BBM LIVE MARCH ISSUE 762

EDITOR Hannah Shakir hannah.shakir@what-media.com SPORTS & NEWS EDITOR Richard Gadsby SUB EDITOR Charlotte Mellor CONTRIBUTORS Omar Soliman, Jordan Shepley, Bec Sorby, Robert Bramhill, Sophie Saint, Chelsea Forsyth, Lesley-Jane Carroll, Emily Schofield, Isaac Tesfamariam, Lucie Potter, Daniel Morley, Hana Barten, Aletha Davis, Arty Rajput 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 Joe Smith marketing2@what-media.com ACCOUNT ADMIN Rahim Noruzi 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

Easter Weekend and ANZAC Weekender With both Easter and ANZAC Day right around the corner, let us give you a couple of things to pencil in your diary for the upcoming months ahead...

The huge clubbing brand that is Circoloco is set to liven up Sydney and Melbourne over the Anzac Day long weekend. On Friday 25th April, Dixon, The Martinez Brothers and Prins Thomas will headline the show at the Greenwood Hotel, with support from BROHN, Softwar and Gabby, over three wild and Techno-inspired areas. The party moves to Melbourne on Saturday 26th at the Inner City Warehouse. Get first release tickets from pulseradio.net or head to the official Circoloco event Facebook page.

Friday 25th April 2014 pulseradio.net

Party at Bluesfest, Byron Bay, NSW.

Alternatively, for an Easter weekend with a twist, pack up your camping gear and get down to Byron Bay. Celebrating their 25th anniversary in 2014, Bluesfest – Australia’s premier Blues and Roots music festival – will be hosting a variety of huge talent across their impressive seven stages.

Featuring the fantastic Jack Johnson, John Mayer and Jeff Beck to name just a few, the Bluesfest line-up already boasts a stellar selection of talent, with more artists to be announced over the coming weeks. Spread across 120 hectares just 11km north of Byron Bay, the festival is easily locatable from both Brisbane and Sydney, and with five licensed bars, over 50 market stalls and 40 food stalls, there’s definitely something for everyone to enjoy at Bluesfest.

Thursday 17th – Monday 21st April 2014 www.bluesfest.com.au

Celebrate at the Sydney Royal Easter Show, NSW.

If you’re planning ahead for your Easter weekend, why not join over 800,000 people in celebrating the rural traditions of the Australian lifestyle. Known for being the country’s largest annual event, the RES allows you to truly submerge yourself in a variety of agricultural activities. From the irresistibly cute ‘Farmyard Nursery’ and sheep shearing to even trying your hand at the wood-chopping competition, the RES also boasts District Exhibits showcasing the finest food tapestries from around Australia, a range of pavilions offering the ultimate shopping paradise plus a medley of captivating shows and productions – complete with a firework finale – to ensure that your Easter weekend brings a unique and uplifting experience.

Thursday 10th – Wednesday 23rd April 2014 www.eastershow.com.au

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Melbourne The Axis Of Awesome Viva La Vida Loca Las Vegas Show Anyone that’s watched The Axis Of Awesome live or on YouTube will be pleased to know that the musical comedy trio are heading to Melbourne International Comedy Festival at Fed Square between Tuesday 8th and Sunday 20th April. Viva La Vida Loca Las Vegas promises to be a brilliant mixture of new tunes and classic Axis hits, which will aim to beat their previous successful shows, The Four Chords Song and Cry YOURSELF a River.

Full-price tickets are $28pp, $25 Laugh Pack with groups of eight, or $22 with Tight Arse Tuesdays.

Tuesday 8th April & Sunday 20th April 2014 www.comedyfestival.com.au

Get involved at the Rip Curl Pro, Bells Beach, VIC.

Back for its 52nd year on the legendary Bells Beach, the Rip Curl Pro Easter Rally is the ideal hotspot for sports fans wanting to embrace Easter in surftastic style! Based in Australia’s surfing home of Torquay, the Rip Curl Pro will showcase the Association of Surfing Professional’s top male, female and junior surfers, all competing for the top spot in their category on the final day of the ASP World Tour contest. Although most entertainment will be happening at sea, rest assured there will also be plenty to do on land too, with heaps of entertainment on both the famous Bells Beach but also the surrounding area in nearby pubs – and there’s always plenty of after parties to choose from too!

Wednesday 16th – Sunday 27th April 2014 www.ripcurl.com.au

Laugh it up at Melbourne International Comedy Festival

Back to celebrate its 28th year in 2014, MICF will have you rolling in the isles as you witness some of the best talent at one of the largest comedy festivals in the world! With stand-up comedy, cabaret, theatre, street performance, film/television, radio and visual arts to keep your eyes and ears busy, why not swing by on the final day of the festival – Easter Sunday – and laugh off all that chocolate you’ve been scoffing!

Wednesday 26th March – Sunday 20th April 2014 www.comedyfestival.com.au

Perth Geek out at Swancon 39, WA.

Catering for lovers of anything Sci-Fi and Fantasy, Swancon 39: Conjuration is the ultimate adventure that will mystify your mind and take you on the journey of a lifetime! Taking place at the Ibis Styles Hotel in Northbridge, Swancon is an annual SciFi and Fantasy convention that regularly features authors dissecting and reading their personal work, initiating panel discussions and signing autographs. Already announced for the 2014 convention is award-winning Black Jewels trilogy author Anne Bishop, Fantasy novelist Tamora Pierce and Steampunk enthusiast Jim Butcher, with many more to be added. In addition, Swancon also boasts an impressive Day-Night programme teaming with novel writing demonstrations, a Masquerade Ball and Cosplay competition and even a 24 hour gaming room.

Thursday 17th – Monday 21st April 2014 2014.swancon.com.au

Fremantle Street Arts Festival

The annual festival that showcases all kinds of entertainment is back with an even bigger and better array of talent. Both local and international acts will feature in busking, street theatre, comedy, circus performances, cabaret and much more, for the amusement of everyone that attends the Fremantle Street Arts Festival this Easter Long Weekend. Hosted by the city of Fremantle, Saturday 19th – Monday 21st April sees the streets come to life from day to night, including an invasion of prehistoric creatures. So bring all your friends and take part in what is expected to be the best yet.

Saturday 19th-Monday 21st April 2014 www.fremantle.wa.gov.au

Brisbane Hit up Easterfest, QLD

Images courtesy of Beresford Hotel and Chocoholic Tours

Sydney Circoloco

Easter may usually be a time for overdosing on chocolate and celebrating Jesus’ return from the dead, but if instead you fancy partying in a field with over 200 live artists entertaining you, we’ve got you covered! Taking place in Queen’s Park in central Toowoomba, 79 miles west of Brisbane, Easterfest is suitable for both families and groups of friends, boasting an array of activities from extreme sports and dance parties to fairground rides, guest speakers and a variety of musical genres playing throughout the weekend.

Friday 18th – Sunday 20th April 2014 www.easterfest.com

ST PATRICK’S DAY The happiest day in the calendar is rearing its head on 17th March, and we’ve got your celebrations sorted.

This St Patrick’s Day, enjoy deals on your favourite Irish tipple, dish after dish of pies, potatoes and black pudding and live entertainment that will keep you going until the wee hours!

P.J. O’Brien’s Sydney

St Paddy’s Day begins on Sunday 16th March at P.J.’s, with doors opening at 11am and the parade after party serving everyone’s favourite pint of Guinness. On the day itself, doors will open at 8am for servings of the Traditional Irish Breakfast for $20, of which bookings and prepayments are paramount. Latecomers can enjoy hot food throughout the day, traditional music, drinks promotions and prizes.

57 King Street, Sydney pjobriens.com.au

The Last Jar

Images courtesy of P.J. O’Brien’s, The Last Jar, The Wild Rover and Sydney St Patrick’s Day Parade.

Patrons that visit The Last Jar on St Patrick’s Day will be welcomed by the Full Irish Breakfast from 11am – 3pm, including bacon, egg, sausage, black & white pudding, tomato, potato bread and brown sauce, for $20, and will be able to wash it down with a cup of Barry’s Irish tea or $6 pint of Guinness. In the evening, music kicks off at 6pm with Streams of Whiskey covering Pogues and Irish classics, followed by Galway’s The Latchikos, and their Gaelic gypsy Hip-Hop sound!

616 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne thelastjar.com.au

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The Wild Rover

Sydney St Patrick’s Day Parade

This Irish-meets-New-York-chic pub is getting in the St Patrick’s Day spirit from when the doors open at 11am. Patrons are invited to sip on a few $5 pints of Guinness until 6pm and $6 jacket potatoes will be doing the rounds to fill some empty bellies, as well as freshly shucked oysters and homemade sausage rolls. Typical Irish song will fill the venue with the appropriate atmosphere and cheer for such a day, so that visitors can celebrate the Patron Saint of Ireland.

75 Campbell Street, Surry Hills, Sydney www.thewildrover.com.au

Sydney will be celebrating its Irishness on Sunday 16th March, when the St Patrick’s Day Parade floods the city. From the first Irish fleet to step foot in Sydney in 1788, to famous Irish/Australians, and the relationship between Ireland and Australia in the present day, these groups will make up the parade as the streets of Sydney transform into a sea of white, orange and green with music and dancing. The party heads into Hyde Park North, where Irish bands and musicians will perform to visitors who can enjoy food and merchandise stands.

Cnr of Bathurst and George Streets, Sydney www.stpatricksday.org.au

Irish Murphy’s

Not content with one day, Irish Murphy’s will be celebrating St Patrick’s Day with a weeklong festival combining live music with giveaways and Irish grub. Beginning Monday 10th and not stopping until Monday 17th March, everyone’s favourite Irish pub in Brisbane will be hosting a Parade Eve Party, Craic’n Paddy’s Eve Party, and open until 5am when the parade takes place on Saturday 15th. On the day itself, you can pop into the pub from 10am – 4am for the specialty Irish dish of the day with a pint of Guinness or Jameson cocktail for $15.

175 Goerge Street, Brisbane brisbane.irishmurphys.com.au

Pig ‘N’ Whistle Celebrate St Paddy’s Day at the Pig ‘N’ Whistle from 14th – 17th March. This popular Brisbane pub will be going all out for the special occasion, so make some time to pop in and see what all the fuss is about – with three locations in Brisbane, you really have no excuse!

As Ireland is known for its traditional and hearty meals, it’s only right that you get to choose a special dish from the Irish themed menu. The Full Irish Fry Up consists of bacon, eggs, black and white puddings, sausage, beans, tomato and soda bread at just $19.50, but there’s also Corned Beef & White Sauce ($26.50), Irish Lamb Stew ($23.90) and Guinness Steak & Oyster Pie ($29.90) to keep you going through the weekend. With so many delicious meals, you may want to pay a visit more than once while they’re on offer!

It’s no exaggeration that you will be dining in the most welcoming of establishments in Brisbane, so sit back, relax and take it all in. Green decorations will adorn the walls, so you will certainly be in the Irish spirit if you’re not already! Irish pipers and dancers will supply the entertainment, and you can even take part in specially organised games just for the occasion.

Whether you’re a fully-fledged Irishman, got some Celtic blood in your veins or simply a supporter of the country and its people, St Paddy’s Day is the perfect time to come to the Pig ‘N’ Whistle and sample the goods!

Riverside Centre, 123 Eagle Street, Brisbane Indooroopilly Shopping Centre, Cnr Musgrove & Station Roads, Indooroopilly Bottom of Queen Street Mall, Queen Street, Brisbane www.pignwhistle.com.au

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ST PATRICK’S DAY Mick O'Malley’s

We talk to an Irish expat, who’s really brought a piece of Not content with one day, Ireland to Australian shores...

Mick O’Malley’s is taking the introducing Eamon Eastwood, St Patrick’s Day festivities founder of Taste Ireland.

through an entire week, so prepare for games, music and If you’ve ever been hankering for a bag of fun, all in the name of Ireland!

Tayto’s cheese and onion crisps or Barry’s tea, the man to thank for satisfying your urge Mick’s Irish Trivia Night kicks would be Eamon Eastwood, chief executive the week off on Monday 10th of Sydney-based importer, Taste Ireland. After March with a cool $100 up for working in New York and seeing how popular grabs, so get your thinking Irish goods were there, he decided to do the same for Sydney, once he moved hats on for this one! Tuesday follows with an All Ireland Darts and Ring Board here and saw that there was a lack of such produce. The business has gone from competition, also with cash prizes to be won. Music makes a return in the storing Tayto crisps in his bedroom and delivering them to five Irish pubs at night, way of Brisbane’s best talent, thanks to Patrick Ryan’s Open Mic Competition, to setting up an online order and delivery service and working with supermarket where the best acoustic act will win a whopping $400. giants, Woolworths and more recently, Coles.

The brands that Eastwood and his team import are now stocked in a staggering 1000 stores nationwide and reach the half a million people who own an Irish passport in Australia – not bad for a niche company celebrating its 10th anniversary. Head to tasteireland.com.au and you could be munching on $6.95 soda bread and $7.40 Clonakilty white or black pudding, and supping on a $6.60 Kilkenny Draught, in the comfort of your own home within 48 hours. If you’re looking to treat a new friend (or yourself!), a hamper is a perfect present. We On the day itself, Monday 17th will have a range of live music, special dishes particularly enjoy the Gourmet Ireland Hamper, full of Tayto crisps, Lily O’Briens and plenty of craic to take you from morning to night, and Tuesday winds down Chocolate, Lakeshore Whiskey Mustard and Ballymaloe Relish – perfect for the with all day meal deals if you’re feeling a little fragile! So take advantage of Irish expat missing the taste of home. the excellent hospitality and atmosphere of Mick O’Malley’s and don’t forget to In conjunction with Irish produce, Eamon has stayed true to his roots. As a wear something green in honour of the man himself! member of The Global Irish Network, he is one of 300 of the most influential 171-209 Queen Street, Basement Level Wintergarden Centre, Brisbane Irish and Irish-connected individuals abroad. When it comes to the treats from www.mickomalleys.com.au Taste Ireland, Eamon’s favourites include Old Time Irish Coarse Cut Marmalade, Paddy’s Irish Sausages and Pink Snack.

Thursday 13th sees Ireland’s very own singer, Damien Dempsey, perform live to the crowds – a perfect accompaniment to a pint of Guinness. The weekend is where the magic really happens, with Corona Fridays and Irish band, Barley Shakes, performing live from 9pm. On Saturday, make your way down to see the St Patrick’s Day Parade and recover on Sunday with Ger Fennelly and all your favourite Irish tunes.

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SYDNEY

A Treat For The Ears Whether you’re following your favourite band or opening your ears to some new music, we’ve found the cream of the crop when it comes to live music in Sydney.

Oxford Art Factory

Based on Andy Warhol’s Factory days of the swinging ‘60s, the idea of the Oxford Art Factory is to provide a three-tiered entertainment experience for any music or art lover. ‘The Gallery’, ‘Live Art Space’ and ‘The Cube’ work as stand-alone spaces or all together, and offer a mix of visual and performance art as well as live music. Expect to hear everything from Hip-Hop to Jazz and Disco, from acts such as AlunaGeorge, Of Monsters And Men and Youth Lagoon. Soak up the ambience, dance your troubles away and don’t forget to Instagram it all.

Basement, 38-46 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst www.oxfordartfactory.com

Brass Monkey

Beach Road Hotel

Bondi Beach may be a tourist hotspot for its stretch of sand, but a little off the beaten track away from the main strip sits the Beach Road Hotel. A vast place with three floors, a large beer garden and a lot of locals, this venue provides the perfect night spot after a day spent catching some waves and soaking up the rays. With DJs galore and a heck of a lot of free gigs, you can usually end up leaving with a favourite new band and a belly full of cheap beer.

71 Beach Road, Bondi Beach beachroadbondi.com.au

Venue 505

An artist-run performance space, 505 is a launchpad for inner-city artists, musicians and performers to show the locals what they’ve got. Since moving up from its underground status in 2010, it has become a home for performances of all kinds, from inner-city performers to collectives. Come here if you’re after some real Sydney talent and do your bit to help by supporting them along the way. Get a membership

card for just $10 a month and reap the rewards as you gain free entry to nights that offer live music from a whole plethora of genres. Giving to a good cause and soaking up some tunes in the process what could be better?

280 Cleveland Street, Surry Hills www.venue505.com

The Lewisham Hotel

Anyone that loves the buzz of live music will feel right at home at The Lewisham Hotel (pictured).

Accompanied by an excellent bistro menu, the tunes take centre stage here, with the Band Room and Beer Garden welcoming the talents and releases of bands, singer-songwriters, DJs and musicians. In March, the venue plays host to A Girl’s A Gun and

By Eleanor, as well as A Night At The Crossroads, which celebrates Robert Johnson, and the Sunday Soundtrack with Pat Powell. Meanwhile, April kicks off with the Rock & Roll Re-launch Party on Saturday 5th, to celebrate the hotel’s new management with Front End Loader, Chase The Sun, The Lazys and The Morrisons performing to the crowd.

794 Parramatta Road, Lewisham www.lewishamhotel.com.au

By Lesley-Jane Carroll

For a casual evening with the possibility of some good food thrown in, try the Brass Monkey. The artists that perform here dabble mostly in Jazz, Blues, Roots and Soul, while occasional acts play tribute to music greats including Bob Dylan, Jimmy Hendrix and Eagles, making for a very eclectic

night out. Expect big names on the Australian music scene to rub shoulders with bands that are just starting out and the cocktails are pretty impressive too… What better way to accompany some smooth Jazz than with a martini?

115a Cronulla Street, Cronulla brassmonkey.com.au

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SYDNEY Hum On King

The perfect place for music aficionados, you can get lost in the aisles looking for the most underground and hard to find releases. Situated in Newtown, jump into this Aladdin’s cave and seek out those elusive beats.

271 King Street, Newtown www.hum.com.au

Ariel Books

If you’re looking for the perfect piece of arty literature to kick back on the beach with or simply get in touch with your creative side, then head on down to Ariel Booksellers.

Independent booksellers in Sydney, Ariel’s is a tardis of excellent books – from architecture, art, design, fashion, interiors and photography books, if you have a passion for the creative or need some inspiration, then browse the shelves to your heart’s content.

42 Oxford Street, Paddington www.arielbooks.com.au

The Book Kitchen

Hot Right Now Get out this March and see what Sydney has to offer from filling your wardrobe to dining around town.

Bassike

Try The Book Kitchen for your next Sunday morning brunch in Surry Hills. Whether you’re after avocado sourdough toast or Spanish baked eggs, The Book Kitchen has a great variety of breakfasty treats that will set you up for the day, and they’re open every day from 8am-3pm, so you can even grab a croissant in the week!

255 Devonshire Street, Surry Hills www.thebookkitchen.com.au

Sheer effortless style, Bassike has stunning casual wear for both women and men. From basics to signature pieces, Bassike offers a real taste of Scandinavian design, with cleancut lines and simple colour palettes.

Update your style in this Paddington boutique.

26 Glenmore Road, Paddington www.bassike.com

Rocafelas

The newest addition to Potts Point, Rocafelas is the lovechild of two food enthusiasts looking to share their passion for eating, drinking and great company. An outside area features a mural by local artist, Alex Le Hours, while the working fireplaces are perfect for when winter creeps in. Pop in for a drink and stay for the Italian street snacks, burgers, pizzas and the Nutella Pizza dessert topped with strawberries. This place laughs in the face of the new NSW liqour licensing laws, and beckons every local resident and traveller to experience the friendly welcome and warm atmosphere.

1 Kellet Street, Potts Point www.facebook.com/rocafelas

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Love On Top

Sydney’s brand new bar, Love On Top, is brought to you by the people that created Name This Bar. Situated on the tree-lined Bayswater Street, Love On Top brings you Chinese dumplings and Asian-infused sharing plates alongside wines that have been sourced from small family vineyards, and cocktails from some of Sydney’s most talented cocktail creators. The bar sits up in the trees with an outdoor garden setting that is truly a rare find in the city. Located upstairs on the mezzanine level, below Hugos Lounge, Love On Top is a space that has a real taste of magic when you happen to stumble upon it.

33 Bayswater Road, Potts Point www.loveontop.com.au

Scruffy Murphy’s 43-49 Goulburn Street Sin Monday - Live DJs and Free Entry plus Famous Big Irish Breakfast $9.95 all day Beach Burrito Company 1A Bedford Street Newtown Bondi Golden Ticket Giveaway to win a year’s supply of burritos Gazebo 2 Elizabeth Bay Road Elizabeth Bay $2 Oysters 5pm7pm OR $18 Slow Cooked Lamb Ribs

Tuesday

Bat & Ball 495 Cleveland Street Redfern $10 Pie Night OR Happy Hour 3pm-6pm

Palings Level 1 ivy 330 George Street $5 Happy Hour 5pm-7pm & $33 Meals Deals

The Winery 285A Crown Street Surry Hills $2 Oysters 5pm7pm OR $25 Charcuterie Plate shared between friends

Wednesday Kings Cross Hotel 244-248 William Street Kings Cross $12 Hot Dogs (12-3pm/5.3010pm)

The Spice Cellar Basement Level 58 Elizabeth Street Glamour Burlesque in the Lounge Bar Coogee Bay Hotel 253 Coogee Bay Road Coogee $15 Prawn Pizza

Thursday

The Soda Factory 16 Wentworth Ave Surry Hills Soda Social - $12 Cocktails, $5 Dishes & Live Music 7pm-12am Paragon Hotel Cnr Loftus & Alfred Streets $19 Ribs plus $10 Cocktails 5pm8pm

The Orient 89 George Street The Rocks $10 Burgers from the bar 11am-10pm

Friday The Office Hotel Cnr Kent and Erskine Streets $12 Pizza from 5pm plus $12 Cocktails from 12pm Tea Gardens Hotel 2-4 Bronte Road Bondi Junction Jayson Mixx & MC Bones kick off the weekend from 9pm.

Newtown Hotel 174 King Street Newtown Drink purchase 4pm-7pm to enter Meat Raffle

Saturday Beresford 354 Bourke Street Surry Hills $5 Happy Hour 5pm-7pm OR $45 Spanish Fiesta in the courtyard from noon

Establishment 252 George Street Mixology 101 at Palmer & Co $75 for the class, cocktails and canapes from 3pm

The Porterhouse 233 Riley Street Surry Hills Breakfast 10am-4pm

Sunday

Darlo Bar 306 Liverpool Street Sunday Soothers Free Pool Plus $10 Beer Jugs & $10 Belvedere Bloody Marys The World Bar 24 Bayswater Road Kings Cross Repeat Sundays Free BBQ, Cocktails Jugs and House tunes

P.J. O’Briens 57 King St $12 Traditional Roasts

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

Live & Loud When it comes to live music, Melbourne ticks every box. For a killer vibe, spot-on acoustics and uber cool acts week in week out, check out these five venues for your next head-banging, foottapping fix.

303

This establishment has been ruling the roost of live music for ten years now. Dedicated to bringing you the best in Melbourne’s musical offerings, you’d be hard pushed to find a night here you wouldn’t like.

From Dub, to Electro, to Jazz, all tastes are catered for. The club is also a big supporter of the annual High Vibes Festival, a musical street festival which takes place nearby. If you’re also a bit of a film buff, 303 run a free (yes, FREE) film night every Tuesday showcasing well-known feature films alongside international shorts, local production premieres, live soundtrack and VJ events… the list goes on!

303 High Street, Northcote www.303.net.au

Bar Open

Caravan Club

Starting out as a few gigs held at his Oakleigh home due to the general lack of musical fun in his community, Peter Foley has created a place where a whole smorgasbord of musical acts now take to the stage. The Caravan Club (situated in the Oakleigh/ Carnegie RSL) brings its punters entertainment from artists both new and established, mainly focusing on Bluegrass/Folk/Country genres. The club is also involved in a number of cool communityboosting events such as Annexe Arts, a not-forprofit association which nurtures local artists, and Carnival of Suburbia, an 11-day event packed full of live music.

Oakleigh RSL, 95-97 Drummond Street, Oakleigh www.caravanmusic.com.au

The Drunken Poet

Since 2006, this supercool little Irish venue has hosted musical nights from some of Melbourne’s finest. Essentially, it’s a pub with a difference.

All entertainment is free, there’s brilliant homemade food on tap, and live music lights up the venue five times a week.

If you’re all about girl power, Wednesday nights bring you ‘Wine, Whiskey, Women’, a female-only performance session; if you prefer the spoken word, there are monthly contemporary poetry readings from locals and

visitors alike; for an Irish song and dance, you can’t beat Fridays with Dan Bourke and friends. This tiny gem of a place is not to be missed.

65 Peel Street, West Melbourne www.thedrunkenpoet.com.au

Alia Art House

Predominantly a place for weekend fun to let your hair down, Alia Art House provides slick surroundings and even slicker music. Hosting a mix of local artists both well-known and up and coming, it puts on band nights, DJ nights, gay nights… essentially everything and anything that will guarantee good times and Kodak moments. As an added bonus, you can rent out the venue for corporate events or private parties, and management will personally recommend some of their favourite artists to come and perform at your event for you. Personalised, tailor-made entertainment right in the heart of Melbourne!

Level 1, 83 -87 Smith Street, Fitzroy www.aliabar.com

By Lesley-Jane Carroll, Images courtesy of Alia Bar & Caravan Club

All-singing, all-dancing, all-painting Bar Open is truly ground-breaking in its efforts to champion new performers and performance styles. Open every

day till late, gigs here showcase acts of all genres, as well as featuring regular exhibitions of local and emerging artists upstairs in their gallery space.

The coolest event they put on though, has to be their MIUC nights every Tuesday. The Make It Up Club gives acts the opportunity to practise the craft of ‘improvised music’, encouraging them to be as creative and boundary-pushing as possible.

317 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy www.baropen.com.au

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MELBOURNE Basement Discs

A record store with a difference, Basement Discs not only stocks thousands of records from Pop, to RnB, Country, Electronic and Reggae to name a handful, but they also do regular in-store gigs, bringing the music live to you. Specialising in CDs and vinyl, here you can forget the digital age and strip it back to the basics that made you fall in love with music in the first place.

24 Block Place, Melbourne www.basementdiscs.com.au

Pope Joan

Asian Beer Café

Ride the escalators to level 3 of Melbourne Central, where the Asian Beer Cafe serves a huge range of South-East Asian favourites. The interior features Asian-style shabby chic, including iron wood from an old cargo ship that was sunk by pirates off the coast of Indonesia. A balcony provides spectacular views over Swanston Street and the State Library of Victoria, plus there are private zones for parties and functions.

Level 3 Melbourne Central, 211 La Trobe Street www.asianbeercafe.com.au

A cafe by day, a casual bar and restaurant by night – Pope Joan is a neighbourhood eatery that welcomes guests from 7.30am ‘til 11.30pm on weekdays and ‘til 5pm on weekends.

Whether you want to devour a boiled egg ‘n’ soldiers or sip on a cocktail, this awesome venue is perfect any time of day. And if you like what you taste, you can purchase Pope’s produce from its very own store, Hams and Bacon, just next door.

75-79 Nicholson Street, Brunswick East popejoan.com.au

Hot Right Now From cosy cafes to record shops, here’s what we’ve been checking out this month in Melbourne.

Retro Star

Feeling a bit nostalgic? Then why not head down to Melbourne’s Retro Star. Filled to the brim with vintage goodies, you can hatch out your unique look from what’s on offer. From the ‘40s to the ‘80s, here you’ll find the perfect psychedelic prints, patterned ‘60s smocks, cowboy boots and cool ‘80s bomber jackets whilst you rummage ‘til your wallet’s empty in the largest vintage store in Australia.

First floor, Nicholas building 37 Swanston Street, corner of Flinders Lane CBD, Melbourne retrostar.com.au

BistroK

Having opened its doors just last year, BistroK is the ultimate in modern Korean cuisine. With Melbourne being the cultural melting pot of Australia, it comes as no surprise that you’ll find great Korean food in this bustling and creative city. At BistroK, you’ll find amazing dishes such as deep fried seafood balls in a sweet and tangy chilli sauce on cauliflower puree with a sprinkle of crushed pine-nuts on the top and slow cooked sliced pork belly and Kimchi stew with steamed tofu – it really is the ultimate in Korean cuisine. With mains costing between $25-35, it’s definitely a must do when you’re in need of a treat!

366 Smith Street, Collingwood bistrok.com.au

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E55 Basement 55 Elizabeth Street $4 pizza before 4pm, $7 til late, with DJs and summer cocktails

Spleen Bar 41 Bourke Street Free entry and cheap drinks at this comedy hotspot from 8.30pm

New Gold Mountain 21 Liverpool Street Kick off the week with a cocktail to suit you ‘til 3am

Tuesday

Duke of Kent 293 La Trobe Street $15 Burger and Pot The Common Man 39 Dukes Walk South Wharf Common Knowledge Trivia with prizes, drinks specials and $10 Pizzas

Father’s Office 249 Little Lonsdale Street $15 Corporate Lunches

Wednesday

Thursday

Richmond Club Hotel 100 Swan Street Richmond $13 Parmas & $13 Porterhouse

Berlin Bar 16 Corrs Lane Berlin Cocktail Club from 5pm (book in advance)

The Drunken Poet 65 Peel Street West Melbourne ‘Wine, Whiskey Women’ femaleonly performer night from 8pm

Friday The Kodiak Club 272 Brunswick Street Fitzroy Tequila & Hammocks 7pm3am

Miss Katie’s Crab Shack 238 Victoria Street North Melbourne Fresh Crab Burgers straight from Queen Victoria Markets Temperance Hotel 426 Chapel Street South Yarra $15 Street Food 2-4-1 Cocktails from 5pm-late

Asian Beer Cafe Level 3 Melbourne Central, 211 La Trobe Street 5 bottles of beer for $10 + $4 pizzas

Republica St Kilda Baths 10-18 Jacka Boulevard St Kilda $2 oysters

Saturday

The Last Jar 616 Elizabeth Street Full Irish Breakfast 12pm-5pm with $6 Guinness or free pot of Barry’s Tea Seven 52 Albert Road South Melbourne Seven Saturday Discotheque for music, play and intimacy ‘til 7am

Turf Bar 131 Queen Street Weekend wings night $14 for 12 wings, $8 for 6

The Dan O’Connell Hotel 225 Canning Street Carlton $10 fish and chips, $6 pints plus free pool every other Friday

Sunday The Local Taphouse 184 Carlise Street St Kilda Janet’s Trivia Play to win $50 voucher 29th Apartment 29 Fitzroy Street St Kilda $3 Fish & Chips, $5 Selected Bottled Beer & House Wine 6-10pm

The Precinct Hotel 60 Swan Street Richmond Courtyard Sundays $12 Jam Jar Cocktails, $30 Kopparberg Buckets, $5 Aguila Beer

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

Get Ready For... Melbourne International

Damien Dempsey Live at

Jazz Festival 2014

The Hifi

Bringing musicians together from across all corners of the globe, Melbourne Jazz Festival is the eagerly awaited annual event that allows Jazz fans to enjoy some of the finest music in some of Melbourne’s most iconic spaces.

Don’t miss the one and only Damien Dempsey live in Australia this March 2013.

The Irish singer will be touring nationally throughout Australia and touching down at Melbourne’s premier venue; The Hi Fi on 16th March 2014.

Originating in 1998, the festival has now been running for over 15 years – and it shows no signs of slowing down this year!

Allowing audiences to enjoy performances in clubs, recital halls and in the most He’s supported everyone from Brian Eno to unexpected venues across the city, the Jazz fest has already let slip that the Bob Dylan, U2 and Morrisey, and now he’s coming to Australia with his ‘It’s All Glenn Miller Orchestra will be opening up the festival on the 30th May, also Good’ tour. Dempsey will also be performing at Port Fairy Folk Festival, which joined by The Greek Project featuring Charles Lloyd and Maria Farantouri later takes place 7th - 10th March. on in the program.

The It’s All Good tour, will be celebrating the best of his music over fifteen years.

Now that we’ve got your attention, it’ll be worth circling Wednesday 19th March The national tour and several festival appearances will mark the launch of his on your calendar, as this is when the official full line-up for the 2014 festival new album ‘It’s All Good – The Best of Damien Dempsey’. This will feature a will be announced. Alternatively, sign up to the eNews letter on the website collection of his most popular records from the six studio albums he has made and you can avoid throughout his extensive music career. disappointment due to forgetfulness, as you’ll Last time Damien was in Australia, he sold out his Sydney Opera House St be informed of the Paddy’s Day show. His headline shows across the country went down a treat line-up as soon as it’s and fans have been waiting since 2012 for the return of this talented Irish singer. announced. So what are you waiting for?

The perfect Irish man to celebrate St Patrick’s Day with, make sure you don’t miss him whilst he’s in Oz. Friday 30th May – Sunday 8th June 2014, all across Melbourne Visit www. melbournejazz.com for more information.

Damien Dempsey Australia Tour Dates:

15th March – The Bakery, Northbridge 16th March – The Hi Fi, Melbourne 17th March – Sydney Opera House, Sydney 26th March – Entertainment Centre, Darwin 27th March – Contemporary Arts Centre, Cairns 28th March – The Old Museum, Brisbane 31st March – BluesFest, Byron Bay

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PERTH

Live From perth With a thriving local music scene, Perth is host to a vast number of venues and bars that cater to the musical needs of its creative residents. With so many places to choose from, it can be a bit confusing to know where all the hot spots are, so thank God we’re here to show you the way!

The Ellington Jazz Club

Fly By Nights Musicians Club

This standout, not-for-profit club is one of Fremantle’s more prominent and well-established music venues. Fly By Nights Musicians Club has been around since 1986 and has catered to a myriad

of different bands and stage acts in the 27 years it has been running. It’s a great place for bands just starting out, with a separate rehearsal room and band memberships which include exclusive deals and offers that set is apart from the rest. Not only that, but Fly By Nights is also responsible for helping out numerous local acts who turned into Perth legends including John Butler Trio, The Waifs, Eskimo Joe and End of Fashion.

1 Holdsworth Street, Fremantle flybynight.org

The Bakery

A performance venue and art space for “freshly baked entertainment”, The Bakery supports all of the arts courtesy of local and national artists, brought to you by the notfor-profit guys at Artrage.

Expression is welcome in any form (eccentric art adorn the walls and the front of the building is devoted to displaying such works), but music is the one to experience, with a good, clear sound of all the instruments on stage. On the bill for March includes the UK’s Electronic music producer, Gold Panda, American Electronic musician, Baths, and local duo Water Graves.

Place an order of fresh sounds and talents by stepping through the door.

233 James Street, Northbridge www.nowbaking.com. au

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Capitol

Capitol is one of Perth’s more esteemed venues located in the heart of the Perth Central Business District. The atmosphere that comes with stepping into this club is like no other; with the vibrant and energetic bar staff making you feel welcome, to the incredible sound and lighting system, there is nothing you can fault. Hosting a number of different events and artists, Capitol caters to all sorts of genres and musical tastes, making this a consistently popular venue for gig-goers. With a spacious dance floor, full bar with cocktails and some great tunes, Capitol is certainly the place to be.

383/393 Murray St, Perth www.amplifiercapitol.com.au

Rosemount Hotel

The Rosie is one of Perth’s best live music venues supporting local, national and international acts.

Each week The Rosie stage live music from Wednesday through to Saturday, with an occasional Sunday thrown in. They’ve even hosted the likes of The Gossip, The Panics, The Temper Trap and Jose Gonzalez in their time. Alongside live music The Rosemount Hotel also put on fun entertainment nights with Bada Bingo and Trivia nights. Situated in North Perth, you can’t go wrong for having a lively evening out at this venue.

459 Fitzgerald Street, North Perth www.rosemounthotel.com.au

By Daniel Morlehy

Suave, debonair – these are just a few words one might use to describe The Ellington Jazz Club. With a solid reputation for classy acts from the Perth Jazz scene to international Jazz artists, The Ellington Jazz Club is situated on the border of Perth’s CBD making it a tasteful and easily accessible location for those after work drinks or for an entertaining night out. With musical performances seven nights a week, The Ellington Jazz Club is one music venue you’ll be visiting again and again.

191 Beaufort Street, Perth www.ellingtonjazz.com.au

Dave’s Cans

The transformation of the old Myre Freo building in Fremantle has continued with the new small bar, Dave’s Cans, setting up shop on the rooftop. Dave’s Cans is a festival-type bar serving an enticing mix of cold beer and chilled tunes, with local DJs frequenting in this unique space to hang out on fresh evenings. If you like views, head up to the roof and enjoy the sunset whilst the Freo Doctor does his thing.

Myre Rooftop, Kings Square, Fremantle www.facebook.com/DavesCans

Bar De Halcyon

Hot Right Now Whether you need a new place to chill out with friends of fancy trying some different flavours, these places are sure to get your senses tingling...

Nestled into Perth’s small bar hotspot of Wolf Lane, Bar De Halcyon brings a distinct fusion of Spanish and local flavours to this popular little laneway. As Perth’s first pintxos venue, Bar De Halcyon serves Tapas-style snacks on skewers, with an emphasis on self-service and a mixture of everything. Make sure you don’t skip over the traditional Spanish oxtail, spicy lamb and smoked salmon empanadas, Wagyu burgers or the roasted beetroot and goat’s cheese.

Wolf Lane, Perth www.bardehalcyon.com.au

Milk Fashion

Get kitted out with the latest in cutting edge fashion thanks to the friendly guys at Milk.

With the hottest looks for both men and women, everyone can get a new evening outfit for drinks, dinner or dancing. From printed playsuits to monochrome maxis, between $20 and $200, there’s plenty for the ladies, while men can enjoy lightweight tees and casual shirts from as little as $20.

197B Scarborough Beach Road, Doubleview www.milkfashions.com.au

Get down to Miss Kitty’s Saloon for a little piece of the American Wild West. This quirky restaurant boasts modern American and Canadian inspired cuisine in an authentic saloon-style bar. Pop in for dinner, Tuesday – Sunday, for chicken chilli waffles or hot wing pancakes, and check out the Don ‘n’ Beer Special on Tuesday nights. Prices are reasonable and the servings are appropriately generous and can be accompanied by authentic American and Canadian beer. Miss Kitty’s Saloon is also open for brunch each Saturday and Sunday.

882 Beaufort Street, Mt Lawley www.facebook.com/pages/MissKittys-Saloon

By Bec Sorby

Miss Kitty’s Saloon

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TRAVEL

Busselton, WA

How To Get There

leisure activity. A number of tour companies operate in the area and usually include pick up from your accommodation. They will ensure you get the best out of your tour and enjoy the best local wines around the Margaret River wine region. The more adventurous can enjoy deep-sea fishing; whale watching or night sailing (until the end of March).

Busselton is also home to Climbtastic, the tallest rocking climbing wall in the Southern Hemisphere.

Centered around the Old Courthouse and Agricultural Buildings on Queen Street, the ArtGeo Cultural Complex is a haven of local arts and cultural events, with the ArtGeo Gallery and Courthouse Gallery a must-see. On 14th and 15th March, the Complex will host the Fringe Festival Busselton, a fusion of theatre, film, comedy, dance and music from around WA. A highlight of the festival is the Art Market, held on the Saturday. Visitors can enjoy local food, wine and live music during the festival.

Meanwhile, movie buffs may wish to check out the flicks on offer at the Busselton Drive-In Outdoor Cinema.

Your seaside escape is a little over two hours by car from Perth. Take the Forrest Highway and then follow the signs for the Bussell Highway.

Alternatively, South West Coach Lines can get you there in comfort, whilst Virgin Australia takes just 45 minutes, with flights running three times per week.

Once you’ve spent the day sight-seeing or enjoying Busselton’s stunning coastline, take some time to enjoy some shopping along the famous Fig Tree Lane; or watch the world go by as you relax in the one of the trendy small bars and cafes.

Things To Do In Busselton

Extending some 1.8 kilometres over the waters of Geographe Bay, the heritage listed Busselton Jetty is a stroll with a difference. It is the longest timberpiled jetty in the Southern Hemisphere, and has its very own train line. You can walk along the pier or hop aboard the 50-seat jetty train, which runs the length of the jetty, and tours leave several times each day.

50 metres along the jetty is the Interpretive Centre, which houses the Cultural Heritage Museum, as well as giftwares, homewares and souvenirs. Once you’ve walked or ridden along the length of the jetty, be sure to visit the Underwater Observatory.

Designed to accommodate up to 40 people at any one time, the Observatory descends eight metres below the surface, and features 11 viewing windows from which visitors can view the stunning array of over 300 species of brightly coloured tropical and sub-tropical fish, corals and sponges.

Regarded as the ‘capital’ of the Margaret River wine region, private winery tours are a popular

Popular Tourist Attractions

Another point of interest is the nearby Cape Naturalist Lighthouse, from the top of which visitors can experience amazing panoramic views of the Indian Ocean, Geographe Bay and Cape Naturaliste. Guided tours of the lighthouse are available, in which participants can learn about the rich history of the area, as well as listen to some very eerie local ghost stories!

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Accommodation

Luxury accommodation is abundant in Busselton, with many resorts perched on the beachfront to choose from. One of the most popular is Abbey Beach Resort, which offers luxury studio rooms and apartments, most of which have private balconies as well as a full range of facilities, including a gym, restaurant, heated indoor pool and squash court.

If you’re travelling in a group, Forte Cape View Apartments offers value for money with two and three bedroom, self-contained units with a huge range of facilities on site.

If social accommodation is more your style, there is no better spot to rest than Dunsborough Beachhouse YHA Hostel. Located in nearby Dunsborough and overlooking the stunning Indian Ocean, the hostel offers a large range of facilities and mixed, female and male, as well as private rooms are all available.

Back in Busselton, the Restawhile motel offers budget, self-contained accommodation.

Busselton is not short of camping accommodation either, with many suitable grounds dotted around Geographe Bay. Sandy Bay Holiday Park is an ideal place to base yourself if you want to test the local surf, and the camp offers a free tour booking service. The site has caravan and powered campsites available. Another pristine alternative is Peppermint Park Eco Village, which has camping and caravan sites available, as well as a number of chalets. The park is a mere 300-metre stroll to the stunning Geographe Bay.

Words By Bec Sorby. Images courtesy of Tourism Western Australia.

A s th e g a te wa y t o th e M a rg a re t R i ve r w i n e re g i o n , B u s s e l t o n i s o n e of We s te rn A u s t ra l i a ’ s m o s t p o p u l a r t o u r i s t d e s ti n a ti o n s – a n d i t ’ s n o s e c re t w h y . B u s s e l t o n i s as p o p u l a r fo r i t s h e r i ta g e a n d h i s t o r y as o n e of We s te rn A u s t ra l i a ’ s o l d e s t s e t t l e m e n t s i te s as i t i s fo r i t s s t u n n i n g c o as t l i n e , m a r i n e l i fe , l a i d b a c k b e a c h l i fe s t y l e a n d f r i e n d l y l o c a l s . H e re y o u w i l l f i n d a m y r i a d of th i n g s t o d o , w h e th e r i t ’ s ta k i n g i n th e p r i s ti n e w h i te s a n d y b e a c h e s of G e o g rap h e B a y o r e n j o yi n g B u s s e l t o n ’ s p i c t u re s q u e fo re s h o re ; s i p p i n g o n a l o c a l w i n e o r f i s h i n g , B u s s e l t o n h as s o m e th i n g fo r e ve r y t rave l l e r .

Snorkelling & Diving Around Australia

animals face to face. As well as breakfast, you will receive morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea to stay well fed, as well as an opportunity to take advantage of the fully-licensed bar on the return trip. This experience, totalling a whole 12 hours, will set you back $395 per person. Other companies that offer such adventure include Adventure Bay Charters and Rodney Fox Shark Expeditions.

Possibly the most iconic destination for snorkelling is the World Heritage Site of the Great Barrier Reef. Deep in the waters off of the coast of Queensland, this is the astonishing formation of 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands, stretching for over 2,600km. Strap on your equipment and explore the kaleidoscope of colour from the coral to the marine life. In just a few minutes, you could meet some of the 330 species of fish, six species of turtles and thirty species of whales, dolphins and porpoises that have been recorded here.

Swim with the fishes and discover the underwater paradise that lives beneath Australia’s waters.

While the landscape of Australia is impressive, with the red rock of the north and the lush green rainforests in the east, you have to delve below the surface of the ocean to find the true magic of this country. The best way to do this is, undoubtedly, snorkelling. Swimming within the coral and anemones that light up the depths of the ocean with reds, oranges and greens, and meeting the marine life that you can encounter along the way, is an exceptional part of living in Oz – second to none. Discover what you might find when you embark on these incredible locations around our island.

To ensure that the largest coral reef in the world doesn’t get spoiled by the tourism it attracts, snorkelling tours have increased in their dozens and, even then, some parts of the reef are out of bounds. Poseidon Cruises can take you to three different sites on the edge of the Outer Barrier Reef, and teach you about its history and biology. From the Marina Mirage at Port Douglas, the cruise includes morning tea, afternoon tea, lunch, a guided snorkel tour and all equipment for $226 per person. You can always discover the secrets of Michaelmas Cay, a unique environment lying in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, with Ocean Spirit Cruises. Aboard the 32metre luxury catamaran, you can snorkel the surrounding reefs for a whole four hours, with morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea. This complete eight hour experience is $182 per person – a small price to pay to tick this activity off of your bucket list.

The waters off of Western Australia, particularly Coral Bay, Exmouth and the Ningaloo Reef, are beautiful all year round, but they are particularly special between March and July, when the most famous temporary resident returns to feed. The Whaleshark is the world’s largest species of fish, growing up to a whopping 18m long. This gentle giant is the perfect swimming partner, which is why snorkelling is so popular in this area at these times of the year. There is an abundance of tour operators that allow you to swim out to the open ocean and be with such an intimidating yet calm species.

If you’re looking for more adrenalin-rushing, heart-pounding activity, the thrillseeker in you can go head to head with a fully-grown Great White Shark in South Australia. The most feared creature in the ocean can weigh an astonishing 1000kg, of which you could experience the full force of. The guys at Shark Cage Diving in Port Lincoln provide a one-day experience on their diving charter to be in the water with the so-called beast of the ocean.

From boarding at the Marina Hotel at 6.30am, you can relax with a coffee and breakfast as the boat travels to the Neptune Islands for sightings of the New Zealand Fur Seal. The Great Whites are then tempted to the area with berley, and you are lowered into the crystal clear waters in the cage that provides the only barrier between you and the shark. You will have the opportunity to spend up to 45 minutes underwater, witnessing the true nature of these incredible

Images courtesy of Tourism Western Australia

Exmouth Diving Centre lies right on the Ningaloo Reef, so it’s just a hop onto the Mahi Mahi 18m boat to where the Whalesharks have been spotted.

Throughout the day, you will be kept refreshed with morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea, and if for whatever reason you don’t catch a glimpse of this magnificent creature, you can receive a free tour to get a second chance. For such a unique experience, you will be looking at paying $385 per person. There are plenty of other companies, including Ningaloo Whaleshark Swim, Three Islands Whale Shark Dive and Ningaloo Reef Dive, so shop around and check what each company offer individually.

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TRAVEL

Explore Australia

by Rail...

Travel in true style with Great Southern Rail. We take a look at the ultimate way to see Australia at pace, but never missing a thing. From the outback, to the cities and the tropical north, travel comfortably whilst you embark upon an epic adventure.

Taking the pressure off of you mapping your way across Australia, rail travel offers all the perks of the views, but with much more relaxation to hand. Just simply climb on board, take a seat and kick back with old and new friends alike as every moment is a shared memory to last forever. Great Southern Rail are more than just a rail company, as they provide daily experiences to all travellers who take advantage of their journeys and the ease of using rail to travel and experience a place.

With Great Southern Rail you can tailor your journey to suit, as you go wherever you want, whenever you want. Life is a lot easier without the responsibility of having to drive, or be the official guide with a constant fixation of the dreaded map.

If you compare the costs of renting a camper and the cost of petrol to get you around the country, a rail ticket is both economic and efficient if you wish for a more enjoyable time making your way across Australia.

Great Southern Rail Flinders Ranges

If you want to escape to the more traditional parts of Australia such as Darwin, The Ghan journey will take you there from Adelaide and vice versa.

Adelaide is easy to venture to from Melbourne with Great Southern Rail providing the perfect sit back and relax journey to get you there with their ‘Overland’ route. Head from Sydney to Perth and see the entire Nullarbor Plain whilst relaxing and really taking in the sights.

The Ghan – Darwin to Adelaide or Adelaide to Darwin The Ghan is an incomparable way to travel through the heart of Australia to visit two of its jewels, the Red Centre and the tropical Top End. From balmy Darwin, through to the grand gorges of Katherine, the rusty desert of Alice Springs and finally reaching

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the cosmopolitan city of Adelaide, The Ghan is the ultimate journey of exploration and adventure which needs to be seen to be believed. This journey allows for the more adventurous of traveller to see the real depth of Australia which is often a highlight for the people who do venture into the deep Red Centre of this amazing country. From South Australia to the Northern Territory, you can sit back and watch in complete disbelief at the change in landscapes along this leg of the journey.

Indian Pacific – Sydney to Perth or Perth to Sydney

The Indian Pacific travels an impressive 4,532km between Sydney and Perth. On this transcontinental journey you will wind through the beauty of the Blue Mountains and outback Broken Hill (pictured) before entering the Flinders Ranges of South Australia.

Continuing west, the Indian Pacific crosses the Nullarbor Plain and the longest stretch of straight rail track in the world, before continuing through to the gold mining town of Kalgoorlie and winding its way through the Avon Valley into the thriving city of Perth. This journey is one which you will remember forever, with the vast landscapes and straight views of the Nullarbor remaining the same for hundreds of kilometres. Watch the sun rise in the mornings and the moon rise in the evenings over the open plains of the Australian outback as you venture to the most isolated city in the world – Perth.

The Overland – Melbourne to Adelaide or Adelaide to Melbourne The Overland offers daylight inter-capital rail travel between Adelaide and Melbourne. Leaving Adelaide in the morning, travel through some of South Australia’s best wine producing regions and regional towns before rolling into the bustling city life of Melbourne, just in time for a bite to eat in one of its many famous laneways.

Broken Hill Stop Off Railway Services Across Australia Red Service on The Ghan, Indian Pacific or The Overland is the most economical way for backpackers to see more of Australia. Travellers

can enjoy upgraded facilities and features that are characteristic of a world-class travel experience.

The Matilda Cafe features comfortable booth seating where you can enjoy a range of delicious meals and snacks, freshly-ground coffee and a selection of Australian wines and beers. Its panoramic views offer the perfect setting to meet new friends and share travel stories.

The Red Day-Nighter Seats offer comfortable reclining and rotatable seats that provide more leg room than planes or coaches and are now adapted for disabled access.

For the keen and frequent traveller, investing in a rail pass is your best option for frequent and unlimited travel on The Ghan, Indian Pacific, The Overland and selected CountryLink services. Rail Passes offer the flexibility to hop on and hop off the train as you wish, giving you the freedom to tailor your journey which is ideal if you do not want to set your route and dates of travel in stone.

The Rail Explorer Pass offers three month passes starting from $495 or six months from $649 (before 31st March 2014) of unlimited travel on The Ghan, Indian Pacific or The Overland in any direction.

New rates starting from 1st April 2014 include two months unlimited travel for $495 and three months for $595.

Each leg of travel is subject to the small cost of the fuel surcharge per leg, meaning you can get to destinations all over Australia for a fraction of the cost.

Images courtesy of Great Southern Rail

Seeing Australia in all its true glory is definitely one for the bucket list. Independently driving four wheels around Australia however, may not be the most pleasurable way for you to travel from the coast to the outback, and all the cities in between.

If you’re seeking unrivalled views of Australia, together with the convenience, comfort and value of rail travel, Red Service ticks all the right boxes for the savvy traveller.

For more information visit www.greatsouthernrail.com.au

As a dream destination for many dedicated travellers, shopping enthusiasts and obsessed ‘Friends’ fans, the bright lights and cityscape of New York are extremely inviting. The drawback of staying in the most exciting city on Earth?

It has the ability to soak up all your cash in one fell swoop. Thankfully, New York Loft Hostel keeps in mind the budget and lifestyle of a single traveller, while creating a comfortable and fun home away from home.

For up to 29 consecutive nights, you are welcome to stay at New York Loft Hostel and enjoy its many unique selling points. Inside this renovated 1913 loft building, rooms vary between the Twin Private En Suite and a Three-Bed Mixed Dorm, and can be as little as $60USD ($66AUD) per person per night. Included in the price is breakfast, plus a BBQ meal in the summer and a fondue night in the winter, every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.

It is highly recommended to head out into the garden during the summer and take a dip in the Jacuzzi, or tantalise your tastebuds at the new Basement Bar. You can also make use of the free Wi-Fi, bedside locker in every room (padlocks are not provided) and the gym across the street. If that wasn’t enough, the reception is open 24 hours a day, so you can go out all night and rock up in the early hours of the morning. This is a ridiculously good idea when you think of what you have to explore.

Situated on Brooklyn’s Varet Street, New York Loft Hostel is just two blocks away from the L train, a 24-hour express ride that connects to several other subway lines for convenient travelling and sightseeing. It is so well located, that you can be in the heart of Manhattan in less than 20 minutes! From here, you are able to realise your dreams in this concrete jungle; see the great billboards and colourful characters of Times Square, climb to the top of the iconic Empire State Building and browse the aisles of the stores down Fifth Avenue. The advantage of staying in a generously inexpensive hostel like the New York Loft is that you have a lot more spending money to see and do what you like!

To book your stay, head to www.nylofthostel.com.

Images courtesy of New York Loft Hostel

New York Loft Hostel, USA

Looking for somewhere cheap to stay in New York can be pretty hard, but fear not! This affordable, trendy hostel makes the most iconic city on Earth seem all that more accessible...

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TRAVEL

Dublin In the spirit of St Patrick's Day, we take a look at the wonderous city of Dublin, Ireland, for the perfect trip away, packed full to the brim with Guinness, great bars, restaurants, and all the charm the Irish have to offer.

The colourful history of Dublin has a lot to offer, so come and get lost in the all-consuming culture of Dublin, Ireland. Whether you want the hard historical facts from the National Gallery and National museums or you want to discover what makes it such a vibrant place today, there’s something for everyone.

Everybody knows the drink that originated from Ireland, and in Dublin you can follow up your thirst with a tour of the Guinness Store House. It is Ireland’s most popular drink and if you’re a fan of Guinness with a perfected foam top then this tour will probably be your dream come true.

Dublin is a varied city with plenty of things to do, and a brilliant nightlife. Whilst in Dublin, one must go for a drink in the Temple Bar area, which is famous for its strip. Whether joining in the dancing, dining on delicious food or taking to an open mic, the night won’t fail you when you’re in Temple Bar. The strip offers a wide range of bars that make this the perfect place to complete the ultimate pub crawl. If you’re lucky, you’ll even be treated to Irish singers giving you a taste of their lyrical ballads. Busker’s Bar on Fleet Street incorporates live music seven nights a week with a contemporary cocktail bar and wine list,

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but for dancing into the wee hours, just down the road lies the glamorous nightclub, Alchemy, which plays some excellent music.

available to view. Dublin Castle is a sight to behold with all its medieval beauty. Be a Prince or Princess for the day and explore the archaic history.

To fully indulge in the Irish culture you can take up the Bodhrán Experience with where you can learn to play the native drum and take to the streets.

To learn how to perform this artful activity head to Comhaltas Cultúrlann na hÉireann, in Monkstown.

This fun, albeit different, activity is open every Thursday night. Once you’ve mastered the art, buy yourself the Irish Drum and showcase your skills at Temple Bar’s finest bars. It’s also the city’s most premier shopping district, with traditional Celtic stores, boutiques and well-known brands to help you while away the hours. Two other great places to visit in Dublin are Gogartys and The Auld Dubliner, which are sure to beckon you into their bars so you never want to leave.

This fantastic city is bursting with plenty of activities, but also has a lot more to offer in the way of coastal adventure, thanks to its great location. It’s easy to travel by Dart rail to find the gems away from the city, and with every coastal town there is, of course, amazing seafood, so make sure you taste some of the finest authentic food down by the coast.

Dublin is the city of poets and artists alike; its artistic value can be witnessed in the poetic language and how the sentences string together with the Irish accent. If you studied Seamus Heaney at some point in your life, then now is the time to overindulge in Irish culture. There is architectural history at your fingertips, so don’t miss the abundance of castles

For gourmet fish and chips, you can’t go wrong with Bite, located on South Frederick Street. This little eatery serves until 11pm Monday – Saturday and even has an outdoor terrace to enjoy a cocktail post-feast. For something a little different, board the Guinness Canal Barge MV Cadhla replica from Charlemont Place and enjoy a three-course meal as you sail along the beautiful Grand Canal. These unique dinners are available every Friday and Saturday evening for just €45 ($68) per head.

If you have a sweet tooth that you simply must satisfy, then the famous chocolate factory should be one of your stops in the city. Butlers Chocolate Experience is a guided tour of the chocolate

Ireland has long been a competitive country and nowhere provides proof of this more than Dublin.

Gaelic games of football and hurling (a 3,000-yearold game where players hit a ball between the opponents’ goalposts with a wooden stick) have remained prominent throughout history, but their skill in rugby is something that residents are becoming fiercely proud of. The Six Nations returns to the Aviva Stadium every year, as well as the aptly-named Guinness Series which sees Ireland take on the likes of Argentina, South Africa and Australia. Croke Park is the home of football, hosting the Allianz Football League GAA Series and Hurling finals.

Whether you’re in Dublin for a weekend or for a weeklong escape, there are plenty of places to stay. For somewhere quiet, yet close to everything, Abbeyglen Cottage is an exceptional place. It is a five-minute walk from Swords town centre and five minutes’ drive from Dublin airport. For ease of access, it’s 25 minutes by express bus to and from Dublin City Centre. Visit www.abbeyglencottagebandb.com for more information. Prices start from €30-35 ($45.5553) per person, per night.

For an even more budget-friendly place, you can try Abbey Court Hostel, located beside O’Connell Bridge in the heart of Dublin City. This location allows you to have access to everything at a few minutes’ stroll.

Prices start from just €12 ($18) per person, per night and includes breakfast, Wi-Fi and a guided tour of the city if you haven’t yet got your bearings. Rooms vary from private doubles to 24-bed, but most include en-suite power shower facilities. For more space and comfort, Abbey Court also rents out apartments from €50 ($76) per night, accommodating up to four people in one bedroom, plus kitchen and dining facilities, with an easy two-minute walk from the famous Temple Bar. Visit www.abbey-court.com to book.

One thing Dublin is famous for is its polite and friendly menfolk. This is a city where strangers say hello as they pass you on the street and a barman striking up a conversation after you’ve ordered your pint is no random act of kindness. So that you can keep up with the lingo and have a proper conversation with the Irish men and women you meet, here are a couple of phrases that might help you out when you arrive: - What’s the craic? (What’s going on?)

- Top of the morning to you. (Good morning).

- Ah go on. (Offer to continue).

- Ah go on go on, have some more. (Offer for more food).

- Liquid sunshine. (Rain).

From its ancient architecture in the heart of the city and further afield, to the natural landscape that is iconic of the country, Dublin is the life and soul of Ireland, so lose yourself in all its Irish charm.

Made In Dublin You may think that Ireland is simply famous for Guinness and Father Ted, but its fair city of Dublin is responsible for a load of celebs, whether they’re famous for a good reason or not. They all came out of the Emerald Isle’s Dublin loins.

Musicians Believe it or not, the lovely city of Dublin has in fact brought us some of the most well known if not slightly hated singers. Sinead O’Connor, Jedward, Niall Horan, Brian McFadden, Bono… The list goes on, making you wonder if there isn’t something dodgy in the water…

Robbie Keane Probably the most recognisable footballer (you’ve at least heard of him) to come out of Dublin, Robbie was the first male Irish player to score 50 international goals in June 2011 and has played for a list of teams that includes Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool and Leeds United. Currently playing for LA Galaxy, the lucky bugger is married to former Miss Ireland contestant, Claudine Palmer (Google her).

Michael Gambon That’s right – Dumbledore’s Irish.

One of the most respectable actors in the world, Michael Gambon has appeared in Othello, King Lear and The Life of Galileo on stage, and Sleepy Hollow, The Singing Detective and Layer Cake on screen. He’s also a qualified engineer and private pilot.

Wilfred Brambell This poor fella played the most revolting bastard on TV - the toothless, dirty and pig-minded dad in Steptoe and Son who came out of a bath filthier than when he went in. He also played Paul McCartney’s grandfather in A Hard Day’s Night, but this Dubliner will always be remembered for being a dirty old man who sat in a bathtub eating pickled onions and bullying his poor son.

Colin Farrell Whether he’s sleeping with your sister or getting wasted on whiskey, Colin Farrell is an Irishman through and through. He endured drug addiction in 2005, being stalked by an insane phone sex worker in 2006 and the public release of a sex tape he made with a Playboy model in the same year. He’s also an actor – apparently.

By Arti Rajput. Image of Dublin Castle courtesy of J.-H. Janßen.

factory that can be enjoyed by chocoholics and even occasional cocoa indulgers – we dare you to resist the warm, enveloping smells of melted chocolate. After watching the chocolate movie, learning about the origins of chocolate and the techniques of chocolate decoration, you get the enviable task of decorating your own as a souvenir. Once you’re exhausted (or over-excited) from stuffing your face with all that sugar, make sure you end at Butler’s Chocolate café.

Book online and save 5% at www.butlerschocolate.com/book Prices start from €13.50 ($20.50).

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TRAVEL

Penang Malaysia

An island bathing in beauty and opulence, Penang is the Pearl of the Orient...

Penang, like a lot of the tourist havens of Malaysia, is easily accessible. It has its own airport which you can fly to from Kuala Lumpur if you’re tight on time, or you can travel by bus and ferry, but it’s recommended to avoid getting bus-fever by breaking up the journey and stopping by the Cameron Highlands. The final leg to the ferry at Butterworth will pass quickly as the Malaysian transport system is extremely comfortable compared to many of Malaysia’s Asian neighbours!

watering authentic dishes, such as Laksa, Hokkien Mee (yellow noodles in a prawn soup) and Tau Ser Preak (bean paste biscuits).

Chinatown is where the affordable hostels accumulate and you can get a room for as little as $11! However, you do get what you pay for so be prepared for a windowless room and squat toilets for that price. Upgrade yourself a bit and try out some of the famous Heritage Hotels. These UNESCO World Heritage protected homes have been transformed into homestays where each one is unique – try Clove Hall for Zen gardens and waterfalls, or Straits Collection, a restored Chinese Shop full of antiques and designer rugs. If you’re lucky, you’ll score the room with the wooden Japanese bathtub.

Visit the island’s capital, Georgetown, and you’ll be immediately struck by the amount of heritage buildings and colonial architecture that line the winding streets. In the heat of the day, a great way to explore the maze of side-streets and alleyways is by grabbing a rickshaw and having a quick tour – see if you can spot the surprising street art that adorns the heritage sites and take in the incredible amount of old mosques, temples and churches that have survived its long history.

The balmy weather ultimately leads to thirst you need to quench, so head to Jalan Penang for the bars and pubs, but do check out Three-Sixty Revolving Restaurant and Rooftop Bar. As the name suggests, you’ll get a birds-eye-view of Georgetown and enjoy 360 degree spinning while eating your dinner and witnessing unbeatable views. On the other hand, you could get a bit trollied at Slippery Senoritas with experienced bartenders shaking up a cocktail storm until 3am! Alcohol isn’t always cheap in Malaysia as it is a Muslim country that needs to import its alcohol, but as long as 7-Elevens are open, you can get your hands on most beverages.

Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, Penang was colonised by the Chinese and the English; then was affected heavily by both World Wars. It has now become a melting pot of cultures which is evident in Georgetown’s Chinatown and little India, and of course, through the food that is abundantly on offer.

Hit up Georgetown’s hawker stalls for some mouth-

To blast away those Slippery cocktails, get some fresh air and take the funicular train up the ridiculously steep Penang Hill. After the 821m near-vertical climb, you get to see some outstanding panoramic views above the treetops and access to Kek Lok Si, the largest Buddhist temple in Southeast Asia. Emerge from the bustle

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of Georgetown and hit up some delightful beaches.

Batu Ferringhi has sandy expanses of coastline

and wide-open sea with multiple activities including jet skiing. There are some great places to crash in this area, such as BaBa’s Guesthouse, which is a homely hostel with affordable rooms and the perfect open balcony that’s big enough for a gathering of likeminded travellers.

There’s an enormous night market that stretches so far your legs will ache after parading up and down the stalls selling fake designer goods, silver jewellery, DVDs and the odd souvenir knick-knacks – don’t forget to haggle! Great food is available to suit a variety of Asian tastes, but wandering aimlessly is enough to soak up the atmosphere. You can always rest those weary legs by the beachside the next day, or prop yourself up at the chilled-out bar of Anthony’s Beer Garden.

Other beaches of Penang are Tanjung Bungah, the sleepy fishing village of Teluk Bahang, and Monkey Beach, situated on the northwest tip in the Penang National Park and blessed with crystal clear waters. The park is a modest 2300 hectares, but contains the finest and quietest beaches, plus the most challenging jungle trails. Lowland forests, mangroves, wetlands, mud flats and turtle nesting beaches can all be found here and trying to spot the Green Turtles is a particularly welcome pastime between April and August.

Words by Sophie Saint., Image Jetalong Pier, Penang

Lovingly referred to as the Food Mecca of Malaysia, Penang is a diverse island of delicious cuisine and rich heritage that has developed into a bustling tourist hotspot. The fourth largest Malaysian island lies northwest off the coast of the Western Peninsular. It’s only 295km2, but is urbanised and very industrialised, so it should be visited as soon as possible before this attraction is crushed by the thriving economy!

Penang still clings to its opulent and historical roots despite the economy boosting up living costs for the locals. Its relics exist alongside the vibrant commotion and it still manages to retain its traditions and natural beauty… so take your visit whilst it remains The Pearl of the Orient.

TRAVEL ESSENTIALS Each month we bring you the best in travel essentials that we’ve tried and tested. From gadgets to must-haves, here are the best buys for this month!

Snugpak Microfibre Antibacterial Travel Towel Stay dry, clean and healthy with this nifty towel from the UK’s leading sleeping bag manufacturer, Snugpak. Quick drying and bacteria resistant, the towel is easy to carry and can be tightly packed for efficiency and comfort.

Available in five different colours, in olive or blue, they are protected with Dr Bacty Antibacterial and are completely machine washable, so pop one in your gym bag or rucksack for the next time you find yourself in need!

From $16.60 available from www.amazon.co.uk

Creative Airwave HD Speakers

Cat Phone Case A phone case ideal for active travellers, the Cat Phone Case provides the ultimate in protection with a sturdy frame and thick SAIF material. Shock and impact absorption properties mean you no longer have to worry about drops and knocks along your travels, nor will the frame weigh you down, thanks to its surprisingly lightweight and slender design.

From $27 available from www.amazon.co.uk

Get music to your ears even more easily with the Creative Airwave HD Speaker. Featuring NFC technology for one-touch pairing, simply tap your smart device on the speaker and you’re instantly paired for hours of music. If your device isn’t NFC-enabled, you can still pair up via Bluetooth, it just takes a little longer and requires holding down the Multifunction button until the LED light flickers.

Once you’re paired, you can play music for up to seven hours on full charge, so the party needn’t stop until morning. The sound quality is pretty good, but it should be seeing as it is fitted with a super charge amplifier and two premium full-range drivers. A downside is the harsh noise it makes every time you press the volume buttons.

The built-in microphone turns the speaker into a speaker phone, so you don’t miss any important calls should your smart phone be too far from reach – a winning formula for a bulky speaker with a hefty price tag. Perfect for those of you staying put for a while! $217 available from www.amazon.co.uk

Yurbuds Sport Earphones Created by athletes, for athletes, Yurbuds contain a unique twist lock technology that keeps the ear bud secure in your ear whether rowing, jogging or attending a Pilates class. This might sound like it must be a pain in your ear, but the soft silicone covers provide an extremely comfortable fit. The design of the earphones also lets you work out as hard as you want, resisting a build up of germs and sweat and water damage as you move.

Go one step further and invest in the Inspire Pro range, featuring a sweat and water resistant microphone for complete track, call and volume control. Compatible with iPhone, iPod and iPad, you can fully communicate with Siri completely hassle-free and answer calls to whoever may need you. Backed by a lifetime warranty, Inspire Pro will solve all your exercise troubles and keep you connected.

Inspire Yurbuds from $45 available from yurbuds.com.au

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TRAVEL

Before They Disappear

Discover the parts of the world that are facing complete extinction before it’s too late…

Madagascar

Timbuktu, Mali The ancient mosques, artifacts and burial grounds of Timbuktu are under attack from desertification and constant fighting between Islamic and Malian forces.

The Djingareyber, Sankore and Sidi Yahia speak volumes about the construction back in the 1500s, but have to be continuously restored due to the irreversible climate change on their vulnerable environment and the contemporary, urban architecture that is stealing their once powerful status. Travellers are urged to visit these unique monuments before they are wiped out completely.

The Florida Everglades, USA What was once a safe environment for threatened species is now facing extinction itself.

Everglades National Park, found in Florida, is the largest sub-tropical wilderness reserve in North America. Thanks to its complex habitats of fresh water, shallow bays and deep caves, it has become a sanctuary for birds, reptiles, big cats and fish, to create a fantastic, unbroken food chain – until now. The introduction of non-native animals constantly threatens those currently in residence, and with only 20% protected under conservation, suffers threat from urban encroachment.

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The island floating off the east coast of Africa is suffering from threats of deforestation, illegal animal trading and mining. The Atsinanana Rainforest is depleting due to the logging of rosewood and ebony, while the extracting of tar sands may see the pollution of the water sources that many of the people rely on.

Take into account the trafficking of animals such as the Silky Sifaka lemur and the Ploughshare tortoise, and you’re witnessing the destruction of an entire civilisation.

The Arctic

Yangtze River, China The surroundings of Yangtze River are so breathtaking, it’s remarkable that anyone would want to destroy it. However, over the last 50 years, pollution levels have increased by 73% from hundreds of cities. Industrial waste now fills the river 25 billion tons a year, the floodplains have been lost to agriculture and the basin is now unable to detoxify pollutants – a deep shame for the world’s thirdlongest river that is the only home to the unique Baiji freshwater dolphin.

The Congo Basin, Africa Endangered species of wildlife seek sanctuary in the depths of The Congo Basin, including mountain gorillas, chimpanzees and African elephants, but their habitats are under threat of being destroyed by the unsustainable mining methods for timber, diamonds and petroleum, as well as the deforestation for fuelwood and charcoal.

The hunting of these animals for commercial bushmeat also threatens to wipe them out altogether, and destroy The Congo Basin forever.

It’s not only climate change that is having a dramatic effect on the expanse of The Arctic. Copper, gold and coal mining, oil and gas drilling pollution and illegal fishing are impacting on everything in the very north, from the ice to the marine life and land animals. This will see a threat to polar bears, seals, Arctic foxes, wolves, brown bears, dolphins, walruses and whales, as the home they know becomes increasingly difficult to live in.

The Coral Triangle, Pacific Ocean Surrounding Malaysia, the Soloman Islands, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia and the Philippines, the Coral Triangle is an underwater kaleidoscope consisting of turtles, 2000 species of reef fish and 600 coral varieties. The abundance of tuna has caused dangerous fishing methods that threaten everything that lives here, with gillnets, dynamite and cyanide destroying the delicate paradise that has previously thrived.

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INTERVIEWS

Tinie Tempah The biggest Rap star in the UK, Tinie Tempah is returning to Australia for Future Music Festival from 1st – 10th March to perform hits from new album, ‘Demonstration’. Looking forward to heading out, we sat down with the man himself to talk about his knack for performing, that high five at the BAFTAs, and who influences his impeccable style.

Hi Tinie, how are you?

I’m fine, thanks. How are you?

We’re really well, thanks! What were you up to this weekend?

Just taking it easy, having a chilled out one. I’m coming over for Future this time on Wednesday so thought I’d take out some time to catch up with everyone.

Your second album, ‘Demonstration’ has pleased critics and fans; did you fear the dreaded second album syndrome after the success of ‘Disc-Overy’?

Not really while I was making it. It was more probably while I was getting ready to release it, to be honest. While I was making the record, I had a lot of fun creating it and it felt good and it felt right. When I was getting ready to release it and doing interviews, I was like, “the classic daunting second album…” You start to think about it a little bit more and whether anyone’s gonna go out and get it. I’m pretty happy with it.

Musically – a lot of different expression – and I wanted to demonstrate the fact that I can make music that wasn’t necessarily genre specific. Ok, it sounds like a Rap song, but I wanted to show that I could do things beyond that.

Talking of the BAFTAs, you, Laura and rather unexpectedly, Prince William, were the highlight; what made you go for that high five?

It was just mid-performance and spur of the moment. I didn’t necessarily have anything on my mind, I was just in mid flow of the performance and I started in the crowd so I was walking through and I saw all these incredible faces of all these men and women of whom most I’ve grown up watching in films and TV and playing on computer games. When I got to the front row, I saw His Royal Highness, and to be fair, he’s the person that I knew the most out of everybody. I’ve done a few things for him in the past; I performed at his Winter White Gala so I thought “Why not?” and I was feeling it.

“When I was a little bit younger my mum bought me a cream Sean John velour tracksuit. I wore So you just went for it?

Yeah! that”

With the title ‘Demonstration’ and the red stripe over your eyes on the cover, was this album a form of protest or expression?

I think it was more so expression. I wanted to copy the theme of something that felt quite protest-y and I wanted to give it that mood of art direction, but it’s definitely a form of expression. I definitely wanted to make a record that was slightly more mature, talked about a few different things as well as all the stuff that people know me for. As much as I like to make songs about having a good time and going out, letting go, escapism – I wanted to tackle a few other issues and make something that had a bit more of a positive undertone. There’s a few other songs on there like ‘Heroes’ that I performed at the BAFTAs with Laura Mvula and ‘A Heart Can Save The World’ with Emeli Sande, which are really about the people and fulfilling your full potential.

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You’re a hit at festivals and we remember you at V Festival drinking shots of JD on stage with your band and turning the whole crowd into a moshpit. Is performing and working the crowd and the camera something that comes naturally to you or have you grown more comfortable with it over time?

I think I’ve always had a knack for it, but the more you get these opportunities to perform, you become a little bit more comfortable within your space. From when I first started out to the venues I’m doing now, the size is so different. That’s probably the thing that, over time, I’ve got a bit better at – how to work bigger stages and work bigger crowds. However, from the times of doing intimate gigs, I always had quite a knack for it, it kind of came naturally.

Can we expect the same from your set at Future Music Festival in just a few days?

Absolutely – no different. The only difference is we have a lot more music and we’re gonna bring the set to life with a live band. It’s gonna be great.

We’ve been working on it for a long time and the show’s really exciting so I can’t wait to come out and perform it. It’s gonna be fun.

How does performing in Australia compare to the UK? I definitely feel that there’s a British spirit in some of the Aussies, which is always cool. They’re very much in touch with what’s going on on the other side of the world, which is great. A lot of Australian people are chilled out and good-time people, they know how to have a good time and I definitely get that. Whenever I’ve performed for them and get to go across the whole of Australia is always great because you get to meet so many people. This will be my fourth time performing in Australia and it’s always the highlight of the year.

Who is your fashion inspiration?

I’ve always been a massive fan of Kanye (West) and Pharrell (Williams). I think they express themselves very well through fashion. Over here I like George Lamb, and then my manager, Dumi Oburota, he’s actually 38 in GQ’s best dressed, so he’s one of my inspirations as well.

You mentioned Pharrell, are you going to be able to see him at Future?

Yeah, of course! I’ll be watching his set all the time; I can’t wait.

What’s the worst crime you’ve committed towards fashion?

[Laughs] When I was a little bit younger my mum bought me a cream Sean John velour tracksuit.

I wore that – I think because my mum got it from America – but it was definitely a crime towards fashion!

Thanks for chatting to us Tinie! See you at Future.

Temples It would be fair to say that Temples have seemingly come from nowhere.

Since forming in 2012, they uploaded a few tracks on YouTube, signed to Heavenly Recordings, toured with Kasabian and The Vaccines and released their debut album in February that entered the UK Top Ten in its first week. We spoke to frontman, James Bagley, to discuss their incredible rise to fame and having drinks with Noel Gallagher.

We’re great, thanks! Have you been busy since dropping your debut album, ‘Sun Structures’?

Busy would be an understatement! There’s been days full of things to do whether it’s a show, radio, TV, interviews, or just touching base with home.

The record came out pretty quickly since you only formed in 2012 and you’ve garnered a lot of attention from big names in the business; how have the last couple of years been for you?

Musically we had an idea of what we wanted to do and how we wanted the record to sound, and selfproducing it was something that we wanted to do.

It’s been a learning curve with regards to playing the shows and making them as sonically pleasing as the record, if not more. We live it day by day and we try to get better as a band. I guess when we start working on the next album, we’ll try to get better as writers and beat what we’ve done on ‘Sun Structures’ because we’re not lazy people!

You said that you wanted to self-produce it and you did a lot of the recording in your bedroom; was there any pressure to change your way of working after being signed to Heavenly Recordings?

There was a little bit, not necessarily from the label because Jeff and Danny both loved the first single, ‘Shelter Song’ and they put it out as it was. We knew it wasn’t a demo because it’s always been “this is how it is”. If we were going to rerecord it, it would pretty much be the same thing. We had a few people saying “we should go and do the drums and rhythm section in a studio” and I remember very clearly I said, “I don’t agree. Just give us the money that it would cost to hire the studio, we’ll buy some mics and an amp and we’ll do it ourselves, because we can probably get a better sound by just trying”.

From a production point of view, I thought I had enough experience to get close to a professional sound and I still stand by that.

Were they convinced?

In about ten seconds! When they got the track back, they didn’t have to say anything. I think it happened quite organically and we’re not bullshitters, so we knew that we could get the desired sound. We understood what it was that they didn’t think was quite right with the particular song, and we spent a day on it and sent it back and all was good – as we thought it would be!

place and not be an act. We had to get into the right sort of mind space before going on. It’s always hard performing before a band because it’s their fans and you’re trying to steal them! It’s definitely worthwhile and a good experience and makes our own shows a little bit easier because now, we haven’t got to win people over; they’re already on your side and all you have to do is take them to the place they hope they’re gonna go when they come to see you.

Noel Gallagher described your emergence onto the scene as more important than an Oasis reunion; did you know that you had the support of such a prominent figure?

We knew from word of mouth and he came to our Lexington show with Gem from Oasis and we had some drinks with them afterwards. I didn’t expect them to be any different to how they were. Musicians are very alike and they have years on us experiencewise and certainly career-wise, but it doesn’t change the way you talk about music and the way you get excited. It gave us a little bit of a confidence boost, but it didn’t make us work any less hard.

We just keep pushing ourselves.

Will you have any time off to enjoy the activities on offer when you come to Australia in May? Most probably not! It’s great to take a photo and tag where you’ve been. It’s like a preview of all these places that you could go on holiday. I see it like that because you stumble upon places – we did in America and certainly in Japan – and I’m sure we will in Australia. I’ve got a few friends that moved there so it will be cool to see them.

Did he give you any words of wisdom?

He said to Adam, our keyboard player, “I don’t think you should stand up and play because I don’t want to see your legs dancing around.” He’s since stood up even taller and done a metaphorical fingers up to that! Unless you’re Ray Manzarek of The Doors, it’s hard to sit down and be important on stage, and now Adam plays rhythm guitar as well, so it makes sense for him to stand up. He didn’t take offense; he thought it was quite funny and very Noel.

emphasized version of the record. Certainly there will be elongations of songs; just mix it up and do it gig by gig.

“we’re not bullshitters, so we knew What can ticket-holders expect from that we could your shows?

It’s hard to say… We’re going to play our get the desired songs off the record! There’s a limitation of that you can’t play like you can in sound.” recording a live area. Hopefully it will be an even more

So talking of gigs, you toured extensively in the UK last year with support slots for Kasabian, Suede and The Vaccines. Was it daunting to be playing before such respected bands?

I guess it is; if you care about what you do, there’s a certain degree of daunting-ness. There are nerves and you want it to be good and come from the right

What do you think is the worst thing to happen to music in the last ten years?

The worst thing is people listening with their eyes and not with their ears. They’re very informed by the way that they see things; whether it’s in the media, or the way that a band looks or just words that are written down to inform them about a band. People need to listen with their ears and maybe close their eyes – not if they’re driving in a car – but just listen and make up your own mind. It’s changed a lot over the years.

Thanks James! Hope to catch you later in the year!

By Charlotte Mellor

Hi James, how are you?

I’m good, thank you. How are you?

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INTERVIEWS

Maximo Park We talk online streaming, dressing up and the influences of the North-East of England with Maximo Park frontman, Paul Smith, following the release of the band’s fifth album, ‘Too Much Information’.

Hi Paul, how have you been?

Not too bad, how are you?

We’re good thanks! We’re really pleased to see Maximo Park back with fifth album ‘Too Much Information’; what has the response been like?

I try not to read reviews but when you go out and play the songs you can get an immediate response from the people in front of you and we’ve played a few shows and people have been really positive.

I can hear people playing it on the radio and I’m very happy that people seem to like it because when you love the record and you’re excited about putting it out, the public response makes you a little bit nervous. All is well.

The album is available to stream on your Facebook page; does this risk slow initial sales?

I would assume that it does. You’ve got to be realistic and think, if you’ve not got any money, and you can hear an album online for free, then you’re not necessarily going to go out and buy it. However, as an avid music consumer myself, I would always stream something first and then buy it if I thought it was really good. Even when I was a poor student, I would have a few less drinks and spend that ten pound on a record because it’s accessible in terms of buying something that’s a beautiful piece of art, if you want to consider it like that. It’s a relatively cheap art form, so I have that faith that if you like it then you’d buy it. We put a lot of effort into the artwork and bonus discs and making something that’s worth you spending your time and money on.

Having said that, we’re not Beyonce so we can’t just drop an album and everyone will buy it, so we want people to hear it on streaming services. It’s a compromise of the modern world: music is free so let’s give people access to it and put the faith in the music.

So, five albums down the line, how have Maximo Park changed and developed? What are you doing differently now?

Pop music’s a funny thing because when people start making music it’s very exciting and they make

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the statements that they’ve been working on their whole lives, and then it looks like a downward curve a lot of the time. I won’t mention any names, but as people get older their music sometimes gets worse, and my theory is that it should get better. You should learn from your mistakes, the things you’re good at, and I feel like our fifth album is an example of perhaps an upward curve. On one level I would like to think that we set a good standard and we’re a consistent band in terms of our songwriting, but at the same time, there’s a confidence on the new record that we could do anything, and as long as the song was good, it would still sound like Maximo Park.

walk up the same steps that Bryan Ferry used to walk up in Newcastle Art Department. I suppose it kind of isolates us in the North-East. We’re not part of any scene or particular fashion, which made us look a bit odd when we came out, which was in our favour I suppose. People thought, “Who are these guys?” which was fine by us! It allowed us to develop in our own way rather than be influenced by anybody else; we always felt like we were on our own in the North-East, and there are echoes of music in the past, but we were rallying against what was going on at the time. There was bland music, as we perceived it, and we wanted to inject some personality into things.

You recently described the album as having a “pot pourri of influences”; can you tell us any specific ones?

Musically there’s an early ‘80s Electronic feel to some of the songs; I’m a big fan of The Associates and The Blue Nile and emotional music but with a frosty musical palette, and it’s a very diverse record that sits alongside Punkier stuff like ‘Her Name Was Audrey’, and you’ve got influences from Minor Threat and Minute Men, a more aggressive American music. It’s quite an unusual mix of different continents and styles. I’ve actually put in a recommended reading list and recommended viewing list – very short – inside the lyric booklet to give people a few extra nods in the right direction.

For example I went to my local cinema, The Star And Shadow Cinema, which is a completely volunteer-run place, and they were showing a film about Audrey Lorde, the African-American feminist poet – hence the song ‘Her Name Was Audrey’ – and I was really inspired by the way she spoke and that’s what the song’s about: being bowled over by somebody’s speech and the way they carry themselves.

What would you say were the vital

“it’s almost characteristics of a front man? yourself is very important to me, a protective Being y’know, I’m not Tom Waits – I don’t inhabit character. However, I do think you barrier so any need to crank up the volume on whatever people don’t see personality you have. Some of the angrier songs, it will be a full-on performance, and the exact me.” you want people to remember the way that

Do you feel like the North-East influences you as well?

I suppose so! When I was at university I used to

you are, so you dress in a more extravagant style and that to me is a nice way to create distance between what we do, which is pretty unusual really, going onto a stage and moving your body in a way that attracts people to the music. I don’t stand still, I want the energy and the excitement of the music to be transmitted through the way that I move on stage and obviously, sometimes that’s pretty extreme.

When I get dressed up and prepare myself for stage, it’s almost a protective barrier so people don’t see the exact me. Anonymity is something that I prize; it’s a pretty unusual way of living and some people get caught up in that and become odd characters themselves and you meet some people who believe in the Rock ‘n’ Roll myth, so it’s nice to have some of that mythology on stage and dressing up, but it still needs to come from the music itself rather than a cliché. When I’m picking a suit or a hat, hopefully it adds to what’s going on rather than just walking on in tracksuit bottoms!

Jody Wisternoff

Ahead of his three tour dates coming up in April, we speak to the legendary musical whiz kid Jody Wisternoff. As he plans to head out to one of the hottest parties of the year alongside partner in crime Nick Warren, we caught up with the man himself to find out more about what’s in the pipeline for 2014.

What have you been up to recently?

Been spending a lot of time in the studio over the last few months. The start of the year is always quiet as far as touring goes, so it’s the perfect opportunity to crack on with the tunes. Alongside my solo stuff, the new Way Out West album with Nick is definitely taking shape. Also been working on the Anjunadeep06 compilation which we intend to have out for the summer.

Sounds cool, we can’t wait to hear all the new material. You return to Australia in April for three dates; what is it about Oz that keeps you coming back?

It is simply one of the finest parts of the world and is an absolute pleasure to be asked each year to come back. The crowd enthusiasm is second to none – you guys really like to get loose!

You have over 20 years of experience under your belt; how have your sets and style changed over those years?

I suppose I’ve just evolved with the times really.

Although never consciously following trends, I’d like to think that I am flirting with the cutting edge. One thing I do notice is that BPMS have been steadily dropping over the years. Maybe it is time to speed it up again!

to back action, although probably not for the whole day, as it’s good to get into your own flow too.

Now originally, you were a member of Sub-Love alongside DJ Die; what was it like on the rave scene back then, and would you say you have brought any of that Sub-Love along with you to 2014?

Sub-Love was just me and Die, and at times also Tim Moore who has recently been recording under the name Discreet Unit. The rave scene was something we were lucky enough to experience in the prime of our youth, and nothing has matched the impact of this movement since. I draw inspiration from these early days pretty much constantly.

Whilst on the point of Way Out West, how did yourself and Nick come to launch Way Out West?

We were working sporadically together under a bunch of names including Echo and Subversion 3, and every remix we did we would also include a Way Out West Dub. At a certain point we realised that our studio chemistry was strong enough to exclusively join forces, so we committed to the project and ran with the W.O.W name.

Will you have time to have a bit of a break whilst in Oz, or will it be straight in and out and get the job done?

Unfortunately not at all. Land Thursday, gig Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Fly home Monday. BOSH!

How would you say Way Out West has morphed and changed since its inception?

Generally just moving with the changing times I suppose, although we have always based our stuff on melody and emotion. Whilst the beats and grooves may change over the years, we have tried to keep constant with the music vibe, which is quite a worldly and layered sound. We’ve always liked the concept of audio collage, which is largely based on sampling/crate digging, and even to this day we love to work like this.

The 12th April is a particularly special gig with yourself and your Way Out West partner Nick Warren taking to a boat party; what’s planned for the event? Will you be playing back to back?

Thanks, yeah I really can’t wait as I reckon it’s gonna have a great vibe! Definitely gonna bust some back

Do you get to play the same gigs regularly?

What’s your relationship like?

No, unfortunately very rarely. Our relationship is solid, maybe after all these years because we give each other space to breath and explore solo options.

Despite the British weather being uninspiring of late, how are you looking forward to the summer months? What’s in the pipeline? Will you be doing the Ibiza or Croatia circuit?

It’s always summer somewhere on the planet [laughs]. Hopefully a few nice outdoor parties, Russia in the summer can be amazing and obviously the UK has incredible things going on. [I] may play a few parties in Ibiza although I tend to usually travel to more obscure destinations.

Even though you’ve been in the business for such a long time, you only released your debut album, ‘Trails We Blaze’ in 2012; will we have to wait as long for the follow up?

If you include the four W.O.W albums, that’s an album every four years, which is pretty good going taking into account the amount of time spent doing the DJ stuff/touring. As for a follow up to ‘Trails’, the W.O.W album is taking priority right now, but I’m sure I will find the time in the future.

Who’s caught your ear since the beginning of the year?

Bodhi, My Nu Leng, Eelke Kleijn’s new stuff, [and] Lorca to name just a few! So much talent out there…

Although a lot of people look up to you in the DJ-ing world, who do you/or have you found to be your music hero?

Thanks! I’ve always admired the Chemical Brothers for their mastery of the synth, and more recently and for the same reason Simian Mobile Disco.

Thanks Jody, and we look forward to seeing you in Oz! My pleasure guys, big thanks and see you soon.

Jody Wisternoff Tour Dates:

Friday 11th April - Geisha, Perth, WA Saturday 12th April - The Starship Boat party with Nick Warren, Sydney, NSW Sunday 13th April – Brisbane, QLD

By Charlotte Mellor

Hi Jody, how are you?

Very well thanks, just returned from a little family holiday over the weekend so all kiddied out [Laughs]

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MUSIC NEWS

h c t a w o ones t DO M IN IQ U E YOUNG UNIQUE Introducing rising Blackpool three-piece, joining the likes of Rock revival act Royal Blood and Grunge duo Drenge: Darlia. Nathan Day takes edgy vocals, whilst Dave Williams takes powerful bass, and Jack Bentham hits thumping drums.

Nathan and Jack’s friendship goes right back to their school days, the chaotic Punky sound of the band, blossoming from playing music together at a young age. Dave Williams later provided the final and third piece of the trio with a massive resonance. Day abnormally stumbled upon his bassist when cleaning at a college. The boys used to sneak instruments into work and practice in abandoned classrooms. From mops and feather dusters to hefty guitar chords, angsty vocals and drum-kit thrashing, Darlia began.

Darlia currently have the one, debut, EP ‘Knock Knock’, which came out in November last year. They recently gained a lot of attention as a support slot for Indie-Rock brothers The Family Rain.

Darlia’s leading track ‘Queen Of Hearts’, features dark, gruelling yet fantastic vocals and lyrics from Day, “Oh blood sweat and tears, The Queen of Hearts make everything look different to what it is.”

The threesome have even seen support from the likes of BBC Radio One. With their great Grunge style, that has even seen comparison to the likes of Nirvana, could Darlia be about to lead the way of a Punk-Rock come back in the mainstream? Only time will tell, but the group already seem to be causing a stir even in their very early stages.

34 www.bbmlive.com

You may recognise the voice of beautiful model and powerful singer/rapper, 21-year-old From Tampa Bay, Florida, known as Dominique Young Unique, from the likes of DJ Fresh’s hit ‘Earthquake’. She has also collaborated already with House and R&B man Le Youth on funky floor filler ‘Dance With Me.’ With the same management as DJ Fresh, the bold Miss is set to release her own single, which is sure to smash the charts too.

The Florida girl’s soon to be released ‘Take It Down,’ sees a danceable Hip Hop track with an element of Grime. Hip-Hop collides with the Club music sound to create a red-hot mover. Dominique raps with charisma, sass, cheek and sauce to the track co-produced by Benga.

Dominique Young Unique is stepping out alone, to the limelight her ballsy talent deserves. The whopper of a debut single ‘Throw It Down’ sees release on 6th April 2014 on EPIC records, and it is available for pre-order via iTunes now. Later this year her debut album will follow, no doubt jammed with fantastic Dance tunes and filled with collaborations with big names in the industry.

M AN O U

Due to her mere age of 16, half English and half German Popstress, Manou, has seen many comparisons to Grammy Award winner Lorde. However the sweet Electro-Synth girl shows an individual, and original talent, amongst a crowd of rising female teenage artists.

Balancing school and recording, the hard working Manou has released dreamy and cool Pop single ‘Sadie’ with Studio Week.

Manou has begun to gain recognition for her efforts, attractive voice and artistic aptitude, in playing live sets around London. Her next single ‘Loving You’ is out 7th April 2014. The adolescent, innovative Manou is working with producer PNUT, known for previous work with accomplished female singers, such as; Amy Winehouse, Eliza Doolittle and most recently BBC Sounds of 2014 contender 18-year-old Chloe Howl.

Villagers - Occupy Your Mind

Indie Folk act Villagers, A.K.A Connor J O’Brien, penned a special single in support of the LGBT community in Russia.

A track as a voice of the oppressed, under the thumb of Vladimir Putin, is said by O’brien to be “written for you, your mother, your father and your gay brothers and sisters in Russia.”

The singer-songwriter drifts from his usual Folk style for the more Indie-Electronic. His floaty Folk vocals remain as recognisable and original as ever, despite the synthy bass.

“I just want to occupy your mind...”, he sneers ominously, in a deep looming voice.

He is the voice of reason, enlightening hope in the face of Russia’s prejudice. His haunting vocals are enough to stir Putin, and any of his followers like-minded acute views. ‘Occupy Your Mind,’ is not just a political song, but an Indie foot tapper, achieving Zane Lowe’s Hottest Record of the Week on Radio One.

TCTS - Over (featuring Holly Partridge)

Manchester DJ/producer Sam O’Neil presents a dreamy and funky beat with Holly Partridge on smooth and emotive vocals.

“You caved my little heart in like a sun castle,” sings Partridge softly, creating a naive and delicate mood with her words of a broken heart. A refreshing reoccurring beat, layers of synth and sounds drift us into her naive and hurt state. Low dirty wobbles waver beneath her innocent voice as we are enchanted by the rhythmic three and a half minute track.

The song is catchy and addictive enough to have you wanting to loop it on repeat and ride the waves of sand-castle destruction “over and over” as Holly sings. The track draws to a sensitive close as technically modified “oh’s” repeat chillingly, hanging in the ears seductively.

The single is taken from the ‘These Heights’ EP, out now on Greco Roman records and it’s well worth a listen.

Tom Misch & Carmody - The Last Song

A combination of Folk and UK Garage may seem like the strangest combination possible, right? But surprisingly Tom Misch and sweet acoustic Folk singer Carmody more than pull it off, creating a handsome sound of a mash up of acoustic guitar and beats.

Not to mention the alluring and beautiful harmonic vocals.

The track begins with a twangle of guitar chords met with a tinkering of soft beats, as Carmody sings lovingly over the backing. Met with male vocals the setting becomes even more romantic as two voices harmonise each other on, “But didn’t you know all this love is for you?... This is the last song that leaves me mouth for you.” A complimentary pairing.

A strange collision of genres creates a charming serenade that has you wanting to sing along. It’s refreshing under beat gives the Folky vibrancy of the track a whole new lease of life.

EP Review Wolf Alice - Blush

The Indie Rock four piece follow up their sweet, jangly guitar single ‘Bros’ and the heavier, release ‘Fluffy’ with their first EP which beholds a certain reminiscence for a 90s sound.

The title track opens as the first of four tracks, a soothing and emotive number, which installs thought with its lyrics. A light chink of a symbol and hauntingly beautiful guitar drive through the verses, it’s smooth simplicity having a stirring effect. The opener ends with singer Ellie Rowsell softly asking “Are you happy now?” leaving a chill and an atmosphere of sorrow and lost love.

‘She’ alters the mood, adopting teenage angst, a fast and funky guitar riff and a spot of kit bashing in the first half. The middle of the song sees a pivotal change; the guitar is plucked slowly as Rowsell lulls us with her sweet voice, before propelling back into rebellious noise.

The penultimate track ‘Nose Dive’ takes a cheerier and Poppier tone. It’s the kind of upbeat tune you blast in contended happiness as you dive into a new relationship. “I don’t care if this takes us nowhere, I won’t and you won’t, and we won’t ask why...” sings Ellie, describing a care-free relationship in bubbly tones.

‘90 Mile Beach’, the closing track hits the moody and atmospheric again before the EP closes in a mash of grungy and great nostalgic 90s noise.

‘Blush’ covers a range of emotions like an erratic and hormonal teenager; from heartache, anger and moodiness, to excitement and fun.

Top Podcasts, Radio & Sets Cerys on 6

BBC 6 Music Cerys Matthews hosts a staple Sunday morning show. She has recently been responsible for announcing one of Prince’s select small shows, proving she is knowledgeable in the music world. 10am until 1pm on Sundays listen to Soul, Rock, Reggae and Blues to breeze you through a Sunday morning.

Listen online at www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/ b03vl6bs or tune into 6 Music

Jo Good on Xfm

Brighten up your lunch by joining the Xfm ‘Lunch Club’ with the bubbly, Jo Good. Between 1pm and 4pm enjoy the latest and greatest Indie and Rock music of an afternoon, with some great old classics thrown in. Listen to Jo’s interesting, and carefully selected, themed X-list of the day.

Listen online at www.xfm.co.uk/ or tune into Xfm

Hive Radio Manchester

A range of fantastic, alternative listening to suit any taste. With shows from M32’sdays, an on point focus on the Manchester music scene, to The Alternative Student Show, Tom Peels Rock Show and Hip Hop show Revolver, there is something for all tastes. The station is live on Wednesdays and Fridays.

Listen online at www.hiveradio.co.uk/listen

538 Dance Department

The Number One music show of the Nertherlands.

The best DJs and sounds around, are brought to you by Dennis Ruyer. Featuring the likes of tracks from My Digital Enemy, Rui Da Silva, and Chris Malinchak, Ruyer knows how to get you dancing.

His podcasts are available on weekly basis.

Listen on Souncloud at www.soundcloud. com/538dancedepartment

We Love Independent Music

The best podcast to keep your ears on independent music with a weekly show. Find Indie artists, unsigned and up-and-coming talent through their Soundcloud broadcasts. Independent artists can even get in touch with the show, in order to get themselves heard. Tune in for the best experimental fresh new sounds.

Listen at www.weeklypodcast.net

Pitchfork on Spotify

Via their Spotify app, keep up to date with the well-informed American music site Pitchfork. Their app contains playlist from artists they’ve recently reviewed, so you can decide what you like and what you don’t, for yourself. Lately the app has seen Indie boys Temples to Synth-Pop Phantogram.

Listen on Spotify now

By Emily Schofield

Single Reviews

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MUSIC NEWS

Album Reviews

With Indie-Pop record ‘So Long See You Tomorrow’, it isn’t hard to see why Bombay Bicycle club achieved their first Number One album. With their fourth album, the stereotyped middle-class musical four-piece have certainly crossed into the mainstream with their upbeat and feel good tracks.

But Bombay have certainly not ditched their original and creative Indie vibrancy in doing so.

The album’s single releases, including the dreamy and soothing ‘Luna,’ which saw lead Jack Steadman joined by rising talent and beautifully voiced, Rae Morris - which definitely helped contribute to ‘So Long See You Tomorrow’s’ rise to the top. The November release ‘Carry Me,’ certainly caused a stir of anticipation for the whole ten-track works, with its dip into the realm of Dance and interactive video.

December’s ‘It’s Alright Now’ with Steadman’s lulling vocals at its best, whispered seductively to fans, with the New Year and the album’s unveiling just around the corner.

‘Overdone’ the album’s opener, welcomes the listener in with looped electronic sounds and a dashing beat. Its vocals move stirringly as we are whirled into one hell of a successful album. ‘Tell me was it enough when we where first in love?’ sings Jack Steadman. The frontman’s emotive song writing still on point four albums later.

‘Feel’ sees Bombay Bicycle Club at their most dance worthy, as vocals praise a “Disco feeling, disco feeling!” with a sound not to dissimilar to Friendly Fires, with the use of a cowbell and funky drums.

The title track ends the works with a contrasting lullaby of soothing vocals.

Bombay Bicycle Club have always stepped bravely into new waters with each album, always happy to experiment with new sounds. From debut ‘I Had The Blues But I Shook Them Loose’s’ straight Indie Rock approach, to Flaws’ Folk attempts, the group have always given their fans an element of surprise.

With So Long See You Tomorrow they achieve this once again, messing with electronics and making danceable feel-good Indie. Is this sound here to stay, or have BBC still got new lands to conquer?

Only time will tell, but for now we are more than happy to bop and sweetly sing along to their latest creative release.

36 www.bbmlive.com

DEFECTED IN THE HOUSE MIAMI 2014

Taking the reigns of ‘Defected in the House Miami 2014’ are three of the biggest names on the House music scene, comprised of; Andrea Oliva, Paul Rocco and NiCe7.

On this upcoming release, these three stars take on their own impression of the sound of Miami 2014 in three separate mixes. The compilations also consists of tracks and remixes from other Electronic artists and producers including Henrik Schwarz, Âme, Shlomi Aber, Larry Heard, Kris Wadsworth, Deetron, tINI, Mr. G, Pirupa to name a mere handful.

Last year proved to be Andrea Olivia’s most fruitful year to date, from being a resident DJ for Ushuaia’s widely popular Ants Party, to topping Beatport Charts with his remix of Lucianos ‘Rise of Angels’ which became one of Cadenza’s highest selling records as of late.

Canadian born, Paolo Rocco has made strides into the House music scene with his remixes and productions being supported by the Industry legends Damian Lazarus, Nic Fanciulli, DJ Sneak and Maya Jane Coles. Paolo’s first single ‘Move Body, Move Forward’ (Klasse Recordings) broke Beatport’s top 25 main chart while holding its place at number six in the top 100 deep house category.

After almost a decade of releasing music and touring around the world, Italian duo NiCe7 have made a serious name for themselves in the House music Scene.

Throughout 2013 NiCe7 toured extensively and performed at numerous major Electronic music events including Miami Winter Music Conference, Amsterdam Dance Event, and Berlin Music Days.

‘Defected In The House Miami 2014’ brings about three musically intellectual acts to collaborate and produce a refined, yet energetic release that will surely be pumped through the speakers throughout the summer days. This is one for all you Electronic lovers that will provide you with hours of prime beats.

‘Defected In The House Miami 2014’ is out now on Defected Records, so download your and get ready for the sounds of summer.

NENEH CHERRY BLANK PROJECT

Possibly one of the most anticipated albums of recent times, the legendary Neneh Cherry has unveiled her new album ‘Blank Project’.

The album starts off with a poetic reading, which then morphs into the first track from the album ‘Across The Water’. A slow drum beat is the only backing the Cherry’s vocals, giving a very stripped back sound to ease us into her new work. The lyrics and simplicity combined evoke an almost tribal poem.

The next track up on the album is the title track ‘Blank Project’ which immediately steps everything up a gear with a punchy bassline that thumps in and immediately wakes you out of the calm you’ve previously been lulled into. ‘Blank Project’ is filled with venom and sass, telling tales of a difficult relationship. By the third track of the album ‘Naked’ we really start to hear Cherry play with her vocals in her signature way, really using her voice as an instrument. ‘Spit Three Times’ enters with a bass slap reverberating over and over, again stripped back at first, with her poetic lyrics, that refers to superstition as she sings “superstitious, spit three times over ma shoulder”. The track plods through, without much power about it, apart from the lyrics.

What drives throughout this album is the grungy basslines, that make you feel as if you’re watching Cherry take to the stage in a dingy basement as the band play flawless riffs of the early 90 Post-Punk.

Cherry mixes up her style of poetry, speaking, whaling and breathy vocals. Produced by Four Tet, the album also holds the characteristics of the experimental producer. Also on the album, Cherry collaborates with Swedish singer Robyn on track, ‘Out Of The Black’ as they sing back to back, and then together. The addition of Robyn’s sickly sweet vocals works flawlessly alongside Cherry’s rougher, more soulful voice.

Towards the end of the 10 track album, the pace picks up a little with jutting rhythms and more major scales, resolving the earlier minor element present at the beginning of the ‘Blank Project’ journey.

‘Everything’ finishes up the album nicely and neatly, bringing the musical excursion to a noisy end after the nakedness of the beginning of the album, feeling as if she decided to use all her tools after all.

By Emily Schofield & Daniel Morley

BOMBAY BICYCLE CLUB SO LONG SEE YOU TOMORROW

Urban Sounds...

Davido

Jamieson

Over the past year the sound of Afrobeats has become more and more prevalent in the UK, first making an impact in the clubs and more recently the charts. Fuse ODG leading the charge with two top 10 singles and even an interview with Jeremy Paxman on Newsnight.

Jamieson is an artist that all you Hip Hop purists out there will love. After he made his way back onto the UK urban scene earlier this year with ‘Trying To Be Me’, he now sets the stage for his upcoming EP with the release of the lead track of the same name ‘Nothing To Lose’. Jamieson takes us back to that 90’s Hip Hop vibe with his witty humour and lyrical dexterity - you could say he a little like a British Eminem.

Alongside other heavyweights of the scene such as Mista Silva and Wiz Kid, Davido a 21-year-old Nigerian artist has been paving the way for the genre in London and the rest of the UK. Already a number one smash in the club charts and A-listed on BBC 1Xtra, March 17th marks the release of Davido’s first UK single ‘Skelewu’.

This London born and bred rapper is now based in New York where he moved to several years ago to pursue his career, in his words “if I could make it there, I could make it anywhere”.

Raking in millions of views on YouTube and selling over three million copies of his debut album ‘O.B.O.’ Davido has definitely been making a stir in Africa and is slowly making his way to breaking into the global arena.

Jamieson has gained support from some of the biggest tastemakers in US and UK Hip Hop such as XXL Magazine, SBTV and industry heavyweight RZA (Wu Tang Clan) and has supported the likes of Sean Kingston, Akon, and Mobb Deep.

Now for all of those who want to find out more about Davido make sure you head over to his YouTube channel and check out ‘GOBE’ a feel good a song that will have you longing for summer to hurry and make an appearance and also ‘Skelewu’ which will have you shaking a leg or two.

His latest single ‘Nothing To Lose,’ taken from his fourth studio EP with the same name is due out in the spring, so if you’re an fan cheeky Rap lyrics and a heavy drum let instrumental than this EP might be just right for you.

Maya Jane Coles - Something In The Air (Bonobo Remix)

Brett Gould - Dark Dreams (Made

By Pete Remix) - Grin Recordings

Nibc Life So Far - You Let Me Go (LKiD Remix) - HK Records

Bonobo is one of few Electronic artists who are capable of crafting a wholly organic sound.

Recently Bonobo has taken his own spin on House newcomer’s Maya Jane Coles ‘Something In The Air’.

Brett Gould’s second release ’Dark Dreams’ via Grin recordings gets the remix treatment from Made By Pete.

Nibc & Life So Far’s ‘You Let Me Go’ gets a chill out House remix from British Producer LKiD.

2014 has already been a big year for Gould; with the likes of BBC radio 1 and 1 Xtra taking interest in his latest productions. It was unlikely that Brett Gould was to maintain his underdog stripes. ‘Dark Dreams’ is a striking piece of House music at its most conventional, making Brett Gould one of the most promising British House producers.

The energetic, bassline heavy groover ‘You Let Me Go’ has been given a remix by budding House producer LKid, who is building a strong online following for his House production. Stark percussions open the track slowly transcending into skipping rhythms and a hyper-speed bassline that takes you back to the Post-Garage/Chilled House days of the early 00s.

‘Something In The Air’ is part of a brand new remix EP from Maya Janes Coles, which will feature other remixes from the likes of Dark Sky and Kowton.

On remix duties, Made By Pete steps up with a Deep House gem that is reminiscent of the Balearic vibe, a heavy bassline lingers in the background with sonic pulses and distorted vocals. There’s a quirky and slight comical element to the vocal samples used through out instantly heeding your attention.

The remix still has elements of the original mix by Nibc & Life So Far, that had an undeniably Garage influence with some old school vocals featuring.

This track is easy to listen to and rolls off into the eardrum with a familiar format, that whilst not challenging, is instantly likeable.

The EP was released on 24th February on vinyl and out digitally on 17th March.

‘Dark Dreams’ is set for release in March along with remixes from Made By Pete and Evil Twin.

Bonobo has stripped the song bare and created a down tempo House track that cinematically sweeps over you, filtered with fluid basslines and warm, sonic undertones all wrapped up in delicate percussion and dancing bells.

Bonobo proves once again his amazing ability to blend House and Funk fused beats, making for his own distinct take on Electronic music.

Nibc & Life So Far is set to leave a big mark on 2014, with a release this month via HK records.

By Jordan Shepley & Aletha Davis

Pick Of The Promos From BBM’s Dance Music Podcast

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FUNNY NEWS fight was in Yorkshire, where pork pies are revered as sacred and holy.

When The Moon Hits Your Eye, Tatts Amoré

When a young man and a young woman meet and fall in love, they sometimes do all sorts of crazy things to prove their love will last forever. This is especially true if the man is desperate for anal.

And one of the most common ways for romantic idiots to show their love is by getting a tattoo of their partner’s name. Of course, the paradoxical problem with this is, if you’re going out with someone who thinks it’s a good idea to have their name burnt onto your flesh forever, you’re almost certainly with the wrong person.

“The bride was devastated. Her dress was ruined, she had a lovely big white gown and it had beer and WKD all over it,” said Chris Sowden, 43, steward at the Harold Club, where the reception was held.

“I was downstairs when it kicked off and had to go up to try and sort it out. I spoke to some guests and they said the pork pie was thrown and it all got out of control. The scariest thing was there was a lot of children and they all had to hide in the toilets. By the time the police got here the fight had moved to the car park.”

“Happy” couple Wendy Carter and Ryan Barraclough were given a full refund by the club.

“We had a brilliant day. It was great and you’ve got to expect a good punch up at a wedding,” said the blushing bride, Mrs Barraclough. “It’s just funny now. We had a great wedding and it didn’t spoil it.”

Again, this may sound strangely upbeat, but remember these are Yorkshire folk – and they’d just blagged a refund.

Take broken-hearted Torz Reynolds of London.

The stylish lass got a tattoo for her boyfriend Stuart ‘Chopper’ May which read “Chopper’s Bitch”. Now if that wasn’t classy enough, she then found out he’d been cheating on her and, apparently not willing to wait for an appointment with a laser technician, she cut out the tattoo using a scalpel, tied up the lump of flesh with a ribbon, then posted it to him.

“Posting the tattoo to Chopper sent a clear message,” she said – and we agree, although it’s probably not the message the crazy bitch thinks it is. “Now he knows never to mess with me again. I packaged it up so it really did look like a present.

I even used different handwriting so he’d have no idea that it was me.”

Hilariously, Chopper got out of the relationship by concocting an elaborate ruse that involved flying to Alaska to pursue his dream job. Reynolds even took him to the airport and the pair had a tearful goodbye. But she later learned he had diverted to Essex, to shack up with a woman he had been having an affair with for six months.

A crazy bitch who cuts out her own skin and posts it in the mail, or an Essex girl. We’re not sure which is worse.

Pie Thrower Starts Brawl At Wedding

A man may fight for many things: his country, his principles, his friends, the glistening tear on the cheek of a golden child. Or in the case of mass brawl at a wedding in Bradford last month – a pork pie.

Three people were arrested when a vicious 40-man scrap broke out after someone threw the pastrybased delicacy at another wedding guest.

West Yorkshire Police’s dog section were called to break up the fight, and found the children hiding in the toilets and one woman with her cheek and ear bleeding from bite marks.

It might all sound a bit strange but remember the

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“We’re going to go home, he’s going to lay on the couch, he’s going to hurt, he’s going to pray for a while and he’s going to get better. That’s what happened every other time, except this time was just so quick and it was crazy, it was really crazy,” son Cody Coots said.

Staff at Middlesboro hospital say his life could have been saved had he immediately sought medical treatment or if anyone in the congregation had been fluent in Parceltongue.

Lad The Impaler

BBM has watched a lot of videos of women being spit-roasted in our time, but a 10-year-old boy took things to the next level last month after being speared by a two-foot metal spike which punctured the left side of his body and came out just below his right ear.

Weverton Silva fell from a tree in the Brazilian city of Macaé near Rio de Janeiro while he was picking guava fruits and was impaled on the rod. Amazingly, despite looking like a human kebab, he survived.

Doctors at the local hospital where he was treated have hailed the youngster a medical marvel after the object missed all his vital organs and was removed in one piece following five hours of surgery. “[The bar] had passed through basic arterial routes,” Dr Rodrigo Chicralla told Brazil’s Globo TV network. “It is difficult to arrive at a hospital with such a situation and survive. I think it was just God.”

Thrones Fans Wolf It Down

Fangs For The Memories

Sextastic fantasy series Game of Thrones returns to our screens next month – hurrah! – but how best to celebrate? Well you could invite your mates round for a GoT-themed party, watch the last series to refresh your memory, or you could make your missus wear a blonde wig and take her roughly from behind Dothraki-style.

So you’d think a clergyman who became a minor celebrity because of his predilection for incorporating live snakes into his sermons, and who also appeared on reality show “Snake Salvation”, would know about the dangers of snake bites.

Alternatively, you could do what hundreds of other less-intellectually able fans have done and buy a dog that looks a bit like a wolf before abandoning it when it kills your pet rabbit.

If there’s one thing the Bible and the Harry Potter franchise have taught us, it’s that snakes are evil.

Sadly for preacher Jamie Coots, it appears not.

The serpent-loving sermoniser was handling a rattlesnake at his Full Gospel Tabernacle in Jesus Name Church in Middlesboro, Kentucky (as you do) when he was bitten on the hand. At this point, any rational person would immediately seek medical help.

But not Coots. In an unusual move for a religious man, Coots wilfully ignored logic and facts and, after initially dropping the snake, picked it back up and continued with his sermon.

Within minutes, an ill-looking Coots had to stop and headed to the bathroom. When an ambulance crew arrived at the church, they were told Coots had gone home. Contacted at his house, the potty preacher refused medical treatment – with his son claiming he had been bitten several times before and usually “prayed for a while until the pain went away”.

When the ambulance returned about an hour later, Coots was dead.

Animal charity Blue Cross say Game of Thrones could be responsible for a four-fold increase in the number of wolf-like breeds of dog being abandoned.

Mandy Jones, head of rehoming, said: “Copying your favourite celebrity’s hairstyle is one thing, but we really urge people to put a lot more thought into getting a new pet –we see so many animals given up because their owners didn’t realise how much time and effort it takes.”

Celebrity Tweets

Celebrity Happenings - Charlie Sheen Engaged To Porn Star

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

He proposed to Brett Rossi, despite her still being married to her ex, making her the fourth Mrs Sheen. Bets are now being accepted.

- James Corden Hosted The Brits

Hayley from Paramore @yelyahwilliams

He snogged Nick Grimshaw, took a selfie with Prince and tried to pimp out Kylie Minogue. The whole thing was a shambles.

“i think i’m just gonna stay in for once and be cozy.” - Me. Every night.

- Cara Delevingne And Michelle Rodriguez

The model of the moment is dating the hottie from Fast & Furious. Seriously.

- See how funny I am. I am like, so funny.

- Ellen Page Came Out

dear cops. my beliebers wont hurt me. all is ok

She played a school kid up the duff in 2007, but last Valentine’s Day she came out to the whole world.

We can’t help but wonder what she got up to with Alexander Skarsgard, Elijah Wood, Emile Hirsch and Frankie Muniz...

- But what about all those nonbeliebers, Bieber?

- Simon Cowell Became A Dad

Justin Bieber @justinbieber

Ed Sheeran @edsheeran

I’m glad I live in a world where my kitten has 63,000 followers on twitter

The music mogul has a kid, a mini-me, a protégé to mould into the next big money-making product of SyCo. In other news, Mothercare has confirmed selling out of high-waisted jeans.

- Amanda Bynes Is Normal

- My ginger pussy is gagging for it.

She’s been seen going to college and walking about like a non-celebrity. Who’s going to throw bongs out of their hotel window and tell Drake he has a deformed face now?

Lily Allen @lilyallen

- Adam Brody and Leighton Meester Got Married

@Fearnecotton I did not blank you. That is simply not true. I didn’t see you or your husband.

- Well, how could I miss that nose!!!

Jaden Smith @officialjaden

I’m Here If You Need A Fellow Insane Person To Talk To. But I’m Seriously Here Not Like One Of Those I’m Here For You’s That Everybody Says.

- GIVE ME ATTENTION. PLEASE. I’M WILL SMITH’S SON.

The marriage between The O.C. and Gossip Girl was confirmed last month, with a super secret wedding between Seth Cohen and Blair Waldorf A.K.A Adam Brody and Leighton Meester. Sources claim Serena attempted to sabotage the wedding by declaring her love for Seth, before Summer turned up pregnant with his baby despite being engaged to Ryan...

David Beckham To Launch Football Team

We’ve been training for this one since he hung up his boots. We can already do six keepie-uppies in a row and have shit hair.

Lily Allen To Rise From The Dead at Easter

After announcing her painful comeback, the mother of two has titled her new album ‘Sheezus’, as a nod to Kanye West apparently. However we think the image of her on a crucifix at the end of her latest single ‘Air Baloon’ is going rather far. Div.

Chris Brown @chrisbrown

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY to all the beautiful women around the world.. Know that you are loved and appreciated!! God bless.

Horsing Around At Home

- I want to punch you all in the face.

The steed’s owner, Stephanie Arndt, thought it would be safer if the horse stayed with her during the bad weather in Holt, northern Germany. But Nasar has become so comfortable that he spends most of the time there rather than at his stables. It’s thought to be the first time a horse has lived with a human since Matthew Broderick agreed to marry Sarah Jessica Parker.

samantha ronson @samantharonson

I feel bad for green skittle. Another reason why my therapist will always have a job.

- I love mocking mental illness.

Kaley Cuoco Sweeting @KaleyCuoco

My new favourite word of the Olympics “twizzle” - And we thought Penny was an act...

A scared horse that shit itself and hid in its owner’s house during the storms in Europe last month has got his hooves under the table and decided to stay.

“He is not a fan of the wind and the rain,” said Ms Arndt.

He reportedly also fruit juice and play Germany’s Die Welt owner’s German, he her mouth too.

likes to eat sweets, drink the keyboard, according to newspaper. Considering his probably enjoys shitting into

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SPORTSNEWS Catt’s Out The Bag For Gerrard

McMahon’s Toon-stone Pile-driver

Kim Cattrall, who has been spotted several times watching the Reds at Anfield and was present for her favourite team’s crushing win in the Merseyside derby, Tweeted her feelings for the consta-gurning Liverpool skipper.

There are few people who wouldn’t like to see Mike Ashley hit over the head with a steel chair while Alan Pardew distracts the referee, but when a story is “broken” by a website called winnersports.co.uk (which puts the word FC or AFC after every frigging club name it mentions), you know it’s as fake as, well, American wrestling.

Expect to see Steven Gerrard’s penis being discussed by four very wrinkly women in the next Sex and The City movie after “the whorish one” from the show tweeted her “admiration” for the Scouse super hunk. Must be his sexy accent.

It came about as she posted a photo of Gerrard walking off the field accompanied by physio Chris Morgan, whose arm was hovering over the midfielder’s arse.

“This makes me jealous,” she posted. “I’ve met Steven Gerrard a few times but sadly never got this close.”

In the show, when Samantha says anything like this, it cuts to a montage of her being nailed in every position imaginable (i.e. cowgirl, doggy and normal) – followed by her collapsing into bed and saying something like “I heard you were good at ramming balls into the box, but that was ridiculous”. But the image of Gerrard having sex would probably fall foul of television’s decency laws.

As someone who lives thousands of miles away from the north-west of England, Cattrall should technically support Manchester United – but apparently her love for Liverpool stems from the fact she was born there but moved to Canada with her parents as a baby.

In some ways, Cattrall and Gerrard is a match made in heaven. Just like Samantha in the show, Gerrard is everyone’s favourite at Anfield despite being heavily propped up by his much younger and more talented co-stars. Samantha also had a homosexual relationship on the show, just like Gerrard and Jamie Carragher.

It was clearly a load of made-up crap in the first place, but that didn’t stop every paper back in England running with the hilarious story of WWE chief Vince McMahon being interested in taking over Newcastle United.

“Vince McMahon has been sniffing around the club and seems keen on pursuing his interest,” a ‘Newcastle source’ told the website. “He sees England as an untapped market for his wrestling empire. He has even indicated he could put on wrestling bouts at St James’ Park.

Obviously it is very early days but there is hope the fans may get what they want with Ashley leaving.

Buying a club like Newcastle would throw him into the spotlight in England which is just what he is looking to do.”

Considering the only “Newcastle sauce” we know is Brown Ale, we were never really convinced of the story’s authenticity.

And lo and behold, the club smacked down the hilarity a day later by announcing there was no truth to the rumours. By that stage, however, the fans had already had their fun.

A Premier League Royal Rumble appeared to be the firm favourite among supporters (where the Ameobi brothers would obviously see their allegiance fall apart to start a feud the likes of which has never been seen) while a WWE All-Star XI is also a strongly-backed idea to take on the best the English top-flight has to offer.

Ricciardo’s Formula For Success

Controversy over car designs, Lewis Hamilton pictured with a hot bird, Bernie Ecclestone making up crazy rules as he goes along – it can only mean one thing: the start of the new formula one season.

The Australian Grand Prix kicks off the whole shebang on 16th March, and, it looks and feels the same as every other season. In fact, they should probably declare Sebastian Vettel as champion now to save commentators and reporters from the pain of trying to inject some excitement into one of the most boring and predictable title races on earth.

But there is one significant difference this year – and it’s not Ecclestone’s bonkers “whoever wins the last race wins the whole thing” idea. The big difference is Mark Webber is no longer with us, so we don’t have anyone willing to stick it to Vettel.

Instead, Daniel Ricciardo has stepped into the role of Vettel’s Australian bitch at Red Bull, and he says he’s already learning from his new team partner.

And by “learning”, we assume he means knowing when to let Vettel pass him and how to bend over so the reigning champion can celebrate each victory with some celebratory sodomy.

“I’ll pick things up naturally from him and learn the ins and outs of how he works,” Ricciardo said while rubbing his arse and wincing. “Obviously he’s not going to tell me how to drive around a corner - we’re all capable of that now. But being behind the scenes with him is already good for me.”

Ricciardo refused to make a prediction on how often he could beat Vettel this season – possibly because it depends on how generous Vettel is feeling after he’s wrapped up the championship with eight races to spare.

“I haven’t fixed a number, saying 50:50 or beat him X amount of times,” Ricciardo said while Vettel stubbed a cigarette out on his cheek. “I won’t say I’ll come out and beat him - because until I do that, I don’t want to say anything. But of course I’d love to.”

Come On Roud Boy Get It Up

Olivier Giroud is quite a player – and we’re not talking about football either. Turns out goals aren’t the only thing Giroud has been banging away this season after the married Arsenal striker was caught ballsdeep in American model Celia Kay by The Sun, who managed to get photos of him half-naked in Kay’s hotel room.

At first, the randy Frenchman denied the accusations, but when the photos emerged he realised the jig was up and confessed all. And what better way to patch things up with a publically-humiliated spouse than by announcing your shagabout sins on Twitter. “I apologise to my wife, family and friends and my manager, team-mates and Arsenal fans,” he wrote, in French and English. “I now have to fight for my family and for my club and obtain their forgiveness. Nothing else matters at the moment.” We’re not sure if he also included the hashtag #upthearsenal. We certainly hope so.

Publicity-seeking Kay said she and Giroud were “extremely loving and tactile” but did not have sex – despite being in the room together from 12.50am to 3.04am. This, of course, is traditional paper speak for “I tipped off the paparazzi about the whole thing to boost my profile, so long as they printed my version of events so I don’t look too much like a marriage-wrecking whore”. In all likelihood, she was probably still mopping the jizz off her cleavage as she gave the interview.

Arsene Wenger said that the club would address the matter behind closed doors.

“He has made a statement and for the rest, we’ll deal with it internally. I don’t think there’s much more to add to that because I want to respect his privacy as well,” Arsene said while winking and poking a finger into a hole created by his other hand.

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Winter Olympics 2014 The controversial and highly anticipated Winter Olympics provided some sports with a difference (skeleton, skiing, slalon) for the two weeks in the middle of February, and homosexuality laws aside – Russia managed to pull it out of the bag. Despite the slight hitch at the opening ceremony where five rings became four (they made fun of this in the closing ceremony, suggesting that they do, in fact, have a sense of humour), we don’t doubt that Putin is celebrating in a bath of vodka with his Russian gymnast as we speak.

The events didn’t disappoint when it came to drama. Great Britain’s Elise Christie lost her 500m short track silver medal after receiving a penalty for knocking down not one, but two rivals, as the skating final descended into chaos. After recovering and passing the finish line in second place, it was judged that she caused the crash and was demoted to eighth. An attempt to enter the 1500m final also ended abruptly for the skater, as she was penalized for an infringement at the finish line, and placed at the bottom of the table.

When it came to medals, Great Britain’s history of underwhelming didn’t change, but there was still an excuse to celebrate, as we matched the highest number of medals we ever have - four. Coming back with two bronze, one silver and one gold won’t result in the team being cheered to anywhere near the level that we saw after the London 2012 Olympics, but to be fair, the last time we left the Winter Olympics with such a collection was back in 1924.

After Lizzy Yarnold delivered a skeleton performance that merited a gold medal, Jenny Jones grabbed bronze for her snowboard slopestyle and GB’s women’s curlers were successful after a nail-biting match against Switzerland for third prize. It was all down to the men to grab us our second gold and make history, but alas, as always happens in British sport where we’re completely out of our depth, it wasn’t to be. The guys faced off against Canada (our fate sealed right there) and ended up with silver.

When the closing ceremony officially ended the games, Russia was top of the board with 13 gold medals, Norway second with 11, and Canada third with 10. Great Britain ended up a disappointing, but hardly surprising, 19th.

Rosenberg Pulls Off Brum Deal

As anyone who’s been to Birmingham will tell you, the best thing you can do is flee the shithole as quickly as possible.

Sure, the locals’ accents may be hilarious, but the longer you stay there, the greater the chance you’ll end up in the Bullring, or get lost trying to find the right platform at New Street Station. You could even end up at Jasper Carrott’s house.

So you’ll understand if we’re a little sceptical of the so-called “charity” of departing West Brom striker Markus Rosenberg.

Rosenberg, who joined West Brom in 2012, left the club by mutual consent last month and has joined Malmo in his native Sweden.

And to save on shipping costs, he donated the entire contents of his house in Birmingham to charity shop Sue Ryder. In other words, he couldn’t leave the place quick enough.

“I wasn’t a West Brom fan before, but I am now,” said stock generator Tracey Evans. “When we had finished [collecting the items] there were just the beds left for them to sleep in.

“They even offered us a 20-foot trampoline in the back garden, but we had nowhere to put it.

“It is all good stuff – a lot of the furniture is minimalistic. We really are so grateful because we are so desperate for furniture.”

Seeing as he’s heading to Sweden, Rosenberg should have no trouble replacing his furniture.

It’s a little known fact that there are more Ikeas in Sweden than there are people. Similarly, few people know that every woman in Sweden is blonde and likes lezzing it up. It must be true as we saw it on a documentary called “Swedish Hole-stretchers VI”. For our money – the best of the series.

A Wee Bit Of Bad Luck

It’s tough enough being an Everton fan at the best of times (because usually it means you’re a Scouser whose only interests outside football are stealing hub caps and buying shell suits with dole money). But one Toffees fan has had it particularly tough for 30 years – and not just because his name is Richard Wee. “Dick” Wee, as we’ve decided to call him, lives in Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia and has never been to a live game at Goodison. Normally an excuse not to watch Everton would be a positive thing – but last month Dicky decided to make the 7000-mile round trip to watch his beloved Toffees in action against Crystal Palace. And he was clearly buzzing about the prospect of watching Roberto Martinez’s men in action, as he got into Goodison nice and early to

soak up the atmosphere, before posting a picture of himself at the ground.

“Finally, 30 years since supporting @Everton, will b watching EFC ‘live’ for 1st time,” he tweeted.

Sadly, that’s when God himself intervened. With storms lashing Britain at the time, and with Dicky making his way to his seat, news filtered through that the match with Palace had been called off due to ‘building damage’ caused by the freak weather.

“Sadly @Everton v Palace match called off due to bad weather. Dream to watch EFC play will continue to be on hold,” tweeted a forlorn Dicky, using surprisingly few expletives.

But it wasn’t all bad news for the luckless Toffees traveller. One of the clubs PR whizzes picked up the story and arranged for him to meet the players at the team’s hotel.

“Today Everton just prove again that it’s the People’s Club taking extra effort to connect with fans. Salute the people running the club,” tweeted Dicky.

Fair play to Everton, but we’ve been a fan of Cheryl Cole’s tits for years and we’ve never once glimpsed her goodies – despite hiding in a bush outside her bathroom window for nights on end. Come on Cheryl, take a tip from Everton and give us a guided tour of your bangers.

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SPORTS NEWS

Horoscopes CAPRICORN

LEO

After five weeks trying to learn the guitar, you finally manage to play E minor. This instantly makes you a better musician than Miley Cyrus.

You go on a date with the prudish, born-again Christian girl at work after she confides in you that she’s really into “S&M magazines”. Your interest quickly wanes, however, when she explains S&M stands for “Super” and “Magical”.

TAURUS You’ve watched some pretty good movies this year. The Wolf of Wall Street was a compelling tale about hedonism and the inherent greed of consumerism. Matthew McConaughey’s performance blew you away in the emotionally-charged true-life tale Dallas Buyers Club, and you also enjoyed masturbating over Amy Adams’ tits in American Hustle. But you are still shocked when your favourite film of the year, The Incredible Burt Wonderstone, fails to win Best Picture at the Oscars.

GEMINI You’ve often told friends that one of your favourite past-times is just sitting back with a drink and people-watching. While technically true, few people realise you do it in the crawlspace above the ceiling in the ladies changing rooms at your local swimming pool.

PISCES It’s been over three months since Fast and Furious star Paul Walker died, yet still you grieve in the only way you know how – by lighting a candle each day at your local church and weeping uncontrollably for an hour. When you’re spotted at the church ripping off your shirt and yelling “Why Lord!?

Take me instead!”, your friends decide to hold an intervention. After six hours of tears and tantrums, you finally relent and agree to go to church only every two days, and restrict your weeping to a maximum of 30 minutes.

AQUARIUS Due to a hilarious set of coincidences and comic errors, your entire family is attacked and killed by a pack of wild wolves. A bit like in that film with Liam Neeson. Judd Apatow buys the rights to the story and the subsequent movie becomes a Hollywood smash success. The character based on you is played by Jackie Chan.

SCORPIO After many years together, you break-up with your partner when you realise they are one of those people who stop to look around when they get to the bottom of an escalator, forcing everyone behind them to stumble around as they try to get off. You made the right call.

SAGITARRIUS Concerned friends and family stage an intervention to put an end to your growing use of phrases like “don’t go there sister”, “who da man?” and “fo shizzle”. After an intense two hours, in which you use the phrase “yo bitches need to be respect’n me!” no less than 14 times, you break down and become the person you always were: a slightly camp sociopath with OCD tendencies. Hurrah!

LIBRA Nothing of interest happens to you this month, which really pisses me off as it means I’m going to be short on my word count. You’d better be more bloody interesting next month or I’ll sue you for loss of earnings you tedious nonce.

Pub Quiz Facts Oral sex was illegal in Canada until the year 1969.

Listening to music is one of the few activities that uses the entirety of the human brain.

When “South Park” aired its “Anti-Family Guy” episode, the producers received flowers from the crew of “The Simpsons.”

Kanye North and Kanye South are parliamentary constituencies in Botswana.

Pentheraphobia is the fear of one’s Mother-in-Law.

VIRGO

In 1985, there was a condom delivery service at Harvard University - Their slogan was “We’ll come before you do.”

Your signature comedy move of shouting “fuckin ‘ell!” in large crowds – inspired by the “King of The Sheep” episode in Father Ted – is hilarious on night’s out with your mates, but doesn’t go down well at your nephew’s christening. You are immediately stripped of Godfather duties.

Akon’s full name is Aliaune Damala Bouga Time Puru Nacka Lu Lu Lu Badara Akon Thiam.

CANCER Your attempts to create a “real-life” Pokemon by strapping a taser to the back of a hamster and sealing it inside a volleyball attracts the attention of animal welfare officers. It doesn’t help your case that when they knock on your door, you challenge them to a Pokemon dual and throw the volleyball at their feet, killing the hamster instantly.

ARIES You are rightly ostracised by your friends for being too dumb. For example, you think “ostracised” means they want to turn you into an ostrich. You thick bastard.

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A snail’s venom can act as a pain-killer 1000x more powerful than Morphine -- And it’s not addictive.

Space Jam was the highest grossing basketball movie of all time.

It’s illegal to own more than six dildos in Texas.

A female serial killer in ancient Rome was once punished for her crimes by being raped… by a giraffe.

Jägermeister was originally intended to be a cough medicine.

Baby hedgehogs are called “hoglets.”

Saying the word “fuck” uses 72 muscles.

CRYSTAL BALLS

Ask Crystal Dear Crystal, I’ve got a song in my head that I can’t remember the name of for the life of me.

All I remember is it was released in the mid-90s, was very catchy but didn’t do particularly well. It was a woman singer, and I think she might have been in another band. It goes “duh-duh duh-duh, durrrrduh, durrrr-duh, duh-duh duh-duh, durrrrduh, durrrr-duh”. I’ve tried humming it into Shazam but no joy. Any ideas what it might be?

we’re having sex. It’s a big problem for me. We were going at it the other day and he started humping my leg. Bloody horrible it was. We had a big argument about it but she’s a stubborn bugger and refuses to put him outside. I love her dearly, and she’s got a cracking rack, but having a pug sniffing my arse while I’m banging away really puts me off my stroke. What should I do?

Yours, Tom

Yours,

Dear Tom,

Bob

It’s ‘I Know’ by Dionne Farris, which reached No.41 in the UK singles charts in 1995. Farris is better known for her frequent guest-vocal appearances with hip-hop group Arrested Development, who were notable for the hits “Mr Wendal” and “People Everyday”.

Who are you calling Dierdre? Let me make this absolutely clear. I am NOT Dierdre from The Sun. That job should have been mine but the agony aunt bitch nipped in and stole it from me while I was busy giving head to Piers Morgan. Now I’m here at BBM giving advice to idiots who can’t even get my name right. Now if you ever, EVER, get my name mixed up with hers again, I will ram a kitchen knife so far up your arse it’ll dice your tonsils. Piss off!

Dear Dierdre,

Dear Crystal,

My girlfriend insists on having her dog in the bedroom and he sniffs around us when

I’m going to be a mighty king, so enemies beware. Well I’ve never seen a king or

Dear Bob,

beast, with quite so little hair. I’m going to be the main event, like no king was before. I’m brushing up on looking down, I’m working on my roar.

Best wishes, Simba

Dear Simba, I can show you the world, shining, shimmering, splendid. Tell me Simba, now when did you last let your heart decide?

I can open your eyes, take you wonder by wonder, soaring, tumbling, relieving through an endless diamond sky.

Dear Crystal, I know you, I walked with you, once upon a dream. I know you the gleam in your eyes is so familiar a gleam, and I know it’s true that visions are seldom what they seem.

Love, Philip

Dear Philip, I already got me aunt to rohipnol me and lock you up in a tower. Now piss off!

Jokes Whenever I play Rugby I always target the opposition’s star player and try to injure them with a crunching tackle.

Some people say I’m the dirtiest player in the whole Warwickshire lawn bowls league. Stu, Busselton

After going to see 12 Years A Slave at my local cinema, I now understand how it feels to be exploited and robbed of your dignity by ruthless, mercenary overseers. $4.20 for a Pepsi Max! Grant, Kings Cross

I paid £12.99 for a company to deliver my hamster a new dining table last night.

“I must me fucking mad!” I thought, until I opened the box and realised that they’d also supplied me with a free pizza. Rob, St Kilda

“Fucking cancer”, I said to the barmaid in the pub last night, “If I could switch places with my 12-yearold son right now I would.”

“That’s awful,” she replied, “What type of cancer does he have?”

I said, “He doesn’t have cancer, I do.”

Richard, Paddington

My wife just asked me “how many beers can you drink and still successfully drive?”

“Into what?” I replied. Trent, Richmond

Congratulations to Lizzy Yarnold for winning Gold in the Winter Olympics.

The expert coaching provided by David Beckham on how to ride the skeleton was invaluable. Sarah, Fremantle A friend came over one day, visibly shaken. He said he had just slept with his third cousin.

I told him, “If it upsets you that much, quit counting them.” David, Cairns I hate people at the cinema, talking loudly, eating loudly, laughing loudly.

Shut the fuck up. I’m trying to film a movie here!

Bret, Potts Point Just seen some blonde rushed into casualty with a pussy full of pellets.

Apparently she wanted to ride shotgun. Tom, Newscastle

I’m glad The Winter Olympics are over.

The Russian section of Redtube hasn’t been updated for two weeks. Barney, Fitzroy My wife’s moved on ‘to pastures new’.

Cow. Doug, Surry Hills.

Justin Bieber goes to jail.

He writes “Free JB!” on wall in protest.

Then learns his cellmate is dyslexic.

Tracey, Darlinghurst I was flashed by a speed camera going through Staines today.

No idea why, I was only doing 30 knots.

Dean, Haverhill My wife said that she always wanted to see what Venice looked like.

So this weekend I’m taking her to Somerset.

Josh, Greenwich

“Release the Kraken!” I shouted, in my best Greek God voice.

“Right, that’s it Dave.” said my wife, pulling up her knickers. “You can just fuck off and have a wank.”

Jeremy, Surfers Paradise I watched curling for a few hours today and I must say I found it very boring.

Plus the women kept giving me funny looks through the hairdresser’s window. Matt, Gainsborough A blind guy walked straight into me today.

I gave his dog a really dirty look. Jen, Balmain I saw my next door neighbour in the garden this morning. “I could hear you having some very loud, wild sex last night,” she smiled.

“You couldn’t have,” I replied. “I was working nights.”

“Oh, I’m so sorry,” she apologised, covering her mouth with her hand.

“Don’t be sorry,” I assured her. “Nights aren’t that bad.” Jeff, Cottesloe

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ADULT ENTERTAINMENT

A Night With A Difference Enjoy an evening of fun and debauchery with the enthusiastic, confident and super sexy ladies of Australia’s great strip clubs. No longer carrying the stigma that previously once was, strip clubs have become an escape from the outside world, oozing imagination and even class from the interior to the themes, in order to provide a very memorable and exciting night out. Here are the highly recommendable venues that we’ve had the pleasure of paying a visit to…

Men’s Gallery

The sexiest entertainment in Sydney can be found at Men’s Gallery, with their exotic dancers wrapping themselves around poles set within the lavish décor of velvet red thrones and baroque carpet. The night you experience will depend on your choice; from the public performances beside the bar and seating area, to private rooms and even shower shows to enjoy the beauties in their naked flesh, you can get as much as you’re willing to pay for. Champagne is a welcome addition and private waitresses are available to take your order if and when you need so.

92 Pitt Street, Sydney www.sydneytabledancingclubs.com.au

Kittens

More than just a strip club, Kittens is a party package like no other. With a venue in South Melbourne and Caulfield South, guests can enjoy the stunning and fun ladies that grace the stage from 7pm – 3am every night of the week. For a little extra fun, visit the bikini-clad girls at their carwash on Warrigal Road in Bentleigh East and watch them get more soap on themselves than the vehicles!

If you’d rather the party come to you, the Kittens Party Bus is like a strip club on wheels – sexy girls, a DJ spinning the tunes, decked-out interior and a blacked-out roof – perfect for Bucks Nights or just your own private celebration.

632 Glenhuntly Road, Caulfield South, Melbourne 68 Cecil Street, South Melbourne www.kittens.com.au

The Grosvenor

A sports bar, pub grub, topless waitresses, beautiful dancers and a scantily clad hairdresser to pamper every inch of you? The Grosvenor is every man’s dream under one roof. Everything from rugby to basketball and boxing is shown live, the beer is cold and waitresses that are as hospitable as they are gorgeous serve it direct to your table. When your bottle’s empty and the game comes to an end, head upstairs to Showbar 320 for jaw dropping pole dancing and barmaids that will get you whatever your heart desires. This is a great night out with so much in one venue – the hardest part is choosing where to begin.

320 George Street, Brisbane www.thegrosvenorongeorge.com.au

The Doll House

At Perth’s premier lap dance club, it’s all about you and the girls. Hand over $15 at the door and you will be given a friendly welcome, a wide range of drinks to choose from at the bar and a comfortable seat to relax in ‘til 5am Wednesday – Saturday. The girls

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instantly grab your attention with their feisty yet flirty attitudes, and a tip is guaranteed to keep their eyes on you while they dance for your entertainment.

If you really like what you see, you can request a private lap dance to become even more familiar with the dancer’s curves, but that’s where the intimacy stops – you are a spectator here, so sit back and enjoy.

329 Charles Street, North Perth www.dollhouse.com.au

The Voodoo Lounge

An entertainment space like no other, this premier strip club and cabaret lounge takes dancing to a whole new level. At The Voodoo Lounge, you can regularly find guest appearances of the world’s best porn stars and the most skilled of dancers working the stage. Events are imaginative and varied; from dressing up to stripping down, they keep punters coming back for me. March alone sees the ProPole Comp on 7th for professional pole dancers to compete for over $1000, as well as the Masquerade

Housewife Competition, where masked ladies can win $1000 and keep their anonymity!

174 James Street, Northbridge, Perth www.thevoodoolounge.com.au

Minx

Enjoy delicious cocktails and flavourful meals as you feast with your eyes upon the dancers at Minx. At this lavish establishment, sex in the city comes to life with podium performances, private full nude strips and lap dances just for you at your table! Get your favourite lady’s full attention with the Minx tipping dollars and enjoy a ten-minute tease in a private room so you and the babe can get to know each other better! Although not traditionally associated with great food, the display of skin may get you hankering for a Cheese Burger Slider or Meat Lover Pizza. Grab a few martinis from the bar and while the hours away enjoying the entertainment on offer.

72 Pitt Street, Sydney www.minxbar.com

Three’s The New Two Keeping up with the wonderful world of online dating, we discuss the ins and outs of new app, 3nder.

If you’ve been one to take to online dating in order to find someone special, here’s an app that takes things one step further.

3nder (no one’s quite sure how it’s pronounced) aims to make us all a bit more open about our sexual desires and take the plunge into a threesome, without the discrimination of the outside world. Welcoming all swingers and curious-to-experienced individuals, you can browse for singles as a couple, or as a single looking for a bed to join.

Still in its developmental stage, you have to request an invitation to join, share your desires, interests and what kind of relationship you’re seeking, and then just pick the right person or couple that has been specifically matched to you.

If you’re still embarrassed at the thought of your friends and family finding out, you can keep your identity hidden and safely browse what’s on offer. While 3nder helps you find the people you’re looking for, it’s all down to you once you go offline.

Of course this app won’t be looked upon fondly by some as they may think it encourages cheating and promiscuity. Writer, Hannah Ongley of Stylite comments on the daring app, “If you’re treading the sexually and emotionally complex waters of a threesome, you should probably have the balls to do it in

real life.” 3nder say they are looking for “sexual revolution”, and can help you pick a partner that will be “safe”. But we’d say, always use your noggin, and a johnny. Eeeew, not like that.

Some may take this app with a pinch of salt, but there are many people out there that think it’s a great idea, with 5000 invitations requested and 34,000 visits to the website after just one week.

So, if you’re one who likes to stay at the forefront of sexual technology, perhaps this is one for you!

You can find more information about 3nder at www.3nder.us.

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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

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

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

SOUTHERN SKYDIVERS Busselton Regional Airport, Bussleton, WA Free: 1300 449 669 skydive@southernskydivers.com.au www.southernskydivers.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

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!

MULGAS ADVENTURE 4 Traeger Avenue Alice Springs, NT, 0871 Ph: 08 9521 545 www.mulgas.com.au

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

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

SURF & SUN AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURES Ph: 1800 786 386 / 08 8212 0211 info@surfandsun.com.au www.surfandsun.com.au BLUE MOUNTAINS ADVENTURE COMPANY Ph: 02 4782 1271 bmac@bmac.com.au www.bmac.com.au WAYOUTBACK AUSTRALIAN SAFARI Ph: 1300 551 510 / 08 8952 4324 reservations@wayoutback.com.au www.wayoutback.com.au CAVERSHAM WILDLIFE PARK Whiteman Park, Whiteman, WA, 6068 Ph: 08 9248 1984 sales@cavershamwildlife.com.au www.cavershamwildlife.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

TRAVEL AUSTRALIA

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 BLUE MOUNTAINS BACKPACKERS HOSTEL 144 Bathhurst Road, Katoomba, NSW 2780 Ph: 02 4782 9630 www.bluemountainsbackpackerhostel.com.au

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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 HAVEN BACKPACKER RESORT 3 Larapinta Drive, Alice Springs Ph: 1800 79 4663 / 08 8952 4663 www.alicehaven.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

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

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

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RECRUITMENT NEWS

Australia Needs Your Help!

This month we look at nursing, being one of the most needed jobs in Australia, we outline how to go about getting into nursing to help secure your visa in Australia.

Health Workforce Australia has predicted a critical nurse shortage of around 109,000 by 2025.

The vast shortfall is down to several reasons; a neglected system of recruitment and retention combined with a higher proportion of retired health professionals is the concise explanation. A decline in standards at university and training institutions has also exacerbated the situation. Put simply, the current crop of graduate Australian nurses are failing to meet the required standards, hence the skills shortage and the appeal for help from abroad.

Taking a brief glance at the Skilled Occupations List helps to demonstrate the current predicament. As well as midwives, Australia is currently in demand of twelve separately skilled registered nurses.

Aged care, Child and Family Health, Community Health, Critical Care and Emergency, Development Disability, Disability and Rehab, Medical, Medical Practice, Mental Health, Perioperative, Surgical and Paediatric. If you are a nurse already in Australia then chances are the Department of Immigration and Citizenship will hope you stay, they will even grant priority processing for most visa applications.

Now you know the possibilities, you will want to know how to gain employment and there are several ways. You could go through a middleman and use an Australian nurses agency that can showcase your CV to different hospitals in the hope that one will take you on. The agency will also take care of the tedious paperwork involved. This is a good option if you have a rough idea of where you would like to work, but want someone else to do the talking for you.

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You can also go for the more direct approach and apply the simple mantra of ‘ask and you shall receive’. If you know which hospital or practice you want to work in, or if you are already there, you can contact the HR department and enquire as to what posts are available. The department should put you in touch with a ‘NUM’ (Nurse Unit Manager) and if they fancy having you on board you should get a phone interview so you can blow your own trumpet.

This is the route that Lisa Miller from Stoke-onTrent went down, and after four years she is now applying to be an Australian citizen. She has found it relatively straightforward, “I had no problems getting a job. The hardest part was waiting for the visa.”

Ah yes, then there is the whole visa situation. That was always going to rear its ever-annoying head wasn’t it? First things first, you need to be registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Board, or APHRA for short. This is basically the Australian nursing board and just like their British equivalent they administer police checks and send off certified copies of your qualifications before approval, which can take months.

There are also further, more basic requirements.

Nurses must demonstrate a proficiency in English before undertaking their skills assessment, or before any visa can be granted. You could take the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), which involves a general training test designed to assess English language ability. There is also the Occupational English Test (OET) which is a language test for overseas qualified health professionals and assesses English language proficiency as it is used in medical and health professions so comes with a degree of work-based relevance.

Hopefully you can speak the lingo and after that you can concentrate on which of the three separate means to a visa you want to pursue. The first is the Temporary Work (Skilled) Visa (Subclass 457),

which is for registered nurses to work in Australia for an approved business sponsor for up to four years.

One of the benefits of this visa is that accompanying family members can work and study in Australia.

Next up is the Employer Nomination Scheme, which is for nurses from overseas who are under 50 years of age (which should mean you, dear reader). If you have the requisite qualifications and work experience as a registered nurse, you may be eligible for a permanent visa by a nominated employer, obviously. In the more popular areas this would mean being contracted to a specific state’s health workforce, which is actually a looser arrangement than most work-based visa agreements.

Finally there is the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme Visa (Subclasses 119 and 857). Of course, most will want to remain in the big cities such as Brisbane, Sydney, Perth and Melbourne, yet like most jobs in Australia, your chances of remaining will increase if you head into less desirable locations. While the big cities can accommodate specialist nurses, there is a greater and more challenging demand in the rural and regional areas.

The reason is obvious, as small practices require nurses who can cover many bases and show varied degrees of expertise in multiple fields. If you wanted to gain some real, first-hand experience and an increased sense of responsibility, then this may be for you. It may feel isolating at first, yet once settled many nurses come to enjoy the sense of feeling like an important part of the community.

The Department of Immigration and Citizenship are not known for being so accommodating and they are going out of their way in ensuring that nurses remain in Australia. Visa applications are given priority processing and there are several options to gain residency and even citizenship. With worries over a critical shortage in nurses Australia needs them more than ever.

By Omar Soliman

If you have just arrived in Australia and decided that you want to remain you may already be aware how difficult it is to find permanent work based on your skill sets. Like most job markets, Australia’s is defined by a system of supply and demand. While the path to employment and eventual residency may be long and laborious for many, there is currently a golden opportunity for nurses.

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

The Jobs That Will Secure You A Visa...

Having emigrated from Northern Ireland in the early nineties, Migration Agent and Director of Arrive Australia, John McQuaid, knows a thing or two about visas. Here he explains all you need to know about nursing and engineering visas that will help to extend your stay in australia.

Graduates in vocational studies such as nursing, accounting, and engineering disciplines are well placed to put their newly acquired skills to work in Australia, as are the many trade-qualified visitors.

Nurses and Engineers continue to be in high demand in Australia and some forward planning will help ensure you hit the ground running in Australia…

Nurses have to become registered in Australia to be able to work. The registration process is a bit of a paper chase to say the least and can take several weeks, to months, to be processed. So if you have friends who are thinking of coming to Australia, then it’s advisable to get this done before they arrive.

The Nursing & Midwifery Board of Australia is the registration body. The registration requirements changed on the 10th February 2014, you can get the latest information at http://www.nursingmidwiferyboard. gov.au/Registration-and-Endorsement/ International/criteria-nurses.aspx Nurses can contact hospitals in Australia directly for employment opportunities, look for Hospital directories online; these are usually listed by state: e.g. http://www. myhospitals.gov.au/browse/nsw/sydney There are also many nursing agencies in Australia that will have ready casual work for nurses with registration. Dedicated Nursing recruitment companies can also assist you to find placements, consider making contact from home before you travel, you might end up with a job on arrival.

Anyone under 31 years of age who has completed an engineering qualification in the last two years should look at the Recognised Graduate visa (476 visas).

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This visa allows an 18 months stay in Australia with unlimited work rights. This visa allows work in any industry. Unlike the working holiday visa, you can add family members to the 476 visa. The main aim of the visa is to give engineering graduates a chance to find work experience in their field.

While the working holiday visa has a sixmonth work limitation, the 476 work rights are unlimited.

This makes a 476 visa holder much more attractive to a prospective employer and in turn, can often lead to options for sponsorship or, perhaps assist in gaining eligibity to apply for an independent skilled visa at a later stage.

Although the aim is for graduates to find work in their field, there is no requirement to have a job offer or any obligation to work in engineering.

To be eligible for the 476 visa you need to be under 31-year-old when applying and have completed a degree, masters or postgraduate diploma in engineering from an eligible University.

Your qualification must contain a major sequence of study or specialisation in an Engineering discipline. Specialisations include but are not limited to: Civil or Structural, Chemical, Environmental, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Mechanical, Production and Plant Engineering.

There is a long list of UK, Irish and other Universities and technical colleges on the eligibility list. Check out the list of eligible universities at http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/generalskilled-migration/476/recognisedinstitutions.htm The visa costs a mere $360, probably the cheapest 18 months visa available in Australia. As family members can join the visa application, a partner can be included here for an extra fee of $180.

If you have not yet had a working holiday visa, it may be a good plan to take out the recognised graduate visa, and keep your working holiday visa options for later years.

Don’t forget the age limit for the working holiday visa is also 31 years of age.

For more advice vist ArriveAustralia.com.au

SKILLED OCCUPATION LIST Wanting to stay in Australia for longer?

Here’s a few of the jobs going that will help you to make that dream come true.

For more jobs visit www.immi.gov.au Construction Project Manager Project Builder Engineering Manager Production Manager (Mining) Child Care Centre Manager Medical Administrator Nursing Clinical Director Primary Health Organisation Manager Welfare Centre Manager Land Economist Valuer Ship’s Engineer Ship’s Master Ship’s Officer Architect Landscape Architect Surveyor Urban and Regional Planner Chemical Engineer Engineers Australia Materials Engineer Civil Engineer Geotechnical Engineer Quantity Surveyor Structural Engineer

By John McQuaid

Spending some time living and working in Australia has for many, become a rite of passage following graduation from University or college or a trade apprenticeship. The desire to be in Australia might be driven by the want for adventure or employment, or simply the laidback lifestyle. While many working holiday visa holders are happy to enjoy the availability of casual work and focus on the holiday, others see an opportunity to gain overseas work experience in their chosen field which, in turn, can often lead to offers of longer term employment sponsorship and become a catalyst for permanent migration.