We will be going to Australia in March for the first time, spending six nights in Sydney w/ a possible side trip to either Kangaroo Island or Phillip Island. BTW, which is better?? Distances are quite daunting and since we are from the US we're too afraid to drive. Any suggestions for side trips in/out of Sydney that won't cost an arm and a leg and take a day to get there. Or, is it best to just stay in Sydney and get to know the city??? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Hi misao,

You do realise that both the islands you are thinking of going to on a side trip are in fact in different states and not at all located close to Sydney?

Kangaroo Island is off the Southern coast of South Australia as is considered a side trip for those people visiting Adelaide in South Australia.

Phillip Island is located about 140 km's south east of Melbourne on Westernport bay in Victoria.

In Sydney side trips are considered by most here on Fodors to encompass places like the Blue Mountains, Hunter Valley, Port Stephens, and possibly Jervis Bay taking in all points in-between.

Cheers

Paul_S

I outlined many things to do in Sydney for a similar amount of time that you have. You def. don't want to do KI or Phillip Island. I would stay and experience Sydney and maybe take a day trip to the Blue Mts or Hunter Valley as described in my itinerary.

Check out my Trip Report - Part 1 from June 2003 by clicking on my screen name and looking at the posts.

Or here's a link (not sure if it will work! )
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...awnF&fid=3

Good luck!
Dawn

misao, what happened to that good old pioneer spirit? You probably don't have a need to drive in Australia, but being from the US doesn't in itself disqualify you - thousands of North Americans, Europeans etc do it all the time, and thousands of us leftsiders do it in reverse. "You have nothing to fear but fear itself!"

Focus on Sydney and above all the harbor towns accessible by ferry and walking all along the shore. The only absolute must is Blue Mts, such as the just after 9 (off peak rates) train to Katoomba. If still itchy, take a guided bus tour to Canberra and/or one of the two Hawkesbury river ferry or mailboats departing Palm Beach or Hawkesbury River train stop.