Gardens of the Monaro with Beechworth & Bright

Meet your Ross Garden Tour leader at Sydney Coach Terminal Central and board our coach bound for Canberra.

Afternoon visit to the National Botanic Gardens, stroll through these themed gardens to appreciate Australia’s unique flora and celebrate the use and value of our native plants. These gardens were established in the foothills of Black Mountain where the natural slopes and gullies have been used in the landscape design. Garden beds follow the contours of the site to maximise available space and reduce water run-off. The more protected gullies protect the plants from the extremes of weather and are relatively frost-free. Welcome Dinner at our hotel tonight.

The National Arboretum is a vision for the future with 94 forests of rare, endangered and symbolic trees from Australia and around the world. The arboretum also houses a special Bonsai & Penjing collection.

To Cooma next, it’s a glorious drive lined with glowing golden poplars illuminated with sunshine, especially around Berridale. The scenery is dramatic and changing as we travel up to the Monaro Plains.

At the Snowy Hydro Discovery Centre, discover the amazing history of the Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric Scheme, considered one of the engineering wonders of the modern world. From the early days of construction in 1949, the influx of thousands of workers from post-war Europe changed the area’s character giving Cooma a rich cultural diversity which continues to flourish today.

Check into our hotel on Lake Jindabyne, in the heart of the Snowy Mountains for four nights.

Anzac Day Dawn Service in Banjo Patterson Park is an option today for our early risers. Later we’ll watch the Anzac Day March in Jindabyne.

Kosciuszko National Park this afternoon, take a walk at Charlotte Pass with a local guide to learn about this fascinating alpine country, the wildlife and plant varieties. Here in the high Alps, majestic views stretch for miles

A tree-lined driveway leads into Shirley, a garden oasis developed by three-generations of one family. The homestead was designed by Henry Budden and built in 1908. The garden was laid out by Claude Crowe in the late 1930’s. In 2006 John & Sally-Ann Cottle embarked on a renovation of the garden and commissioned landscape designer Paul Bangay to help them. Bangay’s design has seamlessly brought together the work of three generations of their family. Lunch in this historic setting.

Take the Snowy River Way back to Jindabyne, via historic Dalgety.

Step into Monaro history today when we visit Hazeldean, a huge pastoral property with a homestead and outbuildings that date back to the late 19th century. One of the oldest and largest merino and angus cattle studs in Australia. We’ll explore this mature garden along with Libby Litchfield’s hospitality.

Afternoon visit to proud Cooma residents, Jenny and Imants Tillers and their special garden with 150 year old trees.

A magnificent ride today along the Alpine Way, across the Snowy Mountains, with stops in Khancoban and Corryong. Continue through to Milawa, our base to explore this picturesque corner of North East Victoria.

Cameras at the ready today as we explore Bright and the surrounding valleys, blessed with a perfect climate for magnificent autumn colours. Mature Scarlet Oaks line Bright’s main boulevard. Two gardens will be opening for us, one in Bright and one in Harrietville. At this time there is a bounty of food and produce with walnuts, hazelnuts and apples in full production. Afternoon stop at Nightingale Apples, in Wandiligong. Travel back to Milawa.

Historic Beechworth is our destination today, steeped in the history of the discovery of gold in 1852. This picturesque, heritage listed town has been beautifully preserved and restored. Our guided tour will reveal fascinating legacy of the pioneers, preserved in historic buildings and heritage streetscapes.

A morning stop in the old gold mining town of Yackandandah. The main street has been classified by the National Trust with well-preserved and restored buildings; Post Office (1856), Court House now Visitors Centre (1863) and Athenaeum (1878, now a community hall). Autumn trees will be ablaze in this picture postcard old town.

Last stop today is Mrytleford, once famous for tobacco crops and now famous for its vineyards, berries, nuts and olives. Visit a private garden here thoughtfully landscaped to balance old world charm with naturalistic planting – designed to attract birds, bees and insects.

Travel back to Sydney, arriving into Central Station late afternoon. Picnic lunch included.