Sydney, icons and beyond

You can’t talk about Sydney holidays without mentioning two of the planet’s best-known landmarks. The century-old Sydney Harbour Bridge and the unique Sydney Opera House are the architectural masterpieces which frame the New South Wales capital. The world’s tallest steel arch bridge is more than a vital connection between the CBD and North Sydney; it also offers an opportunity for adventure. BridgeClimb Sydney, now an iconic experience in itself, invites you to enjoy 360° views from the structure’s 134-metre crown. Climbs are available all day and into the evening, but the view is particularly beautiful at sunrise or sunset. Added in 2021, the Burrawa Climb is led by a First Nations guide who shares tales of the land from long before anything you see was built.

On the other side of Circular Quay, tours of the Sydney Opera House reveal the amazing story of the 14-year build behind the world-class concert venue, which hosts more than 1,600 performances a year. If exploring these icons leaves you peckish, you’re in the right place. Sydney Opera House has its own acclaimed restaurants – Bennelong, Midden by Mark Olive, and House Canteen. Circular Quay is also lined with fantastic food and drink spots, from fine dining at Quay Restaurant and modern menus at Café Sydney to al fresco bites and sunset tipples at Opera Bar. For a different perspective on these magnificent landmarks, ferries and harbour cruises are a wonderful way to witness the beauty all around.

Sydney is dazzling all year round, but arrive between 23rd May and 14th June 2025 and see the city come alive for the annual Vivid Sydney festival. Now a highlight of the calendar for 15 years, Vivid Sydney illuminates the city every evening with sparkling light installations, live music, inspiring talks and unforgettable dining experiences, making it one of the best times to visit. For daylight adventures during Vivid Sydney, or at any time of year, Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs are home to the wave-riding mecca of Bondi Beach, where Let’s Go Surfing helps beginners gain confidence on their boards. Bondi Beach is also the starting point for the spectacular Bondi to Coogee coastal walk which takes you past sandy bays, ocean pools, clifftops and promenades peppered with cafés.

Harbourside hotels like InterContinental Sydney and Four Seasons Sydney are great for staying near the icons, but savvy travellers will love the nearby neighbourhood of Surry Hills. Only 15 minutes by light rail or a leisurely walk from Circular Quay, this foodie quarter is filled with notable bites, including Bills’ ricotta hotcakes, Firedoor’s flame-cooked specialities, and the Taylor Swift-approved Pellegrino 2000. Stay at The Ace Hotel and enjoy the convenience of having the acclaimed Kiln restaurant just steps from your room. Alternatively, between Circular Quay and Darling Harbour is Sydney’s oldest district, The Rocks, filled with traditional pubs, weekend markets, and historic accommodation like the Harbour Rocks Hotel, all right beside the city’s main attractions.

A 20-minute drive or a scenic half-hour ferry from Circular Quay are the vibrant seaside suburbs of Sydney’s northern beaches. Lively and laid-back in equal measure, Manly is great for a beach day or an ideal base for keeping the hubbub of the city a stone’s throw away without being right among it. Surfers, swimmers, and volleyball players will find plenty of opportunities to indulge along the coast, as will anyone looking for fish & chips or a cold beer in the sun. Hugos, Garfish, and Saké all serve excellent bites, or if you’re after craft brews, you can head down to 4 Pines Brewpub, Nomad Brewing, Manly Spirits, Felons Brewery Co. Manly, and more.

A great perk of visiting Sydney’s Northern Beaches are the breathtaking views back across the harbour. This panoramic scenery can be enjoyed during a picturesque Spit Bridge to Manly 10km walk or from several spots along the Bonza Bikes sunset tour. Prefer exploring pristine waters? Join a guided snorkelling experience at the Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve with EcoTreasures, or glide through the waves on a rented paddleboard. Immerse yourself in the best of this welcoming suburb by staying a night (or more) at the Manly Pacific Hotel, just steps from the beach and a short stroll to the wharf.

New South Wales has far more to offer beyond Sydney, and Byron Bay is a prime example. A short flight or a scenic nine-hour drive away, this balmy, sun-kissed destination is known for its creative community and artisan food scene. A popular hippy town in the 60s and 70s, Byron Bay is the definition of an idyllic escape, perfect for unwinding and sampling local goods. It’s also a haven for nature lovers, with trails through lush rainforests and native bushlands to captivating beach lookouts. A must-see is the Cape Byron walking track, which takes you to Cape Byron Lighthouse, Australia’s most easterly point and the first spot to see the sunrise.

Byron Bay is a quintessential destination for learning to surf and a fantastic place for spotting marine life, including dolphins, turtles, and humpback whales during their migration from May to November. You can enjoy the sights in comfort on a boat tour or opt for more intimate close encounters through a kayaking expedition. Beachside stays like The Lord Byron and The Atlantic offer convenience and comfort, while the Crystalbrook Byron rainforest resort provides a luxurious eco-friendly option just minutes from the coast.

Nestled between Byron Bay and the Queensland border lies the Tweed, a hidden gem easily accessible via the epic Legendary Pacific Coast road trip or a short 40-minute drive south from Gold Coast Airport. This lush hinterland thrives along the fertile banks of the Tweed River and is one of New South Wales’ most bountiful farming regions. Its fertile soil yields an incredible variety of produce, including over 500 fruits and vegetables at the working farm, Tropical Fruit World. Local eateries elevate these fresh flavours with ocean-fresh seafood, perfectly complemented by the colourful Ink Gin from nearby Husk Distillery.

To be sure you don’t miss a single treat during your time in the Tweed, we recommend private food and drink tours with Kiff & Culture. Between meals, the Tweed is filled with activities and experiences. Catch mud crabs with an Aboriginal guide, enjoy mountain views on a peaceful river cruise, or discover local art at the Tweed Regional Gallery, Margaret Olley Art, and the micro galleries of the M|Arts Precinct. The Tweed is best explored at a relaxed pace, with excellent accommodation options to suit every traveller. For couples or groups of adult friends, the luxurious Halcyon House beach resort and spa offers the perfect retreat. Meanwhile, families will find comfort and convenience in the spacious two-bedroom apartments at Oaks Casuarina Santai Resort.

Stretching over 500 miles from Sydney in New South Wales to Brisbane in Southern Queensland, the Legendary Pacific Coast touring route is more than just one of Australia’s best drives – it’s also a fantastic way to connect with some of the country’s most charming seaside towns and attractions. On your journey back to Sydney from the Tweed, make your first pit stop at the Coffs Coast. Here, you can spot kangaroos grazing on Emerald Beach, see the V-Wall outdoor graffiti gallery, and snap a selfie at the iconic Big Banana in Coffs Harbour. For an inland adventure, hike amongst the waterfalls and rainforests of Dorrigo National Park or enjoy a canoeing trip along the serene Bellinger River, with the option to stay overnight for an enchanting full moon tour.

Further south, make a stop in Port Macquarie to visit the adorable Koala Conservation Hospital, home to the world’s first wild koala breeding programme, which is revitalising the population after the devastating bushfires of 2019 and 2020. Excellent accommodation like Sails Port Macquarie is everywhere you look, giving you a great excuse to extend your stay. While there, don’t miss the chance to saddle up for a camel safari along Lighthouse Beach. If you don’t spot dolphins while riding the sands of Port Macquarie, you’re bound to see them in Port Stephens. These beautiful marine mammals love to play in waves created by scenic harbour cruises. Back on the shore, cap off your adventure with a thrilling quad bike ride led by local Aboriginal guides through the Worimi Conservation Lands.

Australia boasts numerous world-renowned wine regions, but it all started over 200 years ago in New South Wales. The Hunter Valley was the birthplace of Australian wines and is now home to over 150 cellar doors alongside award-winning restaurants and celebrated farmers markets. Located just a two-hour drive from Sydney and less than an hour from Newcastle, it’s an effortless day out. Whether you opt for a road trip with a designated driver or join one of many tours departing from either city, visiting the Hunter Valley is a breeze. However, to truly savour everything this iconic region has to offer, consider staying overnight.

Freshly refurbished, Hunter Valley Resort offers a charming stay at a working farm and vineyard, where rooms and cottages overlook picturesque vines, with kangaroos often hopping between them. Dive into the wine experience with grape stomping and informative tasting sessions, or pick up new skills at the on-site cooking school. For those seeking more action, swap the wine glass for adventure, with horse riding, segway tours, barrel rolling, and axe throwing. Beyond the resort, the Hunter Valley offers unforgettable escapades like sunrise hot air balloon rides, scenic helicopter flights, fine dining in the open air, and wellness escapes at retreats such as Chateau Elan Spa or Elysia Day Spa.

Often enjoyed in partnership with the Hunter Valley on tours like our Sydney, Wine and Wilderness self-drive, the UNESCO-listed Blue Mountains showcases some of Australia’s most breathtaking natural beauty. Easily reached by road or rail, these forest-covered peaks are fantastic for hiking but equally thrilling for those who want to soak in the views. Iconic landmarks like the Three Sisters, Wentworth Falls, Grose Valley, and Echo Point draw in visitors from around the globe, alongside specially developed attractions like Scenic World. Here, you can ride the world’s steepest passenger train or let yourself be suspended 270 metres over the valley floor on the famous Scenic Skyway.

For thrill-seekers, the Blue Mountains offers adrenaline-pumping activities like abseiling and mountain biking. Or for an enchanting experience, the mile-long Katoomba Falls Night-lit Walk provides a unique perspective for all ages, running nightly between sunset and bedtime. If you’re staying overnight, trade sweeping landscape views for celestial wonders on a Blue Mountains stargazing tour, where you can marvel at the moon and its craters, the Orion nebula, and even the rings of Saturn. Book ahead to secure the best accommodation with the most spectacular views, like the historic escapement-top Hydro Majestic or the converted mansion of Lilianfels Resort and Spa, one of the best spots in the state to savour High Tea.

Just two hours beyond the Blue Mountains, the Orange farm and wine region is well worth the extra miles. It’s easily accessible from Sydney via a three-and-a-half-hour drive or a five-hour train journey. For a laid-back adventure, consider combining Sydney, the Blue Mountains, and Orange by rail to enjoy the contrasting landscapes of inland New South Wales. Orange itself is a delightful country town surrounded by celebrated vineyards. Visit Swinging Bridges for a guided tour with wine and canape pairings, or head to Printhie Wines, where you can savour fresh oysters and sparkling wines, whether dining at the winery or packing for a picnic in the fields.

Beyond the culinary delights, the Orange Heritage Trail offers a glimpse into the town’s history, while nearby cultural and ceremonial sites of the original Wiradjuri nation provide deeper insight into the region’s Indigenous heritage. Orange is also a haven for foodies and coffee lovers, home to a range of farmers markets and a refuge for pub lovers, with traditional watering holes like the Gladstone Hotel and The Hotel Orange, the oldest pub in the region. For the best experience, plan your trip during Orange F.O.O.D Week in April or Orange Wine Month in October, both ideal times to visit for a stay at the luxurious Remington Orange hotel.

Bucolic villages and lush landscapes are the signatures of southern New South Wales. Drive 90 minutes southwest of Sydney, or hop on a train to Berrima, Bowral, or Mittagong, and you’ll reach the hidden gem region of the Southern Highlands and Kangaroo Valley. Here, you can take things slow and embrace the bounties of nature. Sip local wine at cellar doors on a guided journey with The Highlands Tour Co, see how the small Hampshire sheep keep the Tractorless Vineyard true to its name, or venture to Guula Ngurra National Park to spot kangaroos, wombats, koalas, and more.

Away from the villages and vineyards, this beautiful area of New South Wales is also home to Morton National Park, an outdoor paradise for hiking and cycling between picturesque waterfalls, or cruising the river on a custom-built double-canoe rig. Among a wide choice of superb accommodations, Osborn House invites guests and visitors to relax at its luxurious day spa and pool, while Wildes Boutique Hotel offers spacious and elegantly appointed rooms and an exceptional menu showcasing the best of the valley’s produce. Cricket fans should also plan a visit to Bowral’s Bradman Museum, a must-see tribute to the sport’s history.

Few destinations rival Australia for scenic drives, and the coastline south of Sydney is just as spectacular as the one heading north. The full route from Sydney to Melbourne spans over 700 miles and takes you through the whale-watching spot of Jervis Bay. Stop here and follow the White Sands Walk from Greenfield Beach to Caves Beach, a picturesque trail dotted with perfect picnic areas, pristine beaches, and vibrant birdlife. Break up your journey with an overnight stay at Jervis Bay - choose a beachside hotel or glamp among the eucalyptus trees at the peaceful Paperbark Camp.

A little further south, Batemans Bay is a highlight of Australia’s Oyster Coast, where you can revel in the region’s finest on a Clyde River oyster-tasting kayak tour. Sail the short distance to Montague Island off the coast of Narooma for amazing marine life encounters with fur seals and little penguins. If time is limited, skip the east coast leg and fly into Merimbula, then embark on the 360-mile drive along the south coast to Melbourne. Don’t miss the chance to explore Beowa National Park, where trails like the Pinnacles Loop or the Light to Light walk provide perfect opportunities to stretch your legs and soak in the scenery.