I am new to this site. While we won't be on the cruise which has a stop in Sydney, I wanted to offer to anyone that I'd be glad to make restaurant recommendations, suggest things to do, etc. I've been to Australia probably close to 60 times.
One of my favorite things to do was to go to the Rocks Market on Saturdays and Sundays. There is also a market on Saturdays in Paddington, but I prefer the one at the Rocks; great crafts.
Highly recommend Tetsuya's for dinner. Expensive, but worth it. When you make your reservation, see if Tetsuya is there and he will do a menu just for you. Some other favorite places are Salt, Bather's Pavillion and the Boathouse. Zia Pina's was my favorite place for lunch and sometimes dinner; great pizza for the price!
Climbing the Sydney Harbour bridge is great fun, but allow at least 4 hours for the prep, climbing and then getting back to your hotel. It may be cold up there, if you are going in there winter, so bring a hat and gloves because your hands will be exposed while you are holding onto the rails as you climb.
I prefer the Taronga Park Zoo (across the harbour) than the one at Waratah Park, but if you want to see more Koala's, then go to the Koala Park in West Pennant Hills (about 30 min taxi ride from Sydney).
If you have time, highly recommend visiting the wine country in the Hunter Valley. Stay at the Tower Lodge; well worth the price! Make Brokenwood winery one of your must stops!
Anyway, please let me know if you want any further suggestions or guidance. Happy to help. Australia is my favorite country in the world!
Teri
