Going to Sydney for 3 months very soon - any insider tips?

[Kitschenette]

We're doing a house swap with friends in Sydney (Seaforth, Northern Beaches area) for 3 months, just about to book flights for the start of April.

The last time we went was about 20 years ago so we would love some more recent tips on things to do /see (other than the obvious touristy stuff)  The friends we're swapping with will be giving us loads of tips anyway but it's always good to get other people's suggestions.

We're artists/ designers so would be interested in suggestions of any lesser known contemporary art galleries or events etc. We're planning to paint whilst there. Wondering if art supplies are likely to be more expensive here or there? What about getting a cheap phone for a local sim card - any idea if it's better to get the cheapest phone we can here or in Sydney?

Also any suggestions of off the beaten track places to visit would be great.

We'll have access to a car and are up for long distance travel by road too.

All tips / suggestions welcome, thanks.

[Kipper_1972]

Only been for a 3 week holiday. Scan the AirBnB "experiences" these can be people on their own sharing their hobby. We did sailing in Sydney harbour, motorboating, and a "speakeasy" pub crawl which was a laugh, we all got trashed and went clubbing. The drive up the east coast to Brisbane isn't scenic, you're just starting at motorway fencing all the way. Fenced roads are for night driving. People don't drive unfenced roads in the countryside at night unless they have "roo bars"