Grand Tour of Australia

Day 1 - UK - In flight

Our nationwide shared chauffeur service collects you from home for your flight to Perth.

Day 2 - Perth

On arrival, the evening is at leisure.

Day 3 - Fremantle

We start our day with a tour of Perth and then make our way towards the ocean to spend time in Fremantle - an eclectic, arty suburb that has retained an element of its historic, colonial precinct. We also visit Fremantle Prison, a World Heritage Site which offers fascinating insight into the transportation of prisoners from Britain to Australia.

Day 4 - Perth

Today is free to explore Australia’s sunniest capital. Maybe follow a nature trail, take an Indigenous Heritage Tour in Kings Park, find adventure on the river or visit the Art Gallery WA to see one of the world’s finest collections of indigenous art. Alternatively, choose an optional excursion to Rottnest Island. It’s of great spiritual significance - known as Wadjemup to the Aboriginal people who have inhabited this island for more than 6,500 years. This car-free island has stunning beaches, incredible pink salt lakes and an abundance of wildlife including the adorably cheerful quokkas. Wadjemup Lighthouse, still operating today, offers fantastic views over Rottnest and the sapphire ocean. Kings Park is a wonderful spot to end your day, strolling through 400 hectares of beautiful gardens and protected bushland, before watching the sun set over the city.

Day 5 - Darwin

Fly to Darwin, capital of the Northern Territory. We’ll stay close to the ocean and an easy walk from the city’s highlights.

Day 6 - Kakadu

We spend a full day touring Kakadu National Park, Australia’s largest national park and home to Aboriginal people for over 50,000 years. Look out for native wildlife and huge termite mounds along the roadside as we traverse stunning scenery and landscapes.

Day 7 - Kakadu - Katherine

Cruise Kakadu’s wetlands, an ever-changing landscape. More than 10,000 saltwater crocodiles live in the park, as well as an uncountable number of bird species, including the whistling duck, jabiru and white-bellied sea eagle. Experienced guides will give fascinating insights into the region’s wildlife, Bininj people and survival through the seasons. Later, we travel to Katherine.

Day 8 - Katherine - Darwin

Nitmiluk National Park includes a breathtaking series of towering gorges along the Katherine River. This morning we’ll take a leisurely cruise on its tranquil waters, before returning to Darwin.

Day 9 - Darwin

This morning we take a tour of this tropical capital, including entrance to the Darwin Military Museum, which tells the story of Japan’s devastating air raids on 19 February 1942. They dropped more bombs here than on Pearl Harbor. The afternoon is at leisure. Maybe visit the wonderful markets or the superb Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory.

Day 10 - Alice Springs

Today we fly to Alice Springs, where our tour includes a visit to the Royal Flying Doctors Service Base, founded to provide medical care for residents in over 1.5 million square kilometres of isolated bushland; and the Old Telegraph Station, built in the 1870s to relay messages between Darwin and Adelaide. This evening, we enjoy an included dinner at our hotel.

Day 11 - Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) - Uluru

Our journey continues to one of Australia’s natural highlights, Uluru. We head to the Olgas, a collection of rounded rocks known to Aborigines as Kata Tjuta (‘Many Heads’), and then continue closer to Uluru to enjoy a glass of wine at sunset. Please note: The order of excursions at Uluru is subject to change.

Day 12 - Uluru - Sydney

Early this morning we travel the short distance back to Uluru to watch this phenomenal rock change as the sun rises, before flying to Sydney.

Day 13 - Sydney

Today we experience a sightseeing tour, taking in the delights of Sydney. We also enjoy a harbour lunch cruise.

Day 14 - Sydney

Today is at leisure to explore Sydney. There’s a vast choice of galleries and historical museums, the gorgeous Botanical Gardens and The Rocks - the fabulous heart of historic Sydney where Captain Arthur Phillip proclaimed the establishment of Australia’s first European settlement in 1788. Maybe climb the Harbour Bridge or ascend the Sydney Tower for impressive views.

Day 15 - Sydney

We enjoy another day at leisure in Sydney. Join an optional excursion to see a performance at the Royal Opera House, take in the city’s sights, or simply relax. Although the city is walkable, there is a fantastic transport system which can also take you to more distant attractions such as Bondi Beach, North Head Sanctuary in Manly or Botany Bay.

Day 16 - Sydney - Brisbane - Noosa

Today we depart Sydney and fly to Brisbane, before transferring to Noosa. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure.

Day 17 - Noosa

We set out on a private Hinterland tour today. We head to Gympie train station with some time to explore the station and souvenir shops. We then travel on the Mary Valley Rattler Classic steam train from Gympie to Amamoor, where we visit Amamoor station and watch the steam engine on the turntable. We then make the short drive to Pomona for lunch including a drink at Pomona Distilling Co. There’s free time to explore the beautiful village of Pomona, or relaxing for another drink, before our picturesque drive through the Noosa Hinterland to Noosa Marina. A privately-chartered Noosa Ferry will provide an hour-long ferry ride along the Noosa River, after which the ferry will drop us near to our hotel.

Day 18 - Noosa

Spend your free day relaxing in the tropical town of Noosa. Maybe take to the expansive golden beaches or stroll to beautiful Noosa Heads for gorgeous views and a chance to spot koalas in the eucalyptus trees at Noosa National Park.

Day 19 - Noosa - Brisbane

We drive to Brisbane for a tour of this booming city, including a visit to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. The world’s largest koala sanctuary has over 130 of these gentle marsupials, as well as kangaroos, possums and wombats. Later, we check into our hotel in Brisbane.

Day 20 - Brisbane

Today is free to spend time in Brisbane’s historic precinct, the delightful Botanic Gardens or the world-class galleries along the South Bank. Alternatively, choose an optional excursion to Tangalooma Island Resort on Moreton Island - a 75-minute cruise from the mainland. This protected island offers fabulous opportunities: hand feed wild bottlenose dolphins; or snorkel amongst wrecks which have become home to reef fish.

Day 21 - Brisbane - Byron Bay - Gold Coast

We head south along the legendary Pacific Coast. We stop to see the fun-filled Gold Coast, where a virtually unbroken 40km beach braces for the waves of renowned surf spots; and Byron Bay, a small hippy town at the end of a beautiful sweeping bay, at mainland Australia’s most easterly point. We’ll stop to enjoy spectacular views from the lighthouse, before free time to explore the town. We’ll then drive up to the glorious beaches of the Gold Coast, pausing for photos of Surfer’s Paradise, before heading back to Brisbane.

Day 22 - Brisbane - Cairns

We fly to Cairns today, with the rest of the day free.

Day 23 - Great Barrier Reef

Today we experience another of Australia’s incredible natural wonders - the Great Barrier Reef. Cruise to Michaelmas Cay, a small sand island on the outer reef. You can choose to remain on deck, take a tour on a semi-submersible vessel, or experience the warmth of the water as you snorkel between the corals in search of tropical fish, giant clams and green sea turtles.

Day 24 - Cairns

Today is free to explore Cairns. The Esplanade lagoon or the Pier marina are the places to head to if you want to spend time on the coast. Despite the lack of beach, this small town is still popular for board short-clad tourists, and for those looking to experience the great outdoors.

Day 25 - Kuranda

We’ll journey up to Kuranda on the Skyrail, gliding above the rainforest canopy as we ascend. We’ll spend some time at leisure - Kuranda Railway Station is particularly lovely, with original wooden structures and bridge decked out with tropical flowers and ferns. On a scenic railway ride, we’ll trundle through the rainforest and back down the mountainside. The track twists and turns across chasms and next to frothing waterfalls (the dramatic Barron Falls is a highlight), passing through 15 tunnels along the way.

Day 26 - Cairns - Melbourne

After a flight to Melbourne, the rest of the day is free to relax or explore.

Day 27 - Dandenong Ranges - Melbourne

This morning we’ll drive to the Dandenong Ranges for a trip on the Puffing Billy steam train. The view of the Dandenong Ranges can often be seen under a blue haze, created by the eucalyptus trees that cover much of the area. We then head into Victoria’s beautiful countryside and break at a winery to compare their signature flavours and have in included lunch. This afternoon, we take a tour of Melbourne City, including entrance to Cooks Cottage. Built in Yorkshire by Captain James Cooks’ parents, the cottage was painstakingly disassembled, shipped to Australia and rebuilt in Fitzroy Gardens in 1934.

Day 28 - Melbourne

There’s plenty to see on a free day in Melbourne, including the beautiful Victorian façades of Flinders Street Station and Old Customs House, Queen Victoria Market and the Old Melbourne Gaol, now a museum dedicated to Melbourne’s most dangerous offenders, including Ned Kelly. Alternatively, join us for an optional excursion along the Great Ocean Road, a stunning coastal route that includes the Twelve Apostles; or travel to Phillip Island, best known for the enchanting parade of adorable little (fairy) penguins that waddle across the shores at dusk to nest.

Day 29 - Melbourne - In flight

Enjoy a second free day in this exciting city before we transfer to the airport this evening for your return flight to the UK.

Day 30 - UK

Upon arrival, your vehicle will be waiting for the journey home.