Customer Friendly Itineraries

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.

Set on Gadigal land, the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney is Australia’s oldest scientific institution and a lush oasis overlooking Sydney Harbour. This historic site, nestled between the Opera House and Circular Quay, features thousands of plant species and diverse wildlife, from fruit bats to water dragons. Highlights include the Cadi Jam Ora garden, which explores First Nations history, and The Calyx, a modern centre for horticultural exhibitions. Whether joining a guided tour or enjoying the harbor-side café, it is a premier destination for discovering botany and relaxing in the heart of the city.

Often mistaken as Australia's capital city, Sydney is a vibrant coastal city with plenty to see and do. Starting in Circular Quay you will catch your first views of the two big icons, Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. From here you can catch one of the quintessential harbour ferries over to Manly Beach or Taronga Zoo, catching a glimpse of Kirribilli House, the Prime Minister's official Sydney residence, on the way over. Kirribilli is also home to one of Sydney's oldest markets at the Kirribilli Neighbourhood Centre twice a month. It is known for its stalls of vintage clothing, arts, delicious street food and its lively community atmosphere - so if you are in town on a market day, you can't miss it. For a relaxing end to your day of exploration, your dinner options are aplenty. From high-end restaurants around Circular Quay that offer amazing views, to the Chinatown food courts and a broad range of eateries at Barangaroo, you will be spoiled for choice.

Enhance your day at the Opera House with a 1-hour guided tour, uncovering its fascinating history and design. Complete your visit with a main meal and a beverage at your choice of harbour-side venues, Opera Bar, Midden by Mark Olive,  or House Canteen. Enjoy world-class dining with breathtaking views for a truly unforgettable Sydney outing.

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. First time driving in Australia? Check out this helpful guide.

Head out of Sydney and 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.

Nestled in the picturesque landscape of New South Wales, Australia, the Hunter Valley beckons with its enchanting vineyards, gourmet delights, and serene countryside ambiance. Discover a haven for wine enthusiasts where rolling hills are adorned with lush vineyards producing world-class wines. Indulge in farm-to-table dining experiences, explore quaint villages, and unwind in luxurious accommodations. Whether you seek a romantic getaway or a leisurely escape, the Hunter Valley offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, making it an idyllic destination for discerning travelers.

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 cosy tasting pod. Settle in for a guided flight unlike any other. Savour six expertly chosen Brokenwood wines, each paired with a delicious, seasonal canapé. Witness the magic unfold as the flavours 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.

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.

With 26 sandy beaches, an idyllic blue bay, and a backdrop of giant sand dunes, Port Stephens is a true paradise. The area boasts one of Australia's highest populations of bottlenose dolphins and offers many sheltered coves perfect for families. Choose from a variety of activities, including swimming with the dolphins, or enjoying a day of diving, surfing, or snorkelling. You can also get up close with local wildlife, even touching a shark or cuddling a ray at a nearby marine park. For those who love adventure, get an adrenaline rush by quad biking or sand boarding down the towering Stockton Sand Dunes, the Southern Hemisphere's largest moving coastal dunes. You can also explore the many bush walks, or taste the local fresh-caught seafood.

Set sail on a fantastic 1.5-hour Dolphin Discovery Cruise in Port Stephens, Australia's "Dolphin Capital"! Join Moonshadow TQC as you search for over 160 resident bottlenose dolphins amidst the stunning Tomaree and Yacaaba headlands. Enjoy lively commentary from your captain, sharing fascinating insights. For an added splash of fun, try boom netting, safely towed through the water, a unique, exhilarating experience! With excellent dolphin sighting rates, comfortable viewing, and a licensed bar, it's a truly memorable way to connect with Port Stephens' vibrant marine life.

Maximize your free day by diving into the coastal splendour of Port Stephens. We suggest starting your morning with an invigorating, but rewarding, hike up Mount Tomaree. From the summit, you’ll be treated to spectacular panoramic views encompassing the entire coastline, the offshore islands, and the sweeping bays below. Once you’ve descended, cool off with a refreshing swim at the sheltered and pristine Zenith Beach. The afternoon is reserved for the region’s true highlight: a dolphin cruise out of Nelson Bay, offering incredible opportunities to spot playful pods. To cap off your perfect coastal day, secure a spot at a local restaurant overlooking the harbour in Nelson Bay and indulge in some of the region's famous, fresh, locally harvested seafood.

You will never forget seeing the awesome bulk of a humpback whale, up to 18 metres long and weighing 40 tonnes! Being the most surface-active of all the whales, it is possible that you will see spectacular displays – spy hops, pectoral slaps, body rolls and the breathtaking breach. Enjoy entertaining and informative commentary and the cruise includes bonus dolphin and outer island cruising – two cruises for the price of one! With great viewing decks (both inside and outside), you can be sure you are getting the best view of these friendly giants.

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 south, drive past localities with sandy beaches and great restaurants. The final stretch takes you inland through the Blue Mountains, where the scenery transforms into dramatic cliffs, lush forests, and misty valleys. Expect breathtaking views, especially as you ascend towards Katoomba.

The World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains is a wilderness area showcasing ancient rock formations, vast canyons and waterfalls plummeting into valleys below. The breathtaking views over the region stretch to the hazy blue horizon, while the historic village towns nestled amongst the rainforest are dotted with tea rooms, cellar doors and breweries hosted by local producers. There is no shortage of adventure in the Blue Mountains with the rugged sandstone escarpments, underground caves and deep canyons providing the perfect playground for rock climbing, abseiling, canyoning and more. Of course, relaxation is also on the cards with a number of resorts, boutique guesthouses and day spas throughout.

Experience the magical beauty of the Blue Mountains after sunset on the Katoomba Falls Night Lit Walk! This unique 1.3 km scenic trail links iconic lookouts, offering a breathtaking, illuminated night-time view of natural wonders. See Orphan Rock, Witches Leap, and Katoomba Falls glowing after dark. The journey also provides stunning vantage points to view the Three Sisters illuminated. The path lights up at dusk, allowing you to enjoy this tranquil experience. 

Maximise your time in the mountains by combining three of the most iconic, short walks. Start your day at Echo Point with the family-friendly Three Sisters Walk (1km), providing ever-changing, breathtaking views of the famous rock formation. Next, tackle the spectacular Katoomba Falls Round Track (2km), descending through a lush gully for dramatic waterfall vistas and historic lookouts like Vanimans. In the afternoon, drive to the Wentworth Falls picnic area to experience the short but steep Wentworth Falls Track (1.4km). You will be rewarded with jaw-dropping views of the 100m cascade plunging to the valley floor and the vast Jamison Valley. This combination offers incredible vistas, varied terrain, and captures the dramatic beauty of the Blue Mountains in one unforgettable day.

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.

Depart the breathtaking, rugged cliffs of Katoomba, beginning your scenic descent from the high Blue Mountains. You'll follow the Great Western Highway, winding through historic mountain towns like Leura and Wentworth Falls. The landscape gradually shifts from dense eucalyptus forest and sandstone escarpments to rolling foothills. The road soon widens into the Western Motorway, increasing your pace toward the city. This journey offers a striking contrast as the pristine wilderness gives way to the growing suburban sprawl. The route culminates with the iconic Sydney skyline appearing on the horizon, signalling your return to the vibrant heart of Australia’s largest city.

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

Farewell Sydney today. If there is more of Australia or New Zealand you would like to explore, talk to your sales consultant about planning your next stop!