3N Sydney Getaway

Day 2

Magical Manly & Beyond City Tour

• En Route: Your Driver Guide will provide expert commentary as you weave your way through the beautiful northern beach suburbs of Sydney.

• Harbour Bridge: You’ll head out over the Sydney Harbour Bridge, one of the largest steel arch bridges in the world. Its arch-based design has led to it being known to locals as ‘the Coathanger’. Designed in 1924 to connect the northern and southern shores of this growing city, the Harbour Bridge opened in 1932 and is one of the city’s most photographed icons.

• Milsons Point: Just a few kilometres from Sydney city on the lower North Shore is Milsons Point. One of Sydney’s more affluent suburbs, the streets are filled with beautiful homes, churches and schools, many built in the late 1800s. With its incredible views of the harbour and Opera House, and an abundance of leading restaurants, cafés and boutique shops, Milsons Point is a popular destination for both locals and visitors.

• Sydney Opera House views: From Milsons Point you’ll get a fantastic view of the iconic Sydney Opera House. This World Heritage listed building designed by Jørn Utzon is considered a masterpiece of modern architecture and a world class performing arts venue. Make sure you have your camera ready, as views of the Opera House don’t get any better than this!

• North Head Lookout: The heath-covered clifftops at North Head reveal uninterrupted Pacific Ocean views and a spectacular panorama of the harbour and Sydney skyline.

• Manly Beach: Time to feel the sand between your toes! The exciting suburb of Manly is famous for its beaches that stretch from Queenscliff up to the North Steyne Beach to Manly Beach. With its relaxed, outdoor lifestyle, Manly is a great place to take some time wandering on the beaches and checking out the sights. You might also like to take in some of the local sights and treat yourself to morning tea in one of the many cafés (own expense).

• Half Day Tour
  Approximately 4.5 hours
  Departs Daily from 7.00am, Sydney (pick-ups at selected hotels)
  Returns 11:45am approximately.
  No hotel drop-offs.

Bondi Beach & Sydney Sight

• En Route: Your Driver Guide will provide expert commentary as you weave through the city streets to key landmarks.

• The Rocks: At the very base of the Harbour Bridge is the historic Rocks district. Featuring heritage-listed buildings and streetscapes, The Rocks is popular for its markets, cafés, boutique shops and spectacular harbour views. The area was inhabited by the indigenous Gadigal people, before the first European settlers claimed the land in 1788. Your Driver Guide will share stories, both tall and true, of the characters and events that shaped this port community.

• Mrs. Macquarie's Chair: High on the peninsula known as Mrs. Macquarie’s Point, the lookout was named after Mrs. Macquarie, the wife of a New South Wales Governor, known to visit the area in the early 1800s. From her convict-built sandstone ‘chair’, enjoy birds-eye views of the Sydney Opera House, a masterpiece of modern architecture and a world class arts venue.

• Sydney Opera House views: From Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair you’ll get another birds-eye view of the Sydney Opera House, arguably the most recognisable icon in the world. This World Heritage listed building is considered a masterpiece of late modern architecture and a world class performing arts venue.

• The Gap: Have your camera ready! You’re now heading to the entrance of Sydney Harbour, known as the Gap. A dramatic ocean cliff on the coast, the Gap will give you breathtaking views of the coastline.

• Bondi Beach: Australians are renowned for their relaxed and outdoor lifestyle and Bondi Beach is a prime example of this. One of the most famous beaches in the world, it is a captivating location brimming with lifeguards, surfers and tanned beach-goers. You can wander along the shoreline and dip your toes into the cool ocean or treat yourself to afternoon tea (own expense) from one of the many cosmopolitan cafés and restaurants.

• Half Day Tour
  Approximately 4 hours
  Departs Daily 1.45pm from Sydney Harbour Marriott or 2.00pm Lime Street, King Street Wharf, Darling Harbour
  Returns Sydney, 5.45pm approximately

Day 3

Blue Mountains & Australian Wildlife

• En Route: Sit back and relax as you travel into the amazing Blue Mountains. Your Driver Guide will provide details of the day’s itinerary while you enjoy the journey west.

• The Three Sisters: Entering the National Park and winding your way along Cliff Drive, you’ll take in spectacular views of the Jamison Valley before arriving at a vantage point that has views stretching across to the Three Sisters – a trio of rocky pinnacles. Learn about the Aboriginal dreamtime legend of the Three Sisters.

• Scenic World: At Scenic World enjoy 360° views of the Jamison Valley. To ride on the famous Scenic Railway, Cableway and Skyway, why not purchase the Unlimited Discovery Pass (see right). Alternatively, embark on a scenic walk for spectacular views over the Jamison Valley, or relax over a coffee in the café.

• Leura: Next is a stop at the picturesque and quaint town of Leura. Here you can grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants and cafés or why not choose our optional lunch (see right). This beautiful town will take you back in time and is famous for its antique stores and of course its Candy Store which is stocked floor to ceiling with more than 1,000 unusual sweets gathered from all over the world.

• Featherdale Wildlife Park: Stop at Featherdale Wildlife Park. Situated on seven acres of natural bush setting, you’ll be able to hand-feed kangaroos, wallabies and emus and enjoy a face-to-face encounter with one of the friendly koalas.

• Parramatta River Cruise Option: Travel through the suburb of Homebush, the venue of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. Here, you have the option to escape the city traffic on your return to the city (own expense, although it is highly recommended to pre-book the cruise due to availability). Board your cruise and relax as you make your way down the Parramatta River, admiring waterside suburbs and scenery along the way, passing under the Sydney Harbour Bridge before arriving at Darling Harbour or Circular Quay.

• Full Day Tour
  Approximately 11.5 hours
  Departs Daily from 7:00am, Sydney (pick-ups at selected city hotels)
  Returns Sydney, 6.30pm approximately

Hunter Valley Wineries Harvest Wine Experience

• En Route: You’ll head out over the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge and through the leafy Northern Suburbs, heading to the beautiful Hunter Valley. Today you’re going to taste some of the finest wines this country has to offer, amid the stunning landscape of the Hunter Valley. Your Driver Guide will give you details of the day’s itinerary as you sit back and enjoy the view.

• Hunter Valley: One of Australia’s most celebrated wineproducing regions, the Hunter Valley in country New South Wales attracts more than 2.5 million visitors each year. Much of the lush countryside is under vine, providing stunning views. There are extensive plantings of traditional varieties across the valley, including Shiraz, Semillon, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon.

• Leogate Estate Wines: First stop is the picturesque Brokenback Range, where it’s hard to miss the verdant vista that is Leogate Estate. The 50 hectare Brokenback Vineyard was planted in the mid to late 1970s by the late Len Evans AO, OBE, recognised as ‘the godfather of the Australian wine industry’. Since that time, the vines have produced premium wines sold under a variety of labels. The current vineyard produces trophy-winning wines such as Chardonnay, Semillon, Shiraz, Verdelho and Tempranillo.

• Hunter Resort Lunch: This secluded country inn is nestled within its own 40 year old Shiraz vineyards in the heart of the Hunter Valley. You’ll visit their cellar-door and learn of the local wine-making techniques. You’ll also be treated to a tasting platter lunch of seasonal local produce along with a range of wine tastings to complement the food. Included Meals: Lunch

• McGuigan Wines: With a history in wine-making dating back to the late 1800s, the McGuigan family are respected pioneers of the industry both in Australia and overseas. At the McGuigan cellar-door you’ll be greeted warmly and welcomed to a tasting of their fine wines.

• Full Day Tour
  Approximately 11.5 hours
  Departs Tue, Fri & Sun from 7.00am from Sydney (pick-ups at selected city hotels)
  Returns Sydney, 6.45pm approximately

Port Stephens Dolphins & Dunes

• En Route: Today you’re visiting the picturesque coastal town of Port Stephens. Heading out over the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge, your Driver Guide will provide expert commentary as you travel through the beautiful Hawkesbury Ranges.

• Harbour Bridge: The Sydney Harbour Bridge is one of the largest steel arch bridges in the world. Known to Sydneysiders as ‘the Coathanger’, the bridge was designed in 1924 to connect the northern and southern shores of the city.

• Hawkesbury Ranges: A haven for nature and history lovers, the Hawkesbury region is situated among Wollemi and Blue Mountains National Parks. This morning your journey will take you through the evergreen landscape of its countryside and historic towns.

• Australian Reptile Park: North of Sydney you’ll stop on the Central Coast to visit the Australian Reptile Park. Here you can really interact with the wildlife, including a walk with Hugo, a giant but gentle Galapagos tortoise. You can feed the friendly kangaroos and visit Elvis, a huge saltwater crocodile. For something a little more intriguing and less interactive, you can witness snake and funnel web spider milking – the park is the only supplier of many venoms that are critical in saving hundreds of lives each year.

• Port Stephens: It’s back on board now to continue on to lovely Port Stephens. Often referred to as Australia’s blue water paradise, Port Stephens’ quiet golden beaches are surrounded by crystal clear water and never-ending blue skies. The abundance of marine life here makes it the ideal location to spend some time on the water in search of dolphins and other amazing aquatic creatures.

• Dolphin Watching: You have the opportunity to purchase lunch (own expense) before your board your dolphin watch cruise. Now you’ll hop on your luxury catamaran and head out on the water in search of dolphins. The beautiful and gentle bottlenose dolphins have several pods in the area so there is very good chance of seeing one, if not many. While enjoying the dolphins and the view from one of the three viewing decks, your hosts will be on hand to ensure a great day for everyone.

• Sandboarding: The Worimi Conservation Lands (Stockton Bight Sand Dunes) is the largest sand dune system in Australia. Stretching for 32 kilometres, this surreal landscape is barren of vegetation and has dunes that climb up to 40 metres high. You’ll travel in a purpose-built 4WD to Stockton Bight where you can sandboard at your own pace or experience the thrill of high speed down the enormous dunes.

• Full Day Tour
  Approximately 12.5 hours
  Departs Mon, Wed & Sat from 7.00am Sydney, (pick-ups at selected hotels)
  Returns Sydney, 7.30pm approximately
  Departs Mon, Wed & Sat from 7.00am Sydney, (pick-ups at selected hotels)
  Returns Sydney, 7.30pm approximately

Day 4

SIC transfer to Sydney airport