Cheap flights are available to Hong Kong International Airport from Sydney International Airport. This departure point may also include a connection in Taipei. Flights departing Canberra, Adelaide and Melbourne will typically include a transfer through Sydney. Cheap flights from Brisbane may route through Singapore while Perth departures may transfer through Kuala Lumpur. Alternative travel arrangements could include flying directly into Singapore and securing a cheap flight to Hong Kong from here. This is a particularly cheap option for Darwin and Perth departures. On the ground, the Airport-Hotelink shuttle services major hotels. Public buses are available and the network covers the majority of Hong Kong. There is a taxi rank outside the terminal and these are reasonably priced. The Airport Express train is an economical and convenient option, getting you into the CBD in less than half an hour.

The most efficient way to navigate Hong Kong is with the use of a rechargeable Octopus Card that is accepted on all forms of public transport. The Mass Transit Railway (MTR) system is cheap and covers Hong Kong extensively. The top level of the double decker buses and trams provide extra sight-seeing en route to your destination. You will need exact change for these services if you do not have an Octopus Card. Ferries will shuffle you across the harbour and to the outer islands. Taxis are coloured according to the geographical areas serviced. Red taxis cover Hong Kong city, green the New Territories and blue taxis operate exclusively on Lantau Island.

Planning and cramming is the key to extracting the best of Hong Kong. Visit the Museum of Art, Science Museum and Hong Kong Correctional Services Museum. If climbing 260 stairs to the Big Buddha statue doesn’t take your fancy, glide across 5km in a glass bottom cable car overhead on the Ngong Ping 360. Theme parks Disneyland and Ocean View contrast the calming, meticulously manicured garden of the Chi Lin Nunnery. Ride the Peak Tram for the panoramic view of Victoria Peak. Adventurers, hike to the unfathomable Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery. Have tea leaves reveal your fortune on Temple Street and take some time out to explore Lantau Island. The Avenue of Stars is a harbour side Hong Kong walk of fame – head down in the early evening to catch the 8pm Symphony of Lights show.

Eat from street vendors and markets for cheap local cuisine. Visit Nadaman, Café Too, Tim’s Kitchen or rooftop restaurant Sevva if fine dining is your style. For a more modest approach try Ned Kelly’s Last Stand, Fat Angelo’s or The Flying Pan. Ask around to book an intimate evening in a private kitchen for the ultimate in Hong Kong hospitality. Sip cocktails at Maya Bar & Lounge, Tivo or the Ozone Bar. For cheap drinks and a laid back evening head to Joe Bananas at crazy hour or party hard at Drop. Hong Kong has several members-only nightclubs – looking the part can get access to just about anywhere so dress up! Harbour City Mall has enough department, chain, speciality and boutique stores to round out an entire day. Visit the IFC Mall, Nathan Road or The Landmark for high end, boutique fashion. There is an obscene amount of market offerings in Hong Kong. Make your way through the chaotic stalls of the Temple Street Night Market, Ladies Market and Jade Market. The outlet shopping on Granville Rd or at City Gate in Tung Chung will have even the most reluctant of shoppers jumping for Hong Kong retail joy.