hi, a friend and i have just 2 nights in sydney before joining a tour with connections travel, we will definatly go and see the bridge and the opera house (i would love to climb the bridge but dont think i have the guts to do it!!)

but if you only had 2 nights there what else would you say would be a must do in that short space of time, is there any hop on/hop off tour busses that we could go on to see the "main sites". we are staying at the wake up hostel, are both 25, fairly active, and love animals and theatre, so we would definatly be interested in anything to do with that, and any other suggestions would be greatfully received

thanks

Hello! My husband and I are in a similar situation - having limited time in Sydney and having to pick the "must dos". We've done a lot of research, and while the locals may have some better input, this is what we've pretty much settled on... maybe this will help...

-We will definitely do a day of bus touring. A Sydney Pass, we've found, seems to be an inexpensive way to get around for a good overview of the city, and you can hop on and off at the sites that interest you most (like the opera house, Bondi Beach and Harbour Bridge). There are two routes, and I think each route can be done in less than three hours if you don't get off, so you can see a lot of area if you wanted to push through it. However you can also opt to only do one of the routes, for more hop off/hop back on action. Check out www.sydneypass.info for the company we've decided to use. Price and route information is all online. Seems a bit cheesy, I know, but as a New York City native, I know these bus tours can be really great for newbies to the city.

-I, too, was a bit nervous about the bridge climb, but I saw a special on the travel channel and the reviews were more that it was only scary if you have a fear of heights. Otherwise it was just a very cool experience (not necessarily a rush like bungee jumping - more like an exciting activity with killer views). Do try to gear up for it - we wouldn't miss it!

-We plan to do a ferry ride up to Manly for the city views from the water. I've read this is a pleasant ride, lasting about 45 minutes one-way, and since its on the public ferry its inexpensive and a nice 1/2-day trip. I've read that the ride is really nice, and rumor has it its even better if you can time it to ride back to Sydney around sunset.

-For a more intimate Opera House experience, we plan to hit up the "Opera Bar" for evening drinks. The views are supposed to be great, though in truth I'm not sure if its all outdoor space (and thus not great for winter) or if there is indoor space as well. Something for you to consider anyway.

I hope this helps as a start - have a great time!
-Bridgett

For two days in Sydney:

Day 1
Morning, I'd do the on-off bus to orient yourself, maybe get off at Bondi, do the coastal walk from Bondi to Bronte and back. There are cafes at both end of the walk.

Or perhaps in the afternoon take a ferry trip (could be Manly or if you don't have that much time go in the other direction to Greenwich or Darling Harbour). Another possibility, take the cheaper afternoon tourist ride around the harbour, if you want a commentary.

Day 2:
An opera house tour or go to one of the cheaper venues in the evening (The studio).

If you are interested in the history of Sydney, go to the Museum of Sydney (a beautifully designed museum not far from the Opera House). Perhaps visit the Aboriginal art collection at the Art Gallery of NSW (bottom floor). Have lunch in the restaurant there with a phenomenal view (have fish pie if it is the special of the day).

After lunch take a stroll through the botanic gardens (watch for the smelly bats nesting in the trees and various parrots and lorikeets).

The other posters have great suggestions. Here are a couple more: since you love animals, you might enjoy the zoo. You take a ferry there and the views are terrific over the whole city and you don't have to climb a bridge to get there!! Also, we loved the aquarium. They have these huge tanks that you walk UNDER with sting rays, giant turtles and sharks swimming above. They are open late, so go at dinnertime to avoid the crowds. The reef wall of fish is magnificant. Two days is too short, but better than nothing! Just be sure to slow down enough to enjoy what you do choose to do.
Sally in HOT Seattle

Manly Ferry is great for getting the beach culture of Sydney whilst also enjoying the harbour. Cheap too!
The Bridge climb IS fantastic. I have a slight fear of heights but climbed twice! However, if you feel you don't have time (3 hours) / nerves or money, try climbing the pylon (Opera House end of bridge) this is only around $8, can take as long or short a time as you wish, gives great views, you can take your own pictues unlike the climb and there is a small museum about the building of the bridge included.
I would also suggest seeing Darling Harbour one evening (if not too knackered after busy days!) as there are some lovely restaurants and very funky bars / clubs.
Sydney is a great city - enjoy!

thanks everyone for the responses, i appreciate all the suggestions and help

forgot to add the 2 days we will be in sydney (incase it has an effect on what attractions etc are on are 16th September (Thursday) we land at 6.25am, and the tour stars at 8 am on Saturday august 18th.

has anyone one here done the bridge climb that is not good with heights, thier web site states that they have guides that are trained for this but am still dubious about wether it is worth me attempting the climb

To be frank, I think your time in Sydney could be better spent than climbing up a bridge, particularly if you don't like heights!

If you want views and no climb, why not have dinner at the revolving restaurant in Australia Square, or have a drink at the end of a pier at the Sugaroom, Pyrmont.

that sounds like a good suggestion Susan7 thankyou

As you're interested in theatre, you might check out some of these:

www.sydneytheatre.com.au
www.belvoir.com.au
www.ensemble.com.au

Off the normal "tourist track" and have some excellent productions. As you don't say (or I didn't see your dates or arrival) you might like to subscribe to their on-line newsletters & book something for one of your nights here. Belvoir Street always has something interesting & often "cutting edge". It's a very intimate "in the round" theatre in Surry Hills - no such thing as "bad seats". If you google "what's on in Sydney" you'll also pick up what's on at the other theatres.

The Opera House also has 2 drama theatres - so if there's something on there that you fancy, you could make a night of it at the Opera House.

Bridgeclimb is one of the most professional and awesome experiences. There isn't a problem with heights as the walkways are wide and you look out not down.

However, I also second the idea of having a meal or drink at the Summit at Australia Square. Unlike the stereotypical revolving restaurant, the food is very good.

that sounds like a good suggestion, thankyou