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 Robin and fellow travellers at the rear entrance of the Four Seasons Hotel Sydney. Then, depart Sydney for Wollongong via the historic Royal National Park and Sea Cliff Bridge and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

Afterwards, head to the scenic coastal town of Kiama with its dramatic ocean cliffs, beaches and both the Big and Little Blowholes.

The evening is at leisure.

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This morning, depart Kiama and travel to Shoalhaven to discover the natural beauty and biodiversity of the Shoalhaven Heads Native Botanic Garden, full of endangered and unusual Australian plants and endemic wildlife.

Afterwards, enjoy a scenic coastal drive towards Jervis Bay. There, embark on a cruise around the bay offering the chance to see wildlife, white sand beaches, towering sea cliffs and the resident dolphins. The area is known for its dramatic rock formations, sea caves and marine life like seals, seabirds and whales during migration season.

Then, continue to Mollymook and check-in to the hotel. The evening is at leisure.

(BL)

After breakfast, visit the Ulladulla Wildflower Park, a peaceful reserve showcasing a diverse range of native plants and bushland.

Afterwards, drive to the charming town of Milton, established in 1860 and with a historic character lent by its many National Trust-listed buildings. Enjoy some free time for lunch in one of the many cafés and explore the vibrant mix of arts, antique and designer boutiques.

In the afternoon, set out on a guided historic walk around Nurrawallee Inlet, taking in the natural beauty of the coastline while learning about the area’s local history.

This evening, enjoy dinner at the acclaimed Rick Stein at Bannisters restaurant, renowned for its fresh, locally sourced seafood and signature dishes by celebrated chef Rick Stein.

(BD)

Today, after a brief stop at the South Pacific Heathland Reserve lookout for a panoramic view of the coastline, continue to the Murramarang Community Garden, set within a small coastal hamlet south of Mollymook. This volunteer-run garden brings together productive garden beds, native plantings and shared community projects, offering an inspiring insight into sustainable gardening practices grounded in local stewardship and environmental care.

Continue to a local restaurant for lunch before returning to Mollymook to enjoy the remainder of the afternoon at leisure.

(BL)

This morning, enjoy breakfast at a local café before checking out of the hotel and travelling south towards Narooma.

En route, stop at Depot Beach to explore its tranquil rainforest setting on a guided boardwalk walk, offering a chance to experience the region’s unique coastal bushland and native wildlife.

Continue to Narooma for lunch, followed by a scenic coastal walk. Take in highlights including Australia Rock, Bar Rock Lookout and the nearby seal colony, known for its population of Australian and New Zealand fur seals, all set against sweeping ocean views.

Afterwards, continue to the hotel and check in, followed by dinner at a local restaurant.

(BLD)

Today, embark on a private boat tour to Montague Island, located eight kilometres offshore from the Wagonga Inlet. The island is a dedicated nature reserve and home to New South Wales’ largest colony of fur seals and over 90 species of birds. It is also a breeding site for little penguins. Learn about the island’s links to Indigenous culture and enjoy a tour of the lighthouse, which has protected seafarers since 1881.

Return to shore and continue to Thubbul, the coastal retreat and garden of award-winning architect Philip Cox AO. Divided into different botanic realms, the garden consists of a coastal zone, paperbark and spotted gum forest and rainforest gully that hosts numerous lyrebirds. Pavilions connected by a central walkway provide views over the surrounding landscape of open grassland and forest, punctuated by sculptures overlooking the Murrah Lagoon.

(BLD)

This morning, board a boat on Pambula Lake and enjoy a tour of an oyster farm. Learn about the history, biology and modern techniques used in oyster husbandry and taste freshly shucked and locally grown oysters. Sail down the Pambula River past ancient Aboriginal middens and spot the majestic white-bellied sea eagle circling overhead.

Return to the hotel for the rest of the afternoon at leisure, before enjoying a special farewell dinner with Robin and fellow travellers at a local restaurant.

(BD)

Depart Merimbula and head inland to visit Shirley, a garden established by one family across three generations. Redesigned in 2006 by leading landscaper Paul Bangay, the garden displays a love of European sensibilities with its formal parterres, expansive lawns, gardens and lake.

After lunch, continue to Canberra Airport where tour arrangements conclude in time for flights departing from 17:30.

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 (April 2026), 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.