Expert: Mick Maurer - 4/8/2008

Question
Dear Mick,
We arrive in Sydney on 22 august, and return to the UK on the 8th  
September. Can you suggest nice , Chic hotels suitable for two adults and an
18 & 20 year old daughter?
We are looking for the best weather we can get, so envisage going over to
Port Douglas and the area around there. Is the Gold Coast too cool in August
to sunbathe and enjoy? Is it windy= too windy to charter a sailing boat? Are
hotels like Peppers of a good standard?  Qualia looks very nice but I fear is
out of our budget, do you know of similar but slightly better value hotels?
Our key aims, are: Good Weather, chic hotels, people watching, sunbathing,
swimming and sailing!

Answer
Chris:
If you want something special in Sydney, I suggest you check out Tower Lodge in the Hunter Valley or Lillianfels in the Blue Mountains.  In downtown Sydney I would suggest the Quay Grand Suites or the Rydges Jamison.  
Near Port Douglas, Thala Beach Lodge is great or near Cairns, Kewarra Beach Resort.  Peppers is a good choice.  You might also want to consider an Island stay Like Heron or Dunk.
The weather in the North and Gold Coast in August will be in the 80's (f).  No problem with a sail boat charter most days.
Have a great time and be sure to do the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb in Sydney and visit the Aboriginal village of Kuranda near Cairns.  The wildlife park south of Surfers Paradise is also excellent.

Mick Maurer
Aussie Travel