Hi there, nice to finally meet someone from Sydney. It is a 8000 size reel but 6000 will be enough and you can even go lighter if you are confidence. In terms of where you should be going will be depending on a few things. Are you going on boat or land based? What sort of fish you wants to target?
Go to Wally's wharf which is at the end of Port Hacking Road. I would be very surprised if you don't catch anythings. It is generally a safe area to fish with your friends. The blue circle is only fishable at night for squids as during day time there are boat traffics. They red circle area is best for bream and blackfish. You will need to burley with lots of bread in order to attract them first, then cast out a small piece of bread with a float. You will know when they are here as you will see them busting on the surface feeding on the bread. Try here first as like I said it is a pretty bulletproof spot guaranteed bringing home a feed.