TNT Australia 728 by TNT MAGAZINE

12 - 25 August 2013 Issue 728 tntdownunder.com

WstIN coast

a n ea -off hop-on hop y e journ for two

the blue room South Africa’s top surf spots

getting wiki with it We have an exclusive chat with Julian Assange

t e r c e s s ’ a i r victo

en f hipster heav o s e n la e th st in rne, getting lo u o lb e M in d ng weeken We spend a lo + news & sport what’s on

film reviews travellers’ tIPS

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Alex Harmon EDITOR editor@tntdownunder.com

EDITOR’S LETTER As a Sydneysider I’m supposed to hate Melbourne, but after a weekend trip to the capital of cool Victoria, I can’t help but scream from the rooftop bars about how much I love it. This is also my last issue as editor – I am off to start a new travel writing gig. I’d like to thank you all for your support and readership over the years, I started as an intern in 2010 and never looked back. I hope you continue to love the mag and remember: stay classy, TNTers!

THIS issue oz Diary

Food + drink

Gigs

Pub 10 Chatroom

Film

Lifestyle 24 News

Opinion 28 Sport 30 Travel 32 Hot Shots

win 48 weekender 54 listings Australia

listings new zealand

work 80 trivial pursuits

Features Secret Squirrel

TNT snuck into the Ecuadorian embassy for an exclusive chat with Julian Assange

East and south

The Golden Backpacks are on their way so we look at the best of NSW and TAS

Culture Chameleons

We hit the most European of Aussie cities, drink coffee and look at street art. So cool!

Surf’s Up

We catch a wave or two off the coast of the Republic of South Africa.

56 tntdownunder.com

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ozDIARY Editorial Editor Alex Harmon Deputy Editor Hugh Radojev Contributors Kate McCulley, Carol Driver Interns Rory Platt

@tnt_downunder

Fully sick, dude!

Design and production Design and production manager Lisa Ferron Sales Account manager Justin Steinlauf Marketing and events executive Georgina Pengelly marketing & events Business development manager Tom Wheeler distribution Lee Sutherland accounts Financial controller Trish Bailey

main event Australian Surfing Festival 2013 Port Macquarie, New South Wales

The best in Australian amateur surfing return to the beautiful, wave rich waters of Port Macquarie in mid-northern New South Wales this August. Over 400 competitors will descend on the area to compete across a number of five different disciplines including the prestigious Australian Longboard championships and the Australian Surfmasters titles. If you think you’ve got what it takes to tear it up on the waves, registration for the actual event is $170 but for the rest of us mere mortals spectacting is naturally free. Port Macquarie comes alive this time of year and this is one of the most popular events on the regional centre’s calendar. Definitely worth a road trip to check it out. 10 – 25 August, Port Macquarie surfingaustralia.com

CinéfestOz film festival

Henley-on-Todd regatta

Audi Hamilton Island Race week

Into its sixth year, this premier WA film festival showcases some of the best of Australian and French film. The festival draws not just cinema savvy locals but also actors and directors. While you can get a whole festival pass for $560, individual ticket prices vary. If you’re in Perth and like great films this is for you.

This is a boat race with an absolutely unique feel to it – there’s no actual water! In the dry, sandy bed of the Todd River, men and women fashion themselves bottomless boats and race one another up and down the course. There are all kinds of different ‘boat’ classes and you might even see a few pirates floating around.

To mark the 10th anniversary of the Oatley family’s ownership of the crown in the Whitsundays, Hamilton Island, this Audi Race Week promises to be amazing. With some great sailing, celebrations and some of the best food and wine from the local area, it’s sure to be beautiful.

August 21 – 25 Perth, Western Australia cinefestoz.com

August 17 Alice Springs, Northern Territory henleyontodd.com.au

August 17 – 24 Hamilton Island, Queensland hamiltonislandraceweek.com.au

Where to get TNT

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

Free

TBA

Image: Getty

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

TBA

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HOT DEAL Brisbane or Cairns to Sydney from $1 per day. Some deals include a free fuel allowance!

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eats + drinks asian beer cafe melbourne

[Caption]

Restaurant review by Alex Harmon

Melbourne Central is an exhausting shopping centre in the heart of the CBD, but if you make your way to the top level you’ll find an oasis of exotic delights. This massive restaurant/bar is decorated with Japanese anime and 70 year old recycled materials, including the iron wood from an old cargo ship that was sunk by pirates off the coast of Indonesia (so they say!). On the balcony you’ll be treated to views of the State Library and, if that’s not enough, you’ll hear Japanese language lessons blaring from within the bathrooms. The grub This is a popular student hang out, so prices are exceptionally low, like $4 pizzas and buffalo wings everyday. But you should really take advantage of their $9.50 Bento lunch boxes. They’re huge and come with your choice of chicken, beef, seafood, or vegetarian, and a bunch of sides. More than enough to keep you going as you return to the madness of the mall, or school, or laneway exploration – whatever you’re here for. Behind the bar Cocktails are big, cheap and cheekily named (Sex on the Mekong, anyone?). On Sunday’s they’re two-for-one. And if you’re really hard up for cash (and female) ladies get $1 glasses of champas on Thursdays. There are, of course, lots of Asian beers to choose from – jugs of Tiger are only $15, which is a bargain. Bill please More deals than Persian carpet sale. Check their website for daily specials but this is definitely one for the budget-conscious traveller or student. verdict Grab some mates, jugs, pizzas and learn some Japanese. Easy peasy. THE SCENE

Level 3, Melbourne Central, Melbourne

3 of the best brunch after a big night spots 6

asianbeercafe.com.au

Bondi Hardware

Runcible spoon

Ruby’s Diner

North Bondi may well be (and this might cause some consternation amongst Inner-Westies) the Sydney capital for brunch and Bondi Hardware’s new menu is up there with the best. Ricotta pancakes, carnivore friendly reuben sandwiches and poached eggs with housemade baked beans are just some of the delicious new items! What to choose is going to be hard.

Aside from having one of the best cafe names around, Runcible Spoon in Camperdown also throws down in the brunch stakes. Their poached eggs are – if we’re being honest – right up there with some of the best we’ve ever tried. The fact that they serve it with crispy pork belly (holy shit!) and a zingy Thai salad tip it well over the edge from good to AMAZING!

Sure, this spot isn’t situated anywhere particularly ‘cool’ – it’s halfway between Bondi Junction and Bronte Beach – but it’s worth it. Aside from the interesting, 50s style milk bar feel inside, Ruby’s put on an absolutely immense BLAT. Sure, you’ve probably had one or two of these in your time before but, seriously, the ones at Ruby’s are off the chain. They also do great milkshakes.

bondi-hardware.com.au

runciblespoon.com.au

rubysdiner.com.au

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@tnt_downunder

BITE SIZE

Eco-Friendly Fitzroy Ah, Fitzroy – it’s where the hipsters go to be hip and Grumpy’s Green is where they go to drink organic Victorian ales and sit in recycled furniture. In all seriousness though, this is another Melbourne diamond in the rough. There’s live (acoustic) music, delicious veggie burgers and swing-dancing sessions on Sunday afternoons. Plus it’s about as 100 per cent eco-friendly a venue as you’ll find in Australia. They even recycle the bathroom water. grumpysgreen.com

Got the Hux You’re hungry in Fitzroy, but where to go? Check out Huxtable on Smith Street. You’ve got just about everything you need there, from cheeky nibbles with a glass of wine to full blown main meals that will satisfy even the greatest of hungers. Most of the stuff on offer at this restaurant is also made to share, like the Korean bbq pork ribs, spicy slaw and chilli gherkin. With a beautiful, rustic decor and a super menu this is definitely one to check out. huxtablerestaurant.com.au

Take it Slow Brunswick Street may have a lot of cafés, but this is certainly one of the best. Slowpoke Espresso has forged a wonderful reputation for itself since 2011, but with a brand new breakfast menu this place is set to excite all over again. Combine all this with the fact that almost everything is under $12 and you’re basically sorted. facebook.com/slowpoke–espresso

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gigLISTINGS

@tnt_downunder

friday 16 The Getaway Plan $20 The Coffs Hotel, Coffs Harbour thegetawayplan.com Tim Finn $38.80 Eatons Hill Hotel, Brisbane tickets.oztix.com.au

DON’T MISS! ‘Dream Cave’ National Tour Cloud Control Tour, Aug 21 – Sep 12. Prices vary The Blue Mountain’s very own Cloud Control are taking their new album Dream Cave around Australia in August/September.

National tour

cloudcontrol.com

monday 12 Frankies World Famous House Band Free Frankies Pizza, Sydney eventfinder.com.au Motown Mondays Free The White Horse, Sydney whitehorsesurryhills.com

tuesday 13 British India $34.70 The Tempo, Brisbane tickets.oztix.com.au Bernard Fanning TBA Wrest Point, Hobart bernardfanning.com MDC $44 The Zoo, Brisbane metropolistouring.com

wednesday 14 Vance Joy $16.50 Jive, Adelaide moshtix.com.au

Bastille $48.70 Metro Theatre, Sydney premier.ticketek.com.au/ Paul Kelly $79.90 City Recital Hall, Sydney livenation.com.au

thursday 15 Scarlet Hearts $10 The Standard, Sydney wearethestandard.com.au Don McLean $79 WIN Entertainment Centre, Wollongong premier.ticketek.com.au Seth Sentry $15 The Northern, Byron Bay sethsentry.com

Josh Pyke $44.80 The Gov, Adelaide moshtix.com.au The Leftovers $20 Beetle Bar, Brisbane beetlebar.com.au

saturday 17 Pluto Jonze $12 Northcote Social Club, Melbourne northcotesocialclub.com Iluka $10+bf The Workers Club, Melbourne theworkersclub.com.au Don McLean $79 Hamer Hall, Melbourne, premier.ticketek.com.au Hed Kandi Cover charge Goldfish, Sydney thegoldfish.com.au Paul Kelly $79.90 Anita’s Theatre, Wollongong livenation.com.au

sunday 18

DON’T MISS! Darebin Music Feast Darebin, Victoria, Sep 18 – 29. TBA A celebration of all kinds of music from right across Melbourne’s cultural heartland. Look out for the Elvis tribute show!

Melbourne, Vic

musicfeast.com.au

wednesday 21 Ash $64.50 The Hi-Fi, Brisbane thehifi.com.au

Cloud Control $23.50 The Coolangatta Hotel

Cloud Control $23.50 The Spotted Cow, Toowoomba oztix.com.au

thursday 22 The Game $79 Espy, Melbourne dashtickets.com.au

oztix.com.au The Game $79 The Grand Hotel, Wollongong dashtickets.com.au Snakadaktal $32.70 The Forum, Melbourne

George Benson $85 QPAC Concert Hall, Brisbane qpac.com.au

friday 23

Troy Cassar-Daley TBA Montreal Theatre, Tumut troycassardaley.com.au

Jimmy Barnes $89 Darwin Ski Club, Darwin frontiertouring.com

Cloud Control $30 The Tivoli Theatre, Brisbane oztix.com.au

Louis London Free UNSW Roundhouse, facebook.com/louislondon

Josh Pyke $40 The Corner Hotel, Melbourne moshtix.com.au

Lyall Maloney $8 The Standard, Sydney wearethestandard.com.au

Paul Kelly $80 Llewellyn Hall, Canberra livenation.com.au

saturday 24

ticketmaster.com.au Midnight Juggernauts $25 + bf The Corner Hotel, Melbourne corner.ticketscout.com.au

sunday 25 Don McLean $79 Twin Towns Services Club premier.ticketek.com.au

DON’T MISS!

monday 19 Frankies World Famous House Band Free Frankies Pizza, Sydney eventfinder.com.au

BOOK NOW! Listen Out festival Syd, Bris, Melb and Perth. Sep 28 – Oct 6. $110+bf. The Parklife festival has been replaced with the a new, boutique dance event Listen Out, with Azealia Banks (pictured) headlining. National

listen-out.com.au

Motown Mondays Free The White Horse, Sydney whitehorsesurryhills.com

tuesday 20 Russell Morris $35 The Corner Hotel, Melbourne moshtix.com.au

The Big Day Out Nation Wide. Summer 2014. Prices TBA The 2014 BDO lineup has been released and it’s massive. Blur, Pearl Jam and Arcade Fire will headline with many more to be announced.

State Capitals

bigdayout.com

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pUBLISTINGS

HAPPY HOUR!

@tnt_downunder

HAPPY HOUR

In Situ 34/18 Sydney Rd, Manly insitumanly.com.au Four Pines 29/43-45 East Esplanade, Manly 4pines.com.au Marlborough Hotel 145 King St, Newtown marlboroughhotel.com.au The Imperial 35 Erskineville Road, Erskineville theimperialhotel.com.au

Free prawn Cutlet Fridays

The Norfolk 305 Cleveland St, Redfern thenorfolk.co

The Palace Hotel. Friday’s 5 – 6pm. Everybody loves battered seafood! Now, The Palace Hotel are giving it away on Friday nights to get your weekend started right

The Vanguard 42 King St, Newtown thevanguard.com.au

Cnr George and Hay St

sydney pubs Trinity Bar 505 Crown St, Surry Hills trinitybar.com.au DOME Bar Level 1 589 Crown Street, Surry Hills domebar.com.au Tea Garden’s 2-4 Bronte Rd, Bondi Junction teagardenshotel.com.au Scary Canary 469 Kent St, Sydney scarycanarybar.com.au Side Bar 509 Pitt St, Sydney wakeup.com.au/side-bar Scubar 4/11-23 Rawson Place, Sydney scubar.com.au Bar Century Lvl 4 640, George St Sydney barcentury.com.au 3 Wise Monkeys 555 George St, Sydney 3wisemonkeys.com.au

palacehotelsydney.com. Candy’s Apartment 22 Bayswater Road, Potts Point candys.com.au World Bar 24 Bayswater Road, Potts Point theworldbar.com.au Ryan’s Paragon Hotel Cnr Loftus & Alfred St, Sydney hotelparagon.com.au

Coogee Palace 169 Dolphin St, Coogee beachpalacehotel.com.au Beach Road Hotel 71 Beach Road, Bondi Beach beachroadbondi.com.au The Bondi Hotel 178 Campbell Parade, Bondi hotelbondi.com.au Kinsela’s 383 Bourke St, Darlinghurst kniselas.com.au

The Beresford 345 Bourke St, Surry Hills Flinders Hotel merivale.com.au/theberesfordhotel 63 – 65 Flinders St, Surry Hills theflindershotel.com.au Oxford Art Factory 38-46 Oxford St, Darlinghurst White Horse Hotel oxfordartfactory.com 381 Crown St, Surry Hills thewhitehorse.com.au White Revolver Cnr Curlewis + Campbell Parade Bondi Beach melbournepubs whiterevolver.com The Last Jar, 616 Elizabeth St, Melbourne The Palace Hotel thelastjar.com.au Cnr of George and Hay St, City CBD Drunken Poet, palacehotelsydney.com.au 65 Peel Street, (opposite Queen Vic markets), West Melbourne Hotel Steyne thedrunkenpoet.com.au 75 The Corso, Manly

hotelsteyne.com.au

HAPPY HOUR

Central Lion Hotel 3/221 La Trobe St, Melbourne acemelbourne.com.au/mclion/ The Nite Cat 137-141 Johnston St, Fitzroy thenightcat.com.au

Sunday Happy Hours Fluid Oz Bar, Melbourne. Sunday 12–2pm and 5-7pm Head on down to Fluid Oz Bar to finish your weekend off right with cheap tap beers, wine and spirits as well as free pool!

450 Elizabeth St

melbourneinternationalbackpackers.com Esplanade Hotel 11 The Esplanade, St Kilda espy.com.au Northcote Social Club 301 High Street Northcote northcotesocialclub.com Palace Theatre palace.com.au The Hi-Fi 125 Swanston Street Melbourne thehifi.com.au

The Night Owl 35 Elizabeth Street Melbourne nightowl.com.au

adelaide pubs Grace Emily Hotel 232 Waymouth St, Adelaide yourbars.com.au Electric Circus 17 Crippen Place, Adelaide electriccircus.com.au

The Tote 67-71 Johnston Street, Collingwood Crown and Sceptre Hotel 308 King William Street, Adelaide thetotehotel.com sceptre.com.au Eden Bar and Nightclub The Promethean 163 Russell Street, Melbourne 116 Grote St, Adelaide edenbar.com.au theprom.com Turf Bar Club 58 131 Queen St Melbourne 58 Hindley St, Adelaide turfbar.com.au club58.com.au Fluid Oz Bar 450 Elizabeth Street Melbourne yelp.com.au perth pubs Bar Humbug 586 Little Bourke St Melbourne barhumbug.com.au

The Subiaco Hotel 465 Hay Street, Subiaco subiacohotel.com.au

Eurotrash Bar 18 Corrs Lane Melbourne eurotrashbar.com.au

Voodoo Lounge 174 James St, Northbridge voodoolounge.com.au

HAPPY HOUR

Shamiana 420 Lonsdale St, Melbourne shamiana.com.au Star Bar Hotel Melbourne 160 Clarendon Street, South Melbourne starbarhotel.com.au The Apartment Nightclub 401 Little Bourke Street Melbourne theapartment.com.au

Universe at The Liberty Social The Liberty Social. Thursday nights With free entry before 10.30pm, $5 spiced rum all night and $4 ‘Liberty’ shots, can you think of a better place for a Thursday night? 279 Flinders Lane. Melbourne thelibertysocial.com.au

Cherry Bar 103 Flinders Lane Melbourne myspace.com/cherrybarmelbourne Corner Hotel 57 Swan Street Richmond cornerhotel.com East Brunswick Club 280 Lygon St Brunswick East eastbrunswickclub.com

Pizza and Pong The Chalk Hotel, Brisbane. $10 pizza and free ping-pong. The Chalk Hotel have the best way to shrug off a bad case of Mondayitis – $10 woodfire pizzas and free table tennis! 735 Stanley St Woolloongabba

chalkhotel.com.au

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CNR CHAPEL ST & HIGH ST WINDSOR MELBOURNE 9525 1288 8/08/13 1:04 AM

pUBLISTINGS The Shed 69-71 Aberdeen St Northbridge, the-shed.com.au The East End Bar and Grill 189 High Street, Fremantle theeastendbar.com.au The Clink Nightclub 14-16 South Terrace, Fremantle theclink.com.au

brisbane pubs Hotel LA 68 Petrie Terrace, Brisbane hotella.com.au

Gilligan’s Backpacker Hostel 57-89 Grafton St gilligansbackpackerhostel.com. au

hobart pubs Syrup Nightclub 39 Salamanca Pl, Battery Point syrupclub.com.au Republic Bar 299 Elizabeth St, Hobart republicbar.com.au

GPO Hotel 740 Anne St, Fort Valley gpohotel.com.au

Isobar 11 Franklin Wharf Hobart isobar.com.au

Canvas Club 16b Logan St, Woolloongabba canvasclub.com.au

Knopwood’s Retreat 39 Salamanca Pl Hobart (03)6223 5808

The Fringe Bar Cnr Ann and Constance St fringebar.com.au

The Duke 192 Macquarie Street Hobart theduke.com.au

Pig ‘N’ Whistle Riverside 123 Eagle Street, Brisbane pignwhistle.com.au Sky Room 2/234 Wickham St, Fort Valley skyroom.com.au Bravo Bar Brunswick Central, 455 Brunswick St Fortitude Valley hotelbravo.com.au The Met Nightclub 256 Wickham St, Fortitude Valley themet.com.au The Exchange Hotel 131 Edward St, Brisbane theexchange.com.au Iceworks Cnr Given Tce & Dowse St, Paddington iceworks.com.au

gold coast pubs Blush Nightclub 21 Orchid Avenue Surfers Paradise blushnightclub.com.au Benowa Tavern 117 Ashmore Rd, Benowa surfersbeergarden.com Coolangatta Sands Hotel 3 Griffith St, Coolangatta coolangattasandshotel.com.au Shooters Superclub Shop 46 The Mark Orchid Avenue Surfers Paradise shooterssuperclub.com

newcastle pubs Kent Hotel 59-61 Beaumont St, Hamilton thekenthotel.com.au Kings Street Hotel 15 Steel St, Newcastle West kingsstreethotel.com.au Mary Ellen Hotel 57 Railway St, Mereweather maryellenhotel.com.au Bar Petite 5 King St, Newcastle barpetite.com.au The Northern Star 112 Beaumont St, Hamilton northernstarhotel.com.au Hamilton Station Hotel 2-6 Beaumont St, Islington hamiltonstation.com.au Hotel Delany 134 Darby St, Newcastle hoteldelany.com.au Sunyside Tavern 20 Broadmeadow Rd, Broadmeadow sunnysidetavern.com.au Premier Hotel 1 Brunker Rd, Broadmeadow hotelpremier.com.au Isobar 1 Honeysuckle Drive Newcastle thelanding.com Cambridge Hotel 789 Hunter St, Newcastle yourcambridge.com

Beaumont Exchange Hotel Cnr Beaumont and Denison Street, Hamilton theexchangehotel.com.com.au

HAPPY HOUR!

Wickham Park Hotel 61 Maitland Rd, Islington thewicko.com.au Cricketers Arms 61 Bruce St, Cooks Hill tab.com.au Oriental Hotel 53 Bull St, Cooks Hill wotif.com.au Royal Inn Hotel Waratah 61/69 Station St, Waratah truelocal.com.au

byron bay pubs Cheeky Monkey’s 115 Jonson St, Byron Bay cheekymonkeys.com.au The Northern 35-43 Jonson St, Byron Bay thenorthern.com.au The Owl & The Pussycat 85 Jonson St, Byron Bay opcbyron.com.au Beach Hotel Bay Ln, Byron Bay beachhotel.com.au

Cider sessions Clarences, Perth. Sunday Afternoons, Midday – Close. It’s all in the name really. Ciders from WA, Australia wide and the rest of the world all get a look in at Clarences. 526 Beaufort St, Mt Lawley Harp Hotel 234 Corrimal Street Wollongong wollongongnightlife.com.au

Woody’s Surf Shack 90-96 Jonson St, Byron Bay woodysbyronbay.com

Questions Unit 5 123-125 Corrimal Street Wollongong wollongongnightlife.com.au

Treehouse on Belongil 25 Childe St, Byron Bay treehouseonbelongil.com

Castros 5 Victoria Street Wollongong wollongongnightlife.com.au

canberra pubs Transit Bar 7 Akuna St, Canberra transitbar.com.au Cube Nightclub 33 Petrie Plaza, City cubenightclub.com.au ICBM 50 Northbourne Ave, Canberra icbmbar.com Mooseheads 105 London Circuit, Canberra mooseheads.com.au Academy Club 15 Bunda St, Canberra academyclub.com.au

darwin pubs Squires Tavern 3 Edmunds St Darwin squirestavern.com.au The Deck Bar 22 Mitchell St, Darwin thedeckbar.com.au The Tap Bar 58 Mitchell St, Darwin thetap.com.au

clarences.com.au

alice springs pubs Todd Tavern Todd Mall, Alice Springs toddtavern.com.au The Rock Bar 2/78 Todd St, Alice Springs therockbar.com.au The Barra Bar 34 Stott Tce, Alice Springs chifleyhotels.com.au Firkin n Hound 21 Hartely St, Alice Springs (08) 8953 3033 The Juicy Rump Lasseters Hotel Casino, Alice Springs juicyrump.com.au Bojangles Saloon 80 Todd St, Alice Springs yourbars.com.au

HAPPY HOUR

Wollongong pubs OneFiveOne 150 Keira Street Wollongong wollongongnightlife.com.au Grand Hotel 124 Keira Street Wollongong wollongongnightlife.com.au

Lass O’Gowrie Hotel 14 Railway St, Wickham lassogowriehotel.com.au

Glasshouse + Su Casa 90 Crown Street Wollongong wollongongnightlife.com.au

P.J. O’brien’s 87 Lake St, Cairns pjobriens.com.au

Albion Hotel 72 Hannell St, Wickham thealbion.com.au

Ivory 77 – 79 Crown Street Wollongong wollongongnightlife.com.au

Fabric Cnr Shields and Esplanade St cairnsevents.com pubs

Hamilton Hotel 71 Tudor St, Hamilton hamiltonhotel.com.au

Alibi 76 Crown Street Wollongong wollongongnightlife.com.au

cairns pubs

Rattle N Hum 65-67 Esplanade rattlenhumbar.com

@tnt_downunder

Live music every Friday at the Duke The Duke Hotel, Hobart. Friday nights One of Hobart’s best places to see live music is also a great place to have a couple of beers in Tasmania’s beautiful capital.

192 Macquarie Street, Hobart

theduke.com.au

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Monday $10 Soup or Winter Salad Tuesday $15 Salmon or Steak* Wednesday $15 Fish & Chips w/ house wine or selected tap beer Thursday & Sunday $15 Pasta or Chicken Schnitzel Fri & Sat Lunch + All Day SuNDAY $10 BAR100 Beef & Chicken Burgers Friday Night $15 Pizzas*

Full menu available at the bar. Special not available on public holidays or with any other offer. *Steak is a rump on specials. *Pizzas are the 28cm diameter, gluten free $4 extra and on Friday nights they are available from 5pm. 100 GEORGE ST, THE ROCKS PH: (02) 8070 9311 BAR100.COM.AU

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bar100sydney

@bar_100

8/08/13 5:42 PM

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‘I just don’t like lying arseholes’ TNT heads to the Ecuadorian Embassy for an exclusive interview with WikiLeaks’ founder Julian Assange Words carol driver Julian Assange pads out from the room in the Ecuadorian Embassy he’s called home for the past year, greeting me with a polite kiss on both cheeks. He’s dressed in an old T-shirt, worn-in jeans – and he’s wearing white towelling socks without shoes. Well, it is the hottest day of the year, and this is his home. I crack an obviously hilarious joke about dressing up for the occasion as we wander into another room for our exclusive interview about the WikiLeaks’ founder’s bid to run for a seat in the Australian Senate. The embassy is in Knightsbridge, minutes from Harrods, but once inside – past the smiling Met officer, through the security detector, surrendering my passport – it’s fairly underwhelming. I wait in the small reception area, corridors leading off to various rooms, and busy people chatting in Spanish. It’s humid, no air-con – and it’s even hotter in the room we go into to talk, with computers dotted around it, a green screen for filming, and Post-it notes on one of the walls with soundbites written on them, such as ‘Cablegate’. Assange, 42, grew up in Australia. As a teen he hacked into government computers, got raided by the Feds, and started an underground magazine. By 2010 he’d hit headlines as editor-in-chief at WikiLeaks, publishing secret information from anonymous sources. Using high-profile media, that year the organisation released hundreds of thousands of US military cables, painting a devastating picture of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan – damning evidence about civilian casualties and ignored torture. The US and UK condemned the leak. Soldier Bradley Manning was arrested on suspicion of passing classified documents to WikiLeaks, and is now on trial in the US. Assange has described it as a “show trial”, with WikiLeaks helping to fund his defence – as well as supporting the latest whistleblower to go public, Edward Snowden. Later in 2010, Assange was accused of sexual offences by two women in Sweden. Although he admits he had consensual sex with them, the activist denies wrongdoing, dismissing it as a ruse for the US to extradite him to possibly stand trial over the leaking of military cables. After a legal battle against extradition to Sweden, in June 2012, Assange was granted political asylum at the Ecuadorian Embassy. Assange is one of the world’s most controversial figures,

with two films being released this year – documentary We Steal Secrets (which WikiLeaks dismissed as lies) and thriller The Fifth Estate, starring Benedict Cumberbatch as the WikiLeaks founder. This week, Assange will be officially announced as the WikiLeaks Party candidate for an Australian Senate seat in Victoria. The other candidates for New South Wales, Western Australia and Assange’s running mate in Victoria will be announced on Thursday. However, one of the pressing issues is that Assange isn’t in Australia – he’s sitting in a chair opposite me, his silver-blond hair long and unkempt, and even lighter than it appears on TV or in photos. He speaks in a low, gravelly tone – though the Australian accent is there. Pausing on a few occasions to find the right word, making sure he doesn’t say the wrong thing, Assange seems incredibly guarded, placing his dictaphone next to mine to record the interview, saying he’s been burnt many times by the media. Every now and then he relaxes, breaking into a laugh or a smile. He warns me of his tendency to give long answers – and more than five minutes in, I’ve only asked the first question. Our 15-minute allotted slot soon creeps to 45. Here’s the outcome of when TNT met Assange.

Protest: outside the Ecuadorian Embassy tntdownunder.com

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Are you serious about wanting to help Australians, or is the Senate run a bid for your own freedom? For me personally, it doesn’t make any difference legally. Unfortunately, or perhaps fortunately, Australian senators have no immunity [in my situation] ... I would never run for any office to simply introduce another political party which just has platforms like any other political party ... What is the point of doing that? Already, the platform I have with WikiLeaks is significantly greater than the platform I would have being an Australian senator. The idea is to change how the Senate operates, change how the processes of government operate ... shake things up as much as possible.

How do you intend to shake things up? The Australian Senate is like the House of Lords here in the UK, except it has significantly more teeth. Its job is to scrutinise and expose the behaviour of government, hold it to account and check on its power ... it has to understand the complex mechanisms of governments and corporations – their lies, their deceits, their spin, their interconnections, their pressures – cut through all of that, through all the crap and say it like it is ... Now the question is can we take that same understanding WikiLeaks has developed about big corporations, about foreign policy about how states and big corporations really behave and apply that to the Senate in Australia ... I think that is possible.

Is there much corruption in Australia? Some of our people like to joke that we [WikiLeaks] only have one policy, and that’s ‘lights on, rats out’ – that is, to bring as much attention and exposure to what’s happening in Canberra as possible, and to drive out opportunistic or corrupt players. Canberra is a debauchery ... by taking Australia’s elected representatives who are meant to represent their electorates ... and putting them in isolation in Canberra together with the bureaucrats and the foreign embassies – that’s a toxic environment. These people will go to cocktail parties and luncheons with the same people in the city, they’ll develop social and business relationships. In that little, isolated artificial city, they’re not involved in the local community, they’re not even going to lunch with the regular middle-sized business leaders, so even the type of corruption in Canberra is not an average type of corruption because we’ve moved the politicians away from the people.

What does that mean in practical terms? Having the ability to use the Senate to break immoral gag orders on the Australian press; to deal with many cases of self-censorship, where the press is too scared to speak about the issue because the people being spoken about are very powerful; to introduce legislation which ensures there is proper, frequent communication on the internet which has become our central communications mechanism ... Also use the Senate committee process as a process to cross-examine and interrogate various complex Australian bureaucratic structures.

How will your involvement with WikiLeaks help?

We’ve become experts of dealing with millions of documents on foreign policy and bureaucracy, people trying to cover them up, and people trying to apply pressure to

us to stop it and defeating that pressure. So I see quite a strong connection with what we do as an organisation and what we expect to do as a political party in the Senate.

Have you had support from Aussie politicians? The Australian Labor government took the most hostile reaction to WikiLeaks of any government in the world, including the US. The Australian Labor Party has been so corrupted by its connections with the US government that it fell over backwards to demonstrate publicly that it was going to go in for me even harder than the US. It pronounced a “whole of government investigation” – that’s what Julia Gillard called it – the Attorney General looked for ways to cancel my passport, the AG’s office was instructed by cabinet to find ways to see if I could be charged with treason, the Australian Federal Police came back and said he’s committed no crime under Australian law. The Australian press, fortunately, came into bat for me, and so the Australian population made its displeasure known with what was happening, so eventually there was a public fallback.

Do you really think you can win a Senate seat? Yes. We will have to struggle to not win it based on polling. That said, there’s a lot of ways to lose. But [there are] now four or five polls showing that I have between 25-28 per cent of the vote over the past year or so. It’s remarkably consistent and the level of support by the Australian community is even higher, that’s in the 60-70 per cent range.

Why do you think support is so high? I would like to believe it’s because I am an expression of Australian culture, and WikiLeaks has a disproportionate number of Australians involved not just because they’re friends of mine ... it’s something that resonates with Australians and the Australian culture. Australians don’t like wankery. Another way of saying that is Australians don’t like lies. And we’re an organisation that exists to expose the most powerful lies. But I suspect there’s also a fair degree of sympathy with my personal situation, the abandonment by the Australian government of WikiLeaks as an Australian organisation that has been successful, [and] me, as a person. And Australians don’t want to see that precedent being set.

How will it work logistically if you win? If I’m elected, I’m meant to take my Senate seat in July 2014. Hopefully [my] situation will be resolved by then. It is in essence a political situation, it involves the prestige of a number of states, so it is, to a degree, fluid. If it is resolved by that time in the US, and it drops its investigation against me, and the Swedes drop their investigation, then I can return to Australia. If that doesn’t happen, if the US continues its investigation and there is no safe passage then, I won’t be able to take up my seat in Australia. If after two months I still cannot take my seat, then the Senate can elect to give me further time, or not ... Let’s assume it doesn’t, because I think I know where they’re at, then my running mate can take the seat, or any publicly recognised member of the WikiLeaks Party can take the seat until such time as I am able to return.

Will you ever be a free man? Well, I’m free now in the most important respect. My thoughts are free and I can speak. ❚

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8/08/13 1:06 AM

WIN

Are you spotted in the circle?

Email us at tom@ tntdownunder.com with ‘Spotted’ in the subject line, email must include a photo of yourself! Boom you’ve won yourself $100 bar tab! Like us on facebook/ tntdownunder for more party pics from the night!

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8/08/13 11:55 PM

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9/08/13 9:13 AM

CHATROOM

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James Balog

The climate change activist and photographer on the inconvenient truth revealed in new movie Chasing Ice that affects us all INTERVIEW alasdair morton

Your Extreme Ice Survey set up cameras in the harsh environments of Iceland and Greenland to record glacier retreat – how tough was it? In hindsight it wasn’t too bad but if you had lived in my brain for those first six months of 2007, it was miserable. There was so much stress as I’d made commitments to myself and the donors that I’d do certain projects in a certain timetable. It quickly became clear the electronics [of the cameras] were more difficult than I’d imagined. It took a lot of jiggering around to figure it all out. [Balog had his fourth knee operation during the shooting of Chasing Ice to keep him mobile in the field.] You’re a climate change activist now, but were initially a sceptic – why so? I thought the whole thing was a based on computer models which are only as good as the information you put into them. I’m a bit of a luddite – I don’t like the digital age. And it just wasn’t in my frame of reference that people could change the fundamental make-up of our world – I thought the world had been here for hundreds of thousands of years, it’s big and we are small, we can make a few animals extinct but its basic operating system will remain without alteration. But that was 20 years ago and I was wrong – yet that false notion is leading us all over a cliff right now.

Photos: 2005 Extreme Ice Survey/ Svavar Jónatansson

Why are we so opposed to the truth? There’s a vast amount of money at stake – it’s no secret the industry that sells oil, coal and gas has an enormous interest in keeping the status quo as is. They’re doing just fine – their interest is not in preserving the future of the world. Why don’t we accept what’s happening? I don’t think that is the case. US poll numbers show Americans believe in climate change – but a rabid fanatical minority has an outsized voice because they have the money. Does it make you angry? Absolutely. Just last night I was watching an [anti-climate change] PBS show and it made me incredibly angry. It’s so greedy and selfish and inexcusable those financial interests say, ‘We

Wake-up call: Balog’s photos show climate change in action don’t care, it doesn’t matter to us.’ The deniers have painted the evidence as coming from esoteric out-there, living-on-a-moonbeam types that we can’t trust, which is just blarney. What did you initially think the ‘glacier cams’ would show? We didn’t know what we’d see – maybe some marginal changes in the receding glaciers, hoping it might be interesting by year three. So it was a shock to witness such a huge change almost right away. The degree to which you can see the 3D objects moving away still shocks me. Is the film a wake-up call? I hope it is, and that it acts as another piece of evidence that rattles people’s mental cages and makes them realise this is not fictional. Does recent extreme weather keep the story in the spotlight? Unquestionably it accelerates public interest in this story. Hurricane Sandy [which struck New York last October] put the knife in the gut on that! But there’s extreme weather all over the world: Syria’s had a severe drought for twothirds of the last decade that contributed to the civil war. Australia has seen extreme events – wildfire cycles, insect infestations. How urgent is this issue? When issues touch individual lives and

communities it makes you realise the immediacy. We all tended to think of this as an issue about small, incremental changes – we’d see more [extreme weather] in a decade or two. But what we are all waking up to in the past couple of years is that this is happening right now. Are we too disconnected from the natural environment? We think the majority of the human population is insulated in urban environments, but it’s not, it’s in the rice paddies in Asia and South America. The ‘colluding’ countries’ populations live in urban environments, where it’s easy to forget while living in temperature-controlled buildings that these issues have real world impacts. Where are you taking the Extreme Ice Survey next? We’re expanding to Patagonia and Antarctica where we already have one camera and hope to have another 12 by next year. We have 10 in Argentina and Chile, too. And then we’re off to expand other subject areas that connect with the issue of human causation [of climate change]. There will almost certainly be another film that carries on the story, maybe starting with ice and then zooming forward into other subjects. Chasing Ice is out on DVD in September in Australia amazon.co.uk

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8/08/13 11:45 PM

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9/08/13 10:29 AM

filmreview

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The boys are back in town

The World’s End FILM review by Rory Platt. Out Now Starring: Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Martin Freedman, Rosamund Pike | MA | 109mins

Anchorman 2 Preview by Hugh Radojev Will Ferrell, Steve Carrell, Christina Applegate and Paul Rudd | TBA

The Channel 4 news team is set to return to the world’s big screens and I can’t wait. The original Anchorman film has permeated its way into the hearts and minds of a generation of comedy fans and made Will Ferrell and his bumbling, moustachioed news anchor Ron Burgundy a legend. If the preview is anything to go by, all your favourite characters from the first film will be back, this time swapping San Diego for the Big Apple. Keep it classy.

I’m pretty sure that fans of the “Blood and Ice Cream Trilogy” don’t need to be sold on this one. Following on from the huge successes of Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz, The World’s End is an action-packed, and extremely clever British comedy. While on the surface the film seems to be a cut and paste sitcom of a man desperately trying to relive his youth, it turns out to be a massively unpredictable, and surprisingly deep, fight for the future. The film follows five friends as they return to their hometown in an attempt to complete the Golden Mile pub-crawl, which they failed to complete in their younger days. The mastermind at the centre of it all is Gary King (Simon Pegg), a man hopelessly incapable of moving past the original pub-crawl and insistent that that evening was as good as life got for him. What follows is a stark realisation that nothing ever changes in Newton Haven; the reason for this, however, turns out to be somewhat sinister. The ensemble cast here is terrific; Pegg is wonderful as the alcoholic, nostalgic Gary while Frost plays the portly, comedic side-kick role that we saw from him in the past two films of the trilogy to perfection. Martin Freedman is also in top form as the straight-man, fall-guy Oliver, the ‘O-man’. It’s easy to see why his career continues to rise to new heights. There are bigger messages here about letting go of the past, friendship and the corporate dilution of drinking establishments that give the film real depth. I had big expectations for this film and walked out feeling extremely satisfied. Edgar Wright is a diamond in the rough of sequels, prequels and adaptations – especially considering that he could have just made a sequel to Shaun of the Dead and been done with it. Bravo, sir. Good for: Anyone with a sense of humour and a love for well-choreographed fight scenes

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7/08/13 9:32 PM

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8/08/13 1:10 AM

lifestyleliving The Worst

Things about an Australian winter

No central heating: Sure it’s not snowing, but would it kill you to put a heater on?

Seize the last of the freeze Our top five ways of getting the best out of the last days of the Australian winter Words Hugh Radojev

Lack of fruit: I hate that mangoes are out of season. Also, bananas are expensive

Lack of cloak rooms: There’s never anywhere in pubs or clubs to store your jacket!

English people: Constantly walking around in shorts and saying “you think this is cold?”

If you’re from a country anywhere north of the equator then it’s likely you can barely supress a smile when you hear Aussies complaining about how cold it is outside. It’s true that on any day where the mercury doesn’t rise above 20 degrees celcius you will see Australians donning scarves, hoodie/jacket combinations and even gloves. Pathetic! Cut us a little slack though, because the peculiar reactions of people to atmospheric conditions is a double edged sword. I’ve been in London during summer and the place shuts down anytime the sun comes out. The government declares a national emergency anytime there is a ‘heatwave’, which seems to be any two days in a row where the temperature gets above 25 degrees. Global warming seems to be forcing an early spring on us, so – with that in mind – we’ve come up with a list of the top five ways to enjoy the last of the chill. Grab a beanie and get out there to experience it all now, before the whole countryside gets overtaken by various species of animal all furiously rutting with one another. You’ve been warned.

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Snow time like the present It often comes as a serious surprise to first time visitors to Australia that the country possesses ski-fields at all. The fact of the matter is that we do, and while they’re not quite up to the standard of the luxury resorts in the Alps or the Rocky Mountains they’re a good spot to spend a weekend. Now, 2013 hasn’t exactly been a bumper season for Australia’s snowy parts, but stop complaining! Up until a second ago you didn’t even know it did snow in Australia. Between the light dusting of legitimate powder in places like Perisher, Thredbo and Mount Buller and the absolute arsenal of snow guns that these resorts fire up every night, chances are you won’t see too much grass and dirt patches on your first run down. And, even if the slopes are more mud than snow, we all know the best part of any good ski trip comes après (as we Francais speakers parlais). Drink beer, cask wine, mulled schnapps – or gasoline for all I care – and escape the grind for a few days. You’ll definitely feel better for it, unless you break an arm or something.

On the rocks I know what you’re thinking (I always know). You’re thinking: ‘ice bars are stupid! I can get a drink with ice in it at any pub or bar and, what’s more, I don’t have to wear a ski-jacket and beanie while I’m doing it.’ Normally I’d commend you for your concise, logical thought process and your committed refusal to be sucked in by naff fads but, seriously, stopping picking holes in everything I do! Sure, it’d be cheaper just to crank the airconditioning in your dorm room and put a bottle of Russian Standard in an esky full of ice for 20 minutes, but where’s your sense of daring-do? Sydney has a number of specialist ice bars which have cropped up this winter, including a rather up-market joint in Circular Quay. And, for August only, there’s a new one that’s shot up (probably not the right word) at the Coogee Bay Hotel. That’s right, one of the Eastern Suburbs’ surest bets for a Saturday night fight now has its own ice bar. I imagine it’s pretty expensive and the vodka on hand will be rubbish, but surely it’s worth checking out, if only for the novelty value.

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7/08/13 11:07 PM

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In bloom

Photos: TNT Images, Thinkstock

It’s true what they say, a lot of the Australian landscape is semi-arid desert. It’s boiling hot during the day and freezing at night, all year round. While the Australian outback is – in its own unique way – very beautiful, it can all get a bit... monotonous. Winter in Western Australia’s more remote parts is a whole different story however. The seemingly lifeless landscape in summer time explodes in the cooler months in a blanket of exquisite wildflowers – pinks, lilacs, blues, reds and yellows spreading out in all direction as far as the eye can see. The Cape Range National Park is amongst one of the best places in the State to see over 600 individual species of flower in bloom. You can bushwalk, rockclimb and four wheel drive or get out onto nearby Ningaloo Reef and snorkel with migrating whale sharks. Bet you can’t do that in the middle of a Manchester winter, am I right? Besides you better check it out soon, or else Gina Reinhardt might start digging it up in search of coal (or food).

lifestyleliving

the idea of it. For one thing good ice skaters are very graceful and, for the rest of us, there’s something vaguely amusing about being unable to stand upright. In the Docklands area of Melbourne there’s a temporary, outdoor ice rink that has been set up by the local council. Don’t ask me why, but apparently it’s lots of fun. Go and embarrass some of the locals with your ice skating skills or, if you’re shit, just get drunk beforehand and tackle people. (Note: please don’t skate while drunk).

Bit of a hike

There’s a lot to like about Tasmania. For one thing, its capital city of Hobart was recently voted the second most friendly city in the world. For another thing, it’s also got some of the most jaw droppingly, mind boggilingly beautiful countryside to be found anywhere in the Commonwealth. If you’re feeling adventurous (and, I’m assuming that you are) then why not lace up your hiking boots and hit Australia’s most iconic long-distance bushwalk: the Overland Track. This 65km, six-day-long hike will take you through the gorgeous Get your skates on heart of Australia’s most southerly state, past snow-capped Australians, Steven Bradbury aside (it doesn’t matter how he peaks, crystal clear lakes and old-growth forests. Sure, it’s won, only that he did), are generally terrible at ice skating. likely to be freezing cold (Tasmania is only a hop, skip and a It’s not really our fault, though. If we need to take the jump away from Antarctica after all) and – if you spend most rubbish out on a winter’s night we just put on our ugg-boots, of your time smoking, eating MSG flavoured noodles and unlike in parts of Scandanavia (or Scotland) where you need drinking goon – it will likely test your physical endurance. thermals and ice skates. That’s not to say that we don’t enjoy You’ll never forget it, though! tntdownunder.com

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7/08/13 11:08 PM

WORLDVIEW

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Urine trouble: Panesar

spin this! panesar fine for drunk wee united kingdom

The Ashes can apparently be even more stressful for the players than the fans – and it seems Monty Panesar found a way to, er, relieve that stress. It all happened after the 31-year-old was reportedly kicked out of Brighton club Shoosh for allegedly harassing women during a late-night Ashes celebration. Panesar, a spin bowler for Sussex County Cricket Club, went to a promenade above and urinated on two bouncers. After being hauled back, he was held for 45 minutes while police were alerted. A spokesman for Panesar, who was fined for being drunk and disorderly, said said: “Monty would like to apologise unreservedly for any offence caused.”

man towing 900kg of bricks swims 35k united states

It took him 51 hours, but a longdistance swimmer called The Shark has finished a 35km journey while hauling more than half-a-tonne of bricks. Jim Dreyer swam from the Michigan-Canada border to Detroit while pulling two dinghies filled with the rocks. Dreyer’s swim wasn’t just for fun, he also raised money for charity Habitat for Humanity, but he said it had other symbolic meaning. “We don’t have to sink with the weight of our burdens,” he said. 26

Very important news: Kris Smith wears next year’s designs by The Rocks Push at the Myer 2014 Collections in Sydney. This is in no way just an excuse to feature a photo of Smith semi-naked Dreyer said he had a number of hallucinations en route, including one at night that he described as a vision of Jesus. “I saw a guy in a white robe standing on the water,” he said. “I swam up to him and he disappeared. I was thinking he was the Big JC.”

one life down for stuck fat cat

australia

A 9kg cat called Dracula has been put on a diet after it became wedged between two brick walls, sparking a twohour rescue operation. The 60cm-long black feline was

found wedged in a small gap between two brick walls at his home at Culburra Beach, New South Wales. Emergency workers were alerted after the moggy’s owner Carmel Henebery heard the cat’s cries for help. Dracula was more than four metres in and couldn’t move. After a delicate threehour operation, the feline was freed. “It was such a nice thing to see this cat reunited with her owner,” rescue paramedic Faye Stockman said. “It is not every day paramedics get to see happy incidents like this.” Henebery said: “He’s going on a diet.”

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9/08/13 3:20 AM

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THIS WEEK

IN NUMBERS 20

Weight, in tonnes, of rubbish that buried hoarder Wendy Towers when her ceiling collapsed – luckily she survived

Price, in US dollars, of a creepy-looking commemorative doll made to look like the Prince of Cambridge

150

Eye-eye: weird licking craze

teens warned over eye licking craze NEW ZEALAND

Kiwi teenagers are being warned against a bizarre eyeball-licking craze sweeping Japan. Oculolinctus, or ‘worming’, involves licking the eyeballs of another person to show affection to their love interest. However, the number of eye infections has risen in Japan – and optometrists in NZ are warning youths not to follow suit. Ian Finch, of Visique NZ, said eyeball licking can cause conjunctivitis, aka ‘pink eye’, as well as transmitting herpes. Photos and videos of people ‘worming’ and being ‘wormed’ are circulating the web.

maori chief’s head to make NZ return

Photos: Getty; AAP; YouTube, Thinkstock

united kingdom

The mummified head of a South Sea island chief is to be sent back to New Zealand after more than 150 years in the UK. The Maori head, or toi moko, was brought to Britain in the 1840s, but it will soon be making its way back to NZ because of its “great cultural importance”. Janice Hayes, manager at The Warrington Museum in Cheshire, where it’s currently kept, said: “Maoris used to preserve severed heads for two reasons – either to venerate a loved one, or to ridicule an enemy defeated in battle.” NZ museum Te Papa Tongarewa is planning a ceremony to thank the Warrington Museum.

Per cent of British people who admit to putting on weight after getting into a relationship, says study

The calorie count of the average BBQ, according to a study. The equivalent of a day and a half’s food. Tuck in!

Going home: Maori head

‘fatberg’ flushed from sewer united kingdom

A congealed lump of fat the size of a double-decker bus clogged a sewer in London, requiring a major operation to remove it. The residents of prestigious Kingston Upon Thames came butt-clenchingly close to being knee-deep in raw sewage, as a congealed, 15-tonne lump of festering food fat mixed with wet wipes and sanitary products blocked the area’s sewer. The blockage caused the sewer pipe to shrink to less than 5 per cent of normal capacity. “We’ve never seen a single, congealed lump of lard this big clogging our sewers before,” said Thames Water spokesman Gordon Hailwood. It took 10 nights of blasting the lump with a high-pressure hose to remove it.

3,000

QUOTE OF THE WEEK Simon was unflappable. He had the birds landing on his head and didn’t break a sweat. No one was pooped on, but I was so jumpy Rose Byrne thanks fellow Aussie actor Simon Baker for helping her face her fear of birds when filming I Give It A Year

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9/08/13 3:21 AM

OUr view COMMENT: Hugh radojev Email: hugh@tntdownunder.com

Don’t let the door hit you on the way out, Luis!

Support the badge on the front, not the name on the back. The return of Premier League football is so close now, I can almost taste it. Regardless of which team you support – whether it’s one set to fight it out at the pointy end for glory and silverware or scrap to avoid relegation – it’s a hugely exciting time for all football fans. Yet, even with the first ball so close to being kicked, the transfer window remains wide open (for another few weeks at least) and it seems that until September 2nd, no team – be they Manchester United or anybody else – can truly call a player their own. Three transfer sagas have dominated the comings and goings this close season. Liverpool’s Uruguayan Luis Suarez’s attempts to force a move to a Champions League Club (nominally Arsenal), Tottenham Hotspur’s apparently £100 million man, Gareth Bale and his ‘will he/won’t he go’ dealings with Real Madrid and Manchester United’s former hero, turned super-villain Wayne Rooney’s bid to join direct rivals Chelsea. Stories like these often get played up by the English sports media in a desperate attempt to stop people from doing the newspaper equivalent of turning to a different channel and yet – as the old saying goes – where there’s smoke, there’s usually fire. I personally support Liverpool FC and have for over a decade (for some bizarre reason). The fact that Luis Suarez is agitating so forcefully for a move away from Liverpool (who at best can be described as being in a ‘transitional phase’) to a club playing in the Champions League shouldn’t really be surprising, not from a neutral point of view anyway. He’s one of the best players in the world and deserves to be playing at the top table of European competition and, yet, it doesn’t make it hurt any less as a fan. Fuck that guy! Such is the feeling amongst those mugs down the M26 in Manchester. United’s then manager took a punt on a young kid with lots of talent in Wayne Rooney and helped turn him into a superstar (not to mention a multi, multi-millionaire) and now he wants to join one of United’s direct rivals for next season’s Premier League title? Traitor, turncoat, bastard! For better or worse, the modern footballer is part gladiator and part mercenary interested only in money. Support your team beacuse most players will leave and hurt you in the end. I’m deleting my Twitter account if Suarez does join Arsenal, fuck Piers Morgan! hugh@tntdownunder.com

Don’t be fooled by the rain England have retained the Ashes for a third straight time. Congratulations to them! A great deal of Australians were left lamenting Manchester’s historically poor weather when the rain intervened to save England a humiliating defeat in the Third Test, but they’re rather missing the point. The fact of the matter is simple. England are the better team right now. Cricket is, quite simply, a game of numbers and England’s first XI have much better numbers than their Aussie counterparts.

“

England are the better team right now

”

English batsman like Alistair Cook, Ian Bell and Kevin Pietersen have much better averages than Aussie’s Watson, Khawaja and Warner, for example. In terms of bowling talent the honours are a bit more evenly shared – across the quicks anyway – but Graeme Swann is an infinitely more dangerous spinner than either Agar or Lyon. It’s not rocket science!

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SPORTNEWS

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Three ways with sporting technology…

Unreliable: HotSpot is said to be tricked by tape and could end up Ashes by this series’ end

Totally unnecessary: Remote control discus pick-up device at the IAAF World Champs

Simple solution: Football has long avoided technology but the new goal decision system fitted in all 20 Premier League grounds and Wembley has one simple job starting this week – tell us if it’s a goal or not. If it is, it’ll tell the ref via an ear piece and this watch. Time will tell how well, and often, Hawk-Eye’s expensive (£250,000 a ground) gear works

Smashing: Cameron White

White blasts his way out of aussie clash cricket Former Australia player Cameron White says he still wants to stake a claim for national selection, but an impressive half-century for Northants last week strangely saw him hit his way out of a chance to shine in front of selectors. White hit an unbeaten 58 from 32 balls for Northamptonshire in their Friends Life Twenty20 quarter final against Durham as his side set a total of 4-183. They went on to win, with Durham reaching just 6-147, securing Northants a spot in the FLT20 finals day at 30

Edgbaston on Saturday during which the semi-finals and final will be played. The win also meant Northants will now not play a two-day tour match against the Australians on Friday and Saturday on their home ground. In their place will be the England Lions development squad who will take on the tourists while White and his teammates contest Surrey, Hampshire and Notts or Essex for the T20 title. White has played Tests, ODIs and T20 for Australia, with his last time in gold or green the World Cup semi-final exit at the hands of West Indies last October. But the Victorian all-rounder hasn’t given up hope of a call-up with three T20s and five ODIs to come against England. ”It’s part of the reason for being here playing cricket I guess,” he told BBC Radio Northampton. “I desperately want to play cricket again for Australia. I want to put my name forward as often as I can. “This is why I’m here, trying to win games for Northants and I’ll keep pushing my claim.”

BIG WEEK FOR ... Just what the British summer needed, another Aussie-England clash – but this time when the words ‘stoush’ or ‘battle’ are mentioned it won’t be referring to cricket bats and balls. It’ll be accurate as IBF Middleweight Champion Daniel Geale and English challenger Darren Barker literally beat the crap out of each other. The fight on Saturday night will be broadcast live on Sky Sports in the UK (2am Sunday morning) from the Turning Stone Resort Casino in Atlantic City. Geale, 32, has held the IBF belt since he took it from Sebastian Sylvester two years ago. He’s defended it four times, most signficantly in boxing terms with a win over Felix Sturm in Germany last September and recently against Anthony Mundine.

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QUOTEs OF THE WEEK

All Blacks own: Dan Carter with the 82-year-old Cup

We did warn him that if he made a statement along those lines, if the inference was that the players were trying to cheat the Hot Spot system he would need some strong evidence to support that ICC Cricket manager Geoff Allardice about a meeting with HotSpot inventor Warren Brennan.

PREVIEW BLEDISLOE CUP/CHAMPIONSHIP OPENER Australia v new zealand sat, 11.05am, sky sports 4 It’s the time of year for Australian rugby fans to have a little hope that they can see the Wallabies wrest the massive trophy that is the Bledisloe Cup from the All Blacks’ grasp. But the numbers are ominous. Australia has to go back to 2002 to see images of a Wallaby skipper holding the 82-year-old cup aloft – and that year it was retained with a 1-1 result, not won outright. The last time Australia actually won the multimatch rivalry was 2001! With new coach Ewen McKenzie at the

helm for his first major match since taking over from Dingo Robbie Deans, he’ll be keen to start with a bang and put the humbling 41-16 defeat to the British and Irish Lions in their last outing behind his players. Worth remembering is the last time the two teams met it was an 18-all draw. As has been the case in recent years, the opening Bledisloe matches – this week in Sydney and next week in Wellington – will double as matches in the Rugby Championship, which also includes South Africa and Argentina, who play at 4pm UK time on Saturday, also on Sky Sports. The third Bledisloe match will be a standalone clash in Dunedin in October.

THE CHAT | To open or not to open? Q

At the moment, the situation is on standby... We have been told he wants to leave Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger about his club’s highly public pursuit of Liverpool FC’s wantaway striker Luis Suarez.

TV HIGHLIGHTS cricket Ashes: Australia v England Day four and five from Durham Mon & Tue, 8pm, Fox Sports 2

football World Athletics Championships

Do you think that Shane Watson will ever wind up opening the batting again for Australia?

Live action every morning from Russia Sat 17th, 11pm, Fox Sports 1

That is an interesting question. David Warner detractors will point

nrl

A out that scoring a quick fire 40-odd with the game well in

Australia’s favour doesn’t mean that he has what it takes to open the batting in Test matches. Some though believe that Warner’s quick-fire technique puts bums on seats and – when it works – has the ability to get Australia on the front foot. Besides, Watson hasn’t exactly been setting the world alight alongside Chris Rogers in this Ashes series so far. Plus, with his history of injuries and the fact that Michael Clarke needs him to bowl more now, moving down the order might work for him.

South Sydney v Manly Live from the Central Coast Sun 18th, 2pm, Fox Sports 2

super league Warrington v Widnes Shane Watson

The all-important run into the finals Wed, 21st 8pm, Fox Sports 1 tntdownunder.com

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TRAVEL HOTSHOTS | travel news | Travel deals | Travel stories | IMAGE OF THE WEEK

Photos: Thinkstock, Getty

LEt’s call it a Thai Riot police in the Thai capital of Bangkok sports some anti-government slogan on his shield

INSIDE

BUrnished gold

/38

The Golden Backpack Award voting season is now well underway and we’re looking at the best of NSW and TAS. 32

One Mel of a Good time /50

Endless Summer

We desperately try to hate Melbourne but... It’s just so damn cool! The street art, the food, the night life, the peninsulas!

We take an in-depth look at some of the top beaches and breaks in the beautiful Republic of South Africa.

/56

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9/08/13 8:22 AM

HOTSHOTS

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WINNER

WEEKLY WINNER Cape Kimberley at Dusk: Sarah Clarke, 24, Northern Ireland Sarah says: “This is a shot I took of my boyfriend at sunset in Cape Kimberely in far north Queensland” we say: “This is a great photograph, Sarah! We love the pinkish hue that’s given off by the setting sun. It’s not quite a tungsten light effect, but it’s beautiful nonetheless. It’s also a very nicely composed photograph, with your boyfriend and that lone island out beyond the breakers in the background. Good work, Sarah!”

HOT TIPS: Download your images WIN Don’t fall into the habit of buying a super large memory card, taking thousands of images and never downloading them. The digital world has many options allowing you to safely backup your images from cloud storage to loading them onto a USB and posting them home. Always make two copies and store them in different places. In years to come all you will have left of your travels are memories and photographs (and perhaps tattoos and scars as well)! Tips by ocean photographer, Joel Coleman. See saltmotion.com

the monthly winner gets THREE DAYS Campervan HIRE from mighty campers

Send high-res (300 dpi) jpegs with name, age, nationality and a description to: hugh@tntdownunder.com. Photos are judged by the TNT team at their own discretion. Photos will also be placed on TNT’s Facebook page. For terms and conditions, see tntdownunder.com. Weekly winner Sarah wins a free night’s stay at the award-winning Sydney Central YHA (yha. com.au). The monthly winner gets three days’ campervan hire from Mighty Campers Australia (mightycampers.com.au)

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7/08/13 10:33 PM

Vote “Kiwi experience” for Best tour/transport operator - new Zealand in the tnt Golden BacKpacKs Go to http://goldenbackpacks.tntdownunder.com/ You’ll also be in the draw to win free flights around Australia courtesy of TNT and Tiger Airways! Sweet As!

www.kiwiexperience.com

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STAND-UP FLIGHTS In-flight stand-up comedy gigs and live music are set to become the norm on Virgin Atlantic’s offshoot domestic carrier Little Red, with comedians making their way to the Edinburgh Festival this month being offered a unique chance to warm up en route. Live music acts are set to start in September. Virgin said the rather elaborate in-flight entertainment was intended as a tribute to the “rich music scenes in Scotland and Manchester”. Virgin Atlantic founder Sir Richard Branson added Little Red’s programme would “shake up domestic flying in the UK”. And is in no way a headline-grabbing gimmick, eh?

‘THE PLANE IS ASLEEP’ A parody Twitter account for United Airlines has sent some controversial replies to complaining passengers who mistook the @unitedairlines handle for the carrier’s official account (which is in fact just @United). When one customer asked, “Why has my flight been delayed FIVE times now? What’s going on??”, he got the answer: “Ssshhh, the plane is sleeping. Look it’s wing is twitching. It is dreaming.” Another whinge about the lack of TVs on United’s planes was met with the retort: “We allow you to exchange worthless paper to ride a missile ... how dare you.” The account now has 12,000 followers.

Fly to Alice Springs from SYD/MELB from

budget baggage A new budget luggage delivery service is taking advantage of travellers’ increasing annoyance at airline baggage charges by offering door-to-door delivery at affordable prices. Following Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary’s recent comments about raising the price of checking bags until no one could afford to do so – “We will keep increasing until we get rid of the bags. Carrying a bag costs me money,” he said – and a TravelSupermarket survey that showed Thomson’s baggage fees had risen by 47 per cent since 2012, using The Luggage Delivery Company could end up working out cheaper. Fees start at £29.99 for 15kg.

Richard Branson: hates gimmicks

HOBART SCORES HIGH Hobart in Tasmania has been voted the world’s second-friendliest city by readers of Yank luxury travel mag Conde Nast Traveler. A poll of 46,000 readers named Florianopolis in Brazil as the friendliest, but Hobart was also praised for being a “truly unique part of the world” that was filled with “kind, friendly” locals. Newark in New Jersey was branded the world’s unfriendliest city, pipping second-placed Islamabad in Pakistan to the top spot. Funnily enough, England’s friendliest city was not deemed to be London, with Bath scoring highest for Blighty – but it still didn’t even make it inside the top 20.

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8/08/13 4:02 AM

Winners & grinners Voting for TNT Magazine’s annual Golden Backpack Awards are now well and truly underway.This time we’re looking at the fine States of New South Wales and Tasmania. Who will win this year? Words ALEX HARMON

Word of mouth. It’s a pretty useful thing eh? After all, when you’re looking to book anything from a bed to a tour, who are you going to trust more – the travel agent who will earn a commission from your booking or your new-found buddy who’s just back from where you’re heading? It’s a no-brainer. Which is why a few years ago we set up an awards system to celebrate the best of the best when it comes to travelling Down Under. We’ve only got one rule that matters – the company that gets the most votes from you guys in each category is declared the winner. For a full list of our current reigning champs, as chosen by thousands of backpackers last year, see opposite page . 38

So, why vote? Well, for starters, it will only take a few minutes of your time. That’s because it’s all done online, with the link to the voting page found on the tntdownunder.com. Plus, everybody that votes is entered into a prize draw to win a $1,000 worth of flights from Tigerair. And finally, and here comes the guilt trip, because it’s the perfect and easy way to help not only your fellow travellers, but also those companies who’ve contributed to giving the time of your lives in Oz and NZ. Whether you’ve stayed in a fantastic hostel you’ll never forget, or went on a trip with the best tour guide Down Under, or found a great way to book a tour, get a job or simply find your way around the

country, here’s your chance to give a little back. Whatever you’ve loved, it’s you guys alone that have the answers and you guys alone that can give a helping hand to awesome companies trying to make a living in a fiercely competitive market. As such, starting today, we’re doing nine weeks of special features to launch each major category, each highlighting a different part of the country, starting this week with the whole lot, as there’s also a national category. Voting will close on 29th September with the winners being announced at a swanky ceremony on November 8th. So, whatever scrapes you backpackers get into over the next nine weeks, just remember these companies are still going to love you.

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8/08/13 6:12 PM

These guys picked up a Golden Backpack last year after being voted the best at what they do. But have they still got what it takes? You decide...

THE REIGNING CHAMPS! LAST YEAR’S WINNERS NATIONAL (AUSTRALIA)

Best tour operator: Oz Experience Best car/campervan rental: Jucy Best transport company: Greyhound Australia NATIONAL (NEW ZEALAND)

Best hostel: Nomads Queenstown Best tour/activity: AJ Hackett Bungy, Queenstown Best backpacker night: Big Night Out, Queenstown Best tour/transport operator: Kiwi Experience Best car/camerpervan rental: Jucy Rentals NEW SOUTH WALES

Best hostel: Wake Up! Best tour/activity: Mojosurf Best backpacker night: Scary Canary NORTHERN TERRITORY

Best hostel: Toddy’s Backpackers Best tour/activity: The Rock Tour Best backpacker night: The Rock Bar TASMANIA

Best hostel: The Pickled Frog, Hobart Best tour/activity: Jump Tours Best backpacker night: The Pickled Frog, Hobart VICTORIA

Best hostel: Habitat HQ, Melbourne Best tour/activity: Groovy Grape, Great Ocean Road Best backpacker night: The Official Neighbours Night QUEENSLAND

Best hostel: Bunk, Brisbane Best tour/activity: AJ Hackett Bungy, Cairns Best backpacker night: Full Moon Down Under Base SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Best hostel: Shakespeare Backpackers Best tour/activity: Groovy Grape, Barossa Valley Best backpacker night: Backpack Oz WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Best hostel: Old Swan Barracks Best tour/activity: Western Xposure Best backpacker night: Mustang GENERAL

Best large travel agent: Peterpan’s Adventure Travel Best small travel agent: Cairns Tribal Travel Best recruitment service: Travellers at Work Best indigenous cultural experience: Tamaki Maori Village, Rotorua NZ tntdownunder.com

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8/08/13 6:44 PM

best of NSW BONDI-COOGEE WALK

PARLIAMENT HOUSE

The walk from Bondi to Coogee, along plunging cliff tops, above crashing waves and onto cute uncrowded beaches, is arguably the Sydney experience.

It’s hard to miss Parliament House in Canberra with its huge tripod flagpole thingy flying atop, but when you’re done taking your snaps, take a peek inside.

HUNTER VALLEY

JENOLAN CAVES

Nestled among the rolling hills and lush Hunter Valley curves are dozens of wineries. Sip, slurp and (if you’re a real pro/stupid) spit your way around..

This cave system, in the Blue Mountains, has numerous caverns to explore. The guided tours take you past stalagmites and stalagtites, underground pools and all kinds of weirdness. You can also watch a surreal underground concert.

BONDI BEAUTIES It’s one of the world’s most famous stretches of sand, but if it’s a bit nippy for a sunbake, join the surfers on a wave, enjoy breakfast at one of the trendy cafés or wander around the Sunday market.

The most famous sight in the Blue Mountains, this rock formation is a breathtaking sight, especially when lit up at night.

WHALE WATCHING

PALM BEACH

Between June and October, go whale-watching from numerous coastal spots. During the rest of the year, head out in search of the resident dolphin population.

“Flamin’ galah!” Yes, everybody’s favourite Aussie, Alf “fair dinkum” Stewart, has a tendency to hang out on Palm Beach, on the city’s northern beaches, where they film Home and Away.

JERVIS BAY There are many things that make this small south coast town so special – national parks, rampant wildlife, etc – but only one reason has got it into the record books. The sand is the whitest in the world. Ask Mr Guinness if you don’t believe us. Another fun Jervis Bay fact is that its adjacent to the Jarvis Bay Territory – the NSW Government surrendered the region to the Commonwealth in 1915 for use by the navy. 40

THREE SISTERS

CLIMB THE COAT HANGER Want the quintessential Sydney photo than standing at the very top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge? The views aren’t half bad either. Too expensive? You can still clamber up to the Pylon Lookout for $11. Climbing the bridge has become one of Sydney’s number one tourist attractions in recent years and is, in our opinion anyway, a must do attraction for any tourists!

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8/08/13 6:47 PM

VOTE FOR YOUR FAVOURITE TRAVEL EXPERIENCES DOWN UNDER AND YOU’LL AUTOmATICALLY bE ENTERED INTO OUR PRIzE DRAW WITh A ChANCE TO WIN $1000 OF FREE FLIghTS* COURTESY OF TIgER AIRWAYS The TNT Golden Backpack Awards recognise those companies who make backpacking around Australia and New Zealand that extra bit special. Maybe you stayed in a fantastic hostel you’ll never forget, or went on a trip with the best tour guide Down Under. This is your chance to vote for your favourites. And who knows, you might even become a winner yourself. Vote and you’ll automatically be entered into our prize draw for a chance to WIN $1000 of FREE flights*with Tiger Airways. Voting closes on September 23rd 2013, with the winners of the Golden Backpacks announced in November. Don’t forget to tell your mates to vote too, so they can also have a chance to win this fantastic prize. *Terms and conditions apply.

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best of NSW

COFFS HARBOUR

CRAWL THE ROCKS

This resort town, midway between Sydney and Brisbane, is well worth a few days of your time. There are some great beaches, and masses of adrenalin activities on offer. Oh, and a big banana as well.

Some of the city’s best pubs can be found lurking near the Harbour Bridge. Try the homebrew at the Lord Nelson, take in a tune at the Hero of Waterloo and sip a Guinness at the Mercantile. And that’s just before lunch..

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FEEL THE POWDER Over the winter months the appropriately-named Snowy Mountains are heaving with the white stuff. The most popular resorts are Thredbo and Perisher, and from June-September they are a playground for skiiers and boarders.

JUMP OUT OF A PLANE Get a natural hairdryer treatment, hear your cheeks flapping and your other cheeks squeaking, while you get the adrenalin buzz of your life, by skydiving.

MUNGO NATIONAL PARK Stuffed full of history and natural beauty, don’t miss the shimmering white dunes known as the Walls of China.

GO TO NIMBIN We know why. You know why. We all know why. At least, we think we can remember why.

SURF AT MANLY Surfing is as Aussie as Vegemite, “meat” pies and Manly is the perfect place to give it a try.

KINGS CROSS

BELLINGEN

WAR MEMORIAL

This alternative, laidback town in the hinterland behind Coffs Harbour is a great place to take some time out. There are dozens of beautiful spots in the surrounding area, like the World Heritage-listed Dorrigo National Park.

This huge Canberra landmark contains all kinds of relics, pictures and exhibitions documenting Australia’s military history and the human cost of it’s involvement. It’s particularly poignant in the current unstable world environment.

newcastle

KU-RING-GAI CHASE

A one-time industrial powerhouse that has transformed into a laidback and sophisticated surf hotspot that boasts more artists per capita than anywhere else in Oz. Lonely Planet even named it as one of the world’s top cities!

This national park, in northern Sydney, is a fantastic combination of coastline and bushland, but best of all it has some ancient Aboriginal rock engravings, which can be found along the Resolute Track.

Shops selling goods of an “adult” nature jostle with trendy wine bars, and you can’t walk down the road without spruikers trying to get you to part with your cash to watch young ladies take their clothes off..

CLIMB MT KOSCIUSZKO Volcanic White Island is another unique and bizarre place. An island and smoking volcano crater in one. Like Mars.

ROO-TIFUL PEBBLY BEACH Want to get back to nature? We can’t think of a better spot than lovely Pebbly Beach in Murramarang National Park. Believe us, you’ll be fighting the roos off.

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N I S U R O F E T VO

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8/08/13 6:48 PM

best of NSW

@tnt_downunder

PORT MAC’S KOALAS FINDING NEMO

THE PUB WITH NO BEER

This is the place to befriend a koala. You can cuddle up to one in the Billabong Koala Park or coo over the convalescing traffic victims in the Koala Hospital. Then check some of the adrenalin thrills; from go-karting to wakeboarding.

If it lives in the waterways of Australia, you’ll find it at the fascinating Sydney Aquarium. Better still get out and dive in Sydney or along the NSW coast. Much underrated underwater experiences. You can also jump in the tank and dive with sharks at Oceanworld.

Slim Dusty was a true blue Aussie legend, mate. His most famous song, The Pub with No Beer, was based on the Taylors Arm Hotel, just west of Nambucca Heads. The amber nectar flows there these days, so stop in and have a schooner on Slim.

BYRON BAY

TARONGA ZOO

Beautiful beaches, tranquil hinterland and a relaxed vibe (perhaps helped by nearby Nimbin) means it’s easy to come here for three days and end up staying ‘til the immigration men come a-knockin’. Plus Byron Bay also plays host to some of Australia’s best music festivals like Byron Blues Festival and the Splendour in the Grasswhich both take place in the North Byron Parklands annually. WHile it does get a little muddy, they’re both a whole heap of fun!

Built right on the harbour, some enclosures, especially the giraffes, are backed by spectacular city panoramas. Fortunately the extensively feathered, furred and flippered population are just as worthy of your attention.

BROKEN HILL An intriguing oasis in a harsh but spectacular environment, way out west. Pop down a mine, see sunset from the Sculpture Symposium and nip to nearby Silverton, a ghost town with a very famous pub. It’s a bit of a treak out, but definitely worth checking out.

ROYAL NATIONAL PARK This coastal national park, an hour south of Sydney, is the world’s second oldest. There are spectacular beaches and wonderful scenery, best accessed on a bushwalk. Located near Cronulla an hour or so drive from both the Sydney CBD and Wollongong, the 16,000ha Royal National Park is like a big beautiful backyard.

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IT’S DIFFERENT

THE GREAT DIVIDE

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

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

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

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

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

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

RIGHT ON TRACK

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

BEER Mmmm, beer. Partly because the water is so pure down here, Cascade and Boags are two of the best beers you’ll taste in Australia. We advise that you sample them at your leisure.

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

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

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

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WALKING THE WALK(S)

CITIES

PENGUINS

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

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

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

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

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

WINEGLASS BAY A seductive curve of dreamy white sand, with bush on one side and the turquoise sea and dolphins lapping the other. Camp at the end of the beach and find yourself surrounded by curious pademelons. . 46

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

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

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

THE LOCALS

CRADLE MOUNTAIN

SAND STORM

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

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

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

THE WORLD’S CLEANEST AIR

islands

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

There are many more islands off Tassie worth exploring, especially gorgeous Bruny Island, near Hobart, and Maria Island/

MOUNT WELLINGTON

ADAM AND EVE IT

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

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

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

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

to the clouds

APPLES, CHEESE AND CHOCOLATE

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

Tasmania was once the world’s major apple producer and we’ve never tasted better. It’s also dairy country, meaning they make great cheese and chocolate. Seafood is exceptional – and cheap – too.

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WIN WIN

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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.

Win an east coast trave Greyhound AUSTRALIA We at TNT have been up and down the East Coast of Australia once or twice in our time and we’ve found that nothing quite beats the freedom and convenience of travelling by bus. There are just so many incredible things to see and do between Sydney and Cairns far north Queensland that it would be impossible for us to list them all here for you. It’s a good thing then that Greyhound are offering you and a friend the chance to win two Sydney/Cairns Mini Traveller Passes valued at $410 each. These passes will give you and your mate 90 days of complete freedom in which to explore the beautiful eastern coast of Australia – allowing you to hop on or off a Greyhound bus at any point

on your journey during this time period. You’ll also be able to start your odyssey from either end; in Sydney and travel up or from Cairns and travel down, making plenty of friends and life long memories on the way! THE PRIZE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING FOR two people: 2x Sydney<>Cairns Mini Traveller Passes valued at $410 per person (total value $820). Hop on and off at your leisure up (or down!) the East Coast. 90 days validity. Starts in either direction. Competition closes 22 September 2013 Log on to tntdownunder.com for further details and to enter.

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worth over

$820

Total prizes worth over

vel$3pass ,600 from

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Melbourne

Photos: Alex Harmon, Kite Surfing Australia, UnderWater World

victoria

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A living, breathing gallery Join us on a trip to the winding lanes of Melbourne and the unwinding plains of the Mornington Peninsula, where even watching the paint dry is enjoyable Words alex harmon

Photos: Alex Harmon, Kite Surfing Australia, UnderWater World

As a Sydneysider I’m supposed to feign contempt for Melbourne, treat her like an illicit mistress, neglect her, even look down on her. I’m not supposed to fall for her charms. Yet, after a quick flight on a Friday evening, I arrive in Melbourne at sunset and can’t help but be seduced. We head to what appears to be the theatre district, the place is buzzing with excitement as we rub shoulders with King Kong devotees and Collingwood supporters on their way to the MCG. We ease ourselves in by finding a bar (naturally) and drink boutique beer from pots after clumsily ordering schooners. Melbourne in winter feels a little bit like London. They know how to use centralised heating for starters (Sydney is totally in denial that it even gets cold) and there is history, culture and sub-culture on every corner. From the Victorian architecture, to the second hand book stores, and even the newest culture – the city’s infamous street art hidden in every laneway and alley. But this isn’t a tale of two cities, I’m not going to compare Sydney to Melbourne or Melbourne to London, or even south Melbourne to north Melbourne (although north is best – sorry) because the city has become an entity of its own. After pots in a gastro pub we weave through the gridlike city discovering little bars on every corner and in every nook and cranny. We eat some ‘trendy’ Chinese food and drink some tastefully named cocktails like the Drug Mule’s Death Row at the Happy Palace on Exhibition Street before stumbling upon a bar that used to be a mental asylum. The Croft Institute, as it is still called is a three levelled bar that serves drinks with syringes instead of straws and allows you to sit at what looks like a high school science class. It’s not hard to see why Melbourne gets a reputation for being a hipster’s paradise, the city reinvents itself like an aging pop star. When one thing has its day, another springs up. We finish up at a bar called Section 8 which is down an alleyway in bustling Chinatown. It’s a bar made from wooden

pallets and described as being ‘as Melbourne as you can get’. Which, I guess, means Melbourne is full of beautiful people who wear beanies (without irony) and skinny jeans and listen to hip-hop remixes of Marvin Gaye music while smugly aware that pop-up bars in Melbourne have permanency and having graffiti adorned walls doesn’t necessarily mean vandalism. Damn you, Melbourne! You win again.

City and colour Funnily enough we stumble upon this bar the next day on a street art tour (yes, I am a little bit obsessed with Melbourne’s initiative with this concept). Urban Scrawl conduct daily tours of Melbourne’s CBD, showing you the latest in this ‘underground’ art. You can’t really call it an underground movement anymore, it’s as present as day and continually changing and growing as the artists populate and evolve.

A live art show

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The famous bathing boxes Starting in Degraves Street in the heart of Melbourne’s city, and pretty much the epitome of its famous café culture, we queue up for lattes and get to know our guide, Zoe, a part-time street artist (of the stencil variety) and passionate lover of the city’s outdoor galleries. We soon learn about the different sub-cultures of street art; from stickering, to pasteups to mosaics, to larger than life murals. “It’s so common now,” Zoe says, “that it’s actually becoming mainstream.” She explains that it’s not uncommon for a bride and groom to shimmy down the lanes to have their wedding photographs taken. My favourite pieces are the pop-culture references, everyone from Michael Jackson to Biggie Smalls and even ex-Prime Minister John Howard and Ned Kelly. “Street artists are the bushrangers of this century,” says Zoe. Which, if you look at a lot of the art, seems true. They have this ‘stick it to the man’ feel. Or perhaps they just all want to be like Banksy, who has famously made Melbourne walls his canvas in 2003. We learn that there’s even a subversive rivalry between artists, Zoe tells us how disrespectful is can be to go over other’s work. Although you’d be hard-pressed to find a blank space on the walls, so naturally this happens a lot. Some of the detail is astonishing, as are the heights these artists get to, usually in the dead of the night to create their work. Hosier Lane is one of the most famous spots for street art and it’s here that we get to see an artist at work, because (unlike other cities) it is actually legal in some areas. Armed with a permit and their paint, they go to work in front of the public, it’s like a living, breathing exhibition. Never has watching paint dry been so fascinating.

options. There’s the Yarra Valley, Great Ocean Road and Mornington Peninsula all located within an hour of the city. We opt for the latter and join a tour bus to the boot-shaped peninsula. Nestled between Port Phillip Bay to the west, Western Port to the east and Bass Strait to the south, it gets the best of all worlds. Rugged coastline and surf on one side, and beautiful, peaceful bays on the other. After a brief cruise along the highway we arrive in Mornington where we check out some of the 1,300 bathing boxes and boatsheds dotted along the coast. You’ve probably seen these colourful bathing boxes (for ensuring public decorum in the1800s) on postcards, but today we take photos for ourselves while smiling about the social modesty of the 19th century.

Hot tub time machine Throwing modesty to the wind, we take the optional trip

Peninsula Hot Springs

Top of the morning to you Sometimes hipster heaven can be too much and you need a break from all the pop-up rooftop bio-dynamic vegetable gardens (yes, we found them) and pop-up caravan food trucks (spotted in Fitzroy). So, it’s a good thing that Melbourne is the gateway to so many wonderful day-trip 52

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Lavender fields to the Peninsula Hot Springs. These all natural thermal mineral hot springs cater to people of all budgets, for instance, $30 gets you a dip in all 25 pools, access to the sauna and also the Turkish steam rooms. Make sure you immerse yourself in the pool on top of the hill for a truly serene experience. We unwind with a late and boozy lunch at Cups Estate Winery where we sit overlooking the beautiful vineyards with an antipasto plate and a bottle of award-winning wine. We then try them all on one of their free winetastings. This is where joining a bus tour comes in handy, there’s no way we could have driven out of this estate. In summer I’ve been advised to head to Portsea Beach. It’s probably the peninsula’s most famous beach, and a regular part of the Ironman contests. It also has a dark history as it was the last site Prime Minister Harold Holt was seen before he (allegedly) drowned in 1967. So people – be careful of those rips. If you really want to lose yourself in the Peninsula, head to Ashcombe Maze – it is Australia’s oldest hedge maze which stands over three metres high and two metres thick. It’s harder than it sounds to traverse around, so I make sure I take someone who isn’t directionally challenged or claustrophobic like myself. It’s also worth checking out the beautiful lavender labyrinth. It’s hard to believe the city is only an hour away, it feels like I’m in another state. As much I love with Melbourne, it seems I have room in my heart for the Mornington Peninsula too. I guess I have a lot of love to give. A therapist might not condone this, but I say channel your inner-polygamist and let your pheromones run wild in Victoria. Damage and details: Space Hotel has rooms from $25/night spacehotel.com.au or for something a bit special, the Radisson on Flagstaff Gardens Melbourne has double rooms from $160/ night. radisson.com. Street art tours with Urban Scrawl cost $25 urbanscrawl.com.au. Mornington Peninsula tours with Bunyip Tours cost $149. bunyiptours.com To see more photos from the trip, head to our Facebook page.

Botanical gardensHeritage Walk by Marianne Clifford Looking for culture, a leisurely stroll and good company? Then tag along on an Aboriginal Heritage walk in Melbourne’s Royal Botanical Gardens, located on the south bank of the Yarra River, Melbourne, Victoria. The Gardens rest on the camping and meeting grounds of local custodians of the land- the Boonwurrung and Woiworung people, making this a very special experience. Our Indigenous guide brought his wealth of experience to this walk, making it fun, entertaining and above all educational. This tour will make you feel like you’ve escaped the hustle and bustle of Melbourne’s CBD for a moment of cultural enlightenment. We experienced the traditional smoking ceremony with our guide and explored the traditional uses of plants. Our guide was more than happy to answer any question which sprung to mind and took every opportunity to get us actively involved in the walk. We utilised our senses, smelling and tasting the various plants. After the walk you will start to look at plant life in a whole new way and leave with a new found appreciation for nature. At the end of our tour, we enjoyed a refreshing cup of lemon myrtle tea and recounted our experiences amongst the group. For more information on the Botanical Gardens Aboriginal Heritage walk, visit the Royal Botanical Gardens website at rbg.vic.gov.au/whats-on/ aboriginal-heritage-walk

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TRAVELWEEKENDER

Coasting through This is the Capricorn Coast in 48 hours Words Rory Platt

DAY 1: Queensland is a state of astonishing natural beauty, both under the water and above. Most who have visited will have already dropped in on the Great Barrier Reef, and the majority will have done so from Cairns. But breaking away from the crowds is always wise, and you should know that the reef is just as amazing (if not more so) the further south you go. Take a spin down or up to the Capricorn Coast, a gorgeous stretch of coastline roughly starting near Rockhampton down towards Fraser Island. 8:30: You can start your trip in either Rockhampton or Bundaberg by plane - it makes no difference. If you go for Bundaberg you can use a mirror to read this review and do it in reverse, as I’m not writing two different ones. Touchdown in Rocky-Rockhampton (not the official name), grab your vehicle of choice and head in the direction of Yeppoon, and stop in Emu Park, for your first nights accommodation. You’ll be staying at Emus Beach Resort (emusbeachresort.com), a laid back sort of place where you can drink in the unspoiled beaches or take tequila body shots off the bar. It’s really up to you. 9:15: As laid back as life is here, you really want to grab the Capricorn Coast by the horns and wrestle it to the ground. You can start by taking a little trip out to Keppel Bay Islands, an inspiring location from which you can enjoy the serenity of white sandy beaches or dive into the water and explore the reef. Freedom Fast Cats (freedomfastcats.com) will get you out there, get you fed and get you wet. Bargain! 13:00: So the snorkelling trip will probably have suckered up most of your day, but imagine if you could be in two places at once… Still, for those with a molecular teleporter, or a twin you’ll find an opportunity to get up close and

cuddly with the infamous, gigantic reptile that dwells in the estuaries and almost anywhere wet at the Koorana Crocodile Farm (koorana.com.au) they'll let you hold a croc, play with the hatchling and even (unlike most zoos) eat their star attractions in their restaurant. Yes, croc is on the menu here! 16:00: The day is winding down and you’ve successfully done your thing. It feels about time to kick back and enjoy the view. Close to Emu Park is a lovely monument called The Singing Ship which as the name suggests literally sings. Well, sort of. When the wind blows the ship makes lovely music for you to enjoy while you’re sitting and taking in the view. 19:00: It’s evening time, and that means your evening is going one of two ways: cook a nice meal, have a casual brew by the pool or… tequila body shots off the bar? Bear in mind that the latter is likely to get messy. There’s no shame in that of course. If you end up sleeping in the hallway covered with nothing but a towel however, then you should be ashamed. DAY 2: 9:00: Golly. What an evening. It’s time to get moving and you’re either very happy or very unhappy about that. If you’re not happy, put on some dark shades and tell everyone you’ve got a headache and didn’t sleep well last night. They’ll never know the difference. It’s not all that far to Yeppoon, so please don’t make this difficult. Along the arduous 30-minute drive, I would recommend stopping at Capricorn Coast National Park where you can enjoy mangroves, rainforest or even a picnic on Bluff Point. Delightful! 11:00: Here we are. You’ve made it to your destination, so: bravo, I guess. Your next night’s sleep is at Coral Inn Resort

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Get up close to the crocs at Koorana

& Flashpackers (flashpackers.net.au). As the name suggests, it’s a bit flash. Hang by the pool, get settled in and then get moving to the next activity. 12:00: Back in the car – I know you’re disappointed – and drive on out to Capricorn Caves (capricorncaves.com. au). Before we go on, how good is it that a cave system has its own website? Anyway... A stunning array of stalagmites and stalactites protrude from the ceilings and floors of this aboveground cave system. There’s even a little church that’s been built inside where weddings and even opera are often held. Keep your eye out for bats and rock wallabies on your way in and out of the caves. 16:30: It’s getting on in the day, so undoubtedly you’ll be wanting dinner sometime soon. Well, perhaps you should stop talking about dinner and go out and catch it? Hmm? Causeway Lake just south of Yeppoon is the perfect spot to dip your line, get some advice from the locals and maybe land the big one. If you’re an animal lover and the thought of hooking some innocent bass by the lips doesn’t get you going, or if you suck at fishing, then you should consider purchasing your meal. 19:00: Hypothetically, if you have caught yourself a feed then Coral Inn Resort & Flashpackers (flashpackers.net. au) will no doubt have some kind of BBQ grill thing for you to sizzle your fish up on. If not, well, as I suggested earlier; buy something! It's almost unimportant now, there's drinks to be had and the time for having them is running out. 20:30: Beers can be had at Yeppon's Railway Hotel where you'll also meet some of the locals – word to the wise, sky blue is not a good colour to wear around here. Enjoy a schooie, you've earned it!

Not a bad spot

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Secret surf spots South Africa

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Surf’s up, South Africa From isolated Mdumbi Point and Dungeons’ epic waves to Victoria Bay’s stunning scenery, TNT reveals SA’s top surf spots Words Kate McCulley

When you think of surfing in South Africa, you probably picture the Eastern Cape’s Jeffreys Bay. J-Bay, as it’s known, has long led the pack, its beautiful break drawing surfers from around the world. But there’s much more to South African surfing, and the real gems show up once you escape the most popular beaches. From emerging towns along the Garden Route, to rugged communities of the Wild Coast, and chill spots just outside Cape Town, South Africa is bursting with excellent places to catch a wave – and, of course, there are two oceans at your disposal. Here’s our pick of the best lesser-known spots. Mdumbi Point The Wild Coast is home to some of South Africa’s must-visit undiscovered surf spots – including Mdumbi, an isolated beach in the rural Transkei region. When conditions are good, its famous wave can run as long as 1km. This is a simple, protected and secluded beach, far from the masses. Without many modern amenities, some surfers come for a few days and stay for weeks. Mdumbi offers easy access to other beaches of the Wild Coast. Advanced surfers can find their way to Ntlonyane and Mapuzi. Need to reconnect with civilisation? Head for Coffee Bay, a popular backpacker spot where the parties last all night and the waves are gentle enough for novices. Take advantage of your time on the Wild Coast by getting to know the friendly Xhosa community that calls this region home. You’ll get a glimpse of African life as it’s been lived for centuries. Mdumbi Backpackers (mdumbi.co.za) offers budget accommodation in traditional Xhosa-style huts just steps from the beach. Stay longer and they’ll show you their projects helping the local community – as well as unusual surf spots yet to be discovered by the masses. Highlight: Mdumbi’s seclusion ensures that you’ll see more wildlife than on more developed beaches. Keep your eyes peeled for pods of dolphins or even whales in the distance. If you’re really lucky, you’ll see wild horses roaming the beach.

How to Get There: Mdumbi is a 4.5-hour drive from East London, which you can fly to from Cape Town or Johannesburg with SA Express (flyexpress.aero) from £100 one-way. The ride from Coffee Bay is a 23km journey over a rough gravel road. Mdumbi Backpackers offers a shuttle service from Coffee Bay or the Mthatha/ Umtata Baz Bus stop.

Victoria Bay Victoria Bay, just south of George in the heart of the Garden Route, has long been known as a surfers’ pit stop halfway between Cape Town and J-Bay. Flanked by a coastal forest and suitable for all levels of surfers, Vic Bay has grown into a standalone destination guided by fiercely loyal locals. The waves are consistent, and the scene is quiet and serene most of the time, but expect busier days when the surf is good, especially in the summer. Novice surfers paddle in slowly; more advanced surfers jump straight off the rocks.

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Take a break: (clockwise) paddling out; catching the waves; sunset surf; meet the crocs at Oudtshoorn

Photos: Cango Wildlife Ranch, Thinkstock, Whitsundays Jetski Tours

Vic Bay Surfari (vicbaysurfari.co.za) offers budget lodging just along the beach along with surf camps and trips up the coast to other hot Garden Route surf haunts. With a location so close to the Garden Route, Vic Bay is perfectly situated for further exploration. Of course, there’s always surfing in Mossel Bay or Buffalo Bay – but check out the adventures on dry land in Knysna or Sedgefield as well. Highlight: In a country known for its incredible natural beauty, Vic Bay is especially stunning. Surrounded by cliffs and lush green forest with mountains in the distance, this may be the most beautiful surf spot in all of South Africa. How to Get There: Victoria Bay is a 15-minute drive from George, which you can fly direct to from Johannesburg or Cape Town with SA Express (flyexpress.aero) from £75 one way.

camps or schools, and the town is becoming a popular family travel destination. But the core of this area is still surfing – and, when it’s good, you’ll have to fight for your space among locals as well as weekend-tripping Capetonians. While cheap accommodation can be difficult to find in this tiny town, Vensterklip (vensterklip.co.za) offers simple

Elands Bay Elands Bay – also known by its Afrikaans name, Elaandsbaai – is a small, quiet town located on the Western Cape’s remote northwest coast: a zone relatively unknown to backpacker masses. Elands Bay is a small town, with little more than a few small stores and places to stay. But while it may be quiet here, it’s not obscure. Surfers from around the world make the journey to Elands Bay to experience the world-class left break. The surf is at its best from October to March, when summer winds create ideal conditions. Still, thanks to the chilly waters of the Atlantic Ocean, you’ll need your wetsuit year-round. You won’t find endless parties in Elands Bay, nor surf 58

Stunning: the South African coastline

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self-catering cottages and campsites 5km from the waves. With lots more surf spots a short drive away, including Sours and Standfontein, this is one place where it’s best to have a car. Highlight: Good luck finding a better left break – Elands Bay has one of the best on the African continent, making it a must-surf destination in South Africa. This wave is ideal for intermediate to advanced surfers. HOW TO GET THERE: Elands Bay is best accessed by driving. Head north from Cape Town on the 7 until Piketberg and keep going on the 366 until you hit the ocean. The journey should take about three hours.

More bad-ass sports Sick of surf? Never! But if you’re looking to recharge your batteries with a land-based adventure, try these:

Dungeons Do you have a death wish? Dungeons is where you go for the most epic waves in Africa – in fact, on the planet. This is definitely not for beginners. Dungeons, located in Hout Bay, just outside Cape Town, is only accessible by boat and only active in the winter months. Here you’ll find icy swells of four to 14 metres caused by waves coming from Antarctica and the South Atlantic. It’s divided into two sections: the slab, the easier of the two; and the 2.5, the one whose waves are always pictured in “extreme surfing” photos. Don’t expect much of a vibe here – few surfers make it into these waves, and most are content to simply watch from a boat. For nearby budget accommodation, check out Hout Bay Backpackers (houtbaybackpackers.co.za), where you can rent boards and check out the more relaxed beaches. Hout Bay, just minutes from Cape Town, has a suburban, small-town atmosphere. HIGHLIGHT: Do you really need to ask? It doesn’t get any more extreme than this. Between the enormous waves, freezing cold water and fellow maniacs surfing the waves, this is something only professionals should consider. But what a badge of glory. HOW TO GET THERE: Hout Bay is a short drive from Cape Town. Dungeons is accessible by boat or jet skis leaving from Hout Bay Harbour. The journey takes about 15 minutes. ❚

Crocodile cage diving, Oudtshoorn Get into a cage halfway submerged in water as crocodiles slink around you. Cango Wildlife Ranch, one of the few places in the world that offers this unique wildlife encounter, charges from £22pp for 15-minute crocodile cage dives. cango.co.za Bungee jumping in Stormsriver This isn’t just any bungee jump – this is the world’s highest commercial bungee jump! Not a bad achievement to add to your resume. Leap from the Stormsriver Bridge into the forest as the river thunders ominously below. Face Adrenalin offers jumps from £50pp. faceadrenalin.com Blokarting in Cape Town Speeding along Muizenberg Beach, harness the wind and use it to power your own personal sailboat on wheels. Sail circles around your friends without touching the water. Blokart Muizenberg offers 30-minute blokarting sessions from £6.65pp. blokartcapetown.co.za

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ozLISTINGS travel agents

1800 293 7663,

awesomeoz.com

1800 786 386,

surfandsun.com.au

Adventure Travel Bugs 07 3236 3266, adventuretravelbugs.com

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

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

Backpackers World Travel 1800 997 325 backpackersworld.com

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

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

Peter Pans Adventure Travel 1800 669 424, peterpans.com.au

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

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

Travellers Contact Point 1800 647 640, travellers.com.au

Explore Whitsundays Whitsundays packages 1800 675 790, explorewhitsundays.com

Ocean Rafting Whitsundays tours 07 4946 6848, oceanrafting.com

Tribal Adventure Travel 1800 984 484, tribaltravel.com.au

Groovy Grape Getaways Tours linking Adelaide, Alice Springs & Melbourne 1800 661 177, groovygrape.com.au

YHA Travel 02 9261 111, yha.com.au

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

Heading Bush Adelaide to Alice Springs outback tours 1800 639 933, headingbush.com Jump Tours Tours around Tasmania 0422 130 630, jumptours.com

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

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

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

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

Awesome Adventures Oz Whitsundays packages

Kangaroo Island Wildlife Adventures South Australia

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 Topdeck Tours covering all of Oz 1300 886 332, topdeck.travel Under Down Under Tours Tours around Tasmania 1800 064 726, underdownunder.com.au Western Xposure WA tours 08 9414 8423, westernxposure.com.au Wilderness 4WD Adventures

Top end tours 1800 808 288, wildernessadventures.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

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Wicked Campers 1800 246 869, wickercampers.com

transport co Greyhound Australia Buses around Australia. 13 20 30, greyhound.com.au Jetstar Airline. 131 538,

jetstar.com.au

Premier Transport Group Buses along the east coast. 13 34 10, premierms.com.au

Boomerang Cars 0414 882 559, boomerangcars.com.au

Qantas Airline. 13 13 13, qantas.com.au

Hippie Camper 1800 777 779, hippiecamper.com

Regional Express Airline. 13 17 13, rex.com.au

Kings Cross Car Market For buying and selling vehicles. 110 Bourke St, Woolloomooloo. 02 9358 5000, carmarket.com.au Spaceships 1300 132 469, spaceshipsrentals.com.au Standbycars.com 1300 789 059, standbycars.com Travellers Auto Barn 1800 674 374, travellers-autobarn.com.au

Spirit of Tasmania Ferries to Tasmania. 03 6336 1446, spiritoftasmania.com Tiger Airways Airline. 03 9999 2888, tigerairways.com Redline Coaches For getting around Tasmania. 03 6336 1446, redlinecoaches.com.au Virgin Australia Airline. 13 67 89, virginaustralia.com

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NSWLISTINGS

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sydney stay Base Sydney 477 Kent St. CBD. 02 9267 7718 stayatbase.com

Taronga Zoo Mosman. zoo.nsw.gov.au

CHECK IN

Waves Surf School wavessurfschool.com.au

Big Hostel 212 Elizabeth St. CBD. 02 9281 6030 bighostel.com

sydneymusic Hordern Pavillion playbillvenues.com

Bounce Budget Hotel 28 Chalmers St. CBD. 02 9281 2222 bouncehotel.com.au

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

Easy Go Backpackers 752 George St. CBD. 02 9211 0505, easygobackpackers.com.au Eva’s Backpackers 6-8 Orwell Street Kings Cross 02 9358 2185, evasbackpackers.com.au City Resort Hostel 103-105 Palmer St. Woolloomooloo 02 9357 3333 cityresort.com.au Sydney Central YHA 11 Rawson Place. CBD. 02 9218 9000 Sydney Harbour YHA 110 Cumberland Street. The Rocks. 02 9261 1111 yha.com.au Westend Backpackers 412 Pitt St. CBD. 1800 013 186 nomadshostels.com Boomerang Backpackers 141 William Street, Kings Cross. 02 8354 0488, boomerangbackpackers.com Dlux Hostel 30 Darlinghurst Rd, Kings Cross. 1800 236 213 dluxbudgethotel.com.au

The Annandale annandalehotel.com

easy go backpackers

752 George St, CBD. Dorms from $25 Free late check out, free Foxtel, free Internet, free bedding, free cutlery and free crockery! What more could you ask for?

Sydney CBD

Coogee Beach House 171 Arden St. Coogee. 02 9665 1162, coogeebeachhouse.com Coogee Beachside 178 Coogee Bay Rd, Coogee. 02 9315 8511, sydneybeachside.com.au Surfside Backpackers 186 Arden Street. Coogee. 02 9315 7888, surfsidebackpackers.com.au Glebe Point YHA 262-264 Glebe Point Road. Glebe. 02 9692 8418,yha.com.au Boardrider Backpacker Rear 63, The Corso, Manly. 02 9977 3411 boardrider.com.au The Bunkhouse 35 Pine St, Manly. 1800 657 122, bunkhouse.com.au Manly Backpackers 24-28 Raglan St. Manly. 02 9977 3411 manlybackpackers.com.au

Avalon Beach Hostel 59 Avalon Pde, Avalon Beach. 02 9918 9709, avalonbeach.com.au

Cammeray Gardens 66 Palmer St, North Sydney. 02 9954 9371 sydneyboardinghouse.com

Bondi Shores Level 1. 283 Bondi Road, Bondi bondishores.com.au

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

Lamrock Lodge 19 Lamrock Ave. Bondi. 02 9130 5063, lamrocklodge.com

The Metro metrotheatre.com.au

easygobackpackers.com.au

Kangaroo Bak Pak 665 South Dowling St. Surry Hills. 02 9261 1111

Bondi YHA 63 Fletcher Street. Tamarama. 02 9365 2088, yha.com.au

The Enmore enmoretheatre.com.au

Powerhouse Museum Darling Harbour. powerhousemuseum.com.au Skydive the Beach Wollongong. skydivethebeach.com Sydney Olympic Park Darling Harbour. sydneyolympicpark.nsw.gov.au Sydney Tower and Skytour 100 Market St, CBD. sydneyskytour.com.au Sydney Harbour Bridge The Rocks. bridgeclimb.com Sydney Aquarium Darling Harbour. sydneyaquarium.com.au Sydney Wildlife World Darling Harbour. sydneywildlifeworld.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. 02 4925 3544, yha.com.au Terrigal Beach YHA 9 Ocean View Dr, Terrigal. 02 4384 1919, yha.com.au The Entrance Backpackers 2/56 The Entrance Road, The Entrance, 2261 02 4334 5005 theentrancebackpackers.com Skydive Central Coast Warnervale. skydivethecentralcoast.com.au

BYron bay Backpackers Holiday Village 116 Jonson St 1800 350 388, byronbaybackpackers.com.au Backpackers Inn 29 Shirley St 1800 817 696 backpackersinnbyronbay.com.au Byron Bay Accom 02 6680 8666, byronbayaccom.net The Arts Factory 1 Skinners Shoot Rd. 02 6685 7709, nomadshostels.com Nomads Byron Bay Lawson Lane. 1800 666 237, nomadshostels.com Byron Bay YHA 7 Carlyle St. 1800 678 195 yha.com.au 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 Harbour City Holiday Park 123 Pacific Highway coffsholidaypark.com.au Hoey Moey Backpackers 80 Ocean Pde hoeymoey.com.au Solitary Islands Marine Resort North St, Wooli NSW 1462 1800 003 031 solitaryislandsresort.com.au

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

sydney do Manly Surf School Manly Beach. 02 9977 6977, manlysurfschool.com Maritime Museum Darling Harbour. anmm.gov.au

Lochner’s Guesthouse 8 Gowrae Ave. Bondi. 02 9387 2162,

My Sydney Detour Unique city tours. mysydneydetour.com

Aegean Coogee Lodge 40 Coogee Bay Rd. Coogee. 04 0817 6634, aegeancoogee.com.au

Oceanworld Manly West Esplanade. oceanworld.com.au

the blue mountains Situated about a 90-minute drive (or an easy train journey) west from Sydney, the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains are a favourite escape for Sydneysiders. Once you’ve experienced the spectacular blue-hazed beauty, dramatic cliffs and deep canyons of the region, you’ll come away refreshed and invigorated. Katoomba, a swift walk from the Three Sisters (pictured) is the main town, with a couple of lively, if slightly scuzzy, pubs to keep you entertained, as well as a giant cinema. One-street Leura, with its cute, boutique shops if also worth a look, while there are also plenty of stunning walks near Wentworth Falls and Blackheath.

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QLDLISTINGS

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

CHECK IN

Aussie Woolshed 181 Torquay Rd 07 4124 0677 woolshedbackpackers.com

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

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

Base Brisbane Central 308 Edward St. 07 3211 2433, stayatbase.com

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

Brisbane Backpackers Resort 110 Vulture St, West End. 1800 626 452, brisbanebackpackers.com.au

fraser island Brisbane city backpackers

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.

380 Upper Roma St, Brisbane. Beds from $21 The Brisbane City Backpackers offers more than just spectacular views. Comfortable and movie theatre, right on the Brisbane River.

Brisbane

Brisbane City YHA 392 Upper Roma St yha.com.au Nomads Prince Consort Backpackers 230 Wickham St princeconsort.com.au Somewhere to Stay Cnr Brighton Rd & Franklin St somewheretostay.com.au The Palace Backpackers Cnr Anne & Edward St backpackbrisbane.com Tin Billy Travellers 462 George St tinbilly.com

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

citybackpackers.com/

XXXX Brewery Tours & Ale House Brewery tours. Cnr Black & Paten St, Milton. 07 3361 7597, xxxbrewerytours.com. au

gold coast

tinbilly.com

Balmoral House 33 Amelia St, Fortitude Valley vipbackpackers.com

hervey bay

Banana Bender Backpackers 118 Petrie Terrace. 07 3367 1157, bananabenders.com

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, backpackersinparadise.com.au

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

Seaworld

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

Warner Bros Movie World movieworld.com.au

Gold Coast International BP 28 Hamilton Ave, Surfers. 1800 816 300, goldcoastbackpackers.com.au Islander Backpackers Resort 6 Beach Rd, Surfers Paradise. 1800 074 393, islander.com.au

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

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

Riverlife Adventure Centre Kayaking & rock climbing. Lower River Terrace, Kangaroo Point. 07 3891 5766, riverlife.com.au

Surfers Paradise Backpackers Resort 2837 Gold Coast Highway, Surfers. 1800 282 800, surfersparadisebackpackers. com.au

Story Bridge Adventure Climb 170 Main St, Kangaroo Point. 1300 254 627, storybridgeadventureclimb. com.au

Surfers Paradise YHA Mariners Cove, 70 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach, Surfers Paradise. 07 5571 1776, yha.com.au

seaworld.com.au

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

Zorb 07 5547 6300

sunshine cst Mooloolaba Backpackers 75-77 Brisbane Rd, Mooloolaba. 1800 020 120 mooloolababackpackers.com Nomads Noosa 44 Noosa Dr, Noosa Heads. nomadshostels. 1800 666 237, com Halse Lodge YHA 2 Halse Lane, Noosa. 1800 242 567, halselodge.com.au

rainbow beach Dingos Backpacker Adventure Resort 20 Spectrum St. 1800 111126, dingosresort.com Pippies Beach House 22 Spectrum St. 1800 425 356, pippiesbeachhouse.com Skydive Rainbow Beach

airlie beach airliebeach.com 259 Shute Harbour Rd. 1800 677 119

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

Barefoot Lodge Long Island barefootlodge.com.au

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

Cool Dingo’s Rainbow Beach 20 Spectrum St dingosresort.com

Coolangatta Kirra Beach YHA Pl, 230 Coolangatta Rd, Bilinga. 07 5536 76442, yha.com.au

1770 Undersea Adventures 1300 553 889, 1770underseaadventures.com

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

Surf & Sun Backpackers 3323 Surfers Paradise Blvd surfnsun-goldcoast.com

Get Wet Surf School 07 5532 9907

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

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

Colonial Village YHA 820 Boat Harbour Drive, Urangan, Hervey Bay yha.com.au

gc do

Distillery tours. 07 4131 2999 bundabergrum.com.au

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

Nomads Islander Resort 3128 Surfers Paradise Blvd, nomadsworld.com

Dreamworld Theme park. dreamworld.com.au

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Dropbear Adventures Williams Ave, Fraser Island. QLD +61 487 333 606 dropbearadventures.com Frasers On Rainbow Beach 195 Torquay Terrace, Torquay, flashpackersherveybay.com Kingfisher Bay Resort River Heads Road, Fraser Island kingfisherbay.com Fraser Coast Top Tourist Park 21 Denmans Camp Road, Scarness, Hervey Bay frasercoasttouristpark.com.au Fraser Island Backpackers Cathedral Beach, Fraser Island fraserislandco.com.au Fraser’s on Rainbow 18 Spectrum Av, Rainbow Beach frasersonrainbow.com The Friendly Hostel 182 Torquay Rd, Hervey Bay friendlyhostel.com.au Woolshed Backpackers 181 Torquay Road woolshedbackpackers.com.au

bundaberg Federal Backpackers 221 Bourbong St. 07 4153 3711 federalbackpackers.com.au Northside Backpackers 12 Queen St. 07 4154 1166 Bundaberg Bondstore

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

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

townsville Adventurers Resort 79 Palmer St. 1800 211 522, adventurersresort.com Adrenalin Dive. 07 4724 0600, adrenalindive.com.au Yongala Dive Yongala diving. 07 4783 1519, yongaladive.com.au

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

mission beach Absolute Backpackers 28 Wongaling Beach Road. 07 4068 8317,

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Hervey Bay Fraser Island

BRISBANE

Terms and conditions: * To receive the discount international backpackers must hold a current passport with an international address. This fare type excludes domestic backpackers. # Receive up to 40% discount on economy seat adult rail fares. For more information or to book your Backpacker Rail Fares, visit queenslandrailtravel@qr.com.au or call 1800 872 467. Valid for travel until 31 March 2014. Queensland Rail Limited ABN 71 132 181 09 Travel Agent Lic. No. QLD 327 4957 QR3789.23_DL_0912.

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

Airlie Beach (Whitsundays) Mackay

18/03/13 10:13 PM

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follow us on absolutebackpackers.com.au Beach Shack 86 Porters Promenade missionbeachshack.com Scotty’s Beach House 167 Reid Rd. 07 4068 8676, scottysbeachhouse.com.au Jackaroo Hostel Mission Beach Frizelle Rd, Bingil Bay jackaroohostel.com Mission Beach Retreat 49 Porters Promenade missionbeachretreat.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 Northern Greenhouse 117 Grafton Street. 1800 229 228, northerngreenhouse.com.au

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

cape trib 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

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Walkabout Motel & ackpackers 07 4061 2311 walkaboutbackpackers.com.au

atherton Kuranda Rainforest Park 88 Kuranda Heaights Rd, Kuranda. 07 4093 7316, kurandarainforestpark.com.au

port douglas Parrotfish Backpackers Resort 37 Warner St, Kuranda. 07 4099 5011, parrotfishlodge.com

gulf savannah Emu Creek Cattle Station 07 4094 8313

daintree Koala Beach Resort Cape Kimberly Rd. 1800 466 444

MOOLOOLABA Mooloolaba Backpackers VIP 75 Brisbane Road mooloolababackpackers.com

MORETON ISLAND Tangalooma Wild Dolphin Resort tangalooma.com

NOOSA Dolphins Beach House 14 Duke Street, Sunshine Beach dolphinsbeachhouse.com.au Nomads Noosa Backpackers 44 Noosa Dr NOOSA inland nomadsworld.com Noosa Backpackers Resort 9-13 William St noosabackpackers.com

NOOSA inland Ride On Mary Budget Bush Retreat imbilkayakandbike.com

PORT DOUGLAS Dougies Backpackers Resort 111 Davidson St dougies.com.au Global Port Douglas 38 Macrossan St globalbackpackerscairns.com.au/portdouglas Parrot Fish Lodge 37 Warner St parrotfishlodge.com Port O’Call YHA 7 Craven Close portocall.com.au

INNISFAIL Codge Lodge 63 Rankin St codgelodge.com Crown Hostel 25 Ernest St (07) 4061 2266

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QLDLISTINGS Innisfail Budget Backpackers 125 Edith St jobsforbackpackers.com.au

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TOWNSVILLE Adventurers Backpackers

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Civic Guest House Backpackers Hostel 262 Walker St

1770 Beachside Backpacker 12 Captain Cook Drive independentbackpackers.com

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Foreign Exchange Accommodation -

1770 Southern Cross Backpackers 2694 Round Hill Rd 1770southerncross.com

Beachside 19 Eyre St, North Ward

ROCKHAMPTON Emu Park Resort 92 Patterson St, Emu Park emusbeachresort.com

foreignx.com.au

MACKAY Gecko’s Rest

Rockhampton Backpackers YHA 60 Macfarlane St yha.com.au

34 Sydney St

geckosrest.com.au

STRADBROKE is Manta Lodge & Scuba Centre 1 Eastcoast Rd mantalodge.com.au

MAGNETIC IS Base Magnetic Island 1 Nelly Bay Rd

stayatbase.com

SUNSHINE COAST Cotton Tree Beachouse 15 the Esplanade cottontreebackpackers.com

79 Palmer St

Farm work, Innisfail 0437 692 002

Bungalow Bay Koala Village YHA 40 Horseshoe Bay Rd

bungalowbay.com.au

THE RIDE OF YOUR LIFE!

WHITS UND A Y S 3 DAYS IN ONE... Whitehaven Beach, top snorkel destinations & island bushwalks. P: 07 4946 6848 www.oceanrafting.com.au

CA PE TRIBULA TION Ask about our 2 trip special deal with our sister company OCEAN SAFARI - www.oceansafari.com.au

Great Barrier Reef - Half Day Snorkel Tour

P NOOSA Noosa is located on Australia’s east coast and is home to several beautiful beaches, a stunning coast line, national park and pristine river as well as many events spread out over the calendar year. The list is endless when visiting Noosa, they range from visiting The World famous Eumundi Markets, shopping and dining on Hasting Street, soaking up the sun on Noosa beach or even going for a surf on some of Australia’s best surfing breaks, watching the sunset at Noosa River or spending the day cruising down the river. And it doesn’t stop there, the town offers visitors the chance to be pampered at a day spa, take a walk through the national park out to the headland or hire water equipment such as jet ski’s. It really is one

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

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

CHECK IN

Back of Chapel 50 Green St, Windsor nomadshostels.com

Melbourne Oasis YHA 76 Chapman St yha.com.au

College Lawn Hotel 36 Greville St, Prahran collegelawnhotel.com.au

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

Claremont Guesthouse 189 Toorak Rd, South Yarra hotelclaremont.com

Central Melbourne Accommodation 21 Bromham Place, Richmond. 03 9427 9826, centralaccommodation.net

Discovery Melbourne

167 Franklin St Melbourne. Beds from $25 Located right in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD this hostel has just about everything you could possibly need in one place.

Melbourne CBD

discoverymelbourne.com

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

4212,

The Greenhouse Backpacker Level 6, 228 Flinders Lane. 1800 249 207, greenhousebackpacker.com.au

Home Travellers Motel 32 Carlisle St, St Kilda. 1800 008 718, hometravellersmotel.com.au

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

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

Home at the Mansion 66 Victoria Parade. 03 9663

Melbourne Central YHA 562 Flinders St.

homemansion.com.au

St Arnaud 99 Park St, South Yarra, starnaudguesthouse.com.au

$22 $ City Centre Budget Hotel 22-30 Little Collins St citycentrebudgethotel.com

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

Melbourne Metro YHA 78 Howard St yha.com.au

Elizabeth Hostel 490 Elizabeth St elizabethhostel.com.au

King St Backpackers 160 King Street kingstreetbackpackers.com.au

03 9621 2523, yha.com.au

Nomads Melbourne 198 A’beckett St. 1800 447 762, nomadshostels.com Space Hotel 380 Russell St. 1800 670 611, spacehotel.com.au The Spencer

Elephant Backpackers 250 Flinders St elephantbackpacker.com.au

Hotel Discovery 167 Franklin St hoteldiscovery.com.au

The Spencer City Central BP 475 Spencer St spencerbackpackers.com.au

The Nunnery 116 Nicholson Street, Fitzroy nunnery.com.au Urban Central 334 City Road, Southbank urbancentral.com.au

Victoria Hotel Backpackers Victoria Hotel, 380 Victoria St vichotelbrunswick.com.au

ST KILDA

Back of Chapel Backpackers 50 Green St backofchapel.com

Lords Lodge Backpackers 167 Franklin St lordslodge.com

Base St Kilda 17 Carlisle St stayatbase.com

Melbourne International Backpackers 204 Punt Rd, Prahran mibp.com.au

Coffee Palace Backpackers 24 Grey St coffeepalacebackpackers.com.au

Maximum 4 bed dormitories with linen and towel

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334 CITY ROAD SOUTHBANK MELBOURNE VIC 3006 AUSTRALIA 19/5/10 16:49:37

6/08/13 8/08/13 9:10 9:32 PM

VICLISTINGS 11 Nicholson St, Carlton.

Habitat HQ 333 St Kilda Rd, thehabitathq.com.au

13 11 02 melbourne.museum.vic.gov.au

Oslo Hotel 38 Grey St oslohotel.com.au

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

The Ritz for Backpackers 109 Barkly St stkildabeachhouse.com.au

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

St Kilda Beach House 169B Fitzroy St ritzbackpackers.com

melbourne do Australian Centre for the Moving Image Federation Square. 03 8663 2200, acmi.net.au Melbourne Aquarium Cnr of Flinders St & King St. 03 9923 5999, melbourneaquarium.com.au Discovery Melbourne 167 Franklin St. discoverymelbourne.com Melbourne Cricket Ground Brunton Av. 03 9657 8888 mcg.org.au

Melbourne Museum

Official Neighbours Tours 570 Flinders St. 03 9629 5866, neighbourstour.com.au Skydive the Beach Melbourne 1300 798 843 skydivethebeachmelbourne.com Tourism Victoria Backpacking ideas. backpackmelbourne.com Wildlife Tours Australia Specialising in Victorian tours +61 3 9314 2225 wildlifetours.com.au

great ocean rd Anglesea Backpackers 40 Noble St, Anglesea. 03 5263 2664, angleseabackpackers.com.au Eco Beach YHA

yha.com.au

Great Ocean Road Backpackers YHA 10 Erskine Av, Lorne. 03 5289 2508, yha.com.au

03 5980 1234, tortoisehead.net

03 5952 3620, yha.com.au

dandenong Emerald Backpackers 03 5968 4086

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 Sorrento Foreshore Reserve Nepean Hwy. 1800 850 600, mornpen.vic.gov.au Sorrento YHA 3 Miranda St, Sorrento. 03 5984 4323, yha.com.au

murray river Echuca Gardens YHA 103 Av, Mitchell St, Echuca. 03 5480 6522, yha.com.au Mildura City Backpackers 50 Lemon Ave, Mildura. 03 5022 7922, milduracitybackpackers.com.au Oasis Backpackers 230 Deakin Av, Mildura. 04 0734 4251, milduraoasisbackpackers.com.au

gippsland

The Spencer

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

mildura

Prom Country Backpackers 03 5682 2614

Mildura City Backpackers 50 Lemon Avenue milduracitybackpackers.com.au

Cambrai Hostel Maffra 117 Johnson St, Maffra. 1800 101 113 maffra.net.au/hostel

Amaroo Park YHA 97 Church St, Cowes.

The Island Accommodation 10-12 Phillip Island Tourist Road. 03 5956 6123 theislandaccommodation.com. au

grampians

phillip island

Tortoise Head Lodge French Island.

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STRATHMERTON Riviera Backpackers YHA 669 Esplanade yha.com.au

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Everything you want in a hostel! Friendly and affordable

• • • • • • • •

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! 70

st kilda The ultimate Melbourne beach-side suburb, St Kilda boasts all the hip cafes, bars boutiques that make Melbourne oh-so-cool, then tops it all off with some killer views and relaxing vibes. Check out the St Kilda Esplanade Markets on Sundays and stroll the side streets for live music and rustic feeds. While the cold Melbourne winters may normally have swimmers shying away from the beach, the St Kilda Sea Baths provide heated indoor pools right on the waters edge for soothing dips all year-round. With Luna Park Melbourne lighting up the boardwalk, and St Kilda’s iconic local, Hotel Esplanade, keeping true to the grunge rock of Melbourne culture – St Kilda beats to it’s own drum.

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

fleurieu penin

CHECK IN

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

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

eyre peninsula Coodlie Park Farmstay Flinders Highway, Port Kenny. 08 8687 0411 coodliepark.com

Adelaide Travellers Inn 220 Hutt St. 08 8224 0753, adelaidebackpackers.com.au Annie’s Place 239 Franklin St. 1800 818 011, anniesplace.com.au Backpack Oz 144 Wakefield St. 1800 633 307, backpackoz.com.au Blue Galah Backpackers Lvl 1, 52-62, King William St. 08) 8231 9295, bluegalah.com.au Glenelg Beach Hostel 5-7 Moseley St. Glenelg. 1800 359 181, glenelgbeachhostel.com.au Hostel 109 109 Carrington St. 1800 099 318, hostel109.com My Place 257 Waymouth St. 1800 221 529, adelaidehostel.com.au Shakespeare Hostel 123 Waymouth St. 1800 556 889, shakeys.com.au

adelaide do Adelaide Oval Home to the Donald Bradman collection. War Memorial Drive. 08 8300 3800 cricketsa.com.au

Baird Bay Ocean Eco Experience Sea lion and dolphin swims. 08 8626 5017 bairdbay.com

Backpack Oz

Calypso Star Charters Great white shark cage diving. 08 8682 3939, sharkcagediving.com.au

144 Wakefield St, Adelaide. Beds from $26 A modern, clean and comfortable hostel with great ratings on Hostel World and located right in the heart of beautiful Adelaide.

Adelaide

backpackoz.com.au

Adelaide Zoo Frome Rd. 08 8267 3255, zoossa.com.au Haigh’s Chocolates Factory tours. 153 Greenhill Rd, Parkside 1800 819 757, haighschocolates.com.au Temptation Sailing Dolphin swimming, Glenelg. 04 1281 1838 dolphinboat.com.au

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

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

riverland

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

Berri Backpackers Sturt Highway, Berri. 08 8582 3144, berribackpackers.com.au

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

Harvest Trail Lodge Loxton. 08 8584 5646, harvesttrail.com.au

kangaroo is Kangaroo Island YHA 33 Middle Terrace, Penneshaw. 08 8553 1344 yha.com.au Vivonne Bay Lodge

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

Nomads on Murray Sturt Highway, Kingston on Murray. 1800 665 166, nomadsworld.com

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

Riverland Backpackers Labour Hire Services 08 8583 0211

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

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Photo: SATC

adelaide’s festival season For a state capital, Adelaide feels small, but it is uncrowded and attractive, priding itself on its culture, fine food, relaxed lifestyle and an ace collection of festivals. Luckily, three of the biggest of those festivals are about to roll into town. Firstly, starting next week, the Adelaide Fringe Festival arrives. Only Edinburgh can boast a bigger arts festival than this anywhere on the planet so expect the SA capital to be flooded with performers and spectators alike. It runs for almost a month, with many of the shows being free. Then, on March 2, Adelaide Festival also kicks off.

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WALISTINGS CHECK IN

NetRel N i w os

H 2 Bestwa 201 iN

Western Beach Lodge 6 Westborough St, Perth. Dorms from $32 Located walking distance from Scarborough Beach, shops, restaurants and nightlife, is the Western Beach Lodge. Clean, secure and friendly.

Perth

westernbeach.com/

perth stay Billabong Backpackers Resort 381 Beaufort St. 08 9328 7720, billabongresort.com.au

ly weekials spec

Britannia on William 253 William St, Northbridge. 08 9227 6000, perthbrittania.com Emperorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Crown 85 Stirling St, Northbridge. 1800 991 553, emperorscrown.com.au Globe Backpackers & City Oasis Resort 561 Wellington St. 08 9321 4080, globebackpackers.com.au Ocean Beach Backpackers 1 Eric St, Cottlesloe. 08 9384 5111, oceanbeachbackpackers.com.au One World Backpackers 162 Aberdeen St, Northbridge. 1800 188 100, oneworldbackpackers.com.au

Coolibah Lodge 194 Brisbane St coolibahlodge.com.au Easy Perth Backpackers 4 Francis Street, Northbridge

easyperthbackpackers.com.au Grand Central Hotel Backpackers 379 Wellington St (08) 9421 1123 Hay Street Backpackers 266-268 Hay St haystbackpackers.com Hotel Bambu Backpackers 75 - 77 Aberdeen St, Northbridge bambu.net.au Mountway Holiday Apartments 36 Mount St mountwayapartments.com.au Ocean Beach Backpackers 1 Eric St, Cottesloe woceanbeachbackpackers.com

Perth City YHA 300 Wellington St. 08 9287 3333, yha.com.au

Perth Beach YHA & Indigo Net Cafe 256 West Coast Hwy, Scarbrough indigonet.com.au

The Old Swan Barracks 6 Francis St. 08 9428 0000, theoldswanbarracks.com

Planet Inn Backpackers 496 Newcastle St planetinn.com.au

Underground Backpackers 268 Newcastle St, Northbridge. 08 9228 3755, undergroundbackpackers.com.au The Witchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hat 148 Palmerston St. 08 9228 4228, Witchs-hat.com

Cheviot Lodge 30 Bulwer St cheviotlodge.com

The Shiralee Hostel 107 Brisbane St, Northbridge planetinn.com.au Underground Backpackers 268 Newcastle St, shiralee.com.au Wickham Retreat Backpackers 25-27 Wickham St East Perth (08) 9325 6398

Backpack City and Surf 41-43 Money St backpacker.com.au

YMCA Jewell House 180 Goderich St ymcajewellhouse.com.au

Beatty Lodge 235 Vincent St beattylodge.com.au

1201 East Backpackers 195 Hay St 1201east.com.au

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WINNER BEST HOSTEL IN WA 2007 FINALIST 2008,2009,2010 & 2011

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WALISTINGS perth do Aquarium of Western Australia 91 Southside Drive, Hillarys. 08 9447 7500, aqwa.com.au

CHECK IN

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

Kings Park & Botanic Garden bgpa.wa.gov.au Perth Mint 310 Hay St. 08 9421 7223, perthmint.com.au Perth Zoo 20 Labouchere Road, South Perth. 08 9474 3551, perthzoo.wa.gov.au

perth music Amplifier amplifiercapitol.com.au Astor liveattheastor.com.au Mojo’s Bar mojosbar.com.au The Bakery nowbaking.com.au

148 Palmerston St. Beds from $36 This is one of Perth’s most popular international backpacker destinations. Relaxed, clean and modern facilities!

Perth

Witchs-hat.com

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

fremantlemarkets.com.au Fremantle Prison 1 The Terrace. 08 9336 9200, backpackersinnfreo.com.au

rottnest isl

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

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

freo do

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

The Rosemount Hotel rosemounthotel.com.au

freo stay

albany

the witch’s hat

Fremantle Markets Henderson Street Fremantle 08 9335 2515,

margaret river

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

monkey mia Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort Monkey Mia Road Monkey Mia 1800 653 611, monkeymia.com.au

ningaloo reef Blue Reef Backpackers 3 Truscott Crescent, Exmouth 1800 621 101, aspenparks.com.au Ningaloo Club

@tnt_downunder Coral Bay 08 9948 5100, ningalooclub.com Excape Backpackers YHA Murat Rd, Exmouth. 08 9949 1200, yha.com.au

broome stay Cable Beach Backpackers 12 Sanctuary Road. 1800 655 011, cablebeachbackpackers.com Kimberley Club 62 Fredrick St 08 9192 3233, kimberleyklub.com

CORAL BAY Ningaloo Club Robinson St ningalooclub.com

ESPERANCE Blue Waters Lodge YHA 299 Goldfields Rd, yha.com.au

EXMOUTH Pete’s Exmouth Backpackers YHA Cnr Truscott Cres & Murat Rd yha.com.au

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

launceston do

CHECK IN

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

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

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

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

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

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

hobart do

devonport ARTHOUSE BACKPACKER hostel 20 Lindsay Street, Launceston. Dorms from $23 Very clean and modern with a cute coutryard complete with herb garden and a free BBQ. and a common room for TV.

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

Launceston

port arthur Port Arthur Historic Ghost Tours 1800 659 101, portarthur.org.au

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

arthousehostel.com.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

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

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

cradle mtn Discovery Holiday Parks Cradle Mountain Rd. 1800 068 574 discoveryholidayparks.com.au

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

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

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Swansea About 90 minutes from Hobart lies Swansea, a laid back seaside area perfect for a little quiet time, swimming, diving and of course catching rays on the beach. The historical town overlooks Great Oyster Bay and Freycinet National Park, two of Tassie’s striking attractions. When visiting Swansea, stop by the Spiky Bridge, formed in the 1800s. The Spiky Bridge shows off the unusual convict heritage and not far from it, another interesting attraction to see is the Three Arch Bridge. Hiring a boat and heading out fishing is a popular choice for stay in the area, or perhaps just digging in to all of the fresh oysters and other catch of the day while relaxing by the water.

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

katherine stay

CHECK IN

BIG4 Katherine Holiday Park 20 Shadforth Road. 1800 501 984, big4.com.au

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

Palm Court Kookaburra Backpackers Giles St. 1800 626 722

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

katherine do

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

Airborne Solutions Scenic helicopter flights. 08 8972 2345 airbornesolutions.com.au

Gecko Lodge 146 Mitchell St. 1800 811 250, geckolodge.com.au Melaleuca on Mitchell 52 Mitchell St. 1300 723 437, momdarwin.com

gecko lodge

46 Mitchell Street, Darwin. Dorms from $23 This small and secure hostel is Darwin’s most relaxed and unique with home style comforts in the heart of the Red Centre’s party centre.

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

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

Darwin

geckolodge.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

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

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Haven Resort 3 Larapinta Drive. 1800 794 663, alicehaven.com.au Toddy’s Resort 41 Gap Rd. 1800 027 027, toddys.com.au

alice do Alice Springs Desert Park Larapinta Drive. 08 8951 8788, alicespringsdesertpark.com.au Alice Springs Reptile Centre Meet and hold lizards. 9 Stuart Terrace. 08 8952 8900, reptilecentre.com.au Outback Ballooning Hot air balloon rides. 1800 809 790, outbackballooning.com.au Royal Flying Doctor Service Base Museum and operations room. Stuart Terrace. 08 8952 1129, flyingdoctor.net School of the Air Long-distance schooling museum. 80 Head St. 08 8951 6834, assoa.nt.edu.au The Rock Tour Uluru tours. 78 Todd St. 1800 246 345, therocktour.com.au

Bo’s saloon a territory icon

............................ BOJANGLES SALOON The outback theme is created with unique and imaginative decor, featuring Australian woods, cowhide seats and hundreds of original and unusual historic artifacts. We have items from the natural environment such as “Reggie” the Wedge Tailed Eagle and “Karl” the Croc (sixteen foot skin and skull).

Enter the saloon doors at Bo’s and experience the true Outback at it’s finest.

The whole property is decorated with historic artifacts that reflect the lifestyle of the early pioneers in Central Australia. A popular feature is our replica of Ned Kelly’s armor, including original period firearms and a Jarrah coffin that excites the interest of patrons. Upon arrival, customers are greeted with batwing saloon doors, the bar saloon tables and benches are made from Jarrah sleepers, salvaged from the old Ghan and Western Railways. Bo’s is intriguing and interesting, and serves ice cold beer and great food.

GOOd pEOpLE

GOOd fOOd GOOd SErvicE GOOd timES Open 7 days from 11.30am until late. 08 8952 2873 80 Todd St, Alice Springs NT

Make Bo’s top of your ‘to do’ list during your visit to Alice Springs and you won’t be disappointed!

Vote for us!

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NTLISTINGS

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

ULURU Alongside the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House, Uluru (or Ayers Rock) is the most iconic landmark in Australia. Known for being the giant rock bang in the middle of Australia, Uluru has attracted many a tourist to this culturally significant landmark. Sacred to the Aboriginal people, tourists are not encouraged to climb the rock but this is a must-stop destination for any traveller wanting to get the full Australian package. Make sure you pack your Akubra hat and sunscreen though because it can get pretty hot in the “Red Center” of Australia. You can explore the springs, waterholes, rock caves and ancient paintings, as well as the many native flora and fauna. It’s not a trip to Australia without visiting one of the landmarks that makes us famous!

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NZLISTINGS auckland Airport Skyway Lodge Backpackers (BBH) 30 Kirkbride Road, Mangere. +64 9275 4443, skywaylodge.co.nz Auckland International The Fat Camel (Nomads) 38 Fort St. +64 9307 0181, nomadshostels.com Nomads Auckland 16-20 Fort St. +64 9300 9999, nomadshostels.com

stayatbase.com Downtown Wellington Backpackers (BBH) 1 Bunny St. +64 4473 8482 db@downtownbackpackers.co.nz Lodge in the City (VIP) 152 Taranaki St. +64 4385 8560 lodgeinthecity.co.nz Nomads Capital 118 Wakefield St. 0508 666 237, nomadscapital.com

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

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

Queen Street Backpackers (VIP) 4 Fort St. +64 9373 3471, enquiries@qsb.co.nz

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

Surf ‘n’ Snow Backpackers 102 Albert St. +64 9363 8889, surfandsnow.co.nz

YHA Wellington City 292 Wakefield St. +64 4801 7280

YHA Auckland City Cnr City Rd & Liverpool St. yha.co.nz +64 9309 2802, YHA Auckland International 5 Turner St. +64 9302 8200, yha.co.nz

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

Foley Towers (BBH) wellington 208 Kilmore St. TNT-OZ-halfpage-Oct11.pdf 6/10/2011 +6413366 9720, 8:36:04 p.m. Base Wellington 21-23 backpack.co.nz/foley Cambridge Tce. +64 4801 5666

follow us on 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 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 bus tours

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rental firms Ace Rental Cars 1800 140 026, acerentalcars.com.nz Backpacker Campervan & Car Rentals +800 200 80 801, backpackercampervans.com Bargain Rental Cars 0800 001 122, bargainrentals.com.nz Darn Cheap Rentals 0800 447 363, exploremore.co.nz Econo Campers +64 9275 9919, econocampers.co.nz Escape Rentals 1800 456 272 escaperentals.co.nz Explore More 1800 800 327 dcrentals.com.nz Jucy Rentals 0800 399 736, jucy.com.nz Rent-A-Dent 0800 736 823, rentadent.co.nz

Kiwi Experience +64 9366 9830 kiwiexperience.com

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

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

Spaceships 1300 139 091, spaceships.tv

Nakedbus.com 0900 62533, nakedbus.com

Standby Cars 1300 789 059, standbycars.com.au

NZ Travelpass 0800 339 966, travelpass.co.nz

Wicked Campers 1800 246 869, wickedcampers.com

CMY

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NZLISTINGS

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

bay of islands Great for catching some rays in the winter, the Bay of Islands is even better once summer for real kicks in. Northland’s most popular tourist resort attracts visitors from all over the world – and rightly so. It’s NZ at its best. With quiet coves, soft sandy beaches, sparkling waters and an interesting history, the Bay of Islands is a must-see. Situated 257km north of Auckland, this irregular and spectacular coastline has 144 remote and uninhabited islands bathed in sunshine year-round. It’s the perfect place to do a skydive, an overnight cruise, scuba dive, kayak or take a fishing trip. Paihia is the main take-off point for the many boat tours which cruise the islands for pleasure, fishing and dolphin swimming.

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ozwork

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Nursing a career

Photos: Thinkstock

Australia is crying out for nurses and child care workers and you could earn decent wedge without much experience

Perhaps you came to Australia for the sun or maybe to escape the ultra-competitive job market at home, or maybe both? Either way, if you’re a nurse you’re going to be pleased to hear that over the next few months, you’re going to have the best of both worlds. In fact, as there’s a shortage of qualified health workers in Australia it’s very much a worker’s market. And while it’s unlikely many nurses go into the profession for the cash, those in Oz on a Working Holiday visa could find themselves suddenly more flashpacker than backpacker. “Rates of pay vary depending on experience, but on average a nurse working full-time can expect to clear over $1,500 per week,” says JP Nurseforce managing director John Moore. However, if you’re yet to drag yourself off the beach and into an agency, there’s a few things it’s worth sorting out, sharpish. Most important is registering. It’s easy to do online, but you need to do it with the Nurses Board of every state or territory you intend to work in. It can cause delays later if you don’t get it sorted straight away. There are some other things to consider: “Registered nurses require English tests to get their registration in NSW.

I would advise them to do the test back home and bring this with them to Australia. Also vaccinations are a requirement for NSW public hospitals so they should also bring all their vaccination documentation,” says Christine Lingard from Nursing Agency Australia. The great thing about working as a nurse in Australia is the flexible nature of the work. Moore says: “Our nurses typically work hours to suit their travel and social life.”

And due to the employment shortage, if you want to stay, then nursing is a good way to get sponsored. That’s right, there are many opportunities for sponsorship in nursing should you decide that the Australian sun is more fun than fog. Once you’re in a placement you like, simply ask your employer about sponsorship possibilities. Alternatively, some recruitment agencies arrange visas for you. If you do find yourself running out of time, don’t despair – some agencies specialise in sponsorship of nurses from overseas. Another interesting employment avenue perhaps for you to explore is in childcare. Yes, working with children doesn’t sound like the most exciting or glamorous of jobs but – let’s be honest – it’s money for old rope really. Plus you get to care for adorable children!

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Even with bare minimum experience, a childcare worker could be earn upwards of $22/hour.There’s such a shortage of qualified health workers in Australia that it’s very much a worker’s market. If you’re yet to drag yourself off the beach and into an agency, there’s a few things worth sorting out, sharpish. Getting hold of a reference (such as MIMS) is advisable, as is getting your head around Australian drug brand names as soon as you can. Then it’s all about deciding where and what you want to do. A recent rise in pay rates means that this worthy job could have you walking out the door with between $21 and $30/hour, depending on your experience. But experience isn’t essential. If you have worked previously in your local creche, or done some babysitting, then grab some references and you should be in. “In childcare you need loads of patience” says Shaun Michaeil of Child Care Crew. Being flexible and working well with both parents and children are a given and experience is a plus. “Don’t forget that when you get home you will have gained some valuable experience, along with a great opportunity to work alongside locals. For more information head to nursingaustralia.com.au

WAYS Fundraising is looking for fun, outgoing, passionate job seekers to join our Professional Fundraising Teams across Australia. WAYS has long standing client relationships with global Charity movements including Amnesty International, Oxfam, CARE Australia, World Society for the Protection of Animals and more. Using our in house WAYS Act branded iPad technology and utilizing our first class retention structure including the WAYS Phone call centre, our Professional Fundraisers interact with the general public on a day to day basis in paid shopping centres, street sites and festivals, inspiring them to join our major charity partners by donating on a monthly basis. As a Trainee Fundraiser you will receive: • First class induction training and ongoing coaching • Your own iPad mini • $2900 - $3750 per month starting base salary • Uncapped daily, weekly & team bonuses • Travel opportunities across Australia including paid flights, car hire & accommodation • Sponsorship opportunities for proven staff • Team Leader & Coach roles available for experienced Fundraisers • Weekly team meetings, social nights, ongoing training • Working hours Monday to Friday 9am - 5:30pm To be considered for this role you will have great communication skills, a positive work ethic, motivation, and passion to help our amazing charity partners.

email your application to jobs@waysfundraising.com

www.funwaysing.com tntdownunder.com

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totallytrivial

@tnt_downunder

who to blame

and their Favourite thing about Melbourne Editor

Alex Harmon (Laneway art)

Deputy Ed

Hugh Radojev (It’s so European...)

Rory Platt (Queen Victoria Markets)

aussie Animals Aussie rules football Quiz Which Australian animal can run the Q 1.fastest? a) Kangaroo b) Dingo c) Emu d) Echidna

Design & production Lisa Ferron (Alfred Park)

Which Australian coin features the Q 2.platypus?

Tom Wheeler (Habitat HQ)

account manager

Justin Steinlauf (Hipster activities)

georgina pengelly (The horsies)

‘laugh’? a) Kookaburra b) Lyrebird c) Cockatoo d) Kylie

sudoku puzzle

Got really muddy and weird at 2013 Splendour in the grass. Frank Ocean may have pulled out, but we certainly didn’t!

Bid a tearful goodbye to the big Ed, who’s off to pursue her dreams of becoming a ballerina

8 4

6 8

2 7

a) Dog b) Cat c) Fish d) Rabbit

does a koala sleep? a) 10 b) 20 c) 15 d) 18

Australian coat of arms? a) Kangaroo koala b) Koala platypus c) Emu koala d) Kangaroo emu

what we did this Fortnight

Which animal is the dingo closesly Q 8.related to?

Q 9. How many hours a day on average

Q 5. Which two animals are on the

Financial controller

Trish Bailey (Lord of the Fries)

a) A native land mammal b) An egg-laying mammal c) An animal that can fly d) An animal with a pouch

3. Which does not have a pouch? a) Kangaroo b) Wombat c) Koala d) Platypus

Q 4. Which Aussie bird is famous for its

marketing + events executive

five on the coat of arms? a) They taste mighty fine b) They’re easy to draw c) They only walk forwards d) Why not?

exactly is a monotreme when Q 7.it’sWhat at home?

a) 5 cent b) 10 cent c) 20 cent d) 50 cent

Business development

Q6.Why are the two animals from question

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

Intern

aussie-ism “Cheers, Boss” If any of you have ever worked pulling beers at a pub or sports bar you’ll almost certainly have heard this before. Usually said by men, to other men as a way of saying thanks: “You’ll buy the next round? Cheers, boss!”.

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