Ultimate Australia

Your Australian adventure begins as we meet the Tour Manager and the rest of our group at London Heathrow and board our daytime flight to Singapore, flying through several time zones before arriving early morning, local time.

As we travel across the world, we can begin to look forward to a sensational holiday taking in countless bucket list destinations throughout Australia. From Sydney and its iconic harbour, we will discover world-class wine regions, fascinating cities and natural wonders including Uluru and the Great Barrier Reef.

In Singapore, we join our flight to Sydney and arrive in the evening. After a transfer to our hotel and checking in for the next four nights, you are free to unwind.

After a long journey, relaxing is no doubt a priority, but if you're keen to step out and get to know your surroundings, our hotel in situated in Darling Harbour, which offers several waterfront restaurants and is close to the central business district where you'll find many more attractions and inviting places to eat.

After a free morning exploring the beauty of Sydney at your own pace, we're taken on a guided sightseeing tour of Sydney's famous landmarks and its eastern suburbs, travelling by coach along the coastline to Bondi Beach, frequented by sun-kissed surfers and known for its laid-back vibe.

The name Bondi originates from the Aboriginal word for 'surf' - and there's time at leisure here to enjoy this relaxed beach resort, its vast beach, cafés and restaurants, over lunch and into the afternoon. Later, we visit Mrs Macquarie's Chair, a sandstone bench hand-carved by convicts in 1810 for the wife of Governor Macquarie. Set on a scenic peninsula, it offers one of the best views of Sydney Harbour.

This evening, we mark the first full day of our Australian holiday with a group dinner at a local restaurant.

• Breakfast, Dinner

After a free morning, we embark on a highlight of the holiday: a cruise around Sydney Harbour. With a buffet lunch on board, this is a superb way to see some of the most iconic sights of the city. The most prominent is Sydney's stunning Opera House, the jewel in the city's crown and an architectural masterpiece. We also pass under one of Australia's most renowned landmarks, Sydney Harbour Bridge, the largest steel-arched bridge in the world.

The rest of your day is free and there's plenty to see and do in this exciting city. You could wander down to the Rocks, one of the first European settlements of Australia and the place where Sydney's original convicts settled, whose old pubs and warehouses are now converted into modern buildings.

A scenic walk takes you along the waterfront of Sydney Harbour to the Opera House, where you can continue to the remarkable 200-year-old Royal Botanic Gardens with its incredible trees - including Moreton Bay fig trees, exotic flowers and birdlife. Sydney's harbour area has several museums, art galleries and historic buildings to discover.

• Breakfast, Lunch

Today, we journey into the Blue Mountains by rail. Just 30 miles outside of Sydney, this beautiful UNESCO World Heritage-listed area is named due to its dense eucalyptus forests which create a blue haze when the sunlight hits.

First, we visit the unique Three Sisters rocks at Echo Point, overlooking the vast Jamison Valley. These striking rock formations inspired an Aboriginal legend in which three sisters were turned to stone by their father to protect them from a tribal war. We continue to a charming Victorian-era village named Leura, with free time to lunch in one of the quaint cafés or to browse the galleries and shops. Our excursion continues with a trip on the world's steepest incline railway, the Katoomba Scenic Railway. This short but dramatic trip passes sandstone cliffs and enters a rock tunnel, before emerging into the ancient rainforest. After walking through the tall rainforest, we return to the top of the valley and take the glass-bottom Scenic Skyway ride from the lookout point across the valley.

Returning to Sydney by coach, your evening is free to enjoy at leisure.

• Breakfast

This morning, we take a short coach journey from our hotel to the Southern Cross rail station where we join the cross-country train to Melbourne.

Travelling in First Class, lunch and dinner is available for you to buy on the train, and it may be advisable to order your meals early in the day. This day-long rail journey takes us past open plains of Australian bush and farmland, mostly cattle and dairy farms, with stops at remote stations and towns with distinctive names, such as Wagga Wagga. As we approach Melbourne, landscapes change to fields of green and gold.

On arrival into Melbourne this evening, we walk across the road from the Southern Cross Station to check in to our central hotel for four nights. This is the hub of Melbourne's buzzing central business district, which offers high-end shopping and a fantastic choice of restaurants including Japanese, Vietnamese, Chinese, French and Italian, alongside Australian fare - a healthy and inventive fusion of local and international cuisine.

• Breakfast

Enjoy some free time this morning to explore Melbourne at your own pace, perhaps stopping for an early lunch at one of the city's many cafés or restaurants.

This afternoon, we join a sightseeing tour of Melbourne, taking us past key highlights of the city, including the bustling central business district, Docklands, the Botanic Gardens and Melbourne Cricket Ground, Australia's largest stadium. Afterwards, we experience the true charm of the Yarra River onboard one of Melbourne's most popular vessels with a one-hour sightseeing cruise, allowing us to view the city's skyline from a fresh perspective.

After the cruise, we take a short walk to the Melbourne Skydeck for panoramic views across the city. The nearby Southbank area along the Yarra River offers a variety of excellent restaurants, perfect for dinner this evening.

• Breakfast

Today brings an excursion along one of the world's most scenic roads, a journey along the breathtaking Great Ocean Road. Travelling by coach, this spectacular route takes us past verdant forest, rushing waterfalls and glittering ocean. We're highly likely to see surfers, and we may even spot native birds or other coastal wildlife.

We make a short stop at a beach resort called Lorne, before arriving at the laid-back beach town of Apollo Bay we break for lunch. We later continue to the scenic Loch Ard Gorge along the coast, passing the Twelve Apostles, a collection of dramatic limestone rock set along the coast, overlooking the crashing waves. At Loch Ard Gorge there is some free time before we retrace our coastal journey back to Melbourne.

Arriving back at our hotel this evening, you are free to dine independently at one of the many appealing restaurants in our local neighbourhood.

• Breakfast, Lunch

This morning after breakfast, we drive through Melbourne's leafy suburbs before arriving at Belgrave Station. Here, we board the nostalgic Puffing Billy steam train, a beloved heritage railway dating back to 1900. On this journey, we glide through the tranquil rainforest and fern-filled gullies of the spectacular Dandenong Ranges, spotting wildlife enroute.

Our train ride takes us to the peaceful Lakeside Visitor Centre, where we enjoy lunch overlooking the serene lake surrounded by towering trees. Afterwards, we board the Puffing Billy for the return trip to Belgrave Station, then transfer back to our Melbourne hotel.

The rest of the afternoon and evening are yours to relax or explore the city's restaurants and bars at leisure.

• Breakfast, Lunch

There's an early start this morning as we join the Overland train on a journey west to Adelaide. Breakfast and lunch are served on board as we travel through broad plains, rolling farmland and the shifting colours of the rural Victorian and South Australian landscape.

This attractive city was Australia's first major settlement, planned in 1836 as a free city. Known as the 'city of churches', Adelaide is also celebrated for its elegant architecture, natural landscapes and relaxed charm.

On arrival in Adelaide this evening, we check in to our hotel in the heart of the city, overlooking Victoria Square. With a reputation for good food and wine, there are plenty of tempting places to eat this evening. Chinatown is just around the corner and Gouger Street, Adelaide's popular restaurant precinct, is close by.

• Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast this morning, we travel by coach to the renowned Barossa Valley, one of Australia's most celebrated wine regions. Adelaide is proudly recognised as one of the Great Wine Capitals of the World, and we delve into its rich wine heritage with visits to some of the area's most well-known vineyards.

Our day includes tours and tastings at iconic wineries such as Lambert Wines and the historic Seppeltsfield Estate, famed for its fortified wines. We enjoy a relaxed lunch amid the picturesque surroundings, pairing local flavours and world-class wines.

On our return journey to Adelaide this afternoon we visit Hahndorf, the oldest German settlement in Australia in the scenic surrounds of the Mount Lofty Ranges, where there's free time to look around. Back in the attractive city of Adelaide you are free to dine independently, and could try local specialities such as fish or seafood, or choose from a wide selection of restaurants.

• Breakfast, Lunch

Exploring Adelaide on a guided tour after breakfast, the city's key sights are brought to life through fascinating local stories. Highlights include Montefiore Hill, offering sweeping views of the city, the historic Adelaide Oval and the striking St Peter's Cathedral.

After the tour, enjoy a free afternoon to explore beautiful Adelaide at your own pace. You might choose to wander the Adelaide Botanic Garden, home to elegant tree-lined avenues, native plant displays, a Victorian glasshouse and the distinctive Art Deco Palm House. Art lovers may prefer to visit the Art Gallery of South Australia or the South Australia Museum, which features impressive fossil collections, Aboriginal artefacts and tales of Antarctic exploration. Just a short distance from our hotel is Adelaide's Central Market, a great spot to browse artisan stalls and sample some of South Australia's finest produce over lunch.

This evening, take your pick from one of the city's many excellent restaurants for dinner.

• Breakfast

Today begins with an early morning transfer to the airport for our flight to Alice Springs, a remote town in the Northern Territory described as the beating heart of Australia's Red Centre. On arrival, we check in to our hotel for the night.

Afterwards, we visit one of the most visited landmarks in Alice Springs - Anzac Hill - a cenotaph and memorial commemorating those who died in World War One. Its position also provides sweeping views across the town and to the MacDonnell Ranges. Next, we continue to the Old Telegraph Station for a tour. The station marks the original site of the first European settlement in Alice Springs, established in 1871 to relay messages between Darwin and Adelaide. We also visit Alice Springs' School of the Air, where children across the vast outback region are taught over the air by radio.

Our tour continues to the Royal Flying Doctor Service Museum, an institution in the vast Australian Outback. We learn about the life-saving work of this air medical service, and the people who fly out to treat people in remote areas. We return to our hotel and this evening you are free to dine locally in Alice Springs.

• Breakfast

This morning, we leave Alice Springs and travel by coach through Australia's vast Red Centre towards the spiritual heart of the Outback - Uluru. This iconic rock is the world's largest monolith, an incredible sight to behold as it rises 1,142 feet above the surrounding flat desert floor.

As we travel, we take in the scenery of the desert landscapes, ochre sands and rugged mountain ranges, before stopping along the way for lunch.

We arrive to our hotel late afternoon and check in, with time to relax or enjoy the hotel facilities. This evening, we experience a magical Uluru sunset, watching as the rock changes colour in the fading light. With drinks and snacks supplied, we witness the breathtaking spectacle as the golden light illuminates Uluru, before the hues darken, creating a dramatic contrast against the desert sky.

• Breakfast, Lunch

Today we explore the natural beauty of the Uluru area. The day begins with a sunrise visit to Uluru, watching the sun's first rays dance across the vivid orange rock, before we return to the hotel for a leisurely breakfast.

Next, we embark on a guided tour of the spectacular Olgas, the huge domed rock formations of Kata Tjuta National Park. These sacred sites hold deep spiritual significance for the Anangu people and are used for cultural ceremonies. The afternoon is free to relax by the pool, enjoy the hotel facilities or possibly visit the local shops in the Uluru hotel complex.

This evening, we set off for a magical Sounds of Silence dinner in the desert, with Uluru's iconic red rock as our backdrop, glowing as it shifts colour with the setting sun. Our meal begins with sparkling wine and canapés, followed by a barbecue buffet featuring a bush-inspired menu, selected drinks and dessert. Later, under the clear desert skies, a 'star talker' guides us through a captivating stargazing experience, revealing planets, constellations and galaxies visible in this extraordinary environment.

• Breakfast, Dinner

We transfer to the airport this morning to fly to Cairns, arriving in the early afternoon. After a transfer to our hotel, which is situated overlooking the Trinity Wharf and ideal for exploring the area, we check in and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Known as the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, Cairns is a nature-lover's paradise, surrounded by mountainous rainforests, spectacular reefs and pristine beaches. You might be tempted to take a dip in the lagoon, walk along the waterfront promenade or relax at the hotel swimming pool or beach.

This evening, you could wander along the boardwalk of the Esplanade where there are several inviting al fresco restaurants to choose from for dinner.

• Breakfast

Today is a full-day excursion into the Great Barrier Reef, the world's largest and most complex coral reef system. From the harbour at Cairns, we board an air-conditioned catamaran for a cruise into this marine paradise, one of the seven wonders of the natural world. Our first stop is Green Island, a 'coral cay' (a small sandy island on a coral reef) where we have two hours at leisure to explore this idyllic setting on a self-guided walk.

Continuing into the Great Barrier Reef, we moor alongside a pontoon for an onboard reef presentation and a buffet lunch, followed by an afternoon of viewing the unique wildlife and coral reefs from an underwater observatory. You can also experience the brilliant marine life close-up during a snorkelling session, or catch a glimpse of tropical fish, giant clams and sea turtles from a glass-bottom boat.

We return to Cairns with a free evening to dine independently and you may like to wander through the Cairns Night Market, open each day from 4:30pm to 10pm.

• Breakfast

This morning brings a unique experience as we transfer by coach to Rainforestation Nature Park, located within the beautiful tropical rainforest. There, we take a trip on a World War Two amphibious military transport unit known as an Army Duck, driving among the flora. Next, on a guided Dreamtime Walk, we learn how indigenous Australians understand the world and its creation, before experiencing a 'pamagirri' dance performance.

After a barbecue lunch, we travel to Kuranda village in the rainforest, where there's time to look around the local craft market before heading to the station. Here, we board refurbished heritage carriages in Gold Class for a journey along the 125-year-old Kuranda Scenic Railway into the rainforest, through the stunning Barron River Gorge with its tropical vegetation and tumbling waterfalls.

After returning to Cairns along the same scenic route, you are free this evening to dine independently.

• Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, you have a full day at leisure to explore this tropical city at your own pace.

There are plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors, whether exploring the nearby beaches or going for a refreshing swim. You might like to visit the Flecker Botanic Gardens or the wonderful Cairns Aquarium where you can view some of the colourful marine life and aquatic creatures of the reef, which can usually only be seen by experienced divers.

This evening, we mark the final night in Australia with a group dinner at the hotel.

• Breakfast, Dinner

There's a leisurely morning after breakfast in Cairns and you can choose to set out for some final sightseeing or buying souvenirs. Alternatively, take a relaxing walk along the harbour, soaking up views of the Coral Sea.

This afternoon, we transfer to Cairns airport for a flight to Singapore as we begin our journey home.

• Breakfast

This epic Australian adventure has taken us from the wondrous cities of Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide to the sensational natural wonders of Uluru and the Great Barrier Reef, as he have absorbed the views and culture of this spectacular country. With journeys on scenic railroads through the Blue Mountains and Queensland rainforest, and an iconic Sydney Harbour cruise, this tour has taken across thousands of miles of Australia's vast and inspiring land.

We touch down in London Heathrow early on Day 21 and you are free to make your way home.