This morning, we depart Sydney and begin our journey west, travelling along the scenic Bells Line of Road into the beautiful Blue Mountains.

Our first stop is the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden at Mount Tomah, where we enjoy morning tea surrounded by the magnificent cool-climate gardens. There is time to explore some of the garden at our own pace and admire the wonderful collection of plants against the spectacular mountain backdrop.

We then continue west to historic Bathurst, where we enjoy lunch before visiting the former home of one of Australia’s most recognised Prime Ministers, Ben Chifley. During our self-guided visit to Chifley Home, we gain a fascinating insight into the life of Ben and Elizabeth Chifley and the remarkably modest home they shared.

This afternoon, we enjoy a sightseeing tour of Bathurst, taking in some of the city’s notable landmarks including the historic Courthouse, Boer War Memorial and Carillon.

No visit to Bathurst would be complete without experiencing Mount Panorama, and we finish our sightseeing with a lap of the famous motor racing circuit before checking into our accommodation.

This evening, we come together for dinner at our hotel.

Overnight: Rydges Mount Panorama Bathurst Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, we depart Bathurst and travel through the picturesque Central West countryside to Cowra.

Our destination is the beautiful Cowra Japanese Garden, where we spend the morning enjoying the Koyo Matsuri Festival, celebrating the spectacular colours of autumn. Designed in the traditional Japanese style, the garden is particularly beautiful at this time of year, with brilliant seasonal foliage creating a wonderful backdrop for our visit.

There is plenty of time to explore the garden at our own pace and enjoy the festival atmosphere. A variety of workshops and activities are held throughout the garden, including the opportunity to participate in a traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony for those who wish to do so. Lunch today is at leisure and at our own expense.

As we leave Cowra, we view the site of the former Prisoner of War Camp, an important part of the town’s wartime history and its enduring connection with Japan.

This afternoon, we continue to the historic village of Carcoar. With its beautifully preserved nineteenth-century buildings and charming streetscape, Carcoar offers a fascinating glimpse into the Central West’s colonial past. We enjoy a tour through the village before returning to Bathurst.

This evening, we gather for dinner at our hotel.

Overnight: Rydges Mount Panorama Bathurst Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner

Following breakfast, we farewell Bathurst and set out for another delightful day exploring the Central West.

Our first visit is Fourjay Farm at Forest Reefs, where we enjoy a tour of the property followed by morning tea. This provides a wonderful opportunity to experience the character of the region and enjoy some genuine country hospitality.

We then continue to the charming heritage village of Millthorpe. With its historic streetscape, boutique shops, galleries and cafés, Millthorpe is a delightful place to explore. We have free time to wander through the village, browse the local stores or perhaps visit the museum at our own expense.

This afternoon, we visit Small Acres Cyder, where we enjoy a tasting and discover more about locally produced cider and the cool-climate fruit for which the Orange region is renowned.

Later, we continue to Orange and check into our accommodation. After time to settle in, we come together for dinner this evening.

Overnight: The Remington Orange Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner

After breakfast, we set out to discover Orange and the beautiful surrounding countryside.

We begin with a sightseeing tour of this attractive regional city before visiting the Orange Botanic Gardens. Set amongst rolling lawns and established gardens, this peaceful setting provides the perfect place to enjoy our morning tea and appreciate the colours of the season.

Late morning, we make our way to Hillside Harvest at Borenore. Set in the heart of one of the region’s productive fruit-growing areas, we enjoy a tour and lunch while discovering more about this family-run orchard and the wonderful produce grown in the Central West.

Our afternoon continues with a visit to Philip Shaw Wines, where we enjoy a tasting of cool-climate wines produced in the renowned Orange wine region.

Following our tasting, we return to our accommodation with time to relax before dinner.

Overnight: The Remington Orange Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, we check out of our accommodation and begin our journey towards the magnificent Mayfield Garden near Oberon.

On arrival, we receive an introduction to the garden and learn a little about its history and what is in season before having time to explore independently.

Mayfield is one of Australia’s largest privately owned cool-climate gardens, and autumn is a particularly beautiful time to visit. We wander amongst the expansive garden landscapes, taking in the seasonal colour, pathways and impressive garden features at our own pace.

Following our morning in the garden, we enjoy lunch at the Mayfield Garden café before beginning our journey back towards Sydney.

Our route takes us through the spectacular Blue Mountains, travelling via Lithgow and along the Darling Causeway. We take in the beautiful autumn landscapes around Blackheath, Leura and Wentworth Falls, with a short stop in Leura if time permits.

From here, we continue our journey to Sydney, bringing our Autumn Gardens of the Central West adventure to a close after five wonderful days of colourful gardens, historic country towns, local produce and spectacular autumn scenery.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch