Aus-Air

Advantages: Clean, modern, welcoming, good security and facilities, central location
Disadvantages: Doesn't have freephone number, electronic card access for everything, checking in takes ages, no free breakfast

.... But let me tell you more in detail... ---- Booking and checking in ---- Hostels in Sydney are generally expensive compared to the rest of Australia... but that's not surprising bearing in mind you're in a major city! While the average cost for a dorm bed in most of Australia was AUS $17, anything around that price in Sydney won't get you much in terms of comfort or security! At Wake up! Sydney, a bed in a 6-bed non-ensuite dorm room costs AUS $28... this is far cheaper than Sidney Central YHA (AUS $35), but more expensive than Hotel Bakpak (AUS $22). While I couldn't tell you if Sidney Central YHA is any good, I can tell you from personal experience that it's worth paying more to avoid Hotel Bakpak! If you're a VIP backpackers member, you get a AUS $1 discount for each night you stay. But if you're able to get hold of a current free copy... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: A nice and relaxed time.
Disadvantages: Cost

...North Stradbroke Island, or Straddie as my sister and her family call it, is approximately an hour and a half from the city of Brisbane and, it will take you 35 to 45 minutes depending on traffic to reach the ferry terminal in Cleveland. The island is situated in Moreton Bay and is accessed by ferry if you are taking your car across or by the quicker water taxi for foot passengers. The cost when I went across for 2 children and 2 adults by water taxi (2006), was approximately £70.00 (Aus $ 176.00) return, it's only another £10.00 (Aus $25.00) inclusive of passengers to take your car across. The island as a regular bus service, which meets the water taxi at the drop off point, but be aware, when I visited the island in January 2006, (Australia's summertime) the bus was packed solid with visitors, and I had to stand for well over 30... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Erm, they have nice seats (in business class)
Disadvantages: Too many to mention

...I'm lucky. Very lucky..... I get sent to various places across the planet with work every two months and sometimes even get to fly business class... So, I'm in Singapore, having flown out with Gulf Air, who were great, and I'm told that my flight back to London is full, and would I like a direct flight with Qantas... Well, I'm always one for trying something new. Qantas are based out of australia, and fly into much of south east asia, and onwards to London and various other capitals of europe. They also code share with BA, so you might have a Qantas ticket and might fly with BA, and vice versa! As for the cost, I have no idea. I know they are not cheap though. As mentioned, I was swapped from my Gulf Air flight! So, get onboard the plane, and am directed to my seat. I have no idea how things were in cattle cart class... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful