TNT Australia 725

1 - 14 July 2013 Issue 725 tntdownunder.com

WIN ajestic

am n road great ocea re adventu for two

mating season We woo you with our best date spots

supersized fun Exploring the epic Galápagos Islands

n o i t i s pole po

w and we kno z O in n u g e uly b s well and tr a h n o s a e s The snow

where to go

+ news & sport what’s on film reviews travellers’ tIPS

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* F F O % 0 1 e k

Ta The Great Aussie Roadtrip

Choose from these great roadtrips: Melbourne to Adelaide

Melbourne to Alice Springs Melbourne to Darwin

Adelaide to Alice Springs Adelaide to Melbourne

Book now

Freecall

1300 654 604

www.adventuretours.com.au

*Offer only valid when you quote discount code 10306. Valid for bookings between 1st and 30th July 2013. Discount only applies to tours: AASU7, AASE7, KIAM5, MAE2, MASE11, MDE17, MASU11, MDU18 for travel between July 1st 2013 to March 31st 2014. Not valid with any other offer or discount. Please visit our website for more details on these tours and for our full terms and conditions. All prices are subject to change without notice and are subject to availability. Intrepid Travel Pty Ltd, trading as Adventure Tours Australia Group ABN No. 35 007 172 456.

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Alex Harmon EDITOR editor@tntdownunder.com

EDITOR’S LETTER While some of you might be burning the bedposts at each end while you’re here, there are others who are keen to settle into Aussie life and meet that someone special. While we can’t claim to give you any guidance on that, we can give you our best date ideas for snaring your amour. When you’re hooked up, test your love (and patience) on the snow with our guide to the best ski fields. Happy travels!

THIS issue oz Diary

4

Food + drink

6

Gigs

8

Pub

10

Chatroom

20

Film

22

Lifestyle

24

News 26 Sport 28 Ashes Preview

30

Travel

32

Travelers tale

34

win

44

40

weekender 50 listings Australia 60 listings new zealand 72 work 79 trivial pursuits

82

14

Features Splendour bound

14

Palma Violets are officially Britain’s best new young band and we found out why

It’s a date

40

Looking for love? Let us liven your game up with a few of our favourite date spots

Snow’s a go

46

Our look at the best places in Oz to tear it up on the slopes this winter

Isle be

56

We visit the Galápagos Islands, so very full of unique animal species

46

56 tntdownunder.com

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ozDIARY Editorial Editor Alex Harmon Staff writer Hugh Radojev Contributors Alasdair Morton, Andrew Westbrook Interns Rory Platt, Adele Rogers

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The house where Opera happens

Design and production Design and production manager Lisa Ferron Sales Account manager Justin Steinlauf Marketing and events executive Georgina Pengelly marketing & events Business development manager Tom Wheeler distribution Lee Sutherland accounts Financial controller Trish Bailey

tnt MULTIMEDIA LTD CEO Kevin Ellis Chairman Ken Hurst 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 | cover Robbie Wait 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

main event Australian International music fest Opera House, Sydney

Celebrating its 24th year, The Australian International Music Festival is one of Sydney’s most popular and best attended events. World Projects South Pacific aim to expand your mind with workshops from world class clinicians flown in from around the world and cultural exchanges with other bands, most of whom share your passion but speak another language, an experience not to be missed. With over a thousand different musicians from around the world set to participate in 2013, this is set to be the biggest and best year yet.

7 – 14 July, Sydney

worldprojects.com.au

sales enquiries Phone 02 8332 7511 Email tom@tntdownunder.com Where to get TNT

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

Territory day celebrations

qld beer fest 2013

Lasseters Camel Cup

On the first of July each year Territorians celebrate the commencement of Self Government in the Territory.

The day is celebrated across the Northern Territory in a number of ways, including the famous Territory Day fireworks.

Don’t judge the quality of Queensland’s beer just on XXXX. For a seven days, the state of Queensland will go even more beer crazy than usual with statewide tastings, dinners, home brewing classes and much more.

This fun, quirky event is one of the weirdest and most wonderful events held in Alice Springs. The Camel Cup is basically a series of races with camels instead of horses and desert instead of grass. Locals and tourists always dress up and love it.

July 1 Across the Northern Territory dcm.nt.gov.au/territoryday

July 13–21 Various, Queensland queenslandbeerweek.com.au

July 13 Alice Springs, NT camelcup.com.au

Free

4

Free

Image: Getty

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.

TBA

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Take a look at our latest deals at www.imoova.com

imoova.com

imoova.com

To book or enquire call 1300 789 059 (toll free) or email info@imoova.com for more information standby_724.indd 1 01_725p3-19 A&E upfront .indd 5

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melbourne eats + drinks saigon sally

[Caption]

Restaurant review by Alex Harmon

Just off trendy Chapel Street, down a lane (as you do) you’ll find this rather new Vietnamese bar-cum-eatery. Before you even sit down you’ll notice the low lighting, street art on the walls and even a projection of old kung-fu movies into the nearby alleyway. It’s everything you’d expect from über-cool Melbourne.

The grub It’s modern Vietnamese classics with an emphasis on share plates. You can’t go wrong with the Banh Xeo Taco ($8), a kind of Viet-take on the Mexican street food you can load up with pork, prawns and bean shoots. While the Kingfish Tatare ($6) is a silky, light fish served on a betal leaf and is perfect side dish for those concentrating on the hefty cocktail list. Share everything but our advice would be to get selfish on the Tira-Mi-Sally ($10), this dessert is seriously worth fighting over.

Served with coffee parfait, condensed milk and peanut brittle, it’s like a fine-dining version of the roadside Vietnamese iced-coffee.

Behind the bar You can pull up a pew at the centre-stage bar and choose from over 50 wines, but you’d be a fool not to try the cocktails. They’re Asian-inspired, like the Boom Boom Mojito ($17) – a rather spicy take on the Cuban classic. A jug of red wine Sangria ($35) is guaranteed to help you paint the town in the same rosy hue.

Bill please Leave satisfied with enough coin left in your pocket for a good night. verdict Given Melbourne’s transient loyalty, it may not stay cool forever but Sally will always have a place in our hearts.

THE SCENE

2 Duke Street, Windsor

saigonsally.com.au

3 of the best fitzroy drinking holes 6

naked in the sky

the rum diary

the Nite cat

It might be chilly but that doesn’t stop Melbournians from sipping al fresco. And drinking on a rooftop is survived by drinking lots.

This extension of popular Fitzroy bar Naked for Satan (named after a Russian guy who used to distill vodka in his underpants) is the perfect place for afternoon cocktails to ease you into the night.

Hunter S Thompson has a lot to answer for in Melbourne, drug-induced prose writers, beatnik hats, and rum.

Luckily Fitzroy does the latter well. This small dark bar has over 50 rums on its shelves so you can expect to have your dark and stormy mixed by expert bartenders and your Barcardi shots served with flames. They also do toasties.

Meowzers, this night spot is pumping on a Friday and Saturday night. With live music on a weekend, everything from AfroCuban and Afro-Beat to contemporary Hip Hop, Reggae, Funk and Groove, this is the place to bust out the dance moves in an environment where no one will judge. Best of all, it’s free.

nakedforsatan.com.au

facebook.com/TheRumDiaryBar

thenightcat.com.au

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BITE SIZE

Pop-up Pizza It’s great to have a new pizza place open that brings the Italian take-away staple back to its roots. Crate on Oxford Street offers cheap, tasty pizza in a laidback setting. This is the perfect place for you and a few friends to swing by on your way out to the city. All the pizzas are $20 and run the gamut of traditional toppings. It’s not licensed so if you want a drink, best BYO! Come as you are, but be quick. cratepizzabar.com.au

Brioche brothel There’s a newish cafe in Surry Hills and they serve one of the greatest sandwiches ever. Reuben Hills is on Albion Street and has looked for some inspiration from the area’s dark, somewhat seedy past. For example, why not have yourself a salted caramel milkshake and a ‘brothel sandwich’ for lunch? Yes, a brothel sandwich. They also do a ‘Not a Reuben’ sandwich with steak and sauerkraut. Sexually suggestive sandwiches, puns and salty caramel milk? Sold! reubenhills.com.au

By any other name If this new bar on Stanley Street were called by any other name would it not still be as hazy? The Hazy Rose is another ultra cool Darlinghurst hang out offering quality cocktails, craft beers and a handpicked wine list. Also expect all the usual swanky interior stuff you’d want from a small bar. thehazyrose.com.au

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gigLISTINGS

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The Tivoli Theatre, Brisbane premier.ticketek.com.au Ash Grunwald, $25 The Northern, Byron Bay oztix.com.au

friday 5 Lime Cordiale $10 The Standard, Sydney wearethestandard.com Something With Numbers $28.60 Fowlers Live, Adelaide premier.ticketek.com.au

DON’T MISS! Buffalo Tales Australia tour, July/August 2013. Prices vary Former winner of Australian Idol, Wes Carr has reinvented himself as a songwriter and is taking his new album on the road.

National tour

buffalotales.com.au

monday 1 Frankies World Famous House Band Free Frankies Pizza, Sydney eventfinder.com.au Motown Mondays Free The White Horse, Sydney whitehorsesurryhills.com

tuesday 2 The Light Trio $35 Melbourne Recital Centre melbournerecital.com.au The Jacqui Walker Band Free Lazy Lizard Tavern, Katherine jacquiwalkerband.com Pink From $149 Adelaide Entertainment Centre premier.ticketek.com.au

wednesday 3 La Dispute $38.60 Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle

yourcambridge.com Engelbert Humperdinck From $89 Civic Theatre Newcastle premier.ticketek.com.au Rohan $8 in the door The Zoo, Brisbane thezoo.com.au

thursday 4

La Dispute $38.60 Metro Theatre, Sydney premier.ticketek.com.au Dick Diver $14 The Corner Hotel, Melbourne corner.ticketscout.com.au

saturday 6 Buffalo Tales $10 The Coffs Hotel, Coffs Harbour buffalotales.com.au Ash Grunwald $25 Kings Beach Tavern, Sunshine Coast oztix.com.au

Ginger & The Ghost $10 The Standard, Sydney wearethestandard.com

You Am I $67.70 The Forum, Melbourne ticketmaster.com.au

Bliss N Eso $60 Enmore Theatre, Sydney premier.ticketek.com.au

Owen Campbell $15 Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane owencampbell.com.au

Clubfeet $15 + bf The Corner Hotel, Melbourne corner.ticketscout.com.au

The Tongue $15 + bf Rocket Bar, Adelaide moshtix.com.au

Kirin J Callinan $25 Northcote Social Club, Melbourne corner.ticketscout.com.au Fear Factory $74.60

sunday 7 Pink From $149 Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne premier.ticketek.com.au

DON’T MISS! Rihanna Australia Wide. Sep 24 – Oct 4. Prices TBA One of the world’s most famous and successful female stars, Rihanna is returning to Australia later in 2013.

National tour

concertboom.com

wednesday 10 Paul Kelly $40 The Corner Hotel, Melbourne corner.ticketscout.com.au Youth Of Today $35.90 Enigma Bar, Adelaide moshtix.com.au

thursday 11 Johnny Craig $28.70 Fowlers Live, Adelaide premier.ticketek.com.a Buchanan TBA Coolangatta Hotel, Coolangatta buchananband.com

friday 12 Mojo Juju $18 The Standard, Sydney wearethestandard.com Whitley $28.60 Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane

Fear Factory $74.60 Palace Theatre, Melbourne premier.ticketek.com.au

BOOK NOW!

tickets.oztix.com.au

saturday 13 Jungle Giants $20 The Standard, Sydney wearethestandard.com REMi $12 + bf Rocket Bar, Adelaide moshtix.com.au Bliss N Eso $60 Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Adelaide premier.ticketek.com.au Something With Numbers $28.60 Jive, Adelaider tickets.oztix.com.au

sunday 14 Bernard Fanning TBA Nambour Civic Centre, Sunshine Coast bernardfanning.com

DON’T MISS!

Dick Diver $14 The Corner Hotel, Melbourne corner.ticketscout.com.au

monday 8 Yelawolf $55 + bf The Corner Hotel, Melbourne corner.ticketscout.com.au Engelbert Humperdinck From $89 Hamer Hall, Melbourne, Melbourne premier.ticketek.com.au

Taylor Swift East Coast + Perth. Dec 4 – 14. From $120 Another talented young songstress set to grace Aussie shores later in the year is American Taylor Swift.

Sydney, Bris, Melb + Perth

8

taylorswift.com

tuesday 9 Eskimo Joe $44.90 Moore and Moore, Perth eskimojoe.oztix.com.au

Big Day out 2014 Nationwide. January. TBA Australia’s biggest festival is set to go around again in the new year. No line up has been announced yet, but 100 per cent chance it’ll be huge!

Capital Cities, Australia

bigdayout.com

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pUBLISTINGS New Brighton Hotel 71 The Corso, Manly newbrighton.com.au

HAPPY HOUR!

@tnt_downunder

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HAPPY HOUR

In Situ 34/18 Sydney Rd, Manly insitumanly.com.au Four Pines 29/43-45 East Esplanade, Manly 4pines.com.au Marlborough Hotel 145 King St, Newtown marlboroughhotel.com.au The Imperial 35 Erskineville Road, Erskineville theimperialhotel.com.au

$15 Parma and pint in coogee

The Norfolk 305 Cleveland St, Redfern thenorfolk.co

Five O’s, Coogee. Thursday 12pm–9:30pm.

Nice little bar/restaurant with an outlook on Coogee beach. Cheap meal deals most nights of the week and drink combos too.

The Vanguard 42 King St, Newtown thevanguard.com.au

1/186 Arden St. Sydney

sydney pubs Trinity Bar 505 Crown St, Surry Hills trinitybar.com.au DOME Bar Level 1 589 Crown Street, Surry Hills domebar.com.au Tea Garden’s 2-4 Bronte Rd, Bondi Junction teagardenshotel.com.au Scary Canary 469 Kent St, Sydney scarycanarybar.com.au Side Bar 509 Pitt St, Sydney wakeup.com.au/side-bar Scubar 4/11-23 Rawson Place, Sydney scubar.com.au Bar Century Lvl 4 640, George St Sydney barcentury.com.au 3 Wise Monkeys 555 George St, Sydney 3wisemonkeys.com.au

fiveoscoogee.com.au Candy’s Apartment 22 Bayswater Road, Potts Point candys.com.au World Bar 24 Bayswater Road, Potts Point theworldbar.com.au Ryan’s Paragon Hotel Cnr Loftus & Alfred St, Sydney hotelparagon.com.au

Coogee Palace 169 Dolphin St, Coogee beachpalacehotel.com.au Beach Road Hotel 71 Beach Road, Bondi Beach beachroadbondi.com.au The Bondi Hotel 178 Campbell Parade, Bondi hotelbondi.com.au Kinsela’s 383 Bourke St, Darlinghurst kniselas.com.au

The Beresford 345 Bourke St, Surry Hills Flinders Hotel merivale.com.au/theberesfordhotel 63 – 65 Flinders St, Surry Hills theflindershotel.com.au Oxford Art Factory 38-46 Oxford St, Darlinghurst White Horse Hotel oxfordartfactory.com 381 Crown St, Surry Hills thewhitehorse.com.au White Revolver Cnr Curlewis + Campbell Parade Bondi Beach melbournepubs whiterevolver.com Central Lion Hotel 3/221 La Trobe St, Melbourne Pontoon acemelbourne.com.au/mclion/ Cockle Bay Wharf 201, Darling Harbour The Nite Cat pontoonbar.com 137-141 Johnston St, Fitzroy thenightcat.com.au Hotel Steyne 75 The Corso, Manly Shamiana hotelsteyne.com.au 420 Lonsdale St, Melbourne

shamiana.com.au

Star Bar Hotel Melbourne 160 Clarendon Street, South Melbourne starbarhotel.com.au

HAPPY HOUR

$10 cocktails at world bar Shop 4, Building 2, Riverside Quay Melbourne. Midweek 4-7pm $8 pints of Golden Ale and a selection of $10 cocktails. Perfect place for a casual midweek drink on the banks of the Yarra river.

Southbank, Melbourne

Palace Theatre palace.com.au The Hi-Fi 125 Swanston Street Melbourne thehifi.com.au The Tote 67-71 Johnston Street, Collingwood thetotehotel.com Eden Bar and Nightclub 163 Russell Street, Melbourne edenbar.com.au Turf Bar 131 Queen St Melbourne turfbar.com.au Fluid Oz Bar 450 Elizabeth Street Melbourne yelp.com.au Bar Humbug 586 Little Bourke St Melbourne barhumbug.com.au

worldrestaurantbar.com.au

nightowl.com.au

adelaide pubs Grace Emily Hotel 232 Waymouth St, Adelaide yourbars.com.au Electric Circus 17 Crippen Place, Adelaide electriccircus.com.au Crown and Sceptre Hotel 308 King William Street, Adelaide sceptre.com.au The Promethean 116 Grote St, Adelaide theprom.com Club 58 58 Hindley St, Adelaide club58.com.au

perth pubs

Eurotrash Bar 18 Corrs Lane Melbourne eurotrashbar.com.au

The Subiaco Hotel 465 Hay Street, Subiaco subiacohotel.com.au

The Night Owl 35 Elizabeth Street Melbourne

Voodoo Lounge 174 James St, Northbridge

HAPPY HOUR

The Apartment Nightclub 401 Little Bourke Street Melbourne theapartment.com.au Cherry Bar 103 Flinders Lane Melbourne myspace.com/cherrybarmelbourne Corner Hotel 57 Swan Street Richmond cornerhotel.com

archive beer boutique West End, Brisbane. Monday night specials.

A grand selection of beers from all over Australia, and various deals throughout the week. Check out the beer and burger on Mondays for $15.

100 Boundary St, Brisbane

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archivebeerboutique.com.au

East Brunswick Club 280 Lygon St Brunswick East eastbrunswickclub.com Esplanade Hotel 11 The Esplanade, St Kilda espy.com.au Northcote Social Club 301 High Street Northcote northcotesocialclub.com

Thursday Games night Montgomery Hotel. Free 8 Ball, darts and more on Thursdays.

Popular with travellers and locals alike, right in the heart of Hobart.

There’s also karaoke on Friday and Saturday nights.

87 Macquarie St, Hobart

montgomerys.com.au

tntdownunder.com

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MON–FRI 11.30AM–4PM ...............

MON–THUR 7PM–11PM ...............

FRI & SAT 7PM–9PM ...............

SUN ALL DAY

OPEN 7 DAYS TILL 3AM KITCHEN TILL 2.30AM ...............................

DJS & LIVE ENTERTAINMENT EVERY NIGHT! ...............................

LUCKYCOQ.COM.AU FACEBOOK.COM/LUCKYCOQ 01_725p3-19 A&E upfront .indd 11

CNR CHAPEL ST & HIGH ST WINDSOR MELBOURNE 9525 1288 27/6/13 1:01:16 AM

pUBLISTINGS voodoolounge.com.au The Shed 69-71 Aberdeen St Northbridge, the-shed.com.au Mint Nightclub Cnr Lake and James St, Northbridge mintnightclub.com Leederville Hotel 742 Newcastle St, Leederville East Perth leedervillehotel.com.au

brisbane pubs Hotel LA 68 Petrie Terrace, Brisbane hotella.com.au GPO Hotel 740 Anne St, Fort Valley gpohotel.com.au Canvas Club 16b Logan St, Woolloongabba canvasclub.com.au The Fringe Bar Cnr Ann and Constance St fringebar.com.au Pig ‘N’ Whistle Riverside 123 Eagle Street, Brisbane pignwhistle.com.au Sky Room 2/234 Wickham St, Fort Valley skyroom.com.au Bravo Bar Brunswick Central, 455 Brunswick St Fortitude Valley hotelbravo.com.au The Met Nightclub 256 Wickham St, Fortitude Valley themet.com.au

Rattle N Hum 65-67 Esplanade rattlenhumbar.com Gilligan’s Backpacker Hostel 57-89 Grafton St gilligansbackpackerhostel.com. au

hobart pubs Syrup Nightclub 39 Salamanca Pl, Battery Point syrupclub.com.au Republic Bar 299 Elizabeth St, Hobart republicbar.com.au Isobar 11 Franklin Wharf Hobart isobar.com.au Knopwood’s Retreat 39 Salamanca Pl Hobart (03)6223 5808 The Duke 192 Macquarie Street Hobart theduke.com.au

newcastle pubs

Oriental Hotel 53 Bull St, Cooks Hill wotif.com.au Royal Inn Hotel Waratah 61/69 Station St, Waratah truelocal.com.au

byron bay pubs Cheeky Monkey’s 115 Jonson St, Byron Bay cheekymonkeys.com.au The Northern 35-43 Jonson St, Byron Bay thenorthern.com.au The Owl & The Pussycat 85 Jonson St, Byron Bay opcbyron.com.au

Mary Ellen Hotel 57 Railway St, Mereweather maryellenhotel.com.au

Treehouse on Belongil 25 Childe St, Byron Bay treehouseonbelongil.com

Hamilton Station Hotel 2-6 Beaumont St, Islington hamiltonstation.com.au

gold coast pubs

Hotel Delany 134 Darby St, Newcastle hoteldelany.com.au

Blush Nightclub 21 Orchid Avenue Surfers Paradise blushnightclub.com.au

Sunyside Tavern 20 Broadmeadow Rd, Broadmeadow sunnysidetavern.com.au

Benowa Tavern 117 Ashmore Rd, Benowa surfersbeergarden.com

Premier Hotel 1 Brunker Rd, Broadmeadow hotelpremier.com.au

Coolangatta Sands Hotel 3 Griffith St, Coolangatta coolangattasandshotel.com.au

Isobar 1 Honeysuckle Drive Newcastle thelanding.com

Fabric Cnr Shields and Esplanade St

Cricketers Arms 61 Bruce St, Cooks Hill tab.com.au

Woody’s Surf Shack 90-96 Jonson St, Byron Bay woodysbyronbay.com

Iceworks Cnr Given Tce & Dowse St, Paddington iceworks.com.au

P.J. O’brien’s 87 Lake St, Cairns pjobriens.com.au

Wickham Park Hotel 61 Maitland Rd, Islington thewicko.com.au

Kings Street Hotel 15 Steel St, Newcastle West kingsstreethotel.com.au

Bar Petite 5 King St, Newcastle barpetite.com.au

Cambridge Hotel 789 Hunter St, Newcastle yourcambridge.com Lass O’Gowrie Hotel 14 Railway St, Wickham lassogowriehotel.com.au Albion Hotel 72 Hannell St, Wickham thealbion.com.au Hamilton Hotel

HAPPY HOUR!

Beaumont Exchange Hotel Cnr Beaumont and Denison Street, Hamilton theexchangehotel.com.com.au

Beach Hotel Bay Ln, Byron Bay beachhotel.com.au

The Northern Star 112 Beaumont St, Hamilton northernstarhotel.com.au

cairns pubs

71 Tudor St, Hamilton hamiltonhotel.com.au

Kent Hotel 59-61 Beaumont St, Hamilton thekenthotel.com.au

The Exchange Hotel 131 Edward St, Brisbane theexchange.com.au

Shooters Superclub Shop 46 The Mark Orchid Avenue Surfers Paradise shooterssuperclub.com

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cairnsevents.com pubs

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canberra pubs

Taco & tequila night Flying Fajita Sisters. $3 tacos and tequila, Tuesday nights The absolute finest Mexican flavours to be found in the inner west. It’s damn popular so call ahead if you have a group of 4+.

65 Glebe Pt Rd. Glebe

wollongongnightlife.com.au Harp Hotel 234 Corrimal Street Wollongong wollongongnightlife.com.au Questions Unit 5 123-125 Corrimal Street Wollongong wollongongnightlife.com.au Castros 5 Victoria Street Wollongong wollongongnightlife.com.au

darwin pubs

Transit Bar 7 Akuna St, Canberra transitbar.com.au

Squires Tavern 3 Edmunds St Darwin squirestavern.com.au

Cube Nightclub 33 Petrie Plaza, City cubenightclub.com.au

The Deck Bar 22 Mitchell St, Darwin thedeckbar.com.au

ICBM 50 Northbourne Ave, Canberra icbmbar.com

The Tap Bar 58 Mitchell St, Darwin thetap.com.au

Mooseheads 105 London Circuit, Canberra mooseheads.com.au

flyingfajitasistas.com.au/

alice springs pubs Todd Tavern Todd Mall, Alice Springs toddtavern.com.au The Rock Bar 2/78 Todd St, Alice Springs therockbar.com.au The Barra Bar 34 Stott Tce, Alice Springs chifleyhotels.com.au Firkin n Hound 21 Hartely St, Alice Springs (08) 8953 3033 The Juicy Rump Lasseters Hotel Casino, Alice Springs juicyrump.com.au Bojangles Saloon 80 Todd St, Alice Springs yourbars.com.au

HAPPY HOUR

Academy Club 15 Bunda St, Canberra academyclub.com.au

Wollongong pubs OneFiveOne 150 Keira Street Wollongong wollongongnightlife.com.au Grand Hotel 124 Keira Street Wollongong wollongongnightlife.com.au Glasshouse + Su Casa 90 Crown Street Wollongong wollongongnightlife.com.au Ivory 77 – 79 Crown Street Wollongong wollongongnightlife.com.au Alibi 76 Crown Street Wollongong

Oh so cheap Pizza fridays 29th Apartment, St Kilda. Fri, 6–9pm.

With the vibe of a house party, this unique bar offers wicked deals like $1 pizzas with any drink. Feel like gatecrashing?

29 Fitzroy St. St Kilda

29thapartment.com.au

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Monday $10 Soup or Winter Salad Tuesday $15 Salmon or Steak* Wednesday $15 Fish & Chips w/ house wine or selected tap beer Thursday & Sunday $15 Pasta or Chicken Schnitzel Fri & Sat Lunch + All Day SuNDAY $10 BAR100 Beef & Chicken Burgers Friday Night $15 Pizzas*

Full menu available at the bar. Special not available on public holidays or with any other offer. *Steak is a rump on specials. *Pizzas are the 28cm diameter, gluten free $4 extra and on Friday nights they are available from 5pm.

100 GEORGE ST, THE ROCKS PH: (02) 8070 9311 BAR100.COM.AU

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@bar_100

27/06/13 4:50 PM

Photos: Tom Beard

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Shrinking violets South London indie-rockers Palma Violets are heading to Splendour in the Grass riding high on hype from every corner

Photos: Tom Beard

Words alasdair morton

Palma Violets are officially Britain’s “best new band”. These aren’t just our words, but those of the NME (which gave them an award with that very name in 2012), the musicbuying and gig-going public who love them, and even Ronnie Wood, the Rolling Stone and bona fide rock ‘n’ roll mega-legend.

It’s a tag previously bestowed upon Oasis, Arctic Monkeys and The Libertines. Quite a lot to live up to then, but as we find out when we catch up with co-frontman Alexander ‘Chilli’ Jesson on the road, it’s the furthest thing from the boys’ minds.

Chilli (vocals, bass), Sam Fryer (vocals, guitar), Pete Mayhew (keys) and Will Doyle (drums) have just wrapped yet another soundcheck when we’re passed over to their spokesman Chilli. It sounds like all manner of rock ‘n’ roll ruckus is going on in the background, so we go with something simple.

What’s it like being voted best new band in the UK? “It’s a very special thing as it’s voted for by the public,” Chilli tells us of the NME crowning. “I always followed [NME] as a kid and read it and so it is the most surreal thing [to be on the cover].”

Surreal for sure, particularly when one of those covers was before the band even had an album out. “The awards were unbelievable,” Chilli adds.

“We met Ronnie Wood and got a photo with him, and he said some nice words about us. And Paul Weller, who we’re playing with soon. I’ve never really been starstruck before, because I’ve never wanted to meet any of my heroes, but then you see people like Ronnie in the flesh and they are fucking wicked guys, fucking rock legends.”

Palma Violets were born in south London’s Lambeth in 2011, making an early name for themselves with tiny shows at Studio 180. These rough and ready gigs, combined with Chilli and Fryer’s co-frontmen duelling, immediately drew comparisons with The Libertines’ Carl Barât and Pete Doherty.

Not only that, but the sound – fusing garage rock with Sixties organ touches to create a shiny sunshine vibe with a

rough yet soulful Brit indie approach – set them apart from the synth sounds emanating from just about everywhere else.

As they played regular gigs at the Studio to a handful of punters – much like the Libs back in their Albion days –

“

All this hype comes with all this bullshit

”

word spread. The gigs kept coming, the word kept building, and the hype started to form. Chilli then picks up the story.

“All these A&Rs started popping down – there must have been nothing going on at the time! All these majors were down and all that, and then Domino [Records] came down.

We liked them but they didn’t want to do anything just yet.

“Then there was Rough Trade, the label of all time for

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Alexander and Samuel perform at this year's Isle of Wight Festival

us. Their roster and bands are our favourite bands – The Smiths, The Strokes, The Libertines. We love them and as soon as we met [label heads] Geoff Travis and Jeannette Lee that was it.”

They signed with the label all indie bands dream of joining and soon dropped their debut single Best Of Friends – it was subsequently crowned 2012’s best song by the aforementioned mag. Chilli says it was “amazing, but controversial. Not sure I would have agreed with it”.

With all of this piling on the pressure, first album 180 arrived in February this year. Hype can be a dangerous thing – how many bands have been the next this or that, released one single and never been heard of again? Were they bothered?

“All this hype comes with all this bullshit and you wonder if you can live up to it. But we felt that it [180] was good enough and that people would connect with it. And it has worked to our advantage,” Chilli decides.

The album, produced by Pulp bassist Steve Mackey, was a critical and commercial success, loaded with top tunes that most agreed justified the hype and backed up the smash hit single. It also shut up the naysayers keen to cut down the tall poppy.

But the Violets happily shirk being lumped in with other trends and up-and-comers out there right now. And hailing from Lambeth stands them apart from the East End chic that still permeates London’s music scene today.

“No one is from south London,” Chilli says. “I went to Wimbledon Common, I’ve always been in the south.

I really, really take pride in that. Even bands from south London call themselves an ‘east London band’, which is rubbish. We have our friends like Filthy Boy and Childhood from down in the south and it feels like there is a whole movement happening down there.”

So proud are the band of their home turf that it even features on the Clash-esque cover of 180.

16

“It was where the record and songs were born and where everything came from,” he says.

“Nobody knows this, but we were taking it [the cover shot] with a professional photographer and Jeannette from our label was taking pictures for herself. She had one in black and white and we were like, ‘This is better than the professional ones.’ We liked that it was a friend of ours who’d taken them … it made it more special.”

We ask what life on the road for a young band is like, particularly one whose success often sees half the crowd end up on the stage at some point in the gig. Who’s the most probable troublemaker?

“That would have to be Pete,” Chilli offers, half chuckling (perhaps troublemaker was the wrong word to use). How so?

“He’s just mental, but in all the best ways. He doesn’t think that much so he tends to get himself in trouble.”

What sort of trouble, we wonder, all sorts of touring hedonism going through our minds. Where is he most likely to be found?

“He’s not likely to be found at all,” Chilli counters. “And if he is found it will be in a ditch or the police station. One or the other of those are the two points of call.” At least it makes it easy to track him down, we offer.

After playing Splendour in the Grass, the Violets will jet off to Europe, the States and the circuit of summer festivals, one of which gets these lads especially excited, and nostalgic.

“Reading is a real rock ‘n’ roll festival and it’s where I first met Sam,” Chilli recalls. “Yellow 7 was our camping area for like five years. And then when we played it last year, Best Of Friends had not even been released, but all the kids went mental. So fingers crossed, now the record is out, it blows up again.”

And as for that hype: “We don’t care, we just go out and play every night. It doesn’t mean a thing to us – we are here for the rock ‘n’ rollercoaster.” Get on board! ❚ Catch Palma Violets at Splendour in the Grass, July 27

palmaviolets.co.uk

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filmreview

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Art imitating life... sort of

this is the end FILM review by Alasdair Morton. Out July 18 Starring: Jay Baruchel, Seth Rogen, James Franco | MA | 119mins

The look of love Review by Rory Platt Steve Coogan, Imogen Poots, Tamsin Egerton and Anna Friel | MA15+ | 105 mins

Michael Winterbottom’s semibiographical film of Britain’s Hugh Hefner, Paul Raymond, is a saucy, softcore laugh with plenty of boobs, butts and muffs. A tragic tale of a controversial entrepreneur who led his daughter down a trail of fame, fortune and inevitably, drugs. A bit average, but with some very funny moments. Sadly, the best of them are already found in the trailer.

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A post-modern stoner laughathon with loads and loads of wank gags – that’s what you get in this comedy crew love-in, which is dumb but absolutely loads of fun.

Seth Rogen always plays the same character in movies, a laid-back, spliff-toking, always-laughing version of himself. Here, though, he goes one further and actually plays himself – as does the rest of the Judd Apatow-Freaks And Geeks crew.

When Canadian best bud Jay Baruchel (She’s Out Of Your League) comes to LA to hang out with his mate, the two wind up bickering about their frayed friendship at a star-studded party at James Franco’s house – just as the apocalypse hits LA and brings about the end of days. Rogen also co-wrote with Evan Goldberg (Superbad).

It’s a talent-spotting ensemble in which Hollywood’s comedy class play distorted versions of themselves: perceived nice guy Michael Cera is a coke-snorting sexhound; James Franco is a self-celebrating and pretentious dick; Jonah Hill is a platitude-spouting but secretly vindictive bitch; Craig Robinson’s a chicken-shit screamer; and Danny McBride is one-louder than every other McBride role.

It’s a mass movie love-in as the crew barricade themselves in Franco’s selfdesigned pad to protect themselves from the demonic carnage outside and skewer their own movies and Hollywood in general, careering past The Exorcist (“the power of Christ compels you!”), Pineapple Express (a ramshackle sequel is shot here) and the Jay And Seth Versus The Apocalypse short that sparked this anarchic tale. A relentless, hilarious, unpredictable, occasionally misfiring, joyride.

Good for: A stoner satire that will delight Knocked Up and Pineapple Express fans

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27/6/13 4:57:35 PM 15/4/13 3:12:35 PM

lifestyleliving best ways Staples that will help you survive

Sweet chilli sauce: The world’s most versatile condiment. Will make anything taste good!

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Living with the enemy

A five step plan for living with the roommate from hell Words hugh radojev

Baked beans: Breakfast, lunch and dinner sorted. All you need now is a spoon to eat them with

Fish fingers: A stand in for protein in any recipe. Except maybe fish finger tartare...

Frozen veggies: You can’t afford fresh stuff, but you don’t want all your teeth to fall out

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Stereotypes – they exist for a reason.

Sure, it would be a gross generalisation to say that all Parisians are sour faced, wine swilling, chain smoking and generally unpleasant... But in reality most of them are.

So, too, with roommates. Chances are if your new living companion has knotted, shoulder length hair, wears outrageously baggy, dun coloured clothing and says ‘dude,’ a lot then they’re a hippie and won’t ever be on time with the rent.

I cannot claim to be the world’s greatest roommate. I’ve been known to occasionally eat the last Tim Tam, forgot to take out the bins and even start a small fire or two by accident.

Living with housemates is an experience and some are more pleasurable than others. But before you pack your bags though, read on...

suggest it. If you are moving in with friends, before you even sign anything, have a chat about what you expect from your arrangement. For example; if your ad on Gumtree unearths a heavily bearded, 33year-old applicant with open sores on his forearms and a bad case of British dentistry you should make it clear to ‘Spider’ that methamphetamine isn’t to be smoked inside – as gently as possible, of course.

Anyone who has lived in Redfern will tell you that no amount of vanilla incense or open windows can totally mask the smell of particularly heinous narcotics in a bedroom, in much the same way that once a rug has been vomited on, it’s never quite the same.

Sounds simple enough, but it can make a world of difference. Talking at the beginning will likely mean there won’t be attempted stabbings at the end.

Communicate

Delegate

Consider this step one. The sooner, the better. To help avoid reaching the stage where you want to, well, kill your roommate, make sure there are ground rules in place from the offset. If you are moving into a house share, ask what the rules are and if there’s something you think is missing,

So, you’ve sat down and had a good old chinwag with your new live-in best friend/s, drawn up a lovely list of agreements on (what you thought) was a marker board of truth with the indelible ink of trust and within a week everything has gone to shit?

Not to worry, it’s just time to go to phase

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lifestyleliving

Stop drinking my beer

Stop breathing two of our roommate survival plan. Generally in a group of people there is one person who is more organised and better at dealing with conflict than the others. This person can, officially or unofficially, become the household ‘manager’. If you accept the manager mantle you’re going to need to try and take control of the situation.

But, be wary, because roommates – like all of history’s other peons, dish pigs, helots and serfs – don’t always take kindly to being ruled. If you don’t play your cards right you might come home from a long day’s work to find your housemate/s have risen up against your tyrannical rule and barricaded themselves in the living room with your double mattress. If this happens, best not go into your room because someone will invariably have taken a dump on the carpet or cut the heads off all of your childhood toys and nailed them to the walls. To avoid this Spartacus uprising scenario, be fair and even handed in your management.

Split all your chores evenly.

Photos: TNT Images, Thinkstock

Prevaricate Alright. Steps one and two haven’t really worked. Don’t panic though, just think a minute! People will tell you that waiting for something to go away isn’t the right approach to take, and, in most situations I’d agree with them. But we’re not talking about termites or a solid case of pubic lice here. They are people, just like you. Chances are that things have been a bit weird because you’re all just learning to live together and, like a new pair of shoes, it might pinch a bit at first. Persevere and it might all work itself out...

Stop eating my food

Stop being a dickhead

Castigate Your Utopia lies in ruins. The fridge smells like a public bathroom, your bathroom smells like a rubbish tip and your rubbish tip is now the corridor. Roaches stalk the shadows and the only thing louder than your sobs in the night is Pablo, the Guatemalan bartender’s 3am trance sessions. The time for diplomacy has passed, conflict may well be the only way forward. That being said, ranting and raving mindlessly isn’t your best option here. Instead of getting personal with Pablo and his awful taste in music you’d be better appealing to his humanity. Explain that you keep different hours and while you understand that he wants to relax after a long night shift, you need to get up at 7am to work and you need sleep. If that fails you could always blow the fuse to his room.

Eradicate Some things just weren’t meant to be. C’est la vie as we French speakers say. Now the most important thing is getting rid of the problem roommate as quickly as possible. Because, after all, your stuff is already here and it’ll be a massive pain in the arse getting it all out. If there are more than one of you, get the others onto your side and orchestrate a scorched earth policy. Bullying at school or in the workplace is looked down upon (and rightly so) but in the case of an errant, untidy, rent-dodging roomie it’s warranted. If it’s just you and another person, slip your super $20 and get them to surreptitiously change the locks while they are out. After that, burn their clothes for warmth until they agree to pay their share of the gas bill. Bastards! tntdownunder.com

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WORLDVIEW

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Pretty in pink: Tom Overend’s boudoir

prank sees mates turn bedroom pink

Australia

Once upon a time, a man returned home to Melbourne after travelling far, far away to find his bedroom had been transformed into a fairyland castle.

Tom Overend’s flatmates pulled the prank while he was away for two months by giving the bedroom a make over with pink paint and fairy lights.

Set and costume designer, Marc McIntyre, was behind the stunt that took nine hours to complete. He said: “We decided the enchanted fairy castle theme would be nice and emasculating for Tom.” Overend said: “People have said that my roommates have too much time. I think, if anything, that this is evidence that they’re clearly trying to fill it in.” However, Overend hasn’t changed the room back.

g’day 999? my hooker’s a bushpig

Photos: Getty Images

united kingdom

24

A man in the West Midlands has been given a police warning after he phoned the police to complain that a prostitute he’d hired wasn’t attractive enough.

The man dialled 999 after meeting the woman in a hotel car park, saying he “wished to report her for breaching the Sale of Goods Act”. During the call, the man told an emergency call centre: “I’ve arranged a meeting with her, but beforehand I’ve asked her for an honest description, otherwise when I get there I’m not going to use her services.

“Basically she has misdescribed herself, misrepresented herself totally.

Wolverwho? Joe Alone poses in costume during the 2013 Supanova pop culture festival at Sydney Showground. It’s where “the adoring public comes face-toface with ... the creative talent that inspire their imaginary worlds”.

Fair enough

“She was angry because she obviously thinks I owe her a living or something.”

Sgt Jerome Moran of Birmingham police called the unidentified man back: “I told him that she’d not committed any offences and that it was his actions, in soliciting for sex, that were in fact illegal.”

The man was sent a letter as a warning about his actions. The force said: “Wasting police time is a serious offence and carries a maximum sentence of six months’ jail.”

what a load of bollards. I’m stuck! united kingdom

Police and bystanders were left perplexed when a young man managed to get his head and torso

stuck in a bollard in London.

What started out as a gag turned to acute embarrassment when the man became unable to dislodge himself.

Footage taken on a mobile by John Waterman shows a police officer as well as the man’s friends tried to free him, which took two hours.

“The officer found it very amusing and was chuckling. It was one of his more lighthearted call outs.”

Newsworthy? Not particularly. Amusing?

Definitely.

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THIS WEEK

IN NUMBERS 16

Years a 31-year-old woman from Monaco – who now has heart problems – has been drinking soda every day

Height, in metres, of rubbish a landlord found inside a house in London he bought at an auction for £450k

22

What a dog: Walle

walle wins world’s ugliest dog award

A huge-headed, duck-footed mix of beagle, boxer and basset hound has been crowned the winner at the 25th annual World’s Ugliest Dog Contest.

Walle (WAHL-ee), a four-year-old mutt from Chico, California, who was entered at the last minute, was judged as the most unsightly of 30 dogs, scooping £980.

“This dog looked like he’s been photoshopped with pieces from various dogs and maybe a few other animals,” judge Brian Sobel said.

Owner Tammie Barbee got the dog when he was three months old. “People come up to me and say that dog is not right,” she said, “but I love him.”

introducing the newtown dingoes...

australia

No, the Newtown Dingoes isn’t the name of a local gang, it’s the rise of the urbanised dingo – even in Sydney.

Last week, figures showed more than 580 purebred and 500 cross-breeds were registered as pets last year.

Desiree Hemberger, from Newtown, came out in support of the, er, cute and cuddly creatures, saying she owns three of the animals – called, charmingly, Gerda, Bear and Persephone.

“They are really affectionate, always

Amount, in millions of pounds, scooped on the EuroMillions by an 18-year-old British man.

Lend us a fiver?

Number of tarantulas Juan Pablo Orellana, in Chile, exports around the world in a year – some as big as a hand

united states

Cute? Dingoes wanting to sit on your lap, sleep near you and just stay close,” she said.

Newtown is one of the trendier places in Sydney, so perhaps soon we’ll see kangaroos and emus with hipsters on King Street. Fingers crossed?

search for first oz gay wedding in nz new zealand

Tourism New Zealand is trying to entice Aussies in a same-sex relationship to tie the knot across the Tasman – by offering a prize.

Following NZ’s decision to amend the Marriage Act, the tourism body is offering the lucky couple return flights, accommodation and a wedding reception for up to 20 people.

“What we are doing with the competition is to highlight the fact how easy it is to come to New Zealand, get a license and get married,” said spokesman Tim Burgess.

Applicants are invited to enter via the Star Observer’s Facebook page.

1.5

30,000

QUOTE OF THE WEEK I would love to work with him.

My favourite comedy is Bruno.

I could watch it on a loop – it’s so ahead of its time Isla Fisher gushes over her husband Sacha Baron Cohen’s work. Notice he hasn’t taken her up on the offer...

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28/6/13 9:07:29 AM

SPORTNEWS

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Origin 2 roundup

Keeping their feet on the ground

Strangling a Bird

Giving the bird

High-fives … that’s two at once!

tour match matters for boys with bats Tennis

now it’s business time at wimbledon Tennis

One for the ladies above, since you missed out on his rippling arms and booming forehand last week after he was ousted from Wimbledon, along with defending champ Roger Federer.

Here’s how this week will pan out…

Tuesday: ladies’ singles quarter finals; Wednesday: men’s singles quarter finals; Thursday: ladies’ singles semi-finals; Friday: men’s singles semi-finals; Saturday: women’s singles final and men’s doubles final; Sunday: men’s singles final and ladies’ doubles final.

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Australia’s four-day tour match at the Worcester County Ground from Tuesday should be a chance to iron out cobwebs and acclimatise ahead of the first Ashes Test on July 10, but it’s set to be an all-out shoot-out for the up-for-grabs top order positions.

Assuming Michael Clarke and Shane Watson are fit, and vice-captain Brad Haddin slots in at number six ahead of whichever bowlers have all working parts, there’s a maximum of three spots for five in the squad. On form, 35-year-old Middlesex skipper Chris Rogers should be the first opener picked, leaving shaky incumbent Ed Cowan and Phil Hughes, Usman Khawaja and David Warner (who won’t have played any lead-up matches due to suspension) to fill two places. None of them have knocked down the door for inclusion – barely rung the door bell – so they’ll be keen to impress newly appointed coach Darren Lehmann.

Meanwhile, England has put confidence in Joe Root to open with Alastair Cook by dropping Nick Compton from the squad.

BIG WEEK FOR ...

Warrington Wolves hooker Michael Monaghan told TNT recently that his side were winding up for a big Super League finish and were close to racking up some massive scores, and it was no gee up.

In recent weeks they’ve walloped St Helens (48-22), Salford City (68-10) and the Broncos (82-10). Then they showed they could do the job against competition big guns with a huge, much tighter win over leaders Wigan (22-12) starring Michael’s brother Joel (pictured). They played Bradford at the weekend and are in striking distance to take second place from Huddersfield when they meet Leeds this Friday at 8pm (watch it on Fox Sports).

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Favourite: Team Sky’s Chris Froome

PREVIEW WEEK ONE MADE FOR FROOME tour de france

Until july 21, SBS, live coverage from 10pm Le Tour 2013 has begun winding its way through Corsica, so chosen to mark the great race’s 100th year as it’s the only part of France it hasn’t been It leaves the island after today’s 145km stage three from Ajaccio to Calvi, a tricky course that while it only has two categorised ascents will test the peleton with five climbs throughout the day.

Chris Froome and his Team Sky minions will likely make their first major impression when the Tour hits the mainland on Tuesday for a team time trial in Nice. The fourth stage is a short 25km, but plenty to give the Brits a sight of their first yellow jersey.

The other key stage this week comes when the lycra-clad crusaders arrive on the Pyrenees after two days of undulating bitumen in the Massif Central. Stage eight on Saturday will separate the contenders from the pretenders over 194km from Castres to the Ax 3 Domaines ski resort. The steep Col de Pailheres will split up the pack before the likes of Froome and Alberto Contador hit the summit finish.

THE CHAT | Bent-finger Billy bowled out do you mean Billy Bowden’s been axed from the Q What ICC elite panel of umpires?

It’s true, the closest man the white-coated blokes have had to a

Photos:Getty

A personality since Dickie Bird’s retirement, crooked-fingered Kiwi Billy Bowden, has been dropped from the top flight of cricket umpires. This means he won’t add to his 75 Tests unless he earns his way back onto the 12-man list. He and the experienced Pakistani Asad Rauf were removed in favour of former Aussie fast bowler Paul Reiffel and England’s Richard Illingworth. Rauf was stood down from the Champions Trophy after it was reported he was part of Mumbai Police investigations into IPL match fixing, but a statement said this had nothing to do with their decision. tntdownunder.com

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28/6/13 9:13:12 AM

Ashestour2013

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Return of the urn

Photos: Getty

Words hugh radojev

28

For Australian and English cricketers, The Ashes is the pinnacle of their sport. The eternal struggle between the mother country and its somewhat errant offspring half a world away has captivated men, women and children for over a century. England and Australia played the first ever official Test match in 1877 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, a game Australia won by 45 runs.

The series is named after a satirical obituary that appeared in a British newspaper after the Australians defeated the English in a match at The Oval ground in 1882.

The obituary stated that English cricket had died, and ‘the body will be cremated and the ashes taken to Australia.’

England’s return tour to Australia the following year was then labeled as the quest to ‘regain The Ashes.’ Legend has it that the ashes from a bail were placed inside a small urn, which has become the unofficial trophy for the side that wins the series.

So many of cricket’s greatest players have attained their legendary statuses in the heat of an Ashes battle. Perhaps the statistically greatest sportsman ever Sir Donald Bradman was so feared by the English team under captain Douglas Jardine that they developed the now infamous bodyline method to negate his batting. This involved using extremely fast bowlers like Harold Larwood bowling bouncers at the Australian’s body and head with a leg side field. The ferocious tactic worked, the English side won back the Ashes in 1932-33 but very nearly started an international

incident in the process.

Another Australian cricketing legend and one of the highest wicket takers in Test cricket Shane Warne began his road to glory in an Ashes Test. Warne’s delivery to Mike Gatting in the 1993 Ashes series – dubbed ‘The Ball of the Century’ – is seen by many cricket commentators and writers alike as the moment when Warne became one of the best bowlers in history.

Many of England’s greatest players, too, have used The Ashes to achieve legendary status. The opening partnerships of Jack Hobbs and Herbert Suttclife, Derek Underwood’s heroics in the fifth Test of the 1968 series or, even more recently, Freddie Flintoff’s all-round Ashes winning performance in the epic 2005 series.

There simply isn’t enough room here to discuss every great player from both nations who has dominated one Ashes series or another. We must turn our focus to the upcoming series, one that appears to be out of reach for a young, under-performing Australian side. With Cricket Australia sacking coach Mickey Arthur less than two weeks out from the start of the series, we take a look at the strengths and weaknesses of both sides in the up coming clash and take a punt at picking who will win.

Australia Strengths: Australia do have a surfeit of young, talented fast-bowlers like James Pattinson whose pace and

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ASHEStour2013

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Jimmy Anderson’s pace and guile with the new ball will be giving the Aussie top order a few sleepless nights. consistency has seen the 23-year-old become one of Australia’s front line quicks and Mitchell Starc who, despite a tendency to be expensive, is undoubtedly a wicket taker and on green English pitches is likely to be a weapon for the Aussies. These two youthful firebrands are well paired with the more experienced heads of 33-year-old Ryan Harris and 28-year-old Peter Siddle.

While Australia’s spin bowling options look decidedly less impressive, 24-year-old South Australian finger spinner Nathan Lyon has had some success since bursting onto the Test scene. He is economical and will be hoping to tie up an end in England, eking out wickets using variation in pace and bounce as opposed to big turn.

Another strength is Australia’s ground fielding, which has long been a huge part of the team’s game. Despite the recent loss of Ricky Ponting (a great slips fielder) and Mike Hussey’s safe hands in the gully player’s like David Warner will be hoping to maintain the high pedigree of Australia’s ground fielding throughout the five match series.

Weakness: These are two fold and would likely be of very serious concern, particularly on English pitches, which are always conducive to ball movement in the air as well as off the deck. A weakness to swing has long plagued Australian batsman of much higher standing than Australia’s current crop of players.

First is Australia’s top order which has been in a state of flux for the last 12-months and has yielded a number of 30

terrible totals. The opening pair of David Warner and Ed Cowan has yet to really gel as a partnership and, aside from the indomitable force of Michael Clarke, batsman like Shane Watson, Phil Hughes and Matt Wade have all been seriously underwhelming of late. Considering the already shaky nature of Australia’s batting the prospect of facing genuine swing bowling – a weakness that has historically plagued Aussie teams touring the UK – is one that will seriously be of concern to new head coach Darren Lehmann.

Second is at wicket keeper. Incumbent Matt Wade has had an atrocious year with the gloves and looks likely to be replaced by veteran New South Welshman Brad Haddin behind the stumps. Haddin is undoubtedly better with the gloves, but hasn’t played a Test in the best part of two years and won’t have any grace period to reacclimatise to the rigours of the long form of the game.

England Strengths: Conversely to the Aussies, England’s settled top order is one of its biggest strengths. Current England captain Alistair Cook has been a revelation since his incredible 2010-11 Ashes series in Australia and has been one of world cricket’s best batsman since. Veteran middle order players like Johathon Trott, Ian Bell and Matt Prior all look in good form as well and provide huge amounts of experience to offset the youthful additions of 22-year-old opener Joe Root and 23-year-old Jonny Bairstow.

England’s fast bowling options too look pretty excellent.

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Spear headed by Jimmy Anderson who has matured into one of world cricket’s most consistent fast bowlers the likely English pace trio ought to be completed by Stuart Broad and lanky Steven Finn, both of whom have enjoyed success against Australia before.

England’s primary spinner Graeme Swann might not be in as rich a vein of form as he was 18-24 months ago, but he is still more than capable of being a match winner for his side after an impressive recent tour of the sub-continent.

The finger-spinner is also much loved by the Barmy Army for his larrikin antics both on and off the field.

Weakness: Having not watched a huge amount of English cricket in the last six or so months we might make an absolute hash of this but from what we’ve seen of wicket keeper Matt Prior he’s always been solid without being excellent. We’ve always thought him to be much better with the bat than he is with the gloves.

Also without the athletic abilities of fielders like Paul Collingwood the Aussies will be hoping that the English ground fielding might give them a few cheap runs and an extra life or two for their batsman as the series progresses.

Seems a faint hope, though.

Verdict On paper anyway, the English certainly look to be the better side. Recent tour victories against India and New Zealand have given an experienced England team a great boost in confidence coming into The Ashes. The Australian team on the other hand appears to be in disarray. It pains us to say, but we’re anticipating a whitewash win for the English – but we’ve been wrong before.

where to watch If you want to catch some of The Ashes action during the series you can head to any of the following pubs. Sydney: The Paragon Hotel hotelparagon. com.au The Palace Hotel, Sydney palacehotelsydney.com.au Brisbane: The Pig ‘n’ Whistle pignwhistle.com.au Melbourne: Turf Sports Bar turfbar.com.au and in Perth: Mustang Bar mustangbar.com.au The First Test starts on July 10.

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TRAVEL HOTSHOTS | travel news | Travel deals | Travel stories | IMAGE OF THE WEEK

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Our two resident love experts take you through their top 10 favourite date spots that are (almost) guaranteed to work 32

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Working as a capsicum sorter on a far north Queensland farm is a little bit like a Big Brother-style prison camp, but with much more torture, writes Lydia Barron ”Pick up your mediums!” Bubs, the feisty manager, would bellow as the girls frantically moved their hands, trying to race the machine in a bid to not get fired. No talking. No music. No questions. I did not realise that ‘farming’ would involve being subjected to examining and sorting Queensland’s never-ending supply of capsicums for 12 hours a day, every day.

When anyone mentions ‘regional work’ you instantly imagine backbreaking fruit picking jobs which is why I was pleasantly surprised when I found out I had bagged a peachy job in the shed instead of the field.

“Move your hands!” Bubs would drill into us every 10 minutes when she would spot the smallest of errors, such as misplacing a small-medium in a medium box. Who knew farming could be so stressful? She had a fundamental rule of what a ‘medium’ capsicum was that differed depending on her mood, the weather and what shoes

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she decided to wear that morning. It made absolutely no sense and left every worker gormless following her constant infuriating rants. This place was more reminiscent of a prison camp than a ‘working paradise’ in The Whitsundays.

Not only was it my first day, but I had turned up looking like an Avatar as the mozzie mafia had seized their revenge on my face after I repeatedly clapped away 21 of their cousins in my non-ventilated six bed dorm.

As if being partially blind wasn’t enough under these conditions, a casual bushfire began roaring outside, overrunning the shed with flakes of ash and a thick blanket of smog.

Anxiously startled, most of us looked around expecting alarm bells to ring.

Forget health and safety, these 500,000 cappies aren’t going to sort themselves!

Despite the fruit being smothered in a filthy residue plus a potential life threatening inferno outside, it was a necessity they were ranked. Bubs was as cool as a cucumber even though she was tolerating a vicious asthma attack.

Bushfires, apparently, are a common occurrence among farming towns

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in the area, hence the composed atmosphere in the shed – apart from all of us girls who would rather risk our lives than take our hands off that belt.

In a dog-eat-dog industry where getting fired is as normal as performing your rendition of I’m a Farmer and I Grow It in your capsicum bikini, I was unsure if I was cut out for farming.

I rocked up to the Bowen Big Brother-style working hostel the day before and was immediately introduced to ‘Frank’ the watermelon being summoned over the tannoy. He was the hostel’s infamous mascot as watermelons were banned from the grounds due to them being used as tool for smuggling alcohol via injection.

I then met Barry, the toothless farmer, who greeted me by generously giving me five nudey magazines to browse over dinner whilst his wife Sue watched. Overwhelmed by this farming frenzy, I retired to my bunk bed intrigued by what the next 87 days would entail.

You cannot really comprehend the rational lunacy of being a farming backpacker until your days involve picking illegal substances for what you thought were legitimate farmers, crashing a tractor through an electric fence to avoid a snake, or nursing a Goonover in the cool room as you pay $220 a week for rent but refuse to pay $2 for air con.

You should realise it is time to leave when you not only spend your spare time having serious daily vegetable debates, but when you demand to speak to the manager of Coles after finding every size capsicum possible in the SAME BOX, subsequent to having spent three gruelling months specifically separating them.

No matter how much it drives you bananas, it is a cultivating experience with some of the best and worst days you’ll never forget.

write for TNT! Send us your scary, funny or embarrassing travel tale (preferably about Australia or New Zealand) and we might publish your story! Email your tales (700 words max), to editor@tntdownunder.com

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Leaker holed up Fugitive American whistle-blower Edward Snowden is reportedly held up in a Moscow Airport after his proposed move to Ecuador for asylum hit a snag. Russia says Snowden, whose flight is proving a growing embarrassment for US president Barack Obama, is still in the transit area of Sheremetyevo airport. WikiLeaks, which is assisting Snowden’s bid for asylum claim that he risks being trapped in Moscow ‘indefinitely’. Russia, however, has publicly stated that it will not, under any circumstances, extradite Snowden to the United States.

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Con Air

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The Australian flag carrier Qantas has launched an investigation into claims it purchased headphones made in a Chinese jail where inmates who miss production targets are reportedly beaten and held in solitary confinement. The Australian Financial Review said other big companies also allegedly used products made at Dongguan prison in the southern province of Guangdong, including British Airways and Emirates. Former inmate, Danny Cancian said that failure to meet demand resulted in “tasering”. Not a good look.

Queue Horreur The iconic Eiffel Tower in Paris has been forced to close due to a strike by workers at the tourist attraction. The workers want more pay and better conditions during Paris’ peak tourism season. The union claims one of the five lifts still hasn’t been renovated despite the initial decision to do so being made in 2008, waiting lines are getting longer, and visitors are becoming impatient. Seeing as the structure receives about seven million visitors every year it’s fairly obvious why the workers there want all the lifts to be working during the summer months.

Le fin for shark fin South Korea’s two largest airlines, Korean Air and Asiana, have both decided to ban shark fin from their cargo flights - as part of a growing global campaign against the Asian delicacy. “Korean Air has joined a campaign to protect an ecological system by imposing a complete ban on the shipment of shark fin,” said one spokesperson in a statement for Korea’s largest airline. Asiana soon followed soon, releasing their own statement saying they too would ban the shipping of shark fin without actually setting a date. This brings Korea Air and Asiana in line with many other Asian carriers.

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It’s dating season You’ve settled into Oz, signed a lease and got a job. The only thing missing is that someone special to pass the winter months with, right? Our Casanovas will point you in the right direction for love Words hugh radojev + rory platt

Photos: Tourism NSW/Tourism Queensland, Thinkstock

Young love is a many and splendored thing. Sure, there’s something to be said for coming to Australia and spending your first three or four months playing musical beds with the other guests in your hostel. We’ve been there; no one’s judging you.

Yet, after a period of time, when the hard fiscal realities of life on the road set in, your heart may well grow weary of the myriad of interchangeable faces.

It may well yearn for something more stable, something with a semblance of feeling, mutual respect and affection.

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Or maybe you’re just trying to trick an Aussie into marrying you so that you can get permanent residency.

Whatever your reasons are, we’ve compiled a list of places where you can take the object of your goodly intentions out on a romantic – and more importantly – memorable date.

Something with character, that will live long in the memory – as opposed to a boring meal at a shitty restaurant or the back seat of the cinema.

With our tireless research and your aesthetically symmetrical face,

effervescent wit and jovial personality these date ideas can’t fail but to win your would-be lover’s heart. Or – at the very least – make them agree to go on a second date with you.

As males we understand the rules of the game and we are always thinking of new and ingenious ways to make you women swoon. This is simply our top 10.

So boys and girls, read on. Let us be your literary wingmen on this, your battlefield of love. Steal your courage and strengthen your resolve, friends, for it’s a jungle out there.

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Fish for a kiss The Aquarium: So you’ve met some hotty-mc-hot-so-much in your Sydney hostel and now you need to find a nice casual, no pressure date to take them on. Your best friend on a first date is Sea Life Sydney Aquarium at Darling Harbour. That way you can disguise any awkward silences by gawking and oohing and ahhing over fish.

Something about the way the light glints off a grey nurse shark’s teeth will put you in the mood for romance, and science informs us that looking at various species of fish through inch-thick glass is a powerful aphrodisiac (no source available).

Primo date time is weeknights just before 7pm to avoid the worst of the crowds, and if things go to plan you might even get a sneaky pash in the shark tunnel. Even if things don’t work out, remember that the best advice is right in front of you – there are plenty more fish in the sea. There’s 6,000 in Sydney Aquarium, after all. RP

The only thing cuter than this dugong is you when you suggest this date

Shift into gear The Drive-In: This falls more into second date material. So, if they’re willing to go on another date with you, here’s your chance to take romance to the next level. Take a leap back in time to Sydney’s only drive-in cinema in Blacktown where you can finally land the old ‘yawn and stretch’ move and casually place your arm around your date’s shoulder.

If you’re in Victoria, head just outside of Melbourne to Dromana to become a member of the 1960s.

To complete the transition you’ll need to borrow somebody’s dad’s Pontiac Firebird convertible and promise to have your date home before dark.

Don’t think too hard about which movie to watch – the worse it is, the better. There’s nothing more arousing than mutual hatred of a movie. It’ll be much more fun to discuss on the drive home too. Unless they love it, in which case you’d better be good at faking it. RP

The drive-in: one of the only useful inventions of the 60s

Hit the high notes Karaoke: Things must be going pretty well for you and your special friend if you’ve made it this far. To truly test your affection for each other it’s time to show the other person your true colours and there is no better way to do this than at your local karaoke bar.

But let’s take a step back. Embarrassing yourself in front of your date is one thing, but in front of an entire karaoke bar? Fear not, you can bask in the false sense of security at a private room in Ding Dong Dang in Surry Hills and sing your guts out in a pitch-imperfect rendition of Creep. If that doesn’t scare them off, then you’re surely onto a winner.

It’s cheap, has approximately one billion songs on offer (each with its own hilariously irrelevant video), and most importantly, a well-stocked fridge at reception. Make it a double or triple date and have plenty of time to cosy up and let another couple embarrass themselves with cringe-worthy duet of A Whole New World. RP

A duet of Elton John’s Don’t Go Breaking tntdownunder.com my Heart is not advised on a first date 725_Date night.indd 41

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This cheap date could be sink or swim, depending on your charm

long walks on the beach Beach walks: Dates don’t get much cheaper than this – fresh sea air, beautiful views and an ice cream at the end of it all (usually). A leisurely stroll along the coast is a great opportunity to get to know your new special friend in as casual a way as possible.

It’s also winter, so the whales are out, giving you the ideal distraction when you’re out of things to say. They won’t know the difference and your intent scanning of the water will make them forget that your story was going nowhere.

The best thing about a walk is it can be as long or short as you like. If things are going well, you can take a seat, enjoy the view and make the date last. Plan according to the weather though, as things might be over quicker than you thought if you get rained on. RP

Perfect game

Disco lights, drinks – ten pin bowling is guaranteed to bowl someone over

Ten pin bowling: It’s a classic date choice, but you can’t go wrong with it. That is unless you’re really good and your date is terrible, in which case they’ll have a miserable time and you won’t impress anyone.

Tone it down if you’re a champ and take the opportunity to teach your date a thing or two. If you’re a good teacher then maybe it’ll become a lifelong shared passion and you’ll look back on your first bowling date fondly. Aww… The secret to a good bowling date is to make it a double.

Otherwise one of you is bowling while the other sits and waits. Do it right and you’ll have ample time to sit and get to know each other and awkward conversations can be interrupted as soon as it’s your turn. You’ll have as long as it takes to launch a ball or two down an alley to think of something clever or interesting to say. RP

Cooking with gas

Just think of all the euphemisms you can pull out 42

Cooking classes: There comes a time in every budding relationship where you’re going to have to roll up your sleeves and impress your paramour by whipping up a little something in the kitchen. After all, nothing says ‘sensitive’ and ‘new aged’ quite like homemade falafel.

Still, there’s going to be a bit of a problem with this.

You’re a busy person and busy people tend to take most of their sustenance out of a clear tupperware container while standing over the sink.

Not to worry though, there is a way to improve your culinary skills exponentially and get a memorable date out of it at the same time. Cooking classes have been around almost as long as cooking has. Unfortunately they have long been the domain of the recently retired baby-boomer couple looking to stave off boredom. Until now, that is.

Healthy Soy Cooking in Bondi Junction, for example, run a very reasonably priced sushi-rolling course. Not only will you learn how to make delicious cyu maki and nigiri from scratch, but you’ll also get a potentially telling insight into how your prospective partner is with their hands. Which is always useful. HR

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Animal magnitude

All those Hugh Grant films can’t be wrong

The Zoo: Ah, yes, the zoo. Where else in these heady, modernised times of ours can one pay good money to stand and watch a family of chimpanzees masturbate and throw faeces at each other?

That being said, there is something indefinably romantic about walking hand in hand around what is essentially an animal prison. Both of you peering through the bars at the exotic species in various stages of repose in their cages with the ripe aroma of dung stinging at your nostrils and watering your eyes.

As with so many other things in life, it’s the little things that make the zoo date so unforgettable.

Also – depending on how far down the intimacy road you have progressed – many zoos will allow you stump up a fee to spend a night on the grounds. Werribe Zoo in Victoria for example runs a ‘Slumber Safari’ while the Taronga Dubbo Plains has its very own Zoofari Lodge.

The two of you can huddle together, dosing fitfully in your sleeping bags, periodically waking in terror when something rustles around outside your tent. Good times. HR

If things go really well you could be riding tandem later

Heart starter Bike Riding: Now we’re talking: the open road, insects in your mouth and the wind blowing through your helmeted hair.

No inner-city street corner or graffiti-sprayed alleyway is quite complete without a bike repair and hire shop. Slap down a cheeky tenner and you and your significant other can get fitted for a helmet and pedal off into the sunshine on a couple of pre-loved velocipedes.

Pack a picnic and ride to a nearby park, or play the part of the peddle-powered café racer and zip from one cosy coffee house to the next. The beauty of this date is that there are no boundaries or geographical restrictions other than how far you two can get on half a gluten-free bran muffin and a freetrade skim macchiato each.

For the ultimate coupley experience, why not hire a tandem-bike instead? This way one of you can sit up the front and do all the actual peddling while the other takes in the view and steers the small talk.

Lycra bodysuits are optional, but not necessarily encouraged. HR

Staying afloat Boating: Boats are definitely romantic; the sensual sound of water running over the ships’ gunnels, the gentle creak of the vessel in the lapping waves, the shrieking overhead of the sprightly gulls.

Boating can take a less than amorous turn however if one finds oneself and one’s close ‘friend’ drifting perilously into international shipping and commercial ferry lanes in Sydney Harbour.

Keeping that in mind, we’d recommend that if you and your special friend fancy getting a little salty, take it to a lake or slow moving river first. Northern Sydney’s Lane Cove River might be a good place to start; the water’s placid and the traffic is light at best.

Now you’re on the water you can play it anyway you want; do it traditionally with the man working the oars and the lady lying resplendent in the bow with a cool drink and a parasol, or get all 21st Century about it and swap the roles around intermittently. HR

Trivial pursuits Trivia nights: I know what you’re thinking: ‘pub trivia? What’s romantic about being stuffed onto a table with a bunch of fat, pissed blokes, listening to a man with a microphone screeching questions above the swelling house music down at my local?’

Everything, that’s what.

For one thing, trivia gives you an excellent opportunity to show off your higher level of intelligence. If you can think of a better time to show off your uncanny ability to name all of the American state capitals in front of your partner without sounding like an absolute tosser then I’d like to hear it.

Also, your average pub trivia night will likely be awash with slightly sweaty singles all attempting to drown their sorrows on a Monday night awhile answering questions to make themselves feel better. Let your partner have a quick look around and he or she will think that they had better find someone soon or else wind up the same way and die alone.

Fear of the future is a powerful aphrodisiac… from what I’ve been told. HR

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worth over

$730

Win an exhilirating 3 day G & Grampians Adventure f Australians are a modest bunch, they don’t tend to harp on about something unless they truly believe it’s worth it weight in salt. Which is why, when they call something ‘great’ you know it must be pretty damn special.

The Great Ocean Road in Victoria is one of the most spectacular, and natural, jewels found on the east coast of Australia. In fact, calling it ‘great’ is an understatement.

Then when you combine it with a visit to the Grampians and Port Campbell, well it turns into something truly special.

That’s where the good folks at Bunyip Tours come in. They’ve been taking travellers to this stretch of land for years and they know it like the back of their hands.

Starting off in the surf town of Torquay,

travelling south to see the 12 Apostles, and ending up in the Grampians National Park for a scenic nature walk is only a taste of what you will get on this trip. And we want you to join them on this adventure!

THE PRIZE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING FOR TWO PEOPLE: a three day journey to: The Great Ocean Road, Grampians National Park and Port Campbell National Park. Meals and accommodation, park entrance fees and friendly and informative tour guides.

Competition closes Wednesday, July 31 2013.

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

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Total prizes worth over

y Great $3,600 Ocean Road e from Bunyip Tours

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Snow guide australia

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The white stuff A lot of people are surprised to learn that it snows in Oz. They’re even more surprised when they learn there’s some decent powder falling on the hills. We bring you our favourite slopes in Oz Words alex harmon + rory platt

Thredbo (NSW) Probably the most well known ski resort in Australia, with the most extensive snowmaking system and the longest run in Oz from Karel’s T-Bar to Friday Flat (5.9 km). It’s also the ski destination to rub shoulders with fame as it has a reputation for attracting Australian celebrities! Great for beginners and intermediates alike, there’s plenty of trails to hit that will keep you busy all day. The gentle Friday Flat is a pure practice heaven to help get you up and onto those tougher trails before your holiday is over. If you’re already a seasoned snow bunny there’s plenty of intermediate tracks and a variety of terrain parks to keep you occupied. If you’re honing your big jump tricks, don’t risk cocking up and ruining your holiday.

Thredbo has the Bag Jump to test out your Backside Rodeo or Cannonball. Don’t miss Saturday nights when the slopes come alive with the traditional flare run, or try your hand at night riding, free from 4:30 to 7:30 every night.

Where to stay: Oz Snow do weekend trips from $245 including accommodation at the Snowy Valley Resort.

How much: Lift pass daily $110, five-day pass $494. thredbo.com.au

Photos: Perisher, Selwyn, TNT Images

Perisher (NSW) Round the corner from Australia’s best known resort is the major competitor for your hard earned snow dollars – Perisher. Having poured $22 million into new snowmaking technology, Perisher seems determined to make a name for itself in the Australian ski business. The largest alpine resort in the southern hemisphere, Perisher has 271 snow guns covering just over three thousand acres of skiable terrain. While more than half of this is deemed suitable for intermediate skiers and boarders, there’s still plenty to keep beginners and experts interested on the slopes. Perisher also has the most terrain parks out of any Australian alpine resort, with even an added bonus of a mini half-pipe for those looking to try their hand at a few 360s. As with all the bigger resorts you’ll have to tussle with a lot of beginners, so

the sooner you can get off the green, the better!

Where to stay: Snowy Mountains Backpackers - $45 midweek.

How much: Lift pass daily $109, five-day pass $437 (online). perisher.com.au

Charlotte Pass (NSW) The highest ski resort in NSW, and also the oldest in Australia, is a snowy adventure unlike any other. To give you an idea of how serious I am, in the dead of winter, access to Charlotte Pass is by Snowcat only. Not bad for a country dominated by desert. The altitude of Charlotte pass means it generally receives the most snowfall of any resort in Australia. With proper winter events that you’d normally get in the northern hemisphere, such as Christmas in July with carols, and even snowman-building competitions. Partake in activities designed to test your skiing abilities like the weekly standard race, or carve up fresh tracks after watching the sunrise over the mountain range. Charlotte Pass is a much smaller resort than that of Thredbo and Perisher, so the atmosphere is perfect for a relaxing ski holiday.

Where to stay: Snowy Mountains Backpackers - $45/night How much: Lift pass daily $97, five-day pass $465. charlottepass.com.au

Perisher also offers night skiing

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Getting some air in Selwyn

Mt Hotham (VIC) Self-proclaimed as having the best natural snow terrain in Australia, this 302 hectare winter wonderland has everything you could want in a ski holiday. It also holds the record for the most rainfall of any resort in Victoria. Mt Hotham has some of the best on-mountain accommodation, perfect for skiing right out your front door and back again at the end of the day. With a majority of intermediate and expert runs there are challenges aplenty, not only that but Hotham is also home to Australia’s most difficult run: Mary’s Slide. If you’ve burnt out on Hotham’s slopes you can always hop on the Heli-Link ($130) and in just six minutes you’ll be tearing up Falls Creek on the same lift ticket. There’s also the free off piste Snowcat ride to discover the best of Hotham’s pow-pow (powder for the non ski term savvy).

Where to stay: Omeo Golden Age Hotel Motel - $50 (45 mins from slopes) How much: Lift pass daily $110, five-day pass $456. mthotham.com.au

Where to stay: Mansfield Travellers Lodge - $25 - $30 (45 mins away)

How much: Lift pass daily $110, five-day pass $462. mtbuller.com.au

Falls Creek (VIC) As well as being a kick-arse ski resort, Falls Creek is also Australia’s cross-country skiing destination, with free access to more than 65km of groomed trails. Push yourself in the

Ah the après-ski beer goggles

Mt Buller (VIC) A mere three hours from Melbourne, Mt Buller holds the esteemed position of the largest lift system in Victoria. If you want a wider variety of terrain then Buller holds the key to making your dollar go further on the mountain.

With a variety of slopes appealing to skiers of all abilities, you can go from gentle green slopes, right up to more challenging black runs. As of 2006 the village of Mt Buller had a population of only 251, but has about 7,000 beds available for resort guests. For 2013 Mt Buller has made improvements to their already impressive lift system, as well as investments in new snow guns. With snow having already fallen in the village, 2013 looks set to be a fantastic season for snowfall. Mt Buller has a wide range of other activities on the snow, cross-country skiing, snow-shoeing and good old tobogganing.

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Kangaroo Hoppet, a series of cross-country races ranging from 7-42km. For downhill skiers there is an impressive range of black and blue slopes that hopefully won’t leave you black and blue. Their terrain parks are perfectly designed for helping you progress from small to bigger terrain. There’s even a bus to jump on or over in the XL park. Falls Creek has a great night ski run on Wombat’s Ramble, which is perfect for beginners and those looking for an easy-going run under the stars. If you want to try something really different, Falls Creek is the only resort in Australia to hire out ski bikes. That’s a bike with skis if you hadn’t already visualised it.

Where to stay: Bright Backpackers - $33 (1 hour+ from slopes) How much: Lift pass daily $110, five-day pass $456. fallscreek.com.au

Oz&Nz SnOw

s E r U t N e AdV

Ben Lomond (TAS) Just about an hour and a half east of Launceston, Ben Lomond is one of the smaller ski resorts found in Australia.

Highly recommended for beginner and intermediate skiers/ boarders. Not too steep and never crowded, Ben Lomond is ideal for those who are intimidated by crowded lifts and slopes found on the larger mainland resorts. Found in the heart of Ben Lomond National Park with a view to some of the most beautiful alpine scenery that Tasmania is famous for. With the combination of a laidback vibe and affordability make Ben Lomond ideal for the snow sport enthusiast looking for a low-key holiday. The resort is justifiably popular with snowboarders, cross-country skiers and tobogganers. The addition of snowmaking equipment in 2011 has helped top up the natural snow on the main slope, though there are only two snow guns for the whole resort. Like I said, low-key.

Where to stay: Arthouse Hostel, Launceston - $23 dorm (1 hour+ from slope) How much: Lift pass daily $60 skibenlomond.com.au

Selwyn Snowfields (NSW) Selwyn Snowfields are known as being a family-friendly ski resort, which makes it perfect if you’re a total amateur on the white stuff. Selwyn is found in the Kosciuszko National Park, but far from the likes of Thredbo and Perisher. It has only two expert trails, with the vast majority being suitable for beginner to intermediate snow bunnies. Despite its small size, Selwyn has about 80 per cent of the resort covered by snowmaking facilities, so when nature lets you down you’ll still have something to slide on. Further evidence to Selwyn’s family-friendly attitude is the grooming procedure at the resort, which is done by the director, Bob Heatley, his wife and son-in-law every day. If downhill skiing or snowboarding lacks the thrills of busting out tricks then you can hit up Selwyn’s terrain parks for just $25 a day instead. Selwyn’s a great resort if you’re just getting into snow sports, with great instructors and the perfect trails to progress gently. If your skills are limited this is just the place to find your snow legs, save the bigger resorts till next year.

Your wallet will thank you.

Where to stay: Bunkhouse Motel - $40 (40 mins from slopes) How much: Lift pass daily $82, five-day pass $332. selwynsnow.com.au

SyDnEy To ThE SnOw BuSeS dEpArT fRoM SyDnEy, CaNbErRa aNd WoLlOnGoNg

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TRAVELWEEKENDER TRAVEL

To t

By the Bay This is Byron Bay + Nimbin in 72 hours Words Hugh Radojev

Photos: Destination NSW , Facebook.com

DAY 1: Few places so perfectly encapsulate the laidback, surf obsessed culture that so many find synonymous with Australia than Byron Bay. Just a few minutes drive from the Queensland border this coastal town has blossomed into a major tourism destination in the last few years and, along with nearby town Nimbin represents a beautiful spot to spend a sun-drenched weekend away. Surfing though, as we will soon discover, is not the only thing that Byron has to offer. Being the now permanent home of the Splendour in the Grass festival turns Byron Bay into the Australian musical capital for three days every July and has rubbed off on the live music and nightlife attractions of the town year round.

The ever popular, backpacker-friendly pubs and nightclubs have also been offset by some first class live music venues who routinely get touring Australian and international acts. Nimbin is much less developed than Byron Bay and is generally considered to be the hippie capital of Australia.

It also has a somewhat unsavoury reputation for being an excellent place to purchase illicit narcotics. Still, though, it's a cool place to spend a couple of hours. Make sure you pack a towel and your best pair of board shorts.

9:00: Beautiful Byron is only a short two-hour drive from Brisbane but if you want to make the most out of your weekend away you're going to need to start early. Brisbane 2 Byron (brisbane2byron.com) run a number of daily coach services that depart from Brisbane Airport. The earliest on is at 7am, which should see you arrive at your base for

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the weekend in good time. Backpackers Inn Byron Bay (backpackersinnbyronbay.com.au) is located right in the heart of Byron on Shirley Street opposite the beach. The dorms are comfortable, the staff lovely and travellers from all over the world routinely call the place home. Don't stay inside too long though, there's so much to see and do.

11:00: Byron is known as a top spot for sighting dolphins and whales, so why not get out on a kayak for an up-close and personal experience? Go Sea Kayak (goseakayakbyronbay.com.au) have tours twice a day during summer for $60 per person that will paddle alongside pods of dolphins and humpback whales. Their three hour tour has been known to see turtles too and before stopping on a secluded beach for refreshments, you'll hear all about the local Aboriginal sacred places and stories.

13:30: Once you've dropped off the kayaks, it's back in the water. You shouldn't avoid spending time at Main Beach, it would be unheard of. Have a surf and say hello to your new dolphin friends, or just splash about. Grab a burger from any of the nearby takeaway joints and eat it while sitting on your beach towel taking in the view.

17:00: You don't even need to wash the sand from your hair before you settle in at The Beach Hotel (beachhotel.com. au). This sprawling pub nicknamed "Top Pub" by the locals overlooks Main Beach. It doesn't get more relaxing than stretching out on a deck chair while you watch the sun go down behind the playing dolphins. Enjoy the warm air, cold

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Tall

Jam

To the lighthouse

Tallows beach Jammin' at the Arts Factory

brew and fill up on a delicious plate of fish and chips.

20:00: There is much to be said for staying at the Beachy all night, but Byron Bay's nightlife has much more to offer than just the one pub. The Great Northern is Byron Bay's live music hub and is a great spot to have a few beers on a Friday night and catch a band. Plus, if you can still find the room, the kitchen makes some delicious and affordable pizzas.

23:00: Sure, it's early and it's a Friday night but keep everything in perspective. You've probably been up since before dawn and you've got an action packed day tomorrow.

So back off to Backpackers Inn Byron Bay with you!

You're going to need your rest, we wouldn't want you to get all grumpy now would we?

DAY 2: 9:00: Rise and shine, sleepy head! It's time to grab breakfast at one of Byron's numerous cafes. One of my personal favourites is Dip Cafe and Restaurant – it's got Byron's best cup of coffee and also makes an excellent egg and bacon roll. Mmmm très delicious!

10:00: Now, we know you've had fun working at a snail's pace but now it is time to step it up a notch. Get on your bike with Mountain Bike Tours (mountainbiketours. com.au). They will show you Byron from a different perspective. Even if you've never ridden off-road before they can cater to all levels of experience and enthusiasm. Trust us though, once you get out on the secluded trails, your inner explorer won't be able to contain itself.

13:00: No trip to Byron would be complete without visiting the Cape Byron Lighthouse (byron-bay.com). Towering over the rocky headland, it is the most easterly light in Australia. That fact also means that if you walk not too far from the lighthouse itself, you've reached the easternmost

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Kayaking the bay

Vibrant shopping in Nimbin

point of mainland Australia with pretty amazing views of the Pacific Ocean. Well done. There are walking tracks too, if you feel like really milking your achievement for all it's worth.

15:00: You've now got a few hours in the afternoon to kill but, don't complain too loudly, because you're in a good spot for it. You could wander over to the beautiful Wategoes Beach and grab a wave or two, take a guided horse ride either through the amazing Byron hinterland or along the beach with Pegasus Park (byron-bay.com/pegasus), become a portrait artist in just one three hour lesson with Byron Bay Art Studio or just head to one of the many excellent bars and enjoy a few cleansing ales before heading out for dinner in the evening.

20:00: To switch things up a bit, go for dinner tonight at The Balcony Bar and Restaurant (balcony.com.au). Nibble on a smattering of tapas with a cocktail and check out the atmosphere at one of Byron's last historical buildings. In summer a cool breeze blows right through and they have a cozy fireplace for enjoying a winter meal.

DAY 3: 9:00 'Morning has broken like the first dawning, blackbird has spoken'... Yeah, you get the point. Anyway, grab some breakfast in town, or spend a little time kicking around your hostel. It's Sunday after all and there's no need to hurry.

10:00: We'll be heading out of beautiful Byron this morning and going in-land to the township of Nimbin. Grasshoppers Nimbin Tours (grasshoppers.com.au), depart daily at 10am from Byron and are also the only Nimbin tour that provide its patrons with a complimentary lunch as a price of the ticket. After all, Nimbin's the kind of place where one can work up a serious appetite. The exquisite countryside is also a highlight of the tour, including the majestic Minyon Falls which tumble out of the rocky embrasure in the hinterland rainforest. This is also a great opportunity to spot some of Australia's best known furry, marsupial friends. Koalas live in the towering eucalypts surrounding the township as do thousands of kookaburras.

13:00: The township of Nimbin has been the capital of Australia's hippie and 'counter culture' since 1973. It is also a hot spot for environmental conservation. Take some time out to wander the quiet streets and sample some of the local produce. If, for whatever reason, you're in Nimbin on

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Minyon Falls is only a short day trip away

[Caption]

the first week of May check out the Mardigrass Festival (nimbinmardigrass.com) for an enlightening experience.

18:00: Back on the bus and back home in time for dinner.

Fishheads (fishheadsbyron.com.au) is something of an institution and takes its fare straight from the glittering sea and straight onto your plate. The place also has a fine selection of alcoholic beverages to even everything out.

21:00: Now you're ready for a real night out and we've saved the best until last, Cheeky Monkeys (cheekymonkeys.com.au) is a bar created just for you. Really. It cropped up in response to the increasing backpacker presence in beautiful Byron and they know what we love. It's got cheap booze, banging tunes and plenty of like minded party people. It's Byron's most popular party bar, so throw a shape or two and get on it.

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[Caption] The oh-so liberal Nimbin

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Galapagos

Galapagos Ecuador Ecuador

GALAPAGOS ISLANDS QUITO

ECUADOR

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GETTINGTHERE THERE GETTING Fly from London Fly from Sydney toto Quito from £949 return return with Delta, Quito from $2,141 with while onward flights from the Delta, while onward flightsEcuadorian capital the Galápagos from the to Ecuadorian capitalIslands cost from £358 return to the Galápagos Islandswith costLAN. delta.com; lan.com from $596 return with LAN. delta.com; lan.com

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Enchanted Isles TNT heads off on an eye-popping trip to the Galapagos Islands where giant tortoises, crusty iguanas and playful sea lions roam Words Andrew Westbrook

My head has barely dipped below the surface human hub on Santa Cruz Island. Home to when a torpedo flashes past, causing an more than 12,000 people, guesthouses, dive WHEN TO GO: High seasons eruption of colour that puts Sydney’s New shops and restaurants wrestle for space along are June to September, and Year’s Eve celebrations to shame. Concerned the smart main street.

December to January. December to I’ve stumbled across some sub-aqua warzone, May is rainy and June to November Strolling to the edge of town I pass the I take a closer look, and discover I wasn’t far waterside fish market, where hungry pelicans is dry season, which is best for wrong. Sea lions whiz left and right while and eagle rays outnumber customers; then snorkelling and diving. parrotfish, boxfish and a dozen other tropical CURRENCY: $1 = USD0.92 wooden benches, where sea lions kick back, species scarper for their lives, desperate to like street corner hoodies daring you to ACCOMMODATION: The avoid the fate known simply as ‘lunch’. take a breather on their seat. Opposite are quirky, mazelike Hostal Colonial It’s been just a few short minutes since the endless souvenir shops, each boasting House (colonialhousequito.

I first plunged into the waters of the the obligatory “I love boobies” T-shirts (in com) on the outskirts of Galápagos Islands to do some snorkelling, reference to the islands’ blue-footed booby Quito’s old town has beds from and already some of the words of Charles birds, in case you were wondering). $11pppn. Friendly, family-run Darwin, their most famous visitor, are echoing Casa Hospedaje Germania A few minutes after the buildings have through my head – this chain of volcanoes, thinned out, I reach the Charles Darwin in Puerto Ayora, Galápagos straddling the equator, is without doubt “a Research Station. The station is named, (casahospedajegermania.hostel. little world within itself”. unsurprisingly, in honour of the famed com), has double rooms, with In spite of the fact it’s painfully pricey to English naturalist, who toured the islands ensuite, for $58pn. take a trip here (you won’t find tours for aboard the HMS Beagle back in 1835. The On SEE: galapagos.org under $1600), Ecuador’s Galápagos Islands The Origin Of The Species author spent just continue to draw over 170,000 travellers to five weeks in the archipelago, but that was the World Heritage-listed archipelago each year. Most agree all it took for Galápagos to inspire his theory of evolution. it’s worth every penny to see the place that inspired Darwin’s The station’s headline act is the breeding programme for theory of evolution, thanks to the various species that can the region’s most famous creature – the giant tortoise, from only be found here, having evolved to specifically suit the which the islands gain their name, ‘galapago’ being Spanish volcanic islands’ conditions. It means you’ll come face to for tortoise. They’ve played a central role in the link between face with some of the planet’s most weird and wonderful the region and theories of evolution, thanks to multiple subcreatures, from giant tortoises to blue-footed birds. species existing on different islands. It’s thought just one type Bobbing above the water, I see a pocket-sized penguin of normal-sized tortoise washed up at first, with its offspring perched on shore, sunning itself like a calendar model living then developing to suit the varying conditions of the islands, from camera click to click. To my other side, meanwhile, a all the while growing huge due to a lack of predators. marine iguana rests. Craggy and well-camouflaged among However, despite the tortoises being able to live for over the black volcanic rocks, the lizard lays there dismissively, 100 years and once numbering in the hundreds of thousands, clearly unimpressed by his neighbour. Perhaps concerned his centuries of peckish sailors (including Darwin himself), plus nonchalant sneer doesn’t suffice, the iguana then sneezes egg-eating rats introduced by those same sailors, meant the out a spray of salt, like a tobacco-chewing cowboy awaiting giant reptiles had dwindled to just 3000 by the Seventies. a high noon showdown.

Luckily the current breeding programme has meant the My five-day cruise around the Galápagos began the day giants have bounced back. They now number around 20,000. before when I arrived at Puerto Ayora, the islands’ main It’s time to get into the wilds of Galápagos and explore

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Peace: scuba-diving the Similan Islands

One-offs: marine iguanas and blue-footed boobies (left) live solely in the Galapagos the living laboratory and so, on board our boat my small group of 16 leaves the bright lights of Puerto Ayora behind us, to discover the so-called Enchanted Isles for ourselves.

We anchor by an islet called Chinese Hat, just off Santiago Island and realise there’s not another boat in sight. Score!

Interrupting the high-fives, however, is our guide, Galápagos local Christian Saa, who explains with a chuckle that we should “get used to being away from the crowds”. Visitor regulations are so tight on the islands, he continues, that all boats’ itineraries are closely controlled. As a result, there’s rarely more than one tour at a single landing site.

With no delay it’s into our pangas, the small inflatable boats that take us to shore. And no sooner are we chugging towards the beach than the “oohs” and “aahs” begin, as a trio of Galápagos penguins have been spotted on the rocks.

Standing under half a metre tall, the black and white beauties are the only penguins found above the Equator, thanks to the archipelago’s cold currents. However, like penguins found anywhere in the world, they’re impossible 58

not to immediately love. Hopping awkwardly between rocks and enjoying a post-brekkie bask in the sun, they stop, bemused, to watch our boatful of ecstatic grins drift past.

Within moments we’re at the golden sandy beach, where another treat awaits us – sea lions. We edge forward, eager to avoid disturbing our sun-drenched welcome committee.

We needn’t have worried, however, as the blubbery pups soon seem fascinated by their visitors, running up to nibble our shoes, before chasing each other around in circles. It’s like being surrounded by a pack of soaking wet Labrador puppies.

Tearing ourselves away we set out across the cactus-strewn islet. Everywhere we look, fluorescent red and blue Sally Lightfoot crabs lead the way. And, in among the neon claws, we realise another Galápagos poster boy has joined the party – the marine iguana. Darwin, you could say, was not an iguana fan, referring to them as “disgusting, clumsy lizards”, even “imps of darkness”, which I really hope is the name of a band somewhere in the world. I, however, love the iguanas.

For starters, they’re the world’s only iguanas that can

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National park: the islands are stunning

swim, meaning that sometime after arriving from the mainland, they taught themselves to paddle, creating a new species in the process. Plus, measuring two to three feet in length, and with black scaly bodies crested with crusty mohicans, they genuinely look like dinosaurs, transported from another age.

Over the next few days we journey around Santa Cruz and over to San Cristobal where we hike alongside the iguanas, snorkel with the sea lions and scour the skies for blue-footed boobies and Magnificent Frigatebirds.

At Black Turtle Cove, we paddle soundlessly in the pangas as great schools of baby golden rays and spotted eagle rays glide past, fluttering like underwater butterflies.

Herons and pelicans fly above, while now and then a green turtle breaks the water’s surface, gasping for air.

Everywhere we go, the fearless nature of the animals, over which scientists still argue, is consistently captivating and engaging – from birds chirping on nearby branches to iguanas resolutely holding their ground, none seem bothered by our presence.

The land iguanas become a regular fixture of our walks.

To me they’re majestic, their fiery red and yellow skins more visually impressive than their marine cousins. The everhungry iguana fan Darwin was of course less keen. “They are hideous animals,” he wrote, before adding, “but are considered good food.”

Undeniably, however, they remain a symbol of what makes Galápagos so unique and special. Like almost a third of the creatures found in the archipelago, they exist nowhere else, having evolved after arriving on these volcanoes raised from the seabed. As Darwin explained, it’s an “eminently curious” place to witness “that mystery of mysteries – the first appearance of new beings on this earth”.

Anti-iguana comments aside, I can’t help but agree.

Follow the Sally Lightfoot crabs Damage and details: Andrew travelled courtesy of G Adventures on their seven-day Explore Galápagos tour, $2889pp with two nights at Quito’s Hilton Colon, four nights on board a yacht cruising through the Galapagos National Park, plus flights between the capital and island gadventures.com.au

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ozLISTINGS travel agents

1800 293 7663,

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1800 786 386,

surfandsun.com.au

Adventure Travel Bugs 07 3236 3266, adventuretravelbugs.com

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

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

Backpackers World Travel 1800 997 325 backpackersworld.com

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

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

Peter Pans Adventure Travel 1800 669 424, peterpans.com.au

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

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

Travellers Contact Point 1800 647 640, travellers.com.au

Explore Whitsundays Whitsundays packages 1800 675 790, explorewhitsundays.com

Ocean Rafting Whitsundays tours 07 4946 6848, oceanrafting.com

Tribal Adventure Travel 1800 984 484, tribaltravel.com.au

Groovy Grape Getaways Tours linking Adelaide, Alice Springs & Melbourne 1800 661 177, groovygrape.com.au

YHA Travel 02 9261 111, yha.com.au

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

Heading Bush Adelaide to Alice Springs outback tours 1800 639 933, headingbush.com 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

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

Awesome Adventures Oz Whitsundays packages

Kangaroo Island Wildlife Adventures South Australia

Oz Experience Hop on-hop off Australia-wide tours 1300 300 028, ozexperience.com Surfcamp Sydney to Byron surfing tours 1800 888 732, surfcamp.com.au The Rock Tour Red centre tours 1800 246 345, therocktour.com.au Topdeck Tours covering all of Oz 1300 886 332, topdeck.travel Under Down Under Tours Tours around Tasmania 1800 064 726, underdownunder.com.au Western Xposure WA tours 08 9414 8423, westernxposure.com.au Wilderness 4WD Adventures

Top end tours 1800 808 288, wildernessadventures.com.au

@tnt_downunder

Wicked Campers 1800 246 869, wickercampers.com

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

transport co

rental firms Apollo Motorhomes 1800 777 779, apollocamper.com Mighty Cars and Campers (Formerly Backpacker Campervan Rentals) 1800 809 944 mightycampers.com.au

Greyhound Australia Buses around Australia.

13 20 30, greyhound.com.au Jetstar Airline.

131 538,

jetstar.com.au

Premier Transport Group Buses along the east coast.

13 34 10, premierms.com.au

Boomerang Cars 0414 882 559, boomerangcars.com.au

Qantas Airline. 13 13 13, qantas.com.au

Hippie Camper 1800 777 779, hippiecamper.com

Regional Express Airline.

13 17 13, rex.com.au

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

02 9358 5000, carmarket.com.au Spaceships 1300 132 469, spaceshipsrentals.com.au

Spirit of Tasmania Ferries to Tasmania.

03 6336 1446, spiritoftasmania.com

Standbycars.com 1300 789 059, standbycars.com

Tiger Airways Airline.

03 9999 2888, tigerairways.com

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

Redline Coaches For getting around Tasmania. 03 6336 1446, redlinecoaches.com.au Virgin Australia Airline.

13 67 89, virginaustralia.com

With great fares HYHU\ GD\ . . . why not travel PREMIER class!

Climate control air-conditioning • Experienced Coach Captains • Panoramic glare free windows • Comfy reclining seats Onboard video entertainment • Washroom • State of the art safety features • Seat belts

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• FLEXIBLE TRAVEL on a budget to suit you • One, three and six month PASSES available • DAILY SERVICES from Melbourne to Cairns

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www.premierms.com.au or phone 13 13 34 34 10 10 www.premierms.com.au or ph 60

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

Taronga Zoo Mosman. zoo.nsw.gov.au

CHECK IN

Waves Surf School wavessurfschool.com.au

Big Hostel 212 Elizabeth St. CBD. 02 9281 6030 bighostel.com

sydneymusic Hordern Pavillion playbillvenues.com

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

Oxford Art Factory oxfordartfactory.com Sydney Opera House sydneyoperahouse.com

Easy Go Backpackers 752 George St. CBD. 02 9211 0505, easygobackpackers.com.au Eva’s Backpackers 6-8 Orwell Street Kings Cross 02 9358 2185, evasbackpackers.com.au City Resort Hostel 103-105 Palmer St. Woolloomooloo 02 9357 3333 cityresort.com.au Sydney Central YHA 11 Rawson Place.

CBD. 02 9218 9000 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

The Annandale annandalehotel.com

arts factory, byron bay

1 Skinners Shoot Rd, Byron Bay. Teepees from $25 One of the most vibrant and unique hostels in the country. Jungle camping, swimming pool, jacuzzi, cinema and so much more.

Byron Bay

blue mtns Coogee Beach House 171 Arden St. Coogee.

02 9665 1162, coogeebeachhouse.com 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

Avalon Beach Hostel 59 Avalon Pde, Avalon Beach.

02 9918 9709, avalonbeach.com.au

Cammeray Gardens 66 Palmer St, North Sydney.

02 9954 9371 sydneyboardinghouse.com

Bondi Shores Level 1. 283 Bondi Road, Bondi bondishores.com.au

Wake Up! 509 Pitt St, CBD. 02 9288 7888, wakeup.com.au

Lamrock Lodge 19 Lamrock Ave. Bondi.

02 9130 5063, lamrocklodge.com

The Metro metrotheatre.com.au

artsfactory.com.au

Kangaroo Bak Pak 665 South Dowling St. Surry Hills.

02 9261 1111

Bondi YHA 63 Fletcher Street.

Tamarama.

02 9365 2088, yha.com.au

The Enmore enmoretheatre.com.au

Powerhouse Museum Darling Harbour. powerhousemuseum.com.au Skydive the Beach Wollongong. skydivethebeach.com Sydney Olympic Park Darling Harbour. sydneyolympicpark.nsw.gov.au Sydney Tower and Skytour 100 Market St, CBD. sydneyskytour.com.au Sydney Harbour Bridge The Rocks. bridgeclimb.com Sydney Aquarium Darling Harbour. sydneyaquarium.com.au Sydney Wildlife World Darling Harbour. sydneywildlifeworld.com.au

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 The Entrance Backpackers 2/56 The Entrance Road, The Entrance, 2261 02 4334 5005 theentrancebackpackers.com Skydive Central Coast Warnervale. skydivethecentralcoast.com.au

BYron bay Backpackers Holiday Village 116 Jonson St 1800 350 388, byronbaybackpackers.com.au Backpackers Inn 29 Shirley St 1800 817 696 backpackersinnbyronbay.com.au Byron Bay Accom 02 6680 8666, byronbayaccom.net 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 Skydive the Beach Byron Bay Kingsford Smith Park, Ballina 1800 302 005 skydivethebeachbyronbay.com

coffs harb Coffs Harbour YHA 51 Collingwood St. 02 6652 6462, yha.com.au Harbour City Holiday Park 123 Pacific Highway coffsholidaypark.com.au Hoey Moey Backpackers 80 Ocean Pde hoeymoey.com.au Solitary Islands Marine Resort North St, Wooli NSW 1462 1800 003 031 solitaryislandsresort.com.au

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

sydney do Manly Surf School Manly Beach. 02 9977 6977, manlysurfschool.com Maritime Museum Darling Harbour. anmm.gov.au

Lochner’s Guesthouse 8 Gowrae Ave. Bondi.

02 9387 2162,

My Sydney Detour Unique city tours. mysydneydetour.com

Aegean Coogee Lodge 40 Coogee Bay Rd. Coogee.

04 0817 6634, aegeancoogee.com.au

Oceanworld Manly West Esplanade. oceanworld.com.au

Sydney Urban Adventures The Rocks, Australia’s oldest urban settlement, cut from the sandstone cliffs that rise above Sydney Harbour. Yet the trendy, modern, clean streets of The Rocks that you can see now hides a dark, colonial past. A time when convicts and criminals fought tooth and nail against the chains that bonded them and with each other. With Sydney Urban Adventures’ Two Feet and a Heartbeat guided tours, this rich part of Sydney’s past will come alive in front of your eyes. ‘Sydney With Conviction’ ($40) is a warts and all account of the birth of modern Sydney and an account of how The Tank Stream was so important to sustaining life here. While the ‘When Rum Ran the Rocks’ Tour ($70) about Sydney’s oldest pubs, the first breweries, amazing convict tales and a rebellion over the most precious drink of all…rum! Wine tasting, meals and drink included in the ticket price. urbanadventures.com

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QLDLISTINGS

follow us on

brisbane stay

qag.qld.gov.au

Aussie Way Backpackers 34 Cricket St. 07 3369 0711, aussiewaybackpackers.com

CHECK IN

Banana Bender Backpackers 118 Petrie Terrace.

07 3367 1157, bananabenders.com

Story Bridge Adventure Climb 170 Main St, Kangaroo Point.

1300 254 627, storybridgeadventureclimb. com.au

Base Brisbane Embassy 214 Elizabeth St. 07 3166 8000, stayatbase.com

XXXX Ale House Brewery tours. Cnr Black & Paten St, Milton.07 3361 7597, xxxxalehouse.com.au

Base Brisbane Central 308 Edward St. 07 3211 2433, stayatbase.com Brisbane Backpackers Resort 110 Vulture St, West End. 1800 626 452, brisbanebackpackers.com.au

gold coast coolangatta sands hostel

Brisbane City Backpackers 380 Upper Roma St 1800 062 572, citybackpackers.com

Cnr McLean St &, Griffith St, Coolangatta. Dorms from $29 Escape the hustle and bustle of Surfers Paradise at this chilled out, friendly hostel just minutes from the beach. Free surfboard hire too.

Bunk Backpackers Cnr Ann & Gipps Sts, 1800 682 865, bunkbrisbane.com.au The Deck 117 Harcourt Street, New Farm.

04 3377 7061 Tinbilly Travellers Cnr George and Herschel Sts. 1800 446 646.

tinbilly.com

Balmoral House 33 Amelia St, Fortitude Valley vipbackpackers.com Brisbane City YHA 392 Upper Roma St

Riverlife Adventure Centre Kayaking & rock climbing.

Lower River Terrace, Kangaroo Point.

07 3891 5766, riverlife.com.au

Coolangatta

coolangattasandshostel.com.au

yha.com.au Nomads Prince Consort Backpackers 230 Wickham St princeconsort.com.au

Tin Billy Travellers 462 George St tinbilly.com

brisbane do

Somewhere to Stay Cnr Brighton Rd & Franklin St somewheretostay.com.au

Australia Zoo Glasshouse Mountains, Tourist Drive, Beerwah.

07 5436 2000, australiazoo.com.au

The Palace Backpackers Cnr Anne & Edward St backpackbrisbane.com

Gallery of Modern Art 07 3840 7303,

@tnt_downunder 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 Surfers Paradise YHA Mariners Cove, 70 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach, Surfers Paradise.

07 5571 1776, yha.com.au

Aquarius Backpackers 44 Queen St, Surfers Paradise.

1800 22 99 55, aquariusbackpackers.com.au

Trekkers Backpackers 22 White St, Southport.

1800 100 004, trekkersbackpackers.com.au

Backpackers in Paradise 40 Peninsula Drive, Surfers Paradise. 1800 268 621, backpackersinparadise.com.au

Nomads Islander Resort 3128 Surfers Paradise Blvd, nomadsworld.com

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

07 5536 76442, yha.com.au Coolangatta Sands Hostel Cnr Griffiths & McLean Sts, Coolangatta. 07 5536 7472, coolangattasandshostel.com.au Gold Coast International BP 28 Hamilton Ave, Surfers.

1800 816 300, goldcoastbackpackers.com.au Islander Backpackers Resort

Surf & Sun Backpackers 3323 Surfers Paradise Blvd surfnsun-goldcoast.com

gc do Dreamworld Theme park. dreamworld.com.au Get Wet Surf School 07 5532 9907 Seaworld

seaworld.com.au

Wet ‘n’ Wild Water World wetnwild.myfun.com.au

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

NOOSA

Noosa is located on Australia’s east coast and is home to several beautiful beaches, a stunning coast line, national park and pristine river as well as many events spread out over the calendar year including the Festival famous Eumundi Markets, shopping and dining on Hasting Street, soaking up the sun on Noosa beach (pictured) or even going for a surf on some of Australia’s best surfing breaks, watching the sunset at Noosa River o chance to be pampered at a day spa, take a walk through the national park out to the headland or hire water equipment such as jet ski’s. It really is one of Australia best playgrounds.

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Warner Bros Movie World movieworld.com.au Zorb 07 5547 6300

sunshine cst Mooloolaba Backpackers 75-77 Brisbane Rd, Mooloolaba.

1800 020 120 mooloolababackpackers.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

rainbow beach Dingos Backpacker Adventure Resort 20 Spectrum St. 1800 111126, dingosresort.com

Palace Backpackers 184 Torquay, 1800 063 168, palaceadventures.com.au

fraser island Eurong Beach Resort 07 4120 1600, eurong.com.au

Colonial Village YHA 820 Boat Harbour Drive, Urangan, Hervey Bay yha.com.au Cool Dingoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Rainbow Beach 20 Spectrum St dingosresort.com Dropbear Adventures Williams Ave, Fraser Island. QLD +61 487 333 606 dropbearadventures.com

Skydive Rainbow Beach 0418 218 358, skydiverainbowbeach.com

Frasers On Rainbow Beach 195 Torquay Terrace, Torquay, flashpackersherveybay.com

Aussie Woolshed 181 Torquay Rd 07 4124 0677 woolshedbackpackers.com Next at Hervey Bay 10 Bideford St. 1800 102 989, nextbackpackers.com.au

$

Barefoot Lodge Long Island barefootlodge.com.au

Pippies Beach House 22 Spectrum St. 1800 425 356, pippiesbeachhouse.com

hervey bay

51

Palace Adventures 184 Torquay St, Hervey Bay, 1800 063 168 palaceadventures.com.au

Kingfisher Bay Resort River Heads Road, Fraser Island kingfisherbay.com Fraser Coast Top Tourist Park 21 Denmans Camp Road, Scarness, Hervey Bay frasercoasttouristpark.com.au Fraser Island Backpackers Cathedral Beach, Fraser Island fraserislandco.com.au

Cairns

Great Barrier Reef Townsville Prosperine

Airlie Beach (Whitsundays) Mackay Yeppoon Rockhampton

Gladstone Bundaberg Maryborough

ng the Festival of Surfing (pictured). The list is endless when visiting Noosa, they range from visiting The World at Noosa River or spending the day cruising down the river. And it doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t stop there, the town offers visitors the

Hervey Bay Fraser Island

BRISBANE

Terms and conditions: * To receive the discount international backpackers must hold a current passport with an international address. This fare type excludes domestic backpackers. # Receive up to 40% discount on economy seat adult rail fares. For more information or to book your Backpacker Rail Fares, visit queenslandrailtravel@qr.com.au or call 1800 872 467. Valid for travel until 31 March 2014.

Queensland Rail Limited ABN 71 132 181 09 Travel Agent Lic. No. QLD 327 4957 QR3789.23_DL_0912.

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GOING FOR GOLD

GREAT SENSE OF REEF

RAFTING MISSION

QLDLISTINGS

The Gold Coast boasts loads.

When heading up or down the east coast you’re going to be So if you’re a rollercoaster subjected to some of the most beautiful crystal clear water on Rainbow reef. So take junkie, you’re in heaven. Gold you’ve ever seen. Oh and a World Fraser’s Heritage-listed 18 Spectrum Av, Rainbow Beach Coast/Surfer’s Paradise is also advantage of both by learning to dive.

If you’re further south, frasersonrainbow.com THE RIDE OF YOUR LIFE! famed for its... let’s just say you can easily find a scuba school in but if you want TheSydney Friendly Hostel 182 Torquay Rd, Hervey Bay till “lively”... nightlife. some Great Barrier action you’re going to have to wait friendlyhostel.com.au you get to Queensland. There’s 2,000km of it so don’t worry, Backpackers you’re not going to miss it. A greatWoolshed variation on reef diving 181 Torquay Road is checking out the Yongala wreck off of Townsville. It’s rated woolshedbackpackers.com.au as the best wreck dive in Australia and people say you will bundaberg see more marine life in one dive here than you would in Federal Backpackers 12 further north.

W HITS U ND A Y S 3 DAYS IN ONE... Whitehaven CAIRNSBeach, IS KING

top snorkel destinations & island bushwalks.

Talking of party towns, this P: 07 4946 6848 www.oceanrafting.com.au

place is king. If there wasn’t enough going on with the CA P E TR IBUrainforests, LA TIO Nreef and more in touching distance, it seems this Ask about our 2 trip special deal with our sister company small city wants to celebrate OCEAN SAFARI - www.oceansafari.com.au wonderful location by Great Barrier Reef - HalfitsDay Snorkel Tour getting bladdered every night.

Please check your dignity in at the door...

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 1770 Backpackers 6 Captain Cook Dr. 1800 121 770, the1770backpackers.com 1770 Undersea Adventures 1300 553 889, 1770underseaadventures.com

airlie beach airliebeach.com 259 Shute Harbour Rd. 1800 677 119

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Whitewater rafting is a knuckle-whitening ride 1800 24 73, real. The Tully that’s all22for stayatbase.com River, accessed from Mission Bungalow Bay Backpackers Beach andBay. Cairns, is the most Horseshow 1800 285 577, popular place to get wet. bungalowbay.com.au Mission Beach itself is another Hotel Arcadia gem, a great place underrated 7 Marine Parade, Arcadia Bay. 07detox 4778 5177, to after (or before) magnetic-island.com/arc-rsrt.htm Cairns, with snorkelling, diving, Pleasure Divers skydiving and rainforest walks 07 4778 5788 all available.

mission beach Absolute Backpackers 28 Wongaling Beach Road.

07 4068 8317, absolutebackpackers.com.au Beach Shack 86 Porters Promenade missionbeachshack.com Scotty’s Beach House 167 Reid Rd. 07 4068 8676, scottysbeachhouse.com.au Jackaroo Hostel Mission Beach Frizelle Rd, Bingil Bay jackaroohostel.com Mission Beach Retreat 49 Porters Promenade missionbeachretreat.com.au

cairns stay Bohemia Central Cairns 100 Sheridan St. 1800 558 589, bohemiacentral.com.au

Airlie Beach YHA Bohemia Resort Cairns 394 Shute Harbour Rd. The one of the 231 McLeod St. only places in 1800 247AJ 251,Hackett site near Cairns is 1800 155 353 yha.com.au Oz where you can bungy. It’s also very pretty. If you don’t bohemiaresort.com.au Backpackers by theattached Bay 12 Hermitage fancy being to a rubber chord then perhaps Calypso Backpackers Dr. 1800 646 994, skydiving is your thing. Offered 5atDigger all the main St. 1800 815hubs 628, along backpackersbythebay.com calypsobackpackers.com.au the east coast, it makes you feel invincible, scares the living Base Airlie Beach Resort shit out of you views inHostel the process.

JJ’s Backpackers 336 Shute Harbour Rd and offers incredible 11 Charles St. 1800 242 273,not to like? Want something What’s a bit more surreal?

07 4051 7642, stayatbase.com jjsbackpackers.com Try zorbing on the Gold Coast – you’re basically thrown Magnums Whitsunday Village Resort down a hill inside a big ball.

NJoy Backpackers Hostel 366 Shute Harbour Rd. Harbour 141 Sheridan St. 1800 624 634 1800 807 055, magnums.com.au njoy.net.au

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

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

07 4724 0600, adrenalindive.com.au Yongala Dive Yongala diving.

07 4783 1519, yongaladive.com.au

magnetic isl Base Magnetic Island 1 Nelly Bay Rd.

Nomads Beach House 239 Sheridan St. 1800 229 228, nomadshostels.com Northern Greenhouse 117 Grafton Street.

1800 229 228, northerngreenhouse.com.au

cairns do AJ Hackett Bungy jumping & canyon swinging. 1800 622 888 cairns.ajhackett.com Pro Dive 07 4031 5255 prodivecairns.com Raging Thunder Adventures Whitewater rafting.

07 4030 7990, ragingthunder.com.au Skydive Cairns POBOX 105N Cairns 07 4052 1822, skydivecairns.com.au

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Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Gold Coast

Famous for fun

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QLDLISTINGS cape trib

gulf savannah

Crocodylus Village Lot 5, Buchanan Creek Rd, Cow Bay. 07 4098 9166, crocodyluscapetrib.com

Emu Creek Cattle Station 07 4094 8313

PKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Jungle Village Cnr Avalon & Cape Trib Rd. 1800 232 333, pksjunglevillage.com.au

Koala Beach Resort Cape Kimberly Rd. 1800 466 444

innisfail IInnisfail Budget Backpackers Workerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hostel 125 Edith St. 07 4061 78337 Walkabout Motel & ackpackers 07 4061 2311 walkaboutbackpackers.com.au

atherton 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

daintree

MOOLOOLABA Mooloolaba Backpackers VIP 75 Brisbane Road mooloolababackpackers.com

MORETON ISLAND Tangalooma Wild Dolphin Resort tangalooma.com

NOOSA Dolphins Beach House 14 Duke Street, Sunshine Beach dolphinsbeachhouse.com.au Nomads Noosa Backpackers 44 Noosa Dr NOOSA inland nomadsworld.com Noosa Backpackers Resort 9-13 William St noosabackpackers.com

@tnt_downunder

follow us on Ride On Mary Budget Bush Retreat imbilkayakandbike.com

PORT DOUGLAS Dougies Backpackers Resort 111 Davidson St dougies.com.au Global Port Douglas 38 Macrossan St globalbackpackerscairns.com. au/port-douglas Parrot Fish Lodge 37 Warner St parrotfishlodge.com

1770 Southern Cross Backpackers 2694 Round Hill Rd 1770southerncross.com

ROCKHAMPTON Emu Park Resort 92 Patterson St, Emu Park emusbeachresort.com Rockhampton Backpackers YHA 60 Macfarlane St yha.com.au

civicguesthousetownsville.

com.au Foreign Exchange Accommodation - Beachside 19 Eyre St, North Ward

foreignx.com.au

MACKAY Geckoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Rest 34 Sydney St

STRADBROKE is

Port Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Call YHA 7 Craven Close portocall.com.au

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Manta Lodge & Scuba Centre 1 Eastcoast Rd mantalodge.com.au

INNISFAIL Codge Lodge 63 Rankin St codgelodge.com Crown Hostel 25 Ernest St (07) 4061 2266 Innisfail Budget Backpackers 125 Edith St jobsforbackpackers.com.au Farm work, Innisfail 0437 692 002

NOOSA inland

1770 Beachside Backpacker 12 Captain Cook Drive independentbackpackers.com

agnes water

SUNSHINE COAST Cotton Tree Beachouse 15 the Esplanade cottontreebackpackers.com

TOWNSVILLE Adventurers Backpackers 79 Palmer St adventurersresort.com Civic Guest House Backpackers Hostel 262 Walker St

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MAGNETIC IS Base Magnetic Island 1 Nelly Bay Rd

stayatbase.com Bungalow Bay Koala Village YHA 40 Horseshoe Bay Rd

bungalowbay.com.au

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Carnarvon Gorge The major attraction of Carnarvon National Park, Carnarvon Gorge, will endow you with rich experiences of Aboriginal culture, wildlife and landscapes. With feature names like the Amphitheatre, Moss Garden and Cathedral Cave you should expect to be impressed by the natural beauty of the gorge. You can spot the illustrious platypus in the creeks, almost 200 kinds of birds in the sky and the appropriately named pretty-faced wallabies throughout the park. The Art Gallery is by far the most impressive sight in the park, displaying ancient Aboriginal rock art depicting stories from the dreamtime. A significant detour on most east coast road trips, Carnarvon Gorge is ultimately worth the trek.

Besides, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve seen hundreds of beaches already, right?

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VICLISTINGS melbourne stay

lordslodge.com

CHECK IN

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

Melbourne Oasis YHA 76 Chapman St yha.com.au

Central Melbourne Accommodation 21 Bromham Place, Richmond.

03 9427 9826, centralaccommodation.net

St Arnaud 99 Park St, South Yarra, starnaudguesthouse.com.au The Spencer City Central BP 475 Spencer St spencerbackpackers.com.au

Exford Hotel 199 Russell St. 03 9663 2697, exfordhotel.com.au

Irish Murphyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Flinders Station Hotel 35 Elizabeth St. 03 9620 5100, flindersbackpackers.com.au

Home Travellers Motel 32 Carlisle St, St Kilda.

1800 008 718, hometravellersmotel.com.au Hotel Bakpak Melbourne 167 Franklin St. 1800 645 200,

The Nunnery 116 Nicholson Street, Fitzroy nunnery.com.au

30 Aberdeen St, Geelong. Dorms from $35 This pub has recently rennovated and opened a number of dormitory style rooms upstairs giving travellers the best of both worlds. A bar down stairs and a place to lay oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s head.

Geelong

The Greenhouse Backpacker Level 6, 228 Flinders Lane.

1800 249 207, greenhousebackpacker.com.au

Home at the Mansion 66 Victoria Parade. 03 9663 4212, homemansion.com.au

$22 $ Melbourne Metro YHA 78 Howard St yha.com.au

Base Melbourne 17 Carlisle St, St. Kilda.

1800 242 273, stayatbase.com

Habitat HQ 333 St Kilda Road, St Kilda. 1800 202 500, habitathq.com.au

Melbourne International Backpackers 204 Punt Rd, Prahran mibp.com.au

irishmurphysgeelong.com.au

hotelbakpak.com Melbourne Central YHA 562 Flinders St. 03 9621 2523, yha.com.au Nomads Melbourne 198 Aâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;beckett St. 1800 447 762, nomadshostels.com Space Hotel 380 Russell St. 1800 670 611, spacehotel.com.au The Spencer

Urban Central 334 City Road, Southbank urbancentral.com.au

475 Spencer St. 1800 638 108, hotelspencer.com Back of Chapel 50 Green St, Windsor nomadshostels.com

Elephant Backpackers 250 Flinders St elephantbackpacker.com.au

Victoria Hotel Backpackers Victoria Hotel, 380 Victoria St vichotelbrunswick.com.au

MaximumElizabeth 4 bed linen and towel Hostel dormitories with ST KILDA 490 Elizabeth St

Back of Chapel Backpackers elizabethhostel.com.au FREE all you can eat breakfast 50 Green St (cereal, toast and j College Lawn Hotel backofchapel.com 36 Greville St, Prahran King St Backpackers weekly meal, rice and pasta, tea and coffee 160 King Street collegelawnhotel.com.au

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17 Carlisle St FREE in room oversized locker with personal stayatbase.com Hotel Discovery 167 Franklin St Coffee Palace Backpackers power point hoteldiscovery.com.au 24 Grey St City Centre Budget Hotel Claremont Guesthouse 189 Toorak Rd, South Yarra hotelclaremont.com 22-30 Little Collins St citycentrebudgethotel.com

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VICLISTINGS Habitat HQ 333 St Kilda Rd, thehabitathq.com.au

ngv.vic.gov.au Old Melbourne Gaol 377 Russell St. 03 8663 7228, oldmelbournegaol.com.au

Oslo Hotel 38 Grey St oslohotel.com.au The Ritz for Backpackers 109 Barkly St stkildabeachhouse.com.au St Kilda Beach House 169B Fitzroy St ritzbackpackers.com

Official Neighbours Tours 570 Flinders St. 03 9629 5866, neighbourstour.com.au Skydive the Beach Melbourne 1300 798 843 skydivethebeachmelbourne.com

melbourne do Australian Centre for the Moving Image Federation Square.

03 8663 2200, acmi.net.au Melbourne Aquarium Cnr of Flinders St & King St. 03 9923 5999, melbourneaquarium.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.

Tourism Victoria Backpacking ideas. backpackmelbourne.com

follow us on Port Campbell Hostel 18 Tregea St, Port Campbell.

03 5598 6305, portcampbellhostel.com.au Surfside Backpackers Cnr Great Ocean Rd & Gambier St, Apollo Bay. 1800 357 263, surfsidebackpacker.com

mornington Bayplay Lodge 46 Canterbury Jetty Rd, Blairgowrie.

03 5988 0188, bayplay.com.au

Wildlife Tours Australia Specialising in Victorian tours +61 3 9314 2225 wildlifetours.com.au

Sorrento Foreshore Reserve Nepean Hwy. 1800 850 600, mornpen.vic.gov.au

great ocean rd

Sorrento YHA 3 Miranda St, Sorrento.

03 5984 4323, yha.com.au

Anglesea Backpackers 40 Noble St, Anglesea.

03 5263 2664, angleseabackpackers.com.au 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

Cnr Grampians & Buckler Rds,

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

03 5356 4543,

yha.com.au Tim’s Place 44 Grampians

03 5356 4288,

Prom Country Backpackers 03 5682 2614

timsplace.com.au

Cambrai Hostel Maffra 117 Johnson St, Maffra.

1800 101 113 maffra.net.au/hostel

mildura Mildura City Backpackers 50 Lemon Avenue

milduracitybackpackers.com.au

The Island Accommodation 10-12 Phillip Island Tourist Road.

03 5956 6123 theislandaccommodation.com. au

The Spencer

Halls Gap.

Road, Halls Gap.

gippsland

phillip island

dandenong

grampians Grampians YHA Eco Hostel

Amaroo Park YHA 97 Church St, Cowes.

03 5952 3620, yha.com.au

Tortoise Head Lodge French Island.

03 5980 1234, tortoisehead.net

Emerald Backpackers 03 5968 4086

murray river Echuca Gardens YHA 103 Av, Mitchell St, Echuca.

03 5480 6522, yha.com.au

@tnt_downunder

STRATHMERTON Riviera Backpackers YHA 669 Esplanade

yha.com.au

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Everything you want in a hostel!

Friendly and affordable

Free Pick ups Free Parking Cable TV VIP Discounts Great bar Laundry Tour info Job search

Rooftop garden Modern,fully equipped kitchen Short walk from Southern Cross station Female dorms, mixed dorms, twins, doubles, ensuites

Free call: 1800 638 108

475 Spencer Street, Melbourne email: hotelspencer@hotkey.com.au www.spencerbackpackers.com.au Find us on Facebook ‘The Spencer Backpackers’ We are a VIP hostel!

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the great ocean walk The Great Ocean Walk (GOW) is located between the Great Ocean Road and the sea, and it’s a 91km track which stretches from Apollo Bay to Glenample Homestead, adjacent to the 12 Apostles, passing through the Great Otway and Port Campbell National Parks. The entire track will take you about a week, or choose to ‘step on and step off’ the trail, completing short, day, overnight or multi-day hikes, ranging from easy walks to difficult treks. You will experience some of the most spectacular coast and forest scenery, wildlife, rocky platforms, and sheltered beaches in Australia.

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SALISTINGS

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adelaide stay Adelaide Backpackers Inn 112 Carrington St. 1800 24 77 25, adpi.com.au

fleurieu penin

CHECK IN

Port Elliot Beach House YHA 13 The Strand, Port Elliot.

08 8554 2785 yha.com.au

Adelaide Central YHA 135 Waymouth St. 08 8414 3010, yha.com.au

eyre peninsula Coodlie Park Farmstay Flinders Highway, Port Kenny.

08 8687 0411 coodliepark.com

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 Blue Galah Backpackers Lvl 1, 52-62, King William St. 08) 8231 9295, bluegalah.com.au

Baird Bay Ocean Eco Experience Sea lion and dolphin swims.

08 8626 5017 bairdbay.com

ADELAIDE CENTRAL YHA

Adelaide

yha.com.au

Glenelg Beach Hostel 5-7 Moseley St. Glenelg.

1800 359 181, glenelgbeachhostel.com.au

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

Hostel 109 109 Carrington St. 1800 099 318, hostel109.com

Haigh’s Chocolates Factory tours.

153 Greenhill Rd, Parkside 1800 819 757, haighschocolates.com.au

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

Calypso Star Charters Great white shark cage diving.

08 8682 3939, sharkcagediving.com.au

135 Waymouth Street. Rooms from $29 This hostel offers a perfect city location close to markets, nightlife, shopping and public transport. Also free pancakes during the winter and guided walks of the city available. Great base for exploring SA.

Temptation Sailing Dolphin swimming, Glenelg.

04 1281 1838 dolphinboat.com.au

barossa val Barossa Backpackers 9 Basedow Road Tanunda.

08 8563 0198, barossabackpackers.com.au

coober pedy Opal Cave Coober Pedy Hutchinson St. 08 8672 5028, opalcavecooberpedy.com.au

66 Knofel Drive, Vivonne Bay 13 13 01 seaink.com.au

riverland

Radeka Down Under 1 Oliver St. 1800 633 891, radekadownunder.com.au

Berri Backpackers Sturt Highway, Berri.

08 8582 3144, berribackpackers.com.au

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

Harvest Trail Lodge Loxton.

08 8584 5646, harvesttrail.com.au

kangaroo is Kangaroo Island YHA 33 Middle Terrace, Penneshaw.

08 8553 1344 yha.com.au Vivonne Bay Lodge

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

flinders ranges Angorichina Tourist Village 08 8648 4842, angorichinavillage.com.au

Nomads on Murray Sturt Highway, Kingston on Murray.

1800 665 166, nomadsworld.com Riverland Backpackers Labour Hire Services 08 8583 0211

Wilpena Pound Resort Wilpena Rd. 08 8648 0004, wilpenapound.com.au

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Photo: SATC

great australian bight When you think of Australia, you think of the unique shape the country is known for. The world famous underside of this shape is known as the Great Australian Bight, ironically due to the fact that it resembles a bite mark. The whole area (including the Indian Ocean) makes up this uniquely South Australian geography. The coast of the bight consists of cliff faces, surfing beaches and popular rock platforms for viewing the vast ocean. It would be impossible to explore every aspect of the Great Australian Bight in one lifetime but start with the great rock features along the coast and work your way across South Australia from there.

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WALISTINGS

follow us on 08 9428 0000, theoldswanbarracks.com

perth stay Billabong Backpackers Resort 381 Beaufort St. 08 9328 7720, billabongresort.com.au

CHECK IN

Britannia on William 253 William St, Northbridge.

08 9227 6000, perthbrittania.com

The Witch’s Hat 148 Palmerston St. 08 9228 4228, Witchs-hat.com

Emperor’s Crown 85 Stirling St, Northbridge.

1800 991 553, emperorscrown.com.au Globe Backpackers & City Oasis Resort 561 Wellington St. 08 9321 4080, globebackpackers.com.au Ocean Beach Backpackers 1 Eric St, Cottlesloe.

08 9384 5111, oceanbeachbackpackers.com.au One World Backpackers 162 Aberdeen St, Northbridge.

1800 188 100, oneworldbackpackers.com.au Perth City YHA 300 Wellington St. 08 9287 3333, yha.com.au

Underground Backpackers 268 Newcastle St, Northbridge.

08 9228 3755, undergroundbackpackers.com.au

Ocean Beach Backpackers 2 Eric St, Cottesloe. Beds from $22.50 Situated right on the beach, this hostel features a big screen movie room, WiFi, kitchen, bike hire, fishing rods, free surfboards and more.

The Old Swan Barracks 6 Francis St.

Perth

oceanbeachbackpackers.com.au

@tnt_downunder Hotel Bambu Backpackers 75 - 77 Aberdeen St, Northbridge bambu.net.au Mountway Holiday Apartments 36 Mount St mountwayapartments.com.au Ocean Beach Backpackers 1 Eric St, Cottesloe woceanbeachbackpackers.com

Backpack City and Surf 41-43 Money St backpacker.com.au

Perth Beach YHA & Indigo Net Cafe 256 West Coast Hwy, Scarbrough indigonet.com.au

Beatty Lodge 235 Vincent St beattylodge.com.au

Planet Inn Backpackers 496 Newcastle St planetinn.com.au

Cheviot Lodge 30 Bulwer St cheviotlodge.com

The Shiralee Hostel 107 Brisbane St, Northbridge planetinn.com.au

Coolibah Lodge 194 Brisbane St coolibahlodge.com.au

Underground Backpackers 268 Newcastle St, shiralee.com.au

Easy Perth Backpackers 4 Francis Street, Northbridge easyperthbackpackers.com.au

Wickham Retreat Backpackers 25-27 Wickham St East Perth (08) 9325 6398

Grand Central Hotel Backpackers 379 Wellington St (08) 9421 1123

YMCA Jewell House 180 Goderich St ymcajewellhouse.com.au

Hay Street Backpackers 266-268 Hay St haystbackpackers.com

1201 East Backpackers 195 Hay St 1201east.com.au

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

the bungle bungles Unbelievably unheard of until as recently as the 1980s, the World Heritage-listed Purnululu National Park is not only one of the most spectacular geological wonders on Earth, but also one of Australia’s best kept secrets – think Uluru, without the crowds. Strolling into Piccaninny Creek is akin to stepping foot on an alien world. Heading across the eroded creek-bed, mystical beehive mounds rise into the air on all sides. Dating back 350 million years, these curious formations, with their coloured bands or orange, grey and black, are the world’s finest examples of sandstone cone karsts. But while the Bungles are what have brought the world’s attention to this rocky outpost of the Kimberley, they are just one of Purnululu’s draw cards. The trek into Cathedral Gorge takes you past ancient Aboriginal rock paintings as the cliffs loom high on either side, while Echidna Chasm, at times little more than a metre wide, is another must-see.

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WINNER BEST HOSTEL IN WA 2007 FINALIST 2008,2009,2010 & 2011

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WALISTINGS perth do Aquarium of Western Australia 91 Southside Drive, Hillarys.

08 9447 7500, aqwa.com.au

follow us on 08 9757 9532, yha.com.au

CHECK IN

Surfpoint 12 Riedle Drive Prevally 08 9757 1777 surfpoint.com.au

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

albany

Perth Mint 310 Hay St. 08 9421 7223, perthmint.com.au Perth Zoo 20 Labouchere Road, South Perth.

08 9474 3551, perthzoo.wa.gov.au

perth music Amplifier amplifiercapitol.com.au Astor liveattheastor.com.au Mojoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bar mojosbar.com.au The Bakery nowbaking.com.au The Rosemount Hotel rosemounthotel.com.au

freo stay

74

backpackers inn freo 11 Pakenham St, Fremantle. Dorms from $27.

A beautiful heritage building located in the heart of vibrant Fremantle.

Fremantle

backpackersinnfreo.com.au/

Backpackers Inn Freo 11 Pakenham St. 08 9431 7065, backpackersinnfreo.com.au Old Firestation Backpackers 18 Phillimore St. 08 9430 5454, fremantleprison.com.au Sundancer Backpackers Resort 80 High St. 08 9336 6080, sundancerbackpackers.com.au

freo do Fremantle Markets Henderson Street Fremantle 08 9335 2515, fremantlemarkets.com.au

Fremantle Prison 1 The Terrace.

08 9336 9200, backpackersinnfreo.com.au

rottnest isl Rottnest Island YHA Kingstown Barracks.

08 9372 9780, yha.com.au

ningalooclub.com Excape Backpackers YHA Murat Rd, Exmouth.

08 9949 1200, yha.com.au

broome stay

Albany Bayview Backpackers YHA 49 Duke St 08 9842 3388, yha.com.au

Cable Beach Backpackers 12 Sanctuary Road.

1800 655 011, cablebeachbackpackers.com

Cruize-Inn 122 Middleton Rd. 08 9842 9599, cruizeinn.com

Kimberley Club 62 Fredrick St 08 9192 3233, kimberleyklub.com

monkey mia Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort Monkey Mia Road Monkey Mia 1800 653 611, monkeymia.com.au

ningaloo reef

Rottnest Express 1 Emma Place North Fremantle 1300 Go Rotto rottnestexpress.com.au

Blue Reef Backpackers 3 Truscott Crescent, Exmouth 1800 621 101, aspenparks.com.au

margaret river

Ningaloo Club Coral Bay 08 9948 5100,

Margaret River Lodge YHA 220 Railway Tce.

@tnt_downunder

CORAL BAY Ningaloo Club Robinson St ningalooclub.com

ESPERANCE Blue Waters Lodge YHA 299 Goldfields Rd, yha.com.au

EXMOUTH Peteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Exmouth Backpackers YHA Cnr Truscott Cres & Murat Rd yha.com.au

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darwin stay

katherine stay

CHECK IN

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

BIG4 Katherine Holiday Park 20 Shadforth Road.

1800 501 984, big4.com.au

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

Alice’s Secret Travellers Inn

6 Khalick Street, Alice Springs. Dorms from $23.

The smallest hostel in Alice Springs, and also clean, comfortable and friendly. Surrounded by native gardens and five minutes to the city.

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

darwin do

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

Crocosaurus Cove Crocodile park and cage of death. 58 Mitchell St. 08 8981 7522, crocosauruscove.com

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

Alice Springs

asecret.com.au

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.

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

08 8978 9077, jumpingcrocodile.com.au Wave Lagoon Waterfront Precinct. waterfront.nt.gov.au

Alice Springs Reptile Centre Meet and hold lizards.

9 Stuart Terrace.

08 8952 8900, reptilecentre.com.au

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

tennant creek Tourist Rest Leichardt St. 08 8962 2719, touristrest.com.au

Outback Ballooning Hot air balloon rides.

1800 809 790, outbackballooning.com.au Royal Flying Doctor Service Base Museum and operations room.

Stuart Terrace. 08 8952 1129, flyingdoctor.net

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

Haven Resort 3 Larapinta Drive.

1800 794 663, alicehaven.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

Mataranka Springs Mataranka is a standout experience when travelling through Katherine. The region hosts two natural thermal pools, the Bitter Springs and Rainbow Springs. The tranquillity you will encounter is unbeatable with sparkling turquoise warm water, hidden beneath rare and beautiful fan palms. Although it is popular for bus tours, if you happen to go at a quiet time of the day you could be swimming practically alone in a peaceful oasis in the middle of the desert. If you would like a little more, hire a snorkel and try to spot the freshwater turtles that tend to swim down the stream between pools. Also, don’t forget to plan a picnic, as there is a BBQ area and seating to enjoy between dips.

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TASLISTINGS hobart stay Central City Backpackers 138 Collins St. 1800 811 507, centralbackpackers.com.au

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CHECK IN

Cataract Gorge launcestoncataractgorge.com.au Centre for Beer Lovers Boag’s Brewery, 39 William St. 03 6332 6300, boags.com.au

Hobart Hostel 41 Barrack St. 1300 252 192, hobarthostel.com Montgomery’s YHA 9 Argyle St. 03 6231 2660, yha.com.au

Queen Victoria Museum & Art Gallery 2 Invermay Rd & 2 Wellington St. 03 6323 3777, qvmag.tas.gov.au

Narrara Backpackers 88 Goulburn St. 03 6234 8801, narrarabackpackers.com

Tasmania Zoo 1166 Ecclestone Rd. 03 6396 6100, tasmaniazoo.com.au

Pickled Frog 281 Liverpool St. 03 6234 7977, thepickledfrog.com

devonport

Transit Backpackers 251 Liverpool St. 03 6231 2400, transitbackpackers.com

Lloyds Hotel backpackers 23 George Street, Launceston. Dorms from $24.

Exciting, friendly hostel in the centre of Tasmania’s second city.

Lloyds offers comfort at a budget price.

hobart do Cascade Brewery 140 Cascade Rd. 03 6224 1117 cascadebreweryco.com.au Mt Wellington Descent Bike tours. 03 6274 1880 mtwellingtondescent.com.au

Launceston

port arthur Port Arthur Historic Ghost Tours 1800 659 101, portarthur.org.au

Salamanca Markets Every Saturday, Salamanca Place. salamanca.com.au Tasmanian Museum & Art Gallery 5 Argyle St. tmag.com.au

lloydshotel.com.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. 03 6331 9906, backpackersaccommodation.com.au

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

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Mt Roland Budget Backpacker Rooms 1447 Claude Rd, Gowrie Park. 03 6491 1385

cradle do Devils at Cradle Tassie devil sanctuary. 3950 Cradle Mountain Rd. 03 6492 1491. devilsatcradle.com Overland Track Six-day walk parks.tas.gov.au

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

strahan, Strahan YHA 43 Harvey St. 03 6471 7255, yha.com

strahan do Four Wheelers Henty Sand Dunes quadbike tours. 04 1950 8175 4wheelers.com.au Water by Nature Extreme multiday whitewater rafting. 1800 111 142, franklinrivertasmania.com

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

PORT ARTHUR Located on the Tasman Peninsula, in Tassie’s south-east corner, Port Arthur was known as “Hell on Earth” to those convicts unfortunate enough to stay there between the 1830s and 1870s.

It is, however, a strangely pretty and peaceful place nowadays, and it is very easy to lose a day exploring this partly-ruined relic of Australia’s violent colonial birth. It’s also well worth staying in the area so that you can hang around for an after-dark ghost tour. Unfortunately the popular tourist site also gained notoriety for another dark reason, in 1996, when it became the scene of Australia’s worst modern-day killing spree. when Martin Bryant went on a shooting rampage, result in the death of 35 people.

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NZLISTINGS

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

ninety-mile beach Way up on the tippity-top of the North Island, is Nintey-Mile Beach. Unlike its name suggests, it’s not really ninety miles long. It’s actually fifty-five. Regardless, it’s considered a highway in New Zealand and has a speed limit of 100km/h. Self-drive it if you’ve got the stones, but your insurance company definitely won’t cover you on this road. It’s also tide dependent, so take a tour if you want a worry free trip and they’ll throw in some sandboarding for you too. There are cultural and historical sights alike in the area to be absorbed. But you could also just rock up and check out the sunset too!

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45+hostels, with eight in ideal ski destinations. Warm fires, drying rooms, modern facilities, perfect for group getaways. Ski, play and stay at YHA. Easy as.

your r o f n odatiodventures m m o c ac and a l a e Z New ow: Book n .nz 1 yha.co ne 1800 242 19 o free ph a.co.nz yh book@

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NZLISTINGS auckland Airport Skyway Lodge Backpackers (BBH) 30 Kirkbride Road, Mangere. +64 9275 4443, skywaylodge.co.nz Auckland International The Fat Camel (Nomads) 38 Fort St. +64 9307 0181, nomadshostels.com Nomads Auckland 16-20 Fort St. +64 9300 9999, nomadshostels.com

stayatbase.com 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 Nomads Capital 118 Wakefield St. 0508 666 237, nomadscapital.com

Oaklands Lodge (BBH) St. +64 5A Oaklands Rd, Mt Eden. +64 9638 6545, oaklands.co.nz

Rosemere Backpackers (BBH) 6 McDonald Cres. +64 4384 3041, backpackerswellington.co.nz

Queen Street Backpackers (VIP) 4 Fort St. +64 9373 3471, enquiries@qsb.co.nz

Rowena’s Backpackers (VIP) 115 Brougham St. 0800 80 1414

Surf ‘n’ Snow Backpackers 102 Albert St. +64 9363 8889, surfandsnow.co.nz

YHA Wellington City 292 Wakefield St. +64 4801 7280

YHA Auckland City Cnr City Rd & Liverpool St. yha.co.nz +64 9309 2802, YHA Auckland International 5 Turner St. +64 9302 8200, yha.co.nz

christchurch Chester Street Backpackers (BBH) 148 Chester St East. +64 3377 1897, chesterst.co.nz

Foley Towers (BBH) wellington 208 Kilmore St. TNT-OZ-halfpage-Oct11.pdf 6/10/2011 +6413366 9720, 8:36:04 p.m.

Base Wellington 21-23 backpack.co.nz/foley Cambridge Tce. +64 4801 5666

follow us on Jailhouse Accommodation (BBH) 338 Lincoln Rd. 0800 524 546, stay@kiwibasecamp.com The Old Countryhouse (BBH) 437 Gloucester St. +64 3381 5504, oldcountryhousenz.com Tranquil Lodge (BBH) 440 Manchester St. +64 3366 6500, tranquil-lodge.co.nz Rucksacker Backpacker Hostel (BBH) 70 Bealey Ave. +64 3377 7931, rucksacker.com

queenstown Base Discovery Lodge Queenstown 49 Shotover St. +64 3441 1185, stayatbase.com Bungi Backpackers (VIP, BBH) 15 Sydney St. 0800 728 286, bungibackpackers.co.nz Cardrona Alpine Resort Between Queenstown and Wanaka. +64 3443 7341, cardrona.com 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 Peterpans Adventure Travel 27 Shotover St Queenstown. peterpans.com.au Pinewood Lodge (VIP) 48 Hamilton Rd. 0800 7463 9663, rgrieg@xtra.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 bus tours

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rental firms Ace Rental Cars 1800 140 026, acerentalcars.com.nz Backpacker Campervan & Car Rentals +800 200 80 801, backpackercampervans.com Bargain Rental Cars 0800 001 122, bargainrentals.com.nz Darn Cheap Rentals 0800 447 363, exploremore.co.nz Econo Campers +64 9275 9919, econocampers.co.nz Escape Rentals 1800 456 272 escaperentals.co.nz Explore More 1800 800 327 dcrentals.com.nz Jucy Rentals 0800 399 736, jucy.com.nz Rent-A-Dent 0800 736 823, rentadent.co.nz

Kiwi Experience +64 9366 9830 kiwiexperience.com

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

Magic Travellers Network +64 9358 5600, magicbus.co.nz

Spaceships 1300 139 091, spaceships.tv

Nakedbus.com 0900 62533, nakedbus.com

Standby Cars 1300 789 059, standbycars.com.au

NZ Travelpass 0800 339 966, travelpass.co.nz

Wicked Campers 1800 246 869, wickedcampers.com

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ozwork

Working holidays A combination of travel and work, working holidays provide you with the chance to get away from the mundane 9-5 Words amy donegan

Let’s face it, who wouldn’t want to get paid to work in some of the world’s most exotic locations? Here, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most popular working holidays and where you can apply.

Check out Australia’s Harvest Trail website (jobsearch.gov.au/ harvesttrail) for a range of jobs in various locations. BUNAC also has a regularly updated jobs database.

Fruit Picking in Australia

If you are reading this, then you are already qualified for the job! Thanks to the popularity of the English language, teachers are required all over the world. i-to-i gives volunteers the opportunity to teach Thai children in Surin. Since you’re only needed during school hours, your free time could be spent visiting the elephant research centre or munching on local delicacies. The two-week minimum stay costs $1300, including accommodation and airport transfers.

See: i-to-i.com/volunteer-projects/teaching-english-tochildren-in-thailand.html.

That’s right, here in Australia, one man’s tough labour is another tourist’s exotic work. The great thing about fruit picking is that it’s so flexible – farmers are always crying out for farm hands, and, as long as you’re happy to spend all day outside in the sun (hmm, that’s a hard one), anyone can do it.

Depending on the season and you’re chosen location, you can pick anything from onions to oranges. Pickers are normally paid in two ways: either you’ll receive an hourly wage or be paid for the amount of fruit you’ve picked. Fruit picking is also a great way to extend your Australian Working Holiday Visa for a second year, since the government requires you to do seasonal work for a minimum of three months.

Teach English in Thailand

Work as a Ski Chalet Host in the French Alps Don’t be put off if you’re not a skier – along with lift passes, tntdownunder.com

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food, accommodation, travel and insurance, some companies also provide free lessons. Chalet host responsibilities include cleaning, cooking and looking after your guests. Though the pay isn’t great, (around $150 a week) and the hours are quite long, you still get tips (which can be quite hefty) and, of course, the pièce de résistance, downtime on the slopes!

There are other jobs available too – companies also seek chefs, baristas and nannies to work throughout their winter seasons. Most companies start the recruitment process in May, and it’s best to apply early, as the highly competitive host positions fill up fast.

Three companies to try are Scott Dunn, Mark Warner and VIP SKI. A wide variety of jobs can also be found on natives.co.uk/ and ski-jobs.co.uk

Stewarding on a yacht in the Caribbean Sun? Check. Sea? Check. Sand? Well, not really. As long as you don’t suffer from seasickness though, most stewarding jobs don’t require any previous yachting experience. Roles on board can involve cleaning, cooking, serving and assisting

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with cabin duties. Most stewarding roles are paid positions, and if you’re really lucky, occasionally owners pay for all travelling costs. Contract length is dependent upon the length of the sailing trip.

Register with Crewseekers to find the most up-to-date job listings - a six month membership costs $150 crewseekers. net/sailingopp.aspx.

Work at a summer camp in the USA Every summer, thousands of travellers flock to the US of A to work at summer camp. You can earn around $700-$1000 for nine weeks as a standard camp counsellor – the most popular position. If you do have a lot of childcare experience, or have qualifications in certain skills, higher paid positions are also available. A typical day can involve practically anything, from pottery to singing round the camp fire – all you need is a ‘let’s get stuck in’ attitude, and to enjoy spending time with kids! After camp finishes, get together with a few counsellorfriends and travel for the remainder of your visa. Sounds like the perfect recipe for a memorable three months! If the yanks

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Photos: TNT Images, Thinkstock

ozwork

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FREE PRESENTATION VISA OPTIONS AFTER YOUR WORKING HOLIDAY VISA â&#x20AC;&#x201C; WHAT ARE THEY? annoy you too much, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s always Canada (see our last issue!).

Camp Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fees for the 2012/2013 season were $1280, including visa charges, a flight to America, processing fees and insurance.

Photos: TNT Images, Thinkstock

Volunteer for the Desert Elephants in Namibia Get up close and personal in the African desert with the areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s small population of desert-adapted elephants. Based in the Damaraland region of the Namib Desert, volunteers work with local subsistence farmers to build protective walls around their water points, before following and monitoring the elephants.

Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll experience areas normally unseen by tourists on the patrol, as you help with herd identification and other data collection projects. Evenings are spent camping out under the stars and socialising around the campfire. Projects take place in two week rotations throughout the year, and volunteers are welcome to stay between two and 12 weeks.

Two weeks cost $1315, and 12 weeks $5777. This payment covers all food, transportation and accommodation costs. workingabroad.com/page/187/desert-elephants-namibia.htm

If you hold a working holiday visa and want [V Ă&#x201E;UK V\[ ^OH[ ]PZH VW[PVUZ HYL H]HPSHISL [V YLTHPU PU H\Z[YHSPH [OLU JVTL HSVUN [V VUL VM [OLZL MYLL WYLZLU[H[PVUZ When: EVERY WEDNESDAY in 2013. 7-8pm Where: THE ELEPHANT & WHEELBARROW 169 Fitzroy street. St Kilda Vic 3182

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totallytrivial

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who to blame

and their ideal first date

Editor

Alex Harmon (Beer and board games)

Staff writer

Hugh Radojev (Something cheap)

rory platt (Hiking. Followed by Lasertag)

aussie The Quiz rules of Love football a) 12 c) 8

Design & production

Lisa Ferron (Movies – no talking required)

account manager

Justin Steinlauf (Surfing lessons)

marketing + events executive

georgina pengelly (Horse riding)

Financial controller

Trish Bailey (Dinner overlooking Manly harbour)

what we did this week

a) The waxing moon b) A setting sun c) A summer’s day d) A summer’s breeze To which woman did Vincent van Q 3.Gogh make a gift of his severed ear? a) A prostitute b) His wife c) His mistress d) His sister

Q 4. What year did Paul McCartney write the song Maybe I’m Amazed? a) 1970 b) 1972 c) 1969 d) 1962

booked a holiday to tropical north queensland. see above...

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a) Hephaestion b) Craterus c) Coenus d) Philip is someone who is sexually Q 8.What attracted to male and females called? a) Bisexual b) Multisexual c) Polyamorous d) Omnisexual

aussie-ism “Stunned mullet”

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What was the name of Alexander the Q 7.Great’s friend and lover?

with courtship in poetry? a) Dove b) Nightingale c) Robin d) Owl

sudoku puzzle 3

6.Which is known as the ‘City of Love’? a) Rome b) Adelaide c) Paris d) Tokyo

Q 9. Which bird’s call is often associated

Q 5. Which American singer sung Can’t Get Enough of Your Love, Babe? a) Issac Hayes b) Marvin Gaye c) Elvis Presley d) Barry White

went down to thredbo for the start of the snow season. so much pow-wow, so much jager, so much fun got swept away in the sydney rain. we know it’s winter but does it have to be so miserable?

b) 14 d) 6

what does Romeo compare Juliet Q 2.in To the balcony scene?

Business development Tom Wheeler (Bingo)

Q

How many lines are in a Q 1.Shakespearian sonnet?

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

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To be in a state of complete bewilderment or astonishment, utterly dazed and confused about something that has just happened.

E.g “He just sat there, staring into space like a stunned mullet.”

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GE A K C A E P T A M I ULT

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Airlie Beach 350 Shute Harbour Road P: 07 4946 6144

Brisbane City 452 George Street P: 07 3236 3266

Brisbane Valley 11-21 Gipps Street P: 07 3257 3644

Byron Bay 87 Jonson Street 02 6685 6100

Cairns 9-13 Shields Street P: 07 4041 6222

Mission Beach Wongaling Shopping Center P: 07 4068 8699

Noosa 13 Noosa Drive P: 07 5447 3845

Sydney City 790 George Street P: 02 9212 4444

Sydney Kings Cross 191 William Street P: 02 9380 2155

Rainbow Beach 12 Rainbow Beach Road P: 07 5486 3380

Melbourne Southbank 334 City Road P: 03 9693 3704

www.adventuretravelbugs.com

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3 Day 2 Night Adventure Sailing Trips offers guests looking for a smaller group size the opportunity to experience the Whitsundays. This tour will visit Whitehaven Beach, along with two or three snorkeling experiences on the fringing coral reefs which extend right from the edge of the islands and we have the best prices!

ICEBERG - BLIZZARD - ON ICE 2days/1night & 2days/2nights • All vessels in Excellent Condition • Small groups of 10 to 12 • True Sailing on Real Sailing Boats • Best Location. Coral, Beaches, Bushwalking • Free Watersports, SeaScooters, Kayaking • Private Ensuite cabins available

Mention this code ‘BRSA’ for our very special discount price.

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Kayak over the fringing coral reefs and explore tropical islands.

For beginners to experienced we provide all snorkel gear including fruit and cheese platter.

FREE internet with all bookings - FREE bag storage - FREE upgrades to private double cabins on some boats For more recommendations and discount prices of overnight sailing adventures www.sailingwhitsundays.com 259 Shute Harbour Rd, Top end of main street in Airlie, next door to Hog’s Breath Cafe

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