Arrive in Sydney on suggested Qantas 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 Glen Halliday and fellow travellers at the rear entrance of Sydney’s Four Seasons hotel at 10:00am. Then, depart Sydney for Gosford, with a stop en route for lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy a visit to Mount Penang Gardens where native flora, tranquil aquatic gardens and modern sculptures blend together to produce intriguing seasonal displays.

Arrive at the hotel in Gosford in the late afternoon for some time at leisure, followed by dinner.

(LD)

This morning, discover the secrets of Japanese garden design with a private tour of the Edogawa Commemorative Garden in the company of Japanese garden specialist Ken Lamb. The gardens were gifted by Gosford’s sister city in Japan, Edogawa, and were designed by Ken in accordance with the elegant principles of the Japanese Heian period.

Enjoy some time at leisure to explore the nearby Gosford Regional Gallery before lunch at the on-site café overlooking the gardens.

In the afternoon, visit a private garden and enjoy a remarkable display of native trees, bromeliads and succulents before returning to the hotel for an evening at leisure.

(BL)

Begin the day with a visit to Royale Orchids nursery, located in Peats Ridge, where generations of the Hipkins family have cultivated one of the country’s widest selections of orchids, from vibrant boat orchids to rare and exotic species.

Then, stroll through the fragrant gardens of Erina’s Distillery Botanica, where flowers and spices are used to flavour locally produced spirits and liqueurs. Enjoy lunch at the café before returning to the hotel in the afternoon.

The evening is at leisure.

(BL)

After breakfast, explore the picturesque Yarramalong Valley, starting with a visit to Jill Wran’s Jumjum Farm. Renowned for its holistic approach to farming, Jumjum is a unique rural property comprising 120 acres of lush pastures, hazelnut plantations and a resident flock of Muscovy ducks. Delight in an exclusive, private tour of the boutique farm and wander the homestead’s large, informal garden.

After lunch, continue through the region’s tranquil hinterland to visit renowned landscape designer Michael Cooke’s unique private garden. Author and former garden editor of Marie Claire Lifestyle, Michael’s exquisite garden is often featured in the media. Spend time exploring the different garden ‘rooms’, each with a unique design style and variation of plant combinations.

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

(BL)

This morning, check out of the hotel and visit a private rainforest garden overlooking the Wyong River before a special farewell lunch with Glen and fellow travellers at Mount White.

Return to Sydney in the late-afternoon, where tour arrangements conclude at the Four Seasons Hotel. Renaissance Tours or your travel agent can assist you with your flights and other travel arrangements, including airport transfers, additional nights’ accommodation either before or after the tour and travel insurance (highly recommended).

(BL)

Note: At time of publication (April 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.