Canberra & the Floriade Festival by Rail
Springtime in the Capital
• Sydney • Bowral • Canberra • Bungendore • Yass •
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Departure
- Overview
- Highlights
- Map & Itinerary
- Trip Inclusions
- Transport & Accommodation
- Things you need to know
- Reviews
- FAQs
Step aboard for a fully-escorted unforgettable mini-escape through the heart of New South Wales, where rolling green landscapes, historic country towns, and a burst of spring colour await. This unique rail tour from Sydney to Canberra offers the perfect blend of natural beauty, floral celebration, and regional charm. Travel in first class on local trains, soaking in the serenity of the countryside as you make your way to Australia’s capital for the iconic Floriade Festival—the Southern Hemisphere’s biggest celebration of flowers, art, and light. Along the way, you’ll enjoy leisurely stops in Bowral, famed for its gardens and literary charm, the vibrant arts community of Bungendore, and Yass, a picturesque town with deep pastoral roots and a welcoming local spirit.
Departure dates
Per person twin share: $3,245
Single Supplement: $640
Some highlights of your tour
- Visit Retford House in Bowral – established by the Hordern family before being owned by Sir James Fairfax
- Explore the beautiful arts and crafts town of Bungendore at your own pace
- Spend a full day exploring The Floriade Festival and NightFest Light Show
- Visit Cooma Cottage in Yass for a guided tour.
- Visit the Yass Railway Museum and enjoy lunch in a refurbished WClass Melbourne tram
- Enjoy dinners at some of Canberra’s premier restaurants
- Ride in first class seats on New South Wales trains
It’s an early start this morning as we load our luggage into our private coach before taking our First Class seats on the Explorer train at Central Station to travel the scenic Great Southern Line to the picturesque town of Bowral, nestled in the Southern Highlands.
Upon arrival at Moss Vale Station, we’ll board our private coach and head to Bowral. After a coffee stop in town, we’ll visit the distinguished heritage estate of Retford Park – established in 1887 by the prominent Hordern family, renowned figures in Australia’s retail and pastoral history, it’s a proud testament to Victorian Italianate architecture. In 1964, the estate was acquired by James Fairfax AC, a noted philanthropist and former chairman of John Fairfax Ltd., who transformed the property into a beautifully appointed ‘gentleman’s estate’, enhancing its interiors, gardens and art collections. In a generous act of preservation, he bequeathed Retford Park to the National Trust of Australia, ensuring its legacy for future generations. Spanning expansive grounds, Retford Park’s beautifully preserved interiors reflect a time gone by, and the gardens are a horticultural delight, dotted with sculptures and artworks, reflecting Fairfax’s passion for art and nature.
After enjoying a privately guided tour of this magnificent house, there’ll be some time to explore the gardens at your own pace. We’ll regroup in the on-site Moonacres Cafe for lunch together.
It’s then back to the train station to connect with the regular train service to Canberra, arriving in time to check in to our centrally-located hotel and have some down time before enjoying a Welcome Dinner, including drinks, at a local restaurant.
Overnight: Quest Canberra City Walk, Canberra (L, D)
This morning after breakfast, we’ll depart on a guided coach tour introducing Canberra’s defining landmarks and landscaped vistas. We’ll begin at Mount Ainslie, where a sweeping panorama reveals Walter Burley Griffin’s geometric plan for the capital, set against the curves of surrounding hills. Continue to the Stromlo Old Observatory, once a pioneering centre for astronomical research, where the preserved site offers insight into Canberra’s scientific heritage and its remarkable renewal following the 2003 bushfires.
Back in the city, we’ll visit the National Capital Exhibition to explore the story of Canberra’s creation, from its bold early designs to its evolution as a modern capital, before continuing to the Australian National Botanic Gardens, home to the most comprehensive display of native flora in the country. You’ll have time here to stroll through themed landscapes such as the Rainforest Gully and the Red Centre Garden, gaining an appreciation for Australia’s extraordinary biodiversity.
Our morning will conclude at the National Arboretum Canberra – a living collection of rare and significant trees overlooking Lake Burley Griffin. With sweeping views and architect‑designed spaces, it’s an inspiring testament to landscape renewal and conservation. Enjoy lunch at leisure at the Arboretum Café, with time to soak in the expansive scenery before we set you free for a few hours at leisure to explore the capital’s cultural offerings at your own pace. You might like to visit Parliament House (old and new), immerse yourself in science and innovation at Questacon, or see what’s on offer at the magnificent National Gallery of Australia.
Later in the afternoon, we’ll gather for a moving visit to the Australian War Memorial and attend the poignant Last Post Ceremony held daily beneath the Commemorative Courtyard, honouring those who have served and fallen in Australia’s military history.
Following the ceremony, we’ll board a privately chartered boat for a serene sunset cruise on Lake Burley Griffin, gliding past Canberra’s lakeside landmarks before disembarking for dinner at a lakeside restaurant.
Overnight: Quest Canberra City Walk, Canberra (B,D)
This morning after breakfast, we’ll walk from our hotel to Commonwealth Park and enjoy as much time as you’d like to explore the iconic Floriade Festival at your own pace. Set beside the shimmering waters of Lake Burley Griffin, Floriade is Australia’s premier celebration of spring, transforming the city with a spectacular display of over one million blooms. Wander through vibrant themed garden beds, marvel at floral installations, and discover engaging talks, workshops and pop-up market stalls. There’s time to enjoy a coffee by the lake and enjoy lunch at leisure from one of the many food vendors in the park. Our hotel is an easy walk from the Festival if you’d like to head back and have a rest.
In the early evening, we’ll return to the park for Floriade NightFest, when the festival comes alive with illuminated garden beds, roving performers, art installations and live music. Browse the night markets under the stars and sample dinner at leisure from a variety of gourmet food trucks and festival stalls.
Overnight: Quest Canberra City Walk, Canberra (B)
After a sleep in and a leisurely breakfast and morning, we’ll take a short and scenic rail journey to the historic village of Bungendore, nestled in the countryside outside Canberra.
Established in 1837, Bungendore’s rich history is evident in its well-preserved 19th-century architecture. The town’s streets are lined with old stone, brick, and timber buildings, many dating back to the 1840s – notable heritage sites include the Bungendore railway station and St Philip’s Anglican Church, both of which reflect the town’s colonial past. Over the years, the town has evolved into a vibrant hub renowned for its thriving arts and crafts scene. The famous Bungendore Wood Works Gallery showcases exquisite Australian wood art, sculptures, and contemporary furniture, highlighting the craftsmanship of local artisans. Other galleries, such as the Suki & Hugh Gallery and Bungendore Fine Art, feature a diverse range of artworks, including glass, ceramics, and paintings, reflecting the region’s creative spirit. Bungendore offers a delightful culinary experience with its array of cafes and restaurants, so lunch at leisure will be easy to find!
In the mid afternoon, we’ll board the train back to Canberra for some downtime before gathering for a farewell dinner including drinks at one of Canberra’s premier restaurants.
Overnight: Quest Canberra City Walk, Canberra (B,D)
After breakfast and checking out, we’ll board our private coach for a journey into the rolling countryside of the Southern Tablelands to the historic town of Yass, stopping on the way for a guided tour of Cooma Cottage, a historic heritage-listed homestead and one of the oldest surviving rural homes in the region, offering a glimpse into early colonial life. The original section of the cottage was built around 1830-1837 by pastoralist Cornelius O’Brien and subsequently purchased by renowned Australian explorer Hamilton Hume (1797–1873), the first European-born explorer in Australia.
We’ll continue the short distance into town and enjoy a guided visit to the Yass Railway Museum, the keeper of the region’s rich railway heritage through original locomotives, carriages, and memorabilia, followed by a special lunch in their historic WClass Melbourne tram.
We’ll round out our afternoon with a visit to the Yass Valley History Centre, where knowledgeable volunteers share local stories through photographs, documents and artefacts spanning settlement, agriculture and town life, highlighting Yass’s evolution from a sheep grazing district to the vibrant rural community it has become.
It’s then back to the station to take our First Class seats on the TrainLink service back to Sydney, travelling through bucolic pastoral landscapes as the sun sets outside your window. We’ll arrive back at Sydney’s Central Station in the evening to be reunited with your luggage and bid farewell to your Tour Leader and new-found friends, marking the end of your Floriade rail adventure.
(B,L)
What's included
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4 nights of accommodation in Canberra
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4 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners (including drinks at 2 of them)
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Separate luggage transport allowing you to travel unencumbered
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All transport fares and costs provided for in the itinerary
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All meals, drinks excursions provided for in the itinerary
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Full-time Railway Adventures Tour Leader throughout
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Knowledgeable guides
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Tipping and gratuities where applicable
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Accommodation taxes where applicable
What's not included
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Travel to tour departure point and from tour end point
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Travel insurance (Not mandatory for domestic travel)
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Meals and drinks not provided for in the itinerary
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Things of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry, room service, etc
Some ways you’ll travel
The best train trips possible, private luxury coach for off-train travel, guided walking where suitable, and other appropriate and appealing options to make exploration easy
Private Coach
New South Wales
Xplorer Train
New South WalesSome places you’ll stay
Hand-picked hotels and resorts based on location, customer feedback, value and atmosphere. Please Note: Hotels of a similar standard may be substituted.
Quest Canberra City Walk
Things you need to know
The walk from our hotel to the Floriade Festival in Commonwealth Park is 1.5 kilometres. Due to street closures, road transport is not possible.
Our track record
Hear from some of our adventurers that have already ridden the rails with us.
FAQs
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