TNT Australia #717 by TNT MAGAZINE

11-24 March 2013 Issue 717 tntdownunder.com

WIN noosa

a ure Adventa holid ye packag

watch this face Chatting to Die Hard 5’s Jai Courtney

the shy byron Chill in the relaxed surf town of Yamba

r u o t e h t f o e d dark si ities eirdest activ w ’s a li a tr s u k at A scary, we loo t h g ri n w o d arre to the From the biz + news & sport what’s on film reviews travellers’ tIPS

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Alex Harmon EDITOR editor@tntdownunder.com

EDITOR’S LETTER We’re a little bit weird here at TNT; so if we’re given the chance to walk around a museum in the nude, we tackle it head on (oh so many double entendres!). That’s just one of the weird tours we discovered for you this issue (pg38). We also hop over to New Zealand to check out some wacky sculptures by the sea (pg54) and relax our wicked minds in the charming town of Yamba (pg46). Happy travels!

THIS WEEK oz Diary

Food + drink

Gigs

Pub

Chatroom

Film

Lifestyle

News 24 Opinion

Sport 28 Travel 30 hot shots

win

weekender 50 listings Australia 58 listings new zealand 74 work 79 trivial pursuits

Features Jai Rules

We sit down with Jai Courtney, the latest Aussie to conquer Hollywood

Let’s get freaky

Come with us on some of the weird and wonderful tours around Oz

Do you yamba?

We cast a spotlight on Yamba and Byron on the beautiful north coast of NSW

Boast coast

Take a little time out with us in Waiheke, the jewel of NZ’s North Island.

38 tntdownunder.com

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ozDIARY

Editorial Editor Alex Harmon Staff writer Hugh Radojev Contributors Alasdair Morton, Marina Thomas, Jahn Vannisselroy Interns James Besanvalle, Rosemarie Marino, Adele Rogers

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Kiss me, I’m Irish

Design and production Design and production manager Lisa Ferron Sales Account manager Justin Steinlauf marketing & events Business development manager Tom Wheeler Marketing and events executive Georgina Pengelly

distribution Lee Sutherland accounts Financial controller Trish Bailey

main event St Patrick’s Day Parade Sydney City

What better excuse to party then to celebrate Australia’s Irish heritage? With over 30,000 people attending, it’s set to be a massive day! If you’re in Sydney there’ll be pre-parade entertainment going on, starting at Town Hall, including music and dancing on George Street through to Hyde Park. TNT and Oz Party are even hosting a boat cruise to commemorate! Other than drinking, the day involves a lot of other fun activities including Irish dancers, tumble circus, cultural stalls and live music. There is also a ‘Gaels got Talent’ comp going on. 17th March. Sydney

ozpartyevents.com.au/product/paddys-day

food and wine festival

10 days on the island

The Addams Family musical

Planning to be the next masterchef or just a master eater? Regardless of which it is, both involve a visit to this tantalising extravaganza. Also experience some of the finest wines and cocktails. There are over 200 events on to choose from.

Whether it is arts, theatre, dance, music, film, literature or food, this state-wide festival has you covered. Island themes with an cultural focus. Make sure to check out some of the physical theatre as these performances are amazing.

With an original storyline, this Broadway musical follows the tale of Wednesday Addams falling for a ‘normal boy’ – the opposite of what the family represents. Expect the characters you know and love, including Morticia, Gomez and Uncle Fester!

March 1-17th South Yarra, Melbourne melbournefoodandwine.com.au

March 15 -24 Tasmania tendaysontheisland.com

March 2-24 Capitol Theatre – Sydney addamsfamilythemusical.com

Email tom@tntdownunder.com Where to get TNT

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

$15

$49

Image: Getty

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

$18

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eats

Corner House

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[Caption]

FOOD review by Hugh Radojev

Once a stop on the old Bondi tram, Corner House is now a restaurant, and an excellent one at that. The interior straddles the divide between laid back beach cafe and high end restaurant expertly, it’s homely and yet chic at the same time. The kind of place where you’d feel equally at home wearing a pair of boardshorts as you would in a bespoke, Italian suit. The front part of the restaurant is called the Dining Room, where all the furniture and tables are made from old ferry benches, while the Living Room out the back is a place to sit and enjoy a drink while sinking gently into a big, leather chesterfield sofa. Marvellous! The grub While the interior may err on the playful side, the food is very serious. Flavour seems to be of paramount concern to the staff of Corner House, which is obviously important. To start I had the red snapper stuffed zucchini flowers ($18) which were beautifully balanced, the fish perfectly off setting the creamy, sweetness of the cream cheese filling. My friend and I also did our best to work our way through a Crowded House pizza ($23) and a bowl of melt in your mouth beef cheek, velvety mashed potatoes and soft gnocchi ($32). Behind ethe bar A wonderful selection of beers, wines and cocktails. Bill please Perhaps a little bit on the dear side for the humble backpacker, but you and yours can have a great meal and a bottle of wine for $70 a head. verdict Cool layout, great food and lovely staff, this place is one of Bondi’s finest. THE SCENE

281 Bondi Rd, Bondi, Sydney

3 of the best melbourne laneway bars 6

thecornerhouse.com.au

Bar Americano

Croft institute

Murmur

Sharp like a freshly whetted razor, as mini bars go this place oozes Roman cool. Works well as a cafe during the day and a wine/cocktail bar at night. It also has a big list of European aperitifs. Great for watching young hipsters flop and twitch while they slam espressos at a quarter to midnight. When in Melbourne...

Located off a winding alleyway somewhere in Chinatown, getting to the Croft Institute is thirsty work, which is good because it’s got plenty of stuff on offer supple on. Loosely based on a medical laboratory and apparently built on the remains of an old sanitarium. Some drinks even come in test tubes, which is amazing!

Another laneway gem, what Murmur lacks in size it definitely makes up for in character and an epic bar list. For example, say you’re feeling in the mood for a sour or a classic cocktail. Murmur’s bartenders make five different varieties... Eight if you break the whiskeys down into scotch, bourbon and rye. Delicious!

baramericano.com

thecroftinstitute.com

murmur.com.au

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SYDNEYdrinks

BITE SIZE

MON–FRI 11.30AM–4PM ............... MON–THUR 7PM–11PM ............... FRI & SAT 7PM–9PM ............... SUN 12PM–11PM

Chanoma, not misnomer We all know that green tea is good for you, it’s got all sorts of antioxidants and stuff in it. Hot dogs on the other hand... Not so much. Which is why Chanoma Cafe is so devilishly perplexing, like a rubix cube or one of those Chinese finger traps. Everything here from the humble cappuccino to the most incredible looking ice cream topped dessert is all made using matcha, or powdered green tea. All the get up and go of coffee, mixed with the healing, soothing properties of green tea. The part I don’t really get is the collection of Japanese hot dogs, made with German sausages. Only in Japan... Oh, wait a minute. Level 1, 501 George St, Sydney

carry on like a pork chop So The Carrington in Surry Hills has got a new(ish) chef, a new menu and a new look. Unfortunately they’ve gone the way of places like The Forresters, so expect plenty of cartoon skeletons wearing sombreros and silly phrases in Spanish scrawled on the walls (ay, Dios mio!). The food more than makes up for it though, the triple pork burger ($10 on Wednesday nights) was so immense I nearly wept. the-carrington.com.au

Social butterflies March is supposed to be the month that the long awaited (by me anyway) Newtown Social Club finally opens! Getting nervously excited just thinking about it. Live music!! Should almost make up for the Annandale closing. RIP.

OPEN 7 DAYS TILL 3AM KITCHEN TILL 2.30AM ............................... DJS & LIVE ENTERTAINMENT EVERY NIGHT! ............................... LUCKYCOQ.COM.AU FACEBOOK.COM/LUCKYCOQ

CNR CHAPEL ST & HIGH ST WINDSOR MELBOURNE 9525 1288

newtownsocialclub.com

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gigLISTINGS

BLUE MURDER, DESTROY ALL LINES AND BOMBSHELLZINE PRESENT

DeWolff $10 Transit Bar, Canberra dewolffband.com.au

monday 18 Sprag Session Free Huonville, Tasmania tendaysontheisland.com.au The Snowdroppers Free Barrio, Hajek Plaza, Adelaide thesnowdroppers.com.au

DON’T MISS! byron bay bluesfest Tyagarah Tee Tree Farm. March 28- April 1. From $139 One of the greatest festivals in Oz is just around the corner. Catch Iggy & the Stooges (pictured), Chris Isaak, Paul Simon, Ben Harper + more. Byron Bay

bluesfest.com.au

tuesday 19 Jimmy Cliff $60 Tanks, Cairns tanksartcentre.com.au

wednesday 20 monday 11 Rickie Lee Jones - $44 Factory Theatre, Sydney factorytheatre.com Neil Finn and Paul Kelly - $84 Sydney Opera House sydneyoperahouse.com.au

tuesday 12 Guns ‘n’ Roses - $139.90 Allphones Arena, Sydney showbiz.com Kiss & Motley Crue - $130 Brisbane Entertainment Centre showbiz.com Wild Nothing - $40 Toff in Town, Melbourne moshtix.com.au

wednesday 13 Bloc Party - $79.90 Hordern Pavillion, Sydney premier.ticketek.com.au Neil Young and Crazy Horse From $107.10 Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne premier.ticketek.com.au Birds of Tokyo - TBA Waves Nightclub, Wollongong birdsoftokyo.com.au

thursday 14 Opeth - $74 Palace Theatre, Melbourne premier.ticketek.com.au Gramatik - $43.50 Oxford Arts Factory, Sydney oxfordartfactory.com Thelma Plum - $12 Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane oztix.com.au

Dinosaur Jr - $63.50 The Hi-Fi, Brisbane thehifi.com.au

friday 15 ZZ Top $99 Entertainment Centre, Sydney frontiertouring.com Grinspoon $37.50 The Tivoli, Brisbane oztix.com.au Frog Fest $15 Red Rattler, Sydney moshtix.com.au Solaris - From $25 Adelaide Town Hall bass.net.au

saturday 16 Julio Bashmore $40 Oxford Arts Factory, Sydney oxfordartfactory.com Birds of Tokyo $55 The Enmore, Sydney theenmore.com.au Grinspoon $40 The Metro, Sydney oztix.com.au Richard Clapton $40 Tanks, Cairns tanksartcentre.com.au The Jacksons $119 Sydney Entertainment Centre premier.ticketek.com.au

sunday 17

The Presidents of the United States of America From $65.30 HQ Complex, Adelaide oztix.com.au

Guns ‘n’ Roses $139.90 Sidney Myer Music Bowl showbiz.com.au

Drapht From $21.45 Uni Bar, Wollongong oztix.com.au

Ruthie Foster $55 The Corner Hotel, Melbourne ticketscout.com

Birds of Tokyo TBA Plantation Hotel, Coffs Harbour birdsoftokyo.com.au Guns ‘n’ Roses $139.90 Brisbane Entertainment Centre showbiz.com

thursday 21 Santana and Steve Miller $114 Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne premier.ticketek.com.au Strange Talk $10 Transit Bar, Canberra facebook.com/transitbar

friday 22 The Snowdroppers $15 The Standard, Sydney wearethestandard.com.au Lowrider $20 The Corner Hotel, Melbourne ticketscout.com

saturday 23 Tuba Skinny $27.50 The Standard, Sydney wearethestandard.com.au Aiera $20 The Burdekin, Sydney transcienceevents.com British India $28.60 Mount Gambier britishindia.com.au Robert Grey TBA The Enmore, Sydney theenmore.com.au

sunday 24

1 APRIL · LIC AA

BIG TOP LUNA PARK 1 OLYMPIC DRIVE MILSONS POINT

1300 843 443 TICKETEK.COM.AU BIGTOPSYDNEY.COM 1300 BIG TOP

TIX:

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Steve Miller - $80 Fremantle Park, WA westcoastbluesandroots.com

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pUBLISTINGS

sydney pubs Trinity Bar 505 Crown St, Surry Hills trinitybar.com.au

The Shed 69-71 Aberdeen St Northbridge, the-shed.com.au

DOME Bar Level 1 589 Crown Street, Surry Hills domebar.com.au

Mint Nightclub Cnr Lake and James St, Northbridge mintnightclub.com

Tea Garden’s 2-4 Bronte Rd, Bondi Junction teagardenshotel.com.au

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

Scary Canary 469 Kent St, Sydney scarycanarybar.com.au Side Bar 509 Pitt St, Sydney wakeup.com.au/side-bar Scubar 4/11-23 Rawson Place, Sydney scubar.com.au Bar Century Lvl 4 640, George St Sydney barcentury.com.au

HAPPY HOUR! parched march Across Sydney, New South Wales Have a beer or two at any of Parched March’s sponsored bars across Sydney this month and raise some money for our furriest friends. Various, Sydney

parchedmarch.com

The Hi-Fi 125 Swanston Street Melbourne thehifi.com.au

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

The Bondi Hotel 178 Campbell Parade, Bondi hotelbondi.com.au

The Tote 67-71 Johnston Street, Collingwood thetotehotel.com

Port Office Hotel 40 Edwards St, Brisbane portofficehotel.com.au

Kinsela’s 383 Bourke St, Darlinghurst kniselas.com.au

Eden Bar and Nightclub 163 Russell Street, Melbourne edenbar.com.au

Candy’s Apartment 22 Bayswater Road, Potts Point candys.com.au

Beach Road Hotel 71 Beach Road, Bondi Beach beachroadbondi.com.au

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

Flinders Hotel The Beresford 63 – 65 Flinders St, Surry Hills 345 Bourke St, Surry Hills theflindershotel.com.au merivale.com.au/theberesfordhotel

Pontoon Cockle Bay Wharf 201, Darling Harbour pontoonbar.com Hotel Steyne 75 The Corso, Manly hotelsteyne.com.au New Brighton Hotel 71 The Corso, Manly newbrighton.com.au In Situ 34/18 Sydney Rd, Manly insitumanly.com.au

White Horse Hotel 381 Crown St, Surry Hills thewhitehorse.com.au

melbournepubs Central Lion Hotel 3/221 La Trobe St, Melbourne acemelbourne.com.au/mclion/ Shamiana 420 Lonsdale St, Melbourne shamiana.com.au Star Bar Hotel Melbourne 160 Clarendon Street, South Melbourne starbarhotel.com.au The Apartment Nightclub 401 Little Bourke Street Melbourne theapartment.com.au

Turf Bar 131 Queen St Melbourne turfbar.com.au Fluid Oz Bar 450 Elizabeth Street Melbourne yelp.com.au Bar Humbug 586 Little Bourke St Melbourne barhumbug.com.au Eurotrash Bar 18 Corrs Lane Melbourne eurotrashbar.com.au The Night Owl 35 Elizabeth Street Melbourne nightowl.com.au

Northcote Social Club 301 High Street Northcote northcotesocialclub.com

Sky Room 2/234 Wickham St, Fort Valley skyroom.com.au Bravo Bar Brunswick Central, 455 Brunswick St Fortitude Valley hotelbravo.com.au

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

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

hobart pubs Syrup Nightclub 39 Salamanca Pl, Battery Point syrupclub.com.au Republic Bar 299 Elizabeth St, Hobart republicbar.com.au Isobar 11 Franklin Wharf Hobart isobar.com.au

The Met Nightclub 256 Wickham St, Fortitude Valley themet.com.au Knopwood’s Retreat 39 Salamanca Pl The Exchange Hotel Hobart 131 Edward St, Brisbane (03)6223 5808 theexchange.com.au Iceworks Cnr Given Tce & Dowse St, Paddington iceworks.com.au

The Duke 192 Macquarie Street Hobart theduke.com.au

adelaide pubs Red Square Bar and Lounge 111 Hindley St, Adelaide rsq.com.au Electric Circus 17 Crippen Place, Adelaide electriccircus.com.au

Cherry Bar 103 Flinders Lane Melbourne myspace.com/cherrybarmelbourne Crown and Sceptre Hotel 308 King William Street, Adelaide Corner Hotel sceptre.com.au 57 Swan Street Richmond Marlborough Hotel The Promethean cornerhotel.com 145 King St, Newtown 116 Grote St, Adelaide marlboroughhotel.com.au East Brunswick Club theprom.com 280 Lygon St The Imperial Club 58 Brunswick East 35 Erskineville Road, Erskineville 58 Hindley St, Adelaide eastbrunswickclub.com theimperialhotel.com.au club58.com.au Esplanade Hotel The Norfolk 11 The Esplanade, St Kilda 305 Cleveland St, Redfern espy.com.au thenorfolk.co perth pubs Four Pines 29/43-45 East Esplanade, Manly 4pines.com.au

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

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

Palace Theatre palace.com.au

Coogee Palace 169 Dolphin St, Coogee beachpalacehotel.com.au

White Revolver Cnr Curlewis + Campbell Parade Bondi Beach whiterevolver.com

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

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

3 Wise Monkeys 555 George St, Sydney 3wisemonkeys.com.au

Oxford Art Factory 38-46 Oxford St, Darlinghurst oxfordartfactory.com

brisbane pubs

@tnt_downunder

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

HAPPY HOUR Every Hour is Happy hour Bar Century, Sydney. Nighttimes. Bourbons, vodka and gin as well as domestic beers and house wine are all $3. That’s right people, $3 all the time. Fill your boots! 1/640 George St, Sydney

barcentury.com.au

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Untitled-2 1

21/02/13 4:12 PM

Photos: Getty; 2012 Twentieth Century Fox Film

"Awesome!”: Bruce Willis’s assessment of Jai Courtney, seen here on the red carpet in London

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Good day to break through Aussie Jai Courtney is Hollywood’s new all-action hero thanks to his leading role with Bruce Willis in A Good Day To Die Hard

Photos: Getty; 2012 Twentieth Century Fox Film

Words alasdair morton

Sydney-born actor Jai Courtney is going to be big, and we mean seriously big – an A-lister in the making. With two high profile roles in the last three months, first opposite Tom Cruise in Jack Reacher and now a lead part as Bruce Willis’s son Jack in A Good Day To Die Hard, he is rocketing towards action stardom. “He is on his way,” Willis himself proclaimed only last week of his younger co-star. ”That guy is awesome!” Ask the New South Welshman, though, and he reveals smash-bang-explosion is far from all he is about. “Things have shifted these days,” he says of Hollywood’s propensity for an all-out action hero. “There are a few people we could label as straight up and down action guys, but that’s not the path I want to head down.” He’s not oblivious to the fact, however, that, currently, it’s something he does, and does very well. “It is interesting that I’ve had the opportunity to work on some action-heavy projects, and if there is a strength for me that I need to play to then that’s great,” he says. “You have to break in somehow. But I want to diversify.” Courtney joined Perth’s Western Australia Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) in 2004 – an institution that counts Hugh Jackman and the late Heath Ledger among its alumni to make it big across the Pacific – and won a role in swords and sandals TV show Spartacus in 2010. Shortly after he was cast as sniper villain Charlie in the big screen adaptation of Lee Childs’ successful military detective Jack Reacher saga, starring Tom Cruise, with whom he tangles in numerous scenes. No sooner had he finished work on this, he got the call about the Die Hard gig. “I‘d just wrapped [Reacher] in Pittsburgh and was going home to Sydney, literally,” Courtney remembers. “I was walking down the jetway to my flight at LAX when my agent called and said don’t leave, they want you to read with Bruce. I went, we did a few scenes. They’d not found the right guy for the gig as they needed someone who had that chemistry with Bruce.” A few screen tests and months later Courtney got the part, cast for the chemistry with his on-screen dad along with his rugged good looks and imposing physical presence.

The latter went against what the team had been looking for initially, but they were convinced to go with the young Aussie purely on the strength of his audition. Die Hard rewrote the rule book for action heroes back

“

We destroyed 108 cars filming that chase

”

in the Eighties – Willis’s John McClane was a wise-cracking everyman when compared to muscled monsters such as Sly (Rambo) and Arnie (Terminator) – and A Good Day ... continues this against-the-grain approach. It’s a far cry from a straight forward guns and explosions movie, too. While its McClanes vs the Russians set-up suggests Cold War traditionalism (John goes to Moscow to help his incarcerated son, only to find out he’s not a drug-dealing

Family feud: Willis and Courtney as fired-up father and son duo John and Jack McClane tntdownunder.com

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Clockwise from right: bonding over bullets; learning to love the limelight at the London premiere; and when father met son

chump but a CIA operative), the film’s heart is their fatherson dynamic. Despite all the explosions and director John Moore’s unmistakable passion for action – he “gets off on the gear and vehicles and is very animated, his enthusiasm’s infectious,” Courtney says with a smile – the estranged family relationship delivers some of the film’s finest moments, and some of the series’ best one-liners. Dad and wayward son teach each other a few things about parenting amidst dodging bullets, leaping from buildings and indulging in a car chase through the interlinked streets of Moscow’s famous Garden Ring, destroying all in their path. “There were 108 cars destroyed in that chase alone!” Courtney laughs of what was a memorable few days at the office. As John and Jack McClane trade barbs there’s a feeling the film could herald the passing of an on- and off-screen torch. With Willis approaching 60 – he turns 58 in March – and his sidekick a sprightly 31 years his junior, Courtney could take the franchise in to the next era. “I haven’t given it a lot of thought,” he responds, disappointing our hopes for a McClane franchise anew to smash memory-broken Bourne and MI6’s dapper elder gent 007 into touch. “If I get the chance to come back and play Jack again then great, but I don’t think Bruce is done with it yet.” Indeed, Willis has since revealed that plans for a Die Hard number six are already afoot. And yet, while Courtney is in with a good chance of being involved and is obviously at ease with the action aspect of his work – crashing cars through the former USSR, trading blows with Hollywood’s biggest stars or getting his shirt off and revealing a ripped torso in Spartacus – he’s adamant his

career will not be made up of these roles alone. “From this point on I have to be smart and strategic,” he says. He could take heed from Hugh Jackman, who despite having a number of huge action roles under his belt (Real Steel, Swordfish, Wolverine), is hardly an ‘action star’. “There are certainly types of films I want to work on and make and I shall have some level of control on that – you can choose the path you want,” Courtney says. “It would be wrong

“

If I get to be Jack again, that'd be great

”

to go and pick any old thing. Hopefully the exposure and experience [these projects] will bring will help me grow as an actor and aid me in [achieving] that.” Indeed, between getting the call and filming Die Hard, he made another movie, I Frankenstein, an Underworld-style spin on the horror tale shot in Melbourne with a largely Aussie cast, including Mirando Otto and Yvonne Strahovski (TV’s Chuck) and Sydney-born screenwriter turned director Stuart Beattie (Tomorrow, When The War Began). Courtney plays the leader of two immortal clans waging an eternal war, with Frankenstein (Aaron Eckhart) right in the middle. So quite a change of pace from contemporary Stateside action flicks. “I am shooting for a long career,” he says understatedly, his intent on making the most of this moment clear. “It can’t all be about guns and car chases.” A Good Day to Die Hard is in cinemas March 21st. diehardmovie.com

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CHATROOM

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Birds of Tokyo

Ian Berney, bassist from the band talks about the new direction and influences found on March Fires INTERVIEW hugh radojev

“We didn’t want to make another hard rock or pub rock kind of album“

Photos: Getty Images

Is the This Fire EP indicative of the new direction being taken on March Fires? Certainly it’s a taste. I don’t think it’s the strongest material from those sessions but I certainly think you can get a taste of the sort of sound and space we’re going for with the new album. This Fire is definitely going to be on the record, but we ended up writing and recording a lot of material for this album, and unfortunately some of it didn’t make it on but we didn’t think they were B-sides; it was just that the songs on the EP are right for the album.

The new songs seem more shoegazey. Was that a deliberate choice? Yeah it absolutely was. I think it was time for the band to make a decision whether it was going to reproduce its old style once again, and maybe capitalise on the fan base it had already got or do something different and more interesting. The bandleader Sparky (lead guitarist Adam Spark) had written a record that was inspired from a place that he’s always loved. He has a great passion for shoegaze music like My

Bloody Valentine. So we really honed in on those influences and went from there. We didn’t want to make another hard rock or pub rock kind of album because we felt that we’d outgrown that kind of style. You joined the band in 2011 right? Yes that’s right. Do you think your arrival had a big part to play in that [the new direction]? Yeah, it’s a collaborative process between all of us, but it’s always going to have its fundamental core structure with Adam’s melodies and Kenny’s (lead singer) lyrics. Maybe 10 per cent of the time was spent actually writing the songs and then 90 per cent was spent on working out how they would be recreated in the studio. It was a very cerebral kind of record to make. Birds had a massive 2012. Did that success intimidate you guys? I guess there would have been pressure. There was a lot of mental fatigue coming out of there,

which was quickly overcome. I didn’t feel the pressure personally, because I was just coming in from nowhere compared to those guys. Ian and Adam wrote a couple of songs they were really excited by really early in the song writing process [for March Fires], which I think, took the pressure off right away. Had a chance to play many of the new songs live yet? We played maybe three or four at the most recent Homebake Festival and again at the Annandale and they just feel kind of a different level. It’s more layered, more intricate with lots of keyboards and guitar effects. It’s really exciting actually. Is that what your fans can expect for the upcoming March Fires tour? Yeah, definitely. It’s almost like a complete overhaul really, especially the guitar sounds. We’ll be playing a good selection of songs too. Birds of Tokyo’s fourth studio album March Fires is out now. (birdsoftokyo.com)

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Smash Mouth A quick five with band’s lead singer, Steve Harwell INTERVIEW james besanvalle

Your band’s been around for 20 years, how have you changed? We grow old, I guess. We mature, times change and life changes – we all find girlfriends, have kids and babies, but we always have a blast with whatever we do. Tell us a bit about the new album, Magic? It’s fun. We’re having a blast! It’s a great record – we’re trying to write hits on the album. I’m super excited because it’s good to just play some fresh new stuff. And you guys are touring parts of Australia soon, yeah? Yeah, we’ll be there on Monday for the first time ever! We’ve cancelled three or four tours there – not to kill the buzz – but we’ve had personal things come up and stuff happens but I’m so excited to get there. Is it true you guys have released a Recipes from the Road cookbook? Yes, that’s true! Well, over the past 20 years of touring the country and touring the world – I love cooking and some of my friends are chefs – so I said, ‘Why not?’ I wanted a book. It’s not just a cookbook; it’s a coffee table storybook! How do you choose which songs to cover? It just kind of comes to us, you know. I don’t really look for songs to cover. All of our covers kind of just fell into our lap and somebody else outside has brought it into us so we’ve been really fortunate to land the ones we did. Catch the band in Melbourne (March 13). Their new album, Magic is out now. smashmouth.com

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filmreview

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Still a better love story than Twilight

warm bodies FILM review by Alasdair Morton. Released April 11 Starring: Nicholas Hoult, Teresa Palmer, John Malkovich | M | 97 mins

side effects Review. Out now Jude Law, Rooney Mara, Channing Tatum, Catherine Zeta-Jones | MA | 106 mins

Directed by Steven Soderbergh, this psychological thriller looks at, amongst other things, the pharmaceutical companies who laugh all the way to the bank as they hold the US public by the throat. Tatum keeps his shirt on for once and Mara is stunning as the catatonic wife. So many twists and turns – the less you know the better. Makes Black Swan look like a musical. AH 20

Adelaide’s Teresa Palmer and Brit Nicholas Hoult are the star-crossed lovers in this spin on the zombie flick, which is quirky, offbeat and thoroughly heart-warming. Zombies usually play a simple, brain-munching threat in movies, but here Hoult’s R is the lead, with a voiceover discussing his life (before and after joining the undead) making him entertaining and empathetic. This is especially the case once he meets Palmer’s Jennie, one of the desperate humans intent on wiping out the Z-threat – although she sees more behind R’s eyes than flesh-craving frenzy. As a dystopian zom-rom-com, it flirts with many genres: it has the splatter count and enough re-invention of the genre rules (zombies eat brains to experience their victims’ memories) to sate fans of the former, with the one-liners and on-screen chemistry to satisfy the latter two, as the Montagues and Capulets are replaced by the living and undead. Moreover, with its observational witticisms on our iLife monotonies and rote behaviour it has more than a whiff of zombie-king Romero’s satirical bite (a sequence where R walks through an airport as the undead repeat their prior lives ranks up there with Dawn Of The Dead’s consumerism skewing). Hoult is good in a difficult role, grunting and shuffling with ever-increasing virility as he may hold the key to ending the zombocalypse, and John Malkovich is dependably solid as Palmer’s father and protector of humankind, but it is the unconventional romance at its heart though that will convince most. Good for: Seeing multiple genres spliced together with Frankenstein-like abandon and glee

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lifestyleliving the best

Selfish ways to spend your money

A holiday: Go where the sun always shines and the bar bill is covered in the price of the room!

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Trying to give you up Top five health fundraisers to make you feel good about yourself... For a while Words hugh radojev

Beauty spa: If you’re eating, drinking and not donating you may as well look your best

Motorbike: What’s more selfish than making someone clean your bits off the road with a trowel?

Rejoice, for he is... nearly risen! We’re in Lent, a time for sacrifice, fasting, contemplation and prayer for all you believers out there. Not me, though. Just a normal month for me, gorging from sun up to sun down, wallowing in my own crapulence, that sort of thing. Still, from time to time even I feel the winds of change blowing cold from the south and try – or at least think about trying – to change my lifestyle. Call it divine intervention or a pre-cirrhosis hallucination, but my periodic vows are all made the same way: with a heart unburdened by guilt or fear. Never again shall I drink or smoke. No more shall I ingest, snort or swab. Nor shall I feast on the succulent flesh of the swine, the bloated carb of the french fry or the Swedish equine meatball. Of course it never sticks, but it’s a bit like buying a present for somebody: ultimately it’s the thought that counts. Throw some money at it to make it go away... They’re all good causes anyway. You can make friends with salad

Pornography: Selfish and stupid! Who buys porn anymore anyway? It’s free on the internet!

I went out with a vegetarian once. Every time I ate meat in front of her she’d look at me over her black-eyed peas with a kind of smug, self satisfied look on her face.

She never said anything to me, but I knew she was judging me, always judging me. After we broke up I vowed to eat one of every animal Noah ever saved on his Ark. The attempt was a failure... And gave me indigestion. Too much red meat is bad for you! It’s a scientific fact like global warming, evolution or the Big Bang. Not to mention the questionable means by which human beings farm, house and kill the animals they turn into food (we all saw that 60 Minutes abattoir story). So between the 18th and 24th of March dive into your veggies, fruit and cereals and lay off the poultry, pig and humble bovine. Your insides will thank you, as will the cows. meatfreeweek.com

When the Chivas run dry Alcoholism. You’re watching TV one night by yourself and you think ‘what the hell, I’ll have a little glass of red wine. Just a nightcap’ and the next thing you know, you’ve come to lying naked in a pool of someone else’s vomit by the side of a desert highway somewhere south of El Paso. It happens to the best of us! Seriously though, the Australian government believes that a substantial portion of the population drink

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alcohol at a level that negatively affects their health on a regular basis. Indeed scientists and health professionals have worked out that daily alcohol consumption of anything over four standard drinks is considered unhealthy. Which is scary considering that I’d consider that breakfast on a long weekend. I’ve always wanted to do a Dry July (1-31st July), but I’ve never had the stones. In fact the idea of giving up alcohol for a whole month offends me, and so is probably indicative of just how dependant on it I am. So, dear readers, don’t be like me, give your liver a rest this July. I’m going to go and Google AA meetings in my area right now. dryjuly.com

Photos: TNT Images, Thinkstock

Feasible famine One of the most noble of the fundraising causes in my opinion is the 40-hour Famine (16-18 August) which is an initiative of the wonderful World Vision Australia. World Vision are the people who devote their lives to trying to help poverty stricken families in third world countries get basic food, clean water and even an education. I know it’s a crazy dream of theirs – that all children should be able to eat decent food, drink clean water and be able to read and write but it’s one I share with them. If you don’t want to fast for 40 hours then sponsor someone who will! worldvision.com.au.

Mo’stache, no problems Movember. My least favourite month. Despite my Serbian

lifestyleliving

heritage I have never, in all my 23 years been able to grow a moustache or beard. My father abhors moustaches, but every November out of spite he grows one in; thick, dark and rich like an Afghan carpet. He hates it, but he knows I hate it more. The concept of growing moustaches to raise money for charity was started by a group of guys in Adelaide in 1999 and has since gone on to sweep the world. While the original Movember crew were growing face fungus to raise money for animal shelters like the RSPCA (“growing whiskers for whiskers”) the concept really caught on in 2004 when it became about raising money for men’s health issues like prostate cancer research and depression charities like Beyond Blue. Despite my general feelings of despair and envy that crop up every year around Movember, I would take part if I could. So all you hirsute men out there, sculpt a Mo’ in my stead! au.movember.com

Everybody Quadragesima now The original, and still the most holy, Lent (or Quadragesima in Latin. It says so on Wikipedia, so it must be true) is an ancient, Christian tradition of penance, fasting and prayer in the 40 days before Easter traditionally beginning on Ash Wednesday (March 9) and ending on Holy Saturday (April 23). While the dates may change every year, the age old tradition still runs strong in those of the faith. Even if you’re not necessarily a God botherer, most of us could afford to miss a meal or so a day. In fact I have my very own version of Lent which takes place in the last few days of every month. It’s called the week before payday and it involves a lot of wailing... From my parents mostly. tntdownunder.com

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WORLDVIEW

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Not real: beer goggles

beer goggles ‘not real’ (sadly)

united kingdom

Got drunk and snogged someone who turned out to be a minger? Well, blaming the beer goggles is no longer a valid excuse. People’s perception of one another is not altered by alcohol, according to a study. Dr Amanda Ellison from Durham University revealed alcohol switches off the rational and decision making areas of the brain, while leaving the area responsible for lust and sexual urges intact. She said: “We still see others basically as they are. There is no imagined physical transformation – just more desire”.

drunk woman’s toy truck escape united states

She fought the law – and the law won. A drunk woman in the US attempted to escape from the police after smashing up her car – using a toy truck. After crashing the vehicle into the side of a mobile home, the woman who had reportedly been drinking alcohol hopped on to her son’s Fisher Price Power Wheels and headed for the hills. The 28-year-old from Arkansas was three times over the legal limit for blood alcohol levels and was wearing just underwear on her bottom half. Police decribed the woman as “pretty irate”, once they tracked her down, which, presumably, wasn’t that difficult.

On yar bike: stripped-off cyclists take part in the World Naked Bike Ride in Melbourne. The bike ride is intended to expose “the vulnerability of cyclists, humanity and nature in the face of cars, aggression, consumerism and non-renewable energy” – and skin ...

zorro the pig rides the waves new zealand

He may only be two months old, but Zorro the pig is already cutting up the waves like a pro. Owner Matthew Bell has been taking the family pet to Mt Maunganui beach since he was three weeks old. Together they power in and out of the surf, but only when it’s small. “He gets a bit scared when it gets double overhead, and

double overhead isn’t that big for a pig,” Bell said. Zorro, who’s a mix between wild boar, kunekuke and domestic pig, is also something of a socialite. “He’s extremely friendly so he likes to visit children, grandparents – anyone that wants to give him a pat, he’ll go up and say hello,” Bell told 3news.co.nz. So what’s next for the pink surfing porker? “We’ll keep surfing until he gets to a size where he’s unmanageable, and see what happens after that.”

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OUr view COMMENT: hugh radojev

If Cricket Australia was a tree, it’d be rotten all the way through...

Email: hugh@tntdownunder.com

It’s a long way to the top (if you cannot bat or bowl) Why India is only the beginning of the end for Australian Cricket

» What hope do the Aussies have in the upcoming Ashes? None. hugh@tntdownunder.com

Being asked to choose between Julia Gillard and Tony Abbott once seemed like a really tough decision to make, but not anymore. They had each happily knifed their respective parties’ popular choices in the back and wallowed in their blood like rutting boars. They had, between them, reduced Australia’s houses of parliament to kindergarten classrooms filled with bickering, fully grown children on six figure salaries.

“

Fully grown children on six figure salaries

”

Yet still, some half-baked notion of loyalty and political conviction had me standing up for Labor, not because I liked the PM but because I simply couldn’t vote for Abbott. Nothing’s changed there, but I can’t vote Labor anymore either; they’re all incompetent buffoons! I’ll just not vote, pay the fine instead!

Photos: Getty Images

Former England Test Captain and Ashes winner Michael Vaughan sent out a series of tweets in the last few days that have provoked much knee slapping in Pommy Land as well as cries of outrage from former Australian test cricketers, media commentators and cricket fans alike. Amongst the best of the tweets included this gem: “what do you call a good Australian cricketer? Retired.” Cricket fans from Manchester to Mumbai no doubt fell about themselves laughing at that one, but those of us floating down here on the world’s largest island were not so happy. The truth hurts, after all. Even Steven Waugh’s all-conquering team of greats: Hayden, Langer, Ponting, Gilchrist, Warne and McGrath et al, struggled in the sub-continent. So what hope does the current crop of Aussie misfits have? None at all it would seem, having just been thumped in the second match of their four Test tour of India by an innings and a 157 runs. To go through the current Australian squad and pick out the problems that each individual player has would, frankly, take forever. Other than captain Michael Clarke and maybe James Pattinson, none of them are genuinely world class Test cricketers. What makes this sorry situation even worse is that Cricket Australia’s sub-continental rogering is just the beginning. England is up next, in back-to-back Ashes series! Keep in mind this is the same England team that defeated Australia’s current opponents 2-1 in a four test series in India only a month or so ago. To add further injury to insult, the only thing that Australia’s top order plays worse than spin is genuine swing bowling and that’s exactly what they can expect in England. They will be beaten like mangy dogs, booed and jeered by crowds from Hyderabad to Lords and back again. Australia will have lost nine straight Tests before summer arrives. You heard it here first.

The lesser of two weevils

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SPORTNEWS

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Old timer: Mark Webber

eldest statesman mark in tune for oz

Formula one

Aussie Mark Webber lines up for the Australian Grand Prix this weekend as the grid’s most senior driver after the retirements last year of Michael Schumacher and Pedro de la Rosa. Yet, at 36, he’s not eyeing the door – in fact, he’s fired up to take the F1 number one slot from his Red Bull teammate Sebastian Vettel. Webber comes into the season with a new team race engineer, after his high-tech spanner man Ciaron Pilbeam left him for Lotus after seven years. No excuses though, as Simon Rennie (who was with Kimi Raikkonen in 2012) takes over. “This is part of Formula One,” Webber said. “Unfortunately there are sometimes changes but everyone is still positive to work with and we have a fresh start and a new environment. Overall we still have a strong team and one that can challenge for the championship.”

Aussies shocked at how tough india is cricket

Australian coach Mickey Arthur insists team morale isn’t dire after two heavy Test losses in India, but issued an ‘I told you so’ to his inexperienced line-up. “There’s no issue in terms of team morale,” he said. “But I think they’re realising some harsh lessons about playing in India. When I stood up at the start of the tour and said to them, ‘This is going to be the toughest cricket you’ve ever played’, they looked at me and said, ‘Yeah right’. “They’re now realising it and they’re like leeches for information. They’re putting the time and effort in.” Only captain Michael Clarke and Shane Watson had experience in India prior to this 28

Valencia’s Sofiane Feghouli didn’t get sent off for this high-footed move, and to his credit Paris St Germain manager Carlo Ancelotti doesn’t roll around as though he’s been shot like a certain player last week. Snide remarks aside, this beauty of a shot was taken during their teams’ 1-1 draw in the Champions League last week that saw PSG progress

four-Test series: “You can’t go to the IGA (supermarket) and buy experience off the shelf. They’re shocked at how hard it is.”

Kiwi hore says hit a blight on his career rugby union

All Black hooker and Highlanders captain Andrew Hore called his hit on Wales lock Bradley Davies, for which he was suspended for five weeks, “a blight on a career” and told of how tough he’s found it missing the opening Super 15 season exchanges. “Like I said at the time, I like to play hard but fair,” he said. “Someone told me at the time that I was suspended that it would get harder when the time came that I was actually missing games.”

BIG WEEK FOR ... This space is usually reserved for an emerging talent or someone under the pump to keep their spot, but not this week – it’s Aussie skipper Michael Clarke, who’ll be doing well to keep his cool with the inept lads who surround him. It’ll also be a significant week as he’ll be batting at four in the third Test against India (Thur, 4am, Sky Sports 3) in an attempt to stop the top order rot that has contributed so greatly to two floggings in the series so far.

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QUOTEs OF THE WEEK Watching United get beat wasn’t great and Nani’s was never a red card. But I gave myself a red card last week Golfer and Manchester United fan Rory McIlroy spent last week apologising for his walk-off at the Honda Classic

Hopefully, onwards and upwards from here. It’s good to be back, a game I grew up playing After the hype, Sonny Bill Williams “blew out the cobwebs” in his first match back in the NRL, a 28-10 loss to South Sydney

… [Silence] … Sir Alex Ferguson did his best Simon and Garfunkel impression after Manchester United’s controversial loss to Real Madrid

Grand: England’s Brad Barritt will have to be on song in defence against Wales

PREVIEW SUPER SATURDAY SIX NATIONS FINALE italy v ireland; wales v england; france v scotland

Photos:Getty

Sun, 16 March. 6:00AM, Setanta sports If you stupidly agreed to do something on Saturday that doesn’t involve plonking yourself in front of the final three Six Nations matches, back to back, you’ve still got time to fix it. Seriously, this is about as good as it gets – regardless of the results at the weekend there will be storylines galore. And as the series so far has shown, regardless of the match-up every game can be a corker. England will face a Welsh side which despite being in poor form won two from their first three games. But so did Scotland, who interim Australian coach Scott Johnson has worked wonders with, and therefore shocked everyone by doing the same. But this Six Nations has been all about the boys in white, and the entire sequence has been leading up to this match being a fitting finale for the campaign. A win could mean a grand slam for England, but there’s a motto for the Welsh that guarantees this game will be a cracker: “As long as we beat the English.”

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

get your rocks off

Photos: Getty

Sally Fitzgibbons warms up during the Roxy Pro on the Gold Coast. The Aussie world #2 is vying for her first world title

INSIDE

Weird and wild

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WEEKLY WINNER afternoon delight: Tina Sullivan, 30, USA tina says: “I took this in the Gulf of Carpentaria of a prawn trawler waiting for sunset – the start of the working day during tiger prawn season.” We say: “The Gulf of Carpentaria, which is found between the northern tip of Queensland and New Guinea is on the road less travelled, so we’re already impressed by the location of this shot. Furthermore, the colours of the sunset which mirror the ocean are stunning and the pristine nature of this reflection offsets the old rusty boat. It’s a true beauty, Tina.”

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TRAVELNEWS

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Sexual equality New Zealand is set to pass a law that would legalise same sex marriage, but religious ministers won’t be legally obliged to marry couples against their church’s beliefs. A Select Committee has recommended Parliament approve a bill as part of the Marriage Act, but with an amendment that would protect “people’s religious freedoms”. Labour MP Louisa Wall, who was the sponsor of the bill, said this was a major step towards a more equal New Zealand. The bill will be read again on March 13 – it was passed 80 votes to 40 on its first outing in parliament.

Photos: Thinkstock

Cake Clobber

A man has been arrested after battering his father with a cake whilst celebrating his 44th birthday. Investigators reported that Fulmer left the Louisiana home after the argument and went out drinking. In the mean time his pensioner father bought him the “cookie cake” to “cheer him up”. Fulmer returned to the property intoxicated and began arguing with his father. He subsequently “battered” his father with the cookie cake, smashing it over his head leaving the man “covered in cookie cake”. He was subsequently arrested.

Mario the Immortal AC Milan’s new striker, Mario Balotelli has commissioned an Italian artist to “immortalise” him in a statue, that will adorn his new home in Brescia. The artist Mario has sought out to chisel his likeness out of stone is, Livio Scarpella, who has never met the footballer in person, but says he is up to the challenge presented to him. “I presented several drawings but Mario wanted to be immortalised in a pose that shows him having scored a goal, highlighting his muscles and with an expression of defiance,” Scarpella said. Gotta love Mario!

Harlem sacked A group of Australian gold miners have been given the sack for making a Harlem Shake video underground while working. As many as 15 workers were punted from their sixfigure salary jobs in the Agnew Gold Mine in Western Australia last week due to a breach in safety protocol, according to a letter quoted by the paper from mine owner Barminco. The video of the men dancing has itself gone viral. A couple of them went shirtless and one humps a witches hat for added effect. One did a rather impressive worm.

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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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Nullarbor Traveller Details TNT Gold Nuggets • $100 Gold Nugget on the following tours: 6 Day Eyre Peninsula Secrets - now $770. 6 Day Secrets of Esperance - now $670. • 2 x $100 Gold Nuggets of the following tours: 9 Day Perth to Adelaide Australia’s Ultimate Wildlife Adventure - now $1150. 10 Day Adelaide to Perth Wildlife Camping Tour - now $1295 Destination Perth and Adelaide Dates Each Wednesday from Adelaide. Each Sunday from Perth. how to book email Hassie@thetraveller.net.au and quote TNT Hat Trick Promotion web www.thetraveller.net.au

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Go West Tours offer Details 25% off all day tours. Book any day tour from Melbourne and receive a huge 25% off the tour price! Destination Great Ocean Road, Phillip Island and the Yarra Valley Dates Must book before March 24 2013. how to book Jump onto our website www.gowest.com.au follow the prompts, enter the promo code TNToffer to receive 25% off all tours web www.gowest.com.au

Details SEE THE USA FOR $1/DAY! Campervan relocations in the USA for just $1/day! Variety of one-way deals to choose from throughout the America. Standbycars.com is also the largest relocation agent in AU/NZ with approx. 300 relocation deals daily! destination Pick up or drop off points in Los Vegas, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Indiana and Denver. Dates Available for pick up from now until mid June. HOW TO BOOK Only $1/day! Visit Standbyrelocs.com or contact info@ standbycars.com. Alternatively, customers can call 1300 789 059 (AU), 0800 789 059 (NZ) or 1877 534 8054 (USA).

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CAIRNS

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WEIRD AND WONDERFUL

From tackling brown snakes to getting your tackle out during a nude excursion through a museum, Australia has some of the weirdest tours in the world. We bring you our top 10 freaky jaunts Words xav judd

For me, sleep deprivation’s often been a major problem – and no, not because I stayed up too many nights engrossed in porn. So how grateful I truly, really am to all those runof-the-mill city tours and outings I’ve taken that were so boring they made me catch more shut-eye than a narcoleptic on valium. Yes, Paris by night, the Amsterdam canals or a walk-around in Venice have a charm for sure, but if you’re searching for something a bit quirky or different, you’d get more of an adrenalin rush watching a slug munch through a five-hectare square lettuce field. Fortunately, in this part of the antipodes, there are numerous far-out and wacky excursions that would even get the blood in a cadaver pumping. Here, I pick out 10 of the most unusual and interesting tours in Australia. 38

MICROBATS AND TIGER SNAKES EXCURSION

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top five

No, not underwater astronauts: Helmet diving on the Great Barrier Reef

What: MICROBATS AND TIGER SNAKES EXCURSION (Archway Explorer). Where: UNDARA The details: $50 Tell me more: Looking like something a Hobbit would inhabit, the Undara Lava Flows are dramatically illuminated cavernous hollows that one might imagine run all the way down to the bowels of the earth. Located in Queensland in the eponymous national park, this landform is what’s left of the longest flow of magma from a single volcanic crater. And if you wish to witness one of the most bizarre pieces of predation since my 125 kilo cousin, Tiny, found a live mouse in his Kentucky Fried Chicken bucket and ate it and everything else up anyway, visit this area between December and March. Why? Every evening, as roughly 250,000 microbats swarm out of the cave – you’re in the Barking Grotto system - they are snatched from mid-air by brown tree snakes (night tigers). But don’t let that, or my relative’s sick eating habits, put you off enjoying your next meal or exploring the other marvels in what is an amazingly beautiful region. undara.com.au

What: OUTBACK MAIL RUN Where: QUEENSLAND The details: $1094 Tell me more: Most postmen’s greatest fear during a delivery is getting their nads bitten off by some hyperactive Chihuahua. However, when the distance you have to drop letters off extends over 400km, perhaps the biggest anxiety is isolation. It’s fortunate, then, that this train journey offers you a chance to cosy up to the mailman and keep him company, on a 5-day Outback Mail Run. Starting off your 120-hour experience in Brisbane, you board the Westlander (a sleeper locomotive) and head into the ever-shifting shapes, sounds and colours that define this colossal sundrenched yonder. Roughly halfway into the traverse, at Quilpie, your courier carries his packages to ten remote cattle and sheep stations. Meanwhile, you can just sit back and appreciate a plethora of atmospheric landmarks: Alaric homestead; the Eromanga township (famed for oil wells, opal mines and recent dinosaur discoveries); and the muddy brown effervescent waters and sprouts of vegetation that amount to Kyabra Creek. outbackmailrun.com tntdownunder.com

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OUTBACK MAIL RUN

AIRBOAT TOUR

What: AIRBOAT TOUR . Where: CARMOR PLAINS The details: $300 Tell me more: It was blacker than black, rugged and appeared to move slightly, so I actually thought it may leap up and bite me. Yes, one of my floaters after I’ve had a supersize donar kebab isn’t very pleasant. Nonetheless, the only thing below the surface of the water on this cruise is the hull of an airboat. Uniquely, it glides along the edge of the flood plains – the only type of craft that can do this in such a few inches of liquid – reaching speeds of up 80kph. Stretched out before this flat-bottomed vessel, driven forward by an aircraft40

type propeller, are tall grasses and water lilies as wide as volleyballs. Thus, it’s easy to believe you’re in Florida’s Everglades. Nevertheless, this ride occurs in Northern Territory’s Carmor Plains Wildlife Reserve – a sixty-thousand acreage which is an oasis of flora and fauna. Indeed, lazing crocodiles; egrets, herons and various other birds preening, and buffalos strutting about as if they were pop divas, are just some of the extraordinary creatures on view. australiawidesafaris.com.au

CROCODILE NIGHTIME ADVENTURE

What: CROCODILE NIGHTTIME ADVENTURE Where: NORTHERN TERRITORY The details: $69 Tell me more: No, stupid, I said to myself, it’s not you for dinner; it’s just that you eat a barbecue meal after the animals you have come to find give you the once over, because they want you for dinner. Yes, there’s not a more unsavoury brute alive than the crocodile, except for the European Union politicians continually shoving austerity measures up our jacksies. What makes this short expedition along the Katherine River even more exhilarating is it’s in the evening, so the stars and moon cast a pretty luminescence across the rippling water. But, these ancient reptiles – they first appeared more than 55 million years ago – don’t give a fig about picturesque vistas; they are on the prowl for supper. So, maybe, don’t get too close when your guide goes slightly bonkers and attempts to call one to your vicinity for a photo opportunity. Wow, all those teeth, what a smile. territorydiscoveries.com/productpage/tour/3009

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WHOOHOO! Lake Mapourika, New Zealand

www.kiwiexperience.com The original Kiwi Experience, since 1989 100% awesome Kiwi Driver Guides Stacks of inclusions and exclusive discounts Get immersed in nature, adventure and kiwi culture 1065 TNT_AU_Summer Generic_Issue711-12.indd 1

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down ‘n’ dirty tour

What: DOWN ‘N’ DIRTY TOUR Where: COOBER PEDY The details: $110 Tell me more: Do you remember when you were in kindergarten and the teacher asked you to paint a picture, but most of the coloured goo finished up over everybody’s hair and clothes? Well, on this trip I finished covered in so much brown stuff, anyone might reckon I’d had a wrestling match with a chocolate fondue. And you can get ‘Down ‘n’ Dirty’ too, in Coober Pedy, a town known as ‘the opal capital of the world’ due to the vast quantity of the gem unearthed there. After learning about a mineral that is a form of silica and how it was quarried in earlier times, you’ll be taken to the Quest Mine and given a hard hat, torch and handpick. No, not because ‘they want you’ as a new recruit for the 1970s pop combo Village People, but to fossick and noodle (dig) for your own precious stones. desertcave.com.au

BIRDSVILLE tour

What: BIRDSVILLE TOUR Where: QUEENSLAND The details: $600 Tell me more: It seems the guys organising this baby don’t know that the world’s been in a recession for the last four years. They expect you to buy a FLIPPING HAMBURGER for A$600. I can just imagine how long I could have spent in a Thai massage parlour – of course, between you and me, just for a back rub – with such an amount of money. Yet, these dudes have got other ideas: hook up with them for a saunter around Birdsville. It’s a tiny outback town steeped in history, situated on the banks of the Diamantina River between the Simpson Desert and the ginormous rocks of the Sturt Stony Desert. Whilst there, admiring vast open spaces and thirty-metre high sand dunes like Big Red are just a fraction of the excitement. But surely, the real thrill is going to the zany local pub and actually receiving your mega-expensive beef whopper. However, the jokes on you; although you purchase the burger, all the other expenses of this outing – bus transfers and flights, etc – are free. outbackairtours.com 42

paranormal tour

quoll patrol

What: PARANORMAL TOUR Where: CANBERRA The details: $49 Tell me more: Next Halloween might still be a long way away, but if you wish to discover something really creepy this supernatural tour is unmissable. Why? Due to you being shown and told about the dark underbelly of the Australian capital, Canberra, by your eccentric guide, Tim the Yowie Man. If you want ghost tales, you’ve got them. He even waxes lyrical with humorous anecdotes and blood-curdling strange facts that feel even scarier at the bits of this experience which happen underground. Spookily, you’re driven to your destinations by a black 1967 Cadillac hearse named Elvira – for thirty years, it was owned by a funeral parlour in Santa Rosa, California, transporting over 10,000 individuals to their final resting place. Let’s hope you don’t get such a fright on this junket that you end up that way too! paranormalaustralia.com

What: QUOLL PATROL Where: Tasmania The details: $560 Tell me more: Are you aware of Elmer J. Fudd, the Warner Brother’s Looney Tune cartoon character, who was always getting his knickers in a twist because he wasn’t cunning enough to shoot dead Bugs Bunny? Thank God there’s no boom boom of a gun on this ramble, as it’s merely to track down one of Oz’s most loveable critters, the quoll. As you do, it’s absolutely awesome to encounter mesmerising swathes of diverse and unique landscape such as the foothills of Ben Lomond or Roses Tier. On this eighthour jaunt, there’s even time to stop off, unwind, then send your taste buds into a frenzy with a traditional bush tucker meal – Tasmanian cheese platter, three native spice trout, venison mountain burgers, and wallaby tenderloins. Notwithstanding, the undeniable star of this adventure is the aforementioned carnivorous marsupial. So, nestle up to the campfire with a glass of wine and observe, as they spring into action – wombats, platypus and possum are also nude tour in the MCA on the roam all over this expanse of countryside. What: NUDE TOUR IN THE MUSEUM OF pepperbush.com.au CONTEMPORARY ART Where: SYDNEY HELMET DIVING The details: It was free with the proviso that you could look but not touch Tell me more: As an art lover, it’s not What: HELMET DIVING often I’d step into a museum with the Where: GREAT BARRIER REEF QUEENSLAND possibility of anything being able to The details: $140 distract me from the main exhibits. Tell me more: Is it an astronaut? Is it It’s obvious, then, that I was not in some kind of dotty underwater fancy Sydney’s Museum of Contemporary Art dress party? Or, has some stupid pillock last April, when visitors were allowed just got their cranium trapped inside to wander around stark bollock naked. a goldfish bowl? Any of the above Really, it sounds as if the curator of could be believed, but the individual in the gallery had a few too many, then question is actually wearing a Seawalker lost a bet with a naturist. Yet, the helmet as he ambles across the ocean producer of the various conceptual floor of the Great Barrier Reef. Yes, those and participatory works on display, who have never been diving before need Stuart Ringholt (he was also in the buff) not worry, as this specialised headgear actually showed about the observers. lets you breathe through your nose and The idea was that they’d feel closer mouth just as if you were above water to the depictions of nudes if they too – for high-maintenance divas like me, were unclothed, with a major theme it even allows us to keep our hair and being ‘fear and embarrassment’. face dry. And what a sight to behold, Unfortunately, this spectacle – the setting off from Cairns you get to see pictures, not me – only ran for three the world’s largest coral reef system – it’s nights. Now that it’s over, I wonder over 2,600 kilometres in length - and it’s if the number of flashers in the local ‘fabutastic’ array of fish, mammals, birds parks has gone back up. and reptiles. mca.com.au sunlover.com.au

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Find us at facebook.com/GreatSouthernRail

facebook.com/GreatSouthernRail

Visit greatsouthernrail.com.au/backpackers or book with your licensed travel agent. Terms and conditions apply. All Backpacker ReadyRail fares are based on Red Service Day/Nighter Seat Service and are available to members of recognised backpacker organisations for bookings made from 1 April 2013 for travel until 31 March 2014. All fares are also available in opposite direction. All fares include a fuel price surcharge. Prices are subject to change without notice, available for instant purchase. Non-refundable. *Shower facilities not available on The Overland, Melbourne <> Adelaide. Travel Agent License No.TTA164190. GSR3066A 03_717p_30-57 Travel.indd 43

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WIN

how to enter

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

WIN A NOOSA ADVENTURE HOLIDAY PACKAGE If you’re looking for adventure, beauty and a laidback vibe to enjoy it all in, then Noosa on the Sunshine Coast is the place to catch this break. Not only will you be spoilt for things to do, you’ll be surrounded by paradise. That’s where we come in.

TNT have teamed up with the best of the best in town to offer one lucky reader and a mate a trip of a lifetime. You’ll be partaking in some of the most quintessential backpacker experiences in Oz. Just think about the bragging points! 2 nights at Halse Lodge YHA in a twin/double room with breakfast included for 2 people

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2 night/3 day Fraser Island Tag Along Tour with Dropbear Adventures for 2 people 1 day Noosa Everglades Bar-B-Canoe Day Tour with The Discovery Group for 2 people 2 hour surf lesson with Noosa Learn to Surf for 2 people Competition closes: 14 April 2013. Terms & conditions apply.Visit tntdownunder.com for all entry details. Halse Lodge Backpackers on the beach

2 nights accommodation at Noosa Flashpackers in a 4 share ensuited

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Yamba new south wales

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Giving up the goon Travelling with the folks may mean you have to forgo wet t-shirt comps. Luckily Byron, Yamba and Bellingen have some pleasant distractions Words marina thomas

My body is shaking as I peer over the edge of the cliff, perched perilously over jagged rocks below and with the Pacific Ocean roaring enthusiastically. Six seconds later, I take the plunge and leap, piercing the water with force and coming up spluttering with a saltinfused nose. I know I am grateful my mum wasn’t there to witness the drop. Never mind the highest and scariest plunge on offer which involves making your way along a hanging tree branch first to clear the rocks. I am cliff jumping in Yamba, northern New South Wales, during a roadtrip backpacking with my mum, Mary, a traditional English type who is visiting me from the mother land. The small town was voted Australia’s best town in 2009 by readers of Australian Traveller magazine. And leaping off precarious rocks is a part of Aussie Shane’s world-famous ‘ten buck tours for backpackers’ at Yamba’s YHA. Scandinavian backpackers are now climbing a tree, desperate to get higher for a more intense adrenaline rush. “It is all about survival,” he reminds us as we scope our next jump. My heart is thumping, partly at the thought of wimping out and partly about what else is coming up. But that is about all I can tell you. The tours are a secret. So far none of the thousands of backpackers who have been on tour have broken the circle of trust about exactly what happens. And with a boisterous Shane pumped up on copious amounts of Red Bull, there is no messing about. He is strapped and plastered up from various war wounds from surfing accidents. State champion sailor Shane and his family run the hostel that often becomes home for many backpackers for six months or even more as they quickly become seduced by the surfing town’s unpretentious vibe. Yamba is much less touristy and developed than Byron Bay. And Shane’s hostel is pretty legendary in the backpacker world. Many backpackers say a stay at Shane’s super-friendly place is the highlight of their entire Aussie trip. It is a real family affair here – we meet all of Shane’s family and hear tales of great fishing feats, big sea rescues and fearless surfers’ exploits.

There are also BBQ yacht parties where you get to sail with the locals or guided bush walks with Shane’s almost-ascrazy brother Luke. And the hostel’s Christmas party is infamous with backpackers coming from around the world to experience the Henwood family hospitality and ride the 15-metre water slide they set up specially.

Parental guidance But not only young travellers stay at the YHA. I am giving my conservative mother Mary a gentle introduction to backpacking as we travel back to Sydney from Byron Bay staying in different accommodation options. It is fair to say the backpacker hostels are not mum’s favourite. Mum is not impressed with the rattling pipes, noise from hedonistic bacchanalias fuelled by cheap goon, the lack of comfort and basic rooms. And the sedate holiday is a change from my usual backpacking experiences too. There are no dehabilitating hangovers from goon punch or risks of being puked on by Bingo Bitch after he has downed six bottles of wine on the stage next to me – as experienced on Magnetic Island. We take our own private room at the YHA as I know that night-time antics in the dorm won’t go down well with mum. “I prefer yoga in Byron, walking and dolphin-watching in Yamba and food and wine in Bellingen and the Hunter Valley, but I am still embracing the experience,” she tells the young German backpackers in the kitchen. Yamba’s reputation for having some of the world’s best surf breaks – and often highly dangerous spots – is appealing to me, but mum prefers to take a sedate walk on the beach. At the backpackers, Shane talks non-stop about stories of the town and his own exploits and antics. “I guarantee backpackers will stay longer in Yamba after doing my tour,” says Shane. “One minute you are cruising along by the beach, the next minute, you have a terrifying fright. There are big highs and adrenaline rushes. “It is all pretty full-on, and my entire family is mad too.” Yamba’s surfing reserves are all protected from major

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There with bells on

Travelling with the folks has its perks. No dorm rooms! surfing competitions. Some of Australia’s most famous surfers – including locals Dan Ross and Laurie Turner – make the empty beaches their practice ground for big events. There is the chance to practice your 360 and backside air moves with the family here. Shane’s cousin Jeremy Walters is a former Australian champion and teacher too.

The pull of the ocean I take to the light surf (known amongst the fraternity as ankle snappers) with Jeremy early in the morning at Pippi beach to experience a few of Yamba’s famous breaks. It is my second ever attempt and I manage to stand up proudly eight times – and only experience a couple of airdrops when my late take-off causes me to drop through the air to the bottom of the wave. On tour, we pass several champion surfers and hotshot grom 10–year-old Dakoda Walters, Jeremy’s son, as we survey the waves which can reach 12 foot. Massive gates and sprawling infinity pools are juxtaposed against the unassuming beach shacks of Angourie, a few kilometres from Yamba, but open into the mansion of Billabong founder Gordon Merchant.

The life of Byron

drink + sleep YHA Yamba from $34/night Modern, clean, comfortable and centrally located. The perfect spot for any backpacker visitors to the region. yha.com.au

Yamba Beach Motel from $38/night Modern, clean, comfortable and centrally located. yambabeachmotel.com.au Arts Factory Lodge from $36/night One of Byron’s newest and best hostels. nomadsworld.com Beach Hotel, Byron Bay A Byron institution, the perfect place for any occasion. beachhotel.com Pacific Hotel, Yamba Overlooking the beach, perfect spot for lunch or a beer. pacifichotel.com.au Federal Hotel, Bellingen Biggest and best in Bellingen, lovely regional style pub. federalhotel.com.au

Photos: Destination NSW, Marina Thomas

In Byron Bay, we stay at a 1930s whaler’s house, Bamboo Cottage, which has a touch of Balinese and Pacific architecture about it. Our Jacaranda room is perfect for astronomy fans with the solar system painted and displayed on the ceiling and a map to guide you towards Mars, Capricorn and the Milky Way. The cosy enclave is tucked far enough away from the main backpacker drag around Jonson Street that I can avoid being tempted to dive into notorious bar Cheeky Monkey’s and mum won’t be disturbed by the hoards high on goon. Having had an amazing dirty weekend just a few months ago with an all-nighter in the naughty nightspot dancing on the tequila-soaked tables while a wet t-shirt competition got revelers high, the pull of Cheeky Monkey’s is strong. However, we find solace in the chilled-out Beach Hotel and join locals to listen to the acoustic singers playing. The next day, mum joins a pilates class with Classical Pilates on Jonson Street for some relaxation time in the Aussie heart of chill-dom.

Four hours’drive south of Yamba, we reach Bellingen, where the annual Readers and Writers Festival takes place in March. The rural town, home to well-known literary figures and artists, is surrounded by the Dorrigo Rainforest and various other national parks. The western frontier town-style architecture of the area pushes out against mountains, lush rainforest, grassy plains, waterfalls and not far away, the beach at Coffs Harbour. We take a dramatic walk through the World Heritagelisted Dorrigo rainforest during a storm with the company of bush turkeys and many birds. We stay at the YHA which sits above the Bellingen River nestled among trees and with a balcony, hammocks and plenty of bugs. The creaky beds and raucous party above our room disrupts mother’s slumber and I am in trouble for picking the joint. However, the nightlife – which extends as far as a curious wallaby and flying foxes in the rather sleepy town – is a quirky plus point for her during her Aussie visit. The trip ends with a shock for mum. A leech has attached itself to her foot from our earlier rainforest walk. And it has been sucking fervently for some time. Blood has soaked the bedsheet and there are a lot of squeals as I wrestle with her foot and the critter to unattach it. With a hasty flick the nasty pest is gone. Ahhh, Australia and your weird and wonderful wildlife. Just one of many typical experiences for a middle-aged woman in Oz. ❚

Getting there: Yamba is about 1.5 hours drive from Ballina Airport. The nearest airport to Bellingen is Coffs Coast, about a 30 minute drive.

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the byron bay surf festival By Caitlin Stanway

Photos: Destination NSW, Marina Thomas

Picture your average surf festival. To one side a sea full of fluorescent rashies flying through barrels, pulling aerials and scoring points. The other side? An ocean of long lensed cameras, bronzed limbed observers and the ever ominous judging panel. A swim through of heats, commentary and sunburn, these festivals have about as much in common with the Byron Bay Surf Festival as Kermit the Frog has with Brad Pitt. Having hijacked a Spaceship campervan for the mini road trip from Sydney to Byron (yes it was actually called a spaceship, cue a weekend of puns) we landed (see…) in Byron on Friday full of expectations and ready for the opening night. The Byron Bay Brewery kicked the weekend off with the opening ceremony and ‘Surf Culture Now’ Art & Photography show. The exhibition was impressive with everything from cartoon like frangipanis to Fifties-style photography, and an onslaught of international artists chatting happily with everyone and anyone enjoying the show. Things calmed down and gradually an impressive crowd settled in front of the only panel of the festival – an all star surfing cast made up of Wayne ‘Rabbit’ Bartholomew, Bob McIntosh and host Phil Jarratt. It was all friendly banter, laughs and an enraptured audience as the three argued pedantics, re-lived surfing history and enjoyed shared stories. Yes, I am well aware of the gushing factor here and I solemnly swear I am a cynic at heart, but believe me when I say the good vibes were flowing faster than the brew, and if the hangover was anything to go by, the brew was definitely flowing fast enough. Saturday Day 2 began with scenic bike ride to North Byron’s Clarke Beach Café for a chat with two of the festival organisers, Mike Jahn and Vanessa Thompson. Both Mike and Vanessa were emphatic about the festival being a celebration of a culture, not a sport. It was impossible not to enjoy the duo’s enthusiasm as they talked about a culture of expression, music, art and nature. Next up was the Disabled Surfing Association Demonstration. It’s hard to describe how rewarding the experience was, and even harder to determine who was enjoying themselves more – the volunteers or the young down-syndrome man lapping up the waves. The feeling kept flowing throughout the day, with the ‘Kids stART me up’ art workshop plastering stupid grins on our faces. Artisan markets full of surf paraphernalia, handcrafted leathers, clothes – you name it – providing the perfect backdrop for the local live music. Kicking on into the evening, the markets proved to be a meeting point for people heading across the road to the community centre for the short film festival and premier of Taylor Steele’s latest film, This Time Tomorrow.

A slight oversight meant we missed out on the films (Hollywood premier eat your heart out, it was standing room only and we still couldn’t get in!) so naturally we made a beeline for the brewery to wait for the incoming crowds and get our groove on. Sunday. Well our groove came in a big way and Sunday morning had us heading to Watego’s beach with our heads in our hands and a years supply of Powerade in the Spaceship. Luckily there was probably nowhere else on earth as chilled as the surf meet and demonstrations at Watego’s. The day was full of floating between custom board shapers, second hand sellers, artist stalls and a sausage sizzle. Chilling out on the hill the tandem surfing demonstration simultaneously gave us vertigo and a challenge for later, while the only surfing competition in the festival had happy surfers scoring points for freestyle and expression on their waves (and not a rashie in sight, hawaian shirts were the call of the day). Above all else it was this last day that really drove home what Mike and Vanessa had been describing as surf culture. There’s something pretty special about being surrounded by people with so much love for the ocean and the peace and perspective that surfing offers. Concluding surfing should be classified as a religion, we dragged our feet back to the Spaceship making solemn oaths to come back to keep the spirit alive. With the 2013 festival shaping up for another big year it’s safe to say a pilgrimage is in the works. byronbaysurffestival.com

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TRAVELWEEKENDER

Darwinism This is Darwin in 48 hours Words Hugh Radojev

Photos: Tourism NT

DAY 1:xDue to its unique â&#x20AC;&#x201C; in parts quite unfortunate â&#x20AC;&#x201C; history, Darwin has the distinction of being one of Australia's most modern cities. Australia's northerly gateway to Asia has become something of a hub for backpackers looking to enjoy the tropical climate and wonderful scenery on offer in the Territorial capital. After a weekend in Darwin you will agree that there's nowhere else in Australia quite like it. 8:00: Drop your bags off at your home for the next 48 hours; Frogshollow Lodge (frogs-hollow.com) and get yourself ready. Maybe take a dip in the pool or introduce yourself to the lovely staff, but don't take too long, there's so much to do in this little town. 9:00: Making the most out of Darwin is going to be hungry work so start the day off right with a trip to Roma Bar (romabar.com) for breakfast. Got to love a place that gives equal love on the menu to smoked salmon croissants and a bowl of cereal. Plus it makes one of the best cups of coffee in town, so the locals say. 12:00: Time to get out on Darwin's beautiful harbour and see the city from the deck of a catamaran. City of Darwin Cruises (cityofdarwincruises.com) offer four hour cruises with lunch and drinks included. Depending on the season you might be able to swim or sit in the cargo netting behind the moving boat. (Just remember wet season does not mean swimming season!) You can also go hunting for crocs caught in the traps along the mangrove swamps. 17:00: Chances are there's a weekend BBQ in full swing

back at base camp, but if you're feeling the heat a bit why not head out to Lake Alexander, an easy drive from the city centre. This man-made lake is a favourite in the warmer months as there are no box jellyfish floating around. 19:00: An aquarium experience like no other in the country is offered at Indo-Pacific Marine (indopacificmarine.com. au) with its entirely self supporting displays. The 'Coral Reef by Night' show is highly recommended. A beautiful seafood dinner is served while the lights are dimmed, allowing the sea creatures to revert to their more normalised, nighttime activities. After dinner take a guided walk through the aquarium checking out the exhibits. A must see! 21:00: Cap your first night in the Territory off with a few beers at the Fox'n'Fiddle in the party heart of Darwin; Mitchell Street. You'll have missed the crab racing by this time but it wont be too late to catch some live music or just hit the bar and relax into the evening. DAY 2: 9:00: Sort the hangover out with a visit to Relish Cafe in the Wharf Precinct. We recommend the green eggs and bacon with a strong black coffee. 12:00: It's time now to visit one of Darwin's biggest tourist drawcards. Crocosaurus Cove (crocosauruscove.com) in the heart of Darwin has a whole host of reptilian themed thrills in store. Pet a baby crocodile or fish for a teenaged crocodile. There's a feeding platform you can stand on and lower bits of bait and other meat into a pool full of juvenile saltwater crocodiles who jump out of the water to get at the

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Darwin's wet season is year round in the bars!

food. Or get lowered into a pool full of adult saltwater crocs. This so called 'Cage of Death' is fast becoming one of the most popular tourist activities in the country. Another one of the heart-thumping, must see experiences. 15:00: Time to leave the water for a little while and get into a little culture. Rent a bicycle and ride over to the Museum and Art Galleries of the Northern Territory (artandmuseums.nt.gov) which have a whole heap of different exhibitions and displays running throughout the year, comprised predominantly of locally produced art and photographs. 17:00: The waterways around Darwin are littered with ship wrecks and coral formations, so why not explore some with an afternoon dive? Cullen Bay Dive (cullenbaydive.com) offer wonderful packages for groups or individuals. 20:30: It's been a long day so why not grab a bite at one of Darwin's most respected restaurants. Pee Wee's at the Point (peewees.com) offer stunning views of the waterfront, a relaxed atmosphere and some of the best food in all of Darwin. Some of the mains can get a little pricey, but why not treat yourself? It's worth it. 10:00: Its your last night in town so make it a good one. Tap on Mitchell Street should be the first stop. Enjoy a beer or two in the barmy evening breeze of the outside seating area. If you're in the mood to dance, put on your best party frock and head over to Throb Nightclub and mingle with Darwin's biggest characters. Sounds like job done. .

Stay

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Up close with beasts at Crocosaurus Cove

Q&A Madeleine “Madi” Bentvelzen is one of Croc Cove's resident photogaphers. We had a quick chat about what it's like working with crocs and living in Darwin. What would you say is the best part about your job working as a photographer at Croc Cove? Working in a great team environment where I get to work with lots of different people, reptiles and take photos. All things I love. A lot of people find it really strange but I actually kind of like the crocodiles. Which isn't to say that I'd want to go swimming with a couple of big salties. They can be quite brutal killers but they are also quite beautiful in their own way, they deserve to be respected more than feared.

Getting around Darwin's outer-suburbs

How long have you been doing the job and how did you get into it? I was new to Darwin and just went in and asked if there was any work. I had a little photography experience but in the four months I’ve been working at Croc Cove I’ve learnt so much more. I guess it's like with anything though, the more you do it, the better you get at it. It's a great job because as I said, I get paid to do something I really enjoy and at the same time I get to develop my skills at that hobby, which is photography. In particular crocodiles.

Any scary experiences on the job? My boss is far more scary than any croc. In all seriousness, though, the whole thing is very professionally and safely done.

The Beer Can Regatta is quintessentially Darwin

What is the most common misconception that people have about crocodiles? I mainly work with the baby crocs and a lot of people assume that they won’t hurt you. We have a band around their mouths when we are handling them because they will bite you! Believe me, they will definitely bite you if you let them.

Any advice for people looking to work at Crocosaurus Cove? It is a fun, unique place to work. It’s all about a good attitude and being a team player. Darwin too is such a lovely, relaxed placed to live and work. Darwin has a really great vibe, it's a really easy city to live in. Plus it's really quite close to some of the most beautify natural landscape to be found anywhere in Australia. My hubby and I like to cruise our motorbikes out to Lichtfield.

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6/03/13 11:46 PM

More flights to the Red Centre! Now, thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s something to celebrate!

Book now and get 10% OFF our 3 day Rock the Centre tour (use promocode TNTMARCH10)

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BOOK ONLINE Like us www.adventuretours.com.au *Offer valid for bookings, confirmed and paid in full before 31st March 2013 for travel between April 1st and June 3oth 2013. Not valid with any other offer or discount. Offer only available on 3 Day Rock the Centre (RTC3/ RTC3Y). Please visit our website for more details on this tour and for our full terms and conditions. All prices are subject to change without notice and are subject to availability. Intrepid Travel Pty Ltd, trading as Adventure Tours Australia Group ABN No. 35 007 172 456.

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7/03/13 10:07 AM

Waiheke Island new zealand

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The coast with the most Spend a day or three on Waiheke Island, the jewel in the crown of Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf, and only 35 minutes from the big smoke Words Jahn Vannisselroy

It’s 2pm and I’m hurtling above a forest canopy swells to 30,000 during the new year). of a New Zealand native bush, the green Locals swear New Zealand’s third most getting there: Get a leaves just out of reach below as I fire along ferry from downtown Auckland populated island has its own microfor $35.50 return (fullers. a zip line at EcoZip (ecozip.co.nz) on Waiheke climate and weather statistics show Island, 35 minutes by ferry from Auckland. The there’s less humidity than Auckland, less co.nz). If you’re travelling NZ chorus of The Who’s, I Can See For Miles plays rain and more sunshine hours. You’ll by campervan or car, a car ferry need more than a day to fully explore operates from Half Moon Bay in in my mind as I rotate on my line, snatching Auckland. Supersaver fares begin Waiheke, such is the variety of the magnificent 360 views of verdant valleys and at $120 return (sealink.co.nz). scenery and attractions. hills; the sparkling Hauraki Gulf; and, far in the distance, the buildings of New Zealand’s stay: Budget-conscious Beaches largest city. Alongside me, a fellow adrenaline travellers should book in at Kina Backpackers in Onetangi enthusiast, whoops and hollers as we surge Being an island, Waiheke is surrounded (kinabackpackers.co.nz) or towards the end of our 200m ride, the second by ocean, meaning there’s enough sand in a series of three, each progressively steeper Hekerua Lodge in Oneroa (40km worth) for everyone to enjoy and faster than the last. I want more – and I’m (hekerualodge.co.nz). without having to compete for towel not alone. space. Big and Little Oneroa, decorated drink: Check out Sandbar, EcoZip is the island’s latest attraction and has Ricky’s and The Bay, where you’ll with the red-flowering pohutakawa fast become a must-do for visitors. It’s not as also be able to drink to your (the New Zealand Christmas tree) are terrifying as a bungy jump, but offers enough heart’s content. a short walk from the main village exhilaration to please those seeking a rush and offer – like everywhere on the from their adventure. At the same time, it affords a chance island – clear, blue water and sun-bleached white sand. A to get intimately acquainted with New Zealand’s native bush: after finishing our rides, we enjoy a half an hour walk through a 300-year-old forest back to HQ, our guides filling us in on all things New Zealand, from the native tui bird and the towering rimu to medicinal kawakawa leaf and the leaf of the rangiora tree, used for toilet paper (should the need arise). With that, it’s time for a quick debrief, then a van tour back to the island’s main village, Oneroa, to enjoy what the rest of this slice of paradise has to offer. The 19km long Waiheke Island is a special place for travellers: off the beaten track, but accessible enough to those in the know. With white sand beaches galore; a diverse, friendly 8,000-strong population, made up of anyone from professionals to alternative lifestylers; and stunning scenery, it’s the kind of place your friends back home will wish they visited. The best time to make the ferry trip is at the end of January onwards when the tidal wave On a crowded summer’s day of holidaying hordes has receded (Waiheke’s population

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[Caption]

The adventure begins as soon as you board the ferry

little further away is Palm Beach, where, if you’re lucky, phosphorescence will float in, making for a stunning night-time display. Little Palm Bach is a nudist hotspot, so if you’re into getting your kit off and letting it all hang out, you’ll be amongst friends. Deeper into the island is Onetangi, at 2km long Waiheke’s biggest beach, which will offer surfing waves if a northerly swell blows in, but is a great spot for windsurfing if not. More intrepid travellers should seek out Cactus Bay, accessible only from the water, but considered Waiheke’s most perfect sandy spot. There are plenty more beaches, so hire a scooter (from $50 a day) and explore the island for yourself, creating a personalised itinerary and a one-of-a-kind travel experience.

On the water It’s one thing being on land looking at the water, quite another being on water looking at land. The pick of the ways to do this is via stand-up paddleboard with Board Riders Waiheke. Paddleboarding, as well as being a great workout, offers a height and view not afforded by many other watercraft and is easy enough to pick up the first time. Explore countless little bays, many otherwise inaccessible, by yourself, as part of a group or with a guide as you float silently across the pristine water, gaining a new perspective of life on Waiheke. (boardriderswaiheke.co.nz) Those preferring to give their legs a rest can hire a kayak and paddle their way from bay to bay on a variety of guided tours, including overnight and weeklong adventures. It’s by kayak that you’ll have the best chance

of encountering some of the abundant marine life around Waiheke. Blue Penguins, gannets and petrel are among the varied birdlife and, under the surface, rays of up to 2 metres are often spotted. Bottlenose and common dolphin make year-round appearances and orca cruise through a few times a year, feeding on the rays. (kayakwaiheke.co.nz)

Vine times Stony soil and dry, hot summers means Waiheke is a perfect grape growing spot. During the past 30 years, the island has cultivated a growing reputation for the quality of its wines and now boasts more than 25 wineries. Bordeaux-type wines grow especially well, as well as some whites, and the Island’s Syrah (that’s Shiraz to you Australians) are regularly winning awards. It would be amiss to visit New Zealand’s Island of Wine and not sample a glass or three, preferably in the relaxed settings of a vineyard (most host visitors year-round). Pop along to the likes of Stonyridge or Passage Rock or take a tour with Ananada (anandatours.co.nz) for small, flexible tours, Fullers (which will include return ferry ticket and an all-day bus pass; fullers.co.nz) or Waiheke Wine Tours (which welcome the novice as well as the connoisseur; waihekewinetours).

Sculpture by the sea There’s a thriving arts community on Waiheke and plenty of spots to visit to get your dose of local culture. However, the island’s must-attend arts event is headland Sculpture on the Gulf, an attraction considered New Zealand’s premier contemporary outdoor sculpture exhibition. Thirty new

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Where archery meets the vines

large-scale sculptures from established and emerging artists will be exhibited along a spectacular 2.5km coastal. At the conclusion of a trip through mind-blowing art and views, the island’s top food and drink will be showcased. You’ll have the chance to chow down on a menu from New Zealand MasterChef runner-up Ana Schwarz, and former three-star Michelin chef Nico Fini, both of whom are locals. Waiheke musicians and bands will also liven up proceedings and the event will also host wine tastings and artist talks. Art, exercise, music, food and wine: quite the experience when you add it all up. (sculptureonthegulf.co.nz)

Get competitive Wild On Waiheke is a one-of-a-kind activity venue where you can challenge your mates to a spot of archery or laser clay pigeon shooting and claim bragging rights for the ferry ride home. If there’s a group of you, get involved in the Great Escape Team Challenge where you’ll use vehicles and digital cameras to complete a range of challenges that have been designed to showcase the sights, scenery and activities Waiheke has to offer. There’s also the much-loved Team Tactics where you’ll be challenged to build a catapult, race amongst grape vines using planks and ropes and navigate a maze. When it’s all over, sit back and enjoy one of six wines made form 100 per cent Waiheke grapes, or get amongst the range of craft beers made on the premises. With giant chess, volleyball and pentanque to help you wind down, the question has to be asked: why would you ever want to return to the city? (wildonwaiheke.co.nz) ❚

And sculpture meets the sea tntdownunder.com

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

yha.com.au

tour firms

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

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

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

rental firms Apollo Motorhomes 1800 777 779, apollocamper.com

Ocean Rafting Whitsundays tours 07 4946 6848, oceanrafting.com

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

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

Boomerang Cars 0414 882 559, boomerangcars.com.au

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

Hippie Camper 1800 777 779, hippiecamper.com

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

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

@tnt_downunder

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

jetstar.com.au

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

Spaceships 1300 132 469, spaceshipsrentals.com.au

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

Standbycars.com 1300 789 059, standbycars.com

Tiger Airways Airline. 03 9999 2888, tigerairways.com

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

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

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

Wicked Campers 1800 246 869, wickercampers.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Virgin Australia Airline. 13 67 89, virginaustralia.com

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Jindabyne This small town in south east NSW is an adventure junkieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s delight. Jindabyne is situated 4 hours south of Sydney near the Snowy Mountains and overlooks Lake Jindabyne. It is most well known for its accessibility to ski resorts in Kosciuszko National Park including Thredbo and Perisher Blue. Pricey ski holidays are made more affordable by staying in the budget group lodging Jindabyne has to offer and travelling the 30 minutes up the mountain daily. Jindabyne is a hub of extreme sports with several board and equipment shops, rental stores and a skate park. In the summer months it is a great destination for fishing, water skiing and wakeboarding on the lake.

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

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

CHECK IN

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

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

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

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

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

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

AUSSITEL BACKPACKERS

312 Harbour Drive, Coffs Harbour. Dorms from $27 Located in the lively jetty this hostel has large communal areas, a heated pool, games area, table tennis and pool table.

Coffs Harbour

aussitel.com

yha.com.au Westend Backpackers 412 Pitt St. CBD. 1800 013 186 nomadshostels.com Boomerang Backpackers 141 William Street, Kings Cross. 02 8354 0488, boomerangbackpackers.com

Dlux Hostel 30 Darlinghurst Rd, Kings Cross. 1800 236 213 dluxbudgethotel.com.au Kangaroo Bak Pak 665 South Dowling St. Surry Hills. 02 9261 1111

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

sydney do

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

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

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5/3/13 12:01:47 AM

NSWLISTINGS My Sydney Detour Unique city tours. mysydneydetour.com

blue mtns

CHECK IN

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

Oceanworld Manly West Esplanade. oceanworld.com.au

central coast

Powerhouse Museum Darling Harbour. powerhousemuseum.com.au

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

Skydive the Beach Wollongong. skydivethebeach.com

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

Sydney Olympic Park Darling Harbour. sydneyolympicpark.nsw.gov.au Sydney Tower and Skytour 100 Market St, CBD. sydneyskytour.com.au

EVA’S BACKPACKERS

Sydney Harbour Bridge The Rocks. bridgeclimb.com

6-8 Orwell Street, Kings Cross. Dorms from $29 Eva’s is a highly rated hostel in the cross. Has a reputation for helpful staff, cleanliness, modern facilities and convenience.

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

Kings Cross

evasbackpackers.com.au

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

The Annandale

annandalehotel.com The Enmore

enmoretheatre.com.au The Metro

metrotheatre.com.au

The Entrance Backpackers 2/56 The Entrance Road, The Entrance, 2261 02 4334 5005 theentrancebackpackers.com Skydive Central Coast Warnervale. skydivethecentralcoast.com.au

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

@tnt_downunder Byron Bay Accom 02 6680 8666, byronbayaccom.net The Arts Factory 1 Skinners Shoot Rd. 02 6685 7709, nomadshostels.com Nomads Byron Bay Lawson Lane. 1800 666 237, nomadshostels.com Byron Bay YHA 7 Carlyle St. 1800 678 195 yha.com.au Skydive the Beach Byron Bay Kingsford Smith Park, Ballina 1800 302 005 skydivethebeachbyronbay.com

coffs harb Coffs Harbour YHA 51 Collingwood St. 02 6652 6462, yha.com.au Harbour City Holiday Park 123 Pacific Highway coffsholidaypark.com.au Hoey Moey Backpackers 80 Ocean Pde hoeymoey.com.au Plantation Backpackers 88 Grafton Street plantationhotel.com.au

tntdownunder.com

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

tinbilly.com

Balmoral House 33 Amelia St, Fortitude Valley vipbackpackers.com Brisbane City YHA 392 Upper Roma St yha.com.au Nomads Prince Consort Backpackers 230 Wickham St princeconsort.com.au Somewhere to Stay Cnr Brighton Rd & Franklin St somewheretostay.com.au The Palace Backpackers Cnr Anne & Edward St backpackbrisbane.com Tin Billy Travellers 462 George St tinbilly.com

brisbane do Australia Zoo Glasshouse Mountains, Tourist Drive, Beerwah. 07 5436 2000, australiazoo.com.au Gallery of Modern Art 07 3840 7303, qag.qld.gov.au Riverlife Adventure Centre Kayaking & rock climbing. Lower River Terrace, Kangaroo Point. 07 3891 5766, riverlife.com.au Story Bridge Adventure Climb 170 Main St, Kangaroo Point. 1300 254 627, storybridgeadventureclimb.com.au XXXX Ale House Brewery tours. Cnr Black & Paten St, Milton.07 3361 7597, xxxxalehouse.com.au

gold coast Aquarius Backpackers 44 Queen St, Surfers Paradise. 1800 22 99 55, aquariusbackpackers.com.au Backpackers in Paradise 40 Peninsula Drive, Surfers Paradise. 1800 268 621, backpackersinparadise.com.au

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

Cairns

Great Barrier Reef

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

seaworld.com.au

Wet â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;nâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Wild Water World wetnwild.myfun.com.au Warner Bros Movie World movieworld.com.au Zorb 07 5547 6300

sunshine cst

Townsville Prosperine

Airlie Beach (Whitsundays) Mackay Yeppoon Rockhampton

Gladstone Bundaberg Maryborough

Hervey Bay Fraser Island

BRISBANE

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

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

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QLDLISTINGS rainbow beach Dingos Backpacker Adventure Resort 20 Spectrum St. 1800 111126, dingosresort.com

FREE UNLIMITED INTERNET

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rated 9/10 on

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

hervey bay

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go to: goldenbackpacks.tntdownunder.com

Woolshed Backpackers 181 Torquay Road woolshedbackpackers.com.au

fraser island

Palace Adventures 184 Torquay St, Hervey Bay, 1800 063 168 palaceadventures.com.au Barefoot Lodge Long Island barefootlodge.com.au Colonial Village YHA 820 Boat Harbour Drive, Urangan, Hervey Bay yha.com.au Cool Dingo’s Rainbow Beach 20 Spectrum St dingosresort.com Flashpackers Hervey Bay 18 Spectrum Ave, Rainbow Beach frasersonrainbow.com

FREECALL: 1800 000 541

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

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

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

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Fraser’s on Rainbow 18 Spectrum Av, Rainbow Beach frasersonrainbow.com

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

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

FEATURES

Fraser Island Backpackers Cathedral Beach, Fraser Island fraserislandco.com.au

The Friendly Hostel 182 Torquay Rd, Hervey Bay friendlyhostel.com.au

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

Frasers On Rainbow Beach 195 Torquay Terrace, Torquay, flashpackersherveybay.com Kingfisher Bay Resort River Heads Road, Fraser Island kingfisherbay.com

Fraser Coast Top Tourist Park 21 Denmans Camp Road, Scarness, Hervey Bay frasercoasttouristpark.com.au

Aussie Woolshed 181 Torquay Rd 07 4124 0677 woolshedbackpackers.com

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

Koalas Hervey Bay 408 The Esplanade, Hervey Bay koalaadventures.com

bundaberg Federal Backpackers 221 Bourbong St. 07 4153 3711 federalbackpackers.com.au Northside Backpackers 12 Queen St. 07 4154 1166 Bundaberg Bondstore Distillery tours. 07 4131 2999 bundabergrum.com.au

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

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

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

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04_717p 58-78 sections.indd 63

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

Pleasure Divers 07 4778 5788

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

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

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

Beach Shack 86 Porters Promenade missionbeachshack.com Scottyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Beach House 167 Reid Rd. 07 4068 8676, scottysbeachhouse.com.au

Adrenalin Dive. 07 4724 0600, adrenalindive.com.au Yongala Dive Yongala diving. 07 4783 1519, yongaladive.com.au

magnetic isl Base Magnetic Island 1 Nelly Bay Rd. 1800 24 22 73, stayatbase.com

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

Jackaroo Hostel Mission Beach Frizelle Rd, Bingil Bay jackaroohostel.com Mission Beach Retreat 49 Porters Promenade missionbeachretreat.com.au

cairns stay

Bungalow Bay Backpackers Horseshow Bay. 1800 285 577, bungalowbay.com.au

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

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

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

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

cape trib

JJâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Backpackers Hostel 11 Charles St. 07 4051 7642, jjsbackpackers.com NJoy Backpackers Hostel Harbour 141 Sheridan St. 1800 807 055, njoy.net.au Nomads Beach House 239 Sheridan St. 1800 229 228, nomadshostels.com

gulf savannah

Crocodylus Village Lot 5, Buchanan Creek Rd, Cow Bay. 07 4098 9166, crocodyluscapetrib.com

Emu Creek Cattle Station 07 4094 8313

PKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Jungle Village Cnr Avalon & Cape Trib Rd. 1800 232 333, pksjunglevillage.com.au

Koala Beach Resort Cape Kimberly Rd. 1800 466 444

daintree

MOOLOOLABA

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

Northern Greenhouse 117 Grafton Street. 1800 229 228, northerngreenhouse.com.au

cairns do AJ Hackett Bungy jumping & canyon swinging. 1800 622 888 cairns.ajhackett.com Pro Dive 07 4031 5255 prodivecairns.com Raging Thunder Adventures Whitewater rafting. 07 4030 7990, ragingthunder.com.au

@tnt_downunder

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

Mooloolaba Backpackers VIP 75 Brisbane Road mooloolababackpackers.com

MORETON ISLAND Tangalooma Wild Dolphin Resort tangalooma.com

NOOSA

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

Dolphins Beach House 14 Duke Street, Sunshine Beach dolphinsbeachhouse.com.au Nomads Noosa Backpackers 44 Noosa Dr NOOSA inland

7/2+%23 7!.4%$ &RUIT AND 6EGETABLE PICKING JOBS AVAILABLE THE RIDE OF YOUR LIFE!

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WHITSUNDAYS 3 DAYS IN ONE... Whitehaven Beach, top snorkel destinations & island bushwalks. P: 07 4946 6848 www.oceanrafting.com.au

CAPE TRIBULATION Ask about our 2 trip special deal with our sister company OCEAN SAFARI - www.oceansafari.com.au

Great Barrier Reef - Half Day Snorkel Tour

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04_717p 58-78 sections.indd 64

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Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

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5/3/13 12:24:13 AM

VICLISTINGS melbourne stay

4212,

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

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

Base Melbourne 17 Carlisle St, St. Kilda. 1800 242 273, stayatbase.com Central Melbourne Accommodation 21 Bromham Place, Richmond. 03 9427 9826, centralaccommodation.net Exford Hotel 199 Russell St. 03 9663 2697, exfordhotel.com.au Flinders Station Hotel 35 Elizabeth St. 03 9620 5100, flindersbackpackers.com.au 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

homemansion.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 Aâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;beckett St. 1800 447 762, nomadshostels.com Space Hotel 380 Russell St. 1800 670 611, spacehotel.com.au The Spencer 475 Spencer St. 1800 638 108, hotelspencer.com Back of Chapel 50 Green St, Windsor nomadshostels.com College Lawn Hotel 36 Greville St, Prahran collegelawnhotel.com.au Claremont Guesthouse 189 Toorak Rd, South Yarra hotelclaremont.com

@tnt_downunder

follow us on City Centre Budget Hotel 22-30 Little Collins St citycentrebudgethotel.com Elephant Backpackers 250 Flinders St elephantbackpacker.com.au Elizabeth Hostel 490 Elizabeth St elizabethhostel.com.au

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

St Kilda Beach House 169B Fitzroy St ritzbackpackers.com

melbourne do Australian Centre for the Moving Image Federation Square. 03 8663 2200, acmi.net.au

$22 $

King St Backpackers 160 King Street kingstreetbackpackers.com.au Hotel Discovery 167 Franklin St hoteldiscovery.com.au

Lords Lodge Backpackers 167 Franklin St lordslodge.com Melbourne International Backpackers 204 Punt Rd, Prahran mibp.com.au Melbourne Metro YHA 78 Howard St yha.com.au

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

ST KILDA

Back of Chapel Backpackers 50 Green St backofchapel.com Base St Kilda 17 Carlisle St stayatbase.com

Coffee Palace Backpackers 24 Grey St

coffeepalacebackpackers.com.au

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

Melbourne Oasis YHA 76 Chapman St yha.com.au

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

Oslo Hotel 38 Grey St oslohotel.com.au

Official Neighbours Tours

The Ritz for Backpackers 570 Flinders St. Maximum bed dormitories linen and towel 1094 Barkly St 03 9629 with 5866, The Spencer City Central BP 475 Spencer St

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FREE all you can eat breakfast (cereal, toast and j weekly rice and pasta, tea and coffee IN THEmeal, SPOTLIGHT

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Awards

Vote for us!

Skydive the Beach Melbourne 1300 798 843 skydivethebeachmelbourne.com

go to: goldenbackpacks.tntdownunder.com

Tourism Victoria Backpacking ideas. backpackmelbourne.com Wildlife Tours Australia Specialising in Victorian tours +61 3 9314 2225 wildlifetours.com.au

great ocean rd Anglesea Backpackers 40 Noble St, Anglesea. 03 5263 2664, angleseabackpackers.com.au Eco Beach YHA 5 Pascoe St. 03 5237 7899, yha.com.au Great Ocean Road Backpackers YHA 10 Erskine Av, Lorne. 03 5289 2508, yha.com.au Port Campbell Hostel 18 Tregea St, Port Campbell. 03 5598 6305, portcampbellhostel.com.au Surfside Backpackers Cnr Great Ocean Rd & Gambier St, Apollo Bay. 1800 357 263, surfsidebackpacker.com

FEATURES

FREECALL: 1800 249 207

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

HEAPS OF ACTIVITIES!

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

FREE DAILY BREAKFAST

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

SCAN TO

BOOK

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

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

gippsland 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, 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 Timâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Place 44 Grampians Road, Halls Gap. 03 5356 4288, timsplace.com.au

mildura Mildura City Backpackers 50 Lemon Avenue milduracitybackpackers.com.au

STRATHMERTON Riviera Backpackers YHA 669 Esplanade yha.com.au

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adelaide stay Adelaide Backpackers Inn 112 Carrington St. 1800 24 77 25, adpi.com.au Adelaide Central YHA 135 Waymouth St. 08 8414 3010, yha.com.au Adelaide Travellers Inn 220 Hutt St. 08 8224 0753, adelaidebackpackers.com.au Annie’s Place 239 Franklin St. 1800 818 011, anniesplace.com.au

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

kangaroo is

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

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

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

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

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

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

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Kangaroo Island YHA 33 Middle Terrace, Penneshaw. 08 8553 1344 yha.com.au

Backpack Oz 144 Wakefield St. 1800 633 307, backpackoz.com.au

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

Photo: SATC

SALISTINGS

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Riverland Backpackers Labour Hire Services 08 8583 0211

fleurieu penin Port Elliot Beach House YHA 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 Baird Bay Ocean Eco Experience Sea lion and dolphin swims. 08 8626 5017 bairdbay.com Calypso Star Charters Great white shark cage diving. 08 8682 3939, sharkcagediving.com.au

McLaren Vale South Australia is renowned for its world-class wine regions and one of the best lies only 40 minutes south of Adelaide. Mclaren Vale, host to the annual Sea and Vines Festival, boasts the character of a small country town with the wealth and culture of a top food and wine destination. Visitors to the region have access to over 65 cellar doors operating year-round. The cafe strip on Main Road offers an array of restaurants and shops, and is a central point to the large selection of wineries. Mclaren Vale is home to famous vineyards including Hardys, Rosemont, Wirra Wirra and d’Arenburg. There is a genuine sense of community and passion for winemaking, which is evident in the friendly hospitality. Enjoy a refined glass of Shiraz with 360 degree views of the region at Hugh Hamilton, or visit Tinlins where wines are sold by the litre and containers can be refilled on subsequent visits.

CHECK IN

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

Opal Cave Coober Pedy Hutchinson St. 08 8672 5028, opalcavecooberpedy.com.au

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

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

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

ADELAIDE CENTRAL YHA 135 Waymouth Street. Rooms from $29 This hostel offers a perfect city location close to markets,nightlife, shopping and public transport. Also free pancakes during the winter.

Adelaide

yha.com.au

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WALISTINGS

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

CHECK IN

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

The Witch’s Hat 148 Palmerston St. 08 9228 4228, Witchs-hat.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 One World Backpackers 162 Aberdeen St, Northbridge. 1800 188 100, oneworldbackpackers.com.au Perth City YHA 300 Wellington St. 08 9287 3333, yha.com.au The Old Swan Barracks 6 Francis St.

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

BEACHES OF BROOME 4 Sanctuary Drive, Cable Beach. Beds from $28 Situated just a short stroll from the famous Cable Beach, Beaches of Broome is a contemporary, stylish resort luxury at an affordable price.

Broome

beachesofbroome.com.au

@tnt_downunder Hotel Bambu Backpackers 75 - 77 Aberdeen St, Northbridge bambu.net.au Mountway Holiday Apartments 36 Mount St mountwayapartments.com.au Ocean Beach Backpackers 1 Eric St, Cottesloe woceanbeachbackpackers.com

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

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

Beatty Lodge 235 Vincent St beattylodge.com.au

Planet Inn Backpackers 496 Newcastle St planetinn.com.au

Cheviot Lodge 30 Bulwer St cheviotlodge.com

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

Coolibah Lodge 194 Brisbane St coolibahlodge.com.au

Underground Backpackers 268 Newcastle St, shiralee.com.au

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

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

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

YMCA Jewell House 180 Goderich St ymcajewellhouse.com.au

Hay Street Backpackers 266-268 Hay St haystbackpackers.com

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

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

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WALISTINGS perth do

nowbaking.com.au

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

The Rosemount Hotel rosemounthotel.com.au

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

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

Perth Mint 310 Hay St. 08 9421 7223, perthmint.com.au Perth Zoo 20 Labouchere Road, South Perth. 08 9474 3551, perthzoo.wa.gov.au

freo stay

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

perth music Amplifier amplifiercapitol.com.au Astor liveattheastor.com.au

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

Mojo’s Bar mojosbar.com.au The Bakery

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

margaret river 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 Cruize-Inn 122 Middleton Rd.

08 9842 9599, cruizeinn.com

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

ningaloo reef

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

CORAL BAY Ningaloo Club Robinson St ningalooclub.com

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

ESPERANCE

Ningaloo Club Coral Bay 08 9948 5100, ningalooclub.com

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

Excape Backpackers YHA Murat Rd, Exmouth. 08 9949 1200, yha.com.au

EXMOUTH

broome stay Cable Beach Backpackers

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

PERTH WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Rottnest Island * 15% OFF RETURN FERRY OR ANY DAY TOURS Promotion Code

TNT13 ITG15OFF

Rottnest Express has a range of Day Tour options to help you have the best day out! Your journey starts as soon as you board the ferry. So sit back, relax and enjoy our beautiful Rottnest Island.

*Enter the above promo code when booking Discount excludes island admission fee, Direct online booking only. Valid until 31/01/2014, subject to availability.

1300 GO ROTTO (1300 467 688)

rottnestexpress.com.au

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Explore over 12,000 kms of Western Australia’s coastline in just one day

Australia’s largest aquarium and underwater tunnel Giant sharks, stingrays and turtles Beautiful living coral reefs Interactive fun Licensed café and exclusive giftshop

Hillarys Boat Harbour | Open Daily 10am -5pm (08) 9447 7500 | www.aqwa.com.au

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

launceston do

CHECK IN

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

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

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

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

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

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

devonport

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

BATMAN FAWKNER INN 39 Cameron Street, Launceston. Dorms from $30 Located in the heart of Launceston city, 15 minutes walk from Tasmania’s magnificent Cataract Gorge.

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

Launceston

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

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

batmanfawknerinn.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Devonport The unofficial capital of Tasmania’s beautiful north coast is also the main ferry link between the Island state and the Australian mainland. A picturesque, coastal city of some 25,000 people which produces upwards of 40 per cent of Tasmania’s total vegetable crop. Devonport has developed into a proper shopper’s city, with beautiful boulevards and malls dotted with unique boutiques and specialist shops. The city also makes the most of the natural coastlines with beautiful beaches in close proximity to the city centre, including the Mersey Bluff Beach. Just a short drive from the city centre, the Tasmanian Arboretum displays trees and shrubs from around the world. Culture is centred at the Devonport Regional Art Gallery, which boasts great works from local and internationally renowned artists.

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NTLISTINGS

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IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Mindil Beach Sunset Markets From late April until the end of October during Darwin’s Dry Season, Mindil Beach comes alive every Thursday and Sunday with the Mindil Beach Sunset Markets. Mindil Beach is located only two kilometres from Darwin’s city centre. The impressive over water sunset is an attraction in its own right, however locals and tourists descend on the beach, deck chair in tow, to soak up the balmy night air, indulge on the exotic food stalls and listen to live music and entertainment.

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

CHECK IN

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

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

katherine do

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

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

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

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

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

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

katherine stay

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

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

Alice Lodge

4 Mueller Street, Alice Springs. Dorms from $20 This small and secure hostel is Alice Springs is most relaxed and unique with home style comforts in the heart of the Red Centre.

Alice Springs

alicelodge.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

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

Outback Ballooning Hot air balloon rides. 1800 809 790, outbackballooning.com.au

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

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NZLISTINGS

CHECK IN

wellington Base Wellington 21-23 Cambridge Tce. +64 4801 5666 stayatbase.com Downtown Wellington Backpackers (BBH) 1 Bunny St. +64 4473 8482 db@downtownbackpackers.co.nz Lodge in the City (VIP) 152 Taranaki St. +64 4385 8560 lodgeinthecity.co.nz

Reavers Lodge 56 Hamilton Rd, Queenstown. Dorms from $25 Fully renovated less than two years ago, Reavers offers one of the most modern, cozy and comfortable hostels in all of Queenstown.

Reavers

reavers.co.nz

The Fat Camel (Nomads) 38 Fort St. +64 9307 0181, nomadshostels.com Nomads Auckland 16-20 Fort St. +64 9300 9999, nomadshostels.com

Nomads Capital 118 Wakefield St. 0508 666 237, nomadscapital.com Rosemere Backpackers (BBH) 6 McDonald Cres. +64 4384 3041, backpackerswellington.co.nz

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

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

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

YHA Wellington City 292 Wakefield St. +64 4801 7280

Oaklands Lodge (BBH) St. +64 YHA Auckland City 6/10/2011 8:36:04 p.m. 5A Oaklands TNT-OZ-halfpage-Oct11.pdf Rd, Mt Eden. Cnr 1City Rd & Liverpool St. yha.co.nz +64 9638 6545, oaklands.co.nz +64 9309 2802,

christchurch Chester Street Backpackers (BBH)

148 Chester St East. +64 3377 1897, chesterst.co.nz Foley Towers (BBH) 208 Kilmore St. +64 3366 9720, backpack.co.nz/foley

@tnt_downunder

Wanaka. +64 3443 7341, cardrona.com Flaming Kiwi Backpackers (BBH) 39 Robins Rd. +64 3442 5494, flamingkiwi@xtra.co.nz

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

queenstown Base Discovery Lodge Queenstown 49 Shotover St. +64 3441 1185, stayatbase.com Bungi Backpackers (VIP, BBH) 15 Sydney St. 0800 728 286, bungibackpackers.co.nz Cardrona Alpine Resort Between Queenstown and

Pinewood Lodge (VIP) 48 Hamilton Rd. 0800 7463 9663, rgrieg@xtra.co.nz Southern Laughter (BBH, VIP) 4 Isle St. 0800 728 448, southernlaughter.co.nz YHA Queenstown Central 48A Shotover Street. +64 3442 7400, yha.co.nz YHA Queenstown Lakefront 88- 90 Lake Esplanade. +64 3442 8413 yha.co.nz

CMY

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IN THE SPOTLIGHT

NZLISTINGS bus tours

rentadent.co.nz

Kiwi Experience +64 9366 9830 kiwiexperience.com

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

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

Spaceships 1300 139 091, spaceships.tv

Nakedbus.com 0900 62533, nakedbus.com

Standby Cars 1300 789 059, standbycars.com.au

NZ Travelpass 0800 339 966, travelpass.co.nz

Wicked Campers 1800 246 869, wickedcampers.com

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 Darn Cheap Rentals 0800 447 363, exploremore.co.nz Econo Campers +64 9275 9919, econocampers.co.nz

wanaka Wonderful Wanaka is the first big town you come to if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re driving north, towards Haast Pass, from the South Island adrenalin capital Queenstown. And just like its bigger neighbour, Wanaka can also boast a disturbing array of adrenalin activities as well as a truly stunning Southern Alps backdrop. Lake Wanaka and nearby Mt Aspiring National Park provide an outdoor adventure playground par excellence. You can fish, waterski, windsurf, go canyoning, jet boating, rock climb, enjoy long hikes, climb mountains, tandem skydive, kayaking, rafting, horse trekking etc. In winter, Wanaka becomes a ski town.

Escape Rentals 1800 456 272 escaperentals.co.nz Explore More 1800 800 327 dcrentals.com.nz Jucy Rentals 0800 399 736, jucy.com.nz Rent-A-Dent 0800 736 823,

Airport Skyway Lodge Backpackers (BBH) 30 Kirkbride Road, Mangere. +64 9275 4443, skywaylodge.co.nz Auckland International Backpackers (BBH) 2 Churton St, Parnell. +64358 4584, Base Auckland 229 Queen St. 0800 227 369, stayatbase.com Bamber House (BBH) 22 View Rd, Mt Eden. +64 9623 4267, hostelbackpacker.com Central City Backpackers 26 Lorne St. +64 9358 5685, backpacker.net.nz City Garden Lodge 25 St Georges Bay Rd, Parnell. +64 9302 0880

i F i W Freestels all over

Free 24 hour unlimited high speed WiFi for YHA members and only $5 a day for non-members. Join now. *See yha.co.nz for participating hostels. Offer valid for stays until 30th April 2013.

ho nd at 20 Z eala w e N ow: 191 2 Book n one 1800 24 h p e z e .n Fr yha.co book@ o.nz .c or yha

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fijiLISTINGS 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

Horizon Backpackers +679 672 2832, horizonbeachfiji.com Nadi Bay Resort Hotel +679 672 3599, fijinadibayhotel.com Nadi Down Town Backpackers Inn +679 670 0600, pacvalley@connect.com.fj Nadi Hotel +679 670 0000, ndht@connect.com.fj Nomads Skylodge Hotel +679 672 2200 Saweni Beach Apartment Hotel +679 666 1777, fiji4less.com Smugglers Cove +679 672 6578, smugglers beachfiji.com Travellers Beach Resort +679 672 3322, beachvilla@connect.com.fj

yasawa islands

Mango Bay Resort +679 653 00690, mangobayresortfiji.com

Robinson Crusoe +679 629 1999, robinsoncrusoeislandfiji.com Seashell Cove Resort +679 670 6100, seashellresort.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

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

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

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

Octopus Resort +679 666 6337 reservations@octopusresort.com Sunrise Lagoon Resort +679 666 6644 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 The Resort Walu Beach +679 665 1777, walubeach.com

coral coast Beachouse +679 653 0500, fijibeachouse.com

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

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

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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

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

Nadi Located on the west side of the main island, Nadi (pronounced “Nandi) is the third largest metropolitan area of Fiji. Nadi has a higher concentration of hotels than any other part of Fiji and offers accessibility to Fiji’s popular island resorts. Nadi’s popular tourist attractions include Garden of Sleeping Giant – the largest orchid collection in Fiji, and the Hot Mud Pools. It is also home to Sri Siva Subramaniya Swami, the largest Hindu temple in the southern hemisphere. The Nadi markets, located one block from the Main Street, offer a wide variety of fruit, vegetables, flowers and seafood. Approximately thirty of the markets stalls house only Kava, which they encourage you to sample.

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OZcareers

Jobs in the outback Way outback in a remote area of Western Australia you’ll find beefed up jobs and even beefier pay packets

You wouldn’t normally expect to be earning $90,000 a year flipping burgers at a fast food joint out in the sticks. But that’s what one takeaway chicken chain manager is earning in natural resource-rich Karratha in north-west WA. The boost in earnings is due to the ‘resources boom’, which has had major effects on the Australian job market, especially in WA and Queensland. Bree Mitchelson, of Perth-based careers management company Skills Solution, says the thriving mining, oil, gas and construction industries are beefing up career opportunities — and pay packets — particularly in WA. “Demand for people is across all major fields — retail, hospitality and tourism, education and training, medical professions, accounting, legal, the list goes on,” she says. “The message for people thinking about heading back to Australia is: come home, Australia needs you. “There are certainly some exciting career opportunities available,” Mitchelson says. But there are also lots of jobs for travellers.

Engineering, Mining and Construction For big job offers, this is the big sector. The resource industry has huge demand as a result of numerous billion-dollar projects, particularly in WA. Sector experts say the demand for skilled workers in this industry doesn’t look like slowing down any time soon. And employers are willing to offer big bucks to entice staff. Due to a country-wide skills shortage, engineers, surveyors and geologists can land themselves packages higher than $100,000 a year. Mitchelson points out that graduate engineers are getting about three job offers in their final year of university, and some of these positions offer salaries of $80,000 or more. “Electricians and mechanical fitters are also big in demand,” she says. Other tradies, including boilermakers, welders and mechanics (particularly with experience on heavy vehicles), won’t have trouble finding work, especially if they are prepared to do fly-in, fly-out jobs in remote areas.

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OZWORK

Teaching The current market for teachers in Australia is good. However, the job market situation is different from state to state because each education system is run by the state, not the federal government. Supply teaching is an option in most areas, but if you want something more permanent when you get home it’s all in the timing, according to Daniel Mundy from recruiter ANZUK Teachers. If you’re looking for contract work, try hitting Aussie soil at the start of term, he advises. “Victoria has a particular need in Melbourne’s northwest, west and outer-west,” he says. WA also has a major shortage of teachers due to the resources boom. South Australia is in need of relief teachers, and Queensland needs teachers in country areas.

Photos: Getty Images

Medical and Nursing

Major capital cities and surrounding suburbs in all states need paediatric, orthopaedic and theatre staff. Experienced medical and surgical workers are also wanted. According to Hays Healthcare regional director Christine Wright, nurses can usually find work in all states, with UK experience looked upon favourably. Midwives, mental health nurses and registered nurses all appear on the Department of Immigration’s skill shortages list.

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Salaries range from $50,000 to $80,000 a year — depending on the level of experience and particular state or territory. Accounting, Finance and Banking Despite the credit crunch, Australia’s still looking good for those who want to work with managing and moving all that moolah around. Simon Tobin, from recruiter Michael Page Australia, reckons that for people moving home, the skills shortage is good news. “That’s going to make it easier for people to get the job they want,” he says. Jobs firm Hays Global Link manager Rachel Baldy says assistant accountants at the $50,000-$70,000 level — both degree-qualified and undergraduates — are in high demand, while payroll candidates are in short supply. Auditors are top of the list for the professional practice market as there’s a shortage of them across Australia. Skills dealing with insolvency are also sought after, and accounting skills are in demand across the board with more vacancies than suitable candidates. Assistant accountants, payroll candidates, and those with experience in accounts payable and receivable are all in short supply Down Under.

For more jobs head to tntdownunder.com/jobs

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tntdownunder.com/jobs tntdownunder.com TNT_87 x 122_Aug 2012.indd 1 05_717p 79-82 Work.indd 81

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totallytrivial

@tnt_downunder

who to blame

and what they gave up for lent Editor

Alex Harmon (Hashtagging)

Staff writer

Hugh Radojev (My sunny demeanor)

james besanvalle (Giving up things)

aussie rules Easter Quiz football a) Chocolate b) Fertility c) Evolution d) Pureness

Design & production

Lisa Ferron (Impulse shopping)

day is known as pancake day Q 2.in Which some countries?

(Fancy German biscuits)

account manager

Justin Steinlauf (Back waxing)

georgina pengelly (Chocolate)

called? a) Ment b) Lent c) Trent d) Kent

what we did this week

eggs. When is it best to paint them? a) Before boiling b) After boiling c) After frying d) None at all

3 9

5 1

jumped off a 50m ledge. when in cairns you must bungy. it’s rude not to

3 4

5 3

a) bilby b) kangaroo c) emu d) koala

fall on? a) Winter b) Autumn c) Spring d) Summer

aussie-ism “a bludger”

headed up to cairns for the launch of tourism australia’s ‘best job in the world’ campaign. And we thought we had the best jobs in the world....

caught the quicksilver pro on the gold coast. watched kelly slater tear it up

sudoku puzzle 7

What is the Aussie equivalent to the Q 8.Easter bunny?

Q 9. What season of the year does Easter

Q 5. A popular Easter tradition is painting

Financial controller Trish Bailey (Calculators)

a) 1 billion b) 100 million c) 90 million d) 20 million

3. What do Easter eggs represent? a) Rebirth b) Failure c) Love d) Religion

Q 4. What are the 40 days before Easter

marketing + events executive

a) Poland b) England c) Germany d) Canada Approximately how many chocolate Q 7.Easter bunnies are made per year?

a) Good Friday b) Easter Sunday c) Shrove Tuesday d) Palm Sunday

Business development Tom Wheeler

worlds largest Easter egg resides in Q 6.The which country?

What does the Easter bunny Q 1.represent?

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

Intern

Typically used as an insult to describe someone who is lazy and, or out of work, ie living off of the dole: “That Barry is a bloody bludger, he was down the Centrelink again this week”.

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