NM, thanks for the great info

The trip dates are 8/30 - 9/15, so we are looking forward to our stay in the tropical north (as we want to do some snorkeling and rain-forest excursions).

The basic trip plan is:

MEL 3 nights @ Westin or Sheraton Southgate (not sure which yet, any suggestions?)

CNS 4 nights @ Hilton

SYD 5(4) nights @ 4 Points

BNE 2(3) nights @ Conrad

NM...I noticed you are from BNE, could you please help resolve one of our last issues?

We added BNE as a bonus to an otherwise great trip. However, we do not know much about the city/area and were wondering should we be there for 2 or 3 nights? Is the extra night in BNE worth reducing Sydney to 4 nights? Neither of us have been to Australia before.

For anyone wishing to respond...

Aside from the obvious touristy stuff, are there any really unique experiences not to be missed in the cities we will be traveling to?

Thanks,
Gene