Sydney is a capital city of New South Wales and the major gateway to Australia. A maritime city, its natural harbor unsurpassed in beauty. Houses crowd to the land’s edge, interrupted by sheer rocky cliffs and preserved parkland with the striking forms of the Harbor Bridge and Opera House standing sentry to the city. Spend a minimum of three nights in Sydney, but there is enough to do even if you stay for a week! Sail or cruise the harbor, climb the bridge, learn to surf on Bondi Beach, go backstage at the Opera House, discover where the locals hang out on a walking or bike tour of the city, and leave enough time for shopping, of course!

From Sydney, take daytrips out of the city to the Blue Mountains or Hunter Valley. Better yet, if you have the time we highly recommend spending a few days touring the area with a driver or your own car. Take in the stunning scenery of the Blue Mountains, Australia’s Grand Canyon, sample the wine and beer in the Hunter Valley, stay on a working station in the outback, or explore the quiet beaches and coastline both north and south of Sydney.