BACKPACKER

/ESSENTIALS / OCTOBER 2015

SYDNEY
MUSIC,
FOOD &
MORE

ADRENALINE JUNKIES
SOUTH ISLAND, NZ
SWITZERLAND
A BUCKET LIST EXPERIENCE
SHAKE OFF WINTER
INSPIRATION AND DEALS

/ ESSENTIALS

/ ESSENTIALS

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INSIDE
BACKPACKER / ESSENTIALS

AUSTRALIA/NZ

GLOBAL NEWS

NEW YHAS

BUDAPEST TO BRAZIL

15

GETAWAYS

TOP DEALS IN OZ & NZ

20
u

SWISS HEIGHTS

SWITZERLAND HAS IT ALL

VOL 19 / No 5
OCTOBER 2015

SYDNEY
SPRING

MANAGING EDITOR
Janet McGarry

FOOD, FESTIVALS
AND MUSIC

NEW ZEALAND EDITOR

Brindi Joy
DEPUTY EDITOR
Melanie Tesoriero

YHA CONTRIBUTORS
Christina Harris
Rachel Seymour
Tanya Heuke
Francois LaJoie

26

Sydney Festival - The Domain

Destination NSW

Backpacker Essentials is the member magazine for YHA Australia. Opinions expressed are not necessarily
those of the Association. No material may be reproduced without prior permission from the editor. All travel
prices are subject to change and conditions apply. All hostel prices are YHA member rates and are subject to
change. YHA Australia ISSN 1328-6749. YHA Australia, Hostelling International and YHA house and tree
logos are Registered Trademarks of YHA Australia Inc., PO Box A2462, Sydney South NSW 1235

33

NEW ZEALAND

FOR ADRENALINE JUNKIES

41

ECO TRAVEL

IT'S EASY BEING GREEN

46

WHATS ON

AUSTRALIA/NZ EVENTS

ART DIRECTOR
Justin Thomas
GRAPHIC DESIGN
Nicolas Chua
EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES
The Editor,
Backpacker Essentials,
GPO Box 5276,
Sydney NSW 2001.
T: +61 2 9261 1111
F: +61 2 9261 1969
E: backpackeressentials@
yha.com.au

AUSTRALIA/NZ
TOP 10 YHA VIEWS / NEWS / YOUR YHA

CHAMPAGNE VIEWS ON A BEER BUDGET?

HERE ARE THE TOP 10 YHAS WITH THE
BEST VIEWS OF THE LAND DOWN UNDER:

TOP 10 VI EWS

FROM YHA

Sydney Harbour YHA

Get a picturesque view of one of Australias most

iconic landmarks, the Sydney Harbour. Marvel at the
view of Circular Quay, the Sydney Opera House and
Harbour Bridge whilst on the rooftop of Sydney Harbour
YHA.

2
3

How does having one of the best views of one of

the worlds most famous beaches sound? At Bondi
Beachouse YHA in Sydney, this fantastic view is a
daily event.
Queenslands bustling metropolis, Brisbane, has
a vibrant downtown that nestles itself along the
Brisbane River - which just so happens to be the
backdrop for Brisbane City YHA. Soak in the view (literally)
from the rooftop outdoor pool.

Stradbroke Island
TEQ

Sit back with a cuppa and enjoy the views across the
South Pacific to the Seaward Kaikoura Ranges. Set
in the South Islands capital of seafood and sea life,
unexpected guests (seal pups) sometimes wander by the
beachfront YHA Kaikoura for a visit.

5
6

Tucked between the Tweed River and Mount Warning

(or Wollumbin - cloud catcher - as the local
Aboriginal people call it) is Murwillumbah YHA in
Northern New South Wales.

Want the excitement of Queenstown but with

lakefront views? YHA Queenstown Lakefront is on
the shores of a very frigid and very stunning Lake
Wakitipu with unbeatable views across the lake to the
Remarkables mountain range.

7
8

Melbourne Metro YHA, just north of the city, has 300

+ degree views from its rooftop.

All aboard YHA Bay of Islands The Rock Cruise, the

only floating hostel with 360 views of the beautiful
Bay of Islands where dolphin spotting, clear water
snorkelling and phosphorescent night swimming are just
three of the pretty cool water baby pastimes. Every room
and every deck has a view.

Clockwise from top: Queenstown,

Melbourne Metro YHA, YHA Bay of Islands
The Rock Cruise, Brisbane City YHA

9
10

Port Elliot Beach House YHA offers a picture perfect

setting to enjoy a 270-degree view of the South
Australian coast. Feast your eyes upon Encounter
Bay and the Great Australian Bight.
Escape to the tranquil views of Pittwater YHA.
Situated in Sydneys outskirts on the hillside of
Morning Bay in Ku-ring-gai National Park, this YHA
is where the bush meets the sea.

NEWS

RENT-A-CAR WITH YHA

Did you know that as a member of YHA you have
access to five different hire car company deals?
Australias leading car rental companies are helping
young drivers on the road - for less! No matter your
age, if youre a member of YHA, there is a car rental
company that can offer you a great discount.
Click here for more details!

Shutterstock

ARE YOU ACTUALLY PREPARED

FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP?

BACKPACKER
ESSENTIALS CAN
NOW BE READ ON
IPHONE!
Your favourite travel magazine can
now be read on iPhone! Just like
the iPad, on the iPhone youll have
the full experience of the magazine
with all the fantastic animations
and features. Of course, you can
continue to read the magazine
on iPad or digital flip
and pdf. Depending on
the size of your iPhone
screen, there is the
capability of pinch and
zoom to help you read
the great stories inside.
Android coming soon.

Tickets, check. Passport, check. Travel insurance, check.

Travel medical kit, chewait, what? Often overlooked,
travel medical kits can prove to be invaluable if you get
sick unexpectedly. Dr Deb the Travel Doctor can provide
you with a medical kit that will suit your destination,
length of stay and medical history. Better yet, if youre a
member of YHA you receive 10%
off a kit!

FOLLOW THESE STEPS

1. Download the Backpacker
Essentials app
2. Download the issue you want
to read
3. Be inspired
4. Start planning your next trip

Visit yha.com.au/membership/
discounts for more information.

GETTING FROM POINT A TO POINT B

AND BEYOND JUST GOT EASIER!
YHA Australias 2016 Accommodation Guide is now available to
pick up in all Australian YHA hostels and YHA New Zealands 2016
Backpacker Map will hit the hostel shelves this month! With up to
date hostel info, membership benefits and great activity and transport
discounts, theyre the travel guides to get you from point A to point B
and beyond that you dont want to be without!

YOUR YHA
YHA NEWS FOR MEMBERS IN AUSTRALIA

CONGRATULATIONS TASSIE
AND MURWILLUMBAH YHA!
Tassie Duff is YHAs longest serving hostel manager,
having been the manager of Murwillumbah YHA
for 35 years. He is not just the manager of a busy,
coastal hostel, he is the host. Tassie takes great
pride in the experience that his guests receive
when they visit the lovely town of Murwillumbah
and believes that his role is to facilitate whatever
his guests want to do, which he says, is the most
important part of his job.
Tassie speaks with great warmth when hes
discussing his hometown as he describes the
beautiful weather and views he wakes up to every
morning (Mt Warning to the west, the Tweed River
to the east and to the north stunning trees). In
fact, its hard not to be drawn to the idea of visiting
Murwillumbah simply through Tassies infectious
love for the town.
Famous for his 9pm ice cream tradition, Tassie
rallies all the guests and provides the chance
for them all to sit together, eat ice cream and
talk about their days events. Indeed, Tassie
recalls a young man that visited his hostel and
asked to have a look around, the young man then
proceeded to tell Tassie that his parents had met
at the hostel years ago - were now married and

Check out some of

the great reviews
hes received over
the years:

had two kids! Tassie remembered the couple and

is looking forward to having the whole family partners of the kids and all - at his upcoming 35th
year celebration.
Tassie speaks with pride when he talks about
his association with YHA and for the past 35 years
he says it has been a pleasure to have such a
great partnership. Under the YHA philosophy,
his relationship with YHA has only flourished
Congratulations Tassie!

Murwillumbah YHA

BOOK
NOW
MURWILLUMBAH YHA
u
u

+61 2 6672 3763

murwillumbah@yha.com.au

YOUR YHA

Fremantle Prison YHA

Fremantle Prison Tour

Tourism WA

YHA Board of Directors

INCARCERATED AT YHA
The Directors of YHA in Australia recently met for meetings and stayed at Fremantle Prison YHA, a
unique hostel in a World Heritage-listed nineteenth century jail. Directors from around the country
gathered in Freo - as its locally known - for the official opening of the hostel on 22 August 2015.
Snipping the ribbon was Her Excellency the Honourable Kerry Sanderson AO, Governor of Western
Australia. A large crowd was in attendance for the opening of the hostel, which has been more than
five years in the making.
The hostel is in the former womens section of the prison whilst the main former mens prison is
now Western Australias most visited tourist attraction. The Directors were able to do a night tour of
the prison, which included highlights into its dark history. The next day they also did a tunnels tour,
that includes small boat travel along flooded tunnels which were once the prisons water supply. In
hard hats, Directors clambered down sections of vertical ladders with harnesses and carabineers,
as a team-building exercise.
As a not-for-profit organisation, YHA has a Board of Directors made up of regular members who
donate their time and expertise voluntarily. Thanks go to YHA in WA for hosting the event, and to
Directors for giving their time to attend.

FREMANTLE PRISON YHA

u
u

Fremantle Prison YHA

+61 8 9433 4305

fremantle@yha.com.au

BOOK
NOW

GLOBAL

NOW OPEN / HALLOWEEN HOSTELS / GARDEN ROUTE

WE HIGHLIGHT HOSTELS
FROM AROUND THE
WORLD AND GO ON
TOUR ALONG THE
PICTURESQUE GARDEN
ROUTE, SOUTH AFRICA.

T
S
E
P
A
D
U
B
L
I
Z
A
R
B
O
T

Ozgur Guvenc - Budapest

Shutterstock

/NOW OPEN

Buda Castle - Budapest

Shutterstock

MAVERICK CITY LODGE, HUNGARY

Budapest is known as one of the most beautiful cities in
Europe and the Paris of the East. With an extensive list of
World Heritage Sites and fascinating history, Budapest ticks
all of the travel boxes. Right in the heart of the historical
Jewish Quarter lies a new hostel, the Maverick City Lodge. It
will give you a chance to visit the second largest synagogue
in the world! Most of the attractions are within walking
distance and youre not far from an array of restaurants,
concert venues, bars and pubs! With the history in Budapest,
each of these is likely to be more unique than the next.

MAVERICK CITY LODGE

BOOK
NOW

hihostels.com

reservation@mavericklodges.com

/NOW OPEN

Rio De Janeiro - Brazil

Shutterstock

BRAZ HOSTEL, BRAZIL

Rio de Janeiro what came straight to your mind?
Beaches? Sun? Surf? Well Braz Hostel is probably
where you want to stay for your next trip to the land of the
beautiful people! Located at Macumba beach in Rio de
Janeiro, this hostel has been fully restored and is perfect
for those wishing to surf and get to know another side of
the city of Rio de Janeiro. The hostel also has a swimming
pool, and air conditioning, plus you can also choose from a
private two person room with garden view or shared 6 bed
accommodation.

BRAZ HOSTEL
u

hihostels.com

contato@hostelbraz.com.br

BOOK
NOW

/NOW OPEN

Chemnitz Opera - Germany

Shutterstock

CITY HOSTEL, CHEMNITZ

Just one hours drive from historical Dresden lies Chemnitz,
a city that was once named Karl-Marx-Stadt, after the
famous socialist. Chemnitz has a large manufacturing
industry and City Hostel Chemnitz is a testimony to the citys
industrial architecture, particularly with the imported steam
engine in the foyer! All rooms in this hostel have a shower
and toilet, complemented by the usual suspects: dining
room, lounge, BBQ area, buffet, plus an outdoor table tennis
and open air lounge!

CITY HOSTEL CHEMNITZ

BOOK
NOW

hihostels.com

chemnitz-city@jugendherberge.de

/HALLOWEEN HOSTELS

WITCH SPOOKY HOSTEL WILL

YOU BE AT FOR HALLOWEEN?
Whether or not you believe in ghosts and spooky
stories, its always fun to get in the spirit of Halloween
and try to spook yourself as much as possible or
maybe youre just after an excuse for a party! These
hostels around the world lay claim to having a spooky
history or a paranormal guest or two Why not
tempt fate and explore these locations spooktacular
traditions, myths and legends.
Shutterstock

GUILIN, CHINA
Be enchanted by tales of dragons and the
supernatural amongst the fairytale mountains
of Guilin.

Stay at: Flowers Blossom Youth Hostel

OTTAWA, CANADA
Sleep in surprising comfort at Ottawas
150 year old former jail. You can also
see the gallows and possibly the
resident ghost.

Stay at: Ottawa Jail Hostel

MEXICO CITY, MEXICO
Processions of skeletons and candlelight
picnics mark the Day of the Dead or Da de los
muertos from 1 - 2 November.

GLOUCESTERSHIRE, ENGLAND
Be transported back to medieval times at this
castle which is over 800 years old. Wander
through the former hunting lodge of King John
and wonder who spent time in the debtors
prison and met their grizzly end on the gallows.

Stay at: YHA St Briavels Caste, England

CALIFORNIA, USA
This 19th Century lighthouse was built after
several ships ran ashore and is still an operating
lighthouse. Find out for yourself if any former
captains are still haunting the site.

Stay at: HI Point Montara Lighthouse Hostel

Stay at: Hostel Mundo Joven Catedral

BRASOV, ROMANIA
Set in the heart of medieval citadel, this spooky
town is not far from Transylvania, the birthplace
of the blood sucking Dracula.

Stay at: Hostel Mara

Ottawa Jail Hostel

/GARDEN ROUTE

SOUTH AFRICA GARDEN ROUTE

The Garden Route will take you on a journey through South Africas natural beauty. Spanning only
300 kilometres, the array of scenery, wildlife and outdoor activities will keep you occupied for as
long as you need. Start from one of the many HI hostels in Cape Town to begin your Garden Route
adventure and make your way through the Garden Route, spending the night at these HI South Africa
hostels.

WESTERN CAPE
EASTERN CAPE

SEDGEFIELD
Stay at: Myoli Beach
Afrovibe Adventure Lodge

CAPE TOWN
PORT ELIZABETH
JEFFREYS BAY
OUDTSHOORN

South Africas ostrich capital; visit one of the

Ostrich farms and experience firsthand the
animals frenzied behaviour.
Stay at Oudtshoorn - Backpackers Paradise

At the end of the Garden Route is

Jeffreys Bay which is rated as one of
the 10 best places in the world to catch
the perfect wave. Make sure you taste
their calamari, or white gold, a
famous dish in Jeffreys Bay.
Stay at Jeffreys Bay - Island Vibe
Backpackers

WILDERNESS
Stay at Wilderness Fairy Knowe Backpackers

KNYSNA

Situated between forests and a lagoon,

Knysna is most famous for the spectacular
Knysna Heads, two immense sandstone
cliffs guarding the entry to a spectacular
lagoon. A must-stop on the Garden Route.
Stay at Knysna - Island Vibe Backpackers

TSITSIKAMMA NATIONAL PARK

A popular section of the Garden Route

National Park, covered in a large
expanse of forest. Get lost exploring the
river gorges and marvel at the magnificent waterfalls and deep ravines.
Stay at Tsitsikamma Backpackers

DEALS

YHA
GETAWAYS

YHA DEALS IN AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND

Canyoning in the Blue Mountains

Blue Mountains Tourism

BLUE MOUNTAINS
CANYON

MURWILLUMBAH
ADVENTURE PACKAGE

RIDE THE QUEEN

CHARLOTTE TRACK

Canyoning is the perfect

mountain adventure. Explore
hidden spots through narrow
passes, outstanding rainforest
and mountain streams. This fully
guided adventure will extend
your personal boundaries and
introduce you to a new side of
this World Heritage landscape.
Package includes:

Explore stunning Tweed

Valley and climb Mt Warning
for spectacular views of the
valley and coastline. Stay at
Murwillumbah and kayak and
stand-up paddleboard - the
ultimate adventure trip!
Package Includes:

Hop on your bike and

experience one of New
Zealands classic mountain bike
tracks. Skirt bay after secluded
bay, trace coves, climb hills and
ridges for gobsmacking views
of the Marlborough Sounds
Package includes:

2 nights' stay in multi-

share or private room
u Lunch
u Breakfast daily
u Full day canyoning
u

From AU$229 p.p. Valid until

30 April 2016.

BLUE MOUNTAINS
YHA
u
u

BOOK
NOW

+61 2 4782 1416

bluemountains@yha.com.au

3 nights stay in a multi-share

or twin/double room
u

1 hour guided kayak tour

u Stand-up paddleboard hire
u Return Mt Warning
transfer
u Sightseeing tours
u

From AU$211.50 p.p. Valid until

30 September 2016.

MURWILLUMBAH
YHA
u
u

BOOK
NOW

+61 2 6672 3763

murwillumbah@yha.com.au

2 nights' multi-share
u 1 or 2 days on the Queen
Charlotte Track
u Return ferry from Picton to
the track
u

From NZ$122 per person for 1

night or $157 per person or for
2. Valid until 5 December 2015.
Packages with bike hire
are available.

YHA PICTON
u
u

+64 3 573 6598

picton@yha.co.nz

BOOK
NOW

D
A
O
R
N
A
E
C
O
T
A
E
GR

CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE

GREAT OCEAN ROAD

Shutterstock

See the Great Ocean Road your

way, with our new Choose Your Own
Adventure packs. Roll down the
windows, crank up the tunes and
embrace the freedom to explore
with our seven night accommodation
packs, saving you money and putting
the choice in your hands. We've
got the hostels, you bring the car and we have loads of great car hire
discounters for you to choose from.
Check them out here.
Starting in Adelaide or Melbourne,

choose from any of these awesome

YHA locations to create your own
Great Ocean Road adventure:
The Choose Your Own Adventure pack
comes in at just AU$175 for seven
nights - that's just AU$25 per night for
some of the most amazing locations
in Australia! One lucky winner will win
this pack plus car hire! Prize includes:
2 x 7 night YHA accommodation pack
u 7 night car rental
u

Visit Facebook.com/BackpackingMate
for details

YOUR CHANCE

TO WIN!
Upload a photo of your
best road trip moment
on Facebook, Twitter
or Instagram with the
hashtag #YHAroadtrip
for you chance to win
a Choose Your Own
Adventure Pack.
Ends 21 October 2015.

MELBOURNE METRO YHA

Save on accommodation this festival season!
Australias world-class multi-art Melbourne Festival
is back in town! To celebrate were taking the hard
work out of your stay with our bed and breakfast
festival deal. Start your day the right way with
included continental breakfast before exploring all
that Melbourne has to offer and attending the great
shows at the Melbourne Festival. Package includes:
u
u

3 nights accommodation in a multi-share or

private twin/double room
Continental breakfast

From AU$94.50 per person in a multi-share room.

Valid until 25 October 2015.

MELBOURNE METRO YHA

u
u

+ 61 3 9329 8599
melbmetro@yha.com.au

BOOK
NOW

PORT FAIRY YHA

ROTTNEST ISLAND

Spring has sprung and its time to hit the beach! Port
Fairy YHA is offering a sweet treat with a 4 night deal
in their 5-person self-contained apartment. Located
at the end of the Great Ocean Road, historic and
charming Port Fairy is the perfect group getaway.
Spend your holiday swimming, hiking, fishing,
boating, wildlife watching, eating fresh seafood and
strolling around the historic village this spring and
summer season. Package includes:

Lock yourself up and throw away the key.... for an

extra night free! At Fremantle Prison YHA you can
pay for 3 nights and stay for 4 in a dorm, extending
your time served at no extra cost - plus while youre
there, why not visit the beautiful Rottnest Island by
bike? For only an extra $94 youll get the ferry to
Rottnest Island, a river cruise, plus bike hire - which
includes helmet and lock. Youll have the chance to
meet quokkas - a marsupial native to Rottnest Island
and swim in the crystal clear waters of the Indian
Ocean. You cant really go wrong at Freo! Package

4 nights in a 5 share self-contained apartment.

From AU$600. Valid until 24 December 2015,

excluding 31 October 2015 - 3 November 2015.

includes:
u

4 nights for the price of 3 in a multi-share

room

From AU$78. Valid until 30 November 2015.

Port Fairy YHA

PORT FAIRY YHA

u
u

+61 3 5568 2468

portfairy@yha.com.au

BOOK
NOW

FREMANTLE PRISON YHA

u
u

+61 8 9433 4305

fremantle@yha.com.au

BOOK
NOW

AUSTRALIA ZOO DAY TOUR

FRASER ISLAND AND WHALE

WATCHING SPECIAL

How about a full day tour of World Heritage

Fraser Island and a half day of the best whale
watching Australia has to offer? Hervey Bays close
proximity to Fraser Island (or KGari as Aboriginal
legend calls it aptly meaning paradise), you are
directly amongst the best spots. Package includes:
u
u
u

2 nights accommodation at Hervey Bay YHA

Full Day Fraser Island Tour
Half Day Whale Watching Tour

Experience the ultimate wildlife adventure with

a visit to Australia Zoo. Cuddle a koala, feed the
kangaroos, get up close to the elusively cute red
pandas or check out the rhinos in the African
Savannah exhibit. Package includes:
2 nights in a multi-share room at Brisbane
City YHA
u 1 Day entry to Australia Zoo
u

From AU$101 per person. Valid until 31 March 2016

From AU$305 per person in a multi-share room

or AU$668 for a private ensuite for two people.
Valid until 31 October 2015.

Australia Zoo
TEQ

HERVEY BAY YHA

u
u

+61 7 4125 1844

herveybay@yha.com.au

BOOK
NOW

BRISBANE CITY YHA

u
u

+61 7 3236 1004

brisbanecity@yha.com.au

BOOK
NOW

NEW ZEALAND CAR & BED

Hitting the road for your New Zealand roadie has
never been so easy. Travel at your own pace with this
road-worthy deal that bundles affordable car hire
with accommodation in the YHAs of your choice. Prebook your whole itinerary or book as you go. Package
includes:
u

5 - 20 night multi-share accommodation vouchers to

redeem at any YHA in New Zealand
u 7 - 28 day car hire - you choose your vehicle
u Unlimited kilometres, low to no excess insurance

BOOK
NOW

Pick up/drop off locations: Auckland, Wellington, Picton,

Nelson, Christchurch, Queenstown.
From NZ$400 per person for 7 day rental/ 5 nights
multi-share accommodation. Other length of stay
options available. Valid to 30 September 2016

YHA NEW ZEALAND

u
u

+0800 278 299 (NZ) 1800 242 191 (AU)

book@yha.co.nz

MT LOFTY YHA GETAWAY

SPECIAL - STAY 3 PAY 2
Make the most of this stunning bushland
setting in the Cleland Conservation
Park surrounded by abundant wildlife,
bushwalking trails and amazing views
through the trees to Adelaide. Only 20
minutes from the centre of Adelaide but a
world away from the hustle and bustle of
normal life. Enjoy 3 days in this beautiful
location and really switch off. From AU$216
for three nights (that's just $72 per night!)
Package includes:
u
u

3 consecutive nights' stay

Exclusive use for up to 10 guests

Valid until 10 December

NotYHA
available
AIRLIE 2015.
BEACH
on long weekends or school holidays.
u +64 7 4946 6312
BOOK
u airliebeach@yha.com.au NOW

MT LOFTY YHA
u

+61 8 8414 3000

mountlofty@yha.com.au

BAY OF ISLANDS CRUISE AND STAY

Explore Northland by land and sea on YHAs
only houseboat for a 22-hour activity-packed,
nature-filled overnight cruise. Rest easy pre
or post cruise with YHA Bay of Islands Paihia.
This package bundles both YHAs for excellent
savings. Package includes:
1 night with YHA Bay of Islands Paihia
u 1 night with YHA Bay of Islands
u The Rock Cruise, including swimming,
mussel and kina diving, snorkelling,
kayaking, target shooting, fishing, island
walking, watching for dolphins, birds and fish
u

From NZ$215 per person shared cabin or

NZ$504 for a private room for 2. Valid until
23 December 2015. All prices are for YHA
members. Non-member prices available.

YHA BAY OF ISLANDS

u
u

+64 9 402 7796

bayofislands@yha.co.nz

BOOK
NOW

FEATURE / SWITZERLAND

SWISS
HEIGHTS

MOUNTAINS, CHOCOLATE
AND TRAINS: JANET
MCGARRY FOUND
SWITZERLAND HAD IT ALL.

Matterhorn views,
near Zermatt
Tom Malecha

ANTICIPATION

is everything. Switzerland
had long been on my bucket
list and expectations were
of mountains, snow, trains and chocolate. Oh, and those cute dogs with
little whiskey barrels on their collars. Sometimes the clichs just work.
A confession first: I am a mountain-view junkie. Im one of those people
that stops dead centre on the path to look up with an open-jawed dopey
expression. I stroll with a camera in one hand and phone in the other (a
girl can multi-task after all, and those photos have to hit Facebook the
instant you take them for full brag value).
Its very hard to choose the single best wow moment from our eight days
in Switzerland. After a while, superlatives just didnt cut it. But I do still
have a shot from the Jungfrau on my phone, which Im showing people
months later. Some places do linger in your memory.
Our mission was simple. To cram as many walks, views, trains and
chocolate stops in as we could. We mainly ditched the cities (but see later
the ones that cut the mustard) and instead spent our time in Zermatt and
the Bernese Oberland (based in Interlaken).

The views from the

top of Jungfraujoch
stretch forever.
jungfrau.ch

ZERMATT

Any photo youll ever see of Zermatt, in

southern Switzerland near the Italian
border, will have the Matterhorn front and
centre. This impressive slab of craggy rock dominates the whole region.
Snow-covered year round, its flanks change colour as the light changes
during the day, wisps of cloud often linger at the top, and its slopes and
nearby assorted peaks are host to many glaciers.
Down in the valley beneath is nestled the picture postcard alpine village
of Zermatt. Home to skiers in winter, and outdoor enthusiasts in summer,
its easy to stroll around, has three impressive cable car/train routes up
to the surrounding heights, and is a great base day and night. Oh, and
the YHA has a view to kill for dead set up the valley to the Matterhorn.
We headed out both days on an itinerary of uphill transport, walking and
photo snapping. Pick of the peaks was the trip up to Gornergrat step out
of the train and you have a 360 degree vista of peaks, glaciers and lakes.
The cold will take your breath away but the view is what you remember.
The next day, we did our best walk. The Matterhorn Glacier trail is a
three hour loop circuit through alpine meadows (the flowers were in full
bloom), past turquoise blue lakes, beneath the face of the Matterhorn. It
was topped off by finding a Swiss chalet housing a restaurant with killer
views from its sundrenched terrace. A slice of rhubarb tart had never
tasted so good!
Gornergart Observatory Station
with Matterhorn in the background.
Shutterstock

Morning at Lake
Stellisee near
Zermatt.
Shutterstock

BERNESE OBERLAND

Parasailing into
Interlaken.
Jost von Allmen

This region is slap bang in the middle of the country and sits
on the main west-east Alpine Range. Beneath towering peaks,
sandwiched between two lakes sits Interlaken, a major tourist
hub. To be honest, I could skip re-visiting the town itself. The
YHA is terrific with great views and facilities, but getting up into
the nearby alpine villages would be my goal another trip.
Interlaken is the gateway to alpine valleys, cookie
cutter Swiss villages and the peaks of Jungfrau. Dont
underestimate the time it takes to really explore this
area. The trip up to the top of Jungfrau is by an incredibly
engineered mountain railway (it goes right through the
range for about 20 minutes) is a special experience. Fresh
snow, a dramatic zip line ride and a piercing blue sky
topped off our day.
Janet McGarry travelled with the assistance of Swiss Tourism and Swiss Rail.

Walking down
from Jungfrau.
Sarah Day

GET ADVENTUROUS
Interlaken is the Swiss
equivalent of Queenstown
adventure activity central.
Raft down a turbulent river,
canyon a narrow gorge or
zip line through the trees.
Whatever gets your heart
beat going, you can do. We
opted for the Seilpark tree
adventure with complex
courses high up in the
canopy, vertical drops and
more. But you can also try
out the First Flyer (nearly
800 metres of zip line
with stunning Jungfrau
views) or the Trotti bikes
(like a Segway crossed
with a mountain bike)
overlooking Grindelwald,
or the toboggan run at Mt
Pilatus You wont be short of
choices!

View up to Jungfrau
from Interlaken.
Interlaken Tourism

MEDIEVAL TIMES

Switzerland is more than snow and views. It is easy to add

on several fine medieval cities for a dose of history and
culture:

LUCERNE

Notable for its wooden Chapel Bridge with its distinctive

Water Tower, the medieval heart of the old city is easily
accessible from the modern centre of this lakeside city.
Cobbled streets, narrow lanes with restaurants spruiking
the best fondue, restored wall murals on building walls,
and the old city walls all make for a lovely summers
evening. Mix it up with a day trip to Mt Pilatus combining
a lake ferry ride, cogwheel railway and stunning regional
views at the top.

BERNE

Most famous for its Clock Tower which draws hordes

of tour groups waiting for the hour to tick over and the
show to begin, the heart of the Swiss capital is a maze of
streets lined with small shopping arcades, a well restored
streetscape, outdoor dining and a whisper quiet light
rail train system. With gothic churches and top notch
musuems (including one dedicated to Einstein), Berne is
more than just stuffy diplomats.

MORE INFORMATION
The Swiss Tourisms website
will whet your appetite
and get you started
myswitzerland.com
u Train travel: It

really is
the only way to go as many
villages have no car access.
Start your planning here and
then use the official train
timetable site to fine tune
your itinerary sbb.ch
Where to stay: Swiss
YHAs are super. Both
Zermatt and Interlaken
come highly recommended.
See more and book at
youthhostel.ch
u

ZURICH

Switzerlands largest city is a modern, bustling place, but

has made one great choice: cars are banished from the
central quarter on either side of the river that transects
the city. It results in a peaceful air, filled with whizzing
bikes and strolling locals. It is all very, well, Swiss.

Zurich.
Sarah Day

TRAINING SWITZERLAND
Online timetable and a
train pass. Easy. Well, yes,
Switzerland is definitely
the land of rail but this
puppy needs some
research before you rock
up and climb aboard. First
off some simple facts:
There is a comprehensive
network of conventional
trains run by a number
of companies so expect
name confusion. There are
local city trains, regional,
intercity and inter-country
ones. A clue is in the
length of the journey, the
initials used to describe
the train and number of
stops. Dont worry, you
are bound to end up on the
wrong one at least once.
Trains are not just
trains: Switzerland has
an awesome selection of
related transport and, at
the risk of offending all
train fanatics who will
quibble they arent really
trains, these include
mountain and cogwheel
railways. Some are single
track, many head up hill
at an alarming angle,

Jungfrau railways.
Jungfrau.ch

all rattle and clatter,

but get on as many of
them as you can.
After the trains come
the gondolas. Not got a
head for heights? Well,
you will then miss some
great journeys and views.
But, remember, if the
mountain above you is in
cloud, then your journey
will be in zero visibility.
Maybe better to go and
eat chocolate instead.
ESSENTIALS TO KNOW:
Print out the map
on the Swiss rail site
(sbb.ch) in colour and
A3. Study it. Look at the
names. You cant plan
your route without getting
your head around it.
Buy a train pass as
single ticket prices are
expensive. Ignore all
pre-2015 information on
passes as they changed
them this year. A Eurail
pass only gets you
discounts not free travel.
Pass choices can
confuse and the only way
you will know if you are

saving money is an excel

spreadsheet. On the
sbb.ch site, look up price
for each leg or journey,
then compare the total
against the three main
pass choices: Number
of consecutive days,
number of days in a period
of time or half-fare
Mountain railways
are extra! Well, actually
some are included, some
are half price, some
are 25% off. Confused?
Welcome to Swiss trains.
In the end, the choice is
simple: Buy the best pass
you can afford (first class
is worth it in July and
August when the trains are
chockers with tour groups)
and allow for extra for the
mountain railways, but
dont buy those tickets till
you see the weather. You
cant go to Switzerland
unless you see something!

FEATURE / SYDNEY IN SPRING

Spring into

ACTION
u

SYDNEY IS MORE THAN JUST THE ICONS; THE CITY

HUMS WITH MUSIC AND FOOD WRITES ROB GRANT.

Crowds enjoying a
concert at the Domain
Destination NSW

Clockwise from top:

Bondis Beach Road
Hotel, Newtown Festival,
Bondi Markets.

WINTER

is a short affair in Sydney; it barely lasts a

month. Yet when ocean temperatures start to
rise and the jacaranda trees blossom, its a
whole new world. Outdoor events appear from nowhere. Early nights
become a thing of the past. Every park, beach or corner becomes a
place to hang out. Replenished by a brief hibernation, Sydney awakens
and theres no finer place to be.

Two highlights of summer in Sydney are food and music. For some
reason, the former tastes twice as good eaten outdoors. Meanwhile,
musical acts of all kinds seem to converge on the harbour city in the
warmer months, perhaps escaping the seasonal chills of the northern
hemisphere. Whether you're a foodie or a muso, Sydney is awash with
the good stuff - you just need to know where to look.

EAT A TRUCKLOAD

On a balmy evening, nothing beats dining al fresco. But theres no need

for a prime seat on the terrace of a fancy restaurant. Just eat from
the side of a truck.
Sydney embraced the food-truck revolution early and converted
vehicles hit the streets in 2012. They even beat their foodie rivals in
Melbourne to the party. Now an eclectic, rainbow fleet of 15 trucks
roams the streets in search of diners. Lovers of global cuisine, organic
fare or good old-fashioned burgers are in for a treat.
Cantina Mobil was a pioneer and serves a choice of three Mexican
spiced meats and authentic pinto beans on tacos, burritos or nachos.
Another early player, Veggie Patch, turns local produce (90 per cent
sourced from New South Wales) into delicious vegetarian burgers,
chips and dips. The Nighthawk Diner, named after a famous Modern
Art painting from the USA, fittingly serves twists on American classics.
Tuck into Cuban subs, Yankee nachos or Philly cheesesteaks and wish
yourself away to Florida, New York or Philadelphia.
At times the trucks gather on one site - like wagons in a cowboy
movie - and its fiesta time. Expect live music, art performances and
licensed bars. Head online or download the nifty app to look for events
and track the trucks 24 hours a day. sydneyfoodtrucks.com.au

Sydney Festival
Destination NSW

NEWS

CARRIAGEWORKS FARMERS MARKETS

CATERS FOR THE URBAN FOODIE
CROWD. IN PARTICULAR, THIS IS THE
PLACE FOR ARTISAN CHEESE, CURED
MEATS AND EXOTIC DIPS.

PLAY THE MARKET

Food trucks are for night owls but early risers can have their fun, too.
For something more wholesome, there are now farmers markets
across Sydney offering delicious fresh food and more.
Chat with the farmer, pick up picnic supplies and eat as you go. With
a bounty of samples on offer you can brunch for little more than the
price of your fair-trade-bean soy decaf latte.
On the site of its vibrant Sunday clothing and craft market, Bondi hosts
the farmers every Saturday. In a beachside location to die for - a local public
school for the luckiest kids on the planet - it serves all manner of foodie
delights. Think Biltong and banana bread, corn cakes and croissants. Dont
miss the guys at Raclettes Plus, who melt the cheese to order for Sydneys
best toasted sandwiches. Expect a hip crowd of beachside fashionistas
for whom dressing down is an art form. People-watching is half the fun.
bondimarkets.com.au/farmers
H e l d eve r y S a t u rd a y b e s i d e a re n ova te d ra i lw a y wo r k s h o p ,
Carriageworks Farmers Markets caters for the urban foodie crowd. In
particular, this is the place for artisan cheese, cured meats and exotic
dips. As a bonus, most weekends youll see celebrity chef Kylie Kwong
personally serve her delicious handmade dumplings. Walk it all off by
strolling around one of the regularly held exhibitions in the adjacent
art precinct. carriageworks.com.au
Too difficult rising early on a Saturday? The Friday Foodie Market
in The Rocks is the place for you. It helps that the setting, under the
shadows of Sydney Harbour Bridge, is picture-postcard perfect.
There are delicacies to buy - but its more a place to feast on the spot.
Meat lovers will struggle to choose between Danielis Skewers and the
Munich Butcher. The sweet of tooth are spoilt for choice, including the
Brazilian-inspired Emporium of Chocolate and 12 curious flavours of
Mini Monets cupcakes. therocks.com
Another option is the monthy Growers Market on the waterfront in
Pyrmont. Held the first Saturday of the month, the water backdrop
cant be beaten. growersmarketpyrmont.com.au

Top to bottom:
Carriageworks market,
Pyrmont growers market,
J Horan, Destination NSW &
Rob Grant

Beach Road Hotel.

FACE THE MUSIC

The bragging rights of a big-name, big-venue concert are undeniable. But you
can barely see the artists in the far distance and the hit to your wallet ... ouch.
Be part of the action at one of Sydneys cheap and cheerful live music venues.
Curiously hidden among drab corporate offices in the heart of the city,
Frankie's is the place for hard rock, indie and punk. Styled as rock'n'roll
bar-meets-New York pizza parlour, this dark and edgy venue hosts live
music four nights a week. Find a good spot near the vintage pinball machines
and rock late into the night, Brooklyn style. frankiespizzabytheslice.com
A few blocks back from the iconic Bondi Beach, the Beach Road Hotel
is a landmark in itself. On gig nights - Wednesday, Friday and Saturday
- electro-pop, rock acts and DJs play to a sweaty crowd of trendsetters.
Recent line-ups include cutting-edge Australia acts Miami Horror, Kid
Kenobi and Hermitude. beachroadbondi.com.au
You can get everything from hip indie bands to rising rap stars at Goodgod
Small Club. Located on the fringes of Chinatown in the CBDs north, DJ
sets and live bands turn every night into a party. goodgodgoodgod.com
Plug the week's gaps with free or cheap gigs at Soda Factory (Surry
Hills), Camelot Lounge (Marrickville), Newtown Social Club (Newtown) and
Different Drummer (Glebe).

Sydney Festival.
C McCredie
Destination NSW

FESTIVAL FEVER

Warm weather and festivals are like fish and chips: a perfect match.
There is no shortage of events in Sydney for everyones taste, and not
all stretch the purse strings.
For fans of emerging acts, the Newtown Festival is a must. For one
glorious day, Camperdown Memorial Rest Park comes alive with stalls,
stages and street art plus a hilarious take on the traditional dog
show. Music buffs are spoilt for choice. The main festival stage attracts
the big acts and crowds. Past performers include Sarah Blasko, Josh
Pyke and the Preatures. The Essential Stage hosts the more edgy,
emerging artists, while local acts play in the Newtopic village. Held
this year on Sunday, 8 November. newtownfestival.org
The biggest event of the summer is the Sydney Festival, which
hosts a number of outdoor, free gigs. The highlight is often Sounds in
the Domain, which attracts tens of thousands to groove in the park.
Originally named Jazz in the Domain, it still leans towards acts with
soul but now theyre easier to dance to. Recent headliners include soul
superstar Chaka Khan, Brazilian hero Seu Jorge and Latino legends
Los Lobos. Take a picnic blanket and arrive early for the best views.
Held in early January. sydneyfestival.org.au

REVIVE & RECOVER

Rich food and partying takes its toll. Thankfully Sydney has
countless activities to help you recuperate and recover, in
natural settings to die for.
1. Escape the masses and chill in the sun, with the local
trendies, at Milk Beach, Vaucluse.
2. Hop on a Rivercat to Parramatta from Circular Quay, for
the best-value harbour and river tour.
3. Grab a snorkel mask and enter an alternative
underwater world at Gordons Bay.
4. Feel the grass under your feet and enjoy ocean views as
you play barefoot bowls in Clovelly.
5. Stroll the now fully connected Glebe-to-City foreshore
walkway via Pyrmont and Darling Harbour.
6. Enjoy sunset (or sunrise if youre keen) overlooking the
harbour at Observatory Hills, The Rocks
7. Join the paddle board craze, with kit for hire and free
classes at weekends in Rose Bay
8. Explore the new Barangaroo park on the headland next
to the Harbour Bridge

Pyrmont Growers
Market.
Destination NSW

WHERE TO STAY
Choose the hostel nearest your
choice of the action and book
online at yha.com.au:
u

H
 arbour and foreshores:
Sydney Harbour YHA
I nner West and southern
CBD: Sydney Central YHA
Glebe: Glebe Point YHA

u Bondi:

Bondi Beachouse YHA

BOOK
NOW

FEATURE / SOUTH ISLANDNEW ZEALAND

NEW
ZEALAND
FOR
ADRENALINE
JUNKIES
PART TWO

WHILE QUEENSTOWN IS KNOWN

AS THE ADRENALINE CAPITAL,
BRINDI JOY DISCOVERS THE SOUTH
ISLAND'S LESSER KNOWN HOTSPOTS THAT
WILL REALLY GET YOUR HEART RACING.

Drift down serene

waters before hitting the
rough and rocky rapids,
Hanmer Springs.
Thrillseekers Adventures

FE

AR

O
CT
FA

MARLBOROUGH SOUNDS:
MOUNTAIN BIKING

The Marlborough Sounds are best known for satisfying

water-babies with watery reaches, beaches and bays.
But landlubbers rejoice! For seasoned mountain bikers,
the 70km, shared-use Queen Charlotte Track guarantees
grunt and uncontestably beautiful coastal scenery
with every wheel rotation. Digest adrenaline on skyline
ridges, with sweeping downhills, challenging climbs,
technical descents and other tricky sections. Begin in
Picton with a boat ride to Ship Cove (theres no road to
the start of the track), have your luggage portaged to
your accommodation stop each night and finish 70 hardearned-kilometres later in Anakiwa. If two - three days
peddling doesnt appeal, day rides for the less seasoned,
but no less enthusiastic, offer flat sections and wellgraded inclines. YHAs Picton and Anakiwa await with pre
and post ride accommodation.
qctrack.co.nz

Queen Charlotte
Track, Marlborough
is one of NZs best
mountain bike rides.
Mike Heydon

Take off and soar tandem.

Tasman Sky Adventures

FREE
ADRENALINE

NELSON: PARAGLIDING
AND HANG GLIDING

Join the seabirds in sunny Nelson (averaging over 2,400

sunshine hours per year) and tap into humanitys universal
fascination with flight. Go tandem paragliding and hang
gliding with up draughts, ridges and thermals aplenty. A
mix of adrenaline and serenity, paragliding and hang gliding
suit the faint-of-hearts and the not-so-faint-of-hearts as
both can be adrenaline fuelled or light. Here, you wont be
asked to run off a cliff, start up an engine or carry a heavy
frame. Simply strap in to your trusty pilot and enjoy the
birds-eye-views over mountains, gold sand coastlines and
three National Parks. Hang up your helmet at YHA Nelson
and/or YHA Motueka and sleep tight, dreaming of flight.
nelsonparagliding.co.nz
skyadventures.co.nz

AR

R
O
CT
FA

FE

GOLDEN BAY: Tucked behind

the hippyesque Takaka
township, Takaka River has
swimming holes and rope
swings for channelling your
best inner Tarzan.
u

WESTPORT: If the idea of

ghosts get your heart racing,
traverse the northern reaches
of the Wild West Coast and the
Old Ghost Road by foot or bike
where seven gold mining ghost
towns populate the 160km
hauntingly beautiful route.
u

2-8

STAY AT YHA GOLDEN BAY

STAY AT YHA WESTPORT

Quad biking.
Thrillseekers Adventures

PUNAKAIKI: On a high tide

watch Mother Nature flex her
muscles at the 30-millionyear-old Pancake Rocks.
Surges of salt water shoot
skyward through blowholes,
creating geyser-like plumes
that hiss, boom and thump.
u

Feel the rush with

speed, thrills and spins.
Thrillseekers Adventures

KAIKOURA: If its sea life and

surf youre after, Kaikoura is
The One. The 2,600m seaward
Kaikoura Range backdrop
world class breaks with
powerful, hollow waves that
arent for the faint-of-heart.
Surfers often share the line-up
with seals, dolphins, orca and
whales.
u

FE

AR

O
CT
FA

2-7

HANMER SPRINGS: THRILLSEEKERS

PLAYGROUND

Get past the soporific faade of this alpine village and

it all gets a wee bit adrenaline mad. Best known for its
thermal pools rich in salts and minerals, Hanmers wild
side is a thrill seekers playground with so much going
on. You want jet boating? White water rafting? Bungy
jumping? Quad biking? Paintball and clay bird shooting?
Hanmers got it. And then some. And its all backdropped
by sculpted mountains and river valleys, towering forests
and braided rivers. So get ready to get your heart racing
for a fast-paced, edge-of-your-seat, non-stop thrills
kind of day. The only downside? You might not be able
to wipe that grin off your face. And if it all gets to be a
bit too much, you can still soak in those thermal pools
that are only a hop, skip and a jump from the YHA.
welcomeaboard.co.nz/thrillseekers

STAY AT YHA PUNAKAIKI

STAY AT YHA KAIKOURA

ARTHURS PASS &

SPRINGFIELD: Brace yourself
for the meandering 594m,
pitch black, upstream, hourlong Cave Stream walk in
waist-deep, snow-melt water.
Castle Hill is a short drive
away and with limestone rock
formations that make up some
of the worlds best bouldering
and rock climbing. Its not a
bad place for a picnic, either.
u
u

STAY AT YHA ARTHURS PASS

STAY AT YHA SPRINGFIELD

Franz Josef Glacier, West Coast.

Julian Apse

UNWIND

STAY AT YHA HOKITIKA

CHRISTCHURCH: A ferry from

Christchurchs port town to Quail
Island promises harbour and
Port Hills views, beaches, walks,
ruins and shipwrecks. Pack a
picnic and swimmers. Ferry runs
October - April.
STAY AT YHA CHRISTCHURCH

 TAY AT YHA CHRISTCHURCH

S
ROLLESTON HOUSE

R
O
CT
FA

New Zealand is home to over 3,000 glaciers so lace up

your boots, strap on some crampons and lasso in a skilled
guide, were going ice hiking! The West Coast is known for
rainforest, wild coastal weather and two tunnel and caveladen glaciers. Fox (13km long) and Franz Josef (12km)
Glaciers are relics of the last ice age and are unique in the
world for their descent into, and rise above, rainforest and
their extent almost to the sea. Aoraki Mt Cook National
Park is 35km inland from Franz Josef as the crow flies
and a 5 hour drive around the Southern Alps where
ice junkies can scope out the big daddy of New Zealand
glaciers, the Tasman Glacier (27km). Fly past the east face
of Aoraki Mount Cook to discover ice caves and spectacular
glacier formations. Tag on a kayak trip for up-close-andpersonal views of icebergs and penguins before enjoying
YHA Aoraki Mt Cooks sauna. Staying in Franz Josef?
Relax in the hot pools, only a short jaunt from the hostel.
franzjosefglacier.com
tasmanglacier.com
AR

HOKITIKA: Take a treetop

walk for a birds eye view on
20m-from-the-forest-floor
steel platforms that get you up
close and personal with ancient,
temperate rainforest giants.

FRANZ JOSEF & MT COOK: ICE HIKING

FE

ADRENALINE
-FREE

LAKE TEKAPO: Get high, really

high at 1,300m above Lake
Tekapos glacial shores. Strap on
backcountry skis and head into
the Two Thumb Ranges rolling
basins and snow filled valleys to
unwind with a kick and a glide
and a kick and a glide.
u

STAY AT YHA LAKE TEKAPO

Step 1) Strap yourself to a beautiful stranger. Step 2)

Throw yourself from a perfectly good aeroplane. Step
3) Freefall fast and furious at 200kph from a whopping
12,000 or 15,000 feet before pulling the chute to enjoy
unrivalled views of Wanakas lush valleys and mountains,
lakes cradled by hills and cliffs, pristine rivers, tumbling
glaciers and two of New Zealands titanic mountains:
Aoraki Mount Cook (3,724m) and Mt Aspiring (3,033m). This
activity-filled, four-season alpine town and region has a
bit of it all, and its best seen while airborne. Skydiving
been there, done that? Try jumping from a helicopter for
a 12,000 foot heli-skydive. After youve jumped from the
bluebird sky, relax at one of the nearby historic pubs, then
tuck into bed for well-deserved sleep at YHA Wanaka.
skydivewanaka.com

FE

AR

O
CT
FA

OAMURU: Hop aboard the little

vintage steam engine that could
on Sundays for a half-hour ride
from the Victorian Precinct (where
antiquarians, penny farthing
peddlers and Steampunks
saunter) to the waterfront.

WANAKA: SKYDIVING

STAY AT YHA OAMARU

10

Jump from the bluebird sky.

Skydive Wanaka

GLENORCHY: After high octane

jet-boating up the Dart River drift
back downstream in a cruisy
funyak amidst Hollywood-worthy
backdrops of mountains, valleys
and an epic chasm with water so
turquoise, so clear youll pinch
yourself. All within Mt Aspiring
National Park.
u

STAY AT YHA KINLOCH,

GLENORCHY

FIORDLAND: Attention anglers

and aspirants! Fiordlands lakes
and rivers are home to copious
brown and rainbow trout ripe for
trolling. Go solo or with a guide
wholl have the local scoop on the
best spots.
u

STAY AT YHA TE ANAU

THIS ACTIVITY-FILLED, FOURSEASON ALPINE TOWN AND

REGION HAS A BIT OF IT ALL,
AND ITS BEST SEEN WHILE
AIRBORNE.

Canyoning in
Queenstown.
Canyoning New Zealand

FE

AR

O
CT
FA

QUEENSTOWN: CANYONING

Queenstown is undoubtedly New Zealands

adrenaline capital with bungys galore,
skydiving, canyon swinging, jet boating
and more. Include canyoning on that
adrenaline-worthy list! Jump, slide, abseil,
zip, float, plunge, scramble, leap and swim
through canyons, narrow gorges with rock
slide chutes, waterfalls and clear deep
pools tucked beneath canopies of ancient
rainforest for a most excellent downstream
multisport adventure. The regions glacial
history and unique mountainous terrain
lends itself to deeply eroded valleys,
carved high-walled canyons and towering
walls where rain, melting snow and ice
create fast-flowing water and pounding
cascades. Novice and advanced canyoneers
take note! Pick a canyon to conquer from
a National Park, picturesque valleys or
a mountain peak. You can even opt in
for heli canyoning. Dry out and unwind
at one of two YHAs in Queenstown on
the stunning Lake Wakatipu lakefront
or in the heart of the alpine village.
canyoningnewzealand.co.nz

NORTH ISLAND
ADRENALINE

Heading north? Check out

our earlier feature here

WHERE TO STAY

Find out more about all

these South Island YHAs and
book online.
u yha.co.nz

NEW ZEALAND

NORTH ISLAND

FOR ADRENALINE JUNKIES

PARA & HANG GLIDING

MOUNTAIN BIKING
THRILLSEEKER'S
PLAYGROUND
ICE HIKING
SKYDIVE
CANYONING

GOLDEN BAY
ANAKIWA
PICTON

MOTUEKA
NELSON
WESTPORT
PUNAKAIKI

HOKITIKA

KAIKOURA
HANMER SPRINGS

ARTHUR'S
PASS

FRANZ JOSEF

CHRISTCHURCH

MT COOK
LAKE TEKAPO
GLENORCHY

QUEENSTOWN
TE ANAU

SPRINGFIELD

WANAKA
OAMARU

SOUTH ISLAND

Its easy
being
green
FEATURE / YHA'S COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABILITY

YHAS COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABILITY IS MAKING ECOTRAVEL EASIER THAN EVER, REPORTS LOUISE SOUTHERDEN,
WHO LOOKS AT INITIATIVES IN AUSTRALIA.

SUSTAINABLE HOSTELS FUND

One of the most exciting developments is the introduction of the
Sustainable Hostels Fund in Australia. This innovative program invites
YHA guests to donate a dollar each time they book accommodation
through yha.com.au.
YHA then matches these contributions dollar-for-dollar and the
resulting Sustainable Hostels Fund (SHF) is used for environmental
initiatives, most commonly solar hot water systems because research
has shown this to be where accommodation providers can reduce carbon
emissions most significantly.
Last year a third of all YHA guests booking online contributed to the
fund, raising $43,000 for new and upgraded solar hot water systems
at Cairns Central YHA, Glebe Point YHA and Pittwater YHA in Sydney,
Grampians Eco YHA and Melbourne Metro YHA.
The SHF has also funded solar hot water systems at Adelaide Central
YHA and Byron Bay YHA and large-scale solar projects at Perth City YHA
(145 rooftop panels that promise to reduce the hostels carbon emissions
by 42 tonnes a year) and in the sun-baked Red Centre at Alice Springs
YHA (it covers the entire roof of the main building, making it the second
largest solar project in the city).

Hostel chooks at
Grampians Eco YHA

ONE OF THE MOST EXCITING

DEVELOPMENTS IS THE INTRODUCTION OF THE
SUSTAINABLE HOSTELS FUND IN AUSTRALIA

SYDNEY HARBOUR YHA

Leading the way in urban eco-design is Sydney Harbour YHA. When it
opened in 2009, it was Australias first purpose-built environmentally
sustainable YHA in a central city location (its in the historic Rocks area,
across the water from Sydney Opera House you cant get more central
than that). Last year it became the first hostel in Australia and one of the
first in the world to be certified by Hostelling Internationals new Quality
and Sustainability program.
Designed by a sustainability consultant, it has a swag of sustainability
features worth more than $1 million, including solar hot water, a lowimpact gas-powered generator that supplies up to 70 per cent of the
hostels peak electricity, motion-sensor lighting, rainwater tanks,
waterless urinals, air-conditioning that works only when windows
are closed and key-card activated power; it was also built using
environmentally accredited and recycled materials. As a result, guests
use 37 per cent less electricity and 31 per cent less gas per night than
they would at a comparable city hostel.
But the real value of eco-conscious hostels such as Sydney Harbour YHA
is that they are vanguards of the new normal. One day, perhaps sooner
than we think, every YHA could be like this.

BOTTLED WATER NO MORE

Did you know it takes seven litres of water and one
litre of oil to produce a litre of bottled water? Not only
is bottled water resource-hungry, it creates big waste
problems and generates enormous emissions through
transporting and refrigerating it from source to point
of sale.
Thats why, in June 2014, despite bottled water being
a big-selling item, all larger YHAs around Australia
removed bottled water from their vending machines
and stopped supplying bottled water in group lunches.
Guests can now buy reusable water bottles to refill
at new chilled water bubblers or at any tap. Part
of the motivation for banning bottled water, in fact,
was to communicate to international travellers that
drinking Australian tap water is perfectly safe, and helps
the environment.

...IN JUNE 2014, DESPITE BOTTLED

WATER BEING A BIG-SELLING ITEM, ALL LARGER
YHSs AROUND AUSTRALIA REMOVED BOTTLED
WATER FROM THEIR VENDING MACHINES...

ABOVE & BEYOND

Most YHAs have standardised eco-features such as low-energy light bulbs,
water-saving devices on taps, front-loading washing machines, recycling
bins (some have compost bins too) and food-swap shelves in communal
kitchens. Some have gone even further with their eco-measures.
S eve ra l l a rg e c i t y h o ste l s u s e keyca rd - a c t i va te d l i g h t i n g a n d
air-conditioning in guest rooms. Others have installed LED lights, motionsensor lighting and rainwater tanks. There are older hostels that have
been retrofitted, such as Melbourne Metro YHA. Port Elliot Beach House
YHA on South Australias Fleurieu Peninsula grows organic vegetables for
guests to use. And Pittwater YHA in Sydneys Ku-ring-gai Chase National
Park receives government grants to run regular bush regeneration
weekends that guests can participate in.
Then there are the three purpose-built eco-YHAs: the architect-designed
Apollo Bay Eco YHA, the beautiful rammed earth Grampians Eco YHA,
both in Victoria, and Hawkesbury Heights YHA in the Blue Mountains,
which generates enough solar electricity to feed some back into the grid.

Apollo Bay YHA

SEVERAL LARGE CITY HOSTELS

USE KEYCARD-ACTIVATED LIGHTING
AND AIR-CONDITIONING IN GUEST ROOMS.

8 WAYS TO GREEN-UP YOUR NEXT YHA STAY

1. Give a dollar: Contribute $1 to the Sustainable Hostels Fund when
booking online.
2. Use less water: Take shorter showers, turn off taps while
brushing your teeth or shaving and reuse your towels.
3. Wash less: When staying in remote, natural places, consider
having fewer showers or washing your hair less often, to reduce
your impact.
4. Save electricity: Turn off the lights, TVs and air-conditioners
when you leave your room, open the windows for natural cooling,
and dont leave electronic devices such as phones charging
longer than necessary.
5. Swap & share: When leaving a hostel, leave food, books and
other things you dont want to take with you, for others to use.
6. Use the kitchen: Cooking is a great way to keep costs down,
make new friends and reduce waste. Some YHAs also grow
vegetables and herbs for guests to use.
7. Reduce & recycle: Use the recycling and compost bins
provided, and take home rubbish that can be recycled more easily
in urban areas than in regional or remote locations.
8. Join in: Staying at a YHA during an earth-friendly event such
as Earth Hour or Clean Up Australia Day, makes it easy, and fun,
to get involved.
G
 reen up! Share your tips for more sustainable stays at

https://www.facebook.com/YHAhostels (#sustainability
#BackpackingTips).

M
 ore information: https://www.yha.com.au/about/

sustainability/

Louise Southerden is an award-winning travel writer dedicated

to reducing her eco-impact at home and away. Follow her
adventures in sustainability at noimpactgirl.com

(Below)
The Apollo Bay YHA
herb garden

10 TIPS FOR
GREENER TRAVEL
1. Hop on a train. Trains produce
far fewer emissions than planes.
2. Fly direct whenever you can.
Taking-off and landing generate
the most carbon emissions from
flying.
3. Travel light. Less luggage
not only makes travelling easier
for you, it reduces the need for
motorised transport at your
destination.
4. Shop wisely. Travel with a
reusable bag to avoid plastic bags
and buy locally made souvenirs.
5. Go vegetarian. Vegetarian diets
use less land, water and oil, and
generate fewer emissions than
meat-based ones.
6. Eat local, seasonal food. Eating
close to the source reduces
packaging and emissions.
7. Do an eco-tour. When
natural environments become
more economically valuable,
governments and communities
work harder to protect them.
8. Be aware. Reading up on
environmental issues affecting
your destination helps you make
informed choices.
9. Go low-carbon. There are all
sorts of low-impact activities,
from trekking and snorkelling to
open-air concerts and cooking
classes.
10. Leave every place you visit
better than you found it. Pick up
rubbish, plant a tree, volunteer
but above all respect people,
animals and places wherever you
go.

WHAT'S ON
HERES OUR PICK OF EVENTS COMING UP IN YOUR REGION

GOOD FOOD MONTH

1 - 31 October 2015
The Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Month is back again! Right across NSW for the month of
October, NSWs vibrant food scene is celebrated. From Sydney venues to regional restaurants,
cafes and bars, take advantage of all the great food venues on offer. The Night Noodle Markets are
also back in Sydneys Hyde Park with more than 40 food stalls, bars and entertainment. Make sure
you dont miss it! sydney.goodfoodmonth.com.

Good Food Month: 1 - 31 October 2015

Night Noodle Markets: 8 - 25 October 2015

BOOK
NOW

Fairfax

Sydney Central YHA

+61 2 9218 9000

sydcentral@yha.com

N SW

QLD

OKTOBERFEST
BRISBANE
9 - 11 & 16 - 18
October 2015

Get ready, youre in

for an Oktoberfest
experience like no other! Embrace your
inner German at Australias biggest German
Festival. Get into the spirit by donning
traditional dress, delight in traditional
fare and traditional beer, handcrafted and
specially made for Oktoberfest Brisbane.
Oktoberfest is an extravaganza of sights,
sounds, food, fashion, and fun for the whole
family. oktoberfestbrisbane.com.au.

VI C

MELBOURNE CUP
CARNIVAL
31 October 7 November 2015

Experience the
excitement of the Melbourne Cup Carnival,
Australias most renowned horseracing
event! The carnival features four amazing
races including the worlds richest race that
stops the nation, the Emirates Melbourne
Cup. The Melbourne Cup Carnival is much
more than just a racing event, it is an
annual celebration combining the very
best of what Melbourne has to offer - food,
wine, sport, business, social interaction and
fashion! flemington.com.au.

u
u
u

Brisbane City YHA

+61 7 3236 1004
brisbanecity@yha.com

SA

BOOK
NOW

GORGEOUS
FESTIVAL
27 - 28 November 2015

Check out the annual

Gorgeous Festival set
in the beautiful McLaren Vale wine region on
the Fleurieu Peninsula in South Australia.
Celebrating the approaching summer with
boutique music, food, wine and fun! This year,
the festival will include performances from
Kate Miller-Heidke, Melbourne Ska Orchestra,
Stonefield, Falls, Dylan Joel, Montaigne, Jesse
Davidson, Rin McArdle + more!
gorgeousfestival.com.

gorgeousfestival.com.au
Visions of Victoria
u
u
u

Melbourne Central YHA

+61 3 9621 2523
melbcentral@yha.com.au

BOOK
NOW

u
u
u

Adelaide Central YHA

+61 8 8414 3010
adlcentral@yha.com.au

BOOK
NOW

SCULPTURE BY
THE SEA, BONDI

22 October - 8 November
2015

N SW

For the nineteenth year, the famous Sculpture

by the Sea will again stun imaginations along
the Sydney iconic coastal walk from Bondi
to Tamarama. Youll see over 100 sculptures
by local and international artists along the
spectacular 2km clifftop path.
sculpturebythesea.com.

MARGARET RIVER
GOURMET ESCAPE
20 - 22 November 2015

WA

Margaret River Gourmet

Escape is back - and is
not to be missed for all the wine and food
connoisseurs. Chefs from across the world
travel to the Margaret River Wine Region to
display their culinary talents and combine
to make global food and wine history.
gourmetescape.com.au

Elinor Sheargold

u
u
u

Bondi Beachouse YHA

+61 2 9365 2088
bondi@yha.com.au

NZ

BOOK
NOW

YHA New Zealand

+0800 278 299 (NZ)
+1800 242 191 (Aus)
book@yha.co.nz

u
u

GUY FAWKES DAY

5 November 2015

Theres no better way to

celebrate a 400-yearold foiled plot to blow up the House of Lords
in England than with the annual hiss and
roar of fireworks. Guy Fawkes failed 1605
Gunpowder Plot heralded a celebration
thats made its way to New Zealand for a
much-loved harbinger of summer fun and
fireworks and heed these top tips: The masses
emerge for these events so get there early;
catch public transport or walk in so you can
secure the best spot; take your rubbish away
with you and dont bring your own fireworks.

BOOK
NOW

Margaret River YHA

+61 8 9757 9572
margaretriver@yha.com.au

BOOK
NOW

YOUR GUY FAWKES GUIDE

Waiuku - Tamakae Reserve

24 October 2015
6pm entertainment, 8.45pm fireworks
Auckland - Messey Park

6 November 2015
7pm entertainment, 9pm fireworks
Wellington - Wellington Waterfront

7 November 2015
9pm fireworks
Christchurch - New Brighton Pier

5 November 2015
6pm entertainment, 9pm fireworks

OAMARU VICTORIAN
HERITAGE
CELEBRATIONS
11 - 15 November 2015

NZ

Follow the white rabbit

to Oamarus Victorian
precinct for the annual Heritage Celebrations.
This year proffers an Alice in Wonderland
theme and promises a penchant for penny
farthings, garden parties and flamingo croquet.
Dance with lords and ladies, hunt the Snark or
take a Grand House tour and oh, much more
from yesteryear. The celebrations culminate
in a Victorian fte where guests test their
strength and skill and rub shoulders with
street performers. Dont be late for this very
important date. vhc.co.nz.

QLD

AIRLIE BEACH
FESTIVAL OF MUSIC
2015
5 - 8 November 2015

The Airlie Beach Festival of Music is the only

waterfront music festival in tropical Australia
offering three main concerts, 74 bands and
a party atmosphere for one long weekend
in November. Tailored to an audience who
want to soak up the setting and enjoy an
excess of live music with internationally and
nationally recognised musicians, youll be up
close and personal at the many lively bars
and beachside venues around Airlie Beach.
airliebeachfestivalofmusic.com.au.

u
u
u

Airlie Beach YHA

+61 7 4946 6312
airliebeach@yha.com.au

BOOK
NOW

BOOK
NOW
u
u
u

YHA Oamaru
+0800 278 299 (NZ) +1800 242 191 (Aus)
book@yha.co.nz

WA

BEAUFORT STREET
FESTIVAL
14 November 2015

The Beaufort Street

Festival is an annual community street festival in
Perth that buzzes with food, music and fashion.
By day, wander the shops and stalls and by night
relax by one of the six stages for some fresh
entertainment. beaufortstreetfestival.com.au.

u
u
u

Perth City YHA

+61 8 9287 333
perthcity@yha.com.au

BOOK
NOW

NZ

WELLINGTON FOR THE

LITERARY-MINDED
14 November 2015

Choose your own adventure at

Wellingtons second annual LitCrawl.
Fifteen venues and fifteen events to choose from over threeand-a-half hours in this fast-paced evening of poets, novelists,
professors, comedians, presenters, actors, journalists and
musicians all performing the written word in Wellingtons bars,
cafs, galleries and bookshops. LitCrawl is a celebration of
art, literature and spoken word performances by some of New
Zealands most successful writers (and some from further
afield). Pick up or download a map and hit the town for this
literary mission. LitCrawl is free with entry by koha (donation).
litcrawl.co.nz

u
u

YHA Wellington
+0800 278 299 (NZ)
+1800 242 191 (Aus)
book@yha.co.nz

BOOK
NOW

MORE
EVENTS
REEF FEAST FESTIVAL
8 - 11 October 2015
Stay Port Douglas YHA

SOULFEST:
AUCKLAND
26 October 2015
Stay YHA Auckland City &
YHA Auckland International

MELBOURNE MUSIC
WEEK
13 - 20 November 2015
Stay Melbourne Metro YHA

VI C

Ferret Bookshop
uniquegeek.co.nz

MELBOURNE FESTIVAL
8 - 25 October 2015
Celebrate the Melbourne Festival
with a feast of world-class
performances from local and
international artists to mark their
30th anniversary! The Melbourne
Festival is one of the major multiart festivals of the world and
promises again to bring a jampacked program of dance, theatre,
music, visual arts, multimedia and
outdoor events including 8 world
and 17 Australian premieres and
15 events exclusive to Melbourne
Festival. festival.melbourne for.

Melbourne Art Trams

festival.melbourne.com

u
u
u

Melbourne Metro YHA

+61 3 9329 8599
melbmetro@yha.com.au

BOOK
NOW
BOOK ONLINE

YHA.COM.AU
YHA.CO.NZ

BACKPACKER
/ ESSENTIALS

YHA.COM.AU
YHA.CO.NZ
NEXT ISSUE AVAILABLE
3 DECEMBER 2015