Thanks for the information. AC777 I was unaware of the Starwood 3 night promotion - I will definitely be taking advantage of that. I will save my AP miles for flights and pay cash for the hotels.
Does anyone know of any AP partners that fly domestic routes in OZ. Trying to get from Sydney to Cairns on points - but cannot find a way to accomplish this? If I need to purchase a revenue ticket is Virgin Blue the best way to go?
Jral, I am planning on passing on most of the cities and focusing on the GB reef, Cold Coast and visiting the countryside.