Canberra Floriade - October 2024 - Robyn Leonhardt - Hostess Round Up

A Blossoming Adventure: Floriade Hostess Round Up

At Sisterhood Women’s Travel, we believe every journey is an opportunity to create lifelong memories and form lasting friendships. Our recent Floriade Canberra Bus Tour did exactly that—eight days of fun, discovery, and pure joy with an incredible group of ladies! From historic stops to breathtaking scenery, here’s a recap of our wonderful trip that will inspire your next adventure with us.

Day 1: A Sunny Start & Local Treasures

We set off under perfect blue skies, led by our fantastic driver Rodney and accompanied by nine enthusiastic ladies. Our first stop was the charming town of Holbrook, where we enjoyed homemade sandwiches and scones, along with a fascinating history lesson on its connection to the HMAS Otway submarine. Next up was the Tumut Broom Factory, where Andrew, the broom maker, gave us an unforgettable experience by not only demonstrating the traditional craft but also serenading us with his guitar! What a wonderful way to kick off the tour!

Day 2: Snowy Mountains and Space Explorations

Our second day took us through the spectacular Snowy Mountains, a scenic drive filled with awe-inspiring landscapes, from lush green valleys to the haunting beauty of fire-affected bushland. A visit to the Snowy Hydro Discovery Centre left us in awe of the engineering marvel as it approaches its 75th anniversary. The day ended with a trip to the NASA Deep Space Communications Complex—talk about out of this world! We left the center amazed by the space exploration insights, making it a day of endless wonder.

Day 3: History and Heartfelt Moments

Day 3 was a deep dive into the nation’s history, starting with the stunning panoramic views from Mount Ainslie Lookout, where we could see why Canberra is known as the “bush city.” We toured both the Old Parliament House and the modern Parliament House, gaining a deeper appreciation of our country’s political heritage. The highlight, however, came later at the Australian War Memorial. It was an emotional experience as two of our sisters participated in the Last Post Ceremony, laying wreaths in memory of their fathers who served in Darwin during WWI. It was a truly powerful and special moment that none of us will ever forget.

Day 4: Floriade Magic

After a leisurely morning boat ride on Lake Burley Griffin, guided by the charismatic Captain Jim, we toured Embassy Row. The USA Embassy stole the show, looking like it came straight out of a Southern novel! But the highlight of the day was, without a doubt, Floriade. Wandering among the colorful blooms at Commonwealth Park was pure bliss. The beauty and serenity of the floral displays left us all rejuvenated and full of joy!

Day 5: Culture and Conservation

The perfect blend of nature and culture awaited us on Day 5, starting with the National Capital Exhibition, where we learned all about the design and history of Australia’s capital. Next, we visited the peaceful and beautifully planned National Arboretum, a conservation treasure with scenic vistas and symbolic tree plantings. The day wrapped up at the National Film and Sound Archive, where we were transported back in time, revisiting iconic moments in Australian film history. A day full of cultural richness!

Day 6: Exploring the Highlands

Leaving Canberra behind, we headed toward the picturesque Southern Highlands. A visit to Cockington Green Gardens immersed us in miniature gardens and charming displays. After a lovely lunch stop in Bowral, we took the time to explore the historic town, filled with delightful cafes and unique boutiques. We also paid homage to the legacy of Sir Donald Bradman at the Bradman Museum and International Cricket Hall of Fame. It was a day of beauty, history, and cricket fun!

Day 7: Sweet Treats and Scenic Views

On our way back, we made a delightful stop at Harden/Murrumburrah, where we learned about Australia’s first horse muster and admired the impressive Bill the Bastard sculpture. The history felt so alive! We also indulged in some sweet treats at the Liquorice and Chocolate Factory, where we toured the production facility. A perfect mix of history, nature, and delicious discoveries!

Day 8: Farewell, Floriade!

Our final day on the road took us to Wagga Wagga and then to Marrocka Emu Farm, where we learned about emu farming and enjoyed a delicious morning tea with stunning views. To round off the trip, we explored Glenrowan’s Ned Kelly Museum & Homestead, stepping into the past of Australia’s most infamous outlaw. With a heart full of memories, we returned to Melbourne, ready to cherish the friendships we’d made along the way.

This was an unforgettable trip, packed with laughter, learning, and, most importantly, companionship. To our incredible group of ladies, thank you for making this journey so special. We can’t wait for our next adventure together!