Not sure where you are when you say Sydney North?
I saw James (jim) ferry who is based in Manly for my second. He pretty much costs all your baby bonus ($3K) at the time but he does structure his fees so you don't have to pay it until you have it so the cash flow doesn't hurt as much.

Mater Hospital were great for the actual birth, but their after care was not awesome - given that they were going to send me home without my baby. Dr Ferry stepped in with a social worker and said "what a dumb idea - do you WANT her to have PND?? " so I stayed until we both went home after 6 days. Other than that(!) there are some fantastic midwives there.

My friend can't speak highly enough of the SAN (she's a nurse there) and others have raved re. RNS Private. have heard 50/50 views re. RNS Public.

Public hospitalwise - I really liked Mona Vale hospital for my first 6 years ago. Basically i went as a private patient in public hospital (regarding the room) so I was allowed to stay for as long as I damn well want. (7 days)

I totally recommend Rebeka Fisher who is A doula in DY - awesome!!
Also there is a very cool birthing centre like the BB Melbourne one in Harbord which I think is amazing - I want to have a baby just so I can go there!!

I really can't recommend having a doula enough. In fact if I had to choose betwee an ob. and a doula due to costs I would move heaven and earth to have a doula! They can make all the difference in public or private, IMHO.