Capital Blooms

Capital Blooms

9 Views
3 Days From

$989

$890

Capital Blooms

3 Days Starting and ending in Sydney

Visiting: Sydney, Canberra

Tour operator:

AAT Kings

Tour code:

CBFTF25

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Low

Tour operated in:

English
From: $989 $890 Operator discount: -$99

NB: Prices correct on 18-Oct-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

You don’t have to be a horticulturalist to appreciate the explosion of colour at Canberra’s Floriade and Bowral’s Tulip Time, two celebrations of spring that excite all the senses. Come on this Canberra tour for the flowers – stay for the festive atmosphere. The ultimate short break from Sydney.

Highlights

  • content:

    Highlights

    • Smell the flowers at Floriade, an immense wonderland of bulbs best enjoyed at a leisurely pace. More blooms await in Bowral, with its antiques stores and cosy cafés.
    • From Floriade and Parliament House to quaint historic villages, Canberra’s attractions don’t disappoint.
    • Canberra is one of Australia’s greenest cities, from its alternative energy ethos to its ample parks that welcome visitors at every turn.

Itinerary

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Day 1: Sydney - Canberra

Location: Sydney

Accommodation Name: Crowne Plaza Canberra

This short getaway from Sydney sees you leave the skyscrapers behind and venture into the bucolic countryside of the Southern Highlands, all heritage villages, vineyards and manicured gardens. The allures all unite in Berrima, the best-preserved Georgian town in Australia – look no further than its convict-era sandstone gaol. Despite its gloomy history, the building awfully pretty to look at. All this touring is hungry work – thankfully, a barbecue lunch awaits on the grounds of working sheep farm Gold Creek Station, where you’ll learn about life on the land from someone who works it every day. Speaking of working hard for the money, 10,000 people spent years constructing Parliament House, the architecturally eye-catching seat of the nation’s government that was constructed largely from Australian materials. Your Canberra tour guide will take you behind the scenes and reveal all the secrets.

Day 2: Canberra & Floriade

Location: Canberra

Accommodation Name: Crowne Plaza Canberra

There are more than a million bulbs on display annually at Floriade, an explosion of colour that transforms the banks of Lake Burley Griffin – as well as some of Canberra’s suburbs in recent years. The month-long affair – the largest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere – was originally designed to celebrate Australia’s Bicentenary and Canberra’s 75th birthday. But it has become a regular on the city’s event calendar. You’ll see why. Continue your weekend in Canberra browsing immaculate flower beds in various patterns and themes, then enjoy entertainment, market stalls and a lively spring vibe.

Day 3: Canberra - Bowral - Sydney

Location: Canberra

Yet more flowers await in the Southern Highlands, where Bowral's Corbett Gardens play host to 75,000 tulips. The aptly named Tulip Time Festival here will inspire you to buy some tulips to plant back home - it's that eye catching. Before you board your coach for your return to Sydney, you'll have time at leisure in the Southern Highlands village of Mittagong.

What's Included

What's Not Included

  • Meals

    Meals are not included in the tour package.

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs and additional activities are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and should be purchased separately.

  • Flights

    Flights to and from the starting location are not included.

Mode of Transport

Travel in comfort with a highly experienced Driver Guide, ensuring a smooth journey from Sydney to Canberra and back, with stops at key attractions along the way.

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    The tour includes comfortable accommodation at the Crowne Plaza Canberra, which offers easy access to city centres and a relaxing stay after a day of exploration.

  • What kind of transport is used during the tour?

    Travel is in comfort with a highly experienced Driver Guide, ensuring a smooth journey from Sydney to Canberra and back, with stops at key attractions along the way.

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    Meals are not included in the tour package, except for a barbecue lunch at Gold Creek Station.

  • What activities are included at Gold Creek Station?

    At Gold Creek Station, you will enjoy a farm experience and a barbecue lunch, and learn about life on the land from someone who works it every day.

  • What can I expect to see at Floriade?

    At Floriade, you can expect to see more than a million bulbs on display, transforming the banks of Lake Burley Griffin and some of Canberra’s suburbs into an explosion of color. The event includes entertainment, market stalls, and a lively spring vibe.

  • Is there a guided tour of Parliament House included?

    Yes, a locally guided tour of Parliament House is included in the tour.

  • What is the Tulip Time Festival in Bowral?

    The Tulip Time Festival in Bowral's Corbett Gardens features 75,000 tulips and offers a vibrant atmosphere that may inspire you to buy some tulips to plant back home.

  • Are personal expenses covered in the tour package?

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs and additional activities are not included in the tour package.

  • Is travel insurance included in the tour package?

    Travel insurance is not included and should be purchased separately.

  • Are flights included in the tour package?

    Flights to and from the starting location are not included in the tour package.

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    The beauty of taking a holiday with us is you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    It is important to adhere to departure times while on tour for the comfort of everyone on-board, and to make sure no one misses out on the planned experiences. The coach will not be able to wait for you, and in some instances, if you miss a departure time you will need to make your own way to the next destination to re-join the tour.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    AAT Kings operated Guided Holidays have competitive single supplement rates available if you prefer to confirm your own room. Or we can match you to share with a guest of the same gender at no extra cost. If we fail to match you, we will accommodate you in a single room at no extra cost.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Over 100 years

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    We will email your documents to you approximately four weeks before your departure date provided you have completed your pre trip registration using the My Travel Portal. If you’ve booked through a travel agent, your documents will be emailed directly to your agent.

Reviews of this operator

Ann Purcell  

Well worth the money

24-Feb-2023

Absolutely wonderful trip. Tastes of southern Australia. Hotels were good quality. Sightseeing was amazing. Manuela our travel director was lovely. A great trip all round

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Lynda Whittingham  

Particularly loved QUEENSTOWN (jet boat) and plane ride over Mt Cook

18-Feb-2023

Great guide “Dexter” who was pleasant and knowledgeable, skilled and pleasant driver, Aaron, interesting activities, and comfortable hotels in good locations. I have been on organized bus trips in different countries and this company stands out. I would travel with them again. Read less

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Trusted Customer  

Milford Sound , West Coast , Queenstown, Christchurch

22-Feb-2023

The most professional tour group i have ever travelled with. Both tour director (Hope) & driver (Dave) had extensive knowledge of NZ. Highly recommended.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Keith Jones  

Christchurch, Milford Sound and the Franz Joseph Railway journey

02-Mar-2023

Very professional service throughout. Friendly experienced tour guide imparting excellent knowledge and local anecdotes. Friendly professional driver enhanced the overall pleasure. Excellent hotels throughout the holiday.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Allison Cooper  

Wonderful experience, highlight had to be Uluru so spiritual and beautiful

22-Feb-2023

Very professional. Excellent travel director very knowledgeable and a lovely guy. Amazing experience seeing do many great places.

Feefo Trusted Reviews

1 Select your preferred date

Friday - Sunday

Sep 19, 2025 - Sep 21, 2025
$989 $890

Operator discount: -$99

Saturday - Monday

Sep 27, 2025 - Sep 29, 2025
$989

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    AAT Kings requires a minimum deposit of 100 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of aat kings charges.

    Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.

    At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.

    At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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