Australia’s East Coast Jewels

Arrive into the wonderful city of Singapore and transfer to the four-star M Hotel.

Known as ‘the crossroads of Asia’, Singapore is a city where the east meets the west; a cosmopolitan melting pot with an inspirational identity. Today we can choose to relax or explore as we please. We have the opportunity to join a tour of this fabulous city including Marina Bay, Merlion Park and the fabulous orchid gardens set within Singapore’s botanical gardens. Alternatively, enjoy high tea in the elegant surroundings of Raffles Hotel, or discover the wonderful Gardens by the Bay.

After breakfast, we transfer to the airport for our flight to Sydney. On arrival, our Australian Tour Manager will be waiting to transfer us directly to our hotel, the Sofitel Wentworth or Hilton Sydney. The Sofitel Wentworth is located just a short walk from Circular Quay and Sydney Harbour, home to the world-famous Sydney Opera House, whilst the Hilton is located within walking distance of vibrant Darling Harbour.

First stop today is the Royal Botanic Garden of Sydney, where we are treated to a tour with an Aboriginal guide. Next, get those cameras ready as we head for a tour of the spectacular Sydney Opera House. Whilst the exterior is known to every visitor to Australia, we step inside to discover the story beneath those magnificent sails. Learn about the controversial history and memorable performances of the Opera House’s past and what its future may hold. The rest of the afternoon is left free to spend as we please. Perhaps climb Sydney Harbour Bridge or take a scenic helicopter flight over Sydney’s spectacular harbour.

It’s time to say goodbye to Sydney as we travel via the Southern Highlands with its historic towns, before arriving in Canberra early this afternoon. As the seat of the Australian government, Canberra boasts countless museums and historical sites. We head for the stately Australian War Memorial, which houses great collections on both World Wars. After a guided tour we attend the Last Post ceremony. The ceremony begins with the Australian national anthem, followed by the piper’s lament. Hear the story behind a name on the Honour Roll, followed by an ode recited by Australian Defence Force personnel. The meaningful ceremony concludes with the sounding of the Last Post. Later, we arrive at the Hotel Kurrajong Canberra for our next two nights.

After breakfast, we head for Parliament House. Take in the architecture of the Senate and House of Representatives, as well as the paintings that adorn these historic and hallowed halls. We continue to the National Gallery of Australia, known for its great Aboriginal Art Collection. Canberra is also known for its wine, so we make our way to one of the best local wineries in time for lunch, and, of course, a little wine tasting! Afterwards, we head for Mount Ainslie’s lookout point for a panoramic view of the surrounding scenery. The remainder of the day is ours to enjoy at leisure.

First stop today is Taralga Wildlife Park. Get a front-row seat to Australia’s wildlife with mini-goats, kangaroos, quokkas, wallabies, emus, camels and more, not to mention over 500 birds and 100 individual bird species. Enjoy lunch at the historic Argyle Inn, the oldest hotel still trading in Taralga, built in 1875 and lovingly restored in 2016. From here, we head to Katoomba in the heart of the Blue Mountains. Later this afternoon, we arrive at the heritage-listed Carrington Hotel, built in the 1880s to cater for the railway boom. Make yourself comfortable and explore the historic surroundings, brimming with both antiques and modern comforts.

Believed to be a ‘tonic’ in the form of mountain air, the Blue Mountains have been promoted for their health benefits since the early 1800s. Learn of the legend of the Three Sisters, a spectacular landmark located at Echo Point. Meander the Fairfax Heritage Walking Track with sweeping vistas of the Grose Valley and take in the view from Govetts Leap, one of the most famous lookouts on the continent! This afternoon, we make our way to the Blue Mountains Cultural Centre to see the World Heritage Exhibition. This interactive exhibition explores the natural and social landscapes of this incredible heritage area.

This morning, we board our flight to Cairns, in tropical north Queensland. After collecting our cases, we transfer to Port Douglas via one of the most scenic highways in the country. Upon arrival, settle into the Peninsula Hotel where we enjoy stay in an Oceanview Suite, by the famous Four Mile Beach.

It’s time to soak up all that Port Douglas has to offer! Whilst you are welcome to relax by the poolside, we have two optional trips available to the Great Barrier Reef. Our first option travels via catamaran, to the Low Isles. Recline on the white sandy beach of the island, snorkel over the vivid coral gardens in the blue lagoon, accompanied by a marine biologist or enjoy a glass bottom boat experience of the reef. Alternatively, for stronger swimmers, our Great Barrier Reef snorkelling experience, allows for snorkelling straight from the back of the boat! Owned and operated by marine biologists we visit several sites known for spectacular snorkelling. You can expect some of the crew to be in the water with us, ready to answer any questions and point out the exciting coral and fish.

A day at leisure to spend as we please. We have a half day optional excursion to the World Heritage listed Daintree Rainforest. Travel into the Mossman Gorge National Park, the most southern part of the Daintree Rainforest, for a leisurely walk. Later, we board our wildlife cruise on the Daintree River. and search for saltwater crocodiles. This evening perhaps join a sunset sail along the coast of Port Douglas.

Another day at leisure to enjoy Queensland’s Tropical North. Perhaps take an optional tour to Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures for an up-close and personal experience with these prehistoric creatures. Other activities today include a food and wine exploration of local producers, a trip to Kuranda, travelling via the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. This evening, we gather for dinner in a relaxed waterfront restaurant, beloved by the locals.

After breakfast, we must say farewell to Port Douglas. First stop today is Rex Lookout, a panoramic spot to scope out the expanse of Trinity Bay’s azure water and golden sand. At Babinda Boulders, enjoy an easy walk through lush rainforest to a creek lined with massive boulders. The water at the pool here remains cool all year round, despite the tropical heat. We continue to Cardwell to enjoy the view across the water to Hinchinbrook Island. Later, we arrive into Townsville, where we will stay for the next two nights at the Hotel Grand Chancellor.

Today, we travel via ferry to Magnetic Island, or, as the locals call it, ‘Maggie’. Palm-fringed coastlines and warm, sandy beaches with turquoise water lapping around coral reefs, Magnetic Island is paradise on earth. We board a bus trip taking us to Horseshoe Bay, a sheltered U-shaped bay with 3km of golden beach. Learn about the area’s history, geography, wildlife and folklore and keep your eyes peeled for koalas as Maggie is host to the largest colony in the north of Australia.

Saying goodbye to Townsville, we head for our next destination: Airlie Beach, gateway to the incredible Whitsunday Islands. Home for the next three nights is the fabulous Coral Sea Resort, and after settling into our rooms with an ocean view, the day is ours to enjoy at leisure.

A day left free to spend as we please. Take the opportunity to relax by the hotel pool or stroll along the lovely boardwalk into the village. For water enthusiasts, an optional cruise on the ‘Lady Enid’ offers barefoot sailing to Hook Island. Swim and snorkel through the exquisite coral gardens and crystal-clear water. Hook Island is a famous turtle hotspot, so keep an eye out for these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. Alternatively, join a crocodile safari to see estuarine crocodiles in the wild, take to the skies for a scenic helicopter flight or finish your day with a sunset sailing cruise.

Leaving the Whitsundays behind, we continue south towards Rockhampton. As the landscape changes, we stop to take a tour to learn about sugar cane farming – the sweet lifeblood of the Mackay region. Taste chutneys, relishes, sauces, ginger beer and freshly spun fairy floss. Learn about rum’s distilling process, from the crushing of sugar cane to the distilled cane spirit that forms the base of rum and liqueurs. Following lunch, we continue our journey to Rockhampton and our hotel, the centrally located Empire Apartment Hotel.

This morning, we head for Capricorn Caves. Enjoy breakfast here, before we take a tour of the limestone cave formations dating back 400 million years. Our local guides enchant us with tales of this ancient space. Later, head for Rockhampton Botanic Gardens and enjoy a riverside walk along the Fitzroy River. This evening, perhaps join your fellow travelling companions to share stories at The Caves Country Pub, a Rockhampton institution.

First stop today is Alkoomi Farms, where we have a chat with the ranchers about cattle farming. Later, we arrive at Hervey Bay, where we board our ferry to K’gari and check in for our two-night stay at the Kingfisher Bay Resort. K’gari is 122km long and the largest sand island in the world. Combining sand dunes, tropical rainforests, freshwater dune lakes and, of course, endless stretches of beach, this heritage site is truly extraordinary. It’s little wonder the Aboriginal people call the island K’gari, meaning ‘paradise’.

Returning to the mainland, our first stop is Maryborough, home to a beautiful ensemble of lovingly-restored heritage buildings. The town is also the birthplace of Pamela Lyndon Travers, the creator of Mary Poppins. Her birth house is demarcated with signage of a lady holding the iconic umbrella. The area is also steeped in history with the Ariadne connection, an immigrant ship which sailed from Liverpool to Maryborough in 1862. Later, visit the Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve, a biodiverse area of endemic subtropical rainforest containing 391 plant species, 141 bird species and 68 species of mammals, reptiles and amphibians. Brisbane’s Stamford Plaza is our final destination and home for our last two nights in Australia.

After a relaxed breakfast, join our guide for a walking tour of Brisbane's main sights, before the rest of the day at leisure. Perhaps join our Best of Brisbane Brewery tour and visit some of the region's award-winning independent craft breweries in the city's trendiest suburbs. Our hotel is centrally located next to the Brisbane Botanic Gardens, so is a great base from where we can explore.

All good things must come to an end, and this morning we transfer to Brisbane Airport. Our flights with Singapore Airlines will travel via Singapore.

Breakfast is served shortly before our arrival into London Heathrow or Manchester, bringing to an end our wonderful tour.