Welcome to our Splendid Spring Gardens Tour featuring the incredible Mayfield Gardens, Floriade, Tulip Tops and the Hunter Valley Gardens. We meet our friendly coach captain and settle into our seats as our anticipation begins to build. We have a full day on the coach, stopping for convenience breaks and for lunch. We arrive in Moree for our welcome dinner in our hotel.

1 night | Artesian Spa Motel | 02 6752 2466
Lunch  | Dinner at Hotel

Following breakfast we get underway for Dubbo.  Upon arrival we have the opportunity to visit one of the region’s highlights. The heritage listed Old Dubbo Gaol operated for 119 years before being closed as a penal institution in the 60s. We take a journey of self-discovery, uncovering the powerful, surprising and dark moments in Australian prison history.  Checking into our overnight accommodation we freshen up for dinner.

1 night | Quality Inn Dubbo International | 02 6882 4777
Breakfast & Dinner at Hotel | Lunch at own cost in Dubbo

We spend the morning at the Taronga Western Plains Zoo, home to a huge variety of animals from around the world! The Zoo is in a unique position, allowing many of the animals to roam freely and to be viewed without the visual barriers. A zookeeper will escort our coach and explain the open range layout and some of the behind-the-scenes operations of the zoo. Leaving the park, our afternoon travels take us to Bathurst, one of Australia’s oldest inland cities.

2 nights | Rydges Mount Panorama Bathurst | 02 6338 1888
Breakfast & Dinner at hotel | lunch at own cost at Zoo

Accompanied by a local guide, we embark on an exploration of Bathurst’s heritage this morning. This vibrant regional centre sits on the banks of the Macquarie River, retaining a remarkably preserved Victorian era streetscape adorned with impressive architectural buildings. Our day then unfolds amidst the stunning landscapes of Mayfield Gardens, an expansive haven celebrated as one of the world’s largest privately owned cool-climate gardens. Nestled within a 5000-acre working farm, the gardens beginnings were humble in comparison. Since then, it has continued to expand and flourish. We are here to experience everything there is to see at this botanical wonderland. We enjoy lunch here before heading back to Bathurst for time at leisure.

One of the gems of Bathurst is Abercrombie House, acknowledged as one of the finest historical mansions in Australia with a blend of Gothic and Scottish Baronial styles. Amidst its grandeur, we indulge in a Scotland the Brave dinner experience. Adorned in our tartan, we savour pre-dinner drinks in the Drawing Room and a sumptuous meal served in the Grand Ballroom. The evening promises Scottish entertainment and perhaps even a taste of the iconic haggis.

 Breakfast at Hotel | Lunch at Mayfield Gardens | Dinner at Abercrombie House

Departing Bathurst, we make our way to Cowra where we have some time to visit the Japanese Gardens and Cultural Centre. Designed by internationally renowned landscape architect Ken Nakajima, the garden itself is designed to represent the landscape of Japan and features a stream cascading in waterfalls into two large ponds. Meandering paths and wooden bridges allow us to explore and view the gardens at ease. Continuing towards Greenthorpe, we pass grazing sheep and paddocks of wheat and canola until we approach one of the great historical sites in Australia – Iandra Castle. This impressive property was established by local landowner George Henry Greene from 1878-1911. All the grandeur of yesteryear remains at Iandra, with the faithful restoration of the homestead by David and Margaret Morris through the 1970s. Our lunch stop is at nearby Glencara Rustic Maze and Country Garden. Dining in the Old Shearers Quarters Café, we also have time to look through the maze and gardens.  Now its on to the nation’s capital, Canberra, home for the next two nights.

2 nights | Novotel Canberra | 02 6245 5000
Breakfast & Dinner at Hotel | Lunch at Glencara

Today we make our way up to the Mt Ainslie Lookout for breathtaking views across Lake Burley Griffin. Home to nearly 80 embassies and high commissions, we also travel along Embassy Drive. See the spectacular traditional design of the Chinese Embassy and lookout for the United States Embassy built in a modified Georgian style. We head to Capital Hill, the focal point of Canberra where we are introduced to the meeting place of the nation, Parliament House. Listening to our guide as they lead us through this political powerhouse, we are enlightened to the daily life of democracy. Then it’s off to Commonwealth Park for the amazing Floriade Festival. The flower display is the largest of its type in the Southern Hemisphere. Explore the impressive array of inspiring flowerbeds, horticultural exhibitions and unmissable entertainment. We have time to purchase lunch here before spending the remainder of our afternoon at the Australian War Memorial. Combining a shrine, world class museum and extensive archive, the memorials’ purpose is to commemorate the sacrifice of Australians who had died in the war or on operational service and those who have served our nation in times of conflict. Wander the impressive exhibitions and sombre ceremonial areas including the Hall of Memory, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Pool of Reflection. We are farewelled with the Last Post Ceremony. The touching ceremony features the national anthem, pipers lament, an individual story, ode recited by a defence force personnel and ending with the sounding of the Last Post. What an unbelievable experience.

Breakfast & Dinner at Hotel | Lunch at own expense

Making our way out of Canberra, we have time to stop at the delightful Cockington Green Gardens. This unique attraction has a fascinating display of meticulously handcrafted miniature buildings from around the world. The village is surrounded by beautiful gardens which are a credit to the owners. Next, we arrive at the blissful haven of Tulip Top Gardens. This world class garden offers hundreds of blooming flowers for us to enjoy, following the weeping willows and meandering pathways to the cascading waterfall, all with classical music wafting through the air.

Lunch can be purchased to enjoy whilst soaking up the amazing tulips and daffodils.

From here our overnight destination is Mittagong in the Southern Highlands. Checking in, we freshen up for dinner together at the Club.

1 night | Springs Mittagong | 02 4871 3133
Breakfast & Dinner at Hotel | Lunch at own expense at Tulip Tops

Our morning’s excursion leads us deep into the Hunter Valley to the glorious Hunter Valley Gardens. Tucked snugly at the base of Brokenback Ranges, among the renowned vineyards of the Hunter region, these gardens sprawl over 25 hectares. Each feature garden showcases displays of flora that will delight us with their vibrant hues, captivating scents and thrilling experiences. We have plenty of time to meander along the winding paths and enjoy the gardens as well as a wander around the village shops located just outside the gardens.  Visiting the Hunter Olive Centre we can indulge in olive and wine tastings before settling into the nearby Mercure Resort.

1 night | Mercure Resort Hunter Valley | 02 4998 2000
Breakfast & Dinner at Hotel | Lunch at own expense at HV gardens

Travelling through the Upper Hunter Valley we arrive in the village of Nundle, established when gold was discovered in 1852. This very scenic town has many historic buildings including the Nundle Woolen Mill where we have some free time to browse.  Marvel at the antique machines humming away as they work their magic to turn bales of the finest Australian merino wool into yarns in the vibrant colours for which the mill has become famous for.  A visit to the Mill is a chance to reconnect with Australia’s wool heritage and browse the yarns, clothing and accessories.  Lunch follows at the Peel Inn. Late afternoon we arrive in Glen Innes in the New England High Country for our final overnight stop.

1 night | New England Motor Lodge, Glen Innes | 02 6732 2922
Breakfast & Dinner at hotel | Lunch at Pee Inn Nundle

Crossing the border, we continue to historic Warwick, famous for its roses and rodeo to make a stop for lunch. The last leg takes us into Brisbane and Sunshine Coast to complete our Spring Garden Tour.

Breakfast at Hotel | Lunch