Backpacker Essentials December 2015

BACKPACKER / ESSENTIALS / DECEMBER 2015

ECO NZ

TREADING LIGHTLY

SUMMER DEALS HOLIDAY INSPIRATION VICTORIA NOW GET OUT OF MELBOURNE! ICELAND A BUCKET LIST DESTINATION

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Get more travel with the FREE interactive iPad app

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Also available as a free online edition and a printable PDF Read or download the latest issue and catch up on previous issues at www.yha.com.au/backpacker-essentials

INSIDE BACKPACKER / ESSENTIALS

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AUSTRALIA/NZ Cover image: Adam Bryce

LOCAL NEWS

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GLOBAL NEWS

BELGIUM & THAILAND

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GETAWAYS

TOP DEALS IN OZ & NZ

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GO WEST VICTORIA

VOL 19 / No 6 DECEMBER 2015

TREAD LIGHTLY ◆

MANAGING EDITOR Janet McGarry

YHA NZ'S ECO ETHOS

NEW ZEALAND EDITOR Brindi Joy DEPUTY EDITOR Melanie Tesoriero

YHA CONTRIBUTORS Christina Harris Rachel Seymour Tanya Heuke Francois LaJoie

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Castle Point, Wairarapa Mike Heydon

Backpacker Essentials is the member magazine for YHA Australia. Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the Association. No material may be reproduced without prior permission from the editor. All travel prices are subject to change and conditions apply. All hostel prices are YHA member rates and are subject to change. © YHA Australia ISSN 1328-6749. ®YHA Australia, Hostelling International and YHA house and tree logos are Registered Trademarks of YHA Australia Inc., PO Box A2462, Sydney South NSW 1235

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ICELAND

LAND OF FIRE AND ICE

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BRISBANE

BY NIGHT

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WHAT’S ON

AUSTRALIA/NZ EVENTS

ART DIRECTOR Justin Thomas GRAPHIC DESIGN Nicolas Chua EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES The Editor, Backpacker Essentials, GPO Box 5276, Sydney NSW 2001.

T: +61 2 9261 1111 F: +61 2 9261 1969 E: backpackeressentials@ yha.com.au

AUSTRALIA/NZ HOSTEL NEWS / WIN WITH YHA / YOUR YHA

N OW O PEN YH A TA U P O

New Zealand says Kia ora to a new North Island hostel located in the stunning Central Plateau and gateway to Mt Ruapehu (aka LOTR’s Mordor). YHA Taupo is an ideal base for travellers to discover this region’s endless supply of things to see and do.

Taupo is the North Island’s adrenaline hotspot and it’s got some pretty epic geothermal action too. From skydiving to bungy, white water rafting to jet boating. It’s all here. Geology-wise? The Taupo Volcanic Zone is an underground geothermal highway that stretches via Rotorua to White Island in the Bay of Plenty. That means there are a lot of geothermal star attractions including Australasia’s largest lake (actually a volcano caldera) and the Tongariro National Park crowned with three volcanoes. Want to take it easy? Soak in a thermal bath or hot water river.

The refurbished YHA Taupo is a ten minute walk to the town centre and lakefront.

Facilities include all your YHA staples such as a range of shared and private rooms, a communal kitchen (equipped with a gas hob stove), lounge and dining area, plus a sunny garden and picnic area complete with outdoor BBQ. And they have some extra perks such as the next door Huka Cycle for hiring a mountain bike to explore Taupo’s endless bike trails, including the Great Lake Trail.

BOOK NOW YHA TAUPO u u

+0800 278 299 (NZ) 1800 242 191 (Aus) taupo@yha.co.nz

NEWS

MERRY CHRISTMAS The editors of Backpacker Essentials wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Stay safe during the holidays and we’ll see you next year!

NEW AUSTRALIA HOSTEL MAP YHA Australia’s 2016 hostel map is now available to pick up at Australian YHA hostels!

With copies available in both English and Chinese, this is the only travel map you need when planning your Aussie travels.

This year we’ve even included a road trip suggestion to give you a little bit of travel inspiration!

NEW MEMBER DISCOUNTS By being a member of YHA you have access to hundreds of discounts across Australia and we’re excited to announce that YHA members can now add one more to the list - nib! Nib are offering YHA members a discount on travel insurance when they travel in Australia and it doesn’t matter if you’re a domestic or international member of YHA, this discount is open to you! Visit nib.com.au/yha for more details.

DON’T FORGET! Backpacker Essentials is now available to download on iPhone! Now you can carry us with you everywhere.

BACKPACKER ESSENTIALS ON TWITTER Follow us at @YHABackpacker for special stories, travel news and pictures of cute animals.

SEE WHERE YOU COULD BE Did you know that YHA Australia and YHA New Zealand have YouTube channels? This means that you can easily imagine yourself in all the beautiful places we are lucky to have on our doorsteps with the click of a few buttons.

Check out our YouTube channels and see first-hand where you could be. You’ll be booking your flights in no time!

Search New Zealand YHA on YouTube Search YHA Austr on YouTube

WIN WITH YHA

ARE YOU COMPETITION READY? This is just the beginning of some great competitions coming your way. Stay tuned next year for the exciting competitions we have in the works! We value your readership and membership to YHA and want to reward you with the chance to win.

WIN TICKETS TO presents

ST I VA L T H E W O R L D ’S F E

Arts Projects Australia

WOMADELAIDE People come from far and wide to attend the WOMADelaide festival, held over the March long weekend in Adelaide.

WOMADelaide is more than a music festival, it’s a four-day fiesta that attracts over 80,000 people who gather to witness an international line-up of artists and to participate in workshops that enrich the body and soul. More than 30 countries are represented across 7 stages and 2016’s hot tips include 90s riotous rock group Violent Femmes, French-Afro vocal goddess Angelique Kidjo, high energy Aussie world wonder the Cat Empire and much more. AND - YHA is giving you the chance to win your way to WOMADelaide! Prize includes: u u

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2 x 4-day weekend pass to WOMADelaide (11 - 14 March 2016) 3 nights’ accommodation in a double room at Adelaide

Central YHA Return flights for two to Adelaide from nearest Australian capital city, courtesy of South Australian Tourism Commission.

To enter, answer in 25 words or less which part of the world you would like to experience at the 2016 Womadelaide Festival and why.

Email us at yhaessentials@yha.com.au with your answer Competition ends 31 January 2016.

WIN!

YOUR CHANCE

TO WIN!

YHA and Moonlight Cinema are giving you the chance to win a double pass for the 2016 Aussie summer season! This year Moonlight Cinema will be held in Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney All you need to do is tell us in 25 words or less who you’d like to spend a night under the stars with. Make sure to include your name, contact number and which city you’d like to attend. Email us at yhaessentials@yha.com.au with your answer. Competition ends 25 December 2015.

Moonlight Cinema is Australia’s favourite outdoor cinema, showing advance screenings, new release and cult films on the lawns of our favourite cities. Check out moonlight.com.au for more.

Grab a picnic and a rug and head to the cinema!

Moonlight Cinema

NEWS

EXCITING DEVELOPMENTS AT PHILLIP ISLAND! Phillip Island and penguins are synonymous with each other and now you can have an even better experience viewing these wondrous little creatures with the new Penguins Plus viewing options!

Visitors will now have the chance to view the penguins from underground, giving you an eye-level viewing experience. Plus, inspired by the natural elements of the surrounding landscape, a new viewing platform has been built to give visitors’ unprecedented viewing of the penguins on their pathway at the Penguin Parade.

To even further enhance your Phillip Island experience, you can now feel as if you’ve suddenly transported to the Antarctic. Take a virtual journey into the Southern Ocean and Antarctica and immerse yourself in the environment – pat a penguin, stroke a seal or marvel at a whale within arm’s reach! Check out our deals section for a great travel deal at Phillip Island.

Tourism Victoria

PHILLIP ISLAND YHA u u

+61 3 595 6123 phillipisland@yha.com.au

BOOK NOW

GLOBAL NOW OPEN / CHRISTMAS MARKETS

BELGI UM

K O K G N A B O T

TIS THE SEASON! WE HIGHLIGHT SOME OF THE NEWEST HOSTELS AND LIST THE TOP CHRISTMAS MARKETS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD. Kavalenkau, Belgium Shutterstock

/NOW OPEN GHENT BELGIUM OURU PRETO BRAZIL BANGKOK THAILAND Leie River, Ghent Anton Ivanov - Shutterstock

Click on the tabs above for each destination

HOSTEL “DE DRAECKE” GHENT BELGIUM After 21 years operating as a busy hostel, Hostel “De Draecke” Ghent, Belgium has had a complete makeover!

The hostel is a tribute to the city of Ghent, including a graffiti painting by a famous local street artist. The new reception area is integrated in the bar and connected to the dining room and lounge – perfect for a quick drink after check-in!

There is now a communal area for travellers to meet and socialise, and if you’re feeling like an early night, the rooms have also been completely redone with each room having its own bathroom and each bed provided its own power point, night light and locker.

Hostel “De Draecke” Ghent is a contemporary hostel in a beautiful medieval town close to the Castle of the Counts and the Canal, with remarkable architecture and history, you’ll be amazed by all that Ghent has to offer.

BOOK NOW

HOSTEL “DE DRAECKE” GHENT u

hihostels.com

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gent@vjh.be

/NOW OPEN GHENT BELGIUM OURU PRETO BRAZIL BANGKOK THAILAND Rouru Preto, Brazil Shutterstock

Click on the tabs above for each destination

BRUMAS HOSTEL, BRAZIL Named a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its outstanding Baroque architecture, Ouru Preto, Brazil is a breathtakingly beautiful city that has to be seen to believed.

Brumas Hostel is a charming colonial-style cottage located close to all the main attractions of the city, including the historical city centre and features dorm rooms or private rooms, free Wi-Fi, 24-hour reception and more. Brumas hostel prides itself on being eco-conscious and follows sustainability policies so you can be sure your visit will be green.

BOOK NOW

BRUMAS HOSTEL u

hihostels.com

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brumasonline@hotmail.com

/NOW OPEN GHENT BELGIUM OURU PRETO BRAZIL BANGKOK THAILAND Click on the tabs above for each destination

Bangkok Markets, Thailand Alexander Mazurkevich - Shutterstock

HI SMILE SOCIETY-BANGKOK Bangkok has a brand new YHA, located in the city centre with convenient access to the tourist attractions that Bangkok has to offer, including day and night street markets and food stalls. This green hostel boasts dorm and private rooms, free Wi-Fi, plus all the trimmings that you want in your hostel experience - air-conditioning, laundry, free breakfast and security. Visit the bustling and exciting city of Bangkok by day and night and come back to a comfortable and central hostel in the heart of the city.

BOOK NOW

HI SMILE u

hihostels.com

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smiledthailand@gmail.com

/CHRISTMAS MARKETS

CHRISTMAS MARKETS Aussies and Kiwis may not get to rug up during the Christmas season, or take comfort in mulled wine and hot cocoa (but we do get the beach so we can’t really complain), but there’s something special about holiday markets that make us kind of wish we could experience a cold Christmas to see what the fuss is all about. If you can’t get there this year, not to worry, we’ve compiled a list of Christmas markets all over the world that can at least get you dreaming!

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STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN

Visit Stockholm’s Old Town and see what a traditional Swedish Christmas market is all about. The Old Town Christmas markets started in 1523 and lay claim to being one of the oldest markets in Europe. While you’re there try Swedish sweets, sausages, have a taste (if you dare) of reindeer and elk-meat (just make sure it’s not Rudolph first). Take home some beautiful Swedish handcrafts from the unique red stalls.

The Old Town Christmas markets 21 November - 23 December

STAY AT HI STOCKHOLM

Stockholm Christmas Market Shutterstock

/CHRISTMAS MARKETS

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VIENNA, AUSTRIA

Vienna is probably the motherland of Christmas markets; this age-old tradition dates back to 1298. If you’re a fan of mulled wine, for a few extra euros you can hold on to the different mugs at the more than 20 different markets in Austria. If not, return them after use and get some of your money back! Pick up handcrafted gifts and eat traditional Austrian fare at the markets, amongst the spectacular backdrop of palaces and museums.

Vienna Christmas Market Shutterstock

STAY AT HI VIENNA

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NEW YORK, USA

Wander through over 120 holiday shops at Bryant Park and bring your skates to take advantage of the huge free outdoor ice-skating rink! If you’re a little chilly after being on the ice, warm up at the many food outlets rink-side or get your heart pumping with a bit of retail exercise!

Bryant Park Holiday Markets 30 October 2015 3 January 2016

STAY AT HI NEW YORK

Bryant Park Ice Skating Shutterstock

/CHRISTMAS MARKETS

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LONDON, ENGLAND

London has an array of Christmas markets, including the famous Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park and others including on Southbank and at the Tate Modern. Hear carollers, go on rides and taste English treats and traditional food.

STAY AT YHA LONDON CENTRAL

Covent Garden - London Cedric Weber - Shutterstock

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STRASBOURG, FRANCE

Voted as the best European Christmas market for 2014, the “Christkindelsmärik” in Strasbourg reflects the very unique geographical and historical nature of the city, offering arts, crafts and food plus typical Alsatian Christmas decorations. Sometimes the markets will have street parades, sound and light shows or live bands. You’ll be full of Christmas spirit!

Christkindelsmärik 27 November - 31 December

STAY AT HI STRASBOURG 2 RIVES

Swipe for more

Strasbourg Christmas Market Kiev Victor - Shutterstock

/CHRISTMAS MARKETS

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SAN FRANCISCO, USA

Just a short distance from downtown San Fran is a Victorian Christmas celebration, a throwback to the world of Charles Dickens and the Victorian era.

Turn back time and walk amongst costumed characters, yelling street vendors, pubs, theatres and dance floors - all set up on three acres.

Great Dickens Fair: Weekends 21 November - 20 December

STAY AT HI SAN FRANCISCO DOWNTOWN Charles Dickens Markets Rich Yee

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SHANGHAI, CHINA

This exciting Christmas market transports you back to the Medieval era, offering the chance to wander through traditional wooden hut villages, converse with ‘merchants’ and feel like you’re a real knight or dame. Watch artists juggle, play music and even see knights practice their archery skills.

Shanghai German Christmas Market 27 November - 27 December

STAY AT SHANGHAI BLUE MOUNTAIN YOUTH HOSTE Swipe for more

Shanghai German Christmas Market

/CHRISTMAS MARKETS

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WELLINGTON NEW ZEALAND

During the weekends in December, the regular Underground Markets will be transformed into a speciallythemed Christmas market with more than 85 stalls full of Christmas inspiration and crafty gifts. Along with the festive entertainment on offer it’s sure to put a spring in your step!

Wellington Underground Christmas Market Weekends from 5 - 20 December

Wellington Underground Market

STAY AT YHA WELLINGTON

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SAPPORO, JAPAN

This year marks the 14th year of the German Christmas market in Sapporo, Japan, a ‘sister city’ of Munich.

Much of the inspiration for this Christmas market comes from its German sister with stalls of European goods and food on offer, as well as Christmas lights and concerts. It’s a little bit of Germany in Japan.

German Christmas Markets 27 November - 24 December

SAPPORO INTERNATIONAL YOUTH HOSTEL Swipe for more

Sapporo German Markets

/CHRISTMAS MARKETS

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SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA

Get lost in the historical Rocks, Sydney exploring the Village Bizarre Markets which sees the area transformed in a vaudevillian world of performers and markets each Friday night until 18 December. There are installations, characters around every corner, musicians, stalls to buy artisan gifts or dinner and so much more. It’s sure to be an exciting evening!

The Village Bizarre Night Markets 13 November - 18 December

STAY AT SYDNEY HARBOUR YHA

Rocks Village Bizarre

DEALS

YHA GETAWAYS

YHA DEALS IN AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND

Feeding the kangaroos - Port Elliot

YAMBA SURF N STAY

PORT ELLIOT TOTAL WILDLIFE EXPERIENCE It’s summer; this means ocean, animals and activities - all of which you can do at Port Elliot!

Get up close and personal with Australia’s cutest wildlife, feed the kangaroos, handle some snakes and then shake it all off with some surfing, swimming, fishing or chilling out along the coast.

Package includes: Entry to Urimbirra Wildlife Park u 2 nights’ accommodation in multi-share room u 1 day bike hire u Return bus from Adelaide call 08 8554 1885 to arrange u

From AU$99 per person. Valid until 15 April 2016.

PORT ELLIOT YHA +61 8 8554 1885 u portelliot@yha.com.au u

BOOK NOW

Voted the best coastal town in Australia, Yamba is a must-visit for travellers. Yamba YHA has a special deal including surf session and hire, accommodation and Shane's Famous Tour! (wait till you see why). After visiting Yamba you'll understand why the traveller quickly becomes the local!

Package includes:

2 nights' accommodation in multi-share room u 4-hour Shane's Famous Tour u 4-hour surf session u Free surfboard hire u A free beer on arrival u

From AU$95 per person.

Valid until 20 December 2015.

YAMBA YHA +61 2 6646 3997 u yamba@yha.com.au u

BOOK NOW

STRADDIE OCEAN ADVENTURE & SNORKELLING TOUR This ocean snorkelling tour includes heading out on our purpose-built NAIAD Rigid inflatable boats across pristine ocean, where you may see manta rays (Nov - Apr), pods of dolphins and endangered loggerhead turtles. Package includes: u u u

2 nights' accommodation in multi-share room Half day guided ocean snorkelling tour Return ferry tickets to Stradbroke Island

From AU$160 per person. to Valid to 31 March 2016, block out periods apply.

STRADBROKE ISLAND YHA

BOOK NOW

+61 7 3409 8888 u stradbrokeisland@yha.com.au u

HIKE LORD OF THE RINGS COUNTRY One of New Zealand's oldest National Parks, and a dual World Heritage Site, is the backdrop to the awesome Tongariro Alpine Crossing, considered the best day walk in New Zealand. Tie up your hiking shoes and pack some layers before embarking on this challenging journey across a remarkable volcanic landscape. Spot the volcanic peaks of Mt Ngauruhoe (Mt Doom in the Lord of the Rings movies), Tongariro and Ruapehu, old lava flows, craters, emerald green lakes, volcanic vents, panoramic views and tussock slopes leading to forest bushline. Package includes: 2 nights at YHA Ohakune u Transport to and from the Tongariro Alpine Crossing u Bragging rights (free)

Blue Lakes, Tongariro National Park Destination Lake Taupo

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From NZ$85 multi-share, $99 private, $140 selfcontained apartment. Prices are per person.

Valid to 30 April 2016.

YHA OHAKUNE u u

+64 6 385 8797 ohakune@yha.co.nz

BOOK NOW

PORT STEPHENS ADRENALINE PACKAGE

GRAMPIANS ESCAPE

Just a few hours north of Sydney is your perfect getaway to Port Stephens. Stay in bungalows amongst rainforest gardens with koalas greeting you in the morning. While you’re there, get involved in all the adventure activities Port Stephens has to offer, including dolphin watching, sandboarding, surfing, kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding. Your Port Stephens adrenaline package includes:

The Grampians was made for summer escapes!

Spend three wonderful days hiking to spectacular lookouts, marvelling at waterfalls, exploring the area’s Aboriginal history and getting up close to Australia’s amazing wildlife. Spend the evenings relaxing in front of a wood fire knowing your bed doesn’t cost the earth at stylish eco-certified Grampians Eco YHA. With both tour and self-guided components this trip is the perfect nature getaway. Package includes:

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3 nights’ accommodation in multi-share room u 2 - hour dolphin watching tour u Unlimited 1- day sandboarding u 2 - hour surf lesson including gear u 1 - hour stand-up paddleboard hire u 2.5 hour kayaking tour

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2 nights' accommodation in multi-share room 1 day Grampians guided tour 2 days independent stay at Halls Gap

From AU$212 per person. Valid until 31 March 2016.

From AU$232 per person. Valid until 22 March 2016.

Block out periods apply.

Shutterstock

PORT STEPHENS YHA u u

+61 2 4982 1921 portstephens@yha.com.au

BOOK NOW

GRAMPIANS ECO YHA u u

+61 3 5356 4544 grampians@yha.com.au

BOOK NOW

NOTED FESTIVAL, CANBERRA Noted is Canberra’s independent writer’s festival boasting free, diverse and inclusive events for individuals, groups, families, writers, readers and thinkers. Canberra City YHA is the official accommodation provider for Noted festival and are offering attendees 10 % off accommodation!

Noted festival is taking place between 16 and 20 March, 2016. Simply contact the hostel by phone or email and quote NOTED15 to receive 10% off our accommodation!

KOSCIUSKO SUMMER ADVENTURE PACKAGE Discover Kosciusko National Park with this great value 3 day stay. Soak up 360 degree views 2200 metres above sea level at the Kosciusko summit. Explore the Yarrangobilly Caves with a guided tour and experience the highest lift in Australia. Car required! Package includes: u

3 nights’ accommodation in multi-share rooms, or family room u Continental breakfast each morning u Yarrangobilly Caves guided tour u 2-day All Mountain Pass (Adult) or 3-day All Mountain Pass for Family. Includes scenic chairlift rides, bobsled rides, one round of golf per day, one hour of tennis court hire per day, access to Thredbo Leisure Centre: pool, water slide, gym and sports hall.

From AU$180 per person multishare, or family from AU$615. Valid 20 May 2016, block out periods apply.

CANBERRA CITY YHA u u

BOOK NOW

+61 2 6248 9155 canberracity@yha.com.au

THREDBO YHA u u

BOOK NOW

+61 2 6457 6376 thredbo@yha.com.au

NEW ZEALAND AND THE WORLD FOR LESS Get discounts all year long with YHA New Zealand’s and the International Youth Travel Card’s (IYTC) supercharged membership.

Exclusive to travellers 18 - 30 years old, the YHA & IYTC card offers the same benefits of both memberships but for a lot less cost. These benefits are yours for the taking: 10% off all YHA Accommodation u Free Wi-Fi when staying at over 20 YHA New Zealand hostels u Exclusive airfare and travel deals at STA Travel u 20% off 2,500 restaurants and cafes in Australia and New Zealand u Discounted rates at 500 attractions in Australia and New Zealand u Movie tickets from $11 at Hoyts, Event Village - Australia only u 21,000 discounts in 125 countries u

$35 per person for a one year membership. That’s a $20 savings!

Upgrade from a standard YHA membership is available.

YHA NEW ZEALAND (AUS) 1 800 242 191 (NZ) 0800 278 299 u membership@yha.co.nz u

BUY NOW

PHILLIP ISLAND ADVENTURE No Victorian adventure is complete without checking out diverse Phillip Island. Spend two days discovering the island’s stunning coastline and swimming at the world famous beaches. Top off your experience by meeting and greeting the island’s abundant wildlife at Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park and watching the incredibly cute Little Penguins on their nightly Penguin Parade.

This combination of guided and self-guided tour includes a night at the comfortable purpose-built Phillip Island YHA. Package Includes: u u

1 night accommodation in multi-share room 1 day Phillip Island guided tour

PHILLIP ISLAND YHA

BOOK NOW

+61 3 5956 6123 u phillipisland@yha.com.au

From AU$195 per person. Valid until 31 March 2016.

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Shutterstock

KOSCIUSKO SUMMER EXPLORER PACKAGE

FRASER ISLAND AND WHITSUNDAYS A trip to Queensland is not complete without experiencing two of the best beaches. Explore the stunning Fraser Island by 4WD and discover, shipwrecks, lakes and pristine white sandy beaches. Sail around the glorious Whitsunday islands and spend your days snorkelling, sailing and swimming. u u u u

2 nights' multi-share at Hervey Bay YHA 2 day/ 1 night Fraser Island 4WD tour including meals and ferry transfers 2 nights' multi-share at Airlie Beach YHA 2 day/1 night Whitsundays sailing adventure including meals and snorkelling equipment.

Sleep and eat with YHA then explore the mountain with the All Mountain Pass - including scenic chairlift and bobsled rides, golf and tennis every day plus access to the Thredbo Leisure Centre and its pool, waterslide, gym and sports hall.

Includes scenic chairlift rides, bobsled rides, one round of golf per day, one hour of tennis court hire per day, access to Thredbo Leisure Centre: pool, water slide, gym and sports hall.

From AU$750 per person. Valid until 31 March 2016. Fraser Island tour departs daily.

Whitsunday tour departs daily except Monday.

HERVEY BAY YHA u

herveybay@yha.com.au

AIRLIE BEACH YHA u

airliebeach@yha.com.au

Package includes: u 3 nights’ accommodation in multishare or family room u Continental breakfast each morning u 2-day All Mountain Pass (Adult) or 3-day All Mountain Pass for Family.

From AU$174 per person multishare, Family from AU$540 (2 adults and up to three children). Valid until 20 May 2016, block out periods apply.

BOOK NOW

THREDBO YHA u u

+61 2 6457 6376 thredbo@yha.com.au

BOOK NOW

FEATURE / VICTORIA

GO WEST WHILE MOST VISITORS TO VICTORIA REVEL IN MELBOURNE’S NEXT LEVEL COFFEE CULTURE AND KILLER LIVE MUSIC SCENE, WESTERN VICTORIA HAS PLENTY OF ACES UP ITS SLEEVE, WITH THE GRAMPIANS AREA BEING HOME TO SOME OF THE BEST TERRAIN FOR HIKING, BIKING AND CLIMBING, WHILST THE GREAT OCEAN ROAD HAS BEACHES AND VIEWS TO KILL FOR.

Mt William, Grampians National Park Tourism Victoria

Top to bottom: Brambuk Aboriginal Cultural Centre in Halls Gap; Brushtailed Rock-wallaby.

Tourism Victoria, Shutterstock

THE GRAMPIANS

By Jo Stewart Drive 260 kilometres from Melbourne, past yellow bursts of canola fields and bucolic towns filled with heritage buildings and you’ll hit the tourist town of Halls Gap, the gateway to the Grampians National Park. It’s a town driven by tourism, hosting outdoorsy folks from far and wide keen on experiencing the unbridled opportunities to commune with nature that the Grampians offers. Halls Gap might be set up for tourists, but it’s a tourist town with a heart. There are no rip offs, traps or gimmicks here, just genuine, down-to-earth people running businesses that help visitors experience the wonders of the Grampians, whether they’re sampling reds at a winery, climbing peaks or going for a mountain bike ride.

At the Grampians National Park, there are enough trails of varying difficulty to satisfy everyone from super-fit rock climbers looking for a challenge to experienced hikers hoping to feel the burn and casual bushwalkers just happy to stretch their legs in nature for a few hours.

... KANGAROOS, WALLABIES AND NATIVE BIRD SIGHTINGS ARE COMMON

The Pinnacle is, well, the pinnacle of any Grampians visit and can be seen all the way from ground level at Halls Gap. While there are a number of ways to reach the Pinnacle, purists will relish the challenge of starting from the very bottom (from the entrance near the Halls Gap Caravan Park). Taking this route will take about 5-6 hours return and provide walkers with the opportunity to not only test their fitness but also see the changes in terrain that occur when ascending to the Pinnacle. Towards the top of climb, walking is traded in for rock hopping and scrambling over large boulders. It pays to take this part of the trail slowly, to ensure your feet are steady and your grip is good (especially when negotiating mossy rocks that can result in nasty spills). The ‘out-of-this-world’ views at the top are well worth the climb (this area isn’t called ‘Wonderland’ for nothing) but be prepared to hold on tight if you’re afraid of heights.

For those with less time, the walk up to Mount William (named Mount Duwil by the local aboriginal people) is just the tonic. The road may be paved all the way, but it’s not an easy feat to reach the tallest peak in the Grampians. A very steep incline makes for a lung busting (yet achievable) 45 minute walk to the top, where 360 degree views of surrounding farmland awaits.

The beauty of the Grampians is that no matter which trail you take, or how long you spend there, you’re pretty much guaranteed to enjoy many native wildlife encounters. Marsupial and bird populations are healthy around these parts, so kangaroos, wallabies and native bird sightings are common. You’ll even stumble across mobs of friendly ‘roos in Halls Gap, happily munching on grass in parks or on the side of the road as cars rumble on by – or in the paddock behind the hostel!

Top to bottom: View of surrounding area from Mt William; McKenzie Falls, Grampians National Park.

Tourism Victoria, Shutterstock

TOP THREE EATS IN HALLS GAP BASECAMP EATERY If you’re looking for a takeaway meal to eat on-the-go then Basecamp Eatery is happy to oblige with brownies, muffins, sandwiches and takeaway cups of yoghurt and fruit.

Alternatively, feast on burgers made from 100% local beef, free range eggs from happy chickens and fresh buns baked in-house, washed down with a ‘Big Ass Shake’ in Double Espresso flavour of course.

KOOKABURRA HOTEL For a classic country pub experience head to the Kookaburra Hotel for cold beers and a wine list of

Grampians greats. This local stalwart has been pumping out hearty steaks, schnitzels, pies and pork belly for more than 33 years, so they must be doing something right!

COOLAS ICE CREAMERY Open seven days a week, this old fashioned ice creamery draws in the crowds with ice cream cones, sundaes, and shakes. Follow the mouthwatering smell of homemade waffle cones, then have a crisis trying to narrow down your order. With 24 different ice cream flavours on offer, it’s a mission choosing just one!

Top to bottom: Kookaburra; Mt William; Boroka Lookout.

Tourism Victoria, Shutterstock

WHERE TO STAY GRAMPIANS ECO YHA The environment is everything here – with the backdrop of the hills surrounding Halls Gap, this YHA has a range of ecofriendly initiatives. There are the obvious recycling and solar panels, but the hostel chooks and vegie patch makes this a hostel with a difference.

Cosy in winter with woodfired stoves, the courtyard is the perfect spot at the end of a summer’s day. With two kitchen and lounge areas, the hostel is also set up for groups who can book either half the building or the entire thing under YHA’s Rent-a-YHA scheme.

T: (+613) 5356 4544 E: grampians@yha.com.au

BOOK NOW

APOLLO BAY

Steve McKenna

Kirstie Bedford Apollo Bay feels anything but like the sleepy coastal regional town you might expect two and a half hours south-west of Melbourne along the Great Ocean Road.

This is a bustling little village of shops and cafés, which can pull a latte you would expect by any inner-city barista, and boasting great food as well. If you’re after a true Aussie fish and chip experience, then tucked away behind the town’s golf club overlooking the bay is the Apollo Bay Fisherman Co-op Society – a little café where you’ll also find a working seafood factory.

If you are splashing out, La Bimba above the shops in the main street, is a must visit with locally sourced fresh seafood and regional produce.

Think ‘Otway Harvest’ pulled lamb pie, minted green peas and labneh; kangaroo, pyengana cheddar, mountain pepper aioli, brioche and a home-made ice-cream to top it all off.

Steve Mc Kenna

The Twelve Apostles.

Roberto Seba/Tourism Victoria

The Twelve Apostles at Sunset Shutterstock

TOP 3 THINGS TO DO Marriners Lookout in Apollo Bay: You might need to dodge the odd sheep along the track, and it’s a steep (but short) walk, but well worth the view.

Great Otway National Park: Take the self-guided rainforest boardwalk at Maits Rest and see fern gardens and rainforest trees up to 300 years old.

The Twelve Apostles: A series of lookouts will show you the best views

The Saturday market on the foreshore has locally made, baked, grown, sewn, sculpted, painted or carved products from candles to cakes. And the town is well known for its music festival and live gigs at the Apollo Bay Hotel.

When you’re done with the music, walking along the beach, or to the Marriners Lookout (a short but steep track that provides breathtaking views across Apollo Bay), kayaking, fishing or just chilling out … then there’s the Great Otway National Park and Great Ocean Road to explore. The park, stretches 91 kilometres from Apollo Bay to Glenample Homestead which is adjacent to the 12 Apostles.

You can take a short walk through the rainforest, or jump in a canoe and paddle with the platypus, take the canopy walkway 25 metres above the forest floor or zip line through the forest in a two and a half hour tour attached to a steel cable suspended up to 30 metres above the forest floor. All this and more awaits you only a few hours west of Melbourne.

WHERE TO STAY APOLLO BAY YHA This architecturally designed YHA is leading the way as an environmentally aware hostel with solar hot water, recycling and north facing windows.

The living and dining areas have been carefully designed to be separate from the sleeping areas and it’s split across two levels, so can be rented out half a hostel at a time. With a woodfire heater, two spacious lounges, two kitchens, outdoor balconies and a rooftop deck there are BOOK NOW no shortage of places to wine, dine and relax.

T: (613) 5237 7899 E: apollobay@yha.com.au

Clockwise from top left: Erskine Falls, Great Ocean Road; Parrot; Great Otway National Park Rainforest walk Shutterstock, Tourism Victoria

FEATURE / SUSTAINABILITY

TREAD LIGHTLY: YHA’S ECO ETHOS

Castle Point, Wairarapa Mike Heydon

YHA NEW ZEALAND WORKS HARD TO ‘TREAD LIGHTLY’ WHEN IT COMES TO HELPING PROTECT AND PRESERVE NEW ZEALAND’S BEAUTIFUL BACKYARD. BRINDI JOY LOOKS AT JUST HOW THEY DO IT.

Eighty years ago some folks who really liked the New Zealand outdoors got together in Canterbury and built a hostel with their bare hands—the first hostel in the Southern Hemisphere. Cora Wilding was the pioneer of those early hostelling days, founding YHA New Zealand in 1932.

Cora’s ethos? Outdoor living, clean air, appreciation of natural beauty and country life could only make New Zealand a better place.

YHA has continued Cora’s ethos, keeping environmental sustainability front and centre.

Why? Simple: it’s the right thing to do and it preserves YHA’s heritage.

It also connects travellers from around the world to New Zealand’s environment while encouraging them to travel eco-consciously.

Economically it makes sense too—it’s not only good for the planet but good for the bottom line.

From those first hostels—humble farmers’ cottages—to becoming a sustainability champion within the backpacking sector, YHA continues to tread lightly with LED light bulbs to worm farms and the big stuff like tapping into geothermal energy and native habitat restoration. And YHA doesn’t, and won’t, stop there …

Cora Wilding, circa. 1925

CORA’S ETHOS? OUTDOOR LIVING, CLEAN AIR, APPRECIATION OF NATURAL BEAUTY AND COUNTRY LIFE COULD ONLY MAKE NEW ZEALAND A BETTER PLACE.

GREEN FOOTPRINT PROJECT

Tekapo

Y H A h e l p s g u e st s re d u ce t h e i r ca r b o n fo o t p r i n t a n d o f f s e t t h e environmental impact of their travels. The Green Footprint Project enables travellers using the YHA network to purchase a native tree or shrub which is then planted by Christchurch and Wellington staff and volunteers at sites in Canterbury and Wellington. Since 2004, over 11,000 pokaka, totara, matai, kahikatea and more have been planted. That’s a whole lot of carbon reduction! yha.co.nz/green-footprint

LOW CARBON TRAVELLER YHA believes if travellers can go the extra mile to travel sustainably, YHA can reciprocate by making life a little bit easier with a discount. YHA’s Low Carbon Traveller discount supports the carbon-busting efforts of travellers who travel on self-supported hiking or cycle touring trips. Since the first Low Carbon Traveller checked into our hostel in 2011, YHA has hosted over 4,000 Low Carb guest nights. That’s a whole heap of welldeserved sleeps! yha.co.nz/low-carbon-traveller

SINCE 2004, OVER 11,000 POKAKA, TOTARA, MATAI, KAHIKATEA AND MORE HAVE BEEN PLANTED.

Green Footprint Project

ABOVE & BEYOND Eco-features are the norm for YHA hostels. Every hostel takes steps to reduce waste, water usage, emissions and energy a bit differently, depending on location and the uniqueness of the hostel. u Reduce, reuse, recycle. All hostels offer recycling for guests and staff.

And many hostels go one step further by recycling green waste. Guests toss lettuce stems and apple cores into the food scrap bins knowing they’ll feed pigs or chickens on a local farm, or feed the worm farms at some hostels.

Free food shelves reduce wastage, as do book and clothing swaps. u Water is precious. To minimise excess water use, most shower heads are low-flow (though you’d never be able to tell), taps have aerators and the Clever Flush water saving device on toilets saves up to 12,000 litres of water per toilet each year. u Save energy. Hostels have switch-off stickers at light switches and some motion sensor lights in communal rooms. Hostels use energy efficient appliances and heat recovery units in showers where possible and YHAs Paihia, Nelson, Punakaiki, Raglan and more have installed solar panels. YHA’s newest carbon-busting effort? A down-bore geothermal heat exchanger at YHA Rotorua to harnesses geothermal energy that heats the hostel’s hot water supply, lowering CO 2 emissions by 18 tonnes per year and enabling guests to learn about geothermal power.

YHA New Zealand has been committed to treading lightly for the last eighty years and plans to continue doing the same for many more.

So go forth! Explore! And tread lightly knowing that when you go hostelling with YHA, you’re part of an eco-conscious community committed to protecting and preserving New Zealand’s beautiful backyard.

GET INVOLVED

YHA is commited to recycling. YHA Christchurch Rolleston House

Help protect and preserve the environment: u Donate to YHA New Zealand’s Green Footprint Project yha.co.nz/greenfootprint-project u Volunteer with DOC and choose your own adventure — from location (often in off-limits-to-the-public places) and activity, from a few hours to a few months.

Hut warden? Endangered birds? DOC’s got ‘em all. u NZ’s largest job search website Seek offers environment and conservation volunteer opportunities.

WHERE TO STAY Find out about all these hostels and book at yha.co.nz

BOOK NOW

DOC & TE ARAROA The Department of Conservation (DOC) and the Te Araroa Trust do their bit for sustainability and the environment. YHA works closely with both.

DOC and Te Araroa’s network of trails hark back to YHA’s heritage, offering walkers/hikers/trampers the chance to enjoy a low-impact way to explore New Zealand through uncontestably beautiful scenery, replete with native birds and wildlife.

YHA’s first hostels were designed for rural travellers. Times have changed and DOC stepped in, replacing some of YHA’s early accommodation options by offering wilderness huts for backcountry hikers. YHAs these days are ideal for pre and post hike.

These days too, YHA promotes DOC’s network of trails that include the nine Great Walks, multi-day and day hikes. YHA also sells DOC’s Annual Hut Pass and Hut Tickets, making it easier for guests to get onto the trails. Because YHA is a national network of hostels, it is the only network that can truly support the Te Araroa trail –a 3,000 kilometre, tip-to-toe route from Cape Reinga in the North to Bluff in the South. Low Carbon Travellers take note, this is a trail for you! doc.govt.nz yha.co.nz/great-walks teararoa.org.nz

Te Araroa: Cape Reinga, the northernmost point of the trail

DOC’s Lake Waikaremoana, 90 Seconds

Giants Gate, Milford Track Graham Dainty

AWARDS & ACCOLADES YHA receives recognition for its environmental sustainability advocacy. 2015 awards include: Global Youth Travel Awards: YHA New Zealand, second place The Global Youth Travel Awards were awarded to hostels from New Zealand to Iceland and countries in between that provided the most comprehensive environmentally sustainable programmes, caring for both customers and the environment. YHA New Zealand placed second in the world for the Green Accommodation Initiative category.

HI-Q and Sustainability: YHA Wellington, 100% YHA Wellington was invited to take part in Hostelling International’s (HI) pilot programme, HI-Q & Sustainability, HI’s international quality and sustainability management programme. YHA Wellington was the first hostel in the world to achieve a 100% sustainability score.

Qualmark Responsible Tourism Enviro Awards Qualmark is New Zealand’s national quality and environmental accreditation system offering Enviro Gold, Silver and Bronze ratings for tourism businesses. YHA was an early adopter in 2008 and YHA Wellington was the first hostel in the country to be granted Enviro-Gold. Only six backpackers in New Zealand have Enviro-Gold accreditation. All of these are YHAs. yha.co.nz

FEATURE / ICELAND

LAND OF ICE AND FIRE

Visit Iceland, Shutterstock

DETACHED FROM MAINLAND EUROPE - MAROONED IN THE NORTH ATLANTIC, A THREE-HOUR FLIGHT FROM LONDON ICELAND REQUIRES THAT LITTLE BIT OF EXTRA EFFORT (AND MONEY) TO VISIT. BUT IT'S SO WORTH IT.

BY STEVE MCKENNA

Harpa concert hall Reyjavik.

Shutterstock

MOST TRAVELLERS

f a l l f o r the 'Land of Ice and Fire', as it's known, pretty quickly. Those with window seats are usually bewitched by their first glimpse of the island's gnarled lava fields and snow-dappled ridges. I'll always remember the crisp freshness of the air - unlike any I had ever breathed before - as I exited Keflavik international airport. One of the most pleasant surprises, however, is Reykjavik.

Reykjavik skyline Visit Iceland

Home to almost two thirds of the country's 320,000 population, Iceland's cool, creative capital - a 40-minute bus ride from the airport - is one of Europe's quirkiest little cities. Initially a Viking fishing village, Reykjavik is hard to pigeonhole nowadays: it's laid-back yet vibrant, noticeably Nordic yet increasingly cosmopolitan, spread-out but great to explore on foot (or bicycle or skateboard). Its compact, heavily pedestrianised, street-art-speckled historic core is crammed with eye-catching diversions, not least the Hallgrimskirkja, a hilltop church whose bizarre, rocket-shaped stature is meant to reflect Icelandic's temperamental tectonic nature. Columns flanking the church tower represent the basalt lava flows that have laced the country over millennia.

Volcanic elements also inspired the design of the Harpa, the monumental, cube-shaped concert hall and cultural centre that sprouted on Reykjavik's waterfront just after Iceland was rocked by the Global Financial Crisis. Costing $250 million, it's become a sparkling symbol of Iceland's economic recovery, an upturn boosted by a doubling of tourist numbers since 2008.

Hallgrimskirkja, Reykjavik Visit Iceland

Thingvellir National Park Ivan Sabljak

Strokker geyser Shutterstock

Smaller in scale, but equally striking, are the clusters of quaint, colourfully-painted 19th century wood and corrugated iron buildings which shelter many of Reykjavik's most enticing independent shops, galleries, museums and eateries. I'm particularly fond of Stofan, a cosy coffeehouse decorated with shabby-chic furniture and vintage Icelandic maps and paintings. In the colder, darker months (OctoberApril), it's ideal for hibernating in - swapping travel ideas, playing board games and leafing through books and magazines - while waiting for the aurora borealis (northern lights) to illuminate the sky outside.

In Icelandic, incidentally, Stofan means 'living room'. From May to September, when the sun barely sets, the front terrace of Stofan - and the city's copious other caffeine dens - are alive with people-watching opportunities.

The obvious place to begin, and end, your Icelandic journey, Reykjavik is the springboard to a raft of memorable adventures, from the whalewatching trips that depart from the city's picturesque Old Harbour, to the kayaking expeditions that navigate the country's far-flung fjords.

The most popular tourist circuit is the Golden Circle. Dubbed 'Iceland in a Nutshell', this 300km day-trippable loop, just east of Reykjavik, comprises three outstanding sights.

Gullfoss (a thunderous waterfall that's frequently crowned by a rainbow), the sulphur-scented fields of Geysir (whose highlight is Strokkur, one of the world's most volatile geysers) and the Unesco World Heritage listed-Thingvellir National Park (which, as well as being the location of Iceland's first Viking parliament, straddles the two diverging continental plates that spark the country's unpredictable tectonic events).

Kirkjufell mountain Shutterstock

A touch bigger than Tasmania, Iceland has earned a reputation of late as the 'Hollywood of the North'. Dozens of productions have been filmed across its eerie, entrancing landscapes, including Game of Thrones, Interstellar and The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. Key scenes for the latter - starring Ben Stiller - were shot on the Snaefellsnes peninsula, a surreal finger of land north-west of Reykjavik. The sleepy fishing village of Grundarfjordur - from which Stiller's character pedals off in search of Sean Penn's elusive photographer - is a beguiling Snaefellsnes base (home to one of Iceland's 33 HI/YHA hostels). From here, you can embark on cod-fishing voyages, scale Kirkjufell (arguably Iceland's most iconic mountain) and hike, or snowmobile, across Snaefellsjokull, the glacier that was the doorway of Jules Verne's A Journey to the Center of Earth.

FIVE TRAVEL TIPS FOR ICELAND

1 2 3

Keep abreast of Icelandic current affairs through the Grapevine (grapevine.is), a free newspaper distributed in hostels, bars and cafes.

Alcohol is super-expensive, so capitalise on the nightly ‘happy hour’ deals that slash prices to around 500-600 krona a 0.5L beer.

4

Travelling solo? Consider a hop-on, hop-off pass for the bus system that links Reyjavik with Iceland’s major towns (visiticeland.com). If you’re in a group, definitely hire a car.

5

While Iceland isn’t as chilly as you’d perhaps expect - it’s warmed by the Gulf Stream Forget bottled water. Not only - the weather is notoriously is Iceland’s tap water safe to changeable, so bring waterproofs drink, it’s probably the purest in and several layers of clothing. the world.

Akureyri Hof Steve McKenna

Hofn, a snug harbour town in south-eastern Iceland, is another launchpad for glacial fun and games. It's close to Vatnajokull, Europe's largest ice cap, and Jokulsarlon, an iceberg-strewn lagoon that featured in Batman Begins and James Bond's Die another Day. Iceland's socalled 'northern capital', Akureyri, is another charming pit stop. Its contemporary art galleries and botanical gardens are a pleasure to peruse, while its pastoral, fjord-fringed outskirts are ripe for activities, such as riding the unique, five-gaited Icelandic horses. An hour's drive away are the lava caves, spluttering mudpots and birdlife-rich lake of Myvatn - one of Iceland's most rewarding geothermal bathing hotspots.

You can take a soothing dip in Myvatn's warm, mineral-laden waters for 3700 krona ($40) - almost half what you'd pay at the Blue Lagoon, the polished, pricey poster boy of Icelandic tourism (which is nestled outside Keflavik). For those on extra-tight budgets, cheaper municipalrun pools dot the country.

The expense of travelling in Iceland may, from time to time, make your eyes water, but this is such a thrilling, rewarding destination that you'll probably be planning your next trip even before your first one is over.

Akureyri Botanical Gardens Steve McKenna

THE EXPENSE OF TRAVELLING IN ICELAND MAY, FROM TIME TO TIME, MAKE YOUR EYES WATER WHERE TO STAY There is a great network of YHA hostels around Iceland – 33 to choose from. They also offer some great value car rental packages to help you make the most of your visit. Find out more about HI Iceland here.

BOOK NOW

THEREWAS WAS THERE

a time, so ago, long when ago, when Sydney a time, not sonot long Sydney and Melbourne a unanimous and Melbourne had ahad unanimous stronghold on Australia’s stronghold on Australia’s nightnight economy, cityBrisbane-sheepishly like Brisbane-sheepishly branded as Australia’s big country economy, and aand cityalike branded as Australia’s big country capital-posed threat the popularity stakes. towntown capital-posed little little threat in theinpopularity stakes.

But then, something changed.

But then, something changed.

Holidaymakers became confused byabundant the abundant and bars that didn’t Holidaymakers became confused by the caféscafés and bars that didn’t feature in barely-out-of-date guidebooks, and jetsetters returning feature in barely-out-of-date guidebooks, and jetsetters returning homehome afterafter a year oron two onroad the road momentarily disoriented, ascity thethat city once that once a year or two the werewere momentarily disoriented, as the fell asleep at sundown started to pulse with energy intonight. the night. fell asleep at sundown started to pulse with energy into the That’s right, seemingly outnowhere, of nowhere, Brisbane emerged That’s right, seemingly out of Brisbane emerged fromfrom the the shadows and confidently stepped Australia’s social stage.

And to really shadows and confidently stepped onto onto Australia’s social stage.

And to really its southern counterparts a run, Brisbane has maximised its rooftops give give its southern counterparts a run, Brisbane has maximised its rooftops and laneways to create a collection of funky that prove its hillbilly and laneways to create a collection of funky bars bars that prove its hillbilly days days are long are long gone.gone.

So after surveying the from city from Brisbane YHA’s rooftop, So after surveying the city Brisbane City City YHA’s own own epic epic rooftop, check out these trendy haunts in around and around Brisbane’s check out these trendy haunts in and Brisbane’s CBD.CBD.

Whatnot.

SuperSuper Whatnot.

McAuliffe Emily Emily McAuliffe

Shout it from the rooftop

Brisbane has a cracking track record when it comes to weather (unlike some Australian cities, *cough* Melbourne), so the city’s rooftops are the perfect place to catch the afternoon sun or a warm evening breeze.

And in the case of Limes Hotel in Fortitude Valley, you can also catch a movie, drink in hand, from the vantage point of their rooftop plunge pools on Wednesday and Thursday nights. When your only work task for Monday is emailing your mum, you can also throw yourself headlong into the bar’s “Sunday Funday” celebrations - code for grab a cocktail jug, hit the pool and cheer on the DJ. Fun indeed.

Also harnessing the fun factor is Dandys Rooftop Bar in South Brisbane, a short walk over the river from the CBD. With technicoloured tables, strings of rainbow lights and the odd stuffed toy, you might think you’ve accidently walked into a kids’ party when you exit the lifts on the Fox Hotel’s top level.

But once you round the corner to see beers sloshing as waiters pouring at breakneck speed slam them onto the bar, you’ll realise this is all grown-up fun. Renovated in 2013, Dandys is now Brisbane’s go-to bar for a Sunday session, with a DJ spinning beats from 3pm until 2am.

If you e want something more subdued however, nestle yourself amongst the k i l e tumbling u n th vines and potted plants at Elixir, a groovy rooftop bar in Fortitude ( re that offers reprieve from the valley’s otherwise hectic club scene. e r Valley a h a a t ops e. ch s e w oft ez cat ol ro bre so e po day s ’ ng g on Rooftop al nDandys r’s l bar i n a u M n l r McAuliffe a b ve u c p p Emily o he p o o f t e yo fto sk y, roo ta into i t t h ,a e k ir or ong g , h an ngs e b w h y is stri t l y dl l j u r l a B s, en el. on f he t a i h d t i e u bl cc lev a t el o c k o s a a S ur a c n ed t ’ve top r i n g -up i ar o u r y o u e l ’ s p o u w n a y ab r B g p col nk Hot r s gro u n d o i i t of c h n t t h F o x a i t e a l l a S he o t r s st u d e s R h te igh the a s w is i r f o g y t h m d i on r t i t e .

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Get lost in the laneways

The best bar action isn’t reserved for the rooftops though, as Brisbanites are becoming adept at navigating the rabbit hole to enjoy a tipple in the city’s covert bars.

Burnett Lane in the CBD houses a couple of hidden gems, with Super Whatnot to your left as you exit the mall down Albert Street, and Brew to your right.

Despite being split over two above-ground levels, Super Whatnot feels like a cosy cellar with its dim yellow lighting and ragged brick walls. After following a trail of suspended neon lights down Burnett Lane, head up SW’s wooden steps to find bartenders spearing mint sprigs into icy cocktails while a DJ backs patron chatter with a throbbing beat.

For a quirkier laneway locale, head down the graffitied Lower Burnett Lane towards the stack of milk crates that identify Brew. A mish-mash of floral armchairs, beer kegs, bench seats and red velvet curtains characterise the length of this underground bar, where you can wash down hot wings and meatballs with a craft beer. It’s noisy and it’s grungy, but that’s half the fun.

If a boisterous crowd lacks appeal though, you can comfortably bunker down on a Friday night at Bean on George Street. A narrow strip of astroturf beside a line of wheelie bins leads to this unsuspecting coffee shop, bar and art gallery, where you can indulge in cheap-as-chips espresso martinis for $8 a pop over a game of Scrabble. Then, who knows, after a few hits of caffeine, you might be up for a groove on the d-floor after all.

Bean Emily McAuliffe

BEST CHEAP EATS If you’ve got the next-day munchies, here are the city’s best budget spots to grab a bite.

Little Singapore It’s not often you find cheap eats right on the river, but Little Singapore on Eagle Street dishes up tasty bowls of noodles and curries for under $15.

Miss Kay’s This burger joint started as a pop-up café and got run off its feet, so became a permanent fixture. Grab something classic like a cheese or pulled pork burger, or opt for an artery-clogging ‘Mac Daddy’ complete with mac ‘n’ cheese, before finishing off with an ice-cream sandwich.

Café 63 Opened in late 2015, this bright West End café offers cheap coffee, cheap lunches, and the ultimate bargain - a $3 takeaway bacon and egg roll.

BEST PUBS Trendy laneways and rooftops not your thing? Never fear, Brissie also has plenty of rollicking pubs to pull up a stool and down a coldie.

Mick O’Malley’s Smack bang in the middle of Queen Street Mall, this Irish pub is everything you want and expect to it be - a long wooden bar, booth seats, pub tunes and freeflowing Guinness. ‘Nuff said.

Victory Hotel After an unfortunate arson incident in 2008, Brisbane’s iconic Victory Hotel was rebuilt to its former glory and has since carried on like nothing happened. Chill in the beer garden with a quiet ale early in the evening before letting loose with anything-goes moves as the night wears on.

The Plough Inn South Bank is a must for any visitor to Brisbane, with its manmade inner-city beach the perfect place to bask in Queensland’s sun. Conveniently, there’s also a pub nearby where you can people watch from the benches facing the pedestrian street or head upstairs to sink a few pool balls.

Brisbane Story Bridge at Night Shutterstock

WHERE TO STAY Brisbane City YHA is the perfect place to explore the city, and these spots, from – without a hefty taxi bill home late in the evening. And between nights out, the rooftop terrace offers terrific city views, a swimming pool under the stars, and open air dining room off BOOK the self-catering kitchen. ◆ Brisbane City YHA ◆ (617) 3236 1004 ◆ yha.com.au

NOW

WHAT'S ON HERE’S OUR PICK OF EVENTS COMING UP IN YOUR REGION

SPORTING A SUMMER FEVER AUSTRALIAN OPEN 18 - 31 January 2016

VI C

Experience tennis at its best at the Australian Open. The globally known ‘Happy Slam’ promises high octane tennis matches from some of the world’s best players, balmy nights and exciting live entertainment at Grand Slam Oval. This year the event will be even bigger with the Australian Open precinct stretching all the way from Federation Square, along the mighty Yarra River, through Melbourne Park and to the clay courts on Olympic Boulevard. With a program to

match its massive size this is one event not to miss! ausopen.com.

BOOK NOW

Shutterstock

u Stay at Melbourne Metro or Melbourne Central YHA

BURLEIGH PRO 2016 18 - 31 January 2016

QLD

The iconic Burleigh Headland on the Gold Coast, boasts some of the world’s best waves and is the perfect location for the Burleigh Pro, a World Surf League (WSL) sanctioned event for both men and women. This free event will be held at Burleigh headland so you can expect jaw-dropping views of the Surfers Paradise skyline, especially at dawn or dusk. surfingqueensland.com.

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u Coolangatta YHA u +61 7 5536 7644 u coolangatta@yha.com.au

Burleigh classic

TUNARAMA 22 - 26 January 2016

SA

Port Lincoln is all about the amazing marine life and sea food and it all comes together in this unique not-to-bemissed event where feats of strength involve tossing large heavy tuna, fireworks light up the sky, beach bods can win a wad of cash and amazing food is everywhere! tunarama.net.

BOOK

TOUR DOWN UNDER 16 - 24 January 2016

SA

The first event in the cycling world tour attracts riders and tourists from around the world to spectate and participate with public cycling events, spectacular scenery and all the thrills expected in professional international bicycle racing. tourdownunder.com.au.

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NOW

u Stay at Port Lincoln YHA

u Stay at Adelaide Central YHA

u +61 8 8682 3605

u +61 8 8414 3010

u portlincoln@yha.com.au

u adlcentral@yha.com.au

Shutterstock

NZ

RAGLAN’S SOUNDSPLASH MUSIC FESTIVAL 8 -10 January 2016

Three days. Three stages.

West Coast styles in NZ’s surfing mecca at a summertime festival of freedom, multi-genre music and expression. Plug in to the crowd’s buzz and you’re sure to discover off-the-grid ideas and experience films, stalls, music and moments to invigorate and inspire. Music line-up includes Sticky Fingers, The Black Seeds, Trinity Roots and more. Last minute tickets and YHA discount available. Quote promo code ROADTRIP when booking. soundsplash.co.nz.

BOOK NOW u u u

NZ

Stay at YHA Raglan 0800 278 299 (NZ) or 1800 242 191 (Aus) book@yha.co.nz

WELLINGTON’S SUMMER CITY FESTIVAL 1 December 2015 - 31 March 2016

Don your sunnies and jandals/thongs and hotfoot it to the capital city for a summer full of festivals dotting the city, waterfront, parks and gardens.

With over 100 free events you’ll be spoiled for choice. Gardens Magic is the backbone event with outdoor concerts at the Botanic Gardens’ Soundshell bringing together bands and performers, local legends and rising stars. Transport to the Pacific Islands with Pasifika for arts, culture and a Pacific short films bus. And so much more. wellington.govt.nz

BOOK NOW u u

WCC

u

Stay at YHA Wellington 0800 278 299 (NZ) or 1800 242 191 (Aus) book@yha.co.nz

WONDERLAND 2015 3-20 December 2015

QLD

If burlesque, circus, cabaret, music, comedy, poetry theatre and variety shows filled with international and Australia artists tickle your pickle than Wonderland is for you.

Wonderland 2015 takes over the Brisbane Powerhouse, spills into the streets with the nightly Wonderland Food Markets by Jan Power and fills performance tents with bite-sized entertainment. brisbanepowerhouse.org/festivals

u u

Stay at Brisbande City YHA +61 7 3236 1004 Brisbanecity@yha.com.au

BOOK NOW

u u

New Plymouth’s Botanical Garden lights up for summer. Follow the paths by night as majestic native trees and plants glow fluorescent and waterfalls, fountains, a water wheel and lakes shimmer beneath thousands of lighting displays.

Hire a wooden rowboat and set out on the park’s main lake or bring a blanket to the Fred Parker Lawn for twilight movies under the stars. Be sure to see the locals’ favourites: the sleeping giant, roving performers and a line-up of local and national musicians. festivaloflights.co.nz.

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Returning to Hobart’s waterfront is Taste of Tasmania, a weekly festival of food, drinks and summer-time celebrations. Coinciding with the Sydney to Hobart yacht race it’s the prime event to be at the centre of the action. Entry is free and stalls are now cash-free, all you’ll need is your credit or debit card, and if you don’t have one you can load a free card up with cash and taste the best of Tasmania! Tasteoftasmania.com.au.

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NEW PLYMOUTH’S FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS 13 December 2015 - 31 January 2016

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TAS

Tas & Sean Fennessy

Wonderland u

TASTE OF TASMANIA 28 December 2015 3 January 2016

Stay at YHA New Plymouth 0800 278 299 (NZ) or 1800 242 191 (Aus) book@yha.co.nz

Stay at Hobart Central YHA +61 3 6231 2660 montys@yha.com.au

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NZ

BOOK NOW New Plymouth Festival of Lights

SLIDE THE CITY 30 - 31 January 2016

WA

Coming to Perth for the first time ever is 300 metres of slick and slippery vinyl where you can slide your way down Perth’s city streets. Slide the City is a family friendly water party with live food, music, food, drinks and of course a slip and side the size of nearly three football fields. slidethecity.com.au.

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Perth City YHA +61 8 9287 3333 perthcity@yha.com.au

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Slide the City

N SW

SYDNEY FESTIVAL 7 - 26 January 2016

You can’t possibly do summer in Sydney properly if you haven’t attended the annual Sydney Festival! This year’s jam-packed program includes 370 performances and 100 events by over 700 artists in more than 30 venues. It’s a serious celebration of Summer with free events and paid events on offer including free concerts in the Domain, orchestra performances, comedy shows, experimental music shows and more. The Festival is stretched across the Sydney CBD, Parramatta and Carriageworks. sydneyfestival.org.au.

Caroline McCredie - Destination NSW

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Stay at Sydney Central YHA +61 2 9218 9000 sydcentral@yha.com.au

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VI C

MOYNEYANA FESTIVAL 24 December 2015 26 January 2016

Celebrate summer at the Moyneyana Festival.

For five weeks the historic town of Port Fairy pulls out all the stops with free events taking over the town’s main street, village green and other public spaces set amongst the town’s beautiful natural scenery. Combine your festival activities with stunning coastal nature hikes, trips to the seal colony and all the fresh seafood you can eat. moyneyana.port-fairy.com.

MORE EVENTS THREDBO BLUES FESTIVAL 15 – 17 January 2016 Stay Thredbo YHA

BALLARAT BEER FESTIVAL 15-16 January 2016 Stay Ballarat YHA

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Shutterstock

NZ

Port Fairy YHA +61 3 5568 2468 portfairy@yha.com.au

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Stay Melbourne YHAs

SUNSET WINE 30 - 31 January 2016

QUEENSTOWN & WANAKA NEW YEAR’S EVE 31 December 2015

Stay Perth City YHA

Ring in the New Year in picturesque surrounds: Queenstown’s Earnslaw Park or the Wanaka lakefront. Get ready for the countdown with live music, entertainment and fireworks to set off the night sky bang on midnight. Three, two, one… Want more good news? Both events are free. qldc.govt.nz.

BOOK NOW u

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Krishna Wu

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MIDSUMMA FESTIVAL 17 January 2016 – 7 February 2016

Stay at YHA Queenstown Central, YHA Queenstown Lakefront, YHA Wanaka +0800 278 299 (NZ) +1800 242 191 (Aus) book@yha.co.nz

HSBC RUGBY 7S 6 - 7 February 2016 Stay Sydney Central YHA

BOOK ONLINE

YHA.COM.AU YHA.CO.NZ

BACKPACKER / ESSENTIALS

YHA.COM.AU YHA.CO.NZ NEXT ISSUE AVAILABLE 4 FEBRUARY 2016