Canberra’s Floriade, New South Wales Tulips & Private Gardens
Canberra’s Floriade, New South Wales Tulips & Private Gardens
From:
$3258 (USD)NB: Prices correct on 07-May-2024 but subject to change.
Tour Overview
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. Travel along the Central Coast to visit the home and studio of artist Arthur Boyd and marvel at the striking hedges and topiary of Merribee.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Sydney, Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan, Glenmore House And Bowral
Location: Burradoo
Accommodation Name: Two Nights, Bowral, Briars Country Lodge or similar
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Depart your Sydney hotel at 8.30am 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 at the garden before travelling on to Bowral. Enjoy a Welcome Dinner this evening.
Day 2 : Bowral Private Gardens, Retford Park And Bowral Tulip Festival
Location: Burradoo
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today we visit two beautiful private gardens and meet their owners. 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 : Floriade And Canberra Sightseeing
Location: Burradoo
Accommodation Name: Two Nights, Canberra, Peppers Gallery Canberra or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Arrive in Canberra and 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 4 : Tulip Top Gardens, National Arboretum And Australian National Botanic Gardens
Location: Burradoo
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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 5 : Bundanon - Arthur Boyd Gallery And Homestead
Location: Burradoo
Accommodation Name: Nowra, Parkhaven Resort or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Depart Canberra for Bundanon to visit the gallery and homestead of Australian artist Arthur Boyd. Wander through the English-style gardens and iconic landscape that inspired Boyd. View artworks from the collection in the original 19th-century Bundanon Homestead and in Arthur Boyd’s studio.
Day 6 : Merribee Garden, Private Garden And Sydney
Location: Burradoo
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
This morning we visit the impressive gardens at Merribee. Explore the series of formal garden rooms, including the Rose Garden, the hedged Potager Garden, the walled Snow Pear Garden, the Cottage Garden, Crepe Myrtle Walk, the Herb Garden, the Lavender Paddock and the Bunya Bunya Copse. On our return to Sydney, we will visit another private garden before arriving back at the post-tour hotel at around 5.00pm.
What's Included
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Travel with a small group of 15-25 guests, escorted by an expert Botanical Guide
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Includes five nights’ accommodation in centrally located four-star hotels, return private airport-to-hotel transfers, plus 12 meals and select beverages
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Relax aboard a spacious coach with an experienced and informative Coach Captain
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All sightseeing and entrance fees as per the itinerary
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Visit Retford Park and private gardens in Bowral, including Mickey Robertson’s Glenmore House, and attend the town’s tulip festival
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Spend time exploring the Floriade Festival in Canberra, as well as Canberra’s sights, including the National Gallery of Australia
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Visit private gardens of Canberra, including Tulip Top Gardens, along with the National Arboretum Canberra
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Explore private gardens of the NSW coast, including the spectacular Merribee garden
Notes
Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
Fitness Rating: Low
Group Size: 15 – 25 guests
Dates for Bowral Tulip Festival are subject to confirmation
Check out our Q&As
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What if I have special dietary requirements?
Please ensure you advise APT during your booking process if you or any of your travelling companions have special dietary needs or requests. We aim to cater for all requests which are advised at the time of making your booking.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Travel Documents are sent to you 2-3 weeks prior to your departure. Certain information may be required to help finalise your booking.
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What are Freedom of Choice Touring options?
For APT tour programs, you may have the opportunity to select a Freedom of Choice Touring activity. These options are at no additional cost, and confirmed whilst on tour. The Tour Directors will guide you through all of the available options, and assist with booking these for those who are interested. Your brochure or our website will feature Freedom of Choice options for some tours - where applicable. Should time permit, passengers may be given the opportunity to experience a second option by purchasing that option.
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Where do I join the tour?
Most of our itineraries commence with a transfer from the airport, or a meet and greet on Day 1. There may be times recommended for you to fly, which your Sales consultant will provide you. If you choose to fly in a few days prior to your tour commencing and explore independently you will be advised of a time and location to meet the tour group. If booking pre tour accommodation with APT on an exclusive APT tour itinerary, you will receive both a transfer from the airport and on Day 1 of the tour to join your fellow guests. For Europe River cruises, the vessels are available for early boarding upon your arrival. Luggage can be stored at reception, and passengers have access to the main lounge. Cabin check in is available from 3pm.
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How do I advise of Health/Mobility Requirements?
Your Sales consultant will ask you for any requirements pertaining to your Health & Fitness during your booking process. A questionnaire may be required to be completed, which you will be advised.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
APT has been operating for over 95 years!
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What are the luggage requirements?
Each passenger is entitled to take one piece of luggage that does not exceed 160cm - length/height/width (63 inches), weight limit 20kgs (44 pounds). Additional fees may apply for additional luggage, and must be requested by time of final payment. Some safari / adventure tours may have further luggage restrictions where passengers need to pack down to a small soft duffle 10-15kg bag due to the smaller vehicles that are used whilst on tour, this includes Kimberley Wilderness Adventure, Outback Wilderness Adventures, Africa. Your Sales consultant can provide you with specific regulations.
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Is tipping included on my APT tour?
Tipping is included for all APT operated tours. There are a few activities whereby tipping is not included such as Tailor Made Holidays, Africa & South America's City Stays & Extensions, and the Northern Lights Adventure in North America.
Dates & Availability
Tuesday - Sunday
Sep 23, 2025 - Sep 28, 2025Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
APT requires a minimum deposit of 500 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 100 days before departure.