Was lucky enough to get my hands on Sam Smith tickets at Sydney opera house on Jan 16 2018. I live in Melbourne and I'm deciding whether to fly or drive.
I plan to stay there from Jan 15-17. What are my cheapest options around the Opera House?
What other activities should I do? Never been interstate
When do flights from Melbourne to Sydney in January usually go on sale?
Thanks
That sounds truly awful.
I much prefer to get tanked at home, get a taxi to the airport and then get sloshed at the Virgin lounge, once on the plane I make sure I am adequately plastered and head to the Virgin lounge on arrival in Sydney to ensure I get completely wasted.
God knows that's the only way to make Sydney even remotely bearable.
This doesn't always work as they don't start serving alcohol until 11am, so you're screwed if you're flying early in the morning.
Thanks for the feedback. I haven't driven for more than 2 hours in one route and I'm nervous the 9 hour drive to Sydney might kill me.
How is the traffic at night compared to going in the day?
9 hours is driving non-stop.
I usually take 12 hours - which allows for food and a sleep. Lots of people I know don't sleep on the trip but I'd rather be rested than risk it.
No traffic in the night - a few trucks, but mostly quiet. Day time it is OK (aside from holidays), but usualy traffic in-out of Melb and Sydney..
Like has been said, allow a minimum of 11 to 12 hours, especially as you are not used to distance driving. You will need fuel stops (petrol and food) along the way, and make a habit of stopping every 2 hours and take a brisk walk for 5 minutes - it is better for your body and keeps your mind alert.
Not having done night distance driving before, I would dissuade you from this option, fatigue creeps in more at night and you may put yourself (and others) at risk.
Other than that, keep some cool red bulls or similar at hand (or take coffee stops) to help with alertness and enjoy the drive.
I'd fly for sure if good flights pop up, Sydney is much easier to get around by public transport than it is by car and the train to the airport is very good. Keep an eye out for flights as sales can be spontaneous. You should be ok to get return flights for below $200, maybe even below $100. However it is school holids and also prime tourist season in Melbourne those dates (for Aus open), so you may have already left it too late…. Worst case, driving is your contingency :)
Lots of options for accom. If purely the cheapest go for a hostel (Base is good), couchsurfing, airbnb or just a hotel on special. I got a mystery hotel last minute in Circular Quay and it turned out amazing and pretty cheap.
Depends what you're into! Heaps of optionss depending on which way you are inclined. Botanical gardens are nice if you are into that, Newton and Oxford St are good for a night out, or go out west if you want to fight people on the street! I suggest looking up all the touristy things and do those if they interest you. Walk across the bridge, see the opera house, Darling Harbour, Bondi etc Getting a ferry from Circular Quay to Manly is a good option, cheap and good views.
I’d fly, for one person I don’t think it’s worth driving.
How much do you want to pay for accommodation roughly?
A relatives couch would be cheapest then probably backpackers
Places like chatswood are cheaper than cbd and are an easy train ride in.
Great!
Flights right now are around 180 return not sure if thats cheap or not. I havent planned any accomodation but might look for an apartment or hotel room for two nights. I dont have any relatives there. I suppose I dont want to spend too much since its only three nights but once in a lifetime experience.
How did you get a mystery hotel? Are they cheaper last minute than booking ahead of time?
I don’t think it’s work risking it going up, it might go on sale, but I don’t think it would be much less than $180
The problem you have in January is many people visit Sydney around that time
Cricket, Christmas holidays, festivals, concerts, tennis. The area around the opera house has some of the most expensive hotels in Australia, however it’s easy enough to access on public transport.
Mystery deals, you can normally figure out which hotel it is by reading the inclusions and cross referencing it with hotels listed in that area. Indoor pool 24 room service free carpark etc you can some times get a good deal
I’d check Meriton website as some times if you book early you can get a deal In complex’s a bit further away from cbd, airport, Chatswood etc or check out Airbnb
I always drive. I enjoy it and it means I do not have to rely on Melb airport.
However, a few notes -