A good question.
A local answer.

Start by asking how often you will visit your family and at what times. A place in Gladesville or nearby Ryde may be convenient, while a harbour-side base may add daily travel.

Start with a botanic garden for plant displays, then look for a nursery whose current stock suits your interests. A flower market may focus on cut flowers rather than plants to take home.

Confirm your cruise terminal and allow a generous buffer on embarkation day. Save a flexible harbour walk or museum for the final morning rather than a distant tour.

Newcastle is possible by rail but is a longer day. Save it for a day when the journey itself appeals, and keep your other days local and flexible.

Consider location and transport alongside the view. A good waterfront walk or ferry ride can deliver the panorama without committing your whole accommodation budget to it.

The train can take you to a city station, but check the final walk carefully. Streets in The Rocks climb, and a short map distance may be awkward with heavy cases.

For exercise, walk a familiar loop together in daylight first and see how the route feels after dark. A hotel gym or an early morning walk is a simple fallback when you are tired from the flight.

Plan the zoo as its own outing and use a ferry when the timetable suits you. Keep a supermarket and an easy dinner option near the room so your evenings stay flexible.

Arriving the day before gives you a buffer for flight delays and a little Sydney time. Plan one easy dinner near the hotel, then keep embarkation morning uncomplicated.

A central branch may save an airport transfer but can be awkward to leave during peak traffic. Map the first hour of driving as well as the pickup location.

Keep the receipt, taxi identification and trip details if the fare looks wrong. Compare the route and charged extras with the applicable fare information, then contact the operator or regulator through its current complaint channel.

Ask each shortlisted hotel whether its bar or lounge is open on your dates and whether the view is available without a particular room category. Opening days and access rules change.