Myself and my husband, both in our 50's, are visiting our daughter in Sydney this Christmas. We would like to rent a house near a beach not too far from the city center. What are nice areas and can anyone recommend a good Rental Agency? We have rented houses in Camps Bay, Cape Town a number of times and are looking for a similar suburb. Any help much appreciated.

I'm interested in the answer too as we're likely to be in Sydney just before Christimas for 5 nights and an apartment might be nicer than a hotel.

I don't know Camps Bay so I can't recommend a similar suburb but the beach suburbs that are close to the city centre include: Watson's Bay (harbour beach), Balmoral (harbour beach), Bondi, Bronte, Coogee, Maroubra, Clovelly (surf beaches). Perhaps you can clarify what you particularly want from a beach suburb and then it would be easier to narrow the selection down.

This is the main website for real estate in Sydney: http://www.domain.com.au/

Most of the rental properties will have a minimum 6 month lease and will not be furnished. There are also companies that just deal with fully furnished houses and flats.

Have a look at Airbnb, VRBO, Bookings.com

Manly might be another option - on the north side of the harbour and connected to the city by ferry. Perhaps find out what is near your daughter or accessible to her. Susan and Bokhara have given good advice

Lavandula

Actually you might also look at www.stayz.com.au because they do short term holiday rentals. We once found a holiday house in Katoomba through them, and I am sure they would have properties in Sydney too.

Lavandula

Check out http://www.alwaysonvacation.com.au/

They've got loads of holiday accommodation in Sydney for a variety of budgets. Use the navigation on the left hand side after you've searched for rentals in Sydney and you should be able to search for specials and deals. Have a great Chrissie with your daughter!

I was going to recommend Stayz but someone else has. We used them to rent a 4 bedroom house at The Rocks for a week. Just like being at home. Great service.

Thanks for all the suggestions guys. Have been in touch with Stayz and alwaysonvacation and between the 2 of them we will get sorted out. Really looking forward to seeing Australia.