Things to do in New South Wales

Take a cruise around magnificent Port Stephens Harbour on the biggest boat in the bay. Keep an eye out for the resident Bottlenose Dolphins as you head out on the water. Take in the sights of Tomaree and Yacaaba Headlands, Shoal Bay, Nelson Bay, and the Northern Harbour. Sit back and relax on the deck area, or if you feel like getting a bit wet, join in the boom net action. Slide down the Twist, Twirl, and Splash Waterslide attached to the boat, which whirls you into the boom net. Enjoy entertaining and informative commentary on board. If you feel like indulging in something a little different, there is a licensed bar on board that you can choose to purchase from. 

Uncork unexpected and unique experiences on a tour of Australia's Hunter Valley. Your 7-hour tour includes multiple wine tastings, a cheese and wine masterclass, a mystery wine experience, chocolate and wine pairings, a generous lunch, a glass of wine, and a tour of a working brewery. Go off the beaten track with your small group and find great Hunter wines that exist beyond the shelves of a bottle shop. Don’t expect to go on the path well-traveled—it’s too busy there, and there’s no room for surprises.   Speaking of surprises, did the mystery wine experience catch your eye? Your tour includes a unique wine encounter that is not available to your average walk-in wine-taster. The mystery wine experience is designed to build your wine knowledge while getting you involved, having a few laughs, and teaching you what makes Hunter Valley wine unique.   Your best day ever wouldn’t be complete without the dream weavers: knowledgeable guides are a huge part of what makes your day unforgettable. They’re passionate locals who love their wine and the Hunter Valley. So, are you ready for the best day ever?

Jervis Bay has been a Marine park for 18 years and is now one of the most unique and healthy ecosystems in Australia. That’s why the crystal clear waters of Jervis Bay and stunning unspoiled white sand beaches are home to over 100 bottlenose dolphins. Listen to the commentary about the history of Jervis Bay as you travel.  On this tour, you will have the privilege of watching these beautiful mammals. Discover pods of dolphins feeding around the reef systems, particularly Plantation Point and Callala. Sometimes they swim and race hundreds of meters to play on the bow. The Bottlenose dolphin is highly recognizable and known for its long snout and distinctive smile. Friendly and active, you will fall in love with them the moment that you lay eyes on them. 

Set out on a 2.5 hour kayaking adventure in Byron Bay. Receive instruction and equipment from your guide before you take in some of the best sights the East Coast has to offer. See the most Easterly Point of the Australian mainland and the Byron Bay Lighthouse from the sea. Learn about local history, aboriginal history, the lighthouse and the marine wildlife from your local guide while you paddle in your kayak around the famous Byron Bay marine reserve. If the opportunity arises, get up close and personal with friendly bottlenose dolphins and discover how inquisitive they can be. You can also look out for sea turtles as they come up for a breath of air and marvel at the size of the majestic humpback whales as they migrate through Byron Bay during June - October. Enjoy paddling your kayak out through the surf and later ride some of Australia's most famous waves. If you don't see a dolphin, turtle or whale you can paddle again with the tour operator free of charge.

Discover the Bottlenose dolphins that live in the pristine ecosystem of Jervis Bay. A protected marine park for 20 years, Jervis Bay is home to over 80 Bottlenose dolphins who love to frolic in its crystal-clear waters. Embark on a tour and search for the pods of these playful and friendly creatures. While on tour on the pristine waters, take part in the boom netting activity on board. As the boat cruises through the water, enjoy a fun jacuzzi-like experience as you sit in the boom net, sometimes surrounded by curious dolphins.

You have to experience sandboarding in Port Stephens. The thrill of sliding down the spectacular Stockton Sand Dunes is so much fun. From the meeting point at Birubi beach, you will board the custom-built off-road vehicle to start your adventure on the short, bouncy ride into the largest moving sand mass in the southern hemisphere. The dunes stretch 32 kilometers, the entire length of Stockton Beach, and can reach over 40 meters high, the same as a 10 storey building. The views alone are spectacular. Once you are in the dunes, the team will give you a rundown on sandboarding and how to use the handmade custom-designed boards for maximum safety and speed. Then you are off. Climb to the top of the dunes, jump on your board, then slide on down and repeat. Your ticket includes unlimited sandboarding so you can stay and play as long as you like. For most people that’s about 1 – 1.5 hours. When you're done just jump back aboard one of the 4WD buses, that leave every half an hour, and be taken back to the Birubi Beach starting point. It’s an amazing experience for everyone, no matter your age. The instructors are always on hand to help, answer any questions about sandboarding, Port Stephens or the dunes and to make sure you have maximum fun. Don’t forget to bring your camera along as you’ll have the chance to capture some amazing Port Stephens holiday snaps.

Enjoy an excursion from Sydney into the Blue Mountains. Visit Featherdale Wildlife Park and experience the amazing variety of Australian wildlife. Hand-feed kangaroos, see Koalas, and wombats, as well as many more native Australian birds and wildlife. Enjoy a visit to Leura Village, where you can buy your own lunch at a cafe or bakery. Your tour includes the 3 rides at Scenic World, Cableway, Skyway, and Railway. Stop at Echo Point to enjoy splendid views of the Jamison Valley and the 3 Sisters, a towering rock formation from the Dreamtime.  Bypass Sydney’s peak traffic on a Ferry cruise along Parramatta River into Circular Quay. From there you will make your own way back to your accommodation.

Head out to sea on a fun snorkel tour around the unique Julian Rocks Marine Reserve, as it combines the marine life found in the deep Southern Ocean as well as that found in the tropical waters of the Great Barrier Reef. Arrive at the Byron Bay Dive Centre either at your scheduled departure time or, if you’d like a free snorkel lesson, arrive 30 minutes before departure to practice in the heated pool. All tour participants must be able to swim to participate in this tour. Receive a short safety briefing before heading out to the Julian Rocks Marine Reserve. Journey to The Pass, about a 10-minute ride, and learn about this snorkeling spot. Get in the water for a 1-hour swim. Spot underwater creatures such as small wobbegong sharks, hard and soft corals, an assortment of rays, and three different kinds of sea turtles. Look for more than 400 different species of fish that make this area their home, and ask any questions you may have to the qualified dive staff. Head back to shore for a hot shower and some time spent with the crew identifying the creatures you saw.

The ultimate femme fatale is back, in a brand new island performance of Carmen in the middle of Sydney Harbour. Your Opera tickets will grant you access to Carmen as she tosses her hair, stamps her feet and the whole world falls under her spell. You’ll hear the flirty Habanera and famous Toreador song amid a spectacle that features fire-twirling, car crashes and fireworks. Your night begins with a ferry ride across the glittering water to the world-heritage listed sanctuary of Cockatoo Island. Step off the boat and you’re surrounded by layers of history. Once a meeting place for Indigenous Australians, the site is now dotted with the industrial relics of a century of ship-building and architectural marvels dating back to Sydney’s convict past. Today, the island is a world-class contemporary arts venue, hosting everything from the Biennale of Sydney to live concert performances. It’s the perfect backdrop for Bizet’s gritty tale of fate and freedom. Raise a glass with friends and grab a snack from an array of pop up bars and eateries on the foreshore before settling in under the stars for an unforgettable night out. You can even sail right up to the event and book a mooring to watch the show.

Regardless of your airline, ticket class, or membership, refresh before your outgoing flight in the kitted-out Plaza Premium Lounge or SkyTeam Lounge at Sydney Airport (SYD). See the inspiration from the Australian landscape and way of life in the decor and atmosphere of these exclusive lounges. Kick back in Plaza Premium Lounge’s comfortable seating area with views of the runway and casual dining areas. Enjoy all-inclusive entry to the Aero Bar serving alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, barista coffee, made-to-order bar snacks, and freshly-prepared local and international dishes. Relax in 784 square meters of pure luxury at the SkyTeam Exclusive Lounge. Find everything you need to unwind with hot showers, snacks, and international news channels. Normally reserved for business-class travelers and SkyTeam Elite Plus members, now you can feel like a VIP too.