Qantas Frequent Flyer - DRW Hotels and SYD-BNE flights

Hi There,

I will be goign to DRW as part of my MR on the DONE4.
2 Questions:

1) hotel recommendations @ DRW. I will be arriving there on a Saturday around 12pm and will depart the following morning @ 5am (on the 333 service) back to SYD.

Just wondering what hotels will u recommened near the airport. Something more high end will be good. I cannot stand those disgusting blankets. IMO all hotels should use a proper White Cotton Duvet these days.
What restaurants and activities will you recommend in DRW?

I need to depart from BNE (due to change in rules of XONEX). Are there still any SYD-BNE service that are operated by 744 or at least depart from the International terminal?

Thanks

I think there is only one real "hotel" choice in DRW - the Crowne Plaza. Can't remember what bedding they used, but I still found it to be a good hotel.

Check out the Qantas website here: http://www.qantas.com.au/holidays/pdf/mapspdf/darwinMap.pdf for maps of most of the main hotels.

You might want to also look at the Novotel but I have not stayed there. The Skycity hotel would probably be too far off the beaten track - unless you love a good Casino hotel.... (also havn't stayed there!)

There are others, especially if you are looking for a resort type hotel, but I think the Crowne is the best as it's right on the centre of town and still close to the airport.

I remember the 333 service as I have done it before. A horrible wakeup call! Pity the service is disappearing soon.

In Darwin (well at least now and maybe for the next 2 months) it is a very quiet tourist season. This is because of the heat and storms at night.

QF175 still travels SYD-BNE leaving at 09:55 most days of the week. I believe it's a 2 class 747, but of course I could be wrong...

Hi There,

I will be goign to DRW as part of my MR on the DONE4.
2 Questions:

1) hotel recommendations @ DRW. I will be arriving there on a Saturday around 12pm and will depart the following morning @ 5am (on the 333 service) back to SYD.

Just wondering what hotels will u recommened near the airport. Something more high end will be good. I cannot stand those disgusting blankets. IMO all hotels should use a proper White Cotton Duvet these days.
What restaurants and activities will you recommend in DRW?

I need to depart from BNE (due to change in rules of XONEX). Are there still any SYD-BNE service that are operated by 744 or at least depart from the International terminal?

Thanks

Probaby the best bet is the Crowne hotel in the centre of town or the better rooms at the MGM Grand, they are pretty nice and only 100m from the beach. I would definately recommend Crustaceans on the wharf (outdoor seafood) although could be a little hot if you are going before May. Plenty of good English style pub grub choices in the middle of town.

Hope this helps a little.

PP

WOW Thanks for your prompt advice.

I never knew DRW has a Casino! It seems every capital city in Aust have a Casino.

I will check the rates and see how I go.

Thanks

Aus MAL

Jsut a few more questions on the 333 service:

1) How early do I need to be at the DRW airport. Will 30 minutes be OK? or because it is part of an international flight I need more time??
2) I presume they serve a decent HOT breakfast on this flight. Do they then serve Lunch on the ADL-SYD. Is it International or domestic style catering? and the bar on board will not be open?
3) Do I need to clear immigration @ ADL or just security or cna I stay on the plane