MELBOURNE TO LAKES ENTRANCE

Welcome to our very special 7 day tour to our National Capital. With chauffeured pickup from home, we are transferred to meet our O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours coach and crew. Canberra is renowned for its landscaped streets, public parks, planted road medians and gardens and we’re going to see them all on our Autumn tour. We’ve also planned to be in Canberra on ANZAC Day, so sit back, relax and meet up with old and new friends as we make our way across Gippsland to Lakes Entrance.

OVERNIGHT: Bellevue on the Lakes, LAKES ENTRANCE

LAKES ENTRANCE TO CANBERRA

After breakfast, we head towards Orbost where we leave the Princes Highway and start climbing with mountain ranges on both sides of us as we make our way to Bombala, a charming town caught between the mountains and the NSW south coast. The rivers around Bombala are said to have the highest populations of platypus in New South Wales! On to Nimmitabel which was settled in 1830s and by the 1850s it was a small village of slab and bark huts, surrounded by grazing properties. The town has a distinguishing stone windmill, built last century by one of the region's German settlers. This afternoon, we drive to Cooma where we visit the Charles David Gallery, then onto Canberra. We’re here for four nights so we can settle in and unpack before dinner.

OVERNIGHT: Novotel Canberra, CANBERRA

EXPLORING CANBERRA

This morning we go Autumn “Colour Hunting” with the aid of an expert Horticulturist. Some places sure to be on the list are the Red Oaks in La Perouse Street, Red Hill; Ornamental Pears and Red Oaks on the lakeside near the National Library and the Claret Ash in Atherton Street, Downer. Our guide will also point out the embassies and buildings of national importance. We now make our way to Parliament House for lunch at the Queen’s Terrace Café, followed by a best of Parliament tour where our guide will show us our seat of government. The views across Canberra are breathtaking!

OVERNIGHT: Novotel Canberra, CANBERRA

ANZAC DAY

Today marks the anniversary of the landing of ANZAC (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) troops at Gallipoli on 25 April 1915, the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War. We will remember them. Early this morning, we transfer to the Australian War Memorial to take part in the Dawn Service commencing at 5.30am. After breakfast at the hotel, we will see the Commemorative Address followed by the veterans’ march. Late morning, we head to our lunch stop at the National Arboretum, located at the western end of Lake Burley Griffin. Our guide will point out places of interest and with over 44,000 rare and endangered trees across a 250-hectare site, the Arboretum is a place of beauty, conservation, science research, education, tourismand recreation. We return to the Australian War Memorial this afternoon. There will be free time to explore the Hall of Memory together with the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Pool of Reflection and the Roll of Honour listing the names of over 102,000 Australian servicemen and women who have died in war. We complete our visit here by witnessing the moving Last Post Ceremony.

OVERNIGHT: Novotel Canberra, CANBERRA

MORE OF CANBERRA

This morning, we’ll experience Canberra from a new perspective — the water! Sit back and relax aboard the Maid Marion as we glide across the tranquil waters of Lake Burley Griffin. Our engaging captain will share captivating stories about Canberra’s rich history, along with fascinating insights into the city’s iconic attractions and landmarks that surround the lake. Back on dry land, we head across to the National Museum of Australia for lunch followed by a guided tour – hear great stories about Australia and Australians told through new ideas, interactive displays and significant objects. We then have some free time to wander through the displays or revisit points of interest from our tour. The remainder of our afternoon will be spent at The National Portrait Gallery before returning to the hotel for dinner.

OVERNIGHT: Novotel Canberra, CANBERRA

CANBERRA TO ALBURY

We have one more stop before leaving Canberra for Albury - Cockington Green. The garden is a one 12th scale reproduction of buildings and gardens in the township of Cockington in Devon - thatched cottages, a tiny church and the village green, an oats house in Kent a riverside inn, castles and even Stonehenge. We then depart Canberra, making our way to Gundagai where we stop for lunch. It’s now time to sit back and relax as we continue on to Albury for our final night on tour.

OVERNIGHT: Quality Resort Siesta, ALBURY

HOMEWARD BOUND

We’re homeward bound now, stopping for our morning break at Milawa where we call in for a delicious tasting at the Milawa Cheese Company, located in the historic Murray Goulburn Butter Factory. There will be plenty of time to browse the farmgate store loaded with delicious produce from the region. We now head to Euroa, nestled at the foot of the Strathbogie Ranges where the friendly folk at the Euroa Hotel will be waiting to host us for lunch. The hotel dates back to 1884 and Euroa has a colourful history with links to the infamous Ned Kelly. A relaxing drive takes us back to Melbourne, where our chauffeurs will be on hand to take us straight to our door – all part of the O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours superior service.