Settle into your hotel on the banks of the Yarra River and meet your travel director at the South Wharf riverside for dinner at a popular restaurant in the area. It’s a great opportunity to get to know everyone in a unique setting.

Crowne Plaza Hotel Melbourne

Dinner

Join your travel firector for a city sights tour that includes a private walk through Melbourne’s famous hidden laneways. You’ll discover the city’s eclectic little lanes, arcades, café society and fascinating street art. There’s time afterwards to explore on your own. Or, consider an optional experience to Phillip Island to see the nightly ritual of the Penguin Parade.

Crowne Plaza Hotel Melbourne

Breakfast

If you’re still getting your bearings in Melbourne, take your time to wander, exploring its boutiques, galleries, and eclectic suburbs. Or, perhaps exploring the city on foot with a History and Donuts Walking Tour is more your thing.

However, if you’re ready to explore beyond the city limits, consider embarking on a journey along the Great Ocean Road. This legendary stretch of coastline truly lives up to its reputation as one of the most breathtaking touring routes globally. As you wind your way along this scenic route, be prepared to encounter breathtaking views at every turn, making it an unforgettable journey that truly showcases the natural beauty of Australia.

Crowne Plaza Hotel Melbourne

Breakfast

The rusty red landscapes of Uluru await as you journey from Melbourne to Ayers Rock Resort. Travel through the rugged desert and learn about Australia’s unique geology along the way. In the heart of the country, Uluru has been home to the Anangu people for thousands of years. Discover their deep connection to the land as you visit Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park at sunset, watching the colours shift across the desert. Enjoy a glass of bubbles as you capture the perfect photo, and if you wish, talk to your travel director about adding the exclusive Uluru Barbecue Dinner (own expense).

Desert Gardens

Breakfast

Rise early to witness a magical Uluru sunrise – a truly spiritual experience. Learn about the Anangu people, the traditional caretakers of this land, as you tour the base of Uluru. Try your hand at creating your own Western Desert artwork, inspired by local artists and their stories. Later, explore the striking domes of Kata Tjuta and end your day with sunset drinks surrounded by the beauty of the red desert.

Desert Gardens

Breakfast

On your last day in Uluru you have the opportunity to glimpse the kaleidoscopic Field of Light art installation of artist Bruce Munro. 50,000 glowing spindles of light blanketing the desert. Clamber to the top of a sand dune to marvel in the morning unfolding over this very special part of the world (own expense). Later, head to your next stop in tropical Cairns.

Hilton Hotel Cairns

Breakfast

Enjoy a day of adventure in tropical North Queensland. Take a scenic train ride through tunnels and across bridges to the rainforest village of Kuranda, where you can browse colourful arts and crafts. Glide back over the treetops on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway for incredible views of one of the world’s oldest rainforests. You may also choose to visit Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures for a wetlands cruise to spot saltwater crocodiles in their natural habitat. End the day with a delicious dinner at Cairns’ waterfront Salt House, featuring fresh local seafood cooked over a wood-fired grill.

Hilton Hotel Cairns

Breakfast, Dinner

The world’s largest living organism, the Great Barrier Reef, never fails to dazzle. Set out on a catamaran to explore a mass of colour: over 1,500 species of fish, 215 different birds, 3,000 molluscs, six of the world’s seven marine turtle species, and 30 species of dolphins and whales are residents. Strap on a snorkel or visit an underwater observatory and semi-submersible craft to take in the menagerie without getting your hair wet. A tropical buffet lunch is served onboard before you return to Cairns.

Hilton Hotel Cairns

Breakfast, Lunch

Arrive in Australia’s largest city and enjoy free time to explore Sydney at your own pace. Discover its lively harbour, iconic sights, and endless city charm.

InterContinental Hotel Sydney

Breakfast

Get ready for one of the many highlights of your journey. Begin with a guided tour of the Sydney Opera House to uncover its fascinating architecture and stories. Then, take in stunning harbour views on a lunch cruise featuring fresh local food and wine. In the afternoon, visit the iconic Bondi Beach and stroll along the golden sand, soaking up the relaxed coastal vibe.

InterContinental Hotel Sydney

Breakfast, Lunch

Today is yours to explore as you wish. Choose to discover more of Sydney or venture into the spectacular Blue Mountains, a World Heritage-listed wilderness of dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and lush rainforest. If you prefer to stay in the city, take in breathtaking views on a Sydney BridgeClimb or wander through the historic Rocks district, with its cobbled lanes and charming galleries. Your tour director can help arrange optional experiences or suggest the best spots to explore on your own.

InterContinental Hotel Sydney

Breakfast

Make the most of your final day in Sydney with free time to explore at your own pace. You might choose to visit the Royal Botanic Garden for beautiful harbour views or revisit your favourite city spots. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner with your travel director and fellow travellers as you celebrate your unforgettable journey.

InterContinental Hotel Sydney

Breakfast, Dinner

Sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenery as you cross the Tasman Sea to begin your next adventure in New Zealand. This evening, join your fellow travellers for dinner at The Grill, where you’ll savour Aotearoa’s finest flavours – premium grass-fed steaks and sustainably caught seafood.

Horizon by SkyCity Auckland

Breakfast, Dinner

Enjoy a relaxed start before diving into New Zealand’s national passion – rugby. Visit the interactive All Blacks Experience to learn how the game shapes the nation’s culture. Then, take a city sightseeing tour with stops at Mission Bay, Bastion Point, and the Michael Joseph Savage Memorial, where landscaped gardens and panoramic views of Waitemata Harbour and the North Shore await.

Horizon by SkyCity Auckland

Breakfast

Today brings a visit to the enchanting village of Hobbiton. Enjoy a guided tour of the 12-acre movie set, with time to explore hobbit holes, the Mill, and plenty of photo stops along the way. After lunch (own expense), continue to Rotorua. This evening, experience Te Pō at Te Puia – a guided journey into Māori history and culture. Enjoy a delicious hangi-inspired dinner, a cultural performance in the carved meeting house, and a magical finale at the Pohutu Geyser, complete with hot chocolate in hand.

Millennium Hotel Rotorua

Breakfast, Dinner

Start your day in Rotorua with a visit to the National Kiwi Hatchery Aotearoa. Join a local specialist to learn about conservation efforts to protect New Zealand’s rare native bird. See kiwi eggs being incubated and, with luck, witness newly hatched chicks during this inspiring experience. Later, fly to Queenstown – New Zealand’s adventure capital – surrounded by mountains, lakes, and endless excitement. From thrilling outdoor activities to world-class dining, there’s something for everyone in this alpine town.

Millennium Hotel, Queenstown

Breakfast

Travel along Lake Wakatipu and through the dramatic Devil’s Staircase to Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland National Park. Stop to admire the stunning scenery at Mirror Lakes, Knobs Flat, Hollyford Valley, and Cleddau Valley before arriving at magnificent Milford Sound. Cruise through this World Heritage-listed fiord with a knowledgeable guide, spotting fur seals and dolphins as you take in one of the most breathtaking landscapes on Earth.

Millennium Hotel, Queenstown

Breakfast, Lunch

Enjoy Queenstown at your own pace today. For an adrenaline rush, take an exciting jet boat ride on the lake, or opt for a more relaxing experience aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak High Country Farm, where you’ll enjoy a guided tour and tea in a stunning alpine setting. This evening, dine at Postmasters Café in nearby Arrowtown – a charming historic cottage surrounded by beautiful gardens.

Millennium Hotel, Queenstown

Breakfast, Dinner

Travel from Queenstown to the beautiful shores of Lake Tekapo, stopping in Cromwell to sample fresh local stone fruit at the Jones Family fruit stall. Continue to the Highlands Motorsport Museum to admire a remarkable collection of rare and historic cars – a fascinating visit even for non-motorsport fans.

Later, visit the picturesque Church of the Good Shepherd, overlooking the lake, and meet the friendly bronze sheepdog statue nearby. As night falls, enjoy a guided stargazing experience in the UNESCO Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, where the Milky Way and Southern Cross shine brilliantly overhead.

Peppers Bluewater Resort Lake Tekapo

Breakfast, Dinner

Arrive in the charming city of Christchurch for a guided tour. Discover how this city has rebuilt and reimagined itself after the 2010-11 earthquakes, showcasing innovative design and creativity. Highlights include the remarkable Transitional Cathedral, made largely from cardboard, and the striking gold-clad Tūranga central library.

Distinction Christchurch Hotel

Breakfast

Travel north through rolling countryside to Hurunui Hills for a special experience with the Bamford family, who have been farming here since 1884. Enjoy genuine Kiwi hospitality as you learn about Merino sheep and Angus cattle farming, visit the woolshed with Maria, and watch an impressive sheepdog demonstration. Then, unwind at Waipara Springs Winery with a relaxed platter-style lunch among the vines. This evening, celebrate your journey with a farewell dinner featuring delicious produce from the Canterbury region.

Distinction Christchurch Hotel

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Say a fond farewell to Christchurch as you make your way back to the UK.

Breakfast