Sydney to Canberra - and our Home

We landed at the international terminal at 8am and were due to depart from the domestic terminal at 11.25am - more than enough time yes? Apparently almost not. Due to a crush of passengers all arriving at the same time (delayed flights) the complimentary shuttle to the domestic terminal that Qantas provides to it's customers was in demand. The queue snaked way back out to almost the arrivals hall when we joined it. Very shortly thereafter a harrassed-looking ground staff member walked along the queue telling people that there was another public bus that could get you to the domestic terminal if you didn't wish to wait and possibly miss your flight - only it wasn't complimentary. A while later - with Brett having taken both kids away for rides on the escalators and walks down the hall - we were told that it would still be an hour before we even got to the front of the queue where we needed to get our boarding passes and send off our luggage (only 2 suitcases and 2 carry-ons - plus a backpack and nappy bag - this time). This was not a good image for Qantas. The location of the transfer shuttle area still looks very temporary even after all this time and there was a definite lack of communication for the customers. We came close to getting out of the queue and taking the other bus but stuck there and made it with not much time to spare. I was glad to have Brett there to amuse the kids whilst I kept in the queue.

When we arrived in Canberra - exhausted but pleased to have all our luggage - we were met by Uncle B, Aunty Chelle and Aunty Lyndall! We were happy to see them, especially as they had our car (borrowed from Uncle Tim) and car seats - thanks guys!

Now the really exciting thing was that we had arranged to rent a furnished three bedroom house for the month that we were in Canberra - it belonged to one of Aunty Chelle's friends. Although we love spending time with family, it was less stressful to have our own space and know we weren't invading people's places for too long :)

An early night to bed after a quick shop and simple dinner with Aunty Chelle.

Our holiday has well and truly begun!