVELLERS! OzBall has the best “action packed activity deal” on the Gold Coast!

$99.00 per person

UÊ1 hour unlimited Hydro(wet) Zorbing UÊA “Segway” experience UÊ“Syco” swing board ride UÊReturn transfers from Dreamworld

CALL NOW!

Phone bookings only (07) 5547 6300 www.ozball.com.au Like us on

Facebook

With great fares HYHU\ GD\ . . . why not travel PREMIER class!

Climate control air-conditioning • Experienced Coach Captains • Panoramic glare free windows • Comfy reclining seats Onboard video entertainment • Washroom • State of the art safety features • Seat belts

10% off if you have a genuine backpacker’s card

QJ IRU LLQ W L LW D Z

X R \

H :KDW DU • FLEXIBLE TRAVEL on na budget to suit you • One, three and six ilable e month PASSES available m • DAILY SERVICES from ns Melbourne to Cairns

MELBOURNE • SYDNEY • BYRON BAY • GOLD COAST BRISBANE • AIRLIE BEACH • MISSION BEACH • CAIRNS

www.premierms.com.au or phone 13 13 34 34 10 10 www.premierms.com.au or ph TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

33

Fed up of carrying around heavy guidebooks?

Then TNT has the answer We’ve published our 2012 Independent Traveller’s Guide to Australia, New Zealand and Fiji.

It’s free, it’s online and it’s full of tips on where to go, what to do and how to find work.

FIJI W ZEALAND & AUSTRALIA NE

It’s also got listings for all the best hostels, tour companies and job agencies for all three countries, complete with links that will take you straight to their websites.

T THE INDEPENDEN

UIDE TRAVELLERS' G JI

If you’re travelling on, there’s also sections on Papua New Guinea and Samoa.

2012

To check it out, just head to tntdownunder.com and click the link on the right hand side.

ZEALAND & FI AUSTRALIA, NEW

A Product UK £9.95 WHERE SOLD

tntdownunder.com

Panama CENTRAL AMERICA

36

TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

like us on

facebook/tntdownunder

BIGTRIP

Rugged and raw Take extreme kayaking, untouched paradise islands and a 4x4 death drive up a volcano, and what do you get? Welcome to Panama WORDS JENNIFER CARR

I’m palpably, uncomfortably afraid. The WHEN TO GO: Rainy season in our guides from wilderness lodge Tranquilo water of northern Panama’s Banana Canal Panama is from May to November.

Bay. hisses with untamed energy beneath my Dry season is December to March.

Back in my kayak, the threatening storm kayak. A storm is a-coming, and if I let it, The rain can be cumbersome and rolls down the Banana Canal and seems intent the current could swiftly coax me out into brings out more mosquitoes. on taking me out in a tropical slamdunk. I the open Caribbean Sea. CURRENCY: $1 = PAB1.04 steady myself and speedily lodge my vessel in The Banana Canal – a suitably bendy (Panamanian Balboa) some reeds beneath a gnarly, bearded tree, backwater – leads out into the ocean which reminds me of a wise elder to keep me ACCOMMODATION: Run through the protected archipelago safe. Inches from my face, an army of leafby knowledgable Americans and of Bastimentos National Marine Park. cutter ants balance emerald leaves as they local expert guides, eco lodge Comprising dozens of lush, virgin-whitemarch up the vines into the canopy above.

Tranquilo Bay in Bastimentos does sand islands, more than 52 cays and Their kamikaze efforts to keep calm and brilliant kayaking excursions and hundreds more islets, the region was a carry on in the storm are commendable; one lip-smacking food. Package deals key player in Panama’s Banana Republic thick, fat rain drop is enough to send them available. tranquilobay.com heyday, when vast quantities of bananas Mamallena, in the heart of Boquete, plummeting to a watery grave. were exported to North America via these Between April and September, monsoon offers an outdoor garden and daily waterways in the 1890s. season in northern Panama brings with pancake breakfasts. Dorms from The dozens of plantations that flank it plenty of these climatic curveballs. One $10pn. mamallenaboquete.com the network today are a reminder of the minute you can be reclining under the country’s former economic backbone.

For a while, though, the epicentre of Panama’s financial prowess has been the capital city, thanks to a canal of such engineering triumph that hundreds of thousands of tourists flock to marvel at the manmade locks that link the Pacific and Atlantic oceans over an incredible 50-mile stretch. The creation of the canal in 1914 meant traders no longer had to sail all the way around the tip of South America to cross from one ocean to the other. Even so, after a day spent strolling the canal walkways and rollerblading paths feeling like a phoney shipping geek, I’m only too ready to swap the inescapable urbanism for something a touch prettier.

Fortunately, Panama’s northern archipelago is blessedly free from oil tankers and freight cargo carriers. It’s hard to believe that only 60 minutes north on a tiny 30-seater plane lies a simpler, more serene Panama, a place vibrating with hummingbirds, bats, natural caves and lagoons, and perhaps the occasional pink dolphin plopping about in the shallows.

Better still, it’s fast becoming a playground for kayak-loving gringos looking for some heart-raising paddle power, which Paddling the Banana Canal explains why I’m here with a group of other travellers and

TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

37

Banana plantations line the waterways

exquisite Caribbean blue sky, only to be shaken awake by apocalyptic lightning against Dante-esque clouds the next.

An upside to these extremities, however, is a splendid range of diverse geography and wildlife, something that’s criminally overlooked by those hotfooting it to the costlier, more crowded Costa Rica next door.

My Tranquilo Bay compadres catch up and we decide to stop wimping out, instead engaging our biceps against the six-mile fetch that’s surging towards us from an angry

There’s not a sarong “ seller nor a coke can in sight ”

Caribbean Sea. My embarrassing lack of upper-body strength means I’m wiped out in minutes; paddling against the current in sheet rain that’s the temperature of a bath is energy-sapping. My left thigh cramps up and my yelp is lost amid the waves of thunder that bellow in the distance. We persevere, plunging our paddles back into the water, shifting our weight in a bid to remain upright. Half a mile feels like five. My fingers, arms and thighs ache more than any boot camp fitness regimen I can recall. I begin to wonder if a beach excursion wouldn’t have been simpler?

Then, from nowhere, an almost biblical shard of light

38

TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

bounces off the water – the storm is leaving. Birds wail in appreciation, while an olive-hued frog high-jumps on to the nose of my kayak: the first and only hitchhiker on the canal.

Flanking the azure reef, my group and I rev ourselves up for another bicep bashing as we tackle the open waves that buffer us on our journey towards the unapologetically gorgeous two islands of Cayos Zapatilla, just east of the larger Bastimentos Island. We gratefully run our kayaks aground and slide out on to gilded, untainted sands. There’s not a sarong seller nor Coke can in sight.

After snorkeling in waters alive with swirling coloured fish and red coral clusters, we head back to the beach for a simple lunch of rice, beans, local fried green banana and the region’s signature spicy sauce. The latter is an attack on the tastebuds, a piquant yellow pepper creation that locals use to cure anything from coldsores to sinus infections. A plentiful supply of freshly fallen coconuts ensures my mouth doesn’t burn for long. I chug two in a row before I collapse on the sand, elated, exhausted and excited to find out what else this country’s got in store for me.

Some six hours and two bus rides away sits Boquete, a mountainous coffee town in the heart of the southwestern Chririqui highlands on the doorstep of Costa Rica.

Geographically, it’s a world away from the lush, tropical archipelago of Bastiomentos, but this caffeine-scented community is a huge draw for adventure lovers, offering canopying, whitewater rafting, rock climbing, hot springs, volcano hiking and rainforest zipwires for a start.

But my appetite for adrenaline is truly piqued by a brand-new 4X4 Jeep excursion up Central America’s highest

volcano, Volcán Barú. It’s almost 12,000ft above sea level, with notoriously steep, unforgiving trekking trails, and you could argue a Jeep is the wimp’s way to the top. Not so, according to local guide Stephen Dow, a longtime petrolhead who’s enhancing Boquete’s adventure scene with his customised Jeep tours (and a soon-to-launch high-speed go-kart park). His tours are not for the faint of stomach, however – scaling enormous boulders and plunging down vertical ravines for three hours means you’re in for the ride of your life, but don’t expect it to be a comfortable one. I’m scared shitless, but sign up anyway for a 3am pick up.

Bleary-eyed, two fearless insomniacs and I clamber into the Jeep in the freezing pre-dawn. Mist swirls through a sleeping, ghostly Boquete, but Stephen greets us like he’s just done a gym session. He’s buzzing from local caffeine and takes us through the Jeep’s souped-up credentials: US$7000 on suspension from leading off-road company Skyjacker; a solid metal bar on the Jeep’s underbelly (“so the back half of the truck doesn’t get ripped off”); reinforced roll bars on the roof. I’m momentarily reassured, until Stephen advises me to “keep your seatbelt off, this is a tactical adventure, not a speed-based one”. It does little to quell the mounting apprehension as we make our ascent.

A half-mile of pothole track is traversed smoothly – “this is nothing,” I smirk. Then the path ends. A sharp hairpin bend presents a wall of stacked boulders flanked by coniferous trees and a vertical drop. I think of the metal roll bars on the roof and a clammy pool of sweat forms in my clenched palms. But Stephen’s in his element, putting the Jeep into second and revving the clutch so we lurch violently up the rocky route. “I saw a gap in the market with this volcano,” the former racing driver casually explains, as we swing from side to side. “The hike up is hardly scenic. So I thought, why not fastrack people to the summit with a bit of fun?” Why not indeed, I think, and congratulate myself on avoiding breakfast.

At 4.30am, we disembark 8000ft up at Volcán Barú’s finest lookout, popping our ears and drinking sweet, strong coffee while appreciating the sky’s rapidly reddening hues.

It’s a sign we need to crack on and tackle the mountain’s notorious tricky spots to make what promises to be a staggering sunrise.

At one point we hit a spot known as ‘Magnetic Hill’, where plentiful ions in the soil enable the Jeep to move upward while in neutral. Could adventure be any lazier?

Two near death-falls and a failed clutch later, we’re at the summit. It’s 5.10am and sunrise’s beauty is obscured by the reality that up here, it’s staggeringly, unforgivably cold.

Swirls of freezing fog encase the top of the volcanoes, whipping around pylons responsible for powering the still slumbering Boquete that sits below us.

We clamber gingerly out of the Jeep, using a weatherbattered outhouse for shelter against the freezing winds that whip off Baru. I’m stubborn enough to ignore my purple fingers and the -10˚C windchill, in favour of the photogenic ocean of clouds that billow across the skyline in a shades of red and ochre. Dawn, and the most apocalyptic vision I’ve seen in Central America. Yet again, I get to enjoy it with only three other people competing for the view.

That’s the thing that really gets me about Panama: for now, it’s a playground you can enjoy pretty much to yourself. ❚

Rural Panama: traditional dress

Modern marvel: the Panama Canal

Volcán Barú: at the top

TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

39

DA DA. A

TRAVELWEEKENDER

A capital idea This is Canberra in 48 hours WORDS HUGH RADOJEV

DAY 1: The popular conception of Canberra is not really a good one â&#x20AC;&#x201C; most people think of the nation's capital as a cold, grey and dim place where nothing really happens. The fact is that nothing could be further from the truth. Boasting some of Australia's most important historical monuments and cultural sites, as well as a vibrant night life and flourishing fine dining culture, Canberra has a huge amount to offer travellers of all kinds and Spring is the best time to enjoy it. Nestled in the heart of picturesque bushland, the return of the warm weather after the frigid winter months is when the city truly comes alive.

9:00 Nestled right in the heart of the city, five minutes from the bus terminal, Canberra City YHA (yha.com.au) represents true value for money. With its very own indoor pool/spa, fully equipped kitchen and bar with friendly staff and travellers from all over the world looking to make new friends, the YHA is the perfect home base for your Canberra weekend.

11:00 Having settled in, it's time to get a little culture. The National Gallery of Australia (nga.gov.au) is a must see item whilst in Canberra. Famous throughout the world for its great collection of works, this and the nearby Portrait Gallery should be your first stop.

13:00: Pack a lunch, bottle of water and head out into the rugged wilds around Canberra and scale a little rock.

Booroomba Rocks is only 10 minutes from the city's centre and has a number of great climbs for everyone from

40

TNTDOWUNDER.COM

beginners to seasoned professionals. If you don't feel like rock-climbing then the surrounding national parkland is a great place for a bushwalk.

15:00 Spring is in the air, the sun is shining, flowers are in full bloom and Canberra's Floriade festival (floriadeaustralia.com.au) is celebrating that fact. With a dazzling array of flower installations, live music, amusement rides and food stalls, the festival is celebrating its 25th anniversary in style. With so much to do and see the fact that entry to the festival is free only sweetens the deal.

18:00: Back to the YHA for a quick shower before you hit the town for a bite to eat. Italian and Sons (italianandsons. com.au) in the leafy suburb of Braddon offers delicious seasonal Italian dishes and wine for reasonable prices. A nice big bowl of pasta and a few glasses of Chianti should be a pretty good way to finish off your first day.

DAY 2: 5:00 Rise and shine! This might seem despicably early in the morning but it's going to be worth it. Dawn Drifters (dawndrifters.com.au) offer one hour long hot air balloon rides over Canberra. Flying over some of Canberra's most important landmarks including Parliament House, the War Memorial and Lake Burley Griffin, this offers a unique and wonderful new perspective from which to see the nation's capital.

12:00 After a quick nap, it's time to head to the National Zoo and Aquarium (nationalzoo.com.au) the only combined zoo and aquarium of its kind in Australia. If you're

Spring brings the festival of flowers

feeling brave you can hand feed a 110kg Sumatran tiger, let a black bear lick honey off of your hand or meet a cheetah.

If close encounters don't sit well with you then just enjoy the animals from the safety offered by the fences. The aquarium offers delights of its own with beautifully coloured fish, squid, turtles and a shark or two 15:00: After washing off the bear saliva and sticky honey residue from your hands go and grab a late lunch at the Asian Noodle House (noodlehousenet.au) in Woden.

This authentic Malaysian/Vietnamese noodle bar claims to serve up one of the best bowls of Laksa in all of Australia, if you're feeling in the mood for something spicy why not put it to the test.

20:00: Having been so early to bed the night before tonight is the night to throw yourself into Canberra's famed pub and nightclub scene and Transit Bar (transitbar.com. au) is the best place to start your night off. Located in the heart of the city's nightspot hub, Transit features live music and DJ's for entertainment as well as a wide selection of beers, wines and spirits all at reasonably cheap prices.

23:00: Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve probably had a few by now and feeling like a dance, well lucky for you then one of the best nightclubs in Australia is just down the road. Academy (academyclub. com.au) is the biggest club in Canberra and with $2 everything's during happy hour and a host of international and local DJs banging out the tunes, this is the perfect place to let your hair down on your last night in Parliament town.

Get into shape at the National Gallery

The new Parliament House

TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

41

NEWSWEIRD

follow us on

@tnt_downunder

On the sauce: this kid started early

BOOZE BUSINESS TARGETS KIDS AUSTRALIA

The Australian Medical Association has accused the alcohol industry of encouraging kids to develop a taste for the demon drink early by marketing booze-flavoured sweets.

A new report from the AMA fingered the likes of Tim Tams ‘spiked’ with Tia Maria, Jim Beam whisky-flavoured crisps and ‘vodka’ fudge.

“It’s sending a subliminal message that everyone drinks… your first drink could be a Tim Tam,” AMA president Dr Steve Hambleton said.

WOMAN DISCOVERS HUBBY WAS HER DAD US

A woman from Ohio discovered her late husband was in fact her father following a DNA test after his death.

Valerie Spruill, 60, was raised by her grandparents, who never told her that they weren’t her real mother and father.

Spruill later met her biological pops, Percy, without knowing who he truly was.

The pair went on to marry and have children. It was only after Percy died that an uncle admitted to Spruill the man she had wed was actually her dad. A DNA test was conducted using hairs that Spruill found on a brush in their bedroom, proving it to be true.

She told the Akron Beacon Journal her story in an attempt to reach siblings she had never known existed.

Spruill informed the paper she was not sure if her spouse had known they were father and daughter, but added she strongly suspected he was aware of the incest and was too afraid to tell her.

42

TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

Illegal love: a bill to legalise same-sex marriage in Australia has been defeated in the House of Representatives. The vote count was 42 in favour and 98 opposed. The bill caused controversy in the lead-up to the ballot: Australian senator Cory Bernadi landed himself in hot water for saying gay nuptials could be a step on the road to bestiality

LOTTO WINNER KILLED FOR BEING ‘WASTEFUL’ AUSTRALIA

A man who killed a lotto winner in New South Wales for “being wasteful” has been jailed for 18 years.

Peter Joseph Kelly, 55, pleaded guilty to murdering Maria ‘Lou’ Devrell in her Tamworth home by hitting her over the head with a mallet and suffocating her.

The NSW Supreme Court heard Kelly had been a friend of Ms Devrell’s

husband, David Devrell, for 25 years. But he became increasingly angry with the couple, who he believed were “wasteful” with their $4.9m winnings, Justice Robert Allan Hulme said.

On the day of the murder, Kelly was due to go camping with Mr Devrell but he called in first at Ms Devrell’s home.

The pair got into an argument over Ms Devrell’s desire to have more money.

Kelly told police he became furious and was “seeing crimson”.

like us on

NEWSWEIRD

facebook/tntdownunder

THIS WEEK

IN NUMBERS Amount, in dollars, that Monica Lewinsky stands to make from a tell-all book about her sex life with Bill Clinton

12M

Number of topless shots of Kate Middleton that Danish magazine See and Hear threatened to print in spite of the injunction

Hilltop Hoods: popular with pirates

AUSSIES WORST FOR ILLEGAL DOWNLOADS

Value, in pounds, of bonuses awarded to British bankers last year. Heard of the credit crunch, guys?

13BN

AUSTRALIA

Australians are the worst in the whole world when it comes to illegal downloads, new statistics show.

A survey carried out by Musicmetric found that with 19 million downloads carried out last year for a population numbering 23 million, Australia by far and away has the biggest community of illegal downloaders.

But the US and the UK are top of the pile when it comes to the sheer numbers of illegal downloads, poaching 96 million and 43 million respectively.

The Hilltop Hoods were the most illegally downloaded artists Down Under last year. The Adelaide hip hop group’s manager, Dylan Liddy, told the Sydney Morning Herald: “It is what it is. It’s great that the boys are popular.”

ART DEALER, OR ART STEALER?

Photos: AAP; Thinkstock; Getty

NEW ZEALAND

An art dealer has been accused of nicking more than $55,000-worth of paintings from celebrated Kiwi artist John McLean.

Art dealer Donald Cornes, 66, allegedly disappeared with five of Taranaki man McLean’s works, which the artist claims he had given to Cornes to sell.

The dealer’s lawyer said the police file on his client was “large”, and asked for the case to be adjourned until next month.

Dealer dispute: one of John McLean’s artworks

Cornes is also being charged with making a fraudulent insurance claim for $13,000 last June. He was a leading Australian colonial art dealer in the Eighties, according to reports.

BRIDGE FALL WOMAN SAVED BY ANORAK SOUTH AFRICA

A woman from KwaZulu-Natal has told how she miraculously survived being thrown off a 67m-high bridge by a gang of carjackers.

Kavisha Seevnarain suffered a fractured pelvis and broken ribs after her attackers threw her from the uMkhomazi River bridge. According to News 24, her fall was equivalent to being dropped from the top of a 20-storey building. Ouch.

Seevnarain credited her incredible survival to her padded anorak, which she said she believed had slowed her fall.

“I fell, and fell, and as the water rushed closer, I thought: ‘I might be going to die, but I can fly!’” she said.

70

Number of police protecting Uttoxeter, population 13,000, on a Monday night thanks to budget cuts

0

QUOTE OF THE WEEK Getting some shit out my chakras!

Pop minx Katy Perry on her progress at a spiritual retreat

TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

43

OUR VIEW COMMENT: HUGH RADOJEV Email: hugh@tntdownunder.com

No, I’ll see YOU in hell

Don’t let the door hit you on the way out, Bernardi We bid farewell to the worst politician in a seriously bad bunch

» Agree or disagree? Will you miss Senator Bernardi? hugh@tntdownunder.com

44

TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

Last Saturday I got a call from a friend of mine who had been wandering through Sydney’s CBD when, without warning, he was sprayed in the face with capsicum spray.

He was not heading for the US consulate to protest the obscure YouTube movie defaming Allah, he’d been trying to buy a book in Kinokuniya.

My friend was in the wrong place at the wrong time when the whole thing went from peaceful protest to violent riot.

A small minority of people came to the

wrong place “at inthethewrong time ” city on that day with the direct intention of starting a riot. These people should be jailed without exception.

Yet, to think that this represents the views of all Muslims is plainly wrong and extremely dangerous. The ghosts of Cronulla are not so long in the ground that they don’t still resonate. And as we’ve seen, extremists of all kinds need few excuses.

Photos: Getty Images

It’s hard to say in the wake of former South Australian senator and Liberal Party front bencher Cory Bernardi’s retirement from politics who is more relieved – we the public, who no longer have to deal with his positively medieval stance on sexuality, religion and life in general, –or his supposedly erstwhile colleagues who finally had enough of the loud and embarrassing voice he brought to the party.

The final straw came only last week when the former parliamentary secretary vented a ridiculous tirade during a debate over legalising same-sex marriage where he compared homosexuality to bestiality. The fact that, in the days since this outburst, Bernardi has not only refused to apologise for his comments, but actually reiterated them on an Adelaide radio show, highlight what a loose cannon this guy is.

Bernardi has never exactly been shy about his views on homosexuality – he is, after all, of the conservative right and, for whatever reason, has always used the same flimsy, antiquated biblical based ‘arguments’ to validate his prejudiced position. Still, his comments last week went beyond the usual Christian clap-trap and dragged the tone of the debate (already bad enough) into dark and terrible territory. To compare a gay or lesbian couple with someone who has sex with animals is about as offensive a comparison as you can make.

The fact that in the 21st Century, religious doctrine and the Bible – a book thousands of years old – is still used as the basis for a debate on political policies makes no sense.

Surely in a multicultural, modern society made up of people from all faiths and creeds a monotheistic, Christian God has no place in a parliament that professes to speak for all Aussies, not just the ones who go to church on a Sunday. Nor, thankfully, does Bernardi.

Yet, based on last weeks debate there seems to be no shortage of politicians, on both sides of the floor, who share his abhorrent views.

THOSE GUYS ARE AN ABSOLUTE RIOT

HUGE SCREENS FOR ALL THE BEST LIVE SPORT!!!

Traditional British Pub Live music in the outdoor beer gardens and DJ till late Brisbanes best craft beer venue (SFBU TUFBLT BOE QVC OPTI t &YUFOTJWF XJOF MJTU Ph t

&BHMF 4USFFU #SJTCBOF 2-% P XXX QJHOXIJTUMF DPN BV

G tt I

Brisbaneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Home of Football PIGNWHISTLE_694.indd 1

9/08/12 9:22 AM

SPORTNEWS

follow us on

@tnt_downunder

KP TO HEAD DOWNUNDER CRICKET

He may be on the outer with England, but controversial cricketer Kevin Pietersen could soon be playing in Australia’s Big Bash T20 league.

He’s being headhunted by the Melbourne Rebels -– who will send a rep to Sri Lanka, where Pietersen is commentating on the World T20 Cup, in a bid to secure his services –– and the Sydney Sixers.

Despite the South African-born big hitter’s recent text message indiscretions, the Renegades view him as being able to provide leadership to their crop of young players.

The powerful right-hander would play alongside legendary spinner Muttiah Muralitharan at the Renegades should he choose to join them.

PASSES EARN MONEY FOR EDUCATION FOOTBALL

Europe’s second-tier of footballers have extra incentive to play with precision this season: Western Union will convert every successful pass in the UEFA Europa League into funds for education around the world.

The initiative, PASS, is fronted by former international star Patrick Vieira and begins on September 20 across Europe. It will continue for the next three seasons and it is hoped to attract funding for one million school days in Africa, Brazil and even in Europe.

“Football was my ticket to success, but for the vast majority of young people education is the key that allows them to become whatever they want to be,” Viera said. “This campaign will benefit students, teachers and schools across the world.”

46

TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

New Zealand shotputter Valerie Adams finally got her gold medal for London 2012.

Adams had a special ceremony in Auckland, after ‘winner’ Belarus’s Nadzeya Ostapchuk was made to hand the award back because of her use of banned steroid metenolone.

Adams said the IOC had cleaned and buffed the medal before shipping it to NZ

HESKEY’S GOAL: SCORE FOR THE JETS FOOTBALL

His goal-scoring prowess - or lack thereof - made him the butt of jokes in England.

However, ex-Liverpool forward Emile Heskey now seems to be the answer to the Newcastle Jets’ striker dilemma in the A-League.

In what the Jets hope will rival Sydney FC’s signing of Italian star Alessandro Del Piero, former England international Heskey has reportedly signed a one-year deal worth $1million.

In his 18 year career, Heskey scored 117 goals in 546 matches.

Meanwhile ex-Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack has been turned down by the new Western Sydney franchise.

BIG WEEK FOR ...

Australian surfer Mick Fanning needs a big performance at this Friday’s Quiksilver Pro in France to stay at the top of the world championship rankings. At last week’s Hurley Pro in California, Fanning was upset by compatriot Ace Buchan, and will be determined to win in France to widen the gap between himself and second- placed Joel Parkinson.

Hawaii’s John John Florence and the seemingly ageless Kelly Slater are also hard on Fanning’s heels. There are only three events after this one and a big performance here will go a long way to Fanning winning his third world title.

like us on

SPORTNEWS

facebook/tntdownunder

QUOTES OF THE WEEK By the time we are on the th h plane after the game I hope there will be one or two real positives Liverpool coach Brendan Rodgers remains upbeat about his young sides chances in the Europa League.

Aaron Cruden could replace Dan Carter

PREVIEW Rugby Championships resume RUGBY UNION After a week off, it’s a battle for the number 10 jersey in both the All Blacks and Wallabies camps.

New Zealand’s Dan Carter will travel to Argentina, but doubts remain about the injured calf muscle that caused him to sit out as the All Blacks beat Australia and South Africa. Across the Tasman, Quade Cooper is out for four months with a knee injury.

Should Carter not make it, deputy Aaron Cruden is likely to get the nod, although there is a growing call to give

Beauden Barrett some Test-match time.

However, Cruden should be allowed more time on the park as he strives to improve both his kicking game and his approach to running the backline.

For Australia, coach Robbie Deans will pick either Berrick Barnes or Kurtley Beale (who has had a shocker during the Championship). Both can play either number 10 or fullback. Based on form throughout the tournament it seems likely Waratah Barnes will get the nod.

ABC, THIS THURSDAY

THE CHAT | Stilnox in the spotlight What’s all this I hear about Manly Sea Eagles Q star Anthony Watmough hitting the Stilnox?

Why would he do that?

Photos: Getty Images

brought the controversial sleeping pill back A Watmough into the spotlight last week after he confessed to using it in 2005 during his debut Origin series. He said he took a pill not knowing what it was - always a smart move. The second-rower revealed he was found dressed only in a towel wandering the team hotel in a drug-induced stupor, a move that didn’t go down too well with NSW management. Watmough claims he was effectively exiled for four years from the representative team as a result. Stilnox has always had a reputation among sports stars. Although doctors deny an NRL drug culture.

To o secure the signing off E Emile is a fantastic ue ue. result for the A League.

Newcastle Jets CEO highlight the A-Leagues new status as the place were careers go to die.

It is certainly not t outside the realms of possibility that court e action will eventuate Former NRL player turned serial pest, Tim Fuller on whether or not clubs could bring legal action against bad referees who make poor decision.

TV HIGHLIGHTS RUGBY LEAGUE Bulldogs v South Sydney Semi-final footy from Sydney Sat, 7.30pm. Fox Sports

FOOTBALL Liverpool v Man Utd A must win clash for the Reds Sun, 10:30pm. Fox Sports

AFL Sydney v Collingwood Can the Swans beat the Magpies?

Fri, 8pm. Fox Footy

TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

47

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

follow us on

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

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

o Scan hUeTr Me OtREÒ ND O CAMPERS FROM

35 $105 AU

AU

$

PER DAY*

FOR 3 DAYS*

CARS ALSO AVAILABLE

*Van price based on a Lowball Camper, 3+ day rate, for travel 21/10/2012 – 27/10/2012. Prices correct at time of print, rates change weekly so contact our Reservations team for the best daily rate. Minimum hire applies, offer subject to availability and liability reduction cover is additional. For full terms and conditions contact Mighty Campers.

48

TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

like us on

NSWLISTINGS

facebook/tntdownunder

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

02 9261 1111 yha.com.au Westend Backpackers 412 Pitt St. CBD. 1800 013 186 nomadshostels.com

Boomerang Backpackers 141 William Street, Kings Cross.

02 8354 0488, boomerangbackpackers.com 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

tours. mysydneydetour.com

Surfside Backpackers 186 Arden Street. Coogee.

02 9315 7888, surfsidebackpackers.com.au

Oceanworld Manly West Esplanade. oceanworld.com.au

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

Oxford Art Factory oxfordartfactory.com Sydney Opera House sydneyoperahouse.com The Annandale annandalehotel.com The Enmore enmoretheatre.com.au

Powerhouse Museum Darling Harbour. powerhousemuseum.com.au

The Metro metrotheatre.com.au

Skydive the Beach Wollongong. skydivethebeach.com

BLUE MTNS Blue Mountains YHA 207 Katoomba St, Katoomba.

02 4782 1416, yha.com.au

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

CENTRAL COAST

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

Newcastle Beach YHA 30 Pacific St, Newcastle.

02 4925 3544, yha.com.au

Sydney Harbour Bridge The Rocks. bridgeclimb.com Sydney Aquarium Darling Harbour. sydneyaquarium.com.au Sydney Wildlife World Darling Harbour. sydneywildlifeworld.com.au

Skydive Central Coast Warnervale. skydivethecentralcoast.com.au

Taronga Zoo Mosman. zoo.nsw.gov.au

BYRON BAY

Waves Surf School wavessurfschool.com.au

Maritime Museum Darling Harbour. anmm.gov.au My Sydney Detour Unique city

SYDNEY MUSIC Hordern Pavillion playbillvenues.com

Terrigal Beach YHA 9 Ocean View Dr, Terrigal.

02 4384 1919, yha.com.au

Backpackers Holiday Village 116 Jonson St 1800 350 388, byronbaybackpackers.com.au Backpackers Inn 29 Shirley St

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

FREE WI-FI FREE CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST FREE AIRPORT PICK UP* Bondi Shores quality hotel, motel, hostel, backpacker, bed and breakfast, student, long and short term accommodation with share facilities at affordable prices.

If staying at Bondi Shores you will be conveniently located only minutes walk away from Campbell Parade (main street of Bondi Beach ), which features many popular cafes, restaurants and fantastic shops. Bondi Beach has it all.

Everything made easy for you at Bondi Shores: from entertainment advise to tours bookings. Just ask.

So if you want to get the most out of your stay in Sydney, choose Bondi Shores Accommodation.

MANLY BEACH The beach is known for being littered with tourists (if it’s too busy for you, head right, to sheltered little Shelly Beach) and scantily-clad burnt people playing volleyball. There are heaps of surrounding cafes, shops, bars and markets at weekends. There’s an easy-going and social summer lovin’ atmosphere that makes Manly an interesting and fun beach to visit – worth if for the ferry ride from the city alone. As the host venue for the Australian Open of Surfing, I guess you could say the waves are pretty good too.

The friendly staff will make sure you have memorable stay.

We look forward to seeing you at Bondi Shores.

CALL FREE 1800 33 00 10 (Australia wide) Or + 61 2 9130 6787 www.bondishores.com.au

* conditions apply

TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

49

QLDLISTINGS

follow us on 07 3361 7597, xxxxalehouse.com.au

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

GOLD COAST

RUGBY SEVENS Skilled Park. Oct 13-14. From $39 With 16 nations competing from around the globe, the Rugby Sevens are versing Fiji in the first round of this exciting union match.

Gold Coast

ticketek.com.au

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

Aquarius Backpackers 44 Queen St, Surfers Paradise.

1800 22 99 55, aquariusbackpackers.com.au

Zorb 07 5547 6300

Backpackers in Paradise 40 Peninsula Drive, Surfers Paradise.

1800 268 621, backpackersinparadise.com.au

Mooloolaba Backpackers 75-77 Brisbane Rd, Mooloolaba.

1800 020 120 mooloolababackpackers.com

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

07 5536 76442, yha.com.au

DON’T MISS

The Deck 117 Harcourt Street, New Farm.

04 3377 7061 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 Riverlife Adventure Centre Kayaking & rock climbing. Lower River Terrace, Kangaroo Point.

07 3891 5766, riverlife.com.au Story Bridge Adventure Climb 170 Main St, Kangaroo Point.

1300 254 627, storybridgeadventureclimb.com.au XXXX Ale House Brewery tours. Cnr Black & Paten St, Milton.

Warener Bros Movie World movieworld.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 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 Dreamworld Theme park. dreamworld.com.au

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 111126, dingosresort.com Pippies Beach House 22 Spectrum St. 1800 425 356, pippiesbeachhouse.com Skydive Rainbow Beach 0418 218 358, skydiverainbowbeach.com

HERVEY BAY Aussie Woolshed 181 Torquay Rd 07 4124 0677 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

Get Wet Surf School 07 5532 9907 Seaworld seaworld.com.au

WORKERS WANTED

SUNSHINE CST

Palace Adventures

@tnt_downunder 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

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

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

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

WORKERS WANTED WORKERS WANTED WORKERS WANTED WORKERS WANTED WORKERS WANTED

AYR NORTH QUEENSLAND

AYR BACKPACKERS stay at Wilmington House

FOR FARM IN INNISFAIL.

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

Free accommodation and food provided. Offers very good working and living conditions.

WORKERS WANTED

PHONE 0437 692 002

Working Hostel of the Burdekin District

Call Mick & Daphne 07 4783 5837

WORKERS WANTED WORKERS WANTED WORKERS WANTED WORKERS WANTED WORKERS WANTED

50

WORKERS WANTED

TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

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

follow us on

pksjunglevillage.com.au

BOOK NOW

1800 807 055, njoy.net.au Nomads Beach House 239 Sheridan St. 1800 229 228, nomadshostels.com

Adrenalin Dive Yongala diving.

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

07 4783 1519, yongaladive.com.au

CAIRNS DO AJ Hackett Bungy jumping & canyon swinging.

1800 622 888 cairns.ajhackett.com

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

Pro Dive 07 4031 5255 prodivecairns.com

FORBIDDEN FRUITS: QUEERFOLK

Hotel Arcadia 7 Marine Pde, Arcadia Bay. 07 4778 5177 magnetic-island.com/arc-rsrt.htm Pleasure Divers 07 4778 5788

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

Adress will appear on ticket. Sep 28 - Oct 1. From $73.70 This camp (no pun intended) festival was created for all to explore and enjoy the great outdoors, plus queer entertainment and culture.

Coominya

moshtix.com.au

CAIRNS STAY Bohemia Central Cairns 100 Sheridan St. 1800 558 589, bohemiacentral.com.au Bohemia Resort Cairns 231 McLeod St. 1800 155 353, bohemiaresort.com. au

Calypso Backpackers 5 Digger St. 1800 815 628, calypsobackpackers.com.au JJâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Backpackers Hostel 11 Charles St. 07 4051 7642, jjsbackpackers.com NJoy Backpackers Hostel Harbour 141 Sheridan St.

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

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.$

"REEZY 4ROPICAL VERANDAHS CLEAN FRIENDLY #LOSE TO SHOPS BANKS OLYMPIC POOL

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

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

52

@tnt_downunder

TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

Raging Thunder Adventures Whitewater rafting.

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

CAPE TRIB Crocodylus Village Lot 5, Buchanan Creek Rd, Cow Bay. 07 4098 9166, crocodyluscapetrib.com PKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Jungle Village Cnr Avalon & Cape Trib Rd. 1800 232 333,

INNISFAIL IInnisfail Budget Backpackers Workerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hostel 125 Edith St. 07 4061 78337 Walkabout Motel & Backpackers 07 4061 2311

ATHERTON Kuranda Rainforest Park 88 Kuranda Heaights Rd, Kuranda.

07 4093 7316, kurandarainforestpark.com.au

PORT DOUGLAS Parrotfish Backpackers Resort 37 Warner St, Kuranda.

07 4099 5011, parrotfishlodge.com

GULF SAVANNAH Emu Creek Cattle Station 07 4094 8313

DAINTREE Koala Beach Resort Cape Kimberly Rd. 1800 466 444

FREE UNLIMITED INTERNET

Awards!!

rated 9/10 on

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

Vote for us!

go to: goldenbackpacks.tntdownunder.com

<H;; Xh[Wa\Wi [l[ho j m[[aZWo

J 8EE

A M?J E HM D

;;A ;I6 I8J > KI <EH JME K'+Jj^C

O E:;9 :H77D?= @J I 8D; 8J= D M:;8;@ KH (=&'' D> ?<J# E 'D +j 7 ^ H ?L (7&B' ( HD @7

8H?I87D;Ă&#x160;I CEIJ FEFKB7H 879AF79A;HI

FEATURES

FREECALL: 1800 000 541

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

HEAPS OF ACTIVITIES! 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

;JC G:A6M:9 6IBDHE=:G: ;G>:C9AN 6JHH>: HI6;; <G:6I >CC:G 8>IN AD86I>DC 9>G:8IAN DEEDH>I: I=: IG6CH>I 8:CIG: ;G:: 77F BDC L:9 6I DJG ;6BDJH 76G

<G>AA EG>K6I: GDDBH 9DGBH 6AA L>I= :CHJ>I: 6>G"8DC ?D7H ;DG IG6K:AA:GH ') =DJG G:8:EI>DC L>";> 8>C:B6 GDDB IDJGH IG6K:A 9:H@ Ă&#x2C6;9:AJM: 9>K6Ă&#x2030;H 9DGBĂ&#x2030; ?JHI ;DG I=: A69>:H####DD= A6A6 AD69H BDG:

FREE DAILY BREAKFAST 7Zhi 6XXdbbdYVi^dc 7Zhi EVgin C^\]i

SCAN TO

BOOK

*,, =[eh][ Ijh[[j" 8h_iXWd[ effei_j[ j^[ JhWdi_j 9[djh[

TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

53

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,

LANEWAY ART

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!

SCAN TO

BOOK 54

TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

MELBOURNE STREET ART The leading lights of the graffiti world, like Banksy, rate Melbourne as one of the best cities in the world, if not the best, for street art, so it’s well worth hunting some down. One of the easiest, and best, places to start is right in the centre of the city, by Federation Square. Just opposite the square lies the opening to Hosier Lane (with MoVida tapas restaurant on the corner). Nearby AC/DC Lane is also well worth a quick look. Don’t just stay in the CBD, however, but take a stroll out into the suburbs, especially Fitzroy and Collingwood. In Fitzroy, the laneways off Brunswick Street are particularly good. Be sure to take diversions off the main drag, especially down Leicester Street, Rose Street, Gertrude Street and Argyle Street, or wander down the parallel Fitzroy Street. While exploring the area, make an effort to head in the direction of Collingwood, where the roads surrounding Smith Street are also crammed with art-covered walls..

like us on

VICLISTINGS

facebook/tntdownunder

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

DON’T MISS

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

AFL GRAND FINAL DAY The Imperial Hotel. Sep 29. $59.30 Experience the passion and excitement of Australia’s biggest sporting event and limitless alcohol and then an after party through the night.

GIPPSLAND Prom Country Backpackers 03 5682 2614 Cambrai Hostel Maffra 117 Johnson St, Maffra.

1800 101 113 maffra.net.au/hostel

PHILLIP ISLAND Amaroo Park YHA 97 Church St, Cowes.

03 5952 3620,

South Yarra

moshtix.com.au

yha.com.au The Island Accommodation 10-12 Phillip Island Tourist Road.

03 5956 6123 theislandaccommodation.com.au

GRAMPIANS

Grampians YHA Eco Hostel 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.

$22

Accommodation from $22 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

TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

55

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

LAUNCESTON DO

DON’T MISS

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 Nov 23. $28 Promoting their new single, “I Can Make You Love Me,” British India have released the film clip that features a Minotaur!

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

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

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

BRITISH INDIA

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

@tnt_downunder

follow us on

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

Hannah Bullingham, UK

56

DEVONPORT Find this town on the north coast, in a major vegetable growing area, also the closest entry point to Melbourne. The Spirit of Tasmania ferries dock at the mouth of the Mersey River; shuttle buses operate from Devonport airport, 8km east of the city. It’s an excellent place to prepare for your travels, with a range of specialist backpacker services, particularly if you’re planning on visiting the famous Cradle Mountain Lake St Clair National Park, 80km to the south. Buses leave daily. Devonport is also another great place for cycling.

TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN IN TAS? I’ve been to Hobart, Launceston, Devonport.

FAVOURITE DAY SPOT? WHY? Cataract Gorge because it’s so unexpected. It’s a beautiful gorge in Launceston pretty much in the middle of town that you would have no idea was there unless you saw a sign by the road.

FAVOURITE NIGHT SPOT? Salamanca Place, Hobart. It’s not the liveliest of cities in Oz but is great if you’re looking for a more chilled out vibe.

like us on

NTLISTINGS

facebook/tntdownunder

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

PETER POWERS Darwin Entertainment Centre. Oct 20. $50 Enjoy this hypnotizing show as Peter Powers makes you and your friends do unbelievable feats. You might regret that, but you won’t regret going.

Darwin

eventfinder.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

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

WORD FROM THE STREET

Jackie Pandalon, UK WHAT WAS YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE IN NT? Darwin is amazing because it’s warm all the time and it’s the gateway to Kakadu National Park. I also went to Litchfield National Park a lot because it’s a bit closer than Kakadu.

SEEN ANY ANIMALS? I hadn’t even seen a crocodile so it was pretty amazing when I saw one in a billabong in Kakadu. They are massive!

STILL ON THE WISHLIST? I’d definitely like to get down a little further south, maybe see Uluru.

TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

57

WALISTINGS

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

1800 188 100, oneworldbackpackers.com.au

@tnt_downunder

DON’T MISS

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

DON’T MISS AFTERLIFE: PARKLIFE AFTER PARTY Villa Nightclub. Oct 1. $23.70 The official Parklife after party promises to be just as big as Parklife itself.

A special guest will be announced on October 1, so stay tuned.

Perth

moshtix.com.au

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

08 9227 6000, perthbrittania.com

Globe Backpackers & City Oasis Resort 561 Wellington St. 08 9321 4080, globebackpackers.com.au Ocean Beach Backpackers 1 Eric St, Cottlesloe.

08 9384 5111,

Photo: Tourism Tasmania

Emperor’s Crown

85 Stirling St, Northbridge.

1800 991 553, emperorscrown.com.au

58

TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

Underground Backpackers 268 Newcastle St, Northbridge.

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

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

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

CANNIBAL CORPSE Capitol. Oct 9. $63.80 If headbanging, death metal is your thing, you don’t want to miss Cannibal Corpse’s ‘Torture’ tour. Not for the faint hearted!

Perth

moshtix.com.au

Perth Zoo 20 Labouchere Road, South Perth.

08 9474 3551, perthzoo.wa.gov.au

PERTH MUSIC Amplifier amplifiercapitol.com.au Astor liveattheastor.com.au

Mojo’s Bar mojosbar.com.au The Bakery nowbaking.com.au The Rosemount Hotel rosemounthotel.com.au

FREO STAY Backpackers Inn Freo 11 Pakenham St.

like us on

facebook/tntdownunder

08 9431 7065, backpackersinnfreo.com.au Old Firestation Backpackers 18 Phillimore St. 08 9430 5454, fremantleprison.com.au Sundancer Backpackers Resort 80 High St. 08 9336 6080, sundancerbackpackers.com.au

FREO DO Fremantle Markets Henderson Street Fremantle 08 9335 2515, fremantlemarkets.com.au Fremantle Prison 1 The Terrace. 08 9336 9200, backpackersinnfreo.com.au

ROTTNEST ISL Rottnest Island YHA Kingstown Barracks. 08 9372 9780, yha.com.au Rottnest Express 1 Emma Place North Fremantle 1300 Go Rotto rottnestexpress.com.au

MARGARET RIV Margaret River Lodge YHA 220 Railway Tce. 08 9757 9532, yha.com.au Surfpoint 12 Riedle Drive Prevally 08 9757 1777surfpoint.com.au

ALBANY

Albany Bayview Backpackers YHA 49 Duke St 08 9842 3388, yha.com.au Cruize-Inn 122 Middleton Rd. 08 9842 9599, cruizeinn.com

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

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

08 9949 1200, yha.com.au

BROOME STAY Cable Beach Backpackers 12 Sanctuary Road.

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

SLEIGH TIME

CHRISTMAS ISLAND Although nowadays infamous for becoming the home of Australia’s dubious Immigration Reception and Processing Centre, this tiny dot in the ocean has long boasted an eye-watering array of natural wonders. Thanks to some of the world’s longest drop-offs it has many class dive sites, where, at the right time, you can see whale sharks. But there is plenty to explore on land as well, with over 60 per cent of the island comprising national park. One sight not to be missed is each November/December, when the island’s 120 million red crabs charge for the beach for their breeding season, the event which gives the island its name. The problem? At a distance of about 2,600km north-west of Perth, in the Indian Ocean, getting there might be tricky. Unless you manage to get on immigration’s nerves that is...

7 ,Ê -/Ê "-/ Ê Ê7 ÊÓääÇ -/ÊÓäänÊEÊÓää

TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

59

SALISTINGS

follow us on

ADELAIDE STAY

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

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

DON’T MISS

Blue Galah Backpackers Lvl 1, 52-62, King William St. 08) 8231 9295, bluegalah.com.au

BASTARDFEST 2012

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

Fowlers Live. Oct 20. $32.50 This metal fesitival is touring the country but South Australia will kick off the celebrations of all things thrash.

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 Adelaide Zoo

Adelaide

moshtix.com.au

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

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

@tnt_downunder

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 Port Elliot Beach House YHA

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

VERY WELL RED

FLINDERS RANGES Smug European travellers often complain that there’s nothing old in Australia. Well, these mountains have been around for about 540 million years, which it’s fair to say is quite a while.

Characterised by their glowing red peaks, the ranges stretch for over 430km. Their undisputed posterboy is the dramatic natural basin of Wilpena Pound, without a doubt one of South Australia’s highlights. Enjoy some spectacular views while hiking, hot air ballooning, tearing around in a 4WD or simply chilling out on the Pichi Richi scenic railway. Buses and tours leave from Port Augusta, north of Adelaide.

60

TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

like us on

NZLISTINGS

facebook/tntdownunder

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

RENTAL FIRMS Ace Rental Cars 1800 140 026, acerentalcars.com.nz Backpacker Campervan & Car Rentals +800 200 80 801, backpackercampervans.com Bargain Rental Cars 0800 001 122, bargainrentals.com.nz

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

AUCKLAND Airport Skyway Lodge Backpackers (BBH) 30 Kirkbride Road, Mangere. +64 9275 4443, skywaylodge.co.nz Auckland International Backpackers (BBH) 2 Churton St, Parnell. +64358 4584,

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

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

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

TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

61

Legal Temping

Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s keep it

SIMPLE!

Legal Secretaries â&#x20AC;&#x201C; all areas of law Paralegals / litigation support Legal Receptionists

You need work, we have work.

You need $$ we have $$.

You want fun, we have lots of fun.

Sounds like you? Read on...

With a reputation for quality assignments & provision of quality temp staff, we are regularly briefed on a wide variety of legal roles with law ďŹ rms & in-house departments.

To be considered you must have: Great communication skills *VUĂ&#x201E;KLU[ WLYZVUHSP[` Work well in a team environment Strong work ethic

18+ months relevant legal experience essential 60+ wpm typing speed and strong computer skills Receive your pay the same week you work

If you are looking for somewhere to make great money, WPJR \W PU]HS\HISL ZRPSSZ HUK ^VYR ^P[O SPRLTPUKLK individuals and ENJOY yourself in Sydney donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t waste anytime APPLY TODAY send your cv to beth@vaneykmarketingsolutions.com

Enjoy working with our approachable temp consultant Samantha to secure both short and long term assignments, to suit your lifestyle.

Enjoy the variety and ďŹ&#x201A;exibility of temping.

Contact us today to join our leading temp team!

Samantha Cox lawstaff.com.au 02 9235 3399

registered nurses required in Australia Randstad Care is seeking qualiďŹ ed registered nurses for various positions in metropolitan and rural and remote areas across Australia.

Full-time business sponsorship is available for international qualiďŹ ed nurses whom hold current Australian or New Zealand Nursing Registration.

Work with Randstad Care and enjoy the beneďŹ ts of: t OBUJPOBM PQQPSUVOJUJFT t nFYJCMF BTTJHONFOUT t GVMM UJNF QPTJUJPOT t POHPJOH TVQQPSU GSPN PVS dedicated consultants Contact Randstad Care today.

Australia: +61 7 4031 8755 E: nurses@randstad.com.au www.randstad.com.au

62

TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

We are looking for volunteers who are 18-60 years of age to take part in a study to investigate a new antibiotic for those infections that are currently resistant.

This study will look at different doses of the medication and compare to placebo.

The study will last for approximately 8-10 weeks.

You will have a free medical screening to assess your suitability.

You need to be a non smoker and generally of good health.

Those successfully enrolled in the study receive $3290 for completion.

For more info call 1800 475 475

volunteers.4.trials@gsk.com The study is being run at the GSK Medicines Research Unit located at the Prince of Wales Hospital in Randwick. This study is recruiting in Sydney Only

GSK_689.indd 1

6/07/12 9:47 AM

OZWORK

follow us on

@tnt_downunder

INTERVIEW WITH A NURSE

HANNAH TIERNAN SHREWSBURY, UK (ON LEFT)

What made you decide to work as a nurse in Australia?

Nursing is one of those jobs that you can take anywhere in the world to get experience. Australia seemed like as good a place as any to start.

How did you land your new job?

I found a health professional job vacancy site on the internet by google-ing New South Wales e-recruit and applied for a handful of positions. UK and Irish nurses have a good reputation out here for working hard so it wasn’t too difficult to get a job.

And what exactly is it that you do now?

I am a nurse in the emergency department of a hospital in Sydney, looking after people with acute problems like heart attacks or being involved in car crashes to more long term problems like homelessness or helping the older generation who cannot cope in their own homes any longer. I come home with great stories to tell my housemates!

How does nursing in Australia compare to back home?

It was pretty hard to get used to the different drug names as they use brand names intend of the generic names like we do at home. I asked someone if they wanted paracetamol once and they didn’t know what I was talking about! It is also quite behind the UK in nursing technology and research.

How long do you plan to nurse in Australia for? How long can you stay?

I plan to be here for a couple of years, I got sponsored pretty much as soon as I started work so I can stay for four years and then try for residency if I want to.

64

TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

Where have you worked so far, and what is your next destination?

I have only worked in Australia but I am planning on doing some work for a charity in Africa at the end of next year, then off to America.

Want to share you best nursing advice for travellers?

Don’t be afraid to ask questions, people understand that we do things differently back home. Try and keep your good habits like hand hygiene and infection control. Things aren’t as strict over here which is a nice change but there is proof that clean hands make a big difference.

How does the pay compare to your expectations?

It’s brilliant! I get more than twice as much as I would do at home and my life-style is great. I can afford to eat out and shop, go on holidays and save a big sum too. Nurses can’t do that in the UK. Any advice for budding nurses to be who are travelling in Australia?

It depends how long you want to stay traveling for. If you are thinking more than six months in one place, definitely get sponsored, you get job security, sick leave and annual leave. If you are here for a good time, not a long time, then agency work is where to go, the money is better and you can pick your days off but they send you all over the city to different hospitals and wards. Don’t forget to see Australia too, make sure you get days off together so you can go on mini breaks.

To look for jobs in Australia, head to tntdownunder.com/ jobs

HAVING FINANCIAL DIFFICULTIES? YOUR SOLUTION IS SOLVED!!!

Come and earn BIG DOLLARS in Sydney’s Western Suburbs busiest Gentleman’s Club. All nationalities welcome,18+, training provided.

Requirements: Friendly,well presented.Secure private car parking & accommodation provided. Only drug free to apply.

CLEOPATRAS GENTLEMANS CLUB Phone (02) 9609 6668 www.cleopatrasgentlemansclub.com.au cleopatrasmanagment@hotmail.com

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

Looking for

work?

tntdownunder.com/jobs TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

65

TOTALLYTRIVIAL

follow us on

@tnt_downunder

WHO TO BLAME

AND HOW THEY’LL SPEND THE LONG WEEKEND EDITOR

ALEX HARMON [Dreading Tuesday]

STAFF WRITER

HUGH RADOJEV (In my underpants)

JAMES BESANVALLE (Not in Sydney)

AUSSIE ATTACK SHARK RULES FOOTBALL a) Pygmy c) Lemon

DESIGN & PRODUCTION

LISA FERRON (At Bluey’s Beach)

a) 50-100 c) 375-475

Q

ACCOUNT MANAGER

JUSTIN STEINLAUF (Chilling on the coast)

SALES EXECUTIVE MIKE RAMSDEN (Mutilating my liver)

FINANCIAL CONTROLLER TRISH BAILEY

(In Seminyak)

WHAT WE DID THIS WEEK

ROCKED UP TO WORK LATE AFTER A BIG NIGHT AT SCUBAR. ROOKIE ERROR.

66

TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

6

AUSSIE-ISM

9

5

8 4

2

6

7 6

9

5

“PIKER”

2

3

4

7

8

4

2 4

9

7

b) South Africa d) USA

shark? a) Reef b) Great White c) Bull d) Thresher

SUDOKU PUZZLE 2

Which country has the highest Q 8.number of shark attacks a year?

Q 9. Which is the most violent species of

Q 5. What is the fastest swimming species of shark? a) Mako b) Nurse c) Bull d) Pygmy

3

a) German word for ‘Villain’ b) Latin word for ‘Rough Skinned’ c) Italian word for ‘Jaws’ d) The middle English word for ‘Sharp’

a) Bermuda c) Australia

Q 4. What is the largest known shark? a) Megamouth b) Basking c) Great White d) Whale

9

6. A shark typically eats what percentage of its body weight every day? a) 100 b) 2 c) 30 d) 75

What is the likely origin of the word Q 7.shark?

b) Over 1,000 d) Over 3,000

3. How long do most sharks live for in the wild? a) One year b) 10 years c) 50 years d) 25 years

HUNG OUT WITH RINGO FROM NEIGHBOURS. FOUND OUT THAT HE DOESN’T PERFORM IN A BAND WITH DR KARL. DISAPPOINTED BACKED A CAR INTO A POLE. TOLD THE INSURANCE COMPANY IT WAS A VANDAL. FINGERS CROSSED

b) Lanternshark d) Thresher

How many species of shark are Q 2.known to exist?

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT TOM WHEELER (Scuba diving)

Q

What is the smallest known shark Q 1.species?

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

INTERN

1

4

If someone is being a “piker” then they’re likely to back out of an arrangement or run away from something. It can also be used as an excuse: “Sorry mate, I’ve got to pike on ya”

CRUISE WHITSUNDAYS Experience Queensland’s most innovative and spacious reef pontoon located at Knuckle Reef. Knuckle Reef Pontoon features Queensland’s largest and most spectacular underwater viewing chamber and is the only reef pontoon in Australia with a giant waterslide. Student and Backpacker Discounts available.

HBCRUISE_688wrkfle.indd 1

26/06/12 3:01 PM