Woo hoo heading to Sydney for the weekend - what to do??

[Archduke]

Hi all - asking for advice here, kids, dh and I are heading to Sydney for the weekend in Feb, we have a wedding on Sun night, but will be free for most of the day on Sunday and Monday - Do you have any recommendations for ace things to do with the kids?

We live in the sticks in South Australia so we are TOTAL country bumpkins so anything will be brilliant, but am thinking of Manly or Watsons Bay ferry ride (lunch at Doyles ) maybe the Aquarium?? But really happy to take suggestions.

Oh, kids are both girls and aged 9 and 7.

I think we'll be staying in Newtown with friends or possibly in swanky central apartment if DH can swing it with his work to fund accommodation. But wherever will be reasonably central.

Thanks.

The Powerhouse museum. If you catch the ferry to Darling Harbour you can do that and the aquarium easily.

The zoo is fabulous - great ferry ride to get there, cable car from ferry to the zoo entrance then walk downhill back to ferry through the zoo with breathtaking harbour views. The aquarium at Darling Harbour is also great.

Not sure if appropriate for ages/type of activity but Sydney bridge climb (saw loads of kids on it - it's a walk up steps and back down rather than a climb), manly ferry like you mentioned, opera house - sorry, don't live there, just mentioning a few things did there during a 2 day visit few years back. Hope you have fun

Thanks so much, the zoo sounds ace, and will look up the Powerhouse museum, I've never heard of it (see, bumpkin).

UmmAbdillah, the thought of the Bridge climb makes me want to howl. The kids and dh would love it though.

The ferry to Taronga zoo is a must do. There is very little shade at the zoo though, so bear that in mind if it's a hot day.

The botanic gardens are nice for a wander, followed by (overpriced) lunch at circular quay

The aquarium is good.

There was a circus exhibition on at the Powerhouse museum - it was on when I was in Sydney at the start of the month but not sure when it ran until.

I think the maritime museum is good but I like boats and subs

Oh, and there was a Lynley Dodd (the Hairy Mclairy lady...can't remember if I've got the right name) exhibit at the library but not sure when it finishes. Not sure if 7 and 9 year olds are into that - I do, and my toddler likes her toy Hairy

There's an IMAX cinema at Darling Harbour, too.

Taronga Zoo is fantastic. There's also Luna Park which is a ferry stop between Circular Quay (opera house, botanical gardens) and Darling Harbour (aquarium, Tumbalong Park, Imax, loads of places to eat).

Bondi beach to just say you have been ?? my kids love Bondi rescue and think it's great "spotting" the guards.

Fab ideas, thanks all.

Scotinoz, kids are now a bit too old for Hairy Mclairy but would enjoy the circus exhibition. NB we loved Hairy Mclairy when the kids were small.

Chloe our friends who are getting married live in Bondi so will deff head for the beach to go lifeguard spotting. Something nice for mummy the kids.

Come to Manly for the day, it's fabulous!

Instead of the bridge climb, climb the tower/pylon that is closest to circular quay. Costs $11, not so high but still amazing views and there's the history of the bridge being built.
Also, the pub next to Doyle's does really good fish and chips, is more kid friendly and half the price if that's an issue.
Finally, do the Bondi to Bronte coastal walk. There's the toy train down at Bronte for the kids and it's brilliant.
Have fun!