Stroll through gardens of old and new

In Capital Country you can really feel the seasons change. And with four distinct seasons the regions’s many gardens of old and new are constantly changing. Whilst spring sees the region in full bloom, you can’t beat the rich reds and golds of autumn leaves, and cool, quiet wintry scenes.

Stroll through quaint cottage gardens, spot local wildlife in native gardens, stop to take in the scents of rose gardens and meander through traditional English gardens. You can celebrate all things floral with many garden themed festivals held annually.

Start your trip in Young where the Chinese Tribute Gardens recognise the turbulent Gold Rush history of Lambing Flat, as the district was then called. Learn about Australian Natives in nearby Harden, and travel on to Murrumbateman to discover a rambling rural garden complete with small-farm enterprises like lavender, free-range eggs, berries, and aviaries.

Drive on toward the nation’s capital, Canberra, where in spring the Floriade festival is a must-see, and the Australian National Botanic Gardens are a revelation all year round. The climate of the Southern Highlands and beyond suits English-style gardens with old trees, carpets of spring bulbs and expanses of rolling lawn. Bowral’s Tulip Time is a must-see, and in Goulburn, Crookwell and Gundaroo, autumn brings the roses and many open gardens to explore.

So go on…explore the many gardens in Capital Country. Spring and autumn are the best times to visit, when gardens are at their best, and many are open to the public. It’s the perfect place to take some time out to stop and smell the roses…and enjoy the passion and creativity of the region’s green thumbs.

Click here for the Capital Country Gardens self drive Experience Highlights