AFF Gathering #5 [CBR Oct 7-9], Ideas

[samh004]

Those of us who meet tomorrow in Canberra can come up with some ideas.

So what ideas did you come up with?

 

[MissBurrill]

So if we have AFF#5 in CBR, I'd want someone to be able to show CBR how it should be.

Fyshwick??? :shock:

Seriously, after having lived there over half my life I know the place well. The War Memorial is a definite. Then Parliament House and the National Gallery (sardine cans :shock. Telstra Tower gives a good perspective but then Red Hill Lookout is good for coffee (well, it was a couple of years ago). Mt Ainslie is also an idea when you don't have to run up it. A lake cruise is lovely or maybe a bbq down the Cotter. I keep meaning to check out the new potrait gallery each time I go.

I can't suggest taking you to the Private Bin as that closed down last century. I wouldn't recommend the casino. If you want a true Canberra experience then a kebab in Garema Place or chips from the Chicken shop.

That's just a quick suggestion. If you have a few hours a road trip to Goulburn to see the Big Marino could be fun and could extend to a winery visit.

 

[Sprucegoose]

I remember the private bin well!!

 

[Sprucegoose]

Canberra clearly won, and I think from recollection dates were dependant on when parliament (or whatever it’s called here) is in session, so are those dates for next year available yet?

The parliamentary timetable is well published. Call your local federal member?

 

[Ewing]

The parliamentary timetable is well published. Call your local federal member?

Just so it's not lost, here are my suggestions for next year:

CBR is certainly leading the pack, especially with people who voted for ZQN with CBR as a second choice.

Looking at dates in past years, October 21-23rd would be typical. Parliament is not sitting during these dates.

Having said that, Floriade finishes up on the 16th so we could move it earlier if people want to attend.

Parliament dates are:
Parliament of Australia: House of Representatives: Sitting Schedule for 2011

I would prefer not to hold the gathering on the 7-9th of October. That's a long weekend here. Not only does Canberra shutdown on long weekends, but there's a good chance that I will be spending it at the beach

Unless there are objections, I'm going to vote that we lock in the 21st-23rd of October. Being a local, I'm happy to put my hand up to be involved in organising it (and of course sampling any venues in advance ).

 

[oz_mark]

I'm not fussed on the weekend, and anything in October would suit me. SO I will suggest the 21st-23rd October as suitable.

 

[kpc]

I'm going to vote that we lock in the 21st-23rd of October.

SO I will suggest the 21st-23rd October as suitable.

I would be also happy with 21-23 Oct 2011

 

[JohnK]

I'm going to vote that we lock in the 21st-23rd of October.

Sounds good to me.

Royal Canberra for AFF golf challenge on Sunday?

 

[bossreggie]

I'll put the dates in my diary. I've always wanted to go to the war memorial.

Where to stay??

 

[Ewing]

Where to stay??

I would suggest the Hotel Realm (modern) or the Park Hyatt (classic). They're the best hotels here.

We also have the typical run of the mill hotels like the Crowne Plaza and Novotel.

 

[bossreggie]

I would suggest the Hotel Realm (modern) or the Park Hyatt (classic). They're the best hotels here.

We also have the typical run of the mill hotels like the Crowne Plaza and Novotel.

I have only ever stayed at the Park Hyatt... Do they still wear those long shorts??

 

[MissBurrill]

I've always wanted to go to the war memorial.

Just looked at the Australian War Memorial website and their opening hours are

10 - 5 daily (closed Christmas).

We could easily devote the whole weekend to the War Memorial. Or those who aren't golfing could go Sunday morning. But if we want a proper Canberra weekend we need brunch in Kingston or Manuka.

 

[serfty]

21st/23rd seems cool to me.

 

[straitman]

I suspect that the weekend of 21st - 23rd will clash for me again. I'll post when I have a real answer.

 

[Ewing]

I have only ever stayed at the Park Hyatt... Do they still wear those long shorts??

I haven't been there in about a year, but yes I believe so.

Park Hyatt is very much entrenched in its traditions. People still play croquet on the lawn, and they have daily afternoon tea in the tea lounge

We could easily devote the whole weekend to the War Memorial. Or those who aren't golfing could go Sunday morning. But if we want a proper Canberra weekend we need brunch in Kingston or Manuka.

I need to go back to the war memorial again, it has been too long.

Manuka is good for a lazy brunch, or alternatively one of the surrounding wineries. I had lunch at Lambert Vineyards about a month ago which was very good.

Manuka can be dangerous on a gorgeous day. I went to Charlie Black last Sunday intending to stay for an hour. That hour turned into the whole afternoon, followed by dinner

 

[oz_mark]

Manuka.

Only if we can pronounce it properly - not the toffee nosed Canberran way :mrgreen:

 

[MissBurrill]

Park Hyatt is very much entrenched in its traditions. People still play croquet on the lawn, and they have daily afternoon tea in the tea lounge

I need to go back to the war memorial again, it has been too long.

Manuka is good for a lazy brunch, or alternatively one of the surrounding wineries. I had lunch at Lambert Vineyards about a month ago which was very good.

Manuka can be dangerous on a gorgeous day. I went to Charlie Black last Sunday intending to stay for an hour. That hour turned into the whole afternoon, followed by dinner

The high tea at the Hyatt is great. We find it funny to watch people conga lining round the buffet while we walk directly to the food we want and grab it.

Winery tour on the Saturday is definitely an idea (I know we've got some people licenced on mini buses).

I've been frequenting Dobinsons on Bunda Street in my regular trips to Canberra.

 

[straitman]

I suspect that the weekend of 21st - 23rd will clash for me again. I'll post when I have a real answer.

I have just confirmed that the 21st Oct is a clash and consequently does not work for me as I suspect that Friday night will be every year.

 

[MissBurrill]

Only if we can pronounce it properly - not the toffee nosed Canberran way :mrgreen:

I vote for a rather loud discussion over the pronounciation of the word Manuka whilst in a cafe in Manuka.

 

[anat0l]

Where to stay??

I've stayed at the Diamant Hotel a couple of times before. Nice decor, sleek hotel, very soothing.

Of course, may not be everyone's cup of tea, so please check their website at Diamant Hotel Canberra | HOME | Hotel Information.

The Diamant is not part of any loyalty programs. If I go, I'm going to try for the Crowne Plaza, since the PC points will come in handy. My guess is that it may also be horribly overbooked.