I'm being vague because I know bugger all about the place, all I know is the GP hits town in a few months, so couple that with a jolly..

Where to go - touristy stuff, how to get around, how expensive etc etc

Enroute to Australia, I've heard some excellent things about Emirates airline and they go via Dubai.

In the past I've gone via Kuala Lumpur, which was ace because on landing for USD20 you could buy your way into a proper airport lounge with showers, big comfy chairs, food, beer etc.

I've also flown with Japanese Airlines via Kansai. This was OK one way as there was an overnight stop at a hotel included in the price of the ticket. However, going the other way there was only a brief stopover, the plane was full and the seats aren't made for big people.

I have heard good things also about Singapore and Malaysian airlines. I've used both for various trips with S.E. Asia and never had any problems.

Australia truly is a beautiful/wonderful place.

I ran a project with Telstra in 1998/9 and was in Oz many times between Sydney & their newly commissioned NOC in Melbourne.

Took the opportunity to see friends I hadn't seen since they emigrated many years before who now live on the Gold Coast which is almost God's country (almost because God's country is Yorkshire). Went to Brisbane, Mackay, Newcastle, Cairns.

Sydney is one of the world's great cities. You've got all the famous sights, Blue Mountains nearby, really cookie districts like Paddington (a cross between Soho & Kensington) - great for cheap eating, Darling Harbour - great for seafood, circular quay - great place to watch the world go by and where to catch a ferry to one of the many beaches etc, etc.

I just love the place - don't forget Melbourne - very European with a fantastic riverside on the Yarra - opposite side to Flinders St. I remember a gas flame which is actually a clock!!

Pity the country is so far from here.

I always used to stop off in Singapore or Hong Kong on the way out & back. Sometimes Tokyo & used Cathay Pacific or Singapore airlines - both great!

Bangkok's a popular route stop so I'm told. Didn't like the place much myself - only kidding - a great stop off place but only went there a couple of times.

Sigh! Wish I was going - it's really wet & miserable here today and thinking of this has brought back many happy memories :( :smug::smug:

[Edited on 28-7-2005 by everton]

like the TV ad should say ....

"visit Earls Court, a true taste of Australia .... or failing that any 'Walkabout' bar in London."

I could drink Fosters, and give Reggie a call...

CSS Laguna is full now... well according to the website :(

call Andy, see what he says .. worth a call mate ....

You mean I have to speak to people?, I'm an IT geek in a dark room with servers whirring around me and a 20 watt bulb as company

Do you get pizza shoved under the door?

....There's a door?

Yes, it's on the server cabinet ;)