Help needed: SYD, MEL & ADL
 

Hello.. I'm new in this forum, pls help me if you can. I'm leaving for Sydney in 2 weeks' time and like to seek your help on accomodations and other areas for the planning of my trip (have only booked our tickets so far:)

There are altogether 8 adults and 2 infants (2 families). We'd like to stay in apartments in possible (w cooking facilities). Looking at mid price range.

Here's our itinerary:
5 nights @ Sydney (w 1 night spend in Bluemountain)then FLY to MEL
2 nights @ Melbourne
3 nights @ Great Ocean Rd (planning to stay @ Apollo Bay, Port Fairy & Robe)
3 nights @ Adelaid

1) SYD: besides Waldolf Apts that's highly recommended by some of you guys here, are there any other alternatives (just in case it is fully booked)?
2) What are the good alternative for us to travel to Bluemountain? by train or coach?
3) Accomodation recommendations for Bluemountain (Fairmont?), Mel (The Seville of Russell? Oakford Apt?), GOR and ADL.
4) To find our way from airport to city or vice versa, what are the transportation alternatives?
It's our 1st overseas trip with our baby and parent, thus hope to finalise the accomodation before we reach AUS. Any assistance/recommendation is greatly appreciated :)

I have just checked to see if there is much advertised on Wotif and there is still some apts available ( we are coming up to the World Rugby Cup which will take up a lot of accommodation) If you check on www.wotif.com.au it will give you the specials and prices. There were some 2 bedroom apts available and one the caught my eye was Harbourside Apts which is in North Sydney but has harbour view from the lounge and dining room and is near the ferry which is only 7 minutes from Circular Quay where everything goes from. There was also a special running on Pacific Apts but I think that the position is not as good there. However it is right in the middle of the CBD.
If nothing shows up yet for the dates you are going to be there then I suggest that you contact some of these hotels direct as accommodation will get tight during the W.C. Melbourne will also be in the same boat!

Re. Melbourne. I have stayed at The Seville at Russell a few times.
2 bedroom apartments have pull out sofa bed as well. 1. full bathroom plus an extra toilet/basin. If you request you may be lucky enough to get a extra large balcony (only a couple of these available.) These apartments are up near china town. 5 minutes walk to city centre.
Becareful of the Oakford apartments as they have taken over some very small apartments in Collins Street.
Have a good look on Wotif.com.au
Lastminute.com.au
need it know .com.au
Enjoy

Sorry forgot to add..If you stay at Seville there is a small supermarket just up Little Bourke Street. (Paramont Building)

Thanks Janese and AussieJo, have made a booking for StarCity apt and awaiting their confirmation. For Melbourne, will check out on The Seville at Russell. Am no rugby fan but too bad that we couldn't find other better period to visit AUS.

Star City apartments are not near anything at all, except Star City Casino (and the Good Living food markets - first Saturday of the month, only) and Pyrmont, a sort of residential area and construction site.

You can walk to Darling Harbour - a tourist precinct, and may be able to get a ferry around to the city proper.

You can, of course, get the light rail, but that goes to Chinatown and Central Railway, not a particularly inspiring tourist destination.