Contrasts of Australia – Exclusively Solos Tour

Depart from London Heathrow or Manchester with Singapore Airlines. No matter which airport you choose, there will be no additional cost.

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.

Tour Highlight

A holiday to Australia would not be complete without a visit to the Great Barrier Reef. Its colourful marine life and coral make this World Heritage site a must-see for all visitors. Our day begins with a scenic river cruise on the Mulgrave, whose lush ecosystem supports a diverse range of wildlife. Our destination is Normanby Island, part of the beautiful Frankland Island Group, in the Great Barrier Reef Marine National Park. This uninhabited island is home to vibrant fringing reef and many species of marine life. With the shortest crossing time of all Great Barrier Reef sites, we have ample time to explore the island and the unspoilt beauty above and below the waterline. Take a guided snorkel safari with a marine biologist, explore the sea floor on a semi-submarine tour, join an informative guided island walk and enjoy a delicious beachside buffet lunch. Late afternoon, we return to Cairns after a magical day of exploration.

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 tree-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 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 incredible 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.

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, where the oldest rainforest in the world meets the reef at the World Heritage-listed Cape Tribulation. 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 the Hotel Grand Chancellor, facing the award-winning Roma Street Parklands.

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 the vibrant Howard Smith Wharves, under historic Story Bridge.

Tour Highlight

We leave the state of Queensland this morning on our flight bound for Uluru (Ayers Rock), deep in the heart of Australia’s vast outback. Before landing, we may have the opportunity to view the world’s largest monolith from our aircraft. Rising from the flat surrounding scrubland, Uluru is a site of deep cultural significance to the Aboriginal communities of the Northern Territory. On arrival we transfer to the Outback Hotel and Lodge, where we stay for the next two nights. Later, 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.

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 impressive 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 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.

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.

Tour Highlight

Following breakfast, we begin our exploration of Sydney. Our first stop is Sydney Opera House where we enjoy a guided tour of this iconic building. The Royal Botanic Gardens are Australia’s oldest botanic gardens and command an enviable location in the heart of Sydney, overlooking the harbour. We are joined by an Aboriginal guide as we wander through the grounds, listening to stories of Gadigal lifestyle, traditions and history. Later, we drive out to some of Sydney’s most fashionable inner-city suburbs, such as Double and Rose Bay, en-route to Watson’s Bay. Here, at the harbour’s entrance, take in the fresh salty air and brilliant vistas of towering cliffs on one side, and the imposing city skyline in the distance on the other. We visit the most famous of Sydney’s city beaches – Bondi – before we make our way back to the city centre. As twilight falls, perhaps take the opportunity to climb the impressive Harbour Bridge.

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.

Tour Highlight

On our final evening in Australia, we head to the harbour for a magical dinner cruise. As the sun sets and the city’s iconic attractions light up the night, enjoy a three-course meal made with beautiful New South Wales and Australian ingredients, as we cruise along this famed harbour. Dinner is accompanied by a selection of beers, great regional wines and soft drinks along with tea and coffee. The evening will be a truly memorable way to bring our time in Australia to a close.

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.

If you would like to stopover on your way home we have sensational stopovers available from £475 per person, for a stay in Singapore or Sentosa Island. For more information on stopover prices, please call for details.

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