BLUE GUMS & BEACHES

Whether you’re a first time visitor or returning, Sydney never fails to impress. Picture postcards come to life as you take in the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, just steps away from your chic hotel, the Langham. During your three nights here, our local guides can take you to the hidden gems of the city or you can explore the famous sights on foot: visit Bondi for a coastal walk; call by the city art galleries; do a backstage tour of the Opera House; take a scenic ferry from the harbour; or see unique Aussie wildlife – emus, kangaroos, wombats, koalas and platypus - in the wild, just 90 minutes from the city.

Named for the blue haze that hangs above its forests, the Blue Mountains National Park is a natural playground, just perfect for burning off any of that holiday overindulgence. Climb to the park’s lookouts to see the edges of the cliffs fall away to revel incredible views – we recommend Echo Point Katoomba to see the unusual rock formations of the Three Sisters. Then follow the National Pass, a network of tracks, from Jamison Creek to Wentworth Falls village or for a peaceful setting and a great picnic spot, head to Leura Cascades to see the numerous waterfalls sheltered by lush vegetation. You can spend your two nights walking along the trails or take your pick of transportation: pick a horse, mountain bike, quad or even Segway to whizz beneath the tree canopies and marvel at the unspoilt bushland. In the evenings, return to your retreat, the luxurious Old Leura Diary, to enjoy its cosy rooms, renovated milk vat hot tub and prime location close to Leura’s charming shops, galleries, gardens and restaurants.

Next it’s off to one of Australia’s major wine producing areas for a two-night stay at Spicers Vineyard Estate. Hunter Valley is widely recognised as the birthplace of Australia’s booming wine industry so what better way to explore the region than to leave the car behind and hire a bike for easy-going afternoon jaunts around the vineyards. You can go for a tour with an expert guide to the best wineries and local gourmet food producers or for an extraordinary bird’s eye view of the region, take a hot air balloon over the area followed by a champagne breakfast- possibly our favourite way to start the day. If you are not interested in wine, you can also go cheese tasting, horse riding and skydiving or spend your time on the golf course or in the day spa.

A picturesque town with a rich architectural heritage, plenty of organic markets thick with superb offerings and delightful rainforest walks, Bellingen is a definite gem, located on the east coast route. It’s all about laidback countryside living here, walking in the local bush, bird-watching in the unspoiled countryside and dining in its award-winning restaurants; if you’re more of a beach bum, there are plenty of beaches nearby as well, with surfing aplenty on offer. You’ll be based at Lily Pily, an architect-designed bed and breakfast set on 80 acres of country farm, just 5 minutes from the town’s centre.

Having been on the road for a while, The Byron at Byron Resort is the perfect place to relax in. Indulge the senses with a spa treatment, dine on fantastic local organic produce and when you’re rested, head to the beach for a surfing lesson with a local, or even go kayaking with the curious dolphins. Byron is a nerve centre of creativity, where many artists, artisans and craftspeople live and work. Go an artists’ trail to seek out the best of what the area has to offer in home-grown arts and crafts or hop between art galleries to see the latest and sometimes whacky trends.

Swapping car for seaplane, you’ll be transferred to Orpheus Island for four nights of island bliss. Fringing the Great Barrier Reef, Orpheus Island resort started out as a humble guesthouse in the 1940s but has evolved into one of the ultimate getaways in Queensland’s northern region. With all rooms set on the beachfront, you’ll want to immediately head out to explore the waters and coral reefs that fan out around the island. Practice your costume changing skills as you flit between activities like snorkelling, scuba diving, fishing and sailing. Jump into a helicopter for a flight over Hinchinbrook Island, Australia’s largest island national park, and then make a final change, into something a little more formal, for a romantic dinner on a candlelit pier.