The Wonders of Australia

You’ll be the envy of all your friends as you make your way to the airport and begin your once-in-a-lifetime trip to Australia. After checking in and making your way through security, why not relax with a drink before boarding your flight to Perth.

After arriving early on day 3, we'll drive you to your hotel in central Perth where you’ll have time to relax and freshen up after the journey. Perth is situated on Australia’s western coast on the shores of the Indian Ocean. Exciting and cosmopolitan, this afternoon, we’ll discover what makes the city unique on a half-day sightseeing tour. We’ll stroll through Kings Park, taking in fabulous views from its treetop walkway, and see landmarks including the iconic Bell Tower and Elizabeth Quay, with its waterfront bars and restaurants. Finally, we’ll head to the picture-perfect Cottesloe Beach, known for its pristine white sand and crystal-clear water.

Perth has so much to offer and after yesterday’s tour, you can discover its delights just as you wish today. It's one of the world's most envied locations in which to live, with lush parks, excellent restaurants, the stunning Swan River and a lovely warm climate. You could visit the Art Gallery of Western Australia or browse the shops in the open-air Hay Street Mall.
As an alternative, you might choose to join an optional excursion to Rottnest Island, which sits about 12 miles off the coast and is accessible by ferry. It's home to the friendly quokka, a small wallaby-like marsupial, and beautiful white-sand beaches. After touring the island by bus, you’ll enjoy lunch and have some free time before we return to the city

Today has been left free so you can make further discoveries in Perth at your own pace. From walking trails to botanical gardens, there's loads to keep you occupied. Alternatively, why not join an optional tour of the lively port city of Freemantle, which you'll reach via a cruise on the Swan River. Rich in history, Freemantle is filled with handsome 19th-century buildings and after a tour, you’ll have free time to explore at leisure. Coffee lovers should head to Cappuccino Strip, lined with open-air coffee shops, pubs and restaurants. Other highlights include the fishing boat harbour and a host of interesting museums. We'll head back to the hotel by coach.

We’ll fly to our next destination, Adelaide, today. When we arrive, an orientation tour will show you the highlights of the city before we drive to our hotel. It’s in an ideal position if you want to head out by yourselves to explore. The city’s landmarks and an array of bars and restaurants are all just a short stroll away.

There's an early start today, as we head to Cape Jervis and take a ferry over to Kangaroo Island. Home to many native wildlife species, more than a third of this nature-lovers paradise is protected land. As well as kangaroos and wallabies, look out for sea lions basking on the sandy beaches and koalas dozing in the branches of eucalyptus trees. The island is also home to more than 260 species of birds and around 50 plant species that are found nowhere else on Earth. Its shores play host to many types of whales as well as dolphins, so keep your fingers crossed for a sighting.
When we arrive on the island, we’ll learn about the honey produced by the island’s Ligurian bees and visit a eucalyptus oil distillery. We’ll also spend time at a birds of prey conservation centre and get up close to wild seals during a guided beach walk at Seal Bay Conservation Park. We’ll then stay on the island overnight in a hotel surrounded by stunning natural scenery.

Your discoveries of Kangaroo Island continue today with a visit to Flinders Chase National Park. Here you'll see Admirals Arch - a beautiful arch of rock which has been shaped by the Southern Ocean - and the sculptured granite boulders known as Remarkable Rocks. You'll also visit Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, which boasts a notable population of koalas, and Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park, home to many different species. Later, we'll travel back to Adelaide.

You're going to travel towards the Great Ocean Road today as you head to Warrnambool in Victoria. Along the way, we’ll make stops to explore picturesque waterfront towns and marvel at the scenery, so be sure to have your camera handy.

Today en route to Melbourne, you'll take in the sights from the Great Ocean Road - quite simply one of the most spectacular coastal routes in the world. Highlights include the Twelve Apostles, although only eight of these towering limestone stacks remain, Loch Ard Gorge and many other dramatic rock formations.

Enjoy a lazy morning, before setting off on a tour of Melbourne. Highlights include Federation Square, Melbourne Cricket Ground, Flinders Street Station and the Grand Prix Circuit that circles Albert Park Lake. Another stop is Fitzroy Gardens, which features pathways lined with towering elms, colourful floral displays and the Fairies' Tree sculpture - a centuries-old tree stump featuring delightful carvings.

After getting to know Melbourne on yesterday’s tour, you can slow the pace a little and spend the day exploring at your own pace. You could perhaps take a leisurely stroll through the city’s Royal Botanic Gardens or wander through the laneways admiring colourful street art and browsing hidden boutiques.
You might be tempted to join an optional visit to Phillip Island to see the remarkable penguin parade. At sunset, after a hard day's fishing, hundreds of these delightful creatures - the world's smallest penguin - appear from out of the ocean and waddle their way across the beach to their sand dune burrows. You can take in this marvellous spectacle from special viewing platforms.

We're flying to Sydney this morning, where you'll stay for the next three nights. When we arrive, a coach will be waiting to take us on an afternoon sightseeing tour. Tick off the gorgeous white sands of Bondi Beach and Hyde Park, which is home to numerous monuments including the ANZAC Memorial. You'll also visit Darling Harbour, which hosts a dazzling array of attractions from bars and bistros to an aquarium and a zoo, as well as Mrs Macquarie's Chair. This huge sandstone rock was hand-carved by convicts into the shape of a bench for Governor Macquarie's wife, Elizabeth, in 1810. Why not sit for a while and take in the views from this wonderful vantage point.
After checking in to the hotel, you are free to do as you please this evening. If you would like to head out for dinner, your Holiday Director will be pleased to provide a recommendation.

With a full day at leisure, you can discover Sydney at your own pace. Perhaps spend time wandering through Centennial Park or admiring fabulous views of the harbour from the beautiful Royal Botanic Garden.
Alternatively, for a different perspective and a truly unforgettable experience, why not join our optional excursion and take in panoramic, 360-degree views of the harbour on a guided Sydney Harbour Bridge climb.
Another optional excursion gives you the chance to step beneath the sails and enjoy a guided tour of the Sydney Opera House. You'll learn about the history of the building, uncover stories about artists and the shows performed here and have an opportunity to visit areas usually off-limits to the general public.

You have another day to explore Sydney independently. There are plenty of magnificent museums and art galleries to discover or maybe you’ll take to the water and admire the sights on a Sydney Harbour cruise.
If you want to join an organised trip, why not come with us on a thrilling optional excursion. You'll head through the Blue Mountains, past the Three Sisters rock formation and along Jamieson Valley - Australia's answer to the Grand Canyon. Then, you'll visit Scenic World, where you can opt to take a journey on the world's steepest incline railway into ancient rainforest or enjoy a scenic cable-car ride over the valley.

This morning you’ll fly to Uluru, or Ayers Rock. This gigantic sandstone monolith, which is two miles long, nearly 350 metres high and measures almost six miles around the base, is in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. One of the most impressive landmarks in Australia, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a sacred place in Aboriginal culture and features many caves and ancient rock paintings. It's an incredible sight at any time of the day, but at sunrise and sunset, it changes colour dramatically with the light. After time to settle in at the hotel, your sunset visit to Uluru this evening includes a glass of sparkling wine.
We also offer an optional visit to the Field of Light, a magical art installation covering an area larger than seven football fields. When you arrive in this remote part of the desert, what you’ll see is more than 50,000 lights illuminating the landscape in shades of violet, blue and white.

You have an early start today, but it's worth it as you’re going to visit Uluru once again, this time at sunrise. You can also tour the base of the rock and view Aboriginal rock paintings in the caves here. After this, we'll head to the mysterious Kata Tjuta, 36 domed red-rock formations also known as The Olgas. Located to the west of Uluru, it’s thought that they were once one huge piece of rock like Uluru, but over millions of years have been shaped by the forces of nature.
We then continue by road to Alice Springs, where you'll enjoy an authentic bush barbecue in the Australian Outback this evening. The fun starts at sunset as we take to the road to try to spot kangaroos. Before you eat you can try your hand at boomerang throwing, and afterwards you can indulge in a spot of stargazing.

You can spend today as you wish in Alice Springs. Discover Aboriginal art, culture and heritage at the Araluen Cultural Precinct or simply soak up the stunning views as you relax and enjoy the town's cafés, restaurants and bars. If you want to get out and about in the great outdoors, join an optional excursion to the spectacular Western MacDonnell Mountain Ranges. We’ll drive through magnificent outback scenery and explore Simpsons Gap and Standley Chasm on foot.

This morning, head off on a fascinating tour that introduces you to the Flying Doctor Base and the old Telegraph Station, one of the original sites of European settlement in central Australia. Now a museum, this historic reserve tells the story of Alice Springs and explains its significance as the midpoint of the 19th-century Overland Telegraph Line between Darwin and Adelaide. You will also visit the famous School of the Air, set up more than 70 years ago to educate children living in the most remote parts of Australia.
Later, you’ll fly to Darwin.

Your destination today is Kakadu National Park, where you'll discover lush rainforest, scenic rivers and a diverse range of wildlife. We’ll make a stop at the Mamukala Wetlands, a haven for birds, and then head to the Bowali Visitor Centre, where you’ll learn more about Kakadu. You’ll discover that the park is famous for its fascinating Aboriginal rock art and before we make our way to our hotel, you've the chance to walk up Ubirr Rock. Here you'll see some of the most outstanding examples of rock art in the world and take in stunning views of the Nadab floodplain.

A journey by road this morning takes us to Katherine via the stunning Nourlangie Rock, where you can set off on a walk to see more Aboriginal rock art. The highlight of our day comes in the form of a thrilling cruise on the famous Yellow Water Lagoon. Look for many species of birds, from whistling ducks to eagles, and keep your eyes peeled for crocodiles in their natural habitat and buffalo on the floodplains.

After breakfast, we’re going to take a tranquil cruise through the Katherine Gorge. As you sail through the picturesque scenery, with limestone cliffs on either side, expert guides will explain the history and geology of the area and tell you all about the flora and fauna you're likely to see.
Later, we’ll make our way back to Darwin.

Today you’ll fly to Cairns, your gateway to the Great Barrier Reef!

Today you are going to board a catamaran and take a trip to the outer Great Barrier Reef. Marine life comes incredibly close, and you can experience the beauty of the reef without getting wet from the comfort of a semi-submersible or an underwater observatory. Look out for dazzling displays of coral, brightly coloured Nemo-like clownfish, turtles and so much more! If you are feeling a little more adventurous, you can even go snorkelling in this amazing underwater world as all the equipment will be supplied. Lunch will be included today.

After so much excitement, today has been left free for you to relax and enjoy the facilities at your hotel. Sit back with a good book or sip a cocktail in the bar – the choice is all yours.
Alternatively, if you want to see more, join us for a ride on the Kuranda Railway and Skyrail. We’ll enjoy views of mountains, tropical rainforest and the spectacular Barron Falls as the train makes its way to the village of Kuranda. Here you’ll have free time to explore what’s on offer and grab a coffee or bit to eat if you wish. We’ll then board the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway for a fabulous adventure that sees us gliding above and through the rainforest.

You can spend today doing just as you wish. Your hotel is conveniently located in the heart of the city, so maybe take a stroll along the bustling Esplanade or head to the gorgeous Cairns Botanic Gardens.
If you’d prefer to join an organised tour, we offer an optional trip to the Daintree Tropical Rainforest, home to a stunning array of flora and fauna. You’ll learn about this tropical ecosystem from an expert guide as we cruise the Daintree River in search of crocodiles. Then, it’s time for lunch at the Daintree Tea House and your excursion ends with some free time to explore the village of Daintree.

You’ll fly from Cairns to Brisbane today and when we arrive, you are free to head out and explore by yourselves. The capital of the Sunshine State, Brisbane is a modern, bustling metropolis that sits on the banks of the Brisbane River. There is no shortage of things to see and do here including a vast array of restaurants, cafés and shops to explore. Perhaps head to Howard Smith Wharves for dazzling night-time views of Story Bridge and the city skyline or enjoy a drink at one of the city's many rooftop bars.

Before flying home tomorrow, you’ve a free day to spend at leisure. A great way to explore Brisbane is by CityCat, fast-paced ferries that travel along the river and call at various stops along the way. South Bank, Brisbane’s cultural heart, is well worth a visit. Here, you'll find Australia’s largest gallery of modern art and Streets Beach, the country’s only man-made beach located within a city!
Alternatively, why not join an optional excursion to North Stradbroke Island. Fondly known as Straddie by the locals, it is the world's second-largest sand island and a fabulous place to relax and soak up the spectacular natural scenery. We’ll spend some time at Brown Lake, a popular spot for swimming, and try to spot dolphins, turtles and manta rays at Point Lookout’s North Gorge. Lunch will be an Aussie-style barbecue on Flinders Beach and later we’ll head to Amity Point, keeping an eye out for the resident Koalas.

It’s the end of your epic adventure. With a lifetime of memories to cherish, we will drive you to the airport for your flight back to the UK.

You'll arrive back in the UK today.