pinky73

Hello - my husband and I will be in Sydney for six days following a business meeting in July. I will not have a real opportunity to explore the city until after the meeting, and definitely want to do so. My question is, would it be worth it to try to fly to another region (e.g. Cairns) for a few days return to Sydney for three days until our departure? Or, should we stay in Sydney and look into day trips? We are are in our 30s, enjoy the outdoors for day trips but we are not campers, nor do we scuba dive. Any itinerary suggestions would be appreciated.

SnRSeattle

Hi, lucky getting to go to Sydney for business! I would definitely go to Cairns and take a day trip out to the reef. There is nothing like it! You don't have to scuba to enjoy it, just put on a snorkel (which they provide) and jump in. You will fall in love. Then you will reluctantly go back to Sydney and then have a wonderful end of your trip. Ideal! When you are at the meeting, maybe you can you fit some city things in in the evenings, for example, the aquarium is open late and it great, taking a ferry ride to Manly for dinner, walking around the Opera House, etc. Then when you have your three days back, one day you can take a day trip to the Blue Mountains (by train or with a tour operator or private guide--or of course, rent a car and go yourselves.)
Sally in Seattle
p.s. We were there in July in 2004 and had lovely weather in Sydney, the Blue Mtns. and Cairns. I hope you do, too.

CindyinOz

Just returned from Cairns on Sunday. I had a fantastic time up there! The reef is a must, I went on a Quicksilver boat and snorkeled the reef. I also took a day trip to the Daintree rainforest Mossman Gorge and Cape Tribulation. These are amazing sites to see especially if you like the outdoors. If you do plan to go up to Cairns I would suggest staying in Port Douglas. I stayed in the city of Cairns and had wished I stayed in Port Douglas once I went there.
Have fun!

pajodeka

I too will be visiting Sydney and plan to be there mid August. I am currently set on a day trip to BM's and the Jalonean Caves. With all of this helpful reporting, I am considering a trip to Cairns. How far from Sydney and how long will I need? Also, weather in mid August for day trip to reef? Thank you!

jcasale

As I recall the flight from Sydney to Cairns was maybe a couple of hours. It was a pretty easy hop, I do recall that. I would agree that you should snorkel the reef (I have also heard good things about Wavelength - they cater to just snorkelers and are a smaller boat, but they may go out of Port Douglas). I actually would consider driving up to Port Douglas and basing yourself there - I loved it. Nice little town and close to the reef and closer to Daintree area. Much better beach than Cairns. We rented a car and drove up - took about an hour.

While in Sydney, my recommendation would be to not just visit the Opera House - go see a show. Some friends recommended that to us and I went to their website and found that Mandy Patinkin was going to be performing our first night in Sydney. Jet lag or no we decided to go and it was the best decision we could have made.

Enjoy your time in Sydney and wherever else you decide to go.