TNT Downunder 706

November 5-11 2012 Issue 706 tntdownunder.com

IN W T EE BUNCH

A SW IAN OF TASMAN TR AVEL S EXPERIENCE

FEAST OF THE EAST Road tripping in Bosnia

HOUSE THAT BEER BUILT Sinking a few on XXXX Island

E R I F Y M T H LIG

aby! t Tasmania, b u o b a e v lo e gs w of all the thin n o ti ra b le e c g month lon We kick off a + NEWS & SPORT WHAT’S ON FILM REVIEWS TRAVELLERS’ TIPS

Oz Fly to Cairns then enjoy guided travel down the East Coast with Oz Experience and top it off with some awesome adventure activities!

Brisbane to Cairns *nDMVdes 0ne XBZ ĂšiHIt CetXeen #risCBne Bnd CBirns one XBZ onMZ

4treXtI 1Bss Grom CBirns to #risCBne XitI 0[ &YQerienDe "tIerton TBCMeMBnds triQ CetXeen CBirns Bnd .ission #eBDI 0WerniHIt stBZ Bt ,roomCit 0VtCBDL 4tBtion MoDBM QBZment

Sydney to Cairns *nDMVdes 0ne XBZ ĂšiHIt CetXeen 4ZdneZ Bnd CBirns one XBZ onMZ

#rVDe CoCCer 1Bss Grom CBirns to 4ZdneZ XitI 0[ &YQerienDe "tIerton TBCMeMBnds triQ CetXeen CBirns Bnd .ission #eBDI 0WerniHIt stBZ Bt ,roomCit 0VtCBDL 4tBtion MoDBM QBZment

/imCin %BZ ToVr %eQBrt #Zron #BZ 0WerniHIt stoQ Bt 4Qot 9 MoDBM QBZment

Visit www.ozexperience.com for bookings.

Terms & Conditions � TIe ÚiHIt is not BVtomBtiDBMMZ CooLed XIen tIe QBDLBHe is CooLed � CVstomers .64T DBMM (" TrBWeM on Bt MeBst dBZs Qrior to trBWeM to DonÙrm tIeir seBt � TIe ÚiHIt inDMVded is Gor one XBZ trBWeM to CBirns onMZ � 'MiHIts Bre sVCKeDt to BWBiMBCiMitZ *G tIe GBre tZQe QVrDIBsed in tIe QBDLBHe is not BWBiMBCMe Gor tIe QreGerred trBWeM dBte BnotIer dBte XiMM need to Ce DIosen � 0nDe tIe ÚiHIt is DonÙrmed tIe CooLinH is VnDIBnHeBCMe Bnd nonreGVndBCMe � TrBWeM *nsVrBnDe is stronHMZ reDommended � 1MeBse note tIBt DBrrZ on CBHHBHe is inDMVded in tIe ÚiHIt DomQonent oG tIe triQ IoXeWer DIeDLed in CBHHBHe is not inDMVded

ALEX HARMON EDITOR editor@tntdownunder.com

EDITOR’S LETTER Some of you neglect the little state of Tasmania, but we’re here to tell you that’s a big mistake. We’re so passionate about the Emerald Isle we are dedicating a whole month to exploring it. If you’re not convinced by December, then I’m afraid we’ve got problems. We also spend some time on the island that beer built (pg26) and chat to a travel writer who is living the Eat Pray Love dream (pg20). Happy travels!

THIS WEEK OZ DIARY

4

COMPETITION

12

CHATROOM

20

FILM

24

TRAVEL

32

NEWS

46

OPINION

48

SPORT

50

LISTINGS NSW

54

LISTINGS QUEENSLAND

55

LISTINGS VICTORIA

60

LISTINGS SA

62

LISTINGS NT

63

LISTINGS WA

64

LISTINGS TAS

66

LISTINGS NEW ZEALAND

68

WORK

72

TRIVIAL PURSUITS

74

6

26

FEATURES GO SOUTH

6

We kick off Tassie month with a top 10 list of great things to do down south

FROM THE CRADLE

14

We check out beautiful Launceston and take a trip around Cradle Mountain

THAT’S GOLD

26

Whoever decided that a beer company should run an island is a genius

EASTERN EXPOSURE

34

Checking out Bosnia’s white water rafting, war monuments and capital city

14

34 TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

3

OZDIARY

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EDITORIAL Editor Alex Harmon Staff writer Hugh Radojev Contributors Clare Vooght 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

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NORTHERN TERRITORY AND QUEENSLAND Few people who have witnessed a total eclipse of the sun have managed to come away from the experience without being moved by it. One of nature’s most awe inspiring sights is scheduled to take place in the far north of Australia, with the eclipses’ shadow path set to pass overheard Cairns in far north Queensland. If you really want to celebrate this momentous astral event in style, though, you can always head to the Eclipse Festival where a host of bands and DJs will make the experience all the more special.

Nov 14. Cairns, North Queensland

eclipse2012.com.au

NEWTOWN FESTIVAL

PARRAMASALA 2012

HARVEST FESTIVAL 2012

Summer in on its way and one of Sydney’s trendiest suburbs is putting on its own festival.

There will be a bunch of live bands, markets and even a writer’s booth to keep everyone entertained. Bring your refillable water bottle though, or you’ll go thirsty

This year’s festival of contemporary art and Indian culture kicks off with a Bollywood themed block party. Legendary figure Kamahl will be the MC while a whole host of some of the finest Indian musicians and dancers in Australia will be taking part.

The Harvest music festival brings top acts like Grizzly Bear, Santigold, Beck and Sigur Ros to Victoria. Summer is in the air and nothing says summer quite like a music festival – and Harvest is one of the first of the new season. And what a line up.

Nov 11 Camperdown Park, Newtown newtowncentre.com

Nov 8 Parramatta, Sydney parramasala.com

Nov 10 Werribee Park, Vic harvestfestival.com.au

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A DAY

%#,)03% 3% &%34)6!,

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Sydney to Cairns 6-8 days with $450 towards fuel Brisbane to Cairns 4-6 days with $300 towards fuel Adelaide to Cairns 7-10 days with $450 towards fuel Melbourne to Cairns 7-10 days with $450 towards fuel Alice Springs to Cairns 5-7 days with $450 towards fuel Darwin to Cairns 6-9 days with $450 towards fuel

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25/10/12 8:54 AM

Simply put: Tassie rocks!

A devilishly good state Australia’s very own emerald isle encapsulates the finer things in life: great food, wine and friendly people – and in a pristine package too WORDS HUGH RADOJEV

Tasmania is, simply speaking, completely unlike anywhere else in Australia. The cities and towns, the landscapes, the climate and even the people are unique to this little green island floating in the frigid waters of the deep south.

Tasmania’s grim convict past, with all of its bloody tales of death, cannibalism and horror are reason enough for history buffs to visit, whilst the brilliant local food and wine to be found in the unique regions hold their own distinct pleasures.

Tasmania’s mild, year-round climate and rich soils have yielded wonderful and world renowned vintages, particularly sparkling wines and pinot noir, whilst its pristine rivers and big yields of natural grain and apples have seen some of Australia’s best beers and 6

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ciders brewed in the state.

Perhaps Tasmania’s biggest tourist draw card, though, focuses on the state’s breathtaking natural beauty – around a third of the state is made up of protected national parks – and has become something of a hallowed area for bushwalkers and naturalists in equal measure. From the sweeping, weeklong adventure afforded by hiking the Overland Track, to walks around the beautiful Freycinet National Park and the Bay of Fires, the state’s amazing abundance of natural beauty rivals that of stunning New Zealand.

Once considered somewhat isolated (and backwards) by mainland Australians, Tasmania has pushed itself to the forefront of Australia’s artistic and cultural landscape. The Museum

of New and Old Art (MONA) in Hobart rivals anything to be found on the mainland, or even in the world, with contemporary and classic artworks, sculpture and installations to dazzle the eye and reward the soul.

In fact, the city of Hobart recently caught the attention of the world with Lonely Planet rating Hobart as one of the top 10 cities in the world to visit in 2013 – the only Aussie city to make the grade. Something Tasmanians have been saying for years.

Speaking of top 10’s, we’ve picked out our 10 favourite things to do in Tasmania. This might not be a definitive list but it’s a start, a beginning to try and surmise this wonderful and beautiful state which you simply have ›› to experience for yourself.

and

presents

DUB DAY AFTERNOON 2012

Brisbane‘s biggest reggae and dancehall event of the year

REGGAE·DANCEHALL·DUB

Paua Champion Sound Conscious Jury DJ Bones Bussatones Gregwise One Dragon Two Dragon Toothy Swede DJ Wade Magala

œ Ghetto Fire Crew œ One Dread œ Rhythm Collision Sound œ Youngtree œ Bellyas œ Señor Rudekat œ Samedi Soundsystem œ DollaMix œ Brimstone Rockers œ Selecta Bing

OUTSIDE AREA CONTROLLED AND POWERED BY CHAMPION SOUND SYSTEM FOOD AND DINNERS AVAILABLE

2 PM - 2 AM

TH OV 4 SATURDAY 2 N THE JUBILEE HOISBTEANLE

470 ST PAULS TERRACFROE,MTHFORETITUVADELLVALEYLEY, BR TRAIN STATION 5 MINUTES

Entry: $18 presold or online / $20 on the door Online: www.oztix.com.au 1300 762 545 or oztix retail outlets (+ booking fee) TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

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8

MUSEUM OF OLD AND NEW ART (MONA)

HOBART

Since first opening its doors in 2011, this huge gallery conceived as the brainchild of an eccentric millionaire has become Tasmania’s single largest tourist attraction.

MONA, described as a “subversive adult’s Disneyland” is a three level monolith hewn into the living rock around the Berriedale peninsula, and is almost a work of art in itself.

Inside, the art is predominantly showcased underground, where ancient antiquities rub shoulders with new works from young, contemporary artists from all across the world.

The museum has been compared favourably with Bilbao’s famous Guggemheim Museum as being a truly world class attraction in a small city. MONA is a must-visit regardless of whether you’re a serious fan of art or whether you’re just keen to experience something unique and wonderful.

Australia’s second oldest city is also one of its most picturesque. With the historic city dappled between the snow-capped peak of Mount Wellington and the harbour, Hobart has enough activities day and night to keep everyone entertained. With delicious seafood and fresh dairy products, as well as award-winning wineries and breweries, the foodies will love Hobart’s quaint restaurants and café’s, particularly those found around Victoria and Constitution Docks, while there are plenty of pubs, cool bars and nightclubs to whet one’s whistle after dark. The city also has a host of beautiful heritage-listed buildings to visit and is minutes away from nature, with wonderful trekking provided by the dominant Mount Wellington. Hobart was recently voted the 7th most recommended city in the world to visit next year by Lonely Planet and it comes as no surprise given that the Tasmanian capital is unlike any other city in Australia.

CRADLE MOUNTAIN

SALAMANCA PLACE

This beautiful curve of dolomite rock jutting above a glacial lake is considered something of the jewel in the crown of the 1262 sq-km Lake St Clair National Park. Towering 1545 metres above sea level, this rugged series of peaks perhaps best captures the allure of Tasmania’s rugged alpine heart.

Despite being less than a two hour drive from Devonport, one of Tasmania’s larger regional centres, the mountain itself takes the best part of seven hours to get up and down and is exposed to the elements and the wild weather that can often change quickly and without warning. Despite this though, the breathtaking views offered at the summit, the beautiful natural scenery of the area, and the national park in general make this another hugely popular tourist attraction and another unique opportunity offered by Australia’s southern island.

The row of four heritage-listed sandstone warehouses marks Salamanca Place’s history, which dates backs to the 1830s when Salamanca served as the centre of the city’s whaling trade and its overall commercial hub. While the area fell into ruin and disrepair throughout much of the 20th Century, the revival of Tasmania’s sense of “heritage” in the 1970’s saw the area become redeveloped. Now the east end of Salamanca Place has become the subject of a number of expensive and large redevelopments, and is the centre of a large and vibrant art crowd. The non-profit run Salamanca Arts Centre occupies several of the old warehouses and is home to over 70 works of art. The well renowned Salamanca markets also operate every Saturday and play host to, not only the regions beautiful natural produce, but also its growing community of alternative artists and new-age hippies. .

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THERE ARE PLACES IN

Tasmania WHERE THE TR AILS LE AD TO

higher places.

. . . A N D I T ’ S O N L Y A D E E P B R E A T H A W A Y. Sydney Melbourne TASMANIA

Just a short flight from Melbourne or Sydney you can uncover our extraordinary island, where there’s no such thing as rush hour and space isn’t divided into cubicles. Come visit the southern island state of Australia where wide expanses of World Heritage Area wilderness will ignite your adventurous passions. Raft the legendary Franklin River, breathe in the beauty of the Tarkine, climb majestic Cradle Mountain or kayak beneath the pink granite mountains of the Freycinet Peninsula.

Visit www.discovertasmania.com.au or www.backpacktassie.com for local backpacking info.

OVERLAND TRACK

BRUNY ISLAND

This is a six to eight day journey through Tasmania’s incredible Alpine wilderness through the Lake St Clair National Park. It is a wonderfully challenging, yet definitely achievable, odyssey for anyone stout of heart and possessed of a solid pair of hiking boots. The 65-80 kilometre hike has become perhaps the most definitive bushwalk in any of Australia’s states. Hikers must traverse sheer mountain terrain, temperate rainforest, wild rivers and snow-capped alpine plains in the protected World Heritage Area. In the warmer summer months tour groups and large numbers of experienced walkers tackle the track, whilst in the colder, winter months, the numbers of people walking the track lessen due to the frigid temperatures and low levels of sunlight during the day. (This actually makes the walk longer and more difficult.) Yet, even in summer, don’t expect the walk to be all sunshine and t-shirt weather – the region is well known for its unpredictable storms and cold snaps.

The home of the beautiful South Bruny National Park, Bruny Island provides the ultimate Tasmanian wilderness experience. On land, you can venture into the wilderness on one of the many Bruny Island bushwalks. On sea, you can catch an eco-cruise exploring the stunning coastline of the island. Bruny Island is home to fur seals, fairy penguins, and white wallaby and provides excellent opportunities for Birdwatching. This Island is actually almost two islands, joined by a narrow, 5km sandy isthmus called ‘The Neck’.

Brunny’s coast can be described as magical and there are endless amounts of swimming and surfing beaches. Bruny is a brilliant island for touring, you can drive north to the sheltered beaches of Dennes Point and Killora; head south to Adventure Bay, the Cape Bruny Lighthouse and Cloudy Bay, where there is a great surf break. Bruny Island is building a reputation for top quality, local produce food and premium quality wine. You will find handmade fudge, chocolate, truffles, berries, cheese and fresh oysters, so get your taste buds on standby when you get off the ferry.

Bruny Island Cheese Company is a great first stop. Another brilliant food experience will be had at Get Shucked Oyster Farm; you can wash down half a dozen oysters with a bottle of nonalcoholic chilli beer, which will defiantly help warm you up. And to satisfy your sweet tooth, Island Berry Farm where you can ‘pick your own’ or enjoy the farms juicy seasonal produce with ice-cream, scones or pancakes. AG

FREYCINET NATIONAL PARK/WINEGLASS BAY Half way down the east coast of Tasmania you’ll find this beautiful area, described as a laidback, salt-tousled holiday town. Coles Bay sits at the foot of the Granite Mountains known as the Hazards, and on the edge of the worldrenowned Freycinet National Park and Wineglass Bay (about two and ½ hour’s drive from Hobart and Launceston). Famous for the pink granite mountains rising straight from the sea.

Also famous, according to the travel bible Lonely Planet, for Wineglass Bay which was named one of the top 10 beaches in the world. If you’re game enough, a very quick dip in the aqua blue clear sea is a must-do. It all looks rather tropical until you remember you are almost at the southern end of the globe!

The Wineglass Bay Walk is one of the most popular routes in Tasmania, you can make the steep climb to Wineglass Bay Lookout to get magnificent views over the bay and peninsula.

If you consider yourself a bit of a Bear Grylls wannabe then you will be spoilt for choice with bushwalking, fishing, rock climbing, mountain biking, snorkelling and surfing – the activity list is endless. AG

BAY OF FIRES The Bay of Fires is a 29km sweep of powdery white sand, crystal clear seas and granite splashed with orange lichen.

It has been called one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. In 2009, this area was named one of the world’s hottest travel destinations by Lonely Planet and once you experience it first hand, you’ll understand why. Amongst the ‘Fires you’ll find quaint villages that are popular for fishing, boating, swimming and kayaking. The bay was named by Captain Tobias Furneaux in 1773 in response to the many Aboriginal fires he saw burning on its shore.

People visiting the area today often believe that the name refers to the play of light on the water. It’s a good guess – the light in Tasmania has a crystalline quality which contrasts well with the white sand on the shores. AG

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PORT ARTHUR This small settlement has a very interesting history. In 1830 Governor Arthur chose the Tasman Peninsula to confine prisoners who had committed further crimes in the colony.

A ‘natural penitentiary’ – the peninsula is connected to the mainland by a strip of land less then 100m wide – Eagle hawk Neck is where ferocious guard dogs and tales of shark infested waters deterred escape. It was hell on Earth for the 12,500 prisoners who served hard, brutal time between 1830 and 1877. Australia’s first railway literally ‘ran’ the 7km between Northfolk Bay at Taranna and Long Bay near Port Arthur, where convicts pushed the carriages along the tracks. Many say that Port Arthur is a quiet a somber place, with most sights carrying this darker theme. Convict history is well documented throughout many of the landmarks, including The Port Arthur Historic Site, which is one of Tasmania’s busiest tourist attractions.

Downstairs is an interpretative gallery where you can follow the convict’s journey from England to Tasmania. The Port Arthur Museum contains many displays; it was originally an asylum, housing patients from throughout the colony.

Another fascinating place to visit is The Separate Prison which was built as a place of punishment for difficult prisoners, following a decision to ‘reform’ prisoners by isolation and sensory deprivation rather than flogging. If you enjoying getting spooked and things that go bump in the night then Port Arthur offers a range of ghost tours as well as the Isle of the Dead Cemetery Tour, Point Puer Boys’ Prison Tour and a Paranormal Investigation Experience. AG

FOOD AND WINE The food and wine in Tassie is so good it deserves a special mention. Visitors are treated to prime cheeses, mouthwatering berries, crisp apples, stone fruits, herbs, premium beef, specialty honey, mushrooms, cool-climate wines and some of Australia’s leading boutique and production beers and whiskies. Quench you thirst in Hobart, where you can tour the historic Cascade Brewery with its magnificent sandstone Georgian facade, located at the foot of Mount Wellington. Moorilla Estate, to the north of Hobart, creates boutique beers based on classic German traditions – the best hops, pure water and no preservatives. In Launceston, James Boag’s Premium Brewery, on the banks of the Tamar River is also open to visitors. Tasmania now produces such elegant cool-climate wines as pinot noir, riesling, chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, pinot gris and sparkling wines. You would be mad not to visit the Cadbury Visitor Centre in Claremont and enjoy tasting some of the raw materials. Tasmania’s cool clean waters grow Atlantic salmon as the clean waters mean their diet is natural, free from antibiotics and hormones. You will find the best oysters, abalone, mussels, scallops, crayfish, snapper, blue-eye trevalla, and much more at punts and direct from trawlers at many places around the state. There is also several food and wine festivals and markets held throughout the calendar year, like Taste Tasmania in late December, while beer-lovers will be spoilt for choice with more than 100 boutique beers on offer during Tasmania Beer Festival. AG

tours tasmania

ACTIVE DAY TOURS & PACKAGES

FREECALL: 1800 777 103

www.tourstas.com.au

bookings@tourstas.com.au This is your Discount Voucher!

5% off tour or package

**Bookings must be made direct with Tours Tasmania. *Voucher to be presented on tour. *1 voucher per person.

CHECK OUT OUR FULL RANGE OF ACTIVE DAY TOURS!

PORT ARTHUR WINEGLASS BAY RUSSELL FALLS MT. WELLINGTON TAHUNE AIRWALK HASTINGS CAVES CRADLE MOUNTAIN MT. FIELD

W ILLIAM R ILEY

WAS A CONVICT

WHO WAS ABANDONED AS A CHILD

–

AN ‘ INOFFENSIVE , ORDERLY ’ BOY

TRANSPORTED AT FOURTEEN , A DRUNK BY SIXTEEN , A MURDERER

He was in a most dreadful state to pass from this world to another.’

–R W R ’ T C T EPORT OF

ILLIAM

ILEY S TRIAL IN

HE

OLONIAL

IMES

BY TWENTY - NINE TO

–

WHAT HAPPENED

W ILLIAM R ILEY ?

AMAZING STORIES, EPIC HISTORY Discover more for yourself! – www.portarthur.org.au

Port Arthur, Tasmania Tel: 1800 659 101

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HOW TO ENTER

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

CURIOUS ABOUT TASSIE? No doubt you’ve ticked the crazy east coast off your list, perhaps you’ve even been to Uluru, maybe even explored the west, but have you been to Tasmania? The little green state down under sometimes gets forgotten, but we’re here to tell you that you are crazy to neglect Australia’s Apple Isle.

Tasmania is great for escaping the everyday. It’s an unspoilt playground for abundant wildlife, with scenery unlike anywhere else on Earth, certainly not a place that you should skip on past. Which is why TNT has teamed up with a whole bunch of our Tassie friends to put together this fantastic package allowing you and a mate the chance to sample some of 12

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what the state has to offer.

We’re offering one lucky reader and a friend a chance to win one of the following terrific prizes: GRAND PRIZE TOTAL VALUE $2,857 Return flights from Sydney/Melbourne to Hobart courtesy of Tourism Tasmania for two ($600 value) Under Down Under Explorer 6, multi day tour (6 days/5 nights) tour for two, Including Tasmania’s best national parks, Hobart, Launceston and much more. ($2,190 value) Pickled Frog One night private room for two in Hobart. ($67 value) RUNNER UP PRIZE WORTH $450 Port Arthur Historic Sites Paranormal

Investigation Experience for two. ($250 value) Tours Tasmania Wineglass Bay Day tour for two. ($200 value) THIRD PRIZE WORTH $308 Fun Tassie Tours Cradle Mountain Day tour for two. ($278 value) Gunns Plains Cave VIP Guide cave tour for two. ($30 value ) Competition closes: December 16th 2012 Terms & conditions apply. Visit tntdownunder.com for all entry details.

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Total prizes worth over

$3,600

WIN A TASMANIAN ADVENTURE FOR TWO

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Cradle Mountain TASMANIA

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Rocking the cradle Escape the Dystopian mainland for the rugged north west of Tassie. The crisp mountain air, and even crisper cider will add colour to your life WORDS ALEX HARMON

There is a beautiful scene in the 1998 film WHAT TO DO: Cradle Mountain day tours with Tours Pleasantville where the townsfolk begin Tasmania depart from Launceston to feel emotion for the very first time and (three or four times/week), briefly the whole place comes to life with bursts stopping in Sheffield (the ‘Town of colour. The little town of Sheffield in of Murals’), and Cradle Mountain Tasmania a little bit like that.

National Park. From $115pp. See: After driving 90 minutes west of Launceston, through quiet winding roads tourstas.com.au looking at fields of green, dotted with ACCOMMODATION: white sheep and country houses we arrive Dorms at Launceston Backpackers in what is commonly known as the ‘Town start from $24p/n. See: of Murals’ and see colour so extraordinary, launcestonbackpackers.com. it’s as if this town in the middle of nowhere au. Arthouse Backpackers have has come to bloom. dorms from $23/night. See: It was in 1986 when Sheffield, with arthousehostel.com.au a population of less than 2,000 people, GETTING THERE: Virgin painted its first mural. Since then, over 60 flies from Sydney to Launceston murals portraying the area’s rich history and daily. See virginaustralia.com.au stunning natural scenery have been painted on walls scattered throughout the town and buildings along the roadside. Now the town attracts over 200,000 people a year who come to be swept away by the colour and beauty on every corner. Almost every shop has a wall depicting one aspect of the town’s past.

There’s the old blacksmith, the printing press, farmers with their horse and carts, the kinds of things that have been lost throughout history. Sheffield got the idea from the small logging town of Chemainus in Canada which resurrected itself through murals when the old mill was shut down. (Although, these days, the tiny Tassie town has more murals than its Canadian cousins.)

There’s also a park that showcases the very best from the town’s annual ‘Mural Fest’. Here we ponder some more modern pieces articulating consumerism and lost Aboriginal heritage – at least that is my interpretation.

Even if you’re not an art critic, grab yourself a coffee from one of the quaint cafes and make your way around the town, annoying your friends with Instagram posts from this outdoor art gallery. Even the local skate park is beautiful, with graffiti in positive, swirling pastel colours.

With the inspiring Cradle Mountain looming in the background, you could say Sheffield has an artistic hold over all those who pass through.

Going the whole hog The peak of Cradle Mountain had been with us for some time, recognising it is easy. Its iconic shape is like spotting the Eiffel Tower when flying into Paris. Although it is named after its resemblance to a miner’s cradle, an old 19th century device used to separate gold or other heavy minerals from soil, from where I’m standing, the brilliant peaks come together like an old, jagged comb. Some even say it looks like a baby’s rocking cradle, but surely that is the eponym putting ideas in their heads (I sound like the repressed Mayor in Pleasantville).

If these walls could talk...

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Cradle, or comb? You be the judge

Many of the buildings that lead to up to Cradle Mountain are made from dolomite which is taken from the mountain, so it’s almost like you’re getting a taste of the mountain before you arrive. This reminds me of the way the Spanish consume a whole pig, letting no hoof or offal go to waste. The heritage buildings we pass are like Cradle Mountain’s chorizo.

Not having time to do the Overland Track, a six day hike, (the whole hog, you could say) we opt for a day tour of the World Heritage area of Cradle Mountain National Park. We commence by doing the ‘Enchanted Walk’ a short stroll into the dense rainforest.

“Lord of the Rings was almost filmed in this area, but they couldn’t rely on the ever-changing weather,” our guide tells us. It could easily be the Forest of Fangorn with the Misty Mountains in the background, but as we know, leading lady Queenstown snapped up that role.

What was filmed here was a James Boags’ beer ad with a couple of kayakers who threw themselves off a gushing waterfall. No trick cinematography here, the men in the commercial actually cascaded over the edge in their narrow little boats. I’m pretty impressed by that.

At the base of Cradle Mountain we are presented with the magnificent, deep blue Dove Lake. There’s a 6km track that will take us right around the lake and beneath the towering spires of Cradle Mountain. Even though it’s spring, the peaks are dusted in snow and we’re told to be prepared for all conditions. The guide isn’t exaggerating, during the two hour walk around the lake, we experience wind, rain, a light 16

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splattering of snow and some sun.

The tour is completely self-guided (it’s not hard to get lost, even for directionally-challenged people like myself) so you’re able to walk at your own pace. This allows us to stop and take photos of the centerpiece and snack on the crisp Tassie apples our guide sent us packing with.

It’s not the most strenuous of walks, but it allows you to take in all of the mountain’s brilliance. The round trip allows you to see the mountain in so many different shades, and the dynamic weather ensures that you will see it in many different colours.

She’ll be apples When life gives you apples – make cider, right? This could be the unofficial motto of Launceston, as I find out later that night. After a long day on the mountain, we arrive back in ‘Launie’ (as the locals call it), to go in search of the nightlife.

We’re a little underwhelmed by the first pub we step into, as we are clearly the youngest people to step foot into it in years and our out-of-town aura attracts many a stare from people who look like they’re part of the furniture.

The old Boags’ advertisements on the walls are almost like a walk down beer marketing history, but I can’t figure out if this is irony, or lazy housekeeping. We decide to move on, rather uninspired by the town’s atmosphere on a Friday night. That is until we stumble upon a tiny bar bursting with people. On the ghost-like main streets, this bar appears to be a mirage, so imagine our surprise when we walk in to find

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What if the best cider in Launceston created a bar? out that it’s a fully-fledged bar dedicated to cider.

Dickens Bar has only been open a few months but it’s got a strong fan base in town. The young blonde bartenders, who happen to be cousins, coax us into sampling the four ciders on tap. This isn’t your average cider, but then again, Tasmania doesn’t grow your average apples, it grows the country’s best. On tap at Dickens you’ll find pear cider, old English cider, cloudy cider and a cider made from Pink Lady apples mixed with Pinot Noir. I opt for the latter, which is stronger than I expect. Perhaps it was all the walking around Cradle Mountain I’ve done but it has me trolleyed.

John Dickens, one of the co-owners just happens to be sitting next to me at the bar and we chat about his business bottling apples.

“We’re a wholesale company who have made ciders for years and we’ve always loved doing the stalls at festivals,”

says John. “Opening the bar just seemed like a natural extension of that.”

Looking around, the crowd seems very Sydney, lots of well-dressed hipsters with designer moustaches taking photos of their drinks with their iPhones, some of them are even playing the old board game Connect Four. It feels like I’ve stepped into a trendy Sydney bar. The only difference is, the lights are shining very bright – if this were Sydney, there would be dark mood lighting to hide our red-flushed faces, I think to myself.

“We actually hope to one day open a cider bar in Sydney,” John tells me, as if to read my mind. I tell him it’s just what cider-loving Sydney needs. Just remember to dim the lights, I suggest.

If Tassie has taught me something on this trip, it’s that we live a monochrome life on the mainland. ❚

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Becky Wicks The hilarious writer who lifted the burqa on Dubai in her debut novel Burqalicious has just written a book on Bali. She tells us about life as a Balinese local and why she looks like Lassie INTERVIEW ALEX HARMON

manner (and maybe to bag a hot Brazilian man).

But seriously, I met some of the most powerful, strong, intelligent and fascinating women in Bali, which is strange because Bali, and in particular Ubud, which takes its name from its surrounding jungles and medicinal plant offerings, is allegedly a vortex of healing and feminine energy.

Who would play you in a Balilicious film adaptation?

Probably an unwashed dog at this point, like Lassie after falling down a mine for four weeks.

I’m a bit of a wandering gypsy at the moment, but in human terms… God, that’s hard. I would hope for someone like Natalie Portman but I’d probably get an extra from Home and Away.

Living the dream: “I might get a massage, go to a cock fight, do some writing”

Hi Becky, tell us, why Bali?

To be honest I flew from Sydney to Bali on a holiday with no plan and was just totally romanced by the island. The hot yoga instructors in Ubud were one thing but not being a fan of yoga myself I was intrigued by the stories of magic and mystery in both the expat world and the local culture. I pitched another book, (this one’s my second travel diary) and luckily the publishers let me stay there to write it!

Describe a typical day in Bali A day doesn’t start without being rudely awoken by a rooster, probably around 4am. Then, just as you’ve fallen back to sleep, someone will start sweeping around your door with a giant broom.

A fresh coconut and egg-on-toast for breakfast is key, then comes a zoom around on your motorbike (which you can rent for $50 a month).

I might get a massage, go to a cock fight, do some writing, or I might forget all that and go for a vaginal steam before a past life regression session with a psychic called Galactica Blanco.

What do you miss about Bali?

God, everything! Seriously I’m like a broken record. I miss the sunshine, the cheap, healthy organic food, the way the Balinese are so smiley

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and kind, my motorbike, partying in the Gili Islands, talking to spiritual nutters, scuba diving.

And the worst thing about Bali?

The traffic. You can’t go five metres in Ubud these days without ramming into the back of someone’s motorbike and getting tangled in a hippy’s dreadlock. And the litter is pretty bad. The Balinese used to eat from palm leaves and just discard them on the floor, but doing the same with plastic bags is causing a huge problem. Still, there are lots of organisations taking actions to clean up the island, which is great.

Did Bali ‘change’ you?

I should probably say yes, I’m way more spiritual and I really ‘found myself’ whilst sitting crosslegged on a mat, chanting om. But I wasn’t really changed by any of that. I guess I’m calmer, I take my time to do things because that’s the Balinese way, and I appreciate the little things now, the moments that used to just get drowned by city noise and lost in chaos. I think we can all learn something from spending time in Bali.

Tell me about the ‘Julia Roberts Syndrome’?

Well, after Eat Pray Love thousands flocked in to contemplate their lives in a more existential

Travel writing seems like a dream job, how did you get to where you are?

Well, I wrote a lot of other stuff before the travel writing thing happened. Sometimes about nothing. I blogged about my mental time in Dubai as a celeb editor dating a rich Muslim man, which became my first book, ‘Burqalicious – the Dubai Diaries.’ Things just grew from there.

Any advice for aspiring travel writers?

I think you have to be willing to write even when you don’t feel like it. Put your name out there by blogging travel related topics and your sense of adventure will shine. Then pitch stories about the places you want to go. Update your blog regularly, even if it’s just a photo and a small paragraph every day. Keep your eye on upcoming, hot destinations and approach relative mags, bloggers and publishers with your ideas for stories.

Whereabouts in the world are you now?

Right now I’m sitting at a tapestry covered table in a hostel in the tiny town of Purmamarca, northern Argentina. Tomorrow I’m crossing into Bolivia. I’m working on my third book, ‘Latinalicious – the South American Diaries’ so it’s a lot of moving about, but it’s fun!

Becky Wicks’ second novel, Balilicious, The Bali Diaries is out December 1st. harpercollins.com.au

From the international bestselling author of Burqalicious

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Gypsy and the Cat One half of the celebrated Aussie electro-pop duo, Xavier Bacash, talks to us about the new album, The Late Blue, leaving Sony and making music for the cows of the sea INTERVIEW HUGH RADOJEV

How was working with producer David Fridmann?

We‘d never really sat in a studio with someone, so it’s really good to have someone help us make our choices. It’s important having another person’s ear on things. When you’re recording there are obviously a lot of sounds going on and it was interesting to hear his perspective of things. He was absolutely integral in drawing it out, making it as good as it could be. He helped toughen the shit out of a lot of stuff as well.

Not pop: “It’s supposed to be euphoric and dreamy”

The new album is less full of singles than the last, was that deliberate?

Yeah, I think the kind of thing we’re doing now is what we always wanted to do. The first record was really ghost written for films, it wasn’t necessarily written to be released as part of a band. We toured it a lot obviously but by the end I couldn’t really relate to it [Gilgamesh] anymore and nor could Lionel. I guess we just both needed a change. So I guess part of it was conscious, but another part of it was just what we’ve always wanted to do.

22

Initial reations to the new album have been good, is that a relief?

Well yeah, I think a couple of people literally previewed thirty seconds of our new songs on iTunes and hated it, wanted another Jona Vark or whatever and I guess those are the kinds of fans we can afford to lose. If they don’t want to listen to the record that’s fair enough but we didn’t want to make the same kind of album as Gilgamesh. Lots of reviewers are getting it, because they listen to it intently, I don’t think it’s a record you can just skim over, you have to listen to all of it.

Was the song writing process much different back then?

Yeah, because I think we sort of rushed through the last record in a sense. Everything on that record was programmed and now everything is live. We’ve obviously played live a lot in the last two years and that had an effect on the way we came to write the new record as well.

So you can’t relate to anything from the first album now?

There are some good tunes on that record, but they’re surrounded by pop. I don’t hate Jona Vark, I’m quite grateful to that song in a way but yeah, most of the others I have a really tough time listening to.

You guys originally met as DJs in Melbourne?

Yeah, I mean not like serious DJs, that kind of thing got blown out of proportion a little bit in the early days of the press interviews. We just played at the same club together and met there.

You’ve used pop in a negative way there, the new album’s still poppy They’re supposed to be euphoric and dreamy but at the same time it’s pretty tough, with the live drums and stuff. I guess when I say pop I mean it’s not like Rihanna or anything.

Why did you leave Sony?

At the end of the cycle for the last album the guy who signed us for Sony got fired, then they replaced him with someone else who we got on alright with, but then he got fired as well. It just got to the point where we couldn’t get money for the video clip for Jona Vark, everything just came way too late. Like we were booked for Lollapalooza and Coachella, these huge international music festivals and they wouldn’t even pay for us to go over there. It was preposterous that a label would deny a band those opportunities. So it got to the point where it was like, no way.

Have you guys had a chance to play the new songs live yet?

Well at Splendour in the Grass this year we played four of the new songs, but we’ve not played all of them. Yeah, it’s going to be interesting.

Do they sound bigger live?

Yeah, because of the last record being all programmed we maybe didn’t get great dynamic on stage, as much light and shade within the songs themselves. With live drums, you can really get that dynamic happening.

Are you going to take up the offer to make music for Sydney’s Dugong Island?

Probably (laughs) I don’t know. I’d rather do the aquarium proper, but we’ll see. Well, hopefully after this little Australian run we get a chance.

Catch Gypsy and the Cat at the Metro Sydney on Nov 8 and the Hi-Fi in Brisbane on Nov 10 gypsyandthecat.com

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SKYFALL FILM review by Alasdair Morton STARRING: Daniel Craig, Naomie Harris, Javier Bardem | MA | 142min

PITCH PERFECT FILM preview. Released December 6 Anna Kendrick, Brittany Snow, Rebel Wilson | M | 112mins

Beca (Anna Kendrick), a freshman at University, is cajoled into joining ‘The Bellas’, an all-girls singing group. adding new energy into the group, The Bellas take on their male rivals in a campus competition. It sounds like Glee graduates highschool, watches The Breakfast Club and injects some campness into it. Aussie Rebel Wilson, once again, plays the ‘fat’ character.

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Daniel Craig is a great Bond, but he’s not had a great movie yet. That’s all changed with his third outing Skyfall, which is, simply, the best Bond in decades.

Much as Connery had to wait until his third Bond, Goldfinger, for the Broccolis to nail the formula, it is Craig’s third outing, and his first with Bond newbie director Sam Mendes, that pulls all the pieces together.

Ditching the Quantum story arc from the previous two films, thankfully, it’s a story in its own right, with a beleaguered Bond struggling with age and to protect MI6 from an assailant wreaking chaos over the intelligence service.

Mendes, above all, brings an emotional honesty to the film; Bond’s journey touches on his heritage, emotional issues, and paints 007 as a real human being.

Craig (the “bland character actor” said the naysayers when his casting was announced in 2005) shades Bond with regret, a sense of humour and fear, even, bringing a sense of danger and jeopardy that had been previously lacking.

While the Bond Babes (Naomie Harris’ agent and Berenice Marlohe’s femme fatale) are given little screentime, Javier Bardem’s villain Raoul Silva is a freakish, violent force of nature and an adversary deserving the fear and anarchy he births.

It is, fittingly, a most British of Bonds – much of the story’s set in or around London – and Mendes delivers the action in a pulsating bike-car-train opening sequence and thrilling London Underground chase especially.

It’s current, yet aware of the series’ past – it is, essentially, the Bond Craig and we have been waiting for.

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Room with a brew No man is an island, but XXXX Island comes pretty close. We talk to the clever bunch who have brewed this beery island to fruition WORDS ALEX HARMON

Photos: XXXX Island

An island created by a beer company, specifically for beer lovers may seem like a beer lover's wet dream, but on the southern Great Barrier Reef, XXXX Gold have made this a reality. The six hectare island, formally known as Pumpkin Island on the Capricorn Coast in central Queensland has been taken over by the ingenious beer company, and now goes by the name XXXX Island.

“This is not Club Med – it’s more Club Shed. We’re not offering up a five star resort, but rather one of the most perfect places on earth to simply kick back with nature and enjoy a beer with your mates,” says Anna McMillan, XXXX’s marketing manager.

In a clever piece of marketing from ‘Queensland’s favourite beer’, XXXX Island is only accessible by competition prize winners with each winner allowed to bring three mates. Therefore each weekend there will only be 24 lucky people living the good life.

As, Caroline Masterson XXXX GOLD brand manager explains, “The prizes are worth $10,000 but it’s not actually about the monetary value, it’s more about the bragging rights. We only have 1,000 consumers who get to experience XXXX Island every year so it’s very much money can’t buy experience.”

In what appears to be a world first, this ‘mate's only experience’ was created when XXXX asked their beer drinkers what their ultimate fantasy island would consist of.

Over 25,000 people voted on their personal favourite ideas and XXXX Gold put their tools to work.

Naturally, on an island created for beer lovers, there are no day spas but there are most certainly pool tables; there’s no room service, but fishing for your dinner is encouraged; and beer is served by a board short wearing ‘beer bulter'.

The island's pièce de résistance, the beach bar, overlooks the stunning reef and serves only XXXX Gold ("what else would you want?" asks Masterson).

Touches of ingenuity include the floating footy posts 20 metres off shore where mates can play a bit of beach footy, a one-hole golf course for the lazy golfer, a pully system that delivers you beer (for the lazy drinker), or my personal

“

It's not about the money, it's about the bragging rights

”

favouite, the ‘loo with a view' – so you can release yourself with a beautiful view of the ocean (one-sided glass ensure there won't be any stage fright.)

“We have also been busy fitting out the cabins which have slightly different themes,” says Masterson. “We have a fishing themed cabin, a footy cabin., we’ve got one called the house of rock which is a music theme and we’ve also got the motor shack. “ For those that think cabins are for the soft, there is also a camp ground, called ‘base camp’ which as Masterson says, “is located on the most beautiful part of the island, looking back to the mainland. Guests have the most amazing views of the sunset. It’s got these two large semi-permanent tents that are very safari style.”

“These are ideas that our drinkers have had, they tend to be an ingenuous lot," explains Masterson. "They certainly have thought of everything.

“But if there’s something they think the island is missing, we are open to evolve, we want to keep the island fresh,” Masterson assures.

If the ad campaigns are anything to go by, the island takes a very tongue in cheek approach to what men want on holiday. From billboards with men relaxing on the beach with their feet in foot spas made from Eskys, to the TVC campaigns of ‘real Aussie men’ hanging together in a land where “bean spouts and salads are banned," XXXX Island appears to be the ultimate man-cation.

“XXXX Gold is a brand that doesn’t take itself too seriously," adds Guyder.

But it's not just for the love of beer, Capricorn Enterprise

TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

27

Teeing off in the world's shortest golf game

CEO Mary Carroll says the island has already injected hundreds of thousand of dollars into the local economy.

“This is the single biggest marketing campaign this destination has seen since Get Wrecked on Great Keppel in the 1980s.

“A thousand people each year, from all over Australia, who wouldn’t normally have visited the Capricorn Coast will be exposed to our area,” said Ms Carroll.

Carrying the XXXX Gold flag is TV personality Jules Lund (below), recruited as one the island’s ambassadors.

Jules on XXXX Island

“It’s awesome to be a part of this fantastic campaign. I’ve been there and as far as islands go, it’s just about perfect.

I’m looking forward to working with this great group of ambassadors to help tell Aussies how they have a chance to get themselves to XXXX Island,” said Lund.

The island was bought by John and Sonja Rumble in 2003 for $1.3 million, and they gave it to their son Wayne, for his 27th birthday. He now runs it with partner and views the XXXX Island stunt as a "great opportunity for the island that will only bring more people to the area". Rumble ensures that XXXX will respect the eco-friendly nature of the space.

“We're all about the sustainability – a lot of the power is brought from solar," says Masterson. "We’re conscious of maintaining the environmental integrity of the island so all of our water is from enactments, from rainwater. We’ve got a couple of generators as back up but we want to rely on the natural resources form sun, water and wind. Part of the appeal is, at the end of the day, you’ve got this perfect location on the Barrier Reef, but you really want to showcase it and ensure that people respect the island too."

But surely an island full of testosterone, competitive sports and an endless supply of beer is a recipe for disaster?

“Well it’s a mid strength beer, so it’s lower in alcohol and we serve it along side water and non alcoholic beverages.

For us it’s very important that we’re being responsible with consumption and we need to comply with RSA as would any venue back on the mainland. We’re very conscious of that and we want to promote responsible consumption.

“So far, so good.” ❚ To read more about XXXX Island, see: xxxxisland.com.au

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STOP THE CLOCK PIZZA

THE EARLIER YOU GET IN, THE CHEAPER THE PIZZA Cnr George St & Rawson Pl Sydney Central | scubar.com.au

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Email us at tom@ tntdownunder.com with ‘Spotted’ in the subject line, email must include a photo of yourself! Boom - You’ve won yourself a Free double pass on the Thursday Party Bus Like us on facebook/ tntdownunder for more party pics from the night!

OZ PARTY Halloween Boat Cruise October 31st

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HOTSHOTS

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WINNER MONTHLY WINNER

RUNNER-UP

SUNRISE SALUTE Nicolas Espeisse, 29, France

WE SAY: “Easily the top photo we saw this last month. The lighting, composition and overall feeling of this photograph is great! Love the way the light shows through the tree stump!”

MONTHLY RUNNER-UP CITY OF SAILS Howard Harrison, 24, UK

WE SAY: “The Opera House is one of the single most photographed buildings in the whole world let alone Sydney but this photograph is excellent. We love the way that Howard has framed the city and juxtaposed it against the Opera House and the gardens in the foreground. Great photograph and a worthy runner up.”

HOT TIPS: Framing Good framing is fundamental to great photography, and makes the difference between boredom and fascination. Bear in mind that what you leave out is as important as what you include. When shooting, you should think about what it is that makes this scene interesting to you. Experiment with different lenses and angles and see how things turns out.

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THREE DAYS CAR HIRE 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 Nicolas wins three days campervan hire from Mightyn Campers Australia (mightycampers.com.au)

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WE ANSWER YOUR TRAVEL QUESTIONS

the best place to purchase Q Where’s authentic, good quality, fair trading Aboriginal art and didgeridoos? Matthew Hunt, UK looking to buy indigenous Australian A When art, the closer you are to the source, the more likely you are to purchase an authentic work and help out indigenous communities at the same time. In that case, you’re best off buying from the communities themselves or from a gallery owned and operated by one, which you’ll find mostly near outback towns such as Alice Springs. Otherwise, seek out products sold with a ‘Label of Authenticity’ tag, provided by the National Indigenous Arts Advocacy Association and guaranteeing that the artwork you’re buying is genuine and the money you spend is directed back to the artist or their community. As for didgeridoos, those you see for sale in souvenir shops throughout Australia are usually mass-produced and not made using traditional methods, although you can still belt a decent tune out of one. Authentic didges,

again purchased from a community outlet if possible, are painted with traditional designs and are fabulous artworks in themselves. Visit aboriginalart.com.au for more information.

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WHERE IS YOUR FAVE PLACE IN OZ? Ningaloo Reef and Cape Range National Park in WA. SCARIEST EXPERIENCE? I almost got stuck driving my old car on the beach near the Pinnacles Desert.

But what a wonderful landscape!

What do you suggest? Yu Jones, Korea along the coast north from Sydney A Drive and you’ll go through endless suburban housing estates before reaching anywhere remotely... remote. Port Stephens is pleasantly under-developed for somewhere so close to Sydney, while further north Myall Lakes is a peaceful, low-key coastal lake system with opportunities for surfing, boating, fishing and rainforest hikes. The coast south of Sydney is less developed, with smaller towns and empty beaches backed by a rainforest. Narooma and Bateman’s Bay triple in size during summer but the smaller coastal hamlets like Durras, Moruya Heads and Cong manage to retain a pleasant atmosphere during the busy season.

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WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN IN OZ? The west coast, from Perth to Darwin.

Then took the Ghan to Adelaide, then Melbourne, Tasmania and Sydney.

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MOST MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE? Waking up under heavy snow at Cradle Mountain in Tasmania. I never knew it snowed in Australia!

DONE ANYTHING UNUSUAL? Three days without a shower, in the wild west of Tasmania. But the Aussie lifestyle is so relaxed!

MET ANY AUSSIE ANIMALS? A platypus in Tasmania, quokka at Rottnest Island and crocodiles in the Northern Territory are my favourite.

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TRAVELLERSTALE Briton VICTORIA LOGAN discovers diamonds may be a girl’s best friend, but pearls pay the rent in Darwin...

While travelling, I have found myself doing jobs I wouldn’t normally do at home due to wanting to make my time here that little bit more memorable.

From tree planting in Perth and car washing in Cairns, Darwin was to prove just as unique.

Me and my travel buddy Chloe, who I met in Sydney seven months ago and has become my BFF ever since, signed up for work on the pearl boats. Fully aware of how demanding the job is and of how difficult it is to actually get the work, we jumped at the chance when we got the call.

We flew on the smallest plane known to man and my nerves were shot to bits. Chloe’s observation of “there’s only one pilot, what do we do if he has a heart attack?!” didn’t really help the situation.

But soon enough we arrived safely on Crocker Island. We were picked up

by Bear, a larger than life character who had no hesitation in asking, “Are you girls a couple?”

With the important things out of the way, we learned a bit more about our role for the next 10 days. Bear explained we would be living at Point David, with a crew of about 10 guys.

Everyday at 6am we would go out to meet the boat and process the shells – 31,000 shells to be exact.

We would work until 4.30pm every day, then come back to the island where we would have the evenings to ourselves. Although we weren’t sure what was exactly involved in the “processing”, we were more than happy to become part of the team.

We were introduced to the boys and put straight to work.

If we were in any doubt of our job description, it became clear the moment we stepped onto the boat.

Obvious that every team member would inevitably finish work each day covered in what can only be described as “fish goo”.

Regardless of this, we pulled on our overalls and stepped up. There were apparently six easy steps. Open the shell; remove the pearl; scrape 36

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PEARL HARBOUR

the meat out; scrub the shell with a metal brush until it gleams; rinse the shell in salt water and finally, put the shell in buckets marked either A, B or C, dependent on size and shape. That process was repeated from 6am until 4.30pm everyday in 35°C heat and 100 per cent fish stench!

With about 15 backpackers and 10 crew already working on the boat, it was good to know we weren’t the only crazy people in town.

We got through it though. We learned to live with the constant smell of fish guts, finding new ways to keep ourselves entertained.

Thomas, our new Dutch friend, told us stories of how he was related to Elvis, while the skipper Steve told very inappropriate jokes.

Every so often during the day we would wash down the boat of all the fish remains and bad pearl meat and watch the assortment of fish and sharks that would come to the surface for their daily afternoon feast. This in turn led us to a new found hobby, fishing.

After work the boys would sit on the end of the pier, watch the sunset

and fish. I use the term “fish” loosely – we didn’t catch any fish throughout the duration of the trip.

We grew more and more attached to island life and also to our group.

But after 10 days it was time to go back to Darwin and get a proper job.

Crocker Island, however, will always have a very special place for these two wandering travellers.

TRAVEL VOUCHERS

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N

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h 2013 This offer will expire 1st Marc other offer. and is not available with any

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2 D AYS/1 S/1 NIIG GHT Includes: t Two days touring with expert commentary t Attractions such as Seal Bay, Little Sahara, Remarkable Rocks, Admirals Arch and Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary t Guided nocturnal penguin walk t Overnight dormitory accommodation t Includes 1 breakfast, 2 lunches and 1 dinner

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TRAVELOFFERS SPACESHIPS AUSTRALIA OFFER

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Just five hours from the east coast of Australia and across the glistening Pacific lies the Treasured Islands of Samoa – voted the best value destination of the South Pacific.

Make your way around the islands and you’ll discover spectacular waterfalls, dramatic blowholes, stunning coral reefs and crystal clear lagoons where you can swim with turtles. Samoa boasts the most pristine beaches with dazzling white sand beaches and sparkling turquoise waters.

Life ambles at its own measured pace and it’s not just because of the balmy tropical weather. With the average temperature at 30 degrees Celsius, no wonder there is a smile on every face that greets you.

In Samoa, the smiles are infectious and come from within – a sense of security that stems from a nation that is both politically and economically stable.

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*TERMS AND CONDITIONS: ALL PRICES ARE QUOTED IN AUD, PER PERSON, TWIN SHARE AND ARE CORRECT AS AT 23/08/12. OFFERS ARE SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY & CAN CHANGE WITHOUT NOTIFICATION DUE TO FLUCTUATIONS IN CHARGES AND CURRENCY. VALID FOR SALE UNTIL 30/11/12. VALID FOR TRAVEL NOW - 31/03/13. FLIGHTS ARE WITH VIRGIN SAMOA WITH CARRY ON LUGGAGE ONLY AND ARE SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY AT TIME OF BOOKING. TICKETS ARE TO BE PAID IN FULL AT THE TIME OF BOOKING. CREDIT CARD SURCHARGES APPLY. SURCHARGES MAY APPLY FOR TRAVEL OVER SCHOOL HOLIDAY, CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR PERIODS DUE TO AVAILABILITY FOR FULL TERMS AND CONDITIONS PLEASE VIEW WWW.CORALSEAS.COM.AU/TERMS-AND-CONDITIONS. SPECIAL BOOKING ID AW1098.

PM

Bosnia

THE BALKANS

Photos: Clare Vooght; Amy Adams; Thinkstock, Getty

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Balkan road tripping Bosnia is a riot of incredible mountains, secret caves, spiritual spots and locals who really know how to party WORDS CLAIRE VOOGHT

Bosnia has had more than its fair share of conflict, especially in the past 20 years. Bullet holes and bomb damage in cities and villages across the country serve as a reminder of the war that killed 100,000 people and displaced 2.2 million. But despite the deep-seated scars of battle and genocide, Bosnia has managed to retain plenty of natural beauty and charm.

The historic capital, with its unique mix of Eastern and Western culture, contains stories that will make your jaw drop. And, as for the countryside, its lush green mountains and clear rivers make it the perfect destination for sporty adventures on a seven-day road trip.

Chilly waters, Kravica Waterfalls

Photos: Clare Vooght; Amy Adams; Thinkstock, Getty

While many tourists head straight for the Plitvice waterfalls, those in the know say that the best cascading whitewater experience in Bosnia is at the Kravica Waterfalls. This southern spot in the Herzevgovinian part of the country (it’s officially Bosnia-Herzegovina), has rapids, a natural plunge pool and a waterside bar where you can sit in the shade with a beer and a barbecue lunch.

It’s a baking hot day when I visit, but after dipping an exploratory toe in the water, I’m decidedly chilly. Even so, the braver members of our group dive straight in (before shrieking), but I make no secret of being a wuss when it comes to freezing water – and what might be lurking in it. And anyway, lying on the banks under the sun and the cooling spray is far from a bad deal.

When I ask our guide, Mustafa, why he’s not swimming either, he pokes fun at me: “I survived the war, why would I want to swim in there with all the fish?” I’ve just discovered Bosnian humour, and it’s drier than the Sahara.

The big smoke, Sarajevo “Want to go to a bar that used to be a Communist cinema?”

That’s not an invitation I receive very often, so I have no intention of turning it down. As soon as our group arrives in the capital, we head to Kino Bosna (Alipasina 19, 71000).

Every Monday, a traditional Bosnian folk band plays on the stage where the screen used to be, while students and locals sit back on old cinema chairs or chat around tables in the

middle. The super-hip venue is part warehouse rave, part museum. Pictures of old movie stars line the walls, mostly from black-and-white flicks, and there’s also a rogue shot of Sacha Baron Cohen as Borat – but it’s still in black and white, of course. The beers are some of the cheapest in the city, and we’re drinking our new favourite, Sarajevska, which costs only about £1.50 a pop. In every box of the brown-bottled, light beer, there’s one green bottle that’s supposed to be lucky, so we’re keeping our eyes peeled.

Before long, the band members are jumping off the stage to serenade the crowd, who are singing along at full blast – it’s a wonderfully chaotic night out that proves Sarajevo’s taste for a rollicking good time.

Sore heads are soothed by a hearty hostel breakfast the next morning, and then it’s time to find out about Sarajevo’s vast and complicated history. The city’s name means “castle in the field”, but now, “mountains around a city” would be a more apt appellation – Sarajevo sprawls right up to the feet, and sometimes halfway up, of its surrounding mountains.

A walk around the city shows very different cultural influences – you can hear the Muslim call to prayer and the bells from Christian churches at the same time. The Old Town’s cobbled streets, Persian rug stores and a covered bazaar lie on one side of the city, while on the other are more Westernised buildings and malls.

Of course, Bosnia has struggled under the control of many different powers – the Ottomans, Austria-Hungary, Nazi Germany and Yugoslavia, to name a few. In 1914, when it was under Austro-Hungarian rule, Sarajevo saw the First World War begin with the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria on the banks of the river Miljacka in the centre of town. More recently, it was under siege in the Bosnian War between 1992 and 1995.

Mustafa was a teenager in Sarajevo during the war. He remembers hearing foreign news reporters had dubbed one of its streets “Sniper Alley” when Serb soldiers were positioned in the mountains surrounding the city, and thinking: “‘Which one?’ There wasn’t one sniper alley, they were all sniper alleys.”

He takes us past the main market, which was devastated during the war when a shell landed in the middle of it. SixtyTNTDOWNUNDER.COM

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hearing how many people badly bashed their foreheads on the wood and steel beams while walking through the dark, we’re super-careful.

Whitewater rafting, Konjic Out of the city and into unspoilt countryside, we’re back on the road to Konjic for some whitewater rafting in the mountains. It snowed a couple of days ago, so the water is extra cold. I knock back a few shots of rakija – the local spirit smells a little bit like paint stripper, but I’ve developed a taste for it. Then I’m wetsuited up, on the raft and not feeling the cold quite so much.

After a relaxed drift, the river starts to narrow and our guide shouts from the helm: “Everybody paddle!” We cut our oars into the white river as the waves splash up into our faces. It’s freezing, but the adrenaline makes up for it, and every time we pass another section of rapids the buzz grows and the waves get bigger. When we reach the local house that’s our destination, an enormous lunchtime feast of hearty Bosnian soups, beef-stuffed peppers and roast potatoes is waiting for us.

Adrenaline-pumping rafting in Konjic

Getting spiritual, Blagaj six people were killed and 200 wounded. Today, life goes on, and unlike other parts of the city that bear bullet holes and bomb damage, there aren’t many signs left of the tragedy here – the market is crammed with people buying their fruit and vegetables. Shopkeepers in the Old Town have even turned copper bombshells into beautiful ornaments – people have made the best of what life has delivered.

Cool cafes and coffee houses are the big new trend. Seek out Mash (Branilaca Sarajeva, Bascarsija), which often remains open until past midnight. Or there’s Morica Han (Saraci 49

“

Shopkeepers have turned bombshells into beautiful ornaments

”

Sarajevo, Bascarsija) in the Old Town, which serves some of the best Bosnian coffee (it’s as strong and dark as the Turkish stuff) around.

Just opposite is Ulica Bravadziluk, which Mustafa tells me makes the tastiest burek around. He eats one of these local fried pastry pies at least every other day from various counters across the city, so I’m confident he’s more than qualified to judge.

War Tunnels, Sarajevo A short drive out of the bustle are the war tunnels, built to provide an alternative route out of sniper-surrounded Sarajevo, when the airport was controlled by the UN. The onsite museum tells the survival stories of those who braved a journey through the narrow passages to pick up food and supplies. Visitors can venture through one section; after 42

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On the drive back down south, we explore Blagaj City, the site of a pretty, powerful spring, where fresh water shoots from a cave at 330 litres per second. It’s the home of Tekija, a Muslim monastery, also known as Blagaj Tekke, or Dervish House. The three floors of the 15th-century house are stacked on top of each other and jut from the rocks right next to the gushing water source. We cover up with headscarves to go inside, where the floors are covered with Persian rugs and the ceilings are ornately decorated. In the bathroom, stars are cut into the dome-shaped roof – you can see the cliffs from below and rain can stream in from above.

Blagaj is also famous for its freshwater trout, fished from waters just downstream. So we settle in on a restaurant terrace opposite as the blue water gushes past for a meal of trout stuffed with Mediterranean vegetables. True to Bosnia’s generous culinary form not one, but two of the tastiest trout I’ve ever had come out on my plate ten minutes later. It’s at this point we realise we’re all going to leave a stone heavier.

Secret lair, Vjetrenica Caves Our last stop is this dark mountainside cave, which is 700m long and close to the border with Croatia. “The people who lived in here had the earliest form of air conditioning,” jokes our guide. It is a wind tunnel, and stays at 10ºC all year round.

Inside, stalagmites, stalactites and other swirling, gnarled and smooth rock formations hang from the walls. We’re happily checking out the caves until our guide tells us a leopard’s skeleton was found just next to where we’re standing.

Looking nervously back into the darkness, we hurry on, until we reach a calm, sheltered lake which is home to the slithery human fish – a blind amphibian named so for its fingers and pinky skin. Yick.

This cave certainly isn’t somewhere I’d like to get stuck, but outside in the open air, surrounded by the towering green mountains and brilliant Herzegovinian sunshine – well, that’s a different matter entirely. ❚

TRAVELWEEKENDER

The Redeemer This is Christchurch in 48 hours WORDS HUGH RADOJEV

DAY 1:xUnfortunately the bustling city of Christchurch in New Zealand's South Island has come to be associated with the terrible series of earthquakes which damaged the city in early 2011. Despite this adversary, the city of Christchurch and the region of Canterbury as a whole have rallied together, showing great strength, character and a fierce determination to repair their city and to propel it into the future. Christchurch is still here and has so much to offer travellers for weeks, let alone just a weekend. Get ready!

8:00: Arrive and drop off your stuff at your home base for the weekend – Dorset House this 145 year old villa is wonderfully equipped, but it's time to get amongst it. Have a cup of coffee and a very light breakfast (trust us) because you're going jet boating.

10:00: That's right Jet Thrils Christchurch (jetthrills. co.nz) run adrenalin fuelled half hour jet boat tours on the Waimakarri River, just 20 minutes out of the city centre.

Meaning 'Cold Water' in the Maori language you'll feel the rush as the specially designed boats, spin and twirl at high speeds in barely centimetres of crystal clear water. Aren't you glad you didn't have a full-English fry up now?

12:00: Back into town and it's time for a little tour.

While also being the city's major domestic bus provider Red Bus (redbus.co.nz) run guided tours of the areas of Christchurch's CBD that were worst affected by the earthquakes. Despite being a sobering experience, the tour also discusses the positive plans for the future.

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13:30: Head back into town and have a quick bite to eat.

If you're feeling particularly carnivorous you should go to Burgers & Beers Inc (bugersandbeerinc.co.nz) where the menu reflects the establishment's name. Think plenty of grilled animal and tall glasses of a beverage brewed from malt, hops and barley. Delicious.

15:00: Work off that lunch with some retail therapy.

ReSTART: Mall (restart.org.nz), built in the wake of the earthquake which badly damaged the old Cashell Mall, has become something of a tourist hot spot. A bunch of shops, cafes and retail outlets have sprung up in the spot, housed in brightly coloured shipping containers. A truly unique shopping experience.

19:00: Dinner time and we can't recommend the Bodhi Tree (bodhitree.co.nz) enough. Another business badly damaged in the earthquake, a new premises doesn't mean the quality of the food has changed. After that cap it off with a few cocktails at Cartel, this fascinating little bar is one of the city's secret gems. Don't drink too much though, there's so much to do tomorrow.

DAY 2: 9:00: After a good night’s sleep, it's up and at 'em!

You're setting out on a little day trip. 12km southeast of Christchurch lies the city's port town of Lyttleton. Black Cat Cruises (blackcat.co.nz) run two hour wildlife cruises which include seabird and penguin sightings and a chance to swim with the smallest and rarest of the world's dolphins – the Hector's dolphin. As with any tours of this nature, dolphin

Coffee in a shipping container?

Hamner Springs for your mineral needs

sightings/swims cannot be guarenteed but the success rates in the last 12 months stand at about 81 per cent. I like those odds.

12:00: Back into Lyttleton and a late brunch/early lunch at Governor's Bay Hotel (governorsbayhotel.co.nz). This is one of only two hotels in the region to still be operational after the earthquake, unfortunately. This beautiful and meticulously restored building is full of delicious food and a friendly atmosphere.

13:30: Now head northwest, to the little town of Hanmer Springs and the world renowned thermal springs in the area. Treat yourself to a relaxing soak in the warm mineral waters or swim some laps in the 25 metre pool.

17:00: Head back into Christchurch and as it's your last night, why not start drinking a little early. Brew Moon (brewmoon.co.nz) is one of the city's many craft breweries producing beautiful beers from local produce. Why not take the tour and sample a few?

19:30: Chinwag (chinwag.co.nz) is open and provides delicioius food with a real Thai quality. Then it's time to get the night started with a trip to Tap House for a few delicious local and international beers.

21:00: You've probably had a few by now, so if you're feeling game head to Double Happy which has twice been voted NZ's best club. With its acclaimed mixture of different dance music genres and styles, as well as local and international DJs, this is the perfect place to finish up at.

Double your fun at Double Happy

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NEWSWEIRD

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Fright night: zombies perform during a world record attempt at the most amount of people dancing to Michael Jackson’s Thriller in Coburg, Melbourne

How Jetstar staff could have looked after being released

JETSTAR PASSENGERS HOLD CREW HOSTAGE CHINA

Furious passengers held the crew of a Jetstar flight hostage for more than six hours after the plane was delayed.

The flight, carrying Australian and Chinese nationals, was heading to Beijing from Melbourne when diverted to Shanghai.

Passengers held the crew hostage at Pudong Airport, upset over the delay and concerned Jetstar would not honour their promise to put them up in hotels.

The pilot managed to get some of the crew released, but he stayed to calm the passengers until alternative arrangements for their travel were made.

A Jetstar spokesman said: “Our captain and crew assisted passengers in a calm and professional manner.”

NZ ON TRACK FOR 4,444,444 POPULATION NEW ZEALAND

New Zealand’s population was set to reach 4,444,444 on Nov 1. Analysts predict the citizen will be born in Auckland and could arrive at 4.44am.

Kim Dunstan, a senior demographer, said: “It’s just a good opportunity when these milestones come about to think about our population and how it’s changing and how it’s likely to change in the future.”

The last recurring number reached was in the Eighties, when the population reached 3,333,333.

It is believed that the figures won’t reach 5,555,555 for dozens of years. And the milestone will be short-lived – with the population reaching 4,444,445 within 15 minutes, as the current growth of NZ’s

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population is around 100 people a day..

FOUL-MOUTHED BIRD SEEKS NEW HOME

UNITED KINGDOM

A parrot that turns the air blue with bad language is looking for a new home. Beaky says naughty words such as fuck, arsehole and stupid.

Now the RSPCA is searching for a tolerant new owner to take care of the colourful bird. An RSPCA spokesman said: “Beaky

is an intelligent and playful bird who is a good mimic.

“Unfortunately, this talent means that he picked up some rather colourful language from his previous home.”

Beaky is said to enjoy the company of people but has been known to bite at first until he has formed a bond with someone.

Sounds like a keeper. fridges used to store bodies as beds, would “attract the unusual” and described the dissection table as “our main suite”.

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THIS WEEK

IN NUMBERS 177

Amount, in pounds, the average drinker pays a year in beer tax in the UK, 10 times that of other European countries

Winnings, in millions of pounds, Greg Merson, 24, scooped after playing 12 hours at the World Series of Poker in the US

Hiding: snakes in a bag

SNAKES IN A PARCEL SHUT POST OFFICE

37 Shonky: the Samsung SW70SP

5.3

The age men reach the happiest time of their lives, after raising family and climbing the career ladder, says a US survey

SOUTH AFRICA

It was the last thing clerks at a South African post office expected when they opened a mail bag.

A one-metre-long white python came slithering out from an express parcel, while three smaller reptiles were found inside.

The staff ran for safety as the snake fell on to the floor in the Sabie office, about 300km northeast of Johannesburg. “This was the most traumatic experience ever in the post office,” branch manager Mthobisi Duba said. The snakes were collected by the local parks board. And the receiver of the parcel was charged with the illegal transport of animals.

TOBLERONE TOPS SHONKY AWARDS

Photos: AAP; Thinkstock; Getty

AUSTRALIA

Toblerone chocolate has been named and shamed with an award for claiming its 400-gram bar serves 16 when there are only 15 segments.

Ticket retailers Ticketek and Ticketmaster and a four-star water-efficient washing machine were also given Shonky awards at the seventh annual event organised by consumer group Choice.”

Ticketek and Ticketmaster were shamed over the AU$5 fee for buyers to print tickets at home. And the Samsung SW70SP 7kg front loader washing machine was awarded for using a shocking 224 litres of

Cost, in pounds, a threebedroom semi-detached house in a dodgy area of Middlesbrough was sold for at auction

water for a 3.5kg load of washing.

14,000

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

NEW ZOO FOR GIRAFFE As a performer it’s IS A TALL ORDER AUSTRALIA

What is it with Aussies shifting animals around? Last week we told you about the sharks, this week it’s giraffes.

Ten-year-old Tanzi endured an 18-hour road trip, travelling from Melbourne to Mogo Zoo in New South Wales.

The long-necked animal was happily ensconced in a tall crate with a great view of passing trees and traffic.

She is leaving her parents behind but will be reunited with her little sister, Shani.

“It’s a massive job,” zoo spokesman John Warriner said. “As you can imagine, a big shipment like this takes a lot longer to do. We have to stop regularly so she’s in good health and we’re looking after the welfare of her all the time.”

go-go-go-go-go then stop. And stay indoors and do nothing and almost have a minin depression Kylie Minogue sets the record straight on what life is like as a world-famous pop star

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OUR VIEW COMMENT: JAMES BESANVALLE Email: intern@tntdownunder.com

Photoshop doth make fools of us all

Common sense was swept away with Hurricane Sandy Sandy has left some social media fiends with egg on their faces Photoshop is a wonderful thing. But in the wrong hands, it can be a bit like the dark side of the Force in Star Wars. Wookieepedia outlines mind control as one of the great powers of the Force, stating: “the weak-minded have ever been ready to obey one who wields great power.” Much like mind control in Star Wars, Photoshop has a profound effect on the masses. And the Dark Lords of Photoshop have been hard at work with the advent of Hurricane Sandy in the US. Last week social media exploded with images of unimaginable natural phenomena.

But that’s just it – they’re unbelievable because they’re not real. You may have seen the photo of the huge storm cloud towering over the Statue of Liberty in New York. According to a story on Mashable entitled, 7 Fake Hurricane Sandy Photos You’re Sharing on Social Media, the photo is a “Photoshop job, combining a photo of the New York harbour with a 2004 shot taken by photographer Mike Hollingshead.” Kind of anticlimactic, right?

Also, trending on Twitter was a photo of a shark swimming down a New Jersey street.

Yes, another Photoshop job. It was even used during Hurricane Irene in 2011.

The rise of social media means that breaking news is spread at breakneck speed, but it’s up to us to filter out what’s just plain wrong. So how do we combat this avid sharing of outrageously unrealistic photos? Well, Google has a camera button in the images tab to search for photo sources from either a URL or a file on your computer. But common sense is hopefully the first port of call for anyone questioning the legitimacy of photos. It’s easy to see a shocking photo and be the first to re-post it to friends, but it’s also easy to forget that Photoshop fiends are always looking to capitalise on your gullibility.

So what’s the lesson of the story? In the words of Yoda, “The dark side clouds everything. Impossible to see the light, the future is.”

Or, you know, just investigate the pictures you see before you re-post them. » Have you been guilty of sharing photo hoaxes? Email intern@tntdownunder.com

48

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SWIFT HANDS DOES IT AGAIN “Country-pop star Taylor Swift’s latest album Red has notched up the highest first week US. sales figures in a decade,” Reuters reports.

This makes her the only female singer to have seen two of her albums sell more than a million copies in the United States in one week.

Her songs about love and break-ups clearly speak to a lot of people all over the world but what makes her so special?

People are obsessed with her songs, but the break-up theme has to get old

a break up, “singAfter into a mic ” sometime, right? (Adele hopes not.)

Well, the hilarious Will Ferrell thinks so.

He posted a parody on Twitter that went, “Taylor Swift waved at a boy yesterday and he didn’t wave back... So she will have a new album coming out tomorrow.”

So instead of crying into your pillow after a break-up, sing into a mic. The international fame is sure to cheer you up.

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SPORTNEWS

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Quade cops penalty on the chin

COOPER CONTRITE AFTER ‘TOXIC’ FINE RUGBY

The road to redemption for Quade Cooper began last week when he was slapped with a AU$40,000 fine for his five-day social media rampage against the game and the Wallabies.

Cooper called the Australian side’s environment “toxic”, said he’d turn down Australian team honours and even bagged the ARU-licensed computer game.

He was contrite in copping his fine from a three-member panel: “It was a very fair hearing and I am very happy with the outcome. I fell well below par of what it means to be a Wallaby.”

MESSI EUROPE’S BEST – NEXT, THE WORLD FOOTBALL

Barcelona’s Lionel Messi has won the Golden Boot for the top scorer in Europe and is hot favourite to beat Cristiano Ronaldo again for the Ballon d’Or for world player of the year.

Messi paid tribute to his teammates after scoring a record 50 goals in the Spanish domestic La Liga last year, edging out Real Madrid’s Ronaldo by four goals.

PEC DELAYS SONNY V BOTHA DECKING BOXING

New Zealand heavyweight champ Sonny Bill Williams will now fight South African Francois Botha in February, after the All Black had surgery on an injured pec muscle.

The fight’s promoter Thinus Strydom wished Williams a “speedy recovery” after calling off the slated November 24 date.

Botha is confident of a win: “I’ll knock

50

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And you thought Lance Armstrong was on fire winning seven Tour de France titles – Kent artist Frank Shepherd made this 30-foot effigy for Edenbridge Bonfire Society’s Guy Fawkes Night on Saturday him out with one hand behind my back.”

DAY/NIGHT TESTS NOT IN THE PINK JUST YET CRICKET

The ICC may have given the green light to day/night Test matches, which has cricket’s beancounters and broadcasters licking their lips, but players say the key component that makes the games possible – a pink ball that can be seen in day and night – isn’t ready.

South African batsman Alviro Petersen said that when he played with the ball in a game for Glamorgan it wasn’t up to scratch.

“I’m sure from a spectator point of view, it will be nice,” he said at the SCG ahead of the first Test. “We used a Kookaburra and a Tiflex and they never lasted.”

Former Lords official Keith Bradshaw said pink balls are “ready” for Test matches..

BIG WEEK FOR ...

Champion jockey Damien Oliver, who picked up a Melbourne Cup ride on heavily fancied French horse Americain after its connections sacked their rider, Frenchman Gérald Mossé.

A victory on last year’s winner on Tuesday would be Oliver’s third in the Cup – the last was in 2002 on Media Puzzle four days after his older brother, Jason, died in a fall. Oliver was available for Americain after losing his Cup ride when he was accused of betting on a horse in a race in which he had another mount. “It’s just business as usual for me,” he said.

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QUOTES OF THE WEEK Ch Choosing h the best pla l player in the world should be banned. They m are two players from another planet One of 23 players could win football’s Ballon d’Or, but as Jose Mourinho says, it’s really a two-horse race – Messi v Ronaldo

Andy Murray’s in career-best form

PREVIEW ATP WORLD TOUR FINALS – LIVE EIGHT OF THE BEST IS ENOUGH What a way to wrap up a season – head-to-heads between the eight best players and doubles pairings.

The line-up comes straight from the South African Airways ATP Rankings, which has Roger Federer, Novak Djokavic, Rafael Nadal, David Ferrer and Tomas Berdych in its top six and guaranteed a spot. But with injury ruling out Spaniard Nadal, Argentine Juan Martin Del Potro is now in the fray.

At time of print, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Janko Tipsarevic were the likely two to round out the eight and vye for a possible

US$1.76m in prize money for the player who can win every round robin match and take out the final.

It’s hard to go past Federer, who’s won the tournament six times in 11 attempts, showing his dominance over a decade.

The doubles will be absorbing, too, with defending champions Max Mirnyi and Daniel Nestor and doubles specialists the Bryan brothers (Bob and Mike), up against at least three combinations making their first appearance at the tournament.

November 5-12

THE CHAT | Bigger than Brazil

Amazing A m how things w wo work – you hurt yourself and then come to the most hilly course in the world. I basically did a Glenn McGrath Saffa golfing legend Ernie Els stepped on a tennis ball and bust his ankle but will play in Mission Hills, Hong Kong

FOOTBALL Real Madrid v Borussia Dortmund

it more than caipirinhas and bikinis combined?

UEFA Champions League group D action Tuesday 11.45am, Fox Sports 1

say this without explanation, right now, you would A Ifbeyou right – maybe not on bikinis. On average, after four

Photos: Getty Images

Two years, 13 games and AU$4m after defecting from rugby league, Israel Folau dumps AFL’s GWS Giants

TV HIGHLIGHTS

What do you mean football’s bigger in Q Australia than it is in Brazil? Don’t they love

rounds of the A-League season, the average crowds of 15,460 are above the average 14,693 in Brazil’s premier league.

Even when said tongue-in-cheek it’s an amazing stat. Brazil has 170 million more people than Oz and boasts world famous clubs such as Vasco de Gama, Corinthians and Sao Paulo. Oz’s crowd figures, buoyed by the messiah-like entrances of Emile Heskey for Newcastle and Alessandro Del Piero for Sydney, are 4000 off being in the world’s top 10 most attended leagues.

The T Th he passion wasn’t q qui qu u quite there. In the end, if I stayed, I felt like I would have been cheating myself

RUGBY England v Fiji The awesome autumn Tests begin Saturday, 9am, Fox Sports

MOTOGP Valencia Grand Prix Del Piero

Casey Stoner’s last race ever Saturday, 9.45pm, Eurosport 2

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OZLISTINGS TRAVEL AGENTS Adventure Travel Bugs 07 3236 3266, adventuretravelbugs.com Backpackers World Travel 1800 997 325 backpackersworld.com Peter Pans Adventure Travel 1800 669 424, peterpans.com.au Travellers Contact Point 1800 647 640, travellers.com.au Tribal Adventure Travel 1800 984 484, tribaltravel.com.au YHA Travel 02 9261 111, yha.com.au

TOUR FIRMS

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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

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

Oz Experience Hop on-hop off Australia-wide tours 1300 300 028, ozexperience.com Surfcamp Sydney to Byron surfing tours 1800 888 732, surfcamp.com.au The Rock Tour Red centre tours 1800 246 345, therocktour.com.au

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

RENTAL FIRMS Apollo Motorhomes 1800 777 779, apollocamper.com Mighty Cars and Campers (Formerly Backpacker Campervan Rentals) 1800 809 944 mightycampers.com.au Boomerang Cars 0414 882 559, boomerangcars.com.au Hippie Camper 1800 777 779, hippiecamper.com Kings Cross Car Market For buying and selling vehicles. 110 Bourke St, Woolloomooloo.

02 9358 5000, carmarket.com.au

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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

Spaceships 1300 132 469, spaceshipsrentals.com.au

Spirit of Tasmania Ferries to Tasmania.

03 6336 1446, spiritoftasmania.com

Standbycars.com 1300 789 059, standbycars.com

Tiger Airways Airline.

03 9999 2888, tigerairways.com

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

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

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

Wicked Campers 1800 246 869, wickercampers.com

Redline Coaches For getting around Tasmania.

03 6336 1446, redlinecoaches.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

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

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

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

Virgin Australia Airline.

13 67 89, virginaustralia.com

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

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NOT COMING TO SYDNEY? THEN BUY AND SELL ONLINE @ www.carmarket.com.au OR CALL 02 9358 5000 52

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SYDNEY STAY

DON’T MISS

Base Sydney 477 Kent St. CBD. 02 9267 7718 stayatbase.com Big Hostel 212 Elizabeth St. CBD. 02 9281 6030 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

MAYDAY PARADE

City Resort Hostel 103-105 Palmer St. Woolloomooloo 02 9357 3333 cityresort.com.au

The Hi-Fi. Dec 7. $50.10 Mayday Parade are in Australia to promote their new debut album A Lesson in Romantics. This is pop-punk at its finest!

Sydney

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

moshtix.com.au

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

Rear 63, The Corso, Manly.

02 9977 3411 boardrider.com.au

Lamrock Lodge 19 Lamrock Ave. Bondi.

02 9130 5063, lamrocklodge.com

The Bunkhouse 35 Pine St, Manly.

1800 657 122, bunkhouse.com.au

Lochner’s Guesthouse 8 Gowrae Ave. Bondi.

02 9387 2162,

Manly Backpackers 24-28 Raglan St. Manly.

02 9977 3411 manlybackpackers.com.au

Aegean Coogee Lodge 40 Coogee Bay Rd. Coogee.

04 0817 6634, aegeancoogee.com.au

Cammeray Gardens 66 Palmer St, North Sydney.

02 9954 9371 sydneyboardinghouse.com

Coogee Beach House 171 Arden St. Coogee.

02 9665 1162, coogeebeachhouse.com

Wake Up! 509 Pitt St, CBD. 02 9288 7888, wakeup.com.au

Coogee Beachside 178 Coogee Bay Rd, Coogee.

02 9315 8511, sydneybeachside.com.au Surfside Backpackers 186 Arden Street. Coogee.

02 9315 7888, surfsidebackpackers.com.au Glebe Point YHA 262-264 Glebe Point Road. Glebe.

02 9692 8418, yha.com.au Boardrider Backpacker

SYDNEY DO Manly Surf School Manly Beach.

02 9977 6977, manlysurfschool.com Maritime Museum Darling Harbour. anmm.gov.au My Sydney Detour Unique city tours. mysydneydetour.com Oceanworld Manly West Esplanade. oceanworld.com.au

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*Van price based on a Lowball Camper, 3+ day rate, for travel 26/11/2012 – 01/12/2012. 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.

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/($51 72 ',9(

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02 4925 3544, yha.com.au

Skydive the Beach Wollongong. skydivethebeach.com

Terrigal Beach YHA 9 Ocean View Dr, Terrigal.

02 4384 1919, yha.com.au

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

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Powerhouse Museum Darling Harbour. powerhousemuseum.com.au

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

Skydive Central Coast Warnervale. skydivethecentralcoast.com.au

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

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

Sydney Wildlife World Darling Harbour. sydneywildlifeworld.com.au Taronga Zoo Mosman. zoo.nsw.gov.au

RQ DQ\ &DLUQV 'LYH &RXUVH RU /LYHDERDUG ZH RIIHU RQ ZZZ SURGLYH FRP DX LI \RX XVH FRXSRQ FRGH ´&16 717¾

Backpackers Inn 29 Shirley St 1800 817 696 ackpackersinnbyronbay.com.au

Waves Surf School wavessurfschool.com.au

SYDNEYMUSIC Hordern Pavillion playbillvenues.com

Byron Bay Accom 02 6680 8666, byronbayaccom.net The Arts Factory 1 Skinners Shoot Rd. 02 6685 7709, nomadshostels.com

Oxford Art Factory oxfordartfactory.com Sydney Opera House sydneyoperahouse.com

Nomads Byron Bay Lawson Lane.

1800 666 237, nomadshostels.com

The Annandale annandalehotel.com The Enmore enmoretheatre.com.au

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

The Metro metrotheatre.com.au

BLUE MTNS Blue Mountains YHA 207 Katoomba St, Katoomba.

02 4782 1416, yha.com.au

CENTRAL COAST Newcastle Beach YHA 30 Pacific St, Newcastle.

The Entrance Backpackers 2/56 The Entrance Road, The Entrance, 2261 02 4334 5005 theentrancebackpackers.com

Skydive the Beach Byron Bay Kingsford Smith Park, Ballina 1800 302 005 skydivethebeachbyronbay.com

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

DON’T MISS

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PARKWAY DRIVE Newcastle Panthers. Dec 17. $43 Parkway Drive will embark on their most ambitious Australian tour this December to coincide with the release of their hugely anticipated fourth album, Atlas.

Newcastle West

moshtix.com.au

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

07 3367 1157, bananabenders.com

Base Brisbane Embassy 214 Elizabeth St. 07 3166 8000, stayatbase.com Base Brisbane Central 308 Edward St. 07 3211 2433, stayatbase.com Brisbane Backpackers Resort 110 Vulture St, West End. 1800 626 452, brisbanebackpackers.com.au Brisbane City Backpackers 380 Upper Roma St 1800 062 572, citybackpackers.com Bunk Backpackers Cnr Ann & Gipps Sts, 1800 682 865, bunkbrisbane.com.au The Deck 117 Harcourt Street, New Farm.

04 3377 7061 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

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

07 5536 76442, yha.com.au Coolangatta Sands Hostel Cnr Griffiths & McLean Sts, Coolangatta.

07 5536 7472, coolangattasandshostel.com.au

Islander Backpackers Resort 6 Beach Rd, Surfers Paradise.

1800 074 393, islander.com.au

XXXX Ale House Brewery tours. Cnr Black & Paten St, Milton.

07 3361 7597, xxxxalehouse.com.au

Sleeping Inn Surfers 26 Peninsular Dr, Surfers Paradise. 1800 817 832, sleepinginn.com.au

Aquarius Backpackers 44 Queen St, Surfers Paradise.

1800 22 99 55, aquariusbackpackers.com.au Backpackers in Paradise 40 Peninsula Drive, Surfers Paradise.

1800 268 621,

Pippies Beach House 22 Spectrum St. 1800 425 356, pippiesbeachhouse.com

Dreamworld Theme park. dreamworld.com.au Get Wet Surf School 07 5532 9907

Skydive Rainbow Beach 0418 218 358, skydiverainbowbeach.com

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

HERVEY BAY Aussie Woolshed 181 Torquay Rd 07 4124 0677 woolshedbackpackers.com

Warener Bros Movie World movieworld.com.au

Gold Coast International BP 28 Hamilton Ave, Surfers.

1800 816 300, goldcoastbackpackers.com.au

Story Bridge Adventure Climb 170 Main St, Kangaroo Point.

1300 254 627, storybridgeadventureclimb.com.au

GOLD COAST

GC DO

backpackersinparadise.com.au

Zorb 07 5547 6300

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

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

1800 020 120 mooloolababackpackers.com

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

Nomads Hervey Bay 408 The Esplanade.

1800 666 237, nomadshostels.com

Nomads Noosa 44 Noosa Dr, Noosa Heads.

1800 666 237, nomadshostels.com

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

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

FRASER ISLAND

RAINBOW BEACH Dingos Backpacker Adventure Resort 20 Spectrum St. 1800 111126, dingosresort.com

Eurong Beach Resort 07 4120 1600, eurong.com.au Palace Adventures 184 Torquay St, Hervey Bay, 1800 063 168 palaceadventures.com.au

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QLDLISTINGS GREAT BARR IER REEF MAR INE PARK

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 Undersea Adventures 1300 553 889, 1770underseaadventures.com

Hotel Arcadia 7 MArine Parade, Arcadia Bay. 07 4778 5177, magnetic-island.com/arc-rsrt.htm

airliebeach.com 259 Shute Harbour Rd. 1800 677 119

QUEENSLAND

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

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.

W H I T E H AVE N B E AC H C AMIR A S AILING ADVEN T URE

Base Airlie Beach Resort 336 Shute Harbour Rd 1800 242 273, stayatbase.com

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 ‒ an awesome day out on the water! $145*pp SAVE $30

Magnums Whitsunday Village Resort 366 Shute Harbour Rd. 1800 624 634 magnums.com.au

G RE AT BARRI ER R E E F ADVE N T UR E S

BOWEN

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

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

TOWNSVILLE

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

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

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)

MAGNETIC ISL Base Magnetic Island 1 Nelly Bay Rd. 1800 24 22 73, stayatbase.com Bungalow Bay Backpackers Horseshow Bay. 1800 285 577, bungalowbay.com.au

heart of the reef T HE WHI TSUNDAY IS L ANDS

Yongala Dive Yongala diving.

07 4783 1519, yongaladive.com.au

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

AIRLIE BEACH

Airlie Beach

Adrenalin Dive.

07 4724 0600, adrenalindive.com.au

Pleasure Divers 07 4778 5788

MISSION BEACH Absolute Backpackers 28 Wongaling Beach Road.

07 4068 8317, absolutebackpackers.com.au Scotty’s Beach House 167 Reid Rd. 07 4068 8676, scottysbeachhouse.com.au

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 JJ’s Backpackers Hostel 11 Charles St. 07 4051 7642, jjsbackpackers.com NJoy Backpackers Hostel Harbour 141 Sheridan St. 1800 807 055, njoy.net.au Nomads Beach House 239 Sheridan St. 1800 229 228, nomadshostels.com

WORKERS WANTED FOR FARM IN INNISFAIL.

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

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

info@awesomeoz.com www.awesomeoz.com

PHONE 0437 692 002

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.

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plus heaps of other great packages 3-6 days

Australia’s

Gold Coast

Famous for fun

AdventureGoldCoast.com

facebook.com/AdventureGoldCoast twitter.com/AdventureGoldCoast

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CAIRNS DO AJ Hackett Bungy jumping & canyon swinging.

1800 622 888 cairns.ajhackett.com

FREE UNLIMITED INTERNET

Awards!!

rated 9/10 on

Pro Dive 07 4031 5255 prodivecairns.com Raging Thunder Adventures Whitewater rafting.

07 4030 7990, ragingthunder.com.au Skydive Cairns POBOX 105N Cairns 07 4052 1822, skydivecairns.com.au

Vote for us!

Crocodylus Village Lot 5, Buchanan Creek Rd, Cow Bay. 07 4098 9166, crocodyluscapetrib.com PK’s Jungle Village Cnr Avalon & Cape Trib Rd. 1800 232 333, pksjunglevillage.com.au

INNISFAIL IInnisfail Budget Backpackers Worker’s Hostel 125 Edith St. 07 4061 78337

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!

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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

CAPE TRIB

go to: goldenbackpacks.tntdownunder.com

FEATURES

@tnt_downunder

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

FREE DAILY BREAKFAST

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

VICLISTINGS MELBOURNE STAY

1800 008 718, hometravellersmotel.com.au

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

Hotel Bakpak Melbourne 167 Franklin St. 1800 645 200, hotelbakpak.com

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Palace Theatre palace.com.au

DON’T MISS

The Hi-Fi thehifi.com.au The Tote thetotehotel.com

Melbourne Central YHA 562 Flinders St. 03 9621 2523, yha.com.au

Base Melbourne 17 Carlisle St, St. Kilda. 1800 242 273, stayatbase.com

GREAT OCEAN RD Anglesea Backpackers 40 Noble St, Anglesea.

03 5263 2664, angleseabackpackers.com.au

Nomads Melbourne 198 A’beckett St. 1800 447 762, nomadshostels.com

Central Melbourne Accommodation 21 Bromham Place, Richmond.

03 9427 9826, centralaccommodation.net

Space Hotel 380 Russell St. 1800 670 611, spacehotel.com.au

Exford Hotel 199 Russell St. 03 9663 2697, exfordhotel.com.au

The Spencer 475 Spencer St. 1800 638 108, hotelspencer.com

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

MELBOURNE DO

Eco Beach YHA 5 Pascoe St. 03 5237 7899, yha.com.au

JESSIE WARE Prince Bandroom. Jan 30. From $46.20 As one of the UK’s break-out stars in 2012, Brixton’s Jessie Ware performs an intimate club show at the Prince Bandroom Melbourne melbournecup.com.au 11 Nicholson St, Carlton. 13 11 02 melbourne.museum.vic.gov.au

Melbourne 1300 798 843 skydivethebeachmelbourne.com

The Greenhouse Backpacker Level 6, 228 Flinders Lane.

1800 249 207, greenhousebackpacker.com.au

Australian Centre for the Moving Image Federation Square.

03 8663 2200, acmi.net.au

Habitat HQ 333 St Kilda Road, St Kilda. 1800 202 500, habitathq.com.au

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

Old Melbourne Gaol 377 Russell St. 03 8663 7228, oldmelbournegaol.com.au

Home at the Mansion 66 Victoria Parade. 03 9663 4212, homemansion.com.au

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

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

Esplanade Hotel espy.com.au

Skydive the Beach

Northcote Social Club northcotesocialclub.com

Home Travellers Motel 32 Carlisle St, St Kilda.

Melbourne Museum

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National Gallery of Victoria Federation Square. ngv.vic.gov.au

MELB MUSIC Cherry Bar myspace.com/cherrybarmelbourne Corner Hotel cornerhotel.com East Brunswick Club eastbrunswickclub.com

Great Ocean Road Backpackers YHA 10 Erskine Av, Lorne.

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

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

MORNINGTON Bayplay Lodge 46 Canterbury Jetty Rd, Blairgowrie.

03 5988 0188, bayplay.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

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631 288 urbancentral.com.au

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334 CITY ROAD SOUTHBANK MELBOURNE VIC 3006 AUSTRALIA

VICLISTINGS GIPPSLAND

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

Prom Country Backpackers 03 5682 2614

Sorrento YHA 3 Miranda St, Sorrento.

03 5984 4323, yha.com.au

Cambrai Hostel Maffra 117 Johnson St, Maffra.

1800 101 113 maffra.net.au/hostel

Tortoise Head Lodge French Island.

03 5980 1234, tortoisehead.net

PHILLIP ISLAND Amaroo Park YHA 97 Church St, Cowes.

03 5952 3620, yha.com.au

DANDENONG Emerald Backpackers 03 5968 4086

The Island Accommodation 10-12 Phillip Island Tourist Road.

03 5956 6123 theislandaccommodation.com.au

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

03 5480 6522, yha.com.au

FREE UNLIMITED INTERNET

!!

Awards

Vote for us!

go to: goldenbackpacks.tntdownunder.com

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

Mildura City Backpackers 50 Lemon Ave, Mildura.

03 5022 7922, milduracitybackpackers.com.au

Tim’s Place 44 Grampians Road, Halls Gap. 03 5356 4288, timsplace.com.au

Oasis Backpackers 230 Deakin Av, Mildura.

04 0734 4251, milduraoasisbackpackers.com.au

The Spencer Everything you want in a hostel!

Friendly and affordable

FEATURES

Free Pick ups Free Parking Cable TV VIP Discounts Great bar Laundry Tour info Job search

Rooftop garden Modern,fully equipped kitchen Short walk from Southern Cross station Female dorms, mixed dorms, twins, doubles, ensuites

Free call: 1800 638 108

475 Spencer Street, Melbourne email: hotelspencer@hotkey.com.au www.spencerbackpackers.com.au Find us on Facebook ‘The Spencer Backpackers’ We are a VIP hostel!

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!

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SALISTINGS

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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

BALL PARK MUSIC The Gov. Nov 20. $34 With their brand spanking new second album slotted for release on October 5, Ball Park Music is proud to announce the Museum Tour.

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

Adelaide

moshtix.com.au

Hostel 109 109 Carrington St. 1800 099 318, hostel109.com My Place 257 Waymouth St. 1800 221 529, adelaidehostel.com.au

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

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

Haigh’s Chocolates Factory tours.

153 Greenhill Rd, Parkside 1800 819 757, haighschocolates.com.au

ADELAIDE DO Adelaide Oval Home to the Donald Bradman collection.

War Memorial Drive.

08 8300 3800 cricketsa.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

BRIDGE TOO FAR

Photo: SATC

FLEURIEU PENINSULA Rammed with sweet surf spots and chilled out beaches, the peninsula (which was named by a French explorer in case you were wondering) is one of the easiest places to escape to from Adelaide.

It’s also the area you’ll have to pass through if you’re planning a trip to Kangaroo Island. Get dizzy trying the local wines, strain your eyes for whales passing on the horizon, or get sweaty climbing up Mt Magnificent for views which are, er, not bad. You can even see a little penguin parade on Granite Island, just off Victor Harbor. And it’s all just a half hour’s drive from the city.

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NTLISTINGS

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

KATHERINE STAY

DON’T MISS

BIG4 Katherine Holiday Park 20 Shadforth Road.

1800 501 984, big4.com.au

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

KATHERINE DO

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

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

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

08 8981 0700, deckchaircinema.com.au

ALICE DO Alice Springs Desert Park Larapinta Drive.

08 8951 8788, alicespringsdesertpark.com.au

Airborne Solutions Scenic helicopter flights.

08 8972 2345 airbornesolutions.com.au

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

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

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

Palm Court Kookaburra Backpackers Giles St. 1800 626 722

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

Alice Springs Reptile Centre Meet and hold lizards.

9 Stuart Terrace.

08 8952 8900, reptilecentre.com.au

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

HUSKY Darwin Railway Club. Dec 1. $30 After winning the Triple J Unearthed contest, Husky released their first studio album, Forever So and follow it up with this tour.

Parap

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 HAS BEEN YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE IN NT SO FAR? Darwin is amazing because it’s warm all year round and it’s also the gateway to the Kakadu national park. I also went to Litchfield National Park a lot because it’s a bit closer to Kakadu.

SEEN MANY ANIMALS? I hadn’t ever seen a crocodile before so it was pretty amazing when I saw one in a billabog in Kakadu. They’re massive creatures!

WHERE TO NEXT? I would definitely like to get down a little further south, down to Uluru maybe.

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WALISTINGS

follow us on 1800 188 100, oneworldbackpackers.com.au

DON’T MISS

@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 Underground Backpackers 268 Newcastle St, Northbridge.

08 9228 3755, undergroundbackpackers.com.au

MEXICAN FILM FESTIVAL Cinema Paradiso, Northbridge. Nov 15-21. From $13.50 Hola Amigo! The Mexican Film Festival is travelling around Oz landing in Perth for a week of festivity that reflects modern Mexican cinema.

Northbridge

holamexicoff.com.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 Emperor’s Crown 85 Stirling St, Northbridge.

1800 991 553,

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

08 9384 5111, oceanbeachbackpackers.com.au One World Backpackers 162 Aberdeen St, Northbridge.

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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 Perth Zoo 20 Labouchere Road, South Perth.

08 9474 3551,

COSMO JARVIS Ya Ya’s. Jan 6. $23 Cosmo Jarvis has released his third album Think Bigger to rave reviews with the lead single Love This gaining lots of radio airplay.

Perth

moshtix.com.au

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. 08 9431 7065, backpackersinnfreo.com.au Old Firestation Backpackers 18 Phillimore St.

WALISTINGS 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

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

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

Blue Reef Backpackers 3 Truscott Crescent, Exmouth 1800 621 101, aspenparks.com.au

Rottnest Express 1 Emma Place North Fremantle 1300 Go Rotto rottnestexpress.com.au

Ningaloo Club Coral Bay 08 9948 5100, ningalooclub.com

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

rs is a n, a Backpacke 12:01 Eastse hostel offering calend n e n o lic ti l a traditiona relaxed accommod location friendly, undings at the best fast! cosy surroh. PLUS FREE breakrth in Pert y Street, East Pe 195 Ha 201

800 00 1 Freeca.ll12101east.com.au www

u east.com.a info@1201

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

n and dge is a clea Coolibah Lo ensed hostel catering lic rt. comfortable ng and young at hea ge for the you smopolitan Northbrid el st co Located in rs and nightlife, our hoht with all its ba ough to party the nig p. is close en get a good nite’s slee ill ge away and st e Street, Northbrid 194 Brisban 0 000 1800 28co Freecalllib ge. m.au d lo h a o www.co 58 T: (08) 9328

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TASLISTINGS HOBART STAY

LAUNCESTON DO

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

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 Pickled Frog 281 Liverpool St. 03 6234 7977, thepickledfrog.com

Republic Bar. Nov 28. $17.70 Australia’s first nationally professional Indigenous rap/hip hop music group returns to Hobart in 2012.

HOBART DO

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

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

NATIVE RHYME

Cascade Brewery 140 Cascade Rd. 03 6224 1117 cascadebreweryco.com.au Mt Wellington Descent Bike tours. 03 6274 1880 mtwellingtondescent.com.au

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

DON’T MISS

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

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

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

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

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

WORD FROM THE STREET

Photo: Tourism Tasmania

Hannah Bullingham, England

66

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

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

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WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN IN TASSIE? Hobart, Launceston, Devonport.

FAVOURITE DAY SPOT? 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. There’s a chairlift (the longest in the Southern Hemisphere apparently) that you can ride on for $10.

BEST NIGHTSPOT? Salamanca Place, Hobart. Great location, great little bars and great little cafes. It’s not the liveliest of cities in Oz but is great if you’re looking for a more chilled out vibe.

FREE Rooftop Spa FREE Sauna FREE 2-4-1 arrival drink FREE Tea & coffee FREE 15 Minutes internet 16-20 Fort Street, Downtown Auckland

FLEXIBLE ACCOMMODATION PASS

NZ

MNaid ghts

7 Nights Mad New Zealand Pass

Dont forget to check out our other Mad Choice NZ hostels

Kiwi Paka Rotorua

Taupo Urban Retreat

Crash Palace Rotorua

Kiwi Paka Waitomo

Nomads Capital Wellington

Nomads Queenstown

NOMADSWORLD.COM - BOOKINGS@NOMADSWORLD.COM - +64 9 300 9999

NZLISTINGS

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BUS TOURS

DON’T MISS

Kiwi Experience +64 9366 9830 kiwiexperience.com

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

Magic Travellers Network +64 9358 5600, magicbus.co.nz

Rental Car Village +64 9376 9935, hire-vehicles.co.nz

Nakedbus.com 0900 62533, nakedbus.com

Spaceships 1300 139 091, spaceships.tv

NZ Travelpass 0800 339 966, travelpass.co.nz

Standby Cars 1300 789 059, standbycars.com.au

Stray +64 9309 8772, straytravel.com

Wicked Campers 1800 246 869, wickedcampers.com

RENTAL FIRMS Ace Rental Cars 1800 140 026, acerentalcars.com.nz Backpacker Campervan & Car Rentals +800 200 80 801, backpackercampervans.com Bargain Rental Cars 0800 001 122, bargainrentals.com.nz Darn Cheap Rentals 0800 447 363, exploremore.co.nz

A WILD NIGHT WITH BEAR GRYLLS Vector Arena. Dec 3. From $49.

The intrepid Englishman with a killer sense of adventure drops into NZ for a whirlwind trip talking about his death defying trips.

Mahuhu Cresent, Auckland

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ticketmaster.co.nz

jucy.com.nz

Econo Campers +64 9275 9919, econocampers.co.nz Escape Rentals 1800 456 272, escaperentals.co.nz

AUCKLAND Airport Skyway Lodge Backpackers (BBH) 30 Kirkbride Road, Mangere. +64 9275 4443, skywaylodge.co.nz Auckland International Backpackers (BBH) 2 Churton St, Parnell. +64358 4584, Base Auckland 229 Queen St. 0800 227 369, stayatbase.com Bamber House (BBH) 22 View Rd, Mt Eden. +64 9623 4267, hostelbackpacker.com

Explore More 1800 800 327, dcrentals.com.nz

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

Jucy Rentals 0800 399 736,

City Garden Lodge 25 St

@tnt_downunder

Georges Bay Rd, Parnell. +64 9302 0880 The Fat Camel (Nomads) 38 Fort St. +64 9307 0181, nomadshostels.com Nomads Auckland 16-20 Fort St. +64 9300 9999, nomadshostels.com Oaklands Lodge (BBH) St. +64 5A Oaklands Rd, Mt Eden. +64 9638 6545, oaklands.co.nz 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 Downtown Wellington Backpackers (BBH) 1 Bunny St. +64 4473 8482 db@downtownbackpackers.co.nz

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NZLISTINGS

SCREAM QUEEN

QUEENSTOWN RAFTING Queenstown is perfectly located for all adventure sports activities. The area is located on the shore of the clear blue waters of Lake Wakatipu and right next to the Shotover River, Kawarau River, The Remarkable Mountains and the surrounding ranges make the perfect playground for thrill seekers. The wilderness and breathtaking New Zealand scenery is expansive and incredible, and we can share it with you. Queenstown Rafting will have the answer to your New Zealand adventure wishlist. Here you can experience your whitewater rafting adventure with a bungy jump, skydive, helicopter trip, canyon swing or a jet boat ride – but surely riding the exhilarating rapids is action enough for one day? queenstownrafting.co.nz. From NZ$195

Lodge in the City (VIP) 152 Taranaki St. +64 4385 8560 lodgeinthecity.co.nz Nomads Capital 118 Wakefield St. 0508 666 237, nomadscapital.com Rosemere Backpackers (BBH) 6 McDonald Cres. +64 4384 3041, backpackerswellington.co.nz Rowena’s Backpackers (VIP) 115 Brougham St. 0800 80 1414 YHA Wellington City 292 Wakefield St. +64 4801 7280

CHRISTCHURCH Chester Street Backpackers (BBH) 148 Chester St East. +64 3377 1897, chesterst.co.nz Foley Towers (BBH) 208 Kilmore St. +64 3366 9720, backpack.co.nz/foley Jailhouse Accommodation (BBH) 338 Lincoln Rd. 0800 524 546, stay@kiwibasecamp.com The Old Countryhouse (BBH) 437 Gloucester St. +64 3381 5504, oldcountryhousenz.com Tranquil Lodge (BBH) 440 Manchester St. +64 3366 6500, tranquil-lodge.co.nz Rucksacker Backpacker Hostel (BBH) 70 Bealey Ave. +64 3377 7931, rucksacker.com

QUEENSTOWN Base Discovery Lodge St. +64 Queenstown 49 Shotover St.

+64 3441 1185, stayatbase.com Bungi Backpackers (VIP, BBH) 15 Sydney St. 0800 728 286, bungibackpackers.co.nz Cardrona Alpine Resort Between Queenstown and Wanaka. +64 3443 7341, cardrona.com Flaming Kiwi Backpackers (BBH) 39 Robins Rd. +64 3442 5494, flamingkiwi@xtra.co.nz Hippo Lodge (BBH) 4 Anderson Hts. +64 3442 5785, hippolodge.co.nz Nomads Queenstown 5-11 Church St. +64 3441 3922, nomadshostels.com Peterpans Adventure Travel 27 Shotover St Queenstown. peterpans.com.au Pinewood Lodge (VIP) 48 Hamilton Rd. 0800 7463 9663, rgrieg@xtra.co.nz Southern Laughter (BBH, VIP) 4 Isle St. 0800 728 448, southernlaughter.co.nz YHA Queenstown Central 48A Shotover Street. +64 3442 7400, yha.co.nz YHA Queenstown Lakefront 88- 90 Lake Esplanade. +64 3442 8413, yha.co.nz

TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

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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

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Training You Can TRUST

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AM

71

OZWORK

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ON THE JOB After some last minute work?

MARIANNE VAN DER ONESHIFT KOOY, 23 is a FROMwebsite THE NETHERLANDS new dedicated to finding temporary work for you as you travel.

We chat to Rachael Parsons from Ireland about how she found work...

Was it easy finding work through OneShift?

Yes, when you set up your profile you can apply to any job you want and they get back to you straight away.

What’s the most difficult obstacle in finding work in Oz? A lot of companies want you to sign contracts which is very hard when you plan on setting off to travel around, however with OneShift everyone knows where each other stands so there are no expectations to commit full-time.

How has it benefited you while you’ve been travelling?

When I first arrived I wasn’t looking for any permanent work because I wanted to travel, but with OneShift you can decide where, and when you want to work.

Highs and lows of your current job?

Meeting a lot of nice friendly faces. There’s nothing I dislike about the job really, to be honest. I love the flexibility and responsibility that it comes with!

What kind of work have you found through the agency?

When I first arrived in Australia I worked as a kitchen hand at Easy Eating for one shift to earn some cash. I then also worked a couple of shifts as an admin / social media assistant for Show Pony. Both were great roles. My recent (and current) role was at YM Salon as a beauty therapist. I took a shift here and have since been offered more shifts on an ongoing basis.

What do you think of the pay you’re earning?

It’s good. You cant really complain about money when you have just left a country where the recession is at it peak!

How did you come across OneShift?

Through a friend who was currently in Australia.

Would you recommend OneShift to other backpackers?

Yes definitely, you can still travel and do a shift here and there when your money is getting low. It’s an ideal solution.

What did you do back home?

I’m a qualified makeup artist and beauty therapist.

What is your highest level of experience/qualifications?

I have over four years salon experience and two years cosmetic counter experience.

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The best thing that’s happened to you on the job?

Getting to know the staff and owners. I have developed some great contacts already that I will be able to take with me when I go travelling or decide to look for a steady job.

What do you plan to do when you get home?

I plan on going back into the salon industry or maybe look into teaching beauty, who knows. I love it here so I guess we’ll see. I have travelled a bit in Queensland and Sydney but I’m still hoping to do the east coast.

To look for temporary jobs in Australia, sign up to OneShift by heading to oneshift.com.au

MASSEUSES WANTED

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Try us just once and you will not be disappointed!

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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.

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

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73

TOTALLYTRIVIAL

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@tnt_downunder

WHO TO BLAME

AND THEIR FAVE THING ABOUT TASSIE EDITOR

ALEX HARMON

(MONA)

STAFF WRITER HUGH RADOJEV

INTERN

ASTRONOMY AUSSIE RULESQUIZ FOOTBALL

AMELIA GRAY

(Wine wine wine)

a) Ice and dust b) Rocks c) Hydrogen d) Metal

DESIGN & PRODUCTION LISA FERRON

(The weather reminds me of home)

What do scientists think lies at the Q 2.heart of every galaxy?

(Shaped like a vagina)

Q

ACCOUNT MANAGER

JUSTIN STEINLAUF (Dickens’ Cider)

during a lunar eclipse? a) Wanning b) Waxing c) Half moon d) Full moon

MIKE RAMSDEN

(Tassie devils)

FINANCIAL CONTROLLER TRISH BAILEY

(Hobart)

WHAT WE DID THIS WEEK

DISCOVERED JUST HOW WONDERFUL TASMANIA IS. YOU SHOULD REALLY GO THERE!

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7

1

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8

5

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6

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“DINKY DI”

2

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a) One b) Three c) None d) Six

AUSSIE-ISM

4

1

How many moons does the planet Q 8.Venus have?

the surface of Jupiter known as? a) The Small Red Spot b) The Great Dark Swirl c) Scooter d) The Great Red Spot

SUDOKU PUZZLE 2

a) Balls of gas b) Rocks c) Ice d) Light

Q 9. What is the famous storm visible on

Q 5. How long does a lunar eclipse usually last? a) Two hous b) Four hours c) Eight hours d) Ten hours

HAD A MESSY HALLOWEEN ON BOARD THE OZPARTY BOAT CRUISE. THURSDAY MORNING WAS CERTAINLY NOT A TREAT HEADED OUT WEST OF SYDNEY TO PENRITH’S WAKEBOARDING PARK. DID SOME JUMPS, GOT SOME AIR, MOSTLY GOT SOAKED

3. How many rings does Uranus have? a) Eight b) One c) Ten d) Five

Q 4. What phase should the moon be in

SALES EXECUTIVE

6. What type of galaxy is our own Milky Way? a) Spiral b) Irregular c) Barred Elliptical d) Elliptical

What substance are all stars Q 7.comprised of?

a) A sun b) Black holes c) Asteroid belt d) A star

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT TOM WHEELER

Q

What material are comets made Q 1.from?

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

(David Boon’s moustache)

This is Australian for someone who speaks the truth or is honest.

“She came on to me mate, dinky di.” This term can also be interchanged with “true blue” which means the same thing.

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