HELP in Sydney!

[Sose]

Folks, there is a chance I'll be flying to Sydney for work. If it is approved, I'll be there from the 13th until the 18th for work. However, since Australia is not a place I'd usually visit for work reasons, I'd like to stay an additional week.

This, of course, means I'll be paying for this week on my dime. So here's what I'd like to know from any members that are able to assist:
What affordable hotel could I stay close to Sydney or in Sydney (read, less $100 or less)? If this is not feasible, please provide me with suggestions. Keep in mind I know nothing about Sydney - which leads me to my second question...

What activities can I not miss? What places should I not miss? What things should I not do?

Any assistance/ideas/comments are welcome.

Thanks!

[JasoninDenver]

I do not live there but visited a few years ago.

I stayed at a wonderful hotel called The Lord Nelson in the Rocks neighborhood. It is a little more expensive but totally reasonable by Sydney standards. Plus, it is over a great pub. You will be within walking distance of most of the Sydney attractions.

Check out this article from the Times:

http://travel.nytimes.com/travel/gui.../overview.html

I really enjoyed a harbor cruise, walking the zoo, and visiting Bondi beach. I found the opera house overrated and we did not do the bridge tour as my local friends said it was a joke.

Have fun.

[RollieNZ]

Try wotif.com for Accommodation.

You won't get much at $100.00 a night sadly.

I really enjoyed the Bridge Walk - thought it was great.

[davestan]

Originally Posted by JasoninDenver

I found the opera house overrated and we did not do the bridge tour as my local friends said it was a joke.

Take no notice of these comments - both are a great part of the Sydney experience(tho' the BridgeClimb is a bit pricey).

Paddington and its famous markets are interesting if you're there on a Saturday. The Botanical Gardens are nice at this time of year and The Rocks area has a lot of historical interest.
The Harbour area is also beautiful at night and the view from the Opera House Forecourt is spectacular.
Also for the evening and nearby in Circular Quay is The Basement, a great blues/jazz venue. Serves dinner and drinks. Highly recommended.

There's always lots happening in the Central Sydney area - just check the local guides when you arrive and have a look here:
http://www.sydney.com/Things_to_do_p...FYKFpAodgltwEw

I have found Wotif.com.au a reliable agency for accommodation and usually has a few hotels listed around the $100 mark.
However the days you are there accommodation will be at a premium because you will be just at the tail end of the Chinese New Year Celebrations and the beginning of the world famous Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. The city is usually pretty wild around this time with lots of events, colour and movement!!
Have a great trip!

[toph]

will be in touch, give me a day or two. Great city, plenty to do .I have plenty of info for you

[speedo]

the bondi-bronte (or coogee if you have more time and stamina) walk is a must. and it is for free which is a bonus in sydney! :-)
try doyles for a nice fish&chips and eat it at the nearby camp cove beach.
i love the northern beaches as well. whale beach and palm beach are specially beautiful.
if you love seafood, try the fish market.

sydney is just the best place in the world, i am sure, you'll love it.

[Sose]

Folks, I tried to post yesterday but couldn't get thru. Thank you for your time and advice but this trip got canned, sadly. I was looking forward to taking some well deserved time off in Sydney.

Thanks again!

[figbo]

There is no mofongo in Australia.

[Sose]

Originally Posted by figbo

There is no mofongo in Australia.

We should change that!!