Australia Work And Travel Guide Issue #1

CONTENTS The Australia Work & Travel Guide is an overview of valuable information to assist all levels of migrants from Working Holiday Makers to Employer Sponsored Migrants all the way to Permanent Migrants. The content includes an easy to follow guide on visas, information on where to find work and the best digital platforms to use, employment tips, area guides for each major city, accommodation advice, shipping info, tax knowhow, banking details from how to set up accounts to securing mortgages and some general top tips for getting yourself set up in your chosen Australian city.

The Work & Holiday Guide is written by expats and working holiday makers who have already fulfilled the dream of living in Australia to ensure that readers get first hand guidance from people in the know.

Inside we interview expats, business owners and migration agents about their experiences, the best companies to use, what it’s like to live as an “Aussie�, family life, lifestyle, work and travelling around the country for holidays.

This is the start of the story, visit www.bbmlive.com for the full details.

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Contents 8.

12.

18.

28.

34.

40 48.

Accommodation Work Guide Visa Info Getting Started In Oz Travel NSW Insider’s Guide Expat Interviews

50.

58.

66.

74.

78.

Victoria Insider’s Guide Queensland Travel Western Australia Insider’s Guide Trip Of A Life Time Aussie Slang

The Team Editor: Hannah Shakir

hannah.shakir@what-media.com

Director & Sales Manager: Guchi Shakir guchi.shakir@what-media.com

General Manager: Tom Shakir tom.shakir@what-media.com

Sub-Editor: Charlotte Mellor Communications Manager: Isaac Tesfamariam Design: What Media Ltd For Advertising Contact - marketing@what-media.com UK: +44 (0) 208 287 1318 AUS: +61 (0) 2 8005 8162

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Australia

What do you know about Australia? You’ve probably heard it gets pretty hot and those looking for a change of scenery, career or a gap year are likely to venture over there. But what draws people to this large, beautiful island, and what makes it so damn hard to leave? This is Australia…

Situated in the southern hemisphere, Australia is surrounded by the Indian and Pacific Oceans, and separated from Asia by the Arafura and Timor seas, making it an ideal flight to the major cities of Singapore, Hong Kong and Bangkok. As islands go, Australia is the largest in the world, covering an area of 7.69 million square kilometres, stretching 3700km north to south, and 4000km east to west. Of its 23 million residents, 80% live within 100km of the coastline, giving it one of the most densely populated urban areas in the world. As a continent, it’s the smallest, but is the only one to be governed as a single country and is extremely prosperous with plenty of opportunities.

There are growing and thriving industries including mining, hospitality and tourism.

Much of the mining industry is located in regional areas of Western Australia, and provides some of the highest salaries in the country. Hospitality opportunities can be found more in urban areas, with the main cities of Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane seeking skilled and experienced chefs, managers and mixologists. Tourism is, unsurprisingly, competitive and fit to bursting. If you don’t know what we’re talking about, let us explain.

The landscape of Australia is the most varied in the world for one country. The coastline offers beach living upon white and golden sands, water sports like jet skiing, water skiing, sailing, surfing and snorkelling, for which the Great Barrier Reef is just an hour’s boat ride from the northern city of Cairns. There’s rainforest with a collection of unique wildlife and activities including surfing through the canopy, while the legendary outback hosts outstanding rock formations and mountain ranges in a red desert. The mountains of Victoria and New South Wales offer a very popular ski season to rival its European counterparts. This range of territory means that tour companies are rife to provide experiences for travellers, and fun, enthusiastic guides are highly acclaimed.

This is the reason people come to Australia to travel, because they can experience the varied landscape of the world in one country. It’s made all the better with the temperate weather; the north experiences warm weather year-round, while the south gets cooler winters, but temperatures don’t fall much below 15°C. Summer occurs from December to February, and winter June to August.

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ACCOMMODATION

Booking Accommodation Online Thanks to the digital revolution, it’s now easier than ever to find a bed for a night, a week, six months or forever. However, with so much choice, it can be a lot of effort. To save you hours of scrolling through search engines, we’ve put together a collection of tried and tested websites to get you going.

Hostels, Hotels & Apartments

Most synonymous with the travelling backpacker, hostels are the number one go-to for short-term lodging for a number of reasons. To save you may want to go direct to our very own bbmlive.com, where we have a basic listing of some of our favourite hostels and accommodation around the country, but if you’re looking for an all in one viewing and booking option, check out websites such as hostelbookers.com and hostelworld.com.

For Hotels and Apartments wotif.com and booking.com are two of the best booking platforms for last minute or advance bookings.

Also keep an eye out for deals on undisclosed hotels at a discounted price, as you could bag a four or five star hotel for a fraction of the price.

Moving onto a new trend that’s sweeping the world, airbnb.com and homeaway.com are at the forefront of providing a booking service for you and I to rent our own property to people like ourselves with a secure platform that holds your deposit and rent until you and the flat owner have confirmed arrival and departure.

House Swap

If you’re looking for home comforts on the other side of the world but you’re worried about paying rent or your mortgage while on your travels, you can swap your house for someone else’s. You don’t even have to swap at the same time. If a member of lovehomeswap.com stays in your house while you’re away, you can earn points 8

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which can later be used to holiday in a house completely free. Other house swap websites include guardianhomeexchange.co.uk and aussiehouseswap.com.au

Semi-Permanent Accommodation

For anyone looking to stay in one location for at least six months, whether to work solidly for the same employer or have a base for family and friends to visit, long-term accommodation is the logical choice. With many rental properties coming with a minimum six-month lease, you can have somewhere to call home while still experiencing the beauty of Australia.

House Shares

With accommodation eating a predominant chunk out of your wage, you’ll want to save as many cents and dollars as possible.

FlatmateFinders.com.au lists hundreds of homes, as well as people that are looking for a house share, based on your chosen city. The website is free to sign up to and contact 35 people, but if you’re successful in your search, there is a finder’s fee.

Those of you from the UK will be pleased to know Gumtree.com.au is hear to help as well as local sites such as au.easyroommate.com, domain. com.au and furnishedproperty.com.au, who list fully furnished share accommodation, apartments and student digs.

Permanent

If you’re migrating permanently to Australia for work or family then you may well be looking for a home of your own. Whether you’re buying or looking for a long-term rental, there are two main websites in Australia that are worth a visit. domain.com.au is a great place to start and then you also have realestate.com.au. Both websites cover the entire country and most estate agents will have their properties listed.

Buy A Slice Of Australia

Mortgages for 457 Visa holders Australian Home Loan Expert gives us the lowdown on mortagages for UK migrants...

While we may not agree on your fondness for warm beer and bad weather, Australians secretly love people from the UK, and outside of the cricket and rugby, we’ve got a feeling that you feel the same. What if we were to tell you though that you could get your own slice of the great Australian dream without being a citizen?

Home Buying Rules

There are not too many restrictions from the government that will stop temporary residents wanting to buy a new or existing property to live in as long as you sell it if you leave.

If you are a foreign citizen living overseas and do not hold a temporary visa, you can still purchase an investment property or buy to let. This includes new property, off the plan apartments and vacant land.

That’s because the Aussie government is all about directing foreign investment into increasing the housing supply and preventing a housing price bubble. Specifically, Australian government approval will be required from the Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB).

What types of mortgages are available in Australia?

- Principle & Interest Home Loan: Otherwise known as a repayment mortgage in the UK. - Interest-only mortgage: These work in the same way as interest-only loans in the UK in that you pay only the interest on the loan.

Flexible home loans: Some home loans are more flexible than others and allow you to make extra repayments and even set up an offset account in order to reduce the interest payable.

Interest Rates

Like the UK, variable and fixed rates are both available in Australia. Fixed rates are available for up to five years with most banks, and up to 15 years with a couple of banks.

Larger interest rate discounts are also available if you are a skilled worker under a professional package.

What else do you need to know?

First Home Owners Grant: People who are buying a newly-built property as their first home are eligible for a grant which varies from state to state.

You may need to be a permanent resident or Aussie citizen to qualify. Or you can just get drunk and marry the closest Aussie that you can find.

Whatever works for you.

Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI): UK residents will know mortgage insurance as Mortgage Indemnity Guarantee (MIG) and it works exactly the same as it does in Australia. It’s basically a big one-off fee if you borrow over 80% of the property value.

Why is a mortgage broker essential for temporary residents?

First of all, Australian banks are disorganised and ask silly questions and delay what should be a simple mortgage application process. Brokers can do all of this hard work for you and they usually do it all for free unless you repay your loan within the first two years.

They also have access to a wide panel of lenders to choose from and charge the same interest rate and fees as if you went to a bank directly. Some brokers such as the Home Loan Experts specialise in working with new migrants to Australia. Australian houses don’t stay on the market for long so don’t wait too long to buy your pad Down Under.

For more information on mortgages log on to www.homeloanexperts.com.au www.bbmlive.com

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ACCOMMODATION

What’s The Cost To Buy & Rent In Oz? How much bed can you get for your buck? In this first issue we take a look at Perth, Sydney and Melbourne, thre of Australia’s most popular cities for Migrants. Here’s what you can expect to pay in Dollars for a one, two and three-bedroom home within an hour commute of the city.

Perth Central

1 Bed

P/W

To Buy

400

500k

P/W

To Buy

2 Bed

600

550k

P/W

To Buy

3 Bed

1000

1.2 m

Inner Suburbs

1 Bed

375

420k

2 Bed

450

425k

3 Bed

950

1.1 m

25 Minutes f/ CBD

1 Bed

350

420k

2 Bed

400

400k

3 Bed

600

600k

50 Minutes f/ CBD

1 Bed

300

300k

2 Bed

300

350k

3 Bed

450

450k

P/W

To Buy

P/W

To Buy

P/W

To Buy

Sydney Central

1 Bed

650

500k

2 Bed

800

830k

3 Bed

2000

1m

Inner Suburbs

1 Bed

300

400k

2 Bed

650

850k

3 Bed

1000

900k

25 Minutes f/ CBD

1 Bed

300

420k

2 Bed

600

400k

3 Bed

900

600k

50 Minutes f/ CBD

1 Bed

300

300k

2 Bed

350

350k

3 Bed

450

450k

P/W

To Buy

P/W

To Buy

P/W

To Buy

200

200k

500

350k

700

600k

Melbourne Central

1 Bed

2 Bed

3 Bed

Inner Suburbs

1 Bed

200

165k

2 Bed

450

350k

3 Bed

700

600k

25 Minutes f/ CBD

1 Bed

200

420k

2 Bed

450

350k

3 Bed

600

550k

50 Minutes f/ CBD

1 Bed

200

300k

2 Bed

300

350k

3 Bed

450

550k

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How Much Will You Pay For A Home in Australia?

The similarities between Australia and the UK are staggering, but when it comes to property, how do the two nations compare, and what can you expect to pay for your mortgage?

2013 (January figures from RP Data). Despite the rapid increases, research from Fitch Ratings ‘Mortgage and Housing Outlook’ found that property here is still more affordable than in the UK in relation to average house price to income ratios.

Property market

How do Australian interest rates compare to the UK?

According to the most recent estimates from Australian Property Monitors, the median house price in Sydney has hit $812,000 (£449,652), more than 17% growth over the year to June 2014.

This was followed closely by Melbourne which grew by 10% to $608,000 (£358,278) over the same period.

From a whole market perspective, real estate prices are expected to continue to rise over the 2014 period, albeit at a slower expected growth rate of 4% compared to around 10% growth in

Bank of England governor Mark Carney recently told the UK press that interest rates - which have remained at 0.5% since 2009 – are edging towards a rise. When? Probably in early 2015.

Meanwhile, in Australia, the Reserve Bank of Australia has officially left the cash rate on hold at 2.5% for over a year, a record low for Australia.

In addition, the four major banks of Australia recently made the decision to drop the five-year fixed rate to 4.99% with some experts predicting this to drop even further as the banks continue their price war. In fact, as a non-resident, you may be able to lock in your five-year rate for even less than 4.99% with some lenders.

You’ll find that the best discounts aren’t advertised - they’re all by negotiation. Eligibility for a professional discount depends on how you present your situation to the lender. As always, the key to borrowing as an expat is to apply with the right lender.

Your deposit

As a rough guide, you will need 5% of the purchase price to pay for stamp duty (tax), legal fees and incidentals. You will also need to make up the difference between the mortgage and the purchase price.

Why a mortgage broker can help

By working with a mortgage broker who specialises in home loans for temporary residents and 457 visa holders living in Australia, you can be sure you’re getting a good deal on your mortgage. Many of the mortgage brokers at Home Loan Experts are successful property investors in their own right and understand the Australian property market.

Visit homeloanexperts.com.au for more info.

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WORK

Applying For Work In Australia Applying for jobs in any country is difficult, but how about when you’re overseas?

Surprisingly, applying for work in Australia is not as tricky as you might expect.

Technology has brought people closer to the extent that you can now successfully apply for a job and attend the interview via video conference. This does mean that competition is high but it also opens doors for talent prepared to migrate for the right career opportunity.

There are even distinct advantages to applying outside the country. Namely that you can leave an application to do the work for you. So if you are considering comign to Australia to work, then you should check out SkillSelect. This is an online service provided by the Australian government that allows Australia to manage its skilled migration program based on the country’s economic needs.

The process is actually remarkably simple.

You confirm which skilled visa you want to be considered for, submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect and if a suitable opportunity comes up you could be nominated for a skilled visa or invited to lodge a visa application.

Please note, an EOI is not a visa application but you will be asked to provide information, including which visa you want to be considered for. In this way, it is quite similar to leaving a CV on a prospective employer’s table as you would detail your basic personal information and contact details, nominated occupation, relevant work experience, your education, command of English (which should be pretty high, if you are reading this), details of any related skills assessments related to your nominated occupation as well as business and investment experience.

The benefit for the Australian government is that should they encounter a shortage in a certain vocation, they would have a list of willing candidates already waiting to jump to the call. The benefit for an applicant is that the visa processing time is vastly reduced.

SkillSelect also helps to manage skill shortages in regional areas. Employers in various states and territories can outline where their shortages lie and will actively encourage migrants to settle there. It must be nice to feel wanted. Do consider if you would be willing to work in a regional area, 12

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as your chances of gaining work in Australia would be significantly increased.

You can also become knowledgeable and maintain an awareness of the job market Down Under by consulting a migration agent. Through them, you can seek advice and keep in touch with industry developments so if suitable positions arise you will know about them. They also know the visa process like the back of their hand, and can guide you through the forms themselves even from the opposite side of the globe.

There is also the option of having Australia’s employers come to you in the form of a Working International Expo. These are held across the UK and Ireland, starting in September in major cities. Check out our website for a full list of UK and Irish Expos, as these are great places to discover new opportunities and speak to experts who know the job market and can dole out tips on how to gain employment in Australia. Migration experts as well as finance, banking and shipping companies also attend, so you could work out all the logistics before even booking your flight.

Once you are ready to apply, carry out some research. Firstly, find out which visas are available and which suit you best. If it ever comes to an interview, an employer will want to know that 1.

You are willing to emigrate and 2. You know how to. Try to work out when you want to move; the timescale you should consider is to begin applying for jobs about 12 weeks before you expect to fly out. Prepare your CV and add a short cover letter which details your visa status with the dates that you have booked a flight. The details count and it would be a bonus if you could provide Australian contact details including a postal and email address so you, the applicant, does not seem that far away.

By using SkillSelect and technology to your advantage, you can prove that distance is no barrier. Any employer will want to see who they are potentially recruiting, and on Skype you can make a positive impression even if this means several cups of coffee through the night to compete with their timezone. You can also let Australia come to you in the form of a Working International Expo, where you can get the inside track of gaining employment Down Under, even from the UK. For more on working in Australia, visit www.bbmlive.com/getting-started-in-australia

JOB HUNTERS Looking for a job? Improve your chances and spread yourself further with a recruitment agency. Not only do they have insider knowledge with industry trends and employers, they can advise you with their recruiting expertise and give you a helping hand with finding work. If you don’t know your Hays from your Hudson, here’s a rundown of the best recruitment agencies in Australia.

Hays

With an extensive range of resources, Hays is one of the most trusted recruitment and consulting services in the world.

With offices throughout Europe, South America, USA, Asia and Australia, they focus on finding work for skilled professionals in industries including finance, construction, engineering, HR and marketing. They can boast success in finding permanent work for 15,000 people a year, and temporary/contract work for 33,000 more. Search for jobs on the website home page, register for job alerts or check out the Hays Quarterly Report and 2014 Salary Guide to see what research they’ve been doing in your sector. www.hays.com.au

Randstad

Improve your chances of finding work with Randstad; get help on how to write a cover letter and a CV, how to give a winning interview, or search for jobs in your industry and location.

Register online, upload your CV and state your preferences on experience, industry and salary 14

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for the experts at Randstad to match you with your dream job.

Operating in 39 countries - with 25 years in Australia might we add - over 500,000 employees every day are working in companies through Randstad. www.randstad.com.au

Adecco

Over 50 years of industry experience in Australia makes Adecco extremely knowledgeable and qualified in all things recruitment. With 3,000 clients trusting them to find suitable professional employees in sectors such as banking, trades and mining, candidates receive career development, work support and insider knowledge on sectors and companies. You can actively find openings on the simple but effective job search, or find your nearest Adecco career consultant with central and regional branches. www.adecco.com.au

Hudson

Aiming to find the right talent for their clients, Hudson works with small and large companies to

fulfil their staffing needs, and so is looking for skilled individuals in a number of industries. From HR to IT, if you’re seeking work, chances are Hudson can hook you up with the role and company for you. As their recruiters have experience in the industries they work for, they have deep insider knowledge, using their own networks to find you employment, while also keeping up with trends and changes in recruitment. au.hudson.com

Australia Wide

It can benefit job seekers to look for a recruiter that specialises in their field, and Australia Wide is just one example of this. With a focus on engineering and technical sectors, their excellent connections in automotive, construction, energy and rail have resulted in clients such as Konica Minolta, Custom Coaches and Nuttelex since 1979. Not only will you get help finding work, once you’re in employment, you will receive further help from Australia Wide year after year as they unite you with your employer. www.australiawide.com.au

The Best Job board sites In Australia If you’re looking to move to Australia, one of the first things to consider is how you’re going to afford to live. While a daunting experience, finding a job Down Under doesn’t have to be hard, especially with so many companies listing their openings on job websites. From wait staff to marketing managers and temporary promotional work, you can find and apply for jobs easily in the comfort of your own home. To help you look, here are the best websites to use to help you find jobs in Australia.

Seek

With a professional layout and over 130,000 jobs in Australia and overseas, you might just find your next career move on Seek. The search bar is clear and precise with keyword, location, salary and industry options, although the latter may not be necessary i.e. you’re not going to find many waiting vacancies that aren’t in the hospitality classification. You can filter the results further by choosing the type of work you’re after, or change your previous choices, on the lefthand-side banner. It’s not just a potential employee that searches on Seek, for employers themselves can view your profile and see your skills. www.seek.com.au

Australian JobSearch

Australian JobSearch is possibly the most varied and extensive. Searching by industry is the easiest option, with categories listed alphabetically, followed by city, state or region.

Once you’ve chosen your preferred location, the list of jobs appears, which you can refine by location, occupation, job type, and length.

The industries can be extremely broad, and job listings include guitar teacher, plant mechanic, and concrete worker. Anyone looking for regional work will also benefit from Australian JobSearch with Harvest Trail – a list of fruit and vegetable picking openings that you can apply for. www.jobsearch.gov.au

My Career

Not only can you search for a specific job on My Career, you can browse just by sector and even do a company search to see what roles, if any, are vacant in a business you are keen to work for. There is also a list of featured recruiters, from Adecco to Goodwin, with a number of job openings for each. If searching for jobs becomes a bit mind-numbing, you can sign up to My Career, list your skills and let them find the roles relevant to you. Signing up will also mean that your CV is saved for future applications and you will be alerted when appropriate jobs come up. www.mycareer.com.au

Career One

Boasting over 400,000 opportunities, you can search for full-time, part-time and casual work by industry, with image tabs leading you to specific roles and the number of openings. Industries are distinguished by headgear, or you can choose from the alphabetical dropdown menu. What makes this site so unique is its Tasks section. If you can’t find the full-time job you’re looking for, or you have guaranteed yourself a job but want to use your skills to get some extra cash, there are nearly 500 tasks advertised on Career One with people looking for someone to clean their home, create a logo for a website, or repair a broken lock. www.careerone.com.au

Jobs.com.au

Putting it simply, this site is all about jobs in Oz, which is pretty much what you should be looking for. You can search manually or browse by sector or location, and then filter the results accordingly.

Newest posts are placed at the top with a “NEW” label beside them. If you’re after a certain salary, you may be left disappointed as many are not specified, but the amount of jobs listed more than makes up for it, so get click-happy applying for as many as you wish. www.jobs.com.au

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Jobs Available In Oz We are looking for candidates to fill a wide range of jobs across Australia.

Take a look at a few of the opportunities that we have available through our network of employers.

Construction

I.T.

There are many positions in I.T. such as Support Engineer, Manager and Analyst, of which skills required may include network support, Internet Information Server (IIS), Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) and project management. The average annual salary for an I.T. Manager is $97,000, while the average for a Support Engineer is $59,000 per annum.

Hospitality

Top Chefs, Cooks and Restaurant Managers are being sought after throughout Australia to improve the hospitality sector and dining experience. Seeking the best culinary and hospitable kings and queens throughout the world, these opportunities strictly exclude positions in fast food and takeaway food services when applying for the 457 Visa or Direct Entry stream of the Employer Nomination Scheme, in order to get the highest quality.

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Currently high on the list are experienced Construction Project Managers. For this, you need to have people skills, experience in contractor management and construction estimating, and some practice with the specific type of project is hugely beneficial. As of 2nd September 2014, the average annual salary for a Construction Manager is $120,000.

Arborist

An expert in the cultivation, management and study of trees can achieve sponsorship due to the knowledge of a niche subject and to encourage conservation. The average annual salary for an Arborist in Australia is $53,000.

Send Your CV’s & Cover Letters To jobs@bbmlive.com

What’s The Cost of living in oz?

The following table will give you an idea of the general cost of living in Australia. From a pint of milk to council tax and the price of a runaround, this will give you an insight to the general cost of everyday living.

Item

Monthly

Annual

Council

1200

Water

800

Strata Costs

2000

Electricity

2400

Gas

1000

Sky TV (Foxtel

50

Phone Line

50

Internet

70

Vodafone Mobile 4GB

60

Fitness First

52

Milk (1L)

3

Loaf Of Bread (500g)

3.49

Eggs (12)

4.8

Fruit (1kg)

3

Vegetables (1kg)

3

Wine (Bottle)

16.05

Local Transport (one-way)

4

Monthly Pass

125

Gas (1L)

1.54

Volkswagen Golf New

50,000

Volkswagen Golf 10 Years Old

8,750

Strata Cost is the maintenance of shared facilities such as swimming pools or gardens. Service costs such as electricity will vary depending on consumption. Prices can vary season to season.

The prices above are given in dollars, current exchange rate is 0.54p to 1$AUD October 2014

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VISA INFO

What Visa Do You Need?

Wondering how you can move to Australia to live, work and play? We explain what all that visa malarkey means so you can get your head around the right one for you!

Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417)

Available to young people that want to holiday and work in Australia for up to one year, the Working Holiday Visa is the most popular visa for travelling to Australia.

To apply for the Working Holiday Visa you must: • Be at least 18 years of age but younger than 31 • Not have a dependent child coming with you to Australia • Have around $5000 AUD to support your time in Australia • Have the funds to purchase a return ticket when your visa runs out • Have a passport from an eligible country The countries eligible for this visa include United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, Germany, France, Canada and Japan. There are 19 countries in total.

Work & Holiday Visa (subclass 462)

Much like the Working Holiday Visa, the Work & Holiday Visa allows young people the chance to holiday and work in Australia for up to one year.

Requirements for the Work & Holiday Visa include: • You must be at least 18 years of age but younger than 31 • You must not have a dependent child with you during your stay • You must hold a passport from an eligible country Countries eligible for the Work & Holiday Visa are Argentina, Bangladesh, Chile, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Turkey, USA and Uruguay. Greece and Poland have also recently signed a work and holiday agreement with Australia.

Higher Education Sector Visa (subclass 573) If you are enrolled as a student to receive a bachelor degree, a graduate certificate/diploma, a masters degree, or a higher education diploma, you may be able to apply for the Higher Education Sector Visa to stay and study in Australia.

The visa conditions and process are streamlined depending on the country you’re applying from, the country your passport is registered to and your age.

Generally, you can apply for this visa if you need your first student visa, a subsequent student visa, or to join a family member who is in Australia on a student visa.

Temporary Work (Skilled) Visa (subclass 457) The 457 Visa allows a skilled worker to come to 18

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Australia to work in their nominated occupation for a sponsored employer for up to four years. The occupation must appear on the Skilled Occupation List to be approved for sponsorship.

To obtain this visa, you must: • Be sponsored by an approved business • Have the skills to fulfil the job you have been nominated for • Only fill a position that could not be filled by an Australian citizen or resident • Speak vocational English Holders of this visa are able to work in Australia for up to four years, bring their family to work or study, and travel in and out of Australia as much they want.

Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189)

For anyone that hasn’t been sponsored by an employer or nominated by a state or territory government, you can apply for the Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) based on your points as a skilled worker.

You can apply for this visa if you: • Submitted an expression of interest • Nominated an occupation on the Skilled Occupation List • Achieved a skills assessment for the chosen occupation • Have not yet turned 50 years of age • Have a competent level of English • Have been sent a letter of invitation by the Australian Government The Skilled Independent Visa allows you to live and work in Australia as a permanent resident. You can also include your partner and any dependent relatives in your application.

Partner Visa (subclasses 820 and 801)

The Partner Visa (subclass 820 and 801) is available to the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen, to live in Australia.

To apply for the visa, applicants must be married or in a de facto relationship with their partner. The temporary Partner Visa (subclass 820) is approved before the permanent Partner Visa (subclass 801), but you only have to lodge one application and pay one application charge.

OZINTRO “BACKPACKING IN AUSTRALIA IS AN AMAZING EXPERIENCE!”

With stunning natural beauty, countless amazing destinations and activities, a great climate, friendly people and plenty of jobs, Australia is an ideal destination for young people to spend their gap year or take an extended working holiday.

A large percentage of young people make the trip alone and this can be quite daunting for many, as it’s often the first time they’ve left home and had to fend for themselves. So the excitement of travelling to the other side of the world is often matched by a sense of trepidation.

As a way of making this big step less daunting, there’s a company in Australia called OzIntro that provide a one week long starter package for young travellers heading to Oz. Over the past ten years OzIntro has helped thousands of young travellers have a great start to their gap year or working holiday Down Under. And as the winner of multiple tourism awards and with a great reputation, they’re a company that really understands the needs of young first-time

travellers and pride themselves on giving people a great start to their Australian adventure.

a group, it’s a great way to meet people to share your Australian backpacking adventure.

IF YOU’RE GOING BACKPACKING IN AUSTRALIA THEN OZINTRO IS THE PERFECT WAY TO START YOUR ADVENTURE! They’ll sort all the important stuff so you can relax and enjoy your experience. Plus you’ll have some amazing experiences as part of a group, so it’s a great way to meet people and make friends. It’s all about good times, new friends and no worries!

WORK & TRAVEL IN AUSTRALIA Backpacking in Australia is an amazing experience and by starting your adventure with OzIntro you’ll not only have some truly unforgettable experiences, but you’ll get help with everything you need to work and travel in Oz.

NO WORRIES Whether you’re taking a gap year in Australia, a working holiday or just a holiday, OzIntro make it easy to go backpacking in Australia. They’ll sort your visa, accommodation, will pick you up from the airport and can even help you find a job.

You don’t need to worry about a thing!

IT’S A GROUP THING Your first week in Australia will be one you’ll never forget.

You’ll go jet boating on Sydney Harbour, learn to surf, go bush walking in the mountains and lots more! And by being part of

TOTALLY AWESOME CREW OzIntro’s crew are young, fun and absolutely awesome!

They know and love Oz and will be there to help you have the most amazing start to your Australian backpacking adventure.

TESTIMONIALS “Without a doubt, the best week of my life!” – Emma. England “Made so many great friends and had such a laugh!”

– Rob. Scotland “Loved the surfing and the jet boating!” – Claire. Ireland “OzIntro has been such a huge help! I would have been lost without them.”

– Mark. Canada

WHAT IS AN EMPLOYER NOMINATION SCHEME? The Employer Nomination Scheme is a visa that enables skilled individuals to work in Australia on a permanent basis.

It involves two stages; nomination by an approved Australian employer, and an application made under the nominated stream.

individuals that have never or only briefly worked in Australia, temporary residents who don’t qualify for the Temporary Residence Transition stream, and those that received a nomination from an employer before 1st July 2012. The Agreement stream is for individuals that are sponsored by an employer through a labour agreement.

The three streams to apply through are the Temporary Residence Transition stream, the Direct Entry stream, and the Agreement stream. The Temporary Residence Transition stream is relevant for 457 visa holders who have worked with the same employer for two years and are being offered a permanent position. The Direct Entry stream is available to

To apply, applicants must have received a nomination from an approved Australian employer for a chosen occupation. They must also be younger than 50 years old (unless stated otherwise) and meet certain skills, qualifications and English language requirements.

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Applicants can include married or de facto partners and dependent relatives including

children. Within the application form is a statement that applicants will obey Australian law and respect Australian way of life. Anyone 18 years old or more will be expected to sign this after reading the Life in Australia book. Applications for the ENS visa are to be made online, in or outside of Australia.

Once the applicant has been granted the visa, they and their included family members are entitled to permanent residency. This includes living, working and studying in Australia, receiving Medicare, sponsoring other relatives for permanent residency, applying for Australian citizenship and travelling to and from Australia for five years following the approval of the visa.

Thames Migration Seminars Get expert knowledge and advice for migrating to Australia at one of Thames Migrations Seminars.

The ‘Best UK/Australia Cross Border Immigration Agents 2014,’ Thames Migration are a company committed to helping all those who are looking to migrate to Australia, offering complete all-round migration services. With a head office in Chiswick, West London, as well as offices in Adelaide and Brisbane, Australia, Thames Migration ensure that your visa applications are conducted in the correct way for a quick and stress-free process.

Thames Migration presents your papers in a way that will speed up the process and secure your visa in the shortest time possible. You will receive a personal experience with just one agent who will get to know your case and offer advice and knowledge tailored to your personal requirement.

To determine the specific Australian visa you are eligible for, Thames Migration offer a FREE service to find the correct one for you and, if required, your family.

service to suit people with low budgets and who feel they have a good understanding.

Corporate Services

Thames Migration offer a full range of services to Australian and overseas businesses. An Immigration advisor will be assigned to your case, prepare and lodge the visa application on your behalf, liaise with the relevant processing authorities and keep you informed of the progress of your applications.

Contact Details

Email: info@thamesmigration.com Web: www.thamesmigration.com Address: Conduit House, Suite 9, Level 1, 309 -317 Chiswick High Road, London W4 4HH

In addition to being an all-round migration agency, Thames Migration also run regular Migration Seminars around the UK with partners including Commonwealth Bank, Anglo Pacific Shipping, Government of Western Australia, Government of Queensland, IELTS (International English Language Testing Systems), Currencies Direct, Prism Xpat (Pension transfers and tax advice).

Next seminar – 15th October 2014, Commonwealth Bank, Senator House, 85 Queen Victoria Street, London EC4V 4HA

Thames Migration Services Full Package

From start to finish, Thames Migration handle your full application so that you do not have the stresses of understanding the technical visa jargon. You will have peace of mind knowing that the agent taking on your case will be able to ensure that the application goes through smoothly.

Pre-Filing Check

If you have completed your visa application on your own and would like to have it looked over, Thames Migration offer a service that does just that: a full comprehensive appraisal and advice

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Regional Work

If you’re facing the prospect of carrying out Regional Work to obtain your second year visa, here’s some of the great destinations you can visit. You needn’t be doing fruit picking, or hard manual labour - finding yourself in one of these areas and getting a job for the 88 day period required will help you stay in Australia for another year and will be a lot more pleasant.

Firstly, to achieve General Skilled Migration there are bonuses on the points test if you can claim to have spent at least two years living or studying full-time in a ‘regional work district’ prior to lodging your application. This is basically the term given to the lesser populated areas of the country, so excludes the state capitals as well as the popular destinations of Newcastle, Wollongong, the Central Coast and Gold Coast as well as ACT. There is also the Skilled Regional Sponsored (Provisional) visa where you are sponsored by a participating state or territory, yet you will be required to remain there, at least until you can obtain sponsorship for a permanent residence 22

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under the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme.

Many are put off visiting regional Australia due to the sheer isolation, as if only Flying Doctors will save them from a nasty snake bite. Don’t let the unlikely chances of that occurring put you off visiting some truly remarkable destinations.

If you wanted to see The Outback as depicted in Crocodile Dundee, then head to the Northern Territory. This is where men are men and the locals will not be afraid to show you what is and what is not a knife, allegedly. Towards the bottom of the state are two of Australia’smost iconic tourist attractions; the awe inspiring natural rock formations of Uluru (Ayres Rock) and Kata Tjuta (The Olgas). At the Top End is Kakadu National Park, featuring indigenous wildlife amidst gorgeous wetlands. Both are well worth a visit.

Then again, if you are talking natural landmarks then there is always The Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Queensland. With a daily ferry to and from Rockhampton; Great Keppel Island is the place to go if you want to live and work on an island on the reef. The work is unpaid and includes gardening, kitchen work and housekeeping. Yes, alas it is unpaid, but meals and accommodation are included. You would not even have to work full-time hours, just four hours

and planned British province rather than a convict settlement, a fact that the locals enjoy proclaiming.

To that end, South Australia has a lot to offer in terms of culture, fine wine and numerous festivals meaning it is one of the more vibrant regional areas. Many residents have settled in fertile areas along the south-eastern coast and River Murray which make for prime orchard and vineyard country, someone has to pick that fruit.

They call Tasmania the natural state, and ‘A World Apart, Not A World Away’. As the most unspoiled state in Australia (almost 45% is comprised of reserves, national parks and World Heritage Sites) you are surrounded by nature. There are mountains, including the Central Highlands area which covers most of the central western parts of the state. There are several rivers, many of which have been dammed for hydroelectricity. Due to its isolation, the state is also known for its unique flora and fauna as well as eucalypt forests, alpine heathlands, rainforests and moorlands.

For authentic Australian experiences you should try Western Australia. As the largest state with vast swathes of uninhabited land there are loads of opportunities for backpackers to work on a station, some of which are staggeringly large. For instance, the largest in Western Australia is Home Valley which is 14,164 sq km, compare that to the country of Wales which is 20,761 sq km. Here you could try building fences, mustering work and domestic duties while experience is not essential.

With few distractions you can quickly learn a lot about animal husbandry and living with a local community, which would make for a memorable experience.

Do not be perturbed by the likes of Crocodile Dundee and Flying Doctors, the lesser populated areas of Australia are home to hidden beauties and some of the most spectacular natural landscapes that the country has to offer. From Uluru and Kata Tjuta in the Northern Territory to the rainforests in Tasmania as well as the unique Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Queensland, there are several opportunities to work and enjoy your surroundings in regional Australia.

SKILLED OCCUPATION LIST Want to stay in Australia for longer?

Here’s a few of the jobs going that will help you to make that dream come true. For the full up to date Skilled Occupation list visit www.immi.gov.au Child Care Centre Manager Nursing Clinical Director General Accountant External Auditor Ship’s Engineer Architect Surveyor Electrical Engineer Veterinarian Secondary School Teacher Sonographer Dentist Physiotherapist Dermatologist Midwife Software Engineer Solicitor

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Tips For Successful Immigration

Immigrating to another country doesn’t have to be stressful, even if you need a visa to get there. You just need to be prepared, knowledgeable, and have everything in order before you start applying for your new life in Australia. Remember the following, and you shouldn’t go wrong.

Points Basis

Your experience, skills and background are all measured in points that count towards the final decision on your visa, therefore having all of the requirements and evidence of such will give you a higher chance of approval.

Get Your References

If you’re applying for a skilled job or for the Skilled Independent Visa, having references from previous employers will be advantageous if not necessary to your application and you should have these in order before starting your application.

Get Your Qualifications As many jobs also rely on relevant qualifications and 24

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certificates, so too will the visa. Make sure you have the qualifications you need to prove you can do the job successfully in Australia, and if not, take a course and achieve your qualification before applying.

Take The English Test

If you’re not from an Englishspeaking country or English isn’t your first language, you will need to take an English test.

You must have taken the test and achieved your International English Language Test Score before applying for your visa.

Give Yourself Time

Many visas can take up to 12 months to be approved, so give yourself enough time before you need to be in the country.

Adding A Spouse

You will need to provide evidence of your relationship if you are attaching a spouse to your application, including photographs, bank statements, a declaration with details of your relationship and a declaration from others confirming your relationship. You will need this evidence ready before lodging your application.

Tips brought to you by InterStaff International Visit www.interstaff.com for more info

Visa Tips For Teachers, Nurses And Tradespeople

John McQuaid, Director of Arrive Australia, talks through that tricky old visa system, and just what will get you enough points to stay in Australia. Originally from Northern Ireland, McQuaid has been in Australia since the early 90s and now lives in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, so he knows a thing or two about the old migrations business…

Australia continues to have huge skill shortages and a buoyant economy with low unemployment, an almost perfect storm for anyone looking to work and perhaps settle in Australia. The government’s 2013-2014 migration program allows for 190,000 permanent visas to be issued this year. 128,550 of these visas will be for skilled workers.

This number does not include the tens of thousands of temporary employer sponsored four year visas granted every year. To access these skilled visas, you will need to have qualifications or work experience in an occupation that appears on the governments Consolidated Skilled Occupations List or CSOL. You can check the list at www.immi.gov.au/skilled/generalskilledmigration/pdf/csol.pdf. The CSOL includes Nursing, Teaching and almost all the general trades; let’s have a look at some visa options and how to prepare for them…

Anyone going to Australia on a one-year working holiday visa has some advantages – it’s the easiest and cheapest visa to come out and see Australia and find work with. It’s quite common to see working holiday visa holders with skills being offered sponsorship by employers or applying for permanent residence visas. If you are thinking of looking for long-term work and visas, some 26

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forward planning will go a long way.

Nurses and Teachers need to get registered in whichever Australian state they wish to work in.

You can do this before you come to Australia by applying to the state registration boards in advance. For example, teachers in NSW need to register with the NSW Dept of Education and Communities; for more information visit www. dec.nsw.gov.au/about-us/careerscentre/schoolcareers/teaching/your-teaching-career/trainedteachers/apply-toteach. The process of getting registered or licenced can take two or three months so plan accordingly.

Trades People do not need to be state registered to work for construction businesses. Plumbing and Electrical are licenced trades and in most states you can work under the licence of the employer but getting local licensing will help with finding better-paid work and can assist with some of the skilled visa applications.

Gather up all your qualifications and any work references you have. Get your CV or resume drawn up. Either bring these to Australia with you or colour scans of all the paperwork and email it to yourself. Then you can easily send it on to prospective employers and have a head start on documents for your visa applications.

So if you’re in Oz and you’ve found that dream job and want to stay, ask the employer if they will sponsor you. This is often the fastest way to get a work visa for 4 years; these visas can be approved in as little as a few weeks. There will then usually be options to move to a permanent visa at a later stage. If you are a registered nurse

or teacher, you will most likely meet the criteria to be sponsored. Trades people will need either a trade qualifications; UK NVQ level 3, the Irish FETAC level 6-7, or have at least three years full time experience in the trade. You will need very good evidence of your paid, on the job, work experience. If you can’t find or don’t want an employer sponsor, then look at the options to apply through the points tested “Skill Select” System including the 189; 190 or 489 visas.

The process to get these visas is going to take 6-12 months so good planning is a must. If you are in Australia; think about getting your second working holiday visa set up so you have more time, and start saving. Permanent visa application fees will be $3520 upwards, and more for skills assessment etc.

Start off by getting your points assessed.

You need 60 points to be eligible to make an Expression of Interest (EOI) for these visas.

Points are awarded for age, qualifications, English ability and work experience. If you’re aged between 25 and 32 you get 30 points for age. A trade qualification gets ten points and degree; 15 points. Sitting the IELTS English test and getting a good score of seven or eight will get ten or 20 points respectively. You get five points for three years overseas work experience or one year in OZ in your occupation.

It’s really important to be accurate with your points’ assessment; for more information visit www.immi. gov.au/skills/skillselect/index/visas/subclass-190/.

And if you get stuck, consider consulting a

registered migration agent for help with this. Help is available at mia.org.au/.

If you have 60 points or more, the process will be to: 1. Get your migration skills assessment (allow three months) 2. Make your Expression of Interest Application 3. Apply to a State Government for Nomination (if needed) 4. Wait to be invited to apply for your visa 5. When invited, apply for the visa and wait about three months for processing.

If you are in Australia when you apply for your visa, you will get a bridging visa to allow you to stay here while you wait for the new visa processing. Each occupation type has a different assessing body for Migration Skills Assessments – costs range from $300 to more than $2,000 depending on the occupation.

Tradespeople should check TRA: HERE Nurses go to ANMAC: HERE Teachers should look at AITSL: www.aitsl.edu.au Allow $300 to take IELTS English tests, and around $400 for medical and police checks near the end of the process.

For more information or help with your visa visit: www.arriveaustralia.com.au

By John McQuaid, Director Arrive Australia MARN #0532545

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GETTING STARTED

Opening Up An Australian Bank Account Opening an Australian bank account is essential if you’re looking for temporary work while travelling, especially as most employers will pay your wages via electronic fund transfers.

If you’re on an Australian working holiday visa or residing in the country for a long period of time, you will need to get an Australian bank account.

Once you arrive at your destination, go to your chosen bank as soon as possible and present them with your passport as identification in order to open the account. Try to do this within six weeks, because if you leave it any longer, they will require utility bills and other documents.

You have a choice of three bank cards: cheque, savings or credit card. Your everyday normal account in Oz is called ‘savings account’ and your savings or secondary account is called a ‘cheque account’. When you use your EFTPOS card (Electronic Funds withdrawal at Point of Sale), or a cash machine (ATM) you will be presented with 28

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three options on the screen: cheque, savings or credit. You will need to make sure you choose the correct option for the money to go from the correct account.

Most Australian banks charge a monthly accountkeeping fee of around $5, and little or no interest.

You’re also limited to the number of transactions, some banks limit the number of free withdrawals you can have per month. With a bank account you will normally receive an EFTPOS or ATM (cash machine) card so you can withdraw your money. If you use another bank’s ATM then you will incur a fee of around $1.50 – $2.00.

The main banks in Oz are Commonwealth, National, ANZ, St George and Westpac, and you’ll need to shop around in order to get the best deal.

To find a bank account that best suits your needs, the Australian Bankers’ Association provides helpful information. Visit www.bankers.asn.au to start looking. You can also find international banks such as HSBC and Citi Bank. We recommend banking with the largest banks in Australia, as they have many ATM machines dotted around, including in rural areas, which is useful when you’re travelling.

Each of the large banks have deals online from time to time in order for you to get the best out of your card, including no bank charges for the first 12 months. It’s always worth contacting the bank directly about these offers.

account with them or you can join the super account set up by the employer. If you do opt for the company’s super account and lose the paperwork do not fret, simply contact the ATO and they can help locate your super.

For anyone being paid in cash it may seem great to have your wages in your hands to hold and then spend but you will be missing out on superannuation.

You read that correctly. For all those lovely, crisp banknotes in your pocket you will be losing out

From 1st July 2013, employers were required by law to contribute a minimum of 9.25% of an employee’s ordinary time earning into a superannuation fund, which is called a ‘Superannuation Guarantee’. The detail that is really super is that this is an additional payment borne by your employer; it is not deducted from your gross pay.

There are also plans to increase the proportion to 12% by 2019, which is nice.

The payment is based on your pre-tax earnings so if you earned $500 before tax for the month you should be entitled to an additional $46.25. However, do not be alarmed if your superannuation balance looks a little skinny as 15% is taxed by the Australian Tax Office (ATO) and funds constantly charge administration and insurance fees which can amount to $5-10 per week.

To be eligible the employee must be over 18, working over 30 hours a week and earning over $450 per month from one employer, so it would be beneficial to hold a single job instead of several. As far as

assurances go the Australian Government have that covered too as from 1st January 2014 employers were obligated to pay default contributions to an authorised MySuper product, with the most well known being AustralianSuper and AustSafe Super. This means that losing your payment due to a suspect provider is now far less a risk.

That all sounds grand and all for Australian citizens, yet for short-term visitors such as those on Working Holiday Visas, the reality is a little different.

Of course, if you meet the criteria then you can expect the contribution. Remember, as long as you earn over $450 a month from one employer you will be entitled. The arrangement is for any worker; whether permanent or casual, resident or nonresident for tax purposes (that would be you by the way).

Arranging your superannuation is relatively straightforward.

You can set up your own super account, which is the simpler choice if you intend of taking on temporary work or travelling whilst in Australia. You could also ask the bank to set up your super when you open an

FREE MONEY.

Working holiday makers are allowed to withdraw their superannuation either when their visa expires or whenever they leave permanently. This is known as the Departing Australia Superannuation Payment or DASP. If you do not claim your super within six months of leaving Australia, or within six months of the cancellation or expiry of your visa, the ATO will claim the money and it could be a while to organise its release from their tight grasp, especially from abroad.

Still, the money is yours but if you are having trouble working out how to claim it then don’t worry. If you have already claimed your tax back then the same company, and even the very same tax professional, should be able to assist you in claiming your superannuation.

All you need to do is provide your membership details, fill in some forms and the tax professionals will do the hard work while you wait for the payment to arrive. Most charge a flat fee of around 15% for the service and you should receive your super within 28 days of the Australian Tax Office receiving your application.

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By Omar Soliman

What Is Superannuation?

on

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Getting Started In Oz

What you need to know to start working

A visit to Australia is a unique experience and often can’t be fulfilled within the three-month holiday visa. If you’ve gone to Oz and fallen in love with the laidback culture, sunny climate and inspiring landscape, why not apply for a working holiday or consider your employment options and extend your stay for a further 12 months or even permanently? There are several things to consider, so let us take you through what you need to know to get you started.

Working Holiday Visa

Australia is one of the top places in the world to work abroad, and the only way to do this is to apply for a working holiday visa. To do this, you have to be out of the country when you apply and if/when the visa is granted. For many, this is the perfect time to take a trip to Thailand, Singapore or Vietnam, to wait out the application process, or you can of course head back home to say goodbye to everyone properly.

To ensure your application is accepted, you should make sure you’re eligible. Things you need to check include: • You must be from the UK, Ireland, USA, Canada, or other eligible countries • You must not have visited Australia previously on a working holiday visa subclass 417 30

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• You must be between 18-30 years of age when applying for your visa • You must have sufficient funds in your account to prove that you can find work, travel and accommodation e.g. £2000 GBP • You must meet the health check criteria • You must fit the character profile • If your over 30 then you will need to look into other types of visas, such as employer sponsored 457 visas.

To check in more detail of your eligibility, head to: www. immi.gov.au/visitors/workingholiday/417/eligibility-first.htm If you meet the criteria and are granted a visa, you will have permission to work and travel Australia for 12 months. You can almost work anywhere you

want and will certainly build up your CV within the time allowed, with great opportunities in urban and rural areas. However, there are restrictions, including you cannot work for one company for longer than six months, and you will need to have the correct certification to work in a bar or gambling premises.

Tax File Number

After you arrive in Australia on your working holiday visa, one of the first things you need to do is apply for a tax file number, or TFN, from the Australian Tax Office. This is a unique nine-digit number, basically the Australian version of your National Insurance Number back home, and will be given to any employer you have so that they can pay tax on your behalf. If you don’t have the tax file number 30 days after

beginning work, your employer is legally obliged to tax you at an emergency-tax rate of 50%.

Other people and organisations that may ask to see your TFN during your time in Australia include the Australian Tax Office regarding your records, your superannuation fund, tax agents when you request your tax back, and your bank.

The easiest way to apply for your TFN is online at www.ato. gov.au, where you’ll have to fill in a form and supply details such as your passport number and date of birth. You’ll need to provide a residential address, where your TFN can be sent, but, if you’re not too sure about which hostel you’ll be staying in or are planning to move around a bit, you can always have it sent c/o to your local post office.

Once you’ve applied for the number, you’ll need to print off a receipt and reference number (just in case there are any problems with its arrival). You’re advised to allow 28 days for it to arrive, but it’s usually with you within two weeks.

Banking

Even if you’ve secured a new job (congratulations!), you won’t be able to receive your wages if you don’t have an Australian bank account. It’s no good waving an English bankcard at your employer – if you want to get paid over here, it’s essential!

Don’t panic – it’s extremely easy to set up – you’ll just need to visit a branch and supply all the usual details along with

your passport and relevant documentation, and hey presto, you’ve got another moneybag to control. The main banks in Oz are Commonwealth, National, ANZ, St George and Westpac, and you’ll need to shop around in order to get the best deal. To find a bank account that best suits your needs, the Australia Bankers Association provides helpful information. Visit www. bankers.asn.au to start looking.

Things you need to watch out for are transaction fees (some banks limit the number of free withdrawals you can have per month) and monthly accountkeeping fees, which are the Aussies’ way of charging you for looking after your money. Also note you’ll probably be charged for making withdrawals from other banks’ ATMs (‘foreign’ ATMs) and that over-the-counter withdrawals will cost you.

Don’t worry if you lose your pin number – unlike back home where you have to wait a zillion working days before you can get a new one, out here you can simply reset the number in your nearest branch.

Medicare

The final application you’ll need to make is for a Medicare Card.

This is to cover you under the Australian equivalent of the NHS, for the duration of your approved visit to the country.

The Australian Government has what’s known as a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement (RHCA) with the UK, which entitles British travellers to limited subsidised health services for immediately necessary

treatment. “Immediately necessary” treatment translates as any ill health or injury that occurs while you’re here in Australia and requires treatment before you return home.

As a Medicare Card holder, you will be entitled to receive free treatment as a public in-patient or outpatient in a public hospital, at a private doctor’s practice, and also for subsidised medicines under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. Medicare does not cover several things including dental treatment, hearing aids, glasses/lenses and ambulance services, so you’ll need private heath insurance to cover these services.

To enrol for Medicare, you can either fill out the Medicare Enrolment Application form online at www. medicareaustralia.gov.au, or head to your nearest Medicare Centre or DHS Service Centre, for which you will need your passport to prove eligibility.

Don’t panic if you need medical treatment before you receive or have even applied for your card – you’ll have to pay for your treatment initially, but if you keep the receipt, it’s easy enough to claim the money back when your card does come through. If you’re worried about costs, make sure you check that the practice you’re visiting does bulk billing – otherwise you’ll have to pay for your consultation on the spot and then claim the money back later.

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Ship Your Stuff Shipping your belongings can make you just as anxious as flying yourself half way around the world! There’s no need to fret; from bags to boxes, cars to dogs these guys will take your worldly possessions to your new life Down Under.

SendMyBag

If you’ve got too many bags to fit into the hold (which is highly likely if travelling for months on end) you can ship them to Australia with SendMyBag. The simple process simply asks where you’re travelling from and to, and the weight of your bags. When shipping bags from the UK to Australia, anything below 15kg is £118, and anything between 15kg and 30kg is £161, but this depends on how regional or central your locations are. sendmybag.com

Anglo Pacific

World movers, Anglo Pacific, are specialists in moving large and expensive objects such as vehicles, fine art and furniture. To give an example, if you’re shipping a 2010 BMW 3-Series from London, UK to Sydney, Australia, you can expect to pay £1606 for an exclusive container, or £1162 for a shared container – much cheaper than buying yourself one when you get there! Quotes are valid for 28 days. www.anglopacific.co.uk

PSS International Removals

Pack up your house and move all your belongings to Australia with PSS International Removals. The professionals in home removals, these guys make it much easier to move overseas and bring all your belongings with you. If you know everything you’ll be taking – grand pianos and all – you can fill out a form to receive a quote, which lists every type of room you could have and every piece of furniture or belongings you could have in it. www.pssremovals.com

Seven Seas

Taking your belongings to Oz? Seven Seas can do that for you. Using a MoveCube in varied sizes, you can move furniture or personal items such as a guitar, TV or clothes box, whether you’re a student, young professional or family of four. Get a quote straight away online that will depend on your needs and circumstances. www.sevenseasworldwide. com

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TRAVEL

Book A Package Holiday Because some help planning your travels can be a serious weight off your mind, we’ve put together a few travel agents who can help you book all your flights, tours and even travel insurance in one fell swoop.

STA Travel

Promoting serious backpacking adventure, STA’s most popular flights include Sydney, New York and Bangkok, and they can even cater a round the world trip for you. If you’re looking for a tour of Australia, STA can book you on a trip to the outback, along the Great Ocean Road and up to the northern tropics of Cairns. You can even get your travel insurance, car hire, short-term accommodation and job advice, so your package is pretty much sorted, whatever you’re looking for. www.statravel.co.uk

Expedia.co.uk

Get your flight, hotel or car, or combine the three and take

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a holiday in Australia with Expedia. You can live in luxury in a hotel or opt for a one-star rating and choose from hostels and campuses. Working with a great range of airlines and ports, Expedia benefits anyone that wants a break that doesn’t demand too much planning. www.expedia.co.uk

Flight Centre

Specialising in getting you at a great rate, Flight Centre can get you from A to B (as long as A is almost always London).

Promising every destination and every airline, you can get to hard-to-reach, far-off places.

You can also book yourself on a tour of your destination and find a hotel, all with the help of

a consultant on the other end of the phone to do the research for you. www.flightcentre.co.uk

Trailfinders

However you want to travel, chances are you’ll find it with Trailfinders. As well as flights and hotel accommodation, with tailored holidays in dream destinations, you can also book yourself on luxury one-day or two-week tours. If you need any more inspiration, find out how to include a rail journey on your adventure. www.trailfinders.com

BOOK YOUR ADVENTURE WITH LOCAL TRAVEL AGENTS Whether you’re looking for inland or coastal adventure, to soar high in the sky or pound the pavements of major cities, there are fantastic platforms you can use to book a tour in Australia. Find your perfect tour and book your seat or a vehicle at a great price with these easy-to-use and extremely friendly local travel agents.

Tours To Go

If you know what sort of tour you want to embark on, you can search for it on Tours To Go. From canoeing tours to cycling and cruises, in the Blue Mountains, Fraser Island or Margaret River, a list of different tour companies arises with prices and available dates, and the option to book immediately. If you don’t know where you want to go or what you want to do, there’s plenty of inspiration on the homepage. www.tourstogo.com.au

Viator

It may be a global brand, but Viator has insiders in each of its locations to ensure premium tours with excellent companies. Browse the options of single or multi-day tours, water tours or walking tours, from the Great Ocean Road to Ayers Rock. Every tour is accompanied by hundreds of reviews, so you get the details from those that know, and prices are reasonable and realistic depending on what you choose. www.viator.com

Backpackers World Travel

From the coast to the Red Centre, there are tours on Backpackers World Travel that you can choose by activity, but your best bet is to search by state and area. Just pick your location and browse through the list of sailing, safari and camping 36

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tours, from one to 30 days, to see what your options are. If you’re looking further afield, they also provide packages to New Zealand, Fiji and South East Asia. www.backpackersworld.com

Travel Forever

Where do you want to go? This is the question proposed to you by Travel Forever, so tell them and receive a selection of tours and expeditions in the area featuring one-day and 21-day tours through the outback, islands, and deserts and mountains of Australia. Their favourite tours are listed on the homepage for inspiration, and you can even book car and camper hire and purchase bus tickets. www.travelforever.com.au

Mad Travel Shop

Get yourself around the best parts of Australia with Mad Travel Shop. With a tour list as long as your arm and areas to choose from, you can quickly find something to suit you. From Brisbane to Broome, scenic flights, rainforest walks and bunjy jumping, they’ve got everything covered, as well as trips in New Zealand, Thailand and Fiji.

They work with G Adventures, Topdeck and Kiwi Experience to provide epic adventures, as well as backpacker hostels to provide accommodation. madtravelshop.com

OZ Overground Travel

Driving yourself around Australia is a fantastic and cost effective way to see the country. It also ensures you can do things in your own time. With Australia’s highly diverse terrain, taking a road trip has to be near the top of your to do list.

Whether you want to explore the wild Top End from Darwin to Perth whilst taking in the intrepid rainforests, travel through the Outback or tackle the Great Ocean Road. Here are a few ideas of the world famous road trips you can embark on when you touch down in Oz.

Broome to Darwin (or reverse).

There’s nothing stopping you from embarking on a journey through The Kimberley in Western Australia on your own.

Via the Gibb River Road, drive through the Napier Ranges and see the freshwater crocodiles of the majestic Windjana Gorge, before exploring Tunnel Creek 38

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and setting down for the night under the stars at Silent Grove.

You can then head up to the Bell, Galvans and Manning Gorges before getting to the historic El Questro Station.

Next take yourself off to the renowned Bungle Bungle Ranges of Purnululu National Park by 4WD, followed by a stop at Lake Argyle. Reaching the Northen Territory you can continue on to the epically beautiful Kakadu National Park, where you can bath in the billabongs and take in the amazing wildlife.

The Great Ocean Road

World famous for its length The Great Ocean Road will take you through many a coastal

town, and via the incredible Grampians Nation Park.

Marvel at the incredible Twelve Apostles rock formations that hug the coastline, explore the historic Shipwreck Coast, and take in the views over the Australian landscape. If you choose to explore the national parks along the way you’ll come face to face with koalas and kangaroos. Once you’ve run the incredible 243 km, you can either return to Melbourne, or carry on further south to Adelaide… the choice is yours.

Northern Territory Red Centre Route

Beginning and ending in Alice Springs, this route will take you via some of Australia’s most

Before embarking on a self driving road trip, it’s important to remember your supplies and plenty of water (we’ve all heard those Outback horror stories), and don’t forget a map… you can’t always rely on GPS when you’re in the middle of no where.

There are a number of camper van companies nationwide in Australia, all of which offer competitive rates, but make sure they have a drop off point where you want to end up at the end of your epic road trip. Your perfect camper van will have on board cooking facilities, and of

course somewhere to put your head down after a hard days driving.

For more ideas on amazing road trips throughout Australia, head to www.bbmlive.com.

Images courtesy of Tourism Western Australia, Tourism Australia.

iconic sites, including the great Uluru. The awe-inspiring rock formations in this part of the world will leave your jaw firmly on the floor. This route presents areas steeped in Aboriginal culture, as well as a wide variety of animal and plant life and vast landscapes that will make you feel the size of an ant. At the West MacDonnell Ranges you can take in some amazing sights as well as visit Simpson Gap, but the must see of this road trip is the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park where you’ll find that big old rock you’ve been wanting to see your whole life.

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NSW

Travel New South Wales Probably the most visited state in Australia, many people start their adventures Down Under from New South Wales. Flying into Sydney and getting settled in, New South Wales acts as the perfect spring board to start exploring all that Australia has to offer, from it’s fantstic coastline to the bush, here’s a few of the amazing things to see whilst in New South Wales.

Snowy Mountains

Although you make think that being Down Under means you have made your choice; that you have opted for sunshine, beaches and BBQs and that those winter pursuits will just have to be cruelly abandoned - you will be pleased to hear that there is no need to decide. Given its name, it should hardly be a surprise that New South Wales’ Snowy Mountains (or ‘Snowies’ as they are more commonly known) are home to some of the countries most popular ski resorts.

The Snowies are the highest range in Australia and the impossibly spelt Mount Kosciuszko is its highest peak, standing at a rather impressive 7,310ft. It isn’t just this peak that attracts the attentions of adrenaline junkies across the world; the range contains five of the highest peaks on the Australian mainland – and what comes with cold weather and high altitudes? That’s right – snow. And plenty of it!

Throughout the months of June, July and August, snow falls in these mountains and attracts boarders and skiers from all across the nation and even further afield.

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Blue Mountains

Escape the bump and grind of Sydney with a day trip to the breath taking World Heritage listed Blue Mountains. There are a variety of Blue Mountains day trips departing regularly from Sydney. From luxury coaches to 4WD tours, there are trips and tours to suit anybody.

Whether you are after adventure, mystery, beauty, nature or a little bit of Australian culture, a day trip or weekend away to the Blue Mountains has it all. Absorb the beauty and tranquillity of nature as you’re faced with the expansive luscious leafy vista. If you’re feeling brave you can make your way through the Jenolan Caves as you learn the difference between stalactites and stalagmites. Probably the most famous members of the Blue Mountains, no visit is complete without saying hello to the Three Sisters, Meehni, Wimlah and Gunnedoo – Aboriginal legend has it that the three sisters were frozen in stone during an ancient battle over love.

Palm Beach

New South Wales plays host to Palm Beach otherwise known as “Jewel of the Northern Beaches” and is just a 90 minute bus ride from Sydney CBD. For those of you who define yourselves as aficionados of Australian soap operas, the mere mention of Palm Beach will have those ears pricking up in delight. Yes, Palm Beach is also known by another name – Summer Bay – the setting for ‘Neighbours’ arch nemesis of the soap opera world, ‘Home and Away’. Set on a peninsula, Palm Beach juts out into the pristine waters of the Pacific Ocean and is blessed with a unique contrast of golden sands and evergreen bush land. The relaxed suburb is home to environmentally aware, financially privileged folk and an abundance of options for ways to get active, dine in style or simply lie down and relax away those woes. For the water babies amongst you, you can join the sunbleached-blonde brigade who know how to show a wave who’s boss as Palm Beach is excellent for surfing and is also known for its excellent scuba diving and there are some great dive sites for you to explore just off the coast.

Just 25km north of Sydney you’ll encounter the amazing Ku-RingGai Chase National Park. For those that are not up on their Australian history, this beautifully scenic park (and surrounding suburb) is named after the Guringai aboriginal tribe that inhabit the region. It is also, amusingly, the home of the loveable Skippy the Bush kangaroo, who wowed late 1960s audiences with his adventures alongside his (human) sidekick Sonny. From glorious nature hikes, leading past rock engravings and paintings by the Guringai tribe (among others), to winding creeks where expanses of ocean meet thick rainforest, you can also take in the most impressive views of Barrenjoy, Palm Beach and Broken Bay. West Head is arguably one of the most popular destinations in the park – and for good reason as the views can be incredible. The walking trails contain raw bush lands, literally teeming with fascinating wildlife. As long as you keep your eyes peeled for snakes, and other particularly terrifying Aussie bush delights, then you can enjoy a host of walks with varying degrees of difficulty, leading in some cases, to the sanctuary of a golden beach or two. An adventure in the park’s walk or waterways will give you glimpses of creatures such as swamp wallabies, possums and goannas.

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Images courtesy of Tourism New South Wales

Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park

Sydney Suburbs A simple breakdown of what you need to know Bondi Beach - Eastern Suburbs

Bondi Beach has so much to offer and even more to experience, so don’t be put off by the huge amount of hipsters drinking out of coconuts – there are normal people here too you know. Being the closest beach suburb to Sydney’s Central Business District (CBD) (45-min commute), Bondi is extremely popular as a residential suburb with tourists and residents alike. Its great cafe culture, fantastic restaurants, outdoor sea view fitness stations, swimming pools and, of course, the most famous beach in the world on your doorstep all assist Bondi in being one of the most liveable places in the world.

Though heaps of tourists flock to Bondi (40,000 visitors on a sunny summers day!), life here is still surprisingly relaxed and the best thing of all, is that you’re only a short coastal stroll away from some of Sydney’s ‘other’ best beaches including Tamarama, Bronte and Coogee.

Manly - Northern Beaches

The best thing about Manly is that even the trip there will blow your mind. A fifteen-minute ferry ride north from Circular Quay will take you across to Sydney Harbour, making the suburb a great place to commute into the city from. Manly is shrouded in natural beauty and the fabulous beach will make you feel a million miles away from the city. With a bustling town centre, you’ll also find great boutique shops, bars and restaurants in Manly – making it one of the most liveable suburbs around Sydney. If you’re into your water sports then you can take advantage of the tons of opportunities along Manly Beach; from surfing to snorkelling or a dip in the Oceanside public pool.

Balmain - Inner West

Balmain is situated in the heart of Sydney’s inner-west, overlooking the estuary. Once a working class area, Balmain is now a thriving hub of creativity. Some of Australia’s best known authors, artists, actors, film directors and musicians live in Balmain, and as soon as you get there, you’ll understand why.

Balmain is very cosmopolitan, but also relaxed. The nightlife does attract a lot of people in the evenings, but with lots of parks and reserves close by, it’s a great place to settle down and enjoy Sydney life.

You’ll definitely be entertained in Balmain; from perusing the local markets to hanging out at the cafes, you’ll feel immersed in culture and trendiness!

Glebe - Inner West

Glebe is an Inner Western suburb located just 3 km south-west of the Sydney CBD. Just a 10-minute walk from Central Station, Glebe has excellent transport links and is packed to the brim with really cool pubs, restaurants and it’s home to a mircro small bar scene that offers quality entertainment, food and drinks seven nights a week. Glebe also has one of Sydney’s best markets and accommodation can be slightly cheaper than over in the Eastern Suburbs, making it the perfect place for young professionals to find their feet, and not have to do a mammoth commute to get to the office – meaning more time for you.

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Darlinghurst - Eastern Suburbs

Darlinghurst is rich in culture and bursting with art studios, boutique shops, cafes, bars and restaurants.

One of the best things about Darlinghurst – or “Darlo”, as the locals call it – is that you can spend ages just walking around all the pretty terraced houses in the winding leefy streets and lose yourself in their charm. As well as being the preffered habitat for Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs media types, it’s also famous for its nightlife, with many cocktail bars and clubs providing late entertainment. Darlinghurst is the heart of the gay scene in Australia, holding the annual Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras every March. The location of Darlo in Sydney couldn’t be better as it neighbours suburbs such as Surry Hills, Paddington and the very popular harbour beaches around Double Bay, not to mention you’re just a 15-minute walk to Sydney Town Hall Station or 10-15-minute walk to Kings Cross.

Surry Hills - Eastern Suburbs

The perfect place for art lovers, inner-city Surry Hills is one of Sydney’s most vibrant areas and the home to the famous coffee culture. You’ll find a mixture of business properties and residential homes in this area due to its proximity to the city. Surry Hills is a melting pot of cultures, and is also a stone’s throw from China Town and Centennial Park. Being so close to the city, it’s perfect for young professionals as everything is right on your doorstep – along with great transport links.

Paddington - Eastern Suburbs

Paddington is a super suburb on Sydney’s east side and Australia’s equivelant to London’s Chelsea.

There really isn’t much that Paddington doesn’t have to offer. Full of restaurants, bars and pubs, next to Centenial Park, 20 minutes’ walk to the harbour beaches, 20 minutes’ drive or bus ride to Bondi or Bronte Beach, it’s the perfect place to settle down, and you can easily walk to the city or catch a bus if you’re commuting into Sydney. It’s not the cheapest place to live due to its fantastic location, so rental properties may take a large wedge of your salary, however it is bursting with heritage and a great vibe.

The hustle and bustle is so nearby, but you won’t notice it in Paddington.

Coogee & Randwick - Eastern Suburbs

Coogee and Randwick are two of the most popular Sydney suburbs for expats and working holiday makers to settle down as they’ve got slightly larger properties, great schools, beach life and are an easy commute by bus to the city. With access to fantastic coastal walks, free public outdoor fitness areas and an ocean pool, even the laziest coach potato will be encouraged to get involved. Coogee is packed with such a wide range of quality restaurants, cafes and bars that your only issue here may be that you forget to see the rest of Australia.

Newtown - Inner West

Newtown is saturated in culture and is home to many artists, musicians, writers and students. It’s difficult to find any sort of hint of pretentiousness. The suburb has a great music scene, with many folk, punk and funk artists visiting local venues. Flat shares and apartments are very affordable in Newtown making it popular with a wide demographic. Being a popular suburb with artists and musicians, Newtown has some of Sydney’s best cheap restaurants and live entertainment which also makes it popular with working holiday makers and young professionals. And it’s a 20 minute direct train ride into Sydney CBD.

Visit us at www.bbmlive.com for more info on life and entertainment in Sydney

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Sydney Highlights Sydney is bubbling with great events and World class entertainment all year round.

Vivid Festival Sydney Every May to June, the city is bathed in elaborate lazer light displays creating a futuristic Divali across Sydney. In 2014, the 18-day light festival saw 1.4 million people attend the 80 Vivid Music shows, 56 installations by 149 artists from 15 countries and over 200 other events that showcased NSW’s creative industries. With the Opera House displaying a different outfit each night with the sunset, Vivid really is a festival that puts Sydney on the world map for creativity.

Sydney Festival

January may be the most depressing month of the year in the UK, but Sydney comes to life with the annual Sydney Festival that sees approximately 400 performances take place, from theatre to music and contemporary dance. The Sydney Festival is free to everyone and has seen acts such as Chaka Khan, Bjork and Grace Jones put on performances in previous years.

Art & About Sydney

Art & About Sydney is a collaborative arts festival that takes over the city’s streets, laneways, and just about any bit of space and uses them for creating and story telling from September to October. From theatre performances in private living rooms, to a huge party in Martin Place, Art & About brings Sydney together for a huge chunk of entertainment.

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One of the first cities in the world to see in the New Year, Sydney certainly knows how to celebrate. With the world-renowned firework display before the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House, the Harbour Of Light Parade floating down the harbour, and the surrounding famous beaches of Bondi and Manly for group get-togethers and celebrations, mark each New Year with a bang. There are over 50 recommended vantage points to see the fireworks from wherever you find yourself on New Year.

Images courtesy of Vivid Sydney, Sydney Festival, Art & About Sydney and Adam JWC.

Sydney New Year’s Eve

Sydney Boot Camps

A body like Van Damme is highly unattainable without a little hard work and a lot less face-stuffing. But it’s still possible. If you want to stay fit whilst in Sydney, check out these super-fit boot camps that will give the muscles from Brussels a run for his money.

Original Bootca mp

Everyone has to start somewhere, and the Original Bootcamp was created for just that reason. Running for 15 years, Australia’s ‘first military-based fitness program’ offers members the chance to lose weight and improve their health in a fun yet physically-challenging environment, and the Corps Training fitness regime promises to achieve unbeatable results – and fast! With the ‘Rapid Transformation’ program gathering plenty of media attention over the years, members train three times a week for a month, with the 60-minute sessions increasing in intensity to ensure continuous improvement. Original Bootcamp also offers free trial sessions, and prices can be found when enquiring on the website. bootcamp.com.au

Urban Bootca mp

Claiming to be the only boot camp to offer healthy food delivery ($104 for 5 days) alongside a

fitness regime, the Urban Bootcamp programme promises to shed fat, tone muscles and skim inches from hips and thighs, all whilst giving you a major confidence boost – just what’s needed after copious amounts of Christmas pudding!

Membership options include silver, gold and platinum packages starting from $25 a week, or you can opt for a simple three-week trial gift pack for $190. Workout sessions run for 60 minutes three times a week over six weeks and take place across a variety of parks in Sydney. www.urbanbootcamp.com.au

Harbourside F itness

No joining fees, no contracts and unlimited access to the complete training timetable? Harbourside Fitness seems too good to be true – and with prices starting from $37 per week, it may just be.

Whether you want to train in an existing small group or bring along friends/colleagues to start a private one, fitness sessions include a variety of ever-changing exercises such as boxing, pumpstyle weights, running, core work and even ‘urban explorer challenges’ to get you that dream body.

Harbourside claims to be different from other boot camps too; you’ll find no shouting, screaming or whistle-blowing here! You will, however, find a completely free seven-day trial, so even if you’re unsure of whether to sign up, you can test your fitness and see if you’ve got what it takes! www.harboursidefitness.com.au

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ENTERTAINMENT IN SYDNEY There’s no better place in NSW than Sydney for a great night out and seeing the local talent entertaining the crowds in the city’s best venues. Here’s a selection of some of the places to visit for an excellent evening out.

Chinese Laundry

If you’re after a great underground club in Sydney, then you will want to head down to the iconic Chinese Laundry. This awesome venue has recently experienced a relaunch and it is partnered with big names such as Ministry of Sound and Soapbox Events.

1 Slip Street, Sydney www.chineselaundryclub. com.au

The Enmore Theatre

Visit the Enmore Theatre where you can enjoy some excellent theatre and comedy as well as the best live music in Australia. This venue is located in the Newtown Entertainment district and offers much more than its brilliant entertainment.

You can tuck into some tasty dishes in its restaurant, enjoy a relaxing coffee, head to the

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bar for a night cap then catch up on some rest in the Enmore Theatre’s hotel.

118-132 Enmore Road, Sydney www.enmoretheatre.com.au

Cargo Bar

Attracting international attention, the highly acclaimed Cargo Bar has established itself as a truly world renowned venue. Open till late, seven days a week and providing great food menu and entertainment every night, Cargo continues to prove why it’s constantly referred to as Sydney’s most iconic harbour side venue.

21 Lime Street, Sydney www.cargobar.com.au

ivy

You can find this swish hang out in the heart of the Sydney CBD,

and it is the only venue that boasts a rooftop bar with a pool.

With amazing music, views and crowd, this is probably one of the most fun places to party in town.

Level 1, ivy, 330 George Street, Sydney www.merivale.com.au/ivy

Goodgod Small Club

Located in China Town, this American themed bar offers a wide range of food and drink, and is renowned for its live music. Throughout the week you’ll be entertained by live acts, and DJ sets that have made this club popular with the cool crowd.

53-55 Liverpool St, Chinatown, Sydney CBD www.goodgodgoodgod.com

Sydney Coffee Culture

pot, or a delicious cup of Campos coffee. It’s the perfect place to cure a hangover on a Sunday.

46 Hall Street, Bondi Beach, Sydney www.gertrudeandalice.com.au

Double Roasters

There isn’t much that’s buzzing in Marrickville but Double Roasters certainly is, and it’s not just from the coffee. With a naturally hipster vibe, 1950s warehouse setting and friendly staff you can enjoy not just their unique blend of coffee but organic, freshly cooked sandwiches, cakes and shakes and before you know it a few hours has passed and you are still sitting there! It’s cool, funky and carries a friendly coffee culture vibe without trying too hard to be anything but a great place to enjoy a good coffee.

199 Victoria Street, Marrickville, Sydney www.doubleroasters.com

Cow And The Moon One thing you might notice once touching down in Australia is the epic coffee culture. You may have been ruined by the chain coffee houses in the UK, but now it’s time to get up close and personal with some of Sydney’s best coffee. BBM hunts down the best places to enjoy a cup of Sydney’s finest coffee...

Combining two of our favourite things – coffee and gelato – Cow And The Moon does both incredibly well – with not just their own Baristas, but also a Gelato Lab! Steering away from the traditional strawberry, vanilla and chocolate, get stuck into pomegranate, popcorn or lemon and ginger or if you still can’t decide on which flavour, the helpful staff will help you create your very own concoction for a yummy gelato shake. All of this happens in the Cow And The Moon coffee shop while having the best seat in the house for watching the alternative scene in Enmore on a Saturday afternoon.

181 Enmore Road, Enmore, Syndey

Ca mpos Coffee

Coffee Alchemy

You can take your pick of coffee shops in Newtown but the aroma of the renowned Campos should be enough of an allure. Situated off the main road, King Street, it is a tardis of coffee heaven with more choices of coffee than you’ll know what to do with. And if you still can’t decide, book in for a session in their cupping room upstairs. Taste at least five coffees from around the world, learn how they are brewed and taste the difference between regions and procedures. Plus, get a bag of coffee to take home with you.

193 Missenden Road, Newtown, Sydney www.camposcoffee.com

Gertrude and Alice

A new favourite hangout for BBM is Gertrude and Alice. A coffee shop inside a bookstore?

Or a bookstore inside a coffee shop? We can’t quite decide, but we love it! Surrounded by over 25,000 books, you can read, buy or just enjoy the naturally laid back ambience while tucking into a cup of Earl Grey tea, complete with antique tea

Taking coffee incredibly seriously is Coffee Alchemy – a smart, modern and award winning coffee shop in Marrickville. The kind of place you’d grab a coffee to go rather than sit and relax, but there is one thing they don’t compromise on, and that is a great cup of Sydney’s coffee. The knowledgeable Baristas can advise on everything from roasting to blending and everything in between, what they don’t know about coffee, isn’t worth knowing! “Coffee alchemists believe that coffee is the elixir of life” – or so says their Manifesto, and we’d say they are damn right!

24 Addison Road, Marrickville, Sydney www.coffeealchemy.com

Check out more of Sydney’s best hang outs on www.bbmlive.com/whats-on-sydney

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EXPAT INTERVIEW

Graham Cordery

Making it Down Under A club night promoter now with his very own venue, Graham Cordery is an example of someone making it Down Under. Originally from Coventry, he came to Australia, worked in a call centre, got a few DJ gigs that turned into a regular slot, began running weekly club nights at one of Australia’s biggest hospitality groups and bought a blank canvas which turned into The Soda Factory – remarkable for a bloke that didn’t plan on staying past a month!

“Funnily enough, I never really fancied Oz myself, and as soon as I got here I loved it straight away. Luckily I got the working holiday visa just in case and I was out of cash so I started working. One thing led to another and a month became 11 years and counting!”

Proof that you really can make a success of yourself in Australia, Cordery’s first job wasn’t exactly one you’d associate with the fast-paced life of a club night promoter – cold calling to sell raffle tickets for the fire service – but his DJ experience in the UK and Ibiza led to She, his first big success, and the ball started rolling.

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The prospect of starting a new life in another country can be daunting, but we speak to Graham Cordery who left Coventry in the UK behind to set up Experience Entertainment and more recently, Soda Factory, which is now one of Sydney’s trendiest drinking holes... and here’s how he did it...

“I started working as a DJ pretty quickly, making a few connections. I think I threw my first party a year after I got here. Originally, it was going to be a one-off, but it was pretty successful – we had about 500 people turn up and the venue only held 250. So I thought, “This is alright, I’ll probably do it again next month!” I started to run weekly club nights for other venues and on the strength of that, in 2009/10, we were asked to run events at ivy. My office was based on site at the venue, but it was a relationship where I was running it through my own business, as an external promoter. We did that for about three years. We looked after their Saturday nights, putting through about 4,000 people each weekend as well as public holidays, New Year’s Eve parties.”

Booking world-renowned artists such as Laidback Luke, Basement Jaxx and Grandmaster Flash, events at ivy ultimately took off, as did the boat party scene and warehouse venues that Cordery undoubtedly contributed to.

Despite becoming one of the most successful promoters in Sydney – “New Year’s Eve sold out three weeks before and I

had every promoter in Sydney like, ‘how the fuck did you do that?’” – he now runs a venue that’s all his own.

The Soda Factory opened early in 2013 and has since garnered a loyal following for its hot dogs, movie nights and weekend shenanigans. Considering it was never Cordery’s intention to have his own club, he has mastered the hell out of it.

“It was never a dream of mine to own a venue, and there have been times throughout the years where I’ve thought about the headache of owning a venue; you’ve got the rent, stock, utility bills and licensing, and I was happy to just bring the people to the venues. But I went to Miami a couple of years ago and saw the service level that they bring, cool bars and venues, and I started to see that I’d like to have a blank canvas and create something special myself.”

So, with all his success and making a life for himself Down Under, what would Cordery suggest to the next generation of expats?

“Definitely give it a go. It’s a place full of opportunities if you go out and look.”

Michael Gavaghan With years of experience in the hospitality industry back home in London, you could say Michael Gavaghan landed on his feet when he arrived in Sydney back in February. After travelling Queensland for a month, he now works as a venue manager for Keystone, one of the biggest hospitality groups in the country.

Here, he tells us what it’s like to work in Australia’s booming industry.

The Move

I came here with the pretence that I didn’t want to get into a career or anything, to just have a bit of fun and work along the way, so I thought I’d just be a bartender or waiter. I didn’t expect to get into a managerial role or become a manager straight away.

The Job Search

I used this website called Seek.

There’s a lot of hospitality recruitment and I just sent my CV off to quite a lot of venues and actually, because I had so much experience, Keystone was one of the only ones that called me back. I was applying for waiter jobs and stuff and bartender jobs, but Keystone were opening a new venue, so I started talking to them about that.

The Job

I’m managing a refurbishment at Gazebo up in Potts Point and it’s launching in early October.

I came on board after a few months’ training within other venues with Keystone and just learnt how they work and to get used to the Australian market.

It’s been pretty hands on; I’m

seeing the magic of learning the legal side of the job and then seeing how the different licencing laws and liquor laws are really just as strict as the UK laws.

for 50% in certain venues and certain nights of the week. It’s an encouragement to go out there and a bit of a reward as well.

The Industry

I’ve been quite lucky in the sense that I found a good job when I started looking for one more or less straight away.

Because of the experience that I have within the hospitality industry specifically, there’s a lot of potential out here for change in skilled managers because of the market growing so quickly. They want good, skilled managers and they can offer sponsorship for you to stay if you want to. If you get the right venue, they can give you the training, but backpackers tend to think that hospitality is something you can fall into.

You do need something about you, either the personality or the skill. We can’t teach you how to sing, but some people think that they can just be a waiter. One of my friends works in banking; he came out here, got into hospitality and hated it.

He was useless at it, because he thought he could do it and it would be easy. It’s harder than it looks.

The Australian market has grown quite quickly in a very short period of time. Within the UK, there’s always been that deciding element and the celebrity chef. Whereas in Australia, it’s a little bit more recent, so I think the high-end of the industry is quite young.

There’s a lack of talent, if I’m honest. Here in Sydney, people are only just starting to take hospitality seriously now. If you look at places like Melbourne, it’s a lot more hospitalityfocused. The service standards there are a bit better than what they are in Sydney, but Sydney’s coming along quite a lot.

The Keystone Family

All the Keystone venues are very different – they’ve got nightclubs and then bars and some nice dining rooms. I do go to quite a lot of them. We get key nines, so you get to eat

Experience

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VICTORIA

Explore Victoria

Great Ocean Road

The Great Ocean Road is one of the world’s most impressive coastal drives and war memorials in the whole world. Whether you wish to see stunning surf beaches fit for the most expert of surfers, or the splendour of the limestone cliffs towering across Port Campbell, The Great Ocean Road is indescribable.

From Torquay to Warrnambool over a stretch of 243 km, there is an element of surprise with each and every turn you take into every town. Due to the sheer length of the Great Ocean Road you’re confronted with a variety of experiences and activities to keep you highly entertained as you wind along this scenic road. The Great Ocean Road travels via the towns of Anglesea, Lorne, Apollo Bay, and Port Campbell where you will pass the exciting views of the Loch Ard Gorge, The Grotto, London Arch, the Grampian Mountains and The Twelve Apostles. If you have a spare three days whilst in Victoria, there is no better way to spend them than to embark upon the world famous Great Ocean Road adventure. The Great Ocean Road is home to native Australian wildlife, such as the Australian fur seals, little penguins, emus, koalas and kangaroos.

Victoria’s Ski Fields in the High Country

Victoria’s High Country is the region for snow, snow and more snow. The major resorts of Mount Buller, Mount Hotham, Mount Buffalo and Falls Creek are regarded among the best in the country and offer downhill ski and snowboard runs, tobogganing and cross-country treks.

Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, there’s a resort to suit you. Lake Mountain is strong on mountain sports like cross-country skiing, and Mount Buller has a big mountain feel with lodges and luxury hotels. Mount Hotham is definitely the place for serious powder freaks, and if you want it all, then Falls Creek is great at combining the lot. If you’re a snowboarder, you’ll find enough challenging terrain and cliff drops to make an extended visit to the region worthwhile.

The snow season starts in June, and winds up in the first week of October (but keep your eye on the snow report!).

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Dandenong Ranges

Melbourne‘s magical rolling, low mountain ranges can be found a mere 35km outside of the CBD, making them a reachable holiday destination for many a different budget. It remains undefined as to where the name Dandenong actually originated from, as it relates to watercourses rather than mountain ranges, but it’s here where you’ll find a plush temperate rainforest. Numerous parks and gardens are scattered across the ranges, all bursting with wildlife, exotic plants and trees. Each one naturally stunning and idyllic in its own way they make a liberating destination for any rambler who is happy to wander with no agenda for at least a day. Alfred Nicholas’ Garden is home to an abundance of king parrots and kookaburras, a quaint lake and boathouse, whilst the National Rhododendron Garden is a leafy haven of Azeleas and Camellias amongst Rhododendrons, featuring a boutique lake and a Cherry Tree Grove that is at its most beautiful during the spring season. So for the adventurers amongst you, make sure you get yourself to the Ranges during your time in Victoria.

Yarra Valley

Renowned as one of the world’s leading food and wine regions, the picturesque Yarra Valley plays host to an impeccable wine growing industry, specialising in chardonnay, pinot noir and sparkling wine. Just over an hour’s drive from Melbourne’s CBD, the Yarra Valley’s main towns are Nillumbik and Yarra Glen. Not only producing high class wines, the Yarra Valley is also famous for other exports such as cheese, chocolate, bread, fruit, herbs, preserves, honey and more, making it the perfect place to visit for food and wine lovers.

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MELBOURNE SUBURBS Australia’s cultural melting pot, Melbourne has been rated the world’s most liveable city. Here’s a run down of what you can expect in and around the city if you’re thinking of settling down there any time soon...

Fitzroy – Inner North Suburbs

A bohemian hub bursting with creative outlets, Fitzroy contains a range of independent art galleries, bars and bookshops resonating its working class origins and hip character. You’ll find bar after bar on Brunswick Street, catering for vegans, coffee drinkers and wine enthusiasts, while the music scene can be discovered on Smith Street for live jazz, reggae, swing and DJ appearances. Many of the bars incorporate art, but you can find some of the best just wandering the city streets. Shopping is just as encouraged, with markets and record shops sitting beside designer stores and vintage wares. Its inner city location makes Fitzroy extremely accessible on the 112 tram or buses 200, 201 or 207.

Collingwood – Inner North Suburbs

One of the most diverse populations in Melbourne, Collingwood is home to artists, grungey types, young professionals and the gay community. Divided from Fitzroy by Smith Street, you can expect much of the same coffee culture, bar hopping and eating out. The entire suburb is home to small galleries, boutique shops and corner pubs that are set up in interesting buildings such as abandoned car parks, 19th Century factories and street corners. The Town Hall is just as striking, taking you back to late 1880s Melbourne. Eat until you pop with various cuisines on offer, from Japanese to Greek and South American. Use Collingwood Train Station on Stanton Street to get to the CBD. 52

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Carlton – Inner North Suburbs

Right next to the University of Melbourne, Carlton is where all the uni kids hang out, with budget-friendly hangouts, bookstores and boutiques. Eat to your heart’s content along Lygon Street, where Italian cuisine reigns supreme, or grab some evening entertainment with a show. Holding the Melbourne Museum and Carlton Gardens, there is a rich history in Carlton that can be best acknowledged with a visit to the World Heritage-listed Royal Exhibition Building. Carlton is the nearest suburb to the CBD and can be reached by jumping on the 200, 201, 203, 205, 207, and 253 from Melbourne Central.

Brunswick – Northern Suburbs

You’ll find an abundance of bars and cafes in Brunswick, where you will experience the renowned coffee culture and dining experiences Melbourne is famous for. Lygon Street continues its bar scene from Carlton into Brunswick, but Sydney Road holds stiff competition for live music. This is where you will also find evidence of migration, with Middle Eastern cafés, Asian restaurants and Mediterranean food shops.

The art scene is also just as prominent with creativity bouncing out at all corner, from Tinning Street to Lygon Street. Arrive at Brunswick Station, 23 minutes from Melbourne Central, or take the 19 tram.

Richmond – Inner East Suburbs

The southern and eastern parts of Richmond running along the Yarra River has given this inner city suburb character from the south and the north of Melbourne. There’s a strong sports and beer culture with the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) and Rod Laver Arena, so plenty of pub watering holes have struck up for pre or post-match drinks. But shopaholics won’t be let down either, with major labels on Bridge Road, furniture stores on Church Street and galleries on Albert Street. Its central location and regular events and happenings make Richmond a buzzing area, and just a short walk from the CBD, or stops at East, West, North and Central Richmond Stations.

St Kilda – Southeast Suburbs

Melbourne’s premier beachside suburb, St Kilda is a world away from the hectic bustle of the CBD, but just 15 minutes on the 96 or 16 tram. Its waterside location makes it a haven for backpackers, so there are many hostels and flat-shares for short-term accommodation. The seaside atmosphere also encourages al fresco dining, so cafes, bars and restaurants should be high on anyone’s agenda, whether looking for lunch or work. Then there’s, of course, the beach itself, where you will find keen surfers, sailors and sunbathers on a hot summer’s day. If you’re not one for the beach, Albert Park offers less sandy relaxation, or check out the rollercoasters of Luna Park and the warm waters of the St Kilda Sea Baths.

South Yarra – Inner Southeast Suburbs

Designer central, those with money can take full advantage of South Yarra. An affluent area of stylish and expensive shopping, you can expect private mansions, expansive apartments and maintained Victorian terraces. Despite the high prices, South Yarra is densely populated with executives and company directors to enjoy an enriched lifestyle with the Royal Botanic Gardens and the Yarra River on the border. Browse the shops on Chapel Street and Toorak Road, and appreciate the architecture in the north of the suburb towards the river. Use South Yarra Station on Toorak Road.

Prahran – Southeast Suburbs

Always party central, Prahran is student, single and gay-friendly with cool cats and arty types. Vintage items can be found on Greville Street, while more commercial stores are along Chapel Street and the Prahran Market is one of the most popular in the entire city, beckoning foodies and bargain hunters. The main thoroughfare through Prahran, Chapel Street and High Street create a crossroads full of restaurants, cafes and bars. Victorian and Edwardian cottages are prominent, but warehouse conversions and apartments are rising in popularity for single, young professionals. The 6, 8 and 72 trams reach Prahran, and the 78/79 tram travels the length of Chapel Street from St Kilda to South Yarra.

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MELBOURNE HIGHLIGHTS Melbourne, is the most cosmopolitan of all Australia’s cities, with an art scene bursting at the seems and amazing street art on every corner. From live music to amazing cuisine, Melbourne is the mecca for culture vultures and hipsters alike.

Melbourne Fringe Festival

From September to October each year, Melbourne Fringe Festival presents an open-access event hosting a variety of art forms. Through their Independent Arts Program they run the Festival Hub which is a curated space that offers a cross section of the arts on show. The festival celebrates the creativity of Melbourne and brings the city together to celebrate the arts.

Melbourne Cup

A date that every Melbourne resident marks in the calendar is the Melbourne Cup. A major thoroughbred horse race, it takes place on the first Tuesday of November and features a main race at Flemington Racecourse, which 100,000 people attend dressed to the nines for champagne and finger food. Melbourne Cup is an annual public holiday for the state of Victoria, and is regarded as the race that stops the nation.

Melbourne International Comedy Festival

March through to April sees the arrivals of a mega star-studded guest list of international comedians descend upon Melbourne for the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. From acts such as Jack Dee and Alan Davies, you can catch enough comedy to rival the Edinburgh Fringe.

Australian Grand Prix

Each February Melbourne is converted into a racecourse with the arrival of the Formula One Grand Prix. The Australian Grand Prix Circuit is a street circuit around Albert Park Lake, only a few kilometres south of central Melbourne, which sees hundreds of thousands of spectators rock up to watch the races.

Australian Open

The world’s focus is on Melbourne in January during the Australian Open.

As tennis’ finest players battle it out for the champion title, millions of viewers the world over watch their struggle on the famous blue Plexicushion court of Melbourne Park.

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and jam at any of the four locations, invest in your own brewing equipment and pick up a bag of beans to take home with you.

Shop 13 Prahran Market, 163 Commercial Road Queen Vic Market, Shop 73-76 Dairy Produce Hall 109-111 Therry Street 176 Faraday Street, Carlton www.marketlane.com.au

Twenty & Six Espresso

Coffee In Melbourne Regularly making headlines as the coffee capital of the world, Melbourne officially pours the best cup on Earth.

From lattes to espresso with delicate beans radiating different aromas, it’s almost impossible to find a bad cup of coffee in Melbourne, but these cafes, houses and haunts are a good place to start.

Dead Man Espresso

A local favourite for speciality coffee beside breakfast or brunch, get an instant pick-meup at the highest quality and order a helping of poached eggs with avocado or fried eggs with bacon. Looking for something sweeter with your cup of joe?

Try a gluten-free brownie and watch the rest of South Melbourne walk by every day of

the week until 4pm.

35 Market Street, South Melbourne

Axil Coffee Roasters

Extraordinary baristas serving up coffee that has a reputation for keeping people coming back, Axil Coffee Roasters go out in search to find the best beans themselves, including Colombia and El Salvador. With great coffee comes equally as great food. Handmade pastries and bread on the shop floor, Belgian waffles and pretty much anything topped with eggs – breakfast and lunch at Axil are a real pleasure before or during work hours.

322 Burwood Road, Hawthorn www.axilcoffee.com.au

Market Lane Coffee

Coffee truly takes centre stage at Market Lane. Changing throughout the year, you can taste and smell beans from Guatemala, Kenya and El Salvador, with notes of chocolate, honey and cherry.

Pair your cup with a pastry of your choice or a slice of bread

The coffee comes from Seven Seeds, with guest appearances from Market Lane, Clement Coffee Roasters and Reuben Hills, fresh fruit and veg comes from Queen Victoria Market and the baked goods are courtesy of Burnham Bakery & Piggery Cafe. The alternative coffee comes in the way of Affogato (honeycomb ice cream and double espresso) and Mexican Horchata (rice, almond, cinnamon and maple with espresso). Undergoing a recent renovation, Twenty & Six are champions of the hot drink.

594 Queensberry Street, North Melbourne www.twentyandsix.com.au

Proud Mary

Coffee’s all a bit of an experiment at Proud Mary, with talented baristas experienced in cold drip, espresso, pourover, syphon, clover, chemex, clever dripper and French press brewing techniques. Espresso beans come from Ethiopia, Colombia and Costa Rica, and they sell whole beans for you to grind yourself at home, or they can do it for you right in-store.

Find somewhere to nest inside and order an all-day breakfast of Ricotta Hotcakes with rhubarb, pistachio ice cream and fennel pollen meringue.

172 Oxford Street, Collingwood www.proudmarycoffee.com. au

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Melbourne Night Life If you’re in Melbourne, experience the music scene at its best at these vibrant and progressive venues. These are just a sample of what Melbourne has to offer.

This venue sports one of the best soundstystems in Melbourne. Situated in Melbourne’s Colonial Hotel, then venue holds up to 1200 in its four rooms, has a 24 hour license and is the premier spot in the city to ghet your house and techno fix every weekend.

585 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne www.brownalley.com

Revolver Upstairs

Split between two rooms, Melbourne’s Revolver is where you’ll get your taste of cool underground music. With amazing electro acts, DJs and bands, Revolver has a grungey feel to it. The venue’s back room has a 24 hour license, enabling you to keep the party going, and is situated in Prahan.

229 Chapel St, Prahran revolverupstairs.com.au

The Evelyn Hotel

Melbourne’s lively culture comes alive in The Evelyn Hotel through its range of entertainers from local bands as well as international artists. It is a stylish live music venue where one can sit back and appreciate a good beer. The front bar features a pool table. The Evelyn Hotel also has outdoor tables where people can relax and enjoy the bustling affairs of Brunswick Street. Bar. Bandroom.

Bottleshop. Those three things are what The Evelyn Hotel is known for. The Evelyn Bottleshop sells some of the best local beers and wines, as well as many international varieties.

351 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy evelynhotel.com.au 56

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Prince Bandroom

Located at the Prince of Wales Hotel, Prince Bandroom hosts a variety of live music from punk, funk, rock and DJs. For over 75 years, Prince Bandroom has been a legendary live music venue in Australia with great local and international bands playing here time and time again. Even worldwide famous musicians such as Lenny Kravitz, Jack Johnson, Scissor Sisters and Pink have graced the stage. Live music can be heard seven nights a week and there’s something for every music fan.

29 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda princebandroom.com.au

Ding Dong Lounge

Located in the heart of Chinatown, Ding Dong Lounge has hosted a great number of famed musicians in The BandRoom, such as The White Stripes, The Ting Tings, Peaches, The Melvins and Plan B. Local artists like Wolfmother, Children Collide, Shihad and The Grates have also graced the stage. The Kitchen features Cajun home style cooking from Head Chef Chris Weysham, who originates from New Orleans. The Late Night turns Ding Dong Lounge into a dance party into the early morning hours.

18 Market Lane, Chinatown www.dingdonglounge.com.au

Image courtesy of Ding Dong Lounge.

Brown Alley

QUEENSLAND

Discover Queensland Arguably the most diverse state in Australia, Queensland boasts year-round mild weather in the northern tropics, scream-worthy rollercoasters and water rides, some of the oldest undisturbed rainforest in the world, and paradise islands with blinding white sands and crystal clear water. The following demonstrates the landscape you can find and the travel worth embarking on.

Great Barrier Reef

The world famous Great Barrier Reef is one of the seven natural wonders of the world and deservedly so. There are so many things to see and do on the reef and in the area; whether you choose to go on a cruise and stay out on the water or take a day trip, you will see more varieties of marine life and coral than anywhere else on earth. The Great Barrier Reef is actually a collection of many coral reefs, and if you want to have a better chance at seeing a Sea Turtle, it is best that you travel to a reef that has had limited human interaction. The best example of a reef of this nature is Mackay Reef, which lies about 20km east of Cape Tribulation. Over two million visitors flock to the Great Barrier Reef every year, and its 2,600km expanse not only plays host to over 1,500 species of fish, but is also where you can find 10% of the world’s fish varieties, and is even visible from space. You won’t just find coral and fish here; there have been over 30 species of dolphin, whale and porpoise recorded here as well as six types of turtle, making it one of the most precious ecosystems in the world.

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Cape Tribulation

One of the most relaxed and tranquil places in the world, Cape Tribulation is famed for its ancient rainforest, sandy shores and rugged mountains. Not only is it an endless forest, it lies just 100km north of Cairns and 19km west of the Great Barrier Reef, and is encouragingly accessible, so if you ever get the chance to experience it for yourself – take it. There are a tantalising array of choices to discover the rainforest, including guided night walks, 4WD tours, horse riding, kayaking, jungle surfing, and crocodile tours, and accommodation comes in the way of hidden retreats deep in the rainforest with the sounds of the nocturnal wildlife at night.

Fraser Island

Fraser Island is widely known as the world’s largest sand island and one of the East Coast’s most idyllic and sought-after attractions and is a destination set to wow even the most experienced of travellers. Lying off of the Southern Queensland coastline, Fraser Island not only displays some of the most mouth-watering, natural, rainwater lakes the world has to offer, it also has a rather amusing tale to go with it. Originally inhabited by aboriginal tribes, it wasn’t long until it was captured and renamed and this time it was after a shipwreck survivor, Eliza Fraser, who ultimately went mad later in life and became a sideshow attraction at Hyde Park in England. On this idyllic island, you’ll come face to face with dolphins, the lace monitor, stingrays, loggerhead turtles and the pesky but loveable dingo – although do refrain from feeding them as they will eat you or even worse you could be fined $40,000!

Fraser Island image courtesy of Drop Bear Adventures.

Whitsundays

Made up of 74 islands, the Whitsunday group is most renowned for Hamilton Island, Daydream Island, Hayman Island (newly reopened as the exclusive One & Only resort), Whitsunday Island, and as the gateway to a spectacular stretch of the Great Barrier Reef.

The mainland launch pad for the Islands is Airlie Beach, a vibrant, touristy party town with bars, eateries and a plethora of booking agents for all your accommodation and activity needs.

If breath-taking tropical scenery, snorkelling, diving and sailing are what you’re looking for then a tour around the idyllic Whitsunday Islands needs to be top of your Queensland bucket list.

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Whitsundays

Bondi Beach Radio’s Katie Mayors takes us on a Whitsundays adventure, jam-packed with activities and some of the most amazing sights on the planet.

As you descend into the Whitsundays from the air, you are likely already experiencing a sense of awe and wonder.

The water gets gradually lighter, the green atolls rising from within more frequent, and the patchwork reef begins to come into crisper focus the closer you approach this idyllic destination.

things you can do whilst in the Whitsundays.

Scenic Flight

Made up of 74 islands, the Whitsunday group are renowned for Hamilton Island, Daydream Island, Hayman Island (newly re-opened as the exclusive One & Only resort), Whitsunday Island, and of course as the gateway to a spectacular stretch of the Great Barrier Reef.

Breathtaking scenery is inescapable wherever you turn in this pocket of North Queensland, but to behold some of the most startling views you should look to adventuring overhead. A small plane flight soars out through the Coral Sea to the Great Barrier Reef, circling over icons such as Heart Reef and Whitehaven Beach. The aquamarine reefs contrasting with the open sea make this area’s listing as one of the seven natural wonders of the world seem a no-brainer.

The mainland launch pad for the Islands is Airlie Beach, a vibrant, touristy party town with bars, eateries and a plethora of booking agents for all your accommodation and activity needs. Here, we take a look at some of the amazing

GSL Aviation offers multiple flights daily and their friendly pilots are knowledgeable - goofy jokes and all. When soaring over Long Island, pilot Josh Sutherland warned to “be very careful ordering ice tea there” and he explained that

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Pentecost Island ”looks like Homer Simpson’s head” (quite true!). Josh kindly doubled-back over all the essential sights to ensure everyone on each side of the plane got the shots they desired. The Reef and Island Flight takes 60 minutes and will set you back $199, but gives you some postcard-perfect photographs that will make just about every person you know envious of the trip.

Camira Sailing Adventure

Everybody in the Whitsundays knows of, or will encounter, the Camira, but usually recognise it as “the purple catamaran”.

This is Cruise Whitsundays’ fun (alcohol is served from 11am) tour of the islands and the Great Barrier Reef on one of the world’s fastest catamarans.

It is one of the best ways to experience the beautiful Whitehaven Beach.

Made up of 98% pure silica sand (which works wonders brightening jewellery), Whitehaven is a 7km stretch of pristine beach, voted the 5th most beautiful beach in the world this year by Trip Advisor.

“The beach was beautiful,” said Rhiannon from Canberra, who took the day trip on the Camira with her partner James Beaumont. “Everyone had told us about it but you couldn’t believe it until you got there.

Beautiful white sand, crystal clear blue water.”

“People go on and on about how beautiful it is,” added James “but you really have to go there to experience it.”

A full day of sailing aboard this 85ft catamaran, which reaches up to 30 knots, is a sure fire way to experience the endeavour of weaving through

the Whitsunday group’s notable islands, make friends over a few drinks with your fellow sailors, and work up an appetite.

Morning tea, an on-deck BBQ lunch and afternoon tea are all included, as well as snorkel gear and wetsuits, so put away your wallet and pick up your sense of adventure for a day on the sea!

Reefsleep

Imagine reclining on a pontoon

deck 40 nautical miles from land, the Great Barrier Reef surrounding you below and a sky full of stars above.

Add to that the possibility of a massage, a heli flight and/ or scuba diving and you must think we are referring to some Utopian dream. But we assure you that Reefworld is a place, and the option for rolling up a swag or securing a double room to stay overnight is indeed a verifiable, and surely

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restaurant is not busy, it will close early, and you can find that trying to get a table at 8pm is a challenge.

unforgettable, experience.

Available to a maximum of 12 guests per night, the Reefsleep adventure offers people the chance to sip champagne on the deck as the sun goes down over the reef, before watching the Milky Way open above. The two-day adventure starts from $399 per person, and includes transfers, meals (breakfast, two morning and afternoon teas, two buffet lunches and a BBQ dinner on deck), your accommodation out on the reef and guided snorkelling trips.

Airlie Beach

Airlie beach is the mainland gateway to the Whitsundays and Great Barrier Reef. It’s a convenient base for any of the activities the region has to offer, especially as Able Point Marina has connections to most of the islands in the Whitsundays group.

There are some great eating options in Airlie Beach, where for good reason, seafood is king. Most options are within a few streets of each other, mainly along Shute Harbour Road and Airlie Esplanade. Fish D’Vine: Fish Café and Rum Bar is a stand out, and would be at home in most major cities.

Airlie Esplanade is an outdoor 62

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café strip across the road from the beach. It presents many options for brunch or to have a casual lazy meal at any time, and is the right spot to indulge in what you know you came here for: fish and chips! La Tabella Trattoria is our pick, especially for their tasty grilled fish of the day, with chips and garden salad.

Just a short stroll from Airlie’s main drag, Port Drive has a couple of great options for dining. Moroccan nights are evoked in Cha’Mah. Enjoy dishes like chermoula skewered prawns with a cardamom and saffron rice timbal, stuffed roasted capsicums topped with goats cheese and a spicy tomato sauce or an interesting Australian twist with marinated kangaroo kebabs in flat bread with tzatziki and a beetroot relish. Hookah pipes are also available and they host regular Hollywood classic movie screenings. Port Drive also has the popular Denman Cellars Beer Café at which the seafood platters come highly recommended.

Be sure to remember though, that you are not in a big city, so set out to dine early, especially in the quieter seasons. If the

For a small town, there are certainly plenty of pubs and bars to keep you occupied into the night. Start at the biggest beer garden in town, Magnums Hotel, for a game of pool and a few beers or ciders. But be warned, before long you will be propositioned to watch (or take part in) a jelly wrestling or wet t-shirt competition, or a cane toad race. Only in Airlie – and not only at Magnums. Both Boom Nightclub and Mama Africa Bar & Nightclub have ladies nights with topless male waiters. So the nightlife features lots of people getting their kit off, but also lots of bands, DJs and music theme nights such as jungle and R&B if tunes are more your night-time motivation.

Hamilton Island

Hamilton Island is one of the most popular islands in the whole of Queensland. At a size of 650 hectares, it has five resorts and a maximum occupancy of 3,500 people.

If you are after complete indulgence, the world-renown Qualia Resort is the height of luxury, and rooms start at $995 per night. There are also more affordable options, with holiday self-catered rentals that start from $288 per night.

Along the main marina you will find cafes, shops, a popular bakery and the architecturally striking Hamilton Island Yacht Club, which has a deck bar offering prime views across Dent Passage. The main way to get around the island is on golf buggies, which zip every which way you turn. A short wander from the marina and you hit the public tropical pools that sit behind Catseye Beach. Swim up to the pool bar, laze about

in a reclining beach lounge, or dine at the South East Asian inspired Coca Chu restaurant on the beach.

The choice of water sports on Hamilton seems endless.

Whether windsurfing, parasailing, jet skiing, kayaking, paddle boarding, wakeboarding or tube riding is your thing, all are catered for and all are easily booked through the Hamilton Island website.

Daydream Island

Visiting Daydream Island is like stepping back in time to the 80s.

The Atrium sports garish décor, fish-covered staff uniforms, and a soundtrack of easy listening hits like Whitney Houston and Neil Diamond – this is not at all necessarily a good thing.

But young children who never experienced the kitsch of a few decades ago seem over the moon about it. Mini golf! Fish carpet! High five!

Despite the island being a little run-down and in dire need of an interior overhaul, it does have some redeeming qualities, such as a generous buffet breakfast at the Waterfalls Restaurant (make your own pancakes, anyone?), an award-winning Rejuvenation Spa and the resort plays host to an abundance of sea life both in the reef surrounds and at the in-house open-air aquarium – the largest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. The free daily demonstrations allows you to witness a frenzied feeding time, including sharks such as Big Bruce the leopard shark,

mantas Pancake and Pikelet (who are 150kg of sleek wobble) and a variety of fish, including Venus tusk fish, sergeant majors, diamond-scaled mullet and parrot fish. But don’t just look out for the marine life; you are destined to also see a scattering of what looks like a hybrid between a kangaroo and a wallaby basking in the sun on and around the island’s coral beaches. These guys are actually Common Wallaroos, who are not native to this area, but it is believed they were rescued and brought here after the closing down of a wildlife park in the area. However they arrived, they make for great photos, standing or lying before a backdrop of fringed reef and palm trees.

are beautiful year round, but the least preferred time to go is in the warmer months, not necessarily because of the high temperatures, but because October to May is ‘stinger season’. The Box Jellyfish that has become quite common in Queensland waters has enough venom to kill an adult, or at least make them very ill. There are protective measures to lower the risk, such as stinger suits, but the ‘cooler months’, when the temperatures are still up to around 25 degrees, are preferable as the jellyfish do not frequent the water at this time.

August and September are ideal months to visit, but they are also the busiest times, so book ahead.

Getting to the Whitsundays

All levels of accommodation are on offer in the Whitsundays, from the super luxuriant One & Only Resort on Hayman Island or Qualia on Hamilton Island to Backpacker dorm rooms such as Nomads in Airlie Beach.

For mid-range options, try the Balinese-style Blue Horizon Resort Apartments in Airlie, which has a great swimming pool and spa room – the penthouse has three spas and sleeps seven people! The Whitsundays Vista next door offers basic hotel rooms with nice views of Airlie and the Port.

Great Barrier Reef airport is situated on Hamilton Island.

There are direct flights daily from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Cairns operated

by Virgin, Jetstar and Qantas Link. Cruise Whitsundays have nine transfers per day from the airport to Abel Point Marina in Airlie Beach. The trip costs $48 (most via Daydream Island).

The direct crossing takes 50 minutes and takes in some stunning scenery on the way.

Alternately, GSL Aviation offer small plane flights from Airlie Beach to Hamilton Island Airport for $79.

When to Go

As with much of North Queensland, the Whitsundays

Where to Stay

Images and words by Katie Mayors, host of the weekly ‘Wanderlust’ show on Bondi Beach Radio. Twitter and instagram @katiemayors

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EXPAT INTERVIEW: HANA WHITE DROP BEAR ADVENTURES

Living and working in Australia may seem like just a dream to many, but HanaWhite from Bristol, UK has made a success of it. With a brilliant tour company that she co-owns with her fiancé, she has a life that involves four-wheel-driving, chilling on the beach and showing off the island that she has made her home. You’d be a fool to think it didn’t take some hard work, but here’s why she’s not willing to let go of her life on Fraser Island any time soon… guy who worked for a Fraser them out and the next week THE BIG MOVE I first came to Australia in 2004, just travelling, and fell in love with it. I then went home to England, got some cash together and decided to come back in 2008. I lived in Sydney for a couple of years, when a friend came over to see me and said, “What are you doing? You’ve got the same life you had in Bristol, but in Sydney. I thought you came over to Australia for some adventure?” So I jacked my job in, packed my car up and headed for the coast. I stopped in Noosa and met a 64

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Island company. I went out on a tour to Fraser and… didn’t want to leave! I started volunteering at a hostel and four-and-a-half years later I still live here!

I love the simple life and going out collecting wood; it’s very man versus wild – you have to be resourceful. Growing up in a city environment and a rat race, I fell in love with the community. It’s very much like, if you’ve got plenty, share. The man with lots of oranges on his trees will hand

we’ll share our fish. I also love the challenge of living in an eco house; we’re on solar power and we pump up the water from the bore inside the island. I love the four-wheel driving and the fact that there are no roads! It’s a rural way of living, but it’s paradise.

DROP BEAR ADVENTURES

So many people come to Fraser Island all the time and I love helping them connect with it and leave their troubles

behind. As soon as you get on that barge, you settle into island life. Beer o’clock tends to be around 11.30am! I’m inspired by sharing it with other people, so Mark – my fiancé whom I met on the island – and I set up Drop Bear Adventures. Fraser is very easy to be a tour guide, and it’s such a beautiful place, you can turn up at Lake McKenzie and go, “Here you go, guys. Here’s a crystal clear water lake, go and have a swim.” It’s also about sharing the aboriginal culture, the history, the spirituality, getting them to appreciate the fragile eco-system, how special and unique the lake is. They’re never going to see anything like this in the world – Fraser’s got over half of the world’s fresh dune lakes on one island, it’s the only place where rainforest grows on sand.

But we wanted to step away from those buzz words and get people to connect with island life and feel like part of the family. A big thing for us is that people come off the tour and go, “I feel like I’ve just been camping with my mates.” We’re not just a tour company that drives around, drops them off and then the tour guide has a snooze in the car! We are just as enthusiastic as those seeing it for the first time.

Family

I was lucky enough to not have to go through all the visa stuff. My mum came over here when she was sixteen and met a beautiful Aussie man! So I have my Australian passport. When you move abroad, and so far away, you’re on the other side of the world and it’s SO expensive to fly home, you really have to make sure you’re making the

right choice. I miss my family, but every day I feel happy, and I love what I do, and that’s what it’s about. You can hold yourself back from your family, because it’s really just about looking after yourself and knowing that you’re going to have a family at some point, and I want mine to grow up in this environment.

It’s still a challenge, but I brought my family out here a couple of years ago, and as soon as they saw where was – I dropped my mum off at the airport and she grabbed me by the shoulders and said “As long as that island is there, I do not want to see you home.”

I’ve gone from 50 pairs of shoes for every outfit, false nails and hair extensions to haven’t done my nails in about two years, don’t wear shoes and three items in my make up bag! Here, it’s more about going out and surfing and doing stuff with your time, and that’s so good for the soul.

For more information on Drop Bear Adventures head to www.dropbearadventures. com.au www.bbmlive.com

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WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Travel Western Australia

Explore all that this rugged state has to offer, from stunning coast line, to inland adventures...

Broome

Situated in the north of Western Australia, 2237km north of Perth, Broome has a tropical temperature all year round, and features a melting pot of cultures. More famously, Broome is where you will find Cable Beach, which has been rated as one of the best three beaches in the world. Cable Beach is postcard perfect; framed by deep red rocks with complete with translucent turquoise water and gloriously white sand that stretches for miles. Sunset camel rides along the beach are very popular and, for those after a wave, there is often a nice break for body surfing and gentle board surfing – perfect for beginners. At the southern tip of the beach is Gantheaume Point where, at low tide, you can check out tracks left by a carnivorous dinosaur about 130 million years ago, plus Anastasia’s Pool.

Exmouth & Ningaloo Reef Some 1270km north of Perth, the picturesque coastal town of Exmouth is a world away from city living. Situated along the stunning Coral Coast, Exmouth is one of Western Australia’s premier holiday and tourist destinations as the getaway to the World Heritage listed Ningaloo Reef.

There’s plenty on offer adventurers and holidaymakers, including pristine coral reef, striking beaches and spectacular gorges to explore; as well as snorkeling and diving, where you will come face-toface with a kaleidoscopic underwater vista of marine life. Stretching for 260 km, the Ningaloo Reef is one of the world’s largest fringing reefs and is the only large coral reef positioned close to the shore, with its closest point within just 100 metres of shore. Ningaloo Reef is home to the world’s largest fish, the Whale Shark, who visit between April and June. Their docile nature makes swimming and diving amongst them a popular activity for visitors.

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Margaret River

Fancy sun, sea, surf, and… wine? Well then, we’d highly recommend a trip down to Margaret River!

A relatively small town nearly 300 km south of Perth (in the local government zone of the Shire of Augusta-Margaret River), Margaret River nonetheless packs a formidable punch for its size. Perhaps not as well known as the Adelaide Hills or Hunter Valley, it is a winegrowing region of some pedigree and is full of boutique vineyards producing small quantity, but high quality. In terms of national production Margaret River only produces three per cent of all wine grown in Australia, but accounts for 20 per cent of sales of Australian premium wine. They produce a little of everything, from big red Shiraz to crisp clean Chenin Blancs. The Margaret River region also offers great surfing at Surfers Point, and a good spot of whale watching in Geographe Bay.

Karijini National Park is a stunning ancient landscape of rugged red rock with gorges and waterfalls nestled peacefully in its idyllic expanse. Set in the Hammersley Ranges in the heart of the Pilbara region, this is one of Australia’s most extraordinary landscapes. At 627,442 hectares there’s a huge amount to explore, so walking boots are essential, and if you’ve got a four-wheel drive handy you’d be wise to hop in. The park is 1400km from Perth, which works out as a two to three days drive.

Must see sights include Hancock Gorge where you can discover a stunning underground world filled with rock pools and amazing rock formations, Oxer Lookout for a stunning panorama of the park and Hammersley Gorge which features a natural spa pool. There are walking tours available, but to really get away from it all simply plan your own adventure. Dive into the crystal clear pools that offer relief from the oppressive humidity, and marvel at the tropical cascades of the waterfall that tumble from the rocks.

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Images courtesy of Tourism Western Australia

Karijini National Park

Perth Suburbs

Get acquainted with with this stunning city

Fremantle – South-Western Suburbs

Full of harbour-side restaurants and charming markets, eat fish and chips on Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour and pay a visit to the nation’s favourite brewery, Little Creatures. This port town takes just 20 minutes on the train from Perth, and hosts the finest market on the corner of South Terrace and Henderson Street. History is remembered with prison tours, and the fishing industry provides many of the job opportunities. An ideal weekend away from the city, a lot of the accommodation is rented out for holidaymakers rather than long-term rentals.

Cottesloe – West Suburbs

Cottesloe is blessed with a beautiful sandy beach, spanning from Mudurup Rocks and Swanbourne Beach. Adjacent to the sands is a variety of cafes, restaurants and bars, with Sunday Sessions on the weekend beckoning the young, cool crowd. It has everything you could want from a beach-bum lifestyle, and is one of the most sought-after places to live with big but expensive houses, but is easily accessible with just a few minutes’ train journey from the Perth CBD. Locals are famously proud of their environment and conserving Cottesloe the way it is today, and you will often see them dog-walking, cycling or running the length of the beach.

Subiaco – Inner Western Suburbs

Just off of Perth’s city centre, Subiaco has an actual high street and shopping district, which is rare in this city. Clothes shopping is designer-focused and cosmopolitan, while food is strictly gourmet with cafes and restaurants, bars and clubs for all hours of the day. The streets are lined with trees and the city centre is just three stops on the train. Those potentially interested in the local primary school can even check it out at the weekly farmer’s market, or get your bits and pieces from Subiaco Pavillion Market. A mixture or modern and period homes sit side by side, but both are large and pretty pricey.

Northbridge – Inner Suburbs

The party capital of Perth, Northbridge is full of hip and arty alternatives, students and young professionals looking to be in the thick of a good time. One kilometre north of the city centre, cafes, restaurants, bars and nightclubs bring the area to life (albeit a bit too much come chucking-out time) while the array of international food choices represents its mash up of cultures. All the major art galleries of Western Australia are here, apartments are growing but period homes are the majority, and you can just stroll to the CBD.

Leederville – Inner Suburbs

Vibrant, fun and cool, Leederville is the place to be for young professionals, students and young families.

Accommodation is modern, with town houses and apartment blocks, and socialising happens on Oxford Street, with burger joints, cafes and pubs for the evening. There is good public transport, with Leederville on the Joondalup line.

South Perth – Inner Southern Suburbs

Two kilometres from the CBD, South Perth lies across the picturesque Swan River and is blessed with parklands, leafy roads and the Perth Zoo. The separation of the river makes South Perth much quitter but still accessible with the ferry between the suburb and Barrack Street Jetty taking just five minutes.

Restaurants offers priceless views of the city skyline and luxury apartments have risen up along the foreshore for alternative accommodation to the city centre. For cheaper apartments, head further inland, towards Victoria Park, which offer more student-friendly prices.

Victoria Park – Inner Southern Suburbs

One of the most culturally diverse suburbs in Perth, Victoria Park serves up delicious food from around the world, whether you want Vietnamese, Italian or Mexican. These and more can be found on the dining strip, Albany Highway, the longest in Perth with fine dining and more casual venues. The large student population and modern brick homes are probably why accommodation is cheap compared to the rest of Perth, but it’s still just 10 minutes southeast of the city centre.

Mount Lawley – Inner Northern Suburbs

Where all the indie cool kids hang out, Mount Lawley is five minutes from the CBD and is one of the quirkier, cool areas of Perth. Street art, eclectic bars, alternative cafes and live music venues line the streets. Beaufort Street is where you’ll find most of the activity, with shops, coffee hotspots and the oldest live music venue in Perth still going strong. With so much to do, everyone who wants to live here is accommodated for, with student flats, contemporary homes and classic Federation houses that have either been well maintained or restored.

Mount Hawthorn - Inner Northern Suburbs

The tree-lined streets, good shopping and friendly locals of Mount Hawthorn make it a desirable place to live. Self-contained from the city centre, the school and parks make it ideal for young families, and the café culture has young professionals flocking. There are enough pubs and live music venues, plus a shopping centre, to keep it buzzing but not rowdy at night. A 10-minute train ride from the CBD, rental homes can range from affordable to expensive and are generally period townhouses and heritage buildings.

PerthNightLife Perth is not on the same scale as Sydney and Melbourne, but don’t let that fool you. There are a great collection of bars, restaurants, live music venues that provide you with a great night out. Below, we pick out some of the best venues to visit for a tasty meal, some great drinks and places to check out live entertainment.

For a one of a kind experience then visit The Conservatory Rooftop Bar where you can enjoy a refreshing cocktail or beer while you look out upon the panoramic views of Perth. This can be enjoyed throughout the year as the rooftop bar is fitted with a retractable roof and there is more to it than the bar. With an open air garden, function areas and private dining you can host a special occasion there and how else can you celebrate but with premium champagne? Entertainment comes in the form of special guest DJs invited every weekend.

356 Murray Street, Perth, www.theconservatory.net.au

Wolf Lane Bar

Taking on a New York loft type vibe, you will be able to find this little hidden bar in the Perth laneways. You’ll notice the high ceilings as you enter the bar then see the vintage style furnishings on the bare brick walls as you’re transported into a late night bar in the Big 70

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Apple. The Wolf Lane is a great destination for some after work drinks or if you need a quick bite to eat and customers are invite to wind down to the eclectic tunes from local DJ’s, cocktail in hand and nibbling on a sharing platter with a group of friends.

321 Murray St www.wolflane.com.au

Andaluz Bar

Inspired by the luxury Spanish decorations and the Spanish theme continues with Andaluz’s unrivalled tapas and cocktail menu. The bar can be found tucked away in the basement of the Parker and Parker building, so be sure to keep your eyes open or you might miss it. With dimly lit rooms and vintage lounge chairs you will easily find yourself well relaxed as you enjoy your company and drinks.

Feeling peckish? Whet your appetite with their delectable tapas dishes or sharing platters and refresh your palate with a glass of bubbly.

21 Howard Street www.andaluzbar.com.au

Mustang Bar

It’s a well-known sports bar in Perth which puts on several great nights that bring in lively crowds such as Rockabilly Music on Mondays and Saturdays. Each day of the week there is an event that will entertain its regulars and attract newcomers. On Tuesdays you can learn some smooth moves at the free salsa night, Wednesday is tailored for those backpackers and students that get to tuck into a delicious $5 BBQ meal. Included on the night is a live band from 9:30pm. On Thursday you can check out the live bands and Jazz on Friday.

Those that are more enthusiastic for sport won’t be let down, with 11 screens showing the latest local and international games and matches, from rugby, cricket and football, on a range of channels.

46 Lake Street, Northbridge www.mustangbar.com.au

Image courtesy of The Conservatory Rooftop Bar.

The Conservatory Rooftop Bar

Perth Highlights The following events in Perth bring everyone Fremantle Festival Fremantle is home to Australia’s longesttogether for memorable times and annual running festival, which bursts onto the highlights. scene each year with full-on colour and

quintessential Fremantle style. The community comes together to put on a program of over 100 cultural events and shows. From stage productions of dance, drama and music to art exhibitions and food showcases, the range of things to see and do aims to represent Fremantle at its best.

Rottofest

Sunday Music at Fremantle Arts Centre

Throughout summer, Fremantle Arts Centre presents Sunday Music in the Front Garden. With local and national touring acts giving free performances, the garden becomes covered with picnic blankets and chairs of those lucky enough to find a space to nest and enjoy some easy-listening Sunday sessions. With the warmth of summer beaming down and the luscious grounds of Fremantle Arts Centre to relax on, there are worse ways to spend a Sunday afternoon.

Swan Festival Of Lights

The Perth foreshore lights up with colours, rhythms and flavours to celebrate Diwali every year and the Perth Festival hope, peace and harmony A celebration of the arts, Perth Festival that light symbolises. The welcomes contemporary artists in their ‘row of lights’ festival will thousands from every corner of the Earth to celebrate Perth’s diversity express thought, creativity and innovation. and togetherness with From standing venues to outdoor spaces dance, music, art and food, and the streets of Perth, this festival hosts so attendees are welcome numerous events and shows in the realms to relax beneath the Perth of music, theatre, dance, writing, film and night sky and marvel at the visual arts, some of which are Australia or kaleidoscope of colour. world exclusives.

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Images courtesy of Perth Festival, Rottofest, Swan Festival Of Lights & Fremantle Arts Centre.

A festival of music, comedy and film is just a ferry ride from Perth, providing a weekend of local, national and international acts for fun-loving revellers to enjoy with friends.

Whether discovering something or someone new, spending a few days camping on beautiful Rottnest Island or going in search of the famous quokka, Rottofest brings the freshest in on-stage talent from around the world.

GUEST ARTICLE

Road Trip Wester n Australia

Intrepid Travel adventure travel consultant Louise Burton takes the road trip of a life time through Western Australia...

Western Australia is one of those places which seems larger than life, where you begin to feel small against the sheer scale of nature.

A 10-day road trip from Perth to Broome will bring you face to face with the region’s unique landscapes and fascinating culture. Although some mornings start at 5:30am, you won’t have any trouble getting out of bed.

From land, to ocean, there are lots of unique experiences to be had in Western Australia, as I found out on a recent trip down under. We had some incredible experiences on our trip; from swimming with nature’s gentle giant – the whale shark – to sand boarding down huge dunes, and rubbing shoulders with the locals around the campfire, on an overnight in a remote cattle station.

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A highlight was snorkeling with manta rays and turtles in the turquoise water on the Ningaloo reef. We were lucky enough to have a front row seat for whale watching in our kayaks, as humpback whales swam just meters away beyond the reef’s edge, spritzing the surface of the ocean through their blowholes.

Getting back onto dry land, another real highlight of our trip in WA took us to Karijini National park where we loved scaling the sheer gorges with one man and his passion for the wilderness.

With an apt name, Pete West of West Oz Adventures took us repelling, tubing, abseiling, and free climbing into the most remote gorges of Karijini NP. We saw the oldest exposed rock on planet earth, ate lunch deep in a remote gorge beside a crystal clear lake, where the

sun peeked through the rock to keep us warm in the cool afternoon. Perhaps the most exciting part was being taken to a place where very few people get to go as we explored the restricted zone of Karijini (as well as becoming Canyoneers for the day!). We enjoyed the simple moments here too, like sleeping in swags outside and staring into the starry sky to drift off to sleep, and jumping into the cold gorge pools which took our breath away – literally.

relish this way of travelling, but will also fall in love with Western Australia.

Far Far Away

Perhaps one of the most unique things is the remoteness; driving through scrub lands, sometimes on dirt tracks, and with the occasional sheep farm lining the road, you really do feel like the only people for miles around are you and your group (most of the time you really are!).

Of course there is the odd roadhouse to pick up snacks, a coffee, use the toilet, and grab some wine or beer to accompany the evening meal.

It’s not until you rock up in the civilisation of Broome ten days later that you realise just how sparse the human population has been on your journey.

All this adventure awaits, but sometimes just standing still, and soaking up the vistas that surround you, creates seriously humbling moments.

The Practicalities

Contrary to stereotype, you can overland and stay clean - amazing right? Hot showers are available everywhere you overnight, usually in shared shower blocks. When camping in Karijini National Park, you have the option for a solar powered shower, but if you are travelling in the Winter season be prepared for a cold shower… or no shower.

Cooking fresh food every night is a real luxury on an over landing trip - your guide will plan menus so all you have to do is figure out if it’s your night to cook and clean, and take instruction from the master.

And to accompany that meal?

Well there’s nothing quite like drinking local Australian wine from a tin camping mug.

Be prepared for “mind blowing”, “epic”, and “amazing” to escape your mouth on a daily basis as you experience Australia’s unique rugged coastline.

On a group tour, you don’t have to worry about running out of gas or navigating the roadside kangaroos, because your driver (who also doubles up as your informative travel guide) deals

with this. You just need to enjoy the ride, be open minded, occasionally offer your I-pod for in-truck entertainment, and have your camera at the ready, because you might not quite believe what your eyes saw the first time. After just ten days on the west side down under, you will be sure to feel alive.

Louise has just returned from three months travelling on Intrepid Travel trips around the world, after she was the lucky winner of a travel scholarship.

Intrepid Travel’s 10-day Perth to Broome starts from $1,800 per person, including accommodation, selected meals, transport and a local guide.

Log on to Intrepidtravel.com to view all their fantastic trips available.

Words and images by Louise Burton, Intrepdid Travel

Bunks, camping, cabins, getting stuck in with cooking and cleaning; there are practicalities of travelling overland to bear in mind. For adventure seekers, this is the kick they have been dreaming of; in fact all of the above is their idea of fun!

If you crave days filled with new experiences and places, with a group of likeminded people (you will definitely have a new BFF by the end!), and feel the force of nature as it surrounds you 360 degrees, you will not only

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The Trip Of A Lifetime In 2013, BBMLive.com ran a competition to give two lucky Brits the ultimate Australian adventure, and send them packing, from the UK, to some of Australia’s most amazing travel destinations.

Alice Marples and Jake Mellor embarked upon their amazing excursion in November 2013, flying into Adelaide from Manchester, where they took The Ghan to Alice Springs to soak up some true Aboriginal sights. From Alice Springs they ventured to Fraser Island, then to Brisbane where they picked up a Mighty Campers van to embark upon their journey down Sydney. Along the way they visited Dream World, courtesy of Gold Coast Tourism, before reaching Spot X where they took part in Mojo Surf’s surf camp. One they’d reached Sydney, they ventured out to the stunning Blue Mountains, they got interviewed by the Wanderlust Travel Show on Bondi Beach Radio, and then built up the courage to complete a sky dive! It’s fair to say Alice and Jake fully embraced the all-Australian experience, which they’ve described as “completely life changing.”

Here’s a few highlights from their Australian Adventure...

“This tour was definitely a memorable adventure. It included entry to the national park and visitor centre which shared some of the aboriginal ways of life and stories about the surrounding land. We saw Ayers Rock, Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon from a distance (during sunset and sunrise) and visited them up close / hiking around the grounds, it really was just breath-taking. The outback was a place that felt so far far away from home; red, dry and hot, quite literally the opposite to the Derbyshire Dales we’re used too.” from home; red, dry and hot, quite literally the opposite to the Derbyshire Dales we’re used too.”

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The Ghan / Red Centre - 3 Days with Way Out back Tours; Uluru (Ayers Rock) Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon Tour “This experience was one to remember, and a different way to go across country. The cheerful staff accompanied by swing music throughout the journey, made this really something special.”

Blue Mountains “By far our favourite part of the trip, the Abseil/Empress Falls Canyon tour was an amazing adventure - we abseiled cliff edges up to 20metres with overhangs.

Turning 360 degrees whilst hanging from that high was just a breath-taking experience, stunning views for miles out to the Blue Mountains. The adventure then continued to an action packed swimming, scrambling and wading through the canyon, climbing over rocks and trees in our path and jumping into natural fresh water pools.. which was FRESH to say the least. This all led to the big 30 metre abseil down Empress Falls, a truly amazing once in a lifetime feeling that I’ll never forget.

Freezing cold water pounding down on your head, whilst moving down the slippery rock surface was such a buzz.”

“Our Favourite spot though was Darling Harbour, we’re both such big lovers of food, so it was obvious we’d spend our 4 year anniversary out for dinner here. We were told they held fireworks every Saturday evening, and boy did they put on a show, it really was something special for us and made us love the city even more.”

Mojo Surf Spot X Camp “Someone thought they were a pro surfer *cough, cough Jake* ...show off Surfing was so much fun and such an amazing feeling actually standing and surfing a wave, I could really see myself getting into it if I lived by the beach... just a little more practice and I’d be like Mr Show Off.”

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Sydney Skydivers

“We’re a pair of adrenaline junkies, so this was just an epic way to end our trip, quite literally on a high. Excuse my cabbage patch face being blown away in photo’s and as my facebook friends have now named my ears..

A.K.A ‘earlips’ haa! Give me a break I’m free-falling from 14,000 feet, there were worse photos with dribble and cod eye that I could have shared with the world.”

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Who You Gonna Call?

There are many times where you could face an emergency in Australia, and if you do happen to find yourself in a situation where you require professional assistance, you will need to make note of these emergency contact numbers in Australia.

Emergency Services (police, ambulance, fire brigade)

000

The Royal Flying Doctor Service: Western Australia

1800 625 800

South Australia

08 8648 9555

Queensland

07 4654 1443

NSW, Victoria, Tasmania

08 8088 1188

Search and Rescue: Maritime

1800 641 792

Aviation

1800 815 257

Bushfire Information Line (Victoria)

1800 240 667

Sexual Health Clinic (Queensland)

1300 003 707

Crime Stoppers (Sydney)

1800 333 000

Lifeline (Suicide Helpline - Sydney)

131 114

Health Direct

1800 022 222

St John’s Ambulance (Perth/Adelaide)

08 9334 1222

Nurse On Call

1300 60 60 24

Poisons Information Centre (Victoria)

131 126

Main Roads Western Australia

138 138

State Emergency Service

13 25 00

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Aussie Slang

The locals may speak English Down Under, but you’ll find the odd word or phrase used every now and then that will throw you off. Australians have many phrases or slang terms that you’ll need to learn to keep up with what the locals are talking about. Below is a list of 23 words and phrases to listen out for.

Aerial Ping Pong = Australian Rules Football

Hard yakka = Hard work

Arvo = Afternoon

Durries = Cigarettes

Avo = Short for avocado

Ocker = A person with poor social skills/ manners, often speaking with a strine

Bottle-o = A liquor store. Short for what Australians call a newsagents/bottle shop; also the name of one of the bottle shops Canadian passport = A mullet hairstyle Coathanger = The Sydney Harbour Bridge Cubby house = Outdoor playhouse for children Dag = Someone who doesn’t dress well and/or has unrefined manners Doona = Duvet Esky = Ice cooler Grannie flat = A separate living accommodation, usually attached to the home or in a separate building in the back of the home.

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Pohm = Also can be Pom, Pommie, Pommy, Pohmmy or Pohmmie. A term used by Australians when referring to English people Poo tickets = Toilet paper Rellie/Relo = A relative, family member Rockmelon = Cantalope Scratchies = Scratch lottery tickets Schooner = Pronounced “skooner,” it’s a large beer glass, generally holding a pint or more Tin lids = Kids Snag = Sausage Thongs = Flip-flops