Are you looking for Australia Tours from the UK?
Considering taking a trip to Australia?
It’s a fantastic place to visit with so much to see, do and experience. There is so much diversity from the beauty of the red centre to the lush rainforests and amazing cities. Australia really does have it all!
If you are looking for an Australia trip that’s action packed then read on for a couple of great Australia tour options.
Australia Tours – A Great Way to Experience A Great Deal
Australia. Even the mention of the name conjures up a little sigh and thoughts of the beautiful red centre, the amazing great barrier reef and of course the iconic sights in Sydney to name but a few.
Australia tours bring up thoughts of wonderful visits, great hotels, sunshine, fab food and that laid back Aussie attitude that makes visiting such fun.
A continent, island and country all in one Australia is huge – so huge infact that flying across Australia takes 5 hours.
Australia is a great place to visit and it’s also a great place to take an organised Australia tour. A touring holiday means that you can pack alot in, all the itinerary is arranged and you can get to all the main places and highlights during your tour – ideal for a once in a lifetime kind of trip.
I’m lucky to have taken 5 or 6 tours to Australia over my time working as a Tour Manager including several round Australia trips, a wonderful round trip which included the West Coast and the amazing spring flowers, and a great trip that drove down from Cairns to Sydney giving time to explore the East Coast in much more detail.
Australia is really somewhere that gets under your skin. The people are great, the food is lovely, every bit you visit is very different and of course so is the weather. There’s so much history and culture too – it really has got everything you need for a wonderful and truly memorable trip.
But let’s start with a very important piece of information first;
You need to check the itineraries and information with the tour operators directly. I have used what information I can find that is publicly available – however, tour itineraries do change.
This information is designed to give you a quick and easy overview of some of the options for Australian tours. It is based on my views having spent 25 years as a Tour Manager, including taking trips to Australia.
This information is designed to help you identify what questions you need to ask before making a booking, to understand more about the itinerary and how it works in practice, and to get a feel for which tour operator might suit your needs best.
Now that we have dealt with the important information about how to use this guide let’s get to the fun stuff in the Australia Tours comparison!
Australia Tours Comparison
This comparison covers SAGA Holidays Highlights of Australia and Best of Australia.
Australia Tours
Saga Highlights of Australia
This tour encompasses a great deal of Australia, capturing the most visited areas. There is plenty of contrast and excitement alongwith a good pace too.
There is no mention of optional tours in the itinerary.
There are plenty of free days during the tour to do your own exploring.
Australia Tours
Highlights of Australia – Holiday Headlines
This tour includes;
- VIP door to door travel service before and after the holiday
- Travel insurance is included or a discount of £270 per person
- 15 nights in hotels
- Breakfast days 4-18
- Lunches on days 4, 8, 10 and 14
- Tour Manager
- International flights with regional flight options
- Coach travel while on tour
- Porterage at all hotels
- 10 included excursions and visits
- City tour Sydney
- City Tour of Melbourne including entry to Cooks Cottage
- City Tour of Perth
- Captain Cook Harbour CruiseEntry to Cooks Cottage
- Full-day excursion to the Yarra Valley, including lunch and steam train
- Full day Great Barrier Reef Cruise
- Sunrise tour of Uluru and Visit to Kata Tjuta
- Sunset viewing of Uluru
- Fremantle river cruise
Australia Tours: Included VIP Transfers
- There are several options included with SAGA for getting to your UK departure point.
- You can choose a VIP transfer service with a driver which is available from your home or from that of a family or friend.
- You can also choose to travel by rail.
- If you want to make your own way free airport parking is included.
- If you choose an internal flight to get to your departure point from the UK you can also have your luggage collected from home and taken directly to your river cruise ship and returned to your home after your holiday.
Australia Tours
Highlights of Australia – Departure Dates
There are currently 4 dates available as follows;
- 13th October 2023
- 10th November 2023
- 12th January 2024
- 9th February 2024
Australia Tours
Highlights of Australia – Regional Flight Departures and Pricing
Flights from Birmingham
These depart Birmingham at 13.30 arriving in Dubai at 00.35. The actual flying time is 7 hours.
Dubai is 4 hours ahead of Birmingham.
The connecting flight leaves Dubai at 02.00 and arrives in Sydney at 22.30 local time. The actual flying time is 13.5 hours.
Sydney is 11 hours ahead of Dubai. This means that you leave Birmingham on Day 1 and arrive in Sydney on Day 2.
The return flight departs Perth 22.20 arriving in Dubai 05.25. It then departs Dubai 07.20 and arrives Birmingham at 11.25am.
The flights are operated by Emirates and codeshared with Qantas.
- 13th October £5739
- 10th November £5739
- 12th January £5739
- 9th February £5889
- Solo traveller prices from £6738
Flights from Glasgow
Departs Glasgow 13.00 and arrives Dubai 00.30. The actual flying time is 7.5 hours.
Dubai is 4 hours ahead of Glasgow.
The connecting flight leaves Dubai at 02.00 and arrives in Sydney at 22.30 local time. The actual flying time is 13.5 hours.
Sydney is 7 hours ahead of Dubai. This means that you leave Glasgow on Day 1 and arrive in Sydney on Day 2.
The return flight departs Perth 22.20 and arrived Dubai 05.25. The connecting flight departs Dubai 07.20 and arrives into Glasgow at 11.30am.
The flights are operated by Emirates and are a codeshare with Qantas.
- 13th October £5749
- 10th November £5899
- 12th January £5739
- 9th February £5739
- Solo traveller prices from £6738
Flights from London Heathrow
Departs London Heathrow 20.35 and arrives Sydney 06.10. The actual flying time is around 20 hours.
Sydney is 11 hours ahead of London. This means you leave at 20.35 on Day 1 and arrive 06.10 on Day 3.
Returns Perth 19.20 and arrives London Heathrow 05.05. The actual flying time is around 17.5 hours.
These flights are operated by Qantas
- 13th October £5639
- 10th November £5739
- 12th January £5739
- 9th February £5789
- Solo travellers from £6738
Fights from Manchester
Departs Manchester 13.10 and arrives Dubai 00.25. The actual flying time is around 7 hours and 10 minutes.
Dubai is 4 hours ahead of Manchester.
The connecting flight departs Dubai 02.00 arrives Sydney 22.30 local time
Sydney is 11 hours ahead of Manchester. This means that you leave on Day 1 and arrive on Day 2.
Returns Perth 22.20 and arrives Dubai 05.25. Departs Dubai 07.10 and arrives Manchester 11.15
These flights are operated by Emirates and are a codeshare with Qantas
- 13th October £5749
- 10th November £5899
- 12th January £5739
- 9th February £5739
- Solo travellers from £6738
Australia Tours – Highlights of Australia
Days 1 and 2 – In Flight to Sydney
Saga’s VIP door-to-door travel service collects you from home, for your flight to Sydney.
For those travelling from Glasgow, Manchester and Birmingham you are due to land at Sydney at 22.30 local time.
The transfer time to the Vibe Hotel Sydney is around 30 minutes from the airport.
Vibe Hotel Sydney
The Vibe Hotel is set in the CBD (central business district) area of Sydney. It’s easy to walk to Darling Harbour from the hotel and also to Circular Quay and Sydney Harbour.
There are parks nearby, the Australia Museum plus the main central train station.
The hotel has;
- 198 bedrooms
- Swimming Pool
- Gym
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Room Service
- Rooms have tea and coffee, WIFI, in room safes, ironing boards and air conditioning.
Read more information and check out the reviews of the Vibe Hotel Sydney on Tripadvisor
Australia Tours – Highlights of Australia
Day 3 Sydney Free Day
For those on the flights from London you will arrive into Sydney this morning.
Today is a free day whatever date and time you arrived.
There is no breakfast or included meals today. This gives you a chance to eat whenever suits you which is a good idea depending on how your body clock is adjusting to the local time.
There are plenty of places to eat and drink nearby including Chinatown, Paddys Markets and Darling Harbour.
Australia Tours – Highlights of Australia
Day 4 Sydney Tour & Cruise
Breakfast is included today.
There is a city tour this morning. This will be on the coach with a local city guide showing the sights of central Sydney. This tour will likely include a drive by the botanical gardens and depending on timing might include a quick visit to Bondi Beach, which is much smaller than everyone thinks!
When the tour finishes there will be a chance for you to get your own lunch. Generally, the tour finishes somewhere near the Circular Quay so that you can see the meeting point for the afternoon harbour cruise. There are a variety of places to eat in the area, or just take a stroll around the harbour and enjoy the amazing views.
In the afternoon there is a harbour cruise. This is a fantastic way to appreciate the size of Sydney harbour, with its multitude of coves and beaches. There will probably be some commentary about the house prices which are always sky high! There might also be the chance to try and spot the homes of some famous Sydney residents that you might have heard of.
The boat is spacious with a bar on board for drinks and snacks. If you plan to sit outside make sure that you have sun protection as it can be easy to forget how hot it is due to the sea breeze.
When the cruise finishes you will most likely make your own way back to the hotel given its location. This means you can spend more time in Circular Quay if you choose.
Australia Tours – Highlights of Australia
Day 5 Sydney At Leisure
Breakfast is included today
Today is another day at leisure.
You might like to consider;
If you do this you need to check that you are covered under your travel insurance, your own or SAGAs. It is very safe and everyone who has done it has told me how wonderful it is. You cannot take your own phones or cameras with you and you can leave at various points if it becomes too much. Every person doing the tour has to take an alcohol breath test before taking the tour.
Click here to find out more.
Australian National Maritime Museum
This is a huge museum and it is really interesting. I think on my first visit I spent about 5 hours here. There are boats outside that you can visit too.
Click here to find out more
If you want to learn the history of this unique building then a guided tour is the best way. You generally need to book to secure your place as it is very popular.
Click here to find out more
Australia Tours – Highlights of Australia
Day 6 Melbourne
Breakfast is included today.
Your luggage will be collected and then you fly from Sydney to Melbourne.
This is a domestic flight on Qantas that departs Sydney at 10.00am and arrives into Melbourne at 11.35am.
You will probably be at the airport around 2 hours to 90 minutes before the flight.
The transfer time from the airport to the hotel is around 30 minutes. Given the location of your hotel, you might have free time there for lunch or drop the luggage off and have free time elsewhere for lunch
In the afternoon there is an included city tour which includes the gorgeous botanical gardens and Fitzroy gardens. The botanical gardens are very close to the hotel. The Fitzroy gardens are home to Cook’s Cottage and your tour includes entry into the cottage as well.
After your city tour you will head to your hotel. The Travellodge Southbank (not like a UK travel lodge) is now the Mercure Southbank.
The hotel is in a great location close to the Yarra River promenade. Nearby is Flinders Station, The Crown Casino and the Bourke Street Mall.
All rooms have air conditioning, an in room safe, free WIFI and tea and coffee making facilities.
See more pictures, information and reviews of the Mercure Southbank on Tripadvisor
Australia Tours – Highlights of Australia
Day 7 Free Day Melbourne
Breakfast is included today.
There is plenty to do in Melbourne including;
This is a large market that sells all sorts of foods as well as household goods, gifts and more.
Find out more here.
For a view over the whole of Melbourne head up this viewing tower and get some great photos too.
Find out more here
This old fashioned tram operates around the city centre area. It’s a fun way to get around and learn a little about the city too.
Find out more here.
Australia Tours – Highlights of Australia
Day 8 Yarra Valley and Puffing Billy
Breakfast is included today
After breakfast there is an included tour to a Yarra Valley winery. The Yarra region is about 1.5 hours travelling away from Melbourne, but the timing will depend on the winery you visit.
Lunch is included today at the winery with wine too hopefully!
There is also a train ride on the historic Puffing Billy steam train. This lovely train travels between Belgrave and Menzies Creek which is a 25 minute journey. There is a longer journey to lakeside that is 1 hour long.
Puffing Billy is a narrow gauge steam railway with open carriages (no windows). It is very popular so generally always pretty busy. There seems to be a trend now for sitting with your legs outside the carriages. That might block some of the views if the train is busy.
Read more about Puffing Billy on their website.
Australia Tours – Highlights of Australia
Day 9 Cairns
Breakfast is included today.
This morning your flight leave Melbourne at 9.45am and arrives in Cairns at 12.05.
This is a domestic Qantas flight but you will probably still need to be at the airport around 2 hours ahead of departure. That means an early breakfast today.
On arrival you will transfer to the Cairns Plaza Hotel.
The Cairns Plaza Hotel is in a great location right on the Cairns Esplanade.
Right outside your hotel is a children’s play area and also a barbecue area if you fancy cooking your own Barbecue!
There are plenty of cafes, restaurants and places to eat all around the area. Muddys Cafe is very nearby looking across the play area and the sea.
The Cairns Plaza Hotel is an independent hotel. Its rooms have tea and coffee making facilities. There is no mention of WIFI in the hotel details. Breakfast is described as a tropical buffet breakfast in the poolside dining room.
If you want a good view you might want to try requesting a higher floor room.
Read more about the Cairns Plaza hotel on Tripadvisor including photos and reviews.
Australia Tours – Highlights of Australia
Day 10 Great Barrier Reef
Breakfast is included today.
After breakfast you will head to Port Douglas to catch the catamaran out to the Great Barrier Reef.
It’s around 1 – 1.5 hours journey to Port Douglas from the Cairns Plaza.
On arrival at Port Douglas you will then board the catamaran and take the cruise out to the Great Barrier Reef. This tour is not exclusive to SAGA. There will be groups and people joining the catamaran from all over the area.
Once you have boarded the cataman it is a 90 minute journey out to the reef. There the boat will moor next to a large platform. The boat and the double decked platform are your base for the day.
Snorkelling gear is provided free of charge. Lycra suits are available to hire for a small cleaning fee. These are not the most flattering things but they protect the reef from the sunscreen etc that visitors are usually covered in – plus they make for a great photo!
There are changing facilities on board the platform, tables and seating areas and also a kitchen which will serve a buffet lunch.
This video from Quicksilver, which is one of the most popular operators from Port Douglas, gives a great overview of the whole experience.
Professional Traveller Tips for This Day
The catamaran trip can be a bit choppy depending on the weather. If you suffer from travel sickness get a seat facing the front of the boat. They do provide sea sickness tablets if it is going to be particularly bad, but you might want to take yours before you board the boat. I recommend ginger tablets and ginger sweets for travel sickness relief without the side effects.
Once you arrive at the reef it can be a bit of a stampede to get to tables on the platform. Be prepared to get your belongings and go if you want a good spot on arrival.
Great Barrier Reef Snorkelling
There is a marked area for snorkelling. The water can be a little choppy in places given that you are on the edge of the reef. It is very worthwhile doing if you can.
Great Barrier Reef Helmet Diving
This is a great experience if you want to get underwater but can’t or don’t want to swim. They generally feed the fish during this experience which gives a very close up experience. This is a paid optional extra.
Great Barrier Reef Submersible Boat Trips
Many people loved these. I found them absolutely awful and sickness inducing. You sit underwater astride a bench seat. The boat rocked around quite alot. It may be worth checking this if you suffer from travel sickness.
Australia Tours – Highlights of Australia
Day 11 Cairns Free Day
Breakfst is included today
This is a day at leisure.
There is no mention of any optional tours here. Daintree Forest is a popular trip from Cairns as is hot air ballooning.
Australia Tours – Highlights of Australia
Day 12 Cairns Free Day
Breakfast is included today.
Today there is another free day.
Australia Tours – Highlights of Australia
Day 13 Kata Tjuta to Uluru
Breakfast is included today but due to the early flight time this may well be a box breakfast.
This morning there is a flight that departs from Cairns at 07.25 and arrives at Uluru at 09.45.
This is a Qantas domestic flight. It is around a 3 hour flight. Cairns is also 30 minutes ahead of Uluru so there is a time difference to take into account.
Given the arrival time into Uluru it is unlikely that your hotel rooms will be available on arrival. The airport is 10 minutes or so away from the main resort area of Yulara.
Yulara is home to several hotels, alongwith a small shopping centre with a supermarket and cafe. Guests staying a hotel in Yarra can use the facilities of any of the hotels in Yarra. There is a free shuttle bus that connects the hotels.
Voyages Sails in the Desert has 228 rooms. It is the premier hotel in Yarra. It has a lovely swimming pool, an onsite restaurant and lobby bar. Rooms are comfortable and spacious.
Find out more about the hotel here.
This afternoon there is a tour out to visit the Kata Tjuta. The journey time from the resort to the Olgas is around 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Kata Tjuta is a popular walking spot. The walking is very rough, over rocks with crevices and it can be very hot too. If you plan to walk here you need to be properly prepared and to follow the advice of your local driver and Tour Manager.
It is then a 45 minute to 1 hour journey across to the Uluru sunset viewing area. There are several viewing areas available and your driver and guide will advise on all the details.
It is quite an experience to enjoy although some people can be a bit surprised by just how busy it is!
Uluru is in a national park. The national park restricts the number of visitors to Uluru and where they can go. You can no longer drive right into the base of Uluru and drive all the way round.
Professional Traveller Tip for Sunset and Sunrise Viewing
This tip was given to me by a guest who as a great photographer. It is quite difficult to see the sunset and sunrise changing with the naked eye as it happens quite slowly. His suggestion was to take a photo every few minutes and then compare them at the end. That way you would see the changing light and the effect on the monolith that is Uluru.
Sunset at Uluru
- October is around 7pm
- November 7-7.30pm
- December around 7.30pm
- January around 7.45pm
- February around 7.30pm
- March around 6.45pm to 7pm.
Australia Tours – Highlights of Australia
Day 14 Uluru to Alice Springs
Breakfast is included today but given the times for viewing the sunrise at Uluru this might be after this excursion. However, given that the tour travels to Alice Springs today it might mean a box breakfast at checkout.
The travel time from the hotel to the sunrise viewing area is around 30-45 minutes.
Sunrise times are as follows;
- October 6 – 6.30am
- November 5.45am to 6am
- December 5.45am to 6am
- February Around 6 to 6.20am
- January Around 6.30am
- March 6.45 to 7am
The tour moves on from Uluru and Yulara today. It is a 5 hour drive from Yulara to Alice Springs. There will be a lunch stop along the way. Lunch is included today.
You will probably arrive in Alice Springs mid to late afternoon.
The Mercure Alice Springs is located close to the Todd River (dry riverbed). It has 139 rooms, free WIFI, an on site restaurant and guest laundry. There is also an outside pool.
Read more about the hotel on Tripadvisor
The rest of the day is at leisure.
Australia Tours – Highlights of Australia
Day 15 To Perth
Breakfast is included today.
This morning the flight to Perth leaves Alice Springs at 09.05am. It flies to Darwin landing at 11.05. It departs Darwin at 11.45am and lands in Perth at 14.05.
It takes around 30 minutes to transfer from Perth Airport to the Parmelia Perth Hilton hotel.
This hotel is located in the central business district of Perth.
The rest of the day is at leisure.
The Parmelia Hilton Perth has an outdoor pool, gym and restaurant.
Rooms have WIFI, an in room safe, tea and coffee making facilities and air conditioning.
Read more about the Parmelia Hilton on Tripadvisor
Australia Tours – Highlights of Australia
Day 16 Perth
Breakfast is included today.
There is a tour of Perth today. This will most likely be with a local guide.
The tour also visits Freemantle’s old port and there is a cruise along the Swan river.
Australia Tours – Highlights of Australia
Day 17 Perth
Breakfast is included today.
The final day in Perth is at leisure.
Australia Tours – Highlights of Australia
Day 18 Perth to UK
Breakfast is included today.
Given the departure time from the airport this evening in Perth you will most likely have to check out of your rooms earlier in the day. The hotel will be able to store your luggage.
You should have most of the day free to enjoy Perth today.
Australia Tours – Highlights of Australia
Day 19 UK
Upon arrival, your vehicle will be waiting for the journey home.
Highlights of Australia – Professional Traveller Summary
- This is a good value Australia tour which covers the most popular places to visit in Australia.
- There is a good mix of free time and organised time with a full day free in each of the main stops.
- If you want to cover a lot of ground but also explore at your own pace this tour is a great option.
Find out more about this trip great Australian holiday
Australia Tours
Saga – Best of Australia
This tour is well paced and covers the iconic sights and destinations in Australia including The Great Ocean Road.
There are also some great experiences included such as meeting a koala and seeing the fairy penguins.
There is a good mix of free time and plenty of included excursions, enabling you to adapt the pace to suit your requirements.
Best of Australia Holiday Highlights
- Included travel insurance of £270 per person discount
- 19 nights in hotels
- 19 breakfast from day 3 – 21
- 1 dinner day 6
- 1 lunch day 14
- Tour Manager
- Return international flights
- All internal flights
- Air conditioned coach travel in destination
- Porterage at all hotels
- City tour Melbourne
- City tour Adelaide
- City tour Alice Spings
- City tour Sydney
- Dandenong mountains and steam train ride
- Phillip Island visit
- Coonawarra region winery visit
- Cleland wildlife park visit
- Uluru sunrise viewing
- Uluru sunset viewing
- Kata Tjuta
- Entry to Field of Light installation
- Kuranda scenic railway
- Outer Great Barrier Reef visit
- Sydney harbour cruise
Best of Australia – Departure Dates
There are currently 6 dates available as follows;
- 5th October 2023
- 19th October 2023
- 9th November 2023
- 11th January 2024
- 8th February 2024
- 7th March 2024
Best of Australia – Regional Flight Departures and Pricing
Flights from Birmingham
These depart Birmingham at 13.30 arriving Dubai at 00.35. The actually flying time is 7 hours.
Dubai is 4 hours ahead of Birmingham.
The connecting flight leaves Dubai at 03.00 and arrives in Melbourne at 23.20 local time. The actually flying time is 13.25 hours.
Melbourne is 11 hours ahead of Dubai. This means that you leave Birmingham on Day 1 and arrive in Melbourne on Day 2.
The return flight departs Sydney 21.45 arriving Dubai 07.45. It then departs Dubai 07.25 and arrives Birmingham at 11.25am.
The flights are operated by Qantas.
- 5th October £6519
- 19th October £6519
- 9th November £6619
- 11th January £6659
- 8th February £6659
- 7th March £6659
- Solo traveller prices from £8018
Flights from Glasgow
Departs Glasgow 13.00 and arrives Dubai 00.30. The actual flying time is 7.5 hours.
Dubai is 4 hours ahead of Glasgow.
The connecting flight leaves Dubai at 03.00 and arrives in Melbourne at 23.20 local time. The actually flying time is 13.5 hours.
Melbourne is 7 hours ahead of Dubai. This means that you leave Glasgow on Day 1 and arrive in Melbourne on Day 2.
The return flight departs Sydney 21.45 and arrives Dubai 05.15. The connecting flight departs Dubai 07.20 and arrives into Glasgow at 11.30am.
The flights are operated by Qantas
- 5th October £6519
- 19th October £6519
- 9th November £6609
- 11th January £6659
- 8th February £6659
- 7th March £6659
- Solo traveller prices from £8018
Flights from London Heathrow
Departs London Heathrow 11.55 and arrives Melbourne 20.25. The actually flying time is around 21.5 hours.
Melbourne is 11 hours ahead of London.
Returns Sydney 17.00 and arrives London Heathrow 06.15.
These flights are operated by Qantas
- 5th October £6519
- 19th October £6519
- 9th November £6569
- 11th January £6569
- 8th February £6569
- 7th March £6569
- Solo traveller prices from £7968
Fights from Manchester
Departs Manchester 13.10 and arrives Dubai 00.25. The actually flying time is around 7 hours and 10 minutes.
Dubai is 4 hours ahead of Manchester.
The connecting flight departs Dubai 03.00 arrives Melbourne 23.20 local time
Melbourne is 11 hours ahead of Manchester. This means that you leave on Day 1 and arrive on Day 2.
Returns Sydney 21.45 and arrives Dubai 05.15. Departs Dubai 07.10 and arrives Manchester 11.15
These flights are operated by Qantas
- 5th October £6519
- 19th October £6519
- 9th November £6619
- 11th January £6659
- 8th February £6659
- 7th March £6659
- Solo traveller prices from £8018
Best of Australia: Included VIP Transfers
- There are several options included with SAGA for getting to your UK departure point.
- You can choose a VIP transfer service with a driver which is available from your home or from that of a family or friend.
- You can also choose to travel by rail.
- If you want to make your own way free airport parking is included.
- If you choose an internal flight to get to your departure point from the UK you can also have your luggage collected from home and taken directly to your river cruise ship and returned to your home after your holiday.
Australia Tours – Best of Australia
Day 1 and 2 – To Melbourne
The VIP transport transfers you to the airport for your flights and you are then in flight until the end of Day 2.
On arrival in Melbourne you will be transferred to your Melbourne hotel, Mantra on Little Bourke.
Rooms at Mantra on Little Bourke are executive studios. They are equippped with small kitchenettes and have tea and coffee making facilities.
The hotel has an onsite gym and sauna, as well as a restaurant.
See more pictures and read the reviews of this hotel on Tripadvisor.
Australia Tours – Best of Australia
Day 3 Melbourne
Breakfast is included today.
Today is a day at leisure.
The Immigration Museum is within easy walking distance.
This is a large market that sells all sorts of foods as well as household goods, gifts and more.
Find out more here.
For a view over the whole of Melbourne head up this viewing tower and get some great photos too.
Find out more here
This old fashioned tram operates around the city centre area. It’s a fun way to get around and learn a little about the city too.
Find out more here.
Australia Tours – Best of Australia
Day 4 Melbourne to Dandenong Mountains
Breakfast is included today
During the morning there is a city tour of Melbourne which includes it’s botanical gardens. This is a really lovely spot with some great plants and birds too.
After some free time for lunch there is an afternoon tour to the Dandenong mountains.
There is also a train ride on the historic Puffing Billy steam train. This lovely train travels between Belgrave and Menzies Creek which is a 25 minute journey. There is a longer journey to lakeside that is 1 hour long.
Puffing Billy is a narrow gauge steam railway with open carriages (no windows). It is very popular so generally always pretty busy. There seems to be a trend now for sitting with your legs outside the carriages. That might block some of the views if the train is busy.
Read more about Puffing Billy on their website.
Australia Tours – Best of Australia
Day 5 Phillip Island
Breakfast is included today.
There is a free morning to enjoy exploring more of Melbourne.
In the afternoon there is an included excursion to Phillip Island to see the fairy penguins.
It is around 150km and a 2 hour drive to Phillip Island. Generally on this tour there is some free time in a small town to give an opportunity to get an evening meal.
After that there is a short transfer to Phillip Island to see the fairy penguins come ashore as dusk falls.
This video gives a good overview of the Phillip Island experience.
Australia Tours – Best of Australia
Day 6 Great Ocean Road to Warrnambool
Breakfast is included today.
Today the tour heads out of Melbourne and along the Great Ocean road. It takes around 1.5 hours from Melbourne to reach Torquay which is the start of the Great Ocean Road. It is then another 4 hours of driving from Torquay to reach Warrambool.
The road is single carriageway and as the name suggests it follows the coast.
If you suffer from travel sickness you may want to take some tablets today. There will be stops along the way including to see the Twelve Apostles rock formation.
There are no longer Twelve Apostles due to errosion and collapse. This great video shows you the rock formation before and after the collapse.
This evening you will stay at the Deep Blue Hotel and Hot Springs in Warrnambool. Rooms are clean and crisp with WIFI, tea and coffee facilities and a mini fridge.
There are some lovely spa facilities including an infared spa, salt therapy room and indoor heated swimming pool.
See more information, pictures and read the reviews of the Deep Blue Hotel on Tripadvisor
Australia Tours – Best of Australia
Day 7 Coonawarra to Murray River to Adelaide
Breakfast is included today
It is a 600km drive from Warnambool to Adelaide.
There is a stop at a local winery on the way to Adelaide, where you will pass through the Coonawarra wine producing region.
On arrival you will transfer to the Peppers Waymouth Adelaide hotel.
Rooms are light and airy. The hotel has a gym, pool, sauna, spa, restaurant and bar.
Peppers Waymouth is located in the central business district of Adelaide.
Read more information, see pictures and read the reviews on Tripadvisor
Australia Tours – Best of Australia
Day 8 Adelaide
Breakfast in included today.
In the morning there is an included visit to Cleland Wildlife park. This has a large range of native animals such as kangaroos, wombats and of course koalas. There is a chance to have a close up encounter with a koala.
This video gives a good overview of the park which has a small cafe and gift shop too. It’s a lovely place to visit and learn more about the native animals.
In the afternoon there is an included tour of Adelaide. This lovely city is surrounded by a ring of woodlands giving the city a green and open feel. The tour might include a visit to the botanical gardens which are very lovely and well worth seeing.
Australia Tours – Best of Australia
Day 9 – Adelaide
Breakfast is included today.
Today is at leisure.
Adelaide is a lovely town to explore. Nearby is the central market and within easy reach is the river area too.
Australia Tours – Best of Australia
Day 10 Adelaide to Alice Springs
Breakfast is included today
There is an early flight that leaves Adelaide 7.15am and arrives into Alice Springs at 8.20am.
It’s relatively short 15 minute transfer from the hotel to Adelaide airport.
The flight time is 2 hours and 5 minutes. Adelaide is 1 hour ahead of Alice Springs.
On arrival there is a tour which includes the Telegraph Station, the reason that Alice Springs exists. There is also a visit to the Royal Flying Doctor Service which is really interesting.
The hotel tonight is the Crowne Plaza in Alice Springs. Alice Springs is a small town with the dried up Todd river bed cutting through the town.
Rooms are comfortable with Aboriginal artworks on the walls.
Read more information, reviews and see pictures of the Crowne Plaza on Tripadvisor.
Australia Tours – Best of Australia
Day 11 Uluru
Breakfast is included today.
It is a 445km journey from Alice Springs to Yulara which is the main resort close to Uluru. There will be a stop along the way, most likely at a roadhouse.
On arrival at Yulara you will check into your hotel, Sails in the Desert.
Yulara is home to several hotels, alongwith a small shopping centre with a supermarket and cafe. Guests staying a hotel in Yarra can use the facilities of any of the hotels in Yarra. There is a free shuttle bus that connects the hotels.
Voyages Sails in the Desert has 228 rooms. It is the premier hotel in Yarra. It has a lovely swimming pool, an onsite restaurant and lobby bar. Rooms are comfortable and spacious.
Find out more about the hotel here.
Uluru is in a national park. The national park restricts the number of visitors to Uluru and where they can go. You can no longer drive right into the base of Uluru and drive all the way round.
Many guests are surprised how busy the sunset and sunrise viewing areas are. Expect quite a bit of noise and chatter.
Professional Traveller Tip for Sunset and Sunrise Viewing
This tip was given to me by a guest who as a great photographer. It is quite difficult to see the sunset and sunrise changing with the naked eye as it happens quite slowly. His suggestion was to take a photo every few minutes and then compare them at the end. That way you would see the changing light and the effect on the monolith that is Uluru.
Sunset at Uluru
- October is around 7pm
- November 7-7.30pm
- December around 7.30pm
- January around 7.45pm
- February around 7.30pm
- March around 6.45pm to 7pm.
Australia Tours – Best of Australia
Day 12 Kata Tjuta (the Olgas)
Breakfast is included today but given the times for viewing the sunrise at Uluru this might be after this excursion.
The travel time from the hotel to the sunrise viewing area is around 30-45 minutes.
Sunrise times are as follows;
- October 6 – 6.30am
- November 5.45am to 6am
- December 5.45am to 6am
- February Around 6 to 6.20am
- January Around 6.30am
- March 6.45 to 7am
After seeing the sun rise over Uluru the tour heads out to Kata Tjuta. This is around 45 minutes away from Uluru.
There is a popular walk up through the canyon at Kata Tjuta. This is over rocks so if you plan to do this you need to have sturdy footwear, water and good sun protection on.
The tour returns to the hotel before going out to the Field of Light solar lighting installation in the evening.
Australia Tours – Best of Australia
Day 13 Cairns or Palm Cove
Breakfast is included this morning.
Today there is an internal flight from Uluru to Cairns. The flight departs at 10.30am and arrives at 1.30pm. The flight time is 2 hours and 30 minutes. Cairns is 30 minutes ahead of Uluru.
The airport at Yulara is 10 minutes from the hotel.
On arrival there is a transfer to the Reef House Hotel & Spa at Palm Cove or the Flynn Hotel, Cairns.
The Reef House Hotel and Spa is an adults only plantation styled hotel. It has great spa facilities including a spa, mineral spa with jacuzzi, outdoor swimming pool and outdoor heated spa. The hotel bar and restaurant looks over the beach at Palm Cove.
Palm Cove is located 25 miles North of Cairns and it is about 25 minutes from Cairns Airport.
Read more about the Reef House on Tripadvisor
The Crystalbrook Flynn Hotel at Cairns is a large hotel set right on the main esplanade in Cairns city centre. This means that everything is an easy walk from the door of your hotel. Rooms are clean, bright and airy with free WIFI, nespresso machines, electronic control centres and connectivity for streaming from your own devices.
There is a restaurant and bar at the hotel alongwith a swimming pool.
Read more about the Crystalbrook Flynn on Tripadvisor
Australia Tours – Best of Australia
Day 14 Great Barrier Reef
Breakfast and lunch is included today.
After breakfast you will head to Port Douglas to catch the catamaran out to the Great Barrier Reef.
It’s around 1 – 1.5 hours journey to Port Douglas from the Cairns Plaza.
On arrival at Port Douglas you will then board the catamaran and take the cruise out to the Great Barrier Reef. This tour is not exclusive to SAGA. There will be groups and people joining the catamaran from all over the area.
Once you have boarded the catamaran it is a 90 minute journey out to the reef. There the boat will moor next to a large platform. The boat and the double decked platform are your base for the day.
Snorkelling gear is provided free of charge. Lycra suits are available to hire for a small cleaning fee. These are not the most flattering things but they protect the reef from the sunscreen etc that visitors are usually covered in – plus they make for a great photo!
There are changing facilities on board the platform, tables and seating areas and also a kitchen which will serve a buffet lunch.
This video from Quicksilver, which is one of the most popular operators from Port Douglas, gives a great overview of the whole experience.
Professional Traveller Tips for This Day
The catamaran trip can be a bit choppy depending on the weather. If you suffer from travel sickness get a seat facing the front of the boat. They do provide sea sickness tablets if it is going to be particularly bad, but you might want to take yours before you board the boat. I recommend ginger tablets and ginger sweets for travel sickness relief without the side effects.
Once you arrive at the reef it can be a bit of a stampede to get to tables on the platform. Be prepared to get your belongings and go if you want a good spot on arrival.
Great Barrier Reef Snorkelling
There is a marked area for snorkelling. The water can be a little choppy in places given that you are on the edge of the reef. It is very worthwhile doing if you can.
Great Barrier Reef Helmet Diving
This is a great experience if you want to get underwater but can’t or don’t want to swim. They generally feed the fish during this experience which gives a very close up experience. This is a paid optional extra.
Great Barrier Reef Submersible Boat Trips
Many people loved these. I found them absolutely awful and sickness inducing. You sit underwater astride a bench seat. The boat rocked around quite alot. It may be worth checking this if you suffer from travel sic
Australia Tours – Best of Australia
Day 15 Cairns or Palm Cove
Breakfast is included today.
Check out things to do in Cairns on Tripadvisor
Check out things to do in Palm Cove on Tripadvisor
Australia Tours – Best of Australia
Day 16 Kuranda to Tjapukai Park
Breakfast is included today
This morning you will head to the Kuranda railway station. This scenic railway winds it’s way up through the rainforest. There is a stop midway to admire the Barron Falls.
At the top there will be some free time to explore the quirky village of Kuranda. It’s got lots of crafts and art for sale and has some nice cafes too.
At the end of the visit you will be given the option to take the coach down to the Tjapukai Park or pay extra and take the Skyrail. The Skyrail is a cable car that travels over the top of the rainforest and it gives spectacular views on the way down the mountain. It is well worth doing.
At the bottom of the hill there is an included visit to Tjapukai Aboriginal Park where you will learn more about the traditional skills and culture of the indigenous people of Australia.
Australia Tours – Best of Australia
Day 17 Cairns to Sydney
Breakfast is included today.
There is an included flight from Cairns departing at 12.30 and arriving into Sydney at 16.20.
It is around a 30 minute transfer from the hotel to the Parkroyal Darling Harbour Hotel.
The Parkroyal has 381 bedrooms and is located on the city side of Darling Harbour. Darling Harbour is a fantastic area of Sydney, with great restaurants set around the harbour.
The hotel has an onsite restaurant and bar.
Read more about the Parkroyal on Tripadvisor
Australia Tours – Best of Australia
Day 18 Sydney
Breakfast is included today.
There is a city tour this morning. This will be on the coach with a local city guide showing the sights of central Sydney. This tour will likely include a drive by the botanical gardens and depending on timing might include a quick visit to Bondi Beach, which is much smaller than everyone thinks!
When the tour finishes there will be a chance for you to get your own lunch. Generally the tour finishes somewhere near the Circular Quay so that you can see the meeting point for the afternoon harbour cruise. There are a variety of places to eat in the area, or just take a stroll around the harbour and enjoy the amazing views.
In the afternoon there is a harbour cruise. This is a fantastic way to appreciate the size of Sydney harbour, with it’s multitude of coves and beaches. There will probably be some commentary about the house prices which are always sky high! There might also be the chance to try and spot the homes of some famous Sydney residents that you might have heard of.
The boat is spacious with a bar on board for drinks and snacks. If you plan to sit outside the make sure that you have sun protection as it can be easy to forget how hot it is due to the sea breeze.
When the cruise finishes you will most likely make your own way back to the hotel given its location. This means you can spend more time in Circular Quay if you choose.
A city tour introduces the highlights of Sydney, one of the world’s great cities.
Australia Tours – Best of Australia
Day 19 and Day 20
Breakfast is included on both these days.
Both days are at leisure for you to explore more of Sydney.
If you do this you need to check that you are covered under your travel insurance, your own or SAGAs. It is very safe and everyone who has done it has told me how wonderful it is. You cannot take your own phones or cameras with you and you can leave at various points if it becomes too much. Every person doing the tour has to take an alcohol breath test before taking the tour.
Click here to find out more.
Australian National Maritime Museum
This is a huge museum and it is really interesting. I think on my first visit I spent about 5 hours here. There are boats outside that you can visit too.
Click here to find out more
If you want to learn the history of this unique building then a guided tour is the best way. You generally need to book to secure your place as it is very popular.
Click here to find out more
Australia Tours – Best of Australia
Day 21 Sydney to UK
Breakfast is included today.
Given the flight times you will most likely have to check out of your hotel before you leave the hotel.
Generally groups need to be at the airport around 3 hours ahead of their flight time.
It is around 30 minutes to get from the Parkroyal Darling Harbour to Sydney airport.
Australia Tours – Best of Australia
Day 22 UK
Upon arrival, your vehicle will be waiting for the journey home.
Best of Australia – Professional Traveller Summary
- The Best of Australia is a good value tour, covering a wide range of the most popular destinations in Australia.
- The tour covers a great deal of ground but there is still plenty of time for independent sightseeing.
- There are plenty of included excursions during the trip.
- If you were only going to do one Australia trip this is a great option.
Further Reading
If you have found this Australia Tours comparison useful then you might also like;
Douro River Cruise – in depth review of this lovely trip
Scottish Highlands Railway Holiday – review of a long running and popular tour
10 Things to Know About A Coach Holiday before you book
Plus you can find lots more resources at my Coach Holidays page
Author Bio – Melanie Newdick, Professional Traveller
- +36 years travelling for work. Visited +40 countries (many multiple times)
- Stayed in over 700 hotels. Taken +9,500 on coach holidays
- Check all out my best money saving resources
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