Christmas & New Year in Australia Tour

Our adventure begins. Fly with Qantas & Emirates from London Heathrow, London Gatwick, London Stanstead, Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle, Edinburgh, or Glasgow. Regardless of your choice, there’s no extra cost.

On arrival into Singapore we transfer to the four-star M Hotel City Centre, situated close to the banks of the scenic Singapore River.

Alternative stopovers: Dubai or Perth

We have based days 2-4 of this itinerary on a stopover in Singapore. If you prefer, you may choose to stopover in Dubai or head straight to Perth for an extra two nights before the tour starts, all at no additional cost. Your stopover includes transfers, accommodation, daily breakfast, and if choosing Dubai, a city sightseeing tour. Flight timings will vary. Please speak with one of our personal travel experts for more details.

This morning, we head out on a sightseeing tour taking in the main highlights of the city, such as the waterfront Merlion Park, home to the famous Merlion statue which is a national symbol of Singapore; the various ethnic quarters such as Little India and Chinatown, and the beautiful Botanical Gardens. With an afternoon at leisure perhaps treat yourselves to Afternoon Tea at the elegant Raffles Hotel?

A day free to spend as we please in Singapore until it’s time to head to the airport for our evening flight to Perth. Recommended excursions include a visit to the Gardens by the Bay, or a trip to nearby Sentosa Island. On arrival in Perth, we transfer to the Pan Pacific Hotel, where we will stay for the next four nights.

Named the ‘friendly city’ by tourists from all over the world, Perth is the world’s most isolated city. Following a leisurely breakfast, we meet our Tour Manager and fellow travellers to find out more about our adventure ahead. Later, we enjoy the perfect introduction to Australia’s native wildlife, during a visit to Caversham Wildlife Park. The park showcases many of Australia’s unique and iconic animals, including koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, possums, Tasmanian devils and wombats.  

Our day starts with a visit to King’s Park with its captivating wild flowers and bushland, and its location affording incredible views over the city. We proceed with viewing the city’s iconic landmarks and the delightful white sands Cottesloe Beach. We continue to the nearby port town of Fremantle and enjoy a visit to the fascinating Shipwreck Gallery. Later, we see the Millionaire Mansions as we return to the hotel with a cruise along the Swan River. For those interested this afternoon, take an optional trip to Nambung National Park to visit the fascinating limestone formations known as the Pinnacles.

Today is our first Freedom Day in Australia, and we can spend the day however we please. Take an optional trip to Rottnest Island, just a short ferry ride from Perth. A protected nature reserve with a coastline of hidden coves and white sandy beaches, Rottnest is the only place in the world to spot Quokka in their natural habitat. Alternatively, travel north to Western Australia’s oldest wine region, Swan Valley.

In the morning, we make our way to Perth Airport in time for our flight to Adelaide. Surrounded by grassy parkland, picturesque hills and the Mount Lofty Range, Adelaide could scarcely present a more captivating aspect. On arrival, we are introduced to Adelaide’s streets, fine Victorian buildings and the attractive parks and gardens that surround the city. Later, we transfer to the centrally-located Hilton Adelaide Hotel, where we stay for the next three nights.

We leave the city this morning, heading first for Mount Lofty Botanic Garden before continuing to Australia’s oldest surviving German settlement, the quaint village of Hahndorf, with its tree-lined streets and original ‘Fachwerk’ buildings. After a stop at a working blacksmith museum, we head to the Barossa Valley, a renowned wine growing region, to enjoy wine tasting and lunch.

A Freedom Day to spend as we please. Discover Adelaide on foot or perhaps enjoy an afternoon of wine tasting in the McLaren Vale. Alternatively, take an optional day trip to Kangaroo Island to experience stunning coastal scenery and encounter native wildlife in its natural habitat.

We Recommend - Kangaroo Island

A full day tour, with an opportunity to meet a rare colony of sea lions.

This morning, we transfer to the airport for our short flight to Melbourne, the capital of the state of Victoria. On arrival, we enjoy a city sightseeing tour. Among the places we visit are the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Treasury Gardens, the Victoria Markets, the Rod Laver Arena (home to tennis’ Australian Open) and Federation Square. We also visit two of Melbourne’s waterside suburbs: Port Melbourne and St Kilda. Our hotel for the next two nights is the four-star Crowne Plaza.

A Freedom Day in Melbourne. Why not take a morning excursion to ride on the Puffing Billy steam train through the Blue Dandenong Ranges.

A further day to spend as we please. Today provides an opportunity to take an optional tour along what consistently features in the Top 10 of the world’s greatest scenic coastal drives, the Great Ocean Road. This full day tour meanders along the dramatic southwest coastline of Victoria to the impressive Twelve Apostles. Alternatively, take a trip to Phillip Island, home to the world’s largest colony of Little Penguins, to view the Penguin Parade.

Tour Highlight

Following breakfast this morning, we board our flight to Uluru, formerly known as Ayers Rock. Deep in the heart of Australia’s Red Centre, before landing, we may have the opportunity to view the rock from our aircraft. After checking in at the four-star Desert Gardens Hotel, this evening we enjoy a glass of sparkling wine with our travelling companions whilst witnessing the changing colours of Uluru as the sun begins to set. It’s truly a photographer’s delight.

This morning, before breakfast we have the option of returning to Uluru to watch the sunrise, an awe-inspiring sight. We return to our hotel for breakfast, before discovering more of Uluru’s cultural significance to the Aboriginal communities of the Northern Territory with a base tour of the rock. This evening there is an optional Sounds of Silence Dinner, where you can experience canapes and chilled sparkling wines, served overlooking the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.

Following breakfast, we leave the Red Centre behind as we take our morning flight to Cairns. On arrival, we head straight to our hotel, the Pullman Reef Hotel Casino. Situated in a prime spot right on Cairns’ Esplanade, the hotel will be our home for the next six nights.

Tour Highlight

Wake up to a Christmas Eve like no other. Although today has been left free, you may wish to take an optional trip to Kuranda. We ascend to Kuranda on one of the most unique rail journeys in Australia, the Kuranda Scenic Railway, encountering no fewer than 40 bridges and 15 tunnels. ‘The village in the rainforest’, Kuranda, awaits. It’s a lovely place to while away a few hours visiting the markets, butterfly sanctuary or the Koala Gardens. Later, we visit Rainforest Station, where we spend time with the Pamagirri Aboriginal people and learn about one of the oldest surviving cultures in the world. Travel back to Cairns by the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, a beautiful experience gliding over the rainforest canopy with stunning views out over the Cairns coastline.

We Recommend - Kuranda Railway & Skyrail

Ascend to Kuranda on the Kuranda Scenic Rail journey, returning to Cairns by the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway.

Tour Highlight

Merry Christmas! Begin the day with a hearty breakfast to set you up for the celebrations ahead. Our day is free to spend as we please, perhaps with a stroll along the Esplanade or even a swim in Cairns’ lagoon pool. This evening, we gather in the hotel to enjoy a celebratory Christmas buffet dinner and drinks with our new-found friends.

Tour Highlight

The Great Barrier Reef is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s most enduring natural wonders. We spend several hours at the Outer Reef as we please; snorkelling in the sheltered coral lagoon, viewing from a glass-bottomed boat, or taking in the sights from a semi-submersible reef viewer. Optional experiences include helicopter flights, guided snorkel safaris and scuba diving.

Another Freedom Day to enjoy. Why not take a trip to Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures? Just a short drive from Cairns, there are miles of timber boardwalks and paths winding through woodlands and rainforest where we can see an array of wildlife. In the evening, you may wish to complete your day with a sunset cruise. Enjoy your day!

Our final Freedom Day to enjoy. Perhaps take a hot air balloon ride at dawn, or if you prefer to venture further afield, we suggest a day trip to the nearby Daintree Rainforest, where the oldest rainforest in the world meets the reef at the World Heritage-listed Cape Tribulation.

We fly to Sydney, our final port of call on this wonderful tour of Australia. We are taken speedily to the Paradox Hotel Sydney, located just a short walk from Circular Quay and Sydney Harbour and where we will stay for the next four nights.

Tour Highlight

This morning we will see Sydney in all its glory with an extensive sightseeing tour. Our tour will begin with a visit to Mrs Macquarie’s Chair. This unique ‘chair’ and landmark is in fact an exposed sandstone rock, cut into a bench shape in 1810 by convicts as a gif t to Governor Macquarie’s wife. It’s not only a fascinating landmark but also the perfect spot for a photo of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. We then travel through some of the city’s trendiest inner-city areas to the iconic Bondi Beach, before passing the beautiful Rushcutters Bay and Double Bay on our way back to the city centre. Also included are a glimpse into the convict origins of Sydney at the interactive Hyde Park Barracks Museum – a world heritage site and a stroll through Sydney’s famous Botanic Garden with an Aboriginal guide.

Tour Highlight

The eyes of the world fall on Sydney on New Year’s Eve, and this evening we are among the privileged few who are at the epicentre of the celebrations. Following a free day to explore as we please, the excitement builds as we make our way to King Street Wharf to board Clearview, our luxury cruise vessel. Enjoy amazing 360-degree views around Sydney Harbour and a prime position for viewing the fireworks. We will be welcomed aboard with a glass of finest Australian sparkling wine, before being served a fabulous dinner. The conversation and the drinks will flow, and after dinner we will be entertained by a live band. As midnight strikes, Sydney’s annual firework spectacular bursts into life, and we will truly feel at the heart of the festivities as we view the stunning display from the comfort of our boat. Happy New Year!

After a leisurely breakfast and relaxed morning, we enjoy a guided tour of Sydney’s Opera House. Discover the stories and secrets behind the commissioning, construction and controversy surrounding Danish architect Jørn Utzon’s masterpiece. The rest of your day is spent at leisure.

Our remaining time in Sydney is yours to spend as you please until we leave for the airport. Flights to our chosen UK airport travel via Dubai or Singapore.

This morning, we arrive back into the UK at our chosen airport: either London Heathrow, London Gatwick, London Stanstead, Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle, Edinburgh, or Glasgow, bringing our unforgettable journey to an end.