Stayed in Sydney for 6 days before and 3 days after the cruise. Lots to do. Stayed at the InterContiental Sydney. Excellent location and within walking distance to just about everything. 5 minute walk to ship dock. Must things to do within 10 to 15 minute walking distance: The Rocks area for food and quaint old town look. Try El Camino Mexican restaurant in the rocks. Monday through Friday, 5:00 to 7:00 is happy hour for Margarita's at $7.50AUD frozen or on the rocks. Food is good and not expensive. Night time can get busy so reservation is recommended. Darling Harbor for restaurants and attractions. (Try Kangaroo at Baio Restaurant). Botanical gardens which is a large and a great place for a day stroll. The opera house (don't think inside tour is worth price). The bridge (you can walk across for free. Climb is $140AUD and you can't take your camera).

Ferry boat (fast ferry $18AUD each) to Manly Beach where there is a whole host of things to do. Surf is rough but no jelly fish.

Take bus to Cogee beach and back from Bondi ($2.50 each way per person on OPAL card). Cogee beach to Bondi beach walk. About 6 miles of up and down terrain that is paved. Lots of people walking. Very safe with plenty of toilets and water along the way. Pass through or stop at 6 beaches and over majestic high sea cliffs. Each beach has its own unique features. Takes about 2-1/2 hours with photo stops. Get an OPAL card for $10 minimum to use buses and ferries. You can add to card at any time. We got $20 and didn't use half of it.

Take ferry to Watsons Bay and go to Doyles if you like sea food. There is a large outdoor bar lounge. You eat take out which is cheaper. The restaurant was great at night. They open at 6:00 for dinner. All sea food is fresh and from Australia. Fried shrimp were the best I've ever eaten with light breading and butterflied. Meal with bottle of wine will cost about $175AUD on a weekend. (Most restaurants add 10% for overtime to staff on weekends. There is no tipping for anything in Australia). Small beach and a few other bars in area. Swimming area with dock for jumping within shark net protected area.

We took a tour on Gray Line to the Blue Mountains. Full day tour costs $398AUD per couple. Pick up at centrally located hotels at 7:15 AM. About 1-1/2 hours to Blue mountains. Stopped in mountain town for coffee and any other needs. Went to Scenic World for Skyway Tram with glass floor about 270 meters above Jamison Valley and Katoomba falls. While there you can descend to the valley floor via the Scenic railway, walk the rainforest valley floor with many points of interest and take Cableway back up to top. At the top you can view famous three sisters rock formation. You have lunch vouchers to be used here that will get you lunch and drink, including beer or wine. Tour includes all fees at Scenic World. There are 3 other stops on the way back. Small town, famous for of all things, its public toilets. The aborigine center includes a show about the people and closer view of three sisters rock formation. The Featherdale Wildlife park which is a small zoo that is a nice size to see animals. Bus drops you off near the head of the Parramatta River which flows into Sydney Harbor. It's about a 3/4 hour boat ride with a drink included back to Central Quay. Great tour which is highly recommended.

Must stop for souvenirs is Paddy's Markets. Its an added 15 minute walk from Darling Harbour. 50 - 75 small shops, like many tent shopping areas found in most tourist places. These shops are indoors below a large mall. They every type of souvenir and many other items at great prices. You can barter a bit.

40 minute ferry boat to which departs near ship docking area to Waiheke Island. Half day tour. Fabulous tour to 3 wineries with breath taking views. Stony Ridge, Cable bay and Batch Winery were visited. At least 6 wines tasted at each winery. Snacks were served at the second winery.

Nice city to walk around. Lot's of shops and restaurants.

Average big city. Wellington Museum was a nice stop.

Tender wasn't too bad but wait on ship was long. Tiny little port town. Bully Hayes restaurant was very good. Huge green lipped mussels were excellent.