i am going to be travelling with approx. 4-6 people (just us girls, for now) to australia in september, 2004. i really hate the impersonal feeling of hotel rooms. please let me know if there are any short-term apartments,to rent in sydney, cairns and melbourne, for a 2-3 days each? any info would be appreciated. i am really hoping apartments will be cheaper divided by 4-6 people and also more comfortable, with separate bedrooms. also if someone could tell me about b & b's in the same areas.

For B&B's in Cairns/Atherton Tableland/Port Douglas/Cape Tribulation try their Association website at www.bnbnq.com.au Have fun.

For luxury short stay apartments in Sydney and Melbourne take a look at www.mirvac.com.au
Good luck!

Apologies,I gave you a more hotel based website in my previous reply.I meant to suggest www.medinaapartments.com.au

In Sydney we stayed at the Mercure Grand Apartments in Darling Harbor. Very nice 2 bedroom/2 bath apartment.

Near Cairns we stayed at an apartment booked through On the Beach Holiday Apartments in Trinity Beach. (On the Beach has a complex but they also have access to apartments in the next complex.) It was a lovely 2 bedroom/2 bath apartment. We were directly across the street from the beach.

Oakford and Quest both have apartments in Sydney and Melbourne - check their websites for details. A good site for B&Bs is www.babs.com.au
Kay

In many areas of Australia, apartments are sometimes found on hotel lists with a name including the word "Villas". Palm Cove, a beach area about 10 minutes north of Cairns has several such places (Brisbane/Gold coast area did too). They were usually very spacious 2 or 3 bedroom apartments with kitchens, living rooms, laundry, pool etc., and are fully furnished.