Visit Bathurst, Orange, Parkes, Cowra and Bowral Tulip Festival
8 Days
24 September to 1 October 2026
Active
$5,045pptw
101 villabucks
Visit Bathurst, Orange, Parkes, Cowra and Bowral Tulip Festival
Discover the fascinating history of New South Wales’ quaint towns on this beautifully curated weeklong holiday. Explore Australia’s oldest inland settlement in Bathurst, uncover the charm of Orange and Parkes, admire the serenity of the Cowra Japanese Garden and wander the vibrant blossoms of the Bowral Tulip Festival. From heritage sites to cultural discoveries, this journey brings the stories of the region to life.
Itinerary
Day 1. Perth to Sydney (D)
We collect you from home and transfer you to Perth Airport for your flight to Sydney. After arriving, settle into your hotel and enjoy a welcoming dinner as you prepare for your New South Wales adventure.
One night: Novotel Sydney International Airport.
Day 2. Sydney to Bathurst (BLD)
Your journey begins in historic Bathurst, Australia’s oldest inland settlement. Visit the Bathurst Rail Museum, where the scale model of the Great Western Line provides a fascinating glimpse into the past. Continue to the National Motor Racing Museum before enjoying a coach lap of the iconic Mount Panorama Motor Racing Circuit. Later, visit Abercrombie House before travelling to Orange for dinner and a relaxing evening.
Two nights: Best Western Plus Ambassador, Orange.
Day 3. Heritage Trails and Vineyards (BD)
Spend the morning discovering Orange on the self-guided Heritage Trail, taking in the region’s striking mix of natural scenery and heritage architecture. Visit Lake Canobolas before enjoying free time in town for lunch. This afternoon, visit a local winery for a tasting experience showcasing the region’s cool climate varietals. Dinner awaits back at the hotel.
Day 4. Orange to Parkes (BD)
Depart Orange and travel to Parkes for a day of exploration. Visit the Parkes Observatory to learn about ‘The Dish’, an instrumental receiver of the Apollo 11 Moon landing images. Continue to the Henry Parkes Centre for a look at local history and cultural displays. Dinner is served at your accommodation.
One night: Bushmans Motor Inn, Parkes.
Day 5. Parkes to Yass (BD)
Today begins with a visit to Iandra Castle, an impressive heritage-listed homestead showcasing early Australian architecture. Continue to Cowra for lunch at your leisure before exploring the Cowra Japanese Garden and Cultural Centre. Visit the historic POW Campsite before travelling to Yass, where dinner is enjoyed at the hotel.
One night: Thunderbird Motel, Yass.
Day 6.Yass to Bowral and Bradman Museum (BLD)
This morning visit Cooma Cottage for a guided insight into this remarkable colonial property. Continue to Goulburn for lunch before travelling to Bowral. Spend the afternoon at the Bradman Museum and International Cricket Hall of Fame, discovering the story of Australia’s most celebrated cricketer. Dinner is served at your charming country lodge.
Two nights: Briars Country Lodge and Inn, Bowral.
Day 7. Retford Park and Bowral Tulip Festival (BD)
Visit the grand Retford Park estate, known for its distinctive “Portuguese Pink” façade and beautifully maintained gardens. Enjoy a guided tour before returning to Bowral for the spectacular Bowral Tulip Festival. The rest of the day is yours to explore the vibrant floral displays before gathering this evening for a farewell dinner celebrating new friendships and shared memories.
Day 8. Bowral to Perth (B)
After breakfast, depart Bowral and travel to Sydney Airport for your flight home. Upon arrival in Perth, you will be transferred safely to your door.
Itinerary is subject to change. Terms and conditions apply. Call 08 9754 2026 for details.
Guide: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
eg. BLD indicates three meals included on that day of the itinerary.
PPTW is per person twinshare accommodation.
Image Credit: Meg Nurse
Dates & Pricing
$5,045pptw
$875 single option
Highlights
• National Motor Racing Museum with its legendary racing stories
• Brilliant Bathurst Rail Museum showcasing the Great Western Line
• CSIRO Parkes Radio Telescope, ‘The Dish’, towering over the countryside
• Discover Orange Heritage Trail through charming historic streets
• Amazing displays at the Henry Parkes Museum celebrating local history
• Iandra Castle and Mount Oriel Homestead, impressive rural landmarks
• Serene Cowra Japanese Garden with its peaceful walkways
• Bradman Museum and International Cricket Hall of Fame
• Tulip Festival at Corbett Gardens in Bowral bursting with colour
Inclusions
• Pre and post tour transfers (ex Perth, WA)
• Airfares and taxes (ex Perth, WA)
• 16 meals
• 7 nights’ accommodation
• Tours and attractions
• Professional Villa Tour Leader
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Dates & Pricing
Duration: 8 Days
Dates: 24 September to 1 October 2026
Activity Level: Active
$5,045pptw
$875 single option
Earn: 101 villabucks
Highlights
• National Motor Racing Museum with its legendary racing stories
• Brilliant Bathurst Rail Museum showcasing the Great Western Line
• CSIRO Parkes Radio Telescope, ‘The Dish’, towering over the countryside
• Discover Orange Heritage Trail through charming historic streets
• Amazing displays at the Henry Parkes Museum celebrating local history
• Iandra Castle and Mount Oriel Homestead, impressive rural landmarks
• Serene Cowra Japanese Garden with its peaceful walkways
• Bradman Museum and International Cricket Hall of Fame
• Tulip Festival at Corbett Gardens in Bowral bursting with colour
Inclusions
• Pre and post tour transfers (ex Perth, WA)
• Airfares and taxes (ex Perth, WA)
• 16 meals
• 7 nights’ accommodation
• Tours and attractions
• Professional Villa Tour Leader
Itinerary
Day 1. Perth to Sydney (D)
We collect you from home and transfer you to Perth Airport for your flight to Sydney. After arriving, settle into your hotel and enjoy a welcoming dinner as you prepare for your New South Wales adventure.
One night: Novotel Sydney International Airport.
Day 2. Sydney to Bathurst (BLD)
Your journey begins in historic Bathurst, Australia’s oldest inland settlement. Visit the Bathurst Rail Museum, where the scale model of the Great Western Line provides a fascinating glimpse into the past. Continue to the National Motor Racing Museum before enjoying a coach lap of the iconic Mount Panorama Motor Racing Circuit. Later, visit Abercrombie House before travelling to Orange for dinner and a relaxing evening.
Two nights: Best Western Plus Ambassador, Orange.
Day 3. Heritage Trails and Vineyards (BD)
Spend the morning discovering Orange on the self-guided Heritage Trail, taking in the region’s striking mix of natural scenery and heritage architecture. Visit Lake Canobolas before enjoying free time in town for lunch. This afternoon, visit a local winery for a tasting experience showcasing the region’s cool climate varietals. Dinner awaits back at the hotel.
Day 4. Orange to Parkes (BD)
Depart Orange and travel to Parkes for a day of exploration. Visit the Parkes Observatory to learn about ‘The Dish’, an instrumental receiver of the Apollo 11 Moon landing images. Continue to the Henry Parkes Centre for a look at local history and cultural displays. Dinner is served at your accommodation.
One night: Bushmans Motor Inn, Parkes.
Day 5. Parkes to Yass (BD)
Today begins with a visit to Iandra Castle, an impressive heritage-listed homestead showcasing early Australian architecture. Continue to Cowra for lunch at your leisure before exploring the Cowra Japanese Garden and Cultural Centre. Visit the historic POW Campsite before travelling to Yass, where dinner is enjoyed at the hotel.
One night: Thunderbird Motel, Yass.
Day 6.Yass to Bowral and Bradman Museum (BLD)
This morning visit Cooma Cottage for a guided insight into this remarkable colonial property. Continue to Goulburn for lunch before travelling to Bowral. Spend the afternoon at the Bradman Museum and International Cricket Hall of Fame, discovering the story of Australia’s most celebrated cricketer. Dinner is served at your charming country lodge.
Two nights: Briars Country Lodge and Inn, Bowral.
Day 7. Retford Park and Bowral Tulip Festival (BD)
Visit the grand Retford Park estate, known for its distinctive “Portuguese Pink” façade and beautifully maintained gardens. Enjoy a guided tour before returning to Bowral for the spectacular Bowral Tulip Festival. The rest of the day is yours to explore the vibrant floral displays before gathering this evening for a farewell dinner celebrating new friendships and shared memories.
Day 8. Bowral to Perth (B)
After breakfast, depart Bowral and travel to Sydney Airport for your flight home. Upon arrival in Perth, you will be transferred safely to your door.
Itinerary is subject to change. Terms and conditions apply. Call 08 9754 2026 for details.
Image Credit: Meg NurseNew Paragraph
Guide:
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
eg. BLD indicates three meals included on that day of the itinerary.
PPTW is per person twinshare accommodation.
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Tour Activity Levels
With such a diverse collection of travel options, we want to ensure you choose the right holiday for you.
Our tour activity levels are a guide to the required fitness level for each of our holidays.
Look out for the feet when reading about a tour!
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Relaxed
Designed for travellers with lower mobility who can manage everyday movement independently. You must be able to embark and disembark coaches, trains, and other transport via steps, carry your own luggage, and walk short distances. Stairs may be encountered at times. Walking aids (sticks and walkers) are welcome. Travellers who bring a companion to help provide assistance may find these holidays suitable.
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Moderate
For travellers who walk confidently and unaided. In addition to Relaxed requirements, expect guided walking tours that may include gentle inclines and stair climbs, some longer days, and multiple hotel changes. Access to accommodation may involve stairs, short walks to facilities, and showers over baths. Walking sticks are welcome unless the tour includes overnight rail or cruising—please check with staff.
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Active
For travellers comfortable with full sightseeing days. Building on Moderate requirements, these tours feature more activities, extended periods of standing and walking, and nature-based excursions. You must be able to walk confidently over uneven surfaces at a steady pace, and negotiate busy transport terminals. Expect feature walks for up to 3 hours, and activities that may include small aircraft, vehicles, vessels and watercraft. Not suitable for travellers requiring walking aids or assistance from others.
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Highly Active
Requires good general fitness. Excursions will be over more difficult terrain and require a certain level of agility. You will be required to walk confidently for up to 3 hours over uneven surfaces including soft sand, rocky surfaces and creek crossing. Some itineraries will explore remote locations. No walkers allowed.
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Challenging
For travellers with a high level of fitness and previous outdoor experience. Building on Highly Active requirements, these tours involve full days of physical activity in remote or rugged locations that may be difficult to access. You must be able to walk confidently for 6 or more hours per day over multiple days while carrying a day pack and be comfortable walking in varied weather conditions. Not suitable for travellers using walking aids or requiring assistance.