The Eastern Australian Epicurean Escape

Sydney is a vibrant city brimming with sophisticated culinary experiences perfect for a free day of exploration. Start your morning in the historic Rocks precinct with artisanal coffee and breakfast at one of the cosy cafes tucked beneath the Harbour Bridge. Mid-morning, head to Surry Hills or Darlinghurst, hubs for Sydney's trendy food scene. Here you can browse specialty wine merchants and gourmet produce stores. Be sure to visit a local bakery for award-winning sourdough or unique pastries; a great picnic preparation! For lunch, immerse yourself in the fresh flavours of the sea. Catch a tram to Pyrmont and explore the vibrant Sydney Fish Market, where you can sample world-class oysters and fresh sushi right off the boat. Alternatively, find a relaxed eatery in the Barangaroo precinct offering modern Australian cuisine with extensive wine lists. End your evening with an indulgent dinner. Explore the fine dining scene in the CBD or Potts Point, known for its sommelier-driven wine bars and chef-hatted restaurants. This is your chance to savour multi-course meals paired with exceptional Hunter Valley or Orange region wines, capping off a perfect day of Sydney's food and wine delights.

Enhance your day at the Opera House with a 1-hour guided tour, uncovering its fascinating history and design. Complete your visit with a main meal and a beverage at your choice of harbour-side venues, Opera Bar, Midden by Mark Olive,  or House Canteen. Enjoy world-class dining with breathtaking views for a truly unforgettable Sydney outing.

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Today, you will journey away from the vibrant city of Sydney and into the peace and tranquility of the Blue Mountains. On your way out of the city, you will pass Sydney Olympic Park, home to the 2000 Olympic games. Once the M4 becomes the Great Western Motorway, you will have countless opportunities to stretch your legs as you drive through the small towns of Springwood, Wentworth Falls, and Leura before arriving into Katoomba. Check out all the stunning walking tracks in the area.

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.

Your luxurious stay at Spicers Sangoma Retreat is an all-inclusive experience designed for quiet indulgence, combining acclaimed fine dining with the ultimate in relaxation. From the moment you arrive, you are invited to unwind in a secluded, sophisticated setting.

You can begin your retreat with a delightful welcome lunch at Restaurant Amara, the chef-hatted dining experience where Executive Chef Will Houia showcases modern Australian flavours and local produce. After checking into your private, individually designed suite, you have the freedom to relax by opening your doors to the surrounding bushland or unwinding in your luxurious bath.

As evening approaches, gather with other guests for firepit snacks and sips under the stars before enjoying an exquisite five-course dinner at Amara, complete with perfectly paired beverages. All meals, including a generous à la carte breakfast and lunch, are included, as is your continuously replenished minibar stocked with champagne, wine, beer, and soft drinks.

Each morning offers a gentle start, perhaps with a self-guided bush walk on the surrounding trails to feel grounded and connected to nature. With daily housekeeping and dedicated guest service, your escape is seamless, ensuring your focus remains solely on relaxation and enjoying the finest the mountains have to offer.

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.

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. 

The drive from Katoomba to Orange is a picturesque journey that follows the Great Western Highway, transitioning beautifully from mountain vistas to rolling farmlands. Starting west from Katoomba, you immediately descend from the dramatic Blue Mountains. The highway quickly brings you to Lithgow, offering a chance to pause and explore its industrial past or nearby historic sites like the Zig Zag Railway. Continuing west, you traverse the high plains to reach Bathurst, a historic hub and Australia’s oldest inland settlement. Here, you might spend time soaking in colonial history or visiting the famous Mount Panorama motor racing circuit. Beyond Bathurst, the scenery shifts as the highway weaves through classic New South Wales grazing country and orchards. You will notice the distinctive high-altitude landscape of the Central Tablelands before making the final approach into Orange. This thriving regional centre is famed for its cool-climate wines and gourmet food scene, providing a delicious destination after a scenic 3-hour drive.

Orange is a thriving country town that is as rich in heritage as it is in award-winning restaurants, boutique shops, galleries, glorious gardens, and bustling markets. It is famous thanks to its rich produce-yielding soils, cool-climate wines, and spectacular scenery. A great way to learn about the history and heritage of Orange is to explore the self-guided Orange Heritage Trail. Head to the Visitor Information Centre to pick up a brochure, which details more than 40 places of historical interest and beauty. The walk takes approximately 90min to complete and showcases some of Orange’s finest buildings. Orange is also renowned for its bountiful produce. Enjoy local wine, beer, and cider paired with contemporary cuisine.

Indulge your senses on this Exclusive Orange Wine Region Tour, designed for discerning enthusiasts. This all-inclusive journey takes you to three highly acclaimed wineries known for their world-class vintages and warm hospitality. You’ll immerse yourself in the art of winemaking and enjoy a sensory adventure sampling a wide range of exceptional wines that capture the essence of the Orange terroir.  With all logistics and cellar door charges taken care of, simply relax and savour the flavours amidst the region's breathtaking, picturesque landscapes.

The drive from Orange to Canberra is a fascinating southward journey that winds through the heart of the Central Tablelands and Southern Tablelands of New South Wales. Starting south from Orange, you first traverse rolling hills and rich agricultural land, heading toward the historic city of Cowra. Cowra offers a chance to pause and reflect at the significant Japanese Garden and Cultural Centre and the site of the World War II POW camp. Continuing south, the route takes you through classic country towns like Boorowa or past the famous merino sheep country near Young. As you progress, the landscape opens into the high plains of the Southern Tablelands before you connect with the major highways leading directly to the national capital. The journey culminates as you drive into Canberra, where modern architecture and national monuments await. This comfortable 3.5 to 4-hour trip seamlessly blends agricultural heritage and Australian history with arrival into the nation's political and cultural centre.

With museums and galleries for all tastes, it's easy to spend the day exploring Australian culture and history in Canberra. A fantastic place to start is the National Museum of Australia, which has interactive exhibits covering the history of Australia from its Indigenous peoples through to the present day.
Also highly recommended are the National Gallery, Old Parliament House, New Parliament House and the Australian War Memorial. If you'd like to head outdoors, you can take a stroll through the Botanic Gardens, or up to Red Hill or Mount Ainslie lookout for a Birdseye view over the city.

As the new day dawns, you will ascend into the sky in a colourful balloon, admiring the amazing views. Your balloon will float with the gentle breeze and whilst in the basket you will feel secure with very little sensation of movement. During the flight, you may be drifting above the treetops, then moments later ascending effortlessly to heights of 3000 feet or more. Take in the incredible views of the Australian Capital city before descending back to the ground. Upon arrive at the landing site, enjoy a glass of champagne with your fellow passengers and pilot, as you celebrate this beautiful experience just had. After your flight, delight in a delicious buffet breakfast at the Park Hyatt's Promenade Cafe.

Spend the day exploring the world's most comprehensive display of living Australian native plants at the Australian National Botanic Gardens. With over 4,500 species, these gardens are the perfect location to breath in the fresh air, listen to birds and disconnect from the rush of city life. The Australian National Botanic Gardens cultivates threatened plants to create a tranquil environment which is both enjoyable and educational to wander through.

Your journey to Sydney is a scenic and smooth transition from the capital to the coast. You'll head north out of Canberra on the M23, soon passing the massive, often-dry bed of Lake George on your right. Merge onto the main Hume Motorway (M31) and enjoy the rolling countryside views. We recommend pausing for a break in the historic town of Goulburn, famous for The Big Merino, or for a charming coffee stop in the quaint villages of the Southern Highlands (such as Bowral). Continue on as the motorway becomes the M5, then the M1 near Sydney Airport, leading you directly back into the city centre. Please allow 3.5 to 4 hours for this drive, factoring in potential traffic on your arrival into Sydney.

Discover a hidden culinary world on this unique foraging tour in Sydney's Royal Botanic Gardens. Your expert guide will lead you on a scenic walk to explore and taste native Australian plants like lemon myrtle and Davidson plum. Spot local wildlife, including kookaburras and water dragons, as you learn about Indigenous food traditions. The tour concludes with an award-winning bush tucker picnic hamper, complete with kangaroo salami and local cheeses, all paired with chilled sparkling wine and stunning views of the Opera House.

Explore more of Sydney before dropping your rental car at the depot.

Farewell Australia 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!