I am coming to Australia with my daughter and seek advice

Bruce

In 1989 I went to Australia and New Zealand for a month and it was the best trip of my life! I stayed a week each in Sydney, Melbourne, the Great Barrier Reef and New Zealand.

I told my youngest daughter about it when she was young, and she asked if we could go together, and I offered to do so as a college graduation present. 

I thought she would forget about it, but she never did. Now she has graduated college, and will be a 5th grade teacher starting in a couple of weeks.

I always keep my word, so we arrive on November 20th and leave the 28th.

My questions for you guys:
1) The plane lands in Sydney and takes off from there. Given we are there 8 days, does it make sense to try to go somewhere else for part of that time, and if so, where would be the best?

2) What places, events or day tours would you guys think a 21 year old young lady would most enjoy?

3) Any tips on things to do or not do (mistakes tourists make)?

4) Would it make sense to pick a day and a restaurant and offer everyone to meet up there?

Anything else?

Thanks much in advance, for any help!

Bruce

Rick

Welcome back to Australia.
Eight days is a while in Sydney. I'd suggest trying the Blue Mountains.
Are you coming to Victoria?
The Great Ocean Road is spectacular, and I live at the end of it. We also have a state park nearby with emus, koalas etc roaming around.
We've even got good pizza!

Bruce

Thanks so much Rick! So far we have NOTHING planned besides the plane tickets, so I am open to anything. I just want my daughter to have a memorable time.

What is the best way to Victoria from Sydney? That could really work as maybe the middle 4 days of the trip.

Rick

A flight from Sydney to Melbourne only takes an hour (though probably three-four with getting to and from the airport).
Both cities are worth visiting.
The Great Ocean Road requires a full day of driving (assuming you are able to drive on the `wrong' side of the road) and you could stay overnight at the end of the road (i.e. Warrnambool and take the more direct 3.5-hour return trip the next day.

HONDO

A good time of the year to come here. A lot of interesting things to consider doing in Sydney and in the surrounding areas as I have listed below.

Sydney Taronga Park zoo.
Climb the Sydney Harbour bridge.
Sydney Opera House.
Powerhouse Museum.
Great eating venues.
The historic Rocks area.
Great shopping venues for your daughter.

Visit the beautiful central coast.(day trip)

Visit the Blue Mountains area (day trip) which is a favourite of mine for the following reasons-

Scenic World railway and cable car rides in Katoomba. 
3 sisters in Katoomba.
Various look outs with spectacular views particularly in Blackheath. 
Loads of valley walks.
Lithgow Zig Zag railway.
Glow worm tunnel ln the Wollemi national park which is close to Lithgow.
Luera village which in next to Katoomba
Laurel And Hardy statue in Katoomba's Carrington hotel (for Bruce).
Victory Theatre (old cinema) antique centre in Blackheath (for Bruce).
Historic Hydro Majestic hotel in Medlow Bath. 
The Norman Lindsay Gallery and Museum in Faulconbridfe in the lower Blue Mountains.
Blue Mountains Chocolate Company in Katoomba,(near 3 sisters). Has best ever hot chocolate and hand made chocolates.  

Rick

I haven't been to Sydney since 2000. Might be time to return.

Wil

Personally I'd skip Australia Bruce and come straight to Queenstown.

Surely the thousands of Aussies invading our town this week can't all just be here for the snow!