Still don't have my arrival date in NSW confirmed (waiting on bid for the training week to be confirmed - meetings the week after have been confirmed though). But will be there for the Saturday Night at least.
Can't buy the Western Sydney tickets till the 3rd March so no rush.
The train ride up is pretty spectacular to Newcastle. Under-rated city.
Thursday advice - Walking in Sydney, The Rocks (oldest colonial area which is pretty much in tact), Darling Harbour, Chinatown, Botanic Gardens, Ferry to Manly, Walk across the Harbour Bridge, relax with a coffee, Shops are on George street. I'd just take it all in...Have been to Sydney 9-10 times now and its still brilliant to just sit by the harbour for a few hours. If your keen on museums let us know, been to most of them in Sydney. Shopping is not my forte though...