Wonders of Australia

Flights from London Heathrow with Qantas & Emirates 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 City Centre, situated in an enviable position close to the banks of the Singapore River.

Known as ‘the crossroads of Asia’, Singapore is a city where east meets west. This morning, enjoy a tour of the city. Included is a stop at Merlion Park with its impressive views of Marina Bay, the historic Civic District, Thian Hock Keng Temple and the fabulous Singapore botanical gardens. Return to the hotel where the rest of our day is free to spend as we please.

A day at leisure in Singapore until it’s time to leave for our overnight flight to Melbourne. Possibly enjoy high tea at Raffles or explore the wonderful Gardens by the Bay.

After clearing customs and collecting our luggage, we transfer directly to our hotel, the Crowne Plaza Hotel, conveniently located in the heart of the city and on the banks of the Yarra River. Early check-in has been arranged, so we can go directly to our rooms. Later, we meet with our Tour Manager to learn more about the adventures that lie ahead. For those that wish, we will take a walking tour around the lanes of the Southbank area of the city.

After breakfast, we begin our day with a city tour of Melbourne. Sights include 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. Our afternoon is at leisure. Perhaps use this opportunity to take a trip to Phillip Island, home to the world’s largest colony of Fairy Penguins, to view the Penguin Parade.

Our first Freedom Day in Australia. We have the opportunity to enjoy an optional tour along one of the world’s most spectacular coastal drives, the Great Ocean Road. The full day optional tour begins in Torquay, and meanders along the dramatic southwest coastline to the impressive Twelve Apostles. Alternatively, take the Puffing Billy steam train through the Blue Dandenong Ranges, or perhaps take a day trip to Phillip Island to witness the Penguin Parade.

Following breakfast this morning, we board our flight to Adelaide. Surrounded by grassy parkland, picturesque hills and the Mount Lofty Range, Adelaide could scarcely present a more captivating aspect. We shall take a sightseeing tour and be introduced to Adelaide’s streets, fine Victorian buildings and attractive parks and gardens. Later, we arrive at the Peppers Waymouth Hotel for our next three nights.

During this morning’s sightseeing tour, we leave the city, first heading for Mount Lofty, in the Adelaide Hills. Along with providing impressive panoramic views across Adelaide’s city skyline to the coast from the summit, the slopes of Mount Lofty are home to the Mount Lofty Botanic Garden. We continue to Australia’s oldest surviving German settlement in the quaint village of Hahndorf, with its tree-lined streets and original ‘Fachwerk’ buildings. Our final stop is 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 venture further afield with an optional day trip to Kangaroo Island to experience stunning coastal scenery and encounter native wildlife in its natural habitat.

Leaving Adelaide behind we catch our flight to Alice Springs, in the heart of the Australian outback. Upon arrival into we board our coach and enjoy a sightseeing tour of the outback’s largest town. Visits include the Royal Flying Doctor Service, the School of the Air, and the Old Telegraph Station. We check-in at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel for our overnight stay before visiting the unique Desert Park, home to an astonishingly variety of wildlife. 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 discover more about Uluru’s historical and cultural importance, with a tour of the rock followed with a visit to the intriguing Kata Tjuta (The Olgas), an impressive series of rounded ochre-coloured sandstone domes. Our afternoon and evening are left free to relax or enjoy a pre-booked optional activity such as the Field of Light or the Sounds of Silence dinner under the stars.

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 changing colours and character of the rock. We return to the hotel for breakfast. Later in the morning we make our way to Ayers Rock Airport in time for our flight to Sydney. Upon arrival, we head to the four-star Hyatt Regency Hotel.

Today has been left free, but 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, famous for their annual garden festivals and playing host to many of the region’s local artists.

This morning, we leave for the airport in time for our flight to Cairns. Upon arrival we shall transfer to the perfectly located Hilton Hotel, which will be our home for the next five 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 up to Kuranda we encounter no fewer than 40 bridges and 15 tunnels as we make our way through the pristine rainforest. ‘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 the 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 stunning views out over the Cairns coastline.

Another Freedom Day in this tropical paradise. We recommend a day trip to the World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest, the oldest rainforest in the world. The tour gives a wonderful insight into the rainforest’s unique flora and fauna, including an informative nature walk and a cruise spotting saltwater crocodiles.

A final Freedom Day to enjoy the delights of Cairns and tropical northern Queensland. Cairns is perfect for strolling and there are also numerous art galleries and museums to explore. Alternatively, there is the option to take a hot air balloon ride over the Atherton Tablelands, or visit Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures. To finish your day, why not join a sunset dinner cruise?

The day is yours until it’s time to depart for the airport. Our flights with Qantas & Emirates to our chosen UK airport operate via Sydney and Dubai. Flights with Singapore Airlines travel via Singapore.

This morning, dependent on your choice of airline, we arrive at our chosen airport; London Heathrow, London Gatwick, London Stansted, Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle, Edinburgh or Glasgow, bringing to an end our incredible adventure.