TNT Magazine: Australia by TNT MAGAZINE

Feb 27-Mar 4 2012 Issue 670 tntdownunder.com

! SIE IN W S A T -DAY

AN 8 ADVENTURE WORTH OVER $3,000

DEVIL’S DELIGHT Exploring the Tassie capital

BLUE JUICE Australia’s best surf beaches

S S E N I S U B Y K FRIS g the Future in r e v o c is d ah on ’ Tinie Temp n a m d e s s st-dre + SRI LANKA VISA TIPS Britain’s ‘be MIKE WILMOT WHAT’S ON

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ANDREW WESTBROOK EDITOR editor@tntdownunder.com

EDITOR’S LETTER This week marks the arrival of one of our favourite Aussie festivals – Future Music. And with it comes one of the UK’s brightest rising stars, Tinie Tempah. After meeting him on his first trip Down Under last year, we were charmed and couldn’t resist grabbing another word with him. Read what he had to say on p16. Also this week, we come to the end of our Tassie month, which means it’s time to head down there.

THIS WEEK OZ DIARY

MUSIC & FILM

COMPETITION

CELEB GOSSIP

NEWS

SPORT

TRAVEL

LISTINGS NSW

LISTINGS QUEENSLAND

LISTINGS VIC

LISTINGS TASMANIA

LISTINGS SA

LISTINGS NT

LISTINGS WA

LISTINGS NEW ZEALAND

LISTINGS FIJI

WORK

TRIVIAL PURSUITS

FEATURES WAVE RIDER

From gnarly to nice: our guide to surfing the beaches of Australia

TINY DANCER

We have a chat to the super-smart UK rapper Tinie Tempah

APPLES AND PEARS

Getting adventurous in the very English-like state of Tasmania

CASTLE IN THE SKY Up high and spirited away in Sri Lanka’s holy cities

38 TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

OZDIARY EDITORIAL Editor Andrew Westbrook Staff writer Alex Harmon Intern Leigh Livingstone Contributors Damian Hall | Jennifer Carr

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Lifesavers gone wild

DESIGN AND PRODUCTION Design and production manager Lisa Ferron SALES Sales manager Tom Wheeler Account manager Justin Steinlauf Sales executive Caroline Ward MARKETING & EVENTS Associate publisher Denise Jinks DISTRIBUTION Lee Sutherland

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THE MAIN EVENT MARDI GRAS PARADE [SYDNEY]

Get your sparkle on and join in the glittery excitement that is the Mardi Gras parade this Saturday (March 3). Oxford and Flinders Streets in Sydney come alive with the fabulous flair of the gay community and thousands of revellers join in the fun. It is completely free to dance beside the parade route with the outrageous political floats and the rest of the costume-clad procession. If you want to fork out for a premium view there are two prime positions, Club Tropicana and Glamstand (tickets are $159 and $80 respectively for general admission). The Queen herself, Kylie Minogue, is a special guest, so keep an eye out. Further info at mardigras.org.au FREE

The rugby league season is back again with the Premiership kicking off on Thursday night all over the east coast. It’s that glorious period where it’s anyone’s game. Whether you grab a seat at a live match or watch on a pub screen the only question is: who’s your team?

BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL [BRISBANE]

SOCCEROOS VS SAUDI ARABIA [MELBOURNE]

This is a great laugh-filled comedy festival. Squeezed into the one venue for three weeks are some of Australia and the world’s best stand ups. All that hilarity can barely be contained. Tickets start from just $15, so go and laugh until you split something.

Head to the match, or watch it down your local for free, to see if Australia can cement their place at the top of their 2014 World Cup qualifying group. Their opposition Saudi Arabia, are currently leading Oman and Thailand in the race for second place.

From March 1 NSW, VIC, QLD, ACT nrl.com

February 28 – March 25 Brisbane Powerhouse briscomfest.com

February 29 AAMI Park, Melbourne footballaustralia.com.au

NRL 2012 SEASON [NSW, VIC, QLD] $24

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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Board crazy Great surfers are like James Bond – girls want them and guys want to be them. We’re not great surfers. In fact, we’re rubbish. But watching us try seems to bring people no end of amusement... WORDS DAMIAN HALL

Surfing is to Australian culture what tea, football and getting burnt to a luminous crisp on Bondi are to the British. So to come Down Under and not even attempt to surf would be like going to France and not trying a croissant, or New Zealand and not recklessly flinging yourself from a buttock-tremblingly high cliff. In other words, pretty damn rude. Surfing is as Aussie as mullets, foul-tasting beer and suffixing ‘o’ on anything and everything. I was given some pertinent surf advice by my old boss. He said, “unless you’re really good, definitely don’t go surfing if you’re trying to impress girls”. Either he knew it was more difficult than it looks or he’d seen me in a wetsuit. However, after a few months of thoroughly unimpressing girls with my dancing, I had nothing left to lose. I had to give it a go... Arriving hungover at the beach, I’m horrified to see the ocean growling like a hungry multi-mouthed monster. Surely we don’t have to go out in that? I learn the beach was closed the day before, because of the size of the waves and strong rips. A surf lesson doesn’t look 6

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hopeful, which makes me very hopeful indeed. So I grab a takeaway tea and relax on the beach with a handful of would-be surfers. But my bliss quickly turns to anxiety when we’re told the lifeguard has given the water a thumbs up (yup, cheers pal). Tom, one of our instructors, talks us through the theory. It all sounds nice and simple: wait for a wave, catch it, stand up and pose a bit for the laydeez. Then we have a go. I paddle away furiously, catch a ‘tube’, jump up in a flash and strike a pose, Beach Boys classic “Surfing USA” playing loudly on my mental iPod. I’m a natural. This is a friggin’ sinch. Now for a go in the water. The sea is still kickin’ up a storm. Waves smash into me, knocking me over, filling my mouth with salty water and, worse still, messing my hair up. I stride forward for what feels like five minutes and turn round to see I’m about five yards from the beach. This is hard work. But Tom comes to the rescue. He drags my board out, spins me around and, after an expectant pause, says “go, go, go” with a gentle push. I paddle away, then feel the board speed up and lift. I raise

myself. But as I do, all the instructions abruptly leave my head like a James Bond ejector seat and I throw myself spectacularly straight into the swill. However, I’ve had a taste of the high life and I want more.I try again. And again the same thing happens. And again. And I notice the youngest girl in our group has mastered it already. With Tom’s help, I try again – it’s utterly exhausting work. Every time it’s a different facet that I fumble on: I’m too far forward, I stood up too fast, I had the board upside down. It was so much easier on the sand. And I’m certainly not impressing any of the rather tasty girls in our group – in fact, most of them are standing up now, like old pros. Then, finally, when I’ve almost given up – maybe it’s because I’m no longer concentrating so hard – I get up... and stay up... and keep going... right to the beach. I let out a whoop of joy and I feel like strutting around like Liam Gallagher, going “c’mon!”. It’s a great feeling, finally making the sea my slave. If you’ve already got the hang of it, or want to give it a go, then here’s some of Australia’s best surf beaches...

MANLY BEACH STATE: NSW TELL ME MORE: With a great atmosphere and surf schools to teach you the ropes, Manly is a great place to learn.

ONE MILE BEACH STATE: NSW TELL ME MORE: Every morning a progression of surfers ranging up to 70 years hit the waves in this picturesque Port Stephens spot.

MOSSIES STATE: WA TELL ME MORE: Offering a small righthander, north Perth’s Mossies has little danger factor, making it a great spot for a hassle-free surf.

CARLTON BEACH STATE: TAS TELL ME MORE: Carlton locals are so friendly that its gives this beach a great atmosphere. There are long, slow waves and great views from the shore.

KIRRA BEACH STATE: QLD TELL ME MORE: The Gold Coast’s most famous beach, offering big swells and little waves that break close to shore. A great spot to soak up the “surfey” atmosphere, too.

BROADBEACH STATE: QLD TELL ME MORE: Some great little left and right-handers at another great Gold Coast piece of sand. The swell here is usually small and gentle. A great spot to hang out or take a walk.

SANDY POINT STATE: VIC TELL ME MORE: Surrounded by the stunning Wilsons Promontory national park and plentiful wildlife, this beach offers consistent swell and very few rips, or other people. TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

BONDI BEACH

ADVENTURE BAY

STATE: NSW TELL ME MORE: The eastern suburbs equivalent to Manly. This is a fantastic and fun place to get started.

STATE: TAS TELL ME MORE: Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s always best to check conditions here, as the swell on gorgeous Bruny Island can range from puny to the truly massive.

SCARBOROUGH BEACH

SOUTH CLIFTON

STATE: WA TELL ME MORE: A fantastic vibe and one of the most popular Perth beaches around. Good for all levels.

STATE: TAS TELL ME MORE: A good place to learn and popular with beginners. It might get a bit crowded in summer but is still worth it.

RAFFS

BIRDIE BEACH

STATE: VIC TELL ME MORE: This Apollo Bay beach is another safe and well-protected bit of surf, with right-handers that will suit the timid beginner.

STATE: NSW TELL ME MORE: Only one hour from Sydney, beautiful Birdie Beach, by Newcastle, is situtated in Munmorah State Recreational Park.

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WIN big with WIN a $300 travel voucher Here at TNT we are always looking for new contributions to our magazine, and we love hearing about our reader’s travel adventures. If you’ve had any exciting, scary or weird experiences whilst travelling, write to us and be published. Entries close: December 31, 2012

WIN a Fraser Island safari Fraser Island is one of the must see destinations on the east coast, so we’ve teamed up with Palace Adventures to offer one lucky reader a chance to win a three day/two night camping safari. Head to our Facebook page to enter. Entries close: Saturday, March 31st

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

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. So, we’ve got together with some North Island buddies to put together this adrenalin package, worth NZ$1,500. Entries close: Wednesday, February 29th

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CLARKES BEACH

LAKES ENTRANCE

STATE: NSW TELL ME MORE: The best that Byron Bay has to offer for beginners, with perfect conditions most of the time. The waves are gentle and tend to go for longer than you’d expect.

STATE: VIC TELL ME MORE: Perfect for the absolute beginner, this pictureperfect spot has very small and gentle breaks.

MOANA BEACH STATE: SA TELL ME MORE: This family-friendly beach has perfect little sets for beginners, south of the ramp.

BABY CHINAMANS TORQUAY

OCEAN BEACH

STATE: VIC TELL ME MORE: The Great Ocean Road has some great surfing and Torquay is where it all began. Home to surf giants Rip Curl and Quiksilver, pros compete out here on Bells Beach. Check conditions as it can be unpredictable.

STATE: WA TELL ME MORE: If you like a long ride in some of the clearest waters, head here. There are gentle, rolling waves and if you are confident with rips and tides, we are confident you will love this Denmark spot.

BEACH BREAKS STATE: SA TELL ME MORE: Offers good swell in most conditions, but as there can be dangerous rips at this Southport spot, perhaps wait until you have some experience. 10

SEVEN MILE BEACH STATE: NSW TELL ME MORE: This super-long beach at Lennox Head offers plenty of space and there is usually great surf. Bring a friend for safety.

COOLUM BEACH STATE: QLD TELL ME MORE: Once voted the state’s cleanest beach, there’s heaps of space to splash about on this Sunshine Coast destination.

STATE: SA TELL ME MORE: A pretty spot on the Yorke Peninsula with a slow left-hander that breaks up to two metres. Check for low tide as its best during this time.

COLES BAY

NOOSA MAIN BEACH STATE: QLD TELL ME MORE: A spot popular for its crystal waters and beautiful Aussie scenery, Noosa offers mid-size waves and a laidback atmosphere.

STATE: TAS TELL ME MORE: The landscape is unbeatable and there are literally hundreds of little sand breaks.

THE DUMP STATE: SA TELL ME MORE: Despite the unpromising name, Dump Beach is a fun place to muck around which is popular with beginners and kids alike.

NEXT WEEK Prom night: We discover Victoria’s Wilsons Promontory

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LIKE CRAZY FILM REVIEW by Alex Harmon STARRING: Felicity Jones, Anton Yelchin | CERT: M | 90mins | Out March 1

PROJECT X FILM PREVIEW STARRING: Thomas Mann, Oliver Cooper and Jonathan Daniel Brown | M | 88mins | Out now

This comedy-drama-mockumentary produced by The Hangover director Todd Phillips is about three guys who plan a party to make a name for themselves. The film stars a bunch of newcomers and centres around these “geeks” who document a house party which suddenly goes wrong. Project X is filmed in the vein of a home video and sounds to us like The Blair Witch Project meets The Inbetweeners. In other words, it sounds like it should be avoided. 12

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A story of true love thwarted by visa restrictions is told with equal measures of beauty and heartache. The director has reportedly based the film, which won the Grand Jury prize at Sundance, on his own cross-continental marriage. When British college student Anna (Felicity Jones) falls for American classmate Jacob (Anton Yelchin) they embark on a passionate and life-changing journey only to be separated when she violates the terms of her visa. With a tag line of “I want you, I need you, I love you like crazy”, you can be forgiven for thinking this will be a schmaltzy romance complete with ‘couple sharing ice-cream on deserted beach’ montage (okay, yes, they do this – it’s set in Santa Monica – how could they not?) But the film is so much more than that, the two leads, who largely improvise their dialogue, draw you in and never let you go. Jones is breathtaking in her role as the whiskey-loving writer. You watch her grow, mature and blossom as she connects and disconnects with Jacob, her carpenter muse. And Anna’s parents are superb as the modern, “Team-Jacob” couple who offer support, advice and legal costs. There are some problems with the script that may annoy some viewers, mainly why Jacob won’t give up his business in LA to be with his girlfriend (surely people in England need chairs). But if it were as simple as Jacob relocating, there would be no obstacle, no angst and in the end: no film. And that would be a shame. GOOD FOR: Anyone who’s ever experienced long-distance love or been banned from a country

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PLAYGROUNDER WEEKEND

DON’T

MISS!

FESTIVAL

Now in its 6th year, the festival that jams so much into one weekend is back. On the banks of the Hawkesbury River, catch Boy and Bear, Black Lips, Roots Manuva, Shapeshifter and more. Grab your tent, your fancy dress costume and camp it up for three days! March 2-4, Wisemans Ferry, NSW playgroundweekender.com.au

ADELAIDE FESTIVAL

WARRAMBEEN FILM FEST

FESTIVAL

FILM

The country’s largest multi-arts festival kicks off this week with more events than you can shake a baton at. Enjoy visual arts, film, symphonies to live music and theatre – there’s something for you, no matter what your taste. Running for almost three weeks, it also includes a writer’s week where writers, poets and word lovers unite.

This is the most unique film festival in Australia, if not the world! For two days enjoy films as they’re screened at a working sheep, crop and free range pig farm between Geelong and Ballarat in country Victoria. Test your nerves as you camp overnight and watch classic horror films under the stars. Complete with live music, bars and gourmet food.

March 2-18. Adelaide, SA adelaidefestival.com.au

March 3-4, Warrambeen, Victoria warrambeenfilmfestival.com.au

FUTURE MUSIC The future is now! That’s right, the biggest (and we think best) festival to hit Aussie shores is back. Catch Swedish House Mafia, Fatboy Slim, Tinie Tempah, Jessie J, New Order, Professor Green, Skrillex, The Rapture, Die Antwood, Paul Van Dyk, Friendly Fires, Aphex Twin and so much more as they hit all the major cities. Catch the futuristic beats as they head to Brisbane (March 3), Perth (March 4), Sydney (March 10), Melbourne (March 11) and Adelaide (March 12). Tickets from $155 futureentertainment.com

GOLDEN SHEAF HOTEL DOUBLE BAY

SCULPTURE BY THE SEA COTTESLOE

BAR

PHOTOGRAPHY

A rooftop bar, beer garden and a combination of live music and DJs depending on which night you’re there, makes this place a worthwhile establishment to visit. Feeling peckish? Order from the menu or grab yourself a snag in bread from the barbie if you’re lucky. Sundays are very popular.

The sculpture exhibition that brings the Bondi to Coogee walk to life is heading west. On the sands of Cottesloe beach in Perth see over 70 sculptures from local and international artists. Expect everything from the beautiful to the downright bizarre.

429 New South Head Road, Double Bay

March 1-19. Cottesloe beach, Perth

CREAMFIELDS TICKETS

WIN

Fancy a free ticket to see David Guetta? Well, we can help you out with that. We’ve teamed up with Creamfields to offer two of you a double pass each to the beat-tastic festival in the city of your choice. The festival will be hitting Adelaide (April 27), Melbourne (April 28), Sydney (April 29), Perth (May 5) and Gold Coast (May 6) To enter, visit tntdownunder.com/competitions.html TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

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Mike Wilmot The Canadian comedian is bringing his straight-talking show to Australia. He talks about quitting smoking, pissing people off and how he doesn’t live in a garbage can... INTERVIEW ALEX HARMON

It’s more of a benevolent disorder, how I see things. I cannot take anything seriously. Which can sometimes piss the wife off. I am just incapable of thinking anything other than my entire time on Earth as being one big joke. Did you always want to be a comedian? Yeah, for as long as I can remember, I used to do it in front of the folks. And then I had one teacher who was kind enough to give me two or three minutes at the top of every class and do a couple of jokes. And several report cards said: “Mike should be a comedian.” And if that didn’t work out? Oh, I’m screwed, I can’t do anything else. It’s way too late for me.

The typecast “grouch”

What sort of things will you be making fun of in your show? Basically myself. I have never thought I was qualified to point a finger at anyone other than myself. Oh, and the wife. How does your wife feel about that? As long as I give her a majority of the money, she’s happy. She’ll be there so I can’t make too much fun of her, she’ll be sitting in the back. I heard you’ve just given up cigarettes, how are you coping? Oh, not bad. It’s five weeks in and no one has been affected by it. When I seem a bit irritable I go into a dark room and I just sit there. Was it a New Year’s resolution? It was, sort of. It is what everyone does, isn’t it? Something life-changing. It’s quite cold here so I thought it would be the perfect time to just hide in the house for a month and try to kick it. So far, so good. I am still on those little patches for another two months. So I will be celebrating my last patch being pulled off in Australia. So, you’re in Canada at the moment? Yep, I am flying out to Tennesee this afternoon for a show and then the next stop is Adelaide. 14

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When you perform in the US, do you make jokes about the Yanks? I’m a bit nervous to make fun of the heavily armed Americans. It is sort of like a ‘salute to the troops’ so there will be trained fighters in the audience. Usually the safest option is to make fun of Britain. They’re always an easy target. You’ve been described as an “Oscar the Grouch”. Do you agree with that? No. He’s a puppet. He’s a fictional character that lives in a garbage can. I have a grumpy voice, but like most grumpy people I don’t think I’m that grumpy. Having said that, if you’re not grumpy, then you’re just not paying attention. The good moments seem sweeter that way. Ever upset anyone in the audience? Absolutely. My lack of giving a fuck usually upsets some people. Usually because they either have a hard time accepting truths or they’re the village types. But the thing about those types, is if that’s in print, they will show up. To try to prove to themselves that they’re not those types. When did you realise you were funny? I think, like a lot of comics, I used it as a weapon or a shield. Then as you get older you think, my God, you can make a buck doing this?

Are Canadians and Aussies similar? I think so. I think it’s a lot to do with our quasiBritish backgrounds. We’re like their goofy grandchildren. We’re brand new countries, so we’re not as strange as they are, we see things from a more modern perspective. I think that’s why I enjoy Australia, it’s a lot like home. You know, a good standard of living, friendly and you keep it to yourselves. It’s like a lovely secret. Like “thanks for coming but keep it to yourselves”. You’ve been in a few films. Is that something you’d like to do more of? Oh, I enjoy it, as long as the character is an overweight grump. I just did one a few weeks ago with Jay Baruchel who was in that film Tropic Thunder. I was working with Kurt Russell and Matt Dillon. It’s called Black Marks. When does that come out? I have no idea. It could either never come out or it could be a year. I also did a film about Pete Tong that is popular with the kids. It was a DJ movie and I still don’t get it… Catch Mike Wilmot during the Adelaide Fringe Festival. 28 February – 18 March at The Garden of Unearthly Delights. He’s then at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival from 29 Mar-22 Apr. adelaidefringe.com.au & comedyfestival.com.au

"Go on, pull my finger" 16

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Do not disturb There's more to rapper Tinie Tempah than meets the eye: named after a literary classic, philosophical about music and passionate about fashion. He tells us about his new album, the upcoming festivals and which Aussies he'd like to work with in the future... WORDS ALEX HARMON

Calling from London, in between house-hunting and finishing off the new album, Tinie Tempah can't hide his excitement about heading down under. “I love it, I love it. I love it, it’s my favourite place in the world, I swear to you," he gushes down the phone to a somewhat sceptic response. "You can check all of my interviews, I'm not one of those people who does that whole cheesy thing and says, 'yeah America, Sweden, whatever, you’re my favourite place'. I seriously love it, it’s so surreal being so far from home, and it’s hot, there’s amazing people, great clubs, amazing music scene, so yeah, I’m really looking forward to coming back.” His passion is infectious and it's hard not to be charmed by the 23-year-old, who burst onto the scene in 2010 with his debut album Disc-Overy. The album reached No. 1 on the UK charts and since then he has shown no signs of slowing down. His second album will be released later this year. "I’m actually going to finish the album in Australia. While I’m out there I’ll be crossing the t’s and dotting the i’s and then it’s badda bing, badda boom." After conquering the music scene he created a fashion line – Disturbing London. Tinie seems to love fashion as much as he loves music. This is the guy who rapped, “I got so many clothes, I keep some in my Aunt’s house… Soon I’ll be the king, like Prince Charles." And as luck would have it, he's living out this prophecy – last month he was named GQ Magazine’s best-dressed man in England. An award that he believes comes with great responsibility. “Bloody hell, it’s a pretty big title to have, I don’t know what I’m going to do next. I’m gonna have to invent a colour that I start wearing. Or just be naked from now on, that’s probably what I’m gonna have to do. But I am grateful, it’s flattering.” Not that he’s crumbling under the pressure, recently seen looking sleek in front row audiences at London Fashion Week. Tinie was commended for his black tuxedo, white T-shirt and glittery Christian Louboutin Freddy rollerball loafers. You've got to wonder with these best-dressed lists if the stars are really qualified, in a world where stylists are their right hand men. But Tinie seems to have his own unique vision when it comes to fashion. “Honestly, I’m not afraid to wear any bloody thing, whether it be a sweat pant and a sweat shirt and a really brightly coloured, crazy bobbly hat with some trainers," he says. "I’m not afraid to mix it up.

I don’t discriminate in clothes," he emphasises. "I like to have a good reference point. It’s like when someone gets married, I like to have something old, something new, something expensive, something cheap.”

“

I like anything and everything, from Busta Rhymes to Britney Spears

”

He talks with rich, lyrical tones, almost as if he’s rapping, and of course he’s very smooth, if he’s not using my name, he's calling me “darling”. I ask him if he’s having any luck with the ladies at the moment and he remains strategically coy, telling me he’s saving himself for Australia. “It might affect my chances over there if I say something else. I have literally not touched anyone since the last time I was there.” I am imagining the glint in his eye underneath those Buddy Holly glasses. There’s a boyish charm that underlies the conversation, his achievements may suggest a maturity beyond his years, but deep down he’s just a regular guy who wants you to like him. At one point he is begging me to read his blog, “My blog is really cool at the moment, you need to check it out, it’s really, really cool and current. Seriously, go to my website, it's called Milkand2sugars, please check it out.” At other times the boy from South London is philosophical and humble. “I love where I’m from. It definitely made me who I am.” His debut single, "Pass Out", a neo-jungle rap, shot to No. 1 on the UK charts and, after Tinie's second single "Frisky" peaked at No. 2, he was eyed up by Rihanna. She plucked him up and took him around Europe for an extended leg of her tour. “When you see Rihanna in the paper out having a fun night, that is just the way she is and it’s great that as an artist she can be herself," he reveals with genuine respect. "It was a privilege to tour with her and get to know her TNTDOWNUNDER.COM TNTDOWNUNDER.COM 17 17

Photos: Getty Images

From left: Tinie, with his hero Dizzee Rascal, after winning at last year's Ivor Novello Awards; hanging out with Gemma Arterton at this month's London Fashion Week because we’re around the same age and she’s done so well for herself. I was able to get so much inspiration from her.” Touring with Rihanna, getting on stage with Snoop at Glastonbury and being friends with fellow rapper Chiddy Bang, I ask him how he manages to stay grounded. “Do you know what, it’s off the back of the notion that this is all I’ve ever wanted to do in life," he says. "You’re making all of these crazy sacrifices in life to further yourself to where you need to get to. It’s like the first time you don’t answer your phone to your boys and you think, 'I’m just going to stay in the studio today'. It’s like bloody hell, it’s one of the worst feelings in the world but then you get back to it and you think, all that time I would have spent with my mates just hanging around doing nothing, I have achieved so much for using that time more effectively and efficiently.” The hard work has indeed paid off for the boy who works so hard yet makes it seem so effortless. Cool, calm and collected on one hand but utterly ambitious on the other. His lyrics reflect this too, made up of South London slang in one breath and Mahatma Ghandi references in the next. Born Patrick Okogwu to Nigerian immigrant parents, he tells me the stage name he created in secondary school reflects his two sides. "It’s a juxtaposition. Like two things that are not meant to go together. Like a cold flame. And I liked it because it was like Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde you know? You don’t know what side you’re going to get." Even his music tastes are a mixed bag. "I like everything to anything, from Busta Rhymes to Britney Spears, darling". He is philosophical about the music industry too. "I’ve always listened to the radio and my theory has always been, 'why is this song on the radio and why is this one not?' And because 18

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of thinking about that I’ve always had an ear for a good pop song. I’m a sucker for a great pop song, if it has a catchy hook and a big beat and some slick lyrics. I literally listen to everything." He has done his research on Australian music too. When I ask him who he’d like to collaborate with in the future, I’m expecting him to say Adele or James Blake or Dizzie Rascal, names he has hinted at in the past. Instead he keeps it local. “Last time I was out there [in Australia] I heard Flight Facilities and I thought they were alright, you know. And I also heard Boy and Bear the other day. I quite liked them.” After explaining what the Triple J Hottest 100 is, and telling him how these Aussie bands fared, he enquires about the number one song [Gotye’s "Somebody I used to know"]. "Oh, they’re Aussie? Fucking hell, really? Oh, that is incredible, I heard that track the other day, I love it.” Sure enough, a few days after our chat, I take a look at his blog. Amongst pictures of shoes, glasses and cars he has stayed true to his word and posted the Gotye video. If music or fashion didn't work out, does the man they call "Superman" (for apparently being unrecognisable without his trademark glasses on) have a fall back career, like Clark Kent? “I’ve only had one job and it was in telesales. I used to sell double glazing windows to people. It was never meant to be – it was a means to an end, darling.” Leaving all charm aside, I have to say, I wholeheartedly agree. Tinie Tempah plays the Future Music Festivals: Brisbane (March 3), Perth (March 4), Sydney (Mar 10), Melbourne (March 11) and Adelaide (March 12). He is also playing at the Good Life Festival in Melbourne (March 9). tinietempah.com & futuremusicfestival.com.au

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with this eight-day adventure for two 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. 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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Go to tntdownunder.com and click on the WIN page. See webpage for terms and conditions. Winners will be selected at random.

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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.

worth over

$3,300

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Practicing her Liz Taylor pout

LINDSAY TO PLAY ‘LIZ AND DICK’

[USA]

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Lipstick lesbian: Poor little Emma Watson said she had to answer to journalists who thought she was coming out of the closet when she cut all of her hair off. Geez, can’t a girl just get a pixie hair-do these days without everyone thinking that you’re yelling for Ellen? She also noted that The Wall Street Journal named it one of the most influential hairstyles of 2011. Who knew haircuts could change the world.

ADELE GETS PATRIOTIC & POINTY [UK]

Adele has gone M.I.A on us, and I don’t mean missing. She flipped the bird at the Brit Awards, only a little over a week after singer M.I.A stuck her middle finger up at the Super Bowl. The singer who won all of the Grammys and then went on to win a couple of Brits made a lengthy acceptance speech but got a little too patriotic. Basically rolling in the deep with the British flag on her back, so host James Cordon cut her off. Hang on a minute, James did a Kanye “I’m gonna let you finish” West.

Anyway, Adele believes she was cut off by the ITV crew so she flipped them the bird. She said backstage: “That finger was to the suits at the Brit Awards, not to my fans... I was about to thank the British public for their support and they cut me off.” She added: “Sorry if I offended anyone, but the suits offended me.” You can take the girl out of South London but... yeah, you get me.

Photos: Getty Images

I lose faith in humanity when studio types think the best person to cast in a biopic about the great Elizabeth Taylor is Lindsay Lohan. I have no idea how anyone could conclude that this is a good piece of casting. Elizabeth Taylor was a stunning, classy, talented force of nature in the acting world. Lohan made Herbie: Fully Loaded, shacked up with a DJ and then spiralled into a drug addled binge that lasted for years and ended with her stealing some expensive jewellery and driving under the influence charges. Can’t you see the similarities? At least it is only a made-for-TV lifetime special, that hopefully no one will ever see. However, Lohan is treating the “Liz and Dick” movie opportunity as her saving grace. She is telling friends that she is taking the role “extremely seriously” and watching everything about Taylor that she can get her bony little hands on. Lindsay tweeted the other day: “Sorry for the ups and downs... only going up up up from here!” Which we can only assume meant she was sparking up the crack pipe. Production is due to begin in late March as long as Lohan has fulfilled her latest probation requirements. With her track record of flaking out on probation duties I guess we can all relax because this is one movie that will never get made. Phew.

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TWEETS OF THE WEEK

@LilyAllen “Stop trying to make LinkedIn happen” @RoveMcManus “Whomever is the person responsible for salmon being served at the hotel breakfast buffet, I hope you and your freaky tastebuds are happy” @DaneCook “Rihanna & Chris Brown are together on two new songs. I’m sure they’ll be a smash hit”

Not over ‘til the tightly-clothed lady sings

ADAM CHOOSES WISELY

@SimonPegg “You can take your franking machine and all that other shit you go around with and stick it right up your arse!!!”

[USA]

Adam Levine was a guest on the Howard Stern Show and got grilled about his pal on The Voice, Christina Aguilera. The question on everyone lips? The baggage on her hips. Diplomacy is certainly one of Adam’s strengths, either that or he grew up in a house full of women. “This is a sensitive subject for women, but why do you think she’s gotten so heavy?” Stern asked Levine. “Is she upset? ... She used to be so fucking hot. And her clothes are too tight, right?” Levine tried to take the high road, “Her clothes are tight. She likes to wear tight clothes.” But Stern wasn’t going to let Levine off the hook and continued to push the subject of Aguilera’s weight, saying, “Yeah, but when you’re a plus-size woman, you can’t wear the tight clothes.” “I wouldn’t go that far, actually,” Levine said. When asked what size Aguilera is, Levine put him straight, “I’m keeping my fucking mouth shut.” Good job, boy.

SHEEN IS WINNING [USA]

Sour grapes? Who knows, but if I ever need a fake apology letter written, I think I’ll ask Charlie Sheen. Sheen – who was axed from Two and a Half Men – criticised Ashton Kutcher (his replacement) and the show last week. “I’m tired of lying... I’m tired of pretending the show doesn’t suck... I’m tired of pretending Ashton doesn’t suck,” he told TMZ. “It’s nothing personal... I just feel bad for him... he’s saddled with such bad writing.” Now Sheen has been forced into this letter to Kutcher: “Dear Ashton, my bad. I was disrespectful to a man doing his best. I got excited and I threw you into the

@PerezHilton “Try saying Florence Welch ten times in a row really quickly” @MelB “Loving life,today is a great day,me hubby and kids,about to watch a scary movie,did I just say “scary”. Hahaha”

Who dares wins crossfire, but the rest of my statement I stand behind. You however, deserve better. Safety in your travels good sir.” Sorry Ashton but that letter is #winning.

WACKO FOR WHITNEY [UK]

Wow, here’s some wacky goss: Whitney Houston and Michael Jackson could have really been the King and Queen of Pop. According to David Gest (Liza Minelli’s ex and surely a credible source) the two deceased stars were once head-over-heels for each other. “She really loved Michael and he adored her,” Gest told The Sun. “Michael told me they once shared a passionate kiss, and she told me she was at one time very much in love with him.” He claims Whitney wanted to marry Jacko, but he was too shy, adding: “Later he [Michael] confessed to me he should have made every move.” It’s true, he was unbelievably shy with members of the opposite sex, race and genetic make-up. Gest also said that Whitney, “would not have done drugs” if she had been with Michael. Well, I don’t know about that David. Surely being with Wacko would drive you to drugs?

@SethMacFarlane “Let’s bring back the frontier practice of having someone over for dinner and then asking them to chop wood in return”

QUOTE OF THE WEEK I took a bunch of steak knives to school and threw them around at recess. I thought we were in the movie

Obsessed with the Rambo movies, Ryan Gosling proves he was a method actor from a young age

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SNOWED IN SWEDE [SWEDEN]

A man has been rescued in Sweden after spending two months trapped in his snow covered car. Peter Skyllberg was close to death and severely emaciated when rescuers stumbled across the buried car. He said he has been trapped since December 19 but will not elaborate on how he became trapped. Doctors say he survived by eating melted snow and hibernating like a bear.

BACKPACKER DROWNS [AUSTRALIA]

A 27-year-old Irish tourist drowned during an attempted swim across Melbourne’s Yarra River. According to police, two men dove into the river near Federation Square and were taken by the current. A third backpacker, who was on duty at the Riverland Bar, jumped in but could only save one. The survivor has been treated for hypothermia.

Carnies: Brazilian party-goers pose during Carnival celebrations in Rio de Janeiro. It’s the biggest festival in Brazil, which draws in millions of revellers each year. The celebrations culminate on Fat Tuesday before the start of the Catholic season of Lent.

Hot Water Beach, New Zealand

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www.kiwiexperience.com Terms and conditions: Discount valid for bookings on the Funky Chicken and Awesome passes only. Awesome at $60 is only applicable when booking Funky Chicken. Discounted rates apply to standard brochured rates on speciﬁed passes only. Bookings must be made between 20 January 2012 – 01 March 2012. Standard 12 month travel validity applies. Offer not valid in conjunction with any other offer excluding the Day Trip 5% discount. Kiwi Experience reserves the right to withdraw this offer at anytime and without notice. Prices are in Australian dollars. Standard Kiwi Experience travel and booking terms and conditions apply. KX971-01/12-AUD

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Admit it, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve considered it...

THIS WEEK

Photos: Getty Images

IN NUMBERS

6 BREATH OF FRENCH AIR [FRANCE]

Tourists in France need to make sure they have a breathalyser in their cars. A new law means that police can issue a fine if motorists are pulled over and canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t produce an unused breathalyser. Tourists can buy the devices at ferry terminals and tunnels coming into France. French motorists are already legally obliged to have a warning triangle and a fluorescent safety vest in their cars.

DRASTIC MEASURES [VIETNAM]

A man has been fined for opening a planeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s emergency exit to get a screaming child out faster. The frustrated passenger opened the Vietnam Airways door while on the tarmac which then deployed the emergency slide. He was fined 15 million Vietnamese Dong ($676) and the slide will cost $9,400 to refit. The child and mother ended up leaving through the normal exit door.

The number of wild boar piglets a Berlin bulldog has adopted after finding them in a forest

The number of units on the Scoville heat scale that the Trinidad Moruga Scorpion chilli measured in at

315

1.2M

The amount, in pounds, naked rambler Nigel Keer, who strolled nude through a popular Leeds park, was fined

-( (($ )!(' & " (+ /","- PPP F:@B<;NL <H GS TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

SPORTSNEWS

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Back in the game

TEVEZ SAY SORRY Carlos Tevez has apologised “sincerely and unreservedly” to Manchester City, paving the way for a likely return to the squad within a few weeks. The 28-year-old Argentine is back with his club, after a three-month unauthorised leave of absence. As well as withdrawing his appeal against the disciplinary proceedings City had taken against him, the striker said: “I wish to apologise sincerely and unreservedly to everybody I have let down and to whom my actions have caused offence.” The club’s manager Roberto Mancini replied: “I’ve accepted his apology. I’m happy with what Carlos said. I think he needs two to three weeks to train, then some games.” It later emerged that Mancini, who once said that Tevez would never play for City again, had in fact called the player to his house and told him that if he apologised to everyone, then the matter would be over. It remains to be seen, however, with Sergio Aguero in such good form, whether Tevez will actually be able to get back into City’s starting 11.

FIFA WANTS POSTGAME HANDSHAKES FIFA’s Task Force Football 2014, chaired by Franz Beckenbauer, has said it wants players to shake hands in the centre circle at the end of games. Beckenbauer said the move would improve the image of football, and could have prevented recent clashes escalating into an issue, such as that between Luis Suarez and Patrice Evra.

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Feeling blue? The questions surrounding Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas refuse to go away, thanks in no small part to the tantrums thrown by Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole ahead of the Champions League defeat in Napoli last week, a match which both England internationals failed to make the starting lineup for. The Portuguese manager, 33, who has sparked a dressing room civil war in his attempt to faze out the old guard, insists club owner Roman Abramovich supports his long-term plans. The Russian, however, has not been vocal in his support...

RACISM IN FOOTBALL MUST BE ‘CRUSHED’ UK prime minister David Cameron has vowed to “crush” racism in football, acknowledging that discrimination had “crept back in”, but that football must deal with the problem. The PM made the announcement, at an anti-discrimination summit held at Downing Street, while flanked by former players such as John Barnes. The one-time Liverpool star later told the BBC: “The effect [campaigns] have had is that you don’t hear [racism] at football stadiums any more. “In terms of changing people’s minds in terms of how they feel about another group of people… if you’re a racist, you’re not going to change your mind because a club says it’s wrong to be racist. “Ultimately, until we get rid of it in society, it will exist in all walks of society.”

ARSENAL SILENCE DISNEY ADVANCES Disney are amongst a number of big name brands to have been turned away by Arsenal, in an attempt to protect rising star Alex OxladeChamberlain, it has been revealed. Arsenal’s £12m prodigy, who has been compared to Wayne Rooney and Fabregas by Arsene Wenger, is already involved in a large promotional campaign with Citroen and has appeared on Nike billboards, however the club has decided to draw the line under his media commitments, in a bid to limit his workload and let him concentrate on football. The move relating to the former Southampton man mirrors tactics used with other rising stars who burst onto the scene in the past, such as when Michael Owen started at Liverpool and Ryan Giggs at Manchester United.

cker a p k c a B fares l i a r y d Rea > ADL $49

MEL < $125 > ADL SYD < $175 > ALICE ADL < $175 <> DAR E IC L A $219 PER > < L D A $299 PER > < D SY

The most relaxed way to see the vast Australian Outback is by train.

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r 4USFUDI ZPVS MFHT JO ZPVS TQBDJPVT SFDMJOFS TFBU r $IJMM PVU JO UIF MPVOHF* r .BLF GSJFOET IBWF B TOBDL PS EJOOFS JO UIF MJDFOTFE DBGF CBS r 'SFTIFO VQ XJUI PO CPBSE TIPXFS GBDJMJUJFT*

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Visit greatsouthernrail.com.au/backpackers or book with your licensed travel agent. Terms and conditions apply. All Backpacker ReadyRail fares are based on Red Service Day/Nighter Seat Service and are available to members of recognised backpacker organisations for bookings made from 1 April 2012 for travel until 31 March 2013. All fares are also available in opposite direction. All fares include a fuel price surcharge. Prices are subject to change without notice, available for instant purchase. Non-refundable. *Shower and lounge facilities not available on The Overland, Melbourne <> Adelaide. An additional lounge access charge of $10 for 1-sector, $15 for 2-sector or $25 for 3-sector is required and payable onboard. Travel Agent License No.TTA164190. 01917CDGM

HOTSHOTS

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WINNER

WEEKLY WINNER

HOT TIPS: Kids & animals

WINDOWS TO HER SOUL: Jennifer Kyna, 27, from the UK

JENNIFER SAYS: ”This photo was taken at an orphanage in South Africa. This little girl could not stop giving me cuddles the whole day I was there. When she looked at me my heart melted. She had the most beautiful eyes, I just had to capture their beauty.” 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 Jennifer wins a free night’s stay at the award-winning Sydney Central YHA (yha.com.au). The monthly winner gets three days car hire from Travellers Auto Barn. The runner-up wins a Rough Guides book of their choice sent to an Oz or NZ address. roughguides.com

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Never work with children and animals, or so the saying goes. However, I wouldn’t ignore these two groups as they can provide a photographer with a compelling and vivacious subject. They also offer an opportunity to capture their personality without the barrier of self-consciousness. Choose the right moment to press the shutter and you can shoot a picture that is unguarded and touching. Patience, though, is the main requirement. Practice on something else to get your camera setting right before trying to get the shot you want. Remember, it’s always best to ask a child’s parent or guardian if you can take their picture. Also, remain alert when shooting animals from close range. Especially if they are a camel saliva factory or a snaphappy crocodile.

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NZ’S HOP-ON HOP-OFF BUS NETWORK FOR ADVENTUROUS TRAVELLERS

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TRAVELTIPS

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ON THE ROAD WITH TRAVEL

TALK INA SCHARUN 20, GERMANY WHERE HAVE YOU TRAVELLED SO FAR?

Where to get wrecked...

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

I lived for a while in Sydney and Cairns, then travelled from Cairns to Alice Springs, with the Ghan from Alice to Darwin and in a car again from Darwin down the west coast to Perth. Now I’m living in Perth. FAVOURITE SPOT IN OZ?

Can you go quarry diving in Australia? Luke Harrington, UK

quarry diving is popular in Europe A While and North America, Australians tend to stick to the wonderful diving spot off Queensland, known as the Great Barrier Reef. While there are also some fantastic areas to dive around the rest of Australia, most are in the ocean. However, that said, the closest thing to quarry diving in Oz is in the Limestone Coast region of South Australia. Here you’ll find 40odd caves and sinkholes open to divers. Most travellers keen to explore head to Piccaninnie Ponds, Engelbrecht Cave and Cocklebiddy Cave to discover beautiful clear water and animal life. Expect to see tortoises, freshwater crayfish, eels and an abundance of species of fish. But be warned, the amazing spectacle that are these caves can be extremely challenging. Only experienced cave divers should attempt this

region and must apply for a permit with The Cave Divers Association of Australia. can I see a Tassie Devil in the Q Where wild? Caro Smoltz, Germany to a dwindling population attributed to A Due a deadly face cancer spreading throughout the species, devils are becoming harder to spot in the wild. Add to that the fact that they are quite shy and easily startled makes for a challenging experience. Firstly, if you travel (carefully) at dusk then you may come across them in Mt William, Mt Field and Narawntapu National Parks. There is also an organised tour located south of Marrawah where you can hide out at night and watch the devils feed on road kill. The tour only operates five out of every 14 nights so the animals don’t rely on being fed. Otherwise there are several zoos and wildlife parks to see devils in captivity and learn a bit about them too.

CHECKING IN CENTRAL CITY HOSTEL [TAS] Winner of the 2011 Golden Backpack Award for best hostel in Tasmania. This Hobart hostel is centrally located only a short walk from the harbour. Navigating around the hostel is OVERVIEW

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like walking through a maze and the rooms are small, but clean. ROOMS Doubles with shared bathroom and small to large mixed or unisex dorms. BILL PLEASE Dorms start from $21/night for a 12-share. 138 Collins St, Hobart Tasmania centralcityhobart.com

Ningaloo Reef by Exmouth. It’s like paradise! Also the Crystal Cascade waterfalls and Tablelands behind Cairns, the gorges in the NT and the magical Uluru itself. SCARIEST EXPERIENCE IN OZ?

Trying to surf on Coogee Beach with possibly the worst and roughest conditions for a beginner. MOST MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE?

Driving by a huge bushfire around Tennant Creek. The sky was grey and the sun was a bright orange ball. I’ll never forget it. ANY RUN-INS WITH WILDLIFE?

I haven’t seen one snake so I’ve come to the conclusion that Tourism Australia has made them up to stop tourists from overcrowding the outback. Most of the kangaroos I saw were dead on the road.

CONSERVATION VOLUNTEERS AUSTRALIA EXPERIENCE

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

XXXXXX TOP FIVE TRAVELLERSTALE

LOSIN’ YOURSELF IN MELBOURNE

German backpacker and Slim Shady fanatic JEFFERY MÖLLER was determined to get to the Eminem concert. There was just one problem – he was about 2,000km away. It all started 10,000 metres up in the air, when I saw an ad in the newspaper announcing Eminem’s Australian tour. The words “Eminem is back” hypnotized me. I just HAD to go to one of his shows in Melbourne or Sydney. The only problem was, I was on a plane to Brisbane, over 700 kilometres away from Sydney and even further from Melbourne. For me, as a European, those distances seemed insurmountable. I started a fruit-picking job on a zucchini field in Bundaberg and for the next few weeks, while I was walking with a stoop for eight hours straight a day in the sizzling Queensland sun, I couldn’t think of much else other than the upcoming concert. Should I scrap my initial plan to travel up the east coast, just because of a concert? Then again, it wasn’t just any old concert, but the first Eminem show in Australia in 10 years. I decided to ask my fellow backpackers for advice. As I was about

to mention my initial plan, an Irish traveller interrupted me and said: “Wait, you’ve got to remember the unwritten backpacker rule!” “And what is that?”, I asked. “Plans never work out over here. You don’t plan as a backpacker,” he said. Those words of wisdom convinced me. I was going to see Eminem live in concert, no matter what! The first show was only days away and I still had no ticket and no idea how to get to...? Wait a minute, where was I going anyway? First off I had to answer the age-old question for myself: Sydney or Melbourne? While people could probably debate over that question for hours, I decided in the blink of an eye: Melbourne. I wanted to check out the “most liveable city in the world”. I quickly arranged a ticket to the Eminem show online and booked a return flight to Melbourne. Twenty hours later I was napping on the bus to Brisbane airport and I awoke to a loud bang. The bus came to a stop and the driver announced that we had a flat tyre. Great! Would this mean I was going to miss the flight that would take me

to the Eminem show? I immediately remembered the backpacker rule: plans never work out. But this was way too spontaneous to be considered as a real plan, right? It turned out that I was right and after we waited half an hour to change buses, I arrived dead on time at the terminal. As I made my way to Melbourne’s huge Ethihad Stadium, thousands were already waiting for the gates to open, some of them had been standing in the line for nearly 24 hours! After the Hilltop Hoods, Lil Wayne took the stage for the first time in Australia and told the crowd: “Melbourne is fucking awesome! I had to agree. After an hour of performing chart-breaking hits and even some skateboard tricks, it was finally time for the ‘Real Slim Shady’. As he entered the stage you could literally feel the intense energy in the stadium. The crowd was going crazy and Eminem didn’t disappoint. He performed a firework of hits and ended the six-hour concert with an energetic version of “Lose Yourself”. The whole stadium was rapping along: “Look, if you had one shot, or one opportunity to seize everything you ever wanted in one moment, would you capture it or just let it slip?” I’m glad I seized the opportunity to be part of that memorable night. I was supposed to leave Melbourne after the concert, but I fell in love with the city and I’m still here. Plus, you know how it is with backpackers and their plans...

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Racing around Hobart TASMANIA

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Photos: Tourism Tasmania/Tim Dub/Garry Moore, TNT Images/Alex Harmon

Taking in the glorious Bruny Island landscapes

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Making tracks Known for their peace and quiet, clean air and postcard-worthy beauty, Hobart and Bruny Island are also places for adventure WORDS ALEX HARMON

Photos: Tourism Tasmania/Tim Dub/Garry Moore, TNT Images/Alex Harmon

WHAT TO DO: Mt Wellington Descent (mtwellingtondescent.com. It was a bit like The Amazing Race: hurtling down a mountain by bike, paddling through au, 03 6274 1880): Departs 9.30am the rain on a kayak, hanging on for dear life on and 1pm daily. $75pp. Hobart a speed-boat… reverse parking on a busy CBD Paddle (freycinetadventures.com.au, street during rush hour. Hobart was pushing 03 6257 0500): Departs morning me to the limits, my patience was being tested, and twilight, year-round, $70pp. my sense of direction – which is dyslexic at Bruny Island Cruises (brunycruises. best – was reaching demented levels and my com.au, 03 6293 1465): three-hour ‘team mate’ from London was suffering from wilderness cruise, departs 11am some form of multi-platform road rage. daily. $110pp. First stop, or should I say challenge, on our ACCOMMODATION: two-day Hobart trip was to navigate out of the Central City Backpackers Hobart airport, which is roughly the size of a 7-11 in (centralcityhobart.com, 03 6224 Sydney. Yet, when I forget to ask for a GPS, I go 2404) has beds from $21 a night. repeat offenders from Sydney’s penal colonies running back to the hire-care office like I was SEE: discovertasmania.com. were sent to Tasmania, which was known in fleeing a burning building. I could never figure 1803 as Van Diemen’s Land. Our guide jokes to out why contestants on those shows were us Sydney folk that Tasmania made The Rocks always running. Now I know – panic. “seem like the Holiday Inn”. And yet, with such a troubled past, We made it to the shores of Marieville Esplanade just in time today’s Hobart has a quaint and peaceful feel to it. That is until for leg one of the journey: kayaking Hobart’s Derwent River. we crash into a bridge pillar and the rain starts to fall. My team mate seems to get more worried by the minute, from Paddling hard through the rain, my vision shrouded by “check out those grey clouds” to “it’s definitely going to rain” my saltwater encrusted sunglasses, we make it into the docks to “we’re going to capsize and drown”. and miraculously the sun comes out. I’m realising that unlike Melbourne, which has four seasons in one day, Hobart has four CAPTAIN COWARD in every hour. You can go from wind-burnt to sunburnt in 10 Ignoring the fact I am travelling with someone who minutes. We stop in the docks and our guide rounds up some fish empathises with the Costa Concordia captain, I get kitted out and chips from a dockside fish punt. The salt from the food may be rubbing into my blistered wounds and the cold air is whipping into the kayaking gear. This includes wet weather clothing, life me in the face, but I decide to lie back and think of England. vests and your very own skirt that attaches snugly to the bananaErr, not like that. I mean Hobart has the old-world charm of yellow kayak. Hang on a minute, capsizing and drowning is the English seaside about it. looking more and more likely. Our lovely guides tell us otherwise. This is a peaceful paddle into Hobart’s docklands as we discover STEERAGE CLASS the history of Tasmania’s capital. I called shotgun and took the After lunch we go back out to sea on the return leg of the front, which meant I had no control over the rudder. People with journey. This time I’m controlling the steering and I’ll admit it control issues make better drivers. Hobart has a colourful history. It’s the second oldest city in takes some time to get used to the pedals not being ‘accelerate’ Australia and considered the Cell Block H of all the penal colonies and ‘brake’, but left and right. The wind is back and the sea in the 1800s, with the country’s worst convicts being sent down is choppier than ever but we make it back to shore without the road to Port Arthur. The most dangerous offenders or the capsizing like an Italian cruise ship and, although my arms ache TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

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–

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TRANSPORTED AT FOURTEEN , A DRUNK BY SIXTEEN , A MURDERER

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ILEY S TRIAL IN

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W ILLIAM R ILEY ?

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BEST TOUR/ACTIVITY IN TASMANIA

Tasmania W H E R E T H E scenery R E A C H E S new heights.

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Just a short flight from Melbourne or Sydney and you could be visiting Tasmania, the southern island state of Australia, where wide expanses of World Heritage Area wilderness will ignite your adventurous passions. Come and raft the legendary Franklin River, breathe in the beauty of the Tarkine, climb the majestic Cradle Mountain or travel overland to kayak beneath some of Australia’s highest sea cliffs on the Tasman Peninsula. Visit www.discovertasmania.com.au or www.backpacktassie.com for local backpacking info.

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and my fingers are blistered, we feel a sense of accomplishment as we move onto round two. The mountain that had been looking over us like an overbearing father we find out is Mount Wellington and we’re going to be riding down it – yes all 1,270m of it. These adventures always start off so smoothly, a nice bus ride up the mountain, meeting people from all over the world. Me? Well, as I’ve said before, these things are a challenge. For some reason brakes frighten me, it’s something about stopping too fast and falling ass over tit that concerns me. Therefore coming down the mountain like a bat out of hell, or a convict out of prison (when in Hobart) seems the only option. At the summit of Mount Wellington you really do feel like you’re on top of Tasmania, you’re actually looking down on planes as they descend into Hobart. The air is probably the freshest air you’ll breathe in Australia too, having not touched land since South America. It’s also some of the coldest. As Hobart is a last port

“ Looking down on Hobart from The craggy peaks of Cradle Mountain the top of Mt Wellington

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You feel like you’re on top of Tasmania – actually looking down on planes as they descend into Hobart

”

of call for those heading to Antarctica, going up to Mount Wellington should be mandatory for acclimatisation. Even with gloves on my hands are numb, which doesn’t bode well for manoeuvring breaks. We speed down the mountain, on the main road no less. “Surely this isn’t safe”, says my team mate who has now joined forces with a German lady in her sixties, who looks fit enough to overtake us both. To be fair it doesn’t feel safe, shooting down a mountain with oncoming traffic on such narrow roads. One wrong move and you’re off the road and rolling around with the boulders that crumble down the mountain slopes, victims of the harsh weather conditions themselves. Still, I concentrate, breathe in that fresh, crisp air and think of England (seems I’ve got Thatcher on the brain). Things are going well until someone decides we should go off-road. Suddenly oncoming traffic doesn’t seem so bad. I’m coaxed into taking the dirt track with the boys in the group, trying hard not to get sticks in my wheels and ducking tree branches overhead. It’s not long before we get to a steep part of the track and I decide that brakes are, in fact, my friend. Waking up my numb hands, I slam on the right hand brake but it seems my left hand is still sleepy. As predicted, I buckle off my bike and into the dirt. Aside from a throbbing thigh and group humiliation, I’m okay. I dust myself off and wheel my bike down while the boys look on sympathetically. I emerge from the track picking sticks from my helmet, grinning like a mad woman. IRON PRAYERS Hobart is the last remaining chunk from the Antarctic Gondwanaland – and you can feel it in the air. Like a British immigrant to Australia who insists on turkey at Christmas,

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the weather here just won’t give up, even in the middle of summer. We do what you have to do in these situations, we find a cosy pub and warm ourselves up with the local tipple – Cascade beer. The following day I pray to Margaret Thatcher for sunshine and miraculously the Iron Lady delivers. We’re off to Bruny Island to cruise around Tasmania’s rugged south-east coastline, spotting wildlife as we weave in and around the rocky caves and sea cliffs. We make a quick photo stop at the stunning Adventure Bay, named after Captain Furneaux’s ship the HMS Adventure who became separated from Captain Cook and stayed in the bay for five days in 1773. Unfortunately by the time we arrive the weather is looking cruel. We step onto our boat and are handed bright red full body-length jackets that are designed for Antarctic Survival. It really looks like the 30 or so passengers on board are off on an Antarctic expedition. The first of the creatures we meet are the black-faced cormorants (perhaps they could be Qantas mascots?) At a distance these birds look cute like penguins. There are some “oohs” and “ahhhs” before our captain tell us about these “pests” whose “poo rusts our boats”. You can tell he doesn’t want us to like them, but he swings the boat around several times so we can all get photos of them. The boat is rocking all over the place, people are scrambling to get photography vantage points and the oversized Antarctic suits allow us the movability of 30 spacemen in the one sardine can. I’m glad

I took one of those calming ginger pills that were handed around earlier. Several faces are beginning to look a little green, turning them into human Christmas decorations. My team mate is leaning over the side with a sandwich bag. I ask her, what would our British ancestors have done? With that in mind, I put my adventure hat on and marvel at the huge cliff faces of Bruny Island. You really do feel like you’re miles from civilisation. No one really lives on this side of Bruny, except for the fur seals who are basking in the sun (it’s back). The coastline is rugged, rocky and daunting, the perfect place for seal breeding it seems. The smell from the male seals is potent, no wonder the female seals go offshore after they’ve done the deed. But I forgive them as they playfully follow the boat, surfing the bow waves. The return journey is a lot smoother as we head further out to sea to avoid the coastline waves. Thankfully no one else feels the need to get intimate with a sandwich bag. I would have liked more time to explore Bruny Island, one day just wasn’t long enough. But it was back on the race Mission Beach: for me and my team mate. Falling for the QLD We speed off to Hobart adrenalin hotspot airport… only to find out our flight is delayed. ❚

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TASMANIA. WILD PLACES. WILD LIFE. WILD FUN.

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Kandy and Ella SRI LANKA

INDIA SRI LANKA

Expect verdant tea plantations and rolling peaks in Sri Lankaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hill Country stunning 38

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Spirited away It sounds like we’ve gone to Sri Lanka to pick up a couple of strippers, but Kandy and Ella are more spiritual experiences WORDS JENNIFER CARR

WHEN TO GO: December to March is best for the Hill Country, As far as assaults go, it’s intense. A slim film charge a bomb for it. Greeting me with a when the weather is drier. However, firm handshake and a twinkle in his eye, of sweat gathers across my brow as I return these are also the months that to face my tormenter. I’m learning my lesson Ranjith and I make the winding, two-hour the hard way: never accept a Sri Lankan curry are most popular with tourists, car journey away from Colombo airport so accommodation can be tight. with extra heat. But then I am eating with upwards and inwards past rice paddies a local guide, in a local café, in the Sri Lankan CURRENCY: $1 = 127LKR and rubber plantations towards Kandy – (Sri Lankan rupee). holy city of Kandy – a situation that calls Sri Lanka’s cultural capital. Predominantly for authenticity, no matter how painful. I’ve Buddhist (70 per cent of the country are ACCOMMODATION: The even foregone cutlery for the native method; Mountain Heavens Hotel in Ella practising Buddhists), the city emanates balling up the curry with rice in your fingers, a calmer feel than other frenetic Asian costs from $44pn (reddottours. then scooping it as elegantly as you can into com). In Kandy, try the Hill Way Tour metropolises I’ve encountered. After one your mouth. Consequently, I’m in desperate of several spicy finger feasts, Ranjith and I Inn, a small budget guesthouse need of a bib. stroll beneath an indigo sky towards the Holy from $10pn (hostelworld.com). Besides setting my tastebuds alight, Temple of the Tooth, or Sri Dalada Maligawa SEE: srilankatourism.org I’ve come to Sri Lanka to explore a country as it’s known to Kandyans. Comparable to for tourist board-listed hotels, that, despite recent conflicts, continues to the Vatican in terms of religious significance operators, activities, and more. earn itself a reputation as one of the most to the global Buddhist community, the exciting, unsung destinations to walk the ‘sacred tooth relic’ is said to be the tooth less-trodden road. Small and perfectly formed (you could nail of the Lord Buddha, retrieved from his funeral pyre. We’re it in three weeks, though a more leisurely pace is obviously lured towards the temple by a persistent drumbeat and preferable), the island’s pearl-shaped mass is flanked by whispers of hibiscus incense, perfuming the night air with India to the west and the Maldives in the south, making it a scent that’s unmistakably, hypnotically Asian. a suitably tropical escape that’s also carving a reputation NATURAL VIAGRA as a credible eco destination. With bare feet and high hopes of seeing the famed tooth SACRED TOOTH (once upon a time, the Sri Lankans believed whoever was in Like India, the legacy of tea production flourishes here, a possession of the tooth had the divine right to rule the land, triggering wars fought to take possession of it), we enter result of opportunistic British colonialists visiting in the early numerous maze-like candlelit walkways and head towards 1800s and planting the crop some 1,500 metres above sea the source of worship: a gilded, bulletproof wall behind level. But it’s more than a canvas for fragrant green, black which the legendary artifact has remained for hundreds of and golden tea buds; the country’s highlands serve up a years. Every inch of the 14th century palace’s stone floors rich and largely unspoiled portfolio of high-altitude hiking opportunities. The pay-off for all the tourist-free trails, and gilded mosaic walkways echo with peace; young and however, is the definite need (especially if you’re female old alike can be found serenely cocooned in their own and travelling solo) for a decent, trustworthy guide. unshakable faith. I’m not one for religious beliefs, but it I find mine in a quick-witted Sri Lankan named Ranjith, feels like something stirs within these walls. whose wealth of local knowledge is put to good use working Breathtaking moments come thick and fast in Sri Lanka, for Red Dot, one of the few tour companies I’ve encountered but spirituality lies not only in the magnificent architecture who give you free rein to tailor your experience and don’t and gilded artifacts – it’s clearly present in nature too. The TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

Hill Country’s lush tea fields

Adam’s Peak, a holy mountain

next day, after breakfasting on a juicy banquet of fresh papaya, king coconut and red bananas (Sri Lanka’s natural Viagra, a blushing Ranjith informs me), I depart Kandy in true colonial style onboard the country’s ancient hillside railway train. Introduced in the late 1800s by the British, it’s an efficient, not to mention enchanting, way to navigate the island’s dramatic topography. Even Ranjith concedes, “Madam, the British bring good things to this country; you gave [us] this.” Minutes into the ride, I’ve got to admit Ranjit’s right about this particular ‘good thing’. The journey, especially if you can pre-book a seat in the observation deck ($7), really does take some beating. A fully glassfronted coach offers views straight from a Kipling novel; lush, emerald-hued fauna hugs the swirling contours of the hills as female tea workers go about their daily pluck mere metres from the train, deftly de-heading the bushes of their bounty as we slink deeper into old Ceylon (the English version of the name given to Sri Lanka by Portuguese invaders in the 1500s).

Eat killer curries like a local

Peak. Conical shaped and 7,350ft high, Adam’s Peak holds a sacred footprint (or Sri Pada) at its summit that is believed by Sri Lankans to be the footprint of Buddha. I remain train-bound, heading higher into the hills towards Ella, a place promising scenic waterfall hikes and Ayurveda,

PEAK PRACTICE During the seven-hour journey, we stop at countless stations to watch weary workers lug three or more sacks home after their daily grind. I’d never realised so much effort went into something the Brits chug back on a daily basis. My impromptu train companion – a Canadian teacher living in China – hops off after four hours at Hatton, the closest station to perhaps the most revered hiking trail in Sri Lanka: Adam’s 40

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Kandy’s Holy Temple of the Tooth

Photos: Thinkstock, Getty Images, Sri Lanka Tourism, Mountain Heavens Hotel

Take the train for the views

a form of ancient Asian healing that uses indigenous plants, herbs and spices to harmonise the body and balance the mind. From nowhere, a thunderous rain cloud blankets the hills and turns the sky a sulky shade of grey. Simultaneously, the landscape becomes saturated in high-definition emeralds and blood-red soil – a dazzling, dizzying contrast to the sky above. Hitting Ella at nightfall, weariness kicks in as we head for the enticingly named Mountain Heavens Hotel, accessible only via a steep dirt road. The lodge twinkles and teeters precariously close to the mountain edge; even in the dark, I’m guessing some seriously good views will be delivered come dawn.

“

Breathtaking moments come thick and fast in Sri Lanka

”

After a throat-warming arak (the local 40 per cent rum) and simple mung dahl and red rice, I slumber hard and wake up to a pleasing justification of the hotel’s name – the view is preposterous. The valley tumbles down in successive, impenetrable waves, a panoramic succession of thickly forested gorges, valleys and waterfalls. To my right, Ella Rock taunts me and my unfit thighs into action as I guiltily remember the Canadian hitting Adam’s Peak. An hour later and we’re in the thick of it, literally. Following the train tracks out of the town, then traversing woods with little or no signage, Ranjith once again proves it’s better to be with someone that (a) knows where they’re going, and (b) also speaks Sinhalese. Talking me through the flora, fauna and his personal passion – rare birdlife – he cheerfully warns me to “stay away from trees, leeches fall from them, madam”. I avoid making a scene and douse myself in a whiffy Ayurvedic

The Insider’s guide Ranjith Alwis is a guide with Red Dot Tours (reddottours.com).

Where’s good for an adventure in Sri Lanka? After exploring the Hill Country, see what the southern lowlands have to offer on a scenic roadtrip down through Ella Valley towards Udawalawe National Park. The road slices through thick jungle and offers plenty of chances to stop off for a ripe orange king coconut – a regional delicacy. Ask the seller to carve it open after you’ve drunk the nutritious water and scoop out the jelly, using the husk for a spoon. After two hours of shifting landscape, marshland and low-lying rice fields signal the entrance into the park, where elephants, crocodiles and herds of wild buffalo can be seen from the comfort of your car.

Where’s good to chill? After Udawalawe, keep driving for about an hour until you reach the coast. Make a beeline for Mirissa, a quiet, coastal surf town that remains a low-key favourite for those wanting sizeable waves and the chance, between November and April, to catch blue whales migrating. Drawn into the region because of abundant supplies of krill, blue whales, orca, dolphins and sperm whales can all be enjoyed on a day trip. Go with a reputable firm that exercises safety and eco-awareness; Raja and the Whales is one of the best. (rajaandthewhales.com)

Where’s best to indulge yourself? If it’s self-indulgence you’re after, Sri Lankan Ayurveda doesn’t get better than at the award-winning Barberyn Beach Resort, 10 minutes up the road from Mirissa in Weligama. Featuring a range of short and long stays, yoga, an organic on-site herb garden and delicious Ayurvedic food, it’s a healthy and eco-conscious destination to put back what stressful Western lifestyles take out. (barberynresorts.com) TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

repellent instead, propelled onwards by the prospect of a treefree view at the top. Two hours and one false leech alarm later, we reach the lookout, which provides us with a jaw-on-thefloor panorama that we relish without another soul in sight. OIL CHANGE Two hours later back in Ella town, we reward ourselves with a creamy avocado lassi (sounds weird, tastes dynamite) that’s blended from fruit plucked only seconds before. It’s then off to

MILLENNIUM ELEPHANT FOUNDATION Deeply committed to the care, protection and treatment of Sri Lankan elephants since 1999, the Millennium Elephant Foundation (MEF) is located in Kegalle, about an hour from Kandy. Welcoming volunteers from around the world to care for and treat elephants injured and endangered as a result of extensive deforestation, the MEF is a proud pioneer of eco farming and endorse a belief that “life revolves around nature”. For long-term volunteers looking to reside in Sri Lanka for a month or more, there’s the chance to help out on the foundation’s working eco farm, as well as teach English to children in the nearby village. Day visitors are encouraged to get up close and personal to the elephants and interact with them and their mahout (elephant rider). You’ll be given the chance to wash and exfoliate the creatures in the river using coconut husks, and even assist with feeding the younger elephants or providing medicine to sick elephants as part of a voluntary veterinary programme. SEE: millenniumelephantfoundation.com

What it says on the tin: Mountain Heavens Hotel the local Ayurvedic doctor, another trusted recommendation from Ranjith and one I’m assured is “most authentic experience madam, I take you to the real heart of Sri Lanka”. Unremarkable from the outside, I enter a humble local abode and am promptly greeted by a woman whose shimmering black braid and sparkling eyes hint of mystical knowledge. I go with it. After an in-depth introduction into the complex principles of Ayurveda (for you, I’ll keep it simple and say it’s about balancing the body through food, herbs and yoga), I’m led into a dark, simply decorated room with a couch on one side, and what looks like a giant treasure chest with a hole for a human head and neck cut out of the top, and a bed of dried herbs and spices strewn at the base. Lying down, with only a batik shawl for modesty, a warm river of sesame oil is slugged all over my body using firm, rhythmic movements. I smell like my local Thai restaurant, but I’m assured sesame is an Ayurvedic cure-all for mental and physical imbalances, as well as calming the central nervous system. Sounds great, but it’s making me hungry. After the oil is administered over achy limbs and massaged into my hair, I switch locations to the treasure chest, where the doctor applies a grainy herbal mask on my face and pushes a herbal tonic into my scalp as the chest lid is lowered. Now I get it: this is in fact a rather masterfully efficient sauna-for-one. In minutes, the herbs hit my blood stream, mingle with the sesame oil and send me on a full-body herbal high. I’m sweating, but it’s far from uncomfortable. My body feels light; I can hear chanting. If this is what the Sri Lankans do to get healthy, I’ll take it over my local GP any day of the week. In fact, I’ll Kiwi classics: take most things on offer in New Zealand’s Sri Lanka, but you can hold the greatest hits extra heat; it’s pretty special just the way it is. ❚

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

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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

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

Explore Whitsundays Whitsundays packages 1800 675 790, explorewhitsundays.com

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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

GAME ON!

THE RUGBY SEASON Rugby fans are in for a treat as Australia’s two major competitions – both in union and league – are now underway. If you’re in Sydney, it’s well worth checking out an NRL match because, while Melbourne is all about the Aussie rules, the Harbour City is very much a rugby league town (indeed, nine of the 16 teams are NSW-based). For a touch of glamour, get yourself along to a South Sydney Rabbitohs match, where club owner Russell Crowe is often in attendance. And union fans have the Super 15s, which is an international tournament that features clubs from Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. For fixture lists and tickets, head to nrl.com and superxv.com

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SYDNEY STAY Base Sydney 477 Kent St. CBD. 02 9267 7718, stayatbase.com Big Hostel 212 Elizabeth St. CBD. 02 9267 7718, bighostel.com Bounce Budget Hotel 28 Chalmers St. CBD. 02 9281 2222, bouncehotel.com.au Easy Go Backpackers 752 George St. CBD. 02 9211 0505, easygobackpackers.com.au City Resort Hostel 103-105 Palmer St. Woolloomooloo 02 9357 3333, cityresort.com.au Sydney Central YHA 11 Rawson Place. CBD. 02 9218 9000 Sydney Harbour YHA 110 Cumberland Street. The Rocks. 02 9261 1111, yha.com.au Westend Backpackers 412 Pitt St. CBD. 1800 013 186 nomadshostels.com Boomerang Backpackers 141 William Street, Kings Cross. 02 8354 0488, boomerangbackpackers.com

Avalon Beach Hostel 59 Avalon Pde, Avalon Beach. 02 9918 9709, avalonbeach.com.au Bondi YHA 63 Fletcher Street. Tamarama. 02 9365 2088, yha.com.au Lamrock Lodge 19 Lamrock Ave. Bondi. 02 9130 5063, lamrocklodge.com Lochner’s Guesthouse 8 Gowrae Ave. Bondi. 02 9387 2162, Aegean Coogee Lodge 40 Coogee Bay Rd. Coogee. 04 0817 6634, aegeancoogee.com.au Coogee Beach House 171 Arden St. Coogee. 02 9665 1162, coogeebeachhouse.com Coogee Beachside 178 Coogee Bay Rd, Coogee. 02 9315 8511, sydneybeachside.com.au Surfside Backpackers 186 Arden Street. Coogee. 02 9315 7888, surfsidebackpackers.com.au

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Sydney Harbour Bridge The Rocks. bridgeclimb.com

CENTRAL COAST

Sydney Aquarium Darling Harbour. sydneyaquarium.com.au

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

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

SYDNEY MUSIC Hordern Pavillion playbillvenues.com Oxford Art Factory oxfordartfactory.com

BYRON BAY Backpackers Holiday Village 116 Jonson St 1800 350 388, byronbaybackpackers.com.au Backpackers Inn 29 Shirley St 1800 817 696, backpackersinnbyronbay.com.au Byron Bay Accom 02 6680 8666, byronbayaccom.net

Sydney Opera House sydneyoperahouse.com The Annandale annandalehotel.com The Enmore enmoretheatre.com.au The Gaelic Hotel thegaelic.com The Metro metrotheatre.com.au

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

WORD FROM THE STREET

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

The Arts Factory 1 Skinners Shoot Rd. 02 6685 7709, nomadshostels.com Nomads Byron Bay Lawson Lane. 1800 666 237, nomadshostels.com Byron Bay YHA 7 Carlyle St. 1800 678 195, yha.com.au

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

OUTBACK ADVENTURE

Isabel Muehlberger, Germany HEY ISABEL. LIKING NSW? “I’ve been just to Sydney so far, but I love this city!” GOT A FAVOURITE PLACE? “I love just hanging out in the Botanic Gardens with a nice view over the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. It’s so impressive to get to see all the big Sydney sights in reality having admired them for so long on TV.” AND FOR GOING OUT? “We’ve had our best nights in Scruffy Murphy’s, an Irish Pub on George Street. Nights there always get messy!”

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

FANCY ONE LAST SUMMER ROAD TRIP? Book now for Quality Campers and Cars! BREEZER HIRE

ECONOMY MY CAR

per day*

per day from*

$48

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$144 Like us on facebook.com/backpackercampervans Follow us on twitter.com/BackpackerVans

BOOK

With our local 24/7 reservations centre on:1800 600 503

NOW

backpackercampervans.com.au

Or book online with real-time quotes and conﬁrmations at:

*Van price based on Breezer Campervan, 3+ day rate, for travel 5/3/2012 – 11/3/2012. Car price based on Economy Car, 1-6 day city rate for travel March 2012. Prices correct at time of print, rates change weekly so contact our Reservations team for the best daily rate. Minimum hire applies, offer subject to availability and liability reduction cover is additional. For full terms and conditions contact Backpacker Rentals.

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.

NOW IN OUR 20TH YEAR OF

PUTTING TRAVELLERS ON THE ROAD

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NOT COMING TO SYDNEY? THEN BUY AND SELL ONLINE @ www.carmarket.com.au OR CALL 02 9358 5000 TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

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BRISBANE STAY Aussie Way Backpackers 34 Cricket St. 07 3369 0711, aussiewaybackpackers.com Banana Bender Backpackers 118 Petrie Terrace. 07 3367 1157, bananabenders.com Base Brisbane Embassy 214 Elizabeth St. 07 3166 8000, stayatbase.com Base Brisbane Central 308 Edward St. 07 3211 2433, stayatbase.com Brisbane Backpackers Resort 110 Vulture St, West End. 1800 626 452, brisbanebackpackers.com.au Brisbane City Apartments 1800 110 443, brisbanecityapartments.com

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

BRISBANE DO

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

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

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

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

Coolangatta Kirra Beach YHA Pl, 230 Coolangatta Rd, Bilinga. 07 5536 76442, yha.com.au

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

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

Gallery of Modern Art 07 3840 7303, qag.qld.gov.au Riverlife Adventure Centre Kayaking & rock climbing. Lower River Terrace, Kangaroo Point. 07 3891 5766, riverlife.com.au

Brisbane City Backpackers 380 Upper Roma St 1800 062 572, citybackpackers.com

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

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

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

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

GOLD COAST

Bunk Backpackers Cnr Ann & Gipps Sts, 1800 682 865, bunkbrisbane.com.au

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

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

Gold Coast International BP 28 Hamilton Ave, Surfers. 1800 816 300, goldcoastbackpackers.com.au Islander Backpackers Resort 6 Beach Rd, Surfers Paradise. 1800 074 393, islander.com.au Sleeping Inn Surfers 26 Peninsular Dr, Surfers Paradise. 1800 817 832, sleepinginn.com.au Surfers Paradise Backpackers Resort 2837 Gold Coast Highway, Surfers. 1800 282 800, surfersparadisebackpackers.com.au Surf ‘n’ Sun Beachside Backpackers 3323 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise. 1800 678 194, surfnsun-goldcoast.com

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

GC DO

Skydive Rainbow Beach 0418 218 358, skydiverainbowbeach.com

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

SUNSHINE CST

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

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

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

Nomads Noosa 44 Noosa Dr, Noosa Heads. 1800 666 237, nomadshostels.com

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

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

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

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

IF YOUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;RE LOOKING FOR SUMMER FUN THERE IS NO PLACE BETTER THAN THE BRISSIE SUN!

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

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

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

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AIRLIE BEACH airliebeach.com 259 Shute Harbour Rd. 1800 677 119 Airlie Beach YHA 394 Shute Harbour Rd. 1800 247 251, yha.com.au Airlie Waterfront Backpackers 6 The Esplanade. 1800 089 000, airliewaterfront.com

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

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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 Pleasure Divers 07 4778 5788

MISSION BEACH Absolute Backpackers 28 Wongaling Beach Road. 07 4068 8317, absolutebackpackers.com.au Scottyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Beach House 167 Reid Rd. 07 4068 8676, scottysbeachhouse.com.au

CAIRNS STAY Bohemia Central Cairns 100 Sheridan St. 1800 558 589, bohemiacentral.com.au Bohemia Resort Cairns 231 McLeod St. 1800 155 353, bohemiaresort.com.au Calypso Backpackers 5 Digger St. 1800 815 628, calypsobackpackers.com.au Dreamtime Travellers Rest 189 Bunda St. 1800 058 440, dreamtimehostel.com Gilligans Backpackers and Hotel Resort 57-89 Grafton St. 1800 556 995, gilligans.com.au JJâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Backpackers Hostel 11 Charles St. 07 4051 7642, jjsbackpackers.com NJOY Travellers Resort Harbour 141 Sheridan St. 1800 807 055, njoy.net.au Nomads Beach House 239 Sheridan St. 1800 229 228, nomadshostels.com

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Nomads Cairns 341 Lake St. 1800 737 736, nomadshostels.com Nomads Esplanade 93 The Esplanade. 1800 175 716, nomadshostels.com Northern Greenhouse 117 Grafton St. 1800 000 541, northerngreenhouse.com.au

CAIRNS DO

Pro Dive 07 4031 5255, prodivecairns.com Raging Thunder Adventures Whitewater rafting. 07 4030 7990, ragingthunder.com.au

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Skydive Cairns 07 4052 1822, skydivecairns.com.au Skydive Cairns 07 4030 7990, ragingthunder.com.au Skyrail Rainforest Cableway 07 4038 1555, skyrail.com.au

CAPE TRIB

AJ Hackett Bungy jumping. 1800 622 888, cairns.ajhackett.com Cairns Dive Centre 1800 642 591, cairnsdive.com.au

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#OMPLIES WITH ALL SAFETY REQUIREMENTS QUANTITY DEPENDS ON SEASON

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

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

BOOK NOW!

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

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

APHEX TWIN The Palace Theatre. Tue, 6 Mar. $59.60. Hitting Aussie shores for the first time since 2004, the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Windowlickerâ&#x20AC;? mastermind is only back for shows in Melbourne and Sydney.

20 Bourke 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

ticketmaster.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!

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

KAISER CHIEFS Palace Theatre. Wed, 16 May. $81.60. Expect a riot when the Leeds five-piece return to Australia and New Zealand for Groovinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; The Moo festival and plenty of sideshows.

20 Bourke St, Melbourne

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

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MORNINGTON

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

DMX Trak. Fri, 27 Apr. $TBC. On sale Mon, 8 Mar. One of the biggest names in hardcore rap, DMX is returning to Aussie shores, just after his new album drops, for the first time since 2006.

445 Toorak St, Toorak

PHILLIP ISLAND

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

Prom Country Backpackers 03 5682 2614

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

Sorrento Foreshore Reserve Nepean Hwy, Sorrento. 1800 850 600, mornpen.vic.gov.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

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GRAMPIANS Grampians YHA Eco Hostel Cnr Grampians & Buckler Rds, Halls Gap. 03 5356 4543, yha.com.au Timâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Place 44 Grampians Road, Halls Gap. 03 5356 4288, timsplace.com.au

ANIMAL MAGIC

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PHILLIP ISLANDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S PENGUIN PARADE Entry from $21.65. If checking out cute birds is your thing, then you wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t do better than these little guys. Watching them race up the beach to safety at dusk will have you cooing for sure. penguins.org.au

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

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

HOBART DO Cascade Brewery 140 Cascade Rd. 03 6224 1117 cascadebreweryco.com.au Mt Wellington Descent Bike tours. 03 6274 1880 mtwellingtondescent.com.au Salamanca Markets Every Saturday, Salamanca Place. salamanca.com.au Tasmanian Museum & Art Gallery 5 Argyle St. tmag.com.au

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

BREATH OF LIFE FESTIVAL Inveresk Showgrounds. Sat, 10 – Sun, 11 Mar. From $100. Tassie will be rocking to the sounds of Fatboy Slim, Hilltop Hoods, the Living End, Drapht and many more during this two-day festival.

Launceston

breathoflifefestival.com

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

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

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

LAUNCESTON DO Cataract Gorge

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

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

CHECK OUT!

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, 4WD enthusiasts and campers.

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SALISTINGS

ADELAIDE STAY

COOBER PEDY

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

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

BOOK NOW!

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

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

Adelaide Travellers Inn 220 Hutt St. 08 8224 0753, adelaidebackpackers.com.au

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

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

KANGAROO IS

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

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

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

BOY AND BEAR

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

The Gov. Wed, May 9. From $40. Much is expected of this highly rated Sydney quintet, so catch them on this national tour before their prices start going up and up.

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

59 Port Rd, Adelaide

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

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

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

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

moshtix.com.au

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

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

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

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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

CHECK OUT!

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

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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 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

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

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

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

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

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

Spectacular Jumping Crocodile Cruise Adelaide River. 08 8978 9077, jumpingcrocodile.com.au

Alice Springs YHA Cnr Parsons St & Leichhardt Tce. 08 8952 8855, yha.com.au

Wave Lagoon Waterfront Precinct. waterfront.nt.gov.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

Helen Gillespie, Scotland HOWDY HELEN. SEEN MUCH OF THE NT? “I’ve been to Tennant Creek, Daly Waters, Katherine, Darwin, Kakadu National Park, Alice Springs, Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon.” WHAT WAS YOUR OVERALL HIGHLIGHT? “Katherine is a great place to spend some time. We spent the day kayaking down Katherine Gorge then soaking our tired muscles in the hot springs before heading to a nearby campsite with its own billabong complete with resident freshwater crocs.” AND HOW ABOUT AFTER DARK? “The Daly Waters Pub. This place is iconic. The bar is filled with random items like g-strings.”

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DON’T MISS!

Perth City YHA 300 Wellington St. 08 9287 3333, yha.com.au The Old Swan Barracks 6 Francis St. 08 9428 0000, theoldswanbarracks.com Underground Backpackers 268 Newcastle St, Northbridge. 08 9228 3755, undergroundbackpackers.com.au

FLORENCE AND THE MACHINE Burswood Dome. Thur, May 17. $89. See “You’ve Got The Love” for yourself and catch the Lungs superstars on the first leg of their Aussie tour. The ticket includes free transport.

Great Eastern Highway

ticketek.com.au

PERTH STAY

Emperor’s Crown 85 Stirling St, Northbridge. 1800 991 553, emperorscrown.com.au

Billabong Backpackers Resort 381 Beaufort St. 08 9328 7720, billabongresort.com.au Britannia on William 253 William St, Northbridge. 08 9227 6000, perthbrittania.com

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

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

GLORY VS CENTRAL COAST MARINERS nib Stadium. Sun, Mar 11. $25. It’s getting to the business end of the season so expect third place Glory to go all out against this year’s current table-topper the Mariners.

310 Pier St, Perth

ticketmaster.com.au

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

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

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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

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

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

BROOME STAY Cable Beach Backpackers 12 Sanctuary Road. 1800 655 011, cablebeachbackpackers.com Kimberley Club 62 Fredrick St 08 9192 3233, kimberleyklub.com

Cruize-Inn 122 Middleton Rd. 08 9842 9599, cruizeinn.com Metro Inn Albany 270 Albany Hwy. 1800 004 321, metrohotels.com.au

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

WORD FROM THE STREET

Yvonne van Kruchten, the Netherlands HI YVONNE. BEEN MANY PLACES IN WA? “I’ve been from Perth up to Karijini and Exmouth, and then up to Broome. We then went across the Kimberley to the Northern Territory.” GOT A FAVE SPOT? “The Bungle Bungle, in the Kimberley in the far north. It was really impressive, a landscape I’d never seen before.” AND HOW ABOUT AFTER DARK? “Just generally sleeping under the stars in swags.”

7 ,Ê -/Ê "-/ Ê Ê7 ÊÓääÇ -/ÊÓäänÊEÊÓää

TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

NZLISTINGS

follow followususon on

BUS TOURS

AUCKLAND

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

DON’T MISS!

Flying Kiwi Wilderness Expeditions 1800 143 515, flyingkiwi.com

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

NEW ZEALAND BEER FESTIVAL

Stray +64 9309 8772, straytravel.com

Queens Wharf. Sat, Mar 31. Entry from NZ$30. Tastings NZ$2.50. Here’s your chance to taste over 70 beers from 24 (predominately New Zealand) breweries. Plus gourmet food and local musicians.

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

Auckland

beerfestival.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

CULTURE FIX

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

@tnt_downunder @tnt_downunder

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

WORD FROM THE STREET

Dallal Messabhia, France

Photo: Getty Images

WAITANGI

Often referred to as the nation’s birthplace, Waitangi is steeped in history. It is where the Declaration of Independence of New Zealand was signed, in 1835, and then, five years later, the Waitangi Treaty, which was signed by representatives of the British crown and Maori chiefs, giving the Maori ownership of their land and the rights of British subjects... well, that’s the official description anyway. Not everybody agrees that it was quite so progressive! Nearby Paihia and Russell also boast some of New Zealand’s oldest drinking establishments.

TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

HEY DALLAL. BEEN UP TO MUCH IN NEW ZEALAND? “Sure, I’ve been from north to south, from east to west. I have also been to Rotorua, Taupo, Waitomo, Cape Reinga and a few other places. I have seen basically a very big part of the North Island!” GOT A FAVOURITE PLACE? “ Rotorua because of the landscapes and the Maori people. Of course it was very smelly (like old eggs) and I had been told that I needed to walk a lot which made me a little afraid at the beginning, but actually the place was so beautiful that walking around was no big deal.” AND A FAVOURITE NIGHT SPOT? “In Auckland, the Lounge is a very good night club because it was small and the music was very good.”

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

DON’T MISS!

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

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

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

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

QUEENSTOWN

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

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

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

KIWIS VS KANGAROOS Eden Park, Auckland. Fri, 20 April. From NZ$39. It’s rugby league’s greatest rivalry: the Kiwis and the Four Nations title holders, the Aussie Kangaroos. This will be a battle of the champions. Reimers Ave, Kingsland

ticketek.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

TRAVELLING ON TO FIJI?

FIJILISTINGS NADI & WEST Aquarius Pacific Hotel +679 672 6000 Beach Escape Villas +679 672 4442, beachscape@ connect.com.fj Cathay Hotel +679 666 0566, fiji4less.com Horizon Backpackers +679 672 2832, horizonbeachfiji.com

mote ere. Visit the re ds Fiji. - it s all th lan Is a w sa ak , explore a Y ay k , e iv d l e Chill, snork

Nadi Bay Resort Hotel +679 672 3599, fijinadibayhotel.com

dventures Awesome A rs

Nadi Down Town Backpackers Inn +679 670 0600, pacvalley@connect.com.fj

for backpacketravellers tive and alterna e the

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

erienc

o exp who want t

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

‘real Fiji’

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

ISLAND HOPPING PASSES 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

ISLAND STAYPUTS

Long Beach Backpackers Resort +679 666 6644

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

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

www.awesomefiji.com

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

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Robinson Crusoe +679 629 1999, robinsoncrusoeislandfiji.com Seashell Cove Resort +679 670 6100, seashellresort.com Tabukula Beach Bungalows +679 650 0097, fiji4less.com The Uprising Beach Resort +679 345 2200, uprisingbeachresort.com Tsulu Luxury Backpackers & Apartments +679 345 0065, tsulu.com Vakaviti Motel & Dorm +679 650 0526, bulavakaviti@connect.com.fj Vilisite Place +679 650 1030

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

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

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

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 Rau Kini’s Hostel +679 672 1959, rtkinihostel@connect.com.fj The Funky Fish Beach Resort +679 628 2333, funkyfishresort.com

TNT622- AAF2746

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

The Resort Walu Beach +679 665 1777, walubeach.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

OZWORK

Ticket to reside Whether you’re on a working holiday, student, or even tourist visa, there’s plenty of ways to extend your travels Down Under...

The problem with travelling is that the more places you see, the more places you want to see. Every time you tick a destination or experience off the wishlist, you find yourself hearing about and adding three more in the process. The result of this is that whatever visa you’re on, you increasingly notice the tick tock at the back of your head as your Aussie visa edges towards its expiry date. But this need not be a problem, as extending your visa isn’t as hard or costly as you might think it is. If you arrived in Australia on a three-month tourist visa, it’s relatively easy to get another three months as a tourist. You can lodge the 676 visa within Australia, but remember it’s illegal to work on a tourist visa. Likewise, if you’re on a student visa and your course is nearing its end, you can apply for a tourist visa, a working holiday visa or sign up to another course and get another student visa. Being a student in Australia is one of the quickest routes to gaining permanent residency, skipping the sponsorship stage, under the Skilled Migration Scheme. There are several options for students hoping to gain residency (notably the 885 and 886 visas), but take note that generally you need to have completed two years of study in Australia and you must be qualified to do a job that is on the government’s Skilled Occupation List. The list, which basically covers all the professions for which Australia has a shortage of workers, includes a wide range of roles, from

accountant to carpenter, social worker to teacher. The vast majority of travellers Down Under, however, arrive on a working holiday visa. This can be extended for a second year by completing 88 days of “specified work” in a “regional area”. Most commonly this is fruit-picking or volunteer work but can also include some construction and mining roles. Make sure you look at the government’s immigration website to check that the post code of where you’re planning to work is classified as “regional”. If you’re hoping to extend your Aussie stay by a much longer period, then thing get more complicated, but are still far from difficult. The easiest and most common route is to find a company to sponsor you. Due to only being able to work with one firm for six months on a working holiday visa, this will mean acting fairly fast once you get a job you like. The most common sponsorship visa is an employernominated 457 visa. To qualify, you must be in a job that pays at least $49,330 (excluding superannuation) and is on the government skills list. Sponsorship will let you stay in Australia for up to four years, but only if you stay in that job. If you quit, you’ll have just 28 days to leave the country or find another employer willing to sponsor you. Beyond sponsorship, the next step is permanent residency, which means you can stay in Oz for the rest of your life (unless you leave for an extended period) and can do any job, or none at all.

TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

WORKERS WANTED FOR FARM IN INNISFAIL. Australia’s largest digital advertising company are now recruiting. Looking for appointment setters to come in and join our team on the Gold Coast. Are you hungry like the Wolf of Wall Street? Do you want to earn big $$$$ whilst having fun, great hours, no weekends or evening work (hangovers allowed). If you’re looking to save up for that big trip or just want some extra cash for the weekend then call; 07 5581 1000 PS it’s easier than picking fruit!

07 5581 1000

Free accommodation and food provided. Offers very good working and living conditions.

PHONE 0437 692 002 CALLING ALL BACKPACKERS & CHATTERBOXES! Want to travel for FREE? Want to work OUTDOORS? Want to MAKE A DIFFERENCE?

THEN THIS IS FOR YOU! We are looking for young, fun and exciting individuals to help promote and raise funds for charities all over Australia!

All training is provided and PAID! All transport and accommodation is provided FREE! Make $$$ while ﬁghting for a good cause! Immediate start! Phone Tim: 1800 450 123 +612 8114 1605 www.mondialfundraising.com.au/jobs

TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

perfect summer job?

Looking for the

Got a smile for miles? Are you full of motivation, drive and enthusiasm? Are you one of those out going, can’t sit still, want to travel the world types?

>L ^HU[ `V\ FAQ What can I expect to earn? OTE $900 per week What if I have no experience? We will train you from scratch. When can I expect to start? Arrange your interview now for an immediate start. Is this telemarketing? 5V [OPZ PZ UV[ [LSLWOVUL ^VYR @V\ ^PSS IL JVUK\J[PUN I I WYVTV[PVUZ VɈLYPUN J\Z[VTLY»Z business solutions through our clients , such as : ,ULYN` (\Z (TL_ 5() .9. (;4»Z 0- [LSLJVT Work as a Consultant on our current and upcoming campaigns! We are looking for those of you that have that special ‘spark‘. That certain ‘something’ that leaves a customer with a smile. At GM Global we are responsible for the provision of high quality service to existing customers of the client we represent, as well as the acquisition of new business on their behalf. >L KLHS ^P[O ZTHSS TLKP\T ZPaLK I\ZPULZZLZ VɈLYPUN [OLT business solutions through our client Energy Australia! 3 Month Minimum Availability Immediate Start OTE $900 HIGHLIGHTS >P[O [OL VɉJLZ ^L OH]L HYV\UK (\Z[YHSPH HUK 5A `V\ ^PSS OH]L ;9(=,3 67769;<50;0,: .(369, )\[ ^OPSL PU Melbourne you will have opportunities travel nation wide.

EMAIL admin@gmglobal.com.au PHONE 03 8199 3827 Global enterprises_670v2.indd 1

Is this street selling? 5V ;OPZ PZ UV[ JOHYP[` ^VYR HUK `V\ ^VU»[ be standing on a street corner. What will I be doing? One of our friendly trainers will show you how to approach businesses of small to medium size and promote our clients services and products which are designed to save the business thousand’s ! 0Z P[ KPɉJ\S[ [V NL[ H ZHSL& 5V[ H[ HSS ;OL` HSYLHK` OH]L HUK \ZL [OL WYVK\J[Z [OH[ ^L VɈLY ^L Q\Z[ HJ[P]H[L KPZJV\U[Z for them. CONGRATULATIONS! @V\ OH]L Z\JJLZZM\SS` made a sale, earned some money and are ready [V WHY[` ^P[O \Z MVY -YPKH`»Z ILLY UPNO[

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23/02/12 4:25 PM

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

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

T THE INDEPENDEN

UIDE TRAVELLERS' G JI

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

2012

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

ZEALAND & FI AUSTRALIA, NEW

A Product UK £9.95 WHERE SOLD

tntdownunder.com TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

OZWORK

INTERVIEW WITH A FRUIT PICKER We spoke to British backpacker Melissa Mitchells, 26, who spent three months picking strawberries in South Australia to earn a oneyear extension to her working holiday visa... What jobs have you done? Well I worked in a café for a bit in Sydney but I guess the more interesting thing I did was work on a strawberry farm in South Australia. I LOVE strawberries. Adore strawberries, in fact. I now have back muscles I didn’t know I had though.

How did you get the job? I wanted to do something in an area where not everybody goes, so my boyfriend talked to a few contacts he had in tourism and they gave me a list of different places. I gave each a call, some weren’t interested and others offered different things so I checked them out and I ended up on a strawberry farm. How’s the pay? It was alright. I got paid by the hour which was good but they work you pretty hard and don’t let you slack

off. It’s a pretty efficient kind of farm. Why do it? I did it because I wanted to stay longer in Australia. I had heard of people paying for the farmer’s ABN and stuff but I’m such a chicken when it comes to stuff like that, that I just didn’t want to risk it. I’m glad I went ahead with it though because it was a great experience. What are the best bits? This sounds so disgustingly clichéd but you really do

find yourself when you are alone, in a remote location, doing a mindless task. I’d spent a lot of my adult life going at the speed of a bull at a gate and I’d never really stopped. While the work was pretty taxing physically it gave me a lot of time to think about what I really want in life and where I’m headed. And the worst? The back aches. At the beginning I thought I would end up like the Hunchback of Notre Dame but I soon learned how to reduce the pain.

IS IT... WORTH GETTING A MIGRATION AGENT? They will give you an honest opinion of your chances of success and assist you with the preparation, presentation and submission of your application so that it stands the very best chance of success. A registered migration agent will take the pain and guess work out of the entire process and give you peace of mind. It is important to appoint an agent that is registered with the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA).

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MYTHBUSTERS AUSTRALIA’S ALCATRAZ?

THIS WEEK’S QUIZ

BEACHES

OF THE

WEEK

1. Where is the world’s longest natural beach? a) Bangladesh b) Australia c) Morocco d) Chile

gives black sand its colour? Q 2.a)What A chemical reaction

A group of jellyfish is called a... Q 7.a) Wobble

b) Shells c) Basalt/volcanic rock d) Oil slicks

b) Smack c) Glob d) Jellyfee

starred in the movie Beaches? Q 3.a)Who Whitney Houston b) Bette Midler d) Diana Ross

a) Koh Samui b) Phuket c) Koh Chang d) Koh Phi Phi

Q 4. Which American actor used to

perform with The Beach Boys? a) John Stamos b) Tom Cruise c) Jerry Seinfeld d) Zach Braff

SUDOKU PUZZLE 6 2

have shark nets? a) 18 b) 34 c) 51 d) 77

“BUDGIE SMUGGLERS”

9 8

9 3

TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

5 9

ANAGRAM-ARAMA

AUSSIE-ISM

1 2

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The most notorious prison in Oz enjoyed its infamy for good reason. However, there was a man who got past the guard dogs. Irish rogue Martin Cash braved the sharkinfested waters that surround the prison on three sides and swam to freedom, not once but twice. Not all attempts were so lucky though. George Hunt’s genius idea was to pretend to be a kangaroo, complete with fur, and hop his way to feedom. He gave himself up and received 150 lashes for his troubles when he realised the guards were trying to shoot him.

Q 9. How many beaches in NSW

Q 5. Which European capital creates a popular artificial beach every summer? a) London b) Paris c) Prague d) Athens

Thailand island was movie Q 8.TheWhich Beach mostly filmed on?

Is it true that nobody escaped from Tasmania’s Port Arthur?

Referring to male swimming costumes, normally Speedos. It looks a bit like men are hiding a poor defenseless bird, erm, down there. Never to be worn in public unless you are an Iron Man.

THIS WEEK IT’S... THINGS YOU LOSE AT THE BEACH 1. SUNLESS GAS 2. RACK YES 3. OH, I’M ON BLEEP 4. ‘N’ CENSURES ANSWERS: 1. Sunglasses 2. Car keys 3. Mobile phone 4. Sunscreen

c) Barbara Streisand

6. She wore an itsy bitsy, teeny weeny, yellow what bikini? a) Checkered b) Houndstooth c) Striped d) Polka dot

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

MYTH

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