New South Wales holidays

Start the day photographing koalas and spotting other native animals, including kangaroos and crocodiles, in the Featherdale Wildlife Park. Take in breathtaking cliff-top views, lush rainforest gullies and towering waterfalls in the Blue Mountains World Heritage area. Visit Scenic World and take an optional ride on the world’s steepest railway (payable locally) and then onto the historic township of Katoomba see the famous three sisters. Full day, daily.

With a small group, journey into the heart of a unique heritage region and arrive at the Featherdale Wildlife Park for an exclusive breakfast with the koalas. Head into the Blue Mountains National Park for a number of short walks to take in the stunning views. After an excellent lunch in a historic hotel, you’ll reach Scenic World. Enjoy superb panoramas of the Three Sisters and walk through the rainforest before reaching Wentworth Falls to finish the day with a glass of champagne. Full day, daily, includes breakfast and lunch.

Kangaroos are active in the morning so this is the best time to see them. Admire them up close in the lower Blue Mountains National Park, before you enjoy a tasty al fresco breakfast surrounded by wild kangaroos and abundant birdlife. There are some magnificent views of the amazing Blue Canyons and from Narrowneck Plateau before lunch (payable locally) in a picturesque mountain village. After a visit to a wonderful wildlife park, there’s an exciting return to the city on the Rivercat Ferry to Circular Quay.

On board a small luxury cruiser, experience sophistication on a grand scale with a cruise around Sydney’s wonderful Harbour, with tremendous starlight views from the observation deck. Dinner is a contemporary affair with fresh local produce and a wide menu choice, including appetising vegetarian options. To make this a romantic night to remember, there’s music and dancing for a perfect ending. 2½ hours (3½ hours Fri/Sat), daily, includes three-course dinner.

Sydney has the world’s largest and most beautiful natural harbour. There’s no better way to see it than a summer cruise in the utmost luxury, with time to swim, kayak, fish, sunbathe or just sightsee before enjoying a gourmet Aussie barbecue, with regional wines and local beers. Bring your sun cream, a hat, camera, sensible shoes, something warm to wear and above all, your sense of fun. 4 hours, daily departures except Apr01-May31, Sep02-Mar31 2012, includes three-course gourmet Australian barbecue lunch including beverages.

Experience a small group tour to the Hunter Valley wine region. Take a morning stop at a wildlife park to meet native Australian animals. Then travel through scenic national parks and historic Wollobi to a Hunter Valley boutique winery for the first tasting. The next winery provides a gourmet lunch with descriptive wine pairings and the last winery of the day matches handmade cheeses with their wines. Before you return, stop at a chocolate shop to savour the unique flavours of the Hunter Valley. Full day, daily, includes lunch and cheese and chocolate tasting.

The sheer achievement of climbing the Harbour Bridge is as satisfying as the panorama unfolding beneath your feet. The waterfront, the Opera House and, on a clear day, views from the Pacific to the Blue Mountains. But when should you climb? By day, there’s real energy with road traffic and ferries scuttling below. There’s a special magic at night, with your personal headlight shining your way as the city glows electric around you, while a twilight climb gives you a taste of each. 3½ hours, climbs depart every 10 minutes from early until 5.45pm (depending on time of year and demand, details to be reconfirmed at the time of booking).

For two hushed hours, no more than eight people are granted exclusive access backstage in one of the world’s busiest performing arts centres. Stand where global legends have stood on the Concert Hall stage. Take up the baton in the Opera Theatre orchestra pit and peek inside star dressing rooms. Hear the secrets and real-life dramas that go on behind the curtain. On certain days, there’s even breakfast in the Green Room – the private domain of stars and staff. 2 Hours, daily, includes breakfast.

This is a perfect introduction to Sydney. The day starts with a city tour, and then you’ll see the magnificent view of the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge from Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, a famous look-out spot. As you tour further, there are wonderful photo opportunities, such as The Gap at South Head. After a break at Bondi Beach, enjoy a delicious buffet lunch while cruising the harbour, and later discover the northern beaches, including famous Manley. Full day, daily, includes lunch.