Efficient use of points for "around Australia" trip

[tightarse]

I'm planning a holiday - Sydney, Adelaide, Perth, Broome, Uluru, Sydney. I've had friends in the past talk about "around Australia" tickets on points - do these or similar exist anymore?
Any other tips on how to get the most out of points for such a trip

 

[Kiwi Flyer]

Welcome to AFF tightarse

Qantas used to have such an award but not for a few years.

Now the points for domestic awards are based on the sum of flight mileage between each stopover.

So to reduce the point cost, try for as direct routing as possible and if possible plan stopovers to fit just inside the limit of a zone.

Zones have limits of 600 miles, 1200 miles, 2400 miles, etc. An award for 601 mile "trip" will cost more points than one of 599 miles, but the same amount as one of 1199 miles.

 

[bambbbam2]

Ahh.. the old 30k round Oz trip.. never got a chance to do one myself, but can dream!

 

[serfty]

Ahh.. the old 30k round Oz trip.. never got a chance to do one myself, but can dream!

Try the 37.5K in J trip (memories ...sigh) ... booked six of these...

 

[dajop]

Tightarse, with fines and taxes, the opportunity to efficiently use points in Australia are very limited. You may actually want to pay for some sectors (eg flying SYD-ADL, currently on JQ for $89, whereas you'd probably need 12,000 pts + $50 or so in fines & taxes).

I'd suggest the following:
SYD-ADL - pay for a fare
ADL-AYQ (via Alice Springs) - 12,000 pts + about $100 in taxes
AYQ-PER - 12,000 pts + about $50 in taxes
PER-BME - 12,000 pts + about $50 in taxes
BME-SYD (direct or via MEL) 18,000 pts + about $50 in taxes ($100 via MEL) (if via PER will cost 25,000 pts + $100 or so in taxes).

All up you're up for a fare from SYD-ADL + 54,000 pts + ~$250 in taxes and charges. (or 66,000 pts + $300 in taxes and charges)

Compared to 2000 when it would cost 30,000 pts and $6.80 in taxes and charges!!

 

[tightarse]

Dajop thanks heaps, my newbie approach landed me 84,000 points at first attempt