Treasures of Australia Tour

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

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 M Hotel Singapore.

Alternative stopover

We have based days 2-4 of this itinerary on a stopover in Singapore. Should you prefer, you may choose to stop in Dubai or spend two extra nights in Perth for the same price. Your stopover includes transfers, accommodation, daily breakfast, and, if choosing Dubai, a city sightseeing tour. Flight timings will vary. Please speak with one of our personal travel experts for more details.

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 city tour. Witness the intriguing ethnic quarters where Chinese, Malay and Indian influences fuse to produce Singapore’s unique culture. Visit Singapore’s Merlion Park and the botanical gardens before returning to the hotel, where the rest of our day is free to spend as we please. Possibly visit nearby Sentosa Island or enjoy high tea at Raffles.

A day at leisure in Singapore until it’s time to leave for our evening flight to Perth. Upon arrival into Perth later tonight, clear customs and transfer to the Duxton Hotel for our first four nights in Australia.

Named the ‘friendly city’ by tourists from all over the world, Perth is the world’s most isolated city. Following a leisurely breakfast, we meet our Tour Manager and fellow travellers to find out more about our adventure ahead. Later, we enjoy the perfect introduction to Australia’s native wildlife, during a visit to Caversham Wildlife Park. The park showcases many of Australia’s unique and iconic animals, including koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, possums, Tasmanian devils and wombats. Our day finishes with a visit to King’s Park with its captivating wild flowers and bushland, and its location affording incredible views over the city.

This morning, we have arranged a tour to explore Perth, viewing the city’s iconic landmarks and the delightful white sands Cottesloe Beach. We continue to the nearby port town of Fremantle and enjoy a visit to the fascinating Shipwreck Gallery. Later, we see the Millionaire Mansions as we return to the hotel with a cruise along the Swan River. For those interested this afternoon, take an optional trip to Nambung National Park to visit the fascinating limestone formations known as the Pinnacles.

Our first Australian Freedom Day allows us to spend the day as we please. Our Distant Journeys Tour Manager will be on hand with advice on things to do, where to eat, make any arrangements and assist with excursions for you to further explore the area. Perhaps, make the short journey to Rottnest Island, a protected nature reserve with white-sand beaches and secluded coves, and home to the small wallaby-like marsupial, the quokka. Alternatively, travel south of Perth to experience Margaret River, or visit the Swan Valley, Western Australia’s oldest wine area. However, you choose to spend your day – enjoy!

In the morning, we make our way to Perth Airport in time for our flight to Adelaide. Surrounded by grassy parkland, picturesque hills and the Mount Lofty Range, Adelaide could scarcely present a more captivating aspect. On arrival, we will be introduced to Adelaide’s streets, fine Victorian buildings and the attractive parks and gardens that surround the city. Later, transfer to the centrally-located Crowne Plaza Hotel, where we will stay for the next three nights.

During this morning’s sightseeing tour, we leave the city to visit Australia’s oldest surviving German settlement in the quaint village of Hahndorf, with its tree-lined streets and original ‘Fachwerk’ buildings. We continue 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 enjoy an afternoon of wine tasting in the McLaren Vale. Alternatively, join a scenic lunch cruise on the mighty Murray River, or perhaps visit Kangaroo Island situated off the Fleurieu Peninsula, offering a unique touring experience combining friendly, native wildlife with natural, unspoilt wilderness.

We Recommend – Kangaroo Island
A full day tour, with an opportunity to meet a variety of Australia’s wildlife up close and personal.

This morning, we take a short flight to Melbourne, capital of the state of Victoria. Melbourne is a blend of well-preserved grand buildings, bustling laneways and captivating museums. It’s unarguably the sporting capital of Australia, and we view the Rod Laver Arena, home to Australian Open tennis, and Melbourne Cricket Ground, known as the MCG. Our tour also takes in Treasury Gardens, Victoria Markets and Federation Square, before finishing in the waterside suburb of St Kilda. Our accommodation for the next three nights is the Pullman on the Park.

This is our first Freedom Day in Melbourne, where we have the opportunity to spend the day exploring its many parks and laneways or enjoy an excursion aboard the Puffing Billy steam train on Australia’s most notable narrow-gauge railway, through the beautiful Blue Dandenong Ranges. Alternatively, if you’re looking to sample local gourmet delights, you may wish to take an optional Around the Bay Food & Wine Tasting Tour, sampling some of the best produce in Victoria.

A further Freedom Day is an opportunity to enjoy an optional tour along one of the world’s most spectacular coastal drives, the Great Ocean Road. This full day tour meanders along the dramatic southwest coastline to the impressive Twelve Apostles. Alternatively, join an optional Around the Bay Sightseeing tour, taking in the stunning Mornington Peninsula and including a lunch and dolphin spotting cruise. Or why not discover the historic and gastronomic delights of Geelong with a trip on the lovingly restored Q train, or Phillip Island, home to the world’s largest colony of little penguins?

Tour Highlight

Following breakfast this morning, we board our flight to Uluru (Ayers Rock) in Australia’s Red Centre. Before landing, we may have the opportunity to view the world’s largest monolith from our aircraft. On arrival we take a rock base tour enabling us to discover more about its historical and cultural importance. After checking in at the four-star Desert Gardens Hotel, this evening we enjoy a glass of sparkling wine with our travelling companions whilst witnessing the changing colours of Uluru as the sun begins to set. It’s truly a photographer’s delight.

This morning, before breakfast, we have the option of watching the sunrise over Uluru, an awe-inspiring sight. Later, we leave for a tour of the impressive series of rounded sandstone domes known as Kata Tjuta, or the Olgas. 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.

Leaving Uluru this morning, we drive through the Outback along the Lasseter and Stuart Highways to Alice Springs. Home for tonight is either the Crowne Plaza Lasseters or the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel. This evening, perhaps enjoy a quintessentially Aussie experience at the Outback Bush Barbecue.

We Recommend – Outback Barbecue
A fun-filled evening of entertainment and outback cuisine.

Nestled within the MacDonnell Ranges, Alice Springs is an iconic town made famous by its rich pioneering history and ancient indigenous culture. This morning you may wish to take an optional hot air balloon trip over the outback or enjoy a morning tour of the Western MacDonnell Ranges. Later, we enjoy a sightseeing tour. Visits include the Royal Flying Doctor Service, the School of the Air, and the Old Telegraph Station. Later, we board our flight to Darwin, capital of the Northern Territory. Our hotel for the next two nights is the DoubleTree by Hilton Esplanade, which overlooks Darwin Harbour.

Darwin is known for its laid-back fusion of frontier outpost and modern city. Our day has been left totally free to spend in our own particular way. Perhaps visit the thundering waterfalls, rainforest pockets and sacred sites of Litchfield National Park. an ancient landscape of rugged sandstone cliffs, rainforests and spectacular waterfalls tumbling into cool plunge pools. For those wishing to venture further afield, a full day overland or flightseeing excursion to Kakadu National Park can be arranged.

An early start, as we leave for Darwin Airport in time for our one-stop flight to Cairns. Upon arrival we shall transfer to the perfectly-located Hilton Cairns 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 we encounter no fewer than 40 bridges and 15 tunnels. ‘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.

Tour Highlight

A holiday to Australia would not be complete without a visit to the Great Barrier Reef. Its colourful marine life and coral make this World Heritage Site a must see for all visitors. Our day begins when we board our high-speed catamaran and journey to a 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 or glass-bottomed boat. With four hours at the reef there is plenty of time to do it all. For the more adventurous, there are several 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.

Another Freedom Day to enjoy in Far North Queensland. For an unforgettable experience, take a day trip to nearby Daintree Rainforest, the world’s oldest rainforest. Learn about the fascinating secrets of the Daintree on a walk with an Aboriginal guide, and enjoy a cruise on the Daintree River – look out for saltwater crocodiles! The excursion continues to Cape Tribulation, a remote headland, with glorious, unspoilt beaches and walking tracks through the lush forests. If you prefer to stay in Cairns today, there’s lots to enjoy, whether you browse the many shops and galleries or take a cooling dip in the infinity pool at Cairns Lagoon.

We Recommend – Daintree Rainforest
Visit the Daintree Rainforest, cruise the Daintree River looking for crocodiles and view the glorious, unspoilt beaches of Cape Tribulation.

Another day to enjoy the laid-back tropical city of Cairns. Perhaps take a hot air balloon ride at dawn or stroll along the esplanade and enjoy one of the many al fresco cafes. Alternatively, why not take a trip to Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures? Just a short drive from Cairns, there are miles of timber boardwalks and paths winding through woodlands and rainforest where we can see an array of wildlife, including beautiful tropical birds, reptiles, insects and other native fauna. In the evening, you may wish to complete your day with a sunset cruise.

This morning, we make our way to Cairns Airport in time for our flight to Sydney. 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. Upon arrival we head to the Sofitel Wentworth Hotel, in the heart of central Sydney.

Tour Highlight

This morning, our sightseeing tour begins with a drive through some of Sydney’s most fashionable inner-city suburbs, such as Double and Rose Bay, en-route to Watson’s Bay. Here, at the harbour’s entrance, take in the fresh salty air and brilliant vistas of towering cliffs on one side, and the imposing city skyline in the distance on the other. We visit the most famous of Sydney’s city beaches – Bondi – before we make our way back to the city centre. We complete our introduction to Sydney with a lunch 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.

This morning offers three very different treats: a guided tour of Sydney’s Opera House; a stroll through Sydney’s famous Botanic Garden with an Aboriginal guide; and a glimpse into the convict origins of Sydney at the interactive Hyde Park Barracks Museum – a world heritage site. The afternoon has been left free to explore as we please. Catch up on some shopping, climb the impressive Harbour Bridge, visit Taronga Zoo, or enjoy a scenic helicopter flight over Sydney Harbour. Whatever you wish to do, our Tour Manager will be very happy to assist.

Although today has been left free, for those that so desire, we take 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 and includes afternoon tea at the historic Hydro Majestic Hotel.

The day is ours until it’s time to depart for the airport. Our flight to our chosen UK airport operates via Dubai or Singapore, where there will be a change of aircraft.

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This morning, we arrive into our chosen airport (London Heathrow, London Gatwick, London Stanstead, Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle, Edinburgh or Glasgow) bringing an end to our incredible adventure.