[marcshoe]

I didn't vacation there, but I did live in Sydney (Dee Why, in the northern beaches area) for a while.

My biggest recommendation would be to do all possible research on how to beat jet lag before you go. I didn't know where I was the first week I was there. It was a surrealistic, dreamy, experience.

I would definitely recommend a harbour cruise. Beyond that, it's been too many years. Great beaches, though Bondi tends to be a bit crowded. October's not a bad time to go, though. Summer hasn't set in yet, so the beaches aren't as packed. Good grief, I went to the beach in June, in the heart of winter, and the water was still warm.

Melbourne has a nice feel to it, but the weather's always gloomy.

I pretty much went native when I was there, so I'm not sure about touristy type things, off the top of my head.

Oh, and beware the Vegemite.

Ah, it's been too many years.