re: planning a trip to Australia

I just got back. Here is a list with some suggestions:

1. Try surfing lessons at Bondi Beach if you haven't done so. Good stuff.

2. Go whale watching. They leave from Circular Quay. Go in the AM if you choose this option.

3. Visit the Blue Mountains. I suggest hitting up Featherdale Wildlife Park en route. A private driver/guide is the way to go. Ride the tram and gondola.

4. Hit up dinner at the Customs House (4th floor...the elevator is towards the back of the building). It has views of Luna Park and Harbor Bridge. It is worth it imho...at least for one night.
There is also a model of the entire city under a glass walking area on the first floor.

5. Do a pub crawl in the Rocks district. Leave the next morning open to sleep in.

6. Try some Kangaroo. The pizza at the Australian Hotel (an old building/bar in the Rocks district) is pretty darned good.

7. Visit the Aquarium. It's a tad touristy but still kind of cool.

8. The Chinese Garden and Chinatown are worth a look as well.

9. Visit the Opera House. I put this last. It is a cool buiding architecturally and the tour is okay.

What I would skip:

1. The Bridge climb. It's great, but pretty expensive.

2. Manly Beach. A cool pedestrian walk and some cool places to eat...but if you are doing Bondi, then the beach part can be skipped.

3. The Sky Tower.

4. Opal Museum

5. Hyde Park Barracks

I'm sure I left some stuff off but I hope this helps.