"Oz Fest #8" – Darwin Australia - Memorial Day Weekend, May 27-29, 2011
Jun 23, 2010, 5:58 am
#31
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Sunny SYDNEY!
Programs: UA Million Miler. (1.9M) Virgin Platinum. HH Diamond + SPG Gold
Posts: 32,330
Jun 23, 2010, 6:22 am
#33
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Pacific Rim
Programs: United 1K.
Posts: 54
Yes, we have already booked* our flights for Thursday night and Monday afternoon.
So To Market To Market and I in. ^
*Qantas "Any Seat Rewards" Business class. On current J rates it's reasonable QFF value @4¢ per point.
Also, we'll earn 260 Status Credits each!
For those 1K's or EXP's out there that's like 20K EQP's earned by burning 83K miles each ...
So To Market To Market and I in. ^
*Qantas "Any Seat Rewards" Business class. On current J rates it's reasonable QFF value @4¢ per point.
Also, we'll earn 260 Status Credits each!
For those 1K's or EXP's out there that's like 20K EQP's earned by burning 83K miles each ...
Jun 23, 2010, 6:39 am
#34
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Brisbane QLD AU
Programs: QF
Posts: 235
Flight options ex USA to DRW
USA TO AUSTRALIA (VIA SOUTHWEST PACIFIC)
UNITED AIRLINES
UA839 (daily)
ORD 1830
LAX 2052 2232
SYD 0610+2 0800
MEL 0940
UA840 (daily)
MEL 1120
SYD 1245 1350
LAX 1017 1200
ORD 1758
UA863 (daily)
JFK 1730
SFO 2113 2252
SYD 0625+2
UA870 (daily)
SYD 1445
SFO 1059 1240
JFK 2115
DELTA AIRLINES
DL17 (daily)
ATL 1845
LAX 2030 2240
SYD 0640+2
DL18 (daily)
SYD 0915
LAX 0600 1115
ATL 1835
QANTAS AIRWAYS/AMERICAN AIRLINES
QF16/AA7409 (daily except Mon)
LAX 2330
BNE 0620+2
QF15/AA7380 (daily except Mon)
BNE 1100
LAX 0700
QF108* (days 13567)
JFK 1855
LAX 2210 2350
SYD 0725+2
QF107* (days 13567)
SYD 1015
LAX 0645 0900
JFK 1725
QF74/AA7384 (days 1356)
SFO 2240
SYD 0640+2
QF73/AA7381 (days 1356)
SYD 1355
SFO 1015
QF12/AA7364 (daily)
LAX 2230
SYD 0630+2
QF11/AA7363 (daily)
SYD 1305
LAX 0945
QF108/AA7366 (daily)
LAX 2350
SYD 0725+2
QF107/AA7365 (daily)
SYD 1015
LAX 0645
Inbound
If flying into SYD early morning ex USA on QF/AA/DL/UA you can take Qantas flight QF842 SYD/DRW 1045/1500. This gives you plenty of time to clear customs & take the shuttle around to the domestic terminal & also allows for any delays inbound to SYD.
If flying into BNE ex QF16/AA7409 at 0620 the flight to take is QF824 BNE/DRW (daily) 0900/1240.
Although QF fly LAX/MEL either non-stop or via AKL & UA fly via SYD I haven’t included those flights above as QF don’t fly MEL/DRW non-stop. Jetstar & Virgin Blue fly non-stop late at night but obviously not suitable for those folks who arrive early morning from the US.
If you were staying in MEL a couple of nights pre the OzFest8 it may be an option however I will give you the flight details in the post about domestic flights within Australia.
Note that flying westbound USA to Australia and departing in the evening you arrive two days later so if departing LAX or SFO Wed 25 May at night you arrive SYD Fri 27 May early am which would connect with QF842 SYD/DRW.
Outbound
Flying DRW/SYD QF have two non-stop flights daily – QF843 @ 1545/2030 which would require an overnight stay at a Sydney Airport Hotel before flying back to the US.
The other flight QF829 @ 0140/0625 allows you to connect same day to the US without staying overnight in a hotel but I personally wouldn’t be a fan of kicking off the first stage of the return trip to the US with a ‘red eye’ however that’s a decision for you guys to make.
QF fly non-stop DRW/BNE once a day QF825 1325/1735 so you would need an overnight in BNE if taking QF15/AA7380 however this flight does not operate on a Monday but by next year anything could happen.
* AA don’t have codeshare flight ex JFK only west coast.
Last edited by ozflygirl747; Jun 27, 2010 at 7:22 pm
Jun 23, 2010, 6:42 am
#35
Join Date: Mar 2010
Programs: Australian Frequent Flyer
Posts: 3
Interested
Hi there guys,
I'm a (somewhat) regular AFFer and have heard about ozFest from time to time and have discussed it in great detail with another AFF member, as such I would like to list myself as interested this year.
Getting up there will consist of a status run on Virgin Blue possibly HBA-MEL-CBR-SYD-BNE-CNS-DRW or something but I will look into that later to keep my status up.
If I were to come I would look into staying at either the (*looks at hotel directory*) Quality Frontier Darwin or the Comfort Inn Vitina or one of the accor hotels. don't mind sharing but I'm a points junkie so be forewarned
Details are sketchy at the moment but I will get back to you if I can make anything rock solid.
Wow. My first FT post
Josh
I'm a (somewhat) regular AFFer and have heard about ozFest from time to time and have discussed it in great detail with another AFF member, as such I would like to list myself as interested this year.
Getting up there will consist of a status run on Virgin Blue possibly HBA-MEL-CBR-SYD-BNE-CNS-DRW or something but I will look into that later to keep my status up.
If I were to come I would look into staying at either the (*looks at hotel directory*) Quality Frontier Darwin or the Comfort Inn Vitina or one of the accor hotels. don't mind sharing but I'm a points junkie so be forewarned
Details are sketchy at the moment but I will get back to you if I can make anything rock solid.
Wow. My first FT post
Josh
Jun 23, 2010, 6:44 am
#36
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Oz
Programs: QF LTG, Velocity FF Red, HH Diamond, PC Platinum Ambassador, UA Nothing
Posts: 1,914
Hi there guys,
I'm a (somewhat) regular AFFer and have heard about ozFest from time to time and have discussed it in great detail with another AFF member, as such I would like to list myself as interested this year.
Getting up there will consist of a status run on Virgin Blue possibly HBA-MEL-CBR-SYD-BNE-CNS-DRW or something but I will look into that later to keep my status up.
If I were to come I would look into staying at either the (*looks at hotel directory*) Quality Frontier Darwin or the Comfort Inn Vitina or one of the accor hotels. don't mind sharing but I'm a points junkie so be forewarned
Details are sketchy at the moment but I will get back to you if I can make anything rock solid.
Wow. My first FT post
Josh
I'm a (somewhat) regular AFFer and have heard about ozFest from time to time and have discussed it in great detail with another AFF member, as such I would like to list myself as interested this year.
Getting up there will consist of a status run on Virgin Blue possibly HBA-MEL-CBR-SYD-BNE-CNS-DRW or something but I will look into that later to keep my status up.
If I were to come I would look into staying at either the (*looks at hotel directory*) Quality Frontier Darwin or the Comfort Inn Vitina or one of the accor hotels. don't mind sharing but I'm a points junkie so be forewarned
Details are sketchy at the moment but I will get back to you if I can make anything rock solid.
Wow. My first FT post
Josh
Good to have you on board and keep up the walking!
Jun 23, 2010, 6:46 am
#37
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Brisbane QLD AU
Programs: QF
Posts: 235
Pre-do Kakadu & Arnhemland 25-27 May 2011
Just some further info on the cost of the ground arrangements:
:-:Thrifty 21 seat Coaster Bus has been booked for the duration of OzFest picking up from the depot at Stuart Park Darwin 1500 on Tue 24 May dropping off 1500 Tue 31 May. This will meet our needs nicely to get Darwin to Jabiru & back.
Drivers licence required LR (light rigid) so I'll either need to upgrade my licence from a class C to LR or ask SO nicely (who has a HR licence which is okay too) work permitting if he's willing and able to assist.
Cost base rate: 7 days $199.10 per day 100 free kms $0.33c extra per km
AUD1393.70 / vehicle registration recover fee AUD42.35 / admin fee AUD50.26 total price AUD1486.31. We'll work out how to divide cost closer to the time as we'll more than likely be using this for a couple of half day tours on Sat/Sun 28-29 May so Thrifty cost would be built into price of these tours also not just paid by those doing the pre-do so I'll advise an amount closer to the time when pax numbers on other day tours have been advised.
:-:Kakadu National Park entrance fee
AUD25.00 per person which is valid for 14 days. Although it can be paid at Kadadu National Park at the Bowali Visitors Centre & Cooinda Lodge it's probably easier to pre-pay it as it's one less thing to have to do during the pre-do. Payment due Sun 17 Apr 2011.
:-:Yellow Waters Sunset Cruise Wed 25 May
AUD82.00 per person due by Sun 17 Apr 2011.
:-:Lord's Kakadu & Arnhemland Safaris
AUD195.00 per person. One day Arnhemland Safari ex Jabiru picking up from Holiday Inn Gagudju at 0830 & drop off us off approx 1630 at Border Store where our Thrifty coaster bus will be so we can watch the sunset at Ubirr Rock which has spectcular views over Kakadu National Park.
Deposit due: 30% of tour price plus 2% merchant fee if paying by Visa or Mastercard so approx AUD60.00 now with balance of approx AUD140.00 due 45 days prior to departure which is Sun 17 Apr 2011.
Contact details are:
AnnMaree Grant
Operations
Lords Safaris
Tel: 61 8 8948 2200
Fax: 61 8 8948 2003
Email: [email protected]
Credit card details can be emailed to above address or if you prefer phoned through to the above phone number. Cheques can be posted to: LKAS, PO Box 39861, Winnellie NT 0821 or direct deposit can be made into Westpac Jabiru/account no. 120076/BSB 035-308.
Cancellation policy: Outside 30 days full refund given/15-30 days 50% cancellation fee/14 days or less 100% cancellation fee so now is a good time to take out travel insurance.
Can everyone who is booked on the pre-do email or pm me their real names so AnnMaree can match up the deposits with the correct people rather than FT monikers.
@:-)What to bring on the Arnhemland Safari
* One litre water bottle (water supplied for refills on truck)
* Good walking shoes or boots
* Sunscreen lotion
* Insect repellent
* Hat
* Light, comfortable clothing
* Camera gear (don't forget to charge battery)
* Binoculars
* Medications & other personal requirements
The tour requires a reasonable level of balance and agility for the walk up Injalak Hill to view the Aboriginal Rock Art so may not be suitable for people with mobility issues.
I did this day tour back in October last year & there was a Swiss gent on the tour who was 80 years young who managed okay.
:-:Thrifty 21 seat Coaster Bus has been booked for the duration of OzFest picking up from the depot at Stuart Park Darwin 1500 on Tue 24 May dropping off 1500 Tue 31 May. This will meet our needs nicely to get Darwin to Jabiru & back.
Drivers licence required LR (light rigid) so I'll either need to upgrade my licence from a class C to LR or ask SO nicely (who has a HR licence which is okay too) work permitting if he's willing and able to assist.
Cost base rate: 7 days $199.10 per day 100 free kms $0.33c extra per km
AUD1393.70 / vehicle registration recover fee AUD42.35 / admin fee AUD50.26 total price AUD1486.31. We'll work out how to divide cost closer to the time as we'll more than likely be using this for a couple of half day tours on Sat/Sun 28-29 May so Thrifty cost would be built into price of these tours also not just paid by those doing the pre-do so I'll advise an amount closer to the time when pax numbers on other day tours have been advised.
:-:Kakadu National Park entrance fee
AUD25.00 per person which is valid for 14 days. Although it can be paid at Kadadu National Park at the Bowali Visitors Centre & Cooinda Lodge it's probably easier to pre-pay it as it's one less thing to have to do during the pre-do. Payment due Sun 17 Apr 2011.
:-:Yellow Waters Sunset Cruise Wed 25 May
AUD82.00 per person due by Sun 17 Apr 2011.
:-:Lord's Kakadu & Arnhemland Safaris
AUD195.00 per person. One day Arnhemland Safari ex Jabiru picking up from Holiday Inn Gagudju at 0830 & drop off us off approx 1630 at Border Store where our Thrifty coaster bus will be so we can watch the sunset at Ubirr Rock which has spectcular views over Kakadu National Park.
Deposit due: 30% of tour price plus 2% merchant fee if paying by Visa or Mastercard so approx AUD60.00 now with balance of approx AUD140.00 due 45 days prior to departure which is Sun 17 Apr 2011.
Contact details are:
AnnMaree Grant
Operations
Lords Safaris
Tel: 61 8 8948 2200
Fax: 61 8 8948 2003
Email: [email protected]
Credit card details can be emailed to above address or if you prefer phoned through to the above phone number. Cheques can be posted to: LKAS, PO Box 39861, Winnellie NT 0821 or direct deposit can be made into Westpac Jabiru/account no. 120076/BSB 035-308.
Cancellation policy: Outside 30 days full refund given/15-30 days 50% cancellation fee/14 days or less 100% cancellation fee so now is a good time to take out travel insurance.
Can everyone who is booked on the pre-do email or pm me their real names so AnnMaree can match up the deposits with the correct people rather than FT monikers.
@:-)What to bring on the Arnhemland Safari
* One litre water bottle (water supplied for refills on truck)
* Good walking shoes or boots
* Sunscreen lotion
* Insect repellent
* Hat
* Light, comfortable clothing
* Camera gear (don't forget to charge battery)
* Binoculars
* Medications & other personal requirements
The tour requires a reasonable level of balance and agility for the walk up Injalak Hill to view the Aboriginal Rock Art so may not be suitable for people with mobility issues.
I did this day tour back in October last year & there was a Swiss gent on the tour who was 80 years young who managed okay.
Last edited by ozflygirl747; Jan 30, 2011 at 9:15 am Reason: Update
Post-do Katherine Gorge Mon 30 May 2011
Jun 23, 2010, 6:49 am
#39
Join Date: Mar 2010
Programs: Australian Frequent Flyer
Posts: 3
Jun 23, 2010, 7:02 am
#40
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Oz
Programs: QF LTG, Velocity FF Red, HH Diamond, PC Platinum Ambassador, UA Nothing
Posts: 1,914
Jun 23, 2010, 7:02 am
#41
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Sydney, Australia
Programs: QR/AC Gold, VA Silver, IHG Plat, Bonvoy Gold
Posts: 1,581
Hi everyone - I've been researching flights ex USA to Oz on *A OW & Skyteam into Australian gateway cities then will add in the recommended domestic connecting flight to DRW according to whichever carrier you choose & the gateway you fly into.
I thought I'd be quick enough to grab one of the first posts but I leave the house for a couple of hours & all hell breaks loose!
I will either edit this post or see if I can hijack someone else's if that's appropriate so the details can be on the first page somewhere.
Cheers
Oz
I thought I'd be quick enough to grab one of the first posts but I leave the house for a couple of hours & all hell breaks loose!
I will either edit this post or see if I can hijack someone else's if that's appropriate so the details can be on the first page somewhere.
Cheers
Oz
Just looked at Darwin Airport webpage, looks like for anyone who want to come through to DRW via Asia they would have to get on to Jetstar from SIN/DPS/SGN-DRW! Book your StarClass now!
http://www.darwinairport.com.au/Flig...3/Default.aspx
Also check *A website and they mark DRW is a city not served by *A airlines!
Jun 23, 2010, 7:08 am
#42
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Perth, WA, Australia
Programs: QF Gold, VA Plat, IHG Plat Amb, LCAH Gold, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 3,846
Jun 23, 2010, 7:11 am
#43
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Perth, WA, Australia
Programs: QF Gold, VA Plat, IHG Plat Amb, LCAH Gold, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 3,846