Wander through the dramatic landscapes of the Blue Mountains and discover hidden treasures in some of the region’s finest private gardens, coloured in their peak autumnal hues.

At a Glance

  • Experience a diverse range of gardens and country-style creations including landscape designs by Paul Sorensen and David Kennedy
  • Explore the mountain-top town of Mount Wilson, renowned for its historic gardens including Windyridge and Nooroo
  • Enjoy a private tour of the awe-inspiring Mayfield Garden near Oberon
  • Soak up the sublime natural beauty of the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains National Park

Visit a selection of private and botanical gardens both big and small in the towns of Leura and Mount Wilson, famous for their magnificent displays of deciduous trees in brilliant shades of red, yellow and flame orange.

Enjoy a day visiting the spectacular Mayfield Garden, a 65-hectare cool-climate garden set amidst a mosaic of pine forests and rolling farmland. With the vibrant colours and dappled sunlight of autumn as a backdrop, the stunning grounds combine innovative landscaping techniques with classic garden features.

Dates

05 – 09 May 2025 (5 days)

Tour leader

Genevieve Jacobs

Tour Status

Available

Book now

Itinerary

Arrive in Sydney on suggested flights. Renaissance Tours or your travel agent can assist you with your flights and other travel arrangements including pre-tour accommodation and a private transfer from the airport.

Meet your tour leader Genevieve Jacobs and fellow travellers in the Sydney CBD at 09:30 am (location to be advised). Transfer by coach to the World Heritage-listed Everglades Historic House and Garden in Leura.

The modern-style 1930s house is set amongst 5.2 hectares of gracefully designed gardens. The garden is defined by its cherry terrace that extends from the courtyard, with a line of weeping Japanese cherry trees bordered by an ironstone wall and softened by a ‘floating hedge’ of conifers. Marvel at sweeping views of the Jamison Valley from the garden of the upper terrace.

Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring a Rhododendron garden before checking in to the hotel in the late afternoon. This evening, enjoy dinner at the hotel.

(LD)

Today, begin with a guided visit of Windyridge Garden, located in the historical garden village of Mount Wilson. This garden features cool-climate plants, water features and various sculptures and art pieces.

Continue to Nooroo Garden and enjoy a light lunch at this historic home established as a working farm since 1880 and home to a wealth of oaks, ash, beech, chestnut and maple trees.

In the afternoon, visit Bebeah Garden, one of the original large garden estates of Mount Wilson. Tightly clipped hedges of azaleas, camellias, box and laurel, and sweeping grassy expanses, broad arcs of white gravel pathways and gently weathered classical statuary cover the sprawling 12 acres of land.

Return to the hotel in the late afternoon and enjoy the evening at leisure.

(BL)

In the morning, visit Gory’u Japanese Garden, a little piece of Japan in the picturesque Hartley Valley at the foothills of the Blue Mountains. Gory’u is a Kaiyu shiki teien stroll garden with beautiful Zen aspects, a Shinto garden complete with Torii gate, bridges, Japanese maples, flowering cherries and a dragon stream.

Continue to a private romantic, naturalist garden complete with shady woodland filled with exotic maples, crab apples and pears.

Enjoy afternoon tea at the historic Hydro Majestic Hotel before returning to the hotel in the late afternoon. This evening is at leisure.

(BL)

This morning, transfer to the Central Tablelands town of Oberon to explore Mayfield Garden, the epic showpiece of a noted Sydney property developer. One of the world’s largest privately-owned cool-climate gardens, Mayfield features hidden nooks, woodland meadows and floral artistry, and combines locally hewn bluestone paths winding through flower beds bursting with seasonal species.

This evening, enjoy a special farewell dinner with Genevieve and fellow travellers at a nearby restaurant.

(BLD)

After breakfast, check out of the hotel and depart for the Blue Mountains Botanic Gardens for a tour of the gardens. Stroll through the gardens, arranged by geographical origin. Explore lush rainforests, serene woodlands and delicate alpine plants, as well as vibrant displays of exotic species from around the globe.

After a light lunch, return to Sydney where tour arrangements conclude upon arrival in the Sydney CBD around 4:00pm.

Renaissance Tours or your travel agent can assist you with your flights and other travel arrangements, including any additional nights’ accommodation either before or after the tour, travel insurance (strongly advised) and a private airport transfer.

(BL)

 

Note: At time of publication (October 2024), most but not all garden visits were confirmed. Private owners, in particular, are reluctant to commit more than two to three months prior to the visit. Therefore, while we undertake to operate the tour as published, there may be some changes to the itinerary.

Prices

Per person, twin-share

AUD 5,250

Single supplement

AUD 650

Deposit per person (at time of booking)

AUD 1,500

Final payment due

6 March 2025

Tour price includes

  • Four nights’ accommodation in a five-star hotel, including breakfast daily (B)
  • Meals as per itinerary (L = Lunch, D = Dinner), including wine with dinners
  • Expertise and insights of your tour leader, garden writer Genevieve Jacobs
  • Comprehensive sightseeing including local guides and entrance fees as per itinerary
  • Transportation on comfortable, air-conditioned coaches
  • Gratuities for local guides, drivers and waitstaff
  • Hotel porterage (one piece per person)

Tour price does not include

  • Airfares (please contact Renaissance Tours or your travel agent for assistance)
  • Airport/hotel transfers on arrival and departure (contact Renaissance Tours for assistance)
  • Airport porterage
  • Items of a personal nature (e.g. telephone, laundry, room service, minibar, taxis etc.)
  • Travel insurance (highly recommended; please contact Renaissance Tours or your travel agent for assistance)

Hotel

Your hotel

Blue Mountains – Lilianfels *****

N.B. Hotel of a similar standard may be substituted.

Lilianfels Heritage Gardens. Photo courtesy of Salter Brothers Hospitality

More Details

Tour code: GD2501

Fitness level: Moderate
Please see Terms & Conditions for fitness level definitions here.

Suggested airline: Qantas
Please contact Renaissance Tours or your travel agent for current airfares and flight reservations.

Visa
New Zealand passport holders do not require a visa to visit Australia.

Download booking form here.

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