Author Topic: The Aussie Thread (Read 330829 times)

Helly · « **Reply #40 on:** February 5, 2009, 08:14:06 pm »

Coming over for 3 weeks at the end of August, should be there about the same time as Col arrives. I'm definately going to do a drive to Brisbane and another to Melbourne, thinking of stopping for a night in Coff's Harbour on my way to Brisbane, not decided where I will split my trip to Melbourne yet. Any hints or tips greatly appreciated! First questions are:-

Any genius bargain car hire tips?

Do they take electron cards in plenty of places?

Is the weather going to be shite?

TomG · « **Reply #41 on:** February 5, 2009, 09:54:19 pm »

Quote

Is the weather going to be shite?

In melbourne, probably yes.

Brisbane is usually always fairly warm.

Sydney in August is just starting to heat up again, but can still be pretty cold. (12-17 degrees sometimes.)

Coffs Harbour is a great little town, I used to live there for a while. Plus its a nice drive up from Sydney.

A good place to hire a car is called "No Birds" they only have Toyota Corolla's but its fairly cheap.

Helly · « **Reply #42 on:** February 5, 2009, 10:37:15 pm »

Quote from: TomG on February 5, 2009, 09:54:19 pm

In melbourne, probably yes.

Brisbane is usually always fairly warm.

Sydney in August is just starting to heat up again, but can still be pretty cold. (12-17 degrees sometimes.)

Coffs Harbour is a great little town, I used to live there for a while. Plus its a nice drive up from Sydney.

A good place to hire a car is called "No Birds" they only have Toyota Corolla's but its fairly cheap.

That No Birds place is pretty cheap, bit of a ballache it not being at the airport and having to get a bus to kings cross but looking at the price I think its going to be worth it. Have you hired from them yourself?

mickdundee · « **Reply #43 on:** February 5, 2009, 10:48:34 pm »

Quote from: Walshy7 on February 5, 2009, 11:28:02 am

New Zealand pisses all over Oz

I suppose that's why half of Kiwiland lives in Aus.

TomG · « **Reply #44 on:** February 5, 2009, 11:07:40 pm »

No I never have, I'm only 21 and have a shocking driving record so I cant hire a car for a while. I have friends and family who have hired from them though and they say its pretty good.

Plus if you play your cards right you might be able to pick up a transvestite hooker as well from out the front.

royhendo · « **Reply #45 on:** February 5, 2009, 11:47:34 pm »

We want to emigrate. This was me in 2000... wish we wuz there!

My wife was "workin as a waitress in a cock-tail baa-ar..." in Sydney at the time.

kaz1983 · « **Reply #46 on:** February 6, 2009, 12:57:44 am »

Ahh the red center ...

Walshy7 · « **Reply #47 on:** February 6, 2009, 12:59:27 am »

Quote from: mickdundee on February 5, 2009, 10:48:34 pm

I suppose that's why half of Kiwiland lives in Aus.

Just going from my experience, live and travelled in oz for a year, now emigrated to nz and really do prefer it, depends what you are after i suppose.

if you want unbearable mars like temps, killer spiders , sharks,crocodiles, pissed up brits in every bar you go to, Oz is the place.

If you want to bring your kids up in a more laid back, friendlier, safer, still good weather but not stupidly hot place, nz is for you.

No freebies here though, andsky sport nz is toilet

mickdundee · « **Reply #48 on:** February 6, 2009, 01:01:07 am »

Quote from: Walshy7 on February 6, 2009, 12:59:27 am

Just going from my experience, live and travelled in oz for a year, now emigrated to nz and really do prefer it, depends what you are after i suppose.

Can't really argue cos i haven't been to NZ, but it sure does look pretty. Just to cold.

Dread Breath · « **Reply #49 on:** February 6, 2009, 05:46:58 am »

Quote from: Walshy7 on February 6, 2009, 12:59:27 am

Just going from my experience, live and travelled in oz for a year, now emigrated to nz and really do prefer it, depends what you are after i suppose.

if you want unbearable mars like temps, killer spiders , sharks,crocodiles, pissed up brits in every bar you go to, Oz is the place.

If you want to bring your kids up in a more laid back, friendlier, safer, still good weather but not stupidly hot place, nz is for you.

No freebies here though, andsky sport nz is toilet

NZ is far more European in terms of temperature, but is a lot more laid back like you say. There are colder places in Aus, but you have to put up with hot temps whereever you are for at least 6 weeks of the year in Australia.

In other words I agree NZ is a great place to live - couldn't stand it from the sports angle though. I hate rugby, absolutely loath it - plus there is the fact as an Aussie I would get a stupidly huge amount of stick from the Kiwis for whatever reason.

capt k · « **Reply #50 on:** February 6, 2009, 05:54:48 am »

Quote from: Dread Breath on February 5, 2009, 02:36:05 pm

....it is insanely hot, even by Australian standards, out here at the moment. I'm going through 2 shirts a day just from sweat, and I'm indoors most of the time. Been 40 C plus in Wagga for much of the last 2 weeks, just got into Bathurst the other day, and though its slightly cooler in terms of temperature, the humidity is killing me.

im sydney based, but travel loads with work.. was in atherto lat week.. only 33 c but pissing down.. humidity was a killer.. was in Alice springs on monday-tuesday and the dryness of the heat there was unbearable.. im in Sydney now and its sposed to be 44C out our way.... going for a swim in aminute:D

Dread Breath · « **Reply #51 on:** February 6, 2009, 05:58:53 am »

Quote from: capt k on February 6, 2009, 05:54:48 am

im sydney based, but travel loads with work.. was in atherto lat week.. only 33 c but pissing down.. humidity was a killer.. was in Alice springs on monday-tuesday and the dryness of the heat there was unbearable.. im in Sydney now and its sposed to be 44C out our way.... going for a swim in aminute:D

In the ocean, I presume? Would be awesome to have a seabreeze where we are, but unfortunately the ocean wind doesn't carry 250 kms or so inland.

Cool change coming Sunday/Monday apparently. I actually much prefer the dry heat to the humid heat - can put up with 50 C temps and dry, but not 35 C temps and humid.

capt k · « **Reply #52 on:** February 6, 2009, 06:04:38 am »

Quote from: Dread Breath on February 6, 2009, 05:58:53 am

In the ocean, I presume? Would be awesome to have a seabreeze where we are, but unfortunately the ocean wind doesn't carry 250 kms or so inland.

Cool change coming Sunday/Monday apparently. I actually much prefer the dry heat to the humid heat - can put up with 50 C temps and dry, but not 35 C temps and humid.

nah m8 in me pool in the back yard...:

you wagga based??? i was there a few mths ago doing some work on the myers and big W.... got to tell ya.. even a parachute wouldnt open after 9 pm there.. place is dead...

Dread Breath · « **Reply #53 on:** February 6, 2009, 06:08:26 am »

Quote from: capt k on February 6, 2009, 06:04:38 am

nah old mucker in me pool in the back yard...:

you wagga based??? i was there a few mths ago doing some work on the myers and big W.... got to tell ya.. even a parachute wouldnt open after 9 pm there.. place is dead...

Spend most of my year in Bathurst, but most of the family is in Wagga, so head down there on hols for 6 weeks or so annually. Bathurst is actually a far better country town - by comparison Wagga is indeed a hole. to be honest I couldn't live anywhere else but the country - have lived at various times in Sydney and Melbourne, but its the country life for me.

Only thing Wagga has going for it is the mighty Murrumbidgee, best swimming river in the country if you ask me. At this time of year it is sensational to swim in - only thing better is the ocean itself.

mickdundee · « **Reply #54 on:** February 6, 2009, 06:13:32 am »

Lived with a Kiwi years ago when i was backpacking, everything was "Bro" "Cool Bananas" and "choice"+ he kept introducing me as his Irish mate, Slighty annoying. But fuck me do they love Rugby.

Lived with a Kiwi in Dublin, i woke up one morning and he was sat in his Kiwi top, boxers, scarf, hat and socks just to watch the highlights. I asked him was he missing home like? his missus jumped in yeah can't stand it here, New Zealand has got to be the best place on earth!! oh are you going back there to live? nah we will head to Melbourne??? is that North or South Island??

Helly · « **Reply #55 on:** February 6, 2009, 08:48:40 am »

Quote from: TomG on February 5, 2009, 11:07:40 pm

No I never have, I'm only 21 and have a shocking driving record so I cant hire a car for a while. I have friends and family who have hired from them though and they say its pretty good.

Plus if you play your cards right you might be able to pick up a transvestite hooker as well from out the front.

Thanks, bit scary that I have to then drive across Sydney for my first bit of driving but I'm brave and those prices do seem incredibly cheap!

BSBW · « **Reply #56 on:** February 6, 2009, 08:52:10 am »

Quote from: Helly on February 5, 2009, 08:14:06 pm

Coming over for 3 weeks at the end of August, should be there about the same time as Col arrives. I'm definately going to do a drive to Brisbane and another to Melbourne, thinking of stopping for a night in Coff's Harbour on my way to Brisbane, not decided where I will split my trip to Melbourne yet. Any hints or tips greatly appreciated! First questions are:-

Any genius bargain car hire tips?

Do they take electron cards in plenty of places?

Is the weather going to be shite?

make sure you give us a shout missus as soon as you know your itinery

Helly · « **Reply #57 on:** February 6, 2009, 09:01:44 am »

Quote from: BSBW on February 6, 2009, 08:52:10 am

make sure you give us a shout missus as soon as you know your itinery

PM sent

capt k · « **Reply #58 on:** February 6, 2009, 09:37:22 am »

Quote from: Helly on February 5, 2009, 08:14:06 pm

Coming over for 3 weeks at the end of August, should be there about the same time as Col arrives. I'm definately going to do a drive to Brisbane and another to Melbourne, thinking of stopping for a night in Coff's Harbour on my way to Brisbane, not decided where I will split my trip to Melbourne yet. Any hints or tips greatly appreciated! First questions are:-

Any genius bargain car hire tips?

Do they take electron cards in plenty of places?

Is the weather going to be shite?

Helly.. ALL car hire firms require a CREDIT card, not just eftpos/debit...
we hire cars regularly and we swap between, europcar, budget and red spot..
they will all quote you around $32-38 per day car hire.. the hidden extras are..insurance cover.. the basic package only covers you for damage AFTER $3000.. the reduced package costs an extra approx $35 per day and excess is reduced to approx $500..and the no excess normally costs about $55 per day extra...

we booked a car the other week wiht euro.. got to coolangatta airport to find they had a "managers special" no excess unlimited Ks.. on a 3 day booking saved us over $200.. so basically what im saying is shop around..

oh and another thing.. you have to pay an extra tax on ANYTING you get at the airport.. so if you make ya way into town somewhere and get to a local agent.. you save the tax..{normally 10% or there abouts)

Walshy7 · « **Reply #59 on:** February 6, 2009, 10:04:39 am »

Quote from: Dread Breath on February 6, 2009, 05:46:58 am

NZ is far more European in terms of temperature, but is a lot more laid back like you say. There are colder places in Aus, but you have to put up with hot temps whereever you are for at least 6 weeks of the year in Australia.

In other words I agree NZ is a great place to live - couldn't stand it from the sports angle though. I hate rugby, absolutely loath it - plus there is the fact as an Aussie I would get a stupidly huge amount of stick from the Kiwis for whatever reason.

28 degrees here at the moment in Tauranga, been that way since i got here and likely to be until around march, down to about 12 in winter so pretty happy with that, warmer than england but not killer heat.

Anyway, love Aus as well, only messing, will be over next year for hols at Xmas, its like my new Tenerife now!! just over the ditch.

Helly · « **Reply #60 on:** February 6, 2009, 10:14:22 am »

Quote from: capt k on February 6, 2009, 09:37:22 am

Helly.. ALL car hire firms require a CREDIT card, not just eftpos/debit...
we hire cars regularly and we swap between, europcar, budget and red spot..
they will all quote you around $32-38 per day car hire.. the hidden extras are..insurance cover.. the basic package only covers you for damage AFTER $3000.. the reduced package costs an extra approx $35 per day and excess is reduced to approx $500..and the no excess normally costs about $55 per day extra...

we booked a car the other week wiht euro.. got to coolangatta airport to find they had a "managers special" no excess unlimited Ks.. on a 3 day booking saved us over $200.. so basically what im saying is shop around..

oh and another thing.. you have to pay an extra tax on ANYTING you get at the airport.. so if you make ya way into town somewhere and get to a local agent.. you save the tax..{normally 10% or there abouts)

That definitely makes this no birds company very appealing then, 3 weeks, $800, toyota corolla hatchback (are the boots decent, same as the UK model?) that includes excess of just $300, a sat nav and unlimited mileage over the whole area I intend to do my driving. Only snag is like you said having to travel in to the city but according to google maps its only a 13 minute drive. I'm going to get a prepaid credit card so that will be fine.

royhendo · « **Reply #61 on:** February 6, 2009, 01:40:54 pm »

Quote from: BMW on February 6, 2009, 12:57:44 am

Ahh the red center ...

It was magic Kaz although I'm red/green colour blind, which kind of renders Uluru and the Grand Canyon sunset a bit of an out-of-body experience when there are hundreds of people going "oooooh.... aaaaah.... look at the red... and the brown... and the green... and the oranges... it's amazing!" and you're stood there thinking "aye aye, it's just a load of shades of brown isn't it?"

Rusty · « **Reply #62 on:** February 6, 2009, 02:04:38 pm »

Quote from: royhendo on February 6, 2009, 01:40:54 pm

It was magic Kaz although I'm red/green colour blind, which kind of renders Uluru and the Grand Canyon sunset a bit of an out-of-body experience when there are hundreds of people going "oooooh.... aaaaah.... look at the red... and the brown... and the green... and the oranges... it's amazing!" and you're stood there thinking "aye aye, it's just a load of shades of brown isn't it?"

sorry shouldn't really, but

Rusty · « **Reply #63 on:** February 6, 2009, 02:06:56 pm »

Quote from: TomG on February 5, 2009, 01:38:50 am

Are you a Vic Rusty?

You're just jealous that you dont live in the best state in the country

Originally Pom but I would definitely count myself as a Vic, what can I say we have the best sport, best nightlife, best culture, best people... as for beaches I'd probably give that to WA or Queensland.

Oh yeah no crocs up here either!

nicholasanthony · « **Reply #64 on:** February 6, 2009, 05:00:38 pm »

Quote from: Rusty on February 6, 2009, 02:06:56 pm

Originally Pom but I would definitely count myself as a Vic, what can I say we have the best sport, best nightlife, best culture, best people... as for beaches I'd probably give that to WA or Queensland.

Oh yeah no crocs up here either!

You speak the truth. NSW doesn't even come in second for best state. Queensland is beautiful with stunning beaches. I think we can all agree though that South Australia is a hole?

royhendo · « **Reply #65 on:** February 6, 2009, 05:29:40 pm »

Quote from: Rusty on February 6, 2009, 02:04:38 pm

sorry shouldn't really, but

I can see better in the dark... handy in the outback when I had to go for a piss in the night I tells ya

DK · « **Reply #66 on:** February 6, 2009, 11:06:31 pm »

Quote from: Rusty on February 6, 2009, 02:06:56 pm

Originally Pom but I would definitely count myself as a Vic, what can I say we have the best sport, best nightlife, best culture, best people... as for beaches I'd probably give that to WA or Queensland.

Oh yeah no crocs up here either!

You know it makes sense

Branno · « **Reply #67 on:** February 7, 2009, 03:48:30 am »

What a c*nt of a day...its now 47C (116.6F) with strong winds

Thank god I have air con and alcohol

DK · « **Reply #68 on:** February 7, 2009, 01:17:48 pm »

The car temp said 48 today and the northerly blowing would be hot enough to bake a cake.

To top it off, we can now smell smoke

I think we're safe, hopefully it is just carrying on the wind. No sign of anything as yet.

Helly · « **Reply #69 on:** February 7, 2009, 01:34:02 pm »

Quote from: DK on February 7, 2009, 01:17:48 pm

The car temp said 48 today and the northerly blowing would be hot enough to bake a cake.

To top it off, we can now smell smoke I think we're safe, hopefully it is just carrying on the wind. No sign of anything as yet.

Hope the fires dont effect you, 48 degrees, im almost feeling sorry for you, but then again I can always step outside and remember why I dont

DK · « **Reply #70 on:** February 7, 2009, 02:14:34 pm »

Quote from: Helly on February 7, 2009, 01:34:02 pm

Hope the fires dont effect you, 48 degrees, im almost feeling sorry for you, but then again I can always step outside and remember why I dont

Thanks for the sympathy now go slip on an icy footpath

Dread Breath · « **Reply #71 on:** February 7, 2009, 02:41:21 pm »

Quote from: DK on February 7, 2009, 01:17:48 pm

The car temp said 48 today and the northerly blowing would be hot enough to bake a cake.

To top it off, we can now smell smoke I think we're safe, hopefully it is just carrying on the wind. No sign of anything as yet.

This weather has been fucked - probably the worst I've experienced over an extended period of time. I despise humidity, but lump it in with 40 C plus temps (in the shade) and you have a recipe for uncomfortable which is on the wrong side of shithouse.

Dread Breath · « **Reply #72 on:** February 7, 2009, 02:43:50 pm »

14 dead in Vic., as I've just read - that's confirmed. 40 dead possible from bushfires that only happen in this type of exceptional heat.

Branno · « **Reply #73 on:** February 7, 2009, 03:07:11 pm »

Hope they string the bastards up who started these fires !

Dread Breath · « **Reply #74 on:** February 7, 2009, 04:09:33 pm »

Quote from: Branno on February 7, 2009, 03:07:11 pm

Hope they string the bastards up who started these fires !

Deliberately lit fires in this weather is akin to mass murder, though have to say that fires start up in this heat from any type of slant, human caused or not.