Sydney’s amazing by itself, but venture a short distance out of the city and you’ll find scenic sights that don’t exist in a city of skyscrapers. Picture coastal landscapes, fields of green, and rolling sand dunes – your next 10 IG posts are pretty much set.
However, it’s a huge region and planning a trip out of the city can be pretty intimidating, especially if it’s your first time in Australia. Thankfully, these fully planned itineraries from Chan Brothers Travel take care of everything for you – simply sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride.
Here are some tours to check out:
You’ll be slapping yourself if you leave your camera at home on a tour. But with the My Travel Photographer Series, there’ll be a professional photographer around to help capture memories of the vibrant blooms and stunning scenery.
Springtime falls between September to November in Sydney, but you can expect vibrant jacaranda blooms to take centre stage from late October.
The city becomes extra picturesque during this time, with bright purple blossoms adorning the trees and blanketing the ground. Take a trip to the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney to add a touch of purple to your Sydney Harbour pics, or meander around the suburbs of Lavender Bay or Camperdown for a quiet stroll far from tourist crowds.
Walks by the beach are fun, but take that up a notch by strolling through life-sized statues at Sculpture by the Sea. Happening between 24th October – 10th November 2019, head down the Bondi to Tamarama coastal walk to appreciate the largest public sculpture exhibition FOC. And of course, that crisp sea air’s just an added bonus.
Of course, the tour won’t just limit you to the confines of the Harbour City. You’ll also be brought 1 hour north from the city into a 3,000-acre hinterland known as Glenworth Valley.
Sweeping views aren’t the only highlight: it’s also famed for their guided horse riding tour that’s suitable for all. Doesn’t matter whether you’re a horse-riding maestro or an amateur – there’ll be a bunch of instructors to help you out regardless of skill level.
Image credit: @edwardhpdirks
Don’t miss out on the Running of the Horses at 4.30PM daily, where 200 horses thunder their way out of their yards and into the paddock to graze. It’s almost reminiscent of the river horses scene in Lord of the Rings.
You might even spot the native wallaby or kookaburra along the way.
Image credit: @chellinggram
Any scenic trip wouldn’t be complete without some aerial shots of the views below. Hop on the Sydney Seaplane and gaze upon the magnificent Sydney Harbour stretching out as far as the eye can see.
This 15-minute tour will have you soaring over landmarks like the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House before descending back into Rose Bay Terminal – it’s a sight to behold.
The closest sand dune to us Singaporeans is the one in Tampines, but even then, it’s closed off from the public – what a shame.
If you’ve ever wanted to feel that powdery soft sand tickling your toes as you traipse over the dunes, this tour’s got you covered with a trip to the sand dunes in Port Stephens, a 2.5 hour-drive north of Sydney.
Fun fact: The 1979 version of Mad Max was filmed right here in Port Stephens. And with a quad biking adventure in the books, you’ll get the chance to operate these bad boys yourself.
My Travel Photographer Series: 8D Spring in Sydney & Surrounds
Travel date: 27th October 2019
Price: All-in fare from $3,888
Special offer: Up to $200 off per couple
Click here for full package details.
Coach tours may be a popular way of seeing the country, but sometimes, we just want to hit the open road in our own vehicles, with our hair whipping around in the wind. If you’re yearning to escape the metropolis life, this self-drive tour will have you living in idyllic, peaceful settings away from the city with a farm stay and beach getaway.
The Woods Farm
Image credit: The Woods Farm
You’ll spend 1 night in both Mowbray Park Farm and The Woods Farm, where you’ll enjoy a farmstay and a glamping experience in each place respectively. Take this opportunity to enjoy that crisp countryside air and the lush, open fields, because places like these are near impossible to find on our lil’ red dot.
Image credit: Mowbray Park Farm
Get up close and personal with farm animals – there’ll be activities like cattle feeding and sheep shearing. You can also stuff your bellies with a BBQ for a full-fledged Aussie experience.
No dreamy countryside jaunt is complete without a lazy day at the beach, which you can do over in Jervis Bay. It boasts stunning white sands and azure blue waters, so make sure to bring that beach mat along!
Image credit: @dolphin_watch_cruises
The bay is also home to a myriad of sea mammals such as dolphins and seals which you can catch a glimpse of aboard a Dolphin Watch Cruise. Humpback whales can also be spotted during their migration season from late May to November.
Image credit: @dolphin_watch_cruises
Fortune favours the lucky, and if your fingers are quick enough, you might be able to snap a pic of a dolphin just as it leaps out of the water.
New South Wales is home to some of the freshest produce, and you can savour some fresh off the farm at Glenbernie Orchard. Stroll down the orchard and pick your favourite seasonal fruits such as apples and nectarines.
8D Glamping Up Sydney & Surrounds Self-Drive Holiday
Travel dates: Now until 31st December 2019
Price: All-in fare from $2,088
Special offer: Up to $200 per couple
Click here for full package details.
These itineraries aren’t the only ones centred around Sydney and New South Wales. If the campervan life is something you’ve been itching to try out, check out their 9D7N Sydney & Legendary Pacific Coast Self Drive holiday. It includes 8 days of campervan rentals as well as admission tickets to places such as Hunter Valley Gardens and Dolphin Marine Magic in Coffs Harbour.
Sussing out affordable accommodation or spending sleepless nights planning your itinerary – it’s all a thing of the past with these itineraries from Chan Brothers Travel. Everything from accommodation to airport transfers is covered, so really, the only thing you’ll have to worry about is picking the best photos to show your friends back home.
If you’re interested, pop by the Chan Brothers Beyond 50 Holiday Fiesta at Marina Square Level 2 Central Atrium (Esplanade MRT Station Exit B) on 28th & 29th September (Sat & Sun), 11AM-8PM, you’ll find more info on all their Sydney and NSW itineraries as well as other deals that they’ve got running.
Once that’s settled, grab that backpack – it’s time for your next adventure.
This post was brought to you by Chan Brothers Travel and Destination New South Wales.
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