My buddy and i are traveling through Oz for 2.5 weeks and are incorporating 6 days in Sydney into the visit (Jan 7 - 13). I am looking for suggestions on our following (tentative) itinerary.
day 1 - explore Sydney, Sydney Explorer??
day 2 - explore Sydney, Oprah House show
day 3 - Bondi beach
day 4 - rent a car to drive the Blue Mtns
day 5 - Sydney again, Bridge Climb
day 6 - Manly, possibly take bus to Northern beaches (Palm Beach)

I'm wondering if three days exploring Sydney is about right or if we should cut it to two and check out other sites outside of Sydney. Also, we're 26 yrs old and want to have a couple of blow out nights partying...any suggestions. Lastly, I'm looking for suggestions for an upscale, somewhat affordable restaurant (~ $100AU/person) with good views of the Harbour. I'm wondering if FortyOne, Tetsuya's, Rockpool, Flying Fish are just hyped up or if they are really worth the money. I appreciate the help...can't wait for the trip!

bw

HI..
Sydney is such a great city and the time you are going is perfect summer weather..just wanted to comment on Tetsuya's..we ate their 2 years ago and my husband and I like to think of ourselves as Foodies and have been to French Laundry in Napa and other great restaurants in the world but I must say that Tetsuya's was the most incredible meal we have EVER had!
Book soon and we had drinks at FortyOne and loved the place and we walked by Rockpool tons of times and looked lovely..
You must go to Lord Nelson's Pub in the Rocks for the best pub food and beer!

I'm not sure that Tetsuya's will fall inside your budget, though - the only time I've seen the inside of the place, 4 years ago, the degustation menu ran to $155 pp, plus wines. And it doesn't have a good view, or any view, of the harbour. There may be exceptions (I'm not the best person to advise on Sydney dining), but my concern would be that if you want views you run a greater risk of finding yourself paying for ambience at the expense of food quality.

Just noticed - "Oprah House show"? I know that Ms Winfrey is filthy rich, but has she really organised a lightning raid on the Sydney Opera House?

Man, I just don't understand rich people. Sure, it's an amazing building, but it doesn't look like it'd be much fun to live in. Now, where are they going to show the operas?

LOL..Neil_Oz.. didn't even see the $100AU/PP.. Tet's will be way over that..sorry..the cold medicine is kicking in..How about Doyle's?
We loved Lord Nelsons!
Best to you..
www.lordnelson.com.au
www.doyles.com.au

Nice! Glad someone caught that...now look what rumor you've started. I can see it now in the Nat'l Inquirer "Oprah's power stretches to the Sydney Opera House" Thanks for jokes!

Hi -
(This is my first post - hellooooo Betsy!)

I've just come back from Sydney and highly recommend Aria. You can choose 3 courses for $75 - wine will be extra. Fabulous food, great service and the view of the harbour and bridge is stunning.

One of us in the party of 3 was a teenager into the goth look which I thought may mean that they hide us by the kitchen door......but no, they seated us with absolute charm and at a perfect table. They weren't ruffled a bit.

- Jane

PS - a link:
http://www.ariarestaurant.com/main/index.php

I suspect Tetsuya's is way above your price range, but....

I'm going there on Saturday night (good Lord willin', and the creeks don't rise - or in this couintry - the bushfires don't come!)

I'll report back

I just read a (rapturous) review of Rockpool in the Sydney Morning Herald -sounds it's now a match for Tetsuya's, but so is the price. You can have the 5-course option at $150 pp or the tasting menu at $175. If you want a selection of matching wines there's a $65 or a $125 option - i.e., up to $600 for two. (Nurse!! The pacemaker, s'il vouz plait - tout de suite!!)

Frankly, I'd have more fun at a cheap and cheerful Italian eatery. I wouldn't have to spend the whole night worrying about whether I could pay the car insurance bill.

Scheibe! 300pp is definitely a tad rich for my blood! Maybe if my company institutes a profit sharing program I'll pay Rockpool a visit during my next trip...until then...Jane your posting of Aria sounds right up our alley, thanks! Also heard some fabulous things about Restaurant Pepper...can anyone comment?
I appreciate the help guys/gals.

Hi Jango! Welcome to Fodor's! Be careful as it can quickly become addictive.

Hi Jane. Just checked out Aria's menu on the website. What did you have?