Anyone ever fly to Perth from Texas? i was looking at IM WA and it looks really cool, but ohhhh man the airfare! We’re talking 2 grand per person! And with the wife and kids, I’m thinking, “Gee, maybe I should just get a new BMW instead.”
I tried a few of the tri related travel agencies, and one did offer to take both my arms and both legs. 
It’s been 10 years since I’ve flown to Asia/Pac, but it was like $600+/- then. (yes, I know I got a deal - I’m a cheap bastard)
Kind of funny you mention this. I was/am planning on IMWA in '06.
Just last night I was checking on air fare. Criminy, I can fly to Europe for under $800, I really didn’t anticipate $2500+.
Guess I’ll be keeping the old BMW. 
Ironman Perth is at the start of the Australian equivalent to “Summer Vacation” in the U.S. and I am yet to find a cheap option at that time of year. Maybe you should look at what was the Forster Ironman in Australia. It is moving in 06 to a place called Port Macquarie which is a great place, great course, and the race will be extremely spectator friendly if their 1/2 is anything to go by. Logistically a lot easier to get to, and the airfares are about half at that time of year. Fly straight to Sydney on Qantas and get a connecting flight up the coast (about a 1hr flight).
Word of advice from an Aussie living in the US.
Locate a travel agency in Sydney - call them from here (or email) and ask them to get back to you with a round trip ticket booked for your trip - booked through an agency in Australia,
You’ll be billed in Australian dollars - saving you 25% off the bat
You can pick up an internal flight from Sydney to Perth with Qantas for about $500 AUD (equiv $350-400USD) or with Virgin Blue - going through Adelaide.
Sydney to Perth is like Newark to San Fran here in the US - about 4.5 hours.
Once in Perth - it is a rental car down to Bussleton.
If you have any problems going this route - PM me - I have a friend who is a travel agent in Sydney who would be more than willing to help you out. Every time I go home - that is how I book my travel - and save a lot of cash.
Or depending on the length of your planned stay - buy a “package deal” from Qantas - and disregard the hotels etc that come with it. You can get an LAX to Sydney round trip package - 7 nights - for $900USD at the moment
AJ