I'm hoping to visit Sydney next year. I have a great friend there who's going to take time off to show me around the first couple of days but then I'll be on my own. I've done some research and want to now what the absolute best things to do in Sydney are within a two week period. Maybe in less time but I get the feeling I'll be making multiple trips down under. Australia is my absolute dream vacation and I want to see all of it. Any advice is greatly appreciated. Oh, and if anyone knows of any good hotels in Darling Harbour....

Thanks a bunch
Melissa

Melissa
I enjoy Sydney for visits myself on occasion too and when as in time of year can make something of an impact as can what are your interests? - are you just a cities girl at heart wanting to have a good look at shops/fasions etc.

I'm sure your friend will have you in the Queen Victoria building for a peek.
There's also markets in the Rocks area of a weekend and I think it is third saturday or sunday of the month at Manly.

There's Top 100 Things To Do In Sydney Australia Whale Watching Harbor Cruise Sydney Opera House Manly Koalas and my favourite makes Number 1.
Yes, nothing more peaceful after the city and Quay hurly burly to cruise down the harbour to Manly and then walk the Corso to the esplanade to feel the cool sea breeze and have a dip on a warm day - far better there than Bondi in my book.

And that's partly the when for any city is a great heat sink and Sydney no less and in fact it can be quite sultry and energy sapping hemmed in by all the buildings - bit Hyde Park and the Botanical Gardens are only a few blocks away.

The Rocks area also has something of its own magnetism and nothing better than to have a wander about and even if warmer, being closer to the harbour offers some relief as does a few historical pubs in the area - The Rocks - The Rocks Pub Tour
and though it could be The Novotel Chain that has a hotel right at Darling Harbour and yes it is - Novotel Sydney on Darling Harbour Hotel | Sydney Accommodation

In the Rocks area, just a hundred metres or so across the park type area from the Quay, across George St. you'll find a Visitors Information Centre and they have "explore Sydney" mapos under about six different historical themes, good value to visit.

If you wanted to try something a little(a lot) less flash but winning hands down in charm and character stakes, my favourite is in the Rocks and The Australian Heritage Hotel may not have ensuites but it sure makes up for that with beautiful rooms - ask for one away from Bridge side.

And back to the ferries, you could do a trip with the mailman from Brooklyn - get there by train or take one from the northern beaches area - get there by Bus: FantaSea Palm Beach Ferry Service
The northern beaches area of Sydney, so close yet so different - Northern Beaches, Sydney, Australia - Travel information - Sydney Visitors Bureau and if you like what you see and wanted to try slumming it in a hostel to find it's not so bad - YHA Australia Pittwater might be the go.

I would not actually book your entire stay in the one location and take a couple of day trips - combining the Blue Mountains with a stay at Home - Jenolan Caves or one of the many B&Bs in the area, or hire a car for a few days and travel down the south coast via Royal National Park and Lawrence Hargreaves Drive and on to Berry for lunch before getting to somewhere like EcoPoint Murramarang Resort for some relaxation.

But as I say, when? and what are the interests?

the information that Wanderer provided is very useful. Thanks

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