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SAVE up to £492 per couple! Book any tour to Australia and/or New Zealand departing from September 2024 and choose an amazing homebound stopover from only £99 per person. Offer ends 1st July 2024. Request a brochure

Essential Australia Tour

Home Icon 19-day Essential Australia starting at £5,495pp

Australia is a land of dreams, a land of world-famous landmarks and experiences, a land rich with Aboriginal culture. It’s a land with an historic past that will always tie us closely together. For many, a holiday to Australia is a holiday of a lifetime.

Let Distant Journeys introduce you to this amazing country on our 19-day Essential Australia tour. Perfect for those who want to visit Australia but don’t have the time to take one of our longer itineraries, this tour visits the colourful, cosmopolitan cities of Perth, Melbourne and Sydney; indulges in the beauty of tropical North Queensland with a four night stay in Cairns including an unforgettable day at the Great Barrier Reef; and takes you to the heart of Dreamtime in Australia’s Red Centre with a memorable visit to Uluru.

Throughout your tour, you’ll enjoy quality accommodation, daily breakfast and many included activities and sightseeing tours, plus Freedom Days to explore and relax as you wish. Accompanied throughout by a friendly, knowledgeable Tour Manager and offering great value for money, you will make new friends, enjoy unmissable experiences and take home many unforgettable memories of Essential Australia.

SAVE up to £492 per couple! Book any tour to Australia and/or New Zealand departing from September 2024 and choose an amazing homebound stopover from only £99 per person. Offer ends 1st July 2024.

Day 1

Depart UK

Sunset of Cairns Beach with waves lapping on golden sand

Fly with Qantas & Emirates from the most convenient UK airport for you, for no extra cost. Our tours currently depart from these UK airports: Birmingham, Glasgow, London Heathrow, Manchester and Newcastle.

Included meals:

In-flight meals and drinks

Day 2

Perth, 4 nights

King's Park pond, with tranquil water reflecting the Perth skyline.

Unless travelling on the non-stop Qantas flights from London Heathrow to Perth, all flights with Qantas & Emirates to Perth travel via Dubai. After clearing customs and collecting our luggage we board our waiting coach and transfer to the centrally-located Novotel Perth Langley Hotel.

Included meals:

In-flight meals and drinks

Day 3

Perth


Essential Australia - Day 3 - Perth

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.

Included meals:

Breakfast

Day 4

Perth

Essential Australia - Day 4 - Perth

Today we take a tour of this coastal city and explore the variety of sights it has to offer. During our tour we will visit King’s Park, where there are wonderful views over the city as well as the park’s own flowers and bushland. We also head to Fremantle, a nearby port town, where we’ll discover more about the many ships that have wrecked off the coast of Western Australia at the Shipwreck Galleries. As we return from Fremantle, we’ll see the Millionaire Mansions before embarking on a cruise along the Swan River, ready for an evening of relaxation at the hotel.

Included meals:

Breakfast

Day 5

Perth Freedom Day

Limestone Pillars towering out from the desert, knownas the Pinnacles, in Namburg National Park, Western Australia

This is the first Freedom Day of our tour, where you’re free to do as you please and discover Perth at your own pace. We also offer two optional tours so you can take advantage of the your time in Perth. The first tour takes you to the nearby Nambung National Park, highly regarded for its beautiful beaches, towering sand dunes and the truly unique Pinnacles Desert, where thousands of limestone pillars known as Pinnacles rise out of the ground. Alternatively, you can take a short trip to the protected nature reserve of Rottnest Island. Here you will find secluded coves, unspoilt white sandy beaches and fascinating wildlife, such as the quokka, a small marsupial.

Included meals:

Breakfast

Day 6

Melbourne, 3 nights

Melbourne city behind Yarra river with lights reflecting on water

In the morning, we make our way to Perth Airport in time for our flight to Melbourne. On arrival, we transfer to the centrally-located Clarion Gateway Suites, where we will stay for the next three nights.

Included meals:

Breakfast

Day 7

Melbourne

Little (fairy) Penguins making their nightly return to their burrows watched on by tourists on Phillip Island, near Melbourne, Australia

We take a first look at Melbourne on a sightseeing tour. Sights include Treasury Gardens, Victoria Markets, Federation Square, the Melbourne Cricket Ground and Rod Laver Arena. Later, we head out of the city to see the waterside suburbs of St. Kilda and Port Melbourne. This afternoon, why not consider a trip to Phillip Island, home to the world’s largest colony of Fairy Penguins, to view the ‘Penguin Parade’?

Included meals:

Breakfast

Day 8

Melbourne Freedom Day

Puffing Billy Steam train in the Dandenong Ranges, Victoria, Australia

A Freedom Day in Melbourne, so we may relax or explore as we please. We have the opportunity to enjoy an optional tour along one of the world’s most spectacular coastal drives, the internationally renowned Great Ocean Road. The full day optional tour’s first stop is Torquay (home to the surfing paradise of Bells Beach) and meanders along the dramatic southwest coastline of Victoria to the impressive Twelve Apostles. Alternatively, take the Puffing Billy steam train through the Blue Dandenong Ranges or perhaps take a tour ‘Around the Bay in a Day’.

Included meals:

Breakfast

Day 9

Cairns, 4 nights

Sea turtle swimming over coral in Great Barrier reef

Sadly, we must say goodbye to Melbourne, but our sadness is short-lived as we know the beauty of tropical Queensland awaits. We return to Melbourne Airport in time for our flight to Cairns. Upon arrival we shall transfer to the DoubleTree by Hilton, which will be our home for the next four nights.

Included meals:

Breakfast

Day 10

Great Barrier Reef

Great Barrier Reef

Tour Highlight

A holiday to Australia would not be complete without a visit to the Great Barrier Reef. Its vibrantly coloured marine life and breathtakingly beautiful coral make this World Heritage site a must see for all visitors. During our full-day Great Barrier Reef excursion, we board our high speed catamaran and journey to the Outer Reef. Snorkel in the sheltered coral lagoon, or if you prefer to stay dry, view the reef from the semi-submersible reef viewer or glass-bottomed boat. With four hours at the reef, there is plenty of time to do it all. A number of activities are available at an additional cost, including Scuba diving (introductory or certified), a Seawalker Helmet dive, joining the marine biologist on a guided snorkel safari, or soaring above the reef on a spectacular scenic helicopter flight.

Included meals:

Breakfast, Buffet lunch on Great Barrier Reef

Day 11

Cairns Freedom Day

Kuranda Skyrail

Although today has been left free you may wish to take an optional trip to Kuranda. Our tour begins as we ascend to Kuranda by the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, a beautiful experience gliding over the rainforest canopy. ‘The village in the rainforest’ Kuranda awaits. It’s a lovely place to while away a few hours visiting the markets and butterfly sanctuary. 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 along one of the most unique rail journeys in Australia, the Kuranda Scenic Railway. See how the track clings to the rockface along a narrow coastal strip. During our journey we encounter no fewer than 40 bridges and 15 tunnels as we make our way back to Cairns.

Included meals:

Breakfast

Day 12

Cairns Freedom Day

Boat cruising down the Daintree River in Tropical North Queensland, Australia

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. 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. The tour gives a wonderful insight into rainforest’s unique flora and fauna, including a informative walk, a visit to the beautiful Mossman Gorge and a cruise spotting saltwater crocodiles.

Included meals:

Breakfast

Day 13

Uluru, overnight

Following breakfast, we make our way to Cairns Airport in time for our flight to Australia’s Red Centre and the next leg of our exciting journey. Dating back some 300 million years, we may have the opportunity to catch our first glimpse of Uluru from our aircraft as we make our approach. Upon arrival, we travel to Uluru where we embark on a tour around its base and learn of its historical and cultural importance. We continue our day with a visit to the impressive series of rounded sandstone domes known as the Olgas, and in the evening, relax with a glass of sparkling wine whilst witnessing the changing colours as the sun begins to set. It’s truly a photographer’s delight. Our accommodation tonight is the friendly Outback Hotel & Lodge.

Included meals:

Breakfast

Day 14

Sydney, 4 nights

Uluru is the icon of Australia’s outback, and the world’s largest monolith. For early risers, a dawn visit to the rock has been arranged. Seeing Uluru at sunrise, from a different position and a different light, offers a totally new perspective on the ever-changing colours and character of the rock. After breakfast, we explore Uluru’s visitor centre and continue to the airport, where we board our flight to Sydney. Upon arrival we shall transfer to the Crowne Plaza Darling Harbour, home for the next three nights.

Included meals:

Breakfast

Day 15

Sydney

Beautiful crescent moon bay of Bondi Beach on a perfect summers day

Tour Highlight

This morning’s sightseeing tour begins with a drive through some of Sydney’s most fashionable inner-city suburbs en route to Bondi Beach. Travel by Double Bay and Rushcutters Bay as we return to the city centre. As we head into the heart of the city, we’ll see Hyde Park, Parliament House and the unique Mrs Macquarie’s Chair. A sandstone rock carved into a bench by convicts in 1810 as a gift to Governor Macquarie’s wife, Mrs Macquarie’s Chair is not only an incredible sight, but also offers the perfect photo opportunity for Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House. We complete our tour of Sydney in style with a luncheon cruise around the city’s beautiful harbour. The cruise offers some truly magnificent views over to the iconic Opera House and Harbour Bridge, as well as to the many gorgeous waterside houses. The afternoon has been left free to spend as we please.

Included meals:

Breakfast, Lunch cruise around Sydney Harbour

Day 16

Sydney

Photo of the three sisters in the Blue Mountains at dawn, with rippling hills covered in vegetation in background

A Freedom Day in Sydney. Enjoy as you wish, or join us on our optional excursion to the Blue Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This rugged National Park west of Sydney is a perfect example of native Australian bushland, characterised by its towering peaks, dramatic cliffs, eucalyptus forests and stunning waterfalls. During our tour you’ll be able to soak up the scenery from a variety of vantage points, including Echo Point, the best place from which you can see the Three Sisters, an unusual rock formation. We also visit the pretty village of Leura, a hub for local art and culture, famous for its annual garden festivals. The excursion also visits the pretty village of Leura, and includes afternoon tea at the historic Hydro Majestic Hotel.

Included meals:

Breakfast

Day 17

Sydney Freedom Day

Sydney Opera House with blue water and cruise boat travelling past

A further Freedom Day to experience Sydney in a way that suits you. Take an optional behind the scenes tour of Sydney Opera House, catch up on some shopping or possibly climb the impressive Harbour Bridge. Whatever you wish to do, our Tour Manager will be very happy to assist.

Included meals:

Breakfast

Day 18

Depart Sydney

The day is your own until it’s time to depart for the airport. Our flights to our chosen UK airport operate via Dubai or Singapore where there will be a change of aircraft.

Included meals:

Breakfast

SPECIAL OFFER: SAVE up to £592 per couple!
If you would like to stopover on your way home we have a sensational stopover offer available from £49 per person for a stay in Singapore, Bangkok or Dubai. Alternatively, we have a relaxing Bali stopover available from £129 per person, or if you prefer stay on Sentosa Island, from £149 per person. All you need to do to take advantage of this huge saving is book any departure after September 2024 by 29th February 2024.

Day 19

Arrive UK

Kangaroo and joey amongst the vineyards, Barossa Valley, South Australia

We bring an end to our unforgettable Australian adventure, arriving into the airport of your choice out of Birmingham, Glasgow, London Heathrow, Manchester or Newcastle.

Included meals:

In-flight meals and drinks

Departure dates & prices

Book your place on Essential Australia before 1st July 2024, and SAVE up to £492 per couple on tours departing from September 2024. Enjoy a two-night stopover on the homebound journey for just £99 per person (£198 single occupancy) in either Dubai, Bangkok or Singapore. The price includes two nights accommodation in a four-star hotel, full breakfast each morning and return airport to hotel transfers. Also available is a three-night stay in Bali for only £149 per person (£298 single occupancy) or a two-night stay on Sentosa Island for only £179 per person (£358 single occupancy).

 

04 November £5,4953 ROOMS Two-night stopover from £99 per person

 Departure date Price (pp) Availability Offer
 2024
 22 AprilSOLD OUTSOLD OUTSOLD OUT
 2025
 27 January £5,595HALF FULL Two-night stopover from £99 per person
 17 February £5,495HALF FULL Two-night stopover from £99 per person
 03 March £5,495 HALF FULL Two-night stopover from £99 per person
 07 April £5,495HALF FULL Two-night stopover from £99 per person


*These dates operate with a slightly different itinerary. Please click here for details.

Prices: Prices are per person based on two people sharing a twin or double room.

Single occupancy supplement: Pre-September 2024 departures: £995 | All other departures: £1,095

Deposit: £1,000 per person if travelling in economy class, £1,950 per person if travelling in premium economy, and £3,750 per person for business class.

Flight upgrades: Upgrade to Premium Economy on selected routes from £2,295 per person return. Upgrade to Business Class from £4,995 per person return.

Visa: To enter Australia, you need an ETA (electronic travel authority).We will obtain this on your behalf and the £25 per person processing fee will be added to your confirmation invoice.

Important Information: Our holiday prices are subject to fuel surcharges and the availability of flights in the lowest fare booking class. The correct price will always be confirmed to you before you book, and once you have booked, our Price Promise will guarantee there will be no further increases. For full terms and conditions see our terms and conditions page.

Exceptional value inclusions

Our escorted holidays to Australia are designed to include must-see sights and memorable experiences in your tour price. And our Essential Australia tour is no exception as so much of what you will experience is already included in the price. That’s all your scheduled international flights, overseas transfers, expertly chosen hotels, daily breakfast and several other meals too, experienced local Tour Manager and several amazing excursions, already paid for.

Flights with leading scheduled airlines

  • Return economy class flights
  • Fly with Qantas & Emirates from London Heathrow, Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle or Glasgow
  • All domestic flights within Australia
  • All airport charges, security charges, applicable fuel surcharges and UK Air Passenger Duty

Carefully selected hotels

  • Superior hotels in great locations
  • All hotel porterage
  • All applicable hotel taxes

Many meals

  • Many meals worth £447 per person
  • Daily breakfast
  • Buffet lunch on the Great Barrier Reef
  • Lunch cruise around Sydney Harbour

Unforgettable experiences

  • Sightseeing tours in Perth, Melbourne and Sydney
  • Explore Caversham Wildlife Park
  • Full day excursion to the Great Barrier Reef
  • Experience Uluru at sunset and sunrise
  • Cruise Sydney’s famous harbour

On the ground

  • Services of an experienced local Tour Manager
  • All overseas transfers
  • Modern, air-conditioned coaches throughout

100% confidence

  • Your holiday is covered by our Price Promise
  • Your holiday is fully ATOL protected

Novotel Perth Langley

Surrounded by many of Perth's top attractions, Novotel Perth Langley is an ideal base from which to explore the city.  The hotel is located within easy reach of the city's numerous restaurants, shops and bars, and the local beaches of… Find out more >
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Clarion Suites Gateway Hotel, Melbourne

Your room at Clarion Suites Getaway is perfectly positioned for your time exploring Melbourne. Whether you want to experience the hustle and bustle of the city, or enjoy a relaxing stroll along the banks of the Yarra River, you’re just… Find out more >
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DoubleTree by Hilton, Cairns

Centred around a unique rainforest atrium, the charming DoubleTree by Hilton Cairns is surrounded by landscaped, tropical gardens with views of the Coral Sea. The hotel is just a short walk from Cairns Aquarium, the Esplanade Lagoon, and the city… Find out more >
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Outback Pioneer Hotel, Ayers Rock

After an evening of watching the glorious sunset over Ayers Rock and admiring its ever-changing hues in the light,  retreat to the Outback Pioneer Hotel, set at the heart of the Ayers Rock Resort. A top-quality service is guaranteed the… Find out more >
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Crowne Plaza Sydney Darling Harbour Hotel, Sydney

The newly built Crowne Plaza Darling Harbour has a superb location, just 10 minutes' walk from Pitt Street Mall and the Darling Harbour foreshore, where you can visit the SEALIFE Aquarium, WILDLIFE Sydney Zoo, and the Australian National Maritime Museum.… Find out more >
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Pre-booking required
Australia Perth Rottnest Island coastal lighthouse sea ocean penguins beach horizon

Perth: Rottnest Grand Island Package

This full day tour takes you to the beautiful wildlife haven of Rottnest Island, and can be enjoyed during your Very Best of Australia tour.  Famed for its white sandy beaches and unique array of wildlife, Rottnest Island’s most notable residents are the adorable and friendly Quokkas. 

From AUD $180 / GBP £92 Read More >
Pre-booking required
pinnacles-desert-sunset-perth

Perth: Pinnacles Desert Sunset Tour & Star Gazing

The Pinnacles are one of the most iconic sights in Western Australia: a series of unique limestone rock formations sticking up out of a vast, remote desert. Pay a visit to this mystical feat of nature with a full-day Pinnacles Desert tour, which also takes in the Yanchep National Park, the western coast and the starry night sky.

From AUD $215 / GBP £110 Read More >
Pre-booking required
Koala, Caversham Wildlife Park

Perth – Full Day Pinnacles, Koalas and Sandboarding 4WD Adventure

This exciting full day tour begins at Caversham Wildlife Park in the Swan Valley. Featuring over 200 species of animals in a walk-through environment, this park includes friendly koalas, wombats and numerous kangaroos and is run by dedicated wildlife professionals ensuring you have the best opportunity for animal interaction and the chance to hand-feed the kangaroos.

From AUD $245 / GBP £125 Read More >
phillip_island_and_penguin_parade_melbourne

Melbourne: French Island and Phillip Island Expedition Penguins Plus

Discover two extraordinary islands in a day. Explore French Island National Park, on a 3 hour guided tour in a unique 4WD vehicle. Encounter koalas, stroll volcanic coastline & stop at spectacular lookout spots.

From AUD $269 / GBP £137 Read More >
Pre-booking required
phillip_island_and_penguin_parade_melbourne

Melbourne: Phillip Island Penguin Parade with Penguin Plus

Phillip Island is home to the largest little penguin anywhere in the world and watching the daily evening ritual of these delightful creatures emerge from the ocean to their sandy burrows is a spectacle not to be missed.

From AUD $204 / GBP £104 Read More >
Pre-booking required
great-ocean-road-melbourne

Melbourne: Great Ocean Road and 12 Apostles Experience

A Great Ocean Road Day Trip introduces one of the world’s most stunning coastlines, offering ocean vistas, crashing surf, dramatic coastal cliffs and endless long sandy beaches.

From AUD $149 / GBP £76 Read More >
around-the-bay-point-lonsdale-lighthouse

Melbourne: Around the Bay Sightseeing & Bay Cruise

Escape from the city for a day and discover the beauty of Melbourne Bay, also known as Port Phillip Bay, with a guided Melbourne Bay tour, taking in the stunning Mornington and Bellarine Peninsulas.

From AUD $189 / GBP £97 Read More >
around-the-bay-in-a-day-walking-winery

Melbourne: Around the Bay Food & Wine Taste Tour

Explore Victoria’s enormous food and wine scene with this wonderful Melbourne food and wine tour. From Melbourne, you’ll to travel around and taste your way around the nearby Bellarine and Mornington Peninsulas, seeing some incredible sights along the way too.

From AUD $199 / GBP £102 Read More >
Pre-booking required
puffing-billy-steam-train-melbourne

Melbourne: Puffing Billy Steam Train & Dandenong Ranges

This morning we leave the city for the lush rain forest of the Dandenong Ranges National Park, where we enjoy a short stroll through the rain forest. With luck you might spot and likely hear the famous Lyrebird.

From AUD $189 / GBP £97 Read More >
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway travelling over the rainforest canopy and Barron Gorge waterfalls, Cairns, Australia

Cairns: Kuranda Scenic Rail & Skyrail

We begin our day with a stunning journey on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. Take in the world’s oldest rainforest as you glide silently over this pristine jungle canopy that has remained relatively unchanged for 130 million years.

From AUD $250 / GBP £128 Read More >
Daintree National Park

Cairns: Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation

Enjoy a day exploring the rainforest and amazing landscapes of the Cape Tribulation wilderness area. In the morning visit the Mossman Gorge Gateway Centre and enjoy an indigenous presentation by the traditional owners of the gorge, the Kuku Yalanji people, before boarding your eco shuttle for the transfer into Mossman Gorge.

From AUD $271 / GBP £138 Read More >
HCA Boat Pole Feeding a Crocodile

Cairns: Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures

Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures is the best place to see crocodiles and local wildlife in Queensland and is situated just 40 minutes’ drive north of Cairns. Your excursion price includes return transport from Cairns and the admission fee.

From AUD $99 / GBP £51 Read More >
dinner-harbour-cruise-cairns-australia

Cairns: Sunset Dinner Cruise

A popular evening choice is our Sunset Dinner cruise. Departing from Marlin Marina, an evening dinner cruise on the Spirit of Cairns takes you along Cairns’ waterfront and Esplanade and onwards into the calm waters of Trinity Inlet and its many tributaries.

From AUD $129 / GBP £66 Read More >
ballooning-with-hot-air-goldcoast-panorama-cairns

Cairns: Hot Air Balloon Flight

Hot air ballooning in Cairns, Australia, is a popular and exhilarating experience. The Atherton Tablelands, also known as the Cairns Highlands, is a much-admired destination for visitors from all around the world.

From AUD $440 / GBP £224 Read More >
close view of a Maori Wasse on a guided snorkelling tour at Moore Reef, Great Barrier Reef, Australia

Great Barrier Reef: Guided Snorkel Tour

Experiencing the Great Barrier Reef is one of Australia’s many ‘must-see’ attractions. World Heritage listed, it is the worlds largest coral reef. Snorkelling is not only a popular activity; it is one of the best ways to see and experience the reef. Once moored at our floating platform, you will find a dedicated snorkelling area, complete with rest stations where you can check out a dazzling world of amazing marine life and beautiful coral.

From AUD $52 / GBP £27 Read More >
Lady up close to a Maori Wasse on a Helmet Dive on the Great Barrier Reef

Great Barrier Reef: Seawalker Helmet Dive

On arrival on our floating pontoon, located in a natural lagoon fringed colourful coral, you will find marine biologists, dive instructors, qualified lifeguards and cruise attendants all waiting to share the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef.

From AUD $149 / GBP £76 Read More >
Helicopter flying over Great Barrier Reef with Sunlover pontoon in the baclground

Great Barrier Reef: Scenic Helicopter Flight

A breath-taking alternative to in-water activities and coral viewing vessels is to soar above it all in a helicopter for a spectacular bird’s eye view of the Great Barrier Reef! As you fly high above this natural wonder you will be amazed by its sheer size and beauty.

From AUD $199 / GBP £102 Read More >
Two learner divers with guide experiencing the underwater waters of the Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Cairns in Australia

Great Barrier Reef: Scuba Diving

You’ll be amazed by its magical marine life and colourful coral from the moment you step off your catamaran and out onto the floating platform located on the Outer Reef. For a much closer look at this World-Heritage Listed site, why not make your Great Barrier Reef experience even more fascinating with either an Introductory SCUBA dive, or for qualified divers, a Certified dive.

From AUD $149 / GBP £76 Read More >
Red helicopter flying over the vivid blues on the Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Cairns in Australia

Great Barrier Reef: Scenic Helicopter Transfer

We travel to the outer reef and our floating pontoon by high-speed catamaran. If you wish, you can make your day extra special by upgrading to a scenic helicopter transfer either to, or from the reef, providing the complete Great Barrier Reef experience from below and above the water.

From AUD $399 / GBP £203 Read More >
Pre-booking required
Sounds of Silence Dinner

Uluru: Sounds of Silence Dinner

Entered into the Australian Tourism Hall of Fame, Sounds of Silence offers the best of the Red Centre distilled into four magical hours. An evening of dining under the sparkling outback sky.

From AUD $283 / GBP £144 Read More >
Pre-booking required
night-at-the-Field-of-light-ayers-rock

Uluru: Field of Light Dinner

Field of Light art installation, and global phenomenon, by internationally acclaimed artist Bruce Munro, is coming to Australia for the first time. As part of Ayers Rock Resort’s commitment to arts and culture, it’s hosting the biggest Field of Light installation to date at the place that inspired it - Uluru.

From AUD $335 / GBP £170 Read More >
uluru-ayers-rock-fixed-wing-flight

Uluru: Scenic Flights

Enjoy a bird’s eye view of Uluru and Kata Tjuta, out to Lake Amadeus, Kings Canyon and Gosses’ Bluff on an Ayers Rock scenic flight. During this exhilarating experience, you will have a chance to truly appreciate the natural beauty of Uluru and Kata Tjuta.

From AUD $145 / GBP £74 Read More >
uluru-ayers-rock-helicopter-flight

Uluru: Scenic Helicopter Flights

One of the best ways to experience Uluru and the sprawling domes of Kata Tjuta is on an Ayers Rock Helicopter tour. Your aerial view will take in Uluru and the magnificent red desert, all the way to the striking rock formations of Kata Tjuta.

From AUD $180 / GBP £92 Read More >
Pre-booking required
field-of-light-uluru

Uluru: Field of Light Self Guided Walk

Field of Light art installation, and global phenomenon, by internationally acclaimed artist Bruce Munro, is coming to Australia for the first time. As part of Ayers Rock Resort’s commitment to arts and culture, it’s hosting the biggest Field of Light installation to date at the place that inspired it - Uluru.

From AUD $48 / GBP £25 Read More >
Pre-booking required
field-of-light-uluru-stars

Uluru: Field of Light Star Pass

Field of Light art installation, and global phenomenon, by internationally acclaimed artist Bruce Munro, is coming to Australia for the first time. As part of Ayers Rock Resort’s commitment to arts and culture, it’s hosting the biggest Field of Light installation to date at the place that inspired it - Uluru.

From AUD $118 / GBP £60 Read More >
Sydney Harbour

Sydney: Harbour Explorer and Taronga Zoo

Experience Sydney like a local on the Harbour highway. With the option for a one day pass or a two day pass giving you the flexibility to hop on hop off at your convenience. This optional includes entrance to Taronga Zoo situated on the shores of Sydney Harbour offering stunning views of the city skyline and the iconic Sydney Opera House.

From AUD $79 / GBP £40 Read More >
Blue Mountains scenic view

Sydney: Blue Mountains

Explore this million-acre World Heritage-listed area. This tour takes you away from the obvious tourist traps to show you the Blue Mountains from an insider’s perspective – from secluded lookouts, rainforest bush tracks and pristine valleys You still see all the main sights, like the fascinating Three Sisters, but you will be taken to the smaller lookouts where you’ll hopefully be the only ones enjoying the view. Peaceful bushwalks enhance the experience.

From AUD $250 / GBP £128 Read More >
Pre-booking required
sydney-bridge-climb-australia

Sydney: Bridge Climb

Prepare to climb Sydney Harbour Bridge on this exhilarating excursion. Known to Sydneysiders as ‘The Coathanger’, the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge is the world’s largest (but not longest) steel arch bridge. Connecting the northern and southern shores of Sydney’s sparkling harbour, the Bridge is an instantly recognisable symbol of Australia.

From AUD $354 / GBP £180 Read More >
opera-house-tour-sydney-night

Sydney: Opera House Tour

The Sydney Opera House is a must-see landmark during your time in Australia. On this tour, you can take in all the mystery and majesty of the Australian icon on a one-hour VIP Sydney Opera House Tour. Discover the stories and secrets behind the commissioning, construction and controversy surrounding Danish architect Jørn Utzon’s masterpiece.

From AUD $45 / GBP £23 Read More >
sydney-scenic-helicopter-flightopera-house

Sydney: Scenic Helicopter Flight

Enjoy Sydney from the best possible vantage point – by air. You will take a spectacular 20 minute flight in a luxury helicopter, including return transfers from your hotel. The flight begins from a private lounge at Sydney’s Mascot Airport, and heads out to the coast, giving you a bird’s eye view of some of the amazing luxury homes that nestle above the dramatic cliffs along Maroubra and Coogee.

From AUD $240 / GBP £123 Read More >
aerial view of Alice Springs at sunset

Alice Springs: Alice Springs Sightseeing

Enjoy a half day sightseeing tour of the remote Red Centre town of Alice Springs. Known to locals as Alice, the town is situated roughly in Australia's geographic centre, almost equidistant from Adelaide and Darwin.

From AUD $165 / GBP £84 Read More >
Australia inside MacDonnell Ranges Standley Chasm Alice Springs

Alice Springs: Western MacDonnell Ranges

Our Australia Tour Packages give you the opportunity to visit the Western MacDonnell Ranges during your stay in Alice Springs. Head west on Larapinta Drive alongside the ochre coloured Western MacDonnells, and pass John Flynn Memorial at the foot of the Mt Gillen and the remains of the twin ghost gums painted by Albert Namatjira.

From AUD $229 / GBP £117 Read More >
Australia Alice Springs Outback bush bbq music show performance

Alice Springs: Outback Bush BBQ

A truly unique and authentic experience not to be missed. Become immersed in the spirit and grandeur that is the Australian Outback. From the moment you step off the coach you’ll be captivated by the setting sun exploding in a ray of colour adrift in the great expanse of the Northern Territory sky.

From AUD $275 / GBP £140 Read More >
Australia Alice Springs Desert Park tour outback bird of prey

Alice Springs: Desert Park

Situated at the base of the West MacDonnell Ranges and just 10 minutes’ drive from Alice Springs, Alice Springs Desert Park is an authentic recreation of the different desert habitats and life as it has been lived by the local indigenous Arrernte people for thousands of years.

From AUD $85 / GBP £44 Read More >
Outback-ballooning-alice-springs

Alice Springs: Hot Air Balloon Flight

Visit Alice Springs and you’ll get to enjoy an amazing hot air balloon flight. Get to know your friendly crew as you journey to the launch site in the cool pre-dawn darkness. Then begin the ascent just as the morning light begins to illuminate the rugged MacDonnell Ranges.

From AUD $350 / GBP £178 Read More >
Pre-booking required
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Alice Springs: Sunset Camel Tour

The dazzling and unique sunsets that pass over Australia’s Red Centre each day are not to be missed during any visit to Australia, and during your time in Australia, you can try a fun way to see the amazing sunsets with this Alice Springs sunset camel tour.

From AUD $95 / GBP £49 Read More >
balinese-purifying

Bali: Purifying Ceremony at Tirta Empul Temple

The Indonesian island of Bali is renowned not only for its beauty but also for its ancient temples. Tirta Empul temple is among the most famous, its waters said to...

USD $56 / GBP £51 Read More >
batukaru-temple-1

Bali: Jatiluwih Village & The Batukaru Mountains Nature Tour

Discover the ‘real’ Bali and escape off the beaten track with this small group tour to the centre of Bali, visiting mountains, farms, ancient villages and temples. There’s more to...

USD $48 / GBP £44 Read More >
Bali Hai sunset dinner cruise boat on water

Bali: Hai Sunset Dinner Cruise

Bali is one of the world’s most beautiful islands, and the Bali Hai cruise is one of the best ways to see the island in all its splendour, taking it...

USD $66 / GBP £60 Read More >
mengwi-temple

Bali: Mengwi Temple, Monkey Forest & Tanah Lot Temple Tour

Discover ancient temples, meet the local wildlife and explore the countryside of inland Bali with this half-day Mengwi Temple, Monkey Forest and Tanah Lot tour. It’s one of several optional...

USD $58 / GBP £53 Read More >
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Bali: Kecak at Uluwatu Temple in Bali & BBQ seafood dinner

Discover the real Bali with an immersive evening of culture, dance and food on this evening tour to Bali’s Uluwatu temple. If you decide to visit Bali on a homebound...

USD $67 / GBP £55 Read More >
BKK temple

Bangkok: City and Temples Tour

Thailand has over 26,000 temples or Wats (local name). This Half Day City and Temples tour will bring you to three of the most distinguished temples in Bangkok, beginning with Wat Traimit, the temple of the Golden Buddha. Officially titled Phra Phuttha Maha Suwan Patimakon, the Golden Buddha is the world's largest solid gold statue, with a weight of 5.5 tons. It is a fine example of Sukhothai art and was discovered by chance hidden in a layer of plaster during construction of the temple.

from THB 1,760 / GBP £42 Read More >
bangkok-grand-palace-buildings

Bangkok: Grand Palace

Bangkok’s Grand Palace Tour is a “must see” for all visitors to Bangkok. The Grand Palace complex, built in 1782, includes the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew)...

from THB 2,420 / GBP £58 Read More >
Floating market, Amphawa, Thailand

Bangkok: Floating Markets

A glimpse of everyday life in Thailand can be seen at the Damnern Saduak floating market, situated around 100km south west of Bangkok. This Bangkok floating market can be explored...

from THB 2,200 / GBP £42 Read More >
dubai-helicopter-tour

Dubai: Helicopter Flight Tour

All aboard an exhilarating Dubai helicopter tour. After take-off from Dubai Festival City you will follow the creek winding past the Creek golf course and continue over the Spice Souk...

USD $194 / GBP £155 Read More >
dubai-desert-safari-and-dinner

Dubai: Desert Safari and Dinner

For a magical and memorable evening, join us on a Dubai Desert Safari tour. Leave behind the hustle and bustle of the city and venture into the mysterious desert in...

USD $133 / GBP £115 Read More >
Pre-booking required
The grand lobby afternoon tea at Raffles

Singapore: Afternoon Tea in the Grand Lobby, Raffles Hotel

The Afternoon Tea ritual, much like Raffles Hotel, Singapore, was fashioned in the 19th century. A cherished tradition since its founding in Great Britain, the experience journeyed to Asia during...

From SGD $105 / GBP £62 Read More >
Pre-booking required
singapore-by-night-tour-merlion

Singapore: Nightout at Chinatown & Bugis Village

This enclave of Singapore was home to Chinese immigrants, and our evening begins by exploring the myriad of shops and eateries, bursting with colour and excitement set against a backdrop...

From SGD $168 / GBP £105 Read More >
Pre-booking required
gardens-by-the-bay-singapore

Singapore: Gardens by the Bay

Recently voted one of the Top 10 Indoor Gardens of the World, the Gardens by the Bay is also Singapore’s number 1 attraction according to Trip Advisor. Featuring more than...

From SGD $48 / GBP £42 Read More >
Pre-booking required
singapore-night-safari

Singapore: Night Safari

The Singapore Night Safari is world’s first. Set in 40 hectares of secondary jungle, the mystery and drama of the tropical jungle after dusk unfolds at the Singapore Zoo Night...

From SGD $148 / GBP £93 Read More >

Early Booking Offers – SAVE up to £492 per couple!

Enjoy a homebound stopover from as little as £99 per person when you book one of our Australia and/or New Zealand tours departing after September 2024. Choose a city stay in bustling Bangkok, fashionable Dubai or the cosmopolitan Singapore, or opt to relax beachside in Bali, or Sentosa Island.

It really does pay to book early, as these stopovers usually cost up to £690 per couple for two nights’ accommodation in a four-star hotel, with full daily breakfast and airport transfers.

Destinations and prices as follows:

  • Two-night stopover in Singapore, Bangkok or Dubai for just £99 per person (£198 for single occupancy).
  • Three-night stopover in Bali for only £149 per person (£298 for single occupancy).
  • Two-night stopover on Sentosa Island for £179 per person (£358 for single occupancy).

Terms and conditions
The savings quoted on Australia & New Zealand tours are off the price of a homeward stopover which normally costs up to £690 per couple. Early booking offers are for tours featured in our 2024/25 Australia & New Zealand brochure, departing from September 2024. All offers are based on specific flights and booking classes and are subject to availability at the time of booking. If choosing to fly with Singapore Airlines your homebound stopover options are limited to Singapore or Sentosa Island. All offers must end 1st July 2024


Merlion in Singapore

Singapore Stopover Offer, M Hotel City Centre

There’s just so much to do and see in Singapore, that no matter how many times you visit, you’ll always find yourself wanting to go back again. Maybe it’s the myriad of cultures coming together to create such a unique…

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Pathumwan Princess Hotel Bangkok exterior at night city skyline

Bangkok Stopover Offer, Pathumwan Princess Hotel

Busy, lively, colourful and above all welcoming, Bangkok should be on your list of must-see places to visit. Here you can experience things you simply can’t do in most cities, like sailing on a longtail boat through floating markets. Make sure…

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Camel

Dubai Stopover Offer, Marriott Hotel Al Jaddaf

Stay in style at the five star Marriott al Jaddaf when you visit the gateway to Arabia. The numerous malls and labyrinth-like souks are enchanting to explore. And you really can’t complain about the year round sunshine, which you can make…

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Melia Hotel Bali

Bali Stopover Offer, Meliá Hotel

The name Bali conjures up thoughts of an exotic tropical paradise, and the reality is every bit as wonderful.  Swaying palm trees, white sand beaches and the warm hospitality of the Balinese people await you in this blissful beachfront sanctuary.…

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Sentosa Stopover Offer, Shangri-La Rasa Sentosa, Singapore

Stopover in style at the four star Shangri-La Rasa Sentosa, Singapore, a beautiful beachside resort on Singapore’s Sentosa Island.  Perfect for a relaxing break, but close to the numerous exciting attractions of Singapore, the Rasa Sentosa stopover may be chosen as…

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  • Star-Rating-4
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These reviews are from Distant Journeys guests, and have been verified by the independent reviews company Feefo.

Essential Australia 2024-25

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A wonderful experience from start to finish, everything was so well organised and we couldn’t fault any part of the holiday. We will never forget our amazing Australian adventure.

Mr & Mrs Kidman (Eastbourne), Essential Australia

Can’t imagine a better way to tour Australia. The hotels were all excellent. Extremely well organized throughout. Thoroughly enjoyed every single day.

Mr & Mrs Jones (Staffordshire), Essential Australia

Australia is stunning and we had a first class introduction to it with Distant Journeys. So many different experiences.

Donna & Mike Parsons (Devon), Essential Australia

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