I'll try to keep this somewhat short.

Despite waking to thunder and lightening that forced a 30 minute delay in the start of the race we did get the full race in (not turned into a duathlon).

The swim goes around the longest wooden jetty in the Southern Hemisphere (1.8k). This makes the swim course much easier, especially if you like to sight to the right as you could follow it the whole way. With the storm, the ocean was crazy throughout the entire swim, waves, swell and chop throughout ... all week it was flat as a pancake with visibility to the bottom. Due to the conditions, it was reported that the overall swim times were 12%slower than last year. A note to potential first timers -- unlike most Ironman events, the swim is seeded (you still all start together, just groups separated by a meter or so, different color swim caps) so that you do not get run over by faster swimmers or run into many slower swimmers.

Bike route is 3 laps through the beautiful Tuart forest. The entire bike course is CLOSED to traffic. It is flat, flat, flat, but with the wind from the storm it was very interesting, riding into the wind at 16mph and with it at 30+). Great aid stations and support every 10 km.

Run was also flat along a path that follows the beach for the most part. 2 laps, a little defeating as you pass the finish line and head out on the second lap. Completely CLOSED to traffic.

I know that was basic, but what is important is the following, especially for those who are looking for a race to do as a first timer or someone who does not like crowds:
1. Swim course where you are seeded and there is only 2 turns -- far less messy than many other races
2. Flat bike course that is CLOSED completely to traffic
3. Flat run course that is quite scenic along the beach and CLOSED to traffic
4. Only 600+ competitors to deal with
5. Great local support, 1200 volunteers
6. Baby kangaroo at the awards dinner!