Melbourne or Sydney

[661]

Flights confirmed we arrive Sydney 2nd Dec 2023 from Singapour and depart for Christchurch 10th Dec 2023.
So a week in Sydney should be good with lots to see.
Just need a good position for hotel in Sydney.
Alan

With all due respect to our antipodean members, 'the high quality of service' isn't the first thing that springs to mind when reviewing Australian hotels - so be prepared. If you want the classic Opera House view, then one of the hotels along (semi) Circular Quay is the place to be. On our first trip, we stayed at the Shangri-La on Circular Quay, which as long as you are the right side of the hotel, and on a high enough floor, has amazing views of the Opera House and the bridge. Everything else about the hotel was pretty mediocre I am afraid.

Trips that stick in my mind were the Opera House (the tour and also a couple of shows), Bridge Climb, the Zoo, obligatory visits to Bondi and Manly beaches, coastal walks (Manly scenic walkway, Bondi to Bronte), Mrs Macquarie's point. The Harbour ferries all hub at Circular Quay and if your hotel is nearby, you can get pretty much anywhere in the harbour at reasonable cost with a great boat ride thrown in. We did a Sydney Seaplanes trip to Cottage Point Inn which was fantastic. I can recommend the restaurant, but tragically the plane that we took crashed a few months later, killing all on board. I believe Sydney Seaplanes are still operating, but you may want to think twice on that one.

The pandemic has reshuffled the pack when it comes to good restaurants, but Bennelong in the Opera house, The Quay (cruise liner terminal) and Cafe Sydney in the Customs house were all very good pre-pandemic.

I envy you your trip. I am not sure if or when I will get back to Australia, but I very much enjoyed visiting.

Or get your mate to borrow his bosses 10m harbour racing boat and beach it right out the front of Doyles

[alan.barker]

thanks Andy,
will have a look at your info
cheers Alan

[Andy8421]

Or get your mate to borrow his bosses 10m harbour racing boat and beach it right out the front of Doyles

We went to Doyles a couple of times. Not 'fine dining', but an upscale seafood restaurant on the sea shore. Great for seafood platters, 'fish and chips' and a great view. I recall the harbour ferries docked quite close by, or a harbour taxi would get you there.

[alan.barker]

I saw that Doyles do seafood.
A bit strange to eat fish and chips in a seafood restaurant, more of a pub meal.
Seafood platter or crayfish would be better with sauvignon mon ami.
Alan

[vstibbard]

There’s plenty of fine eating to be had in Sydney. Ferry to Doyle’s for lunch is a very nice way to see the harbour.
Vaughan

[alan.barker]

Mmmm Doyles sounds good. A good way to compare the Seafood with our's here in Brittany France.
Alan

[rgh0]

I have always been told to not eat at restaurants with a sea view but to go back a street or 2 awayfrom the beach. The food is generally cheaper and better

[alan.barker]

Rohan,
you could be right there, you don't eat the tables and chairs only in China .
When we move on to NZ Paraparaumu at my Sister's house we should catch up on Fish/Crayfish at least. My Brother Inlaw does spearfishing. The first time we visited he put a 4.2 kgs Crayfish on the table .
Alan

[2cams70]

I would fly into Sydney and fly out of Melbourne. Having lived a year in The 'Gong we had experience of both as tourists. Hire a car for the journey down, it's a full day with stops at the northern Victoria vineyards.
The car will be useful for The Great Ocean Rd once in Melbourne. 3 days in Sydney is enough in my view. I'd rather see the expanse of the country.
.

Agree - so much more to see outside of the main cities. One swanky hotel or fancy restaurant is much the same as a swanky hotel or restaurant in any other part of the world.

If you want an interesting and unique hotel experience I'd suggest going underground in Coober Pedey

[alan.barker]

Good info,
but it's only a " whistle stop " visit 1 week on the way to NZ. Returning from NZ end of Jan 2024.
I think the 1 week will be ok for first visit in Aus.
Alan

[alan.barker]

Hi Vaughan,
I have sent a private message to you
Cheers
Alan

[alan.barker]

So Aussie and after NZ visit getting closer.
I think during the week in Sydney we need to visit the Blue Moutains .
Maybe other things too.
A chat with Vaughan and a beer of course.
Cheers
Alan

[vstibbard]

Hi Alan, looking forward to meeting up.my V