The Best of New South Wales 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.

On arrival, you will be met by a private driver outside customs exit and delivered to your Sydney accommodation.

Step inside an iconic landmark. The Sydney Opera House is one of the world’s most recognisable landmarks and this is your chance to truly get up-close. Run your hands over the world-famous shell tiles, take a seat in the elegant custom-made white birch timber chairs and marvel at the vaulted ceilings. Visit areas off-limits to the public and capture photographs from rare vantage points. Explore theatres and foyers where more than 1600 concerts, operas, dramas and ballets take place each year. 

This great value boat cruise gives you a taste of Sydney’s ‘living, working harbour’, from its iconic landmarks and opulent waterfront suburbs to beautiful national parks and historic outposts. It includes a secluded beach stop and visit to a 19th century colonial settlement and museum. Morning tea with locally-made delicacies available to purchase.

Choose a car to best suit your needs from our fantastic rental car range or ask our team for a suggestion. From compact economy to prestige SUVs. Speak to the team to learn more!

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.

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

Today you will leave the sandstone cliffs as you journey away from the Blue Mountains and head east, passing through the small towns of Leura, Wentworth Falls and Springwood. At Blacktown, turn left off the Western Motorway before reaching Sydney and make your way onto the Pacific Motorway to avoid the busy traffic within the capital city of New South Wales. Drive past Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park and over the Hawkesbury River as you travel north towards the Hunter Valley. The road less travelled is the better option for this journey and the scenic route along the Great North Road is steeped in history.
Built by convicts in the 1800s traversing sandstone gorges, razorback ridges and towering passes. A significant amount of the original road remains in use today although much of the original surface is buried under layers of asphalt. Set aside some time to explore Wollombi, often considered the gateway to the Hunter Valley. Once a bustling and important stop along the Great North Road, this town now moves at a slower pace but maintains its charm from its preserved 19th century buildings, old world general store and its pasture to plate produce.
From Wollombi, head towards Cessnock. Located just 6km from the Hunter Valley Vineyards, it is the gateway to wine country and your destination of Pokolbin.

Explore Australia's oldest and most exquisite wine region, with winemaking in the area dating back to the 1800s, the area is known for its outstanding varieties of Semillon and Shiraz. The Hunter Valley is located north of Sydney in New South Wales, this breathtaking valley is scattered with historic vineyards that sweep through its fields.
To accompany the wine, the area has the most delicious destinations when it comes to food, ranging from cheeses, jams chocolate, and highly acclaimed restaurants.
Ensure you leave spare time for the art galleries and sculpture park, Paint & Sip or Yoga & Wine class, wine stomping, or a round of golf at a champion 18-hole golf course. There is so much to see and do in the Hunter Valley so be sure to take your time and enjoy.

Immerse yourself in the world of Brokenwood at their stunning cellar door. A friendly concierge will welcome you and guide you to a cozy tasting pod. Settle in for a guided flight unlike any other. Savor six expertly chosen Brokenwood wines, each paired with a delicious, seasonal canapé. Witness the magic unfold as the flavors dance together, elevating both the food and the wine. This 45-minute experience is perfect for exploring the intricacies of wine and food pairings at your own pace.

Taste of the Hunter Valley will take you to 3 boutique wineries and a distillery, tasting a selection of wine, gin, chocolate & cheese along the way. Enjoy guided tastings with local suppliers and some behind the scenes tours before exploring the flavours of Australia's first wine region. You will also be treated to a lunch which you may relax and relish while being surrounded by the charm of the Hunter Valley.

Leave Australia's premier wine regions and drive around Werakata National Park to join the Hunter Expressway. Consider stretching your legs at the harbour city of Newcastle, Australia's second oldest city, dotted with beautiful beaches and home to Glenrock State Conservation Area. The final leg of your journey will take you along Worimi Regional Park and many wildlife sanctuaries before arriving in the beautiful council of Port Stephens.

Port Stephens is famous for its beautiful beaches, coastal walks, national parks, resident wild dolphins, and pristine waters. There are 26 sandy beaches, some sheltered in bays that are perfect for families as well as swimming, snorkelling and kayaking. The towering Stockton sand dunes are great for sandboarding, quad-biking and horseriding.

Port Stephens is home to over 160 resident bottlenose dolphins, and is known as the Dolphin Capital of Australia! These dolphin-watching tours have a high success rate of dolphin sightings and both inside and outside viewing areas. The skipper gives entertaining commentary about these incredible creatures throughout the cruise. Includes morning or afternoon tea depending on your departure time.

Live the adventure that promises you a Quad Riding experience like no other with Sand Dune Adventures. Experience the magnificence of the Worimi Sand Dunes on Stockton Beach, riding safely from bush to beach with expert guides. This one-hour quad bike ride takes in the wonders of the highest sand dunes in the southern hemisphere, the glorious views of the sweeping coastline and a chance to learn about the history of the land.

Head south out of Port Stephens, towards Newcastle and skirting Lake Macquarie, Australia's largest coastal saltwater lake and a location well known for water sports, local shopping, hiking and cycling. Continuing north, drive past localities with sandy beaches and great restaurants. Consider stopping at one of the many wildlife parks along the way before reaching the metropolis of Sydney.

The Central Coast is a vibrant mix of urban hubs, beach towns, and hinterland villages. For years it has drawn in visitors with its great surf spots, whale watching, national parks and chilled-out atmosphere.
Today you might wish to explore the villages of Pearl Beach, Patonga or Terrigal, or relax on one of the many secluded beaches.
If you want to explore some walking trails, we recommend the beautiful Somersby Falls and native birdlife in Brisbane Water National Park.

Unlike the usual aquarium viewing through glass, at Irukandji you can meet the wildlife, pet them, feed them and even share the water with them! Wade with into the shallow water of the tropical lagoon in bare feet, being surrounded by many curious and friendly sharks & rays. Wearing your own clothes, you will mostly stay dry with only your feet and legs becoming wet. Stepping into the water with the animals, is a whole new level of excitement, fear and admiration.

Explore more of Sydney before dropping your rental car at the airport depot and continuing your onward journey.

Your tour comes to an end today, but if you are itching to explore more amazing sights, we can customise your holiday to include more days or additional destinations. Our trusted travel specialists can book transfers to your onward flight, and even assist in booking these flights for you. Our team can't wait to help you design your ultimate getaway!