|
|
Post by ErrolC on Dec 12, 2012 21:05:18 GMT 12
Given the additional info kindly provided, SYD, Nowra, HARS,Canberra might be the go for 2013, and MEL for 2014
Sent via Proboards Android App
|
|
|
|
Post by Andy Wright on Dec 13, 2012 10:18:55 GMT 12
Is this 7 hour drive over barren featureless red desert? As that would be like going to hell for me. Seriously, Dave? LOL. No, the seven hour drive from Melbourne is not across any desert. You will pretty much drive through farmland the whole way. ...and you won't have to worry about Tasmanian Devils or Dingoes in Temora (no guarantees on the snakes and spiders but I'd have no hesitation camping there with our baby). Drop bears, however, are a major concern. |
|
|
|
Post by Dave Homewood on Dec 13, 2012 10:22:48 GMT 12
;D What the heck is a drop bear?
I forgot about the kangaroos too, if Sylvester cartoons have taught me anything, they're viscious buggers!
|
|
|
|
Post by Andy Wright on Dec 13, 2012 11:20:11 GMT 12
Probably the most dangerous animal in the country. Known to wait in trees overhanging rivers as they are quite partial to a meal of crocodile.
The kangaroos aren't vicious but the mice certainly are...
Edit - to be honest, while I love roos, I don't trust them at all.
|
|
|
|
Post by baz62 on Dec 13, 2012 11:52:37 GMT 12
I always get a kick out of the drive. it's a long way, sure, but once clear of the Blue Mountains on the outskirts of Sydney, you can focus on a brief stopover at Bathurst. Now thats weird man. Basically, you can drive in, right off the road and drive around the legendary Mount Panarama Circuit, past the pits, grandstands, all the race infrastructure, signage, road markings etc etc. Its a blast. I've done it several times. Also within a reasonable drive from Temora, but in a different direction is Parkes, home of the incredibly huge Radio telescope as featured in the movie The Dish, starring Sam Neill and based on that faciltities role in assisting NASA with the Moon landings. The Temora experience is one I would highly recommend to any heritage aviation enthusiast. What David Lowy has acheived at Temora, raises the bar in global terms, re how to set up and operate an active flying museum. It's quite special. I must have been maybe ten times now, although, these days, with the change to the smaller showcase weekends, I wait for the big Warbirds Downunder shows to justify the trip. There are very stringent, often self-imposed safety margins re display lines etc, but the public and crew safety, and preservation and conservation of the aircraft are paramount. Its an extremely polished operation, from start to finish. ALL the pilots are totally on-board with the Temora way, and usually step right out of their aircraft and immediately come across to the podium where Ando and the commentary crew talk through what they've just done. It's always pitched just right, with enough detail, flavour and information for the enthusiast but never forgetting Joe and Josie Public and their angle on the whole thing. After the flyings done, there is the ramp talk. All the planes are lined up in a semi circle, with their pilots alongside, and you just walk up and chat to them. Very cool. In a word, Superb. My advice, if you possibly can, Do it !!!!! Yes Teresa and I enjoyed the drive and the great sceneary. We didn't go on a flying day due to timing but did get to climb aboard the Hudson thanks to a friendly guide. If you can do it Dave it well worth a visit! |
|
|
|
Post by aeromedia on Dec 13, 2012 12:26:36 GMT 12
One other thing I'd like to highlight, is the beautifully equipped and impeccably presented camping ground which is huge and located right on the airport. Forumites could club together, hire a motor home and stay on the field. Toilet facilities, kitchen etc all first class. Relax with a cold one in a lazy chair in the sun at your own on-site accommodation after the show. I went for a wander after the last show. Sensational barby smells, and manicured setting.
Brilliant.
|
|
|
|
Post by Dave Homewood on Dec 13, 2012 12:43:15 GMT 12
That sounds like the way to do it Peter.
|
|
|
|
Post by Mustang51 on Dec 13, 2012 12:57:50 GMT 12
Folks, and just to add to the trip for anyone coming over from NZ from the Forum or anywhere else on the two islands, either after the show or the next morning there will be a guided tour of the display hangar, the maintenance hangar, restoration hangar and we may even get into the storage facility for a quick look. That has been confirmed. Dave....... sounding like a Forum Meet to me !
|
|
|
|
Post by delticman on Dec 13, 2012 12:59:23 GMT 12
Cootamundra is an excellent place to stay and only 55k's from Temora. You can also get there (Cootamundra) by train. Best way to drive is via the Hume from Sydney. Turn off at Yass and go to Temora via Harden.
|
|
|
|
Post by Dave Homewood on Dec 13, 2012 13:07:39 GMT 12
Forum Meet? More like a Forum Convoy! haha
|
|
|
|
Post by Mustang51 on Dec 13, 2012 13:11:33 GMT 12
That guided tour is NOT for the general public, it is exclusively for Kiwis either on this Forum or who are coming over. Cost - nothing. But if you feel disposed to leaving a small donation of some chilled Marlborough Savignon Blanc and a tray or two of Bluff oysters it won't go astray !
|
|
|
|
Post by Andy Wright on Dec 13, 2012 13:20:35 GMT 12
Sigh, never have wanted to change my citizenship before but...
|
|
|
|
Post by mcmaster on Dec 13, 2012 14:14:19 GMT 12
Been wanting to visit temora for a while, sounds like that 2013 show might be the one to plan for. Is the two hours from canberra assuming averaging 110kph or realistic?
|
|
|
|
Post by JDK on Dec 13, 2012 14:33:30 GMT 12
Everywhere seems pretty remote in Australia when you look at the map. Re accommodation I was going to suggest just tenting it, then I remembered you have snakes, spiders, scorpions, dingoes, Tasmanian Devils and goodness knows what esle there! It was bad enough at Omaka when a bloody Aussie possum tried to get into my tent! Is this 7 hour drive over barren featureless red desert? As that would be like going to hell for me. Shesh, Dave, get a grip! Australia's a big country, and it's not New Zealand. I live on a farm; there's snakes, roos and lots of other stuff. The most scary thing I've seen in the last year was the driving in Nelson. (Three accidents in one day...) Temora isn't the outback; it's in rural NSW. It's like a hotter, flatter version of the Marlborough region. Maybe the forum could charter an airliner and fly direct from Auckland to Temora, via Sydney? What's the biggest airliner they can get in there. No! What are you thinking? You aren't going to beat the price of an airline ticket and car hire; the latter especially if you share. Provided the weather plays, the Temora Warbirds show will be well worth a look, and you'll see stuff you won't see outside Australia, well demonstrated. (And thanks to Mustang51, a pretty special extra from someone who knows the extras!) It's worth it, you chose, but stop looking for holes! Regards, |
|
|
|
Post by JDK on Dec 13, 2012 14:47:16 GMT 12
Been wanting to visit temora for a while, sounds like that 2013 show might be the one to plan for. Is the two hours from canberra assuming averaging 110kph or realistic? I don't speed. I've just had a look, and the Mac Maps is suggesting 222km, 2 hr 50 min. I think the last time I did it it was about 2.5 hrs, but easy driving, as long as you take navigational care getting out of Canberra's loops. I'd recommend it. I've been thinking and every man and his dog,plus the neighbours dog is going to try for accommodation in Wagga and Temora driving rates up. So I think maybe Junee (30 minutes) or West Wyalong (45 minutes) would be a good option. Mt own pitch would be to fly into and out of Melbourne. Then hire minivans. Some of us have cost concerns. It's only a seven hour drive and you can break it up if need be by visiting other aviation attractions etc. However the Melbourne Cup is Tuesday 5th November so maybe fly in Melbourne Fly out Sydney. Ok regarding airfares as an example Virgin Australia are offering fares for a per person flight ChCh - Melbourne Wed 30/10/2013 from NZ$201.00. Canberra - ChCh Thurs 7th November 2013 from NZ$526.85 plus surcharges. All good, except the accommodation bit. Junee is VERY small and the accommodation fills pretty quickly on ordinary show days, let alone the biggie, as does Temora itself and (I suspect) W Wyalong. If you book soon, you may get something there; but definitely not close to the time. Wagga, however is the largest inland town in Aus (no great claim...) and has ample accommodation. I stayed there for the last show, and drove back and forth Sat and Sun, no great issue. Not aware of any price gouging in the area, beyond seasonal rates. I'd suspect the Temora airfield camp ground will book up quickly too. If people can group up and keep the luggage compact, remember you can get 4 - 5 in a car at a car hire rate. Just a thought. As to entering through Melbourne, it may be possible if we can get enough takers to have a guided tour of the RAAF Museum at Point Cook, an hour from Melbourne. Can't offer secret squirrel stuff, and not sure how dates could work, but if we can get a group together there on the Thursday or Tuesday (Monday the museum's closed) we can see one of the interactive flying displays and be shown around by a most amusing guide ~hem~ ... Details: www.airforce.gov.au/raafmuseum/exhibitions/inter_display.htmLove to return the Kiwi hospitality from September, so let's see what we can make work! Regards, |
|
|
|
Post by Andy Wright on Dec 13, 2012 15:02:36 GMT 12
Being at the intersection of three highways, West Wyalong has 9-10 motels (just counted them off in my head) as well as two caravan parks. I recommend the Colonial Motel ahead of the rest (damn fine food ... going there tomorrow night for my umpteenth rump steak in a row) but don't expect too much. They are all just country motels of about three stars. As long as there's not a shutdown on at work, there should be plenty of rooms available (get in early and you'll get in ahead of the contractors). It is certainly a viable option.
James is right about Junee. She will fill up pretty quickly (if you're interested, Junee has the largest railway roundhouse in the southern hemisphere).
As long as you don't stop at the Macca's at Yass, you'll have an easy under three hour trip from Canberra. Did it this weekend just gone. Stop at Macca's and there'll be at least half an hour of your life you'll never get back!
|
|
|
|
Post by aeromedia on Dec 13, 2012 17:17:02 GMT 12
Into Sydney, pick up a rental car or van, ( they're pretty cheap really) drive down to Canberra, visit the AWM, ( you'll be blown away by the aviation displays and multi media) stay Canberra the night, get up early and depart at 6.30 and even with Maccas at Yass, you'll still arrive in Temora in good time.
|
|
|
|
Post by Dave Homewood on Dec 13, 2012 17:35:15 GMT 12
Do planes still fly from Hamilton to Australia?
|
|
|
|
Post by Luther Moore on Dec 13, 2012 17:41:54 GMT 12
Is this 7 hour drive over barren featureless red desert? As that would be like going to hell for me. Seriously, Dave? LOL. No, the seven hour drive from Melbourne is not across any desert. You will pretty much drive through farmland the whole way. ...and you won't have to worry about Tasmanian Devils or Dingoes in Temora (no guarantees on the snakes and spiders but I'd have no hesitation camping there with our baby). Drop bears, however, are a major concern. I'd be worried about Dingo's around your baby mate. |
|
|
|
Post by Andy Wright on Dec 13, 2012 17:46:18 GMT 12
Considering what she does to our dogs, I'd be more inclined to be worried about the dingo!
|
|
