travellers

Could you please tell us which area of Sydney and Brisbane is the best to stay in so that you are within walking distance or easy access to most "touristy sites"?
Any recommendations of hotels would be appreciated also.
Thanks

luv2fly

In Sydney: the Rocks/Circular Quay area. Circular Quay is the home of all the ferry boats, shops, Opera House, restaurants. Stayed at the Renaissance for New Year's and had a great hotel room facing the Harbour Bridge and all the fireworks. I believe it is now a Marriott after extensive renovations. Fantastic location. A block and a half from the ferries.

Janese

Brisbane is not much of a tourist city and is really just a big country town. Do not however stay near the West end or places like that. Stay around the city botanical gardens. 24 hours is enough to see everything in Brisbane.

KathyNZ

I definitely do not agree on Janese interpretation of Brisbane. A city of over a million people is not a big country town at all. It is a vibrant, forward thinking energised city with masses of things to do and see. As for the 24 hour comment that is a joke, I have stayed there for around four days on average about five times and not covered half the attractions yet. The area around Southbank is a good place to base in as it's an easy walk across the river to the centre, casino and malls and is in close proximity to the art gallery, museum and markets on the south side. Also easy access to the train to the east coast suburbs and the Gold Coast.

Janese

Oh pardon me Kathy, so sorry to have a different view from you. I had forgotten that not only are you an expert on NZ but you are also an expert on Australia. Its no wonder that most of the regulars have gone from this board.
For your information Kathy, I live in Brisbane and we call it a big country town, we like it this way. perhaps to you its like a big vibrant place with real shopping but to us its nothing but a nice, liveable BIG country town without a lot of interest for a tourist.

KathyNZ

You certainly have a problem as I also praised your city, your childishness is of no help to people who are asking genuine questions. If you feel there is not much for tourists then why are you even looking at this site, very wierd to say the least.

Mucky

Hi Travellers,
I have only been to Sydney once and taking advice on this Forum has helped to book again for later in the Year, Luv2fly is spot on with the rocks area, if its the touristy spots you want to be in then its the place, although these hotels are quite expensive according to my research.
We stayed in the Marriott on Hyde park, which was quite reasonable for a family of 4 and a great location. Walking to all the key areas was easy and we were out of the hussle and bussle of the rocks area, which suited us. Although we all have our preferances. We have booked the Waldorf apartments Liverpool st for December, which are not in the rocks tourist area but close to everything, and they seem good value. There have been a few posts on here saying that too.
We are also going to Brisbane for a couple of days and have booked the Albert park hotel in Spring Hill. Its good value but I am not sure about the area.We are swiftly moving to Moreton Island so Brisbane is only 2 nights for us. It appears to be fine from what I have read, but if Janese and Kathy have any advice I would be pleased to hear it; Even if you have different opinions !.


Have fun

Muck

Janese

Hi Muck
Ask Kathy from New Zealand she seems to have a better knowledge than locals as to what a place is like.
I will leave it all to her as I am sure that whatever you want to know she will have an anser for you.

Daneille

Hi - I hope by replying to this post that I have not opened myself up for some muckraking - however . . .

Brisbanites say Brisbane is like a big country town - and they do like it that way, however it is becoming less so as the place is growing at a rate of knots and will quickly surpass Melbourne in its growth. It is a lovely city - pretty safe, endearing and friendly people with some lovely restaurants, great weather and a beautiful river. Having said that - I don't believe it is a great tourist mecca, But there is plenty to do if you put your mind to it. You can do a paddlesteamer tour of the river - go to Southbank (home of the World Expo of about 1988), look around the gardens, perhaps go to the gallery, nice markets at Riverside and Southbank, go up to Mt Coot-tha and admire the view. You could do a day trip down to the Gold Coast, a ferry ride across to North Stradbroke or go to a cricket of footy match at the GABBA depending on the time of the year. Lots if you look for it but I believe a couple of days would be long enough. Brisbane has a charm all of its own but really, most of the attractions in our Northern State are in country and coastal Queensland NOT Brisbane. If you can - spend more time in Sydney.

As for good places to stay - anywhere near the river and around the Botanical Gardens (Alice Street)or around Southbank.

Mucky - Spring Hill is out of town - but not a long way out of town. You could certainly walk into town from Spring Hill - it is situated between Fortitude Valley (The Valley) which can be a bit unsavoury but has a lot of really good and trendy places to eat and the City.