Cool-Climate Gardens in the Blue Mountains & Southern Highlands in Autumn

Depart the Sydney pre-tour hotel for Dural in Sydney's Hills District. Here you will visit an exclusive private garden, before visiting the Tuscan-inspired private garden, Guestlands. We will also visit the private garden of Uralla, inspired by French and English country gardens. Continue to the historic town of Windsor, founded in 1794, before arriving at our hotel for a Welcome Dinner. Stay: Hawkesbury Valley, Crowne Plaza Hotel or similar (D)

Travel to Bilpin, where we visit Woodgreen, the garden of Peta Trahar. This two-acre perennial garden has been intensely planted and is beautiful in all seasons. Afterwards, visit the beautiful private garden of Nooroo, which showcases plant and flower species from around the world, as well as Australian native plants. Stay Four Nights: Katoomba, Carrington Hotel or similar (B/D)

Today we travel to the historic township of Hartley, a well-preserved town featuring colonial-era buildings, including the Greek-Revival-styled courthouse, which once tried bushrangers, convicts and cattle thieves. Here we visit some beautiful cool-climate gardens, including Gory'u Japanese Gardens, which showcases Japanese maples and conifers.

Next, we visit Highfield Gardens, the newest creation by David Kennedy, who is also the creator of Clover Hill Garden. In its short life, Highfield has already captured the horticultural world's attention, and is featured in Claire Takacs' book Australian Dreamscapes, also appearing on its front cover. (B/L)

Today, visit Mayfield Garden, the largest privately owned, cool-climate garden in Australia. Spanning 39 acres, the garden has an array of features to explore, including the water garden, with its Impressionist-influenced water lilies; while also having one of the largest collections of maple trees and shrubs in Australia. Spend time exploring the garden during its annual Autumn Festival, when the garden is alive with red, orange and yellow autumnal colours. We also visit the garden of Gairloch. (B/L)

This morning, visit the spectacular Scenic World to enjoy incredible views of the temperate rainforest. Afterward enjoy high tea at the charming Tea Pot Museum and enjoy some free time in Leura to discover its quaint village setting and boutique stores. We end our day with a visit to Everglades Historic House and Gardens. (B/L/D)

Depart the Blue Mountains for the Southern Highlands today. Visit the former home of one of Australia's most iconic artists, writers and personalities, Norman Lindsay. View his famous paintings and see his sculptural works set among the sprawling garden. See where the characters of the children's classic The Magic Pudding were created.

We then continue to Bowral's Retford Park, owned by the Fairfax family for more than 50 years. This is where they played host to notable visitors, including members of the British and European royal families. The property includes an arboretum of evergreen and deciduous trees, some both rare and unique. Hedged gardens and a detailed knot garden are also featured. Stay Two Nights: Bowral, Briars Country Lodge or similar (B/D)

Today, enjoy the beautiful private garden, Upper Woodlands. Described as a ‘stroll garden', it has many features, including ponds and vistas. We also visit the Southern Highlands Botanic Gardens, as well as Harpers Mansion. We then finish the day with a Farewell Dinner at our hotel. (B/D)

Depart Bowral for the private garden of Mickey Robertson, Glenmore House. After Mickey and her husband, Larry, purchased the original farmhouse, they gradually restored and extended it, with the various outbuildings repurposed to fit in with the gardens.

We then visit The Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan, which boasts almost 900 acres of natural woodland and stunning gardens. As the Australian native plant garden of the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, it is also home to the Connections Garden, regarded as the premier garden in the state. Later, return to Sydney for your onward journey. (B)