AFF Gathering #9 at CNS on 16 - 18 October

[Deleted member 29185]

I'm not sure of the schedule, but for any side trips, don't forget the reef. I've snorkelled a lot of reefs and I do think off Cairns and Port Douglas to be some of the nicest. (But Cooktown has the closest and nothing to sneeze at either). A couple of visits to Cairns back, I also went fishing on a crab boat tour and caught 4 decent grunters and had a feed of freshly cooked mud crab (cooked on board) and I can also recommend that. We've also previously been deep sea fishing off Cooktown and all of us (except me) caught some pearler coral trout.

I'm not a Cairns local, but I'd suggest if anyone can spare some extra time in the region, definitely do so. The Atherton tableland is wonderful, Daintree is excellent, the Cape Trib Jungle Surfing is fun, the drive to Port Douglas is stunning (with Hartley Creek croc farm on route), Cooktown is well worth it and the reef is gorgeous. Two weeks in the region is easily filled (IMHO of course).

 

[CaviAck]

I'm not sure of the schedule, but for any side trips, don't forget the reef. I've snorkelled a lot of reefs and I do think off Cairns and Port Douglas to be some of the nicest. (But Cooktown has the closest and nothing to sneeze at either). A couple of visits to Cairns back, I also went fishing on a crab boat tour and caught 4 decent grunters and had a feed of freshly cooked mud crab (cooked on board) and I can also recommend that. We've also previously been deep sea fishing off Cooktown and all of us (except me) caught some pearler coral trout.

I'm not a Cairns local, but I'd suggest if anyone can spare some extra time in the region, definitely do so. The Atherton tableland is wonderful, Daintree is excellent, the Cape Trib Jungle Surfing is fun, the drive to Port Douglas is stunning (with Hartley Creek croc farm on route), Cooktown is well worth it and the reef is gorgeous. Two weeks in the region is easily filled (IMHO of course).

Oddly enough, I've been here for 3 and a bit years and still haven't done any of that...

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Oddly enough, I've been here for 3 and a bit years and still haven't done any of that...

Aren't we all guilty of that? Failing to explore our own backyards.

I don't hide the fact I love the Cairns region. I think we've done just about every touristy thing there is to do, from horse riding along Wonga beach to partaking in wine and cheese tasting on the tableland to exploring the Undara lava tubes.

My advice is just do it!

 

[TomVexille]

Aren't we all guilty of that? Failing to explore our own backyards.

Very. It took me 3 years to start exploring the Yarra Valley

 

[serfty]

I am on flight VA 797 BNE-CNS:

Departs
15 Oct - 07:50 PM
Arrives
15 Oct - 10:20 PM

 

[Fifa]

Flights now booked:
15 Oct - QF784 arriving 16:30
21 Oct - QF927 departing 16:05

We will be staying between DT and Hilton (+1 is rolling his eyes at the thought of the daily trek between hotels but the stays should see me at Diamond for another year and the bennies are too good to pass up )

 

[samh004]

With 35 Platinum we're now fast approaching the record set in MEL last year of 41 starters.

 

[Awesom Andy]

the Cape Trib Jungle Surfing is fun

Part of the last set of the I Still Call Australia Home ad series featured a few seconds of Cape Trib too.

 

[gwilli1]

Not sure how I missed your flight details the first time, but they're now all on the first page.

Added you to the list.

Not a problem . You have me down as an 18.00 departure , its actually 17.05.

 

[wooley]

Sooo... I'd like to be involved in this, if that's allowed? ...still to book flights but will most likely be in for work Tuesday morning on QF798 and out Sunday on QF649.

Staying at the Tradewinds... Maybe Doubletree.

 

[TomVexille]

Sooo... I'd like to be involved in this, if that's allowed? ...still to book flights but will most likely be in for work Tuesday morning on QF798 and out Sunday on QF649.

Staying at the Tradewinds... Maybe Doubletree.

Of course it's allowed.

 

[JessicaTam]

A bit of preliminary planning took place this afternoon.

At this stage we are looking at a relaxed dinner and drinks Friday evening for those arriving during the afternoon/evening. A full day's activity for Saturday, followed by dinner somewhere flash. Sunday will have an activity that can be left early for those heading home at various times, and a casual dinner Sunday night for those still in town.

A bit vague I know, but at least those thinking of coming can see that there can be flexibility with arrival and departure times whilst still getting involved. A visit to scope out some of the locations will happen in the next month or two, too.

 

[TomVexille]

Sounds good JT

 

[Awesom Andy]

A bit of preliminary planning took place this afternoon.

Summary: Arrive, eat/drink/sleep/play/repeat, Depart.

 

[samh004]

Not a problem . You have me down as an 18.00 departure , its actually 17.05.

Ahh, I'm going to assume I put the flight into Google and pulled up the non-DST affected flight, and by the time you take it there will have been a time change...?

Sooo... I'd like to be involved in this, if that's allowed? ...still to book flights but will most likely be in for work Tuesday morning on QF798 and out Sunday on QF649.

Staying at the Tradewinds... Maybe Doubletree.

Of course, the more the merrier!

The event is open to all members

 

[QF WP]

I'm still uncertain as to whether I can attend due to major changes at work that will be happening between now and the end of the year. By the time I decide whether I can attend, I'll bet all the cheap seats and rooms will be gone

 

[Virgin Bart]

I'm still uncertain as to whether I can attend due to major changes at work that will be happening between now and the end of the year. By the time I decide whether I can attend, I'll bet all the cheap seats and rooms will be gone

Get a flexible room and award seats?

 

[blackcat20]

I'm still uncertain as to whether I can attend due to major changes at work that will be happening between now and the end of the year. By the time I decide whether I can attend, I'll bet all the cheap seats and rooms will be gone

Book an AAA rate room. They're always cancelable.

 

[QF WP]

Get a flexible room and award seats?

That's assuming the paid cost for the flight isn't justifiable and there are any are left - plus I only have QFF points that I could use at the moment.

Book an AAA rate room. They're always cancelable.

Correct, the only way I book these days

 

[samh004]

It wouldn't be the same without you