Wonders of Australia Tour

Day 1: Depart UK

Depart from the UK airport most convenient for you with Qantas & Emirates, at no extra cost. Choose from London Heathrow, Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle or Glasgow.

Included meals: In-flight meals and drinks

Day 2: Singapore, 3 nights

Flights from London Heathrow 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 Copthorne Kings Hotel, situated in an enviable position close to the banks of the Singapore River.

Included meals: In-flight meals and drinks

Alternative stopover: Dubai

We have based days 2-5 of this itinerary on a stopover in Singapore. If you prefer, 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. 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. 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.

Included meals: Breakfast

Day 4: Singapore Freedom Day

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.

Included meals: Breakfast

Day 5: Melbourne, 3 nights

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 four-star Stamford Plaza.

Included meals: Breakfast, In-flight meals and drinks

Day 6: Melbourne

A leisurely start this morning before our city tour of Melbourne. Sights include Captain Cook’s Cottage, 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, returning to our hotel later in the day.

Included meals: Breakfast

Day 7: Melbourne Freedom Day

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, 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 tour along one of the world’s most spectacular coastal drives, the internationally renowned Great Ocean Road.

Included meals: Breakfast

Day 8: Cairns, 4 nights

Late in the morning, we make our way to the airport for our flight to Cairns. Upon arrival, we shall transfer to Hilton Hotel  for the next four nights. Ideally located in the heart of Cairns it provides the perfect base to explore this tropical town.

Included meals: Breakfast

Day 9: Great Barrier Reef

Tour Highlight

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 the 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.

Included meals: Breakfast and lunch

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.

Included meals: Breakfast

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, 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, the oldest rainforest in the world, is a fascinating experience. The tour gives a wonderful insight into the rainforest’s unique flora and fauna, including a walk with an aboriginal guide and a cruise spotting saltwater crocodiles.

Included meals: Breakfast

Day 12: Uluru (Ayers Rock), Overnight

Tour Highlight

Leaving Cairns on an early flight, we head to Uluru, the icon of Australia’s outback, and the world’s largest monolith. 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.

Included meals: Breakfast

Day 13: Alice Springs, 2 nights

This morning there’s an opportunity to see the sunrise over Uluru for those of us who wish to do so. A little later, we take a tour of the impressive series of rounded sandstone domes known as the Olgas. This afternoon we travel east through amazing outback landscapes as we journey along the scenic Lasseter and Stuart Highways and make our way to the outback town of Alice Springs. Our home for the next two nights is the four-star DoubleTree by Hilton.

Included meals: Breakfast

Day 14: Alice Springs Freedom Day

Our day is free to relax or explore the outback. 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.

Included meals: Breakfast

Day 15: The Ghan, overnight

This morning, we board our coach and enjoy a sightseeing tour of Alice Springs. 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.

Tour Highlight

Then it’s time to make our way to Alice Springs Rail Terminal ready for our magnificent overland rail journey to Adelaide, on Australia’s southern coastline. Known for being one of the world’s iconic rail journeys, The Ghan was named after the Afghan cameleers who once traversed this route. Our twin accommodation is in Gold Service cabins, featuring air-conditioned, private sleepers, all with upper and lower bunk beds, en-suite shower, washbasin and toilet. Single travellers will be accommodated in Gold Service single cabins, which are configured as a lounge chair by day, converting into a bed at night, with shared bathroom facilities at the end of each carriage. Whilst onboard, all our meals are included, as are a wide selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. During lunch, marvel at the everchanging landscape as we journey south. Later enjoy an off-train experience as The Ghan makes a short stop in Manguri. This evening following dinner, sleep to the rhythm of the rails.

Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner PLUS selected onboard drinks

Day 16: Adelaide, 2 nights

In 25 hours aboard The Ghan we will have covered 1,555 kilometres and passed golden wheat fields, vast sheep stations, rugged mountain ranges, salt lakes and the Simpson Desert. Following breakfast this morning, we arrive into 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, Victorian buildings and attractive parks and gardens that surround the city. Later, we arrive at the Peppers Waymouth, for our next two nights.

Included meals: Breakfast

Day 17: 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 on the Fleurieu Peninsula, which offers a unique touring experience combining friendly, native wildlife with the natural, unspoilt wilderness.

Included meals: Breakfast

Day 18: Sydney, 3 nights

This morning we make our way to Adelaide Airport in time for our flight to Sydney. Upon arrival, we head to the four-star Mantra 2 Bond Street. 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.

Included meals: Breakfast

Day 19: Sydney

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.

Included meals: Breakfast and lunch

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.

Included meals: Breakfast

Day 21: Depart Sydney

The day is yours 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.

Included meals: Breakfast, In-flight meals and drinks

SPECIAL LAUNCH OFFER: SAVE up to £632 per couple!

If you would like to stopover on your way home we have an amazing stopover offer available from £29 per person for a stay in Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong, or Dubai. Alternatively, if you prefer, we have a relaxing Bali stopover available from £199 per person. All you need to do to take advantage of this amazing offer is select a departure travelling from September 2021 onwards and book by 1st March 2021

Day 22: Arrive UK

This morning we arrive at our chosen airport; London Heathrow, Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle or Glasgow, bringing to an end our incredible adventure.

Included meals: In-flight meals and drinks