april-2011

Island 

Odyssey 

Discover Fiji’s 

wilder side 

p.70 

WILLIAM 

ZILLMAN 

RUGBY LEAGUE’S FULLBACK 

GETS BACK ON TRACK 

WITH THE TITANS 

p.22 

MY HOME 

TOWNSVILLE 

Tasty city tips from 

co-host, cook and 

dancer Rachael Finch 

p.42 

Krakatoa 

Surfari 

Chasing waves and 

wildlife under the 

volcano’s shadow 

p.30 

APRIL 2011 

YOUR FREE COPY

Fiji photo: Getty Images 

contents. 

regulars 

Cover Photo: 

REMCO JANSEN 

58 

Jump over 

the pond 

to Auckland 

70 

Find out what 

adventures lie 

beyond your 

resort in Fiji 

2 ceo’s welcome note 

4 events 

11 10 minutes with... 

Melanie Vallejo 

12 good taste at Noosa Food 

and Wine Festival 

14 cheers chocolate and wine 

16 fi t to go our Aussie biker 

girl Alison Parker 

18 style fi le camping chic 

21 the word kids’ readers 

77 brain teasers 

in the air 

with jetstar 102 your wellbeing 

87 jetstar news 

onboard 

104 international 

90 starkids 

adventures 

93 116 introducing our 

domestic airports 

96 where we fl y 

119 domestic 

99 have a bite 

destinations focus 

48 

Meet Australia’s 

latest star, Koko 

the kelpie 

features 

63 

Chef Gavin 

Hughes loves 

cooking with 

macadamias 

22 star struck 

How William Zillman is taking the ball by the horns 

this season with the Jetstar Gold Coast Titans 

30 adrenaline 

On a surf odyssey to ride Java’s best tubes 

35 thirst quencher 

We visit the Barossa Valley as it prepares to party 

42 people 

Glamour gal Rachael Finch welcomes us back 

home to Townsville 

48 go guide 

How a dog saved a community and became our 

newest movie star 

52 in focus 

Take the kids on the trip of a lifetime to Tokyo 

58 48 hours 

For a wet and wild weekend, make your way 

to Auckland 

63 retail therapy 

Find out why the world is going nuts for Australia’s 

marvellous macadamias 

70 hub 

There’s more to Fiji than just fabulous cocktails 

CONTENTS 


APRIL 2011 1

2 APRIL 2011 

CEO’S WELCOME NOTE 

News to Help You Fly 

Hello 

and welcome to Jetstar Magazine. With Easter and Anzac Day approaching 

towards the end of this month, why not take a break with family or friends? 

During April, Jetstar is extending its all day, everyday low fares with two new routes — Perth to 

the Gold Coast, and Auckland to Cairns. 

We’re also pleased to announce a series of improvements to our airline: 

• An extra 10 A320 aircraft and another A330, off ering more low fares to more destinations 

• Interior layout improvements to our A320s, including new and more comfortable seating, 

and more luggage space for passengers 

• Call centre improvements off ering greater automation, and better access to an increased 

number of experienced call agents 

• Baggage system improvements to deliver faster and better customer outcomes 

• Self-service technology introduction at airports, including new and convenient SMS 

boarding passes for quicker boarding 

• Imminent introduction of iPads, the latest in infl ight entertainment for our customers. 

At Jetstar, we’re committed to giving you a hassle-free and enjoyable customer experience, 

and trust you’ll enjoy these improvements. 

Jetstar has also made it even easier for our customers to contribute to the less-developed 

communities throughout the region they’re visiting, through World Vision’s StarKids program. 

Customers travelling within Australia or fl ying internationally from Australia can now make a 

direct donation to StarKids as part of the booking process on Jetstar.com. It’s a great way to give 

something back to the communities you’re travelling to. 

Finally, our deepest sympathies are with the people of Christchurch, following the tragic 

earthquake on 22 February. Jetstar has deep roots in Christchurch with many team members, 

as well as a major base and substantial fl ying operations there. We will stand by the city through 

these diffi cult times. 

Regards, 

Bruce Buchanan 

Group CEO, Jetstar Airways 

EDITORIAL 


EDITOR 

Rachel Farnay Jacques 

DEPUTY EDITOR 

Anne Loh 

ASSISTANT EDITOR 

Belinda Wan 

ART DIRECTOR 

Savid Gan 

SENIOR PHOTO EDITOR 

Jacqueline Vicaro 

CONTRIBUTING PHOTO EDITORS 

Lester Ledesma, Haryati Mahmood 

SUB-EDITORS 

Sally Wilson, Heather Millar 

JAPANESE EDITORIAL CONSULTANT 

Yoshino Kyoko 

JETSTAR MANAGING EDITOR 

Louise Laing 

EXECUTIVE CREATIVE DIRECTOR 

Michael Keating 

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR (SINGAPORE) 

Liz Weselby 

DESIGN DIRECTOR (SINGAPORE) 

Peter Stephens 

ASSOCIATE DESIGN DIRECTOR 

(SINGAPORE) 

Terence Goh 

ADVERTISING 

GROUP PUBLISHER 

Michelle Kavanagh 

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER 

Niky Sakhrani 

INFLIGHT MEDIA SPECIALISTS 

Kiren Gill, Jenny Penas 

NEW ZEALAND REPRESENTATIVE 

Kelly Hunter 

PRODUCTION MANAGERS 

Sandy Fong, Serene Wong 

MANAGING DIRECTOR 

Gerry Ricketts 

CEO 

Jeff rey O’Rourke 

PUBLISHING DIRECTOR 

Simon Leslie 

JETSTAR MAGAZINE is published for 

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Singapore 088849, tel: +65 6324 2386, 

fax: +65 6491 5261. 

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all rights are reserved. Reproduction 

without permission of the publisher 

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All information is correct at press time. 

MICA (P) 069/01/2011 

Printed by Webstar Sydney: 1/83 Derby St., 

Silverwater, NSW 2128, AUSTRALIA.

*Conditions apply

Magical Realm 

Cirque du Soleil is back with Saltimbanco, a 

well-loved theatrical classic. Artistic director 

Neelanthi Vadivel tells us more. 

What is the most challenging thing 

about being an artistic director? 

With an average of 60 to 70 hours’ work a 

week — time management. Yet, managing 

50 young artists and balancing their cultural 

diff erences, performance backgrounds and 

varying degrees of “artistic temperament” 

is probably the biggest challenge of all. But I 

enjoy every minute of it. 

What do you do when you have 

“artistic-director’s block”? 

I meet with my artistic team every day. I also 

make a point of spending time backstage 

with the artists to continually challenge, 

discuss and hopefully, inspire. I like to think 

that one of my functions is to never run out 

of ideas! Th e show must continually evolve. 

Do you think talent can be nurtured? 

If you’re born with it, more power to you. If 

not, anything can be learned if you work hard 

enough. I was told repeatedly throughout my 

ballet education that I had not been blessed 

with the “right” body. I still managed to have 

a solid professional dance career for over 

13 years. Our artists continually challenge 

themselves to go above and beyond. 

What is Saltimbanco’s unifying motif? 

Th e incredible feats that the human body can 

accomplish and the joy of living in harmony. 

What’s most impressive about the show? 

Th e massive, chaotic House Troupe that 

makes up the heart of the show. Th ey perform 

three group acts per night (Chinese Poles, 

Bungees and Russian Swing) — they rock! 

What does a Cirque du Soleil show 

always have? 

Something for everyone. 

Saltimbanco is on 21 April–21 August in Perth, 

Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Hobart, 

Newcastle and Wollongong. Tickets from 

Ticketek 132 849. 


Classic Fighters 

Omaka 2011 

Fun in Fall 

Jazz up your autumn with a 

multitude of cool events 

WORDS BELINDA WAN 

Tutankhamum 

and the Golden Age 

of the Pharaohs Turn the Music Up! 

8 APR–15 MAY NEWCASTLE MELBOURNE 

ADELAIDE PERTH GOLD COAST 

Turn the Music Up! 

Join the bubbly Hi-5 team as they roll out the 

live stage version of their TV show. Kids will 

love the singing and dancing of the happy fi ve, 

as well as tunes from their latest album Turn 

the Music Up. Tickets from Ticketek 132 849 

(and others). Details on www.hi-5.com.au 

8–17 APR PERTH 

The Monk USA Craft Beer Week 

Savour USA craft beers with daily samplings 

and tapping of kegs. Yummy beers will come 

from award-winning Ballast Point Brewing, 

and The Lost Abbey, Firestone Walker Brewing 

Company, Stone Brewing Company, plus 

more. The Monk Brewery and Kitchen, 33 

South Tce, Fremantle, tel: +61 (8) 9336 7666. 

8 APR–17 JUL MELBOURNE 

Tutankhamun and the Golden Age 

of the Pharaohs 

Tutankhamun of the 18th Dynasty (1555–1305 

BC) was the last king of Egypt’s most powerful 

family. He died at 19, but left behind more than 

50 of his burial objects, many of them 3,000 

years old. Melbourne Museum, 11 Nicholson 

St, Carlton. Tickets from Ticketek 132 849. 

9 APR–7 AUG SYDNEY 

Rituals of Seduction: Birds of Paradise 

Bird lovers should fl ock to see this exhibition, 

with gorgeous birds of paradise from the 

rainforests of New Guinea, Australia and 

Indonesia. It centres on the birds’ mating 

rituals as they try to attract a mate. The 

males even perform dance moves! Australian 

Museum, 6 College St, tel: +61 (2) 9320 6000.

The Monk USA 

Craft Beer Week 

12–17 APR QUEENSTOWN 

Festival of Colour 

New Zealand’s most well-known writers 

and artists, as well as local, national and 

international acts convene at Lake Wanaka 

for an unforgettable festival. Expect to 

be treated to theatre, dance, art, fi lm and 

music, including two world premieres amid a 

beautiful landscape. Tel: +64 (3) 443 4162. 

14–27 APR SYDNEY 

2011 Sydney Royal Easter Show 

Australia’s largest yearly event is back with a 

bang over the long Easter weekend. There’s 

something for all — from food and farming to 

pure thrills. Toast to agricultural excellence, 

and have the best of carnival entertainment 

too. Sydney Showground, 1 Showground Rd, 

Olympic Park, tel: +61 (2) 9704 1000. 

Queenstown 

Bike Festival 

Festival 

of Colour 

Rituals of Seduction: 

Birds of Paradise 

16–25 APR QUEENSTOWN 

Queenstown Bike Festival 

This inaugural event is where world-class 

tracks, roads and Central Otago’s alpine 

scenery all merge at this bike festival for 

families. See the most beautiful countryside 

via coff ee rides and wine trails, and hardcore 

cross-country and downhill races. Details on 

www.queenstownbikefestival.co.nz. 

22–24 APR CHRISTCHURCH 

Classic Fighters Omaka 2011 

Hop on the shuttle bus and head north to 

Marlborough for this airshow. Witness famous 

heritage aviation on display, with fab shows 

like Twilight Extreme kicking off an actionpacked 

weekend. See more than 70 aircraft 

fl ying every day. Omaka Airfi eld, Aerodrome 

Rd, Blenheim, tel: +64 (3) 579 1305. 

Free as a Bird 

Susie McLachlan is on a skydiving mission 

for ladies. We caught up with her on land. 

Why did you choose skydiving? 

Skydiving chose me! My father, Dave 

McEvoy, is a long-time skydiver, and one of 

the early pioneers of the sport in Australia. 

He managed to get my mum to skydive in 

the early ’70s. I did two jumps inside Mum’s 

tummy — so it’s in the blood! 

How was your fi rst skydiving attempt? 

My fi rst “real” skydive was a tandem jump at 

our Toogoolawah drop zone, harnessed onto 

my dad. Tandem skydiving was new to the 

world then, and so it was the country’s fi rst 

father/daughter tandem. Dad was chuff ed! 

I felt safe with my dad, and didn’t really feel 

any fear. It was all too exciting at the time. 

Can anyone skydive? 

Anyone over 14 years and under 100kg can 

go for a tandem jump. Jumping on your own 

is a whole diff erent game! Of course you need 

to have a basic level of fi tness and fl exibility, 

but more so this sport is a “head trip”. As 

soon as you can control your crazy thoughts, 

skydiving is really quite easy, and you can 

become quickly addicted! Th e most unlikely 

people make great skydivers — the goofy 

people, the unpopular kids and the geniuses. 

What would you tell ladies who are too 

scared to skydive? 

I’d say “life is not measured by the number 

of breaths we take, but by the moments that 

take our breath away”. So for ladies who are 

too scared to skydive or try new things, you 

are missing out on gaining a certain twinkle 

in your eye, a little spring in your step and 

a new level of happiness. Give yourself a 

personal challenge and accept it! 

Do you have any fears or phobias? 

I’m scared of heights. Sounds crazy, but many 

skydivers are! I can’t get up on a roof, and I 

shake standing on a ladder, even balconies! 

Join 100 of Australia’s most impressive 

skydivers at the 2011 Skysisters Convention 

in Toogoolawah, Queensland from 22–30 

April. Details on www.skysisters.com.au 

APRIL 2011 5 

EVENTS

Creature Comforts 

Many don’t know Walking With Dinosaurs 

is an Australian creation. Th e man who 

breathed life into it is animatronics expert 

Sonny Tilders, who started his passion early. 

How did you get your start to being a 

creature designer? 

It was a somewhat fanciful career for me to 

pursue, particularly 25 years ago. My original 

discipline was graphic design. I then landed a 

job at Melbourne’s Mothers Art Productions 

— they did sets, props and models, special 

eff ects and the odd puppet. It gave me 

an invaluable foundation in a range of 

techniques. It wasn’t until the late ’90s that I 

left to specialise in creature work. 

How do the dinosaurs look so lifelike? 

Th e success of a creature is a sum of its parts. 

Each time we make a creature, we refer to the 

natural world, looking at the way modernday 

animals move and behave. It’s then about 

mimicking what we see with man-made 

materials and technology. 

Which is your fave dinosaur? 

I hate to be obvious, but my favourite is the 

T-Rex, as I’m really happy with our work. We 

devoted a lot of energy to get her just right. 

All the dinosaurs that are coming to Australia 

are new; our second generation. T-Rex in 

particular is more fl exible: her toes fl ex as her 

feet lift, and she now has breath vapour as 

she roars. 

Why is the show such a huge success? 

In a word — “dinosaurs”. Th ey are as fanciful 

as any creature from our imagination, yet 

they are real, only separated from us by time. 

Th e show is really about breaking down that 

barrier of time. 

After Dinosaurs, what’s next for you? 

Dragons! — an arena theatrical adaption of 

the Dreamworks’ How to Train Your Dragon. 

And gorillas: a stage production of King Kong. 

Enough to keep us busy! 

Walking With Dinosaurs — Th e Arena 

Spectacular is on 27 Apr–12 June in Adelaide, 

Melbourne, Sydney, Newcastle and Brisbane. 

Tickets from Ticketek 132 849. 


HOOPLA 

Go Grazing 

22–26 APR SYDNEY 

HOOPLA 

Sydney’s “only circus and street theatre 

festival” will entertain all with a mix of stunts, 

and feats, with jugglers and sword swallowers. 

Look out for top acts like Pitt Family Circus 

and the silly acrobatics of the Hectic Brothers. 

Daytime performances are free. Darling 

Harbour, tel: +61 (2) 9240 8500. 

23 APR SYDNEY 

Go Grazing 

Sample over 20 of Mudgee’s famous wines, 

as nine local chefs whip up dishes made from 

regional produce at Mudgee Racecourse. 

Check out local eateries like Sajo’s and The 

Farmer’s Pantry, and chefs like Sue Fairlie- 

Cuninghame and Rachael McCarthy. Bookings 

essential. Tel: +61 (2) 6372 1020. 

Homocatodicus (Fremantle 

Street Arts Festival) 

23–26 APR PERTH 

Fremantle Street Arts Festival 

Spend the long Easter weekend admiring 

the cool line-up when local, national and 

international street performers pack the 

streets for more than 150 shows in just four 

days. Acts include HomoCatodicus (France), 

Funny Bones (Tokyo and UK), and more. 

Tel: +61 (8) 9432 9786. 

29–30 APR NEWCASTLE 

The Gum Ball 

You’ll dig the seventh instalment of this 

“boutique music experience”. Think live music, 

art, camping, tasty chow, a kids’ playground, 

games, prizes and warm fi res — with acts 

like KORA, Space Invadas, and loads more. 

“Dashville”, Belford, Hunter Valley, tel: +61 (0)4 

1769 0992. Tickets from OzTix 1300 762 545.

2011 Urban 

Country Music 

Festival 

29 APR–1 MAY PERTH 

Trading Post Perth Challenge — V8 

Supercar Championships 

Barbagallo Raceway at Wanneroo is the 

location for hot V8 action. Look out for 

superstars like Craig Lowndes and Garth 

Tander. The Challenge will have the V8 

Supercar Championships, and fi ve national 

categories. Tickets from Ticketek 132 849. 


Trading Post 

Perth Challenge — V8 

Supercar Championships 

29 APR–2 MAY BRISBANE 

2011 Urban Country Music Festival 

Get serenaded by country music and urban 

beats in Caboolture, an hour north, with 

country bigwigs like American legend Joe 

Nichols and Jonah’s Road. Urban acts include 

Thirsty Merc, The Potbelleez, Amy Meredith 

and more. Tel: 1800 810 400. Details on 

www.urbancountry.com.au 

Arj Barker (2011 

NZ International 

Comedy Festival) 

29 APR–2 MAY BRISBANE 

Tree of Knowledge Festival 

Barcaldine’s yearly festival returns with an 

array of lively events like goat races, bush 

footy and drag racing, and the horse-powered 

Rev Fest. Have fun at the markets, a huge May 

Day parade and a monster Saturday Night 

Street Party. It’s defi nitely one for the whole 

family. Details on www.treeofknowledge.com 

29 APR–22 MAY AUCKLAND WELLINGTON 

2011 NZ International Comedy Festival 

Let loose at this festival as it makes its 

rounds from Auckland (29 April to 22 May) to 

Wellington (1 May to 21 May), with the Comedy 

Convoy touring nationwide (16–29 May). 

Events like Comedy Unplugged, Visa Comedy 

Gala and Visa First Laughs are sure to leave 

you entertained. Tel: +64 (9) 309 9241. 

Book Now 

6–8 May 

BaliSpirit 

Eco Xpo Festival 

Everything eco-friendly and sustainable hits 

the Royal Hall of Industries in Sydney with 

cooking demos, eco fi lms and a kids’ zone. 

Free for children below 14 years of age. Bring 

your unwanted clothes and donate to St 

Vincent de Paul for a AU$2 ticket discount at 

the door. 

7–8 May 

Ballarat Heritage Weekend 

Relive Ballarat’s good old days with the 

town’s steam locomotive, horse-drawn 

carriage, as well as its heritage buildings 

and gardens, all centred on the theme of 

Lessons and Learning. Tours, narratives and 

demonstrations are available. 

7–14 May 

Th e Arafura Games 

Set in Darwin, this week-long, free sporting 

event will see participants from more than 

40 countries in over 20 sport categories. 

Representatives from Asia, Fiji, French 

Polynesia and more will slug it out for 

sporting glory at this free event. 

12–15 May 

Sydney Fashion Weekend 

Fashionistas should grab tickets pronto 

for this style extravaganza. One hundred 

diff erent shopping stalls are off ering up to 

70% discount on fashion items to suit all 

budgets and styles. Th ere’ll even be hair and 

beauty makeovers, as well as treatments.

holiday help for less 

Whatever obstacles your family faces these holidays, 

Kmart has ways around them. 

nothing on TV 

These assorted licensed game, card and puzzles sets $5. 

Bols bananas 180g $1. More varieties in store. 

These assorted board game tins $5. 

$ 3 

our price 

& under 

our price 

$ 5 & under 

it’s wet outside 

Cre8tiv Kidz 20 pack washable markers $3pk. 

Cre8tiv Kidz 20 pack gel pens $3pk. Cre8tiv Kidz 36 pack colour pencils $3pk. 

Assorted licensed colouring and sticker books $2ea. 

our price 

$ 7 & under 

no time for washing 

Neon 4 pack boys’ crew socks Sizes: 5-8, 9-12, 13-3 and 2-8. $7pk. 

Neon 7 pack girls’ briefs Sizes: 2-6 and 7-14. $7pk. 

you only packed thongs 

These men’s canvas Sizes: 7-12. $8pr. 

These girls’ canvas Sizes: 5-12. $5pr. 

These boys’ canvas Sizes: 13-6. $5pr. 

our price 

$ 8 & under 

www.kmart.com.au 

0000M/JS

RUSH TO THE BUDGET cOUnTER wHEn YOU LAnD 

Budget always has great rates and deals exclusively for Jetstar passengers. Just present 

your boarding pass at the Budget counter when you land. Plus, Qantas Frequent Flyers 

can earn points on eligible rentals. * 

BUDGET DRIVES YOUR DOLLAR FURTHER 

* You must be a member of the Qantas Frequent Flyer program to earn and redeem points. Membership and points are subject to the Terms and Conditions of the

Melanie 

Vallejo 

The Packed to the Rafters 

star is back as Sophie Wong 

in Winners & Losers — a new 

drama about four “loserish” 

friends who meet 10 years 

later at a high-school reunion 

INTERVIEW BELINDA WAN 

How did you prepare for the Winners 

& Losers audition? 

To be honest, I didn’t do a lot of preparation — I 

just made sure I arrived on time, knew my lines 

and crossed my fi ngers that they’d like me! 

How has fi lming been so far? 

It’s been so special to be a part of a show from 

the very beginning. I’ve been having the time of 

my life! 

Are you close to any of your Winners & 

Losers co-stars? 

Absolutely! We’re all fi rm friends off - and 

on-camera. There’s a lot of love and support 

between all the actors on set. People keep 

telling us how lucky we are that everyone gets 

along — apparently it’s rare among actresses! 

Can you identify with any aspect of your 

character, Sophie Wong? 

Sophie’s much wilder than I am — I’m quite 

boring in comparison! However, we do share 

the same lust for life and sense of loyalty. 

What do you like most about Sophie? 

Sophie’s so much fun to play. She’s 

straight-talking, confi dent, fun-loving and has a 

wicked sense of humour. She often says what 

everyone else is thinking but too afraid to say. 

How do you prepare yourself for the 

emotional scenes? 

Having lived in Sophie’s shoes for a while now, 

I fi nd it quite easy to get emotional. Having 

talented co-stars defi nitely helps — as does 

well-written dialogue. 

How was high school for you? 

I remember thoroughly enjoying drama, and 

performing in the school plays and musicals — 

however, I don’t seem to remember doing a lot 

of schoolwork! 

What’s a talent you have that most people 

don’t know about? 

According to my fi ancé, I make the best 

spaghetti bolognaise in the world! 

Was acting an unconventional career 

choice, or was it expected of you? 

I think it was always expected. I began ballet 

when I was three years old, and started acting 

in plays in primary school. I always adored 

being on stage, and loved being part of an 

ensemble. In fact, the smell of hairspray still 

gives me tingles! 

Where do you hang out in Melbourne? 

I’m relatively new to Melbourne and still 

exploring, but you’ll often fi nd us drinking a 

well-earned post-work cider at the Builders 

Arms on Gertrude Street, or tucking into 

some steaming hot Vietnamese pho on 

Victoria Street. 

Where would you recommend people go 

in your hometown of Adelaide? 

A table on the terrace at the Star of Greece 

in Port Willunga — with local seafood, a 

bottle of McLaren Vale’s fi nest and the 

sunset over the ocean — heaven! 

Winners & Losers is airing on Channel Seven. 


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Remember 

Food steals the scene in 

the stunning coastal resort 

of Noosa, as its famous 

festival rolls into town 

The 

INTERVIEW ROBERTA MUIR 

8th Audi Noosa Food & Wine 

Festival is set to take place from 13 

to 15 May with an exciting line up of leading 

chefs and winemakers. We spoke to festival 

director Jim Berardo to get the lowdown. 

What new events are on this year? 

This will be the fi rst year we’ve held the 

Qantas “Best Dinner in the World” — a sevencourse 

degustation prepared by seven of 

the chefs from the San Pellegrino World’s 50 

Best Restaurants including Australia’s Mark 

Best (Marque Restaurant), Tetsuya Wakuda 

(Tetsuya’s) and Ben Shewry (Attica), as well 

as André Chiang (Singapore), Carlo Cracco 

(Italy), Luke Dale-Roberts (South Africa) 

and Yoshihiro Narisawa (Japan). There’s also 

Maggie Beer’s Barossa Valley Farm Shop 

recreated in the Grand Marquee culinary 

exhibit, plus “Lunch with James Halliday and 

Friends”, where James selects wines to match 

a Mediterranean lunch prepared by Javier 

Codina, Brad Jolly and Giovanni Pilu. 

What are the most popular “old favourites” 

that are returning? 

Guest chefs at Noosa restaurants. This year, 

we have Javier Codina working with Glenn 

Bowman at Rickys River Bar + Restaurant for 

an exciting Spanish journey; Giovanni Pilu and 

Jamie Lethborg at Lindoni’s for an Italian feast; 

Ben O’Donoghue and Dayle Merlo showcasing 

coastal cuisine at Bistro C; while east meets 

west with Alex Herbert and Brendon Barker 

at Embassy XO. We also have over 50 cooking 

demonstrations from international, national

and local chefs, plus the Food Trails (a unique 

chance to sample local produce). 

Tell us about the Noosa Food Trails. 

We have two this year. The Asian Food Trail 

hosted by Matt Preston includes a tour 

through a local spice farm with a cocktail by 

Sam Christie from Longrain, then lunch by 

Martin Boetz, Luke Dale-Roberts and Cheong 

Liew. The Seafood Afl oat Trail hosted by Gary 

Mehigan includes spanner crab and mud crab 

harvesting, then a seafood banquet prepared 

by Maurice Esposito, Hajime Horiguchi and 

David Pugh — while meandering along the 

beautiful Noosa River. 

Which chefs will be having cooking demos? 

Brent Savage, Saskia and Maggie Beer, Tony 

Bilson, Matt Moran, Gary Mehigan, Justin 

North, Cheong Liew, Maurice Esposito, Philip 

Johnson, Giovanni Pilu, Brad Jolly and Tony 

Percuoco are just a few of the Australian chefs, 

with visiting overseas chefs including André 

CLOCKWISE FROM 

MAIN: Seared Hervey 

Bay scallops by Shane 

Bailey, executive chef of 

Berardo’s restaurants; 

Japan’s Yoshihiro 

Narisawa; Matt Moran 

Hop to It 

GOOD TASTE 

If you’re looking for an egg-citing Easter 

adventure for your family, Hunter Valley 

Gardens in New South Wales is the place 

to be from Good Friday through to Easter 

Tuesday. Th e festivities will include art 

and craft activities, gingerbread cookie 

workshops, games, competitions and a 

Giant Easter Egg Hunt with Mr Easter 

Bunny. Tuck into delicious festive foods, 

then relax while watching the Hunter Valley 

Glee’s Easter Show, before enjoying the 

Gardens Train Ride. Tel: +61 (2) 4998 4000 

or www.hvg.com.au to pre-purchase tickets. 

Chiang, Carlo Cracco, Luke Dale-Roberts and 

Yoshihiro Narisawa on Sunday. 

You have some fabulous produce being 

exhibited over the weekend. Tell us more. 

There are two exhibits: a national culinary 

exhibit of fi nalists and award winners of 

the annual delicious. Produce Awards in 

the Grand Marquee on the weekend; plus a 

regional exhibition integrated into the Noosa 

restaurant kiosks — with each restaurant 

featuring the produce of a local producer in 

their kiosk on Sunday. 

What are your top picks for kids? 

It would have to be Stephanie Alexander’s 

cooking demonstration with the students from 

Chevallum State School, as well as cooking 

with MasterChef’s whizzes Matt Preston and 

Gary Mehigan. 

For tickets, tel: +61 (7) 5455 4455 or go to 

www.noosa foodandwine.com.au 

And if they 

had a ‘Most 

Spectacular 

Sunset’ 

category, 

we definitely 

would have 

won that too. 

Sitting over the water at 

Hillarys Boat Harbour 

in Perth, The Breakwater 

serves great food and 

drinks against a backdrop of 

stunning Indian Ocean views. 

08 99448 

448 5000 | TH THEBRE EBREAKWA REAKWATER. 

TER.COM. COM. C AU 



Heaven Sent 

Toast events this Easter with the perfect 

pairing of wine and chocolate 

Forget 

wine 

and cheese — 

pairing wine and 

chocolate is a far 

sweeter, more 

luxurious indulgence. 

We asked AnnaMaria 

Lapetina, Hillier’s 

Chocolates’ general 

manager, and Malcolm Stopp, Peter Lehmann 

Wines’ national PR manager, how to do it. 

Can chocolate really be paired with wine? 

AnnaMaria Lapetina (AL): After many 

arduous nights of trialing and pairing diff erent 

INTERVIEWS VANESSA MULQUINEY 

combinations of 

chocolates and 

wines we say, yes, 

it can be done! 

There are some 

chocolates that are 

easier to pair than 

others, and we think 

we’ve come up with 

some good matches. 

Malcom Stopp (MS): There’s a whole new 

world of enjoyment ready for one to leap 

into, especially with the winter months 

approaching. The prospect of a log fi re and 

two very close friends (dark chocolate and 

Barossa shiraz) does it for me!

What are the golden rules of pairing? 

MS: There are no hard and fast rules, but 

here are a few tips to bear in mind: more fullbodied 

red wines made from shiraz, cabernet 

sauvignon and tempranillo are better suited for 

darker, richer chocolates; while sweeter white 

wines, such as botrytis-aff ected dessert wines, 

are superb with milk or white chocolates. 

AL: There are no defi nitive rules — it comes 

down to an individual’s own preferences. 

A little contrast can be good, as long as it 

doesn’t overwhelm. Have fun experimenting! 

Is there a procedure for enjoying 

chocolate with wine? 

AL: We don’t like to stand on ceremony too 

much when our two great loves are involved. 

Our process is very simple: step 1 — eat, step 

2 — enjoy! 

MS: When pouring wine, it’s important to have 

the appropriately shaped glass at the ready, 

such as a champagne fl ute for sparkling wine, 

or a shiraz glass for shiraz. 

What would you suggest a beginner try? 

AL: Start with what you like. Expand your 

Matching the right 

chocolate with the 

correct wine is an 

easy — and fun — 

art to learn 

Perfect Pairings 

repertoire from there. Keep the portion sizes 

of both wine and chocolate small though; the 

goal of pairing is to enjoy the taste sensations, 

and not to overindulge. 

MS: For lovers of dark chocolate, I could not go 

past our fi rm, full-bodied Barossa shiraz. 

What is your favourite pairing? 

AL: I love Hillier’s chocolate pudding with 

Peter Lehmann’s King Port: it’s such a great 

dessert combination. 

MS: That’s defi nitely a match made in heaven. 

And yet with Peter Lehmann’s ‘The Black 

Queen’ Sparkling Shiraz matched with a nibble 

of Hillier’s Pure Dark, one never knows just 

where or when the evening will end! 

CHEERS 

If you like bittersweet/ high cocoa: 

Hillier’s new 70% Cocoa Dark Chocolate 

(not bitter, launched later this year) + Peter 

Lehmann 2006 Eight Songs Shiraz. 

If you like semi-sweet: Hillier’s 53% Cocoa 

Dark has a lower cocoa percentage than the 

70% (also launching later this year), which 

has a sweeter fi nish, but is still lovely and rich 

+ Peter Lehmann 2008 ‘Mudfl at’ Shiraz. 

If you like milk chocolate: Hillier’s 

signature milk chocolate, a creamy milk 

profi le with 29% cocoa + the sweeter Peter 

Lehmann 2009 Botrytis Semillon or the 2010 

‘Princess’ Sparkling Moscato. 

If you like caramel/toff ee chocolate: 

Hillier’s Devonshire Caramel, in a smooth 

milk chocolate shell + Peter Lehmann 2009 

Botrytis Semillon. 

If you like coff ee: Espresso beans in dark 

chocolate + Peter Lehmann 2006 ‘Stonewell’ 

Shiraz or the 2008 ‘Futures’ Shiraz. 

If you like mint: Bite-sized dark chocolate 

pieces with a creamy peppermint fi lling + 

Peter Lehmann 2006 ‘Mentor’ Cabernet 

Sauvignon, or maybe the 2008 Barossa 

Cabernet Sauvignon. 

If you like ginger: Australian Buderim 

ginger in 53% cocoa dark chocolate + Peter 

Lehmann 2006 Barossa Tempranillo, or 2008 

Barossa Shiraz Grenache. 



SALE ON NOW 

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Wheelie 

Woman 

They don’t come much tougher than 

Alison Parker, the Aussie champion 

of one of the biggest and most 

prestigious motorcycle events 

INTERVIEW CARROL BAKER 

All photos: Jamie Mackay

The 

pioneer of the Australian Women’s 

Enduro, Alison Parker, 33, is set to 

make motorsport history as the only woman 

to compete back-to-back in 10 national, off - 

road races in the Australian 4-Day Enduro in 

Mackay this month. She’ll be powering over 

800km of rugged terrain in a gruelling 25-hour 

race, against the world’s best riders. We 

caught up with the Sunshine Coast dynamo. 

What got you started on riding motorbikes? 

I fi rst rode a motorbike when I was six. My 

family used to spend school holidays on a 

farm. Half the time the bike was in the shop 

being fi xed, and I had to take turns riding it 

with my fi ve siblings. I couldn’t wait to buy my 

fi rst bike, a Yamaha GT 80. 

How do you stay at the top of your game? 

I train hard with a mix of cardio, gym, bodyweight 

training and mountain biking, and 

high-intensity training with sprints, hills and 

swimming for active recovery. I’m also strong 

mentally. I know no matter how hard it is, or 

how much I’m hurting physically, it will end 

eventually. I don’t like regret, so I never quit. 

What’s your most memorable race? 

The International Six Days Enduro in New 

Zealand in 2006, where I rode against the best 

female Enduro riders in the world for the fi rst 

time. It was the toughest ride I’ve ever done, 

but I won it, so it was very rewarding. 

What made it so challenging? 

It was in Taupo, on a track with steep hills and 

rugged terrain. It had rained after the fi rst day, 

and muddy volcanic ash had disintegrated the 

track, creating deep ruts. I had to run with the 

bike paddling my feet, with a couple of kilos of 

mud stuck on each boot. 

How do you prepare for a race? 

I walk the track, and remember any hazards 

like logs or gullies. Visualising and making a 

mental map of the track is important. Focus 

is critical — the more you can remember the 

track, the sharper you can ride it. 

What’s it like riding in a mostly male sport? 

Most men are pretty good about it. It’s a 

competitive sport, and there’s friendly rivalry, 

but there’s also a real sense of camaraderie. 

What do you do when you’re not racing? 

I work as an exercise physiologist, and I enjoy 

snowboarding, surfi ng and travelling overseas. 

I’m also busy taking my new puppy Beau to 

puppy preschool — it’s a lot of fun! 

How do you feel about the Mackay race? 

I’m very excited about it — I’ve won eight out 

of the nine races I’ve competed in. I’ll be the 

one going into the race with a big target on my 

back, so it should be interesting. 

The 2011 Australian 4-Day Enduro is on 20–23 

April in Mackay, Queensland. 

Good, Better, Best 

FIT TO GO 

OPPOSITE: Ruling the track 

THIS PAGE TOP/BOTTOM: Parker is one of 

Australia’s few female riders; competing with 

the world’s best female riders thrills Parker 

If you’re up for a challenge, then get yourself 

registered and over to Cairns for the ultimate 

triathlon test, the Challenge Cairns, from 29 

May to 5 June. Organisers say entrants from 

around the world have been coming in thick 

and fast, with current World Champion Chris 

“Macca” McCormack (above) headlining. 

Places for the half event are already taken, 

but there’s still time to enter the full 

Challenge — a 3.8km swim, 180km cycle, 

42.2km run event — either as an individual 

or as a team. Tel: +61 (7) 3868 2444. 


Call of 

the Wild 

Make the most of the perfect 

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holiday surrounds à la natural 

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STYLE FILE 


The irrepressible 

storytelling duo 

Andy Griffi ths 

(far right) 

and illustrator 

Terry Denton 

Young 

& Restless 

Give the kids food for 

thought with this interesting 

selection of reading material 

One 

WORDS ANNE LOH 

of Australia’s most-loved 

children’s authors, Andy Griffi ths, 

promises an educational, fun read for both 

children and adults with his new book, What 

Body Part is That?. 

Do you think your new book will be as 

well-received as Just Shocking!? 

Given that the shockingest bits of Just 

Shocking! were mostly to do with body parts 

and body products, I’d be very surprised if it 

wasn’t! In fact, What Body Part is That? goes 

much further than Just Shocking! ever did — it 

dispenses with characters, plot and even truth 

in its relentless and fearless exploration of the 

weird and wonderful world of the human body. 

After fi nishing the book, what part of it 

stuck in your head? 

That the fi ngerprints of koala bears are 

virtually indistinguishable from those of 

humans, so much so that they could be 

confused for human fi ngerprints at a crime 

scene. Who knows how many innocent people 

have been wrongly convicted of crimes 

committed by koalas and other marsupials? 

Did you have to help your illustrator Terry 

Denton with any part of the book? 

Are you kidding? I virtually illustrated the 

entire book myself. Well, except for the 

illustrations, of course, because I can’t draw. 

Having written for children over 15 years, do 

you now know what interests them? 

My rough rule of thumb when writing a story 

is to get rid of the responsible adults in the 

vicinity and plunge the reader into a world of 

maximum chaos, anarchy and confusion. 

What do you fi nd will fi re up a child’s 

interest in reading every time? 

Tell them NOT to read a particular book 

because it contains unsuitable and unsavoury 

material… then put it back on the shelf and 

leave the room. 

What Body Part is That? is published by 

Pan Macmillan Australia, AU$14.99, 

ISBN 9780330403986. 

Small Notes 

My Grandma’s Kitchen 

Th is lovely cook/picture 

book, with verses by 

culinary icon Margaret 

Fulton’s granddaughter 

Louise Fulton Keats, 

is fi lled with fun and 

pretty illustrations. It’s 

a great introduction to 

many cooking adventures. Hardie Grant, 

AU$29.95, ISBN 9781742701141. 

Th e Naked Penguin 

& Our School Fête 

ABC for Kids is 

reprinting its bestsellers! 

One of our recent faves 

is about an entirely black 

Fairy Penguin who wants 

to leave home because 

he’s diff erent but instead 

learns one of life’s important lessons. 

Th e other is about the fun a family gets 

into at the school fair. ABC For Kids by 

HarperCollins, AU$14.99. 

Pearlie and the 

Silver Fern Fairy 

Wendy Harmer’s latest 

book for young readers is 

set in a New Zealand forest 

where Pearlie is helping 

her fairy friend Omaka 

plan a party. Th e forest 

has secrets and interesting 

characters, which Pearlie fi nds with the help 

of a wise one. Random House, AU$14.95, 

ISBN 9781741663792. 

Ella Kazoo Will Not 

Go To Sleep 

Parents who struggle 

with their children’s 

bedtime will appreciate 

this book: little Ella 

discovers that even 

Captain Shut-Eye and his 

merry pirates need their 

rest. By Lee Fox, illustrated by Cathy Wilcox. 

Hachette, AU$16.99, ISBN 9780734411419. 

Th e Dream of 

the Th ylacine 

Th is picture book about 

the last Tasmanian 

tiger, by Margaret Wild 

and illustrator Ron 

Brooks, puts across a 

strong message about 

animal extinction 

and the role animals play in nature. Allen & 

Unwin, AU$29.99, ISBN 9781742373836. 

THE WORD 


22 APRIL 2011

THE GOLD COAST TITAN, ONCE 

DUBBED THE “TOTAL PACKAGE”, 

TALKS TO US ABOUT BUSTED 

KNEES, COUNTRY MELODIES 

AND BEING THE GOLD COAST’S 

SEXIEST MAN 

WORDS BILL PALMER PHOTOGRAPHY REMCO JANSEN 

STAR STRUCK 

WILLIAM ZILLMAN 

APRIL APRI APR A APRI APR APRI PR PRI PR RI L 2011 20 2011 201 2011 201 2011 201 2011 201 2011 01 001 

2 23 

23 

23

“IT WAS JUST SOMETHING HE USED TO 

CALL ME, AND BECAUSE HE THOUGHT I 

HATED IT, HE USED TO SAY IT EVEN MORE 

fter two seasons in the 

supporting cast, William 

Zillman is ready to take 

centrestage. Those 

watching the Jetstar 

Gold Coast Titan closely would 

probably say he’s been ready for some 

time, but in the 2011 NRL season, 

Zillman now has the chance to show 

just how good he can really be. 

There have been glimpses already 

— a junior Australian selection across 

both rugby codes, and some freakish 

performances for the Canberra Raiders 

and the Titans — but with his injuries 

now a distant memory, you get the 

feeling this could be Zillman’s year. 

Club legend Preston Campbell is 

expected to spend more time on the 

bench this season, so the door is open 

for Zillman, 24, to make his mark as a 

fullback — instead of the Mr Fix-It role 

he has occupied in his two years at the 

Titans. “I guess there’s an opportunity 


there, and I’m really excited about 

cementing a fi rst-grade spot and 

making it my own,” he says. 

Zillman’s arrival on the Gold Coast 

came with big wraps. With speed, 

strength, a tremendous work ethic 

and of course, an enthusiastic female 

following, he was quickly given the 

nickname “TP” — Total Package. 

Zillman rolls his eyes when the 

nickname comes up. “Mat Rogers (the 

recently retired Titans star) came up 

with that,” he says with a laugh. “It 

wasn’t even a nickname — it was just 

something he used to call me, and 

because he thought I hated it, he used 

to say it even more. Now that he’s 

retired, I haven’t heard it since.” 

It isn’t the only source of ribbing 

Zillman has had to endure from his 

teammates. Last year, he was crowned 

the Gold Coast’s sexiest man, beating a 

host of other elite athletes, actors and 

male models for the title. 

With his chiselled physique, easy 

smile and down-to-earth nature, 

Zillman is the kind of guy every mother 

would want her daughter to bring 

home. In typical fashion, he laughs off 

his “Sexiest Man” title. “Yeah, the boys 

gave me a bit of stick about it for a 

couple of days,” he admits. 

The son of accomplished Brisbane 

rugby league player Mark Zillman, 

young William spent his childhood in 

the south of Brisbane, playing cricket 

in summer and footy in winter. He 

played union at school and league on 

weekends — joining an exclusive band 

of players to represent Australia in both 

codes at junior level. 

A regular at Brisbane Broncos’ home 

games, Zillman got to meet league 

legends such as Allan Langer and Wally 

Lewis, who had played with his dad in 

Brisbane’s tough club competition. 

The Brisbane Broncos and Queensland 

Reds beckoned, but Zillman was 

Known as the 

“Total Package”, 

Zillman is a 

charming mix 

of good looks 

and talent

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Just a 6-minute walk from the centre of Surfers Paradise.

There is a humble, 

easy-going quality 

about Zillman, 

which has endeared 

him to many 


CLUB CEO MICHAEL 

SEARLE SAID HE’D 

BE PROUD IF HIS 

OWN SON TURNED 

OUT JUST LIKE 

ZILLMAN 

instead snapped up by the Raiders, 

thanks to Canberra talent scouts. 

It wasn’t easy cracking fi rst grade in 

a squad bristling with young stars, but 

Zillman seized his chance — scoring 

12 tries in his fi rst 24 games. Then, 

just when he seemed to be making his 

mark in the NRL, disaster struck. 

A serious left-knee injury brought 

his 2007 season to a premature end. 

After a reconstruction and months of 

tedious rehabilitation, he returned to 

the fi eld the following year — only to 

bust the same knee in just his second 

game back. This meant a full year on 

the sidelines, which left the then-21year-old 

shattered. He knew he had 

played his last game for the Raiders, 

and was anxious about joining the 

Titans the following year. 

“You have six months of that torture 

(rehab), and then to have to do it again 

straightaway — it’s heart-breaking,” he 

says. “But I was able to say ‘okay, I’ve 

got 12 months to get myself 100% right 

for the Titans, and then we’ll try again’.” 

One of the genuine nice guys of 

rugby league, Zillman fi tted in easily 

at the Titans — where he’s already 

approaching 50 fi rst-grade matches. 

Club CEO Michael Searle paid him the 

ultimate compliment when he said he’d 

be proud if his own son turned out just 

like Zillman. Others around the club 

are just as quick to sing his praises. 

League legend and Titans assistant 

coach Trevor Gillmeister says Zillman 

deserves his success. “He’s a natural, 

but he also has a great work ethic to go 

with it,” he says. “That’s why I’m hoping 

to see him go really well this year.” 

The move back to family and friends 

has also agreed with Zillman, who 

lives with his dad near the beach at 

Currumbin. He doesn’t surf, but wants 

to learn. Golf, fi shing and the guitar are

William Zillman’s 

Favourite Holidays 

Fiji 

Proserpine and Whitsunday 

Islands: “It’s just magic. Mum’s 

parents have a farm near the coast 

— about 20 minutes from Airlie 

Beach. You’ve got the coast, and the 

Whitsunday’s nearby. I get up there 

whenever I can.” 

Fiji: “I went there a couple of years ago 

with some friends, and we had a great 

time. We went to Denarau Island and 

then down the Coral Coast. Th e Fijian 

people are really nice, and the scenery 

is beautiful. We did whitewater rafting 

there too, which was unbelievable.” 


how he unwinds away from football, 

but surprisingly, you’re more likely 

to hear him playing the riff s of Garth 

Brooks than Guns N’ Roses — maybe 

an infl uence of relatives from his 

mother’s family who have a cattle farm 

near Proserpine. “I love country music,” 

he says. “I can understand why a lot of 

people hate it, but to me there’s just 

something about it.” 

Zillman has also planned for life 

after football. He’s in the middle of a 

university business degree, studying 

by correspondence. “I wanted to do 

something I could take with me into 

diff erent fi elds,” he reveals. “Of course 

I grew up wanting to be a footy player, 

but I never thought I’d make it. So I feel 

really blessed. But it can end as quickly 

as it comes, so I just try to enjoy it while 

it’s here and take nothing for granted.” 

Last year, Zillman even took out 

the Titans’ community award, which 

recognises the player who devotes 

the most energy to community and 

charity eff orts. Community spirit, looks, 

brains and one of the NRL’s rising stars. 

Zillman’s old TP nickname may have 

worn off , but it seems Mat Rogers was 

right — William Zillman is very much 

the Total Package. 

Zillman’s strength 

and speed make 

him a valuable asset 

Main photo: Getty images

Panaitan Island is 

gaining renown as 

a surfi ng hotspot 

AIRBORNE 

ON INDONESIA’S 

ARCHIPELAGO 


Photo: A.Marks / bluesnapper.com.au 

Take a surf trip to 

Indonesia’s Panaitan 

Island for some unique 

sights and wicked surfi ng 

WORDS CHRIS FRIEND 

Arriving 

in bustling Jakarta 

could bewilder even 

the most seasoned surf-seeking traveller. 

However, beyond the pulsating Indonesian 

capital lies a region rich with world-class 

surfi ng destinations. 

A two-hour drive from central Jakarta lies 

the sleepy marina town of Anyer, the gateway 

to West-Javanese surfi ng heaven. The small, 

traditional Javanese fi shing village expels 

aromas of sizzling satays and echoes of local 

banter from streetside seafood markets. 

Fishermen offl oading long-boats fi lled with 

fi shing supplies dominate the harbour. 

They barely notice eight Australian surfers 

embarking on Just Dreaming, a 50-foot cutterrigged 

ketch, operated by The Surf Travel 

Company, which organises surf tours to the 

region’s hidden gem: Panaitan Island. 

Panaitan Island lies off the western tip of Java 

in the Sunda Strait, the sea that links Java and 

Sumatra. As part of the World Heritage-listed 

Ujung Kulon National Park, Panaitan Island is as 

abundant in wildlife as it is in the rolling waves 

that surround its reefs. The view from the boat 

moored in Panaitan Bay is a surfer’s dream: 

peeling waves break against backdrops of 

luscious, unspoiled jungle. Local monkeys and 

deer dot the beach. 

Panaitan is one of the emerging surfi ng 

locations in the wave-rich Indonesian 

archipelago. Most famous for its relentless, 

heaving tubes known as Apocalypse and One 

Palm, the island also boasts a wide range of 

options to cater to all levels of surfers. 

Tour guide and avid surfer Australian Ham 

Blackett knows the diversity of the Panaitan 

region. “Groups touring the area are really 

surprised by the complete range of set-ups,” he 

explains. “You can be surfi ng the six- to eightfoot 

One Palm, getting the best barrels of your 

life on one day; and small playful two- to threefoot 

Illusions the next.” 

One Palm Point is the break that put Panaitan 

Island on the map. It’s a truly world-class wave, 

marked by a single sentinel palm that stands 

proudly on the tip of the point. Waves break 

over the perfectly formed, yet dangerously 

shallow reef — creating a picture-perfect 

top-to-bottom barrel. One Palm is for the 

experienced surfer, and you can expect to lose 

skin on the reef if you happen to wipe out. 

If the name isn’t enough to scare you 

away, the sheer sound of its bone-crushing 

power will; Apocalypse is a right-hand barrel 

that entices the thrill-seeking surfer. It’s an 

extremely fast, hollow wave, which draws the 

swell in from deep water onto a shallow reef to 

create an unforgettable tube-riding experience 

of thick, gaping barrels. 

Flying Surfboards 

You can travel with your surfboards 

when you fl y Jetstar. 

When you book: 

Check the aircraft you’ll be fl ying on 

at Jetstar.com. 

For Jetstar fl ights operated by an A320, 

A321 or B737 aircraft, your surfboard 

(including the surfboard bag) must be 

under 1.9m, and for the A330, it must be 

under 2.77m. 

Before you arrive at the airport: 

Your surfboard must be placed in an 

appropriate surfboard bag. 

Your surfboard fi ns must be in an 

enclosed compartment in the surfboard 

bag or taped to the board. 

At the airport: 

Check in 3 hours prior to departure for 

a fl ight departing from an international 

terminal. Or 2 hours prior to departure for a 

fl ight departing from a domestic terminal. 

Check in your surfboard as oversized item. 

Cost: 

Surfboards don’t cost any extra — as long 

as they fi t within your fare’s total luggage 

allowance. E.g. On a JetSaver fare, fl ying on 

an A320 aircraft from Perth to Jakarta, your 

total checked-in luggage, including bags and 

your surfboard, must not exceed 20kg. If 

your surfboard causes your entire checkedin 

luggage to be above 20kg, excess baggage 

charges apply. 

For the humbler surfer, there are also plenty 

of gentler options that provide just as much 

fun. Napalms is the most popular break at 

Panaitan, providing both smooth barrels, as 

well as soft, playful sections — thanks to the 

deep channel that runs parallel to the reef. 

Illusions is a great right-hander set-up, which 

works best on a low tide. We lose hours in the 

fun of Illusion’s playful waves, only retreating 

back to the boat for a delicious meal of nasi 

goreng (Indonesian fried rice). 

Just Dreaming, our boat, is a premier model 

touring the West Javanese region. The 50-foot 

sailboat comfortably sleeps up to eight surfers 

in the air-conditioned cabin. 

After a day’s surfi ng, the boat’s deck is the 

perfect place to pull up a chair and sip a cold 

beer as the sun sets gently over the sea. The 

ADRENALINE 

SURFING JAVA 


CLOCKWISE FROM MAIN: With two 

famous tubes and more, Panaitan 

Island is a paradise for surfers of 

all levels; off to catch some waves; 

relaxing in the cabin 

boat’s Australian owner and captain, John 

Spicer, has been touring the region for 

more than 10 years. As an experienced 

surfer himself, Spicer’s understanding 

of the island and its surf breaks ensure 

that his guests experience the best 

surfi ng conditions. 

As we become surfed-out, with crispy 

sunburnt noses and lips, the region’s 

other activities beckon us. Exploring the 

reefs provides hours of intrigue, as we 

snorkel the vibrant, complex reef, and its 

inhabitants of fi sh, rays and dolphins. 

A visit to the local villages along the 

Sunda coast is the best way to experience 

the local Javanese culture and cuisine. Be sure 

to try the traditional Javanese dish of gudeg, 

which is made from nangka (jackfruit), and 

boiled for several hours with palm sugar and 

coconut milk. 

The Ujung Kulon National Park brims with a 

variety of untouched natural wonders, including 

the steaming and still-active Krakatoa volcano 

about an hour-and-a-half’s boat ride from the 

town of Carita. It’s a must-see for any traveller. 

Responsible for the devastating eruption of 

1883, which killed more than 40,000 people, 

the enormous Krakatoa is an eerie reminder of 

the earth’s purest power. “We fi nd that a lot of 

guests come to West Java for more than just 

a surfi ng trip,” says Blackett. “It provides them 

with an adventure aspect, which is hard to fi nd 

these days.” 


For all-round adventure, Panaitan Island is 

hard to beat. With empty, fl awless waves and 

sensational backdrops amid an untouched area 

of natural wonder, it embodies the true taste 

of classic “Indo dreaming”, which fi rst drew 

Aussies to Indonesia in the 1970s. 

As our journey comes to an end and we 

make our way back to Jakarta, the island 

paradise seems like a distant memory. It’s 

hard to believe Panaitan Island remains so 

untouched when we consider just how close we 

are to Jakarta. 

The best way to end a great surf trip is 

always a night on the town, so we say “cheers” 

with drinks at the trendy 1950s-style Café 

Batavia to celebrate our week of surf, sun 

and memories, before we venture into town to 

experience the thumping Jakarta nightlife. 

Take Me There 

1 THE SURF TRAVEL COMPANY 

The group runs nine-night charters with eight 

days of surfi ng at Panaitan Island aboard the 

Just Dreaming. Optimum surf conditions can 

be found from March to October. 

Tel: +61 (2) 9222 8870 

1 CAFÉ BATAVIA 

Taman Fatahillah 

Jakarta-Kota, 

tel: +62 (21) 691 5531 

Jetstar flies direct to Jakarta from 

Perth and Singapore. JetSaver Light 

fares from AU$229 one way. Book 

online at Jetstar.com 

Main photo: Chris Friend; Insets: Andrew Shields

Clockwise from top left: Lonely Planet; Kerry Heaney; Getty; Photolibrary 

SOAKING UP 

THE GOOD LIFE 

A deep ruby-red liquid with hints of blackcurrants, berries and spice 

— instead of quaffi ng it down, I’m sitting in red wine! 

WORDS KERRY HEANEY 

CLOCKWISE FROM 

TOP LEFT: Good 

grapes yield great 

wine; have a picnic 

in the lovely Barossa 

wine region; the 

Barossa has a rich 

heritage; so much 

wine, so little time 

THIRST QUENCHER 

THE BAROSSA VALLEY 


It’s 

called vinotherapy, and it doesn’t 

require me to lie on a therapist’s 

couch — but instead in a large white spa with 

reddish liquid and candles, and a glass of 

champagne by my side. 

The Red Wine Bath is the newest treatment 

at the Novotel Barossa Valley Resort’s 

on-site Endota Day Spa. Created from freshly 

crushed grapes, it’s an exfoliant for dead 

skin cells that leaves me feeling smooth and 

refreshed on the outside. Now I just have to 

get some red wine into me! 

Internationally famous for its shiraz, South 

Australia’s well-known Barossa wine region 

is a little over an hour’s car ride north of 

Adelaide. There are about 700 grape-growing 

families in the area, with many of them sixthgeneration, 

and more than 75 cellar doors 

including renowned names such as Seppelt, 

Yalumba, Jacob’s Creek, Penfolds and Peter 

Lehmann. Pick up a Barossa Touring Map 

from a visitor information centre for a list of 

wineries, contact details and where to fi nd 

them — some are only open by appointment, 

so give them a call fi rst. 

With history in mind, we venture out to 

Langmeil Winery for their 45-minute vineyard 

tour, available at midday every day. Langmeil’s 

cellar door manager Jonathan Bitter tells 

FAMOUS FOR ITS SHIRAZ, SOUTH 

AUSTRALIA’S BAROSSA WINE REGION 

HAS 700 GRAPE-GROWING FAMILIES 

us that the Barossa’s long, hot summers 

are great for ripening big red varieties. “All 

great wine starts in the vineyard,” Bitter says. 

“Winemakers are just like chefs serving up 

their best ingredients.” 

Treading gingerly to avoid spreading fungal 

disease with our shoes, we walk through part 

of the original vineyard planted in 1843. It’s 

the oldest surviving shiraz vineyard in South 

Australia and perhaps the world, as phylloxera 

disease decimated millions of acres of old 

vines in France. 

After a wine tasting, lunch is at Maggie 

Beer’s Farm Shop; Beer being a cook, writer 

and producer of fabulous food products. It was 

a Barossa highlight for many, including me. 

The menu off ers “picnic fare”, where you pick 

your own collection of goodies from Beer’s 

famous delectable pâtés, terrines, cheese, 

olives, wood-fi red bread and quince paste. You 

can enjoy it inside, or picnic around the lake 

under the trees on supplied blankets; a very 

Barossa experience according to a local. 

It’s then time to taste some of the Barossa’s 


most special reds, and we fi nd ourselves 

standing among the 14 unsigned rows of the 

Henschke Hill of Grace vineyard, where the 

Henschke Cellars are. Henschke’s Melanie 

Keynes tells us that the vineyard takes its 

name from the church in the distance. 

“The church has a growing congregation 

who enjoy the Henschke wine tastings after 

Sunday service,” says Keynes with a smile. 

The next day’s touring includes the Para 

Road Wine Path in festival mode — a chance 

to see a real Barossa f ood a nd w ine f estival i n 

full swing! 

Tagged as “Barossa’s best little event”, 

the Para Road Wine Path is held on the third 

Sunday in November every year. The walk to 

the cellar doors is available all year round — 

but on this day, Langmeil, Peter Lehmann, 

Richmond Grove and Stanley Lambert 

wineries put out great food matched with their 

premium Barossa wines, along with music and 

family activities. There’s even a shuttle bus. 

Of course, the mother of all events is the 

Barossa Vintage Festival, held from 23 April to 

TOP/BOTTOM: Henschke’s Melanie 

Keynes introduces the Henschke Hill 

of Grace Vineyard with vines dating 

back to the 1860s; book yourself into 

a cooking class with Maggie Beer 

Photos: main by Kerry Heaney; Maggie Beer by SATC

late night shopping...EVERY NIGHT 

harbourside at Darling Harbour...open 7 days 

all stores...open till 9pm 

restaurants and bars ...open till late! 

Award winning restaurants & cafes, amazing 

harbour and city skyline views, latest fashion 

boutiques, bars, bowling...What more do you need? 

For more information visit harbourside.com.au 

Shop. Dine. Play. 

Darling Harbour, Sydney 

Shop. Dine. Play. 

Darling Harbour, Sydney

Main by Kerry Heaney; inset by Photolibrary 

TOP/BOTTOM: The Para Road 

Wine Path at Richmond Grove; 

gain an insight into winemaking 

at Barossa Vintage Festival’s 

Wine Education Workshops 

THE VINTAGE FESTIVAL PARADE HAS 

BEEN A FESTIVE TRADITION SINCE 1949, 

AND HAS MORE THAN 100 FLOATS 

1 May this year. The chairman of the Barossa 

Vintage Festival Bill Biscoe believes that this 

year’s program is one of the most diverse in 

the 64-year history of the festival, which runs 

over nine days with more than 100 events. 

“The old favourites are back, including 

the Rare and Distinguished Barossa Wine 

Auction, Legends Behind the Barrel and the 

Distinguished Vineyards Tour,” says Biscoe. 

“Other highlights include the re-vamped 

Jazz in the Cellar, Big Bold & Brassy, and our 

new Comedy in the Vines evening which is set 

to rouse a belly laugh or two. 

“Scarecrows will adorn the landscape — 

this year with a large community scarecrow 

made cleverly of recycled vineyard and winery 

waste,” he said. 

The popular Distinguished Vineyards Tour 

promises the ultimate Barossa experience, 

and includes Henschke’s Hill of Grace Shiraz, 

Yalumba’s Tri-Centenary Grenache, Peter 

Lehmann’s Riverfl at Botrytis Semillon, 

Langmeil’s 1843 Freedom and Orphan Bank 

Shiraz, among others. Visitors will taste the 

iconic wines, walk through vineyards and 

share the winemakers’ passion. 

New to the program this year are Wine 

Education Workshops, where you can create 

your own blend, learn tasting techniques and 

gain an insight into winemaking methods. 

Other highlights include Heritage Hotspots, 

which recall the Barossa’s early life and a 

Ziegenmarkt, which recreates the traditional 

Barossa markets. 

Running from Tanunda to Nuriootpa 

along the Barossa Valley Way, the Vintage 

Festival Parade on 30 April is the Southern 

Hemisphere’s longest parade. It’s been a 

festival tradition since 1949, and has more 

than 100 fl oats and 1,200 participants, 

including renowned international winemakers. 

The Barossa Air Show on 1 May will also be a 

hit with the whole family. Held at Rowland Flat 

Airfi eld, the show will include warbirds, vintage 

aircraft, helicopter joy fl ights and non-stop 

aerial action. 

At night, take your pick from Big, Bold & 

Brassy with brass and swing bands strutting 

their stuff on 26 April; dinner and ten-pin 

bowling at Elderton Strikes Back II on 27 April; 


Take Me There 

1 NOVOTEL BAROSSA VALLEY RESORT 

Golf Links Rd, Rowland Flat, 

tel: +61 (8) 8524 0000 

1 LANGMEIL WINERY 

Cnr Para and Langmeil Rds, Tanunda, 

tel: + 61 (8) 8563 2595 

1 MAGGIE BEER’S FARM SHOP 

Pheasant Farm Rd, off Samuel Rd, Nuriootpa, 

tel: +61 (8) 8562 4477 

1 HENSCHKE CELLARS 

Henschke Rd, Keyneton, 

tel: +61 (8) 8564 8223 

Jetstar flies direct to Adelaide from 

across Australia. JetSaver Light fares 

from AU$69 one way. Book online 

at Jetstar.com 

a taste of Spain at Bar Pedro on 28 April; and 

more. All up, more than 50,000 visitors will 

be treated to exclusive wine tastings, twilight 

concerts, markets, free community town days, 

cooking lessons, literary events and more 

during the festival, which celebrates the end of 

vintage, something central to the culture and 

livelihood of the Barossa. 

It’s easy to get a taste of the Barossa in one 

short weekend, and the Vintage Festival makes 

it even more fun to do so. 


Join in the 

Festival’s Yalumba 

Harvest Market

A KALEIDOSCOPE OF 

CULTURE AND HERITAGE 

BECKONS 

Discover Discove the many facets and rich cultures of our ethnic communities 

when you y stay at Village Hotels & Residences. 

Located in the heart of Singapores diverse enclaves, our exclusive 

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attentive attentiv 

service wherever you stay.

The Great Barrier Reef 

The 

is spectacular 

lovely Rachael 

to dive 

Finch 

knows 

in, but 

all 

fl 

the 

ying 

best 

over 

spots 

the 

in 

Townsville, 

reef provides 

her hometown 

another 

OPPOSITE 

wonderful 

INSET: 

experience 

Waterskiing on Ross River 


Main photo: Alamy 

Her 

GIRL 

ON THE 

We speak with the gorgeous 

Rachael Finch about travel, and one 

of her favourite places, Townsville 

star may be on the rise, 

but Rachael Finch is s 

an Aussie girl whose feet are 

fi rmly on the ground. 

Sydney-born and 

Townsville-reared, the 

former Miss Universe 

Australia has been a 

regular on Australian 

television for the past two 

years. From cooking 

delectable dishes on 

Celebrity MasterChef to 

learning the tango on Dancing ng 

with the Stars, Finch’s vivacious 

personality has won her many fans. 

The 22-year-old model and television 

personality also recently turned her skills 

to travel by co-hosting the January TV show 

High Road/Low Road, alongside the equally 

eff ervescent Tom Williams. The pair travelled 

the globe to various destinations — one on a 

budget, and the other lucky one living it up. 

But what are Finch’s must-see attractions 

in her hometown, which is now welcoming 

tourists back with its Visit Me campaign? 

“If you’re new to Townsville, I’d recommend 

driving through The Strand, visiting The 

Watermark restaurant and taking a ferry 

across to Magnetic Island,” she says. 

WORDS GREG SWEETNAM 

The Strand Str is a stretch of 

picturesque picture foreshore more 

than 2km long that has superb 

views vie across to Cleveland 

Bay B and Magnetic Island 

— and fi rst-class facilities 

like swimming enclosures, 

playgrounds and parks. The 

city’s Castle Hill is also on 

her long must-see list, as it 

provides magnifi cent views 

of o the coast. “When I was 

growing gr up, I would drive to the 

top of Castle Hill quite often, and 

take a 

book to read or listen to some 

music. It was a peaceful experience,” she 

says, wistfully. 

Now, Finch’s busy career doesn’t allow 

as much time as she would like in the city of 

180,000, but when she does visit, she makes 

the most of it. “I try to visit Townsville as often 

as I can, which is usually for my birthday, 

Easter, Christmas and New Year. I love going 

back home. There’s a certain feeling when 

you land in Townsville — the smell of the fresh 

air and the friendliness of the people who live 

there. I always feel so relaxed and comfortable 

when I’m back.” 

Finch also ranks waterskiing as one of her 

top activities for a perfect day in town. “We like 

PEOPLE 

RACHAEL FINCH 


Main photo: Photolibrary; Insets: Tourism Queensland 

to arrive at the waters of Ross River at sunrise, 

put in the boat and take some food to eat on 

the shoreline throughout the day. We usually 

make our way home in the afternoon, or if it’s 

a long weekend, we’ll camp overnight.” 

Beyond the city there is the lure of the 

islands, and Magnetic Island — or Maggie, 

as the locals call her — is one of the bestknown. 

“It’s absolutely beautiful,” says Finch. 

“A short ferry ride gets you to the island, 

where there is a range of restaurants, cafés 

and accommodation options.” About 2,500 

people live on the island, which is 8km off the 

coast from Townsville within the 

Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. It has 25km 

of walking tracks, and 23 beaches and bays. 

Two-thirds of the island is protected national 

park — home to koalas and rock wallabies. The 

island boasts its own bus service and vehicle 

hire to allow visitors to see the startling natural 

beauty of the island. 

Describing it as a great place to unwind, 

Finch believes Townsville is a special 

destination that the locals are rightly proud of, 

and that tourists enjoy. 

“Townsville feels very homely, and it’s a 

place that a lot of families enjoy,” she says. 

“It has a beautiful mix of beaches, shops, 

gardens, parks, sport facilities, and historic 

and cultural centres. I miss home so much!” 

For now, Finch is content to work hard — 

visiting while she can as she concentrates on 

the many demands of her blossoming career, 

including being signed on as a spokesperson 

for iconic swimwear label Speedo. 

Already a seasoned traveller, Finch’s recent 

hosting role on High Road/Low Road with her 

co-host Williams gave her the chance to learn 

a presenter’s craft along the way. “Tom is so 

much fun. We spent a lot of time telling jokes. 

It’s great to work with someone who is so 

experienced in the television industry. I learnt 

a lot from Tom and the crew,” she says. 

Globetrotting may seem glamorous, but it 

involves long hours in unfamiliar places, and 

requires presenters to be well-organised and 

well-packed. Finch usually packs a few days 

ahead after writing a list of what to bring. 

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: 

Boats moored in 

Townsville’s Ross Creek are 

perfectly situated for a day 

of cruising; dive or snorkel 

stunning Magnetic Island; 

Townsville’s beaches off er 

endless fun 

TOWNSVILLE 

FEELS VERY 

HOMELY, AND 

IT’S A PLACE 

THAT A LOT OF 

FAMILIES ENJOY 


If she is set to travel for a week or more, 

the fi rst things Finch packs are her yoga mat, 

running shoes and laptop, plus a good book, 

comfy track pants and her iPod. When she 

arrives at her destination, her routine depends 

on where she is and why she is there. 

“When I travel overseas for modelling or 

television work, there’s usually a routine, 

which includes buying international SIM cards, 

hiring a car, checking in at the hotel, fi nding 

the closest supermarket, and checking out the 

gym and pool area,” she explains. 

Finch researches as much as possible about 

the places the crew will visit, but is always 

happy to accommodate some pleasant, 

unexpected surprises. 

“Books and internet sites are fantastic [for 

research], but you can never go past advice 

or recommendations from a local,” she says. 

“Often, the best places are not advertised in 

books or online. If my family or friends like 

something, I’ll usually try it. 

“And if I’m travelling for a holiday I like 

having a rough plan, but being spontaneous is 

fun! I know my destination, but it’s the journey 

of getting there that’s always the best part.” 

Jetstar flies direct to Townsville from 

Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. JetSaver 

Light fares from AU$119 one way. Book 



Now is the perfect 

time to explore 

Townsville and 

Magnetic Island by 

Moke with family and 

friends, as Finch did

TOWNSVILLE 

NORTH QUEENSLAND 

ABOUT FISHING NQ MAGAZINE 

Fishing in Townsville and surrounding areas will 

blow your mind! About Fishing NQ is a magazine 

packed full of local fi shing secrets, fi shing maps, 

GPS marks and boat ramp information. 

+61 7 4755 1403 

www.aboutfi shingnq.com 

JUPITERS HOTEL & CASINO 

Jupiters Townsville Hotel & Casino is located on 

the Townsville breakwater, with 194 ocean- or 

marina-facing rooms and suites, 4 restaurants 

and 3 bars, as well as gaming facilities. 

+61 7 4722 2333 

www.jupiterstownsville.com.au 

SUNFERRIES TRAVEL 

We’ll show you the very best of Townsville and 

Magnetic Island with the Tropic Highlights tour. 

Return cruise to island, Koala Village tour, entry 

to Reef HQ and Museum of Tropical Queensland. 

+61 7 4726 0888 

www.sunferries.com.au 

ACCOR HOTELS 

Travellers to Townsville have the luxury of 

choosing the 3.5 star Ibis, the 4.5 star Grand 

Mercure Apartments, both on Palmer Street and 

the recently refurbished 4 star Mercure hotel. 

1300 65 65 65 

www.accorhotels.com 

MANTRA ONE BRIGHT POINT 

From its oceanfront location, Mantra One Bright 

Point offers a selection of 1, 2 and 3 bedroom 

apartments with views of the Coral Sea and just 

a short stroll from the harbour precinct. 

+61 7 4758 2100 

www.mantra.com.au 

TOWNSVILLEHOLIDAYS.INFO 

TOWNSVILLE GALLERIES 

Enjoy contemporary art at Riverway’s most 

dynamic space Pinnacles Gallery, or indulge your 

appreciation of local, national and international 

art at Perc Tucker Regional Gallery in the city. 

+61 7 4727 9000 

www.townsville.qld.gov.au 

BEST OF MAGNETIC 

Magnetic Island’s premier range of accommodation 

is all at Best of Magnetic. Pure Magnetic (pictured) 

is boutique beachfront 2 bedroom accommodation 

from $225 per villa per night. 

+61 7 4778 5955 

www.bestofmagnetic.com 

REEF HQ AQUARIUM 

Experience into the world’s largest living coral 

reef aquarium. It’s like taking a dive on the Great 

Barrier Reef without getting wet. 

+61 7 4750 0800 

www.reefHQ.com.au 

WATERMARK 

The Watermark Townsville’s chic, stylish and 

contemporary design, award-winning cuisine and 

iconic tavern is the vibrant hub for Townsville’s 

cosmopolitan crowd. 

+61 7 4724 4281 

www.watermarktownsville.com.au

Rachael Taylor shares a happy 

moment with Koko, who plays 

Red Dog 

OPPOSITE: The very human 

story at the heart of Red Dog 

moved director Kriv Stenders 


Main photo: Alamy 

LITTLE 

BIG DOG, GO 

ADVENTURE 

As the true story Red Dog hits Australia’s movie screens 

this month, we speak with director Kriv Stenders 

WORDS UTE JUNKER 

If 

there’s one rule of show business 

everyone knows, it’s this: never work with 

children or animals. Everyone except Kriv 

Stenders that is — who eagerly signed up to 

direct Red Dog, a new Aussie fi lm that tells the 

true story of a red kelpie that united a remote 

West Australian community. 

None of Stenders’ previous fi lms (including 

Lucky Country and Boxing Day) featured a 

canine star, and Stenders happily admits that 

he was terrifi ed by the prospect. “Completely 

— but I think fear is the best motivator,” he 

says. “When the script came my way, I fell in 

love with the whole concept. The script told 

me exactly how it should be made — it was a 

once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.” 

The fi lm, which is based on Louis de 

Bernières’ best-selling book, tells the story 

of Red Dog. “It’s a classic Australian folk tale 

about a dog that united a community before 

the community even existed,” Stenders says. 

“Louis travelled to Dampier on a holiday in 

the early 1990s, and saw the statue of Red 

Dog in town. He wondered why there was a 

statue of a dog instead of a statue of William 

Dampier, did his research, and discovered all 

these wonderful stories about the dog.” 

The result of de Bernières’ research became 

a book, which in turn became a script, which 

Stenders then set out to transform into a fi lm. 

His fi rst and immediate task was to fi nd the 

right dog for the title role — a search that he 

and producer Nelson Woss started before 

they’d even secured the fi nancing for the fi lm. 

“The fi lm was always going to live or die by 

the dog, so we knew we had to get the right 

one,” explains Stenders. Perhaps surprisingly, 

they went looking for a dog with no previous 

show-business experience. “The trainer told 

us you really need to get a dog at the right age. 

Performing animals sometimes pick up bad 

habits; with an untrained dog, you have a clean 

slate — you can start from the ground up.” 

The team spoke with breeders and 

auditioned kelpies around Australia, before 

fi nding Koko in Bendigo. “Koko’s amazing — 

he’s very, very malleable, with an innate gift 

for performance,” says Stenders. “Casting a 

dog is a lot like casting an actor. They need 

to look right, to be able to do what you need 

technically, and also have that inner light, that 

special spark.” 

GUIDE 

RED DOG 


Plenty of legends have sprung up around 

Red Dog, who is said to have wandered across 

the whole of Western Australia for years, 

searching for his missing master. “This dog 

is his own person,” Stenders explains. “He 

chooses his companions carefully. He’s a 

sage-like character, an observer of these silly 

humans that he shares the landscape with.” 

The fi lm evokes Dampier of the 1970s — 

a remote outpost inhabited by a handful 

of people working in the fl edgling mining 

industry. “We’re paying tribute to that 

generation of pioneers, who were there when 

it really was the wild west. The miners wore 

Stubbies (shorts), instead of the head-to-toe 

protective clothing and goggles they wear 

today,” says Stenders. 

“It’s celebrating the classic egalitarian 

strength of Australia — this culture of people 

from around the world who live in a landscape 

that’s big and empty, but which somehow 

brings us together.” 

The fi lm focuses on how Red Dog aff ects 

the lives of the people in town. Many of the 

cast members are familiar — Noah Taylor and 

Loene Carmen play the owners of the local 

pub; Rachael Taylor is a Perth girl looking 

for adventure in the outback; Josh Lucas 

(Sweet Home Alabama) stars as Red Dog’s 

owner, John — and the characters are classic, 

larger-than-life outback personalities. 

“One of the stories is about a guy who 


Actor Josh Lucas 

with Koko the 

canine star 

arrives in town a broken man, his family having 

been killed in an auto accident. He decides 

to take his own life, and swims out to sea — 

hoping to be eaten by a shark, but Red Dog 

inadvertently saves his life,” says Stenders. 

The Pilbara’s distinctive landscape also 

has a starring role in the fi lm. “I’d seen lots of 

pictures, but nothing really prepares you for it. 

It’s like the planet Mars, an alien landscape. 

“There are mountains of red rock, dry, red 

fi elds of dust, a black bitumen road as straight 

as an arrow, and ore trains that are 5km long. 

It’s like the land is here to stay; humans feel 

like a very temporary presence.” 

As majestic as the landscape is, however, 

the fi lm is very much about people, Stenders 

says. “It’s a universal story — at its core, it’s a 

fi lm about love and friendship.” 

Red Dog opens nationally in cinemas 21 April.

I have tried numerous aluminium-free 

deodorants in the past and the most that 

I could go was 2 days before I was back 

onto my regular anti-perspirant. 

I am even more satisfied with this than with 

my regular anti-perspirant. You must never 

change this product! 

- Christine, NSW 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A dermatologist explains... 

“The Aluminium ions are taken into the cells. 

When the Aluminium ions are drawn into the cells, 

water passes in with them. As more water fl ows 

in, the cells begin to swell, squeezing the ducts 

closed so that sweat can’t get out.” 

Dr. Eric Hanson of the University of North Carolina’s Department of Dermatology. 

Does putting Aluminium inside 

your cells sound healthy? 

What happens inside 

glands that are blocked? 

 

 

True. Some don’t work that well. They also don’t block 

perspiration, just mask odour with essential oils. 

We spent a year working on a solution and now MooGoo 

Deodorant Cream has become one of our most loved 

products. It controls the bacteria that cause odour without 

overpowering essential oils. In fact it has almost no smell. 

The ingredients are all so safe they are used in foods or oral 

supplements. 

For those that want to avoid Aluminium Anti-Perspirant and 

still keep their friends close. 

Available at selected health stores and pharmacies, info@moogoo.com.au, 1300 213 828 or online:


CLOCKWISE: The whimsical 

Ghibli Museum; the FujiQ 

Highland rollercoasters 

are a pure adrenaline rush; 

kids will love dressing up 

in traditional costume at 

FujiQ Highland; it’s a kids’ 

world at KidZania; a fl oat at 

the lively Kawase matsuri 

in Saitama, with a festival- 

goer dressed as a fox deity

PLAYTIME IN 

TOKYO 

It’s not just grown-ups who love 

discovering Japan’s extraordinary 

capital — your kids will go wild for its 

incredible attractions and sights 

WORDS MANAMI OKAZAKI 

Tokyo 

is an amazing experience that 

kids will fi nd hard to forget. 

Just walking around the city is enough to make 

young ones feel like they’re in the fantastical 

city of their favourite sci-fi comic, while the 

shopping for kids’ clothes in this megacity is 

second to none. 

Although Tokyo might seem daunting 

to navigate with tots, it has plenty of kids’ 

attractions — you may have more trouble trying 

to get them to return home! You’re probably 

familiar with Tokyo’s Disneyland and the neighbouring 

Disney Sea, but they’re just the tip of the iceberg, with 

numerous other theme parks and museums in Tokyo and 

the surrounding areas. 

Located in LaLaport in Odaiba, East Tokyo, KidZania 

is a theme park just for well, kids. It’s a replica of a fully 

functioning city — but one where youngsters dress up and 

take on the roles of police offi cers, TV anchors, chefs and 

fi refi ghters. The tot-sized town comes complete with a 

hospital, fi re station, pizza shop and everything else a little 

metropolis needs — all minimised to perfection. 

With its futuristic buildings, Odaiba itself has a sciencefi 

ction atmosphere, and just getting there is half the fun. 

Both the monorail and the see-it-to-believe Himiko boat 

from Asakusa (designed by Japanese anime artist Reiji 

Matsumoto) off er transport with an intergalactic feel. 

If that isn’t high-tech enough, try Tokyo Joypolis, also 

in Odaiba, which has mostly virtual rides, and even a virtual 

aquarium. Cruise through the air, snowboard on the halfpipe, 

take a free fall, enjoy drift car-racing and bobsledding, 

while aided by cutting-edge computer graphics. You’ll feel 

the exhilaration of riding on a raft through the river, or 

plummeting through the sky. 

The nearby Mega Web theme park, Toyota’s car 

theme park, also off ers rides — and is great for kids and 

adults who love and want to learn about cars. The park 

also off ers information and displays about past and 

future developments. 

If your kids are fans of Miyazaki Hayao’s Oscar-winning 

animated movies such as Spirited Away, they’ll love the 

magical atmosphere of the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka, 

West Tokyo. Like the animated fi lms, the museum will 

equally delight adults. The building and its labyrinth-like 

interior were designed by Miyazake, and there’s an art 

gallery, playground and animation museum with exclusive 

screenings of short fi lms and demonstrations of the 

animation process. 

Many of his most famous characters take residence here; 

kids under 12 will love the mammoth cat bus from the fi lm 

My Neighbour Totoro. You must book tickets to Ghibli in 

advance; check their website for details. 

But if high-speed adrenaline is what your kids like 

most, don’t miss FujiQ Highland — it off ers incredible 

thrills for kids of all ages with a hair-raising roster of 

rollercoasters. Fujiyama was once the world’s largest 

rollercoaster, and Dodonpa was once the fastest — 

although its acceleration rate is still undefeated. Eejanaika is 

one of the world’s four-dimensional rides, which means that 

it rotates 360 degrees forward or backward in a controlled 

spin, allowing the coaster to invert 14 diff erent times. If your 

kids are too small for these crazy ‘coasters, there are other 

attractions, such as a Thomas the Tank Engine land, which 

is loaded with rides. For the brave, the haunted house is 

IN FOCUS 

TOKYO 


PLAYTIME IN 

TOKYO 

It’s not just grown-ups who love 

discovering Japan’s extraordinary 

capital — your kids will go wild for its 

incredible attractions and sights 

WORDS MANAMI OKAZAKI 

Tokyo 

is an amazing experience that 

kids will fi nd hard to forget. 

Just walking around the city is enough to make 

young ones feel like they’re in the fantastical 

city of their favourite sci-fi comic, while the 

shopping for kids’ clothes in this megacity is 

second to none. 

Although Tokyo might seem daunting 

to navigate with tots, it has plenty of kids’ 

attractions — you may have more trouble trying 

to get them to return home! You’re probably 

familiar with Tokyo’s Disneyland and the neighbouring 

Disney Sea, but they’re just the tip of the iceberg, with 

numerous other theme parks and museums in Tokyo and 

the surrounding areas. 

Located in LaLaport in Odaiba, East Tokyo, KidZania 

is a theme park just for well, kids. It’s a replica of a fully 

functioning city — but one where youngsters dress up and 

take on the roles of police offi cers, TV anchors, chefs and 

fi refi ghters. The tot-sized town comes complete with a 

hospital, fi re station, pizza shop and everything else a little 

metropolis needs — all minimised to perfection. 

With its futuristic buildings, Odaiba itself has a sciencefi 

ction atmosphere, and just getting there is half the fun. 

Both the monorail and the see-it-to-believe Himiko boat 

from Asakusa (designed by Japanese anime artist Reiji 

Matsumoto) off er transport with an intergalactic feel. 

If that isn’t high-tech enough, try Tokyo Joypolis, also 

in Odaiba, which has mostly virtual rides, and even a virtual 

aquarium. Cruise through the air, snowboard on the halfpipe, 

take a free fall, enjoy drift car-racing and bobsledding, 

while aided by cutting-edge computer graphics. You’ll feel 

the exhilaration of riding on a raft through the river, or 

plummeting through the sky. 

The nearby Mega Web theme park, Toyota’s car 

theme park, also off ers rides — and is great for kids and 

adults who love and want to learn about cars. The park 

also off ers information and displays about past and 

future developments. 

If your kids are fans of Miyazaki Hayao’s Oscar-winning 

animated movies such as Spirited Away, they’ll love the 

magical atmosphere of the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka, 

West Tokyo. Like the animated fi lms, the museum will 

equally delight adults. The building and its labyrinth-like 

interior were designed by Miyazake, and there’s an art 

gallery, playground and animation museum with exclusive 

screenings of short fi lms and demonstrations of the 

animation process. 

Many of his most famous characters take residence here; 

kids under 12 will love the mammoth cat bus from the fi lm 

My Neighbour Totoro. You must book tickets to Ghibli in 

advance; check their website for details. 

But if high-speed adrenaline is what your kids like 

most, don’t miss FujiQ Highland — it off ers incredible 

thrills for kids of all ages with a hair-raising roster of 

rollercoasters. Fujiyama was once the world’s largest 

rollercoaster, and Dodonpa was once the fastest — 

although its acceleration rate is still undefeated. Eejanaika is 

one of the world’s four-dimensional rides, which means that 

it rotates 360 degrees forward or backward in a controlled 

spin, allowing the coaster to invert 14 diff erent times. If your 

kids are too small for these crazy ‘coasters, there are other 

attractions, such as a Thomas the Tank Engine land, which 

is loaded with rides. For the brave, the haunted house is 

IN FOCUS 

TOKYO 


enowned for being acutely creepy (and the 

world’s longest). Situated in Yamanashi, FujiQ 

boasts views of Mount Fuji (the side famously 

depicted in Hokusai’s woodblock painting), and 

is wonderfully picturesque. 

Yomiuri Land is another ride-based theme 

park, with rollercoasters for both grown-up kids 

and young ones. With its excellent swimming 

pools, Yomiuri Land is popular in summer — 

there are fi ve pools and one replica beach 

that is 250m long, complete with waves and a 

ride called Byuun. This ride zips over the pool 

attached to a wire. The pool is a great way to 

escape Tokyo’s stifl ing summer heat. There’s 

also a not-to-be-missed fi reworks show. 

Another unique type of fantasyland is off ered 

by Edo Wonderland, or Edoland. Enter the 

world of espionage, maidens, samurai and 

feudal lords in this replica of an Edo-period 

town, located in the World Heritage Site of 

Nikko. This temple-laden area is one of the 

most-loved day trips from Tokyo, and is well 

worth the easy two-hour train ride. 

At Edoland, kids can dress like warriors, 

police offi cers and ninja, and try their hand at 

archery, and throwing ninja stars and darts. 

There’s a challenging ninja maze and a number 

of theatres showcasing traditional performing 

arts — however, the show-stealer is the Grand 

Ninja theatre, which has actors who have 

appeared in the acclaimed Hollywood fi lm, The 

Last Samurai. 

THE TOKYO TOY MUSEUM IS MORE 

LIKE AN AMUSEMENT PARK WITH 

A DOLLHOUSE AND GIANT ABACUS 

Located in Chiba, Tarzania is only open in 

the summer, and is an adventure course with 

various fl ying foxes, zip-lines and a tarzan rope, 

so visitors can swing between trees. It’s a great 

way for families to spend the day in Japan’s 

natural woodlands, although the kids need to 

be at least 110cm tall to join in. 

For an educational attraction, try the 

National Science Museum. Marvel at the 

life-sized blue whale or dinosaur skeletons. 

The second fl oor has hands-on science 

experiments with English instructions. Other 

kid-friendly museums are the Railway Museum 

and the Tokyo Transport Museum. 

If your kids are young, visit the Kodomo 

no Shiro complex in the middle of Aoyama, 

close to Shibuya. It emphasises entertainment, 

education and culture with a computer 

playroom, child-care facilities, a nursing room, 

a rooftop area with kids’ bikes, a video library, a 

play area with jungle gym, and a pool. There’s 

also a clinic and a hotel — choose from a 

Japanese- or Western-style room. The Tokyo 

Toy Museum is also great for younger kids, and 

is more like an amusement park, rather than a 

TOP/BOTTOM: Make 

believe you’re living in 

the Edo period at Edo 

Wonderland; learn 

the tricks of throwing 

a ninja star 


LEFT/RIGHT: Miyazaki 

Hayao’s studio at Ghibli 

Museum; the robot 

soldier from Laputa: 

Castle in the Sky is 

located on the roof of 

the Ghibli Museum 


museum. There’s a huge dollhouse, a gigantic 

abacus, a pool fi lled with wooden beads that 

kids can “swim” in, plus toys from all over the 

world and many diff erent eras. 

For a breath of fresh air, Mount Takao is 

an easy day trip from Tokyo, and is a popular 

hiking destination with numerous trails laden 

with temples and stellar views. Aside from the 

wild raccoons and fl ying squirrels you might 

encounter on your walk, there’s also a fantastic 

monkey park where hundreds of Japanese 

macaques reside. 

Or head to a matsuri (Japanese traditional 

festival) for a culture buzz with kids’ sideshow 

attractions, barbecued food, games and 

fi reworks. In early April, there’s the Flower 

Festival at the Gokokuji Temple to celebrate 

Buddha’s birthday, with children in period 

costumes. In May, the Kanda festival at 

Kanda Myojin Shrine features an energetic 

300-person parade with priests on horseback 

and a colourful shrine. Children’s Day is a 

national holiday on 5 May that celebrates the 

happiness of children — although it’s mostly 

boy-centric, as the Girls Day is in March. Walk 

on the streets, and you’ll see colourful carp 

streamers, which symbolise strength for boys, 

and Kintaro effi gies, a mythical boy character 

with superhuman strength. 

In April, major parks in Tokyo will see people 

picnicking during the cherry-blossom season. 

And come 22 May, the Tokyo Port festival will 

host much pomp and pageantry with a plethora 

of large-scale boats and dragon races that the 

kids will defi nitely enjoy. 

Take Me There 

1 KIDZANIA 

Urban Dock LaLaport Toyosu, 

North Port 3rd fl oor 33200 2-4-9 

Toyosu, Koto-ku Tokyo, 8 minutes 

by foot from Toyosu Station on the 

Yurakucho and Yurikamome lines, 

tel: +81 (3) 3536 8405 

1 TOKYO JOYPOLIS 

1-6-1 Daiba Minato-ku, Tokyo, 

tel: +81 (3) 5500 1801 

1 MEGA WEB 

1-3-12, Aomi, Koto-ku, Tokyo, 

tel: +81 (3) 3599 0808 

1 GHIBLI MUSEUM 

1-1-83 Simorenjaku, 

Mitaka-shi, Tokyo, 

www.ghibli-museum.jp 

1 FUJIQ HIGHLAND 

5-6-1 Shin-Nishihara, 

Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi, 

tel: +81 (3) 055 523 2111 

1 YOMIURI LAND 

4015-1 Yanokuchi, 

Inagi City, Tokyo, 

tel: +81 044 966 1111 

1 EDO WONDERLAND 

470-2 Karakura, Nikko, Tochigi, 

tel: +81 288 77 1777 

1 TARZANIA 

52-1-4 Ueno, Nagara-machi, 

Chousei-gun, Chiba, 

tel: +81 (3) 0475 350 071 

1 NATIONAL SCIENCE MUSEUM 

7-20 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo, 

tel: +81 (3) 5777 8600 

1 KODOMO NO SHIRO 

5-53-1 Jingumae 

Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, 

tel: +81 (3) 3797 5666 

1 TOKYO TOY MUSEUM 

4-20 Yotsuya, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 

tel: +81 (3) 5367 9601 

1 GOKOKUJI TEMPLE 

5-40-1, Otsuka, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 

tel: +81 (3) 3941 0764 

1 KANDA MYOJIN SHRINE 

2-16-2, Soto-Kanda, Chiyoda, 

Tokyo, tel: +81 (3) 3254 0753 

Jetstar flies direct to Tokyo from Cairns and the Gold Coast, 

with connecting flights from Melbourne and Sydney. JetSaver 

Light fares from AU$369 one way. Book online at Jetstar.com

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BY THE 

WATER’S 

EDGE 

From urban adventure 

to urban cool, enjoy the 

best of New Zealand’s 

biggest city on an 

action-packed weekend 

WORDS BRETT ATKINSON 


FRIDAY 

6.30PM 

Kick off your Auckland experience with 

a cocktail at the über-hip Britomart 

Country Club. Join the locals in an 

ironic spin on the in-house putting 

green or pétanque court. 

8PM 

Head to Britomart Precinct, the 

hottest new area for bars, cafés and 

restaurants, and to Café Hanoi. The 

Zen cool décor is studded with funky 

red furniture and bamboo swathes, and 

the dishes are inspired by the street 

food of the Vietnamese capital. Entréesized 

plates like prawns with tamarind 

and papaya are perfect for sharing. 

10.30PM 

Next door, a 19th-century grain 

warehouse now houses the multi-level 

performance space of 1885 Britomart. 

Live jazz starts bubbling away from 

8pm in the main bar, and from 11pm, 

Auckland’s best DJs continue the beats 

in the basement cocktail bar. 

SATURDAY 

9AM 

Experience the irresistible cultural buzz 

of the planet’s biggest Polynesian city 

at the weekly Otara Market. From 6am 

to noon every Saturday, Auckland’s 

Pacifi c communities gather to play 

music and trade fresh produce, fashion 

and handicrafts. Catch bus 497 from 

the Britomart Transport Centre , which 

is conveniently located over at the 

central part of Auckland. 

11.30AM 

Return to central Auckland and 

continue by bus (routes 746 to 769) 

along Tamaki Drive to Mission Bay. 

This is a popular weekend getaway for 

families to fl y kites, or linger over lunch 

in cosy cafés. Try fi sh and chips from 

Fish Pot Café, and a chilled bottle of 

New Zealand’s iconic L & P soft drink. 

2.30PM 

Catch the returning bus back to Okahu 

Bay. Stop in at Fergs Kayaks, which is 

run by former Olympian Ian Ferguson, 

to hire kayaks — including doubles — 

to explore this beautiful sheltered spot. 

From NZ$15 (AU$11) an hour. Or stay 

dry by hiring bicycles. 

6.30PM 

Begin your evening back in town by 

popping in for a pre-dinner drink at 

Mo’s Bar, a compact slice of cocktail 

heaven. Tune out to cool tunes from 

Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin, before 

digging into tapas at Bellota. 

8PM 

Drag yourself away from Bellota’s 

cosy booths to the Waiheke Island 

International Jazz Festival, just across 

the water and held over Easter, 22–24 

April. Or pop into the Classic Comedy 

Club which showcases homegrown Kiwi 

laughs on tap all year round. 

SUNDAY 

10AM 

Have brunch at the Merchant Mezze 

Bar, an iconic central-Auckland café 

with food inspired by the Middle East, 

Turkey and North Africa. 

11AM 

Make the short walk to Viaduct 

Harbour to join an Explore NZ sailing 

trip, or go whale- and dolphin-watching 

— both cost NZ$155 (AU$114) per 

person. Following New Zealand’s 

victory in the America’s Cup 1995, the 

Viaduct precinct has been transformed 

by buzzing cafés and restaurants. Try 

local seafood and a zingy glass of New 

Zealand sauvignon blanc at Kermadec 

restaurant’s alfresco Tasting Room. 

2.30PM 

Auckland’s tallest attraction, the Sky 

Tower, is soaring evidence that the city 

can rival Queenstown for adventure 

thrills. The SkyWalk (NZ$145, or 

AU$106 per person) is a kneetrembling 

shimmy around the Sky 

Tower’s slim circular walkway, 192m 

above central Auckland. You could 

catch a lift, but a controlled descent 

by SkyJump (NZ$245, or AU$180 per 

person) is way more fun. A “Look ‘n’ 

Leap” package with the two is NZ$290 

(AU$213). For less adrenaline, visit 

Butterfl y Creek. Apart from a pair of 

snappy saltwater crocs, New Zealand’s 

giant wetapunga (one of the world’s 

largest insects), and the country’s

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP 

LEFT: Sail away from 

Viaduct Harbour with 

Explore NZ; have the 

time of your life with 

a SkyJump at the Sky 

Tower; go dolphin- and 

whale-spotting with 

Explore NZ’s sailing 

trips; a multitude of 

scenic, alfresco cafés 

await your harbour visit 

48 HOURS 

AUCKLAND 


largest marine coral and freshwater 

tropical aquarium, you can walk into 

the butterfl y house with over 750 

tropical butterfl ies. 

6PM 

Relive your adventures over a 

Monteith’s brew (or the refreshing 

Summer’s Ale) at The Bluestone 

Room. The building has been around 

since 1841 — and back in the 1960s, 

even hosted an up-and-coming British 

band called The Rolling Stones! 


Meet Auckland’s 

famous saltwater 

crocodiles at 

Butterfl y Creek 

Take Me There 

1 BRITOMART COUNTRY CLUB 

31 Galway St, Britomart Precinct, 

tel: +64 (9) 303 2541 

1 CAFÉ HANOI 

Excelsior Building, 

cnr Galway and Commerce Sts, 

Britomart Precinct, 

tel: +64 (9) 302 3478 

1 1885 BRITOMART 

27 Galway St, 

Britomart Precinct, 

tel: +64 (9) 551 3100 

1 OTARA MARKET 

Newbury St, Otara 

1 FISH POT CAFÉ 

99 Tamaki Drv, Mission Bay, 

tel: +64 (9) 528 4097 

1 FERGS KAYAKS 

12 Tamaki Drv, Okahu Bay, 

tel: +64 (9) 529 2230 

1 MO’S BAR 

Cnr Wolfe and 

Federal Sts, 

Auckland Central, 

tel: +64 (9) 366 6066 

1 BELLOTA 

91 Federal St, 


tel: +64 (9) 363 6000 

1 WAIHEKE ISLAND 

INTERNATIONAL JAZZ 

FESTIVAL 

Fullers Group Ltd 

Tel: +64 (9) 367 9111 

1 CLASSIC COMEDY CLUB 

321 Queen St, 


tel: +64 (9) 373 4321 

1 MERCHANT MEZZE BAR 

9 Durham St East, 


tel: +64 (9) 307 2029 

1 EXPLORE NZ 

Viaduct Harbour, 

tel: 0800 724 569 (within NZ) 

1 KERMADEC 

Viaduct Harbour, 

tel: +64 (9) 304 0454 

1 SKYWALK & SKYJUMP 

SkyCity, cnr Federal 

and Victoria Sts, 


tel: +64 (9) 363 6000 

1 BUTTERFLY CREEK 

Tom Pearce Drv, 

Auckland International Airport, 

tel: +64 (9) 275 8880 

1 THE BLUESTONE ROOM 

9-11 Durham Ln, 


tel: +64 (9) 302 0930 

Jetstar flies direct to Auckland from Melbourne, Sydney, the Gold Coast, Cairns (from 12 

April) and Singapore, and across New Zealand. JetSaver Light fares from AU$199 one way. 

Book online at Jetstar.com

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A CRACKING 

GOOD TIME 

We head to Byron Bay to discover why the world 

is going nuts for Australia’s macadamias 

WORDS CLARE BRUNDLE 

RETAIL THERAPY 

MACADAMIAS 


PREVIOUS PAGE: 

Macadamias are full of 

wholesome goodness 

THIS PAGE CLOCKWISE 

FROM MAIN: The macadamia 

harvester; fallen nuts; 

macadamias harvested by the 

bristles of the harvester 

MACADAMIAS WERE PROBABLY PART OF 

THE BUSH-TUCKER DIET OF INDIGENOUS 

ABORIGINAL COMMUNITIES 

What 

springs to mind when you fi rst 

think of Byron Bay? Sun, surf 

and hippies, probably. Macadamia nuts, 

probably not. Few people know that this 

popular holiday destination is in fact the natural 

home and a cultivation hub of the much-loved 

macadamia — the only native Australian plant 

to have been developed and traded 

internationally as a commercial food product. 

Growing naturally in the region’s rainforest, 

macadamias were probably an important 

part of the bush-tucker diet of the Indigenous 

Aboriginal communities. But the hard-cased 

“kindal kindal”, as they were known, were 

overlooked as a fresh food source by European 

settlers for a good century or so. However, 

this has changed in the past 40 years with the 

transformation of a local cottage industry into 

a AU$120 million industry that now produces 

30% of the world’s macadamias, and exports 

to more than 40 countries. 

“Macadamias are the teenagers of the nut 

world, with production only getting serious in 

the early 1970s. Being the home of the world’s 

fi nest nut gives us a signifi cant competitive 

advantage,” explains Jolyon Burnett, CEO of the 

Australian Macadamia Society. 

“Australian macadamias are grown in the 

rich soil and high-rainfall coastal areas that 

are still home to the original native species. 

Australian farms and processors also have high 

production standards, with a proven ability to 

produce a superior kernel.” 

But why the sudden boom in production? A 

signifi cant boost in the number of producers, 

from a passionate small group to about 

850 growers, and major technological 

advancements in the production process 

played major parts. The barriers to entry 

appear lower than many other types of farming, 

and it can’t hurt that the trees thrive in some 

of the most beautiful parts of Australia, along 

the eastern seaboard of New South Wales and 

Queensland — with 65% of cultivation in the 

stunning Northern Rivers area. 

Daniel Harris of Piccadilly Park Macadamias 


MACADAMIA OIL HAS A UNIQUE 

COMPATIBILITY WITH THE SKIN THAT 

NO OTHER PLANT OIL HAS 

agrees. “Everyone who visits this area tends to 

wonder how they could stay, and the growing of 

macadamia nuts is a way to live in this beautiful 

area in a sustainable way,” says Harris, who 

convinced his father Rex and brother Carl to 

move to Byron in 1998, and convert a cattle 

property into a macadamia farm after falling in 

love with the region during regular surf trips. 

The Harris’ 200-acre Piccadilly Park is 

run like a model macadamia farm. They try 

to cultivate in a “green” way, while adopting 

all the latest tricks to improve yields from 

their 17,000-odd macadamia trees. Pests are 

controlled as naturally as possible: micro bat 

and barn owl boxes stud the orchard area to 

help keep rats away, while a native wasp is 

used to limit damage by other pests and nut 

borers. The latter’s introduction has made a 

huge diff erence to the industry, and exemplifi es 

how Australia leads the way in macadamia 

cultivation and production R&D. 

Such improvements have seen a 10-fold 

growth in production over the past 20 years: up 

to 10,000 tonnes of kernels last year. But where 

are all these nuts going? Around 45% will end 

up in snack packs, 23% in confectionaries, and 

21% in bakery items like Byron Bay Company’s 

more-ish gluten-free, white-choc chunk and 

macadamia-nut cookies. And that’s not to 

mention all those “imperfect” kernels from 

which macadamia nut oil is extracted, using a 

process developed 24 years ago by Macadamia 

Oils of Australia’s Suzanne Allen and two other 

local families. 

While everyone might think of macadamia 

nut oil as the fragrant, golden cooking oil, 

Allen reveals this accounts for only 10% of 

their sales. The other 90% is from cosmetics 

companies such as L’Oréal and Lancôme, who 

use the clear, odourless cosmetic-grade oil in 

the formulation of anti-ageing skincare creams 

and as a carrier oil for aromatherapy. 

“Macadamia oil has a unique compatibility 

with the skin that no other plant oil has,” Allen 

explains proudly. 

And while more than 60% of macadamias 

and their oil will be exported, there’s no denying 

the local love aff air with the king of the nut, 

for both its fl avour and recognised nutritional 

value. Among the nut’s fans are Byron’s 

Chef Gavin Hughes is 

a big fan of the virtues 

and tastiness of the 

macadamia — and loves 

cooking with it too 

King of the Castle 

Get your taste for Australia’s top nut at 

Macadamia Castle. It’s open daily, 8am to 5pm, 

and off ers a café and gift shop where you can 

taste and take away the delicious nut, and 

many other local specialities. Th ere’s also a fun 

animal park where you can pat the animals, 

ride a train or play on the huge treehouse 

playground. 1699 Pacifi c Hwy, Knockrow, 

tel: +61 (2) 6687 8432. 

Raspberry, White 

Chocolate and 

Macadamia Muffi ns 

Ingredients: 

• 2 cups self-raising fl our 

• 100g white chocolate buttons 

• ½ cup macadamia nuts, roughly chopped 

• 2/3 cup raw caster sugar 

• 1 tsp baking powder 

• 1 egg 

• 125g butter, melted 

• 2/3 cup milk 

• 1 cup frozen raspberries 

Steps: 

1. Preheat oven to 200ºC. 

2. Combine all ingredients together (except 

the frozen raspberries) in a large bowl. 

3. Gently fold in the raspberries. 

4. Grease a six-muffi n baking tin with butter, 

and evenly portion out the mixture into 

the baking tin. 

5. Bake in the oven for 20 minutes or until 

golden brown, or when an skewer comes 

out clean when inserted. 



Celebrity MasterChef 

winner Eamon 

Sullivan creates 

macadamia recipes 

for the Australian 

Macadamias Society 

paddock-to-plate chefs, such as Gavin Hughes, 

head chef at The Byron at Byron Restaurant. 

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Take a plunge into 

all Fiji has to off er 

OPPOSITE: Hop 

on the Island Day 

Cruise with Captain 

Cook Cruises 


FROM THE 

ISLANDS 

TO THE INLAND 

Explore beyond Fiji’s idyllic beaches to discover its hidden side 

WORDS GEMMA DEAVIN

Main photo: Getty Images; map illustration: Chris Andrews 

It’s 

a perfect day when I fl y into Nadi. 

From my window, I see the deep blue 

ocean running into the bright shallows of a 

moat-like reef around the mainland. Moments 

later I’m looking at a patchwork of green 

valleys, muddy rivers, muscular mountains, 

villages and sugarcane plantations. Yes, Fiji is 

far more than the typical cocktail-by-pool 

experience. Without wanting to take away 

from the bliss of friendly “bulas”, smiling faces 

and the prospect of putting your feet up at a 

resort, many opportunities await those 

wanting to discover Fiji’s culture and history. 

Within 10 minutes of being on the road 

to Denarau Island’s Radisson Resort, I’m 

discussing Fiji’s religious make-up with my 

driver, Sanjay. He, like most Fijian Indians who 

make up 46% of the population, speaks Hindi, 

practises Hinduism and identifi es with many 

of the traditions of his ancestors, who arrived 

in Fiji as labourers in the late 1800s. 

As we pass through Nadi, he points to Sri 

Siva Subramaniya, the largest Hindu temple 

in the southern hemisphere. “Everyone’s 

invited,” he says. “It’s open to all cultures, I 

hope you will visit.” I defi nitely will, I tell him. 

But I also want to make sure I fi t in some 

coastal time. To be sure, I dedicate my fi rst 

full day to the sea. I board the Ra Marama, a 

beautiful wooden sailing boat with tall elegant 

masts and a generous deck, at Port Denarau. 

The crew of Captain Cook Cruises’ Island 

Day Cruise welcomes 60 of us with smiles 

and songs. Giant plumes of white clouds sit 

weightlessly above the horizon as we set sail. 

Our destination is Tivua Island. “It’s also 

known as mystery island,” explains our host, 

Li. “It’s so small it sometimes gets lost on the 

map.” When it does come into sight, the crew 

and guests have just fi nished taking part in a 

kava ceremony. Spirits are high and mouths 

are numb — a fl eeting side eff ect of the 

traditional muddy-looking drink made of 

ground kava roots. 

“You can walk around the island in 

seven minutes,” says Li, as we putter on 

smaller boats towards the sand. “It may take a 

bit longer if you’re on Fiji time.” My trip around 

the island takes a good 20 minutes. There are 

shells to look at, palms to sit under and clear 

shallow waters to wade in. The next few hours 

stretch out in a relaxed pace. There’s a chance 

to sit and read, take a kayak out, play beach 

volleyball, eat a seafood lunch, snorkel and dive. 

On the way home, the afternoon rains 

roll in. Occasionally the sun shines through 

the clouds and the green landscape looks 

iridescent against the dark sky. I think about 

being in those hills tomorrow. 

But fi rst I enjoy an indulgent spa treatment 

back at the Radisson’s Harmony Retreat 

Spa; a holiday activity I feel compelled to 

investigate. What a luxury it is. After 80 

minutes of exfoliation and hot stone massage, 

I smell like coconut milk and honey — having 

been treated to the Pure Fiji range — and feel 

like drifting off to sleep. 

With the relaxation and coast boxes well 

and truly ticked, the interior of Fiji’s mainland 


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Photos: Gemma Deavin 

is calling. The sun is starting to cast its long 

morning shadows when Bobo, from Sigatoka 

River Safari, picks me up early the next day. 

He’s arrived with a van full of others keen to 

see a diff erent side to Fiji, and is endearingly 

confi dent. “This will be the highlight of your 

time in Fiji,” he beams. 

Driving out of Nadi towards Sigatoka 

Valley, children line the streets in crisp, white 

uniforms waiting to be picked up by the next 

bus. Fields of sugarcane, papaya, sweet 

potato and tapioca fl y by as we make our way 

through the undulating landscape where the 

air is cool. 

Bobo is generous with his time and 

information, and as the youngest of 10, he’s 

well-versed in the community dynamics of 

not only families, but also the Fijian village 

system. “Fijian society is arranged around 

mataqali, extended family groups headed by a 

hereditary village chief,” he explains. 

The trip takes 90 minutes, with a short 

stopover in Sigatoka. “In the village, we don’t 

have to worry about anything,” says Bobo 

before we arrive at the launch. “There’s more 

peace there than in town.” 

But our cultural experience is also about 

to be mixed with a touch of adventure. Two 

jet boats wait on a still stretch of the khakicoloured 

Sigatoka River. Once bundled in, 

we’re off and fl ying upriver with Josh or 

“Captain Jack Sparrow” at the helm. The 

banks are lush and green. Women wash 

their wares on the water’s edge, goats 

graze peacefully and men wave from the 

high embankments. 

The engine dies down and as we approach 

the bank, a tall man in a bright pink frangipani 

shirt is waiting to greet us. “I’m Gus,” he 

says, with a wide smile. He heads up the 

embankment to the village of Mavue. Houses 

are clustered under banana trees and a long, 

narrow path leads the way through 

the settlement. 

Sigatoka River Safari visits once a week for 

six months of the year. “Tourism lifts up our 

village,” says Gus as we walk though the restful 

environment. We hear about day-to-day life, 

marriage traditions, religious practices and how 

income is agriculturally based. “If you don’t toil 

the land, you don’t get money,” he says. 

But the highlight of the day is yet to come. 

We arrive at the community hall and are led 

to its side where smoke is billowing from a 

pile of coconut and banana leaf packages. 

I’m looking at my fi rst lovo, or “earth oven”. 

A traditional lunch — including pork, fi sh 

and tapioca cooked on the white-hot coals, 

and other specialities such as prawns, river 

mussels, fried eggplant, and a juice made of 

CLOCKWISE: Sigatoka 

River Safari will take 

you to Sigatoka Valley, 

and its river; tuck into 

a Fijian lovo; 

the warm Fijian 

hospitality makes 

everyone feel welcome 


Take Me There 


RIGHT: The Sri Siva 

Subramaniya temple 

is a must-visit 

BELOW: Fresh produce 

at the Nadi markets 

1 SRI SIVA SUBRAMANIYA 

Nadi, tel: +679 670 0016 

Tip: Wear appropriate clothing and don’t enter 

the temple or start taking photos without 

asking permission at the desk. 

1 CAPTAIN COOK CRUISES 

Port Denarau, Nadi, tel: +679 670 1823 

Tip: Be sure to pack and apply lots of 

sunscreen. 

1 HARMONY RETREAT SPA 

Radisson Resort Fiji, 

Resort Drv, Denarau Island, 

tel: + 679 675 6675 

Tip: Ask for Pure Fiji’s coconut milk and honey 

range. 

1 SIGATOKA RIVER SAFARI 

Sigatoka, tel: +679 650 1721 

Tip: Take an extra change of clothes if you 

don’t want to be sitting in wet gear all the way 

home. 

1 NADI MARKETS 

Hospital Rd, Nadi 

Tip: Try kava in the special kava section. A taxi 

from Denarau Island to Nadi will cost FJD$12 

(AU$6); a bus, FJD$1 (AU$0.50). 

Jetstar flies direct to Fiji from Sydney, 

with connections from Melbourne 

four times a week. JetSaver Light 

fares from AU$229 one way. Book 


kumquat, pineapples and bananas — is 

being served. 

Before we eat, I experience my second kava 

ceremony. Everyone in the village, from young 

children to the chief, is present. He sits quietly 

at the side of the room and is off ered the 

fi rst cup. When it comes to me, I clap three 

times and gulp it down. But the hospitality 

doesn’t end there. We’re each presented with 

an intricately handmade lei and our cheeks 

are brushed with powder. A group of men are 

playing guitar and singing, but they stop and 

everyone joins voices in a welcoming song. 

Some of Bobo’s descriptions of Fiji’s 

community-centred identity soon come to 

life. We’re all eating and dancing; taking turns 

to be led out into the middle of the fl oor to 

practise our best moves with an encouraging 

teacher. There are beaming smiles all round. 

Bobo was right — it’s the highlight of my trip. 

Back on Denarau and in search of more 

day-to-day community spirit, I set out to 

see the Nadi Markets. After fi nding my 

way through the streets and bus terminal, 

I fi nd the market place alive with trade, 

conversation and colour. I walk through the 

aisles of the building — moving from the fruit 

and vegetable section, where I buy a papaya, 

to a giant kava room with 30 dedicated stalls. 

The glistening fi sh market is tucked away 

behind glass doors. I’m met with warm smiles, 

“bulas” and at least half a dozen off ers of kava 

tastings. I accept a few, taking more big swigs, 

and begin to feel that I’m somewhat part of 

the daily Nadi routine. 

Outside, makeshift stalls are spread across 

the pavement, and fresh produce is piled in 

artistic and sculptural displays of vibrant 

colour. It’s busy, and life is happening all 

around. On the surrounding streets, small 

restaurants are serving Indian, Chinese and 

local Fijian fare. I buy some fresh roti (fl at 

bread) off a mother-and son-team on 

the sidewalk. 

Before long, it’s my last day in Fiji. I fi nally 

make it to the temple. Rebuilt in 1986 and 

reopened in 1994, it was designed in the 

traditions of ancient Dravidian architecture, a 

style rarely seen outside India. Apart from the 

intricate paint work — adorning the temple 

in piercing pinks, purples, yellows, oranges, 

blues and greens — it’s the detailed statues 

and carvings around the temples that make 

this a sight to behold. 

When I arrive, there’s scaff olding set 

up inside. Santos, one of the artists and 

craftsmen who travel to Nadi from India 

to complete the artworks and sculptures, 

is working upside down on an image of 

Ganesh; one of the most widely worshipped 

of the Hindu deities. It will take a month to 

complete, he says, and is only one of the 

panels that tell the story of Hinduism and its 

gods on the ceiling. 

I fl y out of Nadi on a very diff erent 

afternoon to the one I arrived on. The sky 

is dark grey and rain lashes the now muted 

blue ocean and coral moat. I leave with a 

richer knowledge and experience of the Fijian 

culture and community: a trip highlight. But 

even so, you’ll never go astray with a cocktail 

by the pool. 

Main photo: Photolibrary; inset: Gemma Deavin

Sudoku. 

Grab a pen, put on your thinking 

cap and join the craze! 

The objective of Sudoku is to fi ll in the missing 

squares so that each row, column and 3x3 box 

contains the numbers 1 through to 9. To get you 

started, here are a few tactics... 

Scan each horizontal and vertical band 

consisting of three 3x3 boxes. It’s often easiest 

to start in a spot with the most numbers already 

given. If you can fi nd the same number in two 

rows, you know that number must be in the third 

(the same goes for columns). Now see which 

intersecting rows and columns can be eliminated 

because they also contain that number. (This 

method is called slicing and dicing.) 

Some Sudoku fans like to pencil in possible 

answers in the corners of individual squares. Once 

you have a few numbers fi lled in, you may also fi nd 

it handy to jot down a list of missing numbers for 

each row, column and box. 

Good luck! See page 80 for answers. 

SUDOKU EASY SUDOKU MODERATE 

4 2 

6 1 7 4 

8 1 4 

7 3 9 5 

8 3 7 1 

5 4 8 6 

9 2 3 

9 5 2 7 

4 3 

5 7 6 9 

2 6 8 1 

2 7 9 4 

4 3 1 

8 1 2 5 

1 5 7 4 

7 6 2 8 

BRAIN TEASERS 

TRIVIA SUDOKU 

QUIZ 


BRAIN TEASERS 

CROSSWORD TRIVIA QUIZ & ANSWERS 

40-question 

quiz. 

1. Who plays the lead role in Black Swan? 

2. Wiener schnitzel is named after which 

European city? 

3. What is the common acronym of 

light amplifi cation by the stimulated 

emission of radiation? 

4. What name is given to an offi cer on board a 

ship charged with keeping accounts? 

5. Who wrote the plays Hay Fever, Private 

Lives and Blithe Spirit? 

6. Flying Jetstar, which Australian city would 

you be if you were in the “City of Villages”? 

7. What is an egg-laying mammal called? 

8. Which award is presented by the 

Hollywood Foreign Press Association? 

9. Which nation’s boom economy was 

called the Celtic Tiger? 


10. Who played Marshall “Rooster” Cogburn in 

the original fi lm version of True Grit? 

11. Which 19th-century American folk 

hero is also known as the “King of the 

Wild Frontier”? 

12. Which household appliance is synonymous 

with Sir James Dyson? 

13. At his birth, the Duke of Edinburgh was 

a prince in the royal families of which 

two countries? 

14. Which French term describes a novel 

in which actual persons and events are 

disguised as fi ction? 

15. Who is Australia’s highest-ranked 

female tennis player? 

16. Minarets are tall, thin towers that are 

traditionally found on which buildings? 

17. Where does port wine originate from? 

18. Who was the long-running host of the show 

The 7.30 Report? 

19. What is the active ingredient in nail 

polish remover? 

20. Where are the Crown Jewels of the United 

Kingdom stored? 

21. Which term was coined by Richard 

Dawkins to mean the cultural 

equivalent of a gene? 

22. Which series about an alien was a spin-off 

of Happy Days? 

23. What is the name of Dorothea 

Mackellar’s most famous poem? 

24. Flying Jetstar, where would you be visiting 

if you were to land at Ninoy Aquino 

International Airport? 

25. Which motorcycle company is 

associated with the nickname “Hog”? 

26. The meat-and-bean stew feijoada is the 

famous national dish of which South 

American country? 

27. What is a white stoat called? 

28. Who is Burt Bacharach’s lyricist partner? 

29. Along with Doric and Ionic, which other 

style constitutes the three orders of 

classical architecture? 

30. What is the name of Tintin’s dog? 

31. Which ailment can also be called 

podagra when it aff ects the foot? 

32. How is Aussie TV and radio host Jacqueline 

Henderson better known? 

33. In which country is the active Mount 

Erebus found? 

34. Which Biblical mighty hunter is the 

great-grandson of Noah? 

35. Back to Bedlam, All the Lost Souls and 

Some Kind of Trouble are albums by 

which singer? 

36. Which author created Hannibal Lecter? 

37. What is the name of the octopus 

character in The Wiggles? 

38. Which play has been running since 1952? 

39. What does the acronym ANZAC 

stand for? 

40. Swahili, Shona and Zulu are members of 

which group of languages? 

Photo: Fox Searchlight

BRAIN TEASERS 

CROSSWORD & ANSWERS 

ARROW CROSSWORD 

New York’s 

country 

Full 

strength 

Storage 

container 

Picked, 

chose 

Directionfinding 

system 

A Single __, 

Colin 

Firth film 


Daniel __, 

Casino 

Royale star 

Entice 

__ Symons, 

Without 

broadcasting 

delay (inits) 

personality 

__ in Pink, 

1986 Brat 

Pack movie 

Use your 

tongue 

to drink 

Adverse, 

harmful 

Stakes 

Private 

association 

Miranda __, 

model 

mum 

Paddle 

Whisky 

measure 

Fry in fat 

Give ground 

Ties the 

knot 

Desiccated 

Arrow Crossword 

C S 

A M E R I C A W 

A ALLURE 

UND I LUTED 

G BETS 

JAR K R 

SELECTED 

RADAR OAR 

P PRETTY 

Sudoku Moderate 

1 6 7 9 5 3 4 8 2 

5 8 4 1 2 7 6 3 9 

3 9 2 6 8 4 5 1 7 

2 7 3 8 6 5 1 9 4 

9 4 5 2 3 1 8 7 6 

8 1 6 7 4 9 3 2 5 

6 2 1 5 7 8 9 4 3 

7 3 9 4 1 6 2 5 8 

4 5 8 3 9 2 7 6 1 

4 8 9 6 2 1 3 5 7 

5 6 1 3 7 4 8 2 9 

3 7 2 8 9 5 6 1 4 

7 4 6 1 3 9 5 8 2 

8 9 3 5 6 2 7 4 1 

2 1 5 4 8 7 9 3 6 

9 2 8 7 1 3 4 6 5 

1 3 4 9 5 6 2 7 8 

6 5 7 2 4 8 1 9 3 

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Sudoku Easy 

1. Natalie Portman 

2. Vienna 3. Laser 

4. Purser 5. Noël Coward 

6. Sydney 7. Monotreme 

8. Golden Globe Award 

9. Ireland 10. John Wayne 

11. Davy Crockett 

12. Cyclonic vacuum 

cleaner 13. Greece and 

Denmark 14. Roman à clef 

15. Samantha Stosur 

16. Mosques 17. Portugal 

18. Kerry O’Brien 

19. Acetone 20. The Tower 

of London 21. Meme 

22. Mork & Mindy 

23. “My Country” 

24. Manila 25. Harley- 

Davidson 26. Brazil 

27. Ermine 28. Hal David 

29. Corinthian 30. Snowy 

31. Gout 32. Jackie O 

33. Antarctica 34. Nimrod 

35. James Blunt 

36. Thomas Harris 

37. Henry 

38. The Mousetrap 

39. Australian and New 

Zealand Army Corps 

40. Bantu 

Trivia Answers

PAC0 PAC AC AC0 C0 C 00 006/ 06/ 6 JM J 

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89 Jetstar kids’ competition 

90 StarKids 

93 

 

96 where we fl y 

99 menu 

102 your wellbeing onboard 

104 international adventures 

116 domestic airports 

119 domestic destinations focus 

DONATE TO STARKIDS 

AT JETSTAR.COM 

now even easier for you to help out less 

It’s developed communities throughout the regions 

you’re visiting — through World Vision’s StarKids program. 

Similar to opting to carbon-off set, you can now 

choose to make a tax-deductible donation to 

StarKids as part of your booking process on 

Jetstar.com — whether you’re fl ying within Australia 

or fl ying internationally from Australia. 

With Jetstar.com now attracting over six million 

unique monthly visitors, you simply select ‘yes’ or ‘no’ 

to make a tax-deductible donation, and to nominate 

an amount: AU$2, AU$5, AU$10, AU$25 or AU$100. 

In addition, Jetstar Australian domestic and 

international fl yers departing from Australia 

continue to be able to donate spare change of 

any currency onboard all fl ights. Just put your 

spare change in the StarKids envelopes, which are 

located in the seat pockets of these fl ights. 


Desire Collection

I’ve had the most awesome Christmas 

holiday. We fl ew to Adelaide to visit my 

grandparents and cousins. I had heaps of 

fun with them. We went swimming, to the 

movies and played soccer in the backyard. 

On the really hot days, we stayed inside and 

dad helped me build my Lego Police Station 

I got from Santa. 

From Michelin, Sydney, New South Wales 

Jetstar Readers’ Competition 

It was very fun in Fiji. We swam in the big pool 

and we also played on the beach. 

From Poppy, Sydney, New South Wales 

Dear Jetstar, when I went to Fiji I did many 

things such as snorkelling, swimming, playing 

and having fun. We stayed at Naiveté resort 

west of Suva. We had a great time there and my 

brother especially liked all the diff erent foods. 

All the family went and had a great time, and 

the fl ight there was the most exciting part; I love 

fl ying! This picture is of our view of the sunset 

as we ate our dinner next to the beach. I had a 

truly magical holiday in Fiji. 

From Sam, Sydney, New South Wales 

FAN 

TALES 

Tell us about your 

Jetstar holiday for your 

chance to win a AU$100 

travel voucher! 

Hey, 

kids! Simply write 

us a letter about 

your holiday, and each month, 

the three best letters we 

receive from our Jetstar 

passengers will win a AU$100 

fl ight voucher*. 

It’s easy to win! To enter: 

— eligible entrants must 

(during the promotion 

period) fl y Jetstar on a 

holiday, 

— write a letter to us telling 

us all about your holiday in 100 words or 

less. Include where you went, what you did, 

what you liked, what you saw, 

— send us a photo of you on holiday or a 

drawing of everything that you enjoyed! 

— submit with all your contact details. 

Entries must be sent via post (at the 

expense of the entrant) labelled Jetstar 

Magazine My Holiday Competition to PO 

BOX 4713, Melbourne, Victoria, 3001. 

* Terms and conditions apply. See Jetstar. 

com/magazine for more details. 

To enter: Write a 100-word story about your 

holiday and post your entry, along with your 

Jetstar boarding pass, to Jetstar Magazine, My 

Holiday Competition, PO BOX 4713, Melbourne 

Victoria, 3001. The promotion commences 

at 12.01 am (AEDT) on 1 November, 2010 and 

closes at midnight 12.00 pm (AEST) on 30 

April, 2011. The winners will be the most colourful 

and creative entries submitted each month 

during the Promotion Period, as selected by 

a panel of judges appointed by the Promotor. 

Winners will be notifi ed by email within two 

days of the judging taking place at the beginning 

of each new month. There are 18 individual 

prizes. Each prize is the same and consists of 1 

x AU$100 Jetstar voucher. Three prizes are issued 

per month for the duration of the promotion 

(6 months). The total value of the prizes is 

AU$1,800. The promoter is Jetstar Airways Pty 

Limited (ABN 33 069 720 243) of Level 4, 222 

Bourke Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000. Full terms 

and conditions can be found at www.jetstar. 

com/magazine. 


starkids 

BRINGING 

HOPE HOME 

Standing up with a smile: lifting the 

stigma of HIV and AIDS in Cambodia 

WORDS WORLD VISION 


In 

many developing countries around the 

world, the impact of HIV and AIDS is 

far-reaching. Due to a lack of information about 

HIV transmission and fear of infection, families 

and friends of those living with the disease 

also end up getting shunned by their peers, 

regardless of their own HIV status. 

In Cambodia, with StarKids' support, World 

Vision is working to end the discrimination of 

people living with HIV and AIDS, while supporting 

aff ected families. One of those who is benefi ting 

from this work is Sokha, a 10-year-old child whose 

father died of AIDS when she was three. Her 

mother, Bopha, is HIV-positive. 

All too often, children living in poverty miss out 

on an education because they have to look after a 

sick parent or work to help their families survive. 

Prior to World Vision’s assistance, Sokha not only 

had to help her grandmother look after her ailing 

mother and fi nd food to eat, but also faced bullies 

at school, despite the fact that she does not have 

HIV herself. 

“I was really depressed and angry with the 

other children who said to me ‘your mother lives 

with HIV and AIDS’. I didn’t want to go to school, 

and I really wanted to fi ght those [who] used 

those words of contempt... Yet I could only cry and 

deeply pity my mother,” Sokha says softly. 

For families like Sokha’s, the stigma of HIV and 

AIDS added additional pressure to an already 

diffi cult situation. Although Bopha is a farmer, 

locals would not buy her produce, afraid that they 

would be susceptible to infection. And as time 

went on, Bopha became too sick to work at all. 

But this small family now has renewed hope 

for the future, following the assistance from a 

StarKids-supported project that helps people 

living with HIV and AIDS — as well as orphans and 

vulnerable children. 

World Vision has helped Bopha access 

government-provided anti-retroviral treatment, 

and the medication has improved her health 

dramatically. Most importantly, mother and 

daughter now have a support network. World 

Vision staff visit their home regularly, and Bopha 

has received training in health, hygiene and 

agricultural skills. After receiving chickens through 

the project, she has increased the amount of food 

she can harvest, and is able to generate additional 

income for her family. 

Local awareness-raising campaigns have 

dispelled myths about HIV and AIDS. Community 

members now know that they will not become 

infected through everyday contact, and attitudes 

MAIN: Sokha and her mother 

Bopha. Prior to Bopha 

receiving anti-retroviral 

treatment, Sokha had to take 

care of her, as she was too 

sick to work 

THIS PAGE: Before World 

Vision’s awareness activities, 

Sokha was bullied at school 

— now, she is thriving and has 

many new friends 

towards people living with HIV and AIDS, and their 

families, are beginning to improve. As a result, 

Sokha no longer has to face these incredible 

challenges alone. 

“Now I have lots of friends, and my mother 

has good relationships with the neighbours,” says 

Sokha. “My mother looks healthy and stronger,” 

she adds, smiling. 

Now that Bopha’s health has improved, Sokha 

no longer shoulders most of the household 

responsibilities, and can focus more on her 

studies. She loves books, and spends time reading 

Cambodian folktales to Bopha, who cannot read 

or write. She dreams of becoming a teacher one 

day, and educating her peers about HIV and AIDS. 

Memories of how life used to be are still painful 

for Sokha. “I don’t like to think of my life in the 

past because it’s such a nightmare for me,” she 

says, her eyes brimming with tears. “We didn’t 

have food to eat; mostly we ate potatoes and 

tapioca roots, which my grandmother and I had 

to search for in the bush nearby the village... now, 

I have World Vision staff who love and care about 

my family.” 

Two years ago, Sokha and Bopha were unable 

to envision a future, struggling to survive day to 

day. But by investing in education, healthcare 

and skills training for Sokha and Bopha, this 

StarKids-supported project has transformed their 

daily lives, and improved mother and daughter's 

status within their community. 

Sokha says World Vision’s support for her 

education really spurs her on and “encourages me 

to study hard for my future”. 

“I believe that my mother will stay healthy, so 

that she can be with me until I grow up.” 

Help support this and other projects by 

donating to Jetstar’s StarKids program. Visit 

worldvision.com.au/ourwork/solutions/ 

JetstarStarkids.aspx to fi nd out more. 

YOU CAN HELP 

Vulnerable children and communities 

need our help. The StarKids 

partnership between Jetstar and 

World Vision was formed to help 

children enjoy a brighter future. 

You can support StarKids by 

donating loose change in the 

donation envelope located in your 

seat pocket. 

Let your small change 

create change! 

About StarKids 

Tim Costello, CEO, World Vision 

How did StarKids come about? 

StarKids is a humanitarian partnership 

between World Vision Australia and Jetstar. 

Th e partnership supports community-based 

development projects in Australia and across 

Asia, and aims to improve the lives of families 

living in poverty. It’s about giving children a 

brighter future. 

What does StarKids aim to achieve? 

Th e support given to World Vision through 

StarKids will go towards transforming the 

lives of vulnerable children. 

How can Jetstar passengers help? 

Your donations would be most welcome! 

Please place your small change (all currencies) 

in the StarKids envelope located in your seat 

pocket. Th e money collected from Jetstar 

passengers will be given to World Vision 

Australia for community development 

projects in Australia and Asia. You can also 

donate online at www.jetstar.com/starkids. 

Where can I get more information about 

World Vision projects? 

Visit www.worldvision.com.au 

or www.jetstar.com/starkids for 

more information. 


Take off to an indulgent getaway and support Queensland by 

choosing to holiday at Port Douglas Carnivale! From glamourous, 

gourmet events like Palates of Port to the alfresco fun of the 

Four Mile Beach Day, Port Douglas turns on all its charm during 

Carnivale - the festival that’s fun for everyone! 

19-29 May, 2011 

Visit carnivale.com.au

100ml 


INDIA 

SRI LANKA 


MYANMAR 

CHINA 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TAIWAN 

 

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CAMBODIA 

PHILIPPINES 

 

 

 

 

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JETSTAR VIETNAM DOMESTIC 

Ha Noi 

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Ho Chi Minh City 

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SINGAPORE 

INDONESIA 

JAVA 

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AUSTRALIA 

JAPAN 

NOW FLYING 

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JETSTAR INTERNATIONAL SERVICES OPERATED BY 

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JETSTAR INTERNATIONAL SERVICES OPERATED BY 

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JETSTAR OPERATES FLIGHTS THROUGHOUT VIETNAM WITH 

JETSTAR PACIFIC (LEFT INSET) 

JETSTAR OPERATES FLIGHTS THROUGHOUT 

NEW ZEALAND (RIGHT INSET) 

QANTAS CONNECTIONS TO LONDON 

QANTAS CONNECTIONS TO LONDON AND FRANKFURT 

JETSTAR VIETNAM DOMESTIC CONNECTIONS TO 

SINGAPORE AND DARWIN 

 

 

 

 

30% more 

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Cairns in 2011* 

JetSaver Light 

fares from 

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New direct 

flights 

Auckland – 

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from 12 April* 

 

NEW ZEALAND 

 

 

JETSTAR FLIES FROM PERTH TO THE GOLD COAST FROM 

4 APRIL 2011* 

JETSTAR FLIES FROM AUCKLAND TO CAIRNS FROM 12 

APRIL 2011* 

*SUBJECT TO REGULATORY APPROVAL

(Avalon) 

where we fly 

Fly Jetstar to more than 50 holiday destinations throughout 

Australia, New Zealand, Asia and the South Pacific 

JETSTAR AUSTRALIA DOMESTIC 

BOOK NOW! 

Fly Perth – 

Gold Coast 

from 4 April* 

WESTERN 

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TERRITORY 

NOW FLYING 

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FLY DIRECT 

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JETSTAR NEW ZEALAND DOMESTIC 

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QUEENSLAND 

 

 

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NEW SOUTH WALES 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


FREE 

Serve cafe style coffee to 

your clients and staff, 

every day. 

Simply order your 

coffee beans through 

us, and we will supply 

you with a world class 

Italian automatic 

coffee machine. 

Easy to use and less 

than 30 cents per coffee. 

We’re currently serving 

all over Australia - no of ce too big or small! 

Conditions apply. 

Coffee machine 

for your of ce! 

Call us at Arico Coffee 0423 980 500 or visit 

www.freecoffeemachine.com.au 

Swiss t=me 

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RRP $356.00 

A627.30303.11SBB 40mm 

RRP $356.00 

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e: info@quorumtime.biz 

p: +61 3 9822 4533 

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RRP $356.00 

www.quorumtime.biz 

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snacks 

AU$ 

While’s Nibbles Assorted Nuts $3.50 

Dry Roasted Almonds, Cashews & Macadamias 

Mainland “On the Go” Tasty Cheese & Crackers $4.00 

Pringles $4.00 

Sour Cream & Onion or Original 

Authentic Nissin Cup Noodles $5.00 

Hot Chicken Soup filled with yummy noodles 

Miso soup $3.00 

(Japan flights only) 

Savory Spicy Broad Beans $4.00 

(Japan flights only) 

sweets 

AU$ 

Oven Baked Gourmet Muffin $4.00 

Blueberry 

Byron Bay Cookie Bar $3.00 

White Choc Chunk and Macadamia Nut (Gluten Free) 

M&M’s — Milk Chocolate $3.00 

Mars Bar $3.00 

DOMESTIC NEW ZEALAND 

Snacks Choices NZ$ 

While’s Nibbles Assorted Nuts $3.50 

Pringles $4.00 

Authentic Nissin Cup Noodles 

Sweet Choices 

$5.00 

Oven-baked Gourmet Muffin $4.00 

Cookie Time Chocolate Fix $3.00 

M&M’s - Milk Chocolate $3.00 

Mars Bar $3.00 

Cafe NZ$ 

Republica Coffee (Fairtrade and Organic) 

100% Colombian, Arabica 

$3.00 

Nature’s Cuppa Tea (Fairtrade and Organic) $3.00 

New Zealand Domestic menu items are in NZD. 

meals 

AU$ 

Classic Fresh Sandwiches $7.00 

Shaved Leg Ham & Tasty Cheese with a mild mustard 

mayonnaise or Egg, Mayo & Cos Lettuce 

Gourmet Chicken Wrap $8.00 

Chicken mixed with basil pesto, 

mayonnaise & sundried tomatoes with lettuce 

in a soft tortilla (Served cold) 

Hot Light Meal $10.00 

(not available on all flights) 

Hot Meal $12.00 

(available only on flights to/ 

from New Zealand and International) 

English Breakfast Tea 

Nestlé Hot Chocolate $4.00 

Beverages (Non Alcoholic) 

Lemonade $3.00 

Coke or Diet Coke $3.00 

Orange Juice $3.00 

Nu Pure Spring Water 

Beverages (Alcoholic) 

$3.50 

Heineken $7.00 

Victoria Bitter $6.00 

Amstel Light Beer $5.50 

Firestick Shiraz $7.00 

Firestick Semillon Sauvignon Blanc $7.00 

Smirnoff Vodka Ice Red $8.00 

Bundaberg Rum & Cola $8.00 

Jim Beam Bourbon & Cola $8.00 


Cullen Bay 

Best Barramundi in Darwin! 

Tel: (08) 8941 1141 

with magnifi cent arrangements 

Decorate your home every day 

Deliveries locally, interstate and worldwide 

Arrangements and hampers with chocolates, candy, 

gourmet food, soft toys or helium balloons 

Ph: 08 8948 0504 www.fl owersfromtheheart.com.au 

Fax: 08 8985 1992 Email: flowersfromtheheart@bigpond.com.au 

Shop 14 Nightcliff Shopping Centre, Dick Ward Drive, Nightcliff, NT 

Valentine’s Day 

Weddings 

Babies 

Birthdays 

Special Events 

Funerals 

(07) 5538 9291 

Open 7 days breakfast, lunch, dinner and take away 

sierra grand building, corner of margaret avenue 

and gold coast highway, broadbeach, qld, 4218

your wellbeing onboard 

SAFETY, SECURITY & COMFORT 

Jetstar is a wholly owned subsidiary of Qantas Airways Limited and places the 

same emphasis on achieving standards of excellence in safety and security. 

QANTAS GROUP SECURITY 

The risk-management challenges facing 

today’s airline industry remain complex. We 

are continually addressing assessed security 

threats and risks to minimise vulnerability. The 

application of risk-management principles, 

innovation and a commitment to excellence 

all contribute to creating an effective security 

environment. A dedicated Qantas Group 

Security Operations Centre monitors global 

security 24 hours a day. 

Many of our security measures are not 

apparent to the public. However, during 

check-in and boarding you may have noticed 

security measures such as: 

• Random explosive trace detection of 

passengers and their carry-on luggage. 

• Laptops and aerosols being subjected to 

enhanced inspection at screening points. 

• Increased vigilance at passenger screening 

points and increased guarding of our 

aircraft and terminals. 

Further measures apply to flights to the 

United States: 

• Additional carry-on baggage searches just 

prior to boarding. 

• Random baggage searches at check-in 

and boarding. 

• Passengers selected at random for patdown 

inspections, including the removal and 

checking of shoes. 

CARRY-ON BAGGAGE 

Rules are needed to protect you from the 

threat of liquid explosives. Liquids, aerosols 

or gels in your carry-on baggage must be 100 

millilitres/grams or less and must be sealed 

in a transparent independently resealable, 

one-litre plastic bag. You are only allowed 

one plastic bag. You may still carry on board 

prescription medicines. Baby products and 

non-prescription medicines that you need for 

the flight are also allowed. Proof of need may 

be required. Please Note: These restrictions do 

not apply to checked-in baggage. 

SAFETY FIRST 

Seatbelts must be fastened during take-off, 

landing and when you are seated in case your 

aircraft encounters turbulence. Luggage 

must be stored in the overhead locker or 

under the seat in front of you. The back of 

your seat must be upright and the tray table 

fastened when the aircraft is taking off and 

landing. Please remain seated after landing 

until you are invited to leave the aircraft. 

Sleeping on the aircraft floor is not permitted. 

Please read the safety instruction card in 

your seat pocket, noting emergency exits 

and location of life jackets. Please watch 

the safety demonstration prior to take-off. 


In an emergency, the crew will give specific 

instructions. They may speak assertively and 

will require your cooperation. 

SMOKING 

Government regulations prohibit smoking on 

all flights operated by Australian-registered 

aircraft. There are smoke detectors in all 

toilets and penalties for regulation breaches. 

THE IMPORTANCE OF BLOOD 

CIRCULATION AND MUSCLE 

RELAXATION DURING FLIGHTS 

If you have concerns about your health and 

flying, Jetstar recommends you seek 

medical advice before flying. When you’re 

sitting upright and are inactive for a long 

period, several things can happen: 

• The central blood vessels in your legs can 

be compressed, making it harder for the 

blood to get back to your heart. 

• Muscles can become tense, resulting 

in backaches and a feeling of excessive 

fatigue during and even after the flight. 

• The normal body mechanism for returning 

fluid to the heart can be inhibited and 

gravity can cause fluid to collect in your feet, 

resulting in swollen feet after a long flight. 

• Some studies have concluded that 

prolonged immobility may be a risk factor 

in the formation of blood clots in the legs 

– Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). Particular 

medical conditions may increase the risk 

of formation of blood clots if associated 

with prolonged immobility. Medical 

research indicates that factors which may 

give you an increased risk of DVT include: 

• Personal or family history of DVT 

• Recent surgery or injury, especially to the 

lower limbs or abdomen 

• Blood disorders leading to increased 

clotting tendency 

• If you are older than 40 

• Oestrogen hormone therapy, including 

oral contraceptives 

• Pregnancy 

• Tobacco smoking 

• Former or current malignant disease 

• Obesity 

• Dehydration 

• Heart problems 

• Varicose veins 

Compression stockings can assist in 

preventing swelling of the ankles and feet 

and they may improve the blood return 

to the body from the lower legs. These 

stockings can be purchased from medical 

and surgical supply companies and 

need to be individually fitted to your leg 

measurements. During your flight, move 

your legs and feet three or four minutes per 

hour while seated and move about the cabin 

occasionally. 

CABIN PRESSURE 

If you are suffering nasal congestion, an ear 

infection or allergies, Jetstar recommends 

seeking medical advice before flying. 

A cold, flu or hay fever can impair your 

sinuses. Swollen membranes in your nose 

could block the Eustachian tubes between 

your nasal passages and your middle ear 

chamber. This can cause discomfort during 

changes in cabin pressure, particularly 

during the aircraft’s descent. 

• To “clear” your ears, try swallowing and/or 

yawning. This helps open your Eustachian 

tubes, equalising the pressure between 

your middle ear chamber and your throat. 

• When you are flying with an infant, give 

them a dummy or feed them during the 

aircraft’s descent. Sucking and swallowing 

will help the infant equalise the pressure in 

their ears. 

CABIN HUMIDITY / DEHYDRATION 

Humidity levels of less than 25% are 

common in the aircraft cabin. This is due 

to the low humidity levels of the outside 

air supplied to the cabin. Low humidity can 

cause drying of the nose, throat and eyes 

and it can irritate wearers of contact lenses. 

We recommend that you: 

• Drink water frequently during flight. 

• Drink coffee, tea and alcohol only in 

moderation – these drinks act as diuretics, 

increasing dehydration. 

• Remove contact lenses and wear glasses if 

your eyes are irritated. 

• Use a skin moisturiser to refresh the skin. 

MOTION SICKNESS 

This ailment is caused by a conflict between 

the body’s senses of vision and equilibrium. 

Air turbulence increases its likelihood 

because it can cause movement of fluid in 

the vestibular apparatus of the inner ear. 

If you have good visual cues (keeping your 

eyes fixed on a non-moving object), motion 

sickness is less likely to occur. 

JETSTAR SECURITY POLICY 

Jetstar has a strict policy on denying 

boarding to any passengers who are 

inappropriate in flight or on ground in 

comments or behaviour. Jetstar does not 

accept any inappropriate comments as 

“jokes”. All matters are referred to relevant 

authorities for prosecution. Jetstar will seek 

to recover all costs incurred as a result of 

inflight incidents from those involved. 

MORE INFORMATION ON IN-FLIGHT 

HEALTH ISSUES CAN BE FOUND AT: 

www.qantas.com.au/info/flying/InTheAir/ 

yourHealthInflight

APT Melbourne Sightseeing 

Take a Friend for 30% Off* any Melbourne Day Tour! 

Simply book by 30 Apr. 2011 – Travel before 30 Sept. 2011 

Call our 24 Hour Reservations ☎ 1300 655 965 

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travel until 30 Sept. 2011. Limited offer, subject to availability. Cannot be combined with any other offer. 

DT434 

M

international adventures 

A traditional 

Fijian dance 

FIJI 

This South Pacifi c nation 

is a dream with white, 

sandy beaches, crystalclear 

lagoons and lush, 

tropical gardens — and 

warm, friendly people only 

too happy to share their 

fascinating culture. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

FROM THE AIRPORT 

Nadi Town 8km from Nadi 

International Airport 

Travel time Nadi Town is 10–15 

mins by car 

Taxi FJ$7–$10 (AU$3.76–$5.37) 

Airport Shuttle US$10.18 

(AU$10.11) per person one way to 

Nadi Town 

ON THE GO 

1. Car hire Cars can be hired at 

the airport and you drive on the left 

side of the road as in Australia. 

2. Taxi Plentiful, but you need 

to make sure they switch on 

the meters. 

3. Motorcycle Bright yellow bikes 

to rent from Westside Motorcycles. 

4. Light plane Getting to 

Suva from Nadi could cost you 

FJ$86–$103 (AU$46.16–$55.29). 

JOCELYN 

WHITESIDE 

Business development 

director, Sofi tel Fiji 

Resort & Spa 

Great place for dinner: 

I absolutely love Salt Restaurant 

at the Sofi tel. Not only is the food 

fantastic, it also has a great setting 

by the sea. I often dine there on my 

day off with my husband. 

Best place to party with the 

gang: Ice bar in Martintar is a 

new favourite with the locals. 

Pool tables, good music and a 

great bar selection are the perfect 

ingredients for a fun night out. 

Must-buy gifts: Pure Fiji 

products. There are gorgeous 

candles, room fragrances, oils and 

body lotions all made right here in 

Fiji. There’s a concept store at the 

Sofi tel Fiji — so if you’re staying on 

Denarau, I would recommend you 

check it out. 

Survival tips for tourists: 

Wear sunscreen and remember 

to hydrate. Fiji can very humid — 

particularly during the Christmas 

holidays — and when you’re out in 

the sun lounging by the pool, it’s 

easy to forget about drinking water, 

and reapplying your sunscreen. 

Unusual fact: We’re the only 

country in the world where you can 

experience yesterday and today. 

The International Date Line crosses 

straight through Taveuni. 

Local delicacy: Kokoda 

(pronounced “kokonda” in Fijian) 

is fresh fi sh marinated in lime juice, 

and dressed with coconut milk and 

condiments. It’s a must-try. 

Favourite local festival: In Fiji, 

we’re multicultural and make it a 

point to celebrate Diwali, the Hindu 

festival of lights, each October. 

It’s just beautiful. Houses are 

decorated with lights, candles 

and fi reworks are lit, the local 

Indians are dressed in their fi nest 

traditional wear, and there are 

plenty of my favourite sweets. 

Catch a barrel 

wave in Honolulu 

HONOLULU 

HAWAII 

VISA REQUIREMENTS: Passengers are advised to make themselves 

familiar with the relevant visa requirements for international travel. 

Visa requirements may diff er between countries. 

Honolulu, on the island of 

Oahu, is one of the world’s 

most exotic capital cities. 

Encapsulating a modern 

vitality with the delightful 

charm of old Hawaiiana, it 

reverberates with aloha — 

the spirit of welcome. 

 

 

 

 

 

 


CBD 14km from Honolulu 


Travel time CBD is around 

15 mins by car 

 

Taxi Approx US$40 (AU$39.73) 

VIP stretch limo From US$70 

(AU$69.53) for two people 

 

Airport shuttle US$9 (AU$8.94) 

and taking around 20 mins 

Bus Every 30 mins at US$2 

(AU$1.99) for bus number 19 and 

taking around 1hr 10 mins 

ON THE GO 

Bus There are many hotel 

shuttle buses, public buses and 

quaint open-air trolley buses — 

Oahu has an excellent bus network. 

For a fl at fee of US$2 (AU$1.99) 

you can easily travel any distance, 

including bus changes, to any 

attraction you’d like to visit. 

TALIN WOZNICK 

Professional tandem 

surfer 

Best breakfast: The best 

breakfast to wake up to in my 

opinion is omelettes and pancakes 

with the special fl avours of Hawaii 

at the Hula Grill Waikiki — amid the 

beautiful Koa wood decor, there’s a 

nice view of the ocean. 

Great place for dinner: My top 

pick would be Aaron’s restaurant, 

which is located on top of Ala 

Moana Hotel. It’s got a great view 

of the ocean, and the food is Italian 

with a Hawaiian twist. 

Best place to party with 

the gang: Jimmy Buff et’s 

Margaritaville — it’s got it all 

— fabulous food, music and 

atmosphere. It also feels like you’re 

inside a volcano. 

Favourite local festival: The 

10-day Duke Ocean Fest/The World 

Tandem Surfi ng Championship 

that happens every year at the end 

of August at Queens Beach over 

in Waikiki. 

Best idea for a family outing: 

A dolphin excursion to the West 

Side, where you can swim in the 

ocean with dolphins. 

Most romantic spot: The whole 

of Hawaii is wonderfully romantic, 

but if I had to pick only one 

romantic spot, I’d have to say one 

of my favourites is Lanikai Beach at 

the windward side of Oahu. 

Most unusual thing to do: 

Tandem surfi ng with the tandem 

surfi ng world champion Bear 

Woznick, where he lifts you in the 

air while you surf. Oh, and he just 

happens to be my husband. 

I love Honolulu because: It’s 

a tropical paradise, with beautiful 

waves, gorgeous sunsets, lovely 

palm trees, delicious food and 

wonderful people — and of course, 

I met my husband here, too.

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INHOUSE DENTAL LAB/CEREC 

GALiLEOS 3D X-RAY (SIRONA) 

BALI 911 DENTAL CLINIC IMPLANT CENTER 

Jl. Patimura No. 9-11 Denpasar, Bali – Indonesia 

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website: www.ivodent.com, www.bali911dentalclinic.com 

MALL BALI GALERIA 

2nd fl oor No. 2c-58/59 Jl Bypass Ngurah Rai Simpang Dewa Ruci Kuta 

Phone: 766255, 766254 E-mail: rudysald@yahoo.com 

Speak to the dentist (0361-7449911) 

OPEN ON SUNDAY 

JAKARTA OFFICE 

Dharmawangsa Square 

Ground Floor Unit 65, Jakarta 

Phone: (021) 727 88284, Hp. 081 113 7241 

E-mail: mguzt@mac.com 

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AYANA Resort and Spa Bali 

Jl. Karang Mas Sejahtera Jimbaran, Bali 80364 

T.+(62)361 702222 | reservation@ayanaresort.com 

www.ayanaresort.com


Making 

off erings to 

the gods 

BALI 

INDONESIA 

One of Asia’s best holiday 

islands, Indonesia’s Bali 

has the irresistible allure 

of sun, sea, surf and 

mountains, along with 

a rich cultural heritage. 

Top it all off with excellent 

eating and shopping. 

Java 

Borneo 

INDONESIA 

Bali 

(Denpasar) 


CBD 15km from Denpasar’s Ngurah 

Rai Airport 

Travel time Kuta Beach is around 


Taxi About IDR30,000 (AU$3.40) 

Shuttle bus Most hotels off er 

complimentary pick-up 

DAMRI Bus IDR15,000 (AU$1.70) 

to any city bus station 

ON THE GO 

1. Taxi Get your hotel to order one 

for you and always try to arrange for 

a return trip. 

2. Hired car The only way to go 

beyond the city and into the villages. 

Hiring a driver only costs a little bit 

more, but is worth the price. 

3. Motorcycle To reach those hardto-reach 

remote beaches, secret 

surfi ng sites and little lanes. 


BILLY TYMOSZUK 

Musical director, 

Ku De Ta Bali 

Best buy for under AU$50: 

Buying new bikinis at C Boutique 

is a must to keep my wife happy. 

I like it as well, because it looks 

expensive but has real bargains. 

Local delicacy: If you’ve had a 

little too much to drink, the sop 

buntut is the perfect hangover 

comfort food. Pretty much any 

little local warung (café) will sell 

this, but the best place to enjoy one 

it is at Warung Batavia. 

Great place for dinner: For a 

fi ve-star dining experience that will 

blow you away, don’t look past Ku 

De Ta. Everything about it oozes 

cool — the ambience, the music 

and of course, the food as well. 

There’s something on the menu for 

everyone’s tastebuds. 

Best places to hang out with 

the locals: By far it would have 

to be the beautiful beaches. Bali 

is a perfect surfi ng destination 

because of its stunning beaches. 

Also, every evening, locals and 

expats congregate on the beach 

to watch the sun set. There’s no 

better place to hang out with a cold 

beer and meet new people. 


Bringing your family to the Bali 

Safari Park with the in-house 

travel tour, without a doubt. You 

can spend the whole day here as 

there’s something for everyone in 

the family — no matter what age 

you are, or what interests you have. 

I love Bali because: Of the 

amazing diversity of the people, 

and its various cultures. Bali seems 

to have become a melting pot for 

people from all over the world and 

from all walks of life. No matter 

what it is you’re looking for in a 

holiday destination, Bali has it — 

from the nightlife of Seminyak right 

through to the ancient temples in 

Tanah Lot. 

JAKARTA 

INDONESIA 

Indonesia’s capital is the 

11th biggest city in the 

world, with the hustle 

and bustle to match. This 

exciting hub combines a 

fascinating history with 

a vibrant energy, and a 

unique island culture. 

Jakarta 




INDONESIA 

Java 

Borneo 


CBD 20km from Soekarno-Hatta 


Travel time Allow at least 40 mins 

by car (depending on the conditions 

of the traffi c) 

Taxi IDR120,000 (AU$13.59) to the 

CBD, including charges 

DAMRI Bus IDR15,000 (AU$1.70) 

to a city bus station 

ON THE GO 

1. Taxi The most reliable taxi 

company is Blue Bird. You can call 

+62 (21) 7917 1234 and book one in 

advance. Remember to ignore any 

informal taxi “agents” who approach 

you on the street. 

2. Hired car If driving around the 

busy city is daunting, ask for a driver 

with your car. 

3. PATAS These can be described 

as air-conditioned modern buses. 

Jakarta History 

Museum (Museum 

Fatahillah) 

SHANNON 

HARTONO 

Associate editor, 

The Time 

Place magazine 

Most unusual thing to do: 

Watch a wayang (puppet theatre) 

performance. It’s a beautiful art 

that’s unfortunately becoming less 

and less popular with the modern, 

younger generation. 

Favourite side trip within 

Indonesia: Bali for its wonderful 

people, beautiful panoramic views, 

good food and plenty of fun beach 

activities for the kids — there’s no 

reason not to go. 

Great place for dinner: Lara 

Djonggrang Restaurant on 

Jalan Teuku Cik Ditiro, in central 

Jakarta. It’s a place to not only 

enjoy great food, but to learn 

more about the mystical legend 

of Lara Djonggrang. Try a glass of 

traditional Indonesian jamu while 

you’re there. 


gang: Dragonfl y at BIP is one 

of the busiest, but has a great 

ambience and sleek décor. You 

might want to hang on to your spot 

though — the minute you leave it, 

it’ll be gone in two seconds fl at. 

Best buy for under AU$50: A 

two-hour massage at Relax Living 

in Pondok Indah, South Jakarta. I 

never spend a weekend without it. 

Must-buy gift: Batik from 

Pasaraya in South Jakarta — they 

have an entire fl oor of batiks, with 

everything from basic batik shirts 

to high-end designer batik. If you’re 

into traditional wooden carvings as 

well, it’s just one fl oor up. 

Must-eats: Nasi goreng gila 

(crazy fried rice) from the Elbow 

Room in Kemang (South Jakarta) 

if you’re not a pork eater, or nasi 

goreng gila banget (extremely 

crazy fried rice) if you are. It’s one 

of the most reasonably priced 

restaurants in Kemang, with cosy 

décor and an awesome bar.


OSAKA 

JAPAN 

Known widely as “the 

kitchen of Japan”, Osaka 

is also home to modern 

architectural wonders, 

wild fashion and a prolifi c 

creative scene. From here, 

discover the breathtaking, 

ancient city of Kyoto. 

SOUTH 

KOREA 

Sea of Japan 

(East Sea) 

Osaka 


JAPAN 


CBD 38km from Kansai 


Travel time 50 mins by car 

Pacifi c 

Ocean 

Taxi Approx ¥17,000 (AU$204.06) 

Limousine bus Every 45 mins at 

¥880 (AU$10.57), takes 50 mins 

Nankai Express Train Every 30 

mins from ¥1,390 (AU$16.69), takes 

30 mins 

ON THE GO 

1. The subway Easy to use, effi cient 

and clean, this mode of transport 

will take you everywhere you want to 

go in Osaka. 

2. Bicycle Many of the hotels in the 

Kansai region (of which Osaka is a 

part) off er their guests the option 

of hiring a bicycle. It’s a good way 

to get around the city because of 

Osaka’s easy-to-navigate, relatively 

safe terrain. 

Temma 

shopping street 

KOICHI OTA 

Head chef, 

Nadaman, Shangri-La 

Hotel, Singapore 

Best breakfast: The 24th fl oor 

of the Imperial Hotel, Osaka. The 

breakfast is healthy and balanced, 

with items such as grilled fi sh, 

steamed fi sh and salad. 

Great place for dinner: I 

recommend West Umeda, a 

bustling district in Osaka. There’s a 

building there called Breeze Breeze 

Tower. It’s 33 storeys high, off ers 

a great view of the city and also 

houses many restaurants. 

Best night out: Minami is a 

fantastic entertainment district in 

Osaka. Go there to shop, dine, drink 

and dance, to take in a show or just 

enjoy the vibrant atmosphere here. 

The great thing is that it’s open 

until the wee hours of the morning. 

Must-buy (money no object!): 

Electronics of any kind. They are 

reasonably priced in Osaka. 

Must-buy gift: Buy a replica 

of Osaka-jo. It’s one of Japan’s 

most famous castles, and played 

a major role in the unifi cation of 

Japan during the 16th century. You 

can purchase it from the many 

souvenir shops near the castle. 

Must-eats: You must try takoyaki 

— grilled octopus balls topped with 

katsuobushi (dried bonito fl akes), 

seaweed powder, teriyaki sauce 

and mayonnaise — and doteyaki — 

simmered beef sinew. 

Favourite local festivals: Osaka 

Tenjin sai — a series of Shinto 

rituals that take place at Osaka 

Tenmangu Shrine and other 

locations in the city. It’s known for 

being one of the greatest festivals 

of Japan. Another favourite local 

festival would be the Yodogawa 

Fireworks Festival, one of the 

most beloved fi reworks festivals 

in Osaka. It’s been held along the 

Shin-Yodogawa River every year 

since 1989. 

Sumo wrestlers 

in kesho-mawashi 

ceremonial aprons 

TOKYO 

JAPAN 




Japan’s hippest, most 

fascinating and largest city 

is nothing short of stunning. 

When not discovering 

ultra-futuristic sights, you’ll 

fi nd many hidden nooks of 

history among the narrow 

winding streets. 

SOUTH 

KOREA 

Sea of Japan 

(East Sea) 

JAPAN 

Tokyo 

Pacifi c 

Ocean 


CBD 66km from Narita Airport 

Travel time 60–90 mins by car 

Taxi Approx ¥20,000 (AU$240.14) 

Limousine bus ¥3,000 (AU$36.02), 

takes 60–90 mins 

JR Narita Express Every 30–60 

mins at ¥3,000 (AU$36.02); takes 

60 mins 

ON THE GO 

1. The subway Effi cient and clean, 

this transport mode will take you 

to anywhere you want to go. 

2. Shinkansen (bullet train) 

Depending on where you want to 

go, this super-fast train is clean and 

effi cient. It can takes anything from 

minutes to hours to get to another 

prefecture. Remember to keep quiet 

in the mornings, as offi ce workers 

often sleep during their daily 

commute to work. 

DAVE ENRIGHT 

Owner/director, 

Evergreen 

Outdoor Center 


If you do end up on a side trip to 

Nagano, visiting the snow monkeys 

of Hell Valley makes for a great 

family outing. There are two clans 

of macaque monkeys that live side 

by side in some degree of harmony, 

but these two groups do vie to use 

the natural hot spring baths. But 

don’t worry about getting attacked 

or ransacked for food by dirty little 

primates — they’re well-behaved 

(and well-bathed)! 

For history: Even though there 

are many famous Buddhist 

temples in Tokyo, none compares 

in grandeur or historic signifi cance 

to the Zen Kouji temple in Nagano 

city. This temple has housed the 

fi rst image of Buddha that was 

brought from India, and presented 

as a gift from the Korean king, 

Seimei, soon after its arrival in 

Japan in the early 6th century. The 

temple does not belong to any one 

sect of Buddhism, and welcomes 

all visitors, including Tenzin Gyatso 

— the 14th and current Dalai Lama 

who just visited recently. 

Most romantic spot: Visit the 

Tokyo Tower after sundown, and 

enjoy contemporary Japanese 

music live in Club 333 to the 

backdrop of a lit-up Tokyo. Then 

enjoy a romantic Japanese dinner 

in your own private room in the 

very luxurious Tokyo Shiba Tofuya 

Ukai at the base of the tower 

looking over a beautiful Edo-style 

garden. The whole night will cost 

you about ¥15,000 (AU$179.66) 

per person, depending on how 

much you drink. 

Most unusual thing to do: Stay 

at one of Tokyo’s themed hotels — 

sometimes known as “love hotels”. 

These hotels are usually very new 

and very clean, have every amenity 

and are also reasonably priced. 

Shibuya and Ikebukuro have some 

of the best.


AUCKLAND 

NEW ZEALAND 

Auckland is New Zealand’s 

most cosmopolitan 

city, and has the largest 

Polynesian population. 

The “City of Sails” is also 

one of the few cities to 

have harbours on two 

separate bodies of water. 

Tasman 

Sea 

South Island 

Queenstown 

North Island 

Cook 

Strait 


CBD 20km from Auckland 





Great Barrier I. 

Auckland 

Wellington 

NEW ZEALAND 

Taxi From NZ$60 (AU$43.89) 

Pacific 

Ocean 

Shuttle bus NZ$30 (AU$21.94), 

taking 45–60 mins 

ON THE GO 

1. Jafa cabs This is a bicycle with 

bench seats for two. It is free if you 

board it within the Auckland central 

business district. 

2. Ferry Interislander is the main 

ferry operator between Wellington, 

in the North Island, and Picton, in 

the South Island. 

3. The city circuit bus Two bus 

circuits that will take you safely and 

easily to the city’s attractions. 

4. The train A good one is KiwiRail. 

Kayak the 

Huaraki Gulf 

CEIDRIK HEWARD 

Writer/photographer 

Great places for dinner: 

Prego in Ponsonby has been a 

top restaurant for more than 20 

years, and is still a great place to 

eat. Orbit revolving restaurant 

at the top of the Sky Tower is 

popular with locals, because the 

food is great and the views are 

spectacular — the restaurant 

rotates a full circle each hour. 

Best night out: Having 

champagne and ham sandwiches 

at north shore’s Milford Beach on a 

summer evening. This is a beautiful 

beach close to Takapuna, and is 

only 15 minutes from the CBD. The 

soft lapping of the water on the 

sandy beach, and the views across 

the harbour have a special charm. 

Insider’s tips: Public transport 

has recently been improved 

with more regular bus, ferry and 

train services. For shopping, try 

Newmarket rather than Queen 

Street — it has a wider variety of 

shops, and fewer souvenir and twodollar 

stores. Locals shop at the 14 

major suburban malls. With 207 

shops, Sylvia Park is the largest 

mall in New Zealand, and is a 

20-minute train ride from the CBD. 

Survival tip for tourists: Carry 

an umbrella. The city is known for 

its wet winters, but showers can be 

frequent throughout the year. 

Unusual facts: Auckland has 

beaches facing both the Tasman 

Sea and the Pacifi c Ocean. The 

western beaches are wild and 

dangerous, the eastern ones are 

beautiful and good for swimming. 

The city is built on a volcanic fi eld, 

and there are 42 volcanoes dotted 

around the urban sprawl. 

Local recreational activity to 

watch: Yachting classes for school 

kids. This usually takes place on 

Saturday mornings at a number of 

clubs along the eastern beaches. 

Holiday homes 

in Christchurch 

Tasman 

Sea 

South Island 




QUEENSTOWN 

NEW ZEALAND 

Nicknamed the 

“Adventure Capital of the 

World”, Queenstown is a 

lively resort town perfect 

for adrenaline junkies. It’s 

also home to spectacular 

landscapes, and rich 

history and culture. 

North Island 

Queenstown 

Cook 

Strait 

Christchurch 

Great Barrier I. 

Wellington 

NEW ZEALAND 


CBD 7.5km from Queenstown 


Travel time CBD is around 15 mins 

by car 

Taxi Approx NZ$30 (AU$21.94) 

Shuttle bus NZ$6 (AU$4.39), 

taking about 25 mins 

Pacific 

Ocean 

ON THE GO 

1. The city circuit bus There 

are three routes covering major 

downtown attractions. 

2. Taxi Book online, over the phone 

or hail one from the roadside and 

travel in convenience. 

3. Walking The town is compact, 

and most places can be easily 

accessible by foot if your 

accommodation is nearby. 

4. Water taxis A scenic journey for 

destinations that are out of the way. 

A view of Queenstown 

from Bob’s Peak 

GEOFF HUNT 

Event organiser, 

Queenstown 

Bike Festival 

Best breakfast: After a ride to 

the top of the Crown Range on 

Saturday morning, stop at the Lost 

Café in Arrowtown. Try the museli 

or the scrambled eggs, with a 

couple of cups of great coff ee. 

Great place for dinner: 

Saff ron in Arrowtown has great 

food that refl ects chef-patron 

Peter Gawron’s ongoing culinary 

journeys of discovery. It features 

food from central Otago, as well as 

great wines. 

Insider’s tip: Fly — by helicopter 

or fi xed wing. It’s the best way to 

see this region. 

Unusual fact: The lake rises and 

falls about 12cm (fi ve inches) every 

fi ve minutes. Legend states that 

a giant’s heart is impossible to 

destroy, and causes this rise and 

fall, while science says it is due to 

fl uctuating atmospheric pressures. 

Favourite local festival: 

Queenstown Bike Festival, which 

takes place during Easter each 

year. There are activities day and 

night for everybody. Visit www. 

queenstownbikefestival.co.nz for 

more information. 

Favourite side trip within New 

Zealand: The south-east coast for 

a taste of New Zealand — the way 

it used to be. Check out the little 

beaches or cribes on the edge of 

the wild ocean. 


Take the boat across the lake to a 

private beach, and enjoy a quiet 

glass of wine, while the kids play 

along the water’s edge. 

For history: The Arrowtown 

museum brings the history of the 

gold fi elds to life. 

Most romantic spot: On a 

chairlift on Coronet Peak.


Damnoen Saduak 

fl oating market 

BANGKOK 

THAILAND 

Thailand is a fascinating 

country with beautiful 

landscapes and gorgeous 

monuments. Its capital, 

the “City of Angels”, 

bustles with the energy 

and colour of a metropolis 

that never rests. 

MYANMAR 

Andaman 

Sea 

LAOS 

THAILAND 

MALAYSIA 


CBD 30km from Suvarnabhumi 


Travel time Around 40 mins 

by car 

Taxi Approx THB300 (AU$9.86) 

Airport Express THB150 

(AU$4.93); takes around 60 mins 

ON THE GO 

1. BTS Skytrain and MRT These 

two train systems travel over- and 

underground to get you to all the 

major points in Bangkok. 

2. Tuk-tuk This method of transport 

off ers an exhilarating ride around 

the streets, but is best for short 

distances only. 

3. Taxi Cabs are usually readily 

available, but always ask the driver 

politely to have the meter switched 

on. A small tip is also always 

appreciated as a nice gesture. 


Gulf 

of 

Tonkin 

Bangkok 

CAMBODIA 

Gulf 

of 

Thailand VIETNAM 

DEEPAK OHRI 

Chief executive offi cer, 

lebua Hotels 

& Resorts 

For history: About an hour or so 

by car from Bangkok and easily 

accessible for a day trip is the ruins 

of Ayutthaya, the best place for 

history buff s. Declared a UNESCO 

World Heritage site, this one-time 

capital of Thailand is home to three 

palaces, hundreds of temples and 

thousands of stories from the 

16th and 17th century, when it was 

glorifi ed as a regional power in 

South-East Asia at the time. 

Most romantic spot: Wat Arun 

(Temple of the Dawn) on the 

bank of the Chao Phraya river is 

probably the most romantic spot, 

both at dawn, when the surface 

of the temple glistens with the 

refl ection of the fi rst rays of light, 

and during sunset, when the 

setting sun provides a beautiful 

backdrop against the silhouette 

of perhaps the most recognisable 

landmark in the Thai capital. 

Best buy for under AU$50: A 

silk tie or a handkerchief from Jim 

Thompson, who revitalised the 

once-dying craft of hand-woven 

silk in Thailand. The company’s 

products are world-renowned for 

their design and quality. 

Must-buy (money no object!): 

Buy a residential property here in 

the vibrant capital. Bangkok truly 

has something for everyone, and 

I feel proud to be able to call this 

place my home. 

Must-buy gifts: Anything from 

the Doi Tung lifestyle shops (part 

of the Mae Fah Luang Foundation 

under royal patronage), a UNODCsupported 

development project 

that provides ethnic minorities in 

the northern provinces of Thailand 

with a sustainable alternative to 

illicit crop cultivation. Not only do 

the handmade carpets, ceramics, 

clothes and accessories make 

great souvenirs, some of its 

proceeds go towards a good cause. 

Loh Dalum beach 

on Koh Phi Phi 

PHUKET 

THAILAND 

Providing a nice contrast 

to the capital Bangkok, 

Phuket is a beach-lover’s 

paradise, and defi nitely a 

great place to slow down 

and lap up the island life of 

the locals — with stunning 

scenery to boot. 

MYANMAR 

Andaman 

Sea 

Phuket 

LAOS 

THAILAND 

MALAYSIA 

Gulf 

of 

Thailand 

CAMBODIA 


Patong Beach 32km from Phuket 


Travel time Patong Beach is 

around 45 mins by car 

Taxi Approx THB400 (AU$13.14) 

Shuttle bus Every 30 mins at 

THB52 (AU$1.71); takes about 

60mins 

Gulf 

of 

Tonkin 

VIETNAM 

ON THE GO 

1. Motorbike A cheap and 

convenient way to explore all the 

tiny lanes around the beach — but 

drive with care! 

2. Tuk-tuk This method of transport 

off ers an exhilarating ride, but is 

best for short distances only. 

3. Car hire Really the only way to go 

beyond the city. If you want to enjoy 

the scenery while on the move, 

hiring a driver as well only costs a 

little more. 

ALASDAIR 

FORBES 

Freelance journalist 

Best place for Sunday brunch: 

Indigo Pearl resort has a huge 

buff et, and free-fl owing rosé wine 

or sparkling wine. It’s very good 

value, though you won’t want to do 

anything for the rest of the day. 

Best night out: Baba Lounge at 

Sri Panwa is very classy. Get there 

in time for sundowners. 


gang: StereoLab, at the southern 

end of Surin Beach. It features 

international DJs, a big cocktail 

menu and dancing on the beach. 

Insider’s tip: For a quiet day on 

the beach away from the crowds, 

head for either Haad Sai Kaew, 

Layan Beach, Haad Hin Gluai, Hua 

Beach or Nai Yair Beach. There’s 

a high chance that you’ll have the 

whole place to yourself. 

Unusual fact: Until the 1950s, 

Phuket looked like the surface of 

the moon — with more than 250 

opencast tin mines. There was no 

tourism then — who would want to 

go there? 

Favourite local festival: The 

Vegetarian Festival around October 

each year. You’ll see hundreds 

of spirit mediums possessed by 

Chinese gods, with their faces 

pierced by all sorts of weird things, 

from satay skewers to shovels. 

There’s also fi re-walking, climbing 

ladders made of blades, washing in 

hot oil and millions of fi recrackers. 

It’s noisy, bizarre and compelling. 


Out on the waters of Phang Nga 

Bay in the sailing yacht Jabuticaba. 

A trip includes a big buff et lunch, 

drinks, kayaking and snorkelling. 

For history: Check out the old 

Chinese centre of Phuket Town 

around Thalang Road, which has 

lots of cool shops and restaurants. 

Bangkok photo: TAT

emind yourself 

about the important 

things in life... 

the poetic pieces collection 

words of wisdom and inspiration 

inscribed in sterling silver 

to find a stockist, visit 

www.blueturtles.com.au


Clarke Quay 

by night 

SINGAPORE 

A tropical island nation 

with a multicultural 

society, Singapore is a 

sophisticated microcosm 

of Asia. The Lion City 

buzzes 24 hours a day 

with varied dining, nightlife 

and shopping options. 

 


CBD 20km 


 

 

 

 

Travel time 20–30 mins by car 

Taxi Approx S$20 (AU$15.65) 

with a surcharge of S$3–$5 

(AU$2.35–$3.91) 

Airport shuttle services Most 

hotels S$9 (AU$7.04) one way 

MRT train Every 10–15 mins from 

Terminal 2 and 3 from 5.30am– 

11.18pm, takes 27 mins to reach the 

city for S$1.70 (AU$1.33) 

ON THE GO 

1. The Hippo An open-top 

double-decker bus that allows you 

to hop on and off whenever you like. 

S$23 (AU$17.99) for a one-day pass. 

2. MRT Air-conditioned 

subway throughout the island. 

3. Trishaw An old-school threewheeled 

bicycle with a carriage. 

DAWN LAI 

Business 

development manager 

Must-buy gift: In case you didn’t 

know, Singapore is well-known 

as a food paradise. In fact, we’re 

a nation of obsessed food lovers. 

Cookies, cakes and bottled kaya 

from homegrown confectionary 

store Bengawan Solo make great, 

aff ordable gifts. It’s a slice of 

Singapore in a cake. 

Local delicacies: There are 

plenty — some of my favourites are 

pepper crab, chicken rice, roti prata 

(Indian pancake), ice kachang (iced 

dessert) and teh tarik (“pulled” 

tea). A long queue usually means 

great food. And sometimes, food 

from the hawker centre is just 

as good as those in fi ne-dining 

restaurants. Anything is possible 

when it comes to food! 

Best place to hang out with 

the locals: For an off beat vibe, 

check out Arab Street. This place 

has lots of chill-out alfresco 

restaurants, where you can get a 

taste of shisha (fl avoured tobacco) 

over a cup of fragrant peppermint 

tea, and spend the night chatting 

away to your friends. 

Favourite local festival: Ballet 

Under the Stars at Fort Canning is 

an annual event that takes place 

in June or July. Enjoy a picnic and 

watch ballet alfresco-style. I love 

that it’s so casual and relaxed. 


Although it may seem like a 

concrete jungle, you can defi nitely 

experience another side of 

Singapore. Just head to Pulau Ubin 

island for a cycling trip, and admire 

the abundance of nature there. 

I love Singapore because: It’s 

so sunny, clean and green. In fact, 

Singapore is one of the few cities 

where you‘ll fi nd loads of greenery 

around, even in the central 

business district. There’s usually a 

park or two nearby. 

Street vendors 

selling fresh 

seafood 

HO CHI MINH CITY 

VIETNAM 

Vietnam’s largest city 

and its economic capital, 

this vibrant cultural 

hotspot has a population 

of high-energy people, 

who eff ortlessly meld the 

traditional with the new 

and contemporary. 

 

 

 

 




 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


CBD 7km from Tan Son Nhat 




Taxi A taxi voucher from Visitor 

Information for US$12 (AU$11.93) 

Shuttle bus Most hotels off er 

complimentary pick-up 

ON THE GO 

1. Taxi Ask the drivers to turn 

the meters on; there are 

taxi-motorbikes as well. 

2. Walking This is the best way to 

dash up alleys and down one-way 

streets, but we only recommend 

this for District One. 

3. Cyclos This is a one-person 

seat that is powered by a cyclist 

— prepare yourself for being noselevel 

with the exhaust fumes and 

frenetic action on the streets. 

DEMEITER 

VAUBELL 

Director of sales and 

marketing, 

Six Senses Con Dao 

Best breakfasts: Weekend 

brunch at either Au Parc at 23 Han 

Thuyen or The Refi nery at 74/7C 

Hai BA Trung; both in District 1. 

Great places for dinner: 

A hidden secret is Cuc Gach Quan, 

which has the most amazing 

Vietnamese food, and the gorgeous 

restaurant at 10 Dang Tat Tan Dinh, 

Q1. Or try The Deck at 38 Nguyen 

U Di, Thao Dien, An Phu, District 2, 

which sits on the river. 

Best night out: Check out 2 Lam 

Son in the Park Hyatt, which has 

many delicious martinis. 


gang: Start at Xu at 71 Hai Ba 

Trung, then move on to Apocalypse 

Now at 2B Thi Sach, and fi nish at Q 

Bar over at 7 Lam Son; all in District 

1. However, if a live band is playing, 

Vasco is an interesting venue to 

party with the gang. It’s located 

in the Refi nery complex, opposite 

the Hyatt. 

Best buys for under AU$50: 

L’usine, Art Arcade, 151 Dong Khoi, 

District 1, has amazing quirky gifts, 

clothes and delicious cupcakes. 

Or buy anything at the Ben Thanh 

markets, or the night markets 

around in the evening. 

Survival tips for tourists: Visit 

the tourist information centre on 

4G-4H Le Loi Street, District 1, 

before you start out. Always have 

small change handy for taxis, and 

take care when crossing the roads 

— there are many motorbikes. 

Insider’s tip: When coming home 

from Apocalypse Now or Q Bar, 

you must try a fresh baguette from 

Nhu Lan bakery on 50 Ham Nghi, 

District 1. 

Must-eat: Anything from Wrap & 

Roll for a fast Vietnamese lunch at 

62 Hai Ba Trung, District 1.

MANILA 

PHILIPPINES 




This capital city on the 

western side of Luzon 

island showcases 

skyscrapers mixed with 

historic Spanish colonial 

architecture. This is also 

evident in the country’s 

intriguing food. 

South 

China 

Sea 

PHILIPPINES 

Manila 

Sulu Sea 


CBD 7km from Ninoy Aquino 




Taxi Approx PHP450 (AU$10.29). 

Prepaid taxis are available inside the 

airport terminal and save you the 

hassle of haggling 

ON THE GO 

1. Taxi You can usually fl ag one 

down at most malls. Be sure to 

always insist on using the meter. 

If the driver refuses, just say no 

politely and get down from the cab. 

Do not react aggressively. 

2. Jeepney These interesting 

lorries ply most major city roads, 

and can take you anywhere along 

their route. 

3. Train The Light Rail Transit goes 

east-west across the city, while the 

Metro Rail Transit goes north-south. 

Have a fun ride 

on a calesa 

GRACE DOLORES 

C. VALENCIA 

Credit evaluation 

offi cer, 

East West 

Banking Corp 

Best breakfast: Cicou at Arnaiz 

Ave Makati City off ers a daily à la 

carte buff et breakfast, where you 

can order anything you want from 

the menu from 6-10.30am. 

Great place for dinner: Check 

out Ba Noi, a secret hole-inthe-wall 

in Makati for authentic 

Vietnamese cuisine. 

Best night out: Republiq at 

Resorts World is the best place for 

you to cap off a busy day. It’s a hip 

place to party ’til the morning with 

a big bunch of friends. 


gang: Try visiting The Collective 

at Malugay Street in Makati. It’s 

a renovated warehouse where 

restaurants, art galleries, cafés and 

bars are located under one roof. 

It’s very convenient for the whole 

barkada (group of friends). 

Must-buys (money no 

object!): Wood carvings and capiz 

shell decorations at Tiendesitas. 

Must-eat: Try ordering sisig 

(chopped pork, onions and chillies 

served on a hot plate), which 

can be found in almost every 

restaurant in the metro. 

Local delicacy: Try suman — a 

timeless Filipino dessert made 

from glutinous white rice soaked 

in coconut milk and sugar, and 

steamed in banana leaves. It’s best 

paired with hot chocolate. 


Try fi sh-feeding and boating 

around the lagoon with the whole 

family at Solenad, Nuvali Sta Rosa. 

It’s a 45-minute drive from Makati. 

For history: The Intramuros 

walking tour with Carlos Celdran 

is a cool new way to look at Manila 

from a very informative and 

innovative angle. 


INTRODUCING OUR AIRPORTS 

Let us give you a head-start 

ADELAIDE 

CBD 6km 



Taxi Approx AU$18 

Skylink Bus Every 30 mins–1hr: 

AU$8.50 adult, $3.50 child. Takes 

around 35 mins 

Airport parking AU$4–$90 

(30 mins–72 hrs) 

AVALON 

Geelong CBD 20km 

Melbourne CBD 55km 

Travel time 15 mins (Geelong); 

40 mins (Melbourne) by car 

Taxi Approx AU$45 Geelong; 

approx AU$80 Melbourne 

Avalon Airport Shuttle Meets 

all fl ights. From AU$17 adult, $14 

child (Geelong); AU$20 adult, 

$10 child (Melbourne) 

Airport parking From AU$3 for the 

fi rst 20 mins; weekly rate AU$53 

BALLINA-BYRON 

CBD Byron Bay is 23km; 

Ballina is 5km 

Travel time Byron Bay is 

20 mins by car; Ballina is 

7 mins by car 

Taxi Approx AU$10–$15 

to Ballina; approx $65 to 

Byron Bay 

Airlink bus Meets most fl ights: 

AU$20 adult ($35 return); $12 

children under 13 years (oneway). 

Takes around 35 mins 


(1 hr–24 hrs) 

BRISBANE 

CBD 16km 




Bus Every 15–30 mins: AU$14 

adult; $8 child; under 4 years 

free. Takes about 30 mins 

AirTrain Every 20 mins to CBD: 

one-way adult fare AU$14.50; 

return $27. Takes about 22 mins 



CAIRNS 

CBD 8km 

Travel time CBD takes 10 mins 

by car 


Australia Coach Shuttle Every 

hour: AU$10 adult; $15 couple; 

AU$5 child. Takes around 

20 mins 



(2–24 hrs) 

DARWIN 

CBD 13km 

Travel time CBD is 15 mins 

by car 


Darwin Airport Shuttle 

Meets all fl ights: AU$10 (adult). 

Takes around 20 mins 


(up to 24 hrs) 

GOLD COAST 

Surfers Paradise 20km 

Travel time Surfers Paradise is 

around 30 mins by car 


Con-X-ion Shuttle bus Booking 

required: +61 (7) 5556 9888: 

AU$22 adult; $13 child (4–13 

years); children under 4 years 

travel free. Takes around 

45 mins 



Gold Coast Airport Lounge 

For a small entrance fee, check 

in for movies, comfy lounges, 

newspapers, snacks and drinks. 

HAMILTON ISLAND 

Travel time From the airport to 

your accommodation takes only 

a few minutes 

Shuttle bus Complimentary for 

hotel guests 

HOBART 

CBD 17km 



Taxi Approx AU$36–$42 

Airporter shuttle bus Meets all 

fl ights: AU$15 adult; $8 children 

aged 4–15; children under 4 

travel free. Journey takes around 

30 mins 


(24 hrs) 

LAUNCESTON 

CBD 16km 




Airporter Shuttle bus Meets 

all fl ights: AU$14 adult; $5 child; 

children under 4 free. Takes 




MACKAY 

CBD 6km 

Travel time CBD 15 mins by car 


To Airlie Beach Take a taxi to 

the bus terminal in Wellington 

Street and then a bus service by 

Greyhound or Premier; approx 

AU$22 one-way adult fare 


(24 hrs) 

MELBOURNE 

CBD 23km 



SkyBus Every 10 mins: AU$16 

adult; $6 child (4–14 years). Takes 

20 mins 

Airport parking Short-term 

from AU$3; long-term from 

AU$29 

NEWCASTLE 

CBD 20km 




Shuttle Bus Door-to-door 

service (from AU$35) through 

Newcastle Information Services 

at +61 (2) 4928 9822. Port 

Stephens Coaches (public bus) 

every hour: AU$6.50 adult; $3.50 

concession. Takes 35 mins 


(1 hr–24 hrs) 

PERTH 

CBD 12km (domestic terminal) 

and 17km (international terminal) 


Taxi Approx AU$26 (domestic) 

and $33 (international) 

Perth Airport City Shuttle Every 

30 mins (domestic) and 

45 mins (international): 

AU$15 adult (domestic), 

$20 (international). Journey 

takes 15–35 mins 

Fremantle Airporter AU$35 

(booking required) 

Transperth Bus 37 From 

domestic terminal to Kings Park 

via the city AU$3.20 


carpark from AU$3.70; long-term 

carpark from AU$17 

SYDNEY 

CBD 8km 

Travel time CBD around 



Bus Every 20–30 mins: AU$14 

adult; AU$7 child. Journey takes 


Trains Every 10 mins 

(weekdays) AU$15 adult. Takes 

around 13 mins into the centre of 

the city 



SUNSHINE COAST 

Travel time Noosa is 

30 mins, Maroochydore 

is 10–15 mins by car 

Taxi Approx AU$56 to travel 

to Noosa; approx AU$28 to 

Maroochydore 

Henry’s Bus Service Meets all 

fl ights: AU$25 adult; $12 child; 

children under 4 years free. 

Journey to Noosa takes around 

45 mins 


(2–24 hrs). New hourly 622 

TransLink bus service connects 

the airport to the suburbs. Starts 

5.54am weekdays, 6.54am 

weekends. www.translink.com.au 

TOWNSVILLE 

CBD 5km 

Travel time CBD around 10 mins; 

taxi approx AU$16 

Airport shuttle Booking required 

+61 (7) 4775 5544 to the Strand 

and city, Sunferries, the Transit 

Centre and Coral Princess: 

AU$8 (adult); takes 10–15 mins 


carpark, AU$4–$24 

(2 hrs–12 hrs). Long-term 

carpark, AU$12–$72 (1–6 days); 

thereafter AU$10 per 24-hour 

period or part thereof 

WHITSUNDAY COAST 

CBD 30km from 

Proserpine Airport 

Travel time CBD takes around 

35 mins 


Whitsunday Transit AU$15 adult 

share-ride (one-way; $28 return); 

$9 child (one-way; $16 return), 

children under 4 years travel 

free. The Whitsunday Transit 

service meets all fl ights. For 

details, call +61 (7) 4946 1800 

Airport parking For customers, 

airport parking is free (24hrs)

Buddha Birthday Festival 

Sat 9 to Sun 10 Apr, Supreme Court Gardens, 

Sat 10am-8pm & Sun 10am-5pm 

This annual celebration commemorates the birth of Sakyamuni 

Buddha and is a free event open to all. There will be music, 

dance and performances on the day. 

Tongues of Stone 

Sat 9 to Sun 17 Apr, starts from Murray St train station 

to the Esplanade 

A unique street performance where Strut dancers weave a 

journey through Perth’s architecture revealing hidden and 

forgotten stories, changing the rhythm of the city, making 

concrete space speak through dance. 

Hatched National Graduate Show 

Sat 16 Apr to Sun 5 Jun, Perth Institute 

of Contemporary Arts, 11am-6pm 

Heading into its 20th year, this landmark exhibition continues 

to provide an opportunity for talented art school graduates to 

present their work. 

AC/DC: Australia’s Family Jewels 

Sat 16 Apr to Sun 7 Aug, Western Australia Museum 

AC/DC have been playing for over 35 years and have cemented 

themselves as one of the world’s most renowned outfits. This 

exhibition celebrates the history, music and performance of 

this iconic Aussie rock band. 

City Playground Pass 

Proudly presented by the City of Perth 

Wed 20 Apr to Wed 4 May, various city locations 

During the school holidays, various venues around the city will 

be having fun activities and special offers especially for kids. 

Collect your free pass from the iCity kiosk or the marquee at 

Forrest Place. 

Visit www.showmeperth.com.au or contact 

(08) 9461 3368 for more information.

Amazing Special for April! 

1 

$580 / $248 

1 /4 carat Diamond Fusion ring 

Available in yellow or white gold 

Also Fusion 

Jewellery in stock 

20% o ff ! 

While stocks last.

YOUR 

INSIDER’S 

GUIDE 

Australians share their favourite 

domestic destinations 

SYDNEY 

KATE MESSERVY 

National sales manager, 

Naked Tan 

Best breakfast: Saturday morning for me 

involves picking up fresh fl owers, topping up 

my caff eine levels and downing a great cooked 

breakfast. I get to do these all in one spot at Yuga 

Floral Design and Café, a great little fi nd at 172 

St. Johns Road, Glebe. 

Best place to hang out with the locals: 

Out on the water! Get on a boat and explore 

the sparkling Sydney waterways. By the way, 

Sydney’s water dwellers are great storytellers. 

Best place to party with the gang: Low 302. 

This groovy little cocktail bar at 302 Crown 

Street in Surry Hills plays smooth tunes, and 

makes the best mojitos in town. If we’re really 

on a roll, it’s round the corner to dance the night 

away on Oxford Street. 

Best buy for under AU$50: Naked Tan 

Goddess Bronze — sun-baking is so last year! 

This DIY tanner gives me a natural-looking 

golden glow without the skin damage. It smells 

like an island holiday too! 

Favourite secret spot: Camp Cove — a pristine 

beach just inside the South Head of the harbour. 

Quiet, calm and clear water with beautiful views. 

Great place for dinner: Timbah, a new wine 

bar at 1/375 Glebe Point Road, Glebe. It has 

a cool interior, an incredible wine list and a 

delicious menu. If you’re one of the fi rst in the 

door, they let you choose the options for wine 

by the glass. 

Favourite local festival: Peats Ridge Music 

Festival, Central Coast. It takes place on three 

days over each new year. It’s eco- and familyfriendly, 

with superb local and international 

acts. 

Best idea for a family outing: Head to 

Circular Quay, check out the current exhibit 

at the Museum of Contemporary Art, and hop 

on a ferry to Watsons Bay for succulent fresh 

seafood. 

australian focus 

The Bondi Icebergs 

Baths off er an ocean 

dip you’ll never forget, 

visitors are welcome 

BELOW: Shop your fi ll 

at The Rocks Markets 


australian focus 

Best breakfasts: I love going to breakfast at 

Chianti Classico — I always have the traditional 

breakfast of eggs and bacon, with roasted 

tomato and char-grilled ciabatta. I also love 

Urban Bistro, and while everything on the menu 

there looks heavenly, I have yet to move past my 

favourite treat of scrambled eggs, crisp pancetta 

and asparagus on grilled sourdough with a side 

of mushrooms. It’s that good. 

Great place for dinner: Kenji Modern Japanese 

on Hutt Street. Chef-owner Kenji Ito serves a 

unique blend of Japanese and Australian cuisine, 

which is simply delectable. But they open only 

for dinner, so make sure you book in advance to 

avoid disappointment. 

Best buy for under AU$50: French Navy 

stationery, of course! It’s available at 

www.frenchnavy.com.au. 

Must-buy gift: Haigh’s chocolates. Haigh’s sells 

divine chocolates, which are world-renowned. It’s 

very hard for me to pick a favourite. Impossible, 

in fact! However, the berry chocs, freckles and 

chocolate frogs are always well-received! 

Must-eats: Everything from the Adelaide Central 

market! Try Lucia’s Pizza Bar and Lucia’s Fine 

Foods for coff ee, oils and pasta; Dough’s lovely 

pastries; and The Smelly Cheese Shop. 


ADELAIDE 

ALEXANDRA 

BLAKEMORE 

Director/creator, 

French Navy 

Adelaide’s many art 

galleries will entertain 

you for hours 

BELOW: Dine alfresco 

amid Melbourne’s 

culture-rich surrounds 

MELBOURNE 

LOU JOVANOVSKI 

Managing director, 

Rivers 

Great place for dinner: Livebait restaurant at 

Docklands. Chef Dan Szwarc has a fantastic 

seafood menu that’s ever-changing — think 

the very best seasonal produce with a distinct 

South-American fl avour. 

Best night out: Melbourne’s Chinatown — there 

are lots of little bars and holes-in-the-wall that 

serve great food and fantastic cocktails. 

Best place to party with the gang: Somewhere 

where nobody knows me, and where I can let 

my hair down. The last time I partied was at The 

Rocks in Sydney. 

Survival tip for tourists: Just eat where the 

locals eat. 

Must-eats: My dad’s home-made sausages at 

Butchers Grill in Bourke Street, Melbourne. 

Local delicacy: Char-grilled baby octopus with a 

great bottle of Victorian Pinot Noir. 

Best place to hang out with the locals: My top 

pick is James Squire Hotel, Docklands. It has the 

best beer around. 

For history: I would recommend heading to 

Sovereign Hill, Victoria. 

Adelaide photo: SATC; Melbourne photo: Visions of Victoria

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april-2011

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