Went to Auburn and Warwick Farm years ago (88, 89 ?), Brisbane, Rose Bay and, last year Coffs Harbour. Missed out on Coffs this year. Accomodation at Rose Bay and Coffs was great. My better 7/8ths (I give her more credit than just 1/2) loved Coffs (Opal Cove Resort) in particular.

Enjoyed myself at each of the events. Shouldn't mix red wine and hunt auctions though.

I think having the who shebang, including accomodation, in the one complex is the trick. Especially for travellers. Rose Bay didn't have this but the regular commuter buses between accomodation and trade exhibit solved that.

I'd go to one at Tamworth (9 - 10 hours drive). With the Country Music festival there there should be plenty of facilities. Being 5 hours from Sydney and 6 1/2 hours from Brisbane it's reasonably accesible.........sorry Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth "viewers".

We need to have better details of the auction hunts early so some investigations can be done. It's dissapointing to see the number of donated hunts that pass in at auction. I suspect due to lack of understanding of what's involved in the package. A hunt donor who attended the auction would have to be dissapointed to see his hunt "go begging".

I miss the Black Tie element of the presentation dinner. Can't hurt us to make this concession once a year. The girls enjoy the chance to "frock up" also. T shirts etc don't add anything to this event.

Anywhere on the East Coast provides cheap airfare and ready access. Accomodation and trade exhibit in the same venue. Airport connection bus to the venue.

I applaud Ray, Gay and untold others for the great job that they do in putting this together and can only imagine the logistics involved.