Sydney is a vibrant and dynamic city, that many feel is the most beautiful city in the world. Sun drenched and blessed with natural beauty, Sydney is a city of dizzying skyscrapers set on a magnificent natural harbour. The city offers visitors fabulous beaches with all the water sports and related activities, waterside dining, fantastic shopping and a host of international events.

Sydney does really offer something for everybody and with well serviced transport routes offers access to all of New South Wales and her many wonderful attractions. You can explore the World Heritage Blue Mountains just two hours from Sydney, the endless white sandy beaches of Port Stephens and visit the delightful wine growing regions in the Hunter Valley.

Recommended Hotels in Sydney

Four Points by Sheraton, Darling Harbour, Sydney – is Australia’s largest hotel located within the city’s business district and overlooking Darling Harbour, just minutes walk from the major entertainment and shopping districts including Pitt Street Mall, Queen Victoria Building, Chinatown and the colourful bars and restaurants of Cockie Bay Wharf.

Shangri La Hotel, Sydney – is located 8 miles north of SYD Airport in the historic Rocks district between the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Shangri-La Hotel Sydney offers the brightest views of Sydney Harbour – Circular Quay – Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Several restaurants – pubs and shops are all within a short walk of the hotel.

Quay Grand Suites Hotel, Sydney – Set majestically on the eastern shore of Circular Quay, the superbly located Quay Grand Suites Sydney is set in the midst of Sydney’s key attractions including Sydney Harbour, Harbour Bridge, Royal Botanic Gardens and the Opera House also adjacent to Sydney’s financial district and shopping precincts.

Park Hyatt Hotel, Sydney – is located in the historic Rocks district, just five minutes from the central business, cultural and shopping districts of Sydney. One of a select brand of Park Hyatt hotels known throughout the world for its exceptional design and elegant style, Park Hyatt Sydney opened in 1990, quickly earning a reputation as Australia’s most luxurious hotel.

Above are just some of our five star hotel recommendations, but if you would like to explore more hotel options in Sydney from over 30+ top suppliers, click the link for immediate access to availability, prices and online bookings.

Things to do in Sydney

Whatever your thrill, you’re sure to find it in Sydney, with the standard response being “no worries mate” to almost anything, Sydney offers world class sporting experiences along with others that are uniquely Australian.

If you’re visiting Sydney and are looking for things to do during your spare time, or even if you’re planning your family holiday to Sydney, you will find a complete range of Tours, Activities and Things To Do in Sydney here.

Beyond Sydney – Exploring New South Wales

The Blue Mountains is a mountainous region approximately 50 kilometres west of Sydney. Located west of the Nepean River the Blue Mountains stretch westward as far as Coxs River. The area is dissected by gorges of up to 760 metres in depth, and has high points up to 1,190 metres above sea level. A large part of the Blue Mountains is incorporated in the Greater Blue Mountains Area World Heritage Site and its constituent seven national parks and a conservation reserve. This area is one of rugged tablelands, sheer cliffs, deep, inaccessible valleys and rivers and lakes teeming with life. The unique plants and animals that live in this natural paradise tell an extraordinary story of Australia’s antiquity and diversity of life, a story of the evolution of Australia’s unique eucalypt vegetation and its associated communities, plants and animals.

Here is a range of the most popular excursions to the Blue Mountains from Sydney:

Blue Mountains Deluxe Small Group Eco Tour from Sydney – Head for the hills and experience the Blue Mountains on this small group day trip from Sydney. A real Australian journey into the heart of a unique World Heritage Region you’ll encounter temperate rainforests, towering sandstone escarpments and ancient landscapes.

Blue Mountains Nature and Wildlife Day Tour from Sydney – Explore the beautiful bushland on Sydney’s doorstep by taking a full-day nature and wildlife day trip to the World Heritage listed Blue Mountains. Leaving the city behind, you’ll visit quaint mountain villages and Featherdale Wildlife Park on your scenic drive from Sydney.

2-Day/1 Night Blue Mountains and Australian Wildlife Tour with Overnight at Lilianfels Resort – If you can escape Sydney for more than one day, and are keen to explore the beautiful Blue Mountains, then this overnight tour staying at the luxury Lilianfels Resort & Spa is for you! You’ll discover the natural beauty of the Blue Mountains and quaint mountain townships including Leura and Katoomba, with free time to go for bushwalks or simply enjoy the magnificent canyon views.

Blue Mountains and Jenolan Caves Motorcoach Day Tour – See it all on the most comprehensive day tour from Sydney, including the Blue Mountains and Jenolan Caves. You’ll be enthralled by the magnificent Three Sisters, the breathtaking canyon views, and enjoy visiting inside one of the magnificent limestone Jenolan Caves.

Blue Mountains 4WD Day Trip from Sydney – Escape to the beauty and tranquility of the Blue Mountains on a personalized, small group tour from Sydney by four-wheel drive. You’ll see panoramas of rugged cliffs and deep forested valleys, hear the calls of native birds and spot Australian wildlife in the bush. Your full-day tour includes a visit to a wildlife park, lunch at a botanical gardens and views of the Blue Mountains famous vistas.

Blue Mountains Scenic Flight – Experience a unique view of the lush, eucalypt filled Blue Mountains from the front seat of this adrenaline inducing, open-cockpit bi-plane. Wave at the Three Sisters, soar over the Skyway and breath in the heady scent of the dense forest as you fly over the magnificent Burragorang Valley.

Blue Mountains Deluxe Overnight Eco Experience (Small Group) – Leave the hustle and bustle of the city for the beautiful and scenic Blue Mountains. You’ll start this two-day tour with an exclusive breakfast with the koalas, and then head on a complete loop of the National Park, taking in sensational views on the way.

As you can see, there’s something for everybody wanting to visit the World Heritage Blue Mountains, but if you feel like something slightly more private, you can rent vehicles including 4x4s and do your own thing. If you intend to stay for a few days check out our recommended hotels.

Recommended hotels in the Blue Mountains

Mountain Heritage Hotel, Blue Mountains – is a multi award-winning 4½ star hotel located 4 minutes walking distance from Katoomba or 6 minutes from Leura, with its picturesque craft and antique shops. The hotel enjoys breathtaking views of the rugged cliff faces and tree-filled canyons of the World Heritage Listed Blue Mountains wilderness.

York Fairmont Resort, Blue Mountains – is the gateway to the spectacular Blue Mountains National Park. Renowned for quality service, excellent accommodation and extensive facilities, York Fairmont is a sanctuary of comfort and leisure. The resort offers a variety of activities for guests of all ages. Nearby Airports * Sydney International – 75 miles * Sydney Domestic – 12.4 miles.

Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa, Katoomba – offers unrivalled vistas of the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains. In the 1890s, Lilianfels was the gracious country residence of a former NSW Chief Justice. Lovingly restored, this 85-room historic home now houses Lilianfels and the elegant Darley’s restaurant.

Hunter Valley & Port Stephens

Besides the Blue Mountains travellers will also want to visit some of the other interesting regions of New South Wales, and among them the wine growing regions of Hunter Valley along with a visit to Port Stephens is a must do.

Hotels to visit in these areas include:

Peppers Guest House, Hunter Valley – Nestled in the heart of the Hunter Valley wine country and surrounded by beautiful gardens and vineyards, Peppers Guest House is one of the Hunter’s best loved retreats. It’s intimate, relaxed atmosphere, the comfort and elegance of its accommodation, and a long-standing reputation for exceptionally fine wine and food, ensure that guests return year after year.

Tower Lodge, Hunter Valley – Luxuriously intimate and distinctively styled Tower Lodge is tucked amid a vineyard in the Hunter Valley wine region of Australia and forms part of a chic compound that is the Tower Estate.

Look here for a complete guide to hotels in the Hunter Valley.

If you’re thinking of visiting Port Stephans we would like to recommend the following hotels:

Peppers Anchorage Hotel, Port Stephens – is nestled between rugged bush and the sea on one of the east coast’s most beautiful bays, Port Stephens. A luxurious getaway with a quiet village-like atmosphere and a distinctive nautical feel: a 90-berth marina, verandahs that catch every sea breeze, cosy guest lounge, billiard room and Captain’s bar.

Shoal Bay Resort, Port Stephens – stunning $65M redevelopment of the legendary Shoal Bay Country Club Hotel. Set on pristine white sands of Shoal Bay 2.5 hrs drive north of Sydney, the resort offers a large range of accommodation including suites and self contained 1, 2 & 3 apartments.

If you would like to have more choice, look here for a guide to the best hotels in Port Stephens.

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