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

  • 1. Easy
  • 2. Moderate
  • 3. Active Moderate
  • 4. Adventurous

Testimonials

Thank you for another great Oncourse tour. I have lost count of the number I’ve done. Good to see that over 20 years they’ve continued the high standards. Many thanks to Peter for his great work.

Val

Hooray for our great On Course tours We are old and grey With John to drive us all around On our 5 days away The zoo was great The stars shon bright We’ve really had a ball We ate and drank, enjoyed ourselves We think we’ve seen it all And so until we meet again Thanks John, you are a Gem.

Regards, DK