Mar 4, 2014, 9:11 pm
Last edit by: serfty
■ Booking web site (TryBooking) ■ Attendees ■ Flights ■ Accommodation ■
■ Pre/Post Do Meetup Thread ■
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■ Pre/Post Do Meetup Thread ■
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- Friday May 23rd [ Details ]
- Airport transfer - For those Arriving by 12:30pm (15 on QF790 arriving 1220 & 1 on QF723 at 1200).
- 1330 depart Doubletree Hotel
- Alice Springs Desert Park
- Dinner - Overlanders Steakhouse
- Saturday May 24th [ Details ]
- 0830 Meet in lobby of Doubletree Hotel, 0845 Departure
- School of the Air
- Royal Flying Doctors Service
- Anzac Hill
- Approx. 1pm - Afternoon of rest / own activity
- Evening: Dinner - Hanuman Restaurant @ Doubletree Hotel
- Sunday May 25th [Details ]
- 0615 - Bus "to Uluru (Ayres Rock)" departs DT hotel
- Breakfast at Stuarts Well Roadhouse ~0730
- Atila (Mt.Conner) lookout arriving around for morning tea ~0930
- Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) National Park and lunch ~1300
- Uluru Cultural Centre ~1400, base tour and Mala & Mutitjulu walks
- Sunset viewing of the changing colours of Uluru with drinks & nibbles
- Dinner - barbeque at the sunset viewing platform
- The price includes the $25 cost of the compulsory three day park pass
Oz Fest #11. "The Red Centre" Australia. Memorial Day Weekend, May 23-25, 2014
Nov 23, 2013, 11:56 pm
#136
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Benicia CA
Programs: Alaska MVP Gold 75K, AA 3.8MM, UA 1.1MM, enjoying the retired life
Posts: 31,849
confirmed!
Color me confirmed after spending about 20 hours analyzing flights the last few days. For some reason AA has blocked all its SFO-LAX flights for award travel so I'll be originating from Sacramento (SMF) for this trip and also returning there (downside is I have a five hour connection at LAX on the way home). Pacific flights are on a 5 day hold but will follow through and ticket if nothing from SFO appears in the next few days. Flying over in coach and back in business.
I'll be on the 0940 flight on the 23rd SYD-ASP on Qantas. I see a number of FTers are on that already.
I'll leave AYQ on the 1030 Qantas flight with the group on the 26th, connecting onto the MEL flight at 1150. I paid for my internal flights as they came out to $US282, saving 20,000 AA miles and about $US83 in taxes. Didn't look like a good use of miles. Interesting that Qantas was willing to do the US dollar conversion for me at .966 when my credit card with no forex converted at .925, about 4% less, when I requested to be billed in Australian dollars. Much better than the $1.06 in Perth just 6 months back.
Besides the two nights in Alice Springs and one night in Ayers Rock, I continue on with three nights in Melbourne, three nights in Sydney, and a forced overnight in Brisbane on the way home at no extra charge, so will get in five different cities this time around.
Hotels are pending. Would like to see what rate is negotiated at Ayers Rock before booking there.
I'll be on the 0940 flight on the 23rd SYD-ASP on Qantas. I see a number of FTers are on that already.
I'll leave AYQ on the 1030 Qantas flight with the group on the 26th, connecting onto the MEL flight at 1150. I paid for my internal flights as they came out to $US282, saving 20,000 AA miles and about $US83 in taxes. Didn't look like a good use of miles. Interesting that Qantas was willing to do the US dollar conversion for me at .966 when my credit card with no forex converted at .925, about 4% less, when I requested to be billed in Australian dollars. Much better than the $1.06 in Perth just 6 months back.
Besides the two nights in Alice Springs and one night in Ayers Rock, I continue on with three nights in Melbourne, three nights in Sydney, and a forced overnight in Brisbane on the way home at no extra charge, so will get in five different cities this time around.
Hotels are pending. Would like to see what rate is negotiated at Ayers Rock before booking there.
Nov 24, 2013, 12:17 am
#137
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: MEL CHC
Posts: 21,009
Nov 24, 2013, 1:08 am
#138
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
My personal plan idea that will work well I think, and book flights based on this I suggest -
1. Friday - START in Alice Springs with a Friday night dinner. Overnight Alice. We arrive on a direct Qantas flight at 12.25pm so doubtless others will be about, to have an initial lunch on Friday.
2. Spend Saturday in and around that town (there is a lot to see nearby) with Welcome Dinner on Saturday night. Overnight Alice.
3. Then charter a large coach to drive Alice Springs to Uluru/Ayers Rock on Sunday. Several of us looked up the time span to do that in Perth, and it is about 6 or so hours normal driving.
There are a number of interesting things to see spread along the journey - DO take a look at this thread before the inevitable few moans about long drives across desert
http://traveloutbackaustralia.com/dr...ers-rock.html/
So my plan would be to do that as an early start full day, with a lunch stop en-route.
Overnight Sunday at Uluru and Sunday dinner there too. We will undoubtedly be able to talk to hotel to get a deal for combined accommodation and dinner there.
Uluru accommodation is limited and expensive, and that will be the way to go I think.
Coach would take us on a circuit of the Rock Sunday evening at Sunset, where by far the best photos are to be had.
4. Monday morning, we can almost certainly get to the nearby Olgas or whatever they are called these days - photoshoot dream. If we book the large bus for ourselves for 2 days we can do that kind of thing, and split 40 ways or so, the cost will be reasonable to all.
Members will mostly choose to fly out Monday, as we will likely do, as Virgin has a daily direct flight to SYD from Uluru.
Monday May 26 - VA 1628 - depart Uluru 13.45 - arrive SYD - 17.20
It is NOT "just a bus ride" as those who bothered to read the link above will have seen. There are well paced things to see and do along the journey as that link outlines.
"In our opinion, driving from Alice Springs to Ayers Rock is a road trip that everyone should have on their bucket list. It’s the ultimate outback trip that opens your eyes to the incredible diversity of the outback’s landscapes. Driving to from Alice Springs to Ayers Rock is one of Australia’s top road trips."
I know it is possible to fly between them but hopefully no-one will! Flights will be a DARN sight dearer than the bus ride will cost you.
I personally do not see the point in coming to be honest, if you plan to fly Alice-Uluru on the Sunday.
The more on the bus, clearly the lower the per person cost to all that are on it. As well as allowing a full size coach to be booked, with the benefits of an board loo most likely, freezer, and more space etc. And the joint experience of doing the trip as a GROUP which is what all OzFests are about. @:-)@:-)@:-)
How on earth apportioning the bus charge to those who fly to Uluru would be calculated, I have no idea but it will not be cheap is my current thinking. But you WILL be paying it if you join in with the others doing a sunset circuit of the Rock, and next morning trip to Olgas etc.
A large bus booked exclusively for 2 days will NOT be cheap, quite a few $1000 I am sure, and it was anticipated near all would be on it, to keep the per person cost down.
So for those yet to book travel, please keep this in mind. @:-)
I have not even thought about getting bus quotes yet as clearly their first question will be "exactly how large a bus do you need" and price varies enormously on that, from my experience at other OzFests.
Glen
Last edited by ozstamps; Nov 24, 2013 at 1:15 am
Nov 24, 2013, 1:15 am
#139
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Benicia CA
Programs: Alaska MVP Gold 75K, AA 3.8MM, UA 1.1MM, enjoying the retired life
Posts: 31,849
Nov 24, 2013, 1:21 am
#140
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
I've done that once before, with a 4WD bus down a red dirt track most of the way, and it's probably one of the most memorable Australian travel experiences I retain (the other being the trek from Perth up to Exmouth). I'm looking forward to doing it again whether "on the road" or "on the dirt track".
Don't spook the horses!
The bus trip is on 100% SEALED ROADS, not red dirt tracks!
http://traveloutbackaustralia.com/dr...ers-rock.html/
Nov 25, 2013, 2:09 am
#141
Join Date: Sep 2009
Programs: QF, SQ, GA
Posts: 159
Probable, but will have to see what work's doing in the new year before I can confirm.
Sounds like a fun weekend
Sounds like a fun weekend
Nov 25, 2013, 3:29 am
#142
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: AVV
Programs: QF, HH
Posts: 1,112
Never been to the Rock but have always wanted to check it out. Sounds like that bus trip would be great value...
But, I'll be slaving away at that time of the year again at uni. 2015, however, will be a different story, so I'm the one who's gonna have to wait until then....
As a side note, Queenstown would be a great spot for an NZ-based Ozfest. And yes, there is a Hilton there.
But, I'll be slaving away at that time of the year again at uni. 2015, however, will be a different story, so I'm the one who's gonna have to wait until then....
As a side note, Queenstown would be a great spot for an NZ-based Ozfest. And yes, there is a Hilton there.
Nov 25, 2013, 1:27 pm
#143
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: MRY/SFO/SJC
Programs: AS MVP, Hilton Diamond, IHG Gold
Posts: 7,784
I have a ticket in and out of the country 17/5-3/6, so it's safe to move me to Gold.
Nov 25, 2013, 1:47 pm
#144
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: MSP
Programs: Fallen Plats, ex-WN CP, DYKWIW; still a Hilton Diamond & Club Cholula™ R.I.P. Super Plats
Posts: 25,415
Nov 25, 2013, 5:45 pm
#145
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Democratic People's Republic of Victoria
Programs: First Time Flyer
Posts: 833
The group on QF1940 should have adequate time to see the sunrise and get to the airport, but may miss out on the "full morning" experience (e.g. The Olgas)...
If we are hiring our own bus, perhaps that bus could drop off at the airport prior to going to the Olgas with the Virgin flyers? I am not sure of the road distances involved, so this is just a suggestion.
Nov 26, 2013, 7:54 am
#146
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Oz
Programs: QF, AA, UA, AS, SW, CO
Posts: 443
Platinum please
Dec 5, 2013, 7:11 am
#147
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Brisbane (BNE), Australia, QF/VA Forums Meeting Organiser
Programs: VA Plat, QF Gold (97.4% LTG), QP Life, AA (66% LTG). HH Diamond. Amex Plat, Visa Plat
Posts: 6,519
Wanting to lock down the very reasonable price of AU$209, I booked the QF flights AYQ-ASP-ADL on the 26th.
Anyway, it's nice to know I'm not alone in having to depart earlier on the 26th. Hopefully we can arrange for an airport transport post-sunrise visit to Ayers Rock -- maybe as a detour on the way to the Olgas for those of you departing on the VA flight to SYD.
I note that I do have to spend an extra hour at ASP before my flight to ADL, though. Maybe if I ask nicely, jozdemir can get me into the Qantas Club before he leaves for MEL, so I can at least hang out in comfort.
Anyway, it's nice to know I'm not alone in having to depart earlier on the 26th. Hopefully we can arrange for an airport transport post-sunrise visit to Ayers Rock -- maybe as a detour on the way to the Olgas for those of you departing on the VA flight to SYD.
I note that I do have to spend an extra hour at ASP before my flight to ADL, though. Maybe if I ask nicely, jozdemir can get me into the Qantas Club before he leaves for MEL, so I can at least hang out in comfort.
Did a lot of research tonight and will be looking to book the following tomorrow for Mrs QFWP and me:
23/05 QF824 BNE/DRW Dep 09:30 Arr 13:10, connecting to
23/05 QF1939 DRW/ASP Dep 14:40 Arr 16:40
Should make the Friday drinks and dinner easily.
26/05 QF1940 AYQ/ASP Dep 10:30 Arr 11:15, connecting to
26/05 QF 722 ASP/ADL Dep 12:50 Arr 14:50, connecting to
26/05 QF656 ADL/BNE Dep 18:00 Arr 20:50
I've booked the Doubletree for the Fri & Sat nights ($189 cancellable Junior Suite) and have left the Sun night unbooked so can be included in the hopeful group rate
Last edited by QF WP; Dec 5, 2013 at 7:36 am Reason: Booked the Doubletree
Dec 5, 2013, 10:49 pm
#148
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: MEL CHC
Posts: 21,009
cat207 & cat207_+1 are on the same BNE-DRW-ASP flights
10 now on QF1940 26-May AYQ 10:30 26-May ASP 11:15.
So no platinum shadows? Who will get the best seats?
___________
Count Down Clock
Attendees as post 4
Hotels: Who is staying where in post 7
Getting to and about Alice & Uluru/Ayers Rock in post 8.
Flights: Who is flying where in post 10
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Last edited by Mwenenzi; Dec 5, 2013 at 11:26 pm
Dec 5, 2013, 11:17 pm
#149
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: DCA/IAD
Programs: UA 2.5MM; HH Diamond; Hyatt Platinum; MR Gold
Posts: 1,355
Dec 9, 2013, 1:07 pm
#150
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Switzerland
Programs: LX HON, Radisson Platinum, Hilton Gold
Posts: 476
Okay... please put me down as an Silver Elite... I am planning to do a RTW around that time and might just hit the date!