The Best of Australia
The Best of Australia
The Best of Australia
22 Days
Visiting: United Kingdom, Melbourne, Dandenong Ranges, Phillip Island, Great Ocean Road, Warrnambool, Coonawarra, Murray River, Adelaide, Alice Springs, Uluru, Kata Tjuta / Mount Olga, Cairns, Great Barrier Reef, Kuranda, Sydney
Tour operator:
Tour code:
TTAUS
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Physical rating:
Moderate
Age range:
16-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Please contact Titan with any specific dietary requirements
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
From:
$8610 (USD) including Flights from the UKTour Overview
A country as big as your imagination, Australia has it all: cosmopolitan cities, a reef-fringed coastline, terracotta deserts and ancient rainforest. Our 'Best of Australia' escorted tours tick off icons like Uluru, Sydney Harbour and the Great Ocean Road, and give you the chance to visit the Great Barrier Reef. We’ll take things at a leisurely pace, so you can fully appreciate each stop - there’ll be time to meet kangaroos and koalas in Adelaide and to relax on Queensland’s famous beaches.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1
Location: United Kingdom
Titan’s VIP door-to-door travel service collects you from home for your flight to Melbourne.
Day 2 : Days 2-3
Location: Melbourne
We touch down in Melbourne on day 2 and we’ll transfer to our hotel for some time to relax after the long flight. The following day is at leisure to explore Melbourne’s tram-crossed streets, historic shopping arcades and riverside parks.
Day 4
Location: Melbourne, Dandenong Ranges
Our morning takes us on a tour of Melbourne’s highlights. Wander the wide boulevards lined with grand Victorian and Edwardian buildings. Known as the ‘garden city’, we’ll of course take some time to explore the sprawling parkland - including the famed Botanical Gardens, which make up more than a third of the entire city.
This afternoon we’ll head out into the Dandenong Mountains and you’ll suddenly feel you’re in another place entirely. Here, waterways weave between the forested slopes and you might spot vivid birdlife flitting in the treetops - including the rare and comical lyrebird. We’ll take an exciting ride on ‘Puffing Billy’, Australia’s oldest narrow gauge steam train - and a real thrill!
Day 5
Location: Phillip Island
Perhaps spend some leisurely time relaxing at the hotel this morning, or head out and explore more of Melbourne independently. You might like to stroll through the ‘sheds’ Victoria Market - an open-air market popular with the locals. Browse the huge number of stalls selling clothes, accessories and other bric-à -brac.
We’ll then take an afternoon trip over to Phillip Island, where we’ll spot the waddling ‘parade’ of fairy penguins emerge from the sea and shuffle up Summerland Beach to their sand dune burrows.
Day 6
Location: Great Ocean Road, Warrnambool
Justifiably known as one of Victoria’s most scenic roads, the Great Ocean Road snakes all the way along the southwest coast of the state, starting in Torquay and finishing up just before Warrnambool. Get your camera at the ready because this will be one of the most dramatic and photogenic drives you’ve ever seen. Its wild grandeur encompasses rainforests, gorges, gullies, arches and blowholes. The section to Warrnambool, beyond the Bay of Isles and Bay of Martyrs, is particularly special.
You’ll really feel connected with the ocean as we pass by grand sweeping bays and exciting seaward vistas. The road climbs the cliffside as we skirt Cape Otway National Park and pass into Port Campbell National Park, where we pause to admire the Twelve Apostles.
Day 7
Location: Coonawarra, Murray River
Australia’s ‘other red centre’, Coonawarra, is where some of the world’s best Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz is grown, perfected since the late 19th century. Today, the region is home to a mix of old winemaking families and fresh new talent. We’ll stop by a local winery for a taste of these award-winning vintages - and enjoy the sprawling vineyard views.
Our journey then takes us through enchanting pastureland, running brooks and great orchards beside the Murray River, as we descend towards the lovely city of Adelaide.
Day 8
Location: Adelaide
Sophisticated. Cultured. Neat. Adelaide’s church spires punctuate the city’s skyline, but it’s really a trendy city with a great music scene and plenty of local pubs tucked away in hidden streets. The graceful Victorian-lined streets are a delight to wander.
We’ll visit the Cleland Wildlife Park this morning, on the slopes of Mount Lofty, a place of sanctuary for native species such as kangaroos and koalas. You can even enjoy a close-up koala encounter while they snack on eucalyptus leaves.
After, we’ll explore the city together on a sightseeing tour, which includes a visit to the largest glasshouse in the southern hemisphere - a breathtaking year-round tropical rainforest.
Day 9
Location: Adelaide
Enjoy a day to explore exactly as you please. Maybe the colourful Central Market, the beautiful gardens of Victoria Square or a spot of shopping.
Or, if the mercury is on the rise, you might want to hop on a train to the beachy shores of Glenelg for a day of sandy toes and ice creams.
Day 10
Location: Alice Springs
We’ll fly to Alice Springs today. ‘The Alice’, as it’s affectionately known, was founded as a staging point for the overland telegraph line in the 1870s. We’ll take a tour of the Telegraph Station and the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Then, you’re free to explore this little town for yourself - it might surprise you with its excellent museums, wildlife park and galleries of Indigenous art.
Day 11
Location: Uluru
People from across Australia and the world travel to discover Uluru, a site of deep cultural significance to the Aborigines, who now officially own the National Park in which is stands. It has inspired rock paintings and carvings for thousands of years. We’ll spend some time taking in the sheer size (348 metres), with two thirds of the rock actually buried beneath the sand. With a glass of wine in hand, we’ll watch the rock glow shades of orange and red as the sun sets behind us. The perfect ending to a very special day.
Day 12
Location: Kata Tjuta / Mount Olga
If you felt the spiritual connection yesterday, you’re in luck. We head back to Uluru early this morning to see it, quite literally, in a very different light. Watch as the twinkling stars disappear above us and the towering silhouette of Uluru appear as the sun rises from behind it.
To the west are the Olgas, a collection of more rounded rocks known as Kata Tjuta (‘Many Heads’) - Mount Olga is taller than Uluru at 584m. The afternoon is free before visiting the mesmerising Field of Light installation this evening.
Day 13
Location: Cairns
We fly to Cairns, where you’ll notice the pace of life slows right down and even in the inner city, you’ll more likely see board shorts than briefcases. We’ll spend the next few days based here. This part of Australia is the gateway to not only the Great Barrier Reef, but also the fascinating Tropical North.
Day 14
Location: Great Barrier Reef
Stretching along 200km of coastline, the Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest reef system. It’s even visible from space! But it’s not just the size that is impressive; it’s the wonderfully rich ecosystem that thrives in these waters. It is completely breathtaking and easily one of Australia’s most remarkable natural wonders.
Today we’ll head out on a catamaran ride to visit the Outer Great Barrier Reef. Here, we can view the coral from an underwater observatory or a semi-submersible boat. Watch as yellow, blue and orange tropical fish dart between reefs in this magical underwater world. You’ll even have the chance to jump in for a spot of snorkelling in the water, if you like (equipment provided).
Day 15
Location: Cairns
Take a day to unwind in the warmth of tropical Queensland. Perhaps wander along the promenade, stop for a spot of lunch at one of the restaurants, or opt for a spot of shopping. Cairns has some great museums and galleries - specifically the aquarium, which houses a vast range of marine life, the Great Barrier Reef in miniature! Along the coast, there’s a host of excellent beaches of golden sand.
Day 16
Location: Kuranda
Gold prospecting and tin mining inspired the amazing engineering feat of today’s scenic railway ride. We’ll wind through the rainforest and up the mountainside of Kuranda. Literally hewn from the rock, it twists and turns for 34km through 15 tunnels, across chasms and beyond cascades.
A truly memorable journey - we’ll be sure to stop for photos at the dramatic Barron Falls. Kuranda Railway Station is particularly lovely, with its original wooden structures and connecting bridge decked out with tropical flowers and ferns. We’ll spend some time at leisure here in Kuranda - the ‘village in the rainforest’ - to browse the shops and cafés, or visit the butterfly sanctuary.
We’ll hop on the coach for a journey down to Tjapukai Park to visit the Aboriginal Dance Theatre and watch their award-winning show.
Day 17
Location: Cairns
Today’s destination really delivers the wow factor. We transfer to the airport for our flight to Sydney, one of the world’s most iconic cities. Gazing out at the Opera House from across the harbour really is one of those surreal ‘pinch me’ moments, but we’ll have plenty of that over the next few days in this fascinating city.
We’ll be staying near Darling Harbour, a pretty, restored area of dockland with a palm-fringed promenade, a Chinese garden and the magnificent Sydney Aquarium nearby.
Day 18
Location: Kuranda
We’ll head out on a tour this morning to take in all the highlights of this great city. As we work our way around, we’ll visit the harbour - dominated by the great span of the Sydney Harbour Bridge (‘the coat hanger’) and distinctive Opera House - and the 19th-century Royal Botanical Gardens.
This afternoon, we’ll take to the water for a completely different perspective of the city. As we cruise by, we’ll enjoy the view of the sumptuous waterfront homes and an even closer look at its iconic harbour.
Day 18 : Days 19-20
Location: Cairns
Two full free days at leisure. Why not explore Sydney on foot? Take a leisurely stroll through the old dockland streets of the Rocks - the area where the first British convicts settled, which retains an alluring Victorian charm, and now hosts numerous fine shops, galleries and restaurants. Nearby Circular Quay has some must-try dining venues of its own. On the other side of the Quay, be sure to pose for a selfie in front of the Opera House.
Have a wander through the Botanical Gardens, admiring the flora, and along historic Macquarie Street, a parade of grand colonial-style buildings. Here, you’ll spot the State Conservatory of Music, Parliament House and the Mint, all designed by Englishman Francis Greenway, who was transported to Australia for forgery.
Shopping opportunities abound in Sydney, but many of the best can be found on Pitt Street, running south of Circular Quay, and George Street, which boasts one of the most sublime shopping centres in the world - the Queen Victoria Building, with its three floors of bow-fronted shops adorned with marble, gilt, rich panelling and stained glass.
Day 21
Location: Sydney
Enjoy a few last hours at leisure in Sydney, before we transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK.
Day 22
Location: United Kingdom
Upon arrival, your Titan vehicle will be waiting for the journey home.
What's Included
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19 nights in hotels and 2 in flight (accommodation as specified or similar)
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International and internal flights as detailed. Prices are based on return flights with Qantas or Emirates from London Heathrow via Perth or Singapore. Supplements may apply from other airports
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21 meals: 19 breakfasts (days 3-21) 1 lunch (day 14) 1 dinner (day 6) 17 excursions and visits
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City tours of Melbourne, Adelaide, Alice Springs and Sydney
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Visits to Dandenong Mountains (with steam train ride); Phillip Island; Coonawarra region winery; Cleland Wildlife Park; Kata Tjuta; and Aboriginal Park
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Great Ocean Road
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Uluru sunrise and sunset viewing
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Entry to the Field of Light installation
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Outer Great Barrier Reef experience
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Kuranda Scenic Railway
Check out our Q&As
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Do I have to pay a Single Supplement?
In most cases a single supplement will apply. If the price for a Single room for sole occupancy is not shown, please ask our team for details and we will be able to check the details for you.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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How long has the tour company been trading?
We've been taking our customers across the world on escorted tours for more than 40 years
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Our commitment to sustainable travel is part of our ethos. We love exploring the world and hope that, alongside our customers, we can be part of a bigger change in respecting the people and wildlife on our planet and minimising the impact we have on our environment.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
With some COVID-19 rules and restrictions still in place there are a few details that you need to know. This information is subject to change. It’s your responsibility to monitor changes and ensure you fulfil all relevant criteria for travel. Rest assured that we’re on hand to help and answer any questions you might have.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
You’ll receive your Final holiday documents via email approximately 14 days prior to your departure.
Reviews of this Operator
Dates & Availability
Thursday - Thursday
Oct 03, 2024 - Oct 24, 2024Thursday - Thursday
Oct 17, 2024 - Nov 07, 2024Thursday - Thursday
Oct 24, 2024 - Nov 14, 2024Thursday - Thursday
Nov 07, 2024 - Nov 28, 2024Thursday - Thursday
Jan 09, 2025 - Jan 30, 2025Thursday - Thursday
Feb 13, 2025 - Mar 06, 2025Thursday - Thursday
Mar 06, 2025 - Mar 27, 2025Thursday - Thursday
Oct 09, 2025 - Oct 30, 2025Thursday - Thursday
Oct 16, 2025 - Nov 06, 2025Thursday - Thursday
Nov 06, 2025 - Nov 27, 2025Thursday - Thursday
Jan 08, 2026 - Jan 29, 2026Thursday - Thursday
Feb 12, 2026 - Mar 05, 2026Thursday - Thursday
Mar 05, 2026 - Mar 26, 2026Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Titan Travel allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 75 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Titan Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform titan travel, 75 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Titan Travel requires a minimum deposit of 395 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 75 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of titan travel charges.
Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 42 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.