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INSIDE
BACKPACKER / ESSENTIALS
NORTHERN EXPOSURE
AUSTRALIA
PHOTO COMPETITION
SNAP
BARCELONA NEWS
GLOBAL
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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
GREAT GETAWAYS
DEALS
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UPCOMING EVENTS
WHATS ON
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EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES The Editor, Backpacker Essentials, GPO Box 5276, Sydney NSW 2001. T: (02) 9261 1111 F: (02) 9261 1969 E: backpackeressentials@ yha.com.au
AUSTRALIA
NORTHERN EXPOSURE / WHALE WATCHING / YOUR SAY
N R E H T R O N E R U S O P EX
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/ NT NEWS
NORTHERN EXPOSURE
Now is high time to discover the history, culture and spectacular scenery of the Top End. Camp under the stars swagman-style in the Red Centre, paddle in a billabong, eyeball a croc at Kakadu, or sit back and enjoy alfresco movies at Darwin's Deckchair Cinema. Mid-year also marks festival season up north, so why not journey to the centre of Australia for a race day with a difference at Alice Springs' famous Camel Cup or Henley-onTodd races (see page x for more). Browse the stalls and graze on bush tucker or spicy Asian food as the sun sets over the Arafura Sea at Darwin's Mindil Markets.
TIGER BACK IN NT
Tiger Airways has returned to Australia's Red Centre, following overwhelming demand for a second carrier into the tourism hotspot. In April, Tiger launched four return flights a week from both Sydney and Melbourne airports into Alice Springs. Flights start from $59.95 and depart Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday.,
BOOK NOW
yha.com.au
/WHALE WATCHING
Tourism QLD
/ YOUR SAY
GRAMPIANS ECO YHA
u (03) 5356 4544 u grampians@yha.com.au u yha.com.au
BOOK NOW
This is an exceptional place to stay when visiting the Grampians in Victoria. Having visited countless hostels around Oz, this one is truly special. Conveniently nestled in a valley among sparse homesteads, it blends perfectly into its tranquil bush surrounds. It's bright, open, clean, comfortable and airy. Not to mention environmentally friendly. The architecture is warm and edgy - it doesn't resemble a typical hostel. Very highly recommended next time you're in this special part of the world. Enjoy!
WIN!
Got a place to nominate? Want to win a great travel prize? Michael will be receiving a Teeran Reversible Jacket from Kathmandu (RRP$249.98). For more information visit kathmandu.com.au. Tell us your favourite YHA (in 100 words or less) and send with your contact details, to backpackeressentials@yha.com.au
/GROUPS
GROUP GETAWAYS
Do you belong to a social or sports club, bushwalking or snowboarding group? Maybe you organise school or university trips? Lots of YHAs can accommodate groups of 10 or more people, ranging from smaller cosy country hostels through to the city centre properties in Brisbane, Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne and Adelaide. Some hostels like Sydney Harbour, Brisbane City, Blue Mountains and Apollo Bay YHAs even have dedicated groups-only accommodation with separate catering facilities. Another great option for groups is the Rent-a-YHA scheme in NSW, Victoria and South Australia. You can book exclusive use of a variety of hostels from Pittwater near Sydney to the Grampians in Victoria. Visit yha.com.au for more information on group stays and the Rent-a-YHA program.
SNAP
YHA PHOTO COMPETITION
See next page for full image and more finalists
AKSARAY, TURKEY
ROSEMARY NOAKES-SHERWIN, NSW
Got a great photo that captures that inspiring scenery, incredible cultural experience or event, or just that shot in your album that sums up the trip? Enter the YHA Photo Competition and you could win these great prizes including a Canon PowerShot SX50 HS camera, Macpac travel packs, and a selection of inspiring photography books.
ENTER THE YHA PHOTO COMPETITON! Each issue, a number of finalists will be published on this page. An overall winning photo and winning shots in the scenic, cultural, and backpacking photo categories, will be announced, along with runners up, in the December issue. TAP FOR ENTRY DETAILS Take a bow! Thanks to our fantastic prize sponsors. CLICK HERE FOR MORE PRIZE DETAILS.
GLOBAL
NOW OPEN / DEALS / YOUR SAY
NOW OPEN M O R F S A H Y W E N
A I N O L A T A C TO CANADA
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/NOW OPEN
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BARCELONA, SPAIN
The Catalonian capital's newest hostel is a modern mix of ultra cool design and incredible value for money. Shared dorms, girls-only "pink rooms" with extra comforts, and private rooms all boast ensuite bathrooms, airconditioning and large key card lockers. Breakfast is included in the price (as little as 10 per person), as is 50MB free WiFi, a free indoor swimming pool and fitness club, and the views from the terrace. Only metres from Clot Metro, the hostel is conveniently close to Gaudi's landmark Sagrada Familia, and a few metro stops to Las Ramblas and Plaza Catalunya in the city centre. But with the onsite bar serving dishes from 1, and activities ranging from spanish and flamenco lessons, quiz and Wii competitions, to learning how to make sangria and mojitos, you might find it hard to leave the hostel.
info@barcelonaurbany.com hihostels.com.au
/ NOW OPEN
hokitika@yha.co.nz hihostels.com.au
info@ridingfool.com hihostels.com.au
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/DEALS
4 nights accommodation Return airport transfers 1 x Cape Peninsula Tour 1 x Winelands Tour 1 x City Sightseeing Tour Daily buffet breakfast Welcome drink on arrival
Prices: R2,500 multi-share, R3,200 single, and R2,800 per person double/twin room. Valid to 30 November 2013. Contact Ashanti Lodge Gardens for information and to book.
/ YOUR SAY
HI MONTEREY, USA
u +1 831 649 0375 u info@montereyhostel.org u hihostels.com.au
BOOK NOW
NOMINATED BY JO ROBINSON,VIC
Imagine waking up to ocean views, then take a stroll down the beach and come across a family of seals. This is what you will find at HI Monterey, just outside San Francisco. Our room overlooked the Pacific Ocean, and if you are fortunate enough to stay when it is a full moon you will see the most amazing reflection of light on water. There are mystical woods nearby and the National Maritime Sanctuary, which is a good stroll. I will definitely go back for more.
WIN!
Got a place to nominate? Want to win a great travel prize? Jo will be receiving a travel accessory pack from Kathmandu including comfort sleep mask, silicone ear plugs, departure wallet, digital travel scales, microfibre towel. For more information visit kathmandu.com.au. Tell us your favourite YHA (in less than 100 words) and send it, with your contact details, to backpackeressentials@yha.com.au
/NEWS
FEATURE / HOBART
street in Hobart and youll feel a real sense of history that takes just the lightest of scratches to unveil. A mix of salty sea air, beautiful architecture and natural environment that is as easy to access as it is formidable, blend together to bewitch all who visit. All of this in just an initial impression - a pretty good start to your affair with this beguiling capital of Australias unique island state, Tasmania. The phrase Necessity is the mother of invention probably had its beginnings here as being surrounded by water can do that to a state. Hobart is renowned for breaking new ground - in food innovation with its locally made beer, whiskey and wine - and for being home to the controversial and unforgettable homegrown but internationally acclaimed Museum of Old and New Art MONA. Hobart the enchantress lures hipsters and hippies, walkers and wine lovers, hardened travellers and history buffs with her intoxicating cauldron of delights. Just one week in Australias most southern city can see you fulfill each one of these sides of yourself with relative ease. So don your hip/designer/comfortable/practical walking shoes and get ready to be wooed by all the old, the new, the hip and the true blue that the old girl has to offer.
SAVE A WHOLE DAY FOR YOUR MONA EXPERIENCE YOU WONT REGRET IT.
A great start would be to get your bearings with a birds eye view of the city and the meandering Derwent River from Mt Wellington, with a viewing platform that will make you feel like you have wings. Well thought out interpretive signage will give you a sense of place and prepare you for your days ahead. This is as good a time as any to experience your first local culinary delight with a Scallop Pie. These little delicacies of Aussie-fastfood-meets-the-sea are not to everyones taste but definitely worth a try. Now you may well have the energy to make your way along the rivers edge to Battery Point - one of the most authentic ways to step back in time with its rows of historical cottages and drinking holes. It is steeped with the historical presence of convicts and bushrangers,whalers and sailors, barmaids and prostitutes,cannibals FIVE MUST DO'S IN TOWN and criminals an important part of the social fabric of this place. Museum of Old and New Art By this time you should be ready mona.net.au for some serious (and not so serious) Larks Distillery culture. larkdistillery.com.au Save a whole day for your MONA experience you wont regret it. The Scallop Pies best way to arrive is by water, so its a tasmanianscalloppiecomp good thing that MONA offers a regular any.com.au return ferry service for just $20. This Salamanca Market and is the perfect way to see some of the Art District ever present Derwent River and learn about-salamanca.com.au a little more of historic Hobart as your captain provides an entertaining Hobart Ghost Tour and insightful commentary along the ghosttoursofhobart.com.au journey.
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Much has already been said about the MONA experience and reactions range from amazement and joy to shock and disgust. So diverse is the collection on show that truly beautiful, revolting and bizarre works can all be spotted within a few steps. After numerous hours taking in the three underground floors of art old and new come up for air and prepare for yourself for more. This place is like a utopian cornucopia for the senses, and now that your eyes, ears and mind are full of what youve just witnessed, its time for the food, wine, beer ... and then some. Thats right, the MONA site comes complete with its own brewery (Moo Brew), cellar door (Moorilla) and restaurant (The Source). Happen to arrive on a Saturday? The Mona Markets (MoMa) will be in full swing and as if that wasnt enough, two annual festivals MoFo (Summer) and Dark MoFo (Winter 13-24 June) take over pockets of the city to spread the cultural tentacles even further. Back in town - whiskey tastings, ingenious local restaurant menus, Salamanca markets and the art district will keep your senses sparking and weve only just skimmed the surface of all that is Hobart.
The Museum of Old and New (MONA), top and left, and MoFo Festival, below.
Tourism Tasmania
Huon Valley food, wine, stunning scenery and the amazing Tahune air walk huontrail.org.au
BOOK NOW
Montgomerys YHA is right in the centre of town so you can easily stroll to most attractions. SPECIAL OFFER: Plan your visit to Hobart now and enjoy this great offer during the Dark MOFO festival 3 nights from only $72 p.p (multi-share), $216 private room with shared bathroom or $240 private ensuite room. Book online.
YHA GETAWAYS
DEALS
1 or 2 nights at Port Elliot Beach House YHA Breakfast at your choice of two excellent local cafes Free whale watching from the hostel balcony One night from $35 per person multi-share, from $98 per double/twin room. Two night package available. Valid to 30 September 2013.
3 nights' at Coffs Harbour YHA 2 hour whale watching cruise Entry to Dolphin Marine Magic
From $135 per person multi-share, $339 double/twin (2 people), and from $537 per family (2 adults, 2 children). Valid to 31 August 2013.
PLUS:
u 15% u 10%
Park entry
u2
for 1 entry to Sea Acres off dive course entry to the famous
u 50% u Free
Koala Hospital
3-Day Package:
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3 nights shared or double/ twin accommodation 1.5 hour sports boat whale watching ride 2 hour scenic river cruise 1 day free bike hire Free WiFi (1GB limit)
1.5 hour sports boat whale watching ride 2 hour scenic river cruise
u u u
Priced from $108 per person multi-share and from $273 per double/twin. Valid to 30 September 2013.
Priced from $86 per person multi-share and from $210 double/twin. Valid to 30 September 2013.
Koala Conservation Centre, discover history, nature and views on Churchill Island, and watch the famous nightly Penguin Parade. Package includes:
u u
Package from $60. Valid to 15 December 2013, for 12-share room only.
From $90 per person multi-share From $225 per twin/double room (based on 2 people) From $285 per family room
Tourism Victoria
2 nights in an 8-share bungalow with ensuite Return ferry transfers from Townsville Entry into koala sanctuary Koala cuddle & souvenir photo 1/2 day snorkel hire 30 mins free internet or WiFi Jug of beer or cider Rock wallaby food to feed the 'locals'
u u u u u u
Tourism WA
Morning pick-up from Perth with return ferry to Rottnest Island. Includes scenic Swan River Cruise
Really experience Noosa on the Sunshine Coast with this great offer giving you four nights mid-week at charming Halse Lodge Guesthouse YHA for the price of three nights. There's loads to do here, so you'll need the extra day, whether you want to hit the waves, visit Fraser Island or Australia Zoo, kayak the Noosa Everglades, wander Noosa National Park, or simply explore town. Stay four nights from as little as $87 per person multi-share. Valid to 31 August 2013. Excludes weekends, public holidays and event weekends.
2 nights at Canberra City YHA 2 continental breakfasts 1 day bike hire 2 days WiFi
u u u
Prices from $90 per person multi-share, $215 double/ twin (shared bathroom). Valid to 30 September 2013.
2 night's multi-share plus daily breakfast Full day abseiling adventure with adventure specialists High 'n' Wild (lunch included) 1 hour internet
Tourism Australia
NOOSA 4 FOR 3
ELINOR SHEARGOLD EXPLORES THREE DESTINATIONS THAT ARE JUST BETTER BY BIKE.
MY MOST MEMORABLE
biking moments are breaking a leg when I was five, and an overthe-handlebars mountain bike mishap 25 years later. And yet, theres something about cycling that keeps drawing me back into the saddle. Maybe its the lure of a leisurely pace, the eco-ego boost from self-propelled sightseeing, or simply the promise of a tight butt. Whats certain is cycling makes for a great (and great-value) way to get around while travelling. To inspire you to try pedal power, here are three cycle routes that will have you in training in no time.
Beginners
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F EST O
Chteau Vlo is one of the best circuits. Starting from the granddaddy of all Loire chteaux, Chambord, it winds through the royal city of Blois, to richly-furnished Cheverny, the inspiration for Tin Tin's Marlinspike Hall. Dont miss feeding time for Chevernys 100 or so hunting hounds its an eye opener. There are an infinite number of fortresses and castles, but daily rewards here arent limited to castle-hopping. Cycling allows you to cover more ground and visit lesserknown attractions such as troglodyte dwellings carved out of the white tuffeau stone, vineyards, gardens, and the wildlife of the Loire delta. How about the surreal experience of cycling through Angers former blue slate mine before visiting its 600-year-old Apocalypse Tapestry? And lets not forget the food. What better end to a days cycling than a riverside picnic with a drop of local Sancerre wine, or a guilt-free meal al fresco as the summer sound and light show illuminates the local chteau.
TIP
Dont forget to cycle on the right side of the road in France and Vietnam.
CYCLING ALLOWS YOU TO COVER MORE GROUND AND VISIT LESSER-KNOWN ATTRACTIONS
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Thorsten Bronner
D Drouet
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Scenery
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CYCLING AUSTRALIA
Australia may still be catching on to cycling holidays, but theres plenty of choice if you know where to look. Islands are great, compact destinations allowing you to mix sea, saddle and self-guided sightseeing. Established ride and hire options exist from Kangaroo and Phillip Island in the south, to tropical Magnetic Island. Its pretty much the only way to get around on near-traffic free Rottnest Island, off the Perth coast. Australias many wine regions have also built up a network of undemanding two-wheel trails, with the added attraction of aprscycling indulgence. As youd expect of the home of the Tour Down Under, Adelaide has trails aplenty around the city, coast and into the hills. Brisbanes River Loop provides an attractive day out, Hobart has its Mount Wellington descent, and Canberras flat paths and open spaces seem made for cycling. But Melbournes great cycling culture, infrastructure and city bike-share scheme give it the edge. YHA has many hostels in Australia with bikes free or for hire if you dont want to bring your own. Book online at yha.com.au
Culture
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Tourism Queensland
Paradise
CAIRNS HAS NEVER BEEN MORE DELICIOUS, WRITES SARAH BLINCO, AS SHE EXPLORES A FOOD TRAIL AROUND TROPICAL NORTH QUEENSLAND.
CAIRNS
How do I love thee? Let me count the ways reef, rainforest and other obvious beauty; beaches, colourful markets, contemporary clubs, cocktails, cappuccinos and cool people. The city is renowned as the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, but the region presents everything quintessentially Australian including rainforest and the Outback, within one easily navigated area. In my view though, the best thing about North Queensland is that theres plenty of fun, adventure and tasty treats to be had that will not break the bank. This fertile country is a thriving hub for locally-grown harvests, boutique wineries, delectable chocolate and coffee producers, and is quickly becoming a necessary pilgrimage for the health-conscious and organic or vegan-obsessed. Its entirely viable to indulge in an inexpensive sensory adventure in these parts; visit the foodie source, sampling produce, and photographing picturesque scenery along the way, which is exactly what my partner and I did. Our only problem was where to start. Thats when I turned to a recent discovery, a handy free app called Taste Paradise, which piqued my interest because it solved the planning for us, and focuses on two of my great loves: travel and food.
Tourism Queensland
Kuranda Range Lookout on the way to Kuranda from Cairns offers magnificent views across the region. On a clear day you can see all the way out to islands and Reef, down to the citys suburbs and surrounding rainforest. Youll discover the Mount Uncle Distillery and Bridges Cafe just after Mareeba on the road to Atherton. Its North Queenslands first and only distillery, and is a popular spot to sample locally produced spirits liqueurs and teas. Towards Malanda is whats known as the waterfall circuit. Snack on your days purchases while driving, or pause at locations like Malanda Falls or Millaa Millaa Falls for pictures and a peaceful picnic. Back on the main highway outside of the waterfall circuit, youll spot a turn-off towards Mungalli Creek Biodynamic Dairy. The on-site cafes awardwinning selection of gourmet Greek-style yoghurt, soft and hard cheeses are tempting. Youll most likely head back down to Cairns via the scenic Gillies Highway, so keep an eye out for signs pointing to enchanting Lake Barrine, a crater lake formed as a result of a volcanic eruption about 10,000 years ago. Here you can explore rainforest or take a wildlife cruise and indulge in a hearty meal at the popular Lake Barrine Tea House.
Tourism Queensland
The concept couldnt be simpler. Download the app, spin the plate and choose your own adventure. The featured food trails outline five delectable itineraries which enable a traveller on any budget to see and eat (or drink) their way through the very best on the North Queensland menu, including restaurants, markets, wineries, cafes, farms and plantations. Hire a car in Cairns (not too pricey and cheaper still if you can share the cost with a small group) and follow the maps and descriptions to delightful destinations. You could choose the Coral Coast trail which winds throughout the citys special culinary experiences towards Palm Cove; the Rainforest Road en-route to the Daintree and its bountiful natural offerings. Or, try the Cassowary Coast option to experience authentic local sugar, banana and tropical fruit plantations as well as traditional country pubs, bush and secluded beaches south of Cairns. We combined a variation of two trails Savannah Tablelands and Misty Mountains up into the hills beyond Cairns to the Atherton Tablelands (or Cairns Highlands). Just one tank of petrol kept us cruising along on this 200km (approximately) round-trip, beginning and ending in Cairns, and travelling to Kuranda, past Mareeba, through Atherton towards Malanda and down the Gillies Highway to the city again. The scenery is ever-changing ageless rainforest, dusty flat plains, fruitful pastures, mountainous trails, lush sprawling valleys, lakes, waterfalls, palm trees; a picture-perfect expedition of wild and natural landscapes.
Alongside an endless feast for the photographers eye, there are plentiful opportunities for foodies, from mango wines, and more traditional reds and whites, to cheese, nuts, honey, chocolate, coffee, fruit, vegetables, ice-cream, beer and spirits all produced from under our feet; even the famous Nerada tea plantation is up here! Not only can you taste-test a variety of products, but youll learn a little about what youre eating or drinking too, as well as interesting history surrounding the location courtesy of the friendly, passionate staff at each stop. For example, at Jaques Coffee Plantation we learnt how the worlds favourite beverage comes to life, and how the Jaques family evolved their coffee production prowess across several continents and generations. Theres an abundance of scrumptious locations for everyone to discover in Tropical North Queensland. Plot preferences utilising the app, and youll not only locate attractions you might never have known existed, but your taste-buds will thank you, and youll drive away with a wealth of distinctive insights and travel stories too.
WHAT'S ON
HERES OUR PICK OF EVENTS COMING UP IN YOUR REGION
VI C
Australias biggest celebration of celluloid returns to Melbourne for 17 days of films and famous faces. A whopping 300 flicks from more than 50 countries will hit the screens across the CBD, including premieres, movie marathons, Q & A sessions, retrospectives, prize-winners and festival favourites from Cannes, Berlin and Toronto. For tickets, passes and program details visit miff.com.au
Stay at Melbourne Central YHA (03) 9621 2523 melbcentral@yha.com.au
WIN
YHA has an eMini Pass to give away - see a lucky 13 films for free at the 2013 Festival. Email your name and why you want to go to MIFF (25 words or less) to
MIFF
Annie Yu
SA
VI C
The statewide South Australian Living Artists (SALA) Festival celebrates SAs top talent in visual arts. Featuring over 3,000 amateur and established artists and around 500 innovative exhibits in spaces ranging from wineries and cafes to galleries and shops, this truly unique festival is also absolutely free. salafestival.com
Choose from 8 YHAs in South Australia. Book online at yha.com.au
Now in its 6th year Open House Melbourne gives the public a rare (and free) opportunity to discover the citys wealth of architectural, engineering and historic buildings. Colonial buildings, national monuments, architectural and engineering marvels, and award-winning private residences are among the properties unlocking their doors for the weekend. openhousemelbourne.org
Stay at Melbourne Metro YHA (03) 9329 8599 melbmetro@yha.com.au
Calderon/Surfing Queensland
Beautiful Burleigh Headland provides a gorgeous backdrop to the action at this annual surfing spectacular. Stake out a spot on the beach and enjoy the show as some of the best in the world tackle the big waves for precious points in the World Championship Pro trials. surfingqueensland.com
QLD
Celebrate all things coffee, chocolate, tea and spice at this free one-day festival by the Harbour. Savour the flavours of a smooth Mayan coffee, spicy chai or a devilishly thick hot chocolate as you wander the themed areas: The Oasis, The Continent, The Orient or The Latin Quarter. Tempt your tastebuds with traditional tucker from around the world, while your other senses enjoy free entertainment and markets. therocks.com
Stay at Sydney Harbour YHA (02) 8292 0900 sydneyharbour@yha.com.au
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WA
Salvador Dal (Spanish, 1904-1989) Illumined Pleasures 1929 Oil and collage on composition board 9 3/8 13 3/4 (23.8 34.7 cm) The Museum of Modern Art, New York The Sidney and Harriet Janis Collection 2013 Salvador Dal, Gala-Salvador Dal Foundation / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York
NT
Tourism NT
When it comes to races, the Northern Territory sure likes em quirky. Take Darwins annual Beer Can Regatta on 7 July: the day includes a packed program of thong throwing, tug-o-war and sand castle contests. But the main draws are the homemade beer can boats that sink, swim and sabotage their competition at Mindil Beach. In the Red Centre, Alice Springs boasts not one but two race days with a difference. First up is the hotly contested Camel Cup on 13 July. Stick around for the hilarious Henley-on Todd on 18 August and watch the bottomless boats and bathtubs battle it out on the dry riverbed.
Stay at Darwin YHA or Alice Springs YHA
Get your skates on and hit the (ahem) coolest festival this season. Sydneys iconic Bondi Beach will be transformed into a free winter wonderland complete with giant ice skating rink, live music, figure skating and ice hockey displays, plus food stalls to help you warm up by the wood fire with mulled wine at the bar and traditional winter food.Book ice skating and skate hire on bondiwintermagic.com.au
Stay at Bondi Beachouse YHA (02) 9365 2088
bondi@yha.com.au
N SW
AND ALSO...
Sea and Vines Food & Wine Festival 8-10 June 2013
Stay Port Elliot Beach House YHA
Noosa Long Weekend Festival 14-23 June 2013 Stay Halse Lodge YHA Truffle Kerfuffle 22 June 2013 Stay Pemberton
Backpackers YHA
SA
YHA.COM.AU
BACKPACKER
/ ESSENTIAL S
YHA.COM.AU