Australia, New Zealand & the South Pacific - 8 days in Australia :) What to do???

Was able to grab a super cheap fare on Emirates (for only about USD300 per person, return on economy) SIN-BNE-SIN dep. 10 Jun (arriving in BNE past midnight at about 0045 on 11 Jun) and returning to SIN on 17 Jun (past midnight again, at about 0235hrs on 18 Jun morning).

Will be travelling with my partner who hasnt been to Australia before, and am planning to visit a few uni frens in Brissy for a couple of days and spend a few more days in the Gold Coast. Was thinking of going to Sydney and/or Melbourne as well but am worried about the lack of time.

A few questions:
1) any hotels near the BNE airport (I have not returned to Brisbane since 04) which is cheap for me to put up the night when I arrive before I check into something better the next morning?
2) will flying to SYD be cheaper on the weekend or the weekday from BNE?
3) what are some good hotels in SYD which is "in the middle of it all"? I'm looking at Hilton coz of my Gold VIP status with HHOnours...

Thanks.

A few questions:
1) any hotels near the BNE airport (I have not returned to Brisbane since 04) which is cheap for me to put up the night when I arrive before I check into something better the next morning?No. Take a taxi or the shuttle bus (?) to the city.
2) will flying to SYD be cheaper on the weekend or the weekday from BNE?
Mid week is often cheaper and avoid times that business traveller fly 06:30-8:30 & 16:30-19:00. Look at www.qantas.com.au and www.virginblue.com.au & www.jetstar.com.au
3) what are some good hotels in SYD which is "in the middle of it all"? I'm looking at Hilton coz of my Gold VIP status with HHOnours...
Look as www.wotif.com.au to see what is available. Hilton is in the centre. Can be cheaper to book direct with the hotel chain. All depends on how much you want to spend

A few questions:
1) any hotels near the BNE airport (I have not returned to Brisbane since 04) which is cheap for me to put up the night when I arrive before I check into something better the next morning?

Yep, you could try the Formule 1 Hotel Formule 1 Brisbane Airport (http://www.accorhotels.com.au/3512/detail/default.aspx) which is as close as you can get to BNE airport. However if you are going to go and check ito a nicer hotel in the city the next mornign you would be better off to just go there when you get through customs.


2) will flying to SYD be cheaper on the weekend or the weekday from BNE?

This varies from day to day and week to week. Check the links posted by Mwenenzi above.


3) what are some good hotels in SYD which is "in the middle of it all"? I'm looking at Hilton coz of my Gold VIP status with HHOnours...

Hilton Sydney could not be more in the middle of it. Perfect place to stay and as you are already a member there you'd be crazy to stay anywhere else.

Hope you enjoy yourself in .au!