DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrive in Sydney

Arrive in Sydney, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Days 2 & 3: Explore Sydney

The next two days are free for you to explore Sydney independently. This beautiful city has an iconic skyline that is instantly recognisable, with its famous Harbour Bridge and the ‘sails’ of the Sydney Opera House. Attending a performance here is memorable (you can even get tickets to go behind the scenes).

A Darling Harbour cruise, to view the city skyline from the water, is highly recommended. Another option is to take a scenic ferry ride to the relaxed beachside suburb of Manly, or to Cockatoo Island.

The historic Rocks district is known for its markets, cobblestone streets and great views of Harbour Bridge. If you are intrepid, you can climb to the top of the bridge. Alternatively ascend Sydney Tower in the city centre, which is twice the height of the bridge, for incredible views and the opportunity to walk along a glass-bottomed sky walk.

Other must-do experiences include people watching at famous Bondi Beach, and swimming in the landmark Bondi Icebergs rock pool. Afterwards you can meander along the 3.7 mile oceanfront walk from Bondi to Coogee, with its beaches, cliffs, parks and cafes, and treat yourself to a drink in the rooftop bar at the Coogee Pavilion.

At Sydney Zoo you will be able to view indigenous Australian wildlife such as the kangaroo, koala, dingo, wallaby, wombat, platypus, echidna (spiny anteater) and nocturnal Tasmanian devil. You can also see emu and an incredible array of colourful birds.

Other attractions include Paddy’s, the biggest market in the city, Sydney Fish Market and vibrant Chinatown. Circular Quay is known for its excellent gourmet dining and stunning harbour views. The Royal Botanic Gardens are the oldest in Australia, and you may also wish to visit the serene Chinese Garden of Friendship. The city has several world class museums, including the Australia Museum which has a great natural history collection. Sports lovers can take in a game of cricket or rugby

Outside the city you can take a day trip to the stunning Blue Mountains with their indigenous wildlife and dramatic rock formations, including the Three Sisters (less than 2 hours from Sydney).

Days 4 & 5: Hunter Valley

Today collect your hire car and leave for a 2 night stay in the heart of Hunter Valley, one of Australia’s oldest wine regions.

You can tour the vineyards and sample the produce at cellar doors, float above the vineyards in a hot air balloon, rent a bicycle or explore using the hop-off bus that trundles around the wineries.

Day 6: Port Stephens

Leave behind the tranquillity of the vineyards and head to Port Stephens for a 1 night stay.

This is Australia’s dolphin watching capital, where you can participate in one of the many dolphin cruises on offer.

You can walk along some of the region’s 26 beautiful beaches, which are surrounded by huge vegetated sand dunes, watch surfers in action or simply relax and enjoy the laid-back coastal atmosphere.

Day 7: Coffs Harbour

Continue North to the popular holiday resort of Coffs Harbour, known for its stunning beaches, the Solitary Islands Marine Park and the Big Banana monument.

Days 8 & 9: Byron Bay

Today you will arrive in the bohemian paradise of Byron Bay, famous for its laid-back alternative atmosphere and surf culture, for a 2 night stay.

Visit art galleries, learn to surf, enjoy a meal in one of the many restaurants or watch the sunrise over the Byron Bay Lighthouse, situated on Australia’s most easterly mainland point.

Day 10: Drive to Brisbane

Leave behind the stunning beaches of New South Wales and head over the border into Queensland, towards its capital city. Travel either via the vibrant playground of Surfers Paradise, or venture inland to the Gold Coast hinterland, with its lush rainforests and epic waterfalls.

Days 11 & 12: Brisbane

Brisbane (‘Brissie’) is the capital of the sunshine state of Queensland. It is Australia’s third largest city, with a mild subtropical climate. Situated along the winding banks of the Brisbane River, it combines historic buildings with modern elegance and has many lush parklands and gardens.

The Cultural Precinct in South Bank is a wonderful family-friendly destination for a day out, with many excellent museums, galleries and performance venues. You can relax on the lush lawns of the South Bank Parklands along the riverfront, or take a ride on the Wheel of Brisbane. Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) occupies two adjacent but contrasting buildings along this waterfront. 

The Museum of Brisbane is housed in the City Hall, a heritage building situated in Adelaide Street, whilst the Queen Street Mall is an excellent shopping precinct.

A Brisbane River cruise is an excellent way to gain a fresh perspective of the city’s landmarks, including steel Story Bridge (which you can climb up and abseil down) and Kangaroo Point Cliffs. The cruise can also take you to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, where you can cuddle a koala and see other indigenous animals such as kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, dingoes, snakes, crocodiles, Tasmanian devils and platypuses. You can also see bird of prey flight demonstrations and sheep shearing.

The Mount Coot-tha Botanic Gardens are located 4.5 miles outside the city, at the foot of Brisbane's tallest mountain. The Mount Coot-tha lookout offers a breathtaking panorama over the area.

If you wish to explore outside the city, a wide variety of day tours are on offer ranging from the vast beaches of Surfers Paradise and the Gold Coast in the south, to Noosa Heads and the Sunshine Coast in the north. A 75 minute ferry ride from downtown Brisbane will take you to Moreton Island, with its azure waters and white sandy beaches, or visit North Stradbroke Island where you can swim, hike, view wild kangaroos and koalas and see whales from the beach in season. Alternatively head inland to the lush green mountains of the Springbrook and Tamborine Rainforest, with its natural bridge and glow worm cave.

Day 13: Fly Home

Drive to Brisbane airport to drop off your hire car and fly home.

PRICING

Price is based on two adults sharing en-suite accommodation on a room only basis, airport transfers on arrival and standard car hire. International flights are not included and will be quote separately.

We offer a choice of hotels at different prices, so please discuss your requirements with us. All hotels are subject to availability.

Before your departure, you will receive personalised holiday information including recommended route and suggestions on places to visit, to help you get the most from your holiday.

It is essential that you have personal holiday insurance and an appropriate driving licence. The FCO should also be consulted.