Join The Funtastic Tour Company for a 6-Day Floriade Tour in Canberra, tailored for the spirited over-50s. From historic sites to the floral spectacle of Floriade and gourmet delights, this journey promises unforgettable experiences, comfort, and camaraderie
What To Expect
Full Payment and Bookings Due 22 July 2024
Day 1: (D) HOME TO CANBERRA Monday 23 September 2024
Welcome to our Canberra in Bloom stay put including the glorious Floriade Festival. We make our way to the Brisbane airport for our direct flight to Canberra. On arrival, we are greeted with a smile as our friendly coach captain welcomes us to the nation’s great capital. Tonight, we are introduced to our fellow travellers over a welcome dinner at the Hotel. (Lunch at own expense, dinner at the Hotel)
Overnight: Canberra Rex Hotel
Day 2: (BLD) REFLECTION & REMEMBRANCE Tuesday 24 September 2024
This morning we get to know Canberra. We’ll start our day with a drive through the grounds of Duntroon, the Royal Military College established in 1911. Of particular interest to many is the Changi Chapel. We also take in spectacular views over Canberra from Mt Ainslie Lookout and see how Walter Burley Griffith’s vision for the city has been brought to life. We will learn of the International Embassies and High Commissions as we pass by in the coach. We head over now to New Parliament House where we discover the must-see highlights of this iconic building. We’re enjoying our time here so much we decide to stay on for lunch at the Queen’s Terrace Café . The remainder of our day will be spent at the Australian War Memorial (1400). Wander at your own pace through this sombre and uplifting memorial, unveiling the sacrifices made by the women and men who served in war. We stay on for the very moving Last Post Ceremony (1645) before returning to our hotel for dinner
(Breakfast and dinner at the hotel, lunch Queen’s Terrace Café, Parliament House)
Overnight: Canberra Rex Hotel
Day 3: (BLD) EXPLORING CANBERRA Wednesday 25 September 2024
Following breakfast, we visit the internationally renowned National Arboretum Canberra. Created as a place of breathtaking beauty, we’ll experience the world’s largest living collection of rare, endangered and significant trees. The views are also sensational from here. The Museum of Australian Democracy(formally Old Parliament House) is our next stop. The museum was home to Australia’s Federal Parliament for more than 60 years and is now a heritage building offering a unique glimpse into the nation’s fascinating past. We complete our day with a visit to Lanyon Homestead, set within superb pleasure gardens and features a range of outbuildings located within a landscape of great natural beauty. We enjoy a guided tour and stay on for a delicious Devonshire Tea. We return to the hotel for dinner having completed another wonderful day in Canberra.
(Breakfast and dinner at the hotel, Packed lunch provided by Ginger Catering (Museum of Australian Democracy)
Overnight: Canberra Rex Hotel
Day 4: (BLD) VINES & WINES Thursday 26 September 2024
Canberra has established its wine-growing region with boutique cellar doors and local creations. We begin our day at Murrumbateman Chocolate Co for a talk and to indulge in the smooth and creamy chocolate tastings on offer. A delicious tasting awaits us at Murrumbateman Winery. The boutique cellar door has a warm, rustic feel making it also the perfect place to enjoy lunch. This afternoon we visit the famous Cockington Green Gardens. This award-winning tourist attraction takes its name from the township of Cockington in Devon, a historic English village. It is a one-twelfth-scale reproduction of buildings and gardens – thatched cottages, a tiny church, the village green and even Stonehenge. Furthermore, model figures bring the scenes to life.
(Breakfast at hotel, Lunch at Murrumbateman Winery, Dinner at hotel)
Overnight: Canberra Rex Hotel
Day 5: (BD) GARDENS GALORE Friday 27 September 2024
Today is festival day! We make our way to Tulip Top Gardens, where acres of stunning world-class gardens bloom to life. Hundreds of blossom trees nestle between the flowers and provide a magic pathway to the cascading waterfall and watercourse with classical music wafting through the air in the hidden valley. Then it’s off to Commonwealth Park, for the amazing Floriade Festival. The flower display is the largest of its type in the Southern Hemisphere. Explore the impressive array of inspiring flowerbeds, horticultural exhibitions and unmissable entertainment.
(Breakfast and dinner at hotel, Lunch at own expense at Floriade)
Overnight: Canberra Rex Hotel
Day 6: (BD) CANBERRA TO HOME Saturday 28 September 2024
We say goodbye to Canberra as we make our way to the airport for our direct flight home. We arrive home with new friends and wonderful memories of our springtime adventure. (Breakfast at the hotel, Lunch at own expense)
All itineraries are subject to change due to occasional restrictions in the opening times/days of some attractions
Cost Includes Economy Class Flights and Airport Transfers from the Sunshine Coast
- Double/Twin Room pp – $3720.00
- Single Room pp – $4250.00
Full Payment and Bookings Due 22 July 2024
Tour Inclusions
· 5 night’s accommodation
· 5 Cooked Breakfasts
· 5 Dinners
· 3 included lunches – see below
· Coach Charter including Commentary Driver
· Guided “Best of Parliament House Tour”
· Lunch at Queen’s Terrace Café (located within Parliament House) , day 2
· Entry to the Australian War Memorial for Galleries and Commemorative Area
· Entry for Last Post Ceremony
· Guided tour with the services of a step on coach at the National Arboretum Canberra
· Entry and 45-minute insights tour at the Museum of Australian Democracy
· Lunch at the Museum of Australian Democracy, day 3
· Group entry & guided tour and Devonshire Afternoon Tea at Lanyon Homestead
· Visit and talk at Murrumbateman Chocolate Co.
· Wine tasting experience at Murrumbateman Winery
· Lunch at Murrumbateman Winery, day 4
· Entry at Cockington Green Gardens
· Entry and Devonshire Morning Tea at Tulip Top Gardens for Tulip Festival
· Entry to Floriade