Sydney Private Day Trip: Blue Mountains, Hunter Valley & Southern Highlands

A luxury minibus takes groups of up to 11 into the Blue Mountains, Hunter Valley or Southern Highlands — you pick the region, the driver handles the route.

You choose your destination — Blue Mountains, Hunter Valley or Southern Highlands — and the guide builds the day around what you want to see. Hotel pickup, air-conditioned minibus, WiFi and all transport are included; wine tastings, wildlife visits and café stops are optional add-ons. The group stays under 11 people, so the pace stays relaxed and the guide can adjust the route if something catches your interest.

Step-by-step itinerary

• Travel from Sydney to wine region
• Visit premium boutique vineyards
• Taste chocolate, cheese, and olive
• Enjoy beer, vodka, and gin tasting
• Dine at gourmet cafes and restaurants
• Optional visit to wildlife sanctuary

The Experience

The minibus arrives at your hotel, and from there you're in the hands of a guide who's been running groups to these areas for over a decade. That matters because the route isn't fixed — it bends around what you want to do that day. If you're heading to the Blue Mountains, you might start with a short walk on a flat track, then swing through a café in Katoomba, then take the scenic railway down into the valley. Or skip the railway and do wine tasting in the Megalong Valley instead. The point is you're not following a printed itinerary; you're following what makes sense for your group.

The Southern Highlands sits about 1.5 hours south of Sydney, and it's the kind of place where a day can unfold without much planning. Rolling hills, small villages, vineyards you can actually walk into. If wine isn't the draw, there's a wildlife sanctuary that tends to pull families in — kids get close to animals, adults get a break. Gourmet cafés and restaurants are scattered through the region, so lunch isn't a rushed thing. The Hunter Valley, Sydney's oldest wine region, works the same way: boutique vineyards, tasting rooms for chocolate and cheese and gin, mountain views while you eat. All of it happens inside the minibus — air-conditioned, WiFi on board, no negotiating public transport or rental cars.

Groups stay small enough that the guide can actually talk to you, not just point things out from the front. Families with infants bring prams; senior groups set their own pace. The vehicle is new, the driver knows the roads, and the day ends when you're back at your hotel. You don't arrange tickets or timing or figure out where to eat — that's already handled.

What’s included

• Private transportation in a new luxury minibus.
• hotel pickup and return.
• air-conditioned vehicle.
• WiFi on board.
• GST included. Wine tastings, wildlife sanctuary visits, café meals and scenic rides (such as the Blue Mountains railway) are optional and arranged with your guide on the day.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Kangarrific Tours

Is this one for you?Book this if you're traveling with a group of friends or family and want a full day out of Sydney without arranging transport, tickets or timing yourself — the minibus and guide handle the logistics, and you just choose which region appeals to you.

Top questions

How far are the Blue Mountains and Southern Highlands from Sydney?

The Blue Mountains are just outside Sydney and accessible by short walks and scenic rides. The Southern Highlands is about 1.5 hours south of the city.

What's included in the price?

Private transportation in the minibus, air-conditioned vehicle, WiFi on board, and GST. Wine tastings, meals and attraction entries are separate.

Can I choose which region to visit?

Yes. You can pick the Blue Mountains, Hunter Valley, Southern Highlands or Sydney city and beaches. The guide customizes the stops based on your interests.

Is this suitable for families with young children?

Yes. Infants can travel in prams or strollers, and specialized infant seats are available. The pace is relaxed and the guide can adjust the itinerary to suit families.

How many people can fit in the minibus?

Up to 11 people total, including children and infants.

Do I need to be fit to do this tour?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels. In the Blue Mountains, walks range from short flat tracks to longer hikes — you choose what suits you.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes, the minibus picks you up from your Sydney hotel and returns you at the end of the day.

Can I visit multiple regions in one day?

The tour is designed around one main destination per day. The guide can mix activities within that region — for example, wine tasting and walks in the Blue Mountains on the same day.