Self Drive Trips and Tours

Self Drive Blue Mountains/Hunter Valley holidays by car from Sydney

1. 3 days/2 nights Sydney – Blue Mtns – Sydney suggested self drive itinerary
   
   Day 1 Depart central Sydney and travel to the Blue Mountains – approximately 2 hrs drive west of Sydney. This 3 day/2 night tour will show you spectacular views, you’ll enjoy marvelous food and meet lots of genuine local Aussie people. Stop at Glenbrook visitor information centre. Get all advice and information about things to see and do in the Blue Mtns. Continue onto Leura Village and stop for lunch in Leura. Visit the shops, galleries and restaurants. This afternoon visit the 3 Sisters, see Katoomba village, visit Scenic World and ride the Scenic Railway. This afternoon travel onto Blackheath, visit Govetts Leap with magnificent views into the Grose Valley (Australia's Grand Canyon).
   
   Travel thru Mt Victoria village, then along Bells Line of Road, enjoy magnificent views into the canyons. Your tour this afternoon is along the so-called Botanists Way. Late afternoon arrive at Bilpin Springs Lodge – B&B/farmstay. Ask your hosts about recommendations for dinner tonight. There are several excellent restaurants nearby or you can enjoy dinner at the lodge prepared by Bilpin Springs Lodge staff. Overnight Bilpin Springs Lodge.
   
   Day 2 After breakfast at the lodge depart for a self drive day trip to Jenolan Caves. These magnificent limestone caves are located approximately one and a half hours from the lodge, driving a scenic route into the central west of NSW. Upon arrival at Jenolan Caves visit the information and ticket office and arrange to take an afternoon tour of one of the superb caves. Enjoy lunch at the caves. Late afternoon return to the Blue Mtns, take care to avoid wildlife on the roads, especially kangaroos that are very common in these areas. Return to Bilpin Spring Lodge. Dinner once again either at the lodge or at a nearby restaurant. Overnight Bilpin Springs Lodge
   
   Day 3. After breakfast at the lodge, relax and enjoy being out in the bush. Stroll the grounds, go fishing in the dam or visit the local villages and meet some ‘locals’. Late morning checkout from the lodge and travel 10 minutes to Mt Tomah Botanic Gardens. Stroll these magnificent gardens and enjoy morning tea or lunch in the restaurant with vies stretching over 100kms all the way to Sydney city. Absolutely stunning! Late afternoon drive the return journey to Sydney arriving into central Sydney early evening.
   
   ** Option add another day and tour to the Mudgee wine growing region, located 1.5/2 hrs drive northwest of Bilpin.
   
   
   
2. 4 days/3 nights Sydney – Blue Mtns – Hunter Valley – Port Stephens - Sydney itinerary
   
   Day 1 Depart central Sydney and travel to the Blue Mountains – approximately 2 hrs drive west of Sydney. This 3 day/2 night tour will show you spectacular views, you’ll enjoy marvelous food and meet lots of genuine local Aussie people. Stop at Glenbrook visitor information centre. Get all advice and information about things to see and do in the Blue Mtns. Continue onto Leura Village and stop for lunch in Leura. Visit the shops, galleries and restaurants. This afternoon visit the 3 Sisters, see Katoomba village, visit Scenic World and ride the Scenic Railway. This afternoon travel onto Blackheath, visit Govetts Leap with magnificent views into the Grose Valley (Australia's Grand Canyon).
   
   Travel thru Mt Victoria village, then along Bells Line of Road, enjoy magnificent views into the canyons. Your tour this afternoon is along the so-called Botanists Way. Late afternoon arrive at Bilpin Springs Lodge – B&B/farmstay. Ask your hosts about recommendations for dinner tonight. There are several excellent restaurants nearby or you can enjoy dinner at the lodge prepared by Bilpin Springs Lodge staff. Overnight Bilpin Springs Lodge.
   
   Day 2 After breakfast at the lodge depart for a self drive day trip to Mt Tomah Gardens and Jenolan Caves. Ten minutes from the lodge are Mt Tomah botanic gardens. Enjoy strolling these magnificent gardens and have morning tea at the restaurant whilst enjoying spectacular views from the Blue Mtns, east towards the city of Sydney some 100kms away. Continue onto Jenolan Caves, arriving at lunchtime. You can enjoy a delicious lunch at one of the restaurants at Caves House plus visit the information and ticket centre then join a fully guided tour of the superb limestone caves. Late afternoon return to Bilpin Springs Lodge, take care to avoid wildlife on the roads, especially kangaroos that are very common in these areas. Return to Bilpin Spring Lodge. Dinner once again either at the lodge or at a nearby restaurant. Overnight Bilpin Springs Lodge
   
   Day 3 After breakfast at the lodge, depart for the Hunter Valley wine region located some 2.5hrs to the north. The trip is very easy driving the very beautiful Putty Road. A few minutes after departing the lodge see signs to Singleton then when you’re close to Broke village follow signs to Pokolbin which is the heart of the Hunter Valley wine growing region. Enjoy lunch at a restaurant in the vineyards, go wine tasting and enjoy this famous and truly magnificent wine making region of Australia. Late afternoon arrive at your accommodation in the Hunter Valley and enjoy staying the night right in the vineyards. Overnight Hunter Valley hotel
   
   Day 4 Depart the wine country and travel to nearby Port Stephens. Today you can join a dolphin watch cruise on the calm waters of Nelson Bay or for a more exciting Port Stephens experience take a 4WD dune tour and go sand boarding on the southern hemispheres largest sand dunes. Lunch today is recommended on the waterfront at Nelsons Bay with many restaurants and cafes to choose from. Late afternoon depart Nelsons Bay/Port Stephens for the return trip to Sydney taking approximately 3 hours (incl rest stop) or continue travelling north towards Brisbane if you prefer.