"Oz Fest #5" - Hobart TASMANIA - Memorial Day weekend May 23-25, 2008
#1
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"Oz Fest #5" - Hobart TASMANIA - Memorial Day weekend May 23-25, 2008
"Oz Fest #5" - Hobart, TASMANIA Australia - Memorial Day weekend May 23-25, 2008
After 4 successful OzFests - in Sydney (twice) Brisbane, and Melbourne polling of FT'ers and previous attendees and many private mails seems to have just given Hobart Tasmania the slim edge over Cairns North Queensland for 2008.
The OzFest #4 thread has about 41,169 page views at at June 08 - a massive number for any Doo, anywhere, anytime - and a near all time record - and just beaten by the 46,000+ views of this thread!
For those who hanker for Cairns I feel pretty sure it will win out if there is an OzFest #6 in 2009.
MargoZ and I will certainly be the first confirmed starters to attend, and as with all the other OzFests, I'll be pleased to assist where I can.
Several and possibly all of the committee who assisted to plan Melbourne are happy to assist with Hobart, and we know there are some Hobart based Flyertalkers, who hopefully can join with us to add that invaluable "home town" input. Please let's know if you can assist. Composition of the Organising Committee will be posted here shortly. ^
Mwenenzi has again kindly stepped up to offer his great tracking skills, and is keeping an up to date list of those attending in the first link below.
(These links below are not all active yet, as we are a very long way out, but several of them link to Mwenenzi's info links in this thread.)
* List of Attendees
* Detailed Activities Schedule - and COSTS.
* "RSVP" Index of WHO is doing exactly WHAT - (and WHEN!)
* Hotel & Accommodation Information - and who is staying WHERE!
* Detailed Transport Information
* Things to do and see in Tasmania Part 1
* Things to do and see in Tasmania Part 2 (Restaurants)
The May Memorial Day weekend seems very popular with USA based Flyertalkers, and that is the weekend that was most favored by far. We have bowed to that request and again chosen that weekend.
That public holiday in the USA is Monday May 26th 2008. Remember if you LEAVE Sydney on the afternoon of Monday May 26, you ARRIVE back in the USA also on the morning of Monday May 26. Tons of time 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 flight time for United, who have direct daily flights from MEL via SYD to the west coast (to both LAX and SFO) leaving early afternoon ex Sydney. (On these flights, either paid or award, a free stopover in SYD is allowed if MEL is your ticketed destination.)
"Oz Fest 5" is held in HBA and for It'l visitors, remember that domestic flights from either SYD or BNE or MEL to there are very cheap most times, on Virgin Blue (especially) and are only a hour or so in duration from SYD. There are also many direct flights to and from NZ direct to MEL or SYD or BNE via several carriers, in case Americans want an OZ stopover en-route using those bargain $1,200 Biz Fare to NZ half of FT seems to have booked! @:-)
Qantas have fairly recently started services to SFO and and on to YVR from Australia, and for those in that area wanting One World miles or using AA miles to redeem seats on QF, locking in that route NOW might be a path to look at? (Most QF flights are to LAX.) And an award or revenue flight from USA can generally have a MEL end destination at no more cost in $$$s or miles than SYD or BNE I imagine? I understand Air Canada are flying to SYD direct non-stop from YVR from late 2007.
"Oz Fest 2" attracted 58 attendees, a clear record for a Southern Hemisphere FT event. Flyertalkers from 5 continents flew in. We had 47 in Melbourne for OzFest #4, May 2007. I am sure we will see many familiar overseas FT faces in 2008 as well.
Everyone is welcome. Your age, or FF status does not matter. By all means bring a partner or friends to whatever you attend - I am sure all days will be good fun, with good company, whether they are FF'ers or not. :-:
The weather in Sydney and Brisbane and Melbourne for the initial four "Oz Fests" was superb and sunny. Despite June 1 - a few days later, being our official Winter start date.
HBA normally has slightly cooler weather than Melbourne on any given day as it is further south but it should be a very tolerable time to visit. But who know with weather. I came back this month from ALASKA where temp for a week was about 15 degrees warmer than the SYD weather I flew back home into.
I get the feeling this may also turn out to be a very long thread.
Glen
After 4 successful OzFests - in Sydney (twice) Brisbane, and Melbourne polling of FT'ers and previous attendees and many private mails seems to have just given Hobart Tasmania the slim edge over Cairns North Queensland for 2008.
The OzFest #4 thread has about 41,169 page views at at June 08 - a massive number for any Doo, anywhere, anytime - and a near all time record - and just beaten by the 46,000+ views of this thread!
For those who hanker for Cairns I feel pretty sure it will win out if there is an OzFest #6 in 2009.
MargoZ and I will certainly be the first confirmed starters to attend, and as with all the other OzFests, I'll be pleased to assist where I can.
Several and possibly all of the committee who assisted to plan Melbourne are happy to assist with Hobart, and we know there are some Hobart based Flyertalkers, who hopefully can join with us to add that invaluable "home town" input. Please let's know if you can assist. Composition of the Organising Committee will be posted here shortly. ^
Mwenenzi has again kindly stepped up to offer his great tracking skills, and is keeping an up to date list of those attending in the first link below.
(These links below are not all active yet, as we are a very long way out, but several of them link to Mwenenzi's info links in this thread.)
* List of Attendees
* Detailed Activities Schedule - and COSTS.
* "RSVP" Index of WHO is doing exactly WHAT - (and WHEN!)
* Hotel & Accommodation Information - and who is staying WHERE!
* Detailed Transport Information
* Things to do and see in Tasmania Part 1
* Things to do and see in Tasmania Part 2 (Restaurants)
The May Memorial Day weekend seems very popular with USA based Flyertalkers, and that is the weekend that was most favored by far. We have bowed to that request and again chosen that weekend.
That public holiday in the USA is Monday May 26th 2008. Remember if you LEAVE Sydney on the afternoon of Monday May 26, you ARRIVE back in the USA also on the morning of Monday May 26. Tons of time 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 flight time for United, who have direct daily flights from MEL via SYD to the west coast (to both LAX and SFO) leaving early afternoon ex Sydney. (On these flights, either paid or award, a free stopover in SYD is allowed if MEL is your ticketed destination.)
"Oz Fest 5" is held in HBA and for It'l visitors, remember that domestic flights from either SYD or BNE or MEL to there are very cheap most times, on Virgin Blue (especially) and are only a hour or so in duration from SYD. There are also many direct flights to and from NZ direct to MEL or SYD or BNE via several carriers, in case Americans want an OZ stopover en-route using those bargain $1,200 Biz Fare to NZ half of FT seems to have booked! @:-)
Qantas have fairly recently started services to SFO and and on to YVR from Australia, and for those in that area wanting One World miles or using AA miles to redeem seats on QF, locking in that route NOW might be a path to look at? (Most QF flights are to LAX.) And an award or revenue flight from USA can generally have a MEL end destination at no more cost in $$$s or miles than SYD or BNE I imagine? I understand Air Canada are flying to SYD direct non-stop from YVR from late 2007.
"Oz Fest 2" attracted 58 attendees, a clear record for a Southern Hemisphere FT event. Flyertalkers from 5 continents flew in. We had 47 in Melbourne for OzFest #4, May 2007. I am sure we will see many familiar overseas FT faces in 2008 as well.
Everyone is welcome. Your age, or FF status does not matter. By all means bring a partner or friends to whatever you attend - I am sure all days will be good fun, with good company, whether they are FF'ers or not. :-:
The weather in Sydney and Brisbane and Melbourne for the initial four "Oz Fests" was superb and sunny. Despite June 1 - a few days later, being our official Winter start date.
HBA normally has slightly cooler weather than Melbourne on any given day as it is further south but it should be a very tolerable time to visit. But who know with weather. I came back this month from ALASKA where temp for a week was about 15 degrees warmer than the SYD weather I flew back home into.
I get the feeling this may also turn out to be a very long thread.
Glen
Last edited by ozstamps; Aug 6, 2008 at 12:25 am
#3
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Put me down as a maybe for now, as dates look good. Will try to book a OW award in the next few weeks combining Hobart with something else (maybe Singapore this time). This worked really well when I did HKG-MEL-SYD earlier this year.
#4
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Out of interest I just checked Virgin fares to Hobart for next month.
Just $A150 RT inc all taxes.
From MEL cheaper still at $A110 RT.
These are typical sale fare levels to Hobart for late May.
Sale Fare 1 x Adult Web
$75.00 AUD
Mon, 23 Jul 07
Flight DJ 618
Operated by Virgin Blue Depart Sydney 08:55 am 23-Jul-07
Arrive Hobart 10:45 am 23-Jul-07
Coming Back
Sale Fare 1 x Adult Web
$75.00 AUD
Sat, 04 Aug 07
Flight DJ 623
Operated by Virgin Blue Depart Hobart 17:00 04-Aug-07
Arrive Sydney 18:50 04-Aug-07
Price Summary
Sale Fare (SYD to HBA)
1 Adult @ $32.73 $32.73 AUD
Taxes / Fees $42.27 AUD
Sale Fare (HBA to SYD)
1 Adult @ $32.73 $32.73 AUD
Taxes / Fees $42.27 AUD
Total Amount: $150.00 AUD
Glen
Just $A150 RT inc all taxes.
From MEL cheaper still at $A110 RT.
These are typical sale fare levels to Hobart for late May.
Sale Fare 1 x Adult Web
$75.00 AUD
Mon, 23 Jul 07
Flight DJ 618
Operated by Virgin Blue Depart Sydney 08:55 am 23-Jul-07
Arrive Hobart 10:45 am 23-Jul-07
Coming Back
Sale Fare 1 x Adult Web
$75.00 AUD
Sat, 04 Aug 07
Flight DJ 623
Operated by Virgin Blue Depart Hobart 17:00 04-Aug-07
Arrive Sydney 18:50 04-Aug-07
Price Summary
Sale Fare (SYD to HBA)
1 Adult @ $32.73 $32.73 AUD
Taxes / Fees $42.27 AUD
Sale Fare (HBA to SYD)
1 Adult @ $32.73 $32.73 AUD
Taxes / Fees $42.27 AUD
Total Amount: $150.00 AUD
Glen
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: MEL CHC
Posts: 20,885
List of Attendess up to post 894 (23 May 08)
Platinum - Confirmed
Silver - Interested
Bronze - can't make it & no shows
___________________________________________
Information on Hotel Central (as arranged by ozstamps) in this post and contact details in
post 295
Information on Friday, Saturday & Sundays activities, as organised by ozstamps, and who is doing what in post 783. See also post 286
People's Flight schedules by serfty ^
___________________________________________
5 :-::-::-::-::-: FTer's for attending all 5 Oz Fests
ozstamps
kpc
QF WP
__________________________________________________
Subscribe to this thread using thread tools (top of the page)
.
..
- ozstamps SYD
- MargoOz SYD
- Itsalongwaydown Vic, Aust
- Sue Oz Vic, Aust
- MikeMpls MSP
- WifeMpls MSP
- upup&away ORD
- kpc SYD
- kpc gf SYD
- Falconea MEL
- Mr Falconea MEL
- TIMP HBA
- monitor So Fla & NY
- Franny So Fla & NY
- jswong WLG
- Tom911 SFO
- Fredd SEA
- Mrs Fredd SEA
- serfty MEL
- To Market to Market MEL
- Aust_Mal Aust
- g-day SYD
- gvdIAD IAD
- Pooch SYD
- littl_flier BNE
- JohnK SYD
- futaris BNE
- Mrs futaris BNE
- restlessinRNO RNO
- QF WP BNE
- lili SAN
- newself LGB/LAX
- anat0l BNE
- Efrem Mass, USA
- BiziBB SYD
- punki SEA
- hunki SEA
- KLC Tampa, FL
Silver - Interested
Bronze - can't make it & no shows
- QF009 MEL
- Kiwiflyer AKL
- Mrs QF WP & mini QF WP BNE
- Mwenenzi MEL
- flyingzzzd's QLD
- Mr flyingzzzd's QLD
- Infoworks SYD
- Downunder girl SYD
- DownUnderFlyer SYD
- ajnz MEL
- Perthite PER
- Freddie Junior Colorado Springs, USA click for FJ's own thread
- Bundy Bear
- simong SYD
- alect LAX but relocating to MEL
- bjornstrom MEL
- bjornstrom gf MEL
- dedehans USA
- d00t BNE
- dannyr BNE
- RickyT MEL
- GDSman HBAwhiPlease respond
___________________________________________
Information on Hotel Central (as arranged by ozstamps) in this post and contact details in
post 295
Information on Friday, Saturday & Sundays activities, as organised by ozstamps, and who is doing what in post 783. See also post 286
People's Flight schedules by serfty ^
___________________________________________
5 :-::-::-::-::-: FTer's for attending all 5 Oz Fests
ozstamps
kpc
QF WP
__________________________________________________
Subscribe to this thread using thread tools (top of the page)
.
..
Last edited by Mwenenzi; May 28, 2008 at 8:27 pm Reason: last update of attendees
#6
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Oz
Programs: QF LTG, Velocity FF Red, HH Diamond, PC Platinum Ambassador, UA Nothing
Posts: 1,914
Let's get this rolling already.
Platinum for myself and Sue Oz. ^
I/we have close friends in Hobart who will be willing and able to help with ideas, plans and logistics.
....mmmm might have to do a trial weekend before hand.
Platinum for myself and Sue Oz. ^
I/we have close friends in Hobart who will be willing and able to help with ideas, plans and logistics.
....mmmm might have to do a trial weekend before hand.
Last edited by Itsalongwaydown; Jun 21, 2007 at 3:39 am Reason: Add text
#7
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: MEL CHC
Posts: 20,885
Getting to Tassie
Where is Hobart (HBA), Tasmania you ask
Its the island south of the Oz mainland. Click here for Hobart and here for Tasmania
Get there by air or ferry
By air
SYD-HBA Qantas (QF), Jetstar (JQ), Virgin Blue (DJ)
MEL-HBA Qantas (QF), Jetstar (JQ)
BNE-HBA Jetstar (JQ)
ADL-HBA Jetstar (JQ), Virgin Blue (DJ)
From the airport it is just 17 km (10 miles) to Australia's southern most capital city. Various options for getting to the city
Ferry from Melbourne
Spirit of Tasmania operates between Melbourne and Devonport (north Tassie), sailing from both locations most nights. Feel your holiday start the moment you step on board, sit back, relax and watch the ocean pass you by! Melbourne/Tassie sailings from AU$117. Take your own car from AU$79 (prices as at 21 June 07)
In Hobart local metro transport is by bus
More info to follow
Its the island south of the Oz mainland. Click here for Hobart and here for Tasmania
Get there by air or ferry
By air
SYD-HBA Qantas (QF), Jetstar (JQ), Virgin Blue (DJ)
MEL-HBA Qantas (QF), Jetstar (JQ)
BNE-HBA Jetstar (JQ)
ADL-HBA Jetstar (JQ), Virgin Blue (DJ)
From the airport it is just 17 km (10 miles) to Australia's southern most capital city. Various options for getting to the city
Ferry from Melbourne
Spirit of Tasmania operates between Melbourne and Devonport (north Tassie), sailing from both locations most nights. Feel your holiday start the moment you step on board, sit back, relax and watch the ocean pass you by! Melbourne/Tassie sailings from AU$117. Take your own car from AU$79 (prices as at 21 June 07)
In Hobart local metro transport is by bus
More info to follow
Last edited by Mwenenzi; Jun 23, 2007 at 8:01 am Reason: Island & air link changed to Great Circle Mapper
#8
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Oz
Programs: QF LTG, Velocity FF Red, HH Diamond, PC Platinum Ambassador, UA Nothing
Posts: 1,914
Out of interest I just checked Virgin fares to Hobart for next month.
Just $A150 RT inc all taxes.
From MEL cheaper still at $A110 RT.
These are typical sale fare levels to Hobart for late May.
Sale Fare 1 x Adult Web
$75.00 AUD
Mon, 23 Jul 07
Flight DJ 618
Operated by Virgin Blue Depart Sydney 08:55 am 23-Jul-07
Arrive Hobart 10:45 am 23-Jul-07
Coming Back
Sale Fare 1 x Adult Web
$75.00 AUD
Sat, 04 Aug 07
Flight DJ 623
Operated by Virgin Blue Depart Hobart 17:00 04-Aug-07
Arrive Sydney 18:50 04-Aug-07
Price Summary
Sale Fare (SYD to HBA)
1 Adult @ $32.73 $32.73 AUD
Taxes / Fees $42.27 AUD
Sale Fare (HBA to SYD)
1 Adult @ $32.73 $32.73 AUD
Taxes / Fees $42.27 AUD
Total Amount: $150.00 AUD
Glen
Just $A150 RT inc all taxes.
From MEL cheaper still at $A110 RT.
These are typical sale fare levels to Hobart for late May.
Sale Fare 1 x Adult Web
$75.00 AUD
Mon, 23 Jul 07
Flight DJ 618
Operated by Virgin Blue Depart Sydney 08:55 am 23-Jul-07
Arrive Hobart 10:45 am 23-Jul-07
Coming Back
Sale Fare 1 x Adult Web
$75.00 AUD
Sat, 04 Aug 07
Flight DJ 623
Operated by Virgin Blue Depart Hobart 17:00 04-Aug-07
Arrive Sydney 18:50 04-Aug-07
Price Summary
Sale Fare (SYD to HBA)
1 Adult @ $32.73 $32.73 AUD
Taxes / Fees $42.27 AUD
Sale Fare (HBA to SYD)
1 Adult @ $32.73 $32.73 AUD
Taxes / Fees $42.27 AUD
Total Amount: $150.00 AUD
Glen
JQ
MEL – HOB from $A98 return incl Tax
SYD – HBA from $A138 return incl Tax
QF
MEL – HBA from $A210 return incl Tax
SYD – HBA from $A278 return incl Tax
Last edited by Itsalongwaydown; Jun 21, 2007 at 4:05 am Reason: Formatting
#9
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Sydney, Australia (from time to time)
Programs: QF-LTS & P, SQ-TPPS, IC-RA, HH-D, *wood G, Others
Posts: 1,729
I'm a Gold for now...far enough out that I can attend but too far out to know what my client commitments will be...yes I am a slave!
#14
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: MEL CHC
Posts: 20,885
Things to do & see in Hobart Part 1
Tasmania's South Regional Tourism Association very good Hobart web site
Here is one good link and another and another and still more links to web sites
The Pure Tasmania web site link
A good map with some of the local attractions
The Peppermint Bay Cruise. Departing from Hobart's most central port, the half day adventure explores 75km of the magnificent, sheltered waters of the D'Entrecasteaux Channel and offers experiences exclusive to the Peppermint Bay Cruise Departs. 11.30am Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday (May 1st - September 30th). Returns 4.30pm (and they have discount vouchers on the web site to download)
Hobarts famous Mt Wellington can be visited by organised tours or by going to it your self
SOUTHWEST WORLD HERITAGE AIR TOUR from Cambridge Airport (Hobart's 2nd smaller airport). Tour includes a spectacular scenic flight and boat trip to Bathurst Harbour. There is an opportunity to see the rare and endangered Orange Bellied Parrot. Tour is approx 4 hours and includes refreshments. Departs 0900 and 1330 daily. (No ff miles but looks good)
The same comapany does SOUTHWEST OFF SEASON SPECIALS. From May to October we will take you to the South West, Tour approx 5 hours, includes scenic flights, boat trip and lunch. Departs 1000.
Web Cam: Hobart Live
Google Hobart, Tasmania
more info to follow
Here is one good link and another and another and still more links to web sites
The Pure Tasmania web site link
A good map with some of the local attractions
The Peppermint Bay Cruise. Departing from Hobart's most central port, the half day adventure explores 75km of the magnificent, sheltered waters of the D'Entrecasteaux Channel and offers experiences exclusive to the Peppermint Bay Cruise Departs. 11.30am Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday (May 1st - September 30th). Returns 4.30pm (and they have discount vouchers on the web site to download)
Hobarts famous Mt Wellington can be visited by organised tours or by going to it your self
SOUTHWEST WORLD HERITAGE AIR TOUR from Cambridge Airport (Hobart's 2nd smaller airport). Tour includes a spectacular scenic flight and boat trip to Bathurst Harbour. There is an opportunity to see the rare and endangered Orange Bellied Parrot. Tour is approx 4 hours and includes refreshments. Departs 0900 and 1330 daily. (No ff miles but looks good)
The same comapany does SOUTHWEST OFF SEASON SPECIALS. From May to October we will take you to the South West, Tour approx 5 hours, includes scenic flights, boat trip and lunch. Departs 1000.
Web Cam: Hobart Live
Google Hobart, Tasmania
more info to follow
Last edited by Mwenenzi; Jun 23, 2007 at 12:58 am Reason: updates
#15
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: London
Posts: 6,265
Put me down as a Gold for this. Likely to attend but no guarantees at this stage.
(PS. What will the hotel of choice be down there? Pretty much no choice in the hotel programs game. Wrest point is too far out (in my opinion). Something in the heart of town would be nicer. Something like the Grand Chancellor or Quest Savoy? I've only stayed at Wrest once when I was down there and havn't sampled the other hotels.)
(PS. What will the hotel of choice be down there? Pretty much no choice in the hotel programs game. Wrest point is too far out (in my opinion). Something in the heart of town would be nicer. Something like the Grand Chancellor or Quest Savoy? I've only stayed at Wrest once when I was down there and havn't sampled the other hotels.)