This itinerary may be operated on a private or
self-drive basis, choice of 3, 4 or 5 star accommodation, may
be customized in any way to include wineries of your choice and other wine areas
and leisure touring activities
in Australia and
New Zealand
DAY 1
LOS ANGELES TO SYDNEY
Depart Los Angeles for Sydney on Qantas 747.
DAY 2
EN ROUTE
Lose one day in traveling over the international date line.
DAY 3
SYDNEY
Met on arrival and transferred to your hotel by private car for three nights.
Day 4 HARBOR
CRUISE, CITY AND BEACHES
A city rich in history on a world famous harbor; visit The Rocks, named to describe
the terrain where the first convicts were landed in 1788. There is much to see
of 19th century Sydney - old pubs, tiny cottages, narrow lanes and the
Observatory from which you'll get wonderful views of the harbor. Continue to
Macquarie Street, the home of the State Parliament House, the center of the
legal and medical profession and the State Library with its beautiful mosaic map
of Tasman's 17th century voyages. Stop at the Fleet Steps to wander around Farm
Cove in what is now the Royal Botanic Gardens. Continue through Paddington,
renowned for its terrace houses and decorative iron work (a la New Orleans) to
Bondi Beach and Watson's Bay; look across to North Head and out over the Pacific
Ocean. Stroll along the cliffs before visiting Doyle's Restaurant for a seafood
lunch with harbor views. Return to the city on board Doyle's water
taxi.
DAY 5
BLUE MOUNTAINS AND KOALAS
Head out of Sydney and travel to parts of the forgotten Blue Mountains
wilderness. Our 4WD adventure takes us deep into the folds of the
mountains along breathtaking convict built roads and fire trails. Descend to a
sparkling mountain stream, climb through changing vegetation - scrub forest then
lush green volcanic outcrops - showing the magnificence and variety of the bush.
You may see wildlife in this region of towering eucalypts. Join the Bells
Line Ridge top Road and circle the Grand Central Canyon of the Blue Mountains
visiting vantage points with once in a lifetime views. After a delicious
picnic lunch, more superb scenery takes in the Great Dividing Range, Megalong
and Jamieson Valleys and a trip on the steep Scenic Railway (optional). The
crowning glory is the Three Sisters rock formation which glow in the afternoon
sun. En route back to Sydney, close encounters await with kangaroos,
koalas, wombats and other animals at one of Sydney's Wildlife Parks.
DAY 6
HUNTER VALLEY AND WINERIES
Today you will be picked up by your driver and taken to the Hunter Valley wine
region. This is a leisurely two-hour drive that will take you past Ku-ring-gai
Chase National Park and over the Hawkesbury River where Sydney's Rock Oysters
are grown, then on to the Pokolbin area in the Hunter Valley. The Hunter wine
region is noted for its semillon, chardonnay and shiraz wines. Private tours and
tastings can be arranged at some of the wineries. Before lunch, taste some wine
along with light snacks at McWilliam's Winery while enjoying views of the valley.
This afternoon visit Lindeman, Tyrrell and the Rothbury Estate wineries. Stay
overnight at one of the many local hotels or guest houses. Dinner tonight at any
one of the restaurants in the area which cater to the taste and expectations of
the international traveler.
DAY 7
UPPER HUNTER WINERIES & RANCH STAY
After breakfast, your guide will take you to two of the better-known wineries in
the Upper Hunter, renowned for its "earthy" reds, as well as excellent
chardonnays and semillons. Stop for lunch in Muswellbrook, visit the Information
Centre to buy your wine for your stay tonight at an old historic former sheep
property as it's a "BYO" establishment (which means bring your own
wine). The property consists of 23,000 acres which now has about 500 head of
black Angus cattle. There are many seasonal activities available, horse riding,
swimming and watching polo.
DAY 8
CENTRAL COAST RESORT
This morning, one of the owners will take you on a tour of the family home and
some of the other historic buildings on the property. After lunch you will be
driven to the Central Coast. Stay at a deluxe resort with charming
beachfront bungalows. Tonight dine buffet style from the culinary delights
from the freshest local produce Australia has to offer, all served with premier
wines.
DAY 9
SYDNEY-OPERA HOUSE PERFORMANCE
After a swim in the ocean at your doorstep, enjoy a buffet breakfast before a
leisurely drive to Sydney, perhaps stopping off to see Australian indigenous
wildlife at one of the animal sanctuaries en route. This evening, enjoy a guided
tour, dinner and show at the Sydney Opera House.
DAY 10
SYDNEY FINALE-DINING EXPERIENCE
Today indulge yourself in some of Sydney's tourist attractions. A private
cruise or sailing on the harbor, a trip on the ferry to Manly, visit Darling
Harbour or shop at the magnificently restored Queen Victoria Building.
Tonight dine at one of the many restaurants that Sydney is noted for - modern
Australian, French/Japanese, or an Aussie bistro.
DAY 11
SYDNEY-LOS ANGELES
Departure transfer to the airport for your flight home.
WINE TOURS AUSTRALIA and NEW ZEALAND
PO Box 927136, San Diego Ca 92192-7136
Tel: 858-550 9696
e.mail: mike@winetoursaustralia-nz.com
In conjunction with Down Under Answers
CST:207623340