Luxury tailormade touring holiday of Australia with highlights as a welcome to the country from Sydney and Blue Mountains for Uluru and on to Queensland's tropical rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef
This 13-night touring holiday of Australia is very much an introductory tour of this continent, welcoming you to cities, countryside, the centre and the rainforest as well as the Great Barrier Reef. The tour starts on the iconic beaches and coastline of refreshingly laid-back Sydney, and then takes you through the wilderness National Parks of the Blue Mountains, to the mystical Red Centre of Ayers Rock Uluru Kata Tjuta. Having paid homage to this ancient land, you will journey north in search of the tropical coast of Queensland, where pristine rainforest meets the mesmerising, crystal-clear waters of the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef. We recommend adding extra days in various places to make the most of your holiday to Australia.
Highlights
Sydney • Manly • Bondi Beach • Blue Mountains • Uluru • Kata Tjuta • Great Barrier Reef • Daintree Rainforest • Atherton Tablelands
Day by day
Arrive in Sydney. You a met upon arrival and transferred to your accommodation by private chauffeur.
Enjoy a day of leisure as you explore this iconic city. Soak up the sun in Circular Quay or the historic Rocks district and revel in the stunning vistas over Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House. Take a leisurely stroll through the wonderful botanic gardens, Darling Harbour or to the wonderfully fashionable shopping districts of Queen Victoria Building, the Strand Arcade or Pitt Street.
With the world’s largest harbour on your doorstep, today you could explore the stunning scenery of wider Sydney. Choose from a range of optional excursions, perhaps taking a ferry to the beautiful community of Manly. Built on a narrow peninsula that ends at the dramatic cliffs of North Head, Manly is the jewel of the North Shore. It boasts a harbour and ocean beaches, fantastic snorkelling and surfing, and a refreshingly laid-back ambience. On your way back to central Sydney, marvel at the stunning skyline, sparkling in the last of the afternoon sunshine, and the hues of gold twinkling on Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House.
On your final day in Sydney, choose from a range of optional tours to delve a bit deeper into what makes this iconic city great. For more scenery, choose from a day at the world-famous Bondi beach, perhaps enjoying the stunning Bondi to Coogee coastal walk, or head to one of the two National Parks that fringe the urban area. Elsewhere, why not discover the excellent museums and galleries of the city, including the Museum of Sydney where the rich history of Sydney and Australia is told.
You are transferred by private chauffeur to your accommodation in the Blue Mountains of New South Wales. The Blue Mountains National Park has been a favoured wilderness getaway of Sydneysiders for years. Step into the bush landscape through a range of optional excursions and marvel at the breath-taking waterfalls, sublime vistas, iconic wildlife and Aboriginal artwork of the area. The mystical blue tinge of the eucalyptus trees will only further mesmerise you in this deeply spiritual place.
Guests can choose to enjoy a leisurely morning in the wilderness surrounds, or otherwise rise early join an optional tour that will showcase the highlights of the local environment. For the latter, you could be served breakfast in the company of wild kangaroos, before exploring the World Heritage-listed area in a four-wheel-drive with a qualified ecological guide.
You transfer back to Sydney today for an onward flight to Ayers Rock in the red centre of Australia. Upon arrival you are transferred to your hotel.
The magical Red Centre of Australia’s Northern Territory provides a dramatic change of scenery to the lush bush landscape of the coast. Here, Uluru rises spectacularly from the flat plains of the desert measuring 3.6 kilometres long by 348 meters above the surrounding sandy shrubland. In the morning, perhaps join one of the guided walks to discover the sight’s ecology, Aboriginal cultural significance or geology. In the evening, you can enjoy a sundowner as the sun sets over Uluru and is replaced with a mesmerising sky full of stars.
Enjoy a leisurely morning or choose to wake early and embark on an expedition to the glorious Kata Tjuta, where a Martian landscape of dome formations will fascinate and delight. Next, perhaps visit the cultural centre to learn about the cultural significance of Uluru, before your private chauffeur transfer to catch your flight to Cairns in tropical Queensland. Upon arrival, you are transferred to your hotel. This might be by private chauffeur, or even by scenic helicopter flight over the Great Barrier Reef, depending on your chosen accommodation.
Spend the day adjusting to the tropical climate with the help of the facilities on offer at your chosen accommodation. For many, this will inevitably entail a gorgeous swimming pool. For some hotels, pure relaxation can be found in on-site spa facilities.
Today would be a great day to acquaint yourself with the World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef. Stretching 2000km of coastline, this pristine stretch of coral reef is home to some of the most diverse and fascinating marine life on the planet. Enjoy calm, crystal-clear waters, and the iridescent colours of the coral, if you participate in one of several optional activities. Find turtles, rays, colourful fish, and even whales and dolphins for the extremely fortunate.
With the Daintree Rainforest to the north, the Atherton Tablelands to the east and Conway National Park to the south, the rainforest of north Queensland is never far from your chosen accommodation. Perhaps today explore the pristine, sometimes World-Heritage listed, landscape and marvel at the diversity of flora and fauna that surround you. From wildlife walks to crocodile cruises, the riches of Queensland are easy to see with an exciting range of optional tours on offer.
Having acquainted yourself with the rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef, use your last full day in Australia exploring the other local sights of interest. In the Whitsunday Islands, for example, cruise to the stunning white sands of Whitehaven Beach. Elsewhere, chase waterfalls, wilderness hikes, deserted beaches, islands and mountains.
Wake late and soak up the last of the scenery, climate and luxury facilities of your boutique accommodation. Whilst the magic of this incredible continent will stay with you forever, it’s time you say goodbye for now as you are transferred to Cairns Airport to catch your flight home.
I wanted to thank you for organising such a great trip - we have absolutely loved it. Really it couldn’t have all gone better - thank you for organising it so perfectly for us.Mrs C, June 2024
Holiday price guide From about £4,400 per person based on two people sharing a double room and including for economy flights from London.
Holiday Code AUSG12
Call us on 01392 441245
Luxury tailormade touring holiday of Australia with highlights as a welcome to the country from Sydney and Blue Mountains for Uluru and on to Queensland's tropical rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef
Arrive in Sydney. You a met upon arrival and transferred to your accommodation by private chauffeur.
Enjoy a day of leisure as you explore this iconic city. Soak up the sun in Circular Quay or the historic Rocks district and revel in the stunning vistas over Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House. Take a leisurely stroll through the wonderful botanic gardens, Darling Harbour or to the wonderfully fashionable shopping districts of Queen Victoria Building, the Strand Arcade or Pitt Street.
With the world’s largest harbour on your doorstep, today you could explore the stunning scenery of wider Sydney. Choose from a range of optional excursions, perhaps taking a ferry to the beautiful community of Manly. Built on a narrow peninsula that ends at the dramatic cliffs of North Head, Manly is the jewel of the North Shore. It boasts a harbour and ocean beaches, fantastic snorkelling and surfing, and a refreshingly laid-back ambience. On your way back to central Sydney, marvel at the stunning skyline, sparkling in the last of the afternoon sunshine, and the hues of gold twinkling on Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House.
On your final day in Sydney, choose from a range of optional tours to delve a bit deeper into what makes this iconic city great. For more scenery, choose from a day at the world-famous Bondi beach, perhaps enjoying the stunning Bondi to Coogee coastal walk, or head to one of the two National Parks that fringe the urban area. Elsewhere, why not discover the excellent museums and galleries of the city, including the Museum of Sydney where the rich history of Sydney and Australia is told.
You are transferred by private chauffeur to your accommodation in the Blue Mountains of New South Wales. The Blue Mountains National Park has been a favoured wilderness getaway of Sydneysiders for years. Step into the bush landscape through a range of optional excursions and marvel at the breath-taking waterfalls, sublime vistas, iconic wildlife and Aboriginal artwork of the area. The mystical blue tinge of the eucalyptus trees will only further mesmerise you in this deeply spiritual place.
Guests can choose to enjoy a leisurely morning in the wilderness surrounds, or otherwise rise early join an optional tour that will showcase the highlights of the local environment. For the latter, you could be served breakfast in the company of wild kangaroos, before exploring the World Heritage-listed area in a four-wheel-drive with a qualified ecological guide.
You transfer back to Sydney today for an onward flight to Ayers Rock in the red centre of Australia. Upon arrival you are transferred to your hotel.
The magical Red Centre of Australia’s Northern Territory provides a dramatic change of scenery to the lush bush landscape of the coast. Here, Uluru rises spectacularly from the flat plains of the desert measuring 3.6 kilometres long by 348 meters above the surrounding sandy shrubland. In the morning, perhaps join one of the guided walks to discover the sight’s ecology, Aboriginal cultural significance or geology. In the evening, you can enjoy a sundowner as the sun sets over Uluru and is replaced with a mesmerising sky full of stars.
Enjoy a leisurely morning or choose to wake early and embark on an expedition to the glorious Kata Tjuta, where a Martian landscape of dome formations will fascinate and delight. Next, perhaps visit the cultural centre to learn about the cultural significance of Uluru, before your private chauffeur transfer to catch your flight to Cairns in tropical Queensland. Upon arrival, you are transferred to your hotel. This might be by private chauffeur, or even by scenic helicopter flight over the Great Barrier Reef, depending on your chosen accommodation.
Spend the day adjusting to the tropical climate with the help of the facilities on offer at your chosen accommodation. For many, this will inevitably entail a gorgeous swimming pool. For some hotels, pure relaxation can be found in on-site spa facilities.
Today would be a great day to acquaint yourself with the World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef. Stretching 2000km of coastline, this pristine stretch of coral reef is home to some of the most diverse and fascinating marine life on the planet. Enjoy calm, crystal-clear waters, and the iridescent colours of the coral, if you participate in one of several optional activities. Find turtles, rays, colourful fish, and even whales and dolphins for the extremely fortunate.
With the Daintree Rainforest to the north, the Atherton Tablelands to the east and Conway National Park to the south, the rainforest of north Queensland is never far from your chosen accommodation. Perhaps today explore the pristine, sometimes World-Heritage listed, landscape and marvel at the diversity of flora and fauna that surround you. From wildlife walks to crocodile cruises, the riches of Queensland are easy to see with an exciting range of optional tours on offer.
Having acquainted yourself with the rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef, use your last full day in Australia exploring the other local sights of interest. In the Whitsunday Islands, for example, cruise to the stunning white sands of Whitehaven Beach. Elsewhere, chase waterfalls, wilderness hikes, deserted beaches, islands and mountains.
Wake late and soak up the last of the scenery, climate and luxury facilities of your boutique accommodation. Whilst the magic of this incredible continent will stay with you forever, it’s time you say goodbye for now as you are transferred to Cairns Airport to catch your flight home.
I wanted to thank you for organising such a great trip - we have absolutely loved it. Really it couldn’t have all gone better - thank you for organising it so perfectly for us.Mrs C, June 2024
Holiday price guide From about £4,400 per person based on two people sharing a double room and including for economy flights from London.
Holiday Code AUSG12
Our prices include
● Return scheduled flights with British Airways, Qantas or Emirates from London to Sydney, returning from Cairns to London in economy class
● Domestic flights from Sydney to Uluru, and from Uluru to Cairns in economy class
● 4 nights’ bed and breakfast in Sydney
● 2 nights’ bed and breakfast in the Blue Mountains
● 2 nights’ bed and breakfast in Uluru
● 5 nights’ bed and breakfast in North Queensland
● Transfers where specified in our itinerary
● The meals included with your tour will vary by chosen accommodation. Please see our hotel suggestions for included board basis.
● Concierge service and Expressions Holidays regional helpful hints
Our prices do not include
● Early check-in or late check-out at any hotels (although we can arrange this on request at additional cost)
● Any other services not mentioned above, such as transfers and meals except as specified in our hotel suggestions
● Personal holiday insurance. This is essential and cover should be in place from when you book the holiday.
● Local tourist tax, payable locally to the hotel
● Optional tours and activities within each location, except where explicitly specified as included in our itinerary, or by hotels in our hotel lists.
● Visa and Passport. You will need a full British passport with at least six months validity, and a Visa for travel to Australia. Visas requirements should be checked with the Australian authorities. More details are available from www.eta.immi.gov.au
Additional information
Optional extensions
Everything we do at Expressions Holidays is bespoke, and we are dedicated to personalising the itineraries of every single client. Choose from the following range of tour extension or contact us for something completely different.
Optional best of New South Wales extension (2-nights)
Before heading into the Blue Mountains choose from a rich variety of beautiful destinations found elsewhere in New South Wales. Beach dwellers should head south to Jervis Bay or north to Byron Bay, with either offering a pristine bush landscape, idyllic white sand beaches, and thrilling water sports. Elsewhere, wine aficionados should travel to the Hunter Valley for achingly pretty vineyards, whilst skiers are well catered for in the Snowy Mountains of the south east. Spend two nights exploring before re-joining your tour to the Blue Mountains.
Price on request.
Optional best of the Northern Territory extension (2-nights)
Located in the north of the wild Northern Territory, Kakadu National Park offers a completely unique outback experience for travellers interested in Aboriginal culture and wildlife. Retreat to nature for two nights in a safari-style camp, and explore its diverse ecosystems, iconic flora and fauna, and rock paintings. Prices on request.
Optional Melbourne and Victoria extension (2-nights)
Following your two-night stay in the Blue Mountains, instead of flying from Sydney to Uluru (Ayers Rock) fly instead to Australia’s capital of culture and sport: Melbourne. Here you can spend two nights exploring the beautiful city, and the wonderful surrounds of rural Victoria including Phillip Island, the Great Ocean Road and the Yarra Valley, before flying directly onto Uluru to re-join your tour. Price on request
Optional Adelaide and South Australia extension (2-nights)
Following your two-night stay in the Blue Mountains, instead of flying from Sydney to Uluru (Ayers Rock) fly instead to the elegant and green Adelaide. Here you can spend two nights exploring the Mediterranean climate of this European-feeling city, and the wonderful surrounds of rural South Australia including Kangaroo Island, the Great Ocean Road and the Barossa Valley, before flying directly onto Uluru to re-join your tour. Price on request.
Optional Indian Pacific Extension (5-nights)
Instead of simply flying from Sydney to Uluru, board the Indian Pacific for the outback rail journey of a lifetime. This luxury rail expedition is one of the most iconic in Australia, and promises superb comfort in a private cabin, and an all-inclusive service. On day one, you will depart Sydney and travel through the spectacular rural landscape of New South Wales, the Blue Mountains, and the Great Dividing Range. On day two, you will arrive in the mining town of Broken Hill for your first taste of outback Australia. Later that day, choose from a winery tour in the stunning landscape of the Barossa Valley, or a walking tour of the elegant and green Adelaide. On day three, your journey takes you deep into the true red desert as you voyage across the raw beauty of the Nullarbor Plain. Stop at Rawlinna this evening for canapés and drinks under the star display of the desert sky. Finally, you conclude this epic rail journey on day four, passing through the Avon Valley into the bustle of cosmopolitan Perth. Stay here for two nights, enjoying the ambience of the city, or perhaps venturing to wider Western Australia in search of Fremantle or the Margaret River. From here, fly to Uluru to re-join your tour.
Prices on request.
Optional The Ghan Extension (3-nights)
Instead of simply flying to Uluru for a 2-night stay, fly from Sydney to the elegant and sophisticated Adelaide in South Australia. Spend two nights Enjoying the rich culinary heritage of the city, or journey to wider South Australia in search of stunning scenery and spectacular wineries. On day three, you will board The Ghan for an overnight journey in the comfort of a private luxury cabin and all-inclusive service. Often touted as one of the world’s greatest rail journeys, this luxury outback trailblazer will transport you into the mystical heart of Australia and out into the wild and tropical climate of Darwin in the Northern Territory. With a variety of excursions at your designated stops, there are ample opportunities for exploring the Red Centre of Australia. For example, discover the markets of Alice Springs, the cultural significance of Uluru and Kata Juta, river cruise in Katherine, and embark on a scenic flight over Kakadu and Nitmiluk National Parks. On the evening of day four, arrive in the tropical city of Darwin. Here, spend another two nights enjoying the tropical ambience and Aboriginal heritage before flying to Tropical North Queensland to re-join your tour. Prices on request.
Call us on 01392 441245
Luxury tailormade touring holiday of Australia with highlights as a welcome to the country from Sydney and Blue Mountains for Uluru and on to Queensland's tropical rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef
Ovolo Woolloomooloo is a chic and contemporary boutique hotel in a highly sought-after central location. Modern, artistic design and ultra-luxurious accommodation make it a great spot to recuperate after enjoying the delights of Sydney.
Superoo room
Park Hyatt Sydney is a 5-star hotel offering luxury and comfort in equal measure, in an excellent location for exploring the city's many sights. Excellent dining and spa facilities and stunning views over the harbour afford guests a luxury experience.
Harbour View room
Lilianfels is a 5-star boutique hotel in a stunning natural location overlooking the Blue Mountains. Award-winning cuisine and classic, comfortable accommodation, as well as a pampering spa afford guests a truly relaxing and indulgent experience.
Deluxe room
Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley is a once-in-a-lifetime luxury resort in the heart of the Blue Mountains. Set within a private 7,000-acre conservation reserve, we love the total seclusion and exclusivity of these impossibly luxurious lodges in this World Heritage-listed wilderness.
One Bedroom Heritage Villa
Sails in the Desert is a wonderful 5-star luxury resort that offers comfortable accommodation, excellent facilities and a taste of Aboriginal culture and heritage.
Superior room
Longitude 131 is an exclusive, adult-only resort providing a unique camping-style experience in the peaceful surroundings of Uluru National Park. Excellent cuisine and spa facilities make this an excellent spot to recuperate after experiencing Australia's most iconic natural wonder.
Luxury tent
The Reef View Hotel on Hamilton Island provides possibly the best infrastructure in Australia for a family holiday. Explore beaches, the Great Barrier Reef, and the Whitsunday Islands, or relax by the pool with some of Queensland's finest hospitality.
Garden view room
Lizard Island Resort is a spectacular, luxurious property in a stunning island location. Guests are afforded the utmost in island luxury, with excellent cuisine and spa facilities, and the pristine nature of the island is not to be missed.
Garden view room
I wanted to thank you for organising such a great trip - we have absolutely loved it. Really it couldn’t have all gone better - thank you for organising it so perfectly for us.Mrs C, June 2024
Holiday price guide From about £4,400 per person based on two people sharing a double room and including for economy flights from London.
Holiday Code AUSG12
Call us on 01392 441245
Luxury tailormade touring holiday of Australia with highlights as a welcome to the country from Sydney and Blue Mountains for Uluru and on to Queensland's tropical rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef
About New South Wales and Sydney
An Expressions tailor-made holiday to New South Wales and Sydney encompasses all of Australia’s diversity, with lush rainforests, isolated outback landscape and Alpine country, combined with rich Aborigine and European history. Sydney is a vibrant cosmopolitan city, with excellent beaches and culture. The land stretches out from the city to the mystical Blue Mountains, and beyond that to the wine country of the Hunter valley and the arid desert. Along the coast, resort towns utilise the golden sands and warm climate, but south of the city it is possible to find a little more seclusion in the more picturesque and less developed coastal towns.
Highlights of New South Wales and Sydney
Circular Quay for magnificent panoramas of the Sydney harbour, Experience Sydney’s beach culture at Bondi Beach, Wildlife and wilderness in the Blue Mountains, Yulefest in July in the Blue Mountains – complete with log fires and yuletide trimmings for a ‘traditional Christmas’, Skiing in the Snowy Mountains, Visit the outback and the beautiful Mutawintji National Park in the far northwest of the state, The unspoilt south coast and its fishing villages, Vineyard tours in the Hunter Valley.
Call us on 01392 441245
Luxury tailormade touring holiday of Australia with highlights as a welcome to the country from Sydney and Blue Mountains for Uluru and on to Queensland's tropical rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef
About Northern Territory
An Expressions tailor-made holiday to the Northern Territory of Australia allows travellers to experience just some of the diversity of this vast country. The Northern Territory comprises two different areas – the monsoonal Top End and the dry Red Centre. Much of the land is Aboriginal owned, which has allowed their ancient culture and traditions to flourish. The Top End is home to Darwin, a lively multi-cultural city, and the lush tropical Kakadu National Park, with excellent wildlife and significant rock-art sites. The Red Centre is most famous for Uluru (Ayers Rock), which rises spectacularly out of the flat desert, but there are many other sites of interest and beauty to be found, such as meteorite craters, beautiful waterfalls and sinister canyons.
Highlights of the Northern Territory
Visit Uluru and Kata Tjuta, Explore Kakadu National Park, Eat at Mindil Beach Night Market in Darwin, Picturesque Kings Canyon, Visit traditional Aboriginal land and communities with a local guide, Alice Springs Desert Park at the foot of the MacDonnell Ranges, Camel Treks, Henley-on-Todd Regatta (late September) - on the dry Todd River in Alice Springs.
Call us on 01392 441245
Luxury tailormade touring holiday of Australia with highlights as a welcome to the country from Sydney and Blue Mountains for Uluru and on to Queensland's tropical rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef
About Queensland
An Expressions tailor-made holiday to Queensland has much to offer, from the verdant Daintree rainforest to the spectacular Whitsunday Islands, although its main draw continues to be the magnificent Great Barrier Reef. Stretching from Coolangatta to Cape York, Queensland best exemplifies Australia’s beach culture, with its endless stretches of sand and tropical climate. Queensland’s main cities are the lively and cosmopolitan Brisbane, and Cairns, which offers an extensive range of land and water activities. Passing over the Great Dividing Range, the land becomes drier as you reach the outback, providing a startling contrast to the lush colours of the coastal areas.
Highlights of Queensland
Sailing around the Whitsundays, Experiencing the largest sand island in the world – Fraser Island, Exploring the pristine Daintree Rainforest, Snorkelling or diving on the Great Barrier Reef, Seeing the endless horizons of the Gulf Savannah, Visit the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, Tour the beautiful Atherton Tablelands, Sunday market in scenic Port Douglas.
