Perth, Darwin & the Pacific Coast

Perth, Darwin & the Pacific Coast

This really is the ultimate Australian adventure and ideal if you want to see as much of this amazing country as possible in one holiday. Start off in Perth before exploring the raw nature of the Top End. Then it's on to Brisbane and the Pacific Coast before arriving in the jewel in Ausralia's crown, Sydney.

Perth is the gateway to Australia's largest state and boasts bustling markets, excellent shopping, beautiful Indian Ocean beaches and an idyllic climate. The city also offers a rich history and wonderful cuisine.

To experience the 'real Australia' a visit to Darwin and the Top End is a must. Walk or bike ride through the tropical parklands, see Aboriginal art in the museum and taste the city’s multicultural mix at Mindil Beach Sunset Markets. Visit chic Cullen Bay Marina and take a heritage walk round the wharf. Beyond Darwin itself, you can cruise next to acrobatic crocodiles on the Adelaide River and swim beneath waterfalls in the tangled green jungle of Litchfield National Park.

Brisbane is the epitome of all things Australian; a fantastic cosmopolitan city with a laid back lifestyle and a long-standing love of the great outdoors. Spend lazy afternoons by the river, or step it up a notch by throwing yourself into any number of adventures such as abseiling the cliffs at Kangaroo Point, climbing the Story Bridge or splashing out with all kinds of water sports. South of Brisbane lies the Gold Coast and the lovely beach resorts of New south Wales. With so many beaches to choose from you’ll be spoilt for choice and the hinterland is bestowed with some of the best bushwalking trails in the country.

Your holiday comes to an end in Sydney, home to the world famous Opera House and Harbour Bridge and Australia's largest and most dynamic city. It boasts great surf beaches, a vibrant restaurant scene and easy access to the beautiful Blue Mountains and Hunter Valley wine area.

Our Australia itineraries are completely flexible – so if you decide you would like to spend a little longer somewhere or, perhaps, upgrade your accommodation, we can easily adapt the itinerary to suit your needs. Just pop into your local shop and one of our Australia specialists will be able to tailor-make your perfect holiday.

What's Included:

• Return flights
• 9 nights in hotels (accommodation as specified or similar).
• Kakadu National Explorer Tour.
• Litchfield National Park Waterfalls Tour.
• 6 days' 2-berth motor home hire.
• Unlimited mileage and extra driver fees.
• Self drive kit and maps.
• FREE visas.

Day 1 - 3: London - Perth

Day 3 - 7: Perth

Arrive in Perth this morning and make your way to your hotel for your 4-night stay. Perth has all the ingredients for a perfect Australian holiday. Cruise the Swan River past parks and skyscrapers to 40 vineyards in the Swan Valley or the Perth Zoo. Visit Rottnest Island, where you can explore history, bike ride to secret beaches and kayak to secluded bays. Feast on seafood and soak up the carnival atmosphere in historic Fremantle. Discover the lookouts, landscaped gardens and Aboriginal heritage of huge Kings Park. Swim, surf, fish, windsurf and sail on clean and uncrowded beaches such as Cottlesloe or Scarborough. Then skip between the sunny boardwalks, beaches and marinas of the Sunset Coast.
Overnight - Choice Comfort Hotel Perth City

Day 7: Perth - Darwin

Fly to Darwin and make your way to your hotel for your 4-night stay. Much of Darwin’s action happens along its revitalised waterfront, which is lined with restaurants, shops, sandy lagoons and parklands. Swim in the lagoon, fish from the wharf, dine alfresco on just-caught seafood and wander past the waterfront mansions. You can also trace the area’s rich history in walking trails and public artworks. Today families, business people and tourists mingle along the waterfront, where the Larrakia Aboriginal people, Indonesian traders and European settlers have all left their mark.
Overnight - Melaleuca on Mitchell

Day 8: Kakadu National Park

After departing Darwin travel south down the Arnhem Highway across the Adelaide River. Drive through the Marrakai Plains where a wide selection of native wildlife has made this region their home. Stop at Nourlangie Rock where your driver/guide will lead a walk to view ancient Aboriginal rock art. Enjoy lunch at Cooinda Lodge before we join a local guide for a cruise on the famous Yellow Water Billabong. Search for saltwater crocodiles and the colourful range of bird life this region is renowned for. Visit the Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre and view the informative displays depicting the traditions of the Aboriginal people in Kakadu, before returning to Darwin.
Overnight - Melaleuca on Mitchell

Day 9: Litchfield National Park Waterfalls Tour

From Darwin it's just a 90-minute journey to Litchfield National Park. Magnetic and Cathedral Termite mounds are an amazing architectural feat containing arches, tunnels, chimneys. They are plentiful in this region and can stand as high as 6 metres. Stop to view some of these amazing insect habitats as your driver makes his way into the park.

Once you arrive you will explore waterfalls, spring-fed streams and the rugged sandstone escarpments of Litchfield National Park. Swim, hike and explore Florence and Wangi Falls. Enjoy a tasty BBQ lunch within the park and discover the many rock holes and cascading waterfalls of Buley Rockhole before an early evening arrival back in Darwin.
Overnight - Melaleuca on Mitchell

Day 10: Darwin

Enjoy your last day at leisure in Darwin. Maybe take in some of the galleries, enjoy a sunset cruise or trace the area’s rich history through its walking trails.
Overnight - Melaleuca on Mitchell

Day 11: Darwin - Brisbane

Fly to Brisbane and make your way to your hotel for your overnight stay. The day is at leisure to explore the attractions of this cosmopolitan city, which include the beautiful Botanical Gardens. This evening, maybe head over to the popular South Brisbane entertainment district.
Overnight - Grand Chancellor Brisbane

Day 12: Brisbane - Surfer's Paradise (50 miles)

Collect your motor home and head south on the spectacular Pacific Highway (please note that the itinerary for the next six days is a suggestion only and can be modified by one of our Australia specialists to suit your individual needs).

The popular holiday playground of the Gold Coast stretches northwards through the resorts of Coolangatta and Broadbeach towards Surfers Paradise. The fantastic beach is a great place to learn to surf, plus there’s shopping, a vibrant nightlife, and nearby theme parks including Warner Bros. Movie World, Dream World, Sea World and Wet ‘n’ Wild.
Overnight - Surfer's Paradise

Day 13: Surfer's Paradise - Byron Bay (70 miles)

Byron Bay is a popular stop on the backpacker and surfing circuits and, if you want to explore, head for the lighthouse on the rocky promontory of Cape Byron, which marks the easternmost point of the Australian mainland.
Overnight - Byron Bay

Day 14: Byron Bay - Coff's Harbour (155 miles)

Coffs Harbour marks the start of the sub-tropical northern coast of New South Wales, and the mountains of the Great Dividing Range seem to fall almost directly into the Pacific Ocean. The traditional owners of the Coffs Harbour region are the Gumbaynggirr people. Their nation stretches from the Nambucca River in the south to around the Clarence River in the north and to the Great Dividing Range in the west. Start your exploration of Coffs Harbour with a short drive up to Sealy Lookout in Bruxner Park, northwest of the city, where you’ll enjoy superb views of the city and beaches below from the Forest Sky Pier.
Overnight - Coff's Harbour

Day 15: Coff's Harbour - Port Stephens (252 miles)

Continue south to Port Stephens, where the wide bay extends some 25 kilometres inland and its calm waters and numerous coves are ideal for swimming, fishing and watersports. Dolphin cruises are available year-round, or you can relax on Stockton Beach which boasts huge sand dunes.
Overnight - Port Stephens

Day 15: Port Stephens - Hunter Valley (51 miles)

The Hunter Valley is one of Australia’s oldest and most important wine regions. You’ll have plenty of time this afternoon to begin your exploration of the region’s many vineyards, an activity which can be enjoyed by car, bicycle or horse-drawn carriage.
Overnight: Hunter Valley

Day 16: Hunter Valley - Sydney (93 miles) - London

Make your way to Sydney and drop off your motor home at the airport for your flight home. Alternatively extend your holiday in Australia by adding on our Ultimate Sydney City Stay.