Find the best price using one of the websites, then ring the hotel direct - In my experience they will always match / beat the price and you don't pay the fees.
Many times I rang preferred hotels directly and got a bed as they always keep a few "spares" or cancellations when those sites have no vacancies.
Spent a few NYEs in the city but this yr coogee/bronte or cronulla may be the go for me.
www.hotelclub.com.au You earn points for each hotel booking, which gives you discount on subsequent hotel bookings. They often have deals like a bottle of bubbly or similiar incentives to join as well.