The Very Best of Australia Tour

Depart from the UK airport most convenient for you with Qantas & Emirates, at no extra cost. Choose from London Heathrow, London Gatwick, London Stanstead, Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle, Edinburgh or Glasgow.

Flights from London Heathrow may travel direct to Singapore. All UK regional flights will travel via Dubai. Arrive into the wonderful city of Singapore and transfer to the four-star M Hotel Singapore.

Alternative stopovers: Dubai or Perth

We have based days 2-4 of this itinerary on a stopover in Singapore. Should you prefer, you may choose to stop in Dubai or spend two extra nights in Perth for the same price. 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.

Known as ‘the crossroads of Asia’, Singapore is a city where east meets west; a cosmopolitan melting pot with an inspirational identity. This morning enjoy a city tour. Witness the intriguing ethnic quarters where Chinese, Malay and Indian influences fuse to produce Singapore’s unique culture. Visit Singapore’s Merlion Park and the botanical gardens before returning to the hotel, where the rest of our day is free to spend as we please. Perhaps visit nearby Sentosa Island or enjoy high tea at Raffles.

A day at leisure in Singapore until it’s time to leave for our evening flight to Perth. Upon arrival into Perth later tonight, clear customs and transfer to the superbly-located Duxton Hotel for our first four nights in Australia.

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.

Our first full Australian Freedom Day allows us to spend the day as we please. Our Distant Journeys Tour Manager will be on hand with advice on things to do, where to eat, make any arrangements and assist with excursions for you to further explore the area. Perhaps take an optional trip to Rottnest Island, a protected nature reserve with white-sand beaches and secluded coves, and home to the small wallaby-like marsupial, the quokka. However you choose to spend your day – enjoy!

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 will be introduced to Adelaide’s streets, fine Victorian buildings and the attractive parks and gardens that surround the city. Later, transfer to the centrally-located Crowne Plaza Hotel, where we will stay for the next three nights.

During this morning’s sightseeing tour, we leave the city to visit Australia’s oldest surviving German settlement in the quaint village of Hahndorf, with its tree-lined streets and original ‘Fachwerk’ buildings. We continue to the famous wine growing region of the Barossa Valley where, after a visit to a working blacksmith museum, we enjoy wine tasting and lunch in one of the picturesque wineries.

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, join a scenic lunch cruise on the mighty Murray River or 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 the airport for our flight to Melbourne, capital of Victoria state and Australia’s second largest city. Enjoy a sightseeing tour including Treasury Gardens, Victoria Markets, Federation Square, the MCG and Rod Laver Arena. We also head out of the city to see the waterside suburbs of St. Kilda and Port Melbourne. Home for the next three nights is the four-star Pullman on the Park.

This is our first Freedom Day in Melbourne, where we have the opportunity to spend the day exploring its many parks and laneways or enjoy an excursion aboard the Puffing Billy steam train on Australia’s most notable narrow-gauge railway, through the beautiful Blue Dandenong Ranges.

A further Freedom Day is an opportunity to enjoy an optional tour along one of the world’s most spectacular coastal drives, the Great Ocean Road. This full day tour meanders along the dramatic coastline to the impressive Twelve Apostles. Alternatively, visit Phillip Island, home to the world’s largest colony of little penguins. Breakfast included

Tour Highlight

Following breakfast this morning, we board our flight to Uluru (Ayers Rock) in Australia’s Red Centre. Before landing, we may have the opportunity to view the world’s largest monolith from our aircraft. On arrival we take a rock base tour enabling us to discover more about its historical and cultural importance. 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 watching the sunrise over Uluru, an awe-inspiring sight. Later, we leave for a tour of the impressive series of rounded sandstone domes known as Kata Tjuta, or the Olgas. Our afternoon and evening are left free to relax or enjoy a pre-booked optional activity such as the impressive Field of Light or the Sounds of Silence dinner under the stars.

Leaving Uluru this morning we drive through the Outback along the Lasseter and Stuart Highways to Alice Springs. Home for tonight is either the Crowne Plaza Lasseters, or the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel. This evening, perhaps enjoy a quintessentially Aussie experience at the Outback Bush Barbecue.

Nestled within the MacDonnell Ranges, Alice Springs is an iconic town made famous by its rich pioneering history and ancient indigenous culture. This morning you may wish to take an optional hot air balloon trip over the outback landscapes or enjoy a morning tour of the Western MacDonnell Ranges. Later, we enjoy a sightseeing tour. Visits include the Royal Flying Doctor Service, the School of the Air, and the Old Telegraph Station.

Tour Highlight

Later in the afternoon, it’s time to make our way to Alice Springs Rail Terminal in time for our fascinating overland rail journey to Darwin. Known for being one of the world’s iconic rail journeys, The Ghan was named after the Afghan cameleers who once traversed this route. Our twin accommodation is in Gold Service, air-conditioned, private sleepers, all with upper and lower bunk beds with private facilities. Single traveller cabins, are configured as a lounge chair by day, converting into a bed at night, with shared bathroom facilities at the end of each carriage. Whilst on board, all our meals are included, as are a wide selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Following dinner in the Queen Adelaide Restaurant, enjoy drinks with your travelling companions in the Outback Explorer Lounge.

Gold Premium on The Ghan – Upgrade from £245 per person

Following breakfast, The Ghan rolls into Katherine. Here we visit nearby Nitmiluk National Park, home to the spectacular Katherine Gorge. The gorge is a series of 13 sandstone gorges carved over many millions of years by the Katherine River. As we cruise up the river with our Aboriginal guide, listen to stories of how the gorge was named, whilst marvelling at the sheer walls, etched by time and the elements, and home to a myriad of plant and animal life. Afterwards, return to The Ghan in time for lunch as we continue our journey to Darwin. Upon arrival, we transfer to the DoubleTree by Hilton Esplanade, situated on Darwin’s striking esplanade.

Darwin is the capital of Australia’s Northern Territory and is known for its laid-back fusion of frontier outpost and modern city. Your day has been left totally free to spend in your own particular way. Perhaps visit the thundering waterfalls, rainforest pockets and sacred sites of Litchfield National Park. For those wishing to venture further afield, a full-day flightseeing excursion to Kakadu National Park can be arranged.

We Recommend - Litchfield National Park

Explore the spectacular beauty of the national park, with its impressive waterfalls and expanses of rainforest.

An early start, as we leave for the airport in time for our one-stop flight to Cairns. Upon arrival we shall transfer to the perfectly-located Hilton Cairns Hotel, which will be our home for the next four nights.

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. During our journey we encounter 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. 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 stunning views out over the Cairns coastline.

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 when we board our high-speed catamaran and journey to a platform located on 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. For the more adventurous, there are several activities available at an additional cost, including scuba diving (no experience necessary), joining the marine biologist on a guided snorkel safari, or soaring above the reef on a spectacular scenic helicopter flight.

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 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. Alternatively, 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!

We Recommend - Daintree Rainforest

Visit the Daintree Rainforest, cruise the Daintree River looking for crocodiles and view the glorious, unspoilt beaches of Cape Tribulation.

This morning, we make our way to Cairns Airport in time for our flight to Sydney. Sydney is a city that takes full advantage of its natural setting – its sparkling harbour is host to the world-famous 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 either the Sofitel Wentworth Hotel or Hilton Sydney, in the heart of central Sydney.

Tour Highlight

This morning, our sightseeing tour begins with a drive through 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. We complete our introduction to Sydney with a lunch cruise around Sydney’s beautiful harbour. The views of the Opera House, the Harbour Bridge and the many dream homes nestled along the edge of the water are truly amazing. The afternoon has been left free to spend as we please.

This morning offers three very different treats: a guided tour of Sydney’s Opera House; a stroll through Sydney’s famous Botanic Garden with an Aboriginal guide; and a glimpse into the convict origins of Sydney at the interactive Hyde Park Barracks Museum – a world heritage site. The afternoon has been left free for you to explore as you please. Catch up on some shopping, climb the impressive Harbour Bridge, or enjoy a scenic helicopter flight over Sydney Harbour. Whatever you wish to do, our Tour Manager will be very happy to assist.

Although today has been left free, for those that so desire, we shall be taking 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. Experience the panoramas from a series of lookouts, including Echo Point – the prime position to view the Three Sisters rock formation. The excursion also visits the pretty village of Leura and includes afternoon tea at the historic Hydro Majestic Hotel.

The day is ours until it’s time to depart for the airport. Our flight to our chosen UK airport operates via Dubai or Singapore, where there will be a change of aircraft.

This morning, we arrive into our chosen airport (Choose from London Heathrow, London Gatwick, London Stanstead, Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle, Edinburgh or Glasgow) bringing an end to our incredible adventure.