Sydney Travel Forum

We arrive on Dec 7,2009 for 3 days in Sydney. our budget is limited and with 5 most places require us to book 2 rooms. being a larger centre there is always a safety concern. our accent will stand out so we could be easy targets. my visit 20 yrs ago was fabulous so i want to share your wonderful city with my family. can anyone recommend a reasonably priced place to stay that offers good links to most common tourist attractions? do hostils work for families and are they a realistic option for us?

Most hostels have family rooms with 2 beds and a set of 'bunk beds' = 2 adults, 2 children. You would have to write to them directly to ask if they have anything bigger. Worth it though, because even if you take two rooms in a hostel it costs a lot less.

one hostel i stayed at called the Albert Park had family accomodation - as did the Alishan in Glebe.

Not all hostels are party central - if the Alishan is still open I can heartily recommend it.

http://www.alishan.com.au/

yes it is still open and has family rooms for $165 a night. Which is quite pricey but it is a nice place.

Do you know Glebe? It is a nice area - lots of cafes and restaurants and book shops etc - a short bus ride into the CBD.

And there is a large park close by for the kids to run around in.

ps - you could try wotif.com - you can get cheap rates on that about 20 days before your trip

maybe you could get an apartment for the same as one room at the alishan would cost you

check out what they have available now - though I would imagine in early december there will be slightly less choice

http://www.sydneyservicedapartments.net/

I have just checked this site for budget serviced apartments - but alas they have a maximum of four guests.

They are quite cheap though.

Maybe you could email them and ask if you can have one more and they provide a roller bed?

i stayed at best weston uni lodge with my two sons.it was a bit cramped but suited my budget and was clean and well furnished and equipped. i have also stayed at the metro at pitts street,which is reasonably priced and centrally located.you could get their current rates online.
have a good trip,

craic,

thanks for your help - we are looking into the hostel. Any suggestions of must do things that would be diffenently Australian?

I hope the Alishan suits. There is a communal kitchen which is usually in reasonable condition - so you can make a few of your own meals. Which is a saving.

The ferries in Sydney are a good way to see the beautiful harbour and to go to places like Manly beach. And taronga Park zoo - see the koalas and the kangas. And the wombats and the platypi.

A walk in Centenniel Park and watch the horse riders (plus a picnic) is a lovely thing to do on a nice day.

Plus the Botanic Gardens near the Opera House.

The powerhouse Museum in Darling Harbour is something my kids always liked. They usually have inter active stuff for kids to do.

the toronga zoo
maritime museum
powerhouse museum
sydney observatory(show starts at about 8 and you need to book ahead)
walking around the darling harbour
walking across the sydney harbour bridge
circular quay
opera house
these are the places that my kids enjoyed
have a good trip,

The others have it covered in terms of accommodation and siteseeing advice, but just wanted to add that you shouldn't worry too much about safety in Sydney. That is, Sydney is a pretty safe and multicultural city, so don't let it worry you. Like anywhere, it pays to be aware of where your belongings are, etc, but I'm sure you'll find it carefree enough. Have a great trip.