Highlights
- Float across glistening Sydney Harbour on a romantic sunset dinner cruise
- Explore the most charming suburbs and stunning beaches with a Sydney local
- Spend a day tasting wine and other local produce in the Hunter Valley region
- Escape to the remote, wild, and exclusive Lord Howe Island
- Cook up your own barbecue feast in the wilderness on Lord Howe
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Sydney, Sunset Harbor Dinner Cruise | Sydney |
| Day 2 | BridgeClimb, Panoramic Sydney Sights, Potts Point Dining Walk | Sydney |
| Day 3 | Full-Day Hunter Valley Tour | Sydney |
| Day 4 | Fly to Lord Howe Island, Free Time & Island Expedition | Lord Howe Island |
| Day 5 | Free Day on Lord Howe Island | Lord Howe Island |
| Day 6 | Malabar Walk, Island-Style Barbecue | Lord Howe Island |
| Day 7 | Fly to Sydney, Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Sydney, Sunset Harbor Dinner Cruise
G'day and welcome to Sydney! Upon arrival at Sydney's international airport, a driver will be waiting to transfer you to your chic harborside hotel. Check in and refresh, then set out to explore the city as you wish. If it's early in the day, pop out for a flat white at a trendy café in the Surry Hills neighborhood. Then, drop into Darlinghurst, the heart of Sydney's LGBTQ+ community. Continue the suburban exploration in eclectic Newtown, where boutique shops and craft breweries await. For something more relaxing, head to the tranquil Centennial Park or the Royal Botanical Gardens.
Cap off your first day in Australia with a romantic sunset cruise on Sydney Harbour. From the spacious 78-foot (24 m) vessel, you can admire the Sydney Opera House, Fort Denison, Luna Park, and more as the sun sinks into the harbor and the city skyline comes alive. As you watch hues of pink and orange fade into the horizon, you'll feast on a three-course menu prepared by local chefs and influenced by multicultural Sydney and local ingredients.
Day 2: BridgeClimb, Panoramic Sydney Sights, Potts Point Dining Walk
Watch Sydney wake up from atop the famous coat hanger—the Sydney Harbour Bridge! Strap on a harness and let a BridgeClimb leader take you 439 feet (134 m) above sea level. The adrenaline-pumping journey provides stunning 360-degree views of the city as you cross the Australian icon. After, get ready to explore Sydney with a local guide. Hear fascinating stories of early convict history in The Rocks area, and see dizzying views of the famous Opera House and bridge. Shop till you drop at the Queen Victoria Building and explore the trendy Oxford Street district.
Head east for a refreshing drink at the famous Bondi Beach while admiring bronzed Aussie lifesavers. Continue to Tamarama and Bronte beaches before returning to the city via Centennial Park and Paddington, a hip suburb with elegant terrace houses. Later on, you'll join a local foodie for a walk through Potts Point. If you like to eat where the locals do, your well-connected friend will help you explore Sydney's fabulous small bar culture as you dine across a handful of restaurants in one evening. Potts Points has been a place for Sydneysiders to meet since the 1940s, so dress up and venture out!
Day 3: Full-Day Hunter Valley Tour
Australia's oldest wine-growing region is home to more than 150 vineyards, and on today's full-day Hunter Valley tour, you and your partner will sip, swill, and sample your way through vineyards, meet furry and friendly locals, and encounter cute towns. Kick off with morning tea in Brooklyn, a charming river village. Then, take a scenic detour via Wollombi, passing national parks, small farms, and picturesque towns. At opening time, drop into the Australian Walkabout Wildlife Park to see koalas, kangaroos, emus, and other native wildlife roam freely on a 198-acre (80 ha) expanse.
Yes, it's an early start, but you'll see the animals at their most active! After, it's wine time. Your private guide will take you to a handful of local wineries to taste award-winning drops, and you'll savor a delectable long lunch at an esteemed winery restaurant or cozy local café. You'll round out the day with a few more wine tastings or switch lanes and meet a local chocolatier, then visit an olive grove before the return drive to Sydney.
Day 4: Fly to Lord Howe Island, Free Time & Island Expedition
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Located in the Tasman Sea between Australia and New Zealand, Lord Howe Island is known for its pristine blue waters, lush forest, volcanic peaks, and a distinctive style of "barefoot luxury." After breakfast, a private driver will take you to the airport for your two-hour flight to this secluded paradise. On arrival at the tiny island airport, you'll be met by managers of the luxurious Capella Lodge, the ultimate island castaway escape. The small island has just 350 residents and allows only 400 visitors at any time. Enter the lodge and enjoy welcome drinks before settling into your deluxe suite.
This afternoon, set off to explore the island on foot. Your first taste is the Valley of the Shadows walk, which takes around one hour. Along this special trek, you'll come across huge banyan trees—sometimes known as strangler figs—whose mammoth aerial roots stretch out through the forest. They stand alongside towering Kentia palms, which are endemic to the island and cast shadows over the forest floor. The hike starts near Middle Beach, taking you along the Clear Place loop track, where you'll experience the island's wilder eastern coast and incredible views.
Day 5: Free Day on Lord Howe Island
Today is yours to explore Lord Howe Island your way. It's your romantic getaway, so choose to sleep in and enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the lodge. Or rise early to hike up Mount Gower, a challenging yet rewarding trek that promises breathtaking views of the mysterious and wild island. The full-day guided hike takes you through lush rainforests and over rocky terrain. You'll follow the contours of Mount Gower before climbing its southern face—sometimes using ropes—to reach the upper slopes. At the summit, enjoy the magic of the misty cloud forest and island views before the big descent.
Alternatively, you could choose to go snorkeling at Ned's Beach, where crystal-clear waters teem with colorful marine life, including vibrant corals, tropical fish, and sometimes friendly sea turtles. Or you could go for a peaceful stroll along the island's pristine beaches, feeling the soft white sand between your toes as you stroll hand-in-hand. Return to the lodge for sunset drinks and canapés and watch as the sun slips over the horizon from Gowers Terrace before sitting down for a romantic three-course dinner prepared by Capella's executive chef, Dennis Tierney.
Day 6: Malabar Walk, Island-Style Barbecue
After a hearty breakfast at the lodge, you'll lace up your sneakers for a half-day self-guided walk. There's no mobile phone reception on Lord Howe, so the best way to experience the island is to switch off and dive into nature. One of the most popular walks is the Malabar Track, starting from Ned's Beach Road and climbing to the top of a long mountain ridge. Soak up the famous views of Ned's Beach, the lagoon, and the mountains. The trail takes two hours, so you can be back in time for lunch.
Day 7: Fly to Sydney, Depart
Your seven-day Australian honeymoon comes to an end today. Enjoy a final leisurely breakfast at the lodge, then pack your bags. You may have time before your departing flight to squeeze in one final activity. You could pedal downtown to swim in the blue lagoon and visit the island museum.
When the time is right, you'll take a transfer to the airport for your departing flight to Sydney. From Sydney, you can catch your international flight home or onward. Safe travels!
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