StuQ

After much research, things are beginning to take shape. I will be arriving in Sydney from NYC on March 21 in the AM, and leaving Sydney on April 3. Sydney and Melbourne are the areas I will be visiting on this trip. As far as the Sydney part goes, here is what is on my list: Aquarium; Taronga or Featherdale; Observatory; Beaches; Blue Mountains; Botanical Gardens; The Rocks; Darling Harbour; Mosman Bay Walk. And general sight-seeing, walking around, relaxing. AS far as beaches go, I like the scenery, but do not envision laying out on the beach for hours. More like walking along the beach is my thing

Sunday--Arrive at 8:45 AM at the airport. Will want to stay awake the entire day. Here are my thoughts for that day---Aquarium; Zoo; Observatory; Beach; Ferry to Manly; Hop on/off bus; Botanical Gardens. Not all these things, but these seem like easy things to do that I could do being tired but will keep me awake.

Monday--Bonza Bike Tour from 10:30-2:30. Maybe a performance that night at the Sydney Theatre Company. After the bike tour, what might be best?

Tuesday---Blue Mountain Tour

Wed--??

Thursday---??

I could fly to Melbourne first thing Thursday, at the end of the day, or first thing Friday. Or Saturday if you think I could use more time in Sydney. My Melbourne plans involve renting a car, driving the Great Ocean Road, and possibly taking a 2 or 3 day drive back to Sydney, as opposed to flying. Seems like more of the outdoorsy/nature stuff will be on my Melbourne leg.

I have more specific questions about some things on my list, but will either save those as responses or other threads.

Thanks

jcasale

One thing that you might want to check into is whether there is something going on at the Sydney Opera House that you would want to see. Some friends of our suggested that when we went to Sydney and when we checked we saw that Mandy Patinkin was performing there the night we got into town. It was great way to stay up at night and also a terrific way to experience the Opera House.

StuQ

Mandy is great! I have seen him a few times here in NYC. Thanks for the tip. I figure I have to make it until 8 or 9:00, and then I could go to sleep.

DownUnder

Your itinerary is shaping up pretty well. The ferry trip to Manly from Circular Quay is one of the best ways to see the Harbour and is relatively cheap. Make sure you walk the length of the Corso to Manly Beach. The bridge Climb is also very spectacular if you are adventurous, but also expensive. There have been some interesting productions on at the STC since Cate Blanchett and her husband became Artistic Directors, but an night at the Opera House would prove memorable. I think La Traviata is on in March.

simpsonc510

If you are like me, you'll want to drop in a heap on your second day. I'd wait until the 3rd or 4th day to think about a ticket to an event at the Opera House. I literally would have fallen asleep and been snoring in my seat had I not left at the halftime break during "Marriage of Figaro" which I tried to see on that second day.

And yes, your trip sounds good. I also like the hop on hop off bus for a nice way to stay awake, and also the Manly ferry on that first day.

Carol

StuQ

Thanks. BAsed on what I wrote above, any thoughts on leaving for Melbourne Thursday morning of Friday morning? If I feel I missed anything in Sydney when I am there, I could always tag it on at the end, and make sure I am back in Sydney the following Wed or Thursday.

Thanks

DownUnder

Why not, especially as you are returning to Sydney. Also after your city visit you might like to spend an extra night on the GOR, e.g. Lorne is a lovely seaside town and the Mornington Peninsular has lots of wonderful wineries specialising in Pinot varieties if you are interested. Also out of Melbourne there is the Dandenongs and the Yarra Valley, perfect for a day trip and more wonderful wineries e.g Yering Station and Domaine Chandon.
In Melbourne there is the free hop on hop off tram that takes you to all the main sights, Flinders Lane has some terrific eateries, The Botanic Gardens are magnificent, Federation Square has the only National Gallery devoted to Australian Art, The Southbank area has a world class Recital Hall, another great International Gallery the NGV, a major Theatre and Concert Hall not to mention more excellent restaurants. Still more restaurants, mainly Italian, can be found on Lygon Street Carlton with Brunettis http://www.brunetti.com.au the place for coffee. Melbourne has terrific markets and the free tram takes you to The Queen Vic Market also Eureka Tower at Southbank has a Skydeck with great views of Melbourne. The city is also the Nation's sporting capital with several great stadiums including the famous Melbourne Cricket Ground and Etihad Stadium. One of them is sure to have a pre season Aussie Rules match on at the weekend.