Collect THRIFTY MEDIUM SEDAN rental car either at Sydney airport or Sydney city depot.
Commence your drive along either the Western Motorway or the Great Western Highway to the Blue Mountains and your over night accommodation at the ALPINE MOTOR INN . This drive is approximately 125 kms.
THE BLUE MOUNTAINS derive their name from the ever-present blue haze caused by the sun's rays striking the minuscule droplets of eucalyptus oil, which evaporate from the leaves of the dense forest. The city of the Blue Mountains comprises 26 towns and villages, stretching from Perth (53 km from Sydney ) to Mount Victoria (122 km from Sydney ).

LEURA is Aboriginal for lava, and while the Blue Mountains are predominantly sandstone, many volcanic rocks have been found in the area. Of all the mountain resort villages, Leura is probably the most prestigious, as some of the grand houses in the district proclaim. Leura Mall is charming and old world, with coffee shops, restaurants and art galleries all in Heritage colors. Cliff Drive offers access to many beautiful waterfalls, like Leura, Linda, Lila and Bridal Veil Falls . But it is the gardens and mansions most visitors come to see. Everglades Gardens , owned by the National Trust, was designed by the famous Danish landscaper, Paul Sorensen. Nearby Leuralla, which is another magnificent home, also houses the largest collection of toys, dolls, teddy bears and model railways in Australia .

KATOOMBA is the gateway to some spectacular scenery. There are the sandstone formations of The Three Sisters , the Scenic Railway , originally designed to take coalminers 250 meters down the cliff face and reputedly the steepest in the world, or the Skyway cable car, offering superb views over the Katoomba Falls and the valley floor.

Travel north on the Western Highway through the towns of Katoomba, Medlow Bath & Black heath to Mount Victoria . At Mount Victoria turn right onto the Bells Line of Road and travel through the townships of Bell , Bilpin and Kurrajong Heights before arriving into Richmond . At the Richmond Bridge , the road changes name to the Kurrajong road. Travel along this road to the corner of Market street , where you turn left and then first on the right onto Windsor Road (follow the Sydney signs at this stage). Travel past the Richmond RAAF Airbase, Rouse Hill & Kellyville.
Just after the shops at Kellyville, Windsor Road veers to the left. Continue along this road until you reach Showground Road where you turn left. Travel through Castle Hill until you reach a T intersection where you turn left onto the Old Northern Road and right onto Castle Hill Road . Turn left onto Pennant Hills Road (the Cumberland Highway ) and follow the signs to the National 1 Freeway. The turn onto the National 1 freeway is at the Suburb of Norman Hurst.
Travel on the freeway until you see the turn off signs for the towns of Toronto and Cessnock. Travel along Eckerts road to Pokolbin to arrive at your overnight accommodation at HUNTER RESORT COUNRTY ESTATE . This drive is approximately 250 KM.
HUNTER VALLEY - The Hunter Valley is the oldest wine producing area in New South Wales , with the first vines being brought here in the 1820's. It is one of Australia 's more scenic wine growing areas, with the Hunter River winding its way lazily through the grapevine clad hills. Renowned for the production of top quality table wines, the Valley has wineries ranging from very large, more commercial estates to the smaller boutique style wineries. There are approximately 150 wineries in this area and some of the well-known ones are Tyrells, McWilliams, Lindemans, McGuigans and Draytons.

This morning perhaps you would like to spend some time exploring some of the local wineries. Then depart the Hunter Valley and travel to Maitland where you join the New England Highway. Follow the signs to Raymond Terrace and then Nelson Bay, Salamanda and Port Stephens for your overnight accommodation at COMFORT INN SALAMANDER SHORES. This drive is approximately 95 km.
PORT STEPHENS is a series of idyllic seaside villages scattered along a crystal clear waterway and the Pacific Ocean. Famous for its natural unspoilt beauty, the area is known as the "Blue Water Paradise". White sandy beaches and attractive bays and inlets ring the shores of this estuary, which is two and a half times the size of Sydney Harbor. Commonly referred to as the "Dolphin Capital of Australia", Port Stephens is best known for its resident population of over 140 bottlenose dolphins.
The best way to see the pods of these playful creatures is on one of the many cruises that depart Nelson Bay daily, all year round