Welcome to Sydney!

It is New Year’s Eve – arrive in Sydney this morning to watch the Sydney Harbour firework celebrations as we ring in the start of 2026, and then the conclusion of the NRMA Insurance Ashes Series.

You can choose to watch the iconic New Year fireworks from the steps of Sydney Opera House or the Botanic Gardens. Alternatively, you could make it a very special evening and join a New Year’s Eve Cruise on Sydney Harbour.

After Sydney’s dazzling New Year’s Eve celebrations, you can enjoy a sightseeing cruise on Sydney Harbour, or a ferry across the harbour to Manly. Go behind the scenes of the iconic Sydney Opera House, or complete the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb. Alternatively you could just relax on Bondi Beach or wander around the The Rocks for history and markets. Sydney’s attractions make a perfect lead-up to the thrilling and final 5th Ashes Test.

All eyes will now be in the SCG for the 5th and final Test Match of the 2025/26 NRMA Insurance Ashes Series, and you will have your choice of seats reserved so that you don’t miss any of the action.

The Sydney Cricket Ground masters the blend of traditional with modern and never fails to deliver absorbing cricket.

Your Ashes cricket package includes hotel accommodation and tickets to every day of the NRMA Insurance Ashes Test Match (All Day 5 tickets will include General Admission only, with unreserved seating).

Freedom Destinations is a Cricket Australia Travel Office Licensed Travel Operator for the 2025/26 NRMA Insurance Ashes Series. Licence no. CATO2526/005

Collect your rental car from your nearest depot and head out west towards the fabulous Blue Mountains. The drive is less than two hours, so there is plenty of time to explore the region.

The town of Katoomba is at its centre and there are many rainforest trails from here, past cascading waterfalls to the valley floor.

The famous Three Sisters rock formation can be admired from Echo Point, one of many viewpoints around the town. For more leisurely sightseeing, you can take the Scenic Cableway or Scenic Railway, the steepest in the world, from Katoomba down to the forests beneath.

Sydney > Blue Mountains | 125 kms

Leave the mountains behind as you head back towards the coast, before turning north to the Hunter Valley. The scenery is awesome and there are plenty of country town to explore on the way.

The Hunter Valley is the oldest wine producing area in New South Wales, with the first vines brought here in the 1820’s. The Hunter River winds its way lazily through the grapevine clad hills and wineries, renowned for the production of top quality table wines. Many of these boutique wineries offer cellar door tasting and vineyard tours and your overnight accommodation is at the centre of this beautiful region.

Blue Mountains > Hunter Valley | 250 kms

Travel from the Hunter Valley today to the picturesque coastal region of Port Stephens, a huge natural harbour with attractive bays and white sand beaches. Around the harbour are delightful fishing villages and seaside communities and the area is a popular holiday destination for Sydney siders.

Within the clear waters of Port Stephens, there is a resident population of bottlenose dolphins, and dolphin cruises depart from Nelson Bay all year round. On land there are coastal walks, dunes and National Parks to explore or try some local seafood, a speciality of the region.

Hunter Valley > Port Stephens | 95 kms

The busy town of Newcastle is well worth a visit before leaving the region. There are reminders or the town’s colonial history along the foreshore, including Fort Scratchby, which is now a museum.

If time permits, take the coast road back to Sydney, rather than the highway. This scenic and laid-back region of New South Wales has some fabulous beaches, headlands and coastal lakes. Finally, finish your drive through North Sydney and the thrill of crossing the iconic Harbour Bridge.

Port Stephens > Sydney | 210 kms

If you didn’t get the chance to climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge before, then now could be the day to do it. Alternatively you could catch the ferry to Taronga Zoo or relax on a catamaran cruise up the Paramatta River.

If you are heading out to Bondi then we recommend following the coastal path that leads around the headland to Bronte and Coogee beaches. You will see spectacular views and can enjoy a swim at the end of your walk.

If you are after some last minute shopping then you can head to Pitt Street, the Queen Victoria Arcade, or Strand Arcade.

As this part of your holiday comes to a close, return to Sydney Airport in time to check-in for your onwards flight.

Maybe you are returning home, or maybe you are continuing your Australia holiday. Your FREEDOM consultant will be pleased to arrange this for you.