In July, Lauren and Riah from our Reservations team set off on an unforgettable journey Down Under, on our Essential Australia escorted tour. This itinerary is perfect for those who want to see all the iconic sights of Australia but don’t have the time to take one of our longer trips. They were guided across this vast island, renowned for some of the world’s oldest cultures, breathtaking landscapes, a dazzling array of wildlife, and cosmopolitan waterside cities, which left a lasting impression on them. Riah said: “As someone who had never visited Australia before, I can’t believe how much of the country we experienced in just under three weeks!”
Our 19-day itinerary includes visits to the colourful, cosmopolitan cities of Perth, Melbourne and Sydney; a four-night stay in Cairns, experiencing the tropical beauty of North Queensland, including an unforgettable day exploring the Great Barrier Reef; and takes you to the heart of Dreamtime in Australia’s Red Centre with a memorable visit to Uluru.
Lauren reflected: “From meeting an Aboriginal tribe and visiting the Great Barrier Reef to watching the sunrise over Uluru, I have fallen in love with Australia and its enviable way of life. It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
In this blog, we share their personal insights and highlights following their trip.
Immersive Experiences
No holiday to Australia is complete without a visit to the Great Barrier Reef, the world’s largest coral reef. Its vibrantly coloured marine life and breathtakingly beautiful coral make this World Heritage Site a must-see. We travel to the Outer Reef onboard a high-speed catamaran offering the chance to enjoy snorkelling in the sheltered coral lagoon, or if you prefer to stay dry, you can view the reef from a semi-submersible reef viewer or glass-bottomed boat.
Riah said: “Our day trip to the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns was the highlight of our entire tour! Once you reach the reef, the water is so wonderfully calm. We added the Seawalker Helmet Dive on to our excursion, which allowed us to see the famous Māori Wrasse fish, also known as Wally, and we even spotted a turtle – it felt like real-life ‘Finding Nemo’. We couldn’t resist purchasing the photos taken of us throughout the trip to capture and remember this unbelievable experience!”
A number of activities are available at an additional cost whilst visiting the Great Barrier Reef, including Scuba diving (introductory or certified), the Seawalker Helmet dive mentioned above, joining a marine biologist on a guided snorkel safari, or soaring above the reef on a spectacular scenic helicopter flight.
Cultural Curiosity
On Day 13 of our tour, we fly to Australia’s Red Centre, where we have the opportunity to catch our first glimpse of Uluru from the aircraft as we approach.
What is Uluru rock?
Uluru, also known as Ayers Rock, is a huge chunk of rock known as a monolith, located in the heart of Australia. Dating back approximately 300 million years, it is considered sacred by the Aboriginal people. Australia’s first people have lived in the area for thousands of years, and the rock is now part of the aptly named Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, which is jointly overseen by the Anangu and the Australian government.
Upon arrival at Uluru, we embark on a tour around its base, learning about its historical and cultural significance. We continue our day with a visit to the impressive series of rounded sandstone domes known as the Olgas, or Kata Tjuta, and in the evening, relax with a glass of sparkling wine and nibbles whilst witnessing the changing colours of Uluru as the sun begins to set, it’s truly a photographer’s delight.
Lauren said: “I was in awe of Uluru from the moment we saw it from the plane. Visiting the ‘Field of Light‘ installation at the base of Uluru, featuring 50,000 spheres of light, was a highlight for me. Originally intended as a temporary display by British artist Bruce Munro in 2016, it has remained due to its popularity. The following morning, we returned to Uluru to watch the sunrise over the rock, which was beautiful”.
City Sights
Throughout our Essential Australia tour, we enjoy many included activities and sightseeing tours, and with the inclusion of Freedom Days, you can explore further with optional excursions, or simply relax as you wish. Below we’ve detailed just some of the unmissable experiences available when we visit some of Australia’s key cities:
Perth
Known as the ‘friendly city’, Perth combines stunning beaches, a vibrant arts scene, and beautiful natural parks. We cruise along the scenic Swan River to Fremantle, visit Cottesloe Beach, and explore Kings Park for panoramic city views. Riah shared: “During our time in Perth, we opted for the excursion to Rottnest Island, which I loved. Rottnest Island’s most notable residents are the adorable and friendly quokkas, often dubbed the ‘world’s happiest animals.’ I even got a selfie with one! The island’s beach is amazing, and learning about its WWII history, with military installations to protect Fremantle and Perth, was fascinating.”
Melbourne
Australia’s cultural capital, Melbourne, is renowned for its diverse culture, world-class dining, and charming laneways. We explore iconic sites like Treasury Gardens and the Melbourne Cricket Ground and venture to the suburbs of St. Kilda and Port Melbourne. On our Freedom Day, we highly recommend a visit to Phillip Island to see the ‘Penguin Parade’, where over 2,000 penguins return to their burrows. Lauren said: “On our full-day excursion, our first stop was Moonlit Sanctuary, where we fed kangaroos and wallabies and took photos with koalas. We then travelled to Phillip Island, where the ‘Plus Parade’ allowed us to sit close to the penguin huts. Watching the penguins return from the ocean was spectacular, and enjoying calamari and a glass of wine made it even more memorable.”
Sydney
Sydney, Australia’s largest city, is famed for landmarks like the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, along with its beautiful beaches and parks. Our tour includes drives through trendy suburbs, visits to Hyde Park and Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair, and concludes with a stylish lunch cruise around the harbour. Riah reflected: “I was in awe of the iconic Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge—landmarks you simply must see when visiting Australia. Experiencing these sights from a cruise around the stunning Sydney Harbour while enjoying lunch made for an unforgettable day. Afterwards, a leisurely city walk with the chance to shop was the perfect way to further explore this vibrant city.”
Singapore Stopover
To extend their adventure, Lauren and Riah included a two-night homebound stopover in Singapore. Renowned for its impressive skyline, immaculate streets, and cultural diversity, Singapore is a vibrant city that offers a captivating blend of modern attractions and rich traditions, making it a perfect addition to their journey.
Lauren said: “We started our sightseeing at Arab Street, visiting a Chinese temple. It’s incredible to see so many beliefs and religions coexisting in Singapore. We also explored Orchid Garden, Merlion Park, and the iconic Marina Bay Sands complex. That evening, we visited Chinatown and Little India, followed by a boat cruise around Marina Bay, there was just so much to see. On our second day, we were mesmerised by the breathtaking Gardens by the Bay. We capped off our trip with afternoon tea at the iconic Raffles Hotel, enjoying a Singapore Sling and participating in the tradition of eating monkey nuts and tossing the shells onto the floor, it was quite an experience!”
Start planning your next adventure…
You can experience everything this beautiful country has to offer on our 19-day Essential Australia tour, with prices starting at £5,495pp. Throughout your tour, you’ll enjoy quality accommodation, daily breakfast and many included activities and sightseeing tours, plus Freedom Days to explore and relax as you wish. Accompanied throughout by a friendly, knowledgeable Tour Manager and offering great value for money, you will make new friends, enjoy unmissable experiences and take home many unforgettable memories of Australia.
Early Booking Offer
SAVE up to £632 per couple! Book your place on any tour to Australia departing from September 2025 and choose an amazing homebound stopover to Dubai, Bangkok, Singapore, Sentosa Island or Bali from as little as £29 per person. Offer ends 30th November 2024. Find out more…
Don’t forget…Tourist Visa for Australia
If you’re planning a trip to Australia, you’ll need an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA). Don’t worry—Distant Journeys can handle the application for you for just £25 per ETA. This convenient travel document is valid for 12 months and lets you make multiple trips to Australia, with each stay lasting up to three months. While an ETA acts like a visa, you won’t get a stamp or label in your passport. For more details, check out our Australia FAQs here.
