Luxury tailormade touring holiday of New South Wales's Sydney and the Hunter Valley wine region
Highlights
Sydney • Hunter Valley • Newcastle • Tourist Drive 33 • Wollombi • Mount Pleasant
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. 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.
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. Elsewhere, you could even take a day trip to the Blue Mountains National Park where some of New South Wales most inspiring scenery is found. 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.
Pick up your 4x4 hire car and drive north through rolling pastoral scenery, pristine bush, and most importantly, the beautiful beaches of the Central Coast. This is Australia as is often imagined, where white-sand beaches, great surf, national parks, adventure sports and alternative lifestyles find their home. Be sure to take several right turns on the Pacific Highway to find gorgeous, deserted beaches, sleepy towns, and stretches of beautiful forest. Another choice is the city of Newcastle, which is often touted as Australia’s most liveable. Stop here to find great beaches, and a thriving little city which has removed the industrial shackles of its past and is now enjoying life as a rejuvenated cultural hub. In the evening, arrive in the Hunter Valley and enjoy your first taste of the outstanding local produce as you enjoy dinner under a sky full of stars.
With fertile soils fed by the Hunter, Goulburn, Williams and Paterson Rivers, and a temperate climate, the Hunter Valley is home to some of the most enviable natural conditions for producing wine. It was this discovery that makes the Hunter Valley one of the oldest wine producing regions in Australia, and now a wealth of varieties are found in the area. In addition to the classic highlights of Semillon, chardonnay and shiraz, a range of exciting new varieties are now being planted, including arneis, albarino, fiano, tempranillo and touriga nacional. Today you could journey from cellar door to cellar door, tasting an interesting mix of these varieties, whilst often sampling the great food that is lovingly prepared at each vineyard. You could do this by bicycle, or else drive by car on the scenic ‘Tourist Drive 33’ (otherwise known as the convict trail) between Sydney and Wollombi.
The Hunter Valley, with over 150 wineries, is impressive in its range and scale, and therefore for the connoisseur it is only right that you spend a second day sampling the bounty of this region. Cellar doors are found from Wollombi, Broke and Denman in the west to Lovedale, Polkobin and Rothbury in the heart, and near Cessnock in the South Singleton in the North and Maitland in the east. You could visit some of the big names of the region that include Tyrrell’s, Mount Pleasant, Thomas Wines, De Luliis and Krinklewood, or else find a collection of boutique producers at the Small Winemakers Centre in Polkobin. An idyllic rolling landscape which is fringed by the Brokenback Mountains is an achingly pretty backdrop for sampling some of Australia’s finest produce. In the evening, raise a glass to your time in Australia.
Wake to sample the last of the scenery and climate before driving back to Sydney to drop off your hire car and return home. Of course, this tour could form a smaller component in a larger touring holiday of Australia. In which case join the next chapter of your tour today.
I enjoyed every minute of the tour. Cindy-Marie was simply fantastic and her knowledge, kindness and humour was all that I could have asked for. This was a first class experience. Thank you for making it all happen.Customer on Tuscan wine tour, June 2022
Holiday price guide From about £2,650 per person based on two people sharing a double room and including for economy flights from London.
Holiday Code AUSG07
Call us on 01392 441245
Luxury tailormade touring holiday of New South Wales's Sydney and the Hunter Valley wine region
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. 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.
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. Elsewhere, you could even take a day trip to the Blue Mountains National Park where some of New South Wales most inspiring scenery is found. 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.
Pick up your 4x4 hire car and drive north through rolling pastoral scenery, pristine bush, and most importantly, the beautiful beaches of the Central Coast. This is Australia as is often imagined, where white-sand beaches, great surf, national parks, adventure sports and alternative lifestyles find their home. Be sure to take several right turns on the Pacific Highway to find gorgeous, deserted beaches, sleepy towns, and stretches of beautiful forest. Another choice is the city of Newcastle, which is often touted as Australia’s most liveable. Stop here to find great beaches, and a thriving little city which has removed the industrial shackles of its past and is now enjoying life as a rejuvenated cultural hub. In the evening, arrive in the Hunter Valley and enjoy your first taste of the outstanding local produce as you enjoy dinner under a sky full of stars.
With fertile soils fed by the Hunter, Goulburn, Williams and Paterson Rivers, and a temperate climate, the Hunter Valley is home to some of the most enviable natural conditions for producing wine. It was this discovery that makes the Hunter Valley one of the oldest wine producing regions in Australia, and now a wealth of varieties are found in the area. In addition to the classic highlights of Semillon, chardonnay and shiraz, a range of exciting new varieties are now being planted, including arneis, albarino, fiano, tempranillo and touriga nacional. Today you could journey from cellar door to cellar door, tasting an interesting mix of these varieties, whilst often sampling the great food that is lovingly prepared at each vineyard. You could do this by bicycle, or else drive by car on the scenic ‘Tourist Drive 33’ (otherwise known as the convict trail) between Sydney and Wollombi.
The Hunter Valley, with over 150 wineries, is impressive in its range and scale, and therefore for the connoisseur it is only right that you spend a second day sampling the bounty of this region. Cellar doors are found from Wollombi, Broke and Denman in the west to Lovedale, Polkobin and Rothbury in the heart, and near Cessnock in the South Singleton in the North and Maitland in the east. You could visit some of the big names of the region that include Tyrrell’s, Mount Pleasant, Thomas Wines, De Luliis and Krinklewood, or else find a collection of boutique producers at the Small Winemakers Centre in Polkobin. An idyllic rolling landscape which is fringed by the Brokenback Mountains is an achingly pretty backdrop for sampling some of Australia’s finest produce. In the evening, raise a glass to your time in Australia.
Wake to sample the last of the scenery and climate before driving back to Sydney to drop off your hire car and return home. Of course, this tour could form a smaller component in a larger touring holiday of Australia. In which case join the next chapter of your tour today.
I enjoyed every minute of the tour. Cindy-Marie was simply fantastic and her knowledge, kindness and humour was all that I could have asked for. This was a first class experience. Thank you for making it all happen.Customer on Tuscan wine tour, June 2022
Holiday price guide From about £2,650 per person based on two people sharing a double room and including for economy flights from London.
Holiday Code AUSG07
Our prices include
● Return scheduled flights with British Airways, Qantas or Emirates from London to Sydney in economy class
● Transfers and car hire where specified in our itinerary
● 3 nights’ bed and breakfast in Sydney
● 3 nights’ bed and breakfast in Hunter Valley
● The meals included with your tour will vary by chosen accommodation. Please see our hotel suggestions for included board basis.
● 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 breakfast at hotels
● 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
● 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
Call us on 01392 441245
Luxury tailormade touring holiday of New South Wales's Sydney and the Hunter Valley wine region
Spicers Potts Point is a boutique luxury hotel on the fashionable Potts Point peninsula of Sydney. Set on a leafy, picturesque boulevard with traditional veranda-clad Sydney architecture, chic rooms, it is a great location for exploring the Rocks district.
King room
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
Kirkton Park Hotel Hunter Valley is a boutique 4-star deluxe hotel set in delightful grounds in the Hunter Valley wine region. Delicious cuisine with a strong farm-to-table philosophy and excellent accommodation make this a relaxing and indulgent experience.
Superior room
I enjoyed every minute of the tour. Cindy-Marie was simply fantastic and her knowledge, kindness and humour was all that I could have asked for. This was a first class experience. Thank you for making it all happen.Customer on Tuscan wine tour, June 2022
Holiday price guide From about £2,650 per person based on two people sharing a double room and including for economy flights from London.
Holiday Code AUSG07
Call us on 01392 441245
Luxury tailormade touring holiday of New South Wales's Sydney and the Hunter Valley wine region
About New South Wales and Sydney
An Expressions tailor-made holiday to New South Wales and Sydney encompasses all of Australia’s diversity, with lush rainforests, isolated outback landscape and Alpine country, combined with rich Aborigine and European history. Sydney is a vibrant cosmopolitan city, with excellent beaches and culture. The land stretches out from the city to the mystical Blue Mountains, and beyond that to the wine country of the Hunter valley and the arid desert. Along the coast, resort towns utilise the golden sands and warm climate, but south of the city it is possible to find a little more seclusion in the more picturesque and less developed coastal towns.
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.