POMAH - booked 10 months out because we went to a travel expo and Qantas had great deals to the US. As we were locked into the dates of travel (work and school) we decided to book. Don't usually do this, but the fare was too good to pass. Ok - I would like to see Times square too, and it will be a good place to go while waiting for my daughter to join us. The RealNew York tour will take us to Wall St, Greenwich Village, SOHO, China Town (and a few more places - cannot remember them all) so it will give us a good overview. Central Park - i am not coming all the way from Melbourne (and the 21 hour flight) without putting a foot in Central Park - unheard of.
Zweiterlinde - thanks for the suggestions on the UWS and the shopping tips. We plan to do lots of shopping!!!!

Bachs

POMAH was being sarcastic.

Sarcastic? Who me? I suggest you take my Coney Island advice to see the world's oldest amusement park. Also, the Brighton Beach area has much better eateries than Greenpoint. Take the B1 to Manhattan beach, there is a nice marina and restaurants and cafes there as well.
Pier17 has The Shark, the fastest tour boat in NYC.