Venture past the Blue Mountains to the forested and artisanal heart of New South Wales on this five-day Warrumbungles adventure. From Sydney, jump on the road with a group of like-minded travellers bound for regional delights, including produce tastings, wilderness walks through verdant national parks, visits to The Dish observatory and the Three Sisters lookout, and local insight into First Nations cultures in the area. Passing by Katoomba, Orange, Mudgee and a whole host of local outposts, you’ll get a true sense of what regional Australia is all about – keeping it local and nothing but laidback.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Sydney – Blue Mountains – Orange
Welcome to Sydney! Your adventure begins this morning at a centrally located point – check the ‘Joining Point Instructions’ of your Essential Trip Information for further details. Once you’ve introduced yourself to your group leader and travel group, it’s time to hit the road! Leave the city behind, take a coffee stop en route and begin breathing in the fresh air of the Blue Mountains. Your first stop is one of Australia’s most renowned vistas – the Three Sisters and Echo Point Lookout. Stretch your legs and have your camera handy for some awesome shots. Continue your journey west hugging the range, keeping your eyes peeled for kangaroos, emus and wedge-tailed eagles in and above the plains. Grab yourself some lunch as you continue your drive towards Orange, arriving in the mid-afternoon. After a reasonable amount of driving today, it’s time to relax. Join the group as your friendly hosts provide a spread of local wines and produce to welcome you to regional NSW. Afterwards, freshen up then keep the festivities going for an included welcome dinner and drink. Today is all about introductions, so after dinner perhaps head with a couple of your newfound mates for a shot of pool and a couple of drinks.
Accommodation
- Hotel (1 Night)
- Orange - Welcome dinner
- Orange - Wine flight & tasting platter
- Blue Mountains - Three Sisters & Echo Point
- Dinner
Thinking that just because you’ve left Sydney, the brunch scene won’t follow you? Think again. Treat yourself to a gourmet breakfast at an Orange cafe with your group, with sweet and savoury options, plus some great coffee. Continue towards Parkes – home of the mighty CSIRO Parkes Radio Telescope. The Dish, made famous by the 2000 Australian film of the same name, has been crucial in receiving data from space exploration, including during the Apollo 11 mission. After exploring the site, continue to Warrumbungle National Park. Formed over millions of years, the Warrumbungle region is a bushwalker, birdwatcher and stargazer’s dream. This afternoon, hear from a local ranger the First Nations history of this area – the wildlife, nature, geography and cultural significance of this land. Take the time to ask questions and understand the importance of this region to traditional owners. Afterwards, retire to your nearby accommodation, nestled in a valley and flanked by the Castlereagh River. Tonight, head to Peter Starr’s Warrumbungle Observatory and experience an eye-opening 90-minute astronomy and stargazing presentation. Learn about how to navigate the night sky, see up to four telescopes in action, and get the chance to snap some incredible shots of the Milky Way. This area is home to Australia’s first Dark Sky Park, so no pollution or light will impede your view of constellations on full display.
Accommodation
- Motel (1 Night)
- Parkes - CSIRO Parkes Radio Telescope ("The Dish")
- Warrumbungle NP - Spirey View Track walk
- Warrumbungle NP - Whitegum Lookout
- Breakfast
Enjoy a hearty included breakfast, then head back to visit the Warrumbungle National Park another time on a leader-led walk. Depending on your group’s desires and fitness level, there is a range of walks in the national park that you can discuss at the visitor centre, including the Spirey View Track (approximately 2 hours) or to Whitegum Lookout (30 minutes). There may even be some better trails if you are all interested in a spot of birdwatching this morning. Later in the afternoon, you have plenty of time to explore the area at your own pace, or instead simply chill out back at your accommodation. Here, there’s a pool and a three-hole golf course, so take your pick at how you’ll relax!
Accommodation
- Motel (1 Night)
- Warrumbungle NP - Warrumbungle Observatory night sky experience
- Warrumbungle NP - Guided walk
- Breakfast
Have some breakfast with your group surrounded by the mountains before setting off on a drive towards the historical, cultural and epicurean highlights of the region. Make your way to the regional town of Gulgong, home to the Henry Lawson Museum – the revered Australian writer and bush poet. After soaking up some stanzas and Gulgong’s small-town feel, continue to Mudgee, where you’ll head to a couple wine and produce tastings at local haunts. If you haven’t realised by now, regional NSW is renowned for its high quality and locally sourced produce, and especially wines. And while on holiday, it’s all the more reason to get a true taste of a place, so indulge yourself! Tonight, celebrate your regional NSW adventure with your group, perhaps with dinner and some drinks in town. There are plenty of places within walking distance of your comfortable accommodation tonight, so ask your leader their recommendations.
Accommodation
- Motel (1 Night)
- Warrumbungle NP - Morning guided walk
- Mudgee - Wine & produce tasting
- Breakfast
Continue to be impressed by regional NSW’s food scene with some breakfast at a local cafe, before joining the travel group in your private vehicle for a road trip back to Sydney via the back roads through Broke, Woollobi and the renowned Hunter Valley. Today is a relaxed day with plenty of stops along the way to stretch your legs, buy some food and appreciate the scenery at viewpoints. Plus in the afternoon, you’ll stop by a boutique winery in the Hunter Valley for a tasting, further reinforcing how good the region’s drop is. Arrive back in Sydney in the late afternoon, bound for the central Mcleay Hotel, where the tour finishes on arrival.
Included Activities
- Hunter Valley - Wine Tasting
- Breakfast
Photo Gallery





Terms and Conditions
-- JOINING POINT -- Macleay Hotel 28 MacLeay St Elizabeth Bay Sydney 2011 AUSTRALIA Phone: 02 93577755 -- PROBLEMS AND EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION -- While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or our local representative straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip. We recognise that there may be times when your group leader/local partner may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case, please ask the leader to speak to their direct manager. You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback, which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip. Please do be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is completed, so informing us while still travelling will give us the opportunity to resolve the issue in real-time. For general contact details please use the following page: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/ourtrips/contact/ In case of a genuine crisis or emergency, you can reach our local office on the number below: Via Travel: +61 2 7229 1083 -- ITINERARY DISCLAIMER -- OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your leader know you are interested in the Group Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and leaders are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk. ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It is important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. The order and timing of included activities in each location may also vary seasonally to ensure our travellers have the best experience. Your tour leader will keep you up to date with any such changes once on tour. ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER CULTURAL EXPERIENCES & COMMUNITIES Due to cultural sensitivities, entry to particular parts of local First Nations communities may be unavailable. Where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander guides are unavailable in the Red Centre an Intrepid leader will lead the interpretive cultural walk. Top End cultural experiences are only available during the dry season (May-Oct) as sites are subject to flooding. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander guides may be absent due to cultural commitments with minimal prior notification and Intrepid reserves the right to amend the itinerary in these circumstances with no obligation to refund. -- FEEDBACK -- Can’t stop thinking about your adventure? Tell us all about it! We read each piece of feedback carefully and use it to make improvements for travellers like you. Share your experience with us at: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/feedback/ -- FOOD AND DIETARY REQUIREMENTS -- While travelling with us you'll experience the vast array of wonderful food available in the world. Your group leader will be able to suggest restaurants to try during your trip. To give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat, generally not all meals are included in the trip price. This also gives you more budgeting flexibility. As a rule our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. If you have dietary requirements and/or food allergies, please let your booking agent know prior to departure. -- ACCOMMODATION -- Rainforest Retreat (1 night) Motel (3 nights) -- TRANSPORT -- Private vehicle -- PACKING -- https://www.intrepidtravel.com/packing-list WATER BOTTLE Consider bringing your own water bottle to refill along the way. Although it can be difficult to avoid bottled water when travelling, please use the water dispensers which are provided on some of our vehicles and at some of our accommodation. Your leader will advise whether tap water is safe to drink in your destination, if it is you can simply refill with tap water. When unable to avoid bottled water it is better to buy the largest available and distribute into your smaller bottle for the day. What you need to bring will vary according to the trip style you have chosen, the countries you are visiting and when you are travelling. Generally speaking, we recommend you pack as lightly as possible and make sure that you are able to carry and lift your own luggage, and walk with it for short distances or up or down a flight of stairs. Our travellers usually find the smaller their luggage is, the more they enjoy the trip not having to worry about carrying heavy bags! Aim to keep your main luggage under 15kg. Many travellers carry their luggage in a compact smaller suitcase or backpack with wheels. We recommend your bag has carry straps or handles so it is easy to lift and carry for the times you are unable to wheel it (ie. on rough surfaces or up steps). If you are taking overnight trains, or primarily using public transport then the smaller your luggage the easier it will be to store under or above bunks. Large suitcases may not be able to be taken on board. A lockable bag or small padlock for your bag will be useful especially when travelling on public transportation as well. You'll also need a day pack/bag to carry water, camera, and jacket etc. when you’re exploring during the day. Below we have listed the essentials for this trip: -- GROUP LEADER -- All group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced leader however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your leader is new to a particular region or training other group leaders. Your leader will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects. At Intrepid we aim to support local guides who have specialised knowledge of the regions we visit. If you are interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your leader can recommend a local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip. -- SAFETY -- Most national governments provide regularly updated foreign travel advice on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all destinations and activities on your trip. Please refer to our website's safety page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues affecting our trips here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/travel-alerts We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, flight tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of our hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. Your leader will accompany you on all included activities, however, during your trip you'll have some free time to pursue your own interests or relax and take it easy. While your leader will assist you with the available options in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your Intrepid itinerary, and Intrepid makes no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Please also note that your Leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it's deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Intrepid's operational safety policies can be viewed on our website at the link below. We recommend that you take a moment to read through this information before travelling, and would appreciate any feedback on how safety is being managed on our trips. https://www.intrepidtravel.com/safety-guidelines -- A COUPLE OF RULES -- Everyone has the right to feel safe when they travel. We don’t tolerate any form of violence (verbal or physical) or sexual harassment, either between customers or involving our leaders, partners or local people. Sexual relationships between a tour leader and a customer are strictly forbidden. Use or possession of illegal drugs will not be tolerated on our trips. If you choose to consume alcohol while travelling, we encourage responsible drinking and expect that you’ll abide by the local laws regarding alcohol consumption. The sex tourism industry is known to exploit vulnerable people and have negative consequences on communities, including undermining the development of sustainable tourism. For this reason, patronising sex workers will not be tolerated on our trips. By travelling with us you are agreeing to adhere to these rules. You must at all times comply with the laws, customs, foreign exchange and drug regulations of all countries visited, and you also agree to travel in accordance with our Responsible Travel Guidelines. The decision of the group leader is final on all matters likely to affect the safety or well-being of any traveller or staff member participating in the trip. If you fail to comply with a decision made by a group leader, or interfere with the well-being or mobility of the group, the group leader may direct you to leave the trip immediately, with no right of refund. We may also elect not to carry you on any future trips booked. If you feel that someone is behaving inappropriately while travelling with us, please inform your tour leader or local guide immediately. Alternatively, contact us on the emergency contact number detailed in the Problems and Emergency Contact section of this Essential Trip Information. For additional Conditions of Carriage regarding COVID-19, see here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/conditions-carriage -- TRAVELLING IN A GROUP -- As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and likely a range of age groups too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part. Due to privacy reasons, we are unable to provide you with contact details and any personal information about your fellow travellers booked on your trip prior to departure. SOLO TRAVELLERS This is the beauty of our style of travel: many of our travellers join because they are travelling solo and want to meet and share experiences with like-minded people. We pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender as per your passport or the information we have in our booking system, so if you identify differently from the gender marker on your passport, please let us know in advance. We also have a Single Supplement available on most trips for travellers who prefer to have their own room. Please note that this only applies to accommodation during the tour. Pre-trip and post-trip accommodation booked through us will on a single room basis. Some of our itineraries have accommodation booked on an open gender, multi-share basis and where applicable this will be specified in our Essential Trip Information. -- TRAVEL INSURANCE -- Travel insurance is compulsory on all our trips for those travelling internationally. We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. If you are travelling within your home country or region please confirm before travel that you are entitled to access the public medical system easily should an accident occur. We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international trips, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24-hour emergency contact number has been sighted by your leader. If you have credit card insurance your group leader will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country. Travellers who reside within the European Union or Switzerland receive basic international health insurance, so travel insurance is not mandatory under European Union Law. However, as this does not cover situations such as emergency rescues, private health care, or repatriation to their home country, comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended. European Union or Swiss travellers who decline travel insurance when travelling outside of their home region must sign a Travel Insurance Waiver Form at the Group Meeting. For assistance with travel insurance or other services, please visit the link below: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/booking-resources/our-services