Expert: Frank Denison - 7/9/2009

Question
Hi, Frank,
we will be visiting Australia for two weeks at the end of the month.  But, we haven't planned anything yet. Please help!
This "we" includes myself, my two sisters,(40 something) my son(14), my daughter(12), and my niece. (15).
(All the men decided to stay home-California to work so we are stucked with the kids.  0)
Anyhow, this is our itinerary, does that sound good to you?
(I just grabbed what's available with our timeshare):
7 days in Sydney, 2 days Flynn Beach, 4 days Gold Beach. Then back to Sydney.
We all like nature. The kids enjoy anything, but the adults also want time relaxation.
What can we do in Sydney that both age group would be happy?
Is August cold?   
Since there are six of us, do we need to rent a van in Sydney?
Or should we join a escorted land tour?
(I am a seasoned traveler, but "dragging" all these people without my husband and driving on the "wrong" side of the road, I am a little "frightened" 0)
Are the beach places I mentioned earlier nice or there are better beaches in the area.
Please give me all the advice/help you can.  
THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!
Thank you so much!!

Answer
G'day Sharon,
            Sorry I took so long to reply, lots happening here at the moment.             

You have set yourself a challenge with 6 people, but I know it will still be fun.

The 7 days in Sydney will be fine. Sydney is a busy place, with lots to do. I would suggest -
Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge, visit the Opera House, spend some time in "The Rocks". Head to Darling Harbour, Manly Harbour, Taronga Park Zoo, etc etc. Darling Harbour has great bars and restaurants, plus a science centre (kids will enjoy) and Powerhouse museum. You can do a loop of the city on the momorail, and get on and off as many times as you like if you buy a "Daily" ticket. I am not sure if there is a weekly option for the monorail, but buy that if it is possible. A cruise or a jetboat on Sydney Harbour is also ideal for all ages. Link for cruises _
http://www.aussie-info.com/places/nsw/sydney/harbour.php

Link for info on Sydney http://www.visitnsw.com/  & http://www.visitnsw.com/Sydney_for_Kids_p685.aspx

Flynn Beach is in Port Mcquarie, which is about 400 km from Sydney, and about 4 to 5 hours drive. Port Mcquarie is a beautiful spot but places like Gosford, Hawkesbury or Terrigal are just as beautiful, and about 2 hours from Sydney. Terrigal in particular has fantastic beaches. I would choose Terrigal before Port McQuarie.
Links to Terrigal http://www.visitnsw.com/town/Terrigal.aspx
http://www.tripadvisor.com/AllReviews-g529029-Terrigal_New_South_Wales.html

Near Gosford is a place called New Dimension Holographics,
2 Carnarvon Road
WEST GOSFORD
We took our kids there a few years back and it was very interesting.

There are a few Gold beaches, so I am not sure which one you meant, so I can't comment.

The decision to drive is a tough one. I understand totally when you say driving on the "wrong" side of the road, frightens you. I do not like "organised " tours, but it may be the option you prefer. I would think about getting a bus to Terrigal, base your self there. You could hire a van there, and most places are within 15 mins, which would make your driving experience, less intimidating.

If you decide to hire a people mover in Sydney, get a GPS included. This will take a lot of pressure off. If you take a wrong turn, it will get you back on track in minutes. Sydney is a very busy place, and I always use a GPS whenvisiting there. We hired a Toyota Tarago with a group of friends, and the 6 of us fitted ok. If you do drive, take your time, and get one of your sisters to have a map as a back up.

Link for accomodation is www.wotif.com to anywhere in Australia. They have daily specials on a menu down the right hand side.

August is in our Winter, so at times, it will be cold.

I would love your stay to be memorable, so if I can help in any other way, just contact me again.

Regards
Frank