Canberra Yulefest
Days:
3 Days
Activity:
1. Easy
Transport:
Drive
$1,095.00
Tour description
Tour Dates: 21st July – 23rd July, 2026
Celebrate the magic of Christmas in winter on this delightful 3 day Canberra Yulefest escape. Combining festive cheer, fascinating attractions, local food and wine, and the elegance of one of Canberra’s most iconic hotels, this special getaway is the perfect mid winter treat.
Travelling south from Sydney, enjoy a relaxed journey through the Southern Highlands with morning tea in Mittagong before arriving at the picturesque Fedra Olive Grove for lunch. Continue to the Canberra wine region for a tasting at the charming Contentious Character winery, with time to browse local chocolates before settling into the historic Hotel Kurrajong.
Explore Australia’s capital on a comprehensive city sights tour, taking in Canberra’s impressive landmarks, embassies, and national institutions. Visit the National Portrait Gallery and discover the stories behind some of Australia’s most influential figures before enjoying a guided tour of the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House. Free time in the vibrant Manuka precinct provides an opportunity for shopping, cafés, and local discoveries.
A visit to the Australian War Memorial offers a moving and memorable experience, culminating in the poignant Last Post Ceremony. The highlight of the tour is the festive Yulefest Dinner, where you’ll enjoy a traditional Christmas style celebration complete with delicious food, warm hospitality, and seasonal cheer.
Before returning home, visit Bungendore’s renowned Woodworks Gallery and enjoy lunch at the historic Goulburn Brewery. Filled with culture, history, and festive spirit, this charming winter escape is sure to leave lasting memories.
Tour highlights include
Canberra city sights
National Portrait Gallery
Old Parliament House
Australian War Memorial
Yulefest Dinner celebration
Winery tasting
Hotel Kurrajong accommodation
Bungendore Woodworks Gallery
Goulburn Brewery
Itinerary
We set off together this morning, pausing in Mittagong to enjoy Morning Tea before continuing our journey south. Our first stop is Fedra Olive Grove, where we enjoy a delicious lunch. From here, we indulge in a wine tasting at the charming Contentious Character winery, with the option for anyone who wishes to wander up to Jasper and Myrtle Chocolates for a sweet treat. This evening, we settle into the elegant Hotel Kurrajong and gather for dinner.
Overnight: Hotel Kurrajong Meals Included: Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, we set off on a city sights tour, taking in Canberra’s embassies, national institutions, and key landmarks. We pause for morning tea at the Portrait Café before exploring the National Portrait Gallery, where portraits of Australia’s most notable figures share the story of the nation through art and photography.
Our morning continues with a guided visit to the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House, offering fascinating insight into Australia’s political heritage and the people who shaped it.
We then enjoy lunch and some free time in Manuka, one of Canberra’s most popular shopping and café precincts, known for its boutique stores and relaxed atmosphere.
In the afternoon, we visit the Australian War Memorial, a moving and significant tribute to those who have served. We explore the galleries and reflect during the Last Post Ceremony, a poignant conclusion to the day’s sightseeing.
This evening, we return to the hotel for our Yulefest Dinner — the highlight of the tour. Enjoy a festive winter celebration featuring a traditional Christmas-style meal shared in warm company — a perfect way to round off a memorable day in Canberra.
Overnight: Hotel Kurrajong Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Following Breakfast, we travel to Bungendore to enjoy Morning Tea at the charming Café Woodworks. We explore the impressive Woodworks Gallery and browse the Leather and Trading Store across the road. Our journey then takes us to Goulburn, where we enjoy Lunch at the historic Goulburn Brewery.
With hearts full and bags perhaps a little heavier, we make our way back to Sydney, bringing our wonderful getaway to a close.
Overnight: 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-trip to Dubbo and Mudgee. On behalf of the small group from our club. I would like to thank you for organising such a great five day tour. The accommodation was great with the staff at both. Venues very helpful. Our driver, Hans, as always, was extremely caring and helped to make everyone feel comfortable and part of a happy and friendly travel group. Look forward to future travel with On Course.
Yours sincerely, Jill
Dear Kerry and staff Thank you for organising the Temora airshow and Wagga tour for our club. We all enjoyed the four days away. The tour length was just right for us ‘oldies’. The Mercure Wagga was very comfortable and centrally located, and there was plenty of free time to explore the galleries, gardens Riverina Museum, and shops on offer in Wagga. The Tamora airshow was an opportunity to view old planes and to see an aviation display for novices to aviation displays. We learnt so much about the RAAF presence in Wagga and Temora during WWII. A highlight of the Junee Rail Museum was the dedicated locals who told us all about trains and privatisation of New South Wales rails. A special bouquet of thanks to Paul , our wonderful coach driver and Marie, our friendly tour guide. Nothing was a problem for them. Both Marie and Paul worked as a great team and put us all at ease. We greatly appreciated all their work, effort, fun and friendship to make our trip memorable. Thanks Guys! It was great to be travelling with Oncourse again. Our club is looking forward to seeing what tourism plans you have in store for 2024. Again, many thanks for your help. Best wishes to all the On Course team.
