Into The Wild Luxury Trail

Join an exclusive, behind-the-scenes tour of Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, a private, working rescue facility not open to the general public. A personal keeper will guide you through an intimate, hands-on experience, where you’ll meet and interact with rescued native Australian animals - including wombats, kangaroos, and rare birds like Casper the white kookaburra. This impactful tour offers deep insight into wildlife conservation and rehabilitation. As the sanctuary is a not-for-profit charity, your visit directly supports the vital work of protecting Australia’s precious species. This is ethical, meaningful tourism at its finest.

Discover the dramatic natural boundary of Sydney at Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. This immense, spectacular reserve is a haven of native bushland, sandstone cliffs, and tranquil waterways, offering a complete escape from the city. The park holds deep cultural significance, being the ancestral home of the Guringai people; short walking tracks reveal some of Australia’s highest concentrations of preserved Aboriginal rock engravings, providing a powerful connection to the past. Drive to the renowned West Head Lookout for breathtaking panoramic views across Pittwater to Barrenjoey Headland and the Hawkesbury River. Keep your camera ready for encounters with native wallabies and unique birdlife amidst the stunning flora. This is the perfect spot for soaking up true Australian wilderness.

Set off from the leafy sanctuary of Dural, beginning your seamless northwards journey toward the Hawkesbury region. Utilising Sydney's motorway network, enjoy an efficient and swift drive, passing through the city’s northern fringe. Your journey concludes at the magnificent Hawkesbury River bridge near Mooney Mooney - a highly recommended scenic stop to appreciate the vast, dramatic waterways and bushland before exploring the local area.

This experience includes an industry-first tasting and tour of the Shellar Door, a cruise out to the farm longlines on the scenic lower Hawkesbury River and an immersive pearl grading session inside the restricted-access Pearl Room. Follow the story of the Australian pearl from its ancient Indigenous beginnings through modern farming and grading techniques, all the way to the finished piece of unique pearl jewellery.

Departing the Hawkesbury region near Mooney Mooney, you formally enter the scenic Central Coast, where the Pacific Motorway slices through forested hills and coastal reserves. The pace remains efficient, but the scenery is distinctly regional. For a refreshing break, detour slightly to vibrant seaside towns like Terrigal or Avoca Beach to enjoy the sea air and a coffee by the ocean. As you continue north, the terrain flattens, and the scenery opens up, providing shimmering glimpses of Lake Macquarie, signifying your arrival at the destination's relaxed, nautical charm and tranquil waterfront escape.

Welcome to Lake Macquarie, the largest coastal saltwater lake in the Southern Hemisphere, offering a peaceful and highly scenic alternative to the major cities. Located just north of Sydney, this destination blends a relaxed, nautical atmosphere with accessibility to wilderness and the coast. The lake itself is the hub for relaxation and activities, from sailing and kayaking to fishing and waterfront dining. Beyond the water, you can explore beautiful coastline walks, visit charming lakeside villages like Toronto and Belmont, or hike through the surrounding national parks. Its strategic location makes it an ideal, central base, allowing easy day trips north to Newcastle and west into the renowned Hunter Valley vineyards. Lake Macquarie is truly the perfect spot for unwinding by the water.

Newcastle, Australia is a city with something for everyone. Enjoy stunning beaches like Merewether, a popular surfing spot with cafes and ocean baths. Learn about the city's history at Fort Scratchley, a historic military site that protected Australia in WWII, with narrow, underground tunnels that are fascinating to explore. Take a walk along The Bathers Way, a stunning coastal path offering scenic views and cafes. Love swimming? Take a dip in the Bogey Hole, an iconic ocean pool hand-hewn by convicts. Or head to Newcastle Beach, a popular spot with cafes, surf, and a scenic walkway. For a family outing, check out Stockton Beach with its sand dunes, ferry access, playground, and even shipwrecks to explore.

Discover Newcastle's charm on this guided mini-van tour! Explore stunning beaches, historic landmarks like Fort Scratchley and Christ Church Cathedral, and hidden gems. Enjoy coastal views, city culture, and local hotspots. Learn about Australia's second oldest city through captivating stories. You'll make five stops, including guided visits to the Bogey Hole and Hickson St Lookout, and a leisurely walk at the ANZAC Memorial Walk. This tour blends coastal beauty with city insights, showcasing Newcastle's best.

Start your picturesque driving journey leaving the tranquil waters of Lake Macquarie behind. The journey quickly takes you west, immersing you in the internationally renowned Hunter Valley wine region. The landscape is defined by sprawling vineyards and charming historic towns. For a relaxing break on route, consider stopping in the country town of Singleton to grab a coffee and stretch your legs. Enjoy the smooth transition as the terrain changes, ascending into the Central Tablelands. Surrounded by rolling hills and rich farming land, the drive offers increasingly scenic views, signalling your approach to Mudgee. This route provides a true taste of country NSW, culminating in your arrival at your destination, ready to explore Mudgee's historic charm and acclaimed wineries.

Mudgee is a charming town celebrated for its gourmet food, wine, and stunning countryside. Nestled along the banks of the Cudgegong River, it’s steeped in heritage, with beautifully preserved colonial architecture and a vibrant arts scene. Home to over 35 wineries, exploring the cellar doors on a local wine tour is a must. The town is surrounded by farms producing fresh ingredients and artisan goods, including cheeses, honey, oils, relishes, and breads. Wander along the tree-lined streets on the Heritage Walking Tour to soak in 19th-century landmarks like the iconic Mudgee Post Office. The Mudgee Museum offers captivating insights into the town's past, with artefacts housed in historic buildings. Art lovers will enjoy the contemporary exhibitions at the Mudgee Arts Precinct, while the nearby Lawson Park Sculpture Trail blends creativity with the natural beauty of the riverside. For outdoor enthusiasts, Mudgee offers incredible hiking opportunities through breathtaking landscapes, including Wollemi and Goulburn River National Parks. Don’t miss the Glow Worm Tunnel walking track, where a torch will reveal hundreds of tiny glow worms lighting up the darkness like stars.

Drift into a magical morning with a sunrise hot air balloon flight over the stunning Mudgee region. With its rolling hills, surrounding mountains and beautiful valley, conditions are perfectly suited for hot air ballooning. This sunrise balloon flight take in spectacular views of the region’s vineyards, farmland, hills as well as the township of Mudgee. After your thrilling flight, land for a delicious celebration breakfast. 

The Mudgee Brewing Company is a family-owned business, located in a 100-year-old building in the town center of Mudgee. The Brewery has a relaxed atmosphere with the operating brewery as the centerpiece within the restaurant and bar. The Brewery has eight taps that rotate with the latest beers brewed on-site. With local beer, local wines, amazing food, and live music it is a must-visit while in the Mudgee Region.

Depart the historic charm of Mudgee, beginning your journey through the region’s renowned vineyards and orchards before setting off toward the Central West plains. Following the Castlereagh Highway, take time to pause at the immense Capertee Valley, one of the world’s largest canyons, for magnificent views and photo opportunities. You will pass through charming rural towns like Capertee before reaching Lithgow. Here, you join the Great Western Highway, beginning your gradual ascent into the dramatic Blue Mountains National Park. Watch the landscape transform as rugged sandstone cliffs and dense eucalyptus forests surround you, culminating in your arrival at the majestic town of Katoomba.

The World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains is a wilderness area showcasing ancient rock formations, vast canyons and waterfalls plummeting into valleys below. The breathtaking views over the region stretch to the hazy blue horizon, while the historic village towns nestled amongst the rainforest are dotted with tea rooms, cellar doors and breweries hosted by local producers. There is no shortage of adventure in the Blue Mountains with the rugged sandstone escarpments, underground caves and deep canyons providing the perfect playground for rock climbing, abseiling, canyoning and more. Of course, relaxation is also on the cards with a number of resorts, boutique guesthouses and day spas throughout.

Experience a one-of-a-kind stargazing tour with a wine in hand just two hours from Sydney. Surrounded by spectacular sandstone escarpments on the Dryridge Estate vineyard enjoy scrumptious nibbles by the firepit before being taken on a journey through the night skies.Your host, a local astrophysicist will share his knowledge of the cosmos both through the naked eye and a professional telescope. Be entranced by the stories of the constellations passed down through generations while observing the moon, Saturn's rings, the Orion Nebula and our fabulous Milky Way.This two and a half hour tour includes a substantial 7 vintage wine tasting and a Ploughman's platter including cheeses, cold meat, pickles, olives and sundried tomatoes all served with fresh locally made bread, grissini and flat bread.

Maximise your time in the mountains by combining three of the most iconic, short walks. Start your day at Echo Point with the family-friendly Three Sisters Walk (1km), providing ever-changing, breathtaking views of the famous rock formation. Next, tackle the spectacular Katoomba Falls Round Track (2km), descending through a lush gully for dramatic waterfall vistas and historic lookouts like Vanimans. In the afternoon, drive to the Wentworth Falls picnic area to experience the short but steep Wentworth Falls Track (1.4km). You will be rewarded with jaw-dropping views of the 100m cascade plunging to the valley floor and the vast Jamison Valley. This combination offers incredible vistas, varied terrain, and captures the dramatic beauty of the Blue Mountains in one unforgettable day.

Nestled right on the edge of the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains National Park, Leura is the region's most captivating village, offering a perfect blend of rich heritage charm and spectacular natural beauty. Wander along the National Trust-classified town centre, where the streets are lined with boutique shops, eclectic homewares, fashion, and antique stores. You can even explore local Indigenous art and culture at Bilingarra or meet artisans at The Nook. Nature lovers will adore the magnificent, cool-climate gardens on display year-round, especially the historic Everglades Art Deco house and grounds designed by Paul Sorensen. For adventure, choose a short, rewarding stroll to Elysian Rock Lookout for incredible views of the Jamison Valley, or tackle a section of the longer Grand Cliff Top Walk. Alternatively, enjoy a tranquil picnic by the picturesque Leura Cascades. Finish your day with a meal at Leura Gourmet, boasting spectacular valley views, or a cosy cocktail at the Polar Bear of Leura. 

There's no better way to enjoy the iconic views of the World-Heritage listed UNESCO Blue Mountains, than with the Unlimited Discovery Pass.
Navigate the site as you like, at your own pace. Hop aboard the world's steepest railway into the Jamison Valley. Explore kilometres of raised boardwalks through the rainforest, spotting Lyre Birds and ancient tree ferns amongst other flora and fauna. Ride the Cableway, to cruise past the sandstone escarpment and Orphan Rock. No visit is complete without gliding past Katoomba Falls and the Three Sisters on the iconic Skyway.

Depart the breathtaking, rugged cliffs of Katoomba, beginning your scenic descent from the high Blue Mountains. You'll follow the Great Western Highway, winding through historic mountain towns like Leura and Wentworth Falls. The landscape gradually shifts from dense eucalyptus forest and sandstone escarpments to rolling foothills. The road soon widens into the Western Motorway, increasing your pace toward the city. This journey offers a striking contrast as the pristine wilderness gives way to the growing suburban sprawl. The route culminates with the iconic Sydney skyline appearing on the horizon, signalling your return to the vibrant heart of Australia’s largest city.

Explore more of Sydney before dropping your rental car at the airport depot and continuing your onward journey.

Farewell Sydney today. If there is more of Australia or New Zealand you would like to explore, talk to your sales consultant about planning your next stop!