bluestructure

I called Qantas today & booked tickets! Still working on the "Itinerary" in Sydney, Blue Mtns, & possibly the beach. At least I've got the tickets out of the way so now we're definitely going!

I think I have enough to go on as far as hotels. I have some other Q's though ..

Sydney Aquarium?
Art Gallery of NSW?
Bridge Climb? Skywalk??

Taronga Zoo, Opera House, Harbor Cruise, Sydney Tower, Paddy's Market, Botanic Gardens, Ft Denison, Spit-Manly walk is already on the list of things to do.

Toucan2

Of those with question marks, can only comment on the Art Gallery of NSW. I truly enjoyed it. There's (was, and I'm assuming is still there!) a great gallery of 20th century Austrailan art very worth seeing..Grace Cossington Smith, Margaret Preston, and famous Russell Drysdale. To me, the Drysdale in particular was worth seeing hanging in a gallery as opposed to a book, print or postcard! Sofala (sp?) positively glows. You really don't get the impact if you are not standing in front of it.

Also, the Yiribara (sp) Gallery with Aborigine and Torres Strait Islander artists represented. Also the Pukumani (sp?) grave posts.

I found the gallery really accessible--sort of just the right size to be of interest but not overwhelming. There used to be a spot downstairs where you could get light refreshments, and sit awhile.

I can't remember which night was the late night.

I'd also like to suggest seing the Hyde Park Barracks museum. I thought it was really well done,and again accessible, not too big, not too small. There's a fascinating history to it, and they have really been imaginative.

lancefan

I'll second the Art Gallery on NSW. it's great! Wednesday night they have 'art after hours' and this is very civilised. the cafe there sells reasonably priced tasty 'meals' and you can be wine by the glass. It'a lovely spot and they have music as well. all in all, big thumbs up for the art gallery (and after dark). check their website for the details.

I haven't done skywalk, but have done bridge climb twice. I actually quite enjoyed bridge climb, but it is expensive. I did a sunrise and a night tour - theyve changed it now which is a shame. I went on the first night climb which used to start before dark so you got some twilight as well. now they have 2 sessions of twilight, so night is night! twilight is considerably more expensive than day or night. both are good. the night was very nice, but the sunrise (we started at 530am) was very peaceful. Personally, I'd probably do bridgeclimb before skywalk, as I found half the fun was actually knowing you were climbing the harbour bridge.

the aquarium has a new section opening in october http://www.sydneyaquarium.com.au/Vis...WhatisNewID=55 so stay tuned, i'm sure people will have some thoughts on its value with the added wildlife component.

poyopoyo91

We went for 5 days and wished we could have had 1 more day there. I would recommend the Old Sydney Holiday Inn. It is right next to a visitors center and within easy walking distance of Circular Quay. The Aquarium is good and I highly recommend taking a VIP Gold Aussie tour of teh Taronga Zoo. If you need to get around Sydney it is a good idea to get a Week-long transit pass. It lets you ride the bus, ferry, and subway for about 40$ it saved us a lot of money. If you want souveniers go to the Paddy's Markets. Stuff there is dirt cheap! Bridgeclimb and Skywalk hardly seem worth the cost when you can go up the tower for 20 bucks and you can walk across the bridge for free or you can go on a pylon for $9.

Bundeena_Kayaks

Hi Bluestructure.
Just came across this forum by chance and also thought you may be interested in our business - Bundeena Kayaks. We are located in Bundeena and offer kayak hire, guided tours and kayaking courses. We are also the group offering the night time kayaking adventure that received the write up in SMH. We are actually on the Port Hacking River (not Botany Bay).

Bundeena is a great place to explore. We've been exploring the area for 10 years now!!! Excellent cliff top walks and bushwalking, places to stay, cafes. It's a great place and well worth the trip. Best to plan to stay 2 days.
Have a great trip and we may see you. Our website in case you are interested is: www.bundeenakayaks.com.au
Marnie

aussiefive

Hi bluestructure,

I live in Sydney and thought you might appreciate some advice from an insider. If I were you I would chose a hotel near to Circular Quay or in the Rocks area that fits your budget. If you can't find one here try at Darling HArbour there are lots. have never actually stayed in any except upmarket ones for special occasions. Secondly regarding the sights - I have done the Bridgeclimb and thought it was fantastic but it is quite expensive. Do the aquarium for sure. Art Gallery has aboriginal art, as well as nodern Australian art well worth seeing.

Have fun