Wonders of Australia Tour

Depart from the UK airport most convenient for you with Qantas & Emirates. Choose from London Heathrow, Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle or Glasgow. Alternatively, fly direct to Singapore with Singapore Airlines from London Heathrow or Manchester. No matter which airline or airport you choose, there will be no additional cost.

Alternative stopover

We have based days 2-4 of this itinerary on a stopover in Singapore. If you are flying with Qantas & Emirates, you may choose to stop in Dubai for the same price. Your stopover includes transfers, accommodation, daily breakfast and a city sightseeing tour. Flight timings will vary and will be advised at the time of booking.

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; a cosmopolitan melting pot with an inspirational identity. This morning enjoy a tour of the city. Included is a stop at Merlion Park with its impressive views of Marina Bay. We continue to the historic Civic District, Thian Hock Keng Temple and the fabulous orchid gardens set within Singapore’s botanical gardens. Return to the hotel where the rest of our day is free to spend as we please.

A Freedom Day in Singapore to further explore the city. Possibly visit historic Raffles for high tea or to savour a Singapore Sling. Discover the wonderful Gardens by the Bay, visit Singapore Zoo or maybe indulge in some of the amazing shopping opportunities that can be found around the city.

After breakfast we transfer to the airport for our flight to Melbourne. With a late arrival into Melbourne 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.

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’.

Today we can choose to relax or explore as we please. Our Distant Journeys Tour Manager will be on hand to help with advice on things to do, where to eat, make any arrangements and book excursions for you to further explore the area. For example, take the Puffing Billy steam train through the Blue Dandenong Ranges or explore the city’s most famous sporting landmarks.

Our second Freedom Day in Australia, 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 begins in Torquay, home to the surfing paradise of Bells Beach and meanders along the dramatic southwest coastline of Victoria to the impressive Twelve Apostles.

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 that surround the city. Later, we arrive at the Peppers Waymouth Hotel for our next two nights.

A Freedom Day to spend as you please. Take a look around Adelaide on foot or perhaps take an optional tour to the famous wine growing region of the Barossa Valley. Alternatively visit Kangaroo Island, situated off the Fleurieu Peninsula, which offers a unique touring experience combining friendly, native wildlife with natural, unspoilt wilderness.

Tour Highlight

A morning at leisure until it’s time to make our way to Adelaide Parklands Rail Terminal in time for a magnificent overland journey to Alice Springs, in the heart of Australia’s outback. Renowned as one of the world’s most iconic train journeys, The Ghan was named after the Afghan cameleers who once traversed this route. Our twin accommodation is in Gold Service, airconditioned, private sleepers, all with upper and lower bunk beds, en-suite shower, wash basin and toilet. Single travellers will stay in single cabins, which are configured as a lounge chair, converting into a bed at night, with shared bathroom facilities at the end of each carriage. Whilst on board, all meals are included as are a wide selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Marvel at the ever-changing landscape as we journey north. This evening, following dinner, sleep to the rhythm of the rails.

Awake this morning to notice the contrast between the fiery red earth and the cobalt blue skies. Enjoy an off train experience as The Ghan makes a short stop in Marla – in the middle of the Australian outback. In just 25 hours aboard The Ghan we will have covered 1,555 kilometres and passed golden wheatfields, vast sheep stations, rugged mountain ranges, salt lakes and the fierce Simpson Desert. Upon arrival into Alice Springs we will 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, now a museum and the site of the old springs from which Alice gets its name. Later in the afternoon we arrive at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel. Later, you may wish to join a fun evening at our optional Bush Barbecue.

Tour Highlight

Leaving Alice Springs, we head west through amazing outback landscapes as we travel along the scenic Stuart and Lasseter Highways and make our way to Uluru, the icon of Australia’s outback and the world’s largest monolith. Rising from the flat surrounding scrubland, Uluru is a site of deep cultural significance to the Aboriginal communities of the Northern Territory. We begin our red centre adventure enjoying a glass of sparkling wine whilst witnessing the changing colours over Uluru as the sun begins to set. It’s truly a photographer’s delight. Our next two nights is at the four-star Desert Gardens Hotel.

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 Tjuṯa, (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 impressive 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. 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.

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 make our way back to the city centre. We journey via Hyde Park and Parliament House to Mrs Macquarie’s Chair in the Royal Botanical Gardens, where we stop for the classic photo opportunity of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. We complete our tour in the best possible way – enjoying a luncheon 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.

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.

Tour Highlight

The Great Barrier Reef is an amazing array of coral reef and marine wildlife just waiting to be explored. In fact, a holiday to Australia would not be complete without viewing this must-see World Heritage site. Boarding our high-speed catamaran in Cairns, we travel out to our platform, situated on the Outer Reef. Activities commence as soon as we arrive. If you’re a non-swimmer, or just don’t fancy getting wet then there are options to view the reef from a glass bottom boat, or semi-submersible. Or for an additional cost, you can view the reef from above on a scenic helicopter flight. For anyone happy to get into the water, there’s snorkelling in the sheltered coral lagoon, or join a marine biologist on a guided snorkel safari. For the more adventurous, further optional activities include a Seawalker Helmet dive, an introductory scuba dive, or if qualified a certified scuba dive. In between activities, included is a tropical fresh buffet lunch and after four hours at the reef, we return to Cairns sharing stories of our day’s adventures.

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 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.

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. Or perhaps, visit Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures?

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 why not finish your day with 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, Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle or Glasgow, bringing to an end our incredible adventure.