TNT Magazine: Australia by TNT MAGAZINE

Jan 30-Feb 5 2012 Issue 666 tntdownunder.com

! SIE IN W -DAY TAS

AN 8 ADVENTURE WORTH OVER $3,000

SUPER SYDNEY The ultimate city experiences

BRIS VEGAS NIGHTS From dusk till dawn in the QLD capital

N E M T E K C RO

and l Olympics b ia c ffi o e th g d bein t Awards an ri B e th r, e e ow talk b Oz-bound Elb

ANDREW WESTBROOK EDITOR editor@tntdownunder.com

EDITOR’S LETTER We’ve been feeling a little bit devilish this week, what with it being issue 666 of the magazine and all. And as such, we’ve gone on a bit of a spending spree, doing all the flash stuff around Sydney that we’ve always wanted to, but never felt we could afford. Turns out, despite the hefty price tags, that a lot of those experiences really are worth the cash. Check out p8 to see the ones we enjoyed most. Happy travels!

THIS WEEK OZ DIARY

MUSIC & FILM

CELEB GOSSIP

COMPETITION

NEWS

SPORT

TRAVEL

LISTINGS NSW

LISTINGS QUEENSLAND

LISTINGS VIC

LISTINGS WA

LISTINGS TASMANIA

LISTINGS SA

LISTINGS NT

LISTINGS NEW ZEALAND

LISTINGS FIJI

WORK

TRIVIAL PURSUITS

FEATURES SUPER-SIZED SYDNEY

We lash out (with our cash out) on some of Sydney’s pricier adventures

THE ROCKET BOYS

Chatting to Brit-award nominees Elbow about their upcoming Oz tour

BRIZZY RASCAL

We check out Brisbane’s wild side, leaving no pub or club unturned

RAISING THE STEAKS

From cattle ranches to over-sized steaks, we live the good life in Uruguay

40 TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

OZDIARY EDITORIAL Editor Andrew Westbrook Staff writer Alex Harmon Intern Leigh Livingstone Contributor Tom Sturrock

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A great year for dragon tattoos

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

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THE MAIN EVENT CHINESE NEW YEAR [EVERYWHERE]

Repeat after me: “Gong Xi Fa Ca!” Now you know the traditional Chinese New Year greeting – which translates as “wishing you prosperity”. The Chinese New Year, which kicked off last week and lasts for 15 days, is the most important of Chinese holidays, celebrated by billions in China, and by thousands of ethnic Chinese in Australia. Each day of the festival holds a special significance that varies according to local traditions and there are a variety of events on in all major cities to mark the welcoming of the Year of the Dragon. Head to Sydney Harbour this weekend to catch the dragon boat racing. See chinesenewyear.com.au for more info. FREE

GOLD COAST FASHION WEEK

WAITANGI DAY [AUSTRALIA]

BONDI OPEN AIR CINEMA

Didn’t think the Gold Coast was all that fashionable? Well maybe Fashion Week will change your mind. The designers say the Goldie style is a blend of “panache, flamboyance and coastal chic” (so no boardies or Uggs?) One thing’s for sure, the city will be full of models, parties and cocktails.

Those crazy Kiwis get a little more excited than usual this week as they celebrate the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840. Since there are so many of them over in Oz, the party will be big-az, bro. Events will be held in all major cities, jam-packed with Maori/Kiwi culture.

The latest venue for outdoor cinema is overlooking Bondi Beach. Arrive early because there’s live music from local musicians before the films begin at sunset. Gourmet food is available or you can BYO picnic. Films vary from classics to current blockbusters. Tix from $14.

February 8-12 The Gold Coast, QLD goldcoastfashionweek.com.au

February 6 Various locations waitangiday.com.au

Until March 4 Bondi Pavillion bondiopenair.com.au

$40

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

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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 a ticket to the CSI Experience TNT is giving away a ticket to the CSI experience in Surfers Paradise to 10 lucky readers! The interactive exhibition is based on the multi award winning and long running hit television crime drama. Entries close: Sunday, February 5th

WIN a Thrill-Seeking NZ Adventure!!! Here at TNT, we’re well aware that no trip to New Zealand is complete without a healthy dose of scaring yourself stupid. Indeed, whether you’re throwing yourself off bridges or down rivers, you haven’t really experienced Aotearoa until you’ve tested your nerve with a scream-inducing stunt. Entries close: Wednesday, February 29th

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“Er, land is most definitely ahoy”

Hey, big spenders Sydney has no shortage of freebie delights, but it’s also worldclass when it comes to doing that something a little bit special Sydney, compared to say Melbourne, has a reputation for enjoying the finer things in life. It’s flash, it’s fast and it thoroughly loves taking your cash. The saying goes that while you might choose Melbourne for your wife, it would be Sydney that would make a good mistress. And with the NSW capital being undeniably pretty and keen for a good time, with no questions asked, 8

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it’s easy to joke at the metaphor. However, spend even the smallest amount of time in the Harbour City and the comparison struggles to ring true. Its staggeringly beautiful, and endless, waterfront, as well as surrounding national parks, multiple museums with no entrance fees and highly competitive pubs away from the tourist glare, mean it’s a city that need not break your bank.

And yet, where’s the fun in that? Sometimes, whether for a special occasion or simply to satisfy the desire to genuinely see a place at its best, it’s worth splashing out on an experience which, and let’s be honest, will probably result in you going without food (but not goon, obviously) for a week on a backpacker budget. But who’s counting, eh? How often are you in Sydney?

THE BRIDGECLIMB The experience: People have always loved climbing towers and crossing bridges, so whoever thought up combining the two was clearly a genius. And so the Sydney Harbour Bridge, or ‘the coathanger’ as it’s affectionately known, had been calling out my name since I first arrived Down Under. After getting kitted up in fetching jumpsuits, headlamps and earpieces, we hooked on and started up as the last remnants of twilight glowed across Circular Quay. I was to do The Discovery Climb which, unlike the original climb, takes you up through the inner components of the bridge, which were put together in 1932. Despite early doubts about doing the ‘disco’ instead of the traditional ‘straight to the top’ approach, I was soon converted. Climbing up the steps (1,090 in total), while people, cars and trains rushed past, at first alongside and then far below, we made our way up the inside of the giant arch, in awe of the sheer scale of the bridge. We ducked and dived through the bridge’s infinite nooks and crannies, every now and then stopping to lap up Sydney in all its glory, perfectly framed by the bridge’s awesome beams. All the while our guide happily fed us tasty nuggets of info and grisly tales of how the bridge’s builders coped in terrible conditions without safety equipment. We finally emerged at the summit, 134 metres above Sydney Harbour, by which time it was completely dark and the city lights had come to life. It was breathtaking. Clambering to the top of Sydney’s biggest landmark may be one of the more costly experiences Oz has to offer, but it’s likely to be one of your most unforgettable ones. AW Cost: Climbs start at $188, with the price dependent on day and time. Info: bridgeclimb.com.au

Climbing the coathanger

Photos: BridgeClimb/Sydney Tall Ships

TALL SHIP MAST CLIMB The experience: Ever wondered what it must have felt like sailing into Sydney Cove aboard one of the ships of the First Fleet? Well, you can now find out for yourselves. Sort of. I’m aboard the Southern Swan, a living piece of history that began its life transporting timber around the North Atlantic in the 1920s. Now calling Sydney its home, the Danish-built tall ship, originally named Mathilde, offers scenic cruises around the harbour, with plenty of booze and barbies a-flowing, at least when it’s not taking part in First Fleet re-enactments that is. However, I’ve set to sea to experience Sydney’s newest way to catch a glimpse of the city’s stunning skyline – by climbing up the 15m mast to the crow’s nest. Harnessed up, I take a deep

breath and swing around the outside of the boat’s rigging to grab a foothold. I start the ascent, while below me a ship-full of onlookers look up enviously, pondering their folly of having already gotten stuck into the free bar. Up and up I go. Fifteen metres had sounded like nothing before, but as the rigging gets narrower and the climb trickier, I suddenly feel a hell of a long way up, and I notice my knuckles whitening as my grip tightens. But soon I’m at the top and

take my perch in the crow’s nest, with all of Sydney before me as the mighty sail ship ploughs its way through the water underneath. The sight of Sydney Harbour from a height will never be disappointing, but this unique vantage point makes it all the more special. Now to just get down... AW Cost: The mast climb costs $79 ($59 when booked online) on top of the cost of the various tall ship cruises, which start at $32. Info: sydneytallships.com.au

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Photos: Skywalk

The city stars, from atop Sydney Tower

SYDNEY TOWER’S SKYWALK

SHARK DIVING

The experience: Looking like a fat Smurf in a prison chain-gang, I’m led out of the door and onto the platform at Sydney Tower. We are wearing protective blue suits because even though it’s a beautiful summer’s evening in Sydney, the wind at 268 metres high is a little on the chilly side. As we pull our safety straps along the rail we make our way to the ledge, with an amazing view of Hyde Park, Kings Cross and... oh my God, the ledge is made of glass and I can see the traffic whizzing below my feet. “Don’t look down”, I tell the person behind me, but of course they look down in horror and shuffle their body as close to hugging the tower as they can. I yank their chain – literally – and see fear wash over their face. I don’t think chain yanking goes down so well up here. After a brief history of the tower, we wind our way around to the harbour side and watch the sun go down over the bridge. This is pretty spectacular stuff, and as we take turns posing for photos I witness something pretty special happening before my eyes. A young Chinese guy is proposing to his girlfriend. The girlfriend, naturally in this setting, says yes. I can’t help wondering how he got the ring in his Smurf suit and yet I have to attach my sunglasses to my head like Estelle Getty from The Golden Girls. I’m sure the young newly-engaged couple just want to bask in their happiness but not before they wait for the rest of us to get our photos taken with the harbour backdrop. Wait, one more photo, I want to jump in the air this time. AH Cost: It’s $65 on the door or $58.50 online. Info: sydneytowereye.com.au/explore/skywalk

The experience: Most travellers who head to Manly are after two things – chilling out on a great beach and savouring a spectacular ferry trip (otherwise known as the $6.60 harbour cruise). But there is something else in the northern suburb, something lurking in the deep, which happens to be one of the coolest things you can do in Sydney. While most aquariums merely let you admire sharks from the other side of a thick window, the nice people over at Manly Oceanworld love nothing more than throwing you in with them. And so wetsuited up and in the blue stuff, I find myself quickly ducking to avoid a massive oncoming loggerhead turtle, before turning to see a huge ray offering a welcome hug, while spotting a toothy shark about four metres long giving me the once over out of the corner of my eye. Wow. I’ve dived with sharks in the ocean before but this was something else. The grey nurse sharks and their friends all came within inches of my face, looking me right in the eye. And not just for one fleeting moment before disappearing back into the deep, but almost constantly for the 40-minute dive. It was incredible. And strangely enough, it was the giant turtles, resolutely refusing to move out of the way, rather than the sharks, that proved most unnerving. AW Cost: Introductory dives cost $250, while certified divers get in for $185. You can splash out $350 to join a shark feed dive. Info: oceanworld.com.au

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SKYWALK at the Sydney Tower Eye will have you feeling on top of the world. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be walking on air 268m above the CBD directly beneath your feet, just look down through the glass floor viewing platform for a birdâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s-eye perspective of the bustling city below.

www.sydneytowereye.com.au Special Price $49

20% off Valid for Monday-Friday only Promo Code: 5030 Not valid with any other offers. Booking essential - 02 8251 7878 Valid until 31st March 2012. One voucher per transaction. No cash value.

Promo Code: 4041 SKYWALK time slot will be given once voucher is surrendered on the day at Sydney Tower Eye ticket desk. Not valid with any other offer/concession or for advanced bookings. Check opening dates and times on attraction website. One voucher per transaction. No cash value. Valid until 31st March 2012.

Take the Plunge with Shark Dive Xtreme, the opportunity of a lifetime! Get up close to huge sharks and more! Great for first time and experienced divers. Bookings essential.

To book call 8251 7878 www.oceanworld.com.au

SEA PLANE FLIGHTS The experience: Sometimes, an occasion demands you go just that little bit further. A scenic flight in a plane? Pah! I want a plane that can surf as well. It’s hard to beat a seaplane in the cool stakes. And so, trying to dismiss that scene from one of the Jaws sequels in which pilot Michael Caine gets turned into a tooth sandwich, I head to Rose Bay to take to the skies. We’re soon chugging across the waves and up into the skies, soaring out of the harbour and up along the northern beaches all the way to Home and Away’s very own Palm Beach. It’s then an about turn and southwards-bound again for a few fly-bys of the bridge and opera house, ending in that final fantastic sink-or-swim moment, heading straight towards the deep blue, plodding and skidding along the tranquil waters of the bay once more. Totally skill. AW Cost: The 15-minute highlights flights costs $185 per person, or the 30-minutes secrets flight will set you back $245 per person. Info: seaplanes.com.au

SNORE AND ROAR AT THE ZOO The experience: I love zoos. They’re always one of the first things I visit in a place and in another life I’d quite happily have been a zookeeper, playing with the monkeys all day (and shovelling up dung). And Sydney’s Taronga, it has to be said, is one of the world’s great zoos. Sure it’s got an excellent selection of creatures in ethically-sized enclosures, but it stands out for two more reasons. First, it has an excellent position, on top of a hill overlooking the city, a short ferry ride from Circular Quay. The panoramic backdrop of Sydney Harbour, making for some classic giraffe by the opera house photos, surely makes it the zoo with the best views in the world. Another highlight is the Sky Safari, a quick cable car ride to and from the ferry that takes you right over the zoo. The only problem is deciding whether to soak up the harbour sights or check out what the elephants are up to below you. But Taronga also has something else on offer – the Snore and Roar. This involves you arriving at the zoo, after it has closed, for your own behind-the-scenes tour away from the crowds. You then camp out, dozing off to the sounds of trumpeting elephants, before an early rise for more animal encounters before the hordes flood in. AW Cost: It will surely be the most expensive night’s camping of your life with a weekend rate of $275 per person. Info: zoo.nsw.gov.au 12

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Photos: Tourism NSW/TNT Images, Andrew Westbrook, Justin Steinlauf

HELICOPTER FLIGHTS The experience: “You wouldn’t stick your hand outside a car window going at 180/km per hour, so don’t stick your hands outside the helicopter door.” Seems like obvious advice, but when the helicopter you’re looking at has had its door removed, things get a little confusing. I opt to sit shotgun in the chopper and let my gangly colleague sit in the back with no door. He’s got a seatbelt that looks like it belongs in a Volvo, not a six cylinder chopper. Minutes later we have lift-off and begin the journey into Sydney Harbour. It’s the most surreal feeling, slowly lifting into the air, hovering as the chopper blades send ripples of wind through the grass. We’re given the weather conditions from the air traffic control room and after a few “roger that’s” (who gave me a headpiece, seriously?) we’re 500ft in the air overlooking Sydney’s western suburbs. Soon the harbour, which seemed so far away from the ground, can be seen in the distance. It’s a grey day with the sun peering through the clouds but from this angle, even the overcast days seem breathtaking. Flying over some dedicated rowers on Parramatta River and ducking the early morning 747s coming in from Hong Kong, we make our way into Sydney Harbour. We loop around towards Manly, checking Bondi from the distance and over the Opera House so we can take some photos. I’m feeling less like Jack Bauer now and more like a traffic report girl as I comment on the rush-hour cars backed up over the bridge. Then, all of a sudden we turn at what feels like a 90° angle to get a different perspective on the bridge and I come head-to-head with the harbour. I clutch onto the life jacket we were so casually handed at the airport. Then it’s back to home base, with a quick lesson on the pedals, gears and how “there are no roads to follow up here, it’s all about sight”. As we hover into our park, lowering down like the rocket-man and dreading the drive back into the city on the M5, I wonder how I go about getting that pilot licence… AH Cost: A 30-minute scenic harbour flight costs from $133 per person. Info: skyhighhelicopters.com

SPECIAL OFFER 30 minute Sydney Harbour Tour $133 per person* Limited time only.

Meet Roger

THE SYDNEY HARBOUR TOUR offers spectacular views of Sydney and fantastic photo opportunities of the Harbour Bridge, Opera House and CBD. The flight leaves from Bankstown Airport and follows the following route: • Sydney Olympic Park (Homebush Bay) • Along Parramatta River, past Breakfast Point • Gladesville Bridge, past Cockatoo Island, Goat Island • Harbour Bridge, past Circular Quay, Opera House • Past Fort Denison, around Rose Bay and return via the same route. * $133 per person based on a group of 3 or 4 people flying together. The flight can be taken in our Robinson R44 helicopter with 2 or 3 passengers for $399, or 4 passengers in our Robinson R66 helicopter for $532. Flight duration is 30 minutes. If two people want to fly we can make it a special VIP flight and the third seat won’t be booked. This scenic flight is perfect for special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries and wedding proposals. We operate 7 days a week from 7am to 5pm, please contact us to book. Please call Chris now on 0402 469 741 or email fly@skyhighhelicopters.com or visit the website.

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WHITEWATER RAFTING

Follow in the Olympians’ wake at Penrith

The experience: You don’t have to head too far out of the city in search of some whitewater fun. The result of having to build a venue for kayaking for the Sydney Olympics in 2000, Penrith, on the way to the Blue Mountains, now boasts the southern hemisphere’s only manmade whitewater course, where you can try your hand at rafting, with or without a guide, and kayaking, on the very route that one-time Olympians vied for glory. You can also go wake boarding just down the road at Cables Wake Park. AW Cost: It’s $89 for rafting. Info: penrithwhitewater.com.au

BI-PLANE FLIGHTS The experience: If skydiving on Wollongong beach isn’t your thing and you prefer to stay on the plane to get your kicks, you can now join the ‘Gong’s historical flying circus. In a two-seater bi-plane you’re taken up into the air, hats and goggles firmly in place as you loop-the-loop over Wollongong beach in the open-air cockpit. After a few acrobatic loops, the pilot guarantee you’ll be loving the powerful g-force giving you a face-lift, even if you are regretting your breakfast choice. The guys south of Sydney are trying to revive the golden era of aviation when “sexy muscle planes ruled the skies”. You know, before the days of industrial action, cramped seating and flavourless beef or chicken options. But golden days aside, the guys have over 20,000 flying hours and a perfect track record. And thanks to it being 2012, they offer you a high definition DVD at the end. AH Cost: A 30-minute Boeing Stearman open cockpit flight experience costs $350. Info: southernbiplanes.com.au

Double wings = double fun

NEXT WEEK Apple Isle: Getting to the core of island state Tasmania

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Photos: Southern Biplanes/Getty Images

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SOCIALSCENE

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MAN ON A LEDGE FILM REVIEW by Alex Harmon STARRING: Sam Worthington, Elizabeth Banks, Jamie Bell | CERT: MA | 102mins | Out Feb 2

A gripping, twisty action thriller that delivers some nail-biting moments and snappy one-liners. But for a film that mostly takes place on the 21st floor of the Roosevelt Hotel, it doesn’t really reach great heights.

UNDERWORLD: AWAKENING FILM REVIEW STARRING: Kate Beckinsale, Michael Ealy, Theo James | MA15+ | 88mins | Out now

Posh action vampire Beckinsale is back for the fourth Underworld outing in which she once again dons the black catsuit and kicks some serious werewolf, sorry, lycan, butt. If you’re after an endless display of slick ultra-violence, including one especially memorable scene of a still pulsating, freshly ripped-out throat, then this is the film for you. However, if you’re even vaguely squeamish, or fond of a script, steer clear of this increasingly tired franchise. AW 16

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Nick Cassidy (Sam Worthington) is an ex-cop turned prison escapee who waltzes into a New York City hotel, takes a room with a street view, orders champagne and lobster and then climbs out of the window, immediately attracting the attention of cops, onlookers and the media. It’s not long before police negotiator Lydia Mercer (Elizabeth Banks) is called in to try and talk him down. Lydia’s a tough-talking cop with a few of her own demons and a hangover to boot. If you’re thinking surely this isn’t the time or place for romance – you will be proved wrong. Cut to the sub-plot involving Nick’s brother (Jamie Bell of Billy Elliot fame) and his saucy girlfriend Angie (Genesis Rodriguez) and things get really farcical. These two amateurs attempt to break into a vault to steal a diamond, while bickering like puppies. Angie spends most of the heist stripping off her clothes – some of you may not mind. And I’m pretty sure the villain character played by Ed Harris has studied Mr Burns from The Simpsons. I kept waiting for him to purr “excellent”. Don’t go in with high expectations, otherwise frustration will kick in and you’ll just want to push Nick off his ledge. GOOD FOR: Prison Break meets Vertigo with some romance and boobs thrown in too

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LA VOYAGE DANS LA LUNE

DON’T

MISS!

AIR ALBUM REVIEW

The Parisian electronic duo are back with their seventh, and most mature, album. The title translates as “A Trip To The Moon” and was originally conceived as a new soundtrack to the 14-minute long film, released in 1902 (directed by Georges Méliès and considered one of the first science fiction films ever). However, after creating the soundtrack, Air decided to turn the project into a full album. With their usual mix of French, English and instrumentals, this album is as organic as it is surreal. The space theme is reoccurring, with lyrics that “reach the stars”, countdowns to lift-off, heartbeats and science fiction references. But considering these guys have always loved to “watch the stars” this soundtrack could not be more fitting for the band. AH Virgin Music. Out February 5

SIDESTREETS & LANEWAYS PHOTOGRAPHY

If you’re fascinated by Melbourne’s laneways then this photographic exhibition is for you. Take a detailed exploration of the laneways and little streets of Melbourne’s CBD discovering ‘the village within the city’. Over 500 photographs were submitted to the curators with each artist bringing their own unique perspective to the project. Until February 6, Old Treasury Building, Free oldtreasurybuilding.org.au

LANEWAY FESTIVAL After skipping over to Auckland, the ultimate boutique festival is back on Aussie soil for the Melbourne (February 4), Sydney (February 5), Adelaide (February 10) and Perth (February 11) legs of the tour. The St Jerome’s Laneway Festival is the hipster’s “Big Day Out”. It started in Melbourne’s trendy back streets but has since spread its wings further afield. Artists include The Drums, Laura Marling, The Horrors, Feist, Anna Calvi (pictured), Pajama Club, The Panics and more. Tickets $120 + Booking fee lanewayfestival.com.au

DARLO BAR SYDNEY

PICASSO GOES TO THE MOVIES

PUB

FILM

This little bar in Darlo is dangerously close to the Cross. Come here for a few afternoon drinks on the rooftop terrace and who knows where you’ll end up. Their comfy furniture, pool tables and board games make for some nice hairof-the-dog sessions too.

While his art hangs on the walls, a selection of films that parallel the life of the artist Pablo Picasso are being shown at the Art Gallery of NSW. The films include Bicycle Thieves, Hiroshima Mon Amour, Beauty and the Beast, 2001: A Space Odyssey and Breathless.

Cnr Darlinghurst & Liverpool St, Darlinghurst

Until March 25. Art Gallery of NSW. Free

CSI EXPERIENCE SURFERS PARADISE

WIN

TNT is giving away a ticket to the CSI Experience in Surfers Paradise to 10 lucky readers. The interactive exhibition is based on the multi award-winning and long-running hit television crime drama series CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. To enter the competition just visit tntdownunder.com/competitions. html and answer the question correctly. Entries close February 5. TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

CELEBGOSSIP

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Moore or less a skeleton now

DEMI COLLAPSES, BLAMES RED BULL

[USA]

HEIDI’S KISSED ROSE IS NOW WILTED

[USA]

The world has despaired over the news that Heidi Klum and Seal are calling it quits. Some might ask why is this news so devastating? While delusional men are jumping for joy that a Victoria Secret supermodel is single again (go for it guys!) and women probably wouldn’t touch Seal with a 10-foot pole, they were somehow the world’s perfect celeb couple. 18

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Fairy godmother: As if Beyonce and Jay-Z’s baby doesn’t have enough, it is rumoured that Queen Oprah Winfrey may become Blue Ivy’s godmother. A media website in the US broke the news but neither Ma or Pops have confirmed it. What is known for sure is that Oprah gifted baby Blue a trunk full of books upon her arrival. So damn spoilt. They renewed their vows every year, had a zillion cute children, even the fact that Seal fell in love with Klum when she was up the duff with another man’s child is awww-inspiring. Not to mention all the awesome Halloween parties we wish we had an invite to. At the risk of sounding a bit Bridget Jones-like, what chance do us mere mortals have if Beauty and the Beast don’t end up together?

’DIVORCE’ SAYS DAD [USA]

Kim Kardashian’s dead father was apparently the one who told her to get divorced from Kris ‘Cro-Magnum’ Humphries. The annoying one paid a visit to celeb psychic John Edwards for an episode of the Kourtney And Kim Take New York series. Edwards claimed to be communicating with Robert Kardashian, who is the only reason she is famous in the first place, let’s be honest (in case you’ve been under a rock, Robert was OJ Simpsons’ lawyer). Robert (through Edwards) asked Kim if she had learnt from her last divorce and she promptly burst into heartfelt (fake) tears, sobbing to her sister that she “didn’t want to be married anymore”. Shocking.

Photos: Getty Images

I can see how trying to keep up with a man who could have been your son might be tiring to an almost 50 year old woman. But giving up her toy-boy Ashton Kutcher didn’t help because during the week she collapsed, due to what they’re claiming is exhaustion. Although her friends are claiming it’s because of her Red Bull addiction. Yeah right... Anyway, a spokesperson said that because of the stresses in her life at the moment she has “chosen” to seek professional services to treat her exhaustion and improve her overall health. Absolutely, I hear she has been really busy with all those movies she has been making lately... um, no, maybe it’s trying to keep up with those daughters who seem to be overtaking her in the hotness stakes. At any rate, I guess the world will never know until money gets tight and someone spills the beans. In the meantime, she has thrown us all off the trail by claiming “exhaustion”. Totally. Case closed.

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TWEETS OF THE WEEK @SimonPegg “I sat next to Liam Nesson at the Dawn Treader premier in London and when the film was finished I was 78% better at fighting swarthy goons” @TinieTempah “I thought getting a corn on the cob from Nandos was me getting 1 of my 5 a day.” @KatyPerry “Btw, I have *kissed* 1 boy, picked randomly out of the audience, on the cheek as a part of my show for all 125 tour dates. Simmer down now”

Miranda may need to ‘lawyer-up’

BISEXUAL IN THE CITY?

@Jimeoin “Coming from where I come from I can tell u flag waving is pointless. Open your mouth + people know where your from. Happy Oz day”

[USA]

Sex and the City star Cynthia Nixon (aka Miranda) has angered the gay community by suggesting that being gay was a choice for her. The rights group known as LGBT are outraged that the star said: “I’ve been straight and I’ve been gay and gay is definitely better,” because they claim it implies that being homosexual is a choice. Honestly, aren’t there bigger and more controversial things to worry about than what one ranga says about her own life? For someone who spent a good chunk of her career acting out hilarious and sometimes obscene sex scenes on primetime television, this is really not the most shocking thing we’ve seen her do with her mouth.

KATIE PRICE SOLVING DEBT CRISIS

[UNITED KINGDOM]

Having run out of things to sell besides advertising space on her ri-donkulous breasts, Katie Price has resorted to giving up control of her Twitter account to sell Snickers. Followers were confused when Price starting tweeting about the global economy with posts like, “OMG!! Eurozone debt problems can only be properly solved by true fiscal union!!!” I’m sure she didn’t know what she was talking about either. The ‘clever’ ruse was revealed when Price regained control of her single brain cell and tweeted “you’re not you when you’re hungry” along with a picture of herself holding a Snickers Bar. One person fittingly replied “So the implication is that eating them keeps Katie Price vacuous and inane. Fine work.” Gold!

@SethMacfarlane “I think I’m one of the few people who believes Roger Rabbit was guilty” @SarahSilverman “My dog’s breath smells EXACTLY like a dumpster’s vagina” @StephenFry “I do so wish that every reference to Downton Abbey didn’t make me want to puke. Nice talented people involved but … is it just me?”

So much bronze

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

WHAT A SHAME WARNE [AUSTRALIA]

Australia Day wouldn’t be the same without the annual ‘UnAustralian of the year award’ by lads mag Zoo Weekly and I couldn’t be more proud. Shane Warne was given the top honour this year for bringing “shame, ridicule and humiliation” to his home nation since dating Liz Hurley. Editor Tim Keen said: “Warnie’s woeful makeover sealed the deal. He’s a bloke who went from eating baked beans to being the same colour as them. He looks like Teri Hatcher’s stunt double.” Brilliant. Keen went on, “We’re all for punching about your weight but you’ve got to go in the ring with the same body you had at the weigh-in.” I have to agree. Warnie you’re more whipped than a racing horse and as a true Aussie bloke, you should be ashamed of yourself.

Brooklyn said: ‘Daddly I need some rubbers.’ I looked at our US friends and they were in shock Becks recalls a ‘lost in translation’ moment involving his 12-yearold son

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THIS PRIZE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING: FLIGHTS: Return economy flights from Sydney/Melbourne to Launceston, valued at $1,660. LAUNCESTON HOSTEL: Three nights accommodation at Arthouse Backpacker Hostel, valued at $195. CRADLE MOUNTAIN: Day tour with TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

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Looking for something different, something away from the madness of the east coast carousel? Well, you can’t beat Tasmania when it comes to escaping the everyday. Like an unspoilt playground for abundant wildlife, with scenery unlike anywhere else on Earth, Australia’s Apple Isle is not a place to skip past on your trip Down Under. It’s a place on the edge of not just Australia, but the world, a place which might be small in size but is most definitely big on experiences. Which is why TNT T has teamed up with a whole bunch of our Tassie friends to put together this fantastic package for one lucky reader and a mate.

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Tours Tasmania, valued at $240. SCENIC TRANSFER: Travel from Launceston to Hobart with Tours Tasmania, valued at $70. HOBART HOSTEL: Two nights accommodation at Central City Backpackers, valued at $138. CAR HIRE: Two days car hire with Avis, valued at $127. PORT ARTHUR: Bronze day pass and ghost tour at Port Arthur Historic Sites, valued at $110. MONA: Day pass to Hobart’s Museum of Old and New Art, valued at $40. MT WELLINGTON DESCENT: With Under Down Under, valued at $140. HOBART HOSTEL: One nights accommodation at The Pickled Frog, valued at $67. EAST COAST: Two day/one night Hobart to Launceston tour with Under Down Under, valued at $560. Competition closes midnight AEST Sunday, March 11, 2012. Log on to tntdownunder.com for T&Cs and to enter.

WIN and Discover Tasmania with this eight-day adventure for two

worth over

$3,300

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"... as the vicar said to the actress" 22

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Days like these With a new album in the works, more awards nominations and their Olympics music being played to millions, 2012 promises to be a big year for Elbow. Luckily, you can catch them in Oz very soon... WORDS ANDREW WESTBROOK

To the outside world, it might appear as if Manchester fivepiece Elbow are late bloomers. After all, it was way back in 1990 that the boys from Bury first got together to form a band, and it wasn't until 2001 that they released their first studio album of five, Asleep in the Back. However, despite the introspected resonance of frontman Guy Garvey's lyrics making them the darlings of the music press, Elbow were never quite deemed to have cracked the wider public consciousness. They were instead regularly, and lazily, labelled the industry's best kept secret. Lazily because they were far from secret thanks to their first three albums still making the UK top 20. Either way, that all changed in 2008. That was the year fourth album The Seldom Seen Kid was released, a record that launched Elbow up into the stratosphere. It won them the Mercury prize before seeing them named best band at the Brits the following year, while a succession of other gongs served to keep their mantelpiece crowded. Now undeniably one of Britain's biggest acts, last year's Build a Rocket Boys! has led to another best band nomination for February's 2012 Brits. The immensely down-to-earth band, however, are taking it all in their stride, as guitarist Mark Potter (pictured second from right) explains. "Our lives haven't really changed at all," he says. "Yes, we're a little bit more comfortable now, and Guy is quite famous, getting recognised probably anywhere in the UK, but what it’s done for us more than anything is allowed us to do exactly what we want to musically now." On their recent rise, he adds, "yeah, it's accelerated over the last few years, but we were never unhappy. With the first few records we were still making a living out of music. We weren't a household name or playing arenas but we didn't have to hold down other jobs to do what we loved. "I mean, really the success since Seldom Seen Kid, we hadn't done anything different, it just connected. It's very odd. What the five of us do in a little studio in Salford, and the places it takes us, well, we feel very privileged." I for one am pretty relieved to discover Elbow's famously easy-going nature is not the stuff of legend. After a mix-up with times finds me taking the call several drinks into a visit to the pub, Mark shrugs off the 10-minute delay with a joke, before explaining that "we've never really bought into the celebrity thing".

"Like with the Brits. It's lovely to be nominated, but none of us are into the glitz side of it. We'll turn up, but it's more a chance to give a little back to our wives, buy them a new frock and get them on the red carpet."

“

Writing the Olympics music was an amazing experience, a real honour and challenge

”

More importantly, the band are enjoying being back in the studio, working on both a new album, which promises to "open a new chapter", and the official BBC music for the London Olympics. "Writing the Olympics music was an amazing experience, as well as a real honour and challenge, that just made us want to get writing again," explains Mark. "It was a different thing for us. We had a brief and a lot of meetings, like you needed a sort of winning moment, crossing the finish line, and a sort of sad moment, but creatively it was very much in our court. "It's quick soundscapey stuff. It was a joy to do as we've always wanted to do soundtracks. I think our music lends itself to that kind of thing." Bizarrely, Elbow are also enjoying success in a very different field right now, as a Build a Rocket Boys! beer is taking Manchester's pubs by storm. "Ha, yeah, somebody seemed to think we like drinking," explains Mark. "We were invited to look around local Stockport brewery Robinsons. It turned into quite a drunken afternoon and by the end of it we'd agreed to launch a beer! Initially it was going to be a limited edition release, but it's selling really well in a lot of Manchester bars and a lot of supermarkets." Elbow, supported by Bombay Bicycle Club, play Melbourne (Mar 21), Adelaide (Mar 22), Brisbane (Mar 24) and Sydney (Mar 26). elbow.co.uk

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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.

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The Leaning Tower of Ben?

THIS WEEK

Photos: Getty Images

IN NUMBERS 2 FOR SALE: ONE COSTA CONCORDIA

TOWER OF BIG BEND

Worth, in US dollars, of the porn industry, which is threatening to leave California over laws mandating condom use

[UNITED KINGDOM]

[AUSTRALIA]

An Australian has jokingly put the stricken Costa Concordia cruise ship up for sale on Ebay. The description read: “For sale, one cruise ship – slight damage to right hand hull, mainly cosmetic,” before the ad was removed. The bidding reached $1,0008.88 with six days to go even though the seller warned that it was “obviously a fake”.

Animal cruelty charges faced by a NZ man who painted birds to make people think they’d discovered new species

Professor John Burland from Imperial College London says the fact that Big Ben is leaning 46cm is not a concern. Burland says the lean, which is just visible to the naked eye, will take 10,000 years to become an issue. A commission is due to meet in London anyway to discuss surveyor reports and repair measures.

208

8bn

Eggs used by Star Wars fans to make a life-size cake in the form of an Imperial Storm Trooper for a sci-fi convention

Hot Water Beach, New Zealand

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WORLDNEWS THE GHOST DEFENCE [USA]

A US man arrested for assaulting his wife has told police that a ghost did it. Michael Westâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bleeding wife told police he attacked her over a financial disagreement. When questioned specifically about the strangulation marks on her neck, West told police that a â&#x20AC;&#x153;ghost did itâ&#x20AC;?. Alexandra Solzer, a ghost researcher says Westâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s alibi could be possible but his â&#x20AC;&#x153;shady, checkered spousal abusive pastâ&#x20AC;? makes her skeptical.

TOILET WATER CHARGE [UNITED KINGDOM]

A man was found guilty of filling his managerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s water bottle with toilet water after she criticised his work. Oliver, a gravestone designer from Waterlooville, said he snapped when his boss didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t like his work. The victim said she could smell a chemical described as â&#x20AC;&#x153;turpsâ&#x20AC;? and threw the water away.

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Oscar nominations: Meryl Streep has been nominated for best actress for her portrayal of Margaret Thatcher in The Iron Lady, while George Clooney and Brad Pitt are vying for best actor for their roles in The Descendants and Moneyball respectively. Surprise snubs included Tilda Swinton for We Need To Talk About Kevin, plus Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy in general, while an unexpected inclusion was The Girl with the Dragon Tattooâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Rooney Mara, for best actress, despite the common perception that Noomi Rapace was better in the original. Martin Scorseseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hugo leads the list with 11 nominations, while silent film The Artist got 10. The final Harry Potter instalment only managed three nods for minor awards.

SPORTNEWS

Still out in the cold

TEVEZ PAYS THE PRICE

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Moutiny? Real Madrid appear to be on the edge of a civil war, after a heated discussion between José Mourinho and Sergio Ramos appeared, in full detail, on the front page of a national newspaper, despite there being a media ban at the club’s training ground. The argument, following Real’s woeful defeat to Barcelona, included Mourinho saying “you Spaniards,” referring to a perceived national rift within the squad, while Ramos argued his manager did not understand because he has “never been a player”. As well as lifting the lid on stark divisions at the club, the revelation of the club’s media mole has upped the pressure on Mourinho to deliver.

GERMANS WANT OUT The outgoing president of the German football federation, Theo Zwanziger, has called on gay players to out themselves. Citing the example of Berlin’s openly gay mayor Klaus Wowereit, Zwanziger argued society is now more understanding and players should “have the courage to declare themselves”. However, Germany captain Philipp Lahm is not so sure. He said: “The politicians can come out these days, for sure, but they don’t have to play in front of 60,000 people every week. I don’t think the society is that far ahead.”

SIZE DOESN’T MATTER Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero has revealed his childhood hero was Michael Owen, for proving

Photos: Getty Images

Carlos Tevez can now add the title of the most fined player in football history to his accolades, after it was revealed his squabbles with Manchester City have so far cost him a staggering £9.3m. The Premier League leaders stopped paying the Argentine back in November and then fined him a further six weeks’ wages, worth £1.2m, during a December disciplinary hearing which found him guilty of gross misconduct for going on strike. Tevez also received another fine of two weeks’ wages for refusing to play as a substitute against Bayern Munich, in September, and he has since been denied loyalty bonuses worth £6m. Plus, despite endless rumours to the contrary, it seems the wayward striker will not be going anywhere unless another club is willing to meet City’s £25m pricetag. In a sign of just how angered the club are at the behaviour of Tevez, its Abu Dhabi owner, Khaldoon al-Mubarak, has spoken publicly on a club matter for the first time. On the prospect of AC Milan signing Tevez on the cheap, he told Abu Dhabi’s National newspaper they “would do better to stop congratulating one another and look at how they would meet our terms”. Mubarak added that Tevez, “remains a player with contractual obligations to Manchester City for the next two-and-ahalf seasons and, unless we receive an offer we deem appropriate, the terms of his contract will be enforced”.

that small players could be successful. Aguero said: ”One of the players who was my idol when I was a boy was Michael Owen. He was quite small, just like me. It’s ever since he scored for England against Argentina in ‘98, although I wasn’t too happy at the time. I cursed him pretty badly for scoring that, but getting that goal didn’t stop me from admiring him.”

$1M BONUS FOR WIN The Equatorial Guinea squad have been handed a $1m bonus for winning their first match of the African Nations Cup, of which they are co-hosts. The team, the lowest ranked in the competition, were handed a cheque by the son of the country’s president, after a last gasp 1-0 defeat of Libya. The payment has caused an outcry from human rights groups, citing high poverty in the country.

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HOTSHOTS

WINNER

WEEKLY WINNER

HOT TIPS: Texture

AYER-CONDITIONING: Jim Dabbadie, 29, from France

HOW IT WORKS

JIM SAYS: An Aussie friend told me:“Uluru is nice when you see it in your wind mirror,” because the heat is so harassing.

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

WIN

Texture is important for showing off light and depth in photography. Texture introduces the illusion of a tactile quality. Everything has a texture – even if it is the absence of it. A smooth surface is just as tactile as a rough piece of wood. The trick is using that texture in a photo to its full potential to add depth to your composition. Textures are usually best lit from the side. For gentle textures like feathers or fur a soft, diffused light is good, while hard textures like stone look better in a hard light. Photographing texture alone gives rise to great abstracts and surprising images of everyday scenes and objects.

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Between a rock and a...

TRAVEL

TALK JAMES COOK 23, UK WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN? So far, only Melbourne and Brisbane, but I’m looking forward to circumnavigating the country.

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

been to Uluru but what other Q I’ve outback classics are there for me to see while I’m here? Phillip Kraft, Germany the outback is not only A Considering freakishly massive, but also what makes Australia so unique, there’s no shortage of stuff to explore. First up, if you liked Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park then you’ll love the Bungle Bungle range. Only discovered by outsiders in the 1980s, these bizarre beehive domes in WA’s Kimberley region are arguably better than Uluru, and without the crowds, making you feel more remote. There are also landmarks like the Devil’s Marbles (pictured), that are a must-do shot for your photo album. Push, lean against or jump inside these rocks which you’ll find south of Tennant Creek in the NT. If you want something that is off the beaten track, head to Palm Valley. Due to its accessibility, by 4WD only, Palm Valley is not on every itinerary. But with ancient cabbage palms, a striking gorge and the odd poisonous snake, it’s not to be missed. Perhaps the best way to delve into the outback is through a classic roadtrip, like SA’s Oodnadatta Track or the Birdsville Track to Queensland. If you make it to Birdsville, don’t miss the races in early September, one of the crazier events you’re likely to find Down Under. Other outback highlights to consider are towns like underground Coober Pedy (SA), where you can visit an opal mine, or Kalgoorlie (WA), which has a famous brothel 32

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tour, plus sights like Wave Rock (WA), Karijini (WA) and the Walls of China in remote Mungo in New South Wales. And if you want to take in the desert from high up in the air, then ballooning is the ultimate way to do this. Take an early morning hot air balloon flight over the Western MacDonnell Ranges, near Alice Springs. The ranges spread out like the spine of a giant sleeping beast. Breathtaking. been offered a job in the mines in Q I’ve the Pilbara region of Western Australia – what is the area like? Brad Burnside, UK if the well-paying mine job isn’t A Well, enough to satisfy you, then hopefully the stunning scenery of the Pilbara will. However, get ready for some serious heat as this massive but very sparsely populated region is one of the hottest in Australia – indeed, one of the area’s towns, Marble Bar, actually gained a world record back in the 1920s for enduring 160 consecutive days of temperatures over 100°F (37.8°C). Expect it to regularly hit 45°C during the summer. But there’s more to the Pilbara than the sun and some crazy mining towns like Tom Price. If you ask a local where to look there’s stacks of Aboriginal rock art to be found in Karatha, while Karijini National Park is home to some of the country’s most spectacular gorges and most refreshing swimming spots. Just make sure you stock up on sunscreen.

FAVOURITE PLACE IN OZ? I love Melbourne. It’s just so cool. With all the little cafés and art galleries to explore. I am definitely going back to explore it in more depth! YOUR SCARIEST EXPERIENCE? Hiking in the Glass House Mountains in Queensland, I saw a huge spider. It freaked me out as I have not yet learnt to distinguish the poisonous ones from the safe ones! The worst part is my girlfriend filmed it and the footage is now on YouTube! WHERE ARE YOU KEEN TO GO? I’d love to get out to Coober Pedy and stay in the underground hostel there and see where they filmed Mad Max. DONE ANYTHING UNUSUAL? I tried a kangaroo burger and got horrifically sunburnt – both of which would never happen in the UK! BIGGEST SURPRISE ABOUT OZ? I imagined it to be a massive desert. I found out you can ski here! WHAT?!

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

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

At the rehabilitation centre I learnt many useful (and not so useful) facts about the orangutang: It shares 97 per cent DNA with humans and it is 10 times stronger than one man. Determined to see one in the wild, we made our way to the Kinabatangan River for a three-day adventure. The reserve is home to more monkeys and primates than you can poke a stick at: orangutans, proboscis and all types of macaques. However, my excitement quickly subsided when I read about the dwindling numbers of orangutangs due to palm oil plantations. Over the past few years the population within the reserve has decreased by 300. Nevertheless, I decided to ask anyone I met about my chances: the bus driver, the tour guide, other travellers and even the lodge cook. The response was similar: “Sometimes you may see them”, “If you are lucky”, “Not very often”, “Maybe, Maybe not” – it was not encouraging. The nature lodge operates early morning and afternoon wildlife spotting boat trips along the river. An orangutan had not been seen for over a week so I was not getting too wound up. However, I got quite a shock when we rounded the first bend and the guide started shouting and pointed towards a large blob in a tree. The

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blob was dead still and looked like a beach ball stuck in the tree. But as we approached the shore, a long arm extended from the blob and reached out to an overhanging branch. Its legs then dangled below and suddenly the blob had transformed into an apelike figure. It swung majestically from branch to branch and hung still for a moment. It then climbed down the trunk and disappeared amongst the foliage. The sighting was brief but nonetheless remarkable. I was excited and somewhat relieved. I was expecting some dung to be hurled towards me or to be whacked on the head with a branch. Or for the beast to come charging out of the jungle and rip my arms off. But nothing happened. Maybe I had regained my monkey mojo? Maybe we could be friends again? We roamed the river spotting all kinds of wildlife including some long tail macaques scrounging the forest floor for food. I finally felt at peace with my monkey friends. Later that night at dinner I dropped a chicken leg onto the floor. Instinctively, I began scrounging around and quickly jammed the food into my mouth (much to the horror of other diners). You know what they say: “Monkey see, monkey do!”

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Send us your scary, funny or embarrassing travel tale (preferably about Australia or New Zealand) and if published you’ll win a $300 travel voucher redeemable on Oz Experience passes (ozexperience.com), ATA NT camping trips (adventuretours.com.au) and with Wayward Bus (waywardbus.com. au). Email your stories (700 words max), to travel@tntdownunder.com

awesome AIRLIE - hell yeah! awesome in Airlie Beach Whitsundays - www.awesomeoz.com 34

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Brisbane QUEENSLAND

Insane in the Brisbane Heard the Brissie nightlife isn’t all that? Well, you heard wrong. The action goes all night, as long as you know where to look... WORDS ALEX HARMON

Queensland’s capital city affectionately goes by the nickname Bris Vegas. However, it’s probably best you don’t take the comparison too seriously – a neon-lit Sin City Brisbane is not. But while the ironic label was originally used to mock Brissie for its slow pace of life and lack of after-dark excitement, times have been a-changing, and now most self-deprecating locals are more than happy to stick with the name. And it’s certainly a city with more than one misleading 36

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name. It has its own ‘Valley’, but this is nothing like Hollywood; it has its own West End, but this is no London; and its beach? Well, it’s fake. I like to call it Tin City. The locals drink their beers from tinnies (‘Strayan for cans) and the city is built up around the river, letting the tall buildings glisten in the light. But enough about that, the nightlife is where this city really shines. Nicknames aside, Brisbane has been trying hard to make

OZTRIP

Photos: Tourism Queensland

a real name for its nightlife over the last few years and the good news is that it is succeeding with style... FORTITUDE VALLEY The drinking areas of Brisbane are separated into several precincts, each with its own strengths. Fortitude Valley is my personal favourite. Known simply as ‘The Valley’, it’s a cosmopolitan strip of bars, clubs, restaurants and fashion. It goes off on a Saturday night. The best place for live music is The Zoo and several bands have picked this venue as the best place to perform in Australia. For a bar that pulls in the big names, it certainly has a relaxed and cool atmosphere about it. Newer to the scene is Cloudland, a rather upmarket club in the Valley. This bar is perfect for grazing and cocktail drinking from lunch time till close. Spanning four levels, with an open-air top floor, this isn’t just your average pub with beer garden. This bar is architecturally-amazing, with themed rooms, over 5,000 plants climbing the walls, a waterfall and a pure China-white marble bar. This is a bar that pleasures all of the senses – for those who need more than just alcohol to get them excited. For dancing, head to the super-club that is The Family. It’s easy to see why this is probably Brisbane’s most famous bar. With four levels, five bars, two huge dancefloors and its very own Ice Bar, it really has something for all of the (of-legal-

age) family. No wonder then that DJ Carl Cox has labelled The Family one of the best clubs in the world. It sounds exclusive but The Bank Vault Lounge is surprisingly relaxed. Once you’re in you are treated to wood-fired pizzas, free comedy on Wednesday nights and frequent costume parties. There are pool tables and podiums depending on your tastes. Prohibition in Brisbane? Don’t make me laugh! Well, The Bowery is doing some hefty business with this concept. Inspired by New York City during the 1920s, this drinking den claims to be a serious bar for serious boozers. Their staff are, well, serious, and heavily-trained. Using the old original recipes, the finest of spirits, and freshly squeezing their own juices daily, this bar is a cut above the rest of Brisbane. No alcho-pops here, kids. WEST END For a more relaxed night out, the bohemian peninsular that is known as the West End of Brisbane is popular amongst students and creative types. Spotted with galleries, theatres and bookshops, the West End also offers some interesting bars for those after something a little different. The Lychee Lounge is a trendy but relaxed bar with a French boudoir-cum-Chinese opium den feel about it. The Sling Lounge is also very cool and is famous for having over TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

250 cocktails on its menu, from classic Martinis to molecular mixology creations. Whoever said bartending isn’t rocket science should see these guys in action. THE CITY The CBD of Brisbane is spilling with bars to get your night started. Shadow Lounge is popular and boasts one of the best views in Brisbane. Watch the sunset over the river with a panoramic view, it almost feels like being in a goldfish bowl. This bar is owned by tennis legend Pat Rafter and obviously has a lot of cash injected into it. The Exchange is a city pub that caters for businessmen, students and sports fans. A bit of everything goes in this multi-faceted club with DJs, live bands and all the major sporting events on live. Cheap pub meals and drinks on offer too. BACKPACKER BARS Behind every great hostel lies its bar, and the main backpackers in Brisbane is Base. Described as the Party Palace (because it used to be called Palace Backpackers), the bar underneath the hostel is the Down Under Bar.

WELL HUNG THE DAY AFTER THE NIGHT BEFORE Morning never promised to be pretty. You slowly peel back your eyelids. Your head’s pounding. Your tongue feels like shagpile in a 70s flopshop. But what the hell, that’s what painkillers were made for... Needless to say, you’ve earned some serious down time. Brisbane’s South Bank Beach, a man-made swimming spot in the city centre, complete with white sand and a crystal clear lagoon, is the place to stretch out and catch some rays. But just as you are approaching a zen-like state, piercing screams break the silence – it’s a group of toddlers running towards the water. Time to exit and put that large grey organ in your skull through its paces. Luckily, the Queensland Cultural Centre is a short two-minute stroll away, mmm... brain food! There you’ll find the Queensland Art Gallery with its excellent exhibitions of indigenous, contemporary and classic Australian art. Next door is the Queensland Museum, which has all sorts of nasties on display, including a gross spread of spiders and snakes in bottles. It’s currently celebrating its 150th birthday and has literally just reopened, following a $12.5m refurb, so has plenty going on that is worth checking out. On the flip side, you’ll need to tweak that excitement muscle again and wander across the bridge to the casino. Who cares if it’s only 11am – you’ve survived the ground rush and you’re feeling lucky! Now the one thing you can’t help notice about Brisbane is there are bloody trees everywhere and more chances to commune with nature than you ever thought possible in a capital city. Hop on a river ferry, bus or train and spend the afternoon at a nature sanctuary or zoo, where you can cuddle the native fauna (Lone Pine is a TNT fave). 38

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“

And remember, what happens in Bris Vegas, stays in Bris Vegas

”

Their motto is “Go Hard or Go Home” so, as you can imagine, it’s a fast-paced booze-flowing establishment that is fun for the locals and travellers alike. Birdie Num Nums is the bar below Bunk Backpackers. Named after a scene in the film The Party, this bar is another guaranteed party spot that offers unique nightly events such as pool parties and free BBQs. BEER LOVERS For the real beer enthusiast, why not take a tour of Brisbane’s 130-year-old XXXX brewery. Note that it’s closed for renovations until February 14, but once open, for $25, you will get a 45-minute tour of the site complete with the colourful history, mechanics and science of beer brewing. Not good enough? Well, you’ll get four free beers at the end of it. Visit xxxx.com.au for more information. We’re not sending you to a porn site, honest. QUEER BRISBANE To get from Gay to B in Brisbane it’s best to check pinkboard.com.au/guide/map/brisbane for listings as the nights are ever-changing. As it stands there are two main hotspots. The Wickham Hotel is Brisbane’s leading gay and lesbian venue. It’s a country-style bar with a modern twist. Drag shows and entertainment are on offer most nights. The clubbing scene is left to The Beat, in The Valley, which pumps out dirty electro beats every weekend. This is also popular amongst straight girls who just love to dance. RISING DAWN So there you have it. Like a cat on a hot tin roof, this city is surprisingly fast-paced after dark. It’s not all Bundy rum-swigging bogans and XXXX tinny-loving rednecks like I once thought. It may not have the glam reputation of Sydney or the trendiness of Melbourne, but for the underdog, Brisbane puts a ferocious effort into its nightlife and I think you’ll find something for everyone. And remember kids, what happens in Bris Vegas, stays in Bris Vegas... ❚

NEXT WEEK Hobart: Get your culture fix in Tassie’s own harbour city

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Uruguay MONTEVIDEO AND TACUAREMBO

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BIGTRIP

Tasting the good life Herd cattle on a working ranch and then inhale over-sized steaks in Montevideo’s parrilla bars. Welcome to the Circle of Life... WORDS TOM STURROCK

The cobbled streets of the Ciudad Vieja, lined by peddlers, stalls and shoe-shiners and home to Montevideo’s finest parrillas, are steeped in a strange dustiness, calling to mind a long-neglected museum suddenly disturbed. Towards the centre of the Old Town, a covered market with a flat green roof rises above WHEN TO GO: Any time, apart the fray – the Mercado from the cold southern hemisphere del Puerto. winter, is ideal for travel. Inside, a bric-a-brac of GETTING AROUND: parrilla bars jutting out Montevideo is a small enough from every corner, the city to walk around. If you want sizzle of beef and the clink to check out the rest of the of glasses, an ubiquitous country, coach tickets are cheap soundtrack in this nerve and readily available. CURRENCY: Uruguayan pesos. centre of Uruguay’s red meat obsession. $1 = 20 UYU. LANGUAGE: Spanish. AN INTRODUCTION GOING OUT: You’ll be able The small town of to get a long-neck of beer for 60 Tacuarembo disappears from pesos and a meal for 300. Prices sight as the flat-bed truck go up in cities. rattles up the unpaved road, STAY: You should be able to find rolling fields of Uruguayan a decent, clean double room for farmland stretching for 700 pesos per night. More if you miles on either side, the want something fancy, less if you whole vista dimly lit by don’t mind sharing. a blood-orange sunset SEE: welcomeuruguay.com scattering the clouds. TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

“

’We must ride like we have sex,’ instructs Huan, ‘with passion, or not at all’

”

Our party arrives at Pangea Estancia – a working ranch where city slickers come for an authentic taste of the good life. The man of the house, Huan – in his 40s, but lean and bull-shouldered from a lifetime of real work – introduces himself and runs through some house rules. “We have a rule with the alcohol – only one bottle of beer or wine per person, per night,” he deadpans. “But we have been unable to enforce this with Australians, Scots and Irish, so they are exempt.” The hits keep coming. On bathroom etiquette: “In life, everything comes back to us, and that includes dirty toilet.” The ranch, with its surrounding 80ha, runs on a generator that provides electricity from 6pm to 10pm only. Thereafter, it’s all about candles, and Huan has a special directive on that point. “Some ladies like to admire their beauty late into the night,” he says, with a doleful shake of his head. “They leave a candle next to the mirror and the mirror cracks. So please, ladies, late at night, when no one else can see your beauty, eauty, you don’t need to worry in the mirror.”

And finally, before throwing his home open to a group of slightly baffled strangers: “My bedroom is the only no-go zone, because I am quite active.” HOME ON THE RANGE Life on the ranch starts when the roosters begin to crow and it’s promptly into the saddling yard to prepare the horses for a day of herding cattle. Assigned a mean-looking black beast called Kaiser, I load him up with a couple of girdles and sheepskins and climb aboard. Huan keeps the instructions simple: kick the horse to go and pull the reins to stop. “When you fall off a horse, I will come to check you are okay,” Huan warns, “but do not expect me to stand and listen to you cry about how your husband ran off with a Russian prostitute. “We must ride like we have sex,” he instructs, wheeling

URUGUAYAN HISTORY Sandwiched between Brazil and Argentina, and with a population of just 3.5m, Uruguay is often overlooked. In the earliest days of its colonisation, the Spanish and the Portuguese fought over Uruguay. Indeed, Uruguay was under Spain’s yolk until 1811-14, when Jose Gervasio Artigas launched a successful revolution. In 1828, the Treaty of Montevideo, brokered by the United Kingdom, gave birth to Uruguay as a truly independent state. The 20th century was not without its own upheavals but Uruguay has emerged as one of the most functional states in the region – it is ranked by Transparency the least corrupt country in International as Latin America and became the first country in the region to legalise same-sex marriages and gay adoption.

Photos: Getty Images/Ken Welsh/Kathy Hicks/Richard Cummins/Robert Harding

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behind them to hurry them up. I’ve got this gaucho thing sussed. We’ve brought about 150 cattle in from a paddock at the top of the ranch and the vaccination pen is now within sight. At the narrow gate, it’s gridlock; cattle jostling and bucking and butting heads. Slowly, they squeeze through, one-by-one, into a narrow run, where they’re jabbed and then hurried on. All that’s left is to take the horses back to the ranch and unsaddle them. Huan warns this is the most dangerous time, because the horses are excited to be heading home.

WHAT’S YOUR BEEF? Agriculture is a cornerstone of the Uruguayan economy, constituting 10 per cent of its GDP and its largest export. A big part of that, of course, is the beef trade, which is absolutely booming. Per capita, Uruguayans consume the second most beef in the world, after Argentina, so any trip to this part of the world will be accompanied with a big fix of iron. Be warned – it’s not an easy place to be a vegetarian.

on his own mount. “We do it with passion, or not at all.” The gates open and we’re away, out on to the range. I’ve never ridden a horse before, but am determined to make up for whatever I lack in experience with sheer, naked bravado. Shoulders relaxed but back straight, tall in the saddle, knees braced against the stirrups. Huan sidles up alongside, his reins held lightly between tanned fingers thick with sinew. “When was the last time you were on a horse?” he asks. “I’ve never ridden before, actually,” I admit – I secretly believe my horsemanship is innate and that I have an uncanny ability to mind-meld any animal. Huan is incredulous. “No,” he says, “you are being cheeky.” “It’s true,” I insist, “I’ve just watched a lot of movies.” I push the brim of my hat lower over my eyes, imagining that I must look at least a little bit like Clint Eastwood. There’s a new sheriff in town. THE GAUCHO LIFE The sky is a fluorescent, flashbulb white; a light haze hangs above the horizon, like smoke from some unseen fire. “Pare, pare.” I pull back on Kaiser’s reins and he stops. I’m well into my day’s work herding cattle. Four cows have wandered away from the main herd and they now stare moodily at me through dull eyes, chewing noisily. Using Kaiser’s reins, I turn him to face the cattle. “Vamos,” I bark, digging my heels into Kaiser’s ribs. We advance on the cattle and they slowly turn, with more than a hint of insubordination, and begin meandering back to the herd. I move up on the right flank to direct them and then back

“You have been riding for a day – but you still know nothing about horses,” Huan booms. The bubble bursts. Maybe I shouldn’t ask for a job after all. ALL GRILLER NO FILLER In the background, an old bloke works a giant parrilla, with six different tiers, all stacked with meat and vegetables, flames like dragons’ tongues licking up through the grills. I order and, before long, my plate arrives. My eyes widen as I prepare to dig deep. It’s like three steaks pinned together. “Una cerveza, por favor, grande,” I say, gesturing to the beers in the fridge. I only have enough Spanish to drink and flirt clumsily – very clumsily. The guy behind the bar, white shirtsleeves rolled up, tinged black with parrilla smoke, points to the giant steak, back to the beer, rubs his tummy and laughs at me. Tokyo: Stopping I laugh along amiably, off in Japan’s trendbut can’t help but wonder setting capital whether he’ll still be laughing when he has to carry me out. ❚

NEXT WEEK

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CRUISE THROUGH SUMMER WITH QUALITY CAMPERS & CARS BREEZER HIRE

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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 07 3236 3266, 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

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

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

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

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

Melbourne Australia Tours Victorian tours. 03 9016 9347 melbourneaustraliatours.com.au

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

Wicked Campers 1800 246 869, wickercampers.com

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

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

Explore Whitsundays Whitsundays packages 1800 675 790, explorewhitsundays.com

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

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

Ocean Rafting Whitsundays tours 07 4946 6848, oceanrafting.com Oz Experience Hop on-hop off Australia-wide tours 1300 300 028, ozexperience.com Surfcamp Sydney to Byron surfing tours 1800 888 732, surfcamp.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

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

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

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

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

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

The Rock Tour Red centre tours 1800 246 345, therocktour.com.au Topdeck Tours covering all of Oz 1300 886 332, topdeck.travel

RENTAL FIRMS

TRANSPORT CO

Apollo Motorhomes 1800 777 779, apollocamper.com

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

Backpacker Campervan Rentals 1800 767 010, backpackercampervans.com.au

Jetstar Airline. 131 538, jetstar.com.au

Boomerang Cars 0414 882 559, boomerangcars.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 Kings Cross Car Market For buying and selling vehicles. 110 Bourke St, Woolloomooloo. 02 9358 5000, carmarket.com.au

Regional Express Airline. 13 17 13, rex.com.au Spirit of Tasmania Ferries to Tasmania. 03 6336 1446, spiritoftasmania.com Tiger Airways Airline. 03 9999 2888, tigerairways.com

Spaceships 1300 132 469, spaceshipsrentals.com.au

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

Standbycars.com 1300 789 059, standbycars.com

Virgin Australia Airline. 13 67 89, virginaustralia.com

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

CRESCENT HEAD A few hours south of Byron Bay, secluded within 60km of protected coastline with a vast stretch of white sands and blue seas, is Crescent Head. Hidden by the Australian bush, its beach is a beautiful, secret gem, almost completely deserted apart from a few local surfers in the know. Whether you are looking to relax, go bushwalking or learn to surf, Crescent Head is perfect for some genuine Aussie beach culture. Stay in the local town or pitch up for a few nights under the starts at the nearby camping area at Point Polmer. About 450km north of Sydney.

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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

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

Taronga Zoo Mosman. zoo.nsw.gov.au Waves Surf School wavessurfschool.com.au

BYRON BAY

SYDNEY MUSIC Hordern Pavillion playbillvenues.com

Sydney Opera House sydneyoperahouse.com

Byron Bay Accom 02 6680 8666, byronbayaccom.net

The Annandale annandalehotel.com

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

The Basement thebasement.com.au The Enmore enmoretheatre.com.au The Gaelic Hotel thegaelic.com The Metro metrotheatre.com.au

CASA CENTRAL

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

Oxford Art Factory oxfordartfactory.com

BLUE MTNS

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

Sydney Wildlife World Darling Harbour. sydneywildlifeworld.com.au

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

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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

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, Westﬁeld 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 o All new appliances and linen 100% cotton o Opposite a café for cappuccinos

MANLY BEACH

CASA CENTRAL ACCOMMODATION

CALL 0404 246 003 46

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The beach is known for being littered with tourists (if it’s too busy for you, head right, to sheltered little Shelly Beach) and scantily-clad burnt people playing volleyball. There are heaps of surrounding cafés, shops, bars and markets at weekends. There’s an easy-going and social summer lovin’ atmosphere that makes Manly an interesting and fun beach to visit – worth it for the ferry ride from the city alone. It’s soon to be host to the first-ever Australian Open of Surfing (11-19 February), so we guess you’d say the waves there are pretty good too.

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BRISBANE STAY

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

UNWRITTEN LAW

Brisbane City Apartments 1800 110 443, brisbanecityapartments.com

The HiFi, Brisbane. Tue, Feb 28. $47.50. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re one of the most successful punk bands and theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re still going strong after six albums. Catch them with fellow punks, Zebrahead.

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

BRISBANE MUSIC

Boundary St, West End

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

The Zoo thezoo.com.au

Islander Backpackers Resort 6 Beach Rd, Surfers Paradise. 1800 074 393, islander.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

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

Sleeping Inn Surfers 26 Peninsular Dr, Surfers Paradise. 1800 817 832, sleepinginn.com.au

The Tivoli thetivoli.net.au

moshtix.com.au

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

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DONT MISS 2012â&#x20AC;&#x2122;S BEST SUMMER ATTRACTION!

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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

BUNDABERG

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

TOWNSVILLE Adventurers Resort 79 Palmer St. 1800 211 522, adventurersresort.com Adrenalin Dive Yongala diving. 07 4724 0600, adrenalindive.com.au Yongala Dive Yongala diving. 07 4783 1519, yongaladive.com.au

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

SNORKEL OR DIVE WITH

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121 Abbott St, Cairns 4870 Australia

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QLDLISTINGS Pleasure Divers 07 4778 5788

Nomads Beach House 239 Sheridan St. 1800 229 228, nomadshostels.com

BOOK NOW!

MISSION BEACH

Nomads Cairns 341 Lake St. 1800 737 736, nomadshostels.com

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

INNISFAIL

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

CAIRNS DO

Walkabout Motel & Backpackers 07 4061 2311

AJ Hackett Bungy jumping & canyon swinging. 1800 622 888 cairns.ajhackett.com

BON IVER

CAIRNS STAY

The Tivoli, Brisbane. Thu, 15 – Sat, 17 Mar. $69.30. The mysterious singer-songwriter is performing not one, but three shows in Brisbane with songs from his flawless second album.

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

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

Skydive Cairns 07 4030 7990, ragingthunder.com.au

ATHERTON

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

Innisfail Budget Backpackers Worker’s Hostel 125 Edith St. 07 4061 7833

Skydive Cairns 07 4052 1822, skydivecairns.com.au

Skyrail Rainforest Cableway 07 4038 1555, skyrail.com.au

Nomads Esplanade 93 The Esplanade. 1800 175 716, nomadshostels.com

Scotty’s Beach House 167 Reid Rd. 07 4068 8676, scottysbeachhouse.com.au

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

@tnt_downunder

Fortitude Valley, Brisbane 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

CAPE TRIB

Cairns Dive Centre 1800 642 591, cairnsdive.com.au

ticketekcom.au

DAINTREE Koala Beach Resort Cape Kimberly Rd. 1800 466 444

JJ’s Backpackers Hostel 11 Charles St. 07 4051 7642, jjsbackpackers.com

Pro Dive 07 4031 5255, prodivecairns.com

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

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

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

PK’s Jungle Village Cnr Avalon & Cape Trib Rd. 1800 232 333, pksjunglevillage.com.au

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WORKERS WANTED FOR FARM IN INNISFAIL. Free accommodation and food provided. Offers very good working and living conditions.

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MELBOURNE STAY

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

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

BOOK NOW!

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

Base Melbourne 17 Carlisle St, St. Kilda. 1800 242 273, stayatbase.com

MELBOURNE DO

Central Melbourne Accommodation 21 Bromham Place, Richmond. 03 9427 9826, centralaccommodation.net

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

Exford Hotel 199 Russell St. 03 9663 2697, exfordhotel.com.au Flinders Station Hotel 35 Elizabeth St. 03 9620 5100, flindersbackpackers.com.au The Greenhouse Backpacker Level 6, 228 Flinders Lane. 1800 249 207, greenhousebackpacker.com.au Habitat HQ 333 St Kilda Road, St Kilda. 1800 202 500, habitathq.com.au Home at the Mansion 66 Victoria Parade. 03 9663 4212, homemansion.com.au

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

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

JASON BYRNE Athenaeum Theatre. Tue, 27 Mar â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Sun, 22 Apr. From $32. Catch the funny Irishman who combines comedy and puppetry, while heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Down Under for the Melbourne International Comedy Show.

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

ticketek.com.au 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

Melbourne Cricket Ground Brunton Av. 03 9657 8888 mcg.org.au Melbourne Museum 11 Nicholson St, Carlton. 13 11 02 melbourne.museum.vic.gov.au National Gallery of Victoria Federation Square. ngv.vic.gov.au Old Melbourne Gaol 377 Russell St. 03 8663 7228, oldmelbournegaol.com.au

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

MELB MUSIC Cherry Bar myspace.com/cherrybarmelbourne 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 The Tote thetotehotel.com

GREAT OCEAN RD Anglesea Backpackers 40 Noble St, Anglesea. 03 5263 2664, angleseabackpackers.com.au Eco Beach YHA 5 Pascoe St. 03 5237 7899, yha.com.au Great Ocean Road Backpackers YHA 10 Erskine Av, Lorne. 03 5289 2508, yha.com.au

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DONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T MISS!

Sorrento YHA 3 Miranda St, Sorrento. 03 5984 4323, yha.com.au

BOOK NOW!

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

FEIST The Palais Theatre. Wed, Feb 1. $79. Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been underground for a few years but Canadian-lass Leslie Feist is in Oz for the Laneway Festival. Catch her sideshow at the Palais.

St Kilda, Melbourne

ticketmaster.com.au

Port Campbell Hostel 18 Tregea St, Port Campbell. 03 5598 6305, portcampbellhostel.com.au Surfside Backpackers Cnr Great Ocean Rd & Gambier St, Apollo Bay. 1800 357 263, surfsidebackpacker.com

MORNINGTON Bayplay Lodge 46 Canterbury Jetty Rd, Blairgowrie. 03 5988 0188, bayplay.com.au Sorrento Foreshore Reserve Nepean Hwy, Sorrento. 1800 850 600, mornpen.vic.gov.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

MELBOURNE TRACK CLASSIC Lakeside Stadium. Fri, 1 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Sat, 2 Mar. $17.80. See the finest Aussie track and field athletes compete, as they look to book their spot with the 2012 Olympic team going to London.

Albert Park, Victoria

PHILLIP ISLAND

ticketmaster.com.au

GRAMPIANS

Prom Country Backpackers 03 5682 2614

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

Grampians YHA Eco Hostel Cnr Grampians & Buckler Rds, Halls Gap. 03 5356 4543, yha.com.au

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

The Island Accommodation 10-12 Phillip Island Tourist Road. 03 5956 6123 theislandaccommodation.com.au

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

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

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THE HIGH COUNTRY Although it peaks at about 2,000 metres and so never actually gets that high, this dramatic alpine landscape is packed full of snow fields, waterways and gold rush towns. In winter, the snow (mid-June) brings skiers to the downhill runs, which are some of the best the state has to offer. In summer the same peaks, the southern tip of the Great Dividing Range, transform into a dream for bush-walkers, horse-riders, bike-riders and campers.

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NSWLISTINGS WALISTINGS DON’T MISS!

@tnt_downunder

BOOK NOW!

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 CAT EMPIRE Fremantle Arts Centre. Fri, Feb 10. $61. Summer in WA wouldn’t be complete without a performance by one of Oz’s coolest reggae and soul infused bands in this sweet outdoor venue.

Finnerty St, Fremantle

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

heatseeker.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

TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

PERTH DO Aquarium of Western Australia 91 Southside Drive, Hillarys. 08 9447 7500, aqwa.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

BLACK LIPS The Bakery. Thur, Mar 8. $51. The hell-raising rock’n’roll four-piece from Atlanta are back in Oz showcasing hits from their sixth, Mark Ronson-produced, album.

James St, Northbridge

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

nowbaking.com.au

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

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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

ALBANY Albany Bayview Backpackers YHA 49 Duke St. 08 9842 3388, yha.com.au Cruize-Inn 122 Middleton Rd. 08 9842 9599, cruizeinn.com Metro Inn Albany 270 Albany Hwy. 1800 004 321, metrohotels.com.au

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

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

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

CABLE BEACH

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The perfect turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean meet 22km of powdery white sand, underneath some of the most magnificent sunsets you could hope to see. It’s not surprising many consider Cable Beach, named after the underwater telegraph cable that linked Oz with Java in 1899, as one of the world’s best. Few things are more romantic than a spectacular sunset, especially if enjoyed on a camel ride.

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TASLISTINGS

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

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

DON’T MISS!

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 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

MELBOURNE VICTORY VS GOLD COAST

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

Aurora Stadium. Wed, Feb 1. From $12. Catch football sensation Harry Kewell in action as his Melbourne Victory team take on the boys from Gold Coast United.

HOBART DO

Invermay Rd, Launceston

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

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

ticketmaster.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

WINEGLASS BAY This spectacular inlet is the highlight of Freycinet National Park, on Tassie’s east coast. Possibly the most beautiful spot in Australia’s most traveller-neglected state, the whole park, with its craggy, foresty wilderness and stunning beaches, is a walker’s paradise. Enjoy the serenity as you can camp in the bush just behind the beach and head to the shore to gaze at the frolicking dolphins. The park also boasts Schouten Island, the imposing peaks of the Hazards, plus Freycinet Peninsula, where knuckles of red granite mountains jut out into azure bays.

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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

BOOK NOW!

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

Adelaide Central YHA 135 Waymouth St. 08 8414 3010, yha.com.au Adelaide Travellers Inn 220 Hutt St. 08 8224 0753, adelaidebackpackers.com.au

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

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

KANGAROO IS

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

360 Adelaide Uni Bar. Sat, Mar 17. $23.30. Catch the Aussie hip-hop phenomenon who’s getting a load of radiotime at the moment on his ‘Boys Like You’ tour. Tickets will sell fast.

Victoria Drive, Adelaide

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

moshtix.com.au

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

Donald Bradman collection. War Memorial Drive. 08 8300 3800, cricketsa.com.au

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

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

BAROSSA VAL

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

Barossa Backpackers 9 Basedow Road Tanunda. 08 8563 0198, barossabackpackers.com.au

ADELAIDE DO Adelaide Oval Home to the

Temptation Sailing Dolphin swimming, Glenelg. 04 1281 1838, dolphinboat.com.au

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 FLINDERS RANGES About six hours’ drive north of Adelaide, the Flinders Ranges are some of the world’s oldest mountains and they’re amazing. And huge – 500km long, 250km wide and surrounded by vast salt lakes. There is a large national park in the Flinders Ranges and there are tours from Adelaide that will take you through the mountains. The gateway town for the Flinders is Port Augusta. Wilpena Pound (pictured) is a huge natural amphitheatre with great bushwalking. The National Parks office has info on short or long walks you can take into the bush. Don’t miss it.

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IN THE SPOTLIGHT

LITCHFIELD NATIONAL PARK A two-hour drive from Darwin, this stunning park is often seen as the poor relation to nearby Kakadu, but Litchfield is preferred by locals for its uncrowded water holes and amazing scenery. Smaller than Kakadu, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more accessible too. Packed with some magnificent waterfalls, giant magnetic termite mounds and idyllic swimming spots, it is perhaps unfair that Litchfield is often overlooked by its more well-known neighbour. Once youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve had your fill of the waterfalls cascading off the plateau known as Tabletop Range, make sure you see the strange sandstone columns of the Lost City.

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

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

DON’T MISS!

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

KATHERINE DO

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Palm Court Kookaburra Backpackers Giles St. 1800 626 722

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

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

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

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

NAB CUP

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

afl.com.au

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

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

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

TENNANT CREEK

Traeger Park. Sat, Mar 3. TBA. The NAB Cup brings the AFL to Alice Springs. Watch as the Brisbane Lions take on the Adelaide Crows.

Alice Springs

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

Michelle Brant, England HEY MICHELLE. WHERE’VE YOU BEEN IN THE NT? “I’ve been all around but I started at the very top in Darwin and worked my way down the Stewart Highway and on to Alice Springs, stopping off at Kakadu and Litchfield, plus Katherine Gorge for a spot of canoeing.” GOT A FAVOURITE DAY SPOT? “It would definitely be Kakadu National Park. Swimming under magnificent waterfalls such as Jim Jim falls with freshwater crocs is an absolute must.” AND A FAVOURITE NIGHT SPOT? “In Darwin, indulging in the wildly entertaining Mindil Beach Markets. They provide a free night of hippy new age fun. There’s Aboriginal dances, fire throwers, art stalls and crafts, and an amazing amount of food stalls.”

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NZLISTINGS

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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

DIE ANTWOORD

Stray +64 9309 8772, straytravel.com

Vector Arena, Auckland. Fri, March 2. $TBA. The crazy South African’s are doing a Future Music sideshow with Fatboy Slim and DJ Skrillex. Tickets for this will fly out the door.

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

Mahuhu Crescent, Auckland

undertheradar.co.nz

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

Escape Rentals 1800 456 272, escaperentals.co.nz

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

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

Explore More 1800 800 327, dcrentals.com.nz

Spaceships 1300 139 091, spaceships.tv

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

Jucy Rentals 0800 399 736, jucy.com.nz

Standby Cars 1300 789 059, standbycars.com.au

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

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

Wicked Campers 1800 246 869, wickedcampers.com

Bamber House (BBH) 2 2 View Rd, Mt Eden. +64 9623 4267, hostelbackpacker.com Central City Backpackers 26 Lorne St. +64 9358 5685, backpacker.net.nz City Garden Lodge 25 St Georges Bay Rd, Parnell. +64 9302 0880

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

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

DUNEDIN Historically, Dunedin, located in the south-east of the South Island, has strong connections to the country of Scotland. Settlers arrived in the area after finding the Australian climate too humid for their liking. The cooler coastal weather reminded them of home and even today this town is full of shops and reminders of the Scots culture. Even the name ‘Dunedin’ comes from the Gaelic word for Edinburgh. A gold rush in the 1850s provided a jump in population and Dunedin has been thriving ever since. These days the town is an abundance of fresh seafood and local wildlife, sea lions, fur seals and penguins can be spotted along the Otago coastline. It is also home to one of New Zealand’s most famous beers – Speights, which is an icon of the South Island. Visitors can tour the brewery which is still standing on the same site since its creation in 1876 and enjoy one (or many) of the award-winning varieties of beers being produced.

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

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

Lodge in the City (VIP) 152 Taranaki St. +64 4385 8560 lodgeinthecity.co.nz 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 Rowena’s Backpackers (VIP) 115 Brougham St. 0800 80 1414 Wellywood Backpackers 58 Tory St. 0508 00 58 58 Worldwide Backpackers (BBH) 291 The Terrace. +64 4802 5590, worldwidenz.co.nz YHA Wellington City 292 Wakefield St. +64 4801 7280

DON’T MISS! ROXETTE Vector Arena, Auckland. Fri, Feb 11. NZ$99.90. Catch the Swedish super-group in their first ever New Zealand gig, performing hits from their 20-year career. Join the joyride! Mahuhu Crescent, Auckland

ticketmaster.co.nz

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

QUEENSTOWN 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

TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

FIJILISTINGS

TRAVELLING ON TO FIJI?

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

mote Visit the re ds Fiji. there. re - it s all lan Yasawa Is l dive, kayak , explo e Chill, snork

dventures Awesome A rs

for backpacke

Nadi Bay Resort Hotel +679 672 3599, fijinadibayhotel.com Nadi Down Town Backpackers Inn +679 670 0600, pacvalley@connect.com.fj

ers

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Nadi Hotel +679 670 0000, ndht@connect.com.fj Nomads Skylodge Hotel +679 672 2200

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

‘real Fiji’

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

ISLAND HOPPING PASSES ISLA

YASAWA ISLANDS

C Complete Co freedom to explore the Yasawa Islands, including Beachcomber. Choose from m a 7, 14 or 21 day pass. Passes from $321

Awesome Adventures Fiji +679 675 0499, awesomefiji.com Coconut Bay Resort +679 666 6644 coconutbay_fiji2002@yahoo.com

EASY FLEXIBLE PACKAGES

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

Explore the real Fiji. From 4 to 11 nights. Includes vessel transfers, accommodation, meals and activities. Packages from $410

Kuata Resort +679 666 6644 Long Beach Backpackers Resort +679 666 6644

ISLAND STAYPUTS

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

A bit like survivor but a lot more fun! Strand d yourself yourse elf on one island for 3 days and 2 nights. If you can stand and the pain of coral lagoons and nd coconut palms then stay longer. Packages from $197 97

Nabua Lodge +679 666 9173 nabualodge@connect.com.fj Oarsmans Bay Lodge +679 672 2921, nacula@hotmail.com Octopus Resort +679 666 6337 reservations@octopusresort.com

DIVE, DIVE, DIVEE A 5 day/4 night PADI or SSI open water course. Where better to learn to dive than in the crystal clear, warm waters of Fiji! Abundant fish life and encounters with sea turtles are common. Packages from $738 Plus heaps of other options.

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

SUVA Colonial Lodge +679 92 75248, sailevukaga@yahoo.co.nz Lami Lodge Backpackers +679 336 2240, volau@connect.com.fj Leleuvia Island Resort +679 331 9567, eleen@leleuvia.com Raintree Lodge +679 332 0562, raintreelodge.com Royal Hotel +679 344 0024 royal@connect.com.fj South Seas Private Hotel +679 331 2296, fiji4less.com Tailevu Hotel +679 343 0028

NORTH VITI LEVU Bethams Cottage +679 669 4132, bethams.com.fj Macdonalds Beach Cottages +679 669 4633

White Sandy Beach Dive Resort +679 666 4066

Volivoli Beach Resort +679 669 4511, volivoli.com

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

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

TNT622- AAF2746

Prices are ex Denarau, Fiji, in Australian dollars and valid for travel to 31 March 2012.

Seashell Cove Resort +679 670 6100, seashellresort.com

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

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

www.awesomefiji.com

Robinson Crusoe +679 629 1999, robinsoncrusoeislandfiji.com

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

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

info@awesomefiji.com

Rendezvous Dive Resort +679 628 4427, surfdivefiji.com

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

MAMANUCA ISL

For info and bookings see your travel centre or contact us: phone 1800 007 129 or SKYPE awesomeﬁji

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

Sunrise Lagoon Resort +679 666 6644

Beachcomber Island Resort +679 666 1500, beachcomberfiji.com

Daily departure l pa departuress ffor all packages and passes from Denarau Marina

Mango Bay Resort +679 653 00690, mangobayresortfiji.com

CORAL COAST Beachouse +679 653 0500, fijibeachouse.com

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

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

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OZWORK

First class careers If you like working that white board and have the qualifications, then teaching is a good way to earn some money whilst in Oz... Teachers – where would we be without them, right? Probably just looking at a scrambled bunch of letters right now, that’s for sure. If you are one of those inspiring people, responsible for shaping the future generation, then congratulations, you now have the chance to influence the Australian youth. Oh and make some good money while you do. “In Australia there is still a demand for teachers, especially casual teachers in the Sydney area,” says Louise White from Randstad Education’s Sydney office. “Teachers can expect to earn between $260-$320 a day, depending on their level of qualification,” explains Louise. Not bad considering teachers have some of the best office hours in the world, not to mention some of the tastiest and cheapest tuck-shop food in the country. But before you get stuck into the sausage rolls, there

is some paperwork. Apart from holding a full teaching qualification, (Bachelor of Education, PGCE or equivalent) you will also need the right visas and police clearances. One other thing you need to bear in mind in this big, wide land, is that Australia doesn’t have a national curriculum, “therefore registration varies between states,” adds Louise. Yep, that’s right. You have to re-register every time you want to work in a different state or territory. That involves submitting your qualifications and police checks, as well as CV, visa/passport and birth certificate. Once you’re given the all-clear, Randstad are able to put you in a suitable position that will reflect your experience. And what about that golden ticket on many working travellers’ minds? “Generally sponsorship is offered to teachers who are filling hard to staff positions, specialised roles or remote areas,” says Louise. Carpe Diem!

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INTERVIEW WITH A TEACHER Any days not that great? Some days can be stressful but as long as you don’t take things too seriously or personally you can get through anything they challenge you with. After all, who doesn’t remember loving to mess with the substitute teacher as a kid? How’s the pay compare? It’s really good. Australia is an expensive place, so I was really happy that our pay reflects that. Teaching is a great way to fund your travels.

JEN CRUSVAR 29, FROM CANADA Why Australia? I’ve always wanted to live in Australia (the beaches and the men were the biggest selling point!) and after visiting once, I was sold. How did you get your job? Through Randstad Education. I got childcare work while waiting on my teaching number.

How does the job compare to back home? It all seems just a little more laidback. Don’t get me wrong, you can’t show up late in thongs, but it’s just a bit more relaxed. I teach primary so the subject matter is pretty similar and the kids keep me on my toes just like back home. How long do you plan to teach in Australia for? I am on a working holiday visa, so I get one year, but I could have had two if I had planned ahead!

And what do you do? I’m a casual teacher.

Where in Australia have you worked so far? I worked in Cairns and Brisbane in other fields. Now, I have worked all around Sydney. I think I will finish my visa in this city, as there’s a lot going on. What’s your best teaching experience? I was given a lesson on Aussie slang, and how Australia “really is” in the eyes of street-smart teenage boys. Needless to say, I learned a lot more then they did that day.

Any tips? Get your paperwork out of the way before you come. Would you recommend your job to others? It’s great for beginner or experienced teachers because there are lots of different types of schools and placements you can try out. You’ll never have a boring day in a school. As a traveller I recommend it because you can make good money without being tied down.

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MYTHBUSTERS NO CULTURE?

THIS WEEK’S QUIZ

SCARY STUFF

OF THE

WEEK

1. At what height (in ft) can skydivers jump from a plane in Wollongong? a) 12,000 b) 13,000 c) 14,000 d) 16,000

2. Whose first film was A Nightmare Q on Elm Street?

To mourn the death of their cats, Q 7.what do Egyptians traditionally do?

a) Johnny Depp b) George Clooney c) Brad Pitt d) Mike Myers A test of manhood in which country Q 3.inspired bungy jumping? a) Tonga c) New Zealand

a) Shave their eyebrows b) Fast for 90 days c) Become vegetarian for 90 days d) Shave their heads How many species of spider are Q 8.there in the world?

b) Vanuatu d) Fiji

a) About 1,000 c) About 25,000

Q 4. What was the day job of the man who invented the electric chair? a) Dentist b) Doctor c) Prison guard d) Furniture restorer

b) About 10,000 d) About 35,000

located in which Australian state? a) WA b) SA c) NSW d) Queensland

was recorded in Virginia, USA. What year did this fatality occur? a) 1951 b) 1975 c) 1981 d) 2001

SUDOKU PUZZLE

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

5 2

9 5

9 6

TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

“UGLY AS A HAT FULL OF ASSHOLES”

8 9

1 8

Although it’s fun to claim that Aussie culture is nothing more than cheesy soap operas, pop divas and crazy outback characters, this rep is unfair. Oz is home to the world’s oldest continuous culture – the Aboriginal people. Based on 70,000 year’s worth of oral history, rock paintings and Dreamtime, the culture vultures have loads to explore. Also, the Oz film industry is one of the world’s best, there’s a thriving music scene, modern art movement and of course the Sydney Opera House. Ramsay Street is just something the Aussies like to flog to the Brits.

ANAGRAM-ARAMA

AUSSIE-ISM

Does Aussie culture exist or is Neighbours as highbrow as it gets?

Q 9. The first ever base jumping fatality

Q 5. The real Wolfe Creek Crater is

6. Which shark is responsible for 30-50 per cent of all deadly attacks? a) Grey nurse b) Tiger shark c) Great white d) Whale shark

This phrase can also be shortened to “as ugly as a hat full”. If you hear someone described as this, they’re not only likely to have missed out on the looks gene, but also may appear quite threatening.

THIS WEEK IT’S... ADRENALIN ACTIVITIES 1. VYING KIDS 2. NEAT JOB GIT 3. WANT WEIGHTIER FART 4. JUMPING BY GUN ANSWERS: 1. Skydiving 2. Jet boating 3. Whitewater rafting 4. Bungy jumping

MYTH

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