Hi Sassy_cat,
What a great opportunity to see something of Sydney & environs.

July is mid-winter for us, so you can expect the nights & early mornings to be cold (sweater and coat,gloves & scarf), with some sparkling sunny days.

Your ideas of lightweight waterproof and a fleece are good. There are sales in July, so if you need something else, it's an opportunity of buying a useful souvenir.

This link has some useful info http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/aboutsydney/visitorguidesinformation/Weather.asp

Personally, I prefer to drive to the Blue Mountains. A car allows you more flexibility in transport and it's very nice to be able to retreat to a warm refuge if the weather turns cold/wet. Parking can be a bit of a pain on the weekends, but I always manage to find something. Sunday evening returns to the city can be slow on the road, so if you only go for one day, I'd recommend Saturday.

There's a nice loop that may appeal to you - go up via the F2 & F4, through the little mountain towns and come back via Bells' Line of Road. You might like to call in to Mt Tomah Botanic Gardens, or the Apple Barn (a very nice cafe/bistro at Bilpin). Here's a link for you: http://goo.gl/maps/L8NF

I'm a local & don't use public transport enough to warrant a pass, but others will be able to advise you on that.

Sydney ferries are a delight and you could (well, I could) spend a whole day hopping on & off sightseeing along our waterways. http://www.sydneyferries.info/

However, I'd recommend three in particular - and as a keen walker, you can combine the two.


Cockatoo Island http://www.cockatooisland.gov.au/

It's just to the west of the Harbour Bridge and has a fascinating history. It will be hosting the 18th Biennale of Sydney during your visit, so pop over & have a look at the art. There is a cafe on the island, but it's an idea to take a bottle of water and perhaps a piece of fruit for a snack, as it can be busy during festivals. I don't mind queueing up for a table & a meal, but not so keen if I just want a water.
http://www.sydney.com/events?gclid=CN_8moulpLACFUKDpAodzBVqaQ


Circular Quay to Manly & return.
http://www.manlyaustralia.com.au/information/what_to_do/walksViews.asp

If you have 2+ hours for a walk, take a bus to The Spit (Mosman) and do the spectacular Spit to Manly Walk. Take the ferry back to the city in the afternoon and you will have the Opera House & Harbour Bridge with a sunset backdrop. Serious "Postcard" stuff. I've lived here 30 years and never lose the "WOW" on this trip.

North Head and the Quarantine Station (Manly) are also very good spots for shorter walks with an historical interest.
http://www.harbourtrust.gov.au/visit-our-sites/north-head-sanctuary/index.html

My other favourite is the Coogee (or Bronte) to Bondi walk, combined with the Watsons Bay - Circular Quay ferry. http://www.sydney.com/things-to-do/nature-and-parks/walks Take a bus to Coogee, walk to Bondi and then take a bus to Watsons Bay. Spectacular scenery and a gun-barrell view back up the Harbour to the Bridge.

Avoid Doyle's Restaurant, but good casual food at the hotel next door and at Doyle's take-away on the pier (and there is a licensed area behind the ordering & delivery counter, overlooking the harbour where you can eat ).

The Harbour Bridge. I walked across it this weekend. Takes about 20 minutes with lots of photo and "WOW" stops. You can only walk on the eastern side (Opera House side) (the western side is exclusively for cyclists), so it doesn't matter much whether you walk one way and have a meal/coffee at one of the little bistros in Kirribilli, or at Ripples (Near the Luna Park face) and walk back, or take the train from Milsons Point Station(right at the exit of the walkway stairs).

The Rocks Markets are worth a look on Sundays. If you & your husband are interested in Australian wines, I thoroughly recommend Wine Odyssey, where you can sample as little as 1/4 glass of myriad wines from all around the country. They also run information sessions with tasting and aroma identification rooms. Great food too. http://www.wineodyssey.com.au/

While you're in The Rocks, do visit the Sydney Visitors' Centre http://www.therocks.com/sydney-Things_To_Do-Sydney_Visitor_Centre.htm

They have some really helpful people and an excellent selection of good brochures.

While we're in The Rocks - The Lord Nelson Brewery Hotel dining room is a lovely spot for a cold day/night lunch or dinner. Had an excellent dinner there last week - had forgotten how nice it is. 10-15 mins walk from the Marriott.
It was a cold, wet night (just like today) and it was a cosy retreat for a catch up with my god-daughter.

http://www.lordnelsonbrewery.com/restaurant.html

You'll have a great time, Sydney has so much to offer and the spontaneous decisions are often the best, don't you think?

Thanks Bokhara, great ideas and information. I especially like the website links.
I definitely have plenty to do outdoors now... the walks sound wonderful.

The Lord Nelson Brewery looks lovely. I do enjoy Australian wine (and New Zealand!). My husband doesn't drink but I don't mind drinking his share occasionally!

I think we might have to make the trip to the Blue Mountains on Sunday as although I arrive early on Saturday I think I'll be too jet lagged for a long day trip.
I'm hoping we can do the Wentworth Falls hike/trail and Echo Point.
I realise we'll be heading back to the city at the same time as many locals but a slow drive will be OK.

I do need to plan a few more indoor activities in case the weather is uncooperative.
I like the look of the NSW Art Gallery (just read about the 18th Biennale of Sydney on their website).

I like the look of the Opera Bar, best views for lunch/dinner one day?
Opera tour? I think I'd rather see a performance if possible.

One more thing..
I have to see Australia wildlife even if it means a zoo so should I go to Featherdale (as a separate trip from the day trip to the BM's) or Taronga?

This was a very spontaneous decision as only yesterday my daughter was invited to go to Florida with her friend so rather than stay home alone I'm very happy to see what Sydney has to offer!

Hi sassy_cat and Bokhara 2. Sassy, thanks for asking for some help because Bokhara has suggested so many cool activities to do that I just might have to have a third return visit to cover her great ideas!
I am going to be in Sydney around the same time as you (4 - 14 July) with my DH, and will be repeating some of the activities I did last year. One place I really enjoyed was the Sydney Wildlife World, next to the Sydney Aquarium at Darling Harbour. They have beautiful healthy-looking koalas, some interesting wallabies and other marsupials, as well as snakes, butterflies, birds, etc. I would highly recommend this place as an alternative to the Zoo if you just want to see Aussie animals. I spent about 2 hours there, and feel I did it justice. I will be taking DH there. (We enjoyed a visit to Taronga, but it was many years ago.)

Bokhara, thanks for such a great list of ideas. I will share it with my DH this weekend when I tell him about the trip, and my sister with whom we are staying for 6 nights, when we get there. And thank you for mentioning sales - I will make sure I have some extra money to indulge myself - well, probably our darling grandson if truth be known!
Dot

Hi dottyp,
I agree Bokhara's list is full of great ideas.. maybe I'll bump into you at one of these places in July!
I didn't know about the Sydney Wildlife World so thanks for mentioning this option. It looks like it's the quickest way to see the wildlife if I run short of time. This might well happen with all the wonderful things to see and do!
I'll decide later which wildlife park fits in best with my itinerary but maybe the views from the zoo might be worth the trip? Or maybe I can squeeze in a quick trip to Featherdale on the way to the Blue Mountains?

The restaurant/cafe at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) has great views (it's just been relocated to the top floor of the new wing, the restaurant at the Art Gallery also has great views.

During the Biennale there will be a free ferry to Cockatoo Island it usually leaves from the steps outside the MCA.

Other places for lunch, I really like the new food court at Centrepoint. In addition, there's great Malaysian food on Cockle Bay at the Malaya--there's also a view across to Darling Harbour. For a drink or meal with a view the Sydney Theatre Company has an amazing venue at Walsh Bay at the end of the wharf.

Hi sassy_cat, if you can get to Taronga I would prioritise it over Featherdale. It's possible to combine Featherdale with a trip to the mountains (actually it's a slight detour) but I think Taronga is superior. I don't think the animals are in as good a condition there as Taronga, which is a world-class zoo (Featherdale just doesn't devote enough space to its charges) and with Taronga you also have fabulous views of the harbour and possibly a ferry ride as well (more photo opportunties). The area around Featherdale is actually pretty boring (suburban).

I've not been to Wildlife World, but if the animals are in good condition as dottyp says, I think it would make an acceptable alternative to Taronga. It also has the plus that it is on the same side of the harbour as most of the accommodation (in Darling Harbour).

Lavandula

Susan7, thanks for the food suggestions. I looked at the Sydney Theatre Company website and I'm thinking of seeing the production of Under Milk Wood. The German play also looks interesting but maybe Dylan Thomas will win out.... decisions, decisions!

lavandula, Thank you, your information has confirmed snippets I've read and Taronga is my first choice.
I really don't think I have time to combine Featherdale and the Blue Mountains into my day trip and it doesn't sound like it warrants a separate trip.

I'll keep Wildlife World in mind if my itinerary is too packed to do the zoo justice.

I'm so excited! Tickets and accommodation are booked..

Here's a rough itinerary. Hopefully I've under planned and will have plenty of time to wander!
If it's better to do something on a particular weekday please let me know but the weekend itinerary is mostly fixed as it includes DH's wish list as it's his first time to Sydney too.

Anything to add? Rearrange?
Food suggestions. I love Thai food, good vegetarian food, salads.

Sat: Airport to Marriott Circular Quay. Flight arrives at 8.40am. Will I get to hotel around 10am? using Mymultipass weekly pass
Low key day (jet lag after traveling for 25hours). If weather good walk Harbour Bridge/ Pylon view point lunch in Kirribilli?, Opera House plus Opera Bar sunset 5pm?.

Sun: Car rental @ 8am. Day trip to Blue Mountains

Mon: Move hotels! Wander around CBD, Rocks area (Sydney Visitors Centre) lunch at Lord Nelson then shopping or Botanical Garden depending on weather.
Theatre evening.. eat at theatre

Tues: If weather good coastal walk to Manly or Bondi . ++ ferry rides

Wed: NSW art gallery plus shopping or if weather good Botanical Garden

Thurs: Taronga Zoo

Fri: MCA and ferry to Cockatoo Island

Sat: Fly home

Some evenings I might get to eat out with DH.

Shopping questions
I'll probably buy a couple of small items from the zoo and art gallery shops (tea towels, maybe)
DD would like a sweatshirt and /or t-shirt. Best souvenir shop area?

Thanks again for any advice!

For Thai, try Spice I Am. The best one is in Wentworth ave, but there's also one in Balmain. http://www.spiceiam.com/

My other all time favourite Thai is Sailor's Thai--upstairs on the communal table. http://www.sailorsthai.com.au/

There's quite a lot of souvenir shops in the Rocks, also there's a touristy sort of market there on the weekends. Museum of Sydney has a great range of souvenirs, that's my preferred shop when I'm getting gifts for friends overseas. The State Library also has some quirky souvenir T-shirts, like one with the explorer Mathew Flinder's cat, Trim, on the front.

Great advice above. FWIW this ex Sydneysider (haven't lived there for over twenty years) who enjoyed bushwalking in the Blue Mountains in his younger days is inclined to recommend that it might be given a miss in favour perhaps of more time spent on the north-south coastal axis (northern beaches/ Pittwater/Broken Bay - harbour - Cronulla/Bundeena/for the super fit walker perhaps the coastal track to Otford and then back by train, assuming it still stops there). Always found it an unpretty drag driving to and from and through most of the lower 'mountains' (but maybe it's easier if not more attractive now) and in winter it can be bleak, with the views misted-in. Would always favour Taronga over a trek through the burbs to a private zoo (and not just because I was born within the sound of lions roaring at the former).

Susan7,
thanks for the restaurant and shopping advice. I wish I was in Sydney for the monthly cooking class at Sailor's Thai but I'm sure I'll enjoy the food.
I'll add Museum of Sydney and State Library to my list of indoor places to visit.

farrermog, thanks for confirming my decision to go to Taronga.

Normally I'd jump at the chance to see more of the coast but I think the Blue Mountains win out this time. I'm hoping that driving through the lower 'mountains' won't be such a drag for a first timer just because it's 'new' and my husband also wants to see the BM's (even through mist!).
I'll keep your advice in mind for next time though!

I just found out that there will be Fireworks in Darling Harbour on Saturdays @8.30pm in June.

Best place to watch from? Post dinner drink?

I think you have to visit Sydney Opera House which is famous destination of Sydney.

Yes joseph, Looking forward to it! I've included visiting the Opera House on my arrival day and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I'll be able to see it from my hotel room.

My first visit to Sydney I also did the Spit Bridge to Manly walk. It was absolutely one of my favorite activities. I really liked the gallery of NSW and hope you do get the chance to visit. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed Hyde Barracks (I need to look up if that is the actual name or not) which was not a long visit but very evocative of the convict experience. It is very near to the gallery as I recall

Hyde Park Barracks, Toucan2.

Thanks Toucan2, I'm keeping all these walks in mind plus ferry routes and indoor activities in case of bad weather. Hyde Park Barracks looks interesting.
I've made my own Googlemap for Sydney to keep track of everything.

>Normally I'd jump at the chance to see more of the coast but I think the Blue Mountains win out this time. I'm hoping that driving through the lower 'mountains' won't be such a drag for a first timer just because it's 'new' and my husband also wants to see the BM's (even through mist!).

There has been a lot of progress on the roads (alas in one case at the expense of a historic row of shops), and driving through the Mountains is now much easier, fewer bends, less traffic. What you can't do much about is the weather. We once had the misfortune of taking a visitor up on a bad day and you couldn't even see the Three Sisters. Well, it cleared slightly so he got some decent glimpses, but he was quite upset (mainly with us, to my chagrin, we should have planned better weather for him ). We saved the day by driving to Jenolan Caves, which is on the other side of the mountains, near Oberon. You can visit them no matter the weather (actually a good thing in the rain), and they are always impressive. Our visitor was left with a good impression of the Mountains!

Lavandula

Lavandula, Thanks, I'm glad to hear that the roads have improved but it is a shame that it was at the expense of a little bit of history.
Jenolan Caves will be plan B then if weather and visibility are not in our favour!

I might end up heading north along the coast anyway as my husband has to spend a day in Newcastle.
Should I accompany him or spend the day in Sydney? I think the round trip drive time will take over 4 hours so I'm leaning toward staying in Sydney.

Stay in Sydney. If it's more or less an "up & back" trip, you won't have time to explore anything much in Newcastle and apart from the 3 minutes it takes to drive over the Hawkesbury River at Beooklyn, it's all freeway, nothing too scenic. Belmont and Swansea worthwhile, but you won't have the to enjoy the waterways. Newcastle CBD is drab, the foreshore is attractive but not worth 1/2 a day that could be spent more profitably in Sydney.

Thanks Bokhara, I found out that my husband will be driving up with a colleague so that would mean a very early start and they would be talking shop en route. Two more reasons to stay in Sydney!

I am in a similar situation. A rather quick (not necessarily last minute) trip to Sydney. 6 nts total, with the first 3, on my own, at Marriott Circular Quay, arriving around 9:00 in the am, from a week in Bangkok. The last 3 nts will be spent with friends, in the northwest part of the city, and maybe the Hunter Valley.

This will be my 8th solo trip to SYD so I have 'traditions' to maintain during my time on my own. I will take the ferry to Manly, one of my favorite things to do! I want to include the zoo on this trip, if weather cooperates. I always look forward to strolling the central business district and the QVB for a bit of shopping, and yes there are often good sales at this time.

I've seen the opera house (twice) and attended an opera as well as 2-3 concerts over the years... always fabulous. I've done the bridge climb and the Blue Mountains. All are very worthwhile ways to spend time in Sydney.

I hope sassy cat has a lovely a time as I always do when in Sydney!!

Carol, I think I saw you once at the Boston GTG (I attended in 2008 at the Meridien and in 2010 I went to Similans).
Anyway it's a vague memory but I've enjoyed reading many of your entertaining Bangkok trip reports.

I'm really excited about my trip. If you arrive in Sydney before I leave on the 7th we should meet for coffee or something. Fingers crossed for good weather in July (I'm checking the weather reports daily now!)

Would have loved to meet up in SYD, but I'm not arriving until the last week of July. You should consider coming to another BOS GTG. We have the next one scheduled for October 5-6. Come, if you can fit it into your schedule!! And yes, I WAS there in 2008. I'm sure we met. The GTG's are always a good time.

IF I were in SYD earlier, would love to meet up, but alas, I'm not there until end of the month.


Enjoy your visit!! I LOVE love love SYD. Can't wait to see my Aussie friends once again. My last trip was just two years ago, for a wedding... a great time!

BTW, did you get your visa yet? It's very easy to do, on line.

Yes, got my e-visa online. Surprising how easy that was!

I've really enjoyed the BOS GTG's but Columbus weekend is nearly always a crazy time.
This year it's parents' weekend @ son's uni plus DH will be in Europe and who know's what my daughter will have planned (I'm her chauffeur!) but I'll try to get to one of the events.

Hope to see you there, sassy_cat. And do enjoy SYD!!

Thanks Carol, I know I'll love SYD! I might be tempted not to get the plane home.

Enjoy your trip too and I'll look forward to your trip report.
Hope to see you in Oct.

Sassy_cat, hope you can make it to BOS.

There are a lot of places that you can visit and it will give a good ambiance.

Make sure you spend a day at Manly! Take the ferry out from Circular Quay and spend the day hiking along the water. Beautiful views of the city, some lovely hole-in-the-wall places to eat, and a great place to make some new friends!

sassy_cat, there is a GTG in NYC on August 11. Are you anywhere near there? I'm flying in, and Bob and Karen and Beth from Boston are driving down. Laurieco will also be there. Looks like a great chance to meet new fodorites.

Carol, I'm in MA about 30 miles west of Boston.
I think I can make the Saturday night at the Boston GTG but I won't be able to go to NYC in August (I'll be in NY in September).

I'm packing for Sydney now, yay!

That would be great to meet up at the BOS GTG on Saturday evening.

Have fun in Sydney! I'll be there myself, before you know it...

I'm here and its fabulous! Weather is sunny and cool. Enjoyed hiking in the Blue Mountains yesterday. it was muddy along the trail at Govetts Leap but worth it for the stunning views. amazing waterfalls but will need to come back in the spring to see them at their finest. Already planning to return obviously!

The Marriott Circular QUay was in a perfect location and the view of the harbor bridge from the 29th floor was lovely. FRiendly staff in the executive lounge and the biggest passion fruit I've ever seen at breakfast.

Heading out to the Botanical gardens now.

Thanks for all the advice.. Loved the ferry ride to MAnly. DH said it reminded him of Brighton and then we saw the sign that the promenade was modeled on Brighton!

almost forgot.. I've seen rainbow colored parrots and white cockatoos just flying around just outside Sydney and in the Blue Mountains. Didn't expect to see so many colorful birds in winter! Wow

Hi Sassy_cat,
Art after Hours at the Art Gallery of NSW might be of interest to you & your husband. Wednesday evenings, until 9pm.

Here's this week's programme. Special interest - one of the Artists and the Curators of the Biennale of Sydney are giving talks.

http://artgalleryofnsw.cmail3.com/t/ViewEmail/r/0540301A1E570D2A/04805CFA400F278AD9767B6002735221

I'm going - if you'd like to meet for a coffee/vino, let me know and we'll work out the logistics.

Hi, sassy_cat.
Sounds as if you have been busy in your first couple of days. Hope the rest of your time there is as exciting. Aren't the birds just wonderful. Hopefully you will see lots more varieties before you leave. I will enjoy reading your reports on the rest of your trip. It will be interesting to see if you go to places I went to in October and what you thought of them. Good to see you are planning a return. That's what I did as soon as I came home in October.
Unfortunately we will not be flying to Sydney tomorrow as planned, as for some very perverse reason (probably a plot by my bank to stop me spending money) I have developed pnuemonia which is taking a long time to clear. I will rebook for the October school hols instead.

Sorry to hear you won't make it to Sydney this time dottyp. Get well soon!

Bokhara , sounds good to me! can't drink coffee in the evenings but vino would be good.
My husband is leaving on Wednesday night for an overnight in Newcastle so it would just be me.

I went to Taronga zoo this morning and stroked a kangaroo, wow their fur feels similar to a cat! Took a bus to Bondi Beach for the afternoon.. A beautiful day

I will wear my red velvet scarf tomorrow if we don't connect before then. I won't last until 9pm though as I've been awake before 5am every day so far... Jet lag!

Tomorrow will probably be my last fine day in Sydney as showers are forecast for Thursday and Friday so I want to spend the morning on the beach

Great sassy_cat, let's meet at the Art Bar @ the Art Gallery
Straight ahead as you enter the gallery, down the escalator.
Shall we say 5:15 - 5:30? We should be able to snare a table then.

Drop me a line & I'll give you my cell number in case we need to change plans
Bokhara 77 at hotmail dot com

Thanks Bokhara, that sounds good. See you later! I will email you my cell number.

Your trip sounds great so far. Yes, the birds are a really lovely and unexpected treasure! They were my 'wake up' call every morning in Cairns on my initial OZ trip waaaay back in 1988! I did not have to set any alarm clocks (although they were VERY early risers)!! I was taking tours and had to be up early so it worked out great.

Love love love the ferry to Manly. That will be one of my first projects once I arrive on July 25, morning.

I'm glad the Marriott is nice. That'll be my home away from home for 3 nts, and then I'm off to who knows where, with my Aussie friends.

Do enjoy your visit. And I hope you and Bokhara get to meet up. That'd be great.

Carol

Thanks Carol, the Marriott was really lovely. Im at the Westin now and it's just as nice but I preferred the Marriott's location and view!

I hope you get great weather at the end of July. I'm surprised how warm it is in Sydney in winter.

Heading out now to catch the ferry for another fine day!

Sassy-cat, Watsons Bay ferry is a nice ferry trip too.
Nice walks to the left as you exit the wharf.
Will txt you shortly - see you lat the Gallery

Just got back from a day out at Bondi. Decided at the last minute to take the bus to the beach and then walk along the coastal path. Great views but it was very very windy. The rainbow and the eye candy joggers made it bearable though!

Stopped for a well earned latte at Crabbe Hole by the Bondi Iceburgs pool on the return.
The sky darkened and there was a little light rain so I called it a day and caught the bus back.

Bokhara, I didn't get a text from you... Maybe my husband got the phone number incorrect. I have no idea what my number is but I will be at the Art Bar by 5.15pm.

Sydney weather in the winter is indeed very comfortable! Much much nicer than Illinois!!!!!

What are the temps right now, sassy_cat? I assume it is in the low 60s during the daytime? I've usually travelled to OZ during the US summer months and often found 60s with showers.

Bokhara I may try the Watson's Bay ferry. What will I find there? Is it anything like Manly?

Hope your GTG goes off without a hitch! It is always so nice to connect names and faces from fodors.

Carol

Hi Carol
It's 8c now (7:52) & showering. Has been fine & sunny last week temps generally around 16-19 during the day & 8-10 late night, early mornings. It was 12c at 22:30 last night.

Watsons Bay is nothing like Manly. It's a small residential suburb on South Head. Started life as a fishing village and some of those little heritage cottages still exist. Wonderful views, walks through Sydney Harbour National Park. I'd give you the links but posting from my iPhone & don't know how to link.

Gun-barrel views up the harbour to the Bridge from the beach.

Eats-with-views: Watsons Bay hotel, casual, good value.
Doyles take-away on the wharf ... Eat in the licensed area behind and next to the wharf.

Unless you are happy to pay for the view, tablecloths & possibly a table just off the sand, avoid Doyle's on the Beach. Tourist tucker - prices exceed quality. Same or better quality, fewer menu choices, at 1/3 price at the take-away. Caveat: I last ate at Doyles 2 years ago with an American travel agent and they may have lifted their game since then.

A loop I like: bus to Bronte, walk along the cliffs to Bondi (especially during Sculpture by the Sea).
Coffee/ drink/ lunch at Icebergs Club ( next to Icebergs Bar & Dining) - same views, casual food, v. Reasonable costs. Visitors very welcome - just take some ID.


From there, bus to Watsons Bay & walk around beaches, park and end with the ferry back to the city. Fantastic views with the iconic Bridge & Opera House, Botanic Gardens, Kirribilli House (Prime Minister's Sydney residence). If you time it right, you might add a sunset to the postcard!

Have you been to Manly? If not, I'd recommend
you do both if you have the time. I prefer Manly beach to Bondi.
Some spectacular walks of all lengths around here, too.
Easy, pretty one is south (to the right from the ocean ) towards Shelly Beach.

North Head and surrounds - or take a couple of hours & do the Spit to Manly (or reverse) walk. Some lovely restaurants at The Spit. You would like Ormeggio, I think.

10 minute cab from Manly, Pilu at Freshwater is one of my favourite Italians. Mid week lunch specials of 3 courses for $49 make it irresistible

Aaahhh do many great places - so little time!

Lovely to meet Sassy_cat yesterday. She's making the best of her week and has embraced lots of different things in the time she has. Even survived dinner in the "infamous" Kings Cross! And we walked along the streets at 10:30pm without being mugged or murdered. Imagine that!

Carol, great weather so far, 60s warm and sunny and rain for the first time last night. Its a little grey and damp today so maybe I'll go to a museum or two but if it brightens up a little ill go to Watsons Bay or Cockatoo Island on the ferry.

I very much enjoyed my evening out with Bokhara at the NSW Art Gallery followed by dinner at a lovely local restaurant called Macleay St Bistro.

Bokhara, it was really lovely to meet you and it was very gracious of you to drop me back at my hotel after a great night out in Sydney.
I felt honoured to see Sydney through the eyes of a local and I'd love to be able to reciprocate by showing you around Boston my "home" town.

OOps I-pad disappeared my post so this brief second attempt will have to suffice!

Ha ha we were posting at the same time! Yes, glad to say we survived the walk through such a dodgy area.

Hey sassy-cat and bokhara2 - one advantage of change in plans - I can get even more suggestions of what to do in October now! Really enjoying your conversational entries, so easy and interesting to read. Is the NSW Art Gallery the gallery in Springfield Street in Kings Cross? No, I think that was the Indigenous Gallery. Stayed on several occasions in the Springfield Lodge in the late 80s - very basic but clean, very cheap, very handy to everything. Never did get to the Gallery that was along the road, and didn't notice it when I strolled around there in October.

Carol, the trip to Watson's Bsy is worth taking. My sis, her partner and I caught the ferry from Circular Quay which calls in at all the little bays on the way. I found that interesting as you could look at some of the beautiful old homes from the sea, which were probably not so visible from land. Going past Fort Dennison, under the Harbour Bridge, mixing with lots of other craft of all genre, and then having lunch at the hotel. We had great views up there and the barramundi was divine. (Sorry, I'm drooling now) After lunch we went for a walk up to the Gap, had a stroll around, then caught the bus back into town.
I like the sound of the walks bokhara2 mentioned. I will copy and paste into my Sydney file for October. My other sis and BIL have done several of the walks around the harbour and said the views are fantastic.
Haven't been to Manly for over 20 years but we certainly enjoyed strolling along the 'promenade', followed by a pleasant meal outside a little pub that was at the end of a little walkway but overlooked the sea but I can't remember where it was. Oops, embarrassing. We will be returning to spend a day at Manly in October when we come over.
Hope you have a great time when you get there.

Yes! And down that empty street on a dark & rainy night, too!

Sorry about the weather today - think it's a museum & gallery day. Museum of Modern Art is worth a look. So is the Museum of Sydney in Bridge Street.

If you haven't been to the new Westfield in Pitt street Mall, their food court is a cut above the average. Very good fish bar - Pitt street (far end) side - sit at the bar & you can brave a glass if wine.

Also good is the David Jones (DJs )food hall ( lower level men's store cnr Market & Castlereafh street). Oyster & other specialty bars good for solo dining. Great cheese & charcuterie counters too!

Wine Odyssey in the Rocks was the place we discussed. Can't do the link, on the run & posting on my iPhone.

I have been to David Jones. Great place! And yes, Manly ferry is on the schedule every trip to SYD (this will be #8 if I'm counting correctly). Sounds like Watsons Bay would be another nice trip, if weather cooperates. If it is rainy and chilly, then the boat trips might have to wait until 'next time' I come to SYD.

I've done the bridge climb. Do they still offer that? It was stupendous!!!!!

I also like the Sydney Explorer hop on/hop off bus. Is that still running? I think I have plenty to do before catching up with my Aussie friends and then heading out of the city with them. I think Hunter Valley may be in the plans.....!

Yes, Bridge Climb is still on. Something else you might like:
Take the train (or ferry) to Milsons Point and walk back across the Bridge. You walk on the Eastern (Opera House) side, same spectacular views (albeit slightly interrupted by the security fencing, but still very visible) - takes about 15 minutes.

Milsons Point has Ripples (more casual sister restaurant of Aqua Dining) which is great for coffee/meal. BYO - so get a bottle from the BWS (Beer Wine & Spirits) through the underpass on Broughton Street Kirribilli. Lots of good little bistros along Broughton Street.

Kirribilli is charming ... and you might like to walk down to the Ensemble Theatre. Nice casual restaurant there too, and you walk past some lovely terrace houses. http://goo.gl/maps/82MP


The Flying Squadron is a good spot for lunch-with-views, too http://www.sydneyflyingsquadron.com.au/restaurant-bar/

As is the Kirribilli Club http://www.kirribilliclub.com.au/

Hunter Valley ... mmmm ... hot air ballooning is sensational up there!

Oops! Yes, the Sydney Explorer is still running - saw it yesterday. Great way to orientate yourself with a new city.

Well the weather was not exactly perfect but a mix of light showery rain and sunny spells didn't deter me from taking the ferry to WAtson's Bay and it was definitely worth it. Stupendous city views in one direction and a wild ocean in the other from Gap BLuff.
Caught the ferry back to Circular Quay and got another ferry to Cockatoo Island for the Biennale. Latte and walnut chocolate brownie at the little cafe set up near the quay kept me going. Some weird and wonderful art set up around the island. My favourite was Maria Fernanda Cardoso's Museum of Copulatory Organs. yEs, really! Who knew snails has such pretty penises.

maybe museum day tomorrow... I did pop into the MCA today too but it was very crowded so decided to go back tonight as its open late.

My last full day tomorrow will be a busy one

Thanks for the thumbs up for the ferry trip to Watsons Bay. I'll see if it fits into my schedule.

Enjoy your last day in SYD. And have a safe flight onward.

Enjoy your last day, sassy_cat. You have certainly crammed a lot into your week. Thanks so much for starting this post for help with ideas, and then sharing your experiences with us. Safe travels home.

Thanks Carol and dottyp,

It's sunny right now so I'm having another great day! Went out early with my husband and it was showery but the good news was we saw a double rainbow and we walked around the Opera HOuse before he had to leave for the airport.

Wentworth Falls area in the Blue Mountains is another fantastic area.

TJAsh, we did enjoy the Wentworth Falls area even though the ground was rather wet and muddy.

I'd love to go back!

TJAsh this is an old post, did you notice the date July 2012, it's not a current inquiry.

Thanks Susan. Personally I don't use forums as I guess (most?) people do. I tend to search for things regardless of the age as you can then find updated info on an old question that is still relevant. But I'm a new forum user and as this is a frequently mentioned problem, I guess moderators don't like this for some reason? Also, I just found Wentworth Falls and had to tell someone! I thought i'd just tell everyone (Fodors users) by writing it here.

For example, if I was using this forum to find updated information and I came here, typed blue mountains in the search bar, scrolled down to see any up to date information, I'd now find our conversation, decide it's not relevant to what I'm after and click off. And the worst part about that, the worst part about that, Susan7, is that I would miss out on the Wentworth Falls area of the Blue Mountains, which is, for lack of a better word, Amazing.

TJAsh, I think many others use the forum the way you do. Maybe Susan7 was just politely alerting you to the fact this post was old as your comment did sound like a suggestion.

I do agree that the Wentworth Falls area is amazing. I'm a big fan of waterfalls and much preferred it to the more touristy Echo Point.

I am new to the whole forum thing. I often get told the post is old so perhaps I should acknowledge that I know this at the start as I admit I generally reply as if the person is still asking the question. As if they're trapped in a time warp simply waiting for a reply. Does anyone know of any other areas of the Blue Mountains that are as fantastic as Wentworth Falls?