Grand Tour of Australia

Grand Tour of Australia

Australians are renowned for their love of the outdoors, and you’ll quickly discover why on this all-encompassing trip of a lifetime. Soak up the sunshine in the country’s greatest cities, sample shiraz in its finest wine regions and meet the diverse wildlife as we delve into Outback, rainforest and parkland. We've devoted 30 days to these Australia escorted tours, so we’re able to see even more highlights, from the creeks of the ‘Top End’ to the bohemian beach town of Noosa.

What's Included

• 27 nights’ accommodation
• 30 meals
• Titan tour manager
• Travel in destination by coach
• Porterage
• 21 excursions and visits
• Titan’s VIP door-to-door travel service

• International and internal flights as detailed. Prices are based on return flights with Qantas from London Heathrow - inbound via Perth. Supplements may apply from other airports

  Excursions:

• Tours of Perth and Fremantle (including river cruise); Alice Springs; Darwin (including Military Museum); Brisbane (including koala sanctuary); Sydney; and Melbourne
• Kakadu National Park
• Yellow Water cruise
• Nitmiluk Gorge cruise
• Uluru sunset and sunrise viewing
• Kata Tjuta
• Great Barrier Reef cruise
• Kuranda Scenic Railway
• Kuranda Skyrail
• Fraser Island
• Pacific Coast drive (stopping at Gold Coast & Byron Bay)
• Hunter Valley winery tour
• Sydney harbour cruise
• Yarra Valley wine tasting
• Excursion to Dandenong Ranges and Puffing Billy train ride

Day 1: London

Titan's VIP door-to-door travel service will pick you up from home and take you to London Heathrow Airport for your flight to Perth via Dubai.

Day 2: Perth

Upon arrival, you will transfer to the centrally-located Mercure Perth.

This evening can be spend at leisure with a choice of restaurants nearby.

Day 3: Fremantle

You will start your day with a tour of Perth, a mix of suburban sophistication and relaxed informality with elegant streets and many open spaces, and make our way towards the ocean to spend time in Fremantle, an eclectic, arty suburb that has retained an element of its historic, colonial precinct. We board a ferry to follow the weaving Swan River through Fremantle back to Perth, sailing past multi-million-dollar waterfront mansions.

Day 4: Perth

Today is free to explore Australia’s sunniest capital. You could follow a nature trail, take an Indigenous Heritage Tour in Kings Park, find adventure on the river or visit the Art Gallery WA to see one of the world’s finest collections of indigenous art.

Alternatively, you can choose an optional excursion to Rottnest Island; known as Wadjemup to the Aboriginal people who have inhabited this island for more than 6,500 years, it is of great spiritual significance. This car-free island has stunning beaches, incredible pink salt lakes and an abundance of wildlife including the adorably cheerful quokkas. Kings Park is a wonderful spot to end your day, strolling through 400 hectares of beautiful gardens and protected bushland, before watching the sunset over the city.

Day 5: Perth - Darwin

After a leisurely breakfast, you will transfer to the airport for our flight to Darwin, capital of the Northern Territory.

Fly to Darwin, capital of the Northern Territory. We’ll stay close to the ocean and an easy walk from the city’s highlights.

Day 6: Darwin - Kakadu

Today, you will spend a full day touring Kakadu National Park, Australia’s largest national park and home to Aboriginal people for over 50,000 years. You will have the chance to see native wildlife and huge termite mounds along the roadside as we traverse stunning scenery and landscapes.

Your overnight stay is at the unique Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel.

Day 7: Kakadu - Katherine

This morning you can take a Yellow Water cruise in Kakadu’s wetlands, an ever-changing landscape which is always rich in wildlife. Experienced guides will give fascinating insights into the region’s wildlife, Bininj people and survival through the seasons.

Returning to your coach, you will travel to Katherine, where you will stay at Ibis Styles Katherine.

Day 8: Katherine - Darwin

This morning you can take a leisurely cruise on tranquil waters confined by the sensational sandstone banks of Nitmiluk. It has breathtaking series of monumental gorges along the Katherine River.

We return to Darwin and the Novotel Darwin CBD.

Day 9: Darwin

This morning you take a tour of this resilient tropical capital, including entrance to the Darwin Military Museum which tells the story of the tragic bombing through photos and firearms.

The afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the vibrant city. You could visit the wonderful markets or the superb Museum & Art Gallery of the Northern Territory.

Day 10: Darwin - Alice Springs

Early this morning you will transfer to the airport for your flight to Alice Springs and onward transfer to the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Alice Springs.

There will be a tour of Alice Springs with visits to the famous Royal Flying Doctors Service Base, founded to provide medical care for residents in over 1,500,000 square kilometres of isolated bushland, and the Old Telegraph Station, built in the 1870s to relay messages between Darwin and Adelaide.

Day 11: Alice Springs - Uluru

Your journey continues to one of Australia’s natural highlights, Uluru. After settling in to the Desert Gardens Hotel, you will head closer to this true icon standing 348m high, to enjoy a glass of wine as the magical sunset takes place.

Day 12: Uluru - Kata Tjuta - Cairns

Early this morning you will travel the short distance back to Uluru to watch this phenomenal rock change as the sun rises. You will have breakfast and then continue to Kata Tjuta, a collection of more rounded rocks known to Aborigines as Kata Tjuta (‘Many Heads’).

You return to the airport for a flight to Cairns.

On arrival you transfer to your hotel, the Pullman Cairns International or Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort.

Day 13: Cairns

Today is free to explore Cairns. The Esplanade lagoon or the Pier marina, are the places to head to if you want to spend time on the coast. Despite the lack of beach, this small town is still popular for boardshort-clad tourists, and for those looking to experience the great outdoors.

Day 14: Great Barrier Reef

Today we experience another of Australia’s incredible natural wonders - the Great Barrier Reef. Enjoy an unforgettable cruise to Michaelmas Cay, a small sand island on the outer reef. You can choose to remain on deck, take a tour on a semi-submersible vessel, or experience the warmth of the water as you snorkel between the corals in search of tropical fish, giant clams and green sea turtles.

Great Barrier Reef cruise (all day)

Day 15: Kuranda

Today, you will travel by coach to Freshwater to board the Kuranda Scenic Railway, for an unforgettable journey through some of the world’s oldest rainforest. There is an incredibly vivid display of plants and some spectacular waterfalls, including Barron Falls, where you can stop for a photo opportunity. You are free to explore the village of Kuranda, with several options to get closer to native wildlife.

Your return to Cairns is on the spectacular Kuranda Skyrail, a sedate 7.5km gondola ride gliding just metres above the rainforest canopy, allowing a unique opportunity to see, hear and smell this beautiful area.

Day 16: Cairns - Brisbane - Noosa

This morning, you will transfer to Cairns Airport for your flight to Brisbane.

On arrival, your coach will take you to Noosa and your hotel, The Sebel Noosa.

The rest of the afternoon is free to make your first explorations of the stunning Sunshine Coast.

Day 17: Fraser Island

Today you will have an unforgettable excursion to Fraser Island, the world’s largest sand island. However, as your vehicle navigates the stunning east coast beach - the island’s main road - you will soon realise that this island isn’t just sand, it is the only place on the planet where rainforest grows on sand, and it also holds over 100 translucent freshwater lakes. You may also catch sight of the wild dingos and native birds. Lunch is included today.

Day 18: Noosa

Today, you can spend the day relaxing in the wonderfully tropical town of Noosa. You could take to the expansive golden beaches or stroll to the beautiful Noosa Heads for gorgeous views and a chance to spot koalas in the eucalyptus trees at Noosa National Park. You may find opportunities to sail down Noosa River or go whale watching.

Day 19: Noosa - Brisbane

Today you head to Brisbane for a tour of this booming city. Despite the impression of high-rise buildings, Brisbane has an enthusiasm for recreation, with great café and arts scenes.

Your tour includes Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary; the world’s largest koala sanctuary has over 130 of these gentle marsupials, as well as kangaroos, possums and wombats.

You will stay at the Novotel Brisbane.

Day 20: Brisbane

Today is free to spend time in Brisbane’s historic precinct, the delightful Botanic Gardens or the world class galleries along the South Bank.

Alternatively, choose an optional excursion to Tangalooma Island Resort on Moreton Island - a 75-minute cruise from the mainland. This protected island offers fabulous opportunities: hand feed wild bottlenose dolphins; snorkel amongst wrecks which have become home to reef fish; or take a gentle exploration of the world’s third-largest sand island.

Day 21: Brisbane - Pacific Coast - Byron Bay - Coffs Harbour

Today, you board your coach after breakfast to enjoy the scenery as you head south along the legendary Pacific Coast. You will stop to see the fun-filled Gold Coast, where a virtually unbroken 40km beach separates renowned surf spots and high-rise apartments, and Byron Bay, a small hippy town at the end of a beautiful sweeping bay, at mainland Australia’s most easterly point.

You then continue to Coffs Harbour, where the Great Dividing Range meets the South Pacific Ocean, and check in to the BreakFree Aanuka Beach Resort.

Day 22: Coffs Harbour - Hunter Valley

Today’s journey takes you into New South Wales’ oldest and best known wine region - Hunter Valley.

Spend this afternoon on a winery tour to learn about the production of unique specialities such as Semillon and Shiraz, and to sample a selection of the delicious wines.

You will stay at the Mercure Resort Hunter Valley Gardens tonight, in the heart of Hunter Valley Wine Country.

Day 23: Hunter Valley - Sydney

After breakfast you board your coach to Sydney, where you can take a tour to see the city’s world-famous highlights and board a cruise to enjoy a seafood luncheon while witnessing the iconic views of Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House, the Royal Botanical Gardens and the bays and wharves that line one of the world’s largest natural harbours.

While in Sydney, you stay at the well-located Vibe Hotel Sydney.

Day 24 - 25: Sydney

You have two free days to experience the delights of Sydney.

Just a short walk from the hotel you will find yourself at Hyde Park and a few minutes more in any direction will get you to your choice of galleries and historical museums.

You could see a performance at the Royal Opera House, climb the Harbour Bridge or ascend the Sydney Tower for impressive views.

Although the city is walkable, there is a fantastic transport system which can also take you to more distant attractions such as Bondi Beach, North Head Sanctuary in Manly or Botany Bay.

Day 26: Sydney - Melbourne

Today, you will depart early for the airport and your flight to Melbourne, where you will stay at the Novotel Melbourne on Collins.

This afternoon we take a tour of this fabulous city, including entrance to Cooks Cottage, which was built in Yorkshire by the parents of Captain James Cook, painstakingly disassembled, shipped to Australia and rebuilt in Fitzroy Gardens in 1934.

Day 27: Dandenong - Yarra Valley

Today, you can enjoy a day in Victoria’s beautiful countryside with an excursion into the Dandenong Ranges. You will travel through stunning scenes to the quaint Belgrave Station, where you hop aboard the historic Puffing Billy train. From here, the steam engine will pull you across the line’s most famous landmark - the iconic Monbulk Creek trestle bridge, one of the most photographed locations in Victoria. After a 25-minute journey, you disembark at Menzies Creek, where your coach is waiting to take you into the Yarra Valley for a tour of the region that produces some of Australia’s finest pinot noir and sparkling wine. As you drive through endless rows of vines, you can break at a few fine wineries to compare their signature flavours.

Day 28: Melbourne

Melbourne is Australia’s second largest city, and there is plenty to see today, including beautiful Victorian façades of Flinders Street Station and Old Customs House, the Queen Victoria Market and the subdued Old Melbourne Gaol, now a museum dedicated to Melbourne’s most dangerous offenders, including Ned Kelly.

Spend time on the trendy South Bank or explore some of the many parks. Alternatively, take a day-long optional excursion to experience the Great Ocean Road, a stunning coastal route that includes the Twelve Apostles, or travel to Phillip Island, best known for the enchanting parade of adorable Little penguins that waddle across the shores at dusk to nest.

Day 29: Melbourne - In flight

Today, you can enjoy a second free day in this exciting city before you transfer to Melbourne Airport this evening for a scheduled, Qantas/Emirates flight to London via Dubai.

Day 30: London

You will arrive at London Heathrow Airport. You will be met and guided to your Titan vehicle, for the journey home.