Sydney, Wildlife and Waves Family Holiday Itinerary

Hot Air Ballooning in the Hunter Valley
1

Welcome to Sydney

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 any more iconic place to begin your Australian dream vacation?

Accommodation: Sydney - 1 Nights

Sydney
Located in the heart of Sydney CBD (Central Business District), The York by Swiss-Belhotel offers air-conditioned apartments with a private balcony and free WiFi. Guests have access to a fitness centre and heated outdoor pool. Each apartment at The York offers a spacious living area, fully equipped kitchen, 1 or 2 bathrooms and laundry facilities.
Stay in the heart of Sydney

2

Sydney to the Blue Moutains

Explore Sydney at your leisure this morning before collecting your rental vehicle and exploring the Blue Mountains region.

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.

Approximate Distance: 65 km | 40 miles   Total Driving Time: 1 hour 30 mins

Accommodation: Blue Mountains - 3 Nights

Hazy Blue Mountains
Get the celebrity treatment with world-class service at Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa. 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.
Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa

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Free Day Walking in Blue Mountains

With a blue horizon of eucalyptus trees that appear to stretch on forever, expect to be enchanted by the natural beauty of the Blue Mountains World Heritage Area. Set out on foot to explore some of the 140 kilometres (87 miles) of walking tracks, admire the native bushland, marvel at the impressive rock formations and explore underground caves on a holiday centred around the outdoors.

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 has a bushwalk to suit every level of ability and enthusiasm.

We recommend popping into the National Park Visitors Centre in Katoomba to discuss options.

Blue Mountains Walk

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Scenic World Ultimate Discovery Pass

There's no better way to take in the breathtaking views of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains than with our Unlimited Discovery Pass. Explore the area at your own pace, starting with a ride on the world's steepest railway into the Jamison Valley. Wander along kilometers of raised boardwalks through the rainforest, where you can spot Lyre Birds and ancient tree ferns among other flora and fauna. Hop on the Cableway to glide past the sandstone escarpment and Orphan Rock, then marvel at the iconic Three Sisters and the valley below from the Skyway. With the Unlimited Discovery Pass, you can experience all of this as many times as you can fit into a single day.

Scenic World

5

Travel to the Hunter Valley Region

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 the biggest 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.

Approximate Distance: 280 km | 174 miles   Total Driving Time: 3 hours 42 mins

Accommodation: Hunter Valley - 1 Night

Hunter Valley
Accommodation:
This stylish resort offers rooms with timber cathedral-ceilings and private balconies overlooking the largest winery in the Hunter Valley. It is located within minutes of 3 championship golf courses. All rooms have country-style décor combined with modern flat screen TVs and WiFi. They include a seating area and a bath.
Hunter Valley

6

Sunrise Hunter Valley Balloon Flight

Relax and enjoy the excitement of the greatest and most beautiful form of flight. Escape to a world of unexpected surprises as you drift with the morning mist over the vines and farms on a Hunter Valley balloon flight.

Our Hunter Valley balloon flights begin at sunrise and take in views of the picturesque wine regions of Pokolbin, Lovedale, Rothbury or Broke. Balloon flights last approximately one hour and are followed by a delicious gourmet breakfast and champagne celebration at the famous Peterson House winery and Restaurant.

Hunter Valley Ballooning

7

Drive to Port Stephens

Port Stephens is called the "blue water paradise" because of the beauty of its marine surroundings. It is located about two and a half hours north of Sydney, on the East Coast of Australia, and has a population of about 50,000. With over 19 miles of clean, white, sandy beaches, Port Stephens boasts vibrant tourism and fishing industries.

If you are lucky you can view one of the 165 bottlenose dolphins, which live in the area, alternatively, join a tour that takes you around the Port dolphin watching.

Approximate Distance: 115 km | 71 miles   Total Driving Time: 1 hour 30 mins

Accommodation: Port Stephens - 2 Nights

Port Stephens
Oaks Port Stephens Pacific Blue Resort provides relaxing resort accommodation in Salamander Bay. It features a huge lagoon-style swimming pool, heated spa pools, a 25 m heated lap pool and a fitness centre. All apartments have a kitchenette or a fully equipped kitchen. Each apartment includes air conditioning, cable TV and a DVD player.
Oaks Port Stephens Pacific Blue Resort

8

Roar and Snore - Sleepover at Taronga Zoo

The Roar and Snore experience at Taronga Zoo is a glamping night where guests are treated to an overnight adventure staying in safari-style accommodation and featuring a number of intimate keeper talks, animal encounters and views of Sydney Harbour.

Get up close to some of Taronga Zoo Sydney's friendliest residents. Dine-in style at our delicious dinner then experience an exclusive Taronga night safari led by passionate keepers and guides, with the chance to see some of Taronga's favourite animals.

Approximate Distance: 185 km | 115 miles   Total Driving Time: 2 hours 45 mins

Unwind in the comfortable safari-style tents, falling asleep to the sounds of the Zoo. 

Giraffes at Taronga Zoo
Camp in safari style tents in the Zoo and wake up to spectacular views of Sydney Harbour. Guests will enjoy an opportunity to get up-close with some of the Zoo's friendliest creatures. Showers are available and toilets are within walking distance and open all night. Tents are 2-4 person tents. All linen and towels are provided. As a Roar & Snore camper, you will rise to the noises of the animals greeting the day followed by a continental breakfast and two exclusive, interactive keeper experiences.
Glamping at Taronga Zoo - roar and snore

9

Taronga Zoo Aussie Backyard Tour

Accompany one of our highly knowledgeable guides on a journey through Taronga’s Nura Diya Australia Precinct. This immersive tour acquaints you with the diverse Aussie natives residing in Nura Diya, while providing ample opportunities to have your questions about Australian animals answered by our informative guide. Capture the perfect close-up photo of Taronga’s furry Australian native friends, ensuring a memorable experience surrounded by the fascinating wildlife of Australia.

Taronga Zoo

10

Goodbye and Bon Voyage!

After a wonderful family holiday, return your rental vehicle at Sydney Airport prior to boarding your onward flight. We know you will enjoy your holiday and our promise to you is to make your travels through Australia as hassle-free and hospitable as possible - ensuring that today you leave with a camera full of photos, and huge smiles on your faces when recalling your holiday!

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What Tracy says about this tour: This 10 day trip is one of my favourites for families who like a mixture of scheduled adventures and downtime. Stay over night at Taronga Zoo - explore the caves of the Blue Mountains, whale watching in Port Stephens and an epic hot air balloon at sunrise are all adventures your family will embark on.
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Pricing terms

The price is based on current exchange rates but is only an approximation. Please contact us for a final price