New South Wales Luxury Holidays

The spectacular, the enchanting, the weird and the wonderful.

This remarkable continent encompasses the spectacular, the enchanting, the weird and the wonderful. It's a land of huge contrasts where one day you might be exploring untouched desert, the next watching the sunrise over mystical Uluru, or shopping in one of the sophisticated cities. Even the place names inspire. Who could resist a visit to the Bungle Bungles, Kangaroo Island or the Devil's Marbles? The country's Australasian and Pacific Rim cuisine is also legendary, with top vineyards supplying the fine accompanying wines. And everywhere there are luxurious resorts and hotels to pamper and cosset after the day's explorations and exertions. Sydney - an attraction in itself- is the main gateway to Australia and starting point for many itineraries. An outing to the Opera House…a vertiginous guided walk over the bridge…the bistros and shops of the Rocks…a helicopter flight over the harbour… Australia's largest city is hard to leave. Beyond Sydney, the world heritage listed Blue Mountains is just a couple of hours drive away and the Hunter Valley a must for wine lovers.

Sydney Harbour - one of the most beautiful and famous harbours in the world with its iconic Opera House and bridge. Charter a yacht for a private cruise, or take a seaplane flight over the city for lunch at an exclusive restaurant. Or attempt the Bridgeclimb if you're feeling energetic. Sydney - world class restaurants, trendy bars, designer shopping, museums and art galleries. Plus the historic Rocks area and beautiful beachside suburbs such as Manly - take the Manly ferry over for the afternoon. Beaches - some of the famous include Bondi and Coogee. Soak up the sun or try your hand at surfing. The Blue Mountains - Spend a few nights to relax in the fresh mountain air of this World Listed Heritage National Park in the Great Dividing Range. Carrier can arrange a private tour by foot or vehicle to explore the breathtaking scenery, cliffs, waterfalls and gorges with a chance to see Aborginal stencils. Hunter Valley - one of Australia's premier wine producing regions. Boasting over 80 wineries and cellar doors, it provides a unique and memorable experience for any wine connoisseur. Private guided wine tours are available or why not take a hot air balloon to view this remarkable region.

January | Sydney Festival - A city wide event that is flooded with art, including free outdoor concerts. 26 January | Australia Day, a national holiday to celebrate Australia's birthday. February | Sydney Mardi Gras. Now a world-famous festival with its colourful sequinned parades. July | Yuletide Festival in the Blue Mountains September | Royal Botanic Gardens Spring Festival. Concerts with colourful flower displays. October | Manly Jazz Festival, held over Labour Day Weekend, many events are free. October | Jazz in the Vines, Hunter Valley. December | Sydney to Hobart yacht race. A fantastic spectacle to watch, as Sydney harbour is filled with boats of every shape and size. New Years Eve | Sydney Harbour is one of the most exciting places in the world to welcome in the New Year. Join in the festivities around Sydney Harbour and witness an awe-inspiring firework display.

Cuisine - The infinite variety of foods in Australia reflects the diversity of its land and provides for a rich cuisine. Fresh seafood, lamb and beef dishes are always popular, but be sure to try some of the more indigenous dishes such as Kangaroo or Crocodile. Although known the world over for it's famous barbecues, visitors to Australia looking for fine dining will be well satisfied by world-renowned restaurants in Sydney and Melbourne. Wine - Fine wines are produced in many parts of Australia, which is famous for its Chardonnay, Shiraz , Cabernet Sauvignon blends and more. The leading wine producing areas include the Yarra Valley, Barossa Valley, Clare Valley, Hunter Valley, and the Margaret River of South Western Australia. Art - Traditional aboriginal art is available in most states, although the best examples are generally found in the centre of Australia around Uluru. Flora and Fauna - Australia's flora and fauna is special and unique - a highlight of any trip is seeing a kangaroo, koala or Tasmanian Devil. One of the best destinations for wildlife viewing, which is home to many of Australia's indigenous species, is Kangaroo Island. Sports - as a nation famous for it's love of sports, Australia is host to tournaments including the Melbourne Formula 1 Grand Prix, Australian Tennis Open and the Melbourne Gold Cup. Most popular sports include Australian Rules football and watersports such as surfing and sailing.

CLIMATE Australia's seasons are the opposite to the UK - the best months to visit New South Wales are November to March. STATE CAPITAL Sydney TIME DIFFERENCE GMT + 10 hours CURRENCY Australian Dollar VISA REQUIREMENTS British passport holders must obtain a visa. HOW TO GET THERE Australia is served by many airlines offering daily flights, including British Airways, Qantas and Emirates. FLYING TIME Sydney: 21 hours 40 mins

New South Wales Luxury Holiday Accommodation

• Park Hyatt Sydney
• The Observatory Hotel
• Lilianfels Resort & Spa
• Tower Lodge
• Grand Australia Itinerary
• Four Seasons Hotel
• Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa
• Capella Lodge
• The Byron at Byron Resort & Spa

New South Wales Luxury Holiday Special Offers