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Ultimate Australia at Christmas & New Year

 
You are viewing the 2027 itinerary. Select your departure year
20272028
Duration
21 days
From per person
£9,999
Tour code
AUX28
Mobility Rating 3
View Dates & Pricing
View Dates & Pricing
Gallery

Discover Australia's magnificent highlights over the festive period - from Cairns and Uluru to Adelaide and Melbourne - celebrating New Year's Eve overlooking Sydney's spectacular harbour

From Australia's Great Barrier Reef and its Red Centre to its fantastic cities, experience the country's diverse landscapes and iconic landmarks during the festive season - on a holiday which includes a Christmas Eve wine-tasting and lunch in the Barossa Valley and a beach-style Christmas Day in Adelaide.

Starting in Cairns, this exceptional tour ends in Sydney with a New Year's Eve dinner looking out across Sydney Harbour, from a restaurant which has stunning views of the city's famous New Year's fireworks - one of the world's most exciting places to celebrate the New Year.

Unforgettable experiences

Experiencing an Australian-style Christmas Day
Experiencing an Australian-style Christmas Day
Enjoy a typical Australian Christmas lunch, sitting down to a festive buffet feast at a coastal resort hotel overlooking South Australia’s favourite city beach.
Seeing in the New Year while looking over Sydney
Seeing in the New Year while looking over Sydney
Celebrate New Year’s Eve from a revolving restaurant in Sydney, enjoying a festive buffet dinner with unlimited wine, beer and soft drinks, along with great views across the Sydney skyline and the city’s famous fireworks.
Spending Christmas Eve day in the Barossa Valley
Spending Christmas Eve day in the Barossa Valley
Enjoy a relaxed Christmas Eve day with a tour and tasting at the beautiful historic wine estate, Seppeltsfield Winery, followed by lunch with wine at Lambert Wines in the renowned Barossa Valley.
Viewing marine life on the idyllic Great Barrier Reef
During a day’s outing on the Great Barrier Reef, view unique wildlife and coral reefs from an underwater observatory, enjoy a snorkelling session, or catch a glimpse of marine life, tropical fish and sea turtles from a glass-bottom boat.
Enjoying dinner under the stars in magical Uluru
Enjoying dinner under the stars in magical Uluru
Experience Sounds of Silence at sunset after dinner in the desert, with a 'star talker' pointing out the planets and galaxies and retelling the indigenous stories which relate to the stars above us.

What’s included on the tour?

Itinerary

DAY1Overnight flight to Cairns via Singapore

Your Australian holiday begins at London Heathrow where you meet the Tour Manager and the rest of our travelling group before boarding our overnight flight to Singapore.

DAY2Welcome to tropical Cairns

Landing in Singapore this morning, after some transit time we join our flight to Cairns in the Tropical North Queensland region. Here, we are transferred to our hotel, overlooking the Trinity Wharf, which is ideally situated to explore the area.

After your long journey, you may simply wish to relax, but if you're keen to step out into the tropical night air and get to know your surroundings, you could step out of the hotel and wander along the boardwalk of the Esplanade where there are several al fresco restaurants to choose from. Dinner is independent this evening.

DAY3A free day in Cairns

After breakfast, there's a full day at leisure to get to know this tropical city at your own pace. December is mid-summer so don't forget a hat, suncream and your 'sunnies'! 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.

Other options are to visit the Flecker Botanic Gardens or the wonderful Cairns Aquarium where you can view some of the fantastic marine life and colourful aquatic creatures of the reef, which can usually only be seen by experienced divers.

This evening, we meet up for a welcome dinner at a waterfront restaurant, a short distance from our hotel.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
DAY4Kuranda and the Scenic Railway

Our day begins after breakfast, when we are transferred by coach to the small village of Kuranda for an excursion into the Rainforestation Nature Park. Here, we take a unique trip on a World War II amphibious military transport unit, also called an 'Army Duck', experiencing the tropical rainforest from a different perspective.

Next, we are greeted by local indigenous Pamagirri guides who take us on a guided 'Dreamtime Walk'. We learn how Indigenous Australians understand the world and its creation, their ancient traditions and fascinating customs.

After a barbecue lunch, we travel to Kuranda village in the rainforest, where there's time to look around the local craft market before transferring to the station. Here, we take a journey in refurbished heritage carriages along the 125-year-old Kuranda Scenic Railway. Refreshments are served enroute as we travel through the rainforest, across the stunning Barron River Gorge with its gorgeous vegetation and tumbling waterfalls. We return on the same scenic route, travelling through lush rainforest, back to Cairns. This evening you are free to dine independently.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch
DAY5Green Island & the Great Barrier Reef

Today is a full-day excursion into the Great Barrier Reef, the world's largest and most complex coral reef system. From the harbour of 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 small sandy island on a coral reef known as a coral cay, where we have two hours at leisure to explore or to simply relax in the idyllic location.

Departing Green Island, we enjoy three hours aboard a spacious activity platform, moored on the stunning Outer Great Barrier Reef. After a buffet lunch, you can view the unique wildlife and coral reefs from an underwater observatory or take a tour on a glass-bottomed boat to catch glimpse of the tropical fish, giant clams and sea turtles that roam this part of the sea.

We return to Cairns with a free evening, and you may like to wander through Cairns Night Market, open each day from 4.30pm to 10pm.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch
DAY6To the desert and sunset in Uluru

Early this morning we return to Cairns Airport to board a direct flight to Uluru. This iconic red rock is the world's largest monolith, and an incredible sight to behold, as it rises out of the flat desert floor. On arrival, a local guide takes us on a sightseeing tour around the base of the vast rock including a short walk to see the Mutitjulu waterhole - one of the few permanent water sources in the region. We then visit the Uluru Cultural Centre, where we can learn about the culture of the local Anangu people and spiritual significance of Uluru, view arts and crafts and hear about the Anangu creation story.

After checking in to our hotel, there's time to relax, maybe enjoy a dip in the hotel pool, or visit the shops in the Uluru hotel complex. Later, we head out to experience sunset over Uluru, watching the light change from burnished gold to deep orange while listening to the sounds of nightfall in the desert, while sipping a glass of wine.

DAY7Uluru sunrise & Kata Tjuta

An early start to the day is well rewarded this morning, as we get to experience Uluru at sunrise, watching as the sun's rising rays dance across the vivid orange rock. We then return to our hotel for a leisurely breakfast.

Our explorations continue after breakfast, with a guided tour of the fascinating landscape of huge domed rock formations, also known as 'Olgas', which are part of the Kata Tjuta National Park. The Anangu people believe that these rocks possess spirit energy, and the site is used for cultural ceremonies. We return to our hotel by lunchtime for an afternoon at leisure.

This evening is a gourmet barbecue dinner in the Kata Tjuta National Park, within view of ancient Uluru. Our dinner features sparkling wines and canapés, followed by a barbecue buffet dinner with a bush-inspired menu, selected drinks and dessert. Later, we enjoy a marvellous stargazing experience as a 'star talker' decodes the southern night sky, pointing out planets and galaxies, while relating indigenous stories about the solar system, visible in the clear desert atmosphere. We are taken back to our hotel at the end of the evening.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
DAY8To Alice Springs, the heart of Australia’s Red Centre

Today we leave Uluru and travel by coach through the vast ochre outback to Alice Springs, a remote town in Australia's Northern Territory, set between the parallel ridges of the rugged MacDonnell Ranges. On our way, we stop for lunch at a typical Australian roadhouse. Next, we visit James Range Camels, one of the first ever camel farms to be established in Central Australia during the early 1980s where we learn about the crucial role these animals played in building the famous railway line and opening up Outback Australia.

On arrival into Alice Springs, described as the beating heart of Australia's Red Centre, we check into our hotel for two nights. Known locally simply as 'Alice' the indigenous name for this fascinating red desert town is Mparntwe. This evening, we dine independently, and there are several places in town to enjoy a meal, including restaurants and a bar at our hotel.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch
DAY9Touring ‘the Alice’ area

Today is dedicated to exploring 'the Alice' and our first stop is one of the most visited landmarks in Alice Springs - Anzac Hill - a cenotaph and war memorial with impressive views of the McDonnell ranges. We continue to the Old Telegraph Station, the original site of the first European settlement in Alice Springs, established in 1871 to relay messages between Darwin and Adelaide. The station also connected Australia with the undersea telegraph network of the British empire. Next, we take a virtual journey of the 'world's largest classroom' - Alice Springs' School of the Air, where children across the vast outback region are taught 'over the air', by radio.

Our next visit is the Royal Flying Doctor Base, an institution in the vast Australian Outback where communities may live 1,000 miles from a doctor. Opened in 1939 to serve outlying communities, today it operates 21 bases and covers over 7,150,000 square kilometres. After hearing about the history of this life-saving air service, and the people who fly out to treat people living in remote areas, we return to our hotel. This evening you are free to dine locally in Alice Springs.

Includes
  • Breakfast
DAY10Alice Springs to laid-back Adelaide

Our day begins with an early morning transfer to Alice Springs airport for a direct flight to Adelaide. Arriving around midday, we transfer to our downtown hotel with a city sightseeing and orientation tour around the main city area enroute. After checking in, your afternoon is free to get to know this beautiful city, where we spend the next three nights.

Australia's fifth-largest city is known for its food and wine, and its relaxed way of life. With a free afternoon, you could enjoy a refreshing walk through the Botanic Garden or along the river. Or visit the South Australian Museum to see collections of fossils and indigenous artefacts, and read stories of Antarctic expeditions. The city's covered Central Market is close to our hotel and you may like to browse traditional craft stalls and sample South Australia's famous cuisine.

Our hotel is in the heart of the city, overlooking Victoria Square, where there are plenty of tempting places to eat nearby. Chinatown is just around the corner and Gouger Street, Adelaide's popular restaurant precinct, is close to our hotel.

DAY11Christmas Eve in the Barossa Valley

Known for its wonderful wine regions, Adelaide is one of the Great Wine Capitals of the world. To celebrate Christmas Eve, we dive into its wonderful wine heritage as we explore the famous vineyards of the Barossa Valley. First stop is Seppeltsfield Winery - one of Australia's oldest wineries, known for its fortified wines - for a tour and wine tasting, followed by a visit to the locally owned Lambert Wines for lunch with a glass of wine.

From here, it is a short drive into the Adelaide Hills where we visit the town of Hahndorf, the oldest surviving German settlement in Australia. In the scenic surrounds of the Mount Lofty Ranges, there's free time to discover the numerous art and craft stores, as well as the cafés, restaurants and local produce stalls. Back in Adelaide you are spoilt for choice for dinner, from local specialities such as fish or seafood to a wide selection of multicultural eating places.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch
DAY12Christmas Day in Adelaide

Merry Christmas! Waking in the beautiful garden city of Adelaide, there's free time to enjoy a walk before we set out for a Christmas lunch with a difference. After a half hours' drive to a beach side hotel in the seaside suburb of Glenelg, we enjoy a buffet-style festive lunch, with stunning views over the coast.

Returning to the hotel late afternoon, there's time to relax before a light dinner this evening.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY13Overland to Melbourne on Boxing Day

This morning, we have an early start as we board the Overland train for our journey east to Melbourne. Breakfast and lunch are served on board as we travel into Victoria, Australia's 'Garden State'. It's Boxing Day, and the biggest day of the cricketing year with a game being played at the iconic MCG.

From your comfortable seats, you can watch the diverse landscapes change from rugged mallee scrub to fields of green and gold, passing through small country towns. Arriving in Melbourne this evening, it's a short walk across the road from the Southern Cross Station to our central hotel, where we check in for three nights.

This evening you are free to dine independently. Our base is close to the hub of Melbourne's central business district, which offers high-end shopping and a fantastic choice of restaurants including Japanese, Vietnamese, French and Italian, alongside contemporary Australian fare - which is a healthy fusion of local and international cuisine.

Includes
  • Breakfast
DAY14Culture and sport in Melbourne

This morning, we begin exploring Melbourne, the multicultural capital of Victoria, on a sightseeing tour. Around the city centre are many gracious buildings such as the Old Treasury Building, Parliament House and the Exhibition Building, built for the Great Exhibition of 1880. We also drive past the Melbourne Cricket Ground, where the cricket season is in full swing, and the Melbourne Tennis Centre which is gearing up for the annual Australian Open Tennis tournament.

Next, we board a riverboat for a sightseeing cruise along the mighty Yarra River, seeing the city skyline from the water. After this experience, we take a trip up to the Melbourne Skydeck to see the city from above, enjoying amazing views over the city and Port Phillip Bay.

The rest of your day is at leisure and the city offers a variety of options. Known as Australia's cultural capital, in Melbourne's downtown area, you'll find many museums and art galleries including the NGV Australia in Melbourne's Federation Square which displays a wide range of Australian art. Just beyond, and well worth the walk along the Yarra River, are gardens including the Queen Victoria Gardens, and the wonderful Royal Botanic Gardens.

Includes
  • Breakfast
DAY15A day trip along the Great Ocean Road

Today brings another highlight of our tour - an excursion along one of the world's most dramatic and scenic coastal drives today, the breathtaking Great Ocean Road. Travelling to the west of Melbourne, we pass the city of Geelong to Anglesey. As we reach the coast, our route takes us past verdant forest, rushing waterfalls, and glittering ocean. We pass the small beach resort of Lorne and stop for lunch in the coastal village of Apollo Bay, then head inland through the Great Otway National Park, an area of lush rainforest, with waterfalls and wildlife.

This afternoon we rejoin the coast and travel the section of Great Ocean Road known as Shipwreck Coast. Among the spectacular sites we pass are the Twelve Apostles, a collection of dramatic limestone rocks standing inland and overlooking the crashing waves.

Arriving back at our hotel this evening, you are free to enjoy your last night in Melbourne. Just a block away from our hotel, on Little Bourke Street, is Melbourne's buzzing Chinatown - the longest continuous Chinese settlement in the western world, dating back to the gold rush period of the 1850s.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch
DAY16To Sydney by rail

A full day's journey by XPT Rail today takes us all the way from the Garden State of Victoria to New South Wales, to Australia's cosmopolitan city of Sydney. Our day starts with a short walk across the road from our hotel to the Southern Cross rail station where we join the cross-country train. Travelling in First Class, lunch and dinner is available on the train (payable locally). 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 Sydney the landscape becomes hilly and more densely populated.

Sydney is a buzzing city with a magnificent harbour, fringed by sandy beaches and streets lined with grand historical buildings and impressive skyscrapers. On arrival in the early evening, we are transferred to our hotel in Darling Harbour, which offers several waterfront restaurants and is close to the central business district where you'll find many more attractions and many inviting places to eat.

Includes
  • Breakfast
DAY17Getting to know Sydney

Following breakfast, we take a sightseeing tour through the Historical Rocks area of Sydney, where the First Fleet landed in 1788 to establish Australia's first European settlement. We then visit 'Mrs. Macquarie's Chair', a famous landmark which was carved out of the sandstone by convicts for Governor Lachlan Macquarie's wife, enabling her to watch the activity on the harbour and await the arrival of ships from England. This vantage point gives us amazing views of the famous Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge and is an iconic photo opportunity.

Our tour continues with a visit to an Australian institution, Bondi Beach, home to sun-kissed surfers and a laid-back vibe. You're free to enjoy an independent lunch in Bondi, before returning to Darling Harbour for a Sydney sightseeing cruise.

Afterwards, you are at leisure and can dine in one of Sydney's many appetising restaurants.

Includes
  • Breakfast
DAY18New Year’s Eve buffet dinner with views of Sydney’s fireworks

Today is a free day to discover Sydney at leisure before our New Year's Eve celebrations this evening. There's plenty to see and do in this exciting city. You could wander down to the Rocks, one of the first Aboriginal settlements of Australia and the place where Sydney's original convicts settled, whose old pubs and warehouses are now converted into modern buildings.

Tonight, we head out to celebrate the arrival of the New Year at a revolving restaurant, enjoying a special buffet dinner and fantastic views of the legendary Sydney fireworks displays. Our festive feast features over 55 dishes of international cuisine served in a buffet, with unlimited wine, beer and soft drinks throughout the evening. Enjoy incredible views of Sydney's famous fireworks show and a spectacular finale to your New Year's Eve celebration.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
DAY19New Year’s Day at leisure in Sydney

Happy New Year, and welcome to the first day of 2028. With a day free to spend as you choose you could head down to the historic Sydney Harbour, whose most prominent sight is Sydney's stunning Opera House, the jewel in the city's crown and an architectural masterpiece. You can also admire Sydney Harbour Bridge, the largest steel-arched bridge in the world.

From Sydney Harbour, a scenic walk takes you along the waterfront to the famous Opera House, one of the most striking landmarks of this beautiful city. From here, 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.

Alternatively, you could take a ferry to one of the wonderful beaches at Manly or head to Watson's Bay to enjoy fish and chips and the famous Doyle's restaurant.

Includes
  • Breakfast
DAY20Starting our journey home

Following breakfast this morning, it's time to officially check out of our hotel where your luggage can be stored while you enjoy the remainder of the day in Sydney. You could visit the nearby Chinese Garden of Friendship, between the harbour and Darling Square, or wander through one of the modern or Victorian-era shopping centres in the central business district, to find some last-minute souvenirs. You may also like to enjoy a leisurely lunch in Darling Harbour, where several restaurants serve fresh fish and seafood.

Later this afternoon, we transfer to Sydney Airport where we board our flight home, travelling via Singapore.

Includes
  • Breakfast
DAY21Homeward bound

Your Australia holiday has taken in three corners of this vast country - from Cairns in northern Queensland to central Australia, then from Adelaide in South Australia to the Victoria city of Melbourne and finally to Sydney in New South Wales. Over the last three weeks we have experienced many facets of this diverse country and enjoyed some unforgettable festive celebrations.

As we touchdown at London Heathrow this evening, your tour reaches its conclusion, and you are free to make your way home.

Additional information

Classic collection

Our Classic range is what we're known for. Enjoy curated moments with plenty of inclusions. Centrally located hotels, premium travel options and engaging group tours with a seasoned expert are included. You'll be in groups with an average of 20-25 travellers and a maximum of 30*. *Scandinavian and Worldwide tours are on average 30-35 and a maximum of 40.

Departure times

Provisional departure and return times, where available, can be found together with our dates and prices by clicking on the 'Prices & Availability' button. We write to all booked customers approximately 10 weeks prior to the start of their tour to advise the exact departure and return time for their particular group.

Mobility information

Due to the nature of our tours they are generally unsuitable for those with restricted mobility. If you’d like to discuss any particular holiday with us in this respect, then please don’t hesitate to call us.

Hotels

Hilton Hotel, Adelaide
Hilton Hotel, Adelaide
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Crowne Plaza Lasseters Hotel
Crowne Plaza Lasseters Hotel, Alice Springs
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Desert Gardens Hotel, Ayers Rock Resort
Desert Gardens Hotel, Ayers Rock Resort
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Pacific Hotel, Cairns
Pacific Hotel, Cairns
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The Savoy Hotel on Little Collins, Melbourne
The Savoy Hotel on Little Collins, Melbourne
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ParkRoyal Darling Harbour, Sydney
ParkRoyal Darling Harbour, Sydney
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Trains

More information on the different trains that are used on this tour.

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Kuranda Scenic Railway
Kuranda Scenic Railway

The unique Kuranda Scenic Railway has journeyed through tropical North Queensland for over 125 years, providing breathtaking views over one of the most stunning areas of Australia. The 23 mile (37 kilometre) long track winds through the lush green World Heritage Rainforest, past cascading waterfalls and a variety of different birds, fauna and reptiles, before it terminates at the small mountain village of Kuranda.

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NSW Trainlink XPT
NSW Trainlink XPT

The XPT follows the route of the Hume Highway through the state of Victoria, passing through Benalla and the cathedral city of Wangaratta before entering the state of New South Wales and the Riverina region. The broad, flat plains of the Riverina comprise some of the most agriculturally productive land in Australia due to the favourable climate and a plentiful water supply.

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The Overland
The Overland Train

The Overland train serves the route between Adelaide and Melbourne. During this daylight journey we travel in Red Premium Service, which offers passengers comfortable reclining seats and complimentary orange juice or water on boarding the train. Red Premium Service passengers have access to the licensed Red Service Café Carriage which serves a selection of snacks, meals and drinks. There is also an at-seat trolley service with snacks and drinks available for purchase, as well as a limited selection of a la carte dishes.

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Enhance your holiday

Flight upgrades

Flight upgrades are available. For information regarding the types of upgrades offered by the various airlines we use, call our expert team for details.

Flight upgrades
London Hotels

Spending a night in London before your tour can make such a difference to the first day of your holiday - you can arrive in the capital in good time, relaxed and ready to join your Tour Manager the next morning. You may even want to take in a show on the West End or dine in one of London's famous restaurants. Perhaps on your return to London, you would like to break your journey with an overnight stay before continuing home.

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We can book a wide range of hotels in central London or, for our holidays beginning with a flight, at Heathrow, Gatwick, or Manchester Airport for the night before or after your holiday. If you require a quote for single occupancy at any of the hotels, please contact us on 01904 734 805.

London hotels
UK rail connections

Buying tickets for UK train services can be a tricky business - there are so many fares to choose from, each with different rules and restrictions. As you are connecting with an international departure, we strongly recommend that you book a fully flexible ticket to ensure that should the departure times for your holiday change, your rail ticket can allow for these changes.

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We can book fully-flexible UK rail tickets from your local station to join your holiday whether this be a European holiday from St Pancras or a UK holiday. The prices are competitive and tickets are not restricted to a particular train or time of day, and in most cases offer you a free choice of routes.

For an up to date quote from your local station, please ask one of our Tour Advisors.

UK train tickets