Contrasts of Australia

Arrive into the wonderful city of Singapore where we meet our local guide and transfer to our hotel, The Robertson House, where we will spend the next two nights.

Known as ‘the crossroads of Asia’, Singapore is a city where east meets west; a cosmopolitan melting pot with an inspirational identity. Following a leisurely morning, we gather with our travelling companions for a city sightseeing tour. Witness the intriguing ethnic quarters where Chinese, Malay and Indian influences fuse to produce Singapore’s unique culture. Later, we explore Singapore’s iconic Merlion Park and the botanical gardens. This evening, we dine together at a local Peranakan restaurant. Bursting with flavour, this delicious cuisine is popular throughout Singapore and is renowned for its mix of Chinese, Malay, Indian and Eurasian ingredients.

After breakfast, we transfer to the airport for our flight to Cairns. On arrival, our Australian Tour Manager will be waiting to transfer us directly to our hotel, the DoubleTree by Hilton, where we spend our first five nights in Australia.

This morning, we travel to the laid-back tropical town of Port Douglas. Travelling via one of the most scenic coastal highways in the country, we stop by the palm-fringed sands of Four Mile Beach, where we take in the panoramas of this magnificent stretch of coastline. The heart of Port Douglas is Macrossan Street, filled with chic cafes and local arts and craft shops. Sundays are known for its markets, where vendors travel from all over North Queensland to sell their products. We have free time to explore and wander amongst the stalls, where we may find everything from local arts and crafts to fruit and vegetables. Later, enjoy lunch with a view at a local venue situated overlooking Port Douglas’ inlet and the Daintree Rainforest. We return to Cairns in the afternoon, via the same scenic highway, stopping at Rex Lookout for a stunning coastal view.

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. It traverses no fewer than 40 bridges and 15 tunnels. Kuranda, ‘the village in the rainforest’, awaits. It’s a lovely place to while away a few hours visiting the markets, butterfly sanctuary or the Koala Gardens. We continue our adventure with a visit to Rainforestation Nature Park, 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 incredible views out over the Cairns coastline.

Another Freedom Day to enjoy tropical northern Queensland. Surrounded by rainforest and mountains, Cairns boasts over 200 walking tracks; there are also numerous interesting museums and art galleries to explore. Perhaps take a day trip to the nearby Daintree Rainforest, home to the oldest rainforest in the world. Alternatively, why not travel 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 – including the fearsome saltwater crocodile. Enjoy your day!

Following breakfast, it’s time to say goodbye to Cairns we make our way to the airport in time for our flight to Brisbane. The sunny capital of Queensland, Brisbane is a cosmopolitan city of two million people, with a relaxed atmosphere. Upon arrival we tour the city’s landmarks, conveniently lined along the bends of Brisbane River: historical buildings such as city hall and customs house, the old botanic gardens, Story Bridge and Kangaroo Point. Our accommodation for the next two nights is either the Hotel Grand Chancellor or Royal On The Park.

Today, we leave the city behind us and travel inland to the stunning Brisbane hinterland. Think fresh mountain air, pretty, rural towns full of character and charm and lush green rainforests. Our morning drive takes us towards the Glass House Mountains National Park, where remnants of extinct volcanoes form an otherworldly landscape, stopping at picturesque lookouts along the way. We spend time in the quaint village of Montville. First settled in 1887, Montville is home to art galleries, boutique stores and cosy coffee shops. We finish our day with a visit to 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, many of which are threatened or rare. Following our return to Brisbane, tonight we dine together at River Quay, where we can enjoy the views across the Brisbane River.

With an Indigenous name meaning ‘many heads’, our day begins with a tour of the impressive Kata Tjuta, or the Olgas as they are also known, an impressive set of domed rock formations, rising from the red sand of the outback. Later, we visit the Cultural Centre, where we learn more about Anangu culture and the park’s natural environment. We finish our day with a tour around the base of the rock, enabling us to discover more about its historical and cultural importance. This evening, relax or enjoy a pre-booked optional activity such as the illuminations of the Field of Light installation, or the Sounds of Silence dinner under the stars.

This morning, before breakfast, we have the option of watching the sun rise over Uluru, an awe-inspiring sight. Later, we leave Uluru and drive through the outback along the Lasseter and Stuart Highways to Alice Springs. Home for tonight is the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel. A true gem close to Alice Springs is the unique Desert Park, home to the astonishingly rich wildlife of this desert landscape. As most of these creatures are nocturnal, a visit at dusk gives us a chance to observe them at their most active. We begin our evening visit with a pleasant barbecue dinner. After night falls, in small groups and guided by a ranger, we come face to face with endangered and uniquely Australian wildlife, such as mala, bilby and bandicoot.

Today we enjoy a sightseeing tour of Alice Springs. Visits include the Royal Flying Doctor Service, the School of the Air and the Old Telegraph Station, now a museum and the site of the old springs from which Alice gets its name. Later, we travel to the airport and bidding a final farewell to the outback, board our flight to Adelaide in South Australia. On arrival, we transfer to the Peppers Waymouth Hotel, our home for the next three nights. Tonight, we dine together at the hotel’s restaurant.

Surrounded by grassy parkland, picturesque hills and the Mount Lofty Range, Adelaide could scarcely present a more captivating aspect. This morning, we are introduced to Adelaide’s streets, fine Victorian buildings and its attractive parks and gardens. Leaving the city, we travel to Mount Lofty lookout, before continuing to Australia’s oldest surviving German settlement, the quaint village of Hahndorf, with its tree-lined streets and original ‘Fachwerk’ buildings. Returning towards the city, our final stop of the day is the Cleland Wildlife Park. With a beautiful natural bush setting, Cleland offers the opportunity to discover and interact with kangaroos and wallabies, and observe koalas, wombats and even the elusive echidna.

A Freedom Day to spend as we please. Discover Adelaide on foot or perhaps enjoy a visit to one of Australia’s famed wine-growing regions, the Barossa Valley, to partake in wine tastings and lunch at one of the local wineries. Alternatively, take an optional day trip to Kangaroo Island to experience stunning coastal scenery and encounter native wildlife in its natural habitat.

This morning, we make our way to Adelaide Airport in time for our flight to Sydney, the sparkling harbour city of New South Wales. Sydney is a city that takes full advantage of its natural setting – its famous harbour host to the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and the spectacular Sydney Opera House. Sydney’s suburbs are blessed with lush native bushland and pristine sandy beaches. Add to this the excellent restaurants and cafés, endless shopping opportunities and a vibrant culture and it’s very easy to understand why Sydney is one of the world’s favourite cities. Upon arrival we head to the View Hotel, where we will spend our final three nights in Australia.

Our final day in Sydney is free for independent exploration. Enjoy Sydney’s retail scene, wander the streets and boutiques of the historic Rocks area, or perhaps take an optional trip to the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains. The Blue Mountains are a perfect example of native Australian bushland, with gum trees, majestic peaks and deep gorges stretching as far as the eye can see.

All good things must come to an end, and this morning we transfer to Sydney 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.