bundy

ummm... there's more than 30 amazing beaches in Sydney. about 10 of which i'd recommend to a tourist. i think you're talking about Manly, which is one of the two BIG tourist spots (the other being Bondi). if you want a seriously busy beach full of bronzed bodies and heaps of tourists, then go to Bondi and Manly (and remember to swim between the flags, doesn't matter if you're a strong swimmer of not, you have to swim between the red and yellow flags)... but if you want a stunning beach with a few less people, then head to the northern beaches (i recommend Whale and Palm)... these are harder to get to, but they are definitely better... don't bother with the beaches south of Coogee since they aren't as pretty. i'd check out Freshwater beach as well if you are so inclined... Freshy is good.

since you're arriving on New Years Day, don't expect too much to be happening on that day. and expect the city (especially Circular Quay and the Rocks) to be FUCKING messy... big party the night before (unless it rains)... lots of rubbish. i used to work in a bar on circular quay... and the morning after the 2000 NYE party, honestly, you had to wade through the rubbish.

but don't let this put you off... in fact, if i were you, i'd try to get my trip started a wee bit earlier so that i could catch the NYE in Sydney.... we have easily the best fireworks displays (although Paris is pretty good) in the world.

Malificent is right about the Blue Mountains. you should have a day trip up there during your stay in Sydney, even if its just to escape a bit of the heat. Three Sisters, Megalong Valley... maybe even try a short day hike around the area (theres a number of them, all available at the info area). Malificent is also right about the Taronga Zoo, even if you're not too keen on animals... it still has AMAZING views and you should get the ferry there from the Quay so you get to get out on the harbour. you should catch the Free Flight Bird Shows at the zoo... they are prob the best bit.

What else would i recommend... yeah, Bridge Climb is supposed to be brilliant... but i've lived here all my life, and i've never done it... so take other peoples advice there. the Pub scene is pretty good (esp in the Rocks) check out the Australian, Lord Nelson and Harbour View for good old (but in some cases done up) pubs. if you want a bit of action (fights or picking up pommy backpackers) head for the Orient, where any night is fight night. another great place to drink (even if its a bit out of the way) is the Watsons Bay Hotel... once again, great harbour views.

Sydney has the worlds second most varied fish markets (after Tsukiji in Tokyo)... so you HAVE to get into the seafood. if you're keen enough, you can even make the trip into the markets (just down at Wattle Bay, near Glebe and Pyrmont) in the small hours of the morning to get the best deals on the fresh catches...

as for the rest of the country. yes, i'd say you should get to Alice Springs and the Northern Territory. Don't bother with going to Queensland... it'll be VERY crowded, and you can't swim in the summer months anyway due to sea wasps... and the weather isn't the best. you should look into seeing Uluru (near Alice) and Kakadu National Park (up north) as well. Katherine Gorge is spectacular. i've not heard of the overnight train to Alice Springs... but thats not to say it doesn't exist... i've just never heard of it. is it the Ghan? does that go to Alice Springs? if i were you i'd check out the seasons for the NT (ie, wet or dry) and make your decision based on that, because its extreme.

oh, just had a thought... you should check out Byron Bay (i'm going to get beaten for telling tourists to go there by other aussies, but hey, its already been infected with tourists so hey)... its on the far north coast of NSW (the most eastern point of mainland Australia). its truly beautiful. and if you enjoy a little trip into the green, then check out good old Nimbin (its a hippie paradise)... you might even catch the Green Olympics.

Tasmania is a stunning place. its a slow paced, pretty island full of heritage houses, old people, incredible scenery and untouched wilderness (and i mean UNTOUCHED - the Southwest hasn't been tainted by humans... and it shows... its a special place... but not for long now that the old growth forests are under threat from logging). if you do decide to check out Tassie... then Hobart, Cradle Mountain, Lake St Clair, Strachan and Freycinet Penn. are definite musts.

whatever you choose. have a good time. Australia is relaxed and friendly.

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Ohayo!!!