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
We have just returned from a 4 day tour to Young. We enjoyed the trip very much, and this was largely due to our tour leader/driver, Hans. He is a particularly likeable young man and his patience and attention to all our needs were 100%. He would be the best tour leader that we have encountered on the many bus tours we have taken both here in Australia and overseas. Please convey our grateful thanks to Hans for making our Young tour so enjoyable.
Your sincerely, J and M.
Dear John Thank you and your team for arranging our Melbourne cup and King Island holiday. I enjoyed everything we did. Top accommodation and delicious meals. Your commentary was excellent. As was the way you looked after us all. King Island was as I anticipated plus the bonus of Michael Hill who made the day very interesting with his great stories and good humour. The meals on King Island were just super. Kerry did a magnificent job as the nicest “mother hen”. She capably looked after her “chickens”, especially this old “rooster”. Kerry made the delay at the Melbourne airport bearable by constantly providing updates and free vouchers. A special thank you to her. I must also mentioned the delightful Debbie. She is an excellent ambassador for your company. A very competent driver. Very pleasant and professional on the phone and in person. From the above, I trust you will appreciate I had a very very good trip. I look forward to again travelling with On Course (of course!) Cheers. Peter. I look forward to again travelling with On Course (of course!).
