Magnificent New Zealand & Very Best of Australia - Distant Journeys
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Magnificent New Zealand & Very Best of Australia
51 days from £9,695 per person
Combine these two itineraries to make the ultimate So, to make sure you don’t miss out on Australia’s many highlights and
hidden gems, we’ve put together the ultimate Australian adventure.
holiday to Australasia. You will start your adventure by From the glitter of Sydney and Melbourne, to the haunting splendour
joining our Magnificent New Zealand tour, before flying of the outback – we visit all the must-see sights including four nights
to Australia and joining our Very Best of Australia tour. in tropical Cairns, the ideal base to visit the Great Barrier Reef and an
overnight journey on-board ‘the legendary Ghan’
New Zealand is like no other place on earth – packed
full of amazing and diverse landscapes. New Zealand’s
North Island is dominated by ancient volcanoes,
stunning coastal scenery and pristine beaches. South
Island possesses high mountain peaks, deep fiords,
lush rainforests and magnificent glaciers.
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Your holiday includes
Flights with leading scheduled airlines
• Return economy class flights
• Fly with Qantas/Emirates from London Heathrow, Manchester,
Birmingham, Newcastle or Glasgow
• Flights between New Zealand and Australia
• All domestic flights in New Zealand and Australia
• All airport charges, security charges and any applicable
fuel surcharges
• UK Air Passenger Duty
Choice of outbound stopover
• Two-night outbound stopover; choose from Singapore, Bangkok
or Dubai
Carefully selected hotels
• Superior hotels in great locations
• All hotel porterage
• Applicable hotel taxes
Many meals
• Daily breakfast
• Dinner in Rotorua
•
• Lunch cruise around Sydney Harbour
All-inclusive on The Ghan
• All meals
• Selected alcoholic and soft drinks
Unforgettable experiences
• Sightseeing tours in Singapore (or Bangkok or Dubai), Auckland,
Rotorua, Queenstown, Dunedin, Christchurch, Perth, Adelaide,
Melbourne, Alice Springs, and Sydney
• ‘Hole in the Rock’ cruise in the Bay of Islands
Darwin 2 • Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve
• Maori concert
Katherine 4 Cairns
Gorge
1 The Ghan 3 Bay of Islands • Scenic rail journey on board the TranzAlpine
• Morning cruise on Milford Sound
Uluru 2 2 Alice Springs 2 Auckland • Full day touring Kangaroo Island
• Experience Uluru at sunset and sunrise
2 Rotorua • Cruise down the scenic Katherine Gorge
3/3 Perth Adelaide
• Full day on the Great Barrier Reef
2 4 Sydney
• Lunch cruise around Sydney Harbour
Kangaroo 2
2
Island
Melbourne On the ground
• Services of an experienced Coach Captain in New Zealand and
Franz Josef 2
1/1 Christchurch Tour Manager in Australia
Milford Sound • All overseas transfers
3 Queenstown • Modern, air-conditioned coaches throughout
Te Anau 2
2 Dunedin
100% confidence
• Your holiday is covered by our Price Promise*
• Your holiday is covered by our Covid Guarantee*
3 = Number of nights • Your holiday is fully ATOL protected
* For more information on our Price Promise and Covid Guarantee, please refer to
our website www.distantjourneys.co.uk
To book call 01695 577 961 2
Magnificent New Zealand & Very Best of Australia
Days 1 to 7: UK - Singapore - Auckland - Bay of Islands
Day 1: Depart UK Day 3: Singapore Day 6: Auckland
Depart from the UK airport most convenient Known as ‘the crossroads of Asia’, Singapore This morning, we take an orientation tour of
for you with Qantas/Emirates. Choose from is a city where east meets west; a the city. Known as the ‘City of Sails’,
London Heathrow, Manchester, Birmingham, cosmopolitan melting pot with an Auckland is New Zealand’s most populous
Newcastle or Glasgow. No matter which inspirational identity. This morning, enjoy a city, with a beautiful waterside setting and a
airport you choose, there will be no tour of this wonderful city. Included is a stop landscape dotted with volcanic hills. We
additional cost. In-flight meals and drinks at Merlion Park with impressive views of drive along the stunning coastline of the
included Marina Bay. See the historic Civic District, famous Waitemata Harbour. In the distance
Thian Hock Keng Temple and the fabulous see Rangitoto Island, an extinct volcano,
Day 2: Singapore, 2 nights orchid gardens set within Singapore’s dominating the horizon. We continue to the
Flights from London Heathrow may travel botanical gardens. Return to the hotel where stylish Viaduct Harbour, host to many
direct to Singapore. All UK regional flights will the rest of our day is free to spend as we America’s Cup celebrations. Your afternoon is
travel via Dubai. Arrive into the wonderful please. Breakfast included free to enjoy as you please. Perhaps take a
city of Singapore and transfer to the four star trip to the top of Sky Tower; the panoramic
Copthorne Kings Hotel, situated in an Day 4: Depart Singapore views from the tallest building in the
enviable position close to the banks of the A day at leisure in Singapore until it’s time to southern hemisphere are truly breathtaking.
Singapore River. In-flight meals and drinks leave for our evening flight to Auckland. Breakfast included
included Perhaps explore the impressive Gardens by
Day 7: Bay of Islands, 3 nights
Breakfast, in-flight meals and drinks included Our travels today commence with a drive
Alternative stopovers: over the impressive Waitemata Harbour
Dubai or Bangkok Day 5: Auckland, 2 nights Bridge. Journey past dairy farms and rolling
We have based days 2-4 of this itinerary We change aircraft in Australia. On arrival hills as we make our way north. We continue
on a stopover in Singapore. Should you into Auckland we meet our local Coach to the Waipoua Kauri Forest Reserve, where
prefer, you may choose to stop in Captain, who will be our driver and guide we stop to view the gigantic Kauri tree Tane
Bangkok or Dubai for the same price. during our time in New Zealand. Transfer to Mahuta, ‘Lord of the Forest.’ We then travel
Your stopover includes transfers, the centrally located Grand Millennium across country to the beautiful Bay of Islands
accommodation, daily breakfast and a Auckland, where we spend our first two and our home for the next three nights, the
city sightseeing tour. Flight timings will nights in New Zealand. In-flight meals and Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands, located in the
vary. Please speak with one of our drinks included picturesque seaside town of Paihia. Breakfast
personal travel experts for more detail included
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Magnificent New Zealand & Very Best of Australia
Days 8 to 13: Bay of islands - Rotorua - Christchurch - Franz Josef
Day 8: Bay of Islands Day
a 10: Rotorua, 2 nights Day 13: Franz Josef, 2 nights
Tour Highlight We travel south this morning via Auckland as Tour Highlight
Visiting this stunning area wouldn’t be we make our way to the world-famous After breakfast we transfer to Christchurch
complete without a cruise around the Bay of thermal region of Rotorua. Rotorua is the railway station in plenty of time to catch the
Islands, no doubt one of your tour highlights. heart of New Zealand’s rich Maori culture TranzAlpine, arguably one of the most scenic
Cruise via Red Head Passage to Cape Brett and this evening, at our hotel, we attend a rail journeys in the world. Cross the fertile
and Piercy Island and on to the famous ‘Hole concert featuring traditional song and dance, farmlands of the Canterbury Plains, and enjoy
in the Rock’. In these world-famous deep- including the world famous war dance – The thrilling vistas over deep gorges as we travel
fishing grounds dolphins and schools of fish alongside the ice-fed Waimakariri River. We
are frequently seen. Our return trip visits next two nights are spent at the four star climb the mighty Southern Alps, where at
historic Russell, once known as the ‘Hell Hole Distinction Hotel. Breakfast and dinner every turn, spectacular views of the chiselled
of the Pacific’, but now a peaceful and included alpine landscape will take our breath away. At
picturesque township. Our free afternoon Arthur’s Pass we join our waiting coach to
provides an excellent opportunity (at an Day 11: Rotorua make the spectacular descent down the
additional cost) to visit the grounds of the Sightseeing this morning takes us via western side of the Southern Alps through
Waitangi National Reserve where, in 1840, the Rotorua’s famous Bath House, a Tudorstyle thick native beech forest. Our travels
British and Maori chiefs signed the Waitangi building within the Government Gardens. We continue southbound taking us alongside
Treaty. Breakfast included continue to Te Puia, home to the striking wild scree-scarred terrain with forests
Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve, with its of Crimson Rata and Kahikatea. Just a few
Day 9: Bay of Islands Freedom Day spurting geysers and boiling mud pools. Your miles further south we pass Lakes Ianthe and
Although our day has been left at leisure, we afternoon is at leisure to relax. For those that Mapourika before entering the Westland
have the opportunity to join a fantastic so wish, optional activities include a float National Park. Our next two nights are at the
optional trip to Cape Reinga. This full day plane flight over Mount Tarawera, or perhaps Scenic Franz Josef Glacier Hotel. Breakfast
excursion visits the northern tip of New an afternoon visiting the Hobbiton Movie included
Zealand, where the Tasman Sea meets the Set from The Lord of the Rings may be more
Pacific Ocean. The area holds special spiritual appealing. Breakfast included
significance in Maori tradition, as the place
where Maori spirits return to their traditional Day 12: Christchurch, Overnight
homeland, Hawaiiki-A-Nui, via the roots of a This morning we make our way to Auckland
lone (and still standing) 800 year old Airport for our Jetstar flight to Christchurch.
pohutukawa tree. Highlights of today’s tour Enjoy a brief orientation tour, prior to our
include magnificent coastal landscapes, the arrival at the Distinction Hotel, Christchurch.
Te Paki sand dunes and a drive along Ninety Breakfast included
Mile Beach. Breakfast included
To book call 01695 577 961 4
Magnificent New Zealand & Very Best of Australia
Days 14 to 18: Franz Josef - Queenstown - Te Anau
Day 14: Franz Josef Freedom Day Day 15: Queenstown, 3 nights Day 17: Queenstown Freedom Day
Today is left completely free to absorb the Incredible scenery today as we travel across A further Freedom Day to enjoy in this
beauty of Franz Josef. For those that so wish, wonderful alpine setting. The thrill seekers
we shall drive to the Franz Josef Glacier along one of the most exciting scenic roads amongst us may wish to try the Shotover Jet
terminal where we will have the opportunity ever built. Travel along the shores of Lakes – an exhilarating boat ride amongst the crags
to walk to view the glacier. Weather Wanaka and Hawea as we enter New and boulders of the Shotover River canyon.
permitting, we may also take an optional Zealand’s Central Otago region. We continue For a more serene experience maybe stroll by
scenic flight (at an additional cost) over the via Lake Dunstan, created by the mighty the lakeside or take a gondola ride to the top
glacier and the awe-inspiring Alpine region. Clyde hydro dam in 1994. Later in the of Bob’s Peak for a magnificent panoramic
Breakfast included afternoon we reach beautiful, cosmopolitan view of Queenstown. Breakfast included
Queenstown, and our home for the next two
We recommend nights, the four-star Millennium Hotel, Day 18: Te Anau, 2 nights
Scenic flight over Franz Josef Glacier situated only a short walk from the centre of This morning we take a tour to visit the
Enjoy an optional helicopter flight over town. Breakfast included nearby historic mining town of Arrowtown.
awe-inspiring Franz Josef Glacier The heart of its history is Buckingham Street,
Day 16: Queenstown Freedom Day a procession of small-town heritage buildings
Queenstown smiles south across Lake that stretch into a tree-lined avenue of tiny
Wakatipu into an incomparable alpine scene. miners’ cottages. Be sure to try a cream tea in
Poplars and willows surround the lake front one of the quaint tea rooms. Afterwards,
and the lake seems to glisten every shade of depart through high country landscapes and
blue. Today has been left free to take trout fishing rivers and travel onwards to the
advantage of the incredible variety of shores of Lake Te Anau, the biggest of South
activities available in and around New Island’s many lakes. Enjoy the next two nights
Zealand’s most glamorous alpine resort. For a at the Distinction Te Anau Hotel and Villas.
relaxing experience, follow Queenstown’s Breakfast included
wine trail, an enjoyable day excursion of wine
tasting and sightseeing. There is also an
opportunity to take an optional leisurely
cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard the
vintage steamboat TSS Earnslaw. The cruise
includes a visit to Walter Peak Homestead
and a sheep shearing show, before returning
to Queenstown aboard Earnslaw. Breakfast
included
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Magnificent New Zealand & Very Best of Australia
Days 19 to 26: Milford Sound - Dunedin - Christchurch - Perth
Day 19: Milford Sound Cruise We have time to admire the beautifully Scientists explain the boulders as calcite
Tour Highlight landscaped trees and plants of Dunedin concretions formed about 65 million years
An early start this morning as we embark on Botanical Gardens and the spectacular views ago. The soft mudstone containing the
a stunning scenic drive into the heart of of the Otago Peninsula and Harbour before boulders was raised from the seabed around
Fiordland National Park to join our morning we reach our hotel, the Distinction Dunedin. 15 million years ago and waves, wind and rain
cruise on spectacular Milford Sound. By Breakfast included are excavating them one by one. Later in the
choosing to cruise early in the morning, we day we arrive at the Distinction Hotel in
will experience a quieter environment in Day 21: Dunedin Christchurch for our final night in New
which to enjoy all the wonders this beautiful A day at leisure to spend as we please. Zealand. Breakfast included
Perhaps join an Otago Peninsula Wildlife Tour
peaks, including the iconic and much - the perfect optional excursion for nature Day 23: Perth, 6 nights
photographed Mitre Peak, rising more than a lovers. The tour includes an Otago Harbour Today we say farewell to our friends in New
kilometre straight out of the sea. Waterfalls cruise to Taiaroa Head, home of the world’s Zealand as they depart for home, whilst you
cascade into the fiord and luxuriant rain only mainland nesting place of the Royal will transfer to the airport for your flight via
forest clings to sheer rock faces. Later we Albatross, and a visit to Penguin Place, a Melbourne or Sydney to Perth, Australia. On
return to Te Anau where there is time to private conservation reserve for the arrival you will be met by our local
enjoy the delights of this quaint township. endangered Yellow Eyed Penguin. representative and transferred to the Crown
Breakfast included Alternatively, you may wish to travel on the Metropol Hotel, where we have 3 nights to
Taieri Gorge Train as it travels through ten relax and recharge before our Australian
Day 20: Dunedin, 2 nights tunnels and over countless bridges and adventure begins. Breakfast, in-flight meals
This morning we say goodbye to Fiordland. A viaducts, stopping or slowing down at and drinks included
morning drive takes us via Mossburn and various scenic points along the way for
Lumsden to Gore. Fresh, green farm scenery photos. Breakfast included Days 24-25: Perth
will accompany us to Balclutha, which has a Relax and explore at your leisure before the
distinctive arched concrete bridge. Milton is Day 22: Christchurch, Overnight Very Best of Australia tour commences.
the last sizeable settlement before we reach This morning, our travels take us north once Breakfast included
Dunedin. Known as the ‘Edinburgh of the more. We stop at Hampden Beach to witness
South’, Dunedin is South Island’s second the geological curiosities known as the Day 26: Perth
largest city and is considered New Zealand’s Moeraki Boulders, huge spherical boulders Check out of the Crowne Metropol and
architectural heritage capital, with its lovingly which are scattered along the beach, whilst make your own way to the Pan Pacific Perth
restored Victorian and Edwardian buildings. others can be seen emerging from the Hotel at your leisure for the start of the Very
On arrival, we enjoy a sightseeing tour taking Best of Australia tour. Your new travelling
in the city’s neo-Gothic churches, town hall, tonnes and is up to two metres in diameter. companions in Australia will not arrive into
opulent theatres, and other 19th century According to Maori legend, the boulders are Perth until later in the day, so the rest of the
buildings. gourds washed ashore from the great day is free for you to explore independently.
voyaging canoe Araiteuru when it was Breakfast included
wrecked upon landfall in New Zealand
hundreds of years ago.
To book call 01695 577 961 6
Magnificent New Zealand & Very Best of Australia
Days 27 to 30: Perth - Kangaroo Island
Day 27: Perth We recommend Day 30: Kangaroo Island
Named ‘the friendly city’ by tourists from all Nambung National Park Tour Highlight
over the world, Perth is the world’s most Take an optional tour to the Nambung Our Kangaroo Island adventure commences
isolated city and is the capital of Western National Park to visit the fascinating with a scenic drive to Seal Bay Conservation
Australia. Today, we have arranged a tour to limestone formations known as the Pinnacles Park. Here we will walk on the beach
explore the city and its surrounds. Visit King’s amongst a colony of rare Australian sea lions
Park, with its enchanting wild flowers and with a National Parks Ranger. Following lunch,
bushland, and amazing views over the city’s we spend the afternoon at Flinders Chase
skyline. We will also travel to the nearby port National Park, renowned as a sanctuary for
town of Fremantle and enjoy a visit to the native Australian animals including kangaroos,
fascinating Shipwreck Gallery. Later, we see wallabies, koalas and echidnas, to view how
the Millionaire Mansions as we return to the the park is quickly regenerating. The tour of
hotel with a cruise along the Swan River. the park will also take us to the rugged
Breakfast included southern coastline for a walk on the
Remarkable Rocks, providing us with great
Day 28: Perth Freedom Day photographic opportunities and stunning sea
Our first Australian Freedom Day allows us to Day 29: Kangaroo Island, 2 nights views. We continue to Admirals Arch, which
spend the day as we please. Our Distant Following breakfast this morning, we board
Journeys Tour Manager will be on hand with our flight to Adelaide, capital of South spectacular rock archway, a natural nursery
advice on things to do, where to eat, make Australia. Upon arrival, meet our waiting and safe haven for playful Long-Nosed Fur
any arrangements and book excursions for coach and continue to the Fleurieu Peninsula, Seals. After a wonderful day spent amongst
you to further explore the area. Perhaps take where we board a ferry to Penneshaw on Australia’s very best wildlife, we return to our
an optional trip to the Nambung National Kangaroo Island. We make our way to the hotel for a second night. Breakfast and lunch
Park to visit the fascinating limestone Mercure Kangaroo Island Lodge, situated in a included
formations known as the Pinnacles. bayside location on Kangaroo Island, for the
Alternatively, make the short journey to next two nights. Breakfast included
Rottnest Island, a protected nature reserve
with white-sand beaches and secluded
coves, and home to the small wallaby-like
marsupial, the quokka. However you choose
to spend your day – enjoy! Breakfast
included
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Magnificent New Zealand & Very Best of Australia
Days 31 to 37: Adelaide - Melbourne - Uluru - Alice Springs
Day 31: Adelaide, 2 nights Enjoy a sightseeing tour including Captain Tour Highlight
After meeting a variety of Australia’s wildlife Cook’s Cottage (optional entry at own Later, we depart for a rock base tour enabling
up close and personal, it’s time to make our expense), Victoria Markets, Federation us to discover more about its historical and
way back to the mainland by ferry. En route Square, the MCG and Rod Laver Arena. We cultural importance. Enjoy a glass of sparkling
to Adelaide, we visit Australia’s oldest also head out of the city to see the wine with your travelling companions whilst
surviving German settlement in the quaint waterside suburbs of St. Kilda and Port witnessing the changing colours of Uluru as
village of Hahndorf, with its tree-lined streets Melbourne. Home for the next two nights is the sun begins to set. It’s truly a
and original ‘Fachwerk’ buildings. Surrounded the four-star Pullman on the Park. Breakfast photographer’s delight. Breakfast included
by grassy parkland, picturesque hills and the included
Mount Lofty Range, Adelaide could scarcely Day 36: Uluru
present a more captivating aspect. During Day 34: Melbourne Freedom Day This morning, we have the option of viewing
this afternoon’s sightseeing tour we will be Today we can choose to relax or explore as Uluru at sunrise. Following breakfast we leave
introduced to Adelaide’s streets, fine we please. We have the opportunity to take for a tour of the impressive series of rounded
Victorian buildings and the attractive parks a trip to Phillip Island, home to the world’s sandstone domes known as the Olgas. Your
and gardens that surround the city. Later, we largest colony of fairy penguins, to view the afternoon is at leisure to enjoy one of the
arrive at the Crowne Plaza Hotel for our next ‘Penguin Parade’. Alternatively, take the
two nights. Breakfast included evening in Ayers Rock Resort, watching the
Dandenong Ranges, explore the city’s most sun set at the Sounds of Silence dinner is
Day 32: Adelaide Freedom Day famous sporting landmarks or tour along one highly recommended. Breakfast included
A Freedom Day to spend as you please. Take of the world’s most spectacular coastal
a look around Adelaide on foot or perhaps drives - the internationally renowned Great Day 37: Alice Springs, 2 nights
take an optional tour to the famous wine Ocean Road. Breakfast included We have a leisurely start to our day. Later, we
growing region of the Barossa Valley. make our way to Alice Springs, travelling
Alternatively, a lunch cruise along the Murray Day 35: Uluru, 2 nights along the Lasseter and Stuart Highways.
River is a lovely way to spend a few hours. Following breakfast this morning, we board Upon arrival we check-in to the four-star
Breakfast included our flight to Uluru in Australia’s Red Centre. DoubleTree by Hilton. In the evening, we
Before landing we may have the opportunity highly recommend experiencing the outback
Day 33: Melbourne, 2 nights to view the world’s largest monolith from our bush barbecue. Breakfast included
This morning we make our way to the airport aircraft. Rising from the flat surrounding
in plenty of time for our flight to Melbourne, scrubland, Uluru is a site of deep cultural
capital of Victoria state and Australia’s significance to the Aboriginal communities of
second largest city. Melbourne’s allure lies in the Northern Territory. Upon arrival we make
the fabulously preserved Victorian our way to the four-star Desert Gardens
architecture of its many public buildings and Hotel.
gracious homes.
To book call 01695 577 961 8
Magnificent New Zealand & Very Best of Australia
Days 38 to 41: Alice Springs - The Ghan - Darwin
Day 38: Alice Springs Freedom Day Our twin accommodation is in Gold Service Day 41: Darwin Freedom Day
Our day is free to relax or explore the cabins, air-conditioned, private sleepers, all Darwin is the capital of Australia’s Northern
outback. You may wish to take a trip to the with upper and lower bunk beds, en-suite Territory and is known for its laid-back fusion
Western MacDonnell Ranges; an excellent shower, wash basin and toilet. Single of frontier outpost and modern city. Your
opportunity to get a real picture of life in the travellers will be accommodated in Gold day has been left totally free to spend in
outback. The full day excursion takes us Service single cabins, which are configured as your own particular way. Perhaps visit the
through the wondrous and picturesque a lounge chair by day, converting into a bed Defence of Darwin Experience, an immersive,
scenery of Simpson’s Gap and the towering at night, with shared bathroom facilities at interactive multimedia experience telling the
granite walls of Standley Chasm. Breakfast the end of each carriage. Whilst on board, all story of Darwin’s role in World War II – a very
included our meals are included, as are a wide important time in Northern Territory history.
selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic Alternatively visit the thundering waterfalls,
Day 39: The Ghan, Overnight drinks. Following dinner in the Queen rainforest pockets and sacred sites of
Nestled within the MacDonnell Ranges, Alice Adelaide Restaurant, enjoy drinks with your Litchfield National Park. For those wishing to
Springs is an iconic town made famous by its travelling companions in the Outback venture further afield, a full day overland or
rich pioneering history and ancient Explorer Lounge. Breakfast and dinner PLUS flightseeing excursion to Kakadu National
indigenous culture. This morning you may selected onboard drinks included Park can be arranged. Breakfast included
wish to take an adventure in slow motion on
an optional hot air balloon trip over the Day 40: Darwin, 2 nights We recommend
outback landscapes. Later, we board our Following breakfast, The Ghan arrives into Litchfield National Park Explore the
coach and enjoy a sightseeing tour. Visits Katherine. Here we have the opportunity to spectacular beauty of the national park, with
include the Royal Flying Doctor Service, the visit nearby Nitmiluk National Park, home to its impressive waterfalls and expanses of
School of the Air, and the Old Telegraph the spectacular Katherine Gorge. The gorge is rainforest.
Station, now a museum and the site of the a series of 13 sandstone gorges carved over
old springs from which Alice gets its name. many millions of years by the Katherine River.
As we cruise up the river, calls of the cicada
Tour Highlight resonate across the water between the
Later in the afternoon it’s time to make our
way to Alice Springs Rail Terminal ready for how the gorge was named, whilst marvelling
our magnificent overland rail journey to at the sheer walls, etched by time and the
Darwin, on Australia’s northern coastline. elements, and home to a myriad of plant and
Known for being one of the world’s iconic rail animal life. Afterwards, return to The Ghan in
journeys, The Ghan was named after the time for lunch as we continue our journey to
Afghan cameleers who once traversed this Darwin. Upon arrival we transfer to the
route. DoubleTree by Hilton Esplanade, situated on
Darwin’s striking esplanade. Breakfast and
lunch included
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Magnificent New Zealand & Very Best of Australia
Days 42 to 46: Cairns - Great Barrier Reef - Sydney
Day 42: Cairns, 4 nights Day 44: Great Barrier Reef Day 45: Cairns Freedom Day
An early start, as we leave for the airport in Tour Highlight Another Freedom Day to enjoy in tropical
time for our one-stop flight to Cairns. Upon A holiday to Australia would not be northern Queensland. Surrounded by
arrival we shall transfer to the ideally located complete without a visit to the Great Barrier rainforest and mountains, Cairns boasts over
Hilton Hotel, which will be our home for the Reef. Its vibrantly coloured marine life and 200 walking tracks; there are also numerous
next four nights. Breakfast included breathtakingly beautiful coral make this interesting museums and art galleries to
World Heritage site a must see for all visitors. explore. If you prefer to venture further
Day 43: Cairns Freedom Day During our full day Great Barrier Reef afield, we suggest a day trip to the nearby
Although today has been left free, you may excursion, we board our high-speed Daintree Rainforest, where the oldest
wish to take an optional trip to Kuranda. Our catamaran and journey out to the Marine rainforest in the world meets the reef at the
tour begins with traditional Tjapukai World platform located on the Outer Reef. World Heritage listed Cape Tribulation. The
aboriginal culture including authentic music, Snorkel in the sheltered coral lagoon, or if tour gives a wonderful insight into the
dance and storytelling by Tjapukai people. you prefer to stay dry, view the reef from the rainforest’s unique flora and fauna, including a
We ascend to Kuranda by the Skyrail semi-submersible reef viewer, glass- walk with an aboriginal guide and a cruise
Rainforest Cableway, a beautiful experience bottomed boat, or underwater observatory. spotting saltwater crocodiles. Enjoy your day!
gliding over the rainforest canopy. ‘The With five hours at the reef there is plenty of Breakfast included
village in the rainforest’ Kuranda awaits. It’s a time to do it all. For the more adventurous,
lovely place to while away a few hours there are a number of activities available at Day 46: Sydney, 4 nights
visiting the markets, butterfly sanctuary or an additional cost, including scuba diving (no This morning we make our way to Cairns
the Koala Gardens. Travel back to Cairns experience necessary), joining the marine Airport in time for our flight to Sydney.
along one of the most unique rail journeys in biologist on a guided snorkel safari, or Sydney is a city that takes full advantage of
Australia, the Kuranda Scenic Railway. See soaring above the reef on a spectacular its natural setting – its sparkling harbour is
how the track clings to the rockface along a scenic helicopter flight. Breakfast and lunch host to the world-famous Sydney Harbour
narrow coastal strip. During our journey we included Bridge, and the spectacular Sydney Opera
encounter no fewer than 40 bridges and 15 House. Sydney’s suburbs are blessed with
tunnels as we make our way back to Cairns. lush native bushland and pristine sandy
Breakfast included beaches. Add to this the excellent
restaurants and cafés, endless shopping
opportunities and a vibrant culture and it’s
very easy to understand why Sydney is one
of the world’s favourite cities. Upon arrival
we head to the excellent Sofitel Sydney
Wentworth (if departing before
September 2022 you will stay at the
Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel), in the heart of
central Sydney. Breakfast included
To book call 01695 577 961 10Magnificent New Zealand & Very Best of Australia
Days 47 to 51: Sydney - UK
Day 47: Sydney The excursion also visits Wentworth Falls and
Tour Highlight the pretty village of Leura, famous for their
This morning, our sightseeing tour begins
with a drive through some of Sydney’s most
annual garden festivals and playing host to
many of the region’s local artists. Breakfast Call to book
fashionable inner-city suburbs enroute to included
Bondi Beach. Travel by Rushcutters Bay and
Double Bay as we make our way back to the Day 49: Sydney Freedom Day Our award-winning travel
A further Freedom Day to experience Sydney
city centre. Travel via Hyde Park and
in a way that suits you. Take an optional
experts are happy to answer
Parliament House to Mrs Macquarie’s Chair,
an exposed sandstone rock cut into the behind the scenes tour of Sydney Opera any questions you may
shape of a bench by convicts in 1810, as a gift House, catch up on some shopping or have, and to help
to Governor Macquarie’s wife, Elizabeth. possibly climb the impressive Harbour Bridge.
Here we stop for the classic photo Whatever you wish to do, our Tour Manager you book your holiday with
opportunity of the world-famous Opera will be very happy to help. Breakfast Distant Journeys.
House and Harbour Bridge. We complete our included
tour in the best possible way – enjoying a
luncheon cruise around Sydney’s beautiful Day 50: Depart Sydney Call us on
harbour. The views of the Opera House, the
Harbour Bridge and the many dream homes
The day is yours until it’s time to depart for
the airport. Our flight to our chosen UK 01695 577 961
nestled along the edge of the water are truly airport operates via Dubai or Singapore,
where there will be a change of aircraft. Monday - Friday 9.00am - 5.30pm
amazing. The afternoon has been left free to Satu
a rday 9.00am - 5.00pm
spend as we please. Breakfast and lunch Breakfast, inflight meals and drinks included
Sunday Open in peak season.
included See website for details.
Day 51: Arrive UK
Day 48: Sydney Freedom Day This morning we arrive into our chosen Should you prefer, please feel free to
A Sydney Freedom Day to spend as you airport (London Heathrow, Manchester, email us with your enquiry.
please. Although today has been left free, for Birmingham, Newcastle or Glasgow) bringing
an end to our incredible adventure. In-flight Email: enquiries@distantjourneys.co.uk
those that so desire, we shall be taking an
optional trip to the World Heritage-listed meals and drinks included
Blue Mountains. The Blue Mountains are a
perfect example of native Australian
bushland, with gum trees, majestic peaks and
deep gorges stretching as far as the eye can
see. Experience the panoramas from a series
of lookouts, including Echo Point – the prime
position to view the Three Sisters rock
formation.
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