Explore the historic homesteads and private gardens of the Monaro with the arrival of autumn’s crisp colours, as art, horticulture and history come together.

At a Glance

  • Explore the historic homesteads and gardens of the Monaro, including Micalago Station, Shirley and Hazeldean
  • Admire the spectacular scenery of the Snowy Mountains and its endemic plant life
  • Wander through private gardens in autumnal colours, from a heritage cottage style to Paul Bangay’s contemporary designs
  • Understand the impact of the region on Australian artists, on a guided tour at the National Gallery of Australia

Travel to the foot of the Australian Alps and enjoy two days visiting a selection of private gardens of historic significance, from working farms to sprawling landscape gardens. Visit an elegant country estate with gardens recently renovated by Paul Bangay.

Discover the natural history of the Snowy Mountains on a guided day exploring Australia’s highest mainland mountain range and its pristine lakes, and appreciate its inspiration on generations of Australian artists at the National Gallery of Australia in Canberra.

Dates

06 – 10 May 2024 (5 days)

Tour leader

Genevieve Jacobs

Tour Status

Available

Book now

Itinerary

Arrive in Canberra on suggested Qantas flights and make your own way to the hotel. Renaissance Tours or your travel agent can assist you with your flights and other travel arrangements, including a private transfer to the hotel, pre-tour accommodation and a room category upgrade.

At 14:00, meet your tour leader Genevieve Jacobs and fellow travellers in the Hotel Kurrajong lobby and transfer by coach to the National Gallery of Australia for a guided tour of the permanent Australian collection. Explore the works of pre-eminent Australian artists whose paintings were inspired by the landscapes of the region.

This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner with Genevieve at the hotel.

(D)

This morning, check out of the hotel and travel south towards Micalago Station, an historical pioneer homestead and the location of multiple film sets, including My Brilliant Career  in 1979. Enjoy a guided tour of the garden and visit the site where George Lambert painted his iconic work, The Squatter’s Daughter (weather permitting). Enjoy genuine country hospitality with lunch on the property, the hills of the Monaro as backdrop and the garden filled with autumn colour.

Arrive in Jindabyne in the late afternoon and check in to the hotel before enjoying dinner at a local restaurant.

(BLD)

Today, enjoy the splendour of Kosciuszko National Park, from the twisted trunks of the ‘grandfather’ snow gums to endless mountain vistas. Begin with a gentle walk through the National Park near Lake Crackenback, learning more about the cultural history of this unique pocket of Australia.

Continuing to Charlotte Pass, hear from a National Parks guide about the geological history and endemic flora and fauna of Kosciuszko National Park, the site of Australia’s highest peak.

This evening, enjoy dinner at a nearby restaurant.

(BLD)

Enjoy a guided tour at Shirley’s garden, established by one family across three generations, followed by lunch. Recently redesigned by leading landscaper Paul Bangay, the garden displays a love of European sensibilities with its formal parterres, expansive lawns, secret gardens and spectacular lake.

Return to Jindabyne in the late afternoon and enjoy some time at leisure followed by dinner at the hotel.

(BLD)

This morning, check out of the hotel before visiting Hazeldean, settled by the Litchfield family in 1865 and now home to the sixth generation. One of the country’s largest Merino and Angus studs, it is also the site of an extensive five-acre garden that has recently been lovingly renovated and extended by the present owners.

Continue to the Australian National Botanic Gardens for a private guided tour and to admire the stunning diversity of native Australian plants followed by a farewell lunch.

Tour arrangements conclude at Canberra Airport in time for flights departing from 18:00, or the Canberra CBD.

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 and travel insurance (highly recommended).

(BL)

 

Note: At time of publication (December 2023), 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 4,350

Single supplement

AUD 550

Deposit per person (at time of booking)

AUD 1,500

Final payment due

06 March 2024

Room category upgrade available on request; please enquire with us.

Tour price includes

  • Four nights’ accommodation in four-star hotels with breakfast daily (B)
  • Meals as per itinerary (L = Lunch, D = Dinner), including wine with dinners
  • Talks, insights and guiding by tour leader, garden specialist Genevieve Jacobs
  • Comprehensive sightseeing, including entrance fees and tours as per itinerary
  • Airport transfer on departure (if using group transfer)
  • Transportation on comfortable, air-conditioned coaches
  • Gratuities for local guides, drivers and wait staff

Tour price does not include

  • Airfares (please contact Renaissance Tours or your travel agent for assistance)
  • Airport/hotel transfers on arrival (contact Renaissance Tours for assistance) or on departure if not using included group transfer
  • Airport porterage
  • Hotel porterage
  • Items of a personal nature (e.g. telephone, laundry, taxis, minibar, room service etc.)
  • Travel insurance (highly recommended; please contact Renaissance Tours or your travel agent for assistance)

Hotel

Your hotels
Canberra – Hotel Kurrajong, Canberra****
Jindabyne – Rydges Horizons Snowy Mountains****

N.B. Hotels of a similar standard may be substituted. Please note that daily room housekeeping is not currently offered at Rydges Horizons Snowy Mountains.

More Details

Tour Code: GD2409

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

Please note that tour members are required to walk on uneven surfaces and manage steps as all rooms at Rydges Horizons in Jindabyne have stairs.

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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