Tailormade tour Best of New South Wales touring holiday Australia

14 nights/15 days

Sydney • Blue Mountains • Jervis Bay • Byron Bay • Lord Howe Island

The best of Australian’s New South Wales touring holiday is a 14-night, in-depth exploration of much-loved New South Wales, including city, coast and countryside. Starting in Sydney, there is time to get to know the city before driving into the Blue Mountains and on to Jervis Bay on the coast. From here it’s by air to Byron Bay and Lord Howe Island.

Holiday price guide

Available year-round subject to the opening period of the hotels, from about £5,700 per person.

Luxury tailormade tour of Australia's New South Wales with Sydney, Blue Mountains and the coast at Jervis Bay, Byron Bay and Lord Howe Island

Highlights

Sydney • Bondi Beach • Blue Mountains National Park • Jervis Bay • Byron Bay • Lord Howe Island

Day by day

Arrive in Sydney. You a met upon arrival and transferred to your accommodation by private chauffeur.

Enjoy a day of leisure as you explore this iconic city. Soak up the sun in Circular Quay or the historic Rocks district and revel in the stunning vistas over Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House. Take a leisurely stroll through the wonderful botanic gardens, Darling Harbour or to the wonderfully fashionable shopping districts of Queen Victoria Building, the Strand Arcade or Pitt Street.

With the world’s largest harbour on your doorstep, today you could explore the stunning scenery of wider Sydney. Choose from a range of optional excursions, perhaps taking a ferry to the beautiful community of Manly. Built on a narrow peninsula that ends at the dramatic cliffs of North Head, Manly is the jewel of the North Shore. It boasts a harbour and ocean beaches, fantastic snorkelling and surfing, and a refreshingly laid-back ambience. On your way back to central Sydney, marvel at the stunning skyline, sparkling in the last of the afternoon sunshine, and the hues of gold twinkling on Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House. Alternatively, choose from a range of optional tours to delve a bit deeper into what makes this iconic city great. For more scenery, choose from a day at the world-famous Bondi beach, perhaps enjoying the stunning Bondi to Coogee coastal walk, or head to one of the two National Parks that fringe the urban area. Elsewhere, why not discover the excellent museums and galleries of the city, including the Museum of Sydney where the rich history of Sydney and Australia is told.

Pick up your 4 x 4 hire car and drive into pristine wilderness. The Blue Mountains National Park has been a favoured wilderness getaway of Sydneysiders for years. Step into the bush landscape through a range of optional excursions and marvel at the breath-taking waterfalls, sublime vistas, iconic wildlife and Aboriginal artwork of the area. The mystical blue tinge of the eucalyptus trees will only further mesmerise you in this deeply spiritual place.

Guests can choose to enjoy a leisurely morning in the wilderness surrounds, or otherwise rise early join an optional tour that will showcase the highlights of the local environment. For the latter, you could be served breakfast in the company of wild kangaroos, before exploring the World Heritage-listed area in a four-wheel-drive with a qualified ecological guide. In the evening, dine under the stars and lose yourself in the silence of the great outdoors.

Drive South East from the Blue Mountains along the achingly pretty Grand Pacific Drive. With incredible vistas of the deep blue Pacific Ocean on your left, and rainforest clad escarpment on your right, spend the journey spotting koalas and be sure to stop at one of the beautiful beaches you pass. In particular, Stanwell Park would make a wonderful mid-morning refreshment break. Arrive in Jervis Bay to be met with white sand beaches, crystal clear water, charming towns and idyllic scenery. Settle into your safari-style camp for the evening and sleep under the stars.

Wake up to the sound of the bush, and the soft pitter patter of kangaroos grazing around your treehouse. Today, you can explore the best of this incredible region through a variety of optional tours. Hike through the bush, visit the charming local towns, or best of all – get out onto the water! The waters of Jervis Bay are teaming with marine life, and guests may choose to snorkel, cruise, or join one of the boats that visit the seal colonies of the area. Very lucky guests will spot dolphins, colourful fish, and even humpback whales from the safe comfort of their boat.

Driving back to Sydney, drop your hire car at the airport and catch a flight to either Gold Coast Airport or Brisbane Airport. From here, you will pick up a new 4x4 hire car and road trip along the sparkling blue coastline south to iconic beach resort of Byron Bay. Settle into your luxury accommodation and take a well-earned rest in the northern New South Wales afternoon sunshine by either lounging on the beach, or by the swimming pool.

Byron Bay has long been a mecca for surfing enthusiasts the world over. Its crystal-clear waters provide a wonderful playground in which to try out this deeply Australian pastime, with a wide variety of operators serving the many excellent beaches of Byron Bay. Here The Pass, Watego’s and Little Watego’s are of particular note for surfing enthusiasts. An alternative way to take to the waters are by kayak, and the chances are you’ll be met by dolphins and possibly even a humpback whale as they migrate south from the Great Barrier Reef at certain times of year. With so much more to choose from, including Scuba Diving, sailing and scenic flights – getting out onto the water is an absolute must-do for anyone staying in Byron Bay.

Another wonderful aspect of Byron Bay is the idyllic countryside and lush vegetation that encircle the area. This makes north New South Wales an excellent destination for scenic drives and tramping. Of these one of the best sites is Cape Byron, home to the spectacular and historic Byron lighthouse. A 4km scenic walking track will take you round the cape from the Captain Cook Lighthouse on Lighthouse Road. There’s a great chance of coming face to face with wallabies, bush turkeys and wild goats on your final rainforest stretch. Today, perhaps embark on one of the scenic walks, or otherwise potter up and down the coast in search of hidden beaches, wonderful scenery, and quaint country towns.

After a leisurely breakfast, drive north back to Brisbane and return you hire car at the airport before flying out into the South Pacific Ocean in search of the hidden paradise of Lord Howe Island. Just 11km long, and 2.8km at its widest point, this spectacular and pristine environment boasts 75% protection as a National and Marine Park. Settle into your superb accommodation and enjoy a wonderful dinner with a view, where the bounties of the sea are served with the respect they deserve.

One of the most astonishing natural assets of Lord Howe Island is the coral reef found just off its white sand beaches. It is the world’s southern-most, and home to a wonderful mix of both warm and cool water species. For snorkelers and scuba divers, today would be an excellent day to get out and explore this unique environment, either at Lovers Bay or Blinkie’s Beach. Alternatively, you could choose to stay dry by joining one of the glass bottom boat tours to view the coral holes where stunningly beautiful reef fish and delicate coral formations abound.

Having introduced yourself to the wonders below the waves, today you could keep your feet on solid ground and explore the rugged beauty of the island. Rare birds, plants and geology abound, and these are best discovered by joining an ecological walk to the summit of Mount Gower, which is consistently rated as one of Australia’s best day walks. Alternatively, you could ‘bus it’ around the island to get you bearings, or even play 9 holes on one of Australia’s most scenic golf courses.

On your last full day in this wonderful State, the choice is yours for making the most of your time. Some may choose to take back to the water, whilst others will make the most of the excellent scenery and land-based activities on offer. Perhaps today could be best spent on one of the pristine beaches, with nothing but a full day of indulging yourself in the South Pacific sunshine. Whatever you chose to do, enjoy your final dinner in New South Wales by raising a glass to this spectacular, inspiring, and beautiful country.

Wake to soak up the last of the climate and scenery before catching your flight back home to London via Sydney.

What particularly impresses us each time we use your services is that ‘what we expect we get’ eg car hire, rooms selected, all with no hassle. Not sure how you do it!!
Mr W, July 2022

Holiday price guide From about £5,700 per person based on two people sharing a double room and including for economy flights from London.

Holiday Code AUSG04

Luxury tailormade tour of Australia's New South Wales with Sydney, Blue Mountains and the coast at Jervis Bay, Byron Bay and Lord Howe Island

What particularly impresses us each time we use your services is that ‘what we expect we get’ eg car hire, rooms selected, all with no hassle. Not sure how you do it!!
Mr W, July 2022

Holiday price guide From about £5,700 per person based on two people sharing a double room and including for economy flights from London.

Holiday Code AUSG04

Our prices include ● Return scheduled flights with British Airways, Qantas or Emirates from London to Sydney, returning from Sydney to London in economy class
● Domestic flights from Sydney to Brisbane, Brisbane to Lord Howe Island, and Lord Howe Island to Sydney in economy class
● Transfers and car hire where specified in our itinerary
● 3 nights’ bed and breakfast in Sydney
● 2 nights’ bed and breakfast in the Blue Mountains
● 2 nights’ bed and breakfast in Jervis Bay
● 3 nights’ bed and breakfast in Byron Bay
● 4 nights’ bed and breakfast on Lord Howe Island
● The meals included with your tour will vary by chosen accommodation.
● Concierge service and Expressions Holidays regional helpful hints

Our prices do not include ● Early check-in or late check-out at any hotels (although we can arrange this on request at additional cost)
● Any other services not mentioned above, such as transfers and meals except as specified in our hotel suggestions.
● Personal holiday insurance. This is essential and cover should be in place from when you book the holiday.
● Local tourist tax, payable locally to the hotel
● Meals and drinks
● Optional tours and activities within each location, except where explicitly specified as included in our itinerary, or by hotels in our hotel lists
● Personal expenses
● Visa and Passport. You will need a full British passport with at least six months validity, and a Visa for travel to Australia. Visas requirements should be checked with the Australian authorities. More details are available from www.eta.immi.gov.au

Luxury tailormade tour of Australia's New South Wales with Sydney, Blue Mountains and the coast at Jervis Bay, Byron Bay and Lord Howe Island

Expressions Holidays includes these hotels in this touring holiday as suggestions, but they can be substituted by others in the same region, if you have a preference to stay elsewhere.
Hotels included in this tour
Sydney
Ovolo Wooloomooloo Value option

Ovolo Woolloomooloo is a chic and contemporary boutique hotel in a highly sought-after central location. Modern, artistic design and ultra-luxurious accommodation make it a great spot to recuperate after enjoying the delights of Sydney.

Superoo room

Park Hyatt Sydney Luxury option

Park Hyatt Sydney is a 5-star hotel offering luxury and comfort in equal measure, in an excellent location for exploring the city's many sights. Excellent dining and spa facilities and stunning views over the harbour afford guests a luxury experience.

Harbour View room

Blue Mountains
Lilianfels Value option

Lilianfels is a 5-star boutique hotel in a stunning natural location overlooking the Blue Mountains. Award-winning cuisine and classic, comfortable accommodation, as well as a pampering spa afford guests a truly relaxing and indulgent experience.

Deluxe room

Emirates One and Only Wolgan Valley Luxury option

Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley is a once-in-a-lifetime luxury resort in the heart of the Blue Mountains. Set within a private 7,000-acre conservation reserve, we love the total seclusion and exclusivity of these impossibly luxurious lodges in this World Heritage-listed wilderness.

One Bedroom Heritage Villa

Jervis Bay
Paperbark Camp Value option

Paperbark Camp in Jervis Bay is a nature lover's paradise: a peaceful bush setting, with African safari-style tented accommodation, nestled between native forest and the white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters of Jervis Bay. Sleep in serenity under the stars.

Original Safari Tent

Byron Bay
Byron at Byron Value option

Byron at Byron is a luxurious yet secluded resort in a tranquil, natural location in 45-acres of subtropical rainforest. The excellent spa facilities, delicious cuisine and beautiful location afford guests a truly idyllic and indulgent experience.

Superior room

Lord Howe Island
Capella Lodge Value option

Capella Lodge is a 5-star exclusive hotel in a spectacular natural location. The delicious contemporary cuisine, excellent spa facilities and secluded location offer guests an idyllic and indulgent experience.

Capella suite

What particularly impresses us each time we use your services is that ‘what we expect we get’ eg car hire, rooms selected, all with no hassle. Not sure how you do it!!
Mr W, July 2022

Holiday price guide From about £5,700 per person based on two people sharing a double room and including for economy flights from London.

Holiday Code AUSG04

Luxury tailormade tour of Australia's New South Wales with Sydney, Blue Mountains and the coast at Jervis Bay, Byron Bay and Lord Howe Island

Highlights of New South Wales and Sydney

Circular Quay for magnificent panoramas of the Sydney harbour, Experience Sydney’s beach culture at Bondi Beach, Wildlife and wilderness in the Blue Mountains, Yulefest in July in the Blue Mountains – complete with log fires and yuletide trimmings for a ‘traditional Christmas’, Skiing in the Snowy Mountains, Visit the outback and the beautiful Mutawintji National Park in the far northwest of the state, The unspoilt south coast and its fishing villages, Vineyard tours in the Hunter Valley.

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