Highlights of Australia

Days 2 & 3 Melbourne

After arriving early on day 3, we'll drive you to your hotel in Melbourne where you’ll have time to relax and freshen up after the journey. You’ll have time to settle in before setting off on a tour of Melbourne this afternoon. 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.

Day 4 Melbourne - at Leisure

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.

Day 5 Melbourne - Sydney

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.

Day 6 Sydney - at Leisure

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.

Day 7 Sydney - at Leisure

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.

Day 8 Sydney - Uluru

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.

Day 9 Uluru - Alice Springs

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.

Day 10 Alice Springs

This morning, head off on a fascinating tour that introduces you to the Flying Doctor Base and the old Telegraph Station, the original site of the first European settlement in central Australia, which is now a museum. You will also visit the famous School of the Air. If you want to get out and about in the great outdoors, join an optional excursion to the spectacular Western MacDonnell Mountain Ranges.

Day 11 Alice Springs - Darwin

Today we'll transfer you to the airport for your flight to Darwin. 

Day 12 Darwin - Kakadu National Park

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.

Day 13 Kakadu National Park - Katherine

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.

Day 14 Katherine - Darwin

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.

Day 15 Darwin - Cairns

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

Day 16 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.

Day 17 Cairns - at Leisure

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.

Day 18 Cairns - at Leisure

You can spend today doing just as you wish 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.

Day 19 Cairns - Brisbane

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.

Day 20 Brisbane - at Leisure

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.

Day 21 Brisbane - UK

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

Day 22 UK

You'll arrive back in the UK today.