Sydney help :) : where to stay

[flo]

Hi fellas .. i called my travel agent today and it looks like my rout will be like this:

03/FEB OS125 VIE - FRA
03/FEB SQ325 FRA - SIN (+1)
04/FEB SQ221 SIN - SYD (+1) (waiting list)

13/FEB SQ220 SYD - SIN (waiting list)
16/FEB SQ378 SIN - MXP (+1)
17 FEB OS518 MXP - VIE

soooo i wanted to know if you've got any ideas where to live in Sydney ... I've never stayed in a hotel in Australia because I used to live in Melbourne and I had an uncle in Sydney but all of them live in Melbourne now and I'll probably pop over with Jetstar (does United still fly SYD-MEL? i could use those Star Alliance miles) for a quick visit.

Anyway, I'd need recommendations for good places in Sydney (not too expensive though)... and where should I stay? Downtown somewhere? I'd like to do some sightseeing, shopping etc ... because I never really came to it when i visited my relatives there.

Thanks a lot!
Best, Flo

PS: maybe i'll get to see some of you if you're Sydney-based or coming over for Chinese New Year

[KeithMEL]

UA does fly SYD-MEL-SYD but will only sell those segments if part of an international connection, or as part of an itinerary involving transpacific segments on UA.

If you're thinking of JQ - just be aware that they fly into AVV, not MEL. AVV is near Geelong. You might want to try a midweek fare on DJ, who flies into MEL and you have the option of paying $30 each way to get into the very nice DJ lounges.

In terms of where to stay in SYD - for touristy stuff I found the area around Circular Quay most fine. For something different, check out the Woolloomooloo (hope I didn't misspell that) area which is dotted with lots of very nice bars and restaurants.

Paging simong, UMD and other Sydneysiders.

ps unfortunately I'd be away during those dates.

[flo]

what a pity anyway, thanks for the tips! i'll check out woolloomooloo (hah) as soon as i get back home. i'll definitely check out virgin blue when flying over to melbourne. i did not know jetstar only flies to AVV but geelong would be a bit to far away..

[singaporu_kooku]

Regarding accommodation, it depends in your definition of affordable. Circular Quay is definitely not a cheap areas to stay in Sydney. Chinatown and areas around central station has a more affordable options. I usually stay at Holiday Inn Darling Harbour, as it's just next to Chinatown, where food and transport is easily reached. For backpacking type of accommodation, try those areas near Sydney Central Station. Kings Cross also has some cheap hotels, although I strongly against staying in this area.

If you really want cheap fares to MEL, try DJ. Sometimes, they have pretty good fares. AVV is just way too far from the CBD and taxi fares can be as much as your airfares.

Sightseeing wise, I just love to stroll on Circular Quay, hop on a Manly ferry and enjoy the harbour view. Taronga Zoo is not bad as well. Some people may like to take a day trip to Blue Mountain.

Forget about shopping in SYD, AU$ is so high at the moment, you probably better off make a stopover in SIN to do some shopping. Australia is not exactly a haute couture destination either. For touristy stuff, check out the Paddy's market.

For food, I like to visit the fish market and the pancake on the rocks. The Sydneysiders probably can recommend the better place to eat.

Too bad, I will be away for a trip in SE Asia at that time >_<

Good luck clearing up the waiting list, it is the time of the year when all the international students returning from their home country.

Enjoy your trip down under!

[KeithMEL]

Australia is not exactly a haute couture destination either.

On the contrary, there are lots of top notch local designers who produce quality stuff that are competitively priced.

In SYD, check out places like No.1 Martin Place, or the QVB. Also head out to Crown St at Surry Hills for more offbeat boutiques.

In MEL - my favourites are Lt Collins St in the CBD, Chapel St in South Yarra (this one is just around the corner from where I live - great for that 'exam period stress relief' retail therapy ), and Bridge Rd in Richmond.

[McCoy]

Oooo.. hang on.
I've recently booked a few flights around Oz, including a Hobart-Melbourne segment on Jetstar (via Qantas booking page). It definitely has Melbourne Tullamarine as the destination airport.... is that not true?!?!?!

[KeithMEL]

Jetstar only uses AVV for SYD, PER, BNE and ADL. They operate out of MEL for all other routes and certain PER services.

[McCoy]

Jetstar only uses AVV for SYD, PER, BNE and ADL. They operate out of MEL for all other routes and certain PER services.

Phew! Thanks for that.

[blast-off]

Phew! Thanks for that.

And I think one flight to SYD operates out of MEL not AVV

[SQflyergirl]

Regarding accomodation, I do like the 4P Darling Harbour a lot. In the good old days you could get rates as low as 135AUD. Not sure what it is now during regular days, but I looked up New Years eve and it was 600 AUD

[singaporu_kooku]

And I think one flight to SYD operates out of MEL not AVV

That flight only operates on certain day of the week, it is part of an international flight. Unless you really flexible or the timing suits you, don't bother with this one.

[KeithMEL]

And I think one flight to SYD operates out of MEL not AVV

I think that's JQ3/4. No idea what days of the week it operates though. They even sell StarClass on that sector.

Regarding accomodation, I do like the 4P Darling Harbour a lot. In the good old days you could get rates as low as 135AUD. Not sure what it is now during regular days, but I looked up New Years eve and it was 600 AUD

It's sitting at $300 (BAR) for March. The SOTP and Westin are not much more...

[SQflyergirl]

That flight only operates on certain day of the week, it is part of an international flight. Unless you really flexible or the timing suits you, don't bother with this one.

True - you don't bother cause you have to go thru the international terminals with the silly D sticker.

[MovieMan]

Regarding accomodation, I do like the 4P Darling Harbour a lot. In the good old days you could get rates as low as 135AUD. Not sure what it is now during regular days, but I looked up New Years eve and it was 600 AUD

Agree on the 4 Pts.!

Not sure about those rates, though...

[andySYD]

Hi, if you are looking for standard SYD-MEL tickets, I'd consider QF since they have fairly low rates if you are flexible with the hours (ie not flying during peak hours). One way fare is only around AUD 127.

For hotels, check out wotif.com as you come closer to the dates (they only have 28 days ahead visibility). You can't beat the Hyatt in Circular Quay for views, or the recently renovated Hilton for access.