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This ten-day itinerary combines Sydney’s city buzz, the Hunter Valley’s wine country and the tranquil Blue Mountains. Start with a private Sydney highlights tour, from the Opera House to Bondi Beach. Head to the Hunter Valley for hot-air ballooning, vineyard picnics and world-class wines. Then retreat to the Blue Mountains for bush walks, stargazing and the luxurious Spicers Sangoma Retreat. Finish back in Sydney for a final evening of harbour views before departing with lasting memories of Australia’s city, wine and wilderness.
Duration: 10 Days
Starts: Sydney
Finishes: Sydney
Vibrant, iconic, coastal, cosmopolitan, cultural, picturesque
On arrival you will be welcomed by a private driver and transferred from Sydney Airport to your accommodation. Sydney, nestled on Australia’s eastern coast, is known for its stunning harbour and sandy beaches. Surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, lush national parks, and a rugged coastline, it blends natural beauty with urban energy. With a skyline that features the iconic Opera House and Harbour Bridge, Sydney is a vibrant metropolis, offering a dynamic blend of culture, commerce, and laid-back coastal living. It’s a city where the old and new effortlessly collide, creating a vibrant, thriving atmosphere.
2 Nights Accommodation at Spicers Potts Point
An exclusive, tailor-made exploration of the city.
Your private guide will collect you from your Sydney hotel for an exclusive, tailor-made exploration of the city. Stroll through the historic cobblestone lanes of The Rocks and the vibrant CBD, where colonial heritage meets striking modern architecture. Pause at Macquarie Street and Mrs Macquarie’s Chair to take in sweeping views of the Opera House and the majestic Harbour Bridge. Continue with a leisurely coastal meander around the sparkling harbour, stopping at Watsons Bay and The Gap to admire dramatic ocean vistas while savouring a refined morning tea. Conclude with a graceful promenade along world-famous Bondi Beach to witness the iconic bronzed lifesavers before meandering through elegant neighbourhoods, Tamarama, Bronte, Centennial Park, Paddington, Darlinghurst and Chinatown, culminating in the lively Darling Harbour and sophisticated Barangaroo precincts.
Enjoy a scenic drive into the heart of the Hunter Valley.
This morning, enjoy a scenic private transfer into the heart of the Hunter Valley, Australia’s most celebrated wine and culinary region. Here, world-class vintages and award-winning cuisines are paired with unforgettable experiences – soar at sunrise on a private hot-air balloon flight or savour exclusive winery tours in a chauffeured limousine. The valley’s charming historic townships, once stagecoach stops on the road from Sydney, exude rustic elegance and warm country hospitality. Indulge in refined boutique accommodations and acclaimed restaurants, or elevate your stay with a gourmet cooking class, an artisan coffee-making workshop or a sommelier-led wine-appreciation seminar. In the Hunter Valley, every moment invites you to luxuriate in the art of fine food, fine wine and timeless rural beauty.
3 Nights Accommodation at Spicers Vineyards Estate
Float into the dawn sky on an unforgettable Balloon experience
Float into the dawn sky on an unforgettable Balloon experience, where the Hunter Valley’s celebrated vineyards create a breathtaking canvas for sunrise. As the first light gilds rolling hills and patchwork vines, drift effortlessly up to 4,000 feet for sweeping views of Australia’s premier wine region. From this tranquil vantage point, watch as the mist lifts from the valley, revealing a tapestry of emerald vineyards and distant mountain ranges. Your morning concludes in style with a gourmet breakfast, perfectly complementing a once-in-a-lifetime flight that captures the Hunter’s natural beauty and timeless allure.
Audrey Wilkinson Vineyard – Premium Picnic Among the Vines
Savour a quintessential Hunter Valley experience. Begin with a leisurely self-guided stroll through the estate’s museum, where the history of this iconic vineyard comes to life. Continue with a private masterclass and premium tasting led by in-house wine experts, as you discover the subtleties of their award-winning vintages. With your chosen bottle of hand-picked wine and a gourmet picnic hamper in hand, wander through the 270-acre property to select your own secluded spot. Here, amid sweeping rows of vines and magnificent valley views, relax into an indulgent picnic as though you have the entire vineyard to yourself.
Majestic, rugged, misty, tranquil, timeless, wild
Just ninety minutes west of Sydney, the Blue Mountains reveal a dramatic sandstone plateau rising more than 1,000 metres and forming part of a World Heritage wilderness spanning over a million hectares. Breathe in the crisp mountain air as you explore charming heritage villages, elegant historic guesthouses, and a thriving arts scene. Whether you prefer gentle nature walks or more invigorating pursuits, such as rock climbing and canyoning, this majestic landscape offers a perfect balance of serenity and adventure, making it an unforgettable highlight of your Australian journey.
3 Nights Accommodation at Spicers Sangoma Retreat
Celestial, enchanting, luminous, serene, immersive and unforgettable
Immerse yourself in the crystal-clear night skies of the World Heritage–listed Greater Blue Mountains, far from the city’s glow. Your evening begins with laser-guided constellation storytelling and naked-eye astronomy, before peering through state-of-the-art telescopes to admire a dazzling array of celestial wonders. Depending on the season, glimpse the Moon’s intricate craters, Saturn’s luminous rings, Jupiter’s moons, Mars, Venus, the Orion Nebula, star clusters and even distant galaxies shimmering in the Milky Way. With the guidance of an expert astronomer, this intimate stargazing experience offers a refined and unforgettable journey across the southern heavens.
Where misty horizons meet endless adventure.
Savour a day of unhurried exploration amid the vast eucalyptus-cloaked horizons of this World Heritage sanctuary. Wander at your own pace along a network of more than 140 kilometres of scenic walking trails, where native bushland, dramatic sandstone escarpments and hidden cave systems reveal the region’s natural splendour. From gentle forest strolls to more challenging valley descents, there is a trail to suit every inclination. For tailored recommendations, the National Park Visitors Centre in Katoomba offers expert guidance to help you curate your perfect Blue Mountains adventure.
Sydney – where iconic harbour meets vibrant style
Journey back to central Sydney before enjoying an evening entirely at leisure. This cosmopolitan harbour city brims with unforgettable experiences: admire the architectural grandeur of the Sydney Opera House set against one of the world’s most spectacular natural harbours, or take in the golden sands and lively surf culture of iconic Bondi Beach. Wander through the lush Royal Botanic Gardens, explore vibrant galleries and creative precincts, and indulge in Sydney’s acclaimed dining scene where innovative chefs showcase the best of Australia’s seasonal produce.
1 Night Accommodation at Paradox Sydney
Depart Australia with memories to treasure.
Today marks the conclusion of your Australian journey. Depending on your departure schedule, there may be time for a final stroll, a touch of last-minute shopping, or one last memorable excursion. We trust that every moment of your holiday has been seamless and enriching, and that you depart with a camera brimming with treasured images and a heart full of unforgettable memories – smiling at the thought of your remarkable adventure in Australia.
“I highly recommend the 10-Day Taste of Sydney & Surrounds. This is a seamless blend of city refinement, coastal beauty and gourmet discovery. You’ll wander Sydney’s iconic streets, explore the Hunter Valley’s vineyards, soak up coastal charm, and relax in style. It’s an immersive escape through New South Wales designed for discerning travellers.”
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Cairns to Cairns
Adelaide to Adelaide
Brisbane to Brisbane
Tucked away on a quiet, leafy street in Potts Point, Spicers Potts Point offers the perfect blend of historic character and modern boutique luxury. Set in beautifully restored Sydney townhouses, its interiors feature calming neutral tones, bleached oak accents and plush furnishings, creating an elegant yet inviting retreat. Each room is designed for ultimate comfort with the famous Spicers bed, soft linens and modern bathrooms that balance classic charm with contemporary style. Step outside and you are moments from Sydney’s vibrant dining scene, world-class galleries, and the harbour’s iconic sights. Whether you’re enjoying a morning coffee in a nearby café or unwinding with a glass of wine after exploring, Spicers Potts Point is your stylish haven in the heart of Sydney.
Set amid rolling vineyards and gum-studded hills, Spicers Vineyards Estate is a boutique retreat that perfectly embodies the elegance of the Hunter Valley. Each suite features open fireplaces, vineyard views, and luxurious touches that invite relaxation. The award-winning Restaurant Botanica showcases the region’s finest seasonal produce, paired with exceptional local wines. Guests can explore nearby cellar doors, enjoy a hot-air balloon flight over the vines, or simply unwind by the pool or spa with a glass of shiraz in hand. Sophisticated yet welcoming, Spicers Vineyards Estate offers an intimate escape at the heart of Australia’s oldest wine region.
Spicers Peak Lodge is the pinnacle of luxury, set high on a mountain in Queensland’s Scenic Rim. Surrounded by World Heritage wilderness, this all-inclusive lodge offers refined suites, gourmet dining, and breathtaking views. With just a handful of guests at any time, it promises seclusion, serenity, and exceptional service—perfect for romantic escapes or indulgent getaways in one of Australia’s most spectacular natural settings.
Spicers Sangoma Retreat honours the stunning Blue Mountains with its seamless integration into the Bowen Mountain landscape. Glass panels frame panoramic views, while interiors use timber and stone to reflect the natural surroundings. Private decks extend living spaces outdoors, immersing guests in the rhythms of nature. As a leading Blue Mountains luxury resort, this retreat offers curated experiences such as spa treatments with native botanicals, bespoke dining, and access to serene bushwalking trails. Sustainability lies at the heart of its operations, ensuring that guests enjoy a luxurious stay that respects the environment.
Set within a beautifully restored 169-year-old sandstone building in the heiart of Sydney’s CBD, Paradox Sydney blends timeless elegance with bold individuality. More than a luxury hotel, it’s a destination where heritage meets modern design, and every detail reflects the city’s vibrant spirit. Whether you’re here for business or discovery, Paradox Sydney invites you to rest, connect, and return transformed.
Your private guide will collect you from your Sydney hotel for an exclusive, tailor-made exploration of the city. Stroll through the historic cobblestone lanes of The Rocks and the vibrant CBD, where colonial heritage meets striking modern architecture. Pause at Macquarie Street and Mrs Macquarie’s Chair to take in sweeping views of the Opera House and the majestic Harbour Bridge. Continue with a leisurely coastal drive around the sparkling harbour, stopping at Watsons Bay and The Gap to admire dramatic ocean vistas while savouring a refined morning tea. Conclude with a graceful promenade along world-famous Bondi Beach to witness the iconic bronzed lifesavers before meandering through elegant neighbourhoods, Tamarama, Bronte, Centennial Park, Paddington, Darlinghurst and Chinatown, culminating in the lively Darling Harbour and sophisticated Barangaroo precincts.
Float into the dawn sky on an unforgettable Balloon experience, where the Hunter Valley’s celebrated vineyards create a breathtaking canvas for sunrise. As the first light gilds rolling hills and patchwork vines, drift effortlessly up to 4,000 feet for sweeping views of Australia’s premier wine region. From this tranquil vantage point, watch mist lift from the valley, revealing a tapestry of emerald vineyards and distant mountain ranges. Your morning concludes in style with a gourmet breakfast, perfectly complementing a once-in-a-lifetime flight that captures the Hunter’s natural beauty and timeless allure.
Savour a quintessential Hunter Valley experience. Begin with a leisurely self-guided stroll through the estate’s museum, where the history of this iconic vineyard comes to life. Continue with a private masterclass and premium tasting led by the in-house wine expert, discovering the subtleties of their award-winning vintages. With your chosen bottle of hand-picked wine and a gourmet picnic hamper in hand, wander through the 270-acre property to select your own secluded spot. Here, amid sweeping rows of vines and magnificent valley views, relax into an indulgent picnic as though you have the entire vineyard to yourself.
mmerse yourself in the crystal-clear night skies of the World Heritage–listed Greater Blue Mountains, far from the city’s glow. Your evening begins with laser-guided constellation storytelling and naked-eye astronomy, before peering through state-of-the-art telescopes to admire a dazzling array of celestial wonders. Depending on the season, glimpse the Moon’s intricate craters, Saturn’s luminous rings, Jupiter’s moons, Mars, Venus, the Orion Nebula, star clusters and even distant galaxies shimmering in the Milky Way. With the guidance of an expert astronomer, this intimate stargazing experience offers a refined and unforgettable journey across the southern heavens.
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.
An escape to Australia’s oldest wine-growing region is a true feast for the senses. Here, rolling vineyards and tranquil rural landscapes set the stage for unforgettable gourmet indulgence. Celebrated as the birthplace of Australian wine, the Hunter Valley is famed for its outstanding Semillon and Shiraz, drawing connoisseurs from around the world. With more than 150 cellar doors and an ever-evolving collection of acclaimed restaurants, the region offers endless opportunities to savour exceptional food and wine. Its deep farming traditions inspire remarkable paddock-to-plate and biodynamic experiences, adding depth to every tasting. Between indulgences, immerse yourself in the valley’s natural beauty, rejuvenate in a luxury day spa, or lose yourself in the rhythm of live music among the vines.
