Backpacker Essentials April 2013

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BACKPACKER / ESSENTIALS / APRIL 2013

ON THE EDGE DARWIN AND BEYOND

THE LEGENDARY PACIFIC COAST NSW MID-NORTH COAST WORKING CANADA HOW TO DO IT SNAP - PHOTO COMP ENTER NOW

INSIDE BACKPACKER / ESSENTIALS

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AUSTRALIA

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NEW AT MT BULLER

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SNAP

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GLOBAL

PHOTO COMPETITION

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HOLA PARAGUAY

THE LEGENDARY PACIFIC COAST X

AN ICONIC AUSTRALIAN TOURING ROUTE

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DARWIN

THE CITY AND BEYOND

VOL 17 / No 2 APRIL 2013 MANAGING EDITOR Janet McGarry ASSISTANT EDITOR Elinor Sheargold YHA CONTRIBUTORS Elinor Sheargold Melinda Scott Rachel Seymour Tanya Heuke Mike Callinan Francois LaJoie ART DIRECTOR Dan Morley

Cover Image: Alamy

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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DEALS

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GREAT GETAWAYS

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CANADA

WORKING HOLIDAYS

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WHAT’S ON

UPCOMING EVENTS

AD MANAGER Emily Stiff

EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES The Editor, Backpacker Essentials, GPO Box 5276, Sydney NSW 2001. T: (02) 9261 1111 F: (02) 9261 1969 E: backpackeressentials@ yha.com.au

AUSTRALIA COMING SOON / MAKING NEWS / YOUR SAY

T R A T S O T E M I T IT'S T U O B A G N I K THIN

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N O S A E S S KI 2013

/COMING SOON

NEW AT MOUNT BULLER Like the snow? Want to stay at a ski-in ski-out location? A new YHA is opening soon at Mt Buller in Victoria offering great budget accommodation right next to the ski lifts. The old Mt Buller YHA is no more and in its place is a purpose-built ski lodge close to cafes and restaurants. The hostel will have multi-share, private and family rooms with ensuites, a drying room, lounge and kitchen (mid week). Off-peak rates mid-week will start from $72 (two nights) multi-share, and $270 private room. Or, make the most of the skiing with a great weekend package including two night’s accommodation with breakfast and dinner from $112.50 pp share or $450 per room. See yha.com.au for more.

THREDBO SKI SEASON Thredbo YHA is an award-­winning lodge in the heart of Thredbo alpine village, with cosy (but not costly) shared, twin, and ensuite rooms, plus a 4-­person studio apartment. Peak season prices from $186 per person weekend (two nights) and from $156 per person mid-­week (two nights). The 2013 ski season runs from 8 June to 6 October (Mt Buller) or 7 October (Thredbo).

BOOK NOW MOUNT BULLER YHA X mountbuller@yha.com.au X yha.com.au

BOOK NOW THREDBO YHA X thredbo@yha.com.au X yha.com.au

/VOTE NOW

THE BEST JOB IN THE WORLD

YOUR COMPANY CAR

N.T. OUTBACK ADVENTURER

Queensland may have had the original Best Job in the World but W. A. now Australia is revisiting this awardTASTE winning tourism campaign with six MASTER extraordinary jobs in six states under the banner ‘Best Jobs in the World’. And the world is listening with more than 400,000 people worldwide S. A. signing up for one of the jobs WILDLIFE on offer. With the campaign VOTE NOW CARETAKER closing on 10 April, Tourism Which Best Job do you Australia will be hoping think best represents the that the publicity will VIC. sort of experiences Australia LIFESTYLE work to encourage lots offers visitors? PHOTOGRAPHER more young travellers Email the State/Territory name to yhaessentials@yha.com.au down under. or tap your choice

QLD. PARK RANGER

N.S.W. CHIEF FUNSTER

/NEWS

AUSTRALIA ON THE CHEAP Everyone loves a bargain, and this new app for smartphone and iPad has hundreds of ways you can save money on your Australian holiday. There’s not much that travel journalist and guide book author, Lee Atkinson, hasn’t seen, and she packs plenty of handy money saving tips, more than 450 free or cheap attractions, scenic wonders, things to see and do, and good value places to stay, into this easy reference app. The off-line maps and photos are FRRO IHDWXUHV PHDQLQJ \RX GRQ W KDYH WR ZRUU\ DERXW oQGLQJ WiFi or chalking up expensive roaming or telephone bills. Australian on the Cheap is only $4.49 including free updates. Available for download now from iTunes and Google Play or from Ozyroadtripper.

WIN Want to win a free copy of the Australia on the Cheap app to download? YHA has 10 to giveaway. Simply email yhaessentials@yha.com.au by 17 April 2013 and tell us what your favourite Aussie bargain is.

ULURU POLL RESULTS

46%

yes

54%

no

Last issue we reported on the possibility of Parks Australia banning climbing on iconic Uluru. Here’s what you thought‌

It should NOT be banned. It’s a fabulous experience to do this walk. I agree that we should respect the wishes of the indigenous owners of Uluru. I’m amazed that climbing has not been already banned. I think we should all still be able to climb it‌ Aboriginals still climb it. It’s just political grandstanding.

/ YOUR SAY NAROOMA YHA X

BOOK NOW

X QDURRPD#\KD FRP DX X yha.com.au

NOMINATED BY LILY PRITCHARD, VIC 7KLV KRVWHO LV D JUHDW oQG LI \RX UH ORRNLQJ IRU D FRPI\ JRRG YDOXH SODFH RQ WKH 6RXWK &RDVW /RYHO\ VWDII YHU\ IULHQGO\ DQG KHOSIXO URRPV DUH PRWHO VW\OH EXW FOHDQ DQG KDG HYHU\WKLQJ ZH QHHGHG LQFOXGLQJ HQVXLWH DQG WKHUH V D QLFH JDUGHQ :H KLUHG ELNHV WR JHW DURXQG *UHDW EHDFKHV oVK DQG FKLSV DW WKH MHWW\ ERDUGZDON VWLQJUD\ VSRWWLQJ{

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/YOUR YHA

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SNAP YHA PHOTO COMPETITION

Portuguese Fort, Essaouira

ESSAOUIRA, MOROCCO PAM MCLOUGHLIN, ACT

I was walking along the walls of Essaouira's old Portuguese Fort and spied this perfectly-framed view looking back to the city. The seagull flapped into frame just as I took the shot. Enter the annual YHA Photo Competition! Each issue, a number of photo entries will be selected as finalists and will be published on this page. Overall and Reader’s Choice winners will be announced in the December issue. Watch this space for more information on great travel prizes to be won. TURN OVER FOR ENTRY DETAILS

Cradle Mountain, Tasmania - Tezel Tanis

YHA PHOTO COMPETITION HOW TO ENTER Got a great photo that captures that inspiring landscape, an awesome animal encounter, incredible cultural experiences and events, even the transport getting there, or just that shot in your album that sums up the trip? Enter the annual YHA Photo Competition. Each issue, a selection of photo entries will be selected as finalists, and will be published in the April, June, August and October issues of Backpacker Essentials. Winners and runners up will be selected from these finalists and will be announced in the December 2013 issue of the magazine, along with a Reader's Choice winning image chosen by you, the readers.

THE FINE PRINT We get thousands of entries, so make sure your shots are considered by following a few simple guidelines: X JPEG

images 1-10MB only (1000 - 10000KB) X Name each photo with your name and a short photo description X Please provide a shotlist with a 30-words-orless description for each photo. Alternatively, you can download and use our Photo Competition entry form. X You must have an Australian residential address. X Entries by CD will not be returned. X Copyright remains with the photographer, but YHA reserves the right to publish any or all entries free of fees or royalties in Backpacker Essentials, on yha.com.au, on Backpacking Mate Facebook page and YHA Australia Facebook and Twitter channels, in any YHA e-zine, and as part of the Photo Competition display at Railway Square YHA in Sydney. HOW TO ENTER You can enter by sending in a CD or by uploading your shots online:

Mount Bromo, Indonesia - Richard Hall

Submit via YouSendIt: https://www.yousendit. com/transferphp?action=dropbox&dropbox=YHA Enter your contact email address, type in YHA Photo Competition in the Subject line, add your name, postal address and daytime phone number in the message section. Attached individual image files or a zipped folder of images, plus your shotlists/entry forms. Submit via Dropbox: If you have a Dropbox account you can create a folder with all your Photo Competition shots and share it with yhaessentials@yha.com.au Don't forget to include your shotlists/entry forms with your photo descriptions and contact details.

Great Wall of China - Steve Townsend

DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES: 2 SEPTEMBER 2013

Submit via CD: Snap - Backpacker Essentials, GPO Box 5276, Sydney NSW 2001.

GLOBAL HOLA PARAGUAY / NOW OPEN / YOUR SAY

! Y A U G A R A P ! HO S E M O C L E W A YH 'S A C I R E M A H T U SO

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BEST KEPT SECRET

Government Palace, Asuncion

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Jaguars roam The Chaco Pantanal

/HOLA PARAGUAY

ASUNCION, PARAGUAY Rich in wildlife, heritage and culture, land-locked Paraguay is oft-overlooked in favour of its bigger neighbours. Now, with its first YHA opening in the capital, Asuncion, this country of contrasts is getting in on the action. El Viajero Hostel offers air-conditioned multi-share and ensuite private rooms in a restored mansion, an easy walk from the capital's historic centre, river, markets and endless nightlife, known as 'MOMO' (Monday to Monday). The A to Z of extras includes: pool and garden, two common areas, a bar and bbq, 24-hour reception, breakfast, bike hire, cable TV, internet, WiFI, and activities. It's the perfect base to explore Paraguay's UNESCOprotected ruins near cut-rate shopping town Encarnacion, colonial villages, the continent's largest dry forest in The Chaco, ranches, tropical jungles, Iguazu Falls and the Triple Frontier where Paraguay, Argentina and Brazil meet.

BOOK NOW EL VIAJERO HOSTEL & SUITES X

info@hostelasuncion.com

X

hihostels.com.au

/NOW OPEN

Hostel Pajol, Paris

PARIS, FRANCE

ROME, ITALY

Opening in April 2013, Paris's newest hostel combines sustainable design, urban style, and all the top facilities and services you'd expect of a central city YHA. Located in a refurbished warehouse, formerly part of the French railway company, Hostel Pajol offers 330 comfy dorm, double and singel beds, plus a theatre, bar, kitchen and laundry facilities, restaurant, bike rental, internet, and a large indoor green space with trees and ponds. Part of a new eco-friendly district, it also happens to be a convenient five minute walk from Gare du Nord station, the Eurostar's Parisian entry and exit point.

Downtown Hostel is located just five minutes from Termini Central Station, this spacious hostel is the perfect base to explore the capital. Free WiFi and breakfast, 24-hour reception, air-conditioned shared and private rooms, bi-lingual staff, widescreen TV, kitchen and more. Rome has also said ciao to the Country Hostel (4.5), a restored farm house near the Appia Antica.

BOOK NOW

BOOK NOW HOSTEL PAJOL X X

paris.pajol@hifrance.org hihostels.com.au

DOWNTOWN HOSTEL, COUNTRY HOSTEL (4.5) X

hihostels.com.au

/ YOUR SAY HI BAAN DINSO, BANGKOK X +66 868 152 200

BOOK NOW

X baandinso@gmail.com X hihostels.com.au

NOMINATED BY HAYLEY JONSTON, NSW

I was recommended this hostel by a friend. It's really more like a guest house in a nicely decorated old house than a hostel. There are only 7 rooms, so it's got a good vibe and everything is really clean. I stayed in a single room, which was good value. You also get 3 breakfast choices, including vegetarian, in the price. It's in a pretty street in the old town, but it's not far to walk to the Grand Palace or Wat Suthat. Even though it's near a main street it was surprisingly quiet - a real oasis to come back to after the city. Staff were a great help with getting around town. Thanks!

LJUBLJANA, SLOVENIA Ljubljana's new Hostel Tresor (The Vault) transforms the city's former investment bank into a hip hostel, complete with marble pillars, glass ceiling, 24-hour opening hours, and an underground bar in the vault. All rooms are named after world currencies and range from multi-share rooms in the former boardrooms, to family and twin/double rooms with romantic views of Ljubljana castle. Located in Copova Street, the Slovenian capital's (much smaller) answer to New York's Times Square, it's arguably the most centrallylocated hostel in town.

WIN! Got a place to nominate? Want to win a great travel prize? Hayley will be receiving a Columbus v7 Sleeping Bag from Kathmandu (RRP$549.98). For more information visit kathmandu.com.au. YHA members receive free Kathmandu Summit Club membership offering up to 20% off at Kathmandu stores. Tell us your favourite YHA (in less than 100 words) and send it, with your contact details, to backpackeressentials@yha.com.au

BOOK NOW HOSTEL TRESOR X X

tresor@youth-hostel.si hihostels.com.au

FEATURE / DARWIN & BEYOND

food

scenery

history

DARWIN the city and beyond X

Peter Eve

DARWIN IS A CITY ON THE EDGE, WRITES MEGAN CZISZ.

IT’S ON THE EDGE

of a continent and feels like it’s at the end of the world. From the air it’s an incongruity, appearing suddenly from nowhere, just as you think you’re leaving the wide brown land behind. ,W V D FOXVWHU RI EXLOGLQJV DW WKH UHPRWHVW WLS D oQDO RXWSRVW MXWWLQJ RXW into the Arafura Sea. And it’s at the edge of cool without even trying Lonely Planet named it as a hot tip for travel in 2012, and someone is in the know because in the same year the number of Australian travellers visiting the Northern Territory increased by more than 10%. But why not fly right over, all the way to Bali? It’s no secret that Australians are flocking overseas in record numbers and the tourism industry is struggling to entice people into their own backyards. ‘I guess I should try and see more of my own country,’ is a common refrain when you meet Australian backpackers overseas. They lament that they’ve visited countries with names they can’t even pronounce but have never made it further north than the Gold Coast casinos. Above all else, Darwin feels different. A tour guide tells me that the population is transient, fluctuating with the wet and dry seasons. ‘It's the only place in the country,’ he says, ‘where corporates wear stubbies and thongs.’ A thousand kilometres from anywhere, the faces are diverse - it could almost be Asia. In fact, it's closer to Asia than Sydney or Melbourne could ever hope to be. It’s this diversity and its geographical and spiritual remove from the rest of Australia that means travellers visit, intending to stay a few days and end up staying longer than their visas could possibly allow. But ‌why?

BZ\Vc 8o^ho

Peter Eve

IT'S THE ONLY P"CE IN THE COUNTRY... WHERE CORPORATES WEAR STUBBIES AND THONGS.

Above: Mindil Beach Sunset Markets; left: Kakadu National Park wetlands.

Megan Czsiz

FOR THE

food

DARWIN HAS ITS fair share of backpacker pubs with $5 chicken parmis and a burgeoning bar and restaurant scene, but it’s at the city’s markets where the proximity to Asia is at its most palpable. At the Mindil Beach Sunset Markets the crowd heaves with visitors and locals alike. There are EXVNHUV q oUH WZLUOHUV ERQJR players, a trio of Peruvians Darwin's proximity to Asia is evident SOD\LQJ pXWHV DQG WKH DLU smells of spice and barbeque in the array of delicacies on offer at smoke. the Mindil Beach Sunset Markets.

That’s the food. Pad thai, bahn mi, laksa ...not words that are missing from the foodie lexicon of the southern cities. Nor are they in Darwin, where the food is authentic and the market stalls are manned by people from all over – Sri Lanka, Malaysia, China, Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, East Timor, Vietnam and more are represented. Business is only quiet when the sun begins to set and the crowds rush down to the sand to watch.

THERE ARE BUSKERS – FIRE TWIRLERS, BONGO P"YERS... AND THE AIR SMELLS OF SPICE AND BARBEQUE SMOKE.

Megan Czsiz

TOP 5 TOP END SHOTS

1

Crocodiles Whether they’re jumping for food on the Adelaide River, gliding silently through the wetlands at Yellow Water Billabong or snapping their jaws at kayakers who get a little too close at Katherine Gorge, a croc is the money shot.

2

Mindil Beach at sunset There’s something about sunset over the Arafura Sea that draws people down to the beach every night to watch the colours change over the ocean. Unmissable.

3 FOR THE

scenery

DARWIN AND ITS surrounds are a photographer’s dream. An early morning cruise on Yellow Water Billabong in Kakadu National Park, where the landscape is so serene it’s GLIoFXOW WR LPDJLQH NLOOHU FURFV lurking below the water until one surfaces beside your boat and glides along the waterway after you, is unforgettable.

Yellow Water Photo Safari.

At Gunlom Falls, the reward

for a hot and sweaty climb to the top of the waterfall is D VZLP LQ D QDWXUDO LQoQLW\ pool – it might not have cocktail waitresses like the one at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore, but with views that stretch further than a cityscape ever could, who cares? Tourism NT

The view from Gunlom Falls.

A road train… …on an endless road. The Northern Territory is home to some of the longest trucks in the world – and some of the longest, straightest stretches of road to match.

4

Outback roadhouse No longer a common feature of road trips in the southern states thanks to progress and bypasses, the Territory’s remaining roadhouses are a place to get a hot meal, some petrol, a beer and a day old newspaper. The characters are as quirky as the decorations (stuffed buffalo, anyone?).

5

Fireworks …but only if it’s Territory Day! In the days leading up to 1 July, you’ll marvel at the number of oUHZRUNV VWDOOV popping up all over the NT. It’s the only day of the year in the 7HUULWRU\ ZKHQ oUHZRUNV DUH permitted, and everyone gets into the spirit of things once the sun sets.

Nourlangie rock art, Kakadu.

WAR STORIES

Adelaide River War Cemetery Rather than go all the way to Turkey, Singapore or France to pay your respects at one of the many Australian war cemeteries overseas, pay a visit to the Adelaide River War Cemetery, just outside 'DUZLQ WKH oQDO UHVWLQJ place of those killed in the bombing raids on the city. Charles Darwin National Park Remnants of reinforced concrete bunkers can still be seen in this National Park that overlooks the city. Used to store munitions during wartime, they’re a stark reminder of the dark days of the 1940s and a fascinating relic for history buffs. Watch out for the mosquitoes – when the sign says they bite, they bite! Other points of interest include... ...the Defence of Darwin Experience, the Darwin Military Museum and other locations around the harbour. For more information on Darwin’s military heritage sites, visit defenceofdarwin.nt.gov.au

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An alternative to Gallipoli It’s an oft-forgotten fact that the Northern Territory was Australia’s front line during World War II, when the Japanese bombed Darwin in the 1940s in an attempt to keep Australian forces busy while the war raged in Europe. Today you can follow the trail of the Top End’s military history at sites in and around Darwin.

FOR THE

history IN EUROPE, you never forget that you’re walking on cobblestones that might have been there 500 years. History in the top end goes deeper than that – you just need to look a little closer – and know what you’re looking at. Nourlangie Rock Art site in Kakadu National Park, 200 kilometres from Darwin, is home to the Anbangbang rock shelter, a refuge for Indigenous people for 20,000 years. The only visible sign of habitation is an overhanging rock and smoothed stone. Some of the ochre drawings that cover the walls in what is now known as the main gallery have been there just as long. Take that, Mona Lisa. The writer travelled with the assistance of Canon and Tourism NT.

WHERE TO STAY DARWIN YHA X (08) 8981 5385 X darwin@yha.com.au X yha.com.au

BOOK NOW

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THESE GREAT-VALUE YHA MEMBER DEALS Shutterstock

YHA GETAWAYS

DEALS

X Daily continental breakfast X Shuttle bus transfer from Brisbane Airport to the hostel From $136 per person multishare, $341 double/twin (shared bathroom), or $383 double/twin ensuite room. Self-drive option also available. Valid to 30 September 2013 (excludes 19 – 27 June).

ADELAIDE CITY BREAK

MELBOURNE CITY BREAK

X 2 nights at Adelaide Central YHA

X 3 nights at Melbourne Metro YHA

X Daily breakfast (continental or DIY cooked)

X 3 continental breakfasts X A Myki card with value for one day on all public transport

X Tickets to Adelaide Zoo (home of the pandas) or Monarto Zoo

From $105 per person multi-share, $279 double/twin room. Valid to 30 September 2013.

From $83 per person multi-share, $240 double/twin ensuite room. Valid to 30 September 2013.

BOOK NOW

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X 3 nights at Brisbane City YHA

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BRISBANE CITY BREAK

BRISBANE CITY YHA X (07) 3236 1004

BOOK NOW

X brisbanecity@yha.com.au

See also City Breaks packages Sydney Canberra for:

BOOK NOW

ADELAIDE CENTRAL YHA

MELBOURNE METRO YHA

X (08) 8414 3010

X (03) 9329 8599

X adlcentral@yha.com.au

X melbmetro@yha.com.au

JENOLAN CAVES SPECIAL

GRAMPIANS 2 FOR 3

Make the most of a trip to the Blue Mountains with a full-day trip to WKH PDJLFDO XQGHUZRUOG RI -HQRODQ &DYHV q RQH RI WKH ZRUOG V oQHVW limestone cave systems. This special package includes:

The beautiful Grampians National Park is made for mid-year mini breaks. Get off the beaten track and let loose on a canyoning, rock climbing, horse riding or 4WD adventure, or tackle some of the country’s great walks to the Balconies, Mackenzie Falls, and the Pinnacle Walk. Stay two nights at Grampians Eco YHA and get your third night free – that’s three nights from just $54 per person multi-share and from $153 per double/twin room.

X 2 nights' accommodation at Blue Mountains YHA X 2 DIY continental breakfasts X Full-day tour to Jenolan Caves including return transport, scenic stop at Govett’s Leap lookout, and entry to Lucas Cave (upgrade for entry to 2 caves available at extra cost from the YHA) From $125 per person multi-share and from $300 per double/twin room (includes breakfast and tour for two adults). Valid to 30 September 2013.

Valid to 30 September 2013.

BOOK NOW GRAMPIANS ECO YHA X (03) 5356 4544

BOOK NOW

X grampians@yha.com.au

Jenolan Caves

BLUE MOUNTAINS YHA X (02) 4782 1416

SUNSET ON THE CHACE

X bluemountains@yha.com.au

VISIT BUNBURY Beautiful Bunbury is renowned for its friendly dolphins, golden beaches, activities and laid-back lifestyle. Stay a minimum 3 nights at Dolphin Retreat YHA and receive: Shutterstock

X Daily breakfast X 1 hour free internet X 1 day free bike hire X 1 day free boogie board hire

X 1 night in a private room X “Sunset on the Chace” 4WD tour Prices: $121.25 p.p or $217.50 for two. Valid to 31 July 2013. YHA members only.

X $5 entry to Bunbury’s famous Dolphin Discovery Centre (half price)

BOOK NOW

BOOK NOW

X 7th consecutive night free From $78 per person multishare and from $195 per double/ twin room (based on minimum 3 nights). Available for all room types. Minimum 3 night stay. Valid to 31 August 2013.

Watch a brilliant Flinders Ranges sunset from the top of Chace Range as you sip on local wine and enjoy delicious canapés prepared by the Woolshed Restaurant. Wilpena Pound provides a stunning backdrop to this two hour tour. Rawnsley Park Station YHA is offering:

DOLPHIN RETREAT YHA

RAWNSLEY PARK STATION YHA

X (08) 9792 4690

X (08) 8648 0008 X rawnsley@yha.com.au

X bunbury@yha.com.au

SATC

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TWO FOR TWO IN BYRON Enjoy Byron Bay’s mix of sun, surf, alternative culture and adventure activities. Choose from two great Byron Bay YHA deals when you stay two nights or more: Bed & Breakfast

Take a break from city living and head south of Adelaide for some beach bliss. Port Elliot, perched like a beautiful balcony over the Southern Ocean, is also only a bikini strap away from the delights of the Fleurieu Peninsula. This package includes 1-2 nights at boutique Port Elliot Beach House YHA plus return transfers from Adelaide, through the McLaren Vale. One night from $55 per person multi-share and from $65.50 per person double/twin room. Two nights from $89 per person multi-share, and from $110 per person double/twin room. Valid to 31 May 2013.

BOOK NOW PORT ELLIOT BEACH HOUSE YHA X (08) 8554 1885 X portelliot@yha.com.au

PORT FAIRY PADDLE BOARD PACKAGE Ladies, gather up your friends for three days of fun at Port Fairy. This stand-up paddle boarding package is a great girls' getaway, plus there’s plenty of time to relax or explore the wonders of the Great Ocean Road.

X 2 x 2 hour paddle boarding VHVVLRQV RQ WKH pDW ZDWHUV RI the Moyne River (subject to weather conditions. Fully

X 2 nights or more accommodation (any room type) X 1 cafe breakfast per person at Espresso Head Cafe in Byron Bay for every 2 nights booked Surf n Stay

X 2 nights or more accommodation (any room type)

X 1 day’s surfboard hire for every 2 nights booked. Two nights multi-share from $56 per person. Valid to 21 November 2013.

BOOK NOW

BYRON BAY YHA X (02) 6685 8853 X byronbay@yha.com.au

STRADBROKE ISLAND GETAWAY In need of some R n R? Take the 45 min ferry from Brisbane to “Straddie” for some island time. Manta Lodge YHA is offering accommodation plus a delicious cooked breakfast of bacon, eggs, toast and a small coffee, from just $34.50 per person (multiMANTA LODGE YHA share) to kickstart your island X (07) 3409 8888 adventure or set you up for day of hard core relaxation. Valid to X stradbrokeisland@yha. 30 September 2013. com.au

Tourism QLD

PORT ELLIOT BEACH BLISS

BOOK NOW

refundable if sessions do not run). X 3 nights multi-share for the price of 2 nights at Port Fairy YHA Priced from $548 for four people in a 4-share room, and from $876 for six people in a 6-share ensuite room – that’s only $146 per person! Valid to 21 December 2013 (excludes long weekend public holidays).

BOOK NOW PORT FAIRY YHA X (03) 5568 2468 X portfairy@yha.com.au

FEATURE / CANADA

NEWS

CANADA X

CANADA HAS LONG BEEN THE DESTINATION OF CHOICE FOR AUSTRALIAN WORKING HOLIDAY MAKERS, WRITES KEREN LAVELLE

Something to celebrate, Lake Louise in Alberta. Lake Louise Tourism

IF YOU ARE

NEWS

an Australian citizen aged between 18 and 30 inclusive, the Canadian government’s International Experience Canada allows you to travel in this part of North America, stay and work legally in Canada for up to two years, and experience all the best that this multicultural, bilingual nation has to offer. You can help fund your travel by working for all or part of your time. The most popular kind of work permit is Working Holiday, for which you don’t need a job offer before you go. Other work permits include Young Professionals (if you do get a job offer before you go) and International Co-op (which allows you to intern as part of tertiary study). Find full details here. Most Australians will find a range of work opportunities, from traditional choices like bars and restaurants through to ski instructors and lift operators on the ski fields during winter. The key is being ready to turn your hand to anything, and being flexible where you go. Canada has similarities to Australia: most people speak English (although there is the chance to immerse yourself in a Frenchspeaking culture in Québec); it’s largely an immigrant nation; and it has wilderness areas. But there are interesting differences too, like “the shock of arriving in the middle of winter,” as first-time traveller Kirsty Hines discovered, “and seeing snow for the first time… the snow went on for miles and miles; absolutely everywhere. It was like a dream come true!”

CTC

THE SNOW WENT ON FOR MILES AND MILES; ABSOLUTELY EVERYWHERE. IT WAS LIKE A DREAM COME TRUE!

Land a job in a ski resort such as those in The Kootenays, British Colombia

CTC

Restaurant work is a popular option.

Some love the country: Mattias Samuelsson based himself in Banff. “Initially I planned to stay for winter, but I fell in love with the place and stayed through summer in the Rocky Mountains... We snowboarded in winter and went rock climbing, hiking, canoeing in summer.” Others fall for the cities: Quebec City, “the oldest city in North America”, made Matt Harris feel like he was in Europe. He also discovered “there’s so many festivals in Montreal, it’s a good place to be. Their jazz festival was the best musical moment I’ve had. There’s the Francophone festival, the comedy festival: there is so much stuff going on.” First stop is to get familiar with the visa requirements well in advance of booking flights. Plan where you would like to base yourself initially (many Australians start in Vancouver for instance) and what season you want to arrive in. Once there, the world is your oyster and you’ll love Canada.

WORK TIPS /RRN IRU ZRUN GLOLJHQWO\ \RX OO oQG D MRE IDVWHU )RFXV RQ oQGLQJ FDVXDO ZRUN UDWKHU WKDQ WKH “perfect job”. Seek work just before or during peak tourism periods (winter for ski resorts / summer for lake resorts). Make sure you have enough money for at least two PRQWKV LQ FDVH \RX GRQ W oQG VRPHWKLQJ ULJKW DZD\ Know your rights as a worker in Canada.

CTC

Update your resumé and include a cover letter. Find out more here.

Gabrielle Coombs at the start of her Canadian working holiday, outside the Vancouver Aquarium.

Gabrielle THE GAP YEAR

AGED 19, and after a year attending uni, Gabrielle Coombs was not sure of her choice. She decided to take a gap year in Canada, which “gave me time to think about whether I was doing the degree I really wanted to do,â€? she says. Gabrielle had spent time Canada four years earlier as an exchange student, staying with a host family in QuĂŠbec, and picking up French. This time around, she wanted to live in an English-speaking HQYLURQPHQW DQG ZDV GUDZQ WR %ULWLVK &ROXPELD k, KDG EULHp\ YLVLWHG the lower mainland and really loved it. It is a very physically beautiful part of Canada; you can always see the mountains in the distance.â€? During her stay, Gabrielle also travelled to eastern Canada, visiting Ottawa, Toronto and MontrĂŠal, as well as taking trips to the US. She found work as a sales assistant at HMV Canada. Not only did Gabrielle rediscover her desire to continue her studies, VKH LV FOHDU DERXW WKH RWKHU EHQHoWV RI KHU VWD\ k:RUNLQJ ZDV D UHDOO\ great experience; I made a lot of really amazing friends at HMV. 2YHUDOO , IHHO , YH EHQHoWHG IURP MXVW OLYLQJ DZD\ IURP WKH SHRSOH , YH spent most of my life with and forging new friendships; it’s allowed me to feel much stronger as a person on my own.â€?

Stuart LEARNING SO MUCH

A YOUNG MAN from a grazing background, Stuart Austin “learned more than I could ever imagine from my work in Alberta about farming, and from the Canadian agribusiness community about business.� Stuart worked as a guide on a guest ranch taking tourists up into the PRXQWDLQV RQ KRUVHEDFN RQ RLO oHOGV DQG RQ D JUDLQ IDUP +H MRLQHG two young farmer organisations and was elected as the chair of both of them. He learnt how to put himself out there and talk to anyone, and “most important of all, I built a professional network. Whilst there, I got a business idea and partnered with a Canadian to place Aussies in Canadian farms and Canadians in Aussie farms.� His business, 3RVLWLYH 3HUIHFWLRQ KDV JURZQ ZLWK SDUWQHUV LQ oYH FRXQWULHV 5HFHQWO\ p\LQJ EDFN WR &DQDGD k, KDG WR SLQFK P\VHOI DQG ZRQGHU how the skinny young cowboy who ventured from southern NSW to WKH 1RUWKHUQ 7HUULWRU\ VRPH \HDUV DJR LV QRZ EHLQJ pRZQ KDOI ZD\ round the world as an ambassador for the beef industry.� Stuart Austin turned his Canadian work experience into a successful business back home.

KEY FACTS Visa Information First stop is the website run by the Canadian Government – whpcanada.org.au In particular check out this excellent guide. Not Australian? Work permits are available to young adults from countries which have similar agreements with the Canadian government: see more on their international site. Working Holiday Programs: Need some help? Look at Canadian working holiday programs run by Work ‘n’ Holiday that take the hassle out of organising your Canadian experience. These LQFOXGH \RXU oUVW QLJKWV RQ arrival at HI-Canada hostels.

BOOK NOW

WHERE TO STAY HI-Canada have more than 60 great hostels across the country. See more at hihostels.ca

NEWS PART

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COAST & Beyond X

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BACK ROADS LEAD TO ALL THE FINEST SPOTS ON THE NSW MID-NORTH COAST, WRITES LEE ATKINSON.

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RAMBLE AROUND THE STRING OF SEASIDE VIL"GES ... WHERE THE ESSENCE OF A HOLIDAY IS A QUIET BEACH AND FRESH FISH AND CHIPS

Below: Port Macquarie Lighthouse; Previous page: Tubing on the Bellinger River.

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WHERE TO STAY PORT MACQUARIE YHA

Clockwise from above: Surfer at Nambucca; The Big Banana, Coffs Harbour; Taking in the views, Coffs Harbour.

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BELLINGEN YHA X X EHOOLQJHQ#\KD FRP DX X yha.com.au

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

Apollo Bay Music Festival 26-28 April 2013

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One of Victoria’s favourite music events, this seaside extravaganza features cool tunes and good vibes from a dynamic lineup of Aussie and international artists for three days of jazz, blues, roots, classical, pop, rock and country. Plus you JHW oOP FRPHG\ GDQFH DQG WKH GLVWUDFWLRQV DQG DWWUDFWLRQV RI WKH PDJQLoFHQW 2WZD\ 5DQJHV DQG *UHDW 2FHDQ 5RDG apollobaymusicfestival.com X Stay at Apollo Bay Eco YHA X (03) 5237 7899 X apollobay@yha.com.au

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WA STAIRCASE TO THE MOON 26-28 April & 26-28 May 2013

Tourism WA

)RU WKUHH QLJKWV D PRQWK EHWZHHQ 0DUFK DQG 2FWREHU \RX FDQ ZLWQHVV this incredible natural phenomenon. This amazing optical illusion of a staircase reaching to the moon occurs ZKHQ WKH IXOO PRRQ UHpHFWV RII PXGpDWV DW %URRPH V 5RHEXFN %D\ GXULQJ H[WUHPHO\ ORZ WLGHV 7KHUH DUH DOVR IDQWDVWLF QLJKW PDUNHWV ZLWK KHDSV RI food, crafts and entertainment. DXVWUDOLDVQRUWKZHVW FRP

It’s vintage, it’s retro, it’s the biggest 50s and 60s QRVWDOJLD IHVWLYDO LQ $XVWUDOLD :KHUH HOVH ZLOO \RX oQG URFN CQ UROO URFNDELOO\ VZLQJ DQG RYHU KRW URGV custom and classic cars lining the stunning beachfront? 6WHS EDFN LQ WLPH ZLWK YLQWDJH WKHPHG IRRG UHWUR fashions and market stalls, and the giant street parade. Coolyrockson

X Stay  at  Kimberley  Klub  YHA Â

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X (08) Â 9192 Â 3233

X (07) 5536 7644

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X coolangatta@yha.com.au

Daniel Koek - A Decade Down the Road

Adelaide Cabaret Festival

COOLY ROCKS ON 31 May – 10 June 2013

ADELAIDE CABARET FESTIVAL 7-22 June 2013

SA

%H GD]]OHG E\ WKH ZRUOG V largest festival celebrating all things cabaret. This entertainment buffet offers up stars of the West End and %URDGZD\ EROG EXUOHVTXH OLYH ORXQJH 6KDQH :DUQH WKH Musical, and a host of acts from the avant-garde and theatrical to the intimate and hilarious. Don’t miss the HSLF RSHQLQJ QLJKW 9DULHW\ *DOD 3HUIRUPDQFH adelaidecabaret.com X Stay at Adelaide Central YHA X (08) 8414 3010 X adlcentral@yha.com.au

VIVID SYDNEY 24 May – 10 June 2013

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David Clare Destination NSW

Think you’ve seen it all before? Sydney’s Vivid Festival takes OLJKW VKRZV WR D QHZ OHYHO ZKHQ WKH +DUERXU FLW\ FRPHV alive (and alight) for the biggest international music, art and light festival in the Southern Hemisphere. Check out the KXJH ' SURMHFWLRQV RQ EXLOGLQJV SOD\ ZLWK LQWHUDFWLYH OLJKW art sculptures, be dazzled by the ever popular Lighting of WKH 6DLOV WKHQ VKRS XQGHU WKH VWDUV DQG oOO \RXU WXPP\ DW 7KH 5RFNV QLJKW PDUNHWV %HVW RI DOO 9LYLG /LYH UHWXUQV ZLWK *HUPDQ PXVLF OHJHQGV .UDIWZHUN KHDGOLQLQJ WKH boundary-pushing acts.

Vividsydney.com Take advantage of Sydney Harbour YHA’s City Break Package. X Stay at Sydney Harbour YHA X (02) 8272 0900 X sydneyharbour@yha.com.au

CANBERRA CENTENARY YEAR April, May, June 2013

ACT

7KH $XVWUDOLDQ FDSLWDO KDV DOZD\V DWWUDFWHG blockbuster exhibitions, thrilling sports events, big name music gigs, and an almost non-stop calendar of festivals FHOHEUDWLQJ HYHU\WKLQJ IURP IRRG oOP IDVKLRQ DQG pRZHUV to sports, international music, and Australia’s rich heritage. This year sees more cool creations than ever before, as part of Canberra’s 100th Anniversary celebrations. visitcanberra.com.au Take advantage of Canberra City YHA’s City Break package. Tourism Australia

X Stay at Canberra City YHA X (02) 6248 9155 X canberracity@yha.com.au

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PANIYIRI GREEK FESTIVAL 18-19 May 2013

Grampians Grape Escape 4-5 May 2013

Č€ÄŽČœȍȢ Č…ČĄČ“ĹĎIJİ ([SHULHQFH WKH EHVW RI *UHHN FXOWXUH DW %ULVEDQH V 3DQL\LUL *UHHN )HVWLYDO 7DNH D JDVWURQRPLF WRXU WKURXJK *UHHN FRRNLQJ HQMR\ EHOO\ GDQFLQJ RU WKH ZRUOG UHFRUG Zorba attempt, enter the olive or honeypuff eating competitions, join the grape stomp, see D oOP WRXU WKH *UHHN 2UWKRGR[ &KXUFK WR WKH sounds of the Byzantine Choir, and more. Paniyiri.com

*UDSHV JRXUPHW IRRG DQG WKH EHDXW\ RI WKH *UDPSLDQV ZKDW V QRW WR OLNH DERXW WKLV HYHU popular celebration of Western Victoria’s highly DFFODLPHG oQH ZLQHV EHHUV DQG IUHVK IRRG Over 100 producers, free entertainment and activities, live music, and Master Chef’s Poh /LQJ <HRZ DV FHOHEULW\ JXHVW FKHI DUH DOO RQ KDQG WR KHOS FHOHEUDWH WKH ZLQH UHJLRQ V WK birthday. grampiansgrapeescape.com.au

X Stay at Brisbane City YHA

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X (07) 3236 1004

X (03) 5356 4544

X brisbanecity@yha.com.au

X grampians@yha.com.au

AND ALSO... Melbourne International Comedy Festival Until 21 April 2013

Blue Mountains Bicentenary Flyover 25 May 2013 Stay Blue Mountains YHA

Stay Melbourne Metro or Melbourne Central YHA

Hobart Baroque 12-20 April 2013

Tourism NT

Stay Montgomery’s YHA

Darwin Mindil Beach Markets 25 April – 31 October 2013 Stay Darwin YHA

Vintage & Classic Day 28 April 2013

Simon Neville

Stay Port Elliot Beach House YHA

Denmark Festival of Voice 31 May – 2 June 2013 Stay Blue Wren Travellers Rest YHA

Narooma Oyster Festival 4-5 May 2013

Port Douglas Carnivale 17 – 26 May 2013

Stay Narooma YHA

Stay Port O’Call Lodge YHA

Cairns Blues Festival 11 May 2013

Sydney Film Festival 6-17 June 2013

Stay Cairns Central YHA

Stay Sydney Central YHA

Ord Valley Muster 17-26 May 2013

Sea & Vines Festival 9-10 June 2013

Stay Kimberley Croc YHA

Stay Port Elliot Beach House YHA

BACKPACKER / ESSENTIALS

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NEXT ISSUE AVAI"BLE 5TH JUNE 2013

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