Looks like AUSLUG 2011 is a great success, and they're scheduling something for 2012! Wish I could be there.
For those of you who scheduled a few days after the event to look around - here are some tips (I used to live there):
Get out of Sydney! Yes, Sydney is beautiful, but you won't learn how amazing and unique Australia is if you stay there. Rent a car and drive to Jervis Bay, 3 hours south of Sydney. Nice drive too, and very un-crowded. The few times I've visited there are usually only 5-6 people on the beach at any time. Here are some videos I shot in 2009, and some others. Beautiful. Lots of parrots and wallabies, and if you route though Kangaroo Valley, Kangaroos. If you do this, Fitzroy Falls is not too be missed.
If you don't want to drive, the blue Mountains are touristy but easier to reach via organized tours, and by train from Sydney (Katoomba)
Not-to-miss Sydney:
-Pubs and great Restaurants in the Rocks and a do-it-yourself Steak at Phillips Foote
-Wander Darling harbour
-Ferry to Taronga Bay Zoo
-Start at the Opera House and walk the whole park downtown, stop and have a Lamb Shank at the Woolloomooloo Bay Hotel or a Tiger Pie at Harry's Cafe De Wheels. Here's a map and itinerary by National Geographic
-Take the train to Bondi and do the Bondi to Coogee Walk posted here: Taxi back....
-You can walk the Sydney Harbour Bridge for free, you don't have to climb it for $200, then and then take one of the ferries from the other side back to Circular Quay.
-Visit Manly Beach too if time, beautiful little place, great beaches.
Happy Trails!
I'm typing this from Jervis Bay at the moment and it is exactly as you describe. Off on a snorkeling trip tomorrow to check out a few underwater attractions.
Shame you couldn't make it to Oz for this one mate. Next time!
Posted by: Daniel in Canberra | October 07, 2011 at 11:02 PM
Great to hear! It's a really special place. Hey when are we going to see you guys again?
Posted by: Brian Benz | October 11, 2011 at 07:45 PM