I go to a C3 church . pentecostal, but most are a little more edgy than Hillsong, and smaller.The northern suburbs is a big area, but there is one that meets in Carlingford high school. My one meets in Top Ryde (89 Blaxland Rd). another in Lane Cove Public School, and the "mother" church is in Oxford Falls, which is a big church like Hillsong (different style though).
I dont know so many traditional churches... Beecroft Uniting. Epping Baptist, Nrth Epping and West Epping Baptist used to be good. the anglican church near Epping Station is very traditional. St Anne's anglican, in Ryde is more visitor friendly I think. My friend from school is the minister at Tyron St Uniting church. I've neve been there but she is very creative and i imagine it would be good, so long as you dont mind women ministers.............. well that should get you started...
Most of the Pentecostal churches do an "offering talk" as well as the sermon, so it gives it a higher profile, which is why they have a reputation for being focused on money. There is an expectation that you will be blessed financially, (and in all areas of life) and an expectation that you will tithe (but obviously noone know if you actually do or not). I've been giving 10% of my income to the church since I had income. I guess if you added it up, it would be very significant. But its just something I do and i believe is important, even when money is tight. I take it out via direct deposit, so I dont really miss it. Its just something I've always done, and I dont feel that I've missed out on anything as a result. In fact, just the opposite... we believe God provides all we need (not necessarily what we want though!). So, He will supply finances in those times where we dont have enough. I can honestly say that this is my experience.. I was a missionary with no income for several years.. no income but never without.
One warning.... some protestant churches still have a fairly negative attitude towards catholics. So, just try to sus that out before you go.
Our pastor and his wife were brought up catholic, but he was already married when he felt a call to ministry.....and I think quite a few of the pentecostal churches attract catholics, because there is more of the mysticism in there, which catholcs are used to.