Essential Australia Tour

Essential Australia itinerary

This wonderful tour offers exceptional value for money and takes you to all of Australia’s must-see locations. Locally escorted by your Distant Journeys Tour Manager and operated at a leisurely pace, welcome to our new tour for 2019/2020: Essential Australia.

19-day Essential Australia, from £3,995

If you would like more information about a particular hotel or destination, please click on the orange text.

Day 1: Depart UK

Fly with Qantas or Emirates at 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.
In-flight meals and drinks included

Day 2: Melbourne, 3 nights

All flights with Qantas/Emirates to Melbourne travel via Dubai. After clearing customs and collecting our luggage we board our waiting coach and transfer to the four star Parkview Hotel, located between Albert and Fawkner Parks, just a tram ride away from Melbourne’s CBD.
In-flight meals and drinks included

Day 3: Melbourne

Our first day in Melbourne starts with a sightseeing tour, taking in the city’s most notable sights and places of interest. Among the places our tour visits are Federation Square, the Victoria Markets, Captain Cook’s Cottage (optional extra charge for entry), the Rod Laver Arena and the Melbourne Cricket Ground. After exploring the heart of the city, we also head to the scenic waterside suburbs of Port Melbourne and St Kilda.
Breakfast included

Day 4: Melbourne Freedom Day

This is the first Freedom Day of our tour, where you’re free to do as you please and discover Melbourne at your own pace. If you need any advice, our Distant Journeys Tour Manager will be there to recommend the best things to do and places to eat in Melbourne, as well as to help book excursions and make any other arrangements you may need. Alternatively, why not take advantage of our Freedom Days optional tours, to experience even more of Victoria. The first is a tour along the Great Ocean Road, one of the most spectacular road trips in the road. This tour sets off from Torquay, where you’ll find the iconic surfing beach of Bells Beach, following the road along the stunning coastline to the end destination of the Twelve Apostles. Or, why not visit the world’s largest colony of little penguins? They can be found on Philip Island, where you can watch the Penguin Parade.
Breakfast included

Day 5: Sydney, 3 nights

This morning we say goodbye to Melbourne, heading to the airport to fly to Sydney. Once we’ve arrived, we start 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. Following the cruise, our tour takes us around many of the city’s trendy suburbs, taking in Bondi Beach, Double Bay and Rushcutters Bay before returning 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. Our first day in Sydney ends at the North Sydney Harbourview Hotel, where we will stay for the next three nights, enjoying a prime position on the north shore of Sydney, overlooking Sydney Harbour.
Breakfast and lunch included

Day 6: Sydney Freedom Day

This is your first of two Freedom Days in Sydney, where you’re free to enjoy Sydney 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. Among the other landmarks you’ll get to visit are Wentworth Falls, an incredible three-tiered waterfall, and the pretty village of Leura, a hub for local art and culture, famous for its annual garden festivals.
Breakfast included

Day 7: Sydney Freedom Day

A second Freedom Day in Sydney to further explore this wonderful city. 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 cafes, endless shopping opportunities and a vibrant culture and it’s very easy to understand why Sydney is one of the world’s favourite cities. Enjoy!
Breakfast included

Day 8: Cairns, 4 nights

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

Day 9: The Great Barrier Reef

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 out to the Marine World 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, glass-bottomed boat or underwater observatory. With five hours at the reef there is plenty of time to do it all. For the more adventurous, there are a number of 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.
Breakfast and lunch included

Day 10: Cairns Freedom Day

Although today has been left free you may wish to take an optional trip to Kuranda. Our tour begins with traditional Tjapukai aboriginal culture including authentic music, dance and storytelling by the Tjapukai people. 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, butterfly sanctuary or the Koala Gardens. 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.
Breakfast included

Day 11: Cairns Freedom Day

Another Freedom Day to enjoy in 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. 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 Heritagelisted Cape Tribulation. The tour gives a wonderful insight into rainforest’s unique flora and fauna, including a walk with an aboriginal guide and a cruise spotting saltwater crocodiles.
Breakfast included

Day 12: Uluru (Ayers Rock), Overnight

An early start today as 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. Upon arrival we visit the impressive series of rounded sandstone domes known as the Olgas. Later in the day we travel to Uluru where we can enjoy a glass of sparkling wine whilst witnessing the changing colours as the sun begins to set. It’s truly a photographer’s delight. Overnight at the four-star Desert Gardens Hotel.
Breakfast included

Day 13: Alice Springs, 2 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. This afternoon we travel east through amazing landscapes as we journey along the scenic Lasseter and Stuart Highways and make our way to the outback town of Alice Springs. Upon arrival, we shall transfer to the four-star Mercure Hotel, situated on the banks of the Todd River.
Breakfast included

Day 14: Alice Springs Freedom Day

Nestled within the MacDonnell Ranges, Alice is the geographical centre of Australia, made famous by its rich pioneering history and ancient indigenous culture. This morning you may wish to take an adventure in slow motion with an optional hot air balloon trip over the outback landscapes. After breakfast, there is a choice of optional tours available. Perhaps join a half day sightseeing tour of this ‘Town Called Alice’. 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. Alternatively, you may wish to take a trip to the Western MacDonnell Ranges; an excellent opportunity to get a real picture of life in the outback. The full day excursion takes us through the wondrous and picturesque scenery of Simpson’s Gap and the towering granite walls of Standley Chasm.
Breakfast included

Day 15: Perth, 3 nights

This morning we make our way to Alice Springs Airport in time for our flight to Perth, the capital of Western Australia. Upon our arrival we shall transfer to the Pan Pacific Hotel, overlooking the beautiful Swan River. This afternoon take a stroll by the river and get yourself acquainted with this stunning city.
Breakfast included

Day 16: Perth

Nicknamed the ‘friendly city’, Perth is Australia’s sunniest capital and the world’s most isolated city. 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.
Breakfast included

Day 17: Perth Freedom Day

Your final full day in Australia gives you the chance to spend the day as you please. We also offer two optional tours so you can take the advantage of the remainder of 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.
Breakfast included

Day 18: Depart Perth

The day is your own until it’s time to depart for the airport. Our flights to our chosen UK airport operate via Dubai where there will be a change of aircraft. London Heathrow passengers may be able to take advantage of the non-stop Qantas flight from Perth.
Breakfast and in-flight meals & drinks included

Day 19: Arrive UK

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.
In-flight meals and drinks included