Union action could put a dent in Melbourne’s grand AFL plans.
Buzz has been growing for the AFL Grand Final between the Sydney Swans and Brisbane Lions on Saturday 28 September. But if you’ve bought a ticket to see the game live in Melbourne, you might have a bit of trouble getting there.
Thanks to an ongoing pay dispute, local Qantas aircraft maintenance workers are expected to continue industrial action ahead of the AFL grand final weekend. This could mean disruption in services.
Qantas passengers might be dealing with delays.
Unions are pushing for a 15 per cent pay rise this year and a further 5 per cent per year after that, to make up for over three years of wage freezes. Those same unions are saying this action is highly likely to affect Qantas flights not just in Melbourne, but in all capital cities. Qantas itself has also warned of possible delays.
Some passengers have been warned the airline is “anticipating a busy period which may affect your flight" (but if you’re one of these people, you would have already received an invitation to switch to an earlier flight with no extra costs.
Operations Manager at the RMIT Aviation Academy and former network controller for major airlines, Justin Brownjohn, says Melbourne will likely be fine, but other cancellations might be expected.
It might be worth planning ahead if you plan to see the game.
“Although Qantas will likely protect flights associated with the AFL grand final, there may be cancellations to other routes," he said.
“If a flight is cancelled, passengers will likely be moved to remaining available seats that same day. That could mean a lengthy delay if you don’t hold status with your carrier or if you bought a low-cost budget airline fare, which won’t be prioritised for another service."
If Qantas experiences disruptions, it is unlikely that flights will be increased at Virgin or Jetstar because their available capacity would already have been deployed. Besides the passengers already contacted, however, a Qantas spokesman said it doesn’t think the action will affect travellers.
“We’re putting contingencies in place and don’t currently expect this industrial action to have an impact on customers," they said.
Although experts feel Melbourne flight will be protected, while other cities might see cancellations.
Want to see more stories from Australian Traveller in your Google search results?
Tick the box next to "Australian Traveller". That's it.
Kassia Byrnes is the Native Content Editor for Australian Traveller and International Traveller. She's come a long way since writing in her diary about family trips to Grandma's. After graduating a BA of Communication from University of Technology Sydney, she has been writing about her travels (and more) professionally for over 10 years for titles like AWOL, News.com.au, Pedestrian.TV, Body + Soul and Punkee. She's addicted to travel but has a terrible sense of direction, so you can usually find her getting lost somewhere new around the world. Luckily, she loves to explore and have new adventures – whether that’s exploring the backstreets, bungee jumping off a bridge or hiking for days. You can follow her adventures on Instagram @probably_kassia.
Get around the natural beauty and bounty of regional Victoria on a guided tour that reveals extraordinary moments from coast to country.
Walk the Great Ocean Road
Swap your car for walking shoes on the Great Ocean Road.
The Australian Walking Co’s immersive three-day, lodge-based walk is absolute bucket-list fodder. The easy-going, guided coastal hike is marked by epic scenery and end-of-day luxury. You’ll have no need for heavy packs or tents, instead expect fresh-caught crayfish, post-walk canapés and local wines. Each day explores the drama of this ocean-facing landscape with an approachable three-hour-ish walk, leaving plenty of time to unwind at the lodge.
Swim with seals and dolphins at Port Phillip Heads
Swim with dolphins in Port Phillip Head Marine Park.
Dive into Popes Eye, within Port Phillip Heads Marine National Park, for this wild swimming experience with mankind’s BFFs of the sea. On the See All Dolphin Swims 3.5-hour experience, departing from Queenscliff, you’ll begin in shallow, calm waters before venturing off to Chinaman’s Hat and beyond to meet seals and dolphins in their own habitat. All gear is provided and all ages are welcome.
Get your ghost on in the Grampians
For those with a penchant for the paranormal, get ready for goosebumps when you embark on the Lantern Tours J Ward Paranormal Investigation excursion that takes place under the moonlight in the west wing of Aradale Lunatic Asylum. As you keep a lookout for supernatural activity, you’ll enjoy tales of the criminally insane inmates that will make the hairs on your neck stand to attention.
Paddle along the mighty Murray
Glide along the scenic Murray on a stand-up paddleboard.
Swoosh softly through the silky waters of the mighty Murray on a stand-up paddle board with Echuca Moama Stand Up Paddle. This gentle downstream sojourn meanders for one-and-a-half hours covering 4.5 kilometres of the river, taking in the beauty on the banks and the vibrant birdlife.
From Echuca Moama slip under the Moama Bridge and glide beside its iconic paddlesteamers and the historic port.
Sip and cycle in the Yarra Valley
Cycle around Yarra Valley wine country.
Wine and wheels make a great pairing on the Tour De Vines six-hour Yarra Valley tour that weaves through vine-threaded roads. It’s a relaxed pace along 20 kilometres of the Warburton Rail Trail as you spot native birds and stop in at local vineyards and produce stores. You’ll pull in at a local winery for a tasting and enjoy lunch before hitting up a couple of cellar doors. Depending on your pedal power, there may be time to sneak in a visit to a chocolate or cheese factory.
Dig for gold in Bendigo
Think you have what it takes to unearth a gilded treasure? Try your hand at prospecting and learn the art of gold-digging (in the geological sense) on the two-hour Gold Nugget Hunter tour in the Loddon Valley. On the tour, mine the wisdom of locals Shane and Jackie – who have honed their hobby of gold-detecting into an art – to learn how to read the land and use a gold detector. You may even go home with a nugget of your own.
Cruise around Wilsons Promontory
Cruise around Skull Rock in Wilsons Prom. (Image: Connor Vaughan)
It’s a thrill to drive directly from the sand into the waves aboard the Wanderer Adventures’ bright-yellow amphibious boat. On this 2.5-hour tour, you’ll skip along the water to take in Wilsons Prom’s top highlights, such as the imposing Skull Rock, The Glennies, Anderson Islets and Anser Island. Spot seals, penguins and seabirds as you absorb the tranquillity of this stunning environment.
Walk with llamas in the Macedon Ranges
Make friends with a llama in the Macedon Ranges.
If you’ve always felt an affinity for long-lashed camelids, then bonding with a llama on a leisurely walk might just be the thing for you. Opt for either a three-hour, five-kilometre hike or a longer 12-kilometre trek along the Domino Rail Trail paired with a gentle, hooved friend. Things kick off with a llama orientation, where you’ll learn how to lead and look out for your new mate before you hit the track. It’s a lovely way to explore the beauty of the region with a sensitive and curious companion by your side.
Go underground in the Grampians
Take a subterranean tour of Seppelt Wines. (Image: Ben Savage/We Are Explorers)
Oenophiles and cave-lovers alike will enjoy going underground at Seppelt’s ‘Drives’. The largest underground cellar in Australia, The Drives were dug by local goldminers in 1868 and meander for three-kilometres – keeping wine treasures at a temperate 16-degrees year-round. A 50-minute tour through the heritage-listed granite tunnels happily conclude with a tasting of the label’s celebrated sparkling wines.
Discover island life in the Mornington Peninsula
Discover the Mornington Peninsula’s flora and fauna on a guided tour of French Island.
Eject from the mainland on a catamaran bound for the wildlife haven of French Island with Naturaliste Tours. Once you disembark from the boat, you’ll hop into a 4WD to explore the pristine flora and fauna, from salt marshes to vast Fairhaven Beach.
Look out for echidnas and koalas and enjoy short walks and historic sites on this half-day tour.
The southernmost tip is a haven for wildlife. (Image: CMcConville)
