BACKPACKER

/ ESSENTIALS / DECEMBER 2015

ECO
NZ

TREADING
LIGHTLY

SUMMER DEALS
HOLIDAY INSPIRATION
VICTORIA NOW
GET OUT OF MELBOURNE!
ICELAND
A BUCKET LIST DESTINATION

/ ESSENTIALS

/ ESSENTIALS

Get more travel with the FREE interactive iPad app

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INSIDE
BACKPACKER / ESSENTIALS

AUSTRALIA/NZ
Cover image: Adam Bryce

LOCAL NEWS

GLOBAL NEWS

BELGIUM & THAILAND

18

GETAWAYS

TOP DEALS IN OZ & NZ

22
u

GO WEST
VICTORIA

VOL 19 / No 6
DECEMBER 2015

TREAD
LIGHTLY

MANAGING EDITOR
Janet McGarry

YHA NZ'S ECO

ETHOS

NEW ZEALAND EDITOR

Brindi Joy
DEPUTY EDITOR
Melanie Tesoriero

YHA CONTRIBUTORS
Christina Harris
Rachel Seymour
Tanya Heuke
Francois LaJoie

28

Castle Point, Wairarapa

Mike Heydon

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

34

ICELAND

LAND OF FIRE AND ICE

40
u

BRISBANE
BY NIGHT

45

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
HOSTEL NEWS / WIN WITH YHA / YOUR YHA

N OW O PEN
YH A TA U P O

New Zealand says Kia ora to a new North

Island hostel located in the stunning Central
Plateau and gateway to Mt Ruapehu (aka
LOTRs Mordor). YHA Taupo is an ideal base
for travellers to discover this regions endless
supply of things to see and do.
Taupo is the North Islands adrenaline
hotspot and its got some pretty epic
geothermal action too. From skydiving to
bungy, white water rafting to jet boating. Its
all here. Geology-wise? The Taupo Volcanic
Zone is an underground geothermal highway
that stretches via Rotorua to White Island
in the Bay of Plenty. That means there are a
lot of geothermal star attractions including
Australasias largest lake (actually a volcano
caldera) and the Tongariro National Park
crowned with three volcanoes. Want to take
it easy? Soak in a thermal bath or hot water
river.

The refurbished YHA Taupo is a ten minute

walk to the town centre and lakefront.
Facilities include all your YHA staples such
as a range of shared and private rooms, a
communal kitchen (equipped with a gas hob
stove), lounge and dining area, plus a sunny
garden and picnic area complete with outdoor
BBQ. And they have some extra perks such as
the next door Huka Cycle for hiring a mountain
bike to explore Taupos endless bike trails,
including the Great Lake Trail.

BOOK
NOW
YHA TAUPO
u
u

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

taupo@yha.co.nz

NEWS

MERRY CHRISTMAS
The editors of Backpacker Essentials wish you a Merry
Christmas and Happy New Year. Stay safe during the
holidays and well see you next year!

NEW AUSTRALIA HOSTEL MAP

YHA Australias 2016 hostel
map is now available to pick
up at Australian YHA hostels!
With copies available in both
English and Chinese, this is the
only travel map you need when
planning your Aussie travels.
This year weve even included a
road trip suggestion to give you a
little bit of travel inspiration!

NEW MEMBER DISCOUNTS

By being a member of YHA you have access to
hundreds of discounts across Australia and were
excited to announce that YHA
members can now add one more to
the list - nib! Nib are offering YHA
members a discount on travel
insurance when they travel
in Australia and it doesnt
matter if youre a domestic
or international member
of YHA, this discount is
open to you! Visit
nib.com.au/yha for
more details.

DONT
FORGET!
Backpacker
Essentials is
now available
to download on
iPhone! Now you
can carry us with
you everywhere.

BACKPACKER
ESSENTIALS ON
TWITTER
Follow us at
@YHABackpacker
for special stories,
travel news and
pictures of cute
animals.

SEE WHERE YOU

COULD BE
Did you know that YHA Australia
and YHA New Zealand have
YouTube channels? This means
that you can easily imagine
yourself in all the beautiful places
we are lucky to have on our
doorsteps with the click of a few
buttons.
Check out our YouTube channels
and see first-hand where you
could be. Youll be booking your
flights in no time!
Search New Zealand YHA
on YouTube
Search YHA Austr
on YouTube

WIN WITH YHA

ARE YOU COMPETITION READY?

This is just the beginning of some great competitions coming your way. Stay
tuned next year for the exciting competitions we have in the works! We value
your readership and membership to YHA and want to reward you with the
chance to win.

WIN TICKETS TO
presents

ST I VA L
T H E W O R L D S F E

Arts Projects Australia

WOMADELAIDE
People come from far and wide to attend the WOMADelaide
festival, held over the March long weekend in Adelaide.
WOMADelaide is more than a music festival, its a four-day
fiesta that attracts over 80,000 people who gather to witness an
international line-up of artists and to participate in workshops
that enrich the body and soul. More than 30 countries are
represented across 7 stages and 2016s hot tips include 90s
riotous rock group Violent Femmes, French-Afro vocal goddess
Angelique Kidjo, high energy Aussie world wonder the Cat
Empire and much more. AND - YHA is giving you the chance to
win your way to WOMADelaide! Prize includes:
u
u

2 x 4-day weekend pass to WOMADelaide (11 - 14 March 2016)

3 nights accommodation in a double room at Adelaide

Central YHA
Return flights for two to Adelaide from nearest Australian
capital city, courtesy of South Australian Tourism Commission.

To enter, answer in 25 words or less which part

of the world you would like to experience at the
2016 Womadelaide Festival and why.
Email us at yhaessentials@yha.com.au with your
answer Competition ends 31 January 2016.

WIN!

YOUR CHANCE

TO WIN!

YHA and Moonlight Cinema

are giving you the chance to
win a double pass for the 2016
Aussie summer season! This
year Moonlight Cinema will
be held in Adelaide, Brisbane,
Melbourne, Perth and Sydney
All you need to do is tell us
in 25 words or less who youd
like to spend a night under
the stars with. Make sure to
include your name, contact
number and which city youd
like to attend. Email us at
yhaessentials@yha.com.au with
your answer. Competition ends
25 December 2015.
Moonlight Cinema is
Australias favourite outdoor
cinema, showing advance
screenings, new release and
cult films on the lawns of
our favourite cities. Check out
moonlight.com.au for more.
Grab a picnic and a rug and
head to the cinema!

Moonlight Cinema

NEWS

EXCITING DEVELOPMENTS AT
PHILLIP ISLAND!
Phillip Island and penguins are synonymous with each
other and now you can have an even better experience
viewing these wondrous little creatures with the new
Penguins Plus viewing options!
Visitors will now have the chance to view the penguins
from underground, giving you an eye-level viewing
experience. Plus, inspired by the natural elements of
the surrounding landscape, a new viewing platform has
been built to give visitors unprecedented viewing of the
penguins on their pathway at the Penguin Parade.
To even further enhance your Phillip Island experience,
you can now feel as if youve suddenly transported to the
Antarctic. Take a virtual journey into the Southern Ocean
and Antarctica and immerse yourself in the environment
pat a penguin, stroke a seal or marvel at a whale within
arms reach! Check out our deals section for a great
travel deal at Phillip Island.

Tourism Victoria

PHILLIP ISLAND YHA

u
u

+61 3 595 6123

phillipisland@yha.com.au

BOOK
NOW

GLOBAL
NOW OPEN / CHRISTMAS MARKETS

BELGI UM

K
O
K
G
N
A
B
O
T

TIS THE SEASON! WE HIGHLIGHT SOME

OF THE NEWEST HOSTELS AND LIST THE
TOP CHRISTMAS MARKETS FROM ALL
OVER THE WORLD.
Kavalenkau, Belgium
Shutterstock

/NOW OPEN
GHENT
BELGIUM
OURU PRETO
BRAZIL
BANGKOK
THAILAND
Leie River, Ghent
Anton Ivanov - Shutterstock

Click on the tabs above for each destination

HOSTEL DE DRAECKE GHENT

BELGIUM
After 21 years operating as a busy hostel, Hostel De
Draecke Ghent, Belgium has had a complete makeover!
The hostel is a tribute to the city of Ghent, including a graffiti
painting by a famous local street artist. The new reception
area is integrated in the bar and connected to the dining
room and lounge perfect for a quick drink after check-in!
There is now a communal area for travellers to meet and
socialise, and if youre feeling like an early night, the rooms
have also been completely redone with each room having its
own bathroom and each bed provided its own power point,
night light and locker.
Hostel De Draecke Ghent is a contemporary hostel in a
beautiful medieval town close to the Castle of the Counts
and the Canal, with remarkable architecture and history,
youll be amazed by all that Ghent has to offer.

BOOK
NOW

HOSTEL DE DRAECKE GHENT

u

hihostels.com

gent@vjh.be

/NOW OPEN
GHENT
BELGIUM
OURU PRETO
BRAZIL
BANGKOK
THAILAND
Rouru Preto, Brazil
Shutterstock

Click on the tabs above for each destination

BRUMAS HOSTEL, BRAZIL

Named a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its
outstanding Baroque architecture, Ouru Preto, Brazil is a
breathtakingly beautiful city that has to be seen to believed.
Brumas Hostel is a charming colonial-style cottage located
close to all the main attractions of the city, including the
historical city centre and features dorm rooms or private
rooms, free Wi-Fi, 24-hour reception and more. Brumas
hostel prides itself on being eco-conscious and follows
sustainability policies so you can be sure your visit will be
green.

BOOK
NOW

BRUMAS HOSTEL
u

hihostels.com

brumasonline@hotmail.com

/NOW OPEN
GHENT
BELGIUM
OURU PRETO
BRAZIL
BANGKOK
THAILAND
Click on the tabs above for each destination

Bangkok Markets, Thailand

Alexander Mazurkevich - Shutterstock

HI SMILE SOCIETY-BANGKOK
Bangkok has a brand new YHA, located in the city centre
with convenient access to the tourist attractions that
Bangkok has to offer, including day and night street markets
and food stalls. This green hostel boasts dorm and private
rooms, free Wi-Fi, plus all the trimmings that you want
in your hostel experience - air-conditioning, laundry, free
breakfast and security. Visit the bustling and exciting city of
Bangkok by day and night and come back to a comfortable
and central hostel in the heart of the city.

BOOK
NOW

HI SMILE
u

hihostels.com

smiledthailand@gmail.com

/CHRISTMAS MARKETS

CHRISTMAS MARKETS
Aussies and Kiwis may not get to rug up during
the Christmas season, or take comfort in mulled
wine and hot cocoa (but we do get the beach so
we cant really complain), but theres something
special about holiday markets that make us kind
of wish we could experience a cold Christmas
to see what the fuss is all about. If you cant get
there this year, not to worry, weve compiled a list
of Christmas markets all over the world that can
at least get you dreaming!

STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN

Visit Stockholms Old Town

and see what a traditional
Swedish Christmas market is all
about. The Old Town Christmas
markets started in 1523 and
lay claim to being one of the
oldest markets in Europe. While
youre there try Swedish sweets,
sausages, have a taste (if you
dare) of reindeer and elk-meat
(just make sure its not Rudolph
first). Take home some beautiful
Swedish handcrafts from the
unique red stalls.

The Old Town

Christmas markets
21 November - 23 December

STAY AT HI STOCKHOLM

Stockholm Christmas Market

Shutterstock

/CHRISTMAS MARKETS

VIENNA, AUSTRIA

Vienna is probably the

motherland of Christmas
markets; this age-old tradition
dates back to 1298. If youre a
fan of mulled wine, for a few
extra euros you can hold on to
the different mugs at the more
than 20 different markets in
Austria. If not, return them after
use and get some of your money
back! Pick up handcrafted gifts
and eat traditional Austrian fare
at the markets, amongst the
spectacular backdrop of palaces
and museums.

Vienna Christmas Market

Shutterstock

STAY AT HI VIENNA

NEW YORK, USA

Wander through over 120

holiday shops at Bryant
Park and bring your skates
to take advantage of the huge
free outdoor ice-skating rink! If
youre a little chilly after being
on the ice, warm up at the many
food outlets rink-side or get your
heart pumping with a bit of retail
exercise!

Bryant Park Holiday Markets

30 October 2015 3 January 2016

STAY AT HI NEW YORK

Bryant Park Ice Skating

Shutterstock

/CHRISTMAS MARKETS

LONDON, ENGLAND

London has an array

of Christmas markets,
including the famous Winter
Wonderland in Hyde Park and
others including on Southbank
and at the Tate Modern. Hear
carollers, go on rides and taste
English treats and traditional
food.

STAY AT YHA LONDON CENTRAL

Covent Garden - London

Cedric Weber - Shutterstock

STRASBOURG, FRANCE

Voted as the best

European Christmas
market for 2014, the
Christkindelsmrik in
Strasbourg reflects the very
unique geographical and
historical nature of the city,
offering arts, crafts and food
plus typical Alsatian Christmas
decorations. Sometimes
the markets will have street
parades, sound and light shows
or live bands. Youll be full of
Christmas spirit!

Christkindelsmrik
27 November - 31 December

STAY AT HI STRASBOURG 2 RIVES

Swipe for more

Strasbourg Christmas Market

Kiev Victor - Shutterstock

/CHRISTMAS MARKETS

SAN FRANCISCO, USA

Just a short distance from

downtown San Fran is a
Victorian Christmas celebration, a
throwback to the world of Charles
Dickens and the Victorian era.
Turn back time and walk amongst
costumed characters, yelling
street vendors, pubs, theatres and
dance floors - all set up on three
acres.

Great Dickens Fair: Weekends

21 November - 20 December

STAY AT HI SAN FRANCISCO DOWNTOWN

Charles Dickens Markets
Rich Yee

SHANGHAI, CHINA

This exciting Christmas

market transports you back
to the Medieval era, offering
the chance to wander through
traditional wooden hut villages,
converse with merchants and
feel like youre a real knight or
dame. Watch artists juggle, play
music and even see knights
practice their archery skills.

Shanghai German
Christmas Market
27 November - 27 December

STAY AT SHANGHAI BLUE

MOUNTAIN YOUTH HOSTE
Swipe for more

Shanghai German Christmas Market

/CHRISTMAS MARKETS

WELLINGTON
NEW ZEALAND

During the weekends

in December, the regular
Underground Markets will be
transformed into a speciallythemed Christmas market
with more than 85 stalls full of
Christmas inspiration and crafty
gifts. Along with the festive
entertainment on offer its sure to
put a spring in your step!

Wellington Underground
Christmas Market
Weekends from 5 - 20 December

Wellington Underground Market

STAY AT
YHA WELLINGTON

SAPPORO, JAPAN

This year marks the

14th year of the German
Christmas market in Sapporo,
Japan, a sister city of Munich.
Much of the inspiration for this
Christmas market comes from
its German sister with stalls of
European goods and food on
offer, as well as Christmas lights
and concerts. Its a little bit of
Germany in Japan.

German Christmas Markets

27 November - 24 December

SAPPORO INTERNATIONAL
YOUTH HOSTEL
Swipe for more

Sapporo German Markets

/CHRISTMAS MARKETS

10

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA

Get lost in the historical

Rocks, Sydney
exploring the Village Bizarre
Markets which sees the area
transformed in a vaudevillian
world of performers and
markets each Friday night
until 18 December. There are
installations, characters around
every corner, musicians, stalls
to buy artisan gifts or dinner
and so much more. Its sure to
be an exciting evening!

The Village Bizarre

Night Markets
13 November - 18 December

STAY AT SYDNEY HARBOUR YHA

Rocks Village Bizarre

DEALS

YHA
GETAWAYS

YHA DEALS IN AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND

Feeding the kangaroos - Port Elliot

YAMBA SURF N STAY

PORT ELLIOT TOTAL

WILDLIFE EXPERIENCE
Its summer; this means ocean,
animals and activities - all of which
you can do at Port Elliot!
Get up close and personal with
Australias cutest wildlife, feed the
kangaroos, handle some snakes
and then shake it all off with
some surfing, swimming, fishing
or chilling out along the coast.
Package includes:
Entry to Urimbirra
Wildlife Park
u 2 nights accommodation
in multi-share room
u 1 day bike hire
u Return bus from Adelaide
call 08 8554 1885 to arrange
u

From AU$99 per person. Valid

until 15 April 2016.

PORT ELLIOT YHA

+61 8 8554 1885
u portelliot@yha.com.au
u

BOOK
NOW

Voted the best coastal town in

Australia, Yamba is a must-visit
for travellers. Yamba YHA has a
special deal including surf session
and hire, accommodation and
Shane's Famous Tour! (wait till
you see why). After visiting Yamba
you'll understand why the traveller
quickly becomes the local!
Package includes:

2 nights' accommodation
in multi-share room
u 4-hour Shane's Famous
Tour
u 4-hour surf session
u Free surfboard hire
u A free beer on arrival
u

From AU$95 per person.

Valid until 20 December 2015.

YAMBA YHA
+61 2 6646 3997
u yamba@yha.com.au
u

BOOK
NOW

STRADDIE OCEAN
ADVENTURE &
SNORKELLING TOUR
This ocean snorkelling tour
includes heading out on our
purpose-built NAIAD Rigid
inflatable boats across pristine
ocean, where you may see manta
rays (Nov - Apr), pods of dolphins
and endangered loggerhead
turtles. Package includes:
u
u
u

2 nights' accommodation
in multi-share room
Half day guided ocean
snorkelling tour
Return ferry tickets to
Stradbroke Island

From AU$160 per person.

to Valid to 31 March 2016, block
out periods apply.

STRADBROKE
ISLAND YHA

BOOK
NOW

+61 7 3409 8888

u stradbrokeisland@yha.com.au
u

HIKE LORD OF THE RINGS COUNTRY

One of New Zealand's oldest National Parks, and a dual
World Heritage Site, is the backdrop to the awesome
Tongariro Alpine Crossing, considered the best day walk
in New Zealand. Tie up your hiking shoes and pack some
layers before embarking on this challenging journey
across a remarkable volcanic landscape. Spot the volcanic
peaks of Mt Ngauruhoe (Mt Doom in the Lord of the Rings
movies), Tongariro and Ruapehu, old lava flows, craters,
emerald green lakes, volcanic vents, panoramic views
and tussock slopes leading to forest bushline. Package
includes:
2 nights at YHA Ohakune
u Transport to and from the Tongariro Alpine Crossing
u Bragging rights (free)

Blue Lakes, Tongariro National Park

Destination Lake Taupo

From NZ$85 multi-share, $99 private, $140 selfcontained apartment. Prices are per person.
Valid to 30 April 2016.

YHA OHAKUNE
u
u

+64 6 385 8797

ohakune@yha.co.nz

BOOK
NOW

PORT STEPHENS ADRENALINE PACKAGE

GRAMPIANS ESCAPE

Just a few hours north of Sydney is your perfect

getaway to Port Stephens. Stay in bungalows
amongst rainforest gardens with koalas greeting you
in the morning. While youre there, get involved in all
the adventure activities Port Stephens has to offer,
including dolphin watching, sandboarding, surfing,
kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding. Your Port
Stephens adrenaline package includes:

The Grampians was made for summer escapes!

Spend three wonderful days hiking to spectacular
lookouts, marvelling at waterfalls, exploring the areas
Aboriginal history and getting up close to Australias
amazing wildlife. Spend the evenings relaxing in front
of a wood fire knowing your bed doesnt cost the earth
at stylish eco-certified Grampians Eco YHA. With
both tour and self-guided components this trip is the
perfect nature getaway. Package includes:

3 nights accommodation in multi-share room

u 2 - hour dolphin watching tour
u Unlimited 1- day sandboarding
u 2 - hour surf lesson including gear
u 1 - hour stand-up paddleboard hire
u 2.5 hour kayaking tour

u
u
u

2 nights' accommodation in multi-share room

1 day Grampians guided tour
2 days independent stay at Halls Gap

From AU$212 per person. Valid until 31 March 2016.

From AU$232 per person. Valid until 22 March 2016.

Block out periods apply.

Shutterstock

PORT STEPHENS YHA

u
u

+61 2 4982 1921

portstephens@yha.com.au

BOOK
NOW

GRAMPIANS ECO YHA

u
u

+61 3 5356 4544

grampians@yha.com.au

BOOK
NOW

NOTED FESTIVAL, CANBERRA

Noted is Canberras independent writers festival
boasting free, diverse and inclusive events for
individuals, groups, families, writers, readers
and thinkers. Canberra City YHA is the official
accommodation provider for Noted festival and
are offering attendees 10 % off accommodation!
Noted festival is taking place between 16 and 20
March, 2016. Simply contact the hostel by phone or
email and quote NOTED15 to receive 10% off our
accommodation!

KOSCIUSKO SUMMER ADVENTURE

PACKAGE
Discover Kosciusko National Park with this great value
3 day stay. Soak up 360 degree views 2200 metres
above sea level at the Kosciusko summit. Explore the
Yarrangobilly Caves with a guided tour and experience
the highest lift in Australia. Car required! Package
includes:
u

3 nights accommodation in multi-share

rooms, or family room
u Continental breakfast each morning
u Yarrangobilly Caves guided tour
u 2-day All Mountain Pass (Adult) or 3-day
All Mountain Pass for Family. Includes scenic
chairlift rides, bobsled rides, one round of golf per
day, one hour of tennis court hire per day, access to
Thredbo Leisure Centre: pool, water slide, gym and
sports hall.
From AU$180 per person multishare, or family from
AU$615. Valid 20 May 2016, block out periods apply.

CANBERRA CITY YHA

u
u

BOOK
NOW

+61 2 6248 9155

canberracity@yha.com.au

THREDBO YHA
u
u

BOOK
NOW

+61 2 6457 6376

thredbo@yha.com.au

NEW ZEALAND AND THE WORLD FOR LESS

Get discounts all year long with YHA New Zealands and the
International Youth Travel Cards (IYTC) supercharged membership.
Exclusive to travellers 18 - 30 years old, the YHA & IYTC card offers
the same benefits of both memberships but for a lot less cost. These
benefits are yours for the taking:
10% off all YHA Accommodation
u Free Wi-Fi when staying at over 20 YHA New Zealand hostels
u Exclusive airfare and travel deals at STA Travel
u 20% off 2,500 restaurants and cafes in Australia
and New Zealand
u Discounted rates at 500 attractions in Australia and New Zealand
u Movie tickets from $11 at Hoyts, Event Village - Australia only
u 21,000 discounts in 125 countries
u

$35 per person for a one year membership. Thats a $20 savings!
Upgrade from a standard YHA membership is available.

YHA NEW ZEALAND

(AUS) 1 800 242 191
(NZ) 0800 278 299
u membership@yha.co.nz
u

BUY
NOW

PHILLIP ISLAND ADVENTURE

No Victorian adventure is complete without checking out diverse Phillip Island. Spend two days
discovering the islands stunning coastline and swimming at the world famous beaches. Top off
your experience by meeting and greeting the islands abundant wildlife at Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife
Conservation Park and watching the incredibly cute Little Penguins on their nightly Penguin Parade.
This combination of guided and self-guided tour includes a night at the comfortable purpose-built
Phillip Island YHA. Package Includes:
u
u

1 night accommodation in multi-share room

1 day Phillip Island guided tour

PHILLIP ISLAND YHA

BOOK
NOW

+61 3 5956 6123

u phillipisland@yha.com.au

From AU$195 per person. Valid until 31 March 2016.

Shutterstock

KOSCIUSKO SUMMER EXPLORER

PACKAGE

FRASER ISLAND AND WHITSUNDAYS

A trip to Queensland is not complete without
experiencing two of the best beaches. Explore
the stunning Fraser Island by 4WD and
discover, shipwrecks, lakes and pristine white
sandy beaches. Sail around the glorious
Whitsunday islands and spend your days
snorkelling, sailing and swimming.
u
u
u
u

2 nights' multi-share at Hervey Bay YHA

2 day/ 1 night Fraser Island 4WD tour
including meals and ferry transfers
2 nights' multi-share at
Airlie Beach YHA
2 day/1 night Whitsundays sailing
adventure including meals and
snorkelling equipment.

Sleep and eat with YHA then explore the

mountain with the All Mountain Pass - including
scenic chairlift and bobsled rides, golf and
tennis every day plus access to the Thredbo
Leisure Centre and its pool, waterslide, gym
and sports hall.

Includes scenic chairlift rides, bobsled rides,

one round of golf per day, one hour of tennis
court hire per day, access to Thredbo Leisure
Centre: pool, water slide, gym and sports hall.

From AU$750 per person. Valid until 31

March 2016. Fraser Island tour departs daily.
Whitsunday tour departs daily except Monday.

HERVEY BAY YHA

u

herveybay@yha.com.au

AIRLIE BEACH YHA

u

airliebeach@yha.com.au

Package includes:
u 3 nights accommodation in multishare or
family room
u Continental breakfast each morning
u 2-day All Mountain Pass (Adult) or 3-day All
Mountain Pass for Family.

From AU$174 per person multishare, Family

from AU$540 (2 adults and up to three
children). Valid until 20 May 2016, block out
periods apply.

BOOK
NOW

THREDBO YHA
u
u

+61 2 6457 6376

thredbo@yha.com.au

BOOK
NOW

FEATURE / VICTORIA

GO WEST
WHILE MOST VISITORS TO VICTORIA REVEL IN MELBOURNES NEXT LEVEL
COFFEE CULTURE AND KILLER LIVE MUSIC SCENE, WESTERN VICTORIA HAS
PLENTY OF ACES UP ITS SLEEVE, WITH THE GRAMPIANS AREA BEING HOME
TO SOME OF THE BEST TERRAIN FOR HIKING, BIKING AND CLIMBING, WHILST
THE GREAT OCEAN ROAD HAS BEACHES AND VIEWS TO KILL FOR.

Mt William, Grampians
National Park
Tourism Victoria

Top to bottom: Brambuk Aboriginal

Cultural Centre in Halls Gap; Brushtailed Rock-wallaby.
Tourism Victoria, Shutterstock

THE GRAMPIANS

By Jo Stewart
Drive 260 kilometres from Melbourne, past yellow bursts of canola fields
and bucolic towns filled with heritage buildings and youll hit the tourist
town of Halls Gap, the gateway to the Grampians National Park. Its a
town driven by tourism, hosting outdoorsy folks from far and wide keen
on experiencing the unbridled opportunities to commune with nature
that the Grampians offers. Halls Gap might be set up for tourists, but
its a tourist town with a heart. There are no rip offs, traps or gimmicks
here, just genuine, down-to-earth people running businesses that
help visitors experience the wonders of the Grampians, whether
theyre sampling reds at a winery, climbing peaks or going for a mountain
bike ride.
At the Grampians National Park, there are enough trails of varying
difficulty to satisfy everyone from super-fit rock climbers looking for
a challenge to experienced hikers hoping to feel the burn and casual
bushwalkers just happy to stretch their legs in nature for a few hours.

... KANGAROOS, WALLABIES AND NATIVE

BIRD SIGHTINGS ARE COMMON

The Pinnacle is, well, the pinnacle of any Grampians visit and can
be seen all the way from ground level at Halls Gap. While there are a
number of ways to reach the Pinnacle, purists will relish the challenge
of starting from the very bottom (from the entrance near the Halls
Gap Caravan Park). Taking this route will take about 5-6 hours return
and provide walkers with the opportunity to not only test their fitness
but also see the changes in terrain that occur when ascending to
the Pinnacle. Towards the top of climb, walking is traded in for rock
hopping and scrambling over large boulders. It pays to take this part
of the trail slowly, to ensure your feet are steady and your grip is good
(especially when negotiating mossy rocks that can result in nasty
spills). The out-of-this-world views at the top are well worth the
climb (this area isnt called Wonderland for nothing) but be prepared
to hold on tight if youre afraid of heights.
For those with less time, the walk up to Mount William (named
Mount Duwil by the local aboriginal people) is just the tonic. The road
may be paved all the way, but its not an easy feat to reach the tallest
peak in the Grampians. A very steep incline makes for a lung busting
(yet achievable) 45 minute walk to the top, where 360 degree views of
surrounding farmland awaits.
The beauty of the Grampians is that no matter which trail you take,
or how long you spend there, youre pretty much guaranteed to enjoy
many native wildlife encounters. Marsupial and bird populations are
healthy around these parts, so kangaroos, wallabies and native bird
sightings are common. Youll even stumble across mobs of friendly
roos in Halls Gap, happily munching on grass in parks or on the side
of the road as cars rumble on by or in the paddock behind the hostel!

Top to bottom: View of surrounding

area from Mt William; McKenzie
Falls, Grampians National Park.
Tourism Victoria, Shutterstock

TOP THREE EATS

IN HALLS GAP
BASECAMP EATERY
If youre looking for a takeaway
meal to eat on-the-go then
Basecamp Eatery is happy to
oblige with brownies, muffins,
sandwiches and takeaway
cups of yoghurt and fruit.
Alternatively, feast on burgers
made from 100% local beef,
free range eggs from happy
chickens and fresh buns baked
in-house, washed down with
a Big Ass Shake in Double
Espresso flavour of course.
KOOKABURRA HOTEL
For a classic country pub
experience head to the
Kookaburra Hotel for cold
beers and a wine list of

Grampians greats. This local

stalwart has been pumping
out hearty steaks, schnitzels,
pies and pork belly for more
than 33 years, so they must be
doing something right!
COOLAS ICE CREAMERY
Open seven days a week, this
old fashioned ice creamery
draws in the crowds with ice
cream cones, sundaes, and
shakes. Follow the mouthwatering smell of homemade
waffle cones, then have a
crisis trying to narrow down
your order. With 24 different
ice cream flavours on offer, its
a mission choosing just one!

Top to bottom: Kookaburra;

Mt William; Boroka Lookout.
Tourism Victoria, Shutterstock

WHERE TO STAY
GRAMPIANS ECO YHA
The environment is everything
here with the backdrop of the
hills surrounding Halls Gap,
this YHA has a range of ecofriendly initiatives. There are
the obvious recycling and solar
panels, but the hostel chooks
and vegie patch makes this a
hostel with a difference.
Cosy in winter with woodfired stoves, the courtyard is
the perfect spot at the end
of a summers day. With two
kitchen and lounge areas,
the hostel is also set up for
groups who can book either
half the building or the
entire thing under YHAs
Rent-a-YHA scheme.
T: (+613) 5356 4544
E: grampians@yha.com.au

BOOK
NOW

APOLLO BAY

Steve McKenna

Kirstie Bedford
Apollo Bay feels anything
but like the sleepy coastal
regional town you might expect two and a half hours south-west of
Melbourne along the Great Ocean Road.
This is a bustling little village of shops and cafs, which can pull a
latte you would expect by any inner-city barista, and boasting great
food as well. If youre after a true Aussie fish and chip experience,
then tucked away behind the towns golf club overlooking the bay is
the Apollo Bay Fisherman Co-op Society a little caf where youll
also find a working seafood factory.
If you are splashing out, La Bimba above the shops in the main street,
is a must visit with locally sourced fresh seafood and regional produce.
Think Otway Harvest pulled lamb pie, minted green peas and labneh;
kangaroo, pyengana cheddar, mountain pepper aioli, brioche and a
home-made ice-cream to top it all off.
Steve Mc Kenna

The Twelve Apostles.

Roberto Seba/Tourism
Victoria

The Twelve Apostles at Sunset

Shutterstock

TOP 3 THINGS TO DO
Marriners Lookout in Apollo
Bay: You might need to dodge
the odd sheep along the track,
and its a steep (but short) walk,
but well worth the view.
Great Otway National Park:
Take the self-guided rainforest
boardwalk at Maits Rest and see
fern gardens and rainforest trees
up to 300 years old.
The Twelve Apostles:
A series of lookouts will show
you the best views

The Saturday market on the foreshore has locally made,

baked, grown, sewn, sculpted, painted or carved products
from candles to cakes. And the town is well known for its
music festival and live gigs at the Apollo Bay Hotel.
When youre done with the music, walking along the beach,
or to the Marriners Lookout (a short but steep track that
provides breathtaking views across Apollo Bay), kayaking,
fishing or just chilling out then theres the Great Otway
National Park and Great Ocean Road to explore. The park,
stretches 91 kilometres from Apollo Bay to Glenample
Homestead which is adjacent to the 12 Apostles.
You can take a short walk through the rainforest, or
jump in a canoe and paddle with the platypus, take the
canopy walkway 25 metres above the forest floor or zip line
through the forest in a two and a half hour tour attached to
a steel cable suspended up to 30 metres above the forest
floor. All this and more awaits you only a few hours west
of Melbourne.

WHERE TO STAY
APOLLO BAY YHA
This architecturally designed
YHA is leading the way as an
environmentally aware hostel with
solar hot water, recycling and
north facing windows.
The living and dining areas have
been carefully designed to be
separate from the sleeping areas
and its split across two levels, so
can be rented out half a hostel at
a time. With a woodfire heater,
two spacious lounges, two
kitchens, outdoor balconies
and a rooftop deck there are
BOOK
NOW
no shortage of places to wine,
dine and relax.
T: (613) 5237 7899
E: apollobay@yha.com.au

Clockwise from top left: Erskine Falls,

Great Ocean Road; Parrot; Great Otway
National Park Rainforest walk
Shutterstock, Tourism Victoria

FEATURE / SUSTAINABILITY

TREAD
LIGHTLY:
YHAS ECO
ETHOS

Castle Point,
Wairarapa
Mike Heydon

YHA NEW ZEALAND WORKS HARD TO TREAD LIGHTLY WHEN IT

COMES TO HELPING PROTECT AND PRESERVE NEW ZEALANDS
BEAUTIFUL BACKYARD. BRINDI JOY LOOKS AT JUST HOW THEY DO IT.

Eighty years ago some folks who really liked the New Zealand outdoors
got together in Canterbury and built a hostel with their bare handsthe
first hostel in the Southern Hemisphere. Cora Wilding was the pioneer
of those early hostelling days, founding YHA New Zealand in 1932.
Coras ethos? Outdoor living, clean air, appreciation of natural beauty
and country life could only make New Zealand a better place.
YHA has continued Coras ethos, keeping environmental sustainability
front and centre.
Why? Simple: its the right thing to do and it preserves YHAs heritage.
It also connects travellers from around the world to New Zealands
environment while encouraging them to travel eco-consciously.
Economically it makes sense tooits not only good for the planet but
good for the bottom line.
From those first hostelshumble farmers cottagesto becoming a
sustainability champion within the backpacking sector, YHA continues
to tread lightly with LED light bulbs to worm farms and the big stuff like
tapping into geothermal energy and native habitat restoration. And YHA
doesnt, and wont, stop there

Cora Wilding, circa. 1925

CORAS ETHOS? OUTDOOR LIVING, CLEAN

AIR, APPRECIATION OF NATURAL BEAUTY
AND COUNTRY LIFE COULD ONLY MAKE
NEW ZEALAND A BETTER PLACE.

GREEN FOOTPRINT PROJECT

Tekapo

Y H A h e l p s g u e st s re d u ce t h e i r ca r b o n fo o t p r i n t a n d o f f s e t t h e
environmental impact of their travels. The Green Footprint Project enables
travellers using the YHA network to purchase a native tree or shrub which
is then planted by Christchurch and Wellington staff and volunteers at
sites in Canterbury and Wellington. Since 2004, over 11,000 pokaka,
totara, matai, kahikatea and more have been planted. Thats a whole lot
of carbon reduction!
yha.co.nz/green-footprint

LOW CARBON TRAVELLER

YHA believes if travellers can go the extra mile to travel sustainably, YHA
can reciprocate by making life a little bit easier with a discount. YHAs
Low Carbon Traveller discount supports the carbon-busting efforts of
travellers who travel on self-supported hiking or cycle touring trips. Since
the first Low Carbon Traveller checked into our hostel in 2011, YHA has
hosted over 4,000 Low Carb guest nights. Thats a whole heap of welldeserved sleeps!
yha.co.nz/low-carbon-traveller

SINCE 2004, OVER 11,000 POKAKA, TOTARA, MATAI,

KAHIKATEA AND MORE HAVE BEEN PLANTED.

Green Footprint
Project

ABOVE & BEYOND

Eco-features are the norm for YHA hostels. Every hostel takes steps
to reduce waste, water usage, emissions and energy a bit differently,
depending on location and the uniqueness of the hostel.
u Reduce, reuse, recycle. All hostels offer recycling for guests and staff.
And many hostels go one step further by recycling green waste. Guests toss
lettuce stems and apple cores into the food scrap bins knowing theyll feed
pigs or chickens on a local farm, or feed the worm farms at some hostels.
Free food shelves reduce wastage, as do book and clothing swaps.
u Water is precious. To minimise excess water use, most shower heads
are low-flow (though youd never be able to tell), taps have aerators and
the Clever Flush water saving device on toilets saves up to 12,000 litres
of water per toilet each year.
u Save energy. Hostels have switch-off stickers at light switches and
some motion sensor lights in communal rooms. Hostels use energy
efficient appliances and heat recovery units in showers where possible
and YHAs Paihia, Nelson, Punakaiki, Raglan and more have installed solar
panels. YHAs newest carbon-busting effort? A down-bore geothermal heat
exchanger at YHA Rotorua to harnesses geothermal energy that heats
the hostels hot water supply, lowering CO 2 emissions by 18 tonnes per
year and enabling guests to learn about geothermal power.
YHA New Zealand has been committed to treading lightly for the last
eighty years and plans to continue doing the same for many more.
So go forth! Explore! And tread lightly knowing that when you go hostelling
with YHA, youre part of an eco-conscious community committed
to protecting and preserving New Zealands beautiful backyard.

GET INVOLVED

YHA is commited
to recycling. YHA
Christchurch
Rolleston House

Help protect and preserve

the environment:
u Donate to YHA
New Zealands Green
Footprint Project
yha.co.nz/greenfootprint-project
u Volunteer with DOC and
choose your own adventure
from location (often in
off-limits-to-the-public
places) and activity, from a
few hours to a few months.
Hut warden? Endangered
birds? DOCs got em all.
u NZs largest job
search website Seek
offers environment and
conservation volunteer
opportunities.

WHERE TO STAY
Find out about all these
hostels and book at yha.co.nz

BOOK
NOW

DOC & TE ARAROA

The Department of Conservation (DOC) and the Te Araroa Trust do their
bit for sustainability and the environment. YHA works closely with both.
DOC and Te Araroas network of trails hark back to YHAs heritage, offering
walkers/hikers/trampers the chance to enjoy a low-impact way to explore
New Zealand through uncontestably beautiful scenery, replete with native
birds and wildlife.
YHAs first hostels were designed for rural travellers. Times have changed
and DOC stepped in, replacing some of YHAs early accommodation options
by offering wilderness huts for backcountry hikers. YHAs these days are
ideal for pre and post hike.
These days too, YHA promotes DOCs network of trails that include the
nine Great Walks, multi-day and day hikes. YHA also sells DOCs Annual
Hut Pass and Hut Tickets, making it easier for guests to get onto the
trails. Because YHA is a national network of hostels, it is the only network
that can truly support the Te Araroa trail a 3,000 kilometre, tip-to-toe
route from Cape Reinga in the North to Bluff in the South. Low Carbon
Travellers take note, this is a trail for you!
doc.govt.nz
yha.co.nz/great-walks
teararoa.org.nz

Te Araroa: Cape Reinga,

the northernmost point
of the trail

DOCs Lake
Waikaremoana,
90 Seconds

Giants Gate, Milford Track

Graham Dainty

AWARDS & ACCOLADES

YHA receives recognition for its environmental sustainability
advocacy. 2015 awards include:
Global Youth Travel Awards: YHA New Zealand, second place
The Global Youth Travel Awards were awarded to hostels from New
Zealand to Iceland and countries in between that provided the most
comprehensive environmentally sustainable programmes, caring for
both customers and the environment. YHA New Zealand placed second
in the world for the Green Accommodation Initiative category.
HI-Q and Sustainability: YHA Wellington, 100%
YHA Wellington was invited to take part in Hostelling Internationals
(HI) pilot programme, HI-Q & Sustainability, HIs international quality
and sustainability management programme. YHA Wellington was the
first hostel in the world to achieve a 100% sustainability score.
Qualmark Responsible Tourism Enviro Awards
Qualmark is New Zealands national quality and environmental
accreditation system offering Enviro Gold, Silver and Bronze ratings for
tourism businesses. YHA was an early adopter in 2008 and YHA Wellington
was the first hostel in the country to be granted Enviro-Gold. Only six
backpackers in New Zealand have Enviro-Gold accreditation. All of these
are YHAs. yha.co.nz

FEATURE / ICELAND

LAND OF
ICE AND FIRE

Visit Iceland, Shutterstock

DETACHED FROM MAINLAND EUROPE - MAROONED IN THE

NORTH ATLANTIC, A THREE-HOUR FLIGHT FROM LONDON ICELAND REQUIRES THAT LITTLE BIT OF EXTRA
EFFORT (AND MONEY) TO VISIT.
BUT IT'S SO WORTH IT.
BY STEVE MCKENNA

Harpa concert hall Reyjavik.

Shutterstock

MOST TRAVELLERS

f a l l f o r
the 'Land
of Ice and
Fire', as it's known, pretty quickly. Those with window seats are
usually bewitched by their first glimpse of the island's gnarled lava
fields and snow-dappled ridges. I'll always remember the crisp
freshness of the air - unlike any I had ever breathed before - as
I exited Keflavik international airport. One of the most pleasant
surprises, however, is Reykjavik.

Reykjavik skyline
Visit Iceland

Home to almost two thirds of the country's 320,000 population,

Iceland's cool, creative capital - a 40-minute bus ride from the airport
- is one of Europe's quirkiest little cities. Initially a Viking fishing
village, Reykjavik is hard to pigeonhole nowadays: it's laid-back yet
vibrant, noticeably Nordic yet increasingly cosmopolitan, spread-out
but great to explore on foot (or bicycle or skateboard). Its compact,
heavily pedestrianised, street-art-speckled historic core is crammed
with eye-catching diversions, not least the Hallgrimskirkja, a hilltop church whose bizarre, rocket-shaped stature is meant to reflect
Icelandic's temperamental tectonic nature. Columns flanking the
church tower represent the basalt lava flows that have laced the
country over millennia.
Volcanic elements also inspired the design of the Harpa, the
monumental, cube-shaped concert hall and cultural centre that
sprouted on Reykjavik's waterfront just after Iceland was rocked
by the Global Financial Crisis. Costing $250 million, it's become a
sparkling symbol of Iceland's economic recovery, an upturn boosted
by a doubling of tourist numbers since 2008.

Hallgrimskirkja, Reykjavik
Visit Iceland

Thingvellir
National Park
Ivan Sabljak

Strokker geyser
Shutterstock

Smaller in scale, but equally striking, are the clusters of quaint,

colourfully-painted 19th century wood and corrugated iron buildings
which shelter many of Reykjavik's most enticing independent shops,
galleries, museums and eateries. I'm particularly fond of Stofan, a
cosy coffeehouse decorated with shabby-chic furniture and vintage
Icelandic maps and paintings. In the colder, darker months (OctoberApril), it's ideal for hibernating in - swapping travel ideas, playing
board games and leafing through books and magazines - while waiting
for the aurora borealis (northern lights) to illuminate the sky outside.
In Icelandic, incidentally, Stofan means 'living room'. From May to
September, when the sun barely sets, the front terrace of Stofan - and
the city's copious other caffeine dens - are alive with people-watching
opportunities.
The obvious place to begin, and end, your Icelandic journey, Reykjavik
is the springboard to a raft of memorable adventures, from the whalewatching trips that depart from the city's picturesque Old Harbour, to
the kayaking expeditions that navigate the country's far-flung fjords.
The most popular tourist circuit is the Golden Circle. Dubbed 'Iceland
in a Nutshell', this 300km day-trippable loop, just east of Reykjavik,
comprises three outstanding sights.
Gullfoss (a thunderous waterfall that's frequently crowned by a
rainbow), the sulphur-scented fields of Geysir (whose highlight is
Strokkur, one of the world's most volatile geysers) and the Unesco World
Heritage listed-Thingvellir National Park (which, as well as being the
location of Iceland's first Viking parliament, straddles the two diverging
continental plates that spark the country's unpredictable tectonic events).

Kirkjufell mountain
Shutterstock

A touch bigger than Tasmania, Iceland has earned a reputation of late

as the 'Hollywood of the North'. Dozens of productions have been filmed
across its eerie, entrancing landscapes, including Game of Thrones,
Interstellar and The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. Key scenes for the
latter - starring Ben Stiller - were shot on the Snaefellsnes peninsula, a
surreal finger of land north-west of Reykjavik. The sleepy fishing village
of Grundarfjordur - from which Stiller's character pedals off in search
of Sean Penn's elusive photographer - is a beguiling Snaefellsnes base
(home to one of Iceland's 33 HI/YHA hostels). From here, you can embark
on cod-fishing voyages, scale Kirkjufell (arguably Iceland's most iconic
mountain) and hike, or snowmobile, across Snaefellsjokull, the glacier
that was the doorway of Jules Verne's A Journey to the Center of Earth.

FIVE TRAVEL TIPS

FOR ICELAND

1
2
3

Keep abreast of Icelandic current

affairs through the Grapevine
(grapevine.is), a free newspaper
distributed in hostels, bars and cafes.
Alcohol is super-expensive, so
capitalise on the nightly happy
hour deals that slash prices to
around 500-600 krona a 0.5L beer.

Travelling solo? Consider

a hop-on, hop-off pass for
the bus system that links
Reyjavik with Icelands major towns
(visiticeland.com). If youre in a
group, definitely hire a car.

While Iceland isnt as chilly

as youd perhaps expect - its
warmed by the Gulf Stream
Forget bottled water. Not only
- the weather is notoriously
is Icelands tap water safe to
changeable, so bring waterproofs
drink, its probably the purest in
and several layers of clothing.
the world.

Akureyri Hof
Steve McKenna

Hofn, a snug harbour town in south-eastern Iceland, is another

launchpad for glacial fun and games. It's close to Vatnajokull, Europe's
largest ice cap, and Jokulsarlon, an iceberg-strewn lagoon that featured
in Batman Begins and James Bond's Die another Day. Iceland's socalled 'northern capital', Akureyri, is another charming pit stop. Its
contemporary art galleries and botanical gardens are a pleasure to
peruse, while its pastoral, fjord-fringed outskirts are ripe for activities,
such as riding the unique, five-gaited Icelandic horses. An hour's drive
away are the lava caves, spluttering mudpots and birdlife-rich lake of
Myvatn - one of Iceland's most rewarding geothermal bathing hotspots.
You can take a soothing dip in Myvatn's warm, mineral-laden waters
for 3700 krona ($40) - almost half what you'd pay at the Blue Lagoon,
the polished, pricey poster boy of Icelandic tourism (which is nestled
outside Keflavik). For those on extra-tight budgets, cheaper municipalrun pools dot the country.
The expense of travelling in Iceland may, from time to time, make your
eyes water, but this is such a thrilling, rewarding destination that you'll
probably be planning your next trip even before your first one is over.

Akureyri Botanical Gardens

Steve McKenna

THE EXPENSE OF
TRAVELLING IN
ICELAND MAY,
FROM TIME TO
TIME, MAKE YOUR
EYES WATER
WHERE TO STAY
There is a great network of YHA
hostels around Iceland 33 to
choose from. They also offer
some great value car rental
packages to help you make
the most of your visit. Find out
more about HI Iceland here.

BOOK
NOW

THEREWAS
WAS
THERE

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McAuliffe
Emily Emily
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Shout it from the rooftop

Brisbane has a cracking track record when it comes to weather (unlike

some Australian cities, *cough* Melbourne), so the citys rooftops are the
perfect place to catch the afternoon sun or a warm evening breeze.
And in the case of Limes Hotel in Fortitude Valley, you can also catch a
movie, drink in hand, from the vantage point of their rooftop plunge pools
on Wednesday and Thursday nights. When your only work task for Monday
is emailing your mum, you can also throw yourself headlong into the bars
Sunday Funday celebrations - code for grab a cocktail jug, hit the pool
and cheer on the DJ. Fun indeed.
Also harnessing the fun factor is Dandys Rooftop Bar in South Brisbane, a
short walk over the river from the CBD. With technicoloured tables, strings
of rainbow lights and the odd stuffed toy, you might think youve accidently
walked into a kids party when you exit the lifts on the Fox Hotels top level.
But once you round the corner to see beers sloshing as waiters pouring at
breakneck speed slam them onto the bar, youll realise this is all grown-up
fun. Renovated in 2013, Dandys is now Brisbanes go-to bar for a Sunday
session, with a DJ spinning beats from 3pm until 2am.
If you
e want something more subdued however, nestle yourself amongst the
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Get lost in the laneways

The best bar action isnt reserved for the rooftops though, as Brisbanites
are becoming adept at navigating the rabbit hole to enjoy a tipple in the
citys covert bars.
Burnett Lane in the CBD houses a couple of hidden gems, with Super
Whatnot to your left as you exit the mall down Albert Street, and Brew to
your right.
Despite being split over two above-ground levels, Super Whatnot feels
like a cosy cellar with its dim yellow lighting and ragged brick walls. After
following a trail of suspended neon lights down Burnett Lane, head up SWs
wooden steps to find bartenders spearing mint sprigs into icy cocktails
while a DJ backs patron chatter with a throbbing beat.
For a quirkier laneway locale, head down the graffitied Lower Burnett Lane
towards the stack of milk crates that identify Brew. A mish-mash of floral
armchairs, beer kegs, bench seats and red velvet curtains characterise the
length of this underground bar, where you can wash down hot wings and
meatballs with a craft beer. Its noisy and its grungy, but thats half the fun.
If a boisterous crowd lacks appeal though, you can comfortably bunker
down on a Friday night at Bean on George Street. A narrow strip of astroturf beside a line of wheelie bins leads to this unsuspecting coffee shop,
bar and art gallery, where you can indulge in cheap-as-chips espresso
martinis for $8 a pop over a game of Scrabble. Then, who knows, after a
few hits of caffeine, you might be up for a groove on the d-floor after all.

Bean
Emily McAuliffe

BEST CHEAP EATS

If youve got the next-day munchies, here are the citys best
budget spots to grab a bite.
Little Singapore Its not often you find cheap eats right on
the river, but Little Singapore on Eagle Street dishes up
tasty bowls of noodles and curries for under $15.
Miss Kays This burger joint started as a pop-up caf and
got run off its feet, so became a permanent fixture. Grab
something classic like a cheese or pulled pork burger, or
opt for an artery-clogging Mac Daddy complete with mac
n cheese, before finishing off with an ice-cream sandwich.
Caf 63 Opened in late 2015, this bright West End caf
offers cheap coffee, cheap lunches, and the ultimate
bargain - a $3 takeaway bacon and egg roll.

BEST PUBS
Trendy laneways and rooftops not your thing? Never fear,
Brissie also has plenty of rollicking pubs to pull up a stool
and down a coldie.
Mick OMalleys Smack bang in the middle of Queen Street
Mall, this Irish pub is everything you want and expect to it
be - a long wooden bar, booth seats, pub tunes and freeflowing Guinness. Nuff said.
Victory Hotel After an unfortunate arson incident in 2008,
Brisbanes iconic Victory Hotel was rebuilt to its former
glory and has since carried on like nothing happened. Chill
in the beer garden with a quiet ale early in the evening
before letting loose with anything-goes moves as the night
wears on.
The Plough Inn South Bank is a must for any visitor to
Brisbane, with its manmade inner-city beach the perfect
place to bask in Queenslands sun. Conveniently, theres
also a pub nearby where you can people watch from the
benches facing the pedestrian street or head upstairs to
sink a few pool balls.
Brisbane Story
Bridge at Night
Shutterstock

WHERE TO STAY
Brisbane City YHA is the perfect
place to explore the city, and
these spots, from without a
hefty taxi bill home late in the
evening. And between nights
out, the rooftop terrace offers
terrific city views, a swimming
pool under the stars, and
open air dining room off
BOOK
the self-catering kitchen.
Brisbane City YHA
(617) 3236 1004
yha.com.au

NOW

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

SPORTING A SUMMER FEVER

AUSTRALIAN OPEN
18 - 31 January 2016

VI C

Experience tennis at its best at the Australian Open. The globally known Happy Slam promises
high octane tennis matches from some of the worlds best players, balmy nights and exciting
live entertainment at Grand Slam Oval. This year the event will be even bigger with the
Australian Open precinct stretching all the way from Federation Square, along the mighty Yarra
River, through Melbourne Park and to the clay courts on Olympic Boulevard. With a program to

match its massive size this is one event not to miss! ausopen.com.

BOOK
NOW

Shutterstock

u Stay at Melbourne Metro or Melbourne Central YHA

BURLEIGH PRO 2016

18 - 31 January 2016

QLD

The iconic Burleigh

Headland on the Gold Coast,
boasts some of the worlds
best waves and is the perfect
location for the Burleigh Pro, a World
Surf League (WSL) sanctioned event for
both men and women. This free event will
be held at Burleigh headland so you can
expect jaw-dropping views of the Surfers
Paradise skyline, especially at dawn
or dusk. surfingqueensland.com.

BOOK
NOW

u Coolangatta YHA
u +61 7 5536 7644
u coolangatta@yha.com.au

Burleigh classic

TUNARAMA
22 - 26 January 2016

SA

Port Lincoln is all about

the amazing marine life
and sea food and it all
comes together in this unique not-to-bemissed event where feats of strength involve
tossing large heavy tuna, fireworks light up
the sky, beach bods can win a wad of
cash and amazing food is
everywhere! tunarama.net.
BOOK

TOUR DOWN UNDER

16 - 24 January 2016

SA

The first event in the

cycling world tour attracts
riders and tourists from
around the world to spectate and participate
with public cycling events, spectacular
scenery and all the thrills expected in
professional international bicycle racing.
tourdownunder.com.au.

BOOK
NOW

NOW

u Stay at Port Lincoln YHA

u Stay at Adelaide Central YHA

u +61 8 8682 3605

u +61 8 8414 3010

u portlincoln@yha.com.au

u adlcentral@yha.com.au

Shutterstock

NZ

RAGLANS
SOUNDSPLASH
MUSIC FESTIVAL
8 -10 January 2016

Three days. Three stages.

West Coast styles in NZs surfing mecca at a
summertime festival of freedom, multi-genre
music and expression. Plug in to the crowds buzz
and youre sure to discover off-the-grid ideas and
experience films, stalls, music and moments to
invigorate and inspire. Music line-up includes
Sticky Fingers, The Black Seeds, Trinity Roots
and more. Last minute tickets and YHA discount
available. Quote promo code ROADTRIP when
booking. soundsplash.co.nz.

BOOK
NOW
u
u
u

NZ

Stay at YHA Raglan

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

WELLINGTONS SUMMER CITY FESTIVAL

1 December 2015 - 31 March 2016

Don your sunnies and jandals/thongs and hotfoot it to the capital city for
a summer full of festivals dotting the city, waterfront, parks and gardens.
With over 100 free events youll be spoiled for choice. Gardens Magic is the backbone event
with outdoor concerts at the Botanic Gardens Soundshell bringing together bands and
performers, local legends and rising stars. Transport to the Pacific Islands with Pasifika for
arts, culture and a Pacific short films bus. And so much more. wellington.govt.nz

BOOK
NOW
u
u

WCC

Stay at YHA Wellington

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

WONDERLAND 2015
3-20 December 2015

QLD

If burlesque, circus, cabaret,

music, comedy, poetry
theatre and variety shows
filled with international and Australia artists
tickle your pickle than Wonderland is for you.
Wonderland 2015 takes over the Brisbane
Powerhouse, spills into the streets with the
nightly Wonderland Food Markets by Jan Power
and fills performance tents with bite-sized
entertainment. brisbanepowerhouse.org/festivals

u
u

Stay at Brisbande City YHA

+61 7 3236 1004
Brisbanecity@yha.com.au

BOOK
NOW

u
u

New Plymouths Botanical Garden lights up for

summer. Follow the paths by night as majestic
native trees and plants glow fluorescent and
waterfalls, fountains, a water wheel and lakes
shimmer beneath thousands of lighting displays.
Hire a wooden rowboat and set out on the parks
main lake or bring a blanket to the Fred Parker
Lawn for twilight movies under the stars. Be sure
to see the locals favourites: the sleeping giant,
roving performers and a line-up of local and
national musicians. festivaloflights.co.nz.

u
u

Returning to Hobarts
waterfront is Taste of Tasmania, a weekly
festival of food, drinks and summer-time
celebrations. Coinciding with the Sydney to
Hobart yacht race its the prime event to be at
the centre of the action. Entry is free and stalls
are now cash-free, all youll need is your credit
or debit card, and if you dont have one you can
load a free card up with cash and taste the best
of Tasmania! Tasteoftasmania.com.au.

NEW PLYMOUTHS
FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
13 December 2015 - 31 January 2016

TAS

Tas & Sean Fennessy

Wonderland
u

TASTE OF
TASMANIA
28 December 2015 3 January 2016

Stay at YHA New Plymouth

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

Stay at Hobart Central YHA

+61 3 6231 2660
montys@yha.com.au

BOOK
NOW

NZ

BOOK
NOW
New Plymouth Festival of Lights

SLIDE
THE CITY
30 - 31 January
2016

WA

Coming to Perth
for the first time ever is 300 metres
of slick and slippery vinyl where you
can slide your way down Perths
city streets. Slide the City is a family
friendly water party with live food,
music, food, drinks and of course a
slip and side the size of nearly three
football fields. slidethecity.com.au.

u
u
u

Perth City YHA

+61 8 9287 3333
perthcity@yha.com.au

BOOK
NOW

Slide the City

N SW

SYDNEY FESTIVAL
7 - 26 January 2016

You cant possibly do

summer in Sydney
properly if you havent
attended the annual Sydney Festival! This years
jam-packed program includes 370 performances
and 100 events by over 700 artists in more than 30
venues. Its a serious celebration of Summer with
free events and paid events on offer including free
concerts in the Domain, orchestra performances,
comedy shows, experimental music shows
and more. The Festival is stretched across the
Sydney CBD, Parramatta and Carriageworks.
sydneyfestival.org.au.

Caroline McCredie - Destination NSW

u
u
u

Stay at Sydney Central YHA

+61 2 9218 9000
sydcentral@yha.com.au

BOOK
NOW

VI C

MOYNEYANA FESTIVAL
24 December 2015 26 January 2016

Celebrate summer at the Moyneyana Festival.

For five weeks the historic town of Port Fairy
pulls out all the stops with free events taking over the towns main
street, village green and other public spaces set amongst the
towns beautiful natural scenery. Combine your festival activities
with stunning coastal nature hikes, trips to the seal colony and all
the fresh seafood you can eat. moyneyana.port-fairy.com.

MORE
EVENTS
THREDBO BLUES
FESTIVAL
15 17 January 2016
Stay Thredbo YHA

BALLARAT BEER
FESTIVAL
15-16 January 2016
Stay Ballarat YHA

u
u
u

Shutterstock

NZ

Port Fairy YHA

+61 3 5568 2468
portfairy@yha.com.au

BOOK
NOW

Stay Melbourne YHAs

SUNSET WINE
30 - 31 January 2016

QUEENSTOWN &
WANAKA NEW YEARS EVE
31 December 2015

Stay Perth City YHA

Ring in the New Year in picturesque

surrounds: Queenstowns Earnslaw Park
or the Wanaka lakefront. Get ready for the countdown with live
music, entertainment and fireworks to set off the night sky bang on
midnight. Three, two, one Want more good news? Both events are
free. qldc.govt.nz.

BOOK
NOW
u

Krishna Wu

MIDSUMMA FESTIVAL
17 January 2016
7 February 2016

Stay at YHA Queenstown Central,

YHA Queenstown Lakefront, YHA Wanaka
+0800 278 299 (NZ) +1800 242 191 (Aus)
book@yha.co.nz

HSBC RUGBY 7S
6 - 7 February 2016
Stay Sydney Central YHA

BOOK ONLINE

YHA.COM.AU
YHA.CO.NZ

BACKPACKER
/ ESSENTIALS

YHA.COM.AU
YHA.CO.NZ
NEXT ISSUE AVAILABLE
4 FEBRUARY 2016