Oh goodie! I'll finally partake in the 16-oz Weighlifting World Championships ... :D :D :D

Maybe catch a game of footie while savoring some awesome meat pies and downing delightful aussie reds. ;)

Btw, that bottle you kindly brought us was ssssswwwwweeeeeeeettttt!!! ^ ^

So where are we staying for Hotel Central? I read the whole thread and I am still confused. For now, I have reservations at the Hilton on the Park at $180 a night.

Finding a sudden deluge of C award availability on UA, my girlfriend (FTer waterstrider - aka Abby) and I are confirmed for MEL on Memorial day! ^^

I've never been to a DO before, so I figured I'd start with the most distant one possible! (And then not earn miles for it... :eek: )

We're arriving in SYD a week before (Fri 18th), so we're all ears for ideas on where to go and what to see in SYD or beyond for the week.

The DC-area contingent for ozfest is growing!

Well 24 folks is surely not a bad start Chris? And free etched beer glasses to boot. ;)

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showp...&postcount=380

Good to see the DC crowd descending on us again - we had a few here this year as well.

Glen

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I'm moving back to Syd in Jan so please put me down as a definite maybe :)

Please put me down as a maybe. I'm going to try to snag a UA XC award. Are there other Oz destinations I can stop at while on a *A award down under? Tried the *A site but their map function is down.

Clearly you can stop over in SYD on your way to MEL. I think you only get 1 stop over - it could be NZ if you wish though.

I knew about the options on UA and NZ (SYD and NZ and have done them in the past), but are there other options that will get me to some of the far-flung protions of Oz? I've been thinking about the north coast and west coast.

On *A? Both SQ, TG and NZ fly to PER. NZ is only one to fly to CNS. SQ and NZ fly to ADL. SQ, TG and NZ fly to BNE. None of these are intra australia flights.

For domestic flights you have Qantas, Jetstar (LCC subsidiary of QF but no points or OW status benefits except for QFF), Virgin Blue. Some regional routes also have local carriers.

I shall be seeking to maintain my biennial attendance at Oz Fest #4 with Mrs TEX277 in tow this time. For the moment though, please do mark us down as 'Golds'.

Should that turn into 'Platinum', I doubt dcgators will need to buy a drink at all!

Uuummm. That sounds really promising! :)

And since we are no longer allowed to bring liquids onboard, I'll just have to make sure to consume all the contraband before taking my seat in C ... ;) :D :D :D

Seriously, I sure hope you and the Mrs. will make if down under so we can get a chance to meet up ... ^

So ... Plats ... Plats ... Plats ... Plats ... Plats ...

Any update on hotel central? I am such a type-A that I want to make sure that I am staying at or near all the festivities. :D

This has been widely discussed in the thread - and the Hilton, despite not being right downtown seems to have support. I have certainly booked a few nights there at a good rate. Fully cancellable of course. ;)

I notice the Hilton has increased their rates for the weekend by $20/ night (Cheapest rate was $180, now it's $200 / night).

Doesn't seem to be related to our trip planning as other weekends are the same, but still serves as a reminder to book a flexible stay early, then monitor for changes where you can rebook to save $.

(That is assuming the Hilton is party central - There are other hotels that could be candidates).

Good thinking Aus_Mal, now booked the Hilton for the Friday night (even stretched myself to a junior suite) and will book either the Westin or Langham for the Saturday (will decide later depending where I need the points/stays most). I'm sure FT is bad for me :D

Jeff