Treasures of Australia Tour

Fly with Qantas & Emirates from the airport most convenient to you. Choose between from London Heathrow, Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow or Newcastle – whichever you depart from, there is no extra cost.

The next two days of our itinerary are based on a stopover in Singapore. Flights from London Heathrow may travel direct to Singapore, and UK regional flights will travel via Dubai. We arrive into the wonderful city of Singapore where our accommodation is close to the banks of the scenic Singapore River, the M Hotel City Centre.

Alternative stopover

Days 2-4 of this itinerary are based on a stopover in Singapore. If you prefer, you may choose to stopover in Dubai or spend an extra two nights in Perth instead, including transfers, accommodation, daily breakfast, and a city sightseeing tour if choosing Dubai. Flight timings will vary. Please speak with one of our personal travel experts for more details.

Singapore is one of the most exciting destinations in Asia, a real melting pot where Chinese, Indian and Malay cultures have merged with Western influences to create a vibrant city. This morning we embark on a tour of the highlights of the city, such as its ethnic quarters that help make the city what it is today; the famous Merlion Statue, a national symbol of Singapore; and the beautiful botanical gardens. The afternoon is left free to enjoy – maybe treat yourself to afternoon tea at Raffles Hotel?

Spend the day as you please in Singapore until it’s time to leave for our evening flight to our first stop in Australia, Perth. Once we arrive into Perth later tonight, we clear customs and transfer to the Duxton Hotel.

After a relaxed morning, we convene with our Tour Manager and fellow explorers to delve deeper into the details of our upcoming journey. Later, we experience a wonderful immersion into Australia’s indigenous wildlife with a visit to Caversham Wildlife Park. This park serves as a splendid showcase for a plethora of Australia’s distinctive and legendary creatures, encompassing koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, possums, Tasmanian devils, and wombats.

Our day in Perth starts with a sightseeing tour of the city and its surrounds, beginning at King’s Park, a sprawling landscape of grassed parkland, botanical gardens and natural bushland in the heart of Perth. At the nearby town of Fremantle, known as Freo to the locals, we visit the Shipwreck Galleries for a fascinating insight into the area’s maritime history. We return to Perth via a cruise on the Swan River passing some jaw-dropping cliffside mansions on the way. This afternoon, relax at the hotel, discover some of Perth’s trendy suburbs, or maybe 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, or book excursions for you to further explore the area. Perhaps make the short journey to Rottnest Island, a protected nature reserve with white-sand beaches and secluded coves. Discover pristine beaches and the unique flora and fauna of the island, plus learn about the island’s Aboriginal history and of course we will hopefully meet the most famous local resident of Rottnest Island, the friendly and adorable 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.

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 you please. Take a look around Adelaide on foot or perhaps take an optional tour to Kangaroo Island, situated off the Fleurieu Peninsula, which offers a unique touring experience, combining native wildlife with natural, unspoilt wilderness.

This morning we take a short flight to Melbourne, capital of the state of Victoria. Melbourne is a blend of well-preserved grand buildings, bustling laneways, world-class restaurants and captivating museums, which we will see on this afternoon’s tour. It’s unarguably the sporting capital of Australia, and we will see the Rod Laver Arena, home to Australian Open tennis, and the Melbourne Cricket Ground, known as the MCG. Our tour also takes in Treasury Gardens, Victoria Markets and Federation Square, before finishing in the waterside suburb of St Kilda. Our accommodation for the next three nights is the Pullman on the Park.

Our first Freedom Day in Melbourne, one of Australia’s most vibrant, multi-cultural cities. There are many activities available, such as an excursion aboard the heritage Puffing Billy steam train through the beautiful Blue Dandenong Ranges. This tour also includes a visit to Healesville Wildlife Sanctuary, an intimate retreat with much of Australia’s unique wildlife at home here – including the infamous Tasmanian Devil! Alternatively, you might wish to take an optional Around the Bay Food & Wine Tasting Tour, exploring the best of Victoria’s foodie scene.

A further Freedom Day is an opportunity to enjoy an optional tour along one of the world’s most spectacular coastal drives, the internationally renowned Great Ocean Road. This full day tour meanders along the dramatic southwest coastline of Victoria to the impressive Twelve Apostles. Another escape from the city is offered on the optional Around the Bay Sightseeing tour, taking in the stunning Mornington Peninsula and including a lunch and dolphin spotting cruise. Or why not discover the historic and gastronomic delights of Geelong with a trip on the lovingly restored Q train.

Alternatively, you may prefer to visit Phillip Island, home to one of the largest Little Penguin colonies in the world. Every evening, in what’s known as the Penguin Parade, hundreds of tiny penguins waddle from the beach to their burrows after a day out at sea.

Tour Highlight

This morning, we fly to Uluru in Australia’s Red Centre. The huge sandstone monolith of Uluru is a site of great cultural and spiritual significance to the Aboriginal peoples of the Northern Territory. We take a guided tour of the rock base, discovering more about its history and legends. Afterwards, we make our way to the four-star Desert Gardens Hotel. This evening, we take up position in our viewing area to enjoy a glass of sparkling wine together whilst witnessing the spectacle of the changing colours of Uluru as the sun begins to set.

This morning, before breakfast we have the option of viewing Uluru at sunrise – a spectacle worth the early start! Later, we leave for a tour of Kata Tjuta, also known as the Olgas, a series of rounded sandstone domes which also have great significance to the indigenous population.
Our afternoon and evening are left free to relax or enjoy an optional activity such as dinner and drinks under the stars at the Sounds of Silence evening or a walk through the Field of Light.

Leaving Ayers Rock this morning we drive through the Outback along the Lasseter and Stuart Highways to Alice Springs. Home for tonight is the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Alice Springs. This evening, perhaps enjoy a quintessentially Aussie experience at the Outback Bush Barbecue, or the unique experience of a Sunset Camel Tour.

With a morning at leisure, you may wish to view a glorious outback sunrise on an optional hot air balloon trip or travel further afield on a morning sightseeing tour of the Western MacDonnell Ranges. Later, we visit two institutions which provide an essential lifeline to people living in the remotest parts of the Outback; the Royal Flying Doctor Service and the School of the Air. We also visit the Old Telegraph Station, the site of the old springs from which Alice gets its name, and ANZAC Hill which has panoramic views over the surrounding MacDonnell Ranges. Later, we board our flight to Darwin, capital of the Northern Territory. Our hotel for the next two nights is the DoubleTree By Hilton Esplanade, which overlooks Darwin Harbour.

Darwin is a laid-back tropical city in the Northern Territory, known locally as the Top End. As today is free for you to explore at leisure, we recommend an excursion to Litchfield National Park, an ancient landscape of rugged sandstone cliffs, rainforests and spectacular waterfalls tumbling into cool plunge pools. For those wishing to venture further afield, a full day overland or flightseeing excursion to Kakadu National Park can be arranged.

An early start this morning as we board our one-stop flight to Cairns, in Far North Queensland. On arrival we will make the short transfer to our home for the next five nights, the Hilton Cairns which occupies a superb position on Cairns’ Esplanade. The rest of the day is free to settle in and look forward to the adventures ahead.

Today is a Freedom Day in Cairns, to enjoy as you wish. A lovely way to spend your day is with an optional excursion to Kuranda, the ‘village in the rainforest’. The journey to Kuranda is on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, gliding above the treetops with spectacular views over the rainforest. We spend a pleasant few hours exploring Kuranda’s attractions before making our way to Rainforest Station, where we meet our Aboriginal guides to chat in the Yarning Circle, watch a traditional dance performance and try our hand at boomerang throwing. We return to Cairns on the heritage Kuranda Scenic Railway, crossing 40 bridges and through 15 tunnels on its uniquely breathtaking journey.

Another Freedom Day to enjoy in Far North Queensland. For an unforgettable experience, take a day trip to nearby Daintree Rainforest, the world’s oldest rainforest. Learn about the fascinating secrets of the Daintree on a walk with an Aboriginal guide, and enjoy a cruise on the Daintree River – look out for saltwater crocodiles! The excursion continues to Cape Tribulation, a remote headland, with glorious unspoilt beaches and walking tracks through the lush forests. If you prefer to stay in Cairns today, there’s lots to enjoy, whether you browse the many shops and galleries or take a cooling dip in the infinity pool at Cairns Lagoon.

Tour Highlight

No holiday to Australia is complete without a visit to the Great Barrier Reef, a World Heritage Site and one of the world’s most famous natural wonders. It’s a truly once in a lifetime experience, with its stunningly beautiful coral and colourful marine life making this a place like no other. Our full-day excursion to the Great Barrier Reef begins with a journey aboard a high speed catamaran to the Outer Reef. We have four hours here for you to enjoy as you wish, and you don’t even need to get wet to see the wonders of the Reef with a glass-bottomed boat and semi-submersible reef viewer offering the chance to see the array of life and colour beneath the water. For the more active, you can snorkel in the sheltered coral lagoon, or, for an additional cost, join the marine biologist on a snorkel safari or perhaps have a go at scuba diving, or join a Seawalker helmet dive. There is also the option to see the reef from above on a scenic helicopter flight or for something truly special travel in style to or from the reef with a helicopter transfer.

Another day to enjoy the laid back tropical city of Cairns. Maybe take a stroll along the esplanade and enjoy one of the many al fresco cafes, take a swim in the open air saltwater lagoon, or perhaps, go shopping for some souvenirs in one of the cities many open-air markets. Alternatively, why not take a trip to Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures? Just a 40 minute drive from Cairns, there are miles of timber boardwalks and paths winding through woodlands and rainforest where you can see an array of wildlife, including beautiful tropical birds, reptiles, insects and other native fauna.

This morning we make the short journey to Cairns Airport for our flight to Sydney. As a fitting climax to our tour of Australia, Sydney is a world-class city that makes the best of its beautiful setting and boasts such iconic landmarks as the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House. There’s a vibrant cultural scene, a plethora of excellent restaurants and bars and superb shopping opportunities. Sydney is known as a city of villages, and each suburb has its own distinctive personality, pristine sandy beaches and native bushland. Our new home for the next four nights is the excellent Sofitel Sydney Wentworth.

Tour Highlight

This morning we will be introduced to Sydney in all its glory with an extensive sightseeing tour, beginning with a drive through some of the city’s most fashionable inner-city areas en route to the golden sands of Bondi Beach. On our way back to the city centre we pass beautiful Rushcutters Bay and upmarket Double Bay before arriving at Hyde Park, home to Parliament House and Mrs Macquarie’s Chair. This unique ‘chair’ is actually an exposed sandstone rock, cut into a bench shape in 1810 by convicts as a gift to the wife of Governor Macquarie. It also happens to be a perfect spot for ‘the’ photo of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Our sightseeing tour culminates in the best possible way as we board our vessel for a lunch cruise on Sydney Harbour, accompanied by the most spectacular views – the perfect way to end our first morning in Sydney.

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 or perhaps climb the impressive Harbour Bridge with a Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb. 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.

Our last day in Sydney is free to enjoy as you like until we depart for the airport, bringing an end to the most amazing Australian adventure. Flights to our chosen UK airport operate via Dubai or Singapore, where there is a change of aircraft before the second leg of the journey.

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This morning our unforgettable journey comes to an end at your chosen airport: London Heathrow, Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle or Glasgow.