WED 04 October | D

Flight to Canberra or fly to Sydney airport then take 3.5 hours Murrays coach transfer to the Canberra transit centre (flight/coach are own arrangements / additional cost)

Shuttle transfer from Canberra airport to Canberra City accommodation.

Accommodation for four nights in a twin/ double or single studio room is at the Quest Canberra City Walk

 Dinner tonight is at a local restaurant, located a short walk from our accommodation.

THU 05 October  | CBL

Day 2  Continental Breakfast provisions for you to enjoy in your room.

 Early this morning and transfer the short distance to the National Arboretum

Canberra. This 250-hectare montage of living forests and gardens was created after the area was burned out during the 2001 and 2003 bushfires.

Discover the Forest Sculpture Gallery set among the trees, see the iconic sculptures including the 35m long Great Southern Land, Nest III and take in the panoramic views from Dairy Farm Hill lookout.

During our time at the National Arboretum we will be taken on a short tour of The National Bonsai & Penjing Collection of Australia. Learn about this world-class display of miniature trees and forests. The trees feature a variety of traditional and modern styles with the collection highlighting Australian native species.

Next transfer to the Royal Australian Mint, the sole producer of all of Australia’s circulating coins. On our guided tour of this facility, we will enjoy special access to Australia’s coin history and production. Getting closer to the action, walking above the Mint factory floor, our guide brings the history of coins to life and shares favourite coin stories.

At the conclusion of the tour, transfer to the Southern Cross Yacht club. Along the way, if time permits, we will drive around the suburb of Yarralumla, to view selected overseas embassies.

Take a relaxing cruise on picturesque Lake Burley Griffin, whilst enjoying a packed lunch. Stopping at the Governor-General’s official residence – Government House, we will be taken on a 1 hour guided tour of the gardens. The tour is hosted by the volunteers from The Australiana Fund who will educate us as we wander the picturesque surroundings. The cruise returns to the yacht club, where we disembark and transfer to the Museum of Australian Democracy (MoAD) in Old Parliament House. Upon arrival we are taken on their Pins, Pearls & Portfolios Tour, which traces the century-long quest by women to serve in parliaments around Australia. At the conclusion of the tour transfer to accommodation.

Time at your leisure for the remainder of today.

FRI 06 October|  CBMT

Day 3   Continental Breakfast provisions for you to enjoy in your room.

 Depart accommodation early this morning and travel to the Tulip Tops Garden.

Ten acres of perfection, established in 1997, featuring over half a million bulbs and    flowers hand planted each year, nestled among 1000 flowering trees.

Explore these fabulous gardens and indulge in morning tea, before we return to Canberra city and take a tour of the National Gallery of Australia. A guide will join our group for an one-hour conversation around the galleries, exhibitions or collection displays.

At the conclusion of the tour make your way outside to the Sculpture Garden. The grounds lie between the National Gallery and the shores of Lake Burley Griffin and display the Gallery’s collection of sculptures. Take the time to experience Fujiko Nakaya’s fog sculpture which operates from 12.30pm – 2pm.

Early this afternoon, transfer the short distance to Commonwealth Park, to visit Floriade. You will have free time to walk around the fabulous displays at your leisure.

Please note the festival closes at 5.30pm. Return to your accommodation at your leisure (1.2kms walk) or alternatively you may choose to catch the free Floriade shuttle bus into the city centre. Time is at your leisure for the remainder of today

SAT 07 October |CBLD

Day 4   Continental Breakfast provisions for you to enjoy in your room

This morning you have some free time, you might decide to relax or shop or perhaps even take a Hot Air Balloon tour (optional tour / additional cost)

Transfer to Cockington Green departs our accommodation mid-morning.       

Cockington Green is one of Canberra’s landmark attractions. Appreciate the enchanting and enchanting display of diligently crafted miniature buildings displayed in stunning landscaped gardens. The park is constantly evolving with the addition of the international display area, which compliments the original English Village and its beautifully established gardens. Visit the Rose Room indoor exhibition and take a ride on the miniature steam train ride.

Enjoy a light lunch before travelling on to the National War Memorial

Upon arrival we will be taken on an eighty-minute tour of the Australian War Memorial’s First World War, Second World War and Post 1945 galleries, Hall of Valour and the Commemorative Area.

Afterwards, you will have some free time, before the Australian War Memorial closes, in readiness for the moving Last Post Ceremony in the Commemorative Courtyard commencing at approximately 4.45pm. (ceremony subject to availability). Each night the ceremony shares the story behind one of the names on the Roll of Honour.

The ceremony begins with the Australian National Anthem followed by the piper’s lament. Visitors are invited to lay wreaths and floral tributes beside the Pool of Reflection. An individual’s story is told, and the Ode is recited by Australian Defence Force personnel. The ceremony ends with the sounding of the Last Post. 

At the conclusion of the ceremony, transfer to our accommodation. Time to freshen up, before dinner. Our farewell dinner tonight is at a local restaurant, located a short walk from our accommodation.  

SUN 08 October | CB

Day 5  Continental Breakfast provisions for you to enjoy in your room

Free time until your transfer.

Suggest you may like to visit old bus depot markets, open from 9.30am

Shuttle transfer from accommodation to either the Canberra airport for your flight or the coach transit centre for Murrays coach transfer back to Sydney.

(flight / coach own arrangements/ additional cost)