Sydney & Bushland: Private Wildlife, Koalas & Beaches Tour

Summary

See Sydney’s icons, wild bushland, koalas and secret coastlines

Feel Sydney wake up around you before heading into wild bushland with a local guide, meeting koalas and kangaroos face-to-face, tasting fresh seafood by the beach, and pausing at secret lookouts over rivers and valleys. This private tour folds city icons and raw nature into one day—you’ll leave with sandy shoes, new stories, maybe even a craving for chocolate-covered mangoes.

What’s the experience like?

You know that feeling when you open your eyes and for a second, you forget where you are? That was me staring out at Sydney Harbour from Mrs Macquarie’s Chair—wind off the water, the bridge looking like some giant iron backbone. Our guide, Dave (born-and-bred Sydneysider), handed me a flat white and pointed out where convicts had carved the sandstone. I tried to imagine their hands on this same stone. The Opera House glowed weirdly white in the morning haze. We took photos but honestly, I just wanted to keep looking.

Crossing the Harbour Bridge felt like leaving one world for another—city noise fading into gum trees and birds I didn’t even know existed (one sounded like a rusty swing set). Dave told stories about “The Giant Coathanger,” which made us laugh—he’s got that dry Aussie humor. In Berowra Valley National Park we walked along sandy trails; eucalyptus leaves crunched underfoot and every so often we’d stop to look at Aboriginal carvings. There was this moment where the bush went quiet except for distant kookaburras—felt ancient, somehow. My shoes were full of sand by then but I didn’t care.

I didn’t expect lunch to be so good—a golden croissant from Saddles Restaurant (the coffee really did wake me up), then later at Avoca Beach Point Cafe, fish so fresh it almost tasted sweet. Black swans drifted across a pond nearby; someone said they’re good luck here. We watched pelicans squabble over scraps by the rock pools after lunch—big clumsy birds with surprising grace when they glide in. If you want oysters or wine tastings or even chocolate-covered mangoes (which are weirdly addictive), there’s time for that too depending on what you’re into.

The wildlife park was my favorite part—getting close to koalas and kangaroos without fences between us. One kangaroo sniffed my hand and hopped off like he had better things to do. The keepers told us about conservation work—made me think differently about these animals, not just as mascots but as something worth protecting. On the way back we stopped at this lookout above Hawkesbury River—sky all pink and gold over mangroves—and nobody said much for a while. I still think about that view sometimes when I’m stuck in traffic back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Sydney and Surrounding Nature

• Visit Mrs Macquarie's Chair viewpoint
• Photograph Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge
• Cross Sydney Harbour Bridge
• Walk in Berowra Valley National Park
• Enjoy coffee and croissant at Saddles Restaurant
• Visit Walkabout Wildlife Park
• See secret Hawkesbury River lookout

Top questions

How long is the private wildlife & nature tour from Sydney?

The tour lasts a full day with flexible timing depending on your pace and interests.

Are hotel pickups included in this Sydney wildlife tour?

Yes, hotel pickup is included for your convenience.

Will I see koalas and kangaroos on this tour?

Yes, entry to Walkabout Wildlife Park is included where you can meet koalas and kangaroos up close.

Is lunch provided during the day trip?

No, lunch is not included—you can choose from recommended stops like Avoca Beach Point Cafe or Saddles Restaurant at your own expense.

Can I try local wine or oysters on this tour?

Yes, optional stops include wine tastings at Firescreek Winery or oysters at Hawkesbury River Oystershed if open during your visit.

Is this Sydney bushland tour suitable for kids or people with limited mobility?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels; transportation is wheelchair accessible and infant seats are available.

Are there professional photos taken during the tour?

Yes, complimentary professional photos of you are included during the experience.

What kind of vehicle will we travel in?

You’ll travel in an air-conditioned private SUV or van depending on group size.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup in Sydney, entry fees to Walkabout Wildlife Park where you'll meet native animals like koalas and kangaroos, bottled water plus Australian wine (alcoholic or non-alcoholic), chocolate treats along the way, comfortable private transport throughout in an air-conditioned SUV or van if needed, a fully escorted experience with your own professional guide/driver—and complimentary professional photos to remember it all by before returning home in the evening.