New South Wales Countryside Tour

Sydney, Australia’s most iconic city, is a vibrant hub of culture, beauty, and history. Home to nearly 20% of the country's population, it’s also Australia’s largest city. Perched along the stunning east coast, Sydney boasts an enviable mix of world-famous landmarks, including the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge, alongside pristine white-sand beaches like Bondi and Manly. With a rich tapestry of history, art, and diverse culinary delights, Sydney offers something for every traveller, from sun-seekers and food lovers to adventure enthusiasts.

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Today, you will journey away from the vibrant city of Sydney and into the peace and tranquility of the Blue Mountains. On your way out of the city, you will pass Sydney Olympic Park, home to the 2000 Olympic games.
Once the M4 becomes the Great Western Motorway, you will have countless opportunities to stretch your legs as you drive through the small towns of Springwood, Wentworth Falls, and Leura before arriving into Katoomba.

The World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains is a wilderness area showcasing ancient rock formations, vast canyons and waterfalls plummeting into valleys below. The breathtaking views over the region stretch to the hazy blue horizon, while the historic village towns nestled amongst the rainforest are dotted with tea rooms, cellar doors and breweries hosted by local producers. There is no shortage of adventure in the Blue Mountains with the rugged sandstone escarpments, underground caves and deep canyons providing the perfect playground for rock climbing, abseiling, canyoning and more. Of course, relaxation is also on the cards with a number of resorts, boutique guesthouses and day spas throughout.

Discover a showcase of local and imported cool climate plants and basalt cap forests, surrounded by UNESCO World Heritage Area wilderness. Enjoy the tranquillity on the walking trails, wander the plant displays, or take a pitstop at the restaurant with views of the scenic mountains.

There's no better way to enjoy the iconic views of the World-Heritage listed UNESCO Blue Mountains, than with the Unlimited Discovery Pass.
Navigate the site as you like, at your own pace. Hop aboard the world's steepest railway into the Jamison Valley. Explore kilometres of raised boardwalks through the rainforest, spotting Lyre Birds and ancient tree ferns amongst other flora and fauna. Ride the Cableway, to cruise past the sandstone escarpment and Orphan Rock. No visit is complete without gliding past Katoomba Falls and the Three Sisters on the iconic Skyway.

Three Sisters Walk
1km. Allow 45 minutes.
This family-friendly walk treats you to ever-changing views of the grand Three Sisters, rising nearly a kilometre above sea level. Pass through the archway, next to the Echo Point Visitor Centre, and you'll soon be surrounded by soaring eucalypt forest, bird calls and fresh mountain air. Keep an eye out for the superb lyrebird and crimson rosellas as you walk the gently sloping path for 450 metres to Oreades lookout. Marvel at the incredible views of the Three Sisters' weather-eroded sandstone turrets, and the hazy 'blue' Jamison Valley stretching to Mount Solitary. From here, steps lead a further 50 metres to Lady Game lookout, for a closer view of this remarkable rock formation. A short but very steep set of stairs at the top of the Giant Stairway leads to Honeymoon Bridge, which connects to the first sister.
On the way back, enjoy the short signposted detour to Spooners lookout. If you’re feeling energetic, there are plenty of longer walks nearby.
Wentworth Falls
1.4km. Allow 1 hour.
This short but steep walk from the Wentworth Falls picnic area is well worth the effort. Follow the level path past Jamison and Wentworth lookouts before descending around 200 steps to the cliff-edge Fletchers lookout. Marvel at the waterfall that gives Wentworth Falls its name, as it plunges 100m to the valley floor.
From here, it's a few more minutes down steps to the very top of the Falls, where Jamison Creek cascades into a shallow pool to one side and the magnificent Jamison Valley opens out on the other.
Make your way back via the same route, or continue for a minute along National Pass to take in exhilarating views and wonder at this incredible feat of engineering, before backtracking to the picnic area. If you're feeling energetic, combine Wentworth Falls track with the short Weeping Rock circuit, the varied Undercliff track or the historic Princes Rock lookout track.
Katoomba Falls
2km. Allow 1 hour 15 minutes.
A short yet spectacular track through a lush rainforest gully leading to lookouts that boast some of the most iconic views in Blue Mountains National Park. Excellent for adventurous walkers looking for a shorter route, Round walking track packs in a swag of spectacular vistas and waterfalls, that highlight the dramatic beauty of the Katoomba escarpment.
Take in the spectacular waterfall views from Reids Plateau before making your descent down the stairs into the shadowy gorge. In the spring the new fern shoots brush your legs and flocks of rosellas and lorikeets flit through the rainforest canopy.
At Vanimans lookout you’ll have unsurpassed views of The Three Sisters and Katoomba Falls. The medium difficulty track skirts the cliff edge leading to romantically named Juliets Balcony overlooking Witches Leap waterfall.
Ruined Castle Walking Track
7.5km. Allow 5 hours.
Ruined Castle walking track is a jewel among walks in the spectacular Blue Mountains World Heritage area. Beginning at the Golden Stairs and descending into Jamison Valley, this hard walk lets you climb one of the most recognisable landmarks in the valley; the Ruined Castle. It’s a beautiful rock formation that offers great views over the valley as far as Wentworth Falls and Katoomba.
Descending deep into the valley, you’ll enter the cool, lush rainforest with towering coachwood and sassafras, and a chance to spot a lyrebird. The track is an historic mining route with tell-tale embankments, cuttings and the tumbled ruins of miners’ cottages.
A steep scramble with some rock-hopping past large boulders leads to the impressive rock formation. At the top, enjoy unsurpassed views of Jamison Valley and Cedar Creek Valley. A perfect spot for a picnic before returning

Experience a one-of-a-kind stargazing tour with a wine in hand just two hours from Sydney. Surrounded by spectacular sandstone escarpments on the Dryridge Estate vineyard enjoy scrumptious nibbles by the firepit before being taken on a journey through the night skies.Your host, a local astrophysicist will share his knowledge of the cosmos both through the naked eye and a professional telescope. Be entranced by the stories of the constellations passed down through generations while observing the moon, Saturn's rings, the Orion Nebula and our fabulous Milky Way.This two and a half hour tour includes a substantial 7 vintage wine tasting and a Ploughman's platter including cheeses, cold meat, pickles, olives and sundried tomatoes all served with fresh locally made bread, grissini and flat bread.

Today's drive from Katoomba to Mudgee via the Great Western Highway is about 165 km and should take just over 2.5 hours in normal traffic. However, you should allow a longer time, as there are some great stops along the way. After about 40 minutes of driving, you will be passing  the Small Arms Factory Museum, which is a perfect option for anyone interested in exploring firearms history & technology. If firearms are not your thing and you would prefer a walk in nature, you should stop at Turon National Park. It is an ideal place for bushwalking, birdwatching, or swimming in a river with deep swimming holes. Keep driving north; you will be welcomed by a stunning mix of picturesque landscapes and wineyards. Just before you reach Mudgee, you could go for a wine tasting at Logan Wines, a great winery with beautiful views and a selection of fine local wines.

Mudgee is nestled by the beautiful Cudgegong River and possesses the character and charm of the 19th century. It is famous for its gourmet experience, vibrant arts and culture, and picturesque countryside. You can visit Mudgee Arts Precinct for contemporary exhibitions. Mudgee is also renowned for its wine production, as well as local breweries. It is surrounded by rolling green hills with premium local produce and excellent restaurants.

The Mudgee Brewing Company is a family-owned business, located in a 100-year-old building in the town center of Mudgee. The Brewery has a relaxed atmosphere with the operating brewery as the centerpiece within the restaurant and bar. The Brewery has eight taps that rotate with the latest beers brewed on-site. With local beer, local wines, amazing food, and live music it is a must-visit while in the Mudgee Region.

Today's drive is short and sweet; you should start by stopping at Mudge Honey Haven, just outside of Mudgee. There is a variety to taste before buying, or you can try honeycomb chocolates or honey-flavoured ice creams. Continue driving towards Wellington, a perfect place for explorers and adventures. You can explore the remarkable Wellington Caves and the fascinating underworld dating back hundreds of millions of years. You can enjoy a hike through Mount Arthur Reserve, just outside the town, for its sweeping views, or visit Osawano Japanese Gardens for a more tranquil natural experience. Your destination today, Dubbo, is only about 40 minutes drive from Wellington. 

Dubbo is a vibrant regional town in the heart of the beautiful Macquarie Valley. Wander through the historic grounds of Old Dubbo Gaol. It is a heritage-listed museum that dates back to 1847 and where history comes to life. The displays, performances, and interactive exhibits will give you a taste of what life was like for a century of criminals. Visit the fascinating Visitor Experience Centre and the famed Royal Flying Doctor Service. Hear the stories of the medical staff and the remote communities they serve, and witness their aircraft and technology in action. Enjoy the Dubbo Heritage Walk to admire the town’s ornate architecture and learn the legends of pioneers and bushrangers. Dubbo Regional Botanic Garden showcases native plants and dry rainforest species, as well as a Japanese garden and sensory garden to smell, touch, and taste. If you are looking for exceptional hiking and stargazing, you should visit Warrumbungle National Park, which is less than two hours north of Dubbo. In the evening, stop by one of Dubbo's many classic country pubs for refreshments, or enjoy wine tasting at one of the local vineyards.

The Breadknife, easily the most recognizable feature within the Warrumbungle National Park, towers 90m above the valley floor and is a symbol of the park's enduring importance and resilience. The Breadknife and Grand High Tops walk is recognized as one of the best walks in NSW, with close-up views of the park's iconic rock formations. It is a 14.5 km loop (Grade 4, suggested time: 5-6 hours). If you're after a shorter walk, Fans Horizon walking track starts from the carpark and climbs to a lookout with panoramic views of the Breadknife, Belougery Spire, and Crater Bluff. Warrumbungle is also Australia’s first Dark Sky Park, making it the perfect spot for stargazing, and amateur astronomy.

Today's journey will take you just under 2 hours. Drive southwest towards Wellington; you could visit Wellington Caves or take a small detour to Lake Burrendong State. The locals love the lake for its range of water sports, including kayaking, sailing, water skiing, and swimming. There are Burrendong Botanic Gardens & Arboretum, a little hidden gem with a great collection of native species. If you love plants, this is a place for you. There are also many interesting birds and a little picnic area. Continue to Orange, a city in the Central Tablelands. It offers gourmet restaurants & wineries, boutique shops, galleries, and bustling markets with local produce. It is an elegant, prosperous city with beautiful tree-lined streets, charming houses, and glorious parks and gardens. One of the best ways to explore the city is to take the Orange Heritage Trail, which starts at the Visitor Centre, and the extended walk takes approximately 90 minutes. 

Orange is a thriving country town that is as rich in heritage as it is in award-winning restaurants, boutique shops, galleries, glorious gardens, and bustling markets. It is famous thanks to its rich produce-yielding soils, cool-climate wines, and spectacular scenery. A great way to learn about the history and heritage of Orange is to explore the self-guided Orange Heritage Trail. Head to the Visitor Information Centre to pick up a brochure, which details more than 40 places of historical interest and beauty. The walk takes approximately 90min to complete and showcases some of Orange’s finest buildings. Orange is also renowned for its bountiful produce. Enjoy local wine, beer, and cider paired with contemporary cuisine.

Join this exclusive Orange Wine Region Tour and discover firsthand why this region has garnered such acclaim among wine enthusiasts. From the exceptional wines to the stunning landscapes, this experience promises to create lasting memories and leave you with a newfound appreciation for the world of wine.

Experiecence the romance of Orange and cruise around the best sights in the region, visiting key historic landmarks and creating unforgettable memories. Discover the famous scenic summit of Mount Canobolas, a scenic stop, where you can soak in the breathtaking views and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature.

Today's journey back to Sydney is about 260 km, follow the Great Western Highway; you will be passing the vibrant regional center of Bathurst, which is the home of Australian motor racing and a hotspot for motorsport enthusiasts. Another highlight of the journey is Katoomba and the Blue Mountains before reaching the capital of New South Wales, Sydney.

Explore more of Sydney before dropping your rental car at the depot.

Farewell Sydney today. If there is more of Australia or New Zealand you would like to explore, talk to your sales consultant about planning your next stop!