Oz Fest 16 Sydney, NSW, Australia. USA Memorial Day Weekend May 24 to May 26, 2019
May 24, 2019, 9:18 pm
#376
Moderator: Hyatt; FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: WAS
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May 24, 2019, 9:29 pm
#377
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Benicia CA
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A wee bit of a crowd in Manly. We're heading back after a pub stop. A little too bright to stay out in the sun any longer.
May 24, 2019, 10:16 pm
#380
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Brisbane
Posts: 1,950
Finally checked into the Four Points by Sheraton (near Central Station) last night just past midnight.
Doesn't boast a view as good as some others here, but on the other hand I was given an upgrade from my Superior room to an Executive Suite. Not bad for a Bonvoy Silver with not a stay to his name for a very long time! Must be one of those random space availability things.
Nice breakfast buffet on offer; caught up with a local friend and getting a bit of work done.
Look forward to seeing everyone tonight.
Doesn't boast a view as good as some others here, but on the other hand I was given an upgrade from my Superior room to an Executive Suite. Not bad for a Bonvoy Silver with not a stay to his name for a very long time! Must be one of those random space availability things.
Nice breakfast buffet on offer; caught up with a local friend and getting a bit of work done.
Look forward to seeing everyone tonight.
May 25, 2019, 12:21 am
#382
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Melbourne
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Posts: 21,993
Watson's bay and South Head Walk - Now Departing 11am from Circular Quay
So, I will now depart ONE HOUR earlier and will be at Wharf 2 Circular Quay at 11am to catch a ferry scheduled for 11:17am.
The walk itself is about 2.5 miles/4km with some undulations and will take about 90 minutes.
The weather forecast is good - I suggest caps/hats and reasonable footwear will be a very good idea.
You can catch a ferry from the CBD to Watson's bay quite cheaply on Sundays with an Opal card.
NSW Transport Trip Planner - Circular Quay to Watson's Bay from 10:30am
Watson's Bay has quite a lot of history (see below) and some interesting food venues.
After the walk there's plenty of places to have lunch.
There's Doyle's on the Beach and Doyle's Wharf. Here's some links to menu's https://www.doyles.com.au/?section#location (Remember, "Entree" means "starter" or "appetizer"). There's a hotel near the wharf (https://watsonsbayhotel.com.au/beach-club/) and a few other places to eat.
I'm planning on 'takeaway' myself but if any wish to dine 'on the beach' or at the Hotel I suggest they make a booking.
This whole thing is casual, doing one's own thing is the way to go.
Here's some further information:
Wikipedia - Watson's Bay New South Wales
History of Watson's bay
https://www.bestsydneywalks.com/watsons-bay-walk/
Walk Watson's Bay - Travel with Joanne
https://www.sydney.com/destinations/...st/watsons-bay
May 25, 2019, 1:07 am
#383
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: New Zealand (most of the time)
Programs: Air NZ Elite *G, Honors Gold, IHG Platinum Elite
Posts: 6,115
Damn you all for taking all the good rooms at the Hilton. Checked in today and there are no upgrades available and I realised I've never actually stayed in a basic room here before. They're a little meh. 
May 25, 2019, 1:11 am
#384
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Brisbane (BNE), Australia, QF/VA Forums Meeting Organiser
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Posts: 6,519
That sounds good @serfty, as I am thinking of getting an earlier flight home (currently on VA at 7pm). Will be down there by 11, have Opal card.
Spent a couple of good hours out with @Dave Noble, tickets sorted for Mrs QF WP’s trip to LHR in October.
Up in the Hilton EL and about to head back to room to get ready for tonight. Be back here at 6pm when the bar opens in case others are interested. Going to head down to Hyatt around 6:40pm
Spent a couple of good hours out with @Dave Noble, tickets sorted for Mrs QF WP’s trip to LHR in October.
Up in the Hilton EL and about to head back to room to get ready for tonight. Be back here at 6pm when the bar opens in case others are interested. Going to head down to Hyatt around 6:40pm
May 25, 2019, 1:14 am
#386
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
Here, upgrades are available but generally for a price (even for us Diamonds). Pretty well booked out with Vivid and other Sat night functions. I got offered but chose to stay in my corner room (xx24) with EL access. Considering both nights are free, not complaining
