Eastern & Oriental Express

Australasia is a huge continent. It may be made up of a small number of countries, but the distances between cities should not be underestimated. It would be impossible to try and see everything in one visit, and yet Australia & New Zealand’s location on the globe, usually means that time to visit is limited. This guided group tour will enable everyone to see some of the many highlights that Australia and New Zealand can offer, it will also allow plenty of time for everyone to take in the sights and explore at their leisure.

Begin your holiday in Melbourne, a city renowned for sports and culture. Join a guided tour of the city to get your bearings and then enjoy wandering the arcades and precincts of the city at your leisure. Jump on a tram to visit the cosmopolitan area of St. Kilda, or join an optional tour to visit the Phillip Island penguins or venture along the Great Ocean Road.

After two days in Melbourne, we fly in to the famous outback to Alice Springs. Alice Springs is in heart of Australia, and is home to the Royal Flying Doctors Service and the School of the air, which are so important to remote communities. On the first evening you will be able to join a gourmet barbecue and be entertained and educated about the local area by local residents and guides.

From Alice Springs you will be transferred by air-conditioned coach trough the MacDonnell Mountain Range, to the iconic site of Uluru. Here you will be able to relax in resort before travelling to the best sunset viewing point to enjoy seeing the colours change with canapes and a glass or two. Don’t stay up too late though, as you will want to catch sunrise at the Rock before learning about the cultural significance of the land to Aborigines from one of the local tribal leaders.

From Uluru we travel across the outback to Kata Tjuta, to take a walk along Walpa Gorge and enjoy the Field of Light art installation, which features 50,000 hand made glass spheres along the pathways. From here we transfer back to Uluru and fly north-east to the tropical city of Cairns; the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.

You will notice the humidity change on arrival in Cairns, so a free day is planned as you acclimatise. You may choose to visit a crocodile park, travel on the historic steam railway or just relax and enjoy the distinctive atmosphere of this northern town. Then prepare for a full day enjoying the Great Barrier Reef. You can choose to snorkel or join a guided glass-bottom boat tour to see one of the natural wonders of the world.

From Cairns we fly to Sydney. This welcoming city on the harbour will provide our base for 3 nights enabling you to explore with a guide and at leisure. Choose to join a guided city tour taking in the sights such as the Rocks and Bondi Beach, join us on a boat tour around the harbour and a tour inside the opera house. At your leisure you could choose to climb the famous harbour bridge and relax in the beautiful botanic gardens. Alternatively, you could choose a day-trip to in to the Stunning Blue Mountains or enjoy some retail therapy at the heritage-listed Queen Victoria Building. You could event catch a cricket match or Aussie Rules football game at the famous SCG.

From Sydney we leave Australia and begin our discovery of New Zealand’s highlights. Arrive in Auckland and enjoy a city tour, including the historic waterfront and Bastion Point. There will also be plenty of leisure time to explore independently around this relaxed city. From Auckland we travel to Rotorua, where you can learn more about the Kiwi, New Zealand’s national bird and visit a traditional Maori Village for dinner.

From the North Island we fly to Queenstown on the South Island. This relaxed town is home to many adventure sports and boasts stunning views of snow-capped mountains and clear-water lakes. From Queenstown it is possible to join a day-trip to Milford Sound in the heart of the Fjordland national park. Not only is the journey along the Alpine Highway provide spectacular views but you will also be able to join a cruise along the spectacular fjord to witness waterfalls and wildlife in equal measure.

From Queenstown we travel via Mount Cook to the city of Christchurch, where you will have time to relax, shop and explore before saying goodbye to your new-found friends and that International Airport.