Only 2 days in Sydney. Do the Blue Mtns?

We will be in Sydney in March at the end of our Sapphire cruise. I know there are so many things to see and do, so I need your opinions on taking 1 of our 2 days to see the Blue Mountains. I have seen several shows on the Travel Channel and it looks like a place that we would really like. We do alot of RVing and love the outdoors. So - should we take the time or should we stay in the Sydney area? Who knows if we will ever make it back to the area again. Thanks for any opinions on what would be our "must sees" for those 2 days.

Cheryl

Gosh, Cheryl, that's a hard one! It would be a shame to miss seeing the sights of Sydney. But the Blue Mountains are lovely as well. What time is your flight? Do you have 2 full days before your flight or is one of the 2 days, you departure day? The answers would make a difference. We did the Blue Mountains by booking a driver with 4 wheel drive vehicle. It was lovely (even though it rained part of the time) and we had lunch in a very nice restaurant in the Blue Mountains. But we had a week to do Sydney AND the area around the city.

We will be in Sydney in March at the end of our Sapphire cruise. I know there are so many things to see and do, so I need your opinions on taking 1 of our 2 days to see the Blue Mountains. I have seen several shows on the Travel Channel and it looks like a place that we would really like. We do alot of RVing and love the outdoors. So - should we take the time or should we stay in the Sydney area? Who knows if we will ever make it back to the area again. Thanks for any opinions on what would be our "must sees" for those 2 days.

 

Cheryl[/quote

 

Quite a drive from central Sydney to the Blue Mountains. Personally, with only 2 days here, I don't think it's a good use of time. Take a ferry ride to Manly, eat lunch at Watson's Bay, take in the view of Sydney Harbour from Taronga Zoo, climb the Harbour Bridge, go the Opera House, wander around The Rocks area, visit the Power House Museum in Darling Harbour, take a bus to Bondi Beach... the close by possibilities are endless.

I wouldn't take a day out of your time in Sydney to see the Blue Mountains. We have been there a number of times and only once was it sunny and clear.

We have been there in fog, rain etc. and it is so disappointing especially after making the journey from Sydney in all the traffic. The weather in Sydney can be fantastic but it can be completely different when up there.

Sydney has so much to offer and you will easily fill in the two days. Come back and visit us again and put it on your wish list for next time.

Jennie

I know there are so many things to see and do, so I need your opinions on taking 1 of our 2 days to see the Blue Mountains.

The current edition (with help from other CC'ers!) of my suggested tips for Sydney, especially a newcomer, is:-

• The Rocks – historical area, plus some tourist shopping.
• Circular Quay – for views.
• Opera House – do a tour; the backstage tour is the most interesting, but is much less frequent and much more expensive than the standard tourist run. Go to a concert or a show if you can.
• Botanic Gardens and the Domain (parks).
• Darling Harbour – touristy things, including the casino at Star City if you're into that sort of thing.
• Sydney Aquarium (at Darling Harbour).
• Maritime Museum (at Darling Harbour).
• Powerhouse Museum (at Darling Harbour).
• The Australian Museum (in the City).
• Museum of Sydney (in the City).
• Museum of Contemporary Art (Circular Quay – the café is said to be pretty good).
• Bridgeclimb – 3½ hours, but worth it if the weather's good. Not energetic, nor difficult to anyone who has anything other than serious fears of heights. Best to book when you're there and you can gauge what the weather is likely to be. Most popular and expensive climbs are at twilight. Otherwise, a first timer should do a day climb to see where everything is, although night climbs are romantically spectacular. They have a new route which climbs the lower arch, but the standard route is still better for a newcomer.
• Sydney Tower – the tall building thing, also a very ish revolving restaurant.
• Paddy's Markets.
• Chinatown.
• Ferry to Manly.
• Manly – long beach on the ocean side, cafes etc. If you can get there, big park at North Head with good harbour and sea views, but is a long walk from Manly itself.
• Taronga Zoo – take the ferry from Circular Quay for this, too.
• Cruise on the harbour - lots of ways of doing this, standard tourist ones from Circular Quay; also a jetboat from there; but my favourite is on a genuine ex-Americas Cup yacht - a cruise ship is nothing like this!
• Watsons Bay – famous for Doyles, seafood restaurant, also good views. Also, go up to South Head (walking distance) from there, for views.
• Queen Victoria Building – possibly the most elegant shopping mall in the world.
• Bondi Beach – if you feel that you really have to do this. Quite close to Watsons Bay.
• Also, between Watsons Bay and the City, there are Double Bay (elegant, expensive shops) and Rose Bay (pretty waterfront).
• King's Cross at night (for the broad-minded).

Also, Sydney is one of the great eating cities of the world, so there's no shortage of good and/or exotic food.

Thank you so much everyone for the advise. Globaliser - WOW - what a great list! I'm printing it out and taking it with me. I think you guys are right to suggest staying in Sydney, there is alot to do. We will have all of the day the ship docks and all of the next day. The following day we need to leave for the airport about noon. So we have a decent amount of time. I just don't think I will be able to talk DH or my mom into doing the bridge climb! So we'll have to see Sydney from the ground. One more question - does anyone know when we should make a reservation for the restaurant in the tower that revolves? Is it OK to do it as soon as we get off the ship for the following night? Will that be early enough? Thanks again everyone.

Cheryl

We will be in Sydney in March at the end of our Sapphire cruise. I know there are so many things to see and do, so I need your opinions on taking 1 of our 2 days to see the Blue Mountains. I have seen several shows on the Travel Channel and it looks like a place that we would really like. We do alot of RVing and love the outdoors. So - should we take the time or should we stay in the Sydney area? Who knows if we will ever make it back to the area again. Thanks for any opinions on what would be our "must sees" for those 2 days.

 

Cheryl

Hi Cheryl,

If you like the outdoors, I wouldn't hesitate to see the Blue Mountains. Definately worth the visit if it's nice weather. It might be a bit much to see in such a short time frame, though still possible. There are day tours from the city that will pick you up and drop you off.

Terry

I would make the booking by email before you leave home. We always do this when we go to a city like Paris and want to have a meal in a special restaurant. We then know we have a firm booking.

Here is the link and you can take it from there:

http://www.sydneytowerrestaurant.com.au/

Jennie

I've only ever been to Sydney for a long weekend. Thursay - Monday morning. We were there in April and I took a punt and booked a blue mountain tour for the Sunday after picking up a flyer in the hotel lobby.The bus left at 8.00am, I am so pleased I booked it was breathtakingly beutiful on a bright sunny day.

blue mountains are not that impressive if you're from california. there is so much to see in sydney, don't waste your time.

Cherlynn--I was sorry to see you had to cancel your Mercury Aust/NZ cruise, but glad you didn't have to wait till next year.

Your question about the Blue Mts was timely because I have been toying with the thought of booking a trip with a recommended tour agency (whose name escapes me, but was mentioned on our roll call thread). It would be for Jan 20th, the day we board the ship. We wouldn't be driving ourselves. :eek:

Since the ship wouldn't be sailing until the next day and we would have most of the day before and most of the day after to see Sydney, I thought it would be doable and still hit the city highlights.

Any thoughts from the experts?

I remembered a thread a while back that talked about a trip to the Blue Mountains which included a stop at Featherdale Wildlife Park (where you can pat the kangaroos and koalas) and a cruise back up the Parramatta River.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?p=10375879#post10375879

I think if you can combine it with some other experiences it may make it worth while. Frankly, I don't think the Blue Mountains are that impressive. They're good if you're into bushwalking etc though.

Went to the library this morning and got me some tour books for Sydney. There is so much to see. It is the right decision to leave the Blue Mtns for our next (hopefully!) trip.

Kathie44 - we really lucked out and my DH's boss swore that he could get this time off and we're holding him to it;) ! I was so surprised to see that this Princess cruise still had some good cabins left. So now instead of celebrating our anniversary (Jan 22), I get to have my birthday (Mar 13) in New Zealand. Hey - if you gotta have another one!!! I hope your cruise group has lots of fun.

Cherlynn--I was sorry to see you had to cancel your Mercury Aust/NZ cruise, but glad you didn't have to wait till next year.

Your question about the Blue Mts was timely because I have been toying with the thought of booking a trip with a recommended tour agency (whose name escapes me, but was mentioned on our roll call thread). It would be for Jan 20th, the day we board the ship. We wouldn't be driving ourselves. :eek:

Since the ship wouldn't be sailing until the next day and we would have most of the day before and most of the day after to see Sydney, I thought it would be doable and still hit the city highlights.

Any thoughts from the experts?

Kathy I am rethinking going to Blue Mts also--we will arrive in Sydney Friday morning 8am-ish (18th)--we are hoping to be able to find & book the Blue Mts for Sat the 19th..sure hoping jet lag is ok--would hate to sleep the whole drive..then will spend part of Sunday (20th) at market right by the ship--then the aquarium--that may or may not be before after boarding the ship--I am thinking perhaps--board ship--then leave for market--if buy something-take it back on board--then go to aquarium..then on Monday will go to the Zoo--then come back & CRASH on the ship for sailaway.now here is the link of the one I think that comes back to Sydney via the river in a boat--more pics to take:

http://www.activitytours.com.au/ at this point I haven't made any for sure plans..will wait til Alaska is done & we are back for awhile to regroup.

Bet that new grandbaby is already getting big? Now IF we crash too bad I assume we will MISS the Zoo..am just hoping we don't..I'm usually just too hyper to sleep anyway. :D the Friday we arrive I am hoping to just wander around the Quay, & see where things are...and leave it up to Tom to remember where & what..;)

Oh & it does stop at Feather???something or other (maybe Featherdale??)--for a touch of the Koalas & feeding perhaps of a Roo..

No, not for a first-timer. You will miss more in Sydney by doing that than you will miss up in the Blue Mountains by not going.

 

The current edition (with help from other CC'ers!) of my suggested tips for Sydney, especially a newcomer, is:-

• The Rocks – historical area, plus some tourist shopping.
• Circular Quay – for views.
• Opera House – do a tour; the backstage tour is the most interesting, but is much less frequent and much more expensive than the standard tourist run. Go to a concert or a show if you can.
• Botanic Gardens and the Domain (parks).
• Darling Harbour – touristy things, including the casino at Star City if you're into that sort of thing.
• Sydney Aquarium (at Darling Harbour).
• Maritime Museum (at Darling Harbour).
• Powerhouse Museum (at Darling Harbour).
• The Australian Museum (in the City).
• Museum of Sydney (in the City).
• Museum of Contemporary Art (Circular Quay – the café is said to be pretty good).
• Bridgeclimb – 3½ hours, but worth it if the weather's good. Not energetic, nor difficult to anyone who has anything other than serious fears of heights. Best to book when you're there and you can gauge what the weather is likely to be. Most popular and expensive climbs are at twilight. Otherwise, a first timer should do a day climb to see where everything is, although night climbs are romantically spectacular. They have a new route which climbs the lower arch, but the standard route is still better for a newcomer.
• Sydney Tower – the tall building thing, also a very ish revolving restaurant.
• Paddy's Markets.
• Chinatown.
• Ferry to Manly.
• Manly – long beach on the ocean side, cafes etc. If you can get there, big park at North Head with good harbour and sea views, but is a long walk from Manly itself.
• Taronga Zoo – take the ferry from Circular Quay for this, too.
• Cruise on the harbour - lots of ways of doing this, standard tourist ones from Circular Quay; also a jetboat from there; but my favourite is on a genuine ex-Americas Cup yacht - a cruise ship is nothing like this!
• Watsons Bay – famous for Doyles, seafood restaurant, also good views. Also, go up to South Head (walking distance) from there, for views.
• Queen Victoria Building – possibly the most elegant shopping mall in the world.
• Bondi Beach – if you feel that you really have to do this. Quite close to Watsons Bay.
• Also, between Watsons Bay and the City, there are Double Bay (elegant, expensive shops) and Rose Bay (pretty waterfront).
• King's Cross at night (for the broad-minded).

Also, Sydney is one of the great eating cities of the world, so there's no shortage of good and/or exotic food.

WOW!!!! That is awesome.... thanks so much!

The blue mountains are AWESOME. Hit the train station, then take a bus. It does take up most of the day, but OMG, it is wonderful. Glad I did it.

They are only awesome if it is a very clear fine day. It is too far to risk that when you have limited time in Sydney. It can be clear and sunny in Sydney and misty and pouring with rain in Katoomba. Surely you have been to mountains and seen great views! I think our Grampians down here in Victoria are wonderful but I wouldn't be rushing off to visit them when there are so many other things to see in our city.

I would spend the time taking in the harbour, the Rocks area and perhaps going to the Zoo or to Manly. Do a bridge climb or walk the bridge, go to the AMP tower. I can think of so many things to do in a couple of days and if you have just arrived from the U.S. you will get tired and need to slow down a bit the first couple of days.

Look at Globiliser's fantastic list and pick out some of his suggestions. You cannot go wrong.

Jennie

I believe it really depends upon what sort of person you are...the ones that like the outdoors etc. will go for the Scenic tours...Great Ocean Rd, Blue Mts etc. To me big cities...are...big cities, avoid them here at home and the ones we've seen world wide (Athens, Rome, Cairo, Istanbul etc.) are all very much alike in their central city (well not so much in Cairo/Giza, not every city has Pyramids...old ones in their backyard) Give me the countryside, especially when it is different from ours here at home...mostly flat.

As to California Mts., they're nothing next to Montana & Colorado right???, but each have their attributes that attract. So look at it this way...if you're crazy about shopping ,museums, etc. The city sightseeing is for you, those RV or nature fans have their own ideas on what is special to see!!

Do the blue mountains -use activitytours.com - very reasonable and a small group.

Ron

To me big cities...are...big cities, avoid them here at home and the ones we've seen world wide (Athens, Rome, Cairo, Istanbul etc.) are all very much alike in their central city

I think the exact opposite. I can go bushwalking anywhere, so what is so special about coming to Sydney to do it. I think some big cities are alike but how many other cities have the Vatican, Colloseum, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Acropolis, Parthenon, Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge and all the beaches in Sydney

I actually don't see what the big deal is about the Blue Mountains - it could be just that I've seen them so many times. The Blue Mountains would be very low on my list of things to do in Sydney and only then if I was coming for at least a week.

Do the blue mountains -use activitytours.com - very reasonable and a small group.

 

Ron

We're using Anderson Tours...cost ends up about the same as Activity, as the 2 scenic railway rides and lunch at some country club is included, and not for Activity tours (additional $38.AU for them)

I'm not sure what their euphemism is for "country club" because we don't have those in Australia. So don't expect too much from that.

I'm not sure what their euphemism is for "country club" because we don't have those in Australia.

I'm not sure what their euphemism is for "country club" because we don't have those in Australia. So don't expect too much from that.

There's a couple of golf courses around Penrith that have "country club" in their name (eg Glenmore Country Club, Wallacia Golf & Country Club), so they're probably going to one of thoseon the way back from Katoomba and having bangers and mash at the bistro.

Cheers

Bob

There's a couple of golf courses around Penrith that have "country club" in their name (eg Glenmore Country Club, Wallacia Golf & Country Club), so they're probably going to one of thoseon the way back from Katoomba and having bangers and mash at the bistro.

WOW! They have either drastically upgraded these two golf courses...or just got new marketing consultants...since I regularly played these 2 courses in the early 90's. A luke warm pie or sausage roll was all you could get then...lol