13 Day Sydney – Gold Coast Ultimate Adventure Exclusive Private Guided Tour
This spectacular 13 day private guided tour includes some of the best scenery between Sydney and the Gold Coast and a myriad of fantastic adventures in between. Discover both New South Wales, one of Australia’s most vibrant and historic states and Queensland with its golden sandy beaches. This tour encompasses mountains, beaches and rolling hill country that contribute to its myriad of outdoor activities, superb architecture in both the big cities and quaint villages, fantastic wineries in the Hunter Valley as well as ample opportunities to view some of Australia’s majestic wildlife. Highlights on this journey include, Sydney- Australia’s largest city with visits to the iconic Opera House and Harbour Bridge, the breath-taking vistas of the Blue Mountains with a stay in the heart of the National Park area, the Gold Coast and its fantastic beaches, Byron Bay with its world class surf and relaxed pace of life and wine tasting in New South Wales’ premier wine growing area, The Hunter Valley.
The best part is that this is your tour done your way. Sit back relax and experience the authentic side of Australia through the eyes of your own expert local driver guide. Welcome to The Road Trip ‘Where your journey begins’.
Day 1 Sydney Arrival
Welcome to Australia. You will be met at the airport by your private driver guide and your exclusive tour begins. Following this you have the day to explore Sydney at leisure. Your visit will begin with a stroll along picturesque Darling Harbour including a visit to some of the area’s charming cafes and of course the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge. For those that want the up close and personal experience, we can arrange a guided Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb to learn all about one of Australia’s most iconic sites. Tonight take a starlight dinner cruise and enjoying the breath-taking lights of Sydney Harbour and surrounds.
Day 2 Sydney
Today is a further day to explore Sydney. This morning take a guided tour of Sydney Opera House and learn all about the history of Australia’s iconic building. This afternoon we will take a walking tour of the area and discover some of Sydney’s most intriguing aspects of the Rocks area as well as learning all about the history of its resident sailors, convicts and others that used to inhabit the area. Later this afternoon we suggest a visit to the Sydney Aquarium to learn all about Australia’s vast variety of marine life. Tonight you have the opportunity to further enjoy some of Sydney’s fantastic culinary host spots and enjoy the city by night.
Day 3 Sydney and Surrounds
Today we will visit some of Sydney’s majestic surrounds including a visit to well- known Bondi Beach and if feeling active take one of the area’s coastal nature walks along the cliffs for great views of the Pacific Ocean. This afternoon upon returning to the city perhaps check out Sydney’s Botanic Gardens or one of the many Art Galleries. (Your guide will have some fantastic suggestions).
Day 4 Sydney- Katoomba 119km (2 hours driving time)
This morning depart Sydney City and head west toward the Blue Mountains, one of Australia’s most picturesque gems featuring breath-taking vistas and cascades. On arrival into the region, we suggest taking several nature walks including stunning Wentworth Falls with its grand valley views and picturesque waterfall (45 minutes-1 hour return). From here head through to Scenic World for superior views of the region. Experience a breath-taking journey on the scenic skyway with views of the Three Sisters and Jamieson Valley, ride Australia’s steepest passenger railway in the World with its glass roofed carriages through ancient rainforest and enjoy a trip on the Scenic Cableway for views of Orphan Rock, Mt Solitary and the Katoomba Falls. There is also the opportunity to take a scenic walk through Jurassic Forest at the bottom station. Tonight stay in the village of Katoomba in the heart of the national park.
Day 5 Katoomba- Hunter Valley via Wollombi (279km- 4 hours driving time approx.)
Today be prepared for some spectacular scenery and one of the highlights of the region with a drive through the Grose Valley with its canyons, look out spots and stunning cascades. First up visit Govetts Leap look out and enjoy the panoramic views and vistas that await you. There is the opportunity here to take a scenic bush walk and enjoy the tranquil surroundings. Keep a look out for Bridal Veil Falls, the highest falls in the Blue Mountains at 180m. From here, take the scenic drive through Mount Tomah and enjoy a stop at its heritage listed Botanic Gardens. Further up the road heading through Wollombi is Kurang-Gai National Park. There are more than 350 Aboriginal sites recorded in this protected area of coastal bush and beaches. Spend some time taking scenic photos of this spectacular national park. Your destination for the next 2 nights is the spectacular Hunter Valley Wine Country where you will stay on an idyllic setting in amongst the vines.
Day 6 Hunter Valley Full Day Wine Tour
Today you will enjoy a full day guided culinary and wine tour of the Hunter Valley, including a visit to several of the area’s renowned winemakers. Also included are the opportunity to try a selection of the delectable local cheeses, craft beers and other local delicacies. This tour includes a generous lunch overlooking the vines as well as an opportunity to see wildlife along the way and experience the typical Australian scene with kangaroos hopping through the vines. Tonight after a full day touring, enjoy a relaxing evening at the retreat.
Day 7 Hunter Valley- Port Macquarie – 3 hours 55 minutes drive time with Port Stephens Detour)
Today your drive continues north to join the well known Pacific Highway. Your first stop on route is Port Stephens where you will undertake a spectacular dolphin watching tour and experience pods of bottlenose dolphins on a 1.5 hour cruise whilst marvelling at the coastal scenery. Upon return from the cruise, we suggest visiting one of the area’s look out spots which boasts panoramic views of the surrounding bush and beaches. Port Stephens is also a great place for lunch with trendy cafes and restaurants. This afternoon your drive takes you to the coastal settlement of Port Macquarie. This afternoon we will take a visit to sea acres rainforest centre to learn all about the area’s native aboriginal history as well as stretching your legs on the sea acres rainforest boardwalk. Tonight enjoy spectacular coastal views of the Pacific Ocean.
Day 8 Port Macquarie- Coffs Harbour (158km- 2 hours 20 minutes driving time)
This morning before leaving Port Macquarie, take a visit to the local Koala Hospital and learn all about Australia’s furry, cuddly marsupial and the great lengths that the residents take to nurse the sick and injured back to health. From here your next adventure is the town of Nambucca Heads where there is the opportunity to take a boat cruise down the Nambucca River. Discover Pelicans and other native bird life as well as the possibility to see dolphins whilst admiring the picturesque scenery. This cruise also includes lunch on board. This afternoon drive through to Coffs Harbour where upon arrival there is the opportunity to explore the coastal settlement at leisure. Options include: A visit to the Big Banana Theme Park with its waterslides and mini golf, a visit to dolphin marine magic on the waterfront to see dolphins, turtles and seals among other native wildlife or perhaps take a trip to one of our favourite look out spots encompassing spectacular panoramic views.
Day 9 Coffs Harbour- Byron Bay (241km- 3 hours driving time approx.)
After further exploring Coffs Harbour, continue along the Pacific Highway to reach your destination for the next 2 x nights. The settlement of Byron Bay is known throughout Australia for its fantastic surf beaches, stunning coastal scenery and walkways as well as its relaxed pace of the area’s locals and tourist community. This afternoon upon arrival the day is free to undertake several of the areas top attractions including: Surfing lessons, local cooking classes, kayak tours, yoga classes and fantastic nature walks. Your guide will have some fantastic suggestions for you.
Day 10 Byron Bay
This morning you will experience the adventure of a lifetime with a hot air ballon adventure with spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean and surrounding bay area. On the one hour hot air balloon flight you will experience a breath taking panoramic view of “the green cauldron’, floating gently above the undulating lush green hills with views to the Mt Warning volcanic caldera to the north and the coastline and beaches to the east.
Enjoy a delicious Gourmet Champagne breakfast includes a glass of French champagne, freshly baked muffins and quiche, cereals, toast, fruit, yoghurt, juice, local organic coffee and tea. Upon return to the village in the afternoon, the rest of the day is free to explore at leisure.
Day 11 Byron Bay to Surfers Paradise Via Gold Coast Hinterland (185km- 3 hours driving time)
Your first stop today is Nimbin, Australia’s most famous hippie destination and alternative lifestyle capital. Spend time walking around the area’s quaint shops and cafes and perhaps explore the botanic gardens. Further up the road, we will take a visit to Mount Warning, a great hiking opportunity to experience 360 degree views of the hinterland from its summit (hike is between 2-3 hours return). From here take head through to Surfers Paradise, your destination for the next 2 nights. Tonight perhaps enjoy a meal in one of main beach’s fantastic seaside restaurants.
Day 12 Surfers Paradise
Today is a full day to explore Surfers Paradise at leisure. This morning take a trip to the top of Sky Point Observation deck for a birds eye view of the Gold Coast from an incredible vantage point. This afternoon perhaps enjoy one of the area’s great shopping malls, take a jet boat trip for an adrenalin packed adventure, or a spectacular whale watching tour. (We can book all optional activities for you).
Day 13 Departure Day
This morning you will be transferred to your onward travel arrangements. We trust that you have had a memorable exclusive Road Trip with us.