Depart Sydney and travel via the scenic Bells Line of Road into the Blue Mountains. Stop at the beautiful Blue Mountains Botanic Garden, Mount Tomah for morning tea and time to enjoy the cool climate gardens and mountain scenery.

Continue through Lithgow and along the Castlereagh Highway to the renowned food and wine region of Mudgee. Enjoy lunch at the historic Lawson Park Hotel before a short coach tour of the town, taking in Mudgee’s charming heritage streetscape and local landmarks.

Later this afternoon continue west to Dubbo, arriving at the well known Cattleman’s Country Motor Inn. Settle into your accommodation before enjoying dinner and a relaxing evening.

Accommodation: Cattleman’s Country Motor Inn, Dubbo

This morning enjoy a guided tour of Dubbo, learning about the city’s history, development and key attractions. Visit the beautiful Shoyoen Japanese Garden, one of Australia’s most authentic Japanese gardens, where you can enjoy morning tea amongst tranquil ponds, bridges and landscaped gardens.

Continue to the Western Plains Cultural Centre, featuring the region’s premier art gallery and museum. After collecting lunch supplies, head to Taronga Western Plains Zoo where you’ll enjoy a picnic lunch in the zoo grounds.

Spend time exploring the zoo and viewing many of its world famous exhibits, including opportunities to see meerkats, bongo antelope, giraffes, tigers and siamangs.

This afternoon check into the exclusive Zoofari Lodge, located within the zoo itself. Later enjoy a private Sunset Safari Tour, offering close encounters with African animals and the unique opportunity to help feed the giraffes.

The evening concludes with canapés followed by a special banquet dinner in the Zoofari Guest House dining room.

Accommodation: Zoofari Lodge, Taronga Western Plains Zoo

Wake early for a memorable Morning Safari Tour, where you’ll experience the zoo at its most active as animals begin their day. Enjoy exclusive access and fascinating insights from expert guides.

Following breakfast at the lodge, spend additional time exploring the zoo before departing Dubbo.

Visit the historic Old Dubbo Gaol, one of Australia’s most intact nineteenth century prisons, where stories of bushrangers, prisoners and colonial life are brought to life through guided interpretation.

Enjoy lunch before travelling south through the Central West to Orange, a region renowned for its cool climate wines, orchards and beautiful landscapes.

Arrive at The Remington Orange, your home for the next two nights. Dinner is included this evening.

Accommodation: The Remington Orange

After breakfast meet your local guide for a comprehensive tour of Orange, discovering the city’s rich history, elegant heritage buildings, parks and gardens.

Morning tea is enjoyed at either Cook Park or the Orange Botanic Gardens, depending on seasonal conditions.

Enjoy free time in Orange to browse local shops, galleries and cafés before collecting lunch and travelling to scenic Lake Canobolas. Enjoy a picnic lunch and take in panoramic views from the lookout above the lake.

This afternoon visit one of the region’s acclaimed wineries for a tasting experience, showcasing some of the finest cool climate wines produced in the Orange region.

Return to your hotel before dinner this evening.

Accommodation: The Remington Orange

Following breakfast, check out and travel to Forest Reefs for a guided tour of Fourjay Hazelnuts, where you’ll learn about hazelnut farming and production while enjoying morning tea.

Continue to either Katoomba or Leura for lunch and free time to explore these charming Blue Mountains villages, known for their boutique shops, gardens and mountain atmosphere.

This afternoon begin the journey back to Sydney, arriving late afternoon after a memorable five day escape featuring wildlife, history, gardens, fine food, wine and the unique Zoofari experience.