I know there are several of you ladies in or from Australia (I've been lurking while I'm in Australia for work for 6 weeks).
DH is coming down to Sydney in 3 weeks and we want to do a guided tour of Hunter Valley. We don't want to drive because we both want to drink. Do any of you have a recommendation for a tour company? There are tons on the www.winecountry.com.au website. Are any of these better than the others?
Also, any other must do day trips? We're already planning to do the Blue Mountains, Manly beach (surfing lessons), Hunter Valley (obviously), Newcastle (because this is where I'm staying and I want to show him around), the Aquarium, and the Zoo.
Re: Aussie Ladies!
I'm not sure about Hunter Valley companies - we have always just driven with friends. But have fun!! Its such a lovely place!
If you are going to the Blue Mountains see if your tour stops at Featherdale - its an AWESOME Australian animal park - they have everything and you can get pictures standing by a koala (for 'free' - well you know, included in your ticket). Its on the way to the Blue Mountains. And if you can, stop in the town of Leura - cutest town in the Blue Mountains IMO - lots of lovely shops & places to eat.
Definitely Manly!!! OMG I love Manly (lived there for 3 years). Do the walk to Shelley beach too - doesn't take long and its a gorgeous walk (yummy cafe on the way too that a lot of locals eat at). Just walk to your right when you get to the beach (from the ferry) past the Manly surf club all the way the Shelley beach.
Zoo is definitely nice too (targona) I'm hoping to go there this weekend too (weather permitting!).
If you have time the walk from Bondi to Bronte is GORGEOUS too.
Also Darling Harbour is a fun area for night life & places to eat (aquarium is there:)
The Rocks is a fun place to walk around for a few hours too - oldest part of Sydney (right by Circular Quay ferry terminal). Lots of nice places to eat & shops to look in.
Pitt Street Mall is the best shopping street - there's a new Westfields there that is AMAZING. Its worth taking a look a the QVB too (queen victoria buildilng) - amazing high end shopping centre - really pretty
have a great time - enjoy Sydney!!
Ditto everything AmericaninOz said!
I've been to the Hunter Valley before but never on a tour. Its such a beautiful place I can't imagine you would have a bad experience!
And Featherdale is a great park. Its pretty small but it has a ton of native wildlife and you can really get up close with it all. All the Americans I have brought there love being able to feed the kangaroos and taking the koala pictures!
My husband and I booked a car with Newcastle Limos to do a tour of 5-6 wineries and we had a great time. The driver was informative about the area, had good suggestions for lunch, and even added a stop at a chocolate store. It was pricey for us since we had the driver pick us up in Sydney, but it might be easier for you since you're in Newcastle already. http://newcastlelimo.com.au/4_Vineyard.htm
Have fun whatever you end up doing!