Blue Mountains & Southern Australia Discovery

Escape the urban buzz of Sydney and enter a world of misty forests, wild valleys and ethereal falls on a 4-day walking adventure through the Blue Mountains. Named for the eucalyptus haze that clings to its features, there’s no better way to explore this diverse ecosystem than on foot, and with an expert leader by your side, you’ll leave with all the local secrets and inside knowledge of the landscapes you walk through. Marvel at the Three Sisters rock formation, stand in awe of the Empress Falls, visit the regal Ruined Castle and learn about Aboriginal history on a walk with a First Nations guide. When adventure calls, the Blue Mountains are the answer. Then explore Southern Australia by sea. Visit mellow Kangaroo Island and bustling Melbourne. Take in the culture and sights of Hobart and Adelaide on overnight stays.

 Your tour and cruise package includes:

• 2 nights accommodation in Sydney
• 4 day Walk The Blue Mountains Tour
• Includes 3 nights accommodation, 3 breakfasts and 4 lunches
• 14 night Southern Australia cruise onboard Westerdam, Sydney return
• All onboard meals in complimentary dining venues & selected non-alcoholic beverages
• A wide range of onboard activities & entertainment
• Port charges & prepaid gratuities onboard your cruise

 Included activities on Walk The Blue Mountains Tour: 

• Blue Mountains - Wentworth Falls & Valley of the Waters Walk
• Blue Mountains - Sunrise First Nations Cultural Walk
• Blue Mountains - Leura Cascades & Ruined Castle Walk
• Blue Mountains - Local Winery Visit
• Blue Mountains - Grand Canyon Loop
• Blue Mountains - Local Cider Farm Visit
• Blue Mountains - Pierce's Pass & Grose Valley Walk

 ***Rate is based on twin share for travel 18 November to 6 December 2022.***

Walk The Blue Mountains Tour

Day 1: Sydney / Blue Mountains / Katoomba
Welcome to the Blue Mountains! Your adventure begins in Sydney, your gateway to a land of rugged peaks, soaring waterfalls and dense eucalyptus forest. Here you’ll meet your fellow travellers and local leader for an 8.30am welcome meeting and to get your hiking packs ready to go, then it’s time to hit the road and drive to the town of Wentworth Falls. Continue through to Conservation Hut where you’ll jump out of the vehicle and begin your explorations on foot. Take in awe-inspiring views of the Jamison Valley and Mt Solitary as you follow the Valley of the Waters track towards the eponymous Wentworth Falls and watch as the cascade plunges through rainforest into a beautiful pool below. Climb down the sandstone-carved Grand Stairway to the bottom of the falls to admire it from a different perspective, and if you’re feeling particularly adventurous, take a quick dip in its cool waters. Step onto the Wentworth Pass and weave through spectacular forests broken up by meandering creeks and lovely little waterfalls, then climb up through the Valley of the Waters into lush rainforest. Soak in some amazing views over an al fresco picnic lunch then loop back around to where your walk began, passing by more stunning falls including the magical and much-photographed Empress Falls. After your walk, drive to the town of Katoomba and settle into your accommodation, then perhaps get to know your group a little better over dinner at a local brewery.
Accommodation: Motel
Meals: Lunch

Special Information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting at 8.30am today as we will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details at this time and departing towards the Blue Mountains straight after. If you are going to be late, please let your booking agent know immediately. Today’s walk is approximately 7km and around 4-5 hours.

Day 2: Blue Mountains / Katoomba
Embrace an early start and an exciting day ahead. Today you’ll learn about the traditional owners of the land, the Darug and Gundungurra peoples, during a sunrise walk from Echo Point with a First Nations guide. Hear stories of one of the world’s oldest living cultures and see how it’s still present and celebrated today. Return to your accommodation to fuel up with breakfast, then lace up your boots for another fantastic walk. Kicking off from Leura Cascades, follow the Leura Creek through beautiful forest down into the impressive greenery of the Jamison Valley. Arrive at the Leura Forest, alive with the song of lyrebirds, then continue beneath the iconic Three Sisters rock formation, along Federal pass and past the remains of shale mines that sit at the bottom of the Jamison Valley’s dramatic cliffs. Arrive at the Ruined Castle, an unusual rock formation that teeters above the valley, named for its castle-like appearance. Take a moment to appreciate epic views of the Southern Blue Mountains, then leave the valley via the Golden Stairs and relax during the minibus journey back to your accommodation. This evening you may like to check out a local award-winning restaurant with a delicious and sustainable menu.
Accommodation: Motel
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Special Information
Today’s walk is approximately 15km and around 7 hours and will cover a series of steps.

Day 3: Blue Mountains / Katoomba
The Grand Canyon track is undoubtably one of the most celebrated and beloved in the Blue Mountains region, and today you’ll find out why. Set off along this historic trail, walking through an ever-changing ecosystem of dry sclerophyll forest and dense green rainforest. Arrive in the heart of the Grand Canyon and hike beneath Coachwood and Sassafras trees, looking up at the huge sandstone walls that surround you. Your leader will let you in on local secrets and share insight on the fascinating flora and fauna within the canyon. Stop in a scenic spot for a picnic lunch then climb out of the canyon to the Evans Lookout for incredible views over the Grose Valley. This afternoon, head to a local family-run winery to sample a delicious range of vintages and drink in views as impressive as the wine. You may also like to pay a visit to the Blue Mountains Cultural Centre to learn more about the diverse landscapes of the region and the communities who live within them. This evening, why not round off your adventure with a group dinner at a local microbrewery – the perfect chance to look back on all you’ve seen and done over the last few days.
Accommodation: Motel
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Special Information
Today’s walk is approximately 7km and around 5 hours. 

Day 4: Blue Mountains / Sydney
It may be your final day but there’s still plenty of memorable sights to discover. Take a scenic drive to Pierces Pass before arriving at the little-visited and totally beautiful Grose Valley. Here you’ll set off on your last walk in the dazzling landscapes of the Blue Mountains. Wander beneath tree ferns and along cliff tops then make a gentle descent into a shady eucalyptus forest, followed by a steeper and at times challenging descent down to the river. Take some time to enjoy your peaceful surroundings and perhaps have a swim in the river before ascending from the valley. Begin the drive back to Sydney, stopping off en route at a local cider farm to taste the delicious drink made from apples discovered in the Blue Mountains region. Arrive back in Sydney around 6.30pm, at which point your Blue Mountains adventure will come to an end.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Special Information
Today’s walk is approximately 6km and around 5 hours and will cover a series of steps.

Southern Australia Cruise

Prices listed are per person in Australian/New Zealand Dollars, based on twin occupancy, including all discounts unless otherwise stated. The offer is subject to availability at time of booking and shown on the lowest inside category available at the time. Fares are capacity controlled and are subject to change at any time without notice. Prices/Offers are correct as at 11 May 2022 and can be withdrawn without notice.  Cabin categories include prepaid government fees and port taxes unless otherwise stated.  Hotels may charge resort fees not included in this package, payable direct upon check in. Visas are not included. Payments made by credit card will incur a surcharge.