CommunityBuzz! - Oz Fest #10 – Perth Australia - Memorial Day Weekend, May 24-26, 2013

Oz Fest #10" – Perth Western Australia - Memorial Day Weekend, May 24-26, 2013

There have been 9 successful OzFests so far - in Sydney, (twice) Brisbane, Melbourne, Hobart Tasmania, Cairns Queensland, Adelaide South Australia, and Darwin Northern Territory, and Canberra in the ACT in May this year 2012.

There are near no other annual FT Doos outside the USA that have chalked up 10 years running AFAIK.

Polling of FT'ers who attended Canberra, and via many private emails seems to have decided that the very narrow runner up choice for 2012 shall be the venue in 2013.

PERTH, WESTERN AUSTRALIA.

The location of which, for the benefit of our overseas members is shown below - right between nowhere and nowhere. . :)


http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s113/ozstamps/AA/3-58.jpg
See Australia - via OZFESTS!


Democracy rules supreme with all OzFest’s, and after some emails with Itsalongwaydown and serfty and Mwenenzi, I have started this thread today to officially kick off OzFest #10. :p

Hobart had 40 members signed up - pretty amazing seeing only one attending was a local, Cairns saw 59 turning up – just beating out by 1 the then previous record attendance of any OzFest - number #2 in Sydney - 58 attendees.

Adelaide was a little too big, with 75 attendees, but not all of whom were active FT'ers causing some issues, and the slightly less accessible Darwin kept numbers down to previous sort of levels - 44. Canberra had 51 "Platinums" sign up.

The "OzFest" threads attract between 35,000 and 57,000 page views - pretty amazing records for any FT Doos anywhere. Each thread runs to very many 100s, into the 1000+ post numbers. :)

MargoZ and I will certainly be among the first confirmed starters to attend, barring any calamities, and as with all the other Oz Fests, I'll be pleased to assist where I can, and if required.

I have attended all OzFests, and will not miss Number TEN. :D

Regrettably I do not have as much free time as I once did, and can't add much to the mix as I know nothing much about the city, but hopefully we can get a suitable Perth local or three to step forward! Bill and Ross advise they know a few possible and reliable starters who may be able to assist. ;)

Itsalongwaydown and I have been in contact on this, and Bill and Sue are also certain attendees for Perth. Bill as always has offered to lend a willing hand in the planning and cat herding, that is associated with these large events, and helped mentor the groud organisers in Canerra . :)

Other volunteers will I am sure add links to activities and suggestions for Perth in the next few posts, so we get it all moving along.

Mwenenzi has offered really invaluable back-up those helping organise all the previous Ozfests, and to ALL members and has agreed he’ll be able to assist again – I am sure he will "place-marker" several early posts to add to later, as he always does.

He will hopefully be tracking attendees and hotels and activity sign ups etc via his legendary and super detailed Excel spread sheets, and trust he can join us in person for this one. These are incredibly time consuming to keep updated, and all attendees owe him a huge vote of thanks. :)

Serfty looks to be the “king of airline movements” for attendees to and from, and his most useful link to that aspect for Cairns and Adelaide and Darwin and Canberra helped lots of members buddy up for Cabs etc, and book seats together, and cut costs etc.

And hopefully we can once again call on the falconea’s to be name tag/table tag supremos, and we are well on our way! :d

*A Flyer who did a really wonderful job as lead organiser on the ground in Canberra, I recall said he will try to make Perth - his studies etc permitting.

There are a fairly limited range of ‘major’ brand Hotels in Canberra ... I'll let others expand on that aspect. That is a bit of an issue. There was a Sheraton that is gone, but do recall noting there is a Parmelia Hilton.

Having ONE central hotel location that most folks use, is a VERY large plus I always feel. The long bus delay on Saturday in Canberra is one example where FT'ers being at one place is a great plus.

And it gives the organisers some leverage to extract a great group booking deal, instead of 50 FT’ers being like Brown’s cows, and all doing their own thing.

The May "Memorial Day" weekend seems very popular with USA based Flyer-talkers, and that is the weekend that was most favoured by far. We have bowed to that request and again chosen that weekend - as we have for all other OzFests. Around half the attendees are US based at each OzFest.

That public holiday in the USA is Monday May 27, 2013. Remember if you LEAVE Sydney on the afternoon of Monday May 27, you ARRIVE back in the USA also on the morning of Monday May 27.

Tons of time no matter where you live in the USA, to get back home, unpack, have an early night and get organised for a day at the office next day etc.

Mid afternoon is the usual flight time back for United, who have direct daily flights from SYD to the west coast (to both LAX and SFO) ex Sydney.

Near all USA attendees fly UA to OzFests to either MEL or SYD. HOWEVER Perth is quite close to Asia, and flight options via key Asian hubs are WELL worth looking at.

We had quite a few Singapore members at OzFest #9 for instance.

The weather for the past 9 "Oz Fests" has been in general, superb and sunny. Despite June 1 - a few days later, being our official Winter start date. Even in Tasmania our most southern city, we were truly blessed with unusually nice weather.

We all thought Canberra would be a weather challenge for sure, but the Saturday and Sunday gave quite perfect weather.

Those words "Snowy Mountains" right next to Canberra on the map above, are there for a reason, so we got lucky! ;)

Perth, being West has more of a Southern California type clime, so for overseas attendees, you can near count on a weather friendly weekend!

I get the feeling this as usual, may also turn out to be a very long thread. :)

Glen

MargOz and I will be pleased to fly over for OzFest #10 … let’s make this a biggie folks!

.

Attendees to be updated from time to time. Please PM error's & omissions. Post to be updated at weekends.
email:- OzFest @ mail.com (not gmail)

Registrations for activities are taking place on the Trybooking.com Oz Fest 10 web site (http://www.trybooking.com/Booking/BookingEventSummary.aspx?eid=48032)
An activity register has been set up so you can see who is doing what.
This can be accessed in web link: Oz Fest 10 Activities (https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/71560006/Oz%20Fest%2010%20Activities.htm) Thanks to serfty for publishing
Oz Fest 10 Google map (https://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msid=201800665325735824152.0004d30bc29e6ad1e15b c&msa=0&ll=-31.955803,115.874691&spn=0.051268,0.076303) by *A Flyer showing locations

Count Down Clock (http://www.timeanddate.com/countdown/generic?iso=20130524T13&p0=196&msg=OzFest+PER) (Thanks Boxo)

Included those who posted as definite on the Oz Fest 9 thread.
Have taken the liberty of making some serial offenders (**) Platinum or Gold

Platinum - Confirmed (in order of confirming will attend including PM & emails)
kpc SYD
kpc_+1 SYD
ozstamps SYD
MargoOz SYD
Itsalongwaydown SXE
Sue Oz SXE
serfty MEL
To Market to Market MEL
Fredd SEA
Mrs Fredd SEA
restlessinRNO RNO
lowjhg SIN/CBR
upup&away ORD
spaceman IAD
chchkiwi CHC
dedehans MLB
dedehans_+1 MLB
monitor NYC
Fran NYC
perthite MEL
perthite_+1 MEL
penegal MEL/SIN
penegal_freind
Mr fifa NSW
fifa NSW
pooch SYD
BOB W ANC
Upperdeck744 CMH & HNL
Bundy Bear BNE / PER
tom911 SFO
SFSC NTL
snocone NTL
harryhv OOL
Mrs harryhv OOL
SEA777GUY SEA
BiziBB SYD
Mrs BiziBB SYD
QF WP BNE
Mrs QF WP BNE
thewinchester PER
StevePER PER
mhnadel IAD
wandering_fred ALH
renard HOU
jswong WLG
pandaperth PER
Mrs pandaperth PER
boxo BRR
JohnK BNE/SYD
*A Flyer CBR
JenGal IAD/DCA
JenGal_+1 IAD/DCA
g-day SYD
Across the Nullarbor PER
bk3day NYC
tuapekastar MEL
wandering_fred_Son No 1
JohnSydney2000 SYD
ozbeachbabe BNE
ozbeachhunk BNE

Gold Probable- Maybe

Silver - Interested


Bronze - can't make it
Mrs spaceman IAD
AMRivlin YVR
infoworks SYD
Flashware LHR
Mrs Flashware LHR
ac777 AC SE
Mrs ac777 AC SE
Jackal MDT
gvdIAD IAD
tuapekastar_+1 MEL
falconea MEL
Mr falconea MEL
storyteller BNE
SQ421 CBR
Mrs wandering_fred ALH
specialeffects PHX/SIN
FriendlySkies DEN/LWC/PWM
V8statesman PER Note 1
f0zzyNUE NUE Note 2
goingbananas LAS Note 2
goingbananas_+1 LAS Note 2
rugbyskier CBR Note 2
Jinxy MEL Note 3
ozdemir PER Note 3
Note 1 (22 May) Plat to Bronze downgrade:- Activities not yet booked - no reply to PM's.
Note 2 (22 May) Gold to Bronze downgrade
Note 3 (22 May) Silver to Bronze downgrade
We have tried to contact you by email and PM's on FT & AFF

However late attendees be accepted PM *A Flyer (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/private.php?do=newpm&u=130295)

___________________________________
Count Down Clock (http://www.timeanddate.com/countdown/generic?iso=20130524T13&p0=196&msg=OzFest+PER) (Thanks Boxo)
Oz Fest 10 Google map (http://goo.gl/maps/ejwbp) by *A Flyer
Attendees as post 3 (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/18671737-post3.html)
Registration & Activities in Post 4 (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/18671740-post4.html)
Registration here Trybooking Oz Fest 10 web site (http://www.trybooking.com/Booking/BookingEventSummary.aspx?eid=48032)
email:- ozfest at mail.com (NOT gmail)
Who is doing what Oz Fest 10 Activities (https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/71560006/Oz%20Fest%2010%20Activities.htm)
2013 OzFest 10 Flights (https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/71560006/2013%20OzFest%2010%20Flights.htm) Please send fixes for any errors, changes or omissions to serfty via PM (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/private.php?do=newpm&u=44308).
Hotels: Who is staying where in post 5 (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/18671742-post5.html)
Getting to and about Perth in post 6 (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/18671744-post6.html).
Subscribe to this thread using thread tools (top of the page).
Or just click here: Subscribe to "Oz Fest 10" – Perth (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/subscription.php?do=addsubscription&t=1351688)

Activities & Who is doing what:

Oz Fest 10 takes place in Perth this Memorial Day weekend from Friday 24 May 2013 to Sunday 26 May 2013 involving a full program of activities to show off the best of Perth’s culture, history and food.

Registrations of activities is taking place through here --> Trybooking.com Oz Fest 10 web site (http://www.trybooking.com/Booking/BookingEventSummary.aspx?eid=48032) (An Australian based web site). Click the link to process your registration.

*A Flyer has volunteered to manage this site and look after the funds, as he did for Oz Fest 9 in CBR last year.
Please read all instructions carefully to ensure that your registration & payment is properly processed.
Any inquiries should be directed to OzFest at mail.com [not gmail]

An activity register has been set up so you can see who is doing what.
This can be accessed in web link: Oz Fest 10 Activities (https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/71560006/Oz%20Fest%2010%20Activities.htm) Thanks to serfty for publishing

Activities are listed below. Local residents sometimes only attend for drinks and/or meals.
Oz Fest 10 Google map (https://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msid=201800665325735824152.0004d30bc29e6ad1e15b c&msa=0&ll=-31.955803,115.874691&spn=0.051268,0.076303) by *A Flyer showing locations

Update 20 May : General information on the activities in Post 480 (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/20779453-post480.html) by *A Flyer
However late attendees be accepted PM *A Flyer (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/private.php?do=newpm&u=130295)

Friday 24 May 06:00 pm Welcome drinks
Venue: Rigby's Bar, 221 St Georges Terrace (very near the Hilton)
Cost: Absolutely free - just buy your own drinks
Meet your fellow participants from around the world for a drink. Friday nights in bars tend to be very busy.
Just showing up on the night is OK, even if you are not listed in post 3 as an official attendee.
Take the free CAT bus to the Friday night dinner (see post 6 below)

Friday 24 May 08:00 pm Welcome Dinner
Venue: Uncle Billys in Northbridge
Cost : $44 pre paid activity for the meal.
Drinks to be paid for individually or per table
Casual Asian restaurant in the Northbridge area. Get there on the Blue CAT free bus
Please refer to Post 332 (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/20631488-post332.html)

Saturday 25 May: Early morning walking tour of Kings Park
Hosted by Across the Nullarbor (a Perth resident)
Cost : nothing.
Please register so we have a indication of how many will attend
See Perth at its best far above the city center.
Details later on where to meet and how to get to Kings Park (http://www.bgpa.wa.gov.au/kings-park).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kings_P...tern_Australia

Saturday 25 May: Trip to Fremantle mid morning & afternoon River Ferry Bookings Closed
Float down the famous Swan river to Fremantle.
Leave by Ferry at 09:45 Be at the dock 09:20. Arrive Fremantle 11:05
Cost: $22.00 for the ferry cruise:- Pre paid activity to get a ferry group discount.
Ferry seats are limited so please register as above
Alternatively take a chance to buy your tickets before embarkation (no group discount).
There is also a later ferry at 11:05 (no group discount)
There are a several ferry companies and Transperth (public transit): http://www.lookatwa.com.au/Transport/ferries.html
Update May 12 More information for Saturday in Freo as Post 415 (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/20737577-post415.html) by ex Perth resident Perthite
Update May 18 No more ferry seats for sale. We have paid the ferry cruise company
Any more subject to the ferry company accepting more. PM *A Flyer

Lunch in Fremantle at Cicerellos (http://www.cicerellos.com.au/) or one of the many other places (Little Creatures, one of the many fish'n'chips places) No lack of choice. No lunch reservation will be made:- sort it out it the and pay on the day.

A lot to see & do in Fremantle in the afternoon:- pubs, many restaurants, market, Maritime museum, visit a submarine and more pubs.
http://www.fremantlewa.com.au/pages/welcome-to-fremantle/

See Tom911’s report on his trip as in post 65 (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/18682645-post65.html) about a trip he did
Fremantle also has frequent rail access from Perth, so it's quite easy to get back to Perth. Could easily be down there for lunch, spend the afternoon walking around, and be back in Perth for the evening. The highlight of my visit is just walking around looking at the gorgeous buildings. There is also an indoor marketplace.
Return by train (Transperth) at the time of your choosing. Buy your $4 ticket for the train at the station

Saturday 25 May:- Oz Fest Dinner 08:00pm Bookings Closed
The Oz Fest main dinner.. Enjoy a meal and evening with Oz Fest people. Most people go to this
Venue Hyatt
Cost: $79 pre paid activity for the meal.
Drinks to be paid for individually or per table.
Venue has a varied menu to suit all tastes & dietary constraints. Has drinks that can be paid for individually by those who like a champagne/wine/beer/orange juice/water. We appreciate some like to drink a little more than others.
Please refer Post 332 (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/20631488-post332.html)
Note 1 We have to pay the venue in full by Friday 17 May, so your payment would be appreciated.
Note 2 Bookings closed 19 May. Any more subject to the venue accepting more. PM *A Flyer

Sunday 26 May Swan Valley tour Sold Out
Hosted by StevePER
Cost: $32.00 for bus only. This is a pre-paid activity.
Pay individually at the wineries for drinks & meals
Departure 09:40 am from the Holiday Inn & 09:50 from the Hyatt.
Return to the city about 4:30 pm.
Lunch at one of the wineries or the Feral Brewery (http://www.feralbrewing.com.au/) 12:45pm to 2:30pm
There are limited seats on the bus for 25 people. This is limited by the number's wineries can take. First in gets the seats. If needed we will wait list.
Note 1: 21st April. 25 seat bus full and wait list started
Note 2: 9th May. 12 seat self drive bus organised for wait list. Sold Out. That's it:- no more can be added to the wait list
Update May 22
Details for the 25 seat bus in post 439 (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/20759047-post439.html)
Details for the 12 seat bus in post 511 (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/20791659-post511.html)

Local information web sites Swan Valley (http://www.swanvalley.com.au/Home) and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swan_Va...n_Australia%29

Sunday 26 May AFL footy at Subico : Fremantle vs Melbourne
Time: 2:40 pm kick off. Be at the ground at ~ 2:15 pm
Cost: to be advised.
Organised by serfty as post 252 (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/20437123-post252.html). Contact serfty to arrange tickets.
See Round 9 (http://www.afl.com.au/fixture#tround) of Australia's own unique football game at Subi Oval (http://www.afl.com.au/fixture/venue-information/venue-information---wa)
Getting there from Perth via train is very easy. Catch the Fremantle train from Perth and get off at West Leederville (not Subiaco) It was known as Subiaco Oval pre sponsorship days. Only a few stops from Perth and its free with a footy ticket.
Thanks for the information by 11swj in post 259 (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/20444446-post259.html)

Sunday 26 May 06:30 pm Goodbye Dinner
Venue: Grosvenor Hotel, 339 Hay Street.
They will give us the private room for free that accommodates about 37
Cost: pay at the venue
More details in post 360 (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/20663804-post360.html) by harryhv
Note As at 18th May 41 people have signed up for Sunday dinner

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Registration and Payment Arrangements
Visit here Trybooking.com Oz Fest 10 web site (http://www.trybooking.com/Booking/BookingEventSummary.aspx?eid=48032) to process your registration.
Any inquiries should be directed to OzFest at mail.com [not gmail]

Registration should take place as soon as possible to facilitate the organization and planning of Oz Fest.
However, we understand that it may not be possible to confirm your attendance immediately.
Note that you do not need to attend all activates at Oz Fest. Locals sometimes only attend for drinks and/or meals.
Tickets are available for the whole weekend or for each activity.

Meal details & costs along with the booking & payment links in post 332 (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/20631488-post332.html)
To guarantee attendance at the other pre paid events (e.g. dinners) the deadline is 10th May (so we confirm numbers with the venues)

There are limited seats on the bus for 25 people. Limited by the numbers wineries can take First in gets the seats (others wait listed).
To guarantee a place on the Sunday tour the deadline to book is 10th May. At that point, the bus size may be adjusted to match numbers. We may run a second bus if sufficient numbers
Note 1: 21st April. 25 seat bus full and wait list started
Note 2: 9th May. 12 seat self drive bus organised for wait list.

Any registrations after those dates will be subject to clearance by Oz Fest management.

Please read all instructions carefully to ensure that your registration is properly processed. Once you have registered, you will receive an email with further instructions to effect payment.

The price for all pre paid events is just A$177.00 including the Friday & Saturday meal costs (drinks are extra).
Please be aware that the Oz Fest organisers must prepay for some of the activities & venues, so your prompt payment is appreciated.

All registration & payment is through here Trybooking.com Oz Fest 10 web site (http://www.trybooking.com/Booking/BookingEventSummary.aspx?eid=48032) and is not confirmed until payment is received.
Payment can only be made by credit card via Trybooking
Payments are non refundable unless, someone else takes your place
If you need to pay by direct deposit please contact *A Flyer

The prices are set to cover the costs of processing payments as is the standard practice in Australia.
Please note that Trybooking charges A$0.30 per ticket which will be added to your total.
Trybooking fees to Oz Fest are about 3.2% (the % fee is how they make their money).

Credit Card Processing:
Please note that payments will be processed in Australian dollars in Australia so international visitors may incur foreign exchange credit card transaction fees from your bank.

Hotels
Please PM (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/private.php?do=newpm&u=6129) error's & omissions or email:- ozfest at mail.com (NOT gmail)

Perth Hotel map (http://goo.gl/maps/KiWjP) by *A Flyer ^

Hotels are expensive in Perth (http://www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au/community/travel-news/perth-most-expensive-hotel-room-39728.html), thanks to the Western Australia (WA) mining boom.
$400- $500 - $600 in not unusual.
But plenty of choice to suit all budgets.Based on history, the Hilton may be the Oz Fest base hotel.

Hilton Parmelia web site ( http://www3.hilton.com/en/hotels/western-australia/parmelia-hilton-perth-hotel-PERHITW/index.html)
14 Mill Street, Perth
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/hilton-hhonors/128430-parmelia-hilton-perth-hotel-trip-reports-reviews.html
serfty & To Market to Market Fri 24 to Sun 26
kpc & kpc_gf Fri 24 to Sun 26
restlessinRNO Fri 24 & Sun 26
JohnK Fri 24 & Sun 26
QF WP Wed 22 to Sun 26
Mrs QF WP Fri 24 to Sun 26
Spaceman Tues 21 to Sun 26
Perthite & Perthite_+1 Fri 24
fifa & Mr fifa Fri 24 & Sun 26
tuapekastar
BiziBB & Mrs BiziBB
Bundy Bear Fri 24 Sat 25
Bob W
Services provided for an additional charge
Parking charges: Valet parking - AU$50.00, per 24 hours
In-Room Wireless Internet: AU$29.00, Complimentary for HHonors Gold & Diamond
In-Room Wired Internet: AU$0.55, Complimentary for HHonors Gold & Diamond
Public Wireless Internet: AU$75.00

Hyatt Regency web site (http://perth.regency.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels-perth-regency/index.jsp?null)
99 Adelaide Terrace, Perth
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/hyatt-gold-passport/133414-perth-hyatt-review-master-thread-2.html
dedehans & dedehans_+1 Sat 25
FriendlySkies Sat 25
SQ421 Fri 24 & Sat 25
*A Flyer Fri 24 & Sat 25
mhnadel Fri 24 & Sat 25
upup&away Fri 24 to Sun 26
pooch Thur 23 to Sun 26
monitor & Franny
penegal
harryhv & Mrs harryhv

Holiday Inn City Centre web site (http://www.holidayinn.com/hotels/gb/en/perth/purhs/hoteldetail)
778-788 Hay Street Perth
Tom911
jswong Sat 25
restlessinRNO Sat 25 & Mon 27
serfty & To Market to Market Thu 23
fifa & Mr fifa Sat 25
SFSC & SFSC_+1 Fri 24 to Sun 26
kpc & kpc_gf Mon 27 & Tues 27
g-day
JohnSydney2000
Upperdeck744 Sat 25

Four Points by Sheraton web site (http://www.starwoodhotels.com/fourpoints/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=3800)
707 Wellington Street. Perth Opening June 2012
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/starwood-preferred-guest/1441598-four-points-perth-western-australia-australia-master-thread.html#post20309406
Only Starwood hotel in Perth
Jswong Fri 24 & Sun 26
JenGal &JenGal_+1
boxo
chchkiwi
SEA777GUY Fri 24 & Sat 26
ozstamps & MargoOz
renard
bk3day
Upperdeck744 Fri 24

Ibis Styles web site (http://www.accorhotels.com/gb/hotel-6394-ibis-styles-perth-previously-all-seasons/index.shtml)
Was Accor All Seasons
15 Robinson Avenue 6003 Northbridge
JohnK Sat 25

Novatel web site (http://novotelperthlangley.com.au/)
221 Adelaide Terrace, Perth
More Accor hotels (http://www.accorhotels.com/hotel-directory/gb/australia-pacific/australia/perth/perth-hotel.htm)
Perthite & Perthite_+1 Sat 25

Locals & private accommodation
V8stateman
thewinchester
StevePER
pandaperth
Itsalongwaydown & Sue Oz
Fredd & Mrs Fredd
wandering_fred
lowjhg (fifo day trip)

Unknow
ozbeachbabe
ozbeachhunk

The Richardson web site (www.therichardson.com.au/)
32 Richardson Street

Crowne Plaza web site ( http://www.crowneplazaperth.com.au/)
54 Terrace Road Perth

Crown Metropol web site (http://www.burswood.com.au/Hotels-And-Spa/Crown-Metropol-Perth)
Rebranded from IC Burswood Casino
The casino Bolton Ave & Great Eastern Hwy, Perth

Crown Promenade Perth web site (http://www.burswood.com.au/Hotels-And-Spa/Crown-Promenade-Perth)
Rebranded from Holiday Inn Burswood Casino
The casino on Bolton Ave & Great Eastern Hwy, Perth

Rydges Perth web site (http://www.rydges.com/ROBE/28days.asp?hotelCode=&startDay=1&region=RWPERT,%20RWKALG&RegName=Perth%20and%20WA)
Cnr Hay & King Streets, Perth

Pan Pacific web site (http://www.panpacific.com/en/Perth/Overview.html)
Was the Sheraton. Is opposite from the Novotel.

General Information
Perth accommodation thread on AFF (http://www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au/community/hotel-experiences-and-reviews/perth-accommodation-42137.html)
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/intercontinental-hotels-group-stay-forum/1275785-hi-perth-city-centre-australia.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/hyatt-gold-passport/133414-perth-hyatt-review-master-thread-2.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/hilton-hhonors/128430-parmelia-hilton-perth-hotel-trip-reports-reviews.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/hilton-hhonors/1349801-hilton-hhonors-australian-based-members.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/starwood-preferred-guest/1333793-four-points-perth-western-australia-australia-pre-opening-thread.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/starwood-preferred-guest/1441598-four-points-perth-western-australia-australia-master-thread.html#post20309406

Essential reading:-Post 74 Perth Hilton & other hotels (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/18683810-post74.html) by harryhv on 02 June 2012
And for those looking to stay at the Hilton, I've just written a post in this thread (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/hilton-hhonors/1349801-hilton-hhonors-australian-based-members.html) on strategies to get a reasonable price. For weekends it boils down to watching wotif.com, the 5-dot secret hotel, from about 14 days ahead while maintaining a fallback booking for Rydges. Best to book from one of Rydge's periodic sales, Rydge's is a great hotel and even their sale-bookings are cancellable 24 hrs out

For Hilton week-nights especially Tue & Wed, or any Perth hotel midweek prices are astronomical, best to use points+cash booking as far ahead as possible.
_________________
From to post 21 (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/18671992-post21.html) by serfty
The Parmelia Hilton is these days a Category 7 HHonors hotel - purely on average price; it does not even have an executive lounge. GLONS and AXONS for those with the resources come to the fore here.

From this thread http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/hilton-hhonors/1349801-hilton-hhonors-australian-based-members.html Post 5 by harryhv on 01 June 2012
f) Perth Alternatives - The Perth Rydge's is almost equivalent to the Hilton, now has an executive lounge on the roof ....<snip>..... and no capacity controls on the free night even if it's the last room at $600....

From post 22 (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/18672036-post22.html):
Also, note that the Hilton and Hyatt are at opposite ends of town. There is a Free Transit Zone (http://www.transperth.wa.gov.au/UsingTransperth/FreeTransperthServices.aspx) in Perth, and catching a Transperth bus, such as between these two hotels, is free in this zone
____________________________________
Wotif.com.au (http://www.wotif.com/search/Advanced?country=AU&region=14&startDay=2012-05-28&adults=0&children=0&child1Age=1&child2Age=1&child3Age=1&child4Age=1&child5Age=1&child6Age=1&child7Age=1&child8Age=1&child9Age=1&accommodationTypeMatch=&roomTypeCategoryMatch=&starRatingMatch=&maximumPrice=&isoCurrencyCode=AUD&propertyNameMatch=&searchTerms=&assumedCountry=AU&selectedSuggestionId=&page=1&viewType=all) Commercial accommodation web site.
Gives a guide of what is available. Has good map links
Booking direct with the hotel can be better value: get hotel points, status recognition, etc

About Perth & West Australia
(click on the blue link)

Perth tourism (http://www.perthtourism.com.au/)
Government tourism web site (http://www.tourism.wa.gov.au/Western_Australian_Regions_Profiles/Pages/Experience_Perth.aspx)
Perth tourist centre (http://www.perthtouristcentre.com.au/)
Perth Convention Bureau (www.pcb.com.au/)
WA info (http://www.oztourism.com.au/indexwa.htm)
Perth Map (http://www.whereis.com/wa/perth#session=MTM=)
http://www.lookatwa.com.au/Transport/ferries.html
http://www.fremantlewa.com.au/pages/how-to-get-to-fremantle/
http://www.rottnestisland.com/
http://fremantlemarkets.com.au/
http://www.showmeperth.com.au/

Local Public Transport
There is a Free Transit Zone (http://www.transperth.wa.gov.au/UsingTransperth/FreeTransperthServices.aspx) in Perth,
From post 22: Also, note that the Hilton and Hyatt are at opposite ends of town.
Catching a Transperth bus, such as between these two hotels, is free in this zone
Transperth getting started (http://www.transperth.wa.gov.au/UsingTransperth/GettingStarted.aspx)
Route map to download here (http://www.transperth.wa.gov.au/Default.aspx?tabid=362&id=95)
Another Perth map to download here (http://www.transperth.wa.gov.au/Default.aspx?tabid=362&id=109)
Free Perth Central Area Transit System (Perth CAT)
- CAT map (download for the PDF, also shows limits of Free Transit Zone):CAT map (http://www.transperth.wa.gov.au/Default.aspx?tabid=362&id=73)
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perth_Central_Area_Transit
- http://www.lookatwa.com.au/Transport/cats.html,
- http://www.transperth.wa.gov.au/TimetablesMaps/PerthCATLiveTimes.aspx
- http://www.perthtouristcentre.com.au/transit.php


Need more info: can any local explain how to use - buy tickets Perth public transport ?

Getting to Perth
a) Perth airport (http://www.perthairport.com.au/index.aspx) web site. Star alliance fly to Perth from Singapore & Johannesburg, South Africa
a) international airlines (http://www.perthairport.com.au/FlightInformation/Airlines/International.aspx)
b) Perth Airport Connect.com (http://www.perthairportconnect.com.au/)
c) Airport Shuttle (http://www.perthairport.com.au/ToTheAirport/Shuttles.aspx)
d) No. 37 bus, which runs from domestic T3/T4 (covers QF, JQ, VA) into the city and goes along Adelaide Terrace which turns into St George's Terrace as in post post 369 (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/20691386-post369.html) by tuapekastar. Buy a ticket on the bus (post 371)

b) Great Southern Rail (http://www.greatsouthernrail.com.au/site/home.jsp) (GSR) run the Indian Pacific train twice each week from Sydney to Perth via Adelaide.
b) http://www.railmaps.com.au/journey_results.php?Origin=Sydney

c) Its a loooong road trip across the Nullarbor (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nullarbor) from the east coast (no trees)

The correct map of the world, (http://www.flourish.org/upsidedownmap/hobodyer-large.jpg) with Australia where it really is (at the top)
Australia compared to the USA (http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_the_size_of_Australia_compared_to_the_US)
Australia vs USA map (http://www.anbg.gov.au/maps/aust-usa-map.jpg)
Australia vs Europe map (http://susan.com.au/grey_nomads/eu.gif)

From post 209:- http://www.huffingtonpost.com/tom-rhodes/highway-to-hell-perth_b_2529322.html
____________________________
Perth threads
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/oceania-australia-new-zealand-south-pacific/1387998-perth-what-can-2-us-do-one-week-mid-dec.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/oceania-australia-new-zealand-south-pacific/1103778-perth-weekend-activities.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/oceania-australia-new-zealand-south-pacific/1229408-perth-dining-budget.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/oceania-australia-new-zealand-south-pacific/1206416-perth-free-easy-2-ladies.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/oceania-australia-new-zealand-south-pacific/1359528-perth-beyond.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/oceania-australia-new-zealand-south-pacific/1106028-perth-itinerary-need-help-pls.html
____________________________
Tom911's post 65 (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/18682645-post65.html) on Perth - Freemantle. Worth reading and clicking on the links
____________________________
From a post by thadocta on another thread
.....there is a young band originating in Perth called Gyroscope, their recent hit Some of the places I know (http://youtu.be/SHURiXd91vY) deliberately chose to highlight stunning Western Australian scenery in the film clip, and is well worth a look, if for no other reason than the scenery (and I think they are a great band).

Dave

History Of Oz Fests click for map ( http://www.gcmap.com/mapui?P=syd-bne-mel-hba-cns-drw-cbr-per%0D%0A&MS=wls&PC=red&RC=navy&DU=mi)
Oz Fest 1: 2004 (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=195676) 22 attended Sydney [how it all started The very first]
Oz Fest 2: 2005 (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?p=3000832#post3000832) 58 attended Sydney
Oz Fest 3: 2006 (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=465618) 28 attended Brisbane
Oz Fest 4: 2007 (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=567379) 47 attended Melbourne
Oz Fest 5: 2008 (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=706312) 38 attended Hobart
Oz Fest 6: 2009 (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/communitybuzz/829288-oz-fest-6-cairns-queensland-memorial-day-weekend-may-22-24-2009-a.html) 59 attended Cairns
Oz Fest 7: 2010 (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/communitybuzz/965568-oz-fest-7-adelaide-south-australia-memorial-day-weekend-may-28-30-2010-a.html) 71 attended Adelaide
Oz Fest 8: 2011 (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/communitybuzz/1098474-oz-fest-8-darwin-australia-memorial-day-weekend-may-27-29-2011-a-28.html#post17040494) 44 attended Darwin
Oz Fest 9: 2012 (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/communitybuzz/1254452-oz-fest-9-canberra-australia-memorial-day-weekend-may-25-27-2012-a.html) 51 attended Canberra

9 :-::-::-::-::-::-::-::-::-: FTer for attending all 9 previous Oz Fests
ozstamps

8 :-::-::-::-::-::-::-::-: FTer's for attending 8 previous Oz Fests
QF WP
restlessinRNO
Serfty

7 :-: FTer's for attending 7 previous Oz Fests
Itsalongwaydown
Sue Oz
MargoOz
kpc
To Market to Market
Bundy Bear
gvdIAD
JohnSydney2000

196 individual FTer's have attended Oz Fest 1 to Oz Fest 9 inclusive at an average of 2.18 per person

Following a long established tradition the title has the wrong number :D
Oz Fest #9 – Perth Australia - Memorial Day Weekend, May 24-26, 2013
Mod's will fix. They always do

Following a long established tradition the title has the wrong number :D

Oz Fest #9 – Perth Australia - Memorial Day Weekend, May 24-26, 2013

Mod's will fix. They always do

Well they are each paid $400,000 a year tax free, last time I heard.

Just keeping them busy. :)

Thanks in advance Guys. :D

Glen

Call me Gold but I won't make any guarantees yet.

Call me Gold

I thought it was David? :)

Please put me down as Platinum. Looking forward to it already!

For compiled flight schedules, please click the following link:

2013 OzFest 10 Flights (https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/71560006/2013%20OzFest%2010%20Flights.htm)

Please advise of any errors, changes or omissions to me via PM (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/private.php?do=newpm&u=44308).

Count To Market to market and I in. :D

Reserved

Also reserved

I thought it was David? :)

David

Dedehans and Dedehans+1 planning to come....

You can put kpc & kpc+1 as Platinum for Ozfest 10 in Perth next year:):)My 8th Ozfest...^ Need to look at hotels and flights soon...;):o@:-)

Monitor and Franny have indicated they are definite also.

Note that "due to China and the resources boom"; Perth accommodation can be much more expensive than it was several years ago, surprisingly so!

The Parmelia Hilton is these days a Category 7 HHonors hotel - purely on average price; it does not even have an executive lounge. GLONS and AXONS for those with the resources come to the fore here.

I'll be there:)

Hotels
IC Burswood Casino web site (http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/intercontinental/en/gb/locations/purha)
Bolton Ave & Great Eastern Hwy, Perth

Holiday Inn Burswood Casino web site (http://www.holidayinn.com/hotels/gb/en/perth/purba/hoteldetail)
Bolton Ave & Great Eastern Hwy, Perth


A couple of notes on hotels.

Note that Burswood is renaming to Crown Perth from 1 July, and at that time the two hotels will be leaving the IHG portfolio of hotels. Not sure what the hotel names will be, but Crown something!

The Parmelia Hilton in Perth does not have an executive lounge. Nevertheless, I will likely be in the bar tomorrow night :) I used to know the bar manager there - will check out if he is still around.

What was the Sheraton is now the Pan Pacific (http://www.panpacific.com/en/Perth/Overview.html), and is opposite from the Novotel.

While hotels are expensive in Perth, there are often good prices around on the weekends. The Hilton often has a special of Fridays.

Also, note that the Hilton and Hyatt are at opposite ends of town. There is a Free Transit Zone (http://www.transperth.wa.gov.au/UsingTransperth/FreeTransperthServices.aspx) in Perth, and catching a Transperth bus , such as between these two hotels, is free in this zone.

Please add me to the Gold list. OzFest #10 is still too far away to commit for Platinum. However I am looking forward to return to Perth - where i had the toughest immigration of all time a couple years ago. :rolleyes:

As mentioned in the Ozfest #9 thread, I am keen to come back for more. Please upgrade me to Platinum.

I have already run through some creative flight options and may combine with another trip around that time of year!

Let's just say I may not be flying direct :p

Getting to Perth
a) Perth airport (http://www.perthairport.com.au/index.aspx) Star alliance fly to Perth from Singapore

the other cool *A connection is coming from Johannesburg on SA ... might even possible to take that routing from JFK, IAD, FRA, MUC, LHR ...

My 8th Ozfest...^ Need to look at hotels... I have, and am in shock...

Hotels are expensive in Perth, thanks to the WA mining boom. But plenty of choice to suit all budgets.
Based on history the Hilton may be the home hotel. QFWP as an infrequent busienss traveller to Perth may have a opinion.

Hilton Parmelia web site ( http://www3.hilton.com/en/hotels/western-australia/parmelia-hilton-perth-hotel-PERHITW/index.html)
14 Mill Street, Perth. Note that "due to China and the resources boom"; Perth accommodation can be much more expensive than it was several years ago, surprisingly so!

The Parmelia Hilton is these days a Category 7 HHonors hotel - purely on average price; it does not even have an executive lounge. GLONS and AXONS for those with the resources come to the fore here.


Wow:eek::eek::eek:...the cheapest (cancelleable) rate for the Hilton is an AAA rate for a Twin Guest room for 1 person at AUD$299 per nite!!:td::mad: I have made a tentative booking for 4 nites 24-28 May 13 but will need to look around as I'm not really happy to pay $1200 for 4 nites in a hotel:td::eek::mad:

I have, and am in shock...
Wow:eek::eek::eek:...the cheapest (cancelleable) rate for the Hilton is an AAA rate for a Twin Guest room for 1 person at AUD$299 per nite!!:td::mad: I have made a tentative booking for 4 nites 24-28 May 13 but will need to look around as I'm not really happy to pay $1200 for 4 nites in a hotel:td::eek::mad:

I would suggest that you not panic. In the Great Getaway sale, weekends have been around $145 a night. Hopefully, if they run a sale in January again, there will be some good rates.

The weeknights may be a problem, but they may also be on sale...

IC Burswood Casino web site (http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/intercontinental/en/gb/locations/purha)
Bolton Ave & Great Eastern Hwy, Perth

Holiday Inn Burswood Casino web site (http://www.holidayinn.com/hotels/gb/en/perth/purba/hoteldetail)
Bolton Ave & Great Eastern Hwy, Perth


BTW, in case the IC is leaving IHG - I would still book some flexible rates for that property and cancel them after the rebranding.

I once received points and night credits for a reservation I had at the IC Berlin. When the hotel left IHG I canceled my reservation. Still I did receive the credit in my priorityclub account although I had canceled at the new management. Perhaps that kind of trick also works for the IC in Perth :rolleyes:

Count myself and Mr Fifa as Platinum:D
Looking forward to my 4th OzFest - I wouldn't miss it.

Count myself and Mr Fifa as Platinum:D
Looking forward to my 4th OzFest - I wouldn't miss it.

Excellent :D

I would suggest that you not panic. In the Great Getaway sale, weekends have been around $145 a night. Hopefully, if they run a sale in January again, there will be some good rates.

The weeknights may be a problem, but they may also be on sale...That's my plan...lock in a (??reasonable) cancellable flexible rate, and wait for a sale and rebook...;)

Count myself and Mr Fifa as Platinum:D
Looking forward to my 4th OzFest - I wouldn't miss it.

Excellent :DDitto. My +1 loves talking to Mr Fifa...she relates to him very well when it comes to travel:o:eek:

Ditto. My +1 loves talking to Mr Fifa...she relates to him very well when it comes to travel:o:eek:

Funnily, my +1 seems to relate to your +1 and Mr Fifa :rolleyes:

Ditto. My +1 loves talking to Mr Fifa...she relates to him very well when it comes to travel:o:eek:

Funnily, my +1 seems to relate to your +1 and Mr Fifa :rolleyes:

It's quite funny how the +1s seem to all stick together and discuss 'other' things ;)

Mr Fifa is now addicted to OzFest and I don't think there's any way I would be able to sneak away on my own. But it is much more enjoyable sharing J with someone else ^

Monitor and Franny have indicated they are definite also.^ Thank you for getting us on the list right away, itsalongwaydown. We are as definite as is possible this far out.

There are near no other annual FT Doos outside the USA that have chalked up 10 years running AFAIK.

Actually the Annual Presidents (US) Weekend London Do hit its 10th Anniversary this year in February. You attended in 2008 :)

http://images31.fotki.com/v1085/photos/2/253544/5963345/londonfeb08018-vi.jpg

Of course London isn't quite as difficult to organize as the annual Oz Fests, which I hope to attend some time as I hear great things every year about them.

Cheers.

As noted in post #3, I will do my best to attend, as I've never been to Perth. :)

I am confirmed in the Hyatt regency. See y'all next year!

Mr falconea and I will be there!

If you have had a correct name tag previously I will use the same details. If not, please let me know.

Any other requests, such as larger font sizes will be considered if made early enough.

Audrey

Please count me in as PLATINUM!

Funnily, my +1 seems to relate to your +1 and Mr Fifa :rolleyes:

...

Ditto. My +1 loves talking to Mr Fifa...she relates to him very well when it comes to travel:o:eek:

It's quite funny how the +1s seem to all stick together and discuss 'other' things ;)

Mr Fifa is now addicted to OzFest and I don't think there's any way I would be able to sneak away on my own. But it is much more enjoyable sharing J with someone else ^If a +1 get's a handle, does that mean they lose the +1 moniker?

In any case, To Market To Market certainly relates to the +1's of OZfest. :D

Actually the Annual Presidents (US) Weekend London Do hit its 10th Anniversary this year in February. You attended in 2008 :). ...... and of course there's the annual SIN Do in January during MLK weekend ... 10th was this year and 11th for 2013 is underway (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/communitybuzz/1312604-sin-do-2013-1-18-1-20-singapore.html).

If a +1 get's a handle, does that mean they lose the +1 moniker?

No. Mr Falconea has his own handle but he's definitely still a +1.

Of course, his handle has that built in!

Oddly, the +1s seem to particularly like Mr Falconea's little diaries of the OzFests - we had kpc gf and perthite+1 in particular tell us how much they liked them.

(He's working on this year's edition still.)

Audrey

Please mark me as Platinum :cool:

In any case, To Market To Market certainly relates to the +1's of OZfest. :DI'm amazed that your +1s attitude to travel is completely the opposite to yours:eek:;)

On Page 4 already and only 13 hours since the official announcement.

I will be strategizing with monitor & +1 on itineraries at the OME Do in three weeks and hope to have my travel plans figured out shortly after that.

I am as definite as possible this far out^

On Page 4 already and only 13 hours since the official announcement.

I will be strategizing with monitor & +1 on itineraries at the OME Do in three weeks and hope to have my travel plans figured out shortly after that.

I am as definite as possible this far out^

We are hoping to coordinate somewhat, all what with Monitor and Franny too.

Colour me platinum.

Woo Hoo---Perth!!!!

Have missed the last several OZ Fests but am a definite for this one. Been waiting a long time to see Perth. Will be good to see everyone again.

Actually the Annual Presidents (US) Weekend London Do hit its 10th Anniversary this year in February. You attended in 2008 :)

http://images31.fotki.com/v1085/photos/2/253544/5963345/londonfeb08018-vi.jpg

Of course London isn't quite as difficult to organize as the annual Oz Fests, which I hope to attend some time as I hear great things every year about them.

Cheers.

Guinness and Women ..... sorry that can't have been me. Not my scene. :)

Get down here for goodness sakes Sharon .. burn some UA miles before they are worth ZIPPO!

Glen
.

burn some UA miles before they are worth ZIPPO!

Too late - I already did!

But I do hope sometime to make one of the famous Oz Fests. And if something changes in the next year, maybe it will be that one.

Cheers.

I'm seeing a possible date conflict already but please mark me and +1 as silver. Thanks.

I have an event clash so you won't see me on Friday but I will turn up really late Saturday night.

Virgin Australia has some nice flights available at the exact times I want to travel, and I will use my Virgin Australia upgrade credits.

So mark me as PLATINUM and I will work very hard to keep work out of the way. :rolleyes:

I have an event clash so you won't see me on Friday but I will turn up really late Saturday night.

This sounds familiar!

This sounds familiar!

Its called work; some of you retired folks may have heard of it. :rolleyes:;)

And I thought best to mark myself as PLATINUM because I really want to catch up with everyone.

Qantas JASAs for the Sunday evening flight will open up in a weeks time so don't steal them from me. @:-)

Oz Fest #10" – Perth Western Australia - Memorial Day Weekend, May 24-26, 2013

There have been 9 successful OzFests so far - in Sydney, (twice) Brisbane, Melbourne, Hobart Tasmania, Cairns Queensland, Adelaide South Australia, and Darwin Northern Territory, and Canberra in the ACT in May this year 2012.

There are near no other annual FT Doos outside the USA that have chalked up 10 years running AFAIK.

(Clipped balance of post)

Glen

Ahem,

Sin Run started with its first iteration as Sin Run in January 2003 (planned in 2002) and celebrated its 10th anniversary this past January. Oz Fest is coming in a strong second though.

Mike

Ahem,

Sin Run started with its first iteration as Sin Run in January 2003 (planned in 2002) and celebrated its 10th anniversary this past January. Oz Fest is coming in a strong second though.

MikeAs posted herein:... and of course there's the annual SIN Do in January during MLK weekend ... 10th was this year and 11th for 2013 is underway (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/communitybuzz/1312604-sin-do-2013-1-18-1-20-singapore.html).

Please put me down as Platinum. Looking forward to it already!

Ahem,

Sin Run started with its first iteration as Sin Run in January 2003 (planned in 2002) and celebrated its 10th anniversary this past January. Oz Fest is coming in a strong second though.

Mike

Aha .. well there were always FT meetings in SIN in that era as flights from the USA were $16 R/T or whatever error fares kept getting tossed up in those years.

Half United 1Ks came from SIN runs back then. :D

There were more FT bags tags in Changi Airport at any time than bottles of Coke.

Has it been termed "SIN DOO" for all those 10 years Mike? Of COURSE not! :)

We at OzFest know a good name when we see it. :D

Glen

There are 33 confirmed Platinums already!

Please mark me down as Gold. Work may get in the way.

- I can be sick on the Friday
- I can be sick on the Monday
- I can't be sick both Friday and Monday ;)

The date is too far away in the future and for another couple of hours flying time one can get to Asia. I may just put Perth in the Darwin basket although Rotnest Island may be worth a visit.

Time will tell....

Put me down as a maybe right now dependent on currency exchange rates as we get closer--big factor for me as I'll do 10 days if I'm coming over. I have been to Perth a couple times over the years and have Perth, Fremantle and Swan River photos from 2010 HERE (http://tom911.smugmug.com/Travel-Australia)for those that want a preview.

I took this photo at a construction site in Northbridge. Will we be getting OzFest tattoos when we are there?

http://tom911.smugmug.com/Travel-Australia/2010-Perth-Australia/P1200187/875933927_GpzYt-M.jpg

Put me down as a maybe right now dependent on currency exchange rates as we get closer--big factor for me as I'll do 10 days if I'm coming over. I have been to Perth a couple times over the years and have Perth, Fremantle and Swan River photos from 2010 HERE (http://tom911.smugmug.com/Travel-Australia)for those that want a preview.

I took this photo at a construction site in Northbridge. Will we be getting OzFest tattoos when we are there?

http://tom911.smugmug.com/Travel-Australia/2010-Perth-Australia/P1200187/875933927_GpzYt-M.jpg

Tom...I think you might be a good man to make suggestions to the DO planners. You are hitting on important excursions...please share your experiences.

Are you offering to bring some 3 day stay on tatts? :D:D

Mwenenzi - very sensible to "pre-register" repeat offenders for Oz-fest 10,
and, yes, I am certainly in for Perth and already looking forward to the event.

I am currently in a very wet and rainly Far North Queensland.

I thought the seasonal "wet" ended in late April??

Put me down as a maybe right now dependent on currency exchange rates as we get closer--big factor for me as I'll do 10 days if I'm coming over. I have been to Perth a couple times over the years and have Perth, Fremantle and Swan River photos from 2010 HERE (http://tom911.smugmug.com/Travel-Australia)for those that want a preview.


Looks like you have the river cruise to Fremantle covered off. Maybe you'll need to go the other way to the Swan Valley wineries :) (Actually, IMHO, the cruise to Fremantle is a bit more scenic)

You are hitting on important excursions...please share your experiences.

I did the Captain Cook cruise down the Swan River to Fremantle. It's an easy walk over from the CBD. Trip is 75 mins long at $A25. This is one of many cruises they offer. There is a lunch trip at 1130 for $A62 but lunch in Fremantle would be much nicer. Plenty of pubs and restaurants there. I hit Kail's Seafood Restaurant on the waterfront last trip (not in the CBD but walkable) which is an "order at the window" place with indoor and outdoor seating, and have been to Mario's Italian restaurant in the city center twice.
http://www.captaincookcruises.com.au/

Leaving the ferry terminal in Perth:

http://tom911.smugmug.com/Travel-Australia/Captain-Cook-Cruise-Perth-to/P1200022/875928981_gqbRo-M.jpg

Fremantle also has frequent rail access from Perth, so it's quite easy to get back to Perth. Could easily be down there for lunch, spend the afternoon walking around, and be back in Perth for the evening. The highlight of my visit is just walking around looking at the gorgeous buildings. There is also an indoor marketplace.

Marios Italian Restaurant:
http://tom911.smugmug.com/Travel-Australia/2010-Fremantle-Australia/P1190801/875945994_gBjRA-M.jpg

Kails Seafood Restaurant:
http://tom911.smugmug.com/Travel-Australia/2010-Fremantle-Australia/P1190832/875950222_NuPxj-M.jpg

Kails menu from 2010:
http://tom911.smugmug.com/Travel-Australia/2010-Fremantle-Australia/P1190830/875949844_yQFqA-M.jpg

I have done a day trip over to Rottnest Island and saw quokkas (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quokka) and hiked around a few miles. Most of those that go over there from Fremantle via ferry hire bicycles and cycle around the island. Of course, you need good weather for that. If you look at my photos which adjoined OzFest in 2010 there was a lot of dark clouds and rain. I don't have these photos on-line.

For those wanting to extend their stay I have been as far north as Exmouth on a three day tour (789 miles from Perth--road houses for lunch, bunk houses for accommodations, and lots of open road). There may be a two day tour that just goes as far north as Monkey Mia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monkey_Mia) (800km/500 miles). Heading south I've been to Augusta (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Augusta,_Western_Australia), 322km/200 miles from Perth, though along the way you pass Margaret River wine country which might be an alternative. I was traveling by bus so wine country wasn't in the cards for me. These photos aren't on line any longer.

For those wanting to extend their stay I have been as far north as Exmouth on a three day tour (789 miles from Perth--road houses for lunch, bunk houses for accommodations, and lots of open road). There may be a two day tour that just goes as far north as Monkey Mia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monkey_Mia) (800km/500 miles). Heading south I've been to Augusta (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Augusta,_Western_Australia), 322km/200 miles from Perth, though along the way you pass Margaret River wine country which might be an alternative. I was traveling by bus so wine country wasn't in the cards for me. These photos aren't on line any longer.

Margaret River and the South West (Busselton, Augusta, etc) certainly lends itself more to a pre or post do activity given the distance involved.

To the North, Exmouth and Ningaloo Reef area have their attractions (but then given the distance, it may be worth flying there!

To the North, Exmouth and Ningaloo Reef area have their attractions (but then given the distance, it may be worth flying there!

We're definitely talking covering some terrain to get north, but it's one of those road trips you don't forget. If I come over I might do it again on either side of OzFest. I did a tour package where accommodations were included.

We're definitely talking covering some terrain to get north, but it's one of those road trips you don't forget. If I come over I might do it again on either side of OzFest. I did a tour package where accommodations were included.

Western Australia does have an issue in being so big, and things so far apart, that it does take some time to get between places. Certainly it is well worth doing (although having driven large chunks of WA, the drive can be boring from the drivers point of view!), just need to make sure you put enough time aside to do it.

Please put myself and +1 in as platinum. This will be our first Oz Fest :D

Count me +1 in for probable (or Gold) in Perth. Haven't been there in years...Did Rail from SYD... Will try and tie it in with a trip to Kalgoorlie...since I will be going there in the near future....for the foreseeable future...

Is Fremantle on the agenda and/or Rottnest island?

Is Fast Eddy's still there? Great place to dine anytime day or night!!:)

Aha .. well there were always FT meetings in SIN in that era as flights from the USA were $16 R/T or whatever error fares kept getting tossed up in those years.

Half United 1Ks came from SIN runs back then. :D

There were more FT bags tags in Changi Airport at any time than bottles of Coke.

Has it been termed "SIN DOO" for all those 10 years Mike? Of COURSE not! :)

We at OzFest know a good name when we see it. :D

Glen

Man those were thew days of fares to be sure.

I just had a look and the webpage I created in 2002 for registration for the first Do in SIN was indeed SIN Run. Which was/is a Do. So yes, indeed it has been the same thing with largely the same components for the entire time.

;)

The secret is the crabs and food courts. Keeps 'em coming back every year.

Is Fremantle on the agenda and/or Rottnest island?

Is Fast Eddy's still there? Great place to dine anytime day or night!!:)

Fast Eddy's is still around. Good for an all day breakfast or feed any time. They fill a role, the food is ok, but not sure they will ever win any culinary awards!

Lets see what happens if i put in a suite upgrade to my current executive king spa suite at the hyatt

Updated May 14
Even if you're planning staying at the Hilton it's time to book. Mr & Mrs harryhv have booked the (cancellable) function rate at the Hyatt but may change to the Hilton:

Prices for the Fri/Sat/Sun nights 24-27 May
5-star
Hilton 135/135/135 on lastminute.com.au/secret 5 dots, but they've been renovating the lifts & cafe
Hyatt function rate, 182.75, call (+61) 131234 and quote BQWT, or BQWB with b'fast
Hyatt "Bonus 99" 3 nights for $627 incl $99 F&B
Hyatt club floor 265/265/265 5-dot secret hotel on lastminute.com.au
Pan Pacific 180/218/218 5-star secret hotel on lastminute.com.au
Duxton 209/229/229 on perth.duxtonhotels.com
4-star
Novotel 119/119/119 4.5-star secret hotel on lastminute.com.au
Mercure 120 x3 on lastminute.com.au
Rydges 133/149/172 on priorityguestrewards.com.au
Travelodge 118 x3 on needitnow.com.au
Holiday Inn 172/172/172 priorityclub.com

Secret hotel notes:
Pan Pacific - on lastminute com au, it's the secret hotel with 5 stars ("near Swan River"). It's not 5 dots, that's either the Hyatt ("elegant & spacious rooms") or the Hilton ("1km from Kings Park") or the Fraser Suites ("Perth CBD - East")

Hyatt - 5 dots, "elegant & spacious rooms", offers you a club-floor

Fraser Suites - 5 dots, "city centre - East", is at the edge of town

Crown Metropol (Casino) - a bit seedy to be 5-star, but plenty of golf nearby

Hilton - If using hilton com, book each night separately.

There are other 5-star hotels but they're either poorly located (Richardsonl, Wyndham) or expensive (Best Western).

4-Star
Novotel - Lastminute com au, it's the secret hotel with 4.5 stars ("near the park")

Rydges - priorityguestrewards.com.au, join up (free) to get the regular prices. Book each night separately.

Travelodge - Lastminute com au, it's the secret hotel with 4 stars ("centre of the CBD") but actually the listed rate is the same

There are many other 4-star hotels but they're either poorly located (Crowne Plaza, Peninsula) or horrid (too many to mention, Perth hotels can get away with a lot in this boomtime economy)

------------------------------------------------------------------------

For Hilton week-nights especially Tue & Wed, or any Perth hotel midweek prices are astronomical, best to use points+cash booking as far ahead as possible. Monday nights Rydges has an under-$200 price for members, join up, it's free.

If you're just looking for somewhere central to stay at a reasonable price there are some apartments in East Perth which are on a free shuttle-bus route. Check lastminute.com.au, select Perth then East Perth, for the Mont Clare apartments, the Regal Apartments or - if you're not planning watching TV - the Alderney apartments. If you don't mind slumming it there are acceptable 3-star properties in town: Perth Ambassador and the Comfort Hotel East Perth (not the Comfort-Wentworth Plaza, that's a pub.) Also the Ibis but you'll need an Accor sale to get a decent rate.

Properties to avoid: Ascot Quays, Seasons, the Criterion, Miss Maud, anything in Northbridge. Have also had poor experiences at the Crowne Plaza, the IC which is out of town at Burswood, and Kings hotel.

On Lastminute.com.au for weekend nights only you will find a 4-star secret hotel advertised as "right in in the CBD" (center) in the $100 range which is the Travelodge - quite ok, but fierce internet charge. There's another 4-star secret hotel sometimes, priced $120-$150, usually that's the Mercure.

There's also a 4.5 star secret hotel on Lastminute.com.au which is the Novotel, they usually have a $135 rate on Fri and Sun but nothing for Sat.

UPDATE - Wotif and Lastminute now have 4 "secret" 5-star properties, three with 5 dots and one (the PanPac) with 5 stars.

1. The ex-Sheraton, now Pan Pacific, 5 stars, description mentions "Close to the historic Perth Mint".

2. The Hilton - 5 dots, and the short description at the end mentions "1km from Kings Park"

3. The Hyatt - 5 dots, and the description mentions "spacious room". Often offers the option of a room on a Club floor.

4. The "Fraser Suites", 5 dots, (a new development about 2km from town), 5 dots, says "this hotel is located in the Perth CBD (East)."

Thanks for the advice - other than wotif/Lastminute I'll look to it.

I exclude whatif/Lastminute as then I am not entitled to points earning, status benefits, nor stay/night credits (although sometimes things may 'slip through the cracks, so to speak.).

There's also a 4.5 star secret hotel on Lastminute.com.au which is the Novotel, they usually have a $135 rate on Fri and Sun but nothing for Sat.


The Novotel can have some good rates when the Accor sales are on. I am staying at the Novotel tonight, and got it for $99 (ok, excludes breakfast, but I can live with that). I think it may be wise to monitor the various sales that happen (the Hilton is the same, was there for $129 last night)

Fast Eddy's is still around. Good for an all day breakfast or feed any time. They fill a role, the food is ok, but not sure they will ever win any culinary awards!

Yeah...the all-day breakfast at 2:00am is great after hitting the pubs! :D

Goingbananas and +1 location is LAS.....:)

...... Will try and tie it in with a trip to Kalgoorlie...since I will be going there in the near future....for the foreseeable future...
Goingbananas and +1 location is LAS.....:)Location fixed. But Kalgoorlie (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kalgoorlie), for the foreseeable future, is a little different to LAS :D,

====
The first 34 to signup are repeat offenders. :cool:
The next 5 (#35-39) are newbies:- 1 from PER and 2 PER part time residents.

30 of the first 34 attended Oz Fest 9 CBR (51 attended)
26 of the first 34 attended Oz Fest 8 DRW (44 attended)
25 of the first 34 attended Oz Fest 7 ADL (71 attended)
22 of the first 34 attended Oz Fest 6 CNS (59 attended)
18 of the first 34 attended Oz Fest 5 HBA (38 attended)
20 of the first 34 attended Oz Fest 4 MEL (47 attended)
11 of the first 34 attended Oz Fest 3 BNE (28 attended)
8 of the first 34 attended Oz Fest 2 SYD (58 attended)
2 of the first 34 amended Oz Fest 1 SYD (21 attended)

Location fixed. But Kalgoorlie, for the foreseeable future, is a little different to LAS :D,

====

Yeah....I guess going from the "Silver State" being Nevada to Gold country is the only "common" thing! :D

Put me down as a Gold. I did a long weekend trip to Perth a couple of weeks before the Canberra Oz Fest to catch up with the WASTED (Western Australian Snow Tragics Enjoying Downhill) crew and have a game of rugby with the Associates (Soaks) Rugby Club 4th grade team at Swanbourne. Hopefully I can combine the FT, WASTED and rugby next year.

====
The first 34 to signup are repeat offenders. :cool:
The next 5 (#35-39) are newbies:- 1 from PER and 2 PER part time residents.


What about Mwenenzi? Are you coming this [next] year?

I don't think I've seen you since an AFF [lots of] drinks night in 2009?

Funnily, my +1 seems to relate to your +1 and Mr Fifa :rolleyes:
That is if you can get her away from her gadget! ;)

Or maybe she just does that when i am around! :rolleyes: :D

That is if you can get her away from her gadget! ;)

Or maybe she just does that when i am around! :rolleyes: :D

New toy :)


----

Checked out a few things while I was on one of my not so infrequent visits to Perth last weekend.

For those that like to hold on to a flexible booking, as a back up plan if all else fails, the Hyatt Daily rate for that weekend is currently $215 per night.

The Rydges (much closer to the Hilton), is $225 (or $203 for PriorityGuest members).

Attendees to be updated from time to time. Please PM error's & omissions. Post to be updated weekly.
email:- OzFest @ mail.com (not gmail)

Included those who posted as definite on the Oz Fest 9 thread.
Have taken the liberty of making some serial offenders ** Platinum (they will come ?) or Gold

Platinum - Confirmed (in order of confirming will attend including PM & emails)
kpc SYD
kpc_+1 SYD
lowjhg SIN
ozstamps SYD
MargoOz SYD
Itsalongwaydown SXE
Sue Oz SXE
serfty MEL
To Market to Market MEL
Fredd SEA
Mrs Fredd SEA
restlessinRNO RNO
gvdIAD IAD
upup&away ORD
spaceman IAD
Mrs spaceman IAD
chchkiwi CHC
dedehans MLB
dedehans_+1 MLB
monitor NYC
Franny NYC
perthite MEL
perthite_+1 MEL
penegal MEL
Mr fifa NSW
fifa NSW
falconea MEL
Mr falconea MEL
pooch SYD
FriendlySkies DEN/LWC/PWM
BOB W ANC
SQ421 CBR
Upperdeck744 CMH & HNL
Bundy Bear BNE
V8stateman PER
SCFC NSW
SCFC_+1 NSW
harryhv OOL
Mrs harryhv OOL


Gold Probable- Maybe
QF WP BNE **
Mrs QF WP BNE **
JohnSydney2000 SYD **
*A Flyer CBR
f0zzyNUE NUE
JohnK BNE/SYD
tom911 SFO
goingbanana's LAS
goingbanana's_+1 LAS
rugbyskier CBR


Silver - Interested
tuapekastar MEL
tuapekastar_+1 MEL


Bronze - can't make it ..

Pretty amazing roll out in just a week. :)

Glen
.

Put me down as PLAT, will not miss the 10th one.

Hope to get Spaceman's daughter-in-law and my sister to go as they are friends as well.

Pretty amazing roll out in just a week. :)

Glen
.

Must be Perth in May :)

I booked 2x QF JASA (fully fexible and refundable) Syd-Mel-Per for May 24th last nite:eek::o

Mark me down as Gold.

Please add BiziBB + Mrs BiziBB as Platinum!

Has everyone seen Virgin is offering SYD-PER for $129 one-way, all in, in May 2013? A decent fare, I think.
Good luck with the link. Shorten if required.

http://book.virginaustralia.com/Search.aspx?ref=&from1=SYD&to1=PER&cabinClass=10&departDay1=16&departMonth1=201301&departDay2=30&departMonth2=201305&bpTrip=R

Platinum for me please.

Platinum for me please.Great, we missed you in Cbr!

Great, we missed you in Cbr!

:D

Platinum for me (as I'll link it to a business trip) and Gold for Mrs QF WP - she may not want to fly over by herself, unless she can link up with other FT'ers. I think this will be a weekend where the kids will definitely be at their grandparents.

Time to book a flexible room at the Hilton and watch for sales to reduce the price.

Mark me as Platinum (and a Perth yokel as well).

Have also stuck my head about the parapet to assist with organisation/planning in some capacity. Will hear back from those involved if they'd like my input in this regard.

Has everyone seen Virgin is offering SYD-PER for $129 one-way, all in, in May 2013? A decent fare, I think.



That is pretty normal price for them for well advanced bookings.

I hope to see a deal on Flexi fares we can upgrade - they are $300 each way right now.

Glen
.

...I hope to see a deal on Flexi fares we can upgrade - they are $300 each way right now....How do you upgrade those Flexi fares?

$600 for an upgradeable transcon on DJ's A330 does not sound like all that bad a deal to me.

Bob .. Plats get a few upgrade stickers a year but they are only usable on pricey Flexi fares. (For now anyway)

The SYD-PER run is for most flights using long haul comfy Airbus and not the little 737s, so upgrading is worth chasing. :)
.

So since I do not get stickers, I will need to get C on the 330s as codeshares with Delta.

This could be a bit of a problem. :rolleyes:

So since I do not get stickers, I will need to get C on the 330s as codeshares with Delta.

This could be a bit of a problem. :rolleyes:Flying into PER via Singapore (http://www.gcmap.com/mapui?P=lax-sin-per%0D%0Alax-syd-per%0D%0A&MS=wls&PC=red&RC=navy&DU=mi) is an option

Flying into PER via Singapore (http://www.gcmap.com/mapui?P=lax-sin-per%0D%0Alax-syd-per%0D%0A&MS=wls&PC=red&RC=navy&DU=mi) is an optionOne should never use *A miles when he can burn SkyPesos to get there. *A miles are to be used for destinations that require multi-connections on SkyTeam and where there are no partners as sharp as DJ.

One should never use *A miles when he can burn SkyPesos to get there. *A miles are to be used for destinations that require multi-connections on SkyTeam and where there are no partners as sharp as DJ.

Second that! now where's the like button on FT...:D

Put me and my +1 down as Silver. Would be a good chance for me to finish off the last little cleanup tasks I have remaining in Perth.

I took this photo at a construction site in Northbridge. Will we be getting OzFest tattoos when we are there?

http://tom911.smugmug.com/Travel-Australia/2010-Perth-Australia/P1200187/875933927_GpzYt-M.jpg

I had to chuckle at the spelling error for 'available' down the bottom.

*A miles are to be used for destinations that require multi-connections on SkyTeam and where there are no partners as sharp as DJ.

We are using UA miles as fast as I can hit the keyboards. Both of us burned 400,000 each today.

They'll be in Chapter #11 again by Xmas the rate they are going, annoying all sectors of their client base at the same time. :mad:
.

There are 33 confirmed Platinums already!

Please mark me down as Gold. Work may get in the way.

- I can be sick on the Friday
- I can be sick on the Monday
- I can't be sick both Friday and Monday ;)

The date is too far away in the future and for another couple of hours flying time one can get to Asia. I may just put Perth in the Darwin basket although Rotnest Island may be worth a visit.

Time will tell....

Rotto is OK but don't think it is anything like a Whitsunday Island.

Has everyone seen Virgin is offering SYD-PER for $129 one-way, all in, in May 2013? A decent fare, I think.
Is that including luggage, meal and drink(s)?

I am not going to be a VA Platinum next year so that flight would earn me ~1956 Velocity points for the return trip.

I recently saw the SYD-PER flights on QF at $199 all inclusive. Is that the lowest they are likely to be at that time of the year?

And of course just to be prejudiced in the decision making process as a QF Platinum I would earn ~8,000 QFF points, luggage, meals and drink(s) included and the points earned alone are worth ~AUD200 to me....

Is that including luggage, meal and drink(s)?

I am not going to be a VA Platinum next year so that flight would earn me ~1956 Velocity points for the return trip.

I recently saw the SYD-PER flights on QF at $199 all inclusive. Is that the lowest they are likely to be at that time of the year?

And of course just to be prejudiced in the decision making process as a QF Platinum I would earn ~8,000 QFF points, luggage, meals and drink(s) included and the points earned alone are worth ~AUD200 to me....

Hey Johnk,

In terms of the Virgin offering, I would image that come next year you will only have been dropped to Gold (a soft drop is written into the T&C), so you should have baggage included. Beer and wine is included for departures between 4 and 7 on weekdays, and the meal won't be included. IFE if you are on the A330's.

Qantas will give you luggage, beer and wine from lunch everyday, and of course the meal (choice of two). If my recent flights between MEL and PER are any guide, the meals have had a bit of a shrink lately though. But maybe, the return of the 747 on SYD-PER is an attraction as well. Some form of IFE on all flights, although mainscreen on 767 and (older) 737 services. Newer 737's of course have AVOD.

$199 is probably as cheap as it gets, but the odd sale may be $189 (the Boxing Day sale is often on the lower side.)

AS #82 May 19-ANC-SEA
AS #474 May 19-SEA-LAX
QF #94 May 19-LAX-MEL (May 21)
QF #777 May 21-MEL-PER
QF #652 May 27-PER-BNE (May 28)
QF #15 May 28-BNE-LAX
LAX-ANC TBD AS fares no loaded yet

F os AS, C on QF. Can't get into Emerald City....yet....

I'll be there, colour me platinum!

$199 is probably as cheap as it gets, but the odd sale may be $189 (the Boxing Day sale is often on the lower side.)

Looks like Virgin SYD-PER flexi fares are about $399 one way most of the time.

Does anyone recall if they ever do promo deals on those, or are they fixed?
.

Right now we have VA and DJ LAX-MEL-PER arriving on Tuesday and will get a return when the awards open up. The eastbound connections with DL codeshares all involve a 550AM or a redeye from PER, and since I do not want to spoil a nice weekend with that sort of nonsense, it is likely that we will leave mid-day Monday and spend a day or two after the OzFest in Sydney or Melbourne.

Things could be worse. ;)

Looks like Virgin SYD-PER flexi fares are about $399 one way most of the time.

Does anyone recall if they ever do promo deals on those, or are they fixed?
.

Interesting. When I was in PER about a month ago and looked at last minute flexi fares the most they would price out at was $299.... :confused:

Things could be worse. ;)

Heavy rain and hail and snow and sleet is expected for late May in SYD Bob .. I just checked. :)
.

Looks like Virgin SYD-PER flexi fares are about $399 one way most of the time.

Does anyone recall if they ever do promo deals on those, or are they fixed?
.I'm seeing AU$310 each way (with cc) fee oneway for the late may dates..:confused:

Non Upgradeable start from $200 one way.

FWIW, Qantas fares start from AU$255 one way (O class).

Looks like Virgin SYD-PER flexi fares are about $399 one way most of the time.

Does anyone recall if they ever do promo deals on those, or are they fixed?
.

Sometimes.

If you are needing two tickets, maybe also look into getting one of the Virgin Money Flyer cards, with the 4 2-for-1 tickets per year that come with it. (Downside is dealing with Citibank though....)

KPC or Serfty mentioned those, but recall they said they needed to supply more info to Citibank than getting a job in the Secret Service needed. :)

I assume the 2nd person does not get SC etc, so not real use for us.
.

I assume the 2nd person does not get SC etc, so not real use for us.
.

In my experience, yes they do get SC's etc.

The fares are actually ticketed as two 50% off fares.

Heavy rain and hail and snow and sleet is expected for late May in SYD Bob .. I just checked. :)
.

Maybe BNE instead

Heck, why not go all the way and predict that sort of weather for North Queensland? :rolleyes:

very good pricing on a QR open jaw from europe ... 735€ roundtrip from MXP to PER and PER to FRA ... other european city combinations might also work ...

http://www.expedia.de/pub/agent.dll?qscr=fexp&flag=q&city1=mxp&citd1=PER&date1=22.05.2013&time1=362&time2=362&date2=27.05.2013&city2=per&citd2=fra&cAdu=1&cSen=&cChi=&cInf=&infs=2&tktt=&trpt=3&ecrc=&eccn=&qryt=1&load=1&rdct=1

Qantas has one way fares for $159 for SYD-PER and MEL-PER over this weekend at the moment.

Virgin are at $125.

Note that Qantas is full service.

Virgin are Buy on Board for meals, and Baggage will be extra (except for those with status). Coffee/Tea/Water is complimentary, as is beer and wine if you pick the right flights

Qantas has one way fares for $159 for SYD-PER and MEL-PER over this weekend at the moment.

Virgin are at $125.

Note that Qantas is full service.

Virgin are Buy on Board for meals, and Baggage will be extra (except for those with status). Coffee/Tea/Water is complimentary, as is beer and wine if you pick the right flightsThese are incredibly cheap prices^^. Not going to get any cheaper than this, I would say!! Makes me want to rethink my J award Syd-Mel-Per flights that I have already booked for ourselves:o

Beware current hotel prices are quite expensive due to ongoing high occupancy rates.

Welcome to the boomtown....

Sounds really interesting. Please put Mrs. ac777 and me as Gold for the time being and I'll try and confirm it within the next few weeks. Will probably stay at the 4Pts as it seems quite new and I can use the points ( still)

Sounds really interesting. Please put Mrs. ac777 and me as Gold for the time being and I'll try and confirm it within the next few weeks. Will probably stay at the 4Pts as it seems quite new and I can use the points ( still)

It's new inasmuch as it is new to SPG. The hotel itself opened in 1995 (as The Orchard, then the Grand Chancellor, then the Citigate, and now the 4Pts)

A pity that the impending Doubletree in KTA (http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-/breaking/14044331/eight-storey-hotel-for-karratha/) won't be finished in time for ozfest X, othewise we might have been able to do a FIFO visit to the property....or even some of us could have stayed there and flown in for the daily activities :D

A pity that the impending Doubletree in KTA (http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-/breaking/14044331/eight-storey-hotel-for-karratha/) won't be finished in time for ozfest X, othewise we might have been able to do a FIFO visit to the property....or even some of us could have stayed there and flown in for the daily activities :D

...and you think Perth hotels are expensive :eek:

Having now managed to book a complicated award trip, you may now list me as Platinum.

Expedia is showing a very reasonable rate at the All Seasons Perth for under $100 USD. Just booked May 24-27 for $322.00 AI.

Expedia is showing a very reasonable rate at the All Seasons Perth for under $100 USD. Just booked May 24-27 for $322.00 AI.

Thanks for finding this rate Bob. I'm now holding a reservation. I'm still only Gold but a decent hotel rate certainly isn't hurting my chances of attending.

Expedia is showing a very reasonable rate at the All Seasons Perth for under $100 USD. Just booked May 24-27 for $322.00 AI.

Not a bad price for the property, although it is a bit out of town. Should include a continental breakfast.

Checked on Accor, and it is pricing at $90AUD pre-paid or $100AUD flexible.

Not a bad price for the property, although it is a bit out of town. Should include a continental breakfast.

Checked on Accor, and it is pricing at $90AUD pre-paid or $100AUD flexible.

Hopefully a few of us will be there and can taxi to meet the rest. Most places are ridiculously high for a place to study the inside of your eyeballs.:)

My rate does include a Continental breakfast, although other rates do not. Watch this close if it's important to you.

Add Mrs WF and I as attendees. At least for the moment I don't have to worry about hotel bookings :) OTOH if the flat gets sold I could afford a few hotel nights.

If there is interest in a pre- or post- event/tour into one of the more interesting wine areas (The Great Southern region - not the other one) I would be willing to co-ordinate. Skywest has multiple flights to Albany from Perth every day (beware they are not inexpensive) or it is about a four and a half hour drive. As well as grapes and the resulting products, there are a few olive groves, numerous sheep and cows as well as places of interesting geological importance. :D And Whale World is a museum based on the last operating whaling station in Australia.

And the hotels/motels are a whole lot less expensive than Perth.

Happy wandering

Fred

Virgin are Buy on Board for meals, and Baggage will be extra (except for those with status). Coffee/Tea/Water is complimentary, as is beer and wine if you pick the right flights

Bit of an update on this.

Virgin will be including meals for BNE/MEL/SYD-PER flights for economy passengers from Sept. They will also match Qantas on the alcoholic beverages after midday.

I shall be there. Flying back via Australia from a meeting in Orlando. Just have to book SYD-PER flights and hotel

Jeff

I shall be there. Flying back via Australia from a meeting in Orlando. Just have to book SYD-PER flights and hotel
Platinum Definite you are ^ But we expected that :)

jswong .. great to see you signed up yet again. Long way for you!
.

I would love to attend this...better have a quick look at work plans and see if I can fly across this time

250 days to go to Oz Fest 10 in Perth

51 have signed up as Platinum Definite
Expect another 10 - 12 or so to sign up (after cancellations)
Some will cancel (as always). Perth hotel prices may scare some others from attending

45 of the 51 are repeat offenders :cool:
Only 6 newbies at this time
23 of the 51 have attended 5 or more Oz Fests
27 of the 51 have attended 4 or more Oz Fests
Of the 51 who are Plat now, 31 are from Australia (including 5 from PER), 17 from USA, 2 from NZ & 1 from Asia

35 of the 51 attended Oz Fest 9 CBR (51 attended) [69%]
31 of the 51 attended Oz Fest 8 DRW (44 attended) [61%]
31 of the 51 attended Oz Fest 7 ADL (71 attended) [70%]
25 of the 51 attended Oz Fest 6 CNS (59 attended) [35%]
21 of the 51 attended Oz Fest 5 HBA (38 attended) [36%]
22 of the 51 attended Oz Fest 4 MEL (47 attended) [58%]
13 of the 51 attended Oz Fest 3 BNE (28 attended) [28%}
10 of the 51 attended Oz Fest 2 SYD (58 attended) [36%]
3 of the 51 attended Oz Fest 1 SYD (21 attended) [14%]

108 days since Oz Fest 10 was announced
At the 100 day mark
44 had signed up for Oz Fest 9 CBR (51 attended) [86%]
39 had signed up for Oz Fest 8 DRW (44 attended) [89%]
33 had signed up for Oz Fest 7 ADL (71 attended) [46%]

Go to page 1 for more information and up to date links
Attendees as post 3 (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/18671737-post3.html)
Hotels: Who is staying where in post 5 (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/18671742-post5.html)
Getting to and about Perth in post 6 (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/18671744-post6.html).
Subscribe to this thread using thread tools (top of the page).
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I had to use up my complimentary Virgin Platinum upgrades before they expired so have booked for the 2 of us:
SYDNEY TO PERTH
Fri 24 May 2013
DJ559 1:05pm-4:20pm
PERTH TO SYDNEY
Tue 28 May 2013
DJ560 12:30pm-6:30pm
At this stage, staying at Hilton.

I would love to join as an Oz Fest newbie. Have been wanting to attend one for a few years now. I'm pretty sure will be able to pull off in 2013. So, please put me +1 as Gold!

I would love to join as an Oz Fest newbie. Have been wanting to attend one for a few years now. I'm pretty sure will be able to pull off in 2013. So, please put me +1 as Gold!Hi JenGal,

Great to have you on board. :cool:

Please plan well ahead with accommodation as Perth tends to be expensive these days.

Just booked flights

May 24 QF581 SYD-PER (Upgraded)
May 27 QF590/736 PER-ADL-SYD (JASA)

Will stay at 4P on Friday and Sunday nights (2 stay credits) and HI Saturday night on C&P. I'm horrified at perth hotel prices!

Jeff

We are also at 4pts for Fri - Sun nights. Using cash and pts for now. If something more interesting comes up that is good price we may switch.

My +1 and I have decided to go back to Cambodia &/or Thailand in conjunction w/ this DO. This is going to be fun.

I'm horrified at perth hotel prices!


It's highway robbery! :eek: So I've booked the following flexible reservations:

May 24 - Hilton
May 25,26 - Holiday Inn.

It is a good thing OzFest #10 isn't being held during the week, otherwise we would need to take out a bank loan to afford a hotel room. If the mining boom ends in WA, will hotel prices fall to more reasonable levels, I wonder?

I'm confirmed now. Using AA miles on Hawaiian SFO-HNL (two nights), Hawaiian HNL-SYD (1 night), then onto Perth with Qantas (3 nights at Holiday Inn on points). That's all on a single partner award ticket. Will probably fly home from SIN or HKG on Cathay.

It's highway robbery! :eek: So I've booked the following flexible reservations:

May 24 - Hilton
May 25,26 - Holiday Inn.

It is a good thing OzFest #10 isn't being held during the week, otherwise we would need to take out a bank loan to afford a hotel room. If the mining boom ends in WA, will hotel prices fall to more reasonable levels, I wonder?

The boom seems to be not quite so booming at the moment with the China slow down, so maybe time will tell!

For anyone booking, Amex has a promo for the next few days where they give you a $50 gift card.

We just booked 2 x one ways and will get $100 in cards. :)

https://amexnetwork.com.au/virginaustralia

Brings the cost down just a tad. :)

Glen

Looking for a quick getaway to one of Australia’s buzzing capital cities? This week, book a Virgin Australia flight worth $250 or more between 8 October and 12 October 2012, using your registered American Express card and you’ll get a $50 Virgin Australia gift voucher^. Use the $50 so you can take a friend or put it towards your next trip.

Hurry, offer valid for 5 days only from 8 October to 12 October 2012.

If you haven’t already registered, remember to register your Card before booking your flight.
.

Qantas just opened up a business class seat LAX-SYD, so moved my booking over to that instead of Hawaiian into SYD. The lure of an actual sleeper seat won out (Hawaiian doesn't have those). Expert Flyer subscription paid off again. :)

Hotel change from the Hyatt Regency to The Richardson Hotel

Hotel change from the Hyatt Regency to The Richardson Hotel

Aah, slumming it I see. :D;)

Have just discovered this thing called OZ Fest !!! (thanks to Mwenenzi)

Colour me Platinum and Mrs pandaperth Gold
as you can guess, we are in PER already:D

For anyone planning on booking Virgin Flexi fares as a couple, so as they can upgrade, if you do it via Amex in the next few days Amex adds a $200 credit to your Amex account if you sign up for their weekly offers.

Pretty decent saving!
.

Is the advance purchase rate for Parmelia Hilton of $154 for Friday night and Sunday night likely to get cheaper? The best flexible rate is $175 and this is where 2 Member for a Stay cards could come in handy.

Checked on Accor, and it is pricing at $90AUD pre-paid or $100AUD flexible.
That rate now is $116 so could be an alternative for Saturday night.

Is the advance purchase rate for Parmelia Hilton of $154 for Friday night and Sunday night likely to get cheaper? The best flexible rate is $175 and this is where 2 Member for a Stay cards could come in handy.JohnK
Unlikely to get less. $154 for a confirmed room looks good. Remember this is Perth
Just commit^

Look at this thread http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/hilton-hhonors/1349801-hilton-hhonors-australian-based-members.html

Is the advance purchase rate for Parmelia Hilton of $154 for Friday night and Sunday night likely to get cheaper? The best flexible rate is $175 and this is where 2 Member for a Stay cards could come in handy.


JohnK - Thank you for bringing this to my attention. I have changed a previous flexible booking that I had made for Friday night for 299 AUD! :eek: The cost is even less if you book for 1 person, namely 145 AUD & 165 AUD. Though I'm not sure why a twin room should cost more for 2 persons compared to 1, considering no b/f is included. Oh well. :)

Jetstar has a nice sale (http://www.jetstar.com/au/en/special-offers?utm_source=jetmail&utm_medium=email&utm_content=sale_page_text&utm_campaign=20121031_celebrating_100_million_pass engers_au) on. Book by 5 Nov, depending on availability.

An AU friend booked for me AU$129 all in post-DO PER-MEL, so I wouldn't get gouged the $8.50 fee.

Color me Platinum. I booked MRY-PER/MEL-MRY back in July, so I may as well RSVP for my second OzFest. Hotel not booked yet, but I'll be there Fri 1pm to Tue 1pm.

And if any MEL peeps are available, I'm in town 28 May to 7 June.

..Color me Platinum. I booked back in July, so I may as well RSVP for my second OzFest. Hotel not booked yet, but I'll be there Fri 1pm to Tue 1pm.

And if any MEL peeps are available, I'm in town 28 May to 7 June.
Done: Platinum Definite you now are.
Hotels in PER are very expensive, especially mid week. Look at [url=http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/18671742-post5.html]post 5 (http://gc.kls2.com/cgi-bin/gc?PATH=MRY-LAX-SIN-PER-MEL-SIN-SFO-MRY%0D%0A&RANGE=&PATH-COLOR=red&PATH-UNITS=mi&PATH-MINIMUM=&SPEED-GROUND=&SPEED-UNITS=kts&RANGE-STYLE=best&RANGE-COLOR=navy&MAP-STYLE=[/url)

Added CCM link Who is flying the most BIS miles to OzFest ?

Done: Platinum Definite you now are.
Hotels in PER are very expensive, especially mid week. Look at post 5 (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/18671742-post5.html)

Added CCM link

Thank you, Oh Mysterious Mwenenzi.

Officially, MRY-AU-MRY (http://gc.kls2.com/cgi-bin/gc?PATH=MRY-LAX-SIN-PER-MEL-SIN-SFO-MRY%0D%0A&RANGE=&PATH-COLOR=red&PATH-UNITS=mi&PATH-MINIMUM=&SPEED-GROUND=&SPEED-UNITS=kts&RANGE-STYLE=best&RANGE-COLOR=navy&MAP-STYLE=) is a roundabout way, thanks to SQ.

As far as hotel, it will most likely be done on points. Just haven't decided where yet.

Is the advance purchase rate for Parmelia Hilton of $154 for Friday night and Sunday night likely to get cheaper? The best flexible rate is $175 and this is where 2 Member for a Stay cards could come in handy.


That rate now is $116 so could be an alternative for Saturday night.

Beware of the noise from bands that could be playing the bars there. Happened to us a few years ago.

Please put me down as Platinum. Accommodation booked for Parmelia Hilton on Friday and Sunday night.

Saturday night accommodation and flights to follow.

JohnK
Unlikely to get less. $154 for a confirmed room looks good. Remember this is Perth
Just commit^

I did commit. I wish I had checked the rate for 1 person though. Oh well.

Still looking for any Member for a stay cards for these nights. I may join Hilton Premium Club again if I can somehow justify the $295 fee.

..
Still looking for any Member for a stay cards for these nights. I may join Hilton Premium Club again if I can somehow justify the $295 fee.Happy to give you one JK :)

Happy to give you one JK :)
Sounds great and I shall buy you a few beers at dinner.

Now to see if I can get another member for a stay card. ;)

Of course there is still every chance I may take up the Hilton premium Club membership by then.

Is the advance purchase rate for Parmelia Hilton of $154 for Friday night and Sunday night likely to get cheaper? The best flexible rate is $175 and this is where 2 Member for a Stay cards could come in handy.


JohnK - Thank you for bringing this to my attention. I have changed a previous flexible booking that I had made for Friday night for 299 AUD! :eek: The cost is even less if you book for 1 person, namely 145 AUD & 165 AUD. I have done similar; Thanks JohnK for bringing it to my attention. I have cancelled my previous Friday-Monday Hilton booking at $299/nite to this much reduced flexible rate at an average of $195/ nite for 1 person Fri-Mon, and inserted "2 Guests - HHonors® Spouse Stays Free Benefit" in the comments so my +1 does not have to sleep in the streets:eek: This will save me >$300 so JohnK I owe you a beer or two. If I can find my "Member for a Stay card", I could save another $100 odd.

The best flexible rate for Hilton on Mon 27/5 is a horrendous $440 per nite and whilst I have a flexible $299 rate locked in, I might do a points stay on Mon nite at the nearby Holiday Inn Perth City Centre for 25K PC pts@:-)

Sounds great and I shall buy you a few beers at dinner. ...Ill buy you one back.

Thanks for the heads-up ... I have changed my 170K four night award booking¹ to four separate flexible booking at varying rates (flexible). Thursday is still 50K points in lieu of $500+.


¹ since a month ago a four night revenue booking would have cost $1200+

Ill buy you one back.

Thanks for the heads-up ... I have changed my 170K four night award booking¹ to four separate flexible booking at varying rates (flexible). Thursday is still 50K points in lieu of $500+.

Glad I have been able to assist. I didn't realise my random search for rooms in Perth has helped so many people.

This will save me >$300 so JohnK I owe you a beer or two. If I can find my "Member for a Stay card", I could save another $100 odd.

There is probably a solution here that can benefit both of us.

If I give you the Member for a stay card that serfty has offered to give me then you can save $100+ off your booking and you can reimburse me the ~$30 I was going to save and we both win. :)

And you can still buy me a beer or two. :D

Have my return flight sorted - a QF JASA that merely needs a date change. Looks like I'll come over on Wed, work Thu & Fri and return home on Sun...so colour me Plat and my return flight is QF594 Dep 4.45pm Sun 26/5. Will sort VA flight over to PER soonish.

Edit: Have booked Hilton on AAA rate for 4 nights ($223 pn). Twin room booked. Can add another guest if needed for weekend. Can also probably find some HPC Member for a Stay card(s) - will have a look and report back

Platinum for me (as I'll link it to a business trip) and Gold for Mrs QF WP - she may not want to fly over by herself, unless she can link up with other FT'ers. I think this will be a weekend where the kids will definitely be at their grandparents.

Time to book a flexible room at the Hilton and watch for sales to reduce the price.

Have my return flight sorted - a QF JASA that merely needs a date change. Looks like I'll come over on Wed, work Thu & Fri and return home on Sun...so colour me Plat and my return flight is QF594 Dep 4.45pm Sun 26/5. Will sort VA flight over to PER soonish...Double Platinum you are. Do we need a titanium level ? ;)
Mrs QF WP is still listed as gold

..

Edit: Have booked Hilton on AAA rate for 4 nights ($223 pn before 20% HPC discount). Twin room booked. Can add another guest if needed for weekend. Can also probably find some HPC Member for a Stay card(s) - will have a look and report backBe aware that in recent years booking under the AAA rate have not qualifed for a further Maq. premium Club 20% discount.

I should read this thread more often. Went in to book Friday night and it quoted me $500 for the night. Hahaha, that won't be happening:rolleyes:

I should read this thread more often. Went in to book Friday night and it quoted me $500 for the night. Hahaha, that won't be happening:rolleyes:
OnHotels.com has a Queen Hilton room for $211.78 on Friday night but it can be tricky to get that price as they want to sell the room for ~$450 if you are not careful.

Not sure how you would go with HHonors benefits or getting stay credit.

Well, I hope I won't be there (nothing sinister, just a RTW I hope to be taking at that time :) ), but just in case I made a Hilton booking on the 7th for AUD185 per night Fri-Sun inclusive (AAA rate) - bog standard room.

54 Platinums showing ... looks like a big weekend. :)

Virgin has another one of those Amex deals where a couple would save $100 off Flexi fares, that we just used for our flights over.
.

Sorry guys, I'm back at the hyatt due to favorable corporate rates.

Sorry guys, I'm back at the hyatt due to favorable corporate rates.

We are also at the Hyatt.....rates not no great but we have stayed there before and liked it....

We are also at the Hyatt..

+1

Got to requal for Diamond. Hoping that Hyatt will do another 48 hour sale that covers the Perth property.

Trigger pulled on my flights BNE/PER:

Wed 22 May DJ958 BNE/SYD Dep 3.00pm Arr 4.35pm
Wed 22 May DJ565 SYD/PER Dep 5.30pm Arr 8.45pm

Flexi fare for $360 all in. Now to ring up and get the points upgrade to Business organised.

Just swooped on a sale price Hilton room for Friday, while they're not $500 a night!
Saturday, hmmm....

Thanks for the heads up - converted a $165 flexi "twin" booking to a $146 "AnyWeekend"er 'Queen' ($117 with Maq Premium). :D

I'm sure you're happier:I should read this thread more often. Went in to book Friday night and it quoted me $500 for the night. Hahaha, that won't be happening:rolleyes:

Still have a flexi "twin" at $235 for the Saturday night.

I cancelled a 50K HH award for Thursday night replacing it with a 25K PC award at the nearby Holiday Inn (don't get into town 'til nearly 9pm Thursday).

Thanks for the heads up - converted a $165 flexi "twin" booking to a $146 "AnyWeekend"er 'Queen' ($117 with Maq Premium). :D

I'm sure you're happier:


I am. I've been watching prices like a hawk since missing out on the last round. Mostly been up around 500, but had a dip down to $440 a week ago.

Good chance I'll move hotel for Saturday, but we'll see....

May take a soujorn to Margaret River after ozFest....


(Although less happy now seeing a $118 room pop up on the Friday......)

Wow - so the Friday May 24 is available at the Perth Hilton for as little as AUD 118 now (Advance Purchase, twin, 1 person). Other nights, forget it. So I have rebooked my Friday night stay to the lower flexible rate, in case there are further rate reductions! :eek:

P.S. I'll likely be at the Holiday Inn Saturday.

Hotels:
AFL football (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2013_AFL_season) is being played on Sunday May 26 at Subiaco Oval in Perth. Fremantle (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fremantle_Football_Club) vs Melbourne Demons (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melbourne_Football_Club). The mighty Demons have not been playing that well in the last few years, but have some dedicated loyal followers ( like me :))
Possibly the reason the Hilton price on Saturday is high

...AFL football is being played on Sunday May 26 at Subiaco Oval in Perth. Fremantle (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fremantle_Football_Club) vs Melbourne Demons (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melbourne_Football_Club). The mighty Demonshave not been playing that well in the last few years, but have some dedicated loyal followers ( like me :))...And is it possible that you might be leading some of the group over to that game on that Sunday afternoon? Or possibly having it be one of the events of the Oz Fest?

And is it possible that you might be leading some of the group over to that game on that Sunday afternoon? Or possibly having it be one of the events of the Oz Fest?Very very unlikely

Very very unlikelyI guess Mwenenzi is not planning on going to Perth..

I'll see what can be done ... the game is scheduled to commence 2:40pm local.

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Sad to discover this thread as I'll be in Perth sometime between May 6 - 18. Never had the chance to make a FT Do. So close. :(

How I miss thee. You can add me down as bronze, but highly doubtful I can make it work this year.

http://i.imgur.com/qBPpj.jpg

How I miss thee. You can add me down as bronze, but highly doubtful I can make it work this year.
...What on Earth were you do up in King's park so early in the morning?:eek:

What on Earth were you do up in King's park so early in the morning?:eek:

Enjoying a sunrise on ANZAC day of course!

That photo is so long ago however, when I used to live in Perth. I would love to visit again, but not sure if it will be possible (seeing as I spent 370,000 miles in 2012)

(Although less happy now seeing a $118 room pop up on the Friday......)
Really? I knew there was a reason I was staying away from this thread. :(

Put me down as a Silver. Need to look at fares/award options...and possibly combining it with a trip on the Indian Pacific, a trip I've always wanted to take!

Put me down as Silver...should be able to make it but need to try and swing my roster round sometime closer to the date :)

Helps that I'm already in PER though!

Put me down as a Silver. Need to look at fares/award options...and possibly combining it with a trip on the Indian Pacific, a trip I've always wanted to take!

Tentative award booked. You can upgrade me to Gold. Still need to figure out some details, though.

There's a sale on currently ex-UK for 800 GBP LHR-PER-LHR, however it's on BA flights with QF codes. As I want to credit to BA I'd prefer the BA flight number given the end of the JSA. Looking up the same flights on BA comes out 1-200 GBP more expensive :(

Okay. Call me Plat. There is another event that weekend in MEL but I should be able to make one part during the day on Friday and then jet out to PER in the afternoon.

ETA: Flights are now booked.

I am now Platinum! (+1)

We just booked F awards to Thailand (suppose to get TG F on an A380 into BKK) before the DO, and then route back home from SYD through ICN to LAX on OZ, whom I've never taken before. Looking forward to the flights, Thailand, and Perth!

Okay. Call me Plat.,,,,
I am now Platinum! (+1)!
Platinum Definite you 3 are :) ^

138 days to go
14584 thread views

57 have signed up as Platinum Definite
12 have signed up as Gold Maybe - possible
3 have signed up as Silver Interested
2 have signed up as Bronze can't make it

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Now staying at the Hyatt with SQ421. Those stay certificates can certainly be valuable.

Need a hotel for the Saturday night and Four Points by Sheraton is coming up at AUD144 or 4,000 Starpoints + $60.

Is this a decent hotel?

I think I will either book this hotel or the Travelodge which I can get for ~AUD115 with 20% off from RatesToGo.

Need a hotel for the Saturday night and Four Points by Sheraton is coming up at AUD144 or 4,000 Starpoints + $60.
,,,See post 5 (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/18671742-post5.html) Hotels are expensive in Perth. Just make a decision
JWong is currently booked at the 4 points the Friday & Sunday

See post 5 (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/18671742-post5.html) Hotels are expensive in Perth. Just make a decision
Hotel rates are indeed overly expensive in Perth and a hotel room is just a hotel room and as Saturday night is usually the "official" after party the decision on hotel for Saturday night should be an easy one. :rolleyes: :D

Sadly I am a bronze for this as I'm working in China then.

Call me Gold for now.

Hotel rates are indeed overly expensive in Perth and a hotel room is just a hotel room and as Saturday night is usually the "official" after party the decision on hotel for Saturday night should be an easy one. :rolleyes: :D

It all depends how far you want to travel from the after party, and not knowing where the after party is makes it hard to recommend one way or the other. Having said that, the rydges is not too far from the Hilton and is returning priority guest member rates of $141 for the Saturday night.

Any rough plans for the w/e as yet? Is there a CEO?.... Less than 4 months to go now :)

Any rough plans for the w/e as yet? Is there a CEO?.... Less than 4 months to go now :)
Has been discussed a little off line. Also look at Post 4 (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/18671740-post4.html) as below

Activities & Who is doing what:
The be added later::- March 2013

We need a local CEO (Chief Entertainment Officer)
To follow the great work done by *A Flyer in CBR and Ozbeachbabe in DRW.
Much easier with local knowledge than remotely from the east coast.

edit 12 Jan 2013
Anyone from Perth like to volunteer ?
Biggest issue will be getting restaurants on the Friday & Saturday evenings for 50 - 60 or even 70 people. The evening meals tend to get 85% - 95% attendance. Some folk may not arrive until Saturday.
Restaurants need to be reasonably priced, have a varied menu to suit all tastes & dietary constraints and have drinks that can be paid for individually by those who like a champagne/wine/beer/orange juice/water.

Any suggested day activities?
- Ferry Perth to Freo,with casual lunch somewhere ?
- Full or half day trip to Rottenest Island (http://www.rottnestisland.com/travel-to/by-ferry) (from Feemantle or Perth) ?
- Bus trip to the Swan valley ?
- Any very Aussie ~ WA places to go ?
- ???
- ??
- ?
These activities tend to get 35% 50% 75% attendance. Some people always do there own thing.
Most people will have no transport.
Locals sometimes only attend for drinks - meals

Tom911 post (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/18682645-post65.html) about a trip he did {looks a good day out}Fremantle also has frequent rail access from Perth, so it's quite easy to get back to Perth. Could easily be down there for lunch, spend the afternoon walking around, and be back in Perth for the evening. The highlight of my visit is just walking around looking at the gorgeous buildings. There is also an indoor marketplace.
http://www.fremantlewa.com.au/pages/things-to-see-do/

The term CEO (Chief Entertainment Officer) was invented by kpc

______________________________________________
Go to page 1 for more information and up to date links
Attendees as post 3 (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/18671737-post3.html)
Hotels: Who is staying where in post 5 (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/18671742-post5.html)
Getting to and about Perth in post 6 (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/18671744-post6.html).
Subscribe to this thread using thread tools (top of the page).
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Need a hotel for the Saturday night and Four Points by Sheraton is coming up at AUD144 or 4,000 Starpoints + $60.

Is this a decent hotel?

I think I will either book this hotel or the Travelodge which I can get for ~AUD115 with 20% off from RatesToGo.

See post 5 (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/18671742-post5.html) Hotels are expensive in Perth. Just make a decision
JWong is currently booked at the 4 points the Friday & Sunday


We are also at 4 Pts for all three nites (Fri - Sun). Something better may appear, but probably won't hotel hop.

Those of you who've not been to Perth before might enjoy this recent piece from the Huffington Post
A Pilgrimage Along Perth's Highway To Hell (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/tom-rhodes/highway-to-hell-perth_b_2529322.html)

Those of you who've not been to Perth before might enjoy this recent piece from the Huffington Post
A Pilgrimage Along Perth's Highway To Hell (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/tom-rhodes/highway-to-hell-perth_b_2529322.html)

Pity he spells Fremantle as "Freemantle." Pedant I am :D

Some suggestions...

1. Rotto would be a day trip. Half a day would make it an express look around. Take your swimmers/bathers/cosi's and snorkelling gear if you're that way inclined. There is a dive shop there that will hire the gear to you (at seriously inflated rates).

2. Fish & Chips down at Cicerellos in Freo is worth it.

3. Catch an AFL game. I believe Freo are at home that weekend so tickets should be accesible via Ticketek/AFL website to the general public. Subiaco oval is easy to get to as it is right next to a train line (get off at West Leederville stop)

4. Some pubs worth going to would include (close to Perth) The Queens, The Windsor, The Royal (A few AFF gatherings have occured here) and possibly the Casino. Pubs closer to Freo worth having a drink at include The Cottesloe Hotel (the view is great, the pub itself is a little tired), The Left Bank & Little Creatures.

5. A picnic in Kings Park can be enjoyable (weather permitting). Great views of the city and easily accessible.

Will post more if anything comes to mind. :)

It all depends how far you want to travel from the after party, and not knowing where the after party is makes it hard to recommend one way or the other. Having said that, the rydges is not too far from the Hilton and is returning priority guest member rates of $141 for the Saturday night.
Waited and waited without booking either and those rates have now increased! :rolleyes:

I am guessing the after party will be at Hilton and the rates for Saturday night are obscene. Walking distance from Hilton would be ideal.

There a couple of Mystery hotels on Wotif for $134/night and $140/night and trying to work out the hotel but no luck so far.

The HI (a 5 minute walk from the Parmelia) is available for award.

35K online with the rate increases, 25K if you call (before the cut off date).

USD40/USD70 to save 5K/10K points.

Need a hotel for the Saturday night and Four Points by Sheraton is coming up at AUD144 or 4,000 Starpoints + $60...See post 5 (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/18671742-post5.html) Hotels are expensive in Perth. Just make a decision
JWong is currently booked at the 4 points the Friday & SundayWaited and waited without booking either and those rates have now increased! :rolleyes:
I am guessing the after party will be at Hilton and the rates for Saturday night are obscene. Walking distance from Hilton would be ideal.
There a couple of Mystery hotels on Wotif for $134/night and $140/night and trying to work out the hotel but no luck so far.
See post 5 for location of hotels *A flyer has done a map
You need the exercise,so do not worry about walking.

Waited and waited without booking either and those rates have now increased! :rolleyes:


I'm still seeing $144 for Four Points (on spg.com), and $141 for Rydges (on Rydges.com.au)

Had a look at Wotif and the $140 hotel is in Scarborough, so I suggest not booking that :)

See post 5 for location of hotels *A flyer has done a map
You need the exercise,so do not worry about walking.
I don't mind walking.

I'm still seeing $144 for Four Points (on spg.com), and $141 for Rydges (on Rydges.com.au)

Had a look at Wotif and the $140 hotel is in Scarborough, so I suggest not booking that :)
I did not think to look on SPG. I was looking at HotelsCombined and rates had gone up.

Any idea if these hotels are eligible for points in any FF program?

I don't mind walking.


I did not think to look on SPG. I was looking at HotelsCombined and rates had gone up.

Any idea if these hotels are eligible for points in any FF program?

Four points would get you SPG points, and Rydges is in its own program.

I see Qantas cancelled PER-HKG as of March 31. Just rebooked my award ticket on Cathay. Was worried I might have to route on QF via SYD or MEL, so glad that didn't come into play, and very glad CX had availability.

Nice early pick up Tom911. Has been the topic for discussion on some Australian based BB's for a couple of days. I'm sure others will be affected, but use the same option as you :).

The Hilton price for the Friday night is now down to $A118 but the Saturday and Sunday nights are up to $A440 each night.

The Hilton price for the Friday night is now down to $A118 but the Saturday and Sunday nights are up to $A440 each night.

That $118 rate (twin room) comes and goes...

And $440 is better than the $500 it has been :eek:

The Hilton price for the Friday night is now down to $A118 but the Saturday and Sunday nights are up to $A440 each night.
Thanks itsalongwaydown. Secured a Friday night 'Twin' at $128 (AAA rate, so cancellable) as well as a $146 "AnyWeekender 'Queen' ($117 with Maq Premium - non canc). Can arrange with any ozfesters who need a cheap night to stay in one of my room ;).

Still have my concurrent 4 night stay (@ $224 per night on the AAA rate) Wed to Sunday, so will wait to reduce my average rate if other cheaper nights come up in the next 3 months.

The Hilton price for the Friday night is now down to $A118 but the Saturday and Sunday nights are up to $A440 each night.
Hilton may start to give away the rooms soon on Friday night. :rolleyes:

Air New Zealand offered a special to PER so I've booked it and can now be considered PLATINUM. Yay! Arriving Wednesday, departing Monday. Looking forward to seeing everyone again.

Post 12 31 May 2012 (some months ago ;) )
Please put me down as Platinum. Looking forward to it already!
Air New Zealand offered a special to PER so I've booked it and can now be considered PLATINUM. Yay! Arriving Wednesday, departing Monday. Looking forward to seeing everyone again.
Double PLATINUM you are (QF WP is also double plat)

mwenenzi, you can include dates for me in post #5: Wed 22 to Sun 26

serfty, you can include my flight details in post #13:

Wed 22 May VA 565 SYD/PER
Sun 26 May QF 594 PER/BNE

mwenenzi please put me down as platinum, I will arrive 24th on VA 717 and leave on the 27th. VA 558.
Now to find a hotel.

Ray

mwenenzi please put me down as platinum, I will arrive 24th on VA 717 and leave on the 27th. VA 558.
Now to find a hotel.Was expecting you ^ :)

Hotels: Who is staying where in post 5 (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/18671742-post5.html)

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Was expecting you ^ :)

Ditto that. chchkiwi too.

And while I'm looking at my flight details, I may as well post them here for serfty's Post #13 (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/18671904-post13.html).

Arriving from SIN: 24 May - SQ 213 13:05
Departing to MEL: 28 May - JQ 971 13:20

95 days and counting. click (http://www.timeanddate.com/countdown/generic?iso=20130524T13&p0=196&msg=OzFest+PER)

Good news for those USA attendees:

Global Entry and Nexus/Sentri Users Now Eligible for SmartGate in Australia (http://www.frequentbusinesstraveler.com/2013/02/global-entry-and-nexussentri-users-now-eligible-for-smartgate-in-australia/)

... members of Global Entry or Nexus/Sentri are now automatically eligible to use Australia’s SmartGate automated border processing system when arriving in the country. No enrollment is required and travelers can bypass the passport/immigration lines and proceed to a SmartGate kiosk. ...

More here: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/oceania-australia-new-zealand-south-pacific/1439943-smartgate-us-global-entry-program.html#post20272621

Flights: +1 and I will be arriving Perth on QF577 15:55 21 May. Departing Perth QF598 12:50 04 June.
Hotels: 21-23 May not determined yet. 24, 25 & 26 May Holiday Inn Perth City Centre. Going to tour around a bit 27 May to 04 June.

I am arriving from SIN on 5/24 on QF 72 at 04:40 and departing on 5/26 at 11:55 on the Indian Pacific train to Adelaide.

I will be staying at the Hyatt.

Arriving PER on QF561 on May 21, for a preDO trip to the Margaret River
region. Returning to PER on May 24, staying at the Hyatt.

Departing PER for BME on May 27 on QF 1074.

Hotel confirmed at the HR Perth checking in on the 24th and checking out on the 26th.

Arriving via VA274/VA691 into perth at 1945 hrs and departing via VA698/VA257 from perth at 2359 hrs.

Looking forward to meeting the whole group again!

So have the plans been firmed up on activities and restaurants as of yet?

At this stage I'm still meant to be at work for that weekend, but if there's any work that needs to be done on the ground by someone in Perth that could help let me know

Thanks itsalongwaydown. Secured a Friday night 'Twin' at $128 (AAA rate, so cancellable) as well as a $146 "AnyWeekender 'Queen' ($117 with Maq Premium - non canc). Can arrange with any ozfesters who need a cheap night to stay in one of my room ;).

Saturday night?

Sorry JohnK, nothing cheap on Saturday night :(

I booked the Four Points using the "3 for 2" promotion code Z3R. Three nights, 24-27 May, comes to non-refundable AU$291 [or 97 per night]! If you need 2 nights, use code Z2R for 20% off. Unfortunately, I couldn't work out what I really need, the four night codes.

And LoyaltyLobby blogged about an Accor sale which covers DO dates. You might wanna check those rates.

PS - If anyone at Four Points with breakfast status can adopt me, I won't say 'no'.

The following contains a big YMMV but one of my travel subscriptions (travelzoo) just sent me an email about Perth hotels sales.
Link to travelzoo 06 March sale (http://www.quickbeds.com/promo/experience-perth-to-coast-sale?utm_source=6marchtravelzoo&utm_medium=5sponsorededm&utm_term=top20&utm_content=text&utm_campaign=perthsale)

Hope it helps someone.

Mrs WF and I will be driving up from the Albany area either Thursday or Friday. If I can assist on the ground - happy to. Alas our one bedroom flat is a construction zone ATM (anyone want to buy a flat?) but we will joining in.

Also if anyone is interested in a wine/area tour of the Great Southern / Albany area please PM me.

Happy wandering

Fred

The following contains a big YMMV but one of my travel subscriptions (travelzoo) just sent me an email about Perth hotels sales.
Link to travelzoo 06 March sale (http://www.quickbeds.com/promo/experience-perth-to-coast-sale?utm_source=6marchtravelzoo&utm_medium=5sponsorededm&utm_term=top20&utm_content=text&utm_campaign=perthsale)

Hope it helps someone.

Likewise, Australian TravelZoo (http://www.travelzoo.com/au/signup/SignIn.aspx?id=1422483&source=_Top20HPRA&placement=Homepage-Top20DealLink) is also advertising the PanPacific Perth for 41% off @ $195. We successfully made (and canceled) a test reservation for Oz Fest dates.

Welcome Back
$195 -- 5-Star Perth Hotel w/Breakfast & Parking, 41% Off* new
7 / 8
Pacific Club King Room
Email a Friend Email
By Nella Scott
Travelzoo Staff, Sydney

Enjoy a relaxing overnight weekend stay at the 5-star Pan Pacific Perth and pay just $195 per night to stay in a Superior Room with this exclusive offer.

Saving you 41% off what you would regularly pay, Travelzoo subscribers who book this deal will receive the following inclusions:

Breakfast for two
Complimentary 24-hour self parking
Access to the 24-hour gym

Located in downtown Perth, the Pan Pacific Perth enjoys easy access to some of the city’s most popular attractions including Kings Park, the Perth Convention Exhibition Centre and the Western Australian Cricket Association Cricket Ground. It is also just a short walk from boutique shopping, entertainment, restaurants and bars.

I have made a booking at Ibis Styles for Saturday 25th. Booking was through Agoda for the same rate as Accor $119.40 and I used a rewards saving of $24.39 as well from my account.

So my hotel bookings are now finalised and only flights remain.

Friday 24th - Parmelia Hilton
Saturday 25th - Ibis Styles
Sunday 26th - Parmelia Hilton

It looks like I will be bronze now (and Mrs Flashware also). May looks like it'll be a heavy month of travel/work now so don't think I'll be able to make the half-world trip! :(

:( Sad to hear this news flashware. Will have to catch up when we are in London instead :D

Hi everyone,

Ill be attending and its my first time. Ive lived in Perth for almost 5 years so I guess I can call myself a local :D.

If anyone has questions about where to go out or what to see let me know I can offer a few suggestions. Also am happy to organise a few things if people are interested. Ill be touch with Mwenenzi as ive got a few ideas of things we could do.

Hi everyone,

Ill be attending and its my first time. Ive lived in Perth for almost 5 years so I guess I can call myself a local :D.

If anyone has questions about where to go out or what to see let me know I can offer a few suggestions. Also am happy to organise a few things if people are interested. Ill be touch with Mwenenzi as ive got a few ideas of things we could do.

Welcome to FT, and thanks for the offer!

PS. Mwenenzi, please move me to Gold (just me, no +1). Thanks.

Hi everyone,

Ill be attending and its my first time. Ive lived in Perth for almost 5 years so I guess I can call myself a local :D.

If anyone has questions about where to go out or what to see let me know I can offer a few suggestions. Also am happy to organise a few things if people are interested. Ill be touch with Mwenenzi as ive got a few ideas of things we could do.

Sounds excellent if you have some ideas on places to eat etc ..... time is creeping on. :)

Hopefully some local input can whip this into shape. :)

Sounds excellent if you have some ideas on places to eat etc ..... time is creeping on. :)

Hopefully some local input can whip this into shape. :)

Throw some ideas of what you're after both cuisine-wise and $$-wise and I'll see if I can contribute. Remember Perth isn't cheap when it comes to dining out

11sjw Are you from Perth ? Refer to post 4

Throw some ideas of what you're after both cuisine-wise and $$-wise and I'll see if I can contribute. Remember Perth isn't cheap when it comes to dining out
Sounds excellent if you have some ideas on places to eat etc ..... time is creeping on. :)
Hopefully some local input can whip this into shape. :)
There are ongoing discussions off line about meals and more, including with some Perth residents.

Flights booked.

Friday 24 May 2013 BNE-PER QF597 departing 4:00pm arriving 7:25pm
Monday 27 May 2013 PER-BNE QF598 departing 12:50pm arriving 7:05pm