Australia, New Zealand & the South Pacific - Low cost airfare from SYD?

I'll be in SYD for 4 nights in mid August. I just visited SYD, CNS, AKL, and CHC about 6 months ago, so I was considering taking a short flight to someplace in AUS/NZD that I have not been. Unfortunately, I've done a little checking and the flight prices are pretty bad. Everyplace looks like its at least 400-500 round trip.

Any suggestions on a cheap (airfare-wise, for hotels I don't mind spending more, same for food/entertainment) location to fly to from Sydney for a few days?

Thanks!

Melbourne! Great city (might be a tad chilly in August) but loads to do and see there. Just over an hour's flight time from SYD, fares shouldn't be too expensive. :)

Melbourne is a good idea.
Hobart would be another good option. Hobart is very different to all the other major Australian cities. It will be cold but the air is fresh and there is plenty to see and do as well as great restaurants.

You would be able to get cheap flights with Virgin Blue and Jet star.

Hobart is very different to all the other major Australian cities.

Because it isn't one;)

Seriously though Hobart is a great idea Tasmania is a side of Australia alot of people outside of Australia don't know exists, it is very different to the mainland.

Because it isn't one;)


Now now be nice Hobart is a Capital City ;)

Now now be nice Hobart is a Capital City ;) But it can hardly be called a MAJOR Australian city! :D

Dave

But it can hardly be called a MAJOR Australian city! :D

Dave

Exactly!

Brisbane or the Gold Coast are only short hops - and the weather is usually beautiful in August. If you are looking for Sun and the Beach then Gold Coast is definitely the go.

If you are looking for Sun and the Beach then Gold Coast is definitely the go.

In August?:confused:

I'd want to be going much further North if I wanted to swim in August.

Thanks for the tips, I'll look into all of them. I'd love to get over to Queenstown in NZ, but those flights are pricey as well.

Not surprising - it is ski season.

I'll be spending 2-3 days in the Gold Coast in August as well - I think it's just an hour's drive to Brisbane. My question is do you think it's worth it to take a day's excursion to Brisbane vs. staying in the Gold Coast?

I am looking for some cheap options as well. But from MEL. Just booked LAX-MEL on the A380 sale. Never been to Australia so SYD is a must. Is Jetstar the only cheap airline? How long do the Countrylink trains take?