Hi Harvey,
All I can say is that Sydney has a stunning harbour, and your hotel will direct you how to get the most out of that, with ferry rides, historic naval dock yard visits etc.

A railway journey by electric train up the Blue Mountains (about 2 hours west) will get you to some majestic mountain vistas.

Other than that, I will leave suggestions to the Sydneysiders.

regards
Kimball

Also visit the Opera House, with the stunning scalloped clam shell like roof (if you appreciate architecture).
Also the harbor front area where they did a massive revival.
And the arch bridge going over the harbor.

Been there many years ago.

Walter

But where else can you climb the biggest arch bridge in the world, admittedly at a price but I have been there & done that a few times & boy what a thrill it is . Come 7 see the total chaos of a new tram system being put thru the CBD replacing one which was removed 60 odd years ago under the whim of GM & the petrol companies paying off a corrupt government . Oh that's right we have one of those in power at present .

Cheers Tom in Oz

Hi Harvey,

What you have read in the above posts is from people who live outside Sydney, so take it with a grain of salt.

They are right about the harbour and the foreshores - the Opera House and the Bridge are fantastic. As for hobby shops, yes, there aren't many, however, Hobbyco in the Queen Victoria Building in the CBD is worth a visit - currently they are updating their display window with a new train layout.

If you want a great day out and not for great cost - take the ferry from Circular Quay (CBD) to the zoo. The ferry stops at the base of the zoo, you get the chair lift to the top and work your way down back to the ferry. You'll see many Australian animals, providing they are not holidaying at the outback Dubbo zoo, as well as many other animals - it's one of the best zoos in the world. The ferry trip will give you an exciting view of the harbour and it's a cheap fare.

With reference to the unsavoury areas of Sydney, they are pretty safe during the day, however, like many parts of the world, not so safe at night. I live on the north shore which is regarded as a safer region of Sydney - some parts are great to visit, however, you can't rely too much on public transport - it either doesn't run too often and there's no-one around to help you. Like big cities in the world, peak hour (rush hour) is a disaster - that's the time to visit a pub or 2, and this is where you meet the people of Sydney. You'll be in Australia at the right time for the most important day in the year, 1st November, the first Tuesday of November - the whole country comes to a standstill in the afternoon to watch a horse race - the Melbourne Cup - a great adventure to see Australians at their best. Even if you don't like racing or you don't bet, this is something to participate in and enjoy the fun. You don't have to bet big - just be in it.

I hope you really enjoy your stay in Sydney - it's a fun place, a little like New York, Paris, London, Rome etc., but it's Sydney.

Regards
Greg

To all

Thank you for the suggestions for sights to see. Mountain trip sounds nice for a day as does the Zoo. I will be walking around Sydney some (looking at my tour book for the highlights). Will also ask my co-workers who likely leave in the greater region. I think I will miss that first week end when the train exhibit is open. I arrive on the 9th at some time of the day.

Sydney sounds like New York - where I leave. Some good and some dangerous areas and they vary by time of day.

Regards
Harvey

Cookee

Would love to but I will have been travelling for 3 month straight (including a 3 week vacation with my wife) with only 1-2 days between trips/projects. After this last project I must return home for Thanksgiving. I can not/will not miss Thanksgiving. We have a special family activity occuring now for 40 years on this holiday. New Zealand is hopefully another trip for my wife and myself. We can only hope

Regards
Harvey