FindAWay

Introduction, Trip Overview and Summary

This is my first trip report on FT, so, I hope you enjoy reading about my recent trip to Australia and Fiji! And, since this includes a trip to Fiji, bula!

Links to FindAWay’s Photo-Filled Trip Reports:

• Australia & Fiji *PHOTOS* 29k Miles / 5 Carriers - WN Y, VA J, QF Y & J, FJ J, & KE J
• Palaces, Temples, Boats & Beaches! *A TPAC & TATL in J (TG A380 US BR & UA) & PG in Y
• Austria, Switzerland & Warsaw - Flying in J (OS, LX & LO 787) Riding Trains & Hiking!
• 5 Days in Bali; 4 QR J Flights; 3 Hours in Doha; 2 Bottles of Krug; 1 Hotel Opening!!

Map Below: Entire Trip Route


Route: MDW-LAX-SYD-AYQ-CNS-BNE-NAN-ICN-LAX-MDW
Miles Actually Flown: 29,382 miles
Dates Traveled: Thursday, August 29, 2013 to Monday, September 9, 2013
Destinations Visited: Sydney, Ayers Rock, Cairns, and Nadi
Travelers: 2 (Mrs. FindAWay and me)

Miles, Points, & Credits Used and USD$ Paid:

• 150,000 DL Miles (per person) USED
• 27,000 AA Miles (per person) USED
• 5,770 AMEX MR Points (per person) USED
• $387.80 Cumulative Taxes & Fees Imposed by Airlines (per person) PAID
• $134.90 Total Paid WN Fare for 2 Flights (per person) PAID
• 140,000 Hilton Points (total - 5 nights) USED
• 100,000 Club Carlson Points (total - 3 nights) USED
• $115.05 Hotels.com Welcome Rewards Credit (applied to - 1 night) USED
• $220.69 Total Taxes, Fees, Hotels.com Co-Pay & Cash Portion (for 2 HH C+P Nights) (total) PAID

Our Final Itinerary in chronological order (decision process is outlined below) looked as follows:

DEPART CHICAGO & ARRIVE SYDNEY: Thurs., Aug. 29, 2013 - Sat., Aug. 31, 2013
2:10pm-4:25pm - MDW-LAX -- Southwest #4293 Econ. [4h 15m] (pd. $65.70/pp)
-- 5h 45m Layover in LAX --
10:10pm-6:15am(+2) - LAX-SYD -- Virgin Australia #2 Bus. [15h 05m] (part of 150k DL SkyMiles & $191.50/pp)

SYDNEY (3 DAYS): Sat., Aug. 31, 2013 (arrive 6:15am) until Tues., Sept. 3, 2013 (depart 10:00am)
Hotel: Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Sydney [3 nights] (33,333 Goldpoints & $0.00 per nt.)

DEPART SYDNEY & ARRIVE ULURU (AKA AYERS ROCK): Tues., Sept. 3, 2013
10:00am-1:15pm - SYD-AYQ -- Virgin Australia #1627 Bus. [3h 45m] (part of 150k DL SkyMiles & $191.50/pp)

ULURU (1 DAY): Tues., Sept. 3, 2013 (arrive 1:15pm) until Wed., Sept. 4, 2013 (depart 3:30pm)
Hotel: Outback Pioneer (Ibis Styles), Yulara [1 night] (paid $124.29 after $239.34 per nt. less $115.05 WR credit)

DEPART ULURU & ARRIVE CAIRNS: Wed., Sept. 4, 2013
3:30pm-6:30pm - AYQ-CNS -- Qantaslink #1854 Econ. [2h 30m] (7.5k BA Avios [5,770 Amex MR] & $58.50/pp)

CAIRNS (1.5 DAYS): Wed., Sept. 4, 2013 (arrive 6:30pm) until Fri., Sept. 6, 2013 (depart 5:30am)
Hotel: Hilton Cairns [2 nights] (17,500 HHonors points & $57.87 per nt.)

DEPART CAIRNS & ARRIVE NADI, FIJI (via BRISBANE): Fri., Sept. 6, 2013
5:30am-7:35am - CNS-BNE -- Qantas #799 Bus. [2h 05m]
-- 3h 55m Layover in BNE --
11:30am-5:00pm - BNE-NAN -- Fiji Airways (aka Air Pacific) #920 Bus. [3h 30m] (27k AA Miles & $129.80/pp)

FIJI (2.5 DAYS): Fri., Sept. 6, 2013 (arrive 5:00pm) until Mon., Sept. 9, 2013 (depart 9:55am)
Hotel: Fiji Beach Resort & Spa Managed by Hilton [3 nights] (35,000 HHonors points & $0.00 per nt.)

DEPART NADI, FIJI & ARRIVE CHICAGO (via SEOUL and LAX): Mon., Sept. 9, 2013
9:55am-5:35pm - NAN-ICN -- Korean Air #138 Bus. [10h 40m]
-- 3h 45m Layover in ICN --
9:20pm-5:00pm - ICN-LAX -- Korean Air #61 Bus. [11h 40m] (part of 150k DL SkyMiles & $191.50/pp)
-- 1h 05m Layover in LAX -- (Note: I know this is too tight…I had alternatives if I missed the connection)
6:05pm-11:55pm - LAX-MDW -- Southwest #302 Econ. [3h 50m] (pd. $69.20/pp.)


Background: In December 2012, I had a large balance of Delta SkyMiles burning a hole in my pocket, a desire to visit Australia with Mrs. FindAWay, and a fear of an impending devaluation of SkyMiles. I set out to cobble together a business class itinerary to Australia with a stopover in either Fiji or Tahiti with a SkyMiles redemption as the foundation of the trip and, hopefully, during the week of the United States’ Labor Day holiday. After much research and debate, what I settled on was the following redemption:

150,000 Delta SkyMiles and $191.50 per person (for 2 people):
Thursday, August 29, 2013: 10:10pm-6:15am(+2) - LAX-SYD -- Virgin Australia #2 Bus. Class [15h 05m]
---3 Day Stopover in Sydney---
Tuesday, September 3, 2013: 10:00am-1:15pm - SYD-AYQ -- Virgin Australia #1627 Bus. Class [3h 45m]
---Destination: Ayers Rock---
---Open Jaw Return from: Nadi, Fiji---
Monday, September 9, 2013: 9:55am-5:35pm - NAN-ICN -- Korean Air #138 Bus. Class [10h 40m]
---3h 45m Layover in ICN---
9:20pm-5:00pm - ICN-LAX -- Korean Air #61 Bus. Class [11h 40m]

Before booking this redemption, I also made sure that the additional flights within Australia and the flights to Fiji were available. For those, I chose the following redemptions:

7,500 British Airways Avios (transferred from American Express Membership Rewards during a 30% transfer bonus promotion ~ 5,770 MR) and $58.50 per person (for 2 people):
Wednesday, September 4, 2013: 3:30pm-6:30pm - AYQ-CNS -- Qantaslink #1854 Econ. Class (single class aircraft) [2h 30m]

30,000 American Airlines AAdvantage Miles (less 3,000 as 10% rebate as a credit card holder) and $129.80 per person (for 2 people):
Friday, September 6, 2013: 5:30am-7:35am - CNS-BNE -- Qantas #799 Bus. Class [2h 05m]
---3h 55m Layover in BNE---
11:30am-5:00pm - BNE-NAN -- Fiji Airways (f/k/a Air Pacific) #920 Bus. Class [3h 30m]

So, now, I had (and booked) the above redemptions for a trip that departed from and returned to Los Angeles (I tried originating in and returning to CHI using Delta SkyMiles; but, there was no domestic availability that would properly work with the international legs). Since I live in Chicago, I used Southwest (and my Companion Pass for Mrs. FindAWay) to book 2 separate one-ways (once their schedule opened-up and as I re-fared when the price dropped) as follows (I would have booked with Rapid Rewards Points; but, I needed the “flights” to be paid fares for A-List qualification):

$65.70 per person (for 2 people - $128.90 + $2.50 for Companion Fare)
Thursday, August 29, 2013: 2:10pm-4:25pm - MDW-LAX -- Southwest #4293 Econ. Class (single class aircraft) [4h 15m]

$69.20 per person (for 2 people - $135.90 + $2.50 for Companion Fare)
Monday, September 9, 2013: 6:05pm-11:55pm - LAX-MDW -- Southwest #302 Econ. Class (single class aircraft) [3h 50m]

Next, I went about deciding on hotels. Since I have the Club Carlson credit card that provides the last night free on stays of 2 or more nights, I choose:

100,000 Club Carlson Goldpoints & $0.00
3 Nights at the Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Sydney

For our 1 night near Uluru, I had hoped to utilize my Accor Platinum status; but, my financial sensibility got the best of me; so, I decided to use:

$115.05 Credit from Hotels.com Welcome Rewards (plus $124.29 Out-of-Pocket)
1 Night at the Outback Pioneer Hotel & Lodge (Ibis Styles), Yulara

For our 2 nights in Cairns, location near the marina for easy access to our snorkeling tour (and a suspicion of an impending Hilton devaluation -- that turned out to be true) led me to book:

17,500 Hilton HHonors Points + $54.40 per night
2 Nights at the Hilton Cairns

With only 2 days (3 nights) in Fiji, I didn’t think we had time to get out to, stay on, and get back from one of the more remote islands; so, I focused on Denarau hotels (with the knowledge that we’d book a day trip out to one of the Mamanuca Islands anyway). I made the following choice based on the guaranteed room (as in all rooms at the hotel) facing the water:

35,000 Hilton HHonors Points per night
3 Nights at the Fiji Beach Resort Managed by Hilton, Denarau

After researching each of the destinations, thinking about activities in each place, and looking at prices, I settled on renting a vehicle in Ayers Rock/Uluru (Hertz) and Nadi, Fiji (Budget) based on the lowest price when searching the dates needed and vehicle size (small SUV) desired.

With the above travel itinerary set, we continued to research and plan activities for each destination and anxiously awaited our departure day.

FindAWay

Index to Trip Report: Australia & Fiji *PHOTOS* 29k Miles / 5 Carriers - WN Y, VA J, QF Y & J, FJ J, & KE J

Index

1. Introduction, Trip Overview and Summary
2. Index
3. CTA Orange Line to MDW and Southwest Check-in and Departure Area at MDW
4. Southwest 737-700 Economy from MDW to LAX
5. LAX Terminal Transfer, Virgin Australia Check-in and Virgin America Loft Lounge at LAX
6. Virgin Australia 777-300ER Business Class from LAX to SYD - Boarding and Getting Settled
7. Virgin Australia 777-300ER Business Class from LAX to SYD - Menus, Food, Drink, and Sydney Arrival
8. Radisson Blu Plaza Sydney
9. 3 Days in Sydney and Environs
10. Virgin Australia Check-in and Virgin Australia Lounge at SYD
11. Virgin (Blue) Australia ERJ-190 Business Class from SYD to AYQ
12. Hertz Car Hire at AYQ
13. Outback Pioneer Hotel & Lodge in Yulara (Accor - Ibis Styles)
14. 26 Hours in The Red Centre - Ayers Rock (Uluru) and The Olgas (Kata Tjuta)
15. QantasLink Check-in and Departure Area at AYQ
16. QantasLink 717-200 Economy Class from AYQ to CNS
17. Hilton Cairns Hotel and Executive Lounge
18. 35 Hours in Cairns and on the Great Barrier Reef
19. Qantas Check-in and The Qantas Club at CNS
20. Qantas 737-800 Business Class from CNS to BNE
21. The Qantas Club at BNE
22. Fiji Airways 737-800 Business Class from BNE to NAN
23. Budget Rental Car at NAN
24. Fiji Beach Resort & Spa Managed by Hilton (Denarau, Viti Levu, Fiji) - Room and Grounds
25. Fiji Beach Resort & Spa Managed by Hilton (Denarau, Viti Levu, Fiji) - Dining
26. 2 Days in Fiji
27. Korean Air Check-In and Fiji Airways Tabua Club Lounge at NAN
28. Korean Air A330-200 Business (Prestige) Class from NAN to ICN
29. Korean Air Prestige Class Lounge at ICN
30. Korean Air 777-300ER Business (Prestige) Class from ICN to LAX
31. LAX TBIT to Terminal 1 Hustle and Southwest 737-700 Economy from LAX to MDW
32. Final Thoughts

FindAWay

CTA Orange Line to MDW and Southwest Check-in and Departure Area at MDW

Mrs. FindAWay and I live and work in downtown Chicago. We take the CTA “L” trains nearly every day and we typically take it to the airport. This trip would be no different! So, we took the Orange Line to Chicago’s Midway airport.

Photo Below: CTA “L” Platform Sign


Photo Below: CTA Train Arriving at Roosevelt Station


Photo Below: CTA Train Interior


Photo Below: View of Downtown (with Fog Rolling-In) from CTA Train


Once at the airport, we did something that we rarely ever do…check bags! We went upstairs to the check-in area and dropped our bags off. Then, we made our way back downstairs to and through what was a longer-than-expected mid-day security line. Before making our way to the gate, we had lunch in the food court. Since the flight was showing a short delay, we took our time.

Photo Below: Our Entrance to Chicago Midway


Photo Below: Southwest Airlines Bag Drop at Chicago Midway


Photo Below: Southwest Planes at Chicago Midway


Our gate was the most remote and worst set-up gate in the entire airport - Gate A4B! For those unfamiliar with Midway (or just with this gate), Gates A4A and A4B are down their own narrow ~1/3 mile hallway from the rest of the A gates. Gate A4B has no real seating area as it is really just the end of the hallway, which makes lining-up to board a very difficult process. The gate agent basically gave up on the boarding order after the A-group and it was a bit of a free-for-all.

Photo Below: Aerial Depiction of Location of Gates A4A and A4B at Chicago Midway (courtesy of InkUnderNails in this thread)


Photo Below: The Long Hallway to Gate A4B at Chicago Midway


Photo Below: Gate A4B at Chicago Midway


Photo Below: Airplanes at Gates A4A and A4B at Chicago Midway


Photo Below: Boarding “Line” and Gate Area at Gate A4B at Chicago Midway

FindAWay

Southwest 737-700 Economy from MDW to LAX

Map Below: Southwest Economy MDW-LAX


FLIGHT: MDW-LAX
DATE: Thursday, August 29, 2013
CARRIER: Southwest (WN)
FLIGHT NUMBER: 4293
AIRCRAFT: Boeing 737-700 (with evolve interior)
CABIN: Economy (single class aircraft)
SEATS: 14A, 14B
DEPARTURE GATE: A4B
DEPARTURE- SCHEDULED: 2:10pm // ACTUAL: 3:11pm
ARRIVAL- SCHEDULED: 4:25pm // ACTUAL: 4:48pm
DURATION: 3 hours 37 minutes
MILES FLOWN: 1,761 miles

Finally - our trip had begun! Our first flight was …. DELAYED. And, of course, it was on a separate itinerary than the VA flight to which we needed to connect in LAX. I knew it’d be okay, this is why I booked the flight that gave us a nearly 6 hour layover in LAX instead of the later flight that would offer only ~3 hour layover. Waiting for the plane to arrive was excruciating - we wanted to be on our way! It felt like hours and hours…but, of course, it was really only about an hour delayed. Finally, we were called to board!

Unfortunately, the normal WN boarding process was impractical in a narrow hallway and the gate agent just about gave up trying to keep the order in line after the A-group. Luckily, we were near the front of the B-group and once onboard our full flight were able to select a window and middle seat next to each other just a bit behind the over-the-wing exit row. Before we departed, we watched as one of the FAs walked around the cabin carrying a passenger’s small dog…it was unusual.

Photo Below: Boarding the Southwest Flight


Photo Below: Our Seats


Photo Below: Legroom on the Evolve Interior Flight


Photo Below: Interior of the Southwest 737-700


We settled-in and with no take-off line to speak of, after a short taxi, we were airborne! The excitement of being on our way dissipated soon thereafter as it set in that we now had a 4 hour flight, followed by a 5 hour layover, followed by a 14 hour flight, followed by trying to stay awake and see Sydney. So, we watched a movie downloaded on the tablet we brought along to pass the time. Then, we watched some live TV on that tablet for free courtesy of Dish Network.

Photo Below: View of Chicago-Midway Airport Shortly after Takeoff


With our own IFE and a relatively smooth flight, we arrived at LAX before we knew it.

FindAWay

LAX Terminal Transfer, Virgin Australia Check-in and Virgin America Loft Lounge at LAX

Upon arriving in Terminal 1 at LAX, we deplaned and went downstairs to baggage claim to wait for our bags. Our bags emerged after about 15 minutes of waiting. We collected our bags and took the elevator up to the departures level to make our way from Terminal 1 to Terminal 3 in order to check-in for our Virgin Australia flight. Although the exercise of carrying a 15-pound backpack and 35-pound (camera & electronics) duffel bag from LAX Terminal 1 to Terminal 3 was probably good for me, I made a mental note to bring a rolling duffel next time for my 2nd carry-on instead of my over-the-shoulder duffel (I’m too cheap to drop the $5.00 on a cart). With 2 carry-on bags each and one large checked bags each, it took us about 15 minutes to walk to the far end of Terminal 3.

Photo Below: WN Baggage Claim at Terminal 1, LAX


Photo Below: Views Walking from LAX Terminal 1 to Terminal 3 on the Departure Level


Photo Below: Virgin Australia Check-In at the Very Far End of Terminal 3


We found no line at the Virgin Australia check-in counter – it was still well about 5 hours before our scheduled departure (I was pleasantly surprised check-in for our flight was open!). Check-in was smooth and efficient and we were provided directions to the Virgin America Loft Lounge. There was not much of a security line; so, we proceeded were to the lounge in less than 15 minutes.

Photo Below: Virgin Australia Check-In Counter


The Virgin America Loft Lounge was a bit tough to find – it is essentially above the food court; but, the stairs up are a bit hidden and the elevator isn’t obvious either. Arriving with nearly 5 hours to wait before our scheduled departure, we chose our spot in the lounge carefully…there were a couple of big chairs by the window with a table open that we sunk into. The lounge is well appointed but a bit small. By the time we left for our flight, it was nearly standing room only. The drink and food selections were better than the average lounge in the US. The timing was fantastic as we enjoyed the sunset, were able to watch countless take-offs and landings, and got some of the best seats in the lounge.

Photo Below: Virgin America Loft Lounge Sign Near Stairs


Photo Below: Virgin America Loft Lounge Entrance


Photo Below: Virgin America Loft Lounge Check-In


Photo Below: Virgin America Loft Lounge LAX - Bar and Window Seats


Photo Below: Virgin America Loft Lounge LAX - View of Downtown out the Window


Photo Below: Virgin America Loft Lounge LAX - Meat, Cheese, Salad, Juice, Etc. Refrigerator


Photo Below: Virgin America Loft Lounge LAX - Dessert Options

FindAWay

Virgin Australia 777-300ER Business Class from LAX to SYD - Boarding and Getting Settled

Map Below: Virgin Australia Business LAX-SYD


FLIGHT: LAX-SYD
DATE: Thursday, August 29, 2013 (arrived Saturday, August 31, 2013)
CARRIER: Virgin Australia (VA)
FLIGHT NUMBER: 2
AIRCRAFT: Boeing 777-300ER
CABIN: Business
SEATS: 2H, 2K
DEPARTURE GATE: Terminal 3, Gate 38
DEPARTURE- SCHEDULED: 10:10pm // ACTUAL: 12:22am
ARRIVAL- SCHEDULED: 6:15am // ACTUAL: 7:06am
DURATION: 13 hours 44 minutes
MILES FLOWN: 8,153 miles

As we sat in the Virgin America Loft Lounge, we watched our plane makes it way to the gate (alongside an Air New Zealand plane). We got down to the boarding area a bit before boarding started; so, we patiently waited and promptly boarded when called. Once on-board, we were pleasantly greeted and welcomed by the friendly flight attendants.

Photo Below: Watching Our VA Airplane being Towed to Our Gate from the Virgin America Loft Lounge LAX


Photo Below: View of Gate 38, Terminal 3 LAX Boarding Area


Photo Below: Alternate View of Gate 38, Terminal 3 LAX Boarding Area


Photo Below: Third View of Gate 38, Terminal 3 LAX Boarding Area


Photo Below: Flight Showing On-Time


As it was our first Virgin Australia flight, we scouted out the plane, the menu, the pajamas, the amenity kits, the headphones, etc. We found everything relatively straightforward and convenient. The only surprise to me was that the TVs were in the armrest -- all of the pictures I had seen of the interior, I had just assumed the screens were the rectangles directly ahead of the seats; but, nope, they pop out from the armrest.

Photo Below: The Business Class Cabin (other than Private Row 5) - VA2 (777-300ER)


Photo Below: Our Business Class Seats - VA2 (777-300ER)


Photo Below: Alternate View of Our Business Class Seats - VA2 (777-300ER)


Photo Below: Legroom in Business Class - VA2 (777-300ER)


Photo Below: Pajamas in Business Class - VA2 (777-300ER)


Photo Below: Video Screen in Business Class - VA2 (777-300ER)


Photo Below: Headphones in Business Class - VA2 (777-300ER)

FindAWay

Virgin Australia 777-300ER Business Class from LAX to SYD - Menus, Food, Drink, and Sydney Arrival

Once settled, we decided to catch a nap before take-off (after our champagne, of course). I had no problem catching a few winks once we pushed back from the gate, which was just a few minutes late. Unfortunately, the plane taxied around the airport for more than 2 hours. At first I thought we were just making our way to some distant runway and waiting in a long line of late-night international TPAC departures. After about 45 minutes of taxiing, the captain announced that we have to return to the terminal to off-load an ill crewmember and they are trying to find a gate for us. Eventually, we made our way back to a gate, off-loaded the crew member and got back into the take-off line. I was able to nod-off here and there during the 2 hours; but, it really was tough as we were taxiing. I was very happy to spend the time to do this rather than have a diversion to Hawaii though! And, of course, it meant more time on-board (although, they didn’t let us get started on the self-service bar yet) in a pretty nice cabin.

Photo Below: Nuts and Wine after take-off in Business Class - VA2 (777-300ER)


Once airborne, we started a movie and enjoyed the dinner service.

Photo Below: Menu in Business Class - VA2 (777-300ER)


Photo Below: Wine Selections in Business Class - VA2 (777-300ER)


Photo Below: Wine Selections Welcome in Business Class - VA2 (777-300ER)


Photo Below: Wine Selections - Champagne in Business Class - VA2 (777-300ER)


Photo Below: Wine Selections in Business Class - VA2 (777-300ER)


Photo Below: Wine Selections - Dessert Wines in Business Class - VA2 (777-300ER)


Photo Below: My Starter: Serrano ham and cherry bocconcini salad with roasted capsicum, capers and basil - Business Class - VA2 (777-300ER)


Photo Below: My Main Course: Braised duck leg in duck broth with chorizo, baby turnip, broad beans and watercress - Business Class - VA2 (777-300ER)


Photo Below: Mrs. FindAWay’s Main Course: Massaman vegetable curry with steamed jasmine rice, Thai basil and coriander - Business Class - VA2 (777-300ER)


Photo Below: My Dessert: Haagan Dazs - Strawberry ice cream - Business Class - VA2 (777-300ER)


Photo Below: Mrs. FindAWay’s Cheese Selection: Farmstead cheddar, Cambanzola blue, amd Camembert accompanied by dried apricots, pecans and flat bread crackers - Business Class - VA2 (777-300ER)


Once the delicious dinner and dessert service was concluded, we finished our movies and had the in-flight turndown service before we got ready for some sleep (and the self-service bar became available).

Photo Below: Onboard Self-Service Bar - Business Class - VA2 (777-300ER)


Photo Below: Onboard Self-Service Bar - Business Class - VA2 (777-300ER)


Photo Below: Nighttime Cabin - Business Class - VA2 (777-300ER)

Photo Below: Turndown Service - Business Class - VA2 (777-300ER)


I slept relatively well (and long). I awoke just as breakfast service was beginning and with less than 3 hours remaining on our flight. I thought about a morning nip from the self-service bar; but, it had been turned into a breakfast beverage bar.

Photo Below: Location as Breakfast Service Began - Business Class - VA2 (777-300ER)


Photo Below: My Breakfast: Croissant, Fruit, and Buttermilk pancakes with poached stone fruits, Greek yoghurt and mint - VA2 (777-300ER)


Photo Below: Mrs. FindAWay’s Breakfast: Apple crumble muffin, Fruit, and Bircher muesli with vanilla berries and toasted hazelnuts - VA2 (777-300ER)


As we approached Sydney, we found a decent view out our window and I felt vindicated in my research of choosing the H, K side of the plane for our landing view. But, the plane turned sharply and went very nearly over downtown providing those on the A, B side an absolutely stunning close-up view of the Harbour Bridge, Opera House, and downtown Sydney.

Photo Below: Our Sunrise View of Sydney Harbor Shortly Before Landing (Bondi Beach Center) - VA2 (777-300ER)


We both have Global Entry and were looking forward to trying SmartGate upon landing in Sydney. But, we found very confusing and poor signage; so, we went through the regular immigration queue (it wasn’t very long anyway). With our bags retrieved, we were excited to get out and see Sydney.

FindAWay

Radisson Blu Plaza Sydney

HOTEL: Radisson Blu Plaza Sydney
NIGHTS/DATES: 3 Nights - Saturday, August 31, 2013 to Tuesday, September 3, 2013
LOYALTY PROGRAM STATUS: Club Carlson Gold
ROOM: 1115
ROOM TYPE: 1 Bedroom Suite
COMPLIMENTARY ROOM UPGRADE FROM RESERVED TYPE?: Yes

We took the Airport Link train from the airport to downtown near Circular Quay.

Photo Below: On-Board the Airport Link Train toward Downtown Sydney


As a card-carrying Gold status member of Club Carlson, I chose the Radisson Blu Plaza Sydney for our 3 nights in Sydney. And, by card-carrying and “Gold” member, I mean, I have the US Bank issued credit card giving me the status in my wallet. About a week before we arrived, I contacted the hotel to ask about leaving our bags at the hotel upon our early arrival (estimated and turned out to actually be around 9:00am Saturday). I did this mainly to draw attention to our reservation in a bit of a passive attempt at an upgrade -- I think it worked. We were welcomed upon our arrival and able to check-in and immediately proceed to our upgraded room -- a 1-bedroom suite on the 11th floor.

Photo Below: Radisson Blu Plaza Sydney Hotel from Outside


Photo Below: Radisson Blu Plaza Sydney Hotel Entrance


I found the doormen and front desk staff extremely helpful and informative. We were quickly checked-in and made our way to our room. We found the room very spacious, well-appointed and in excellent condition. Since we had been traveling for roughly 24-hours, we quickly clean-up to set about the city. We also loved the hotel’s location as a base for exploring Sydney by rail, bus, and ferry.

Photo Below: Radisson Blu Plaza Sydney Hotel Room Living Room


Photo Below: Radisson Blu Plaza Sydney Hotel Room Living Room


Photo Below: Radisson Blu Plaza Sydney Hotel Room Living Room


Photo Below: Radisson Blu Plaza Sydney Hotel Room Balcony off of Living Room


Photo Below: Radisson Blu Plaza Sydney Hotel Room Bedroom


Photo Below: Radisson Blu Plaza Sydney Hotel Room Balcony off of Bedroom


Photo Below: Radisson Blu Plaza Sydney Hotel Room Bathroom


Photo Below: Radisson Blu Plaza Sydney Hotel Room Bathroom

FindAWay

3 Days in Sydney and Environs

We were constantly moving during our 3 full days in Sydney. We took in many of the sights, sounds, and activities of the city and surrounding area, below are some pictures from (with descriptions of a few of our activities during) our time in Sydney:

Photo Below: View of the Opera House on Our Way to The Rocks


Photo Below: View of the Bridge from The Rocks


Photo Below: View of Downtown on Our Way to Manly


Photo Below: Opera House at Night


Photo Below: Bridge at Night


Photo Below: Koalas at the Koala Park Sanctuary


Photo Below: View from Sydney Tower


Photo Below: Sunset from Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair


Photo Below: Skyline at Night


Photo Below: Opera Bar at Night


Photo Below: Cliffs Near South Head


Photo Below: Surfer on Bondi Beach


Photo Below: Sailboats in Watsons Bay


Photo Below: Watsons Bay Ferry with Sydney Skyline


Photo Below: Profile of Opera House

FindAWay

Virgin Australia Check-in and Virgin Australia Lounge at SYD

After 3 days of exploring Sydney with nearly perfect weather, it was time for us to continue our travels. We took the train back to the airport. Once there, we made our way to the Virgin Australia check-in area and found no line in the priority check-in queue.

Photo Below: Entering Sydney Airport


Photo Below: Virgin Australia Check-In at Sydney Airport


We quickly checked-in to our flight to Connellan Ayers Rock Airport and made our way through the no-wait security line to the Virgin Australia Lounge. I believe the lounge has a separate security line that one can go through to directly enter it from outside; but, we didn’t use it.

Photo Below: Virgin Australia Lounge Entrance at Sydney Airport


This lounge is very spacious. And, it wasn’t overly busy for mid-morning. The lounge had a broad selection of breakfast food items; but, neither of us were that hungry. There is also an upstairs section of the lounge that was nearly empty and had separate, but less impressive, food options.

Photo Below: Food Selections at Virgin Australia Lounge Entrance at Sydney Airport


Photo Below: Food Selections at Virgin Australia Lounge Entrance at Sydney Airport


Photo Below: Beverage Selections at Virgin Australia Lounge Entrance at Sydney Airport


Photo Below: Sight to Upper Level Lounge at Virgin Australia Lounge Entrance at Sydney Airport


Photo Below: Upper Level Lounge at Virgin Australia Lounge Entrance at Sydney Airport


Photo Below: Food Selections at Upper Level Lounge at Virgin Australia Lounge Entrance at Sydney Airport


After roughly 45 minutes of resting, eating, and drinking in the lounge, we made our way to our gate.

FindAWay

Virgin (Blue) Australia ERJ-190 Business Class from SYD to AYQ

Map Below: Virgin Blue Business SYD-AYQ


FLIGHT: SYD-AYQ
DATE: Tuesday, September 3, 2013
CARRIER: Virgin Blue Australia (VA)
FLIGHT NUMBER: 1627
AIRCRAFT: Embraer ERJ-190
CABIN: Business
SEATS: 2D (moved to 2A for landing views), 2F
DEPARTURE GATE: 43
DEPARTURE- SCHEDULED: 10:00am // ACTUAL: 10:13am
ARRIVAL- SCHEDULED: 1:15pm // ACTUAL: 12:29pm
DURATION: 2 hours 46 minutes
MILES FLOWN: 1,352 miles

We made it to our gate shortly before the scheduled boarding time; but, boarding didn’t begin on-time and no announcement about a delay was made. Our plane was already waiting; so, we weren’t too worried. We overheard gate personnel talking and, apparently the delay was to arrange for boarding for a mobility-limited passenger since the plane would be boarded by stairs from the ground.

Photo Below: Gate for Virgin (Blue) Australia ERJ-190 SYD-AYQ


Photo Below: Our Plane Making its Way to the Gate at Sydney Airport (viewed from the lounge)


Photo Below: Virgin (Blue) Australia ERJ-190 at the Gate SYD-AYQ


Boarding began about 20 minutes late. I was one of the first to hand my boarding pass to the gate agent and quickly walked down the stairs to the ground to cross over to the plane. But, when I got down the stairs to the ground, I found the door locked! It simply wouldn’t open (and I didn’t want to set off any alarms) no matter for how long I pushed on it. A bit of a crowd began to gather behind me at the bottom of the stairs and the woman behind me became very anxious. She decided we must have to push the button next to the door -- it worked; but, it also was the alarm button for an emergency exit. Boarding continued to the tune of a loud, chirping alarm. But, we had made it outside and quickly boarded the plane.

Photo Below: Boarding (from outside) Virgin (Blue) Australia ERJ-190 for SYD-AYQ


Once on-board, we found our way to our seats. There were only 6 Business Class seats and 3 of them remained empty for the flight! I wanted to sit next to Mrs. FindAWay; but, I also knew that the “A” seats provided the best views during landing. With seat 2A open, I was excited that I could switch over for landing to see the wonderful views.

Photo Below: Business Class Seats - Virgin (Blue) Australia ERJ-190 - SYD-AYQ


Photo Below: Business Class “A”-Side Seat - Virgin (Blue) Australia ERJ-190 - SYD-AYQ


Photo Below: Legroom in Business Class Seats - Virgin (Blue) Australia ERJ-190 - SYD-AYQ


Photo Below: Legroom in Business Class Seats - Virgin (Blue) Australia ERJ-190 - SYD-AYQ


Photo Below: Headphones and Samsung Galaxy Tab Provided IFE - Virgin (Blue) Australia ERJ-190 - SYD-AYQ


Photo Below: Samsung Galaxy Tab Provided IFE - Virgin (Blue) Australia ERJ-190 - SYD-AYQ


Photo Below: View of Sydney after Take-Off - Virgin (Blue) Australia ERJ-190 - SYD-AYQ


Photo Below: View of the Blue Mountains after Take-Off - Virgin (Blue) Australia ERJ-190 - SYD-AYQ


Photo Below: My Breakfast: Ham & Cheese Croissant - VA1627 (ERJ-190)


Photo Below: Mrs. FindAWay’s Breakfast - VA1627 (ERJ-190)


Photo Below: View of Uluru Shortly before Landing (from Seat 2A) - VA1627 (ERJ-190)


Photo Below: View of Uluru Shortly before Landing (from Seat 2A) - VA1627 (ERJ-190)


Photo Below: View of Kata Tjuta Shortly before Landing (from Seat 2A) - VA1627 (ERJ-190)


Photo Below: Just after Landing in Ayers Rock - VA1627 (ERJ-190)

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Hertz Car Hire at AYQ

I chose to rent a small SUV (a Toyota RAV-4) from Hertz at the airport. I did this so we could make our own schedule during our extremely brief time (26 hours) in the Outback. We hike a lot and knew that we could fit in quite a bit during the one afternoon and following morning if we planned it out. I didn’t get a picture of the vehicle; but, it was neither impressive nor underwhelming.

The rate I had booked included only 100km with AUD$0.25 for each extra kilometer. I knew we’d drive about double this amount and the clerk was kind enough to increase the included kilometers to 200 for us at no additional charge. They had no vehicles available for walk-up bookings - only reservations.

Overall, I had a good experience with Hertz at this location and would rate it “above average.”

Photo Below: Entering Ayers Rock Airport


Photo Below: Baggage Claim and Car Hire Area at Ayers Rock Airport

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Outback Pioneer Hotel & Lodge in Yulara (Accor - Ibis Styles)

HOTEL: Outback Pioneer Hotel & Lodge in Yulara
NIGHTS/DATES: 1 Night - Tuesday, September 3, 2013 to Wednesday, September 4, 2013
LOYALTY PROGRAM STATUS: Accor Platinum; but, N/A as booked through third party website
ROOM: 318
ROOM TYPE: Standard Room
COMPLIMENTARY ROOM UPGRADE FROM RESERVED TYPE?: Yes

All of the different hotels in Yulara have the same owner and are Accor properties. And, they’re all relatively expensive for a single night stay (they actually didn’t seem too bad for 3 nights or more). Since the room would be used only for a short period (just sleeping for a night), I went for the least expensive room possible with a private bathroom -- a “Budget Room with Bathroom” (1 Double Bed, 1 Single Bed) using my Hotels.com Welcome Rewards credit (earned from 10 prior reservations). I noted in the reservation my Accor number and status; but, I have no idea if anyone at the hotel even looked at it.

Photo Below: Entrance to “Yulara” - the Ayers Rock Resort Compound of Hotels


Photo Below: Entrance to the Outback Pioneer within the Ayers Rock Resort Compound of Hotels


Photo Below: Lobby Building at the Outback Pioneer within the Ayers Rock Resort Compound of Hotels


After landing, we went straight to Kata Tjuta without checking-in to the hotel (since check-in time hadn’t yet arrived). We didn’t arrive at the hotel to check-in until about 8:00pm after having watched the sunset at Uluru. We received some good news at check-in: we had been upgraded from a “Budget” room to a “Standard” room! Other than the change from a double bed to a queen bed, I’m not sure we really cared since the biggest differences seem to be the addition of a television (which we never turned on) and carpet instead of tile flooring. But, I’m not one to turn down an upgrade; so, we were happy and made our way to our room. Overall, with so little time (with arriving after sunset and leaving before sunrise) spent in this room, I don’t have much to say other than that it was adequate.

Photo Below: Standard Room at the Outback Pioneer within the Ayers Rock Resort Compound of Hotels


Photo Below: Standard Room at the Outback Pioneer within the Ayers Rock Resort Compound of Hotels


Photo Below: Bathroom in Standard Room at the Outback Pioneer within the Ayers Rock Resort Compound of Hotels


Photo Below: Refrigerator and Closet in Standard Room at the Outback Pioneer within the Ayers Rock Resort Compound of Hotels


Photo Below: Outside Our Room at the Outback Pioneer within the Ayers Rock Resort Compound of Hotels

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26 Hours in The Red Centre - Ayers Rock (Uluru) and The Olgas (Kata Tjuta)

Our first afternoon and evening in the Outback, we visited the park Cultural Centre, hiked to the Karu Lookout at the Valley of the Winds, did the Walpa Gorge hike, visited the Kata Tjuta sunset viewing area, visited the Kata Tjuta dune viewing area, and watched sunset at the Car Sunset area near Uluru. There is not a bad thing that I can say about any of these as we enjoyed them all. The only unpleasant things were the afternoon heat (~95 Fahrenheit) and the annoying flies. I like the Walpa Gorge better than the Valley of the Winds.

Photo Below: Karu Lookout at the Valley of the Winds


Photo Below: Walpa Gorge Hike


Photo Below: Kata Tjuta from the Dune Viewing Area


Photo Below: Uluru from the Car Sunset Area


Photo Below: Uluru after Sunset from the Car Sunset Area


The next morning before our mid-afternoon flight, we watched the sunrise on Uluru from the Talinguru Nyakunytjaku (which I think was more impressive than the sunset the night before), visited the park Cultural Centre (again), followed along the guided Mala Walk, and completed the Uluru Base Walk. The day was stunning and the only negative was the extremely slow pace of the guided Mala Walk.

Photo Below: Sunrise from Talinguru Nyakunytjaku


Photo Below: Uluru Sunrise from Talinguru Nyakunytjaku


Photo Below: Climbers beginning at 8:00am (We Did the Base Walk Instead)


Photo Below: Uluru Base Walk Map


Photo Below: Sun Rising over Uluru during Base Walk


Photo Below: Uluru Cave Seen during Base Walk


Photo Below: Uluru during Base Walk


Photo Below: Goanna Spotted during Uluru Base Walk


Photo Below: Hiking the Uluru Base Walk


Photo Below: Uluru as Seen during Base Walk

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QantasLink Check-in and Departure Area at AYQ

We returned our Hertz SUV with about 204 additional KMs to Connellan Ayers Rock Airport right on time. But, QantasLink had not yet opened for check-in. So, we waited about 15 minutes in the check-in area with a number of others.

Photo Below: Connellan Ayers Rock Airport


Photo Below: QantasLink Check-in and Security Line at Connellan Ayers Rock Airport


The airport has no lounge to speak of; so, we sat in the slightly hidden departure waiting area to the left of the gates before our flight.

Photo Below: Side Departure Area at Connellan Ayers Rock Airport


Photo Below: Our Plane to Cairns Arriving at Connellan Ayers Rock Airport