Day 1 – Sydney to the Southern Highlands

Depart Sydney and travel into the picturesque Southern Highlands, where rolling countryside, charming villages and winter scenery set the scene for a festive Christmas in July escape. Enjoy a relaxing morning tea at the beautiful Fitzroy Falls, taking time to admire the spectacular views and peaceful natural surroundings. Continue to the historic village of Berrima for lunch. Afterward, enjoy free time to wander the heritage streets, browse the boutique shops and galleries, and soak up the unique character of one of Australia’s best-preserved Georgian villages. Later, arrive at The Gibraltar Hotel, your home for the next two nights. Settle into your comfortable accommodation and enjoy the tranquil lakeside setting before gathering for a special Christmas-themed dinner. Celebrate the spirit of Christmas with festive decorations, seasonal fare and holiday cheer in the heart of the Southern Highlands. Your contact during your stay is 02 4862 8600 (L,D)

Day 2 – Mystery Day

After breakfast, set off on a delightful mystery day designed to surprise and entertain. Throughout the day, enjoy a selection of specially chosen visits showcasing some of the Southern Highlands’ hidden gems and local treasures. You will not be disappointed! There will also be free time in Bowral, allowing you to explore at your own pace. Browse the town’s boutique stores, visit local galleries, enjoy a coffee in one of the charming cafés, or simply take in the relaxed atmosphere of this much-loved Highlands destination. Return to The Gibraltar in the afternoon to relax before enjoying dinner and another comfortable overnight stay. (B,L,D)

Day 3 – Picton and Home

After breakfast and check-out, travel from the Southern Highlands to the historic township of Picton for a special Christmas-themed experience at The Celebration Society. Guests will be welcomed with morning tea featuring hot cinnamon donuts, tea and coffee before enjoying The Art of Christmas Tree Decorating workshop. This engaging hands-on workshop is guided by professional decorators and reveals the secrets behind creating a beautifully styled Christmas tree. Guests will learn techniques for shaping and lighting a tree, selecting a colour palette and decorating style, creating a striking tree topper, layering decorations, positioning ornaments, styling ribbon and adding the finishing touches that bring a festive display to life. Each guest will also receive The Art of Christmas Tree Decorating Workbook to take home, providing inspiration and practical guidance for decorating their own Christmas tree. Guests who prefer not to participate in the workshop may enjoy free time exploring Picton’s charming village atmosphere, browsing local shops and discovering the town’s historic character. The group will then gather at Vaby’s Restaurant for a traditional Christmas in July lunch. The festive menu includes bread rolls and butter, followed by oven-baked turkey breast fillet and honey-glazed ham served with roast potatoes, cumin-scented pumpkin, seasonal vegetables, cranberry sauce, Yorkshire pudding and red wine gravy. Dessert is served as an alternate drop, featuring traditional Christmas pudding with brandy custard and vanilla ice cream, or decorated pavlova topped with passionfruit pulp, seasonal fruits and double whipped cream. Following lunch, there may be additional free time to explore Picton before commencing the journey home to Sydney, arriving in the late afternoon with wonderful memories of a festive Christmas in July escape through the Southern Highlands. (B,L)