Southern Capitals – City Meets Bush
Experience the best of urban and rural Australia with the Southern Capitals – City Meets Bush tour. This 5-day journey takes you from Sydney’s iconic landmarks to Canberra’s cultural highlights and Melbourne’s eclectic laneways. Discover historic Berrima, explore Gold Creek Station and enjoy a BBQ hosted by a local sheep farmer. With guided tours, comfortable accommodation, and immersive experiences, this tour offers a perfect blend of city excitement and countryside charm. Book now for an unforgettable Australian adventure.
- 27 Aug 2026 – 31 Aug 2026
from $2,277 pp twin share * - 17 Sep 2026 – 21 Sep 2026
from $2,525 pp twin share * - 15 Oct 2026 – 19 Oct 2026
from $2,525 pp twin share * - 29 Oct 2026 – 02 Nov 2026
from $2,525 pp twin share * - 19 Nov 2026 – 23 Nov 2026
from $2,708 pp twin share * - 07 Jan 2027 – 11 Jan 2027
from $2,708 pp twin share * - 04 Feb 2027 – 08 Feb 2027
from $2,708 pp twin share * - 18 Feb 2027 – 22 Feb 2027
from $2,708 pp twin share * - 04 Mar 2027 – 08 Mar 2027
from $2,655 pp twin share * - 18 Mar 2027 – 22 Mar 2027
from $2,708 pp twin share * - 08 Apr 2027 – 12 Apr 2027
from $2,345 pp twin share * - 29 Apr 2027 – 03 May 2027
from $2,345 pp twin share * - 13 May 2027 – 17 May 2027
from $2,345 pp twin share * - 26 Aug 2027 – 30 Aug 2027
from $2,345 pp twin share * - 16 Sep 2027 – 20 Sep 2027
from $2,345 pp twin share * - 14 Oct 2027 – 18 Oct 2027
from $2,345 pp twin share * - 28 Oct 2027 – 01 Nov 2027
from $2,345 pp twin share * - 18 Nov 2027 – 22 Nov 2027
from $2,502 pp twin share * - 06 Jan 2028 – 10 Jan 2028
from $2,502 pp twin share * - 20 Jan 2028 – 24 Jan 2028
from $2,502 pp twin share * - 03 Feb 2028 – 07 Feb 2028
from $2,502 pp twin share * - 17 Feb 2028 – 21 Feb 2028
from $2,502 pp twin share * - 02 Mar 2028 – 06 Mar 2028
from $2,502 pp twin share * - 16 Mar 2028 – 20 Mar 2028
from $2,502 pp twin share *
* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.
Itinerary
- Day 1 – Sydney – Canberra:
It’s hard to believe that just 1.5 hours from Warrane (Sydney) lies a patch of countryside that could have been transplanted straight from the English Cotswolds. Think atmospheric villages amid rolling hills of grape vines – the Southern Highlands is the closest wine region to Australia’s largest city, after all. Take in views of the Great Dividing Range and a famous ‘disappearing lake’ before arriving at the home of sheep farmer Craig Starr. Gold Creek Station farm is your backdrop for a Be My Guest BBQ lunch and tales about life on the land. This is your entrée to the country’s cool little capital of Canberra, home to Parliament House where you can explore the grounds or take a self-guided tour. - Day 2 – Canberra – Wangaratta:
Thanks to architect Walter Burley Griffin, Canberra is an urban planner’s delight – the city is that well laid out, as you’ll discover when you head to the summit of Mt. Ainslie for panoramic views. You won’t yet be able to see the mighty Murray River, but you’ll soon cross it en route to Beechworth. From Australia’s longest river, travel through Victoria’s High Country to the well-preserved gold rush town of Beechworth, home to honey and gold shops, galleries and museums. Beechworth saw an influx of fortune-seekers from all over the world during the 1850s. Get the lowdown over a chat with the publican of the historic local pub and enjoy afternoon tea in the oldest hotel in town, before Wangaratta beckons. - Day 3 – Wangaratta – Melbourne:
Meandering south toward historic Glenrowan, you’re well and truly in Ned Kelly country – this is where the infamous bushranger and his gang were finally captured in 1880. The story is remembered on pretty much every city corner, whether in enormous statues or at the museum. We’ll tell you all the tales – some of them true, many of them hearsay. All of them entertaining. Then we’ll tell you a bit more about Melbourne, like how it’s the home of Aussie Rules football, covets some of the country’s best arts institutions, and has a swag of stellar restaurants, cafes and bars. Small wonder it’s known as Australia’s cultural, culinary and sporting capital. After a city tour, immerse yourself in a guided galleries tour of our First Peoples arts and cultural centre, the Koorie Heritage Trust, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, then head off to explore. Forget your map – one of the joys of being in Melbourne is getting lost. Discovering a hidden jazz bar. Stumbling upon a hole-in-the-wall restaurant or another gallery that catches your eye. Enjoy. - Day 4 – Melbourne Free Time:
You could spend weeks exploring Melbourne and its surrounds and not tire of the attractions. But you just have today, so make the most of it. We wouldn’t hold it against you if all you want to do is jump on a tram and ride the rails to the city’s character-filled neighbourhoods. Perhaps bohemian Brunswick, or seaside St. Kilda for Polish cakes along Acland Street. But if you want to explore further afield, we’ve got you covered with Optional Experiences*. For a bird’s-eye view of the bay, sign up to scale the Melbourne Skydeck at the Eureka Tower, offering dizzying vistas in every direction from almost 300 metres above the street. Or, perhaps exploring the city on foot with a History and Donuts Walking Tour is more your thing. If you’re an animal lover however, then you’ll want to venture to Phillip Island to see hundreds of little penguins waddle up from the sea along the sand en route to their burrows. It’s a nightly attraction. The choice is yours. - Day 5 – Farewell from Melbourne:
Wait, how did you just pack so much action into such a short amount of time? Cities, countryside, farms … This Sydney to Melbourne trip has been quite the adventure.
Highlights
- Explore Sydney’s iconic landmarks, Canberra’s cultural highlights, and Melbourne’s eclectic laneways.
- Discover historic Berrima, Gold Creek Station, and enjoy a BBQ hosted by a local sheep farmer.
- Guided tours, comfortable accommodation, and immersive experiences included.
Experience the best of urban and rural Australia with the Southern Capitals – City Meets Bush tour. This 5-day journey takes you from Sydney’s iconic landmarks to Canberra’s cultural highlights and Melbourne’s eclectic laneways. Discover historic Berrima, explore Gold Creek Station and enjoy a BBQ hosted by a local sheep farmer. With guided tours, comfortable accommodation, and immersive experiences, this tour offers a perfect blend of city excitement and countryside charm. Book now for an unforgettable Australian adventure.
Inclusions
- View the beautifully preserved Georgian heritage buildings in the Southern Highlands town of Berrima Go behind the scenes of a sheep farm then enjoy a Be My Guest lunch hosted by the owners Delve into politics on a self-guided tour of Parliament House Discover the Gold Rush and Ned Kelly history through Beechworth and Glenrowan MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience – At the Koorie Heritage Trust Gallery uncover the history of local Aboriginal culture.
- Day Prior: Flights to arrive anytime into Sydney AirportDay 5: Flights to depart anytime from Melbourne Airport Airport to Hotel transfers are available to purchase on request.
- Flights to and from your tour are not included in the tour price.
FAQs
- Crowne Plaza Canberra
- Crowne Plaza Hotel Melbourne
- Quality Hotel Wangaratta
How long is this journey?
This itinerary runs for 5 days and 4 nights.
When can I travel?
Departures are currently scheduled between 27 Aug 2026 and 20 Mar 2028, subject to live availability.
Are there different departure options?
Yes, multiple departures may be available depending on your preferred travel period.
Are discounts available?
Seasonal or loyalty discounts may be available on selected departures at the time of enquiry.
What is generally included?
Inclusions typically cover guided touring and selected experiences, with exact details listed in the itinerary.
Provided by: AAT KingsFine Print
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