We are a family of 5 so finding something affortable in Sydney close to everything was a challenge but I found “Woolloomooloo Waters Apartment Hotel” in Woolloomooloo affortable for us, it’s walking distance to Kings Cross Station (which we used daily) and a wonderful walk through the park to the Opera House. Also close to shops, restaurants, a pub next door and a servo over the road.

Have you tried air bnb? Or hotels combined