Arrive in Sydney on suggested Qantas flights. Renaissance Tours or your travel agent can assist you with your flights and other travel arrangements, including extra nights’ accommodation and a private transfer from the airport.

At 9:00am, meet your tour leader Glen Halliday and fellow travellers at the rear entrance of the Four Seasons Hotel Sydney. Then depart Sydney for the Hunter Valley, with a welcome briefing by Glen on the coach.

Arrive at Tocal Homestead and gain a glimpse into Australia’s rural past. The homestead’s story, and the history of the region, is told through its well-preserved colonial architecture and expansive grounds. Continue to Pokolbin, hailed as the wine capital of the Hunter Valley, with more than 160 years of history, and check into the hotel.

This evening, enjoy dinner at the hotel’s restaurant.

(LD)

Start the day with a visit to Winmark Wines Sculpture Park and Art Gallery, which comprises an impressive collection of sculptures by renowned artists, strategically placed amidst the vineyards and gardens. The on-site art gallery showcases a diverse range of artworks, providing further insight into the creative spirit of the region.

After some time at leisure in Scone, continue to Tamworth, famous for its country music festival and equestrian events, arriving in the late afternoon. Enjoy some free time before dinner at the hotel.

(BD)

This morning, join Kamilaroi man Len Waters on a bush tucker tour at the Tamworth Regional Botanic Gardens and learn to identify significant native plants and their uses in food and bush medicine.

Later, visit the Australian Country Music Hall of Fame, home to a collection of memorabilia celebrating the rich history of Australian country music. Established to inspire future generations of musicians, the museum showcases iconic instruments, stage costumes and personal items from legendary artists.

This evening, transfer to Goonoo Goonoo Station for dinner, sampling some of New England’s best produce, on this historically significant working farm, which originally formed part of an 1832 land grant for the production of fine Merino wool, as an article of export to Great Britain.

(BD)

Today, travel to the picturesque town of Armidale, home to elegant cathedrals and scenic leafy streets lined with heritage buildings. Stop en route at Uralla, a historic gold mining town in the Northern Tablelands, and view Gostwyck Chapel, a quaint brick church surrounded by golden Elm trees.

Continue to Saumarez Homestead, a 19th century Edwardian mansion, to experience Australian rural history and heritage gardens. See a unique collection of colonial furnishings, fashion and historic objects relating to the White family’s life in the house, as well as farm buildings with original agricultural machinery and equipment.

Enjoy lunch at a private garden followed by a guided tour before arriving in Armidale.

(BLD)

This morning, visit the Aboriginal Cultural Centre and Keeping Place, a premier cultural institution dedicated to preserving, promoting and celebrating the rich heritage and living cultures of the Aboriginal nations of the New England Tablelands region. Then, explore the neighbouring New England Regional Art Museum, whose art collections are the second largest and most valuable regional public collection in New South Wales.

Enjoy lunch at the award-winning Peterson’s Armidale Winery. The historic homestead, boasting a unique arched entrance, was built in 1911 and was restored in line with traditional architecture principles.

Afterwards, tour a private garden before returning to the hotel for an evening at leisure.

(BL)

Depart Armidale to Glen Innes to visit a private garden, before heading to Rosecroft Homestead, a 1930s Hamptons-style estate situated on a 50-acre property. Wander through its private English-style garden and parkland, containing 140 mature ornamental trees aged at almost 100 years old, six different types of elm trees, a pergola, bell tower and various statuary.

In the late afternoon, arrive in Tenterfield and enjoy some free time before dinner at the hotel.

(BLD)

Today, embark on a private, guided tour of the Sir Henry Parkes Memorial School of Arts, which commemorates one of Australia’s great statesmen, known as ‘The Father of Federation’. Built on the site where he delivered the famous speech that revived the Federation movement, this museum has earned the title of ‘birthplace of Australia’s nation’.

Then, enjoy lunch at Ivy leaf Chapel, followed by a tour of the grounds. Admire its sculptured hedges and Boston Ivy covering, creating a kaleidoscopic display of autumn colours.

This evening, join Glen and fellow travellers for a special farewell dinner.

(BD)

After breakfast, transfer from Tenterfield to Ballina airport. Tour arrangements conclude upon arrival at Ballina airport in time for flights departing from 15:30.

Renaissance Tours or your travel agent can assist you with your flights and other travel arrangements, including private airport transfers, additional nights’ accommodation either before or after the tour and travel insurance (highly recommended).

(B)

Note: At time of publication (October 2025), 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.