The side will finish its short jaunt across the ditch with a match against the Rebels in Melbourne tonight.
The Highlanders have had 10 days in Australia and have taken advantage of staying at Manly to try out some beaches, explore part of the countryside and catch up with friends.
But when the focus switched to rugby, co-captain Ben Smith said minds went straight into the 15-a-side mode with concentration switching to this week's game against the Rebels.
"It's good to have that down time and guys did a few different things. It's not really a distraction to us. We know when it is time to switch on and get the minds right,'' he said.
"We've had a couple of good trainings and have run through what we think we need to do to go up against what is a good Melbourne Rebels team.
"It is always good to get away as it is a good way to get to know the guys, create a tight team environment.''
Smith said the preparation by the side had been good but it was not taking anything for granted.
The Rebels were an outfit which had grown over the past couple of years.
The Melbourne team had a strong defensive line and had won three out its first four games - the same record as the Highlanders - so would be a tough opponent.
The Rebels made mincemeat out of the Sunwolves last week and will go into tonight's game with plenty of confidence. Coach Tony McMahon is talking of victory tonight, not just staying with the Highlanders.
The Highlanders though must go into the game with some faith in their abilities.
The side has won three games in a row and, for 55 minutes last week, was way ahead of the Waratahs.
But it was the disappointing final 20 minutes of the match which has been most concerning the team.
Smith said the sloppy late effort against the Waratahs was the result of a loss of concentration and a slip in attitude.
"I think it was a whole lot of things. We could have been a bit more urgent chasing kicks, getting up quicker in the defensive line. But once you get under the pump it can be hard to get out from it.
"We just have to play well for the whole 80 minutes and need to work hard for each other.''
The team had been playing well in patches but needed to put it all together against a Rebels side which had an effective defensive line.
"The coaches put together a really good job to put a game plan together and it is up to us to stick to it and execute it well.''
The visiting side can expect plenty of fire from the Rebels, which has two former Highlanders in its ranks.
Adam Thomson starts at No8 for the Melbourne side while Tamati Ellison clashes with Malakai Fekitoa in the midfield.
Much interest will centre on the return of Rebels team captain Nic Stirzaker - the halfback is making his return via the bench.
The Highlanders, who did not play the Rebels last year, have played twice in Melbourne for a win and a loss.
The weather is expected to be fine today in Melbourne although there is a chance of a late shower.
