Blooming Australia: Canberra Floriade & NSW Garden Gems

Trip Code:49868
(AUD) Twin Share from $4,995pp
Days 6
Nights 5

Travel during spring on this short tour, featuring Canberra’s Floriade. Intended as a one-off celebration of Australia’s bicentennial, Floriade has become a highlight on the country’s garden calendar, with hundreds of thousands of bulbs planted each year. Elsewhere, the private gardens we visit benefit from a cool climate and are complemented by their historic homes.

Highlights

  • See the remarkable range of flowers and exhibits at Australia’s biggest celebration of spring. 
  • Discover this charming, restored property close to Camden. Its historic buildings occupy grounds enhanced by hedges, paths, and beautiful gardens.
  • Visit Retford Park, whose grand residence is complemented by a patchwork of hedged gardens.
  • Be escorted by an expert Botanical Guide, who will offer insightful talks on various topics and be available for informal discussions, enriching your travel experience.

Tour Departs Sydney on 22 September 2026 & 21 September 2027

  • f​rom $4,995 per person twin share*
  • from $6,195 per person sole use*

Prices may fluctuate by departure date. Call today on 1300 414 198 and speak with one of our local travel team for the price of your preferred travel dates.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Sydney, Australian Botanic Garden, Mount Annan, Glenmore House, and Bowral

Depart your Sydney hotel at 8.30 am and travel to Bowral in the Southern Highlands. On the way, visit the Australian Botanic Garden, Mount Annan. Next, visit the private garden of Mickey Robertson, Glenmore House. After Mickey and her husband, Larry, purchased the original farmhouse, they gradually restored and extended it, with the various outbuildings being repurposed to fit in with the gardens. Enjoy lunch in the garden before travelling on to Bowral. Enjoy a Welcome Dinner this evening.

Day 2 – Bowral Private Garden, Retford Park, and Bowral Tulip Festival

Today we visit a beautiful private garden and meet the owner. Explore Retford Park, owned by the Fairfax family for over 50 years. The family played host to notable visitors here, including members of the British and European royal families. This afternoon, enjoy Bowral’s Tulip Festival, an annual event of spring blooms.

Day 3 – Private Gardens and Fedra Olive Grove

Depart Bowral for a visit to a private garden. Continue to Fedra Olive Grove, strolling across its expansive plantation and learning about the art of producing premium olive oil. Conclude with a guided tour of Helen and Paul Stevens’ Merryway. This uniquely shaped, gently sloping garden blends formal hedged areas, a diverse range of flowering plants, and heritage trees and fruit trees.

Day 4 – Floriade and Canberra Sightseeing

Today, visit Floriade, the annual flower and entertainment festival. We then enjoy a sightseeing tour of Canberra, culminating in spectacular views as we approach the peak of Mt Ainslie. This afternoon, we will visit the National Gallery of Australia.

Day 5 – Tulip Top Gardens, National Arboretum, and Australian National Botanic Gardens

This morning, visit the private Tulip Top Gardens, which has one of the best bulb displays in Australia. Afterwards, take a tour of the National Arboretum, one of the world’s largest living collections of rare trees. This afternoon, visit the Australian National Botanic Gardens, featuring a scientific collection of native plants from all parts of Australia.

Day 6 – Red Cow Farm, Harper’s Mansion, and Sydney

Depart Canberra and return to Sydney. Along the way, we stop at Red Cow Farm, a cool-climate garden in Sutton Forest. Its historic 1820s cottage is surrounded by 20 distinctive garden ‘rooms’, featuring rare plants, woodlands, and themed spaces. Continue to the elegant Harpers Mansion, where a guided tour reveals the history and stories housed within. Afterwards, enjoy a relaxed lunch in a charming setting. Savour the flavours and the atmosphere of your surroundings before arriving back at the post-tour hotel at around 5:00 pm.

Highlights

  • Explore the vibrant Floriade in Canberra and the colorful tulip displays of New South Wales 🌷
  • Visit charming hidden gardens rarely open to the public 🌿
  • Enjoy a relaxed journey through stunning landscapes and floral highlights ✨

Travel during spring on this short tour, featuring Canberra’s Floriade. Intended as a one-off celebration of Australia’s bicentennial, Floriade has become a highlight on the country’s garden calendar, with hundreds of thousands of bulbs planted each year. Elsewhere, the private gardens we visit benefit from a cool climate and are complemented by their historic homes.

Highlights

  • See the remarkable range of flowers and exhibits at Australia’s biggest celebration of spring. 
  • Discover this charming, restored property close to Camden. Its historic buildings occupy grounds enhanced by hedges, paths, and beautiful gardens.
  • Visit Retford Park, whose grand residence is complemented by a patchwork of hedged gardens.
  • Be escorted by an expert Botanical Guide, who will offer insightful talks on various topics and be available for informal discussions, enriching your travel experience.

Inclusions

  • Travel with a small group of 20-25 guests, escorted by an expert Botanical Guide
  • Relax aboard a spacious coach with an experienced and informative Coach Captain 
  • Visit Retford Park and private gardens in Bowral, including Mickey Robertson’s Glenmore House, and attend the town’s tulip festival
  • Visit private gardens of Canberra, including Tulip Top Gardens, along with the National Arboretum and Botanic Gardens
  • Includes five nights’ accommodation in centrally located four-star hotels, return private airport-to-hotel transfers, plus 13 meals and select beverages 
  • All sightseeing and entrance fees as per the itinerary
  • Spend time exploring the Floriade Festival in Canberra, as well as Canberra’s sights, including the National Gallery of Australia
  • Take a guided tour of Harper’s Mansion, revealing the history and stories within its walls, then enjoy a relaxed lunch within its charming surroundings

Exclusions

  • Travel Insurance

FAQs

  • Two Nights: Bowral, Briars Country Lodge or similar
  • Three Nights: Canberra, Midnight Hotel or similar

❓ When is the tour?

During spring, when Canberra’s Floriade and NSW tulips are at their peak bloom.

❓ What is Floriade?

Floriade is Australia’s largest celebration of spring, with vibrant floral displays and themed gardens.

❓ Which gardens will we visit?

You’ll explore Floriade, tulip fields in New South Wales, and charming private gardens along the way.

❓ Is this tour suitable for relaxed travellers?

Yes! The itinerary balances sightseeing, garden visits, and leisure time for a stress-free experience.

❓ Will there be local insights?

Absolutely – meet garden owners and locals who share stories and tips about their gardens.

Provided by: Botanica World Journeys

Fine Print

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Terms and conditions apply. Click here for more details.

(AUD) Twin Share from $4,995pp
Days 6
Nights 5

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