Sydney Vines, Coast & City

On arrival to Sydney, you will be met by customs exit holding a sign with your name.

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.

Today, you will take a Sydney Icons, Bays & Beaches with Sydney Harbour Boat Tours, included in your package. This great value boat cruise gives you a taste of Sydney’s ‘living, working harbor’, 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.

After that, collect your rental car - Suzuki Swift (CDAR) compact automatic or similar (Europcar), and 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 at Katoomba.

Driving distance and time (approximate) for this leg is: 259 kms / 161 miles: 3.6 hours

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.

You can also try out these talking tracks in and around Katoomba in the Blue Mountains:

- Three Sisters Walk: Enjoy this family-friendly 1km walk in about 45 minutes. Start near the Echo Point Visitor Centre, passing through an archway into eucalypt forest. Look for lyrebirds and rosellas on the way to Oreades lookout for views of the Three Sisters and Jamison Valley. Steps lead to Lady Game lookout and Honeymoon Bridge. Detour to Spooners lookout on the return.

- Wentworth Falls: This 1.4km walk takes about 1 hour. Start at the picnic area, visit Jamison and Wentworth lookouts, and descend 200 steps to Fletchers lookout for views of the 100m waterfall. Reach the top of the Falls and Jamison Creek before returning via National Pass for more views.

- Katoomba Falls: A 2km walk in 1 hour 15 minutes through a lush rainforest gully to iconic lookouts. Enjoy views from Reids Plateau, descend to the gorge, and visit Vanimans lookout for views of The Three Sisters and Katoomba Falls. Explore Juliets Balcony overlooking Witches Leap waterfall.

- Ruined Castle Walking Track: This 7.5km track takes about 5 hours. Start at Golden Stairs, descend into Jamison Valley, and climb Ruined Castle for views over to Wentworth Falls and Katoomba. Explore lush rainforest, historic mining features, and enjoy views of Jamison Valley and Cedar Creek Valley 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.

Once in Hunter Valley, 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.

Driving distance and time (approximate) for this leg is: 254 kms / 158 miles: 3.3 hours

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 flavors 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

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, snorkeling and kayaking. The towering Stockton sand dunes are great for sandboarding, quad-biking and horse-riding.

Driving distance and time (approximate) for this leg is: 102 kms / 63 miles: 1.4 hours

Accommodation: Oaks Port Stephens Pacific Blue Resort

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.

Enjoy your 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.

Driving distance and time (approximate) for this leg is: 172 kms / 107 miles: 2.1 hours

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.

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!