AFF Gathering #7 at HBA on 29 November - 1 December

[penegal]

Looks pretty good jdevereux3 and samh004. From my discussion with Sam earlier this year, I was thinking something similar.

A few people expressed interest in going to Salamanca markets. For those who are still keen, you could get up early and/or take a later ferry to MONA in order to check out the Saturday morning markets. It is an easy walk from the markets to the ferry terminal. If I recall correctly the markets are in full swing quite early in the morning, so it should be feasible to include them without too much difficulty.

The main thing to remember is that you need to "book" the ferry and be at the boarding area beforehand with adequate time, etc (sounds familiar to anyone?)

 

[JessicaTam]

It looks like quite a bit of work has gone into this. Well done jdevereux3 and samh004. And no, I certainly did not have anything planned (too busy getting my head around QF81/82).

Will having such a significant lunch on Saturday detract from dinner? I would be in favour of a slightly later and lighter lunch, which will allow a later ferry to MONA and therefore some time for Salamanca in the program.

When the itinerary is bedded down, I am happy to start a spreadsheet!

 

[jsd]

A few people expressed interest in going to Salamanca markets.

It is certainly workable. The market makes for a nice relaxed morning that people can do at their own pace depending on the likes of the individual.

Will having such a significant lunch on Saturday detract from dinner? I would be in favour of a slightly later and lighter lunch, which will allow a later ferry to MONA and therefore some time for Salamanca in the program.

Looking back over it I think you are onto something there, Maybe we could swap the brewery tour and MONA around so that we head out to MONA in the early/mid afternoon and spend some time in the museum before heading to Source for the fantastic dinner Degustation instead... that way people can just have lunch at the markets or in the general Salamanca area before boarding the bus at a central meeting point for the Afternoon's activities.

Thoughts?

Josh

 

[JessicaTam]

Looking back over it I think you are onto something there, Maybe we could swap the brewery tour and MONA around so that we head out to MONA in the early/mid afternoon and spend some time in the museum before heading to Source for the fantastic dinner Degustation instead... that way people can just have lunch at the markets or in the general Salamanca area before boarding the bus at a central meeting point for the Afternoon's activities.

Thoughts?

Josh

When I visited MONA last month it got progressively busier as the day progressed. Maybe a 10am ferry, 10.30-12.30ish MONA with lunch at the outdoor food stall area before catching the ferry back to the CBD at 15.00 or so.

I found 2 hours was a good length of time for the museum.

 

[samh004]

I thought the issue was getting transport back to CBD after a dinner at Source? As the ferries will stop running and its quite far out of the way?

This is of course assuming we want to eat at Source.

 

[jsd]

Fair enough, maybe Source could be taken out of the mix?

 

[samh004]

Fair enough, maybe Source could be taken out of the mix?

I'm sure it was featured in April's Qantas mag, looks good, would be a shame to miss it

But then I don't know what else is good. I'm just arguing for the menu

Any chance of moving MONA/Source to Sunday as the last activity/lunch before the airport, possibly having golf/markets on Saturday morning before brewery and something else Saturday afternoon, or an I butchering things too much?

 

[jsd]

I'm sure it was featured in April's Qantas mag, looks good, would be a shame to miss it

I might have to go and obtain a copy of this magazine... To the Qantas Club!

Any chance of moving MONA/Source to Sunday as the last activity/lunch before the airport, possibly having golf/markets on Saturday morning before brewery and something else Saturday afternoon, or an I butchering things too much?

Nope, no butchering at all, although it could have been mentioned last night whilst I was 'slaving' over my laptop (joking)

 

[samh004]

I might have to go and obtain a copy of this magazine... To the Qantas Club!

Check your iPad?

 

[JessicaTam]

I'm sure it was featured in April's Qantas mag, looks good, would be a shame to miss it

But then I don't know what else is good. I'm just arguing for the menu

Any chance of moving MONA/Source to Sunday as the last activity/lunch before the airport, possibly having golf/markets on Saturday morning before brewery and something else Saturday afternoon, or an I butchering things too much?

The source certainly looks interesting. A Sunday MONA/Source could work to finish off the weekend after a Saturday night dinner closer to the city centre. Offering the golf/Salamanca alternative could work as well.

Is it possible to attend the Brewery Saturday afternoon, or is the evening tour the only time for a private group booking?

 

[jsd]

The source certainly looks interesting. A Sunday MONA/Source could work to finish off the weekend after a Saturday night dinner closer to the city centre. Offering the golf/Salamanca alternative could work as well.

I really would be a shame to miss it, Agree with the Golf/Salamanca route for Saturday morning followed by the brewery tour in the afternoon.

Is it possible to attend the Brewery Saturday afternoon, or is the evening tour the only time for a private group booking?

There are scheduled tours departing at 1pm and then some depending on numbers. The evening tour was based on information that had been given to me and AFAIK is by special arrangement so would require quite some leg work to organise, so doing it in the afternoon may well work better

 

[scaredeycat]

Unfortunately you won't be able to play golf anywhere on Saturday morning as it is reserved for the members' competition. Friday or Sunday morning would be possibilities. By the way, the golf clubs are Royal Hobart and Tasmania. Both are terrific courses - they are being used for the Australian Interstate teams competition in a couple of weeks - but they are both pretty tough. I think it might be worthwhile considering playing at Claremont (which is close to MONA) or alternatively Lanherne (another course next door to the airport). Both are much easier than the other two courses, which would probably be more appropriate for once a year golfers. Those who do feel up for a serious round would probably find Tasmania more memorable than Royal Hobart, because it has water on 3 sides with magnificent views from almost every hole, but I find Royal Hobart is usually in better condition (which is why I'm a member there). Royal is also very flat, Tassie is hilly.
Another venue worth considering for dinner is Point, at the top of Wrest Point casino. It's a bit of a retro experience, with some classic dishes from the 70s, but they are well executed, and the restaurant revolves, providing magnificent views.
Other possibilities I would suggest are Meadowbank, Home Hill and Peppermint Bay. Unfortunately none of them are actually in town, so you might need to organise a bus or share taxis, which might be impractical. Peppermint Bay also has a ferry service. All have excellent food and beautiful scenery (but will be more expensive than Ball and Chain).
Don't take your maiden aunt to MONA (unless she's very broad minded!).
if you have time you should go to the top of Mount Wellington. Fabulous view.

 

[JessicaTam]

So that makes Sunday the best day for golf then? Golf or a sleep in before lunch?

 

[Sprucegoose]

Having had a discussion with a local, how does this itinerary sound?

Friday
Drinks/meal at Grape/The Squires Bounty at Salamanca

Saturday
Early ferry to MONA*
Lunch at The Source Restaurant at MONA (menu)
Early afternoon ferry back

Free time

Bus pickup at hotels to Cascade for evening brewery tour/tasting
Bus to dinner in CBD/Salamanca area

*May contain pork

Sunday
9-Holes of Golf at Rosny Golf Course or by airport at Royal Tasmania

Closing lunch TBD

Further activities for those staying to Monday TBD

Good Red available at the Grape.

Royal Tas close to airport.

Non golfers should consider a trip to Port Arthur.

Smolt is a decent restaurant at Salamanca

 

[penegal]

Thanks all for the input. I think Saturday is looking tight, but we may be able to squeeze everything in.

I have good memories of the brewery tour, so it would be good to fit it in if we can. If we hire a bus, there is no reason we can't get the bus from MONA directly o the brewery. I hear that the ferry goes along the same river in both directions...

 

[samh004]

Thanks all for the input. I think Saturday is looking tight, but we may be able to squeeze everything in.

I have good memories of the brewery tour, so it would be good to fit it in if we can. If we hire a bus, there is no reason we can't get the bus from MONA directly o the brewery. I hear that the ferry goes along the same river in both directions...

I am bowing out of primary organisation as I seem to not know anything about the destination and there are other more capable members. jdevereux3 informed me the other day he already had a great price on a bus, so I'll leave organisation with jdevereux3, JessicaTam and penegal, and can't wait to see the full itinerary, although I'm already booked anyway!

I just don't want to get in the way, though will continue to update the first few posts as required.

Maybe I can buy a BBQ and get some space in a park

 

[oz_mark]

What are peoples thoughts on accommodation?

Hotels that I have loyalty memberships seems a bit sparse (Rydges, Accor)

 

[Lawlass]

I'm a highly likely. I've been dying to see MONA for ages, so this would make a great excuse.

 

[samh004]

What are peoples thoughts on accommodation?

Hotels that I have loyalty memberships seems a bit sparse (Rydges, Accor)

The current Qantas promotion of 9 points/$ could be lucrative, in the absence of big chains.

 

[anchew]

I've just booked the Quest Savoy on the qf site.

So I guess that makes me platinum