Sydney NY family group 10-ideas
May 30th, 2006 | 07:35 AM
#1
Original Poster
Joined: May 2006
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Sydney NY family group 10-ideas
hi, any help on recommending locations to stay around sydney for xmas and new year. we will be a group of 9 adults,1 7 year ols and 2 babies under 2. Also, places to stay pref.SC near beach.
May 30th, 2006 | 08:07 PM
#3
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,530
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The sooner you can organise it the better as it is a very busy time and places fill up quickly especially as you have such alarge group. So let us know how much you want to spend, what you want to do and you will get some help here.
May 31st, 2006 | 04:33 AM
#4
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,430
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This is going to be a long-winded answer, and much of it may not be relevant to your specific group, but I am going to answer with a cut-and-paste of a post I wrote this morning on the Tripadvisor forum, where questions about NY in Sydney crop up every couple of days. Sounds to me like you could well book a couple of studios at the 'Y'!
Anyway, here is the whole report:
"I spent an interesting couple of hours in the Sydney CBD this morning researching New Year's Eve accommodation at a couple of the less-well-known Sydney hotels. One of our posters asked me to do this for the 2007 NYE -- my main "thrust" for him was how far ahead is a person allowed to book, and what are the special conditions pertaining to this NY week --, but I thought I might "kill two birds with one stone" and ask about any vacancies left for this coming New Year's Eve as well.... fully expecting to be laughed out of the lobby.
Well, I was surprised to find that there are a few vacancies still left for this New Year's Eve, and, what's more, there are one or two places that are bemused that I was asking for New Year's Eve already. Here, in case anyone is interested, is what I discovered:
First, my one and only "blank". The pleasant Crown Hotel (www.crownhotel-sydney.com.au) has double rooms with ensuite for $AUD82 a night, but they are closed between Christmas and New Year, to give their staff a holiday. That's Australia for you -- only here would a hotel close down for the one week of the year when they could be absolutely guaranteed to make a small fortune (maybe it's not so strange; I remember back in the 1960s, in a NSW country town called Walcha, the main restaurant use to close between 12 noon and 1 p.m. daily so that the kitchen staff could have lunch!)
Anyway, for other times of the year, the Crown is worth keeping in mind... it's a nice-looking, tiny pub which I have given scant attention to on this forum because I assumed that it offered only share bath accommodation (like most pubs); not so, however. Very pleasant young lady at the counter (there's no check-in desk); she called me "honey", which, at 64, is not an appelation I hear much anymore!
Across the road was the Vibe in Goulburn Street. Nothing for this New Year's Eve.... normally they have a 3-night minimum at that time of year, but if anyone wanted to book as far ahead as NEXT year's New Year's Eve, they would happily waive the 3-night minimum. Current room rate is $AUD320 a night for that week.
The Blacket still has rooms for this New Year's Eve! Their normal rate of $AUD185 a night goes up to $AUD410 a night just before New Year's Eve, and there's a three-night minimum. On New Year's Eve itself they have only "superior" loft rooms left, and the price for that is $AUD525... but anyone staying that night could move into the standard room the next day for $AUD185. They are quite happy to book as far ahead as you like. This is the most expensive option of any I asked about... it's a bit of profiteering here to jump from $AUD185 to $AUD410, but I pass on the information for what it's worth.... if nothing else, it's a good location and a pleasant building (although more tarted up in the lobby than I would have expected, being in a converted bank which is around 100 years old). They warn me that next year's prices will be higher.
The Travelodge in Phillip Street is one of my special recommendations, as it's in a great little part of Sydney, right near the historic area of Macquarie Street. However, the reception I got at Reception was probably the coldest of any of the places I checked. Nothing for this year, and if booking for 2007, you ring no more than 13 months in advance. There's a minimum of 3 nights over this week, and the price is $AUD275 a night.
The YWCA ('Y on the Park') was easily the most helpful of all the places I called in at (with the possible exception of the Carrington, still to come). They have a special handout for New Year's prices, and I have come away with no less than 32 different prices for different grades of room and different staying periods! The bottom line is that they have several vacancies for this coming New Year's Eve, but they require a non-refundable deposit to secure a booking. If you stay for two nights, the price per night is cheaper. There are dorm rooms for $AUD48 a night (2-night stay) and $AUD52 a night (single-night stay), but the grade of room I was specifically inquiring about (for tourists who would rather not share a bathroom) is $AUD174 fper night or a double room (2-night stay... $AUD180 if it's just for the one night). They also have rooms for three ($AUD204) and four ($AUD240). They suggest that anyone wanting to book should not wait too long for that time of year... as if you hadn't worked that out already. They will take vacancies for 2007 anytime you choose, subject to your agreement to that non-refundable deposit. Very friendly desk, and a good location opposite Hyde Park, just near the Marriott (which I didn't bother to check).
I had never before noticed the Hotel Stellar, opposite the 'Y', and asked them if they were new... but they assured me they had been there for four years. Looks quite nice, but as I was talking to the desk clerk I saw the 'Best Western' sign, so I knew I'd been lured into a "chain"; so I wasn't surprised by the bad news that followed. They are full for this New Year's Eve, book only twelve months in advance (so don't even think about 2007 for the next six months), and require a 5-night minimum for that week. Room rate is $AUD350 per night. I reckon that's a lot of money when you think of that five-night minimum (not much change there out of two thousand dollars), especially with the much-more-affable 'Y' right across the road (and the 'Y' has a better outlook).
The Carrington have apartments -- lounge room with single bed, bedroom with double/queen bed, and kitchen -- so I called in on them really as an afterthought. Turned out they were one of the best of the bunch.... possibly THE best. There is a seven-night minimum, but, if I recall, that's not just for New Year, but for anytime. There is NO increase for New Year week. The friendly proprietor showed me one of the apartments, which was so nice I nearly took it on the spot. The price -- $AUD176 a night -- would have seemed expensive a couple of hours before, but after the Stellar and the Blacket (and even the Travelodge) it seemed very reasonable.... remember they were offering rooms, not full-size apartments. Nothing left at the Carrington for this New Year... normally they book twelve months ahead, but when I seized on that word "normally" and asked would they consider an overseas booking for a further-ahead period than that, the extremely-affable proprietor didn't seem too reluctant.... he even wrote down his email address for me: [email protected]. The Carrington is right near Wynyard Station, near the Menzies and just down the road from the Shangri-La or the Travelodge Wynyard.... in other words, an easy walk to the Rocks. My own feeling is that it would probably pay to reserve an apartment for the seven nights even if you had to walk away and forego one or two of those.... I never got the impression that the hotel was trying to profiteer, which was surprising given that that Master of the Profiteer, the Shangri-La (New Year's Eve, $AUD1500 a night!!!), is just a whiff away.
That was supposed to be my last stop, but, while on a different mission, I came upon an old pub just off the main road in a quiet part of Sydney (Reservoir St, Surry Hills) not far from Central Station. This is REAL "old Sydney".... it doesn't look like it's changed much since before World War I.... either the area or the hotel. It's the Royal Albert Hotel, and the proprietor seemd amused that I would be asking, not about tonight, but about a night six months away. All their rooms are configured as two pairs of double beds plus a bathroom. If you want dorm style, you can have one of those beds for $AUD20 a night or $AUD120 a week. If you don't like sharing a bath (or a room) with strangers, you'd have to book the whole room for $AUD80 a night, $AUD480 for the week. No premium or minimum stay for New Year.... however, he did suggest that anyone wanting to book for that week shouldn't wait till the last moment, as they often got "pretty busy" at that time. Since you could walk to the fireworks in forty minutes, and then sleep for $AUD20 a night right in the city, I shouldn't wonder!
Hope some of that is of use to the people who are still writing in saying, "Isn't there ANYTHING in Sydney for New Year week?" This is only Instalment One.... I have to go back in to the city in a fortnight, and I will select another part of the city and ask the same questions."
I hope, natty54, that in all of that there may be one or two things of interest to you.
Anyway, here is the whole report:
"I spent an interesting couple of hours in the Sydney CBD this morning researching New Year's Eve accommodation at a couple of the less-well-known Sydney hotels. One of our posters asked me to do this for the 2007 NYE -- my main "thrust" for him was how far ahead is a person allowed to book, and what are the special conditions pertaining to this NY week --, but I thought I might "kill two birds with one stone" and ask about any vacancies left for this coming New Year's Eve as well.... fully expecting to be laughed out of the lobby.
Well, I was surprised to find that there are a few vacancies still left for this New Year's Eve, and, what's more, there are one or two places that are bemused that I was asking for New Year's Eve already. Here, in case anyone is interested, is what I discovered:
First, my one and only "blank". The pleasant Crown Hotel (www.crownhotel-sydney.com.au) has double rooms with ensuite for $AUD82 a night, but they are closed between Christmas and New Year, to give their staff a holiday. That's Australia for you -- only here would a hotel close down for the one week of the year when they could be absolutely guaranteed to make a small fortune (maybe it's not so strange; I remember back in the 1960s, in a NSW country town called Walcha, the main restaurant use to close between 12 noon and 1 p.m. daily so that the kitchen staff could have lunch!)
Anyway, for other times of the year, the Crown is worth keeping in mind... it's a nice-looking, tiny pub which I have given scant attention to on this forum because I assumed that it offered only share bath accommodation (like most pubs); not so, however. Very pleasant young lady at the counter (there's no check-in desk); she called me "honey", which, at 64, is not an appelation I hear much anymore!
Across the road was the Vibe in Goulburn Street. Nothing for this New Year's Eve.... normally they have a 3-night minimum at that time of year, but if anyone wanted to book as far ahead as NEXT year's New Year's Eve, they would happily waive the 3-night minimum. Current room rate is $AUD320 a night for that week.
The Blacket still has rooms for this New Year's Eve! Their normal rate of $AUD185 a night goes up to $AUD410 a night just before New Year's Eve, and there's a three-night minimum. On New Year's Eve itself they have only "superior" loft rooms left, and the price for that is $AUD525... but anyone staying that night could move into the standard room the next day for $AUD185. They are quite happy to book as far ahead as you like. This is the most expensive option of any I asked about... it's a bit of profiteering here to jump from $AUD185 to $AUD410, but I pass on the information for what it's worth.... if nothing else, it's a good location and a pleasant building (although more tarted up in the lobby than I would have expected, being in a converted bank which is around 100 years old). They warn me that next year's prices will be higher.
The Travelodge in Phillip Street is one of my special recommendations, as it's in a great little part of Sydney, right near the historic area of Macquarie Street. However, the reception I got at Reception was probably the coldest of any of the places I checked. Nothing for this year, and if booking for 2007, you ring no more than 13 months in advance. There's a minimum of 3 nights over this week, and the price is $AUD275 a night.
The YWCA ('Y on the Park') was easily the most helpful of all the places I called in at (with the possible exception of the Carrington, still to come). They have a special handout for New Year's prices, and I have come away with no less than 32 different prices for different grades of room and different staying periods! The bottom line is that they have several vacancies for this coming New Year's Eve, but they require a non-refundable deposit to secure a booking. If you stay for two nights, the price per night is cheaper. There are dorm rooms for $AUD48 a night (2-night stay) and $AUD52 a night (single-night stay), but the grade of room I was specifically inquiring about (for tourists who would rather not share a bathroom) is $AUD174 fper night or a double room (2-night stay... $AUD180 if it's just for the one night). They also have rooms for three ($AUD204) and four ($AUD240). They suggest that anyone wanting to book should not wait too long for that time of year... as if you hadn't worked that out already. They will take vacancies for 2007 anytime you choose, subject to your agreement to that non-refundable deposit. Very friendly desk, and a good location opposite Hyde Park, just near the Marriott (which I didn't bother to check).
I had never before noticed the Hotel Stellar, opposite the 'Y', and asked them if they were new... but they assured me they had been there for four years. Looks quite nice, but as I was talking to the desk clerk I saw the 'Best Western' sign, so I knew I'd been lured into a "chain"; so I wasn't surprised by the bad news that followed. They are full for this New Year's Eve, book only twelve months in advance (so don't even think about 2007 for the next six months), and require a 5-night minimum for that week. Room rate is $AUD350 per night. I reckon that's a lot of money when you think of that five-night minimum (not much change there out of two thousand dollars), especially with the much-more-affable 'Y' right across the road (and the 'Y' has a better outlook).
The Carrington have apartments -- lounge room with single bed, bedroom with double/queen bed, and kitchen -- so I called in on them really as an afterthought. Turned out they were one of the best of the bunch.... possibly THE best. There is a seven-night minimum, but, if I recall, that's not just for New Year, but for anytime. There is NO increase for New Year week. The friendly proprietor showed me one of the apartments, which was so nice I nearly took it on the spot. The price -- $AUD176 a night -- would have seemed expensive a couple of hours before, but after the Stellar and the Blacket (and even the Travelodge) it seemed very reasonable.... remember they were offering rooms, not full-size apartments. Nothing left at the Carrington for this New Year... normally they book twelve months ahead, but when I seized on that word "normally" and asked would they consider an overseas booking for a further-ahead period than that, the extremely-affable proprietor didn't seem too reluctant.... he even wrote down his email address for me: [email protected]. The Carrington is right near Wynyard Station, near the Menzies and just down the road from the Shangri-La or the Travelodge Wynyard.... in other words, an easy walk to the Rocks. My own feeling is that it would probably pay to reserve an apartment for the seven nights even if you had to walk away and forego one or two of those.... I never got the impression that the hotel was trying to profiteer, which was surprising given that that Master of the Profiteer, the Shangri-La (New Year's Eve, $AUD1500 a night!!!), is just a whiff away.
That was supposed to be my last stop, but, while on a different mission, I came upon an old pub just off the main road in a quiet part of Sydney (Reservoir St, Surry Hills) not far from Central Station. This is REAL "old Sydney".... it doesn't look like it's changed much since before World War I.... either the area or the hotel. It's the Royal Albert Hotel, and the proprietor seemd amused that I would be asking, not about tonight, but about a night six months away. All their rooms are configured as two pairs of double beds plus a bathroom. If you want dorm style, you can have one of those beds for $AUD20 a night or $AUD120 a week. If you don't like sharing a bath (or a room) with strangers, you'd have to book the whole room for $AUD80 a night, $AUD480 for the week. No premium or minimum stay for New Year.... however, he did suggest that anyone wanting to book for that week shouldn't wait till the last moment, as they often got "pretty busy" at that time. Since you could walk to the fireworks in forty minutes, and then sleep for $AUD20 a night right in the city, I shouldn't wonder!
Hope some of that is of use to the people who are still writing in saying, "Isn't there ANYTHING in Sydney for New Year week?" This is only Instalment One.... I have to go back in to the city in a fortnight, and I will select another part of the city and ask the same questions."
I hope, natty54, that in all of that there may be one or two things of interest to you.
Jun 1st, 2006 | 07:21 AM
#5
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,085
Likes: 0
Hi natty54 !!
This seems to be the same problem we had a few years ago, Alan helped us then too.
We stayed at the Waldorf, on liverpool st, there were many families that had booked 2 or 3 apartments.
Worth a look I guess, Alan, if you get the opportunity I'd be interested to hear what reception you get in their reception....
Meanwhile; Alan, that's a great bit of super sleuth work you have done there.
Keep up the good work.
natty have a great NYE you will thoroughly enjoy it.
Good luck
Muck
This seems to be the same problem we had a few years ago, Alan helped us then too.
We stayed at the Waldorf, on liverpool st, there were many families that had booked 2 or 3 apartments.
Worth a look I guess, Alan, if you get the opportunity I'd be interested to hear what reception you get in their reception....
Meanwhile; Alan, that's a great bit of super sleuth work you have done there.
Keep up the good work.
natty have a great NYE you will thoroughly enjoy it.
Good luck
Muck
Jun 1st, 2006 | 01:15 PM
#6
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,059
Likes: 0
Alan - thanks for the great info. My family of 6 are thinking of planning a NY trip in 2007. Is there an apartment/hotel that would accomodate that many?
We are divers and will spend time in Cairns after Sydney. Probably do a liveaboard for several nights.
We are divers and will spend time in Cairns after Sydney. Probably do a liveaboard for several nights.
Jun 1st, 2006 | 03:54 PM
#7
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,430
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Hi, Barbara!
Yes, there are several places with two-bedroom apartments. There was a post about these either on this forum or on Tripadvisors just a few weeks ago.... if I can find it I will cut and paste it for you. The Carrington Apartments are for three people -- four at a pinch -- as there is a second bed in the lounge annex, plus a lounge suite that could probably suffice for a small child, so booking two of their apartments might actually be an economical way of doing things if you're planning to stay a week.
Some friends of our from San Diego booked a two-bedder for six people at the Quay West, and they thought it was just great; however, it cost them over $500 a night, and that wasn't even at New Year! You can see that this could be a very expensive exercise for you if you leave things too long. Maybe two triples at the 'Y' (above) for $AUD156 a night might be the cheapest way to go.... that gives you two bathrooms for the six of you. Or, a quad and a double, ($170 plus $134). This is the NYE price per night for a two-night minimum stay.... pretty reasonable, and I assure you that the 'Y' is NOT like you'd expect from a 'Y';it's a high-rise and fairly new building.By the way, that rate includes breakfast!
Hi, Mucky! Glad to know you're still reading. Actually, I thoroughly enjoyed that little morning of sleuthing, and as I reluctantly drew the day to a close (I had to go home early as one of my daughters had a dance lesson... that's all parents do in Australia, drive their children to after-school activities designed to transfer money from people with kids to people who are too smart to have kids), I recall thinking "I really wish I'd made it as far as Mucky's hotel up in Liverpool Street." So that will be a "must" next time! I hear, however, that their prices have risen quite a bit since your time.
Summer in Wales at the moment, isn't it? Or did you sleep in late and miss it?
Yes, there are several places with two-bedroom apartments. There was a post about these either on this forum or on Tripadvisors just a few weeks ago.... if I can find it I will cut and paste it for you. The Carrington Apartments are for three people -- four at a pinch -- as there is a second bed in the lounge annex, plus a lounge suite that could probably suffice for a small child, so booking two of their apartments might actually be an economical way of doing things if you're planning to stay a week.
Some friends of our from San Diego booked a two-bedder for six people at the Quay West, and they thought it was just great; however, it cost them over $500 a night, and that wasn't even at New Year! You can see that this could be a very expensive exercise for you if you leave things too long. Maybe two triples at the 'Y' (above) for $AUD156 a night might be the cheapest way to go.... that gives you two bathrooms for the six of you. Or, a quad and a double, ($170 plus $134). This is the NYE price per night for a two-night minimum stay.... pretty reasonable, and I assure you that the 'Y' is NOT like you'd expect from a 'Y';it's a high-rise and fairly new building.By the way, that rate includes breakfast!
Hi, Mucky! Glad to know you're still reading. Actually, I thoroughly enjoyed that little morning of sleuthing, and as I reluctantly drew the day to a close (I had to go home early as one of my daughters had a dance lesson... that's all parents do in Australia, drive their children to after-school activities designed to transfer money from people with kids to people who are too smart to have kids), I recall thinking "I really wish I'd made it as far as Mucky's hotel up in Liverpool Street." So that will be a "must" next time! I hear, however, that their prices have risen quite a bit since your time.
Summer in Wales at the moment, isn't it? Or did you sleep in late and miss it?
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Jun 1st, 2006 | 04:08 PM
#8
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,430
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Barbara: Here's the first cut-and-paste from Tripadvisor (I think there's a second which I haven't found yet):
Hi everyone
We are a family of six, kids of 12,12,10 and nine two adults arriving in Sydney on the 14th december.
we expect to stay a couple of days and then head to Cairns to spend xmas there.
Any ideas of entertainment fo four energetic kids for a couple of days?
Also any tips on accomadation and whether its worth hiring a car or using taxis would be appreciated.
Thanks
Ellemay
Joined: Aug 2005
Forum posts: 1,888
Inside pages created: 31
What's this?
sydney, Australia (3693364)
Posted on: 3:28 pm, May 15, 2006 Report inappropriate post
Twins.....I'm a twin fh....girl, boy.or identical ?
Now, the answer to the question....firstly you need an apartment....there are numerous wonderful apartments available in Sydney...but you will need to book early....it will be getting HOT(busy season)...around this time....for apartments, as HSC teenagers do their formals...and book everything out....
www.sydneyservicedapartments.net/
www.pacficinthotels.com
www.wotif.com.au - for description on location and price
www.last.minute.com.au
www.savillesuites.com.au
Sydney has heaps of great apartments for families.....best bet is to look at wotif, for location and rates and go from there....
If I had your kids....I would want to stay in Manly....I know ,that they would absolutely love it......check "inside pages" Sydney on this site...Sydney Attractions....I have written a very detailed article...referring to Manly...also check out family activities...on this site ...for what to do...
Sydney public transport is excellent, you do not need to hire a car.....also check out "inside pages" Sydney for details on public transport...this site....go australia...sydney..."inside pages"....
JPup
Joined: May 2006
Forum posts: 2
Inside pages created: 0
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Sydney (3698853)
Posted on: 3:59 am, May 16, 2006 Report inappropriate post
Hi
There are a couple of good websites that offer self contained accommodation in sydney which is great for families. Many of them have a two night minimum which could work for you.
www.ozstays.com
www.takeabreak.com.au
good luck.
rhudson
Joined: Apr 2006
Forum posts: 11
Inside pages created: 0
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Birmingham, Alabama (3718215)
Posted on: 4:49 pm, May 17, 2006 Report inappropriate post
If you are travelling near Brisbane, there's a great host farm where your kids can experience "Aussie" farm life. You can go horseriding and lots of other farm activities. It's called Lillydale Host Farm. I'd drive up from Sydney to Brisbane along the coast and then catch a plane to Cairns. Hope this helps
Get more info from:
http://www.tripadvisor.com/GoListDet...xperience.html
Hi everyone
We are a family of six, kids of 12,12,10 and nine two adults arriving in Sydney on the 14th december.
we expect to stay a couple of days and then head to Cairns to spend xmas there.
Any ideas of entertainment fo four energetic kids for a couple of days?
Also any tips on accomadation and whether its worth hiring a car or using taxis would be appreciated.
Thanks
Ellemay
Joined: Aug 2005
Forum posts: 1,888
Inside pages created: 31
What's this?
sydney, Australia (3693364)
Posted on: 3:28 pm, May 15, 2006 Report inappropriate post
Twins.....I'm a twin fh....girl, boy.or identical ?
Now, the answer to the question....firstly you need an apartment....there are numerous wonderful apartments available in Sydney...but you will need to book early....it will be getting HOT(busy season)...around this time....for apartments, as HSC teenagers do their formals...and book everything out....
www.sydneyservicedapartments.net/
www.pacficinthotels.com
www.wotif.com.au - for description on location and price
www.last.minute.com.au
www.savillesuites.com.au
Sydney has heaps of great apartments for families.....best bet is to look at wotif, for location and rates and go from there....
If I had your kids....I would want to stay in Manly....I know ,that they would absolutely love it......check "inside pages" Sydney on this site...Sydney Attractions....I have written a very detailed article...referring to Manly...also check out family activities...on this site ...for what to do...
Sydney public transport is excellent, you do not need to hire a car.....also check out "inside pages" Sydney for details on public transport...this site....go australia...sydney..."inside pages"....
JPup
Joined: May 2006
Forum posts: 2
Inside pages created: 0
What's this?
Sydney (3698853)
Posted on: 3:59 am, May 16, 2006 Report inappropriate post
Hi
There are a couple of good websites that offer self contained accommodation in sydney which is great for families. Many of them have a two night minimum which could work for you.
www.ozstays.com
www.takeabreak.com.au
good luck.
rhudson
Joined: Apr 2006
Forum posts: 11
Inside pages created: 0
What's this?
Birmingham, Alabama (3718215)
Posted on: 4:49 pm, May 17, 2006 Report inappropriate post
If you are travelling near Brisbane, there's a great host farm where your kids can experience "Aussie" farm life. You can go horseriding and lots of other farm activities. It's called Lillydale Host Farm. I'd drive up from Sydney to Brisbane along the coast and then catch a plane to Cairns. Hope this helps
Get more info from:
http://www.tripadvisor.com/GoListDet...xperience.html
Jun 1st, 2006 | 04:25 PM
#9
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,430
Likes: 0
Second cut-and-paste:
We are a UK family of 6 - children 16,15,15,11 and we are visiting Australia for the first time from 5th Dec 06 to 3rd Jan 07.
We will be in Sydney for New Year and need to book 7 nights accomodation from 27th Dec to 2nd Jan....help?! where and what ? This is so important to get right as it is our base for exploring the city and having a New Year to remember!
And secondly, we would like ...any advice? recommendations? do's and don'ts? hints? or tips? on what to do, to make the most of 7 days in Sydney over New Year as a family of 6.
All comments so gratefully received!
mad4disney
Joined: Mar 2006
Forum posts: 9
Inside pages created: 0
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newcastle (3640672)
Posted on: 8:06 am, May 10, 2006 Report inappropriate post
Hi Joeycrew,
Firstly i would say that you really need to get hopping on booking your accomodation in sydney. New Years Eve in Sydney is one of the biggest nights in the year for the city. The city plays host to about 1 million people lining the harbour to watch the fabulous fireworks spectacular. As you can imagine this is a very busy time, also you are travelling in our summer, so you can expect crowds at this time of the year at almost any event you go to.
Things to do....definatley do a harbour cruise, go out to Bondi Beach, maybe take a ferry trip across the harbour to Manly and spend a day at the beach there, there is Taronga Park Zoo just a short boat ride across harbour, Darling Harbor is an entertainment area with many hotels, restarants and is home to Star City casino. One great thing to do is to climb the Harbour Bridge, but I would suggest booking for this in advance. You can book online through the Sydney tourist website.
If you want to get out of the city, which im sure you will, hire a car and head either north, south or west. West will take you to the Blue Mountains, with much scenery, bushwalking trails, quaint cafes and shopping. For a fantastic view head to Medlow Bath and the famous Hydro Majestic Hotel. You can stay there or simply pop in for a drink and enjoy the famous view of the Megalong valley. Heading north will take you to the beaches of New South Wales. and also my home the Hunter Valley which is famous for its wineries, arts and crafts, good food and fun, ballooning over the region on a sunrise ride is spectacular. There really is so much to see and do, the list is endless and really depends on what kind of holiday you are after.
I hope this helps in some small way, any further questions feel free to ask.
KarenKwag
Joined: Nov 2005
Forum posts: 201
Inside pages created: 0
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Sydney Australia (3640679)
Posted on: 8:06 am, May 10, 2006 Report inappropriate post
From what others have said, it would seem that the city is quite heavily booked for that time. Do a search on this forum for Manly accomodation-it may be your best bet and would be great for the kids.
AlanJ
Joined: Mar 2005
Forum posts: 1,100
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Sydney (3640697)
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Posted on: 8:08 am, May 10, 2006 Report inappropriate post
What sort of accommodation are you looking for? I can't think of a single hotel that offers a room for six, so you may have to settle for two rooms, and, being the week of New Year's Eve, this could well cost you a great deal of money. Worse, availability will already be getting tight, and you may have to settle for something outside the CBD.
Well, after such a negative opening, let's see if I can suggest somewhere to start (of course, if you're willing to spend a couple of thousand dollars a night, just ignore these suggestions, as I am sure that, for the right kind of money, any of the top hotels will find a spot for you.... I am assuming, however, that a family of six is interested in saving money which can be used for more important things, like sightseeing).
My fiirst thought would be the Grand on Hunter Street. They have family rooms for four, and doubles and triples, and they are quite wonderfully-located just seven minutes' walk from the harbour front, which is where you'll want to be on New Year's Eve. Their website is http://sydney.citysearch.com.au/E/V/...2/99/15/1.html. If they happened to have two adjoining rooms, then you'd be fortunate indeed.
I like the hotel because they don't try any profiteering for New Year's Eve.... their rates just go up a tiny fraction to cover penalty rates for the staff -- unlike, say, the Shangri-La, where their room rate for New Year's Eve last year went, if memory serves, from around $300 (normal) to a whopping $1595.
Another quite wonderful location is the Coronation Hotel, right at the Town Hall. It has a website worth checking: http://www.hotelcoronation.com.au/
If I recall, the Strand Hotel in William Street -- just about directly opposite the much-more-expensive Boulevard -- has weekly rates, and it is a real budget haven. They're not well-known to the tourist trade, and may well have a couple of rooms available for New Year. Can't remember whether they have family rooms, however.
I'm fairly certain the A-Line Hotel (now calling itself the Victoria Park Inn) has family rooms, and I think their sign mentioned weekly rates also. I don't often recommend this place, as it's a fairly ordinary-looking establishment, but there are lots of buses going right past the door to Circular Quay, about a fifteen-minute drive. It's on the western side of Sydney Terminal Station, towards the University. Take a look at this site: http://www.travelhero.com/prophome.c...ons/index.html
Another one with weekly rates (but, I think, only singles and doubles) is the George Hotel, which is one of those places that's just a doorways and a set of stairs on the ground floor; the hotel itself is above a row of small shops. Your kids would like the location, right next to the George St cinema strip with all the fast-food joints.
Many -- or all -- of the above may have share baths, but these are the establishments that are more likely to have vacancies for New Year week. If that's not acceptable to you, you may be wise to take a suburban motel in an area with easy rail access to the CBD, such as Strathfield, Chatswood, or Hurstville. Public transport in Sydney isn't really too bad, and those three centres are each within twenty minutes of the city by fast train (and, as major stations, they are set-down and pick-up stops for expresses heading out of the city, which can be quite a help.) On New Year's Eve the trains run virtually all night -- your only probelm is that they are so crowded that you may have to let three or four go by before you can squeeze in.
However, maybe it won't come to that. Email the Grand and see if you can score one of the best bargains in Sydney... I guarantee you'll be delighted with the location.
AlanJ
Joined: Mar 2005
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Sydney (3640813)
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Posted on: 8:21 am, May 10, 2006 Report inappropriate post
Just thought of a few more: the Country Comfort at Railway Square: a regular hotel with all the trimmings, but not often used by visitors from overseas (it's well-known to country visitors visiting the city). Also the Noah Lodge out in Chippendale..... just past the Sydney terminal Station. And Unilodge on Broadway, where the buses go by every minute, has triples. All these can be inspected on http://www.housing.uts.edu.au/hotels/standard.html
Ellemay
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sydney, Australia (3649997)
Posted on: 10:30 pm, May 10, 2006 Report inappropriate post
Just a few other suggestions :
Try Harbourview Hotel at North Sydney...great position and just a five minute train ride into the heart of the city.
also check out www.wotif.com.au - for more hotels in the CBD area...they give a great description on location and rates....you cannot book through them until a month before you leave....which is not a good idea...to wait...but then again...you may find a gem....
After your research then ring the hotels you like and get prices direct.
There are some wonderful serviced apartments around Sydney which would suit a family. www.servicedapartments.net/
my daughter just booked a three bedroom apartment with two bathrooms on the corner of bathurst and pitt street for AUD$255.00 a night. (looks lovely complex with swimming pool etc.etc. The Meriton Apartments.
Snodge
Joined: Aug 2005
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Sydney Australia (3650422)
Posted on: 11:36 pm, May 10, 2006 Report inappropriate post
If by some chance you end up out of the city a bit, don't stress, they really have the public transport thing sorted for huge events like NYE these days
The festival of Sydney commences after New Year, so keep your eyes peeled for events, many of them you'll trip over just wandering around.
http://www.sydneyfestival.org.au/page.asp?p=76
is the website, not much on there at the moment but you can sign up for an e-newsletter.
Joeycrew
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UK (3662653)
Posted on: 2:31 am, May 12, 2006 Report inappropriate post
Thanks so much to everyone who's replied already!
You really have given us some great advice and it's very much appreciated - Thank you!
AlanJ
Joined: Mar 2005
Forum posts: 1,100
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Sydney (3674484)
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for Sydney
Posted on: 9:18 am, May 13, 2006 Report inappropriate post
Joeycrew, can we ask a small favour in return? Once you have finalised something, please write back and tell us what your arrangements are. I am sure this question about large families will crop up again..... this time I admit I have been guessing rather than advising from any expertise.... but now you'll be the expert, and if you clue us in on what worked, then we'll be able to advise better next time. Thanks!
Ellemay
Joined: Aug 2005
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sydney, Australia (3681050)
Posted on: 9:06 am, May 14, 2006 Report inappropriate post
For those who want family accommadation in Sydney. when in Melbourne and looking for conference hotels( this weekend) I found a fabulous gem....Pacific International Suites have these huge apartments...well they are in Melbourne and I presume they would be the same in Sydney...the brochure looks the same...and I asked if I could check them out....and they are very, very spacious...plus you can interconnected rooms which allows you have have up to 6-8 people....all self contained with lovely kitchnette, lounge room, dining room and large spacious bathrooms(some with spas) with washing machines and dyers. I highly recommend them.....I am very fussy when it comes to rooms, expecially booking for business clients...plus biggest bonus they are very reasonable.
They have 3 hotels in Sydney.
1) 653 George Street...First Class - +61 2 9284 4500
2)433 Kent Street - Deluxe
3)717 George Street ..First Class
www.pacificinhotels.com freecall : 1800 224 584 (within Australia)
Ellemay
Joined: Aug 2005
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sydney, Australia (3681076)
Posted on: 9:11 am, May 14, 2006 Report inappropriate post
sorry its www.pacificinthotels.com
We are a UK family of 6 - children 16,15,15,11 and we are visiting Australia for the first time from 5th Dec 06 to 3rd Jan 07.
We will be in Sydney for New Year and need to book 7 nights accomodation from 27th Dec to 2nd Jan....help?! where and what ? This is so important to get right as it is our base for exploring the city and having a New Year to remember!
And secondly, we would like ...any advice? recommendations? do's and don'ts? hints? or tips? on what to do, to make the most of 7 days in Sydney over New Year as a family of 6.
All comments so gratefully received!
mad4disney
Joined: Mar 2006
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newcastle (3640672)
Posted on: 8:06 am, May 10, 2006 Report inappropriate post
Hi Joeycrew,
Firstly i would say that you really need to get hopping on booking your accomodation in sydney. New Years Eve in Sydney is one of the biggest nights in the year for the city. The city plays host to about 1 million people lining the harbour to watch the fabulous fireworks spectacular. As you can imagine this is a very busy time, also you are travelling in our summer, so you can expect crowds at this time of the year at almost any event you go to.
Things to do....definatley do a harbour cruise, go out to Bondi Beach, maybe take a ferry trip across the harbour to Manly and spend a day at the beach there, there is Taronga Park Zoo just a short boat ride across harbour, Darling Harbor is an entertainment area with many hotels, restarants and is home to Star City casino. One great thing to do is to climb the Harbour Bridge, but I would suggest booking for this in advance. You can book online through the Sydney tourist website.
If you want to get out of the city, which im sure you will, hire a car and head either north, south or west. West will take you to the Blue Mountains, with much scenery, bushwalking trails, quaint cafes and shopping. For a fantastic view head to Medlow Bath and the famous Hydro Majestic Hotel. You can stay there or simply pop in for a drink and enjoy the famous view of the Megalong valley. Heading north will take you to the beaches of New South Wales. and also my home the Hunter Valley which is famous for its wineries, arts and crafts, good food and fun, ballooning over the region on a sunrise ride is spectacular. There really is so much to see and do, the list is endless and really depends on what kind of holiday you are after.
I hope this helps in some small way, any further questions feel free to ask.
KarenKwag
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Sydney Australia (3640679)
Posted on: 8:06 am, May 10, 2006 Report inappropriate post
From what others have said, it would seem that the city is quite heavily booked for that time. Do a search on this forum for Manly accomodation-it may be your best bet and would be great for the kids.
AlanJ
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Sydney (3640697)
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for Sydney
Posted on: 8:08 am, May 10, 2006 Report inappropriate post
What sort of accommodation are you looking for? I can't think of a single hotel that offers a room for six, so you may have to settle for two rooms, and, being the week of New Year's Eve, this could well cost you a great deal of money. Worse, availability will already be getting tight, and you may have to settle for something outside the CBD.
Well, after such a negative opening, let's see if I can suggest somewhere to start (of course, if you're willing to spend a couple of thousand dollars a night, just ignore these suggestions, as I am sure that, for the right kind of money, any of the top hotels will find a spot for you.... I am assuming, however, that a family of six is interested in saving money which can be used for more important things, like sightseeing).
My fiirst thought would be the Grand on Hunter Street. They have family rooms for four, and doubles and triples, and they are quite wonderfully-located just seven minutes' walk from the harbour front, which is where you'll want to be on New Year's Eve. Their website is http://sydney.citysearch.com.au/E/V/...2/99/15/1.html. If they happened to have two adjoining rooms, then you'd be fortunate indeed.
I like the hotel because they don't try any profiteering for New Year's Eve.... their rates just go up a tiny fraction to cover penalty rates for the staff -- unlike, say, the Shangri-La, where their room rate for New Year's Eve last year went, if memory serves, from around $300 (normal) to a whopping $1595.
Another quite wonderful location is the Coronation Hotel, right at the Town Hall. It has a website worth checking: http://www.hotelcoronation.com.au/
If I recall, the Strand Hotel in William Street -- just about directly opposite the much-more-expensive Boulevard -- has weekly rates, and it is a real budget haven. They're not well-known to the tourist trade, and may well have a couple of rooms available for New Year. Can't remember whether they have family rooms, however.
I'm fairly certain the A-Line Hotel (now calling itself the Victoria Park Inn) has family rooms, and I think their sign mentioned weekly rates also. I don't often recommend this place, as it's a fairly ordinary-looking establishment, but there are lots of buses going right past the door to Circular Quay, about a fifteen-minute drive. It's on the western side of Sydney Terminal Station, towards the University. Take a look at this site: http://www.travelhero.com/prophome.c...ons/index.html
Another one with weekly rates (but, I think, only singles and doubles) is the George Hotel, which is one of those places that's just a doorways and a set of stairs on the ground floor; the hotel itself is above a row of small shops. Your kids would like the location, right next to the George St cinema strip with all the fast-food joints.
Many -- or all -- of the above may have share baths, but these are the establishments that are more likely to have vacancies for New Year week. If that's not acceptable to you, you may be wise to take a suburban motel in an area with easy rail access to the CBD, such as Strathfield, Chatswood, or Hurstville. Public transport in Sydney isn't really too bad, and those three centres are each within twenty minutes of the city by fast train (and, as major stations, they are set-down and pick-up stops for expresses heading out of the city, which can be quite a help.) On New Year's Eve the trains run virtually all night -- your only probelm is that they are so crowded that you may have to let three or four go by before you can squeeze in.
However, maybe it won't come to that. Email the Grand and see if you can score one of the best bargains in Sydney... I guarantee you'll be delighted with the location.
AlanJ
Joined: Mar 2005
Forum posts: 1,100
Inside pages created: 0
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Sydney (3640813)
LOCAL EXPERT
for Sydney
Posted on: 8:21 am, May 10, 2006 Report inappropriate post
Just thought of a few more: the Country Comfort at Railway Square: a regular hotel with all the trimmings, but not often used by visitors from overseas (it's well-known to country visitors visiting the city). Also the Noah Lodge out in Chippendale..... just past the Sydney terminal Station. And Unilodge on Broadway, where the buses go by every minute, has triples. All these can be inspected on http://www.housing.uts.edu.au/hotels/standard.html
Ellemay
Joined: Aug 2005
Forum posts: 1,888
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sydney, Australia (3649997)
Posted on: 10:30 pm, May 10, 2006 Report inappropriate post
Just a few other suggestions :
Try Harbourview Hotel at North Sydney...great position and just a five minute train ride into the heart of the city.
also check out www.wotif.com.au - for more hotels in the CBD area...they give a great description on location and rates....you cannot book through them until a month before you leave....which is not a good idea...to wait...but then again...you may find a gem....
After your research then ring the hotels you like and get prices direct.
There are some wonderful serviced apartments around Sydney which would suit a family. www.servicedapartments.net/
my daughter just booked a three bedroom apartment with two bathrooms on the corner of bathurst and pitt street for AUD$255.00 a night. (looks lovely complex with swimming pool etc.etc. The Meriton Apartments.
Snodge
Joined: Aug 2005
Forum posts: 940
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Sydney Australia (3650422)
Posted on: 11:36 pm, May 10, 2006 Report inappropriate post
If by some chance you end up out of the city a bit, don't stress, they really have the public transport thing sorted for huge events like NYE these days
The festival of Sydney commences after New Year, so keep your eyes peeled for events, many of them you'll trip over just wandering around.
http://www.sydneyfestival.org.au/page.asp?p=76
is the website, not much on there at the moment but you can sign up for an e-newsletter.
Joeycrew
Joined: Mar 2006
Forum posts: 7
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UK (3662653)
Posted on: 2:31 am, May 12, 2006 Report inappropriate post
Thanks so much to everyone who's replied already!
You really have given us some great advice and it's very much appreciated - Thank you!
AlanJ
Joined: Mar 2005
Forum posts: 1,100
Inside pages created: 0
What's this?
Sydney (3674484)
LOCAL EXPERT
for Sydney
Posted on: 9:18 am, May 13, 2006 Report inappropriate post
Joeycrew, can we ask a small favour in return? Once you have finalised something, please write back and tell us what your arrangements are. I am sure this question about large families will crop up again..... this time I admit I have been guessing rather than advising from any expertise.... but now you'll be the expert, and if you clue us in on what worked, then we'll be able to advise better next time. Thanks!
Ellemay
Joined: Aug 2005
Forum posts: 1,888
Inside pages created: 31
What's this?
sydney, Australia (3681050)
Posted on: 9:06 am, May 14, 2006 Report inappropriate post
For those who want family accommadation in Sydney. when in Melbourne and looking for conference hotels( this weekend) I found a fabulous gem....Pacific International Suites have these huge apartments...well they are in Melbourne and I presume they would be the same in Sydney...the brochure looks the same...and I asked if I could check them out....and they are very, very spacious...plus you can interconnected rooms which allows you have have up to 6-8 people....all self contained with lovely kitchnette, lounge room, dining room and large spacious bathrooms(some with spas) with washing machines and dyers. I highly recommend them.....I am very fussy when it comes to rooms, expecially booking for business clients...plus biggest bonus they are very reasonable.
They have 3 hotels in Sydney.
1) 653 George Street...First Class - +61 2 9284 4500
2)433 Kent Street - Deluxe
3)717 George Street ..First Class
www.pacificinhotels.com freecall : 1800 224 584 (within Australia)
Ellemay
Joined: Aug 2005
Forum posts: 1,888
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sydney, Australia (3681076)
Posted on: 9:11 am, May 14, 2006 Report inappropriate post
sorry its www.pacificinthotels.com
Jun 1st, 2006 | 04:28 PM
#10
Joined: Jan 2003
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Third -- and final -- cut-and-paste, this time about the Barrier Reef:
We are a UK family of 6
(2A & 4C age 16,15,15&11)and we are visiting Australia for the first time between 5th Dec 06 - 4th Jan 07.
We are trying to decide where to stay for Christmas and thought as we'd like to visit the GBR maybe the Whitsundays or the main coast along there might be a great Christmas destination but we have heard confusing reports about the Jellyfish season.
Can anyone help to clarify the suitability of the Whitsundays or that coastline for a family Christmas and visit to the GBR at this time of year?
Plus can anyone recommend specific Islands, accomodation, towns/cities and day trips that we should check out to get the best out of a our visit to GBR?
Thanks from a very excited but confusd UK family!
BigfishLittlefish
Joined: Apr 2005
Forum posts: 712
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(3216131)
Posted on: 7:45 am, March 30, 2006 Report inappropriate post
Joey - brave soul you are, family of 6!
My first thought with kids that age, Port Douglas - the town is so small and safe that the kids can even walk down for an ice cream without M & D. The beach is wonderful, but yes, regardless of where you go during this time period, you will be faced with the stinger situation.
My only sure suggestion is Heron Island Resort - too far out and farther south on the reef for those little buggers. Is on the pricey side of life but with kids that age, meals are included - certainly they eat their weight daily at ages 11-16?
Check out Heron's Turtle Rooms. If you put one adult per room you will get the childs rate for ?? I believe under 14??, and this is half price for the kids?? Heaps to do, food is good - if considering this option, best sort soon.
Joeycrew
Joined: Mar 2006
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UK (3237021)
Posted on: 3:19 am, April 01, 2006 Report inappropriate post
Thanks so much BigfishLittlefish I'll check it out!
Be really interested to hear from any family that has spent Christmas on holiday in Australia/Great Barrier Reef and where they stayed.
chookie
Joined: Jul 2005
Forum posts: 262
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Gold Coast, Australia (3237392)
Posted on: 5:20 am, April 01, 2006 Report inappropriate post
Joeycrew
Hamilton Island is great we have been a few times now as a family and we stayed there (even though we live on the Gold Coast) for 2 weeks for Xmas in 2005. We went on trips to Whitehaven Beach (the whitest beach in the world) and a couple of reefs - the company that we booked with (who are on Hamilton Island) provided head to toe stinger suits. Stinger seasons starts around October / November thru the summer but being there are Christmas we only actually saw one stinger. There is a lot to see and do and you can visit other islands....
Hamilton Island is fantastic - check out www.hamiltonisland.com - there are also a lot of private owners of 2 and 3 bedroom apartments on Hamilton Island which you can find at www.hamiltonisland.biz - there are also houses that you can rent depending on your budget .. but the apartments start around $300 Aust dollars a night at christmas and you can double that plus more for the house depending on the size. Hamo Is. has about 12 restaurants, heaps of pools, a marina and many different accommodation types. But no matter whether you stay in the resort, ie. the Reef Hotel or privately you can use all of the facilities including all of the resort pools etc. You can also hire a buggy by the day or week to get around the island.
The cheapest flights to Hamo Isl. are with either Jetstar.com or VirginBlue.com - they are the only airlines that fly direct onto the island from Melbourne, Sydney or Brisbane. Hamilton is 1hr 20min from Bris, 2hr 20min from Syd and 3hr 20min from Melb - approximates. You could also fly to Proserpine / Airlie Beach and then catch the ferry, however, I believe it is now cheaper by air direct to Hamilton Island.
There are many islands around Hamilton, like Daydream, Hayman which are also nice but smaller island and less features, however you can catch a ferry to others and visit for a few hours or the day (there are resorts on these islands for daytrippers).
You can also visit the bigger reefs and swim in enclosed reefs which are run by Fantasea - www.fantasea.com.au. This trip is all day and includes lunch.. check it out.
Daydream Island - www.daydreamisland.com
Hayman Island - www.hayman.com.au
Let me know if you want more info... Chookie
Joeycrew
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UK (3254386)
Posted on: 3:04 am, April 03, 2006 Report inappropriate post
Thanks so much Chookie!
Such a detailed reply with loads of great information that has really helped. Especially the private apartment sites which make things so much more affordable when you're a family of 6.
A huge help, thank you!
chookie
Joined: Jul 2005
Forum posts: 262
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Gold Coast, Australia (3255013)
Posted on: 6:05 am, April 03, 2006 Report inappropriate post
Joeycrew ... pleasure - staying privately is probably a better option for your family given the ages of the kids ... the resort can accommodate you BUT they charge so much more and you would not qualify for the kids stay, play and eat free because the kids are old than the cut off age.
The other bonus is that when you book privately you normally get the golf buggy included whereas through the resort you pay more for the accommodation and will need to hire the buggy from the central buggy hire company (which was $85 a day - 24hr day - last time we visited - Xmas 2004). It's great having the buggy to use and get around the island .... when we went at Xmas you could go up to the top of the island and drink cocktails between 5-6 pm (from memory) which was great !!!! The Whitsundays and Great Barrier Reef are awesome.
We are a UK family of 6
(2A & 4C age 16,15,15&11)and we are visiting Australia for the first time between 5th Dec 06 - 4th Jan 07.
We are trying to decide where to stay for Christmas and thought as we'd like to visit the GBR maybe the Whitsundays or the main coast along there might be a great Christmas destination but we have heard confusing reports about the Jellyfish season.
Can anyone help to clarify the suitability of the Whitsundays or that coastline for a family Christmas and visit to the GBR at this time of year?
Plus can anyone recommend specific Islands, accomodation, towns/cities and day trips that we should check out to get the best out of a our visit to GBR?
Thanks from a very excited but confusd UK family!
BigfishLittlefish
Joined: Apr 2005
Forum posts: 712
Inside pages created: 1
What's this?
(3216131)
Posted on: 7:45 am, March 30, 2006 Report inappropriate post
Joey - brave soul you are, family of 6!
My first thought with kids that age, Port Douglas - the town is so small and safe that the kids can even walk down for an ice cream without M & D. The beach is wonderful, but yes, regardless of where you go during this time period, you will be faced with the stinger situation.
My only sure suggestion is Heron Island Resort - too far out and farther south on the reef for those little buggers. Is on the pricey side of life but with kids that age, meals are included - certainly they eat their weight daily at ages 11-16?
Check out Heron's Turtle Rooms. If you put one adult per room you will get the childs rate for ?? I believe under 14??, and this is half price for the kids?? Heaps to do, food is good - if considering this option, best sort soon.
Joeycrew
Joined: Mar 2006
Forum posts: 7
Inside pages created: 0
What's this?
UK (3237021)
Posted on: 3:19 am, April 01, 2006 Report inappropriate post
Thanks so much BigfishLittlefish I'll check it out!
Be really interested to hear from any family that has spent Christmas on holiday in Australia/Great Barrier Reef and where they stayed.
chookie
Joined: Jul 2005
Forum posts: 262
Inside pages created: 0
What's this?
Gold Coast, Australia (3237392)
Posted on: 5:20 am, April 01, 2006 Report inappropriate post
Joeycrew
Hamilton Island is great we have been a few times now as a family and we stayed there (even though we live on the Gold Coast) for 2 weeks for Xmas in 2005. We went on trips to Whitehaven Beach (the whitest beach in the world) and a couple of reefs - the company that we booked with (who are on Hamilton Island) provided head to toe stinger suits. Stinger seasons starts around October / November thru the summer but being there are Christmas we only actually saw one stinger. There is a lot to see and do and you can visit other islands....
Hamilton Island is fantastic - check out www.hamiltonisland.com - there are also a lot of private owners of 2 and 3 bedroom apartments on Hamilton Island which you can find at www.hamiltonisland.biz - there are also houses that you can rent depending on your budget .. but the apartments start around $300 Aust dollars a night at christmas and you can double that plus more for the house depending on the size. Hamo Is. has about 12 restaurants, heaps of pools, a marina and many different accommodation types. But no matter whether you stay in the resort, ie. the Reef Hotel or privately you can use all of the facilities including all of the resort pools etc. You can also hire a buggy by the day or week to get around the island.
The cheapest flights to Hamo Isl. are with either Jetstar.com or VirginBlue.com - they are the only airlines that fly direct onto the island from Melbourne, Sydney or Brisbane. Hamilton is 1hr 20min from Bris, 2hr 20min from Syd and 3hr 20min from Melb - approximates. You could also fly to Proserpine / Airlie Beach and then catch the ferry, however, I believe it is now cheaper by air direct to Hamilton Island.
There are many islands around Hamilton, like Daydream, Hayman which are also nice but smaller island and less features, however you can catch a ferry to others and visit for a few hours or the day (there are resorts on these islands for daytrippers).
You can also visit the bigger reefs and swim in enclosed reefs which are run by Fantasea - www.fantasea.com.au. This trip is all day and includes lunch.. check it out.
Daydream Island - www.daydreamisland.com
Hayman Island - www.hayman.com.au
Let me know if you want more info... Chookie
Joeycrew
Joined: Mar 2006
Forum posts: 7
Inside pages created: 0
What's this?
UK (3254386)
Posted on: 3:04 am, April 03, 2006 Report inappropriate post
Thanks so much Chookie!
Such a detailed reply with loads of great information that has really helped. Especially the private apartment sites which make things so much more affordable when you're a family of 6.
A huge help, thank you!
chookie
Joined: Jul 2005
Forum posts: 262
Inside pages created: 0
What's this?
Gold Coast, Australia (3255013)
Posted on: 6:05 am, April 03, 2006 Report inappropriate post
Joeycrew ... pleasure - staying privately is probably a better option for your family given the ages of the kids ... the resort can accommodate you BUT they charge so much more and you would not qualify for the kids stay, play and eat free because the kids are old than the cut off age.
The other bonus is that when you book privately you normally get the golf buggy included whereas through the resort you pay more for the accommodation and will need to hire the buggy from the central buggy hire company (which was $85 a day - 24hr day - last time we visited - Xmas 2004). It's great having the buggy to use and get around the island .... when we went at Xmas you could go up to the top of the island and drink cocktails between 5-6 pm (from memory) which was great !!!! The Whitsundays and Great Barrier Reef are awesome.
Jun 1st, 2006 | 11:58 PM
#12
Joined: Jan 2003
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Hi Alan, still here.. 
I think May was the wettest since 1979.
But alas today is gorgeous, probably get to about 24 or 25 C That's pretty good for here and easily bearable, I have a week off from work this week so couldn't have come at a better time.
I'm off to do some slouthing of my own, I'm looking for some abandoned WW2 buildings here in Cardiff. Great fun...lol
Good luck hunting, if the Waldorf have upped the prices it's probably because they are now famous as the place where the Mucky family stayed.
Worth an extra $200 easy.
Ciao
Muck
I think May was the wettest since 1979.
But alas today is gorgeous, probably get to about 24 or 25 C That's pretty good for here and easily bearable, I have a week off from work this week so couldn't have come at a better time.
I'm off to do some slouthing of my own, I'm looking for some abandoned WW2 buildings here in Cardiff. Great fun...lol
Good luck hunting, if the Waldorf have upped the prices it's probably because they are now famous as the place where the Mucky family stayed.
Worth an extra $200 easy.
Ciao
Muck
Jun 2nd, 2006 | 06:12 AM
#13
Original Poster
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
many thanks to all the replies so far.
We would prefer a house and would consider hiring cars if it's outside of the city-a max. of 1 hours drive.
I have tried the Waldorf appts and are all fully booked.
I have also tried lots of apartments in Manly, Bondi and Coogee and Syndey centre-again fully booked.
Many places seem to only take 2 weeks min booking for this time of year.
We didn't really want to stay in hotels as with the babies the food situation will become a bit difficult!!
As for activity we will do some sites and beaches-Bondi,Manly and Coogee.
The only place i have found so far is the Lane Cove River Tourist Park, which will cost about £1320.00. I think the max want to pay is £1800.00 or is this unrealistic???
We would prefer a house and would consider hiring cars if it's outside of the city-a max. of 1 hours drive.
I have tried the Waldorf appts and are all fully booked.
I have also tried lots of apartments in Manly, Bondi and Coogee and Syndey centre-again fully booked.
Many places seem to only take 2 weeks min booking for this time of year.
We didn't really want to stay in hotels as with the babies the food situation will become a bit difficult!!
As for activity we will do some sites and beaches-Bondi,Manly and Coogee.
The only place i have found so far is the Lane Cove River Tourist Park, which will cost about £1320.00. I think the max want to pay is £1800.00 or is this unrealistic???
Jun 4th, 2006 | 05:45 PM
#14
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,430
Likes: 0
I can't help you at all with a house -- This would mean a private rental, such as a home exchange, and you might be able to swing this by surfing the net -- but since you are talking about beds for ten plus two babies, that's asking quite a bit.
I honestly feel that at this late stage your best bet might be to contact the YWCA and take a a couple of adjoining quads... this would probably end up costing you something like $AUD300 a night, since the leaflet they gave me about NYE says that the "special" rate for that time is $170 a night for a "family traditional room". I realise that this doesn't solve your food problem, but hiring a car and staying outside the city limits is going to create a whole set of problems: you'd need a mini-bus for your lot, or at least two or three cars, you are required to have baby capsules for the two tots, and where are you going to park when you get to where you're going? Compared to this, the food problem with babies seems to pale into insignificance; at the 'Y', you are only a couple of minutes' walk from various supermarkets and take-aways, and you could easily get the supplies you needed, whatever the babies' needs are. Buying a couple of bottle warmers, for instance, and even a twin stroller, is a lot easier than steering a mini-bus all over Sydney at one of the busiest times of the year.
Lane Cove is a nice area, but it's a 200-mtere walk from the Caravan Park to the bus stop(past a cemetery), and then it's a twenty-five minute trip into the city. December/January is the time for sudden afternoon storms, and a caravan park is not always the nicest place to be when the grounds are sodden.
Honestly, I think that in your case the 'Y' -- which assures me that they still have rooms left for the Christmas/New Year week -- is shaping up as a rare opportunity. From there you can get to anywhere you want to go, and whatever you need is right nearby waiting to be purchased. Once you're installed there, you won't have to spend a great deal of your time and effort working out how to get your small army from Point A to Point B: you can walk to anywhere!
I honestly feel that at this late stage your best bet might be to contact the YWCA and take a a couple of adjoining quads... this would probably end up costing you something like $AUD300 a night, since the leaflet they gave me about NYE says that the "special" rate for that time is $170 a night for a "family traditional room". I realise that this doesn't solve your food problem, but hiring a car and staying outside the city limits is going to create a whole set of problems: you'd need a mini-bus for your lot, or at least two or three cars, you are required to have baby capsules for the two tots, and where are you going to park when you get to where you're going? Compared to this, the food problem with babies seems to pale into insignificance; at the 'Y', you are only a couple of minutes' walk from various supermarkets and take-aways, and you could easily get the supplies you needed, whatever the babies' needs are. Buying a couple of bottle warmers, for instance, and even a twin stroller, is a lot easier than steering a mini-bus all over Sydney at one of the busiest times of the year.
Lane Cove is a nice area, but it's a 200-mtere walk from the Caravan Park to the bus stop(past a cemetery), and then it's a twenty-five minute trip into the city. December/January is the time for sudden afternoon storms, and a caravan park is not always the nicest place to be when the grounds are sodden.
Honestly, I think that in your case the 'Y' -- which assures me that they still have rooms left for the Christmas/New Year week -- is shaping up as a rare opportunity. From there you can get to anywhere you want to go, and whatever you need is right nearby waiting to be purchased. Once you're installed there, you won't have to spend a great deal of your time and effort working out how to get your small army from Point A to Point B: you can walk to anywhere!
Jun 6th, 2006 | 11:42 PM
#15
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 239
Likes: 0
have you tried looking at www.stayz.com.au or www.realestate.com.au (holiday rentals). you might also want to look up real estate agents in the areas (particularly somewhere like manly and bondi). You might find that there will be some apartments listed through them.
Couple of others more further afield. What about about somewhere like the collaroy centre http://www.collaroycentre.org.au/accomm.htm on the northern beaches or looking further south like maroubra of even further, cronulla?
Couple of others more further afield. What about about somewhere like the collaroy centre http://www.collaroycentre.org.au/accomm.htm on the northern beaches or looking further south like maroubra of even further, cronulla?
Jun 7th, 2006 | 04:16 AM
#16
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 3,680
Likes: 0
Oooh, now I'm going to get into trouble but as an ex-resident of Sydney's northern beaches I would not go for Manly for this sort of family holiday. I do know it, having lived and worked there. It's over-urbanised, OK, not as much as Bondi and the best thing it has going for it is the fairly short ferry trip to Circular Quay in Sydney. Full of day trippers from all over Sydney on weekends. Go a bit further north where the trees are allowed to grow, from Mona Vale to Palm Beach you have ocean beaches on one side of peninsula and calm waters of Pittwater on the other. You can take ferries from Palm Beach jetty all over the Hawkesbury, as well as enjoy the beaches its just a lovely part of Sydney which doesn't seem to get much recognition here.
Sep 28th, 2006 | 03:12 AM
#17
Original Poster
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
thanks for all the replies I got.
We finally found some accomdation in the form of three cabins in Tuggerah Paradise Park. Appx. 40 mins from sydney.we have also hired 2x 7 seaters to ferry us around!
Not sure how good the cabins will be but we are only there for a week and it really was the only thing left"!
We finally found some accomdation in the form of three cabins in Tuggerah Paradise Park. Appx. 40 mins from sydney.we have also hired 2x 7 seaters to ferry us around!
Not sure how good the cabins will be but we are only there for a week and it really was the only thing left"!
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