Grand Tour of Australia

Arrive in Singapore and head 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.

Known as ‘the crossroads of Asia', Singapore is a city where east meets west. This morning, enjoy a tour of the city. The tour includes a stop at Merlion Park with its impressive views of Marina Bay, the historic Civic District, Thian Hock Keng Temple and the fabulous Singapore Botanic Gardens. Return to the hotel where the rest of our day is free to spend as we please.

Enjoy time at leisure in Singapore before our onward flight. Perhaps enjoy high tea at the famous Raffles Hotel or discover the striking Supertrees and colourful gardens of Gardens by the Bay. Later, we travel to the airport for our evening flight to Perth. Arriving in Western Australia later tonight, we transfer to the Duxton Hotel, our base for the next four nights.

Following a leisurely breakfast, we meet our Tour Manager and fellow travellers to learn more about the adventure ahead. Later, we visit Caversham Wildlife Park for our first introduction to Australia’s fascinating native wildlife. Set within Whiteman Park, Caversham is home to around 200 species, with the chance to encounter some of the country’s best-known animals, including koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, possums, Tasmanian devils and wombats.

Begin the day at Kings Park, where native bushland and colourful wildflowers are complemented by sweeping views across Perth. Continue past some of the city’s best-known landmarks to the white sands of Cottesloe Beach, before travelling to the historic port town of Fremantle to visit the Shipwrecks Museum. Later, cruise along the Swan River back to Perth, passing some of the impressive homes lining its banks. This afternoon, there is also the option to visit Nambung National Park and see the distinctive limestone Pinnacles.

Our first Australian Freedom Day is yours to spend as you please. Perhaps join an optional trip to Rottnest Island, a protected nature reserve known for its white-sand beaches, secluded coves and resident quokkas – small marsupials found in only a few places in Western Australia. Alternatively, spend more time discovering Perth and its riverside setting at your own pace.

This morning, we leave Perth behind and fly north to Darwin. Sitting on the shores of the Timor Sea, this tropical city offers a change of scenery and a gateway to Australia’s Top End. On arrival, we check into the DoubleTree by Hilton Esplanade, our base for the next three nights.

Our sightseeing begins at the Defence of Darwin Experience, where we learn about the city’s role during World War II and the bombing of Darwin in 1942. We then visit the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, with its collections exploring Indigenous art, natural history and the region’s heritage. A special exhibition here also showcases the devastating impact of Cyclone Tracy. We enjoy lunch at the Trailer Boat Club overlooking the harbour, before an afternoon at leisure.

The day is yours for discovering more of Darwin or simply relax and make the most of our hotel’s Esplanade location. The interesting Crocosaurus Cove aquarium is just a short stroll away. Alternatively, venture beyond the city on an optional excursion to Litchfield National Park, known for its waterfalls, distinctive rock formations, rainforest and open savannah. Those wishing to see more of Australia’s ‘Top End’, a full day excursion to Kakadu National Park, with its vast wetlands, rivers and ancient escarpments can be arranged.

This morning, we leave Darwin behind and fly east to Cairns, our next destination in tropical North Queensland. On arrival, we transfer to the Hilton Cairns. The remainder of the day is free to settle in and become acquainted with our new surroundings. Perhaps take a stroll along the nearby Cairns Esplanade, following the waterfront and taking in views across Trinity Inlet.

Enjoy time at leisure in Cairns or join an optional excursion to Kuranda. Travel aboard the Kuranda Scenic Railway, winding through tropical rainforest, across 40 bridges and through 15 tunnels to the ‘Village in the Rainforest’. Browse Kuranda’s markets or perhaps visit the Butterfly Sanctuary or Koala Gardens before continuing to Rainforestation Nature Park. Here, we gain an insight into Aboriginal culture with the Pamagirri people, before returning to Cairns on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, gliding above the rainforest canopy with far-reaching views towards the coast.

The day is free to enjoy Cairns or discover more of the natural wonders found across tropical North Queensland. Perhaps rise above the landscape on a dawn hot air balloon flight or venture to the ancient Daintree Rainforest, where lush rainforest meets the coast. Alternatively, visit Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures, following timber boardwalks and paths through woodland and rainforest to encounter an array of Australian wildlife. Those wishing to stay closer to Cairns can discover its parks, galleries and walking trails, before perhaps ending the day with a sunset cruise.

An early start this morning as we board the Spirit of Queensland for our rail journey south. Sit back and watch the scenery unfold as we travel from Cairns towards Proserpine, passing tropical rainforest, mountain ranges, stretches of coastline and rural communities along the way. Enjoy lunch on board as we continue through Queensland before arriving in Proserpine in the late afternoon. From here, we journey to the coastal town of Airlie Beach and check into the Coral Sea Resort for our three-night stay.

Today is yours to enjoy Airlie Beach as you please. Relax by the hotel pool or follow the waterfront boardwalk into town. For time on the water, join an optional sailing trip aboard Lady Enid to Hook Island, where you can swim and snorkel among colourful coral gardens and look out for turtles. Alternatively, join a crocodile safari to see estuarine crocodiles in the wild, take in aerial views of the Whitsundays on a scenic helicopter flight or round off the day with a sunset sailing cruise.

This morning, we leave the tropical shores of Queensland behind and make our way to the airport for our flight south to Melbourne, known for its distinctive neighbourhoods, thriving food scene, cultural attractions and characterful laneways. On arrival, we check into the Pan Pacific Melbourne, with time to settle in and look forward to discovering more of the city tomorrow.

Discover Melbourne on a sightseeing tour taking in many of the city’s best-known sights, including the leafy Treasury Gardens, Queen Victoria Market, Federation Square, the Melbourne Cricket Ground and Rod Laver Arena. We also venture beyond the city centre to the waterside suburbs of St Kilda and Port Melbourne, offering a different perspective on life in Victoria’s capital. This afternoon, we slow the pace and enjoy high tea before returning to our hotel, with the evening free to spend as we please.

Discover more of Melbourne at your own pace, perhaps exploring its green spaces, galleries and cafés. Alternatively, venture beyond the city on an optional excursion aboard the historic Puffing Billy steam train, travelling through the forested scenery of the Dandenong Ranges on one of Australia’s best-known heritage railways. Another option is to visit Phillip Island, where coastal scenery and native wildlife await, including the famous Penguin Parade, as little penguins return to shore at dusk.

Enjoy more time at leisure in Melbourne, perhaps revisiting a favourite neighbourhood or discovering somewhere new. Alternatively, join an optional full-day tour along the Great Ocean Road, one of Australia’s most celebrated coastal routes. Follow the winding road beside sheer cliffs, sweeping ocean views and forested landscapes as we make our way towards the Twelve Apostles, the towering limestone formations rising dramatically from the Southern Ocean.

This morning, we head to Melbourne Airport for our flight to Adelaide. On arrival, we discover South Australia’s capital on an introductory tour, taking in its broad streets, handsome Victorian architecture and the parks and gardens that surround the city centre. Framed by the Mount Lofty Ranges and with a relaxed atmosphere, Adelaide provides an inviting base for the next few days. Later, we continue to the centrally located Crowne Plaza Adelaide, our home for the next three nights.

Today, we venture beyond Adelaide to visit Mount Lofty, with its lookout and gardens, before heading on to Hahndorf, Australia’s oldest surviving German settlement. Here tree-lined streets and traditional Fachwerk buildings reflect the village’s European heritage. We then continue to the Barossa Valley, one of Australia’s best-known wine regions, with vineyards stretching across rolling countryside. After visiting a working blacksmith museum, we head to one of the region’s wineries for a tasting, followed by lunch surrounded by the vines.

Choose how to enjoy your Freedom Day, whether exploring the city on foot or enjoying an afternoon of wine tasting among the vineyards of McLaren Vale. Alternatively, join an optional day trip to Kangaroo Island, known for its coastline, distinctive rock formations and opportunities to encounter native Australian wildlife in its natural surroundings.

Enjoy breakfast on board The Ghan as the scenery changes on our approach to Port Augusta, known as the ‘Gateway to the Outback’. From here, we venture into the Flinders Ranges, one of the world’s oldest mountain ranges, characterised by rugged gorges and striking red rock formations. After lunch, visit historic Kanyaka Station to hear stories of the early settlers who farmed this remote landscape. Returning to The Ghan, enjoy dinner on board as we continue through the Australian Outback.

Wake to an Outback sunrise as The Ghan continues north, pausing at the remote outpost of Marla before brunch on board. Arriving in Alice Springs, we leave The Ghan and visit the Royal Flying Doctor Service to learn about its vital work across Australia’s remote communities. We check into the DoubleTree by Hilton for two nights, then head to Alice Springs Desert Park to enjoy a traditional bush BBQ, before rounding off the evening on a nocturnal tour, discovering the wildlife of the Red Centre, as native animals emerge after dark.

At the School of the Air today we learn how lessons are delivered to children living in some of Australia’s most geographically isolated communities, as well as visiting the Old Telegraph Station nature reserve and historic buildings. We then venture into the West MacDonnell Ranges, where striking red cliffs, ancient gorges and pockets of greenery contrast with the surrounding desert. We continue to Standley Chasm, owned by the local Aborigines, this narrow gorge was carved through the sandstone over millions of years. We can now walk between its towering rock walls and discover some of the native flora and fauna found within this striking landscape. We have lunch at a local café, before returning this afternoon to Alice Springs.

Following breakfast, we leave Alice Springs and travel through the vast landscapes of Australia’s Red Centre towards Uluru. On arrival, we check into the Desert Gardens Hotel for our two-night stay. As evening approaches, we raise a glass of sparkling wine with our travelling companions and watch as the setting sun casts changing shades of red and ochre across Uluru.

This morning, we head to the airport for our flight to Sydney. Set around one of the world’s most recognisable harbours, Australia’s largest city combines famous landmarks with sandy beaches, waterside neighbourhoods and pockets of native bushland. The Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge define the city’s famous skyline, while a lively mix of restaurants, cafés, shops and cultural attractions provide plenty more to discover. On arrival, we proceed to the Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour, our base for the next four nights.

Our sightseeing continues with a visit to Watsons Bay and on to Bondi Beach, one of Sydney’s best-known stretches of coastline, before returning to the city centre to visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Hyde Park Barracks. Here, discover stories of the convicts who lived within its walls and gain an insight into Sydney’s colonial past. The remainder of the day is free to explore at your own pace. Perhaps wander through the historic streets of The Rocks, browse its shops and markets or simply pause to enjoy views across the harbour.

Make the most of your final day in Sydney or venture beyond the city on an optional excursion to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains. Here, vast eucalyptus forests, sandstone cliffs and deep gorges create some of New South Wales’ most distinctive scenery. Take in sweeping views from a series of lookouts, including Echo Point, where the famous Three Sisters rock formation rises above the Jamison Valley and enjoy high tea at an historic hotel.

Following breakfast, we bid farewell to Sydney and transfer to the airport for our return flight to the UK, taking with us many memories of our time Down Under.

After an incredible few weeks discovering Australia, our tour comes to an end as we arrive back at our chosen UK airport.