We have some air points that need spending - enough to get us all to Aussie.   We think we might take a trip later this year.  (Sydney / Melb ?)

Need any hints or tips you have about choosing hotel accom as we've never stayed in a hotel since wee girl was born.  She would need a porta-cot and she would need to sleep in a separate area such as a large bathroom or separate bedroom.  Hubby also snores loudly!  Not sure what sort of room I need to ask for?  Studio / apartment / other?

Brooke will be having 1 x day nap at the time of travel.  Also should we aim for a night flight or early morning?  Wee girl doesn't sleep well 'on the run', but sleeps just fine in a bed/cot/portacot.

We flew to Sydney for a long weekend when Oli was 18mths old. We stayed in an apartment in central sydney, it was quite expensive but worth it to have our own kitchen, bathroom (& laundry) and a seperate bedroom for Oli. We stayed with these guys http://www.meritonapartments.com.au/ - Meriton - there are lots of options - otherwise just search "serviced apartments" on google.  We liked the fact that we were central and it was easy to walk everywhere too. Are you taking your own portacot - make sure you ask wherever you end up staying as some places will organise a hire one for you. We hired a cot and a hirechair and had it delivered to our hotel / picked up at the end of stay...made life super easy.

In terms of flights, we thought getting an early morning flight was the best - but it backfired - Oli hated it. He was a little sick at the time too, but it would have worked so much better later in the day (even mid morning would have been better). By the time we got to our hotel at lunchtime, we couldnt check in until 2pm and he was beside himself by then. Would never do that again. I think I would make the trip all part of the holiday - acknowledge that if it takes a whole day then thats fine, but just be a little more relaxed about it.

Who are you flying with - we went with Jetstar and they were good about things like excess baggage (the Mountain Buggy)....but they werent much help on the plane.

The points are with Emirates - we found them to be brilliant when we did our big trip in 2007.  I think Emirates will be good with excess baggage as we have extra luggage rights - 31 kg each I think.

We have a Phil n Ted pram but would prob just take the dinky little fold up stroller.  Do most hotels not have a cot / portacot?  Is it standard to bring your own these days?  We have a portacot if necessary.

That's a good tip - aim to get to the hotel AFTER check in time. 

Thanks everyone for your great tips - really appreciated. 

Was going to ask about changing time zones going to Aussie, but I think for a trip of 4-5 days it would be best to just stay in "NZ" time.

We've already both been to Sydney and Melbourne and wouldn't mind going back again.... but are there any other places nearby that are easy to get to?  Ie one more short flight?  Was thinking Adelaide perhaps.  An island would be nice too!  

Notice a lot of travel agents are starting to pump out the travel packages.  Makes me wonder if it is worth using our airpoints.

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Just had a look at a map of Aussie - cancel the island idea!  The only other feasible place that is a short flight from Syd / Melb seems to be Adelaide.  I like the idea of lots of coastal walks and scenery.  I don't want to be trying to do too much shopping (like I used to!) with a baby in tow.  Would rather get outside, as Brooke would appreciate that better.