The Highlights of New South Wales

Leave Sydney behind by private vehicle as the city gradually gives way to forested valleys and the dramatic sandstone escarpments of the Blue Mountains. Arriving in Blackheath, settle into your secluded eco-chalet at Chalets at Blackheath, surrounded by the wilderness of the World Heritage-listed national park. With exceptional walking trails beginning close to your accommodation, the afternoon offers an inviting first taste of the region’s rugged scenery and restorative mountain atmosphere.

Spend a full day exploring the Blue Mountains with an expert eco-guide, tailoring the experience to your preferred level of activity. From nearby Evans Lookout, set out along a spectacular six-kilometre trail through a landscape of sandstone cliffs, waterfalls and immense forested valleys. Your guide can lead you beyond the better-known viewpoints to quieter tracks and secluded corners of the national park, offering a more intimate perspective on one of Australia’s most celebrated natural landscapes.

Rise early for a memorable morning in the bush, where your guide seeks out a secluded clearing for a picnic as kangaroos and wallabies graze nearby. After a final taste of the Blue Mountains, continue north towards the Hunter Valley and exchange wilderness adventures for one of Australia’s most celebrated wine regions. Settle into Spicers Vineyards Estate, an intimate retreat surrounded by vines and views towards the Brokenback Range — an idyllic base for the next chapter of the journey.

Discover the Hunter Valley with a private guide, delving into a winemaking heritage that stretches back to the 1820s. More than 130 wineries now shape the region, offering everything from established names to smaller cellar doors known principally to locals. Enjoy curated tastings at acclaimed estates such as Brokenwood, Wilkinson or Tyrrell’s, with the day shaped around your preferences. Between tastings, slow down over a leisurely lunch and appreciate the relaxed rural character that makes the Hunter one of Australia’s quintessential wine destinations.

Experience another side of the Hunter Valley with a day tailored around your interests. Take to the skies at sunrise on a hot-air balloon flight above the vineyards, or explore closer to the ground on an e-bike journey between boutique wineries and heritage towns. The region’s culinary scene is equally rewarding, with artisan cheeses, delicatessens, patisseries and local produce providing plenty of opportunities for indulgence between cellar doors. Alternatively, simply slow the pace and enjoy the tranquillity of your vineyard retreat.

Leave the vineyards behind and continue towards the New South Wales coast for the final stage of your journey. Hidden within Bouddi National Park, Pretty Beach House offers an exceptionally private retreat with just four pavilions, each featuring its own plunge pool. Settle into the peaceful surroundings and allow the pace to soften, with forest, coastline and wildlife forming the backdrop. This is understated Australian luxury at its most intimate, combining seclusion with effortless access to the natural beauty of the Bouddi Peninsula.

Wake surrounded by the forest and choose how actively you would like to experience Bouddi National Park. Follow coastal bush trails to viewpoints overlooking the Pacific, or take an e-bike to discover quiet coves and secluded corners of the peninsula. With adventure always close at hand, the day can just as easily be spent enjoying the privacy of your pavilion and plunge pool, allowing the sounds of the surrounding bush and ocean to set the pace.

Enjoy a final full day immersed in the relaxed rhythms of Pretty Beach House. Spend the hours beside your private plunge pool, venture into the surrounding bush or simply take in the views from your terrace. Dining is an integral part of the experience, with bespoke menus showcasing locally sourced seafood, organic produce and native Australian ingredients. Meals can be enjoyed in the dining room, privately in your pavilion or al fresco, complemented by selections from the lodge’s extensive cellar chosen by its in-house sommelier.

Enjoy a final morning amid the forested coastline before departing Pretty Beach House by private transfer. Return to Sydney, where you can reconnect with your onward travel arrangements or continue exploring Australia. The journey concludes after combining three contrasting sides of New South Wales: the dramatic wilderness and wildlife of the Blue Mountains, the vineyards and gourmet traditions of the Hunter Valley, and the secluded coastal luxury of the Bouddi Peninsula.