[staringclown]

Get six people (pref 3 well established couples) with whom you get on with well. Organise a week/end away in an optimal location. (Big house, view, self catering preferably) Split the cost evenly.

We've hired ultra modern beach houses, light houses, hunting lodges in scotland, weekends in the blue mountains. All on the strength of multiple incomes. Anyone else pool resources to live large? It's a hoot! Unity is powerful.

[Solomon]

staringclown, on 12 January 2012 - 12:09 PM, said:

Get six people (pref 3 well established couples) with whom you get on with well. Organise a week/end away in an optimal location. (Big house, view, self catering preferably) Split the cost evenly.

We've hired ultra modern beach houses, light houses, hunting lodges in scotland, weekends in the blue mountains. All on the strength of multiple incomes. Anyone else pool resources to live large? It's a hoot! Unity is powerful.

Well actually SC, I do know of a family that did just this around Christmas.
The family consists of Grandparents, Parents, and 3 adult children with partners.
They rented a multi-million dollar mansion on the Gold Coast for a week (10 days, I think).
Right on the water front.
I don't know the exact details of the arrangement but I think the house had 6-8 bedrooms, swimming pool, spa, indoor cinema, etc.
Cost them around $2000 for the week. Worked out at about $400 each couple.
Lived high for the week between Christmas/New Year.

This post has been edited by Solomon: 12 January 2012 - 12:59 PM

[Solomon]

Possibly one word of warning on these sorts of arrangements.
You really don't know people until you live with them.
Some people can turn out to be quite obnoxious in their living habits. (Even in short doses)
I once shared a flat with a guy who in the first week we moved in rode his 1100 Yamaha motorbike into the lounge and pulled the engine apart on the carpet.

[staringclown]

Solomon, on 12 January 2012 - 12:58 PM, said:

Well actually SC, I do know of a family that did just this around Christmas.
The family consists of Grandparents, Parents, and 3 adult children with partners.
They rented a multi-million dollar mansion on the Gold Coast for a week (10 days, I think).
Right on the water front.
I don't know the exact details of the arrangement but I think the house had 6-8 bedrooms, swimming pool, spa, indoor cinema, etc.
Cost them around $2000 for the week. Worked out at about $400 each couple.
Lived high for the week between Christmas/New Year.

Apologies sol. Extended families can do the same. Had my olds 50th wedding anniversary at a penthouse location in Brissy earlier this year. Stayed two days. Mains on the Sat night was catered for and we all walked round the botanic gardens the next day. Magic.

I once shared a house with a guy who tried to ride a push bike through the bosnian war. (Wanted to be a photo-jounalist )He was turned back at the border as a slow moving target. Takes all sorts to make a world.

[tom]

We do this sometimes to share a house but usually it is just to holiday with the kids friends so it can even just be camping or staying at the same hotel in Bali which is not to make it cheap, more just a choice.

Usually you have had enough of at least one of the other parents or one has had enough of you at the end of a holiday, possibly as sol says; you really don't know people till you have lived with them. It all seems to return to normal though when you get back to reality and everyone gets along again.

With three kids we already just about fill most houses on our own anyway.

[gibber_blot]

We do this all the time with skiing. Hire a chalet and get a group of people together. skiing is ideal because you don't see each other much during the day, so it's harder to get sick of each other.

[staringclown]

gibber_blot, on 14 January 2012 - 10:58 PM, said:

We do this all the time with skiing. Hire a chalet and get a group of people together. skiing is ideal because you don't see each other much during the day, so it's harder to get sick of each other.

I think the trick is to lay down some ground rules. I try to ensure that the people I go with understand that you will go your own way at any point if were not interested in doing the same stuff on a given day. This helps to not get sick of people and this also gives you something different to talk about when you report back for the nightly debriefing. You need to get on well in the first instance of course. Skiing is a good example as you can get stuck in a chalet with complete strangers which can be sub optimal. I try and weave holidays so that there are longer periods based somewhere nice (and self catering) as a base to fully explore an area rather than dash from hotel to hotel. Cook some home cooking and chill out.

[staringclown]

Holidays are fast approaching and I have a choice post wedding next weekend. I'm in apollo bay and have a car and have two further weeks. It could be either an extended victorian trip which bores me as I think I have explored all corners of that great state. I haven't been to the barossa before (or sth australia in general) so this is tempting (carry on down the ocean road) . Alternatively it's tassie so I'm torn. Been to tassie and know I will love it (except I haven't been to the west coast and I would be happy to get the ferry). What is cool to visit in Sth Australia?

A quick web check reveals that womadelaide is on the weekend of the twelth March. I'm tempted...

[wim]

staringclown, on 18 February 2012 - 11:39 AM, said:

Holidays are fast approaching and I have a choice post wedding next weekend. I'm in apollo bay and have a car and have two further weeks. It could be either an extended victorian trip which bores me as I think I have explored all corners of that great state. I haven't been to the barossa before (or sth australia in general) so this is tempting (carry on down the ocean road) . Alternatively it's tassie so I'm torn. Been to tassie and know I will love it (except I haven't been to the west coast and I would be happy to get the ferry). What is cool to visit in Sth Australia?

A quick web check reveals that womadelaide is on the weekend of the twelth March. I'm tempted...

The coast road to Adelaide is nice. Robe is a holiday favourite.

If you are into driving then I would go coast to Adelaide, up to Renmark and down to Bordertown. This misses out on the hardcore desert but is easily achievable.

[staringclown]

wim, on 18 February 2012 - 12:20 PM, said:

The coast road to Adelaide is nice. Robe is a holiday favourite.

If you are into driving then I would go coast to Adelaide, up to Renmark and down to Bordertown. This misses out on the hardcore desert but is easily achievable.

I've been as far as warrnambool so the rest is here be dragons. Thanks W. SA is shaping up as the place to go...

Ms clown and I fear no desert as we drive to mildura from canberra regularly. We are made of stern stuff. Sometimes the fuel costs are upwards of $1.60! What you call hell Ms clown and I call home.

[Ruffian]

With respect, Wim, but why would anyone go to Renmark when they don't have to? I lived in the Riverland for a few years, it's a nice place and the people are great but the region is not really such a tourist drawcard as all that.

I'm not sure what hardcore desert you might be referring to, either - it's mallee country (wheat/sheep), or better, most of the way.


If you are going to come to SA at least do the good bits - the Barossa and Clare wine growing regions.
If you don't feel like going so far afield (and both those locations are still closer than the Riverland) the Adelaide Hills produces some nice wines and has scenic drives & tea shops etc.
If you're after the river experience, stay in Adelaide and do a day trip to Mannum, which has the scenery and some antique shops, and a nice old dry-docked paddle steamer.
The McLaren Vale also produces distinctive reds and is less than an hour from town, and as a bonus there is a good farmers market on Saturday morning at Willunga.
The Adelaide Central Market on a Friday or Saturday morning is an interesting place for anyone with foodie inclinations - a bit like an expanded and more sophisticated version of the good bits of the Queen Vic markets. All food, no tat.

Womadelaide has a really good venue (central, with parkland and great old trees) and is generally well run. If you like that sort of thing and this year's line-up appeals to you it would be worth the trip.

Oh and we've got the pandas, too. The zoo is several million dollars in debt as a result, but the exhibit is a good one if you like somnolent furry critters.


Edit - I just realised you have a bit of time up your sleeve.
In which case, come and spend a few days on Kangaroo Island.
Take my word for it, you have never been anywhere quite like it. Go to the central market, stock up on goodies and then rent a beach-side cabin somewhere like Hanson's Bay and explore KI, it is a fantastic place - the scenery and wildlife are unique.

This post has been edited by Ruffian: 18 February 2012 - 10:39 PM

[Ugg]

staringclown, on 18 February 2012 - 11:39 AM, said:

Holidays are fast approaching and I have a choice post wedding next weekend. I'm in apollo bay and have a car and have two further weeks. It could be either an extended victorian trip which bores me as I think I have explored all corners of that great state. I haven't been to the barossa before (or sth australia in general) so this is tempting (carry on down the ocean road) . Alternatively it's tassie so I'm torn. Been to tassie and know I will love it (except I haven't been to the west coast and I would be happy to get the ferry). What is cool to visit in Sth Australia?

A quick web check reveals that womadelaide is on the weekend of the twelth March. I'm tempted...

Over Christmas we drove from Melbourne across to Perth. We went to Mount Gambier and we were a little shocked and delighted. Volcano craters, subterranean gardens, caves and blue lakes. It was like trimming the wisteria only to discover a whole new section of your backyard. We like a bit of geology.

We then took the coast road up through storm boy country to the Adelaide hills. Tasmania sounds good...

We left Adelaide disorentated because it seemed indistinguishable from Perth. North of Adelaide we were beginning to think that being a serial killer was probably an understandable career choice. Came to Snowtown and was discussing with Mrs Ugg how hard it would be to have the job of tourist oficer for Snowtown. We almost ran off the road when we saw that Snowtown's 'Big' tourist trap is 'The Big Blade'. Not a good choice perhaps. Well we had to make the detour for that photo.

Flinders ranges is glorious. The drive between Port Augusta and Ceduna is probably the most boring road in Australia. Not even the big Galah can rescue it. The Nullarbor is beautiful and we could have spent much longer there.

This post has been edited by Ugg: 20 February 2012 - 02:34 AM

[staringclown]

Ruffian, on 18 February 2012 - 10:33 PM, said:

With respect, Wim, but why would anyone go to Renmark when they don't have to? I lived in the Riverland for a few years, it's a nice place and the people are great but the region is not really such a tourist drawcard as all that.

I'm not sure what hardcore desert you might be referring to, either - it's mallee country (wheat/sheep), or better, most of the way.


If you are going to come to SA at least do the good bits - the Barossa and Clare wine growing regions.
If you don't feel like going so far afield (and both those locations are still closer than the Riverland) the Adelaide Hills produces some nice wines and has scenic drives & tea shops etc.
If you're after the river experience, stay in Adelaide and do a day trip to Mannum, which has the scenery and some antique shops, and a nice old dry-docked paddle steamer.
The McLaren Vale also produces distinctive reds and is less than an hour from town, and as a bonus there is a good farmers market on Saturday morning at Willunga.
The Adelaide Central Market on a Friday or Saturday morning is an interesting place for anyone with foodie inclinations - a bit like an expanded and more sophisticated version of the good bits of the Queen Vic markets. All food, no tat.

Womadelaide has a really good venue (central, with parkland and great old trees) and is generally well run. If you like that sort of thing and this year's line-up appeals to you it would be worth the trip.

Oh and we've got the pandas, too. The zoo is several million dollars in debt as a result, but the exhibit is a good one if you like somnolent furry critters.


Edit - I just realised you have a bit of time up your sleeve.
In which case, come and spend a few days on Kangaroo Island.
Take my word for it, you have never been anywhere quite like it. Go to the central market, stock up on goodies and then rent a beach-side cabin somewhere like Hanson's Bay and explore KI, it is a fantastic place - the scenery and wildlife are unique.

Thanks R. Ms clown is from Mildura and we've toured right through Hattah Lakes, Murray Sunset and Lake Mungo NP's so I'm pretty familiar with mallee country. I'll probably have to come back via Renmark anyway.

Kangaroo Island sounds good. I was having a poke around the web looking at accommodation last night and I found this place for $1980 per night. Min two night stay. Plenty of other nice looking beach houses though. I'll keep Hanson's Bay in mind.

I was planning on a winery trip. All of the wine regions are reasonably close together?

Quote

We then took the coast road up through storm boy country to the Adelaide hills. Tasmania sounds good...

We left Adelaide disorentated because it seemed indistinguishable from Perth. North of Adelaide we were beginning to think that being a serial killer was probably an understandable career choice. Came to Snowtown and was discussing with Mrs Ugg how hard it would be to have the job of tourist oficer for Snowtown. We almost ran off the road when we saw that Snowtown's 'Big' tourist trap is 'The Big Blade'. Not a good choice perhaps. Well we had to make the detour for that photo.

I too am a bit partial to geology. I will definitely check out Mt Gambier. Man, that drive to WA must be excruciating! I was only planning to go as far as the wineries. Probably won't get to the Flinders ranges.

[wim]

Ruffian, on 18 February 2012 - 10:33 PM, said:

With respect, Wim, but why would anyone go to Renmark when they don't have to? I lived in the Riverland for a few years, it's a nice place and the people are great but the region is not really such a tourist drawcard as all that.

I'm not sure what hardcore desert you might be referring to, either - it's mallee country (wheat/sheep), or better, most of the way.

Ruffian - I assumed the holiday would start from the wedding on the coast road in Vic and end in Canberra so wasn't meaning destinations so much as route. The hardcore desert I was talking about this route missing is Port Augusta to the west or the road to Broken Hill to the north, actually a fair chunk of SA is hardcore desert but my proposal misses that.

Ugg - I have driven across the Nullabor 3 times in the past 3 years and it deserves to be more famous amongst the locals. For me it's only beaten by the road from Gippsland to Jindabyne.

[Ugg]

wim, on 20 February 2012 - 09:00 AM, said:

Ugg - I have driven across the Nullabor 3 times in the past 3 years and it deserves to be more famous amongst the locals. For me it's only beaten by the road from Gippsland to Jindabyne.

I've gone from Jindabyne to Gippsland on an old goat's track of a ....track. Following bits of the snowy river. Barrys way isn't it. It was very nice. I used to live east of Melbourne and would often lose whole days following these little ridge line tracks. Take forever to get nowhere.

[staringclown]

wim, on 20 February 2012 - 09:00 AM, said:

Ruffian - I assumed the holiday would start from the wedding on the coast road in Vic and end in Canberra so wasn't meaning destinations so much as route. The hardcore desert I was talking about this route missing is Port Augusta to the west or the road to Broken Hill to the north, actually a fair chunk of SA is hardcore desert but my proposal misses that.

Ugg - I have driven across the Nullabor 3 times in the past 3 years and it deserves to be more famous amongst the locals. For me it's only beaten by the road from Gippsland to Jindabyne.

Are you talking about the road through Delegate? That was super windy and I was preying there were no bushfires around because there was no escape if there were. That forest is huge.

[Ruffian]

staringclown, on 20 February 2012 - 08:52 AM, said:

Thanks R. Ms clown is from Mildura and we've toured right through Hattah Lakes, Murray Sunset and Lake Mungo NP's so I'm pretty familiar with mallee country. I'll probably have to come back via Renmark anyway.

Kangaroo Island sounds good. I was having a poke around the web looking at accommodation last night and I found this place for $1980 per night. Min two night stay. Plenty of other nice looking beach houses though. I'll keep Hanson's Bay in mind.

I was planning on a winery trip. All of the wine regions are reasonably close together?

The Southern lodge place is supposed to be worth it (I've heard) - very deluxe - but it's too rich for my blood, so I can't give you a personal recommendation.
I think you would also risk missing out on the quintessential KI experiences, which involve sand in your shoes, mixing with the locals, excellent fishing, driving from scenic location to scenic location, and stumbling over the stupidly tame wildlife - koalas, seals, various marsupials etc etc.

The winery locations are fairly close together - the southern vales/Mclaren vale region about an hour's drive to the south, and the Barossa/Clare regions less than two hours to the north. A decent day-trip in either direction would about cover it, or better still stay over in the Barossa as it is picturesque. Parts of it are quaint, even.
Vintage should be well underway in March and you will see the region at work, harvesting and pressing the 2012 vintage.
If you want recommendations on specific wineries, just let me know.
Each region has a specific style and some wineries are better than others at expressing that to best advantage.

[staringclown]

Ruffian, on 20 February 2012 - 10:05 AM, said:

The Southern lodge place is supposed to be worth it (I've heard) - very deluxe - but it's too rich for my blood, so I can't give you a personal recommendation.
I think you would also risk missing out on the quintessential KI experiences, which involve sand in your shoes, mixing with the locals, excellent fishing, driving from scenic location to scenic location, and stumbling over the stupidly tame wildlife - koalas, seals, various marsupials etc etc.

The winery locations are fairly close together - the southern vales/Mclaren vale region about an hour's drive to the south, and the Barossa/Clare regions less than two hours to the north. A decent day-trip in either direction would about cover it, or better still stay over in the Barossa as it is picturesque. Parts of it are quaint, even.
Vintage should be well underway in March and you will see the region at work, harvesting and pressing the 2012 vintage.
If you want recommendations on specific wineries, just let me know.
Each region has a specific style and some wineries are better than others at expressing that to best advantage.

Yeah I'm astounded by that place. It's a great view with the floor to ceiling glass... If it were half the price I would consider it. It's eco friendly so it costs more to run but seriously, seriously I can't imagine why it is so expensive... Even with food included? Unless they are keeping out the riff raff. Which has worked for them in my case.

The stupidly tame wildlife reminds me of tassie. We once drove from Port Arthur to Hobart in the dark and counted 53 potential road kills along the way. (not counting the free range chickens) I was in a rented alpha spider so was keen to avoid contact. Those critters tested me. Kangaroo Island sounds like just what I'm looking for.

I'll try and publish some drunken reviews and seek your winery advice closer to SA. Thanks again.

[sydney3000]

Ugg, on 20 February 2012 - 02:32 AM, said:

We went to Mount Gambier and we were a little shocked and delighted. Volcano craters, subterranean gardens, caves and blue lakes. It was like trimming the wisteria only to discover a whole new section of your backyard. We like a bit of geology.

I remember Mount Gambier. It's a place worth stopping at. The caves may be small but because of the lack of tourists you get to enjoy them without disturbance and they show less climatic exposure from outside influences.

[mattau]

staringclown, on 12 January 2012 - 12:09 PM, said:

Get six people (pref 3 well established couples) with whom you get on with well. Organise a week/end away in an optimal location. (Big house, view, self catering preferably) Split the cost evenly.

We've hired ultra modern beach houses, light houses, hunting lodges in scotland, weekends in the blue mountains. All on the strength of multiple incomes. Anyone else pool resources to live large? It's a hoot! Unity is powerful.

Hey great idea for saving money but living large!

You also get the added bonus of more company, to make the experience more fun.