Riviera Travel Grand Tour of Australia

• Watch the famous penguin parade on Philip Island
• Enjoy a full day catamaran cruise to the Great Barrier Reef
• Ride the Kuranda Scenic Railway
• Experience sunset and sunrise at Uluru

• 17 nights in three & four-star accommodation
• 23 included experiences
• Selected meals: Daily breakfast and 1 lunch
• Sunset drinks
• 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.

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 before 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.

Day 5: Blue Mountains
Today, we depart Sydney for the serene Blue Mountains, located just 40 miles away. Our next stop is Scenic World, where you’ll ride the world’s steepest incline railway. 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, which 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. Meet some of the animals here, 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.

Day 7: Brisbane
Today is your day to explore Brisbane at your own pace.

Day 8: Cairns
Today, board a flight from Brisbane to Cairns. On arrival transfer to your hotel before having the rest of the afternoon free.

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 and keep an eye out for Barron Falls.

Day 10: Great Barrier Reef
Sail by Catamaran to Michaelmas Cay, a reef sand island. From here you can spend some time snorkelling or ride on a glass bottom boat to explore the outer reef before an included buffet lunch.

Day 11: Cairns
Today is free for you to spend as you wish, whether you want to relax in the hotel, explore Cairns or maybe take a tour to Cape Tribulation (at an extra coast)

Day 12: Melbourne
After some free time this morning, head to the airport to fly to Melbourne. On arrival, check into your hotel before having the rest of the day free.

Day 13: Melbourne
Today, embark on an introductory tour of Melbourne. 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.

Day 14: Great Ocean Road
Set off early to drive to the Great Ocean Road, which you’ll head along to enjoy views of the rainforests, beaches and cliffs it passes. You’ll also stop for photos of the Twelve Apostles, huge limestone pillars coming out of the sea. Enjoy some free time for lunch before returning to Melbourne.

Day 15: Puffing Billy and Philip Island
Travel through Melbourne to The Dandenong Ranges, which you’ll explore on Puffing Billy, a traditional steam train. Get off at the Lakeside Visitor Centre and head to Philip Island, where you’ll visit their Koala Centre and the Nobbies Centre which showcases marine life. Finish the day by watching the Penguin Parade, where the Little Penguins return to their burrows for the night.

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. 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. 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

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.

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. 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.

Day 5: Blue Mountains
Today, we depart Sydney for the serene Blue Mountains, located just 40 miles away.  Our next stop is Scenic World, where you’ll ride the world’s steepest incline railway. 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. 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.

Day 7: Brisbane
Today is your day to explore Brisbane at your own pace.

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 or start exploring

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, and journey through the World Heritage-listed Barron Falls National Park.

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. Enjoy snorkeling or a glass-bottom boat ride, followed by a buffet lunch.

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.

Day 12: Cairns to Uluru
This morning you’ll head to the airport for your flight to Uluru. On arrival to Uluru – also known as Ayers Rock – you’ll check into your hotel then get ready to head into The Outback.

This afternoon, travel to the mystical Kata Tjuta, also known as The Olgas, stopping at a lookout for panoramic views of the eastern side of Kata Tjuta then spend some time exploring the Walpa Gorge, which are all within the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. This evening head to “Sunset Strip” to admire Uluru at sunset. Enjoy a drink and nibbles as the sun makes its way over the rock, transforming it to sizzling red and back to orange again.

Day 13: Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
Experience Uluru’s shifting colors at sunrise, a breathtaking sight that makes the early start well worth it. After breakfast at the resort, return to Uluru for the Mala Walk—a scenic trail to Kantju Gorge. You’ll also see traditional rock art and learn how the land is cared for by its Indigenous custodians. Next, follow a short trail to the Mutitjulu Waterhole, home to Wanampi, the ancestral water serpent. Learn the Dreamtime stories of Kuniya and Liru, and explore sacred art caves still in use today.

The afternoon is yours to relax or explore at your own pace

Day 14: Melbourne
After some free time this morning to relax, head to the airport for your flight to Melbourne.

Day 15: Melbourne
Today begins with an introductory tour of Melbourne, exploring its dynamic city centre and surrounding landmarks. The tour includes highlights such as the Old Treasury Building, the Royal Exhibition Building, and a drive past the MCG and Rod Laver Arena. You’ll also visit parklands, the War Memorial, and Federation Square.

The afternoon is free to explore the city at leisure.

Day 16: Great Ocean Road
This morning begins with an early departure from the hotel for a scenic drive along the Great Ocean Road, one of Australia’s most iconic coastal routes and a listed National Heritage site. Highlights include a photo stop at the famous Twelve Apostles—towering limestone formations shaped by the Southern Ocean. There will be free time for lunch before heading back to Melbourne for a relaxed evening.

Day 17: Puffing Billy and Phillip Island
This morning begins with a scenic drive through Melbourne’s eastern suburbs to the Dandenong Ranges. Here, board Puffing Billy, a historic steam train that winds through lush mountain landscapes from Belgrave to Lakeside, where the coach awaits. Next, the tour continues to Phillip Island. At the Koala Conservation Centre, get close-up views of koalas in their natural habitat. Then it’s on to the Nobbies Centre, offering dramatic coastal views and insights into local marine life, including fur seals. The day concludes with the famous Penguin Parade at Phillip Island Nature Park. Watch as Little Penguins emerge from the sea at sunset and waddle up the beach to their burrows—an unforgettable and heartwarming sight.

Day 18:  Depart Australia
Transfer to the airport for your flight back to the UK

Day 19: Arrive home
Arrive back in the UK

An alternative version of this tour is available which includes a two-day stopover in Singapore.

Day 1: Overnight flight to Singapore
Head to the airport to take your overnight flight to Singapore

Day 2: Arrive in Singapore
On arrival, transfer to your hotel where you’ll have early check in. Then spend the rest of the day at leisure to explore or relax.

Day 3: Singapore
This morning, take a half-day city tour. Pass the colonial district to admire the views and see the Merlion fountain. Next, head to Thian Hock Keng temple, a Hokkien temple. Drive to Chinatown and then to Little India to explore. End the tour with a guided tour of the Botanical Gardens. The afternoon is at leisure before boarding your overnight flight to Sydney.

Arriving the next day, your tour will follow the itinerary above, starting on Day 4.

For more information and for departure dates of the extended tour, call 0800 707 6229 or enquire

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