AFF Gathering #6 at OOL on 26 - 28 October

[samh004]

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After a few polls, it has been decided the annual AFF Gathering #6 will be held on the Gold Coast between the 26 - 28 October 2012.

As your organiser, I now have the hard task of putting together a weekend worthy of the previous 5 gatherings in terms of culinary experiences, watering holes, views and enjoyment. I'm not really a leader, so I will try my best, but please bear with me.

At this stage we (it can’t be just me) haven’t got Friday evening or Saturday evening set in stone, and I would appreciate help with choosing suitable locations for these evenings, from both residents and tourists alike. Activities for Saturday and Sunday aren’t set in stone either, but I feel confident that I have made the right choices there.

And while I agree the selection of the Gold Coast as this years venue had some objections and drama associated with it, I ask for help without bias to pull off the event to a standard befitting past gatherings. And next year I shall be happy to vote for MEL or SYD if that be the case and support whoever steps forward to organise the 7th annual.

Thank you.

 

[samh004]

Schedule

Schedule

Friday
evening
AFF 6 kicks off at the SkyPoint Observation Deck, located in the Q1 residential tower on Surfers Paradise Boulevard & Clifford Street. With sunset set for 6:02pm I'd recommend getting there before to enjoy the 360º views in the changing light. There is a cover charge, of $21 (less for pensioners and children), and if you coordinate with me I can also knock off 10% as I've got an annual pass. There's a bar up top to hydrate at.

Dinner has been booked at Vapiano in the second sitting at 8:30pm, located in Soul Retail, Cavill Avenue. Both venues are a few blocks apart and a short walk.

Saturday
activities
Both Brisbane and Sydney have bridge climbs, but while the Gold Coast doesn't have a big bridge, a recent attraction has opened allowing for a tower climb of Q1. It's only the very top section though, so don't worry about climbing ~80 stories!

Those interested in SkyPoint Climb have already booked, but for any late comers, the main group will be 'climbing' at 11:40am, and if this sells out there is an earlier session at 9:20am on the same day.

There is a compulsory breath test, and you need to be under 0.05%.

For those with children, or who would prefer an activity closer to the ground when not flying, the AquaDuck is one of many alternate attractions. Departing from Surfers Paradise the tour will point out both land and water-based attractions, as it’s an amphibious craft. Children can even drive the AquaDuck and receive a certificate upon completion.

There are also 4 amusement parks (Sea World, Movie World, Wet N Wild & Dreamworld), an animal sanctuary at Currumbin, and long beaches. Plenty to do.

lunch
A lunch venue we can all meet at has still not been decided on, however there are many fabulous spots to eat at. I quite like The Food Store in the Hilton, and conveniently a lot of members are staying at the Hilton, but this can be coordinated with posts in the thread on the day.

evening
The Saturday bar and dinner choice has been chosen, and it’s Videre, at Royal Pines Resort. Again, with sunset around ~6pm, it would be advisable to arrive before that to take in the impressive views back to the Gold Coast.

A taxi ride to RACV Royal Pines Resort is about $20-30, there's also a shuttle bus from Jupiters at certain times, and ample parking.

A 5-course degustation was selected, at a cost of $78.5, with drinks being an extra charge, however they have an extensive wine list. The dinner fee is to be paid before the event, no exceptions.

Five course degustation: $78.5

Prawn & Avocado Cannelloni:
Wild wood sorrel, romesco sauce

Breast and Leg of Quail:
Pistachio emulsion, gingerbread spices

Steamed Snapper:
White bean puree, fennel seed bisque

Palate Cleanser

Honey Glazed Duck:
Blood orange caramel, fresh broad beans

Hot, Cold & Iced Pineapple:
Salted popcorn parfait, flavours of bourbon

Sunday
activities
In Brisbane for AFF Gathering #4 we had the inaugural golf challenge, but this was sadly missing last year in Canberra under AFF Gathering #5. Luckily the Gold Coast has lots of golf courses and a 8:24am tee time at RACV Royal Pines Resort has been arranged for this years continuation of the golf tournament.

Those who have indicated they'd like to participate, the price is $55 for 18 holes, inclusive of buggy hire. Clubs can be hired and I do have some spares.

Trophies have again been kindly donated by member MAX_1, who donated the trophies for the golf challenge at AFF Gathering 4, in Brisbane. There will be a winner and runner-up.

lunch
Following the golf I'd like to shake things up a little and provide a BBQ at my house (easy for the golfers to get to) as the closing event, before trips to BNE or OOL and other lounge meet ups if warranted. I’ll provide food, and drink from the cellar and guests can BYO if there’s something that’s not in my cellar on their minds.

Address and time to be advised, but looking at 12-12:30 onwards, though if you want to arrive earlier, that's perfectly acceptable.

Attending the BBQ will also be two special guests, to be advised soon.

 

[samh004]

Participants

Reserved for Participants.

Friday
Drinks + dinner (~10)
samh004 +1
penegal
trippin_the_rift +1
straitman +1
Jacques Vert +1
Lowjhg

Saturday
Q1 SkyPoint Climb (5)
samh004
penegal
anchew
tuapekastar
Bundy Bear

Dinner (~22)
Derek Baines (QF)
samh004
penegal
anat0l
anchew
trippin_the_rift
straitman +1
Bundy Bear
jetlagger +1
tuapekastar
Jacques Vert +1
awilcockson
Lowjhg
oz_mark
carlousmoochous +1
CaptBob
karens
Reg Reagan

Sunday
Golf (~5)
samh004 +1
penegal
Jacques Vert
JohnK
MAX_1
Lindsay Wilson

BBQ (~30+)
Red Roo (QF)
samh004 +1
penegal
peabody
anat0l
LiamR +1
anchew
AaronBradford
tuppaware
trippin_the_rift
straitman +1
Ewing
Bundy Bear
jetlagger
tuapekastar
Jacques Vert +1
BrisVegas Traveller
awilcockson +2
Lowjhg
moa999
Taezar
Storyteller
oz_mark
JohnK
CaptBob
MAX_1
karens
nickn380

Note: Those noted in italics haven't confirmed.

 

[samh004]

Transport

Friday, Saturday and QF860 on Sunday are arrival times, while the rest are departure times.


*Friday*


_12 - 1 pm_
DJ735 - penegal, Lowjhg


_2 - 3 pm_
DJ741 - straitman


_9 - 10 pm_
DJ1693 - anchew


*Saturday*


_8 - 9 am_
DJ725 - tuapekastar
JQ19 - Ewing


_Afternoon_
WRX1 - awilcockson


*Sunday*


_9 - 10 am_
QF860 - Peabody, LiamR, grturnham, AaronBradford, tuppaware, moa999, Storyteller, nickn380


_2 - 3 pm_
DJ526 - Lowjhg


_5 - 6 pm_
QF865 - Ewing, tuapekastar, Storyteller


_6 - 7 pm_
DJ540 - AaronBradford, moa999


_7 - 8 pm_
DJ750 - penegal


_8 - 9 pm_
DJ1696 - anchew


*Monday*


_2 - 3 pm_
DJ741 - straitman

 

[samh004]

Accommodation

*QT Gold Coast*


anchew
Lowjhg


*Crowne Plaza*


Bundy Bear - Friday night


*Hilton*


trippin_the_rift
straitman
Ewing
Bundy Bear - Saturday night
tuapekastar
Taezar


*Hyatt Regency Sanctuary Cove*


Lowjhg - if possible


-------

 

[straitman]

Re: Accommodation

Gold X 2 please Sam.

 

[tuapekastar]

Re: Accommodation

Thanks for taking this by the horns Sam, and I trust and hope you will get appropriate assistance. As someone who knows approximately nothing about the Gold Coast I cannot help with suggestions, but if there is legwork involved that requires no knowledge of the GC to perform, then please sing out and if I can help I will.

Oh, and am a likely attendee at this stage (maybe with a +1, TBD).

 

[LiamR]

Re: Accommodation

I have an idea, it's a bit out there but I think people will like it.

Not to long ago, I had the pleasure of having lunch at Ruffles Lodge (Ruffles Lodge & Spa Restaurant - Dining - Dining Gazebo Wineries Gold Coast Hinterland) , it's in the Gold Coast hinterland. It's a lovely destination and has spectacular views looking back onto the Gold Coast.

I love the idea of showing off the beach side of the Gold Coast, but I think it'd also be a missed oopportunity if we didn't show off this other side of the Gold Coast.

We could easily book the place out for AFF, hopefully they could do a good price for us, but I'm not sure of the logistics of getting everybody from Surfers/Broadbeach to the Hinterland. (Those that really want to can enjoy a private helicopter ride...)

Anyway, just something to think about.

(Also, if you could put me down as Gold thanks Sam. )

 

[Princess Fiona]

I'm Bronze unfortunately as I will be travelling back from Seoul that weekend

 

[samh004]

I have an idea, it's a bit out there but I think people will like it.

Not to long ago, I had the pleasure of having lunch at Ruffles Lodge (Ruffles Lodge & Spa Restaurant - Dining - Dining Gazebo Wineries Gold Coast Hinterland) , it's in the Gold Coast hinterland. It's a lovely destination and has spectacular views looking back onto the Gold Coast.

I love the idea of showing off the beach side of the Gold Coast, but I think it'd also be a missed oopportunity if we didn't show off this other side of the Gold Coast.

We could easily book the place out for AFF, hopefully they could do a good price for us, but I'm not sure of the logistics of getting everybody from Surfers/Broadbeach to the Hinterland. (Those that really want to can enjoy a private helicopter ride...)

It looks very nice. The views would be amazing, but the issue would be getting there and back. O closer inspection of the location, the road doesn’t look too bad, but it still poses a problem. The ideal solution being to rent a bus or mini-van like at past DO’s, but I’m only qualified for an Auto

Essentially the same problem I have with choosing a spot down Currumbin way, where there are some nice restaurants that are essentially, on the Gold Coast.

The Gold Coast is where the Beach & Surf meets the Hinterland, plus some canals and buildings in-between

All suggestions are welcomed though. I want to pull this off to the standard that we’ve all come to expect.

I'm Bronze unfortunately as I will be travelling back from Seoul that weekend

Bugger!

 

[LiamR]

It looks very nice. The views would be amazing, but the issue would be getting there and back. O closer inspection of the location, the road doesn’t look too bad, but it still poses a problem. The ideal solution being to rent a bus or mini-van like at past DO’s, but I’m only qualified for an Auto

Oh I've heard of 70 seat busses getting up and down the roads, the problem is finding somebody who is qualified and sober enough to drive.

 

[nlagalle]

Sadly I'm a bronze... I have the Phillip Island Moto GP and my school reunion that weekend...

 

[trippin_the_rift]

Gold at this stage, will be able to firm it up closer to the date

 

[samh004]

Oh I've heard of 70 seat busses getting up and down the roads, the problem is finding somebody who is qualified and sober enough to drive.

And associated costs, but I’m sure they’d be less than dinner anyway.

Sadly I'm a bronze... I have the Phillip Island Moto GP and my school reunion that weekend...

Double bugger!

 

[dfcatch]

Put me down as Gold

 

[tuppaware]

Put me as gold and maybe +1

 

[munitalP]

Can I suggest that Sam and Andrew discuss the QLD Poker tournament to coincide with this weekend.

 

[samh004]

Can I suggest that Sam and Andrew discuss the QLD Poker tournament to coincide with this weekend.

I think that's a brilliant idea, especially if it means I can confirm your attendance!




 

[harvyk]

Put me down as Gold...
A suggestion for a place to eat, Cav's steakhouse is a place I usually visit at least once per trip to the Gold Coast...

It may also be an idea to come up with some cheap or free things to do. I'm going to have a enough trouble convincing the missus that I need to go without then convincing her I also need to spend money on attractions whilst I'm there.

Also golf does sound like fun, so put me down for that. (I would suggest you don't group me with any serious players, I enjoy the game, but I'm not overly good at it)

 

[Taezar]

Chang Mai is a GC institution for all the right reasons.
Kurrawa surf club has decent club food, cheap booze and killer views that hopefully doesn't include drowning lifesavers - as a cheap alternative to an exe river cruise.
I am a maybe, but as I said in previous threads, I may do dinner and will def make the BBQ but not the whole shebang. I will defer to whatever the ppl psyched about the event choose.
Finally, great work Sam - so pleased to see some structure/planning!!!