New South Wales Explorer

Arrive in Sydney and head out into the city for some sightseeing. Circular Quay is a good place to start, with a wide selection of cosy cafes and some fabulous views of the Harbour Bridge and the iconic Sydney Opera House. Perhaps take a relaxing stroll through the pretty Royal Botanic Gardens for beautifully framed views of the Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge in the distance, and look up into the trees to see the 20,000-strong colony of grey-headed flying foxes.

Take a guided day trip to pretty beaches and rugged coastal scenery of Port Stephens, keeping an eye out for dolphins. If you’re visiting between May and November, it’s also possible to spot migrating humpback whales off the coast, either from a whale watching trip or the popular lookout point on the top of Gan Gan Hill. Why not have a go at sand boarding or quad biking on the enormous Stockton Sand Dunes, some of which are over 30 metres tall.

Back in Sydney, you’ll have a free morning to explore. Perhaps check out the historic St Mary’s Cathedral, which has existed in various forms since 1821. For something more relaxing, head down to Darling Harbour and people watch over a flat white in one of the cute cafes, or hit the shops for a spot of retail therapy. In the afternoon you’ll head off on a guided tour to Bondi, where you can chill out on this world-famous beach or try your hand at surfing.

Dotted with quaint villages and carpeted with sun-drenched vineyards, the Hunter Valley is a beautiful place. Best of all though, it’s a great place to feast on fine, locally produced foods, from chocolate to cheese and olives, and sip on some truly excellent wines. The valley is well known for its Semillon, Shiraz and, increasingly, its Chardonnay. Head off on a day-long wine tour and find your favourite vintage.

Walk through the wild dramatic scenery of the Blue Mountains, admire the impressive Three Sisters rock formation, which Aboriginal legend states are actually three members of the Katoomba tribe turned to stone because they fell in love with three men of the neighbouring Nepean tribe, but marriage between the tribes was forbidden. Afterwards, head down to the spectacular Jenolan Caves, ten limestone caverns filled with stalactites and stalagmites.

You’ll have two more free days to explore photogenic Sydney. Perhaps visit the Museum of Contemporary Art or the Australian Museum, filled with the country’s most deadly creatures (stuffed and displayed in glass cases). Finish your trip in style as you see the city laid out before you on a thrilling helicopter tour of the major sights, including the beaches of Bondi, Coogee and Manly, before flying right past the Harbour Bridge, the Opera House and the spectacular city skyline.