Wonders of Australia Tour

Wonders of Australia itinerary

There are so many wonders of Australia just waiting for you to discover. And that’s what our Wonders of Australia Tour is all about – exposing you to them all. From the stunning sights of The Great Barrier Reef to the mysterious landscapes of the Outback.

Day 1 – Depart UK
Depart from the UK airport most convenient for you with Qantas / Emirates, at no extra cost: London Heathrow, Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle or Glasgow.
In-flight meals and drinks included

Day 2 – Singapore, 2 nights
All flights to Singapore will travel via Dubai. Arrive into the wonderful city of Singapore and transfer to the four star Copthorne Kings Hotel, situated in an enviable position close to the banks of the Singapore River.
In-flight meals and drinks included

Alternative Stopover – Dubai

We have based days 2 – 4 of this itinerary on a stopover in Singapore. Alternatively you may choose to stop in Dubai for the same price. All stopovers include transfers to and from the hotel, daily breakfast and a city sightseeing tour. If choosing Dubai, flight timings vary – please speak with one of our personal travel experts for more details.

Day 3 – Singapore
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 this wonderful city. Included is a stop at Merlion Park and the impressive views of Marina Bay, 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.
Breakfast included

Day 4 – Depart Singapore
A day at leisure in Singapore until it’s time to leave for our evening flight to Melbourne. Possibly enjoy high tea at Raffles or explore the wonderful Gardens by the Bay.
Breakfast and in-flight meals and drinks included

Day 5 – Melbourne, 3 nights
After clearing customs and collecting our luggage this morning, we take a city tour of Melbourne. Sights include Captain Cook’s Cottage (optional entry at own expense), 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. We spend our first three nights in Australia at the four star Mercure Treasury Gardens, situated in a wonderful location, just opposite Fitzroy Gardens.
In-flight meals and drinks included

Day 6 – Melbourne Freedom Day
This is our first Freedom Day, where 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, we have the opportunity to take a trip to Phillip Island, home to the world’s largest colony of Fairy Penguins, to view the Penguin Parade. Alternatively, take the Puffing Billy steam train through the Blue Dandenong Ranges, explore the city’s most famous sporting landmarks or take dinner on the city’s historic tramcar.
Breakfast included

Day 7 – Melbourne Freedom Day
With so much to do and see in and around Melbourne, 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. 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.
Breakfast included

Day 8 – Adelaide, 2 nights
Following breakfast this morning, we board our flight to Adelaide. Upon arrival, we shall take a sightseeing tour of the city. We will be introduced to Adelaide’s streets, historic buildings and the attractive parks and gardens that surround the city. Included is a drive along Brabham Straight, a section of Australia’s first international grand prix circuit. Later, we arrive at the excellent Stamford Plaza for our next two nights.
Breakfast included

Day 9 – Adelaide Freedom Day
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.
Breakfast included

Day 10 – The Ghan, Overnight
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. Known for being 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, air-conditioned, 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. During lunch, marvel at the ever changing landscape as we journey north. This evening, following dinner, sleep to the rhythm of the rails.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner PLUS selected on-board drinks included

Day 11 – Alice Springs, 2 nights
Awake this morning to notice the contrast between the fiery red earth and the cobalt blue skies before enjoying 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 four star DoubleTree by Hilton.
Breakfast included

Day 12 – Alice Springs Freedom Day
Our day is free to relax or explore the outback. You may wish to take an optional hot air balloon trip over the outback landscapes. Alternatively an excursion to the Western MacDonnell Ranges is an excellent opportunity to get a real picture of life in the outback. The full day tour takes us through the wondrous and picturesque scenery of Simpson’s Gap, and the towering granite walls of Standley Chasm.
Breakfast included

Day 13 – Uluru (Ayers Rock), Overnight
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. Relax and 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 14 – Cairns, 4 nights
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, prior to a gentle stroll around significant areas of the rock to learn more about its historical and cultural importance. Later, we visit the impressive series of rounded sandstone domes known as the Olgas. Afterwards we leave for the 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 15 – 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 bottom 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 16 – Cairns Freedom Day
Although today has been left free you may wish to take an optional trip to Kuranda.  To begin the day, guests are able to immerse themselves in traditional aboriginal culture at the Tjapukai Cultural Centre, with authentic music, dance and storytelling by the Tjapukai people.   We then take the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, a beautiful experience gliding over the rainforest canopy, to the picturesque market town of Kuranda, ‘the village in the rainforest’.  Kuranda is a lovely place to while away a few hours visiting the daily markets, the butterfly sanctuary or the Koala Gardens. The tour returns to Cairns by a scenic railway journey.
Breakfast included

**Please note, for the 2017 /18 season, the Great Barrier Reef visit will be a day later in the itinerary, with the first Cairns Freedom Day now being day 15 and day 16 will be spent at the Great Barrier Reef.

Day 17 – Cairns Freedom Day
Another free day to enjoy and relax 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, as well as the option to take a hot air balloon ride over the Atherton Tablelands. If you prefer to venture further afield, a day trip to the nearby World Heritage listed Daintree Rainforest, which is the oldest rainforest in the world, is a fascinating experience. The tour gives a wonderful insight into rainforest’s unique flora and fauna, including a guided walk with an aboriginal guide and a cruise spotting saltwater crocodiles.
Breakfast included

Day 18 – Sydney, 3 nights
This morning we make our way to Cairns airport in time for our flight to Sydney. Upon arrival we head to the four star North Sydney Harbourview Hotel, overlooking Sydney Harbour Bridge. 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.
Breakfast and in-flight drinks included

Day 19 – Sydney – Sightseeing & luncheon cruise
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.
Breakfast and lunch included

Day 20 – Sydney Freedom Day
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 Wentworth Falls and the pretty village of Leura, famous for their annual garden festivals and playing host to many of the region’s local artists.
Breakfast included

Day 21 – Depart Sydney
The day is yours until it’s time to depart for the airport, early afternoon. Our flights to our chosen UK airport operate via Dubai where there will be a change of aircraft.
Breakfast and in-flight meals and drinks included

SPECIAL OFFER – SAVE UP TO £492 PER COUPLE

If you would like to stopover on your way home, we have an amazing offer on a selection of stopovers for you to choose from: Singapore, Hong Kong, Bangkok or Dubai.

The price is only £99 per person if sharing a twin or double and £198 for single occupancy.
Included are return airport transfers and two nights accommodation in a four or five star hotel with full daily breakfast. See the departure dates and prices for full details. All you need to do is book by 30th June 2018 and travel on a tour departing after 1st September 2018.

Day 22 – Arrive UK
This morning we arrive into our chosen airport (London Heathrow, Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle or Glasgow) bringing to an end our incredible adventure.
In-flight meals and drinks included

Why not combine the Wonders of Australia with one of our New Zealand tours?

If you wish to make the ultimate journey to Australasia, combining the Wonders of Australia and either the Magnificent New Zealand or Very Best of New Zealand tour makes perfect sense.

Please see our Aus & NZ combination tours for more details.