Comprehensive package of excursions
Come on an exciting, contrast-filled tour Down Under!
On it, you’ll get to experience Australia’s two largest cities, Melbourne and Sydney, the Australian outback, where the giant monolith Uluru towers majestically in the landscape, surrounded by mystery and history, not to mention a self-drive adventure on the Great Ocean Road.
From Melbourne, you’ll go on a 5-day road trip in your own rental car, which will take you to two of the area’s highlights: the stunning Grampians National Park and the Great Ocean Road, considered to be one of the world’s most beautiful stretches of coastline. Along the way, there’s also time and space to create your own adventures – a freedom that self-drive gives you.
The tour concludes in the city of Cairns in the tropical north for some relaxation and the opportunity to experience the world’s biggest coral reef, the Great Barrier Reef, and the world’s oldest rainforest at Cape Tribulation.
Look forward to an adventure-filled tour where you experience the best of Australia!
Today is the day you set off from your chosen airport and head for Australia with connecting flight(s) on the way.
You’re finally setting foot on Australian soil. You might already have experienced your first “G’day, mate” at the airport.
You’re transported from the airport to your hotel. If your room’s not ready for you when you arrive, you can have your luggage stored and head out into the town. The most important thing today is to stay awake so that you can get your body adjusted to the Australian time zone as soon as possible. The best cure for jet lag is daylight, fresh air and drinking plenty of water.
Melbourne is a magnificent city with a rich diversity. The city has attracted people from all over the world who have brought their cultures, languages and not least their gastronomic heritage with them, which is why Melbourne is such an exciting melting pot of different nationalities today.
We highly recommend a stroll along the Yarra River on this first day in the city. You’ll find cosy parks, art institutions and an array of different restaurants, where you can enjoy a meal overlooking the city skyline.
After breakfast, which you can enjoy at one of the nearby cafés, it’s time for a closer look at the city. You’ll be going on a guided tour through the city’s narrow laneways and arcades, which form a finely meshed network in the city centre. Your guide will tell you about the city’s culture and history along the way. The walls in the narrow streets are adorned with street art, and the whole area may seem a little run down at first glance – but make no mistake, it’s one of the city’s hippest areas! Feel free to ask the guide for tips on the best places to have lunch after the guided tour.
Please note that you have to make own your way to the starting point of the guided tour. The address is on your voucher. You can either walk here or take a taxi.
The rest of the day is yours to explore more of Melbourne.
If you’re interested in history, we highly recommend a visit to Melbourne Old Gaol, where the famous and infamous bushranger Ned Kelly was hanged in 1880.
And don’t forget to visit Queen Victoria Market, where you can buy almost anything your heart desires.
You can also take the tram to the cosy seaside suburb of St Kilda, which is always buzzing with activity at the beach, with people exercising, sunbathing, swimming and surfing. Around sunset you may be lucky enough to see a small colony of pygmy penguins come ashore close to St. Kilda Pier.
Today sees the start of your Australian road trip, which over the next 5 days will take you to Grampians National Park and the Great Ocean Road, two of the biggest highlights of the state of Victoria.
You make your own way to the car rental office, where you will pick up your rental car. You drive north-west from Melbourne to the city of Ballerat, a city with a rich gold mining history that started in 1851. The discovery of gold attracted thousands of gold diggers from all over the world, leading to a population boom in the area and making Ballarat one of the most important mining centres in Australia at this time. In Ballarat, you gain a fascinating insight into this important period with a visit to the living museum Sovereign Hill, the Eureka Stockade Centre and the city’s gold museum.
Incidentally, it was in the mines at Ballarat that a 69-kilo gold nugget named the “Welcome Nugget” was discovered in 1858.
On the drive from Ballarat to Halls Gap, you pass through endless vineyards stretching as far as the eye can see. The region is part of the Great Grape Touring Route, connecting some of Victoria’s finest wine regions.
Late afternoon, you’ll arrive at the small town of Halls Gap, which lies in the heart of Grampians National Park. The sunsets here are epic, so if it’s not too late when you get here, head out to the Reeds or the Balconies Lookouts for an unforgettable end to the day.
Driving distance Melbourne – Halls Gap: Approx. 250 km
Drive: Approx. 3-4 hours
See the size and photo of your included hire car, as well as options to upgrade your car category here.
Grampians National Park is one of Victoria’s most popular destinations. It’s a magnificent area of natural beauty offering a rich biodiversity, breathtaking views and exciting Aboriginal culture.
After breakfast, we recommend that you drive to the town’s visitor centre, where you’ll receive much more information about the park and recommendations for activities and hikes. You might like to head out to see the impressive MacKenzie Falls, but there are so many options, and the hikes vary in difficulty, so there’s something for everyone. Several viewpoints affording breathtaking panoramic views can also be reached by car, such as Boroka and Reeds Lookouts. There are also activities for the more adventurous, including mountain biking, abseiling and climbing.
Keep a close eye out for the wildlife. You may be lucky enough to see kangaroos, emus, koalas and a host of different bird species.
Halls Gap is a lovely town with several art galleries and cosy cafés and restaurants for when you need a rest after an active day in the great outdoors.
Although it’s time to say farewell to the beautiful Grampians National Park today, the day starts with a scenic drive through bushland to the southern part of the national park and the small town of Dunkeld, which, with Mount Sturgeon and Mount Abrupt as a backdrop, has inspired many Australian painters.
You might like to stop for lunch at the Tae Rak Aquaculture Centre, located on the shores of Tae Rak Lake, where you’ll be taken on a fascinating journey through Aboriginal culture and history at the Budj Bim Cultural Landscape, where you’ll have the opportunity to explore the ancient volcanic landscapes and learn how the Gunditjmara people created one of the world’s oldest and most complex irrigation systems, which have breathed life into the area for thousands of years. This area has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Another exciting stop, just before you get to Port Fairy, is Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve. The reserve is located in an extinct volcanic crater, formed more than 30,000 years ago. Here, you can both get right up close to the Australian wildlife and gain a fascinating insight into the culture and history of the aborigines. The Worn Gundidj organisation works to preserve and pass on the cultural heritage of the indigenous population to future generations and provides visitors with a unique insight into the area’s rich history.
Today’s destination, the picturesque seaside town of Port Fairy, lies at the mouth of the Moyne River. One of the oldest settlements in Victoria, the town was home to sealers and whalers in the early 19th century. Several buildings from that time are protected today and can still be experienced here.
If there’s time for a walk before dark, Griffiths Island is a natural oasis almost in the heart of the town. It’s an important breeding ground for several species of birds, so it’s important that you stick to the marked paths so as not to disturb the birds, which may have young hidden in burrows in the sand. You may also be lucky enough to spot the small swamp wallaby.
Driving distance Halls Gap – Port Fairy: Approx. 160 km
Drive: around 2 hours
Today, yet another highlight of your tour awaits: A drive along the dramatic Great Ocean Road coastline. There are several roads in the world that call themselves the world’s most scenic coastline, but we promise you that the Great Ocean Road in Australia is one of them.
The road was carved out by hand by soldiers returning from the First World War and is dedicated to all those who did not make it home, also making the road the world’s largest war memorial.
Officially, the road stretches around 240 km between Torquay, which is approx. 100 km south-west of Melbourne, to Allansford, close to Warrnambool. The stretch offers spectacular coastal scenery, nature parks and rock formations, including some of Australia’s most famous ones, such as the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge.
Before your adventure along the Great Ocean Road begins, be sure to make a stop in Warrnambool. Not only does the city enjoy a fantastically scenic location, but it also has an exciting maritime history, which is exhibited at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village.
In the period from May to September, you may be lucky enough to spot whales in the waters off Warrnambool.
From here, the photo stops just keep coming. Just before you arrive at the charming crayfishing village of Port Campbell, you’ll find London Bridge, an iconic formation on the route. It was once a double arch that resembled London Bridge, but it collapsed in 1990 and is now a separate landmass, though still worth a photo stop.
On the long voyage to and from England in the 1800s and early 1900s, Australia’s rugged south coast was considered one of the worst stretches of the journey. Many ships met their fate along this dramatic coast, which we admire and photograph today. The most famous shipwreck was the Loch Ard, which sank in 1878, claiming 52 lives and leaving only two survivors. A gorge near this wreck, Loch Ard Gorge, is named after this ship.
The most spectacular landmark on the entire coast of Victoria – and the most photographed – is undoubtedly the Twelve Apostles. However, the Twelve Apostles have now been reduced to eight, as the sea is constantly eating away at them. Look forward to experiencing the whimsical limestone peaks rising out of the sea off the coast. It’s an unforgettable sight.
And if you haven’t had yet your fill of breathtaking views, drive past the Cape Otway Lighthouse and see how the colours change around sunset.
After a day full of experiences and fresh air, you’ll arrive at another cosy coastal town, Apollo Bay.
Driving distance Port Fairy – Apollo Bay: Approx. 185 km
Drive: around 3 hours
Apollo Bay is a good base for exploring Great Otway National Park, which is located in the Otway Ranges, a low coastal mountain range at Apollo Bay. You’ll once again encounter fantastic nature here, with impressive waterfalls and exciting wildlife, including kangaroos and koalas.
Your journey continues from Apollo Bay, down the coast along the Great Ocean Road to the town of Lorne. On the way, you’ll pass Kenneth River, where a walk on the Kenneth River Koala Walk is a must. It’s one of the best places in Australia to spot koalas in the wild.
We also recommend a stop at the fairy-tale Erskine Falls, which are surrounded by lush rainforest just outside the town of Lorne.
From Lorne, the Great Ocean Road takes you through Aireys Inlet, Anglesea and Torquay, a fantastic mix of lush vegetation, breathtaking coastal scenery and lovely beaches, both for swimming and not least for surfing. Just before Torquay is Bells Beach, a beach for highly skilled surfers and where the prestigious Rip Curl Pro surf competition is held every year.
There are countless options for pleasant stops on the way back to Melbourne, and the choice is yours.
You’ll drop the car off where you picked it up late afternoon and make your own way back to the hotel. Enjoy your last evening in Melbourne while processing everything that you’ve seen and done over the past 5 days on your road trip around Victoria.
Driving distance Apollo Bay – Melbourne: Approx. 200 km
Drive: around 3 hours
The next stop on the tour is the red heart of Australia: The Outback! You’ll be picked up from your hotel and driven to the airport, from which you will fly to Uluru/Ayres Rock. The contrast today will be immense, when you leave the vibrant city life of Melbourne and land in the middle of the desert. There is a free transfer bus from the airport into the small town of Yulara, where your hotel is situated.
In the afternoon, you also have the option to participate in various free activities. Ask at your hotel to find out what’s on and when.
At the end of the day, another of the absolute highlights of the tour awaits: the sunset over Uluru. It’s a magical experience to watch the majestic stone change colour as the sun disappears over the horizon. It’s easy to understand why this area is so sacred to the original inhabitants, the Aborigines.
Remember to lean your head back and enjoy the sight of a starry sky with almost zero light pollution. It’s absolutely fantastic!
You’ve got an early start today! Yesterday you experienced a sunset over Uluru, and today you’ll see the sun rise over Uluru. As we see it, it’s two completely different experiences – and both are an absolute must-see. It’s fascinating to stand there, shivering a little in the middle of the Australian Outback, waiting for the sun to rise. Even though it gets very hot in the desert during the day, the nights are often cold, as there’s nothing to absorb the heat once the sun has set.
When the sun has risen, you’ll drive around 50 km west to the spectacular Kata Tjuta rock formations. The area around Kata Tjuta is highly sacred to the Aboriginal people, and there are places that you will never get to visit as a tourist. Thankfully, there are also a lot of places that are accessible, and one of the most popular walks through the beautiful rock formations is the walk through Walpa Gorge. Your guide will tell you more about the geology of this wonderful place along the way. Perhaps you’ll find out what “Kata Tjuta” actually means?
The rest of the day is yours to spend as you see fit, and you can either choose to purchase an extra excursion or try some of the free activities available in Yulara.
It’s time for another change of scenery – your next stop is Australia’s largest city, Sydney! From your hotel, take the complimentary shuttle bus to the airport. The departures are coordinated with the flight schedule, so check at reception for your bus departure time.
Upon arrival in Sydney, you’ll notice immediately how different it feels compared to Melbourne. Sydney’s wide boulevards, stretching down towards the Opera House, stand in striking contrast to Melbourne’s narrow, graffiti-decorated lanes.
In Sydney, airport transfers to your hotel are included. If your room isn’t ready when you arrive, you can store your luggage and head out to explore the city.
Why not begin with a stroll down to Bennelong Point, home to the city’s iconic Opera House, beautifully positioned with the Harbour Bridge as a backdrop.
To the west of the Opera House lies the historic neighbourhood of The Rocks, filled with charming old buildings, cosy cafés, and stylish shops and galleries. You might also want to continue to Barangaroo Reserve, where you can experience Sydney Harbour – the world’s largest natural harbour – from a completely different perspective.
Along Sydney’s waterfront, you’ll find a wealth of restaurants, cafés, and bars. Areas such as Circular Quay, King Street Wharf, and Darling Harbour are popular choices where you can enjoy a delicious meal accompanied by views of the harbour and the city’s iconic skyline.
Welcome to Sydney!
Sydney is home to more than 5 million people and is a large, diverse metropolis filled with vibrant neighbourhoods and suburbs, each with its own unique character. To give you the perfect introduction to the city, we’ve included a half-day guided city tour where you’ll be driven to some of Sydney’s most iconic sights and stunning coastal areas.
There’s no shortage of highlights. You’ll pass the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Royal Botanic Garden, The Rocks, Darling Harbour, Hyde Park, Chinatown, and Bondi Beach. Here, you’ll have free time to feel the sand between your toes, watch the energetic surfers, or relax with a coffee as you take in the view of the famous beach.
The city tour will start from your hotel or a nearby pick-up point (see details on your voucher) and ends at Circular Quay, from where you can easily continue your day – perhaps with a visit to the Opera House, located right next door. You can also join a relaxing lunch cruise on Sydney’s stunning harbour, which departs from here.
Circular Quay is the city’s bustling ferry terminal and the main hub for ferries to the surrounding suburbs. For example, you can sail to the beautiful Manly Beach and enjoy a leisurely day by the sea, or visit Taronga Zoo, one of Australia’s most famous zoos. Here you can see animals from all over the world – including Australia’s own unique wildlife such as kangaroos, koalas, echidnas, and the curious little platypus.
Spend the next couple of days discovering Sydney independently and at your own pace. The city offers something for everyone – from iconic landmarks and engaging museums to beautiful beaches and remarkable natural experiences.
If you’re interested in culture and history, you’ll find plenty of fascinating museums in Sydney. Learn about Australia’s nature and wildlife at the Australian Museum, explore the city’s past at the Museum of Sydney, discover modern creativity at the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, or dive into the country’s maritime heritage at the Australian National Maritime Museum.
If you prefer fresh air and stunning views, the coastal walk from Coogee to Bondi is an excellent choice. This approximately 7 km route takes you along dramatic cliffs, charming coves, and some of Sydney’s most popular beaches.
You can also visit the new Sydney Fish Market at Blackwattle Bay, where you can sample freshly caught fish and seafood and soak up the lively atmosphere along the waterfront.
There’s also the option to purchase exciting optional tours both in and outside Sydney. Choose from guided walking and cycling tours in the city, or day trips to the spectacular Blue Mountains and Hunter Valley – Australia’s oldest and most famous wine region.
And sometimes, the best experiences are the simplest. Pick up a sandwich, find a bench in the Royal Botanic Garden, and enjoy the views of the Opera House and Sydney Harbour as the sun sets and the city hums around you.
See the excursion options below. We recommend booking them together with your tour, as they often sell out quickly.
You’ll be picked up from the hotel in Sydney and driven to the airport. On your arrival in Cairns, you’ll be picked up and driven to your hotel. You’ll soon notice that you’ve reached a tropical climate with high temperatures and humidity. It’s truly lush as well! Hibiscus, frangipani, heliconia – they’re all here, these exotic plants.
Cairns is a lively coastal city in northern Queensland, and the city is probably best known as the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, the world’s largest coral reef. The city also offers lots of activities, cafés, restaurants and shops. There is no beach here, but to compensate for that, a large, man-made lagoon has been built in the middle of the city, where you can both enjoy the sun and swim.
The rest of the day is yours to do as you please.
You’ll spend the next few days on your own in Cairns. It goes without saying that we recommend a trip out to the Great Barrier Reef, which is a must in these parts. There are several different options to experience the reef, whether you’re into snorkelling or diving, or perhaps you’d rather see the colourful fish and impressive corals through the glass of a glass-bottomed boat.
North of Cairns is Cape Tribulation, where you can experience some of the world’s oldest rainforest and go on a boat trip on the Daintree River, which is inhabited by large saltwater crocodiles.
There are countless possibilities! Read more about the excursions below.
Your tour, on which you have experienced the best of Australia with a self-drive on the Great Ocean Road, has come to an end, and it’s time to head home. You’ll be picked up from the hotel and driven to the airport, from which you’ll fly back to Europe with connecting flight(s) on the way.
You will land at your chosen airport after a wonderful adventure Down Under.
From £429 pp including flights
Children under 12 years from £319
Single room supplement from £329
Extend your tour to include a couple of relaxing days in the cosy town of Port Douglas, north of Cairns, where you’ll find good restaurants, lots of shops and a chilled atmosphere.
From £569 pp including flights
Children under 12 years from £429
Single room supplement from £199
Extend your tour to include an exciting city break to Singapore and be blown away by the state-of-the-art metropolis of the East.
Covering an area of just 721.5 km2, the island state is South-east Asia’s smallest country, and what the small, well-developed country lacks in size, it more than makes up for in experiences.
Look forward to experiencing the architectural Marina Bay Sands, stroll around the green oasis Gardens by the Bay, shop to your heart’s content on Orchard Road, drink Singapore Slings at Raffles Hotel and ride in the 165-metre-high ferris wheel, the Singapore Flyer, which offers a phenomenal view of all the futuristic skyscrapers and the harbour.
What also makes Singapore so cool is that it is a melting pot of cultures, and people live with respect for and an understanding of one another, with Buddhist temples, mosques, churches and Hindu temples side by side. Singapore’s diversity can be experienced in the charming districts of Little India, China Town and the Arabic and Malay quarter, Kampong Glam. Soak in the atmosphere while being seduced by the wonderful, colourful buildings and the aroma of spices and jasmine.
The multicultural community is also reflected in the many culinary delights on offer around the city. If you’re into authentic street food, you can visit one of the famous hawker centres, or, if upscale Michelin restaurants are more your thing, make your way to the special food street, Keong Saik Road, and discover some of Singapore’s best restaurants.
Other popular and hip neighbourhoods are the colourful Haji Lane in Kampong Glam and the Art Deco area, Tiong Bahru. Both neighbourhoods are known for their cosy cafés, exciting restaurants and shops as well as wonderful street art.
In stark contrast to the vibrant city life is Sentosa Island, a small island which offers lovely sandy beaches and countless sights and activities for the whole family such as Universal Studios and various adventure parks.
Does Singapore sound tempting?
The extension includes a 3-night hotel stay with breakfast, flight to Singapore and transfers.
From £649 pp including flights
Children under 12 years from £489
Single room supplement from £149
Discover the fantastic UNESCO-listed Kakadu National park on this four-day extension to the Northern Territory.
You’ll spend four nights in Darwin, which you perhaps know from the film, “Australia”?
The first full-day excursion takes you to Kakadu National Park, where you’ll both sail on crocodile-infested rivers and learn more about the Aboriginal people’s unique connection to the place.
You’ll also visit the less well-known but equally beautiful Litchfield National Park, where it’s possible to swim in some of the amazing waterfalls.
This extension is particularly great during the period from May–September, as this is the dry season in the northern part of Australia. If you wish to book this extension during the rainy season from October–April, it’s important that you contact your travel specialist before booking, as the excursions to Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks depart less frequently during this period. Please note that we do not offer this extension from December to March.
Children under 12 years from £3449
Single room supplement from £1579
Joshua is our Oceania specialist. Driven by a passion for adventure, he moved to Australia in 2004, where he lived for five years. He knows the region inside out from travelling extensively across both Australia and New Zealand, and today he uses that knowledge to help others find their perfect trip.
You have the option to add extra nights in the various cities you visit if, for example, you’d like to spend more days exploring on your own. Please get in touch with our travel specialists with your specific requests for your tour.