My family of four (including two teens) will be departing next week for an 11-day bicycle trip through tropical Queensland with an outfitter, Pedaltours. I will fill you in upon our return. In any case we will have some independent meal options in these two cities and wondered about some recommendations. Can you help?

There was a very comprehensive post very recently on this Forum about restaurants in Sydney - if you scroll down the left hand side I am sure you will find it and all the good ideas it contains.

There's many restaurants in Cairns - wonderful Indian at Marinades and Tandoori Oven, best Italian at Donnini's Ciao Italiano at the Pier - Pesci's at the Pier for seafood - upmarket Australian bush tucker at Red Ochre.
Pat

I've topped the previous discussion on restaurants for you

There's a place on the seafront in Cairns where there are lots of shops and places in the evenings where you can choose from a range of Indian/Vietnamese plus Australian/Euro food. It's cheap and easy but you can all choose from whatever food you want and sit together, it was really cheap, I think I paid AUD10-12 for a good meal, that's cheap. It suits the teens too, just along from the Night Market which is great for wandering around, doing your e-mails, full of fascinating little stalls/booths.
I love Cairns! It is also a great place if you are on a budget as it caters for such travelers.
I envy your trip!