Australia Uncovered

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From breath-taking Uluru and the Great Barrier Reef to the lively cityscapes of Victoria, Queensland, and New South Wales, this is Australia at its most captivating. Discover a collection of coastal highlights and outback treasures with a 23-day exploration of magnificent Australia. Fly first to Melbourne, Victoria’s cultural capital, and enjoy a tour of the city’s major landmarks. Phillip Island, home to the country’s only wild penguin colony, is next and precedes a rail journey through the Dandenong Ranges the following day. Trace the dramatic landscapes of the Great Ocean Road to Warrnambool before continuing to Adelaide via the impressive crater-lake town of Mount Gambier. After arriving in South Australia’s capital, spend some time sightseeing around Adelaide’s park-lined streets and embrace Australia’s lesser-known German heritage in Hahndorf. From here, fly to secluded Alice Springs, the ‘Capital of the Outback’. Immerse yourself in the town’s colonial history ahead of a scenic drive to iconic Uluru (Ayers Rock), one of your tour’s undeniable highlights. Here, you’ll see the region’s world-famous mesas at sunset and watch the sun rise over them the following morning. Enter Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park for a closer look at Uluru and an introduction to local Aboriginal culture, before flying to tropical Queensland. Cairns will be your base for the next four days, and you’ll have time at leisure to explore as you see fit. An optional tour of Cape Tribulation showcases the world’s oldest living rainforest ahead of a day taking in another of Australia’s natural wonders, the Great Barrier Reef. Sail to Michaelmas Cay, with opportunities to snorkel, and explore the undersea coral on a glass-bottomed boat. Explore more of the rainforest with a visit to Kuranda and a rail journey, then fly south to Sydney. Waste no time exploring Sydney’s sights by land and sea and perhaps enhance your itinerary with an optional excursion into the nearby Blue Mountains. As your tour comes to an end, round it out with an optional Sydney Harbour Bridge climb or an optional three-course dinner cruise around the city’s famous harbour.

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Holiday Highlights

Experience the world-renowned Great Barrier Reef from above the waves and below on a sightseeing cruise on board a glass-bottomed boat
Catch your breath on wondrous Uluru, iconic Ayers Rock, with sunset and sunrise viewing sessions
Visit the secluded village of Kuranda, and take a scenic heritage rail journey through the heart of the rainforest
Discover Melbourne, Australia’s cultural capital, with a coach tour
Discover Melbourne, Australia’s cultural capital, with a coach tour
Learn about Australian conservation with a visit to the Nobbies Centre and Phillip Island
Venture into the glorious Dandenong Mountains on board a heritage steam train
Follow one of Australia’s most picturesque routes, the Great Ocean Road, and take in the rugged beauty of the ‘Shipwreck Coast’
Marvel at the volcanic crater lakes of Mount Gambier on a journey across South Australia’s Limestone Coast
Soak up the lively atmosphere of Adelaide on a sightseeing excursion
Uncover European Hahndorf, the oldest German settlement in Oceania
Immerse yourself in Australia’s colonial history in Alice Springs
Explore Uluru’s importance to Aboriginal communities in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
Take in the world’s oldest rainforest with an optional excursion to Cape Tribulation and Mossman Gorge
Embrace Australia’s timeless natural beauty and cultural heritage on an optional tour of the UNESCO-listed Blue Mountains
Witness Sydney’s magnificent coastal landmarks on a harbour cruise and spot them from above on an optional Sydney Harbour Bridge climb

What's Included

19 nights’ bed and breakfast accommodation in Melbourne (4), Warrnambool (1), Adelaide (3), Alice Springs (1), Uluru (2), Cairns (4), and Sydney (4), plus three nights on the aircraft
19 breakfasts and one lunch
Tour of Melbourne
Visit to Phillip Island
Dandenong Ranges rail journey
Coach tour of the Great Ocean Road and Port Campbell National Park
Tour of Adelaide
Visits to Hahndorf and the Adelaide Hills
Sunset Uluru sightseeing with drinks
Excursion to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
Great Barrier Reef cruise
Rides on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and Kuranda Scenic Railway
Tour of Sydney and harbour cruise
Internal flights to Alice Springs, Cairns, and Sydney
Return flights to Melbourne and from Sydney
Comfortable, air-conditioned coach travel and transfers throughout
The services of a friendly, experienced tour manager

Itinerary

Day 1

Fly to Australia via Singapore - Start your Australian adventure with an overnight flight this evening.

Day 2

Onboard the aircraft - Continue your journey to Australia, stopping over in Singapore in the late afternoon, and catch a connecting flight to Melbourne.

Day 3

Arrive in Australia - Touch down in Melbourne, Australia’s bustling second city, meet your friendly, local tour manager, and drive a short distance to your first hotel, where you’ll be free to settle in at leisure.

Day 4

Morning at leisure and afternoon Melbourne city tour - Have breakfast at your own pace with your first morning at leisure in cosmopolitan Melbourne. You can also make use of the hotel’s amenities, including the restaurant, fitness suite, and swimming pool, or head out into the city for some self-guided exploration. This afternoon, set out for sightseeing around the city. Often known as the country’s cultural capital, Melbourne encapsulates life down under, and you’ll see its major highlights. Weaving through the city’s park-lined streets, you’ll see the Old Treasury Building, which was designed to store bullion during the Victorian gold rush. Another impressive sight will be the Exhibition Building, an exquisite glass landmark set amongst leafy Carlton Gardens. Learn about Victoria’s sporting heritage with a drive past the Melbourne Cricket Ground, the largest stadium in the southern hemisphere, and the Melbourne Tennis Centre, which hosts the Australian Open each year. Your final stop today will be a poignant one as you visit the Shrine of Remembrance, a WWI-era memorial commemorating the lives of all of Australia’s military dead. Head back to the hotel for the evening at leisure.

Day 5

Morning at leisure and included Phillip Island excursion - It’s a late start this morning with more time at leisure in Melbourne, and you can enjoy breakfast at your own pace at the hotel. Later this afternoon, head out to the coast for your first taste of Australia’s magnificent natural world. After a scenic drive south, with glorious views out over Western Port Bay and French Island National Park, you’ll stop at the Nobbies Centre, where you’ll learn about the region’s unique marine life. From Australian fur seals to the unusual weedy seadragon, learn about the rich biodiversity of Australia’s south coast and the conservation efforts. After your visit, stop in Cowes for dinner. Continue to Phillip Island for a stop at the Penguin Parade Visitor Centre, where you’ll meet the bay’s native penguin colony. These flightless birds, which are now the only wild penguins in Australia, nest on a protected reserve. You'll arrive back at your Melbourne hotel late tonight.

Day 6

Included Dandenong Ranges excursion - After breakfast, board your coach for the drive to Belgrave, a leafy suburb on the outskirts of Melbourne. From here, stop at Belgrave train station and step onboard the beautifully preserved Puffing Billy steam train for a scenic journey through the nearby Dandenong Ranges. First opened in 1900, this heritage narrow gauge railway passes through a series of towns, and its open-air carriages offer unrestricted views. Continuing by coach, you’ll have some time to explore some of the local villages, before driving back through to Melbourne. This evening, you’ll be free to find dinner locally and unwind.

Day 7

Included Great Ocean Road drive to Warrnambool - Having had breakfast and checked out of your Melbourne hotel, sit back and enjoy panoramic views of the southern Australian coast from the coach as you travel along the Great Ocean Road. Originally built to honour the country’s WWI veterans, this route is a National Heritage-listed landmark and encompasses 150 miles of rainforest, coves, and seaside vistas. Driving along the ‘Shipwreck Coast’, so called after more than 700 vessels fell victim to its treacherous currents in the 19th century, you’ll pass Port Campbell National Park. From here, view the Twelve Apostles, a series of unique limestone stacks which were carved by the tide over the course of almost 20 million years. You’ll then continue to Warrnambool, a seaside town surrounded by protected coastal reserves.

Day 8

Drive to Adelaide via Mount Gambier - Enjoy breakfast at the hotel this morning and bid Warrnambool farewell with a scenic transfer to Adelaide. Heading west along South Australia’s Limestone Coast, the journey will take you through Mount Gambier. Having once been home to a number of active volcanoes, many of which are now dormant or extinct, this pretty region is characterised by limestone peaks and crater lakes. You’ll have the chance to make a stop in Mount Gambier, and enjoy views of the Blue Lake, the largest of these impressive bodies of water. Continue through the Coonawarra region, famed for its ‘terra rossa’ vineyards which produce some of Australia’s most acclaimed red wines, before crossing the Murray River. Arrive in lively Adelaide later, check into your hotel, and enjoy an evening at leisure.

Day 9

Included tour of Adelaide - Have breakfast before joining your tour manager for a guided tour of Adelaide. Head up Montefiore Hill and spot one of Australia’s premier cricket stadiums, the Adelaide Oval, from above. First built in 1871, the picturesque Oval has become a staple of Australian sports and now holds over 50,000 spectators. Also, of note nearby is St. Peter’s Cathedral, and you can admire its neo-Gothic architecture and intricate, stained-glass rose window. Continuing into the park-ringed city centre, where you’ll have a few hours to explore, before reconvening this evening and heading back to the hotel with the rest of the group.

Day 10

Included Hahndorf and the Adelaide Hills excursion - Following breakfast, start the day with a drive through the Adelaide Hills. On the way, you’ll stop at Mount Lofty to view the city from above before driving further east to Hahndorf. This rural town, which is the oldest German settlement in Oceania, has a distinctly European atmosphere, and you’ll experience a different side to life in Australia with a stroll along its main street. Find the perfect souvenir at one of the town’s gift shops or enjoy lunch (on your account) at a local restaurant, before heading north into the renowned Barossa Valley, the nation’s most celebrated wine region. Spend the afternoon taking in the valley’s scenery and stop at a local winery for a tasting of local labels. Later this evening, head back to Adelaide for your final night at the hotel.

Day 11

Fly to Alice Springs - This morning, after breakfast, board a flight into the Northern Territory, landing in the remote town of Alice Springs, the unofficial ‘Capital of the Outback’. Upon arrival, you’ll set out to see some of the town’s outback highlights, stopping first at Anzac Hill, which offers some memorable views over the town and its rugged surrounding vistas. After some time to survey the local area, head to the Old Telegraph Station, which became an important link in Australia’s Overland Telegraph Line in 1871. Built on the site of Australia’s first European settlement, this historic building connected heavily populated southern cities with Darwin in the country’s far north. Later this afternoon, head to the hotel for check-in and the rest of the day under your own steam.

Day 12

Drive to Uluru and included sunset sightseeing - Rise early this morning, have breakfast at the hotel, and set out on a coach journey west to fabled Uluru, the towering sandstone monolith which has become a symbol of the Outback. After a few hours on the road, stop at the Erldunda Roadhouse, an oasis in the heart of Australia’s arid central region. Back on the road, continue past impressive Mount Conner, a towering mesa often mistaken for Ayers Rock, and be perfectly placed to soak up the Red Centre’s finest sandstone vistas. After checking into your hotel this afternoon, freshen up and join your fellow travellers for a visit to a nearby viewing platform. Enjoy a chilled glass of local Australian wine as the sunset paints Uluru a brilliant shade of orange, and spend some time admiring the area’s Outback landscapes before heading back to the hotel for the night.

Day 13

Included Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park excursion and optional Field of Light dinner - Get up before sunrise this morning and return to Uluru to see its sprawling vistas under the softer morning light. After a few enchanting moments gazing out over the mesas, return to the hotel for breakfast. Later this morning, you’ll head into the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park for a closer look at Uluru’s imposing, red-rock walls. Soak up the sights with a drive around the monolith’s base before pressing further into the park for the Mutitjulu Waterhole, a sacred site in Aboriginal legend. From here, take a deeper dive into the beliefs and folklore of the region’s indigenous people with a visit to the Uluru Cultural Centre. Return to the resort for time at leisure and perhaps opt to join a truly unique dining experience with an optional Field of Light meal this evening. Head into the desert, to the sound of a didgeridoo, and watch the wilderness become a spectacular display of light and colour as the sun sets. This installation, the product of the internationally renowned artist, Bruce Monroe, uses 50,000 carefully positioned light bulbs to illuminate the desert floor. Enjoy canapes and chilled local wine as the sun sets and sit down to a selection of bush foods under the open Australian skies. Afterwards, pick out each constellation with an expert-led stargazing session and spend some time wandering the trails of the Field of Light before heading back to the hotel.

Day 14

Fly to Cairns - This morning, have breakfast and trade Uluru’s barren red-rock landscapes for Australia’s tropical north with a short flight to Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. Touch down early this afternoon and enjoy a brief orientation tour of the city from the comfort of your coach. Your tour manager will take you around some of the city’s most popular spots, including Cairns Esplanade and the mangrove-lined Trinity Inlet. Later, you’ll arrive at your next hotel, where you’ll be free to spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Day 15

Day at leisure with optional Cape Tribulation, Daintree, and Mossman tour - Your first full day in Queensland will be spent under your own steam, and you can opt to join an optional excursion taking in the highlights of Australia’s wild north coast. Rise early for the drive to Mossman Gorge, home to the world’s oldest living rainforest, where you’ll be served hot drinks ahead of a walk along the valley floor under the guidance of a local expert. As you make your way across a series of canopy walkways, your guide will offer insights into its unique species that rely on this incredible ecosystem and the vital role they play in preserving it. Your next stop today will be the Daintree River, a biodiverse haven in the heart of the rainforest, where you’ll board a cruiser for wildlife spotting on the water. Home to a remarkable variety of plant species, including the world’s highest concentration of primitive flowering plants, the river is also a popular feeding ground for waterfowl, tree snakes, and saltwater crocodiles. Returning to land, head to a heritage lodge on the banks of Cooper Creek for lunch and sprawling views of the rainforest and clear waters below. Afterwards, join your tour manager for a gentle stroll along the beaches of Cape Tribulation, the meeting point between the rainforest and the colourful Great Barrier Reef. This evening, head back to your Cairns hotel for time at leisure.

Day 16

Included Great Barrier Reef Cruise - Get ready for one of your tour’s major highlights awaits today, with breakfast at the hotel, and join your tour manager for a walk to the Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal for a cruise across the spectacular underwater ecosystems of the Great Barrier Reef. This biodiverse haven, the largest string of coral reefs in the world, is home to over 9,000 species, and you’ll follow a specially chartered route to make the most of every moment. Call at Michaelmas Cay, a pristine island bordered by vast coral reefs, for your first taste of this magnificent region’s diverse marine wildlife. While here, you’ll have the chance to snorkel in the shallows or set sail on a semi-submersible to view the Outer Reef’s remarkably colourful coral garden and tropical fish. The cay is also a key nesting area for a wide variety of seafaring birds, and you can spot them as you tuck into a buffet-style meal back on the ship. Later, head back to shore for an evening at leisure.

Day 17

Included Kuranda Scenic Railway tour - Have breakfast this morning and get ready for a different take on travel as you head north to the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. Witness Queensland’s UNESCO-listed Wet Tropics area from above on a seven-kilometre ride onboard a panoramic, glass-domed cable car, passing over the densely vegetated Barron Gorge National Park. Continue to Kuranda, an idyllic rainforest village known for its eclectic street markets and thatched buildings, and perhaps find lunch locally. You’ll then board a vintage carriage for a panoramic journey on the Kuranda Scenic Railway, a heritage route showcasing Barron Falls National Park’s picturesque rainforest stretches. The journey will take you to Freshwater, a green suburb on the outskirts of Cairns, where you’ll be met by your coach for the drive back to the hotel.

Day 18

Fly to Sydney - Enjoy a last breakfast in Cairns this morning and head to the airport for a flight to Sydney, the coastal capital of New South Wales. Once you’ve landed, you’ll transfer to your next hotel on the Darling Waterfront for an evening at leisure.

Day 19

Included tour of Sydney and a harbour cruise - After breakfast, Sydney’s iconic harbourfront will be yours to explore, and you’ll see its most popular coastal landmarks on a coach tour. Discover The Rocks, a trendy neighbourhood with a wide array of colonial-era buildings and open-air markets, before taking in Circular Quay, ‘the Gateway to Sydney’. This charming district marks the point on Sydney Cove where Australia’s first European settlers landed in 1788 and remains the country’s busiest ferry port to this day. Pass the Royal Botanic Gardens and watch the world go by from Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, which overlooks Sydney Harbour, before heading east to Watson’s Bay. Positioned on South Head, this coastal neighbourhood boasts some of Sydney’s finest beaches and a charming collection of park viewpoints. Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of Bondi Beach, perhaps finding lunch locally, before heading back to the city centre for a sightseeing harbour cruise. On your sailing, you’ll see Sydney’s most recognisable landmarks, from the domed Sydney Opera House to historic Fort Denison. This evening, you’ll be free to find dinner locally.

Day 20

Day at leisure with optional Blue Mountains tour - Spend the day the way you want to with a full day at leisure, perhaps setting out to explore Sydney under your own steam. If you’d prefer a more structured day, venture into the UNESCO-listed Blue Mountains on an optional excursion. Start the day at Sydney Zoo, where you’ll be introduced to Australia’s native wildlife with up-close views of the resident kangaroos, wombats, and koala bears, before settling in for a ‘First Nations’ talk. This cultural experience will highlight the region’s indigenous cultures and the Blue-Mountain landmarks on which local legends are based. From here, head to Echo Point to see the Three Sisters, a cluster of free-standing pillars which feature prominently in Aboriginal folklore, and travel to nearby Scenic World, which showcases the best of the Jamison Valley, for time at leisure. While here, enjoy a ride on board the gravity-defying Scenic Skyway, which offers 360-degree views of the Blue Mountains as it crosses between two cliff tops. You can also take a ride on the Scenic Cableway, which travels from the valley floor to Eaglehawk Lookout, or view the alpine scenery up close on the world’s steepest passenger train service, the Scenic Railway. Finish today’s tour at Sydney Olympic Park, the home of Australia’s 2000 Olympic games. Here, you’ll have the choice to ride a ferry along the Paramatta River for some self-guided exploration or return to the hotel.

Day 21

Day at leisure with optional Sydney Harbour Bridge climb and Sydney Harbour dinner cruise - It’s your final full day down under, and you’ll be free to spend it at leisure. For a final memorable experience, brave an optional Sydney Harbour Bridge climb. With harnesses, wind-breakers, and a specialist climb leader by your side, you’ll ascend to the top of the bridge’s steel arch, taking in the city’s sprawl as you go. Discover the history of New South Wales, the city and its famous harbour with your guide and admire the grandeur of its seaside landmarks before returning to the ground. Please note: To participate in this optional tour, you'll need to have a good level of health and fitness and the ability to climb stairs, and/or ladders, independently. You'll also remain standing for the duration of the excursion. Later this evening, head back to the waterfront for an optional dinner cruise across Sydney Harbour. Boarding the vessel at sunset, you’ll see the city’s major landmarks in a different light before tucking into a three-course dinner alongside your fellow guests. Later, return to the hotel for a final night in New South Wales.

Day 22

Morning at leisure and overnight return flight - Enjoy a final breakfast in New South Wales and head to the airport this afternoon for the return leg of your journey. You’ll stopover in Singapore again before continuing overnight to the UK.

Day 23

Land in the UK - Arrive back on British soil at the end of your Australian adventure.

Hotel transfer times

The transfer time from the airport to your hotel is approximately 30 minutes

Luggage allowance

You are permitted to take one suitcase per person on the aircraft, which should not exceed 23kg.

Passports and Visas

British citizens require passports when travelling overseas and this must be valid for six months beyond the date you return. If you are not a British citizen, you may need a visa for the country/countries you are visiting (please contact the respective embassies to check and to apply).

Special requirements

If you have notified us of any special requirements, please check that they have been noted and acknowledged. This is especially important with any dietary needs you may have.

Disabled access

The majority of our tours involve a certain amount of walking, including a short walk from the coach stop to the town, attraction or venue you're visiting. If you are bringing a wheelchair, please let us know at the time of booking so that appropriate arrangements can be made. In many developing countries access is sometimes not as easy as at home. Should you have walking difficulties, getting around monuments and attractions may be harder and, in some cases, impossible. Should you have any concerns whatsoever please do contact us prior to travel.

Itinerary changes

Occasionally, for operational reasons, we may have to change the order of the excursions on your holiday. The final day-by-day itinerary will be confirmed on your Final Travel Documents, which you will receive approximately three weeks prior to your departure.

Changes to your hotels

Should circumstances require, we reserve the right to accommodate you in alternative hotels, of a similar standard, nearby. Full details of your hotels will be sent with your Final Travel Documents.

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