Blue Mountains, Hunter Valley and Boxing Day Sydney Harbour Cruise
8 Days
20 to 27 December 2026
Active
$7,010pptw
138 villabucks
Blue Mountains, Hunter Valley and Boxing Day Sydney Harbour Cruise
Experience the joy of the festive season with a beautifully curated eight-day journey through Sydney and the Hunter Valley. Discover iconic landmarks and world-class gardens, cruise the stunning Hawkesbury River and indulge in fine dining at elegant estates and renowned restaurants, including a memorable dinner at SkyFeast, where panoramic views of the city create a magical evening. Marvel at the dazzling Christmas Lights Spectacular in the Hunter Valley Gardens, enjoy an exquisite and festive Christmas Day lunch in the heart of the Blue Mountains and relax with a Boxing Day cruise to witness the start of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. From a charming high tea at Vaucluse House to the history of Cockatoo Island, this festive escape captures the very best of Sydney in true Villa style.
Itinerary
Day 1. Perth to Sydney (D)
Your Christmas holiday begins with courtesy home pick-up and transfers to Perth Airport for your flight to Sydney. On arrival, your coach will transfer you to your hotel in the heart of Darling Harbour. Enjoy a warm welcome dinner this evening.
Three nights: Novotel Sydney on Darling Harbour, Sydney
Day 2. Royal Botanical Gardens, Manly Beach and SkyFeast (BD)
Start the day wandering through the Royal Botanic Gardens and enjoy views from Mrs Macquarie’s Chair. Enjoy a tour of the Hyde Park Barracks before taking a scenic ferry to Manly (use own card to tap on top off) where you can wander this coastal corner of Sydney at your leisure. On return to Circular Quay, either keep exploring or relax before an evening highlight. Enjoy an unforgettable evening at SkyFeast at Sydney Tower, where you will dine in the sky with sweeping 360-degree views of the city skyline. Savour a lavish buffet of international cuisine as Sydney sparkles beneath you.
Day 3. Historic Cockatoo Island, Vaucluse House. (BLD)
Begin your day on a ferry to Cockatoo Island for a guided tour of this UNESCO World Heritage listed Convict Site. On return to the mainland, travel to the elegant Vaucluse House Estate, where you'll explore its beautifully preserved interiors and tranquil heritage gardens. Enjoy a delightful high tea lunch in the serene and picturesque setting of the estate.
Day 4. Hawkesbury River to Hunter Valley (BLD)
Travel north to the Hawkesbury River for a peaceful cruise aboard the Riverboat Postman, delivering mail to remote riverside settlements with lunch included. Then follow the scenic Tourist Drive 33 to Wollombi before arriving in the Hunter Valley. This evening, stroll through Australia’s largest Christmas lights display at the Hunter Valley Gardens and enjoy dinner among the vines.
Overnight: Wine Country Motor Inn, Hunter Valley
Day 5. Australian Reptile Park (BD)
Today we make our way south to Sydney stopping on the for an experience with the unique and beautiful animals of the Australian Reptile Park. From Komodo Dragons to Koalas to a Galapagos Turtle and crocodiles. This afternoon we make our way back to the darling harbour for a relaxing evening.
Three nights: Novotel Sydney on Darling Harbour, Sydney
Day 6. Christmas Day in the Blue Mountains (BLD)
Celebrate the day with a scenic drive to the iconic Hydro Majestic Hotel in the beautiful Blue Mountains, where a traditional festive lunch awaits—complete with sweeping views over the stunning Megalong Valley. Spend a leisurely afternoon soaking in the atmosphere, perhaps with a gentle stroll or some quiet holiday reflection, before returning to Sydney.
Please note: Due to scheduling limitations, we are unable to include church visits in this Christmas itinerary.
Day 7. Boxing Day Harbour Cruise (BLD)
Begin your Boxing Day with a relaxed morning before boarding a spectacular Sydney Harbour luncheon cruise, offering prime views of one of the world’s most iconic sailing events—the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. Feel the excitement build as the fleet lines up for the dramatic start, with live commentary bringing the action to life, all while you enjoy a gourmet lunch and take in panoramic harbour views.
Day 8. Sydney to Perth (B)
After breakfast, transfer to Sydney Airport for your return flight to Perth. Upon arrival, your courtesy driver will return you home safely.
Itinerary is subject to change. Terms and conditions apply. Call 08 9754 2026 for details.
Guide: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
eg. BLD indicates three meals included on that day of the itinerary.
PPTW is per person twinshare accommodation.
Image: Destination NSW
Dates & Pricing
$7,010pptw
$1,035 single option
Highlights
• Christmas Day lunch at the Hydro Majestic Hotel
• Boxing Day Sydney Harbour cruise to witness the start of Sydney to Hobart Race
• Hunter Valley Gardens Christmas Spectacular
• “Skyfeast” dinner at the Sydney Tower with 360-degree views
• High Tea Lunch at Vaucluse House
• Cockatoo Island
• Hawkesbury Riverboat Postman cruise
• Hyde Park Barracks
• Australian Reptile Park
• The Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney
Inclusions
• Pre/post tour transfers (ex Perth, WA)
• Airfares & taxes (ex Perth, WA)
• 18 meals
• 7 nights’ accommodation
• Tours & attractions
• Professional Villa Tour Leader
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Dates & Pricing
Duration: 8 Days
Dates: 20 to 27 December 2026
Activity Level: Active
$7,010pptw
$1,035 single option
Earn: 138 villabucks
Highlights
• Christmas Day lunch at the Hydro Majestic Hotel
• Boxing Day Sydney Harbour cruise to witness the start of Sydney to Hobart Race
• Hunter Valley Gardens Christmas Spectacular
• “Skyfeast” dinner at the Sydney Tower with 360-degree views
• High Tea Lunch at Vaucluse House
• Cockatoo Island
• Hawkesbury Riverboat Postman cruise
• Hyde Park Barracks
• Australian Reptile Park
• The Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney
Inclusions
• Pre/post tour transfers (ex Perth, WA)
• Airfares & taxes (ex Perth, WA)
• 18 meals
• 7 nights’ accommodation
• Tours & attractions
• Professional Villa Tour Leader
Itinerary
Day 1. Perth to Sydney (D)
Your Christmas holiday begins with courtesy home pick-up and transfers to Perth Airport for your flight to Sydney. On arrival, your coach will transfer you to your hotel in the heart of Darling Harbour. Enjoy a warm welcome dinner this evening.
Three nights: Novotel Sydney on Darling Harbour, Sydney
Day 2. Royal Botanical Gardens, Manly Beach and SkyFeast (BD)
Start the day wandering through the Royal Botanic Gardens and enjoy views from Mrs Macquarie’s Chair. Enjoy a tour of the Hyde Park Barracks before taking a scenic ferry to Manly (use own card to tap on top off) where you can wander this coastal corner of Sydney at your leisure. On return to Circular Quay, either keep exploring or relax before an evening highlight. Enjoy an unforgettable evening at SkyFeast at Sydney Tower, where you will dine in the sky with sweeping 360-degree views of the city skyline. Savour a lavish buffet of international cuisine as Sydney sparkles beneath you.
Day 3. Historic Cockatoo Island, Vaucluse House. (BLD)
Begin your day on a ferry to Cockatoo Island for a guided tour of this UNESCO World Heritage listed Convict Site. On return to the mainland, travel to the elegant Vaucluse House Estate, where you'll explore its beautifully preserved interiors and tranquil heritage gardens. Enjoy a delightful high tea lunch in the serene and picturesque setting of the estate.
Day 4. Hawkesbury River to Hunter Valley (BLD)
Travel north to the Hawkesbury River for a peaceful cruise aboard the Riverboat Postman, delivering mail to remote riverside settlements with lunch included. Then follow the scenic Tourist Drive 33 to Wollombi before arriving in the Hunter Valley. This evening, stroll through Australia’s largest Christmas lights display at the Hunter Valley Gardens and enjoy dinner among the vines.
Overnight: Wine Country Motor Inn, Hunter Valley
Day 5. Australian Reptile Park (BD)
Today we make our way south to Sydney stopping on the for an experience with the unique and beautiful animals of the Australian Reptile Park. From Komodo Dragons to Koalas to a Galapagos Turtle and crocodiles. This afternoon we make our way back to the darling harbour for a relaxing evening.
Three nights: Novotel Sydney on Darling Harbour, Sydney
Day 6. Christmas Day in the Blue Mountains (BLD)
Celebrate the day with a scenic drive to the iconic Hydro Majestic Hotel in the beautiful Blue Mountains, where a traditional festive lunch awaits—complete with sweeping views over the stunning Megalong Valley. Spend a leisurely afternoon soaking in the atmosphere, perhaps with a gentle stroll or some quiet holiday reflection, before returning to Sydney.
Please note: Due to scheduling limitations, we are unable to include church visits in this Christmas itinerary.
Day 7. Boxing Day Harbour Cruise (BLD)
Begin your Boxing Day with a relaxed morning before boarding a spectacular Sydney Harbour luncheon cruise, offering prime views of one of the world’s most iconic sailing events—the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. Feel the excitement build as the fleet lines up for the dramatic start, with live commentary bringing the action to life, all while you enjoy a gourmet lunch and take in panoramic harbour views.
Day 8. Sydney to Perth (B)
After breakfast, transfer to Sydney Airport for your return flight to Perth. Upon arrival, your courtesy driver will return you home safely.
Itinerary is subject to change. Terms and conditions apply. Call 08 9754 2026 for details.
Image: Destination NSWNew Paragraph
Guide:
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
eg. BLD indicates three meals included on that day of the itinerary.
PPTW is per person twinshare accommodation.
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Tour Activity Levels
With such a diverse collection of travel options, we want to ensure you choose the right holiday for you.
Our tour activity levels are a guide to the required fitness level for each of our holidays.
Look out for the feet when reading about a tour!
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Relaxed
Designed for travellers with lower mobility who can manage everyday movement independently. You must be able to embark and disembark coaches, trains, and other transport via steps, carry your own luggage, and walk short distances. Stairs may be encountered at times. Walking aids (sticks and walkers) are welcome. Travellers who bring a companion to help provide assistance may find these holidays suitable.
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Moderate
For travellers who walk confidently and unaided. In addition to Relaxed requirements, expect guided walking tours that may include gentle inclines and stair climbs, some longer days, and multiple hotel changes. Access to accommodation may involve stairs, short walks to facilities, and showers over baths. Walking sticks are welcome unless the tour includes overnight rail or cruising—please check with staff.
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Active
For travellers comfortable with full sightseeing days. Building on Moderate requirements, these tours feature more activities, extended periods of standing and walking, and nature-based excursions. You must be able to walk confidently over uneven surfaces at a steady pace, and negotiate busy transport terminals. Expect feature walks for up to 3 hours, and activities that may include small aircraft, vehicles, vessels and watercraft. Not suitable for travellers requiring walking aids or assistance from others.
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Highly Active
Requires good general fitness. Excursions will be over more difficult terrain and require a certain level of agility. You will be required to walk confidently for up to 3 hours over uneven surfaces including soft sand, rocky surfaces and creek crossing. Some itineraries will explore remote locations. No walkers allowed.
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Challenging
For travellers with a high level of fitness and previous outdoor experience. Building on Highly Active requirements, these tours involve full days of physical activity in remote or rugged locations that may be difficult to access. You must be able to walk confidently for 6 or more hours per day over multiple days while carrying a day pack and be comfortable walking in varied weather conditions. Not suitable for travellers using walking aids or requiring assistance.
