I am going to a conference in Sydney (actually in Canberra, but I fly in and out of Sydney) and have managed to eek out a few days to explore. Besides spending a couple of days in Sydney, I was thinking about heading up to the wine region and/or to the Blue Mountains for a day or two each. I am by myself, so getting a rental car for going to wineries and driving on (what is for me) the "wrong side of the road" is a bit intimidating. Anyone been on any of the wine tours from Sydney? Are they any good? Would one need a car in the Blue Mountains, or can I get by with public trans? Is it worth having an extra day in Canberra to check it out? Any other suggestions for things to do-- I have never been to Australia before and hope to go back, but this time I just have a few days. There is so much to see!!! Thanks, Bevin
There area some exceptional wineries in Canberra.
Mount Majura
Lark Hill
Kamberra Wine Company etc,
and just outside of Canberra on the NSW side you have the Murrambateman wineries, and I strongly suggest a visit to Clonakilla.
Canberra is about 3 hours (?) drive on excellent roads out of Sydney. The road has plenty of rest stops, and it is 110km/h all the way.
The Blue Mountains is a train ride pout of Sydney and is a beautiful part of the world. You should be able to get a day tour or several days tour or even arrange it for yourself when you get there.
You could go to the Hunter Vineyards, but if you ae in Canberra, they are 5 hours away.
You could tour the Canberra region, there is much to do in Canberra for as many days as you want, and then spend your last day in Sydney tear-arsing around Sydney before you fly out.
From central station in Sydney, you can buy a ticket for your train journey and a hop on/hop off bus going around Katoomba and Leura's major places of interest. I would suggest spending at least one night, but if you are short on time, the trains back to Sydney run until late at night, and it is a 2hr journey each way.
Hey. I would do the Blue Mountains by train, particularly Katoomba and Wentworth Falls. The good stuff is walking distance (longish though) from the stations. I haven't tried the buses there myself. If you do get to Katoomba, try going down the Giants stairway and up the Cliff Railway. A great short introduction to the areas natural beauty without getting too far away.
Personally, I like the Hunter Valley for wineries. Avoid the big names if possible, they are usually crowded and touristy. Draytons and Ivanhoe are my favs.
Ratman
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