Autumn Colours Of The Central West – Koyo Matsuri Festival
Days:
3 Days
Activity:
2. Moderate
$1,045.00
Tour description
Autumn in the Central West is a season of breathtaking colour, where rolling hills, historic villages and expansive gardens glow in vibrant shades of gold, crimson and amber. This leisurely three-day tour celebrates the beauty of the season with visits to some of the region’s most spectacular cool-climate gardens and charming country towns. A highlight of the journey is the Koyo Matsuri Festival at the Cowra Japanese Garden and Cultural Centre — a joyful celebration of Japanese culture set among sweeping landscapes of maples and autumn foliage. With tea ceremonies, bonsai displays, calligraphy, origami, martial arts demonstrations and time to wander the serene gardens, it’s a unique cultural experience that honours both tradition and the beauty of the season.
Our journey also includes a visit to the extraordinary Mayfield Garden, one of the largest privately owned cool-climate gardens in the world. With its grand avenues, water features, parterre gardens, maze and hidden surprises around every corner, it offers a full sensory celebration of autumn. Travelling via the Bells Line of Road, we explore the Mount Tomah Botanic Garden before settling in for two nights at Rydges Mount Panorama in Bathurst. The return trip winds through Oberon and into the Blue Mountains, passing through Blackheath, Leura and Wentworth Falls — each glowing with seasonal colour. Thoughtfully designed and beautifully paced, this tour offers a wonderful opportunity to relax, explore and enjoy the finest autumn experiences in the Central West.
Tour Departure Location = Sydney
Travelling from somewhere else? Return flight quotes are available on request. Please contact our team to join the tour.
Itinerary
This morning, we set off on a scenic journey along the Bells Line of Road, taking in the beautiful landscapes of the Blue Mountains. Our first stop is at Mt Tomah Botanic Garden, where we’ll enjoy a lovely morning tea while surrounded by cool- limate plants and breathtaking views.
From here, we continue to Bathurst, where we’ll pause for lunch before visiting the Australian Fossil & Mineral Museum, home to an incredible collection of fossils and minerals, including a complete T. rex skeleton! Then, it’s time for a tour of Bathurst, where you’ll discover the city’s rich history and even take a drive around the Mount Panorama motor racing circuit.
Later in the afternoon, we’ll check in at Rydges Mount Panorama Bathurst, where you’ll settle in for a comfortable night’s stay with dinner at 7pm.
Overnight: Rydges Mount Panorama Bathurst
Meals Included: Morning Tea, Lunch, Dinner
After a hearty breakfast, we head to Cowra Japanese Garden & Cultural Centre for a truly special experience—the Koyo Matsuri Festival. This annual festival is a celebration of autumn and Japanese culture, with martial arts displays, origami, calligraphy, bonsai demonstrations, and traditional tea ceremonies. You’ll have plenty of time to explore the stunning gardens, admire the incredible autumn colours, and enjoy lunch at your own leisure, with a variety of food stalls and a café on-site.
In the afternoon, we travel to Millthorpe, a beautiful historic village where time seems to stand still. We’ll visit the Millthorpe Museum, filled with fascinating displays, before heading out to explore the town on foot. You’ll have time to browse the boutique shops and take in the charm of this little gem before we return to Bathurst.
Back at Rydges Bathurst, you can relax and unwind before enjoying another delicious dinner.
Overnight: Rydges Mount Panorama Bathurst
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today is all about breathtaking gardens! After breakfast, we make our way to Mayfield Garden, one of the largest cool-climate gardens in the world. Here, you’ll have plenty of time to wander through its stunning landscapes, featuring a rose walk, rhododendron walk, maze, croquet lawn, water garden, aviary, conservatorium, and more. It’s a garden lover’s paradise! We’ll enjoy lunch in the garden Café before making our way home, passing through the scenic autumn landscapes of Blackheath, Leura, and Wentworth Falls. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the last glimpses of the stunning autumn colours as we reflect on a truly memorable trip.
Meals Included: 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
Just a note of thanks for the excellent job Hans did yesterday. All of our group had a wonderful day and the Camden Valley Inn was a great venue. The staff there were very efficient and the meal portions just right for all. A most enjoyable day and thanks again. We did have one poor soul sleep in and so we numbered 37. Looking forward to our next tour with On Course in July.
Jim
Hi Kerry Great trip as usual in the Alps. Hans was able to secure 2nd spot on the bus line and we were away very quickly leaving lines of buses behind us. The motel was excellent and the food service the quality A1. The chap in charge of the Bar and foor service, lan, was most attentive and with the help of Hans did a wonderful job of keeping everyone happy. The escorted Tour of Albury by Allan was one of the best I have encountered. The Hibernian Hotel was ‘spot on’, the hotel was spacious and the food perfect. The Red Stag Deer Farm was without doubt one of the highlights of the trip. The complex looks over the valley with sweeping views. The owners gave a very informative and entertaining talk and we really could have stayed longer. I believe it would be an ideal venue for a bit of variety to say have morning tea at Bright and then go to the Red Stag for Iunch and a talk by them. They did well out of the bus with people buying lots of their products. Most of the people on the bus have done the same Bright trip previously in one form or another and the inclusion of this I feel would draw other ‘past’ travellers to do the same trip again. I know I can speak for everyone, it was a top trip.
