914 replies to this topic

[finGrabber]

Add me to the "I'm going no matter what" list

I'll figure out how to get by with 2 weeks of VC left after this trip

Ahhhh....didn't you say something similar about Holbox????.....do not build up my hopes...then let me down again

Well, work got in the way of Holbox...in fact, I've been scheduled to have VC this coming week for months and may not be able to take it either

so, maybe I shouldn't say I'm going no matter what anymore!

[Jellyfishluv]

HI,

Just joined the board... and this will be my first post. I have been wanting to dive Australia for years but a trip in December has never fit into my schedule. I can't complain, I spent a week in Dec 2005 diving in the Red Sea, out of Sharm before I returned from a 6 month stay in London where I was working at a Direct Marketing Firm.

[annasea]

HI,

Just joined the board... and this will be my first post. I have been wanting to dive Australia for years but a trip in December has never fit into my schedule. I can't complain, I spent a week in Dec 2005 diving in the Red Sea, out of Sharm before I returned from a 6 month stay in London where I was working at a Direct Marketing Firm.

Greetings Jellyfishluv,

to SD!

[blacklatexozdiver]

I can't get out of work to go... my holidays start on December 14...

Where is Townsend? Do you mean Townsville?

[Travelnsj]

I can't get out of work to go... my holidays start on December 14...

Where is Townsend? Do you mean Townsville?

Townsend?....The Yanks version on Townsville?...LOL....so Wes I know this is the Queensland area...but do you think you can do this trip?...We need ya to drive from Cairns to Townsville!

[blacklatexozdiver]

Trav - unless I can get off before the 14th I won't be able to. School years here have fixed dates unfortunately.

[WreckWench]

Count me in as a definite for the liviaboard and the land part. Great timing, I should be just getting back from the dessert.

That would be an awesome present to us all! I hope you are doing well my dear!

[WreckWench]

I can't get out of work to go... my holidays start on December 14...

Where is Townsend? Do you mean Townsville?

Dang it on the vacation...I should have checked with you better before booking this. Will you have any time before or after the trip that we could see you????

[nurseshark]

Add me to the interested list too.

I need to check about time off but it shouldnt be a problem so far in advance. I too would be interested in both land and diving packages.

Karen

update: I am in on this trip...will need to look at travel times, I will bew using FF miles on American Airlines.(they use quantas)
I will probably need to come and go on weekend days. If anyone is interesed in exploring pre and or post the dive trip together and possibly sharing hotel costs let me know and we could plan a fun side trip! PM me if anyone is interested in this idea.

Karen

Edited by nurseshark, 23 July 2006 - 11:23 PM.

[Piz]

I can't get out of work to go... my holidays start on December 14...

Where is Townsend? Do you mean Townsville?

Townsend?....The Yanks version on Townsville?...LOL....so Wes I know this is the Queensland area...but do you think you can do this trip?...We need ya to drive from Cairns to Townsville!

No worries Wes, Uni finishes in November so I will be happy to be chaufer from Townsville to Cairns. Its a good run and I haven't done it in a while.

Count me in We have to have at least one Aussie SD member there otherwise you may think we are fictional.

WW I will organise my own flights over and met you there. I assume you are flying into Cairns and if so I will be getting there earlier than you as I have a mate who lives there an i will catch up with him before you all arrive. This being the case if you need things preped or organised before you get there let me know. Just let me know what the deposit and the full amount is for the liveaboard.

Long time to wait but it will be worth it.

[Scubatooth]

interesting looking trip and im looking up airfare right now using the same dates this year and its about 1600, and i was looking on AA site to find out how many miles it would be for a FF ticket, i think its 75K but im not sure could someone double check that figure for me?

Tooth

[ScubaTex]

Would like to join y'all on this trip, but would like to extend it by more than 3 days, maybe a week or two, for additional diving. Maybe some of the Aussie SDers can help me with some additional dives along the GBR/Queensland area.

Then again, I may have to stay home to attend to my daughter. When I offered her this trip as a graduation present, she turned it down. She said something about paying off her college loans, and establishing a career. What has gotten into the kids these days?

[Jellyfishluv]

Our Liveaboard dates will be Dec 4-11, 2007

...will be attending Uni in the Uk and it doesn't let out until Dec. 16th. Besides, it cost more to fly to Australia from England than it does from the US so the Aussie's r gonna have to wait for the Jellyfishluv invasion

Edited by Jellyfishluv, 31 August 2006 - 04:12 PM.

[Cynthia]

WOW! Did I join in time or what?!?!?! Sounds like a fabulous trip!! I've been on several Mike Ball trips and loved every one of them!
I've got 12-15 dives on the Yongala (can't remeber and am too lazy to go get my logbook!) and it is, truly the most magical dive site I've ever been to. It's one you never tire of...I'm not so sure that one day of diving on her is enough (well, maybe that's just me).
I'd probably join y'all for the live aboard and the Yongala, but probably pass on time spent in Cairns. I've been there several times and would, honestly, rather go on to Sydney or just stay in Townsville for more diving. (In Townsville I've stayed at the Holiday Inn (it's a nice one) and at the Jupiter's Casino and they're both good.
I'm like a lot of others, too. I have a zillion AAdvantage miles (American) and they partner with Qantas so a freebie would be a really helpful thing. Yes, Scubatooth...on American it's 75,000 miles for coach.
This sounds just WONDERFUL!!!!!!!!
Cynthia

[Travelnsj]

Cynthia,

You could be a great source of info for us. Who did you use in your transport from Cairns to Townsville? Hotels to stay at in Townsville? The dive operator? and should we plan more than one day diving on the Yongala?

My suggestion is once we get off the Nimrod (for the optional excursion) we have Vans waiting to take us to Townsville. But I have only flown into Townsville on my way to the Whit Sundays....Thus I am not much help in dive ops and ground transportation to Townsville for Kamala....other than the recommendations people have given me.

In Cairns I also stayed at the Holiday Inn, Raddison and the Hilton but agree do not spend much time there...other than the Yama for Sushi and premium Sake

The Osprey reefs is a trip I am looking forward to....

Please PM Kamala and me with as much info as possible.