 Questions for the Aussie's
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I'm going to be doing some work, in June, up near Dalby, QLD. My plan is to fly into Sydney on a Saturday night and play tourist on Sunday. Monday, pick up a car rental and start to head up to Brizzie. I have to be there sometime on Tuesday, preferably early afternoon. I'm told Dalby is 2-3 hours drive from Brizzie.
At the end of the job, we'll just make a one-day marathon drive back down to a hotel near the Sydney airport. Our flight leaves at 10 AM the next day.
So, I'm looking both for suggestions as to where to stay for the night on Monday (I want to drive 8-9 hours before stopping for the night), as well as any suggestions as to what to see, on my time off, while in Dalby.
I know the Gold Coast will be nearby. If there's any good vineyards, that would be of interest as well, as the wife has enjoyed the vineyards in SA and WA.
I'm also open to suggestions as where to stay while in Sydney. I was thinking of the Marriott in Circular Quay, but at almost $300/night, that's kind of pricey. I'd like someplace that we can easily get around and see the main sites, like the Opera House. My wife is not one for walking long distances.
Thanks in advance.
Steve
Blue/White 2007 TBA, Thruxton needles, Unifilter, AI removed, Polaris Bellmouth, Bubs, Nology Coils/wires, Lightbar, Ricor Intiminators, Hagon Nitros, Tall Sissy Bar w/luggage rack, Dart flyscreen & Lowers. 130 Mains, TrueGel Battery MG12-BS.
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 Re: Questions for the Aussie's
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Can't help you about what you're asking, but I may have a comment.
Remember that you will probably be severely jet-lagged (unless you are such individual immune to it!).
So, driving 8 or 9 hours without falling asleep behind the wheels in the first few days may be close to impossible.
Just from my own experiences with jet-lag.
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Re: Questions for the Aussie's
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I will be stopping in Bangkok for 2-3 days first before going to Sydney. We'll then spend 2 nights in Sydney before driving. We did something similar, a few years ago, when we drove Sydney to Adelaide in South Australia. I'm mostly looking for a suggestion as to where to consider stopping between Sydney and Brisbane.
Hopefully, someone will chime in with a suggestion...
Blue/White 2007 TBA, Thruxton needles, Unifilter, AI removed, Polaris Bellmouth, Bubs, Nology Coils/wires, Lightbar, Ricor Intiminators, Hagon Nitros, Tall Sissy Bar w/luggage rack, Dart flyscreen & Lowers. 130 Mains, TrueGel Battery MG12-BS.
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Re: Questions for the Aussie's
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The Pacific highway from Sydney to Brisbane has the ocean,beaches etc and some nice towns.There's Vineyards in the Hunter valley.
Driving from Sydney to Brisbane.Maybe stop in a place called Coffs Harbour for the night.Port Macquarie is a nice town too.Drive on to Dalby the next day,then Drive back to Brisbane after the job,and fly back to Sydney for your departure flight ?
Just something to think about.It's a lot of driving in a short time.If you could get here a day early or leave Sydney after one night instead of two, and spend time coming up the Pacific it'd be worth it IMO
Sorry I can't help with accomodation recommedations for Sydney,don't know the place well.
Dinosaur.
"Oh Man I only ride 'em.I don't know what makes 'em work". Donald "Oddball" Sutherland
"Don't let the bastards get you down". Kris Kristofferson
"I am only paranoid because everyone is against me". Larry [Frank Burns] Linville
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Re: Questions for the Aussie's
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Quote:
The Pacific highway from Sydney to Brisbane has the ocean,beaches etc and some nice towns.There's Vineyards in the Hunter valley.
Driving from Sydney to Brisbane.Maybe stop in a place called Coffs Harbour for the night.Port Macquarie is a nice town too.Drive on to Dalby the next day,then Drive back to Brisbane after the job,and fly back to Sydney for your departure flight ?
Just something to think about.It's a lot of driving in a short time.If you could get here a day early or leave Sydney after one night instead of two, and spend time coming up the Pacific it'd be worth it IMO
Sorry I can't help with accomodation recommedations for Sydney,don't know the place well.
Thanks for the suggestions Paul. I'll look into Coffs Harbour. Ideally, I want to drive a good 8-9 hours on the first day, so I have to relax in Dalby and prepare for work the following day.
I was originally planning on flying straight into Brisbane. But the customer's schedule shifted and gave me a few days extra to work with, since I have to be in Singapore by the end of June. The airfare difference between Sydnay and Brisbane was US$800 total for the 2 of us. Plus, we have to fly through Sydney to get to Brisbane. I have to travel with a lot of stuff, so I don't relish dealing with the domestic "baggage weight nazis"!! I have to rent a car anyway and I know my wife will enjoy seeing a little more of Australia. Now, if we had to get to Darwin, we'd have to fly. But Sydney to Brisbane is do-able. I've driven between Bangkok and Hat Yai, Thailand several times over the years (~1,000 km), sometimes in one day.
I did give her the option of just spending the one night in Sydney, but she wants to play tourist for the day. She seems to have lost her pics from our last visit to the Opera House.
We'll be in Dalby for 2 weeks before the drive back, so I'll have to recover. The drive from Dalby back to Sydney will have to be done in one day though.
I'm going to be looking at hotel options further out of downtown and take the train (or subway as we call it in the Colonies) into town. Might even just stay near the airport. That may speed up things with the car rental pick-up on Monday morning.
Thanks again Paul !
Steve
Blue/White 2007 TBA, Thruxton needles, Unifilter, AI removed, Polaris Bellmouth, Bubs, Nology Coils/wires, Lightbar, Ricor Intiminators, Hagon Nitros, Tall Sissy Bar w/luggage rack, Dart flyscreen & Lowers. 130 Mains, TrueGel Battery MG12-BS.
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Re: Questions for the Aussie's
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No problem.PM me if I can help.
Dinosaur.
"Oh Man I only ride 'em.I don't know what makes 'em work". Donald "Oddball" Sutherland
"Don't let the bastards get you down". Kris Kristofferson
"I am only paranoid because everyone is against me". Larry [Frank Burns] Linville
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Re: Questions for the Aussie's
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Hey Steve, Glad to see you are coming back to God's country. I have stayed at the Marriott and it is very good, pretty flash and well located for the touristy thingo. I have also stayed here and they had a great Irish pub,  http://www.gracehotel.com.au/and it appears to be a little more reasonable on the cost front. It is a short walk to Sydney Cove (Opera House, Bridge, The Rocks etc) also to Darling Harbour, for harbour cruises, and the city centre, (Town Hall and shopping precinct.) Paul's tips for Coffs is on the money for your timetable. Hope you enjoy your stay.  PS. The spelling is correct for Dwight's Info 
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Re: Questions for the Aussie's
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Thanks Bill, I'll look into the Grace Hotel. It truly is God's country, but so damn expensive. We're staying at a 90 sq m apartment, in the middle of downtown Bangkok (off Sukhumvit Road), for less than US$90 night !!! I thought the introduction of the VAT, about 13 years ago, was supposed to"unchain your hearts" and set you free (I remember those Joe Cocker ads on the telly) ? Looking at the map, the distances and what I need to do when we get to Dalby, I'm going to drive through Coffs Harbour and push on to Casino for the night. If we stop in Coffs, then it's another 7-8 hour drive to Dalby. I need to be in Dalby by early afternoon. Casino to Dalby is about 4 hours drive. I'm still looking for suggestions as what to do on my days off in & around the Dalby area. Are the amusement parks in the Gold Coast area worth checking out ? Are there any good wineries (or wine regions) in the nearby area ? Most importantly, is there a Triumph dealer to go visit ?  Cheers! Steve
Blue/White 2007 TBA, Thruxton needles, Unifilter, AI removed, Polaris Bellmouth, Bubs, Nology Coils/wires, Lightbar, Ricor Intiminators, Hagon Nitros, Tall Sissy Bar w/luggage rack, Dart flyscreen & Lowers. 130 Mains, TrueGel Battery MG12-BS.
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Re: Questions for the Aussie's
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HI Steve,About 3hrs drive from Dalby is the Stanthorpe wine region.with lots of winerys.It will be cold,June is winter for us. Dalby I don't know much about these days.It was a one horse town when I was last there but its a growing place by all accounts.I haven't been there for many years. From Dalby you have a city called Toowoomba.Pretty place and worth a look around.Then Warwick where I am, about 2-2.30 hrs from dalby. If your here before June 14th,PM me for my phone Number if you want and we can perhaps meet up.I'm going to Sweden first then Thailand on the 14th and not returning until July 26th. Google maps will show you from Dalby to Stanthorpe with,Oakey,Toowoomba,Warwick on the way. The nearest Triumph dealer is "Boyd Yung" in Toowoomba.They are also Honda etc which is the bigger part of the business I believe,I haven't been there either yet[great tourist guide eh?] but I've phoned them a couple of times and they seem great. As for the prices "Unchain my heart"etc ? "we're from the gov't.We're here to help you!" 
Dinosaur.
"Oh Man I only ride 'em.I don't know what makes 'em work". Donald "Oddball" Sutherland
"Don't let the bastards get you down". Kris Kristofferson
"I am only paranoid because everyone is against me". Larry [Frank Burns] Linville
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Re: Questions for the Aussie's
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Thanks Paul,
Yep, it seems I always go down under in your winter (my summer).
We'll look into Stanthorpe, the wife always enjoys the wineries and the free samples.
We'll get to Dalby on June 11, I start work on June 12 and will be busy prepping for another job in Singapore in July. So I don't think I'll be able to meet up.
Already noticed Toowoomba, will have to pay Boyd Yung a visit. I've also got to find a local H-D dealer to get a t-shirt for my younger brother and his wife.
I don't know what it is about Dalby, but the rooms fill up quick. I was advised to book the room about 6 weeks ago !
We'll be back in Bangkok for 3 days, at the end of June, before we drop down to Singapore. If you've never been to Thailand before, let me know. I can give some useful advice. We're building a small house over there.
Looks like we'll stay at a hotel near the airport and take the train into Sydney. I just can't see paying US$300+/night for a room.
Steve
Blue/White 2007 TBA, Thruxton needles, Unifilter, AI removed, Polaris Bellmouth, Bubs, Nology Coils/wires, Lightbar, Ricor Intiminators, Hagon Nitros, Tall Sissy Bar w/luggage rack, Dart flyscreen & Lowers. 130 Mains, TrueGel Battery MG12-BS.
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Re: Questions for the Aussie's
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Steve Hi. It looks like the timings wrong to meet up.Mai pen rai. I don't get to Thailand until 3rd July.I've been all over and I love going there but thanks for the offer.Where are you building? I Rode a 600 VLX around Thailand for 6 years on and off, since sold it.I looked at Triumph but at 720,000 baht for an America last time I looked NO WAY.That's about $10,000 or 60% + or - more than here! Dalby seems to be something of a Boom town just now.Oil and gas of course there's the farming there too.sort of a gateway to the out back. "Boyd Yung" in Toowoomba is also the local HD dealer so they should have some shirts."Morgan and Wacker" [great name for a HD dealer ]are the Bris.dealers they have HD shirts.
Dinosaur.
"Oh Man I only ride 'em.I don't know what makes 'em work". Donald "Oddball" Sutherland
"Don't let the bastards get you down". Kris Kristofferson
"I am only paranoid because everyone is against me". Larry [Frank Burns] Linville
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Re: Questions for the Aussie's
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Paul, We're building a small place in Nakhom Pathom, about 45 minutes west of Bangkok. This is a pic of the overall house, taken last August. Needless to say there's been some progress since then. it gives you an idea of what it looks like.  And a more recent pic. A lot of the interior finish work is being done right now.  I've driven by the Triumph factory many times, even ran across a recruitment drive for their factory expansion about 5.5 years ago. We even spotted some on display in a mall in Bangkok last summer. But I truly doubt I'll ever ride over there. I don't trust the drivers, some of the roads are pretty bad and I like my a/c (I ride with full gear and a lid, no t-shirt & flip-flops for me). Yes, they do charge a premium tax on the larger engine bikes in Thailand. The government seems devoted to keeping people on the little 125-250 cc "motorcycles". The Holiday Inn that Bill suggested is quoting AUS$300/night. At that price, I might as well just stay at the Marriott. I'm going to keep looking. Next up, try the AAA hotel booking website.
Blue/White 2007 TBA, Thruxton needles, Unifilter, AI removed, Polaris Bellmouth, Bubs, Nology Coils/wires, Lightbar, Ricor Intiminators, Hagon Nitros, Tall Sissy Bar w/luggage rack, Dart flyscreen & Lowers. 130 Mains, TrueGel Battery MG12-BS.
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Re: Questions for the Aussie's
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I know Nakon Phanom in the North East on the Mekong,but not
Nakhom Pathom.
I doubt I'll ride there again.I hit the dirt 4 times in 6 years.Two broken ribs was the worst damage.It's bad enough in a car,but there's no respect whatsoever for two wheels,as you'd know.
No road rules followed, no licence necessary,just have 200bht handy in case of traffic stops.The only time I felt a "little"relaxed was riding in a group.I used to say a mantra and repeat it a number of times everytime I got in the saddle,
"These people will kill you if you give them half a chance"
I heard the road toll was about 30,000 DEATHS a year!
P.S.It's going to be a nice little mansion.
Dinosaur.
"Oh Man I only ride 'em.I don't know what makes 'em work". Donald "Oddball" Sutherland
"Don't let the bastards get you down". Kris Kristofferson
"I am only paranoid because everyone is against me". Larry [Frank Burns] Linville
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Re: Questions for the Aussie's
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You will need to study the below to understand us when we speak with ya... Quote:
Aussie Slang Dictionary
Bloody oath! - I certainly agree
Cark it - to sleep or expire
Cranky - in a bad mood
Crook - to be unwell or not right
Banana Bender - a person from QLD
Dag - to be dressed poorly
Dero - to be uncouth
Duffer - idiot
Dunny - toilet
Durry - cigarette (often rolled)
Esky - portable ice box
Fair go - be fair now
Galah - idiot or fool
Gobsmacked - lost for words
Going off - it is going well
Heaps - a large amount
Franger - condom
Hoon - a person who drives fast
Longneck - a 750ml beer bottle
Pash - a kiss with some tongue
Perve - to sexually admire visually
Piece of piss - quite simple
Pig’s arse - highly unlikely
Piker - leaves prior to the climax
Rock up - arrive at a destination
She’ll be right - all will be ok
Slab - a 24 pack of beer
Snag - a sausage
Spewin’ - oh my gosh
Squizz - a small look
Stella - very good
Stoked - to be quite happy with
Stubby - apr. a 350 ml beer
Sunnies - sunglasses
Whinge - to complain
Wuss - to act like a baby
Yobbo - rude male
''Are you having a big one?''
Or sometimes: ''are you going hard tonight?''. These are questions related to the length and stamina of your evening. It is asking if you will be out late. It may also be asking if you plan to do this in a fun and perhaps
drunken manner.
''Taxi!!!''
If someone drops a glass or falls over in a bar, locals yell taxi. This means that it’s probably time to go home, this is usually just a joke.
''Whose round is it?''
Or “the next one is on me!”. Australians tend to buy drinks as a group. This could be for efficiency or simply because some people don’t like to pay for their own drinks. So when someone asks “Whose round is it?”, this means: who is buying the next drinks for the group? If the next one is on you, then get your wallet out!
''Down the hatch!''
Simply means: ''drink up!''
''Line em up!''
Usually refers to drinking shots (30ml of spirits) as a group.
''Picking up''
Or: ''hooking up'', refers to finding love out on the town.
''Pissed''
Or: hammered, gone, poleaxed, messy, smashed, tanked, maggoted, out of it, trashed - all refer having too much to drink. Enjoy responsibly!
''I'm bailing''
Or: bolting, jetting, scooting, heading off, piss bolting, cruising, buggering off, piking - all refer to someone leaving at the end of the night, or during (piker!)
''What’s your poison?''
What kind of drink would you like?
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Re: Questions for the Aussie's
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Thanks Ross, but this will be my 8th or 9th (?) time down unda. I've been coming over since before you guys had your VAT and those Joe Cocker tv ads with people in chains.
Ha !! Your list doesn't include my favorite term, "chin wag", although I think that's more of a Tazzie phrase.
I even have a copy of that fine reading material, "Dinkum Dunnies".
I've just never been north of Sydney and QLD.
I do know it's easier for my wife, a Thai national, to get a visa to Oz than the USA ! This is her 3rd time going to Australia.
Steve
Blue/White 2007 TBA, Thruxton needles, Unifilter, AI removed, Polaris Bellmouth, Bubs, Nology Coils/wires, Lightbar, Ricor Intiminators, Hagon Nitros, Tall Sissy Bar w/luggage rack, Dart flyscreen & Lowers. 130 Mains, TrueGel Battery MG12-BS.
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Re: Questions for the Aussie's
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We use chin wag here in NSW.
You should stay.
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Re: Questions for the Aussie's
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And of course there are joke's. One of my favorites is- Why do Aussies drink out of saucers? Because the Kiwi's have all their CUPS! 
05 Speedmaster,Reverse Cone Shortys,Thunderbike AIR Kit,K&N Air Filter,Snorkel Removed,Dynojet Stage 1 Kit(126 main),Needle-Clip 1 From Bottom,42 Pilot,NGK Iridium Plugs,Progressive Springs,Hagon 2810's,Barnett Green Springs,TTP Safe-Start,MOSFET R/R
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Re: Questions for the Aussie's
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Quote:
And of course there are joke's. One of my favorites is-
Why do Aussies drink out of saucers?
Because the Kiwi's have all their CUPS!
Sheep they fears a NZer.
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Re: Questions for the Aussie's
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Quote:
Quote:
And of course there are joke's. One of my favorites is-
Why do Aussies drink out of saucers?
Because the Kiwi's have all their CUPS!
Sheep they fears a NZer.
 
05 Speedmaster,Reverse Cone Shortys,Thunderbike AIR Kit,K&N Air Filter,Snorkel Removed,Dynojet Stage 1 Kit(126 main),Needle-Clip 1 From Bottom,42 Pilot,NGK Iridium Plugs,Progressive Springs,Hagon 2810's,Barnett Green Springs,TTP Safe-Start,MOSFET R/R
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Re: Questions for the Aussie's
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Re: Questions for the Aussie's
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OK, we've made it to Dalby. I'm glad we pushed on to to Casino, instead of stopping off at Coffs. They are doing some serious road work between Toowoomba and Dalby and that really took it out of me. It's going to be a really long drive back to Sydney in about 2 weeks. I won't have the luxury of time and will have to do it in 1 day, ugh !!
Thanks for all the suggestions. We'll visit the Triumph/Harley-Dealer in Toowoomba next week.
Blue/White 2007 TBA, Thruxton needles, Unifilter, AI removed, Polaris Bellmouth, Bubs, Nology Coils/wires, Lightbar, Ricor Intiminators, Hagon Nitros, Tall Sissy Bar w/luggage rack, Dart flyscreen & Lowers. 130 Mains, TrueGel Battery MG12-BS.
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