New South Wales Explorer

From Sydney’s sparkling harbour to the rolling vineyards of the Hunter Valley and the dramatic scenery of the Blue Mountains, this 8-night New South Wales self-drive itinerary is designed for travellers who love exceptional wine, gourmet food, and unforgettable scenery. Along the way, enjoy immersive Hunter Valley winery experiences including a picnic among the vines at Audrey Wilkinson Vineyard and a curated wine and art experience at Mount Pleasant Wines, alongside luxury stays, an oyster farm tour, and stargazing in the Blue Mountains for a perfectly balanced wine-focused escape.

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Example Itinerary

  • 01

    Sydney Arrival

    DAY 1

    Collect your hire car and settle into the boutique Spicers Potts Point, tucked away on a leafy street in one of Sydney's most stylish neighbourhoods. Potts Point puts some of the city's best cafes, bars and restaurants right on your doorstep — the perfect first evening to soak it all in.

  • 02

    Oysters on the Water

    DAY 2

    A morning spent like a true local. Board a boat out to a working oyster farm, pull on waders and wade in to an in-water tasting table where your oyster farmer guides you through freshly harvested shells straight from the estuary. An unforgettable two-and-a-half hours before the afternoon is yours to explore Sydney at leisure.

  • 03

    Sydney at Your Own Pace

    DAY 3

    A free day in Sydney to explore on your own terms — whether that's the Harbour, Bondi, the galleries and markets of Surry Hills, or simply lingering over a long breakfast before your drive north tomorrow.

  • 04

    Into the Hunter Valley

    DAY 4

    Drive north into New South Wales wine country and check in to Spicers Guesthouse in Pokolbin — an iconic retreat set within 40 acres of grounds, with vineyard and mountain views in every direction. A classic, homely feel with a relaxed luxury touch. This is your base for the next three nights.

  • 05

    Picnic Among the Vines

    DAY 5

    Begin the morning with a self-guided museum tour and a masterclass with an in-house wine expert. Then collect your bottle of handpicked wine, a picnic hamper and your own etched glassware, and choose your spot among the 270 acres of vines to enjoy one of the region's most picture-perfect lunches.

  • 06

    Mount Pleasant

    DAY 6

    A more intimate Hunter Valley experience today. After a welcome glass of Lovedale Semillon, explore Mount Pleasant's cellar door — where curated artworks by Archibald Prize-winning painter Garry Shead, whose personal connection to this estate runs deep, set the tone. Follow with a guided tasting of eight premium wines paired with local cheeses, learning the legacy of legendary founder Maurice O'Shea along the way.

  • 07

    Blue Mountains

    DAY 7

    Drive west into one of Australia's great natural landscapes. Check in to the award-winning Lilianfels Resort & Spa, perched above the World Heritage Listed Blue Mountains National Park — a five-minute walk from the iconic Three Sisters at Echo Point. After dark, make your way to Wentworth Falls Lookout for an evening with a local astrophysicist: telescopes, laser constellation tours and the Milky Way stretching across Southern Hemisphere skies.

  • 08

    Blue Mountains at Leisure

    DAY 8

    A day to take at your own pace — walk to the Three Sisters, ride Scenic World's cable cars, browse the galleries and tea rooms of Leura village, or simply relax at the hotel with the mountains as your backdrop.

  • 09

    Farewell

    DAY 9

    Return your hire car and bid farewell to New South Wales — three destinations, one unforgettable journey

Included:

Intermediate Inclusive car hire throughout

3 Nights Sydney - Spicer’s Potts Point – B&B

Immersive Sydney Oyster Farm Tour

3 Nights Hunter Valley - Spicer’s Guest House – B&B

Picnic among the vines at Audrey Wilkinson Vineyard

Mount Pleasant Wine & Art Tour

2 Nights Ardour Lilianfells Blue Mountains – B&B

Blue Mountains Star Gazing Tour

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Departure Dates: All Year

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*This itinerary can be flexible and can be amended to suit your requirements. Images courtesy of Tourism Australia

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