There's lots to do and see in Sydney.
Take a harbour tour. I suggest Water Taxi. It's not the flashiest company but I thought it was way more fun. They have a small boat with only a few people and it goes a lot faster than the cruise ships (but stops for photo opportunities).
I did the double-decker tour bus one day and it was lots of fun. In the morning we took the loop up to Bondi Beach and went for a nice hike along the water. In the afternoon we cruised the city, making a few stops to wander areas like The Rock, and the Harbour Bridge.
I never made it to the zoo but I hear it's fabulous.
I also saw a show at the Opera House, you should have a look at what's playing.
While in Sydney you should definitely take a trip to the Blue Mountains, which are gorgeous. You can join a day tour or take the train out and spend a couple of days exploring yourself.
Canberra I thought was a really pretty city. I went to visit Old and New Parliament which are both great buildings.
Instead of spending so long in the Gold Coast (never went but I hear it's not that exciting) you should head to another area. You could head south to Melbourne and Victoria. The Great Ocean road, which is just west of Melbourne, is stunning. If you keep going west, you get to Adelaide which is also really pretty.
Farther North in Queensland is also really nice. I went up to Cairns and saw the rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef which are both amazing.
After living in Perth for a year I have to say the West Coast is the Best Coast. However I don't know if you'll be able to make it out there in such a short trip. If you feel like going further, Broome (Northwestern corner) is quite possibly the most beautiful place in the entire world.
You can also visit the Northern Territory on the way. Uluru/Ayers Rock is fabulous, as is King's Canyon, both in the centre of the country, near Alice Springs. Up near Darwin Kakadu and Katherine Gorge are great.
Oh boy I could go on forever. I hope this info helps!
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