Canberra & the Floriade Festival by Rail

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)