TNT Magazine: Australia

March 12-18 2012 Issue 672 tntdownunder.com

!R IEN W F DIV S O

SKY MATE YOU AND A AND IN SYDNEY ACH MISSION BE

CRISIS TALKS Aussie star Simon Baker on Margin Call

SHELLS ANGELS Rum, rays and turtles in Bundaberg

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C I A R C E H T S ’ WHAT d Oz ’s Day aroun k ic tr a P t S g bratin tuff and cele s k c la b e th finding Your guide to + STARSAILOR’S JAMES WALSH WHAT’S ON DIVING THE NINGALOO MANILA MAYHEM

ANDREW WESTBROOK EDITOR editor@tntdownunder.com

EDITOR’S LETTER As someone who seems to have put up half of Ireland on my sofa over the last few years, I can say with confidence that Australia is a place that knows how to celebrate St Paddy’s Day. It’s almost as if people are looking for an excuse to get drunk. Surely not. Well, if it’s an excuse you’re after, you won’t need to search too hard when Saturday comes, as we explain with our guide to the green day, on p6. Sláinte!

THIS WEEK OZ DIARY

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MUSIC & FILM

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CELEB GOSSIP

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COMPETITION

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NEWS

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SPORT

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TRAVEL

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LISTINGS NSW

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LISTINGS QUEENSLAND

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LISTINGS VIC

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LISTINGS TASMANIA

55

LISTINGS SA

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LISTINGS WA

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LISTINGS NT

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LISTINGS NEW ZEALAND

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LISTINGS FIJI

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WORK

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TRIVIAL PURSUITS

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FEATURES GREEN DAY

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Got the luck or want to get lucky with the Irish? Check out our Paddy’s Day guide

FRESHLY BAKED

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Chatting to The Mentalist’s Simon Baker about his award-winning film Margin Call

RUM’S THE WORD

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From turtles to rum-drinking polar bears, we’ve got Bundaberg covered

MANILA SKY The sights, sounds and tastes of The Philippines’ colourful capital

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34

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OZDIARY

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EDITORIAL Editor Andrew Westbrook Staff writer Alex Harmon Editorial assistant Leigh Livingstone Contributors Xav Judd | Alasdair Morton

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Will it be the local boy’s year?

DESIGN AND PRODUCTION Design and production manager Lisa Ferron SALES Account manager Justin Steinlauf Sales executive Caroline Ward MARKETING & EVENTS Business development manager Tom Wheeler Marketing assistant Leroy Meurs DISTRIBUTION Lee Sutherland

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THE MAIN EVENT F1 GRAND PRIX [MELBOURNE]

One of the biggest events on Australia’s sporting calendar is the opening race of the 2012 F1 season. But it’s not all fast cars. It’s also fast planes, action-packed competition and rocking off-track entertainment. This year’s Sidetracked (the concert stage) will boast Flo Rida, Grandmaster Flash, Art vs Science and Bombs Away. The Royal Australian Airforce takes to the skies for daring displays while The Crusty Demons will compete with their death-defying aerial stunts. In case that isn’t enough, there’s also the Action Zone and V8 Village. One-day tickets start from $39. March 15-18, Albert Park, Melbourne.

Further info at grandprix.com.au $39

ST PATRICK’S DAY [EVERYWHERE]

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FOTOFREO 2012 [FREEMANTLE]

March 17 is the day when everyone is Irish, drinking green beer is perfectly normal and silly green hats and Guinness are the order of the day. Every Irish pub in the country will be offering up Irish food, entertainment and the black stuff by the bucket load. Do St Paddy proud and join in.

The abundance of Aussie talent in this 11-day festival is outstanding and it is cheap as chips to see them. A Deeper Shade of Blue screens on March 17, a surf movie with a difference. It is about being alive and it will make you feel that way too.

This biennial photography festival features exhibitions from Australian and worldwide photographers. This year’s focus is India and many of the events in Freemantle will be free. Don’t forget to catch the film screenings, talks and book launches that make this a cultural cornucopia.

March 17 Everywhere stpatricksday.org.au

Now until March 17 The Ritz, Randwick australianfilmfestival.com.au

March 17 - April 15 Various Locations, Freemantle fotofreo.com

FREE

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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Get craic-ing!

Yes, International Drinking Day, sorry St Patrick’s Day, is this Saturday, so here’s the lowdown on where to get your lips around a pint of the black stuff and enjoy it until you go green in the face WORDS LEIGH LIVINGSTONE

It’s no coincidence that Australia and Ireland both share a fondness for the colour green, or that (after New York) Sydney hosts the second largest St Patrick’s Day party in the world outside of Ireland.

For starters, almost a third of Australia’s population claim Irish heritage. However, they won’t be the only ones celebrating the Emerald Isle on Saturday (March 17).

In fact, as the famous sign at the St James Gate Guinness brewery in Dublin says, “Everyone’s Irish on March 17”.

St Patrick’s Day is named after Ireland’s patron saint, a man who it’s believed was born in Wales, but taken to his adoptive home by Irish slave traders. Once there, he apparently had a chat with the man upstairs, became a priest and then made a name for himself throughout the 5th century by using a shamrock to communicate religion to the nation and also for banishing snakes, of all things, from the country.

Naturally historians, killjoys that they are, aren’t quite so sure about the snakes bit of the story, as it’s thought there hadn’t been any of the wriggly fellas in the Emerald Isle for a long time 6

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before Paddy turned up. Perhaps more believable is that the snakes in the myth are actually a metaphor for the country’s pagan druids.

Nowadays, each year on the anniversary of his death, the world celebrates all things Irish by downing large amounts of Guinness, enjoying traditional Irish music, plus wearing novelty leprechaun hats. Oh, and did we mention the Guinness?

Since you mentioned Guinness, let us tell you the dark stout is the best selling brew in Ireland. Indeed, it now

sells around 18 billion pints globally each year. It is also arguably good for the heart, with various studies claiming its high amount of antioxidants slow down the deposit of cholesterol in the arteries.

That’s as good an excuse as any to down a pint or two of the black stuff, especially as this year, as chance would have it, the day itself actually falls on a Saturday.

You don’t have to kiss the Blarney Stone to get the luck of the Irish; there will be plenty of parties and events all over Australia to help you get your shamrock on. Here’s some of the best...

PJ O’BRIEN’S THE CRAIC: PJ O’Brien’s is one of the bestloved Irish pub chains in Australia. And there is no question that each of their locations will be throwing a party to end them all this Paddy’s Day. All venues will be open for breakfast, serving a traditional Irish feed of grilled sausages, black pudding, white pudding, fried egg, tomato, bacon and toast. Perfect to line the stomach for the night ahead, but make sure you book ahead.

COST: From $20 (depending on location) for the full brekkie, including Guinness.

WHERE: Melbourne, Adelaide, Sydney and Cairns.

INFO: pjobriens.com.au

SYDNEY ST PATRICK’S DAY PARADE THE CRAIC: Australia’s biggest Paddy’s event by far is in Sydney CBD on the day after St Patrick’s. On the third Sunday in March (the 18th), thousands will dust off their hangovers and gather to watch the parade floats and colourful marching bands as they make their way from Town Hall to Hyde Park. From there the fun continues with traditional music, Irish food stalls and, of course, a bar to grab some more of the wonderful black stuff.

COST: Free.

WHERE: Beginning in front of Town Hall on George Street and finishing in Hyde Park, near St James Station.

INFO: stpatricksday.org.au

THE CRAIC: This fine establishment on Calypso Bay Marina is a beautiful place to spend St Pat’s Day. Situated away from the hustle and bustle of the city crowds but still full of fun, walking into this Irish bar is said to be like returning home.

There will be live traditional bands all day as well as plenty of the black stuff on tap and a wide range of Irish meals. Irish dancers and pipers help set the mood.

COST: Free entry.

WHERE: Calypso Bay Marina Village, Jacobs Well, QLD. INFO: harrigansdriftinn.com.au

Photos: Getty Images

HARRIGANS

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OZPARTY CRUISE THE CRAIC: Enjoy a three-hour allinclusive party cruise on stunning Sydney Harbour while tearing up the dance floor to the sounds of DJ Seamus. Your ticket gets you unlimited buffet and drinks as well as access to the exclusive afterparty when you’re back on dry land. Grab a ticket as soon as possible because they will sell out fast.

COST: $69.

WHERE: Cruise departs from outside Cargo Bar, Darling Harbour, Sydney at 2pm, on the day itself.

INFO: ozpartybus.com

LIMERICK ARMS HOTEL THE CRAIC: What is with the Irish and beer? The two Irish brothers that opened this modest establishment in South Melbourne also went on to create their own Aussie brewery – Tooheys. However, it will be all about the Guinness on Paddy’s Day. Open for breakfast and then into the wee hours of the morning.

This will be a lively place to kick up your heels, to be sure, to be sure.

COST: Free entry and moderately priced menu.

WHERE: 364 Clarendon Street, South Melbourne.

INFO: limerickhotel.com.au 8

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MARCH MADNESS AT YARDHOUSE SYDNEY PRESENTS

ST. PATRICK’S DAY 17TH MARCH

TRADITIONAL IRISH BREAKFAST AND wash it down with a PINT OF GUINNESS FOR $20

Kick the day off with a

TRADITIONAL IRISH MUSIC FROM 3PM ROCK OUT FROM 9PM WITH THE BEST COVERS FROM IRISH BANDS

$6 PINTS OF GUINNESS

www.Yardhouse.com.au

BRISBANE IRISH FESTIVAL THE CRAIC: This is Brisbane’s very first festival of all things Irish, so it is sure to be a big one. The nine-day celebration features a trivia night (tonight) where competitors will go head to head with teams from four pubs across the city. There will also be an Irish film festival ($10 for the early session, March 14) and more traditional Irish tunes than you can poke a lucky charm at. The grand finale of the festival will be St Patrick’s Day itself, where you can score tonnes of tasty food and, of course, more Guinness from the Harmony Day Festival at Eight Mile Plains ($5 entry). There is also plenty of free entertainment at Melbourne Street Greens to keep you jigging.

COST: See website for list of events and prices.

WHERE: Multiple venues, Brisbane.

INFO: brisbaneirishfestival.com.au

THE MERCANTILE THE CRAIC: There’s few better places Down Under to regularly see live, traditional Irish music than this historic pub in The Rocks, so expect it to be bursting at the seems come Saturday.

Indeed, if you don’t get there early, it’s probably not worth trying to your place by the giant all-wooden bar.

COST: Reasonably priced Irish menu, including brekkie.

WHERE: 25 George Street, The Rocks, Sydney.

INFO: sydney.citysearch.com.au

THE AUSTRALIAN HERITAGE HOTEL THE CRAIC: This quintessential Aussie pub in the heart of The Rocks will be putting on their best Irish spread and keeping the Guinness flowing this Saturday. Stop by for a pint or 10 and enjoy the evening with folk who love all things green. They even have accommodation upstairs for those visitors intending to party like green is going out of fashion.

COST: Reasonably priced Irish menu, see website for details.

WHERE: 100 Cumberland Street, The Rocks, Sydney.

INFO: australianheritagehotel.com 10

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DURTY NELLY’S THE CRAIC: It doesn’t get more Irish than this. Durty Nellys was designed and constructed in Ireland, then dismantled and shipped to Perth. Each section of the pub was created to reflect Irish culture and history. The Brewery Bar is a fun representation of the original Guinness brewery at St James Gate, The Victorian reflects Irish architecture and The General Merchant harks back to the traditional public houses that doubled as a bar and grocer. This is the place to be if you are celebrating in Perth. Sláinte!

COST: Guinness is going for $7.50 pints this month.

WHERE: 397 Murray Street, Perth.

INFO: durtynellys.com.au

THE CRAIC: Darwin has a limited range when it comes to Irish pubs but, like the leaves on a shamrock, there are three venues that will turn things up for their local leprechauns. There is no better place for a pub-crawl since they are all located within a blarney stone’s throw from each other. Kitty O’Shea’s was the original Irish pub in Darwin and she holds her own among the new boys, perfectly positioned to start your Paddy’s night.

Shenannigans will be offering plenty of what the name suggests, live music and big fun. Finish up at The Fiddler’s Green down on the waterfront, with a pretty view to toast St Patrick into the wee hours of the morning.

COST: Free entry, reasonably priced food and drinks, see websites for details.

WHERE: Kitty O’Shea’s, Herbert Street; Shenannigans, 69 Mitchell Street; Fiddler’s Green, Kitchener Drive, Darwin.

INFO: kittys.com.au, shenannigans.com. au, darwinhub.com/fiddlers-green

WESTBURY ST PATRICK’S FESTIVAL THE CRAIC: In the 1820s, Irish political prisoners were banished to Tasmania and their Celtic spirit is still thriving throughout Van Diemen’s Land.

Westbury Village, near Launceston, has been celebrating St Patrick’s Day for decades with local and interstate entertainers to keep the party going. Festival day boasts a concert on the green, a street parade, market stalls and plenty of those big green hats. Tickets are valid all day, so snap them up if you are down there on Saturday.

COST: $20.

WHERE: Westbury Village Green, Tasmania.

Game on: We INFO: wspf. preview the Aussie info

NEXT WEEK rules footy season

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MARGIN CALL FILM REVIEW by Alasdair Morton STARRING: Kevin Spacey, Paul Bettany, Jeremy Irons | CERT: MA | 107mins | Out March 15

JOHN CARTER FILM PREVIEW STARRING: Taylor Kitsch, Lyn Collins, Dominic West | M | 132mins |

‘Disney-do-Avatar’ is the description for this 3D spectacle, an adaptation of Edgar Rice Burroughs’ 1911 novel in which a Civil War cavalryman (Kitsch) is zapped to Mars where he battles 12-foot-tall green-skinned aliens. The industry buzz predicts box office problems, though, for the Mouse House’s $234m+ gamble, which has work to do just to break even.

Out now

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This thriller, set in the corridors of power of a Wall Street investment bank during the 24 hours proceeding the financial collapse of 2008, is the film that Oliver Stone’s Wall Street follow-up should have been.

From first time writer-director JC Chandor, this office-set drama pulls together an all-star cast. Opening on a day in which said firm is performing a hardline cull of its staff, we meet Stanley Tucci’s risk management bod, a long-time server who ruthlessly gets the chop. As he’s frog-marched out of the building, he hands a USB to one of his underlings, played by Zachary Quinto (who also co-produces), and warns him to ‘be careful’. And so he should because the information contained within reveals the company is headed for oblivion. What follows is the reporting of this information to a variety of increasingly more senior bosses (Paul Bettany, Kevin Spacey, Simon Baker and finally Jeremy Irons) culminating in the decision that kickstarted the events about which we are still feeling the consequences.

A fictionalised take on real events, Margin Call focuses on the people behind the scenes, the decisions they made and the reasons for them. In the end, selfpreservation wins out. As firm boss John Tuld (a deliciously savage, sinister and cutthroat Irons) says: “There are three ways to make a living in this business – be first, be smarter, or cheat.” Presenting the human face of the economic crisis, Margin Call is intelligently written, superbly performed, and insightful.

GOOD FOR: Gaining an understanding of the GFC, without getting bored by the numbers

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FRENCH FILM FESTIVAL

BOOK

NOW!

FILM

In its 23rd year, the French Film Festival is underway and it wouldn’t be right without a romantic film starring Audrey Tatou (La Délicatesse) or a sultry film starring Juliette Binoche (Elles). With over 40 films to choose from, there’s new ground to break too.

March 6-25, Sydney. Tickets from $15 affrenchfilmfestival.org

BATTLE OF THE BOOZE

CIDER FESTIVAL

DEBATE

FESTIVAL

Part of the ‘Parched March Festival’ (the anti-dote to FebFast) this debate argues the 21st century questions: do mixologists take themselves too seriously? And do sommeliers all talk wine wank? You can find out in this night of wine, cocktails, canapés and fun at the Loft Bar in Sydney. Proceeds go to the Animal Welfare League.

It’s the summer drink of the year and now you can get up close and intimate with it in Melbourne. Cider lovers will descend on Federation Square this week to a garden of locally-made boutique brews at the Fed Square Microbreweries Showcase. For $25 you’ll get 20 x 60ml tastings as well as treats from participating restaurants.

March 14. Sydney. Tickets $10 at the door parchedmarch.com

March 14-15. Federation Square, Melbourne fedsquare.com

GUM BALL FESTIVAL In the peaceful surrounds of Bedford in the Hunter Valley, this music and arts festival comes alive for another year.

So alive the 90s Aussie indie rock heroes Custard will reunite just for this event. Also on the lineup are Sydney’s Jinja Safari, blues legend Ash Grunwald featuring Vika and Linda Bull, The Beautiful Girls frontman Mat McHugh, Front End Loader, The Tounge, Kim Churchill, The Delta Riggs and more. A full weekend pass including two nights camping is $165+ booking fee.

April 27-28 thegumball.com.au

AWKWARD

GRACE KELLY: STYLE ICON

BAR

EXHIBITION

Empire of the fabulous it is indeed. This house of fun has burst into Sydney with a splash of style recently. Everything is not as it seems, with colourfully decorated walls, glamourous bar staff and creatively awkward decor. It’s worth a look for the down-the-rabbithole-lawn area alone. Don’t miss their official grand opening on March 21.

Grace Kelly was one of the most photographed women of the 20th century and her glamour is now on display. The epitome of elegance and style, she rose to fame in Hitchcock films and sealed the deal by marrying a prince. This exhibition showcases everything from her Princess of Monaco dresses to her Hollywood stills.

173 Darlinghurst Road, Darlinghurst

Until June 17. Bendigo Art Gallery, Victoria

KICKBOXING TICKETS

WIN

We’re giving away two double passes to the Total Carnage fight night at Jupiters Casino on the Gold Coast. Taking place on Saturday, April 7, the event will see the modern day gladiators, including nine times world champion Nathan Corbett, take to the ring. Only one will end the night as World Full Muay Thai Heavyweight Champion. To enter, visit tntdownunder.com/competitions.html TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

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James Walsh The English singer-songwriter had a killer decade as frontman of the band Starsailor before going solo. He’s bringing his acoustic show down under so we gave him a call...

INTERVIEW ALEX HARMON

Gets along fine with one Gallagher

at the moment, she’s kind of suffering the same fate. It’s an incredible album and she’s a great artist, but people put such high expectations on her. It’s sometimes hard to fulfil.

How was it touring with the Rolling Stones?

Oh, it was incredible. I got to meet them as well which was a bonus.

How would you describe your solo stuff, compared to the Starsailor days?

I’ve done so much since the last Starsailor album that it’s actually hard to define. The last release I did was an orchestral in Norway which was a bit of a departure. Recently I’ve been dipping my toes into more dance orientated stuff, kind of along the same lines as “Four To The Floor”. I’ve also been working on some film soundtracks.

Do you want to do more of that?

Yeah, definitely. There’s a film called Powder which I did the music for. It’s a rock‘n’roll biopic.

I wrote the songs and this lad basically mimed my voice. Recently I have been working on an adaptation of Chuck Palahniuk’s Lullaby.

Tell me about the incident with Noel Gallagher...

He was basically slagging us off in an interview so I approached him at a festival.

Wow, you confronted a Gallagher?

Yeah and he basically told me to go away. I shouted at him and then walked off, that was it really. The next day it was all over the papers.

What do you think of his new band?

Oh, I really like it. I grew up being into Oasis.

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Definitely Maybe was one of the first albums I ever bought. It was quite surreal to be in a feud with him. Although when you get on a Gallagher’s radar you go, no, I’m not having this.

A bit disappointing really. I’ve met Liam since then and I get along fine with him.

Do you prefer the band or solo life?

I’ve been trying to get the band back together at some point. I’m just waiting for that right moment. I think it’s important to get out at the right time and go back at the right time too, rather than just slogging it out and putting albums out just for the sake of it. There’s only a couple of bands in that kind of privileged position that can make an amazing living out of it for years and years.

Bands like?

I think bands like Coldplay and The Killers.

Starsailor were dubbed the “new Coldplay”. Was that a lot of pressure?

It’s always a mixture, like a curse and a blessing.

Obviously it won us a lot of fans and drew attention to the band. But some people are more inclined to find fault in a group when they’ve been hyped up, it’s kind of human nature. I’m sure I’ve done it myself. I guess it’s Lana Del Ray

Do they still party hard?

Ronnie does and Keith is still at it. But I think Mick Jagger has always been the brains and the engine behind the whole operation so he keeps himself healthy. He does a fitness regime before the show, it’s almost military precision. That’s what you need in a band really. When you’ve got five or six complete stoners or party animals then it’s sort of a disaster. You need someone who is a bit more focused. You can’t be too conservative but you can’t be too bohemian either.

What do you think of X-Factor shows and what they’re doing for musicians?

I guess it’s good for songwriters, because we produce so many artists and they’re always looking for songs. But it’s a double edged sword for me, because I’m an artist and a writer. As a writer it’s great because I’ve got more work but as an artist its more of that X-Factor stuff that gets in the charts and it’s harder for established bands to get a look in. It’s best to see it as a positive and try and lift your game, really.

Any Aussie artists you’re into?

I think Gotye is really good. And I love the Sleepy Jackson, back in the day. He’s gone onto Empire of the Sun now hasn’t he? I love that kind of Beatles-esque stuff that they do.

Your ‘desert island’ album would be?

I think I would choose Revolver by the Beatles.

James Walsh joins Sarah McLeod, playing Brisbane (March 16), Byron Bay (March 18), Adelaide (March 21), Melbourne (March 23) and Sydney (March 24). jameswalshmusic.com

More than a Mentalist 20 0

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From Tassie to Tinseltown Simon Baker may have settled in Hollywood, and have film roles and a hit TV show, but he isn’t about to forget his roots anytime soon WORDS ALASDAIR MORTON

Simon Baker is a tad drowsy when he sits down for a chat.

It’s late morning and he’s nearing the end of a week of night shoots – up to 16 hours apiece – for his hit TV detective series, The Mentalist. It may be tiring, but as Baker, who was born in Tasmania but relocated to the California coast in the mid-Nineties, admits, the US has been good to him. “I miss Australia, the sheer natural beauty of it and the lust for life that Australians have,” he says. “But, for me, America has been the land of opportunity.”.

Indeed. Since being Stateside, Baker has racked up a diverse CV that includes his debut screen role in Curtis Hanson’s critically lauded LA Confidential; zombie-king George Romero’s horror movie Land Of The Dead; a turn as Naomi Watts’ boss in The Ring Two; and chick flicks such as The Devil Wears Prada (“I had despicable eyebrows in that film so I always get comments about that!”).

It is his self-confessed work ethic though that has steered the 42-year-old through such a varied career, and which allowed him to squeeze in, during a gap in his hectic TV schedule, a role as investment bank top dog Jared Cohen in the Oscarnominated Margin Call, a finance drama about the 24 hours preceding the start of the 2008 global financial crisis, which hits Aussie cinemas this week.

Baker signed on a little more than a week before the film began shooting, with the rest of the cast already in place: Zachary Quinto, Demi Moore, Stanley Tucci, Kevin Spacey (“there’s a richness and complexity to what he does... one of my favourite actors to watch”), Paul Bettany (“a cracker of a guy”), and Jeremy Irons, as the ruthless head of an investment bank whose decision to save himself and his company by selling a shitload of worthless assets kickstarts the global recession we find ourselves in now.

The film is stocked with suited, investment banking types who talk solely in terms of numbers. Whether it be salaries, the firm’s assets and trading, or just the digits on their screen, the very fabric of everyday life is seen, and lived, through figures.

“I’m not much of a numbers guy myself,” Baker confesses.

“But what I liked about the script is that it pulled the curtain back on something I had no real understanding of. Moving debt from here to there, it’s fucking complicated, but the script simplified it in a way that made it feel more accessible for average humans like me.

“Who are the people making these decisions? How did they get to there? In the end you realise it’s just gambling.”

Baker may not have a mathematical mind, but one number, 17, made sure he was able to get into character – that’s

“

I miss Australia, the sheer, natural beauty

”

how many days made up the film’s intense shooting. The location, too, played a part: offices on the 42nd floor of One Penn Plaza – former home to a trading firm that was a player in the collapse itself – with its Manhattan panorama and offices for dressing rooms, made it easy for the cast to imagine the scene as the scale of the situation unfolded back in September 2008.

Even though the story’s fallout is global in its reach, Margin Call is tightly focused on those at its heart. “It isn’t a spectacle of a film,” Baker reasons, somewhat understatedly.

Baker, with Demi Moore, in Margin Call TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

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Clockwise from top left: Baker in Land Of The Dead; with the late Dennis Hopper; at the ninth annual G’day USA black-tie gala with wife Rebecca Rigg; in The Mentalist, with Robin Tunney “There is an intensity, but it doesn’t talk down to you nor inflate what it is either into high-camp drama. Nothing explodes, no one gets laid!”

Despite this modest assessment, with a cast full of previous Academy Award winners and nominees, Margin Call had been tipped for glory at last month’s Oscars bash.

It wasn’t to be, with Woody Allen’s Midnight In Paris pipping it to the best original screenplay award. However, at Hollywood’s Kodak Theatre were a host of famous faces (Clooney, Pitt et al) who are among the high-profile supporters of Occupy, the grassroots movement that sprang up in opposition to the causes of the GFC. Baker is a part of that group. “What [Occupy] wants is for people to be accountable, there should be limitations and transparency, otherwise the rich get richer and the poor get the picture.

Capitalism is going to have to have a governor,” he says.

“At the same time, I have been involved in a number of different rallies and there can sometimes be a romantic notion to it that can become pretentious and waffle away from the point, and people love to take pot shots at that.”

There’s nothing waffly or pretentious about Baker, though. He has no time for such indulgences: when he’s not starring with Hollywood’s heavyweights, he’s busy pumping out episodes of The Mentalist. And while detective shows are 10 a penny in the States (Bones, CSI etc) The Mentalist has proved a resounding success – it has made Baker a star and is now currently halfway through its fourth season, a fact attributed to its novel spin on the genre (Baker plays Patrick Jane, a man whose intuitive, verging-on-psychic skills make him a crack case-solving consultant for the California Bureau of Investigation) and its novel sensibilities.

“I did this show called The Guardian for three years and 22

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it was a middling success. I vowed after that never to do TV again because it is too gruelling,” Baker says. “Unless the show is a real hit you’re plugging away and hoping people are going to watch. Since then TV has exploded though with the networks producing their own content and it is much broader in scope now.

“Then The Mentalist came along. [Screenwriter] Bruno Heller was English, he had just done Rome, and he brought a different humour to all of the other US shows. Culturally, Aussies and Brits share common ground with humour that a lot of Americans don’t get. So I thought ‘Fuck it, I’ll have a go’ and then the show took off.”

Despite being based in LA now, and holding dual citizenship, Baker is not going to forget his roots quickly.

It would be hard for he and wife Rebecca Rigg to do so – what with having fellow Aussies Nicole Kidman and Naomi Watts as godparents to their two youngest children, Harry Friday, 10, and Claude Blue, 13. In fact, Baker relishes the often-opposing approaches to life, particularly the work-life balance, that his origins and current home throw up.

“I go back twice a year,” he says of his Pacific-traversing movements fuelled by a love for his homeland. “I keep a place there. Australia and the United States are not that far away from each other, but differences do manifest.

“It’s like, ‘Yeah, I can do that but I am going fishing tomorrow, maybe I can get to it next week, depending on what the surf is like…’. That can be difficult if you are used to the service-orientated ways of the US – but I like the contrast and I like pitting one against the other.”

Margin Call is out this Thursday. See p16 to read our review. margincallmovie.com

ARE YOU SPOTTED ON THIS PAGE?

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Were you at TNT’s viking party down at Scubar in Sydney last Thursday night? If so, then you might just spot yourself on this page here...

March 12-18

2012 Issue 672

CRISIS TALKS Aussie star Simon Baker on Margin Call

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SKYDIVES FOR YOU AND A MATE IN SYDNEY AND MISSION BEACH

SHELLS ANGELS

Rum, rays and turtles in Bundaberg

WHAT’S THE CRAIC? Your guide to finding the black stuff and celebrating St Patrick’s Day around Oz + STARSAILOR’ S JAMES WALSH DIVING THE WHAT’S ON NINGALOO MANILA MAYHEM

SCUBAR, SYDNEY If you’re in any of these photos, take a copy of the mag to Scubar and they’ll give you a free drink.

[Thursday, March 8]

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23

CELEBGOSSIP

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“We’ll just tell your mother we ate it”: The all-American kids that gave us over 10 years of dick-in-pie jokes have been in Sydney for the premiere of American Pie: Reunion. What better plug than to do a photo call at the institution that is Harry’s Cafe de Wheels. Here is skeletal Tara Reid doing her best impression of “eating a pie” when we all know it was tossed to the Woolloomooloo bay rats faster than you can say “Stifler’s Mom”.

GET OUT OF MY BELLY, MAMA WANTS A DRINK

[USA]

LOVE BLEW IT ALL ON CROTCH DIAMONDS [USA]

Speaking of alcohol abuse during pregnancy, Jennifer Love Hewitt made headlines when she opened up about her love of decorating the lady parts.

Appearing in next month’s issue of Maxim, she explained the art of decorating your lady garden with jewels. She said, “Vagazzaling is where you stick Swarovski crystals on the female area to add a little 24

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Photos: Getty Images

It’s the longest pregnancy since Madonna tried to steal baby David from Malawi. And Jessica Simpson has reminded us by doing a Demi Moore pregnancy shoot with Elle Magazine.

In the article, she revealed she was having a girl. When asked about the name, she wouldn’t give much away but she did hint: “It’s nothing shocking and nothing you’ll have to add to the dictionary. Still, when people hear it, they’ll know… why.”

Twinkie? Buffalo? Taco Bell? The list of her favoured foodstuffs is long.

I just realised why everyone thinks it’s a long pregnancy, for years prior to her being pregnant she was carrying a Taco Bell franchise under her belt.

But you gotta love a southerner who finds the hardest thing about pregnancy is giving up her booze. “Giving up my Scotch? My Macallan 18? That was hard for me! Though now, being pregnant, you crave other things. A big thing of water sounds great!” You mean glass? Bottle?

Got help little baby Glenfiddich.

glitz and glamour. I actually named it that because it’s like BeDazzling for your hooha.” Thank you, I wanted to know who was responsible for spreading this nonsense.

And despite her yellow-bling road leading to happiness, she still can’t snag a man.

She said: “It might sound so stupid, but guys do not hit on me.” Maybe, Jennifer, they’re blinded by the light.

LEGALLY BIEBS [CANADA]

Justin Bieber has reached the ripe old

age of 18. The coast is now clear for all of those women who were afraid of statutory rape charges.

He still doesn’t look a whisker over 13, in fact he looks more and more like a plastic Ken doll every day.

Forever hairless and young.

The Bieb’s celebrated his 18th by finally moving out of the Canadian burbs and into LA. In fact, he bought his $10m “pimped out” bachelor pad from Ashton Kutcher.

But he’s clearly still scared of those big bad cougars in the Hills because he’s also bought his mum a house nearby.

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Thirsty old man?

TWEETS OF THE WEEK @EllenDeGeneres “I wish I was born on Leap Day. I’d have the coolest birthday of all time. I’d also be 13” @DaneCook “Some people have gaydar, I have gaynar. I can tell someone is homosexual by the way they’re swimming” @StephenFry “My spam is commanding me to “Stop Snoring Immediately” but I’m wide awake.

Maybe they’re confusing me with someone else”

KERR TURNS JAPANESE

@MichaelRosenbaum “Just walked into a restaurant bathroom. It was the coldest shitter I’ve ever been in and had to tweet that. Sorry. Just frigid”

[JAPAN]

You might be strapped for cash now that you’re a super-mum, but seriously Miranda Kerr, doing a Japanese commercial is so damn cheesy.

I know they all do it, but ever since Bill Murray bastardized it in Lost In Translation, it’s been the laughing stock of the Western world. Anyway, whatever her reasons (*cough* cash), Miranda got dressed up like a ringleader-cum-slutty-air-hostess for the folks at Lipton Limone Iced Tea. The ad sees her standing with her right leg propped up on a stool as she sings the Japanese theme tune for the Limone drink.

Whatever, I’m sure it will be a massive hit in Japan and she’s not the first person to sell out. Besides, anyone propping their right leg up on a stool is sure to take the attention away from Angelina Jolie’s leg.

A BLONDIE MOMENT [USA]

Debbie Harry (AKA Blondie) got the shock of her life when she was mobbed by the paparazzi this week.

Even more shocked when the 66-yearold realised she had been mistaken for 25-year-old Lindsay Lohan.

I’m not sure if this is a compliment to Debbie or not. No one wants to look like Li-Lo, even if they are old enough to receive a pension. Especially after her cringe-worthy performance on Saturday Night Live. Don’t get me wrong, she was a good sport, taking the piss out of herself, including a skit set in a jail cell and being patted down and having her pupils checked in one scene. But she had so much trouble with her lines, and come on, the lines were in front of her on cue-cards.

Disappointing really, given Lindsay is normally so good with lines.

@LadyGaga “Getting ready for Harvard. Mother is asking me for fashion advice, little does she know I stole her look” @JoanRivers “Just because I was born in the Stone Age does NOT mean that I’m good at rock climbing” @TinieTempah “I’m @ The Zoo.. And I’m actually having fun!”

At least he’s got the tan

@Wendy’s “Dubstep sounds like a broken Frosty machine”

THE HUMP GOES EURO [UK]

Speaking of washed up, geriatric popstars, Engelbert Humperdinck is the UK’s choice for 2012 Eurovision glory.

Really England, that’s your game plan?

Naturally, people are outraged.

Thousands of people have complained to the BBC about the choice of 76-year-old Engles. But the golden oldie is over the moon, telling the press: “It’s an absolute honour to be representing my country for this year’s Eurovision Song Contest... it just felt right for me to be a part of an institution like Eurovision. I’m excited and raring to go and want the nation to get behind me!” Well, I’m not sure how many are behind you or if you should be raring to go about anything at your age.

But you know what, this is Eurovision we’re talking about, not the Brit Awards.

And if last year’s entrants – the Irish dudes Simon Cowell called “completely deluded” Jedward – are anything to go by, this could be the most successful move the Eurovision selectors have ever made. I mean, The Hump has sold over 150 million records.

(Sure, when I say records, I really do mean records.) But good luck En-Hump!

QUOTE OF THE WEEK You’ll never see me on the street in a tracksuit. I just love fashion too much. The same goes for Ugg boots

Well they don’t call you Posh for nothing...

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HOW TO ENTER

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

Competition

WIN tandem skydives over Sydney AND Mission Beach Travelling tends to make you do things you wouldn’t necessarily try if you were stuck at home. Like skinny dipping for example, or living off a diet of goon and noodles. Scaring yourself silly in all manner of bizarre and inventive ways also tends to fit into that category and there’s no denying that the age-old classic of all adrenalin thrills has to be doing a skydive. Indeed, often the biggest debate is not whether to do one, but where? So, to help you out, TNT has teamed up with Australia Skydive Group to solve the dilemma for you.

We’re offering one lucky reader, and a mate, a free tandem skydive in both Sydney and Mission Beach.

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THIS PRIZE INCLUDES: SYDNEY SKYDIVES: Enjoy spectacular views of Sydney Harbour and the Blue Mountains, before landing at Penrith Lakes, as you and a mate drop from 14,000ft in the only skydive over Sydney city.

MISSION BEACH SKYDIVES: Admire the Great Barrier Reef, the rainforest and the surrounding islands, before you and a mate land on the beach next to the exclusive Bali Hai Skydive Resort at this world famous location.

Includes free transfers from Cairns.

worth

$1,200

Competition closes midnight AEST Sunday, April 1, 2012. Log on to tntdownunder.com for further details and to enter.

SWEET AS The original Kiwi Experience, since 1989 100% awesome Kiwi Driver Guides Stacks of inclusions and exclusive discounts Get immersed in nature, adventure and kiwi culture

Hot Water Beach, New Zealand

www.kiwiexperience.com

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27

WORLDNEWS

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THIS WEEK

IN NUMBERS

22

Percentage of Australians who admit to stealing from their hotel rooms, according to a new survey

HOT MEN IN STOCK [SWEDEN]

Length, in metres, that American footballer Joe Ayoob threw a paper plane, breaking the world record by six metres

8,100

Nordic by nature

68.04

Amount, in dollars, that a three-year-old Chicken McNugget resembling George Washington sold for on eBay

Stockholm has the best looking men in the world, according to a survey.

The survey by Traveller Digest, which overlooked Londonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s men, said Swedes are â&#x20AC;&#x153;generally considered aesthetically pleasing due to their fine-boned Nordic attributes and exceptional height advantageâ&#x20AC;?.

New York came second (â&#x20AC;&#x153;incredible looking men from every corner of the globe flock here to seek their fame and fortuneâ&#x20AC;?), while Sydneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s men came sixth.

SWEAR ITâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S NOT RUDE [UK]

A sofa store was forced to pull an ad claiming its prices are â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Sofa King Lowâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;.

The slogan, which has been the Sofa Kingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tagline since it began trading nine years ago, appears on the Northhampton firmâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s shop front and vehicles. But after an ad appeared in a local paper, the Advertising Standards Authority intervened.

It said the ad could be interpreted as a derivative of the swear word â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;fuckingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; which was â&#x20AC;&#x153;offensive and unsuitableâ&#x20AC;?.

40% + STRAY EXCLUSIVE: OFF TO SEE NZ

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Only Stray %& +% & ! %'$ ! $&% &")! " " & "( ! %% ' $,

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$ % ! "! & "!% ## + % "'!& ## % &" $" '$ ' $ & $ & % "! + !" "& $ % "'!&% ## + * #& &$ + & % %& + " " $ % & $ &$ + $ % $( % & $ & &" ) & $ ) & % " $ & !+ & '$ %%"! ! " & # % ( ! ! "! + " $ ( '!& & #$ ! ' " # %% ! $% '%& # $& # & &" $ ( # % "'!& " %& % & "! "$ & &$ + ( $+) $ '%& '% + & #$

SPORTNEWS WORLDNEWS

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Arsenal calling

ARSENAL SWEETER THAN COLOGNE Arsenal have agreed to sign German striker Lukas Podolski from Cologne.

According to BBC Sport the Gunners will pay £10.9m for Podolski on a four-year contract. The news comes as the 26-yearold rejected an offer from a Russian Premier League side, who were willing to pay him a salary of £200,000 per week.

Instead he opted for a move to England, having once stated that his future would not be determined by his bank account.

“Money is not the most important thing for me... What is crucial is the development of my game,” he previously told Sport-Bild.

Podolski just needs to pass a medical and agree personal terms before the move can be made official in the summer Arsenal’s Per Mertesacker said: “He has sent me a number of text messages and I have told him this is a great place to work and Arsenal are an amazing club.”

TERRY TAKES ONE FOR THE TEAM Chelsea captain John Terry has admitted that himself and his team mates are culpable for the events leading up to former manager Andre Villas-Boas’ sacking.

Speaking to Chelsea TV he confessed: “I think the players would hold their hands up and say, ‘Clearly, we’ve not been good enough and we all made mistakes.’”

Villas-Boas was only eight months into a three-year contract when he was replaced by caretaker boss Roberto di Matteo.

Terry claimed the 2-0 victory over Birmingham was both a tribute to the departing Villas-Boas, and a product of

High flying chat: Mario Balotelli went one-on-one with City fan Noel Gallagher for the BBC’s Football Focus. Chatting about incidents of the Italian striker’s career, including the time boss Roberto Mancini told him to mature, Balotelli said: “If Mancini says something, he’s right.” He also told Noel he is happy in England and said Mancini, who coached him at Inter Milan, was a major reason he decided to join City. “If Mancini wasn’t here, I never come here.” Noel is a massive fan of Balotelli.

Recently on tour with High Flying Birds, he dedicated a song to the man each night.

Di Matteo’s and assistant Eddie Newton’s compatibility with the club.

FIVE-GOAL MESSI IS ‘THE GREATEST’ Lionel Messi has been branded “among the greatest players of all time” by Barcelona’s coach after scoring a stellar five-goals to beat Bayern Leverkusen.

The 7-1 thrashing of the German club eased them into the quarter finals and saw Messi become the first player to net five goals in a Champions League game.

Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola said afterwards: “I’m lucky to coach and manage this player. He is the best.

There’s no one else. He is a unique player because of his innate talent and also for his competitiveness.”

Guardiola went on to claim: “He is among the greatest of all time. When Di Stefano played they said there would never be another and along came Johan Cruyff;

they said there would never be another and along came Diego Maradona; now we have Messi. And I should include Pele, or he will get upset.”

BETTER THE DEVIL YOU DON’T PLAY FOR A former Portuguese player is attempting to sue an evangelical church for preventing him from playing for Manchester United.

Arquimedes Nganga, 46, is seeking £10 million in damages from the Baptist Union as he believes that, had the church not turned him into a “fervent evangelist” for 19 years of his life, he would have been good enough to play for the Red Devils.

“I see a lot of players today who I am not inferior to and perhaps better than...

Most midfielders are either defensive or attacking but I was both. I had something new,” he told London Evening Standard.

The church said it will contest the claim.

HOTSHOTS

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WINNER

WEEKLY WINNER

HOT TIPS: Tripods

A STERLING VIEW: Kersti Cracknell, 21, from New Zealand

KERSTI SAYS: ”I couldn’t have asked for a better view when trekking in the Stirling Ranges National Park in Western Australia.”

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 Kersti 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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WIN

The most important function of a tripod is to hold the camera steady and avoid any unwanted movement that can make your images out of focus. Mainly, this is done when there is low lighting and the photographer is using a long exposure time.

Holding your camera will inevitably create some sort of camera shake. With travel photography especially, it can be a pain to drag a tripod around on a day out: they are heavy, big and you will need time to set them up. This is why tripods are mainly used for landscape or architecture, where you have time to set up an image. If you don’t want to lug a tripod around you can try finding a ledge to rest your camera on. Investing in a cable release could also be an option, as that will also cut the chances of camera shake.

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.

%BSXJO

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*

"MJDF 4QSJOHT ULURU

1FSUI

"EFMBJEF

4ZEOFZ

.FMCPVSOF

r $IPPTF GSPN UIF OFX GSFTI NFOV

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

TRAVELTIPS

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ON THE ROAD WITH TRAVEL

TALK JASON HOGBERG 23, CANADA WHERE HAVE YOU TRAVELLED SO FAR?

YOU ASKED FOR IT...

WE ANSWER YOUR TRAVEL QUESTIONS

heard you need a permit to visit Q I’ve Arnhem Land. Is it hard to get one and is it worth it? Peter Forsingdal, via email spectacular, unspoilt and mostly A Auntouched wilderness, Arnhem Land is well worth a visit. The landscape is reminiscent of neighbouring Kakadu, with a rocky escarpment leading to vast wetlands and an indented, mangrove-covered coastline. It’s a wildlife lover’s paradise, teeming with birdlife, wallabies and various reptiles (including crocs). Home to the Yolgnu people for 40 millennia, evidence of their past and present is visible in the thousands of rock art and cultural sites of varying age. Two permits are needed for visits to Arnhem land, with the Northern Land Council dealing them out for the western section and the Dhimurru Land Management Aboriginal Corporation taking care of the east. Travel is best undertaken during the dry (May to November). Due to its enormous size (similar to Portugal), the only way to get deep into the region is on an organised 4WD tour.

Davidson’s Arnhemland Safaris (arnhemlandsafaris.com) offer guided safaris and fishing tours, while Magela Cultural & Heritage Tours (kakadutours.com.au) provides an insight into the indigenous aspects of Arnhem Land. There are a few things to take note of, one thing in particular is that since government intervention, no alcohol is permitted in Arnhem Land. You should also allow around 10 days for your permit to arrive, and more time if you plan on visiting several different areas in the land.

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I’ve been in Australia since September and I’ve been all up the east coast from Melbourne to Cairns. Now I’m back in Sydney.

MOST MEMORABLE DAY IN OZ?

I would have to say skydiving in Cairns. That was pretty fun. going to Townsville and Cairns.

Q I’m Do you think I should bother with nearby Hinchinbrook Island?

Frieda Simao, Spain a word: yes! An all-too-easily missed A Inhaven of unspoilt wilderness amidst the madness of the east coast trail, Hinchinbrook Island, which is almost entirely national park, rises from sweeping beaches, through lush rainforest and plunging waterfalls, to craggy mist-covered granite mountains. It also boasts the famous Thorsborne Trail, a three-day hiking track along the island’s east coast, which is rated as one of the nation’s, if not the world’s, most beautiful walks. Just make sure you keep your eyes peeled for crocs lurking in the mangroves. The island is actually Australia’s largest national park island with a wide range of habitats including rainforest, sandy beaches, open woodland and mountain ranges. The best time for walking on Hinchinbrook is between April and September and we recommend you plan to stay a minimum of four nights. Numbers are limited to 40 walkers at a time so book your campsite early at epa.qld.gov.au, or phone 13 13 04. Last minute cancellations do occur so monitor the website. You’ll find it off the coast of Cardwell, about 180km south of Cairns or about two hours drive. You can catch a ferry from Lucinda to Hinchinbrook Island for $70 return; visit hinchinbrookwildernesssafaris.com.au for more info. You can also catch a ferry from Port Hinchinbrook Marina in Cardwell. Enjoy!

FAVOURITE SPOT IN OZ?

I really liked Whitehaven Beach because it’s so beautiful. Nice sand, nice weather, a really nice spot.

WEIRDEST EXPERIENCE ON THE ROAD?

When we were on Fraser Island a dingo stole my friend’s flip-flop.

That was pretty strange.

WHERE ARE YOU STAYING?

At the moment I’m staying at the Wake Up! hostel in Sydney.

WHERE ARE YOU GOING NEXT?

I’m going to New Zealand.

I’m starting in Auckland and then doing a bus tour on both the north and the south islands.

ADVICE FOR TRAVELLERS?

Just have a nice time and do whatever you want to do.

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.

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XXXXXX TOP FIVE TRAVELLERSTALE

NIL BY EXMOUTH

N

Novice diver CLAIRE HILL drops her belt and discovers a whole new world off the coast of Exmouth...

With my eyes focused firmly on the horizon, my feelings of nausea were replaced by apprehension at what lay below in the Indian Ocean. I clumsily stepped onto the boat ladder in my Scuba gear and took a giant stride into the magnificent waters of Lighthouse Bay, off the coast of Exmouth, WA. My body plunged into the warm water and I was disorientated momentarily. I thanked God my mask and regulator were still in place and swam to the descent line ready to experience the underwater world that lay beneath. Or so I thought.

As I deflated my BCD (buoyancy control device), I expected to sink like the other divers but with all the will in the world, I just wasn’t going down.

Feeling my waist for the lead belt designed to aid the sinking process, my fears were confirmed: it had fallen off (due to me not hanging on to it as I jumped off the boat).

It sank to the bottom of the seabed, just like I should have.

Another was passed to me from the boat and a confusing few minutes were spent trying to put the damn thing on.

But this time there was no stopping me and down I went.

I wouldn’t be over-reacting to say I experienced a new world that day.

I had certainly never seen anything so beautiful before in my life. As shoals of fish floated past the vibrant corals, my fears of drowning vanished – I was in awe of what was going on around me. A banner fish swam past with its delicate lips pursed, then a parrot fish came into view, its pretty rainbow colours glistened in the light.

It glanced at me, maybe curious of the uninvited guest intruding in its world. Tiny shoals of fish were everywhere, swimming in harmony.

It was like gliding through a secret garden, like discovering an underwater paradise inhabited by thousands of tropical fish and exquisite corals hundreds of years old.

Below an octopus hid from us and a sea snake slept, coiled up under a rock.

Then just to my right a white tipped reef shark hovered on the seabed

resting. It was incredible to see. Its smooth grey skin made it look much more elegant than I had ever imagined.

Back on the boat it was strange to think about the kaleidoscopic world I’d left behind.

Exmouth is known as the gateway to the Ningaloo Reef – the Great Barrier Reef’s lesser known rival. The town has a population of just over 2,000.

The roads are eerily quiet. You’re more likely to be held up at a junction by emus than cars and at times it feels as though there are more flies in town than there are people.

During the journey up from Perth – dubbed the world’s most isolated city – I felt as though I was on a different planet. No cars in sight, just thousands of kilometres of straight open road nestled between miles and miles of harsh, unforgiving bush land and rocky red terrain. Termite mounds stood over two metres in height, dotted around like bizarre sculptures. It was at this point the vastness of WA hit me.

The Cape Range National Park is nearby Exmouth and camping out under the stars is a must. This 200 square mile park houses gorges, canyons and a vast array of wildlife.

There are amazing beaches all along the coast with great snorkelling accessible from most. Consider yourself incredibly unlucky if you bump into fellow beach go-ers.

I absorbed it all and marvelled at stumbling across one of the greatest wildernesses the world has to offer.

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Bundaberg g QUEENSLAND

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Photos: Tourism Queensland, Eddie Safarik, Peter Lik, Ezra Patchett, Bundaberg Bondstore

It’s not too late to catch the end of Bundaberg’s turtle hatching season

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The rum diaries Reef and rum aren’t two things you’d normally associate together, but it just so happens that Bundaberg specialises in both...

WORDS ANDREW WESTBROOK

Photos: Tourism Queensland, Eddie Safarik, Peter Lik, Ezra Patchett, Bundaberg Bondstore

WHAT TO DO: Entrance to the Bundaberg Distillery Today was a first for me. Never before had I Hemisphere’s largest nesting population of (bundabergrum.com.au) costs from given pleasure to a turtle. Hang on a second, loggerhead turtles, Lady Elliot also enjoys an that came out wrong. It was all consensual I active season, with green and hawksbill turtles $13.50. Turtle encounters at Mon promise, so don’t go calling the bestiality police Repos (bookbundabergregion.org) in abundance as well. just yet. I’m diving off Lady Elliot Island, Plus, the island’s surrounding reef, which you cost $10.20. a coral cay that lies 80km off the coast of can paddle to straight from the beach, enjoys a ACCOMMODATION: Rooms Bundaberg. It’s a tiny island, the Great Barrier large manta ray population, which swells from a at Kellys Beach Resort (07 4154 Reef’s most southerly, and is home to little standard 50 or so, to several hundred during the 7200, kellysbeachresort.com.au) more than an eco-resort and some of the best winter mating season. cost from $120 for three nights. diving found Down Under, thanks in large part Dorm beds at Federal Backpackers Lady Elliot’s underwater world lives up to to being just about the most likely place in (07 4153 3711, federalbackpackers. the hype with ease. The fish on display are Queensland to spot turtles and manta rays. breathtaking. Flashes of colour spark left com.au) cost from $25 a night, I’d arrived on Lady Elliot earlier that day, and right as if beams of sunlight are creating or $155 for a week. Beds at Lady my cosy 13-seater plane skidding to a halt on underwater rainbows.

Elliott Island Eco Resort (07 5536 the grassy runway after the 25-minute flight The real treasures, however, are amongst the 3644, ladyelliot.com.au) cost from from the mainland, to be greeted by the numerous bummies which rise from the sand $132 a night, which includes food, island’s waving staff. at sporadic intervals. In one we spy a majestic snorkel gear and tours.

As the Queensland sun beamed down on lionfish. It looks like a peacock preening its SEE: bookbundabergregion.org what is the Great Barrier Reef’s most isolated feathers as it sways in the current. resort, I headed off to get my bearings, while On top of another, a small hawksbill turtle is behind me the several TV news crews that travelled with me feeding, rolling over and under in the currents like a toddler in jostled for position – it just so happens my visit coincided with a playpen. A few minutes later, after passing a couple of green that of the Swiss-made Turanor, the world’s largest solar-powered turtles swimmimg by on their daily commute, we come across a boat that was at the time circumnavigating the globe. Obviously, real treat – a large green turtle, almost 1.5m long, is relaxing on when wondering where to pull up for the night, the almost the seabed. entirely solar-powered Lady Elliot Eco Resort was an easy choice Not wanting to disturb it from its slumber, we’re standoffish for the Turanor. at first, until a few nods of its head beckon us closer.

But I left the news hounds to their interviews and headed Within moments I move nearer and give him a scratch on the straight for what I had come for – the dive shop. back, as if I’m a cleaner fish removing the algae. He lolls his head in pleasure (I think?), and so I carry on. See, all very innocent.

HALF-SHELL HEAVEN Popping back up to the surface, it’s hard to disagree with my enthusiastic dive instructor Chris, who has been on Lady Elliot Lady Elliot is renowned for its spectacular diving for many for three years having dived all along the reef. “I just love diving reasons. For starters, there’s no stingers at any time of year. Plus, and here is the best I’ve ever known,” he says, “so this is the the proximity of the continental shelf means cold currents bring place for me.” plenty of plankton to the area. They in turn draw in turtles to the region to feed, mate and then nest on the beaches (November RAY OF LIGHT to February), before hatching and scurrying back into the sea I spend the rest of my day doing the leisurely 45-minute stroll (January to April). around the entire island and enjoying the divine sunset, which While Mon Repos, by Bundaberg, boasts the Southern TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

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sends the lagoon a vivid lilac, perfectly silhouetting two distant walkers.

It’s then just back to the bar, which basks in the sky full of stars and the sound of the sea roaring over the reef. Days are quickly filled with wandering the island tracks, packed with birds and butterflies, plus snorkelling in the natural lagoon and eating. Lots of eating. Sometimes you just need to get away from it all, even if you’re sort of already doing that by being in Australia, and it’s hard to imagine a place more perfect for achieving that.

Like the turtles on the seabed, island life slows the urgency and soon the only deadlines that matter are whether you want to join the morning or afternoon dive (I discover too late that morning is better for mantas). And of course the sumptuous meals, you really don’t want to miss them.

There are so many fish on display it’s hard to keep track.

Ornate butterfly fish, emperor angel fish and brass-striped

barracuda are just the ones whose names I remember.

One, however, that I will never forget is the final box I had to tick. A box that forced me back into the water just before my plane was due to leave – manta rays.

Tense at the prospect at leaving without seeing them (especially considering everyone else on the island seemed to have done), I paddled out to the reef.

And bingo, there they were! Two giants floating and flapping playfully beneath me like something from another planet. It’s an incredible sight and I could do little more than gawp. A reef shark even siddled past like the added cherry on top. This time, the pleasure was all mine...

JOIN THE HARVEST TRAIL EARN YOUR SECOND YEAR VISA IN BUNDABERG Bundaberg is one of Australia’s most prolific farming areas, being responsible for about 90 per cent of Australia’s sweet potatoes, as well as most of the world’s macadamias, on top of plentiful supplies of tomatoes, avocados, water melons and more. As such, generally speaking, there’s harvest work available for backpackers all year round to help you on your way to that second year working holiday visa.Vegetable work is available throughout the year, while avocados and citrus are also being harvested at the moment or very soon. Other local seasons involve strawberries and pineapples (September to November) and mangoes (December to January). Visit jobsearch.gov.au/ harvesttrail for more information.

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WHO BEARS WINS Back on the mainland, there’s plenty of accommodation options in Bundaberg’s wide and gracious main streets for any backpackers hunting down the region’s plentiful fruitpicking work, but I headed out to laidback beach village Bagara, about 15km through the sugar cane fields from town.

Packed with restaurants, hotels, a chilledout esplanade and plenty more highlyregarded dive sites, it’s another great place to recharge the batteries. But I just had time to soak up one more site

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“

Forget iPad geeks.

Bundy boys know the meaning of dedication

MEETING THE TURTLES WATCHING THE LOCALS HATCH AT MON REPOS There’s arguably no better place in Australia to see nesting marine turtles than at Mon Repos Conservation Park, just 14km east of Bundaberg. And luckily, if you’re in the south Queensland area, you can make it there just in time to catch the end of this year’s mating season. The season started back in November, when the loggerheads, and other turtle species, started making their way up the sand to lay their eggs.

Eight weeks later and the hatching began, meaning that from now until late March, you can witness the incredible spectacle of the hatchlings making their way back into the water. Ranger-guided encounters run every night, with tickets costing $10.20. Visit bookbundabergregion.com.au for more info.

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”

– Bundaberg’s main attraction (when the turtles are out of season) – the rum distillery.

It’s fair to say that Bundaberg Rum is about as Australian a drink as you can get. While most Aussies are fiercely regional about their beers, they unite as one when it comes to their Bundy and its iconic polar bear.

So much so in fact that the launch of a new white rum when I’m in town has had people camping out for 10 days. Forget iPad geeks, Bundy boys know the meaning of dedication.

Distilled on the outskirts of town since 1888, when a certain Frederic William Buss decided to start using the local surplus of molasses, a byproduct of sugar production, the Bondstore now boasts a staggering 22m litres of rum on site at any one time.

A tour of the distillery is a great way to spend a few hours full of rich sugary smells, tales of towering infernos from when the distillery burnt down and the chance to admire giant barrels, each holding $6m worth of rum.

Not enough? Well, how often do you get to have your photo taken with a rum-drinking Queensland polar bear? ❚

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Manila THE PHILIPPINES

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Photos: Getty Images/AFP/Jay Directo, Noel Celis

A battery-powered jeepney adds some colour to Manilaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s financial district

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Manila thriller With its foods for the brave of stomach, pychedelic ex-military transport system and exciting city getaways, the Filipino capital offers a stop-off destination with a difference WORDS XAV JUDD

You know what my dream destination has always been since I was a kid? No, not Amsterdam’s red light district, so that I could be the world’s youngest peeping Tom, but Sri Lanka. Yet, as in this case, I do not always get sent to the place I asked for. And, when you’ve got your mind set on a certain locale, through no fault of its own, anywhere else can often be a disappointment.

In that sense, Manila has a lot to live up to. So how will I find it?

Located on the shores of its eponymous bay and bisected by the Pasig River, it is reasonable to say that getting around this haphazard sprawl takes a bit of getting used to. Often I turn to the rail networks (the MRT and LRT) that connect the numerous focal points of Metropolitan Manila – this is a considerably bigger region than the city that bears the identical name, which is just one of 16 such urban centres within its boundaries.

MILITARY MOVES

Photos: Getty Images/AFP/Jay Directo, Noel Celis

However, I also stroll about on foot, braving kamikaze traffic and roads and pavements that leave something to be desired.

Yes, with regards to these latter two pieces of infrastructure, I can only thank God that someone didn’t have to send out a missing person request for me – like the Leaning Tower of Pisa, they are lopsided and full of holes large enough to swallow a human up in one go. Maybe, then, a better plan to get from A to B is to employ the major system of transport here, the Jeepney (a short ride in one costs the equivalent of 25 cents). Made up from American army four-wheel drives left over from World War II, they are such a riot of colour. It looks like they’ve had a run-in with a Mondrian painting. Another efficient way to witness a town which was first settled in the 16th century are sidecars attached to bicycles or their motorized equivalents.

HEY, BIG SPENDERS Without doubt, two of the most notorious figures in Filipino history are the late President Ferdinand Marcos and his wife Imelda. While they were in control of state affairs (1965 to 1986), their arrogance and greed rivalled that of the banker-wankers who crashed the financial system four years ago. Indeed, as well as allegedly siphoning-off billions of their country’s wealth abroad, the pair of them also wasted extortionate amounts on

extravagant projects in their homeland. None more so, than the Coconut Palace. Built for Pope John Paul II’s 1981 visit, it’s a magnificent octagonal edifice consisting of several hut-like structures with sloping roofs, surrounded by a raft of overhanging trees and a bosom-beautiful body of blooms. And, as its name suggests, this mansion is a celebration of everything connected with the eponymous palm. Thus, where possible, the outside and interiors were constructed from that flowering plant.

For example, there’s an extraordinary dining table inlaid with 40,000 pieces of coconut shell and a 101 segment chandelier made out of the same substance. What a waste, I think, when I see them and the rest of the abode. Why? Because so much of the material used in its fabrication could have been utilized to make a submarine-full load of my favourite tipple, Malibu. In the end, the Pontiff decided not to stay, believing it would have been wrong when most of the nation’s population existed in abject poverty. Unfortunately, it is no longer feasible to enter this grandest of follies, as it has lost its museum status and become a government residence. Notwithstanding, it is still worth the journey to this part of town, Pasay, just to catch a glimpse of it.

IN DA JUNGLE You’d be as mad as someone trying to paint the whole Statue of Liberty with a toothbrush if you came to the Filipino capital without visiting its oldest milieu, Intramuros. Built shortly after the Philippines was dragged into the Spanish Empire (15651898), and literally meaning ‘within these walls’, the enclave inside this former fort still harks back to a bygone age. Thus, horse-drawn carriages carrying sightseers plod over paved roads past crumbling gates, bridges and various other weed and ivycovered ruins. While here, don’t miss the chance to enter the UNESCO World Heritage-listed San Agustín Church, which has an accompanying museum. Dating back to 1567 and thus the oldest temple in this south-east Asian country, its peach melba and white façade and the exquisite trompe l’oeil frescoes are truly something to behold. Another must-see is the Casa Manila, a fabulous reconstruction of a 19th century colonial home that’s laden with authentic artworks and furniture from that period.

A decidedly fun excursion is to head about 100km outside of TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

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Getting around the streets of the historic Intramuros area

Manila to the Subic Bay Freeport Zone. Up until 1992, it was a navy base for the United States 7th Fleet. Nowadays, the only seaward activities are people swimming, jet-skiing, parasailing and diving in the creaking shipwrecks that add intrigue to the harbour. What also marks out this whole area as a thrill-seeker’s paradise is that it’s covered in swathes of pristine jungle. So what, you may ask, if you haven’t got a hard-on for licking or hugging trees?

Well, how about the fact that it’s easy to go on adventure treks, walks and forest trails (Pamulaklakin); literally hang-out with the largest bats on the planet; and unearth your inner Rambo on a wicked survival training course. Perhaps, most exciting of all, is the 25-hectare amusement park, the Zoobic Safari. It contains a myriad of exotic animals: iguanas, monitor lizards, turtles, potbellied pigs, snakes, albino caribou, ostriches et al. Yet you’ve got to have balls enormous enough to fill a wheelbarrow to savor the 3-inch fangs and black and orange camouflage of their 175kg-plus tigers which eat whole chickens and then clamber all over your jeepney, or slink across a slender metal bridge above the gaping jaws of crocodiles that are just dying to meet you.

CHICKEN OR EGG When it comes to fried eggs, I prefer mine overcooked rather than sunny side up or over easy. Nonetheless, even though I have a penchant for them being well done, I get the fright of my life when I try balut. Despite the fact that the 11.5 million people who live in Manila munch into this dish with relish, I am slightly more reluctant considering that it’s a fertilized chicken (or duck) egg with a nearly developed embryo inside.

An Asian speciality, in the Philippines they like it best when the chick is 17 days old. So, the feathers and wings are instantly recognisable whether you have the boiled or battered variety.

As they appear so lifelike, you will never guess what goes through my mind? I believe my birdy will make like Tweety Pie whenever he is in danger in those old Warner Bros cartoons and fly away – in this case, right out of my gaping mouth. Not 42

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surprisingly, as the fluffy marshmallow consistency of this chewy treat doesn’t exactly grab me, I chomp down some sizzling sisig – a pig’s head and liver combo spread which is usually seasoned with chili and kalamansi. And for desert it just has to be banana cue. As the fruit is deep fried and coated in caramelized sugar, it looks a bit like a puffed-up, vinegar-stained sausage. I buy mine from a street vendor and, if you are feeling exceptionally brave, other foods that can be acquired this way are: adidas, helmet and isaw – grilled chicken feet, head and intestines respectively.

After so much grub, boy, I need a drink. Especially as I am sweating more than if I continually tried to lift my 200kg cousin, Tiny, out of his wheelchair. It’s the sauna-like humidity you guys, it’s the sticky heat – a tropical savannah climate results in average summer temperatures of 28.5°C. As well as being a commercial powerhouse – it’s known as the ‘Financial Capital of the Philippines’ – the region of Makati is perfect to quench one’s thirst, because it’s a dizzy jamboree of various bars and clubs. Many are bustling with ex-pats and travellers, with Conway’s, Heckle & Jeckle, and Howzat probably being the standouts. There is also booze aplenty in the connected neighbourhoods of Ermita and Malate. Both are defined by female and ladyboy prostitutes trying Tagalog (the national language) come-ons, street lights that flicker with an amber hue and a smog-laden atmosphere.

On the road that links these two lively districts, M H del Pilar St, I come across the weirdest drinking hole I might ever encounter, Hobbit House. Indeed, stepping inside, I think I must have had one or two too many. How come? Set-up by Jim Turner, after he was inspired by Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings saga, all of the waiters and other staff are sleep-in-a-shopping trolley-small. Yes, my eyes are not deceiving me, they are all cheery, cute, cuddly dwarfs.

After a few hours in the Philippines, which is actually an archipelago of over 7,000 islands, I had a furrowed brow. Slightly, I still pined for another part of Asia. Yet, as the days went by, like Muhammad Ali and the late Joe Frazier in their famous 1974 boxing Hong Kong: Getting match; I too, have a ‘Thrilla behind the harbour’s in Manila’. This place is a oh-so-bright lights real knockout! ❚

NEXT WEEK

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TOUR FIRMS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wicked Campers 1800 246 869, wickercampers.com

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

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

Explore Whitsundays Whitsundays packages 1800 675 790, explorewhitsundays.com

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

Groovy Grape Getaways Tours linking Adelaide, Alice Springs & Melbourne 1800 661 177, groovygrape.com.au Heading Bush Adelaide to Alice Springs outback tours 1800 639 933, headingbush.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

RENTAL FIRMS

TRANSPORT CO

Apollo Motorhomes 1800 777 779, apollocamper.com

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

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

Jetstar Airline.

131 538, jetstar.com.au

Boomerang Cars 0414 882 559, boomerangcars.com.au

Premier Transport Group Buses along the east coast.

13 34 10, premierms.com.au

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

Qantas Airline.

13 13 13, qantas.com.au

Hippie Camper 1800 777 779, hippiecamper.com Kings Cross Car Market For buying and selling vehicles. 110 Bourke St, Woolloomooloo.

02 9358 5000, carmarket.com.au

Regional Express Airline.

13 17 13, rex.com.au Spirit of Tasmania Ferries to Tasmania.

03 6336 1446, spiritoftasmania.com Tiger Airways Airline.

03 9999 2888, tigerairways.com

Spaceships 1300 132 469, spaceshipsrentals.com.au

Redline Coaches For getting around Tasmania.

03 6336 1446, redlinecoaches.com.au

Standbycars.com 1300 789 059, standbycars.com

Virgin Australia Airline.

13 67 89, virginaustralia.com

SURPRISE PACKAGE

CHRISTMAS ISLAND Although nowadays infamous for becoming the home of Australia’s dubious Immigration Reception and Processing Centre, this tiny dot in the ocean has long boasted an eye-watering array of natural wonders. Thanks to some of the world’s longest drop-offs it has many class dive sites, where, at the right time, you can see whale sharks. But there is plenty to explore on land as well, with over 60 per cent of the island comprising national park. One sight not to be missed is each November/December, when the island’s 120 million red crabs charge for the beach for their breeding season, the event which gives the island its name. The problem? At a distance of about 2,600km north-west of Perth, in the Indian Ocean, getting there might be tricky.

Unless you manage to get on immigration’s nerves that is...

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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

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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.

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

SYDNEY MUSIC Hordern Pavillion playbillvenues.com Oxford Art Factory oxfordartfactory.com Sydney Opera House sydneyoperahouse.com The Annandale annandalehotel.com The 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

Terrigal Beach YHA 9 Ocean View Dr, Terrigal.

02 4384 1919, yha.com.au

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

1800 666 237, nomadshostels.com Byron Bay YHA 7 Carlyle St. 1800 678 195, yha.com.au

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

WORD FROM THE STREET

Gina Legg, England

LINGERIE FOOTBALL LEAGUE Feminists beware. After taking the US by storm for a few years, this scantily-clad version of American football, which culminates in the annual Lingerie Bowl, is set to make its Australian debut. A full league is planned for next year, but organisers hope to get Aussies hooked on ‘real fantasy football’ courtesy of a series of east coast promo matches this June. lflinaustralia.com

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HEY GINA. GOT A FAVE PLACE IN NSW? “Byron Bay – it’s got excellent surfing conditions, plus the town is nice and has a really relaxed atmosphere.”

HOW ABOUT FOR A DRINK? “Definitely the Scubar in Sydney!

There’s heaps of exciting events and the live music is great!”

ANY MEMORABLE HIGHLIGHTS? “I went surfing at Coffs Harbour and saw a shark coming straight to us! I just grabbed my friend and dragged her out of the water. I’ve never swam so fast in my life!.”

ANY TIPS? “Get wet and try surfing. NSW is the best place to do it.”

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With our local 24/7 reservations centre on:1800 600 503 Or book online with real-time quotes and confirmations at:

backpackercampervans.com.au

*Van price based on Breezer Campervan, 3+ day rate, for travel 23/4/2012 – 29/04/2012. Car price based on Economy Car, 1-6 day city rate for travel April 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

#534/-%23 #!. 4 "% 72/.'

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

45

Learn to dive with Blue Juice

At Blue Juice Safaris we design your very own personalised diving Green island safari’s so that you can enjoy the best of this pristine location whilst diving Green island and staying in our dive lodge.

t 3 Day 2 Nigh le tandup Padd S , e iv D a b u Sc EN ISLAND E R G p m a C Board

All of our dive safari’s are made with the diver in mind. Blue Juice has it’s very own dive lodge and cafe, Blue Juice cafe which allows divers to dive Green island and sleep close to the dive sites.

During our Blue Juice dive safari our professional dive guides will handle all the logistics to ensure that you can focus on diving Green Island. They will also do their best to ensure you leave us having seen rare and unsual marine life. Let us know your marine life wish list and we will take you to the best Green island sites to see them.

Along with our Blue Juice dive safari’s we do also offer daily diving trips, scuba dive courses. We are currently offering some superb Green island Diving special offers for the next few months so take a look and then contact us to book your Blue Juice Dive Safari.

1300 551 363 www.bluejuicesafaris.com.au u BlueJuice-671.indd 1

E SAFARI IV D O T N R A LE ND SPECIAL A L IS N E E R G

$279

4D Learn to ay 3 Night Paddle Dive, Jet Boa B ISLAND oard Camp GR rd , (includ EEN transfer es Rtn Coach Sydney) LEARN TO

GREEN

DIVE S ISLAND AFARI SPECIA L

$329

5/03/12 12:20 PM

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BRISBANE STAY

Gallery of Modern Art 07 3840 7303, qag.qld.gov.au

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

BOOK NOW!

Banana Bender Backpackers 118 Petrie Terrace.

07 3367 1157, bananabenders.com Base Brisbane Embassy 214 Elizabeth St. 07 3166 8000, stayatbase.com Base Brisbane Central 308 Edward St. 07 3211 2433, stayatbase.com Brisbane Backpackers Resort 110 Vulture St, West End. 1800 626 452, brisbanebackpackers.com.au Brisbane City Apartments 1800 110 443, brisbanecityapartments.com Brisbane City Backpackers 380 Upper Roma St 1800 062 572, citybackpackers.com Brisbane City YHA 392 Upper Roma St, 07 3236 1947, yha.com.au Chill Backpackers 328 Upper Roma St. 1800 851 875, chillbackpackers.com Bunk Backpackers Cnr Ann & Gipps Sts, 1800 682 865, bunkbrisbane.com.au

SUPAFEST RNA Showgrounds. Sat, 14 Apr. $149.

Love him or loathe him, Chris Brown has been added to an already massive lineup, including P Diddy, Ice Cube, Missy Elliot and more.

Fortitude Valley, Brisbane The Deck 117 Harcourt Street, New Farm.

04 3377 7061 Tinbilly Travellers Cnr George and Herschel Sts. 1800 446 646, tinbilly.com

ticketek.com.au

BRISBANE DO Australia Zoo Glasshouse Mountains, Tourist Drive, Beerwah. 07 5436 2000, australiazoo.com.au Lone Pine Koala Santuary 708 Jesmond Rd, Fig Tree Pocket.

07 3378 1366, koala.net

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

07 3891 5766, riverlife.com.au

Coolangatta Sands Hostel Cnr Griffiths & McLean Sts, Coolangatta. 07 5536 7472, coolangattasandshostel.com.au Gold Coast International BP 28 Hamilton Ave, Surfers. 1800 816 300, goldcoastbackpackers.com.au

Story Bridge Adventure Climb 170 Main St, Kangaroo Point.

1300 254 627, storybridgeadventureclimb.com.au

Islander Backpackers Resort 6 Beach Rd, Surfers Paradise.

1800 074 393, islander.com.au

XXXX Ale House Brewery tours.

Cnr Black & Paten St, Milton.

07 3361 7597, xxxxalehouse.com.au

Sleeping Inn Surfers 26 Peninsular Dr, Surfers Paradise.

1800 817 832, sleepinginn.com.au

GOLD COAST

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

Aquarius Backpackers 44 Queen St, Surfers Paradise.

1800 22 99 55, aquariusbackpackers.com.au Backpackers in Paradise 40 Peninsula Drive, Surfers Paradise.

1800 268 621, backpackersinparadise.com.au Cheers International Backpackers 8 Pine Av, Surfers Paradise.

1800 636 539, cheersbackpackers.com.au Coolangatta Kirra Beach YHA Pl, 230 Coolangatta Rd, Bilinga.

07 5536 76442, yha.com.au

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

1800 678 194, surfnsun-goldcoast.com Surfers Paradise YHA Mariners Cove, 70 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach, Surfers Paradise.

07 5571 1776, yha.com.au Trekkers Backpackers 22 White St, Southport. 1800 100 004, trekkersbackpackers.com.au

GC DO Dreamworld Theme park. dreamworld.com.au

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HERVEY BAY

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

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

Wet â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;nâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Wild Water World wetnwild.myfun.com.au Warener Bros Movie World movieworld.com.au Zorb Adrenalin rolling.

07 5547 6300

SUNSHINE CST Mooloolaba Backpackers 75-77 Brisbane Rd, Mooloolaba.

1800 020 120 mooloolababackpackers.com Nomads Noosa 44 Noosa Dr, Noosa Heads.

1800 666 237, nomadshostels.com Halse Lodge YHA 2 Halse Lane, Noosa. 1800 242 567, halselodge.com.au

RAINBOW BEACH

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Dingos Backpacker Adventure Resort 20 Spectrum St. 1800 111 126, dingosresort.com

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 Next at Hervey Bay 10 Bideford St. 1800 102 989, nextbackpackers.com.au Nomads Hervey Bay 408 The Esplanade.

1800 666 237, nomadshostels.com Palace Backpackers 184 Torquay, 1800 063 168, palaceadventures.com.au

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

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

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

WORD FROM THE STREET

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TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

HOWDY ZIVA. BEEN MANY PLACES IN QLD? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve mainly been around the Brisbane area, plus Hervey Bay/Fraser Island.â&#x20AC;?

GOT A FAVE SPOT? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Australia Zoo, the Steve Irwin one. It was really fun to get up close and personal with the animals. Plus, it was inspiring to see so many people involved in helping the environment and the animals of Australia.â&#x20AC;?

HOW ABOUT AFTER DARK? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Fraser Island. It was amazing watching the sunset over the ocean and sleeping on the beach. It was a trip full of meeting great people and having crazy adventures!â&#x20AC;?

. . .

E R E H Y L L A IN F E â&#x20AC;&#x2122;R YOU

LET THE ADVENTURE BEGIN!

DA9 K F LG <AN= OAL@ 9MKLJ9 L9C= L@= HDMF?=$ D=9J LS NA SIO VE PROFES GREAT BARRIER REEF DI

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

PHONE 0437 692 002

9Ă&#x160;* Ă&#x160;/"Ă&#x160; t / Ă&#x160;"

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FRUIT PICKERS WANTED ./7 'UYS GIRLS s 3ITUATED IN TOWN CENTRE NEXT DOOR TO TOWN SWIMMING POOL s %ACH ROOM HAS OWN ENSUITE 46 BAR FRIDGE AIR CON s !LL 4RANSPORT PROVIDED

0HONE Our 5 Day PADI Open water course is the most popular way to do it.

7/2+%23 7!.4%$ &RUIT AND 6EGETABLE PICKING JOBS AVAILABLE

s 4RANSPORT TO FROM WORK s &2%% COURTESY BUS PICK UP s ,AUNDRY FACILITIES s )NTERNET FACILITIES s 0LEASANT AND FRIENDLY STAFF

We also specialise in Liveaboard dive trips and all levels of dive education.

s "ISTRO AVAILABLE AT "ANJO S TAVERN NEXT DOOR

6!2)%49 /& 7/2+ !6!),!",% 9%!2 2/5.$

"REEZY 4ROPICAL VERANDAHS CLEAN FRIENDLY #LOSE TO SHOPS BANKS OLYMPIC POOL

&EDERAL "ACKPACKERS "OURBONG 3T "UNDABERG 1LD

0HONE www.prodivecairns.com SHOP: Cnr Shields & Grafton Sts, Cairns FREECALL: 1800 353 213 PHONE: +617 4031 5255 RES: info@prodivecairns.com 50

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WWW FEDERALBACKPACKERS COM AU FEDERALBACKPACKERS HOTMAIL COM #OMPLIES WITH ALL SAFETY REQUIREMENTS QUANTITY DEPENDS ON SEASON

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Northside Backpackers 12 Queen St. 07 4154 1166 Bundaberg Bondstore Distillery tours. 07 4131 2999 bundabergrum.com.au

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

BOOK NOW!

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

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

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

1770 Undersea Adventures 1300 553 889, 1770underseaadventures.com

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

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 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

ROGER SANCHEZ Shooters Superclub. Sun, 22 Apr. $TBC The New York Grammy award-winning house music icon has just announced a five-city Aussie tour, with tickets going on sale today.

Orchid Ave, Surfers Paradise

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

TOWNSVILLE

ticketone.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

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

Magnums 7 Marine Pde, Arcadia Bay. 1800 663 666, magnetic-island.com/arc-rsrt.htm

Adrenalin Dive Yongala diving.

07 4724 0600, adrenalindive.com.au

Pleasure Divers 07 4778 5788

Yongala Dive Yongala diving.

07 4783 1519, yongaladive.com.au

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

Dreamtime Travellers Rest 189 Bunda St. 1800 058 440, dreamtimehostel.com Gilligans Backpackers and Hotel Resort 57-89 Grafton St. 1800 556 995, gilligans.com.au JJ’s Backpackers Hostel 11 Charles St. 07 4051 7642, jjsbackpackers.com NJOY Travellers Resort Harbour 141 Sheridan St. 1800 807 055, njoy.net.au Nomads Beach House 239 Sheridan St. 1800 229 228, nomadshostels.com

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

CAIRNS DO AJ Hackett Bungy jumping & canyon swinging.

1800 622 888 cairns.ajhackett.com Cairns Dive Centre 1800 642 591, cairnsdive.com.au Pro Dive 07 4031 5255, prodivecairns.com Raging Thunder Adventures Whitewater rafting.

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

CAPE TRIB

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

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

Nomads Esplanade 93 The Esplanade.

1800 175 716, nomadshostels.com

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

ROAD LESS TRAVELLED

LAMINGTON NATIONAL PARK Sitting just north of New South Wales, Lamington represents not just the start of Queensland, but also a transformation from temperate to subtropical surroundings. Its role as an ecological borderland means the number of plant species, some of which can’t be found anywhere else in the world, is immense, and includes 5,000-year-old tree roots. Rugged rainforest scenery, waterfalls and caves make for great bushwalking, especially around Green Mountain, where there’s also a tree-top canopy walk. Daily buses from both the Gold Coast (85km) and Brisbane (100km) make access fairly easy, even without your own transport.

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MELBOURNE STAY

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

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

BOOK NOW!

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

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

MELBOURNE DO

Central Melbourne Accommodation 21 Bromham Place, Richmond.

03 9427 9826, centralaccommodation.net

Australian Centre for the Moving Image Federation Square.

03 8663 2200, acmi.net.au

Exford Hotel 199 Russell St. 03 9663 2697, exfordhotel.com.au Flinders Station Hotel 35 Elizabeth St. 03 9620 5100, flindersbackpackers.com.au The Greenhouse Backpacker Level 6, 228 Flinders Lane.

1800 249 207, greenhousebackpacker.com.au Habitat HQ 333 St Kilda Road, St Kilda. 1800 202 500, habitathq.com.au Home at the Mansion 66 Victoria Parade.

03 9663 4212, homemansion.com.au

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

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

SIMON AMSTELL Melbourne Town Hall. Tue, 10 Apr â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Sun, 22 Apr. From $25.50.

The quick-witted TV presenter, actor and award-winning comedian is making his Aussie debut for the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.

Swanston 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

comedyfestival.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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53

VICLISTINGS BOOK NOW!

follow us on Sorrento YHA 3 Miranda St, Sorrento.

03 5984 4323, yha.com.au Tortoise Head Lodge French Island.

03 5980 1234, tortoisehead.net

@tnt_downunder

DON’T MISS!

DANDENONG Emerald Backpackers 03 5968 4086

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

03 5480 6522, yha.com.au

DURAN DURAN Rod Laver Arena. Mon, 19 March. $99.

The 80s kings, still led by Simon Le Bon, are heading back down to Australia for the first time in four years. Expect all the hits, new and old.

Batman Ave, 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

ticketek.com.au

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

KYLIE MINOGUE The Palace. Sun, 18 March. $129.

Chances of getting tix for this one-off homecoming gig are slim in the extreme, but no doubt opportunities will be there if you dig deep.

20 Bourke St, Melbourne

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

frontiertouring.com

GRAMPIANS Grampians YHA Eco Hostel Cnr Grampians & Buckler Rds, Halls Gap. 03 5356 4543, yha.com.au Tim’s Place 44 Grampians Road, Halls Gap. 03 5356 4288, timsplace.com.au

ESCAPE THE CROWDS

MELBOURNE O AUSTRALIA TOURS WINTER SPECIALS: $85 Grampians one day tour. $85 Great Ocean Road one day tour (lunch and drink included) $90 Phillip island tour (dinner and drink included)

MULTI DAY TOURS:

2 DAY GREAT OCEAN ROAD TOUR: $175 - dorm accommodation, dinner and breakfast included 2 DAY GREAT OCEAN ROAD PHILLIP ISLAND TOUR: $225 - dorm accommodation, dinner and breakfast included 2 DAY GREAT OCEAN ROAD GRAMPIANS TOUR $185 - dorm accommodation, dinner and breakfast included 2 AND 3 DAY GREAT OCEAN ROAD GRAMPIANS AND TRAVEL TO ADELAIDE TOUR: dorm accommodation, dinner and breakfast included.

Like us on facebook to WIN a one day Grampians tour... ...for two people worth over $170 during the month of April. Tour runs every Sunday, Tuesday and Friday Business +61 3 90169347 mobile +61 403257950 E:info@melbourneaustraliatours.com.au Skype: melbourneaustraliatours

www.melbourneaustraliatours.com.au 54

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THE GREAT OCEAN WALK The Great Ocean Walk is located between the Great Ocean Road and the sea, and it’s a 91km track which stretches from Apollo Bay to Glenample Homestead, adjacent to the 12 Apostles, passing through the Great Otway and Port Campbell National Parks. The entire track will take you about a week, or choose to ‘step on and step off’ the trail, completing short, day, overnight or multi-day hikes, ranging from easy walks to difficult treks. You will experience some of the most spectacular coast and forest scenery, wildlife, rocky platforms, and sheltered beaches in Australia.

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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

GERRY AND THE PACEMAKERS Wrest Point Entertainment Centre. Sat, 31 Mar. $TBC. The second most successful band ever produced by Liverpool (after the Beatles), the 60s hit-makers are finally making their Aussie debut.

Sandy Bay Rd, Hobart

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

tixtas.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

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

DON’T MISS!

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

ADELAIDE FRINGE FESTIVAL Multiple venues. Until Sun, 18 Mar. From free.

Adelaide’s massive arts festival is entering its final week so get along to see some theatre or comedy. Super cheap last-minute tix are available.

Adelaide

adelaidefringe.com.au

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

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

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

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

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

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

COOBER PEDY

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

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

Bicheno Penguin Tours 03 6375 1333, bichenopenguintours.com.au

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

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

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

BICHENO Bicheno Backpackers 11 Morrison St. 03 6375 1651, bichenobackpackers.com

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

Temptation Sailing Dolphin swimming, Glenelg.

04 1281 1838, dolphinboat.com.au

BAROSSA VAL Barossa Backpackers 9 Basedow Road Tanunda.

08 8563 0198, barossabackpackers.com.au

RIVERLAND Berri Backpackers Sturt Highway, Berri.

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

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

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

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55

WALISTINGS

follow us on One World Backpackers 162 Aberdeen St, Northbridge.

1800 188 100, oneworldbackpackers.com.au

BOOK NOW!

@tnt_downunder

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

BRIAN JONESTOWN MASSACRE Astor Theatre. Tues, May 22. From $74.

Joined by Danish indie duo The Raveonettes, the psychedelic collective are heading Down Under to coincide with the release of their new album.

659 Beaufort St, Mt Lawley

PERTH STAY Billabong Backpackers Resort 381 Beaufort St. 08 9328 7720, billabongresort.com.au Britannia on William 253 William St, Northbridge.

08 9227 6000, perthbrittania.com

56

bocsticketing.com.au

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

TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

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

GROOVIN THE MOO Hay Park. Sat, May 19. $99.

Catch hip-hop legends Public Enemy, plus Kaiser Chiefs and a top notch selection of Aussie acts at the country’s biggest touring regional festival.

Parade Road, Bunbury

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

gtm.net.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

like us on

facebook/tntdownunder

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

Lina Safstrom, Sweden HELLO LINA. DONE MUCH TRAVELLING IN WA? “I’ve been to Perth, Denmark, Kalbarri, Denham, Monkey Mia, Carnarvon, Coral Bay and Broome.”

ANYWHERE STAND OUT? “Coral Bay. It’s beautiful and relaxing and the hostel Ningaloo Club is very clean and well organised.

Snorkelling off the beach in Coral Bay was very awesome.”

HOW ABOUT FOR A DRINK? “Mullaloo Beach Bar and The Saint, both in Perth, for a famous Sunday Session. Because it is compulsory to have a laidback Sunday Session in WA! Also Lucky Coq along the Swan River for a chilled out pub meal on a Sunday.”

7 ,Ê -/Ê "-/ Ê Ê7 ÊÓääÇ -/ÊÓäänÊEÊÓää

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57

NTLISTINGS

follow us on

DARWIN STAY

KATHERINE STAY

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

DON’T MISS!

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

KATHERINE DO Airborne Solutions Scenic helicopter flights.

08 8972 2345 airbornesolutions.com.au

Frogshollow Backpackers 27 Lindsay St. 1800 068 686, frogs-hollow.com.au Gecko Lodge 146 Mitchell St. 1800 811 250, geckolodge.com.au

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

DARWIN BEER CAN REGATTA

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

Mindil Beach. Sun, July 15. Free.

Try to time your visit to see this hilarious event. Hardy souls try not to think about crocs as they hit the water (and sink) in homemade boats.

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

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

08 8981 0700, deckchaircinema.com.au

Haven Resort 3 Larapinta Drive.

1800 794 663, alicehaven.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

DARWIN DO

BIG4 Katherine Holiday Park 20 Shadforth Road.

1800 501 984, big4.com.au

Darwin

beercanregatta.org.au

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

08 8999 8264, magnt.nt.gov.au

Oz Jet Boating Stokes Hill Wharf.

1300 135 595, ozjetboating.com.au Spectacular Jumping Crocodile Cruise Adelaide River.

08 8978 9077, jumpingcrocodile.com.au Wave Lagoon Waterfront Precinct. waterfront.nt.gov.au

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

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

@tnt_downunder

ALICE DO Alice Springs Desert Park Larapinta Drive.

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

9 Stuart Terrace.

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

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

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

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

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

WORD FROM THE STREET

Alex Vivas, UK GREETINGS ALEX. SEEN MUCH OF THE NT YET? “So far I’ve been all around the Red Centre.”

WHAT WAS YOUR OVERALL HIGHLIGHT? “Uluru far exceeded expectations. I’ve seen hundreds of photos but it looks so different as you walk around it. It’s a pretty special place and well worth the trek. Kata Tjuta was amazing too. Big up to the Alice Springs Reptile Centre too, loved getting kissed by a lizard.”

AND AFTER DARK? “Alice is the only NT town I’ve been to so far, but you can certainly have some fun there. But swag bag, campfire and stars is better still.”

58

TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

like us on

NZLISTINGS

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

BOOK NOW!

DON’T MISS!

WELLINGTON Base Wellington 21-23 Cambridge Tce. +64 4801 5666 stayatbase.com Cambridge Hotel (BBH) 28 Cambridge Tce. +64 4385 8829 cambridgehotel.co.nz Downtown Wellington Backpackers (BBH) 1 Bunny St. +64 4473 8482 db@downtownbackpackers.co.nz Lodge in the City (VIP) 152 Taranaki St. +64 4385 8560 lodgeinthecity.co.nz

LADY GAGA Vector Arena. Thu, Jun 7 – Sun, Jun 10. NZ$159.

Get excited little monsters, your leader is coming. The world’s most followed Twitter user will be in Auckland to play three shows.

42 Mahuhu Cres, Auckland

BUS TOURS Flexi-Pass Combines InterCity and Newmans. 0800 222 146, flexipass.co.nz Flying Kiwi Wilderness Expeditions 1800 143 515, flyingkiwi.com Kiwi Experience +64 9366 9830 kiwiexperience.com

ticketmaster.co.nz

AUCKLAND 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

Maple Lodge (BBH) 52 Ellice St. +64 4385 3771 Nomads Capital 118 Wakefield St. 0508 666 237, nomadscapital.com Rosemere Backpackers (BBH) 6 McDonald Cres. +64 4384 3041, backpackerswellington.co.nz Rowena’s Backpackers (VIP) 115 Brougham St. 0800 80 1414

HURRICANES VS HIGHLANDERS Westpac Stadium. Sat, 17 March. NZ$25.

Expect an electric atmosphere at this Kiwi derby in the Super 15, the world’s top rugby union tournament, with clubs from three nations.

147 Waterloo Quay, Wellington

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

Wellywood Backpackers 58 Tory St. 0508 00 58 58

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

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

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

YHA Wellington City 292 Wakefield St. +64 4801 7280

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

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

Auckland International Backpackers (BBH) 2 Churton St, Parnell. +64 358 4584,

NZ Travelpass 0800 339 966, travelpass.co.nz

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

CHRISTCHURCH

Stray +64 9309 8772, straytravel.com

Bamber House (BBH) 22 View Rd, Mt Eden. +64 9623 4267, hostelbackpacker.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nomads Auckland 16-20 Fort St. +64 9300 9999, nomadshostels.com

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

Oaklands Lodge (BBH) St. +64 5A Oaklands Rd, Mt Eden. +64 9638 6545, oaklands.co.nz

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

RENTAL FIRMS Ace Rental Cars 1800 140 026, acerentalcars.com.nz Backpacker Campervan & Car Rentals +800 200 80 801, backpackercampervans.com Bargain Rental Cars 0800 001 122, bargainrentals.com.nz Darn Cheap Rentals 0800 447 363, exploremore.co.nz Econo Campers +64 9275 9919, econocampers.co.nz Escape Rentals 1800 456 272, escaperentals.co.nz Explore More 1800 800 327, dcrentals.com.nz Jucy Rentals 0800 399 736, jucy.com.nz Rent-A-Dent 0800 736 823, rentadent.co.nz Rental Car Village +64 9376 9935, hire-vehicles.co.nz Spaceships 1300 139 091, spaceships.tv Standby Cars 1300 789 059, standbycars.com.au Wicked Campers 1800 246 869, wickedcampers.com

Pentlands (BBH) 22 Pentland Ave, Mt Eden. +64 9638 7031

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

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

Point Break Backpackers (BBH) 99 Seaview Road. +64 3388 2050, pointbreakbackpackers.co.nz

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

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

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

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

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

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

ticketek.co.nz

Deco Backpackers (VIP, BBH) 52 Man St. +64 3442 7384, decobackpackers.co.nz Flaming Kiwi Backpackers (BBH) 39 Robins Rd. +64 3442 5494, flamingkiwi@xtra.co.nz Hippo Lodge (BBH) 4 Anderson Hts. +64 3442 5785, hippolodge.co.nz Nomads Queenstown 5-11 Church St. +64 3441 3922, nomadshostels.com Pinewood Lodge (VIP) 48 Hamilton Rd. 0800 7463 9663, rgrieg@xtra.co.nz YHA Queenstown Central 48A Shotover Street. +64 3442 7400, yha.co.nz YHA Queenstown Lakefront 8890 Lake Esplanade. +64 3442 8413, yha.co.nz

WORD FROM THE STREET

Clara Lambert, France HEY CLARA. GOT A FAVE NZ PLACE? “Queenstown.

It’s just so beautiful, with the blue lake and the mountains all around.”

HOW ABOUT FOR NIGHTLIFE? “Auckland, with the Skytower illuminated in a different colour every month.

It’s great for clubbing, or just hanging out with friends.”

TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

59

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 .

Visit the re ds Fiji. s all there n la Is a xplore - it e , k a Yasaw ay k , el dive Chill, snork

entures

dv Awesome A

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

s

r for backpacketravellers tive and alterna nce the

Nadi Down Town Backpackers Inn +679 670 0600, pacvalley@connect.com.fj Nadi Hotel +679 670 0000, ndht@connect.com.fj Nomads Skylodge Hotel +679 672 2200

xperie o want to e

wh

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

EASY FLEXIBLE PACKAGES

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

Explore the real Fiji. From 4 to 11 nights.

Includes vessel transfers, accommodation, meals and activities. Packages from $410

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

ISLAND STAYPUTS

Long Beach Backpackers Resort +679 666 6644

Kuata 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.

TNTDOWNUNDER.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

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

Rau Kini’s Hostel +679 672 1959, rtkinihostel@connect.com.fj The Funky Fish Beach Resort +679 628 2333, funkyfishresort.com The Resort Walu Beach +679 665 1777, walubeach.com

CORAL COAST Beachouse +679 653 0500, fijibeachouse.com

60

Robinson Crusoe +679 629 1999, robinsoncrusoeislandfiji.com

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

Bounty Island Resort +679 666 6999, fiji-bounty.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 departuress ffor all l pa packages and passes from Denarau Marina

Mango Bay Resort +679 653 00690, mangobayresortfiji.com

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

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

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OTE $900 per week What if I have no experience?

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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!

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

23/02/12 4:25 PM

OZWORK

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@tnt_downunder

Harvest the future Want to get out of the city and see the real Australia? Farm work could be just the ticket. And it could also earn you another visa...

There’s a reason why travellers do farm work – they’re desperate to extend their working holiday visas. You’ve probably heard the word by now that you can get a second year visa by doing three months of regional work.

But as many then realise, there’s a lot more benefits to farm work than simply putting off the flight home.

You get the chance to work outside, meaning you’re working on your tan, not just your job. Positions are generally fairly easy to find and the working days, while physical and tiring, are often relatively short.

But perhaps most appealing for the more dedicated see-the-world traveller-type is the chance to spend a few months really getting to know an area and its people which you might not otherwise have visited, thereby getting a glimpse of Australia that most city-based backpackers

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TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

simply wouldn’t see or experience.

The crops you get to work with obviously vary massively depending where you are and what time of year it is, but the jobs currently available contain a pretty wide selection, with everything from cattle ranching and sheep herding to picking asparagus and cherries. And the beauty of it is, “as long as you have got two arms and legs you’re good for farming and fruitpicking work,” explains Gary Locke from Work in South Australia.

Plus, if you pick the right farm you can rack up enough seasonal work to sort out your visa and complete your Australian rite of passage in one foul swoop.

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

What are you waiting for? Get your hands dirty for a visa!

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OZWORK

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INTERVIEW WITH A FRUIT PICKER big farming and coffee town of Mareeba.

Joanne Stephens, 26, from England Where were you working?

The middle of nowhere!

It’s a small town in the Tablelands called Atherton, south-west of Cairns and about 30 minutes from the

What jobs did you do?

I’ve been on various jobs: lime picking, basil picking and working at the Mareeba rodeo. The latest was working on a potato farm which involved me standing on a harvester as it picks the potatoes. I had to discard all the mud and rotten ones.

How did you get the job?

I was reading the harvest guide of Queensland and I came across Atherton.

One of the things that drew

Australia’s largest digital advertising company are now recruiting. Looking for appointment setters to come in and join our team on the Gold Coast.

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Any tips?

Try and come with a little bit of money, in case you turn up and there is a shortage of work or the weather is bad.

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.

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.

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And the worst?

The work is very hard on your back and body in general plus the mornings are early, usually 6am at the latest. Plus, as you are generally based in a small town there is not much else to do when you’re free.

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What’s the best part?

Getting paid is a bonus for doing something you have to do to get a visa. Also, a great part of the job is meeting new people. Also it’s interesting to get an insight into the farm world

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A

PS it’s easier than picking fruit!

Why do it?

To get my second year visa. Unless you have a job offering you sponsorship it is one of the only ways you can extend it.

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MYTHBUSTERS DEVILISH BREEDING?

THIS WEEK’S QUIZ

MYTH

LUCK OF THE IRISH

OF THE

WEEK

Why do mainland Aussies say Tasmanians have two heads? is Europe’s...

Q 1.a)Ireland Second largest island

comic book did Bono and Q 6.TheWhat Edge adapt into a (so far)

b) Third largest island c) Fourth largest island d) Fifth largest island

failed Broadway musical? a) Batman b) Superman c) X-Men d) Spider-Man

was not born in Ireland?

Q 2.a)Who Daniel Day-Lewis b) Bob Geldof d) Bono

c) Tom Green

Which liquor is in an Irish coffee?

Q 3.a) Tequila b) White rum

The shortest St Patrick’s Day parade, Q 8.which travels between two pubs, takes

d) Whiskey

Q 4. If captured by a human, what will a leprechaun do? a) Steal their gold c) Grant three wishes

b) Bite their toes d) Turn into dust

Q 9. Who is guilty of having a terrible

Q 5. Which Irish saint is said to have

Irish accent in Hollywood? a) Tom Cruise (Far & Away) b) Nicole Kidman (Far & Away) c) Brad Pitt (The Devil’s Own) d) Cameron Diaz (Gangs of New York)

discovered America 1,000 years before Columbus? a) St Brendan b) St Patrick c) St Seamus d) St Nick

SUDOKU PUZZLE 4

6

9

1

6

2

5

1

1 5

9

8

4

1

4 7

3 7

2

3 8

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“RAT ON STILTS”

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3

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ANAGRAM-ARAMA

AUSSIE-ISM

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place in which Irish town? a) Dripsey, Cork b) Bridgetown Abbey c) Dublin d) Hollywood, County Down

You may have blown a month’s wages on this creature. Or maybe you won a packet on the back of a punt. They’re found down at the track if you fancy a wager. A “rat on stilts” is in fact a greyhound.

THIS WEEK IT’S...

THINGS YOU SEE ON ST PATRICK’S DAY 1. RASH MOCKS 2. CAN RUE HELP 3. SIGH NUTRITIOUSNESS 4. A RAPIDITY RANSACKS ADEPT ANSWERS: 1. Shamrock 2. Leprechaun 3. Guinness Irish Stout 4. Saint Patrick’s Day Parade

c) Baileys

d) Bob Brown

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

c) Kenneth Branagh

said “it’s not easy being green”?

Q 7.a)Who Bono b) Kermit the Frog

Like isolated island communities everywhere, Tasmanians tend to get a fair bit of stick from mainlanders.

In their case, it’s generally the suggestion that Tasmanians have two heads, as a result of some frisky inbreeding. Indeed, modern-day Tassies often taking great pleasure in telling people about the scars they got on their neck when the second head was removed. As unbelievable at it seems, however, it’s possible that incest may have gone on in some of the more remote and lonely mining villages in the early days of the colony. Be careful looking them in the eyes... all four of them!

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