Lodging suggestions in Cairns, Sydney and Melbourne
Jul 28th, 2009, 06:50 AM
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Lodging suggestions in Cairns, Sydney and Melbourne
Hi everyone, I am starting a new topic to plan our trip in further detail. I really appreciate everyone's help so far. Can you suggest places to stay? The Lonely Planet book is disappointing and TripAdvisor is overwhelming.
Just to re-cap, we have 2 weeks in OZ. We are going to Cairns--Syd--MEL in that order. There are 4 of us, 3 boys and 1 girl in our 30s. I've noticed many hotels only have 1 double/queen bed in each room? and there are many "apartments" for daily rental? so I think we need a 2 bedroom apartment in all 3 places.
1. In Cairns, I think we want to stay on the beach but not all the way up in Port Douglas. We probably won't do much here other than a snorkel trip in GBR b/c we will be horribly jet-lagged from 4 legs of flights. I am thinking Trinity Beach area? 3 nights here..
2. SYD: We would like to be in the harbour area or in walking distance to it. I don't think we'll rent a car. 3 nights here also.
3. MEL: 4 nights here, and we are going to the Melbourne Cup on Nov 3rd but no other plans so far..
Thanks!!!
Just to re-cap, we have 2 weeks in OZ. We are going to Cairns--Syd--MEL in that order. There are 4 of us, 3 boys and 1 girl in our 30s. I've noticed many hotels only have 1 double/queen bed in each room? and there are many "apartments" for daily rental? so I think we need a 2 bedroom apartment in all 3 places.
1. In Cairns, I think we want to stay on the beach but not all the way up in Port Douglas. We probably won't do much here other than a snorkel trip in GBR b/c we will be horribly jet-lagged from 4 legs of flights. I am thinking Trinity Beach area? 3 nights here..
2. SYD: We would like to be in the harbour area or in walking distance to it. I don't think we'll rent a car. 3 nights here also.
3. MEL: 4 nights here, and we are going to the Melbourne Cup on Nov 3rd but no other plans so far..
Thanks!!!
Jul 28th, 2009, 06:20 PM
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To expand a little on the idea of serviced apartments, go to www.google.com.au and type in "serviced apartments sydney circular quay" or just go to www.wotif.com and see what's available at what price and where. Ditto for the other areas.
Jul 29th, 2009, 04:50 AM
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I guess they are called serviced apartments. Hotels I looked at did not offer one room that all 4 of us can stay in. I have signed up for email specials @ wotif but haven't done any searches on there yet.
Price range is about A$200-$300/night.
Price range is about A$200-$300/night.
Jul 29th, 2009, 10:03 AM
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Sydney - I stayed at the Sebel Suites which was very nice and located in the heart of The Rocks. You don't need a car, as you can walk throughtout the area to a lot of nice attractions and the ferries are just three minutes walking distance. It's a bit of a trek from there to the aquarium, but an easy ferry and/or bus ride to there! The Sydney Explorer Bus has a nearby stop and is a great way to explore the city.
Melbourne - I stayed at the Novotel St. Kilda. It's right across the street from the beach and promenade and there are a ton of restaurants and bakeries within walking distance. You can also hop right on the trolley that stops in front of the hotel and ride into Melbourne. No need to rent a car or worry about parking, just hop on the trolley and you can be right at Federation square in fifteen minutes or so. I found this to be a much more affordable option to staying in Melbourne's CBD.
Melbourne - I stayed at the Novotel St. Kilda. It's right across the street from the beach and promenade and there are a ton of restaurants and bakeries within walking distance. You can also hop right on the trolley that stops in front of the hotel and ride into Melbourne. No need to rent a car or worry about parking, just hop on the trolley and you can be right at Federation square in fifteen minutes or so. I found this to be a much more affordable option to staying in Melbourne's CBD.
Jul 29th, 2009, 12:55 PM
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If you want best value in all places, have you considered staying in backpacker hostels!
I'm typing from one right now.
But before you are turned off, I don't mean 10 or 20 to a room and most hostels these days have single, twin or double rooms as well as four bed rooms, many with ensuite facilities.
I can make some recommendations on experience but have a look at www.yha.com.au , www.bugaustralia.com , www.vip.com.au to get a feel for whats available if you want to.
If you go to www.wotif.com.au and type in hotels with a price range, 2 bedrooms etc., you'll see what's available.
Melbourne could be tight because of the Cup.
In Sydney if you all want a great experience at best value there, try http://www.australianheritagehotel.com/ but ask for a room away from Bridge side which is Cumberland street - no ensuite there but colonial rooms are great and you could book two for far less than what pricier sterile places charge for one.
For a hostel there, YHA Railway Square have 4 bed and possibly twin rooms in converted railway carriages, one of the most comfortable beds you'll find anywhere too.
http://www.therocks.com/sydney-Educa...s_Pub_Tour.htm might also interest as well or just do your own pub crawl about the Rocks.
Couple of other unique overnighters:
. http://www.cockatooisland.gov.au/camping/houses.html
. Roar and Snore - http://www.taronga.org.au/taronga-zo...ar--snore.aspx
Trinity Beach at Cairns sounds good and I'll repost for you in a couple of days as I've got some info at home on a place that keeps sending me holiday package deals.
I'm typing from one right now.
But before you are turned off, I don't mean 10 or 20 to a room and most hostels these days have single, twin or double rooms as well as four bed rooms, many with ensuite facilities.
I can make some recommendations on experience but have a look at www.yha.com.au , www.bugaustralia.com , www.vip.com.au to get a feel for whats available if you want to.
If you go to www.wotif.com.au and type in hotels with a price range, 2 bedrooms etc., you'll see what's available.
Melbourne could be tight because of the Cup.
In Sydney if you all want a great experience at best value there, try http://www.australianheritagehotel.com/ but ask for a room away from Bridge side which is Cumberland street - no ensuite there but colonial rooms are great and you could book two for far less than what pricier sterile places charge for one.
For a hostel there, YHA Railway Square have 4 bed and possibly twin rooms in converted railway carriages, one of the most comfortable beds you'll find anywhere too.
http://www.therocks.com/sydney-Educa...s_Pub_Tour.htm might also interest as well or just do your own pub crawl about the Rocks.
Couple of other unique overnighters:
. http://www.cockatooisland.gov.au/camping/houses.html
. Roar and Snore - http://www.taronga.org.au/taronga-zo...ar--snore.aspx
Trinity Beach at Cairns sounds good and I'll repost for you in a couple of days as I've got some info at home on a place that keeps sending me holiday package deals.
Jul 29th, 2009, 03:58 PM
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As your price range is AU$200 - $300 a night you can certainly look for superior accommodation than that supplied by backpacker hostels.
You will find very nice 2 br apartments within this price range in all 3 cities.
As I live in Cairns I will comment on this part only as it is wise to stay within your sphere of knowledge.
There are many apartments in great locations right on the beach at Trinity Beach that would suit & that fall within your budget.
Try www.trinitybeachtourism.com.au for a good range of apartments.
A great spot to recover from your flights & all GBR tours offer transfers from Trinity Beach.
There are a number of restaurants & an excellent pub at Trinity also.
Have fun.
You will find very nice 2 br apartments within this price range in all 3 cities.
As I live in Cairns I will comment on this part only as it is wise to stay within your sphere of knowledge.
There are many apartments in great locations right on the beach at Trinity Beach that would suit & that fall within your budget.
Try www.trinitybeachtourism.com.au for a good range of apartments.
A great spot to recover from your flights & all GBR tours offer transfers from Trinity Beach.
There are a number of restaurants & an excellent pub at Trinity also.
Have fun.
Jul 29th, 2009, 06:05 PM
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I think most would be self cater in Trinity Beach so if you need a daily service they may charge extra for that.
Try to get a room with a view as what is so great about TB over other areas.
Bellevue show rate for 4 as $280. On wotif closer to the time may get a good rate. Area hit by GFC so plenty of rooms. Also check Palm Cove as very nice tropical setting, I prefer to Port Douglas as you can have a resort, beach and restaurants all right in one place and do not need to get the bus all the time.
Try to get a room with a view as what is so great about TB over other areas.
Bellevue show rate for 4 as $280. On wotif closer to the time may get a good rate. Area hit by GFC so plenty of rooms. Also check Palm Cove as very nice tropical setting, I prefer to Port Douglas as you can have a resort, beach and restaurants all right in one place and do not need to get the bus all the time.
Jul 29th, 2009, 06:26 PM
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Re; the bus, that depends where you stay in PD. Some resorts are a long way from the town centre & restaurants & you need to catch buses.
As for the resort & beach, the choice of accommodation right on the beach in PD is very limited.
Not so at Trinity & the restaurants are all within walking distance or go to Cairns 15 minutes away for even more choice.
As for the resort & beach, the choice of accommodation right on the beach in PD is very limited.
Not so at Trinity & the restaurants are all within walking distance or go to Cairns 15 minutes away for even more choice.
Jul 29th, 2009, 08:46 PM
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http://www.vipbackpackers.com/ is the web site for VIP and reason for suggestion JYK is after reading how some in your group may attempt to get those cheaper Cup tickets.
Just in case you're looking at what budget options are available, many backpackers actually along resort lines these days.
Just in case you're looking at what budget options are available, many backpackers actually along resort lines these days.
Jul 31st, 2009, 08:11 AM
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I haven't talked to my group about a hostel type place. I know OZ isn't Mexico, but when we went to Mexico we rented a 3 bedroom condo and it worked out great. It's nice to have a living space and kitchen though we aren't probably going to be using it alot.
We are definitely looking at Melbourne first b/c of the cup.
I appreciate all your suggestions, I'll take a look and sure to come back with more questions.
We are definitely looking at Melbourne first b/c of the cup.
I appreciate all your suggestions, I'll take a look and sure to come back with more questions.
Aug 2nd, 2009, 04:58 PM
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Yep JYK, Oz ain't mexico though some say you can find a few mexicans down south, Victorians [south of the Rio muddie Murray] fondly referred to as Mexicans by New South Welchers but Vics like their beer and are better belchers.
But whilst getting a beach apartment at Cairns beaches is great [and some great deals], down south where things can be a tad more expensive, second half of your own comment " It's nice to have a living space and kitchen though we aren't probably going to be using it alot. " comes to the fore and if any of you are budgetting a bit, main thing is to get a good bed and the more money to use for being out and about the better it is.
You'll also find that sea swimming is not terribly advisable for even late October up Cairns way for nasty stingers could be about in the water - check with locals and to be extra safe, use the pool.
But with four, also hire a car for a day or two once rested and get up to Cape Tribulation and around the Atherton Tablelands - so much to be seen you do not want to waste time lounging about the pool, so you'll hardly be using all that space too much anyway I expect.
It's different I admit if you're doing a trip closer to home and/or going somewhere you've been before and just want a vegging out time but when there's interesting stuff about!
www.onthewallaby.com and www.ragingthunder.com.au [ a live chat facility with local operator] might give you some more ideas and http://www.capetribbeach.com.au/ is another option to be staying right in the rainforest, a kind of hip place and you can do a GBR trip from right there with a small sailing catamaran - http://rumrunner.com.au/
But whilst getting a beach apartment at Cairns beaches is great [and some great deals], down south where things can be a tad more expensive, second half of your own comment " It's nice to have a living space and kitchen though we aren't probably going to be using it alot. " comes to the fore and if any of you are budgetting a bit, main thing is to get a good bed and the more money to use for being out and about the better it is.
You'll also find that sea swimming is not terribly advisable for even late October up Cairns way for nasty stingers could be about in the water - check with locals and to be extra safe, use the pool.
But with four, also hire a car for a day or two once rested and get up to Cape Tribulation and around the Atherton Tablelands - so much to be seen you do not want to waste time lounging about the pool, so you'll hardly be using all that space too much anyway I expect.
It's different I admit if you're doing a trip closer to home and/or going somewhere you've been before and just want a vegging out time but when there's interesting stuff about!
www.onthewallaby.com and www.ragingthunder.com.au [ a live chat facility with local operator] might give you some more ideas and http://www.capetribbeach.com.au/ is another option to be staying right in the rainforest, a kind of hip place and you can do a GBR trip from right there with a small sailing catamaran - http://rumrunner.com.au/
Aug 10th, 2009, 09:49 AM
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booking a place in Melbourne was a bit stressful. Due to the cup, most places were booked up. I looked everywhere! Also dealing with guys in the group to agree on anything was not a small task!
anyhow, we ended up booking "Quest on Bourke" for A$350/night. It's a bit out of the price range, but it's around $70 US / per /night so not too bad.
It was the same price on wotif.com and quest's website.
Now I can take a breathe and look leisurely for other cities.
The reason I say we don't do much in Cairns: I've been to Asia more times than I care to count (about 16 hrs of flying on direct flights from east US, or 20 hrs with connections). I don't sleep on the plane. When I arrive, I'm a zombie for 2 days. I can't even imagine what kind of shape I'll be in when we get to Cairns. I'm looking into getting some good drugs so I may sleep on the plane.
We are considering day trip ideas, but really decide when we get there.
anyhow, we ended up booking "Quest on Bourke" for A$350/night. It's a bit out of the price range, but it's around $70 US / per /night so not too bad.
It was the same price on wotif.com and quest's website.
Now I can take a breathe and look leisurely for other cities.
The reason I say we don't do much in Cairns: I've been to Asia more times than I care to count (about 16 hrs of flying on direct flights from east US, or 20 hrs with connections). I don't sleep on the plane. When I arrive, I'm a zombie for 2 days. I can't even imagine what kind of shape I'll be in when we get to Cairns. I'm looking into getting some good drugs so I may sleep on the plane.
We are considering day trip ideas, but really decide when we get there.
Aug 10th, 2009, 11:25 AM
#15
Hi JYK,
I think you'll be pleased with Quest on Bourke. It's well located and has good sized suites.
BTW - I'm guessing your comment that AUD 350/night is around US70/night should be US70/person/night .... you'll get a shock in the pocket when you get here otherwise (LOL).
I think you'll be pleased with Quest on Bourke. It's well located and has good sized suites.
BTW - I'm guessing your comment that AUD 350/night is around US70/night should be US70/person/night .... you'll get a shock in the pocket when you get here otherwise (LOL).
Aug 12th, 2009, 08:58 PM
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I agree with Bokhara2 about your Melbourne choice and you were sensible to book now for , as you saw , Melbourne Cup week is always a major event and hotels fully booked .
I am not sure what your plans are for the Melbourne Cup and how you are attending it but a city location is good as you can catch the race trains from Southern Cross Station in Spencer Street direct to the track .
I am not sure what your plans are for the Melbourne Cup and how you are attending it but a city location is good as you can catch the race trains from Southern Cross Station in Spencer Street direct to the track .
