Southern Highlands: Private Day Tour with Blowholes & Wine

Summary

Experience blowholes, treetop walks, waterfalls and wine tasting

You’ll start your day with coastal views from Stanwell Tops before hearing (and feeling) Kiama’s famous blowholes thunder nearby. Walk above rainforest canopy at Illawarra Fly, taste local wines in charming villages, and stand in awe at Fitzroy Falls. This private tour from Sydney includes pickup and a local guide who knows every shortcut and story — you’ll come home salty-haired and smiling.

What’s the experience like?

“Did you hear that?” our guide Mark grinned as the Kiama Blowhole let out this wild, echoing roar behind us — honestly, I jumped. The spray caught the sunlight and for a second it looked like glitter in the air. We’d left Sydney just after breakfast (pickup was right at our hotel, which felt almost too easy), and by mid-morning we were standing on Stanwell Tops with mugs of tea, watching paragliders drift over the cliffs. The wind up there smells salty and sharp. I tried to take a photo but my hair kept blowing in front of the lens — classic.

Driving along the Sea Cliff Bridge felt like floating above the ocean. Mark pointed out little details — how the rock face changes color after rain, or which birds nest under the bridge. At Kiama, locals were already gathering near the blowhole with their kids, waiting for that perfect moment when water shoots up. It’s louder than you expect. There’s also this smaller one nearby (the Little Blowhole) that goes off more often; we wandered down there after lunch in town — fish so fresh it tasted sweet, honestly — and just sat on the rocks for a bit listening to waves slap against stone.

The Illawarra Fly Treetop Walk was next. You’re up high enough that you can see all the way out to sea if you squint through the gum trees. I’m not great with heights but somehow it felt safe up there; maybe because everyone else was laughing about how wobbly their legs felt too. Some people did the zipline (not me — maybe next time). Afterward we drove into the Southern Highlands proper, past these tiny villages where every shop window had something quirky inside — old books, local jams, hand-painted mugs.

Fitzroy Falls was our last big stop before heading back toward Sydney. The drop is huge — 81 meters or something like that — but what I remember most is just standing there with mist on my face and not really wanting to talk at all for a minute. We finished with a wine tasting at a vineyard tucked between rolling hills; I tried to pronounce “verdelho” properly and failed miserably (the winemaker laughed). On the drive home I kept thinking about that first blast of sea air at Stanwell Tops — funny how some moments stick.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Southern Highlands and South Coast Tour

• Pick up from city accommodation
• View Sea Cliff Bridge and Escarpment
• Enjoy morning tea
• Visit Kiama Blowhole viewing platform
• See the Little Blowhole spray
• Lunch in Kiama town centre
• Illawarra Fly Treetop Walk or Zipline
• Visit Fitzroy Falls in Morton National Park
• Optional wine tasting at Southern Highlands vineyard
• Drop off at city accommodation

Top questions

How long does this Southern Highlands tour from Sydney take?

The day trip lasts approximately 10-11 hours including travel time from Sydney.

Is hotel pickup included in this private tour?

Yes, hotel or port pickup in Sydney is included in your booking.

Can I choose between treetop walk or zipline at Illawarra Fly?

Yes, you can select either experience when you arrive; zipline is optional at extra cost.

Are meals provided during the tour?

A lunch stop is included at a restaurant in one of the towns along the route.

Is wine tasting part of this Southern Highlands day trip?

You can include a wine tasting at a local vineyard as part of your itinerary.

What are some highlights of this South Coast tour?

You’ll visit Stanwell Tops Lookout, Sea Cliff Bridge, Kiama Blowhole, Illawarra Fly Treetop Walk or zipline, Fitzroy Falls and boutique villages.

Is this tour suitable for children or families?

Yes, it’s suitable for all fitness levels and families; infant seats are available if needed.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup by air-conditioned minivan with bottled water provided throughout. You’ll have entry to attractions like Illawarra Fly Treetop Walk (zipline optional), enjoy lunch in a local restaurant plus an optional wine tasting before returning comfortably to your accommodation in Sydney.