TNT Magazine: Australia by TNT MAGAZINE

Jan 23-29 2012 Issue 665 tntdownunder.com

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EAST COAST ROADTRIP PACKAGE

HEADING STATESIDE Avoiding Yosemite’s bears in California

JOINING THE DOTS Getting a taste for Aboriginal culture

Y T I C M A E R SC eme parks th g in ll ri th t os Australia’s m to e id u g r u o ast: y The Gold Co

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SYDNEY’S BEST AUSTRALIA DAY PARTY!

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ANDREW WESTBROOK EDITOR editor@tntdownunder.com

EDITOR’S LETTER Yes, don’t ask me how we did it, but somehow we actually managed to get a mag out in the week of the Wikipedia blackout! Damn having to find stuff out for ourselves. Anyways, we’ve been out and about this week, enjoying the scariest thrills the Gold Coast has to offer (p8), and there’s a lot of them, believe us. We’ve also been getting stuck into the fascinating world of Aboriginal dot painting (p36).

THIS WEEK OZ DIARY

MUSIC & FILM

CELEB GOSSIP

COMPETITION

NEWS

SPORT

TRAVEL

LISTINGS NSW

LISTINGS QUEENSLAND

LISTINGS VIC

LISTINGS SA

LISTINGS WA

LISTINGS TASMANIA

LISTINGS NT

LISTINGS NEW ZEALAND

LISTINGS FIJI

WORK

TRIVIAL PURSUITS

FEATURES SCREAMING FOR GOLDIE

We visit the Gold Coast’s theme parks to give our heart-rates a pounding

THE MAGIC WANDA

Chatting to US comedian Wanda Sykes about her first gig Down Under

ON THE DOTTED LINE

We discover the ancient wonder of Aboriginal dot art in Alice Springs

GETTING YOGI WITH IT

Walking on the wild side in California’s Yosemite National Park

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OZDIARY EDITORIAL Editor Andrew Westbrook Staff writer Alex Harmon Intern Leigh Livingstone Contributors Katya Holloway | Mimmette Roldan | Xav Judd | Alison Grinter

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THE MAIN EVENT AUSTRALIA DAY [EVERYWHERE]

With a day off work, most patriotic Aussies will be throwing a shrimp on the barbie, sinking a few too many beers and listening to Triple J radio station’s top 100 songs of the year. The tradition of celebrating Australia Day dates back to 1788 when the First Fleet of convict ships from Great Britain arrived. Today, it’s a great excuse to kick back, get drunk and sunburnt. There are lots of FREE events happening nationwide, such as in Sydney’s Rocks where there’s a nine-hour music festival celebrating home-grown talent. Get down early and dance along to the wheelie bin soundsystems blasting out music. Aussie, Aussie, Aussie! For more info on The Rocks Australia Day festival, head to therocks.com.au. January 26 FREE

MELB VS SYDNEY A-LEAGUE

TUNARAMA FESTIVAL

BIG SKATE TOUR: BIG DAY OUT

Harry Kewell’s Melbourne Victory are hoping to make it an Australia Day to remember as they take on their fiercest rivals, Sydney FC, in this twilight game. Despite both teams struggling in midtable so far this year, expect the atmosphere at the ground to be electric.

You can’t get more Aussie than a festival celebrating all things tuna. Kicking off the three-day event in Port Lincoln, competitors will attempt to fling a fish weighing between eight and 10kg as far as they can. There’s also stalls, rides and of course, seafood.

It was part of the Big Day Out 10 years ago and now it’s back and bigger than ever. Showing off the world’s best vert skaters, including Tony Hawk, Kevin Staab, Sandro Diaz and Neal Hendrix this ‘tour within a tour’ ensures you’ll get more bang for your Big Day Out buck.

January 26 AAMI Park, Victoria ticketek.com.au

January 26-29 Port Lincoln Foreshore, SA tunarama.net

Until February 5 Various locations bigdayout.com.au

$12

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Thrills ‘n’ spills No place is as dedicated to making you scream, in one way or another, as the Gold Coast... so we decided to get taken for a ride If Hunter S Thompson had grown up in green and gold, rather than stars and stripes, he would have gone to the Gold Coast, not Las Vegas, in search of fear and loathing. Indeed, if Vegas is home to the American Dream, then the GC’s main hub Surfers Paradise is surely where its Australian cousin resides – 8

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living it up in one long beach party, seething with energy. Yes, Surfers is dedicated to partying in a way that nowhere else Down Under can match. The beautiful, the depraved, the downright outrageous... this is where they meet. But it’s a place that likes far more than

simply boozing and body watching – it’s the undisputed home of the Australian theme park, with pretty much all of the country’s best rollercoasters and log flumes located within a few kilometres of each other. And there’s also no shortage of other thrills to be had, as we found out...

DREAMWORLD

rollercoaster which reaches speeds of up to 85km/hr while zipping around a 360° loop and a scream-inducing sidewinder. S’pose we should mention the other stuff too, right? Other than the rides, there’s plenty of other entertainment to fill your day, including Tiger Island, home to rare Bengal tigers, and the Australian Wildlife Experience area, where you can get up close to Aussie critters. If it’s a hot one – and there’s a pretty good chance it will be – you’ll

also want to pop over to the log ride a couple of times. It may not be scary, but the drop at the end will get you pleasantly drenched. KH Location: About 20 minutes north of Surfers, off the Pacific Highway, at Coomera. Cost: General admission is $79.99, but multi-park deals are available. There’s also the waterpark WhiteWater World next door, which costs $49.99. Info: dreamworld.com.au

Photos: Tourism Queensland/Dreamworld/TNT Images/Andrew Westbrook

The experience: Sweat was beading up on my forehead, and we’d only just arrived. It was hot, yes, but I couldn’t blame the weather for this sudden overactive outburst of my glands. We were at the start of our theme park extravaganza weekend, kicking it off at Dreamworld, where they’ve got some of Australia’s scariest white-knuckle rides. Stopping to study my park map, the sound of a fighter jet suddenly ripped through the air. I looked up, only to discover it wasn’t a jet at all, but a ride rocketing past at breakneck speed, shooting towards the top of a 39-storey tower. The screams of passengers followed in its wake. Sweet. I’d found my first ride of the day – the Tower of Terror. The actual ride only lasted seven seconds, but it went out with a bang. Blasting us up a steep ramp at 160km/hr, the G-forces kicked into gear, forcing me heavily into my seat before I even knew what was going on. And yes, I was a screamer. We were off to a good start, but there was still the Giant Drop to come. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, it’s the tallest vertical freefall ride in the world, standing at 119m. A group of eight of us were harnessed into our seats as the platform moved to the top of the tower, leaving us to dangle our legs in mid-air. After keeping us hanging in suspense for many anxious minutes, the stage suddenly gave way without notice, sending us freefalling towards the ground at gut-wrenching speed. If it’s stomach-twisting rides that get you grinning, then The Claw is a must. This ride offers the maximum rush, swinging at 64km/hr in spins above the ground. Don’t attempt this one on a hangover – we’re talking insane zerogravity motions as you perch perilously close to the edge, feeling like you’ll go flying out of your seat. You’re twisting, you’re soaring, you’re being chucked around like a sock in a washing machine… it’s intense. Don’t like high-speed rides? Yawn. Then stay in bed and write Granny a letter. For the rest of you, have a go on the Cyclone, Dreamworld’s gravity

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WARNER BROS. MOVIE WORLD The experience: Hollywood! La, la, la, la, la, la, la… Hollywood! Er, hold on a minute… aren’t we on the Gold Coast? Well, for the best cinema action this side of the Equator, Movie World is a crackin’ day out. It’s crawling with movie stars – well, people dressed as Batman and Shrek, anyway – and has got great rides and live shows. Once again, get there right on 10am and you can hit all the best rides before the crowds turn up. I started out on the Scooby Doo Spooky Coaster, which has got a few “I’m-gonna-die” moments as you go screaming around hairpin turns in the dark in a rickety four-man car, 25 metres above ground. It feels like you might go flying straight

off the tracks. Next stop was Lethal Weapon, a white-knuckle rollercoaster with a piss-yourself scary reputation. The harness was pulled down securely, and our feet dangled loosely below (it’s one of those rides that you hang underneath the tracks, rather than above). The first drop was a heart-stopper, and then the train continued to pick up speed, knocking us through drops, dives, bends, rollovers, sidewinders, loops… I could see my feet against the sky, but had no idea of which way was up. The ride travels up to 80km/hr and rocks you around pretty roughly – definitely not for the weak. KH Location: About 15 minutes north of Surfers Paradise on t he Pacific Highway. Cost: General admission is $79.99, but multi-park deals are available. Info: movieworld.com.au

The GC’s two giant waterparks offer no shortage of slide action

WET ‘N’ WILD WATER WORLD The experience: Scorching day? Tick. Bored? Tick. Can’t be arsed with the beach? Tick, tick, tick. Alrighty then, get your bag – you’ve scored. Picture a massive waterpark filled with waterslides of all speeds, plus a whirlpool, wave pool and plenty of deckside chairs for people-watching. I climbed up to Terror Canyon II to start out the day. Don’t let the name freak you out – the slides aren’t very scary – but it’s still great fun to push off from the top and gather speed as you splash around the corners like a bar of soap in a wet tub. Take a wander over to Aqua Racer for the racing tracks where you can challenge your mates to a race to the bottom. You’ll be given a yellow mat to slide down face-first, kinda like a new-age Slip ‘n’ Slide. Twister is a freaky one which spins you down hump after hump of spiralling cocoons, or try the Speed Coaster with its

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“zero gravity” ramp. The Screamer is a sled ride that lives up to its name. Thanks to a steep pitch, you’ll be coasting down here at teeth-gritting speeds. Mammoth Falls has two good raft rides, one with a speedy 80m plunge over three humps; the other a 200m winding whitewater descent. If that all sounds a bit exhausting, that’s because it is. On all the rides, you’ve got to leg it up to the top of the hill yourself. After you’re all worn out, I’d recommend hiring a tube from the shop next to the wave pool and kicking back in the water. Head out to the deep end and you’ll be pleasantly far away from the squealing children, just soaking in the sunshine and feeling the rocking of the (fake) waves. This place is tops. KH Location: About 20km north of Surfer’s Paradise on the Pacific Highway (next to Movie World). Cost: General admission is $59.99, but multi-park deals are available. Info: wetnwild.com.au

Australia’s Gold Coast Choose YOUR OWN adventure in Australia’s playground

Get back to nature

Most savvy travellers think they know what to expect on the Gold Coast; brilliant beaches, super Surfers Paradise nightlife, theme parks galore and the best looking talent in the country. But only a plucky few explorers uncover more than the travel guides are willing to admit. How’d they miss 100,000 hectares of world heritage rainforest, 500 kilometres of canals, the year round water sports or the sacred indigenous landmarks? Perhaps they just weren’t up for the challenge. Choose YOUR OWN adventure in Australia’s playground. Visit www.adventureGC.com

Meet some loca

HAVE YOU HEARD G G G G G

visit www.adventureGC.com

Catch some rays

70 kilometres of coastline 300 days of sunshine per year 22°C/72°F average temperature 500 cafes, restaurants and bars 100,000 hectares of World Heritage Rainforest Australia’s biggest range of theme parks and attractions

GCT1269

Spectacular!

huge attraction. Although it’s the animals that are Sea World’s main attractions, they also have a few rides to get the blood pumping. My personal fave was the Corkscrew Rollercoaster, with its highspeed loop-de-loops and great views over the park. Get there at 10am sharp and you won’t even need to queue. Once the temperature heats up, you’ll be wanting to pay a visit to the Bermuda Triangle. It may have a slightly cheesy story behind it, but the final drop climaxes with a huge lashing of water, which is the ultimate cool-off on a hot day. KH Location: Just north of Surfers on “The Spit” at Main Beach. Cost: General admission is $79.99, but multi-park deals are available. Info: seaworld.com.au

SEA WORLD The experience: It was feeding time in the shark tank. The toothy assassins were gliding ominously around the acrylic diving cage in expectant laps, just waiting for blood to spill. Meanwhile, I gingerly stepped down the ladder, lowering myself into the water inside the see-through box which would separate me from the sharks. Only centimetres away, bull sharks, dusky whalers and tiger sharks circled around, blocking out the sunlight from above. Some of them were easily 3m long, and even though I was swimming safely behind a bullet-proof cage, their beady eyes looked straight at me. They were within arm’s reach. And they were hungry. This is Shark Bay, said to be the largest man-made lagoon in the world, housing some of mankind’s most feared predators. The sharks here at Sea World get fed three times each week, and for a few lucky tourists, you can be in the tank with them as the bait hits the water. With my snorkel and mask, I watched the scene unfold as the diver next to me clamped a silver fish onto the end of a long broomstick. He opened up a sliding door in the side of the cage, poked out the stick, and dangled the fish in front of the sharks. Within seconds, one of the beasts snapped the meat up greedily, 12

chomping it once and practically swallowing it whole. This was probably – no, hopefully – the only opportunity I would ever have to swim so close to such dangerous creatures. At Sea World, there are a number of animal adventures you can take part in (all tame in comparison), like swimming with dolphins and playing with seals. If you’d rather sit back and watch the show, the Dolphin Cove Show is tops. Check it out as Flipper and his mates leap up to 6m into the air. Another performance is the Quest for the Golden Seal – a 20-minute sea show with a fat seal doing all the obligatory ball tricks. The polar bears are also a

MULTI-PARK TICKETS While it’s true you’re getting a full day of entertainment for your cash, there’s no denying that getting into the GC theme parks ain’t cheap. However, if you’re in town for a while, it’s well worth spending a bit more to buy a multi-park ticket, as there’s massive savings to be made. Super pass: This gives you unlimited entry to Sea World, Warner Bros. Movie World and Wet ‘n’ Wild Water World for 28 days. It’ll cost you $139.99 on the gate or $129.99 if you head to myfun.com.au in advance. Escape pass: There’s a selection of these which get you into two of Sea World, Warner Bros. Movie World and Wet ‘n’ Wild Water World for 14 days. They cost $99.99 at myfun.com.au, or an extra $10 on the gate. World pass: Get one-day entry to both Dreamworld and WhiteWater World for $89.99, or get unlimited entry for the rest of the year for $109.99 (dreamworld.com.au).

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More GC thrills The Gold Coast isn’t just home to the best of Australia’s theme parks. Here’s some of our other fave adrenalin thrills the area has to offer ZORBING

JETBOATING The experience: As the motor starts, I begin to feel anxious. Before I can ask where the seatbelts are, the jetboat flies off on the water. This is one ride where seatbelts are obviously unnecessary. I start to panic and visualise myself getting thrown overboard, but an excited 10-year-old boy is sitting next to me, so I should be safe. After all, I’m bigger than him by a whole two inches. At least. I sit back, relax and enjoy the wind in my hair. This is quite fun and thrilling, especially when the jetboat does a donut spin. I catch a glimpse of my knuckles and see how white they are. Maybe I’m not as relaxed as I thought. MR Location: Mariners Cove Marina, 60 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach. Free transfers available. Cost: From $49. Info: paradisejetboating.com.au

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The experience: It’s not every day you get to jump into a giant see-through plastic bubble and roll down a big grassy hill. But today is different – I’m at the Zorb Park, climbing into a giant, alien pod-looking sphere thingy. Once buckled, seated and strapped, I’m pushed off the top of the hill, and as I begin to roll down, I start laughing and realise this is the weirdest thing I’ve ever done. Until I try the hydro zorb. With no seat in the middle and a few inches of water thrown in for good measure, I’m told everyone falls the second they start moving in the hydro zorb. That’s a challenge if I ever heard one. So we brace ourselves, determined to run like hamsters in a wheel just to stay upright. As soon as the zorb is released, surprise, surprise – we both fall over. This doesn’t feel like being in a washing machine as we expected, it’s actually like being in a giant water slide and our screams and laughter echo in the humongous bubble. MR Location: 232 Old Pacific Hwy, Pimpama. About 10 minutes from Dreamworld. Cost: From $55. Info: ozball.com.au

DONT MISS 2012’S BEST SUMMER ATTRACTION!

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V8 BUGGY RACING The experience: I arrive at the racetrack to find three purring beasts before me. Having no idea what I’m doing, I choose the V8 racing buggy over the turbocharged rally car and, before I know what’s going on, I’m helmeted up and getting strapped in. With a champion driver guiding me from the passenger seat, I’m off. The power is awesome, even if my control is not, as I struggle to handle the back of the vehicle, which seems to be swinging around more than a hyperactive monkey. A few laps in, however, and I’m getting the hang of it, enjoying burning down the straights and breaking late into corners. This is seriously good fun. But it gets better as we trade vehicles for an even bigger beast and swap seats so that I’m the champ’s passenger. It soon becomes clear that I did not previously even come close to understanding what fast actually meant. Driving at impossibly insane speeds, with me yelping like a small poodle, we tear the course to pieces, all four wheels leaving the ground a couple of times. Grinning from ear to ear, I clamber out of the buggy, need for speed fully satisfied. AW Location: 201 Loves Road, Alberton. Cost: Doing eight laps and one hot Super Sydney: The lap costs $299. Sydney experiences worth the big bucks Info: offroadrush. com.au

NEXT WEEK

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Wanda Sykes The Emmy Award-winning US comedian is hitting Aussie shores for the Melbourne Comedy Festival. She talks to us about the French, dingoes and what she finds funny... INTERVIEW ALEX HARMON

Had any tricky situations on stage? Of course, starting out you’re gonna have those situations, but overall, I would say no, I haven’t had any problems with audiences. I’m confident, I know what I’m doing up there. So I hope the Aussies don’t screw it up for me. Were you funny as a kid? I was funny, I was outspoken and my parents said I had a fresh mouth, but that didn’t get me anywhere. You know, I didn’t get any bookings to perform at my Aunt’s or anything. But once I got into Junior High and I could make my class laugh and my teachers laugh, I was like, oh alright, I have something, there’s something here. And I wanted to pursue comedy but I knew my parents would never go for it, so I went to college and got a business degree. It wasn’t until later when I was doing my own thing that I said, okay, I want to pursue comedy. Luckily for me, it paid off.

A big (not fat) dose of Wanda

Are you looking forward to The Melbourne Comedy Festival? Yes I am. It will be my first time in Australia so I’m very excited. I’ve been to Canada but this will be the first time that I’ve performed outside of the USA since then. Anywhere you’re keen to check out? I have no idea. I’m in Melbourne the whole time. The director of the festival said to me one night, “you’re going to be big in Australia”. And I was like, are you calling me fat? And then he explained what big is and he’s like, “don’t worry, you’ll be big”. Go big or go home basically. So I’m looking forward to going big. Are you bringing the family? No, I don’t think I’m gonna bring the family. I have two little kids and I heard you guys have a dingo problem. I think you’ll be alright in Melbourne... No, I heard that it’s not safe for kids. The dingoes just swoop in and take ‘em. What can we expect from your show? Well, you’re gonna get a big dose of Wanda. It’s new material that I’m working on but I’m pretty sure I’m gonna pull some things from my act 16

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before to bring you all up to speed. My act is pretty much a snapshot of what is going on in my life and I know that the audience aren’t really familiar with me and what I’ve done so there will be a few things I will pull from my old acts. You have a French wife. Do the French have a different sense of humour? My wife gets my jokes, but yes, the French have a different sense of humour. First of all, their humour is either very mean or it’s full of sexual innuendo. That is the French in a nutshell. Know much about Aussie humour? I do not. I heard you guys love knock-knock jokes. [Pause]. I’m joking. How did you get your big break? I would say I got my big break through The Chris Rock Show. I give him credit for getting me to that next level. I give him credit, I’m not gonna give him any money. Do you prefer stand-up or TV? Stand-up is my first love, that’s where it all started. There’s nothing like standing in front of a live audience and having thousands of people laughing at you, nothing is like it. So yeah, it’s still my favourite. It’s still also the hardest.

And if you didn’t pursue comedy? Well I really don’t have the body for stripping. So it would be something where I worked at night. I would maybe own a comedy club or something. What kind of things do you find funny? You know, it’s sad but seeing somebody fall has always made me laugh. I remember as a kid looking out the window, it was snowing and we had a snow day and I was watching my mother get into the car on her way to work and she pulled on the door handle and fell under the car. She saw me in the window laughing and she came back in and gave me a spanking. But you can laugh at your mother falling. Did you watch the Golden Globes? I was in Mexico and they don’t do subtitles, they do what you call dubbing and I’m watching it and I’m trying to get into it but with the Spanish it just seemed like a lot of cursing.

Wanda Sykes’ shows at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival run from March 29 to April 8, at Melbourne Town Hall. comedyfestival.com.au

KANYE WEST with SNEAKY SOUND SYSTEM LIC. & ALL AGES

FRIDAY 27th JANUARY

SYDNEY ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE

supported by Hot 30

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MON 23 JAN, THE ENMORE MEL

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TUE 31 JAN NORTHCOTE S.C. w/ CAMERAS TICKETS: 9486 1677, WWW.CORNERHOTEL.COM, 9427 9198 & WWW.BIGDAYOUT.COM

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LICENSED & ALL AGES

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FRI 27 JAN : THE ENMORE LIC. & ALL AGES

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TUE 24 JAN, THE ENMORE LICENSED & ALL AGES

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WED 1 FEB, THE HI FI

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THU 2 FEB : THE PA CE

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YOUNG ADULT FILM review by Andrew Westbrook STARRING: Charlize Theron, Patrick Wilson, Patton Oswalt | CERT: MA | 93mins | Out now

A FEW BEST MEN FILM review by Andrew Westbrook STARRING: Xavier Samuel, Olivia NewtonJohn, Kris Marshall | MA | 96mins | Out Jan 26

This refreshing Aussie comedy has its fair share of cringe-worthy, too predictable misses, however that’s combined with enough genuinely hilarious moments that all is just about forgiven by the time the credits roll around. Dubbed as an Aussie The Hangover, a comparison to Meet the Parents is perhaps more accurate, as an English backpacker hooks up with a rich Aussie and gets his mates over for the Blue Mountains wedding, where they set off a series of disastrous events. 18

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A smart, deliciously dark comedy from the pen of Juno writer Diablo Cody, in which the all-encompassing scorn for just about everything and everyone from Theron’s teen fiction writer Mavis Gary practically seeps out of the screen. Theron, in her first film for three years, is wickedly bitchy as the embittered and delusional trash author who returns to her hicksville hometown after discovering her now happily-married high school sweetheart (Wilson), who she’s determined to win back, has just had a baby. In stark contrast to the warm-hearted Juno, with its immensely self-assured teenage heroine, Young Adult delivers an emotionally cold, ageing prom queen who stutters from one drunken outburst to another, with several scenes starting with Mavis passed out, face down and fully clothed on the bed from the previous night’s stupour. Once home, she takes up with an unlikely drinking partner, the now disabled nerd (Oswalt) from her old school, who attempts to talk her out of the homewrecking plans, while presenting the flipside to her rose-tinted memories. With help from the consistently funny script, director Jason Reitman (Juno, Up in the Air, Thank You for Smoking), pulls off a film which perfectly encapsulates the meaning of the comedy-drama genre, swinging from laughs to sincerely heartbreaking moments in the blink of an eye, without ever descending into schmultz. GOOD FOR: Some dark laughs and admiring one of the best death stares ever on film

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TRENT REZNOR SOUNDTRACK ALBUM

The Nine Inch Nails frontman teams up with Atticus Ross to deliver a fitting soundtrack to David Fincher’s Hollywood remake of the first film of the Millenium Trilogy. This three-hour journey into the very heartbeat of the movie creeps into your eardrums and deposits the tension right in your very core. You can almost see the movie unfolding in your mind. The first track, “Immigrant Song”, an industrial take of a Led Zepplin classic, is an electric explosion, so there can be no mistaking this is a Reznor album. It then relaxes into the Gothic-like ambience of the film itself, full of dark piano overlapping grinding percussion and synth-metal. Reznor describes it as “the most beautiful and disturbing music of our careers”. That’s it in a nutshell. The Null Corporation

MOVIE MOVES DANCE

The Sunset Series Movie Moves is a free event in Melbourne where you can get down and shake it to some of cinema’s best dance moves. As the sun goes down in balmy Melbourne, there will be dance instructors teaching you the steps from classic dance films. From Bollywood to African beats to hip-hop. Jan 28 & Feb 4, Waterfront City Piazza. Free waterfrontcity.com.au

GIRL TALK The definitive king of mash-up remixes, Girl Talk is in Australia for the Big Day Out, but if you want to catch him tearing up his own shows, then now is your chance. Performing tracks from last year’s album All Day which, at 71 minutes, has 372 samples, the DJ from Pittsburg will be hitting the stage in Sydney (January 28) and Melbourne (January 31). Tickets are selling fast so make sure you don’t miss out on the party as Girl Talk turns the power on his two glad-wrap covered laptops. Tickets from $59.60 ticketek.com.au

THE VIC HOTEL DARWIN

HAVAIANA THONG CHALLENGE

PUB

AUSTRALIA DAY

A popular place for travellers, this famous watering hole always has something going on. Whether it’s trivia nights or paint your flag on your boobs nights or live bands, there’s always fun to be had. They serve up cheap (and good) food too.

Now in its seventh year, The Thong Challenge has become an Aussie tradition. Can Bondi keep its world record of having 2,068 giant Havaianas inflatables in the water? Four other states are up for the challenge. Register now for your very own blow-up thong.

Smith Street Mall, Darwin NT

Jan 26. $25 includes inflatable Havaiana

FRASER ISLAND SAFARI PACKAGE

WIN

Fraser Island is undoubtedly one of the must-see destinations on the east coast, and we’d hate you to miss out on it. So we’ve teamed up with Palace Adventures to offer one of you lucky readers the chance to win a three day/two night Stargazer camping safari on the island, as well as a bonus two nights accommodation. For more info, just visit tntdownunder.com/competitions.html TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

CELEBGOSSIP

@tnt_downunder

Tough guy – even without the Funky Bunch

MARKY MARK: FREEDOM FIGHTER

[USA]

CLOONEY’S WAR OF THE WORLDS

[USA]

A celebrity that does talk some sense is George Clooney. Today’s topic: aliens. In the latest issue of Esquire, he gives us an interesting theory on the little green men. “Now that every human being on Earth has a camera phone, where are all those UFO pictures? Remember you used to see those pictures. Some guy just happened to have a Polaroid when the UFOs appeared? Either it was all bullshit or my theory is that the Martians have decided, ‘Don’t go down there, man. All those fuckers have cameras now.’” Now I’ve never been that sure of 22

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Ganja Queen: Rihanna is taking a break in Hawaii and she’s not just switching off her body. Spotted smoking a ‘suspicious’ looking cigar, she then confirmed it for everybody on Twitter. She tweeted, ‘4:20...Hi’ (4.20 is slang for marijuana) and ‘Hi’, well you get that. Then she quoted Drake (enough said) “Kush rolled, glass full... I prefer the better things!” Clooney, he’s got a pretty dignified record, but then again he’s done the Ocean’s 11 films, so he clearly knows how to take the piss out of himself. I guess this is his way of being funny? Or his stint in Hawaii filming The Descendents saw him spend a little too much time with Rihanna.

SINEAD CHECKS IN

[IRELAND]

One thing I do know is that Sinead O’Connor is a few bread rolls short of a picnic. She knows this too because she checked herself

into hospital for depression this week. After her 16-day marriage ended, (Jesus, she makes Kim Kardashian look like the First Lady) she began a series of bizarre tweets about being suicidal, reconciling with her husband and looking for good psychiatrists in Ireland. She went to her blog to explain: “Slowly since we were married I became very ill as result of what was done to my husband and I was unable to cope.” Honey, I really don’t think there’s anything slow about what you’ve done to your husband. I’ve had panadol take longer to kick in than that.

Photos: Getty Images

Hollywood needs to stop putting Mark Wahlberg in action films, it’s really going to his head. Marky Mark is pretty sure he could have single-handedly stopped 9/11. In an interview with Men’s Journal he revealed he was meant to be on that flight. He also revealed: “If I was on that plane with my kids, it wouldn’t have went down like it did. There would have been a lot of blood in that first-class cabin and then me saying, ‘Okay, we’re going to land somewhere safely, don’t worry.’” It’s a shame those other 250 or so passengers didn’t have any action movie experience. Imagine if Denzel had have been on the other flight? Or Rachel Weisz as a cluey flight attendant. Those boy-band abs could have saved thousands of lives, Osama would still be kicking back in his cave and we wouldn’t have to take our shoes off every time we boarded a flight. Goddammit Marky.

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TWEETS OF THE WEEK @AlecBaldwin “I hate airport delays. This is the smallest airport ever, I am waiting for pirates to storm this lounge” @EllenDegeneres “I love that you’re on Twitter @MichelleObama! Finally a forum to discuss the important topics. Have you been watching The Bachelor?” @KhloeKardashian “To be honest, I don’t have time to hate people who hate me, because I’m too busy loving people who LOVE me”

In happier, Hogwart times

JOHNNY NO LONGER IN PARADISE

@BrianMcFadden “Abu dhabi airport. So many Irish. Should be called Abu paddy”

[FRANCE]

It must be divorce season because Johnny Depp and his lady of 14 years, Vanessa Paradis, have called it quits. Okay, so they were never married, just in some sort of free-spirited French living-together relationship. But before your Mum gets really excited, it’s still in the rumour-stages. Because unlike Sinead airing her dirty blouses out in the blog world for everyone to see, my only source of information is People Magazine. Damn Wikipedia and their blackout. Nonetheless, the article says they haven’t been seen together on the red carpet for over a year, which is a valid point. Can’t believe it’s taken us all this long to realise that there’s trouble in paradise. Sorry. Unless of course Vanessa is just trying to avoid being raped by the paps. What? Johnny said it first, it’s okay.

TWO’S NOT ENOUGH COMPANY FOR BRIT

[USA]

Speaking of French marriages, Britney Spears likes to indulge in some ménage-à-trois loving herself. Okay that was a cheap segue. Speaking of cheap... ah, that’s better. Her former minder Fernando Flores, who has written a book about Brit’s wild times, says she has a huge sexual appetite. He said: “Her tours were an anything-goes environment... threesomes, orgies, girls making out – things that would make your hair stand on end.” Right... this is the same guy who tried to sue her for sexual harassment. I suppose it’s all subjective, one man’s hair standing on end is another man’s something else standing... yeah, you get it.

@AlexaChung “I have far too many full pyjama sets for a girl in her twenties” @SimonPegg “Neither Attack the Block and Tyrannosaur nominated for best British film.Sheesh!” @ElizabethHurley “I happen to be a fan of Boris Bikes, not that I’d get on one for love or money. Too dangerous. Plus, makes your thighs too muscular.”

Having trouble spotting the fake?

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

KATY TAKES IT TO THE NEXT LEVEL [USA]

Her real life might be in strife, but Katy Perry now has a chance at happiness as a video game character. That’s right, she has been immortalised as a ‘Sim’. She’ll be acting out the happy family Sim-life, which it seems is something she can’t do in real life. Announcing the news she said: “I always like to think of myself as a cartoon, and now I’m a Sim.” Funny I always thought of her as one-dimensional. Electronic Arts, who got Katy on board, know a franchising deal when they see one. I can smell the fairy-floss merch now. They said the game allows players to live out a “rags to riches” story with the Sim characters becoming “singers, acrobats or even moonlighting as a DJ”. In Katy’s case it’s more rags to riches to rejection.

One should never date a guy with more hair extensions than you Johnny Depp has no chance with Sophie Monk

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HOW TO ENTER

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

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p i r t d a ro

WIN A TWO-WEEK EAST COAST HIGHLIGHTS ROADTRIP If you’re after a real Australian adventure, then there’s one option that trumps all others – hitting the open road with your own wheels. With its endless stretches of the hard stuff and countless deserted beaches just waiting to be discovered, the land Down Under is a country best explored with the freedom to go where you want, when you want. Therefore, TNT T has teamed up with JUCY Rentals, plus some of our bestest east coast buddies, to help a couple of you, yes you, our dear beloved readers, do just that for free. Not only will your campervan be sorted, plus freebie trips to the top three destinations on the east coast, but we’ll even refill your backpack with some sweet new clothes. Not too shabby eh?

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THIS PRIZE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING: JUCY CAMPERVAN: Two-week rental of a Grande Campa. NEW THREADS: A $1,000 wardrobe from Rush Surf. GREAT BARRIER REEF: A cruise and reef experience, for two people, with Cairns Premier Reef Tours. WHITSUNDAY ISLANDS: A two-day/two-night sailing trip, for two people, with Tongarra Sailing Adventures. FRASER ISLAND: A three-day/two-night guided self-drive tour, for two people, with Nomads Fraser Island Tours. Competition closes midnight AEST Tuesday 31st January, 2012. Log on to tntdownunder.com for further details and to enter.

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WORLDNEWS

Heart will go under: Witnesses on board the ill-fated Costa Concordia say the theme song from the movie Titanic was playing as disaster struck. Celine Dion’s song “My Heart Will Go On” was reportedly playing in one of the ship’s restaurants.

THE ARTIST: A SILENT ASSASSIN [ENGLAND]

Oscar frontrunner The Artist may be wowing critics across the world, but a group of cinema-goers in Liverpool were not so enamoured with the film and have demanded their money back. A group of film-goers at Liverpool’s Odeon One got a shock when they discovered the highly-rated French movie, a throwback to Hollywood’s golden era, is in black and white, and is a silent film shown in a smaller format than usual. An Odeon spokesman has said of the incident: “Odeon Liverpool One can confirm it has issued a small number of refunds to guests who were unaware that The Artist was a silent film. The cinema is happy to offer guests a refund on their film choice if they raise concern with a member of staff within 10 minutes of the film starting.”

PORN PUTS SAFETY FIRST IN LA [USA]

The Los Angeles City Council has passed a law to enforce porn stars wear condoms in all films which are shot in LA. The condom mandate is the first of its kind in the country and comes into effect in three months. Adult film producers aren’t so happy with the move, with some threatening to film in other states. They say the use of condoms is a turn-off for viewers. The AIDS Healthcare Council, on the other hand, has embraced the law. It said: “It’s a great day for the performers and safer sex in our society.”

STATUS UPDATE FROM THE GRAVE [USA]

A new Facebook app allows users to posthumously update their status with a farewell message or video. The app, If I Die, asks users to record a final status update before they die. They are then required to name three ‘trustees’ whose job it is to verify the death, and if so, post the message. TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

WORLDNEWS

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Beer barons at the 2010 World Cup

FIGHT RIGHT TO PARTY [BRAZIL]

Fifa has insisted that beer must be sold at all venues hosting matches in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. Football’s governing body has said that even though there is a ban on alcohol being sold at stadiums in Brazil, it is fans’ “right” to consume beer during the games. Fifa general secretary Jerome Valcke is not willing to compromise. “Alcoholic drinks are part of the Fifa World Cup, so we’re going to have them. Excuse me if I sound a bit arrogant but that’s something we won’t negotiate,” he said. Alcohol was banned from Brazil sporting events in 2003 to combat violence between rival football fans.

BROKEN BASE JUMP [SOUTH AFRICA]

An American base jumper has broken both his legs after parachuting down Cape Town’s Table Mountain. Jeb Corliss was the former host of The Discovery Channel’s Stunt Junkies, who claims successful jumps from the Golden Gate Bridge and Eiffel Tower as his accomplishments. In 2006 he attempted to jump from the Empire State Building but was stopped by security guards and convicted of reckless endangerment. Friends of the stuntman are not sure what happened, but think it could have been a gust of wind that left Corliss with severe leg injuries. Merle Collins, a spokeswoman for the Table Mountain National Park, told newspaper Cape Times that Corliss did not have permission for the attempt and could in fact face charges. “ He is very lucky to have his life”, Collins added. 28

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Mind the ball: Authorities in Indonesia have taken radical steps to curb the number of people who illegally ride the trains by installing grapefruit-sized concrete balls that hang inches above the top of the carriages to deter those who ride on the roofs of trains. Those who want a free, vantage-point seat on the train will receive a painful blow to the head as the train departs Jakarta.

TASTES LIKE POOP [CHINA]

A Chinese entrepreneur thinks he has found the perfect ingredient for making the world’s most expensive cup of tea – panda poop. Former calligraphy teacher An Yanshi quit his job at Sichuan University to devote all his time to producing an expensive mountain crop of tea. Yanshi purchased 11 tonnes of excrement from a Panda breeding centre to fertilise the harvest which he estimates will make it worth 220,000 yuan ($34,000) for 500 grams. To drive the point home, Yanshi dressed in a Panda suit for his interviews.

AUSSIE ADVENTURERS [ANTARCTICA]

Australian mates James ‘Cas’ Castrission and Justin ‘Jonesy’ Jones have become the first men to travel more than 1,800km unassisted through the Antarctic wilderness. However, despite achieving this massive milestone, their journey is still only partially completed. Cas and Jonesy set out to ski unassisted from the edge of Antarctica to the South Pole, and back, to raise money

for youth cancer campaign ‘You Can’. The pair started the journey in November and need to finish in time to meet the last flight out of Antarctica on January 27. Despite now being world record holders, Jonesy says their mission is by no means complete. “We’ve still got a lot of kilometres to cover to make it in time for that last flight out of Antarctica. Only when we step foot onto that flight will we feel like we have achieved something special,” he said.

MID-AIR FALSE ALARM [USA]

Passengers were alarmed when a recorded message played mid-air told them their plane was about to make an emergency landing in the water. At 3am, travellers on the British Airways flight from Miami to London heard the automated message: “This is an emergency. We will shortly be making an emergency landing on water.” The cabin began to panic as crew tried to assure passengers it was a mistake. Once the plane disembarked, an apology letter from BA was distributed, but passengers say the incident hasn’t been taken seriously.

SPORTNEWS

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Becks turns down PSG

BECKS STICKS WITH GALAXY, FINALLY

THE OTHER PREMIER LEAGUE India is hoping to replicate the massive success of its Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket tournament by starting a new football league, featuring a number of ageing stars. Starting with six teams, the league boasts a number of former big team players who will be auctioned off over the coming months. The names so far include Robbie Fowler, Robert Pires, Fabio Cannavaro, Maniche, Jay-Jay Okocha, Fernando Morientes and Hernan Crespo.

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Gunnar make a comeback? Alex Ferguson has tipped Manchester United’s one-time ‘baby-faced assassin’ Ole Gunnar Solskjær, 38, to one day replace him as Old Trafford boss. While the usual big guns like Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho are repeatedly linked with taking over the Reds when Fergie, 70, finally retires, the Scot himself has said the one-time United dangerman, who just took Norwegian minnows Molde to their first title, has got what it takes. Fergie, who has claimed he will step down in three years time, said: “Yes, he has got a lot going for himself.”

BAGMAN SMASH-UP Cypriot Marcos Baghdatis provided one of the more entertaining moments of the Australian Open’s first few rounds, smashing four of his racquets in succession during a tantrum. The world number 44 lost his cool after dropping his serve in the third set, in a match he went on to lose against 21st seed Stanislas Wawrinka.

RECORD-BREAKING BID FOR ARSENAL Arsene Wenger is believed to be considering smashing Arsenal’s club transfer record by tabling an £18m bid for Newcastle striker Demba Ba. Wenger was originally interested in the Senegalese striker, who’s scored 15 league goals this season, when he was playing in Germany, but was put off by injuries.

ALL EYES ON PSG The new big boys in the European transfer market, Paris St-Germain, have been offered both Fernando Torres and Carlos Tevez, according to the club’s manager Carlo Ancelotti. The French club, newly cashedup thanks to backing from the Qatar Investment Authority, have become the new go-to team for transfer rumours, with Ancelotti doing little to dispel the gossip. He said: “There is a lot of choice for this January market. Do you want the names? Okay, now I tell you the players the agents are offering on the market, officially or not: Carlos Tevez, Fernando Torres, Dimitar Berbatov, Roman Pavlyuchenko, Edinson Cavani, Fernando Llorente.” Torres, who joined Chelsea for £50m just a year ago, is supposedly being offered for just £20m.

Photos: Getty Images

David Beckham has ended months of speculation and signed a new two-year deal with LA Galaxy. Beckham, 36, had been out of contract since December 31 and had been consistently linked with a number of European sides, notably Paris St-Germain, due to the perception the former England captain would need to play at a higher standard to have any chance of making Britain’s Olympic team. However, the 36-year-old decided to stick with the team he joined in 2007, no doubt helped by assurances from GB Olympics coach Stuart Pearce that playing in the MLS would not damage his chances. Becks, who won last season’s MLS with Galaxy, said: “I had many offers from clubs around the world, however, I’m still passionate about playing in America.”

HOTSHOTS

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MARK THOMAS Talks travel photography

WINNER MONTHLY WINNER IN THE BLUE ROOM Ina Scharun, 20, Germany

MARK SAYS: “A beautiful, semi-abstract shot which perfectly capture a diver’s eye view to the surface.”

MONTHLY RUNNER-UP A MODEL SEAGULL Stéphane Michaux, 30, France

RUNNER-UP

MARK SAYS: “Lovely shot utilising differential focus, very reminiscent of the style of Magnum photographer Martin Parr.”

HOT TIPS: Travel shots CAPTURING THE WORLD

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 Monthly winner Ina wins three days car hire from Travellers Auto Barn (travellers-autobarn.com.au). While the monthly runner-up Stéphane wins a Rough Guides book of her choice sent to an Oz or NZ address. roughguides.com

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WIN

Travel photography should be a tale of what you have seen along your journey. Capturing sights and smells can be trickier than you think, but having fun is the main thing. Take your camera everywhere and shoot whatever pops up. Try things that are not typical market shots, everyone gets those; that’s not to say don’t shoot scenes of these kinds but be aware of all the other elements around you. Learn to interact with your environment, get into those nooks, speak to the locals, and ask them to show you something new. Patience is also a key when shooting travel photography. What are you rushing for? Sit in a café for two hours and watch the world go by.

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TRAVELTIPS

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Sunrise on the “Gong”

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ON THE ROAD WITH TRAVEL

TALK RICKY BOUD 27, ENGLAND WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN? I’ve been to Sydney, Brisbane and Townsville.

YOU ASKED FOR IT... WE ANSWER YOUR TRAVEL QUESTIONS

to go to Wollongong, NSW, Q Iinwant the next few months and was wondering what the best surfing beaches were in that area? Gerard Jones, USA

been offered a place at the Q I’ve University in Armidale but I’m a bit skeptical on the town, can you tell me a bit about it? Tina Moore, Scotland

south from Sydney, whether A Heading you drive or catch the train, you will first

it’s a small country town A Although seemingly in the middle of nowhere, don’t

come to Thirroul Beach, which picks up swell from both directions. When the northerly swell is running and the waves get over one metre they’re best conquered by intermediate surfers only. On a sidenote, the writer DH Lawrence lived in Thirroul during his stint in Australia. But back to the waves, moving further south you’ll come to North Wollongong. It’s a pretty family friendly area so beware of kids. Although this is still a better beach break than the main beach of Wollongong City Beach – even the name has no appeal. About a 40-minute drive further will get you to Kiama. Head to Surf Beach, close to the main shopping district. Only 15 minutes further south is Werri Beach where there are point breaks at both ends. Entry may be challenging here for novices as the best way to get in is by hopping off the rocks. The town of Gerrigong is nearby and boasts a backpackers and a beachside campground. Keep on going and you’ll reach the stunning Jervis Bay National Park. Bordering this magnificent landscape is Warrain Beach. Surfing is a huge part of “The Gong’s” ethos, so when you’re out in the ocean, remember to have respect for the locals.

be put off by this town. Armidale is a country town in New South Wales known mostly for its music and education. It is considered a cathedral city, with two 19th century churches built boldly on the highest hills with the surrounding flora changing from green to gold to brown to yellow beautifully throughout the year. The University of New England is the oldest regional university in Australia but it is full of young blood that keeps the party spirit afloat. The uni attracts country kids from rural NSW and is actually considered to have the best campus life in the state. For this reason, the many pubs in the town are constantly full of fancy dressed students. There is a vibrant arts scene thanks to the uni with great student-run theatre productions for locals to enjoy. Check out the New England Regional Art Museum which is said to have displays of ‘erotic and exotic’ art for your viewing pleasure. On the last Sunday of every month there is a market with stalls showcasing the old and new, with rocking music and food alike. Also, don’t forget to head to the surrounding waterfalls, national parks and hiking trails – these are a hit with nature lovers. Happy studying!

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WHY DID YOU COME TO OZ? For the weather, to work and to experience Australian lifestyle. FAVOURITE PLACE IN OZ? Sydney. Such a great city that can offer everything. YOUR FUNNIEST EXPERIENCE? Trying to get to Bundaberg but some how ending up at Bundaberg STREET in Deception Bay – about 400km away from Bundaberg! The lady who offered us a lift back to the train station had a good laugh at us (and you will probably laugh by reading this). MOST MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE? Flying in a little four-seater plane around Magnetic Island, Townsville and then Castle Hill. DONE ANYTHING CRAZY? Not yet but I am going to be doing the great white shark cage dive in Port Lincoln very soon. YOU WISH YOU’D BROUGHT... More money.

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INTO THE BLUE

Unfamiliar with any of the Three Sisters and using a cheap watch as a guide, BARRY JOHNSON became very, very lost. Seeing Australia by bus can be an adventure in itself. The awkward connection times... 3am in Griffith anyone? The awkward conversations, “no, I haven’t seen your pet snake”. But more importantly, the opportunities for stopovers in tiny towns along the way to a larger metropolis. One of these stops is Katoomba, a small and friendly tourist gateway into the Blue Mountains, surrounded by gum tree forests and train lines. Despite not being on first name terms with any of the Three Sisters, I decided to spend a night on the outskirts of town. After arriving at our campsite, I suggested a hike into the forest to watch the sunset from a seemingly nearby ridge. From the non-committal grunts around the campfire I should have known this wasn’t a good idea. Already up the mountain, it all seemed easy. The sunset was spectacular, brilliant red, orange and pink hues dancing over a rapidly darkening blue sky. Getting swept up in watching the last colours twinkle over

the Three Sisters, I suddenly realised I should start back... too late though. Things were going so well until my first stumble. My obsession with carrots wasn’t helping my night vision enough to allow me to navigate a pitch black path covered in canopy. I panicked, shouting “HELP” and “000”. My pleas unanswered except by the imagined serial killers roaming the forest (I was sure I could hear more than one). I turned to my secret weapon – a $5 watch with a tiny blue light bought from a street vendor called Manny (if you’re out there Manny – thanks). Stumbling and tripping my way through forest, grunting with the effort as fresh scratches lined my body, the “lifesaving” watch gave out. Manny, if you’re still reading, I want my $5 back! At this point I lost hope, deciding I wouldn’t escape and would try to sleep on the forest floor, hoping I survived till sunrise unless I was eaten by snakes, spiders and maybe dragons. Resigned to my fate, I actually calmed down. Without my laboured breathing, frantic glances and pounding heartbeat, I could faintly hear running water. My pants were still

awesome AIRLIE

* hel

dry so I knew it wasn’t me – there must be a stream nearby. Reaching the cold, dark water, I wondered whether to return to my forest floor bed or follow the stream. Walking upstream might lead me into a cave filled with bats. But downstream I might be swept into the Pacific Ocean by a raging waterfall. For one last time, I allowed my broken $5 watch to decide my fate. I dropped it into the stream – if it sank, I’d walk upstream. If it floated, I’d follow it downstream. The cheap plastic components bobbed downward but then returned to the surface, gently drifting downstream. I quickly grabbed it, shoving it into my pocket. I knew if I didn’t make it and was eaten by a dragon, at least it might choke on this watch as a final small victory. Wading through knee-high water, I moved quickly in case of crocodiles and piranhas. After 30 minutes, the stream gradually lit up – a reflected light in the distance greeted me. Treading faster toward a porch light, I cautiously shouted hello, waiting for wild dogs to attack or shotgun blasts to light up the forest. Instead a guy in overalls stepped out of the shack and happily offered to drive me back to the campsite. My fear vanished as the campfire returned to view.

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Dot painting ABORIGINAL CULTURE

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Art attack: dreams of dots Dot painting is about more than just creating art that’s good to look at. It offers a glimpse into the world’s oldest continuous culture WORDS XAV JUDD

Last time I was stuck in the middle of nowhere, it was because of my scout leader. He had the notion that standing in a poxy field, singing “Dib, dib, dib, dob, dob, dob” at twilight, and smelling like a smoked haddock on account of the fire, was interesting. All I can say is that if I had had my way, he would have made a bloody good Guy Fawkes! On this occasion, however, surrounded by a raft of yellow-red desert that looks like it should be on the surface of Mars rather than enlivening Alice Springs, I am here to do something a lot more exciting – and rather cultural. Indeed, as soon as I step into the Alice Walker Arts Centre to have a dot-painting lesson, I am blown away by the plethora of imaginative canvases adorning the walls. I HAVE A DREAM My teacher is Marilyn Armstrong, a distinguished Aboriginal elder. Before she puts a paintbrush in my hand, I am given a quick rundown on why this form of art is important in her people’s history. It’s a revelation! Hitherto, I had thought that compositions like Edvard Munch’s The Scream (anxiety) or Picasso’s Guernica (the tragedy of war) embodied mankind’s highest and most meaningful pictorial expression. Yet the metaphysical significance of native Australians’ colourful configurations dwarf this. And all because of Dreamtime, or what we might more readily comprehend as Creation, when sacred beings came either from the Earth’s atmosphere or from underground, in human or animal form, to shape the land, its flora and fauna. For over 60,000 years Aborigines used this epoch-making occurrence to determine their moral and social laws, customs and conventions. The older folks passed it on in fables (or Dreamings) to the younger members of their communities to start their learning and point to how they should behave. Initially, these cultural nuggets of enlightenment were relayed using several types of natural and man-made instruments. These included weapons, rocks, stones, aerial desert landscapes and even bodies – hinging on the tribe and the area of Australia where they came from. By the

early 1970s, Johnny Warangkula and other members of the Papunya Tula School (north-west of Alice Springs) set down a representation of their Dreamings on canvas, as dots. This blew the art world away: not only because these new forms of expression were very beautiful, but also due to the fact that they continued the indigenous peoples’ old-age tradition of embodying the very essence and spirit of their way of life in an illustrative manner. What began as a small craze is now a multi-billion dollar industry. COLOUR CODING So, with all this in mind I had a lot to live up to. And the pressure was telling, especially as the last time I tried to be artistic it involved sticking confetti on my man-boobs with Blu-Tack. Marilyn plonked a 60x60cm canvas in front of me, followed by some tiny pots of acrylic paint that seemed to contain more colours than The Wizard of Oz. There was blood red, sienna brown, azure blue, a fleshy pink and a vibrant yellow that could have graced a cornfield in summer. Surely fun time was about to begin... Of course, as a Westerner, I picked up my brush and began to daub away with the bristles. But in this style of painting, you use the other end of the stick – at least to form the small dots. Eventually a few shapes were emerging even though, with utensil in hand, my strokes seemed to have all the poise and dexterity of a starving caveman clubbing a marsupial. Luckily, Marilyn was über-patient. And she explained that the three earthy brown stripes I’d drawn as circles, enclosed by rows of lily-white marks, were a meeting place: in this case, a campsite. Now I was getting into the swing of things – an orangutan in the treetops had nothing on me. Soon all manner of specks and lines that I had depicted were converging into something meaningful: a blue line of dots (a creek); a pink starfish shape (gum flowers); a trio of thick white arrows (emu tracks); and a couple of egg-shaped light green blobs, that could have been scaled-down versions of my mama’s earrings, were actually bananas. TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

Photos: Thinkstock/Tourism NT

“

Soon all manner of specks and lines were converging into something meaningful

SURREAL SQUIGGLES I’d have to be as drunk as a wasp in a beer keg not to realise that the next slew of images on my masterpiece were in fact oranges; the sun; a river; trees etc. But hold your horses! Like Luke Skywalker under the guidance of Obi-Wan Kenobi in The Empire Strikes Back, this pupil was getting carried away. Fortunately, before I got completely above myself, Marilyn took control of the canvas and, rather than my amateurish squiggles, she came up with something quite surreal. Two, almost moon-shaped, configurations faced each other on either side of the campsite. And do you know what they were? They were Marilyn and me. There’s an argument that, unless it is a self-portrait, an artist should separate himself from his work. Imagine Andy Warhol with his own head stuffed in a Campbell’s tomato soup tin, or Damien Hirst submerged alongside half a sheep in formaldehyde 38

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”

– I wish! But this depiction certainly added something to the composition. Alas, my instruction was nearly at an end. I hoped I’d created a scene as arresting as if Rolf Harris had gone berserk blowing paint through his big fat didgeridoo. But it was not to be. My teacher told me that the types of pigment and meanings of the symbols used in these panoramas vary according to where a tribe or clan is from. Added to this, separate groups of Aborigines could layer the iconography in their pieces with several connotations. Thus it is deeply personal, and largely incomprehensible to the uninitiated. And so I felt extremely lucky to have been let into this other world – one where Bris Vegas: The centuries of culture, society lowdown on the and politics combine in Queensland capital the most illuminating of artistic expressions. ❚

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Yosemite National Park CALIFORNIA, USA

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Taking a walk on the wild side Worship the great outdoors in a Californian park full of gushing waterfalls, ancient trees and soaring peaks, plus one or two bears WORDS ALISON GRINTER

From the majestic trees which reach for the sky to the vast alpine meadows and towering granite cliffs where waterfalls thunder through spring and early summer, everything about Yosemite National Park is immense. The bears are probably huge too, judging by the ‘replica’ we spy in the gift shop when we arrive in the park’s main thoroughfare, Yosemite Valley. I really hope we don’t see any. At 3,000km², Yosemite is huge, the same size as Rhode Island in fact. It’s beautiful too. Photographer Ansell Adams made it his life’s work to capture the park’s dramatic beauty. With only a day to explore we will only be covering a fraction of Yosemite’s ground, but at least we have our very own park ranger, Kari Cobb, to help us make the most of our time here. Cobb came to Yosemite as a tourist six years ago, fell in love with the place and quickly became part of the furniture (a picture of her meeting Arnold “the governator” Schwarzenegger hangs in her office).

GETTING THERE: The journey from San Francisco to Yosemite National Park takes about four hours by car. GETTING AROUND: Selfdrive is the best way to get around California. GOING OUT: A beer will set you back around US$5. Expect to pay more for boutique beers. ACCOMMODATION: The Bug is a sprawling, relaxed backpacker hostel just outside Mariposa (yosemitebug.com). For something a little bit more luxurious try Tenayaa Lodge, a mountain resort just outside Yosemite’s southern gate (tenyalodge.com). INFO: yosemitepark.com

POWER RANGER She leads us through Cook’s Meadow, a lovely grassy vista only a short walk from Yosemite Valley. Farmers once let their cows and sheep graze here, Cobb tells us, but the farm animals were kicked out in 1890 when Yosemite became a national park after prolonged lobbying by famous naturalist John Muir. From here we can see the majestic Half Dome, the broken monolith which dominates the skyline. “But only 20 per cent of it is missing,” says Cobb. “I don’t know why we don’t call it the 80 cent dome.” Probably because “80 per cent Dome” doesn’t have much of a ring to it I want to tell her, but don’t. “The summit of the Half Dome will never be trodden by foot,” a guidebook declared in 1868. Ha, if only he could

see the ant-like figures crawling over it now. Like all of Yosemite’s striking rock formations, it’s a magnet for climbers and hikers. From here we can also see the rusty watermark of Yosemite Falls – the highest waterfall in North America, and sixth highest in the world, though it’s not flowing this late in the season. This is also the place to see bobcats and mountain lions in winter, Cobb informs us. Suddenly bears don’t seem quite so scary after all. BEAR ESSENTIALS

Actually, it comes as a relief to discover the bears living in Yosemite are black bears, not grizzlies, and are not particularly huge or scary. But they can be pesky little varmints, conducting night-time ght-time raids on campsites when they get the munchies. ies. Their keen sense of smell can penetrate etrate almost anything, ng, so woe betide the camper who ho hasn’t stored their food properly in a bear-resistant canister or one e of the big metal food lockers kers we TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

ALTERNATIVE FRISCO

“

This is the place to see mountain lions – suddenly bears don’t seem quite so scary

”

THE CITY THAT’S MORE THAN A BRIDGE Land’s End and The Sutro Baths: These 19th century baths might have fallen into ruin but this regenerated coastal area still makes for a lovely day out. There’s a manageable coastal hike from where you can enjoy stunning views before installing yourself in the historical, family-style restaurant, The Cliff House (cliffhouse.com), famous for seafood. Local man John Martini offers informative walking tours of the area (cliffhouse.com/history/Johns_Walk.html) and can provide a commentary on the many shipwrecks, as well as San Fran’s famous sea lions. California Academy of Sciences: Housed in a state-ofthe-art, earthquake-resistant, eco-friendly (with a living roof!) structure, the California Academy of Sciences (calacademy.org) combines the best elements of a natural history museum with aquarium, planetarium and a world class research facility. The fun and fascination starts in the entrance with an enclosure housing Claude the albino alligator, but the highlight is watching the resident African penguins – bred here for 27 years – at feeding time. Foodie Heaven: California is renowned for its production of local, seasonal foods. In San Fran, visit the farmers’ market in the Ferry Building on the Embarcadero for locally produced wines, cheeses, olive oils, macaroons and more. It’s also the place to get an organic, Fairtrade, micro-roasted, single-origin, cappuccino. While in the area, taste some bleeding edge local cuisine at Epic Roasthouse (epicroasthousesf.com).

LINGER LONGER IN MARIPOSA

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Photos: TNT Images/Alison Grinter

Blink and you’ll miss the sweet little town of Mariposa as you pass through it on your way to Yosemite National Park. But this former goldmining hub, named after the Spanish word for “butterfly”, is full of character and well worth a closer look. The domestic artefacts and mining equipment on show at the Mariposa Museum & History Center (mariposamuseum.com) provide some insight into the hardships faced by those who flocked to the area to seek their fortunes in the early 1900s, and the town’s charming county courthouse is the oldest in continuous use west of the Rocky Mountains. There’s also some quirky gift and antiques shops and a handful of good eateries (try Butterfly Café’s homemade burgers). The town also makes a good base from which to explore the park. If you’re looking to stay overnight here, you could do worse than classic all-American motel, the Miner’s Inn (yosemiteminersinn.com).

see dotted around campsites. Bears view cars as “big lunchboxes,” Cobb tells us, and they have been known to smash through vehicle windows for a single Twinkie. It’s actually a big problem from a conservation point of view because the more human food bears eat, the less wild they are. But while they have been known to demolish a family station wagon, no human has ever been mauled by a bear in Yosemite, Cobb says. You’re more likely to get killed by a deer. SEQUOIA DREAMING A staggering four million visitors tramp through Yosemite each year, and most of them don’t bother to venture outside the seven-mile-long Yosemite Valley, which is surprisingly built-up with hotels, shops, a post office, a courthouse and jail, and a theatre (well, the staff who live here need something to do in their spare time). From here we are put in a car and whisked to Glacier Point, 975m above Yosemite Valley. Amazing, heartstopping views of the Half Dome and the High Sierra stretch out in front of us. It’s such a peaceful scene and yet Yosemite’s name has violent origins. The term “Yohhe’meti” literally means “among them are killers” and was used by Native American tribe the Miwoks to describe their murderous rivals. Travelling further we reach Mariposa Grove, home to the mighty Sequoia trees. Their trunks can grow to 7m thick. The most awe-inspiring is the Grizzly Giant, an enormous ancient tree the size of a jumbo which is estimated to be between 1,900-2,400 years old and has a base diameter of 9.1m. It’s incredible to think this tree dates roughly back to the time Jesus was born. City slickers: Like everything Herding cattle on a else in Yosemite, Uruguayan ranch it’s enough to blow your mind. ❚

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CRUISE THROUGH SUMMER WITH QUALITY CAMPERS & CARS BREEZER HIRE

ECONOMY MY CAR

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S S O R C KINGS RKET A M R A C NT BUY, SELL & RE WE ARE HERE s "59).' 3%,,).' 2%.4).'. Good selection of Cars, Wagons, Vans & Campervans. 7$ 30%#)!,)343. Over 50 vehicles in stock with up to 50% BUY BACK. All with camping gear. s All vehicles for sale have a Government approved Roadworthy Certiﬁcate (Pink Slip) issued by ).$%0%.$%.4 -%#(!.)#3, not company employees like most car dealers. s &2%% information with tips for buying, selling and travelling. Transfer & Registration forms for all States. s &2%% Advice on Registrations, Transfers, which States are cheapest/easiest to Transfer and Register. s &2%% 12 Months Australia Wide Warranty (guaranteee) with (2 2/!$3)$% !33)34!.#% available on most vehicles.* NOT a 5000km warranty which gets you about 25% of your way around Australia. *Conditions apply

INSURANCE CE FREECALL: LL 1800 808 188 We sell the only known ‘No Excess’ 3rd Party Property Insurance available to travellers from $230* For 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 12 months. Insurance available even if you buy a car from another place and without you having to tell lies to get it.

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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. 13 34 10, premierms.com.au

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

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

Hippie Camper 1800 777 779, hippiecamper.com

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

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

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

LORD HOWE ISLAND While it may not cost you a fortune once you’re there, the $1,000-plus price tag attached to a return flight to this stunningly remote volcanic isle, technically a part of New South Wales, will most likely put most of you off. However, if a chance to visit comes your way, jump at it. A two-hour flight from Sydney or Brisbane will get you to the World Heritage-listed Pacific paradise where you’ll find turquise lagoons surrounded by the world’s most southerly coral reef. It’s also the first Aussie territory to catch a glimpse of the sun each day. lordhoweisland.info

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NSWLISTINGS SYDNEY STAY Base Sydney 477 Kent St. CBD. 02 9267 7718, stayatbase.com Big Hostel 212 Elizabeth St. CBD. 02 9267 7718, bighostel.com Bounce Budget Hotel 28 Chalmers St. CBD. 02 9281 2222, bouncehotel.com.au Easy Go Backpackers 752 George St. CBD. 02 9211 0505, easygobackpackers.com.au City Resort Hostel 103-105 Palmer St. Woolloomooloo 02 9357 3333, cityresort.com.au Sydney Central YHA 11 Rawson Place. CBD. 02 9218 9000 Sydney Harbour YHA 110 Cumberland Street. The Rocks. 02 9261 1111, yha.com.au

Avalon Beach Hostel 59 Avalon Pde, Avalon Beach. 02 9918 9709, avalonbeach.com.au Bondi YHA 63 Fletcher Street. Tamarama. 02 9365 2088, yha.com.au Lamrock Lodge 19 Lamrock Ave. Bondi. 02 9130 5063, lamrocklodge.com Lochner’s Guesthouse 8 Gowrae Ave. Bondi. 02 9387 2162, Aegean Coogee Lodge 40 Coogee Bay Rd. Coogee. 04 0817 6634, aegeancoogee.com.au Coogee Beachside 178 Coogee Bay Rd, Coogee. 02 9315 8511, sydneybeachside.com.au

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

Surfside Backpackers 186 Arden Street. Coogee. 02 9315 7888, surfsidebackpackers.com.au

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

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

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

Boardrider Backpacker Rear 63, The Corso, Manly. 02 9977 3411 boardrider.com.au

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

The Bunkhouse 35 Pine St, Manly. 1800 657 122, bunkhouse.com.au

follow us on 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 Oceanworld Manly West Esplanade. oceanworld.com.au Powerhouse Museum Darling Harbour. powerhousemuseum.com.au Skydive the Beach Wollongong. skydivethebeach.com Sydney Observatory The Rocks. sydneyobservatory.com.au Sydney Olympic Park Darling Harbour. sydneyolympicpark.nsw. gov.au Sydney Tower and Skytour 100 Market St, CBD. sydneyskytour.com.au Sydney Harbour Bridge The Rocks. bridgeclimb.com

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

SYDNEY MUSIC Hordern Pavillion playbillvenues.com Oxford Art Factory oxfordartfactory.com Sydney Opera House sydneyoperahouse.com The Annandale annandalehotel.com The Basement thebasement.com.au The Enmore enmoretheatre.com.au The Gaelic Hotel thegaelic.com The Metro metrotheatre.com.au

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

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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

BYRON BAY Backpackers Holiday Village 116 Jonson St 1800 350 388, byronbaybackpackers.com.au Backpackers Inn 29 Shirley St 1800 817 696, backpackersinnbyronbay.com.au Byron Bay Accom 02 6680 8666, byronbayaccom.net The Arts Factory 1 Skinners Shoot Rd. 02 6685 7709, nomadshostels.com Nomads Byron Bay Lawson Lane. 1800 666 237, nomadshostels.com Byron Bay YHA 7 Carlyle St. 1800 678 195, yha.com.au

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

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

SYDNEY 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).

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

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

Gallery of Modern Art Stanley Pl, South Bank. 07 3840 7303, qag.qld.gov.au

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

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

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

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

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

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

CSI EXPERIENCE

Brisbane City Apartments 1800 110 443, brisbanecityapartments.com

The Piazza. Until Wed, Feb 29. $22.50. If the CBS crime show is your scene, then this interactive exhibition, in which you can test your investigative skills, will be right up your street.

BRISBANE MUSIC

Surfers Paradise

Brisbane City Backpackers 380 Upper Roma St 1800 062 572, citybackpackers.com Brisbane City YHA 392 Upper Roma St, 07 3236 1947, yha.com.au Chill Backpackers 328 Upper Roma St. 1800 851 875, chillbackpackers.com Bunk Backpackers Cnr Ann & Gipps Sts, Fortitude Valley. 1800 682 865, bunkbrisbane.com.au

The Deck Budget Accommodation 117 Harcourt Street, New Farm. 04 3377 7061 Tinbilly Travellers Cnr George and Herschel Sts. 1800 446 646, tinbilly.com

The Hi-Fi thehifi.com.au

csisurfersparadise.com

Gold Coast International BP 28 Hamilton Ave, Surfers Paradise. 1800 816 300, goldcoastbackpackers.com.au Islander Backpackers Resort 6 Beach Rd, Surfers Paradise. 1800 074 393, islander.com.au Sleeping Inn Surfers 26 Peninsular Dr, Surfers Paradise. 1800 817 832, sleepinginn.com.au

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

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

X and Y Bar xandybar.com.au

BRISBANE DO

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

GOLD COAST

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

Aquarius Backpackers 44 Queen St, Surfers Paradise. 1800 22 99 55, aquariusbackpackers. com.au

Surf â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;nâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Sun Beachside Backpackers 3323 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise. 1800 678 194, surfnsun-goldcoast.com

Lone Pine Koala Santuary 708 Jesmond Rd, Fig Tree Pocket. 07 3378 1366, koala.net

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

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

CASA CENTRAL

Petersham Guest House

ACCOMMODATION

o 250 meters to Central station at 11 Regent Street Chippendale o Free wireless internet o Share a room with one other person $35.00 per night o 5 minutes walk to China town, WestďŹ eld shopping centre o Free laundry facilities with clothes lines for drying by the sun o Roof top terrace/balcony including a BBQ o Most rooms are either single or two share. There are 2 four and three bed rooms o Being a small hostel with a total of 38 people there is no waiting for amenities

/@3 2=@;A 53BB7<5 G=C 2=E<BVS\ Q][S aZSS^ eWbV ca BVS ^ZOQS b] abOg W\ AgR\Sg AcPc`Pa

23 Brighton Street, Petersham 2]cPZS `]][ " ^ eSSY BeW\ `]][ " ^ eSSY AW\UZS `]][ ^ eSSY 3\acWbS `]][ ! ^ eSSY

o All new appliances and linen 100% cotton o Opposite a cafĂŠ for cappuccinos

[Sb`Sa b] Pca O\R b`OW\ # [W\cbSa T`][ 1Wbg QS\b`S

CASA CENTRAL ACCOMMODATION

CALL 0404 246 003

Phone Con

0414 450 273 23 Brighton Street, Petersham

TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

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

GC DO Dreamworld Theme park. dreamworld.com.au Get Wet Surf School 07 5532 9907 Seaworld seaworld.com.au Wet ‘n’ Wild Water World wetnwild.myfun.com.au

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

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

Warener Bros Movie World movieworld.com.au Zorb Adrenalin rolling. 07 5547 6300

SUNSHINE CST Mooloolaba Backpackers 75-77 Brisbane Rd, Mooloolaba. 1800 020 120 mooloolababackpackers.com Dolphins Beach House 14-16 Duke Street, Noosa 1800 454 456, dolphinsbeachhouse.com Nomads Noosa 44 Noosa Dr, Noosa Heads. 1800 666 237, nomadshostels.com

HERVEY BAY Aussie Woolshed 181 Torquay Road. 07 4124 0677 woolshedbackpackers.com Colonial Village YHA 820 Boat Harbour Drive. 07 4125 1844, yha.com.au Fraser Roving 412 The Esplanade. 1800 989 811, fraserroving.com.au

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

Emus Beach Resort 88 of Patterson St, Emu Park. 07 4939 6111, emusbeachresort.com Myella Farmstay Baralaba. 07 4998 1290, myella.com

AIRLIE BEACH

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

airliebeach.com 259 Shute Harbour Rd. 1800 677 119

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

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

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

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

Northside Backpackers 12 Queen St. 07 4154 1166

Airlie Waterfront Backpackers 6 The Esplanade. 1800 089 000, airliewaterfront.com

Bundaberg Bondstore Distillery tours. 07 4131 2999 bundabergrum.com.au

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

BUNDABERG

TOWN OF 1770

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

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

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

1770 Undersea Adventures 1300 553 889, 1770underseaadventures.com

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ROCKHAMPTON

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Base Airlie Beach Resort 336 Shute Harbour Rd. 1800 242 273, stayatbase.com Magnums Whitsunday Village Resort 366 Shute Harbour Rd. 1800 624 634 magnums.com.au

Yongala Dive Yongala diving. 07 4783 1519, yongaladive.com.au

MAGNETIC ISL Base Magnetic Island 1 Nelly Bay Rd. 1800 24 22 73, stayatbase.com Bungalow Bay Backpackers Horseshoe Bay. 1800 285 577, bungalowbay.com.au Magnums 7 Marine Pde, Arcadia Bay. 1800 663 666, magnetic-island.com/arc-rsrt.htm Pleasure Divers 07 4778 5788

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MISSION BEACH Absolute Backpackers 28 Wongaling Beach Road. 07 4068 8317, absolutebackpackers.com.au Scotty’s Beach House 167 Reid Rd. 07 4068 8676, scottysbeachhouse.com.au

INNISFAIL Innisfail Budget Backpackers Worker’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 Gilligans Backpackers and Hotel Resort 57-89 Grafton St. 1800 556 995, gilligans.com.au JJ’s Backpackers Hostel 11 Charles St. 07 4051 7642, jjsbackpackers.com NJOY Travellers Resort Harbour 141 Sheridan St. 1800 807 055, njoy.net.au Nomads Beach House 239 Sheridan St. 1800 229 228, nomadshostels.com Nomads Cairns 341 Lake St. 1800 737 736, nomadshostels.com Nomads Esplanade 93 The Esplanade. 1800 175 716, nomadshostels.com

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

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

DAINTREE Koala Beach Resort Cape Kimberly Rd. 1800 466 444

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

WORD FROM THE STREET

heart of the reef Airlie Beach QUEENSLAND 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.

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 ‒ an awesome day out on the water!r! $139*pp SAVE $36

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

HEY DIANA. SO, WHERE’VE YOU BEEN IN QLD? “I did a roadtrip from Cairns to Sydney and dived the Great Barrier Reef, then went rafting at Mission Beach, sailed the Whitsundays, camped on Fraser Island and spent some time in Brisbane.” GOT A FAVOURITE DAY SPOT? “Whitehaven Beach in the Whitsundays. I have never seen such white sand!” HOW ABOUT AFTER DARK? “Surfers Paradise. Dress up and have heaps of fun dancing in the hottest clubs along the main road.”

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

info@awesomeoz.com

www.awesomeoz.com

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

TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

TNT625- AAO2765

Diana Zoi, Germany

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BOOK NOW!

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

BOOK NOW!

The Greenhouse Backpacker Level 6, 228 Flinders Lane. 1800 249 207, greenhousebackpacker.com.au Habitat HQ 333 St Kilda Road, St Kilda. 1800 202 500, habitathq.com.au Home at the Mansion 66 Victoria Parade. 03 9663 4212, homemansion.com.au

PROFESSOR GREEN

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

Festival Hall. Wed, Mar 7. $79.90. Catch the rising UK rap star as he tours the country supporting Jessie J and playing the Future Music Festival.

300 Dudley St, Melbourne

MELBOURNE STAY All Nations Backpackers Hotel & Bar 2 Spencer St. 1800 222 238, allnations.com.au Base Melbourne 17 Carlisle St, St. Kilda. 1800 242 273, stayatbase.com

ticketmaster.com.au

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

Hotel Bakpak Melbourne 167 Franklin St. 1800 645 200, hotelbakpak.com Melbourne Central YHA 562 Flinders St. 03 9621 2523, yha.com.au Nomads Melbourne 198 Aâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;beckett St. 1800 447 762, nomadshostels.com

MARK THOMAS Trades Hall. Thurs, Mar 29 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Sun, Apr 22. $25. The man who loves nothing more than a bit of social protest mixed in with his comedy is bringing his Extreme Rambling show Down Under.

54 Victoria St, Melbourne Space Hotel 380 Russell St. 1800 670 611, spacehotel.com.au The Spencer 475 Spencer St. 1800 638 108, hotelspencer.com Urban Central 334 City Rd, Southbank. 1800 631 288, urbancentral.com.au

ticketmaster.com.au

MELBOURNE DO Australian Centre for the Moving Image Federation Square. 03 8663 2200, acmi.net.au Melbourne Aquarium Cnr of Flinders St & King St. 03 9923 5999, melbourneaquarium.com.au

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 50

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MELB MUSIC Cherry Bar myspace.com/cherrybarmelbourne

DONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T MISS!

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

AUSTRALIA VS INDIA MCG. Fri, Feb 3. From $30. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve destroyed them in the Test series and now the Aussies will be hoping to continue their dominance against India in the Twenty20.

Brunton Ave, Melbourne

Melbourne Cricket Ground Brunton Av. 03 9657 8888 mcg.org.au Melbourne Museum 11 Nicholson St, Carlton. 13 11 02 melbourne.museum.vic.gov.au

ticketek.com.au

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

THE AUSTRALIAN OPEN

The Tote thetotehotel.com

Federation Square. 7.30pm Sat, Jan 28 & Sun, Jan 29. Free. Avoid the massive ticket prices for the Aussie Open finals and head to Fed Square to watch them, for free, with the crowds on a big screen.

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

Flinders St, Melbourne

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

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

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

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

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

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

fedsquare.com

Torquay Foreshore Caravan Park 35 Bell St, Torquay. 1300 736 533, torquaycaravanpark.com.au

MORNINGTON Bayplay Lodge 46 Canterbury Jetty Rd, Blairgowrie. 03 5988 0188, bayplay.com.au

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

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FITZROY This edgy little suburb in Melbourne boasts a higher density of pubs than anywhere else in the state. If thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not reason enough to stay, the street art (pictured), bookshops, cafĂŠ culture and alternative music venues will keep you amused by day and long into the night. Brunswick Street is where youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll find most of the action and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best to follow your nose and discover the suburb in your own time.

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^^^ TLSIV\YULH\Z[YHSPH[V\YZ JVT H\ TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

Fed up of carrying around heavy guidebooks? Then TNT has the answer We’ve just published our 2012 Independent Traveller’s Guide to Australia, New Zealand and Fiji. It’s free, it’s online and it’s full of tips on where to go, what to do and how to find work. FIJI W ZEALAND & AUSTRALIA NE

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

T THE INDEPENDEN

UIDE TRAVELLERS' G JI

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

2012

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

ZEALAND & FI AUSTRALIA, NEW

A Product UK £9.95 WHERE SOLD

tntdownunder.com

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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

GIPPSLAND Prom Country Backpackers 03 5682 2614

Rawsom Caravan Park Depot Rd, Rawson. 03 5165 3439, rawsoncaravanpark.com.au

PHILLIP ISLAND

VICLISTINGS WORD FROM THE STREET

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 St, Echuca. 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

Noor Hendriks, The Netherlands Gâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;DAY NOOR. SEEN MUCH OF VICTORIA? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Well, I have travelled my way down here from Queensland, staying in hostels and at campsites.â&#x20AC;? GOT A FAVOURITE PLACE? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Lorne, on the Great Ocean Road. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a very picturesque and lovely town. You should check out the beach there, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s beautiful.â&#x20AC;? FIND ANY OF VICTORIAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S SECRETS? â&#x20AC;&#x153;We had the best time in some random clubs in Sale in Gippsland. They had friendly people and good music. They just made us feel like drinking!â&#x20AC;?

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

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

CHECK OUT!

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 Blue Galah Backpackers Lvl 1, 52-62, King William St. 08) 8231 9295, bluegalah.com.au Glenelg Beach Hostel 5-7 Moseley St. Glenelg. 1800 359 181, glenelgbeachhostel.com.au

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

CRUSH FESTIVAL Adelaide Hills. Sun, Jan 29. Free. Catch the best of the region’s food and wine, as well as music, fashion and art, at various events throughout the area.

30 mins from Adelaide

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

crushfestival.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

RIVERLAND Berri Backpackers Sturt Highway, Berri. 08 8582 3144, berribackpackers.com.au Harvest Trail Lodge Loxton.08 8584 5646, harvesttrail.com.au

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

THE LIMESTONE COAST The locals joke that this section of South Australia took 26 million years in the making. In fact, the Limestone Coast was formed over millions of years by tonnes of marine life falling to the sea floor. The Limestone Coast is book-ended by rivers – the Murray River and the Glenelg River – and is the only area in the state to be on the World Heritage List. The mysterious Blue Lake in Mount Gambier forms part of the Volcanic Discovery Trail and is the water aquifier system that sustains the region’s outstanding food and wine production.

TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

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BOOK NOW!

One World Backpackers 162 Aberdeen St, Northbridge. 1800 188 100, oneworldbackpackers.com.au

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

THE MOUNTAIN GOATS

PERTH DO

The Bakery. Tues, May 1. $42. Catch the critically-acclaimed indie Americans bring last year’s All Eternals Deck tunes Down Under for a six-date tour.

233 James St, Perth

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

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

moshtix.com.au Emperor’s Crown 85 Stirling St, Northbridge. 1800 991 553, emperorscrown.com.au Globe Backpackers & City Oasis Resort 561 Wellington St. 08 9321 4080, globebackpackers.com.au Ocean Beach Backpackers 1 Eric St, Cottlesloe. 08 9384 5111, oceanbeachbackpackers.com.au

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

DES BISHOP Astor Theatre. Thur, May 3 – Sat, May 5. $39.90. After a series of shows at the Melbourne festival, the Irish-American comedian takes his ‘Likes To Bang’ gig to the Perth Comedy Festival.

659 Beaufort St, Mt Lawley

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

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

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

EL QUESTRO Made famous for being a star location in Baz Luhrmann’s film Australia, the privately-owned El Questro Wilderness Park, in the eastern Kimberley, is just under one million acres in size. El Questro boasts several major river systems – from fresh water springs to saltwater estuaries in the northern part of the property, as well as the awesome Zebedee Thermal Springs and Emma Gorge (pictured).

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

bocsticketing.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

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

TASLISTINGS

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

BOOK NOW!

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

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

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

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

DEVONPORT

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

V8 SUPERCARS TASMANIA CHALLENGE

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

Symmons Plains Raceway. Fri, Mar 30 – Sun, Apr 1. From $47. Petrol-heads will not want to miss this high octane three-day leg of the Aussie V8 championship calendar.

HOBART DO

Midland Hwy, Perth

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 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

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

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

LAUNCESTON DO Cataract Gorge

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

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

CRADLE MTN Discovery Holiday Parks Cradle Mountain Rd. 1800 068 574, discoveryholidayparks.com.au Mt Roland Budget Backpacker Rooms 1447 Claude Rd, Gowrie Park. 03 6491 1385.

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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

TASMAN PENINSULA The Tasman Peninsula sits on the south-east corner of Tassie and is a sparsely-populated wilderness area. What most people overlook is the unspoilt Far South – with Antarctic winds whistling across lonely beaches. It’s a great spot for those “finding yourself” moments. Nearby Bruny Island is a favourite with the locals offering seafood, surfing, penguin watching and bushwalking.

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DARWIN STAY

KATHERINE STAY

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

DON’T MISS!

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

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

ALICE DO Alice Springs Desert Park Larapinta Drive. 08 8951 8788, alicespringsdesertpark.com.au

KATHERINE DO

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

DARWIN DO

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

DARWIN BEER CAN REGATTA Mindil Beach. Sun, July 15. Free. Try to time your visit to see this hilarious event. Hardy souls try not to think about crocs as they hit the water (and sink) in homemade boats.

Darwin

beercanregatta.org.au

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

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

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

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

Royal Flying Doctor Service Base Museum and operations room. Stuart Terrace. 08 8952 1129, flyingdoctor.net

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

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

WORD FROM THE STREET

Jackie Pandalon, England HEY JACKIE. WHERE’VE YOU BEEN IN THE NT? “Well, I lived in Darwin for a bit, so I know the city pretty well and have explored around the Top End a bit as well.” GOT A FAVOURITE PLACE? “Darwin is amazing because it’s warm all the time and it’s the gateway to Kakadu National Park. I also went to Litchfield National Park a lot because it’s a bit closer than Kakadu. I definitely didn’t need my hair straighteners though, it’s so damn humid!” COME ACROSS MUCH WILDLIFE? “I hadn’t even seen a crocodile so it was pretty amazing when I saw one in a billabong in Kakadu. They are massive!”

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WIN big with WIN four passes to WOMADelaide One lucky reader will win a four-day pass for themselves and three mates for the 2012 WOMADelaide Festival. One of the biggest world music festivals on the planet, this Adelaide event will take over the city from March 9-12. Entries close: Sunday, February 5th

WIN Moonlight Cinema Tickets We’ve got together with our favourite open air cinema season – Moonlight Cinema – to offer you guys an absolute stack of tickets. Catch films, both new and classic, under the stars in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide or Perth. Entries close: Monday, February 20th

WIN an iPhone solar charger Are you ever desperate to charge your phone but can’t find a plug? We are, especially when out on the road, which is why we’ve got hold of these excellent solar iPhone and iPod chargers to give away to you. Entries close: Monday, February 20th

WIN a double pass to Creamfields Fancy a free ticket to see David Guetta, the world’s most in-demand DJ, when he heads Down Under? Well, we can help you do just that. We’ve teamed up with Creamfields to offer two of you a double pass. Entries close: Monday, April 2nd

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BUS TOURS

AUCKLAND

BOOK NOW!

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

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

Flying Kiwi Wilderness Expeditions 1800 143 515, flyingkiwi.com

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

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

RAGGAMUFFIN FESTIVAL

Stray +64 9309 8772, straytravel.com

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

Rotorua International Stadium. Jan 27-28. From NZ$119. This year’s NZ Big Day Out festival will be the last, but the Raggamuffin Festival is going strong. Catch Cornerstone Roots, Katchafire and more. Devon St West, Rotorua

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

eventfinder.co.nz

Central City Backpackers 26 Lorne St. +64 9358 5685, backpacker.net.nz City Garden Lodge 25 St Georges Bay Rd, Parnell. +64 9302 0880

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, wickedcampers.com

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

Backpacking just got easy as.

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 Surf ‘n’ Snow Backpackers 102 Albert St. +64 9363 8889, surfandsnow.co.nz The Brown Kiwi (BBH) 7 Prosford St, Ponsonby. +64 9378 0191, brownkiwi.co.nz YHA Auckland City Cnr City Rd & Liverpool St. +64 9309 2802, yha.co.nz YHA Auckland International 5 Turner St. +64 9302 8200, yha.co.nz

WELLINGTON

Kiwi International Queen St Hotel and Hostel 411 Queen St. 0800 100 411, kiwihotel.co.nz

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

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

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

WHEN YOU

JOIN YHA

yha.co.nz

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

BOOK NOW!

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

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

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

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

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

QUEENSTOWN

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

REAL ESTATE

Wellywood Backpackers 58 Tory St. 0508 00 58 58

Kings Arms Tavern, Auckland. Thurs, March 15. NZ$40. Invest in some quality music as the boys from New Jersey tour New Zealand. Their sweet, melodic pop is said to infatuate audiences.

Worldwide Backpackers (BBH) 291 The Terrace. +64 4802 5590, worldwidenz.co.nz YHA Wellington City 292 Wakefield St. +64 4801 7280

59 France St South, Auckland

undertheradar.co.nz

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

Alpine Lodge (BBH) 13 Gorge Rd. +64 3442 7220, alpinelodge@xtra.co.nz

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

Aspen Lodge (BBH) 11 Gorge 11 Gorge Rd. +64 3442 9671, aspenlodge.co.nz

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

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

Queenstown Lodge Sainsbury Rd, Fernhill. 0800 756 343, queenstownlodge.co.nz

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

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

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

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

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

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

YHA Queenstown Central 48A Shotover Street. +64 3442 7400, yha.co.nz

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

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

Marine Backpackers 26 Nayland St. +64 3326 6609, themarine.co.nz

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

YHA Queenstown Lakefront 8890 Lake Esplanade. +64 3442 8413, yha.co.nz

CHRISTCHURCH

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

ABEL TASMAN NATIONAL PARK Although this is the smallest of the many national parks in New Zealand, it is ideally located right at the top of the South Island which gives it a tempered climate all year round. There is a world famous coastal track to leisurely walk and plenty of golden sandy beaches along the way to explore or stop at for a refreshing dip. If you are looking to avoid the human species in your search for New Zealand wildlife, then there is also a less frequented inland track. Sea kayaking and sailing are popular past times and sometimes may be the only way to reach a secluded beach obscured by the many magnificent granite outcrops. There are plenty of walking and kayaking combinations to keep visitors enthralled for days. Don’t forget your camping equipment, as even while there is accommodation available, sleeping under the stars is the best way to experience the spirit of the Abel Tasman.

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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

MAMANUCA ISL Beachcomber Island Resort +679 666 1500, beachcomberfiji.com Bounty Island Resort +679 666 6999, fiji-bounty.com

NORTH VITI LEVU

Tabukula Beach Bungalows +679 650 0097, fiji4less.com

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

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

Macdonalds Beach Cottages +679 669 4633

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

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

Kuata Resort +679 666 6644

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

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

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

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

Vilisite Place +679 650 1030

Long Beach Backpackers Resort +679 666 6644 Manta Ray Island +679 672 6351 mantarayisland@connect.com.fj

CORAL COAST

Volivoli Beach Resort +679 669 4511, volivoli.com

VANUA LEVU

SUVA

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

Beachouse +679 653 0500, fijibeachouse.com

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

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

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

Mango Bay Resort +679 653 00690, mangobayresortfiji.com

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

Robinson Crusoe +679 629 1999, robinsoncrusoeislandfiji.com

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

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

Octopus Resort +679 666 6337 reservations@octopusresort.com Sunrise Lagoon Resort +679 666 6644 Wayalailai Island Resort +679 672 1377 wayalailai@connect.com.fj White Sandy Beach Dive Resort +679 666 4066

Seashell Cove Resort +679 670 6100, seashellresort.com

TAVEUNI

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

Albert’s Sunrise +679 333 7555

Tailevu Hotel +679 343 0028

Matava Resort +679 330 5222

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

OVALAU ISLAND Ovalau is a sexy island in the Lomaiviti Group, bang in the middle of Fiji’s traditional heartland. It’s a little 100 square metres of island and is surrounded by tropical coral reef. 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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Serving the masses If you think that drinking is an expensive form of entertainment in Australia, then working in a bar could be win-win for you... Getting a job in a bar doesn’t mean giving up your life. It’s a great way to earn cash while not having to get too serious. On the downside, bartenders are usually forced to forgo all those pub crawls in the city with their mates. But on the plus-side, bartenders are entitled to what they refer to as “staffies”. In English: free drinks. Most owners allow this, but it’s up to their discretion as to how generous they are. Oh, and don’t forget, you’ll get a fairly decent wage. Bar workers get around $20/hr with penalties (usually timeand-a-half) after midnight and Sundays if you’re a casual employee. Tips vary from bar to bar and can be as little as none if you’re in a little pub or up to $200 per shift if you’re in a top-notch cocktail bar or nightclub. If you’ve had no experience with bartending, then it’s best to start at the quieter pubs where training will be provided on the job. There are one-day bar courses you can

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attend, but the best way to learn is by diving in head first. Before you walk into a pub with your résumé, make sure you’ve got your Responsible Service of Alcohol Certificate (RSA). That’s a qualification most people will need before they can work with alcohol. It only takes a day to get and costs about $65-75. But beware, it often only applies to the state where you do the training. The best way to get a bar job is to walk in and speak to a manager. Experience isn’t mandatory, it’s personality that will seal the deal. Trying to keep that personality up when you’re dealing with piss-heads is another story... If you work in a clothing store, you’re expected to wear the clothes, and in bars, once you finish your shift, you’re expected to drink. And there’s nothing more satisfying than that first sip of alcohol after you’ve clocked off – it really feels like you’ve earned it.

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INTERVIEW WITH A HOTEL WORKER everything from folding sheets and towels, serving breakfast at 5am, mixing cocktails, cleaning rooms and helping manage the restaurant during the rush. How did you land the job? I got this job, and my previous job, with help from The Job Shop (based out of WA). They’re extremely helpful and fast.

KELLI MUCHLER 26, FROM THE USA What do you do? I’m an all-rounder at the Seasons Hotel in Newman, WA. This includes

What’s the pay like? Brilliant! Not only do I make a much better wage in hospitality than I did back home, but I get paid more for late nights, weekends and a “location

HOW TO... BUILD YOUR HOSPITALITY CV While work experience and your qualifications are great ways of showing how suited you are to a career in hospitality, there are other ways of demonstrating you are the right person for the job.

• Sure, it’s great if you’ve got a Masters degree, but if you can’t pull a schooner then you won’t get very far. Make sure you put all practical, trade and hospitality experience you’ve ever had at the top of your CV.

• Before you can work in any establishment

wage” for working above the Tropic of Capricorn. What’s great about the job? The people – I live with backpackers from all over, and at the end of a shift, having this family makes all the hard work worth while. And not so great? The hours – whenever we’re under-staffed, a shift can go from 8-12 hours a day, with barely time for a nap! Any stories? Most of mine involve random encounters with wildlife (i.e closing the restaurant one day because

a giant python was sending customers into hysterics), or time-off with other coworkers during our “happy hour” in between shifts – having a Matilda Bay beer, listening to cockatoos and laughing about how dirty hotel guests can be. Best advice for travellers? A lot of the placement agencies really do care about finding you work – check in with a few, and stay in touch. And don’t be afraid if you don’t think you meet a job description: being a good waitress or housekeeper doesn’t require loads of experience.

CASH PAID DAILY • Lingerie masseuses (training provided) • Outgoing attractive reliable girls required • Drug-free safe environment • 2 Sydney Locations • 20 mins from the CBD

Call 0450 758865 Awesome $$$ Phone now!

with untry the comodation? in k r to wo EE accom recruiting Want FR bo Now in Dub

that serves alcohol, make sure you have your Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA). Keep in mind these vary from state to state.

• Most bars in Oz have gaming rooms,

therefore you’re also required to have a Responsible Conduct of Gambling (RCG) even if you’re not directly working with the machines. Like the RSA it is often only valid in the state you complete it in.

• Show personaly traits: these can show that

you’re an honest worker and you enjoy being part of a team.

• Strengths: show things that you’re good at or enjoy.

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MYTHBUSTERS A BITTER DISPUTE

THIS WEEK’S QUIZ

THEME PARKS

OF THE

WEEK

1. The ‘Green Lantern’ ride at Movie World is based on what? a) The Irish b) Kermit the Frog c) The comic/film d) The Wizard of Oz

event starts in June at Q 2.theWhat Gold Coast’s Sea World? a) Winter Solstice c) Whale watching

Which continent has the most Q 7.amount of theme park rides?

b) Christmas d) Turtle tours

a) Australia c) North America

is the ‘FlowRider’ at Wet ‘n’ Wild? Q 3.a)What A wave riding pool b) A hip-hop class c) Whitewater rafting d) A wakeboarding ride

Australian Big Brother house Q 8.wasThelocated at which theme park?

closed down and then rebuilt, in 1979, because of what event? a) A fire on the Ghost Train, killing seven b) A staged protest about noise c) Cracks in the Teacup Ride d) A rollercoaster collapse, killing 10

Q 5. That park opened in which year? b) 1647 d) 1853

SUDOKU PUZZLE

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

AUSSIE-ISM

5 9 2

4 2

5 7 4

TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

“A HANDBRAKE”

2 6

1 1

Why do Aussies say the English drink warm beer? Everyone loves a stereotype and drinkers in Oz seem obsessed with this particularly old one. The myth refers to the endless brands of bitters, milds and stouts, porters and ales. And these aren’t actually served warm, but at room temperature, which if anyone is familiar with, say, a January night in Manchester, can mean a long way from warm. Either way, the beer needs to be served at room temperature to make the most of the more subtle flavours. In other words, Aussie beers are practically flavourless in comparison – and so taste grim when they’re not chilled.

Q 9. Sydney’s Luna Park was briefly

is located in which country? a) New Zealand b) England c) Sweden d) Denmark

b) Europe d) Asia

a) Luna Park b) Movie World c) Dreamworld d) Sea World

Q 4. The oldest operating theme park

a) 1583 c) 1797

6. What is the record number of people to go naked on a ride in Essex? a) 54 b) 91 c) 102 d) 150

8 5

The word for a girlfriend who often gets in the way of her partner’s plans to catch up with the boys. Mate says: “Wanna come to the pub?” Guy says: “Can’t mate, I’m seeing the handbrake tonight.”

ANAGRAM-ARAMA

THIS WEEK IT’S... AMUSEMENT PARKS 1. WIN TWADDLE 2. DANDY LINES 3. PORKER PATH 4. WORM EVIL DO ANSWERS: 1. Wet and Wild 2. Disneyland 3. Thorpe Park 4. Movie World

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---- Own Arrangements

NOTE: These options are NOT included in the pass price

T&Câ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s: Prices are subject to change without notice. Local payments are to be paid to the tour operator directly. For full terms and conditions visit www.ozexperience.com.

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