I will be traveling from the US to Australia in late October 2026 to take a cruise to both Australia and New Zealand. First, could someone give good advise on where to stay before the cruise and in between the cruises, in Sydney, that would be close to the cruise port and also convenient to some sightseeing (via public transportation or private hire...(if you know a good one). There will be two vibrant senior women that need to share the space (hotel vs airbnb).

Also, is there any MUST SEE excursions you would recommend in the following: Hobart, Tasmania, Kangaroo Island, Adelaide, Melbourne and Eden.
On to New Zealand: Picton, Christchurch (Lyttelton), Dunedin (Port Chalmers).
Bonus if you have a trustworthy tour guide in any of the locations vs excursions sold by the ship.

Would appreciate any pointers or advice you can give both on land and at sea.

Thank you in advance.

Do you know the details of your port in Sydney? I think there are two. Circular Quay is very central but I believe the other port is a lot further out.

Circular Quay

Have a look at Booking.com with “ Sydney CBD” as your location. You can see property locations on the maps.

The Sydney Harbour Marriott is a popular choice for cruise passengers looking for traditional hotels. Also in close proximity, Four Seasons, Quay Grand & Quay West, the latter two are apartment hotels which you may prefer for a 3 day stay.

Sydney is a compact city by international standards, is easily walkable and has excellent public transport, so don’t feel that you have to stay right at Circular Quay - although it is the premier position.

If you’d like some suggestions -
give us your dates, room & bed requirements and a budget range in AUD per night.

These links & map may be useful.Sydney map: https://goo.gl/maps/PFmeA45BAKXruh4F8

Visit Sydney: https://www.sydney.com/
Private Tours: https://www.yoursydneyguide.com.au/ I have not used this chap, but an American friend did for her family of 4 and thought he was excellent.

Presumably you know you will need Visas. Here's the links. Apply well ahead of time.

VISA FINDER: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visa...sa/visa-finder

APP: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/electronic-travel-authority-601#HowTo

Thank You for all this useful information.

You're most welcome. Feel free to ask about anything else you'd like some help with.

I don't believe in "must sees" - but if you let us know the things that interest you (and don't) - I'm sure we will be able to make some useful suggestions. There's plenty to occupy visitors of all interests -but it's not much point my waxing lyrical about art galleries, theatres, museums, walks & interesting restaurants if someone's primary interest is shopping, for example.

Depending on your Sydney dates, you might be in time for Sculpture by the Sea - 16 October to 2nd November, 2026. https://www.nsw.gov.au/visiting-and-...ulpture-by-sea
It's a wonderful opportunity to combine a spectacular short walk along the cliff tops with seeing world class sculptures.

Could possibly guide you, could you share more details on the port of Sydeny?

Interest is water, shopping, site seeing. Do not care for museums. Will not have a car in Sydney so will have to rely on the hop on hop off bus or a private hire.

Ive stayed at the Marriott recommended by Bokhara-its a great venue for getting around Sydney -close to transport, theharbour, walking distance to so many venues -you can see the cruise ships

I stayed recently at the Fullerton Hotel which is in a great location. If you stayed roughly between there and Circular Quay, you could either walk everywhere or get a tram or the metro. Public transport in the centre of Sydney is fantastic, trains, ferries, trams, buses and metro. You can use a debit/credit card to tap on and off. There is a train from Sydney airport to the city too, about 20 minute journey I think.

The Queen Victoria Building (QVB) is fabulous and full of great shops. Westfield is close by and has lots of stores. If the market is on in The Rocks area, that could be good for shopping. Dymocks on George St has books galore and nice gifts.

Both the HOHO bus and the idea of private driver are pretty useless in Sydney.

The city is fairly small and certainly walkable. Traffic is dire, usually. Public transport goes everywhere you'd be interested in going, and is cheap and easy. Staying somewhere between Town Hall and Circular Quay would be ideal, but cheaper options are available.

For your interest in water, the harbour is the obvious focus. There's also plenty of beaches within bus or ferry trips (or train to Cronulla). October may be a little too early for swimming, or it is for me, The Bondi to Coogee walk is certainly worthwhile and passes a number of beaches.

For shopping (not an interest of mine) the centre of the city is best, The area around Town Hall , Sydney Tower, Martin Place is a good place to start.

#9 - I would not use the hop-on,hop-off bus. Unless it's improved 100% since I took it shortly after the George street tram line was completed, the recorded commentary is not in synch with the bus movement and you'll have commentary about the Queen Victoria Building 3 blocks before you get to it and the building you're looking at will probably be Wynyard Railway Station.

As per #11, public transport is excellent and if you wanted to do some guided sight seeing, you might like to contact Sydney Greeters ahead of your arrival & arrange to meet up with one of their guides.

Dymocks is a great book store - and it's very close to the Strand Arcade, well worth visiting. And yes, the QVB (Queen Victoria Building) is lovely.

The new Fish Market will be open when you're here and I believe that would be well worth a visit - maybe lunch one day.

I know you're going on a cruise, but our Sydney ferries are fantastic and a trip to Manly is a great way to spend 1/2 a day. Watsons Bay is another nice destination .... or you could just hop on the next ferry leaving Circular Quay when you walk past. They all go to interesting places.

Nor sure what you are interested in for Melbourne. I can guide you but I need to know what you are interested in and I dont know what cruise ships offer either.Melbourne has a great streets and lane sculture

Melbourne is marvellous, and our most "European" feeling city. As Northie says, there is a lot to see & do to cater for all interests - but it would be interesting to know what your cruise ship offers before we make any suggestions.