Anyone done the Western Australian IM?

I did it last year. The online registration sold out really fast the last 2 years.

It's a great race if you can get in...my race report is on BT

The online general registration has always taken place within two weeks after the race. I believe the last two years it's been the Wednesday after; the year before that, it was exactly a year before the next year's date (Dec 9th for Dec 9th), one year it was twelve days after. (I could have the years mixed up). In any case, I'm not sure when they announce the registration, but the registration is soon after the race.

There are at least two endurance-event companies I know of that offer race entry with a travel package well after general entry sells out.

I checked back in my email...

IMWA 2010 was on Dec 5, and the online registration for 2011  opened on Dec 14th.

They announce it on the website.

Remember USA is a day ahead of Aus, make sure you have your timezones correct for both US and AU.

I did this via Endurance Sports Travel, and I'd recommend it for anyone traveling from the U.S. both to ease some of the logistical concerns, and to secure your entry slot.

I enjoyed the trip but the race was middle of the road in my opinion, as far as IM go.  The good: it's a one-of-a-kind swim, a completely flat course, and they cap it at 1500 people.  The bad: heat, flies.  The flies are really only a problem in Western Australia during that time of year, so if they bother you, plan some time in another city (I went to Brisbane) as part of your vacation.

Oh and a minor note: don't forget they drive on the left-hand side, so you're riding that way and taking all your bottle handups left-handed.  I nearly fumbled the first one

From the U.S. travel is tough... you're looking at around 35 hours to get to Perth unless you live in Hawaii   Once you get to Perth it's about a 3 hour drive south to Busselton.  You're looking at a couple layovers - I went Seattle - LAX - Sydney - Perth.  From New York you might go through Europe and Singapore instead.  Either way, you're dragging that bike box a long way so be prepared for some issues and plan a little buffer time into your travel.

Those are pluses in my book.

I forgot to ask, did you use the buses or rent a car in Perth to get to Busso and back?

I rented a car and drove from Perth.

Kinda confusing and scary 3+ hour drive to get used to driving on the other side!

Roads were good though. I recommend a car, so you can drive around, lots of places you need a car to get to. 

Took my bike on the plane (inconsistent charges by Virgin, $90 from Sydney, $120 from Perth)

Although I like Virgin overall.