Introduction
Brisbane to Sydney to Melbourne
Park Hyatt Melbourne & Melbourne to Canberra
Canberra to Melbourne to Brisbane
Conclusion
What a trip. What can I say. It has been months since I have had time to get some solid spotting in, let alone travel so this trip just made it all worth while.
A few things I do want to close out with and will cover it bit by bit. Some impressions and stuff.
Spotting:
In Sydney there aren’t many guides on where to go etc with half decent maps So below I have put up a quick grab of the 2 areas I went to. If your wanting to get to Shep’s Mound without a car you can do this by using the long term parking shuttle and walking but a car gives you flexibility if the weather goes to crap. Spotting on the Observation Deck is at its best in the afternoon with arrivals into 16L & 16R. The mound is best for the same in the mornings and ok for 34L arrivals, you would only get taxi shots for 34R. Morning is best for the heavies and late afternoon with domestic at all times really.
Park Hyatt Melbourne:
Probably my new favourite hotel in Melbourne. But a little out of my usual price range unless good industry rates are on offer. Definitely not as central as some of the other hotels in the same category (Sofitel, Westin, Intercontinental, Crown) but definitely a great location. It feels quieter up where it is, set back away from the hustle yet close enough it doesn’t worry. 2 minutes walk and your at Parliament train station on Spring St. Fantastic facilities (love the gym) and a Lounge with staff who were fantastic (my friend thought I was a regular as they were greeting me like I was there all the time but they were just that friendly.
Rental Car/Car Service:
Although the rental service at Sydney was a tad unorganised and badly sign posted at both terminals, I can’t fault Avis for the fantastic car they gave me and the one day rental was a good price. The car service with Royale was good and worth the lack of hassle in Melbourne for the late arrivals. But wouldn’t use it for daytime flights as Skybus runs more frequently and I don’t mind the time it takes during the day.
Virgin Australia:
Well what can I say. Great flights and service this time around on the Business sections. They have improved so much that I can’t see why people keep complaining. The crew is still a big factor but now that I know more info about what to expect I am happy. Yes the site needs some work to cover this but that’s out of the day to day stuffs control. The hard product is great, and the soft product has definitely improved in the 2 months since my last runs.
I am now Gold till September 2013 so that will make my life in the US so much easier. Delta lounge access here I come.
It wasn’t a cheap 2 day trip that’s for sure, but do I regret it no way in hell! I loved every minute and I am glad I did it, leaving the Japan trip for next time.