Now that travel between Singapore and New South Wales have resumed, all you need is a 10 day break and a flight booked with SQ’s promo fares to Sydney!
Updated on: 16 Feb 2022
It’s been a while since we last travelled to the land down under, and one of the places we explored quite a bit was New South Wales — and for good reason. The city is vibrant, the coastlines are perfect for a road trip and there are so many fun experiences to check off along the way.
With over 1,000km of Pacific coastline, there’s no shortage of natural beauty and cultural diversity in this region.
This 10-day itinerary covers epic sights you cannot miss, bucket-list-worthy experiences, and of course, knowing us, we’ll also be covering the best spots for some alcohol appreciation 😉 — just make sure there’s always a responsible designated driver.
Day 1–2: Start in Sydney
Photo credit: Destination NSW
Flights from Singapore: The award-winning Singapore Airlines operates designated flights for fully vaccinated travellers from Singapore to Sydney. More on promo fares below!
Sydney has plenty going on. Scream your heart out at the iconic Luna Park Sydney recently reopened with nine new rides, stuff yourself silly with an endless list of cafes, markets and restaurants, or dive back into nature with a coastal walk followed by a dip in Sydney’s stunning ocean pools. And if you’re looking for more, here’s what we recommend just outside the city.
Psst. The current exchange rate between SGD and AUD is approx. 1:1!
Day Trips Out of Sydney
Royal National Park: An hour’s drive south of Sydney, there are more than 10 different hiking routes in this park, many with rewarding coastal views. One of our favourites is the Wattamolla to Eagle Rock Lookout. It’s about 8km return with minimal elevation — the perfect warm-up hike to kickstart the trip!
This route ends at Eagle Rock Lookout where you get the best view of Curracurrong Falls — one of the few waterfalls in the world that feed directly into the ocean. Between May and November every year, this is a great vantage to spot whales as they migrate south (but more on the whales in a bit)!
Parking: AU$12/vehicle (whole day)
How to get there: The nearest carpark for the Eagle Head Rock is Wattamolla Carpark. From the carpark, look out for the sign that says “Royal Coastal Walk and Curracurrong”.
Photo credit: Dee Kramer Photography
Wollongong: Further south — 45 minutes from Royal National Park — the beach here isn’t just famous for catching the waves, it’s also a spectacular spot for action-packed activities like jumping out of a plane 15,000ft above ground.
Photo credit: @skydiveaustralia via Instagram
Wollongong beach is gorgeous, but nothing beats the view from above! Anyone looking to slay their fear of heights? This is the perfect opportunity 😉
Skydive Wollongong is located right by Wollongong beach but we recommend booking your slot before arriving.
Cost: From S$375
Address: George Hanley Drive & Cliff Road, North Wollongong NSW 2500, Australia
Photo credit: Destination NSW
*Pro-tip: Skip Princes Highway and take the coastal route instead. It’s slightly longer but the views from the Sea Cliff Bridge more than makeup for the distance!
Read also: Sydney South Coast Road Trip — 7 Day Itinerary From Sydney to Eden
Photo credit: Destination NSW
Hike to Barrenjoey Lighthouse: On the northern-most end of Sydney lies another often-missed gem. For the best view, take a 30-minute hike from Palm Beach to Barrenjoey Lighthouse, trust us, the view will be worth it.
The interior of the lighthouse isn’t accessible unless you’re on the guided tour which happens only on Sundays, but you can still hang around the area to enjoy the views.
Tour fee: AU$5/pax
Tour timings: Every 30 mins from 11AM – 3PM, Sundays only*
How to get there: From the Governor Phillip parking area along Palm Beach, it’s a steep 30min uphill trek to the lighthouse
*Guided tours are suspended until further notice
*Pro-tip: If you’re out of time, you can visit at the end of the trip, on the way back from the Hunter Valley.
Accommodation in Sydney City: Sydney Harbour YHA (from S$34/pax) or Airbnb in Darlinghurst (from ~S$121/night)
Day 3–4: Blue Mountains — More than the Three Sisters
Photo credit: Destination NSW
The Blue Mountains is quite a family favourite! If it’s your first time here, order a Blue Mountains Explorer Bus Discovery Pass to explore the various sections of Jamison Valley and catch the iconic view of the Three Sisters rock formation.
Been here, done that? There are more stunning lookout points tucked away from popular sites to uncover. Some recommendations include: Olympian Rock and Elysian Rock (20min walk from Leura Mall), and the Honeymoon Bridge at Echo Point. As night falls, head out to the Katoomba Falls Reserve Night-lit Walk which opened in early 2021 or join a stargazing tour.
Apart from higher viewpoints, the Blue Mountains is also home to many scenic bushwalks like:
The Grand Canyon Loop
Starting point: Evan’s Lookout or Grand Canyon carpark. You can start from either end and finish at the other. From the end point, it’s a 700m-walk to your car.
Distance: 6.3km (3–4hr loop)
Photo credit: @tandiwen via Instagram
Hanging Rock (Baltzer Lookout)
Starting point: End of Ridgewell Road, Blackheath (at the end of a 800m dirt road)
Distance: 8km (3–4hr return)
If you prefer to enjoy views throughout your hike, we recommend the Grand Canyon track. But if you can wait for your view, we recommend the Hanging Rock and Baltzer Lookout track; the 4km trek will reward you at the end with a spectacular view.
Jenolan Caves
One of the largest caves in Australia, the features we’ve seen in Jenolan Caves are unlike any other caves I’ve seen in my life. There are 11 different cave tours of varying difficulties, from easy strolls on well-formed steps with railings to adventurous crawls through tight spaces.
Cost: From AU$42/pax
Tour timings: Varies, check out the cave tour timetable for details
How to get there: 1hr drive from Katoomba
Accommodation in the Blue Mountains: Old Leura Dairy — Various cottages that fit 2 – 11 pax (from ~AU$80-120/pax) or Fairmont Resort & Spa Blue Mountains, MGallery by Sofitel (from ~S$197/pax)
Read also: 3D2N Blue Mountains Itinerary
Day 5: Central Coast
Treetops Adventure Zipcoaster
The Central Coast is a two-hour drive from the Blue Mountains. What better way to wake yourself up from the long drive than an adrenaline-pumping zipcoaster! There are two routes — the Xpress is 330m, and the Xtreme one (as you can guess from the name) is about 1km long with drops and spins that’ll make you forget your name.
I’ve tried a bunch of zip lines but to this date, none have been as exciting as this! We did promise a lot of screaming in this itinerary didn’t we?
Cost: From AU$40
Opening Hours: 10AM – 5PM, 9AM – 5PM on school/public holidays
Address: Ourimbah State Forest, 1 Red Hill Road (cnr Yarramalong Rd), Wyong Creek NSW 2259, Australia
Visit an Alpaca Farm
Photo credit: Destination NSW
Unwind after the morning’s excitement with a farm visit at Iris Lodge Alpacas. Meet, greet, and hand feed the herd of 60 adorable alpacas, as well as llamas, sheep, horses and cows. The entry fee includes food for the various animals, but you’d want to bring extra bananas and carrots to really get into these cheeky residents’ good books 😜
Cost: AU$30/pax — 1.5hr Farm Visit
Visit timings: Varies
Address: 33 Dunks Lane, Jilliby NSW 2259, Australia
Accommodation in Central Coast: Oaks Waterfront Resort (from S$167/night) or The Entrance Backpackers (from S$35/pax)
Day 6: Glenworth Valley Outdoor Adventures
Photo credit: Australian Traveller
Glenworth Valley has just about everything needed to keep the kids (or kids at heart) delighted. Stay a night in a cabin, tipi or glamp it up with proper beds surrounded by nature. Some of the activities here include:
Horse Riding
Cost: AU$115/pax for 2hrs
Horse-riding timings: 10AM, 2PM (weekdays), 9AM, 11AM, 2PM (weekends)
Photo credit: Glenworth.com
Wine & Seafood Kayak Tour
Cost: AU$140/pax (5hr tour includes wine and fresh seafood for lunch)
Tour: Once a month on Saturdays (September – May only)
OR
2.5hr Eco Kayak Tour
Cost: AU$80/pax
Tour timings: 10AM, 2PM
Photo credit: Destination NSW
1.5hr Quad Biking
Cost: AU$110/pax
Tour timings: 10AM, 11.30AM, 2PM, 3.30PM
Address: 69 Cooks Road, Glenworth Valley NSW 2250, Australia
Accommodation in Glenworth Valley: Glamping (from AU$180/night for 2 pax, sleeps up to 4 pax) or Cabins (from AU$250/night)
Caves Beach
Photo credit: Destination NSW
As you leave the Central Coast for Port Stephens, here’s one last gem. A popular surfers’ beach, at low tide, these gorgeous caves reveal themselves. Bring along a picnic basket and get your toes sandy! This place is also best visited during sunrise.
Parking: There’s a car park just off Caves Beach Road, south of the Surf Club
Day 7–8: Port Stephens
Some of our best memories of Port Stephens involve their famous sand dunes and dolphin cruises. While these are must-visit experiences, here are a couple more gems to add to your itinerary.
Stockton Sand Dunes
Photo credit: Destination NSW
Quad bikes are the way to go if you’re here to experience the vastness of these sand dunes! Satisfy your need for speed and adrenaline on these rugged bikes.
Sand Dune Adventures
Cost: AU$110/pax
Opening hours: 8AM – 5PM
Address: 2163 Nelson Bay Road, Williamtown NSW 2318, Australia
Photo credit: @gabriellagiulia93 via Instagram
If speed isn’t your thing, the sand dunes can also be enjoyed on a camel ride. The camels will bring you from the silky soft sand on Birubi Beach to the Stockton Sand Dunes before heading back to the starting point. There are even sunrise and sunset rides (AU$90/pax) so you can enjoy the golden hours illuminating the dunes in the best way possible.
Oakfield Ranch Camel Rides
Cost: From AU$35/pax
Tour Hours: 20min ride between 10AM and 3:30PM, closed in Wed (operates every day during school holidays)
Starting point: Lower Carpark, James Paterson Street, Anna Bay NSW 2316, Australia
Dolphin and Whale Cruise
Photo credit: Destination NSW
Port Stephens is home to more than 100 bottle-nosed dolphins and the best way to get up close is on a cruise! They’re playful in nature so you’re sure to spot a couple skipping near your boat. If you’re here between late-May to November, you may even spot humpback whales as they migrate south.
Imagine Cruises 3hr Whale + Dolphin Watch Cruise
Cost: AU$75/pax (Booking required, available till 8 Nov 2021)
Tour timings: Varies (Check the schedule when booking)
Meeting point: D’Albora Marinas – Nelson Bay, Teramby Road, Nelson Bay NSW 2315, Australia
Imagine Cruises 1.5hr Dolphin Watch Cruise + Sail
Cost: AU$38/pax (Booking required, available till end Apr)
Tour timings: Varies (Check schedule when booking)
Meeting point: D’Albora Marinas – Nelson Bay, Teramby Road, Nelson Bay NSW 2315, Australia
Tomaree Head Summit
This gorgeous viewpoint is an easy 20-minute walk up so there’s no excuse to miss it! It’s best visited over sunrise but honestly, it’s a pretty view any time of the day. Pay good attention to the waters because whales are known to show a tail or more!
Entrance fee: Free (so is parking)
Opening hours: 7AM – 7PM
Address: Shoal Bay Road, Shoal Bay NSW 2315, Australia
Accommodation in Port Stephens: Ingenia Holidays Middle Rock (from ~S$128/night) or Anchorage Port Stephens (from ~S$395/night)
Day 9–10: Hunter Valley
Photo credit: Destination NSW
The Hunter Valley is almost synonymous with wine. Not just wine but good, quality wine. It is home to over 150 wineries that produce world-famous semillon and shiraz varieties. If you’re a wine lover, this is perfect as a final stop since you need not worry about lugging your favourite bottles around at this point!
Non-drinkers can experience the vineyards in unique ways too. Admire the view with a fluffy llama as your walking companion, or venture off road on a Segway tour.
Wine Tasting
Photo credit: Destination NSW
Tyrrell’s has one of the oldest and most recognised cellar doors in this region. They’ve been around for almost 160 years and have won many international medals and trophies!
Wine tasting: AU$15
Tour timings: 10AM, 11:15AM, 12:30PM, 1:45PM, 3PM
Address: 1838 Broke Road, Pokolbin NSW 2320, Australia
4 Pines at the Farm — For the Beer Lovers
Photo credit: Hunter Valley Resort
If you love your beers as much as I do, the newly opened 4 Pines at the Farm needs to be added to your NSW itinerary. The taproom is a partnership between award-winning 4 Pines Brewing Co and Hunter Valley Resort, so expect to sit back with a cold pint (or more) while admiring panoramic vineyard views.
Order the beer tasting racks to try four (or eight) of their brews ranging from various ales to an IPA and a stout! There’s also an alcoholic ginger beer on tap, and small-batch brews that change seasonally.
Opening Hours: 7:30AM – 9PM (Mon – Fri), 7:30AM – 10:30PM (Sat – Sun), closed from 10:30AM – 11:30AM daily (bookings required)
Address: Hermitage Road & Mistletoe Lane, Pokolbin NSW 2320, Australia
Sunrise from a Hot Air Balloon
Photo credit: Destination NSW
If there’s only one day you’re willing to rise before dawn, this shall be the day. Enjoy an hour-long flight as the sun slowly lights up the vast field of vineyards below. The flight ends with a glass of champagne and hearty breakfast at Peterson House Winery and Restaurant. It will be well worth waking up early for!
Balloon Aloft
Cost: ~S$266/pax
Meeting Time: Dawn (exact timing will be confirmed the night before)
Meeting Point: Peterson’s Champagne House, Broke Rd & Wine Country Drive, Pokolbin NSW 2320, Australia
Hunter Distillery
Photo credit: @Hunterdistillery via Instagram
If you have time to fit in one last drink, do check out the organic spirits at Hunter Distillery. You can taste up to 10 different varieties (including gin, vodkas, liqueurs, schnapps) for just AU$5 which is refunded when you buy a bottle to take home.
Opening Hours: 10AM – 5PM (bookings required)
Address: 1686 Broke Road, Pokolbin, NSW 2320, Australia
Accommodation in Hunter Valley: Hunter Valley Resort (from AU$160/night)
A Road Trip You’ll Always Remember
“Life is too short to visit the same place twice” — Cherie 2015
Strike that, re-exploring a city is great! We’re no longer rushing to check off the must-eat, see, dos and it allows for more time to dig deeper and find experiences we might just enjoy more.
Making plans to return once again with friends reminds me that there’s always something new to uncover whether it’s your second or seventh time to a place (sometimes the company makes or breaks an adventure after all)!
From now till 17 March, grab your best road trip buddies and enjoy promo fares to Sydney starting from S$788 on the award-winning Singapore Airlines (all-in, return flights)!
As you embark on adventures in this new normal, take note of the documents, Covid-19 tests and guidelines required before flying. These tend to change over time, so we recommend checking these official sources for the most current info:
– NSW Health Guidelines for Fully Vaccinated Arrivals
– What does self-isolation entail
– What to do if you’ve tested positive
– List of approved Rapid Antigen Self-test Kits (RAT kits; also known as ART in Singapore)
We hope this NSW Australia itinerary came in handy! Which experiences are on your bucket list?
This post was brought to you by Destination New South Wales.
There’s a great ghost story tour that runs out of the Rocks in Sydney. Also a place called Dark Stories True Crime Tours that is based in the Rocks.