Hotel areas in Sydney
Nov 8th, 2017, 12:24 PM
#1
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Hotel areas in Sydney
Good afternoon
Sorting out lodging. My friends offered for me to stay with them. I am going to take them up on it for the weekend, at least, maybe the whole "first part" of my Sydney stay. They live near the Koala sanctuary/park which appears to be a 20-25 minute drive from Sydney.
I am debating, though, having my first few nights be right in Sydney itself. My trip is likely going to be "Sydney five nights", then Melbourne etc, then "Sydney three or four nights" at the end. Although the end might turn out to be with a car, and then I might not stay in Sydney proper especially if I'm exploring.
Where would you stay? Which area, or hotel itself?
I don't have a frame of reference for hotel prices. Is it possible to be under 250-300 USD a night and still be in a good location? Or will I need to shell out for a good walkable location?
Thank you for any thoughts!!
Sorting out lodging. My friends offered for me to stay with them. I am going to take them up on it for the weekend, at least, maybe the whole "first part" of my Sydney stay. They live near the Koala sanctuary/park which appears to be a 20-25 minute drive from Sydney.
I am debating, though, having my first few nights be right in Sydney itself. My trip is likely going to be "Sydney five nights", then Melbourne etc, then "Sydney three or four nights" at the end. Although the end might turn out to be with a car, and then I might not stay in Sydney proper especially if I'm exploring.
Where would you stay? Which area, or hotel itself?
I don't have a frame of reference for hotel prices. Is it possible to be under 250-300 USD a night and still be in a good location? Or will I need to shell out for a good walkable location?
Thank you for any thoughts!!
Nov 8th, 2017, 01:34 PM
#2
This is akin to your move to your current home. Which do you prefer -- living with easy access and close to the city or where you lived before? I say stay with friends for a couple days but get into Sydney. We stayed in CBD in an apt -- it was very convenient and we walked most everywhere or took the ferries.
Nov 8th, 2017, 02:39 PM
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I've stayed at Darling Harbour (Novotel), Circular Quay (then The Regent, now the Four Seasons), and Manly (small place, can't remember too much about it), and The Rocks (Holiday Inn Old Sydney) several times. I prefer the Rocks for the convenience, close to tourist services and information, restaurants, shops, the Museum of Contemporary Art, only a short walk to the ferries and Circular Quay and bit longer but enjoyable walk to the Opera House, Botanic Garden and Art Gallery of New South Wales. Despite being touristy, The Rocks has atmosphere because it's historic and right on the harbour.
Nov 8th, 2017, 06:05 PM
#4
Hi flygirl,
Where do your friends live? We have a couple of animal parks & Taronga Zoo.
Featherdale at Doonside,to the west of the city, Symbio at Helensburgh to the South & Taronga Zoo at Mosman in the North.
I’d lagree with spending your first few nights decompressing & exploring the city first. To that end, I think somewhere in the CBD ( Central Business District, “ Downtown”for the North Americans.). Either around Circular Quay, The Rocks or perhaps Darling Harbour.
Note: Darling Harbour is a smallish cove to the west of the Harbour Bridge. It’s busy, surrounded by restaurants,the better of which are in the city ( eastern side) office blocks, has some good maritime &other museums, abuts Barangaroo - and is not to be confused with Sydney Harbour, where you will find Circular Quay, the Opera House. And the Harbour Bridge, which I think you’re planning to climb.
Have a look at booking.com to see what’s available at what price. Then book direct with the property.
And do use AUD. We do & you will too when you’re here, so you may as well get used to it now
I prefer self catering apartments, which give more room, kitchen & laundry
facilities - and often better prices than hotels. We are very well placed with a good range of apartments around the city.
Note 2: In Australia, the price you see is the price you pay.* We only have one tax, (10% GST) and it is included in the tag price where it applies. You won’t have any “mystery tax” banged on at the cash register. Some places charge a % for credit card use, and this is advised prior to payment. You don’t have to tip anyone, anywhere, for anything.
* Airfares are the exception to this rule. Some carriers tack the tax on at the end. Annoys us too.
I’ve forgotten ( did you say?) when you’re coming. That makes a difference to the prices in accommodation ( Friday & Saturday nights are usually more expensive some in the CBD). And school holidays can boot airfares up at the beginning & end of them.
Where do your friends live? We have a couple of animal parks & Taronga Zoo.
Featherdale at Doonside,to the west of the city, Symbio at Helensburgh to the South & Taronga Zoo at Mosman in the North.
I’d lagree with spending your first few nights decompressing & exploring the city first. To that end, I think somewhere in the CBD ( Central Business District, “ Downtown”for the North Americans.). Either around Circular Quay, The Rocks or perhaps Darling Harbour.
Note: Darling Harbour is a smallish cove to the west of the Harbour Bridge. It’s busy, surrounded by restaurants,the better of which are in the city ( eastern side) office blocks, has some good maritime &other museums, abuts Barangaroo - and is not to be confused with Sydney Harbour, where you will find Circular Quay, the Opera House. And the Harbour Bridge, which I think you’re planning to climb.
Have a look at booking.com to see what’s available at what price. Then book direct with the property.
And do use AUD. We do & you will too when you’re here, so you may as well get used to it now
I prefer self catering apartments, which give more room, kitchen & laundry
facilities - and often better prices than hotels. We are very well placed with a good range of apartments around the city.
Note 2: In Australia, the price you see is the price you pay.* We only have one tax, (10% GST) and it is included in the tag price where it applies. You won’t have any “mystery tax” banged on at the cash register. Some places charge a % for credit card use, and this is advised prior to payment. You don’t have to tip anyone, anywhere, for anything.
* Airfares are the exception to this rule. Some carriers tack the tax on at the end. Annoys us too.
I’ve forgotten ( did you say?) when you’re coming. That makes a difference to the prices in accommodation ( Friday & Saturday nights are usually more expensive some in the CBD). And school holidays can boot airfares up at the beginning & end of them.
Nov 9th, 2017, 09:59 AM
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Hi again!
They live near the Koala Park sanctuary, if I understood them correctly.
This is late November arrival which seems comparatively expensive for some reason. Not a weekend arrival, I would stay with my friends starting Friday night.
For point of reference: the Shangri La is showing as 900 AUD for two nights. Harbour Rocks Sofitel pretty close to that too. Marriott not far off, and the Four Seasons similar as well. Those are all well situated and very nice hotels.
More looking.. thank you for the tips!
They live near the Koala Park sanctuary, if I understood them correctly.
This is late November arrival which seems comparatively expensive for some reason. Not a weekend arrival, I would stay with my friends starting Friday night.
For point of reference: the Shangri La is showing as 900 AUD for two nights. Harbour Rocks Sofitel pretty close to that too. Marriott not far off, and the Four Seasons similar as well. Those are all well situated and very nice hotels.
More looking.. thank you for the tips!
Nov 9th, 2017, 09:05 PM
#6
Ah ha - probably Pennant Hills https://koalapark-sanctuary.com.au/
Seems as if bus is the best transport option - between 37 & 45 mins on a mid-week morning to Wynyard railway station. ( northern end of the CBD).
Sydney is always fairly expensive, by internationa big city standards & for some reason November is particularly so. Perhaps the last few trips by business travellers, parents in town for their kids end of high school, early Christmas shoppers, Spring racing carnival ... who knows?
If you’re looking to save a few $, you might look at some of the self catering apartments - or smaller hotels like The Russel, The Lord Nelson or a B&B like the Sydney Harbour B& B. It’s a heritage building, just along the street from the ShangriLa. I stayed there recently in a 2BR suite on the ground flood & was quite happy with it. Make sure you check out all the info on these smaller properties thoroughly as some of their rooms have shared bathrooms.
You might also have a look at Potts Point. It’s cosmopolitan, lots of good restaurants in a residential area on the northern end of Macleay & Victoria streets.
And only 10-15 mins to Circular Quay & th CBD. I know it well, have family in Macleay Street & Greenknowe Ave, visit oft n & like it a lot.
Those who don’t know it are often tempted to carry on about it being a “red light / night club area”. That’s a small area on the southern end of Darlinghurst road, much quieter since the lock-out laws for pubs & clubs a couple of years ago.
Just thinking about hotels, you might also have a look at the Pier One Sydney Harbour at Walsh Bay.
Seems as if bus is the best transport option - between 37 & 45 mins on a mid-week morning to Wynyard railway station. ( northern end of the CBD).
Sydney is always fairly expensive, by internationa big city standards & for some reason November is particularly so. Perhaps the last few trips by business travellers, parents in town for their kids end of high school, early Christmas shoppers, Spring racing carnival ... who knows?
If you’re looking to save a few $, you might look at some of the self catering apartments - or smaller hotels like The Russel, The Lord Nelson or a B&B like the Sydney Harbour B& B. It’s a heritage building, just along the street from the ShangriLa. I stayed there recently in a 2BR suite on the ground flood & was quite happy with it. Make sure you check out all the info on these smaller properties thoroughly as some of their rooms have shared bathrooms.
You might also have a look at Potts Point. It’s cosmopolitan, lots of good restaurants in a residential area on the northern end of Macleay & Victoria streets.
And only 10-15 mins to Circular Quay & th CBD. I know it well, have family in Macleay Street & Greenknowe Ave, visit oft n & like it a lot.
Those who don’t know it are often tempted to carry on about it being a “red light / night club area”. That’s a small area on the southern end of Darlinghurst road, much quieter since the lock-out laws for pubs & clubs a couple of years ago.
Just thinking about hotels, you might also have a look at the Pier One Sydney Harbour at Walsh Bay.
Nov 9th, 2017, 09:31 PM
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Big cities like Sydney and Melbourne host a lot special events and conferences. Cruise ship passengers might choose to stay a few nights before or after their cruises in Sydney, and cruise season starts to peak in November. This might help explain why rates are so expensive in late November, even midweek.
https://www.sydney.com/events
https://www.sydney.com/events
Nov 10th, 2017, 07:44 AM
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<<And do use AUD. We do & you will too when you’re here, so you may as well get used to it now>>
Oh stop, conversions aren't that hard and she can get prices for hotels in USD too.
To the OP: If you're going to have a car at some point while in Sydney, you're going to have to look into third-party parking. The hotels in Sydney will charge a LOT for parking. And Sydney is one of the most expensive cities in the world for parking (think NYC-level). We had a choice between A$60 parking through the hotel and A$25-30 through a public lot three blocks away. We walked the three blocks. Over four nights that will save you enough to buy appetizers at one of the Circular Quay restaurants (well, maybe a bit more).
Oh stop, conversions aren't that hard and she can get prices for hotels in USD too.
To the OP: If you're going to have a car at some point while in Sydney, you're going to have to look into third-party parking. The hotels in Sydney will charge a LOT for parking. And Sydney is one of the most expensive cities in the world for parking (think NYC-level). We had a choice between A$60 parking through the hotel and A$25-30 through a public lot three blocks away. We walked the three blocks. Over four nights that will save you enough to buy appetizers at one of the Circular Quay restaurants (well, maybe a bit more).
Nov 10th, 2017, 11:20 AM
#10
I agree - It’s not that hard to do the conversions, Big Russ.
So, those seeking advice should find it easy to use the local currency on the Forum & convert it back to their home currency if they wish. If I’m asking for help, I don’t put the onus on those giving it to do my fx conversions.
Flygirl, you really don’t want a car in the city. Parking is expensive, as BigRuss says, and public transport is a much quicker & better option. Different thing if you’re doing day trips. Just rent a car for those days & give it back.
I use Bayswater Car rental at William Street. Their rates are good, insurance excess/deductible minimal. And their depot is very close to the freeway entrances going north, south & west.
So, those seeking advice should find it easy to use the local currency on the Forum & convert it back to their home currency if they wish. If I’m asking for help, I don’t put the onus on those giving it to do my fx conversions.
Flygirl, you really don’t want a car in the city. Parking is expensive, as BigRuss says, and public transport is a much quicker & better option. Different thing if you’re doing day trips. Just rent a car for those days & give it back.
I use Bayswater Car rental at William Street. Their rates are good, insurance excess/deductible minimal. And their depot is very close to the freeway entrances going north, south & west.
Nov 11th, 2017, 07:15 AM
#11
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Hi everyone
AUD is what I'll use, it seems that the conversion is roughly 75% for USD which is easy enough.
I see the B&B you reference and it looks v nice. The no-bathroom-share rooms for the last two nights of my stay is 600 AUD which is a decent price I think for location? However I am already inside the cancellation period and they want a one night deposit so I'm going to keep that in mind and keep looking - if nothing seems remotely comparable in such a great location I'll book it. I think having the last two nights and first two nights right in the main central area is a good idea.
I did reserve a room at the Shangri La to at least have a room booked for two nights on the front end. It's not THAT expensive when you consider what NYC hotel rooms go for - even if the NYC location or hotel isn't the same quality as the Shangri La.
But I'll keep looking on the front end, too. The B&B was almost as much the first two nights and given a choice between a B&B and the Shangri La I'll stay at the SL.
I have no plans for a car in the city at all. I'm going to get a car to visit my friends near Tuggerah Lake but drop it before going back into Sydney. I think when I land from Melbourne I'll pick it up and then drive up to see them.
If I were to fly from MEL to SYD on the Sunday morning, do you think picking up a car upon landing and then driving to Tuggerah Lake still gives me enough time for a nice visit /drive - or should I plan to fly to SYD Saturday night and hit the ground early Sunday with the car? The plan would be to get back in the car Monday morning and drive back to the airport to drop it off. I'm not assuming I am staying with them unless they offer.
My friends who live near the Koalas said they would take me for some drives when I stay with them - I'll see if they like the Blue Mountains or the wine areas near Sydney. Plus seeing the Koalas would be pretty cool.
I have to figure out when to visit my Manly friends in all this, too! Likely a boat cruise while I'm in CBD to go see them.
My two week vacation is looking mighty short. Rough outline:
Arrive Wed for two nights in CBD.
Friday night stay with my friends near the Koalas for three nights. This will be the time for some outings outside of Sydney because the rest of my Sydney time will be in SYD without a car (other than the drive to Tuggerah Lake my last weekend, and maybe I'll see some stuff along the way, too)
Monday morning fly to MEL
Mon noonish - Thurs noonish - Great Ocean Road (have to figure out where to stay along the route - want to have good sunrise and sunset photos). Drop car at end and head into MEL.
Thurs night, Fri night, Sat night Melbourne. which really means just two and a half days in town. Find reasonable lodging. Maybe Air BnB
Sunday morning land in SYD and drive to Tuggerah Lake
Monday morning check in to SYD hotel
Wed fly home
WHEW.
Thank you again everyone, still poking around...
AUD is what I'll use, it seems that the conversion is roughly 75% for USD which is easy enough.
I see the B&B you reference and it looks v nice. The no-bathroom-share rooms for the last two nights of my stay is 600 AUD which is a decent price I think for location? However I am already inside the cancellation period and they want a one night deposit so I'm going to keep that in mind and keep looking - if nothing seems remotely comparable in such a great location I'll book it. I think having the last two nights and first two nights right in the main central area is a good idea.
I did reserve a room at the Shangri La to at least have a room booked for two nights on the front end. It's not THAT expensive when you consider what NYC hotel rooms go for - even if the NYC location or hotel isn't the same quality as the Shangri La.
But I'll keep looking on the front end, too. The B&B was almost as much the first two nights and given a choice between a B&B and the Shangri La I'll stay at the SL.
I have no plans for a car in the city at all. I'm going to get a car to visit my friends near Tuggerah Lake but drop it before going back into Sydney. I think when I land from Melbourne I'll pick it up and then drive up to see them.
If I were to fly from MEL to SYD on the Sunday morning, do you think picking up a car upon landing and then driving to Tuggerah Lake still gives me enough time for a nice visit /drive - or should I plan to fly to SYD Saturday night and hit the ground early Sunday with the car? The plan would be to get back in the car Monday morning and drive back to the airport to drop it off. I'm not assuming I am staying with them unless they offer.
My friends who live near the Koalas said they would take me for some drives when I stay with them - I'll see if they like the Blue Mountains or the wine areas near Sydney. Plus seeing the Koalas would be pretty cool.
I have to figure out when to visit my Manly friends in all this, too! Likely a boat cruise while I'm in CBD to go see them.
My two week vacation is looking mighty short. Rough outline:
Arrive Wed for two nights in CBD.
Friday night stay with my friends near the Koalas for three nights. This will be the time for some outings outside of Sydney because the rest of my Sydney time will be in SYD without a car (other than the drive to Tuggerah Lake my last weekend, and maybe I'll see some stuff along the way, too)
Monday morning fly to MEL
Mon noonish - Thurs noonish - Great Ocean Road (have to figure out where to stay along the route - want to have good sunrise and sunset photos). Drop car at end and head into MEL.
Thurs night, Fri night, Sat night Melbourne. which really means just two and a half days in town. Find reasonable lodging. Maybe Air BnB
Sunday morning land in SYD and drive to Tuggerah Lake
Monday morning check in to SYD hotel
Wed fly home
WHEW.
Thank you again everyone, still poking around...
Nov 11th, 2017, 11:53 AM
#12
You can easily pick up a car on Sunday morning at the airport & drive up to Tuggerah Lake. It’s only an hour & a half’s drive.you I’ll pwy a premium for airport pick-up, but it’s about on par with ththe gate fee on the train & worth it to get you on the road quickly.
Thinking about your accommodation, (you’re right, NYC is more expensive , generally for smaller rooms) have a look at Sydney Harbour YHA. It’s in a great location, has good ensuite rooms and the best rooftop terrace! My goddaughter & family often stay there. It’s also in the same as the ShangriLa. I just checked for 6 Dec as a random date &they have suite rooms from $183. Forget what yoink ow about hostels -this is a great place.
You mentioned a harbour cruise. Honestly, I wouldn’t bother. Just hop on a ferry & have a meal somewhere decent at the other end. Or just go for the trip. Cheaper & the only thing you’re missing is the canned monologue.
If you’d like to meet some of us Sydney Fodorites, just let me know - we’re a sociablle lot & if we can work in with your schedule, it would be great to meet you.
Thinking about your accommodation, (you’re right, NYC is more expensive , generally for smaller rooms) have a look at Sydney Harbour YHA. It’s in a great location, has good ensuite rooms and the best rooftop terrace! My goddaughter & family often stay there. It’s also in the same as the ShangriLa. I just checked for 6 Dec as a random date &they have suite rooms from $183. Forget what yoink ow about hostels -this is a great place.
You mentioned a harbour cruise. Honestly, I wouldn’t bother. Just hop on a ferry & have a meal somewhere decent at the other end. Or just go for the trip. Cheaper & the only thing you’re missing is the canned monologue.
If you’d like to meet some of us Sydney Fodorites, just let me know - we’re a sociablle lot & if we can work in with your schedule, it would be great to meet you.
Nov 11th, 2017, 12:37 PM
#13
Sounds like a nice trip you're planning. On the GOR we stayed at Room with a View http://www.roomwithaview.com.au and loved it. Two rooms and both with fabulous views (duh!) and animal sightings. Its a bit isolated, about 10 minutes outside Apollo Bay where there were a fair # of accommodations. And I finally recall driving into a temperate rainforest when we were there. It wasn't impressive enough to have made a mark on my memory, but it was a pleasant drive for a couple hours. I certainly wouldn't take limited time away from the ocean to see it.
We spent several days in the Blue Mts and really enjoyed it -- some very nice hiking.
Have a great trip!
We spent several days in the Blue Mts and really enjoyed it -- some very nice hiking.
Have a great trip!
Nov 11th, 2017, 04:00 PM
#14
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In Melbourne, you might want to look into City Tempo or Pegasus Apart Hotel.
https://www.tripadvisor.co.nz/Hotel_..._Victoria.html
https://www.tripadvisor.co.nz/Hotel_..._Victoria.html
I've stayed twice in a higher-floor-with-balcony studio apartment at City Tempo. Nothing fancy, but inexpensive, modern and convenient, and with a kitchenette. It's a block and a half from Queen Victoria Market (a must-see), a block from the City Circle and other tram lines, close to restaurants and shops, about a 15-minute walk to Federation Square or to Carlton Gardens, and two blocks to rental car agencies.
Pegasus Apart Hotel, just down the street from City Tempo, is a little newer and has a swimming pool.
You could probably get cheaper rates through booking sites, such as Hotels.com, or Booking.com, or Wotif.com
The City Circle Free Tram is handy for exploring the CBD. I believe all trams are free within the "free tram zone". Rather than wait for trams, I've usually just walked. Melbourne's CBD is very walkable and there are loads of interesting buildings and laneways to explore. Here's a great map of the Inner City:
http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/Site...ap-low-res.pdf
More maps here:
http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/abou...City-maps.aspx
Free tram zone:
https://static.ptv.vic.gov.au/siteas...amZone_Map.pdf
Inner Melbourne is known for its pedestrian laneways, such as Hosier Lane, which is near both St. Paul's and Federation Square.
https://www.tripadvisor.co.nz/Attrac..._Victoria.html
https://whatson.melbourne.vic.gov.au...ndArcades.aspx
More things to do on Melbourne's website:
http://www.visitmelbourne.com/Region...e/Things-to-do
https://www.tripadvisor.co.nz/Hotel_..._Victoria.html
https://www.tripadvisor.co.nz/Hotel_..._Victoria.html
I've stayed twice in a higher-floor-with-balcony studio apartment at City Tempo. Nothing fancy, but inexpensive, modern and convenient, and with a kitchenette. It's a block and a half from Queen Victoria Market (a must-see), a block from the City Circle and other tram lines, close to restaurants and shops, about a 15-minute walk to Federation Square or to Carlton Gardens, and two blocks to rental car agencies.
Pegasus Apart Hotel, just down the street from City Tempo, is a little newer and has a swimming pool.
You could probably get cheaper rates through booking sites, such as Hotels.com, or Booking.com, or Wotif.com
The City Circle Free Tram is handy for exploring the CBD. I believe all trams are free within the "free tram zone". Rather than wait for trams, I've usually just walked. Melbourne's CBD is very walkable and there are loads of interesting buildings and laneways to explore. Here's a great map of the Inner City:
http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/Site...ap-low-res.pdf
More maps here:
http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/abou...City-maps.aspx
Free tram zone:
https://static.ptv.vic.gov.au/siteas...amZone_Map.pdf
Inner Melbourne is known for its pedestrian laneways, such as Hosier Lane, which is near both St. Paul's and Federation Square.
https://www.tripadvisor.co.nz/Attrac..._Victoria.html
https://whatson.melbourne.vic.gov.au...ndArcades.aspx
More things to do on Melbourne's website:
http://www.visitmelbourne.com/Region...e/Things-to-do
Nov 11th, 2017, 06:23 PM
#15
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Hi everyone
I'm beginning to think I might have to jettison the GOR ...
I don't want to jettison Melbourne but I'm already realizing I'm going to be shorting my time with some friends in Sydney and I don't want to upset them plus I want to spend more than a few meals with them. This is a good problem to have but I've already gotten invites to stay from some folks - including my Tuggerah friends who are going to pick me up and drop me off in Sydney, no car rental needed... it's compressing my time with yet another dear Sydney friend and I might make MEL short and just see the city.
I'll see if I can figure this out in the coming days. Two weeks isn't enough! I'm so spoiled, a two week vacation for an American is typically a luxury. I've gotten very used to not working and just going when I feel like it and not worrying about return. If this wasn't close to Xmas I would have made it longer. As it is once I get home I'm off to see the folks for a week in Florida.
What if I just stuck close to SYD for the two weeks? During week two picked up a car here and there for trips outside the city?
Bokhara I hope we can meet! Thank you so much for your help. I'm not sure what my time in SYD is going to look like until I'm there. I hope my Manly friend isn't upset with me, I started making plans around whoever I heard from first (including lodging) but I still have at least four days I'll be near to Sydney even if I don't change my MEL plans.
I'm beginning to think I might have to jettison the GOR ...
I don't want to jettison Melbourne but I'm already realizing I'm going to be shorting my time with some friends in Sydney and I don't want to upset them plus I want to spend more than a few meals with them. This is a good problem to have but I've already gotten invites to stay from some folks - including my Tuggerah friends who are going to pick me up and drop me off in Sydney, no car rental needed... it's compressing my time with yet another dear Sydney friend and I might make MEL short and just see the city.
I'll see if I can figure this out in the coming days. Two weeks isn't enough! I'm so spoiled, a two week vacation for an American is typically a luxury. I've gotten very used to not working and just going when I feel like it and not worrying about return. If this wasn't close to Xmas I would have made it longer. As it is once I get home I'm off to see the folks for a week in Florida.
What if I just stuck close to SYD for the two weeks? During week two picked up a car here and there for trips outside the city?
Bokhara I hope we can meet! Thank you so much for your help. I'm not sure what my time in SYD is going to look like until I'm there. I hope my Manly friend isn't upset with me, I started making plans around whoever I heard from first (including lodging) but I still have at least four days I'll be near to Sydney even if I don't change my MEL plans.
Nov 11th, 2017, 06:31 PM
#16
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Or: fly to MEL Monday and back to SYD Thursday. During my time there find a tour operator who can drive parts of the GOR and I just sit back and watch the scenery and get out for photos.
I'm used to doing it myself - rent car and drive and stop when I like - so which would be worse - waiting until my next trip or letting someone else do the drive and all in one day?
That gives me a few more days in SYD.
I'm used to doing it myself - rent car and drive and stop when I like - so which would be worse - waiting until my next trip or letting someone else do the drive and all in one day?
That gives me a few more days in SYD.
Nov 11th, 2017, 07:37 PM
#17
Given that you're spending time with friends all that time in Sydney area might be fine. However I wouldn't want to fly that far and only see one area. You can go to Melbourne and skip the GOR. Or do like you suggested go to Melbourne with a day trip to GOR. As you said 2 weeks is not much time and it's a long flight.
Nov 12th, 2017, 01:59 AM
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Thought not what you had in mind, a day tour would allow you to get small taste of what the GOR is like.
On one of my trips to Melbourne, a solo trip, I took an all-day small group Great Ocean Road sunset tour. The tour left Melbourne at 11 a.m. We made many stops, including at Lorne, Apollo Bay, Cape Otway Lighthouse (with koala spotting along the way), Loch Ard Gorge (which is what I most wanted to see), Port Campbell (dinner break), before viewing the sunset over the 12 Apostles (which, I believe due to erosion, are only 8 limestone stacks now). I think most people napped on the drive back to Melbourne.
I went out with Bunyip Tours and also took their Phillip Island Afternoon tour. Because I took two tours with them, I got complementary passes for the Eureka Sky Deck and SeaLife Aquarium.
Here's a link to their GOR tours:
http://www.bunyiptours.com/great-ocean-road-tours/
I also did a day tour to Yarra Valley with the Wine Bus. It was great.
On one of my trips to Melbourne, a solo trip, I took an all-day small group Great Ocean Road sunset tour. The tour left Melbourne at 11 a.m. We made many stops, including at Lorne, Apollo Bay, Cape Otway Lighthouse (with koala spotting along the way), Loch Ard Gorge (which is what I most wanted to see), Port Campbell (dinner break), before viewing the sunset over the 12 Apostles (which, I believe due to erosion, are only 8 limestone stacks now). I think most people napped on the drive back to Melbourne.
I went out with Bunyip Tours and also took their Phillip Island Afternoon tour. Because I took two tours with them, I got complementary passes for the Eureka Sky Deck and SeaLife Aquarium.
Here's a link to their GOR tours:
http://www.bunyiptours.com/great-ocean-road-tours/
I also did a day tour to Yarra Valley with the Wine Bus. It was great.
