These Sydney & NSW Tours In Australia Will Take You On Hot Air Balloons & The World’s Steepest Railway

Sydney & NSW tours in Australia

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Image adapted from (clockwise from top left): Sydney Tall Ships, @bridgeclimb, @travelwithgreatlove, @balloonaloft

Think of a holiday with a rolling mountain range and pristine beaches, and faraway lands like Europe or America may come to mind. But it turns out you only need to travel half the distance to the Land Down Under to experience all these for yourself. 

Sydney and New South Wales have Insta-worthy natural wonders to conquer, and if you’re one to worry about intensive planning, you can eliminate the stress by booking a tour with Jetabout Holidays. Read on to find out more about the stunning views you’ll encounter, and why these aren’t your mainstream tours:

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– Sydney & Hunter Valley train tour –

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1. Scenic Railway – take the world’s steepest passenger railway in the Blue Mountains

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Image credit: @tt.chp

If you’re looking for something that’s going to give you breathtaking views, a name like Scenic World is sure to impress. This attraction is located in the famous Blue Mountains National Park and has a rather thrilling instalment that’ll bring you through a rainforest.  

Enter the Scenic Railway, which is the steepest of its kind in the world as it tilts at a 52-degree angle on a hill. If you’re the kind of person who would get queasy at the sight of a rollercoaster, don’t freak out yet – you can adjust your seats in the glass cabins to a less steep angle. 

For those seeking a thrill, the “Cliffhanger” option lets you tilt your seat to a 64-degree incline while those who prefer to chill can go for the “Laid Back” option.
Image credit: @Jensen Chua Photography

Image credit: @scenicworld_aus

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2. Scenic Skyway – glide between cliff tops & over rainforests on a cable car with a glass floor

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Image credit: @travelwithgreatlove

While you’re at Scenic World, take the opportunity to see the ravines and rainforest canopies of the Blue Mountains from above via the Scenic Skyway, a glass-bottomed gondola. You’ll “glide” between clifftops on a ride that’ll give you 360-degree views of the surrounding natural landscape. 

From here, you’ll be able to spot other natural landmarks like Katoomba Falls, the Three Sisters rock formation, and Jamison Valley. 

Image credit: @scenicworld_aus

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3. Sydney to the Hunter Valley – take a scenic train ride before some wine-tasting

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Image credit: @samuelalexandee

With Australia being a huge player in the global wine industry, wine-tasting here is naturally a must. You can head to the core of wine production in the Hunter Valley, Australia’s oldest wine region, which has plenty of green fields and sprawling vineyards to complement your wine and cheese adventure.

Image credit: Hunter Resort

From Sydney Central, the train ride will take 3 hours to reach Singleton station, followed by a short transfer to the Hunter Valley. Along the way, sit back and enjoy the views as you journey through the Central Coast and along sights like the Hawkesbury River. 

Wine enthusiasts can learn more about what goes into wine-making at Hunter Valley Resort’s Hunter Wine Theatre Experience. Under the guidance of the cellarmaster, you’ll be brought through the process of appreciating different types of wine.

Christmas lights display at Hunter Valley Gardens
Image credit: Hunter Valley Gardens

Those with kids don’t have to worry about them getting bored – the nearby Hunter Valley Gardens has a mini theme park that especially comes to life during the holiday season with the Christmas Lights Spectacular. 

For a morning up, up and away, opt for a sunrise hot-air balloon experience with Balloon Aloft. You’ll get to soar over the picturesque Hunter Valley for an hour, with breakfast and champagne awaiting when you descend from the clouds. You can even make special plans for occasions like birthdays or a marriage proposal!

Image credit: @huntervalley

5D4N Best of Sydney & Hunter Valley with Scenic Train
Price: From $635 per person
Travel dates: By Mar 2020
Includes: 3-night Hotel Stay in Sydney City, 2D1N Hunter Valley Wine Train Package, Blue Mountains Tour, Return Airport Transfers

Head here for full package details.

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– Sydney Adventures Tour –

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4. Skydive Sydney-Wollongong – skydive over the scenic coastline

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Image credit: @sergiobernardojunior

The best views are often seen from the highest vantage points, and if you’re the adventurous kind, you won’t need to think twice about taking in one heck of a view while free-falling. 

Image credit: @patssoriano

Skydive Sydney-Wollongong is the only beach skydiving site in the city, and you’ll be dropped from a height of 15,000 feet for a spectacular view of Wollongong beach. Pair that with the adrenaline rush of falling at over 200km/hr and you can fulfill one of your thrill-seeking goals just over an hours’ drive from Sydney.

While you immerse yourself fully in the experience, you can also commemorate the moment for life with a photo and video package!

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5. Tall Ship Lunch Cruise – set sail on an authentic 1850s tall ship

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The vessels are authentic timber tall ships that are powered by the wind in their sails
Image credit: Sydney Tall Ships 

Like something out of a Pirates of the Carribean movie, tall ships from the 1850s still exist in Sydney. In fact, you can hop aboard one and have a leisurely 3-course lunch as you sail through Sydney Harbour. 

Relax and chill onboard the “pirate” ship
Image credit: @theadionisio 

Along the way, take in the sights of signature attractions and landmarks of the city, including the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House.

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6. Shark Dive Xtreme – take selfies with sharks

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Image credit: @sdx_sealifesydney

Aquarium visits are a staple in every other traveller’s itinerary, but it isn’t every day you get to be inside a tank, let alone with sharks. 

Housed at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, Shark Dive Xtreme lets you take the plunge for a face-to-face encounter with harmless Grey Nurse Sharks. You don’t even need any prior diving experience to participate, and you’ll even get a certificate that says “I dived and survived” to show for it. 

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7. BridgeClimb Sydney – catch birds-eye views of the city & iconic harbour

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Image credit: @bridgeclimb

Besides the famed Sydney Opera House, one of Sydney’s most prominent structures is the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Besides viewing it from below, you can actually climb it yourself to relish in a stunning view of the city. For an extra “wow” factor, visit from late October to November for a bird’s eye view of the jacaranda trees in a full bloom of lilac. 

Image credit: Destination NSW

If you’re jittery about scaling the top of the 134-metre-high bridge, you’ll be at ease knowing all climbers will be secured to the bridge railings via safety harnesses. After you’ve conquered the climb, you can also take a look at the exhibition area near the bridge and obtain a free-entry pass to the Pylon Lookout Museum. 

Image credit: @heeeun22

4D3N Adventures in Sydney
Price: From $695 per person 
Travel dates: 1 April to 31 March 2020
Includes: Hotel Stay, Choice of 1 Adventure Package, Return Airport Transfers

Head here for full package details.

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Things to do in Sydney & New South Wales, Australia

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Image credit: Jetabout Holidays

As you bask in the feeling of vacation bliss in Sydney and New South Wales, remember to capture the phenomenal views with a snapshot. These amazing photos will not only spruce up your Instagram feed, they’ll also serve as great memories for many years to come.

With Jetabout Holidays’ carefully curated itinerary, you can focus on looking your best for the vacation without losing your nerve while planning and researching for the trip. 

Find out more about Jetabout Holidays’ Sydney & New South Wales tour packages

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This post was brought to you by Jetabout Holidays & Destination NSW.