Riviera Travel Grand Tour of Australia

• Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of iconic cities: Sydney, Brisbane, Cairns, and Melbourne.
• Marvel at Australia’s natural wonders, including the stunning Blue Mountains, the captivating Great Ocean Road coastal drive, and the charming Puffing Billy steam train journey.
• Encounter native wildlife up close by visiting a koala sanctuary and witnessing the renowned penguin parade on Phillip Island.
• Embark on a captivating journey through the lush rainforests surrounding Cairns on the Karunda Scenic Railway.
• Dive into the breathtaking underwater world with a full-day catamaran cruise to the Great Barrier Reef.
• Witness the mesmerizing sunset and sunrise at Uluru and explore the enchanting Kata Tjuta National Park.

• 17 nights in three & four-star accommodation
• 11 visits & tours
• Selected meals: Daily breakfast and 1 lunch
• Return flights & transfers
• Checked luggage
• The services of our experienced Tour Manager

Day 1 – Flight to Sydney

Take a overnight flight from the UK to Sydney, which will include a change of plane

Day 2 – Sydney

Transfer straight to your hotel where you can check in and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure

Day 3 – Sydney

Today is your free day to adjust to the new time zone. Whether you choose to rise early or enjoy a leisurely start, Sydney offers various options. Join the Tour Manager for a local orientation tour or explore independently. Activities range from a Sydney Harbour cruise to beach visits or even conquering the famous Harbour Bridge. In the evening, savor Sydney’s culinary delights, from Chinatown dumplings to Michelin-star dining or fresh seafood by the harbour.

Day 4 – Sydney

After breakfast, your day kicks off with a visit to The Rocks, the historic landing site of the First Fleet in 1788, marking the inception of Australia’s European colonies. You’ll also explore Bondi Beach, a renowned crescent of sand popular with surfers, families, and sunseekers. Enjoy free time to soak in the scenic beauty and grab lunch.

Returning to Sydney CBD, you’ll pause at Mrs. Macquaries Chair for stunning photo ops of the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, and Fort Denison. Lastly, the day concludes with a guided tour of the Sydney Opera House, providing insight into this iconic structure, built over 60 years ago.

Day 5 – Blue Mountains

Today, we depart Sydney for the serene Blue Mountains, located just 40 miles away. The mountains offer tranquillity, with lush peaks and the iconic Jamison Valley creating a eucalyptus-filled landscape, known for the blue haze that lends its name.

Our next stop is Scenic World, where you’ll ride the world’s steepest incline railway, descending 415 meters at a 52-degree gradient. After a rainforest boardwalk, return via a cable car, soaring 545 meters through the Jamison Valley’s World Heritage Listed rainforest.

The adventure continues on the Scenic Skyway cable car, 270 meters above ravines and waterfalls. It features an Electro-Scenic Glass Floor for awe-inspiring views, including the Three Sisters, Katoomba Falls, Mount Solitary, and the endless Jamison Valley.

Day 6 – Brisbane

After hotel breakfast, bid farewell to Sydney and catch a 90-minute direct flight to Brisbane.

Upon arrival in Brisbane, visit the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, the world’s first and largest koala sanctuary, founded in 1927. It’s dedicated to protecting and educating about Australia’s wildlife. Explore diverse animals, including Tasmanian devils, dingos, wombats, koalas, and kangaroos.

In the afternoon, unwind with a scenic Brisbane River cruise, providing a picturesque view of the city’s landmarks, including Kangaroo Point Cliffs, the city center, and Story Bridge.

Day 7 – Brisbane

Today is your day to explore Brisbane at your own pace. This compact and friendly city can be easily discovered in one day. Stroll along South Bank, a blend of parkland, galleries, cafes, and restaurants, where you’ll encounter a diverse crowd, from families with young children to rollerbladers enjoying ice cream.

If you’d rather venture outside the city, consider visiting Australia Zoo, founded by the late Steve Irwin, the “Crocodile Hunter,” to experience even more of Australia’s wildlife.

Day 8 – Cairns

Today, board a flight from Brisbane to Cairns, a charming city on Australia’s northeast coast.

Following a two-and-a-half-hour flight, a brief transfer will take you to your hotel. After checking in, you’ll have a free afternoon to unwind at the hotel, perhaps taking a refreshing swim in the pool. Alternatively, explore the vibrant city of Cairns, known for its friendly locals and laid-back atmosphere. Unlike the glamour of Sydney, you can immerse yourself in the local culture by visiting a pub and engaging in conversation while enjoying a couple of schooners of Aussie beer.

Day 9 – Kuranda Scenic Railway

Today, explore Kuranda, a mountain village near Cairns.

Our adventure begins with the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, offering a unique perspective as gondolas traverse four-and-a-half miles over the rainforest canopy in the Australia’s Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. Afterward, visit a rainforest interpretative center before enjoying some free time in Kuranda village.

Next, hop aboard the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway, featuring vintage timber carriages. As you journey through the World Heritage-listed Barron Falls National Park, soak in breathtaking views of valleys, jungles, railway structures, and century-old tunnels. Keep an eye out for Barron Falls and enjoy the rumbling locomotive journey through one of the world’s oldest rainforests.

Day 10 – Great Barrier Reef

Today, we’ll set sail on a catamaran to Michaelmas Cay, a stunning reef sand island surrounded by vibrant coral gardens bursting with diverse marine life, including 20,000 migratory seabirds in its protected sanctuary. Explore the outer reef’s magnificent coral, giant clams, and numerous tropical fish species, exceeding the Atlantic Ocean’s variety. Enjoy snorkeling or a glass-bottom boat ride, followed by a buffet lunch—an awe-inspiring experience in the world’s largest living coral expanse, the Great Barrier Reef.

Day 11 – Cairns

Today is yours to customize as you desire. Feel free to indulge in a relaxing day at the hotel if you’re seeking rest. Alternatively, explore Cairns at your own pace by visiting attractions like the Botanical Gardens, museums, Josephine Falls swimming hole, Rusty’s market, and more, with guidance from our Tour Manager. For an adventurous day out, consider a trip to Cape Tribulation, a remote coastal area within the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Daintree National Park, offering a unique blend of rainforest and beaches.

Day 12 – Melbourne

After some morning free time for relaxation or a final stroll along Cairns’ Esplanade, you’ll head to the airport for our flight to Melbourne. Melbourne, crowned the world’s most liveable city seven times, is a diverse cultural capital of Australia. This afternoon and evening, immerse yourself in its thriving arts scene and world-class culinary offerings.

Melbourne’s brunch is an experience, not just a meal, where café culture extends beyond coffee. It’s a must-do to embrace the city’s lifestyle. Alternatively, explore the Asian influence in Australia with dumplings in Chinatown or hearty Pho in Richmond. In addition to exceptional dining, Melbourne offers a wide array of museums, art galleries, theaters, sports events, and year-round festivals to explore.

Day 13 – Melbourne

Today, embark on an introductory tour of Melbourne, a vibrant city surrounded by parks and attractions. While the city center boasts high-rise buildings, historic structures, and charming alleyways, just a short distance away, you’ll discover parks, gardens, and iconic buildings like the Old Treasury Building and the Exhibition Building, built for the 1880 Great Exhibition.

During the tour, you’ll drive past renowned landmarks such as the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) and Rod Laver Arena, home to the Australian Open Tennis. We’ll also glimpse the parklands, War Memorial, and Federation Square, the city’s central meeting point.

The afternoon is yours to explore Melbourne at your leisure. Consider strolling along the scenic Southbank promenade by the Yarra River, indulging in coffee and cake at a cozy spot, or exploring local, national, and international artworks at one of the city’s galleries.

Day 14 – Great Ocean Road

Early departure for the Great Ocean Road, Australia’s stunning coastal highway, a National Heritage site. The 150-mile route offers exceptional coastal scenery, popular among tourists and locals. It spans Surf Coast, Shipwreck Coast, and features rainforests, beaches, sandstone cliffs, and charming towns. Stop for photos at the Twelve Apostles, limestone pillars sculpted by the Southern Ocean. Enjoy free time for lunch before returning to Melbourne for the evening to relax.

Day 15 – Puffing Billy and Philip Island

This morning, you’ll journey to the Dandenong Ranges from Melbourne’s eastern suburbs. Explore the lush hills aboard the Puffing Billy, a traditional steam train departing from Belgrave. Stop at the Lakeside Visitor Centre & Museum, where our coach awaits.

Next, head to Phillip Island to visit the Koala Centre, observing koalas in their natural habitat from tree-top boardwalks. At the Nobbies Centre, overlooking Bass Strait, discover marine life, including Australian fur seals.

The highlight is the Penguin Parade in the Phillip Island Nature Park, where Little Penguins return to their sand-dune burrows at sunset. Watching them emerge from the ocean in small groups is a heartwarming experience.

Afterward, you’ll return to the hotel in Melbourne, arriving late but with memories worth the day’s journey.

Day 16 – Melbourne to Uluru

This morning, catch your flight to Uluru (Ayers Rock), check in at your hotel, and prepare for an Outback adventure. In the afternoon, visit the mystical Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) with its unique round rock formations. Explore the Walpa Gorge within Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and enjoy panoramic views from a lookout. In the evening, head to “Sunset Strip” to witness Uluru’s transformation from red to orange at sunset while enjoying drinks and nibbles.

Day 17 – Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park

Today, witness Uluru’s color transformation at sunrise after last night’s sunset view. Then, return to the resort for breakfast. Next, embark on the Mala Walk, exploring the edge of Kantju Gorge to grasp Uluru’s immense size, rising 348 yards above ground with nearly six miles in girth. Learn about its spiritual significance, Anangu art, and Aboriginal perceptions.

Continue to the Mutitjulu Waterhole, home of Wanampi, an ancestral water snake. Discover the Dreamtime Stories and cultural significance before enjoying a free afternoon.

Day 18 – Uluru to Sydney or Melbourne

Return to the airport for a flight back to Sydney or Melbourne, where you’ll stay overnight

Day 19 – Depart Australia

Transfer to the airport for your flight back to the UK

Day 20 – Arrive home

Arrive back in the UK

Park Royal Darling Harbour, Sydney
The Park Royal Harbour is a modern hotel offering a spacious restaurant with a delicious full breakfast and a well-equipped fitness center. Rooms feature an ergonomic work desk, high-speed internet, LCD TV, and private marble en suite bathrooms. The hotel also provides amenities like a 24-hour front desk, complimentary Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and a lift between floors

Mercure King George Square, Brisbane
The hotel features a restaurant serving Mediterranean-inspired dishes, an Espresso Bar, KG Bar, and a rooftop terrace with a bar. Guests can enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi, a lift between floors, and access to a fitness center and swimming pool. Rooms are modern and comfortable, equipped with amenities such as a safe, fridge, tea/coffee facilities, LCD TV, en suite bathroom, and a hairdryer.

Pacific Hotel, Cairns
The Pacific Hotel in Cairns offers well-located accommodation with spacious, contemporary rooms. Each room features a king-sized bed (twin available on request), desk, TV, mini fridge, ironing board, iron, safe, tea/coffee facilities, and an en suite bathroom. Guests can also enjoy a private balcony with views of the Esplanade or the city. The hotel provides amenities like a restaurant, bar, 24-hour front desk, complimentary Wi-Fi, a lift between floors, fitness center, and swimming pool.

Pan Pacific, Melbourne
The Pan Pacific Melbourne is a luxurious hotel with stylish decor and stunning panoramic views of the city, Yarra River, and Port Phillip Bay. It features a restaurant, Dock37 Bar and Kitchen, offering breakfast buffet and daily dinner service. The air-conditioned rooms include floor-to-ceiling windows, a king-sized bed (twin beds available on request), a safe, desk, minibar, tea/coffee facilities, flat-screen TV with satellite channels, and a private en suite bathroom. Additional amenities include a 24-hour front desk, complimentary Wi-Fi, a lift between floors, and a fitness center.

Desert Gardens Hotel, Uluru
Nestled in a tranquil oasis of native gardens, this hotel offers a serene escape with air-conditioned rooms equipped with a safe, fridge, tea/coffee facilities, hairdryer, and en suite bathroom. The hotel features a swimming pool and provides complimentary Wi-Fi and a 24-hour front desk. Guests can dine at various resort restaurants, offering a range of dining experiences from relaxed outdoor dining to barbecued barramundi, and enjoy poolside drinks and snacks at Bunya Bar.

Fact File

• Currency: Australian Dollar
• Language: English
• Time zone: GMT+11
• Country: Australia

*All transfer times listed here are approximate and dependent on traffic