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Air Canada Vacations

Heritage and Grand Pacific

Overview

Explore one of the world’s most loved cities, Sydney, and its sunny and vibrant buzz. Experience the magnificent Blue Mountains region, learn the history of Australia in the capital city of Canberra, and marvel at the wildlife of Jervis Bay at your own pace on this self-drive tour of the South Coast of Australia.

The car rental and hotel stays are included in this package, along with a bunch of other travel essentials that will help make this trip easy and unforgettable.

Format

Partially guided tour

Locations

  • Sydney
  • Canberra

Inclusions

  • Round-trip flight to Sydney, Australia (if the Flight and Hotel package option is chosen)
  • 9 nights of accommodation
  • 5-day car rental (Hyundai i30 or similar with inclusive cover)
  • Private transfer to a hotel in Sydney
  • Panoramic city tour of Sydney and harbour cruise and lunch
  • Blue Mountains day trip
  • Admission to Calmsley Hill, morning tea refreshments, national park fees 
  • Blue Mountains Botanic Garden, Mount Tomah visit, with 1 beverage
  • Earn 4,000 extra Aeroplan® points per member on this tour for travel completed by December 31, 2025

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Sydney

Upon arrival in Sydney, take your private transfer to your hotel and check in, where you will spend the next four nights.

Spend the day at leisure exploring the city and its laid-back outdoor lifestyle, stunning views, colonial architecture, restaurants, and bars.

Day 2

Sydney Panoramic City Tour & Cruise

Take a half-day panoramic Sydney city sights tour to the historic Rocks area and learn about Australia’s early convict history, then see the Central Business District (CBD) and Macquarie Street for magnificent views of the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. 

The tour takes you through Sydney's Eastern Suburbs, home to the rich and famous. Traveling along the coves and shores of one of the world's most impressive harbours, you will pass through areas such as Kings Cross, Double Bay, and Rose Bay before arriving at Watsons Bay. You’ll also travel to the famous Bondi Beach for a 30-minute stop to dip your toes in the sand.

The city tour will end at Darling Harbour, where you will embark on a 3-hour cruise with lunch and live commentary.

Meal(s): Lunch

Day 3

Sydney – Blue Mountains

Start your day early with a first stop at Calmsley Hill, a working farm that is also home to kangaroos, emus, wombats and koalas. You’ll continue to ascend the Blue Mountains from there. Enjoy a morning tea and some time to wander around at leisure.

The journey takes you off the beaten track to the Blue Mountains National Park, one of seven national parks that make up the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area. This wonderland of sandstone outcrops, deep ravines, and hazy blue eucalypt forests boasts luxury retreats and stunning views. Learn about the history, flora, and fauna of this magnificent region. 

Eaglehawk Lookout is a remote lookout point where you’ll be able to get views of the famous Three Sisters rocky landmark. The Govetts Leap lookout nearby is one of the most famous lookouts in Australia that provides sweeping views down the valley to the Grose Wilderness.

Stop to enjoy a glass of sparkling wine or juice at the delightful Blue Mountains Botanic Garden Mount Tomah, our last stop, where we get to enjoy the sweeping views of Sydney before travelling down the Bells Line of Road to arrive back at the hotel.

Meal(s): Morning tea and refreshments

Day 4

Sydney - At leisure

Continue exploring the area at leisure.

Day 5

Sydney – Canberra

Check out of your hotel and make your way to the car rental location to start your drive to Canberra, Australia’s capital city and a treasure trove for national attractions.

Explore Canberra for a closer look at Australian culture and history, as well as superb monuments and galleries surrounded by parklands and native bushland. Visit Parliament House, the Australian War Memorial, the National Gallery of Australia, and Questacon. Experience the Balloon Festival in autumn, the Fireside Festival in the winter, and the Floriade in the springtime.

Check into your hotel for two nights.

Day 6

Canberra – At leisure

Continue exploring the area at leisure.

Day 7

Canberra – Jervis Bay/Shoalhaven

Check out of your hotel for a leisure drive to Jervis Bay/Shoalhaven, which has vivid aquamarine waters, a menagerie of wildlife, and white-sand beaches.

Jervis Bay is home to two national parks, as well as the Indigenous-owned Boodereev Botanic Gardens.

Check into your hotel for two nights.

Day 8

Jervis Bay/Shoalhaven – At leisure

Continue exploring the area at leisure.

Day 9

Jervis Bay/Shoalhaven – Sydney

Check out of your hotel and make your way back to Sydney by car, where you will stay overnight at the airport area.

Day 10

Return to Canada

Return your rental car at the airport and board your flight back to Canada.

Accomodations

Where you'll stay

The hotels listed below are presented as examples for your reference only. Hotel accommodation details will be communicated to you or your travel agent prior to departure.

Location

Hotel

Sydney
Crowne Plaza Sydney Darling Harbour (or similar)
4
Canberra
Crowne Plaza Canberra (or similar)
4
Canberra
Bay & Bush Cottages (or similar)
4
Sydney
Ridges Sydney Airport (or similar)
4

Room details

Type of bed(s): 1 double bed or 2 twin beds
Room occupancy: Maximum 2 people (2 adults, or 1 adults and 1 child)
Unless otherwise specified, guests will stay in a standard room at all hotels during the trip.

Important Information

  • Daily departures from January 2, 2024 until March 31, 2026

  • Not included:

    • Transfers (unless specified)
    • Optional excursions
    • Porterage fees
    • Any meals and beverages (unless specified)
    • Fuel, parking fees, traffic violations, additional driver fee, car upgrades, roadside assistance, insurance coverage, child car seats, luggage racks, additional rental nights, late drop-off fees
    • Airport service charges, personal accident insurance
    • Gratuities
    • Visa requirements
    • Private airport transfer on arrival to hotel
    • Car rental
  • The sequence of the itinerary may be altered for reasons beyond the supplier’s control, such as accommodation availability, weather, national events, strikes, etc.