Forum Thermomix
Welcoming Center, Management and General Chat => Chit Chat => Topic started by: gertbysea on January 02, 2016, 11:32:17 pm
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Any ideas? Not in school holidays. In a city or town. A pub with a decent lobby bar/bistro so we can get together during the day.
Gert
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All I know at the moment is that I am coming. ;D ;D
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There hasn't been a Forumfest in Queensland or Sydney yet.
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Cairns would be good when you folk are cold! But that is the high season here. Reef and rainforest. Foodies tour of tablelands and Sunday markets at Port Douglas.
Lots to do in Sydney of course.
Gert
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I like the idea of Cairns/Port Douglas Gert. It's been a long time since we've visited that area.
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I'd love to come to Cairns, as I've never been there. Sydney would also be a good spot.
I think it depends on whether there is someone available in either Cairns or Sydney to take control of the organising.
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Cairns ;D ;D ;D ;D
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Either Sydney or Cairns are fine by me. If it was Cairns it would fall to Gert and it is a big responsibility.
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I haven't been to Cairns for several years now and that would be good. Always enjoyed the trip on the Kuranda Railway and I think they have markets too.
There would probably be more people available to help organise a Sydney event.
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http://www.skyrail.com.au/tours/skyrail-kuranda-rail. $123. The markets are absolute crap. The way to go is train up and sky rail back. Lovely trip. The sky rail was just a spit from my old house and I could see the train from my back yard as it climbed up the mountain.
There is a good pub in Kuranda for lunch. Virtually a day trip.
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I'd love to do that again without having to push a wheelchair!
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Cairns is sounding good. Definitely interested, depending on dates - we have to go to Italy around end September / early October I think but other than that I have nothing happening at that time of year.
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It may have to be earlier if we go to Cairns wouldn't it Gert - during our southern winter?
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Any time is a good time but for those who can't take humidity between May and November is better.
Gert
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Adrian & I were just talking about holidays for this year and he asked is anything was happening so good to see this post. Either Cairns or Sydney sound great but we were thinking of visiting family in Emerald this year so Cairns would work plus I haven't been past Rockhampton.
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Thoughts.
If Cairns. Fri or Sat train to Kuranda and Sky Rail back. Leave around 0830 and return at lunch time. Lunch around Pier area. Dinner at wherever. Sun are the markets in Port Douglas only in the morning so early start for 45 min trip up. Lunch at the Tin Shed AKA RSL right on the water and cheap. Every man for himself.
Friday a trip can be arranged around foodie theme up to the tablelands or can be Sat and Fri for train trip.
There is Fitzroy and Green Islands if we want an island stay and to just chill out for the weekend. Nothing to do but relax.
Cairns is not a shoppers paradise by any means. It is a party town where the food is mediocre at best and expect Sydney prices. I can try for group discount re train. Hiring a bus or arranging a foodie tour as in local Dairy, Coffee farms including lunch you are looking at around $100 a head.
There is no public transport as such to Port Douglas so also not a cheap day. Have to figure that out.
I would think hotels would be around the $200 + mark depending.
Also option of staying at Port Douglas. Also poor man's Port Douglas is Palm Cove right on the beach. Expensive crappy restaurants but nice location. Also lots of apartment complexes there suitable. There are buses there into town.
I have in mind a place in Cairns that has apartments lets in an great location with at least 3 bedrooms and two bath, one of course is the ensuite. Large pool and on the esplanade. Normally I would not consider sharing but with this one I would.
Melbourne people shopped and we were not really cohesive as we were in Hobart so do we want to spend time with each other or do we want to shop? Personally I would rather spend time sitting and talkin'.
Q hotel in Port Douglas is ideal for a group such as ours. Not overly expensive. Lovely pool. Great restaurant. Bar/ lobby. Absolutely outstanding breakfast. Small enough. Outside of the town but regular bus.
That is but one. There are many many.
There is the reef. Boats departing in the morning.
There is a big lagoon pool in Cairns but most hotels have their own.
The beaches are crap. In stinger season they are often closed and or you have so swim in small net area. Outside of that not wonderful and often croc sightings. A decent pool is good. Mind you most north Queenslanders would not be swimming in October as it is too cold for us. Just saying as that is when we have had the FF in the past but no reason to stay with that.
Ther are crock farms to visit. Trips on the inlet. Trips to the reef. Trips to the tablelands. More crappy restaurants than you can shake a stick at. All night bars. Train trips. Bus trips.
Ther is one major shopping centre in Cairns Centre that has a Myer, KMart, Target and other stores you have in every city. There are no speciality foodie shops or home wear shops. In slightly out of town there is a First Choice but no Dan Murphy close by. You cannot buy a cask of wine until 4 pm.
Your thoughts.
Gert
I suggest you all do your research on Cairns and surrounds. You are smart enough to find the websites.
If some want to add on I can help.
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You've either done your homework or know your area well Gert. I don't need to shop but I would like to do some touristy things during the day and hang out with the group for the rest of the day. Not particularly interested in crocodiles - either in the wild or in a controlled situation. Perhaps we would need to have it earlier this year and come up there during our southern winter. Lots of great suggestions in your posting Gert.
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Wow Gert, thank you for the informative post.
I agree it's nice to be able to chat and prefered the atmosphere of Hobart to Melbourne.
I'm not sure if we will make it this year though, so won't add my thoughts. We will see what happens with out beautiful baby boy and keep our options open.
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Thanks Gert.
I loved how we spent time together in Hobart. It would be lovely to do some touristy stuff in Cairns. I haven't been there since about 2007. I loved what I saw of Port Douglas. I'm ready to go.
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Thanks Gert lots of information I haven't been to cairns for 20 odd years. Would love to come, but cant commit yet.
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Great post, Gert. Thanks for all that information.
I am definitely interested in the QLD option (and I think my DH would also enjoy some of the activities ... but not all, as he is not a patient 'foodie gossipy' sort of guy). Can't commit until a date is set but will keep my eyes on this thread.
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Thanks Gert. Lots to think about here. We will be there if at all possible. All depends on what is happening with selling house. We will go with whatever is decided.
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Lots of activities to choose from. Looked up the QT hotel and it looks great. I don't particularly need to shop but would like to see the sights. Will go with whatever is planned.
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well it will be great to meet so many of you all at last :) if FF is in Cairns. :)
There is a lot to do in and around Cairns. Heaps of day trips. I find Palm Cove better than Port Douglas, as its no where as touristy. Lots of great places to stay.
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I think that maybe we should say what we would prefer to do. It's sort of like when you ask the family what they would like for dinner and the answer is, whatever you cook is fine.
I would really like to do the Kuranda rail/sky trip. A day trip or stay at one of the Islands would be wonderful. Robyn's suggestion of Palm Cove sounds good too. A couple of long lunches with a glass of bubbles would be grand.
Thanks for all the research/local knowledge Gert. :D
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Before anything can be planned we need to set the date and approximate numbers. We cannot do it all in a weekend. A reef trip is a full day. Kuranda is nearly a full day. Lake Barrine and Port Douglas are a pretty full day.
There is absolutely nothing to do at Palm Cove except eat or beach. If anyone can tell me of a restaurant that has good food at a REASONABLE price in Plam Cove I would like to hear it. There is good pub grub at the Surf Club but It is just what you can get in any decent pub anywhere. It does have a nice location but all the restaurants in Palm Cove area are along the beach front. We would have to get a local bus from the city get there.
Pert Douglas has the Sunday morning market which is very popular and plenty of touristy shops for looking. It has some really nice restaurants if you want a bit of up market there is the OUTSTANDING SALSA restaurant. Exxy but worth it. But for good pub grub in a great location on the water there is the Tin Shed. This is next door to the famous church, St Mary's on the Beach.
In Cairns itself You can walk around the entire city in less than an hour. Fri Sat and Sunday there is Rusty's Market which is an open air food market with a few other bits place with some food wagons. It is very colourful. I shop there sometimes. It is a very popular tourist destination and absolutely free.
I suggest those who would like to come to Cairns to do their research and look at the restaurants and menus which are all on line. There are endless websites with info on the area. Let me know what you are interested in and I will scout it out if I have not already been there.
The airport is 10 minutes from the CBD . There is no local bus due to the taxi mafia so the fare may be about $15/20. I would say we could get hotel rooms at under $200 a night depending on the season. In the high season expect a lot more but that can be negotiated. There are no 5 star hotels in Cairns in my opinion but a few approaching maybe 4. The casino hotel is pretty average and champers is 12 a glass if you an get any service.The Hilton is very ordinary and they do not have a bar open during the day. The Rydges Tradewinds is on the Esplanade is short walk from the CBD. They do have a bar open all day and reasonable prices. Nice pool area and open balcony bar restaurant facing the ocean. Don't know about the room prices.
Green Island is either a day trip with glass bottom boat ride, large lagoon style pool, crock spot, snorkelling off beach. Day trippers are confined to one part of the island. The food is below average and expensive. To stay there is about
$400 + a night from memory with party type pool. Breakfast is fine but you cannot leave the table or the Ibis will steal your food. These rooms ARE 5 star. The restaurant is expensive. There are free drinks at sundown on the beach.
I have not been to Fitzroy Island in years and since it was upgraded but it is known as a party place. There is a nice pool and bar area with snorkelling off the beach. Not far from Cairns by boat. Think it would be a good choice for a holiday but isolated from Cairns.
Think tropical , Palm trees and very low key. Do not think Hawaii. Far from it. There is no beach in Cairns to swim from . It is tidal and dirty. Think mud flats . Think backpackers, lagoon pool for swimming. The shops and restaurants GENERALLY cater for the one off visit by Japanese tourists. Sea food is outrageous in most and often NOT local. Consistently good but not real cheap is the RSL located on the Esplanade with seating undercover outside with good views of the boardwalk . This is not far from the Tradewinds Hotel. This is the northern end of the Esplanade which is 5 blocks long with the Pacific Hotel at the southern end. Not recommended. The Hilton is on block further south on the waterfront and is across the street from the Casino which is attached to the Sofital I think it is called.
Big complex on the marina attached to the lagoon area with maybe 10 restaurants, a good pub with good grub and at one end the Shangrila http://www.shangri-la.com/cairns/shangrila/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=ppc&utm_term=shangrala+cairns&utm_campaign=AU+-+Brand&WT.srch=1&gclid=CPj2maOBvMoCFYWevAodBK8Oiw&gclsrc=ds
I will give you this link so you can see the picture of the area. Don't be lazy and look up your own links. Lol!
You may want to know that as a tourist town it is pretty quiet in restaurants, bars and hotels during the day. People are expected to be out and doing things and that is why so many hotels are Dead from 0900 until the return of the patrons at about 5 pm. Reservations are needed for most restaurants in the evening when things get lively. There is lots of people watching along the Esplanade where there is a "you beaut" boardwalk for morning or evening walks. Generally too hot now for walking during the day. 32 here today with about 98% humidity.
Gertbysea
Give me your ideas so I can do the local research.
All year round is sandal weather. Some might need a cardi at night depending on season. I wear sleeveless all year round.
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Thanks again Gert, much appreciated. I must admit the first time I came to Cairns I was amazed at the Boardwalk but no beach. As you say mudflats.
I have peeked at a couple of hotels and I think it was the Hilton didn't have good reviews. I will have another look and post my thoughts. I want to spoil myself.
I have been to Rustys. I wonder if it has changed? I've also been to Green Island but I'm sure that will have changed.
I'd love to come to Cairns again and will be guided in the best time of the year to come. Is it June/July?
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The only time south era don,t like it here is during the "Wet" which is late Nov to maybe late March. May is lovely not too hot. I normally would not go into the pool between June and October as it is too cold.
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The only time south era don,t like it here is during the "Wet" which is late Nov to maybe late March. May is lovely not too hot. I normally would not go into the pool between June and October as it is too cold.
Great work there, Gert, thanks. I think 'cold' in this instance would be very subjective!!!
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Gert, what a fabulous detailed report on Cairns and its surroundings. I know that when I do go to Cairns (sometime in the future hopefully!) I will be guided by your insights.
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Gert, thank you for all your research. Hopefully we can make it but it will depend on dates.
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Gert is correct in suggesting we need a time to be set and approximate numbers, so I will start off.
Late June, July or August are best for me. I will be driving up to Darwin from early May to the middle of June. We have another Model A national rally. We are going with lots of old cars and they only go at 45miles per hour at the most.
However I truly don't mind if another time is chosen and I can't attend. It is more important to select a time when the most people can attend.
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Those months suit me too as Morpeth will be moving into their new premises in October we think. I'll need to be here for that. I also need to be able to put in a date when checking out flights, I have a feeling it is going to be very expensive. I would like to avoid the 1st July weekend as that's DD1's 50th birthday, nothing planned for it yet but I would like to keep it free in case we go over there or she comes here.
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Late June or July would suit me. I have lots of birthdays in August. Whatever suits the majority though. :)
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At this stage, June / July / August would also suit me ... possibly August would be better because by then I think most of those of us in the south will be sick of winter and break in a warmer climate would be a wonderful thing!
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These dates have been suggested. The weekends of July 30th and August 6. Thursday to Monday.
Sat Kuranda trip. Sunday Port Douglas..
If enough are here on Fri then maybe Fitzroy or Green Island or Tablelands tour with coffee plantation and Mungalli Farm. Or sitting by the pool. Or local bus trip up to Palm Cove for lunch. Or Friday's there is a whole lobster lunch at Yorkey's Knob Boating Club. Comes with glass of Prosecco for $35.
I will not be making ANY inquiries until the dates are concreted in and approximate numbers decided.
Gert
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Thanks Gert, it all sounds good to me. Either weekend is fine by me so whichever gets the most votes by those wanting to attend will be the way to go. If everyone says the same as me I'll go for the second date which is Aug 5th - 9th (4 nights).
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Ok that is 1 for August.
Make that 2.
1. Judy
2. Gert
3. Cookie ( I took the liberty of adding myself in)
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3 of us, that's enough for a party LOL
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Richard and I would love to come and the date in August should suit.
Not sure when we can commit though, as we have a lot going on at the moment. Will definitely try and be there.
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I will check dates tomorrow when looking at the work calendar & also Adrian. No meetings spring to mind but then I haven't looked at my work calendar for the whole year yet.
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Thinking of this hotel. Not new. Not 5 star. User friendly. Early booking will get you a water view. Bar and deck overlooking the sea. Easy walking distance to everything. Well maybe a wee walk which will be well needed. Nice pool. Happy hour. http://www.rydges.com/accommodation/cairns-qld/tradewinds-cairns-resort/offers/
Please look at other hotels to compare. There are no new hotels in Cairns. Also no 5 star even if they say so.
The Hilton is not a favourite as there is no bloody bar open during the day.
Gert
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Have you seen the rooms and facilities Gert? If you think it suits our needs then I completely trust your judgement as you've been to all FF's and know exactly what we want and need.
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Virgin has a sale on today but it finishes at midnight I think. I could get an early morning flight via Brisbane for $325 and the same for the return journey. $650 all up at the moment but one airline has a direct flight, I think it's Jetstar. I'll have a look at that but it's too early to book because not enough people have committed to it have they?
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The Rydges does look nice Gert. I've had a quick peek. The Hilton has some not so good feedback on it.
Judy I think it is too early to book, unless you are happy to just have Gert and I with you. Look out Cairns. ;D ;D ;D
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Yes I agree cookie but I need to see if I can afford to come! Just checked Jetstar (I've only ever used Qantas & Virgin in Australia) and their direct flight from Adelaide and back is just $390 in comparison. No luggage + a booking fee of course but I couldn't get any further to see what luggage costs or even what time the flights leave. It's all just a bit of an exercise at the moment but it makes Virgin's sale prices look rather exhorbitant.
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Sounds fair enough to me Judy.
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It's almost February already so time is going by quickly. I will try to confirm one way or the other as soon as possible, Gert. Once again, thanks so much for all the background work you are doing for all of us.
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Ral and I would love to come but unable to make a commitment because of selling house. Make plans that suit most and if we can come we will just try and fit in somehow.
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Yes I agree cookie but I need to see if I can afford to come! Just checked Jetstar (I've only ever used Qantas & Virgin in Australia) and their direct flight from Adelaide and back is just $390 in comparison. No luggage + a booking fee of course but I couldn't get any further to see what luggage costs or even what time the flights leave. It's all just a bit of an exercise at the moment but it makes Virgin's sale prices look rather exhorbitant.
Judy Jet Star has one direct flight a day and it leaves at 0740. On the 4 of August the cheapest fare is $185 one way. That includes 7 kilos of carry on which is plenty. Add $40 for 20 kilos of checked baggage. The return fare should be no more than $205 depending on the day. It is an easy 3 hour and 15 minute flight. It will take all day with other airlines with a stop in Sydney, Melbourne etc. I have used this flight several times. It is not often this flight is discounted as it is the only direct flight and is often full.
Gert
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Have you seen the rooms and facilities Gert? If you think it suits our needs then I completely trust your judgement as you've been to all FF's and know exactly what we want and need.
No I have not seen the rooms Judy but if chosen I will. I have had a meal there and many drinks on the deck.
Gert
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That flight would certainly suit me better Gert, the less time in the air and sitting around in airports the better as far as I'm concerned. Accommodation is best left to the person organising these events, you know better than us and wouldn't put us anywhere you wouldn't stay yourself. I say we go with your suggestion, we will be out for most of the day anyway.
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I don't think I can make it on those dates as DD and husband are going on holiday and I am looking after the kids and dogs 😢
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I've just had a quick look at the flights from here. I can come via Alice Springs, Sydney, Melbourne or even Darwin. Some I won't be looking at as they are all nighters and the flights via Darwin seem to be booked out already. If I can get it Alice Springs will be the most direct. They don't do many direct flights and I don't wish to do an all nighter as I will want to sleep at FF then.
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It is a tricky place to get to. Sorry to hear you cannot make it Norma, the next one maybe.
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But very lovely.
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Looks like all's underway, thanks to Gert and everything sounds great! Don't think that we will be able to make it this year as leaving for Italy a couple of weeks later. I know you will all have a great time.
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I'm just catching up here on posts. I will be away on a cruise Stockholm to Bergen mid July so unfortunately won't be able to make it this year. 😕
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We were in Stockholm last year, Kezza, it is a gorgeous city. We would sit next to the harbour and watch the cruise ships coming in (and there were lots of them!) Such a shame you will miss this year's FF.
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Kezza, see if you can spend some time in Bergen. We loved it. My fish cake recipe was inspired by what we had there.
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Kezza that will be lovely.
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I have been looking at the dates and the cost for the 3 of us and my initial thoughts of seeing my Uncle & doing the forumfest isn't as easy as I thought. The dates are tricky from both a work view point and also a family event. Plus both Adrian & I had committed to seperate weekends away before the dates were suggested. So very reluctantly I'm going to have to say to count us out. If I hadn't committed to my weekend away in July I would have suggested to Adrian to just me coming. :'(
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Very sad kmw but there will be others.
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Seems to me that this year's fest is a lost cause. We are all so busy these days and time is precious to all of us. As I predicted Cairns is not an easy destination and airfares are expensive in the high season.
How about we postpone until 2017 which will give us a good lead in time and we can gather some suggestions on destinations.
To this end I am closing this thread and opening a new one. http://www.forumthermomix.com/index.php?topic=16996.0;topicseen
Gert