Australia Work & Travel Guide #1 Sydney

AUSTRALIA Work & Travel Guide

#1 Getting Started Sydney

GETTING STARTED

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

Inside we interview expats, business owners, 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 detals

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Accommodation Mortgages Advice Work Migration & Visas Sydney Suburbs Sydney Lifestyle Travel

The Team Editor: Hannah Shakir

hannah.shakir@what-media.com

Director: 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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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 effort. To save you hours of scrolling through search engines we’ve put together a collection of some our favourite accommodation bookings sites 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 on our very own bbmlive.com, we have a basic listing of some of our favourite hostels and accommodation around the country, however 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, 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 4 or 5 star hotel for a fraction of the price.

Moving onto Apartments and a new trend that 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 in a with a secure platform that holds your deposit and rent until you and the flat owner has 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

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house while you’re away, you can even earn points 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 sixmonth 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 also 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 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, as mentioned above 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 Non Residents

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. Australian government approval will be required, specifically, 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 in 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 in Australia log on to www.homeloanexperts.com.au

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WORK

The Best Job Websites 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 to for your second year visa. www.jobsearch.gov.au

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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 don’t even have 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 are 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 obv

Applying For Work In Australia Applying for jobs in Australia when on a Working Holiday Visa is difficult enough, yet how about when you are overseas?

Surprisingly, applying for work from overseas 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 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 returning to Australia after your working holiday visa is up, 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 are and will actively encourage migrants to settle there.

It must be nice to feel wanted. Do consider, if you were willing to work in a regional area your chances

of gaining work in Australia would be significantly increased.

If you are leaving Australia, do not fret that the dream is rapidly fading away. You can still maintain a presence 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 one – 12 weeks before you expect to fly out. Prepare your CV and add a short cover letter which details your visa status with dates on which 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 information on working in Australia visit the following page on our website www.bbmlive.com/getting-started-in-australia

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MIGRATION

Live The

Dream

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

Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417)

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 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

To obtain this visa, you must: • Be sponsored by an approved business • Have the skills to do 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

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

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 recently signed a work and holiday agreement with Australia, but at the time of writing, the start date for this has not been announced.

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 8

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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 o 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. You must be in Australia when the visa is applied for and when the decision is made.

Expat Interview

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 fastpaced 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.

“I started working as a DJ pretty quickly, making a few connections.

The prospect of starting a new life in another country can be daunting, but not for Brit, Graham Cordery who left the UK to travel the world and wound up in Australia, and is still there ten years later with a successful business portfolio including Experience Entertainment, and Soda Factory, one of Sydney’s cooleset bars.

Here’s how he did it...

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.”

Read the full interview on www.bbmlive.com/ celebrity-interviews

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MIGRATION

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/ generalskilled-migration/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 coming 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 forward planning will go a long way.

Nurses and Teachers need to get registered in 10

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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/school-careers/teaching/your-teachingcareer/trained-teachers/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 here 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 lodging your visa visit: www.arriveaustralia.com.au

By John McQuaid, Director Arrive Australia MARN #0532545

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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 an extremely popular as a residential suburb with tourists and residents a like. It’s 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 summer 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 7 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,boutiques shop, caffee’s, 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 type’s, its also famous for it’s 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 the 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 just a stone’s throw away 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 ocean pool that will encourage even the laziest coach potato to get involved. Coogee is packed with such a wide range of quality restaurants, cafe’s and bars that you’re only issue here may be that you forget to see the rest of Australia as it’s got it all.

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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LIFESTYLE

Sydney Coffee Culture

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 have heard about Australia is that it has an epic coffee culture.

We take our hats off to these Aussies as they’ve not only created the flat white but some how turned socialising into a hobby.

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 houses.

Ca mpos Coffee

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 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 14

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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

F lat White

The best coffee shops tend to be a bit hidden and that is definitely true of Flat White. Not only is it underneath Richard Martin Art Gallery and around the corner, but it is unseen from only those who know just how much of a hidden gem it is – the locals. It is abuzz with mums, friends and workers all grabbing a cup of Flat White’s famous own brew coffee to start their day. Check out the specials board for daily sandwiches made fresh to order or the all day breakfast menu, followed by a gander at some fabulous works or art upstairs. Flat White sets the bar high for Sydney’s coffee craze culture.

98 Holdsworth Street, Woollahra, Sydney

Coffee Alchemy

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

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 physicallychallenging 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, pump-style 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

Check out more health activties at www.bbmlive.com/things-to-do-sydney

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SYDNEY

Hidden Bars In Sydney Sydney siders are well known socialites so when it comes to creating bars, it’s something they excel at. If you know where to look, the city is packed with quality bars, ranging from American inspired whiskie bars to to low key love nests. Trust that we enjoyed finding these for you.

Absinthe Salon

With a Parisian vibe in a discreet location, the Absinthe Salon invites customers to delight in authentic Swiss and French absinthe. Not for the faint hearted, indulge in a selection of thirty whole herb distilled absinthes, discover how it is made and properly consumed, and compliment it with the $8 plate of almond biscotti, sugar pretzels and chocolate biscuits to sweeten your palate.

87 Albion Street, Sydney absinthesalon.com.au

Baxter Inn boasts 360 different whiskies, traditional Australian wines and ports and beer on tap. With complimentary pretzels for every round of drinks and live performances regularly, the Baxter Inn is a great location to wind down with a group of friends.

Basement/152-156 Clarence Street, Sydney thebaxterinn.com

Love Tilly Devine

A pocket-sized venue situated in a low-key area of town, Love Tilly Devine boasts an exceptional wine list. Why limit your indulgence to the night time? Love Tilly Devine opens on Sunday afternoons at 4pm! A perfect location to get lost in an old novel over a glass of Chardonnay, there is no reason not to relax at Love Tilly Devine this weekend.

91 Crown Lane, Darlinghurst lovetillydevine.com

The Grasshopper

The Baxter Inn

By Naomi Finniss

A candle-lit, American inspired basement bar, The

The Grasshopper is an eccentric and vibrant bar, nestled in a side alley between the Strand Arcade and Hilton Hotel. Voted the Best Small Bar of the Year 2010 by Australian Bartender Magazine, the venue is a great space to reminisce with friends over a refreshing cocktail or two. With quirky second hand furnishings and an organic food and wine menu, you’ll love the originality and vitality of this hidden bar in Sydney’s CBD. 1 Temperance Lane, Sydney thegrasshopper.com.au

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’T N DO ISS M

Jonkanoo

Once inside this Caribbean joint, you will feel the origins from where it takes its name. Inspired by the street carnivals of Jamaica, Venezuela and the Bahamas, Jonkanoo celebrates the culture of the Caribbean, its people, music, dance and cuisine. The result is a concoction of small and large dishes, from street foods to curries, quintessential rum cocktails like Bahama Mama, and ice-cold bottles of Red Stripe. Or why not go for the classic jerk chicken with rice and peas on the side?

583 Crown Street, Surry Hills www.jonkanoo.com.au

Holy Kitsch!

Revive your senses with the contents of Holy Kitsch! Quirky collectibles, handmade art and creative gifts flood the shelves so browsing is an experience alone. From Australia to Central America, products are imaginative, artistic and, quite frankly, random. Pick up a skull, candelabra or hand painted mirror to decorate your home.

321 Crown Street, Surry Hills 4-6 Enmore Road, Newtown www.holykitsch.com.au

Looking for fun activities in Sydney? Here’s some of our favourite places to visit.

The Hughes Gallery - Lucy Culliton ‘Weeds Of The Monaro And Others’

Arisaig Tea Rooms

Arisaig is all about friendly Scottish hospitality, which is why this establishment serves up satisfying food and delicious drinks to warm your heart.

Come for breakfast, lunch or dinner and enjoy a pick-me-up in the way of themed cocktails like the Aberdeen Slammer and Dundee Martin, or a wee dram of scotch whiskey courtesy of Glenmorangie, Laphroaig and Lagavalin.

The Reader’s Digest Building, 26 Waterloo Street, Surry Hills www.arisaigtearooms.com.au

From 4th September, you can appreciate the talent of Lucy Culliton, an oil painter who discovered inspiration in her garden, and has produced a collection of works on wild flowers including, perhaps surprisingly, weeds. Rich with colour and texture, Lucy brings these dandelions and thistles to life, enhancing their wilderness and freedom. This exhibition also includes Culliton’s love of landscape painting, as she paints the surroundings of her house, and portraits of Hilda Rix Nicholas’s minikins dolls, as she demonstrates her skills in surfacing and texture.

270 Devonshire Street, Surry Hills www.thehughesgallery.com

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TRAVEL

Your Adventure Starts Here

Book your travels with any of these guys and you’re sure to be in for the time of your life...

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 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 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 18

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WHITSUNDAYS BUCKET LIST to whet their appetite, so you can indulge in a delectable meal after a long day of spending.

Cedar Creek Falls

If 74 tropical islands situated off the coast of Queensland don’t sound like an ideal retreat from the bustle of city life, then what does?

Here are our recommendations for the top five things to do in the Whitsunday Islands.

Scuba Diving

Feeling adventurous? The Whitsundays are a great location to experience scuba diving for the first time, or rekindle your passion if you have been previously. The Great Barrier Reef offers iconic scuba diving and snorkelling sites with plenty of diving operators. Allow experienced snorkelling instructors to guide you through the clear turquoise waters and get up close and personal to marine life. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, turtles, and all manner of fish.

Take a trip to the Cedar Creek Falls and soak up divine beauty of the natural world. Situated around twenty kilometres from Proserpine, these picturesque waterfalls provide visitors an all year round natural pool to take a quick dip or a long, relaxing bathe. Relish the exotic vegetation, including wild orchids and white and red cedars, and make sure you explore the surroundings with the several bush walks available around the falls.

Spa Days

The Whitsundays are an oasis of tranquillity, and what better way to make the most of your relaxation than with a spa day? Spoil yourself with a few hours of pampering in one of the several day spa’s that the islands have to offer. Indulge in a hot stone back massage, foot reflexology or facial with a glass of bubbly waiting for you once your treatment is complete.

Whale Watching

From June to September, don’t miss out on an unforgettable experience. On their yearly migration north, Humpback and Pilot whales congregate among the islands and tourists are welcomed to sign up for whale sighting boat tours.

Make sure you bring your camera along – you’ll certainly want to snap a few pics as you cruise through the calm, protected waters and try your luck at sighting the rare white Humpback.

Shopping and Dining

If you’ve experienced a taste of the Whitsundays’ wildlife and fancy a couple of hours indoors, the islands also boast excellent shopping and dining venues. For the shopaholics among us, Airlie Beach is an ideal destination for a few hours browsing and grabbing a bite to eat. Purchase hand crafted souvenirs, designer swimwear and general attire in the eclectic shops on offer, with several supermarkets and pharmacies also available. The eateries comprise locally sourced seafood and international wine and beers for you

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