My husband and I (mid 50's) will be arriving Melbourne 8 Sep 07 PM and leaving 10 Sep staying at Crown Plaza Spencer St). We will then fly to Cairns(staying at Rydges Tradewinds on the Esplanade for 2 days then flying to Sidney 13 Sep (Sydney Harbor Marriott) until AM 16 Sep. One of the days in Cairns will be spent scuba diving on GBR and I have scheduled Sidney Harbor Cruise for am 14 Sep. Looking for recommendations on what else to see to get the most out of this short stay. Also looking for moderately priced dining options in Melbourne, Cairns and Sidney. (nothing touristy or high-end but not McDonalds. Thanks for your help.



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In Melbourne there are many restaurants in the Crown Casino just across the bridge from Crown Plaza. All prices from $110 wagyu beef at Rockpool Bar & Grill to fish & chips in the food court. Breezes is one of our favourites, moderately priced and great views of the city. Take a walk along the Yarra from the Casino to Southgate. There are several restaurants on the way and a myriad of resonably price restaurants in Southgate. Tutto Benne, Pure South, Walters Winebar etc. You have many dining options in Melbourne and well within walking distance of your hotel. www.visitmelbourne.com may be a useful site for you.

Just for your information the correct spelling is SYDNEY - could make your research a bit easier!!

Ooops . . . I stand corrected.

Hi Char,
Where are you coming from ? Lots to do in Sydney but would need to know you broad interests to give you the right leads.

Cairns is a really cosmopolitan little city these days and there's lots of dining options. Any particular cuisine?