Going to be in Sydney in October for 3 days with some rellies that are visiting. It'll be 4 adults, a 2 year old and 10 month old. I've been googling but would love some real advice.

Does anyone have any suggestions of what we can do and where to go? I know the obvious ones, like the Bridge and the Opera house but was just wondering if there are any hidden gems that we should definately not miss out on... Also need a hotel preferably in the CBD as we won't have transport, something reasonable, not grand but not a dive.

Also any suggestions for decent bars/clubs will be helpful as on the 2nd night we're leaving the babies with my inlaws... haven't told them yet!

Thanks

Oh this should be interesting - we will probs be heading down to Sydney around xmas with some rellies too!

I'm really looking forward to it! We've not left QLD yet! How long you going for? I hope 3 days is enough.

Even though its a bit chilly still, I'd head down to Bondi for a dip in the sea (freshing!) and then do the walk around the headland, stopping for fish and chips along the way. I think you can cycle as well?

Same as us. We were thinking 2 or 3 days, and possibly head up to Cairns for a weekend.

Can recommend the Rendezvous in the Rocks.... It's really central and not too ott pricewise.

The Bondi to Tamarama coast path? Nah, not bike friendly - more steps than St Pauls. Nice walk though - goes right past my office.

Wouldn't bother with a hotel - apartments are much better value and far more flexible - check out either of the main Meritons in the CBD they always have good deals on (Pitt St and World Tower are central).

As to what to see, the QVB's worth a look, the Hyde Park Barracks (and Hyde Park itself is great to pause for five minutes and have a coffee). Botanical Gardens are always worth a look - walk east out of Hyde Park and you can stroll down them to the harbour just south of the Opera House.

Buy everyone a MyZone Multi1 ticket to get about - covers you for unlimited travel on bus, train and ferry for a week! For my money the best shopping by miles is to be found in Bondi Junction (said ticket will get your there) and then you can hop on a 380 or 381 down the hill to Bondi - have a bite to eat in the Icebergs club (RSL style bistro food and stunning views) - or eat downstairs in the same building at a hidden cafe. Newtown's a nice spot to visit for your quirkier shopping needs - superb cafes and shops all the way along King Street.

If you fancy a very cheap and relaxing way to cool off, be sure to hop on the ferry to Milsom's Point and pay $5 to get into the Sydney Olympic Pool. Ridiculously good views (under the harbour bridge looking out over towards the Opera House), indoor and outdoor pools and eateries in our out. Also right next door to Luna Park. If you fancy a slightly longer ferry trip be sure to go to Manly which has a superb beach and great eats.

If you're doing the harbour thing I wouldn't bother with the jetboats - they're dull as ****, they don't do any spins or things just go slightly fast. Instead take the family on the little yellow water taxis and get a far better more personal tour of the harbour. If you can't afford or don't want to do the bridge climb, you can get half way up for about $10 by going up the north pylon museum. And while you're in that part of town you can have a mooch around the Rocks which is very touristy but still very nice. When you're doing the Darling Harbour thing, the Maritime Museum is well worth a look - as is the nearby PowerHouse.

Should keep you busy.

Stayed at the Merion on pitt street in jan and it was a perfect location and very nice apartments,would be sound

Don't see the Harbour, the opera house or Bondi.

You need to get yer eyesight tested then

Will check it out! Thanks

Absolutely fab post! Thanks so much Hutch, I know what I'm doing with the rest of my evening. Thanks again, some great suggestions!

Just looked at them, they look very nice and works out much cheaper than 2 hotel rooms and we get a bit more for the money too.

I'm a Meriton fan too. Stayed in World Tower for about 2 months earlier this year!

Being such a loyal customer they gave me a little black card for 10% discount off the best rate...it's valid til September I think, won't be using it again so you're welcome to it if you like.

2 months?!

We're going in October so it would have run out by then but thank's so much for the offer, very kind of you.

If you can squeeze it in, a trip to the blue mountains is well worth it. Parramatta ferry is good from the harbour, Sky walk up centre point tower, botanical gardens for a coffee before all the fruit bats are ousted, there's tonnes to do to be honest, I'm sure you'll make the most of it

Work paid. And this was the view from the apartment!