Need advise to Sydney this Christmas

Hello Wayne, at that time of year (between Christmas and New Year) flights in Australia are at their most expensive, so a large people mover would be the way to go. Due to their availability, I'd be looking to hire one soon, and from a reputable company.

If you are heading to Sydney at any time around December 31 (for New Year's Eve fireworks), be aware that many hotels in the CBD have a minimum stay period (upwards of 3 nights), and the prices can be quite hefty. Staying away from that area will be cheaper.

For 2.5 days in Sydney, your essential stops would be The Rocks, Sydney Opera House, a walk around Darling Harbour, the Queen Victoria Building and if you able to withstand heights, Centrepoint Tower. You should also take a cruise around the Sydney Harbour. The cheaper way to do this is to take public transport to Manly either with a Jetcat or a ferry. Bondi is a great place as well (a very famous beach), but I personally prefer Manly. Reply to this

There are other companies apart from Hertz here, such as Budget and Avis - they have large networks and will allow you a one-way hire. If you are hiring a car be aware of damage excess for accidents (which may include single vehicle ones) some of the cheaper companies have huge excesses that you cannot avoid. Your travel insurance might cover you for this, but I'd still pay extra for a larger company.

In my opinion, Sydney Harbour on New Year's Eve is the best place in the world to celebrate the evening - I was there for the arrival of both 2000 and 2001 and without a doubt, my best New Years Eve's ever. To get a great seat, you will need to spend most of the day waiting for the two fireworks shows - one at 9pm (2100) and the other at midnight. I sat near the area called Mrs Macquarie's Chair, but in order to get a great view, I arrived at breakfast time. Be prepared for crowds - up to one million people will line the harbour to watch the spectacle.

There is the possibility to pay more for a view on something such as a commercial boat (such as a ferry) but they have a large restriction zone where the can float, and it is a long way from the action. Other places such as the Sydney Opera House have an amazing view, and you can pay for exclusive access to an area within there, but I suspect that this sold out a long time ago. Reply to this

Hi Shane,
Thanks a million for all the good information.
I love to watch the New Year's Eve firework but I do not want to spend a whole day for that
Thanks for the warning of damage excess. I did not even pay attention to it at first because my auto insurance and credit card company cover most of them in US My compay covers the rest through employee's rental car insurance. I will need to check with my credit card company if and what they cover in foreign countries.
Yes, Budget adds over $150 if I pickup my car at the airport.
Wayne Reply to this