Travel Explore Australia on new Friends’ tours

TRAVEL WITH FRIENDS

AFTER TWO YEARS OF TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS, THERE HAS NEVER BEEN A BETTER TIME TO BREAK FREE. FOUNDATION & FRIENDS IS OFFERING TWO NEW TOURS LATER THIS YEAR FOR MEMBERS WHO WANT TO EXPLORE SOME OF AUSTRALIA’S UNRIVALLED NATURAL ATTRACTIONS.

Spring in Woodgreen Garden in Bilpin

GARDENS OF THE BLUE MOUNTAINS & CENTRAL WEST 26 October–1 November 2022 Grade: Introductory* Accommodation: six nights in three/four-star hotels/motels An intimate seven-day exploration of the gardens of the Blue Mountains and Central West. Highlights include a special supper and wine tasting at Bishop's Estate, a winery lunch in Orange, the Bathurst Spring Spectacular and a visit to host Mary Moody’s own garden in Blackheath. The tour price includes all park and garden entries, transport via private minibus and accommodation. Member price: $4,195pp twin share (land content only) Escort: Former ABC Gardening Australia presenter Mary Moody, who first moved to the Blue Mountains back in the 1970s. Mary has written and edited more than 40 gardening books and magazines.

Cradle Mountain

GARDENS AND NATURAL LANDSCAPES OF TASMANIA 18–26 November 2022 Grade: Introductory* Accommodation: eight nights in 3.5–4.5-star properties Tasmania boasts some of Australia’s most beautiful gardens and national parks, as well as a host of historic buildings that date back to the arrival of the first European settlers. This eight-night tour incorporates guided walking tours around Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park and Mount Field National Park, visits to Hobart’s Royal Botanic Garden and MONA, an excursion to Bruny Island and a tour of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Woolmers Estate's historic Rose Garden which encompasses 1.53 hectares. Member price: $5,995pp twin share (land content only) Escort: Author, artist and Botanic Garden’s guide Sandy Pratten, who has enjoyed a 35-year career as a leading landscape designer. CENTRAL AUSTRALIA 6–14 May 2023 (eight nights) Led by Relle Mott, a former member of the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney's education team, this journey will feature a trek along the ancient landscape of the West MacDonnell Ranges on the Larapinta Trail, staying in award-winning eco-comfort camps. It will also visit intriguing desert parks and botanic gardens. Book by 6 Nov 2022. Member price: $4,690pp twin share (land content only)

TOUR TALK Maiden Theatre Royal Botanic Garden 26 July, 10.30am–11.30am Join Foundation & Friends and learn about our guided tours planned for 2022/23 and beyond. This event is free, light refreshments will be available and bookings are essential. Call (02) 9231 8182.

Members can book our tours with confidence, thanks to our flexible cancellations policy and the introduction of a range of COVID safety measures, such as extra cleaning and hygiene protocols. The tours also venture to remote areas, which means social distancing comes naturally, and the guided group sizes are limited to a maximum of 16 people. For more information or to book please contact us at foundation.friends@ botanicgardens.nsw.gov.au

*These adventures are not suitable for people with limited mobility. They are designed for participants with a reasonable level of fitness and competent swimming ability. Some days may be quite active and involve steep walks. Prepare with some regular moderate exercise.