Discover Sydney and the Vivid Festival

Day 1: Friday 4 June
Travel to Sydney for a mid-afternoon arrival and transfer to the hotel to check in. This evening enjoy a dinner cruise on a Clearview Glass boat designed for restaurant-style dining with uninterrupted 360° views. The vessel features an air-conditioned dining deck with floor-to-ceiling windows, a mezzanine cocktail lounge and a spacious Sky Deck – each level complete with its own bar. The freshly prepared multi-course dinner is served with uninterrupted views of Sydney. (D)
Stay: Parkroyal Darling Harbour – 5 nights*

Day 2: Saturday 5 June

Enjoy a free day to explore Sydney today. The hotel is within close proximity to many of the city’s attractions to keep you busy. Darling Harbour is abuzz with cafes, bars and restaurants to sate any appetite. Walk down to The Rocks and navigate the many laneways shops, galleries and studios that make up this historic section of the city. Indulge in a bit of retail therapy along Pitt Street Mall, or visit the bustling Chinatown – the largest in Australia – before relaxing in the Chinese Garden of Friendship, a tranquil oasis of pavilions, waterfalls and koi-filled lakes. The choices are endless! (B)

Day 3: Sunday 6 June

After breakfast drive to Brooklyn Wharf north of the city to join Australia’s Last Riverboat Postman Cruise. Enjoy the scenery of the lower Hawkesbury River while delivering mail and other essentials to the river access only settlements upriver from Brooklyn. The first Riverboat Postman started the run in 1910 and the tradition continues today. The skippers are locals who have lived their lives in the area, and entertain during the cruise with their stories of the river over an included lunch. This evening is free to relax. Maybe stroll down to Darling Harbour in the evening to soak up the festivities. (B, L) 

Day 4: Monday 7 June

Today is all about tasting some of New South Wales finest wine and food. Drive out of the city to the Hunter Valley, Australia’s oldest wine region. The first stop is Tulloch Wines for a guided wine and paired artisan cheese experience. Late morning continue to Peterson House and Restaurant Cuvee, known for its sparkling wines. Enjoy a delicious 2-course lunch with a glass of sparkling wine overlooking the vineyards on the property. The final stop for the day is at the Hunter Valley Chocolate Company. Experience a sampling of handcrafted chocolates, fudge and specialty treats before travelling back to Sydney. (B,L)

Day 5: Tuesday 8 June

This morning transfer to the Queen Victoria Building, completed in 1898, for a Sparkling High Tea experience. Enjoy delicate pastries, savoury delights and sparkling wine in the elegant ambience of the Heritage Listed building. Later visit the iconic Sydney Opera House for a behind the scenes guided tour. Discover the history and stories behind the unique architecture, and see some of the inner workings and spaces that make up the inner workings of theatre performances. This evening enjoy a farewell dinner at the hotel. (B, D)

Day 6: Wednesday 9 June

Depart Sydney today for home. (B)

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