TNT Australia 721 by TNT MAGAZINE

6 - 19 May 2013 Issue 721 tntdownunder.com

IN W unch of

ab northern territory s adventure

girt by sea We reveal our favourite Aussie islands

of the stone age Wild times in the Queenstown snow

ld r o w e h t f o p on to

l Park field Nationa h c it L d n a u akad ey through K rn u jo a h it w into the NT + news & sport whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s on Delving deep film reviews travellersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; tIPS

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Alex Harmon EDITOR editor@tntdownunder.com

EDITOR’S LETTER There are over 8,000 islands in this beautiful country, which, just to confuse you, is an island itself. After extensive research and contention (no man is an island, unless of course you count XXXX Island) we managed to narrow it down to reveal our top 10 (pg40). Let us know if we’ve missed your favourite. We also continue our NT jaunt with a trip through Kakadu National Park (pg46). Happy travels!

THIS WEEK oz Diary

Food + drink

Gigs

Pub

Chatroom

Film

Lifestyle

News

Sport

Travel

Hotshot

Travellers tale

win

weekender

listings Australia

listings new zealand

work

trivial pursuits

Features Undead again

We chat to the director of Evil Dead who has remade the classic horror film

Isle Be

Our top 10 list of the top Australian islands, lots of surf and sitting in the sun

Top End Stuff

We head up to the beautiful Kakadu National Park to kick off the dry season

Screamtown There’s always plenty of things to get your blood pumping in Queenstown

64 tntdownunder.com

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ozDIARY

Editorial Editor Alex Harmon Staff writer Hugh Radojev Contributors Colin Delany, Alasdair Morton, Alexandra E. Petri, Emma Salkild Interns Rosemarie Marino, Rory Platt, Adele Rogers

@tnt_downunder

Take a look at guy smiley here...

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

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

main event Your Shot 2013

Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne Since the concept started back in 2010, Your Shot has given thousands of young DJs the chance to make their dreams become reality. Last year’s event saw over 10,000 people attend the three state events and over 4,000 hopefuls apply in three weeks. If you’ve always suspected you might make a good DJ but have never really given it a go before, sign up and you could find yourself travelling around Australia and the world playing to huge crowds at famous clubs like Womb in Tokyo or Yacht Week in Croatia! 11th – 25th May. East coast, Australia

Sounds on sunset

Archibald Prize 2013

Round She goes Markets

An exciting new arts and music event in the heart of NSW’s beautiful mid-north coast. Featuring a unique mixture of local and visiting blues, roots, rock and acoustic musicians as well as plenty of other fun activities, this is sure to be fun in the sun!

Awarded to the best painting of a notable Australian – from politicians to celebrities, sporting heroes to artists – the Archibald Prize is a who’s who of Australian culture. From over 800 entries, 39 are chosen but only one can ultimately win!

Melbourne’s most popular, pre-loved fashion market is coming to Sydney for the first time. Book a stall and get rid of some unwanted but still wearable clothing, or just come a long and try and pick yourself up a bargain! This is definitely one for the ladies.

May 18 Port Macquarie, NSW sundownerholidays.com

May 23 – Jun 2 The Domain, Sydney artgallery.nsw.gov.au

May 18 Marrickville Town Hall roundshegoes.com.au

$25

$10

Image: Your Shot 2012

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.

yourshot.com.au

tntdownunder.com

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Sydney eats + drinks Mejico

@tnt_downunder

[Caption]

Restaurant review by Hugh Radojev

From the moment you walk through the door you can feel the energy of the place with its playfully electric pink and black paint scheme, tangy smell of lime, salsa and frying plantains, and the candy striped shirts of the bartenders. The area may looked cramped – particularly on a busy night – but I was pleasantly surprised to find that even with the high ceilings and concrete floors, the only thing that was overly loud was the paint on the walls. The grub Exciting. That’s the best word to describe the food. The $9 guacamole is mixed in a stone mortar with a pestle at your table and the $14 chorizo salsa comes with golden plantain chips – extraordinary! The pacific scallop cerviche ($16) served with avocado, jalapenos and pomegranate is exquisitely delicate, but best of all are the soft shell tacos. The $16 smoked pork with tamatillo salsa and black bean hummus defy description. The low point was a solid, if uninspired, chicken and pumpkin puree main ($28), but it definitely wasn’t bad. It was almost a welcome reprieve from the intense flavour rollercoaster I’d been on until then. Behind the bar 160 individual tequilas, the majority of which have been hand brought into Australia from Mexico. They’re all 100 per cent blue agave as well. Some of my faves included the HG 400 blanco ($14) and El Vietejo Reposado ($10). Bill please Stick to tacos and a tequila or two and get away with $50 a head. verdict A tour de force of delicious. I’d give it 10 out of 5 if I could... Oh, I just did. THE SCENE

105 Pitt St, Sydney

mejico.com.au

3 of the best sydney dive bars 6

BRKLYN

Frankie’s Pizza

Shady Pines

An NYC-style dive bar has burrowed its way under the skin of Manly’s beach front. It ticks all the right, divey kind of boxes. It’s underground for one thing and by extension is nice and dimly lit. It’s also got a top selection of imported beers, wines and spirits. The little kitchen also pumps out a pretty good standard of American bar grub.

Ah, Frankie’s! This place has a great feel to it, from the red and white check tablecloths to the empty chianti bottle candle holders, this place has a vibe all of its own. Out the back is this awesome little bar, complete with glitzy, retro neon beer signs and tat all over the walls. This place is cooler than Peter Dinklage!

The original Sydney dive bar and, in many ways, still the best. If you can get past the cold, dead eyes of a thousand taxidermied animals staring down at you from the walls you’re in for a treat. Cloudy apple and rye whisky is served hand over fist with elephant grade peanuts still in their shells. The music is great too.

facebook.com/#!/BRKLYN2095

50 Hunter St, Sydney

shadypinessaloon.com

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brisbane bars

BITE SIZE

blow my whistle If watching the world and people go by is as attractive to you as it is to me, The Pig N Whistle in the Queen street Mall Brisbane is a great spot for a meal. The sports-lovers bar is smack bang in the middle of Australia’s busiest pedestrian area with good old English style food and Australian cuisine with a high quality à la carte twist. This venue is open 24 hours a day and has two very different areas; there’s the conservatory for sit down food, inside or out, as well as an open-plan sports bar area with English beers, bar food and live sports on the screen. pignwhistle.com.au

No habla Español The only people who don’t like tapas are the criminally selfish or those who inexplicably hate tomatoes! For some reason these people exist but that just means more tapas for the rest of us. Peasant in Brisbane’s inner west is an excellent, Barcelona-style tapas place and a great way to start a night out. Cling desperately to the bar or take your food and drinks outside. White rum margarita and homemade meat ball heaven. peasant.com.au

Keep it in the family Family Nightclub is full of beautiful people and great

tunes on the weekends. Don’t be fooled by the name, best to leave your mother at home when you go to this one. thefamily.com.au

tntdownunder.com

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gigLISTINGS

@tnt_downunder

They Might Be Giants $65.30 The Gov, Adelaide oztix.com.au

friday 10 The Rubens $42.70 The Forum, Melbourne oztix.com.au Owl Eyes $28.60 The Zoo, Brisbane oztix.com.au

DON’T MISS!

Tenacious D $90.75 Brisbane Convention Centre frontiertouring.com

Tenacious D Brisbane Convention Centre. May 10. $90.75 Jack Black’s hilarious, hard rocking duo, Tenacious D are back in Australia and this time they’re keeping it acoustic, just how we like it!

Brisbane

frontiertouring.com Tame Impala $59.90 Brisbane Convention Centre premier.ticketek.com.au

monday 6 The Seekers From $105.00 State Theatre, Sydney showbiz.com.au

They Might Be Giants $65.30 The Zoo, Brisbane oztix.com.au

Beth Orton $75 St Joseph’s, Subiaco premier.ticketek.com.au

thursday 9 Julian Marley $50 The Corner Hotel, Melbourne ticketscout.com.au

tuesday 7 Flume From $49.90 Brisbane Riverstage ticketmaster.com.au

Tegan and Sara From $67 The Metro, Perth handsometours.com

Tegan and Sara From $67 The Barton, Adelaide handsometours.com

Tj Quinton $10 The Front, Canberra tjquinton.com.au

Black Sabbath From $149.90 Adelaide Entertainment Centre premier.ticketek.com.au

wednesday 8

Tame Impala $59.90 The Barton, Adelaide premier.ticketek.com.au Frightened Rabbit $40.70 Oxford Arts Factory, Sydney moshtix.com.au

The Kooks $68 The Tivoli, Brisbane thetivoli.net.au

BOOK NOW!

Sticky Fingers $19.20 The Gov Hindmarsh, Adelaide moshtix.com

saturday 11 Owl Eyes $25 The Standard, Sydney wearethestandard.com Afrika Bambaataa $44.90 Laundry Bar, Melbourne oztix.com.au Dragon $65 Crown Casino, Melbourne premier. ticketmaster.com.au Something for Kate $40.95 Pier Live, Melbourne ticketmaster.com.au Spit Syndicate Free Waves, Woollongong towradgibeachhotel.com.au

sunday 12 The Rubens $42.70 The Yarra Hotel, Geelong oztix.com.au The Gaslight Anthem $68.70 The Enmore, Sydney oztix.com

DON’T MISS! Splendour in the Grass Byron Bay. July 26– 28. $350 for 3 Day Tix + Camping Headlined by Mumford & Sons, Frank Ocean and The National, one of Australia’s premier festivals is back in Byron!

North Byron Parklands

wednesday 15 The Seekers $99.90 Hamer Hall, Melbourne showbiz.com.au

thursday 16

Funeral for a Friend $36.60 Fowlers Live, Adelaide premier.ticketek.com.au

friday 17 Owl Eyes $25 Republic Bar, Hobart oztix.com.au Lorde $13

Workers Club, Melbourne ticketscout.com.au

saturday 18

Local Natives $60 The Metro, Sydney premier.ticketmaster.com.au

Enmore $25 Newport Hotel, Perth ticketmaster.com.au

splendourinthegrass.com

Local Natives $60 The Forum, Melbourne premier.ticketmaster.com.au British India $28.60 The Wool Exchange, Geelong oztix.com.au David Delaney $10 The Spotted Mallard, Melbourne spottedmallard.com Tame Impala $59.90 Belvoir Valley Amphitheatre moshtix.com.au

sunday 19 Kaki King From $30 The Basement, Sydney topshelf.com.au

BOOK NOW!

Tenacious D $90.70 Sydney Opera House frontiertouring.com

monday 13 Come Down Free Santa Barbara, Sydney facebook.com/ santabarbarasydney Masters at Work $120 The Civic, Sydney civichotel.com.au

Beyonce Australian tour, Various. End of 2013. TBA, probably expensive As part of her huge, worldwide Mrs Carter tour, Beyoncé will be coming back to Australia for a series of massive shows and hideous expressions. Various, Australia

N/A

tuesday 14 Deftones $74.60 The Tivoli, Brisbane moshtix.com.au

shockone Australian Tour. May. TBA The DJ from Perth is making waves with debut album Universus (currently #1 on iTunes) and will be touring nationally to keep the momentum going.

Various, Australia

onelove.com.au

tntdownunder.com

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pUBLISTINGS

@tnt_downunder

HAPPY HOUR

Bar Century Lvl 4 640, George St Sydney barcentury.com.au 3 Wise Monkeys 555 George St, Sydney 3wisemonkeys.com.au Candy’s Apartment 22 Bayswater Road, Potts Point candys.com.au World Bar 24 Bayswater Road, Potts Point theworldbar.com.au

HAPPY HOUR! Pub classics set meal The Montague, Melbourne. Mon–Fri 12pm–3pm. Two courses (one taste/one classic) and a glass of wine or pot of draught for a rather fabulous $25, definitely check it out! Melbourne

themonty.com

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

Accommodation Ensuite rooms $80 per night. Share facility rooms $60 per night. Todd Tavern established in 1959 is the only traditional Hotel in Alice Springs. The Hotel has 4 bars, Maxims bar caters for those wishing to have a ﬂutter on the TAB, play Keno, watch sport, play pool, or kick back and listen to tunes on the jukebox. Bar opens at 10.30 daily until late. Aunty’s bar is where the local jam session happen every Monday night from 7.30pm. Whether you can play an instrument, sing or just want to get up and read poetry - every one is welcome. DJ’s Bistro opens at 12noon daily serving meals through to 9pm. With $10 daily lunch specials and the cheapest drinks in town there is no other place to be. Saturday Beer & Burger special $10 available from 12noon - 6pm. Sunday ﬁsh & chip lunch for just $10 and Roast carvery for dinner. There is something for everyone at the Todd Tavern, with our Thirsty Camel bottle shop open 7 days a week for your convience. Monday - Friday 2 -9 pm Saturday 10 - 9pm and Sunday 12 - 9pm.

Ryan’s Paragon Hotel Cnr Loftus & Alfred St, Sydney hotelparagon.com.au The Beresford 345 Bourke St, Surry Hills merivale.com.au/theberesfordhotel Oxford Art Factory 38-46 Oxford St, Darlinghurst oxfordartfactory.com White Revolver Cnr Curlewis + Campbell Parade Bondi Beach whiterevolver.com Pontoon Cockle Bay Wharf 201, Darling Harbour pontoonbar.com

The Knock Off Paddington Inn, Sydney. 5–7pm, Mon–Fri $4 local schooners, $4 house wines and $5 house spirits every weekday after work for all you 9-5ers out there! 338 Oxford St, Paddington

Hotel Steyne 75 The Corso, Manly hotelsteyne.com.au New Brighton Hotel 71 The Corso, Manly newbrighton.com.au

shamiana.com.au Star Bar Hotel Melbourne 160 Clarendon Street, South Melbourne starbarhotel.com.au

In Situ 34/18 Sydney Rd, Manly insitumanly.com.au

The Apartment Nightclub 401 Little Bourke Street Melbourne theapartment.com.au

Four Pines 29/43-45 East Esplanade, Manly 4pines.com.au

Cherry Bar 103 Flinders Lane Melbourne myspace.com/cherrybarmelbourne

Marlborough Hotel 145 King St, Newtown marlboroughhotel.com.au

Corner Hotel 57 Swan Street Richmond cornerhotel.com

The Imperial East Brunswick Club 35 Erskineville Road, Erskineville 280 Lygon St theimperialhotel.com.au Brunswick East eastbrunswickclub.com The Norfolk 305 Cleveland St, Redfern thenorfolk.co The Vanguard 42 King St, Newtown thevanguard.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 Flinders Hotel 63 – 65 Flinders St, Surry Hills theflindershotel.com.au White Horse Hotel 381 Crown St, Surry Hills thewhitehorse.com.au

melbournepubs TODD TAVERN TODD MALL ALICE SPRINGS NT 0870 www.toddtavern.com.au 08 8952 1255

paddingtoninn.com.au

Central Lion Hotel 3/221 La Trobe St, Melbourne acemelbourne.com.au/mclion/ Shamiana 420 Lonsdale St, Melbourne

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 Tote 67-71 Johnston Street, Collingwood thetotehotel.com Eden Bar and Nightclub 163 Russell Street, Melbourne edenbar.com.au Turf Bar 131 Queen St Melbourne turfbar.com.au Fluid Oz Bar 450 Elizabeth Street Melbourne yelp.com.au Bar Humbug 586 Little Bourke St Melbourne barhumbug.com.au Eurotrash Bar 18 Corrs Lane Melbourne eurotrashbar.com.au

tntdownunder.com

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Open 7 days till late POOL TABLES / JUKE BOX VKARAOKE WED LIVE MUSIC FRIDAY DJ SATURDAY

3 Edmunds Street Darwin

OPENING SOON

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pUBLISTINGS 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 Crown and Sceptre Hotel 308 King William Street, Adelaide sceptre.com.au The Promethean 116 Grote St, Adelaide theprom.com Club 58 58 Hindley St, Adelaide club58.com.au

perth pubs The Subiaco Hotel 465 Hay Street, Subiaco subiacohotel.com.au Voodoo Lounge 174 James St, Northbridge voodoolounge.com.au The Shed 69-71 Aberdeen St Northbridge, the-shed.com.au Mint Nightclub Cnr Lake and James St, Northbridge mintnightclub.com

Surfers pubs Blush Nightclub 21 Orchid Avenue Surfers Paradise blushnightclub.com.au Benowa Tavern 117 Ashmore Rd, Benowa surfersbeergarden.com Shooters Superclub Shop 46 The Mark Orchid Avenue Surfers Paradise shooterssuperclub.com

cairns pubs P.J. O’brien’s 87 Lake St, Cairns pjobriens.com.au Fabric Cnr Shields and Esplanade St cairnsevents.com pubs Rattle N Hum 65-67 Esplanade rattlenhumbar.com Gilligan’s Backpacker Hostel 57-89 Grafton St gilligansbackpackerhostel.com. au

hobart pubs Syrup Nightclub 39 Salamanca Pl, Battery Point syrupclub.com.au

Leederville Hotel 742 Newcastle St, Leederville East Perth leedervillehotel.com.au

Republic Bar 299 Elizabeth St, Hobart republicbar.com.au

brisbane pubs

Isobar 11 Franklin Wharf Hobart isobar.com.au

Hotel LA 68 Petrie Terrace, Brisbane hotella.com.au GPO Hotel 740 Anne St, Fort Valley gpohotel.com.au Canvas Club 16b Logan St, Woolloongabba canvasclub.com.au The Fringe Bar Cnr Ann and Constance St fringebar.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

Knopwood’s Retreat 39 Salamanca Pl Hobart (03)6223 5808 The Duke 192 Macquarie Street Hobart theduke.com.au

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 Prince of Wales Hotel

@tnt_downunder

HAPPY HOUR!

Hotel Delany 134 Darby St, Newcastle hoteldelany.com.au Wests Mayfield 32 Industrial Dr, Mayfield westnewcastle.com.au Lemon Grove Hotel 112 Nelson St, Wallsend tab.com.au The Shaft Tavern 145 Croudance Rd, Elermore Vale theshafttavern.com.au Sunyside Tavern 20 Broadmeadow Rd, Broadmeadow sunnysidetavern.com.au Premier Hotel 1 Brunker Rd, Broadmeadow hotelpremier.com.au

5pm Happy Hour Daily Kbar, Darwin. Week nights. Knock off and then knock on at Kbar in the lovely Skycity Darwin. $5 Coopers and house wines available. Well worth checking out! Gilruth Gardens, The Gardebs

Isobar 1 Honeysuckle Drive Newcastle thelanding.com

Lala Land Level 1 / 6 Lawson Street, Byron Bay lalalandbyronbay.com.au

Cambridge Hotel 789 Hunter St, Newcastle yourcambridge.com

The Aztec Montezuma 32 Lawson St, Byron Bay aztecmontezuma.com.au

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

The Balcony Bar 7/3 Lawson St, Byron Bay balcony.com.au

Albion Hotel 72 Hannell St, Wickham thealbion.com.au Hamilton Hotel 71 Tudor St, Hamilton hamiltonhotel.com.au Beaumont Exchange Hotel Cnr Beaumont and Denison Street, Hamilton theexchangehotel.com.com.au 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

skycitydarwin.com.au

icbmbar.com Mooseheads 105 London Circuit, Canberra mooseheads.com.au Academy Club 15 Bunda St, Canberra academyclub.com.au

Wollongong pubs

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

OneFiveOne 150 Keira Street Wollongong wollongongnightlife.com.au

Bangalow Hotel 1 Byron St, Bangalow bangalowhotel.com.au

Grand Hotel 124 Keira Street Wollongong wollongongnightlife.com.au

Ocean Shores Tavern 84 Rajah Rd, Ocean Shores osartexpo.com

Glasshouse + Su Casa 90 Crown 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

Ivory 77 – 79 Crown Street Wollongong wollongongnightlife.com.au Alibi 76 Crown Street Wollongong wollongongnightlife.com.au Harp Hotel 234 Corrimal Street Wollongong wollongongnightlife.com.au

HAPPY HOUR

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

Monday Night karaoke Shenannigans, Darwin. Monday Nights. Be one of the first singers to take the stage and receive a complimentary drink. $50 bar tabs also handed out all night. 69 Mitchell Street, Darwin

shenannigans.com.au

tntdownunder.com

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Get ﬁve beer samples and match them with two 6” pizzas of your choice for $16. Sit back, relax and enjoy... At the CoQ. 3pm to 9pm – Saturday May 25

Cnr Chapel St & High St Windsor 01_721p3-19 A&E upfront .indd 13

www.luckycoq.com.au 2/5/13 3:58:39 PM

Photos: Getty

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The dead shall rise again Evil Dead is the hotly anticipated new movie in the iconic series. Horror legend Bruce Campbell tells us about cranking up the gore

Photos: Getty

Words alasdair morton

Remaking old movies is Hollywood’s favoured pastime. But it’s a risky business, particularly when the revisited movie is a cult, fanatically adored horror film like The Evil Dead. So how do you retool it for a new audience? By getting the original star and director on board with a hotshot new filmmaker, and an Oscar-winning scriptwriter, that’s how. By getting the original star and director on board with a hotshot new filmmaker, and an Oscar-winning scriptwriter, that’s how. This was the approach favoured for the new version of Evil Dead: original star Bruce Campbell and director Sam Raimi are back as producers, Uruguayan Fede Alvarez is the man behind the lens, and Golden Baldiewinning screenwriter Diablo Cody polished the script. As Campbell explains when we catch up with him ahead of the film’s release: “Academy awards don’t hurt – and Cody allowed us middle-aged men to have a voice for younger people and to make these characters believable." Campbell has been synonymous with the franchise since, as a 21-year old, he and friend Raimi made what was then – and still is – one of the most notorious horror debuts ever. Two films followed, and a million questions since third franchise outing, 1992’s Army Of Darkness, as to when they’d make another. “They’ll never stop asking about when you’re making another Evil Dead movie,” Campbell reckons. The time for a new entry is now, however, with this retooling favouring a sequel approach rather than merely redoing the original. “None of us wanted a remake,” Campbell says of this new, ultra-horrific addition’s birth. “Sam was busy making Hollywood movies [Oz The Great And Powerful, most recently], I’d been busy making [TV show] Burn Notice for the last seven years and that’s how decades slip away. “Then Fede Alvarez came to Sam’s attention with his short Panic Attack, a clever effects-filled story. He was the one who started to put ideas into Sam’s head, and Sam then shared them with me and [producer] Rob Tapert. ”The ideas pitched to the group were reshaping the film

with a new story, a new group of characters and recasting the central role – Campbell’s Ash 30 years ago – as a female. “There were bits we wanted to keep – the creepy cabin, the evil book, and this group of youngsters trapped all night,”

“

You need the tools to torment people

”

he adds. “These are the hallmarks of the Evil Dead movies.” Jane Levy (TV’s Suburgatory) was cast as lead Mia, a smacked-out twentysomething who goes out to a cabin she and her brother (Shiloh Fernandez) went to as kids to shake loose the demons that have plagued her, with the help of a couple of friends (Jessica Lucas, Elizabeth Blackmore and Lou Taylor Pucci).

Got wood: the tree rape scene is back in the new Evil Dead

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Visionary: new director Fede Alvarez co-ordinates a rather bruised and bloody Jane Levy (Mia) on set Only, one of their number finds a human-skin-bound book amid the animal sacrifices in a basement that would make Leatherface shit himself, decides to read aloud its occult passages (obviously never seen a horror movie) and inadvertently unleashes a monstrous abomination that puts paid to their plans for a weekend escape in the woods. Times have changed since 1982. Horror moved through that decade’s slasher cycle, then onto Nineties post-modern spins like Scream and the Noughties fascination with drilling holes in kneecaps à la Eli Roth-fuelled torture porn. “Movies have certainly gotten more extreme,” Campbell somewhat surprisingly proclaims of the genre with which he is so readily associated. “Torture porn’s part of that, and I hope it ends swiftly. It dragged horror down to where people think it should be. There is room for all kinds of horror but it’s had an impact on how extreme some gore has been.” Campbell is clearly not a fan of the indefensible, but before we think he’s gone all soft on us in his middle-age, he adds: “But The Evil Dead was always ultra-gory for its day and this new one is ultra-gory for its day too. "We are making an Evil Dead movie here folks – it’s not a documentary!” So while the original is famous for boundary-pushing scenes – a tree encounter unlike that usually found on a rambling excursion for one – this new episode hardly shies away from what you’d expect from the series. “In the casting sessions we asked everyone, ‘Have you ever had this done to you? Have you ever been buried alive?’ We wanted to know if they could handle this stuff.” The ‘stuff’ they had to handle was pretty full on, even for this franchise. “They were all great,” Campbell says of his young wards who went to hell and pretty much stayed there for the duration of the film’s New Zealand shoot. “Especially Pucci, who’s pretty much the punchbag for the movie,” Campbell recalls, with either pride or malicious satisfaction at seeing someone else endure this time round. “He had more things done to him than any of the others: crowbars, nail guns, you name it. And Jessica Lucas

has a great scene in the bathroom where she cuts off half her face, and Elizabeth Blackmore has a scene without one of her arms. (It’ll make you look at kitchen appliances in a new light.) "They were all pushed to the limit and we appreciate the fact that they are still all talking to us. ”Director Alvarez was the one who brought up the nail gun as a weapon of choice. “You need tools to torment people and nail guns are pretty nasty if you’ve ever played around with one,” Campbell says, perhaps overestimating our familiarity with both power tools and demon-fighting paraphernalia. We haven’t played around with a nail gun, and are disinclined to do so at any point in the near future. Alvarez, who runs a special effects company in his native Uruguay, was responsible for keeping the pedal pressed to the bloody, entrails-covered floor, keeping much of the gore ‘in camera’. CGI may be ever-flashier these days, but it’s still too easily differentiated from reality by the human eye. Our optical lenses know what’s real and what’s not. “He wanted the film to have an old-school look,” Campbell explains. “It was a good call, because to the guy who saw this movie back in ‘82, it will look better than back then, but still has an old-fashioned feel.” As you can gather, it’s not for the faint-hearted, or for those of a nervous disposition, or anyone who has an easily affected upchuck reflex. But where it makes good on Dead fans’ longheld desires for a truly demonic new movie, it hasn’t given in to the clamouring for a Campbell cameo, a role he has frequently filled in recent Raimi movies (Spider-Man; Oz). “I didn’t want to throw people out of the movie,” he says of what is understandable but surely likely to disappoint some Dead-heads out there. “We wanted the movie to stand on its own; we didn’t want people to think that we were trying to be cute or clever.” Campbell needn’t worry. ‘Cute’ is not the word you would associate with a film in which a chainsaw makes a particularly close encounter with someone’s face, for an extended, claretsplattering period of time. You have been warned. ❚ Evil Dead is out May 16 on limited release. villagecinemas.com.au

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CHATROOM

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The Cat Empire

Harry James Angus (vocals, trumpet) of the ska/jazz band talks the new album, playing for Mormons and wher INTERVIEW alex harmon

“ I couldn’t even open my mouth to sing without swallowing them”

How was the Bluesfest? It was awesome as usual. This year I didn’t see as much as I have in previous years. I have a little kid so I was looking after him while my wife was singing, she’s part of the RocKwiz band.

Photos: Getty Images

What were the highlights for you? Hardly saw anything except of my own gig which is quite selfish, I heard Paul Simon was really good and I heard Robert Plant was seriously good as well. You’ll have to interview someone else rather than live through me!

The new album, Steal The Light has been a few years in the making – excited about it? Yeah! The last record was about the band going through some shit – like every band we had a little rough patch – but this record we’ve come full circle and returned to an energy that is present on our earlier albums. It’s more about dancing and the energy that our fans know us for. Did you debut any tracks at Bluesfest? Yeah we’ve been playing a few tracks in our set

and a big thing for us is improvising – we’re all about our live energy – we’re not the kind of band who gets things done in the studio and then play them live for the first time. We play them live and get to know then and then the songs kind of change and grow a little as we take them in different musical directions. How does the actual songwriting process work, then? It’s always different for everyone but as a general rule, either me or Felix will write the chords or lyrics and get the vibe for the song and then we take it to the band and they do their thing with it. It’s pretty simple really. It can be hard work, especially writing lyrics but there’s no mysterious process. Will this be your final album, especially now that you’ve come full circle? No, I feel like this is a real rebirth for the band, I would definitely say we’re going strong. The live energy has never been better – that’s my yardstick for the band – how the gigs go. And

the shows we’ve been doing recently have had a great energy and brought back memories of how we started when it was all about dancing. Best gig you’ve ever played? Tough question. It’s easy to measure gigs by biggest gig or the weirdest gig but best gig is really hard because there are so many moments where I’ve felt just like everything was perfect and often its hard to remember even where I was at the time. The crowd is right, the room is right, all the conditions are perfect and everyone is looking at each other thinking ‘holy shit, how is this happening right now?’ It’s a mysterious formula. Okay then – weirdest gig? Well I have to go right back, in the early days we did pretty much every gig we could get. We played at a Freemasons convention, we played at a Mormon’s wedding, all kind of weird parties back in the early days. I remember a gig in Italy that was so strange, there was hardly anyone there, but there was a plague of mosquitoes, like crowds of them, I couldn’t even open my mouth

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nd where to catch live music in Melbourne.. to sing without swallowing them. In Italy we also played a gig for the Communist Party. We were up on stage and there were these long trestle tables with Italians eating pasta and drinking red wine. Can you sing in any other languages? I recall a French cover you did Yeah we did a French cover of Hotel California and we have a few Spanish songs on the new album and also a French one. That’s about it for now, I love learning languages but unfortunately I don’t have the time to learn. Do you learn the songs rather than actually learning the language? Well, I speak French but it’s more a product of the music we play. We have quite a big Latin influence, so it just makes sense to pepper it with some Spanish lyrics. What about covers, do you have a favourite cover to perform? We actually hardly ever do covers live. We used to back I the old days but we have so many songs now to play. After every gig we always have someone come up to us and say why didn’t you play this or play that? So covers become like almost like a waste of space for our fans because our fans want to hear stuff from our old albums. It’s actually really hard getting that balance between songs that people want to hear and songs that are really good live. There was a recent poll that said John Farnham was the greatest Aussie singer of all time, who do you think should have topped it? That’s a good question, I can totally understand John Farnham being number one. But I would have to give the award to two sisters, Vika and Linda Bull. They’ve done amazing stuff and they are responsible for so much more than they’re known for. These two are just the best. You grew up in Melbourne, right? What’s the music scene like there? Well, Geelong but I know Melbourne pretty well. The live music scene in Melbourne is up there with the best in the world. Right now there are people coming from all over the world to check out the scene that’s happening. I’ve been to New York and London, places that are really well known for their music and I find that even though they’ve got a great history, when you’re looking at the present I think that Melbourne is probably better. It’s up there with Montreal and Austin, Texas as the most exciting places in the world to check out live music. Any venues we should check out? Well unfortunately as a south-sider I have to say the whole north side. You go down to the centre of it which is the intersection of Johnson Street and Brunswick Street in Fitzroy and spreading out into Northcote; there are so many venues where you can check out live music every night of the week, from jazz to rock, whatever you’re into. One of the reasons why I think Melbourne is so exciting is the cross pollination of music being mixed together. In America and England they have these tags, like ‘if you play this kind of music you look like this’ and ‘if you hang out here then this is your haircut’. But we seemed to have avoided that here in Melbourne and, as a result, we have all these bands that kind of indefinable in the music they’re playing. The Cat Empire’s new album Steal The Light is out May 10. thecatempire.com.au

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filmreview

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White-trash Ryan Gosling. Yep, we would

the place beyond the pines FILM review by Adele Rogers. Out May 9 Starring: Ryan Gosling, Eva Mendes, Bradley Cooper, Rose Byrne | MA | 140mins

a place for me Review by Alexandra E. Petri Jennifer Connolly, Greg Kinnear, Lily Collins, Logan Lerman, Kristen Bell | M | 93mins

A heartfelt comedy which brilliantly navigates the complexities and beauty behind family, love, forgiveness and new beginnings. Kinnear plays a once-gifted writer reluctant to let go after his wife leaves him, while his two kids experience falling in love for the first time. We can connect with the cast as they learn to overcome lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s heartaches, finding solace in one another and their passion for writing. 22

Director Derek Cianfrance has made his mark with this powerful crime drama, which echoes the fierce, emotional ride of Blue Valentine. The lengthy film is split into three separate chapters, while relatively simple on their own, unite as a powerful, compelling tale. Ladies man Ryan Gosling plays arguably his most solid performance yet as Luke, a stunt motorcycle driver turned bank robber. When he bumps into Romina (Eva Mendes), the woman he had an affair with last time he was in town, he discovers that she has since given birth to their son. In a noble attempt to do good, he decides to stay in town and provide for her and his child. But working a minimum wage job at a local car yard proves inadequate, leading Luke to pursue a career in bank robbery. Bradley Cooper is also astonishing, playing Avery Cross, an overeducated cop struggling with a corrupt department and a wife and father who expect more from him. Avery also has a one-year-old son and is deeply haunted by the actions of his past. Flash-forward several years and the story depicts the lives of the two sons who endure vastly different upbringings, played by a pair of fantastic young and upcoming actors (Dane DeHann and Emory Cohen). The Place Beyond the Pines is a harrowing symphony of love, crime, heartbreak and violence. It reveals a fascinating bridge between the intertwining lives of some wayward, yet endearing characters. Not only is it fantastic to see such remarkable actors come together, this gripping story is one that will leave its mark long after youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve left the cinema. Good for: A long sit down that will leave you solidly moved

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lifestyleliving

Nikon 1 J3

Nikon Coolpix

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Samsung WB250F

Do the shutter bug

Five of our favourite travel-friendly cameras that will help you capture, upload and show off your best holiday moments Words Hugh radojev, alex harmon + rory platt

I’m no great photographer, indeed I don’t even own a camera, other than the one on my iPhone. In truth I don’t even really own a laptop, but I won’t be called a Luddite! I can appreciate technology, I just can’t afford it. That being said, a good camera is essential on any holiday. Ideally you want something compact and small, nondescript (so that some bastard in your hostel doesn’t nick it) and, above all, something that is easy to use. So, with taking the perfect travel shot in mind, we sent out a bunch of amateur photographers (the kind of people who think Instragram trumps Photoshop) to road test a few of the latest models. Here’s what they thought. Nikon Model/make: Nikon 1J3 Cost: $599 Travel friendly?: Compact, easy to use, durable and rugged, the J3 is one of the better point and shoot travel cameras in its class. The J series has long been known for the ease with which users can swap lenses and the J3 is absolutely no different. Picture Quality: The new J3 has superior picture quality to its predecessor the J2, increasing from a rather paltry 10.2 megapixels to a more robust 14.2. This means better picture quality and more scope to crop your images. Special features: A fairly no-frills sort of camera, the layout 24

has been streamlined, with things like the dedicated F button on the J2 having been moved to the thumb wheel. Verdict: A perfect camera for travellers: small, refined and as strong as they come. I’m no Robert Capa or Ansel Adams but the images I got off the J3 came out really well. If you want a camera that’s really easy to use, compact, and one that will flatter your meagre photographic abilities, then the J3 is the one for you! HR nikon.com.au/

Samsung Model/make: WB250F Cost: $279 Travel friendly?: Small, lightweight and easy to use. Auto mode selects the best settings for your picture, but it is also capable of manual functions too. Not the most rugged, but features like Panorama and Wi-Fi work well and make it ideal for a life on the road. Picture Quality: The WB250F has relatively good picture quality for its class. An impressive 18x zoom is a plus, but quality dips the more you zoom in. Special features: New techy features like touchscreen and Wi-Fi will make this camera the envy of all your tech-head friends. It’s easy to forget that it has touch screen features until you need them, and thankfully you aren’t forced to use them all the time. Verdict: The WB250 is adorned with features, but most of

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Panasonic Lumix

them won’t be part of your everyday use. I forgot it had a touchscreen most of the time, and transferring photos via Wi-Fi is a much longer process than just plugging it into a computer. Picture quality is not the best for the price range either, so if you’re looking for a compact solution to a DSLR and don’t mind paying for it, then there are far better cameras for your money. RP samsung.com/au

Panasonic Model/make: Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ60 Cost: $599 Travel friendly?: For the serious photographer who doesn’t

Photos: Canon, Samsung, Panasonic, Nikon

want to be weighed down with heavy machinery and lenses. The Lumix has the features of a DSLR in a compact size. Light weight and the attachable lens cap make it great for life on the road. Picture Quality: The 16-megapixel camera takes great shots and the lens is image-stabilised so you can shoot as you run around without the usual drunken blurry edge to your shots. Special features: The automatic, creative filters, scene modes and custom configurations make it easy to take arty shots as you go and play around with your images on the road. Video has great sound from the built in microphone. Verdict: You’re paying a little bit more, but for a reputable brand you’re going to get more longevity out of the model. A good happy medium between a Coolpix and a DSLR. A sexy little camera that, if you know how to use it, will guarantee your travel shots get you a few Facebook likes. AH panasonic.com.au/

Canon Model/make: Powershot SX260 HS Cost: $187 Travel friendly?: Super slim and with the right kind of features to take great photos while backpacking. A huge improvement on the SX230, moving from a 14x to 20x zoom and with GPS features to put your photos on the map. Picture Quality: Great photos for such a compact camera,

Canon Powershot

though it is bested by slightly more expensive cameras, the differences are minimal and only noticed by knit-pickers. Special features: The GPS works great and is within easy reach to toggle on and off, saving battery life on longer trips away. There’s a face recognition feature for up to 12 people, but most won’t bother setting that up. The panoramo function is a little retro and still requires you to line up ghost images at the edge of the screen. Surprisingly Canon hasn’t caught up with competitors and moved to a push and pan function. Verdict: Great picture quality and zoom make the new Powershot a real contender, but considering how new it is, many features that are normally standard on other cameras are missing. Gimmicky features aren’t for everyone, so if you can look past that you’re still getting a solid, compact camera that takes a dynamite photo. RP canon.com.au/

Nikon Model/make: Coolpix AW110 Cost: $449 Travel friendly?: In a word, yes. The Coolpix is nothing if not compact. It’s small, streamlined and light. It’s also remarkably tough and rugged for such a little camera. We dropped it in the bar once or twice, and may have spilled a little tequila on it but it all still worked perfectly. Picture Quality: With an impressive 16 megapixel capacity, 28mm wide angle lens and the ability to shoot high definition videos in 1080p, the AW110 has just about all the bases covered in this department. On default settings, the camera produces nicely saturated colours, and you can get some great shots in ample lighting. Special features : Is waterproof up to 10 metres under the surface, has a built in GPS function that allows you to see where the photos were taken and a compass in case you get lost. In short, this is a great camera for the outdoors. Verdict: Rugged, light, easy to use and capable of taking great photographs, the Coolpix is a fantastic travel camera! HR nikon.com.au/ tntdownunder.com

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1/5/13 9:41:53 PM

WORLDVIEW

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Tough guy: K-Mac

k-Mac brawls with fan on stage at gig

Australia

American rapper Kevin McCall, aka K-Mac, got himself embroiled in an onstage brawl with a fan during a gig. The unseemly incident happened after the musician was booed by people in the crowd during his show in Melbourne. K-Mac then invited the loudest, most raucous booer onstage to confront him. “Come up here! Come up here! I’ll beat your ass in front of all these sexy ladies.” The ensuing brawl was filmed on a mobile phone, and the footage found its way to Channel 7, who rather selfishly hasn’t allowed it to be put up on YouTube. Damn you, Channel 7!

It’s too big sings man with 13.5incher

Photos: Getty Images

UNITED STATES

A man with a record-setting 13.5-inch penis has released a song with the colourful title It’s Too Big. Jonah Falcon has sought to forever solidify his manhood through the age-old art of music. The 42-year-old American first came to the attention of the public in 1999 on an HBO special about men and their penises. He then crossed the Atlantic when he appeared in a special Channel 4 programme in the UK called, succinctly, The World’s Biggest Penis. Lyrics on his new track include: “Too damn big/ It’s just too damn big/ Your penis too damn big, yeah/ It’s too damn big.” If that doesn’t get you to where you need to

Getting jiggy: Chinese Three-striped Box Turtles, known as Golden Coin Turtles, have been bred in an Australian first at Melbourne Zoo. This species is estimated to be all but extinct in the wild, as the result of extensive poaching to supply the illegal wildlife trade

be, you’re not trying hard enough.

‘anal’ and other banned kids’ names new zealand

It beggars belief this is necessary, but New Zealand officials have had to release a set of banned baby names to prevent parents bestowing names like “Lucifer” and “Mafia No Fear” on their beloved offspring. The 77 monikers on the list reveal how one child was set to be called “Anal” while another avoided being known as “.”. Other names included “4Real”, “V8”, and “Queen

Victoria” but more depressing were parents who just wanted to call their new additions “2nd”, “3rd” or “5th”. The Department of Internal Affairs rules forbid any name that implies a child holds an official title or rank, so “King”, “Duke” and “Princess” were among those turned down the most since 2001. In 2008, a family court ordered the parents of nine-year-old “Talula Does The Hula From Hawaii” to change it because it “makes a fool of the child”. No shit.

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THIS WEEK

IN NUMBERS 7.5

Height, in metres, of Manhattan’s World Trade Centre as spire makes it tallest building in western hemisphere

Pranksters: Caddy and Smedts

afl duo’s joke ends with cops, guns

australia

A prank backfired on two Geelong AFL players when they attempted to break into a teammate’s new home wearing balaclavas. Midfielders Billie Smedts and Josh Caddy were trying to wind up Jackson Thurlow, dressing up as burglars. However, in a major fail, they got the wrong house. Upon seeing two men on the roof of a nearby property, a neighbour called the police, who arrived with full force and pointed guns at the wacky Cats. “Me and Billie are both disappointed that we scared people in the community,” Caddy said.

bar’s anzac Hitler piñata ‘insensitive’

new zealand

A bar owner has come under fire from the German embassy after encouraging partygoers to attack a Hitler piñata to win prizes on Anzac Day. The event was advertised on Tauranga’s Bahama Hut Bar’s Facebook page, inviting revellers to destroy the effigy of the Nazi leader to get sweets.“Make sure you’re here around midnight to smash this guy up!!” the page said. A spokesman for the German embassy in New Zealand questioned the tastefulness and sensitivity of the bar’s decision. “Anzac Day is about thinking of those deceased and hurt in all wars, is that the right way of acknowledging that?” Bar owner Tony Carraway said he would make the Nazi

Marks, out of 10, the average British woman rates her own sexual confidence, says study. Men gave themselves 6.1

541

Amount, in thousands of pounds worth of food, Kelly Athena, from the US, has scavenged from bins in the past four years

Number of species of insects addict David Gracer, 47, from the States, has eaten over the past 11 years

5,000

QUOTE OF THE WEEK piñata “bigger and better” next year.

oz ‘king’ sells off royal titles australia

A man in the Darwin suburb of Coconut Grove has crowned himself the king of Lithuania and is selling off royal titles to raise cash. King Roman, 71, or “His Imperial Majesty” (once known as Ron Mann) said he discovered his father had been the Grand Duke of Lithuania in 1992. Once he died, Roman inherited a “large swathe of Eastern Europe” and the right to grant titles. So, for £65, you could be called the Knight of the Order of the Amethyst, which would look amazing on a business card. However, the Department of Immigration is refusing to recognise his new titles. Spoilsports.

I’m going to have a coffee with my agent Tim Minchin on how he’s going to celebrate being nominated in the Tony Awards for his work on Matilda: The Musical

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This week in football Counter Intuitive It’s pleasing to hear of managers using innovative motivational techniques to stimulate their players. One such moment arrived at Roots Hall on Saturday when Southend United manager Phil Brown took a step that could in no way be called attention grabbing by bringing Jeremy Kyle into the dressing room to hand out a team talk. Yes, that Jeremy Kyle! He of the morning TV scowl. Football management is a constant learning curve. Phil Brown has learnt that the story of a young lad with tattoos across his forehead who smokes weed all day whilst ignoring the needs of his girlfriend who has four children to seven different fathers with copious quantities of lie detector and DNA tests involved won’t inspire a football team. The Shrimpers were subsequently beaten by Morecambe.

Black and White Issue London was invaded by thousands of penguins on Saturday! Penguins from Hartlepool to be precise. An end of season fancy dress day is a tradition for Hartlepool fans. Last season saw their supporters dressed as smurfs heading through the capital to their final game at Charlton. The fans met at Covent Garden before making their way to Crawley Town to see their side conclude the season with a 2-2 draw. Despite already being relegated the visiting supporters had a great day out. As a response to adversity it’s certainly preferable to violence. Good work Hartlepool!

Joey’s Final Word Both Reading Queens Park Rangers’ relegation was confirmed with the dreadful 0-0 they played out on Sunday. Considering both sides knew it was the last throw of the dice for each of them the game was tepid and both teams seemed resigned to their fate. QPR brought Harry Redknapp in to engineer a great escape but the only escape he’s managed is blame. The media seem more 28

No bravado, no “brace yourselves”, no world record promises – just a comfortable win in the Australian National Championships for James Magnussen, 22, “The Missile” who misfired at the London Olympics. After taking time out of the pool, he looks up at the clock but has to be told he’d finished the 100m in 47.53 seconds, the exact same time he swam to win a disappointing silver at the Olympics focused on the club owners than the manager. However, in the ‘Twittersphere’ Joey Barton was considerably more direct. He went straight for the jugular stating, “Gutted for the club. To many wa*k*rs amongst the playing staff. All brought in by Hughes. Some good lads but not enough. Too many maggots.” Don’t be shy, say what you really think, Joey! By Joe Byatt, Football Fans Downunder (ffdu.com.au)

london el classico with bouncier ball basketball

We thought Wembley could’ve hosted an El Classico in the Champions League before both sides fell to Germany’s finest last week. But Barca and Real still do battle in London this month The O2 hosts basketball’s 2013 Turkish Airlines Euroleague final four on Friday between last year’s champions and runnersup Olympiacos Piraeus (Greece) and CSKA Moscow (Russia), then Real Madrid and FC Barcelona Regal. The winners play in Sunday’s final also at The O2.

BIG WEEK FOR ... Rejected by the Australia-touring British and Irish Lions, England skipper Chris Robshaw will have plenty to prove in this weekend’s Premiership Rugby semi-final. The Harlequins flanker will lead his side onto the park against Saracens or Leicester on Saturday or Sunday after Warren Gatland’s selection panel decided he and all of his teammates were surplus to requirements. Quins prop Joe Marler, also a noted omission, backed his on-field leader to bounce back: “Knowing the character he is, he won’t rest on his laurels. He’ll come in and work even harder if that is at all possible.” Quins will be playing for a shot at defending their title in the final at Twickenham on May 25.

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QUOTEs OF THE WEEK I’m a 34-year-old NBA centre. I’m black. And I’m gay With these words, free agent Jason Collins became the first active NBA player to come out

When I get called names like ‘Coward’ it doesn’t sit well. I have to tackle guys like Sonny Bill Williams and Sam Burgess

Spearhead: Arouna Kone

PREVIEW LATICS CUP AND EURO CHAMPIONSHIPS? Fa cup final: wigan v manchester city Sat, 4.45pm, espn

Photos:Getty

When ESPN was planning to show eight-plus hours of “live all-day buildup” to the 132nd edition of the world’s oldest knockout competition, it wouldn’t have expected this match-up. The defending champions, Manchester City, beaten all ends up by United over the regular season and flops in Europe, have one last show at silverware for the year. Wigan Athletic, an at times majestic passing team under Roberto Martinez but

not often or effective enough, are odds on to be the highest scoring team to be relegated along with QPR and Reading. What should be a special day for Wigan, in their first FA Cup final, is a bit of a burden as they battle to stay in the Premier League. Even more bizarrely, regardless of the result on Saturday, Wigan will be playing in the Europa League next year, in the spot reserved for the FA Cup winner (City’s second place qualifies them for the top-tier Champions League). So if the Latics go down, they could have the rare honour of being Championships of Europe.

St George Dragons halfback Jamie Soward is a love him, hate him or give him a rhyming nickname type

I know in England I am loved. I know I am loved by some clubs, especially one Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho hints at a departure from the Bernabeu this summer and perhaps a job back in the Premier League at Chelsea. Current Blues boss Rafa Benitez refuses to talk about his possible replacement

TV HIGHLIGHTS

THE CHAT | Naughty Mitch Marsh returns

Baseball

Australia right to give all-rounder Mitchell Q Was Marsh a shot at redemption at the Champions Trophy in the UK from June 6 to 23? The talented West Australian was included in the Aussie side A announced last week despite an eventful 12 months in which he was sent home from Brisbane’s Centre of Excellence for being “unfit to train” and reprimanded in South Africa by the Perth Scorchers – both for unauthorised nights out. Guess it shows how selectors weigh up form and seriousness of offence. Marsh, a star for Pune in the IPL, averaged almost 70 last year in one-dayers for Western Australia, including an unbeaten 104. John Inverarity said he hoped Marsh will “fulfill the faith we’ve had in him”.

The Mets take on the Pirates Fri, 9.00am, Foxsports 3

NY Mets v Pittsburgh

football Aston Villa v Chelsea Chelsea fight for their Champions League spot (May 13), 9.38pm, Foxsports 1

Cricket England vs New Zealand Redemption: Mitch Marsh

England’s last tune up before the Ashes Thur, 16th, 8.00pm, Foxsports 2 tntdownunder.com

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

Photos: Thinkstock, Getty

weasel power Cute protesters fight the government’s proposed badger cull in England. Face paint and tattoos were mandatory

INSIDE

Island Hopping

/40

We check out some of the world’s largest island’s best smaller Islands. Better pack your swimmers and a little SPF 30+ 30

National treasure /46

Queen of Scream

NT month continues with a journey into the rugged and beautiful Kakadu National Park. Be still our beating heart...

The adventure capital of New Zealand comes alive in the winter months, when the skiers mingle with bungy jumpers

/64

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HOTSHOTS

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WINNER

WEEKLY WINNER bridge the gap: Charlie Hearle, 25, United Kingdom Charlie says: “This is a photograph of the beautiful Sydney Harbour at night with a long exposure.” We say: “There is something oddly comforting about bright neon lights in a long exposure, the soft fuzziness invokes – for me at least – a kind of trance, or dream like state. While this CBD/Harbour area of Sydney has been photographed time and time again, we particularly like the composition of yours, Charlie. The way you’ve made the two more famous landmarks frame the shot, as opposed to dominate it. Good work, mate!”

HOT TIPS: Keep it level Get a tripod! In sports photography for instance, the common perception is to zoom in to get as much action as possible into one tight frame. In some cases, this isn’t possible: perhaps you are too close to your subject or you don’t have the right equipment. When using your wide angle lens, the trick is to be creative so that you subject doesn’t become a tiny dot in a huge, wide frame. A tripod will help you there, allowing the camera to either stand or pan steadily and thus keep your subject in focus with blurring or missing any of the action. Love or hate them, tripods are a necessity!

WIN

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 Charlie 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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Summit showdown There is a limit to what you can do at highest point in the world, take a photo, admire the view and, of course, start a fight. Apparently even one of the most difficult places to reach on the planet is not free from conflict as two climbers from Switzerland and Italy allegedly started a fight with local Sherpa guides. The Swiss climber returned to the base of the climb to fly back to Kathmandu, while the Italian remained at Base Camp in the hope of finishing the climb. The Sherpa guides involved claim that the foreigners started the fight and the foreigners claim that the guides did.

Photos: Thinkstock

Close encounter

An airliner carrying over 200 people nearly had a collision with an UFO above the Scottish city of Glasgow. Britain’s Airprox Board found that the plane was less than 10 seconds from crashing into the mysterious object 3,500ft above the ground. The scare happened as the Airbus 320 came to land at Glasgow in sunny weather when both pilots saw an “object loom ahead at a range of 100metres”. Both pilots radioed Glasgow Airport control tower who said they had nothing on their radar. Perhaps Agent Mulder was right, and the truth is out there...

skirmish line Ecuador’s ambassador to Peru has admitted that he got into a fight with two women in a Lima supermarket. Ambassador Rodrigo Riofrio however says that he didn’t start the confrontation, accusing two Peruvian women of cutting in line. Christina Castro, one of the women who cut in front of Mr Riofrio told a Peruvian TV station she and her daughter backed off when Mr Riofrio made it plain he’d been first. However Castro alleges that Mr Riofrio called her an “Indian” before hitting her young daughter with a rolled up magazine. Mui hilarious!

More is less Despite having the highest annual revenue and turnover, Sydney’s airport is the worst performing in Australia according to a report by the ACCC. Things aren’t exactly rosy across the board though, with no airport rating as “good” or above for the first time since 2008. This is despite the fact that every airport in the country, except Adelaide (quelle horreur) has increased passenger numbers and revenue in the last year. Brisbane airport was voted the best of a bad bunch for 2013. Rod Sim, the ACCC’s chairman said “continued growth in passenger numbers is placing pressure on existing infrastructure.”

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travellerstale sour apes

Desperate to win back some monkeymojo, Craig Sheather headed into the Malaysian jungle of Sabah... I like monkeys. But for some strange reason they don’t like me. Maybe they pick me as an easy target. Maybe they can sense that they are smarter than me. Maybe we are too alike. Nevertheless, they amaze me with their human-like mannerisms. But it seems whenever a monkey is close by, the joke is always on me. For example, while trekking in Uganda a mountain gorilla peed on me, in Bali a “crazed” monkey attacked me when I refused to give it my can of Coke, in South Africa a baboon attempted to car jack my vehicle when it refused to move from the bonnet. On a Thai beach a well-trained macaque clung to me like a leech until I bought an ice-cream from its scheming owner. While visiting a temple in Nepal a cheeky monkey simply gave the “bird” as I walked by – a place of worship of all places! And a howler monkey in the Amazon kept me awake all night with its hideous screams.

What is with these animals? They all give me hell. It drives me bananas! Undeterred by these monkey tactics I was determined to encounter one of the more intelligent primates while visiting Sabah. Maybe, the Bornean orangutan would understand me? At the rehabilitation centre I learnt many useful (and not so useful) facts about the orangutang: It shares 97 per cent DNA with humans and it is 10 times stronger than one man. Determined to see one in the wild, we made our way to the Kinabatangan River for a three-day adventure. The reserve is home to more monkeys and primates than you can poke a stick at: orangutans, proboscis and all types of macaques. However, my excitement quickly subsided when I read about the dwindling numbers of orangutangs due to palm oil plantations. Over the past few years the population within the reserve has decreased by 300. Nevertheless, I decided to ask anyone I met about my chances: the bus driver, the tour guide, other

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@tnt_downunder @tnt_downunder

travellers and even the lodge cook. The response was similar: “Sometimes you may see them”, “If you are lucky”, “Not very often”, “Maybe, Maybe not” – it was not encouraging. The nature lodge operates early morning and afternoon wildlife spotting boat trips along the river. An orangutan had not been seen for over a week so I was not getting too wound up. However, I got quite a shock when we rounded the first bend and the guide started shouting and pointed towards a large blob in a tree. The blob was dead still and looked like a beach ball stuck in the tree. But as we approached the shore, a long arm extended from the blob and reached out to an overhanging branch. Its legs then dangled below and suddenly the blob had transformed into an apelike figure. It swung majestically from branch to branch and hung still for a moment. It then climbed down the trunk and disappeared amongst the foliage. The sighting was brief but nonetheless remarkable. I was excited and somewhat relieved. I was expecting some dung to be hurled towards me or to be whacked on the head with a branch. Or for the beast to come charging out of the jungle and rip my arms off. But nothing happened. Maybe I had regained my monkey mojo? Maybe we could be friends again? We roamed the river spotting all kinds of wildlife including some long tail macaques scrounging the forest floor for food. I finally felt at peace with my monkey friends. Later that night at dinner I dropped a chicken leg onto the floor. Instinctively, I began scrounging around and quickly jammed the food into my mouth (much to the horror of other diners). You know what they say: “Monkey see, monkey do!”

write for TNT! Send us your scary, funny or embarrassing travel tale (preferably about Australia or New Zealand) and we might publish your story! Email your tales (700 words max), to editor@tntdownunder.com

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Paradise found Islands. They inspire fantasies of sun-soaked romps with celebrities and cocktails. And we get lucky because Oz has no shortage of them Words alex harmon + hugh radojev

Australia is the largest island in the world (we disqualified Greenland on a technicality) and fringed across its extensive coastline are more than 8,200 smaller islands. With so many to choose from, there’s bound to be one you’ll love, so we’ve put together a list of Australia’s top 10 island getaways. From Rottnest in the west to Fraser in the east, and the Whitsundays in the north to Bruny in the south, each one offering its own unique island escape for any type of coast loving tourist. Ever had that dream where you’re sitting under a tropical tree, drinking from a coconut through a straw with

Jessica Alba or Justin Timberlake? Well, you were most likely fantasising about Queensland. The state has the most amount of islands in Australia, so you’ll be spoiled for choice, whatever your tropical-celebrity-romp dream may be. If exploring an adventure island is more your thing, there are plenty of islands with almost untouched natural landscapes, especially off the coast of Tasmania and South Australia. Your footsteps may well be the first and the rainforests and national parks on these islands offer rugged cliffs, breathtaking bays and greenery. Many of the islands feature animals

that are unique to Australia too. This uniqueness attracts a popular tourist interest and is what makes Australian islands stand out from the rest, making you gaze in wonderment. Like, how did kangaroos get to Kangaroo Island in the first place? Oh right... Off the coast of the Northern Territory you’ll find some of the oldest culture in the world, while NSW has some glitz and glamour off its shores. Anyway, here are our favourite slices of paradise, places we wouldn’t mind becoming castaways on, never to return to the cold offices of TNT headquarters again.

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FRASER ISLAND, Queensland In a nutshell: Dingoes, lakes and lush rainforests thriving on the world’s largest sand island. Tell me more: Fraser Island is extraordinary – it has a World Heritage listing to prove it. The incomparable isle is the world’s largest sand island, with subtropical rainforests stubbornly thriving in a seemingly infertile environment. There are no tarmac roads, so most people see the island on multi-day 4WD tours (though you can dodge the crowds, stay longer, and do it cheaper by walking around it if you’re feeling hardy). Fraser is also home to more than 40 freshwater dune lakes – over half the world’s known total. Indeed our favourite spot is Lake McKenzie, a massive freshwater lake where crystal clear water meets sands so white you’re tempted to sprinkle them on your dinner. Or you could of course just take your own picnic. This is the kind of spot you could lose yourself in for at least a few hours. Where? Off the Queensland coast, from Hervey Bay, Rainbow Beach or River Heads.

KANGAROO ISLAND, South Australia In a nutshell: So much wildlife it should be renamed something better. Tell me more: Kangaroo Island is Australia’s third largest island (after Melville Island and Tassie). It has a population of 4,500 people and 25,000 koalas. So really it should have been renamed Koala Island, or better still, You’ve Never Seen So Much Wildlife In One Place Except Possibly At The Zoo (But Even Then The Cool Animals Are Always Asleep) Island. Works so much better. As well as the abundant wildlife – if you don’t see koalas, roos, wallabies, seals, sea lions, the odd snake and plenty more you’d better get them glasses checked – there are the what-it-says-on-the-tin Remarkable Rocks, some epic sand dunes (ideal for sandboarding) and a greedy collection of gorgeous beaches. Go and see why all the celebrities are tweeting about this place. Where? Off the Fleurieu Peninsula, about one hour 45 mins drive from Adelaide, South Australia including a ferry ride.

ROTTNEST ISLAND, western australia In a nutshell: “Rotto” is Santa’s Grotto (er, if Santa gave out beautiful beaches). Tell me more: With motorised traffic all but non-existent (private vehicles are banned), the island is best experienced by bike and it goes a little bit like this: Cycle for a bit. Find an irresistible beach. Snorkel. Laze about. Feel happy. Cycle for a bit. Find another irresistible beach. Snorkel. Laze about. Feel happy. Cycle for a bit. Find an even more irresistible beach. Snorkel. Laze about. Feel happy. As Rotto’s surrounding reefs are littered with shipwrecks it’s popular with divers, snorkellers, surfers and fishing types. Plus, due to the exclusion of feral pests, this is one of the few areas in the world where the cute quokka can be found. Where? About 18km off Fremantle, near Perth, Western Australia.

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Lord Howe Island, new South Wales

Tiwi Islands, Northern Territory

In a nutshell: Remote and all but unsullied by the worst of the modern world. Tell me more: This is one Island that we probably wouldn’t complain about being stranded on, à la Robinson Crusoe. Off the east coast of Australia, about half way between Sydney and Brisbane, Lord Howe is one of the most remote islands in the country, and you’ll need to fly to get there. But it’s more than worth the trek. The locals have fought to jealously protect the natural beauty of their island by restricting the number of visitors allowed there at any one time, so make sure to book in advance. Enjoy the warm, crystal clear water, the beautiful native bird life or some of the best nature walking to be found anywhere in Oceania. Lord Howe Island is an absolute gem! Where? Qantas and QantasLink fly daily services from both Brisbane and Sydney. You can also go direct from Port Macquarie, if you’d prefer.

In a nutshell: A temperate, tropical wonderland Tell me more: Located about 80km north of Darwin, at the confluence of the Arafura and Timor Seas, the Tiwi Islands are a chain of beautiful islands known for their year round beautiful weather, great fishing and indigenous heritage. The two main islands are Melville and Bathurst but there are another nine smaller, uninhabited islands that can still be visited and explored via day trips. The Tiwi people, the indigenous inhabitants of the islands have inhabited these islands for over 7,000 years and huge tourist draw card, the indigenous art is a huge draw card. Game fishing is also an important industry in the region, with barramundi, snapper, mackerel and salmon all in abundance in the beautiful waters off the coast. Where? Once upon a time there was a ferry, but no longer. Best bet is flying direct from Darwin, which, as you can imagine is a very short flight in a tiny plane. .

THE WHITSUNDAYS, Queensland In a nutshell: A bit like heaven really. Tell me more: Angels serve you free beer and... Nah. But the scenery is out of this world. We’ve cheated a little bit here – we simply can’t chose one island above the rest, so we’re including all 74. Most isles are sandy with tropical rainforest and several have accommodation options, ranging from fivestar resorts to basic camp grounds (34 in all). It’s all shallow, gently swirling turquoise waters and talcum powder beaches, with the famous Whitheaven Beach (on Whitsunday Island) the must-have photo. As if all that wasn’t good enough, the islands are surrounded by the Great Barrier Reef, so the snorkelling and diving is pretty much as good as it gets. Staying on an island or two is fun, but sailing in amongst them is arguably better. If you meet someone who toured the east coast and didn’t go to the Whitsundays, you’ll meet someone who looks marginally suicidal. Where? From Airlie Beach, in between Mackay and Townsville, Queensland.

Phillip Island, Victoria

MAGNETIC ISLAND, Queensland

In a nutshell: Penguins, adorable little penguins. Tell me more: Victoria’s Phillip Island is best known for two reasons; its racetrack which plays host to a leg of the international Moto GP every year and the march of the little penguins (formerly know as fairy penguins.) While the roar of 500cc motorbike engines is a thrilling sound, we’re far more interested in Phillip Island’s bountiful beaches and, of course, the adorable penguin parade. Pretty much every night at sunset, the little penguins waddle up the sand of Summerland Beach to their roosts in the magnificent sandunes. It is a unique wildlife experience. Phillip Island also has one of Australia’s largest koala sanctuaries, with elevated boardwalk viewing areas to watch the furry little fellas go about their business. Where? South-east of Melbourne. Fly to Melbourne and either take a bus or drive yourself.

In a nutshell: Party or park your arse. Tell me more: We love an island that has all bases covered: party prospects married with park your arse and “chillax” opportunities. On ‘Maggie’ you’ll find superlative scenery, beaches, wildlife and activities, such as diving and snorkelling. There are great wildlife experiences too, with koalas living in the wild and cute little rock wallabies. Base Hostel throw a pretty full on Full Moon party on Magnetic Island every month and it’s worth being there for that. Think the same sort of thing as in Thailand; lots of drinking and people keen to, um, ‘make new friends’ but with less chance of being beaten up, robbed or contracting a disease getting a tattoo. But even if you miss that, Base has gotta be one of Australia’s most picturesque hostels, being right on the beach – and one of the biggest for partying at anytime. Where? A ferry ride from Townsville, Queensland.

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BRUNY ISLAND, Tasmania

Tangalooma island, Queensland

In a nutshell: The sort of place you hide away to write a novel. Tell me more: It’s just an hour from Hobart, yet on Bruny you can feel like you’re at the end of the world – miles from civilisation. Windswept, pleasingly wild and undeniably beautiful, Bruny is essentially two islands connected by a long isthmus called The Neck. Cross The Neck and you’re in a world of cliffs, rainforest, endless, white, lonely beaches, some good bushwalking trails and penguins and fur seals. We like it there. In fact, we’re currently saving up to buy a cottage here (to write that first novel). Where? Around an hour south from Hobart. Ferry from Kettering, Tasmania.

In a nutshell: Get up close with playful dolphins. Tell me more: Tangalooma (Moreton Island) is known for giving tourists the chance to feed and frolic with the dolphins every evening like clockwork. The dolphins know to return every evening, giving tourists a unique experience. There are over 80 tours and activities on offer to experience the best of the island life and local reefs including scuba diving, eco-whale watching cruises, jetskiing, parasailing and banana boat rides. With the water temperature staying at a beautiful 29 degrees year round, best bring your swimmers. Where? A 75 minute ferry ride from Brisbane.

BIG UPS TO:

Photos: TNT Images, Cool Dingo Tours, Tourism Australia

Picking just 10 islands was much more difficult than we thought. There are so many more we haven’t got room for, with Queensland especially spoilt for choice. Also worthy of a mention is the new ‘mates only island’, XXXX Island, yes, it’s brought to you by the beer, and can be found off the Capricorn Coast. Further up the reef is Heron, with its turtles, Lady Elliot with its great diving and Lady Musgrave Island, with its enclosed lagoon big enough to sail into. We have it on good authority that Tasmania’s King Island is worth a visit, while way, way, off the coast of Western Australia, the stunning Cocos and Christmas Islands look like they’ve been nicked form the Caribbean.

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Kakadu northern territory

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Top end tails Dipping into lush waterholes, learning the ‘didge and spotting crocs in billabongs, we whet our appetite during Kakadu’s dry season Words emma salkild

“The two crocs are headed for each other,” our captain says. Was I about to witness a crocodile fight? Images flash through my mind of monsters wrestling with snapping jaws and thrashing tails, only metres away. It turns out, however, when wild crocodiles are left to their own devices they are more strategic and stealthy than the crazed, bloodthirsty stereotypes. Right now all I can see is the top of a flat, scaly head and one golden glistening eye. Suddenly, it vanishes without the slightest ripple on the water’s surface. ”Like a hot knife through butter,” our captain says. She has a devilish sense of humour and keen eyesight. In the last hour we’ve seen more crocs than we can keep track of and only one ‘logadile’. She gently eases the boat over to the direction of the hidden predator. “Jesus,” I hear an Irish voice say behind me. “We’re floating over it.” This is a frightening thought when you consider the boat’s measly eight-metre length. The largest recorded saltwater crocodile was measured at a whopping 8.6 metres. Add to that the two attacks in the area during the past week and it’s enough to make your stomach flip, well, stop your hands from dangling over the boat’s edge anyway. The Corroboree Billabong has the largest concentration of saltwater crocs in the world and is the first stop on our threeday 4WD tour of Kakadu. It’s also the first day of the dry season and abundant with lush, green waterlilies. Birds of all shapes, sizes and colours fly overhead and frequent the banks. On our way back the boat operator spots a sea eagle swooping for fish. Its 1.5 metre wingspan is impressive but this is just a juvenile learning to hunt. We eagerly watch it attempting to catch prey. When it finally emerges from the water with a bloodied whitefish in its talons, the entire group erupts into applause. Elated, we head back to the Territory Expeditions truck to continue our tour.

“

She gently eases the boat over to the direction of the hidden predator

”

or cute, little TV hanging up the front. This vehicle means business. It can go across the bumpy, unsealed dirt roads and plough through muddy waters. In other words, it’s the ideal way to reach the most remote, beautiful places in Kakadu. And leading us is our tour guide Barney. He has spent the last 10 years working in Kakadu and knows it like the back of his

Dreamtime in Ubirr I call our vehicle a truck because van or bus doesn’t cut it. This is a beast. There is no pleasant toilet located at the rear

This ain’t no ‘logadile’

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Postcard perfect in a Kakadu waterhole

is served by candlelight. Barney has prepared a degustation spread of kangaroo, crocodile and good ol’ Aussie beef snags. After the tasting plate – yes, crocodile does taste like a mix between fish and chicken – we sit around the campfire while Barney patiently teaches us to play the didgeridoo. To the glee of the rest of the tour group, my attempts sound like farts. A young Australian couple pass around their bag of marshmallows. As a possum bounces by, almost in time to the beat of Barney’s didgeridoo, I’m roasting a marshmallow in one hand and sipping a Coopers beer in the other. It can’t get much better than this.

Wildlife on every post

Photos: Tourism NT, Territory Expeditions

hand. A relieving thought for this city mouse. Passing through the gates of Kakadu, we learn it’s the same size as Belgium and the largest national park in the world. This World Heritage Area is currently resident to six aboriginal tribes, where three different languages are spoken. The first place on the agenda is probably its most worldrenowned. Ubirr, which is known for its aboriginal rock art, and also happens to be Barney’s favourite place in Kakadu. He leads us down the track to an overhanging rock that juts out three metres above our heads. It is covered in hundreds of paintings and drawings. This rock art is estimated to be up to 8,000 years old. There are handprints, animals, fish and people. The magnitude of gazing at work created by the oldest continuing culture in the world is so profound that we spend a good amount of time gaping in wonder. Barney guides us up a 250-metre steep climb to the Ubirr lookout which has 360-degree views of the floodplains spanning out as far as the eye can see. He instructs us to find a corner by ourselves, sit quietly and take it all in. Rolling my eyes, it’s as though I’ve been told to do something lame by a dorky schoolteacher. Sitting on a flat bit of rock to watch the horizon I instantly become so aware of my surroundings. I can hear singing birds and the soft sounds of travelling winds. The contrast of green bush, orange boulders and clear blue skies is uniquely striking. My mind wanders and I begin to daydream. And if ever there was a place to dream it’s here, overlooking Arnhem Land. I feel as though I could stay here forever or melt into the rock I’m sitting on and become a part of the breathtaking landscape. Without a doubt, this is a special, spiritual place. We set up for the night at Cooinda Campground. Dinner

*Te ww Au Au

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My own private waterhole The didgeridoo wakes us up at 6am. Today is a day for hiking and swimming â&#x20AC;&#x201C; my fingers are crossed I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t meet a croc during one of our dips. Everyone is pretty quiet. Dawn may be a time for humans to be sleepy, but the wildlife outside is alive with activity. All of a sudden the truck lurks to a stop and does a U-turn. On the side of the road a lizard sits serenely, chin faced to the sky, catching some morning rays. Seeing Barney it runs a metre.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;

Litchfieldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s natural fun park

Its neck pops out like opening a cocktail umbrella

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The frill-necked lizard moves quickly but it also resembles a middle-aged woman awkwardly flailing about in fear. Carefully Barney picks it up and as he does, its neck pops out like opening a cocktail umbrella. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re all reduced to fits of giggles. There is so much wildlife in Kakadu. Every time I board the truck it feels as though Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m going on safari. Barney turns off a sealed road and onto a small dirt track. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s crazy he spotted it as there are no signs and the opening to

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the road is almost camouflaged into the bush. A few bumpy kilometres later we come to a small, cleared space. Again, there is no signage. In fact, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not a peep of civilisation at all. The scenery is pretty bleak: wispy bits of dead grass and some remnants of burnt bush. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a 45-minute hike through a small track until we get to boulders. We scramble over them, passing a foot-long golden orb spider on the way. The dry terrain starts to turn greener and lusher. When we emerge from the path we are welcomed by Motor Car Falls. A large, flat rock pokes out over a dazzling waterhole surrounded by orange cliff faces. A waterfall drops down the middle of the cliff. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s postcard perfect and completely deserted. Barney assures us itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s croc-free and shows us the safe place for diving in. Quickly discarding my sweaty shirt itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mere moments before I plunge into refreshing water. A group of us swim over to the base of the waterfall taking it in turns for it to massage our backs. This is a hidden gem. In the last 24 hours weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve only seen the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Kakadu, but weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve hit the jackpot with Ubirr and Motor Car Falls. Wild about Kakadu You know something is a rare occurrence when your guide frantically scrambles for his camera. Our truck comes to a grinding halt as a herd of wild buffalo cross in front of us. Buffalo are usually only sighted once a year in Kakadu. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve just seen three adults and a baby â&#x20AC;&#x201C; thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s four years worth in one hit.

Donkeys, a wallaby, a goanna and a baby dingo also feature on todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s safari. No one is as enthusiastic, however, when it comes to spotting insects. Kakadu has 10,000 species of bugs and a popular attraction is the termite mounds. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s with a mix of curiosity and revulsion that we exit the truck to visit them. Barney says the cathedral-like structures are made up of plant materials, clay and their own faeces. As I stand next to a monolithic tower almost three times my height, it occurs to me Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m posing next to a giant mound of bug poo infested with thousands of creepy crawlies. Wicked! All good things must come to an end. After a whirlwind, jam-packed experience we get to Buley Rockholes and Florence Falls in Litchfield. These swimming places are like the theme-park rides of the Top End. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re greeted with flowing rapids, strong currents, mini whirlpools and loud thundering waterfalls. I sit awkwardly under a gushing flood of water that almost washes me away. Gripping onto an edge of a rock I think if I were â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;to goâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; in Kakadu, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d probably prefer being taken by a crocodile after all. Better yet, have two crocs fight over me. That would be one hell of a way to leave the Top End. â?&#x161; Damage and details: Territory Expeditions run three day Kakadu 4WD tours three days a week during the dry season (May-October). Price: $550. See: territoryexpeditions.com.au

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Alice Springs. Vibrant, beautiful, unforgettable and just under 3 hours away. Australia’s most famous outback town, set against the dramatic MacDonnell ranges, is the gateway to our rich desert landscape and the adventures awaiting you. Be a tourist in your own backyard and take an unforgettable holiday to the centre.

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Darwin northern territory

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Disco inferno During Darwin’s dry season the town comes to life with a buzzing market, packed bars and an arty cinema – if you can stand the heat Words colin delaney

I was hosting my own wet T-shirt competition. I was hot, but by no means sexy – sweating all over. My collar was stretched, stained and more toxic than Kakadu’s Jabiluka Uranium Mine. Oh, and my shorts. I had been wearing them for five days straight, hiking through Kakadu. I was still carrying half the park under my nails. Put it this way, I was looking pretty ‘hobosexual’. Relief came as I entered my hostel room, my face caressed by a cool breeze. I was getting double-teamed by the air-conditioner and the fan. Dropping my bag on the floor I collapsed on the bed, exhausted, granted with a damsel-like gasp for melodrama, but damn it was hot. In the oppressive heat of Darwin, my plan for the following day was to visit all the cool places, quite literally. The next morning, stepping through the sliding doors, a wall of heat hit me like a freight train, instantly knocking the life from me – not a good start.

“

He terrorised local fisherman in a river nearby

”

from the wharf, under the city, tunnels were constructed to protect Darwin’s oil supplies. The war finished before they were put into action and now are used as a tourist attraction. Photographs from this period feature wartime activity in the Top End – quite the history lesson. ››

The heat is on at Mindil Beach

Cooling off with history My first stop on the air-conditioner tour was the free Art Gallery and Museum of Northern Territory – a perfect introduction to the Northern Territory and Darwin’s past. I learnt about Christmas Eve in 1974 when Cyclone Tracy ripped through the Top End. I got a feel for the NT’s natural food chain, from snakes, marsupials, sharks, crocs and birds of prey. Left to our own devices, humans are somewhere in the middle. The most feared of all is the saltwater crocodile. Stare into the eyes of the most infamous of the salties, Sweetheart. He terrorised local fishermen in a river nearby Darwin for years before a relocation went wrong. You’ll also learn about the important role Australia and specifically Darwin played in WWII.There were more bombs dropped on this outpost than Pearl Harbour. In the art gallery section you’ll find mesmerisingly meticulous works of art by indigenous artists like Rover Thomas, prints from Andy Warhol and other travelling exhibitions. Escape the sun and learn more about Darwin’s role in the war at the WWII Storage Tunnel Tours. Running

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Mindi Beach madness Lucky bet I thought to myself, where else is air-conditioned? The casino, of course. Money is always tight when you’re a backpacker so why not try to win some cold hard cash and drop a cool hundred at the blackjack table at Skycity Casino? Actually I just dropped a tenner but played it like Dustin Hoffman in Rainman. That was before I got overzealous, doubled down and lost it all like Vince Vaughn in Swingers. While it isn’t the most culturally enriching tourist attraction, a trip there could have you winning big for a tour to the Kimberley. If you don’t gamble, it looks over the harbour so it’s a good place to down a few cheap cocktails and watch the tide run out.

Photos: Tourism NT

A refreshing dip

Don’t be fooled, you can still beat the heat in Darwin and spend your sunny days outside. Unfortunately, due to box jelly fish, crocs and fish hooks, it can be dangerous swimming in the ocean, so Darwinians got together and created the awesome redeveloped Wharf Precinct. There you can jump in the pool, with wave machine, take a jet boat ride and then gobble down some cheap fish and chips. If you do need to get on the open waters with the wind in your hair, there are a number of sailing cruises you can take in Port Darwin and the Arafura Sea. There are options for every budget.

Spend a couple of hours in the botanic gardens wandering around the rainforest and monsoon forest gardens. With over 192 types of palms and an array of tropical plants, you’ll find shade under a leaf big enough to cover you and your roomies.

Market mayhem At sunset on a Thursday or a Sunday there is only one place to be – the Mindil Beach Sunset Markets. Here you’ll find a huge range of stalls selling everything from excellent Asian dishes to Aboriginal art, local crafts and about a thousand different covers for your phone or iPad. There are also some pretty talented street performers, from circus folk to didgeridoo and percussion shows that redefine the term drum ‘n’ bass. Mindil Beach can attract around 5,000 pedestrians meandering between palms on a nice night, which it always seems to be up there. I took in the million colours of dusk, ate chilli prawns on a stick, and figured I’d take an eye out if I tried the whip cracking show, so I watched the balancing monk guy instead.

Date night movie As the Dry Season rolls around, the skies are reliably clear. Darwin is the perfect place for an outdoor cinema. The Deckchair Cinema shows all sorts, especially arthouse films that you missed two months ago at the normal cinema

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because they only lasted a week. It’s a great setting for a date. Stretch out under the stars with your favourite friend and try your luck with the infamous popcorn/cockporn trick – you know the one.

Blowing off some steam of a different kind

Nighttime shenanigans If that worked, and things are heating up, head to the pub. Just because the sun went down doesn’t mean the thermostat did. An evening in Darwin means things are just heating up, so to speak. All the pubs are airconditioned or boast large open air decks. Some clubs are so serious about keeping their patrons cool they’ll spray hot girls’ chest areas with water pistols to cool them down. Of course, this has the opposite effect on the men Pubs like Shenannigans, Deck Bar, and Tap Bar are all good places to start. But try as I might it was impossible to avoid a place that wasn’t playing “Summer of 69” and some Proclaimers crap, so I opted for the nearest watering hole. After a few schooners you’ll no doubt end up at Monsoons: it’s a wall-to-wall backpacker-fest. Expect more cheesy music, games and competitions, dancing galore and cheap drinks. At the end of the day I stumbled back to the hostel feeling I had accomplished my mission. I had seen the sights of Darwin, I had consumed a lot of liquids and felt really cool. In short, I had thoroughly beaten the heat. With nothing left to do, tomorrow I would sit by the hostel pool and quietly perspire. ❚

And, finally a chance to combat the steamy weather

It·s never been cheaper to fLy to Alice Springs and the Outback! 1) Book your CHEAP Tiger flights from Sydney or Melbourne into Alice Spring s (Tue/Wed/Thur/Sat) - flights are currently advertised on the Tiger website as low as $59.95 each way (May/June) www.tigerair ways.com 2) Book the 3 day Rock Tour (Departs DAILY from Alice Springs at 6am) on FREECALL 1800 246 345 or at www.therocktour.com.au 3) After the tour visit the awesome The Rock Bar - Voted best backpacker night in the NT with TNT Magazine 2011 + 2012

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cage of death

as close as you can get to salties in darwin

Darwin from the air – may provide some relief

GROOVY GRAPE

6 DAY ROCK 2 WATER ALICE SPRINGS TO ADELAIDE TOUR

for only $695 per person - save $100!!! Deal is only valid for 6 Day Rock 2 Water Tours departing in April, May & June 2013. Not valid with any other Groovy specials or Package Deal offers.

FOR BOOKINGS & ENQUIRIES FREECALL: 1800 66 11 77 Email: getaways@groovygrape.com.au www.groovygrape.com.au

Houdini swims past, just inches from my face, and looks me straight in the eye. The piercing, almost dismissive, glance is clear. His teeth practically sparkle. I can almost hear him thinking: “I want to eat you.” In case you’re confused, I’m not suffering a cannibalistic vision of the famous (and dead) escapologist. Not quite at least. I’m treading water in the Cage of Death, one of Darwin’s most nerve-jangling adrenalin thrills. The Houdini I’m sharing the water with happens to be a giant saltwater crocodile, who would love nothing more than for me to try and escape the floating plastic box that currently separates us. Getting in the water with the world’s biggest reptiles had seemed a good idea... until the cage door swung open and it was time for me to get in, that is. It was hard not to suddenly feel very, very vulnerable as, dressed only in our swimmers, we looked down the ladder. Being the gentleman of course, I let my girlfriend descend first. And so, we got lowered into the water, like lumps of bait towards a master magician man-eater, and started feeling a little nervous. Gradually we’re submerged into the world of the salty until we’re waist deep in water, Houdini’s water. There’s no sudden rush, no snap of teeth or crash of hungry power – judging by the scratches, these crocs have clearly tried that before and learnt the lesson. But suddenly, Houdini is on the move. He effortlessly cruises towards us. For such a massive animal, it’s incredible how gracefully he moves. He hovers, his huge head just inches from mine with only the plastic and a bit of water between us. There’s no doubt that without the plastic he’d be ripping me to shreds in a second. And would absolutely love it. But after staring us out for a while, he carries on past and is gone, leaving us buzzing from the encounter. The damage & the details: The Cage of Death at Darwin’s Crocosaurus Cove (Ph: 08 8981 7522, (crocosauruscove.com), costs from $160 per person.

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GROOVY GRAPE GETAWAYS

G Adventures

Adventure Tours Australia

OFF 10% p

$69

Offer 1

Offer 2

Details $695 per person (SAVE $100) for 6 Day Rock 2 Water Alice Springs to Adelaide Tour departing in April, May and June 2013. Not valid with any other Groovy special or Package Deal offer. Destination ALICE SPRINGS TO ADELAIDE via Uluru, Kata Tjuta, Kings Canyon, Coober Pedy and the Southern Flinders Ranges. Dates Departures from April until the end of June 2013 Price & how to book $695 per person. Bookings on Freecall: 1800 66 11 77 or email: getaways@ groovygrape.com.au WEBSITE www.groovygrape.com.au

Details 10% off ‘Red Centre Experience’ and ‘Kakadu Adventure’ Destination Red Centre Experience - Alice Springs, Uluru, Kings Canyon. Kakadu Adventure - Darwin, Litchfield National Park, Kakadu National Park Dates Red Centre Experience - 7 & 21 June; 5, 19 & 26 July 2013. Kakadu Adventure - 29 May; 12 & 26 June; 24 & 31 July 2013 Price & how to book Red Centre Experience - was $399, now $360; Kakadu Adventure - was $549, now $495. Book online using promo code TNTAus, or call 1300 796 618 WEBSITE www.gadventures.com.au

Territory Expeditions

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Details Take a friend… Book 1, get 1 Free*+ Please refer to www.tntdownunder.com/travel/ travel-deals for T & C’s Destination Northern Territory Dates Offer valid on bookings made between 22nd April 2013 and May 31st 2013, for travel between 22nd April 2013 and March 31st 2014. Price & how to book Valid for online bookings only. WEBSITE www.adventuretours.com.au

Melaleuca on Mitchell Darwin

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Details 2 for 1, 3 day Kakadu/ Litchfield 4WD camping tour Destination Kakadu/Litchfield NT Dates Bookings made prior to 2 June 2013 and travel within 6 months of booking. Price & how to book $445 and only valid if quoting promo code TEXTNT3KL WEBSITE www. territoryexpeditions.com.au

AL!

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Details Free Lunch at the Rock Bar & 2 hours internet Destination Alice Springs Northern Territory Dates Valid to 2nd of June 2013 how to book Mention the secret password “Clarence the cross eyed Lion” WEBSITE www.therocktour.com.au

Offer 6

Details Stay 2 nights at Melaleuca on Mitchell and receive 20% off entry to Crocosaurus Cove Destination Darwin Dates 22 April - 31 July 2013. Blackout dates 15-18 June 2013. Price & how to book From $30/night. Enquiries & bookings to reservations@momdarwin.com quote TNTCC20% at the time of booking. WEBSITE www.momdarwin.com

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TRAVELWEEKENDER

Story time This is Brisbane in 48 hours Words leigh livingstone

DAY 1: Brisbane is the foot friendly city. Sunshine is in high amounts and there are plenty of outdoor activities to let visitors stock up on that Vitamin D. Be outside as much as possible and have fun with this busy weekender. 9:00: Chances are it’s a beautiful morning, so the best thing to do is get amongst it in the fresh air. It might sound a bit civilised but take a stroll through the Brisbane Botanic Gardens (brisbane.qld.gov.au). Located close to the city centre, you can spend time looking at the living museum full of native and exotic plants with themed sections, like the pretty Japanese garden. Everyone should stop and smell the roses once in a while. 10:00: After you‘ve ticked flowers of the list, visit Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary (koala.net) and tick fuzzy creatures off it too. You may think you’ve seen more koalas than you care to by this point but you haven’t seen them like this. The Sanctuary is one of the best places in Oz to get up close and personal with not just the dropbears but kangaroos and a whole bunch of unique Aussie wildlife. Hand-feed them, have a cuddle, stock up on the warm and fuzzies because the rest of your 48 hours won’t be so sickeningly sweet. 12:00: Grab some lunch as you cruise along the Brisbane river in style aboard a Kookaburra River Queen (kookaburrariverqueens.com) authentic paddlewheeler. Take in the sights of Brisbane from a different angle as you sip a beer and stuff yourself senseless on the amazing food. 15:00: No trip to the sunshine state is complete without a

tour of the XXXX Brewery (xxxxbrewerytour.com.au). Their Heritage-listed alehouse is a great place to learn all about the history of Queensland’s golden brew and sample a few for historical education purposes, of course. 17:00: Now that you are good and relaxed, it’s time to up the pace. Climb to the top of Brisbane’s Story Bridge and take in the magnificent twilight views of the city. It really is spectacular. Then, when you’re ready, abseil – yes we said abseil – down again. Story Bridge Adventure Climb (sbac. net.au) will help you with all the equipment and safety bits but then it is all you as you whip down the Anchor pier into Captain Burke Park below. 19:00: Getting kind of hungry by now? Stop by the Pig N Whistle (pignwhistle.com.au) for a British-style meal and a pint. Hopefully you don't mind eating our Babe because you'll find pork sausages, pork pies and pulled pork burgers. 21:00: Believe it or not, Brisbane is one of the most haunted cities in the world. Take a walk through the CBD at night with a ghost tour to find out why. Ghost Tours (ghosttours.com.au) will take you through spooky alleys and creepy cemeteries while discussing the haunted histories of the area. Warning: not for fraidy cats. You might want to share a room at Base Brisbane (stayatbase.com) if you’re feeling delicate. DAY 2: 7:00: Assuming you managed to sleep at all, wake up bright and early for an adventurous day trip to Moreton Island. The ferry departs from Holt St wharf for the hour-

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Pretty place to lose all your money

long journey with Tangatours (adventuremoretonisland. com). Once there, you have the option of fun activities such as stand-up paddleboarding, a motorboat hire, a catamaran lesson, playing beach volleyball with your cruisemates, quad biking across the sand and almost anything else you can think of. Paying $129 allows you pick three activities plus bonus items like wetsuit and kayak hire, but one thing we recommend you don’t skip is the guided snorkelling tour at the Tangalooma wreck. 18:00: Back in Brisbane after a full day of action, it’s time to get dressed up and hit the town. A good place to start is back at the Treasury Casino and Hotel (treasurybrisbane.com.au) – they don’t call it Brisvegas for nothing. Grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants inside, do some gambling and drink a cocktail or two to rev up your evening. The Livewire Bar on the Queen St level has live bands and sports on the big screen to accompany those drinks. 21:00: Keep the good times rolling, even after the dice have stopped, over in the Valley – that’s Fortitude Valley for the uninitiated. The area has some fun nightlife and Birdie Num Num (birdees.com) is the best place to party. Not only is it free entry but the alcohol is cheap. The bonus is that it’s a stylish place with a sexy interior and an awesome rooftop bar covered in fake grass. Keep absorbing that warm air and if you’ve played your cards right, you will have spent most of your weekend outdoors. The way it should be.

Day trip to Moreton Island

Climbing the Story Bridge tntdownunder.com

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TRAVELWEEKENDER Wander up the lighthouse at Moreton Island

grays escape words: alex harmon

Xxxxxxx

Try shipwreck diving at Tangalooma

This is [place] in 48 hours Words [name]

DAY 1: 00:00 Xxxxxx Xxxxx Xxxxxx 00:00 Xxxxxx Xxxxx Xxxxxx 00:00 Xxxxxx Xxxxx Xxxxxx 00:00 Xxxxxx Xxxxx Xxxxxx 00:00 Xxxxxx Xxxxx Xxxxxx 00:00 Xxxxxx Xxxxx Xxxxxx DAY 2: 00:00 Xxxxxx Xxxxx Xxxxxx 00:00 Xxxxxx Xxxxx Xxxxxx 00:00 Xxxxxx Xxxxx Xxxxxx Or hang at 00:00outXxxxxx Xxxxx Xxxxxx Brisbane's 00:00 "beach" Xxxxxx Xxxxx Xxxxxx 00:00 Xxxxxx Xxxxx Xxxxxx

Like getting a good deal on accommodation? How about haggling for your hotel? That's right, you can now bid for beds with Australia's only hotel haggling website, Graysescape.com The same company that lets you bid on auctions for hundreds of products from cases of wine to cheese graters, now have a travel subsidiary that allows you to negotiate room rates at an average 15 per cent lower than the best available. Gary Berman, general manager of GraysEscape, explains: "Customers enjoy the power and savings that haggling gives them and appreciate the flexibility the site offers in terms of buying a deal now or haggling for a lower rate, with hotels responding within three hours."

I experienced the excitement of booking a hotel with GraysEscape last month when I was booking a room for a one night 'staycation'. It's like bidding for a pair of shoes on eBay, but without the pressure of competing with thousands of other people. You're dealing with the hotel directly, so it kind of feels like you're playing a real-life game of Monopoly. And, unlike that pair of shoes, Grays literally has hundreds of rooms that they are trying to get rid of, so you've got loads of options to play with. Once you've chosen your hotel, you are given a starting haggle amount. I took a gamble and bid low thinking I would have to increase my bid as we 'played the game'. But you know what? Computer said yes! I received an email within the hour saying that my bid had been successful. There's something very rewarding about knowing you got a good deal on a room, and the experience adds a bit of excitement to the normally boring process. So, next time you're booking your hotel, get your haggle on. You never know, you might just get lucky.

To start bidding on hotels see: graysescape.com

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Queenstown

Images: Cardrona, Justin Steinlauf, AJ Hackett Bungy, Shotover Canyon Swing

new zealand

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Get ready to stumble Queenstown, the adventure capital of NZ, comes into its own during the winter with epic snowfall and an even bigger nightlife

Images: Cardrona, Justin Steinlauf, AJ Hackett Bungy, Shotover Canyon Swing

Words Alex Harmon

“This is better than sex,” he says as he WHEN TO GO: The ski a youthful energy to it, almost like a college stands on the edge of the Kawarau bridge town. The town is populated by the young season starts in early June and in Queenstown. I’m next in line to jump and lasts until mid October although and fit dressed in North Face snow wear, I’m sitting on the wooden floor, my feet carrying snowboards with tussled hair and the areas typically stay open tied together, shaking as I try not to look mountain-kissed pink faces. Walking around until the snow stops falling. See over the edge. Instead I try to focus on the town it appears that the median age is 25. It cardrona.com and nzski. spectacular mountains and the sun piercing is no wonder that the daredevil adventures com/remarkables the river below. Something tells me that his can be found on every corner and in every What to do: Jump the experience with sex is not unlike the bungy. shop window. As one Kiwi local tells me: “I Kawarau Bridge Bungy with AJ A whole lot of nerves and high expectations guess we live on the edge of the world, so Hackett Bungy bungy.co.nz. – but over very quickly. we treat life on the edge!” Big Night Out do pub crawls It is my first day in Queenstown, New The next day we’re off on a spine-tingling every night except Sunday and Zealand, arguably one of the adventure drive through Wanaka and up to Cardrona Monday. $25 gets you entry and capitals of the world. Even the flight was an Alpine Resort. Although the Remarkables five drinks at five bars. adrenalin-junkie’s hit. As we descended into (“Remarks” as the locals say) are closer and bignightout.net.nz town, the downdrafts from the Remakables more accessible, it’s Cardrona where the Stay: Reavers Lodge offer mountain range caused the plan to dip up Kiwis like to ski. The snow is better, the runs beds from $28/night including and down, like a rollercoaster. Thankfully, wider and the crowds kept at a minimum. breakfast. reavers.co.nz/. the show I witnessed through the windows On the plane to Queenstown I read about Nomads Queenstown have beds of ice-capped mountains and Lord of the from $24/night. nomadsworld. the legend of Cardrona’s bra fence. I ask our guide about the fence on the side of Rings-style scenery, averted my eyes from the com/hostels/new-zealand/ the road where it’s tradition for women to nomads-queenstown air-hostesses who literally bounced around hang their bra. “Unfortunately the council Getting there: the plane. removed the bras in 2006,” she says. “There Air New Zealand flies to Queenstown is the temptress your parents were around 800 bras before they shut it warn you about. She’s dangerous, seductive, Queenstown daily, see: down. The council thought it was an eyesore beautiful and if you’re not careful, she’ll have airnewzealand.com.au and a distraction for drivers.” Dismayed you spinning out of control. For more: we drive on through the long and winding The town, which is built around the queenstownnz.co.nz roads. The higher we get, the harder it is to see. deep blue Lake Wakatipu is famous for its adventure activities: mountain biking, jet boating, Snow time like the right time whitewater rafting and, of course, bungy jumping. You’ll spot the tourists easily, bungy protocol means you must have ‘Aotearoa’ is the Maori word for New Zealand, which your weight brandished on your hand in red marker. The roughly translates as ‘the land of the long white cloud’ and truly brave are marked like livestock cattle. up here in the heavenly surrounds, the description couldn’t be more apt. Lord of the high-flyers Although it’s September and approaching the end of the ski season, the snow hasn’t waned. When we reach the While New Zealand may be famous for producing worldslopes I tell our guide that I’ve never seen this much snow renowned wine and food, putting them amongst some of the most sophisticated regions of the world, Queenstown has before. “Really?” she asks me with a smile on her face. “I ›› tntdownunder.com

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A typical scene with the Big Night Out crew

me feel like I’m surfing in soft waves. Meeting our guide at the end of the day, I tell her about the awesome “powder” I’ve been carving up. She laughs and says, “it’s so funny how you think this is powder. I go off-piste skiing up here and have been in snow so deep that I’ve been stuck up to my waist.”

Skiing leads to sipping

haven’t been up this season because we haven’t had a very good snow fall.” I look around in amazement, it’s white as far as the eye can see. Once we’re boarded up we wait at the chair lifts to be given the all clear by the snow officials. We slide our boards along, making the first tracks of the day. I’m not a very good snowboarder, by any means, but I spend the day with the Christmas carol, Walking in a Winter Wonderland in my head. The snow is so thick and powdery that my falls are cushioned and the turns I manoeuvre make

There’s a great mix of bars in the heart of town, dotted around the cobbled lanes. After a few après ski drinks, you could almost think you were in Europe. There are backpacker bars where you can get lost amongst a sea of twentysomethings on an organised pub crawl. Or you can settle into one of the many wine bars where the fire is roaring and the ambiance is elegant. We opt for the former, joining Big Night Out on their Saturday night pub crawl. This company are renound around town for their crawl, which quickly turns into a stumble, through some of Queenstown’s finest backpacker bars. We begin at Altitude Bar where shots and drinking games await and then we’re whisked away to Revolver where, you guessed it, shots are greeting us as we walk through the door. I’m told there are three more bars we passed through but god knows if I can tell you their names. I fall out after the last one, greeted by the crisp air which brings some inkling of life back to my drained body. The next thing I know I am lured into Fergburger for my second burger of the day. This place is legendary and at any given time of day – or night – there is a massive line of people hungry for New Zealand’s best burgers. The Chief Wiggum is a cheekily named pork belly burger which becomes my bedfellow for the night.

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Jumping for joy Queenstown has the highest bar-to-person ratio in New Zealand and it’s no surprise, given that what goes up must come down. After a day of not one, but two bungy jumps, alcohol was a necessity. You see I was coaxed into the first bungy almost through trickery. I am taken to the Kawarau Bridge Bungy, the world’s first commercial bungy jump to participate in some people-watching. A few quick snaps of the brave and incredibly fearless people who are throwing themselves off the 45 metre bridge and our guide says, “well now that we’re here, you may as well jump.” Turns out, unprepared is best possible disposition. Before I know it, my legs are tied together with rope and I’m standing on the edge of the bridge. I focus on the mountains ahead and tell myself not to do the unthinkable and look down. Sensing my fear, the bungy masters are kind and slowly count back from three before I stretch my arms out like Jesus on the cross and fall forward. The blood rushes to my head and I hold my breath, frozen in position, not even able so scream. Until – bounce – I reach the length of the rope’s tether and realise I have survived. It’s now time to scream and I do so for several minutes. The best feeling about bungy is knowing that it’s over and that you’ve accomplished something that most people would never even attempt. I wouldn’t say its better than sex, but it’s the best piece of action I got in Queenstown. That’s one thing you can count on in the south island’s adventure capital – action is found on every corner of the town – you just have to pick your vice. ❚

The Kawarua Bridge looks pretty from afar...

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

yha.com.au

tour firms

Bottom Bits Bus Tours around Tasmania 1800 777 103, bottombits.com.au Bunyip Tours Tours around Victoria 1300 286 947, bunyiptours.com Cool Dingos Fraser Island Tours 1800 072 555, cooldingotour.com Explore Whitsundays Whitsundays packages 1800 675 790, explorewhitsundays.com Groovy Grape Getaways Tours linking Adelaide, Alice Springs & Melbourne 1800 661 177, groovygrape.com.au Heading Bush Adelaide to Alice Springs outback tours 1800 639 933, headingbush.com

Maxi Ragamuffin Whitsundays sailing 1800 454 777 maxiaction.com.au Mojosurf Sydney to Byron surfing tours 1800 113 044, mojosurf.com Nullarbor Traveller Tours from Adelaide and Perth 1800 816 858, the-traveller.com.au

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

rental firms Apollo Motorhomes 1800 777 779, apollocamper.com

Ocean Rafting Whitsundays tours 07 4946 6848, oceanrafting.com

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

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

Boomerang Cars 0414 882 559, boomerangcars.com.au

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

Hippie Camper 1800 777 779, hippiecamper.com

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

Kings Cross Car Market For buying and selling vehicles. 110 Bourke St, Woolloomooloo. 02 9358 5000, carmarket.com.au

@tnt_downunder

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

jetstar.com.au

Premier Transport Group Buses along the east coast. 13 34 10, premierms.com.au Qantas Airline. 13 13 13, qantas.com.au Regional Express Airline. 13 17 13, rex.com.au

Spaceships 1300 132 469, spaceshipsrentals.com.au

Spirit of Tasmania Ferries to Tasmania. 03 6336 1446, spiritoftasmania.com

Standbycars.com 1300 789 059, standbycars.com

Tiger Airways Airline. 03 9999 2888, tigerairways.com

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

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

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

Wicked Campers 1800 246 869, wickercampers.com

Redline Coaches For getting around Tasmania. 03 6336 1446, redlinecoaches.com.au

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Virgin Australia Airline. 13 67 89, virginaustralia.com

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

MUNGO NATIONAL PARK Perhaps the country’s least famous World Heritage-listed site, Mungo is where you’ll find the extraordinary, 33km-long Walls of China. It’s also where you’ll find the remains of Mungo Man and Mungo Woman, skeletons dating back 40,000 years, making it the world’s oldest known ceremonial burial. Located in the far outback reaches of New South Wales, almost 900km west of Sydney, Mungo is a hell of a long way from anywhere. However, if you happen to be doing some harvest work in Mildura or hanging out with some miners in Broken Hill, the mission isn’t too great and the sight of the flaky 30m high lunettes known as the Walls of China at sunset is well worth the roadtrip.

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

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

CHECK IN

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

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

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

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

Eva’s Backpackers 6-8 Orwell Street Kings Cross 02 9358 2185, evasbackpackers.com.au

Sydney Central YHA 11 Rawson Place. CBD. 02 9218 9000 Sydney Harbour YHA 110 Cumberland Street. The Rocks. 02 9261 1111

30 Pacific Street, Newcastle. Dorms from $31. A beautiful old building right next to Newcastle Beach, with free surfboards available. Free BBQ night every week and plenty more.

Newcastle

Manly Backpackers 24-28 Raglan St. Manly. 02 9977 3411 manlybackpackers.com.au

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

Newcastle Beach YHA

yha.com.au

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

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

Boomerang Backpackers 141 William Street, Kings Cross. 02 8354 0488, boomerangbackpackers.com

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

Boardrider Backpacker Rear 63, The Corso, Manly. 02 9977 3411 boardrider.com.au The Bunkhouse 35 Pine St, Manly. 1800 657 122, bunkhouse.com.au

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

Easy Go Backpackers 752 George St. CBD. 02 9211 0505, easygobackpackers.com.au

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

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

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

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

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

Coogee Beach House 171 Arden St. Coogee. 02 9665 1162, coogeebeachhouse.com

sydney do

Coogee Beachside 178 Coogee Bay Rd, Coogee. 02 9315 8511, sydneybeachside.com.au Surfside Backpackers 186 Arden Street. Coogee. 02 9315 7888,

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

With great fares HYHU\ GD\ . . . why not travel PREMIER class! Climate control air-conditioning • Experienced Coach Captains • Panoramic glare free windows • Comfy reclining seats Onboard video entertainment • Washroom • State of the art safety features • Seat belts

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NSWLISTINGS My Sydney Detour Unique city tours. mysydneydetour.com Oceanworld Manly West Esplanade. oceanworld.com.au

blue mtns Blue Mountains YHA 207 Katoomba St, Katoomba. 02 4782 1416, yha.com.au

CHECK IN

central coast

Powerhouse Museum Darling Harbour. powerhousemuseum.com.au

Newcastle Beach YHA 30 Pacific St, Newcastle. 02 4925 3544, yha.com.au

Skydive the Beach Wollongong. skydivethebeach.com

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

Snowy Mountains Backpackers

Sydney Harbour Bridge The Rocks. bridgeclimb.com

7-8 Gippsland Street, Jindabyne. Dorms from $35-50 (winter). Right in the heart of Jindabyne and the perfect place to stay and ski. Hostel offers ski and snowboard hire and knowledge of the slopes.

Sydney Aquarium Darling Harbour. sydneyaquarium.com.au Sydney Wildlife World Darling Harbour. sydneywildlifeworld.com.au Taronga Zoo Mosman. zoo.nsw.gov.au Waves Surf School wavessurfschool.com.au

Jindabyne

snowybackpackers.com.au

sydneymusic Hordern Pavillion playbillvenues.com Oxford Art Factory oxfordartfactory.com Sydney Opera House sydneyoperahouse.com

The Enmore

enmoretheatre.com.au The Metro

metrotheatre.com.au

Nomads Byron Bay Lawson Lane. 1800 666 237, nomadshostels.com

coffs harb

Skydive Central Coast Warnervale. skydivethecentralcoast.com.au

BYron bay

annandalehotel.com

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

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

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

The Annandale

Byron Bay Accom 02 6680 8666, byronbayaccom.net

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

Terrigal Beach YHA 9 Ocean View Dr, Terrigal. 02 4384 1919, yha.com.au

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

@tnt_downunder

Backpackers Holiday Village 116 Jonson St 1800 350 388, byronbaybackpackers.com.au Backpackers Inn 29 Shirley St 1800 817 696 backpackersinnbyronbay.com.au

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 Plantation Backpackers 88 Grafton Street plantationhotel.com.au

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Wollombi Nestled at the foot of the Hunter Valley, around 130km north of Sydney, is the historic Wollombi, which has been the hidden secret of motorcyclists for decades. It’s an ideal location to stay no matter what your interests are. Within spitting distance of the town centre is a cornucopia of wineries. If wine tastings aren’t your thing, there are a multitude of eateries ranging from simple cafes (Café Wollombi) to fine dining (Panino Café). If you just want to kick back and have a quiet beer, then the Wollombi Tavern will have you covered… Don’t forget to ask to try Dr Jurd’s Jungle Juice. The Wollombi Tavern also hosts Anzac day, serving rum-spiked-coffee for those who come after the dawn service, and offers a lively Two-Up circle.

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QLDLISTINGS brisbane stay Aussie Way Backpackers 34 Cricket St. 07 3369 0711, aussiewaybackpackers.com Banana Bender Backpackers 118 Petrie Terrace. 07 3367 1157, bananabenders.com Base Brisbane Embassy 214 Elizabeth St. 07 3166 8000, stayatbase.com Base Brisbane Central 308 Edward St. 07 3211 2433, stayatbase.com Brisbane Backpackers Resort 110 Vulture St, West End. 1800 626 452, brisbanebackpackers.com.au Brisbane City Backpackers 380 Upper Roma St 1800 062 572, citybackpackers.com Bunk Backpackers Cnr Ann & Gipps Sts, 1800 682 865, bunkbrisbane.com.au The Deck 117 Harcourt Street, New Farm. 04 3377 7061 Tinbilly Travellers Cnr George and Herschel Sts. 1800 446 646.

tinbilly.com

Balmoral House 33 Amelia St, Fortitude Valley vipbackpackers.com 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 Gallery of Modern Art 07 3840 7303, qag.qld.gov.au Riverlife Adventure Centre Kayaking & rock climbing. Lower River Terrace, Kangaroo Point. 07 3891 5766, riverlife.com.au Story Bridge Adventure Climb 170 Main St, Kangaroo Point. 1300 254 627, storybridgeadventureclimb.com.au XXXX Ale House Brewery tours. Cnr Black & Paten St, Milton.07 3361 7597, xxxxalehouse.com.au

gold coast 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

Coolangatta Kirra Beach YHA Pl, 230 Coolangatta Rd, Bilinga. 07 5536 76442, yha.com.au Coolangatta Sands Hostel Cnr Griffiths & McLean Sts, Coolangatta. 07 5536 7472, coolangattasandshostel.com.au Gold Coast International BP 28 Hamilton Ave, Surfers. 1800 816 300, goldcoastbackpackers.com.au Islander Backpackers Resort 6 Beach Rd, Surfers Paradise. 1800 074 393, islander.com.au Sleeping Inn Surfers 26 Peninsular Dr, Surfers Paradise. 1800 817 832, sleepinginn.com.au Surfers Paradise Backpackers Resort 2837 Gold Coast Highway, Surfers. 1800 282 800, surfersparadisebackpackers.com.au Surfers Paradise YHA Mariners Cove, 70 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach, Surfers Paradise. 07 5571 1776, yha.com.au Trekkers Backpackers 22 White St, Southport. 1800 100 004, trekkersbackpackers.com.au Nomads Islander Resort 3128 Surfers Paradise Blvd, nomadsworld.com Surf & Sun Backpackers 3323 Surfers Paradise Blvd surfnsun-goldcoast.com

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

seaworld.com.au

Wet â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;nâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Wild Water World wetnwild.myfun.com.au Warner Bros Movie World movieworld.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.com 1800 666 237, Halse Lodge YHA 2 Halse Lane, Noosa. 1800 242 567, halselodge.com.au

Cairns

Great Barrier Reef Townsville Prosperine

Airlie Beach (Whitsundays) Mackay Yeppoon Rockhampton

Gladstone Bundaberg Maryborough

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.

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GOING FOR GOLD

GREAT SENSE OF REEF

RAFTING MISSION

QLDLISTINGS

The Gold Coast boasts loads. When heading up or down the east coast you’re going to be So if you’re a rollercoaster subjected to some of the most beautiful crystal clear water junkie, you’re in heaven. Gold you’ve ever seen. Oh and a World Heritage-listed reef. So take rainbow beach Coast/Surfer’s Paradise is also RIDE advantage of both by learning to dive. you’re further DingosIfBackpacker Adventuresouth, Resort THE OF YOUR LIFE! 20 Sydney Spectrum but St. 1800 111126, famed for its... let’s just say you can easily find a scuba school in if you want dingosresort.com “lively”... nightlife. some Great Barrier action you’re going to have to wait till Pippies Beach House you get to Queensland. There’s 2,000km of itSt.so don’t worry, 22 Spectrum 1800 425 356, pippiesbeachhouse.com you’re not going to miss it. A great variation on reef diving is checking out the Yongala wreck Skydive off of Rainbow Townsville. Beach It’s rated 358, say you will as the best wreck dive in Australia 0418 and218 people skydiverainbowbeach.com see more marine life in one dive here than you would in 12 further north. hervey bay

WHITSUNDAYS

3 DAYS IN ONE... Whitehaven CAIRNS Beach, IS KING top snorkel destinations & island bushwalks. Talking of party towns, this P: 07 4946 6848 www.oceanrafting.com.au

place is king. If there wasn’t enough going on with the rainforests, reef and more in CAPE TRIBULATION touching distance, it seems this Ask about our 2 trip special deal with our sister company small city wants to celebrate OCEAN SAFARI - www.oceansafari.com.au its wonderful location by Great Barrier Reef - Half Day Snorkel Tour getting bladdered every night. Please check your dignity in at the door...

Aussie Woolshed 181 Torquay Rd 07 4124 0677 woolshedbackpackers.com

Nomads Hervey Bay 408 The Esplanade. 1800 666 237, nomadshostels.com

1770 Undersea Adventures 1300 553 889, 1770underseaadventures.com

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

fraser island

AAAAH-DRENALIN

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

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

OF ! YR n ' IA R E A T " A R R I E R 2 E E F n ! U ST R A L

07 4131 2999 bundabergrum.com.au

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

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

/U T

Whitewater rafting is a knuckle-whitening ride Woolshed Backpackers that’s all for real. The Tully 181 Torquay Road River, accessed from Mission woolshedbackpackers.com.au Beach and Cairns, is the most popular place to get wet. bundaberg Mission itself is another Federal Beach Backpackers 221 Bourbonggem, St. 07 a 4153 3711 place underrated great federalbackpackers.com.au to detox after (or before) Northside Backpackers Cairns, with snorkelling, diving, 12 Queen St. 07 4154 1166 skydiving and rainforest walks Bundaberg Bondstore allDistillery available. tours.

airlie beach airliebeach.com 259 Shute Harbour Rd. 1800 677 119 Airlie Beach YHA 394 Shute Harbour Rd. 1800 247 251, yha.com.au Backpackers by the Bay 12 Hermitage Dr. 1800 646 994, backpackersbythebay.com

Beach Resort The AJ Hackett site near Cairns is Base oneAirlie of the only places in 336 Shute Harbour Rd Barefoot Lodge Oz where you can bungy. It’s also very pretty. If you don’t 1800 242 273, Long Island stayatbase .comperhaps barefootlodge.com.au fancy being attached to a rubber chord then Village Resort Colonial VillageisYHA skydiving your thing. Offered atMagnums all theWhitsunday main hubs along 366 Shute Harbour Rd. 820 Boat Harbour Drive, Urangan, the east 1800 624 634 scares the living Hervey Bay coast, it makes you feel invincible, yha.com.au shit out of you and offers incrediblemagnums.com.au views in the process.

What’s to like? Cool Dingo’snot Rainbow BeachWant something a bit more surreal? 20Try Spectrum St on the Gold Coast – you’re basically bowen zorbing thrown dingosresort.com Bowen Backpackers down a hill inside a big ball. Beach end of Herbert St. Dropbear Adventures 07 4786 3433 Williams Ave, Fraser Island. QLD bowenbackpackers.net +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 Koalas Hervey Bay 408 The Esplanade, Hervey Bay koalaadventures.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

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

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Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Gold Coast

Famous for fun

AdventureGoldCoast.com 04_721p 68-86 sections.indd 73

facebook.com/AdventureGoldCoast twitter.com/AdventureGoldCoast 1/5/13 9:17:32 PM

QLDLISTINGS 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, absolutebackpackers.com.au Beach Shack 86 Porters Promenade missionbeachshack.com Scottyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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

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

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

Raging Thunder Adventures Whitewater rafting. 07 4030 7990, ragingthunder.com.au

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

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

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

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

innisfail IInnisfail Budget Backpackers Workerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hostel 125 Edith St. 07 4061 78337 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

s 4RANSPORT TO FROM WORK s &2%% COURTESY BUS PICK UP s ,AUNDRY FACILITIES s )NTERNET FACILITIES s 0LEASANT AND FRIENDLY STAFF

Mooloolaba Backpackers VIP 75 Brisbane Road mooloolababackpackers.com

s "ISTRO AVAILABLE AT "ANJO S TAVERN NEXT DOOR

Dolphins Beach House 14 Duke Street, Sunshine Beach dolphinsbeachhouse.com.au

6!2)%49 /& 7/2+ !6!),!",% 9%!2 2/5.$ "REEZY 4ROPICAL VERANDAHS CLEAN FRIENDLY #LOSE TO SHOPS BANKS OLYMPIC POOL

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Parrot Fish Lodge 37 Warner St parrotfishlodge.com

INNISFAIL Codge Lodge 63 Rankin St codgelodge.com Crown Hostel 25 Ernest St (07) 4061 2266 Innisfail Budget Backpackers 125 Edith St jobsforbackpackers.com.au

agnes water 1770 Beachside Backpacker 12 Captain Cook Drive independentbackpackers.com 1770 Southern Cross Backpackers 2694 Round Hill Rd 1770southerncross.com

ROCKHAMPTON Emu Park Resort 92 Patterson St, Emu Park emusbeachresort.com Rockhampton Backpackers YHA 60 Macfarlane Street, Rockhampton yha.com.au

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

SUNSHINE COAST Cotton Tree Beachouse 15 the Esplanade cottontreebackpackers.com

MORETON ISLAND Tangalooma Wild Dolphin Resort tangalooma.com

NOOSA

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

TOWNSVILLE

Adventurers Backpackers 79 Palmer St adventurersresort.com Civic Guest House Backpackers Hostel 262 Walker St civicguesthousetownsville.com.au Foreign Exchange Accommodation Beachside 19 Eyre St, North Ward foreignx.com.au

MACKAY Geckoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Rest 34 Sydney St geckosrest.com.au

MAGNETIC IS Base Magnetic Island 1 Nelly Bay Rd stayatbase.com Bungalow Bay Koala Village YHA 40 Horseshoe Bay Rd bungalowbay.com.au

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Port Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Call YHA 7 Craven Close portocall.com.au

1/5/13 9:17:48 PM

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ACCOMMODATION IN 2009 & 2010!! bunkbrisbane.com.au 11-21 Gipps Street, Fortitude Valley Postal: PO Box 261, Fortitude Valley Qld 4006 P.1800 682 865 or +61 7 3257 3644

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VICLISTINGS melbourne stay

lordslodge.com

CHECK IN

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

Melbourne International Backpackers 204 Punt Rd, Prahran mibp.com.au Melbourne Metro YHA 78 Howard St yha.com.au

Base Melbourne 17 Carlisle St, St. Kilda. 1800 242 273, stayatbase.com Central Melbourne Accommodation 21 Bromham Place, Richmond. 03 9427 9826, centralaccommodation.net

St Arnaud 99 Park St, South Yarra, starnaudguesthouse.com.au The Spencer City Central BP 475 Spencer St spencerbackpackers.com.au

23 Pascoe Street, Apollo Bay. Dorms from $28.

Home Travellers Motel 32 Carlisle St, St Kilda. 1800 008 718, hometravellersmotel.com.au Hotel Bakpak Melbourne 167 Franklin St. 1800 645 200,

Urban Central 334 City Road, Southbank urbancentral.com.au

On the edge of the Great Ocean Road and a short walk to beautiful surf beaches. Decent free breakfast, modern bathrooms, wifi available and comfortable common areas to meet fellow travellers.

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

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

The Nunnery 116 Nicholson Street, Fitzroy nunnery.com.au

Apollo Bay Backpackers Lodge

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

Apollo Bay

apollobaybackpackerslodge.com.au

hotelbakpak.com Melbourne Central YHA 562 Flinders St. 03 9621 2523, yha.com.au Nomads Melbourne 198 Aâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;beckett St. 1800 447 762, nomadshostels.com Space Hotel 380 Russell St. 1800 670 611, spacehotel.com.au The Spencer

475 Spencer St. 1800 638 108, hotelspencer.com Back of Chapel 50 Green St, Windsor nomadshostels.com

Elephant Backpackers 250 Flinders St elephantbackpacker.com.au

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

ST KILDA

Elizabeth Hostel 490 Elizabeth St

Back of with Chapel Backpackers Maximum elizabethhostel.com.au 4 bed dormitories linen and towel 50 Green St College Lawn Hotel 36 Greville St, Prahran collegelawnhotel.com.au

$2 backofchapel.com

King St Backpackers

King Street (cereal, toast and j FREE all 160 you can eat breakfast Base St Kilda kingstreetbackpackers.com.au 17 Carlisle St and coffee Claremont Guesthouse weekly meal, rice and pasta, tea stayatbase.com 189 Toorak Rd, South Yarra Hotel Discovery

hotelclaremont.com

167 Franklin St

Coffee Palacewith Backpackers hoteldiscovery.com.au FREE in room oversized locker personal 24 Grey St coffeepalacebackpackers.com.au Lords Lodge Backpackers power point 167 Franklin St

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

5 minute walk to city IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Large bar with big screen (all major sporting events shown) Drink specials at the bar

Public transport on doorstep Unique value tour packages

AbOg

Maximum 4 bed dormitor

FREE all you can eat brea weekly meal, rice and pas

FREE in room oversized l power point 5 minute walk to city

UC103

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

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

$22 $ Melbourne Oasis YHA 76 Chapman St yha.com.au

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Large bar with big screen 4@33 P`SOYTOab eSSYZg [SOZ `WQS (all major sporting events

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UC103

Drink specials at the bar ^]eS` ^]W\b

Book Now 1800

4@33 W\P]c\R b` Public transport on doors

Unique value tour packag 631 288 urbancentra

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royal botanical gardens

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Book Now 1800 C1 !

UC103

If you think taking a stroll in the spring time through the Royal Botanical Gardens is more on your grandmaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s agenda than yoursâ&#x20AC;Ś think again. When visiting the gardens you will discover over 50,000 striking plants displayed over 36 hectares. The diverse plant collections and all year-round events, unique tours and reputation as one of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s finest gardens has made this one of Melbourneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most popular tourist attractions. If that doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get your there, this will, why not grab a gourmet picnic box from The Terrace which is a fully licensed cafĂŠ located in the heart of the gardens. You can sit in the sunshine with some good friends or your loved one and soak up everything the gardens have to offer. Best of all, entry is free all year round.

631

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14/12/12 9:43 PM AM 1/5/13 9:21:27

VICLISTINGS Habitat HQ 333 St Kilda Rd, thehabitathq.com.au Oslo Hotel 38 Grey St oslohotel.com.au The Ritz for Backpackers 109 Barkly St stkildabeachhouse.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

Federation Square. ngv.vic.gov.au

03 5289 2508, yha.com.au

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

Port Campbell Hostel 18 Tregea St, Port Campbell. 03 5598 6305, portcampbellhostel.com.au

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

Surfside Backpackers Cnr Great Ocean Rd & Gambier St, Apollo Bay. 1800 357 263, surfsidebackpacker.com

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

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

Anglesea Backpackers 40 Noble St, Anglesea. 03 5263 2664, angleseabackpackers.com.au

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

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

National Gallery of Victoria

Great Ocean Road Backpackers YHA 10 Erskine Av, Lorne.

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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

Tourist Road. 03 5956 6123

murray river Echuca Gardens YHA 103 Av, Mitchell St, Echuca. 03 5480 6522, yha.com.au

grampians

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

dandenong

The Spencer

Halls Gap. 03 5356 4543,

yha.com.au Tim’s Place 44 Grampians

timsplace.com.au

mildura

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

The Island Accommodation 10-12 Phillip Island

Cnr Grampians & Buckler Rds,

03 5356 4288,

Prom Country Backpackers 03 5682 2614

Amaroo Park YHA 97 Church St, Cowes. 03 5952 3620, yha.com.au

Grampians YHA Eco Hostel

Road, Halls Gap.

gippsland

Mildura City Backpackers 50 Lemon Avenue

phillip island

Tortoise Head Lodge French Island. 03 5980 1234, tortoisehead.net

theislandaccommodation.com. au

milduracitybackpackers.com.au

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! 78

Lorne The Great Ocean Road tourist route passes through many beautiful seaside towns, none lovelier than Lorne. A two hour drive south of Melbourne awaits a Mediterranean café culture with shops, boutiques and galleries. The main tourist strip on Mountjoy Parade overlooks the wide sands of Louttit Bay.Lorne is home to the Pier to Pub; an annual 1.2km open water swimming race run by the local Surf Lifesaving Club. It is also the birthplace of the famous Falls Festival, a music and arts camping festival which attracts thousands of people each New Year’s Eve.

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SALISTINGS

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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

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

Radeka Downunder

Coober Pedy

radekadownunder.com.au

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

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

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

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

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

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

1 Oliver Street, Dorms from $35 The underground accommodation in Coober Pedy is an attraction in itself. Life in the rock is really the only practical way to escape the desert heat or winter cold.

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

Nomads on Murray Sturt Highway, Kingston on Murray. 1800 665 166, nomadsworld.com Riverland Backpackers Labour Hire Services 08 8583 0211

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

Photo: SATC

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

coober pedy If you’re travelling between Adelaide and Darwin, whether by road or on board The Ghan train, you’re almost certain to stop off at this bizarre town right bang in the middle of the Aussie outback. Coober Pedy is where about 85 per cent of the world’s opals come from, meaning that it’s a place where fortunes are quite literally still regularly made and lost, giving it a slightly wild edge. That edge is no doubt helped by the fact that temperatures are so consistently high that most people in fact live under ground, and you have to wonder whose keen to do that...

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WALISTINGS

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

Underground Backpackers 268 Newcastle St, Northbridge. 08 9228 3755, undergroundbackpackers.com.au

CHECK IN

Britannia on William 253 William St, Northbridge. 08 9227 6000, perthbrittania.com

The Witchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hat 148 Palmerston St. 08 9228 4228, Witchs-hat.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 Perth City YHA 300 Wellington St. 08 9287 3333, yha.com.au The Old Swan Barracks 6 Francis St.

Pirates Backpackers 11 Essex Street, Fremantle. Dorms from $24. A family owned and small, lively hostel in the heart of Freo. Outdoor fire pit and spa for chilly nights and plenty of activities year round.

Fremantle

piratesbackpackers.com.au

@tnt_downunder 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

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

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

Beatty Lodge 235 Vincent St beattylodge.com.au

Planet Inn Backpackers 496 Newcastle St planetinn.com.au

Cheviot Lodge 30 Bulwer St cheviotlodge.com

The Shiralee Hostel 107 Brisbane St, Northbridge planetinn.com.au

Coolibah Lodge 194 Brisbane St coolibahlodge.com.au

Underground Backpackers 268 Newcastle St, shiralee.com.au

Easy Perth Backpackers 4 Francis Street, Northbridge easyperthbackpackers.com.au

Wickham Retreat Backpackers 25-27 Wickham St East Perth (08) 9325 6398

Grand Central Hotel Backpackers 379 Wellington St (08) 9421 1123

YMCA Jewell House 180 Goderich St ymcajewellhouse.com.au

Hay Street Backpackers 266-268 Hay St haystbackpackers.com

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 Kings Park & Botanic Garden bgpa.wa.gov.au

The Rosemount Hotel rosemounthotel.com.au

freo stay Backpackers Inn Freo 11 Pakenham St. 08 9431 7065, backpackersinnfreo.com.au

Perth Mint 310 Hay St. 08 9421 7223, perthmint.com.au

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

Perth Zoo 20 Labouchere Road, South Perth. 08 9474 3551, perthzoo.wa.gov.au

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

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

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

The Bakery nowbaking.com.au

rottnest isl

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

margaret river

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

ningaloo reef

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

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

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

Ningaloo Club Coral Bay 08 9948 5100, ningalooclub.com

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

@tnt_downunder 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

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

dirk hartog island As Western Australia’s largest and most western island, Dirk Hartog Island is about 80km long and about 3-15km wide. Named after a Dutch sea captain who first encountered the coastline, it is one of many islands in the Shark Bay area. This area is classified as a World Heritage area for the many historical artefacts and geographical landscapes in the area. The island consists of mostly shrub-covered sand dunes and is known for fantastic recreational fishing opportunities. The turtle population of Dirk Hartog Island is one of the many pride and joys of this amazing island getaway and will offer any tourist amazing photos of nature.

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NTLISTINGS

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IN THE SPOTLIGHT

WYCLIFFE WELL There’s no shortage of strange places to stop at when crossing the outback, but Australia’s UFO capital, about 380km north of Alice Springs, is definitely one of the oddest. Indeed, so often are flying saucers spotted in Wycliffe’s skies that it is supposedly the fifth most popular holiday destination for aliens in this world. Nobody’s quite sure why they like it so much (or who actually compiles that list), although being near the secretive Area 51-like American military base at Pine Gap might have something to do with it. Check out the permanent aliens, plus the Hulk and Phantom, at the holiday park.

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

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

katherine do

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

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

darwin do Crocosaurus Cove Crocodile park and cage of death. 58 Mitchell St. 08 8981 7522, crocosauruscove.com Deckchair Cinema Jervois Rd, Darwin Waterfront. 08 8981 0700, deckchaircinema.com.au

alice do Alice Springs Desert Park Larapinta Drive. 08 8951 8788, alicespringsdesertpark.com.au

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

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

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

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

Palm Court Kookaburra Backpackers Giles St. 1800 626 722

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

Alice Springs Reptile Centre Meet and hold lizards. 9 Stuart Terrace. 08 8952 8900, reptilecentre.com.au

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

Alice’s Secret Travellers Inn

6 Khalick Street, Alice Springs. Dorms from $23. The smallest hostel in Alice Springs, and also clean, comfortable and friendly. Surrounded by native gardens and five minutes to the city.

Alice Springs

asecret.com.au

Fannie Bay Gaol Heritage prison. East Point Road, Fannie Bay. 08 8941 2260, nt.gov.au Museum & Art Gallery of the Northern Territory 19 Conacher St, Bullocky Point. 08 8999 8264, magnt.nt.gov.au

Oz Jet Boating Stokes Hill Wharf. 1300 135 595, ozjetboating.com.au Spectacular Jumping Crocodile Cruise Adelaide River. 08 8978 9077, jumpingcrocodile.com.au Wave Lagoon Waterfront Precinct. waterfront.nt.gov.au

tennant creek Tourist Rest Leichardt St. 08 8962 2719, touristrest.com.au

Outback Ballooning Hot air balloon rides. 1800 809 790, outbackballooning.com.au Royal Flying Doctor Service Base Museum and operations room. Stuart Terrace. 08 8952 1129, flyingdoctor.net

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

Haven Resort 3 Larapinta Drive. 1800 794 663, alicehaven.com.au

School of the Air Long-distance schooling museum. 80 Head St. 08 8951 6834, assoa.nt.edu.au The Rock Tour Uluru tours. 78 Todd St. 1800 246 345, therocktour.com.au

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TASLISTINGS 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

devonport

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

Tasman Backpackers 114 Tasman Street, Devonport. Dorms from $20. Homely hostel with a friendly atmosphere and free job placement program for fruit picking. Lots of common areas and free internet.

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

Devonport

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

tasmanbackpackers.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

@tnt_downunder

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

KING ISLAND Escape the mainland crowds and explore some of Australia’s quietest, cheapest and most rewarding dive sites. The Tassie waters maybe chillier, but that just means there’s different stuff to see, like towering kelp forests (pictured), sea dragons and plenty of seals. Great diving spots litter Tassie’s east coast, Flinders Island and Rocky Cape in the north. But to really get off the beaten track then head to former sealer station King Island, bang in the middle of Bass Strait. Over 60 shipwrecks fill the surrounding waters. Get there by flying from Melbourne or a number of Tassie towns.

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NZLISTINGS

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

eating and drinking in auckland Auckland boasts just about every type of cuisine you can think of, at very affordable prices. The cheapest way to find filling food is to head for the food courts that adjoin the larger shopping malls, such as the Downtown Food Court in the Downtown Shopping Centre on QEII Square. For drinking, Queen Street and the roads running off it are the best places to start. You’ll find comedy clubs, pubs and trendy watering holes, many offering deals. The Karangahape Road – or “K Road” – is NZ’s nearest thing to Kings Cross in Sydney or Soho in London. Bars and clubs are set among the bustling red light district of Auckland. You’ll find clubs with everything from 24-hour drinking and pool to trance and hardcore hip-hop. Auckland Viaduct is also worth checking out. It’s a beacon for beautiful people and cute yachties, and the pubs are certainly lively when the sailors are in.

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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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ozwork

I sought the law Why pull beers or lift heavy things when you could work in the legal sector for better pay and a chance at a sponsorship? Words Hugh Radojev

So, you’ve come to Australia with nothing but a suitcase full of swimmers and enough quid in your back pocket for 20 or 30 litres of cask wine and some instant noodles? Enjoy yourself now because the honeymoon won’t last forever. Australian cities like Sydney and Melbourne are amongst some of the most expensive places to live in the whole world and, unless you’re a distant relative of the Queen or something, your parents are unlikely to keep forking over the sterling so you can lounge around in the sun doing nothing on the job front. Don’t fret though, because if you’ve got yourself a working holiday visa you needn’t spend your nights polishing glasses in a dingy bar. With a little fortitude and a hard working ethos you can carve yourself out a fulfilling temp job in the legal sector with good pay and plenty of opportunities for sponsorship.

You don’t even need a legal degree from Oxford or Cambridge either (although, if we’re being honest, it helps). While many legal secretary jobs will advertise asking for 2–3 years experience in applicants, there are always exceptions to the rule and the best way to get a foot in the door in this industry is to get yourself on the books at a good temp agency, like Legal Personnel. “To work with our agency, the qualifications needed are a minimum of six months’ legal experience or a law degree,” said Sally Higham from Legal Personnel, which nearly prompted sad faces until she added: “or a valid Working Holiday Visa and Australian Tax File Number.” Success! Jobs available to backpackers on a temporary basis in the legal sector include things like legal secretaries (known as paralegals in the UK) and the much under-appreciated role of assistant clerk (known lovingly amongst barristers tntdownunder.com

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ozwork

@tnt_downunder

Bad hair day? Sorted.

as ‘gofers’ or ‘runners’). You could even find yourself working in the mailroom, on reception, or in the catering department. The big law firms don’t like to see their barristers go hungry, after all. Don’t sniff derisively, though, because the average pay rates for a legal secretary run between $24 and $32 per hour + superannuation. Eye watering numbers to be sure. I can relate from personal experience that gophers can expect anywhere between $18 to $25 an hour, more than enough dough to keep your Saturday nights soaked in wine and MSG-flavoured hot water. “With the unemployment rate so low and the skills shortage across the legal industry, there has been great demand for legal temps in all states,” explains Sally Higham. With a main office in Sydney, Legal Personnel also have a large online recruitment reach, offering jobs right around Australia and in New Zealand. An agency like Legal

Personnel represents one of the surest and thus best ways to get yourself into a temporary job within the legal sector. Once you do have your foot in the door at a law firm and you’ve proven yourself to be worth their time, they almost all offer training to their staff, so you don’t need to be an expert in the vagaries of the Australian common law system when you start. As mentioned earlier, temp jobs in the legal sector offer excellent opportunities for future sponsorship, as long as you are willing to put in the hard work. In my experience a legal firm will be loathe to let you go if you’re a hard worker and they’ve invested some time and effort into training you up. After that it’s only up and up for you in your new legal career. Then perhaps one day you can fly your folks out and show just how well you’re doing without them. To learn more head to legalpersonnel.com.au

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Legal Temping Like a boss: half windsor all the way

Legal Secretaries – all areas of law Paralegals / litigation support Legal Receptionists With a reputation for quality assignments & provision of quality temp staff, we are regularly briefed on a wide variety of legal roles with law firms & in-house departments. Enjoy working with our approachable temp consultant Melanie to secure both short and long term assignments, to suit your lifestyle. 18+ months relevant legal experience essential 60+ wpm typing speed and strong computer skills Receive your pay the same week you work. Enjoy the variety and flexibility of temping. Contact us today to join our leading temp team!

Melanie Hawcroft lawstaff.com.au 02 9235 3399

On the Job Here are a few tips for when you actually get your job:

• Ensure you understand the role and that it is suited to your skills and qualifications.

• Become best friends with the receptionist and the head clerk, you’ll thank me later!

• The legal world all seem to dress like they’re in

an episode of Mad Men. That means suits for the gents and a nice pant suit for the ladies. Also try and keep your piercings and tattoos to yourself.

• If you’re employed as a runner, you’ll basically

just be ferrying briefs from the firm to the courthouse, low to medium levels of fitness may be required.

• Legal secretaries are the unsung heroes of the law world. What I’m saying is don’t expect a lot of thanks

Photos: TNT Images

• Most barristers are middle aged, balding, fat

men with an inflated sense of self-worth. They are pretty good at buying ‘the help’ expensive lunches though!

• A half-windsor is the only acceptable tie knot! tntdownunder.com

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totallytrivial

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who to blame

and their favourite island in australia Editor

Alex Harmon

(Tasmania)

Staff writer Hugh Radojev

(Rottnest, WA)

NorThern territory quiz aussie rules football

rory platt

(Bruny, TAS)

What is the capital of the Northern Q 1.Territory? a) Alice Springs b) Darwin c) Katherine d) Nhulunbuy

Design & production Lisa Ferron

(Heron, QLD)

What is the Aboriginal name for Q 2.Ayers Rock?

account manager

Justin Steinlauf

(Fraser, QLD)

Rock is the closest McDonalds? a) 465 km b) 20km c) 1043 km d) 630 km

georgina pengelly

(Hamilton, QLD)

of Yulara? a) 1 million b) 100,000 c) 1150 d) 150

Trish Bailey

sudoku puzzle

what we did this week had a blast on the world’s largest sand island, fraser island! lots of exploring, drinking + segwaying fun was had

1 2 7

popped over the ditch to auckland for some mingling with sharks... at the local aquarium, not talking about jafa’s! booked tickets to splendour in the grass. bring on july!

1 4

a) Melville Island b) Hamilton Island c) Rottnest Island d) Dunk Island

in the Northern Territory? a) Heineken Factory b) Cardrona Mountain c) Trevi Fountain d) Mataranka Springs

aussie-ism “Stunned mullet”

7 4

What is the largest island in the Q 8.Northern Territory?

Q 9. Which of the following is located

Q 5. What is the approximate population

Financial controller (Phillip, VIC)

a) Cyclone Anna b) Cyclone Thomas c) Cyclone Mary d) Cyclone Tracy

3. What is the emblem of the NT? a) Cockatoo b) Wedge Tailed Eagle c) Bald Eagle d) Parrot

Q 4. Approximately how far from Ayers

marketing + events executive

6. What does the name Yulara actually mean in pitjantjara language? a) Place of the howling dog b) Place of the resting spirit c) Place of the dreamtime d) Place of the emu

Which tropical cyclone is known for Q 7.massive damage to Darwin?

a) Ayeriri b) Yulara Pulka c) Uluru d) Olgas

Business development Tom Wheeler (Norfolk)

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

Intern

To be in a complete state of bewilderment and astonishment, utterly dazed and confused about something that has happened. e.g: “He just sat there, staring like a stunned mullet!

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