Australia, Tasmania & Murray River Cruise

Arrive in Singapore and transfer to the four-star M Hotel City Centre, our home for the next two nights. The day is yours to relax or begin exploring this vibrant city-state at your own pace. Ideally located close to the Singapore River, the hotel provides a convenient base from which to discover Singapore's modern skyline, colourful neighbourhoods and renowned dining scene.

We discover the fascinating city of Singapore, often referred to as the 'crossroads of Asia', where eastern traditions blend seamlessly with modern innovation. Our guided sightseeing tour begins at Merlion Park, where we enjoy impressive views across Marina Bay, before continuing through the Civic District. We also visit Thian Hock Keng Temple, one of Singapore's oldest Chinese temples, and the beautiful Singapore Botanic Gardens, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Returning to our hotel, the remainder of the day is free to relax or to explore independently or simply relax.

The day is yours to spend as you wish before we transfer to the airport for our overnight flight to Melbourne. You can choose to indulge in the famous afternoon tea at the iconic Raffles Singapore, stroll through the spectacular Gardens by the Bay, or enjoy some last-minute shopping before heading to the airport for our onward flight to Australia.

Upon our arrival in Melbourne, we transfer to our hotel for a three-night stay, the Pan Pacific or Pullman on the Park hotel. Early check-in has been arranged, allowing time to relax and refresh after the journey. Later, we meet our Tour Manager, who will provide an introduction to the experiences that await as our Australian adventure begins.

Following breakfast, we set out on our sightseeing tour of Melbourne, discovering the city's blend of historic landmarks, green spaces and modern attractions. Highlights include the picturesque Treasury Gardens, the bustling Queen Victoria Market, Federation Square, the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground and Rod Laver Arena. We also explore the suburbs of St Kilda and Port Melbourne before returning to our hotel. The remainder of the afternoon is free to explore independently or relax.

Spend the day exploring Melbourne at your own pace. Perhaps wander through the city's vibrant laneways or relax in one of its many cafés. Alternatively, join an optional excursion into the lush Dandenong Ranges National Park, where a rail experience aboard the historic Puffing Billy steam train is followed by a visit to Healesville Sanctuary, home to many of Australia's native species, including the Tasmanian devil. Alternatively, you may choose to join a scenic drive along the Great Ocean Road, home to one of the world’s most stunning coastlines.

We continue cruising the Murray River, watching the scenery drift by from the deck. Along the way, we step ashore to visit the Great Aussie Beer Shed & Heritage Farm, where a guided tour offers a nostalgic insight into Australia's rural heritage. Later, we enjoy lunch and a wine tasting at the award-winning St Anne's Winery before returning to the PS Australian Star. This evening, dinner is served on board as we continue downstream towards Deep Creek Marina.

Perricoota Station is our first stop this morning, a grand riverside homestead steeped in colonial history. We enjoy a guided walk through the maintained grounds and historic buildings, learning about the early settlers who helped shape the region. Returning to the boat, we continue cruising towards Torrumbarry Weir, an important heritage site on the Murray River where we learn about the historic lock system and the surrounding wetlands of the Murray–Darling Basin. Back on board, we gather for sunset canapés before enjoying a memorable farewell Captain dinner.

Early risers may wish to enjoy a final stroll along the banks of the Murray River before we gather for our last breakfast on board. After disembarking in Torrumbarry Weir, we then transfer by road back to Melbourne for our flight to Launceston. On arrival in Tasmania, we continue to Cradle Mountain, where we check in for a two-night stay at the Cradle Mountain Hotel or Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge surrounded by the island's dramatic wilderness. This evening, we enjoy dinner together at our hotel ahead of our exploration of Tasmania.

Today, we explore the impressive Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. A short drive brings us to the shores of Dove Lake, where we enjoy a scenic walk with magnificent views of the iconic Cradle Mountain. Along the way, we pass through a variety of distinctive Tasmanian vegetation, before returning to our hotel for an afternoon at leisure. Perhaps visit the Wilderness Gallery to admire the work of Tasmanian artists and craftspeople or simply relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Leaving Cradle Mountain behind, we travel west through Tasmania's rugged wilderness towards the harbour town of Strahan. Along the way, we stop at the Vale of Belvoir Lookout for another impressive view of Cradle Mountain before heading to the historic mining town of Zeehan, named after Dutch explorer Abel Tasman’s sailing brig. Later, we visit the remarkable Henty Sand Dunes, a series of giant dunes behind Ocean Beach, formed by the wild winds of the Roaring Forties. Arriving in Strahan, we check in to the Strahan Village before enjoying a buffet dinner together this evening.

This morning, we board the historic West Coast Wilderness Railway for a memorable railway experience through Tasmania's remote rainforest, following one of the country's most remarkable heritage rail routes. Afterwards, we continue east across the island, stopping at Lake St Clair, where there is time to admire the tranquil scenery. Later, we arrive in Hobart and enjoy a short city tour, introducing us to Tasmania's charming capital, before checking in to the Crowne Plaza Hotel for a two-night stay.

Today, we make our way along the scenic Tasman Peninsula to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Port Arthur. Established in 1830, Port Arthur offers a fascinating insight into Tasmania's colonial past as we explore the preserved grounds and historic buildings. Our visit also includes a short harbour cruise. Later, we enjoy lunch together at a local lavender farm before returning to Hobart, where the remainder of the day is at leisure.

After breakfast, we transfer to the airport for our flight to Sydney. On arrival, we check in to our hotel, the Amora Jamison Hotel for a three-night stay, ideally located for exploring the city's famous landmarks and vibrant waterfront. The afternoon is free to spend as you wish. We come together this evening for a memorable dinner cruise on Sydney Harbour. As we glide across the water, we enjoy wonderful views of the city's glittering skyline, including the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge.

The day is free to enjoy Sydney at your own pace. Alternatively, join an optional excursion to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains, where dramatic sandstone escarpments, eucalyptus forests and deep valleys create one of Australia's most renowned regions. Visit scenic lookouts, including Echo Point for views of the iconic Three Sisters rock formation, before continuing to the charming village of Leura followed by afternoon tea at the historic Hydro Majestic Hotel before returning to Sydney.

This morning, before breakfast, we can watch 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. Returning to our hotel, the afternoon and evening are at leisure. Perhaps choose a pre-booked optional experience, such as the acclaimed Field of Light installation or the Sounds of Silence dinner beneath the stars.

We leave Uluru behind and travel through the vast outback of the Red Centre along the Lasseter and Stuart Highways to Alice Springs. After checking in to the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel, we visit the remarkable Alice Springs Desert Park for a special evening experience. Following a barbecue dinner, we join a ranger-led tour at dusk, when many of the park's nocturnal animals begin to emerge. This unique experience offers the opportunity to observe endangered native wildlife, including the mala, bilby and bandicoot, in their natural desert habitat.

This morning, we explore Alice Springs on a guided tour, including the historic Old Telegraph Station and the School of the Air. Here, we gain an insight into the innovative methods developed to educate children living in some of Australia's most remote communities. Later, we fly to Cairns, our final destination in Australia, where we check in at the waterfront Hilton Cairns hotel for a four-night stay at our waterfront hotel.

Today is free to relax or explore Cairns at your own pace. Alternatively, join an optional excursion to Kuranda, travelling aboard the historic Scenic Railway before visiting Rainforestation Nature Park to learn about the traditions of the Pamagirri Aboriginal people, then return to Cairns by the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, enjoying views over the rainforest canopy.

Spend today exploring tropical North Queensland independently. Alternatively, join an optional excursion to the ancient Daintree Rainforest, including a visit to Mossman Gorge and a wildlife cruise in search of saltwater crocodiles. Other optional experiences include a visit to Hartley's Crocodile Adventures, a sunrise hot air balloon flight over the Atherton Tablelands or a sunset dinner cruise.

Our Australian adventure comes to an end as we transfer to Cairns Airport for our overnight flight back to the UK.

We arrive back into our chosen UK airport with wonderful memories of cruising the Murray River, discovering Tasmania's wilderness and experiencing Australia's remarkable wildlife and iconic landscapes.