Originally Posted by
brahms77
Would it be a reasonable idea to rent a car in SYD? I put a reservation on hold for two day rental at 140 AUD. That will allow me to visit Kangaroo/Koala Zoo (I remember visiting such a place last time on a tour) and also Blue mountain as you suggested. Parking may be an issue while in downtown area (I am not sure what Westin Sydney will charge for the parking, but given that taxi ride to the city and back can be easily 40 AUD each way, I think renting a car is a economical option).
I think you'll find it's a false economy. For two days you really won't have much time to see anything that will require a car. I'm not sure if guests get a discount at the Westin, but that car park isn't cheap. I paid $57 for just over an hour a few weeks ago.
ETA: Wotif says the charges are $56/24 hours.
http://www.wotif.com/hotel/View?hotel=W13152
Originally Posted by brahms77
In SYD, I really like the idea of dinner cruise! When I took my parents back in 2009, we didn't do this... but instead we took those commuter ferries to various places and that allowed us to get a nice view of the harbor!
Sounds like a good idea. I don't really know much about the cruises but I guess you should budget about $100/person.
Originally Posted by brahms77
Without the miles, I would be looking at 215 AUD (SYD-CNS) + 450 AUD (CNS-AYQ) + 380 AUD (AYQ-MEL) = 1045 AUD per person! Flying on LCC will cut the cost down a bit, but not by much! Miles well spent!
Uluru is essentially a tourist destination, hence the high fees. Australian domestic airfares are actually quite competitive on most routes.
I think your itin is probably a bit too rushed, I would have chosen either Cairns or Uluru and added a day onto Melbourne or Sydney.