Bright Autumn Festival
Days:
7 Days
Activity:
3. Active Moderate
Transport:
Drive
$2,995.00
Tour description
Itinerary
Our autumn adventure begins as we journey south from Sydney, pausing at Nepean Dam for morning tea amid tranquil bushland and crisp country air. We continue to Yass, where we enjoy lunch and time to explore the town before travelling through the rural landscapes of Harden and Cootamundra. Here we pause to discover the Captain’s Walk, an impressive collection of bronze statues honouring Australia’s Test cricket captains. Continuing via the railway town of Junee, we arrive in Wagga Wagga where we check in to the Mercure and enjoy a welcome dinner together.
Overnight: Mercure Wagga Wagga Meals Included: Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, we enjoy a sightseeing tour of Wagga Wagga, taking in some of the city’s highlights including the Botanic Gardens, Wagga Beach and several notable heritage buildings. Morning tea is served amongst the beautiful surrounds of the Botanic Gardens before we travel south through the Riverina towns of The Rock, Henty and Culcairn. After a brief orientation tour of Albury, we enjoy lunch before continuing via Myrtleford and the famous Phoenix Tree to the picturesque alpine town of Bright. We settle into our accommodation before dinner this evening.
Overnight: Bright Chalet
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
This morning we meet our local guide for a fascinating town tour of Bright, where heritage streets, tree-lined avenues, and alpine history bring the town’s story to life. We then visit Nightingale’s Orchard to sample local produce before enjoying morning tea in Centenary Park beneath a canopy of golden autumn leaves. After lunch, we travel to Mount Buffalo, where crisp mountain air and sweeping alpine vistas create a truly unforgettable afternoon among the high-country landscapes.
Overnight: Bright Chalet Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, we travel to the beautifully preserved gold rush town of Beechworth, where we meet our local guide for a fascinating tour sharing stories of miners, bushrangers and the town’s remarkable heritage. Following lunch at the famous Beechworth Bakery, there is time to browse the boutique shops, galleries and historic streets at your own pace. This afternoon, we visit the charming village of Yackandandah, renowned for its beautifully preserved streetscape, historic buildings and welcoming country atmosphere, before returning to Bright for dinner together.
Overnight: Bright Chalet Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Today we venture into the spectacular Victorian Alps, climbing steadily towards Mount Hotham, where we pause to admire breathtaking mountain views and the crisp alpine air. Continuing through snow gum country, we pass the picturesque village of Dinner Plain, renowned for its distinctive alpine chalets and mountain charm. After lunch at the Red Stag Deer Farm, where we can wander the scenic grounds and see the resident deer and other farm animals, we visit the Bright Art Gallery, home to an inspiring collection of works by talented local and regional artists. We then enjoy some free time back at our accommodation before gathering for dinner this evening.
Overnight: Bright Chalet Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, we farewell Bright and journey through the spectacular Snowy Mountains, pausing at Tallangatta for morning tea overlooking the peaceful waters of Lake Hume. Continuing to Corryong, we visit the Man from Snowy River Museum, where fascinating displays celebrate the legendary horsemen of the High Country and Banjo Paterson’s famous poem. After lunch, we travel through the alpine landscapes of Tom Groggin, Dead Horse Gap and the picturesque village of Thredbo before continuing to Jindabyne. We settle into our accommodation and enjoy dinner together this evening.
Overnight: Rydges Horizons Resort, Jindabyne Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, we travel to Cooma for a fascinating visit to the historic Cooma Gaol, where we discover stories of its colourful past and the people once housed within its walls. We then continue to Canberra, where a brief city orientation showcases some of the nation’s most recognisable landmarks, including Parliament House and Lake Burley Griffin. Following our farewell lunch, we begin our journey back to Sydney, taking with us wonderful memories of brilliant autumn colours, alpine scenery and the charm of Victoria’s High Country.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch
Activity Levels
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1. Easy
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2. Moderate
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3. Active Moderate
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4. Adventurous
Testimonials
Re Lord Howe Island Tour. Dear Kerry, we would like to thank everyone in your office, and particularly you for your guidance around getting us safely to and back home from the island. The itinerary covered just about all that anyone in our age group could reasonably do, and everything was marvelous, including of course, your nibbles and drinks overlooking in the lagoon. We consider this to be our best short tour and have already recommended it to some of our friends, that, if they want to go to the island, they should contact Oncourse about the time you will have future tours. With best wishes, and many thanks.
sincerely Bill and Mary
Hi I would just like to say what a wonderful Australian Open tour Kevin and I had with On Course. We think Hans and Debbie were fantastic. Everything was so clearly explained every step of the way and they were so patient with all of us (especially considering the age group). We will definitely be keen to go again on the 2025 AO tour.

