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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

Burrawa Aboriginal Climb Experience, Sydney Harbour Bridge, NSW © Tourism Australia

DAY 1

This morning, embark on the Illi Langi The Rocks Aboriginal Dreaming tour with Dreamtime Southern X. Learn about the Aboriginal people’s saltwater heritage, land use, and spiritual connection to Sydney Harbour.

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.

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.

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:

  • Take an immersive Aboriginal-guided walking tour showcasing Sydney / Warrane's Indigenous history.

  • 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

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

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 new restaurant, Songbird, where Southeast Asian cooking 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.

Sand Dune Adventures, Port Stephens, NSW © Tourism Australia

Sand Dune Adventures, Port Stephens, 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

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.

Experience the iconic VAT 1 Vertical Experience at Tyrrell’s, where you'll explore the ages of their flagship Winemaker’s Selection Vat 1 Semillon, learning about the benefits of patient bottle aging during a winery tour and a 6-vintage vertical tasting accompanied by locally sourced cheeses.

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:

  • Taste current vintages and museum wines from the Tyrrell family’s private cellar.

  • 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.

Brokenwood Winery, Hunter Valley, © Ultimate Winery Experiences Australia

Brokenwood Winery, Hunter Valley, © Ultimate Winery Experiences 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.

At Brokenwood's cellar door, the Brokenwood Match is guided by friendly concierge staff, who will lead you to the tasting pod for a seated wine and food flight featuring six Brokenwood wines paired with seasonal bite-sized canapés.

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 before your return drive to Sydney/Warrane.

Highlights:

  • Witness a stunning Hunter Valley sunrise on a thrilling hot air balloon flight.

  • Enjoy seasonal canapés perfectly complementing six Brokenwood wines.

  • 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.

bush-tucker-voyages-indigenous-tourism-queensland

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Discover Aboriginal Experiences?

Discover Aboriginal Experiences is a collective of quality, authentic Aboriginal guided tourism experiences showcasing the world’s oldest living cultures. 

This flagship suite of extraordinary Aboriginal experiences is part of Tourism Australia’s Signature Experiences of Australia program that promotes outstanding and inspiring experiences that capture the very essence of Australia.

Why isn’t it called Discover Indigenous Experiences?

The name of the collective was informed by the strong international recognition of the term ‘Aboriginal’ and its association with Australia, though all references to Aboriginal peoples on the Discover Aboriginal Experiences website should be assumed to include Torres Strait Islander peoples where relevant.

If I’ve done an Aboriginal tour before, why book another?

Aboriginal Australia is made up of dozens of different 'Nations’, each with their own culture, customs, language and laws. This means that no two Aboriginal experiences are the same, so you’re guaranteed to learn something new on each and every tour, from ancient sustainability practices to cultural stories linked to the local landscape.  

There’s also an incredible diversity of Aboriginal experiences to choose from. Whether you prefer relaxed walking tours, or an exhilarating quad-biking adventure is more your style, Aboriginal tour options come in all shapes and sizes, and last from less than an hour to multiple days.

Do I need to go to the outback for an Aboriginal tour?

The Australian outback is well known for its Aboriginal experiences, but you don’t have to go bush, as we say in Australia, to get a taste of Aboriginal cultures. Aboriginal experiences are available all over the country, all year round, including in major cities.

Are Aboriginal experiences appropriate for kids?

Aboriginal experiences offer fantastic opportunities for families of all kinds to learn together and bond, with many experiences including hands-on activities young ones will love.  

Aboriginal guides are warm, welcoming and extremely generous of spirit. They are also incredible storytellers, with a knack for bringing landscapes to life through evocative tales bound to enthral kids big and small.

How can I be considerate of culture on an Aboriginal tour?

Cultural exchange is at the heart of Aboriginal experiences, with questions welcomed on all tours. Your guides may not always have the answers, but no questions are off-limits if posed respectfully.

Remember to ask permission before taking photographs of Aboriginal people or cultural sites.

How do I book an Aboriginal tour?

Simply search for tours on the Discover Aboriginal Experiences website, then click through to book directly with the operator.

Where can I find a travel agent to help me book an experience?

An Aussie Specialist has the knowledge and experience to help you plan and book an Aboriginal-guided tour as part of your trip to Australia. Search for a travel agent here .

I have restricted mobility or special needs. Can I still book a tour?

Many Aboriginal operators are equipped to cater to guests with restricted mobility and other special needs. Most companies also offer private tours that can be tailored to your needs; enquire directly with the operators.

Are all of the experiences listed on this website currently available?

Tours and experiences offered by Discover Aboriginal Experiences operators are continually evolving. Contact operators directly for more information about their current offerings.

What should I bring with me on a tour?

Check with your operator for specifics, but if your tour is outdoors, comfortable walking shoes, adequate drinking water and sun protection are essential. A willingness to listen, learn and have fun will serve you well on any Aboriginal tour.

Do I need to be vaccinated?

The Australian Government no longer requires international travellers to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination status to enter Australia. Some Discover Aboriginal Experiences operators may have COVID-19 health requirements of their own; contact operators directly to check.

Burrawa-Indigenous-Climb-Sydney-New-South-Wales