Part of the First Light Travel Group
South Pacific Specialists
+64 (9) 320 1065
Uncover the very best of the New South Wales hinterland and wine country. Dine al fresco in the Blue Mountains, sip Hunter Valley Semillon while kangaroos roam the vineyards, and be dazzled by the bright lights of glamorous Sydney. With minimal driving, our 7-Day Sydney & Surrounds Self-Drive Itinerary offers ultimate relaxation and luxury. With a private Blue Mountains 4WD safari, a guided Sydney Highlights tour, and sumptuous accommodations, all hand-picked by our travel specialists, this holiday will delight the discerning traveller.
Duration: 7 days
Starts: Sydney
Finishes: Sydney
The sparkling crown jewel of Australia
Welcome to Sydney, the oldest and grandest of Australia’s big cities. Dynamic, cosmopolitan and surrounded by stunning natural attractions, Sydney is the ultimate big city getaway. Set on one of the most beautiful harbours in the world and with famous architectural icons such as the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge to explore, Sydney offers plenty of excitement at any time of the year.
Settle in with a stroll along Circular Quay. With the Harbour Bridge at one end and the Opera House at the other, is there a place any more iconic to begin your Australian dream vacation?
2 Nights at the Sir Stamford Circular Quay
Enjoy a private tour of Sydney
A full day luxury guided tour of Sydney offers you an overview of Sydney’s history and scenic highlights with a knowledgeable local expert.
Private Tour of Sydney
Your friendly guide will meet you at your hotel and whisk you away to the historic Rocks Precinct to explore the convict-built cottages, pubs and the first church in Australia.
Heading east, you make your way to Sydney’s gorgeous Botanical Gardens in the heart of the city. Enjoy a walking tour of the harbour’s edge with magnificent views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House before rejoining your luxury vehicle.
Continue on to Rushcutters Bay for a waterfront lunch at the prestigious Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, home to the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race. Then you’ll follow the coastline to arrive at Sydney’s most famous stretch of sand: Bondi Beach.
Arriving back at your hotel you will have enjoyed a great day out seeing some of Sydney’s biggest highlights.
Ascend to the spectacular Blue Mountains region, just 90 minutes from Sydney.
The Blue Mountains
Prepare to be awed by rugged sandstone cliffs, hidden canyons, towering waterfalls and never-ending expanses of gorgeous eucalyptus forests. The World-Heritage-Listed Blue Mountains region is guaranteed to impress.
Outdoor lovers will delight in 140 kilometres (87 miles) of walking tracks, surrounded by native bushland and the blue haze which gives the region its name.
Your luxurious home for the next two nights will be the Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort and Spa. Conveniently located at Echo Point in the township of Katoomba, you are only 500 metres from the famous Three Sisters, an iconic rock formation with forest views as far as the eye can see.
2 Nights at the Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa
Approximate Distance: 62 km | 39 miles
Total Driving Time: 1 hour 2 mins
Whether you’re out for a gentle stroll with the family or embarking on a vigorous multi-day trek with calf-burning descents to the valley floor, the Blue Mountains have a bushwalk to suit every level of ability and enthusiasm. We recommend popping into the National Park Visitors Centre in Katoomba to discuss options.
Visit the Jenolan Cave System, nestled on the fringe of the Blue Mountains World Heritage Area. Scientists recently discovered that this is the world’s oldest open cave system. With spectacular underground tours through eleven show caves and a variety of other activities above and below ground like adventure caving, abseiling, concerts and bushwalking, we’re sure you’ll find something you like.
Hunter Valley region, famed for its prestigious vineyards and world-class Semillon wines.
Take a leisurely drive to the picturesque Hunter Valley region, famed for its prestigious vineyards and world-class Semillon wines.
The Hunter Valley
Australia’s oldest wine region is home to a staggering 150 wineries, from big names to tiny boutique growers. It’s only a 40-minute drive from one end of the valley to the other so there’s plenty of time to admire the region’s sweeping landscapes: you’re likely to encounter your first wild kangaroos here too.
Your Hunter Valley hideaway will be the award-winning Spicers Vineyards Estate, where you will be greeted by rolling vineyards and natural bushland.
A delectable gourmet breakfast is included in your stay. You’ll feast on seasonal modern Australian dishes at the estate’s own Restaurant Botanica, perfectly matched with fine Hunter Valley wines.
1 Night at the Spicers Vineyards Estate
Approximate Distance: 280 km | 174 miles
Total Driving Time: 3 hours 42 mins
Guided Hunter Valley Wine Tasting
Wake up to the sight of kangaroos grazing amongst the vines and get ready to sample the flavours of Hunter Valley on a luxury small group wine tour.
Hunter Valley Wine Tasting Tour
Take a guided afternoon tour of the oldest wine region in Australia. Travelling in a luxury Mercedes Benz bus, you will enjoy wine tastings at three great Hunter Valley wineries, with time to purchase some of the best wine in Australia at great cellar door prices. Visits to local cheese and chocolate producers round off your day.
Return to Sydney Airport for departure
Return to Sydney, crossing the iconic Harbour Bridge as you journey to the airport. As you board your onward flight, we know you will take with you the magical memories of a truly exceptional Australian experience. We know you will enjoy your 7-Day Sydney & Surrounds Self-Drive Tour and we hope you will return soon to discover even more highlights of this incredible continent.
Approximate Distance: 242 km | 151 miles
Total Driving Time: 3 hours 17 mins
“The Blue Mountains and Hunter Valley are my favourite places in New South Wales. Just think of stunningly beautiful scenery and fantastic wine and food, what more could you want?”
Ready to find out more? Talk to one of our friendly travel designers about his tour. We guarantee you it will be the experience of a lifetime!
ENQUIRELike what you see? Contact us today to find out more about our exclusive itineraries. Each Absolute New Zealand tour is tailored to who you are and what you want to do.
Our team has access to New Zealand's most unique accommodation, superb activities, and flight specials. Contact us for a personalised New Zealand experience.
Uluru / Yulara to Alice Springs
Hobart to Hobart
Exmouth to Perth
Inspiring travel itineraries and expert advice delivered to your inbox.
START PLANNING
This luxury hotel features an outdoor heated pool and sundeck that overlooks Sydney Harbour and Circular Quay. The award-winning restaurant and bar offer views of the Royal Botanic Gardens. Situated in Sydney CBD (Central Business District), Sir Stamford Circular Quay is a short 5-minute stroll from the world-famous Sydney Opera House. Each room features an executive work desk with broadband internet access, plus a marble bathroom with double vanity, bathrobe, and slippers. Some rooms have an intimate Juliet balcony with stunning views.
Set amidst 2 acres of gardens, the 5-star Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa is a grand country house providing luxurious accommodation in the Blue Mountains. It features 2 restaurants, an outdoor pool and luxury spa facilities.
Located in the tranquil Hunter Valley, only a 2-hour drive from Sydney, Spicers Vineyards Estate offers spacious rooms with free WiFi, fireplace and spa bath. There is a restaurant and swimming pool on site. Set among rolling vineyards and native bushland, the contemporary and well-appointed rooms with luxurious Appellees products, bathrobes and slippers have been created to be your personal haven.
Your private Essential Sydney tour starts in the historic Rocks precinct. Wander through the birthplace of Sydney and explore the convict-built cottages, pubs and the first church in Australia. Climb Observatory Hill for views of Anzac Bridge and Darling Harbour.
Drive across the magnificent Sydney Harbour Bridge, one of Australia’s most recognised landmarks. Pass by Double Bay, Rose Bay, Vaucluse and Watsons Bay, before traversing along the coastline to Sydney’s most famous beach, Bondi. Here, you will have some time to soak up the atmosphere of the beachside mecca. Stroll down the esplanade with the locals or go for a swim, the choice is all yours.
Set amidst 2 acres of gardens, the 5-star Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa is a grand country house providing luxurious accommodation in the Blue Mountains. It features 2 restaurants, an outdoor pool and luxury spa facilities.
A city of iconic attractions and brilliant beaches, Sydney is a destination you’ll never forget. Sydney is home to must-visit icons like the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House, but this Harbour City is constantly evolving. New rooftop bars, theatre shows and designer shops pop up at every turn, and the urban excitement is perfectly balanced by afternoons spent lying on the sand. With diverse destinations at its doorstep, Sydney is the perfect base for day trips and weekends away.
Discover the Blue Mountains, Sydney’s backyard playground. A World Heritage-listed wilderness where ancient rock formations cast their golden glow over vast canyons carpeted in eucalypts.
A natural wonderland where waterfalls plummet into valleys clad with rainforest, and breathtaking views stretch to the hazy blue horizon. A region where quaint, historic villages nestle amongst trees painted with the colours of the seasons and creativity is inspired by the bounty of nature.
