TCP Garden Tours

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It sounds like something straight out of an Austen novel – spend the day touring charming gardens; enjoy a delicious picnic lunch, served beside an artificial lake. Given most of us live on quarter acre blocks, it's difficult to grasp the excitement gardens generated in Austen's day. That's why I was pleasantly surprised to discover that old-fashioned estate gardens are much more accessible than you might think. No flights or time machines required – though you will feel like you've been transported to another era.

[ADVERT]It turns out the Blue Mountains are dotted with huge private estates, complete with rambling grounds. Better still, many of them are open for public viewing. They vary in style from the carefully manicured to the almost-wild; from the unabashedly Australian to the 'I can't believe it's not England'. And the best way to explore this diversity is with Nyla from .

The tours depart from Katoomba Railway Station in the Blue Mountains at 9.30am every Saturday. That's a pretty early start if you're heading up from Sydney, and I'm not exactly a morning person, but you'll be well rewarded for making the effort. Once you get past the city limits and catch your first glimpse of Blue Mountains scenery, you realise just what a fantastic experience you've signed yourself up for.


The tour usually covers three private gardens, and a visit to Mount Tomah Botanic Garden. If time permits, you'll also get to visit a scenic look-out, just to round out the experience. The exact gardens you'll get to see vary, depending on what's open and available.

On my visit, Windyridge Estate in Mt Wilson was a definite highlight. This beautifully designed garden is small by the standards of blue mountain estates, and huge by any other measure. It harbours secrets and surprises at every turn, making its exploration a delightful journey of discovery. Best of all, the friendly owners are happy to chat over a cuppa, answering any questions you might have. I suggest you ask them for the story of the toilets.


Our next stop, Merry Garth, seemed positively chaotic in comparison to the carefully laid out Windyridge. It mixes pockets of order, such as a striking rock garden, with vast areas of wild rainforest. I highly recommend the rainforest walk, but watch out for leeches.

We lunched at Bisley, which is described by its owners as 'an English country park, using sweeps of lawn and water features to create an open garden effect'. Sitting at a wrought iron table, looking out over an artificial lake – complete with rowing boat, of course – I could well believe I had stumbled into the early 1800s.


Nyla is a knowledgeable and friendly guide who offers a truly personalised and flexible service. Within a few minutes of meeting, you'll feel like you've known her for years, and be perfectly comfortable sharing your preferences for the day. She'll then adjust the tour accordingly, so as to give you the best possible experience.

The tour is a wonderfully leisurely, relaxing experience, that somehow contrives to leave one utterly exhausted. By the time you get back to the train station, you'll be glad to settle in for the scenic journey home.

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