Hi Lucy,
basically, I like both of these shots, but I see a couple problems.
In the first shot (as above) I see some blown highlights that you might be able to control better by shooting raw files and merging exposures or shooting when the light is not quite so harsh.
The second shot is a better view of Sydney (IMHO), though it's a little dark.
I'm not a landscape photographer, but I do know it's very competitive amongst the pros and that a lot of good shooters are doing it part time as well and that if your partner wants to get ahead, the shots are going to have to be very very good to be noticed.