New South Wales
Spectacular Iconic Landmarks
Whilst the iconic landmarks and vibrant lifestyle of Sydney epitomize the state’s urban heart, New South Wales boasts a remarkable range of destinations and experiences.
From the spectacular sandstone cliffs and canyons of the Blue Mountains, to the rolling vineyards of the Hunter Valley, the wide open beaches, sheltered coves and rugged headlands of the Northern Rivers, to the vivid red earth and outback wonders of Broken Hill, the beauty and diversity of New South Wales offers something for everyone.
Spectacular Iconic Landmarks
Whilst the iconic landmarks and vibrant lifestyle of Sydney epitomize the state’s urban heart, New South Wales boasts a remarkable range of destinations and experiences.
From the spectacular sandstone cliffs and canyons of the Blue Mountains, to the rolling vineyards of the Hunter Valley, the wide open beaches, sheltered coves and rugged headlands of the Northern Rivers, to the vivid red earth and outback wonders of Broken Hill, the beauty and diversity of New South Wales offers something for everyone.
Experience Sydney
- Immerse yourself in the outdoor lifestyle to discover the world-famous harbour and incredible natural beauty of Sydney
- Enjoy bush walking, wine tasting or relaxing on a deserted beach in Sydney’s Surrounds – regions within 3 hours drive of Sydney
- Relax on the golden beaches of the North Coast and see where the world’s largest expanse of subtropical rainforest meets mountains forged from ancient volcanoes
- Explore the national parks, marine parks and reserves which protect the unspoilt natural beauty of the South Coast
- Breathe in the pure air and enjoy alpine experiences in the Snowy Mountains
- Discover old-world general stores and friendly country pubs in the Heart of Country
- Marvel at the awe-inspiring landscapes, extraordinary historical tales and memorable characters of the Outback
- Escape to the tranquility of Lord Howe Island and snorkel in the crystal clear waters which teem with marine life and rare coral.
Sydney is wrapped around one of the world’s most spectacular harbours and mixes urban sophistication with a friendly easy-going attitude. Home to the dramatically designed Opera House and iconic Harbour Bridge, this glamorous city offers world class shopping, dining, and entertainment in a natural environment with national parks, sculptured sandstone cliffs, gardens and more than 70 sparkling beaches within easy reach of its cosmopolitan heart.
Here is a small selection of the accommodation available in Sydney but we have many alternative Hotels and Apartments to suit all tastes and budgets.
Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney
This stunning hotel is superbly located within the historic Rocks district, with breath-taking views of Circular Quay, Sydney Opera House, and Sydney Harbour Bridge, and within easy walking distance of the city’s main shopping district. The luxurious guest rooms are among the most spacious in the city and all enjoy water views.
Luxurious without being pretentious, this luxury, high rise city hotel offers beautifully appointed rooms and discreet service with world class restaurants and bars, each offering its own panoramic views of Darling Harbour, Sydney Harbour Bridge, and the Opera House from level 36.
A variety of spacious king and twin rooms (minimum 40 square metres) to grand speciality suites and Horizon Club Rooms all with rich, quality furnishings featuring a view that will take your breath away and complimentary wireless internet connection. All rooms have oversized marble bathrooms with separate shower and bath and have been sound proofed to provide one of the quietest environments in the city. Deluxe rooms are located on levels 5 to 13, Executive rooms are located on levels 14 to 29, Premier Grand Harbour View Rooms are located on levels 5 to 29 (one per floor) and Horizon Club Rooms are located on levels 31 to 35 and include Club Lounge access.
InterContinental Sydney
Located behind Circular Quay and adjacent to the Royal Botanic Gardens, the hotel overlooks the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. Built around the restored facade of the 1851 Treasury Building, the hotel blends contemporary style with a 19th century Georgian architecture.
The rooms are contemporary, with minimalist design and blend luxury with comfort. Each room contains a window seat to enjoy the views of either the city, gardens, or harbour. All rooms feature double glazed windows and high-speed internet access. Rooms are a minimum of 32 square metres in size except for Executive Suites and Club Executive Suites which are 70 square metres. Club Rooms include club lounge access.
Sydney Harbour Hotel
Situated in the heart of the Rocks, home of Australia’s first British settlement, the hotel is close to shopping boutiques and is surrounded by restaurants, cafes, and bars. Converted from the Harrington’s Buildings which were prominent warehouses in the colonial Sydney era, the 8-storey atrium-style, heritage-listed Edwardian building provides a feeling of old-world elegance and charm.
A rooftop terrace provides stunning views of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House. Other facilities include: – Bar and Lounge, Laundry, Porter Service, Restaurant, Room Service, Tennis Court, Sun Terrace, Outdoor Spa Pool and Swimming Pool, Sunlounges, and a Fitness Centre.
The hotel features modern rooms which are decorated in a light and contemporary style. All rooms feature shower over bath, new linen, bedding, television, and curved shower screens. Rooms are a minimum of 24 square metres except for Executive Rooms which are 40 square metres. Most rooms have opening windows to soak up the view or to take in the atmosphere of the Rocks activity below.
Harbour Rocks Hotel Sydney – A Member of the MGallery Collection
A beautiful yet intimate, boutique hotel, steeped in the history of the famous Rocks precinct. This “home away from home” for discerning travellers is the perfect base to explore the city of Sydney. Just a short stroll from some of Australia’s best icons, the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House, this Sydney boutique hotel offers a variety of stunning guest rooms.
Each room and suite at the hotel have a flat-screen LCD TV, desk, minibar, tea/coffee making facilities, en suite bathroom with a hairdryer and luxurious toiletries.
Tayim Restaurant serves modern and traditional Middle Eastern cuisine, Creperie Suzette – the Rocks Café is an artisan go-to for quality food and coffee and Eric’s Bar specialises in boutique wines.
Some of the experiences available in New South Wales are outlined below, but there are many, many more, so please ask for details of any other activity you would like to include during your stay.
Sydney City Package – 4 Nights
This suggested city package includes return shared airport transfers, 4 nights’ accommodation, half day city tour, cruise on Sydney Harbour and full day tour of the Blue Mountains. It can be booked with your choice of accommodation and adapted to suit the time you have available. Please request a quotation for your preferred travel dates.
Day 1: Arrive Sydney
On arrival you will be transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore the city.
Day 2: Half Day City Tour & Coffee Cruise
Enjoy some of Sydney’s best attractions on this small group tour, including the Rocks, Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, affluent harbourside suburbs, the cliff tops at South Head and Bondi Beach, with morning tea in the beautiful Sydney Harbour National Park. Concluding around midday at Circular Quay, enjoy some free time before joining a coffee cruise to the upper reaches of Sydney Harbour, featuring magnificent waterfront homes and parklands.
Day 3: Blue Mountains
Travel by luxury vehicle on this small group tour and enjoy morning tea at Calmsley Hill, a working farm and home to kangaroos, emus, wombats, and koalas with time to spend wandering at leisure. Then continue the journey with stops away from the crowds where possible, to view stunning lookouts over the Jamison Valley. Stop for lunch at the Hydro Majestic in Blackheath and enjoy the stunning views. This afternoon visit a selection of lookouts and stop at Mt Tomah Botanic Gardens for panoramic views across to Sydney before returning to Sydney.
Day 4: At leisure in Sydney
Today is free for you to enjoy more of this vibrant city and its beautiful surrounds.
Day 5: Depart Sydney
Today you will be transferred back to the airport for your onward flight.
Blue Mountains Deluxe Day Tour
This Deluxe Day Tour includes a complete circle loop of the Blue Mountains with a visit to Calmsley Hill Farm, morning tea, and you will visit remote regions with stunning views.
Your informative and knowledgeable guide will collect you from your Sydney hotel to commence this small group wildlife tour into the heart of a unique World Heritage Region. You will head out of the city to reach Calmsley Hill, a working farm and home to kangaroos, emus, wombats, and koalas. Enjoy morning tea and time to wander at leisure. Continuing on, you will head on up to the Blue Mountains via the highway. Visit one of a range of stunning lookouts over the Jamison Valley. Where possible, this will be away from the crowds. At Eaglehawk Lookout you have a wonderful view of the Three Sisters. Your guide will discuss the legends behind this famous rock formation, and you have time to take photos. You will then make your way around the mountain towards the village of Blackheath and the lunch venue, the Hydro Majestic. Here in this relaxed venue with stunning views, you enjoy a 2-course lunch with tea and coffee. All diets are catered for (excluding Kosher Meals) and beverages can be purchased at your own expense from the Bar.
During the afternoon, you will visit a selection of lookouts, including Govetts Leap, one of Australia’s most famous. The magnificent waterfall drops 180 metres to the base of the cliff and the lookout provides sweeping views down the valley to the Grose Wilderness. Our last stop is at the delightful Mt Tomah Botanic Gardens where you see the panoramic views across to Sydney whilst enjoying a glass of sparkling wine or orange juice before returning to Sydney via the Bells Line of Road to arrive back at your hotel.
Departs: 7-7.30am and returns between 4.30-5pm.
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Blue Mountains Overnight Experience
Your overnight experience in the Blue Mountains includes a complete circular loop of the Blue Mountains with a visit to Calmsley Hill Farm, short walks to explore the remote regions with stunning views, morning tea, lunch at the Hydro Majestic Hotel, an evening and morning at leisure and a choice of accommodation at either Lilianfels Blue Mountains, Carrington Hotel or Echoes Blue Mountains.
Day 1: Your informative and knowledgeable guide will collect you from your Sydney hotel to commence this small group wildlife tour into the heart of a unique World Heritage Region. You will head out of the city to reach Calmsley Hill, a working farm and home to kangaroos, emus, wombats, and koalas. Enjoy morning tea and time to wander at leisure. Continuing on, you will head on up to the Blue Mountains via the highway. Visit one of a range of stunning lookouts over the Jamison Valley. Where possible, this will be away from the crowds. At Eaglehawk Lookout you have a wonderful view of the Three Sisters. Your guide will discuss the legends behind this famous rock formation, and you have time to take photos. From here, we arrive at your hotel accommodation approximately 11.00 – 11.30am with the remainder of the day at leisure to explore at your own pace. (Lunch own cost today).
Day 2: A leisurely morning to relax in the Blue Mountains. You are collected from your hotel accommodation at approximately 11.00 – 11.30am to re-join the tour group. We then make our way around the mountain towards the village of Blackheath and our lunch venue, the Boiler House Café at the Hydro Majestic. Here in this relaxed venue with stunning views, you can enjoy a 2-course lunch with tea and coffee. All diets are catered for (excluding Kosher Meals) and beverages can be purchased at your own expense from the Bar.
During the afternoon, you will visit a selection of lookouts, including Govetts Leap, one of Australia’s most famous. The magnificent waterfall drops a whopping 180 metres to the base of the cliff and the lookout provides sweeping views down the valley to the Grose Wilderness. Our last stop is at the delightful Mt Tomah Botanic Gardens where you see the panoramic views across to Sydney whilst enjoying a glass of sparkling wine or orange juice. Then you’ll return to Sydney via the Bells Line of Road to arrive back at your hotel.
Departs: 7-7.30am and returns between 4.30-5pm.
Panoramic Sydney & Sydney Harbour Lunch Cruise
Depart your hotel for an unforgettable Panoramic Sydney half day city sights tour. You will visit the historic Rocks area and hear of early convict history. Continue through the financially focused Central Business District (CBD), and Macquarie Street. Marvel at 18th century sandstone architecture such as NSW Parliament House, Rum Hospital, Hyde Park Barracks and St Mary’s Cathedral. Continue to Mrs Macquarie’s Point, to enjoy magnificent views of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge.
We then continue through Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, home to the rich and famous. Travelling along the coves and shores of one of the world’s most impressive harbours, we will take a few stops for photo opportunities, including a panoramic photo of Sydney skyline. You will pass through areas such as Kings Cross, Double Bay, Rose Bay before arriving at Watsons Bay, passengers will have the option a short coastal walk with views of the South Pacific Ocean and the entrance to Sydney harbour.
Travel on to famous Bondi Beach for a 30-minute stop. Visit the beachfront promenade, put your toes in the sand, enjoy a coffee or cool drink (at own cost). See bronzed Aussie lifesavers and surfers riding the waves of Bondi.
Re-board your bus and continue to Tamarama and Bronte beaches before returning to the city via Centennial Park and Paddington, a trendy district with its elegant terrace houses and boutique shops along Oxford Street.
Final stop of the day is Darling Harbour before you are dropped off at Circular Quay for your Sydney Harbour lunch cruise. Departing from the Eastern Pontoon at 12.30pm you will spend 3 relaxing hours tucked away in a first-class vessel. Discover the secrets of one of the world’s most famous and spectacular natural harbours including icons such as Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Opera House, Sydney Botanical Gardens and more. You will see the city from a new perspective and marvel at the sights that decorate its coastline. Owing to our educated live commentator, you will get to learn something new about Sydney, its history and about each of the sights that you can see from the deck. In addition to this, you will have access to one of Sydney’s most historic National Park Islands. Here you can explore the area and/or swim (optional) with an invitation to hire snorkel gear or bring your own. Your cruise concludes at 3.30pm at Circular Quay and on arrival, make your way at leisure back to your hotel.
This tour runs daily with a minimum of 2 and maximum of 14.
Departs between 7.30am – 8am and returns at 3.30pm to Circular Quay.
Pacific Coast Self Drive 4 Nights: Sydney to Brisbane
This self-drive tour from Sydney to Brisbane requires 5 days car rental and 4 nights’ accommodation. We will be pleased to help you choose the best rental car and accommodation options to suit your personal preference and provide a quotation on request.
Sydney – Hunter Valley – Coffs Harbour – Byron Bay – Gold Coast – Brisbane
DAY 1 Sydney – Hunter Valley (175 kms)
Collect your rental vehicle and set off to the Hunter Valley. Cross the Sydney Harbour Bridge and head north, via the Pacific Highway and National Highway 1 to Cessnock, regional hub and proud gateway to the Hunter Valley Wine Country. From here you can experience the boutique and world-renowned wineries, fine food, bushwalking, local arts and crafts and the country lifestyle of Australia’s oldest wine producing region.
Overnight: Pokolbin
DAY 2 Hunter Valley – Coffs Harbour (425 kms)
Continue northeast on the Pacific Highway through Taree and on to Port Macquarie. Enjoy a break at one of the ocean beaches at this relaxed harbour town, visit the Koala Hospital or explore the Rainforest Centre. Take a detour to the pretty country town of Bellingen before visiting the Dorrigo World Heritage National Park. At the visit centre you can walk the Skywalk over the forest canopy or alternatively follow one of the walking tracks through the park. Coffs Harbour is a popular year-round tourist destination. Stroll along Coffs Promenade on to the beautiful botanic gardens with a mangrove boardwalk or spend time browsing in the local art galleries and museums.
Overnight: Coffs Harbour
Day 3 Coffs Harbour – Byron Bay (233 kms)
From Coffs Harbour the Pacific Highway passes through the graceful old country town of Grafton and the fishing town of Ballina to Bayron Bay. Once a sleepy country town, Australia’s eastern-most point is today an eagerly sought-after holiday address. It has wonderful Beaches with some of the best surf in Australia and a wide selection of cafés, bars, art galleries, shops, and markets.
Overnight: Byron Bay
Day 4 Byron Bay
Today you can explore Byron Bay and its surrounds at your leisure. Sample some of the local range of activities, from tandem hang-gliding and parachute jumps, to kayaking, surfing (or learning to surf), bike or horse-riding. The marine park at Julian Rocks, just off the main beach, is the meeting place of tropical and temperate currents, providing scuba divers and snorkelers with some amazing scenery. There is a great walking trail to the top of the Cape, with stunning coastal views, and the lighthouse is the spot to watch for whales. Nearby Brunswick Heads and Byron’s hinterland are also worth visiting.
Day 5 Byron Bay – Brisbane (164 kms)
Continue north on the Pacific Highway through Tweed Heads and cross the border into Queensland to explore the vibrant town of Surfers Paradise. Alternatively, travel through the Tweed Valley to Lamington National Park, with its subtropical rainforests and spectacular lookouts. With only a short drive to Brisbane, there is plenty of time to enjoy the many attractions of the Gold Coast including golf courses, shopping centres, galleries, museums, theme parks, and beaches. Return your rental vehicle to the depot in Brisbane on arrival.
Sydney to Melbourne Coastal Explorer 3 Nights: Sydney to Melbourne
This self-drive tour from Sydney to Melbourne requires 4 days car rental and 3 nights’ accommodation. We will be pleased to help you choose the best rental car and accommodation options to suit your personal preference and provide a quotation on request.
Sydney – Jervis Bay – Merimbula – Metung – Melbourne
DAY 1 Sydney – Jervis Bay (190 kms)
Exchange urban views for the natural wonders of the coast as you begin the drive south to Melbourne. Follow the road over the Sea Cliff Bridge, suspended above the crashing waves of the ocean as it hugs the coast. Stretch your legs in Kiama, with the gentle amble to the famed blow hole and then turn inland for a treetop meander through the rainforest canopy at the Illawarra Fly Treetop Walk before heading on to Jervis Bay.
Here, you’ll find glorious white sandy beaches lapped by clear, turquoise waves, bushwalk and cycling trails galore plus a mischievous pod of resident dolphins that play in the bay all year round. Hyams Beach is probably the best known of the Jervis Bay beaches, however there are plenty more to discover.
This evening enjoy dinner at one of the lovely restaurants in Huskisson, or just pick up fish and chips, then sit with your toes in the sand as you watch the sun set.
Overnight: Jervis Bay
DAY 2 Jervis Bay – Merimbula (285 kms)
Before you leave Jervis Bay hop on one of the morning cruise boats and take a float around the bay to spot the dolphins and seals. Depending on the time of year you might also find yourself accompanied by migrating whales.
As you continue south ensure you leave time for a little detour to Pebbly Beach, where you’ll likely find a mob of kangaroos and wallabies playing in the surf. Stop for refreshments in Bateman’s Bay, seafood lovers can pick up the freshest of oysters from the Oyster Shed on Wray Street. When you reach Narooma take a little time out and hop on a wildlife cruise to Montague Island. This nature reserve is home to fur seals, sea eagles and is a real haven for wildlife.
Stop for a stroll through the quaint village of Central Tilba, a heritage village with a wealth of arts and crafts, where time seems to stand still.
Wend your way along the aptly named Sapphire Coast, one of the true hidden treasures on this drive. Sample fresher-than-fresh seafood at Bermagui Fisherman’s Wharf and delve into the rich history of the region with a visit to the Bega Pioneer Museum, it’s also worth stocking up on the sensational Bega Cheese at the Bega Cheese Heritage Centre.
Nature lovers can get their wildlife fix at Mimosa Rocks National Park before arriving in Merimbula. End the day with a gentle sunset stroll along the Merimbula Boardwalk.
Overnight: Merimbula
DAY 3 Merimbula – Metung (289 kms)
Start your morning with oyster tasting or join a Magical Oyster Tour to visit Captain Sponge’s oyster farm out on the water. Keep heading south to the old whaling town of Eden, which sits proudly on the ‘Humpback Highway’. Here you’ll hear tales of how the local Yuin people hunted with wild killer whales. Eden also sits on the Killer Whale Trail which is comprised of five key whale watching spots dotted along the coast between Twofold Bay and Ben Boyd National Park.
Cross the state line and make your way to Gipsy Point, sitting at the head of the Mallacoota Inlet in the Gippsland Lakes. This is the perfect spot to sooth the soul out on the waterways of Mallacoota and amidst the wilds of the Croajingolong National Park. This naturalist’s paradise offers a rare glimpse into a place of such ecological significance that the park is listed as a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. With pristine beaches, rugged mountain valleys, lush rainforest and a staggering array of flora and fauna. Popular walking trails include the Genoa Peak Walk, Point Hicks Lightstation Walk and Thurra River Dunes Walk.
Continue to Lakes Entrance, in the heart of Gippsland Lakes region, home to Australia’s largest inland waterway and where the Gippsland Lakes meet the Southern Ocean. The picturesque village of Metung is all about the water and there is a myriad of ways to enjoy it. Those wanting to see koalas in the wild should take the five-minute ferry ride from Paynesville to Raymond Island and the follow the Koala Walk.
DAY 4 Metung to Melbourne (312 kms)
Swap coastal vistas for the shady green of a forest canopy and the plunging hills and deep valleys of Gippsland’s stunning inland areas. Pass the old Port of Sale and then on the edge of the Victorian Alps you’ll arrive at the perfectly preserved historic township of Walhalla, the oldest of the Gippsland gold mining towns. Enjoy lunch at the historic Star Hotel and spend some time exploring this fascinating town before departing for Melbourne.
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