Overview
Itinerary
This short getaway from Sydney sees you leave the skyscrapers behind and venture into the countryside of the Southern Highlands, all heritage villages, vineyards and manicured gardens. The allures all unite in Berrima, the best-preserved Georgian town in Australia - look no further than its convict-era sandstone gaol. Despite its gloomy history, the building is awfully pretty to look at.
All this touring is hungry work - thankfully, a barbecue lunch awaits on the grounds of working sheep farm Gold Creek Station, where you'll learn about life on the land from someone who works it every day. Speaking of working hard for the money, 10,000 people spent years constructing Parliament House, the architecturally eye-catching seat of the nation's government that was constructed largely from Australian materials.
Your Canberra tour guide will take you behind the scenes and reveal all the secrets. (L) Stay: Crowne Plaza Canberra
There are one million+ bulbs on display at Floriade, an explosion of colour transforming the banks of Lake Burley Griffin and Canberra's suburbs. The month-long affair - the largest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere - was designed to celebrate Australia's Bicentenary and Canberra's 75th birthday. But it has become a regular on the city's event calendar. You'll see why. Browse immaculate flower beds in various patterns and themes, then enjoy entertainment, market stalls and a lively spring vibe.
After Floriade, another floral bounty awaits at the National Arboretum, where a local guide will share with you the amazing work being done by horticulturists when it comes to plant conservation and botanical diversity. (B) Stay: Crowne Plaza Canberra
Yet more flowers await in the Southern Highlands, where Bowral's Corbett Gardens play host to 75,000 tulips. The aptly named Tulip Time Festival here will inspire you to buy some tulips to plant back home - it's that eye catching. Before you board your coach for your return to Sydney, you'll have time at leisure in the Southern Highlands village of Mittagong. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Smell the flowers at Floriade, an immense wonderland of bulbs best enjoyed at a leisurely pace. More blooms await in Bowral, with its antiques stores and cosy cafés.
- From Floriade and Parliament House to quaint historic villages, Canberra's attractions don't disappoint.
- Canberra is one of Australia's greenest cities, from its alternative energy ethos to its ample parks that welcome visitors at every turn.
- Highly experienced Driver Guide
- Local Specialists (Guides)
- Gold Creek Station – Farm Experience and BMG Lunch
- Parliament House Locally Guided Tour
- Centrally located accommodation
- 1 Lunch
- 2 Full Breakfasts
- Sunglasses, sunscreen and hat
- Water bottle
- Warm layers in cooler months
- Camera
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Day Prior – flights to arrive anytime into Sydney Airport
- Day 3 – flights to depart after 8.00pm from Sydney Airport
- A minimum level of fitness is required in order to be able to participate. You will need to able to walk around the festival site and manage coach steps unaided.
- Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Prices are for land/cruise and internal flights as specified only. Flights not specified are not included.
Trip Reviews (1) Most Recent 'Capital Blooms' Reviews
Brochure
AAT Kings Australia (2025-26)
Availability
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Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by AAT Kings. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from AAT Kings. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
