• Home pick-ups & set downs (most metro areas – please contact us for details)
• Picnic-style morning teas & all meals
• All accommodation & admissions to all attractions
• Experienced & informative tour driver/guide.

The Australian War Memorial is always proud to host one of Australia’s most important national occasions, the Anzac Day commemorations. From the observance of the one-minute silence at the Dawn Service to the sounding of the Last Post, this sombre and moving experience is one not to be missed. While in our nation’s capital we visit the National Portrait Gallery, historic Lanyon Homestead, the National Museum of Australia and so much more. Join us for this memorable tour to experience Anzac Day in Canberra.

Day One – TUESDAY 22 APRIL 2025

Our journey begins with the convenience of chauffeur-driven car pickups from home, ensuring a smooth and comfortable start as we depart Adelaide.

Our first pause in the scenic drive is at Tailem Bend, where we enjoy a refreshing morning tea, setting the tone for the adventures ahead. Continuing our travels, we stop at the welcoming Golden Grain Hotel in Pinnaroo for our lunch, offering a perfect opportunity to enjoy some local flavours and relax.

Later in the afternoon, a brief comfort stop in Ouyen provides a chance for us to stretch our legs before we head towards our final destination for the day.

The day concludes as we arrive at the Swan Hill Resort (03) 5032 2726, where we check in and unwind. Later, we gather for a delightful dinner, sharing stories and looking forward to the experiences that await in the coming days.

Day Two – WEDNESDAY 23 APRIL 2025

We begin our day with a hearty breakfast at the Swan Hill Resort before departing for an enriching journey.

Our first destination is Deniliquin, where we stop to enjoy morning tea and delve into the local heritage at The Depot. This unique attraction has evolved from the extensive vehicle and memorabilia collections of Neville and Debbie Purtill and their family. For three generations, the Purtill family has been integral to the Deniliquin business community, starting in the 1950s with Keith and Pat Purtill. The Depot is more than a collection; it is a dynamic space where history comes alive, allowing visitors to experience and enjoy stories of life both at home and on the road.

After soaking in the rich history of The Depot, we continue our journey to Jerilderie for lunch. This charming town offers a quaint setting to refuel and relax.

In the afternoon, we make a brief comfort stop in Lockhart, known for its artistic silo and street art, which vividly captures the essence of rural life.

Our day concludes as we arrive at the Quality Hotel Rules Club Wagga Wagga (02) 6931 1511, where we settle in before dinner, ready to share stories of the day’s discoveries and enjoy the local hospitality.

Day Three – THURSDAY 24 APRIL 2025

Our day starts with a refreshing breakfast, setting the stage for our travels ahead.

We depart Wagga Wagga and head towards Canberra, with our first break in the quaint town of Jugiong for morning tea. This peaceful stop allows us to stretch and enjoy the regional environment that surrounds.

Next, we journey to the delightful Cockington Green Gardens, a celebrated attraction in Canberra where we will have lunch before our visit. Cockington Green offers a whimsical and detailed miniature village with replicas of famous buildings and scenes from around the world, surrounded by beautifully manicured gardens. The attention to detail in the miniatures and the charming, landscaped settings make it a unique and fascinating place to explore.

After our visit, we’ll take a scenic drive around Canberra, including a stop at Mount Ainsley to enjoy panoramic views of the city’s landmarks.

We then check into the Garden City Hotel Canberra (02) 6295 3322, our accommodation for the next four nights, where we’ll unwind before gathering for dinner. This evening offers a chance to relax and share experiences from a day filled with cultural and scenic explorations.

Day Four – FRIDAY 25 APRIL 2025

Our early start this morning leads us to an emotionally stirring Dawn Service at the Australian War Memorial, where we honor the sacrifice and courage of those who served. This solemn occasion provides a reflective start to our day.

Following the service, we return to our hotel for breakfast before attending the ANZAC Parade. This event is a moving tribute to the servicemen and women, featuring military displays and commemorations that resonate with national pride.

Later in the morning, we visit the Australian National Botanic Gardens. Here, we embark on the Flora the Explorer Bus Tour, a guided exploration that reveals the diversity and beauty of Australia’s native plants. After the tour, we enjoy lunch amidst the serene setting of the gardens.

In the afternoon, we partake in an Embassy Drive, a leisurely drive that showcases various international embassies, many displaying architectural features representative of their country. This drive offers a glimpse into the diplomatic landscape of Canberra.

We conclude our day by returning to the motel in the early afternoon, providing time to relax and reflect on the rich experiences of the day.

Day Five – SATURDAY 26 APRIL 2025

Day five begins with breakfast at our accommodation, followed by a departure for the National Museum of Australia. Here, we delve into the rich tapestry of Australia’s history during a guided tour. The museum offers a profound exploration of Australia’s Indigenous heritage, European settlement, and contemporary culture, all presented through engaging exhibits and cutting-edge technology.

After the tour, enjoy some free time to wander through the museum’s diverse collections, followed by morning tea in the museum cafe.

Our next stop is the National Arboretum for a self-guided tour of its patchwork of forests and gardens. Showcasing an extensive variety of trees and plant species from around the world, the Arboretum enhances our understanding of ecological diversity and offers breathtaking views of our nation’s capital. It also showcases a unique collection of Bonsai, many featuring Australian native species.

Lunch is served at Poppy’s Cafe at the War Memorial, after which we engage in a self-guided tour of the Memorial, allowing each of us to absorb the history at our own pace.

Late afternoon we attend the Last Post Ceremony at the War Memorial, a daily tradition that commemorates individual Australian soldiers.

Following this moving experience, we return to the Garden City Hotel for dinner, reflecting on our educational and emotionally resonant day.

Day Six – SUNDAY 27 APRIL 2025

Starting our day with breakfast, we eagerly anticipate another day of discovery.

This morning, we take some time to explore Canberra’s offerings with free time dedicated to shopping and soaking up the local ambience.

Morning tea provides a delightful break before we venture to the Royal Australian Mint for a self-guided exploration, delving into the fascinating intricacies of coin production and Australian numismatic history.

We journey to the outskirts of Canberra, where lunch awaits at the charming Lanyon Homestead. Here we delve into the past with a guided tour that showcases this historical estate’s 19th-century heritage and bucolic gardens.

The afternoon brings us back to the city to the National Portrait Gallery, where we immerse ourselves in the stories of prominent Australians through the engaging art of portraiture.

We conclude the day back at the Garden City Hotel Canberra, where we can relax and reflect on the day’s experiences before enjoying dinner together.

Day Seven – MONDAY 28 APRIL 2025

After starting the day with a nourishing breakfast, we embark on our journey towards home, first stopping in Yass for a refreshing morning tea. This quaint town is a slice of rural charm, perfect for a leisurely break.

Our travel continues as we head towards the Temora Roundabout Bakery for lunch. This bakery is renowned for its delightful array of baked goods and provides a wonderful opportunity to sample some local culinary treats in a cozy setting.

Post-lunch, our route takes us through picturesque landscapes, allowing us to absorb the serene beauty of the countryside en-route to Griffith. We arrive at the Kidman Wayside Inn (02) 6964 5666 in the late afternoon.

This inviting Inn offers comfortable accommodation where we can relax and refresh. Our day concludes with a dinner at the restaurant, where we enjoy excellent cuisine and reminisce about our journey’s highlights.

Day Eight – TUESDAY 29 APRIL 2025

After a hearty breakfast in Griffith, we depart for a day filled with scenic drives, vast landscapes and delightful stops in regional towns. Our first pause is in Hay, where we’ll enjoy morning tea, taking in the local charm before continuing our travels.

Lunch awaits us at the Discovery Centre Cafe in Balranald, a perfect spot to enjoy delicious food while exploring the cultural displays that reflect the area’s rich history and natural heritage.

Following lunch, we’ll make a brief comfort stop in Euston, allowing time to stretch our legs and refresh before completing the final leg of today’s journey.

We arrive in Mildura in the late afternoon, a vibrant town known for its beautiful riverfront and gourmet food scene. Here, we check into our accommodation at the Quality Hotel Mildura Grand (03) 5023 0511 and later gather for dinner, enjoying the warm hospitality.

Day Nine – WEDNESDAY 30 APRIL 2025

On our final day together, we’ll start with breakfast in Mildura before setting out early to make our way back to Adelaide.

After crossing back into South Australia, we’ll stop in Renmark for morning tea, enjoying the peaceful riverside setting.

Leaving the highway, we follow the course of the river, stopping to enjoy lunch at the Terminus Hotel in Morgan.

Continuing our journey, we make a brief comfort stop in Kapunda, allowing for a stretch and some fresh air.

By late -afternoon, we arrive back in Adelaide marking the end of our Anzac Day tour to Canberra, filled with memorable experiences and
new friendships.