TNT Down Under #699

September 17-23 2012 Issue 699 tntdownunder.com

IRN W UXU IOUS

AL GOLD COAST S N RUGBY SEVE PACKAGE

CAMELS AND BLING Exploring the old and new Dubai

IN THE WINE HOUSE A weekend retreat in the Hunter Valley

B U L C S R E G N SWI

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ALEX HARMON EDITOR editor@tntdownunder.com

EDITOR’S LETTER TNT just returned from a long weekend in New Zealand, in fact it was longer for those who were snowed in when a polar blast hit Queenstown – but that’s not the point.

The point is, you’d be mad to go home without visiting the land across the ditch. It has it all: beaches, islands, glaciers, islands, mountains, and plenty of adventure. Read all about it on pg6. Happy travels – try not to get snowed under!

THIS WEEK OZ DIARY

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CHATROOM

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FILM

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TRAVEL

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COMPETITION

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NEWS

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OPINION

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SPORT

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LISTINGS NSW

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LISTINGS QUEENSLAND

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LISTINGS VICTORIA

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LISTINGS NT

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LISTINGS TASMANIA

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LISTINGS SA

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LISTINGS WA

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LISTINGS NEW ZEALAND

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WORK

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TRIVIAL PURSUITS

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FEATURES KIWI CLASSICS

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From the rolling hills to the crashing waves (in one day) we have NZ covered

SHORT CUTS

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Getting to know Alt-J, who they say are the next big thing in UK ‘art-rock’

LIFE ON THE VINE

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A weekend of wine tasting and acrobatic flights, what could possibly go wrong?

DIVING FOR BLING In the city of striking contrasts, we pit old Dubai against new Dubai

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OZDIARY

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EDITORIAL Editor Alex Harmon Staff writer Hugh Radojev Contributors Daisy Carrington, Leigh Livingstone Interns James Beasenvalle, Amelia Gray, Caitlin Stanway

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

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

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MAIN EVENT DECK CHAIR FILM FESTIVAL DARWIN

Made possible by the Northern Territory’s famous tropical climate of warm evenings and balmy breezes, the Deck Chair Film Festival is a unique outdoor experience. Featuring 10 films from around the globe over eight nights, including two that will make their Australian screen debut – Punch and Flowers of War. The beauty of Darwin’s iconic waterfront combined with the relaxed nature of the outdoor cinema’s seating (which lend the festival its name) make for the perfect movie going experience.

September 19-26

Darwin Waterfront

deckchaircinema.com.au

LAVAZZA ITALIAN FILM FESTIVAL

SWELL SCULPTURE FESTIVAL

INDOOR LANEWAY EXHIBITION

Definitely one for lovers of all things tall, dark and handsome.

Featuring the best offerings from Italy’s burgeoning film industry, movie buffs won’t be disappointed. The festival also celebrates all the things that are good about Italian food, wine and coffee.

Now in its tenth year, this festival continues the tradition of bringing art to the people.

More than 50 artists will install inventive and compelling sculpture pieces along the Gold Coast’s Currumbin beach. Get in before they kick the bucket.

A collaborative effort between renowned artist Eugenia Lim and a host of talented young Melbourne artists, this promises a fresh and exciting take on digital art.

This free exhibition will feature physical installations and digital media works.

Sept 20 – Oct 10 Various Cinemas, Sydney italianfilmfestival.com.au

Sept 14 – 23 Currumbin Beach, Gold Coast swellsculpture.com.au

Sept 17-Oct 14 St Kilda, Melbourne thatsmelbourne.com.au

WHERE TO GET TNT

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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.

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Islands in the clouds Fiords, glaciers, whales, geysers, volcanoes, islands and golden beaches, a jealous person might say that New Zealand has it all WORDS PRIYAL DADHANIA + ALEX HARMON

People often argue about their favourite Kiwi island – is it set to be the north island or south? Or is it Stewart, or the little Waiheke Island?

(Yes, there are more than just two.)

Well, we’re here to tell you there’s no need to pick. You’ll find rolling hills, sky scraping mountains and adventure dotted all over New Zealand. And, in the adrenalin capital of the world, they’re not to be admired solely from the ground – skydive, bungy, anyone?

For such a small country there certainly is a lot on offer in New Zealand. The biggest mistake you can make is to assume that it’s just a smaller version of Australia. In fact they couldn’t be more different. There’s a melting pot of cultures with the native Maori populations and the growing influx from the South Pacific islands and Asia which give life in New Zealand a unique flavour.

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Plus New Zealand is a land where you can go swimming in the morning and skiing in the afternoon.

If you prefer to keep your feet firmly on the ground, there are plenty of hikes and walks. Not far from Taupo you’ll spot sinister looking mountains – for those Lord of the Rings fans does Mount Doom sound familiar? The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is one of the highly recommended walks worldwide.

Even for the physically fit, the climb up Mount Doom, known as Mount Ngauruhoe, has proved challenging.

If this sounds physically exerting maybe Franz Josef’s glacier hike will be less strenuous. Half day, or full day hikes are available, split into ability groups so you’ll find yourself walking at your own personal pace.

If, after all this excitement, you’d rather chill, a trip up to the Bay of Islands is recommended. On a small

boat you can admire the beauty of the islands and even catch a glimpse of a dolphin or two. If you’d rather stick to some whale watching, Kaikoura won’t fail you – full of whales and seals you can chose to swim up close or stay dry on board the boat.

Finally, Auckland and Wellington, like all good cities have a number of clubs and bars. But in the unassuming south island the place to party is most definitely Queenstown. You’ll find yourself in sub-zero temperatures enjoying a chilled vodka at Ice Bar before saddling up to ride the mechanical bull in Cowboys and ordering tea-pots at the World Bar. If you need something to soak up the booze, the infamous burger joint in Queenstown is open till late: Fergburger. You must conquer it.

For 33 more reasons why the land of the long white cloud is great, read on...

NEVIS UmNetrGesY B 134 G IN W S NthEe wVoIS rld’s biggest swing

www.bungy.co.nz TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

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HAVE A WANAKA

IT IS SPECTACULAR

BUNGYYY!

FLY HIGH

An hour from Queenstown is its younger, smaller, but equally attractive brother. It boasts: wineries, wonderful lakeside scenery, ski fields, mountain biking, skydiving, jetboating, canyoning, Lord of the Rings lark...

Silly name though.

A boat trip edges you out onto the Sound’s water, home to dolphins, fairy penguins and New Zealand fur seals, all looking like ants next to the immense Mitre Peak. Onwards to the open sea, passing all sorts of waterfalls; some twist in the air, others thunder from impossible heights.

Queenstown is home of the bungy jump, but also canyon swings, jetboating, hanggliding, whitewater rafting, skydiving and more.

Bring spare undercrackers.

A scenic flight around here is an unforgettable experience. And then there’s the far larger but much less touristy Doubtful Sound around the corner. You can even stay overnight on a house boat.

ICE TO SEE YOU

ASPIRATIONAL The spectacular Mount Aspiring National Park is also nearby – great for mountaineering and “tramping”.

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New Zealand has gazillions of glaciers, but the colossal ice tongues of the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers are the most accessible. It’s like stepping into a different world as your crampons crunch through an ice labyrinth of caves, frozen waves and crevasses. Make the most of it by doing the full-day hike.

SEALY GOOD Swims with the highly-sociable seals are excellent in Kaikoura.

Plus, there’s dolphin swimming, where you take the plunge with literally hundreds of the friendly blighters – go on, make ‘em jealous

SPERM Kaikoura is a hot spot for all sorts of water-based creatures, especially whales, dolphins and seals. Watch whales – sperm, humpback and more – call in year round.

SOUNDS SPECTACULAR Half the visual pleasure of Milford Sound is the journey there; winding roads plunge into dense, moss-plastered woodland, snake along gaping drops and pass waterfalls crashing to the floor from way up somewhere.

VOTE FOR US! VOTE “KIWI EXPERIENCE” FOR FAVOURITE NZ TOUR OPERATOR IN THE TNT GOLDEN BACKPACKS

VOTE HERE: http://goldenbackpacks.tntdownunder.com/ You’ll also be in the draw to win free flights around Australia courtesy of TNT and Tiger Airways!

Sweet As!

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GET TO THE CHOPPER

EGGS-ELLENT SMELL

If you have the cash to splash, a helicopter trip to land near the top of the glacier is unforgettable.

Then there are geysers and bubbling mud pools to admire and a spa pool or mud bath to relax in later.

After some hair-whitening adrenalin thrills, such as zorbing.

TAUPO CAN YOU GO Just up the road there’s Taupo, which combines more thermal fun, plenty of adrenalin thrills, water sports and some great scenery, for tramping or simply gawping at.

WEST IS BEST Also, many people make the glacial-sized error of speeding down the west coast and not stopping to peruse a little, in Hokitika (where you can make your own jade pendant), Greymouth and the pancake rocks of Punakaiki. Lonely Planet rate it as one of the world’s top 10 roadtrips.

HIT THE HUT If you’re not much of a mountaineer, there are several short walks near Mt Cook, all yielding good mountain and/or glacier views. Or stay overnight in the Mueller Hut (book at DOC), with wondrous mountain views at sunrise and sunset.

GIVE IT SOME WELLY IWith green hills reaching up behind the capital and the shimmering harbour below it, New Zealand’s most attractive city is awash with cafés and culture. The Windy City has festivals aplenty, day-stealing museums, and good nightlife.

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WILLING AND ABEL

PEAK TIME As long as the clouds haven’t hooded its handsome head, your first full sighting of Mt Cook should stop you in your tracks. New Zealand’s highest is one dashing mountain.

HAKA TIME It smells a bit like a rotten egg, but Rotorua is a great place to swot up on Maori culture, geothermal wonder and adrenalin thrills. Don’t miss seeing a haka and try to chow down on a hangi while you’re there.

Arguably the finest spot for some kayaking is Abel Tasman National Park, at the top of the South Island.

The water can be a curious glowing green, the beaches all golden little curves and the sea full of seals. Choose the back seat to do less work.

MARLBOROUGH MAN Too crowded? Nearby Marlborough Sounds is an appealing alternative, offering similar kayaking and hiking options, plus the mandatory seals and dolphins.

GET AGRO New Zealand is known for its adrenalin activities and most of you would say Queenstown and Auckland are king, but have you heard of Rotorua’s Agroventures?

This amusement park has the world’s only human powered monorail, a bungy and an NZ icon, the Agrojet, the fastest jet sprint experience in NZ. Go wild!

This place will blow your mind Bro...

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CAVE IN

WAY TO OTAGO

ALL WHITE

Sensational caving and blackwater rafting at Waitomo’s extraordinary underground cave network.

Sneak up to the sea lions and other amazing wildlife – especially the adorable penguins – on the Otago Peninsula, before testing out Dunedin’s much vaunted nightlife.

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

FEELING HIP

LAST YEAR’S NEW ZEALAND WINNERS...

Best hostel: Best ho h o Nomads, Queenstown Quee Qu eens nstt Best Be st tour/activity: to AJ H Hackett Hac ackk Bungy, Queenstown Quee Qu eens nstt Best Be st backpacker ba b a night: Big Bi g Ni Night Nigh gh Out, Queenstown Best Be st tour/transport tto o operator: oper op erat ato o Kiwi Experience Best Be st car/campervan cca a rental: rent re ntal al:: Jucy Rentals 12

Cosy Coromandel caters for every hippie whim, with Hot Water Beach – where you can dig your own hot bath in the sand – arguably the pick of the bunch.

FAREWELL SPIT Rather than a gesture of disdain, it’s a unique sandbar – the world’s largest – and wildife reserve stretching out from the tip of the South Island like a claw. A fascinating 4WD experience full of raw beauty.

SLAP AND TIPPLE Get a bit of slap and tipple from the many, very tasty wine regions. Hic.

GREAT WALKS The nine official Great Walks got their name for a reason.

All of them come highly recommended, especially those in spectacular Fiordland

THAT’S GOLDEN Sampling the hippie treats of Golden Bay.

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

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CONQUER MORDOR Tongariro National Park has live volcanoes, bizarrelycoloured lakes and postapocalyptic landscapes – Mordor was filmed here for those films. If you do one tramp in New Zealand, make it the Tongariro Crossing.

SKYDIVE Jump out of a perfectly good plane at 14,000ft. Go on, dare you. Those of you after bragging rights should head to Franz Josef, where the friendly locals will chuck you out from 18,000ft, New Zealand’s highest dropzone.

Oddly, many people find this less frightening than bungy jumping.

HIT THE NORTH Ever seen two oceans collide? Sand dunes the size of small mountains?

A 90-mile beach? Dolphins dashing in between golden beach-fringed islands (Bay of Islands)? Even if you have, it’s unlikely you’ve seen them all in such close proximity. Welcome to the “winterless” Northland.

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#+## %*, ')' “

“

n in Queenstow The best rushied them all + I’ve tr George Gunn

, UK

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CHATROOM

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Oh Mercy After an extensive road trip across the US, the Aussie five piece returned home with their most colourful album to date. We chat to lead singer, and pun-enthusiast, Alexander Gow INTERVIEW ALEX HARMON

Kins, who are fantastic and very different to the latest Oh Mercy stuff. I feel very liberated to be able to express myself without having to run it by anyone else. The other four in the band are committed to the concept and aesthetic.

How was the South by Southwest Festival?

It was great, had some beer and had some BBQ food and saw the Twerps a few times. It was good, but at the time I was thinking about making a record, so I can’t remember much.

“There are no symbols on the record because symbols hurt my ears”

Hi Alexander, what are you up to?

Well, I just dropped our van off at the mechanics to have a once over so that we don’t have a terrible accident on the road.

Because you guys are about to start touring Oz, right?

Yeah that’s right, and the new album is coming out so it feels good. It’s a fairly surreal period between recording and release, when only a few people have heard it. I can’t wait for it to be fair game to the public so I can start to think about writing some new songs.

How is this album different?

It’s different in many ways – musically and lyrically. I suppose this record is different because the lyrics are all fictional. There isn’t a rhythm playing so there isn’t someone chugging away on the acoustic guitar and that leaves a lot of space in the music. And there are no symbols on the record because symbols hurt my ears.

The album cover is very Rio Carnivale.

Yeah it is, it’s a photograph by an Australian artist called Rennie Ellis who is one of our greatest photographers. He’s taken a lot of iconic Australian shots around Kings Cross and St Kilda

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and he’s a bit of an idol of mine, so I was pretty happy to be able to use one of his works.

Perhaps Oh Mercy will produce the next Olympic theme song?

It will sound very much like the Muse song I heard at the closing ceremony. Equally awful.

Tell me about title track, Deep Heat.

It’s about a biblical character, a martyr, who is desperate to be taken seriously but no one does.

And it’s not based on you?

That’s right. So when I play a show in Antarctica to a couple of seals I wont have to pour my heart out to them.

The name Oh Mercy is a Bob Dylan reference, are you a massive fan?

Yes, well me and everyone else in the world who has ever tried to write a song. I suppose as an 18 year old you look to your idols and I did just that.

You were a duo and now you’re a five piece, how has the dynamic changed?

It’s been an interesting transition. Tom Savage and I used to write songs together and now we don’t. He’s making music with his band called

Do you prefer festivals or intimate shows?

I like them both but for different reasons.

Festivals are good but you don’t usually get time to do a proper sound check so your certain expectations of a show are thrown out the window and you have to deal with certain limitations – which is a liberating experience.

And the smaller shows are great because it usually means people are there because they enjoy your music on a more substantial level, which is gratifying for me on stage.

You’re a Melbourne boy, any tips for travellers down there?

Go for a walk down by the Yarra Bend Trail which is near the Collingwood Children’s Farm.

It’s a lovely walk thrown back in time a couple of hundred of years and it’s very serene and quiet.

And go to the Rose Hotel, it’s my favourite pub.

It’s in Fitzroy, and is a bit of an old-timey kind of sports pub. The footy is always on, the food is cheap, and the clientele are like the furniture.

Great Barrier Grief, your last album: inspired by the reef or do you just love a good pun?

Probably option B on that one.

No puns this time around?

No, the precise reason that I didn’t use one was because people expected it.

Catch Oh Mercy in Brisbane (Sept 21), Sydney (Sept 29), Perth (Oct 6), Hobart (Oct 18), Melbourne (Oct 25) and Fremantle (Sept 22) ohmercy.com.au

FILMREVIEW

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“We’re gonna need a bigger trolley”

BAIT 3D FILM review by Alex Harmon STARRING: Xavier Samuel, Julian McMahon, Sharni Vinson, Lincoln Lewis /M/ 93mins

BEASTS OF THE SOUTHERN WILD FILM review Quvenzhane Wallis, Dwight Henry | M | 93mins

It’s hard to decide what is more impressive – the stunning visuals, skin tingling score or the overwhelming talent of Quvenzhane Wallis, who plays six-year old protagonist, Hushpuppy.

The enchanting story of her alcoholic father and their forgotten bayou community is full of metaphors and subplots that will keep your mind rolling long after the credits stop. CS 18

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First there were snakes on a plane, then came piranhas in a waterpark – now we have sharks in a supermarket. As ludicrous as it may sound, if you take the film for what it is, a heart-racing action romp where the bad guys are caught with live bait knicked from the deli, you’ll actually enjoy it. It’s like Die Hard went game fishing.

Josh (Xavier Samuel) and Tina (Sharni Vinson) are a young couple living a very Summer Bay lifestyle on the Gold Coast when tragedy strikes and Josh’s best friend and Tina’s brother, Rory, is killed in a shark attack. Devastated by the event he witnesses, Josh’s relationship with Tina falls apart through guilt and grief.

A year later, Josh is still coming to terms with Rory’s death and is slumming it as a shelf-packer at the local supermarket. But his life changes instantly when a tsunami hits the coast and a crew of mismatched characters are trapped on the shelves of a supermarket. And wait for it, they’re not alone – cue a couple of blood-thirsty great white sharks who are circling the aisles and the adjacent carpark.

Throw in some crims, a troubled father-daughter relationship and a love triangle, and you’ve got the formula for a classic B-grade horror film. It’s just that this time the sharks are the killers and it’s the unassuming characters that man-up for some serious fish-arse-kicking.

Sure the great white’s hit-list is predictable, the multitude of mixed up accents grates, and it’s no Jaws, but Bait is an enjoyable ride that will make you think twice about dipping your toes in the ocean – or the supermarket aisle – for some time.

GOOD FOR: Tips on turning shopping baskets and duct tape into shark armour

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

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Meet the delta force The Leeds-born band, Alt-J, who defy genre but got slapped with artrock, talk the album and their unashamed desire to see Ramsey Street WORDS HUGH RADOJEV

Ever since the Arctic Monkeys burst into the world's collective consciousness in 2002, the UK music media have spent the best part of a decade burdening young up and coming English bands with the dubiously beneficial title of ‘the next big thing’. Alt-J, the latest in a long line of British outfits to have this milestone placed around their necks tick the boxes at first glance. The band have trendy haircuts, wear fitted jeans and spectacles, but perhaps most tellingly of all, they have a quirky, left of centre name. Alt-J take their handle from the ancient Greek symbol for delta but are known better by the keyboard command which generates this on a Macintosh computer. (Read: Δ). Yet if you look beyond the hype and listen to Alt-J, it quickly becomes apparent that the band are not an open and shut case. More questions are raised than initially answered.

The band’s debut album, An Awesome Wave, (which takes its name from Bret Easton Ellis’ seminal novel American Psycho) draws heavily from such a varied range of musical, cinematic and literary influences that it becomes almost impossible to fit neatly into any existing genre or style.

Commonly used phrases like ‘indie’ or ‘alternative rock’ are dangerously limiting when used to describe a band with so broad a sonic palette, whilst ‘art rock’ – a particular favourite amongst critics when pressed for an apt description of Alt-J’s sound, distracts from an undeniable fact – it's not actually rock.

Songs on An Awesome Wave such as lead single Tessellate, the angular Dissolve Me, or the slipperier groove on Fitzspleasure are all firmly rooted in the kind of accessible pop music that people can easily recognise, and as a result, are built around sing-a-long chorus’ and extremely catchy hooks. When all is said and done, there is nothing particularly ‘rock’ about this album at all, certainly not in a traditional sense anyway.

Alt-J’s lead singer Joe Newman (top right) speaks freely and frankly of the various, and entirely disparate, influences that he and his three band mates have each brought to the album’s eclectic overall sound.

"Musical influences, where to start? Thom (drums) is into

“

We all agree on bands like Radiohead and Metronomy

”

his heavy metal. Gus (guitar/bass) was a chorister in his local choir. I grew up listening to a lot of Americana, stuff like Steely Dan, Laurel Canyon, that kind of stuff, the sort of stuff my parents listened to. Gwil, (keyboards/vocals) on the other hand, has only ever really listened to 1990s gangster rap. We all agree on certain things though – bands like Radiohead and Metronomy."

Considering this strange melting pot of musical influences and the fact that nobody, not even the band's most ardent fan, could possibly claim to have been listening to them much before 2011, Alt-J’s undeniably meteoric rise has come as a bit of a shock to everyone involved.

"We were all very proud of the album and we were all, I think, quite confident that people would like it. We’d had a good response with the single, Tessellate. But we definitely didn’t expect the kind of support that it has ended up getting. We have been very lucky, blessed even."

For a band of four young men to write a debut album that broke into the UK Top 40 charts in an era of modern music dominated by studio-produced, heavily stylised R’n’B artists and Justin Beiber is truly remarkable. The fact that their album went on to peak at #19 and they've just been nominated for a prestigious Mercury Award, beggars belief.

The album's huge success in the UK has propelled Alt-J onto some of music’s biggest stages, not just in their own country, but also in Europe and even across the Atlantic in America. Newman, however, is adamant that while all the touring has been beneficial for Alt-J, they are a band who are still very much honing their craft.

"We’re still learning, we’re a young band and at the

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Planking may have been last year but Alt-J are definitely 2012

moment we are just trying to get the album perfect live for the audience. What you’ll hear live is what you’ll be seeing us playing. There is no backing track, nothing to boost the sound. So we have to work incredibly hard on stage and it’s taking us awhile to get it all right."

That being said, it would seem that Alt-J are certainly not a band who will disappoint a live audience. Perhaps their most recent live success came when Alt-J played at this year's Reading and Leeds Festival, a highlight of the English summer mer season, surpassed only by the legendary ary Glastonbury.

"It’s always nice to play in Leeds," says Newman. "It’s not necessarily our home individually as people, but it iss the band's home. It's where the band wass born."

It was in 2007 that the fourr members who would go on to form Alt-J firstt met whilst studying at Leeds University. Perhaps a clichéd genesis story for many y bands, but one that seems to have a fruitful tful future ahead.

Alt-J will be coming to Australia tralia for a tour in October, a place that none of the band members have ever visited ed before.

Despite the hatefully long-haul ul flight that lies in store, Newman definitely seems eems to be looking forward to his first visit down under. In fact he is not ashamed to admit his desire ire to do some of the more touristy things whilst st he’s here.

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"I hope we have enough time to go out. I want to go to the beach the minute I get to Sydney, play the show, go out, and then go back to the beach when it’s dark. So yeah the beach, and Neighbours! I’ve always wanted to check out Ramsey Street," he says with a laugh.

"Sydney for the beaches, Melbourne for Neighbourss, sorted!" audiences might not know Australian audien expect from Alt-J when quite what to expe they do get here in October, but in an odd way it’s reassuring to hear that they won’t really know what to expect either. discovering together if We’ll be disco Joe, Gus, Gwil and Thom can make the the songs found on live renditions of th An Awesome Wave half as interesting, exciting and thought-provoking as they thoug appear on the record. rec One can’t help but think they’ll get a wonderful reception.

They might not recep be the next Arctic Monkeys, but Alt-J doesn’t need to be, b they’re a band who are incredibly comfortable in their own skin.

And that is wonderfully refreshing. ❚ won Alt-J begin their first Aussie A tour in Sydney (October Melbo 18), followed by Melbourne (October 20). Their Aweso Wave, is out now through debut album, An Awesome Infectious Music altjb altjband.com

HUGE SCREENS FOR ALL THE BEST LIVE SPORT!!!

Traditional British Pub Live music in the outdoor beer gardens and DJ till late Brisbanes best craft beer venue (SFBU TUFBLT BOE QVC OPTI t &YUFOTJWF XJOF MJTU &BHMF 4USFFU #SJTCBOF 2-% P XXX QJHOXIJTUMF DPN BV

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

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

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

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

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HOTSHOTS

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WINNER

WEEKLY WINNER HAPPY FEET: Michael Sutton, 24, UK MICHAEL SAYS: “This was taken on my recent trip to Antarctica. Best three weeks travelling so far!”

WE SAY: “Wow, what a shot! This photograph has a real sense of place, with the huge ice formations rising in the background, the frigid water in the middle and the snow in the foreground. Really captures the majesty and power of the most inhospitable of landscapes! Plus there are really, really cute penguins. Everybody loves penguins!”

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

Through the use of proper framing, you are allowing the viewer to see what you saw. Your choice of lens is therefore an important framing device: a macro lens can capture minute detail, while a wide-angle lens can be used to capture vast scale.

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THE MONTHLY WINNER GETS THREE DAYS CAR HIRE FROM TRAVELLERS AUTOBARN

WIN

Send high-res (300 dpi) jpegs with name, age, nationality and a description to:editor@tntdownunder.com.

Photos are judged by the TNT team at their own discretion.

Weekly winner Michael wins a free night’s stay at the award-winning Sydney Central YHA (yha.com.au). The monthly winner gets three days’ car hire from Travellers Auto Barn. The runner-up wins a Great Barrier Reef snorkelling adventure and cruise with Awesome Adventures Oz (awesomeoz.com).

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ON THE ROAD WITH TRAVEL

TALK Sam Dikealthy 26, England

Rocky and the Sundown Kid

YOU ASKED FOR IT...

WE ANSWER YOUR TRAVEL QUESTIONS

working in Melbourne but want a Q I’m weekend away. Any suggestions?

Katelyn Weissert, USA you’ve got access to a car and a little A Ifspare time we would suggest taking the iconic Great Ocean Road south-west through Geelong, Torquay, Portsea and end up finally in beautiful Lorne. Whilst the drive is scenic enough to almost be a holiday in itself Lorne is a wonderful destination to end up in. A picturesque seaside town on Louttit Bay, it offers all the relaxation of a proper beachside resort getaway less than two hours from Melbourne’s CBD. Swimming, fishing and sunbathing ought to be top of your list when visiting in the summer months but if you’re feeling in the mood for a little communing with nature you can hike in the nearby Great Otway National Park or trek to the town’s south-end and take in the majestic views from Teddy’s Lookout. Lorne comes complete with its own fair share of pubs and restaurants

to satisfy the hardest earned hunger or thirst.

If you’ve got more time, head to Wilsons Prom.

With Walking tracks, abundant wildlife and stunning beaches, the “Prom” is one of the most popular national parks in the country.

What is the best surf break in Sydney?

Q James Mallow, Northern Ireland

Aquarius is just a two minute walk from the famous main beach at Byron Bay. Providing a free meal every night, rooftop terrace and pool, it’s a great hostel to relax in whilst in Byron Bay. Every night something OVERVIEW

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN HERE? Three months, one day and two hours.

CRAZIEST EXPERIENCE? Bought a car on eBay, flew from Sydney to Brisbane to collect it and drove back, all in a day.

ANY PLACE YOU’D LIKE TO REVISIT? Byron Bay. My only memory of the place was using it as a stop off to sleep. Such a waste.

The residents of Sydney are so blessed

A with an abundance of coastline that that question is not one that can be easily answered.

It’s easier really to divide that question into the different coastal regions; east, north and south and give an answer for each. In Sydney’s east whilst Bondi is the best known of the beaches it is not the most conducive for clean breaking waves, on a good day Bronte will be your best bet. In the north head for either Collaroy or the iconic Manly beach which usually have good conditions. In The Shire Cronulla springs to mind, but maybe ask somebody nicely first.

CHECKING IN AQUARIUS

WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO COME TO AUSTRALIA? To have fun in the sun. England just wasn’t doing it for me at the time.

will be happening at the bar – a great place to start a night.

ROOMS Most dorms are two storey and all come with an en suite.

Female only dorms offered too.

BILL PLEASE Rooms start from $31 night per person.

WHAT’S ON THE WISHLIST? A mini roadtrip up to the Watagan Mountains for a camping weekend.

BIGGEST SURPRISE? A woman I met in Kings Cross who flashed her privates at me and then asked me to pay!

MOST OVER-RATED PLACE? Hostel in the NT. It was the smallest room in the world. There wasn’t enough room to swing a kitten let alone a cat.

CONSERVATION VOLUNTEERS AUSTRALIA EXPERIENCE

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

16 Lawson St, Byron Bay aquariusbackpackers.com

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27

TRAVELLERSTALES A SHEEPISH ENCOUNTER

Dutchie NIENKE KROOK learnt that working as a Jillaroo on an outback ranch is not for the faint-hearted.

We’re told what we can expect on the Leconfield Ranch east of Tamworth – anything from riding horses and mustering cows to sheering sheep. I can see a couple of my fellow backpackers trying to disappear under the wide brims of their newly bought suede cowboy hats. Their headgear must have looked well impressive in the leather shop, but right now I keep thinking I’m at a fancy dress party. It turns out that most of us have never ridden a horse before – or even know what they look like, for all I can tell. Tasks such as lassoing down calves and branding them don’t seem to be activities the average European teenager engages in on the weekend.

Having a second look at us all, sitting a little dazed around the campfire pit, wearing oversized gumboots and looking a bit anxious at the great nothingness around us, I

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am a bit concerned about our chances of survival this week. But we’re about to put that to the test: we’re going horseback on a massive sheep herd.

While I’m enjoying the endless views, something tells me the other riders don’t appreciate it all that much. Most of them are either trying to pull grass-eating horse heads back up or look frightened at oncoming descending slopes. One girl even manages to lose her stirrup (with attached boot) after just 10 metres.

I feel sorry for them, but quickly ride to the front of the group and focus on today’s goal: herding all of the sheep from the meadows back to the ranch.

Sheep are a special kind of species.

Surely, when you’re at a waterhole minding your own business and you’re being approached from behind by 20 horses and their mildly aroused riders, you might feel a little uneasy. But the total hysteria that emerged from the 50 balls of fur in front of us, we didn’t quite expect. As if we’re armed with

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spears and a rotating grill, they launch into the air, screaming and fleeing in every direction possible, pushing each other aside. With the help of sheep dogs we finally manage to get the shaking group of pre-socks and sweaters together again and guide them back to the ranch, where their second ordeal awaits.

We get our shearing lesson from Fiona, a girl that has clearly spent too much time with cattle and horses and has started to look like one herself.

“The mosst importhanth part of ssheering is thath you don’th feel sshorry for them,” she says with a slight lisp while single-handedly throwing one on its back and sitting down on it. She fires up the electric razor and within a minute, pieces of wool swirl from the sky and the sheep’s left side is left bold and a bit bleeding. She swings the poor thing around and strips him of the rest of its coat. It seems easy, but when we try it ourselves it’s clear we don’t nearly have enough strength to finish the job properly.

And still, the toughest job is yet to come. You see, we’re having lamb meat for dinner. When I get up to throw away my leftovers (which we keep in closed containers, against rats), karma hits me right back.

Four neatly shaved and bundled sheep legs stare at me, as silent witnesses from today’s massacre.

I feel my stomach turn and decide that maybe I’m not such a great Jillaroo after all. Perhaps I’d make a good vegetarian.

WRITE TO TNT AND

WIN

Send us your scary, funny or embarrassing travel tale (preferably about Australia or New Zealand) and if published you’ll win a $250 travel voucher redeemable on Oz Experience passes (ozexperience.com), ATA NT camping trips (adventuretours.com.au) and with Wayward Bus (waywardbus.com. au). Email your stories (700 words max), to travel@tntdownunder.com

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worth over

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

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

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

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

Competition closes Sunday 7 October.

30 30 TNTDOWNUNDER.COM TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

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

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

Terms & conditions apply.

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Hunter Valley NEW SOUTH WALES

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Valley of the gods By looking at the Hunter Valley from a different angle you’ll be opened up to more than just roaring fireplaces, fine wines and smelly cheese WORDS LEIGH LIVINGSTONE

Photos: Destination NSW, Leigh Livingstone

I wanted to see the Hunter Valley from a WHAT DO DO: Wendt on different point of view. You see, I’d been Tours conduct wine, cheese and there a few times and I thought I’d seen it chocolate tours from $100pp all – wine, cheese, and more wine. “Show (wendtontours.com.au). Hunter me what you’ve got,” I challenge as we Valley Zoo (huntervalleyzoo. drive three hours north of Sydney to reach com.au) entry costs $17.50pp.

Australia’s oldest wine region.

Joy flights with Matt Hall racing I didn’t, however, anticipate that two cost $650pp for a 20 minute days later I would be spinning and diving flight. (matthallracing.com). thousands of feet above the ground in an Lunch at the Mill Restaurant, Extra 300 litre aerobatic aircraft piloted by open seven days/wk in Pokolbin.

Red Bull racer Matt Hall. (tuscanywineestate.com.au).

When I mentioned this joy flight to my WHERE TO STAY: Beds at friends, most of them (mainly guys), were The Longhouse in Pokolbin from reduced to giggling, salivating children at $125 per night. (thelonghouse. the mere mention of Hall’s name. Comments net.au). like, “don’t you know who he is?” and “this is wasted on you,” were thrown at me.

While they were busy with fantasies of tumbling through the skies in his shiny, speedy aircraft, my reality was a desperate attempt to hold onto my brie breakfast – but I digress.

My travel buddy and I find our way to the central area of Pokolbin and the impressively designed and isolated Longhouse for the night. The Longhouse is exactly what’s on the tin – a long house. It’s modern, spacious and has amazing views across the valley and vines. We barely have time to pop the cork on the welcome bottle of bubbly in the fridge and watch the sun begin to set, before it’s time to head out to Amanda’s On The Edge for dinner.

desserts, our jaws and stomachs hit the ground.

Back at The Longhouse I sink into eight fluffy pillows perched on the double bed and try not to notice that the floor-to-ceiling window has no blinds. I can see the stars and the shadowy outlines of the vines in the distance. Hang on, did something just move out there?

The next morning the gorgeous sunrise takes care of the wake-up call. The birds are chirping, the sun is shining and as I sip tea on the verandah, a kangaroo goes bouncing past. It feels like I’m in a Disney movie but this Cinderella doesn’t need a Prince, she’s after some good vino.

Before the inevitable wine tour can begin, we make a stop at the Hunter Valley Zoo. Chirpy keeper Danielle is at the front to greet us and introduce us to all of the Aussie animals.

Hankering for some hooch Hidden away down a dimly lit road is this secret of the Hunter Valley dining community. We pull up to a cosy looking building with a wrap around verandah filled with rustic wooden tables and a bar made of corrugated iron.

My prawn linguine with salty pancetta is sublime and when they wheel over the giant blackboard of mouth-watering

Providing hangover hugs for the Hunter

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33

Most cellar doors provide free tastings. Bottoms up!

Blossom the koala loves attention and visitors can get upclose and personal with her, along with wombats, birds, and kangaroos.

I can’t contain my excitement when Danielle picks up Scarlett, the 11-month old wombat, and hefts her over to me. She is already the size of my torso and heavier than I can manage. Even as she begins to wiggle and twist around in

“

I figure my liver will appreciate the variety

”

at Tuscany Wine Estate, Glenn from Wendt on Tours picks us up for a private trip to some of the best wineries.

Originally from Fiji, Glenn began the tours because he loves sharing stories with travellers.

“I do this because I love the Hunter Valley, and I love talking to overseas people,” he says. Joining us are Aussie Greg and his girlfriend Emma who have just relocated from Devon, England. The four of us become instant friends over complimentary bottles of Fijian water.

Our first stop is Irongate Estate where we meet owner Roger Lilliott. “You’ve all wasted your lives up until now,” he cheekily informs us.

We are led through a Tuscan designed building past a hand-painted bar to a beautifully secluded outdoor area.

search of food, I don’t want to put her down.

“She was found in her mother’s pouch after they were hit by a car. Also, she likes to eat shoelaces,” explains Danielle.

It’s hard to imagine Scarlett ever being that small, “there aren’t any shoelaces in there,” I say as she sniffs and nibbles at my hair. After giving the kangaroos some grub from my feed cone (those guys can get grabby) and trying to toss some to the emus without having my hand pecked off, we head out via the bird enclosure. Two colourful lorikeets are curiously digging into the ground, using their beaks to throw dirt behind them like a scene straight out of a prison escape movie.

On the grapevine After a quick and hearty lunch courtesy of The Mill Restaurant

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Put your life on the vine

About to get a fresh perspective of the Valley

Roger likes to lead tastings to get a feel for what people like.

“I present because I want real feedback, I make wine for real people,” he explains. “But be careful how you tell me if you don’t like them.” It’s a laugh-a-minute while Roger and Glenn tell us how much better wine is when it’s grown and produced on-site – something Roger is extremely proud of.

As we sip and take note of our favourites, we are encouraged to drink the water in-between tastes.

“Don’t put any water in the wine bin, it’s the staff cocktail at the end of the day,” he jokes. By this point our chuckles have turned to uproarious laughter (it could be the wine) and Roger tells us why his are the best: “You won’t get cat-bum face from my wines.” Cue an afternoon of pursing our lips and sucking in our cheeks to make the “cat-bum” face.

We load up on delicious Verdelho and reluctantly say goodbye to our new best mate and head over to Ivanhoe Wines, where Denise is waiting to tell us about Shiraz and what it’s like to live in the Hunter Valley.

“It’s a hard day at work, staring at that view all day,” she sighs. As we do more tastings, we become self-appointed experts on Cab Savs, Semillon and Madeira, which I am certain, is actually a kind of cake. The calibre of our jokes begin to wane as our brain cells do the same. We finally stumble into the last stop at McGuigans, for some cheese tasting and begin devouring f blue, goat, brie and whatever else is on offer.

After we’ve made our purchases Glenn coaxes us back on the bus for the trip home, I feel a little sad that the afternoon is over but there is one more treat in store. Glenn wants to play a song he has randomly dedicated to Gregg, it’s a Fijian ditty from the Plantation Island Band and he sings out loud to us, “It’s nice that you came to the islands, we’re pleased you came here.”

Our destination tonight is Goldfish at Tempus Two, it’s

the groovy sister bar of Kings Cross’ Goldfish and has leather high-backed lounges, dark wood benches and a sexy candlelit atmosphere. I’m starving and devour a tasting plate of arancini, cheese, herb crusts and fruit plate almost to myself, washed down with a Cosmopolitan – I figure my liver will appreciate a bit of variety.

Another point of view After another early start, I’m off to meet the famous Matt Hall for a bit of air racing – Red Bull style. The first thing Matt says when I meet him and suit up in a fetching, baggy, blue onesie is that everything about the flight can be tailored to suit individuals. In other words: he can tell I’m nervous.

“It’s not about showing you how cool I am, it’s about making sure you have a good time,” he reassures me.

His coolness factor skyrockets anyway when my travel buddy takes the first trip up in the slick yellow Extra. Before long they are spiralling up, down and sideways through the sky.

After a quick 20 minutes it’s my turn and as I’m strapped into the seatbelt. I must look worried because I hear a faint, “take a teaspoon of cement and harden up” from the ground.

Obviously my brave face is not very convincing but I don’t need to worry, from up in the air it’s a whole different world.

The plane doesn’t feel like it’s plummeting to earth at all and the views are breathtaking – literally.

Matt eases me into all the tricks bit by bit and asks me if I am enjoying myself. I assure him I am.

I’m beginning to see what my male friends were gushing about, besides being a seriously cool cat, Matt is also a really nice guy.

Back on solid ground I realise if you don’t look at things from every angle, you might be missing the best bits. ❚

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35

Dubai UAE

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Bedouins and bling We pit Old Dubai against New Dubai to discover a desert getaway offering everything from ancient free diving to drinks with TOWIE WORDS DAISY CARRINGTON

Dubai is better known for its excesses than its history. As well as boasting the world’s tallest building, largest mall and biggest fountain, it is also the proud home of the world’s most expensive cocktail, the 27,321 (named for its price in UAE dirhams), which clocks in at roughly $7314 and is served in an 18-karat gold glass you get to keep.

But perhaps most opulent are the ATMs at all the city’s major tourist sites that only dispense 24-karat gold (a nifty, if pricey, souvenir, no?).

In a city so obsessed with the biggest and most expensive, it’s easy to forget that Dubai has a past, let alone one that’s worth exploring. Though the emirate’s heritage does, at times, seem to be at war with its aspirations, a well-planned travel itinerary should be able to take in both. Here’s how.

WHEN TO GO: In the summer months, Dubai heats up to the point that it defies credulity (think upwards of 45˚C). In winter, it can be a bit chilly for the beach.

Autumn and spring are the best times to visit.

CURRENCY: $1 = AED 3.83 ACCOMMODATION: The Dubai Youth Hostel (the only one of its kind in Dubai) is fairly removed from the centre, but the rooms are cheap, and there’s a pool and gym. From $26pn. uaeyha.com The Arabian Courtyard Hotel is more central, but you pay for the convenience. Rooms from $69pn. arabiancourtyard.com

New: Shark diving Usually, scuba divers hope to avoid sharks, or else only see them from the confines of a metal cage. At The Dubai Mall, daredevils can get up close, without a protective buffer.

The 10-million-litre Dubai Aquarium houses 33,000 aquatic animals, including more than 400 sharks and rays. The aquarium hosts daily shark dives and provides all equipment.

Granted, the experience can sometimes feel like being an exhibit in a zoo (the mall gets more than 750,000 visitors a week, and ogling madcap divers is half the fun), but it’s well worth it for the rare chance to swim with these magnificent predators of the ocean.

Swimming with sharks isn’t the only wild way to get wet in Dubai. Underneath the majestic, sail-shaped, seven-star Burj Al Arab, a rugged group of enthusiasts are regularly found kite surfing – so popular is the pursuit, the stretch of sand is known to locals as ‘Kite Beach’. For those lacking the co-ordination to strap on a kite, Dubai’s surf makes it a prime spot for wakeboarding. thedubaiaquarium.com, dives from $153; dubaikitesurfschool.

com, lessons from $66; markandrewkiteschool.com, wakeboarding from $70

Old: Pearl diving

Long before the invention of the scuba tank, Bedouins in Dubai were free-diving virtuosos.

Most Emiratis can trace their lineage back to pearl diving; the first recorded reference to the Gulf trading in gems was made in 2000BC. The pastime involved donning long-sleeved, hooded suits to protect from stingrays, and plunging up to 40m to the floor of the Gulf. A diver would scoop up as many oysters as possible before running out of air, at which point, he’d tug on a rope, and a ‘helper’ on board a traditional dhow would reel him in.

The industry dried up in the 1930s, when Japan started producing artificial pearls. But now the Emirates Marine Environmental Group (EMEG) is reviving the tradition for tourists.

One of the initiative’s main instigators is Major Ali Saqar Al Suweidi, the president of EMEG and the son and grandson of pearl divers. “This is our culture and it’s something we’re very proud of. We wanted to show people how we used to live,”

Dive with sharks in an aquarium

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Try wakeboarding in the Gulf

Al Suweidi says.

Joining in one of EMEG’s pearl diving tours is certainly more unique than traditional scuba diving. Plus, divers get to keep anything they find. Al Suweidi says the last trip yielded eight pearls. Think of it as an underwater treasure hunt. jumeirah.com/pearl-diving; from $187

ST FO New: iFly In Dubai, a mall has to have a gimmick. At Mirdiff City Centre, it’s iFly, an indoor skydiving centre. iFly has a 10m-high wind tunnel with two high-powered fans that keep divers suspended 3m in the air. Warning: the practice will make your face look like a melting waxwork. Of course, iFly is a kiddie park compared to the real thing. Skydive Dubai is owned by the Dubai’s Crown Prince, who himself is an avid skydiver.

Skydiving newbies are strapped to an able expert, so you can concentrate on the surreal view of the manmade Palm Island and (as yet incomplete) World islands. theplaymania.com, from $52; skydivedubai.ae, from $469

Old: Falconing Skydiving isn’t the UAE’s only airborne tradition. For centuries, Emiratis have been sending highly trained birds of prey to scour the sky for fresh meat. Falconing is one of the earliest forms of hunting; pre-dating guns, the birds would attack, but not kill, their prey – a distinction that is especially important today, as meat isn’t considered halal if not properly slaughtered.

The birds are highly prized in the local culture, and some fetch upwards of $38,000. Falconing was inaccessible to travellers until last year, when Royal Shaheen Event paired 38

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with the Banyan Tree Wadi Hotel to offer the only open falconry courses in the region.

Handling a hungry falcon (and they’re kept hungry, to keep them tame) is no joke. In 2003, a falcon belonging to Dubai’s ruler, Sheikh Mohamed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, took down a desert gazelle. The birds are independent and fierce, and on Royal Shaheen’s two-day course, you not only handle one, but act as its sole source of food. Imagine throwing a large bird in the air, then having it soar back towards you, talons at the ready, to pluck a piece of raw meat from your gloved hand. Terrifying, but thrilling. banyantree.com; $1073 for a two-day course (16hrs training), or stay at the five-star hotel to receive a discount

New: Clubbing, Mayfair style This year has seen a surge in Mayfair brands making their way to Dubai. Polynesian nightclub Mahiki opened at the start of 2012, though it doesn’t draw quite the same calibre of celebrity clientele (no Prince Harry, we’re afraid, but the Made In Chelsea cast visited). On Tuesdays, women get unlimited free cocktails from 9pm, and can get the party started even earlier at Embassy, where they get four free cocktails from 7pm. The crowd is a little more WAG than red carpet (though don’t tell the TOWIE cast … they’re regulars). mahiki.ae; grosvenorhouse-dubai.com

Old: Expat dives Dubai’s drinking scene was once dominated by dingy Irish pubs – the sort of darkened dens that were a lifeline to homesick expats in the Eighties and Nineties. Though a dying breed, cheap locals still dot the city, mainly around

the once-popular areas of Bur Dubai and Deira. At Fibber Magee’s, hidden behind the Costa Coffee on Sheikh Zayed Road, Depression-era drinks deals keep the place packed (nowhere else serves up cocktails for as little as £3). The Tuesday night pub quiz, which involves sculpting plasticine (sometimes rudely) is hands-down the best in the city.

Searching for pearls after a dive

fibbersdubai.com

New: Michelin Ever since Gordon Ramsay chose Dubai as the launch point for his first international venue, the city has become so full of Michelin-starred chefs it’s a veritable gourmet Milky Way. Ramsay’s Verre has, alas, recently been put out to pasture, but there are offerings from the likes of Jamie Oliver, Gary Rhodes and the late Santi Santamaria.

However, the best deal on haute grub comes from one of the city’s most expensive restaurants. French celebrity chef Pierre Gagnaire promotes himself as an artist in the kitchen.

The food he serves up at Reflets par Pierre Gagnaire is irresistibly playful (think langoustines sprinkled in a spice mix made from their own barbecued shells). The lunchtime deal here can’t be beaten. For $47, you can fill up on three courses of Dubai’s very best fine dining.

A ski slope in a mall. Obviously

ichotelsgroup.com

Old: Emirati eats The UAE may be the only country where the locals are a minority. The influx in recent decades of expats and labourers means that Emiratis only make up 10 per cent of Dubai’s population. As a result, many locals tend to keep their culture – and that includes their food – close to their chests. For locals, Emirati dishes represent a taste of home.

As such, they’ll go home to eat it, not sit in a restaurant and order it. As a visitor, it’s nigh-on impossible to get a taste of Emirati food: no restaurants serve it, even if they claim to. Camel burgers and camel curry at Bastakiya’s cunningly named Local House do not count.

The best place to experience the real stuff is at the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding, which hosts Emirati breakfasts and lunches. Serving up a massive buffet that includes luqaimat (deep-fried dough balls covered in date syrup), harees (a meaty porridge) and saloona (a rich, chicken stew), while you fatten up, staff field questions about culture and religion. They’re not skittish, and have addressed topics as controversial as terrorism, sex, the Islamic dress code and marrying multiple wives.

Holding the hunter

cultures.ae; the breakfast is $15, lunch is $20

Old and New: Future travel in the past It’s not easy to meet the locals as a visitor to the desert city – you won’t see Emiratis driving taxis or working in shops. As a result, for most tourists, interaction with the locals is limited to going through customs. To remedy this, two Emirati entrepreneurs have launched a company called Buksha, which will offer travellers the chance to stay in an Emirati home. In the pilot programme, guests stayed in a majlis (or tent) on a mountaintop farm, ate dinner with the owner, and were even able to attend two local weddings.

While still in the developing stages, it’ll offer a Dubai experience wholly unlike any other. csralahligroup.com.❚

Finding skunk fish

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TRAVELWEEKENDER

Paradise found This is Port Stephens in 48 hours WORDS HUGH RADOJEV

DAY 1: There’s a pretty good reason why Port Stephens is known as a ‘Blue Water Paradise’. Located just two and a half hours north of the hustle and bustle of Sydney’s CBD, the beautiful beaches, natural scenery, snorkeling and surfing on offer in the area has quickly made Port Stephens one of Australia’s most popular holiday destinations.

Whether you’re looking to unwind or in search of a little action and adventure, Port Stephens is capable of satisfying your holiday desires.

9:00 Unload your gear and grab a quick spot of breakfast at Samurai Beach Resort (samuraibeachresort.com.au) your new home for the next 48 hours. Don’t let the martial name fool you, the resort is fully licensed and equipped with its own spa and pool. It's also very close to the beach, which is where you want to be. It's also surprisingly good value if you book one of their beach-side cabins.

11:00 With a natural harbour two and a half times the size of Sydney’s, you’re going to want to see it from as many angles as possible. Port Stephens parasailing (pswatersports.com.au) provides the most awe inspiring of these. Hanging from a parachute suspended 160m in the air attached to a speed boat is thrilling enough, let alone when you combine it with a panoramic view of the bay.

Witness pods of dolphins frolicking in the waters.

13:00: Having taken in the tremendous vistas on offer from high in the air, wander down to the Nelson Bay Marina and grab a beer-battered feast at Bub's Fish and Chips who

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claim to have best fish and chips in Port Stephens.

15:00 Having consumed your body weight in seafood, it seems only fair that you should return the favour for a few hungry sharks and stingrays. Only 10mins from Nelson Bay is Australia’s Shark and Ray centre (ozsharkandray.com. au) where you can stand waist deep in water holding bait in your hands surrounded by writhing leviathans from the deep – all of whom will compete for your affection. With over ten species of tame shark and ray on offer, feel free to spoil your favourite, or if you’re feeling magnanimous, feed them all.

18:00: Return to Samurai for a quick shower to wash the fishy smell from under your fingernails before heading out for a few relaxing brews. The Country Club opposite Shoal Bay is the place to be on a Friday night. This pub offers a wide selection of beers, wines and spirits that should cater to every drinker's needs. Combine that with a solid bistro menu and live music, the Country Club is a perfect place whether you’re after a big session or just a little nightcap.

DAY 2: 8:30: Wakey wakey! Blow off the cobwebs with a quick dip in the pool, or if you’re feeling particularly vigorous take the sharp walk up Tomaree Headland, an ancient volcano that stands guard over the entrance to Port Stephens. Your efforts will be rewarded with one of the best panoramas in NSW. This walk also represents an excellent opportunity to catch a glimpse of the usually reclusive koala.

11:00 Head over to Stockton Beach where the possibilities are endless. Fishermen can drop in a line, surfers can catch

On top of Tomaree Mountain

a wave, or you just take a dip in the water. If, for whatever reason, you’re a little sick of marine activities, you can take some time out from the water in the southern hemisphere's largest mobile sand system. 40m high dunes offer a huge range of activities including 4WD and quad bike tours, camel rides and sand boarding. A number of movies have been filmed here, including parts of Mad Max. 13:00: Time now to wash the sand off and finally meet Port Stephens’ most famous residents in person. Dolphin Swim Australia (dolphinswimaustralia.com.au) offer patrons an experience entirely unique in its field. Swimmers are tethered to cables and towed behind the hull of a moving catamaran while inquisitive dolphins swim beside them, no doubt wondering how human beings manage to keep up with them speeding through the water.

16:00: The salt water frivolities continue. Port Stephens Surf School (portstephenssurfschool.com.au) is the perfect place to start if you’ve always wanted to learn to surf. Or if you’re after a slightly different experience you can head out on a paddleboard.

19:00: You’ve packed a lot into your day so why not have a quick nap back at the resort before heading out for a meal.

Vues on the Bay (vuesonthebay.com.au) is classy but wont burst the budget and represents a great way to cap off your weekend in beautiful Port Stephens. Try their famous Pork Ribs with a couple of beers, put your feet up and let the night stretch out ahead of you.

Swimming with dolphins in Nelson Bay

Settle in at Samurai Beach Resort

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At least he still has his balls

MAGICIAN’S TRICK FOR DISAPPEARING CASH UNITED KINGDOM

TV Illusionist Derren Brown’s cleaner has pleaded guilty to stealing more than £33,000 from her boss by committing cheque fraud.

Ba Rocio Pavon-Navarrete, 47, stole money from the famous illusionist and magician by stealing blank cheques whilst cleaning Brown’s home.

After failing to turn up at Southwark Crown Court yesterday claiming illness, a judge warned that he would send police to arrest Pavon-Navarrete.

The cleaner stole two blank cheques in 2010, although Brown who trusted his employee and had left them for an emergency. The cheques had already been signed by Brown’s manager. Judge David Higgins called the theft “the grossest breach of trust.”

NEW FORM OF ACID IS A REAL KNOCKOUT AUSTRALIA

A man who died after repeatedly running into trees and lamp posts had overdosed on a new form of hallucinogenic drug.

The man received fatal injuries after repeatedly running into trees and power poles as a direct result of his overdose.

The drugs are marketed similarly to the more popular LSD. Both are provided on blotting paper and induce paranoia, confusion, and in some cases, seizures.

The drugs are formed from hallucinogens known as 2CB and SCI, both of which are banned substances in South Australia. The purchase of such substances could result in a drug trafficking charge.

The short and long-term health effects

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Could she be any more elegant? Even when she’s hanging out at a war cemetery in Singapore, Kate Middleton, still manages to look as pretty as a picture. Damn her are unknown at this point so current users have made themselves guinea pigs.

LOYAL DOG WAITS BY MASTER’S GRAVE ARGENTINA

Miguel Guzman died in 2006, 06, but his loyal German shepherd hass been sat by his grave ever since.

Apparently the dog ran away when Guzman passed away. Little did Guzman’s relatives know, the dog had been guarding his formerowner’s graveside in the town of Villa Carlos Paz,

Argentina.

Guzman’s family found the dog, named Captain, crying next to his past owner’s grave. The grieving canine has visited the graveyard most days ever since.

“We searched for him but he had vanished.

We thought va he must have got run over and died,” said Guzman’s widow Veronica.

Vero “The following Sunday “Th we went to the cemetery and came up to us, barking Captain cam and wailing, as if he were crying.

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THIS WEEK

IN NUMBERS 111

Height, in centimeters of the humongous 3-yearold hound Zeus, who has been crowned the world’s tallest dog

Circumference, in centimeters of Moustafa Ismail’s biceps, the world’s largest. The reallife Popeye hates spinach

Phi Phi Island is normally a picture of perfection

THAI COCKTAIL KILLS CANADIAN TOURISTS

1

THAILAND

Quebec sisters Audrey and Noemi Belanger were found dead in their Thailand hotel room on June 15.

The mysterious death of the sisters, aged 20 and 25, was revealed to be due to DEET consumption. CBC reported that autopsies in both Bangkok and Quebec had found significant amounts of the insecticide in their systems.

It’s thought that the formula was being used in a cocktail called “4 x 100” on Phi Phi island, a drink usually made with cola, ice, kratom leaf extract and cough syrup.

Audrey and Noemi’s father Carol Belanger believes the girls would not have knowingly consumed DEET, “They had to have drank (DEET) without knowing,” he said, reported News Limited.

GRUESOME FIND IN LONDON PARK

Photos: AAP; Thinkstock; Getty

UNITED KINGDOM

Detectives are looking for a newborn baby whose legs were found in a South London park on Monday morning.

The two legs, from a white baby of yet unknown gender, were found on Dr Johnson Avenue in Tooting Common at about 8am on Monday, BBC writes.

Scotland Yard told BBC: “The remains are thought to be those of a newborn baby born in the last two weeks.

“We have serious concerns for the

Number of fingers Kristen Stewart broke this week.

No word on the cause but it was her rude finger, so it was probably from overuse

Age, in years, of Britain’s oldest meteorite which has gone on display. It spent 80 years sitting overlooked on a doorstep

mother, or parents, of this child and would urge them to come forward and speak to police or seek medical aid.

PREZ CALLS FOR PUSSY RIOT RELEASE RUSSIA

Russia’s Dimitry Medvedev has made a plea for the release of the jailed Russian Pussy Riot trio saying “a suspended sentence would be sufficient.”

The Russian rebel feminist punk group who offended religious leaders by performing an anti-President Vladimir Putin song in a Moscow cathedral could be on the verge of release.

The group were officially charged with “hooliganism driven by religious hatred”.

Other members of the collective released a video showing them thanking supporters whilst abseiling down a building and setting fire to an image of Putin.

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30,000

QUOTE OF THE WEEK I never looked at another man Heidi Kulm denies cheating on Seal while they were married. She is now dating their bodyguard. You be the judge!

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43 43

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

When love goes right for the army

The Taliban plays cupid to unsuspecting Aussie soldiers We know nothing’s fair in love and war, but the Taliban are just mean

» Agree or disagree? Are the Taliban wrong for preying on soldiers? alex@tntdownunder.com

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Kim Kardashian has insulted cancer sufferers, and pretty much anyone with a brain, with her latest remarks.

Amongst other things, she compared her failed marriage to cancer.

In an interview with The Guardian, she spoke about the reasons behind airing her 72-day (or was it hours?) marriage to Kris Humphries on reality TV. “I spoke to a girl today who had cancer and we were talking about how this is such a hard thing for her, but it taught her a big lesson on who her friends are and so much

we can’t “putShame a muzzle on it ” about life. She’s 18. And I was like, that’s how I feel.”

Yes because surviving a (fake) marriage is just like going through a traumatic lifeor-death illness.

It’s a shame we can’t put a muzzle on her mouth and stop the pain she causes.

It seems there’s no cure for the Kardashian disease infecting society.

Photos: Getty Images

Ever since the dawn of time when Eve gave Adam the poisonous apple, women have been tricking men into submission. Now the Taliban are joining the party with their own method of mass-seduction. They’re using fake “sexy single lady” profiles on Facebook to gather intelligence from unsuspecting Australian soldiers.

A review of social media in the defence force revealed that naive soldiers tend to be susceptible to fake profiles. The report stated, “The Taliban have used pictures of attractive women as the front of their Facebook profiles and have befriended soldiers.”

The report also says that it’s getting so out of hand, troops have been forced into social media training. These guys have the ability to fire combat assault rifles, but when it comes to accepting lady friends on Facebook – they’re clueless.

The reason why it’s such an issue is because sneaky Zuckerberg and his gang have employed geo-tagging – a function of many websites that secretly logs the location from where a post is made or a photo is uploaded – into Facebook. And when you’re at war, this is a huge risk. I mean it’s bad enough when you’re trying to avoid an ex.

But it’s not just soldiers, the report warns that their family and friends are inadvertently jeopardising missions by sharing confidential information online. So when Aunt Judy wishes you a safe journey from the comfort of her suburban bedroom, she could actually be ratting you out in the big bad game of hide and seek that is war. (Well, that’s what war is in my sheltered, Aunt Judy-like existence).

The point is, you’d think Aussies, who for years now have been receiving emails from faux Nigerian bankers and pop-ups from “sexy ladies in your area” on poker websites, would be social media savvy enough to know that when an attractive lady desperately wants to be your friend – it’s a ploy. I guess they’re lonely over there in Afghanistan.

KARDASHIAN VIRUS STRIKES AGAIN

45

Gold Mine The Paralympics had some truly memorable moments WORDS JAHN VANNISSELROY

Booo. With the end of the Paralympics, so ends London's Games dream. Granted, we wont have to hear the overused word 'inspirational' bandied about for a while, but it's going to be hard not having a group of fiercely determined humans on show to remind us that given the right attitude (and a healthy serving of self discipline), each of us can achieve great things.

Wether it was the realisation that even with two legs, we'd still get smashed by the sprinters; that those blind soccer players have more skill in their little toes than most of us do in our entire bodies; or that it takes a rare breed to be able to perform a turn in the pool using their heads, the Paralympics will be missed.

To celebrate the excitement and drama of an event that captivated London and the world, here are our highlights, both good and bad.

Cundy goes postal Imagine it: training your heart out for four years only to be disqualified on the big day. Nightmare. Team GB cyclist Jodie Cundy did more than just dream it, though – he lived it. After messing up his start in the C4/5 1km time trial – a mishap officials said was his error, not a mechanical fault – Cundy completely lost it (main image).

"I fell out of the gate because the fucking thing won't open," he ranted at an official. "Yet here I am, I can't ride.

Everybody else gets the fucking re-ride."

Cundy then hurled a water bottle, collapsed in a heap and had to be restrained by his mechanic as he flared up and got staunch at the commissaire who ruled him out.

"Do you know what it's like? Four years of my life," he continued. "I'll never get the chance to do it. In front of a 6,000 home crowd, I'll never get this opportunity ever, ever again. Never. What am I supposed to do?"

He eventually did what he was supposed to do: get over it, 46

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winning the bronze in the individual 4km pursuit 24 hours later and then declaring his intentions to come first in Rio. Cundy may not have been given a gold medal, but the angry ginger definitely came first in demonstrating the passion that competing in the Paralympics arouses. Top bloke.

Oscar the grouch You'd think that after all the crap Oscar Pistorius had to take in order to compete against able-bodied athletes – the suspicion, the testing, the doubt he'd make it – he'd at least have the good grace not to publicly subject someone else to that. But no, Pistorius had to live up to his Sesame Street namesake and grouch about the length of Brazillian runner Alan Oliveira's blades after Oliveira had beaten him), essentially accusing his poor rival of cheating him.

Pistorius had previously taken his concerns over the Brazillian's blades to the Paralympics governing body, but it had declared everything to be above board. The Saffa, though, still thought it OK to moan to media immediately after he lost.

Pistorius has done wonderful things to raise the profile of Paralympians and to overcome prejudice but this just stunk of sour grapes. It was great to see him beaten again days later by 19-year-old Brit David Peacock in the 100m final. The king is dead,; long live the kings.

The crowds This was the most well-attended Paralympics ever, as London continued to be energised by the Games spirit. Look back on videos of past Paralympics and you'll see the Olympic stadiums partially empty, a smattering of athlete's families and friends making up the bulk of the crowd. In London, though, the people came, saw and cheered their lungs out. At least 2.7 million tickets were sold for the games - 900,000 more than were bought for the Beijing equivalent - and 100 countries

Lolo Jones

Clockwise: Oscar Pistorius, David Wetherill, the homecoming crowd

bought the rights to the event, including Brazil, where Alan Oliveira's aforementioned win superseded football coverage in the soccer-mad South American country.

And the closing ceremony with Coldplay and Jay Z - how good was that? There's a strong argument to be made that this show was better - and more relevant - than the garbage served up for the Olympics final-day bash.

Yes, in future years, London 202 will be pinpointed as the event at which Paralympic sport tore down the last remaining fences of prejudice and set up camp in the mainstream consciousness. Not before time.

Photos: Getty Images

Wetherill's superman winner British table tennis exponent David Wetherill made a shot that was astounding, so skillful, that even his opponent's coach was moved to applaud.

Class six world number five Wetherill, who due to a rare genetic bone development disorder needs a crutch to play, was under pressure from German Thomasz Kusiak at a crucial fourth-set moment.

He was forced to his left and then made to stretch for a ball returned to the other side of the table. It looked for all money as if he was gone, but, astoundingly, with the ball seemingly out of his reach, Wetherill leapt across, arm outstretched and managed to return a screamer of a passing shot while toppling to the ground.

The crowd went mental and the TV commentator was moved to constantly repeat the word 'ridiculous' although a more composed caller may have substituted that with 'brilliant', 'magnificent', 'superb', or (cringe) 'awe-inspiring'.

Wetherill later tweeted: "At least I might get a few YouTube hits, Superman diving forehand winner? I practice that, I'll have you know #Proud Paralympian."

A few YouTube hits? Too right. More than four million and counting. You should check it out if you haven't seen it.

HEAVY METAL MATTHEW COWDREY Swimmer Matthew Cowdrey (above) became the mot successful Australian Paralympian, taking his total to 12 Paralympic gold medals and 21 medals.

He went on to add another gold to his haul, despite amitting he was a bit 'sleepy' after a night of insomnia bought on by days of high emotion.

And just moments after collecting his record 11th gold medal, the 23-year-old confessed he also had a bad case of gold fever. "I had pretty much ruled out Rio until about 10 minutes ago,' he revealed.

Mention, too, must go to Jaqueline Freney, who became Australia's most successful Paralympian at a single Gams, securing the seventh gold medal of her stunning week in the pool in London.

"Seven. I am in heaven," she said, revealing a hitherto unknown ability to create poetry on the spot.

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

TOUR FIRMS

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

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

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

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

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

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

Explore Whitsundays Whitsundays packages 1800 675 790, explorewhitsundays.com

Ocean Rafting Whitsundays tours 07 4946 6848, oceanrafting.com

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

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

Boomerang Cars 0414 882 559, boomerangcars.com.au

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

Hippie Camper 1800 777 779, hippiecamper.com

Groovy Grape Getaways Tours linking Adelaide, Alice Springs & Melbourne 1800 661 177, groovygrape.com.au Heading Bush Adelaide to Alice Springs outback tours 1800 639 933, headingbush.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

TRANSPORT CO

RENTAL FIRMS

Greyhound Australia Buses around Australia. 13 20 30, greyhound.com.au

Apollo Motorhomes 1800 777 779, apollocamper.com

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

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

02 9358 5000, carmarket.com.au

Spirit of Tasmania Ferries to Tasmania.

03 6336 1446, spiritoftasmania.com

Spaceships 1300 132 469, spaceshipsrentals.com.au

Tiger Airways Airline.

03 9999 2888, tigerairways.com

Standbycars.com 1300 789 059, standbycars.com Travellers Auto Barn 1800 674 374, travellers-autobarn.com.au

Redline Coaches For getting around Tasmania.

03 6336 1446, redlinecoaches.com.au

Wicked Campers 1800 246 869,

Virgin Australia Airline.

13 67 89, virginaustralia.com

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

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

NSWLISTINGS

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

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

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

02 9261 1111 Avalon Beach Hostel 59 Avalon Pde, Avalon Beach.

02 9918 9709, avalonbeach.com.au Bondi YHA 63 Fletcher Street. Tamarama. 02 9365 2088, yha.com.au Lamrock Lodge 19 Lamrock Ave. Bondi. 02 9130 5063, lamrocklodge.com Lochner’s Guesthouse 8 Gowrae Ave. Bondi.

02 9387 2162, Aegean Coogee Lodge 40 Coogee Bay Rd. Coogee.

04 0817 6634, aegeancoogee.com.au Coogee Beach House 171 Arden St. Coogee. 02 9665 1162, coogeebeachhouse.com Coogee Beachside 178 Coogee Bay Rd, Coogee. 02 9315 8511,

sydneybeachside.com.au

tours. mysydneydetour.com

Surfside Backpackers 186 Arden Street. Coogee.

02 9315 7888, surfsidebackpackers.com.au

Oceanworld Manly West Esplanade. oceanworld.com.au

Glebe Point YHA 262-264 Glebe Point Road. Glebe. 02 9692 8418, yha.com.au Boardrider Backpacker Rear 63, The Corso, Manly. 02 9977 3411 boardrider.com.au The Bunkhouse 35 Pine St, Manly. 1800 657 122, bunkhouse.com.au Manly Backpackers 24-28 Raglan St. Manly. 02 9977 3411 manlybackpackers.com.au Cammeray Gardens 66 Palmer St, North Sydney. 02 9954 9371 sydneyboardinghouse.com Wake Up! 509 Pitt St, CBD. 02 9288 7888, wakeup.com.au

SYDNEY DO Manly Surf School Manly Beach.

02 9977 6977, manlysurfschool.com

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

Powerhouse Museum Darling Harbour. powerhousemuseum.com.au

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Skydive the Beach Wollongong. skydivethebeach.com

BLUE MTNS Blue Mountains YHA 207 Katoomba St, Katoomba.

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

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

Newcastle Beach YHA 30 Pacific St, Newcastle.

02 4925 3544, yha.com.au

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

Skydive Central Coast Warnervale. skydivethecentralcoast.com.au

Taronga Zoo Mosman. zoo.nsw.gov.au

BYRON BAY

Waves Surf School wavessurfschool.com.au

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

SYDNEY MUSIC Hordern Pavillion playbillvenues.com

Terrigal Beach YHA 9 Ocean View Dr, Terrigal.

02 4384 1919, yha.com.au

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

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

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

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

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

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

JERVIS BAY Don’t be too hasty to just look north from Sydney, as the New South Wales south coast, starting just below Wollongong (an hour or so from Sydney), features some of the most unspoilt natural beauty you could hope to find. One particularly popular spot with weekenders from the city is the marine park of Jervis Bay (three to four hours drive from Sydney), which locals claim is home to the whitest sand in the world. It’s a great place for diving, spotting dolphins or migratory whales, or simply kicking back at a beachside campsite. Head to local town Huskisson if you’re craving some action..

The friendly staff will make sure you have memorable stay.

We look forward to seeing you at Bondi Shores.

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

* conditions apply

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49

QLDLISTINGS

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

1800 268 621, backpackersinparadise.com.au

@tnt_downunder

BOOK NOW

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

DON’T MISS TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE FESTIVAL Cairns. 10-16 November. Starting at $350 This festival offers you the chance to see a total eclipse of the sun along with seven days of music, art, food and market stalls.

Far north Queensland

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

07 3367 1157, bananabenders.com Base Brisbane Embassy 214 Elizabeth St. 07 3166 8000, stayatbase.com Base Brisbane Central 308 Edward St. 07 3211 2433, stayatbase.com Brisbane Backpackers Resort 110 Vulture St, West End. 1800 626 452, brisbanebackpackers.com.au Brisbane City Backpackers 380 Upper Roma St 1800 062 572, citybackpackers.com Bunk Backpackers Cnr Ann & Gipps Sts, 1800 682 865, bunkbrisbane.com.au The Deck 117 Harcourt Street, New Farm.

04 3377 7061

ecipse2012.com Tinbilly Travellers Cnr George and Herschel Sts. 1800 446 646, tinbilly.com

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

Gold Coast International BP 28 Hamilton Ave, Surfers. 1800 816 300, goldcoastbackpackers.com. au

Surfers Paradise Backpackers Resort 2837 Gold Coast Highway, Surfers. 1800 282 800, surfersparadisebackpackers.com.au Surfers Paradise YHA Mariners Cove, 70 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach, Surfers Paradise.

07 5571 1776, yha.com.au Trekkers Backpackers 22 White St, Southport. 1800 100 004, trekkersbackpackers.com.au

GC DO Dreamworld Theme park. dreamworld.com.au

Story Bridge Adventure Climb 170 Main St, Kangaroo Point.

1300 254 627, storybridgeadventureclimb.com.au

Seaworld seaworld.com.au

GOLD COAST Aquarius Backpackers 44 Queen St, Surfers Paradise.

1800 22 99 55, aquariusbackpackers.com.au

Brisbane Botanical Gardens. Dec 12. From $79.90 You know Somebody that I used to know like the back of your hand, but now is your chance to check out what else the Aussie has to offer.

Sleeping Inn Surfers 26 Peninsular Dr, Surfers Paradise.

1800 817 832, sleepinginn.com.au

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

07 3891 5766, riverlife.com.au

XXXX Ale House Brewery tours.

Cnr Black & Paten St, Milton.

07 3361 7597, xxxxalehouse.com.au

GOTYE

Islander Backpackers Resort 6 Beach Rd, Surfers Paradise.

1800 074 393, islander.com.au

Get Wet Surf School 07 5532 9907

Wet ‘n’ Wild Water World wetnwild.myfun.com.au Warener Bros Movie World movieworld.com.au Zorb 07 5547 6300

Riverside, Brisbane

75-77 Brisbane Rd, Mooloolaba.

1800 020 120 mooloolababackpackers.com Nomads Noosa 44 Noosa Dr, Noosa Heads.

1800 666 237, nomadshostels.com Halse Lodge YHA 2 Halse Lane, Noosa. 1800 242 567, halselodge.com.au

RAINBOW BEACH Dingos Backpacker Adventure Resort 20 Spectrum St. 1800 111 126, dingosresort.com Pippies Beach House 22 Spectrum St. 1800 425 356, pippiesbeachhouse.com Skydive Rainbow Beach 0418 218 358, skydiverainbowbeach.com

HERVEY BAY Aussie Woolshed 181 Torquay Rd 07 4124 0677

SUNSHINE CST Mooloolaba Backpackers

ticketmaster.com.au

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

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

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

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

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

07 4131 2999 bundabergrum.com.au

WORKERS WANTED

WORKERS WANTED WORKERS WANTED WORKERS WANTED WORKERS WANTED WORKERS WANTED

Y PLACE TO BE! THE ONL

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AYR NORTH QUEENSLAND

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

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

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

WORKERS WANTED Call Mick & Daphne 07 4783 5837

WORKERS WANTED WORKERS WANTED WORKERS WANTED WORKERS WANTED WORKERS WANTED

Fed up of carrying around heavy guidebooks?

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

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

FIJI W ZEALAND & AUSTRALIA NE

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

T THE INDEPENDEN

UIDE TRAVELLERS' G JI

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

2012

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

ZEALAND & FI AUSTRALIA, NEW

A Product UK £9.95 WHERE SOLD

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

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

BOOK NOW

MISSION BEACH Absolute Backpackers 28 Wongaling Beach Road. 07 4068 8317, absolutebackpackers.com.au

1770 Undersea Adventures 1300 553 889, 1770underseaadventures.com

Scottyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Beach House 167 Reid Rd. 07 4068 8676, scottysbeachhouse.com.au

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

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

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

LISA MITCHELL

Backpackers by the Bay 12 Hermitage Dr. 1800 646 994, backpackersbythebay.com Base Airlie Beach Resort 336 Shute Harbour Rd. 1800 242 273, stayatbase.com Magnums Whitsunday Village Resort 366 Shute Harbour Rd. 1800 624 634 magnums.com.au

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

The Tivoli. Nov 6. $47 Ex- Idol indie darling Lisa Mitchell is touring nationally with her new album Bless This Mess which drops on October 12.

Brisbane

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

ticketek.com.au

TOWNSVILLE Adventurers Resort 79 Palmer St. 1800 211 522, adventurersresort.com Adrenalin Dive Yongala diving.

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

07 4783 1519, yongaladive.com.au

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

MAGNETIC ISL Base Magnetic Island 1 Nelly Bay Rd. 1800 24 22 73, stayatbase.com Bungalow Bay Backpackers Horseshoe Bay. 1800 285 577, bungalowbay. com.au Hotel Arcadia 7 Marine Pde,

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,

@tnt_downunder nomadshostels.com

CAIRNS DO AJ Hackett Bungy jumping & canyon swinging. 1800 622 888 cairns.ajhackett.com Pro Dive 07 4031 5255 prodivecairns.com Raging Thunder Adventures Whitewater rafting.

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

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

INNISFAIL IInnisfail Budget Backpackers Workerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hostel 125 Edith St. 07 4061 78337 4061 7833 Walkabout Motel & Backpackers 07 4061 2311

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52

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LIZARD ISLAND Lonely Planet founders Tony and Maureen Wheeler have named Lizard Island as one of the two destinations not to be missed in Australia. This rugged island boasts 24 pristine beaches that range from white sand to rocky escarpments, and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only a stoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s throw away from some of the best diving sites on the Great Barrier Reef. The island resort is pricey, but luckily you can camp, too. You can also borrow a â&#x20AC;&#x153;tinnieâ&#x20AC;? and sail around the island. You can fly there from Cairns.

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

GULF SAVANNAH Emu Creek Cattle Station 07 4094 8313

DAINTREE

PORT DOUGLAS Parrotfish Backpackers Resort 37 Warner St, Kuranda.

Koala Beach Resort Cape Kimberly Rd.

07 4099 5011, parrotfishlodge.com

1800 466 444

FREE UNLIMITED INTERNET

Awards!!

rated 9/10 on

DELICIOUSNESS

Vote for us!

go to: goldenbackpacks.tntdownunder.com

FEATURES

FREECALL: 1800 000 541

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

HEAPS OF ACTIVITIES!

LAMINGTON NATIONAL PARK Sitting just north of New South Wales, Lamington represents not just the start of Queensland, but also a transformation from temperate to subtropical surroundings. Its role as an ecological borderland means the number of plant species, some of which can’t be found anywhere else in the world, is immense, and includes 5,000-year-old tree roots.

Rugged rainforest scenery, waterfalls and caves make for great bushwalking, especially around Green Mountain, where there’s also a tree-top canopy walk. Daily buses from both the Gold Coast (85km) and Brisbane (100km) make access fairly easy, even without your own transport.

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

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

FREE DAILY BREAKFAST

SCAN TO

BOOK

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53

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

FREE UNLIMITED INTERNET

!!

Awards

Base Melbourne 17 Carlisle St, St. Kilda.

1800 242 273, stayatbase.com Central Melbourne Accommodation 21 Bromham Place, Richmond. 03 9427 9826, centralaccommodation.net Exford Hotel 199 Russell St. 03 9663 2697, exfordhotel.com.au

Vote for us!

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

go to: goldenbackpacks.tntdownunder.com

The Greenhouse Backpacker Level 6, 228 Flinders Lane.

1800 249 207, greenhousebackpacker.com.au Habitat HQ 333 St Kilda Road, St Kilda. 1800 202 500, habitathq.com.au Home at the Mansion 66 Victoria Parade. 03 9663 4212, homemansion.com.au Home Travellers Motel 32 Carlisle St, St Kilda.

1800 008 718, hometravellersmotel.com.au Hotel Bakpak Melbourne 167 Franklin St. 1800 645 200, hotelbakpak.com

Melbourne Central YHA 562 Flinders St. 03 9621 2523, yha.com.au Nomads Melbourne 198 A’beckett St. 1800 447 762, nomadshostels.com Space Hotel 380 Russell St. 1800 670 611, spacehotel.com.au The Spencer 475 Spencer St. 1800 638 108, hotelspencer.com

MELBOURNE DO Australian Centre for the Moving Image Federation Square.

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

GOLDEN!

FEATURES

FREECALL: 1800 249 207

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

HEAPS OF ACTIVITIES!

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

FREE DAILY BREAKFAST

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

BENDIGO

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If you’re a bit of an art junky or you like your historical buildings, then Bendigo will serve you well. A pretty, regional city of Victoria about 130km north-west of the state capital, Bendigo’s growth was attributed to the Victorian gold rush in the mid-1800s.

It now holds its own as a great day trip from Melbourne or a good weekend getaway to escape the big smoke. Things to do include hot air ballooning, gold mine tours, wine tours, horse riding and visits to galleries and museums in the area. Check out bendigotourism.com.au for more info.

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oldmelbournegaol.com.au

03 5237 7899, yha.com.au

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

Great Ocean Road Backpackers YHA 10 Erskine Av, Lorne.

03 5289 2508, yha.com.au

Skydive the Beach Melbourne 1300 798 843 skydivethebeachmelbourne.com

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

Port Campbell Hostel 18 Tregea St, Port Campbell.

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

East Brunswick Club eastbrunswickclub.com Esplanade Hotel espy.com.au Northcote Social Club northcotesocialclub.com Palace Theatre palace.com.au The Hi-Fi thehifi.com.au The Tote thetotehotel.com

GREAT OCEAN RD Anglesea Backpackers 40 Noble St, Anglesea.

03 5263 2664, angleseabackpackers.com.au Eco Beach YHA 5 Pascoe St.

MORNINGTON Bayplay Lodge 46 Canterbury Jetty Rd, Blairgowrie.

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

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

03 5980 1234, tortoisehead.net

DANDENONG Emerald Backpackers 03 5968 4086

DON’T MISS

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

03 5480 6522, yha.com.au Mildura City Backpackers 50 Lemon Ave, Mildura.

03 5022 7922, milduracitybackpackers.com.au Oasis Backpackers 230 Deakin Av, Mildura.

04 0734 4251, milduraoasisbackpackers.com.au

MUMFORD & SONS Rod Laver Arena. Oct 25. $89 If banjos, violins, foot stomping and beards are among your favourite things, catch the impressive folk boys this October.

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

1800 101 113 maffra.net.au/hostel

PHILLIP ISLAND Amaroo Park YHA 97 Church St, Cowes.

03 5952 3620,

Melbourne

ticketek.com.au

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

03 5956 6123 theislandaccommodation.com.au

GRAMPIANS

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

Stay. Play.

Melbourne.

$22

Accommodation from $22 a night (subject to availability)

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

UC103

Unique value tour packages

Book Now 1800

631 288 urbancentral.com.au

334 CITY ROAD SOUTHBANK MELBOURNE VIC 3006 AUSTRALIA

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55

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

LAUNCESTON DO

DON’T MISS

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

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

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

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

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

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

DEVONPORT

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

CADBURY MARATHON Cadbury Factory. Jan 13. Free Run the Freddo 5km or the Caramello 2.5km event with a finishing line at the famous Cadbury Factory, perfect for post-race indulging!

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

Hobart

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

cadburymarathon.com.au

PORT ARTHUR

LAUNCESTON Arthouse Backpacker Hostel 20 Lindsay St. 1800 041 135, arthousehostel.com.au

@tnt_downunder

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Launceston Backpackers 103 Canning St. 03 6334 2327, launcestonbackpackers.com.au Lloyds Hotel 23 George St. 03 6331 9906, backpackersaccommodation.com.au

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

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

Mt Roland Budget Backpacker Rooms 1447 Claude Rd, Gowrie Park. 03 6491 1385

CRADLE DO Devils at Cradle Tassie devil sanctuary. 3950 Cradle Mountain Rd. 03 6492 1491. devilsatcradle.com Overland Track Six-day walk parks.tas.gov.au

FREYCINET Iluka Backpackers YHA Reserve Rd. 03 6257 0115, yha.com.au Freycinet National Park Brewery, Wineglass Bay camping. 03 6256 7000, wineglassbay.com

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

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

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

WORD FROM THE STREET

Photo: Tourism Tasmania

Jan Prochazka, Sweden, 26

56

BAY OF FIRES Binalong Bay to Eddystone Point, north-eastern Tasmania.Despite being named as one of the world’s best beaches by Lonely Planet a couple of years ago, this undeveloped, idyllic corner of Tassie is still, just about, hanging onto its off the beaten track status. Kick back and enjoy the turquoise waters, white sands and fiery red granite rocks that give the area its name.

Narrowly missing out on being included in our best camp spots in Australia feature, you can also stay at a basic site, right by the beach, for free.

TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN IN TAS? We went to Devonport on the and from there we drove for six days, with stops at several National Parks, including Cradle Mountain, Lake St Clair and Wineglass Bay. Then Launceston and finally to the Bay of Fires.

WHICH PLACE HAD THE BEST NIGHTLIFE? A local bar/brewery next to the visitor’s center in Hobart! It had free samples of scotch, apperitifs and liquor.

WHERE ARE YOU HEADING NEXT? From here I go to Melbourne and then take the Great Ocean Road to Adelaide!

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NTLISTINGS

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

KATHERINE STAY

DON’T MISS

BIG4 Katherine Holiday Park 20 Shadforth Road.

1800 501 984, big4.com.au

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

KATHERINE DO

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

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

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

08 8981 0700, deckchaircinema.com.au

ALICE DO Alice Springs Desert Park Larapinta Drive.

08 8951 8788, alicespringsdesertpark.com.au

Airborne Solutions Scenic helicopter flights.

08 8972 2345 airbornesolutions.com.au

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

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

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

Palm Court Kookaburra Backpackers Giles St. 1800 626 722

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

Alice Springs Reptile Centre Meet and hold lizards.

9 Stuart Terrace.

08 8952 8900, reptilecentre.com.au

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

JOSH PYKE The Darwin Railway Club. Nov 5. $28 Talented singer/song writer Joke Pyke is bringing his whimsical melodies and beautiful lyrics to Australia’s top end to be enjoyed by all.

Darwin

oztix.com.au

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

08 8999 8264, magnt.nt.gov.au

Oz Jet Boating Stokes Hill Wharf.

1300 135 595, ozjetboating.com.au Spectacular Jumping Crocodile Cruise Adelaide River.

08 8978 9077, jumpingcrocodile.com.au Wave Lagoon Waterfront Precinct. waterfront.nt.gov.au

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

Outback Ballooning Hot air balloon rides.

1800 809 790, outbackballooning.com.au Royal Flying Doctor Service Base Museum and operations room.

Stuart Terrace. 08 8952 1129, flyingdoctor.net

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

Haven Resort 3 Larapinta Drive.

1800 794 663, alicehaven.com.au

School of the Air Long-distance schooling museum.

80 Head St. 08 8951 6834, assoa.nt.edu.au The Rock Tour Uluru tours.

78 Todd St. 1800 246 345, therocktour.com.au

WORD FROM THE STREET

Melanie Roth, Germany WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN IN THE NT? All the way down from Darwin through Litchfield and Kakadu NP via Katherine Gorge to Alice Springs, Kings Canyon, Uluru and The Olgas.

BEST DAY SPOT? The Gunlom Falls! It’s an exhausting climb up the rocks but it’s absolutely worth it. Up there you can swim in a pool at the edge of the rock with a gorgeous lookout!

BEST NIGHT SPOT? Camping in Walker Creek in Litchfield NP and Koolpin Gorge in Kakadu NP. Both are outback camping sites with no toilets and therefore you are nearly alone.

TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

57

WALISTINGS

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

1800 188 100, oneworldbackpackers.com.au

DON’T MISS

@tnt_downunder

DON’T MISS

Perth City YHA 300 Wellington St. 08 9287 3333, yha.com.au The Old Swan Barracks 6 Francis St. 08 9428 0000, theoldswanbarracks.com Underground Backpackers 268 Newcastle St, Northbridge.

08 9228 3755, undergroundbackpackers.com.au

SOUNDS OUTBACK FESTIVAL Exmouth. Oct 5-9. $120 This iconic festival offers music lovers a cultural adventure set on the stunning land and offshore locations of the Ningaloo Coast.

Exmouth

tura.com.au

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

08 9227 6000, perthbrittania.com Emperor’s Crown 85 Stirling St, Northbridge.

1800 991 553, 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

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

OKTOBERFEST Broken Hill Hotel. Oct 7. Free Can’t make it to Germany for a stein? Good thing Broken Hill Hotel is bringing you Oktoberfest, including live music, food and much more.

PERTH DO

Victoria Park

Aquarium of Western Australia 91 Southside Drive, Hillarys.

08 9447 7500, aqwa.com.au

08 9474 3551, perthzoo.wa.gov.au

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

brokenhillhotel.com.au

PERTH MUSIC Amplifier amplifiercapitol.com.au Astor liveattheastor.com.au Mojo’s Bar mojosbar.com.au The Bakery nowbaking.com.au The Rosemount Hotel

rosemounthotel.com.au

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

Photo: Tourism Tasmania

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

58

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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MARGARET RIV

DON’T MISS

DON’T MISS

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

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

ROCK-IT FESTIVAL Joondalup Arema. Oct 28. $107.10 Back after a three year hiatus this festival boasts an enormous line up headlined by international super rockstars the Black Keys.

Perth

moshtix.com.au

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

FREO DO

MONKEY MIA 1 The Terrace.08 9336 9200, backpackersinnfreo.com.au

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

Fremantle Markets 08 9335 2515, fremantlemarkets.com.au

Rottnest Express 1300 Go Rotto

Fremantle Prison

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

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

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

WINTER WONDERLAND Forrest Centre Reception Centre. Sep 30. $90.

Fairy floss, snow cones and human snow globes will capture memories, while Ruby Rose and other DJs help raise money for charity.

Perth CBD

Coral Bay 08 9948 5100, ningalooclub.com

u t n e v d A n e Asp

Nt

Qld

Wa

Brisbane

Sa Perth

Nsw Sydney

Adelaide

Vic Melbourne Hobart

1355

Visit our website for great accommodation specials and online bookings

12 Sanctuary Road.

1800 655 011,

Excape Backpackers YHA Murat Rd, Exmouth.

08 9949 1200, yha.com.au

BROOME STAY Cable Beach Backpackers

Aspen Parks Begin your re today...

Darwin

moshtix.com.au

cablebeachbackpackers.com Kimberley Club 62 Fredrick St 08 9192 3233,

kimberleyklub.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

Queensland Island Gateway Holiday Park

1800 466 528

aspenparks.com.au TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

59

SALISTINGS ADELAIDE STAY

follow us on 1 Oliver St. 1800 633 891, radekadownunder.com.au

DON’T MISS

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

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

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

KANGAROO IS

Adelaide Travellers Inn 220 Hutt St. 08 8224 0753, adelaidebackpackers.com.au Annie’s Place 239 Franklin St. 1800 818 011, anniesplace.com.au Backpack Oz 144 Wakefield St. 1800 633 307, backpackoz.com.au Blue Galah Backpackers Lvl 1, 52-62, King William St. 08) 8231 9295, bluegalah.com.au

PARKLIFE

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

Botanic Gardens of Adelaide. Oct 7. $130 Aussie boys The Presets are headlining this year’s festival along with Plan B, Passion Pit, Nero, Justice (DJ set) and many more in the park.

Hostel 109 109 Carrington St. 1800 099 318, hostel109.com My Place 257 Waymouth St. 1800 221 529, adelaidehostel.com.au Shakespeare Hostel 123 Waymouth St. 1800 556 889, shakeys.com.au

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

08 8300 3800 cricketsa.com.au Adelaide Zoo

Adelaide

parklife.com.au

Frome Rd. 08 8267 3255, zoossa.com.au Haigh’s Chocolates Factory tours.

153 Greenhill Rd, Parkside 1800 819 757, haighschocolates.com.au Temptation Sailing Dolphin swimming, Glenelg.

04 1281 1838 dolphinboat.com.au

BAROSSA VAL Barossa Backpackers 9 Basedow Road Tanunda.

08 8563 0198, barossabackpackers.com.au

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

@tnt_downunder

13 The Strand, Port Elliot.

08 8554 2785 yha.com.au

EYRE PENINSULA Coodlie Park Farmstay Flinders Highway, Port Kenny.

08 8687 0411 coodliepark.com

Kangaroo Island YHA 33 Middle Terrace, Penneshaw.

08 8553 1344 yha.com.au

Baird Bay Ocean Eco Experience Sea lion and dolphin swims.

08 8626 5017 bairdbay.com

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

Calypso Star Charters Great white shark cage diving.

08 8682 3939, sharkcagediving.com.au

RIVERLAND Berri Backpackers Sturt Highway, Berri.

08 8582 3144, berribackpackers.com.au Harvest Trail Lodge Loxton.

08 8584 5646, harvesttrail.com.au Nomads on Murray Sturt Highway, Kingston on Murray.

1800 665 166, nomadsworld.com Riverland Backpackers Labour Hire Services 08 8583 0211

FLEURIEU PENIN Port Elliot Beach House YHA

Nullarbor Traveller Tours across to Perth.

1800 816 858 the-traveller.com.au Port Lincoln Tourist Park 11 Hindmarsh St. 08 8621 4444, portlincolntouristpark.com.au Rodney Fox Shark Expeditions Great white shark cage diving.

08 8363 1788 rodneyfox.com.au

FLINDERS RANGES Angorichina Tourist Village 08 8648 4842, angorichinavillage.com.au Wilpena Pound Resort Wilpena Rd. 08 8648 0004, wilpenapound.com.au

DEAL SEALED

BAIRD BAY Whether it’s cuddling a koala, feeding a kangaroo or diving with sharks, meeting the locals is a big part of travelling around Oz. But perhaps the most overlooked and under-rated animal experience Down Under is swimming with seals. You’re unlikely to find a more friendly, sociable and fun creature in the sea. One of the best places to play around with them is sleepy fishing village Baird Bay, which is home to a large sea lion colony, plus plenty of dolphins. Named after an early settler who got speared by local Aboriginals, remote Baird Bay is also great for escaping the crowds. You’ll find it on the west coast of the Eyre Peninsula, west of Adelaide.

60

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NZLISTINGS

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BUS TOURS

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

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

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

NZ Travelpass 0800 339 966, travelpass.co.nz

Wicked Campers 1800 246 869, wickedcampers.com

Stray +64 9309 8772, straytravel.com

AUCKLAND

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Queen Street Backpackers (VIP) 4 Fort St. +64 9373 3471, enquiries@qsb.co.nz Surf ‘n’ Snow Backpackers 102 Albert St. +64 9363 8889, surfandsnow.co.nz YHA Auckland City Cnr City Rd & Liverpool St. +64 9309 2802, yha.co.nz YHA Auckland International 5 Turner St. +64 9302 8200, yha.co.nz

WELLINGTON Base Wellington 21-23 Cambridge Tce. +64 4801 5666 stayatbase.com

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

Downtown Wellington Backpackers (BBH) 1 Bunny St. +64 4473 8482 db@downtownbackpackers.co.nz

City Garden Lodge 25 St Georges Bay Rd, Parnell. +64 9302 0880

Lodge in the City (VIP) 152 Taranaki St. +64 4385 8560 lodgeinthecity.co.nz

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

Backpacking just got easy as.

YHA Wellington City 292 Wakefield St. +64 4801 7280

CHRISTCHURCH

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

QUEENSTOWN

WHEN YOU

JOIN YHA

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

yha.co.nz TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

61

VELLING TRA ON TO F

FIJILISTINGS

IJI?

NADI & WEST Aquarius Pacific Hotel +679 672 6000 Beach Escape Villas +679 672 4442, beachscape@ connect.com.fj Cathay Hotel +679 666 0566, fiji4less.com

mote ere.

Visit the re ds, Fiji.

- it s all th n la Is a w k , explore sa a Ya ay k , e iv el d Chill, snork

Horizon Backpackers +679 672 2832, horizonbeachfiji.com Nadi Bay Resort Hotel +679 672 3599, fijinadibayhotel.com

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dv Awesome A

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Saweni Beach Apartment Hotel +679 666 1777, fiji4less.com

“real Fiji”

Smugglers Cove +679 672 6578, smugglers beachfiji.com Travellers Beach Resort +679 672 3322, beachvilla@connect.com.fj

ISLAND HOPPING PASSES

YASAWA ISLANDS

Complete freedom to explore the Yasawa Islands, including Beachcomber.

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

Passes from $217

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

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

ISLAND ESCAPES A bit like survivor but a lot more fun! Strand yourself on one island for 2, 4 or 6 nights. If you can stand nd the pain of coral lagoons and coconut palms then stay longer. Packages from $224

info@awesomefiji.com

www.awesomefiji.com

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

62

TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

Tabukula Beach Bungalows +679 650 0097, fiji4less.com The Uprising Beach Resort +679 345 2200, uprisingbeachresort.com Tsulu Luxury Backpackers & Apartments +679 345 0065, tsulu.com Vakaviti Motel & Dorm +679 650 0526, bulavakaviti@connect.com.fj Vilisite Place +679 650 1030

SUVA Colonial Lodge +679 92 75248, sailevukaga@yahoo.co.nz

Korovou Eco Tour Resort +679 666 6644 korovoultk@connect.com.fj

Raintree Lodge +679 332 0562, raintreelodge.com

Kuata Resort +679 666 6644

Royal Hotel +679 344 0024 royal@connect.com.fj

Long Beach Backpackers Resort +679 666 6644

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

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

Tailevu Hotel +679 343 0028

Wayalailai Island Resort +679 672 1377 wayalailai@connect.com.fj White Sandy Beach Dive Resort +679 666 4066

MAMANUCA ISL Beachcomber Island Resort +679 666 1500, beachcomberfiji.com Bounty Island Resort +679 666 6999, fiji-bounty.com Rau Kini’s Hostel +679 672 1959, rtkinihostel@connect.com.fj The Funky Fish Beach Resort +679 628 2333, funkyfishresort.com

AAF3373 - Issue 674

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

Seashell Cove Resort +679 670 6100, seashellresort.com

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

Sunrise Lagoon Resort +679 666 6644

Daily departures for all packages and passes from Denarau Marina

Robinson Crusoe +679 629 1999, robinsoncrusoeislandfiji.com

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

Octopus Resort +679 666 6337 reservations@octopusresort.com

Straight out of your tropical Island Fantasy.

Two island stays have always been extremely popular so we ve made it really easy for you with a matching of islands that we think make a great pair. Packages from $421

Rendezvous Dive Resort +679 628 4427, surfdivefiji.com

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

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

5 days 4 nights 2 islands

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

Awesome Adventures Fiji +679 675 0499, awesomefiji.com

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

GREAT PAIRS

Mango Bay Resort +679 653 00690, mangobayresortfiji.com

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

CORAL COAST Beachouse +679 653 0500, fijibeachouse.com

NORTH VITI LEVU Bethams Cottage +679 669 4132, bethams.com.fj Macdonalds Beach Cottages +679 669 4633 Morrison’s Beach Cottagess +679 669 4516, tipple@connect.com.fj Safari Lodge Fijis +679 669 3333 safarilodge.com.fj Volivoli Beach Resort +679 669 4511, volivoli.com

VANUA LEVU Bayside Backpacker Cottage +679 885 3154, tripntour@connect.com.fj Hidden Paradise Guest House +678 885 0106 Naveria Heights Lodge +679 851 0157, justnaveria@connect.com.fj Savusavu Hot Springs +679 885 0195, hotspringshotel@connect.com.fjj

TAVEUNI Albert’s Sunrise +679 333 7555 Matava Resort +679 330 5222, matava.com

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OZWORK

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Only a CV away If you like working with people but don’t have any qualifications, office work is a great way to gain valuable skills in Australia

Australian offices provide some of the best paid jobs available to travellers looking to quickly boost their travel funds. And the best bit is there’s plenty to go around.

Whether you’ve been caning your way down the east coast, checking out the central rock stars or have simply turned into an urban creature of the night, sadly one thing is always inevitable – the cash won’t last forever.

But have no fear, as picking up some office work, as long as you have even a little experience, is relatively painless and quite often as well paid as any temporary job you’re likely to get.

The good news is that, as recruitment consultant Christine Wright, told us: “Australian employers are recognising the benefits of taking on travellers. Salaries are remaining steady, or increasing slightly, in response to the demand for quality candidates.”

But in order to land that job to help you get back on the road, it’s worth doing things properly and making sure you’re prepared. “Put effort into your application,” 64

TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

Christine advised.

“Provide a cover letter which sums up your experience, lets us know what work you are looking for and give reasons for why you would be good for the position.

“Put as much relevant detail into your resume as possible. List all previous duties, computers packages used and the dates for each position.”

But even with a badass CV, make sure you don’t mess up the obvious things.

Christine warned: “We expect candidates to be well presented, so make sure you have a suit, black shoes and keep hair etc., tidy.

“Make sure your voicemail is set up as it can be frustrating when potential candidates are unreachable.”

One thing is very clear though, agencies look for reliability and honesty above all else. “Be honest about potential other job opportunities, turn up every day to your job, and if you are unwell always inform your consultant,” added Christine.

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TOTALLYTRIVIAL

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WHO TO BLAME

AND THEIR FAVOURITE KIWI EXPRESSION EDITOR

ALEX HARMON [It’s business time]

STAFF WRITER HUGH RADOJEV (Beached as bro)

INTERN

AMELIA GRAY (Sweet as)

AUSSIE RULESWINE AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL a) Hunter Valley b) Adelaide Hills c) Nowhere, only France d) Yarra

DESIGN & PRODUCTION LISA FERRON (Fush and chups)

which state is the Hunter Valley?

Q 2.a)InACT b) Queensland c) New South Wales

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT TOM WHEELER (Not even ow!)

MIKE RAMMSTEIN (Seveen eleeveen)

b) Sovereign c) Magnum d) Melchizedek

a) Cab Sauvignon b) Zinfandel c) Pinot Grigio d) Pinot Noir

wine is likely to be ‘tannic’?

Q 8.a)Which White Wine

Q 4. Can red grapes produce white wine? a) No, only red wine c) No, only rosé

SALES EXECUTIVE

b) Yes d) Sometimes

Q 5. What percentage of Australian wine bottles are screw capped? a) 50 per cent b) 85 per cent c) 30 per cent d) 100 per cent

FINANCIAL CONTROLLER

Which of these places is not an Australian appellation? a) Yarra Valley b) Temecula c) Orange d) King Valley

has the largest sized bottle?

Q 7.a)Which Piccolo

d) Tasmania

The Coonaware Region is most Q 3.famous for its what?

ACCOUNT MANAGER

JUSTIN STEINLAUF (Choice bru)

Q

Where in Australia produces the Q 1.best Champagne?

b) Sparkling Wine c) Red Wine d) Rosé

Q 9. Which best describes Sauv Blanc? a) Dry and oaky b) Green and grassy c) Heavy and tannic d) Soft and sweet

TRISH BAILEY

SUDOKU PUZZLE

WHAT WE DID THIS WEEK GOT STRANDED IN QUEENSTOWN WHEN A FREAK POLAR BLAST HIT THE ISLAND. PUT UP IN A FIVE STAR HOTEL SO DIDN’T COMPLAIN SPRUNG INTO PARTY MODE AT THE SCUBAR SPRING BREAK EVENT CHATTED TO ROLLER DERBY GIRLS, FISTI CUFFS AND GORI SPELLING ABOUT HOW MANY BONES THEY’VE BROKEN OVER THE YEARS

66

TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

4

6

5

AUSSIE-ISM

2 5

1

6

7

3

1

9 2

4

8 3 5 4

7

1

“STUNNED MULLET”

2

3

9

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

(Fully sick bro)

6

4 5

To be in a complete state of bewilderment or astonishment, utterly dazed and confused about something that has happened. E.g “He just sat there, staring into space like a stunned mullet.”

TIGHT & BRIGHT PARTY! thursday 20th

september all drinks $5 till midnight

LONG LIVE LYCRA!

LIKE FACE US ON BOOK

Wear your tightest and brightest!

Best dressed wins great prizes

*ALL TAP BEERS, BOTTLED BEERS,SPIRITS AND PIZZA $5 ‘TIL MIDNIGHT. SCUBAR PROMOTES THE RESPONSIBLE SERVICE OF ALCOHOL. +61 2 9212 4244 SCUBAR.COM.AU | CNR GEORGE ST & RAWSON PL SYDNEY

TM

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