As this holiday departs early morning from the Rydges Sydney Central, accommodation will need to be pre-booked for the previous night.

Depart Sydney this morning at 7.30am and travel through the rolling hills and verdant pastures of the Southern Highlands. Pause at historic Berrima to see its convict-era sandstone gaol, then visit Gold Creek Station to meet a local grazier and enjoy a barbecue lunch. Gold Creek is a working pastoral property that currently runs merino sheep and beef cattle. On arrival in Canberra join a local guide for a tour of Parliament House, the seat of the nation’s government. Built almost entirely of Australian materials, 10,000 people worked on its construction. Then visit the Australian War Memorial, which brings together a world-class museum, a shrine and an extensive archive. Hear an evocative lament before departing for your hotel. Enjoy dinner at your hotel with your travelling companions.

Today enjoy the spectacle and festivities of Floriade 2018. Originally developed as a floral display to celebrate Australia’s Bicentenary and Canberra’s 75th birthday, this month-long festival attracts more than 480,000 visitors per year. Start the day with a guided walk of the grounds. The rest of the day is free for you to enjoy not only over a million flowers but markets, sculptures, workshops and live music. You might wish to extend your day with a visit to the magical and mesmerising Floriade NightFest (additional cost), featuring two fully choreographed light shows set to music (28 September departure only).

Discover the Southern Highlands during Tulip Time, when Corbett Gardens in Bowral becomes the festival centrepiece with over 75,000 tulips. Enjoy the festive vibe before travelling to Mittagong for Devonshire Tea. Your fabulous flower festival concludes this afternoon at 5.00pm approximately in Sydney.

As this tour concludes in the evening, you may like to pre-book accommodation for tonight.