Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
BACKPACKER / ESSENTIALS
AUSTRALIA/NZ
SKI SEASON 2014
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EUROPE CALLING
GLOBAL
GETAWAYS
CITY BREAKS
17
WILD WALKS
NZ TOP TRAILS
21
MANAGING EDITOR
Janet McGarry
DEPUTY EDITOR
Elinor Sheargold
YHA CONTRIBUTORS
Melinda Scott Rachel Seymour Tanya Heuke Francois LaJoie
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Backpacker Essentials is the member magazine for YHA Australia. Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the Association. No material may be reproduced without prior permission from the editor. All travel prices are subject to change and conditions apply. All hostel prices are YHA member rates and are subject to change. YHA Australia ISSN 1328-6749. YHA Australia, Hostelling International and YHA house and tree logos are Registered Trademarks of YHA Australia Inc., PO Box A2462, Sydney South NSW 1235
ART DIRECTOR
Dan Morley
GRAPHIC DESIGN
Elinor Sheargold Nicolas Chua
EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES
The Editor, Backpacker Essentials, GPO Box 5276, Sydney NSW 2001. T: +61 2 9261 1111 F: +61 2 9261 1969 E: backpackeressentials@ yha.com.au
TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY
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SOUTHWEST WA
MADE FOR TOURING
32
AUSTRALIA/NZ EVENTS
WHAT'S ON
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AUSTRALIA/ NZ
NOW OPEN / NEWS / YOUR SAY
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HAVE THE SOCHI WINTER OLYMPICS GOT YOU THINKING ABOUT A SNOW HOLIDAY CLOSER TO HOME?
Whether youre looking to hit the slopes skiing, snowboarding, snow shoeing or prefer to snowcialise offpiste, theres no better time to book YHAs ski season hostels in Australia and New Zealand for a cosy (but not costly) white winter break.
N O S A E S S KI 2014
T R A T S O T E M I T IT'S T U O B A G N I K N I H T
Click here for Thredbo YHA Click here for New Zealand snow hostels
/ NOW OPEN
YHA WHANGAREI
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whangarei@yha.co.nz yha.co.nz
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/ NEWS
*participating hostels
/ YOUR SAY
SYDNEY CENTRAL YHA
u +61 2 9281 9000 u sydcentral@yha.com.au u yha.com.au
WIN!
Got a place to nominate? Want to win a great travel prize? Tyrell will be receiving a $100 voucher from Kathmandu. Visit kathmandu.com.au. Tell us your favourite YHA (in less than 100 words) and send it, with your contact details, to backpackeressentials@yha.com.au
YOUR YHA
YHA NEWS FOR MEMBERS IN AUSTRALIA
STRATEGIC PLAN
YHA has a Board of Directors, elected by members, who volunteer their services to oversee the organisations strategic direction. Last year, YHA marked a milestone in its history in Australia when Board members and senior management from around the country met for a two-day National Strategic Planning Conference, to plan for the future. The conference was held in Alice Springs, symbolically at the geographic centre of YHAs hostel network. An international perspective was added by the presence of the CEOs of YHA NZ and HI-Canada (Pacic Mountain Region). A major outcome of the conference was the drafting of a new Strategic Plan to guide YHA from 2014-2018, drawing on the major themes of brand, network development, growth and governance. The Strategic Plan outlines YHAs core values of: Environmentally friendly Safe and reliable Honest and trustworthy Loyalty Value for money Experience. The Strategic Plan also encompasses a range of critical success factors designed to focus the organisation and ensure that it remains a market leader well into the future.
GLOBAL
NOW OPEN / TOUR OF DUTY / EASTER OVERSEAS
EUROPE CALLI NG
FROM SLOVENIA TO SARAJEVO, BELGIUM TO BUDAPEST, WE TAKE A LOOK AT YHA'S HOTTEST NEW HOSTELS
/NOW OPEN
Images: Shutterstock, Soa Rafting d.o.o
BOVEC, SLOVENIA
Surrounded by the soaring peaks of Slovenias Julian Alps and Triglav National Park, picturesque alpine valleys, curvaceous gorges and the impossibly aqua-clear waters of the Soa River, Bovec is Slovenias de facto adventure capital. Its also home to the new Hostel Bovec, located in a renovated 150 year-old house, just ve minutes walk from the town square. Facilities range from a well-equipped kitchen, big bathrooms, and a cosy common room with replace and TV, to free WiFi throughout, bike and ski gear storage, a big sunny terrace and small garden for lazy summer evenings enjoying tasty traditional food and a drop of Slovenian wine. The 50-bed hostel offers guests comfortable multi-share rooms and warm welcoming breakfasts to help kick-start an action-packed day rafting, kayaking, canyoning, zip-lining or paragliding in and above the regions beautiful landscape. There are sign-posted trails for mountain biking and hiking in the National Park, while winter turns to snow sports at the countrys highest ski resort, Mt Kanin. Take the cable car up the mountain for views stretching to Italy and the Adriatic Sea. YHA/HI members save 15% on Soa Rafting's kayak, rafting, canyoning, and hydrospeed activities. Save 10% on ziplining.
bovec@youth-hostel.si hihostels.com.au
/NOW OPEN
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BUDAPEST, HUNGARY
Step inside Casa de la Musica and youll nd a modern hostel with bright, spacious dorms, doubles and twin rooms surrounding a colourful courtyard. The courtyard, which boasts a paddling pool in summer, is a favourite with guests and theres plenty more to attract travellers with the Casas added extras ranging from free WiFi, kitchen, TV and lounge, to ground-oor cafe, dance classes upstairs, and a basement bar that hosts regular live bands. Located in Budpests central 8th district, known for some of the best nightlife, pubs and restaurants in town, the hostel is minutes from transport and many of the must-see sights. Ask the hostels tour desk about free walking tours which bring the citys history, architecture, legends, daily life and hidden treasures to life and to light. For something more adventurous try caving in the natural caves under the city, kayak or cycle along the Danube River, visit Buda Castle and get lost in its labyrinth after wine tasting in the Royal Cellars, then soak in the famous thermal baths.
BOOK NOW
u u
FERIJALAC HOSTEL
booking.ferijalac@gmail.com
hostel@casadelamusica.hu
hihostels.com.au
casadelamusicahostel.com
/NOW OPEN
OSTEND, BELGIUM
The seaside resort of Ostend is a favourite with Belgians, drawn to this City by the Sea by its miles of sandy beaches, sprawling seafront, and mix of delicious fresh foods and inviting cultural scene. Travellers can now get in on the act, with the brand new Hostel De Ploate opening in the city centre, close to the beach, port and train station. This sustainablydesigned hostel boasts 49 double/twin, triple and 4-share ensuite rooms, and doesnt skimp on facilities. Guests can choose from the onsite restaurant, hip bar, or backpackers kitchen, plus free WiFi, a lounge area, and bike and luggage storage. A stroll, cycle or buggy along the seaside promenade is a must, as are historic treasures such as the former navy vessel Mercator, nearby Flanders Fields, or Fort Napoleon. The lively Fishermans Quay serves up sumptuous seafood, and no trip to Belgium is complete without sampling its famous beer, chocolate and wafes. But its Ostends seaside scenery that youll keep coming back to, so why not brave a dip in North Sea, or keep your feet dry on the worlds longest single tramline that runs along the scenic coast.
oostende@vjh.be
hihostels.com.au
/WAR TOURISM
TOUR OF DUTY
In August 2014, the world will mark the 100th Anniversary of the outbreak of the First World War. Slovenia, Bosnia and Belgium were all touched by the war, from the intense ghting of the Soa Front (inspiration for Hemmingways A Farewell to Arms), and the assassination that led to the declaration of war, to the hallowed battleelds of the Somme. You may never get to the beaches of Gallipoli or Normandy, walk the Thai-Burma Railway, or be in London on Remembrance Day, but its likely that at some stage in your travels you will visit places connected to conict, whether it be an ancient battleeld, a cemetery or the site of war atrocities. At some there will be museums and guided tours, others will be deserted spots only visited occasionally. Its unlikely you will leave any of them untouched by thoughts or memories.
Lonely Planet Images
/ EVENTS
Pecold Shutterstock
USA
Head to Fifth Avenue in New York for the traditional Easter Sunday parade and marvel at the mad costumes, or hobnob with the President and First Family who host the annual Easter Egg Roll, egg hunt, music and amusements on the White Houses South Lawn. Stay at HI New York City or HI Washington DC
ITALY
Florence's 'Explosion of the Cart' dates from the 17th Century
SPAIN
Processions are popular in Spain, where Seville sees elaborate oats, torch-lit processions in pointy-hooded robes, and bonre burning Judas Dolls take to its streets. In the medieval village of Verges, locals dress in skeleton costumes to re-enact scenes from The Passion in the socalled Dansa de la Mort. Stay at Inturjoven Seville or L'Escala's Empuries Hostel
While Rome turns out for Sunday Mass with the Pope, Florence opts for pyrotechnic spectacular. An elaborate three-storey cart is pulled through the streets by oxen, accompanied by drummers and dress-ups, to the famous Duomo, The rework-laden cart is then set alight by a dove-shaped rocket for the "Explosion of the Cart". Stay at Villa Camerata Florence
GREECE
Have a smashing time with the locals on the gorgeous Greek Island of Corfu where palm processions, feasting and the raucous Breaking of the Jars, where people throw pots, pans and pottery out their windows. Just be sure to watch your step. Stay at Corfu Travelers Inn
EASTERN EUROPE
Ladies watch out if youre travelling to the Czech Republic or Slovakia, here the favourite Easter Monday tradition involves men spanking women with homemade willow and ribbon whips. Its all in good fun and stems from the belief that the willow trees vitality and fertility will rub off on the willing women. In some regions, the women get their revenge by pouring buckets of cold water on the men. This refreshing tradition has turned into an all-day water ght in Poland, where migus-Dyngus or Wet Monday sees boys try to drench each other with buckets and water guns. In Hungary, the men are at it again, playfully sprinkling women with water, perfume (or perfumed water) in return for a kiss. There are YHA hostels in all these European countries
SOUTHERN FRANCE
Pack a bib, a fork, and an appetite, and head to the southern French town of Haux, near Bordeaux, which serves up a giant omelette every Easter Monday in the towns main square. The 4,500+ egg omelette feeds up to 1,000 people. Stay at Hostel Blanquefort
NEWS
PART
FEATURE /
THE
Legendar
TWO
PACIFIC COAST
DAVID WHITLEY DISCOVERED A MAGIC COMBINATION OF WINE QUAFFING, URBAN BROWSING AND ANIMAL SPOTTING ON PART OF THE LEGENDARY PACIFIC COAST OF NSW.
TRIANGLE
Legendary
The
MARK IS FULL
of reassurance. If you hear footsteps and grunting noises on the roof at 3am, he says. Dont worry. Its not monsters we got rid of all of them. The Port Stephens YHA is on the cusp of the Tomaree National Park, one of the best places in Australia for spotting wild koalas. Some of them, it appears, have a fuzzy sense of the National Park boundaries. But these arent the critters that most visitors come to Port Stephens to see. Geography has done the area an almighty favour, creating a large, secluded estuary where bottlenose dolphins can hang out without having to battle raging swells. Hundreds live in the area, and as the Moonshadow V approaches the northern headland, the cry goes up. The pod we encounter is swimming west at high speed the boat struggles to keep up. But soon they start riding along with the wake, gracefully leaping in and out of the water as if aiming for perfect synchronisation. Some dip under the boat and return on the other side, playing tricks on the camera-toting passengers. Port Stephens is a logical first stop if trying to turn the southern stretches of The Legendary Pacific Coast Touring Route into a long weekend road trip from Sydney. Combined with Newcastle and the Hunter Valley, it makes an easy loop circuit. But before Newcastle comes the remarkable Sahara-esque Worimi Conservation Lands. These dunes the largest moving sand mass in the southern hemisphere stretch for miles alongside Stockton Bight. Theyre a big favourite with quad bikers, but for anyone wanting to get sand absolutely everywhere, grabbing a board is the way forward. Port Stephens 4WD tours runs sandboarding trips, and it quickly becomes apparent that the most energy is expended trekking up to the top of the dune. Once there, its a case of sitting on the board, with fingers trailing in the sand behind you as a largely hopeless braking and steering mechanism. Speed picks up fast as the makeshift sledge careers downwards. If youre lucky, it glides to a dignified halt at the bottom. Sand boarding If not, its a case of either bailing off or face-planting to the sound of on Stockton raucous laughter from everyone else present. sand dunes.
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Newcastle itself comes as a surprise. The heavy industry is still there, but the last couple of decades have transformed the foreshore of the Hunter River. Youd be hard-pushed to find a more blissful day in an Australian city than strolling along said foreshore, flitting between museums, parks and brewhouses, then continuing up the coast. The city does a fine line in beaches, but its the pools between them that weave a magic spell. The Newcastle Ocean Baths are a giant art deco people-watching arena, while the convict-dug Bogey Hole ups the thrill factor by having the surf smash into it, drenching anyone foolish enough to stand on the side. Seemingly equally foolish is self-driving in wine country and thats why many companies run wine tours around the Hunter Valley. But played smart, driving can be the way to expand your horizons. Dropping by at the tourist information centre on the way in works wonderfully their printed guides have maps of the wineries, stating which ones do which varietals and staff will direct you to smaller cellar doors that are more likely to cater for your tastes. I tend to like big, fighty reds, so Im pointed in the direction of Piggs Peake a backroad winery that doesnt serve tour groups. Most of its business is done via a membership club meaning youre unlikely to see the wines in a supermarket. And the free samples reveal themselves to be the meaty, feisty monsters I whole-heartedly love. The limitations of self-drive sampling can turn into strengths. Staying under the drink-drive limit involves forcing you to ask questions
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NEWS
HUNTER AUTUMN SPECIAL
There are great options for short stays at Hunter Valley YHA with a wine tour, or a family package including a visit to the Hunter Valley Zoo. Book online
Shane Lenard
THINGS TO DO
Port Stephens: A dolphin cruise and sandboarding combo in Port Stephens can be booked through Moonshadow, costing $39.50 for YHA members. Hunter Valley: Full and half day wine tours can be booked through the YHA. Or rent a bike for $20 a day and make your own way around the wineries.
Clockwise from above: A kangaroo grazes on grass amongst the vines; explore the vineyards by bike; vineyards for miles at one of the Hunter's many vantage points.
Destination N
SW
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NEWCASTLE YHA
(+612) 4925 3544 Newcastle@yha.com.au
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yha.com.au
about which wines youre most likely to enjoy and narrow down the number of samples to the ones cellar door staff particularly recommend. Not being in a group leads to a much more personalised service and, if you ask nicely, further recommendations for other wineries that may fit the bill. It starts becoming a treasure trail Adina also does olive tasting, theres excellent cheese to try next to the big McGuigan cellar, Petersons does rare-for-the-Hunter Zinfandels. In the morning before heading back to Sydney, I pop into Kevin Sobels on Broke Road for a sneaky final tasting session. As an unusually sweet, fruity verdelho is poured, out walks Archie. Hes the winerys resident St Bernard, ever-ready for a good fussing. The road trip ends as it begins with a heart-warmingly unexpected wildlife encounter.
YHA GETAWAYS
DEALS
3 nights at Sydney Harbour YHA Daily breakfast (continental, fresh start, or DIY cooked) 1 dinner at Australian Hotel - small pizza or salad + drink
3 nights at Adelaide Central YHA Daily breakfast (continental or DIY cooked) 3 day Adelaide Metro Pass (unlimited bus/train/tram)
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A Myki card with value for one day on all public transport From AU$120 per person multi-share, $300 per double/ twin room. Valid to 30 September 2014.
From AU$150 per person 4-share ensuite, $432 per double/twin room. Valid to 30 September 2014.
From AU$121.50 per person multi-share, $303 per double/ twin room. Valid to 30 September 2014.
QUEENSTOWN ADRENALINE
Satisfy your inner adrenaline junkie with these heart-pounding jet boat and canyon swing deals in New Zealands uncontested adventure capital. Choose from: DEAL 1
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2 nights multi-share accommodation at YHA Queenstown Central or YHA Queenstown Lakefront Shotover Jet ride Transport to Shotover Jet from The Station Free digital photo or $20 off photo pack Free WiFi on site at Shotover Jet
Priced from NZ$181 per person multi-share at YHA Queenstown Lakefront and from $197 at YHA Queenstown Central. Valid to 30 September 2014. DEAL 2
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NOW
2 nights multi-share accommodation at YHA Queenstown Central or YHA Queenstown Lakefront Shotover Jet ride and Canyon Swing Transport to Shotover Jet from The Station Transport to Shotover Canyon Swing for you and a friend Free WiFi on site at Shotover Jet
Priced from NZ$383 per person multi-share at YHA Queenstown Lakefront and from $393 at YHA Queenstown Central. Valid to 30 September 2014.
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Tourism QLD
Shotover Jet
Tourism Victoria
3 nights in a 4-share room at Grampians Eco YHA 3 hour rock climbing or abseiling adventure with Absolute Outdoors.
Priced from AU$119.50 per person. Conditions apply. Valid to 30 June 2014. Excludes Easter, ANZAC Day and June long weekends.
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Say Kia Ora to Rotorua, New Zealands Maori culture and geothermal capital. Glimpse into the lives of the early Maori at Tamaki Maori Village where youll be treated to an evening of ceremonial ritual, cultural performances, storytelling and a mouth-watering traditional hangi feast. Then soak at your leisure in the Polynesian Spas seven mineral hot springs while overlooking Lake Rotorua. Package includes:
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1 nights accommodation at YHA Rotorua Three hour Tamaki Maori Village cultural evening (including transport) Adult entry to Polynesian Spa (15 minute walk from YHA Rotorua) for unlimited duration
Priced from NZ$124.20 per person multi-share or $270.40 for 2 people in private ensuite room. Exclusive to YHA members. Valid to 30 September 2014.
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Visit New Zealands Garden City and get a taste of the Antarctic at the same time. Say hello to little blue penguins, step into an Antarctic storm at -8C, buckle-up for the exciting Hagglund ride, and experience an awesome simulated 4D cruise. Package includes:
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1 night at YHA Christchurch Rolleston House Entry to the International Antarctic Centre including 4D show and Hagglund ride. Free shuttle from Rolleston Avenue (opposite the YHA)
Priced from NZ$77 per person multi-share. Valid to 30 June 2014. Exclusive to YHA members.
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Tourism NZ
1 night for two people in a private room at YHA Auckland International 2 large packed breakfasts inc. cereal, milk, tea, coffee, Milo, sugar, juice, spread, jam and bread
2 bagels with cream cheese and jam + 2 regular coffees of your choice Priced from NZ$80 for two people in a private room with share bathroom, and $120 for two in private room with ensuite. Vaild to 30 June 2014.
Priced from NZ$105 for two people in a private ensuite (double or twin). Vaild to 30 June 2014.
YHA WELLINGTON
ChameleonsEye Shutterstock
u
wellington@yha.co.nz
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FEATURE / WALKING NZ
WALKING JUNKIE
Keri Moyle and Department of Conservation
confessions of a
JUSTINE TYERMAN ONCE WENT TO ABSURD LENGTHS TO IGNORE ROADSIDE SIGNS POINTING TO ALL WALKING TRACKS. * L L OA THESE DAYS SHE CALLS NOTE T EADERS R N ALIA M HERSELF A TRAMPING * AUSTR HE TER T E S U E KIWIS ESCRIB JUNKIE, HANGING OUT D O T G N I P M TRA ALKING L FOR HER NEXT FIX. BUSHW O AL
KING T L A W (OR WIDE D L R O OUR W ERS!) READ
I DREAM ABOUT
lightweight food on supermarket shelves and have serious conversations with my tramping boots about our next adventure in New Zealands Great Outdoors. This might come as a surprise to my friends and family who know me as a not-particularly-fit, desk-bound townie. Its time to come clean. I have become addicted to the no-frills version of life. I happily wear the same clothes for days on end, eat dehydrated food, wash in glacier-melt water and share backcountry bunkrooms with snoring strangers. All this for the exhilarating and healthy exhaustion that follows walking through sun/rain/snow/wind (or any combination of these) rather than that dull fatigue that comes from crossing my eyes looking at a computer screen for eight hours a day.
The spectacular Routeburn Track follows a path that was first used by Maori pounamu (jade) hunters.
Julian Apse
My addiction started unassumingly (as addictions tend to) when friends invited me to walk the Routeburn Track, one of New Zealands nine Great Walks. The three-day, 32-kilometre walk turned out to be an ideal first expedition for a nouveau tramper. The initial few hours were an unbelievably beautiful confidence booster a gentle but steady climb on a wide track through beech forest while the Route Burn babbled alongside. Then things got steeper. But by then I had bonded with my pack and boots and with every step up the narrow, rocky track, the landscape revealed waterfalls, lakes, rivers, alpine peaks and valleys. Typical New Zealand views but they steal my breath away every time. After summiting at the 1,255 metre Harris Saddle we traversed along the Hollyford Face which turned out to be fraught with danger. Not any real danger, mind you, but it was hard trying to maintain my footing while constantly staring at Fiordlands highest peak, Mt Tutoko hanging with glaciers. I procrastinated during the steep forest descent because I didnt want the tramp to finish. Ever. I was enchanted. And incurably hooked.
The Great Walks are the celebrities of New Zealands tramping line-up and require serious planning before embarking upon them. Addicted as I am, I need a tramping fix between these major expeditions. There are heaps of shorter tracks accessible to all-comers that are perfect between-times tramps. The Hooker Valley Glacier in the Aoraki Mt Cook National Park is one of the few walks in the world where you can stroll through alpine terrain to the foot of the countrys highest peaks without guide, oxygen or a team of sherpas and/or yaks lugging a few months worth of lifes necessities. The two-hour walk to the terminal face of the Hooker Glacier is ideal for those who dont like climbing but want to get into the mountains all the same. We passed a sobering memorial to all those who had died attempting the lofty peaks, crossed a swing bridge over the Hooker River in the shadow of Mt Sefton,
Magnificent Mt Sefton from the Swing Bridge over the Hooker River.
THE HOOKER VALLEY GLACIER... IS ONE OF THE FEW WALKS IN THE WORLD WHERE YOU CAN STROLL THROUGH ALPINE TERRAIN TO THE FOOT OF THE COUNTRYS HIGHEST PEAKS.
Who said you need to be an experienced hiker to enjoy the Hooker Valley track?
Miles Holden
Justine Tyerman
MUST TAKES
Your three best friends for tramping are:
Your feet and boots must become best friends. Get them together a good six months before you take them hiking so they can bond. Ideally they should fall in love. Do NOT borrow or rent boots. The most shocking blisters can result from this folly.
Devils Punchbowl
Ryan Buterbaugh
skirted a cliff face on a well-formed track with safety rails, ambled up a valley and along a boardwalk built to protect the delicate eco-system. Then, suddenly, we were in the presence of Aoraki Mt Cook, the Cloud Piercer. No matter how often I view her 3,754 metre stature, or from what angle, she is a stunner.
The Devils Punchbowl at Arthurs Pass is another easyaccess, one-hour return hike which can be tackled in any weather. To experience the true magic of the 131 metre waterfall, I went after recent rain when the cascade was thunderous. But mid-winter is special too because the mountain beech forest dresses in white, silver filaments of frost fill the air and the waterfall is frozen like stalactite sculpture. Mangakawa Walkway near Gisborne is a torture Ive subjected myself to time and again. I tune my muscles for longer tramps by climbing step after step of the steep, high and seemingly endless staircase that winds through virgin rainforest to the top of the hill. Then after the descent I peel off sticky gear and luxuriate in a refreshingly cool, outdoor pool at Morere Hot Springs. On cold days, I soak my protesting muscles in the hot fossilised seawater, so called because the mineral water travels thousands of years before bubbling up beneath the adjacent rainforest.
Your pack is your second best friend and must be professionally fitted to your back. If your pack takes a fiendish disliking to you, life on the tramp will be miserable. Theres a mindboggling array of different packs on the market. Before you go shopping, do your research: Think about where, how long and how often youll be tramping so you get a pack to suit.
Forget fashionable, wet weather gear is life and death stuff. Go for 100% guaranteed, totally waterproof gear with sealed seams and zips, especially in the jacketstakes. Leggings need to be waterproof too but a long-line jacket that covers your bum and the top of your thighs can be a life saver when battling rain, sleet, hail and wind.
3 442 4900
glenorchy@yha.co.nz
3 442 7400
queenstown@yha.co.nz
I met a couple last summer who were walking Te Araroa, the Long Pathway that follows the length of New Zealand. My boots begged me to ditch the civilised life and tag along with them. Theres something so refreshing about spending the day just walking, putting one foot in front of the other; the anchoring weight of the pack on my back and the heady sensation of being able to fly when I take it off. I am a tramping junkie, I confess. Heres hoping this addiction has no cure.
YHA MT COOK
+64 3 435 1820 u mtcook@yha.co.nz
u
YHA GISBORNE
u u
FEATURE / PHOTOGRAPHY
TAKE YOUR CAMERA TRAVELLING, WRITES EWEN BELL, WITH THESE TIPS TO CAPTURE THE BEST OF WHAT YOU SEE.
Ewen Bell
GO
Ewen Bell
SOFT LIGHT
Great light makes for great photos, so greeting the sunrise and hanging by the beach at sunset is half the job done. The character of the light is what gives character to your photos. When you meet lovely people along the journey and want a photo to remember them by, look for soft light instead of the harsh direct sun. Step inside a doorway or under the shade so your photos will be kind to their skin. Capturing a few up-close details is handy for your future memories and for posting collages. When you go slow with your photography you allow time to engage with people and delve deeper into the culture. Travel and photography are good friends, because they both enjoy a relaxed pace and meeting new faces. Walking around a city instead of catching the bus is the best way to shoot, allowing time to stop and chat or just soak up the ambience of a destination. The more you experience the better your exposures. Slowing down your travel also allows better opportunity to get in close with the camera. Take a moment to say hello to people instead of just greeting them with a lens, and you can expect richer smiles and happier subjects. Show them your photos, let them have a laugh. It builds friendship with strangers and allows for more candid photo opportunities after that initial exchange of cultures. Often people go back to their daily routine and thats when you get the best photos, pictures of people being themselves and carefree of the camera.
Kindness and Light: Gentle light makes for gentle portraits, but always start with a generous smile and see what comes back in return.
Ewen Bell
You dont need a DSLR to take great photos anymore. Mirrorless cameras that feature interchangeable lenses are proving a big winner for travellers by saving weight and space. If youre serious about your photos and want to make big prints when you get home, invest dollars in the lens and not just the camera. There are no bad cameras these days, only bad lenses. Look for a camera with wideangle ability so you can capture big scenes and busy streets. Any lens can shoot details, but a wide lens will bring home the chaos and charm of a location. The wider the better. Wide angle is also good for getting intimate shots of people, complete with the context of where they are. A spare battery is essential in your kit as the bright screens and wifi features tend to suck some juice. Many cameras will use the same cable as your smartphone so you dont need a card reader to download.
COOL CLICKS
WHICH WIFI
Size Matters: Bigger cameras can be an obstacle between you and your subject. Mirrorless systems allow you to engage with people while shooting their portrait. Ewen Bell
A lot of mirrorless cameras today have wifi built-in and support uploading images directly to social media. This can get clunky unless your free wifi options happen to deliver decent speed. Wifi-Direct is the new buzz word for travellers however, allowing you to select a handful of pics and beam them across to your phone or tablet. This works without need for a wifi network. You can be hiking in the wilderness and still shuffle the best pics of the day across to your phone. Its also a smart way to backup your photos, using wifi-direct to synchronise your camera with your tablet or laptop.
SMALL IS SMART
Weve picked out three types of camera that each offer modest styling and great images. For the best quality pics have a look at prime lenses instead of a zoom, and let your feet do the work instead.
Capturing the finer details, and above, Annapurnas in Nepal. Packing light doesn't mean you can't be loaded with smart technology.
Ewen Bell
Lumix GX7 with 12-24mm lens 16MP sensor WiFi enabled Touch screen Fast AF punches above its size MFT lens system has over 30 30 lenses to choose from
If you can get some fast internet access over wifi then storing a copy of the journey online is the safest option. Android devices can sync to your Google account for example, or you can use Dropbox across many devices for even more flexible storage. The first few gigabytes are always free, but for less than $100 a year you can upgrade to some serious online storage in excess of your memory cards.
Fuji XM1 with 16-50mm lens 16MP sensor Wifi enabled 5.6fps for fast frames APS-C sized sensor compares to smaller DSLR cameras X-mount lens system offers some great prime lenses
APP ENVY
Instagram is still the best way to share your moments on the road, because its data light and the apps are hard to beat. Photos taken on your phone are downsized to 650x650 pixels, so the uploads are fast and wont choke on free wifi at a cafe. You can also cross post to Facebook and Twitter with zero effort, making it the fastest way to let the most people back home know how much fun youre having. PicsArt and other apps that build collages are another way to send home lots of images with minimal uploads. Gather the days pics into one or two collages and post to your online profiles via Instagram. You can even queue them up on your phone with Instagram until the next wifi stop comes along.
Nikon Df with 50mm f/1.8 lens 16MP sensor ISO 204,000 for super low light All metal body built for hard knocks Full frame sensor works with Nikons best lenses Retro styled fully functional professional DSLR
SOFT OR SLOW
The more advanced cameras allow you to step off the Auto mode and experiment a little:
Shutter priority is handy for
panning the camera on bicycles and motos speeding past. Try around 1/30th of a second to make the bikes look good while the background blurs.
Aperture priority is all about depth of
field. A low f-stop such as f/2 means low depth of field, great for foodie shots and intimate portraits. A large f-stop is better for landscapes, around f/8 for example.
your camera sensor the more depth of field you get for the same f-stop. Blurry backgrounds with silky bokeh needs a fast lens and a bigger camera.
For nearly everything a wide
lens is best, as you can stand closer to subject for a tight shot anyway. Wildlife is not so easy, so a telephoto lens comes in handy when chasing little creatures from
Market Life: Little things make for great photographic memories. Shallow depth of field is great to highlight one element of your scene.
Ewen Bell
Southern
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SOUTH-WEST WESTERN AUSTRALIA IS THE PERFECT PLACE FOR A ROAD TRIP WRITES STEVE MCKENNA.
Tourism WA
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
is huge; four times the size of Texas; ten times bigger than the UK; larger than New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania combined. From state capital Perth, its more than 2300kms to WAs northern-most city, Broome, with vast swathes of ochre-tinged wilderness in between.
Look the other way, however, and youll find a cluster of alluring pit-stops within tantalisingly close range of each other. The compact south-western pocket of WA is made for touring. So once youve tired of Perths Northbridge nightlife, Sunday sessions at Cottlesloe Beach and cafe-hopping in Fremantle, hit the road. Youll need your own wheels though, public transport is sparse in this neck of the woods.
MARGARET RIVER
Tell a Sandgroper (WA native) that youre heading to Rockingham and Mandurah- the two seaside towns just south of Perth - and they probably wont get too excited. Say youre going to Margs and the reaction will be more enthusiastic. Or envious. A three-hour drive from Perth, Margs is the affectionate moniker of Margaret River - a beguilingly bucolic region hedged either side of an eponymous river that feeds into the Indian Ocean. Hugh Jackman has claimed its the best place hes ever been to. Asked why, the Sydney-born movie star said: The surf, the beaches, the food, the wine, the people, the air; its all good man. M a rg a re t R i ve r s c h a ra c te r m a y h a ve g o n e u p m a r ke t s i n ce the 1970s - when it was a campervan-jammed hippy hangout - b u t f r a g m e n t s o f i t s l a i d - b a c k b o h e m i a n c h a r m e n d u re . Organic produce markets, fish and chipperies and salt-of-the-earth taverns complement sophisticated seafood restaurants, swanky boutique hotels and award-winning wineries, dozens of which nestle amid bountiful vineyards mottled with grape-picking backpackers. The maritime micro-climate has been likened to Bordeauxs, with
warm (but not extreme) summers, mild winters and ample annual rainfall helping to yield a rich array of tipples, including Shiraz, Chardonnay, Semillon Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon. You can sample them - with local hams, cheeses and trufes - at dozens of cellar doors (see margaretriver.com for an extensive winery map). Beer and cider quaffers may prefer Cheeky Monkey - one of the areas burgeoning craft breweries. Wine lovers and foodies should time their trip with the Margaret River Gourmet Escape (held each November in and around the hip little town of Margaret River). Surfing is another of the regions passions. Margs 130km coastline has over 70 surf breaks, of varying difficulty, from daredevil to beginner. There are surf schools and stores in the beach-side towns of Dunsborough and Yallingup (which are also swell spots for catching a fiery WA sunset). Adorned with other-worldly-looking stalactites, Margaret Rivers mysterious limestone caves reward exploration. Ngilgi, Mammoth, Lake and Jewel caves are the pick. Fossils, dating back over 35,000 years, have been discovered in them.
Top to bottom: Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse, Dunsborough; Getting up-close with Albany Whale Tours, Albany; A passenger in search of a Southern Right whale.
Tourism WA, Steve McKenna
ALBANY
If deepest south-west WA has a bustling metropolis, its Albany. But this port town - population 35,000 - is so relaxed it makes Perth seem like Bangkok. Graced with attractive 19th century colonial buildings - many housing pleasant cafes, restaurants and museums - Albany became WAs first British settlement in 1826, three years before Perths Swan River Colony was founded. Named after Frederick, Duke of Albany and York, and son of King George III, the town grew around King George Sound, a tranquil expanse of water that nudges the rough and tumble of the Southern Ocean. The Sound is the setting for Albanys much-heralded whale-watching tours . Every June, migrating cetaceans come north from the frigid waters around Antarctica to breed. Its September when I visit, so the
humpbacks have already left. But the Southern Right whales are still here - apparently. After half-an-hour of luckless viewing, one of my fellow passengers bellows: Over there! The eagle eyes of the boat captain follow suit. Got it. We drift over and two whales - about HUNGRY FOR MORE? nine metres long - are bobbing along the surface, peeking out their callositystrewn heads. Then one somersaults, flapping its flukes (tail fins) into the air. Were still catching our breath when another whale appears, rubbing its enormous body against our vessel and popping its head above water. Magical exchanges between humans and whales occur in the same waters where these majestic creatures were once slaughtered for their oil-rich blubber. Until 1978, Tucked 90km inland from Albany was a whaling centre, Australias last, in fact. The Albany, Stirling Range brutally absorbing history is exposed at Whale World , a National Park is one of the superb interactive museum set in the former Cheynes Beach best places to peruse WAs whaling station 25km west of town. vivid wildowers (the state has A strong Anzac spirit fuels Albany. This was the last port of 12,000 species - more than any call for around 30,000 Australian and New Zealand soldiers other - with bloom-time from who fought in World War I. The towns military heritage is July to September). surveyed in a small museum at Princess Royal Fortress, an A 43km-long dusty gravel old base perched on Mount Adelaide, a hill overlooking the track snakes through this harbour. mildly mountainous park, Albany attracts hikers aplenty. It sits at the end of the which has several look-out Bibbulmun Track, a mammoth walking trail that stretches points and designated trails around 1000km from Kalamunda, east of Perth. Named after carpeted in mountain bells, one of WAs oldest indigenous tribes, the Bibbulmun usually orchids and banksia (plus takes fit, hardy souls about two months to complete, though roaming monitor lizards). it can be broken into smaller sections. About 500km east of Albany, Esperance hugs the picturesque, island-speckled shores of Esperance Bay, from which you can spot whales, seals and dolphins - and enjoy diving, snorkelling, shing, canoeing and simply lounging on some of WAs most pristine beaches, lapped by blueyturquoise sea. Heading east from Esperance, its a long way to civilisation; the next reasonably-sized settlement, Streaky Bay (in South Australia), is over 1500km away.
Steve Mc Kenna
Steve McKenna
I TREAD THE DIZZYING TREE-TOP WALKWAY THROUGH THE COOL FOREST CANOPY... THESE EUCALYPTIC WONDERS SPROUT HEIGHTS OF OVER 40 METRES...
DENMARK
Like Albany, Denmark is part of the gloriously scenic sub-region of WA known as the Great Southern. Many travellers come to this old timber-milling town half-expecting to find a smorgasbord of Scandinavian flavours. But the Vikings never sailed here. And theres no great Danish expat community. Denmark - and its river - were named after Alexander Denmark, a friend of Thomas Braidwood Wilson, a Scottish navy surgeon who, in 1829, tramped through this heavily fo re ste d s h i re , w h i c h w a s f i rst inhabited, by Aborigines, as early as 40,000BC. Oozing a friendly, villagey vibe, Denmark is home to a cluster of arts and craft shops, creative galleries and alfresco cafes like Denmark Bakery a recipient of hundreds of national awards, and the purveyor of quirky offerings like Thai Green Curry, Vinda Roo and Seafood Chowder pies. The sprawling karri and jarra forests that surround Denmark and which drew the 19th century sawmilling merchants - are still largely intact. So, too, are the red tingles that comprise the so-called Va l le y o f t h e G i a n t s , n e a r t h e village of Walpole, 70km west of Denmark. I t re a d t h e d i z z y i n g t re e - t o p walkway through the cool forest ca n o p y. O f te n co m p a re d to t h e mighty redwoods of California, these eucalyptic wonders sprout
Valley Of The Giants Treetop Walk, Walpole; One of Denmark village's shops, top.
Tourism WA, Steve McKenna
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heights of over 40 metres, with circumferences of 16 metres. Denmark has a ruggedly handsome coastline. Beyond the peaceful, birdlife-rich enclave of Wilson Inlet, William Bay National Park is a treasure trove of white sandy coves, wild, deserted surf beaches, dunes, headlands, peculiar granite formations and ancient Aboriginal birthing pools. I take a leisurely drive through Denmarks undulating pastoral interior, glimpsing grazing cattle Clockwise from below: and myriad calorific temptations, Wolfe Lane, Perth; Freo including artisanal chocolatiers, strip; "Indiana cheese makersCafe and rustic-chic Tea House", Cottesloe wineries. Fremantle While perhaps Beach; not as famous as Prison Tour. Margaret River and Perths Swan Tourism WA, Shutterstock Valley, the Great Southern is WAs largest wine-producing region. One of its finest venues is the Lake House . Set in landscaped gardens fringed around a quaint little lake, its a lovely spot for some wine tasting and a splash-out lunch. If your budget is tight, just come for the scrumptious coffee and cake.
ESPERANCE
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HERES OUR PICK OF EVENTS COMING UP IN YOUR REGION
Vivid Sydney 2013
Taking light shows to a new level, Sydney lights up for the biggest international music, art and light festival in the Southern Hemisphere. The Lighting of the Sails is back, along with huge 3D projections on iconic buildings, interactive light art sculptures, and the yummy Night Markets. Darling Harbour will once again be transformed by dazzling water and laser shows, while Martin Place and Sydney Ferries will get in on the act in 2014. Best of all, Vivid LIVE returns, with uber hip The Pixies headlining, and a rare performance by BOOK electronic pop legends Pet Shop Boys. vividsydney.com NOW Take advantage of Sydney Harbour YHA's City Break package
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Port Douglas Carnivale turns 20, so come along to this 10-day festival celebrating the best of tropical north Australia. It kicks off with a vibrant street parade through the streets, brimming with colourful floats and lively music, followed by the brand new Street Art and Music Festival. Foodies will love the Longest Lunch, Palates of Port and Taste Port Douglas events, while in an Australian first, the traditional Japanese horseback archery tournament, Yabusame, is sure to be a highlight of the Family Beach Day. carnival.com.au BOOK
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ADELAIDE CABARET FESTIVAL 6-21 June 2014
Be dazzled by the worlds largest festival celebrating all things cabaret. Now in its 7th year, this classy and creative entertainment buffet offers up stars of the West End and Broadway, bold burlesque, live lounge, and acts from the avant-garde and theatrical to the intimate and hilarious. Use your YHA card for discount tickets. adelaidecabaret.com
Swing those frocks and tap those shoes to an impressive international and local lineup of the worlds modern jazz masters. Intimate club gigs, late night parties, free events and concerts for children and families alike. jazzfestival2014.com
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TASTING AUSTRALIA 27 April - 4 May 2014
Tuck into the best of Australian food and wine at Adelaides gourmet extravaganza. This biennial highlight of the Aussie food calendar blurs the lines between events and experiences, inviting you to eat, drink, share and participate. Join in cooking demonstrations with kitchen celebrities from around the world, and discover the regions real food heroes butcher, baker, cheesemaker, fisherman, farmer, chef, winemaker or brewer. tastingaustralia.com.au
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Grapes, gourmet food and the beauty of the Grampians; whats not to like about this ever popular celebration of Western Victorias highly acclaimed fine wines, beers and fresh food. Graze your way through tasty treats from more than 100 producers and enjoy free entertainment, activities and live music at this relaxed foodie favourite. grampiansgrapeescape.com.au
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SYDNEY BIENNALE Until 9 June 2014
Held every two years, this is the Asia Pacifics largest and most exciting contemporary visual arts extravaganza. Imaginative, surreal, emotional, and sublime artworks will be on display at venues around Sydney. Dont miss the life-size projection of an Icelandic waterfall at Cockatoo Island, Douglas Gordons dramatic Phantom, and Yingmei Duans forest inside the NSW Art Gallery. biennaleofsydney.com.au
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Cai Guo-Qiang, Inopportune: Stage One, 2004, 17th Biennale of Sydney (2010) at Cockatoo Island. Photo: Ben Symons
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STAIRCASE TO THE MOON Until October 2014
For three nights a month, between March and October, you can witness this incredible natural phenomenon. This amazing optical illusion of a staircase reaching to the moon occurs when the full moon reflects off mudflats at Broomes Roebuck Bay during extremely low tides. There are also fantastic night markets with heaps of food, crafts and entertainment. Estimated dates below, visit australiasnorthwest.com
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national folk festival 17-21 April 2014
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Cooly Rocks On
Coast meets country for the second annual Broadbeach Country Music Festival. Set on the pristine beachfront of the Gold Coast, this free festival offers up a perfect mix of surf boards and steel guitars as country musics finest assemble for three days of incredible entertainment across outdoor stages and within venues throughout Broadbeach. broadbeachcountry.com
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