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Explore Sydney and DISCOVER a new definition of luxury in the Greater Blue Mountains

Sydney is one of the world's most dynamic, cosmopolitan and exhilarating cities, wrapped around a glorious harbour. On its doorstep is the World Heritage-listed Greater Blue Mountains Area, one of Australia's National Landscapes. It's a region where waterfalls topple from sandstone cliffs and disappear among towering eucalypts. Sounds pretty good but if you’re still not convinced you need to take that annual leave, watch Julie, 42, a self-confessed workaholic explore NSW and feel refreshed from just a quick break away.

Explore the tabs below and start planning your next holiday.

The Three Sisters
Kiama Blowhole, Illawarra
Shopping, Surry Hills, Sydney
Learning to surf at Bondi Beach
Walking at Bondi Beach
Light installation, Vivid Festival 2009
Royal Easter Show, Sydney
Tulip festival - Bowral
Picnic at Mrs Macquarie's chair

NSW has got something for everyone. Get inspired and get planning with these great holiday experiences.

 

Park Hyatt Sydney

Seated majestically in the dress circle on one of the world's most glittering harbours, Park Hyatt Sydney offers luxurious accommodation with unparalleled views of Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. Spacious guestrooms feature private balconies overlooking the harbour, offering butler service and private boat access for discerning travellers.

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Old Sydney Holiday Inn

Old Sydney Holiday Inn is one of Sydney's secrets, between the Harbour Bridge and Opera House and perfectly located to experience shops, cafes and restaurants in The Rocks. Lounge by the rooftop pool and spa with unobstructed views of the harbour as you enjoy canapés and a glass of sparkling wine.

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Australian Wild Escapes

Australian Wild Escapes takes guests to areas well off the 'beaten track' to enjoy rare experiences ranging from historical, ecological or cultural. The tours venture into areas such as the Blue Mountains, Hunter Valley and Southern Highlands as well as Sydney.

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Wine Odyssey Australia

Discover Sydney's most unique Wine and Food Experience Bar. Taste over 200 delicious Australian wines, from iconic brands to secret gems. Savour delectably paired Australian food and wine in Australia's first Aroma Room and Tasting Theatre. Open from 12 noon daily.

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Urban Walkabout Tours

The Fashion Secrets Tour is an inspiring walk for enthusiasts of fashion and design. Exploring Sydney's up-market Paddington, the tour is packed with interesting treasures on every corner from established to emerging boutiques. The Tour operator, Urban Walkabout Tours, also runs a Design Lovers' Tour of Surry Hills.

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Otto Ristorante

Otto Ristorante has the ability to reinvent the flavours of Italy in stylish new forms, while attracting acclaim both internationally and locally. With amazing service and some of Sydney's best modern Italian cuisine, Otto is at the forefront of Australian dining.

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Wolgan Valley Resort and Spa

Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa is Australia's first luxury conservation-based resort. A scenic three-hour drive from Sydney, the resort is located on Australia's Great Dividing Range bordering the Blue Mountains World Heritage Area. The resort forms the centrepiece for unique experiences and insights into Australia's wildlife, history and cultural heritage.

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Take a look at our short break or week long itinerary for some inspiration.

Download a short break (PDF, 157kb)
Download a week long Itinerary (PDF, 170kb)


Day One

  • Catching the Ferry to Manly, then take an easy ride and gorgeous views on a Manly Bike Tour.
  • Enjoy a leisurely lunch in the courtyard of the Boilerhouse Restaurant at the Q Station before taking a tour of the site to discover the history and heritage of Sydney's former Quarantine Station.
  • Hire a kayak and paddle from the Q Station beach to near-by Store Beach for a secluded picnic and a dip in the harbour.
  • Spend the evening unwinding on the rooftop bar at Shore Club with views overlooking Manly Beach.

Day Two

  • Discover one of Sydney's hidden gems, Nielsen Park. Breakfast is served from 8am at The Beach House, and if you're feeling energetic, kick off your day with a refreshing harbour swim.
  • Make your way through Vaucluse, on the Hermitage Foreshore Walk.
  • Return to the city for lunch at Georges Mediterranean Bar & Grill on King Street Wharf.
  • Spend the afternoon at Sydney Aquarium and say hello to the aquarium's Dugong's Pig and Wuru. Watch as they consume over 80kg of lettuce in one day!
  • Enjoy dinner and the works of art on display in the distinctive Dome Restaurant at the ArtHouse Hotel.

Day Three

  • Depart Sydney and drive south. Stop in at Symbio Wildlife Park for a hands-on.
  • Animal experience with the native animals that call this 16-acre zoo home.
  • Continue your journey to Kiama where your first stop is the famous Kiama Blowhole. View the spectacular plumes of water that can be seen when the seas are running from the south east.
  • Browse the delightful terrace shops. Built in 1886 as homes for the local quarrymen, they have been lovingly restored and are the last of their kind in NSW.
  • Spend the evening enjoying traditional fish 'n' chips on the beach.

Day Four

  • Depart Kiama and drive to the top of Mt Jamberoo where you'll find the Illawarra Fly Treetop Walk. Wander 25m above ground amongst the rainforest and see spectacular views of the South Coast.
  • Make your way through the Southern Highlands to Bowral where you'll discover charming boutiques, cafes, antique stores and cellar doors.
  • Continue your journey to the Blue Mountains where you'll arrive at the charming town, Katoomba, mid-afternoon.
  • See the Three Sisters from Echo Point at dusk. Breathe in the fresh mountain air and marvel at the views across the Jamison Valley and towards the Ruined Castle.

Day Five

  • Spend the morning at Jenolan Caves, Australia's finest limestone caves. The nine show caves contain stunning formations, pools and underground rivers in the luminous chambers.
  • Return to Katoomba to ride the world's steepest railway, take a cable car trip or enjoy the rainforest walk from Scenic World, Katoomba.
  • Enjoy lunch at the Bygone Beauty's Tearooms at Leura. The tearoom serves tea from around the world in a traditional silver service style.
  • Meander through the mountains as you make your return journey to Sydney.
  
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Take a look at some of the stellar events held in NSW that you can enjoy as part of your next holiday.


Chinese New Year

It's goodbye to the ox and hello to the tiger as Sydney welcomes in the Chinese New Year with parades, markets, food, fireworks and lots of noise. Running from February 12 - 28, the New Year festival draws an audience of over 600,000 to the biggest celebration of the Lunar New Year outside Asia.

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Tumbafest, Snowy Mountains

From February 27-28, Tumbarumba throws open its doors and welcomes visitors to Tumbafest, Tumbarumba's weekend of music, wine and great entertainment. Tumbafest treats visitors to a feat of great music and the finest entertainers. They enjoy the ambience and atmosphere of a regional summer festival second to none.

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Sydney Royal Easter Show

From April 1 - 14, the country comes to town. Join the throng for the Ring Events, wool-judging, wood-chopping, heaps of gut-churning sideshows, and of course the biggest and best sample bags that kids can't resist. It's great family entertainment, but more than that, it's a fascinating look at the country-way-of-life.

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Lightning Ridge Easter Festival, Lightning Ridge

Some of the unique events in this festival include the Black Opal Rodeo, Australian Goat Racing Championships and Wheelie Bin races. During April 2- 3, the main streets of the town are closed off and filled with stalls, markets and buskers providing entertainment with the annual busking competition. There's also carnival rides and sideshows.

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Vivid Sydney

A festival of music, light and ideas, Vivid Sydney transforms The Rocks, Circular Quay and Parramatta into a living canvas. During May and June, you can see free light art installations during Smart Light Sydney, creative industry debates at Creative Sydney, contemporary musical performances during Luminous and flame, food and spectacle during Fire Water.

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Rosemount Sydney Fashion Festival

During August, everyone is invited to join in the action as the fashion stage is open to the public at the Rosemount Sydney Fashion Festival. Book your front row seats now to see the biggest names in Australian fashion converge on the nation's fashion capital, Sydney.

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Bowral Tulip Time

Tulip Time is one of Australia's oldest and famous flora festivals and turns 100 years old in 2010. From September 21 to October 4, there'll be special events promoting the arts, beautiful private gardens opened during the festival, specialist garden show and a food and wine show.

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Crave Sydney

Sydney springs to life in October with an exciting series of outdoor events celebrating Sydney's unforgettable lifestyle. Crave offers 31 days of activities including the popular Sydney International Food Festival.

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Eden Whale Festival

The Eden Whale Festival is a three day event which celebrates the annual migration of whales through the waters of Eden, as well as Eden's unique whaling and maritime heritage. The event provides a wide range of family entertainment and gives visitors a view of our town and its beautiful surrounding environment.

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All major airlines, trains and coach services travel to Sydney daily from capital cities and regional centres across Australia. The Blue Mountains and South Coast are each an approximate 90-minute journey from Sydney and can be reached via train, bus or car.

 

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