You don’t have to pay big bucks to experience Sydney in style. Finances are pretty tight all around at the moment, but you don’t have to blow your budget while you are on holidays.

WHERE TO STAY: Many hotels are offering special deals so check out these bargains (note restricted validity and booking conditions apply)…

Bayview Boulevard Sydney – Located close to the fashionable Oxford and Stanley Streets, Sydney CBD, Major shopping areas and many other of Sydneys highlights, and offering spectacular views of the Sydney Harbour, Sydney Opera House and Royal Botanic Gardens. Book a Superior City Room from $138 and receive a free upgrade to a Deluxe room. (Available to the first 100 bookings. Valid through 28 of Feb09)

Mercure Hotel Sydney – is in the heart of Sydney’s Entertainment District. The Capitol Theatre is at the doorstep, and Chinatown, Darling Harbour and the Sydney Entertainment Centre are all within easy walking distance. Book a Standard Room from AUD$149 and receive complimentary breakfast for 2 guests. (Available to the first 100 bookings. Valid 5 Jan-28 Feb09)

Swissotel Sydney – one of Sydney’s finest hotels, located above MYER one of Australia’s most iconic department stores, and is central to Sydney’s tourist, shopping and entertainment precincts. Summer Saver Rate Classic Rooms are from AUD$199 per night, and the WebSaver Rate from AUD$299 includes breakfast daily and upgrade to a Swiss Advantage Room (subject to availability).

WHERE TO DINE: This is a really personal choice, Sydney has some fantastic restaurants and the big name eateries can be pricey. But it is all about the view…

Harbour Kitchen & Bar – located at the Park Hyatt, opposite the Opera House. This contemporary restaurant takes in the famous view of Sydney Harbour through floor to ceiling folding glass doors. You can hear the water lapping, and see the food being prepared in the open kitchen. Try the set-menu 2 course lunch.

The Summit Restaurant, City – hasn’t stood still for 40 years, rotating at a metre a minute, 47 spectacular floors above the city. They are offering a ‘credit crunch lunch’ for AUD$38 per person including your choice of main course and a complimentary glass of matching premium wine.

Icebergs Dining Room & Bar, Bondi Beach – savour the unique dining experience, views over the iconic Bondi Beach, watch surfers ride the waves. See and be seen! If you love a steak – choose from Sirlion, Ox Fillet, Rib-Eye, Black Angus Wagyu or T-bone.

WHAT TO DO: Try out these inexpensive sightseeing ideas… Forget about an expensive touristy harbour cruise – the ultimate alfresco dining and harbour cruise experience can cost next to nothing!

Catch the Sydney Ferry from Circular Quay to Manly. Stroll along the famous Corso, discover hidden laneways, weekend outdoor markets, street and surfwear and over 200 retail stores. Grab some fish & chips and head for the beach. If you travel on a Sunday you can purchase the ‘Family Funday Sunday’ ticket for just $2.50 per adult and a child travels with you free.

If you are interested in Sydney’s history, take a walk around The Rocks.

Take a FREE tour of the family friendly Rocks Discovery Museum or check out the many galleries featuring everything from contemporary art, ceramics and sculpture to photography and Aboriginal art and crafts.
Grab some exercise and discover nature by strolling around the Sydney Harbour National Park. The Bradley’s Head walk takes you past the old gun barracks used to defend the harbour during WWII.

Restore your inner peace and escape the city chaos at the Chinese Garden of Friendship. It is also right near China Town for cheap & cheerful eats. East Ocean, Zilver and Sky Phoenix are great places for yum cha.

Window shopping at the QVB (Queen Victoria Building) in the city is free, although the actual shopping is much more fun. Finish off the afternoon with a high tea at the QVB Tearooms. If you want to do some serious shopping head to Oxford Street Paddington. The Paddington markets are great too (on Saturdays).

All the major domestic airlines are having sales too, so check out our discount airfares to get you to Sydney!

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