Sydney and Wollongong - Advice please

Hi all

I'm a newbie to the forum but I thought it would be good to get my request for advice out of the way in my first post! Apologies for length but I've got a lot on....

I'm travelleing to see my Fiancee in Wollongong for the first 3 weeks in Septepmber (we're getting married in the UK in May 2010 but having a blessing in Wollongong in February before she moves back to the UK with me) and was after a bit of advice for where to go in Sydney as well as the Gong during the time we are there.

The first 2 weeks we're spending in Wollongong and the surrounding area and I was after some places to visit or suggest we visit. She's going to be working quite I bit while I'm there so some suggestions of where is good to visit for a solo traveller that I can get to and back in a day (by car) would be much appreciated.

As for the final week, we're planning on booking into the Menzies Hotel in Sydney - has anyone stayed there who can give me a bit of independent feedback. We're hoping for a really romantic week in the city as we're then going to be apart for another 2 months - want to make the most of it!

We're also looking at the Roar And Snore at Taronga Zoo for one night - once again has anyone done this and is it as good as it seems on paper?

Finally - has anyone got any suggestions of things to do in a romantic vein for two star crossed lovers in Sydney. Budget not an issue.....

I know this is really open ended but I'm really just after some ideas that a native Aussie might not think of doing!

Many thanks

The best day trips ex Wollongong are Jervis Bay, Kiama Blowhole, up the mountains to the lovely southern highlands, perhap syou should take her there for the weekend and stay in a cosy B&B in Berrimar or Bundanoon

Sydney suggest take a look at Cambridge Hotel just out of city centre and a bit quieter than Menzies. Menzies needs a refurbish but good if you want downtown.

Roar and snore is great.
Sea plane ride over Sydney Harbour is divine

Dinner at Ravisis at Bondi Beach or at Iceburgs Rest is special

check out a show or concert at Sydney Opera HOuse that ia always romantic and Arias is a very very special place to eat just near Opera House\\Enjoy

I would add a few things too.... I love walking so would suggest walk in the Minnamurra rainforest up to the waterfall and afterwards have a lunch in a little towns Berry or Jamberoo, easy drive from Wollongong. Also go for a drive in Kangaroo Valley, beautiful scenery and plenty of lovely B&B's if you want to stay over night when your fiance is not working.

Sydney: another great walk is Spit to Manly, you can google it easily. Have a lunch or dinner in Manly and catch a ferry back. One of the best harbour views in the world. I would also recommend a trip to Hunter Valley wineries. You can get an organised tour easily or do it yourself, again tons of lovely get aways there romantic log cabins etc.
Another day trip would be Blue mountains definately worth a visit, then lunch in town called Leura or Katoomba. (I love good food
All girls love shopping so visit markets in Paddington on Saturday. There is also lovely galleries along Oxford Street.

Enjoy

[ Edit: Edited on 16-Jul-2009, at 22:47 by hmclehto ]