As my hometown I maybe biased but I think Sydney is the best city in Australia.
Things in Sydney & surrounds you might be interested in; (I know you are not keen on cities but you will probably be in Sydney at some point whatever you do)
Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge spectacular views and a feat worth doing.
Take a trip on a Manly Ferry from Circular Quay to Manly Wharf - Visit North Head while there.
Darling Harbour (touristy)
Chinatown (touristy)
Pubs in Balmain for dinner or lunch
Dinner at Centre point tower.
Botanical gardens.
Taronga Park Zoo
Bush walking in the Blue Mountains.
After bush walking stay a night in the Hydro Majestic Hotel.
Outside Sydney but still inside NSW;
Hunter valley wineries.
Historic towns throughout the State http://www.visitnsw.com/zone/Heart_of_Country.aspx
North Coast attractions like Byron Bay ~ Mount Warning & surrounds
In Queensland;
The Daintree rain forest west of Cains
Any number of coastal towns to access the Great Barrier Reef. (lots of snorkelling and shallow diving)
Whitsunday Islands
Brisbane & Gold Coast if you want razzle dazzle.
Fraser Island for four-wheel driving and camping.
To be honest I really dont know what to advise because 2 weeks, especially talking in some of NZ, is not a long time.
Tasmania may well be right up your ally for wilderness and quaint small towns. (If you are interested I am sure John C Aussie can point you in the right direction just let me know and I will ask him)
Victoria ~ I am not the person to advise about VIC but Melbourne is a wonderful city.
South Australia is a part modern and part historical city. The Barossa Valley is full of wineries and B&Bs.
Western Australia - wow there is a lot of it and everything is a long way from anything else. The whole coastline is spectacular and rugged. Lots of huge mining operations scattered throughout the place.
Northern Territory ~ Uluru is worth seeing and climbing (distance & time might beat you) The Katherine Gorge is worth seeing and taking a day trip down as is anywhere up in Kakadu National Park but again time and distance are against you.
It will be warm in most parts of Australia in October/November (especially up north)
Well I dont know if there is any help in the above. These days for holidays I go to the Great Barrier Reef or some swank resort with the kids or just anywhere there is a beach. (too far for you guys to come to Aussie to stay in a resort I do it corse they are close to home, easy & the kids love it)
If there is anything you want to run by me just drop me a email.
Good luck!!!
Smile
Sox
