Forum Fest 2013 :-)

[Mama Fergie]

Yes we are picking up a car at the airport on arrival then driving up to Port Douglas Sunday morning.
Haven't made any plans yet but if DH plays golf one day then I would be happy to drive back to Cairns for a catch up. Yungaburra is possibly a bit too far for me to drive on my own. Will discuss with DH where and when he wants to play golf.
Sounds like the climate is similar to Asia although may e a bit cooler in the night. I am assuming it is humid which I don't mind at all.
I am really excited as have always wanted to visit Cairns and Port Douglas 

[gertbysea]

I would expect DH would want to play at Port Douglas but if he wanted to play at the glorious Paradise Palms which is between Kawarra Beach and Clifton Beach that could be a good place to meet up. It is a lovely course with a great outlook from the bar and restaurant. You will pass it by on your way up to Port Douglas. It is on the left just north of the Kawarra roundabout.

There is no humidity at the moment and there won't be until about next November.

One thought would be if you wanted to call in to Paradise Palms on the way to Port Douglas  I could pop up for coffee but you may want to just get to Port to meet your friends. 

The drive up to Port Douglas is wonderful as the mountains actually do meet the sea and the road is almost fully along the sea. Be cautious as you approach Ellis Beach  not far north of Palm Cove as it is a notorious spot for flash for cash and the speed limit is just 60kph.

Sundays are crazy for motor bikes and someone is killed every month. Keep your eye out for Japanese men driving hire cars. Scary.

What hotel are you staying in Cairns?

Be sure to book a table at Salsa Restaurant in Port. Not to be missed . Be sure to go to the loo too. Quirky.  If you were in mind of a place to take your friends this would be the one but bookings essential. I think is is probably the best restaurant in the area. Low key, fun and great food presented well.

For a sunset drink The Tin Shed AKA the RSL club is great. Cheap  and cheerful but a decent wine list.

Do not order a whole Barramundi anywhere.  It is a small farmed freshwater fish and quite disgustingly tasteless. Wild caught Barramundi, Red Emperor are available at the moment as is Spanish Mackeral.

Plenty of cheap prawns right now and mud crabs at about $30 a kilo uncooked.

You are lucky you are not having to eat in Cairns. The food scene is hopeless.  There are only one or two places I would eat in Cairns. Wink II is one of them in the Mantra hotel on the Esplanade. Leon is the chef.  Avoid anyplace you see Japanese eating. RIP OFF?  You will find many places selling a $10 steak for $40.

Port Douglas has a few good eating  places but I am sure your friends will know all about that.

Enjoy.

Gert

[judydawn]

Great advice Gretchen, you know your area well.  It will be nice to meet up with MF before the Adelaide retreat.

Have a great time up there MF, we always did.

[Mama Fergie]

Wow thanks Gert 

What an amazing array of information for us.

Will certainly take your advice on the roads and will book the Salsa restaurant.
Thank you so much 

DH has just come in from work and is very happy to play golf at Paradise Palms as he played there before and loved it. I am happy to drive down with him and meet up with you for  a coffee, lunch or a glass of something  or all 3 while he is golfing
Is there any particular day that suits you best as we are flexible?

Our friends live here so they won't be with us. 
Look forward to meeting you soon 

Yes Judy it will be great meeting Gert before coming to Adelaide as most others will have all previously met.. And great seeing another part of this wonderful country. 

[obbie]

we did the golf course irrigation at paradise palms about 18 months ago.

if you go the back way to Yungaburra past jullattin, its quicker, about 1 1/2 hours.

Gert is great, you will have fun..

[Bedlam]

I have booked flights and accomodation for the forum. Very nervous, DH and DD pushed me. Hope it isn't too late!
Sorry, i dont know how to put my name on original list but would like to come to high tea also please.

[Katiej]

Great news!! 
It will be lovely to meet you 

I'm sure Judy will come along and put your name on the list.

[Bedlam]

Yes, i am looking forward to meeting everyone too.

[cookie1]

Bedlam that is wonderful news. You will have the very best time ever.

[Bedlam]

Thanks Cookie, i wish you were going. I am nervous going all on my own!

[judydawn]

Great news Denise, MF is coming from Perth too. 

[Cornish Cream]

Yes, i am looking forward to meeting everyone too.

Wow I get to meet another forum member I am so delighted you have decided to come

[fundj&e]

 wonderful news BL 

[fundj&e]

where are you staying BL

[EmeraldSue]

Bedlam, I understand how you feel - I felt exactly the same last year before I went to the Margaret River get together, but I had a great time
It will be lovely to meet you.