Free Day in Sydney

Gary K.

We are on the Australian journey in April, and would enjoy hearing from past travelers your recommendations on sights you enjoyed visiting during you free time in Sydney that were not covered with Tauck. Also, would love to hear about any great restaurants that you experienced and recommend (that would apply to Melbourne also!) Many thanks.

mazalea

Regarding Melbourne … Tauck does not include a visit to see the Little Penguins at Phillip Island, but we cannot say enough about that highlight of our entire trip. Our friends told us to do this and they were right. We booked with the Little Penguin Bus to maximize time in Melbourne (did not want chocolate factory visit offered by most other tour lines as part of the experience) and on the Island, as they stay later that other tour buses. If you go, sign up to be with an outdoor Ranger (Rachel was with us);you will have binoculars, expert information, and can sit up front on the sand to see the Little Penguins come in from their 2-3 day feasting at sea. Truly magical. We arrived a day early so were able to make this happen. Be sure to take a cruise on the Yarra River with great views of the stunning architecture.

Several folks on our tour climbed the Sydney Harbor Bridge and said it was fantastic experience. They felt very safe, yet adventurous. You can book in advance. Tauck leaves the museums to you, so think about that; they are wonderful here. Also be sure to book theater/symphony at the Opera House.

rogfam

We spend the day at Manly Beach. It's a beautiful 40 min ferry ride from where you will be staying in Sydney. When you arrive you will find a beautiful, upscale beach community with countless shops, restaurants, and one great beach (bring your surf board!) Enjoy!!

rbckim1

We visited the Convicts Barrack in Sydney. The World Heritage listed Hyde Park Barracks is one of the most significant convict sites in the world. A crossroads for tens of thousands of people, it played a central role in the world’s largest and longest-running system of convict transportation. Also, don't miss the Immigration Museum in Melbourne as well as the Botanical Gardens in both cities. We also went to Phillips Island to see the Penguins. We didn't book ahead of time so the Ranger tour was sold out. We booked with Gray Line tours and were able to get platform seating. I don't recommend Gray Line tours though.

HML

Hi Gary K,

Although we did not go with Tauck, we have been to Sydney.
I have not looked at Tauck's Australia itinerary so hopefully my suggestions are not already included.
I would recommend exploring/browsing around the area called The Rocks, as well as Bondi Beach and/or Manly Beach (as someone else already mentioned).
I would also highly recommend going out to see the Blue Mountains.

Enjoy Australia!
Hopefully we'll go again some day!

HML

Richardb

We too took the ferry across to Manly. That is a delightful suburb with places to walk and see in addition to the super beach. The ferry trip is good too.
Richard

MarketArt

Well, if you can catch one of Sydney's organic markets, you are in for a treat. I believe there are more offerings than when I was last there in 2006. It was a highlight of my visit. Also, the Botanical Gardens, if not on your tour already.