[Cobnut]

Hi Joe,

I'm travelling down from Sydney for the F1 too. Staying in the Grand Mercure Apartments at Docklands. I stayed there last year for the GP and was a short walk to the trams where they'll take you straight to the gate (is all free). Transfer back was easy too.
Being apartments will make it easy to please yourself for catering and laundry.
Trying to stay any closer might be more hassle than it's worth.

My other tip......take sunscreen and a waterproof jacket, I'll guarantee you'll use them both!!

Good luck,

Derek