Grand Tour of Australia

Board an overnight Emirates flight from London Heathrow to Dubai (7 hours).

On arrival in Dubai connect with an onward flight to Sydney (14 hours) where on arrival in Sydney you will be transferred by private vehicle to the Shangri-La, staying three nights in a deluxe opera house city view room.

Board your Captain Cook Cruise vessel this morning at 1000 hours at Jetty No. 6, Circular Quay for your Morning Coffee Cruise. A great introduction to Sydney and its spectacular skyline, the cruise takes you right around Sydney’s famous harbour, taking in the iconic splendours of its Opera House and Harbour Bridge, before sailing on into the upper reaches of Middle Harbour. The cruise concludes back at Circular Quay at approximately 1220 hours. The remainder of the afternoon is free to spend at your leisure, taking in more of Australia’s most eclectic city at your own pace.

A full day at your leisure. Without doubt one of the most spectacularly located cities anywhere on earth, Sydney has it all, with a vibrant waterfront that is alive with yachts and ferries of all shapes and sizes, all set before the backdrop of one of the most easily recognizable harbour settings on the planet. Take in the surreal white pinnacles of its famous Opera House and explore the historic Rocks district, the heart of the old city. Climb the famous bridge and take in the harbour and city landmarks from an altogether more original vantage point. Browse some of the many stores that line Sydney’s bustling streets, head for one of the nearby beaches, or sample some of the many superb restaurants on offer in this most friendly and cosmopolitan of cities. Alternatively why not visit the magical Blue Mountains or join a wine tour of the Hunter Valley? We would be happy to arrange any sightseeing tours that you may require.

Today you will be collected from your hotel and transferred to the domestic airport for your onward Virgin Australia flight to Melbourne (1 hour 30 minutes). On arrival you will be transferred to the Langham Hotel for a two night stay in a river guestroom.

A full day at leisure. Melbourne is a city renowned for its culture and relaxed lifestyle, filled with many fine galleries and museums, stately architecture and landscaped gardens, superb shopping and of course a reputation for some of the finest cuisine in the country. It is also a city famed for its sporting connections, with events running throughout the year, covering everything from cricket and racing, to tennis and Australian Rules football. Why not take a guided tour of the city, taking in some of the highlights of its Victorian grandeur, or take a cruise along the Yarra River. Another option is a day trip out to nearby Phillip Island to see the famous ‘Penguin Parade’.

Make your way today to the Hertz Australia depot to collect your rental vehicle. Depart Melbourne and head south west, travelling along the Princess Freeway towards Geelong, where you will join the Surf Coast Highway towards the coastal resort town of Torquay, the official start of the Great Ocean Road. One of Australia’s most spectacular stretches of highway, the Great Ocean Road runs along Victoria’s western coast, sandwiched between the glorious Otway Ranges and the glittering waters of the Southern Ocean. You might want to consider making a short detour to the surfing mecca of Bells Beach, to take in its stunning coastal views, before continuing through the scenic coastal towns of Angelsea and Lorne en route to the picturesque fishing port of Apollo Bay. The drive today is approximately 210 km. Make your way to Captains at the Bay for an overnight stay in a double terrace room.

This morning you may wish to enjoy a stroll through some of the magnificent coastal rainforest. Alternatively, make a small detour off the Great Ocean Road and travel through the Otway National Park to nearby Cape Otway, the most southerly point on the Great Ocean Road and an infamously treacherous stretch of coastline. Depart Apollo Bay later this morning and continue along the Great Ocean Road, passing through Port Campbell and the Port Campbell National Park, taking in some of this stretch of the coast’s most magnificent scenery, including ‘London Bridge’, ‘The Arch’ and the iconic and world renowned ‘Twelve Apostles’, giant rock stacks of immense grandeur that rise out of the waters of the Southern Ocean. Just before you reach the beautifully located and historic town of Warnambool, the Great Ocean Road ends and you will join the Princes Highway for the short drive on to the charming fishing village of Port Fairy, a town steeped in the rich history of whalers and seal fishermen. Today’s drive is approximately 195 km via the Great Ocean Road. Stay one night at the Oscars Waterfront Boutique Hotel, in a premium room.

Depart Port Fairy and travel along the coastal road to Portland, a busy deep-water port and historic town that is the last stop on the Victoria coast heading west along the Princes Highway. Continue via Dartmoor, Mount Gambier and Millicent to arrive at the seaside town of Robe, in the heart of the limestone coast region of South Australia, a drive of approximately 332 km. Stay overnight at Ann’s Place in a queen en suite room.

Depart Robe and travel to Kingston, where you will join the Princes Highway to Murray Bridge and onto the South Eastern Freeway to the gracious and distinctly ‘European’ city of Adelaide, lying along the banks of the Torrens River. The drive today is approximately 340 km. Please drop your rental vehicle at the Hertz Adelaide depot and make your way to your Adelaide accommodation. Stay one night at the Rendezvous Hotel Adelaide in a deluxe king room.

Today you will be transferred by private car from the hotel to the domestic airport. Depart on your flight from Adelaide to the beautifully unspoilt shores of Kangaroo Island, lying off the Fleurieu Peninsula to the south of the city. Upon arrival, transfer to the Southern Ocean Lodge for a two night stay in a flinders suite. Southern Ocean Lodge offers a complete and personal Kangaroo Island experience. A signature itinerary of guided excursions is designed daily and included,allowing you to encounter abundant wildlife in a 'zoo without fences' and discover the Island's unique natural attractions, often with exclusive access.

A full day of sightseeing on the island.

Today you will be transferred to Kingscote Airport for your flight back to Adelaide. Upon arrival in Adelaide you will be met and transferred back to the Rendezvous Hotel Adelaide for an overnight stay.

Today you will be transferred by private car from the hotel to the domestic airport. Depart on your Qantas flight from Adelaide to Alice Springs (2 hours) with an onward connection to Uluru/Ayers Rock (1 hour). Upon arrival you will be transferred by shared coach to Sails in the Desert for a two night stay in a standard room. Later that evening enjoy the Sounds of Silence Dinner, where you will feast on a gourmet barbeque as the sun sets over Uluru. After dinner and a chance to relax an astronomer will take you on a guided tour of the night sky.

Rise early, and join the Morning Spirit of Uluru Tour. Morning Spirit of Uluru Tour Depart one hour prior to sunrise to enjoy a picnic breakfast and view the sunrise over Uluru. A series of short guided walks take you to areas of special interest at the base of Uluru where Aboriginal art will be viewed and culture and creation time stories explained. Visit the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre to view Aboriginal artworks. Return to the hotel at approximately 0900-1030 hours. In the afternoon join the Kata Tjuta and Dunes tour to view the majestic Olgas. Afternoon Kata Tjuta and Dunes Tour Late afternoon departure to experience the mysterious rock domes of Kata Tjuta. A short walk to the dune lookout, for the opportunity to delight in the spectacular panoramic view of Kata Tjuta (the Olgas). Travel through the great dome formations to discover the secret of plant and animal survival in the desert. As the sun sets take a stroll into the Great Walpa (Olga) Gorge and discover why the Aboriginal people found this place so important. Later relax with a glass of chilled champagne and experience the magic of sunset at Kata Tjuta and an artefact presentation. Return to the hotel at approximately 1930-2030 hours.

Today you will be transferred to the airport for your Qantas flight to Cairns (2 hours 30 minutes), lying on Queensland’s tropical coast and overlooking the teeming waters of the Coral Sea. You will be transferred on arrival to the Daintree Rainforest for a two night stay at the Daintree Eco Lodge and Spa (bayan room).

Enjoy a full day at leisure. Join an indigenous guided Rainforest Walk to learn something of the flora and fauna of the region, explore the Mossman Gorge, or take a dawn or dusk river cruise. Of course you may simply wish to indulge in some of the fabulous spa treatments on offer whilst you take in the tranquil surroundings.

Today you will be transferred to Cairns Airport for your Qantas flight to Hamilton Island (1 hour 30 minutes), where you connect with a launch to the exclusive and spectacularly located Hayman Island. Stay for three nights in a lagoon room.

The next two days are at leisure to enjoy one of Australia’s premier island resorts. Ideally placed to enjoy the abundant wonders of the Barrier Reef, you can choose to do as much or as little as you wish.

When you are not pampering yourself in the resort’s superb spa, relaxing poolside or on the stunning beach, there are plenty of water sport activities to try, wine tastings and snorkelling trips out to neighbouring Islands and reefs. We can even arrange a helicopter tour for a bird’s eye view of the Great Barrier Reef, Heart Reef and the breathtaking Whitehaven Beach.

Depart Hayman Island by launch for your Virgin Australia flight from Hamilton Island to Brisbane (1 hour 30 minutes). On arrival connect onto your overnight Emirates flight to Dubai (14 hours 40 minutes).

Arrive at London Heathrow.