TNT Magazine: Australia

Nov 14-20 2011 Issue 655 tntdownunder.com

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CATCHING THE TUBE Learning to surf Down Under

KOREA ADVICE Exploring both sides of the border

R E K A M H C T MA

vents st sporting e e b ’s e rn u o Melb your guide to : s ll a b is n n Balls to te From Golden

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ANDREW WESTBROOK EDITOR editor@tntdownunder.com

EDITOR’S LETTER Whether it’s the sunny weather, the rubbish TV or that their convict stock just made them seriously good at running away, there’s no escaping the fact that Aussies are annoyingly sporty. And so, we’ve dedicated two features to their prowess this week. Firstly, we take a look at the endless heavyweight events you can catch in Melbourne (p8), and we then have a go at their national pasttime – surfing (p34).

THIS WEEK OZ DIARY

6

COMPETITION

16

MUSIC & FILM

18-22

CELEB NEWS

24-25

NEWS

28

SPORT

29

TRAVEL

30-43

LISTINGS NSW

46

LISTINGS QUEENSLAND

47

LISTINGS WA

53

LISTINGS NT

55

LISTINGS VIC

56

LISTINGS SA

57

LISTINGS TASMANIA

57

LISTINGS NEW ZEALAND

58

WORK

34

61-65

TRIVIAL PURSUITS

66

22

FEATURES GAME, SET AND MATCH

8

Examining funny-shaped ball games as we visit the sporty state of Victoria

THE WEATHER MAN

22

Chatting to Daniel Merriweather as he prepares for Homebake Festival

HANGING TEN

34

Wax, waves and wipeouts. We get wet-suited up for a lesson in surfing

KINKY KOREA

40

Discovering Korea’s X-rated honeymoon island of Jeju-do and beyond

8

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OZDIARY EDITORIAL Editor Andrew Westbrook Staff writer Alex Harmon Intern Leigh Livingstone Contributors Roxy Bourdillon | Lucy Corne

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DESIGN AND PRODUCTION Design and production manager Lisa Ferron SALES Sales manager Tom Wheeler Account manager Justin Steinlauf Sales executives Gareth Maguire | Luke Murray MARKETING & EVENTS Associate publisher Denise Jinks Marketing assistants Lea Pahne | Fanny Boutet DISTRIBUTION Lee Sutherland

TNT MULTIMEDIA LTD CEO Kevin Ellis Chairman Ken Hurst Australia general manager Vicky Harris PUBLISHER TNT Multimedia Limited PRINTED BY Rural Press NEWS AAP PICTURES Getty Images | Thinkstock | AAP | TNT Images | Tourism Australia | Tourism Victoria | Tourism New South Wales | Tourism NT | Tourism Queensland | Tourism Tasmania | South Australia Tourism | Tourism Western Australia | Tourism New Zealand | Tourism Fiji TNT Magazine , 126 Abercrombie Street, Chippendale, Sydney, NSW 2008 tntdownunder.com General enquiries Phone 02 8332 7500 Fax 02 9690 1314 Email enquiries@tntdownunder.com

THE MAIN EVENT GLEBE STREET FAIR [SYDNEY]

The street fair that literally stops traffic. The main street in Glebe will be shut down on Sunday to make way for a day of bustling fun, filled with stalls, fabulous international food, kids’ rides, entertainment and activities. The fair attracts around 100,000 people every year and is run on a not-for-profit basis with proceeds going towards the community. This year the theme is “beat” and the music will flow from 11am to 7pm.

FREE

SALES ENQUIRIES

02 8332 7511 tom@tntdownunder.com

PHONE EMAIL

November 20, from 10am-7pm

WHERE TO GET TNT

SEE tntdownunder.com/magazine-location.html for pick-up points

SOLAR ECLIPSE [CAIRNS]

MUSIC WEEK [MELBOURNE]

KINGS VS TAIPANS [SYDNEY]

The solar eclipse on Monday night will not go unnoticed in Cairns.

The town is gearing up to celebrate as it has the best seats in the world for the once in a lifetime event.

There’s even a dedicated Eclipse Festival happening in the town centre with music, culture and more.

With over 65 events throughout the week, the programme features quality, cuttingedge events staged across the city, dedicated to the diverse Melbourne music scene. Gigs include live performances by Cut Copy and Midnight Juggernauts, plus international acts too.

See if white men can jump when Sydney’s very own NBL team take on the Cairns Taipans. Here’s your chance to get up close and personal with these ballers. And the game is in the heart of the city, near Darling Harbour, so going out for a drink after the game has never been easier.

November 14 Cairns eclipse2012.org.au

November 18-26 Various Melbourne locations supernova.com.au

November 17, 7.30pm Sydney Entertainment Centre ticketmaster.com.au

FREE

TNT Magazine is printed on paper from sustainable forests.

There is no business connection between the proprietors of this magazine and TNT Ltd, the worldwide transportation group. Copyright here and abroad of all original materials is held by TNT Magazine. Reproduction in whole or part is forbidden, except with permission of the publishers. Registered by Australia Post.

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From Adelaide, Melbourne & Sydney to Hobart Plus over $300 towards fuel, ferry or flights

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9/11/11 1:33:10 PM

The race that stops a nation

And they’re off...

Aussies love sport more than their own mothers and there’s no disputing that the nation’s sporting capital is Melbourne WORDS ANDREW WESTBROOK

Whether it’s dominating every sport they turn their hand to, or simply their ridiculous displays of power walking to keep us amused, there can be no doubting the Aussie obsession with all things sporty. Indeed, if you had a gun put to your head, in some crazy, twisted, exercise-obsessed version of Russian Roulette, and were forced to name the world’s most sporty nation, then most people would probably plump for Australia.

And if that bizarre game (which the Aussies would probably win... bastards) took an even weirder twist, and you were forced to name the capital of Australian sport, on pain of being made to work out at an outdoor 8

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beachside gym, then the answer wouldn’t be tricky.

The one place above all else that sport-lovers bow down to as their spiritual home is Melbourne. Whether it be the bat, ball or net, all racing tracks lead to the Victorian capital, the undisputed champion City of Sport.

Sure, it wasn’t always so clear cut. Afterall, it was not so long ago that Adelaide hosted both the tennis and the F1. However nowadays, apart from also being home to the hallowed wicket of the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) and the birthplace of Aussie rules football, Melbournians get to host almost every major international sporting

event Down Under.

And that’s in part because, whatever the sport or the event, Victorians turn up in numbers.

Where other Aussie cities struggle to consistently get large crowds through the gates, week in week out, Melbourne has no such problem – easily filling no end of stadiums regularly.

This means, of course, that for any sporting fan visiting Australia, your trip cannot be considered complete until you’ve ticked off a pilgrimage to a big event in the Victorian capital, preferably at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Luckily, there’s no shortage of options to choose from. Here’s some ›› of the best.

AUSSIE RULES FOOTBALL

AUSTRALIAN OPEN TENNIS WHEN Monday 16 – Sunday 29 January TELL ME MORE Can Andy Murray go one better than last year and finally lift his first major trophy or will Novak Djokovic’s supremacy continue? As the first of the year’s four Grand Slam tournaments, it’s an early chance to see the cream of the world’s tennis talents as they battle it out for their share of the $20 million prize money.

DID YOU KNOW The Aussie Open was actually played on grass courts at Kooyong until 1988, when it moved to the hard courts of Melbourne Park.

THE DAMAGE Tix are on sale now. Ground passes start at $29. Entry to a day or night session in the Rod Laver Arena will cost you at least $67.90, if you can get a ticket.

THE DETAILS Call 1300 888 104 or visit australianopen. com. All ticket holders can use the number 70 tram from the city to the tournament for free. You can normally still get some atmosphere, without spending cash, by watching games with the crowds in front on the big screen in Federation Square.

WHEN Round 1 of the AFL 2012 season kicks off at Sydney’s ANZ Stadium on Saturday 24 March. The Sydney start is largely due to the age-old battle for ratings that AFL has with Sydney-dominated rugby league. The first Melbourne match, Richmond vs Carlton, is at the MCG on Thursday 29 March. The grand final, arguably Australia’s biggest domestic sporting event, is played at the MCG on the last Saturday in September.

TELL ME MORE The sport best known for its painfully tight shorts, its impressively moustached umpires and its apparent lack of rules is in fact the only sport you could truly call Aussie. What’s more, it remains dominated by Melbourne, with nine of the 16 teams being based in the Victorian capital, most of them playing at either the MCG or the Telstra Dome. The Grand Final, at the MCG in early October, is arguably Australia’s biggest domestic sporting event.

DID YOU KNOW The game was invented in 1858 as a way for cricketers to keep fit during the winter.

THE DAMAGE Tix aren’t yet on sale but they’re generally about $20 and easy to get hold of on the door.

THE DETAILS ticketmaster.com.au

T20 BIG BASH LEAGUE WHEN The season kicks off in Sydney on Friday 16 December, with the first Melbourne game starting the following day. There will then be games on seemingly almost every day until the final on Saturday 28 January.

TELL ME MORE The inaugural season of this domestic Twenty20 cricket tournament features eight teams from six cities (Melbourne and Sydney get two each), all with super American-sounding names, like the Sydney 6ers, Brisbane Heat and Adelaide Strikers. The big draw card is undoubtedly the Melbourne Stars’ coup of persuading spin legend Shane Warne to come out of retirement to join their lineup. The Stars will be plying their trade at the MCG, while second Melbourne team, the Renegades, will be based at the Etihad Stadium.

DID YOU KNOW Shane Warne, 42, was named by Wisden as one of the five greatest players in history.

THE DAMAGE Tix start at $20. Ticketek and Ticketmaster.

THE DETAILS bigbash.com.au

FORMULA 1 GRAND PRIX

WHEN Thursday 15 – Sunday 18 March TELL ME MORE Bitter rivalries will be given the chance to resurface when the Formula 1 season kicks off again at Melbourne’s Albert Park, which will host over 300,000 people during race weekend. Whether Sebastian Vettel can continue his dominance, or Jenson Button, who won the race in 2009 and 2010, can pull off a resurgence, the only thing for sure is that the crowd will be behind high flying Aussie Mark Webber. Also, you don’t just get fast cars and pretty girls at F1 – with a major band usually playing a gig after the race (Kiss, The Who and Simple Minds have played recent years).

DID YOU KNOW The race only moved to Melbourne in 1996. Before that, the Aussie Grand Prix provided the climax to the season with a Monaco-style race through the streets of Adelaide.

THE DAMAGE Tix on sale now. Qualifying starts at $39. Race day tix $79 and up.

THE DETAILS Visit grandprix. com.au or call Foxtix on 1800 100 030.

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THE ‘G’ WHEN There’s cricket in summer, footy in winter, and tours of the Melbourne Cricket Ground whenever there isn’t an event on.

TELL ME MORE If any one place could get away with calling itself the spiritual home of Australian sport, it would have to be the MCG. Located in Yarra Park and dating back to 1853 (making it 70 years older than the original Wembley), ‘The G’ is the sort of stadium that inspires almost religious fervour. It witnessed the first Test Match between England and Australia, the birth of Aussie Rules, the 1956 Olympics and the 2006 Commonwealth Games. It’s also home to the National Sports Museum.

DID YOU KNOW Ageing diva Madonna dubbed the stadium the “G Spot”.

THE DAMAGE Tours from $20. Beg, borrow or steal to get a ticket to the Ashes Boxing Day Test.

THE DETAILS Visit mcg.org.au

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SOCCER (PROPER FOOTBALL)

WHEN Melbourne is the only Aussie city home to two A-League clubs. Victory are the country’s best supported team, while Heart are the competition’s newest, playing in their second season. That means, with the season still being fairly young, that there’s always a good chance of one of them playing in Melbourne each weekend. It should be said, however, that neither of them are enjoying good years so far. Previous champs Victory are wallowing mid-table at the moment, while new boys Heart are propping up the league in rock bottom. Good games to hold out for will be the next Melbourne derby on Friday 23 December at AAMI Park. Always one of the season’s biggest clashes is when Victory host Sydney, on Thursday 26 January, a fixture which should be extra special this year due to being played on Australia Day. TELL ME MORE In case you’re missing a real sport, Aussies do apparently have a professional football, sorry soccer (grrr), league. Indeed Australia is the only country in the world to have professional leagues in four different codes of football. In case you get fed up of not knowing any of the players, the big name stars this season are two returning Aussies – Victory’s Harry Kewell and Sydney FC’s Brett Emerton.

DID YOU KNOW The league was re-launched in 2005, with just eight cities limited to one team each. Also, the Perth vs Wellington fixture supposedly requires the biggest amount of distance to be travelled for any game of domestic football on the planet.

THE DAMAGE Tix from $25.

THE DETAILS Visit ticketmaster.com.au or call 136 100.

BOXING DAY TEST WHEN Monday 26 – Friday 30 December TELL ME MORE A real postChristmas Day Australian institution, the first day of the Boxing Day Test is generally the biggest of the cricketing calendar Down Under. Expect a packed house at the MCG. This year the Aussies will be playing host to India, with Boxing Day marking the start of a four Test series.

DID YOU KNOW Previous MCG Boxing Day Tests have thrown up a couple of historic moments, including Sri Lankan spinner Muttiah Muralitharan being penalised for throwing in 1995, and Shane Warne taking his 700th Test wicket, against England, in 2006.

THE DAMAGE Tix are on sale now, starting at $36.

THE DETAILS Visit cricket. com.au for info and ticketek. com.au for your place in the stands. If you’d rather save your cash, the action is generally shown, for free, on a big screen in Federation Square.

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THE MELBOURNE CUP

PHILLIP ISLAND MOTO GP WHEN The V8 race weekend is in September and Moto GP weekend is in October.

TELL ME MORE Located just a couple of hours outside Melbourne, there’s a whole lot more to Phillip Island than just some cute penguins – it is, in many ways, the historical home of Australian motor racing.

The original location for the Aussie F1 Grand Prix, from 1928 to 1935, the island’s racetrack is now most famous for hosting the superbike equivalent, the Moto GP, of which Aussie Casey Stoner is the reigning champion.

DID YOU KNOW Stoner actually moved to England when he was 14 because the legal age for road racing is lower in the UK. THE DAMAGE Tix start at $40 THE DETAILS motogp.com.au

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MELBOURNE VICTORY VS LA GALAXY

WHEN Tuesday 6 December TELL ME MORE In what will be Golden Balls’ third Aussie tour with Galaxy (previously playing Sydney and Newcastle), the game is inevitably being billed, as if in some bizarre cloning operation, as Beckham vs Kewell. Despite the average standard combined with aging stars that characterises both the Aussie and US leagues, the Galaxy games Down Under have generally been exciting matches. Plus this year, the Galaxy have been riding high in the MLS and now also boast Robbie Keane amongst their ranks. Even if the prospect of the match doesn’t do it for you, watching the Aussie media fawning over Beckham is always an amusing sight.

DID YOU KNOW The match could be David Beckham’s last for the Galaxy. He’ll be out of contract at the fast approaching end of the MLS season and is expected to make a move back to Europe, with Paris Saint-Germain appearing the most likely destination.

THE DAMAGE Tix on sale now, starting at $60 THE DETAILS ticketmaster.com.au

WHEN Tuesday 6 November TELL ME MORE When promoters labelled Australia’s most famous horse race “the race that stops a nation”, they weren’t joking. On top of the 100,000 or so people who turn up looking all posh at Flemington Racecourse, expect most of the country to be watching on telly in pubs everywhere, probably with a betting slip in their hand with the sort of manic look in their eyes that, alas, only gambling can create.

DID YOU KNOW The race, always on a Tuesday, is the only one in the world which has its own public holiday (in Victoria). And it’s only three minutes long.

THE DAMAGE Depends on how lucky you are!

THE DETAILS melbournecup.com .

NEXT WEEK Party season The best Xmas and NYE events in Oz

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HOW TO ENTER

Go to tntdownunder.com and click on the WIN page. See webpage for terms and conditions. Winners will be selected at random.

WIN THIS MELBOURNE & DAVID BECKHAM EXPERIENCE Melbourne is widely considered to be Australia’s fanatical capital of sport, filling stadiums left, right and centre, no matter what type of ball is being hit, thrown or kicked.

Therefore TNT T has got together with some Victorian friends to offer an incredible sporting package to coincide with LA Galaxy’s visit to the city, when David Beckham’s side will take to the field against Harry Kewell’s Melbourne Victory.

To top it off, we’ll also throw in the plane tickets, accommodation and a sports tour for good measure.

THE PRIZE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING MATCH TICKETS: Two reserved seats (general admission) to the Melbourne Victory vs LA Galaxy game at Melbourne’s

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worth over

$2,000

Etihad Stadium on Tuesday 6 December, 2011. OFFICIAL AFTER PARTY TICKETS: Two tickets to the official post-match party.

SPORTS TOUR: Sports Lovers Day Tour for two people, with Melbourne Sports Tours.

NOMADS: Four nights accommodation (en-suite dorm room) and drinks vouchers for two people at Nomads Melbourne.

FLIGHTS: Two return flights to Melbourne from your nearest Australian capital city, including airport transfers.

Competition closes Sunday 27 November, 2011. Winners must be within Australia and able to travel to Melbourne between 3-7 December, 2011.

Log on to tntdownunder.com for further details and to enter.

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BP

ÂŁ20 entry = $30* Pre-bookings only. $40 at the door

* Offer valid for tickets pre-purchased at the Neighbours Centre or friendly travel agent.

Offer not valid on the night.

BPKing 643 indd 1

17/8/11 6:31:29 PM

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THE DEBT FILM review by Alex Harmon STARRING: Helen Mirren, Tom Wilkinson, Sam Worthington | CERT: M | 113mins

MONEYBALL FILM STARRING: Brad Pitt, Jonah Hill, Philip Seymour Hoffman | CERT: M | 133mins

A soulful, understated and surprisingly funny retelling of the true story of Oakland A’s general manager Billy Beane, whose controversial methods of building a winning team on a tiny budget rewrote the baseball record books. The cast, with Pitt at the helm, is superb throughout, and even a close to zero knowledge of, or interest in baseball did not stop me getting sucked into the enthralling story.

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A secret agent heist film where the ultimate target is justice. The plot revolves around three agents who band together in 1965 to kidnap a Nazi war criminal and make him pay for what he’s done. While this drives the plot and creates tension, it’s the love triangle between the three leads that provides the intrigue, with the sexual tension often trumping the hostage situation in the room.

The film opens in 1997, as some shocking news reaches retired Mossad secret agents Rachel (Helen Mirren) and Stefan (Tom Wilkinson) about their former colleague David (Ciaran Hinds). All three have been considered heroes by their country for decades because of a mission they undertook back in 1966, when the trio (portrayed, respectively, by Jessica Chastain, Marton Csokas, and Sam Worthington) captured the Nazi doctor Vogel (Jesper Christensen) in east Berlin.

As the film unfolds we discover the three heroes have been carrying with them a secret so laden with consequence that it tears them all apart.

Although there are a few things wrong with this film, namely Worthington’s terrible accent, sometimes dropping into ocker Aussie, and a few casting issues that cause confusion as the film jumps from present to past, they are quickly forgiven. Worthington (Avatar) strays away from the masculine brute he usually plays, giving a touching, sensitive performance as a man who has lost everything he loves to the Holocaust. The pain is written all over his face. It is beautiful and, at times, heartbreaking to watch.

GOOD FOR: A film that has more entanglement than a game of Twister.

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STARRING: Ryan Golsing, Carey Mulligan | CERT: M | 100mins

The Scandinavian invasion of Hollywood continues with Danish director Nicolas Winding Refn’s LA-set crime thriller which pays homage to 80s action flicks. Ryan Gosling plays a stunt performer who moonlights as a wheelman for some small-time crooks. All goes swimmingly until a job goes wrong and he discovers a contract has been taken out on his life.

EDDIE IZZARD: STRIPPED

THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST

COMEDY

THEATRE

Hailed as one of the foremost stand up comedians of his generation, comic genius Eddie Izzard will bring his deliriously funny show “Stripped” to Australia after a gap of eight years.

The man that breaks all the rules in comedy is sure to push the boundaries, and your buttons, as he gives you his unique take on the world.

Oscar Wilde’s “comedy of manners”, about a boy found in a handbag, has been given a lick of fresh paint in this authentic production by the Melbourne Theatre Company. Amid a flurry of mistaken identity, witty dialogue and cucumber sandwiches, lies a brilliant social commentary on 19th century England. Go on, take a walk on the Wilde side.

November 14-15 Sydney Opera House sff.org.au

Until Dec 4, Melbourne Theatre Company mtc.com.au

SYDNEY FESTIVAL The city of Sydney comes alive in summer and there’s no better way to celebrate this awakening than with a month of festivities. Highlights include PJ Harvey performing at the State Theatre, West Side Story at the Opera House and comedian Adam Buxton presenting ‘The Evolution of Music Video’.

There’s also lots of theatre, film, dance, pop-up restaurants and DJs to keep you amused.

If this is all too much, head to the Festival Bar at Hyde Park Barracks Museum to take a breather.

Jan 7-29, various locations in Sydney sydneyfestival.org.au

BAR CENTURY SYDNEY CBD

GRAFFITI AT THE ISLAND

BAR

ART

With $3 beer, wine and spirits, all day everyday, there really isn’t anything to complain about. You probably don’t care about the clientele, ranging from backpackers to fading rockers to tight-arse city workers. Above Hungry Jacks on George Street, it offers great views of the city rat-race. A great place for drinks before a gig at the Metro.

Joining forces with the highly anticipated Outpost Festival on Sydney Harbour’s Cockatoo Island, this festival boasts an incredible 7-hour lineup. Including Skryptcha, Phatchance, The Next Step and loads more, alongside 120 street art exhibitions, Red Bull DJs, Secret Wars, Film Nights and more. And best of all, it is all for free.

1/640 George Street, Sydney Open 7 days a week

Cockatoo Island, Nov 19 outpost.cockatooisland.gov.au

SUNBURNT CHRISTMAS TICKETS & BAR TAB

WIN

TNT are offering all you orphans in Oz the chance to see Christmas like you’ve never seen it before: on Bondi Beach. Sunburnt Christmas is a party complete with BBQ lunch, wet T-shirt competitions and DJs like Timmy Trumpet, Bombs Away and DJ Helena. We are giving you the chance to win a double pass plus a $200 bar tab! Head to: tntdownunder.com TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

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Daniel Merriweather The Melbourne singer-songwriter is on his way back home after years abroad. He talks ‘clicking’ with Mark Ronson, messing with Smiths fans and fighting with security...

INTERVIEW ALEX HARMON

You’ve toured with some big names.

Who’s been the highlight for you?

Oh, I mean Jay-Z pretty much takes the cake.

He’s an enigma and a visionary. Last time I saw him he dragged me into his office to play me this Bob Dylan song. He was like: “Dan, you’ve gotta cover this song.” I can’t remember what it was, but it was just weird, it was like ultra-modernism: this rapper is asking me to sing a Dylan song.

It’s not to say that rappers don’t know folk music, but it was just kind of like, whoa, you’re Jay-Z.

Weathering the Big Apple...

Where are you at the moment?

I’m in New York City, the rotten apple. I’ve been here for a while now, it’s like a second home.

favourite songs growing up. He just got all of his friends who were singers to play his favourite songs and one of those songs was “Stop Me”.

You’ve also spent a while in the UK? Yeah I did. I went over there to promote my record when it came out and I was on the road there for months. I was there a lot with Mark Ronson, touring with him on and off for about 18 months and then I put my album out, Love and War, and went on the road with that.

How did Smiths fans take it?

Well, Smiths fans are probably like the most diehard of all fans, you know, you don’t mess with Smiths fans. And I didn’t know this at the time of course. So Smiths fans were coming up to me in the street or on blogs and giving me or Mark idle threats like, “when I see you next I’m going to stab you in the face with a daffodil”.

How did you meet Mark Ronson?

I was 19 and made a demo. My manager at the time sent the demo to a bunch of record companies and I guess someone gave it to Mark.

He was just a DJ at the time, trying to sort of make it himself. He flew me over and we just got along really well. Musically we saw eye to eye, so it basically went from there.

You covered The Smiths song “Stop Me”. Were you a big fan of theirs?

Oh no, not at all. It’s not that I didn’t like them, it’s just that I didn’t really grow up listening to their music. But when I first heard that song I was just instantly drawn to it. I’m a lyrics guys, I love poetry and lyrics and the lyrics to that song just hit me, so it was a no-brainer to do it.

Mark’s album Version is basically an album of his 22

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So, what music did you grow up with?

Well the first CD I ever bought when I was 10 was Boys II Men. You know, so I listened to super cheesy R&B as a child, but then, as you do, you go backwards. I was then listening to Stevie Wonder, Donny Hathaway and a lot of 70s soul music. It was very varied. I also played the violin from the age of four. I’d be walking down the street whistling “Concerto in A minor” by Vivaldi, then the next second whistling Radiohead.

If you weren’t a musician, then...

Well, the last job I had was at KFC, cooking in the kitchen. And I used to do a bit of graffiti art, so who knows... But in all honesty, if I hadn’t dropped out of high school then I probably would have followed my passion, philosophy.

Ever met a celebrity that you had a crush on?

Natalie Imbruglia. I met her one day and I was so nervous because she’s really hot. And she was super friendly and sexy and I was like, “oh my God, what’s going on here?”. And I didn’t have my game on. Normally I got them lines you know, but that day I was off.

Who’s your celebrity double?

Well not any more, I guess my jaw grew or something, but I used to get Ryan Phillippe when I was about 18.

How’d you get the scar on your cheek?

It was security at Metro nightclub in Melbourne, not the Sydney one, I don’t wanna diss them.

The security team dragged me out the side door and beat me unconscious. I think they thought I was involved in something but I wasn’t.

Normally I am that guy but this time I actually wasn’t. I think one of them had a ring on, I don’t remember it. I had temporary amnesia.

Excited about the Homebake festival?

Yeah I’m super excited. It’s kind of perfect timing because I’m about to put out a mix tape and then follow it up with an album and get back on the road, so it’s a good warm up show. I played Homebake last year and loved it. There’s nothing like coming back to home ground.

Daniel Merriweather plays Homebake Festival, Saturday, December 3.

The Domain, Sydney homebake.com.au

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CELEBGOSSIP

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Ozzy: 1 Jaws: 0

OZZY SHARK ATTACK [UK]

They don’t make rock stars like they used to. Exhibit A: Ozzy Osbourne.

We all know about the time he bit off a bat’s head on stage, but did you know he trashed a hotel room with a dead shark?

Yep a shark. According to Black Sabbath bandmate Tony, Ozzy once smashed up a hotel room with a dead shark.

“With drugs always you get bored, so you must do something to one another,” he told the New York Post.

“Like Ozzy hauling a shark through a window, dismembering it and soaking our room in blood.” Now that’s rock and roll.

SHADES OF AVRIL [USA]

Avril Lavigne was involved in some girl-on-girl action last week. And by action I mean she got the shit kicked out of her by a chick.

The ‘skater girl’ was in a bar when she was approached by some girls who said something about her boyfriend. She got offended and went in for the kill with the help of Jenner, star of MTV’s The Hills.

Sadly for everyone, this wasn’t filmed and all we have is a photo of Avril’s cut up face via Perez Hilton. She tweeted: “My face is fucked. Black eye, bloody nose, hair ripped out, scratches, bruises and cuts. Violence is not the answer.“ But Avril, you’ve never been so cool. Lap it up.

GENTLEMAN PREFER SKANKS

[USA]

Lindsay Lohan escaped jail time, yawn. Yeah, no one cares, what’s more interesting is who she channelled for her Playboy shoot.

It’s someone from the ‘27-Club’. No, not Winehouse, like her make-up artists, who wanted the afternoon off, were

The biggest winner: It wasn’t enough to kill Charlie Sheen off in Two and a Half Men – in a recent episode, the writers took a personal shot by mocking the ghost of Sheen.

Jon Cryer’s character was impersonating Charlie Harper, pretending to order scotch and hookers before uttering Sheen’s favourite word: “WINNING.” hoping for. Nope, Hugh Hefner personally requested that she be modelled on Marilyn Monroe. The reason why her shoot took four days was because of this. He didn’t like the “Kate Moss-inspired fashion story” Lohan initially took her clothes off for. Talk about a hard day at the office, making that ‘face of meth’ look like a sultry screen siren.

SPEED STARS DATING [USA]

You know how everyone on the TV show Friends ended up

together because no one else would guest star as ‘Ross’s girlfriend’ and it was just easier? Well, a similar situation is playing out with Sandra Bullock and Keanu Reeves.

My theory is that no one else will put up with Miss Manface anymore and Keanu hasn’t had a big film role since Speed and The Lake House where both times – wait for it – he played her love interest.

It screams marriage of convenience.

And here’s the proof: the two were spotted together dining at a restaurant in Beverly Hills were they were allegedly having an “intimate dinner”. If that’s not proof enough, they tried to keep things low-key by slipping out of the restaurant separately. Caught in the act I say.

Keanu, don’t listen to what the casting agents say, it’s not going to work!

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TWEETS OF THE WEEK @JoeyBarton “TOWIE firm don’t mess with big boys, u and ur shallow, fake, pretentious lifestyles. In a year u’ll be opening shittyy poundshops if ur lucky.” @LadyGaga “We won 4 EMA’s! Biggest Fans, Best Female, Best Song, Best Video. Watching Little Monsters win alongside Born This Way was life changing.”

Just your average family

@ChelseaHandler “We either have a little lesbian or @JustinBieber on tonight’s show”

BECKHAM’S GUILTY BALLS

@BillyRayCyrus “Well it’s almost time for 90210 . I hope my character is not as “rude” as it felt like he was!”

[UK]

David Beckham is experiencing some privileged white guilt and is worried about his children. He’s worried that they have it too good. Becks poured his heart out to The Times, giving us a rare glimpse into his working class roots.

He said: “They’ve got a great life set up for them. Obviously our boys and little girl are very lucky.

“But I think, as a parent, you always worry: ‘Have they got the hunger that I had as a kid? The way my dad brought me up, he was strict. I’m exactly the same with my boys. They have their feet on the ground.” Victoria, of course, had no input into this discussion.

BIEBER GONNA SPIT THE DUMMY

Photos: Getty

[CANADA]

I don’t normally stick up for the Beebs, but the woman he allegedly had a 30-second bathroom tryst with is really getting up my grill.

She had her 15 minutes of fame when she claimed Justin is the father to her baby, but we don’t care until we get some proof.

Seriously, pipe down.

She claims her son Trystin (tryst + Justin, gettit?) has, “the same pout as Justin Bieber”. I was willing to hear her out until she came up with that one. She sold her story to the press, with pictures, saying: “Look familiar? I pray that Justin sees these photos, looks at Tristyn and knows in his heart that this is his child and our child. It’s going to be a nightmare for all of us if he keeps denying it.” Considering a maternity ward resembles a lineup of pouting baby Beeb-alikes, I’ll wait for the DNA. That’s enough now.

@Diplo “I’m the rap ryan gossling sipping riesling with a gaggle of gooslings” @MissyElliot “U will be missed Heavy D so many laughs we’ve shared but your Music is Timeless and will Always be Around 4ever Love u Heav” @JameyJasta“Rock docs in LA are giving celebs crazy amounts of drugs.

Busting Dr. Murray ain’t gonna do shit haha”

“The Oscars are for Jews”

NO RUSH HOUR WHEN YOU’RE JOBLESS

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

[USA]

Brett Ratner, the man behind the Oscars, has been fired. Or quit, whatever, after his gay slur got him in trouble with the people who pretty much run Hollywood: the gay mafia.

During a press conference, the man who produced the Rush Hour films was asked whether he prepares and rehearses with his actors before shooting a scene.

Ratner waved his hand dismissively and said: “Rehearsing is for fags.” Tick tick tick, that’s the sound of his career wrapping up. He has since said: “I apologise for any offense my remarks caused. It was a dumb way of expressing myself. As a storyteller, I should have been much more thoughtful about the power of language and my choice of words.” Storyteller? I’d love to be a fly on the wall during the kids’ bedtime stories. “Tonight it’s the adventures of Hansel and that slut Gretel.”

We have some very pretty girls here. Some of the dads won’t take too kindly to a prince fornicating the night away.

The dads of Arizona are worried about the new prince in town...

ARE YOU SPOTTED IN THE CIRCLE?

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G’DAY SOCCER AM Rooftop terrace of Bounce Hotel, Sydney Sunday 6th November Photos by: Jane Sutherland

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WORLDNEWS

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Branded “a threat to society”

MJ: GOT MILK? USA

Michael Jackson pleaded for “more milk” – the nickname he gave the powerful anaesthetic, Propofol, before he died from an overdose.

Michael Jackson’s physician, Conrad Murray, made the claims of Michael Jackson’s begging last words, before being convicted of the singer’s involuntary manslaughter last week.

Speaking in new documentary Michael Jackson and the Doctor: A Fatal Friendship, for US network NBC, which began filming in November 2009, five months after the star’s death, Murray said: “He was pleading and begging to please, please let him have some milk because that was the only thing that would work. He really could not sleep.”

In the revealing interviews he gave for the documentary, televised in the US last week, Murray also described how the singer looked when he died.

He said: “Have you ever seen the “Thriller” image when he was made up?

He looked that hysterical.”

Murray is currently remanded in custody without bail until he is sentenced on November 29.

RUGBY PLAYER CHANGES TEAM

WALES

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I was definitely gay... Suddenly I hated everything about my old life. I didn’t get on with my friends, I hated sport and found my job boring.”

GRAVE ROBBER MAKES RUSSIAN DOLLS RUSSIA

A Russian man who stole the corpses of 29 women and dressed them as life-size dolls in his tiny apartment has been charged with desecrating cemeteries.

Anatoly Moskvin, 45, allegedly dug up the bodies of females aged between 15 and 25 years old from their graves, mummified their remains and lived alongside them in his apartment.

Russian police said that Moskvin, who is a historian and an expert on local cemeteries, stuffed the corpses’ ribcages with objects including music boxes, toy hearts, bars of soap, stockings and tombstone fragments.

“There was something particular in the chest of practically every mummy,” an investigator told the news website Life News. “When we tried to move one of the bodies, the room unexpectedly filled with music.”

Some of the bodies were dug up as long as 15 years ago, and all were undamaged.

According to sources close to the man, Moskvin’s fascination with female corpses stemmed from an encounter he had as a 12-year-old, when he was forced to kiss the face of a dead girl at a funeral.

Photos: Getty

A heterosexual rugby player who suffered a stroke after breaking his neck has woken up from a coma and announced he is gay.

Chris Birch, 26, who was engaged and worked in a bank, said when he awoke he felt “different”. He broke up with his fiancée, quit his job and went back to school to become a hairdresser.

He said: “I was gay when I woke up and I still am... It sounds strange but when I came round I immediately felt different.

I wasn’t interested in women any more.

The controversial and often shameless Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi has resigned. The longest-serving leader of post-war Italy, he’ll no doubt be remembered for the outrageous times: the sex scandals, when he likened a devastating earthquake in Italy to “a weekend of camping” or when he referred to President Obama as “tanned”.

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NO SPURS FOR CARLO Former Chelsea and AC Milan boss Carlo Ancelotti has given up his wait for a Premier League job offer and will become the new manager of cashed-up Paris Saint-Germain.

Ancelotti, who reportedly turned down several Spanish and Italian jobs while holding out for a role in England, had been expected to take over at Tottenham, if, as widely predicted, Harry Redknapp replaces Fabio Capello as England boss.

DEL PIERO EYES ENGLAND FINALE Juventus icon Alessandro Del Piero, 37, has suggested that he’d like to try playing in England, before retiring, after his contract expires this summer.

Juve’s all-time leading goalscorer, who has played for the Turin side for 18 years, said: “I have to confess a secret. I love the Premier League. What a great league.”

Trouble in paradise? Star Spanish striker David Villa has been linked with a shock move to Liverpool, who are apparently keen to replace failed £35m signing Andy Carroll, following rumours of a growing rift between Villa and his Barce teammate Lionel Messi.

SHANE WARNE MAKES COMEBACK Legendary Aussie spinner Shane Warne, 42, is coming out of retirement to play for the Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash League Twenty20

competition, which starts in December.

The leg-spin great retired from international cricket in January 2007, but has spent the last four years playing T20 cricket in India. Warne said: “I’m a young 42. I’m in such good shape.”

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HOTSHOTS

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MARK THOMAS Talks travel photography

WINNER

MONTHLY WINNER MANLY COLOURS Gez O’Keefe, 26, Australia

MARK SAYS: “Already a weekly winner, Gez perfectly captures one of nature’s wonders, a true decisive moment.”

RUNNER-UP

MONTHLY RUNNER-UP HERE’S LOOKING AT ROO Anna-Barbara Scmidt, 26, Germany

MARK SAYS: “Really well captured and ‘fun’ animal encounter proving a change in perspective always delivers an interesting shot.”

HOT TIPS: Punch MANIPULATING COLOUR

THE MONTHLY WINNER GETS THREE DAYS CAR HIRE FROM TRAVELLERS AUTOBARN Photos are judged by ROUGH GUIDES senior photo editor Mark Thomas each month. Send high-res (300 dpi) jpegs with name, age, nationality and a description, to: travel@tntdownunder.com Monthly winner Gez wins three days car hire from Travellers Autobarn (travellers-autobarn.com.au). While the monthly runner-up Anna wins a Rough Guides book of her choice sent to an Oz or NZ address. roughguides.com

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WIN

When altering the colours of your images, you must keep in mind that it will change the whole feel of the shot. Whether you want to oversaturate the colours to make them stand out, or add a colour wash, remember that often the photograph will look digitally enhanced.

It is hard to get these effects without playing around in someway after the shot has been taken.

You can always indulge (I say “indulge” as it will be more expensive) in some film – as opposed to digital – photography that will give you all sorts of effects in-camera.

Trendy photo cults such as Lomo Photography aim to create burnt-in edges and distorted colours.

Or if you’re shooting with your iPhone there are loads of apps that you can download that allow you to ‘cheat’ and create these effects, try: lomo camera, instagram or hisptamatic.

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NZʼS HOP ON HOP OFF BUS NETWORK FOR ADVENTUROUS TRAVELLERS

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TRAVELTIPS

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Avoiding traffic, the Savannah Way...

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ON THE ROAD WITH TRAVEL

TALK MIKE SADDLER 26, SCOTLAND

YOU ASKED FOR IT...

WE ANSWER YOUR TRAVEL QUESTIONS

to drive from from Cairns Q Itowant Darwin, is it safe? Eddie Markos, Greece hello you adventurous traveller. You’ve A Well certainly picked a road less travelled. The short story is yes, it is relatively safe. The long story is that there are a few things to keep in mind when you do this drive to ensure it’s as safe as possible. Heading west from Cairns the most interesting route is the Savannah Way. The first stop you’ll come to about eight hours into your trip is Normanton, with a whopping 1,100 people. This is a relatively easy road to drive with sealed roads and small towns to stop off at. Three hours on from Normanton you’ll reach Burketown. Here is where it gets tricky. If you stick to the Savannah Way, this is some of the most adventurous four-wheel-driving you’re ever likely to do. And you will definitely need a 4WD. For 18-and-a-half hours to a place called Borroloola you will see outback like you’ve seen in the pictures. There’s also some fabulous places to camp along the way. Finally there’s

just another 12 hours to get to Darwin... but that’s bypassing Kakadu and you can’t miss that.

So we recommend you spend at least three or four days exploring one of the most picturesque places in Oz. Safe driving! working in Cairns but want to Q I’m escape the city, where should I take a weekend trip? Leah Brown, Ireland the Atherton Tablelands for a weekend A Try of getting close to nature. It’s about two hours inland from Cairns and the perfect getaway for some peace and quiet. Whether you want to search for tree-climbing kangaroos, clamber through caves or simply escape the Cairns nightlife, there’s plenty to keep you busy on the Tableland. It’s a lush, green hinterland that feels a million miles from the reef. Highlights include a dip in the dramatic Millaa Millaa Falls, riding around Crater Lakes National Park or taking a canoe out on Lake Tinaroo, before trying to spot a platypus at sundown. Yungaburra is a great spot for a bed and breakfast retreat.

CHECKING IN BOUNCE HOSTEL SYDNEY Awesome open roof terrace, modern decor and warm atmosphere area to share a beer or goon. This newish hostel gives an ambience of freshness on an extremely good budget. Love the OVERVIEW

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WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN IN OZ? Sydney, the Gold Coast, Adelaide, Alice Springs, Darwin and I’m currently working in Arnhem land.

WHERE IS YOUR FAVE PLACE IN OZ? Kings Canyon in Watarrka National Park. I hadn’t heard of it before but it’s right up there with Uluru and Kata Tjuta.

YOUR WEIRDEST EXPERIENCE? Stumbling upon a Buddhist temple whilst looking for mango picking work in the Top End. They were extremely welcoming and I ended up staying there for a week.

MOST MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE? The road trip from Adelaide up to Darwin on the Stuart Highway. There’s nothing quite like being on the open road and there’s lots of openness in the Red Centre.

BIGGEST SURPRISE ABOUT OZ? The price of booze. For a nation with a massive reputation for beers and a barbie, you don’t half pay through the nose for it.

YOU WISH YOU HAD BROUGHT...

A sporran for my kilt.

free BBQ on Sundays and cheese and goon night on Thursdays.

ROOMS Well air conditioned with private lockers large enough to fit your entire wardrobe.

BILL PLEASE A bed in an 8-bed mixed dorm from $35/night.

28 Chalmers Street, Sydney NSW bouncehotel.com.au

CONSERVATION VOLUNTEERS AUSTRALIA EXPERIENCE

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TRAVELLERSTALE

TAKE ME TO THE CLOUDS

N

SASHA FILIMONOV learns to meditate while skydiving above New Zealand.

As my body is dangling outside the plane and the air is rushing towards me, I can see nothing but the blue yonder gingerly adorned with hundreds of tufted clouds. Oh yes… and two bodies ahead of me hurtling towards the Earth like asteroids from space. My heart is beating rapidly as I attempt to breathe in the thinning oxygen, but as this is not meant to be a moment of zen, I sway to and fro, then dive into the cold New Zealand sky (literally throwing caution to the wind).

Plummeting from 16,000 feet in the air I am still somehow able to gain my bearings, like the fact that we are racing rapidly towards the cloud sheet below us and unable to see land clearly just yet.

But the word “freefalling” does not sufficiently explain what it is that I am doing for the first 75 seconds in the air. “Flying” feels to be a far more fitting term.

Even though from this height it is impossible to comprehend the speed at which I am descending, once I

have leapt from the comforts of the plane – somehow my nervousness dissipates completely. Not once does the thought, “Please God, don’t let me die,” cross my mind, something I find largely surprising as I have whispered this prayer hundreds if not thousands of times when facing chancy or treacherous scenarios (e.g. turbulent flights, unsavoury carnival rides and swims in the ocean where man-eating sharks have been spotted on numerous occasions).

I quickly reflect back on my previous skydive of 9,000 feet: realising that now I am wholly enjoying the experience, regardless of the overwhelming fears and physical manifestations of anxiety which had been controlling me during the flight up.

Though I had hoped to make some impressive facial expressions and/or gestures towards the cameraman who jumped along with me – the forces of the wind make it near impossible to have substantial control over my movements. My attempt to blow a kiss at the camera looks more akin to an infant learning to use her extremities

than a 22-year-old former wimp conquering her fears in the most ostentatious of ways. I am at the will of the sky and at this moment it is impossible for my mind to concentrate on anything other than the sensations occurring around and to my body. Yogis and spiritual seekers alike may rejoice in this – I have discovered the speedy solution to reaching a true state of meditation – skydiving.

Coming through the clouds is beyond surreal. It is the manifestation of my childhood curiosity, what it would feel like to be within the clouds sans the protection of an airplane or other transport vehicle. My yearning to touch and go through them has now been satisfied. Another item from my bucket list is complete – check.

The parachute opens up and we come down towards the hilly green landscape doing 360° spins whilst I am at the helm of the parachute.

Soon we land and the feeling of hard earth under my feet does not bring a sense of relief, but rather a touch of nostalgia, since I have just finished one of the highest skydives now possible (without supplemental oxygen). It’s a feat I’d never hoped to accomplish for the majority of my life, but today, I’m more than proud that I have.

WRITE TO TNT AND

WIN

Send us your scary, funny or embarrassing travel tale (preferably about Australia or New Zealand) and if published you’ll win a $300 travel voucher redeemable on Oz Experience passes (ozexperience.com), ATA NT camping trips (adventuretours.com.au) and with Wayward Bus (waywardbus.com. au). Email your stories (700 words max), to travel@tntdownunder.com

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Into the blue Surfing is as Australian as a kangaroo covered in Vegemite, so no trip Down Under is complete without testing your board skills WORDS ROXY BOURDILLON

I didn’t come to Australia to learn how to surf. I’m simultaneously gripped by awe and panic when I think of the ocean and the creatures that live there. But in an effort to overcome my fears and in the spirit of giving everything a go at least once, I embarked on a day trip out to the blue room. Handily, the surf school’s instructors pick which beach that day’s victims (as in me and my fellow surf virgins) get to learn on, depending on the surf conditions. Our outdoor classroom was to be Palm Beach, otherwise known as Summer Bay, of Home and Away fame. We paused for the obligatory photo outside Alf Stewart’s surf club, then made our way down to the waterfront to get kitted out.

Once we were zipped into our wetsuits and looking like apprehensive Teletubbies, it was time for our first lesson on the sand. I was too nervous to take in most of the techniques.

However I did manage to commit to memory that I should stay near the back of the board to avoid nose-diving off the front.

My aim was survival rather than expertise.

We learned the three ways of standing up on a wave.

There’s the ‘Ninja’, when you jump into a surf stance in one clean move, the ‘Rock Climber’, which involves hooking one leg round the other before steadily raising your torso, and the one I felt a natural affinity for, the ‘Mud Crab’, when you shambolically crawl into position. As we were shown how we should fall into the water to best avoid injury, I remembered how much I hate having seawater in my eyes, down my throat and up my nose. Clearly when surfing you have to deal with discomfort as well as fear.

Lugging an extremely heavy board around in the choppy, changeable sea was like trying to control a giant Alsatian eager to go for a walk. Whilst wading out for my first attempt I suddenly noticed a shark-shaped shadow next to my feet and momentarily freaked out. When I realised it was the reflection of my surfboard I breathed a deep sigh of relief and mentally warned myself to toughen up pronto.

Predictably, I did not take to surfing easily. I was particularly bad at getting onto my board, never mind getting up on my feet, probably due to my appalling lack of upper body strength. Luckily for me our instructors were brilliant at handling my nerves and ineptitude. They didn’t make me feel at all pressured and were overwhelmingly encouraging and positive.

“

The first wave that came toppled me instantly, boob over board

”

After several futile attempts to catch waves, which I was obviously no match for, they took pity on me and let me have a go on the big board. This giant foam slab was my surfing saviour. We were told standing on it is as easy as standing on a boat. I found it slightly more daunting but nevertheless managed to successfully ride several waves with the help of well-timed pushes from our teachers.

Sensing my fear, they started me off in shallow water close to a rocky outcrop. The sea here was so tame that riding on my surfboard felt like standing still on a walking escalator. It was far too gentle to induce the addictive rush surfers rave about. For that I would have to venture deeper.

After a picnic lunch I jumped at the chance to body board.

I’d been told it was much easier than surfing and far less strenuous. Despite having no idea what I was doing I was absurdly optimistic about my potential ability. In reality I was at the mercy of the sea and the sea won.

Naively, I thought I’d be fine in just my swimsuit and so removed my waterproof baby-grow.

After all, I was wearing a modest one-piece and apparently TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

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body boarding was a leisurely pursuit.

However, the ocean seemed to have been refuelled over lunch and was now more ferocious and unpredictable.

The first wave that came toppled me instantly, boob over boogie board.

I hastily submerged myself under the water to cover up and preserve my last shred of dignity. It was time to put the wetsuit back on.

Before the end of the day I had one more go on the big board, this time in deeper water. I scrambled to my feet and finally felt that elusive rush as I skimmed to the shore. In that moment I totally understood why so many people are hooked and, if I were more athletically inclined, perhaps I’d be one of them. Sadly, I was as bad as I knew I would be, but that didn’t stop it from being an awesome and surprisingly fun experience I would recommend unreservedly. ❚

SURF TURF SOME OF THE BEST SPOTS IN OZ TO CATCH A WAVE NEW SOUTH WALES Manly Beach With a great atmosphere and surf schools to teach you the ropes, Manly is a great place to learn.

Bondi Beach The eastern suburbs equivalent to Manly. This is a fantastic and fun place to get started.

One Mile Beach, Port Stephens Every morning a progression of surfers ranging up to 70 years hit the waves in this picturesque spot.

Birdie Beach, near Newcastle Only one hour from Sydney, beautiful Birdie Beach is situtated in Munmorah State Recreational Park.

Clarkes Beach, Byron Bay The best that Byron has to offer for beginners, with perfect conditions most of the time. The waves are gentle and tend to go for longer than you’d expect.

Seven Mile Beach, Lennox Head This super-long beach offers plenty of space and there is usually great surf.

Bring a friend for safety.

VICTORIA Torquay The Great Ocean Road has some great surfing and Torquay is where it all began. Home to surf giants Rip Curl and Quiksilver, pros compete out here. Check conditions as it can be unpredictable.

Sandy Point, Wilsons Promontory NP Surrounded by some stunning national park and plentiful wildlife, this beach offers consistent swell and very few rips, or other people.

Lakes Entrance Perfect for the absolute beginner, this picture36

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SOUTH AUSTRALIA The Dump, Dump Beach Despite the unpromising name, a fun beach to muck around on and popular with beginners and kids alike.

Beach Breaks, Southport Offers good swell in most conditions, but as there can be dangerous rips, perhaps wait until you have some experience.

Moana Beach This family-friendly beach has perfect little sets for beginners, south of the ramp.

Baby Chinamans, Yorke Peninsula A pretty spot with a slow left-hander that breaks up to two metres. Check for low tide as its best during this time.

WESTERN AUSTRALIA Scarborough Beach, Perth A fantastic vibe and one of the most popular beaches around. Good for all levels.

Mossies (Perth north) Offering a small right-hander, Mossies has little danger factor, making it a great spot for a hassle-free surf.

Ocean Beach, Denmark If you like a long ride in some of the clearest waters, head here. There are gentle, rolling waves and if you are confident with rips and tides, we are confident you will love this spot.

TASMANIA Carlton Beach Carlton locals are so friendly that its gives this beach a great atmosphere. There are long, slow waves and great views from the shore.

South Clifton A great place to learn and popular with beginners. It might get a bit crowded in summer but is still worth it.

Coles Bay The landscape is unbeatable and there are literally hundreds of little sand breaks.

Adventure Bay Beach, Bruny Island It’s always best to check conditions here, as the swell on this gorgeous island can range from puny to the truly massive.

Photos: Getty, Thinkstock, Tourism Australia, Tourism New South Wales, Tourism Queensland, Tourism Victoria

QUEENSLAND Kirra Beach The Gold Coast’s most famous beach, offering big swells and little waves that break close to shore.

A great spot to soak up the “surfey” atmosphere, too.

Broadbeach, Gold Coast Some great little left and right-handers, the swell here is usually small and gentle. A great spot to hang out or take a walk.

Noosa Main Beach A spot popular for its crystal waters and beautiful Aussie scenery, Noosa offers mid-size waves and a laidback atmosphere.

Coolum Beach, Sunshine Coast Once voted the state’s cleanest beach, there’s heaps of space to splash about.

perfect spot has very small and gentle breaks.

Raffs, Apollo Bay This is another safe and well-protected beach, with right-handers that will suit the timid beginner.

Learn to Surf Anglesea-Torquay-Ocean Grove Fun Safe Exciting

&

Surf School

Prices from $35 2 hrs Lessons

All gear included www.westcoastadventure.org For bookings call 03 52 612 241 TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

37 37

SURF SAFETY & ETIQUETTE THE SEVEN COMMANDMENTS 1. Drop in any time?

This is the major rule in surfing – don’t “drop in”. Only the surfer closest to the curl of the wave has the right to that wave. If you drop in on someone, you should get off the wave quick smart.

2. UFO spotting Don’t be a UFO – an “Unidentified Floating Object”, a surfer with little or no surfing awareness. To ensure you don’t become a danger to other surfers or swimmers, be constantly aware of your surroundings.

3. A big rip off?

Rips and currents are major hazards – they can carry you out to sea. Identify them and stay away from them. Patrolled beaches have signs and lifeguards can advise on the best place to surf for beginners.

4. Great snakes!

Snaking is when someone paddles to the inside of a line up and takes a wave from a surfer who’s first in line. That’s not very nice really.

Respect other surfers.

5. Learn the lingo Surfing has a language all of its own. If you hear a shout or whistle, it usually means “watch out, I’m coming through, don’t drop in”.

6. Well fit innit Surfing requires a high level of physical fitness. Surfers get a really good work-out and experienced surfers are well tuned machines, but you’re probably not (yet), so don’t over do it. When you start to tire, have a rest. Go back out when you’re rested and have more energy.

7. Everybody stay cool...

If you find yourself in areas where experienced surfers are heading straight towards you, keep calm, they will have seen you and will be able to dodge you. Stay on your board and do not panic. Trying to get out of the way could make matters worse.

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AUSSIE BEACHES FACT AND FICTION Sharks Until a couple of years ago, there had not been a shark attack on Bondi Beach since 1936, and attacks on Sydney surf beaches generally are incredibly rare.

Along the vast majority of Aussie beaches there is very little danger of a shark attack. Statistics suggest you are much more likely to be injured in a motor vehicle accident or lightening strike than by a shark.

Most sharks are not going to attack you under any circumstances. You are a six-foot foreign object (pun intended) and they don’t know what you are.

Jelly fish The few “jellys” that can kill you are all in tropical reef waters. The most dangerous is the box jellyfish which can be found in northern Australia between October and May. It mainly inhabits coastal waters and the most dangerous area is the first metre of water in calm conditions. Most stings are on kids ankles, but if a box jellyfish gets a chest wrap, you are dead. However, swimming on off-shore reefs (like the Great Barrier Reef) is safe, from the box jelly point of view. In waters south of the reef, the blue bottle can sting, but they won’t kill you. A good rule is to check the water line before you enter the ocean. If there are jelly’s on the water line it’s a good bet they’re in the water too.

NEXT WEEK Mornington Peninsula Exploring Victoria’s wilderness

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39

Jeju-do’s erotic park KOREA

40

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Korea break Ogle giant phalluses, dare to take x-rated comedy photos and then relax amid the gorgeous scenery in the Hawaii of Korea WORDS LUCY CORNE

A cluster of brightly dressed grandmothers giggle as they pose for a photo. They look over their shoulders at their backdrop – not a sweeping landscape or an elegant edifice, but a two-metre high statue of a penis, carved in terrifying detail. Welcome to Jeju-do, South Korea’s honeymoon island and a place where the normally coy Koreans become impish extroverts.

This is an island of superlatives – it’s home to South Korea’s highest mountain, its southernmost point and its most striking scenery. My friend and I start on a literal high, trekking to the peak of Mount Halla, 1,950m above sea level. South Koreans are not half-hearted people; they are fanatical about pretty much everything – including hiking.

So, as we pass white-haired hikers in fluorescent North Face gear, sporting matching visors and go-faster poles, we feel a little underdressed in our trainers, shorts and T-shirts.

But as with most Korean hikes, the going is not too tough thanks to a network of well-kept paths, wooden walkways and staircases complete with handrails.

Still, it’s a pretty gruelling hike for the out-of-practice – a steep 6km uphill trek that is only outdone by the kneewrenching downhill return leg. The reward for a two-hour session is a startling view of the island below, with the added bonus of a crater lake in the foreground. Gazing longingly at the lake-topped peak above us, we join our group for a Korean picnic of kimbap – a rice and seaweed snack akin to sushi rolls – before heading back to our rented moped.

With the energetic aspect of our trip dealt with, we turn to the more relaxing pursuits the island is best known for. Sometimes called the ‘Hawaii of Korea’, beaches are obviously high on the list of Jeju’s must-dos, but even higher is the string of sex-themed attractions scattered around.

In among the more family friendly museums, you’ll find salubrious salutes to all things erotic.

At Jeju Loveland, the island’s original sex attraction, 8km from the capital, we pay $8 and enter the all-concealing walls. It’s an erotic art park, featuring everything from giant figures kissing to grassy hillocks capped with outsized nipples. There’s juvenile giggling as visitors weigh up the urge to take comedy photos with the embarrassment of performing X-rated poses in front of strangers. Having had our fill of giant appendages, graphic monuments and statues

inspired by the kama sutra, we head south to Seogwipo.

Jeju’s second city, Seogwipo, is not a pretty place, but the Jeongbang Waterfall just out of town makes you instantly forget the neon-framed maze of backstreets. Crashing 23 metres straight into the East China Sea, it outshines some of Asia’s famed waterfalls and marks the start of a string of natural attractions. Jeju’s south coast features striking rock formations, a trio of worthy waterfalls and the hopping off point for Marado, a tiny island off Jeju’s southern coast.

Like many visitors, we brave the vomit-inducing ferry ride to enjoy car-free roads (the only transport here is golf carts), buildings so pristine they seem to belong in a theme park and, of course, Korea’s southern tip, an unassuming spot that we actually miss as we enjoy Marado’s perfectly manicured panorama.

“

It features everything from giants kissing to grassy hillocks capped with outsized nipples

”

We follow a full circuit of Jeju, taking in backwater restaurants and cheesy museums, volcanic caves and gobsmacking beaches. We take time to explore the Museum Of Sex And Health, a combination of phallic statues, an erotic 3D cinema and exhibits so enthralling we hardly even realise information panels are written in a language we cannot read.

Jeju never fails to amaze with its vistas, its variation and its unique attractions, yet it’s clear what makes this island special. Beaches, waterfalls and even volcanoes are attractions easy to find the world over, but how often do you get to post a profile picture of yourself and a group of ›› giggling grannies ogling an enormous penis? ❚ TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

41

NORTH KOREA: A PEEK INTO THE HERMIT KINGDOM You pass through a doorway blasting out cool jets of air into a room lit only by red bulbs. As your eyes grow accustomed to the dim lighting, you gradually make out the shapes before you – a wooden structure, a glass case and, behind the glass, the embalmed remains of deceased head of state, Kim II-sung. Just another day on the bizarre experience that is a tour through North Korea, the world’s most secretive nation.

Independent travel is unheard of.

Instead, tour groups are watched over at all times by government guides on an intense schedule – an exhausting but mesmerising peek into the totalitarian regime ruled over by Kim Jong-il (The Dear Leader) and his dead father Kim Il-sung (The Great Leader).

Kumsusan Memorial Palace The final resting place of the Great Leader is the jewel in Pyongyang’s crown of bizarre monuments.

Tower of the Juche Idea ‘Juche’ is Kim Il-sung’s theory of self-reliance, the ideology that makes

42

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Pyongyang Metro In most places, the metro is a way to move between attractions, but in a country as mysterious as this, everything becomes a sight in its own right. The alarmingly deep stations (doubling as nuclear bunkers) are adorned with chandeliers and the ubiquitous propaganda paintings that characterise North Korea.

Victorious Fatherland Liberation War Museum A fabulously named museum offering an alternative look at the events of the Korean War. Don’t expect to find the messages of peace and reconciliation common at other war museums; the message here is clear: “They started it and we won.”

The DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) The world’s most fascinating (and heavily armed) border separates North from South. Tours from either country offer an interesting slice of history and a chance to peer at soldiers from the other side just a few metres away.

International Friendship Exhibition One of the most bizarre attractions in a land where bizarre is the norm. Admire highlights from the 100,000-plus collection of gifts presented to Kim Jong-il and his father from admirers worldwide – from teddies and crockery to animal pelts, bullet-proof cars and a full-size waxwork of the Great Leader in Disney-like surrounds.

Mount Paekdu The alleged birthplace of Kim Jong-il is an extinct volcano in the country’s far north and a spectacularly beautiful spot. If you’re getting propaganda withdrawal symptoms, the Secret Camp and monuments to the Dear Leader’s glorious life will deliver your fix.

Kumgangsan Another beauty spot, the ‘Diamond Mountains’ are perfect for hikers, mountaineers and photographers, if you can escape your tour guide long enough to snap the waterfalls, temples and lagoons.

The Mass Games This immense display of synchronised gymnastics, dance and martial arts puts Olympic opening ceremonies to shame.

The Games are held at various times throughout the year.

Photos: Getty, TNT Images, Lucy Corne

Mansudae Grand Monument This 20-metre-high bronze statue of Kim Il-sung is revered by North Koreans. Take flowers to lay at its feet and reserve your deepest bow for this gargantuan image.

North Korea the secretive nation it is today. Overlooking the Taedong River, the 170m tower topped with a perpetually glowing fibreglass flame (electricity flows at the monuments, though not always in the city) gives great views over Pyongyang.

FEAR FACTOR FOOD SAFARI Korea could never be described as boring, and nowhere is the country’s distinctiveness as evident as in its edible offerings. Alongside spicy soups and barbequed meat, you’ll find a menu of intriguing items...

Beondegi You might not associate the pungent stench with anything edible, but chewing on steamed silkworm larvae is a rite of passage for travellers.

Posintang This controversial dog meat stew is easy to find in the countryside. Read up on debates surrounding the dish before you delve in.

Dak bal A favourite across Asia, you’ll find chicken’s feet on stalls around the country. Make sure they’re served hot and with plenty of sauce.

Sundae Don’t be fooled by the familiar name, this dish is as far from ice

cream as you can get. t.

Similarr to black pudding, it’s an outsized blood sausage ge packed with noodles and very little seasoning to hide the taste.

Sannakji Perhaps the most feared of Korea’s foods has been known to choke those attempting to eat it. The common description of ‘live octopus’ is misleading, but if the raw tentacles aren’t still wriggling when they reach your table (and indeed, your mouth), the dish is not fresh enough.

Hongeo The ultimate in food dares, this fermented fish dish even gives many Koreans the shivers. The ammonia scent of the uncooked skate will instantly empty your sinuses – and perhaps the contents of your stomach.

NEXT WEEK Panama: Kicking back in the Caribbean paradise

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OZLISTINGS TRAVEL AGENTS Adventure Travel Bugs 02 9212 4444, adventuretravelbugs.com Backpackers World Travel 1800 676 67 63, backpackersworld.com Peter Pans Adventure Travel 1800 188 799, peterpans.com Travellers Contact Point 1800 647 640, travellers.com.au Tribal Adventure Travel 1800 984 484, tribaltravel.com.au YHA Travel 02 9261 111, yha.com.au

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Bottom Bits Bus Tours around Tasmania 1800 777 103, bottombits.com.au

Mojosurf Sydney to Byron surfing tours 1800 113 044, mojosurf.com

Wildlife Tours Tours around Victoria 1300 661 730, wildlifetours.com.au

Standbycars.com 1300 789 059, standbycars.com

Bunyip Tours Tours around Victoria 1300 286 947, bunyiptours.com

Nullarbor Traveller Tours from Adelaide and Perth 1800 816 858, the-traveller.com.au

Cool Dingos Fraser Island Tours 1800 072 555, cooldingotour.com

Ocean Rafting Whitsundays tours 07 4946 6848, oceanrafting.com

Wings Diving Whitsundays packages 1 300 859 853 whitsundaydive.com.au

Travellers Auto Barn 1800 674 374, travellers-autobarn.com.au

Explore Whitsundays Whitsundays packages 1800 675 790, explorewhitsundays.com

Oz Experience Hop on-hop off Australia-wide tours 1300 300 028, ozexperience.com

Groovy Grape Getaways Tours linking Adelaide, Alice Springs & Melbourne 1800 661 177, groovygrape.com.au Heading Bush Adelaide to Alice Springs outback tours 1800 639 933, headingbush.com

Surf & Sun Adventures South Australia tours 1800 786 386, surfandsun.com.au Surfcamp Sydney to Byron surfing tours 1800 888 732, surfcamp.com.au The Rock Tour Red centre tours 1800 246 345, therocktour.com.au

RENTAL FIRMS Apollo Motorhomes 1800 777 779, apollocamper.com Backpacker Campervan Rentals 1800 767 010, backpackercampervans.com.au Boomerang Cars 0414 882 559, boomerangcars.com.au Explore More Rentals 1800 708 309, exploremore.com.au

Adventure Tours Australia-wide tours 1800 068 886, adventuretours.com.au

Jump Tours Tours around Tasmania 0422 130 630, jumptours.com

Airliebeach.com Whitsundays packages 1800 677 119, airliebeach.com

Kakadu Dream Kakadu tours 1800 813 266, kakadudreams.com.au

Under Down Under Tours Tours around Tasmania 1800 064 726, underdownunder.com.au

Autopia Tours Tours around Victoria 03 9391 0261, autopiatours.com.au

Kangaroo Island Adventure Tours Adelaide to KI tours 13 13 01, kiadventuretours.com.au

Western Xposure WA tours 08 9414 8423, westernxposure.com.au

Kings Cross Car Market For buying and selling vehicles. 110 Bourke St, Woolloomooloo.

02 9358 5000, carmarket.com.au

Awesome Adventures Oz Whitsundays packages 1800 293 7663, awesomeoz.com

Maxi Ragamuffin Whitsundays sailing 1800 454 777 maxiaction.com.au

Wilderness 4WD Adventures Top end tours 1800 808 288, wildernessadventures.com.au

Spaceships 1300 132 469, spaceshipsrentals.com.au

Topdeck Tours covering all of Oz 1300 886 332, topdeck.travel

Hippie Camper 1800 777 779, hippiecamper.com

Wicked Campers 1800 246 869, wickercampers.com

TRANSPORT CO Greyhound Australia Buses around Australia.

13 20 30, greyhound.com.au Premier Transport Group Buses along the east coast.

13 34 10, premierms.com.au Spirit of Tasmania Ferries to Tasmania.

03 6336 1446, spiritoftasmania.com Redline Coaches For getting around Tasmania.

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INSURANCE CE FREECALL: LL 1800 808 188 We sell the only known ‘No Excess’ 3rd Party Property Insurance available to travellers from $230* For 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 12 months. Insurance available even if you buy a car from another place and without you having to tell lies to get it.

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NSWLISTINGS

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SYDNEY STAY

Powerhouse Museum Darling Harbour. powerhousemuseum.com.au

Base Sydney 477 Kent St. CBD. 02 9267 7718, stayatbase.com

BOOK NOW!

Skydive the Beach Wollongong. skydivethebeach.com

Big Hostel 212 Elizabeth St. CBD. 02 9267 7718, bighostel.com

Sydney Observatory The Rocks. sydneyobservatory.com.au

Bounce Budget Hotel 28 Chalmers St. CBD. 02 9281 2222, bouncehotel.com.au

Sydney Olympic Park Darling Harbour. sydneyolympicpark.nsw. gov.au

Easy Go Backpackers 752 George St. CBD. 02 9211 0505, easygobackpackers.com.au

Sydney Tower and Skytour 100 Market St, CBD. sydneyskytour.com.au

City Resort Hostel 103-105 Palmer St. Woolloomooloo 02 9357 3333, cityresort.com.au

Sydney Harbour Bridge The Rocks. bridgeclimb.com

The Furnished Property Group 02 8669 3678, furnishedproperty.com.au

HARRY POTTER EXHIBITION Powerhouse Museum. From Fri, Nov 18. Tickets from $32.

Offering fans a first-hand look inside the famous wizard’s magical world and the chance to see the amazing craftsmanship of hundreds of authentic costumes and props from the Harry Potter films.

Sydney Central YHA 11 Rawson Place. CBD. 02 9218 9000 www.yha.com.au Sydney Harbour YHA 110 Cumberland Street. The Rocks.

02 9261 1111, yha.com.au Westend Backpackers 412 Pitt St. CBD. 1800 013 186 nomadshostels.com Boomerang Backpackers 141 William Street, Kings Cross.

02 8354 0488, boomerangbackpackers.com Dlux Hostel 30 Darlinghurst Rd, Kings Cross. 1800 236 213 dluxbudgethotel.com.au Kangaroo Bak Pak 665 South Dowling St. Surry Hills.

02 9261 1111 Avalon Beach Hostel 59 Avalon Pde, Avalon Beach.

02 9918 9709, avalonbeach.com.au Bondi YHA 63 Fletcher Street.

Tamarama. 02 9365 2088, yha.com.au

Ultimo

powerhousemuseum.com

Lamrock Lodge 19 Lamrock Ave. Bondi.

02 9130 5063, lamrocklodge.com Lochner’s Guesthouse 8 Gowrae Ave. Bondi.

02 9387 2162, Aegean Coogee Lodge 40 Coogee Bay Rd. Coogee.

04 0817 6634, aegeancoogee.com.au Coogee Beachside 178 Coogee Bay Rd, Coogee. 02 9315 8511, sydneybeachside.com.au Surfside Backpackers 186 Arden Street. Coogee.

02 9315 7888, surfsidebackpackers.com.au Glebe Point YHA 262-264 Glebe Point Road. Glebe. 02 9692 8418, yha.com.au

Boardrider Backpacker Rear 63, The Corso, Manly. 02 9977 3411 boardrider.com.au The Bunkhouse 35 Pine St, Manly. 1800 657 122, bunkhouse.com.au Manly Backpackers 24-28 Raglan St. Manly. 02 9977 3411 manlybackpackers.com.au Cammeray Gardens 66 Palmer St, North Sydney. 02 9954 9371 sydneyboardinghouse.com

SYDNEY DO Manly Surf School Manly Beach.

02 9977 6977, manlysurfschool.com Maritime Museum Darling Harbour. anmm.gov.au Oceanworld Manly West Esplanade. oceanworld.com.au

Sydney Aquarium Darling Harbour. sydneyaquarium.com.au Sydney Wildlife World Darling Harbour. sydneywildlifeworld.com.au

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BLUE MTNS Blue Mountains YHA 207 Katoomba St, Katoomba.

02 4782 1416, yha.com.au

CENTRAL COAST Newcastle Beach YHA 30 Pacific St, Newcastle.

02 4925 3544, yha.com.au Terrigal Beach YHA 9 Ocean View Dr, Terrigal.

02 4384 1919, yha.com.au

BYRON BAY Backpackers Holiday Village 116 Jonson St 1800 350 388, byronbaybackpackers.com.au

Taronga Zoo Mosman. zoo.nsw.gov.au

Backpackers Inn 29 Shirley St 1800 817 696, backpackersinnbyronbay.com.au

Waves Surf School wavessurfschool.com.au

Byron Bay Accom 02 6680 8666, byronbayaccom.net

SYDNEY MUSIC Hordern Pavillion playbillvenues.com Oxford Art Factory oxfordartfactory.com Sydney Opera House sydneyoperahouse.com The Annandale annandalehotel.com The Basement thebasement.com.au The Enmore enmoretheatre.com.au The Gaelic Hotel thegaelic.com The Metro metrotheatre.com.au

The Arts Factory 1 Skinners Shoot Rd. 02 6685 7709, nomadshostels.com Nomads Byron Bay Lawson Lane.

1800 666 237, nomadshostels.com Byron Bay YHA 7 Carlyle St. 1800 678 195, yha.com.au

SOUTH COAST Great Southern Backpackers 13 Chandos St, Eden. 02 6496 1515, greatsoutherninn.com.au

COFFS HARB Coffs Harbour YHA 51 Collingwood St. 02 6652 6462, yha.com.au

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

ANDREW ‘BOY’ CHARLTON POOL Admission: $5.80, Mrs Maquaries Rd, The Domain Quite possibly Sydney’s best public swimming pool. Dive into the saltwater, smack bang in the middle of the harbour. There are several Sydney identities you’ll find here, including the bronzed boys who are here to pose, the yummy mummies and then the serious lap-swimmers who don’t want you to get in their way. Whether it’s perving or Sydney architecture admiring, there is plenty of eye-candy to be found in and out of this pool. And it’s heated in winter for the serious swimmer. abcpool.org

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BRISBANE STAY Aussie Way Backpackers 34 Cricket St. 07 3369 0711, aussiewaybackpackers.com Banana Bender Backpackers 118 Petrie Terrace.

07 3367 1157, bananabenders.com

Brisbane Backpackers Resort 110 Vulture St, West End. 1800 626 452, brisbanebackpackers.com.au Brisbane City Apartments 1800 110 443, brisbanecityapartments.com Brisbane City Backpackers 380 Upper Roma St 1800 062 572, citybackpackers.com Brisbane City YHA 392 Upper Roma St 07 3236 1947, yha.com.au Chill Backpackers 328 Upper Roma St. 1800 851 875, chillbackpackers.com

44 Queen St, Surfers Paradise.

1800 22 99 55, aquariusbackpackers. com.au

Gallery of Modern Art Stanley Pl, South Bank.

07 3840 7303, qag.qld.gov.au

Backpackers in Paradise 40 Peninsula Drive, Surfers Paradise.

1800 268 621, backpackersinparadise.com.au

Riverlife Adventure Centre Kayaking & rock climbing. Lower River Terrace, Kangaroo Point.

07 3891 5766, riverlife.com.au

Base Brisbane Embassy 214 Elizabeth St. 07 3166 8000, stayatbase.com Base Brisbane Central 308 Edward St. 07 3211 2433, stayatbase.com

Lone Pine Koala Santuary 708 Jesmond Rd, Fig Tree Pocket.

07 3378 1366, koala.net

Story Bridge Adventure Climb 170 Main St, Kangaroo Point.

1300 254 627, storybridgeadventureclimb.com.au

BOOK NOW! THE WHITEST BOY ALIVE The Tivoli. Thurs, Jan 19. From $50.30 The Berlin-based group bring their white boy rock-meets-dance style music to Brisbane in a headline tour with cult Berlin techno DJ Highfish.

Brisbane

ticketek.com.au

Bunk Backpackers Cnr Ann & Gipps Sts, Fortitude Valley.

1800 682 865, bunkbrisbane.com.au The Deck Budget Accommodation 117 Harcourt Street, New Farm.

04 3377 7061

Tinbilly Travellers Cnr George and Herschel Sts. 1800 446 646, tinbilly.com

BRISBANE DO Australia Zoo Glasshouse Mountains, Tourist Drive, Beerwah.

07 5436 2000, australiazoo.com.au

Coolangatta Kirra Beach YHA Pl, 230 Coolangatta Rd, Bilinga.

07 5536 76442, yha.com.au

XXXX Ale House Brewery tours.

Cnr Black & Paten St, Milton.

07 3361 7597, xxxxalehouse.com.au

BRISBANE MUSIC The Hi-Fi thehifi.com.au The Tivoli thetivoli.net.au The Zoo thezoo.com.au X and Y Bar xandybar.com.au

GOLD COAST Aquarius Backpackers

Cheers International Backpackers 8 Pine Av, Surfers Paradise. 1800 636 539, cheersbackpackers.com.au

Coolangatta Sands Hostel Cnr Griffiths & McLean Sts, Coolangatta. 07 5536 7472, coolangattasandshostel.com.au Gold Coast International BP 28 Hamilton Ave, Surfers Paradise.

1800 816 300, goldcoastbackpackers.com.au Islander Backpackers Resort 6 Beach Rd, Surfers Paradise.

1800 074 393, islander.com.au Sleeping Inn Surfers 26 Peninsular Dr, Surfers Paradise.

1800 817 832, sleepinginn.com.au Surfers Paradise Backpackers Resort 2837 Gold Coast Highway, Surfers. 1800 282 800, surfersparadisebackpackers.com.au

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follow us on Surf â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;nâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Sun Beachside Backpackers 3323 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise.

1800 678 194, surfnsun-goldcoast.com Surfers Paradise YHA Mariners Cove, 70 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach, Surfers Paradise.

07 5571 1776, yha.com.au Trekkers Backpackers 22 White St, Southport. 1800 100 004, trekkersbackpackers.com.au

GC DO Dreamworld Theme park. dreamworld.com.au Get Wet Surf School 07 5532 9907, Seaworld seaworld.com.au Wet â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;nâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Wild Water World wetnwild.myfun.com.au Warener Bros Movie World movieworld.com.au Zorb Adrenalin rolling.

07 5547 6300

SUNSHINE CST Mooloolaba Backpackers 75-77 Brisbane Rd, Mooloolaba. 1800 020 120 mooloolababackpackers.com Dolphins Beach House 14-16 Duke Street, Noosa 1800 454 456, dolphinsbeachhouse.com Nomads Noosa 44 Noosa Dr, Noosa Heads.

1800 666 237, nomadshostels.com Halse Lodge YHA 2 Halse Lane, Noosa.

1800 242 567, halselodge.com.au

8EEA M; M?J> '+j ;AI IJH KI <EH JME ^ :; 7 9 (&' ?=>J 8;JM;;D ' # '+j^ @ 7D (&'(

RAINBOW BEACH

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Dingos Backpacker Adventure Resort 20 Spectrum St. 1800 111 126 dingosresort.com Pippies Beach House 22 Spectrum St. 1800 425 356, pippiesbeachhouse.com

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Skydive Rainbow Beach 0418 218 358, skydiverainbowbeach.com

HERVEY BAY Aussie Woolshed 181 Torquay Road.

07 4124 0677 woolshedbackpackers.com Colonial Village YHA 820 Boat Harbour Drive.

07 4125 1844 yha.com.au Fraser Roving 412 The Esplanade.

1800 989 811, fraserroving.com.au Halse Lodge YHA 408 The Esplanade.

1800 242 567, halselodge.com.au Next at Hervey Bay 10 Bideford St. 1800 102 989, nextbackpackers.com.au Nomads Hervey Bay 408 The Esplanade.

1800 666 237, nomadshostels.com Palace Backpackers 184 Torquay Rd. 1800 063 168, palaceadventures.com.au

FRASER ISLAND Eurong Beach Resort 07 4120 1600 eurong.com.au Palace Adventures 184 Torquay St, Hervey Bay, 1800 063 168 palaceadventures.com.au

BUNDABERG Federal Backpackers 221 Bourbong St. 07 4153 3711 federalbackpackers.com.au Northside Backpackers 12 Queen St. 07 4154 1166 Bundaberg Bondstore Distillery tours. 07 4131 2999 bundabergrum.com.au

TOWN OF 1770

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s .EW &ARM &ORTITUDE 6ALLEY s 7ORKING 4RAVELLERS !CCOMMODATION s "RAND .EW INNER SPRING BEDS s !LL BEDROOMS HAVE 46 AND &RIDGES s $BL ROOMS 3INGLE ROOMS AVAILABLE s & F STUDIO OWN KITCHEN AND BATHROOM n WEEK MINIMUM STAY s 0RICES FROM AS LOW AS A NIGHT AND THAT S YOUR OWN PRIVATE F F ROOM s 4RANSPORT GALORE WITH WALKING DISTANCE TO #"$ &ORTITUDE 6ALLEY

9/5 7/. 4 &).$ !.94().' %,3% ,)+% 4()3 !4 4(%3% 02)#%3 )++ <Zdg\Z HigZZi !7g^hWVcZ deedh^iZ i]Z IgVch^i 8ZcigZ

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ÂŁÂŁĂ&#x2021;Ă&#x160; , "1,/Ă&#x160;-/, /]Ă&#x160; 7Ă&#x160; , ]Ă&#x160;+ ]Ă&#x160;{ääx 7Zhi 6XXdbbdYVi^dc 7Zhi EVgin C^\]i

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F*CK SYDNEY! NYE 2011

I’M GOING TO

VEGAS! $249 fors igc h18 t- 24 14 en en De Betw

to Birdees +Free entry days , Family Fri XMAS Party travaganza xing day Ex + Bunk Bo

QLD’S #1 HOSTEL

COMPARE THE COST!

QLDLISTINGS BOOK NOW!

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Bungalow Bay Backpackers Horseshoe Bay. 1800 285 577, bungalowbay.com.au Magnums 7 Marine Pde, Arcadia Bay. 1800 663 666, magnetic-island.com/arc-rsrt.htm Pleasure Divers 07 4778 5788

MISSION BEACH Scotty’s Beach House 167 Reid Rd, Mission Beach.

07 4068 8676, scottysbeachhouse.com.au

GOLD COAST VS MELBOURNE HEART Skilled Park. Fri, Nov 18. From $27.

Mid-table battlers Gold Coast play host to bottom of the league Heart this weekend in a fixture that both sides should be desperate to win.

Robina, Gold Coast

ticketek.com.au

1770 Backpackers 6 Captain Cook Dr. 1800 121 770, the1770backpackers.com

Village Resort 366 Shute Harbour Rd. 1800 624 634 magnums.com.au

1770 Undersea Adventures 1300 553 889, 1770underseaadventures.com

Nomads Airlie Beach 354 Shute Harbour Rd. 1800 666 237 nomadshostels.com

ROCKHAMPTON

BOWEN

Emus Beach Resort 88 of Patterson St, Emu Park. 07 4939 6111, emusbeachresort.com

Bowen Backpackers Beach end of Herbert St. 07 4786 3433 bowenbackpackers.net

Myella Farmstay Baralaba.

07 4998 1290, myella.com

AIRLIE BEACH Airlie Beach YHA 394 Shute Harbour Rd. 1800 247 251, yha.com.au Airlie Waterfront Backpackers 6 The Esplanade. 1800 089 000, airliewaterfront.com Backpackers by the Bay 12 Hermitage Dr. 1800 646 994, backpackersbythebay.com Base Airlie Beach Resort 336 Shute Harbour Rd. 1800 242 273, stayatbase.com Magnums Whitsunday

TOWNSVILLE

INNISFAIL Innisfail Budget Backpackers Worker’s Hostel 125 Edith St. 07 4061 7833 Walkabout Motel & Backpackers 07 4061 2311

CAIRNS STAY Bohemia Central Cairns 100 Sheridan St. 1800 558 589, bohemiacentral.com.au Bohemia Resort Cairns 231 McLeod St. 1800 155 353, bohemiaresort.com.au Calypso Backpackers 5 Digger St. 1800 815 628, calypsobackpackers.com.au Dreamtime Travellers Rest 189 Bunda St. 1800 058 440, dreamtimehostel.com

Adventurers Resort 79 Palmer St. 1800 211 522, adventurersresort.com

Gilligans Backpackers and Hotel Resort 57-89 Grafton St. 1800 556 995, gilligans.com.au

Adrenalin Dive Yongala diving.

07 4724 0600, adrenalindive.com.au

JJ’s Backpackers Hostel 11 Charles St. 07 4051 7642, jjsbackpackers.com

Yongala Dive Yongala diving.

07 4783 1519, yongaladive.com.au

NJOY Travellers Resort Harbour 141 Sheridan St. 1800 807 055, njoy.net.au

MAGNETIC ISL Base Magnetic Island 1 Nelly Bay Rd. 1800 24 22 73, stayatbase.com

Nomads Beach House 239 Sheridan St. 1800 229 228, nomadshostels.com Nomads Cairns 341 Lake St. 1800 737 736, nomadshostels.com

BOOK NOW! SURF ‘N’ INK Gold Coast Convention Centre. Jan 13-15. $67 for three-day pass These artists have amazed millions of tattoo and art lovers. If you have tattoos, have thought about getting one, or just love the art, get along.

Broadbeach, Gold Coast Nomads Esplanade 93 The Esplanade. 1800 175 716, nomadshostels.com Northern Greenhouse 117 Grafton St. 1800 000 541, northerngreenhouse.com.au

CAIRNS DO AJ Hackett Bungy jumping and canyon swinging.

1800 622 888 cairns.ajhackett.com Cairns Dive Centre 1800 642 591, cairnsdive.com.au Pro Dive 07 4031 5255, prodivecairns.com Raging Thunder Adventures Whitewater rafting. 07 4030 7990, ragingthunder.com.au Skydive Cairns 07 4052 1822, skydivecairns.com.au Skydive Cairns 07 4030 7990, ragingthunder.com.au Skyrail Rainforest Cableway 07 4038 1555, skyrail.com.au

ATHERTON

ticketek.com.au Kuranda Rainforest Park 88 Kuranda Heaights Rd, Kuranda.

07 4093 7316 kurandarainforestpark.com.au

PORT DOUGLAS Parrotfish Backpackers Resort 37 Warner St, Kuranda.

07 4099 5011, parrotfishlodge.com

GULF SAVANNAH Emu Creek Cattle Station 07 4094 8313

DAINTREE Koala Beach Resort Cape Kimberly Rd. 1800 466 444

CAPE TRIB Crocodylus Village Lot 5, Buchanan Creek Rd, Cow Bay. 07 4098 9166, crocodyluscapetrib.com PK’s Jungle Village Cnr Avalon & Cape Trib Rd. 1800 232 333, pksjunglevillage.com.au

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

FRASER ISLAND Known as a backpacker hotspot, the world’s largest sand island is also awesome for 4-wheel driving, camping, dingo spotting and snorkelling. And building sand castles of course. Get yourself on a self-drive tour for the real Fraser experience. You and up to eight new friends are assigned to a vehicle that gets you around and carries the camp gear, usually for three days/two nights.

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heart of the reef Airlie Beach QUEENSLAND THE WHITSUNDAY ISL ANDS

are one of the world s most spectacular aquatic playgrounds ds ds & encompass 74 tropical islands rising from pristine turquoise oise waters, hosting lots of incredible marine and wild life.

WHITEHAVEN BEACH CAMIRA SAILING ADVENTURE

Swimming, snorkelling, beautiful beaches and bays, a stuff-yourself-stupid BBQ lunch with unlimited drinks plus us exhilarating sailing aboard Camira one of the world s fastest est sailing catamarans â&#x20AC;&#x2019; an awesome day out on the water!r! $139*pp SAVE $36

GRE AT BARRIER REEF ADVENT URES

The Great Barrier Reef is truly one of the great wonders rs of the natural world. Cruise aboard Seaflight to Queensland land s most innovative reef pontoon featuring a giant waterslide slide and underwater viewing chamber. Explore the underwater water wonderland with diving, snorkelling, semi-sub or glasss bottom boat rides. Includes morning / afternoon tea and an all you can eat buffet lunch. $139*pp SAVE $60

2 DAYS 1 NIGHT BAREFOOT L AZ Y DAZE

Start your holiday with a choice of either a Whitehavenn Beach Camira Sailing Adventure, or a Great Barrier Reef Adventures. Overnight at Long Island. When you dream of an Island experience this is what you dream of! Spend the day enjoying the facilities at Long Island Resort or find your own secluded bay and take in the great outdoors. Great snorkelling. Ferry/ bus us departures back to Airlie available at a variety of times. s.

You may just be tempted to stay another night!

From $199*pp (Dorm accommodation) plus heaps of other great packages 3-6 days available

info@awesomeoz.com

* 52

www.awesomeoz.com

Backpacker prices only available on presentation of a valid Student, Peterpans, YHA, ISIC, VIP or NOMADS card. Valid for travel until 31 March 2012. Conditions apply, see our website for details.

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TNT625- AAO2765

All day cruises and packages depart daily from Airlie Beach. For info and bookings see your travel centre or contact us: FREECALL1800 awesome

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facebook/tnt downunder Aberdeen St, Northbridge.

1800 188 100, oneworldbackpackers.com.au

BOOK NOW!

Perth City YHA 300 Wellington St. 08 9287 3333, yha.com.au The Old Swan Barracks 6 Francis St. 08 9428 0000, theoldswanbarracks.com Underground Backpackers 268 Newcastle St, Northbridge.

08 9228 3755, undergroundbackpackers.com.au The Witch’s Hat 148 Palmerston St. 08 9228 4228, witchshat.com

BOOK NOW!

PERTH DO SEAL Swan Valley. Sun, Feb 12 $TBC The man who wants a kiss from a rose is bringing his soul show Down Under. In WA he’ll perform at a winery, just to make it extra special.

Sandalford Estate

Kings Park & Botanic Garden bgpa.wa.gov.au

ticketek.com.au

PERTH STAY Billabong Backpackers Resort 381 Beaufort St. 08 9328 7720, billabongresort.com.au Britannia on William 253 William St, Northbridge. 08 9227 6000, perthbrittania.com Emperor’s Crown 85 Stirling St, Northbridge. 1800 991 553,

Aquarium of Western Australia 91 Southside Drive, Hillarys.

08 9447 7500, aqwa.com.au

emperorscrown.com.au

Perth Mint 310 Hay St. 08 9421 7223, perthmint.com.au

Globe Backpackers & City Oasis Resort 561 Wellington St. 08 9321 4080, globebackpackers.com.au

Perth Zoo 20 Labouchere Road, South Perth.

08 9474 3551, perthzoo.wa.gov.au

Ocean Beach Backpackers 1 Eric St, Cottlesloe. 08 9384 5111, oceanbeachbackpackers.com.au One World Backpackers 162

PERTH MUSIC Amplifier amplifiercapitol.com.au

AN EVENING WITH JOHN CLEESE Perth. Jan 24-28. From $94.

Mr Faulty Towers brings his new stand-up show to Perth. Cleese guarantees a night of anecdotes and attacks on his peers.

Regal Theatre Perth Astor Theatre liveattheastor.com.au

Darwin

ntu e v d A n e p s A

Nt

Qld

Wa

Brisbane

Sa Perth

Nsw Sydney

Adelaide

Vic Melbourne Hobart

1355

Visit our website for great accommodation specials and online bookings

FREO STAY Backpackers Inn Freo 11 Pakenham St. 08 9431 7065, backpackersinnfreo.com.au

Mojo’s Bar mojosbar.com.au The Bakery nowbaking.com.au The Rosemount Hotel rosemounthotel.com.au

Aspen Parks Begin your re today...

ticketek.com.au

Old Firestation Backpackers 18 Phillimore St. 08 9430 5454, fremantleprison.com.au Sundancer Backpackers Resort

Holiday Parks with a difference Australia Wide Western Australia Woodman Point Holiday Park Coogee Beach Holiday Park Perth Vineyards Holiday Park Exmouth Cape Holiday Park Blue Reef Backpackers Pilbara Holiday Park Cooke Point Holiday Park

1800 244 133 1800 817 016 1800 679 992 1800 621 101 1800 621 101 1800 451 855 1800 459 999

South Australia Port Augusta BIG4 Holiday Park 1800 833 444 Myall Grove Holiday Park 1800 356 103 Victoria Boathaven Holiday Park Geelong Riverview Tourist Park Golden River Holiday Park Yarraby Holiday Park Ashley Gardens BIG4 Holiday Village

1800 352 982 1800 336 225 1800 621 262 1800 222 052 1800 061 444

New South Wales A Shady River Holiday Park Maiden’s Inn Holiday Park Magic Murray Houseboats Murray River Holiday Park Wymah Valley Holiday Park Twofold Bay Beach Resort Wallamba River Holiday Park

1800 674 239 1800 356 801 1800 356 483 1800 357 215 1800 776 523 1800 631 006 1800 268 176

Queensland Island Gateway Holiday Park

1800 466 528

aspenparks.com.au TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

53

Monkey Mia Flash Backpackers

WALISTINGS follow us on

80 High St. 08 9336 6080, sundancerbackpackers.com.au

FREO DO Fremantle Markets 08 9335 2515, fremantlemarkets.com.au Fremantle Prison 1 The Terrace.

08 9336 9200, backpackersinnfreo.com.au

ROTTNEST ISL t accommodation. Stunning beachfront location.

Quality budge able, world-leading activities and facilities.

Unique, afford shpacker Voted top ten f la nder $100 in Australia u n o ti a d o accomm eller Magazine v a r T n

by Australia

Rottnest Island YHA Kingstown Barracks. 08 9372 9780, yha.com.au

MARGARET RIV Margaret River Lodge YHA 220 Railway Tce. 08 9757 9532, yha.com.au

ALBANY Albany Bayview Backpackers YHA 49 Duke St. 08 9842 3388, yha.com.au Cruize-Inn 122 Middleton Rd. 08 9842 9599, cruizeinn.com

monkeymia@aspenresorts.com.au t freecall 1800 653 611 t ph +61 8 9948 1320 t monkeymia.com.au

Metro Inn Albany 270 Albany Hwy. 1800 004 321,

@tnt_downunder

metrohotels.com.au

MONKEY MIA Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort 1800 653 611, monkeymia.com.au

NINGALOO REEF Blue Reef Backpackers 3 Truscott Crescent, Exmouth 1800 621 101, aspenparks.com.au Ningaloo Club Coral Bay 08 9948 5100, ningalooclub.com Excape Backpackers YHA Murat Rd, Exmouth. 08 9949 1200, yha.com.au

BROOME STAY Cable Beach Backpackers 12 Sanctuary Road. 1800 655 011, cablebeachbackpackers.com Kimberley Club 62 Fredrick St 08 9192 3233, kimberleyklub.com

BROOME DO Sun Pictures Carnarvon St. 08 9192 1077, broomemovies.com.au

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

NINGLAOO MARINE PARK The whales may be moving out but the turtles are taking over the lease on the shores of this marine park, where they’ll nest for the next three months. Three out of the world’s seven species of turtles nest on the beaches of the Ningaloo Marine Park: the loggerhead, hawksbill and green turtle, which are all protected. The process for the turtles is lengthy and has to be just right. If a turtle gets disturbed while building the nest, or finding the perfect spot, they stop what they’re doing and go back to the ocean without laying their eggs, so organised tours are advisable.

Offshore, the reef is amazingly accessible, some of it only being 100m from the peninsula. It is home to a staggering variety of marine life, including over 220 species of hard coral.

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DARWIN STAY Banyan View Lodge Darwin 119 Mitchell St. 08 8981 8644, banyanviewlodge.com.au

KATHERINE STAY BIG4 Katherine Holiday Park 20 Shadforth Road.

1800 501 984, big4.com.au

BOOK NOW!

Darwin YHA 97 Mitchell St. 08 8981 5385, yha.com.au

Airborne Solutions Scenic helicopter flights. 08 8972 2345 airbornesolutions.com.au

Gecko Lodge 146 Mitchell St. 1800 811 250, geckolodge.com.au

Nitmiluk Tours Gorge cruises and kayak hire. 1300 146 743 nitmiluktours.com.au

DARWIN DO Crocosaurus Cove Crocodile park and cage of death. 58 Mitchell St. 08 8981 7522, crocosauruscove.com Deckchair Cinema Jervois Rd, Darwin Waterfront.

08 8981 0700, deckchaircinema.com.au

ALICE DO Alice Springs Desert Park Larapinta Drive.

08 8951 8788, alicespringsdesertpark.com.au

KATHERINE DO

Frogshollow Backpackers 27 Lindsay St. 1800 068 686, frogs-hollow.com.au

Youth Shack 69 Mitchell St. 1300 793 302, youthshack.com.au

Toddy’s Resort 41 Gap Rd. 1800 027 027, toddys.com.au

Palm Court Kookaburra Backpackers Giles St. 1800 626 722

Elkes Backpackers 112 Mitchell St. 1800 808 365, elkesbackpackers.com.au

Melaleuca on Mitchell 52 Mitchell St. 1300 723 437, momdarwin.com

Haven Resort 3 Larapinta Drive.

1800 794 663, alicehaven.com.au

XZIBIT Darwin Exhibition Centre. Wed, Dec 14, $75 Hip-hop heavyweight Xzibit (and ex-host of MTV’s Pimp My Ride ) is bringing his show to Darwin in what is sure to be an unmissable show.

Darwin Wharf Precinct Fannie Bay Gaol Heritage prison.

East Point Road, Fannie Bay. 08 8941 2260, nt.gov.au Museum & Art Gallery of the Northern Territory 19 Conacher St, Bullocky Point. 08 8999 8264, magnt.nt.gov.au Oz Jet Boating Stokes Hill Wharf.

darwinentertainment.com.au

Alice Springs Reptile Centre Meet and hold lizards.

9 Stuart Terrace.

08 8952 8900, reptilecentre.com.au Outback Ballooning Hot air balloon rides.

1800 809 790, outbackballooning.com.au

TENNANT CREEK Tourist Rest Leichardt St. 08 8962 2719, touristrest.com.au

Royal Flying Doctor Service Base Museum and operations room.

Stuart Terrace. 08 8952 1129, flyingdoctor.net

ALICE SPRINGS

1300 135 595, ozjetboating.com.au Spectacular Jumping Crocodile Cruise Adelaide River.

08 8978 9077, jumpingcrocodile.com.au

Alice Lodge 4 Mueller St. 08 8953 1975, alicelodge.com.au Alice Springs YHA Cnr Parsons St & Leichhardt Tce. 08 8952 8855, yha.com.au

Wave Lagoon Waterfront Precinct. waterfront.nt.gov.au

Annie’s Place 4 Traeger Ave. 1800 359 089, anniesplace.com.au

School of the Air Long-distance schooling museum.

80 Head St. 08 8951 6834, assoa.nt.edu.au The Rock Tour Uluru tours.

78 Todd St. 1800 246 345, therocktour.com.au

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

MACDONNELL RANGES If you’re in the Alice Springs-Uluru area, a trip to these ranges should be on your to-do list. Sweeping for over 400km, the ranges form a rugged red barrier across the vast central Australian plain, consisting of mainly long, steep-sided ridges that rise 100m to 600m above the valley floors. You’ll also see deep gorges carved by ancient rivers that head south into the Simpson Desert. Just make sure you stock up on fuel.

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55

VICLISTINGS

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MELBOURNE STAY

The Tote thetotehotel.com

BOOK NOW!

All Nations Backpackers Hotel & Bar 2 Spencer St. 1800 222 238, allnations.com.au

GREAT OCEAN RD Anglesea Backpackers 40 Noble St, Anglesea.

03 5263 2664, angleseabackpackers.com.au

Base Melbourne 17 Carlisle St, St. Kilda.

1800 242 273, stayatbase.com Central Melbourne Accommodation 21 Bromham Place, Richmond.

03 9427 9826, centralaccommodation.net

Eco Beach YHA 5 Pascoe St. 03 5237 7899, yha.com.au Great Ocean Road Backpackers YHA 10 Erskine Av, Lorne.

03 5289 2508, yha.com.au

Exford Hotel 199 Russell St. 03 9663 2697, exfordhotel.com.au Flinders Station Hotel 35 Elizabeth St. 03 9620 5100, flindersbackpackers.com.au

CORNERSHOP Prince Bandroom, Melbourne. Thurs, Feb 16. $48.

The UK’s genre-bending act have been around since the 90s and they’re finally bringing their Brimful of Asha to Oz.

The Greenhouse Backpacker Level 6, 228 Flinders Lane.

1800 249 207, greenhousebackpacker.com.au Habitat HQ 333 St Kilda Road, St Kilda. 1800 202 500, habitathq.com.au Home at the Mansion 66 Victoria Parade. 03 9663 4212, homemansion.com.au

Melbourne

moshtix.com.au

hotelspencer.com Urban Central 334 City Rd, Southbank. 1800 631 288, urbancentral.com.au

MELBOURNE DO

Home Travellers Motel 32 Carlisle St, St Kilda. 1800 008 718, hometravellersmotel.com.au

Australian Centre for the Moving Image Federation Square.

03 8663 2200, acmi.net.au

Hotel Bakpak Melbourne 167 Franklin St. 1800 645 200, hotelbakpak.com

Melbourne Aquarium Cnr of Flinders St & King St. 03 9923 5999, melbourneaquarium.com.au

Melbourne Central YHA 562 Flinders St. 03 9621 2523, yha.com.au Nomads Melbourne 198 A’beckett St. 1800 447 762, nomadshostels.com Space Hotel 380 Russell St. 1800 670 611, spacehotel.com.au The Spencer 475 Spencer St. 1800 638 108,

Port Campbell Hostel 18 Tregea St, Port Campbell.

03 5598 6305, portcampbellhostel.com.au

Melbourne Cricket Ground Brunton Av. 03 9657 8888 mcg.org.au Melbourne Museum 11 Nicholson St, Carlton. 13 11 02 melbourne.museum.vic.gov.au National Gallery of Victoria Federation Square. ngv.vic.gov.au Old Melbourne Gaol

377 Russell St. 03 8663 7228, oldmelbournegaol.com.au Official Neighbours Tours 570 Flinders St. 03 9629 5866, neighbourstour.com.au

MELB MUSIC Cherry Bar myspace.com/cherrybarmelbourne Corner Hotel cornerhotel.com East Brunswick Club eastbrunswickclub.com Esplanade Hotel espy.com.au Northcote Social Club northcotesocialclub.com Palace Theatre palace.com.au The Hi-Fi thehifi.com.au

Surfside Backpackers Cnr Great Ocean Rd & Gambier St, Apollo Bay. 1800 357 263, surfsidebackpacker.com

@tnt_downunder

MURRAY RIVER Echuca Gardens YHA 103 Mitchell St, Echuca.

03 5480 6522, yha.com.au Mildura City Backpackers 50 Lemon Ave, Mildura. 03 5022 7922, milduracitybackpackers.com.au Oasis Backpackers 230 Deakin Av, Mildura. 04 0734 4251, milduraoasisbackpackers.com.au

GIPPSLAND Prom Country Backpackers 03 5682 2614 Rawsom Caravan Park Depot Rd, Rawson. 03 5165 3439, rawsoncaravanpark.com.au

PHILLIP ISLAND

Torquay Foreshore Caravan Park 35 Bell St, Torquay. 1300 736 533 torquaycaravanpark.com.au

Amaroo Park YHA 97 Church St, Cowes. 03 5952 3620, yha.com.au

MORNINGTON

The Island Accommodation 10-12 Phillip Island Tourist Road.

03 5956 6123 theislandaccommodation.com.au

Bayplay Lodge 46 Canterbury Jetty Rd, Blairgowrie.

03 5988 0188, bayplay.com.au Sorrento Foreshore Reserve Nepean Hwy, Sorrento. 1800 850 600, mornpen.vic.gov.au Sorrento YHA 3 Miranda St, Sorrento.

03 5984 4323, yha.com.au Tortoise Head Lodge French Island. 03 5980 1234, tortoisehead.net

DANDENONG Emerald Backpackers 03 5968 4086

GRAMPIANS Brambuck Backpackers 330 Grampians Road, Halls Gap. 03 5356 4250, brambuck.com.au Fleece Inn YHA 139 Charleston Rd, Bendigo. 03 5443 3086, yha.com. au Grampians YHA Eco Hostel Cnr Grampians & Buckler Rds, Halls Gap. 03 5356 4543, yha.com.au Old Crown Hotel 238 Hargreaves St, Bendigo. 03 5441 6888 Tim’s Place 44 Grampians Road,

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

DAYLESFORD Set amongst the scenic hills, forests and lakes of the Central Highlands, Daylesford is the perfect ‘spa weekend’ getaway for any time of the year. If you’re not interested in a spa treatment from the area’s natural mineral springs, then there are walks to discover, great food and wine to be tasted and an interesting blend of hippies and gays to befriend.

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FREYCINET

BAROSSA VAL Barossa Backpackers 9 Basedow Road Tanunda.

08 8563 0198, barossabackpackers.com.au

STRAHAN Discovery Holiday Parks Cnr Andrew & Innes St. 1800 454 292, discoveryholidayparks.com.au Strahan YHA 43 Harvey St. 03 6471 7255, yha.com

The Grace Emily. Thurs, Dec 1. $23.50 The ex-Superjesus singer is bringing her acoustic guitar to Adelaide for an intimate stripped-back gig in one of the city’s coolest little bars.

Adelaide

moshtix.com.au

HOBART STAY Central City Backpackers 138 Collins St. 1800 811 507, centralbackpackers.com.au Hobart Hostel 41 Barrack St. 1300 252 192, hobarthostel.com.au Montgomery’s YHA 9 Argyle St. 03 6231 2660, yha.com.au Narrara Backpackers 88 Goulburn St. 03 6234 8801, narrarabackpackers.com Pickled Frog 281 Liverpool St. 03 6234 7977, thepickledfrog.com Transit Backpackers 251 Liverpool St. 03 6231 2400, transitbackpackers.com

HOBART DO Cascade Brewery 140 Cascade Rd. 03 6224 1117 cascadebreweryco.com.au Mt Wellington Descent Bike tours. 03 6274 1880 mtwellingtondescent.com.au Salamanca Markets Every Saturday, Salamanca Place. salamanca.com.au Tasmanian Museum & Art Gallery 5 Argyle St. tmag.com.au

PORT ARTHUR Port Arthur Historic Ghost Tours 1800 659 101, portarthur.org.au

LAUNCESTON Arthouse Backpacker Hostel 20 Lindsay St. 1800 041 135, arthousehostel.com.au Launceston Backpackers 103 Canning St. 03 6334 2327, launcestonbackpackers.com.au Lloyds Hotel 23 George St.

STRAHAN DO Four Wheelers Henty Sand Dunes quadbike tours. 04 1950 8175, 4wheelers.com.au

03 6331 9906, backpackersaccommodation.com.au

Water by Nature Extreme multiday whitewater rafting. 1800 111 142, franklinrivertasmania.com

LAUNCESTON DO

Wild Rivers Jet Jet boating. 03 6471 7396, wildriversjet.com.au adelaide stay

Cataract Gorge launcestoncataractgorge.com.au Centre for Beer Lovers Boag’s Brewery, 39 William St. 03 6332 6300, boags.com.au Queen Victoria Museum & Art Gallery 2 Invermay Rd & 2 Wellington St. 03 6323 3777, qvmag.tas.gov.au Tasmania Zoo 1166 Ecclestone Rd. 03 6396 6100, tasmaniazoo.com.au

DEVONPORT Tasman Backpackers 114 Tasman St. 03 6423 2335, tasmanbackpackers.com.au

BICHENO Bicheno Backpackers 11 Morrison St. 03 6375 1651, bichenobackpackers.com Bicheno Penguin Tours 03 6375 1333, bichenopenguintours.com.au

CRADLE MTN Discovery Holiday Parks Cradle Mountain Rd. 1800 068 574, discoveryholidayparks.com.au Mt Roland Budget Backpacker Rooms 1447 Claude Rd, Gowrie Park.

03 6491 1385.

CRADLE DO

Riverland Backpackers Labour Hire Services 08 8583 0211

Iluka Backpackers YHA Reserve Rd. 03 6257 0115, yha.com.au Freycinet National Park Brewery, Wineglass Bay camping. 03 6256 7000, wineglassbay.com

SARAH MCLEOD

04 1281 1838, dolphinboat.com.au

ADELAIDE STAY Adelaide Oval Home to the Adelaide Backpackers Inn 112 Carrington St. 1800 24 77 25, adpi.com.au Adelaide Central YHA 135 Waymouth St. 08 8414 3010, yha.com.au Adelaide Travellers Inn 220 Hutt St. 08 8224 0753, adelaidebackpackers.com.au Annie’s Place 239 Franklin St. 1800 818 011, anniesplace.com.au Backpack Oz 144 Wakefield St. 1800 633 307, backpackoz.com.au

COOBER PEDY Opal Cave Coober Pedy Hutchinson St. 08 8672 5028, opalcavecooberpedy.com.au Radeka Down Under 1 Oliver St. 1800 633 891, radekadownunder.com.au

FLEURIEU PENIN Port Elliot Beach House YHA 13 The Strand, Port Elliot. 08 8554 2785, yha.com.au

EYRE PENINSULA Coodlie Park Farmstay Flinders Highway, Port Kenny.

08 8687 0411, coodliepark.com Baird Bay Ocean Eco Experience Sea lion and dolphin swims.

08 8626 5017, bairdbay.com

Riba’s Underground 1811 William Creek Rd. 08 8672 5614, camp-underground.com.au

Calypso Star Charters Great white shark cage diving.

08 8682 3939, sharkcagediving.com.au

KANGAROO IS Kangaroo Island YHA 33 Middle Terrace, Penneshaw.

08 8553 1344, yha.com.au

RIVERLAND

Nullarbor Traveller Tours across to Perth.

1800 816 858, the-traveller.com.au Port Lincoln Tourist Park 11 Hindmarsh St. 08 8621 4444, portlincolntouristpark.com.au Rodney Fox Shark Expeditions Great white shark cage diving.

08 8363 1788, rodneyfox.com.au

Berri Backpackers Sturt Highway, Berri.

08 8582 3144, berribackpackers.com.au

FLINDERS RANGES

Harvest Trail Lodge Loxton.08 8584 5646, harvesttrail.com.au Nomads on Murray Sturt Highway, Kingston on Murray.

1800 665 166, nomadsworld.com

Angorichina Tourist Village 08 8648 4842, angorichinavillage.com.au Wilpena Pound Resort Wilpena Rd. 08 8648 0004, wilpenapound.com.au

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Blue Galah Backpackers Lvl 1, 52-62, King William St. 08) 8231 9295, bluegalah.com.au Glenelg Beach Hostel 5-7 Moseley St. Glenelg. 1800 359 181, glenelgbeachhostel.com.au Hostel 109 109 Carrington St. 1800 099 318, hostel109.com My Place 257 Waymouth St. 1800 221 529, adelaidehostel.com.au Shakespeare Hostel 123 Waymouth St. 1800 556 889, shakeys.com.au

ADELAIDE DO Adelaide Oval Home to the Donald Bradman collection. War Memorial Drive.

08 8300 3800, cricketsa.com.au Adelaide Zoo Frome Rd. 08 8267 3255, zoossa.com.au

Devils at Cradle Tassie devil sanctuary.

3950 Cradle Mountain Rd. 03 6492 1491. devilsatcradle.com

Haigh’s Chocolates Factory tours. 153 Greenhill Rd, Parkside. 1800 819 757, haighschocolates.com.au

Overland Track Six-day walk

Temptation Sailing Dolphin swimming, Glenelg.

WINEGLASS BAY Often voted one of the top 10 beaches in the world, this is one beach that lives up to its hype. But don’t assume it will be an easy walk in the park to get there. It is quite a strenuous journey and a climb of 800 steps each way. Nonetheless, there are beautiful views on the way.

People walk there in droves so start early to avoid the crowds.

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BUS TOURS

BOOK NOW!

Flexi-Pass Combines InterCity and Newmans. 0800 222 146, flexipass.co.nz

jucy.com.nz

0800 227 369, stayatbase.com

Rent-A-Dent 0800 736 823, rentadent.co.nz

Bamber House (BBH) 2 2 View Rd, Mt Eden. +64 9623 4267, hostelbackpacker.com

Rental Car Village +64 9376 9935, hire-vehicles.co.nz

Flying Kiwi Wilderness Expeditions 1800 143 515, flyingkiwi.com

Spaceships 1300 139 091, spaceships.tv Standby Cars 1300 789 059, standbycars.com.au

Kiwi Experience +64 9366 9830 kiwiexperience.com

Wicked Campers 1800 246 869, wickedcampers.com

Magic Travellers Network +64 9358 5600, magicbus.co.nz NZ Travelpass 0800 339 966, travelpass.co.nz

AUCKLAND

Stray +64 9309 8772, straytravel.com

ST JEROME’S LANEWAY FESTIVAL Auckland. Mon, Jan 30. From NZ$127.

This excellent boutique festival is back in Auckland for a third year running. The lineup includes Gotye, The Horrors and Laura Marling.

RENTAL FIRMS Ace Rental Cars 1800 140 026, acerentalcars.com.nz

Silo Park, Wynyard Quarter

ticketek.co.nz

Airport Skyway Lodge Backpackers (BBH) 30 Kirkbride Road, Mangere. +64 9275 4443, skywaylodge.co.nz Albert Park Backpackers (VIP) 27-31 Victoria St East. +64 9309 0336, bakpak@albertpark.co.nz

Backpacker Campervan & Car Rentals +800 200 80 801, backpackercampervans.com

363, exploremore.co.nz

272, escaperentals.co.nz

Bargain Rental Cars 0800 001 122, bargainrentals.com.nz

Econo Campers +64 9275 9919, econocampers.co.nz

Explore More 1800 800 327, dcrentals.com.nz

Auckland International Backpackers (BBH) 2 Churton St, Parnell. +64358 4584,

Darn Cheap Rentals 0800 447

Escape Rentals 1800 456

Jucy Rentals 0800 399 736,

Base Auckland 229 Queen St.

Central City Backpackers 26 Lorne St. +64 9358 5685, backpacker.net.nz City Garden Lodge 25 St Georges Bay Rd, Parnell. +64 9302 0880 Kiwi International Queen St Hotel and Hostel 411 Queen St. 0800 100 411, kiwihotel.co.nz The Fat Camel (Nomads) 38 Fort St. +64 9307 0181, nomadshostels.com Nomads Auckland 16-20 Fort St. +64 9300 9999, nomadshostels.com Oaklands Lodge (BBH) 5A Oaklands Rd, Mt Eden. +64 9638 6545, oaklands.co.nz Pentlands (BBH) 22 Pentland Ave, Mt Eden. +64 9638 7031 Queen Street Backpackers (VIP)

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

WHITEWATER SLEDGING Near Rotorua, on New Zealand’s North Island, hit the grade 3 Kaituna River for NZ$109 or the grade 5 Wairoa River for NZ$299.

Who needs a boat, eh? Perhaps one of the more novel and insane, yet brilliantly simple, adventure sports available. Started by some crazy Frenchmen back in the 70s, all you need is a wetsuit, helmet, life jacket, flippers, a healthy amount of guts, a small board and you’re off – flying through the rapids with a, er, fish’s eye view. kaitiaki.co.nz

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WHEN YOU JOIN YHA

yha.co.nz

Less clicking and more member savings on the new, faster yha.co.nz.

Backpacking just got easy as.

NZLISTINGS 4 Fort St. +64 9373 3471, enquiries@qsb.co.nz Surf ‘n’ Snow Backpackers 102 Albert St. +64 9363 8889, surfandsnow.co.nz The Brown Kiwi (BBH) 7 Prosford St, Ponsonby. +64 9378 0191, brownkiwi.co.nz YHA Auckland City Cnr City Rd & Liverpool St. +64 9309 2802, yha.co.nz YHA Auckland International 5 Turner St. +64 9302 8200, yha.co.nz

WELLINGTON Base Wellington 21-23 Cambridge Tce. +64 4801 5666 stayatbase.com Cambridge Hotel (BBH) 28 Cambridge Tce. +64 4385 8829 cambridgehotel.co.nz Downtown Wellington Backpackers (BBH) 1 Bunny St. +64 4473 8482 db@downtownbackpackers.co.nz Lodge in the City (VIP) 152 Taranaki St. +64 4385 8560 lodgeinthecity.co.nz

Maple Lodge (BBH) 52 Ellice St. +64 4385 3771 Nomads Capital 118 Wakefield St. 0508 666 237, nomadscapital.com Rosemere Backpackers (BBH) 6 McDonald Cres. +64 4384 3041, backpackerswellington.co.nz Rowena’s Backpackers (VIP) 115 Brougham St. 0800 80 1414 Wellywood Backpackers 58 Tory St. 0508 00 58 58 Worldwide Backpackers (BBH) 291 The Terrace. +64 4802 5590, worldwidenz.co.nz YHA Wellington City 292 Wakefield St. +64 4801 7280 yha.co.nz

CHRISTCHURCH Around the World Backpackers 314 Barbadoes Street. +64 3365 4363 aroundtheworld.co.nz

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BOOK NOW! 6876, avoncitybackpackers.com Chester Street Backpackers (BBH) 148 Chester St East. +64 3377 1897, chesterst.co.nz Foley Towers (BBH) 208 Kilmore St. +64 3366 9720, backpack.co.nz/foley Jailhouse Accommodation (BBH) 338 Lincoln Rd. 0800 524 546 stay@kiwibasecamp.com Kiwi House 373 Gloucester St. +64 3381 6645 kiwihouse.co.nz Marine Backpackers 26 Nayland St. +64 3326 6609 themarine.co.nz Point Break Backpackers (BBH) 99 Seaview Road. +64 3388 2050 pointbreakbackpackers.co.nz The Old Countryhouse (BBH) 437 Gloucester St. +64 3381 5504 oldcountryhousenz.com

At The Right Place 85 Bealey Street. +64 3366 1633 atrp.co.nz

Tranquil Lodge (BBH) 440 Manchester St. +64 3366 6500 tranquil-lodge.co.nz

Avon City Backpackers Worcester Street. +64 3389

Rucksacker Backpacker Hostel (BBH) 70 Bealey Ave.

+64 3377 7931 rucksacker.com Vagabond Backpackers (BBH) 232 Worcester St. +64 3379 9677 vagabondbackpackers @hotmail.com

QUEENSTOWN Alpine Lodge (BBH) 13 Gorge Rd. +64 3442 7220, alpinelodge@xtra.co.nz Aspen Lodge (BBH) 11 Gorge Rd. +64 3442 9671, aspenlodge.co.nz Base Discovery Lodge Queenstown 49 Shotover St. +64 3441 1185, stayatbase.com Black Sheep Lodge (BBH/VIP) 13 Frankton Rd. +64 3442 7289, blacksheepbackpackers.co.nz Bungi Backpackers (VIP, BBH) 15 Sydney St. 0800 728 286, bungibackpackers.co.nz Butterfli Lodge (BBH) 62 Thompson St. +64 3442 6367, butterfli.co.nz Cardrona Alpine Resort Between Queenstown and Wanaka. +64 3443 7341,

@tnt_downunder cardrona.com Deco Backpackers (VIP, BBH) 52 Man St. +64 3442 7384, decobackpackers.co.nz Flaming Kiwi Backpackers (BBH) 39 Robins Rd. +64 3442 5494, flamingkiwi@xtra.co.nz Hippo Lodge (BBH) 4 Anderson Hts. +64 3442 5785, hippolodge.co.nz Nomads Queenstown 5-11 Church St. +64 3441 3922, nomadshostels.com Pinewood Lodge (VIP) 48 Hamilton Rd. 0800 7463 9663, rgrieg@xtra.co.nz Queenstown Lodge Sainsbury Rd, Fernhill. 0800 756 343, queenstownlodge.co.nz Southern Laughter (BBH, VIP) 4 Isle St. 0800 728 448, southernlaughter.co.nz YHA Queenstown Central 48A Shotover Street. +64 3442 7400, yha.co.nz YHA Queenstown Lakefront 88-90 Lake Esplanade. +64 3442 8413 yha.co.nz

YHA Queenstown Central: 48A Shotover Street ph: 03-442 7400 Lakefront: 88-90 Lake Esplanade ph: 03-442 8413

rt. nd sleep in comfo a e k li u o y re e h err budget. ke Party w acck pa r views on a back ion dolla enstown for mill Stay at YHA Que r hostel els than any othe More 5 star host Zealand. network in New

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Service with a smile Love it or hate it, if it’s fast cash and a good time you’re looking for, being behind, instead of in front of the bar could be worth it...

One thing that Aussies will continue to do until they physically can’t do it anymore is drink, so you’re always guaranteed to find work if you know how to pull a beer, or even just open a beer bottle.

The hospitality industry is booming and in the capital cities of Australia there are always bars opening up. This is good news for travellers looking for jobs.

Whether you’re making coffee, mixing cocktails or waiting tables, hospitality is a great way to meet people from all over the globe. However, before you run off excitedly to pull those pints make sure that you have a Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) certificate first. You can do a day course or you can even do it online now.

Also, if you choose to work somewhere with “pokies”, you may also need a RSG (Responsible Service of Gambling).

To find out more about training, visit tcptraining.com.

job ready when your feet touch the ground downunder!

Salary depends on what you are doing, but hourly rates go from $17 per hour to $29 for skilled positions like chefs.

What qualities do you need? Don’t fret about experience, “A sense of humour goes far in this industry,” says Jackie Taylor from Site Services.

As for most jobs, it helps to have an outgoing personality and the hospitality industry in particular is built on the premise “service with a smile”. Most places will provide on the job training so even if you don’t know your pints from your pinot, you’ll be able to learn as you go. And when we say ‘learn’, we also mean ‘try’. One of the best perks of hospitality is discovering a new world of food and booze. Most jobs will let you eat and drink for free after (or sometimes during) your shift. That way you get to know the products, some places see it as a way of team-bonding.

So just what are you waiting for? (Sorry.)

Excellence in online Responsible Service of Alcohol and Food Safety Training

CFT

All backpackers working in hospitality will need their Responsible Service of Alcohol(RSA) and/or Food Safety Certificate to work in Australia.

It’s quick It’s easy It’s online now!

Enrol at www.cft.com.au

Also available by correspondence and in-class (In-class available in Victoria only).

To Hosteliers & Travel Agents If you would like to offer an approved training service to backpackers in your hostel (or pre-arrival) contact CFT and ask about customising online RSA & FSC courses within your business. Additional service = extra income.

For a product demonstration view http://tiny.cc/z2fr4 For on-selling opportunities contact Margret Leslie, Director margret@cft.com.au (03) 5966 9977

1300 665 633 www.cft.com.au CFT International Pty Ltd backpacker@cft.com.au TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

61

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62

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OZWORK

Job talk Interview with bartender...

KRISTIN ERNSTEN, 26, NORWAY What made you decide to work in Australia?

I wanted to do some travelling and needed a job to finance it. As you do.

So, what is it you do now?

I’m currently working in a bar in Paddington, Sydney.

And how did you land your new job?

I just walked into a few pubs and bars, and handed in my application where it seemed to be good to work.

How’s the pay?

It’s quite good. As long as you work in a bar that offers the minimum wage, and even has the decency to add points for age and experience. Plus there’s the tip money, as long as you work in a bar with people who tip.

Are there any bad points?

Late nights and drunks. People spitting when they try to order their 50th drink.

www.salesfleet.com.au

Energy Advisor

Sales Representatives

We require motivated and self driven individuals to join our rapidly expanding direct sales team.

Have you ever wanted to make a difference in someone’s life? Here’s your chance…

Successful candidates will get the chance to represent one of Australia’s largest energy retail companies.

Sales Fleet is a labour hire company specialising in the management of Sales Contractors. We offer services in Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia.

To be successful you will need:

s s s

Good personality Good communication skills A desire to succeed

Working with us you will get:

s s s s

Product Training and sales support Flexible working hours City location Excellent remuneration for your effort

Experience is not essential, although will be a benefit.

We now require energetic Sales Contractors to work for an ongoing campaign representing one of the world’s largest charities.

You need to be sales confident, enthusiastic and have the drive to succeed. A supportive environment and comprehensive product training will help you to achieve your best.

By promoting Child Sponsorship, you will help make a difference to millions of people around the world. You will also have the potential to be well remunerated for your efforts.

Hours and working days are flexible.

Please register your interest by E-mailing your resume to register@salesfleet.com.au or call 0438 876 751.

TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

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tntjobs.com.au B Confidential T: 07 38321023 M: 0430 146886 www.confidentialclub.com.au BConfidential is Brisbane’s premier gentlemens club bar and restaurant located close to central station in brisbane, female owned and operated providing a fun and safe work environment .

JOB OF THE WEEK: Dancers Location: Spring Hill Brisbane QLD Salary: Contractor $1000-$3000 per week Dancers for day and night shifts,very flexible rosters plenty of hours available and next day cash payments.We prefer to train our staff experience is not essential, good fun attitudes and a drive for success is required.

Lisa Boorer | 0430146886 | admin@confidentialclub.com.au

T: 02 8332 7501 www.tntdownunder.com

JOB OF THE WEEK: EDITORIAL RESEARCHERS Location: Sydney Salary: $30,000 - $35,000 (OTE $50K plus benefits)

TNT Publishing is a well-respected and long established publishing house. We are growing our Sydney office by recruiting editorial researchers to work on our existing titles.

Duties will include speaking to Companies to organise guides, supplements and features within the magazines. You need to be experienced on the telephone and be self-motivated to achieve targets. Ideally having knowledge of feature based articles would be advantageous.

TNT Publishing

Stuart Shirra | stuart@tntdownunder.com

TNT Publishing T: 02 8332 7501 www.tntdownunder.com TNT Publishing is a well-respected and long established London& Sydney publishing house.

We are growing our Sydney office by recruiting sales people to work on our existing titles which include the renowned TNT magazine The SA Times, South Africa Magazine and Australia & New Zealand Outlook.

JOB OF THE WEEK: Telesales Executive – B2B Location: Sydney Salary: $30,000 - $35,000 (OTE $50K plus benefits) Hard working sales people that enjoy working in a dynamic sales environment, hungry to earn money and develop their career. You need to have a proven telephone sales record and be self-motivated to achieve targets. Ideally having knowledge of feature based articles would be advantageous.

Sean Brett | seanb@tntdownunder.com

Looking for your next job? NEW JOBS ONLINE EVERY DAY

JOBS

Knickers at Five Dock Attractive high class escorts required!

Mysterious Sydney Escorts is a high class escort agency, featuring international selection of beautiful, sexy and exclusive escorts for all occasions. We are an upmarket escort agency catering for a distinguished clientele - discerning, stylish, and successful.

Our agency require exceptionally attractive staff of all nationalities for escort work in Sydney.

MASSEUSES REQUIRED Top $$$ to be earned renovated premises great working conditions female management

To apply for this position, you must be 18-35 years of age, social, outgoing, charming, beautiful with a positive attitude to life and enjoy having fun.

Contact details: www.mysteriousescorts.com.au Or call 0432 335 628

Please call 97128991 or 0403 824609 or 0442 533961 ANYTIME

Cleopatra’s gentlemans club

Ladies required for 6 star establishment in Sydney. Come and earn BIG DOLLARS in Sydney’s Western Suburbs busiest gentlemans club. Accommodation provided You will earn: $105 for 30 mins. $140 for 45 mins. $170 for 1 standard hour $190 per 1 VIP room hour $210 per 1 Cleopatra room hour $220 per 1 Mark Anthony room hour Visit our website for more details www.cleopatrasgentlemansclub.com.au email: cleopatrasgentlemansclub.@hotmail.com or phone 02 9609 6668 or 02 9609 7774. Only drug-free to apply.

BEHIND EACH SUCCESSFUL WOMEN - IS HERSELF!!!

FEMALE MASSEURS REQUIRED $115 p/hr

GOOD GIRLS GO TO HEAVEN!!

BAD GIRLS GO EVERYWHERE!!!

FEMALE MASSEURS REQUIRED $115 p/hr

Full training provided Immediate Start Flexible shifts Fun & friendly team

(02) 96990055 NIRVANA

400 Cleveland St, Surry Hills www.nirvanasydney.com

Full training provided Immediate Start Flexible shifts Fun & friendly team

(02) 9357 6145 AT MICHELLES

135 Bayswater Road, Rushcutters Bay www.atmichells.com

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MYTHBUSTERS WHY THE FRUITY NAME?

THIS WEEK’S QUIZ

AUSSIE SPORTS b) Qld & Vic d) Aus & NZ

b) Alex Tobin c) Tim Cahill d) Craig Moore

has won it the most?

Q 2.a) Who Qld b) NSW c) Vic

Q

What sports club does Russell Q 7.Crowe own?

d) NZ

3. Surfer Julian Wilson is famous for inventing a move. What does he call it? a) The sushi roll b) The burger flip c) The egg roll d) The turkey carve

What is the nickname of the Aussie Q 8.rugby union national team?

Q 4. Where is cricketer Ricky Ponting from? a) Tasmania b) Perth c) Alice Springs d) Brisbane

a) The Ruggeroos c) The Wallabies

Q 5. Cricketer Shane Warne is engaged to which actress? a) Sally Field b) Winona Ryder c) Liz Hurley d) Angelina Jolie

SUDOKU PUZZLE 7

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Q 9. Who is the world’s most capped rugby union player? a) David Campese b) George Gregan c) Will Carling d) John Eales

“A BREW”

8

6

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b) The Dingoes d) The Weeds

AUSSIE-ISM

4 6

4

4

a) Sydney Pies b) South Sydney Rabbitohs c) Brisbane Broncos d) Sydney Swans

ANAGRAM-ARAMA

ANSWERS: 1. c 2. a 3. a 4. a 5. c 6. a 7. b 8. c 9. b

a) NSW & Vic c) NSW & Qld

is the captain of the Socceroos?

Q 6.a) Who Lucas Neill

For the English it’s a cup of tea, but in Oz it’s a beer. “Chuck us a brew.” Possibly derived from the Yanks who say “Brewski”. Not to be confused with the Kiwis, who use this when they’re saying “Bro”.

THIS WEEK IT’S...

ACTORS DOWN UNDER 1. HELD THE RAGE 2. CANCEL THAT BET 3. SLOWER ULCERS 4. YOU LIKE MINGE ANSWERS: 1. Heath Ledger 2. Cate Blanchett 3. Russell Crowe 4. Kylie Minogue

The State of Origin is between Q 1.which two states?

MYTH Why are Poms called Poms?

Ever wondered why everyone OF THE WEEK around here is calling you a Pommy Bastard? Well, we can’t speak for the bastard bit but popular opinion is that Pom comes from the convicts who were sent to Australia. They were termed ‘Prisoners of His Majesty’ or ‘Prisoners of Mother England’ – thus the acronym ‘POHM’ or ‘POME’. However experts will tell you that ‘Pommy’ is actually based on the word ‘pomegranate’ either because (like ‘Jimmy Grant’) it was used as rhyming slang for immigrant, or because the red fruit bore a striking resemblance to the average Englishman’s complexion.