Who says you need a driving licence to explore the best of New South Wales? From city adventures in Sydney to delicious wine in the Hunter Valley, to scenic views of the Blue Mountains, here’s our one-week New South Wales itinerary without driving!
Having personally been to Sydney twice, I was pretty confident with relying on public transport to get around the city. However, I’ve never used public transport to venture beyond as driving seemed to be the norm when exploring New South Wales.
Case in point: we’ve previously done a 13D NSW road trip and even a short 3D2N getaway to the Blue Mountains. However, not everyone has a driving licence or is confident about driving in a foreign country.
So, we decided to challenge ourselves to travel around without getting behind the wheel ourselves — spoiler alert: we succeeded 🌞
We couldn’t pass up a picture with Surry Hill’s iconic mural outside Bourke Street Bakery.
After a week of exploring Sydney, the Blue Mountains and Hunter Valley, I can confidently say that you don’t need to drive to make the most of your trip.
From visiting dramatic coastal and mountain cliffs to winery hopping around the oldest wine region in the country, this New South Wales itinerary is perfect for non-drivers. And it’s the perfect vacay destination, only an ~8-hour direct flight from Singapore — with daily flights on Scoot 🐨
7-Day Budget Breakdown
Accommodation: S$789.42
Transport (excl. flights): S$216.45
Activities: S$447.30
Misc (incl. food & SIM cards): S$619.70
Total: ~S$2,072.87 for 1 pax
*Note: The budget for flights is excluded as prices fluctuate depending on the season.
(detailed breakdown for 1 pax here)
All Singaporeans require an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) to enter Australia. The application can be done via the AustralianETA app for AU$20 (~S$18).
Getting to Sydney, New South Wales from Singapore
Scoot flies daily from Singapore to Sydney (~8 hours) and we took the overnight flight to have a full day to explore after landing. We opted for the FlyBagEat which includes an in-flight meal and 20kg of checked luggage — on top of the already generous 10kg carry-on allowance.
One-way fares to Sydney begin at S$219 from now until 5 Mar 2025 so you don’t have to break the bank when booking flights ✈️
Since it’s a long flight, you can also upgrade to ScootPlus for a comfier seat. It’s wider and comes with a leg rest so you’ll wake up feeling refreshed.
Day 1: Arrival in Sydney
Getting from Sydney Airport to Central Station: ~20min train ride
The jacarandas were in full bloom when we visited in November!
While Sydney is not the capital of Australia, it is the capital of New South Wales. This vibrant city is home to towering skyscrapers, trendy neighbourhoods, malls, beautiful beaches and well-preserved national parks — basically the best of all worlds!
It’s pretty convenient getting around the city centre, whether by walking or public transport. Ride-hailing alternatives like Uber and DiDi are also readily available and affordable, with a 10-minute ride costing ~AU$10!
Picking up our Opal Card
Before beginning our New South Wales adventure, we picked up an Opal card at the airport train station, which we used for public transport during the entire trip. The card is free with a minimum top-up of AU$35 and you can get it at any train station from the ticket machine or manual counter.
*Pro-tip: While you can use your debit and credit cards to pay for public transport, the Opal card offers a daily transport cap of AU$18.70 (Mon – Thu), AU$9.35 (Fri –Sun & PH) and a weekly cap of AU$50! This does not include the airport train fare which is AU$22.70/pax.
Remember to tap on and off at the tram stop to validate your journey before boarding the tram!
The Opal card can be used for trams, buses, metro, ferries and regional trains in Sydney and around New South Wales. We even used it in Blue Mountains — super convenient with no pre-bookings required!
*Note: The minimum card top-up is AU$20 at all ticket machines and counters outside the airport.
Bridge Stairs Lookout
The Sydney Opera House is one of the most recognisable buildings in the world, so instead of fighting with tourists for an unobstructed picture — we found a photo spot not many know about!
The Bridge Stairs lookout is actually just a flight of stairs near The Rocks that lead up to a pedestrian path on Cahill’s Expressway! It has a panoramic view of Sydney Harbour, Harbour Bridge and the Opera House — sans the crowd.
We had the whole place to ourselves and even watched a cruise ship depart from the harbour.
Opening hours: 24hrs
Address: 100 Cumberland St, The Rocks NSW 2000, Australia
How to get there: 10min walk from Circular Quay tram stop (Google Maps)
Museum of Contemporary Art
Our next stop was the Museum of Contemporary Art in Sydney (MCA).
Nestled in The Rocks near Circular Quay, it has clear views of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House — and the inside is equally beautiful. The MCA showcases cutting-edge modern works by Australian and international artists.
From bold installations to thought-provoking pieces providing commentary on Aboriginal culture, we felt immersed in the art and lost track of time. Don’t miss the rooftop café, where art meets breathtaking harbour views!
Entrance fee: AU$20
Opening hours: 10AM – 5PM, closed on Tue
Address: 140 George St, The Rocks NSW 2000, Australia
How to get there: 5min walk from Bridge Stairs Lookout (Google Maps)
Sunset at Mary Booth Lookout Reserve
To end the day, we caught an iconic Aussie sunset from this lesser-known viewpoint. Located on the other side of the harbour, Mary Booth Lookout Reserve has great views of the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge and city skyline.
We recommend coming 45 minutes before sunset and finding a spot to sit by the water. The sky lights up in golden hues but our favourite part is when blue hour begins and the city lights turn on.
Entrance fee: Free
Opening hours: 24hrs
Address: 7 Waruda St, Kirribilli NSW 2061, Australia
How to get there: Walk 5min to Circular Quay Wharf and take the F4 or F5 ferry to Milsons Point Wharf. From there, walk 10min to Mary Booth Lookout Reserve (Google Maps)
Drinks at Maybe Sammy
Cocktail enthusiasts would know about the annual World’s 50 Best Bars list, where Maybe Sammy ranked 26th in 2024. They have also been consistently voted as the best bar in Australia — which is why we had to visit.
Decked in 1950s-style pink suits, the bartenders are the star of the show. Aside from making deliciously unique drinks, they also host and entertain. We recommend sitting at the bar to see them dancing and goofing around — bubble guns may be involved 🫧
The menu was modelled after a Monopoly board!
The menu thematically changes every month or so. It was The Grand Maybe Sammy Hotel when we visited in November 2024 — after Wes Anderson’s The Grand Budapest Hotel! We ordered a Sauna Room (AU$26) and a Buffet (AU$26), which featured interesting flavour and scent profiles like eucalyptus oil for the former and miso for the latter.
I’ve visited twice and it has become my favourite bar in Sydney! If you’re on a budget, the Mini Cocktail Happy Hour happens daily from 4:30PM – 5:30PM.
Cost: From AU$19/drink (~S$17)
Opening hours: 4:30PM – 12AM (Tue – Thu), 3:30PM – 1AM (Fri – Sat), closed on Mon
Address: 115 Harrington St, The Rocks NSW 2000, Australia
How to get there: Walk 9mins to Milsons Point Wharf and take the F4 or F5 ferry to Circular Quay Wharf 5 and walk 8mins (Google Maps)
Day 2: Getaway to the Blue Mountains
Getting from Sydney to Katoomba train station: ~2hr train ride
Just 2 hours west of Sydney by train are the Blue Mountains. While the mountains are not exactly blue, they got their name from the bluish haze that permanently cover them. This illusion is caused by light reflecting against the eucalyptus oil mist, causing the mountains to appear blue from afar.
These mountains are a nature getaway from the bustle of Sydney and are a UNESCO World Heritage site! With many lookout points, hiking trails and small towns to explore — there’s something for everyone. It’s also a great place for stargazing, which we did in 2022!
Public buses in the Blue Mountains only run during the day, while taxis and ride-hailing options are limited. Alternatively, you can book a private car charter with Out of the Blue from AU$15.
Hopping onto the Blue Mountains Explorer Bus
The best way to explore the Blue Mountains without a car is to take the Explorer Bus (from AU$55/pax), a hop-on hop-off bus that loops hourly. The ticket office is conveniently located outside Katoomba train station, with the first bus departing at 9:15AM and the last bus arriving back at 5:41PM everyday.
There are 23 stops on the loop around major attractions and towns, with bubbly bus captains providing live commentary throughout the journey so you know what there is to do at each stop.
Cahill’s Lookout is an epic sunset spot on clear weather days!
Some lookout points we visited were Cahill’s Lookout (Stop 13) and Olympian Rock (Stop 20). Cahill’s Lookout has a panoramic view of the Megalong Valley and is family-friendly with paved paths leading to various lookout points. Olympian Rock is a lesser-known attraction than Cahill’s so we had the entire place to ourselves! It overlooks the Jamison Valley, with the back view of Three Sisters instead.
*Note: Olympian Rock is not accessibility friendly as it has a natural sandstone path.
If you’re up for a hiking trail, check out Narrow Neck Lookout (Stop 12). Take the stairs down onto the Narrow Neck Plateau, a rugged terrain with views over the valley and bird-watching opportunities. You can decide when to turn back at any time — although the stairs back up had us panting 🥵
Spot the yellow-crested cockatoo! There are many roaming around the village.
After sightseeing, we dropped by Leura Village (Stop 22), a charming little town filled with quirky boutiques, cafes and bookshops. Along the way, we grabbed a coffee at Freudian Sip before walking to the main shopping street for retail therapy.
While you’re here, don’t miss Josophan’s Fine Chocolate for naturally flavoured chocolates that make great souvenirs. Our favourite is their hot chocolate — it’s so rich and flavourful!
*Pro-tip: Visit Leura Village in Spring (Mid-Sep – Early Oct) to catch the cherry blossoms in bloom 🌸
Scenic World
Connected between clifftops, the Scenic Skyway has a glass-bottomed walkway in the middle of the gondola!
You can’t take a trip to the Blue Mountains without stopping at Scenic World, one of the most popular attractions in New South Wales.
It was formally a coal mine before being transformed into a tourist attraction in 1945. It has since grown to include four exciting attractions in the park — Scenic Skyway, Scenic Cableway, Scenic Railway and Scenic Walkway.
Angled at 52°, it’s the steepest passenger railway in the world!
After collecting our wristbands, which allowed us to ride every attraction an unlimited number of times, we were off to explore. Our favourite ride was the Scenic Railway, which had us gripping the handrails as we sped down the mountain like a rollercoaster. It brought us to the base of the Jamison Valley where we had an epic view of the Three Sisters.
From there, we could access the Scenic Walkway, Australia’s longest elevated rainforest boardwalk. It’s a 2.4km track under the canopy, amongst lush local plants and native animals! After the trail, we took the Scenic Cableway back up the mountain — it’s the steepest aerial cable car in the Southern Hemisphere at 34°!
Cost: From AU$54/pax (~S$48)
Opening hours: Varies
Address: Violet St &, Cliff Dr, Katoomba NSW 2780, Australia
How to get there: Alight from the Blue Mountains Explorer Bus at Stop 10. Alternatively, take bus 686G for 12min from Katoomba train station (Google Maps)
Kangaroo Pizza at Station Bar & Woodfired Pizza
Would you try kangaroo fillet pizza? We did 😳
Station Bar & Woodfired Pizza is located right across from Katoomba train station and serves up wood-fired pizza daily. Recommended to us by some locals, they have several pretty interesting items on the menu which is why we added it to our New South Wales itinerary.
We ordered the Warrimoo 273m (AU$23), with kangaroo fillet, baby spinach, roast red capsicum and red onions as toppings — surprisingly yummy 🦘 Kangaroo meat tastes like a tougher and gamier version of beef, plus it’s more sustainable than other types of meat!
The menu also has a saltwater crocodile pizza called the Bullaburra 769m (AU$26) but we weren’t brave enough to try.
There’s live music and DJs every Friday and Saturday night so remember to make a reservation as they are always packed!
Cost: From AU$19/pizza (~S$17)
Opening hours: 12PM – Late (Last reservation at 8PM)
Address: 287 Bathurst Rd, Katoomba NSW 2780, Australia
How to get there: 1min walk from Katoomba train station (Google Maps)
*Note: Station Bar & Woodfired Pizza don’t do takeaway orders.
Day 3 – 4: The Best of Sydney
Getting from Katoomba train station to Sydney: ~2hr train ride
Sunrise behind the Three Sisters
Before leaving the Blue Mountains, we caught the sunrise at Echo Point Lookout. It’s undoubtedly the most photographed attraction in the Blue Mountains thanks to the stunning sandstone peaks known as the Three Sisters.
To avoid the mid-day tourist crowds, we woke up at 5AM and it was so peaceful. The sky was pastel pink before it turned golden, bathing the usually Blue Mountains in an orange glow.
Gavin from Out of the Blue runs the business with his wife, Annette (unpictured).
As there’s no public transport in the early morning, you can book a one-way transfer from our hotel in Katoomba Village with Out of the Blue (AU$32/sunrise drop-off up for up to 4 pax).
After the sunrise, we took advantage of the small crowd to stroll along the elevated pathways mounted to the side of the cliff before heading back to Sydney by train.
Entrance fee: Free
Opening hours: 24hrs
Address: Prince Henry Cliff Walk, Katoomba NSW 2780, Australia
How to get there: 5min drive from Katoomba train station (Google Maps)
Read also: 3D2N Blue Mountains Itinerary: The Perfect Getaway Just 90-Minutes From Sydney
Brunch at The Grounds Coffee Factory
The first thing we did back in Sydney was to grab brunch at The Grounds Coffee Factory, the hottest new cafe to open in Sydney.
Opened in September 2024 by the same group behind Sydney’s iconic Grounds of Alexandria, it’s a sprawling industrial chic-meets-Tropicana cafe. Housed in a former railway workers’ cafeteria, it’s also an active coffee roastery — where beans can be seen being transported through pipes across the ceiling.
We ordered the sausage & egg muffin (AU$22) and beef pastrami brekkie burger (AU$24) from their breakfast menu. They also have a pastry cart that will come right to your table for you to choose from but we were too full to try 😔
Coffee lovers can book a tour to get an insider’s look behind their coffee factory. Led by their passionate roasting team, it’s a deep dive into the science of coffee ☕️
Cost: From AU$15/main (~S$13.50)
Opening hours: 7AM – 4PM (Tue – Fri), 7:30AM – 4PM (Sat – Sun), closed on Mon
Address: Bay, 4a/2 Locomotive St, Eveleigh NSW 2015, Australia
How to get there: ~2hr train from Katoomba train station to Redfern train station or ~2min train from Central station to Redfern train station. From there, walk 6mins (Google Maps)
Glebe Markets
Next, we checked out Glebe Markets to indulge in some retail therapy. Beloved by locals and visitors, it has become a Saturday staple on every New South Wales itinerary regardless of how many times you visit.
Running for over 30 years at Glebe Public School, this weekly market is one the largest in the city with over 200 stalls. You’ll find local designers, pre-loved clothes, vintage, crafts, books, jewellery, food stalls and more at this market — and at a very affordable rate! I copped a second-hand Lazy Oaf dress and Levi’s denim jacket for just AU$20 each!
*Pro-tip: Arrive in the morning as some stalls close early.
Entrance fee: Free
Opening hours: 10AM – 4PM (Sat)
Address: Derby Place, Glebe Point Rd, Glebe NSW 2037, Australia
How to get there: Take a ~2min train to Central train station. From there, take bus 440, 412, 413 or 483 for 4mins from Central station, Railway Square, Stand M (Google Maps)
Bondi Beach
No New South Wales Itinerary is complete without a trip down to Bondi Beach — which just might be Australia’s most famous beach!
Known for its golden sands, turquoise waters, and laid-back atmosphere, it’s a haven for surfers, sunbathers, and foodies alike. We had fun watching surfers ride the waves and even saw a volleyball match happening 🏐
There are also many boutiques and cafes located along the beach town which can get crowded on the weekend. Don’t miss the popular strawberry matcha drink at Up South Bondi — the best cafe in Bondi!
We got hungry and decided to grab a snack at Glory Days Bondi, a cafe located right in front of the beach. It’s a great spot for people-watching and basking in the chill vacation vibe of this suburb.
Entrance fee: Free
Opening hours: 24hrs
Address: Bondi Beach NSW 2026, Australia
How to get there: Take bus 379 or 333 for ~10mins from Bondi Junction bus-train interchange (Google Maps)
Bondi to Bronte Coastal Walk
The Bondi to Bronte coastal walk is a must-do when in Sydney. This scenic 2.4km trail wraps around the rugged coastline, with dramatic cliffs and azure waters.
We started the trail at Bondi Beach View Point but you can begin the trail from anywhere at Bondi Beach as long as you walk towards Bondi Icebergs Swimming Club. Once we passed Notts Ave Bondi Beach Outlook and Bondi Icebergs, we followed the Bondi to Bronte Walk signs and stayed on the path
Pack your swimsuits to cool off in these rock pools at the end of the trail!
The trail includes many postcard-worthy viewpoints and is part of the longer Bondi to Coogee coastal walk.
Upon reaching Bronte Beach, we were surprised to find a free saltwater rockpool open to the public! The Bronte Baths are perched on the edge of the ocean and are a hidden gem only locals know about. Plus, it’s less crowded compared to the Bondi Icebergs!
Entrance fee: Free
Duration: ~45min
Starting point: Bondi Beach View Point, 6 Notts Ave, Bondi Beach NSW 2026, Australia (Google Maps)
Bar-hopping at YCK Laneways
Contrary to the stereotype that there’s nothing open in Australia after 5PM, YCK Laneways is bursting with vibrant nightlife.
It’s a precinct located between Wynyard and Town Hall stations with many independently operated retail, hospitality and entertainment businesses. But it’s best known for the many bars that draw locals for a post-work drink or a night out in the town.
We visited The Barber Shop, a secret bar hidden behind a silver door inside a decoy barbershop! Inside, it’s a swanky bar with over 700 types of gin from across the globe — hence why it’s voted Australia’s best gin bar.
Our next speakeasy was Uncle Ming’s, an oriental-themed bar with tons of funky Chinese decor. Bathed in dim red lighting, they serve up dumplings and cocktails — the most delicious combination.
Their drinks menu is equally interesting, taking on an Asian twist. We tried the Poshi Poshi (AU$22), a boozy version of bubble tea comically served in the usual plastic cup with pineapple popping pearls. We also ordered the Shanghai Roller (AU$28), which came literally on fire — smokey on a different level 🔥
The Barber Shop
Opening hours: 4PM – 1AM (Tue – Wed), 4PM – 2AM (Thu – Sat), closed on Sun – Mon
Address: 89 York St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
How to get there: 3min walk from Town Hall tram stop (Google Maps)
Uncle Ming’s
Opening hours: Varies
Address: Basement/55 York St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
How to get there: 4min walk from The Barber Shop (Google Maps)
Day 5 – 6: Hunter Valley
Getting from Sydney to Singleton train station: ~3hr train ride
Hunter Valley is the oldest wine region in Australia and to ensure that everyone gets to enjoy world-class wine, we booked a 1 Night Wine Train package with Hunter Valley Resort + Farm for a fuss-free train transit between Sydney and Singleton train station in Hunter Valley.
It includes express train tickets, transfers, accommodations, activities and more — but more about that below.
*Pro-tip: The best time to visit is Sep – Dec as the grapes will be full on the vines by end Dec.
Visiting Cellar Doors with a Hop-On Hop-Off bus
To get around Hunter Valley without a car, we boarded the iHop Hop-On Hop-Off bus that runs continuous loops around various wineries, distilleries and attractions in the area. This allowed for more flexibility over our itinerary as compared to a ‘traditional’ Hunter Valley tour where the vineyards are already fixed.
We booked an Adult Half-Day Pass (AU$55) online, which gave us 4 hours to explore different cellar doors in the Polkobin area. Plus, there’s a cooler on the bus we could use to store purchases made along the way!
*Pro-tip: Visit on the weekday as there is more flexibility over time and drop-off points when it’s quieter!
But before sipping wines, we made a stop at Hunter Valley Cheese Factory (Hop 2) to sample the local produce.
We got their cheese-tasting platter (AU$15.50/pax) with meat (AU$8.50) and tried five different types of cheeses made on the property. One of them was just two days old!
Next, we visited Tyrrell’s Wines (Hop 8) — the oldest family-owned winery in Hunter Valley, with grapes planted in 1830. The property sits in front of a huge patch of vines, backdropped by the Great Dividing Mountain Range.
After sampling nine different types of wines (AU$15/pax), we boarded the bus and made our way to Thomas Wines (Hop 11) — a recommendation by our driver, Tim.
Thomas Wines specialises in Semillon and Shiraz, with different tasting flights depending on quality and premium. We got The Discovery (AU$10/pax with 8 wines) and The Explorer (AU$20/pax with 10 wines) and safe to say the latter is worth the splurge 🍷
Cost: From AU$55/adult (~S$50)
Opening hours: 10AM – 5PM (Wed – Mon)
Starting point: Varies
Hunter Valley Resort + Farm
As most cellar doors close by 5PM, we decided to head back to our accommodation, Hunter Valley Resort + Farm to explore the property.
At over 100 acres, the resort has a vineyard, cooking classes, wine theatre, taproom, farm, library and a lake! The farm was a post-pandemic addition and they have horses, ostriches, goats, llamas, donkeys, deers, dogs and more — absolutely adorable 🦙
Spot Phil, the owner of the resort!
The resort is also home to 4 Pines at the Farm, a chic restaurant that serves Western dishes like pasta and grilled meat. We had our dinner there and couldn’t resist sampling their craft beers before turning in for the night.
Address: Hermitage Rd &, Mistletoe Ln, Pokolbin NSW 2320, Australia
How to get there: 5min walk from Thomas Wines (Google Maps)
Segway tour with Hunter Adventure Centre
We decided to take a break from alcohol and go on a segway tour with Hunter Adventure Centre — conveniently located at Hunter Valley Resort + Farm.
The tour took us through forests, paddocks and vineyards on the property, along with rougher terrain like tree roots! We even saw wild kangaroos lounging in the shade inside the forest 🦘
I was initially terrified of falling off the segway but ended up having so much fun after getting the hang of it. My favourite part was when we were free to go as fast as we wanted to within the paddock.
Hunter Adventure Centre has other thrilling activities like laser clay shooting, axe throwing and archery 🏹
Cost: From AU$55/pax (~S$50)
Activity timings: 8AM, 10AM, 11:30AM, 1PM, 3PM, 4:30PM
Address: 917 Hermitage Rd, Pokolbin NSW 2320, Australia
How to get there: 5min walk from Hunter Valley Resort + Farm (Google Maps)
Hot air balloon ride over the valley
Watching the sunrise over the valley from a hot air balloon is my favourite thing to do in this New South Wales itinerary. While it comes with a hefty price tag, the experience is priceless.
We booked Balloon Aloft’s Flexi Ticket with Local Transfers (AU$339/pax), which includes a return transfer to any Hunter Valley accommodation. After getting picked up at 5AM, we headed to the launch site and boarded our balloon.
The flight lasted an hour and it felt like a dream as the morning mist turned golden as we floated over rolling green vines and mountains. There were also so many wild kangaroos hopping beneath us and we even saw a pair having an intense square-off 👀
After landing and packing up the balloon, we made our way to Peterson House Winery to toast the end of the flight with champagne 🥂
Breakfast is also included at Peterson House and we selected the pulled pork benedict which tasted divine. Nothing will beat eating breakfast on a terrace overlooking the vineyard — truly a boujee experience.
Cost: From AU$319/pax (~S$290)
Activity times: Varies
Meeting point: Hotel pick up or Peterson House, 2457 Broke Rd, Pokolbin NSW 2320, Australia (Google Maps)
Day 7: Surry Hills — Sydney’s trendiest neighbourhood
For our last day, we decided to slow down the pace and wander around Surry Hills before catching the airport train back.
Surry Hills is a trendy suburb located a short 15-minute walk from Central train station. Known as a creative hub, you’ll find thrift shops, bookshops, cafes, theatres, bars, bakeries, independent boutiques and more! Even Taylor Swift and Sabrina Carpenter visited in 2024, where they dined at Pellegrino 2000 — which went viral 🪩
Cafe-hopping at Bourke Street Bakery and ellu cafe
Our first stop in Surry Hills was Bourke Street Bakery, which specialises in baked goods like pies, bread and desserts. This little bakery has been a corner store at a junction for over 20 years and still retains a rustic neighbourhood bakery charm. We tried their beef, beer, bacon and cheesy mash pie (AU$8) and it was so delicious I regret not ordering more.
While seating is mostly outdoors, the cafe still has a cosy homemade feel to it — so imagine my surprise when I found out they’ve opened 12 outlets since 2004!
Then, we stopped by ellu cafe for a cup of tea after seeing a viral video on TikTok. It’s an aesthetic two-story cafe where you can easily spend the entire afternoon chatting or reading.
We recommend sitting by the window on the second floor to get a great view of the neighbourhood — or to people-watch!
Bourke Street Bakery Surry Hills
Opening hours: 7AM – 6PM (Mon – Fri), 7AM – 5PM (Sat – Sun)
Address: 633 Bourke St, Surry Hills NSW 2010, Australia
How to get there: 4min walk from Surry Hills tram stop (Google Maps)
ellu cafe
Opening hours: 10AM – 5PM (Mon – Fri), 8AM – 5PM (Sat – Sun)
Address: 288 Crown St, Surry Hills NSW 2010, Australia
How to get there: 17min walk from Bourke Street Bakery Surry Hills (Google Maps)
Browsing records at TITLE store
Step into TITLE Store, where music, books, and film collide. This indie store offers an eclectic mix of vinyl records, CDs, and both local and international authors — all with an indie flair.
It’s perfect for browsing or picking up unique finds as souvenirs for your creative friends! We spent a good 30 minutes rifling through new vinyls and spotting our favourite albums 🎶
Opening hours: 10AM – 6PM (Mon – Sat), 10AM – 4PM (Sun)
Address: 501 Crown St, Surry Hills NSW 2010, Australia
How to get there: 13min walk from ellu cafe (Google Maps)
*Pro-tip: We recommend dropping by TITLE store while walking over from Bourke Street Bakery to ellu cafe as it’s located between the two.
Dinner at Cicerone Cucina Romana
Finally, the trip ended with dinner at Cicerone Cucina Romana. This local Italian joint brings a slice of Rome to Sydney, serving authentic dishes like Cacio e Pepe and wood-fired pizzas.
We ordered the Tonnarelli alla Carbonara (AU$31) which was creamy but not too heavy, and the Rigatoni alla Vodka (AU$29) which was divine thanks to the stracciatella cheese. To end on a sweet note, we got the tiramisu to share (AU$16) and it was chef’s kiss 🤌
*Pro-tip: Make a reservation in advance as they get packed on the weekends!
Cost: Mains from AU$22 (~S$20)
Opening hours: 5:30PM – 10PM (Wed – Sat), 5:20PM – 9:30PM (Sat), closed on Mon – Tue
Address: 417 Bourke St, Surry Hills NSW 2010, Australia
How to get there: 12min walk from TITLE store (Google Maps)
Where to stay in New South Wales
Mercure Sydney (Sydney)
We based ourselves in Mercure Sydney whenever we were in the city thanks to the convenient location. It’s within walking distance to Central train station, bus and tram stops. In fact, we could reach many attractions within 15 minutes on foot — even to Surry Hills.
We stayed in the spacious Standard Room with 2 Double Beds, which can easily sleep up to four people. There’s also a gym and pool with a city view for hotel guests to use. My favourite amenity is the free luggage holding service the concierge had, for whenever we took trips out of the city.
Cost: From ~S$240/night for a Standard Room with 2 Double Beds (up to 4 pax)
Address: 818-820 George St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
How to get there: 7min walk from Central train station (Google Maps)
The Metropole Guesthouse Katoomba (Blue Mountains)
My first impression of The Metropole Guesthouse in the Blue Mountains is that it looks straight out of a fiction book.
Stepping into this charming inn feels like being transported to the 1930s, with wooden stairs leading up to the library where guests can unwind on plush leather sofas by the fireplace. There are chess sets, board games and even a pool table — which tempted us to stay in instead of exploring.
The rooms are surprisingly modern despite the old-world charm aesthetic in the common areas!
We stayed in their Guest House Deluxe Two Bedroom Suite which was huge. Both bedrooms come with an ensuite bathroom — perfect if you’re travelling in groups!
The guesthouse is located across the train station and within walking distance of restaurants, cafes and boutiques in Katoomba Village.
Cost: From ~AU$260/night (~S$234) for a Guest House Deluxe Two Bedroom Suite (up to 4 pax)
Address: 11-15 Gang Gang St, Katoomba NSW 2780, Australia
How to get there: 3min walk from Katoomba train station (Google Maps)
Hunter Valley Resort + Farm (Hunter Valley)
Hunter Valley Resort + Farm has become a household name in the region. Running for over 30 years, it’s constantly reinventing and expanding so guests have fresh experiences like baking classes and the farm. We stayed in the spacious Hunter Room with twin beds, which has a backyard with a garden view!
For those who do not plan on driving in Hunter Valley, their all-inclusive Express Wine Train Packages (From AU$476/couple) will make planning stress-free. It includes return train tickets from Sydney, return transfers from the train station, accommodation, an onsite vineyard tour with private tasting, a breakfast voucher and more!
The resort can also help arrange add-on activities like segway riding and hot air ballooning.
Cost: From AU$649/1N (~S$585) Train Package in a Hunter Twin Room (2 pax)
Address: Hermitage Rd &, Mistletoe Ln, Pokolbin NSW 2320, Australia
How to get there: 20min drive from Singleton train station (Google Maps)
Explore New South Wales without a car
Our week in New South Wales was filled with epic views, nature escapes and the finest drinks 🍸
We’ve officially proven that you don’t need to self-drive to get around the region 🥳 To get around, we used Transport NSW’s Trip Planner to get transport timings and information.
While public transport did add time to our journey, it was a nice reminder to slow down the pace and deprioritise rushing from Point A to Point B — much like the laid-back philosophy Australians embrace!
Psst, a reminder that one-way fares to Sydney begin at S$219 from now until 5 Mar 2025 so you can start planning for your trip and booking flights early!
If you’re looking for more travel inspiration, take a look at these guides and itineraries:
– 13D Best of New South Wales Itinerary — Hidden Gems and Epic Getaways From Sydney Under S$2.3k
– 3D2N Blue Mountains Itinerary: The Perfect Getaway Just 90-Minutes From Sydney
– NSW Autumn and Winter Guide — 19 Fun Things to Do in Sydney and Surrounds During Cooler Months
– 10-Day Sydney And New South Wales Australia Itinerary — Epic Experiences Worth Revisiting
Do you know of any other cool places to check out in New South Wales? Let us know in the comments below!
This post is brought to you by Destination New South Wales and Scoot. Prices are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
