sydney accomodation.

[lulalullabye]

Just wondered if any of you sydneysiders had any accomodation tips. We are coming to Sydney for two nights in Oct with my parents. We want accomodation near everything for 4 adults and two children. Any tips ?? TIA.

Hi lulalullabye

Lucky you going to Sydney, I would love to go back!
Haven't been there for a while, but used to live in the Goldsbrough building which is just next to Darling Harbour. It's changed a wee bit since I was there, and I think part or all of it now is an aparthotel - check out this link.

Hope that helps, and have a fab time!

Hi lulalullabye,

We used these guys for accommodation when we first arrived. They do short term apartment lets - not sure if they have a minimum let but def worth checking.

www.worldapart.com.au

Shame you're not here for longer as I'm sure we could have arranged a meetup around the visit!

Location wise, Vibe Hotel North Sydney would be fab (although I haven't stayed there - I just know it as its near me). Its literally a few minutes walk from the harbour bridge - you could easily walk accross the bridge in 20 minutes and be in the city. Also a minutes walk to the harbour itself, Luna Park, and Milsons Point Station (for trains into the city, if you don't fancy the walk).

Being on the North, its handy for the zoo and Northern beaches. How old are you kids and what are you planning on doing?

Hi all and thanks for replies. Dc's are 3 and 22mths. My parents are visiting and we are planning on spending a week in either Byron bay or Port Douglas and going to Sydney for two days on the way back.

I will check out the links, and not sure what we will be doing while there, so any ideas would be fab. It will be Sept/Oct so not that warm.

The Zoo (Taronga) would be fantasitc for your 3 year old then. Best thing to do is get the ferrty to the Zoo (ferry from Circular Quay). The ferry puts you at the bottom of the zoo, so catch the cabel car up the hill and walk back down, then ctach the ferry back.

Balmoral Beach at Mosman (North of harbour) is a beautiful harbour beach -great for little ones. There are a few nice restaurants there too - 'Beaches' is the best, Bather Pavillion is not as good IMO. Also great fish and chips. I would say it will be pretty warm in Sept/Oct, and also the least wet month apparently, so good timing.

Some trips on ferries around the harbour would be nice and easy and fun for the kids. There is also the Aquarium at Darling Harbour and another one at Manly.

Depending on exact timing, you could take the kids to a concert at the Opera House (google 'Baby Proms - opera house). They are not on all the time though.

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We usually stay in serviced apartments rather than hotels. Much easier for catering with the children, more space and cheaper in the long run. I have had a senior moment and can't remember the name of the one near Darling Harbour we usually stay in , thought it was Victoria??? Anyway, Breakfree on George is an example. We also usually book through wotif.com. Like lastminute with good discount. Can book 6 weeks in advance. Just used them for the Gold Coast and ended up with fantastic 2 bed apartment with sea views and within walking distance of Sea World $500 for 3 nights rather than over $1k.

Have fun

I will try all your tips. Not going till Oct so plenty of time. Also, what does everybody think of Port Douglas ?? Somebody I know has a holiday place there and is desperate for bookings, so might be able to get a discount. Sibble, you mentioned the Gold Coast too, is that worth a go, or too busy ??

Been in Melbourne since Jan, so still a bit dim

I agree with Astrophe. The Vibe is a nice hotel and that area is really good (I used to live there).

The area a couple of mins walk under the bridge into Kirribilli is full of child friendly restaurants and chichi shops.

The Village Italian is very good, as are the myriad of thai places.

Plus it's way quieter than the city, very family friendly and quite up market. The walk across the bridge into the city is well worth doing as well. You're totally protected by the cars, and walkers go one side, cyclists the other. It takes about 20 minutes I suppose, but the view is beautiful.

That used to be my commute. sigh

Oh and I haven't been to Port Douglas in 10 years (although am going in Nov) but my parents went last year and loved it. You can do lots of interesting trips to the rainforest as well. It was a real highlight of their trip.

I would go there over Byron (which is also lovely) because it's very different - it's the tropics and you can see crocs and go to the barrier reef etc.

I personally wouldn't bother with the Gold Coast - not that it isn't ok, but again, you really could be in Florida or the Med. Plus your little ones are a bit small to take advantage of the theme parks.

If you decide to go to Byron though, it is lovely, the scenery is very nice and the beach is lovely.

My vote would be for PD though for the weather, the scenery, the stuff to do and the experience of somewhere that's a bit different.

I have heard really good things about Port Douglas but it's about 20 years since I've been there . Agree with Ozziegirl it is great as so different.

I personally wouldn't recommend the Gold Coast unless you really wanted to do the theme parks. We went because my sister was meeting us in Oz from the UK and wanted to go so we did 3 nights there, theme parks etc... then headed up to Noosa for 2 weeks and hired a car to tour the Sunshine Coast.