Sydney & Surrounds

Sydney and it surrounding areas make the perfect place for a one week walkabout in Australia. Below you will see all the exciting regions which you can include in a Sydney one week walkabout.

Need inspiration? Watch some videos of real people on a Sydney one week walkabout. Click here.
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Sydney Harbour
Sydney Harbour

Sydney City

Welcome to Sydney, one of the most spectacular and exciting cities in the world. Sydney doesn’t exactly hide its charms; ‘if you’ve got it, flaunt it’ could well be the harbour city’s motto.

Endowed with a sparkling harbour, dazzling beaches and a sunny, Mediterranean climate, its setting alone has guaranteed Sydney a place among the most glamorous cities on the planet. Grafted onto those natural splendors is an impressive array of worldly treasures, including a rich blend of cultures, a relaxed, unbuttoned lifestyle and an appetite for life that makes Sydney one of the world’s most exhilarating cities. 

All of its attributes lie within easy reach of the city centre. Sydney’s harbor is a natural playground and a perfect place to start exploring the city by ferry, cruise ship or yacht. The city is girded by natural bush land with miles of coastal walking trails, secluded coves, surf beaches and seaside cafes to explore. Of course visiting the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge should be on everyone’s list along with taking in the weekend markets, buzzing nightlife, restaurants, shopping and historic sites.

Highlights Include:

• Cruise Sydney Harbour for as little or a long as you like.
• Enjoy a symphony, opera or guided tour of World Heritage Listed Sydney Opera House.
• Take the climb of your life on Sydney Harbour Bridge with BridgeClimb
• Catch a ferry from Circular Quay and visit Taronga Park Zoo or Manly Beach.
• Have Breakfast with Koalas at Sydney Wildlife World and visit Sydney Aquarium next door.
• Learn to surf or take a walking tour along world famous, Bondi Beach
• Take in spectacular 360 city views and dining experience at Sydney Tower.
• Shop the boutiques and galleries in Pitt Street, Haymarket & Queen Victoria Building.
• Browse the weekend craft markets in The Rocks, Paddington and Bondi Beach
• Visit Sydney Fish Markets and enjoy a gourmet platter of fresh, local seafood delicacies
• Take a scenic seaplane flight over Sydney Harbour to tranquil Cottage Point for lunch.
• Join a Historic Rocks Walking Tour and hear the tales of our colorful colonial past.
• Explore over 40 Sydney attractions using your See Sydney & Beyond Smartcard

Blue Mountains
Blue Mountains

World Heritage Blue Mountains

Less than two hours west of Sydney, the Blue Mountains National Park is a World Heritage-listed site.

The Blue Mountains in a tempting combination of breathtaking nature, romantic accommodation, fine restaurants and indulgent shopping.

Breathe the fresh mountain air and relax, as you marvel at a majestic landscape of waterfalls and awe-inspiring sandstone escarpments. Indulge at restaurants renowned for their creative use of fresh, local produce. Unwind with a rejuvenating day spa treatment.

Whether you're seeking an indulgent, romantic escape or a well-deserved short break, the Blue Mountains offers experiences you'll remember for a lifetime!

Highlights Include:

• On the way out to the Blue Mountains have breakfast with native wildlife at Featherdale Wildlife Park.
• Experience breathtaking views of the Blue Mountains Canyons and the famous Three Sisters rock formation.
• Take a walk in the Australian bush on well marked trails and hikes.
• At Scenic World Blue Mountains, ride the worlds’ steepest incline railway to the base of the Jamison Valley and wander through an ancient rainforest basin. Then return to the cliff top in a modern cableway – enjoy the spectacular views!
• -'The Edge Movie’ provides an opportunity to witness this amazing national park without the need to leave your comfortable 'stadium' style seating.
• Learn about the region’s unique flora and fauna and explore the night sky with Trade Lightly Tours.
• Relax at a local spa, play golf, tennis or horse riding in the bush.
• Explore the historic country towns of Leura, Katoomba and Blackheath.

Hunter Valley
Hunter Valley

Hunter Valley Wine Country

The Hunter Valley conjures up images of lazy days, fine-wine tasting at the cellar door, romantic retreats, quality eateries and gorgeous farming country.

With 120 wineries, Hunter Valley is Australia’s second largest wine region, producing many grape varieties for both red and white wines. Especially well regarded are the Hunter’s Shiraz, Semillon and Chardonnay.

The Hunter Valley is nestled against the dramatic backdrop of the Brokenback Range, and the region has many award-winning restaurants and outdoor cafes.  Guesthouses, B&Bs or resorts are also located throughout the valley.

Sample premium Hunter Wines at boutique wineries, some of which are not available anywhere else in the world and chat with local wine makers.

Enjoy a tasting experience with an exotic selection of food types matched with four premium Hunter Valley wines.

Highlights Include:

• Sample premium Hunter Wines at friendly, relaxed boutique and family owned cellar doors.
• Take a hot air balloon flight and watch the sunrise over vineyards and national parks
• Tour local wineries on a horse drawn carriage or on a bicycle
• Become an Australian wine expert at the Hunter Valley Wine School.
• Visit the impressive Hunter Valley Gardens featuring a variety of boutique specialty shops, galleries, restaurants, chapel and 12 beautiful themed gardens.
• Pamper yourself with a relaxing massage or game of golf.
• Sample handmade cheeses, olive oil & organic produce on the Hunter Gourmet Trail
• Tour the Blue Tongue Brewery and try local boutique beers and alcoholic ginger beer
• Enjoy a relaxing meal at a world class restaurant like Robert’s or Chez Pok.
• Explore the galleries, antiques and craft stores in the historic town of Maitland.

Lighthouse on the South Coast
South Coast

South Coast of Sydney

Head south from Sydney through the Royal National Park for a great scenic drive  along Grand Pacific Drive.
 
Travel along the Sea Cliff Bridge, a sinuously seductive road that is flanked by the Tasman Sea on one side and the richly forested Illawarra escarpment on the other.

The unspoilt natural beauty of the southern coastline of New South Wales unfolds in a series of bays and coves. Little townships, many with interesting histories, are known for their fine food and wines, and great country markets.

Jervis Bay measures 9 miles from north to south and about 6 miles across.  Sociable and playful, the dolphins that live within the sheltered embrace of Jervis Bay can often be seen in shallow waters close to shore – or even close to sea kayaks in the bay. And between June and November, migrating whales can be seen from boats and headlands, as they pass by or come right inside the bay.

Hyams Beach has some of the world’s whitest sand.  The bay’s beaches are glorious, especially those starting from Greenfields Beach, just south of Vincentia, and continuing to Murrays Beach in the shelter of Bowen Island. Its sparkling waters, underwater topography of arches, caves and rock stacks and a marine population that includes gropers, wrasses, sharks, cuttlefish and sea dragons make this one of the finest dive sites in the State.

Highlights Include:

• Get on a Harley Davidson motorcycle for a great scenic ride along Grand Pacific Drive
• Walk the see cliff bridge and take in the spectacular ocean views
• Try a locally brewed beer and gourmet meal at Five Islands Brewery
• Join a Dolphin Watch Cruise on Jervis Bay.
• Visit Hyams Beach, with some of the world’s whitest sand.
• Enjoy a tour with Wreck Bay Walkabouts which give visitors an insight into Aboriginal culture.
• Try five star camping at Paperbark Camp eco resort and spot kangaroos, wallabies, possums and other native animals in a beautiful bush setting.