Collect your car from Sydney airport or city centre 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

Standard: Leisure Inn Spires

Deluxe: Lilianfels Resort & Spa

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

Standard: Hunter Valley Resort

Deluxe: Crowne Plaza Resort Hunter Valley

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

Standard: Oaks Port Stephens Pacific Blue Resort

Deluxe: The Anchorage

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