Places to see & dine in Sydney

[Raupe]

So we're going to Sydney! Yay! We're staying near Hyde Park. Have you got any suggestions on what to do/see in Sydney? What are some great restaurants/cafes?
TIA

[peanutter]

The Chinese Gardens are far and away my favourite spot in Sydney.

If you're going out into the suburbs Wooloongong is nice and there's nice hills and beaches.

Not sure about restaurants. I've been to some nice ones, but nothing stellar - I've only really been where I've been taken

The Wharf on the pier was nice ... that's the only specific one I can think of.

[little_O]

So exciting!!

I love Sydney!!

Darling Harbour is beautiful, and there are plenty of restaurants there to try out. There is also the IMAX, Aquarium and the Wildlife Zoo (next door to the aquarium) there as well.

I think its worthwhile getting day passes for trains and ferries because then you can do so much in a day. Take the Ferry to Manly, which is a great beach spot and has lots of shops there and i think it has something a bit like magic mountain (if you remember that ) there too if you have kids with you.

Visit Wastons Bay via Ferry from Circular Quay. You can either eat at Doyles restaurant there (bit more exxy) or they have a take away section there too now. BEST fish and chips....think of having the options of salmon, tuna, shellfish etc as well.

Visit the markets at The Rocks ( if you are looking out over Circular Quay, Opera house is on the right, Rocks are on the left). They are artsy and cool. While you are over that side, check out The Argyle, which is a really nice pub. To eat i really recommend The Vintage Cafe, which is an awesome portugese restuarant and generally has a spanish/portugese guitarist/band playing. Paella is amazing.

If you feel like going to the Zoo you can also catch the Ferry out there. I ahvent been there for years but its pretty good, especially in comparison to ours

If i think of more i shall let you know

[Raupe]

Thanks for your input! Will let you know what i've seen!

[NicNac]

If you love Thai food and can handle really hot stuff that is so delicious I have eaten it crying (some of it is really hot), then try Spice I Am- easy walk from where you are if you are around Hyde Park. You can't book, but just go and put your name down, they tell you how long and you can go to the pub nearby OR
If you like dumplings, try Din Tai Fung in World Square- walkable from Hyde park and same no booking deal as above..... So, so yummy AND
Yum Cha at the Marigold or East Ocean in Chinatown.
Enjoy!

[surprised]

Can you give us some more info? How long will you be here, do you have kids with you, do you like the exxy restaurants or budget, are there any bits you've seen before and what time of year will you be there?

Are you there on a Sunday?

[Raupe]

Hey surprised, the trip is almost over we're flying home tomorrow. No kids, but on a budget.

Thanks for everyone's input!