BBM LIVE DECEMBER ISSUE 747

EDITOR Hannah Shakir hannah.shakir@what-media.com SPORTS & NEWS EDITOR Richard Gadsby SUB EDITOR Charlotte Mellor SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER Bryony Curtis CONTRIBUTORS Omar Soliman, Lillie Almond, Jade Cayton, Robert Bramhill, Bryony Curtis, Alastair Davidson, Laura Castillo, Aleem Koroma, Arti Rajput, Merlin Ramos, Sophie Saint, Chelsea Forsyth, Lesley-Jane Carroll, Catriona Harvey-Jenner, Emma Walker, Lucie Potter WEB DEVELOPMENT Luke Webber DESIGN Basil Thomas design@what-media.com Michael Cusack James Edwards PRINT & WEB ADVERTISING & MARKETING Tom Shakir tom.shakir@what-media.com +61 2 8005 8162 James Edwards promotions@what-media.com Lucie Potter marketing1@what-media.com CLASSIFIEDS & LISTINGS info@what-media.com +61 2 8005 8162 PRINTED BY SPOTPRESS NOTE TO ADVERTISERS Gaining the approval for the use of trademarks and images in advertisments is the responsibility of the advertiser and not What Media Pty Ltd. Advertising material is accepted in good faith and What Media Pty Ltd bears no responsibility for any claims or errors. Copyright of original material is held by What Media Pty Ltd. Reproduction in whole or part is forbidden except with written permission of the publishers.

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HIGHLIGHTS What: Let Them Eat Cake When: 1st January Where: Werribee Park, Werribee South More info: www.letthemeatcakenyd.com.au

Big Day Out

At BBM, we recognise that there is an abundance of festivals and cultural events that you could experience. So, we’ve picked out the very best festivals that you’ll be needed to pencil in your diary for 2014!

SLAM Beach Volleyball Festival

Back for its 14th season, SLAM will be hitting up Australia’s beaches in December, January and February. This is the biggest national volleyball event in the Southern Hemisphere, with over 3000 competitors playing all over the country from Scarborough Beach in W.A. to Surfer’s Paradise in QLD. Tickets are $40 per player so register your team today!

What: SLAM Beach Volleyball Festival Where: North Cronulla, Noosa, Scarborough, St Kilda, Surfer’s Paradise When: 7th December 2013 - 1st February 2014 More info: www.slamfestival.com.au

Falls Festival

A staple in the Australian music calendar, Falls Festival will serenade you into the New Year thanks to headlining acts such as The Kooks, The Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Vampire Weekend, MGMT and Grizzly Bear. Comedy acts will also be performing to keep ticket-holders in fits of giggles including Amos Gill, Dave Callan and David Quirk. Tickets for Victoria and New South Wales have sold out, but you can still grab one for Tasmania, so hurry up!

What: Falls Festival Where: Marion Bay, Tasmania When: 29th December 2013 - 1st January 2014 More info: fallsfestival.com.au

Let Them Eat Cake

The festival that made an explosive debut on New Year’s Day 2013 is back for more this coming 1st January 2014. With the parklands of Werribee Mansion as its location, Let Them Eat Cake has plenty to entice, including acclaimed artisanal cuisine, and cake and secret cocktail bars. The line-up also promises to deliver, with UK Dance duo Bicep, Drum & Bass producers Digital, Cyril Hann and many more taking to the stage.

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Big Day Out is an international music festival that takes place across both Australia and New Zealand over a few weeks. Headlining acts in 2014 will include Toro Y Moi, Snoop Lion and Major Lazer. The first festival took place in 1992 and has grown to incorporate a mixture of Contemporary Rock, Electronic music and Pop acts, so there will definitely be something to your taste. Don’t forget to check out the website for the release of sideshow news and tickets to watch your favourite acts up close.

What: Big Day Out Where: Sydney, Gold Coast, Adelaide, Melbourne, Perth When: 17th January – 2nd February More info: www.bigdayout.com

Yabun Festival

The Yabun festival is the largest single day festival across Australia, known to draw audiences of up to 15,000. The festival celebrates the unique sounds produced by indigenous tribes and its reach spans the entire country, with contributions by both established and up-and-coming artists. The festival seeks to provide a strong cultural influence and education as leaders in the aboriginal community act as guest speakers.

What: Yabun Festival Where: Victoria Park, Sydney When: 26th January More info: gadigal.org.au

ATP I’ll Be Your Mirror

This event provides a blend of music, film and art to satisfy your hunger for creativity. The inaugural event was said to be one to cherish and will live on forever in memory. Artists and bands are invited to curate the event by picking their favourite performers to participate in the show. Among the featured artists will be My Bloody Valentine and Standish/Carlyon.

What: ATP I’ll Be Your Mirror Where: Altona North, Melbourne When: 16th - 17th February More info: www.atpfestival.com

Soundwave

Keen on a day of head-banging and angry men shouting? Soundwave will be your remedy as they showcase the best of Metal music. Nine Inch Nails and Lamb of God are just a few examples of the prime acts that have featured at the festival, and this year will be no disappointment with the billing including Green Day, Avenged Sevenfold and Korn. With huge queues a customary part of the event, you know you are in store for a memorable experience.

What: Soundwave Where: Sydney, Melbourne, Gold Coast, Perth, Adelaide, Auckland When: 22nd February - 3rd March More info: soundwavefestival.com

Adelaide Cabaret Festival

The Adelaide Cabaret Festival offers up something different than your regular music festival.

Renowned internationally, the best local talent will entertain you in various mediums. Comedy, satire, contemporary Rock, Blues, Swing and Jazz are all catered for in the two-week long festivities.

What: Adelaide Cabaret Festival Where: Adelaide Festival Centre, Adelaide When: 6th - 21st June More info: www.adelaidecabaret.com

Cairns Indigenous Art Fair

The Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) is a celebration of Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. Over three days, you are invited by the Yidinji people to learn about the art and traditions of Cairns and beyond, with speakers from Australia and abroad discussing the Queensland indigenous art scene. There will also be a market showcasing and selling art of both commercial galleries and Indigenous centres, the only art fair in the country to do this.

What: Cairns Indigenous Art Fair Where: Various locations in Cairns When: 14th – 17th August More info: www.ciaf.com.au

OzAsia Festival

OzAsia Festival provides everyone with an insight into traditional and contemporary Asian cultures.

Theatre, dance, music, film and visual arts are all encompassed in the ten-day event. Of all the events, the Moon Lantern festival should be the most engaging visually, as 20,000 people recreate a traditional Asian lantern ceremony in Elder Park.

What: OzAsia Festival Where: Adelaide Festival Centre, Adelaide When: 5th - 21st September More info: www.ozasiafestival.com.au

Listen-Out

Not all festivals are laden with mud. Listen-Out takes place in the middle of the city and features both Australian and international acts. The mission of Listen-Out is to bring the best of Dance music to the people and do so with flair. The focus is on a small selection of artists to ensure you don’t miss any acts. Azealia Banks, AlunaGeorge and Disclosure were among the line-up in 2013 and you can expect more exciting names in 2014.

What: Listen-Out Where: Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney When: September - October TBA More info: listen-out.com.au

Adelaide Film Festival

The Adelaide Film Festival is a celebration of the big screen, committed to supporting content produced by the Australian film scene in more ways than one.

Discover its sister festival, Adelaide Festival Of Ideas, held on the same month, for an even bigger cultural experience.

What: Adelaide Film Festival Where: Various locations in Adelaide When: October TBA More info: adelaidefilmfestival.org

HIGHLIGHTS

5things to try in 2014

New Year always inspires us to make changes to our lives, and with that in mind, we’d like to help you with your New Year’s Resolutions with a few new things to try in 2014…

A Weekend Away In An Ashram

Cliff Diving

You may have to lay off the Hungry Jack’s for a few days, but rest assured, a stint in an Ashram will leave you feeling cleansed, flexible and ready to face 2014.

While most embark on a cliff dive on the ocean’s edge, the cliffs of Kimberley in Western Australia provide great drops into the Ord River. Not only is it much more peaceful and still than the raging waters of the coastline, you are also presented with amazing views of surrounding lakes, gorges and waterfalls.

Feel like cleansing all your chakras and what not? Why not book yourself into an Ashram for a weekend, or even a week? Live peacefully as a community, whilst you learn about meditation, and practice yoga daily.

Just search online for your nearest Ashram, but make sure you read reviews before embarking on your quest for inner peace.

An extreme sport not to be taken lightly, cliff diving is one of the most adrenaline-pumping activities on earth, with just you, the water below, and an open drop between you.

Beware though - this is not for the faint-hearted! At a peak of 80ft, no one wants to challenge such a height without the knowledge of safe cliff diving.

Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb

There are many things to do in Sydney, but one of the most exhilirating is climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Aboriginal Walkabout

This isn’t just any old climb, because this isn’t just any old bridge. www.bridgeclimb.com

If you’re feeling adventurous and want to connect deeper with the real Australia, then take a guided walkabout. You can find a great walkabout tour in the Blue Mountains, New South Wales, where you will be guided by local Aboriginal Evan Yanna Muru.

Walkabout tours will educate you about the Aboriginal Dreamtime, bushcraft, bushtucker, and bush medicine. You may also be privy to some amazing Aboriginal art. You can also embark upon walkabout tours in Darwin, where there is good conservation of the natural land, and tons of real Australian history to delve into.

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Hang Gliding

Hang gliding over amazing scenery and taking in the vast terra firma that resides below you is a must do for 2014. By taking to the skies you will gain a whole new perspective on the beauty Australia has to offer.

Stanwell Park in New South Wales is a popular destination to take a hang gliding tour with HangglideOz, as well as Rex Point Lookout, north of Cairns. An instructor will ascend with you as you glide over stunning coastlines, taking it all in.

Words by Arti Rajput Images courtesy of The Australian Heritage Hotel, Red Bull Content Pool, Lentil As Anything and HangglideOz

Bridge Climb offers three different guided climbs to the centre of the Sydney Bridge. At a height of 134m above the harbour, this is not suitable for those that suffer with vertigo, especially with the dizzyingly amazing views of Sydney once you reach the top.

Those that take the climb will need to be wrapped up warmly with appropriate footwear (even in summer!) due to the winds.

BEST OF BRITISH From Yorkshire Tea to bread and butter pudding, Pop-Punk shows to comedy nights – find the best of British in Australia this Christmas and New Year.

James Vincent McMorrow

Irish singer James Vincent McMorrow will be returning to Australia in January 2014. The beloved ‘Higher Love’ vocalist will be gracing the stage at Western Australia’s Southbound Festival on 4th January 2014 (from $129 + booking fee), before hitting up The Corner Hotel in Richmond, Victoria on 7th January 2014 (from $45.50 + booking fee) and the Metro Theatre in Sydney on 9th January 2014 ($49.95 + booking fee) for Falls Festival sideshows.

Sir Stewart Bovell Park, Busselton, W.A. www.southboundfestival.com.au 57 Swan Street, Richmond, VIC corner.ticketscout.com.au 624 George Street, Sydney, NSW premier.ticketek.com.au

British Sweets and Treats

James Bond at Melbourne Museum

Do not miss out on experiencing all things 007 at the Melbourne Museum, running all through December and not packing up until 23rd February 2014. ‘Designing 007: Fifty Years of Bond’ celebrates the suave screenhero’s life with a multi-sensory journey through themed rooms and environments, ranging from Dr. No to the most recent instalment of Skyfall. The exhibition is a collaboration between London’s Barbican Centre and EON Productions, and for just $24, you are promised an unforgettable experience!

Nicholson Street, Carlton Gardens, Melbourne, VIC museumvictoria.com.au/ melbournemuseum

Cousin Jacks Pasty Co.

Get a taste of Cornwall right in the heart of Sydney from Cousin Jacks. Whether you’re a spinach, cheese and corn kinda guy or have an appetite for the traditional Cornish pasty, you can grab any one you want, on the go, fresh from the oven.

Shop 5 The Royal Arcade, 175-181 Oxford Street, Bondi Junction, Sydney, NSW cousinjackspastyco.com

If you’re homesick for a good old-fashioned British sugar rush, take a trip down memory lane to the British Sweets and Treats store, located at Sydney’s Bondi Junction and delivering nationwide, selling all things British – sweets, chocolate, fizzy drinks, Cadbury, PG Tips – you’re spoilt for choice. Prices are also surprisingly affordable as they practically match that of what you would pay in the UK – so there’s no excuse not to treat yourself!

Shop 6 Bronka Arcade, Oxford Street, Bondi Junction, Sydney, NSW www.britishsweets.com.au

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BEST OF BRITISH Smash Sausage Kitchen

A superb eatery boasting the English classic bangers ‘n’ mash – but with a contemporary twist! Open until at least 9.30pm most days, the Smash Sausage Kitchen presents an affordable menu alongside iconic 1950s interior décor. Feeling adventurous? ‘Smash it up’ and choose from a variety of nine sausages, including Beef & Guinness or Old English Pork, five mash and four gravies – it will only set you back $18 after all! You’ve got to taste it to believe it!

512 King Street, Newtown, Sydney, NSW smashsausagekitchen.com.au

Tom Odell

Bringing his rustic and powerful vocals to Australia over the festive period, Tom Odell has shot to musical stardom with his critically acclaimed debut album, ‘Long Way Down’. If you were unfortunate enough to leave British soil before seeing the man in action, you can catch him at his Falls Festival sideshows at Corner Hotel, Melbourne on 28th December ($44 + booking fee) and Sydney’s Metro Theatre on 2nd January 2014 ($48.70 + booking fee) right here in Australia!

57 Swan Street, Richmond, Melbourne, VIC corner.ticketscout.com.au 624 George Street, Sydney, NSW premier.ticketek.com.au

The Lord Dudley Hotel

The Lord Dudley Hotel hosts an English pub with a modern Australian restaurant in one of Sydney’s most beautiful and historic areas - Paddington. Known as a top-rated British pub, the Dudley menu borrows British classics and adds a local Australian spin, serving up a fancy twist on ham & mushroom pies, steak & chips and cheese & crackers. The Lounge serves lunch between midday and 3pm daily and dinner from 6 9.30pm, or hang out by the bar and you may get a visit from resident bulldog, Bruce!

236 Jersey Road, Woollahra, Sydney, NSW www.lorddudley.com.au

Rose O’Grady’s

One of Perth’s oldest Irish pubs, Rosie O’Grady’s is in the heart of the entertainment district and has become well loved from locals and visitors alike.

Its lively atmosphere will beckon you inside, while the friendly staff and wellcooked meals will have you coming back for more. Meat-lovers will particularly have a tough time choosing between the Dubliner Burger, Rosie’s Chicken Special and the Platter for two, which combines chicken, sausage and squid with potatoes and onions. If you’re residing in the Fremantle area, there’s also a venue on William Street that serves similarly tempting dishes and plenty of Guinness and Magners.

205 James Street, Northbridge, Perth, & 23 William Street, Fremantle, WA northbridge.rosieogradys.com.au fremantle.rosieogradys.com.au

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Jeff Green at The Comedy Store

Laugh yourself silly as award-winning English comedian Jeff Green takes to the Comedy Store with his quick-fire wit and intelligent insights on 14th December. With a rare solo show on offer for fans, Green’s kaleidoscope of humorous content will be sure to get everyone in the Christmas spirit! Commencing at 7pm, tickets are just $25.50 (+ booking fee) – but be aware, his shows have a habit of selling out fast!

The Entertainment Quarter, Building 207/122 Lang Road, Moore Park, Sydney, NSW www.comedystore.com.au

The Duchess of Spotswood

Ok, so it’s not the Duchess of Cambridge (pictured), but you will feel like something of royalty when dining here. A quiet, quaint little café that prides itself on being unabashedly British, it has a burning passion for honest food made with a combination of nostalgia, experience and local produce to result in a sensationally British menu. Offering dishes such as as sirloin steak and hand-cut chips ($21.50) alongside asparagus & goat’s cheese tarts ($14.50) and fine coffee, the café is situated in the shadow of the West Gate Bridge and is a definite must-see for an indulgent British brunch.

87 Hudsons Road, Spotswood, Melbourne, VIC www.duchessofspotswood.com.au

THE ASHES TRAVEL GUIDE To get you ready for The Ashes this month, here’s a little taster of what you can expect from both Australia and England...

Ashes Recap The England cricket team will head to Australia looking to secure a fourth consecutive Ashes urn after the 3-0 victory on their own turf earlier this year. For the Australians, it will be a case of restoring pride, for which their first opportunity will be at the ‘Gabba’.

In the previous series, Australia couldn’t even secure a win against their rivals, as England gained a 2-0 lead by winning the first two encounters with the second test featuring a particularly poor performance by the Aussies.

Ashes man of the series, Ian Bell, was a great asset to England reaching two centuries in the tests and becoming only the fourth Englishman to score a century in three successive Ashes matches.

Australia stepped up their game for the third test, but England, who only needed a draw to retain the Ashes, were aided by bad light, rain and a slow run-rate to succeed. Normal service resumed come the fourth test as England won by 74 runs. In the fifth, Australia started strong, but England matched them, needing only 21 runs to secure a 4-0 series win, but the umpire stopped proceedings controversially due to bad light.

Bananaman vs Kevin Pietersen Australian seamer, Peter Siddle, a vegetarian, is in the midst of an intense banana-laden diet regime, making him a real life Bananaman.

“It can vary from anywhere between 15-20 bananas a day,” he said.

For the first test at the ‘Gabba’, Siddle has England captain Alastair Cook, and in particular Kevin Pietersen in his scopes. The test will coincide with the 100th test cap for Pietersen and Siddle wants to spoil the party.

Pietersen will be in for some sledging from all angles as the media have already laid siege to him and some of the Australian side promising to do the same come the first test.

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For Siddle, it’s a return to the scene of the rampage he unleashed on the England batsman, although he’ll be hoping for a more positive outcome this time round.

The banana intake should help him sustain high energy levels, but he’s yet to confirm that he’ll be sporting a Bananaman costume if Australia are victorious.

Joe Root

Our player to watch, Joe Root, has continued to flourish in his fledgling international career, showing his versatility at No.6. Now in the middleorder where he began his career, Root managed 75 runs against an Australia Invitational XI showing no signs of discomfort despite being an opener alongside captain Alastair Cook in the previous Ashes series.

“I just love playing for England regardless of where it is in the lineup. To get to put on the shirt and cap, that’s the main thing for me.” said Root Root took an early blow to the elbow, but put on a stand of 106 with Yorkshire teammate Jonny Bairstow.

His averages as an opening batsman were marginally below his averages overall and the move may have a positive influence on his game.

His replacement as opening batsman, Michael Carberry, showed improvements from his previous foray at international level as he managed 78 runs and an unbeaten 153 in the second innings.

Away from the batting, Root was in full praise for the amount of competition amongst the bowlers and considers it healthy for the side.

THE ASHES TRAVEL GUIDE Explore Adelaide, Perth, Sydney and Melbourne as The Ashes tour Australia this December and January. From the best sports pubs to amazing activities, here’s everything you need to know in our Ashes travel guide.

Adelaide

South Side Wakeboarding School

The Ashes comes to Adelaide on 5th - 9th December, and if you’re going to be doing the same, South Side Wakeboarding School, Murray Bridge, provides lessons and gear for amateur and competitive wakeboarding, with lessons behind the South Sides Supra 22V boat at locations like White Sands. Two 30-minute sets of riding, in-boat coaching and equipment costs $130pp.

211 Adelaide Road, Murray Bridge, Adelaide www.southsidewakeboarding.com

Enjoy Adelaide Tours

To learn more about one of Australia’s less populated cities, embark on a tour with Enjoy Adelaide. A range of tours on offer, between $50 and $253pp, visitors have the chance to experience the Barossa Valley, Adelaide Hills and Kangaroo Island.

74 Charles Street, Norwood, Adelaide www.enjoyadelaide.com.au

Melbourne

Turf Bar

“At Turf Bar we love sport!”, making this place a pretty safe bet to sit back and watch the Boxing Day test. As well as two big-screens and multiple plasmas, you can also sip on one of the 20 local and imported beers and devour prime cuts of steak. Arrive on 25th December and you’ll be treated to a three-course Christmas Day lunch for just $50pp! Make sure to book and don’t forget your Santa hat!

131 Queen Street, Melbourne turfbar.com.au

National Sports Museum

If you’re a sports enthusiast with a yearning for learning, Melbourne Cricket Ground holds the National Sports Museum, showcasing Australia’s greatest collection of sporting heritage. Exhibitions include Australian football, cricket, MCG and the Sydney Olympics, so there’s plenty to see and discover!

Melbourne Cricket Ground, Brunton Avenue, Richmond, Victoria www.nsm.org.au

Sydney

Neutral Bay Club

If there’s one place to go for all things sport, it’s Sydney. The Neutral Bay Club has an ideal outside social area, a sports bar with three wide-screen TV’s, fuss-free food and even tennis courts and a bowling green if you’re feeling active. Better yet, the staff here are renowned for being the friendliest you’ll ever meet.

3 Westleigh Street, Neutral Bay, Sydney www.neutralbayclub.com

Luna Park

Indulge your inner child and escape to Luna Park. Whether you want to ride the 60 seconds of The Wild Mouse, which will see you dip and zip out over the Sydney Harbour, or do everbody’s favourite and drive the dodgems, this is a location where fun is around every corner. Buy tickets online at www.lunaparksydney.com, and book a Saturday to enjoy the rides and games from 10am - 11pm!

Milsons Point, Sydney Harbour, Sydney lunaparksydney.com

Perth

Grosvenor Hotel

There are plenty of venues to have a pre-Ashes meal or a few post-game drinks when the boys come to Perth’s WACA on 13th - 17th December. The Grosvenor is one of the oldest, originally built in 1886, and serves a range of dishes, from the $22 Cajun chicken burger to the $36 Grosvington (‘Teys Gold’ fillet steak). A range of pizzas are also on the menu from $20 each, nicely washed down with a draught beer.

339 Hay Street, Perth www.thegrosvenorperth.com.au

Spend a day away from Ashes-mania with the ocean’s friendliest creatures. Just 45 minutes from Perth, Rockingham Wild Encounters will take you on their luxury custom-built boat to swim with dolphins from $205pp. You are almost guaranteed to meet the trusting dolphins, but, if you don’t, you can book a second cruise at absolutely no price!

Cruising Yacht Club Jetty, Cnr of Val Street and the Esplanade, Rockingham dolphins.com.au

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By Emma Walker

Swim With Dolphins

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SYDNEY

Do Today...

Why do today what you can do tomorrow? Because before you know it, it’s too late! Here are a few things we think you should be checking out whilst in the city of villages!

Miss The Labels You Love?

Once you’ve settled into life in Australia, your style might change along with your travels, but thanks to the growing number of fashion retailers setting up shop in Sydney, this doesn’t have to be so. To help keep your own style, we’ve found a few that are sure to make you feel at home.

One place people find hard to drag themselves away from is Topshop, the epitome of UK high street fashion. If what used to be your fashion temple has become a distant memory and a place you can only dream about visiting, today is your lucky day, because you can now visit your favourite store Down Under on Market Street.

If Zara is the reason you’re feeling a little homesick, fear no more, because at Westfield in Sydney it is readily available for all your latest fashion needs. Finding the perfect little black dress has just got that little bit easier.

You might have turned into an Aussie beach bum, but you can still preserve your British style by browsing for a new quirky outfit and getting it delivered to your doorstep. This is because you can now order River Island goodies from ASOS.com.au.

Cuddle A Koala Australian wildlife is world-renowned for being iconic and one of a kind.

Koalas are definitely no exception, and some of these cute, fluffy natives are housed at the Koala Park Sanctuary in Sydney. You’ll get the chance to explore, interact and discover this breathtaking and unique Australian marsupial in a dense forest enviroment.

Located 30 minutes from the Sydney CBD, the park is also home to kangaroos, wombats, cockatoos, emus and dingos, so you can become familiar with all of Australia’s wildlife.

Four times a day, the park has feeding times where you can feed, cuddle and pet the koalas, and get up close and personal while having your photo taken - a perfect memento of the day. This is one of the few places in Australia that you can actually touch one of the koalas and the only country in the world where you can meet one.

On The Beach It’s no secret that Sydney enjoys some of the most beautiful summers on the planet, and the surrounding beaches certainly know how to make the most of it, as with great weather comes great possiblities for activity – volleyball on Christmas Day anyone? From a casual game between friends, classes to get fit or full-blown competitions, it won’t be long before you make this Australian pastime your favourite hobby.

Beachvolleyball.com.au teaches six-week courses at both Manly and Maroubra beaches for just $180pp, so you’ll soon be competing against the best!

For a more relaxing activity on the beach, you can’t beat a bit of yoga. Yoga By The Sea has three venues; while Bronte and Tamarama are enclosed studios sitting on the beachfront, all classes on Bondi take place right on the sand. With the sea breeze, natural sounds of the waves and oceanic energy, it’s one of the best places to get in touch with your inner core. Due to the outdoor conditions, classes are weather-permitting and may be cancelled if the ground is wet, so opt for the covered venues if the heavens open.

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Words by Lucie Potter Images courtesy of Beachvolleyball.com.au

Entry into the Koala Park Sanctuary is $26 per person.

Visit www.koalaparksanctuary.com.au for more information.

The World Bar 24 Bayswater Rd Kings Cross Free entry Latin Jazz night

The Norfolk Hotel The Norfolk. 305 Cleveland St. Surry Hills Muchas Nachos Monday $10

Beresford 354 Bourke St Surry Hills $5 Happy Hour 5-7pm OR $10 Italian lunch 12pm-3pm

Tuesday

Coogee Bay Hotel 253 Coogee Bay Rd Coogee Portuguese style piri piri grilled chicken with chips $15 10am-10pm OR Song Writers Live from 7:30pm Wynyard Hotel 107 Clarence Street Happy Hour 5-7pm $4 drinks

Bungalow 8 3 Lime Street All you can eat mussels from 5pm $32.50

Wednesday The Animal 174 King Street Newtown $15 Lamb Spit Burger

The Winery 285A Crown St Surry Hills Free Wine Tasting

Hinky Dinks 185 Darlinghurst Rd Darlinghurst Wild Wing Wednesdays - Tiki chicken wings $1 each

Thursday Palace Hotel Corner of George and Hay Street Sydney Fortune Cookie Thursdays A chance to win a $20 hotel voucher or crazy fortune

The Soda Factory 16 Wentworth Ave Surry Hills Guest Acoustic Musicians 5pm-2am Tommy’s Beer Cafe 123 Glebe Point Rd Glebe Sausage platter $15.99 OR $5 Happy Hour 4pm-5pm

Friday

Frankie’s Pizza 50 Hunter Street Rockn’Roll’s most righteously hard hittin’ DJ’s The Marlborough Hotel 145 King Street, Newtown Live music and Midnight Mexican kitchen open til 4am

Cargo Bar 52-60 The Promenade King Street Wharf $5 drinks 5pm-7pm

Saturday Tea Gardens Hotel 2-4 Bronte Rd Bondi Junction DJ Demolition and MC Madam H play the tunes from 9pm

The Forresters 336 Riley Street Surry Hills Game Day beer and hot dogs deals DJ Daisy from 7:30pm Darlo Bar 306 Liverpool Street $20 Cocktail Jugs $5 Beers all night

Sunday

The Loft 3 Lime Street Traditional High Tea $40pp OR High Tea with a Twist $50pp includes a Breakfast at Tiffany’s cocktail (from 12pm) The Porterhouse 233 Riley Street Surry Hills $12 Roast Dinner

Bat & Ball 495 Cleveland St. Redfern $19 sunday roast of chicken, pork, lamb or beer

Two Feet And A Heartbeat Tours

Exploring a new area can go one of two ways. Firstly, you can decide to be “real explorers” and head off into the distance with just a temperamental map App. Nine times out of ten this exploration ends in an argument, blisters and a lengthy discussion about just who it was that went right when you should’ve gone left. The alternative comes in the form of the other tourist favourite; a guided tour. Forget all your preconceptions, these don’t have to be forced history lessons and hours of “interested” nodding. With Two Feet And A Heartbeat Tours, guests are led by local experts who aim to show and tell tourists everything they actually want to know, whilst taking them to hidden gems that you’d never find on your own.

How do they do this? By veering off the beaten track, quite literally, opening up a side to the city that most people know nothing about. Incorporating all of the highlights Sydney has to offer and none of the date learning that tends to numb the brain. With little known secrets about the colonial days and the convict era, you’ll never look at the city in the same way.

Our personal favourite is the ‘Sydney With Conviction Tour’, at $40 per person you’ll see the Sydney Harbour Bridge, The Rocks, Sydney Opera House, but also venture further than the usual tourist fare, going under the city to uncover the stories of what was the world’s largest social experiment… the birth of modern Australia. You’ll be able to astound your friends by casually pointing out a few historical buildings the next time you wander past on a night out…and luckily, there won’t be any dates to get mixed up!

This tour begins in The Rocks and follows the meandering ‘blue line’ to Hyde Park. We know what you’re thinking, what is this mysterious ‘blue line’? There’s only one way to find out, and that’s by booking a tour.

What: Two Feet And A Heartbeat Tours Where: Various depending on tour. ‘Sydney With Conviction’ begins at Booking Centre, Wharf 6, Circular Quay When: Tours run 7 days a week. The two hour long ‘Sydney With Conviction Tour’ begins at 10am.

More Info: www.twofeet.com.au

To book your tour call 1800 459 388 Tours start from $20 per person, but you lucky BBM readers will receive a 10% online booking discount if you give us a cheeky mention.

Terms & Conditions

BBM Readers are being offered an exclusive 10% OFF any full price tour in Perth or Sydney t&c’s… 10% discount is not available with any other promotion or When Rum Ran the Rocks (Sydney) and Tight Arse Tuesdays (Perth) 18+ for any Small Bar Tours. Offer valid to 01 February 2014. Booking must be made online using coupon code “BBM”.

The promotions in the calendar are subject to change at any point without notice. Please check with the venue/business that offers are still valid

Monday

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MELBOURNE Retreat Hotel 280 Sydney Rd Brunswick Free live music and great pub

Robert Burns Hotel 376 Smith Street Collingwood ‘Cinco en Cinco’ Relax after work with a selection of drinks for only $5 5-7pm

Tuesday

Wednesday

The Penny Black 420 Sydney Rd Brunswick $6 pizzas

Bimbo Deluxe 376 Brunswick St Fitzroy $4 pizza 12-4, 7-11 The Quiet Man Irish Pub 271 Racecourse Road Flemington Live acoustic acts

The Kodiak Club 272 Brunswick St Fitzroy Enjoy regional American bar food and whiskeys from 5pm The Common Man 39 Dukes Walk South Wharf 5pm - 7pm $6 pints / $10 cocktails

The Mitre Tavern 5 Bank Place Free home-made burgers

Thursday

The Local Taphouse 184 Carlisle St St Kilda Live Music 9pm Free Entry

Wabi Sabi Garden Ground Level 17 Wellington Street St Kilda Japanese Cuisine Happy Hour drinks 5 - 6.30pm The Workshop 1/413 Elizabeth St Melbourne $8 chicken tandoori wrap St Kilda Beach House 109 Barkly Street St Kilda Poker Tournament

The masterminds who brought us Laundry Bar have donned their handlebar moustaches and opened a new Mexican Bar and Restaurant in Southwharf.

Chihuahua Bar brings you everything you ever wanted from late night Mexican dining plus they’ve got Chihuahua’s in sombreros plastered on the walls. Olé!

With a huge selection of Mexican beers and over 100 tequilas to try, get comfortable and settle yourself in for the evening at this unique Mexican tequilery. The menu seems bare, but that’s because every order is made with a lot of love, plus they have an ever-changing specials board for those adventurous foodies.

The value for money is pretty good too; try the ‘Picadillo’, which has spiced minced beef, fresh salsa, green cabbage and chilli gordo to blow your head off!

All soft tacos are $5 each and there’s four to choose from, each of them with a different meat. Everyone is catered for: there’s chicken, fish, beef and bean as the veggie option. It’s all gluten free except the fish tacos, which can be grilled specially if you ask when ordering. Get stuck into a Frijoles Negros Quesadilla, a large flour tortilla with cheese, salsa and black beans, and then attempt the juicy corn cob with jalapeno aioli.

You can tell these guys put a lot of passion into their preparation and this doesn’t exclude the cocktails. Choose from a Margarita or La Paloma, which are both tequila-based concoctions that will go hand-in-hand with the zesty flavour of the food. Our favourite is the classic Margarita, with tequila, Cointreau, fresh lime juice, ice and a wedge of lime.

Come and join the tequila party!

19 Dukes Walk, Southwharf, Melbourne, Victoria www.chihuahuabar.com.au

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Lucky Coq Cnr Chapel Street & High Street, Windsor Hip Hop, Funk, R&B, Disco and House 9pm - 3am

Ding Dong Level 1 18 Market Lane Chinatown Best Indie Night and selection of drinks

Chihuahua Bar

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Friday

Turf Bar 131 Queen Street Matilda’s Happiest Hour 6-8pm $5 pints 2 for 1 cocktails 9-11pm

Saturday

Temperance Hotel 426 Chapel Street South Yarra Funk, house and disco grooves from 6pm Station 59 59 Church St Richmond Live Music and great atmosphere Lily Blacks 12 Meyers Place Enjoy the finest cocktails Melbourne has to offer 6pm - 3am

Sunday The Carlton 193 Bourke Street $12 Organic Wagyu Beef or Mushroom Cheese Burger with fries 12pm 10pm

Melbourne Public 11 Dukes Walk South Wharf Sunday Sessions Tim Rizzoli LIVE acoustic set from 2pm

The Everleigh Upstairs150-156 Gertrude St. Fitzroy An intimate, seatedonly cocktail bar

The promotions in the calendar are subject to change at any point without notice. Please check with the venue/business that offers are still valid

Monday

Jazz It Up!

Opening its doors in 2006, The Paris Cat in Melbourne is one of the best Jazz venues in town. Its intimate settings have seen some incredible international Jazz acts as well as hosting up-and-coming Australian talents.

The venue itself is inspired by the 1930s French Bee-Bop era, and you can transport yourself back in time five nights a week. The club is open from 8pm from Tuesday to Saturday, and always has a packed line-up ready to sooth your ears.

The Paris Cat is the perfect place to go on an intimate date, or if you’re celebrating you can book the private gallery room with a group of friends or colleagues. The Paris Cat serves up an impressive wine list, along with cocktails, martinis, local and imported beers, all complemented by a selection of tapas. So if you’re looking for somewhere to unwind one evening maybe slip into the Paris Cat and sip on a martini… old Paris style!

6 Goldie Place, Melbourne www.pariscat.com.au

Up On The Roof

It’s mild, and it’s time to enjoy yourself. Head on up to the Rooftop Cinema and indulge your film buff self in some great titles this season. Throughout December and January you can see classics such as The Great Gatsby and Cassablanca, as well as cult classics Pulp Fiction and The Goonies.

Getting in the spirit of things, on Christmas Eve you can go along and watch Will Ferrell in Elf. And we have to mention that the most horrendously and epically terrible film of 2013, Sharknado will be screening this December, so if you like a good laugh, then make sure you don’t miss it. It rivals Jaws 3 in crappy effects.

The films start at 9.30pm each evening the cinema is open, and seating starts from 9pm, so it’s perfectly fine to go and have a drink at the bar before hand. The Rooftop Bar is open daily from midday until 1am, making it the perfect spot to take in the rooftop views of Melbourne even if you’re not watching a film.

The cinema box office is open 5.00–9.30pm Tue–Thu and 7.00–9.30pm Sat–Sun with adult tickets costing around $22 and concessions at $18. So if you’re looking for something truly Melburnian to experience the climb on up to the roof and get cultured, amused and entertained this summer.

On top of Curtin House, 252 Swanston Street, Melbourne CBD www.rooftopcinema.com.au

Find Your Favourite Labels One way to solve any feelings of homesickness is to hit the shops for some retail therapy, but sometimes you just can’t find the things you’d usually buy back in Blighty. Perhaps the spandex allure of Supre just isn’t cutting it, or you’re lost without a decent pair of Nike Air Max. Fear not, as we’ve scouted out all the best places to pick up the labels you love, that won’t make you feel like you’re in fancy dress. Melbourne houses some great stores that have made their way to Australian shores, much to our delight.

When you see the laurel wreath of Fred Perry, it’s hard not to think of the great British summer. Housing stylish menswear, you’ll find the boutique store located in the fashionable Little Collins Street, which will help to compliment your London look. Don your freshest Fred polo, sip on some Pimms and enjoy a leisurely game of tennis - or just pose down your local pub if you’re the kind of Fred Perry wearer we think you are! Don’t forget, they also do great trainers!

When you’re looking for some well-fitted basic clothing that doesn’t break the bank, Uniqlo is always the best bet at home. To help shake away your withdrawal symptoms for easy leisure wear, Melbourne is soon to be the first Australian city to get their very own Uniqlo store located in the Melbourne Emporium.

Seeing the giant letters in front of the Gap store can ease any anxiety caused by the struggle to find sophisticated attire in Australia. The British are recognised for their refined outlook on fashion and you can maintain this whilst enjoying the Aussie lifestyle - just head to La Trobe Street to find the U.S label that we all know and love. Stay classy and remember, you don’t need to wear board shorts to fit in.

Words by Lucie Potter Images courtesy of Paris Cat and Rooftop Cinema

Do Today...

Whether you want to experience something different for the evening or keep to your Brit style, you might be surprised by what you can find in Melbourne today.

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Aqu atic Adventu res The beauty of the glorious Australian summer is the perfect excuse to get involved in the hundreds of water activities available. Here are just a few examples of out-of-this-world experiences to indulge your inner adrenaline junkie.

Surfing

When you think of Australian beaches, surfing immediately rushes to the fore, and to try it in Australia means you will get some of the highest quality waves and surf lessons, so make sure you indulge in the activity most synonymous with this sun-soaked country.. The best thing about Australian surf is that there are waves for every type of surfer, whether you’re a novice, a keen surfer or a pro - there’s something for everyone.

Byron Bay, on the East Coast, is a renowned area to learn to surf due to Cape Byron protecting the bay and providing smaller, safer breaks. You’ll be spoilt for choice for surf schools, as there’s a ton of them. Another great place to learn is over in Western Australia on Ocean Beach in Denmark.

The gentle rip means it’s perfect for learning surf basics, and South Coast Surfing Lessons (www.southcoastsurfinglessons.com) is a good school to help you get to grips with your board. Margaret River (also in WA) provides some serious waves, especially at Prevelly Park. If you venture a bit further to Yallingup, you won’t be disappointed by their waves either.

Sydney’s Manly Beach provides good breaks for surfers, but as summer comes rolling in on the East Coast, so do the tourists in their droves. Be prepared for very busy surf, which can sometimes be frustrating for a surfer who knows what they’re doing. If you’re based in Melbourne, head down The Great Ocean Road for Bells Beach in Torquay or onto Phillip Island’s Smiths Beach.

If you fancy coming face-to-face with one of the world’s most feared predators, why not embark on the Cage of Death? Sure, the name is a lot to be desired, but this underwater adventure will be a true Aussie experience to remember, as you get inches away from the insanely huge saltwater crocodiles at Crocosaurus Cove (www.crocosauruscove.com) in the heart of Darwin City. Housing almost 200 crocs, the zoo allows tourists to swim with these beasts that are among the largest crocodiles in the world. You would be lowered into the water in a clear cylinder until you’re face to face with the crocs. Sounds nuts, but you’ll be closer than you could ever imagine and you get to safely watch the creatures swim and feed with a full 360° view.

Words by Sophie Saint. Images courtesy of Crocosauraus Cove, Wetrez, Smiths Island Surfboards and Tourism Australia.

Swim With Crocs

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TRAVEL Explore the Coral Reefs

Prefer a calmer ocean without getting caught in the waves? Well, check out some of the awesome coral reefs that exist around Australia. We’re all familiar with the famous Great Barrier Reef that stretches for over 2,600 km off the coast of Queensland, and it should definitely be on your bucket list. A large part is protected from tourism as it’s become badly damaged over the years, but you can explore enough of it to appreciate its grandeur. Other snorkelling spots to check out include Clovelly in Sydney, which is sheltered enough to provide serenely calm waters that are full of fish and underwater life.

If you want to see the corals without getting your hair wet, fear not - it’s still possible and you get to do it in an extremely unique way. Jump in a yellow minisubmarine (www.gbrsubs.com.au) and simply drive around the coral gardens. Enjoy a day or night ride in the teeny submarines, which are only large enough for three people (including your pilot), and get down to depths of 40m! (Not suitable for claustrophobic or annoying individuals.)

Helmet diving is also a fun alternative to snorkelling, allowing you to get down to deeper depths, without having to endure the lengthy scuba diving training. You don’t even have to swim - just slip the helmet over your head and breathe freely using the oxygen supplied. Sunlover (www.sunlover.com.au) allow you to mooch along an underwater platform walk in the coral while you comfortably breathe as normal. Green Island (www.greenisland.com.au) also provide the non-fuss simple equipment for exploring the Great Barrier Reef.

However, if you’re after breathtaking coral that is both pristine and slightly off the beaten tourist track, then head up to Ningaloo Reef in north-west Australia. We should warn you though; some of the underwater sights will blow your mind. Not only is it fantastically preserved, but you’ll also be swimming alongside manta rays and whale sharks. Choose to snorkel through coral lagoons and schools of tropical fish that all lie incredibly close to shore, or go diving in Coral Bay. Ningaloo Reef Dive (www.ningalooreefdive.com) offers various snorkelling or diving tours with experienced guides, and they’ll even take you further afield on reef safaris to untouched areas. Their slogan is pretty spot on: “No distractions, only attractions.”

Diving

If diving is on your list of things to do this summer, there are plenty of sights to choose from. One place that will leave you pinching yourself, are the Kelp Forests off of the East Coast of Tasmania. These looming long pillars of kelp rise out of the sea bed stretching up to the surface, and create dreamy surroundings that many liken to “flying through a rainforest”. Considered as one of the most productive and dynamic ecosystems on Earth, these forests are disappearing fast and are becoming endangered, so consider this as a must-see before it disappears altogether! Eagle Hawk Dive (www.eaglehawkdive.com.au) provides trips to the forests, plus epic dives that take you through the Tasman Peninsular, a labyrinth of sea caves, tunnels and canyons. There are many different levels of diving experiences, but novices can enjoy sights like Waterfall Bay, where you can spot Weedy Seadragons. More experienced divers can venture to Cathedral Cave, the largest sea cave system in Australia, which is littered with caverns and passages.

Jet Ski

Have you had your fill of all the underwater adventures Australia has to offer?

Why not catch some rays as you scooch along the surface of the ocean! Jet Skiing is huge on the Sunshine Coast, and Mooloolaba (an hour from Brisbane) is the base and departure hub for water sports. For a pure injection of adrenaline, go with Ocean Jet Ski (www.oceanjetski.com.au) and ride waves, do donuts, spin 360’s - just go crazy! Three square kilometres of Open Ocean is fully supervised so you know that you’re always under a safe eye.

They’ll teach you how to use the jet skis, plus give you tips on how to do the best tricks and manoeuvres.

If you reside further west and are unsure about tidal movements, just an hour outside Perth lies Murray River, a water sport-enthusiast’s dream.

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Have Y ou rself A Merry Orpha n Christ mas...

It’s not as bad you think, if you’re spending Christmas away from your family, spend it at any one of these great places, and you’ll have one of the best Christmas’s ever!

Head down to P.J’s in Sydney or Melbourne this Christmas Day and let them do all the hard work for you! Their Christmas Day Lunch is to die for, with Sydney serving three courses ($60pp) and Melbourne two ($45pp), including leek and potato soup, roast turkey & ham and mixed berry cheesecake. Sydney will be holding sittings at 12.30 and 3pm, while Melbourne will be taking bookings between 12 and 2pm. So get ready for eating, drinking and lots of merry-ing!

57 King Street, Sydney Southgate Restaurant & Shopping Precinct, Southbank, Melbourne www.pjobriens.com.au

Sunburnt Christmas

On 25th December, Sunburnt Christmas will invade Bondi Beach, bringing with it 24 artists on three stages between 2pm and 10pm. Tickets can be purchased from www.moshtix.com.au and range from $59 (+ booking fee) First Release, to $79 (+ booking fee) VIP Ticket. That’s a small price to pay to see the likes of Ember, Tenzin, Tigerlily and Social Hooliganz, as well as a special appearance from Geordie Shore’s Gaz. The Pavillion, Bondi Beach, Sydney sunburntchristmas.com.au

BBQ On The Beach

If you’re lucky enough to be in Western Australia during the festive period, then why not head down to the beach on Christmas Day? With most beaches featuring free BBQ pits, we’d suggest stocking up on whatever creatures you’d like to give a baptism of fire to beforehand and spending a leisurely day frolicking on the sand and cooling off in the ocean. If you’re staying in Perth then head over to Cottesloe beach for pristine white sands, or if you’re in Fremantle then South Beach provides plenty of shade if the sun gets too much with pine trees you can relax under. After all, there’s no point in being in a country clad with beaches if you can’t enjoy a tropical Christmas Day? Fremantle & Cottesloe

Christmas Lunch At The Euro

Spending Christmas in Brisbane? You’re in luck, as there are actually a few places open on Christmas Day, but one of our favourite places to spend Christmas Day in Brisbane is The Euro. For the second year in a row The Euro will be serving up a four course feast of nicoise salad with prawns, market fish, fennel and Beurre Blanc, short ribs, bone marrow and red wine jus and a mini pavlova to finish, all for $135 per person. There will be two

sittings available on Christmas Day from 11am-2pm or 3pm-6pm, but you must book ahead! The food at The Euro all comes with a European influence, so prepare for a culinary delight of a Christmas dinner!

181 Mary Street, Brisbane, QLD www.theeuro.com.au

By Emma Walker

P.J. O’Brien’s

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TRAVEL

Den ma rk, WA Thinking about taking a short break away during the holidays?

Venture down to south Western Australia and take in the glorious sites of Denmark.

Not to be confused with Denmark in Europe, Denmark is a peaceful retreat located south of Western Australia. This is a place where you can relax, enjoy and explore the wilderness at your own pace. Although it is a small village, there is a lot to see here and it attracts thousands of visitors each year. You will get the chance to walk among the treetops, kick back on the beach or sip on some quality local wine at the vineyard.

The best and most picturesque way to travel to Denmark from Perth is by car.

Via the South West Highway, you can take in the views of the Blackwood River Valley, the longest continually flowing waterway in the South West of Western Australia. This is by far the most scenic route and the five-hour journey will pass by quickly when you’re taking in the beauty of Western Australia. Alternatively, you can jump on a Transwa coach in Perth, which will take you to Denmark via the inland Albany Highway.

Denmark is famous for the Tree Top Walk, where you’re given a unique opportunity to wander among the giant 400-year-old trees. Take a leisurely stroll in the midst of the wilderness, basking in the glorious views and discovering Western Australia from the skies. Based on the theme of the lost era of Gondwana, this is a rare chance to venture 40 metres upward to the canopy and be immersed in the treetops. With a mix of wonder, history and adventure, this is the distinctive experience the Walpole Wilderness National Park has to offer. You can book through The Valley of the Giants where adult entry is $15.

A great way to relax in this calming environment is to take it all in with a glass of wine. Rockcliffe winery produces high quality wine from the perfect cool climate of the region. Rockcliffe also holds regular music events where you can sit and enjoy bands playing while you sip on the crisp wine, straight from the cellar.

Why not hire a bicycle? You can ride to the winery along one of the many charming cycle tracks.

The Denmark coastline that was once attached to Antarctica has a collection of the oldest rocks in the world. The natural beauty of Lowlands Beach offers views of dolphins, whales and the stunning freshwater cliff. Take a mini break from the hustle and bustle of Perth and take some time to centre yourself. Once you plant yourself in the natural beauty of this place, you will never want to leave.

By Lucie Potter

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Season’s Greetings From Christmas

Island

incredibly popular tourist pursuits, given the sheer amount of interesting tropical fish there are to get a glimpse of. For more intrepid explorers, the aptlynamed Grotto is a mini cave of sea and fresh water with astounding stalagmites to be found inside. The wave motion makes for extraordinary sound effects, whether you venture within to cool down on a hot day or to enjoy a romantic evening with candles.

Adventure at your own risk though, as the cave is not supervised and the nooks and crannies to crawl into are extremely tight.

Welcome to Christmas Island, the small, idyllic sanctuary sitting pretty off of the Australian mainland in the Indian Ocean. 2,600km northwest of Perth, Christmas Island (so called because it was discovered on Christmas Day in 1643 by Captain William Mynors) is the only place you need to visit this festive season for an experience like no other.

Sun, sea, sand and an impressive array of wildlife await you. Here, we give you all the essential details you’ll need to make the most of this Australian paradise.

At just 135 square metres, the island is a relatively tiny treasure trove of fun with an exotic East-meetsWest feel to it. The majority of the population are

Chinese-Australian, but you’re also likely to find a few Europeans and Malays too amongst the 2072 inhabitants that call this place their home. Don’t worry too much about learning the lingo though; most residents speak English, so there’s no need to reach for the Google Translate app (brownie points awarded for effort though).

The island is a very culturally diverse place with Buddhists, Christians and Muslims residing very respectfully alongside each other. As such, you can expect to find the exciting religious festivals of Eid, Chinese New Year and, of course, Christmas, celebrated here. Do note though, etiquette-wise it’s good to respect the Asian customs that are in place. This means that modest dress is preferred (remember a cover-up for the beach), always take off your shoes when entering someone’s home and take care not to touch anyone’s head or shoulders as this is considered an insult. Manners cost nothing, guys!

Considering the island is 63% Australian National Park, you can expect to see a plethora of breathtaking flora and fauna. A large amount of the animals and plants that live here are in fact endemic to it, meaning that they are found nowhere else in the world! The large monsoonal forests support 25 species of tree and 135 species of plant (18 of which are endemic); whilst the beautiful coastline boasts five regional species of sea-bird, as well as an astounding amount of land crabs. Naturewalking is definitely a must to take it all in!

Many travellers make it a priority to visit Hugh’s Dale Waterfall, an area of outstanding natural beauty that

provides the site for the annual breeding migration of the Christmas Island Red Crab. Come and watch them scurry in their millions - it’s seriously impressive. Snorkelling and diving are also

Accommodation-wise, you really need to do your research, as a few of the hotels are a little dodgy in terms of hygiene and customer service. On the whole though, most places are friendly, hospitable and a pleasure to stay in. We recommend the Sunset Hotel at Flying Fish Cove; it’s received glowing reviews and has spectacular views of the Indian Ocean, as well as being conveniently close to the town centre.

There’s also an impressive array of places to eat on the island, with the restaurants generally favouring a pub vibe. The Golden Bosun Tavern (located at the Rocky Point Complex) is known for its great atmosphere and decent selection of cheap beer and wines. For somewhere a little more upmarket, try the Rumah Tinggi Tavern and Restaurant at Flying Fish Cove, serving up tasty steak and lobster and an impressive scenery.

Take a break from the cold and wet winters you’re used to back in Old Blighty, and discover all that Christmas Island has to offer this festive season.

Whether you intend to rock around the Christmas tree or have yourself a merry little Christmas by the beach, where better to do it than Christmas Island?

Words by Lesley-Jane Carroll. Images courtesy of Christmas Island Tourism.

On Christmas Island, snowfall is out of the question and you’re more likely to see red crabs rather than reindeer, so let us show you why there’s no better than Christmas Island to spend the holidays.

If you’re after a more chilled vibe then take your pick from one of Christmas Island’s many beaches.

With names like Winifred, Ethel and Greta, it’s hard to choose which cute little cove to visit, but we’d recommend Dolly Beach. If you’re going by car you’ll need a vehicle with 4-wheel drive as it’s a bit of a trek, but once you get there, the journey is definitely all worth it. The place is virtually deserted, apart from a few locals in the know who love it because of the flat, sheltered camping space it provides. There are shallow rock pools to explore and coconut palms to relax under - total bliss! Marine turtles also nest there, so make it your mission to observe and respect their tracks, and maybe even catch a glimpse of the teensy emerging hatchlings!

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GLOBAL WATCH

Pink lakes

Lake Hillier, Western Australia (Pictured)

This lake looks like a pool of pink icing on Middle Island in the Recherche Archipelago and was discovered by British Navigator, Matthew Flinders, in the 19th Century after he climbed the highest peak. Don’t be fooled into thinking it could taste like strawberry milkshake; this is one shallow and briny salt lake that’s ten times saltier than the ocean, making it a great source as well as an important place for native and migratory birds. No one’s really sure how it got so pink, but some argue that the shade alters according to algae and brine prawn content. When saline levels rise with the temperature and lighting conditions are perfect, the algae begin to collect the pink pigment - an utter freak of nature.

Masazir Lake, Azerbaijan

This epic pink lake is a sight to behold. The vivid colour is so striking that it looks more like something straight out of Willy Wonka’s factory! The locals have been intrigued by it for years, and discovered that its

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salt content was so high that they could benefit from harvesting it. It’s now the most commercialised pink lake in the world as the factory that’s been erected on shore produces a million tons of salt every year from this expanse on water alone. Not only is it easy on the eye, but the mass salt extraction has enhanced their economy.

skin as to not suffer from tissue damage. The salt’s side effects can be dangerous, but at least you can float with minimal effort! The algae is also so rich in antioxidants, it is often harvested and used in cosmetic and dietary supplements. OK, so you can’t exactly chug a pint of it, but there’s definitely some amazing properties in there.

Dusty Rose Lake, British Columbia, Canada

This mysteriously pink lake maintains its colour all year round so is definitely not the result of a sunshine, algae and prawn concoction. This lake is fed by a glacial melt which strangely has a lavender hue to it. No one knows why, but since the surrounding rock is also pinky-purpley in colour, geology and glacier magic is the most common guess.

Salt Pans of Torrevieja

Locally translated to Salinas de Torrevieja, the small but growing city in Spain has not one, but two pink lakes. Filled with algae that produce a chemical substance when hit with sunlight, they are protected natural parks due to the flora and fauna that grow and live in the area, including many migratory birds.

Unlike others, it has a much lower salt concentration - just enough to keep the air clean and make it one of the healthiest places to live on earth.

Lake Retba, Senegal (Pictured) Senegal’s famous pink lake lies in the Cap Vert Peninsular in North West Africa. Like the former, the lake has amazing salt content which is harvested by the locals, but they need to take safety precautions due to its high 40% concentration. Spending seven hours a day shovelling mountains of salt onto boats, workers are forced to smear shea butter over their

By Sophie Saint

Pink Lakes sound like some kind of bizarre result of chemical waste dumping, or an awesome prop to Katy Perry’s latest kooky music video. However, these bubble gum pink bodies of water actually exist, and they are the stuff of dreams! These lakes occur around the world and definitely make it into Mother Nature’s Top 10 “WTF” natural phenomena.

TRAVEL ESSENTIALS Each month we bring you the best in travel essentials that we’ve tried and tested.

From gadgets to cosmetics, here are the best buys for this month!

Style Aroma Energy Spritz

Spray the Energy Spritz on your pulse points to rejuvenate and refresh with grapefruit & mandarin, rose geranium, and lavandin & verbena. $42 available from www.fragrantearth.eu.

LugLoc

Find your missing luggage anywhere in the world with LugLoc. Using a state-of-the-art technology, this little device is able to locate your bags within minutes in any airport in the world.

If that wasn’t enough, it’s small enough to fit inside any pocket, has a 40-day battery life and is trackable thanks to its easy app! $49 available from www.lugloc.com.au

Nudeaudio

A portable speaker for the fashion-conscious, NudeAudio’s speakers come in small, medium and large, charcoal/coral and grey/mint, between $34 and $171 to suit all tastes and budgets. $34 - $171 available from www.amazon.co.uk

Klorane Shampoo & Conditioner with mango Butter

Front Cover Metallics

From $10.25 available www.amazon.co.uk

All you need to make yourself beautiful...

Mango butter is the key ingredient in this winning formula, to make dry/ damaged hair soft and nourished.

Front Cover Colours of the Catwalk Metallics $31 available from www.frontcovercosmetics.com.

The best ranges of travel cases we’ve found this month...

Oilily Travel Products

Mamba Collection

Travel iPad case $94 and Travel Beauty Case $128, both available from www.oililyshop.com.

Mamba Courier 13 and Mamba Daypack, $110 each available from www.booqbags.com.

Dutch accessory label Oilily has made travelling that little bit easier with gorgeous travel products like iPhone cases and backpacks on wheels.

Mamba’s natural fibre bags are a lifesaver to all MacBook Air and iPad owners on the go, from courier bags to backpacks, in sand, grey or black.

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GLOBAL WATCH

A Pilgrimage to Travel

Temple of the Sun, Machu Picchu, Peru

BBM’s travel inspiration has been cast far and wide as we look at the most spectacular places of worship the world has to offer. From South America to the corners of South East Asia and the Middle East here’s some places that you should get globe trotting along to.

Batu Caves, Malaysia Situated just 13km north of Kuala Lumpur, the Batu Caves are one of the most popular Hindu shrines outside of India. Taking their name from the Batu River they are guarded by a 42.7-metre (140 ft) high statue of Lord Murugan (a Hindu deity). The statue took three years to construct and has been in situ since January 2006.

There are 276 steps that lead up to the sacred Batu Caves, which reside within the limestone hill.

A sacred part of Machu Picchu, which lies 2,430 metres (7,970 ft) above sea level in the Cusco region of Peru. The mountainous ancient Inca city harbours the Temple of the Sun and Room of the Three Windows.

These are located in what is known to archaeologists as the Sacred District of Machu Picchu. It is thought that these areas were dedicated to the worship of Inti, who was the God of Sun and their most celebrated deity.

Tanah Lot, Bali

Tanah Lot is a rock formation off of the Indonesian island of Bali.

Located in Tabanan, about 20km from Denpasar, it is the home of a pilgrimage temple, the Pura Tanah Lot (literally “Tanah Lot temple”). Having been eroded and shaped over the years by the surrounding ocean, the exotic landmark has become a popular place for tourists to visit and for the local Balinese people to worship.

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Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque, Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei

Luxor Temple, Egypt

The Luxor Temple is situated in the town of Luxor, which is the site of the famous city of Thebes.

Close to the Nile and parallel with the riverbank, King Amenhotep III, who reigned 1390-53 BC, built this beautiful temple and dedicated it to Amon-Re, King of the Gods, his consort Mut, and their son Khons. It was completed

by Tutankhamun and Horemheb, and added to by Ramses II. The temple was unearthed under the Mosque of Abu Haggag in the late 19th Century and its features had been covered in earth. Discoveries have also been made within the site that it may have also been a Christian place of worship at certain points in history.

Attracting more than 3 million people a year, Mont Saint Michel is situated in Normandy and is located 0.6 miles off the northwestern coast at the mouth of the Couesnon River near Avranches. The 247-acre island has held strategic fortifications since the ancient times of 8 AD and has been the seat of the monastery from which it got its name. Go and explore the winding corridors and witness this utterly unique cathedral.

Built in 1958, Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque is situated in the capital of Brunei. Its elaborate golden dome and Italian marble interior have lead to this mosque being considered one of the most beautiful in the entire world.

To add to its brilliance, it also has tunnels that are used by the sultan on journeys through the town. Attracting many visitors and worshipers, the mosque has been built on an artificial lagoon of the banks of the Brunei River, creating stunning reflective views.

Mont Saint Michel, France

Shwedagon Pagoda, Burma Considered the most sacred pagoda for Buddhists in Burma, the Shwedagon Pagoda – or Shwedagon Zedi Daw can be found in the city of Yangon. The Pagoda enshrines strands of Buddha’s hair and other holy relics.

Located west of the Royal Lake on 114-acre Singuttara Hill in Yangon, the Shwedagon Pagoda has been in existence for 2,500 years, making it the oldest pagoda in the world. Having had its stupa rebuilt and heightened several times in its existence, today it stands at 105 metres tall.

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WHAT’S TRENDING

New Year’s Eve You’ve worked your arse off all year and scrimped and saved every penny, so now’s the time to let your hair down and celebrate the end of 2013 in style. With this selection of goodies, boys can get suited and booted and girls can add an extra sparkle to the evening - Happy New Year!

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For Him...

Opt for smart black jeans if trousers aren’t for you

2. ear alw m r fo inks ndy uffl e r e t ed c iev xtur h c A h te wit

1. Paul Smith Black Denim Jeans, $178.70 available from www.stuartslondon.com 2. Sartorial Pure Silk Embroidered Paisley Ties, from $26.60 available from www.marksandspencer.com 3. Selected Homme Logan Trousers, $93.80 available from www.topman.com 4. Tailored Easy-iron Shirt, $51.10 available from www.landsend.co.uk 5. Washed Black Star Print Long Sleeve Denim Shirt, $55 available from www. topman.com 6. Hairy Leather Cufflinks, $144.65 available from www.coldlilies.com 7. Selected Homme Shirt in Blue, $60 available from www.topman.com 8. Charcoal Chester Suit Waistcoat, $59.60 available from www.topman.com 9. Amplified Mixed Material Formal Lace-up Derby Shoes, $151.80 available from www.dunelondon.com 10. Derby Shoes with Crocodile Effect, $102.10 available from www.asos.com

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For Her...

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Body wraps are perfect for keeping you smooth all night long...

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1. Suede Half Moon Frame Clutch Bag, $151.90 available from www.dunelondon.com 2. CiatĂŠ Paint Pot in Confetti/Fit For A Queen/Gold Digga, $20 available from www.kitcosmetics.com.au 3. Danilo Gabrielli Structured Dress, $679 available from www.maniamia.co.uk 4. De Anna Kiernan Gold Quill Stud Earrings, $109.20 available from www.theindividual.co.uk 5. Jade And Black Long Evening Dress, $85.30 available from justblue.com 6. Laura Gravestock Gold Promise Lattice Ring, $280.35 available from www.theindividual.co.uk 7. Little Mistress Grey & Black Lace Overlay Drop Sleeve Prom Dress, $95.55 available from www.little-mistress.co.uk 8. Palm Springs Embellished Heels, $119.40 available from www.missselfridge.com 9. Carlton London Valencia Pumps, $13.65 available from infashiononline.com 10. ARTDECO Glam Vintage Shimmer Cream in Moonlight $17.40 available from www.beautybay.com 11. Body Wrap Strapless Bra Slip $85 available from www.shapewear.co.uk 12. Red Or Dead Holographic Maxi Dress $65 available from www.bankfashion.co.uk

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A lick of nail varnish will make your whole outfit pop!

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INTERVIEWS

DUSKY

Dusky, A.K.A Nick Harriman and Alfie Granger-Howell, have become instantly recognisable in the House and Techno scene.

Cementing their position as a force to be reckoned with after their 2012 LP, ‘Stick By This’, we caught up with the lads prior to their visit to Australia in March for Let Them Eat Cake.

Hi Alfie, Nick, how’s everything going?

A: Hi, we’re good thanks!

Where are you talking to us from?

N: We’re in our studio at the moment, just taking a break from writing some new material.

You’ve known each other for a long time, but how did you initially come together as a duo?

A: We met when we were about 16 and found we had a lot of shared musical interests. Our collaboration started a year or so later, bouncing ideas back and forth.

Do you share the same influences or do you have some surprising tastes in music?

N: We both have eclectic tastes and try to listen to lots of different styles and eras of music. I’ve always been into Dance music but listen to a lot of Soul and Jazz as well.

A: I’m classically trained and studied film & TV music, so I find myself listening to a lot of that kind of thing as well as Dance music.

the line-up as well. We’d hardly played in London over the past year or two before that as we’d been focusing on gigs away from home, so it felt like a kind of homecoming.

You’ll be playing at Let Them Eat Cake festival in Australia on New Year’s Day, are you looking forward to starting the year in such a crazy way?

N: Most definitely! We will have been in Perth just before for Origin festival and heading to Field Day in Sydney straight after the Let Them Eat Cake set so it will be a really hectic one.

What can festival-goers expect from your set?

A: We always play a lot of our own material so people can expect that. Apart from that it’s difficult to say. We’ll probably play some Housier stuff and some more Techno-y stuff, but it depends on what the crowd seem to be feeling.

Is there anyone else you’re looking forward to seeing at LTEC? N: Sadly, it looks like we’ll have to fly straight in and out, but if we were there for longer then we’d definitely like to catch DJ Koze and Floating Points.

Do you have any crazy plans for New Year’s Eve? N: We’re playing Origin Festival in Perth and an after party there before leaving from the club straight to Melbourne, so there’s not much space for plans around that, but New Year’s normally gets pretty crazy without having to make any plans!

How do you set out creating music? What’s your process?

A: There’s no set way of doing it for us. These days we often start ideas on our laptops while on the road, before passing it to the other to elaborate on, or take in a totally different direction for that matter. We can’t do mix down tracks properly on headphones at the moment so we finish the tracks and add all the details in our studio in London.

“New Year’s Eve normally gets pretty crazy without having to make any plans!”

So, we must ask, why the name Dusky?

N: There’s no big story behind it, unfortunately. We wanted a name that was short, catchy and was a real word. It took us ages to find something suitable as everything we thought of had been taken. Once we’d come up with ‘Dusky’, we realised there was a neat link to our previous project ‘Solarity’ in that they’re both words based on light, but that was a post-rationalisation if we’re honest.

How have things changed (production-wise), if at all, since you started out? Have you added any equipment or changed the way you create music?

A: Not really, no. We do everything ‘in the box’ and don’t use any hardware or external processing at the moment. We’ve acquired new plugins, samples and soft synths over the years, but our basic way of working has remained the same.

Was DJ’ing something you’d both always wanted to do, or did you have other ambitions growing up?

A: I always wanted to do music, whether it was DJ’ing, producing or composing.

N: Growing up, I always wanted to be a professional skateboarder, but after I got my first set of decks at 13, my focus started to shift towards music and DJ’ing became my main ambition.

Whilst you’re in Oz, is there anything in particular you’re looking forward to doing?

A: Enjoying the sunshine! It’ll be great to have a respite from the grey London winter weather. There are also lots of great restaurants in Australia we’ve found, so we’re looking forward to eating out a lot.

When you’re not doing music, what do you like to do in your spare time?

A: I really enjoy making quilts, tadpole-baiting, buying new specimens for my collection of 19th century clogs. You know, the usual.

N: I love researching medieval Indo-European military history, and I’m currently really into making garden furniture from discarded copper piping too.

OK… What’s in the plans 2014?

A: Release-wise, we don’t have many specific plans, but we’re working on a lot of music at the moment so there are a few releases in the pipeline, and we’re going to be continuing to tour a lot too.

Thanks for your time boys and we look forward to seeing you at Let Them Eat Cake!

By Merlin Ramos

How has 2013 been for you, what were your highlights from this year?

A: It’s been great. We’ve been touring a lot, which has been exhausting, but amazing fun. My highlight would probably be our own headline show at XOYO in London, for which we got to choose the rest of

Do you have equal input into the creation process or does it vary from track to track?

N: Yeah it varies - every track is different.

What advantages do you think you get from DJ’ing as a duo?

N: It may sound strange, but having four hands is really useful. You can be blending EQ’s, faders and multiple effects and filters all at the same time, which is great. You also have a bit more space to observe the crowd’s reaction and make decisions on what tracks to play or directions to steer the set in.

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INTERVIEWS

Paul Kalkbrenner Paul Kalkbrenner doesn’t just make music, he lives it. From touring the world on a daily basis to filming the life of a mentally-ill, drug-addicted DJ in ‘Berlin Calling’, he parties just as much as his audience. We spoke to Kalkbrenner about his life in the fast lane and his highly-anticipated return to Australia for Future Music Festival.

Hi Paul, how are you?

I’m ok! It’s grey and cloudy, so winter is coming up here.

Where have you visited recently?

I spent the weekend in Spain! And before that I took some time in the studio and I will be heading on my tour in December.

We last saw you in Australia in December 2012, what have you been up to in the past year?

I went on a big concert tour and played the biggest venues in central Europe with 12,000 people. I also had very big festivals and then some time off in autumn (in Germany), but I haven’t had time to release much music so it’s been a touring year.

How are you anticipating your show at Future Music Festival in March?

I hear it’s like the biggest thing in Australia, I’ve been used to smaller venues like Chinese Laundry so this is my first time for a really, really big one in Australia. And it will be sunny down there, so it will be nice.

Techno is so symbolic of amazing venues and live shows; from what you’ve seen in the past 20 years, how has the Techno scene changed?

It has become a globalised thing! When I was young and bought my first record, it was very small.

My Techno friends, we were the only guys in school that liked it, but now you can hear it in a clothing store!

To me, it’s bigger than Rock ‘n’ Roll now, with people from Europe and Australia and even Japan. Now, it’s becoming really global with a strong movement, power and following.

“At Techno parties, there were whites, blacks, browns and yellows, and I thought...this is where i want to be”

Have you been able to see or hear much of the Techno scene in Australia lately?

Unfortunately not, so it will be interesting to see what’s happening there!

With the rise in online music, is it hard to tell where good music is coming from or do you think it has been an important platform for new Techno and House artists?

That’s interesting. I have to say that due to the fact that I play live music, and also listen to others, when I make an album, I try to stay influence-less. I try to make it from my home, without TV and radio, because somehow when I listen to other music it

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becomes like a little layer of dust on top of what I actually make as music. The best way for me to make music is to not hear any other music. It may sound strange, but it took me about a year to figure out that that’s probably the best way.

Is there any difference in the crowds you play to around the world?

What’s interesting is that you think people from Brazil to people in Japan should be receiving it differently because of their social influence, but somehow Electro music, especially when it’s made instrumental, they seem to receive it the same. It’s a connecting movement and mirrors in every continent. Wherever I go, people adapt to it the same and I suppose that’s helped by the less vocal content so people can just dance and have a great time.

What’s your personal drive when creating music?

I think it’s still the same things that made me want to get into music at 15 - even though my parents didn’t find it a very good plan! I knew quite early what I wanted to do, but I was told to not concentrate on the Techno scene until after I had a regular job. Like a regular child my parents were worried about me.

But I knew what I wanted to do and what drove me then, drives me now.

How much of an impact do you think growing up in Berlin has had on your creativity?

I grew up in East Germany, behind the Berlin Wall, and I was 12 when it came down and in Berlin it was hard to know who the era belonged to, because it didn’t, to anyone. At parties during that time there were skinheads and hooligans, but at Techno parties I saw white, black, brown and yellow from all religions and regions together and I thought, “I’m going to stay here, this is where I want to be.”

While playing DJ Ickarus in 2008’s ‘Berlin Calling’, how much of your own experiences and character did you put into the role?

All the scenes you see Ickarus playing live, that was me, because they were real shows. As the years have passed, the movie has fallen away from me, so I watched it recently and I can see how the guy is much younger than I am right now and the more years that pass I actually have not so much in common with Ickarus… Maybe the will to make music, but that’s it – I have not been so crazy that I have had to go to the loony bin!

What do you have planned for New Year’s Eve? I will be playing three shows in a row; we’ll be going to Rome in Italy, and La Coruna and Madrid in Spain and we’ll be going by jet in a travel group trying to make those three parties in one night, so I’m going to be busy!

As well as bringing your music to Australia, what do you have planned for 2014?

I’m sitting on my new album at the moment and I hope to release it at the end of 2014.

We can’t wait to hear it and look forward to seeing you at Future Music Festival!

LTJ Bukem

LTJ Bukem is no stranger to Australia, playing to packedout crowds for well over a decade. We spoke to the Drum & Bass extraordinaire about his return to our shores for Let Them Eat Cake and Chinese Laundry, and how the genre he created has changed.

it, and you often don’t know where that person has come from or their origins. But performing-wise, I think it’s important to let people see you do your thing.

Cool! What were you doing there?

I go over there every couple of months for long weekends to play gigs. I used to do long tours of 30 days, but that got tiring after 10 or more years! But it’s still a good time.

And whereabouts are you at the moment?

Right now, I’m in the UK. So, we know you as a Drum & Bass master, but you had origins of Jazz and Funk music; how did the transition between the genres occur?

It’s very much interconnected to everything I’ve done over 25-30 years. It stems from what I did when I was younger, playing the piano and classical music at an early age. When I was about 10, I was introduced to Jazz and I learnt about improvisation and the free way of thinking about music. As a result, I started buying records of L.A. Jazz guys like Chick Corea and Bill Evans, and that led on to Soul, which was massive in the ‘80s in England, so it was in my blood from a very early age. When I came onto Electronics in mid-late ‘80s and Hip-Hop in the mid ‘80s, it was all Jazz-related and took me on a certain way that influenced my choices in House and Drum & Bass.

Do you think your origins still have an influence in your music today?

Absolutely, massive. People tend to think of me as pigeon-holed into Drum & Bass, which I guess I am, but very often I’ll play bits that are influenced by my love for Jazz, Funk and Reggae. Even some darker stuff I find attractive for its funkiness or the way it’s been constructed; it’s all stemmed from what I liked in the beginning.

‘Horizons’ is such an iconic tune from the ‘90s; do you think it epitomises your career or would

it be unfair to put all that on one track?

A lot of the tracks when ‘good looking records’ first started - Music Apollo, Horizons, Demons Theme – were the start of Drum & Bass so people immediately remember you for the birth of a genre.

I am pleased that those tunes had that effect on others. I don’t think it defines my career, but it means a lot to a lot of people.

We’re really looking forward to seeing you at Let Them Eat Cake and Chinese Laundry in January 2014; do you have any ideas on your set yet?

Obviously it will be Drum & Bass, focused on new music on the label that we’ve been releasing, as well as some pieces of old stuff. It’s definitely going to be how I’m feeling recently about the music, so it could go from mellow and cosmic to a bit more steppy-ish and hard. It will be a broad spectrum of my mind musically.

“People immediately remember you for the birth of a genre”

You’ve visited Australia previously at events like Playground Weekender and Future Music Festival; what do you think of the music scene out here?

There’s some great Drum & Bass music that’s been coming out of Australia, obviously with Pendulum, and it’s fantastic to see the growth of the music coming out of the country and I have the upmost respect for it. It’s exciting to be invited back to play, as Australia’s playing a big part in the Electronica scene as a whole.

Do you think it’s important for British Drum & Bass acts to break countries like Australia?

If you’d have asked me that 20 years ago when I first came to Perth, I would have said yes, it’s important to go over there and let them hear your thing. But nowadays, with digital media, whatever you do is heard around the world if someone’s interested in you. When one is interested in a certain genre or type of music, you dig deep to find out who’s doing

You mentioned ‘good looking records’, are you able to be as handson as when it was born?

Even more so! I sit and spend 10 hours a day listening to music and replying to artists, getting involved with new acts and learning more about A&R. In the earlier days, my business partner did more of that, but I wanted to learn about it and the structure and what needs to be done.

Are there any acts that we should be checking out?

It’s crazy because unlike 10 or 15 years ago when we first started, there are so many guys to listen to every single day. There’s always someone popping up from a corner of the world that’s sent me a tune.

A good place to go would be our Good Looking Soundcloud page, there’s a really good scope of artists that have recorded with the label that can give people an idea.

What do you get up to when you’re not touring?

[Laughs] I regularly get asked that, but I find myself working more or less seven days a week! When I do get spare time, I like watching films and sport. In fact, I’m going to come to Melbourne at Christmas to watch the test between England and Australia. I think I’ve managed to get into the members section so I’ll have the best seat in the house! It’s quite general really; I don’t get up to mad stuff because life’s so much like that anyway - I want to do normal things!

By Charlotte Mellor

Hi Danny, how are you?

I’m very well, thank you. I’ve been away to America for the weekend and I’ve just got back.

What advice would you give someone who’s just started producing?

First and foremost you should do what you believe in. It’s very easy for people to listen and do something because that’s what’s in at the moment.

I’m not against that, but following your heart is the best way to get your music loved by others. I think it’s hard now for new people to get their names heard, because every scene is saturated with so much music and more music’s available to go out and buy than ever before. Enjoy it, stick by what you believe in and go for it. With DJ’ing, the art is very different to how we viewed it 20 years ago with vinyl, so it’s important to have your own style and get booked.

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INTERVIEWS

Wilkinson

Wilkinson is currently one of the biggest names in Drum & Bass after his October 2013 release ‘Afterglow’ made its way into the UK Top Ten Chart.

With new album ‘Lazers Not Included’ delighting fans, as well as paying a visit to Australia before the year is out, 2013 has been a good one for Wilkinson, and with a second album in the making, 2014 looks set to be even better.

How has 2013 been for you?

2013 has been a crazy year for me. It all kicked off in January and I’ve put out more records than I could have ever imagined. And my debut album is finally out!

You got into music when your parents bought you your first drum kit at nine, but you didn’t discover your passion for Dance until the age of 14; how did this transition come about?

It was a natural progression really; I was heavily into my Hip-Hop, but started getting into more Electronic music when I began playing around with music software. Then my brother gave me a Drum and Bass mixtape to check out and that was me hooked. I knew that’s what I wanted to create before I’d even set foot in a rave.

and she also joined you for your Radio 1 Live Lounge set, how did the meeting between you both come about?

That came about through management. As soon as I heard her voice I was blown away! She’s got such a powerful voice and it sits over Drum and Bass so well. With such a highly energetic genre of music you need a powerful vocal that doesn’t get lost in the track. She delivers it live perfectly as well which is amazing.

On ‘Lazers Not Included’, you also feature vocals from Detour City and Iman; what do you look for in a vocalist?

I always like to use vocalists with a distinctive voice. I like all my tracks to sound different and unique from one another, so it’s important to use vocalists that fit well and stand out over the music.

“Obviously there are a few dickheads that say I’ve sold out Is there anyone you would like to with tunes like work with who isn’t on the album?

Congratulations on the release of your There are so many artists I would debut album on Ram Records, ‘Lazers Afterglow” have loved to work with on this album, Not Included’! What was the general feedback from fans and critics?

Thanks! It’s had a great reaction, more so than I ever expected. It’s made a lot of people start listening to Drum and Bass which is what I wanted to achieve with the album. It’s great seeing more and more people turn up to my shows that know my tunes. Obviously there are a few dickheads that say I’ve sold out with tunes like ‘Afterglow’, but that comes with the territory. I make the music I love and enjoy and I’d never sacrifice musical integrity for chart success. I’m just happy that people are enjoying the music I make.

You’ve been on the scene for a good few years, so what made October 2013 the right time to release it?

I’ve been writing the album for a long time and I wanted it to be perfect. It was originally meant to come out earlier, but I had a really inspired spring (in the UK) and I just wanted to write more tunes up until May. Becky Hill features as vocals on ‘Afterglow’,

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but I’m pushing to work with them on my second album so I can’t say!

We know your British fans can’t wait to see you in Australia; have you been able to perform in the country previously?

Yeah I’ve actually toured in Australia every year for the last 3 years. I usually tour in December, which means I can avoid a bit of the British winter! [laughs] I love Australia, especially Sydney and Perth.

Perth’s Drum and Bass scene always astounds me.

What can the crowds expect from your set?

I’m going to be representing my album, old and new Drum and Bass in a party style!

You’re also playing in New Zealand on 31st December 2013; what persuaded you to head there for New Year’s Eve? The fact that I love New Zealand, it’s such a beautiful country and it’s one of the first places in the word to see the New Year in...and it’s not going to be minus 10 degrees!

Dance, Drum and Bass and Electronica are getting bigger and bigger internationally; do you think its ascent in mainstream charts has affected the quality of what’s coming out now and what people are listening to?

Not really; Drum and Bass has always had a degree of mainstream success. It’s such a diverse scene with different record labels, artists and club nights each representing such different styles, so mainstream success won’t be a bad thing. A bigger audience just means that more people will be coming to the club nights and raving, which has to be a good thing!

Do you think acts that don’t enter the mainstream charts are being ignored by the industry, because they may not be as profitable?

No, not at all. The Internet is such an interactive place now you don’t have to have chart success to be DJ’ing around the world and be selling records.

That’s what I love about Drum and Bass; it has its own fan base that is extremely knowledgeable.

They know what a tune is before it’s even been released or put up on YouTube.

You’ve remixed the likes of Chase and Status, Wiley and Professor Green; whose music are you currently looking to touch upon?

I’ve actually just done a remix for Naughty Boy which is out now, but other than that I’m not doing anymore remixes. I’m working on my next record instead.

What have you got in store for 2014?

Lots of gigs and tours and I’ll be working on my next album.

Catch Wilkinson at any of the following dates...

Saturday 28th December 2013 - The Ivy, Sydney Tuesday 31st December 2013 - Rhythm & Vines, Gisborne, New Zealand Wednesday 1st January 2014 - Play, Adelaide Saturday 4th January 2014 - Villa, Perth

By Charlotte Mellor

Hi Mark, how are you?

I’m good thank you! Cold, but good!

MUSIC NEWS

Ella Eyre One to watch...

You should already be familiar with the sound of Ella Eyre from her collaboration with Dance music’s current sweethearts, Rudimental. ‘Waiting All Night’ was without a doubt the sound of summer 2013 and shot straight to number one in the UK as soon as it was released. Ella also lends her powerful voice to Naughty Boy’s ‘Think About It’ alongside Rap bad boy, Wiz Khalifa. If that wasn’t enough, she’s also a part of Bastille’s ‘No Angels’, a mash-up of ‘No Scrubs’ by TLC and ‘Angels’ by the XX. Her solo efforts are soulful and brilliant but are unreleased and haven’t been widely heard… yet. Make sure you keep an eye on this vocal powerhouse.

Top Podcasts, Radio & Sets Dada Life: The Podcast

For your monthly fix of freshly-squeezed Dance anthems, Swedish DJ duo Dada Life will keep your ears entertained for a whole hour with the hottest picks of the best new floor-fillers over the last four weeks.

Available on Podbay.fm.

Chillout Breeze

If you fancy kicking back and taking an hour to escape life in the fast lane, the Chillout Breeze podcast is your perfect partner in crime. Filled to the brim with relaxing and ambient lounge music, their collection of carefully selected tunes will have you serenely calm in no time at all.

Available on Podbay.fm.

KEXP Music That Matters

DJ’s of Seattle-based KEXP radio bring you their bi-weekly picks of their favourite artists. With an exclusive mix of new music from some of the best worldwide artists, you can expect to hear the sounds of Rock, Hip Hop, Reggae, Country and more.

Available on kexp.org

Single Reviews Bambi – Reap From The Dying Love An ethereal introduction leads listeners in under false pretences as ‘Reap From The Dying Love’ begins. What listeners are soon met with are pounding, rhythmic Indie drum beats and vocals so effortless that they’re chilling. The simplistic yet contrasting chorus is awash with psychedelic undertones due to the layered vocals, but it’s the heavyAlternative breakdown that really showcases what Bambi are all about.

Gossling – Harvest Of Gold ‘Harvest Of Gold’ is Gossling’s latest musical offering, combining repetitive vocals with the steadiest of beats.

Distorted guitars are added above the metronomedrumming as well as an uncomplicated keyboard sequence to differentiate slightly, and unfortunately, if it wasn’t for Gossling’s vocal style, it wouldn’t be as much of a delight to endure simply because it’s too samey.

Ecstasy - Exhale ‘80s inspired sounds alongside bright and uplifting choruses define ‘Exhale’, the latest release from Ecstasy. As the chorus erupts, it’s complete with inspirational energy as it blissfully progresses. As if it was pulled from the Drive movie soundtrack, it’s a reflective and inspirational number that screams summer anthem, endless nights and, nestled deep within the rhythmic synth beats, it feels romantic and invigorating.

Music Weekly by the Guardian

KCRW’s Guest DJ Project

KCRW’s Guest DJ podcast invites a variety of cultural icons to chat with KCRW DJ’s and share songs that have inspired them, whilst also giving listeners a deep insight into their creative and personal lives.

Available on iTunes.

Aoki’s House Podcast

Acclaimed American Electro-House DJ/producer Steve Aoki hosts his own Electronic Dance music show, introducing listeners to all the freshest and hottest Dance tracks in his fortnightly podcast.

Available on steveaoki.podtree.com.

Swanky Tunes – Showland

Swanky Tunes – aka Russia’s hottest Electro-Dance music trio – deliver a free monthly radio show to their listeners, offering a thumping 60 minutes of their best tracks, live performance recordings and exclusive guest mixes.

Available on iTunes.

Music Video Of The Month Panama - Always

Taken from Perth band Panama’s new EP, ‘Always’ is a Klaxonsesque belter of a number.

The video is definitely what’s going to get people talking, though. It’s beautifully shot and looks really pretty; something Wes Anderson would be proud of. Content-wise, there are ominously dark undertones as murder unfolds in a manner that wouldn’t look out of place in an old episode of Twin Peaks, so it all gets a bit confusing.

Whodunnit aside, the video is visually stunning.

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Words by Bryony Curtis, Chelsea Forsyth & Lesley-Jane Carroll

Top Rock and Pop critic Alexis Petridis from the Guardian online introduces this Music Weekly podcast; an eclectic range of interviews and live tracks from both fresh and established artists alike. Get ready for some heated debates alongside some top-class tunes.

Available on iTunes.

MUSIC NEWS

Album Reviews Kelela – Cut 4 Me

PET – Imitation Of Life

Arcade Fire - Reflektor

Singers teaming up with forward-thinking Dance producers to make pure Pop has become a trend in recent years – think Jessie Ware and Julio Bashmore. It seems US singer Kelela had the same idea when deciding to become a singer by teaming up with the skewed and grimy sounds of Bok Bok and Girl Unit.

Berlin natives PET have returned with ‘Imitation Of Life’, their third LP and one that has taken kind inspiration from the likes of Blondie and The Buzzcocks to name a couple.

Arcade Fire return with their highly anticipated fourth double-disc album, ‘Reflektor’, for which the bar has been raised considerably high since we last heard this Indie-Rock band, thanks to their Grammy-winning album ‘The Suburbs’.

Kelela’s debut free mixtape ‘Cut 4 Me’ sees her channel the diva spirit of classic era Mariah and Janet, but with a distinctive nasal coo that’s very much her own.

Heavy with a mass of distorted guitar swirls that transform into transfixing and energetic runaway songs, the album’s opening track, ‘Thinking Of You’ waits for no one in its short two-and-a-half-minute timespan. It’s Rocky and bolshy, full of power and an outright snappy confidence bolding illustrating PET have entered the room.

‘Cut 4 Me’ has to be one of the most cutting-edge releases of 2013 and If the chemistry between Kelela and the music hadn’t been genuine, the results of the mixtape could have lacked human touch.

The album is awash with modern and stylised soundscapes that transcend and develop before your mind even has time to catch up, which has, in doing so, created a strong, well-rounded collection of songs.

‘‘Enemy’ has a floaty Sci-Fi production that has poise and precision, while ‘Bank Head’ is a tense, restricted piece of R&B that is reminiscent of 90s Aaliyah and Brandy, both of whom Kelela has admitted heavily influenced her throughout this mixtape. It is an ambitiously catchy record as well as being aesthetically pleasing.

‘Grey’ separates the Electro-Pop track listing effectively thanks to its prolonged guitar effects and hazy production, portraying a sense of the ultimate dreamer’s paradise.

Her supremely confident and skilled vocal style compliments the style of music she’s chosen as her own, which hints massively at Kelela having the whole package.

The result is an album full of top shelf love songs that sound like they’ve come from the very near future.

The entire album is packed full of discovery after discovery - be it a killer melody or some insanely catchy lyrics - there’s something new with each and every track. Each track is delivered with infectious confidence and attitude and every sound cries effortless coolness. A lot of the time, it all sounds very out of this world - the use of computer generated sounds and fuzzy production commonplace on ‘Imitation Of Life’ - but every decision they have made in the creation process truly lends well to what PET have set out to achieve.

The Canadian group bring in LCD sound system honcho James Murphy as co-producer to enlist all the sounds of the expansive ‘80s, where Punk, Indie, Rock, Rap and Dance music happily coexisted in harmony.

The title track, ‘Reflektor’ is reminiscent of early ‘80s Glam-Rock and features a vocal appearance from David Bowie, which further nods to this era.

‘We Exist’ struts in with a slick Billie Jean-esque bass groove. The mid-tempo ‘Here Comes The Night Time’ is a jaunty little Pop song that lyrically gives us some Clash-styled politics. ‘Joan Of Arc’ is the final track on disc one and is a hectic, Punkinspired ode to the historical figure.

On disc two, with its finger-snapping synth beats and synthesizer screech, ‘Porno’ takes us nostalgically back to the Disco era. The closing track “Supersymmetry”, with its beautiful swirling production, sees both Butler and Chassagne harmonise over the simple arrangement that slowly fades into six-minute ghostly sound effects.

‘Reflektor’s sound is lavish and imaginative, but never in a way smothers you with its polished production. This is definitely a different, but well received kind of flame for Arcade Fire.

Asos all Nighter “It’s great to be headlining the ASOS All Nighter - it’s the first time we’ve had a string section and I’ve got a surprise addition to my set,” says Jessie.

Online fashion and beauty giant, ASOS, will be bringing together a collaboration between fashion and music like no other.

Like any normal house party, guests will be treated to the action in the living room, the kitchen and even the bathroom, whether they want to watch the performances or interviews, or partake in the Instagram competition, it’s just like one massive frat house! Just head to www.asos.com/allnighter to take part!

To add a twist to the proceedings, the more partygoers (people visiting the site), the more sets and interviews will be viewable. So grab your mates and head to the best party on earth!

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By Bryony Curtis, Lesley-Jane Carroll and Jordan Shepley

12th December 2013 will see the world’s first global online house party, ASOS All Nighter, complete with exclusive performances from the likes of Jessie Ware, Mount Kimbie, Elephino and IS TROPICAL.

FUNNY NEWS Is It OK To Finger Your Ex If She Screws You First?

The heartbreak of finding out the woman you love is sleeping with someone you know is a pain BBM is all too familiar with. For five weeks we watched from a hole in Cheryl Cole’s attic as she went to bed each night with Ashley Cole. The misery only ended when the smell of our excrement gave away BBM’s hiding place, and the police soon intervened.

But how do you get back at a cheating ex? Some find peace in writing an emotional letter, others slag them off on Facebook, while Taylor Swift decided to make a career out of it.

But even Swift’s ex-bashing odes pale into insignificance compared to the reaction of Detroit man Alan Markovitz, after finding out his wife, Lea Tuohy, had been having an affair with a friend of his for two years.

Markovitz, who owns the house next door to his ex, reportedly spent $7000 on a 12-foot giant middlefinger bronze garden sculpture pointing at Tuohy’s windows. As a coup de grace, the ‘ornament’ is illuminated by a spotlight at night.

Lenka Tuohy, believed to be the daughter of Markovitz’s ex-wife, tweeted a picture of the statue. “How psychotic do you have to be to buy the house directly next to your ex-wife and then put a statue up like that? Real classy Alan,” she wrote. “[I]t’s hard for me to enjoy my baths now because my fave tub is in my mom’s bathroom which faces out towards it.”

Markovitz, who owns a strip club, claims it is a ‘coincidence’ he ended up in a house next door to his ex-wife, who is believed to have moved into the property when they divorced.

“I’m so over her,” said Markovitz, fooling no one. “This is about him.

This is about him not being a man. He broke the Man Code. He’s a total freakin’ arsehole. Real men don’t do that to another guy.”

You listening to this Ashley? Now be a man and remove the restraining order.

Red Square Gets New Sets Of Bollards A balls-to-the-wall Russian performance artist has been arrested after stripping naked and nailing his bollocks to a cobblestone in Red Square. Now that’s what we call a nut job.

Pyotr Pavlensky, 29, said the stunt was a metaphor for “apathy, political indifference and fatalism in modern Russian society”. Sounds like a load of bollocks to us. Literally.

“It’s not the bureaucrats’ lawlessness that is stopping the society from action - it is fixation on its own defeat and loss that is nailing us harder to the Kremlin cobblestones,” he waffled in a Bee Gees-esque falsetto voice. “Thus creating a human army of apathetical statues, patiently awaiting their fate. Right now, when those in power are turning our country into one big prison, openly stealing from the population and redirecting financial flows into the enrichment and expansion of police apparatus and other security services.”

Timed to coincide with Police Day, a national holiday celebrating Russia’s law enforcement officials, Pavlensky walked on to the square, took off his clothes and took up a position outside Lenin’s Mausoleum, one of the capital’s most famous tourist spots.

He then hammered his scrotum to the floor.

“The society allows this lawlessness forgetting that their number is bigger and that their inaction is drawing the dawning of a police state nearer,” he added.

Apparently undaunted by the autumnal Russian weather, the protest lasted for around an hour before Pavlensky was removed from the ground by police.

It’s unclear if shrinkage was involved. Pavlensky has a history of public performances involving nudity and pain. Previous artistic efforts have included sewing his lips together in protest at the imprisonment of members of Pussy Riot, and wrapping his naked body in barbed wire outside the Saint Petersburg parliament in May. He’s also watched the One Direction movie all the way through.

Celebrity Tweets Here we help translate the literary treats published by the wonderful celebrities that grace the Twittersphere with their presence...

Justin Bieber @justinbieber the streets are filled. the buildings are surrounded. people are in the trees. on roofs. on cars. everywhere.

MEXICO i love it! thank u - Yeah, that’s not fans, Bieber – that’s the Mexican Mafia coming to shoot you in your puny little face.

Tom Fletcher @tommcfly I’m wearing all the same clothes I wore yesterday, underwear included, and I don’t give a fluffy fish. Dats how I role these days.

- McBusted are raking in the money, we see.

Kylie Jenner @KylieJenner I miss my black hair I’m so bipolar :( - Whoever the most down-to-earth Kardashian/Jenner is, it ain’t Kylie.

Cheryl Cole @CherylCole I absolutely love fireworks… But my dogs are terrified. I can’t bare to see them scared. Any tips??

- Yes, get naked.

Ricky Gervais @rickygervais “@MelissaBachman: Incredible day in South Africa! Stalked this male lion… what a hunt!” spot the typo.

- Normally we wouldn’t condone language like this (honest), but we’ll make an exception just this once.

Liam Payne @Real_Liam_Payne Sundays are really boring - Oh, the irony!

Amanda Bynes @amandabynes (Nothing since 19th July) - God, we miss this crazy bint…

Louis Smith MBE @louissmith1989 Ok another question!!! When spreading butter do you do it right to left or top to bottom?

- Has doing nothing but get fat and go on holidays to Magaluf decreased your brain cells, Louis? And FYI, we do it left to right, you fascist!

Dane Cook @danecook As guys we’re pretty crafty. We’ve convinced women that we’re all dogs.

Everyone loves dogs!

- Dane, you are our Love Guru.

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FUNNY NEWS Clooney Lookalike Stars In Indecent Proposal

Forget diamonds or flowers, a businessman has found the perfect gift for his wife’s 40th birthday – h i r i n g a George Clooney lookalike to sleep with her.

Lookalike Gary Tate, who runs a cleaning business called Clooney’s Cleaning, says he was offered £5000 by the man, but he turned it down because ‘it just felt so wrong’.

“When I asked why he would want me to do that he said ‘we have an open relationship, she’s mad about Clooney, and I can’t get him so I’m asking you’,” he said. “When I turned him down, he upped his offer to £5500. I ummed and ahhed about it [but] turned him down.”

You could have at least taken a look at her Gary. She might have been an Angelina Jolie lookalike. By the way, if there are any ladies who want to sleep with someone who looks like Eric Stoltz (in the film Mask) get in touch with BBM immediately.

Two-Year-Old Boy Gives Birth To Twin

Sometimes, we really do feel like these things only happen in China, and perhaps it’s the probability of having the world’s largest population that more weird shit is likely to happen on a regular basis.

Anyway, our stomachs were recently sent churning after hearing about a two-year-old boy giving birth to his twin.

Having watched something freaky on the condition Foetus in Foetu syndrome many moons ago on Body Shock, we were already clued up on this unpleasant occurence, but basically to put it in layman’s terms, when the babies are developing in the womb, sometimes one absorbs the other, causing the foetus to grow inside its twin.

The child was taken to hospital after his parents discovered he had breathing problems and had a rather bloated stomach, luckily the 10 inch dead foetus was discovered and removed, as it could have killed the little boy.

Baby Goes Under The Hammer

Why bother with all the hustle, bustle and fussle of raising a child when you can just sell it on Gumtree if it becomes too much hassle?

That’s what someone in Brazil did after offering a baby for £270 on market website OLX because the mother claimed it “cried a lot” and she “wanted some sleep”. By a strange coincidence, that’s also what BBM’s girlfriend does and says whenever we pester her for sex.

“We are trying to locate the person who posted the advert. We believe that the individual may live in the Campos Eliseos neighbourhood of the city [of Aparecida de Goiânia],” Police Child Protection officer, Marcela Orçai, said.

It seems to be BBM that everyone is quick to point the finger at the parents, but what about the baby? We’ve seen Look Who’s Talking, they’re pretty smart at that age – what if this is a ruse by the toddler to pocket a cool £270? Or what if it’s Danny de Vito in a nappy? We’ve not seen him in a film for a while, maybe he’s struggling to make ends meet?

We don’t know, kids to day eh? Pregnant at two, he’d fit right in with most of Bolton.

Wheel Be Together Forever

A love-struck wacko in Florida has married a giant Ferris wheel she likes to call Bruce.

So the people of Florida still see gay marriage as an abomination of God’s law, but the man upstairs is perfectly fine with people getting hitched to fairground rides? Riiiight…

To be fair, most of the women BBM has slept with were inanimate objects in bed when it came to the no pants dance, so we can kind of see the Floridians logic.

The bizarre ceremony, with Linda Ducharme marrying the blushing ride to be, was filmed by US channel Logo TV. It follows hot on the heels of a man who married a tree in Argentina and another who married a pillow in Japan.

Remembering the moment she first set her eyes on the object of affection, Ducharme told a radio station: “I got this weird feeling I can’t explain. My heart was pounding as we went up the platform and got on the ride. I felt like I was being taken by this ride.”

We agree with her there, someone’s definitely being taken for a ride. In fairness ladies, who wouldn’t want a fella who can take you to heaven and back every time you ride him? The downside is most of your friends have probably been on him too and he enjoys being “lubed up” regularly.

“Bruce is my world, I think about him constantly, it just completely feels right when I’m with Bruce,” she waffled on.

Other examples of strange weddings include a woman who married a 600-year-old French bridge, and Ferris Bueller star Matthew Broderick – who once famously got hitched to a horse, only for it to turn out to be Sex and the City star Sarah Jessica Parker.

40 www.bbmlive.com

Terrorists Get Ahead Of Themselves

Comedy capers in that wacky fun-land known as Syria, where a hilarious mix-up led to Al Qaedalinked jihadists accidentally chopping off the head of one of their own men.

A video posted on the Internet on Wednesday allegedly showed two members of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant holding up a bearded man’s head before a crowd in Aleppo.

“Some minutes after the video was posted, the man was identified as Mohammed Marroush, a fighter with rebel group Ahrar al Sham,” said a UK-based watchdog. “[The Jihadists] later admitted the rebel had been killed by mistake and said it had arrested one of its men, a Tunisian, for decapitating him. He was referred to their Islamic court.”

It’s understood the footage is already a frontrunner to win the $1000 on offer for this year’s “Syria’s wackiest home video” competition.

SPORTS NEWS Qatar Won’t Pussyfoot Around Stadium Issue We always thought something smelled fishy about Qatar winning the rights to the World Cup in 2022, and now we know why - one of the stadiums being built for the event looks like a giant fanny.

According to architects Zaha Hadid and Aecom, the design of the Al Wakrah stadium was inspired by the flowing shape of a dhow, a traditional sailing vessel used by pearl divers in the region. But in the British media’s opinion, it looks like something muff divers would be more familiar with.

When the 40,000 capacity stadium is finally built, it will smash Katie Price’s record for the world’s most accommodating vagina.

“Perhaps the bigwigs behind the design (no doubt all male) should embrace this so-called faux pas and rebrand it as a deliberate nod towards the increasingly liberal Qatari policies concerning women in sport,” wrote The Guardian’s resident feminist flag-waver Holly Baxter, co-founder and editor of the Vagenda blog.

“In a world where sport and vaginas very rarely come together with such prominence (see every UK female footballer’s salary versus every UK male footballer’s salary), this can only be a good thing.”

The architects themselves seem oblivious to the big white hairy elephant in the room.

“The stadium weaves together Qatar’s past with its progressive vision for the future,” a spokesperson for the company said. Sorry boys, but the only link we can see between vaginas and the World Cup is Brazilians are popular with both.

“After all,” added Baxter. “Why not have 45,000 people crammed inside a woman’s reproductive system? It’s not like they haven’t been there before.”

It’s understood Ms Price has already accepted the challenge.

Ronaldo Airs His Dirty Laundry Want to get in Cristiano Ronaldo’s pants? Gareth Bale does. In the most homoerotic twist to the tale of the world’s two most expensive – and slightly effeminate players, Ronaldo has revealed half the Real Madrid side have been inside his undercrackers.

And to top it off, Ronaldo’s also described Wayne Rooney as “beautiful”.

Unless he dresses up as a 60-year-old slapper, we don’t fancy his chances there.

“I gave them [his Real Madrid teammates] all a pair of boxers,” the limp-wristed 28-year-old said of his new range of CR7 underwear.

“Bale was there and he said, ‘Yeah, looking good’. He’s such a fantastic boy.

Fabio Coentrao also mentioned that he liked them. Pepe actually put them on as soon as I gave them to him.”

Ronaldo’s road to fashion icon has been a colourful one, and the simulation specialist admits he wasn’t always such a style hit.

He told Shortlist magazine: “I see pictures of myself when I was 16 or 17 and I say: ‘What did I do?’ When I was in Manchester I had the spaghetti hair – long with yellow tips. What was I doing?”

And when quizzed over granny-shagger Rooney’s new locks, Ronaldo showed his bitchy side with a cutting backhanded compliment. “[Wayne Rooney] has his own style,” he reflected. “But with his hair he looks much better. He looks very good now. Before he was a little bit ugly, but now, with hair, he’s beautiful.”

While it’s great Ronaldo’s finally come out of the closet, sadly he’s still struggling to get out of Messi’s shadow.

Home Time For African Gamblers Most football fans enjoy a friendly bet with a rival supporter when their teams face each other. In most cases, it’s a harmless wager like a pint, a meal or a naked photo of your ex-wife taken while she was asleep (which is something Ashley Cole still refuses to cough up to BBM, despite clearly accepting the bet when he deleted our post and reported us to Twitter).

But two blokes in Uganda took things a tad too far last month when they bet on the outcome of the Manchester United v Arsenal game at Old Trafford.

Gunners fanatic Henry Dhabasani literally bet his house on Arsenal, while United tragic Rashid Yiga staked his new car and his wife on David Moyes’ men.

After Robin van Persie’s first half header, which sealed a 1-0 win for United, Dhabasani is now homeless. And, frankly, we wouldn’t be surprised if Yiga lost his wife anyway after she found it she was a bet on a football match. Apparently, football fans in Africa take their bets very seriously; infact Dhabasani and Yiga were so serious that the two men put down the stake in writing with local leaders and fellow fans, who were drafted in as witnesses.

The Ugandan Observer reports that Dhabasani, who has three wives and five children, fainted at the end of the match as the consequences of his folly sank in. He was evicted on Monday after several United fans stormed his home and threw him and his family out. Now he knows how BBM felt when Cheryl Cole found out we’d been hiding in her attic for five weeks.

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SPORTS NEWS Dowie Junior’s Online Anger At Being In-between Jobs When he’s not “knee deep in clunge” or “up to his nuts in guts”, serial bull-shitter Jay from the Inbetweeners is picking online fights with the son of pencil-necked manager Iain Dowie. No, really.

Lifelong Palace fan James Buckley, the actor who plays a character whose usual online time is spent wearing scuba goggles while wanking over eastern European porn, wasn’t exactly thrilled with the prospect of Dowie taking charge of his beloved club. Then again, who would be?

“Iain Dowie in pole position to take palace job? Why? He’s a tried and tested failure,” he posted when Dowie was installed as the bookmakers’ favourite to replace Ian Holloway. “Give someone else a chance over someone we know is bad.” That prompted Dowie’s son, Oliver, to respond with: “Stick to the comedy stuff mate.”

That led to an amusing tit for tat online spat where the pair attacked each other with stats in order to convince online Eagles fans that Dowie Snr was either the best thing since Jim Smith, or a stiffnecked bag of shit.

“Stop having a hissy fit every time I mention your dad,” pleads James at one stage, to which Dowie Jnr (who we wish was called ‘Robert’ so we could do Ironman jokes) responded, “stop weighing into discussions about things you don’t know about then.”

Rather childishly/amusingly, James replies with “I know your dad is a bad manager.” And so on and so on - for about an hour - until the pair, seemingly, agreed to disagree.

Next week, Ashley Young, who was banned from driving for six months in July, starts a war of words with the actor who plays Simon from the Inbetweeners after being called a “bus wanker” on Twitter.

Hair Today Gone Tomorrow For Messiah Kamara It’s almost 25th December, a day when the Christian world comes together to celebrate the birth of an inspirational figure capable of “unbelievable” things. That’s right, Chris Kamara turns 56 this month – and the parallels with our Lord Jesus Christ - who died for all our sins, amen – don’t end with a shared birthday.

Firstly, despite the fact he should be crucified for being the most incompetent Sky commentator of all time, Kamara always “rises again” at the weekend and his words give joy to millions – mainly the phrase “unbelievable Jeff!”

Secondly, they both used to manage football teams called Bradford City – Bradford being the ancient Hebrew word for Bethlehem, who Jesus guided to a Judea Challenge Cup victory in 27AD thanks to a late winner by a then-young Alessandro Del Piero.

And thirdly, they’ve both made the ultimate sacrifice for the good of mankind. In Jesus’ case, he died on the cross to cleanse mankind of all its sins. In Kamara’s case, he’s shaved off his trademark moustache to raise awareness of men’s health issues.

And just like the cross, Kamara’s moustache is set to become a symbol of all that’s good in the world, as it’s been preserved as a cast by Gillette.

“Whilst it was an unbelievably heartbreaking experience to see my mo disappear from my upper lip, I live safe in the knowledge that it has received the recognition it deserves,” said Kamara, possibly while he was supposed to be reporting on a goal at Fratton Park. “All I ask is that the new owner looks after my dear old mo and keeps me up to date on how my mo’s faring from time to time.”

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Eto’o Brute?

Backstabbed Star Refuses To Let Cameroon Conspiracy Pass We all love a good conspiracy theory. Whether it’s the fake moon landings, aliens at Area 51 or Lady Gaga’s secret penis, there’s just something about bonkers ideas based on flimsy evidence that naturally appeals to our sense of paranoia.

Now Chelsea man Samuel Eto’o has joined the ranks of conspiracy nutjobs after accusing his international teammates in the Cameroon squad of plotting to not pass to him during the World Cup play-off qualifier against Tunisia.

“It’s true and regrettable,” Eto’o said. “And when you watched me retreating to the midfield to chase the ball, it’s because I heard of the plot.”

Of course, for all this outlandish speculation to be true, it would mean his teammates hate Eto’o so much that they’d willingly harm their own chances of reaching the World Cup just to piss him off. That’s some ego. Does Eto’o really think he’s that hateable? Actually, when it’s put like that…

“Football is a collective sport,” Eto’o continued to waffle.

“You are obliged to pass the ball even to your worst enemy, especially when he is in a good position to receive it. It is time to put all these issues behind us. We need to unite, chat during the game and do our best to obtain the result that the entire nation is expecting from us and, since our coach is right here, I want him to help stop the act of not passing the ball to a player on the field.”

Translation: I’m obviously better than the rest of the team combined so I demand that you pass to me more.

Sadly for Eto’o, his manager doesn’t agree.

“I didn’t see anything of such a nature during that match,” Cameroon boss Volker Finke said. “There could be some issues between the players, but nobody refused to kick the ball to Eto’o during that encounter. To me it sounds much like a kindergarten talk.”

Translation: Eto’o is talking bollocks.

CRYSTAL BALLS

Horoscopes Libra

At least eight different people get you mouthwash for Christmas. It’s not a coincidence.

Aquarius

You change the lyrics of that Katy Perry song from “you’re gonna hear me roar” to “you’re gonna fuck me raw”. It’s the best joke you’ve ever made. That’s not a compliment.

Leo

Using my amazing powers to travel into the future, I can see that on the 25th you get a day off work, talk to members of your family, and also receive an unexpected present. God I’m good at this. I’m Derek Acorah league.

Aries

My Christmas present to you Aries is not telling you what happens this month. I don’t want you worrying in your final few weeks. The good news is you don’t feel a thing, it happens in an instant. You’re welcome.

Capricorn

You wake up one morning convinced you’re Heather Mills and spend the rest of the month hopping around on one leg demanding Paul McCartney gives you $6,000,000.

Virgo

You are visited by three spirits on Christmas Eve: rum, gin and vodka. After a magical night of wonders, you wake up feeling like a new person – a person who doesn’t get out of bed all day except to vomit into a bucket.

Taurus

Pisces

After a lifetime spent hoarding money, never buying a round and generally being a tight arsehole, you are visited by three spirits on Christmas eve: the ghost of Christmas past, the ghost of Christmas present and the ghost of Christmas yet to come. After a heart-wrenching tale of lost love, the meaning of family, and salvation of the soul, you decide to report the spirits for breaking and entering and successfully sue for damages in the civil court.

To celebrate, you get a young orphan boy to run to the nearest locksmiths under orders to buy “the biggest safe in the shop”. When he returns, you get him to make cheap knock-off wallets in your basement. God bless us, every one!

Sagittarius

I haven’t got time to do your horoscope Cancer, I’ve got to get my Christmas shopping done. I need to get a 12 inch dildo from the Adult Store on Oxford Street for my niece. If I don’t get it now, Nicole Kidman will beat me to it. She goes through them like toothbrushes.

You are visited by three spirits on Christmas eve. Unfortunately for you, it’s a busy night for festive Dickensian spirits – some of whom have used annual leave so they can spend Christmas with their families – so they’ve had to bring in temporary workers. The ghosts of Christmas past and Christmas present are both migrant workers from Poland who don’t speak English. You spend most of the time saying “what?” or “I don’t know what you’re trying to say” to them, and eventually get so frustrated you just nod your head and say “really” or “wow, that’s really opened my eyes” to pacify them. The ghost of Christmas yet to come is even worse. He’s a 16-year-old work experience student. Instead of taking you on an emotional journey that leads to your unloved grave, he accidentally takes you on a wine tour of the Hunter Valley.

After a complete misreading of the classic Christmas film “It’s a Wonderful Life”, you embezzle a load of money then kill yourself when the police catch up with you. Merry Christmas!

Scorpio

You and your “hilarious” friends decide to go out on Christmas eve wearing those comedy “reindeer antler” headbands. After a few beers and shots, you unwisely pick a fight with an NRL player, who punches you so hard he breaks your nose and your feet literally leave the floor. A friend of yours takes a breath-taking photo of the exact moment you’re sailing through the air with blood all over your nose. He posts it on Facebook with the caption “Won’t you guide my sleigh tonight?” By the time you wake up, you’re a viral Internet hit.

Gemini

You are visited by three spirits on Christmas Eve. However, your initial horror turns to relief when it becomes clear they’ve come for the bloke who used to live in your house - but died a few weeks ago. After an apology from the ghosts and a few good-natured jokes, you ask if they fancy a beer as you’ve just cracked one open. The ghosts of Christmas past and Christmas present politely decline explaining that they’ve got to make a start on the next job – but the ghost of Christmas yet to come says he has a bit of time to kill waiting for the others to do their bits so agrees to come in for a schooner or three. For a bloke who looks and dresses like the Grim Reaper, he turns out to be a very funny guy and you end up having a cracking night watching the start of Die Hard. When he finally has to go, you ask him if he’s free on Tuesday as you and a few mates do the quiz at the local pub. He says “count me in” and a wonderful friendship is born. Merry Christmas!

Cancer

Pub Quiz Facts Love a bit of trivia down the pub? Here’s a few things we bet you didn’t know...

Leo Fender, who created Fender Guitars, didn’t actually know how to play the guitar.

7 in 100 men suffer from some sort of color blindness, but only 1 out of every 1,000 women suffer from it.

In Germany, denying the reality of the holocaust is a criminal offense and can get you 5 years in prison.

No two cows have identical spots.

The Germans made the first artificial Christmas trees out of dyed goose feathers.

All the gifts in the Twelve Days of Christmas would equal 364 gifts.

In A.D. 350, Pope Julius I, bishop of Rome, proclaimed 25th December the official celebration date for the birthday of Christ.

Commissioned by Sir Henry Cole (1808-1883), British illustrator John Callcott Horsley (1817-1903) invented the first Christmas card in 1843.

Jesus Christ was in fact, a magician.

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ASK CRYSTAL & JOKES

Ask Crystal Dear Crystal,

Ted

she’ll initially be angry at not getting a ring – especially as the box looks like it contains one - but when you explain your story, she’ll feel guilty at getting angry and will be forced to be nice. If she mentions anything at all about “hoping to get an engagement ring” or that she was “kind of hoping to get a proposal” immediately shake your head and storm off to the bedroom. That should settle it.

Dear Ted,

Dear Crystal,

Hmm, tricky one. There is a way out of this but it involves a bit of acting on your part.

You need to go to your nearest pawn shop and buy one of those shitty antique brooches they have. Don’t spend too much, $40 should cover it. Now put it in a box that looks like it might contain a ring, and get a professional to wrap it. If they ask who it’s for, this is a chance to practice your lie. Explain that your grandfather was born in Poland and the only thing he took with him to England when he fled the Nazis in 1939 was this brooch – which his mother pressed into his hand just before she was taken away by the gestapo. When he got older, he fell in love with a girl. In order to win her heart, he gave her this brooch and explained the story behind it. They were married six months later. If possible, try to cry towards the end of the story. Now, when your missus opens the present on Christmas Day,

My missus always makes me watch Love Actually at Christmas, even though it’s a pile of shit.

How can I get out of it?

I haven’t got a bloody clue what to get my girlfriend for Christmas this year. She’s been hinting at an engagement ring but bollocks to that. What can I get her that won’t make her angry for not getting a proposal?

Yours,

Love, Richard

Dear Julie, If you’ve got two hands, big tits and are willing to do “happy endings” for some of my clients then I can definitely get you working.

Just send me your CV and measurements and we’ll get cracking.

Dear Crystal, My boyfriend and I were hoping to get engaged this New Year’s Eve on the Harbour Cruise we’ve booked, but a couple of months ago I started feeling more attracted to women. I’ve always enjoyed a bit of girl on girl porn, but a couple of months ago in Kings Cross I ended up paying for sex with an older woman, and I really enjoyed it. She even complemented me on my oral abilities, which filled me with confidence in my new sexual escapades.

Dear Richard,

Sincerely,

Just dump the dozy cow. If I have to see Martine McCutcheon’s chipmunk face one more time I’ll put my foot through the TV.

Janine

Dear Janine, Dear Crystal, I’ve just arrived in Australia and am desperate for work. Do you have anything going?

Faithfully, Julie

I only complemented you as I had dropped a few e’s and was feeling quite loving. I didn’t mean it, and you lick like a spaniel with a saggy pair of balls. You’d be best off forgetting the whole thing and marrying that man of yours, as quite frankly, your bits are a bit weird looking, and men don’t know any better.

Jokes I came home early to find my son kneeling in front of a priest. I was horrified. But it was ok, he was sucking his cock, for one dreadful moment I thought he was praying. Danny, Bondi The day after Christmas, I had a guy knock on my door, trying to preach to me about Jesus, saying how I should repent for my sins.

My 10-year-old son was still excited and ran to the door shouting “Santa Claus came to my house!”

The man looked at me and said “Isn’t he a bit old to believe that there’s an invisible man in the sky, watching everything you do, judging whether you’re good or bad?”

I looked at him and asked “Sorry, which church were you from again?” Ben, Darlinghurst Jesus may have walked on water, but Stephen Hawking runs on batteries. Sam, Paddington Jesus said to Peter, “Come forth and I will give you eternal glory.”

Peter came fifth and won a toaster.

Nick, Woolongong “Jesus loves you.”

A nice gesture in church.

A horrific thing to hear in a Mexican prison. Joseph, St Kilda Why the fuck did The Flintstones celebrate Christmas? Mark, Bronte I wanted my step-daughter to play with the rabbit I bought her for Christmas, but her mother said that sex toys were not an appropriate gift for an eightyear-old. Todd, Richmond

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Christmas is shit. Whoever invented it should be nailed to a cross. Ryan, Fitzroy This eight-year-old girl goes into Santa’s grotto.

She sits on his lap and Father Christmas says, “Hello little girl, what would you like for Christmas, my dear?”

The little girl says, “Some of my older friends at school have got some hair between their legs, and I would like some there too!”

Santa says, “Will a little white beard be okay?”

Jason, Kings Cross I went to the garden centre today and bought a Christmas Tree. The assistant asked me, “Will you be putting that up yourself?”

I replied, “No, you sick fuck. I’ll be putting it up in my living room.” Aaron, Collingdale The morning after Christmas, two brothers are in front of the tree.

“So what did you get?”

“I got a PSP, a bike, four model cars, 10 action figures, the new Playstation 3, 10 games for it, and loads of cool t-shirts and clothes. And you?”

“I got a pair of socks and a Spiderman toy.”

“Is that it?”

“Well yeah, but I don’t have leukaemia.” Paul, Christchurch It was one of the best moments of married life when my son finally found out Father Christmas wasn’t real.

I overheard him telling his sister in her bedroom, “It’s actually our parents who do it!”

My daughter said, “But I can’t believe dad would do that?!”

Then he said these beautiful words and earned

himself that new bike: “It’s not dad, it can’t be. Mum’s the only one fat enough, with a beard.”

Gerard, Surry Hills If your woman puts on weight over the Christmas period suggest some exercise. Get her to walk three miles in the morning and three miles in the evening.

In a week, the fat bitch should be 42 miles away!

Rob, Chester I saw a girl walking down the street that I fucked years ago, so I ran up behind her, covered her eyes and whispered, “Guess who... I took your virginity...”

She said, “Dad?” “Dad?” I replied, staggering back in disgust. “You lost your virginity to your dad?”

She turned round and said, “Oh... It’s you... I told you that you were my first because I was ashamed of what happened with my...”

“I don’t want to hear it,” I interrupted. “Fuck you, and your dad.”

As I walked off, I turned round and shouted, “Tell him Uncle Tony won’t be coming round this Christmas.”

Stephen, Bunbury

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ADVERTISE HERE

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TRAVEL NEW ZEALAND & FIJI

Things to do in New Zealand

SKYDIVING

SKYDIVE LAKE WANAKA LTD 14, Mustang Lane Wanaka Airport State Highway 6 Wanaka, South Island NZ Tel: +64 3 443 7207 or FREEphone 0800 786 877 info@skydivewanaka.com www.skydivewanaka.com NZONE ‘THE ULTIMATE JUMP’ Queenstown & Rotorua Tel: 0800 376 796 skydive@nzone.biz www.nzone.biz SKYDIVINGNZ.COM New Zealand Skydiving School FREEPHONE: 0800 NZSKYDIVE Email: info@skydivingnz.com

RAFTING

RANGITATA RAFTS Peel Forest RD20 South Canterbury, NZ Tel: + 64 3 696 3534 New Zealand Freephone: 0800 251 251 info@rafts.co.nz www.rafts.co.nz

JET BOATING SHOTOVER JET

The World’s Most Exciting Jet Boat Ride, and the only company permitted to operate in the spectacular Shotover River Canyons.

Shotover Jet Beach, Gorge Road Arthurs Point, Queenstown, New Zealand Free Phone (NZ only): 0800 SHOTOVER Phone: +64 3 442 8570 Fax: +64 3 442 7467 reservations@shotoverjet.co.nz www.shotoverjet.com

GLACIER GUIDING FOX GLACIER GUIDING 44 Main Rd, Po Box 38, Fox Glacier, NZ Ph: +64 3 751 0825 Freephone (NZ only): 0800 111 600 info@foxguides.co.nz www.foxguides.co.nz

Take a breathtaking guided trip on the West Coast’s longest and less crowded glacier amidst fascinating ice formations with NZ’s most experienced glacier guiding company. Offering a full range of trips to suit all fitness levels.

RIVER BOARDING

MAD DOG RIVERBOARDING 37 Shotover Street Queenstown New Zealand Ph: +64 3442 7797 www.riverboarding.co.nz

ACCOMMODATION CHRISTCHURCH

CITY OASIS 180 Peterborough Street, Christchurch, NZ Ph: + 64 3366 9531 cityoasis@xtra.co.nz www.kiwi-backpackers.co.nz COKER’S BACKPACKERS 52 manchester Street, Christchurch, NZ Ph: + 64 3379 8580 enquiries@cokers.co.nz www.cokers.co.nz

BAY OF ISLANDS

BAY ADVENTURER BACKPACKERS & APARTMENTS 28, Kings Road, Paihia, Bay of Islands, NZ Ph: +64 9 402 5162 Info@bayadventurer.co.nz www.bayadventurer.co.nz

KAIKOURA ADELPHI LODGE Main Street, Kaikoura, NZ Ph: + 64 3319 5141 Fax: + 64 3319 6786 adelphilodge@xtra.co.nz www.kiwi-backpackers.co.nz

QUEENSTOWN

AUCKLAND

BUNGI BACKPACKERS 15 Sydney Street, Queenstown, NZ Ph: + 64 3442 8725 Fax: + 64 3442 8729 www.kiwi-backpackers.co.nz

NOMADS AUCKLAND 16-20 Fort Street, Auckland, NZ Freecall: 0508 NOMADS Phone: +64 9 300 9999 bookings@nomadsauckland.com nomadshostels.com $5 off first night (min 3 night stay) if you mention this ad

SOUTHERN LAUGHTER LODGE 4 Isle Street, Queenstown, NZ Ph: + 64 3441 8828 southernlaughter@xtra.co.nz www.kiwi-backpackers.co.nz NOMADS QUEENSTOWN 5-11 Church Street, Queenstown, NZ Freecall: 0508 NOMADS Phone: +64 3 441 3922 info@nomadsqueenstown.com nomadshostels.com Queenstown’s brand new flashpackers, now open with rave reviews.

FRANZ JOSEF GLACIER CHATEAU FRANZ 8 Cron Street, Franz Josef Glacier, NZ Ph: + 64 3752 0738 www.kiwi-backpackers.co.nz

NOMADS FAT CAMEL 38 Fort Street, Auckland, NZ Freecall: 0508 NOMADS Phone: +64 9 307 0181 bookings@nomadsfatcamel.com nomadshostels.com $5 off first night if you mention this ad.

WELLINGTON

NOMADS CAPITAL 118 Wakefield Street, Wellington, NZ Freecall: 0508 NOMADS Phone: +64 4 978 7800 info@nomadscapital.com nomadshostels.com Central city backpackers with FREE MEAL every night.

GLOW WORM COTTAGES 7 Cron Street, Franz Josef Glacier, NZ Ph: + 64 3752 0172 glowwormcottages@xtra.co.nz www.kiwi-backpackers.co.nz

Fiji ACCOMMODATION

THINGS TO DO

BEACHCOMBER ISLAND RESORT Mamanuca Island Group Ph: + 679 6661500 Fax: + 679 6664496 info@beachcomberfiji.com www.beachcomberfiji.com

ROBINSON CRUSOE ISLAND Fiji budget accommodation Ph: (679) – 6281999 (679) – 6282901 robinsoncrusoe@connect.com.fj www.robinsoncrusoeislandfiji.com

THE BEACHOUSE Coral Coast, Fiji Islands Fiji phone: 679 6530500 Free call (within Fiji): 0800 6530530 Australia info line: 07 55320412 info@fijibeachouse.com www.fijibeachouse.com

THE UPRISING BEACH RESORT 679-345-2200 Beach RoadPacific Harbour P.O.Box 416 Pacific Habour Fiji Islands enquiries@uprisingbeachresort.com www.uprisingbeachresort.com

SMUGGLERS COVE BEACH RESORT * HOTEL P.O.Box 10409 Nadi Airport.

Ph: (679) 672 6578 or 672 4578 Fax: (679) 672 0662 reservations@smugglerscove.com.fj www.smugglersbeachfiji.com, Skype name: Smugglers Cove HORIZON BEACH RESORT Wailoaloa Beach, Nadi Bay, Fiji Ph: +679 672 2832 or 4578 Fax: +679 672 0662 www.horizonbeachfiji.com

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NADI BAY RESORT HOTEL Wailoaloa Beach Road Private Mail Bag NAP 0359, Nadi Airport Ph: (679) 6723599 Fax: (679) 6720092 nadibay@connect.com.fj www.fijinadibayhotel.com/ NADI BAY DOWNTOWN BACKPACKERS Nadi, Fiji Islands Ph: [679] 670 0600 pacvalley@connect.com.fj

SKYDIVING

SKYDIVE FIJI 11 Zahoor Road, Nadi, Fiji Isalnds Tel: +679-6728166 Fax: +679-6721415 admin@skydivefiji.com.fj www.skydivefiji.com.fj ‘Incredible views of Fiji’s Islands and Reefs; Beach or Resort landings’

SCUBA DIVING

SUBSURFACE FIJI ADVENTURE DIVING & WATERSPORTS Subsurface Fiji Adventure Diving and Watersports Beachcomber, Treasure, Malolo, Walu Beach, Funky Fish and Musket Cove Island Resorts, Fiji Tel: +679 6666 738 info@subsurfacefiji.com www.subsurfacefiji.com

TRAVEL AUSTRALIA

Things to do in Australia SKYDIVING

SYDNEY SKYDIVERS 745 Picton Road, Wilton, New South Wales, Australia 2571 Ph: 1800 805 997 admin@sydneyskydivers.com.au www.sydneyskydivers.com.au SUNSHINE COAST SKYDIVERS 1 Pathfinder Drive, Caloundra Airport, Sunshine Coast, QLD Ph: 07 5437 0211 Mob: 04 18 776 775 bookings@sunshinecoastskydivers.com.au www.sunshinecoastskydivers.com.au SOUTHERN SKYDIVERS Busselton Regional Airport, Bussleton, WA Free: 1300 449 669 skydive@southernskydivers.com.au www.southernskydivers.com.au SKYDIVE BYRON BAY Hanger 1, Tyagarah Airfield, NSW, 2481 Ph: 1800 800 840 or 02 6684 1323 info@skydivebyronbay.com www.skydivebyronbay.com The ultimate skydive experience Australia has to offer!

SKYDIVE COFFS HARBOUR P.O. Box 351, Coffs Harbour, NSW, 2450 Ph: 0433 254 438 info@skydivecoffs.com.au www.skydivecoffs.com.au Beach landings in the heart of Coffs SKYDIVE THE REEF CAIRNS 51 Sheridan St, Cairns, QLD, 4870 Ph: 1800 800 840 info@skydivethereefcairns.com.au www.skydivethereefcairns.com.au SKYDIVE JURIEN BAY 36B Bashford St, Jurien Bay, WA, 6516 Ph: 0438 441 239 www.skydivejurienbay.com SKYDIVE MISSION BEACH 51 Sheridan St, Cairns, QLD, 4870 Ph: 1800 800 840 info@missionbeachskydive.com.au www.skydivemissionbeach.com.au Free transfers from Mission Beach & Cairns. Australia’s Highest jump and Beach Landings

SCUBA DIVING AUSTRALIA

NINGLAOO WHALE SHARK & DIVE CENTRE Located inside reception at the Exmouth Cape Holiday Park: 3 Truscott Street, Exmouth, WA Ph: 1800 224 060 www.ningaloowhalesharkndive.com.au THE SCUBA CENTRE Port Douglas-Cairns-Airlie Beach, 230 Sugarloaf Rd, Whitsunday Ph: 07 4946 1067 whitscub@gmail.com www.scubacentre.com.au

GHOST TOURS LANTERN GHOST TOURS Melbourne & Goldcoast Ph: 1300 390 119 www.lanternghosttours.com enquiry@lanternghosttours.com Experience the multi award winning Lantern Ghost Tours, offering small group tours of Australia’s most haunted locations.

ADVENTURE TOURS

GOIN SOUTH Four days, two famous Aussie icons, one awesome tour Ph: 1800 009 858 www.facebook.com/goinsouthtours TEMPATION DOLPHIN SWIM Marina Pier, Holdfast Shores Marina Glenelg, SA, 5045 Ph: 0412 811 838 info@dolphinboat.com.au www.dolphinboat.com.au A J HACKET BUNGY JUMPING McGregor Road, Smithfield, QLD, 4878 Tel: 07 4057 7188 Free: 1800 622 888 cairns.reception@ajhackett.com www.cairns.ajhackett.com OCEAN RAFTING WHITSUNDAYS The Jetty, Coral Sea Resort, Airlie Beach, QLD Ph: 07 4946 6848 oceanrafting@airlie.net.au www.oceanrafting.com.au STAND UP PADDLE SURFING 3 Graham Colyer Drive, Agnes Water, QLD Ph: 07 4974 7874 / 07 4962 0210 Mob: 0422 806 235 info@1770sup.com.au www.1770sup.com.au MULGAS ADVENTURE 4 Traeger Avenue Alice Springs, NT, 0871 Ph: 08 9521 545 www.mulgas.com.au SURF & SUN AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURES Ph: 1800 786 386 08 8212 0211 info@surfandsun.com.au www.surfandsun.com.au KANGAROO ISLAND ADVENTURE TOURS Adelaide, SA Ph: 08 8202 8678 bookings@kiadventuretours.com.au www.kiadventuretours.com.au MINISTRY OF PAINTBALLING L4, 362 Kent St, Sydney, NSW, 2000 Ph:1800 646 478 Ph: 02 9262 2362 www.ministryofpaintball.com BRIDGE CLIMB SYDNEY Ph: 02 8274 7777 www.bridgeclimb.com BUNYIP TOURS 570 Flinders Street Melbourne Victoria, 3000 1300 286 947 info@bunyiptours.com www.bunyiptours.com PENRITH WHITE WATER RAFTING Ph: 02 4730 4333 booking@penrithwhitewater.com.au www.penrithwhitewater.com.au BALLOON SUNRISE PO Box 229 , Yarra Glen, VIC, 3775 Ph: 03 9730 2422 Free: 1800 HOTAIR (1800 468 247) info@hotairballooning.com.au www.hotairballooning.com.au

KITE SURFING

KITESURF 1770 IKO Certified Kiteboarding school/Centre 3 Graham Colyer Drive, Agnes Wate, QLD Ph: 07 4974 7874 / 07 4962 0210 Mob: 0422 806 235 info@kitesurf1770.com.au www.kitesurf1770.com.au KITE REPUBLIC 10-18 Jacka Blvd. St.Kilda Sea Baths Complex, St.Kilda, 3182, Melbourne, VIC Ph: 03 95370644 Mob: +61 418583233 info@kiterepublic.com.au www.kiterepublic.com.au

SURF SCHOOLS

MOJO SURF 2/9 Marvell St, Byron Bay, 2481, NSW Ph: 1800 113 044 reservations@mojosurf.com www.mojosurf.com GREAT OCEAN ROAD SURF TOURS 55B Surf Coast Highway, Torquay, Victoria, 3228 +61 3 5261 3730 info@gorsurftours.com.au www.gorsurftours.com.au GET WET SURF SCHOOL Ph: 1800 438 938 www.getwetsurf.com SURF SHACK Ph: 03 5155 4933 www.surfshack.com.au GO SURFING BYRON BAY Ph: 02 6685 7099 gosurfingbyronbay@gmail.com www.gosurfingbyronbay.com LETS GO SURFING Ph: 02 9365 1800 www.letsgosurfing.com.au SURFING AUSTRALIA Ph: 07 5599 3800 www.surfingaustralia.com Marine Charters ADVENTURE BAY CHARTERS 2 Jubilee Drive, Port Lincoln, SA, 5606 Ph: 04 8842 8862 info@adventurebaycharters.com.au www.adventurebaycharters.com.au KANGAROO MARINE CHARTERS 9 Chapman Terrace, Kingscote, Kangaroo Island, SA Ph: 0427 315 286 www.kimarineadventures.com ADVENTURE KAYAKING 7 Hastings Street, Glenelg South, SA Ph: 08 8295 8812 bookings@adventurekayak.com.au www.adventurekayak.com.au JET SKI SAFARIS Birth 56, Jetty Sea, Mariners Cove, Waterways, QLD Ph: 07 5526 3111 Mob: 0409 754 538 info@jetskisafaris.com.au www.jetskisafaris.com.au

PARADISE JET BOATING Jetty ‘C’ Mariners Cove Marina, Seaworld Drive, Main Beach Qld 4217 Ph: 1300 JET BOAT (1300 538 262) thrills@paradisejetboating.com.au www.paradisejetboating.com.au

BIKE RIDING TOURS

ESCAPE GOAT Adelaide, SA Ph: 08 8121 8112 Mob: 0422 916289 info@escapegoat.com.au www.escapegoat.com.au

ZORB BALLS

OZ BALL GOLD COAST (TEMPORARILY CLOSED) Go Zorbing with Oz Ball.

Ph: 07 5547 6300 info@ozball.com.au www.infomaps.com.au/attractions_listings/ozball

WINE AND BEER TOURS

PRIME MINI TOURS Melrose Park, SA, 5039 Ph: 1300 667 650 info@primeminitours.com www.primeminitours.com

HIDDEN SECRET TOURS Melbourne CBD Ph: 03 9663 3358 tours@hiddensecrettours.com www.hiddensecretstours.com CARLTON & UNITED BREWERY TOUR Cnr Thompson & Nelson Streets, Abbotsford, VIC Ph:(03) 9420 6800 www.carltonbrewhouse.com.au BIG NIGHT OUT Surfers Paradise Every Wednesday and Saturday Night www.GoldCoastBackpackers.net FROG & TOAD BAR HOP Cairns Every Wednesday and Friday Night Mob: 0418 184 646 partyincairns@bigpond.com www.partyincairns.com

BOWLING

STRIKE BOWLING Nationwide Ph:1300 787453 www.strikebowling.com.au PADDO BOWLS 2 Quarry Street Paddington NSW, 2021 Ph: 02936 1150

TRANSPORT

MIGHTY CAMPERS Nationwide Ph: 1800 670 232 www.mightycampers.com.au GREAT SOUTHERN RAIL Nationwide Ph: 1800 703 357 www.greatsouthernrail.com.au TRAVELLERS AUTOBARN Nationwide Ph: 1800 674 374 www.travellers-autobarn.com.au

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ACCOMMODATION LISTINGS NEW SOUTH WALES SYDNEY

WORLD SQUARE HOSTEL 2/640 George St, Sydney NSW 2000 (02) 9267 5616 worldsquarehostel.com.au SYDNEY BACKPACKERS 7 Wilmot St Sydney NSW 2000 Ph: 02 9267 7772 1800 88 77 66 (Free Call) info@sydneybackpackers.com www.sydneybackpackers.com CLOVELLY HOTEL 381 Clovelly Road Clovelly Ph: (02) 9665 1214 office@clovellyhotel.com.au www.clovellyhotel.com.au CRITERION HOTEL 260 Pitt Street Sydney (crn Pitt & Park Streets) Ph: (02) 9264 3093 patk@criterianhotel.net.au www.criterionhotel.net.au JOLLY SWAGMAN BACKPACKERS HOSTEL 27 Orwell Street Kings Cross, NSW 2011 Free: 1800 805 870 Ph: 93586400 skype: jolly.swagman.backpackers stay@jollyswagman.com.au www.jollyswagman.com.au BONDI BACKPACKERS 110 Campbell Parade Bondi Beach NSW 2026 Free: 1800 304 660 Ph: (02) 9130 4660 bookings@bondibackpackers.com.au www.bondibackpackers.com.au OXFORD COURT ACCOMMODATION Bondi Junction Mobile 0412547840 Cafesbs@bigpond.net.au Clean, affordable and friendly backpackers.

Rooms for 1 to 4 people. Close to bus, train and shops. Rooms have TV, fridge, toaster, microwave, kitchenette, cutlery, crockery, sheets supplied. Laundry, internet and BBQ facilities. Prices range from $190 to $130 depending on the number of guests.

THE GLOBE BACKPACKERS 40 Darlingurst Road Kings Cross, Sydney NSW 2011 Free: 1800 806 384 Ph: (02) 9326 9675 info@globebackpackers.com www.globebackpackers.com CITY RESORT HOSTEL 103-105 Palmer St Woolloomooloo, NSW 2011 Ph: (02) 9357 3333 bookings@cityresort.com.au Skype: City Resort Hostel www.cityresort.com.au Show this ad for $5 off!

(Valid for new guests only. Min. 3 nights stay.)

WEST END BACKPACKERS 12 Pitt St Sydney NSW, 2000 Ph: 02 9211 4588 Free Phone: 1800 013 186 bookings@westendbackpackers.com www.nomadsworld.com/westend BOUNCE SYDNEY 28 Chalmers Street, Sydney 2010 Free call 1800890897 Ph (02) 9281 2222 book@bouncehotel.com.au www.bouncehotel.com.au LORD WOLSELEY HOTEL 265 Bulwara Rd Ultimo, Sydney 2007 Ph: (02) 9660 1731 info@lordwolseleyhotel.com.au www.lordwolseleyhotel.com.au

PORTERHOUSE HOTEL 233 Riley St Surry Hills NSW 2010 Ph: (02) 9211 4454 info@porterhouse.com.au www.Porterhouse.com.au BIG HOSTEL Single and double & Dorm rooms available Max 4 bed dorms.

212 Elizabeth Street, Surry Hills Sydney NSW 2010 Ph: (02) 92816030 Free: 1800 212 244 reception@bighostel.com www.bighostel.com O’MALLEY’S HOTEL 228 William Street, Kings Cross Sydney, NSW 2011 Ph: 02 9357 2211 admin@omalleyshotel.com.au www.omalleyshotel.com.au SYDNEY CENTRAL HOSTEL 428 Pitt Street Sydney 2000 Ph: (02) 9211 7323 stay@sydneycentralhostel.com.au www.sydneycentralhostel.com.au THE ROYAL HOTEL 370 Abercrombie St, Darlington, NSW, 2008 Ph: (02) 9698 8557 info@royal.com.au www.royal.com.au KANGA HOUSE BACKPACKERS 141 Victoria Street, Kings Cross, Sydney Ph: (02) 9357 7897 www.KangaHouse.com.au

SYDNEY NORTHERN BEACHES

SYDNEY BEACHOUSE - YHA 4 Collaroy St, Collaroy, 2097 Ph: +61 2 9981 1177 mail@sydneybeachouse.com.au www.sydneybeachouse.com.au Guaranteed jobs/work all year.

Cheap weekly rates by the beach with free Surfboard, Bodyboard & Bike hire

SYDNEYS SOUTHERN BEACHES

CRONULLA BEACH YHA Level 1, 40 -42 Kingsway Cronulla Sydney, 2230 Ph: 02 9527 7772 enquiries@cronullabeachyha.com www.cronullabeachyha.com www.yha.com.au

PORT STEPHENS

MELALEUCA SURFSIDE BACKPACKERS 2 Koala Place, One Mile Beach, NSW 2316 Ph: (02) 4981 9422 Mobile: 0427 200 950 melaleucabackpacker@bigpond.com www.melaleucabackpackers.com.au HUNTER VALLEY Hunter Valley YHA 100 Wine Country Drive Nulkaba, Hunter Valley, NSW Ph: 02 4991 3278 huntervalley@yhansw.org.au www.yha.com.au

KATOOMBA

KATOOMBA MOUNTAIN Backpackers Lodge 31 Lurline st Katoomba, NSW Ph: 04782 3933 stay@katoombabackpackers.com.au www.katoombabackpackers.com.au SPECIAL WINTER DEAL, STAY 2 NIGHTS GET THE 3RD NIGHT FREE!!!!!!

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BYRON BAY

AQUARIUS BACKPACKERS 16 Lawson Street Byron Bay NSW 2481 Ph: (02) 6685-7663 Free: 1800 028 909 info@aquarius-backpackers.com.au www.aquarius-backpackers.com.au NOMADS BYRON BAY 1 Lawson Lane, Byron Bay, NSW 2481 Ph: 02 6680 7966 Free: 1800 766 673 bookings@nomadsbyronbay.com nomadshostels.com ARTS FACTORY LODGE 1 Skinners Shoot Road, Byron Bay, NSW Ph: 02 6685 7709 info@artsfactory.com.au www.artsfactory.com.au An essential part of your journey

LAKE TABOURIE

LAKE TABOURIE TOURIST PARK Princes Hwy, Lake Tabourie, NSW 2539 Free call: 1300 559 966 tabourie@shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au www.holidayhaven.com.au/tabourie

QUEENSLAND BRISBANE

BASE BRISBANE UPTOWN 466 George St, Brisbane City, Qld 4000 Ph: (07) 3238 5888 Free: 1800 24 2273 uptown@stayatbase.com www.stayatbase.com Free Tinbilly Limited Edition T-shirt With presentation of this BBM Ad THE DECK 117 Harcourt St, New Farm Brisbane QLD 4005 Ph: 0433 777 061 the_deck@live.com.au Designed with the working Traveler in Mind.

Minimum 2 week stay BASE BRISBANE CENTRAL 308 Edward st Brisbane QLD 4000 Ph: 07 3211 2433 brisbane@stayatbase.com www.stayatbase.com BUNK 11-21 Gipps St, Fortitude Valley, Qld, 4006 Ph: +61 7 3257 3644 Free: 1800 682 865 info@bunkbrisbane.com.au www.bunkbrisbane.com.au BRISBANE CITY YHA 392 Upper Roma St, Brisbane QLD 4000 Ph: (07) 3236 1004 brisbanecity@yha.com.au www.yha.com.au

GOLDCOAST

TREKKERS BACKPACKERS 22 White Street, Goldcoast, QLD, 4215 Ph: (07) 55915616 Free : 1800 100 004 info@trekkersbackpackers.com.au www.trekkersbackpackers.com.au AQUARIUS BACKPACKERS 44 Queen Street Gold Coast, Queensland Ph: 07 5527 1300 Free:1800 229 955 info@aquariusbackpackers.com.au www.aquariusbackpackers.com.au SURFERS PARADISE YHA AT MAIN BEACH Mariners Cove, 70 Seaworld Drive Main Beach, Surfers Paradise 4217 Ph: (07) 5571 1776 surfersparadise@yha.com.au www.yha.com.au BACKPACKERS IN PARADISE

40 Peninsular Drive Central Surfers Paradise Queensland, 4217 Ph: (07) 5538 4344 Free: 1800 268 621 info@backpackersinparadise.com www.backpackersinparadise.com SURF N SUN Beachside Backpackers 3323 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast, QLD 4217 Ph: (07) 5592 2363 Free: 1800 678 194 info@surfnsun-goldcoast.com www.surfnsun-goldcoast.com SLEEPING INN SURFERS 26 Peninsular Drive Surfers Paradise QLD Ph: 07 5592 4455 info@sleepinginn.com.au www.sleepinginn.com.au COOLANGATTA SANDS HOSTEL Cnr Griffith & McLean Streets

ISLANDER BACKPACKERS RESORT Cnr. Beach Road and Surfers Paradise Blvd Surfers Paradise QLD 4217 Ph: +61 7 5538 8000 Toll free: 1800 074 393

res@islander.com.au

www.islander.com.au/Backpackers Coolangatta 4225 QLD Ph: 07 5536 7472 hostel@taphouse.com.au www.taphouse.com.au SURFERS PARADISE BACKPACKERS RSRT Backpackers Resort,2837 Gold Coast Highway, Queensland 4217 Ph: 07 5592 4677 Free: 1800 282 800 spbr@bigpond.net.au www.surfersparadisebackpackers.com.au

NOOSA

NOMADS NOOSA 44 Noosa Drive, Noosa Heads, QLD 4567 Phone: 07 5447 3355 bookings@nomadsnoosa.com www.nomadsnoosa.com

HERVEY BAY

NOMADS HERVEY 408 The Esplanade, Torquay, Hervey Bay, QLD 4655 Phone: 07 4125 3601 bookings@nomadshervey.com www.nomadshervey.com

TOWN OF 1770

(Between Bunderberg & Rockhampton) COOL BANANAS 2 Spring Road, 1770, Queensland, 4677 Ph: (07) 4974 7660 Free: 1800 227 660 wheeler_danny@hotmail.com www.coolbananas.net.au 1770 SOUTHERN CROSS (Backpackers) 2694 Round Hill Rd Agnes Water QLD 4677 Ph: 0749747225 info@1770southerncross.com www.1770southerncross.com 1770 BEACHSIDE BACKPACKERS 12 Captain Cook Drive PO Box 212, Agnes Water QLD 4677 Ph: 07 4974 7200 enquiries@1770beachsidebackpacker.com.au www.1770beachsidebackpacker.com.au

CAIRNS CAIRNS SHARE HOUSE 17 Scott Street, Cairns, QLD 4870 Ph: (+617) 4041 1875 info@cairns-sharehouse.com www.cairns-sharehouse.com GILLIGANS BACKPACKERS HOTEL & RESORT 57-59 Grafton Street, Cairns, QLD Ph: (07) 4041 6566 Free: 1800 556 995 reservations@gilligans.com.au www.gilligans.com.au NOMADS ESPLANADE 93 The Esplanade, Cairns, QLD 4870 Ph: 07 4031 7477 Free: 1800 175 716 bookings@nomadsesplanade.com www.nomadshostels.com DREAMTIME TRAVELLERS REST 4 Terminus Street (corner of Bunda st.& Terminus st.)

Cairns 4870 Queensland Ph: (07) 4031 6753 info@dreamtimehostel.com www.dreamtimehostel.com JJ’S BACKPACKERS 11-13 Charles Street Cairns QLD 4870 Ph - (07) 4051 7642 Free- 1800 666 336 jjsbackpackers@ledanet.com.au www.jjsbackpackers.com

MISSION BEACH ABSOLUTE BACKPACKERS 28 Wongaling Beach Road Mission Beach Queensland 4852 Ph: 07 4068 8317 Free: 1800 688 316 info@absolutebackpackers.com.au www.absolutebackpackers.com.au SCOTTY’S BEACH HOUSE 167 Reid Road, Mission Beach, QLD, 4852 Ph: 07 4068 8676 info@scottysbeachhouse.com.au www.scottysbeachhouse.com.au

WHITSUNDAYS BAREFOOT LODGE Whitsunday Passage, Whitsundays, QLD Ph: +61 7 4946 9400 Free: 1800 075 125 longisland@oceanhotels.com.au www.oceanhotels.com.au

AIRLIE BEACH AIRLIE BEACH YHA 394 Shute Harbour Road Airlie Beach QLD Phone: (07) 4946 6312 Free:1800 247 251 airliebeach@yha.com.au www.yha.com.au MAGNUMS/WHITSUNDAY VILLAGE TRAVEL 366 Shute Harbour Rd, Airlie Beach, QLD Ph: (07) 4964 1199 or 07 4964 1188 Free: 1800 624 634 travel@magnums.com.au www.magnums.com.au

CAPE TRIBULATION

PK’S JUNGLE VILLAGE Cape Tribulation Road (PMB 7) Cape Tribulation QLD 4873 Tel: 07 4098 0040 info@pksjunglevillage.com www.pksjunglevillage.com FERNTREE RAINFOREST LODGE Camelot Close, Cape Tribulation, QLD Australia Freecall:1800 987 077 International Telephone: +61 7 4098 0033 Availability and Rates: www.thebookingbutton.com.au reservationsferntree@oceanhotels.com.au www.oceanhotels.com.au

Jewell House 180 Goderich St. Perth, WA 6000 tel: (08) 9325 8488 fax: (08) 9221 4694 jewellhouse@ymca.org.au www.ymcajewellhouse.com.au UNDERGROUND BACKPACKERS 268 Newcastle Street Northbridge WA 6003 Ph: (08) 9228 3755 www.undergroundbackpackers.com.au

WESTERN BEACH LODGE 6 Westborough Street Scarborough, Western Australia, 6019 Ph. (08) 9245 1624 westernbeach@iprimus.com.au www.westernbeach.com

EXCLUSIVE BACKPACKERS 158 Adelaide Tce, Perth 6000 Ph: (08) 9221 9991 exclusivebackpackers@hotmail.com www.exclusivebackpackers.com BEATTY LODGE 235 Vincent Street West Perth WA 6005 Ph: (08) 9227 1521 www.beattylodge.com.au info@beattylodge.com.au BILLABONG RESORT 381 Beaufort Street, Perth Ph: 08 9328 7720 bookings@billabongresort.com.au www.billabongresort.com.au GLOBE BACKPACKERS 561 Wellington Street, cnr. Queen St, Perth, WA Ph: 08 9321 4080 globebak@iinet.net.au www.globebackpackers.com.au THE OLD SWAN BARRACKS 2 - 8 Francis Street Perth (Northbridge)6000 Ph: 08 9428 0000 www.theoldswanbarracks.com

COTTESLOE

MONKEY MIA

RAINBOW BEACH

PIPPIES BEACH HOUSE Cnr of Spectrum Street & Cypress Avenue, Rainbow Beach FREEPHONE: 1800425356 info@pippiesbeachhouse.com.au www.pippiesbeachhouse.com.au 30mins FREE Internet on presentation of this ad PLUS FREE Breakfast & Eco Whale-Watching for all!

WESTERN AUSTRALIA SCARBOROUGH

OCEAN BEACH BACKPACKERS Cnr Marine Parade & Eric St Cottesloe Beach Ph: 08 9384 5111 stay@oceanbeachbackpackers.com www.oceanbeachbackpackers.com

PERTH

RAINBOW LODGE 150 Claisebrook Rd Perth, WA (Have just moved around the corner) Ph: (08) 9227-1818 or 0417 927 529 Ron@rainbowlodge.com.au www.rainbowlodge.com.au ONE WORLD BACKPACKERS 162 Aberdeen St Northbridge, PERTH WA Ph: (08) 9228 8206 www.oneworldbackpackers.com.au MOUNTWAY HOLIDAY APARTMENTS 36 Mount St,West Perth WA 6005 Ph: (08) 9321 8307 info@mountwayapartments.com.au www.mountwayapartments.com.au BRITANNIA ON WILLIAM 253 William Street, Northbridge 6003 Perth WA Ph: 08 9227 6000 Fax: 08 9227 6611 www.perthbritannia.com YMCA ACCOMMODATION

MONKEY MIA DOLPHIN RESORT Monkey Mia Road, Shark Bay 3537 Ph: +61 8 9948 1320 monkeymia@aspenresorts.com.au www.monkeymia.com.au

KUNUNURRA

KUNUNURRA BACKPACKERS ADVENTURE CENTRE 24 Nutwood Crescent, Kununurra WA 6743 Ph: (08) 9169 1998 or 1800 641 998 www.kununurrabackpackers.com.au info@kununurrabackpackers.com.au

BROOME

BEACHES OF BROOME 4 Sanctuary Road, Cable Beach, Broome, WA, 6725 Ph : 1300 881 031 bookings@beachesofbroome.com.au www.beachesofbroome.com.au

VICTORIA MILDURA

REDCLIFFS HOTEL 25 Jacaranda St, Red Cliffs VIC 3496 (03) 5024 1704

GREAT OCEAN ROAD

JOHANNA BEACH COTTAGES 225 Blue Johanna Road Johanna Heights Victoria 3238 (03) 5237 4224 cottages@johannabeach.com www.johannabeach.com

HALLS GAP

BRAMBUK BACKPACKERS HOSTEL 330 Grampians Road, Halls Gap, VictoriaPh: 03 5356 4250 bramback@netconnect.com.au www.brambuk.com.au/backpackers.htm Brambuk Backpackers offers travellers an affordable and comfortable range of accommodation, ideally situated within the stunning Grampians National Park.

MELBOURNE

EASYSTAY MOTEL AND STUDIO APARTMENTS Great accommodation at fantastic rates Rooms available for up to 4 people Book online and save $$$ www.easystay.com.au Or call 1300 30 17 30 EXFORD HOTEL 199 Russell Street , Melbourne Vic 3000 Ph: 03 9663 2697 res@exfordhotel.com.au www.exfordhotel.com.au BACK OF CHAPEL 50 Green St, Windsor Prahran, Vic 3181 Ph: 03 9521 5338 www.backofchapel.com NOMADS ALL NATIONS 2 Spencer Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000 Freecall: 1800 739 989 Phone: 03 9620 1022 info@allnations.com nomadshostels.com $5 off first night (min 3 night stay) if you mention this ad FLINDERS STATION HOTEL BACKPACKERS 35 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne Vic 3000 Ph: 03 9620 5100 res@flindersbp.com.au www.flindersbp.com.au The Spencer Backpackers 475 Spencer Street, Melbourne Ph: (03) 9329 7755 1800 638 108 hotelspencer@hotkey.net.au www.spencerbackpackers.com.au Bring this ad for 40 min FREE internet (new guests only).

MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL BACKPACKERS 450 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne Vic 3000 Ph: 03 9662 4066 res@mibp.com.au www.mibp.com.au HOTEL DISCOVERY 167 Franklin Street, Melbourne VIC 300 Ph: 03 9329 7525. Freecall 1800 645 200 reservations@hoteldiscovery.com.au www.hoteldiscovery.com.au

INDEPENDENT & BUDGET TRAVELER ACCOMMODATION PROVIDER Victoria Hall Accommodation 380 Russell Street, Melbourne 3000 Ph: 03 9662 3888 www.victoriahall. com.au

ST. KILDA

ALICE SPRINGS

JACKSON APARTMENTS 80 Ikerman St ,St Kilda Beach Ph:0433 118 334 or 0412 525 510 www.jacksonapartments.com.au Jackson.apartments@bigpond.com HABITAT HQ Freephone 1800 202 500 info@habitathq.com.au www.habitathq.com.au Award winning 4.5 star hostel with a homely & relaxed atmosphere Specials from $20! FREE pick up from Tullamarine (min 3 nt stay) * Conditions apply

ANNIE’S PLACE 4 Traeger Avenue, Alice Springs , NT, 0871 Ph: 1800 359 089 www.anniesplace.com.au

SOUTH AUSTRALIA ADELAIDE

APOLLO BAY

APOLLO BAY BACKPACKERS LODGE 23 Pascoe Street, Apollo Bay Ph: 1800 157 280 +61 352 377850 Mob: 0413 504 402 ww.apollobaybackpackerslodge.com.au ECO BEACH YHA ECO-HOSTEL 5 Pascoe Street, Apollo Bay 3233 Ph: (+613) 5237 7899 apollobay@yhavic.org.au www.yha.com.au Clean, quiet and relaxing Eco-Hostel. Cosy fire in winter. DVD’s available to borrow from reception.

HALLS GAP

GRAMPIANS YHA ECO-HOSTEL Corner Grampians and Buckler Roads Halls Gap 3381 Ph: (+613) 5356 4544 grampians@yhavic.org.au www.yha.com.au Eco accredited. Solar powered. Herb garden, free range chooks and friendly local kangaroos

NORTHERN TERRITORY DARWIN

ASHTON LODGE & WISDOM BAR 48 Mitchell St, Darwin, NT, 0800 Ph: 08 8941 4866 ashtonlodge@gmail.com www.wisdombar.com.au MELALEUCA ON MITCHELL 52 Mitchell St, Darwin, NT, 0800 Ph: 08 8941 7900 Freecall: 1300 723 437 www.momdarwin.com info@MOMDarwin.com

ADELAIDE TRAVELLERS INN BACKPACKERS 220 Hutt St Adelaide 5000 Free call 1800633747 Ph: +61 08 82240753 bookings@adelaidebackpackers.com.au www.adelaidebackpackers.com.au MAJESTIC MINIMA HOTEL 146 Melbourne Street, North Adelaide SA 5006 Ph:(08) 8334 7766 minima@majestichotels.com.au www.majestichotels.com.au OUR HOUSE BACKPACKERS 33 Gilbert Place, Adelaide, SA, 5000 Ph: 08 8410 4788 info@ourhousebackpackers.com www.ourhousebackpackers.com ADELAIDE SHAKESPEARE INTERNATIONAL 123 Waymouth Street, Adelaide SA, 5000 Ph: +61 (0)8 8231-7655 (Oz Freecall) 1800-556-889 bookings@shakeys.com.au This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it www.shakeys.com.au

SAVE MONEY & PAY NO COMMISSION

BY BOOKING DIRECT ON ALL YOUR TRAVEL ACCOMMODATION & ACTIVITIES! TO LIST YOUR BUSINESS CALL or EMAIL BBM NOW

02 8005 8162 marketing@what-media.com

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RECRUITMENT NEWS

ENJOY A SECOND YEAR IN AUSTRALIA THROUGH REGIONAL WORK If you’re thinking of staying in Australia for a second year, here’s some of your options, other than picking fruit!

Regional or specified work covers farming, fishing, pearling, mining, forestry, construction or conservation, and must be completed over at least 88 days. The common misconception is that you’ll be breaking your back in the fields, getting whipped by a farm owner in the outback and forced to sleep in a hut with a half-eaten kangaroo. However, this is wrong.

Farm work is just one option of many, and, just like every other job, has its positives and negatives.

While it can be challenging and see you rise before dawn and sweat it out in 40° heat, you’ll be far more active than in an office with the potential of meeting travellers on the same wavelength as you. As the majority of farms are located in the arse-end-ofnowhere, you won’t face the costs that you would in the big cities and you are likely to save a substantial amount of cash that can fund the next leg of your trip. Plus, you get the crowning glory: a shiny sparkly, second year working visa which allows you to keep the dream alive for at least another year.

To obtain these happy memories, just visit: www. workstay.com.au and check out farming jobs in Australia.

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You don’t have to restrict yourself to farm work; there are so many other opportunities to rack up the 88 days that don’t involve picking fruit and dipping cows. If you’re a bit of a seaman, then why not try Oyster Pearling? Popular working destinations for this are Western Australia, Queensland and the Northern Territory, but one of the most popular is Broome, WA, producing the best pearls in the world and having perfect weather around the peak harvest time. You can pick up casual work all year round as there are people regularly coming and going; the best way to enquire is to just turn up and ask. As this type of work is so popular with travellers, as you can imagine, the social aspect is one of the best. In the day, you get to see turtles, sea snakes, dolphins, sharks and whales, and after hours sees the workers get together for drinks, swimming, fishing and fun by the sea. You can expect to earn between $120 and $145 per day with both accommodation and food provided. Check out www.downundr. com/jobs-and-work/backpacker-jobs/pearlingwork for more details.

If you’re not concerned about earning money and you just want to give something back, then Conservation Volunteering is right up your street.

There is so much work available in this field, like coastline maintenance, landcare management, endangered species care or rescuing turtles in Cape York. You can plan your volunteering around the places you already intended to visit and get in the midst of nature where you can truly explore and ‘find yourself’. Conservation Volunteers Australia is a great source to check out, completing over 2000 projects across Australia each year - all you need is a love of nature and reasonable health and fitness to get involved. Prior experience is not essential, so head to

www.conservationvolunteers.com.au to take the first step.

Finish your regional work with a huge wad of cash in your pocket by mining. Not only is it a great way to make money, but with the current mining boom in Western Australia, even cities close to Perth such as York are eligible regional areas. The type of work includes coal and metal mining and even oil and gas extraction. While the best paid jobs will go to the skilled and experienced workers, there are mining jobs for those without relevant backgrounds, including Trade Assistants and Fire Watchers. The final added bonus is the fact that most mines will pay for your travel out there, which is great news as most are in the middle of nowhere.

A common mistake made when looking for specified jobs, is when workers don’t check out the postcode to find the right work. The Specified Work must be undertaken within an authorised postcode. Visit: www.travellers.com.au to view the table of eligible postcodes and remember, if you take work in the wrong postcode, you have to start your 88 days from scratch, a real pain when you need all the time you’ve got.

Once you’ve nailed three months of labour and you have filled out a verification form, or you’re waving the certified pay slips high like Charlie and his golden ticket, then you’ve met the requirements.

Remember to keep all of your pay slips so when the time comes to apply, it’s quick and painless. Once your visa has been granted, you can spend another 12 months enjoying the sun, sea and surfing lifestyle that Australian dreams are made of. Good luck!

Visit: www.immi.gov.au to apply for your Second Working Holiday Visa.

By Lucie Potter

It’s no surprise that many who come to Australia for a year out, end up wanting to stay for a second year. With guaranteed glorious summers, great job possibilities and a full and rich lifestyle, it’s a far better prospect than returning home. However, to stay in Australia for a second year, you will need to apply for a Second Working Holiday Visa, and to be accepted on that visa, you first have to undertake some form of regional or specified work. To find out what that entails, let us take you through the ins and outs of the jobs you should be seeking and the requirements you must meet.

Temp & Semi Perm Staff Wanted Nationally Hospitality / Promotions / Tele-Sales / Face to Face / Admin / Child Care / Recruitment email your cv and a brief cover letter telling us a bit about yourself to info@what-media.com

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MIGRATION NEWS

Applying For Your Second Year Visa

So you’ve had your first Working Holiday Visa, you enjoy the Australian life and are looking to extend your time here, or return for another year…

The second Working Holiday Visa (WHV) is a great option for anyone under 31. Let’s have a look at what you need to do, to be eligible for this visa. To secure a second WHV, you must be 30-years-old or under when you apply, but you can have turned 31 at the time the visa is granted.

You have to have completed three months, that’s at least 88 full days, of ‘specified work’ in ‘regional Australia’ while on your first WHV. You need to plan carefully to allow enough time to get the work done. Depending on the work you find , it may take more than three months to complete 88 days of actual work , so don’t leave it to the last minute to make the move to a regional area.

See www.immi.gov.au/allforms/pdf/1263.pdf Keep good records of your employment to show Immigration at the visa application stage. Payslips, reference letters, bank statement, tax certificates and photos of you working in the area will all help.

You have to do the work in ‘Regional Australia’.

‘Regional Australia’ is pretty much everywhere in Australia including outside the greater Sydney area (Newcastle to Wollongong), Perth , Melbourne and Brisbane-Gold Coast; but is defined by the actual post code of the area so again ,check this carefully, you can get the post codes on form 1263 mentioned earlier.

A good place to look for harvesting work is jobsearch.gov.au/harvesttrail/default.aspx There are a number of private organisations that can help find or arrange regional work, usually for a fee. But be wary of scammers, some people have been duped into paying someone posing as an ‘employer’ to sign off their regional work forms. This is fraud, Australian Immigration is wise to this trick and is quick to refuse or cancel visas where they see fraudulent information.

There are different options to make the application inside or outside Australia. You can apply in Australia before your first working holiday visa expires or you can leave and apply at a later stage.

You can apply on online at www.ecom.immi.gov. au/visas/applyNow.do?form=WHM2off or use the paper based form 1150 and send it to the DIBP office in Cairns Queensland. See www.immi.gov. au/allforms/pdf/1150.pdf for more information.

The 88 days is based on the shortest possible combination of a 3 month period. It is critical to count your regional work time accurately, so follow these guides from the Immigration Department (DIBP):

The application fee is $420. If you are organized and good with forms, it’s easy to do this application yourself, but many people get professional help. If you are unsure, it’s well worth paying a few extra dollars to get the job done professionally.

If you work full-time, you can include weekends, but if you work part time or on a casual basis you can only count the days you actually worked.

If you have a visa application refused, there are very few options to make further visa applications while in Australia.

The Oz working week is usually 35 to 40 hours, with seven to eight hours worked each day. You cannot count a longer work day as more than one day regardless of how many hours you work. You can work for one or several employers to make up the three-month period of work.

If you are in Australia when you have an application refused, it is sometimes possible to appeal the refusal through the Migration Review Tribunal (MRT).

‘Specified work’ includes work in plant and animal cultivation, fishing, tree farming, mining and construction.

You will hear of a lot of people working in fruit or vegetable picking, but there’s a longer list of the type of work that counts. Check carefully; make sure you do the right type of work. Undertaking the wrong type of work can mean your second visa application will not succeed.

You can find more details on specified work on the Department of Immigration form 1263. You will also need this form to record the work, dates and employer details.

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Anyone who receives a visa refusal in Australia is provided details on the MRT. The appeal application fee is $1,604 and there are very strict time limits on appealing so don’t delay of you feel there is merit in appealing.

Before committing dollars to an appeal, consider asking a registered migration agent or lawyer with experience in MRT appeals for more specific advice based on your detailed circumstances, Find a registered migration agent at mia.org.au/ If an appeal is lodged, a further bridging visa extension is granted while you wait for an outcome.

The Bridging visa allows you to stay in Australia while you wait for the appeal decision. The appeal process can take many months to reach a hearing.

Skilled Occupation List...

So you’re looking for a way to stay in Australia and getting a straight forward 457 Sponsorship or 2nd year working holiday visa is proving a little more difficult than planned. In an effort to help the British and Irish population to escape the cold weather, low wages and long working hours, we’ve decided to put together a monthly migration section to bring you upto date info on the latest jobs on the SOL (Skilled Occupation List), info on changes to visas requirments and tips and tricks that will help you secure the all important long stay visa or Permanent Visa.

Here’s some of the jobs that will help you get that visa and keep you in the sunshine!

Hospital Pharmacist Retail Pharmacist Quantity Surveyor Construction Project Manager Landscape Architect Secondary School Teacher Special Needs Teacher Occupational Health and Safety Advisor Welfare Centre Manager Nurse Midwife Social Worker Automotive Electrician Locksmith Stonemason Carpenter & Joiner Glazier Roof Plumber Glass Fitter Accountant (General) Solicitor Paediatrician Teacher of the Hearing Impaired Software Engineer Welder Locksmith Electrician Dental Hygienist Boat Builder Lift Mechanic Clinical Psychologist Dermatologist Dentist Plant Engineer Sonographer Optometrist Surgeon (General) ICT Business Analyst Project Builder Child Care Centre Manager Taxation Accountant Internal Auditor Ship’s Master Civil Engineer Early Childhood (Pre-Primary School) Teacher Chiropractor

NB: This skills list is subject to change without notice. At the time of writing the text was correct.

John McQuaid, Director of Arrive Australia, talks through the ins and outs ofapplying for your second year visa. 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...

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