I'm starting a RTW ex-BKK and will be flying to MEL and then onto SYD. Seems like a waste that I'll be only using one domestic segment (MEL-SYD). So any suggestions on where to go visit? Thinking one night two day trip. Ruled out Cairns, Hamiliton because I've been there before.

Lord Howe seems interesting but not sure about the Dash 8 plane.

You could go to ADL - and check out the Wine region. Or try PER. AYQ is also a good short trip (that's where we're going on our RTW).

When are you starting ex-BKK - I am just ticketing a DONE4 ex-BKK - first segment Aug 15.

Don't fly MEL-SYD. Go MEL-PER-SYD and visit Perth, for me the nicest city in Australia. The miles are ok, too, but it would be such a pity to think of Perth in terms of miles and points. I'd go there even for 0 miles/points earned, without thinking.

Edited to add: hope you don't mind my saying this but to me Perth is to Sydney what San Diego is to Los Angeles. That should help you decide one way or the other.

Absolutely agree, SYD-PER-MEL is the better way to go SYD-MEL, nice flight and well worth doing even if only having a spare day (there is a red-eye from PER-MEL at midnight so you could even do this at the expense of a hotel stay but a bit rough with the short flying time). PER is such an interesting place (more interesting south of perth) and a contrast to sydney and melbourne.
Edited to add since we are doing city analogies that MEL is San Francisco.

If you're looking for miles, then the MEL-PER-SYD option is convinient, plenty of flights to suit whatever times work for you. You could also do MEL-DRW-SYD too but the timing of those flights aren't so friendly. MEL-BME-SYD could also be done too, but again, the timings wouldn't give you the opportunity to see that much.

For places to see, I'd definitely agree with the AYQ suggestion - fly in, grab a rental car, dump your things at the hotel, and drive drive drive. It should be possible to get both Uluru and The Olgas (maybe do the Olgas in the afternoon you arrive, and Uluru the morning before flying out - though you wouldn't want to miss the Uluru sunset either). It's definitely worth seeing if you haven't been out there before, photos don't do it justice. The timing of the flights works well too, with civilised departure times from MEL, and arrival time into SYD.

Better still, how about MEL-PER-BNE-ADL-SYD, and we can ask the BNE FT Social Conviener to arrange a gathering in the BNE QP!

"If you're looking for miles, then the MEL-PER-SYD option is convinient, plenty of flights to suit whatever times work for you. "

Isn't there a restriction on only one flight between PER and the east coast on the ticket or is that only on sales to certain regions?

Dave

The restriction applies to sales in all regions, but does not include MEL. It's only SYD, CNS and BNE.

No, MEL-PER is not not in the restriction:

LDH is the way to go. It's almost impossible to get Award seats there in the next 12 months. Essential to book accommodation before arriving - I can suggest a few places. It is really the place you go for a quiet time - hiking, reading, sleeping, fishing, diving. The 1000 m runway makes an interesting sight with a DH8 taking off into a full-on sea breeze.

It might seem a waste of 2 seators that could otherwise be in D, but at some stage in life there is more to the trip than just the QP, the seat, the aircraft, the flight, the catering, the SCs and the smile on the FAs face (or am I missing something)?

Thanks for all your replies. I need to do more research on what I'm going to do at each place but based on your feedback, I'm researching: MEL-AYQ-PER-SYD.

Stopping in both AYQ and PER.

Thinking of leaving LDH to the next time when I'm traveling with someone. This time I'm just going to MEL and SYD to meet up with friends.

GibSpmuh, pardon my ignorence about AYQ. I assume Uluru is Ayres Rock and how about Olgas? Is it better for sunset or sun raise at Uluru? Probably not planning on climbing it this trip.

Hmm, if I am going to miss out on all these thing, then I think I spending a weekend at home might be higher up the list .

One day I am sure I will enjoy a stay at LDH, but since award seats are hard to find, I expect it won't be until the Mini-NM's leave the roost. Only 18 years and 2 months to go (who's counting?). In the meantime, please don't spoil it .

I'll probably starting ex-BKK on August 19th. Going from BKK-HKG first. Will miss you by a few days.

You'd be correct that Uluru is the name that Ayers Rock is now known by. As for The Olgas (or now known as Kata Tjuta) they're another formation of rocks, about 50km from Uluru. For more information feel free to take a look at http://www.ntholidays.com/nt_mustsee...sp?iStoryID=15 - there's plenty of handy links on this site as well (it's the official NT government website).

I'd rate the sunset better from the fact that you get to see it from the side that you see in all the photos, so it looks like Uluru - on the sunrise side it still looks impressive, but being around the other side of the rock the perspective wasn't quite as imposing (for me anyway). But given the resort is only 15km down the road or so it's not too difficult to be able to see both so you can make up your own mind. . There's plenty of shorter walks around the rock as well, plus an informative cultural centre there (and they'd be happy to hear you don't plan to climb it too! ).

Thanks! Any specific hotels that you recommend? I see a few and seems quite expensive too. But I'm up for it if it is worth paying for it.