Sydney & Surrounds

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DAY 01 Arrive into Sydney

Start the day with breakfast at Bills, before starting your tour of famous Sydney icons - the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge and Darling Harbour before stopping for lunch at the Sydney Fish market. Spend the afternoon exploring Sydney's coastal life on a cruise, sail or jet boat, not forgetting a walk on the famous Bondi to Bronte Walk. Weekend markets are a must, if you are in town.

DAY 02 Sydney to Blue Mountains

The road out of Sydney is mostly freeway that extends well into the foothills of the Blue Mountains National Park, a world heritage listed national park. The Blue Mountains have many places of attraction – lovely gardens, art galleries, fine restaurants and cute B&Bs. Blue Mountains is also famed for its distinct seasons, in particular, the colouful autumn leaves or when the spring flowers brighten up the many beautiful gardens.

Head to Katoomba - the heart of the Blue Mountains and experience its mash-up of grand Art Deco mansions, artists, galleries, bawdy pubs, drop-outs and misfits that are at once bourgeois and bohemian.

Visit Wentworth Falls, which offers great views of Blue Mountains scenery. The falls themselves are a spectacular 300m drop and Falls Reserve is the starting point for many excellent walking tracks. If time permits, head to Kings Tableland (near the Observatory centre, off Horden Road ) which offers unsurpassed views of this majestic mountainous region.

After Kings Tableland, head over to Echo Point, which has viewing platforms that provide jaw-dropping vistas across the Jamison Valley and the abundant birdlife of the forest canopy. The Three Sisters rocks dominate the scene.

Next, take a ride to Scenic World (02-4782 2699, www.scenicworld.com.au), a redevelopment of a historic 1880s funicular railway which shunts along 415m of a 52-degree decline down to the valley floor (the steepest railway in the world). There's also the Scenic Cableway, glass-floored Scenic Skyway cable-car and 2.5km of forest boardwalk. You can also discover more at the Imax Theatre for a great introduction to the spectacular scenery and amazing history.

Overnight: Blue Mountains' beautiful B&Bs, resorts and hotels

DAY 03 BLUE MOUNTAINS

Spend time in Blue Mountains Drive 1.5 hours drive from Katoomba/ Leura) along Great Western Highway to Jenolan Caves, regarded as the world's oldest open caves.

Head towards Lithgow but turn off after Hartley in the Blue Mountains to go to the Jenolan Caves (www.jenolancaves.com.au) the world’s oldest open cave to explore that subterranean wonderland of stalagmites and stalactites.

Do some shopping at Leura and Katoomba towns for crafts and souvenirs, and when you're done, enjoy some afternoon tea at Devonshire Tea at Bygone Beautys, which houses over 3000 sets of antique teapot collection (www.bygonebeautys.com.au/tearooms.asp).

Then, join the professionals at Tread Lightly Eco Tours to futher your World Heritage experience with fully guided bush walks and 4WD eco tours. Explore a sensory experience in the natural environment through nature base touring in ancient rainforests, deep gorges, waterfalls and fantastic panoramic views. (www.treadlightly.com.au)

Overnight: Blue Mountains

DAY 04 SYDNEY

Take a leisurely drive back to Sydney city, and a detour to Mounta Tomah or Bells Line of Road to visit the many orchards when in season.

For more information: www.sydney.com

Print Email Request Brochure Getting to Australia Getting around Accommodation Find an Aussie specialist travel agent

DAY 01 Arrive into Sydney

Start the day with breakfast at Bills, before starting your tour of famous Sydney icons - the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge and Darling Harbour before stopping for lunch at the Sydney Fish market. Spend the afternoon exploring Sydney's coastal life on a cruise, sail or jet boat, not forgetting a walk on the famous Bondi to Bronte Walk. Weekend markets are a must, if you are in town.

DAY 02 SYDNEY TO BLUE MOUNTAINS

Drive 1.5 hrs to M4 motorway, also known as the Great Western Highway and head towards Katoomba - the heart of the Blue Mountains. Its mash-up of grand Art Deco mansions, artists, galleries, bawdy pubs, drop-outs and misfits are at once bourgeois and bohemian.

Visit Wentworth Falls, which offers great views of Blue Mountains scenery. The falls themselves are a spectacular 300m drop and Falls Reserve is the starting point for many excellent walking tracks. If time permits, head to Kings Tableland (near the Observatory centre, off Horden Road) which offers unsurpassed views of this majestic mountainous region.

After Kings Tableland, head over to Echo Point, which has viewing platforms that provide jaw-dropping vistas across the Jamison Valley and the abundant birdlife of the forest canopy. The Three Sisters rocks dominate the scene.

Next, take a ride to Scenic World (02-4782 2699, www.scenicworld.com.au), a redevelopment of a historic 1880s funicular railway which shunts along 415m of a 52-degree decline down to the valley floor (the steepest railway in the world). There's also the Scenic Cableway, glass-floored Scenic Skyway cable-car and 2.5km of forest boardwalk. You can also discover more at the Imax Theatre for a great introduction to the spectacular scenery and amazing history.

Overnight: Blue Mountains' beautiful B&Bs, resorts and hotels

DAY 03 BLUE MOUNTAINS TO HUNTER VALLEY

Set off for Hunter Valley in the morning. If time allows, a visit to Jenolan Caves is highly recommended. Here at the world's oldest open cave, you can explore a subterranean wonderland of stalagmites and stalactites and be impressed by their stature and beauty.

Then, head west and drive from National Trust to Bells via Bells Line of Road. Stop for a fruit picking experience at Hawkesbury Harvest (www.hawkesburyharvest.com.au) if you’re travelling between June to January, and be sure to take some time out to immerse yourself in the beauty of Mount Tomah Botanic Gardens, just before you reach Bilpin.

Drive 2 hours towards Cessnock and arrive at Hunter Valley. Cessnock and Polkolbin are the main tourist town of the Lower Hunter Valley and gateway to one of Australia's great gourmet food-and-wine trails.

At Hunter Valley, don’t forget to visit the 60-hectares Hunter Valley Gardens (www.hvg.com.au). Here you will experience the magical – an experience that cannot be replicated in any other part of Australia. Sounds of water and birds are combined with a multitude of fragrances and colour in 10 differently themed gardens, to fill your senses with the wonders of nature.

Shopping at Hunter Valley will take you to the Hunter Valley Gardens Village, where quaint shops selling souvenirs and fashion wear line the streets. An art gallery, book barn and Hunter Valley Chocolate Company are also pleasant stopovers for some surprising gift ideas.

Overnight: Hunter Valley

DAY 04 HUNTER VALLEY

Start the morning with a romantic hot ballooning experience over the vineyards (www.balloonaloft.com), before going winery hopping. Choose from over 140 wineries, including more popular ones like Hunter Resort, Mount Pleasant McWilliams, Lindemans Winery and Peterson’s Champagne House. Also remember to check out Blue Tongue Brewery and a Hunter Wine Theatre at Hunter Resort (www.hunterresort.com.au).

If you’ve missed the harvest season, fret not. Watch what really happens behind the scenes at the Hunter Wine Theatre from the harvesting to the bottling of wine. Alternatively sign up for a wine & food-matching tutorial or enjoy fine dining experience at San Martino to complete your evening.

If you have time on your hands, go for some interesting activities like cheese tasting (www.huntervalleysmellycheeseshop), beer tasting (www.hunterresort.com.au) or horse riding (www.huntervalleyhorseriding.com.au). You can also pamper yourself at the spa (www.goldendoor.com.au/cypress), tee-off to a round of golf (www.huntervalleygolf.com.au) or go on a horse-drawn carriage ride and tour the vineyards in an unconventional way.

DAY 05 HUNTER VALLEY to PORT STEPHENS

Hit the road and set off to Port Stephens via Maitland, where a treasury of historic buildings that date back almost to the earliest years of colonial Australia line the streets. If time permits take the Heritage and Produce Trail through Morpeth, Largs and Woodford for great food, wines, galleries and fresh produce.

Popularly known as the Blue Water Paradise or the Dolphin Capital of Australia, Port Stephens is home to more than 160 bottle-nose dolphins.

Go on dolphin watch cruises (www.moonshadow.com.au) to get closer to the cute mammals or whale watching from May to August or September to November. The 4WD Sand Dune tours (www.portstephens4wd.com.au) are very popular as well as it takes you on a thrilling ride across the 32km long Stockton beach that rises up to 30m high and spans 2500 hectares - the largest sand dunes in the Southern Hemisphere.

Enjoy the breathtaking view of the marine wonderland with Port Stephens Parasailing. Soaring up to a 150m above the water, this adventure is an experience you will never forget. (www.portstephensparasailing.com.au).

You can also find a variety of fresh seafood in the area.

Overnight: Port Stephens

DAY 06 CENTRAL COAST TO SYDNEY

Before returning to Sydney, stop by Central Coast which boasts stunning waterfront accommodation.

Visit Firescreek Winery, which makes fruit and herb wines & St Fiacre's Distillery for liqueurs created from native Australian ingredients or pop by Yarramalong Macadamia Nut Farm to discover and indulge in homegrown delights at the Macadamia Nut Farm Café. Don't forget to buy some fresh nuts home as gifts. (www.yarramalongvalley.com.au)

Watch daily pelican feeding at The Entrance, Memorial Park at 3.30 pm or have a try at horse-riding at Glenworth Valley Horse Riding, which is highly recommended for new riders.

Flower lovers can visit the Cedar Park Lavender (www.cedarparklavender.com.au) that is open to all visitors for a tour of the lavender field, lavender oil distillery and those who are keen may also purchase lavender based-products. Lavender fields bloom from December to February.

On the way back to Sydney via the Pacific Highway, stop by the Australian Reptile Park (www.reptilepark.com.au) for a close encounter with the kangaroos, koalas, dingoes and more.

DAY 07 SYDNEY

Back to Sydney city.

For more information: www.sydney.com

Print Email Request Brochure Getting to Australia Getting around Accommodation Find an Aussie specialist travel agent

DAY 01 Arrive into Sydney

Start the day with breakfast at Bills, before starting your tour of famous Sydney icons - the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge and Darling Harbour before stopping for lunch at the Sydney Fish market. Spend the afternoon exploring Sydney's coastal life on a cruise, sail or jet boat, not forgetting a walk on the famous Bondi to Bronte Walk. Weekend markets are a must, if you are in town.

DAY 02 SYDNEY TO BLUE MOUNTAINS

Drive 1.5 hrs to M4 motorway, also known as the Great Western Highway and head towards Katoomba - the heart of the Blue Mountains. Its mash-up of grand Art Deco mansions, artists, galleries, bawdy pubs, drop-outs and misfits are at once bourgeois and bohemian.

Visit Wentworth Falls, which offers great views of Blue Mountains scenery. The falls themselves are a spectacular 300m drop and Falls Reserve is the starting point for many excellent walking tracks. If time permits, head to Kings Tableland (near the Observatory centre, off Horden Road ) which offers unsurpassed views of this majestic mountainous region.

After Kings Tableland, head over to Katoomba - the heart of the Blue Mountains. Its mash-up of grand Art Deco mansions, artists, galleries, bawdy pubs, drop-outs and misfits are at once bourgeois and bohemian. Echo Point has viewing platforms that provide jaw-dropping vistas across the Jamison Valley and the abundant birdlife of the forest canopy. The Three Sisters rocks dominate the scene.

Next, take a ride to Scenic World (02-4782 2699, www.scenicworld.com.au), a redevelopment of a historic 1880s funicular railway which shunts along 415m of a 52-degree decline down to the valley floor (the steepest railway in the world). There's also the Scenic Cableway, glass-floored Scenic Skyway cable-car and 2.5km of forest boardwalk. You can also discover more at the Imax Theatre for a great introduction to the spectacular scenery and amazing history.

Overnight: Blue Mountains' beautiful B&Bs, resorts and hotels.

DAY 03 BLUE MOUNTAINS

Set off for Hunter Valley in the morning. If time allows, a visit to Jenolan Caves is highly recommended. Here at the world's oldest open cave, you can explore a subterranean wonderland of stalagmites and stalactites and be impressed by their stature and beauty.

Then, head west and drive from National Trust to Bells via Bells Line of Road. Stop for a fruit picking experience at Hawkesbury Harvest (www.hawkesburyharvest.com.au) if you’re travelling between June to January, and be sure to take some time out to immerse yourself in the beauty of Mount Tomah Botanic Gardens, just before you reach Bilpin.

Drive 2 hours towards Cessnock and arrive at Hunter Valley. Cessnock and Polkolbin are the main tourist town of the Lower Hunter Valley and gateway to one of Australia's great gourmet food-and-wine trails.

At Hunter Valley, don’t forget to visit the 60-hectares Hunter Valley Gardens (www.hvg.com.au). Here you will experience the magical – an experience that cannot be replicated in any other part of Australia. Sounds of water and birds are combined with a multitude of fragrances and colour in 10 differently themed gardens, to fill your senses with the wonders of nature.

Shopping at Hunter Valley will take you to the Hunter Valley Gardens Village, where quaint shops selling souvenirs and fashion wear line the streets. An art gallery, book barn and Hunter Valley Chocolate Company are also pleasant stopovers for some surprising gift ideas.

Overnight: Blue Mountains

DAY 04 BLUE MOUNTAINS TO HUNTER VALLEY

Drive from National Trust to Bells via Bells Line of Road and stop for a fruit picking experience at Hawkesbury Harvest (www.hawkesburyharvest.com.au) from June to January.

Before reaching Bilpin take a breather and immense in the beauty of Mt Tomah Botanic Gardens. Drive 2 hrs towards Cessnock, for about 3.5 hours and arrive at Hunter Valley. Cessnock and Polkolbin are the main tourist town of the Lower Hunter Valley and gateway to one of Australia's great gourmet food-and-wine trails.

Overnight: Hunter Valley

DAY 05 HUNTER VALLEY

Start the morning with a romantic hot ballooning experience over the vineyards (www.balloonaloft.com), before going winery hopping. Choose from over 140 wineries, including more popular ones like Hunter Resort, Mount Pleasant McWilliams, Lindemans Winery and Peterson’s Champagne House. Also remember to check out Blue Tongue Brewery and a Hunter Wine Theatre at Hunter Resort (www.hunterresort.com.au).

If you’ve missed the harvest season, fret not. Watch what really happens behind the scenes at the Hunter Wine Theatre from the harvesting to the bottling of wine. Alternatively sign up for a wine & food-matching tutorial or enjoy fine dining experience at San Martino to complete your evening.

If you have time on your hands, go for some interesting activities like cheese tasting (www.huntervalleysmellycheeseshop), beer tasting (www.hunterresort.com.au) or horse riding (www.huntervalleyhorseriding.com.au). You can also pamper yourself at the spa (www.goldendoor.com.au/cypress), tee-off to a round of golf (www.huntervalleygolf.com.au) or go on a horse-drawn carriage ride and tour the vineyards in an unconventional way.

Overnight: Hunter Valley

DAY 06 HUNTER VALLEY TO PORT STEPHENS

Hit the road and set off to Port Stephens via Maitland, where a treasury of historic buildings that date back almost to the earliest years of colonial Australia line the streets. If time permits take the Heritage and Produce Trail through Morpeth, Largs and Woodford for great food, wines, galleries and fresh produce.

Popularly known as the Blue Water Paradise or the Dolphin Capital of Australia, Port Stephens is home to more than 160 bottle-nose dolphins.

Go on dolphin watch cruises (www.moonshadow.com.au) to get closer to the cute mammals or whale watching from May to August or September to November. The 4WD Sand Dune tours (www.portstephens4wd.com.au) are very popular as well as it takes you on a thrilling ride across the 32km long Stockton beach that rises up to 30m high and spans 2500 hectares - the largest sand dunes in the Southern Hemisphere.

Enjoy the breathtaking view of the marine wonderland with Port Stephens Parasailing. Soaring up to a 150m above the water, this adventure is an experience you will never forget. (www.portstephensparasailing.com.au).

You can also find a variety of fresh seafood in the area.

Overnight: Port Stephens

DAY 07 PORT STEPHENS

Check out the Australian Shark and Ray Centre (www.ozsharkandray.com.au) to get up-close to baby sharks, rays and other marine animals. The centre also allows visitors to feed the sharks and rays, helping them better understand the diets and habitats of these elusive animals.

After a morning with the sharks, visit Port Stephens Winery (www.portstephenswinery.com.au) (15MIN from Nelson Bay) for more wine tasting and a hearty lunch. It stocks a wide variety of labels from boutique wineries in the region.

Then, pop by the Oakvale Farm & Fauna World (www.oakvalefarm.com.au) for a fun-filled afternoon with lambs, billy goats, koalas and kangaroos.

Adventure seekers can get on a toboggan and swoosh down the 700m course filled with bends and curves at the Tobogann Hill Park. Kids and adults all love it!

Overnight: Port Stephens

DAY 08 PORT STEPHENS TO CENTRAL COAST

Check out and head South back towards Central Coast in the morning.

Pop by Yarramalong Macadamia Nut Farm, where you can indulge in home grown delights. Don't forget to buy some fresh nuts home as gifts or souvenirs on your way out. (www.yarramalongvalley.com.au)

Watch daily pelican feeding at The Entrance, Memorial Park at 3.30 pm or have a try at horse-riding at Glenworth Valley Horse Riding, which is highly recommended for new riders.

Flower lovers can visit the Cedar Park Lavender (www.cedarparklavender.com.au) a working lavender farm on the Central Coast. A visit provides an on farm experience with 5500 lavender plants being cultivated, oil distillation and companion plantings of rosemary and over 100 fragrant roses.

Fruit-wine enthusiasts should definitely pay a visit to Firescreek winery, which makes fruit and herb wines & St Fiacre's Distillery for liqueurs created from native Australian ingredients

Overnight: Central Coast (any one of the stunning waterfront accommodations)

DAY 09 CENTRAL COAST TO SYDNEY

Before heading back to Sydney, you might want to experience a taste of the Aussie outback. Head southwards to Gosford and explore 3000 acres of lush green valleys and ancient rainforest trails on horseback at Glenworth Valley Horse Riding & Kayaking (www.glenworth.com.au)

Return to Sydney via the Pacific Highway, stop by the Australian Reptile Park (www.reptilepark.com.au) for a close encounter with the kangaroos, koalas, dingoes and more.

This evening check into Sydney hotel, unwind and enjoy the city's adoring view at the Opera Bar.

Overnight: Sydney

DAY 10 SYDNEY

If it’s a weekend, pop by the weekend markets for last minute shopping, before heading to the airport.

• Paddy's Marlet: Thur - Sat
• The Rocks: Sat - Sun
• Paddington Market: Sat
• Bondi Market: Sun

For more information: www.sydney.com