Join John Greengo for a photographic tour of Australia, one of the most diverse countries in the world. We’ll be focusing on the best of Sydney and the surrounding areas. There will be something for everyone; from unique flora and fauna, to street scenes and seascapes.
Our tour will explore the downtown Sydney streets, take us along a stunning coastline, visit beach towns with vibrant surf activity, and take in the majestic views and trails of the Blue Mountains.
Tour Dates:
Starts: Tuesday, September 15th, 2026 in Sydney, Australia
Ends: Saturday, September 26th, 2026 in Sydney, Australia
Tour Price:
Double/twin* room occupancy: US $7,850 per person [AU $10,900 for AUS & NZ residents]
Single room occupancy: US $9,650 per person [AU $13,650 for AUS & NZ residents]
Payment of a US $1,500 deposit (per person) and a completed registration form (provided to you after deposit payment) reserves your place(s) on the tour. The deposit amount is credited towards the total trip price.
Interim payment of 40% of the total trip cost is due on February 16th, 2026.
Balance of tour cost is due on May 18th, 2026.
* Twin room occupancy: If you would like a twin room but need a roommate, we will try to match up appropriate parties.
Tour Leaders:
John Greengo and Michelle Greengo
Who is this trip for?
This trip is open to all, no matter where you hail from and no matter what your level of experience in photography. This is a physically active tour, with lots of walking on uneven surfaces, loads of steps in addition to hikes on trails that may be dirty or muddy. You should be able to walk and stand and carry your own gear for up to 3 hours. This photo tour will concentrate on experiencing and photographing the Australian culture and landscape. We expect most travelers will be enthusiastic photographers. John and Michelle will be your photo guides and instructors in the field, available to answer and help with all photography related questions.
Whether this is your first international trip or you’re a seasoned traveler, John and Michelle are here to make your trip memories ones that last a lifetime.
John Greengo Photography Tours makes donations to nonprofit organizations that contribute positively to the local communities and environments we encounter.
Our chosen nonprofit organization for this trip is Australian Koala Foundation to assist in the protection of koalas, an endangered Australian mammal.
Highlights:
- Tour and schedule customized for photographers
- Small group of 8-12 travelers
- In-the-field photography instruction and tips, catered to your needs
- Large number of inclusions; reduced out-of-pocket expenses during tour
Inclusions:
- Small group of 8-12 travelers
- All hotels (11 nights accommodation)
- All breakfast, lunch and dinners as per itinerary
- All in-country transportation during the tour
- Local guide(s) and drivers as per itinerary
- All tips included - meals (as per itinerary), external guides, hotels & drivers
- All entrance fees to museums, historical sites & exhibits, as per itinerary
- Bottled drinking water during day excursions
Mountains to the Sea 2026: PDF version of Itinerary
Mountains to the Sea 2026: Terms & Conditions
Itinerary
Day 1:
Welcome to Sydney, home to its magnificent natural harbour, iconic landmarks, and deep history.
Check into our Sydney hotel and kick off your adventure with an afternoon gear check with John; ensuring your photographic success.
Later, enjoy a welcome dinner with your fellow travelers. But don’t stay up too late — tomorrow's early start promises incredible photographic experiences.
D | Hotel location: Sydney, Australia
Day 2:
Start the day with a sunrise shoot, capturing Sydney Harbour’s iconic Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Prefer to sleep in? No problem. Join us for a hearty breakfast at the hotel when we return.
Spend the day exploring Sydney’s CBD on foot, discovering famous landmarks and hidden gems, perfect for architecture and street photography. The options are endless; from cathedrals and memorials, to art installations and gardens.
End your day with a breathtaking sunset shoot at John’s favorite harbor foreshore location, followed by a delicious dinner.
BLD | Hotel location: Sydney, Australia
"We were so happy to meet in person the guy who pretty much taught us (and continues to teach us) almost everything we know about the key fundamentals of photography. It was great to see how his creative vision worked. Also, the fact that he's structured and disciplined, yet easygoing and a bunch of fun to hang around with, makes future considerations for a Greengo branded tour a no-brainer."
Jane L.
Day 3:
Being on the east coast, Sydney is ripe with sunrise opportunities, and we’ll adjust our schedule to make best use of them. Start your day with sunrise on the harbor shoreline, followed by breakfast at our hotel.
Today’s activities center around the eastern suburb’s coastline. Uncover a mix of long sandy beaches, ocean pools, and quieter, more intimate coves. South Head, known for its dramatic ocean cliffs and military history, is part of “The Heads” — the entrance to Port Jackson (Sydney Harbour’s official name).
End your day with a cross-harbor view of the Sydney skyline with a setting sun behind it.
BLD | Hotel location: Sydney, Australia
Day 4:
Shoot sunrise from a new perspective on northern side of the harbor, then back to the hotel for breakfast and check-out.
On our way out of Sydney, marvel at native Australian flora and fauna in the south-west outskirts. There’s a good chance of seeing and photographing Swamp Wallabies, as well as a myriad of birds, and vibrant blooming plants. Macro photographers will have no end of subjects.
After a delightful lunch we’ll head to the beautiful Central Coast — just a 2-hour drive away. With available time, we’ll stop to explore intriguing locations along the way.
In the evening, we’ll gather to share images and review our photographic progress; a great time for question and answers.
BLD | Hotel location: Terrigal, Australia
Day 5:
Wake up bright and early for your first opportunity to experience a coastal sunrise. Walk along large rock platforms, popular spots for fishing, with a perfect view of the sunrise over the Pacific Ocean.
A full day will be spent exploring the Central Coast and its indiginous history. With available free time in the afternoon, choose your pleasure: shopping, take a nap, photos on the beach, or take a dip in the ocean.
BLD | Hotel location: Terrigal, Australia
Day 6:
Kickstart your day with a sunrise shoot at the site of a historic, active lighthouse. Visit dramatic rocks that perform as platforms for viewing crashing waves and rock pools.
Enjoy breakfast en route to a Surf Live Saving Club and meet the volunteers who keep Australian beaches safe, capturing their rescue techniques in action.
Spend your afternoon exploring the coastline, photographing birds and wildlife.
BLD | Hotel location: Terrigal, Australia
"John was great at keeping track of people, offering photo tips or equipment when needed, and making sure everyone was getting what they wanted out of the trip. He often offered extra shoots for anyone interested, before our planned day began or after it ended, so that was like getting "bonus tracks." (And I especially appreciated that he didn't discount my commitment or skills, just because I brought a very simple camera with me!) He made a point of being very inclusive, and was also a lot of fun!!"
Jean B.
Day 7:
An optional sunrise shoot just a few minutes from your hotel starts the day; returning to the hotel for breakfast and check-out.
En-route to our next destination, discover amazing Australian wildlife at a park brimming with koalas, kangaroos, echidnas, quokka, and more. Spot vibrant birds like lorikeets, cassowaries, and emus.
As you head to the Blue Mountains, get ready for cooler temperatures and breathtaking views. From a high plateau, warm up with an afternoon bush walk before relaxing at your luxury hotel.
BLD | Hotel location: Katoomba, Australia
Day 8:
Wake up early in your mountain retreat to the soothing sounds of nature and capture the breathtaking sunrise over Grose Valley.
Enjoy a delicious breakfast at a local favorite cafe and then discover the majestic sandstone cliffs and waterfalls of Megalong Valley, a favorite spot for rock climbers.
Head back to Katoomba township to admire vibrant street art before diving back into nature at Jamison Valley.
BLD | Hotel location: Katoomba, Australia
Day 9:
Today is all about bush walks and waterfalls.
Start with a stunning sunrise shoot and breakfast, then explore the Jamison Valley with your choice of a light or heavy walk. Both options offer incredible sites. Next, ride the SkyWay, the largest aerial cable car in the Southern Hemisphere, for breathtaking views above the valley and waterfalls.
In the afternoon, visit one of the region’s prettiest waterfalls and end the day with a sunset shoot at Mount Victoria.
BLD | Hotel location: Katoomba, Australia
Day 10:
Capture the stunning sunrise over Grose Valley and savor breakfast before we head back to Sydney.
Just 90 minutes away, explore Sydney Olympic Park, the 2000 Olympic Games site, and nearby parks. After lunch, enjoy a scenic ferry ride along Parramatta River, one of Sydney’s iconic waterways.
End your day with a breathtaking sunset shoot, returning to John’s favorite harbor foreshore location.
BLD | Hotel location: Sydney, Australia
Day 11:
For the first time this tour, we venture to the northern side of Sydney for a variety of activities — a sunrise shoot that captures the steep cliffs framing the entrance to Sydney Harbour; exploring Sydney’s 2nd most famous beach; walking around Kirribilli’s narrow streets (where the Prime Minister’s Sydney residence is located).
A short ferry ride later in the day provides views of the Harbour Bridge.
The final night of our Australian photo tour comes to a close with a delicious farewell dinner.
BLD | Hotel location: Sydney, Australia
Day 12:
After breakfast and checkout, we’ll gather as a group to have a final image review session.
We then say goodbye to our new friends and continue our journeys separately.
B | -
"I'd tell someone thinking about traveling with John to jump at the chance. That they'd get great opportunities, the trip will be well planned (yet flexible) and they'd get tons of good opportunities for photos."
Tom D.
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