New South Wales is a fantastic place for full-day tours, thanks to its diverse landscape, from lush wine regions to scenic coastlines. It’s especially appealing because of the variety of experiences on offer—whether you prefer a relaxing day sampling wine at boutique wineries, exploring charming historic towns, or cycling along picturesque rail trails. We love the Hunter Valley private wine tour for its flexibility and personalized experience, especially with the opportunity to visit boutique wineries and enjoy a customizable itinerary. Meanwhile, the Northern Rivers Rail Trail offers an active, eco-friendly day with its ebike adventures and DIY picnics, perfect for those who like combining outdoor fun with great food. For more wine connoisseurs or those seeking a comprehensive experience, the Southern Highlands tours stand out for their tailored tastings at large and small vineyards, as well as historical towns.
Within this list, you’ll find options that cater to different interests and budgets. From private luxury wine tours to active cycling escapades, each offers a unique way to explore New South Wales’ rich offerings. Here’s a detailed look at the four best full-day tours available.
1. Hunter Gleann Private Tour- Indulgence Full Day Wine Tour!
At number 1, the Hunter Gleann Private Tour offers a flexible, intimate experience of the Hunter Valley’s renowned wineries. This tour is perfect if you want to control your day, with the freedom to select from boutique wineries like McCaffrey’s Estate and Honey Tree Estate, or visit your favorites from a recommended list. For about $219.63 per person, you get around six hours of tailored wine tasting, making this one of the most customizable wine experiences in the region.
What makes this tour stand out is the private driver, so nobody has to miss out on tastings, and there’s an option to choose where to have lunch (food costs extra). The itinerary includes stops at boutique wineries of your choice, like John Wallace Wines, and a local cheese tasting at McCaffrey’s Estate. Guests consistently praise the flexibility and personalized service—one reviewer says, “Nobody needs to miss out on wine tasting with a private driver.” The chance to enjoy boutique wines in a relaxed setting makes this ideal for couples, small groups, or anyone wanting a private, curated wine adventure.
Bottom Line: If you prefer a tailored, private day with the flexibility to pick your wineries, this indulgent tour is hard to beat. Just remember that food costs are extra, and it’s best suited for those who appreciate personalized experiences.
2. Northern Rivers Rail Trail Ebike and DIY Picnic Hire Full Day
At number 2, the Northern Rivers Rail Trail adventure combines eco-friendly cycling with a picnic for a refreshing outdoor day. For just around $107.59, you can rent e-bikes and explore the scenic rail trail at your own pace, stopping anywhere along the route to enjoy your DIY picnic. This is a unique option for active travelers who want a relaxed, self-guided day immersed in nature.
Your journey can include stops at charming towns like Murwillumbah, Stokers Siding, Burringbar, and Mooball. The activity kicks off at 8 Railway St in South Murwillumbah, with plenty of flexibility on timing, as the trail is open from early morning until late afternoon. The bikes are described as comfortable, with long-lasting batteries and fat tires that smooth out rough patches. One reviewer shared, “The pedals and picnics adventure was fantastic, very good and friendly service,” highlighting the ease of the experience.
Bottom Line: Perfect for active families or groups who enjoy cycling and picnics, this tour offers freedom to explore at your own pace. It’s economical, flexible, and a great way to enjoy the Northern Rivers countryside.
3. Southern Highlands Full Day Wine Tour Sydney Pick Up
Coming in at number 3, this Southern Highlands full-day wine tour delivers a comprehensive taste of the region’s wineries, with a focus on both large estates and intimate vineyards. For about $139.86 per person, expect a 9-hour day exploring four to five stops, including popular spots like Bowral and Berrima.
What makes this tour appealing is the mix of wine tastings, historic towns, and local food. You’ll visit Bowral’s picturesque area, surrounded by vineyards and breweries, and then Berrima’s sandstone town with its historic pubs and architecture. The tour is flexible—your guide can tailor the visit to include wineries, breweries, or distilleries (such as whisky, gin, or vodka). One guest said, “Ross was amazing; he made us feel like family,” emphasizing the personable nature of this experience.
This tour suits those interested in a relaxed, full-day exploration with an emphasis on regional character and history. The inclusion of Berrima’s historic pubs adds a charming touch, and the option for customized stops makes it very adaptable.
Bottom Line: Ideal for wine lovers wanting a relaxed, guided day with personal touches and historical sights. It provides good value for the length and depth of the experience.
4. Southern Highlands Full-Day Wine Tour
Finally, the Southern Highlands Full-Day Wine Tour offers a personalized approach to exploring the region’s wineries and villages. For around $139.86, the tour lasts about 7 to 8 hours, with a flexible itinerary including popular stops like Centennial Estate and Joadja Estate, as well as the historic Berrima village.
What makes this tour stand out is its customization—your guide can tailor visits to your preferences, whether that’s large wineries or more boutique vineyards. The tour also includes visits to charming country pubs and the chance to see local animals and scenic countryside. Guests appreciate the flexibility and the personalized attention, with one noting, “We visited a selection of wineries, breweries, and pubs, and everything was tailored to us.” It’s perfect for travelers who want control over their day while enjoying a curated experience.
Bottom Line: This tour is best suited for those who want a bespoke day, with flexibility to include various local stops, making it ideal for wine enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
How to Choose the Right Full-Day Tour in New South Wales
When selecting your perfect day trip, consider your budget, interests, and activity level. If you prefer a private, customizable wine experience, the Hunter Gleann Private Tour offers luxury and flexibility. For active travelers who love outdoor fun, the Northern Rivers Rail Trail provides biking and picnic adventures. If you’re interested in historic towns and a guided, comprehensive wine tasting, the Southern Highlands tours are excellent choices.
Booking early is advisable, especially in peak seasons, to secure your preferred date and ensure availability. Think about whether you want a relaxed, guided experience or a self-guided adventure—you’ll find options suited to both in this list.
Final Thoughts
New South Wales offers a variety of full-day tours that cater to all tastes—from private wine tastings in the Hunter Valley to active cycling along scenic rail trails and culturally rich explorations of the Southern Highlands. Whether you’re a wine aficionado, outdoor enthusiast, or history lover, there’s a memorable day trip waiting for you.
For those seeking a personalized wine experience, the Hunter Gleann Private Tour stands out. Or, if you want to combine outdoor activity with great food, the Northern Rivers Rail Trail offers a fun, eco-friendly option. And for a relaxed but customizable exploration, the Southern Highlands tours provide excellent flexibility and local charm. Booking early will help ensure you enjoy these experiences without stress—so get planning and enjoy your time in beautiful New South Wales.