6 Days Sydney / Warrane, Port Stephens, and Hunter Valley
Discover Sydney / Warrane's rich cultural tapestry and iconic landmarks before venturing to the thrills of Port Stephens' sand dunes. Then, immerse yourself in the heritage of the Hunter Valley, Australia's oldest wine region, for unforgettable winery experiences.
Burrawa Aboriginal Climb Experience, Sydney Harbour Bridge, NSW © Tourism Australia
DAY 1
This morning, explore the beautiful surrounds of The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney with a First Nations guide on the Aboriginal Bush Tucker Tour. Lean about Indigenous bush foods and how these foods were used traditionally and adapted to the modern plate and palate.
Operating Thursday to Saturday.
Or, for a high-adrenaline adventure, join a Burrawa Aboriginal Climb Experience. Led by a First Nations Storyteller, enjoy unparalleled views of Indigenous landmarks around Sydney Harbour, with insights into Australia's First Nations peoples, and see Sydney / Warrane from an Aboriginal perspective.
Enjoy lunch at one of the many cafés and restaurants in the historic Rocks area, then head on over to the Sydney Opera House for a 1-hour guided tour, where you’ll learn about its rich history, offering a unique perspective beneath its iconic world-famous sails.
Indulge in a pre-theatre dinner at Midden by Mark Olive celebrating Indigenous Australian heritage through native ingredients, before a performance at the Sydney Opera House. If the Bangarra Dance Theatre is in town, don't miss one of its captivating performances, celebrating over 65,000 years of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture through contemporary dance, music, poetry, and design.
Bed down at the W Sydney, offering expansive views over Darling Harbour or the city.
Highlights:
Discover the rich culture, history and bush foods of the Gadigal and their deep connection to Country.
Uncover the rich history of the Sydney Opera House and enjoy a captivating performance.
Experience Sydney / Warrane's iconic Harbour Bridge climb with a First Nations Storyteller.
Get a taste of Sydney / Warrane's millennia-old history through native Australian ingredients.
Australian National Maritime Museum © Cultural Attractions of Australia
DAY 2
Head to Bondi Beach and start your day with brunch at bills, famed for its ricotta hotcakes with honeycomb butter and sweetcorn fritters.
Then, embark on the iconic Bondi to Coogee walk, a scenic 6km journey along beautiful beaches and cliff tops, with charming cafes and opportunities for refreshing swims along the way.
In the afternoon, proceed to the Australian National Maritime Museum for the unforgettable Sail on Duyfken experience, aboard one of the world's rarest ships. Cruise past iconic sites on Sydney Harbour during this 3-hour sail.
This evening, dine at King Clarence, offering a creative fusion of predominantly Cantonese, Japanese, and Korean flavours, expertly cooked over a custom-built wood-fired grill.
Highlights:
Immerse yourself in Bondi’s brunch scene at the iconic bills restaurant.
Stroll among cliff tops and discover beautiful beaches on the Bondi to Coogee walk.
Experience a unique sail on Sydney Harbour aboard one of the world's rarest ships.
Ferry to Manly, Sydney / Warrane, NSW © Tourism Australia
DAY 3
Commence your day with a stroll to the newly revamped Sydney Fish Market. This bustling seafood exchange and premier food destination features restaurants, cafes, greengrocers, butchers, bakeries, bottle shops, gourmet delis, and more. If you’re an earlier riser, take a Behind the Scenes tour and witness the hustle and bustle of the auction floor.
No trip to Sydney / Warrane is complete without a ferry ride; head to Manly, hire a bike and cycle up to North Head to explore the Q Station, Sydney / Warrane’s former quarantine station. Cycle the paths around Manly’s famous beaches and enjoy lunch at one of the many beachside cafés.
For a less strenuous afternoon, take the ferry to Watson's Bay for alfresco dining and views at Watson's Bay Hotel overlooking Sydney Harbour.
This evening, head down to uber-chic Double Bay and indulge in dinner at Neil Perry's restaurant, Gran Torino, where Italian cuisine takes centre stage.
Highlights:
See the Dutch auction system in action on a Behind the Scenes tour at the Sydney Fish Market.
Breathe in the refreshing sea breeze and soak up the views aboard a Sydney Harbour ferry.
Discover Sydney / Warrane’s former quarantine station and explore the beaches in Manly.
Aerial shot of quad bikes on a Sand Dune Adventures tour, NSW © Tourism Australia
Day 4
Before departing Sydney / Warrane, experience the city from above with a Sydney Seaplanes Sydney Highlights flight, offering breathtaking views of Sydney Harbour, Bondi Beach, Harbour Bridge, Opera House, and luxury mansions.
Collect your hire car and drive to Port Stephens.
Stop in at Sand Dune Adventures for a thrilling 1-hour quad bike tour through the largest mobile sand dunes in the Southern Hemisphere at Stockton Beach. Gain insights into Worimi land, bush tucker, storytelling, and the discovery of ancient middens.
Continue to your overnight hotel, Bannisters Port Stephens, offering rooms with either treetop or ocean views.
Dine at in-house restaurant, Rick Stein at Bannisters, which offers sprawling ocean views and seasonal ingredients.
Highlights:
Get a bird's-eye view of Sydney / Warrane during an exhilarating seaplane flight.
Uncover the thrill of quad bike riding amid the largest sand dunes in the Southern Hemisphere.
Soak up the views of Port Stephens Bay over a dinner of locally sourced seafood.
Picnic at Audrey Wilkinson © Ultimate Winery Experiences Australia
Day 5
Check out from Bannisters Port Stephens, then take the 1.5-hour drive to the Hunter Valley - Australia’s oldest wine region, home to over 130 wineries producing a wide array of exceptional wines.
Enjoy a Picnic Among the Vines at Audrey Wilkinson with a self-guided museum tour, master class, and premium wine tasting. Choose a scenic spot, grab your handpicked wine and picnic hamper, and savour the tranquillity of the vineyard surroundings. Don’t miss the Wupa @ Wunaruah art installation at the cellar door, showcasing authentic Indigenous artwork.
Check in to Spicers Guesthouse, surrounded by some of the region’s best cellar doors.
Dine at éRemo, where a contemporary Italian menu is crafted with local Hunter Valley produce.
Highlights:
Enjoy breathtaking views on a picnic experience amidst the vines and view authentic Indigenous artworks available for purchase.
Experience Italian-inspired cuisine infused with a modern Australian touch.
Hot air ballooning over the Hunter Valley with Balloon Aloft © Tourism Australia
DAY 6
Rise early for a Balloon Aloft sunrise balloon flight over the lower Hunter Valley wine regions, offering breathtaking views of Pokolbin, Lovedale, Broke, and Rothbury. Conclude the experience with a gourmet Champagne breakfast at Peterson House winery.
Return to Spicers Guesthouse and check out of your accommodation.
Stop in at the nearby Hunter Valley Cheese Factory to purchase some local specialty cheese, or the Hunter Valley Chocolate Company for unique handmade chocolate products and fudge.
Travel on to Mt Pleasant Wines for a Love on Mount Pleasant experience. Begin with a welcome glass of Lovedale Semillon before exploring Mount Pleasant’s cellar door spaces, where curated photography and artworks from a private collection set the tone for a thoughtful, visually rich journey. Among these works are pieces by Garry Shead—renowned Australian artist and Archibald Prize winner—whose deeply personal connection to Mount Pleasant adds a unique layer to the experience.
Following your artful exploration, enjoy a guided tasting of eight premium wines paired with a selection of local and international cheeses. As you sip and savour, you’ll learn about Maurice O’Shea’s legacy—not only as a pioneering winemaker, but as a passionate cook, gardener, and lover of the arts who cherished time spent with family and friends.
Linger longer in the Hunter Valley exploring all that this region has to offer or return to Sydney / Warrane.
Highlights:
Witness a stunning Hunter Valley sunrise on a thrilling hot air balloon flight.
Enjoy a guided tasting of eight premium wines paired with a selection of local and international cheeses.
Savour the region’s finest gourmet produce with locally crafted cheese or artisanal chocolate.
Please be aware that some tours, restaurants, and attractions are seasonal and may not operate daily. For the most up-to-date information, kindly refer to each operator's website.
