Thanks carrabella.

Rather than a traditonal bus to get from Phoenix to Tucson, there might be a 'shuttle' that goes from the Phoenix Airport to Tucson Locations (My relatives use a shuttle from Phoenix to Yuma).

In general, the bus systems are terrible

I've done a search on shuttles and yes there is one from Phoenix to Tucson.
Thanks Bigtyke

If you want a long drawn out ride, take a shuttle. I wouldn't. I have, I live here and I swore I would never do that again. No one that I know that lives here would take a shuttle from Phoenix-Tucson or back. If you want to have a fun, relaxing vacation you are better off in a rental car.

Tracker, I think the reason you're having a problem in Santa Fe is it's Indian market at that time (Aug 23-24). This is a once a year event. It's fantastic. Go!
http://www.swaia.org/market.php

Tracker,

Seeing as how you're Australian, how are you on the idea of Youth Hostels? There's one in Santa Fe. As with many hostels, it's not exactly in the thick of things, but it will get you affordably into Santa Fe at a time when it's quite difficult to find lodging.

Albuquerque is a pit, really.

For good food in Santa Fe, head to The Shed, but make your reservation early. A good place for breakfast is the Guadalupe Cafe. The food at Tomasita's isn't the highest quality, but it makes for a very fun outing.

Another Arizonian here. All the places you mentioned are fabulous in their own right. However, doing all that you want to do in the amount of time is a lot. I would stick to either Arizona or New Mexico. Fly into Phoenix (you'll get more variety of flights and they will be cheaper).

There is a shuttle between Phoenix and Tucson. My understanding is that it runs from the airport in Phoenix to the airport in Tucson.

If you don't want to drive in Phoenix you can take a city tour (Gray Line's even includes admission to the Heard Musem); take a narrated Grand Canyon tour or a narrated Sedona tour. I know that you didn't mention the Grand Canyon or Sedona in your original post, but if you haven't seen them you would be doing yourself an injustice not seeing them. Make Phoenix your base to see these attractions.

Then get to Tucson and check out the sites that have already been mentioned. You might have to avoid Sabino Canyon due to the fire. God willing it will be long over with by the time you arrive, but who knows how much damage will be done.

Have a fabulous trip.

One Santa Fe option, if you fly into Albuquerque, is to rent a car and drive the
Turquoise Trail (Hwy 14) to Santa Fe. It's really a nice scenic byway with old ghost towns that have been inhabited by artists and all kinds of characters. Here's a link to just one of several website about the road. www.turquoisetrail.org
It's less than 60 miles and a real treat.
In Albuquerque, at least walk to old town plaza and drive down Central Avenue, which is a great example of the historic Route 66 era of the U.S.

Thanks again for the responses. I'm booking some flights tommorrow and will be in Santa fe for 3 days August 17th,18th, and 19th. Sounds like the accommodation could be a concern! The 19th I'll prob' stay in Albuquerque as I fly out the next day. I will see how we go with the other two days.