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Can’t believe you’ve never flown the mighty Dash 8 Q before! I flew many on Flybe out of Southampton in the day, my overall experience was cramped and noisy but better than traipsing up to Heathrow.
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Originally Posted by atcodave
(Post 36594257)
Can’t believe you’ve never flown the mighty Dash 8 Q before! I flew many on Flybe out of Southampton in the day, my overall experience was cramped and noisy but better than traipsing up to Heathrow.
I had never flown B717 before. I selected the next available flight on the way back without looking at the aircraft type 🙈 |
I'm really enjoying your report. It is bringing back memories of my trip to Australia back in 2012.
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From Bondi Beach to Clovelly
I got back to the hotel by 11. My next plan was to visit Bondi Beach. I had read that it's a popular spot for surfers and the starting point for the coastal walk to Clovelly. Bondi Junction was only three stops from Kings on the T4 line.
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...a25a16b12e.jpg Train line T4 to Bondi https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...d09aa92d51.jpg Bus 33 Initially, I wanted to walk to the beach. However, I changed my mind when I saw that it wasn't as close as I thought it would be. Instead, I decided to join the queue for bus 33. It's important to tap in and also tap out when leaving. Buses come every few minutes. Despite the long queue, it was moving quickly. It's about 8 stops to the centre of the beach. https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...dd29d762b3.jpg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...6dc9b8e8f7.jpg Bondi Beach The spring started only recently, yet many people were already sunbathing. I stayed there for a while and watched surfers. How do they know how to avoid others while riding a wave? They all looked too close together. https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...0f79bad5f7.jpg Vorel was here :) Once I observed them enough, I moved to the information panel to check where I should go. The first stop was an ice bear swimming pool right at the end of the beach. I wondered whether the water was from the ocean or regular swimming pool water. https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...a7171b0c91.jpg Coastal walk info https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...7a4a9563dd.jpg Ice bear pools As I continued walking, the views were stunning. https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...7da0eaf3f7.jpg Tamarama Beach wasn't very busy. https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...fc0cd0f4cc.jpg Tamarama Beach https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...6032c5a28e.jpg Tamarama Beach I bought some refreshments at Bronte Beach, sat on a bench in the shade, and watched people. https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...d5214f0f5e.jpg Bronte Beach https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...d5584a7588.jpg Bronte Beach Waverley Cemetery was an unexpected stop. I walked between the old tombs and graves and read the names and years of the deceased. Many of them were old and in bad shape. When I saw a sign that there may be snakes, I quickly left that place. I wanted to stay longer but didn't want to meet any friendly or poisonous snakes. https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...d8eae12b67.jpg Waverley Cemetery By the time I reached Clovelly Park, I was tired. It's not a strenuous walk. It can be a great half-day trip, and I highly recommend it if the weather is nice. I even saw two Royal Australian Navy Sikorsky Seahawk helicopters practising.Clovelly Park is a great place to watch planes landing at Sydney Airport. Sitting on a bench there, I even saw that Dash8 (VH-YQS) I flew in that morning from CBR. https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...44b9d60348.jpg Coastal walk view https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...bc4f2327c4.jpg Clovelly Park Bus 360 took me back to Bondi Junction https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...c87b7b76e7.jpg Bondi https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...13fa5aa1de.jpg Bondi https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...24924eebfa.jpg Building near the train station https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...230785005b.jpg Train station |
If you had continued that walk another 5-10 min you would have encountered a pool that is filled with ocean water and has waves coming in to it if I recall.
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Originally Posted by theshaun
(Post 36597273)
If you had continued that walk another 5-10 min you would have encountered a pool that is filled with ocean water and has waves coming in to it if I recall.
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...676b43c622.jpg |
Originally Posted by VorelNaCestach
(Post 36594268)
I have, according to https://myflightpath.club/ it was my 7th flight on DH8D. And apparently flew 12 times DH8B. Looks like I keep repeating the same mistake and suffer 🤣
I had never flown B717 before. I selected the next available flight on the way back without looking at the aircraft type 🙈 How many 717's does QF still have in service? YQY was meant to be retired 2 days ago, but is currently covering for YQW's maintenance issues. YQS is due to be retired on Sunday as 717 operations conclude out of Melbourne. YQW is suppose to be the last aircraft left. Final day of operations is Sat 26 Oct based on what is in the schedules. And isn't the 717 an MD95 or a DC9-neo |
Originally Posted by VorelNaCestach
(Post 36600872)
Do you mean thus one or something else?
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...676b43c622.jpg |
Originally Posted by Mwenenzi
(Post 36601903)
From a thread on AFF Last B717 service 09 Oct
https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/241015-qfoct24717 earlier this week, I read that they are replacing them with A220, and have four of them. I am glad I didn't know about it when I was in Australia otherwide I would plan some crazy city hopping. https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...75844e6ce6.jpg I saw VH-X4A: Minyma Kutjara Tjukurpa as I was leaving CBR. |
Originally Posted by theshaun
(Post 36602533)
No, I don't recall it being that big. I think if you search Coggee pool or Randwick pool, you'll find it.
atcodave maybe you can check that place out when you'll go to Australia next year |
Originally Posted by VorelNaCestach
(Post 36603922)
I didn't go to Coogee, I stopped in Clovelly. I know that the coastal walk continues there.
atcodave maybe you can check that place out when you'll go to Australia next year |
Originally Posted by theshaun
(Post 36602533)
No, I don't recall it being that big. I think if you search Coggee pool or Randwick pool, you'll find it.
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The 717 was one of my favorite planes to fly back in the TWA days…lots of power, fun takeoffs.
the coastal walks SYD are great. Did Coogee to Bondi on our trip. Great scenery around every bend. |
Originally Posted by VorelNaCestach
(Post 36554963)
Once I settled into my seat, the crew member brought me a glass of champagne. This time, I took a photo of the bottle, knowing it is important here on FT, lol. Two hours before landing, it was time to enjoy a traditional Malaysian dish - satay. Satay and guava juice I was a bit disappointed when they directed me towards the egates, as I wanted to get a stamp. Oh well, maybe next time. Were you unable to book a throne seat on the starboard side of the plane?
Originally Posted by VorelNaCestach
(Post 36550289)
Having arrived at one of the gates C31-C37, I needed to locate the lounge. The information board was unhelpful as it didn't display any lounge information. Exhausted from not sleeping on the flight to Kuala Lumpur, I began walking in an anti-clockwise direction.
It was still early, and there were hardly any people around. The lounge dragon directed me to the right side, and I followed without thinking. Later, on my way out, I noticed it was for First Class, Enrich Platinum, and Oneworld Emerald members. The First Class lounge is smaller. Its primary area consists of a lengthy room that offers an incredible view of the airport apron. I even discovered a quiet room. There is a small VIP room at the end of the lounge that everyone can access, but hardly anyone ventures into that part of the lounge. Out of the 4 people in the lounge, I was the only one walking around and exploring the whole place. The VIP room has its own private bathroom with a shower. The meal options were quite underwhelming. I was disappointed to see that there were only two varieties of sandwiches, a toaster and plain bread, available. Then, some dried fruit, nuts, biscuits, yoghurt, and two cakes. White wine was in the fridge (forgot to take a photo). Meanwhile, two bottles of red wine were clearly visible and ready for the passengers wanting to drink some wine for early breakfast (it was 5pm somewhere in the world :) I chose to have coffee and cakes from the limited selection available. While I was observing the planes, I overheard a fellow passenger mentioning on the phone that the business lounge had a skilled barista and superior coffee. I approached the staff immediately and asked if they could bring me a cup. 😊 As I anticipated spending just a few minutes in the lounge, I stayed for an hour. Feeling drowsy, I decided to head to the gate before the boarding announcement. On my way, I glimpsed a dining room but didn't have time to check it out. I made a mental note to visit it on my return journey. The food offerings in the J lounge is nicer, with more options, so you can just duck in there for the Nasi Lemak and pastries at breakfast time, or some heartier meals and noodle soils during lunch or dinner.
Originally Posted by VorelNaCestach
(Post 36574803)
There was constant protest throughout the week I was there, especially on Wednesday and Friday. I noticed several helicopters as I was walking to my meeting.
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...b6dde2012c.jpg
Originally Posted by VorelNaCestach
(Post 36579208)
I found that info on the Internet, that Cairns is the least touristy. Also when I was in Cairns, I was asked why I didn't go to Port Douglas instead.
Thank you! I did ask Australians. At least they recognised The Australian Aboriginal flag (red-black-yellow).
Originally Posted by VorelNaCestach
(Post 36580201)
As I explored nearby dining options on Google Maps, I was disappointed to find that most places were closed due to it being Sunday evening. The only available dining option was the hotel restaurant, where I received a welcome letter offering a 15% discount. I decided to try the fish and chips, hoping to compare it to the British version.
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...1b2df08cba.jpg The dish did not come with the traditional mushy peas and tartar sauce; instead, I was served mayonnaise and ketchup. No offence, dear Australian readers, but this was probably the worst fish and chips I've ever had. Additionally, the discount code in the welcome letter did not work as expected. :).
Originally Posted by nancypants
(Post 36580225)
take NJE off your list as they only do mine charters
you may want to consider Skytrans, Hinterland, Airnorth (ex CNS) and FlyPelican (ex somewhere further south- CBR maybe others). Next time
Originally Posted by VorelNaCestach
(Post 36594562)
The spring started only recently, yet many people were already sunbathing. I stayed there for a while and watched surfers. How do they know how to avoid others while riding a wave? They all looked too close together. Tamarama Beach wasn't very busy. Tamarama is one of my favourite beaches on the eastern suburbs. It is generally quiet because it is a smaller beach and the rip is quite savage, so it isn't good for those who are not strong swimmers.
Originally Posted by VorelNaCestach
(Post 36603912)
i didn't know that, thank you for sharing this info.
earlier this week, I read that they are replacing them with A220, and have four of them. I am glad I didn't know about it when I was in Australia otherwide I would plan some crazy city hopping. https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...75844e6ce6.jpg I saw VH-X4A: Minyma Kutjara Tjukurpa as I was leaving CBR. You were definitely lucky to get on a 712 as so few of them are flying at the moment, and they have a habit of going tech. Sadly they have become quite unreliable in their twilight years. I loved flying SYD-MEL-CBR and vv to get my #Aeropenis fix and to scoop up extra TPs. I am guaranteed to be in Row 26 or similar haha. The only annoyance is if it was a dinner flight CBR-SYD and they literally throw the boxed hot meal at you and you have to scoff it down because they come around to collect the rubbish almost straight away. On a few occasions we have ended up in a holding pattern, one which was for 30 min, so doubling the length of the entire sector! I will definitely miss them when they are gone. Great review of your trip so far, and I am looking forward to seeing other FTers visiting my homeland, it is always interesting to see how others view it as a tourist. |
Originally Posted by eightblack
(Post 36575783)
As an Aussie who doesn't live downunder anymore (but who is in Australia every month) the problem we have is that the Oz market is a 2 horse race. Both airlines need a heavy investment in the lounge network. About the only lounges worth visiting are the QF First pubs in MEL and SYD. I visited the Virgin lounge in MEL the other day and its underwhelming to say the least.
The QF Business lounge (International) is average at best because its in the basement and has zero windows, the Amex Centurion lounge is small, SQ's is better and Plaza Premium ok (catering for all 3 lounges is done by the same people). The Air NZ lounge at MEL International terminal is decent as it has views to the apron. I havent been to EK's lounge at MEL international for a while but it used to have great views of the airport, plus the best food and wine options. Also, SYD's QF Int'l lounges are better than MEL, although MEL has the better QF J lounge for Dom. I also prefer the ADL Q Pub. Also, feel free to HMU if you're visiting SYD for any length of time. |
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