Wonders of Australia

of 5

From only £2495 per person

23 days from only £2495

While incredible scenery and a great climate are the main attractions for many visitors, Australia’s coastal cities provide endless opportunities for exploration, from world famous landmarks and beautiful harbour settings to pristine beaches and vibrant culture. With the added bonus of stopovers in two of Asia’s most exciting cities - Singapore and Bangkok - the 23 day Wonders of Australia tour is a holiday not to be missed.

Singapore, Perth, Uluru (Ayers Rock), Alice Springs, Cairns, Great Barrier Reef, Melbourne, Sydney, Bangkok

Tour itinerary

B  -  Breakfast

L  -  Lunch

D  -  Dinner

Day 1  Depart UK

Our overnight flight to Singapore with Qantas leaves London Heathrow in the evening. Then it’s time to relax and enjoy the complimentary food and drink and excellent in-flight entertainment on personal seat-back screens. D

Day 2  Arrive Singapore

After collecting luggage, we’ll meet our local tour guide and transfer to our hotel, where we spend two nights. B

Day 3  Singapore

We begin our sightseeing tour with a drive through the “Colonial Heart” en route to one of Singapore’s oldest temples - Thian Hock Keng. From here, we pass through Chinatown to Merlion Park for a fantastic view of Marina Bay and the mythological Merlion. The tour continues with a stroll through the National Orchid Garden within the beautiful Botanic Gardens. Our final stop is Little India, where wall-to-wall shops entice passers by with the smell of freshly ground spices and colourful jewellery and clothing. The remainder of the day is free. Why not relax and unwind with a Singapore Sling at Raffles? B

Day 4  Singapore - Perth

After breakfast, we transfer to Changi Airport for our morning flight to Perth. Once luggage has been collected, we will meet our local tour manager and transfer to the centrally located Travelodge Hotel, where we spend our first three nights in Australia. Perth is a modern city, blessed with golden beaches, beautiful parks and a lovely warm climate. Perhaps the most striking feature of this city, however, is its isolation from the rest of the country - Perth is over 4000km from Sydney by road. B

Day 5  Perth

Our sightseeing tour begins in Perth’s modern central business district and downtown area, before heading out of the city to Kings Park. Kings Park not only offers sweeping views over the city skyline and the Swan River, but also provides a perfect introduction to Australia’s wildflowers and native bushland. We continue via the coastal route to Fremantle - or Freo as it’s known to the locals. The port town of Fremantle has a laid back, Mediterranean ambience, particularly around the cafes and craft shops of South Terrace. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Why not take a relaxed lunch on Freo’s South Terrace, stroll around the harbour area and return to Perth by boat?  B

Day 6  Perth

Today we have the opportunity to take a full day optional excursion to the remarkable series of limestone formations known as ‘The Pinnacles’. The scenic drive takes us through the wineries of the Swan Valley to historic Guildford - one of the earliest settlements in Western Australia. We continue north towards the coastal town of Cervantes, before entering the Nambung National Park. We then have plenty of time to explore the masses of amazing limestone pillars rising from the desert before returning to Perth in the afternoon. B

Day 7  Perth - Ayers Rock (Uluru)

Our morning flight takes us across Western Australia’s desert landscapes to Australia’s ‘Red Centre’. After collecting our luggage at Ayers Rock airport, we board our coach and enter the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park to visit the impressive series of rounded sandstone domes known as The Olgas. Next, we make our way to Ayers Rock - the icon of the Australian outback. Ayers Rock is a majestic sandstone monolith rising from the flat surrounding scrubland and is a site of deep cultural significance to the Aboriginal communities of the Northern Territory. We relax and enjoy Uluru (the Aboriginal name for the rock) as it changes colour dramatically during sunset. It’s truly a photographer’s delight. We spend tonight at the Outback Pioneer Hotel, conveniently located within the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.  B

PLEASE NOTE - TOURS DEPARTING BETWEEN APRIL AND AUGUST WILL VISIT ALICE SPRINGS BEFORE AYERS ROCK.

Day 8  Uluru (Ayers Rock) - Alice Springs

For early risers, a dawn visit to Ayers Rock has been arranged. Seeing Uluru at sunrise, from a different position and in a different light, offers a totally new perspective on the constantly changing colours and character of the rock. We take a gentle stroll around the base of the rock and learn more about its historical and cultural importance. Leaving the national park, we head east through amazing outback landscapes to Lasseters Hotel and Alice Springs, where we spend the next two nights.  B

Day 9  Alice Springs

Our day is free to relax in the outback town of Alice Springs or take advantage of one of the optional activities on offer. A trip to the nearby Western McDonnell Ranges is an excellent way to get a real feel for life in the outback. The full day excursion takes us through the spectacular scenery of Standley Chasm. An interesting stop is made at Glen Helen Homestead to learn about how pioneer pastoralists had to adapt their lifestyles to deal with the area’s harsh physical environment. Later, there’s an opportunity to join an optional dinner in an open bush setting. The evening features an authentic Aboriginal performance of dancing, weaponry and cultural history, accompanied by the playing of a didgeridoo.  B

Day 10  Alice Springs - Cairns

Alice Springs was originally established in the 1870’s as a staging post for the overland telegraph line between Darwin and Adelaide. During our sightseeing tour we relive that bygone era at the Old Telegraph Station historic reserve, which faithfully re-creates the settlement’s earliest years. Other stops are made at the remarkable Royal Flying Doctor Service and the School of Air. These unique institutions provide a real insight into life in the vast Australian Outback. The School of Air, for example, educates around 140 children living on properties covering more than one million square kilometres of Central Australia. We finish at the airport, where our afternoon flight take us to Cairns. The Mercure Harbourside Hotel on Cairns’ Esplanade, is our home for the next four nights.  B

Day 11  Cairns

During our full day Great Barrier Reef excursion we board our catamaran, sail to the Outer Barrier Reef and anchor next to a floating pontoon. A marine naturalist will provide us with an insight into ‘reef life’ and we are then free to choose our own way to explore this incredible wonder of nature. Perhaps head to the Underwater Viewing Observatory, take a semi-submersible boat tour or the more adventurous members of the party may like to take advantage of the reef’s incredible snorkelling. Following lunch, there are further opportunities for exploration or relaxation, and there is also a possibility of taking an optional scenic helicopter flight.  B L

Day 12  Cairns

Today is left free to relax or take one of the many optional trips available from Cairns. An excursion to Kuranda is a fantastic day, beginning with a scenic railway journey to the picturesque market town of Kuranda. Known as the ‘village in the rainforest’, Kuranda is a lovely place to while away a few hours visiting the daily markets, the butterfly sanctuary or the Koala Gardens. The tour returns to the waiting coach using the Skyrail rainforest cableway, a beautiful journey gliding over the rainforest canopy.  B

Day 13  Cairns

A further day at leisure to unwind by the pool, explore the lively tourist centre of Cairns or perhaps visit the World Heritage listed Cape Tribulation. The optional tour allows us to experience the incredible biodiversity of swamps, mangrove forests, eucalypt woodlands and tropical rain forest. The full day trip includes a cruise on the Daintree River, an interesting rain forest boardwalk, lunch in a rain forest retreat and a stop at Mossman Gorge.  B

Day 14  Cairns - Melbourne

A morning at leisure until our afternoon flight to Melbourne. It’s easy to understand why Melbourne has been identified as ‘one of the world’s most liveable cities’. Its elegant Victorian architecture, leafy parks and gardens, accessible beaches and fine dining provide endless opportunities for both exploration and relaxation. The Travelodge Southbank, our home for the next three nights, is perfectly located on the banks of the Yarra River, close to a whole host of cafés and restaurants.  B

Day 15  Melbourne

After breakfast, we explore the city’s sights, including Captain Cook’s cottage, the Old Melbourne Gaol - where Ned Kelly was incarcerated - and Fitzroy Gardens. Sport is almost a religion in Melbourne, so a tour of the city wouldn’t be complete without seeing the Melbourne Cricket Ground and the Australian Open tennis centre. The afternoon is free to further explore Melbourne. Alternatively, there is a chance to take an optional trip to Phillip Island to see the fairy penguins emerge from the sea during the ‘Penguin Parade’.  B

Day 16  Melbourne

Today we have the opportunity to take one of the world’s most spectacular coastal drives, along the Great Ocean Road. The full day optional tour begins in Torquay (home to the surfing mecca of Bells Beach) and meanders along the southwest coastline of Victoria. The dramatic limestone cliffs, lush green mountain ranges and fierce crashing waves, make this breathtaking drive a truly memorable experience. The tour also visits the impressive Twelve Apostles and the remains of London Bridge.  B

Day 17  Melbourne - Sydney

After breakfast we catch our late morning flight to Sydney. Sydney is a city that takes full advantage of its natural setting - its sparkling harbour plays host to the world famous Sydney Harbour Bridge and the majestic Opera House, and the suburbs are blessed with lush native bushland and pristine sandy beaches. Add to this excellent restaurants and cafes, a vibrant culture, and you’ll understand why Sydney is one of the world’s favourite cities. We enjoy a sightseeing tour of Sydney en route to the hotel. Our first stop is the world famous Bondi Beach, before taking the scenic harbourside route to the central area of the city. We travel by Hyde Park and Parliament House to Mrs Macquarie’s Chair in the Royal Botanical Gardens where we stop for the classic photo opportunity of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Later in the afternoon, we arrive at the centrally located Travelodge Wynyard, our home for the next three nights.  B

Day 18  Sydney

Today we have the opportunity to join an optional trip to the World Heritage listed Blue Mountains. The Blue Mountains are a perfect example of native Australian bushland, with gum trees, majestic peaks and deep gorges stretching as far as the eye can see. We experience the panoramas from a series of lookouts, including Echo Point - a prime position to view the famous Three Sisters rock formation. The excursion also visits the pretty villages of Wentworth Falls and Leura, which are famous for their annual garden festivals and play host to many of the region’s local artists.  B

Day 19  Sydney

Our day is free to take advantage of a variety of activities and excursions available in and around Sydney. There are great shopping opportunities in the historical Rocks district, excellent museums and galleries, and the beautiful Royal Botanical Gardens to explore. On our final evening, we bid farewell to Australia in the best possible way - with an included dinner cruise around Sydney’s beautiful Harbour. The views of the Opera House, Harbour Bridge and the many dream homes nestled along the edge of the water are truly amazing.  B D

Day 20  Sydney - Bangkok

A leisurely day before transferring to the airport for our late afternoon flight to Bangkok. Why not take this opportunity to visit Taronga Zoo, where Australia’s finest collection of native animals is housed? Otherwise, you might like to take a guided tour of the major theatres and halls of Sydney’s magnificent Opera House. On arriving in Bangkok, we’ll meet our local tour guide and transfer to the Royal Princess Hotel, Larn Luang - home for the final two nights of our tour.  B

Day 21  Bangkok

We board our coach after breakfast for a half day sightseeing tour of the Grand Palace complex and Wat Po. The tour includes the beautifully ornate Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Thailand’s holiest shrine, and the Grand Palace itself, built to house the Kings of Siam and still used today for major ceremonial occasions. Our final stop is at Wat Po to see Bangkok’s oldest and largest temple - the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. The remainder of the day is free.  B

Day 22  Bangkok

Thailand’s rich heritage, ancient traditions and monuments and its colourful floating markets make any of Bangkok’s many optional sightseeing tours a fascinating experience. We have held all our rooms until 6 o’clock this evening, allowing a full day in Bangkok before returning to our rooms to freshen up for the final leg of our journey. We transfer to the airport for our night flight with Qantas.  B

Day 23  Bangkok - UK

Morning arrival into London Heathrow.  B

Your Hotels

Park Hotel Clarke Quay - Singapore (tours departing before March 2009 will stay at the Grand Plaza Park Hotel)

Travelodge - Perth
Outback Pioneer - Ayers Rock
Lasseters - Alice Springs
Mercure Harbourside - Cairns
Travelodge Southbank - Melbourne
Travelodge Wynyard - Sydney

Royal Princess Hotel - Bangkok

About your holiday

Included in the price

Scheduled flights

From London Heathrow with Qantas

Internal flights

As detailed in the itinerary

Transfers

Between overseas airports and hotels

Accommodation

In twin or double rooms with private en-suite facilities

Full breakfast

In every hotel, every day

Other meals

Lunch on Great Barrier Reef (day 11)

Dinner on Sydney Harbour cruise (day 19)

Tour coach

Modern air-conditioned coach

Local guides

English speaking local guides in Singapore and Bangkok

Local tour manager throughout Australia

Luggage service

For one piece of luggage per person

All local and state taxes

Airport taxes

Including air passenger duty of £40 per person

Included Excursions

City sightseeing tours

Singapore

Perth

Alice Springs

Melbourne

Sydney

Uluru (Ayers Rock)

At sunset and sunrise, including base tour and entrance fees

Full day Great Barrier Reef

Including lunch

Sydney Harbour cruise

Including dinner

Bangkok

Grand Palace - half day tour

Extend your holiday

Extended holidays and deviations from the itinerary should be requested with your travel advisor at the time of booking. Holiday extensions and deviations can be arranged at the end of your holiday, subject to flight schedules. Travelling out earlier than the group may be possible, please contact your travel advisor for details. Unless otherwise stated overseas transfers are not included on extended stays and deviations and you must therefore make your ownn arrangements. We will be happy to help you with making these arrangements. Extended stays and deviations will incur an administration charge of £35 per person (£25 if departing before September 2009) plus any extra services required. Please remember – your travel insurance must cover the whole duration of your holiday.