Originally Posted by stevenglish1

Hats off to the people of Melbourne/ Victoria, they've done it tougher than any of us. Fair play to them, and fair play to Dan, even though he did put ice in his celebration single malt, bloody philistine

Originally Posted by Amazulu

I see McGowan has announced some reopening of WA today. Qantas happy that they can finally start making some money again - but wait, maybe not so happy. I went on their website to look at some flight options. Normally, a OW flight from Perth to Hobart is about 19k points and $50 in fees, but in January that's now nearly 59k points! So 2 returns are over 234k points (admittedly with no fees to pay) - back to their gouging ways even before flights have resumed

Get stuffed Qantas

Originally Posted by Beoz

Juggling survival preying on those who really need to travel. I would like to say get stuffed too but I am not sure there is any malice in those points and fare prices.

If they could just get those 5 minute tests out the door and in operation, the world could increase travel, economy activity, and so much human heart ache and frustrations,

Originally Posted by Amazulu

Qantas are definitely gouging but in hindsight and after think about it a bit more, I was probably being a bit harsh on them. In normal times, if I'd tried to book QFF flights for January in late October, I'd have had no chance - and $750 return for Perth-Hobart at that time of year is par for the course. The other thing is that there is now a direct QF flight that never existed before - although there was a Jetstar service

Originally Posted by Beoz

I see Tasmania is open to NSW from Nov 6. Given all the political problems in QLD, Tasmania might become a very popular place this summer. It's a great place to go. Might book some flights myself early as it's going to be busy down there.

Originally Posted by Beoz

I see Tasmania is open to NSW from Nov 6. Given all the political problems in QLD, Tasmania might become a very popular place this summer. It's a great place to go. Might book some flights myself early as it's going to be busy down there.

Originally Posted by paulry

I think the main concern with Queensland is having re-opened the border and now won the election it might choose to close them again if a case or two slips through. It's difficult to plan a trip in that backdrop. And even for the less risky places border closure wise it's wise to book accommodation etc that has a long free cancellation period. I've found that booking through booking.com frequently offers that. AirBNB too but less so and for typically shorter cancellation period. IMO, Qld is only an option for last minute bookings.

Originally Posted by Beoz

Has anyone taken some nice local holidays with summer approaching? Not often I get to see much of local, drivable Oz but with the borders closed the UK and follow on European holidays have taken a back seat. Mrs Beoz no longer finding and booking those London flights. Thank goodness, not missing planes at all

Just took a little break up the coast of NSW to Port Stephens for a few days (my favourite place in Oz) followed by a drive out through Singleton, around the back of the mountains (hills), through the Apple orchards of Bilpin then back home. Bit of camping, bit of Airbnb and a bit of hotel.

So grateful for COVID on that front. Beautiful scenery, beaches, bush, river swims, escarpments, up and over that way. And also grateful to see what Oz has to offer away from the tourist traps.

Originally Posted by Beoz

They haven't opened the border to Sydney or Victoria. Thats about half the Australian population. I am more than happy to give Tasmania my holiday money given Queenlanders think it's right to crush their economy while others, especially NSW, props them up.

Originally Posted by bakedbean

We just did a little 8000 km drive across from FNQ to Karumba then down through Cloncurry, across the Barkly Highway, down to Alice then Uluru, then back through Mount Isa, Winton, Charters Towers, Lucinda, a few other places. Took a month to do it so not as gruelling as it sounds. Very educational (that's polite speak for...... there sure were some grim places along the way). Karumba, Uluru and Kata Tjuta all fab.

Originally Posted by bakedbean

We just did a little 8000 km drive across from FNQ to Karumba then down through Cloncurry, across the Barkly Highway, down to Alice then Uluru, then back through Mount Isa, Winton, Charters Towers, Lucinda, a few other places. Took a month to do it so not as gruelling as it sounds. Very educational (that's polite speak for...... there sure were some grim places along the way). Karumba, Uluru and Kata Tjuta all fab.

Originally Posted by Beoz

Sounds awesome. Not been that way myself. Serious question. Do you need a 4wd for that?

Originally Posted by paulry

Wow, 8000km. That's still an average of over 250km per day and would quickly stack up if you lingered at places anywhere beyond a day or two. Sounds great though.