HMAA members join a stellar cast of gardening experts on a gardening-themed, seven-night cruise on the Cunard line’s Queen Elizabeth in February 2023. The tour leaves Melbourne on February 4 to head to Adelaide, Hobart and Port Arthur. HMAA members joining the team of gardeners and cooks on the cruise include Angus Stewart, Graham Ross, Steve Falcioni and Jenny Dillon.
Gardening crew
Jamie Durie is an acclaimed designer, popular TV host and author of bestselling books. Cunard guests can look forward to his talks about the latest trends in gardening and landscaping, taking in his expertise from 20 years working on some of the world’s most beautiful gardens, and to a special dinner for gardening enthusiasts hosted by Jamie.
Graham Ross, Australia’s much loved celebrity gardener, TV and radio host and book author will entertain guests with talks about his life and career, his expert insights into gardening and horticulture, and hosting an exclusive dinner – a fabulous opportunity to get up close and personal with Australia’s Gardening royalty.
Award-winning horticulturist, Angus Stewart will share his knowledge about breeding new varieties of Australian native plants, propagating and maintaining Australian plants and native wildflowers in bespoke talks onboard Queen Elizabeth. The presenter best known for his appearances on Better Homes and Gardens and Gardening Australia will also give tips on how to create an Australian garden featuring natives such as gum trees, grevilleas, banksias and wattles.
In a very special experience for a limited number of guests on the sailing, Angus will also host a shore excursion from Hobart to visit Longley Organic Farm for a guided tour to learn the ins and outs of organic farming in Tasmania. The group will also visit the sustainable Inverawe Native Gardens, where Australian flora and fauna abound and align with Angus’ knowledge and passion when it comes to native plants.
Horticulturist, Steve Falcioni has a holistic approach to gardening and will host insightful talks about beneficial insects for indoor plants, carnivorous plants, air plants, cacti and roses, and gardens of the worlds, to name a few.
Sarah Hamilton will educate guests on the important role that bees play in the environment. Her focus will be on raising awareness for native bee history, the biology of bees, and the positive effect of beekeeping for your health.
Better Homes and Gardens magazine Editor, Dora Papas, and Garden Editor, Jenny Dillon, will be conducting hands-on make and take craft and gardening workshops. Australian TV chef and author, ‘Fast’ Ed Halmagyi, is also joining the cruise while previous BHG Editor, Julia Zaetta, will act as the host for talks and Q&A sessions as well as conducting a gardening themed trivia session.
Fares for Australia’s Gardening Journey start from $1,699* per person for a Britannia Inside Stateroom.
