TNT Magazine: Australia

Dec 26-Jan 1 2011 Issue 661 tntdownunder.com

I,5N00!

W A $2

RED SYDNEY TO AIN CENTRE TR PACKAGE

2011 2 011 IIN N REVIEW The year’s biggest stories, music & films

WHEEL W DEAL B Buying a car Down Under

E T A K S P A CHE bank reaking the b t u o h it w y ydne the best of S g in e e s to e Your guid

WHAT’S ON! MONDAYS

THURSDAYS $15 MEAL DEAL TRIVIA FROM 8PM

FRIDAYS

$15 MEAL DEAL REGGAE NIGHT WITH HAPPY HOUR 8pm-10pm

$4 After work HAPPY HOUR 4pm - 6pm $8 COCKTAILS from 6pm – 8pm LIVE BANDS @ “THE SQUARE” FROM 8pm

TUESDAYS

SATURDAYS

$15 MEAL DEAL ENJOY AN EVENING IN THE YARD BAR WITH MUSICAL LEGENDS ON THE BIG SCREEN

LIVE BANDS @ “THE SQUARE” FROM 8pm LIVE SPORT UNTIL LATE ON THE BIG SCREEN ALL THE ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE MATCHES

WEDNESDAYS

SUNDAYS

ENJOY AN EVENING IN THE YARD BAR WITH MUSICAL LEGENDS ON THE BIG SCREEN!

JAZZ IN THE YARD BAR FROM 5pm $6 BLOODY MARY’S ALL DAY EUROPEAN FOOTBALL ON THE BIG SCREEN

Mondays at the Yardhouse $15 meal Deal Meal and Beverage

www.Yardhouse.com.au

Yardhouse Sydney Bar & Brasserie

Reggae night Happy Hour 8pm-10pm

730 George Street Haymarket, 2000

T: 02 9212 2111

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ANDREW WESTBROOK EDITOR editor@tntdownunder.com

EDITOR’S LETTER Well, it’s that time of year again. Christmas is already done and dusted and now it’s time for the big one! So, to help ease you through an expensive time of year and prepare you for those 2012 travels, we’ve got a tight-arse guide to Sydney (p8), plus some tips on buying a car (p36). We’ve also got a full news, sport, celeb, film and music round-up of 2011 (p12). From everyone here at TNT, Happy New Year!

THIS WEEK oz Diary

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social scene

12

music & film

14

competition

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news

26

sport

30

travel

32

listings NSW

46

listings queensland

48

listings vic

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listings wa

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listings tasmania

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listings nt

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listings sa

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Listings fiji

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listings new zealand

60

work

62

trivial pursuits

66

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Features cut-price sydney

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Sydney burning a hole through your wallet? Check out our tight-arse guide

celebrity round up

18

The scandals, the hook-ups, the hottest bums. Check out this year’s winners

jump in my car

36

The best way to see Oz is on the road.

We help you choose the right wheels

moscow mules From soldiers to ballet dancers.

Taking the vodka train through Russia

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OZDIARY EDITORIAL Editor Andrew Westbrook Staff writer Alex Harmon Intern Leigh Livingstone Contributors Roger Brancher | Tom Sturrock

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DESIGN AND PRODUCTION Design and production manager Lisa Ferron SALES Sales manager Tom Wheeler Account manager Justin Steinlauf Sales executive Gareth Maguire MARKETING & EVENTS Associate publisher Denise Jinks Marketing assistants Lea Pahne DISTRIBUTION Lee Sutherland

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

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THE MAIN EVENT NEW YEAR’S EVE [EVERYWHERE]

The countdown to a brand spanking new year in Oz is probably a little different to what you’re used to. For starters, the weather is on your side, so instead of freezing your tits off and singing “Auld Lang Syne”, over here you bring in the new year with your toes in the sand or dancing naked in a field. If you’re on Bondi Beach you can kick it off with Snoop or if you’re down in Tassie, sing it in with the Arctic Monkeys. There are fireworks in all of the major cities so sometimes it’s just a matter of getting your mates together and securing a vantage spot. The only problem you may have is keeping those resolutions the next day...

See newyearseve.com.au for events in your city.

FREE

HOPMAN CUP [PERTH]

TASTE FESTIVAL [HOBART]

SUMMADAYZE [MELBOURNE]

Nation is pitted against nation in this pre-Australian Open eight-day tennis tournament which features some of the world’s best players in action. Joining women’s number one Caroline Wozniacki will be the likes of Lleyton Hewitt, Marion Bartoli and Richard Gasquet.

Every year on the Hobart waterfront, thousands of foodies come together for seven days and nights of eating, drinking and live music. The spotlight is on fresh Tasmanian produce including seafood, cheese, fruits, world-class wine and boutique beers.

Very tasty.

New Year’s Eve not enough for you?

Then keep the party going at this “Colourfornia” themed festival. The lineup includes Moby, Pendulum, Snoop Dogg, Calvin Harris, Scissor Sisters, Grandmaster Flash and so many more.

Be free to paint the town whatever colour you want.

December 31 – January 7 Burswood, WA hopmancup.com

December 28 – January 3 Hobart, TAS tastefestival.com.au

January 1 Melbourne, VIC summadayze.com

$30

TNT Magazine is printed on paper from sustainable forests.

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

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-!$.%33 ! $!9 !,, / /6%2 !5342!,)! !.$ .: Most with Fuel allowance or free ferry crossings included. Go to www.standbyrelocs.com to view deals each day. Or call us to go on a waiting list - NEW DEALS EVERYDAY!

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19/10/11 1/12/11 9:08:41 2:05:12 AM PM

The Manly ferry – aka the $6.60 harbour tour

Sydney savers Think you need a wallet as fat as Richard Branson’s to enjoy Sydney? Think again, as TNT’s professional cheapskate explains WORDS ANDREW WESTBROOK

Forever sparkling flirtatiously in the sunshine, displaying the sleek and sexy lines that have made it famous across the world, Sydney is truly a supermodel of cities. But indeed, like with any self-respecting Naomi or Giselle, good looks tend to come at a price. And at first glance, the New South Wales capital is no different.

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When you first step foot in Sydney, the cost of living can be a shock to the system, especially if you’ve just hopped off a plane from Asia, South America, New Zealand, damn, even Europe nowadays. Everything from beds to beers attack your travel funds as hungrily as Kate Moss being let at a packet of Ryvita.

But all is not as it seems in the Harbour City. It only takes a sneaky look behind the catwalk curtain to realise there’s plenty of ways to get the most out of the city’s streets without breaking the bank. That’s right, Sydney is that most wondrous of creations – a supermodel who’s up for a cheap date.

GOING OUT Contrary to popular opinion, a night out in Sydney need not leave you penniless if you plan your night carefully. Girls are especially in luck. They can head to the Establishment on George Street for free Champagne (on Thursdays, from 5-7pm) while you get chatted up by a suit. Other good deals include $4 beers and burgers at the Kings Cross Hotel (Tuesdays), $7.50 jugs from 6pm at ScuBar (4 Rawson Place), $3.50 house beers and wines at The World Bar in Kings Cross (6-8pm), $3 beers at the World Tower Hotel (680 George St, Mon-Tues, 4-7pm), $3 beers and house spirits all day at Bar Century (640 George St). Check out sydneyhappyhour.com for full up-to-date happy hour listings.

There’s a reason why Sydney truly comes alive in the summer – it’s a great place to be outdoors. And the best bit is that enjoying the views comes for free.

When ticking off the obvious harbour sights, make sure you stroll round to Mrs Macquarie’s Chair for the best panoramic view. If you’re up for a longer walk, the Bondi to Coogee stroll along the clifftops is hard to beat, stopping at TNT fave Bronte Beach for a swim.

A quieter alternative is the Spit Bridge to Manly walk, a 10km hike with fantastic views and secluded beaches. You can even get an excellent free city walking tour with Peek Tours (peektours.com.au).

The Royal Botanic Gardens also offer free tours. Want to swim in a pool with amazing harbour views, for free? Head to McCallum Pool, a short walk from the Cremorne Point ferry wharf. Desperate to get up the Harbour Bridge but can’t afford the climb? Well you can still clamber to the top of one of the pylons for $11. Likewise, if you want those harbour views without splashing out for a cruise, jump on the manly ferry for $6.60 one way. Or, you could spend just a few bucks on a train and spend a day in stunning national parks – the Blue Mountains to the west, Ku-ring-gai Chase to the north and Royal National Park to the south. If you plan ahead you can often camp for as little as $5 per person (see environment.nsw.gov.au).

Photos: Tourism NSW

SIGHT FOR SORE EYES

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ROUTE FINDER

SYDNEY FESTIVAL

CHEAP FLIGHTS

Between its buses, trains and ferries, Sydney has a pretty decent public transport system. Head to 131500. com.au for all the fares and timetable info, or you can download their shiny, and free, new smartphone app.

A good ticket option to consider from the get go is the $41 MyMulti1 weekly pass, which should pretty much satisfy all your needs, including the Manly ferry.

For heading off around the country, think relocation, relocation, relocation. What’s that? When campervans are dropped off in less popular pick-up points, companies are desperate to get them back – so desperate they’ll charge you just $1 a day to drive them. This can make for a very cheap roadtrip (petrol aside of course) – the only catch is you may only have a few days to reach your destination.

January is the month for Sydney Festival. Running from January 7-29, it’s a veritable feast of concerts, exhibitions and plays. The first night is always a huge affair, thanks to a massive free concert in the Domain, which this year features the likes of Manu Chao, Washington and Norman Jay. Many top restaurants and bars get in on the act by offering super-cheap deals throughout the month. Check out sydneyfestival.org.au for all the info. If there’s an act you’re desperate to see, but can’t stomach the pricetag, then you need not miss out thanks to Tix For Next To Nix. Head to Martin Place in the morning where they sell off a small number of tickets for that days shows for $25. However, be warned. The booth opens at 8am, but the queue will already be pretty long by then.

Sign up for email updates from Qantas (qantas.com.au), Jetstar (jetstar.com), Virgin Australia (virginaustralia. com) and Tiger (tigerairways. com) so you know when they’re running sales – which is surprisingly often as competition is intense.

It’s generally cheaper to fly mid-week rather than on a weekend and cheaper to fly out after major holidays than before.

CHEAP FILMS Most major cinema chains sell cheaper tickets on “tight-arse Tuesdays” (some bowling alleys and pizza places do the same). If you head to the competition page at tntdownunder.com you can also get your hands on some of the stack of Moonlight Cinema tickets we’re currently giving away.

CULTURE FIX

CHEAP BEDS Sign up to the various loyalty schemes for hostel chains like Base, YHA and Nomads. In some cases these cards will also get you the concession rate at museums. Ditto if you want to travel on the Indian Pacific or Ghan trains, in which case the card will pay for itself immediately.

Hostels will also often give you a discounted or free stay if you offer to do some work, such as cleaning. If you’re a true tight-arse, you can check out couchsurfing. com or globalfreeloaders.com for a place to crash without spending a cent. This option is also a great way to meet some locals as well.

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WALK ON THE WILD SIDE While Sydney is blessed with a zoo and aquarium that are both world class, you don’t necessarily have to hand over any silly waterproof notes to get your nature fix. Grab a snorkle and head underwater at the Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve, which is just off Shelly Beach, a short walk from Manly. You’ve got a good chance of spotting stingrays, wobbegong sharks, seahorses and even the very cool leafy sea dragons. While up by Manly, also stroll over to Collins Beach, where you can admire the small colony of little penguins. If you love whales but don’t want to splash out for an expensive boat trip, fear not as they can often be seen close to shore, at points like North Bondi. You’ll have to wait until May however.

Many of Sydney’s museums and galleries have free entry so there’s no reason to turn into a hermit if it’s not the perfect beach day. The Art Gallery of New South Wales, by the Domain, is generally the pick of the bunch, but it’s also worth a gander in Circular Quay’s Museum of Contemporary Art. If Egyptian mummies are your thing, drop by the Nicholson Museum in the University of Sydney.

CHEAP FOOD

FREE INTERNET

Seek out pubs that have a budget menu – many have meals as cheap as $5, even in Sydney (The Forresters $5 steak in Surry Hills is the king). Often local pubs do cheaper dinners during the week. Also, drop by bakeries (try Bakers Delight and Donut King) around closing time and, if you ask nicely, they’ll often bung you bread and pastries they were going to chuck out.

If you’re in Sydney, head to the Apple Stores (George St or Bondi Junction) for free web access. Most libraries offer free internet once you’ve become a member, which usually only requires some ID (and sometimes proof of address). And if you’re lucky enough to have a laptop, there’s complimentary WiFi in all sorts of places, like many McDonald’s.

CHEAP PHOTOS

SHOPPING Generally speaking, head to Alexandria for factory outlets, Glebe for books, Newtown for retro gear, Paddington for your designer threads and Surry Hills for your vintage stuff.

Don’t forget to check out charity shops like the Salvos and Vinnie’s, while Paddy’s Market is always crammed with bargains of the flea market variety. And if you see some furniture lurking on the street, feel free to take it with you as it’s been thrown out for a council pick-up. Word to the wise though, ignore sofas and mattresses. You never know what other creatures are included in the deal.

Just returned from a multiday group tour and want some good momentos of the group? Instead of all of you paying to burn your pics to a CD, chip in for one person to do it, then share them on Facebook, or via email.

MARKETS Whether you’re looking for a deal or simply crave a browse then you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to markets in Sydney. The pick of the bunch are at Bondi Beach (Sundays), Surry Hills (first Saturday of the month), Paddington (Saturdays), Kirribilli (second Sunday of the month) and Glebe (Saturdays). You can even enjoy a beer at the same time in the Fringe Bar Markets on Oxford Street (Saturdays).

CHEAP CLUBBING Get to most clubs early as some places only charge after about 10pm. It can also be cheaper to go out on weeknights, as some venues hike up their costs for the bigger Saturday crowds.

NEXT WEEK Reads for the road: The all-time best travel books

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THE ADVENTURES OF TINTIN FILM review by Andrew Westbrook STARRING: Jamie Bell, Andy Serkis, Daniel Craig, Simon Pegg | CERT: PG | 108mins | Out Dec 26

WAR HORSE FILM STARRING: Jeremy Irvine, Emily Watson, David Thewlis | M | 146mins | Out Dec 26

Steven Spielberg’s other Boxing Day release is an adaptation of a celebrated book turned West End play which follows a young soldier, called Albert, and his beloved horse Joey, from the English countryside to the ravages of the First World War. Spielberg has decided to ditch the book’s original horse-viewpoint narration to instead tell the story straight, filling the tale with his usual sentimental, if at times cheesey, style. War Horse comes into its own, however, when Spielberg pulls out the big guns for the battle scenes.

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After a huge amount of expectation and hype, the plucky Belgian reporter is finally making it to the big screen and, while it’s not without its faults, the slick visual style of the motion capture and the Indiana Jones-esque fast-paced adventures mean this is likely to be the start of a franchise we’ll be seeing quite a lot of in the coming years.

With director Steven Spielberg at the helm, along with producer Peter Jackson (who’s already lined up to direct the sequel), you’re always going to be able to walk into the cinema confident of seeing something both entertaining and boundary pushing, and Tintin doesn’t disappoint. Right from the truly brilliant opening credit sequence, there is barely a moment to catch your breath, as the film sees Hergé’s creation chase hidden manuscripts and dastardly villains across the globe. Indeed the tone of the humour and nature of the treasure hunting reminded me more of Spielberg’s other creation Indiana Jones than any other film I can remember, although no doubt the score by the legendary John Williams (Indiana Jones, Star Wars) played a part in that. While the decision to go with motion capture, rather than live action or animation, has been criticised in some quarters, I really liked it. The biggest problem was the storyline, an at times overly jumbled combination of several of the original books. Overall, however, great fun.

GOOD FOR: Escaping the real world with some old-fashioned globe-trotting adventures

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HARBOUR PARTY LUNA PARK

DON’T

MISS!

NYE

Harbour Party is inviting you to dance your way into the New Year with performances from world class musical acts plus the best views of the NYE fireworks, at one of the most incredible locations the city has to offer – Sydney’s own Luna Park.

Featuring Wynter Gordon, The Potbelleez, Zoe Badwi, Ajax, Beni Cassian, Rufus (DJ Set), Yolanda Be Cool and so much more.

Dec 31, Luna Park, Sydney harbourparty.com

WOODFORD FOLK FESTIVAL

FIELD DAY SYDNEY

FESTIVAL

FESTIVAL

One of Australia’s oldest and most iconic events.

Every year, tens of thousands of people of all ages join the pilgrimage to Woodfordia for a six day celebration of the arts, humanities and the environment. Set in a 500 acre cultural parkland, with camping facilities, 22 undercover venues, a childrens festival, village green and a large natural amphitheatre.

Field Day is synonymous with New Year’s Day for young Sydneysiders. The city’s original multistage outdoor party, it’s a gathering of friends coming together for a fantastic fun filled first day of the year. There’s an air of hope and positive energy in the beautiful tree-filled surroundings, on a perfect summer’s day. Featuring Example, Moby, Calvin Harris and many more.

Dec 27-Jan 1, Woodford, QLD. From $97 wordfordfolkfestival.com

Jan 1, The Domain. From $135 fielddaynyd.com.au

MANU CHAO The multilingual Manu Chao is the headline act announced to open Sydney Festival at the first night free concert in The Domain. Joining the “Me Gustas Tu” singer will be the likes of Washington, Gurrumul, Norman Jay and more. Expect the crowds to show up in their thousands for what is always one of the biggest events in Sydney in January. The action kicks off at 3pm and runs all the way through to 11pm, with smaller stages also set up in the surrounding streets.

January 7. Free sydneyfestival.org.au

SCRUFFY MURPHY’S SYDNEY

RENAISSANCE AT THE NGA

PUB

ART

Love it or hate it, Scruffies is a ‘what you see is what you get’ pub. The restaurant has great value nosh and is open till 10pm. Then the Vault Nightclub runs everyday from 11pm till you can dance no more/morning. They show the footy, plus Tuesdays is a popular night to head out and get amongst the students and fellow travellers.

Was your New Year’s resolution to be more cultured and see more art? Well you need to head down to Canberra for the Renaissance exhibition. For the first time ever, the National Gallery of Australia is showcasing the Early and High Renaissance paintings by Italian artists such as Raphael, Bellini and Botticelli.

43 Goulburn St, Sydney scruffymurphys.com.au

National Gallery Australia. Until April 9 nga.gov.au

ANDROID SMARTPHONE

WIN

Fancy being the envy of all your fellow travellers? Well, a sparkling new LG Optimus Black Android smartphone should probably do the trick we reckon! That’s why TNT has teamed up with the good people at NZONE Skydive, in Rotorua and Queenstown, to offer readers the chance to win one. Just head to tntdownunder.com/competitions.html by January 12 for details on how to enter.

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2011REVIEW Bon Iver Bon Iver Justin Vernon has broken free of the log cabin, got over the heartache and ambitiously created an album of time, space and memory. His falsetto voice that normally drips like honey is manipulated at times, harmonising with himself, I loved his first album, For Emma, but if that was a love letter, this one feels like a full-blown romance.

Senna Ayrton Senna, Alain Prost Every now and then a documentary comes along that is so compelling, fascinating and astounding that you find yourself completely captivated, even if you have no interest in the subject matter. If just so happens there were two this year, and they were both about motor racing (the other being TT3D). Truly exhilarating and emotional.

Submarine Craig Roberts, Sally Hawkins Written and directed

by Moss of The IT Crowd fame, this little indie comingof-age film is as heartwarming as it is funny. Oliver, 15, is a dictionary reading, duffle-coat wearing geek who is desperate to lose his virginity to his eczema-suffering girlfriend Jordana. Brilliantly filmed against a gloomy Swansea backdrop and Alex Turner’s crooning soundtrack.

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TNT’s top 3 albums of 2011

Making Mirrors Gotye It’s not just a year for women, it’s also one for high-pitched men.

The Belgiumborn Aussie was brought to the limelight with his über-successful “Somebody That I Used To Know” – an anthem not unlike Queen’s “Somebody to Love” because of its pain and neediness – but, nestled in this cross-genre album, he’s no one-trick pony.

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Ceremonials, Florence & The Machine “And I had a dream”, opens Florence’s sophomore album, against a backdrop of wind-chimes, more like Martin Luther King than someone tediously recounting a dream they had last night. From there on in this album had me hook, line and sinker.

It was a year that belonged to the

women: PJ Harvey’s Mercury Award, Adele’s digits never leaving the charts, Kate Bush reinventing herself for the ice age. But flame haired Flo held her ground. Ceremonials had more leaks than an Indonesian peoplesmuggler, but never sank or compromised its integrity. Compared to Lungs, it’s more stripped back without as many dark tones and dog gone days. It’s uplifting, you could say, like a cult. It needs to be played loud, stinging the ear drums and begs to be heard live. Play “Shake It Out” and tell me you’re not dancing like a rag-doll in a cyclone Ceremonials has more depth and meaning than Lungs, making “You’ve Got The Love” sound like a drunken night at a karaoke bar.

She can finally put that one to bed. AH Shout-outs to... James Blake, Arctic Monkeys, Bright Eyes, Ben Howard Poor, poor show... Coldplay

TNT’s top 3 films of 2011

127 Hours STARRING: James Franco

Yes, it may seem like it came out way too long ago, but Danny Boyle’s masterful tale of self-discovery reached Aussie shores back in February, just after being pipped to the Oscar by The King’s Speech.

The man who brought us the likes of Trainspotting and Slumdog Millionaire this time visited starkly different material, but

once again created something stunning, a film which is turbo-charged yet stationary, humbling yet painful, and ultimately a feelgood affirmation of just what the human spirit can achieve (without being cheesey).

The true story is an adaptation of the memoirs of hiker Aron Ralston, who in 2003 found himself trapped under a Utah boulder for five days. Ralston, who is played brilliantly by Franco in an Oscar-nominated performance, is faced with coming to terms with his mortality and deciding just what he is prepared to do in order to live. Prepare to squirm! Think Into The Wild, Touching The Void, even Buried, but with a pumping soundtrack, superlative central performance, spectacular scenery and directorial flair. AW Shout-outs to... Drive, Melancholia, Bridesmaids, Moneyball, The Iron Lady Poor, poor show... Sucker Punch

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WIN

HOW TO ENTER

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

WIN A STUNNING SYDNEY TO RED CENTRE TRAIN PACKAGE In case you’ve been living in a goon bubble since arriving Down Under and hadn’t noticed, it’s fair to say that Australia is a bloody massive country.

Unless you’re willing to spend a load of cash on flights (and miss half the fun in the process), it takes some serious time to get anywhere in the land of Oz. Which is why it should come as no surprise that Australia is home to a couple of the world’s great train journeys – the Indian Pacific and The Ghan. Not only is watching the world go by from the comfort of a train a brilliantly old-fashioned way to travel, but it also means you get to visit the must-see Red Centre, as well as a few brilliantly random spots like Coober Pedy.

Therefore TNT T has got together with Great Southern Rail, plus a few buddies in Adelaide and Alice Springs, to offer this fantastic prize for two lucky readers.

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worth over

$2,500

THE PRIZE, FOR YOU AND A FRIEND, INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING INDIAN PACIFIC: One night in a Red Day/ Nighter Seat from Sydney to Adelaide.

NOMADS: Three nights in a four-bed dorm at Nomads Adelaide Travellers. BAROSSA VALLEY: One-day Barossa Valley tour. THE GHAN: One night in a Red Day/Nighter Seat from Adelaide to Alice Springs. NOMADS: Two nights in a four-bed dorm at Nomads Toddy’s Backpackers. THE ROCK TOUR: Three-day tour exploring Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon with The Rock Tour.

Competition closes midnight AEST Sunday 15th January, 2012.

Log on to tntdownunder.com for further details and to enter.

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*

NEW er ck Backpail fares a Read<y> rADL $49 MEL $125 ADL > < D SY $165 LICE A > < L AD $165 DAR > < E ALIC $219 R E P > < ADL $299 PER SYD <>

The most relaxed way to see the vast Australian Outback is by train. â&#x20AC;˘ Stretch your legs in your spacious recliner seat

Alice Springs

â&#x20AC;˘ Chill out in the lounge* â&#x20AC;˘ Make friends, have a snack or dinner in the licensed cafe/bar â&#x20AC;˘ Freshen up with on-board shower facilities*

Darwin

ULURU

Perth

Adelaide

Sydney

Melbourne

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 2011 for travel until 31 March 2012. All fares are as stated and only available online, 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 and lounge facilities not available on The Overland, Melbourne <> Adelaide.

An additional lounge access charge of $10 for 1-sector, $15 for 2-sector or $25 for 3-sector is required and payable onboard. Travel Agent License No.TTA164190. GSR16545/TNT/einstein

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Scar-Jo collects antiques

MOST UNBELIEVABLE HOOK-UP

SCARLETT & SEAN

Sure they’ve already split, but we still can’t get over Scarlett Johansson hooking-up with Sean Penn.

After calling it quits with husband Ryan Reynolds, her perfect match on the hot-o-meter, Scar-Jo went on a renegade rebound. We don’t care how heart-broken you are, you don’t go and date leatherfaced, serial-killer lookalikes like Sean Penn when you are one of the world’s hottest women. Not only was the five-month fling a shock, but it had a shocking ending: Sean dumped her because he, “didn’t want to be tied down”. Give us a rope because we will gladly take you on Scarlett.

Runner Up: Caroline Flack & Harry Styles

BIGGEST TRAINWRECK CHARLIE SHEEN

One minute he’s a mildly annoying and overpaid TV actor, the next minute he’s fired, trashing hotel rooms and allegedly beating up women.

Charlie Sheen was fired for being unable to perform his duties, using cocaine and trash-talking. It doesn’t matter, it’s what he did after he was given his marching orders that really saw the Charlie train derail. He told the show’s creators “Now I can take all of the bazillions, never have to look at whatshiscock again and I never have to put on those silly shirts for as long as this warlock exists.”

He then created the catchphrase “winning”, which has actually become synonymous with losing. For all the amusement you provided, Mr Sheen, your rotting teeth, love of porn stars and wrinkling skin have made us all mutter the word “loser” every time you appear.

Runner Up: Lindsay Lohan (again) 18

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Farewell: Amy Winehouse died on July 23 in her Camden home. The coroner’s report stated she died from alcohol poisoning. In August, her album Back to Black became the UK’s best selling album of the 21st century. She also has a posthumous album, Lioness: Hidden Treasures, released just in time for Christmas. Long live the queen of soul!

MOST ANNOYING KIM KARDASHIAN

Most annoying: In a year of Bieber scandals and YouTube stars (I still can’t get over Rebecca Black), one woman stood out as the most annoying in a field of annoyances. Reality star Kim Kardashian.

There are the obvious things that get under my skin, like her overhyped but ultimately doomed marriage, the fact she takes her fame-hungry family along for the ride – namely the Mum who won’t shut-up, the sister who has morphed into a horse

and the brother on Dancing with the Stars who ignited a Twitter war further fueled by Cher (when you’re rooting for Cher you know there’s something wrong). Then there’s the suggestion that she married for love and didn’t make any money. That’s when she really lost all credibility. In a year of recession, financial turmoil and bankruptcy, the KKK clan, (Kris and Kim Kardashian) managed to make one mighty profit. Married for 72 days, their wedding was reported to have made a whopping $18 million, which roughly translates as $250,000 per day of marriage. Talk about a reality cheque.

Runners Up: Justin Bieber, Miley Cyrus

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HOTTEST CELEB WOMAN

When interviews with vampires go wrong

PIPPA MIDDLETON

THE ‘ABOUT TIME’ AWARD

Wedding fever hit the world when Wills and Kate finally tied the knot, yet amongst all of the hype, one woman was able to steal the limelight.

She outshone the bride and even managed to divert the attention from Will’s bald spot and Beatrice’s hat.

Websites popped up dedicated to “her Royal Hotness” with many dedicated solely to her “mesmerising bum”. With that tight fitting bridesmaid dress and the mischievous look in her eye, she made a boring wedding fun for us all. She was so hot this year that she had to dump her cricket player boyfriend so she could play the field and get royally screwed by Prince Harry. Well, we can dream.

Runner Up: Mila Kunis

KRISTEN & ROBERT

Sure, they’ve been together for years, but 2011 saw the couple finally admit to what we knew all along: that they are a couple.

In October, Kristen Stewart was interviewed by British GQ and she slipped up saying, “my boyfriend is English”. She then later tried to back-track, whinging, “I never would have said that if I knew you were going to be interviewing me”.

Um Kristen, you just don’t get it do you?

Anyway, since then, they’ve moved in together and have been spotted in the same place without trying to leave at different exits. Perhaps it coincides with their marriage in Breaking Dawn but they’re finally admitting to being boring.

Runner Up: Kate Moss & Jamie Hince

MOST EXPLOSIVE SPLIT

Photos: Getty Images

ARNIE & MARIA

I think the housekeeper was the only one who saw this coming. The 25-year marriage between Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver ended explosively to say the least.

Arnie confessed to having an affair and fathering a child, now aged 13, to the couple’s former housekeeper Mildred Baena. And no, Maria’s not the sexy French maid you’d risk a marriage for, but a dowdy old cleaning lady who worked for them for 20 years. Apparently she used to get into bed with Arnie when Maria would leave the house to go shopping. Suddenly all of those sexual harassment cases against the Terminator start to hold some weight.

Still, it wouldn’t be politics without a scandal and Arnie, as always – will be back.

Runner Up: Ashton Kutcher & Demi Moore

No photoshop required

QUOTE OF THE YEAR

HOTTEST CELEB MAN RYAN GOSLING

It’s like the goofy dude from next door has come back from school camp with an eight-pack, a slick haircut and a sense of style. Ryan came out of nowhere to win us over and I don’t care who you are – you noticed.

He charmed the pants off of us as the smooth operator in Crazy Stupid Love, drove us crazy in Drive and got us interested in politics in the Ides of March.

The Canadian actor, who was a childhood friend of Justin Timberlake, is currently dating Eva Mendes. They were spotted strolling the streets of Paris, roses in hand and dining at the Eiffel Tower. Swoon.

Runner Up: George Clooney

You just feel like you’re being raped somehow Johnny Depp upset a few people with these comments about photoshoots

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Spring lasted all year in Tunisia

THE ARAB SPRING TUNISIA

The revolution, known as the ‘Arab Spring’, began in Tunisia in late 2010, when a fruit seller set himself on fire, and soon swept the Arab world.

When Mohamed Bouazizi, 26, died on January 5 with burns to 90 per cent of his body, riots intensified in the country and thousands were killed or arrested as they voiced their grievances. Nine days after Bouazizi’s suicide, the Tunisian President fled the country and the uprising that had been building for decades began.

Across the Arab world the fruit-seller’s name became immortalised in poems, speeches and songs. His actions challenged the dictatorship of the government and gave hope to the rest of the Arab world.

Governments then fell in Egypt and Libya.

AUSTRALIA

Tropical Cyclone Yasi hit Queensland in the early hours of February 3.

Yasi originated in Fiji and strengthened into a category 5 as it approached Cairns.

The cyclone devastated the small towns of Cardwell and Tully, ruining sugar cane and banana crops. Although only one (indirect) fatality was recorded, the damage bill was over $2 billion. Ten months on and Queensland is still cleaning up and rebuilding. Tourism in Queensland is only starting to pick-up and banana prices are only now starting to go down in Australia.

CHRISTCHURCH EARTHQUAKE NEW ZEALAND

A 6.3 magnitude earthquake hit the city of Christchurch in the middle of a busy workday on February 22.

More than 180 people died and the damage was estimated to be in the billions.

Many of the city centre’s landmarks including hotels and churches were 26

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Osama killed: The Al-Qaeda leader and the accused mastermind behind the 9/11 attacks, Osama bin Laden, was shot dead in a resort town of Pakistan. He was buried at sea with the US telling conspiracy theorists that this was in accordance with Muslim law which requires a body to be washed, wrapped and buried within 24 hours. damaged and more than 100,000 houses required repair. Tourism in Christchurch suffered immensely and the city had to make the devastating decision to shift the seven planned Rugby World Cup matches to different areas of New Zealand.

TOHOKU TSUNAMI JAPAN

On March 11, a magnitude 9 earthquake hit Japan’s north-east coast of Tohoku, sparking a massive tsunami.

The tsunami killed more than 20,000 people and wiped out more than 80,000 homes and crippled the Fukushima nuclear plant. Nine months later the technicians have only just regained control of the reactors. More than 90,000 people remain displaced from the evacuation zone around the plant, and as the government

begins lifting evacuation orders for some communities, many are refusing to return home. Many people still worry about radiation levels in food and the economy has spiralled downwards.

ROYAL WEDDING ENGLAND

It was a sunny day at Westminster Abbey on April 29 when Prince William married girlfriend of eight years, Kate Middleton, in front of 1,900 guests.

Kate, now Katherine, wore a white Sarah Burton dress and a diamond tiara given to her by the Queen. Prince William wore his red Irish Guards uniform. Over 40 million people in 180 countries saw the live coverage of the wedding, while one million people ‘attended’ it on the streets of London.

Photos: Getty Images

CYCLONE YASI

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THIS YEAR

IN NUMBERS 150 There she blows

Number of recorded deaths in 2011 due to planking. A Brisbane man fell seven floors to his death in May.

ECONOMIC BAILOUTS EUROPE

In 2011, the future of the Euro appeared anything but certain.

First Greece required an emergency European Union-backed bailout in May, then Portugal finally asked for assistance, then Ireland followed in November.

Trouble mounted in Greece as the country’s sovereign debt rating was downgraded to CCC, the lowest in the world. This sent ripples around the world and major stock exchanges experienced losses. Then the big gun, the USA, was stripped of its AAA credit rating.

ASHY DISRUPTIONS CHILE

On June 4, southern Chile’s PuyehueCordón Caulle volcano system erupted for the first time in half a century.

It spewed an estimated 90 million tonnes of ash, sand and pumice into the atmosphere. Initially it looked as if just flights in and out of South America were halted but soon the entire southern hemisphere was affected as the ash cloud circled the globe. Disruptions continued as the volcano erupted for four months.

NOTW CLOSES UK

On July 10, Rupert Murdoch’s News of the World printed its last edition.

The accusations of phone hacking at Britain’s News of The World have gone on for many years but the scandal erupted into a global sensation in July when it was revealed that the paper had hacked into the mobile of murdered schoolgirl Milly Dowler. On July 5, News International chief executive Rebekah Brooks said she was ‘’appalled and shocked’’ about the allegations. Companies began pulling

People hospitalised from riot injuries after the Canucks lost the Stanley Cup decider in Vancouver.

56 Signing out... advertising but Murdoch backed Brooks’ position. By July 7, the newspaper was shut down and the July 10 edition their last.

An enquiry was set up, employees were arrested, Brooks resigned, a journalist who blew the whistle on the scandal was found dead and Murdoch himself almost got hit with a foam pie.

1

People who died as a result of Hurricane Irene. The wild weather hit the Bahamas before striking New York.

People left stranded when Qantas grounded its entire fleet around the world for a whole weekend in October.

220,000

NORWAY MASSACRE NORWAY

On 22 July, right-wing extremist Anders Breivik disguised himself as a police officer and planted a car bomb that exploded close to government offices in the capital of Oslo, killing eight people.

Still in uniform, he drove to the island of Utoeya, where a summer youth camp of Norway’s governing Labour Party was being held. In a shooting spree that lasted more than an hour, he killed 69 people – mostly teenagers. He was arrested that evening. In a manifesto he published online, Breivik said he was fighting to defend Europe from a Muslim invasion.

He has since been declared insane and suffering from paranoid schizophrenia.

Many Norwegians reacted with shock and disbelief at the killings.

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OCCUPY WALL STREET USA

A protest movement known as Occupy Wall Street began on September 17 in New York City’s Wall Street financial district.

Initiated by a Canadian activist group, the protests were against social and economic inequality, high unemployment, greed and corruption. The protesters’ slogan, “We are the 99 per cent”, refers to the growing income and wealth inequality in the US between the wealthiest 1% and the rest of the population. The protests in New York City have sparked similar protests and movements around the world.

STEVE JOBS DIES USA

[Caption] torch-down Tottenham

On October 5, the co-founder of Apple lost his battle with pancreatic cancer.

Steve Jobs stepped down as CEO in August, aged 56. Upon hearing of his death, his co-workers described him as a “creative genius”, an “inspiring mentor” and said his impact “will be felt for many generations to come.” Many people learned of his death while using a device Jobs invented, a point made by Barack Obama in his tribute. As news of his death broke, Apple.com’s homepage changed to a photo of Jobs in his trademark black turtleneck and small round glasses, with the caption “Steve Jobs, 1955-2011”. Jobs began his career in his parent’s garage in 1976 and was the visionary behind Apple computers, iPods, iPhones and iPads.

LONDON RIOTS ENGLAND

Following the shooting by police of young father Mark Duggan, northern London suburb Tottenham was engulfed in protests which quickly erupted into rioting, looting and arson.

The wave of disorder spread across the country with copycat lootings occurring for five days. Over 170 people were arrested, fires gutted several stores and buildings and cars were ruined. The terror left five people dead, thousands facing criminal charges and hundreds of millions of dollars worth of damage. The media blamed several sources for the riots, including racial tension, government cuts and “disgruntled youth”.

THAI FLOODS THAILAND

Two thirds of Thailand was inundated with the country’s worst floods in more than half a century.

The floods occurred when heavier than normal monsoon rains began pouring into provinces at the end of July. Over 12.8 million people were affected and at least 600 people died. The prime minister announced that she would put aside $5 billion for post-flood reconstruction, however, the World Bank estimated the damage bill to be upwards of $45 billion.

The Thailand tourism industry estimated that around 300,000 visitors cancelled their trips due to the disaster.

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KNOX RELEASED Bangkok rising

RENA OIL SPILL NEW ZEALAND

When a Greek shipping container ran aground off the coast of New Zealand’s North Island, over 350 tonnes of oil leaked into the Bay of Plenty.

Bad weather, including strong swells, stalled rescue efforts and as a result thousands of birds were killed and beaches were contaminated. The shifting of the MV Rena spill caused more damage and resulted in more oil leaking. Over 5km of oil slick was seen across the ocean. It has been described as New Zealand’s worst ever maritime environmental disaster.

USA

Amanda “Foxy” Knox served four years for the murder of British student Meredith Kercher before being released from an Italian prison on October 20.

Her boyfriend Raffaele Sollecito, who she had begun dating at the time of the murder was also acquitted. Knox collapsed in tears after being acquitted and returned to her home town of Seattle the next day.

Although Knox was cleared of murder, she was found guilty of defaming bar owner Patrick Lumumba, whom she accused of Ms Kercher’s death. Following the ordeal, Knox has been offered a million dollar book deal with the literary agent who secured President Obama’s biography.

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attend one of his infamous “bunga bunga parties”. He kept his youthful looks with a hair transplant and surgery around his eyes.

He has since been replaced by respected economist Mario Monti.

The ‘Thriller Killer’ hears his sentence

CONRAD MURRAY SENTENCED

Photos: Getty Images

USA

Kim Jong-iI dies: On December 17, North Korea’s eccentric dictator died of a heart attack on a train in Pyongyang, aged 69. It was two days before the world found out the reclusive leader had died. He spent 17 years as leader of the communist state and was known for his aggressive militaristic stance and his erratic decisions regarding the country’s nuclear weapons programme, plus his over-the-top sense of fashion.

GADDAFI KILLED LIBYA

After 42 years of violent rule, on October 20, Libya’s dictator Muammar Gaddafi was shot dead by rebel forces.

The bubbling unrest blew into a fullyfledged rebellion that started in Libya’s east and swept across the country. Gaddafi, aged 69, always maintained that he would not flee – as the president of Tunisia did – although he was found hiding in a concrete pipe pleading “don’t shoot, don’t shoot”.

His son Mutassim was also killed, while another son, Saif al-Islam escaped but has since been captured. Gaddafi’s body was paraded through the streets of Sirte to the sound of celebratory gunfire and jubilant shouts. US president Barack Obama praised the protestors who had inspired the Arab

Spring Uprising as well as the coalition of forces behind the NATO-led bombing campaign in support of the rebels.

SILVIO RESIGNS ITALY

On November 16, as Italy’s economic turmoil deepened, their colourful prime minister Silvio Berlusconi stepped down from office.

At 75-years of age and after three terms in power, he was Italy’s longest serving post-war prime minister. He began his career by selling vacuum cleaners and built a reputation as a crooner in nightclubs and on cruise ships. As prime minister he was better known for his exploits outside of parliament. It was alleged he had sex with an underage prostitute, “Ruby the Heart Stealer”, in 2010, who he paid to

In November, Michael Jackson’s personal physician at the time of his death, Dr Conrad Murray, was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter and sentenced to four years’ jail.

Testimony during the trial revealed that Dr Murray gave Jackson the drug propofol nearly every night in the two months before the singer’s death on June 25, 2009.

Jurors heard chilling recordings of a slurring Jackson and were told that Murray failed to get help when Jackson stopped breathing.

Murray was sentenced to four years but it is likely that he will only serve two due the good behaviour credit he was eligible for.

CAMERON VETOES THE EUROPEAN UNION

UK

Britain’s prime minister David Cameron made headlines on December 9 when he defied the EU and refused to enter a treaty aimed at saving the Euro.

Twenty-six countries indicated they would sign up to the so-called “fiscal compact” which would tighten up financial regulation in the Eurozone. Of all the EU member states, the UK were the only state to use its veto. Since then, cracks have begun to emerge in the Coalition with Nick Clegg, the deputy prime minister attacking Cameron for isolating the UK in Europe.

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A City fan takes the high ground

MAN CITY FINALLY WIN FOOTBALL After a 35-year wait for a trophy on the sky blue side of Manchester, City’s day finally came with Yaya Touré’s solitary goal winning the FA Cup. City secured the silverware with a 1-0 Wembley win over Stoke, who were disappointing after destroying Bolton 5-0 in the semi. City meanwhile had proved their worth by beating Man Utd to reach the May final.

BUT SO DO MAN UTD FOOTBALL

ENGLAND WINS THE SIX NATIONS RUGBY England won their first four matches of the annual contest to leave them firmly at the top of the Six Nations table, despite missing out on the Grand Slam due to a final match loss to Ireland.

The tournament was also notable for bottom-placed Italy beating France, and for Italian Andrea Masi being named the player of the series. France ended up second, then it was Ireland, Wales, Scotland and Italy.

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England started 2011 by ending a 24-year drought Down Under and finally lifting the smallest trophy in sport on Aussie soil. Led by captain Andrew Strauss and with inspired batting from Alastair Cook, England won the Ashes series 3-1. England then went on to also defeat India and become the top ranked Test cricket team in the world.

MAJOR SUCCESS FOR MCILROY & CLARKE GOLF With Tiger Woods effectively out of the picture still, it was another good year for fresh majors winners in golf.

Firstly Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy quickly put April’s US Masters horrors behind him (when he slumped from being the youngest golfer to lead the Masters to losing out after hitting the worst final round by a leader in the tournament’s history) to win the US Open just two months later. The Holywood man, still just 22, is now expected to become one of world sport’s biggest earners.

One of golf’s more popular personalities,

Darren Clarke, then continued the Northern Irish charge by winning The Open, his first major, aged 42.

TOUR DE FRANCE CYCLING It was also a year of firsts for road cycling’s biggest contest, as Cadel Evans became the first Australian to make it to Paris in the yellow jersey, while Mark Cavendish became the first Britain to secure the green jersey.

The Isle of Man sprinter, who also won his 20th Tour de France stage to go 6th in the all-time list, went on, in September, to collect Britain’s first cycling world title since 1965.

Photos: Getty Images

While Man City celebrated the cup win, Man United quietly went about securing the main prize once again, beating Liverpool’s long-standing record to claim their 19th English top flight title.

The Red Devils finished on top of the Premier League table by nine points, followed by Chelsea, City and Arsenal.

At the other end of the league, Birmingham City, Blackpool and West Ham United were all relegated. It wasn’t all bad news for Birmingham City, however, who beat Arsenal to lift the League Cup.

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THIS YEAR

IN NUMBERS 749 Captain Richie McCaw celebrates with the crowds in Wellington

ALL BLACKS SECURE RUGBY WORLD CUP RUGBY Nearly always the favourites, but not the champions since 1987, New Zealand finally won back their most coveted trophy on home soil.

Despite a surprisingly close 8-7 victory over France in October’s final, the All Blacks were consistently the best team in the tournament, the largest ever held in New Zealand. The six-week cup was also notable for a number of scandals surrounding the behaviour of England players, as well as a couple of surprise results, such as France losing to Tonga and Ireland beating Australia in the group stages.

VETTEL STILL ON TOP FORMULA ONE Germany’s Sebastian Vettel, 24, became the youngest driver to win back-toback titles in November, following a season in which his Red Bull Racing team dominated from start to finish.

Vettel, who nicknamed his car ‘Kinky Kylie’, also beat Nigel Mansell’s 19-year record for the most pole positions, 15, in one season, although Vettel had an extra four races in which to achieve the feat.

The season, which ended with Jenson Button in second, followed by Mark Webber, was also notable for a series of clashes and spats between Britain’s Lewis Hamilton and Brazil’s Felipe Massa.

The total, their lowest in 109 years, that Australia was bowled out for in the second innings of the Johannesburg Test.

25 More than a bit special...

How many days Tiger Woods’ title drought lasted until he won the Chevron World Challenge this month.

47

The number of years Sir Alex Ferguson has been manager of Man United – where he now has a stand named after him.

Matches in the winning streak of tennis’ new number one Novak Djokovic, until he was beaten by Roger Federer.

41

MADRID SPECIAL YET? FOOTBALL While seeming like José Mourinho might finally have got the better of Pep Guardiola, with Real Madrid looking like ending Barcelona’s La Liga dominance, he still lost the season’s first Clásico earlier this month.

Despite taking an early lead, Real lost the match 3-1 to the Catalan giants, who duly flew to Japan to thrash Santos 4-0 and lift the FIFA Club World Cup.

GARY SPEED COMMITS SUICIDE FOOTBALL The football world was shell-shocked, in November, at news the Wales legend, 42, had killed himself.

Only Ryan Giggs and David James had played in more Premier League matches.

Vettel: still unbeatable

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HOTSHOTS

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WINNER

WEEKLY WINNER

HOT TIPS: Stand out

IN THE BLUE ROOM: Ina Scharun, 20, Germany

INA SAYS: “This photo was taken at the Great Barrier Reef.

I liken it to sending your bubbles to the sun. I think it’s one of my favourite photos from my Australian travel collection.”

THE MONTHLY WINNER GETS THREE DAYS CAR HIRE FROM TRAVELLERS AUTOBARN Photos are judged by ROUGH GUIDES senior photo editor Mark Thomas each month. Send high-res (300 dpi) jpegs with name, age, nationality and a description, to: travel@tntdownunder.com Weekly winner Ina wins a free night’s stay at the award-winning Sydney Central YHA (yha.com.au). The monthly winner gets three days car hire from Travellers Auto Barn. The runner-up wins a Rough Guides book of their choice sent to an Oz or NZ address. roughguides.com

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FINDING STYLE

WIN

Having your own style in any creative field is always preferable – it’s what you will be known for and also sets you apart from others. While it may take time to find exactly what it is, once you are there, it’s a feeling of great relief – as from that point, you can focus on developing that style. Many of the great photographers have their own approach and can be identified with just a glance of their work. Well-known Englishman David Bailey, for example, loves to crop the top of his subject’s heads off and shoot black and white in the studio with a clean background – many techniques, but combined they form his own distinctive style.

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TRAVELTIPS

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Sydney puts on one of the world’s great fireworks displays on NYE

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ON THE ROAD WITH TRAVEL

TALK NICK YEH 28, TAIWAN WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN IN OZ? I have been to the Great Ocean Road, Puffing Billy railway, St Kilda Beach and Brighton Beach (pictured).

YOU ASKED FOR IT...

WE ANSWER YOUR TRAVEL QUESTIONS

are the best places to watch Q Where the NYE fireworks in Sydney?

Sandy Nestcrook, UK Sydney Harbour fireworks are one A The of the biggest (and first) New Year’s Eve celebrations in the world, lighting up the night skies with explosions of colours coming from seven barges on the water, the rooftops of seven skyscrapers and of course the bridge itself.

However, with about 1.5 million people coming to see them, it’s not always easy to get the best view. If you can’t get into the thick of it at Circular Quay, try heading up to Mrs Macquaries Point for a fantastic view over the harbour. The sites closest to the CBD fill up quickly and close once capacity is reached, so get in early if you don’t want to be disappointed. On the north side of the bridge, a good spot is Mary Booth Lookout, which has great views of the bridge and most of the barges, it’s also a little quieter on the northern shore (although getting home could be a nightmare if you don’t live that side).

Rushcutter’s Bay is also a good spot, a little further back from the harbour with great views and after midnight, you are blessed with easy access to Kings Cross or Oxford Street. For a quieter night, try Rose Bay, with a capacity of only 250 people, plus BYO allowed, it’s a great spot to enjoy the fireworks without the hustle and bustle of massive crowds. Remember though that most places fill up early, so be prepared to be waiting from midday if you want one of the 34

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money shots, and BYO is strictly prohibited in the CBD, although a lot of places sell alcohol on site. See sydneynewyearseve.com for the best vantage points in town. You can also download the app in case you decide to do a ‘fireworks crawl’ through the city. driving from Sydney to Q I’m Newcastle, but I want to break the drive up a bit, where should I stop?

Pete Granger, Canada it’s only a short two-hour A Although drive from Sydney (depending on traffic), stopping halfway makes it more interesting, otherwise you’re just sitting on the highway the whole trip. Your best bet is to stop off on the Central Coast. That’s the area roughly between Newcastle and Broken Bay (about one hour north of Sydney). It’s renowned for its saltwater lagoons, unheralded national parks and gentle retirement towns. Gosford is the largest settlement, but nearby Terrigal, blessed with a giant horseshoe bay, is much more appealing. Better still, pop over the hill to North Avoca Beach, a Palm Beach-esque beauty (though better for surfing than swimming).

Further up, The Entrance is a popular holiday spot which offers great fish and chips along the promenade, while every day, at around 3.30pm down at the jetty, you can join in with the pelican feeding. Beware that it gets crammed with families during the school holidays.

WHY DID YOU COME TO OZ? I came to experience a different life, to learn a new language and visit the beautiful scenery of Australia.

FAVOURITE PLACE IN OZ? Brighton Beach, because of the many bright houses. You can hear the sounds of the sea and it relaxes your mind.

FUNNIEST EXPERIENCE? At language school with students from different countries, sometimes we don’t understand each other and it results in laughter.

DONE ANYTHING NEW? Cooking and planning travel schedules all by myself. Although I do miss real Taiwanese food.

BIGGEST SURPRISE ABOUT OZ? The people here are very friendly.

One day, I went for a job interview but I was at the wrong train station.

I told someone I was lost and he guided me all the way to my job interview.

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GOOD HUT HUNTING

N

Super-fit Colorado dudes CHAD STOESZ and ERIC SMITH had a tough time tackling New Zealand’s Tararua Mountains...

We had spent well over a month tramping in New Zealand when we entered the Tararua Mountains at the dams near Shannon, so we weren’t intimidated by the signs warning of rough tracks. We’d already tramped down Ninety Mile Beach, conquered Pirongia and Pureora, and made the Tongariro Crossing.

We were so sure of ourselves, maybe even cocky, that we began hiking at 4.30 in the afternoon for what we assured ourselves would be a quick walk to the Harris Creek Hut, despite being weighed down by packs loaded with a full seven days’ worth of food.

The poorly maintained track was fraught with thick forest, blow-downs, and washouts and we were subjected to numerous river crossings. The problem came when we realised we had hiked long enough to have arrived at the Harris Creek Hut, but hadn’t seen any sign of it.

Thinking our heavy packs and the difficult track might have slowed us down more than we’d perceived, we elected to keep tramping. But as the hours passed and 9pm approached,

now this

we got increasingly discouraged.

Could it really take us such a long time to hike just a few kilometres?

Tensions between us grew as daylight faded and our empty stomachs began to demand dinner, but we had no choice but to keep going, slipping and falling as we went.

We began using Chad’s headlamp to light our way, struggling to make out the orange triangles that marked the trail, when the darkened form of what we hoped was a hut appeared just ahead of us. Dashing onto the deck, we ripped open the logbook and saw that it was... the Mangahao Flats Hut! A sign on the wall said the Harris Creek Hut had been removed.

The following morning we lounged around lazily, knowing we had only a brief hike to the next hut. But once we began hiking, Chad experienced a bad popping feeling in the tendon above the knee, and the pain that had been only dull before became much worse.

So we decided to divert course to the nearby Te Matawai Hut. We reached a poorly marked junction that seemed to lead to the hut, and, wanting the day over with, we took it without consulting the map.

We descended sharply about 200 metres into a ravine, painstakingly

lowering ourselves using branches and roots for handholds. A tree Eric was holding onto suddenly decided it had had enough of remaining firmly planted in the ground, and he fell silently backward – tree in hand – with a horrified look on his face. He fell about four metres down into a flax bush, although fortunately he wasn’t too badly hurt.

The markers came to an abrupt end at the Ohau River, and we struggled to find where the track resumed on the other side. We took another look at the map and discovered we’d taken a deadend track that shot off just before the junction to the Te Matawai Hut! So we were forced to climb back out of the horrid ravine before we could even begin to make the arduous ascent to the hut; Chad’s knee only exacerbated matters. Relief is the only word that can express our feelings when we finally arrived at the hut at about 6pm in the evening.

But hope was in sight: the next day’s tramp was brief and led to a beautiful hut overlooking the sea. We drank copious amounts of coffee and cocoa, psyching ourselves up for the final day out to Levin, a gradual descent that led us to the coast, where we met a guy who took us to his beachside hut in Welly for beers. Nice.

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35

Guide to buying a car AUSTRALIA-WIDE

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Road warriors Having your own car or campervan is one of the best ways to see Australia, but do your research before parting with all your cash WORDS ROGER BRANCHER

So you’ve arrived in Australia, and maybe the first thing you’ve realised is that you have landed on a continent nearly the size of North America. At seven and a half thousand square kilometres, it may be the smallest continental land mass, but it’s the world’s largest island, and with a population of 22 million, 85 per cent of which live along its 26 thousand kilometres of coast, it may have also occurred to you that there must be a lot of Australia that is uninhabited. It’s at this point you have to ask, is my plan of pogo sticking it around this little ol’ country wise?

Clearly if you are going to get around Oz, it’s going to take a bit of planning and some form of transportation.

Cycling is a possibility, but it’s unlikely you have the time or inclination to sweat, puff, roast and possibly die in the unforgiving outback. So what are your options?

A plane gets you places fast, but leaves a big carbon footprint. Sometimes a plane can actually be the most economical way to travel, thanks to Australia’s highly competitive domestic market, especially if you only have time for a couple of destinations. But air travel dislocates you from the journey and removes you from any adventure.

You didn’t come here to jet set around in an air conditioned bubble. You want the wind in your hair and the kangaroos hopping across your path.

A bus puts you on the ground, seeing the sights, but only stops where it wants to stop, never venturing into the unknown to explore.

There are two main purchase options available. Buying from a used car lot or from a private seller. Dealers will give you more piece of mind, but at a higher price.

You’ll generally get some protection from them through a guarantee, and they may be able to help you with registering the vehicle. Plus some dealers even specialise in backpacker vehicles and offer buy back deals, in which they agree to take the vehicle off your hands after your trip, hassle-free, albeit for less than what you paid for it.

But dealers are in business to make money, not to do you any favours. You’ll get the cheapest price from a private seller. The best deals are from other backpackers who have finished their trip and are motivated to sell quick before they leave the country. If you can smell the desperation from somebody with one foot in the airport, who knows how lucky you’ll get with a ridiculous offer.

THE DECISION

THE MARKET

It seems the obvious choice is your own wheels. You can rent one, but that can get very pricey if you’re looking to travel long term. Alternatively, a used car or van can be got pretty cheap, with most backpackers paying somewhere in the region of $1,000 to $4,000. Now clearly, those sort of prices are down the bottom end of the market, so you need to have your wits about you to avoid buying yourself a deathtrap (and a huge mechanic’s bill).

However, if you choose well, the rewards will be fantastic.

You can sleep in it to save more money, and you have total freedom to stop and go, when and where you want. Plus, you might make most, if not all, of your money back when you sell it on at the end of your trip.

Selling cars on the street has now been made illegal in several former hotspots, such as Sydney’s Kings Cross, with towing and hefty fines for those that flout the rules.

However, a new backpackers’ car market recently opened its doors in the Cross. Since last month, 40 spaces on level two of the Ward Avenue Car Park have been set aside for travellers to sell their cars and campervans. Being so new, the market is even free to sellers at the moment as an extra incentive.

It’s also worth checking the message boards of hostels near you, plus look over the gumtree.com.au ads. Like with the vehicles in the backpackers’ market, these motors might also come with bonus camping gear, maps, or even surf boards as travellers look to offload their stuff in bulk.

“

Get a mechanic to inspect the vehicle before you buy – it could save you thousands in bills

”

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37

Photos: Getty Images

Another option is an auction. However, be warned that if you don’t know your stuff, be very wary of auctions.

Avoid going alone as a second opinion is invaluable – a mate can offer words of caution when you fall in love with a pile of junk, and maybe point out a few things before you part with your hard earned travel funds. Dealers normally get their vehicles from auctions, so you’ll be up against the pros, plus you generally can’t take them for a spin first.

On the plus side, there’s usually no reserve price, so a serious bargain is always a possibility.

Also, don’t automatically head for the campervans.

A station wagon can be an ideal car for travelling around

STATE OF THE NATION GET THE OFFICIAL LINE ON REGISTRATION Although they sometimes leave you even more confused than when you started, the government websites do offer all the information on what you need to do, to buy or sell a vehicle in that state.

Here are all the relevant websites: NSW: rta.nsw.gov.au/registration/regotransfer/ index.html QLD: tmr.qld.gov.au/Registration/Buying-or-sellinga-used-vehicle/Buyers-and-sellers-checklist.aspx NT: nt.gov.au/transport/mvr/ SA: sa.gov.au/subject/Transport,+travel+and+ motoring/Motoring/Vehicles+and+registration TAS: transport.tas.gov.au/ VIC: vicroads.vic.gov.au/ WA: transport.wa.gov.au/licensing/566.asp ACT: canberraconnect.act.gov.au/

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Australia. They are roomy and reliable, there are plenty of them around, and they are more economical and cheaper to buy than a van.

THE PAPERWORK When you start to look into buying a car, things get complicated fast. After all, Australia only sorted out a standard gauge rail size in the 1970s. Up until that point, passengers had to change trains at state lines. So it’s little surprise that they can’t come to an agreement over how to register a vehicle. Each state or territory has its own laws on how a vehicle should be inspected and registered, making buying and selling a vehicle out of its original state of registration quite a headache. Ask any of the government agencies that register vehicles how to deal with an out of state vehicle and you can come away with as many new questions as answers.

So, when looking for a vehicle in say, Sydney, and you are offered a steal of a deal on the perfect vehicle with Queensland plates, don’t believe the guy when he tries to tell you, “all you do is go to the vehicle registration office and fill out a form and you can register it here, mate”. If it was that easy, why didn’t he do it? And don’t believe the next line when he tells you he would, but he has a flight home and doesn’t have the time. It’s not impossible, but it’s damn difficult and more importantly can end up being more expensive than the vehicle itself.

The simplest rule for making your life easier is to only buy a vehicle that is registered in the state you are currently in. By law you only have 14 days to register the vehicle in your name, so if you are nowhere near the state the vehicle is registered in, forget it. Remember how I talked about the miles of uninhabited land? Well, out in those far reaches you may well get away with driving an unregistered vehicle, but once you hit the big cities, there are now enough traffic

cameras to catch people with expired registration.

Vehicles with valid registration are covered by compulsory third party insurance (proved with a so-called ‘green slip’ in NSW), meaning that if the registration has expired, so has the insurance. If you drive it, you’re not only breaking the law but if you hit anyone, you are fully liable for any damage. The expiry date of registration is usually on a sticker on the windscreen. The registration is renewed yearly, in some states you can renew it for six months, or even three. The longer you have registration on the vehicle, the easier it will be for you to sell it when you are finished with your trip. It’s also advisable to take out extra insurance for damage to another vehicle or property, which is called third party property cover.

Next check to make sure it has a current safety certificate, or ‘pink slip’ (like an MOT in the UK). In some states this is called a roadworthy. This is usually displayed on the windscreen. A vehicle cannot legally be sold without one. Although plenty still are so remember to look out for it. You should also get a ‘black slip’, which lists any faults yet to be fixed. In Queensland a vehicle doesn’t need a safety inspection until the vehicle is sold, but in NSW it’s required yearly. You can’t register a vehicle without a safety certificate. Be careful of sellers who tell you, “it only needs this and this to pass its safety inspection”. Chances are it needs a lot more or they would have fixed it themselves.

It’s always wise to take the vehicle for an inspection at a garage before you hand over the cash. It could mean the difference between spending $60 and losing $2,000. ❚

NEXT WEEK Cairns capers: Go crazy for the east coast party capital

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Russia EURASIA

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From Russia with love A vast, sometimes inhospitable land which forges two continents together, Russia holds many surprises for the enterprising traveller WORDS TOM STURROCK

Clacking out a staccato rhythm, the sleeper train forges further from Moscow. In the fading light, the silhouettes of misshapen shacks alongside the winding track can still be made out; with their exposed beams and peeling paintwork, it’s unclear if they’re half built or half torn down.

The dining cart begins to empty after dinner. Passengers head back to their cabins, hoping the extra shot of vodka will help them find sleep. The darkness outside hardens.

There are only two of us left in the carriage. Me, with half a bottle of vodka, and a young soldier, still dressed in combat fatigues, sitting opposite me. There’s an impressive firearm on the table in front of him, next to a plate of bratwurst sausage, which he spears in chunks and pops into his mouth with an enormous hunting knife.

“How’s it going, mate?” The soldier, inscrutable apart from the storm dancing in his eyes, looks up.

“Fancy a drink?”

INTO THE BUNKER Days before, the streets of Moscow were abuzz with anticipation of a large military parade in Red Square. All over the papers. All over the TV. At odds with the pomp and ceremony, though, is the disused KGB bunker in one of Moscow’s suburbs – a bastion of the Soviet Empire’s martial might that now serves as a tourist attraction.

Viktor, the tour guide, leads the way down 16 flights of vertigo-inducing stairs. At the bottom, he opens a prodigiously thick blast-door that rattles as it rolls.

“Of course, we will rebuild it when World War Three begins,” Viktor says with a nod, before stepping into the command centre’s firing range, where he hands out rifles and pellets.

Wedging the butt of the loaded rifle against my shoulder, I take aim at one of the rusty cans set up at the far end of the range. Bang. Too high. Bang. Too low. Bang. The can clatters to the ground. I permit myself a shrug of selfcongratulation. Next to me, Viktor takes note and then takes aim. One shot. A can that had stood several feet further back

from my target topples. There’s a look exchanged.

It’s easy enough to decipher: “You’re not as good a shot as you think. Count yourself lucky that we are no longer officially enemies.”

PSKOV MASSAGE About 580km north-west of Moscow, a short drive from the Estonian border, sits Pskov, an ancient town on the Velikaya River. Our bus pulls into an old settlement out near one of the river’s many inlets.

Beyond a handful of lightly-built wooden cottages and a disused playground, the wide body of water, visible between tall, thin trees, shimmers in the sun. The place appears utterly deserted, apart from the several dozen cats that sit impassively and watch us pass.

A diminutive woman emerges from one of the houses.

“Welcome to Russian banya,” she says. “This is where you will enjoy a relaxing massage.”

Minutes later, I’m hunkered down in a sauna, dressed only in a flimsy toga, sweating like a hooker in church. Obviously,

“

There’s only one conclusion left to draw.

Russia – it’s different

”

saunas are all pretty hot – but this one is overwhelming, like sticking your head in an oven, the heat rolling out in waves.

Once I’ve been suitably steam-tenderised, it’s out of the sauna for the banya – which consists of being beaten with several bushels of birch leaves and then doused with a bucket of ice-cold water. It’s bracing stuff.

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41

Then, it’s back in the sauna for one more blast of head-shrinking heat. When the hairs on my legs start to singe, it’s time for the grand finale. Outside, the cold air cuts through my toga as I step briskly through the weird little village that looks like an abandoned movie set. Into the lake, which is even colder. And there, with the reeds swaying gently in the air, the mud of Velikaya squishing up between my toes, there’s only one conclusion left to draw.

Russia. It’s different.

DANCING THE NIGHT AWAY

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MOSCOW VS ST PETERSBURG It’s a familiar tale – the capital city has the history and the landmarks, but the second city probably offers more to visitors. And so it is with Moscow and St Petersburg.

Moscow boasts Red Square and the Kremlin and encapsulates the version of Russia that foreigners are probably most familiar with. Certainly, it’s worth seeing. But there’s something grim about Moscow – it’s functional and remains the country’s administrative centre.

St Petersburg, on the other hand, with its canals and palaces, is not only beautiful but more cosmopolitan.

It has embraced tourism and consumerism with fewer teething pains than the capital. Outside the two majors cities, visitors can also experience the ‘real Russia’ in places like Pskov, Vladimir or Novgorod.

between ballet and break-dancing, all high kicks and sweeping arm gestures, with something that looks suspiciously like a helicopter thrown in for good measure.

The dances tell a story – one that becomes familiar over the course of the evening. A Cossack boy dances with a Cossack girl, who begins to lose interest, until the boy dances with another girl, at which point the first girl becomes insanely jealous and demands the boy dance with her again, before everything ends happily and they all exit the stage. Timeless stuff.

Photos: Getty Images/TNT Images/Reuters

St Petersburg, Russia’s second city and cultural capital, is home to some of the country’s most spectacular architecture, whether it’s the apartment buildings that line the waterways or the old churches that cast their dark shadows across the busy shopping thoroughfares. And no stay in St Petersburg would be complete without taking in a spot of Cossack dancing at one of the city’s ornately fitted-out concert halls.

A line of dancers takes the stage, dressed in brightly coloured waistcoasts and tight britches.

One giant Cossack man, an absolute bear, barrel-chested and sporting an impressive beard, motions for the audience to clap in time with the music. Then the dancing begins.

It’s somewhere

TALE OF TWO CITIES

SERGEI THE SOLDIER

VODKA TERRAIN THE MANY WORLDS OF RUSSIA It’s been slimmed back since the break-up of the Soviet Union 20 years ago, but Russia remains an enormous country with vast stretches of terrain that are among the world’s most inhospitable.

A glance at any map shows that while the major cities are clustered in the west, all relatively close to each other in the context of Russia’s 17 million square kilometres, the country’s eastern expanses stretch out for half a world.

Anyone travelling to Russia will likely be confined to the western third, as Moscow and St Petersburg remain the obvious locations. The more adventurous travellers, though, may pluck up the courage to venture into the frozen northern reaches to explore the deep woods, islands and former sites of gulags.

Back on the train, the dining cart is non-smoking, so the soldier – his name is Sergei – and I, by now slick with vodka, find ourselves lighting up in the cramped walkway between carriages. His English is better than my Russian.

“Where are you going?” I ask.

“Home,” he replies.

“Where have you come from?”

“Chechnya.”

“Mustn’t have been very nice,” I say, my understatement hanging heavy in the air between us. Sergei just shakes his head.

“Do you like football?”

He nods. “Chelsea,” he replies. “Roman Abramovich – he is Russian.”

I can’t let that stand. “What are you talking about?

He ruined football with all his money.”

Sergei laughs and jabs his cigarette in my direction as he outlines the virtues of Mr Abramovich. As we stand there, the journalist and the soldier, smoking and swapping football stories, the train Weirdness of Oz: races ahead, speeding Strange goings on in through the night, the land Down Under faster and faster into the icy wilds of this peculiar country. ❚

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TRAVEL AGENTS Adventure Travel Bugs 02 9212 4444, adventuretravelbugs.com Backpackers World Travel 1800 676 67 63, backpackersworld.com Peter Pans Adventure Travel 1800 188 799, peterpans.com 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

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

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

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

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

Ocean Rafting Whitsundays tours 07 4946 6848, oceanrafting.com

Explore Whitsundays Whitsundays packages 1800 675 790, explorewhitsundays.com

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

Kangaroo Island Wildlife Adventures South Australia 1800 786 386, surfandsun.com.au Surfcamp Sydney to Byron surfing tours 1800 888 732, surfcamp.com.au The Rock Tour Red centre tours 1800 246 345, therocktour.com.au

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

RENTAL FIRMS Apollo Motorhomes 1800 777 779, apollocamper.com Backpacker Campervan Rentals 1800 767 010, backpackercampervans.com.au Boomerang Cars 0414 882 559, boomerangcars.com.au

Wicked Campers 1800 246 869, wickercampers.com

TRANSPORT CO Greyhound Australia Buses around Australia. 13 20 30, greyhound.com.au Jetstar Airline.

131 538, jetstar.com.au Premier Transport Group Buses along the east coast.

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Explore More Rentals 1800 708 309, exploremore.com.au

Qantas Airline.

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Hippie Camper 1800 777 779, hippiecamper.com

Regional Express Airline.

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

02 9358 5000, carmarket.com.au

Spirit of Tasmania Ferries to Tasmania.

03 6336 1446, spiritoftasmania.com

Spaceships 1300 132 469, spaceshipsrentals.com.au Standbycars.com 1300 789 059, standbycars.com Travellers Auto Barn 1800 674 374, travellers-autobarn.com.au

Tiger Airways Airline.

03 9999 2888, tigerairways.com Redline Coaches For getting around Tasmania.

03 6336 1446, redlinecoaches.com.au Virgin Australia Airline.

13 67 89, virginaustralia.com

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY Don’t be too quick to dismiss Aussie capital Canberra. Admittedly it’s not the most exciting of cities, but as the epicentre of the federal state, the ACT is the hub for much of Australia’s most important art, culture and, of course, politics. Plus many of the top sites are free. Pick of the bunch are Parliament House, as well as Old Parliament House, with the Aboriginal Tent Embassy outside, while not to be missed are the fantastic Australian War Memorial (pictured) and the National Gallery of Australia, home to Sidney Nolan’s iconic Ned Kelly paintings.

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SYDNEY STAY

Oceanworld Manly West Esplanade. oceanworld.com.au

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

BOOK NOW!

The Metro metrotheatre.com.au

Powerhouse Museum Darling Harbour. powerhousemuseum.com.au

Big Hostel 212 Elizabeth St. CBD. 02 9267 7718, bighostel.com

Skydive the Beach Wollongong. skydivethebeach.com

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

Sydney Observatory The Rocks. sydneyobservatory.com.au

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

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

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

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

The Furnished Property Group 02 8669 3678, furnishedproperty.com.au

ADAM BUXTON PRESENTS BUG Everest Theatre. Thur-Sun, Jan 26-29. $30.

Leaving usual sidekick Joe Cornish at home, Buckuley’s brings his sellout music video-based Edinburgh Festival show to Sydney Festival.

Sydney Central YHA 11 Rawson Place. CBD. 02 9218 9000 www.yha.com.au Sydney Harbour YHA 110 Cumberland Street. The Rocks.

02 9261 1111, yha.com.au Westend Backpackers 412 Pitt St. CBD. 1800 013 186 nomadshostels.com Boomerang Backpackers 141 William Street, Kings Cross.

02 8354 0488, boomerangbackpackers.com Dlux Hostel 30 Darlinghurst Rd, Kings Cross. 1800 236 213 dluxbudgethotel.com.au Kangaroo Bak Pak 665 South Dowling St. Surry Hills.

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

02 9918 9709, avalonbeach.com.au Bondi YHA 63 Fletcher Street.

Tamarama. 02 9365 2088, yha.com.au

Cleveland St, Sydney

Lamrock Lodge 19 Lamrock Ave. Bondi.

02 9130 5063, lamrocklodge.com Lochner’s Guesthouse 8 Gowrae Ave. Bondi.

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

04 0817 6634, aegeancoogee.com.au Coogee Beachside 178 Coogee Bay Rd, Coogee. 02 9315 8511, sydneybeachside.com.au Surfside Backpackers 186 Arden Street. Coogee.

02 9315 7888, surfsidebackpackers.com.au Glebe Point YHA 262-264 Glebe Point Road. Glebe. 02 9692 8418, yha.com.au

ticketek.com.au

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

SYDNEY DO Manly Surf School Manly Beach.

02 9977 6977, manlysurfschool.com Maritime Museum Darling Harbour. anmm.gov.au

@tnt_downunder

BLUE MTNS Blue Mountains YHA 207 Katoomba St, Katoomba.

02 4782 1416, yha.com.au

CENTRAL COAST Newcastle Beach YHA 30 Pacific St, Newcastle.

02 4925 3544, yha.com.au Terrigal Beach YHA 9 Ocean View Dr, Terrigal.

02 4384 1919, yha.com.au

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

Taronga Zoo Mosman. zoo.nsw.gov.au

Byron Bay Accom 02 6680 8666, byronbayaccom.net

Waves Surf School wavessurfschool.com.au

SYDNEY MUSIC

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

Hordern Pavillion playbillvenues.com

Nomads Byron Bay Lawson Lane.

1800 666 237, nomadshostels.com

Oxford Art Factory oxfordartfactory.com

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

Sydney Opera House sydneyoperahouse.com The Annandale annandalehotel.com The Basement thebasement.com.au The Enmore enmoretheatre.com.au The Gaelic Hotel thegaelic.com

SOUTH COAST Great Southern Backpackers 13 Chandos St, Eden. 02 6496 1515, greatsoutherninn.com.au

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

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

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

46

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BRISBANE STAY Aussie Way Backpackers 34 Cricket St. 07 3369 0711, aussiewaybackpackers.com

BOOK NOW!

Gallery of Modern Art Stanley Pl, South Bank.

07 3840 7303, qag.qld.gov.au

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 Apartments 1800 110 443, brisbanecityapartments.com Brisbane City Backpackers 380 Upper Roma St 1800 062 572, citybackpackers.com

Lone Pine Koala Santuary 708 Jesmond Rd, Fig Tree Pocket.

07 3378 1366, koala.net

BAD MANNERS The Hi-Fi, Brisbane. Fri, Jan 6. $55.50.

The UK legends are bringing their brassy ska sounds Down Under for a tour of the country. Don’t miss them in Brisbane next week.

Boundary St

moshtix.com.au

Brisbane City YHA 392 Upper Roma St 07 3236 1947, yha.com.au

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

Chill Backpackers 328 Upper Roma St. 1800 851 875, chillbackpackers.com

The Deck Budget Accommodation 117 Harcourt Street, New Farm.

04 3377 7061

Australia Zoo Glasshouse Mountains, Tourist Drive, Beerwah.

07 5436 2000, australiazoo.com.au

BRISBANE DO

Cheers International Backpackers 8 Pine Av, Surfers Paradise. 1800 636 539, cheersbackpackers.com.au

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

07 3891 5766, riverlife.com.au

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

07 5536 76442, yha.com.au

Story Bridge Adventure Climb 170 Main St, Kangaroo Point.

1300 254 627, storybridgeadventureclimb.com.au

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

XXXX Ale House Brewery tours.

Cnr Black & Paten St, Milton.

07 3361 7597, xxxxalehouse.com.au

Gold Coast International BP 28 Hamilton Ave, Surfers Paradise.

1800 816 300, goldcoastbackpackers.com.au

BRISBANE MUSIC The Hi-Fi thehifi.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

The Tivoli thetivoli.net.au The Zoo thezoo.com.au

Bunk Backpackers Cnr Ann & Gipps Sts, Fortitude Valley.

1800 682 865, bunkbrisbane.com.au

Backpackers in Paradise 40 Peninsula Drive, Surfers Paradise. 1800 268 621, backpackersinparadise.com.au

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

X and Y Bar xandybar.com.au

GOLD COAST Aquarius Backpackers 44 Queen St, Surfers Paradise.

1800 22 99 55, aquariusbackpackers. com.au

Surf ‘n’ Sun Beachside Backpackers 3323 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise.

1800 678 194, surfnsun-goldcoast.com

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47

QLDLISTINGS Surfers Paradise YHA Mariners Cove, 70 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach, Surfers Paradise.

07 5571 1776, yha.com.au

follow us on Skydive Rainbow Beach 0418 218 358, skydiverainbowbeach.com

BOOK NOW!

Northside Backpackers 12 Queen St. 07 4154 1166

Fraser Roving 412 The Esplanade.

1800 989 811, fraserroving.com.au

Get Wet Surf School 07 5532 9907, Seaworld seaworld.com.au

Halse Lodge YHA 408 The Esplanade.

1800 242 567, halselodge.com.au

LANEWAY FESTIVAL

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

RNA Showground. Sat, Jan 28. From $115.

Catch Laura Marling join the likes of Anna Calvi, Austra, Jonti and loads more as the supercool Laneway Festival grooves its way into Brisbane.

Warener Bros Movie World movieworld.com.au

Alexandria St, Fortitude Valley

Zorb Adrenalin rolling.

07 5547 6300

Dolphins Beach House 14-16 Duke Street, Noosa 1800 454 456, dolphinsbeachhouse.com

Federal Backpackers 221 Bourbong St. 07 4153 3711 federalbackpackers.com.au

Colonial Village YHA 820 Boat Harbour Drive.

07 4125 1844, yha.com.au

Dreamworld Theme park. dreamworld.com.au

SUNSHINE CST

BUNDABERG

Aussie Woolshed 181 Torquay Road.

07 4124 0677 woolshedbackpackers.com

GC DO

Mooloolaba Backpackers 75-77 Brisbane Rd, Mooloolaba. 1800 020 120 mooloolababackpackers.com

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

HERVEY BAY

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

Nomads Noosa 44 Noosa Dr, Noosa Heads.

1800 666 237, nomadshostels.com Halse Lodge YHA 2 Halse Lane, Noosa.

1800 242 567, halselodge.com.au

showclix.com

RAINBOW BEACH Dingos Backpacker Adventure Resort 20 Spectrum St. 1800 111 126 dingosresort.com Pippies Beach House 22 Spectrum St. 1800 425 356, pippiesbeachhouse.com

Nomads Hervey Bay 408 The Esplanade.

1800 666 237, nomadshostels.com

FRASER ISLAND Eurong Beach Resort 07 4120 1600 eurong.com.au

Bundaberg Bondstore Distillery tours.

07 4131 2999 bundabergrum.com.au

TOWN OF 1770

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

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

@tnt_downunder

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

ROCKHAMPTON Emus Beach Resort 88 of Patterson St, Emu Park. 07 4939 6111, emusbeachresort.com Myella Farmstay Baralaba.

07 4998 1290, myella.com

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

BIRDSVILLE The remote Queensland town of Birdsville’s annual claim to fame is the Birdsville Races, which will next be held from 31 August – 1 September, 2012. Folk flock from miles around to join in the fun. Indeed the 100 or so locals are normally joined by many thousands more for the dusty two-day horse racing event. If you like long drives, rum and meeting Australians (TNT doesn’t recommend all at once), it’s a very wild festival that very few travellers get to experience. You’ll find it about 1,600km west of Brisbane, just on the edge of the Simpson Desert. No problem.

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AIRLIE BEACH Airlie Beach YHA 394 Shute Harbour Rd. 1800 247 251, yha.com.au Airlie Waterfront Backpackers 6 The Esplanade.

1800 089 000, airliewaterfront.com

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

07 4783 1519, yongaladive.com.au

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

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

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

Nomads Airlie Beach 354 Shute Harbour Rd. 1800 666 237 nomadshostels.com

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

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

WORD FROM THE STREET

MAGNETIC ISL

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

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

NSWLISTINGS QLDLISTINGS

Magnums 7 Marine Pde, Arcadia Bay. 1800 663 666, magnetic-island.com/arc-rsrt.htm Pleasure Divers 07 4778 5788

MISSION BEACH Absolute Backpackers 28 Wongaling Beach Road.

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

07 4068 8676, scottysbeachhouse.com.au

Vick Quin, England HI VICK. WHERE’VE YOU BEEN? “We flew into Hamilton Island, then spent a few nights at Airlie Beach before travelling up the coast to Magnetic Island, Cairns and Port Douglas. We sailed on the Great Barrier Reef and visited Cape Tribulation from Port Douglas.“ FAVOURITE DAY SPOT? “Sailing on the Great Barrier Reef… it’s an amazing experience. I didn’t dive but snorkelling was fantastic!

We also got the opportunity to see whales, which was an added bonus and made the day perfect!”

AND NIGHT SPOT? “Cairns… there’s a good selection of bars and you can easily find somewhere to party the night away.”

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49

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

CAIRNS STAY Bohemia Central Cairns 100 Sheridan St. 1800 558 589, bohemiacentral.com.au Bohemia Resort Cairns 231 McLeod St. 1800 155 353, bohemiaresort.com.au Calypso Backpackers 5 Digger St. 1800 815 628, calypsobackpackers.com.au Dreamtime Travellers Rest 189 Bunda St. 1800 058 440, dreamtimehostel.com

heart of the reef

Gilligans Backpackers and Hotel Resort 57-89 Grafton St. 1800 556 995, gilligans.com.au

Airlie Beach QUEENSLAND

JJâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Backpackers Hostel 11 Charles St. 07 4051 7642, jjsbackpackers.com

THE WHITSUNDAY ISL ANDS

are one of the world s most spectacular aquatic playgrounds dss & encompass 74 tropical islands rising from pristine turquoise oise waters, hosting lots of incredible marine and wild life.

NJOY Travellers Resort Harbour 141 Sheridan St. 1800 807 055, njoy.net.au

WHITEHAVEN BEACH CAMIRA SAILING ADVENTURE

Swimming, snorkelling, beautiful beaches and bays, a stuff-yourself-stupid BBQ lunch with unlimited drinks plus us exhilarating sailing aboard Camira one of the world s fastest est sailing catamarans â&#x20AC;&#x2019; an awesome day out on the water!r! $139*pp SAVE $36

Nomads Beach House 239 Sheridan St. 1800 229 228, nomadshostels.com Nomads Cairns 341 Lake St. 1800 737 736, nomadshostels.com

GRE AT BARRIER REEF ADVENT URES

The Great Barrier Reef is truly one of the great wonders rs of the natural world. Cruise aboard Seaflight to Queensland land s most innovative reef pontoon featuring a giant waterslide slide and underwater viewing chamber. Explore the underwater water wonderland with diving, snorkelling, semi-sub or glasss bottom boat rides. Includes morning / afternoon tea and an all you can eat buffet lunch. $139*pp SAVE $60

2 DAYS 1 NIGHT BAREFOOT L AZ Y DAZE

Start your holiday with a choice of either a Whitehavenn Beach Camira Sailing Adventure, or a Great Barrier Reef Adventures. Overnight at Long Island. When you dream of an Island experience this is what you dream of! Spend the day enjoying the facilities at Long Island Resort or find your own secluded bay and take in the great outdoors. Great snorkelling. Ferry/ bus us departures back to Airlie available at a variety of times. s.

You may just be tempted to stay another night!

From $199*pp (Dorm accommodation) plus heaps of other great packages 3-6 days available

CAIRNS DO AJ Hackett Bungy jumping canyon swinging.

1800 622 888 cairns.ajhackett.com Cairns Dive Centre 1800 642 591, cairnsdive.com.au Pro Dive 07 4031 5255, prodivecairns.com Raging Thunder Adventures Whitewater rafting. 07 4030 7990, ragingthunder.com.au Skydive Cairns 07 4052 1822, skydivecairns.com.au Skydive Cairns 07 4030 7990, ragingthunder.com.au Skyrail Rainforest Cableway 07 4038 1555, skyrail.com.au

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

PORT DOUGLAS Parrotfish Backpackers Resort 37 Warner St, Kuranda.

07 4099 5011, parrotfishlodge.com

GULF SAVANNAH Emu Creek Cattle Station 07 4094 8313

DAINTREE Koala Beach Resort Cape Kimberly Rd. 1800 466 444

CAPE TRIB

Nomads Esplanade 93 The Esplanade.

1800 175 716, nomadshostels.com

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

Northern Greenhouse 117 Grafton St. 1800 000 541, northerngreenhouse.com.au

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

s .EW &ARM &ORTITUDE 6ALLEY s 7ORKING 4RAVELLERS !CCOMMODATION s "RAND .EW INNER SPRING BEDS s !LL BEDROOMS HAVE 46 AND &RIDGES s $BL ROOMS 3INGLE ROOMS AVAILABLE s & F STUDIO OWN KITCHEN AND BATHROOM n WEEK MINIMUM STAY s 0RICES FROM AS LOW AS A NIGHT AND THAT S YOUR OWN PRIVATE F F ROOM s 4RANSPORT GALORE WITH WALKING DISTANCE TO #"$ &ORTITUDE 6ALLEY

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

9/5 7/. 4 &).$ !.94().' %,3% ,)+% 4()3 !4 4(%3% 02)#%3

info@awesomeoz.com

* 50

www.awesomeoz.com

Backpacker prices only available on presentation of a valid Student, Peterpans, YHA, ISIC, VIP or NOMADS card. Valid for travel until 31 March 2012. Conditions apply, see our website for details.

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MELBOURNE STAY

MELBOURNE DO

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

Esplanade Hotel espy.com.au

Australian Centre for the Moving Image Federation Square.

03 8663 2200, acmi.net.au

BOOK NOW!

Northcote Social Club northcotesocialclub.com

Base Melbourne 17 Carlisle St, St. Kilda.

1800 242 273, stayatbase.com

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

Palace Theatre palace.com.au

Central Melbourne Accommodation 21 Bromham Place, Richmond.

03 9427 9826, centralaccommodation.net

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

The Tote thetotehotel.com

The Hi-Fi thehifi.com.au

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

Exford Hotel 199 Russell St. 03 9663 2697, exfordhotel.com.au Flinders Station Hotel 35 Elizabeth St. 03 9620 5100, flindersbackpackers.com.au

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

RĂ&#x2013;YKSOPP The Palace. Thur, Feb 2. From $69.50.

Get your Norwegian dancing shoes on as the electro duo follow their Sydney Big Day Out sideshow with just the one Melbourne gig.

The Greenhouse Backpacker Level 6, 228 Flinders Lane.

1800 249 207, greenhousebackpacker.com.au

20 Bourke St, Melbourne

ticketmaster.com.au

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nomads Melbourne 198 Aâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;beckett St. 1800 447 762, nomadshostels.com

Urban Central 334 City Rd, Southbank. 1800 631 288, urbancentral.com.au

Old Melbourne Gaol 377 Russell St. 03 8663 7228, oldmelbournegaol.com.au Official Neighbours Tours 570 Flinders St. 03 9629 5866, neighbourstour.com.au

MELB MUSIC

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

Corner Hotel cornerhotel.com

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

East Brunswick Club eastbrunswickclub.com

Torquay Foreshore Caravan Park 35 Bell St, Torquay.

Cherry Bar myspace.com/cherrybarmelbourne

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51

VICLISTINGS GIPPSLAND

1300 736 533, torquaycaravanpark.com.au

MORNINGTON Bayplay Lodge 46 Canterbury Jetty Rd, Blairgowrie.

03 5988 0188, bayplay.com.au

â&#x20AC;˘ Famous Phillip Island Penguin parade, $90, includes entry fees and dinner. Tour runs daily. â&#x20AC;˘ 1 day Great Ocean Road $85 includes lunch, drink. tour runs daily. â&#x20AC;˘ 2 day Great Ocean Road $175 includes accommodation, dinner, breakfast and much more. Tour runs every Monday, Thursday and Saturday â&#x20AC;˘ Grampians $90 including morning tea and great day out.

Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.

Melbourne Australia Tours has many more 1, 2 and 3 day specials.

Check our contact details to get the latest information.

Colin May. Managing Director & Founder.

Melbourne Australia Tours & Australia scenic Day Tours.

Family owned and operated. Expanding Australia Wide.

Business +61 3 90169347 mobile +61 403257950 Email:info@melbourneaustraliatours.com.au Skype: melbourneaustraliatours

www.melbourneaustraliatours.com.au

Sorrento Foreshore Reserve Nepean Hwy, Sorrento. 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

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

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

03 5022 7922, milduracitybackpackers.com.au Oasis Backpackers 230 Deakin Av, Mildura. 04 0734 4251, milduraoasisbackpackers.com.au

Prom Country Backpackers 03 5682 2614 Rawsom Caravan Park Depot Rd, Rawson. 03 5165 3439, rawsoncaravanpark.com.au

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 Brambuck Backpackers 330 Grampians Road, Halls Gap. 03 5356 4250, brambuck.com.au Fleece Inn YHA 139 Charleston Rd, Bendigo. 03 5443 3086, yha.com.au Grampians YHA Eco Hostel Cnr Grampians & Buckler Rds, Halls Gap. 03 5356 4543, yha.com.au Old Crown Hotel 238 Hargreaves St, Bendigo. 03 5441 6888 Timâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Place 44 Grampians Road, Halls Gap. 03 5356 4288, timsplace.com.au

Homely, Friendly, Clean & Comfortable 53 Jackson Street, St Kilda VIC 3182 Australia Tel: (03) 9534 1877 jacksonsmanor@optusnet.com.au www.jacksonsmanor.com.au

FREE SECURE OFF-STREET CAR PARKING s $OUBLES TWINS DORMS s &ULLY EQUIPPED KITCHEN s !LL ROOMS CENTRALLY HEATED s #ABLE 46 $6$ 6IDEO s &REE FRESH LINEN s ,AUNDRY

s HOUR STAFF SECURITY s %MPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE s ""1 AND SUNNY COURTYARD s !IRCONDITIONED LOUNGE AND DINING ROOMS

GREAT ATMOSPHERE, GREAT RATES BEST RATES IN MELBOURNE IN A VERY CLEAN HOSTEL 52

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NSWLISTINGS WALISTINGS Aberdeen St, Northbridge.

1800 188 100, oneworldbackpackers.com.au

BOOK NOW!

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DON’T MISS!

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

08 9228 3755, undergroundbackpackers.com.au The Witch’s Hat 148 Palmerston St. 08 9228 4228, witchshat.com

PERTH DO MARILYN MANSON Metro City, Perth. Tues, 6 March. $73.55.

The spectacle that is Manson hits Perth for his Soundwave Festival sideshow, after also playing Brisbane and Sydney gigs.

146 Roe St, Northbridge

PERTH STAY Billabong Backpackers Resort 381 Beaufort St. 08 9328 7720, billabongresort.com.au Britannia on William 253 William St, Northbridge. 08 9227 6000, perthbrittania.com Emperor’s Crown 85 Stirling St, Northbridge. 1800 991 553,

oztix.com.au

Aquarium of Western Australia 91 Southside Drive, Hillarys.

08 9447 7500, aqwa.com.au Kings Park & Botanic Garden bgpa.wa.gov.au

emperorscrown.com.au

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

Globe Backpackers & City Oasis Resort 561 Wellington St. 08 9321 4080, globebackpackers.com.au

Perth Zoo 20 Labouchere Road, South Perth.

08 9474 3551, perthzoo.wa.gov.au

Ocean Beach Backpackers 1 Eric St, Cottlesloe. 08 9384 5111, oceanbeachbackpackers.com.au One World Backpackers 162

PERTH MUSIC Amplifier amplifiercapitol.com.au

SCORCHERS VS HEAT The WACA. Thur 29 Dec. From $30.

Catch England’s Paul Collingwood pull on his Perth Scorchers top and go for Big Bash Twenty20 glory against Matty Hayden’s Brisbane Heat.

Nelson Cres, East Perth

u t n e v d A n e Asp

Nt

Qld

Wa

Brisbane

Sa Perth

Nsw Sydney

Adelaide

Vic Melbourne Hobart

1355

Visit our website for great accommodation specials and online bookings

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FREO STAY

Astor Theatre liveattheastor.com.au

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

Mojo’s Bar mojosbar.com.au The Bakery nowbaking.com.au The Rosemount Hotel rosemounthotel.com.au

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

Aspen Parks Begin your re today...

Darwin

ticketmaster.com.au

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

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

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

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

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

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

Queensland Island Gateway Holiday Park

1800 466 528

aspenparks.com.au

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80 High St. 08 9336 6080, sundancerbackpackers.com.au

FREO DO Fremantle Markets 08 9335 2515, fremantlemarkets.com.au Fremantle Prison 1 The Terrace.

08 9336 9200, backpackersinnfreo.com.au

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

MARGARET RIV Margaret River Lodge YHA 220 Railway Tce. 08 9757 9532, yha.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 Metro Inn Albany 270 Albany Hwy. 1800 004 321, metrohotels.com.au

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

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

NINGALOO REEF Blue Reef Backpackers 3 Truscott Crescent, Exmouth 1800 621 101, aspenparks.com.au Ningaloo Club Coral Bay 08 9948 5100, ningalooclub.com Excape Backpackers YHA Murat Rd, Exmouth.

08 9949 1200, yha.com.au

BROOME STAY Cable Beach Backpackers 12 Sanctuary Road.

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

BROOME DO Sun Pictures Carnarvon St. 08 9192 1077, broomemovies.com.au

Monkey Mia Flash Backpackers

t accommodation. Stunning beachfront location.

Quality budge able, world-leading activities and facilities.

Unique, afford shpacker Voted top ten f la nder $100 in Australia u n o ti a d o accomm eller Magazine v a r T

by Australian

THE KIMBERLEY

monkeymia@aspenresorts.com.au t freecall 1800 653 611 t ph +61 8 9948 1320 t monkeymia.com.au

This massive, northern region of Western Australia is truly the country’s final frontier, full of crocodiles, spectacular gorges and waterfalls, plus brilliant 4WD fun. If you don’t have a 4WD then exploring away from the highway can be tricky and mean an admittedly pricey tour might be your best bet. However, it will be money well spent.

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TASLISTINGS

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

BOOK NOW!

Hobart Hostel 41 Barrack St. 1300 252 192, hobarthostel.com.au

Queen Victoria Museum & Art Gallery 2 Invermay Rd & 2 Wellington St. 03 6323 3777, qvmag.tas.gov.au Tasmania Zoo 1166 Ecclestone Rd. 03 6396 6100, tasmaniazoo.com.au

Montgomery’s YHA 9 Argyle St. 03 6231 2660, yha.com.au

DEVONPORT

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

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

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

BICHENO

FALLS FESTIVAL Marion Bay. Thur, Dec 29 – Sun, Jan 1. From $188.

There’s still tix available for Tasmania’s best festival, so move quick to catch Arctic Monkeys, CSS, the Kooks, Fleet Foxes, Beirut and more.

HOBART DO

South-east Tasmania

Cascade Brewery 140 Cascade Rd. 03 6224 1117 cascadebreweryco.com.au

PORT ARTHUR

Mt Wellington Descent Bike tours. 03 6274 1880 mtwellingtondescent.com.au

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

Salamanca Markets Every Saturday, Salamanca Place. salamanca.com.au

LAUNCESTON

Tasmanian Museum & Art Gallery 5 Argyle St. tmag.com.au

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

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

showclix.com Launceston Backpackers 103 Canning St. 03 6334 2327, launcestonbackpackers.com.au

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

CRADLE MTN

Lloyds Hotel 23 George St. 03 6331 9906, backpackersaccommodation.com.au

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

LAUNCESTON DO

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

03 6491 1385.

Cataract Gorge launcestoncataractgorge.com.au

indulge your senses Under Down Under is one of Tasmania’s pioneers of affordable adventure travel in Tasmania. Established in 1996, just like a good wine, we get better every year. Plus, we’re consistently the intrepid travellers’ first choice when it comes to local knowledge, great guides and taking our guests to the most memorable places.

1800 064 726

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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 Wild Rivers Jet Jet boating. 03 6471 7396, wildriversjet.com.au

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

SOUTH-WEST TASMANIA One of Australia’s most remote wilderness regions and a World Heritage area. This is really a place for intrepid adventurers and requires preparation. There are few roads (the area hasn’t even been fully mapped). It’s fantasic for hiking, fishing and whitewater rafting.

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DARWIN STAY

KATHERINE STAY

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

BOOK NOW!

BIG4 Katherine Holiday Park 20 Shadforth Road.

1800 501 984, big4.com.au Palm Court Kookaburra Backpackers Giles St. 1800 626 722

Darwin YHA 97 Mitchell St. 08 8981 5385, yha.com.au Elkes Backpackers 112 Mitchell St. 1800 808 365, elkesbackpackers.com.au

KATHERINE DO

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

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

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

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

Melaleuca on Mitchell 52 Mitchell St. 1300 723 437, momdarwin.com Youth Shack 69 Mitchell St. 1300 793 302, youthshack.com.au

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

08 8981 0700, deckchaircinema.com.au

HENRY ROLLINS Darwin Entertainment Centre. Sun, April 29, 2012. $49 The burly singer turned spoken word artist is touring Australia in 2012.

Not leaving any stone unturned, you can catch him in Darwin.

91 Mitchell St, Darwin

henryrollins.com

Fannie Bay Gaol Heritage prison.

East Point Road, Fannie Bay. 08 8941 2260, nt.gov.au

Spectacular Jumping

Museum & Art Gallery of the Northern Territory 19 Conacher St, Bullocky Point. 08 8999 8264, magnt.nt.gov.au

08 8978 9077,

Oz Jet Boating Stokes Hill Wharf.

1300 135 595, ozjetboating.com.au

Waterfront Precinct.

Crocodile Cruise

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

ALICE SPRINGS Alice Lodge 4 Mueller St. 08 8953 1975, alicelodge.com.au

Adelaide River.

jumpingcrocodile.com.au Wave Lagoon

waterfront.nt.gov.au

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

Haven Resort 3 Larapinta Drive.

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

ALICE DO Alice Springs Desert Park Larapinta Drive.

08 8951 8788, alicespringsdesertpark.com.au Alice Springs Reptile Centre Meet and hold lizards.

9 Stuart Terrace.

08 8952 8900, reptilecentre.com.au Outback Ballooning Hot air balloon rides.

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

Stuart Terrace. 08 8952 1129, flyingdoctor.net School of the Air Long-distance schooling museum.

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

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

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

THE CAGE OF DEATH At Darwin’s Crocosaurus Cove you can jump in an acrylic cage and come face-to-face with a giant saltwater croc. It’s the only experience of its kind Down Under and seeing the crocs so close, and in perfectly clear water, is something you’re unlikely to forget. From $108.

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ADELAIDE STAY

COOBER PEDY

Adelaide Oval Home to the Adelaide Backpackers Inn 112 Carrington St. 1800 24 77 25, adpi.com.au

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

BOOK NOW!

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

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

Annie’s Place 239 Franklin St. 1800 818 011, anniesplace.com.au

KANGAROO IS

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

Kangaroo Island YHA 33 Middle Terrace, Penneshaw.

08 8553 1344, yha.com.au

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

SEETHER Fowler’s Live. Thur, Feb 2. From $46.

Mosh out with the South African grungers and catch the hits from Holding Onto Strings Better Left To Fray for the first time Down Under.

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

68 North Terrace, Adelaide

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

moshtix.com.au

My Place 257 Waymouth St. 1800 221 529, adelaidehostel.com.au

Donald Bradman collection. War Memorial Drive.

08 8300 3800, cricketsa.com.au

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

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

BAROSSA VAL

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

Barossa Backpackers 9 Basedow Road Tanunda.

08 8563 0198, barossabackpackers.com.au

ADELAIDE DO Adelaide Oval Home to the

Temptation Sailing Dolphin swimming, Glenelg.

04 1281 1838, dolphinboat.com.au

TTEST ADELAIDE’S HO N

RIVERLAND Berri Backpackers Sturt Highway, Berri.

08 8582 3144, berribackpackers.com.au Harvest Trail Lodge Loxton.08 8584 5646, harvesttrail.com.au

@tnt_downunder

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 Nullarbor Traveller Tours across to Perth.

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

08 8363 1788, rodneyfox.com.au

FLINDERS RANGES

Nomads on Murray Sturt Highway, Kingston on Murray.

1800 665 166, nomadsworld.com

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

Riverland Backpackers Labour Hire Services 08 8583 0211

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

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

ODATIO BUDGET ACCOMM

MINI ROOM MINI PRICE

BAROSSA VALLEY South Australia produces the majority of the country’s wine and arguably the best stuff comes from here. Located about 70km from Adelaide, it’s home to, amongst other, the ubiquitous Jacob’s Creek label. The main towns are Tanunda and Bethany, both lovely.

58

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

YASAWA ISLANDS Awesome Adventures Fiji +679 675 0499awesomefiji.com Coconut Bay Resort +679 666 6644 coconutbay_fiji2002@yahoo.com Korovou Eco Tour Resort +679 666 6644 korovoultk@connect.com.fj Kuata Resort +679 666 6644 Long Beach Backpackers Resort +679 666 6644 Manta Ray Island +679 672 6351 mantarayisland@connect.com.fj

MAMANUCA ISL Beachcomber Island Resort +679 666 1500, beachcomberfiji.com

Macdonalds Beach Cottages +679 669 4633

Rau Kini’s Hostel +679 672 1959, rtkinihostel@connect.com.fj

Tsulu Luxury Backpackers & Apartments +679 345 0065, tsulu.com

Morrison’s Beach Cottagess +679 669 4516, tipple@connect.com.fj

The Funky Fish Beach Resort +679 628 2333, funkyfishresort.com

Vakaviti Motel & Dorm +679 650 0526, bulavakaviti@connect.com.fj

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

Vilisite Place +679 650 1030

Bounty Island Resort +679 666 6999, fiji-bounty.com

CORAL COAST

VANUA LEVU

SUVA

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

Hidden Paradise Guest House +678 885 0106

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

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

Naveria Heights Lodge +679 851 0157, justnaveria@connect.com.fj

Rendezvous Dive Resort +679 628 4427, surfdivefiji.com

Raintree Lodge +679 332 0562, raintreelodge.com

Savusavu Hot Springs +679 885 0195, hotspringshotel@connect.com.fjj

Robinson Crusoe +679 629 1999, robinsoncrusoeislandfiji.com

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

Mango Bay Resort +679 653 00690, mangobayresortfiji.com

White Sandy Beach Dive Resort +679 666 4066

Volivoli Beach Resort +679 669 4511, volivoli.com

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

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

Wayalailai Island Resort +679 672 1377 wayalailai@connect.com.fj

Safari Lodge Fijis +679 669 3333 safarilodge.com.fj

Bayside Backpacker Cottage +679 885 3154, tripntour@connect.com.fj

Beachouse +679 653 0500, fijibeachouse.com

Sunrise Lagoon Resort +679 666 6644

Bethams Cottage +679 669 4132, bethams.com.fj

The Uprising Beach Resort +679 345 2200, uprisingbeachresort.com

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

Octopus Resort +679 666 6337 reservations@octopusresort.com

NORTH VITI LEVU

Tabukula Beach Bungalows +679 650 0097, fiji4less.com

Seashell Cove Resort +679 670 6100, seashellresort.com

South Seas Private Hotel +679 331 2296, fiji4less.com Tailevu Hotel +679 343 0028

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

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

OVALAU ISLAND Ovalau is a sexy island in the Lomaiviti Group in Fiji’s traditional heartland. Little Levuka is its biggest town and one of Fiji’s prettiest, hugging a strip of land between the sea and the slopes of Nandelaiovalau, the island’s single volcanic peak. Wander the old colonial streets and engage the locals in a chat – they’re some of the country’s friendliest. When you’ve had enough of Levuka, hike out on the dusty road towards Lovoni, an indigenous village inhabited by proud locals and snugly nestled in the island’s spectacular crater.

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NZLISTINGS

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BUS TOURS

wickedcampers.com

BOOK NOW!

Flexi-Pass Combines InterCity and Newmans. 0800 222 146, flexipass.co.nz

AUCKLAND

Albert Park Backpackers (VIP) 27-31 Victoria St East. +64 9309 0336, bakpak@albertpark.co.nz

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

Auckland International Backpackers (BBH) 2 Churton St, Parnell. +64358 4584,

NZ Travelpass 0800 339 966, travelpass.co.nz

HILLTOP WINES SUNSET CONCERT

Stray +64 9309 8772, straytravel.com

Hilltop Vineyard. Sat, Mar 24. From NZ$49.

Watch the sunset at Hilltop Vineyard while enjoying a selection of NZ’s finest musicians of jazz, blues and roots music, including Sola Rosa.

RENTAL FIRMS Ace Rental Cars 1800 140 026, acerentalcars.com.nz

Hamilton

eventfinder.co.nz

Backpacker Campervan & Car Rentals +800 200 80 801, backpackercampervans.com

Escape Rentals 1800 456 272, escaperentals.co.nz

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

Bargain Rental Cars 0800 001 122, bargainrentals.com.nz

Explore More 1800 800 327, dcrentals.com.nz

Spaceships 1300 139 091, spaceships.tv

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

Jucy Rentals 0800 399 736, jucy.com.nz

Standby Cars 1300 789 059, standbycars.com.au

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

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

Wicked Campers 1800 246 869,

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

Backpacking just got easy as.

60

38 Fort St. +64 9307 0181, nomadshostels.com

Airport Skyway Lodge Backpackers (BBH) 30 Kirkbride Road, Mangere. +64 9275 4443, skywaylodge.co.nz

Flying Kiwi Wilderness Expeditions 1800 143 515, flyingkiwi.com

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Nomads Auckland 16-20 Fort St. +64 9300 9999, nomadshostels.com Oaklands Lodge (BBH) St. +64 5A Oaklands Rd, Mt Eden. +64 9638 6545, oaklands.co.nz Pentlands (BBH) 22 Pentland Ave, Mt Eden. +64 9638 7031 Queen Street Backpackers (VIP) 4 Fort St. +64 9373 3471, enquiries@qsb.co.nz

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

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

Bamber House (BBH) 2 2 View Rd, Mt Eden. +64 9623 4267, hostelbackpacker.com

The Brown Kiwi (BBH) 7 Prosford St, Ponsonby. +64 9378 0191, brownkiwi.co.nz

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

YHA Auckland City Cnr City Rd & Liverpool St. +64 9309 2802, yha.co.nz

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

YHA Auckland International 5 Turner St. +64 9302 8200, yha.co.nz

Kiwi International Queen St Hotel and Hostel 411 Queen St. 0800 100 411, kiwihotel.co.nz The Fat Camel (Nomads)

WHEN YOU

JOIN YHA

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

yha.co.nz

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Cambridge Hotel (BBH) 28 Cambridge Tce. +64 4385 8829 cambridgehotel.co.nz

BOOK NOW!

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

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

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

QUEENSTOWN

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

BATUCADA SOUND MACHINE

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

Auckland. Thurs, Jan 26. NZ$20.

The 10-piece from NZ have a unique blend of Pacific soul, Latin, Afrobeat and hip-hop in their stylings. Catch them on their national tour.

Wellywood Backpackers 58 Tory St. 0508 00 58 58

CHRISTCHURCH Around the World Backpackers 314 Barbadoes Street. +64 3365 4363, aroundtheworld.co.nz

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

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

Maple Lodge (BBH) 52 Ellice St. +64 4385 3771

YHA Wellington City 292 Wakefield St. +64 4801 7280

butterfli.co.nz

Point Break Backpackers (BBH) 99 Seaview Road. +64 3388 2050, pointbreakbackpackers.co.nz The Old Countryhouse (BBH) 437 Gloucester St. +64 3381 5504, oldcountryhousenz.com

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

Worldwide Backpackers (BBH) 291 The Terrace. +64 4802 5590, worldwidenz.co.nz

themarine.co.nz

Sale St, Auckland

eventfinder.co.nz

Alpine Lodge (BBH) 13 Gorge Rd. +64 3442 7220, alpinelodge@xtra.co.nz Aspen Lodge (BBH) 11 Gorge 11 Gorge Rd. +64 3442 9671, aspenlodge.co.nz Base Discovery Lodge St. +64 Queenstown 49 Shotover St. +64 3441 1185, stayatbase.com

At The Right Place 85 Bealey St. +64 3366 1633, atrp.co.nz

208 Kilmore St. +64 3366 9720, backpack.co.nz/foley

Avon City Backpackers Worcester Street. +64 3389 6876, avoncitybackpackers.com

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

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

Kiwi House 373 Gloucester St. +64 3381 6645, kiwihouse.co.nz

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

Marine Backpackers 26 Nayland St. +64 3326 6609,

Butterfli Lodge (BBH) 62 Thompson St. +64 3442 6367,

Foley Towers (BBH)

Black Sheep Lodge (BBH/VIP) 13 Frankton Rd. +64 3442 7289, blacksheepbackpackers.co.nz

Deco Backpackers (VIP, BBH) 52 Man St. +64 3442 7384, decobackpackers.co.nz Flaming Kiwi Backpackers (BBH) 39 Robins Rd. +64 3442 5494, flamingkiwi@xtra.co.nz Hippo Lodge (BBH) 4 Anderson Hts. +64 3442 5785, hippolodge.co.nz Nomads Queenstown 5-11 Church St. +64 3441 3922, nomadshostels.com Pinewood Lodge (VIP) 48 Hamilton Rd. 0800 7463 9663, rgrieg@xtra.co.nz Queenstown Lodge Sainsbury Rd, Fernhill. 0800 756 343, queenstownlodge.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 8890 Lake Esplanade. +64 3442 8413, yha.co.nz

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

ARROWTOWN A well-preserved little gold mining town which appears to be stuck in a time warp, Arrowtown is 20km north-east of Queenstown. The old sycamore trees dropping their leaves on the quaint little houses and shops on the main street are a picturesque sight in autumn. Don’t miss the former Chinese Settlement, at the western end of town, featuring some of the Chinese miners’ preserved huts. Ideal for a day trip from Queenstown, it’s only a 20 minute drive through some of the stunning Southern Alps (pictured).

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OZWORK

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Harvest the future The easiest and most common way for travellers to extend their visa is by picking fruit. We head to the hills to show you how...

Okay, so you’re not ready to go home. However, it’s not as if you want to move Down Under for the rest of your life or chain yourself to a desk just to buy another year or so in the sun. Well, harvest work could be your ticket to stay.

The cash to be earned in the country may not match the city, but there’s a bigger bonus on offer – a year’s Working Holiday Visa extension after three months (88 days) work.

Plus you get to work in the glorious Aussie outdoors.

Positions are generally easy to find and the working days, while tiring, are often short. But perhaps most appealing is the chance to spend a few months really getting to know a part of Australia that most travellers simply wouldn’t see.

The crops you get to work with vary massively, depending where you are and what time of year it is.

The beauty of it is, as Gary Locke from Work in South Australia explains, “as long as you’ve got two arms and legs,

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you’re good for fruit-picking work”.

While some aspects of the trade, he adds, do need some level of training, most of the jobs available require no qualifications or experience.

Plus, if you pick the right farm you can rack up enough seasonal work to get your visa extension in one foul swoop.

“When it comes to apple and citrus farms, the work can easily go on for three months,” says Gary.

Harvest work varies wildly in pay. Labourers should expect to earn anything from $60 to $150 a day. “Fruit picking is easy, but not for everyone. Packing is popular with girls”.

Admittedly the harvest industry has not always enjoyed the greatest of reputations amongst travellers, but that should not put people off, insists Gary.

“We listen to backpackers – if we get bad feedback about a farm we don’t send people there again,” he says.

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TIPS FROM A FRUIT PICKER SARA HIRSCHORN WORKED AS a grape picker in Mildura Plan ahead: Whether it’s fruit, veg or even cotton, if it’s grown in Oz you can probably find a job harvesting it – every month of the year, something needs plucking (stop that). But it’s worth doing some research. Find out the typical climate for the time of year in the location you’re considering. Outdoor work is liberating but even die-hard sun worshippers can lose faith grafting in relentless 40°C heat.

Brace yourself: Harvest work often demands ridiculously early starts, hard labour and six-day weeks. It may be the toughest dollar you’ve ever earned but remember it’s also an absolutely phenomenal, once-in-alifetime experience. You’ll soon discover that even a bad day in the field beats a good day in the office.

Think outside the box: From cattle-mustering to fence-building to tree-planting, you have loads of options beyond fruit-picking.

BRAND AMBASSADORS/SALES CONSULTANTS REQUIRED Velocity Marketing Solutions is a leader in sales and marketing within Regional Queensland, and right now we want you!

Located in Cairns & the Sunshine Coast Our national entertainment client has released some fantastic deals for customers this summer. We are seeking self-motivated individuals who are both professional and have a passion for sales to join our progressive and innovative company. This opportunity offers a new and exciting challenge.

To be successful, you will need: Great customer service skills, however no sales experience is necessary. A bubbly and friendly attitude towards work, life, the team and customers. Be hard working, self motivated and be able to work well within a team.

The successful applicant will be provided with comprehensive sales and product training and the chance to work in a vibrant and dynamic company offering support and the opportunity to develop and grow.

If your interested in a more management-style opening we have something available for you too!

All applicants will start at entry level however we will set you up with specific training and goals to get you progressing possibly within weeks!

Here you get paid your worth! If you want more money it’s all in your hands!

So there is no limit to what you can earn!

OTE $700+ per week Commissions + incentives Please forward a current copy of your resume & cover letter to Amy at recruitment@velocity-marketing.net or text “work” and “your name” to 0414 426 675 and we will get in contact with you as soon as possible.

Beware: If you’re planning harvest work in the interests of extending your Working Holiday visa, make sure you work in an eligible region (check immi.gov.au for a full listing of eligible postcodes). There’s nothing more gutting than busting your balls for three months to find out it doesn’t count.

The Australian Department of Immigration is sadly not the forgiving type.

Do the maths: If you’re lucky you’ll be paid by the hour, but if you’re fruit picking you’re more likely to be paid by the

quantity of fruit you pick.

After checking the pay package, dry your eyes and remember that most jobs come with either free or discounted accommodation, and being located in the back arse of nowhere guarantees minimal spending. As a result, saving the spondoolies is an outstandingly effortless task, even after accounting for that all important beer money.

Search: Head to harvesttrail.org.au to see what crops are where and when.

tntjobs.com.au B Confidential T: 07 38321023 M: 0430 146886 www.confidentialclub.com.au BConfidential is Brisbane’s premier gentlemens club bar and restaurant located close to central station in brisbane, female owned and operated providing a fun and safe work environment.

JOB OF THE WEEK: Dancers Location: Spring Hill Brisbane QLD Salary: Contractor $1000-$3000 per week Dancers for day and night shifts, very flexible rosters plenty of hours available and next day cash payments. We prefer to train our staff, experience is not essential, good fun attitudes and a drive for success is required.

Lisa Boorer | 0430146886 | admin@confidentialclub.com.au

TNT Publishing T: 02 8332 7501 www.tntdownunder.com TNT Publishing is a well-respected and long established London& Sydney publishing house. We are growing our Sydney office by recruiting sales people to work on our existing titles which include the renowned TNT magazine, The SA Times, South Africa Magazine and Australia & New Zealand Outlook.

Sean Brett | seanb@tntdownunder.com

Looking for your next job?

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JOBS

TRAVEL AUSTRALIA - ALL EXPENSES PAID

Female masseuse required - earn from $110-160 / hour.

Full training provided • Flexible shifts Free Transport from Railway station Free accommodation

Lingerie waitresses, male and female dancers and strippers required. No experience required. Willing to train.

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Paramour of Collins Street

SETTING A WORLD-CLASS STANDARD IN AUSTRALIA. RALIA Melbourne’s most exclusive escorts, models, dinner dates and travelling companions.

Paramour is a Melbourne’s leading Escort Agency with over 40 beautiful women.

Paramour provides the most outstanding outcall adult entertainment in Melbourne.

Since the 1980s, we have been providing high class escorts in all Melbourne suburbs.

Paramour is the only escort service agency located in the city area of Melbourne.

Paramour girls are very highly paid, beautiful women for international executives. Our ladies are the elite of Australia and are treated as princesses. Our girls come from many different countries and speak many languages. We understand that the best clients deserve the very best, most feminine ladies and we are continually interviewing to keep our standards high - Paramour Girls are the pinnacle.

www.paramour.com.au

03 9654 6011 PCA 113E

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TOTALLYTRIVIAL

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MYTHBUSTERS A FISHY DEATH?

MYTH

THIS WEEK’S QUIZ

OF THE

AUSSIE ANIMALS c) 27

d) 47

the Bush Kangaroo was Q 6.firstSkippy on TV in which decade?

many sharks are killed Q 2.byHow humans each year? a) One million b) 10 million c) 20 million d) 38 million

Q

a) 1950s b) 1960s c) 1970s d) 1980s Which is false? The Q 7.duck-billed platypus has...

3. How many kangaroos feature on one type of the $1 coin? a) One b) Two c) Three d) Five

a) Venom b) A beak c) A beaver tail d) Wings

Q 4. On average how many people are

killed by crocs in Australia each year? a) One b) Three c) Five d) 20

Q 5. An emu is... a) A Queenslander b) A reptile

Which animal is responsible for more Q 8.deaths in Oz than saltwater crocodiles, snakes and sharks? a) The dingo b) The box jellyfish c) The redback spider d) The horse

SUDOKU PUZZLE

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

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c) An Australian giraffe d) A flightless bird

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“A ROOT”

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When someone asks if you “pulled a root”, they are not talking about gardening with grandma. It’s a slang term for sex. Next time you need a good pick-up line, “fancy a root?” is sure to get a response...

ANAGRAM-ARAMA

THIS WEEK IT’S...

AUSSIE BEERS 1. VIBRATOR ICE TIT 2. LUBE ONE TUG 3. TRASHY DETOX YORE 4. NOBLE PRUDE ANSWERS: 1. Victoria Bitter 2. Blue Tongue 3. Toohey’s Extra Dry 4. Pure Blonde

many years can a koala live for?

Q 1.a)How Seven b) 17

WEEK What happened to Aussie PM Harold Holt?

Harold Holt, Australia’s 17th prime minister, went for a swim on the morning of 17 December 1967, off a beach south of Melbourne, and never came back. He was a renowned swimmer and knew the area like the back of his hand so some believe he committed suicide or faked his death. Others think he was kidnapped by a submarine, even a UFO. Perhaps the best theory, however, is that the man who expanded the Aussie role in the Vietnam War was actually a Chinese spy and did a runner. Sadly, the truth is probably far more boring. The sea was rough, Holt had a shoulder injury and most likely drowned.