10 days in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory - Signature Experiences of Australia

At a glance:

• 2 nights Canberra
• 2 nights Narooma
• 2 nights Mollymook
• 2 nights Jervis Bay
• 1 night Bowral
• Final day drive Bowral to Sydney via the Grand Pacific Drive

The Journey

• Nearest Major City: Canberra
• Duration: 10 days
• Mode of Transport: Car, Hot Air Balloon, On Foot, Electric Boat

DAY 1

Drive to Canberra. On arrival head straight to Capital Brewing Co.

The team at Capital Brewing Co. have an impressive set up in Fishwyck where they brew their own ales. You'll find a tap house where you can enjoy their beers straight from the source, accompanied by delights from the iconic Brodburger.

Next, visit the National Arboretum, where 94 forests of rare and symbolic trees are planted across 250 hectares of rolling hills and take in the stunning vistas of the city. This is a great place to get a wonderful perspective of the purpose-built and designed capital city.

Check into your luxurious and chic accommodation at QT Canberra – there are no bored rooms here!

Highlights:

• Enjoy beers straight from the tap house accompanied by the iconic Brodburger at Capital Brewing Company.
• Take in stunning vistas and gain a perspective of the purpose-built and designed capital city of Canberra.
• Choose from main exciting dining options such as Akiba, Italian and Sons, Aubergine and Raku.          

DAY 2

Visit the Australian War Memorial and partake in an immersive Soul of the Nation tour. The Australian War Memorial combines a shrine, a world-class museum, and an extensive archive. It is widely recognised as one of the most significant museums in the world. Not just for its architectural magnificence or the millions of visitors it attracts, but because it is the soul of the nation and reveals the character of the Australian people. It is a place which will enhance your understanding of what it means to be Australian.

Next head to New Acton, an innovative new cultural precinct for lunch and an afternoon of exploration. At its heart is Nishi, the ‘pineapple-shaped’ building housing the Nishi Gallery. There is also a cinema, some of Canberra’s favourite restaurants and cafés, shops and a collection of outdoor art and sculpture for a surprise around almost every corner.

Spend the afternoon in Australia’s capital with a walk or Segway around the iconic Lake Burley Griffin, Canberra’s masterful centrepiece with 40 kms of scenic paths or better still venture out onto Lake Burley Griffin with GoBoat.

Tonight, dress up for a special dining experience, Feast of Icons at National Gallery of Australia, an exclusive after-hours tour.

Highlights

• Experience The Soul of the Nation tour, a carefully curated 2.5-hour tour which tells the stories of service and sacrifice behind the over 102,000 names on the Australian Roll of Honour.  Following the galleries tour, join one of the Memorial’s curators for a private exploration of the unique collection of memorabilia, rare and beautiful letters, photographs, and diaries.
• Explore the cultural precinct of New Acton and the pineapple-shaped Nishi Gallery.
• Enjoy a unique adventure, exploring Canberra's famous lake and all its waterside attractions from the comfort of your own GoBoat.
• Join an expert guide on a Feast of Icons tour as they reveal the secrets and stories of iconic works from the National Gallery of Australia’s extraordinary collection, including Blue poles by Jackson Pollock. Deepen your experience in a feast for the senses during a specially curated dinner, with each course inspired by a work of art.

DAY 3

Join In Above & Behind the Scenes tour with the National Museum of Australia. Accompanied by a Museum expert, fly in a private hot air balloon for an aerial tour of the Museum and the surrounding region.

Depart Canberra and drive to Narooma stopping for lunch at Quarterdeck Narooma, a laid back, quirky, and fun place with great view for lunch.

Depart Quarterdeck for the Island View Beach Resort and check into Djirringanj Dreaming tour with Ngaran Ngaran Culture Awareness, a 3-day, 2 night tour where you are invited to come walk and listen to stories passed down for thousands of generations, led by the land’s traditional custodians.

Highlights

• There’s no better way to fully appreciate Canberra’s charm than from the air. Explore the National Museum of Australia from the air with a museum guide and conclude your In Above & Behind the Scenes tour with a champagne overlooking the beautiful Lake Burley Griffin in the Museum’s Café.
• Enjoy a traditional Welcome to Country and immerse yourself in one of the world’s oldest living cultures, with a guided sensory journey into the traditional Yuin country on a Djirringanj Dreamtime Tour.

DAY 4

Begin the day with a Sunrise Ceremony and then depart for an on-country journey visiting significant areas for the Yuin people following the Djirringanj Dreaming trail.

In the afternoon experience a traditional forage and cooking demonstration and sound healing meditation.

This evening reflect on the day’s experience around the fire in a traditional reflection yarning circle.

Highlights

• Participate in and witness traditional Aboriginal ceremony, dance, yidaki (didgeridoo), and yarning circles.
• Meet, talk with, and learn from knowledgeable Aboriginal guides – the traditional custodians and community from the Yuin nation.
• Walk and experience several significant sites on Yuin Country.  
  
• Learn about the Yuin people’s creation story and the Aboriginal Dreaming, history, and culture             
• Partake in a traditional sound healing workshop, cooking demonstration and cultural interpretation of the oldest food and healing techniques in the world.

DAY 5  

Your tour will conclude with a Farewell Beach Ceremony - followed by a farewell brunch.

Drive to Banisters Pavilion Mollymook, New South Wales. Relax in the beach style chic of The Pavilion or enjoy one of the amazing beach houses. Sample incredible seafood simply prepared at Rick Stein at Bannisters.

DAY 6

Spend today enjoying the seaside paradise of Mollymook.

Highlights

• Dip your toes in the crystal waters and soft sands of Mollymook Beach and discover the local bushlands by visiting Narrawallee Creek Nature Reserve, a perfect spot for fishing, walking and bird watching.
• Relax and unwind in Bannisters onsite Day Spa.

DAY 7

Depart Mollymook and head for Jervis Bay, stopping at Milk Haus wholefoods café for morning tea. From there travel to Booderee National Park, home to one of Australia’s most stunning national parks, where crystal-clear waters meet beautiful white sand beaches.

Spend tonight in luxury glamping accommodation at Paperbark Camp which is located near Jervis Bay.

Highlights

• Stop at Milk Haus which is situated in the old Cheese Factory at Woodstock and enjoy fresh, honest, simple fare food—free of toxins, preservatives, and anything artificial.
• Visit Booderee National Park and enjoy birdwatching, diving, snorkelling, fishing and boating, whale watching and more.
• Enjoy fine food and wine, cosy canvas accommodation and a peaceful bush setting at Paperbark Camp.

DAY 8

Today enjoy a 2-and-a-half-hour South Coast Passage Tour with Jervis Bay Wild (departing daily at 8.30am, wind and sea conditions dependent).  After your tour, visit 5 Little Pigs or Pilgrims Café in Huskisson for lunch. Or join the locals at the Husky Pub.

Spend the rest of the day at the beach or exploring.

Highlights

• Cruise along completely unspoilt coastline and take in the towering remote sea cliffs of the Beecroft Peninsula with Jervis Bay Wild. Explore ancient sea caves, see the playful local seal colony and the resident Bottlenose Dolphins, and catch a glimpse of the migrating Humpback Whales. 

DAY 9

Depart Jervis Bay for the Southern Highlands stopping for lunch and wine tasting at Bendooley Estate. This grand estate is a spectacular destination within the Southern Highlands. After lunch head for the Bradman Museum named after Australia’s sporting legend, Sir Donald Bradman.

After visiting the museum explore the picturesque town of Bowral well-known for its colourful gardens, diverse landscape, history, and heritage.

Tonight relax and unwind at the Berida Hotel in Bowral or Peppers Craigieburn Bowral.

Highlights

• Explore the iconic Berkelouw Book Barn, dine at Bendooley’s restaurant and take in the magnificence of the beautifully preserved 200-acre Bendooley Estate. At the restaurant, experience wine-focused casual dining and sensational wine tastings from Bendooley Estate’s beloved varietals.
• Learn all about cricket at the International Cricket Hall of Fame. View live footage from around the world, see fascinating memorabilia and absorb stories from cricketing greats. 
   

DAY 10

This morning meet your guide from Wild Food Adventures and enjoy a Fire Forge and Froth tour or one of the other Signature or Seasonal tours on offer. Wild Food Adventures offers immersive, hands-on and creative adventures connecting with people, place and produce.  After your tour travel back to Sydney detouring via the 665-metre Sea Cliff Bridge, a highlight along the Grand Pacific Drive.  

Highlights

• On a tour with Wild Food Adventures experience pristine wilderness, meet boutique award winning cool climate wine makers, explore historical villages, hiking trails, taste bush foods, swim in waterfalls, cycle through vast forests, be part of the paddock to plate process, unearth truffles, learn artisan crafts, harvest hops and taste fresh local produce crafted into culinary moments.
• The 665-metre Sea Cliff Bridge is a highlight along Grand Pacific Drive.  Opened in December 2005, the Sea Cliff Bridge is a great viewing platform for migrating whales heading north/south during migrating season.