Six full days in Sydney in December -- what do you recommend?

OK, favourite aunt, I like the challenge, this would be my plans for you, some days would need a bit of stamina:

Day 1 Art Gallery of NSW, with a focus on the Aboriginal art collection, lunch in the restaurant on the top floor, looking out to the heads of the harbour.

Walk through the Botanical Gardens, afternoon visit to the Museum of Sydney, an exquisitely put together museum--a number of artists collaborated on the displays. Last stop Museum of Contemporary Art, then off for a drink at either Wine Odyssey or the bar for the Wharf theatre (excellent harbour views). Dinner at the Turkish restaurant, Ottoman, on the next wharf along.

Day two--Bronte to Bondi Walk. This could terminate in lunch at either Bondi Icebergs or in Bronte, if the walk went the other way. Swim in the afternoon.

Day three--Take the ferry to Cockatoo Island and go on one of the guided tours of the island, this combines convict history and maritime history. Opera House in evening.


Day four--ferry to Watson's Bay, lunch at Doyles, swim in the afternoon, followed by a drink at the Watson's Bay Hotel.

Day five--car needed for this trip: a visit to Kuring-gai National Park, a small bush walk and visit to the wildlife enclosure. On the way there or back, visit the Rose Seidler House, a modernist architectural gem in the suburbs.

Day six--Day trip to Blue Mountains. Short bush walk, lunch at Paragon Cafe in Katoomba--an art deco survival.

Susan,
I am available for adoption as a favourite uncle but please can I have half a day at the Australian Museum?

Susan, you're tops. Thanks, that's exactly the information I was looking for. As for stamina, we're used to hiking 8 to 12 miles a day on some of our challenging trips (at my age I'm allowed to brag a bit). I appreciate your reassuring post about Rio, too.

Susan7 has put together a great list!! I had never heard of the Rose Seidler house - I'm planning a visit soon, as it's not very far from me!

Here are a few more ideas:

Paddington market - every Saturday - Lots of fun gifts, jewelry and clothing and yummy waffles!!

Walk over the Harbour Bridge. There are several nice little cafe's for a lunch in Kirribilli. Several time a month (weekends) there are markets at north end of the bridge.

Taronga Zoo - Take the ferry to get there.

Manly to Spit bushwalk - Beautiful views!!

I second the idea of a bushwalk in Kuring-gai National Park - Resolute Beach is a gorgeous secluded beach that you can hike to within the park.

Have lunch at the Sydney Fish market - or even take a cooking class there (book waaaaay in advance for cooking classes)

Rent kayaks at the Spit Bridge

The weather should be really nice in December...today is just gorgeous - 24 degrees C and sunny!!!

Hope this helps!!

Thanks, everybody. This should keep us sufficiently busy!

You're welcome Tressa! I hope you enjoy Sydney and Rio.

LOL, Saltuarius, a half day at the Australian Museum could indeed be included!