12 Day Sydney to Brisbane Escape

Touch down in Australia’s most iconic city and make your way to the stylish Furama Darling Harbour, your base for the next two nights. Spend the afternoon at leisure — perhaps unwind with a stroll along the waterfront promenade, admire street performers in Darling Quarter, or enjoy a cocktail at a rooftop bar as the city skyline sparkles at dusk. A world-class dining scene awaits just steps from your hotel.

Wake up refreshed and dive into Sydney’s world-famous attractions. Wander through the lush Royal Botanic Gardens, take in the architectural marvel of the Sydney Opera House, or hop aboard a ferry across the harbour to Manly for sweeping coastal views. For the adventurous, a walk over the Sydney Harbour Bridge offers unforgettable panoramas. Spend your evening exploring Barangaroo’s sophisticated eateries or enjoying a performance at one of Sydney’s many theatres. Tonight, rest easy in the heart of the city.

Collect your rental car and begin your scenic drive west to the majestic Blue Mountains, just two hours from the city. Arrive at the grand Hydro Majestic Hotel, where you will experience heritage elegance with panoramic mountain views. This historic hotel perched on the escarpment oozes Art Deco charm. Explore nearby Leura Village, brimming with antique stores and quaint cafés. As twilight descends, indulge in high tea or dinner overlooking the awe-inspiring Megalong Valley.

After breakfast, experience the Blue Mountains’ raw beauty with your Scenic World Ultimate Discovery Pass. Glide across ravines on the Skyway, descend into rainforest on the Scenic Railway, and marvel at the towering Three Sisters from the Cableway. Immerse yourself in misty waterfalls, deep gorges, and fern-filled valleys. Return to the Hydro Majestic to relax fireside with a glass of wine as crisp mountain air settles in.

Today’s drive takes you through rolling rural landscapes to Australia’s oldest wine region, the Hunter Valley. Spend the afternoon unwinding in the pool or sampling the hotel’s own produce. As evening falls, enjoy a farm-to-table dining experience under the stars or by the fire in the elegant Locavore Restaurant.

The Hunter Valley has some of Australia’s best wine, food, cheese, chocolate, beers and spirits and we’ll try them all on this tour. Visit 3 local boutique wineries and a distillery with a guided tasting by a local supplier at each stop and behind the scenes tours at select locations. At some venues, we’ll bring some chocolates and local cheeses to match the wine and keep your tastebuds exploring the flavours of Australia’s first wine region. In addition to all the beautiful wines and hand carfted produce, we also include a relaxed one course lunch with a wine, beer or cider to allow guests to take in the Valley’s charm.  

Continue north toward the coast, where lush hinterland roads give way to golden beaches. After arriving in Port Macquarie Spend your afternoon exploring the coastal walk, stopping to visit the Koala Hospital or simply soaking up the sea breeze at Town Beach. Enjoy a relaxed dinner at one of the waterfront restaurants as the sun dips below the horizon.

A beautiful drive up the Pacific Highway brings you to the eclectic town of Byron Bay, a mecca for surfers, creatives, and free spirits. Check in to your Deluxe Safari Tent at Discovery Park, where glamping meets coastal luxury. Spend your afternoon exploring Byron’s artisan boutiques, sampling organic eats, or walking to the Cape Byron Lighthouse for spectacular views from the easternmost point of mainland Australia. The evening is yours to soak in live music and beachside bonfires.

Today, set off on a self-guided e-bike tour, a perfect way to explore The Northern Rivers Rail Trail. Your day is flexible and full of freedom — whether you seek solitude in nature or connection with local culture. 

Travel inland to the lush, subtropical haven of Lamington National Park, where you'll arrive at O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat. Spend the afternoon exploring nearby walking trails, spotting exotic birds, or simply relaxing on your private balcony. Enjoy a sunset drink at the Rainforest Bar, followed by dinner in this serene wilderness setting.

Wake to birdsong and mist rolling through the treetops. Today, embrace the full experience of Lamington National Park — whether you're hiking the Tree Top Walk, joining a guided nature walk, indulging at the Lost World Spa, or hand-feeding wild rosellas. Take in sweeping views of the McPherson Range, and enjoy a final night surrounded by the calming hush of the forest.

Bid farewell to the rainforest and take the scenic drive to either Brisbane or Gold Coast, where your journey ends. Return your vehicle and reflect on a journey that has taken you from bustling cities and gourmet regions to coastal retreats and mountain hideaways — a richly layered Australian escape filled with memories to treasure.