About this experience
This big day out to the south of Sydney winds through Australia’s oldest national park, takes in spectacular coastal scenery along the Grand Pacific Drive, traverses the Sea Cliff Bridge, then climbs the sandstone escarpment to return via the forests and farmland of the picturesque Southern Highlands.
Enjoy up close and personal experiences with iconic Australian wildlife, expansive vistas of coastal scenery, eucalyptus-clad valleys and waterfalls plunging over sandstone cliffs, scenic drives through national parks and along bays, beaches and country backroads, beachside dining and cool-climate wine tasting.
Tour includes a private koala experience with a keeper, lunch at a popular seaside cafe, sipping wine at a boutique winery, National Parks and wildlife park entry fees, friendly and knowledgable guide, transport in a comfortable air-conditioned minibus. Maximum 11 guests. Contact us for private group departures.
At a glance
- Duration: 11 hr
Plan your experience
Set aside 11 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.
Before you go
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Minimum age is 12 years
- Minimum drinking age is 18 years. Photo ID may be requested as proof of age
What is included
- Friendly, knowledgable guide
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Wine and cheese at a boutique winery
- Private koala experience with a keeper
- Small-group tour (max. 11 guests)
- Lunch with a glass of Australian wine, beer, juice or soda
Itinerary and highlights
The experience begins when a friendly guide greets you at the meeting point. You'll be part of a small group of no more than 11 travellers aboard a comfortable minibus that takes you south out of the city along the beaches of Botany Bay and through the Royal National Park. First stop is Bald Hill Lookout, a popular launch site for hang gliders and para gliders, which affords sweeping views of the Illawarra coastline and the famous Sea Cliff Bridge.
After the break it's just a few minutes drive to the family-run Symbio Wildlife Park which is active in koala conservation. Here you'll find out everything you ever wanted to know about these fascinating marsupials during a private koala experience with a keeper. Snap the ultimate selfie - just you and a koala. You’ll also be able to hand-feed kangaroos and wallabies and get up close to other native Australian wildlife.
Next you'll meander along the Grand Pacific Drive traversing the Sea Cliff Bridge as it sweeps out over the ocean, well clear of the crumbling cliffs to which the old highway clung. You’ll continue to follow the scenic coastline to a golden beach where you’ll enjoy lunch in a café popular with locals with views out over the ocean. Bring your swimmers for a dip if the sun is out!
In the afternoon you’ll head up through temperate rainforest into the Southern Highlands. An easy hike leads to viewpoints that take in the spectacular sandstone gorges and towering waterfalls of the Morton National Park.
Finally, you’ll drive along country roads to a boutique winery to sample locally-produced, cool climate wine before returning to Sydney. Arrival back at Circular Quay is around 6:30pm.
Meeting and pickup information
- The meeting point is out in front of the Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel, 30 Pitt Street, Sydney. It is a 2 minute walk from Circular Quay light rail stop, train station, bus stops and ferry wharves and a 5 to 20 minute walk from most central Sydney hotels.
Languages and tickets
- English — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- Local Travel Planner
Accessibility and practical details
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Minimum age is 12 years
- Guests under 18 years must be accompanied by an adult
- Minimum drinking age is 18 years. Photo ID may be requested as proof of age
- You should be able to walk 1 km (half a mile) at a time and be able to walk up and down 50 steps
- Bring closed shoes, sunscreen, hat & reusable water bottle. Swimsuit & towel for a swim in the ocean if it’s hot. Warm clothing in layers if it’s cold (usually May-October).
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Questions about this experience
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