Sydney is Australia's most famous city and with almost 20% of the country's population, is also Australia's largest city. Situated on the east coast of Australia it has beautiful white sand beaches, including the famous Bondi Beach and Manly Beach as well as the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge and of course, the Sydney Opera House. Rich in history, art, and food Sydney has something for everyone.
Included accommodation summary
Other inclusions
The following items are included in this itinerary and cost.
INCLUDED - Electronic Travel Guide and In-Country Support App
Our exclusive Touring App. This app includes your full itinerary and reservation details, all available online and offline, as well as lots of other great information within the location guide such as restaurant information, weather forecasts, and local activity suggestions. Any changes or updates to your itinerary are available instantly to you, and it's an easy way to keep in touch with us. Contact, gives you access to our free call number, in app messaging and after-hours service if you require support while on tour. Documents, are saved if any of your activities require a voucher presentation for entry. You will find a copy of the voucher here. Itinerary Info, contains information about how far you will travel throughout your tour and if driving an idea of how much fuel may be. By selecting Itinerary on any given day you will see much more detail of the arrangements made for you and even some ideas on extras you may enjoy along the journey.
INCLUDED - Private transfer Sydney Airport to your accommodation
On arrival, you will be met by customs exit holding a sign with your name.
Your accommodation: Vibe Hotel Sydney
Perfectly positioned in the heart of Sydney CBD, Vibe Hotel Sydney is surrounded by Sydney’s premier attractions such as Hyde Park, Chinatown, and Sydney Tower as well as minutes away from the exciting suburbs of Surry Hills and Darlinghurst.
INCLUDED - Sydney Icons, Bays & Beaches with Sydney Harbour Boat Tours
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. Please wear comfortable shoes, heels are not recommended. It can get a little colder on the water so bring a light jacket.
Collect your rental car - Suzuki Swift (CDAR) compact automatic or similar (Europcar)
Sydney to Katoomba in the Blue Mountains
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.
Your accommodation: Leisure Inn Spires Blue Mountains
Leisure Inn Spires is located at the top of the gorgeous Leura Mall in the spectacular Blue Mountains – just over an hour’s drive from Sydney.
Meals included: Breakfast
Driving distance and time (approximate) for this leg is: 259 kms / 161 miles : 3.6 hours
INCLUDED - Scenic World Blue 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.
Walking tracks in and around Katoomba in the Blue Mountains
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 a 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
Your accommodation: Leisure Inn Spires Blue Mountains
Leisure Inn Spires is located at the top of the gorgeous Leura Mall in the spectacular Blue Mountains – just over an
hour’s drive from Sydney.
Katoomba (Blue Mountains) to Pokolbin (Hunter Valley) via Wollombi
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.
Hunter Valley Free Day
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.
Your accommodation: Leisure Inn Pokolbin Hill
Leisure Inn Pokolbin Hill is a picturesque retreat set on 25 acres of tranquillity, in the heart of the Hunter Valley Wine Country. The hotel features superior rooms, as well as one and two-bedroom apartments with fully-equipped modern kitchens and complimentary unlimited Wi-Fi.
The driving distance and time (approximate) for this leg is: 254 kms / 158 miles : 3.3 hours
INCLUDED - Taste of the Hunter Tour with Dave's Travel Group - Lunch Included
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.
Duration: approx. 6 hours
Your accommodation: Leisure Inn Pokolbin Hill
Leisure Inn Pokolbin Hill is a picturesque retreat set on 25 acres of tranquillity, in the heart of the Hunter Valley Wine Country. The hotel features superior rooms, as well as one and two-bedroom apartments with fully-equipped modern kitchens and complimentary unlimited Wi-Fi.
Meals included: Lunch
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.
Explore 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 horse riding.
Your accommodation: Oaks Port Stephens Pacific Blue Resort
If you are in search of the ultimate chance to unwind, Oaks Port Stephens Pacific Blue Resort is an ideal choice. Located in Salamander Bay and home to one of the largest swimming pools in Australia, the family-friendly resort includes an onsite gymnasium, heated spa, Japanese steam room, and tennis courts.
The driving distance and time (approximate) for this leg is: 102 kms / 63 miles : 1.4 hours
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.
Free day on the Central Coast
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.
Your accommodation: Vibe Hotel Sydney
Perfectly positioned in the heart of Sydney CBD, Vibe Hotel Sydney is surrounded by Sydney’s premier attractions such as Hyde Park, Chinatown, and Sydney Tower as well as minutes away from the exciting suburbs of Surry Hills and Darlinghurst.
The driving distance and time (approximate) for this leg is: 172 kms / 107 miles : 2.1 hours
Return your vehicle to Sydney Airport
Explore more of Sydney before dropping your rental car at the airport depot and continuing your onward journey. Please remember to fill up your car with fuel before returning it to the rental car depot at the airport. If you are returning a Hertz vehicle - please note that drop off is on Ross Smith Avenue.
Farewell from Sydney - suggested activity
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!
Meals included: Breakfast