Sinclair Tour and Travel 5494 5083

Springtime/Floriade Tour

Departs Tuesday 18th September – 8 days

$3,275 per person. Single supp $525

Tour Inclusions:

Door to door transfers

Flight to Melbourne & return from Newcastle

Ballarat Botanic Gardens

Bendigo’s Talking Tram

Morning Tea Cruise on Murray River at Echuca

Guided Tour of Shepparton

Canberra’s Floriade

Tuliptop Gardens

Bowral Tulip Fesitval

Blue Mts Everglades House and Scenic World

Mt Penong Gardens

Hunter Valley Gardens

Day One. Tuesday 18th September.

After pick up from your door as usual, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight to

Melbourne. Here Peter will meet you with the bus and your Springtime adventure begins.

We’ll drive to Ballarat, Victoria's third largest city, located just over an hour by road or rail

west of Melbourne. Ballarat has enjoyed a rich and prosperous heritage thanks to the Gold

Rush which began in 1851. News that the Ballarat region was home to the richest alluvial

goldfield in the world resulted in a population explosion as people came from all over the world

seeking fortune.

These days, long after the gold has run out, the city retains much of its rich gold heritage in the

form of opulent buildings, fountains, and tourist attractions which celebrate the city's history.

Notable buildings include Ballarat's Town Hall (built between 1870 and 1872), Her Majesty's

Theatre (1875) and Craig's Hotel which was built in several stages between 1853 and 1891.

The Avenue of Honour is a grand boulevard in Ballarat which commemorates local soldiers

who fought in the First World War.

Barkly Motor Lodge Ballarat (03) 5331 8838

Day Two Wednesday 19th September

After a delicious breakfast at our Hotel, our first stop is Ballarat’s Botanic Gardens, one of

Australia’s most significant cool climate gardens. Here you’ll see a remarkable collection of

mature trees and marble statues set on the western shore of Lake Wendouree. a man-made lake

covering 200 hectares, located a couple of kilometres west of the town centre. The lake hosted

rowing events during the 1956 Olympic Games, commemorated by the Olympic Rings

monument at the south-western corner of the lake. The lake's reed beds and islands are an

important oasis for bird life.

Then we’re off to Bendigo where we’ll ride the fun Talking Trams for a delightful trip through

the town with commentary along the way. Sit back, relax and let your tram do all of the

talking… Be delighted by the remarkable sights and sounds of Bendigo as your tram tells you

about the golden past of the city founded on one of the world’s richest goldfields. The Vintage

‘Talking’ Tram Tour runs over an 8.4km round trip. The time permitting we’ll visit Bendigo’s

gardens.

We’ll overnight in Echuca tonight. Located on the Murray River, the twin towns of Echuca and

Moama retain the colourful legacies of once being key river ports and railway junctions.

Comfort Resort Echuca Moama (03) 5482 3311

Day Three Thursday 20th September

After another brekky at our Hotel, we’re off to visit the Mighty Murray River. Once Australia’s

largest inland port during the late 1800’s, the Port of Echuca is an Authentic working river port.

Located just over 2.5 hours north of Melbourne, Port of Echuca is located on the banks of the

Murray River, in the historic Port Precinct of Echuca. It’s home to the largest collection of

Paddle Steamers in the world and the oldest wooden hulled paddleboat still operating – The

P.S Adelaide.

You will love PS Emmylou, a redgum-fired old-world Paddle steamer as it cruises down the

spectacular scenery of the Murray River! After you have enjoyed your morning tea, why not

learn to steer the boat with the Skipper or just relax watching the engineer load the Redgum

into the engine. Your tour also includes a historical commentary form the Skipper so you can

also learn about the River Trade.

Then we’ll meet a lovely local and explore the town of Shepparton. SPC Ardmona is a giant

of the fruit industry and has been central to the success and growth of the region for many

years. The Goulburn River forms the backbone and lifeblood of the region. Scattered across

Greater Shepparton's parks, gardens, riverbanks and public spaces are an array of colourful,

ever changing fiberglass cows that make up the Moooving Art herd. This exhibition of life-

sized 3D fiberglass cows brings a whole new meaning to street art. Lunch at your own expense

today in Shepparton. Dinner at out Hotel tonight in Albury. (B) (D)

Day Four Friday 21st September

After a delicious breakfast at our Hotel, we’ll set out for Canberra. Here we’ll visit Floriade

where we’ll witness over 1 million flowers in bloom. The inaugural Floriade blossomed in

1988 with a stunning floral display of exotic bulbs and annuals, which grow beautifully in

Canberra’s climate. The community embraced the event, making it such a success that it

became an annual celebration of spring in Australia. Since its beginnings, Floriade has been

held alongside iconic Lake Burley Griffin in Canberra’s Commonwealth Park, the heart of the

nation’s capital. in Canberra’s Commonwealth park. In addition to the beautiful flower

displays, visitors to Australia’s largest celebration of spring can pick up gardening tips from

experts in the field, listen to inspiring musical performances, enjoy culinary demonstrations by

world-renowned chefs and enjoy great shopping here today as well girls.

Forrest Hotel and Apartments Canberra (02) 6203 4300

Day Five Saturday 22nd September

We leave Canberra after breakfast and head to the stunning Tuliptop Gardens . This 10 acre

garden of magnificent tulips and other spring flowers creates a spectacular display. 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.

Take the popular pathway past the rosemary field framed by unique blossom trees to our 70

metre high viewing platform for the perfect photo. You’ll adore the Red Cow Farm - a unique

cool climate garden set on 2.5 hectares in the picturesque rural village of Sutton Forest. This

has been described as one of the best gardens in the world. A rare beauty awaits your visit.

Then it’s on to Bowral in the Southern Highlands. Grand old gardens planted from the middle

of last century were established by Sydneysiders who came to their country estates to escape

the heat and humidity of coastal summers. They are part of the region's heritage. The

Southern Highlands has four distinct seasons and is famous for its gardens. Spring brings a

display of annual and perennial flowers and bulbs, and the widespread plantings of European

trees - many over a century old - and shrubs, allows nature to clothe autumn with its manifold

colours. The Australian landscape itself also blossoms throughout the year with Native Flora.

The Highland's horticultural heritage goes back to the late 19th century, and early 20th century

when the nurseries of some of Australia's most famous seed producers were housed here. And

over the years, some of Australia's most famous landscape and garden designers have worked

on local properties.

We’ll enjoy a visit to Corbett Gardens, the showpiece of the Tulip Time Festival. Corbett

Gardens in Bowral, one of the region's oldest and most beautiful parks, is the centrepiece of

the Spring Garden Festival with over 100,000 massed tulips on display and 20,000 annuals.

The Festival attracts over 35,000 people each year. (B) (D)

Springs Resort Mittagong 02 4871 3133

Day Six Sunday 23rd September.

After another hot and hearty breakfast, we’re off to the Blue Mountains. Here we’ll visit

Everglades House & Gardens. Drawing from the great traditions of European landscape design

as well as the unique Blue Mountains bushland, Everglades will charm with its grace and

beauty. Constructed in the 1930s by Danish-born landscape gardener Paul Sorensen,

Everglades Gardens is Australia's most spectacular inter-war period garden and has received

acclaim from garden lovers worldwide. A stroll along formal European-style terraces and

winding paths reveals the many moods of Everglades from the tranquil Reflection Pool

amongst towering trees from all over the world, through rose-lined walks down to the subtle

charms of the lookout and contemplative Grotto Pool.

You’ll adore the Bygone Beautys Treasured Teapot Museum & Tearooms - nestled in the

village of Leura within the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area. The tearooms and

showrooms offer visitors a truly memorable experience – so don’t forget your camera! Home

of world’s largest private collection of tea wares, including more than 5,500 teapots from all

over the world and spanning five centuries, most items are on display in the Treasured Teapot

Museum.

Lunch included today in the Bygone Beautys Tearooms. Visitors can also purchase estate

jewellery (gold, silver and diamonds), antiques, collectables and contemporary quality gifts,

including a wide variety of boutique teas - all scattered throughout the Retail Emporium.

Then we’ll get the adrenaline pumping with a visit to Scenic World. Glide between cliff tops

and gaze at the rainforest canopy through the glass floor of the Scenic Skyway! Suspended 270

metres above ancient ravines, the Skyway provides a unique thrill as breathtaking views are

revealed beneath your feet through the electro-glass cabin floor. For the less adventurous,

seating and solid flooring is also available!

Discover the tranquility of ancient rainforest strolling along our 2.4 kilometre Scenic

Walkway. Brilliant in sunshine and even better in the rain, this elevated boardwalk immerses

visitors in Jurassic rainforest on the Jamison Valley floor with minimal impact on the

environment. Along the way, explore elements of the site’s coal mining history including the

mine entrance, a replica miners’ hut and scale bronze sculpture of a miner and his pit pony.

Learn about local flora, listen for the native lyre bird or taste pure Blue Mountains water

straight from Marrangaroo Spring. Enjoy a peaceful moment in the open-air Rainforest Room,

or on rest benches located along the route.

The Railway experience descends 310 metres through a cliff-side tunnel, emerging into ancient

rainforest at the Jamison Valley floor. Operating since 1945, the Scenic Railway has thrilled

25 million passengers – this is the fifth generation train to ride the tracks since the Hammon

family opened the attraction.

Discover panoramic views of the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains from the Scenic

Cableway. The 510 metre journey gently descends into the Jamison Valley and also returns

visitors to the top of the escarpment. The Cableway’s fully enclosed cabin provides a unique

vantage point for viewing the Three Sisters, Orphan Rock, Mt Solitary and Katoomba Falls.

Dinner at our Hotel tonight. (B)

Redleaf Resort Blackheath 02 4787 8108

Day Seven. Monday 24th September.

On our way to the magnificent Hunter Valley Region we’ll stop off for morning tea at Mt

Penong Gardens. Here we’ll enjoy stunning vistas, abundant birdlife and incredible flora.

Then we’re in for a real treat as we visit the stunning Hunter Valley Gardens. Nestled at the

foothills of the Brokenback Ranges, in the heart of the Hunter vineyards, you will find the

magnificent Hunter Valley Gardens - over 60 acres of spectacular international display gardens

that will amaze you with sensational sights, colours, fragrances and adventures.

Exploring over 8 kilometres of walking paths, visitors are able to experience each of the ten

individual feature gardens with a range of statuary and superb feature gardens, all of a standard

you won’t see elsewhere in Australia. We’ll arrive in time for lunch, enjoy a train ride through

the magnificent grounds and have some free time to go back and visit the places you loved

best.

Spanning over 60 acres, be amazed by the sensational sights, colours, and fragrances of the ten

stunning feature gardens. Explore each garden one-by-one and enjoy an exciting journey

through the thousands of flowers, trees, and shrubs with discovery at every turn.

Bask in a lavish array of colour and scent found in the Rose Garden with hundreds and

thousands of roses on display. Rest above the 10 metre high waterfall of the Sunken Garden

and take in the superb views from the lookout; or step back in time with all our favourite

fairytale characters in the Storybook Garden.

There’s a lovely shopping village opposite the Gardens with a fabulous Christmas Shop. We’ll

overnight and enjoy dinner at Harrigan’s Irish Pub. (B)(L)(D)

Day Eight. Tuesday 25th September.

Sadly, this is our last breakfast together. How hard will it be to go back to tea and toast!. After

brekky, we’ll drive you to Newcastle airport for your flight back to Brisbane. Here you’ll be

met by a representative of Sinclair Tour and Travel and driven back to your home. We do hope

you enjoyed your tour with Sinclair Tour and Travel. Please tell your friends. That’s how our

business grows. We look forward to travelling with you again very soon. (B)

INCLUDED IN TOUR

❖ Air conditioned bus fitted with coach seats for your comfort.

❖ Door to door airport transfers.

❖ Air travel from Brisbane to Canberra & Newcastle to Brisbane.

❖ Motel accommodation on a twin share basis.

❖ Breakfast (B), Lunch (L) and Dinner (D) as indicated.

❖ All entries as listed.

❖ Morning Teas.

❖ Name badge, luggage labels, travel bag & water bottle.

GENERAL INFORMATION

BOOKINGS

Please phone 5494 5083 for bookings. A Tour Booking Form will be sent to you

for completion and return with a deposit of $700.00 per person within 7 days to

secure your booking.

BALANCE PAYMENT

Balance of payment is to be received at least 60 days prior to Tour Departure

Date. For Tour Bookings made within 60 days of Tour Departure Date full

payment is required on booking.

CHANGES TO ITINERARY

Sinclair Tour and Travel reserves the right to alter any itinerary due to unforeseen

circumstances beyond its control and to cancel any tour due to insufficient

bookings. A full refund of fare will be made if tour is cancelled by Sinclair Tour

and Travel

CANCELLATION FEES

Number of days notice given Fee payable

More than 60 days Nil

30 – 59 days 50% of tour Price.

15 – 30 days 75% of Tour Price

8 - 14 days 100% of Tour Price

Less than 8 days 100% of Tour Price

Day of Departure or during tour 100% of Tour Price

In addition to the above fee any moneys paid in respect of bookings with other

tour operators, airfares, attractions, etc. on your behalf and which cannot be

recouped will also be payable. A $50 administration fee (per person) will be

charged on ALL cancellations regardless of the number of days notice given.

To cover cancellations due to illness or for loss of baggage we strongly

encourage passengers to arrange travel insurance. We can arrange Travel

insurance for you as we now sell Covermore Travel Insurance. Phone us

today 5494 5083 for a brochure. Prices are very reasonable.