Steve Arnerich travel expert

Steve Arnerich

Messages
2

Expert Countries

Australia

Speaks

English

Experience

25 years

About Steve

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I started working in the tourism industry after backpacking through South America in 1996. I landed up in Denver, Colorado, USA, and became a white water rafting guide, taking tourists down Grade 3 rapids and trying not to lose them! Upon my return to Sydney, Australia in November 1996, I cut my teeth on three-day camping adventures and day trips to the amazing Blue Mountains, just west of Sydney. I have also introduced many tourists to the scenic dolphin/whale watching cruises in Port Stephens and led informed tours through the beautiful wine country of the Hunter Valley. Like most tour guides, I love dealing with international visitors; I can speak conversational Japanese, German, Spanish, and a smattering of Dutch. I have extensive knowledge of Australian history, Aboriginal culture, Sydney city, Australian wildlife, (just ask me for my kookaburra impersonation!) the Hunter Valley, and the Blue Mountains.

Steve's Expertise

My specialty is the stunning Blue Mountains and the laid-back Hunter Valley for wine tasting. The Blue Mountains are about an hour and a half west of Sydney and is World Heritage Listed with incredible canyons, waterfalls, and temperate rainforest. The Hunter Valley is just over 2 hours north of Sydney and has around 149 wineries. There are also a plethora of gourmet restaurants, bars, homesteads, chocolate and cheese shops, olive oil, and other delightful attractions for visitors. To date, I have taken over 50 000 tourists on day trips to both the Blue Mountains, the Hunter Valley, and around the best city in the world - SYDNEY!!!

Best Travel Experience

My lovely wife, Mandy, and I took a 10-week trip through Europe in 2014. It unintentionally became a former-Soviet-Bloc tour visiting Russia, Hungary, Bulgaria, Romania, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, all amazing countries to travel through with great sights, history, and amazing food! I even managed to propose to my Mandy outside St Basil's Cathedral in the Red Square in Moscow! Luckily she said yes, and we married a year later back in Sydney.

Why is Steve the right travel expert?

With over 25 years in the Sydney tourism business, I am one of the "old hands" in the game and often get other newer tour operators contacting me looking for tips and ideas on how to improve their business. Mandy and I love to help show new visitors around Sydney and surroundings and show them the best that Sydney has to offer!

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