I did indeed, Faremog, thanks for the link. Those types of walks are so interesting - will keep an eye out for their next one

I had a flat just near the East Crescent street ferry in the late 70's. Raced down the steps & flung myself on the little Hagertys' ferry many a morning. Loved the classical music they used to play.

Have you been down to Wendy's Secret Garden lately?

http://mobile.news.com.au/travel/aus...-1226702358890

Melnq8, there are lots of lovely nooks with tables & chairs in the garden - perfect for a picnic. Everyone is welcome, with the only caveat being "Please Take Your Rubbish With You"
& "Please Pick Up After Your Dog"

Thanks so much for all your help.

We're unable to book at the moment due to work issues, but the minute we get the go ahead I'll work out a plan based on these wonderful suggestions.

Saw Wendy [Whiteley], who was in her trademark garb, a few months back as she was showing guests out. The park/s on the Lavender Bay foreshore have certainly come on a bit from the jungle I remember when I used to fish from the wharf. Btw there's apparently a battle on to save the eyesore, er, iconic toilet block and up in the Nth Syd CBD where things are usually pretty dead after hours Brett Whiteley Place and surrounds are to have a major upgrade.

Apart from the Greenwood Hotel which I think attracts a young crowd and pumps out the music the other main option in the CBD appears to be The Treehouse bar and restaurant on the corner of Miller and Mount Sts and the Pacific Highway. And the Catholic Church's nearby [Saint] Mary MacKillop Place/Anderledy Lodge Hotel gets good reviews (recently bumped into an ex colleague from Canberra discreetly taking back a six pack).

Another harbour side possibility for a return visitor where others here might advise is the set up at North Head/ Quarantine Station. [I haven't been there for about 35 years when a tour of the sewage treatment plant was the main attraction, but friends have enjoyed stays there (and across the heads at Watsons Bay and I see that a fast/eco hopper ferry - pensioner excursion tickets not valid - now connects Watsons Bay and Manly).]

North Head & the Quarantine Station are well worth a visit

http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/...h-head/lookout

http://www.quarantinestation.com.au/

Friends & I did an interesting walk through the old armaments tunnels year or so ago


http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/ns...ceHeritage.htm

Sydney living museums annual tour this Sunday 2 November -

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-10-3...public/5853180

http://sydneylivingmuseums.com.au/sydneyopen

Looks interesting farrermog.

Unfortunately our trip has been postponed until March/April, too many other things going on.

We'll be slipping down to MR for a few days next week as consolation.

Thanks Farremog - I'm going to town on Sunday morning, so will check it out

Hi there...I haven't been on Fodors in ages, but that's my old neighborhood, so I'll chime in! If you're staying near Milsons point, you may want to wander up Pacific Hwy.and have a meal or two in Crows Nest. Great restaurants there...a couple to consider - Garfish for seafood, Cumin for Indian Cusine. Lots of cafes with outdoor seating...great casual atmosphere!

Really nice walks along the foreshore on the North side of the bridge. Manly would make a nice outing. I used to like go and bush walk up on North Head. Fantastic views over the city!

Oh no....now I'm homesick for Sydney!! :(.

Hellooooo dkw! How are you? Nice to see you popping in. It's Jacaranda time & you know how beautiful they are - just to make you a little more "homesick" ;)

Farremog - thanks again for your "Open Sydney" tip. I went in on the Sunday & had a lovely mosey around. The highlight for me was the Grand Synagogue, which was exquisite.