A captivating metropolis nestled along the picturesque shores of Australia’s eastern coast, Sydney is renowned for its stunning landmarks, cultural diversity and vibrant atmosphere.
It’s home to some of the most prestigious restaurants with gourmet food and wine experiences alongside scenic landscapes and wildlife that can’t be found anywhere else.
The capital city of New South Wales truly has something to offer everyone, from adventure enthusiasts, arts and culture lovers, to food connoisseurs and beach lovers.
Sydney Opera House, Sydney
You can’t go to Sydney without visiting the iconic Sydney Opera House, right?
And why wouldn’t you? The Sydney Opera House is a Unesco World Heritage Site that is a true masterpiece of architecture and engineering, offering awe-inspiring waterfront views the Harbour.
Sydney Opera House is host to many of the world’s greatest artists and theatrical performances, and you can get a peek at what happens behind the scenes with a guided tour of the landmark location.
With the guided tour, visitors will get to learn more about the building's architecture and history, with a chance to peek into the rehearsal studio where performers practise their routines.
Here, you can also find Opera Bar which is a perfect spot to enjoy the breathtaking view of the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. The menu at Opera Bar is inspired by the spirit of Sydney, offering fresh, local and seasonal ingredients prepared by culinary aficionados.
If you’re waiting to catch a show, you can also pop by Opera Bar for a spritzy drink or quench your thirst with crisp pale ales on draught.
Nearby is The Rocks where you can find other landmarks like Circular Quay, First Fleet Park and Museum of Contemporary Art Australia for your culture fix.
Featherdale Wildlife Park, Sydney
Home to the world’s largest collection of Australian wildlife, Featherdale Wildlife Park houses over 2,000 mammals, birds and reptiles, from more than 260 species.
From cuddly koalas and bounding kangaroos to cheeky wombats and elusive Tasmanian devils, the park provides a rare opportunity to interact with some of the country’s most iconic animals.
You can take part in koala and wallaby feeding sessions, enjoy informative wildlife presentations and even get your picture taken with a furry friend.
Blue Mountains National Park, New South Wales
Located an hour and a half from Sydney lies the breathtaking expanse of the Blue Mountains National Park – a Unesco World Heritage Site that will leave you in wonder.
The Blue Mountains is the perfect place for thrill seekers to get an exhilarating experience amidst the scenic landscape as Scenic World offers an exciting array of experiences that take you to new heights.
Board the world’s steepest incline railway, according to Guinness World Records – the Scenic Railway – as it dives into the heart of Jamison Valley’s rainforest, offering magnificent views along the way.
Alternatively, soar above the rainforest canopy on the Scenic Skyway, a glass-bottomed cable car that provides a bird’s eye view of the stunning sights below which include the Katoomba Falls and the Three Sisters.
For an added dose of excitement, take a ride on the Scenic Cableway, as it descends into the Jamison Valley and gives you access to the panoramic walking trails.
Sydney Oyster Farm, Central Coast
For the culinary adventurers, a visit to the Sydney Oyster Farm, located in the pristine waters of Hawkesbury River just one hour away from Sydney, is a must.
This working oyster farm offers immersive culinary tours where you’ll learn about the evolution of oyster farming and gain insights into the intricate art of oyster shucking.
The highlight of the experience is when you get to your table to taste freshly opened oysters from the very waters you stand in and pair them with a glass of crisp New South Wales wine.
The Hunter Valley, New South Wales
Nestled in the rolling hills and vineyards of New South Wales, the Hunter Valley offers a one-of-a-kind adventure that combines stunning aerial views and a touch of old-world charm.
Rise with the sun and embark on an hour-long hot air balloon ride (Optional Tour), where you’ll gently float above the remarkably lush vineyards of Australia’s wine country with a champagne breakfast to keep you company.
Once you’ve touched down from your aerial escapade, prepare to engage in a playful traditional wine making ritual: grape stomping.
Get ready to dance, squish and stomp your way through barrels of ripened grapes to get a first-hand experience of this age-old practice.
Port Stephens, New South Wales
With its beautiful beaches, stunning sand dunes and pristine waters, Port Stephens stands as a coastal paradise brimming with captivating experiences.
In the mornings, board the Dolphin Watching Cruise to catch a glimpse and feel the thrill of having wild bottlenose dolphins (and possibly whales during May to Nov) swimming alongside the boat, leaping and frolicking in the waves.
Beyond the azure waters, the unique landscape of the towering Stockton Sand Dunes, which is the largest moving sand dune in the Southern Hemisphere, beckons for a Sand Dune Safari Tour.
Brace yourself as you navigate the slopes on a sandboard, carving your way through the silky sand with the stunning turquoise waters of the Pacific Ocean as your backdrop.
Apple Vacations packages
There are many more destinations to visit and sights to see in Sydney and New South Wales, and you can experience them all with the special travel packages by Apple Vacations.
The travel agency is offering two packages priced from RM11,999 each with discounts up to RM1,000 per couple, including direct flights via Malaysia Airlines.
The first package comprises an 8D5N trip, and is available this year with a travel period between October and December.
This will see you visiting the Sydney Opera House, Featherdale Wildlife Park, The Blue Mountains, The Hunter Valley and Port Stephens.
The second package, which features the same itinerary as the first, will be available in 2024 with a travel period between January and March 2024.
You can also check out more great travel deals at the MITM Travel Fair 2023, which will be held at Mid Valley Exhibition Centre, from July 28 - 30.
To find out more about Apple Vacations’ travel packages, visit https://applevacations.my/.