Embark on an exceptional tour of Australia with two nights on the luxurious Ghan and explorations of the Great Barrier Reef and iconic Uluru

Your incredible discovery of Australia begins as your meet the Tour Manager and the rest of the group at London Heathrow, boarding a flight to Australia.

As we travel overnight, we can begin to look forward to a sensational holiday taking in numerous bucket list destinations throughout Australia. From Sydney and its iconic harbour, we will discover world-class wine regions, and natural wonders including Uluru and the Great Barrier Reef - and, of course, ride on the world-famous Ghan train.

In Singapore, we join our flight to Sydney and arrive in the evening. After a transfer to our hotel and checking in for the next four nights, you are free to unwind.

After a long journey, relaxing is no doubt a priority, but if you're keen to step out and get to know your surroundings, our hotel in situated in Darling Harbour, which offers several waterfront restaurants and is close to the central business district where you'll find many more attractions and inviting places to eat.

Please note - For departure 17th March, we will stay at the Novotel Darling Square hotel in Sydney.

After a free morning exploring the beauty of Sydney at your own pace, we're taken on a guided sightseeing tour of the city's famous landmarks and its eastern suburbs. First, we travel through the historic Rocks area, where the First Fleet landed in 1788 to establish Australia's earliest European settlement.

We then visit Mrs Macquarie's Chair, a sandstone bench hand-carved by convicts in 1810 for the wife of Governor Macquarie. Set on a scenic peninsula, it offers one of the best views of Sydney Harbour, including the city's skyline, opera house and harbour bridge. Later, we continue to the renowned Bondi Beach, frequented by sun-kissed surfers and known for its laid-back vibe. The name Bondi originates from the Aboriginal word for 'surf' - and there's time at leisure here to enjoy this relaxed beach resort, its vast beach, cafés and restaurants into the afternoon,

This evening, we mark the first full day of our Australian holiday with a group dinner at a local restaurant.

There's free time this morning before we embark on a highlight of the holiday: a cruise around Sydney Harbour. With a buffet lunch on board, this is a superb way to see some of the most iconic sights of the city. The most prominent is Sydney's stunning Opera House, the jewel in the city's crown and an architectural masterpiece. We also pass under one of Australia's most renowned landmarks, Sydney Harbour Bridge, the largest steel-arched bridge in the world.

The rest of your day is free and there's plenty to see and do in this exciting city. You could wander down to the Rocks, one of the first European settlements of Australia and the place where Sydney's original convicts settled, whose old pubs and warehouses are now converted into modern buildings.

A scenic walk takes you along the waterfront of Sydney Harbour to the Opera House, where you can continue to the remarkable 200-year-old Royal Botanic Gardens with its incredible trees - including Moreton Bay fig trees. Sydney's harbour area has several museums, art galleries and historic buildings to discover.

Today, we journey into the Blue Mountains by rail. Just 30 miles outside of Sydney, this beautiful UNESCO World Heritage-listed area is named due to its dense eucalyptus forests which create a blue haze when the sunlight hits.

First, we visit the unique Three Sisters rocks at Echo Point, overlooking the vast Jamison Valley. These striking rock formations inspired an Aboriginal legend in which three sisters were turned to stone by their father to protect them from a tribal war. We continue to a charming Victorian-era village named Leura, with free time to lunch in one of the quaint cafés or to browse the galleries and shops. Our excursion continues with a trip on the world's steepest incline railway, the Katoomba Scenic Railway. This short but dramatic trip passes sandstone cliffs and enters a rock tunnel, before emerging into the ancient rainforest. After walking through the tall rainforest, we return to the top of the valley and take the glass-bottom Scenic Skyway ride from the lookout point across the valley.

Returning to Sydney by coach, your evening is free to enjoy at leisure.

A short coach journey from our hotel this morning takes us to the station, where we join the cross-country train to Melbourne.

Travelling in First Class, lunch and dinner is available for you to buy on the train. This day-long rail journey takes us past open plains of Australian bush and farmland, mostly cattle and dairy farms, with stops at remote stations and towns with distinctive names, such as Wagga Wagga. As we approach Melbourne, landscapes change to fields of green and gold.

On arrival into Melbourne this evening, we walk across the road from the Southern Cross Station to check in to our central hotel for four nights. This is the hub of Melbourne's buzzing central business district, which offers high-end shopping and a fantastic choice of restaurants including Japanese, Vietnamese, Chinese, French and Italian, alongside Australian fare - a healthy and inventive fusion of local and international cuisine.

Enjoy some free time this morning to explore Melbourne at your own pace, perhaps stopping for an early lunch at one of the city's many cafés or restaurants.

This afternoon, we join a sightseeing tour of Melbourne, taking us past key highlights of the city, including the Old Treasury Building and the centre that was built for the Great Exhibition of 1880. Outside the centre, we drive past the home of the Melbourne Open and the MCG - an iconic cricket ground and Australia's largest stadium.

Afterwards, we experience the true charm of the Yarra River with a one-hour sightseeing cruise, allowing us to view the city's skyline from a fresh perspective. Disembarking the ship, we take a short walk to the Melbourne Skydeck for panoramic views across the city. You are at leisure this evening and the nearby Southbank area along the Yarra River offers a variety of excellent restaurants for you to try. Alternatively, hop on the free city centre trams to explore the Docklands or Flinders Street districts.

Today brings an excursion along one of the world's most scenic stretches of roads, the breathtaking Great Ocean Road.

Travelling by coach, this spectacular route takes us past verdant forests, rushing waterfalls and glittering ocean views. Enroute, we're highly likely to see surfers, and we may even spot native birds or other coastal wildlife. As we travel, we make a short stop at a seaside town called Lorne and continue to the laid-back beach town of Apollo Bay, where we break for lunch. Later, we visit the Twelve Apostles and view this dramatic collection of limestone rocks set along the coast.

There's free time to marvel at the golden cliffs and emerald waters of the coastal Loch Ard Gorge, before we retrace our journey to Melbourne. Arriving back at our hotel this evening, you are free to dine independently at one of the many appealing restaurants in our local neighbourhood.

Driving through Melbourne's leafy suburbs after breakfast this morning, we arrive at Belgrave Station for a charming journey. Boarding the nostalgic Puffing Billy steam train, this beloved heritage railway dating back to 1900 guides us through the tranquil rainforest and fern-filled gullies of the spectacular Dandenong Ranges, spotting wildlife enroute.

From Lakeside, we continue by coach into Victoria's oldest wine-growing region, the Yarra Valley. Viticulture began in this area in 1837, and it is now celebrated for its chardonnay and pinot noir varieties. After lunch at Rochford Wines, we head to Coombe Yarra Estate to savour a wine-tasting.

Returning to Melbourne this evening, the rest of the day is yours to relax or explore the city's restaurants and bars at leisure.

There's an early start this morning as we join the Overland train on a journey west to Adelaide. Breakfast and lunch are served on board as we travel through broad plains, rolling farmland and the shifting colours of the rural Victorian and South Australian landscape.

This attractive city was Australia's first major settlement, planned in 1836 as a free city. Known as the 'city of churches', Adelaide is also celebrated for its elegant architecture, natural landscapes and relaxed charm.

On arrival in Adelaide this evening, we check in to our hotel in the heart of the city, overlooking Victoria Square. With a reputation for good food and wine, there are plenty of tempting places to eat this evening. Chinatown is just around the corner and Gouger Street, Adelaide's popular restaurant precinct, is close by.

Exploring Adelaide on a guided tour after breakfast, the city's key sights are brought to life through fascinating local stories. Highlights include Montefiore Hill, offering sweeping views of the city, the historic Adelaide Oval and the striking St Peter's Cathedral.

After the tour, we head to the station and board the iconic Ghan train. Named in tribute to the Afghan camel drivers who helped make Australia's Red Centre accessible at the end of the 19th century, the Afghan Express - affectionately called the Ghan - is the most luxurious way to discover the Australia's Red Centre. The Ghan's maiden voyage from Adelaide to Alice Springs took place in August 1929, and since then, it has left a lasting impression on travellers.

Staying in Gold Service, our classic rooms feature everything travellers desire for a restful journey, with twin occupancy cabins also featuring ensuite bathrooms. With all meals and drinks included, we can savour the elegance of the Art Deco Queen Adelaide Restaurant, while embracing the golden age of rail travel as we head north into the heart of Australia.

From the verdant vineyards around Adelaide, the scenery changes dramatically today as the world-famous Ghan passes through desert landscapes as it makes its way north.

Heading into the Red Centre of Australia, soak up the otherworldly views while savouring the elegance of Gold Service. Indulge in a memorable lunch and dinner in the Queen Adelaide Restaurant or unwind with a drink while admiring the passing scenery.

This evening, head to cabin for your final night on the Ghan as it journeys towards our destination.

There's time to enjoy a hearty breakfast as we travel to our destination. Alice Springs is a remote town in the Northern Territory, described as the beating heart of Australia's Red Centre, and on arrival, we check in to our hotel for the night.

Afterwards, we visit the Old Telegraph Station, established in 1871 to relay messages between Darwin and Adelaide. We also visit Alice Springs' School of the Air, where children across the region are taught over the air by radio.

Our tour continues to the Royal Flying Doctor Service Museum to learn about the life-saving work of this air medical service, and the people who fly out to treat people in remote areas. We return to our hotel and this evening you are free to dine independently.

This morning, we leave Alice Springs and travel by coach through Australia's vast Red Centre towards the spiritual heart of the Outback - Uluru. This iconic rock is the world's largest monolith, an incredible sight to behold as it rises 1,142 feet above the surrounding flat desert floor.

As we travel, we take in the scenery of the desert landscapes, ochre sands and rugged mountain ranges, before stopping along the way for lunch.

We arrive to our hotel late afternoon and check in, with time to relax or enjoy the hotel facilities. This evening, we experience a magical Uluru sunset, watching as the rock changes colour in the fading light. With drinks and snacks supplied, we witness the breathtaking spectacle as the golden light illuminates Uluru, before the hues darken, creating a dramatic contrast against the desert sky.

Today, we explore the natural beauty of the Uluru area. The day begins with a sunrise visit to Uluru, watching the sun's first rays dance across the vivid orange rock, before we return to the hotel for breakfast.

Next, we embark on a guided tour of the spectacular Olgas, the huge domed rock formations of Kata Tjuta National Park. These sacred sites hold deep spiritual significance for the Anangu people and are used for cultural ceremonies. The afternoon is free to relax by the pool, enjoy the hotel facilities or possibly visit the local shops in the Uluru hotel complex.

This evening, we set off for a magical Sounds of Silence dinner in the desert, with Uluru's iconic red rock as our backdrop, glowing as it shifts colour with the setting sun. Our meal begins with sparkling wine and canapés, followed by a barbecue buffet featuring a bush-inspired menu, selected drinks and dessert. Later, under the clear desert skies, a 'star talker' guides us through a captivating stargazing experience, revealing planets, constellations and galaxies visible in this extraordinary environment.

Transferring to Alice Springs airport this morning, we to fly to Cairns and land in the Queensland city in the afternoon. After a transfer to our hotel, which is situated overlooking the Trinity Wharf and ideal for exploring the area, we check in and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Known as the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, Cairns is a nature-lover's paradise, surrounded by mountainous rainforests, spectacular reefs and pristine beaches. You might be tempted to take a dip in the lagoon, walk along the waterfront promenade or relax at the hotel swimming pool or beach.

This evening, you could wander along the boardwalk of the Esplanade where there are several inviting al fresco restaurants to choose from for dinner.

A highlight awaits today as we enjoy a full-day visit to the Great Barrier Reef, the world's largest and most complex coral reef system. From the harbour at Cairns, we board an air-conditioned catamaran for a cruise into this marine paradise, one of the seven wonders of the natural world. Our first stop is Green Island, a coral cay (a small sandy island on a coral reef) where we have two hours at leisure to explore this idyllic setting on a self-guided walk.

Continuing into the Great Barrier Reef, we moor alongside a pontoon for an onboard reef presentation and a buffet lunch, followed by an afternoon of viewing the unique wildlife and coral reefs from an underwater observatory. You can also experience the brilliant marine life close-up during a snorkelling session, or catch a glimpse of tropical fish, giant clams and sea turtles from a glass-bottom boat.

We return to Cairns with a free evening to dine independently and you may like to wander through the Cairns Night Market, open each day from 4:30pm to 10pm.

This morning brings a unique experience as we transfer by coach to Rainforestation Nature Park, located within the beautiful tropical rainforest. There, we take a trip on a World War Two amphibious military transport unit known as an Army Duck, driving among the flora. Next, on a guided Dreamtime Walk, we learn how indigenous Australians understand the world and its creation, before experiencing a 'pamagirri' dance performance.

Afterwards, we travel to Kuranda village in the rainforest, where there's time to look around the local craft market before heading to the station. Here, we board refurbished heritage carriages in Royal Class for a journey along the 125-year-old Kuranda Scenic Railway into the rainforest, through the stunning Barron River Gorge with its tropical vegetation and tumbling waterfalls.

After returning to Cairns along the same scenic route, you are free this evening to dine independently.

After breakfast, you have a full day at leisure to explore this tropical city at your own pace.

There are plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors, whether exploring the nearby beaches or going for a refreshing swim. You might like to visit the Flecker Botanic Gardens or the wonderful Cairns Aquarium where you can view some of the colourful marine life and aquatic creatures of the reef, which can usually only be seen by experienced divers.

This evening, we mark the final night in Australia with a group dinner at the hotel.

There's a leisurely morning after breakfast in Cairns and you can choose to set out for some final sightseeing or buying souvenirs. Alternatively, take a relaxing walk along the harbour, soaking up views of the Coral Sea.

This afternoon, we transfer to Cairns airport for a flight to Singapore as we begin our journey home.

This epic Australian adventure has taken us from the wondrous cities of Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide to the sensational natural wonders of Uluru and the Great Barrier Reef, as we have absorbed the views and culture of this spectacular country. With journeys on scenic railroads through the Blue Mountains and Queensland rainforest, and an iconic Sydney Harbour cruise, this tour has taken across thousands of miles of Australia's vast and inspiring land.

We touch down in London Heathrow early on Day 21 and you are free to make your way home.

The historic Katoomba Scenic Railway, located in the stunning Blue Mountains in New South Wales, Australia, is the steepest cable-driven funicular railway in the world, with the steepest incline an astonishing 52 degrees. Passengers embark on a thrilling, unique journey in the 84-seat glass roofed red train carriage.

The train travels through sandstone cliffs, through a rock tunnel beside the tree covered Orphan Rock, before emerging to stunning panoramic views of the lush, ancient rainforest.

The unique Kuranda Scenic Railway has journeyed through tropical North Queensland for over 125 years, providing breathtaking views over one of the most stunning areas of Australia. The 23 mile (37 kilometre) long track winds through the lush green World Heritage Rainforest, past cascading waterfalls and a variety of different birds, fauna and reptiles, before it terminates at the small mountain village of Kuranda.

Demand for the railway began in 1882 when local tin miners began calling for a railway line which would lead them to the coast. Years of debate followed, with railway leagues from both Cairns and Port Douglas fighting for the right to the railway, before construction on the line officially began in 1886. Although initially designed for commuter purposes, the railway began operating as a tourist attraction as early as 1936 and today is used solely for this purpose, transporting tourists through the spectacular rainforest to the tropical village of Kuranda every day of the year except Christmas Day.

The XPT follows the route of the Hume Highway through the state of Victoria, passing through Benalla and the cathedral city of Wangaratta before entering the state of New South Wales and the Riverina region. The broad, flat plains of the Riverina comprise some of the most agriculturally productive land in Australia due to the favourable climate and a plentiful water supply.

The service continues through the cities of Albury and Wagga Wagga and then heads west to Cootamundra and the Southern Tablelands. Leaving Goulburn, the train enters the Southern Highlands of New South Wales, a mountainous fruit and wine producing region that sits on the Great Dividing Range. Finally, after passing the suburbs of Campbelltown and Strathfield in the Australian capital, the service pulls into Sydney's Central Railway Station.

With its reputation as Australia's favourite steam train the century-old Puffing Billy is a treasure for rail enthusiasts. Running along a low-cost narrow gauge line constructed in Victoria during the early 1900s, the classic steam engine opened up rural areas and has been championed by the Puffing Billy Preservation Society since the Sixties. We journey on the Puffing Billy from Belgrave through the stunning Dandenong Ranges, crossing rustic timber bridges and passing scenic Emerald Lake Park and Wright State Forest.

Australia's Afghan Express, now affectionately referred to as The Ghan, offers Great Rail Journeys' guests an epic travel experience through this remarkable country.

Named in tribute to the Afghan camel drivers who helped to make Australia's arid and uncharted Red Centre accessible at the end of the nineteenth century, The Ghan's maiden journey in August 1929 travelled the 1,559 kilometres from Adelaide, South Australia to Alice Springs.

Since that first journey it was always intended that The Ghan's journey would continue from Alice Springs to Darwin on the coast of Australia's Northern Territory, and this became a reality in 2004 following the opening of a 1,420-kilometre rail link between the two cities.

Today, the entire 2,979-kilometre trip from Adelaide to Darwin, or vice-versa, can be made in three days. Travelling in luxurious comfort aboard a train fully-equipped with modern amenities, our guests aboard The Ghan enjoy a journey that takes in some of Australia's most diverse and spectacular scenery.

The Overland train serves the route between Adelaide and Melbourne. During this daylight journey we travel in Red Premium Service, which offers passengers comfortable reclining seats and complimentary orange juice or water on boarding the train. Red Premium Service passengers have access to the licensed Red Service Café Carriage which serves a selection of snacks, meals and drinks. There is also an at-seat trolley service with snacks and drinks available for purchase, as well as a limited selection of a la carte dishes.

Set in the heart of Adelaide, this 4-Star hotel is located next door to Central Market and a short distance from Chinatown and Gouger Street, the city's main restaurant area. You can catch a tram from directly outside the hotel to Glenelg Beach, a 20-minute ride away. Guests can dine in the Coal Cellar & Grill Restaurant or enjoy a drink in the lobby lounge and Collins Bar, while there is also a heated outdoor swimming pool, a fitness centre and a tennis court with a jogging track provide ample. Air-conditioned guest rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, safe, minibar, tea & coffee-making facilities, hairdryer and complimentary toiletries.

Nestled at the foot of the majestic MacDonnell Ranges in Alice Springs, this 4-Star hotel offers several facilities including a bar and grill, a wine and tapas bar, and a restaurant which offers modern Australian cuisine with outback influences. The hotel also has a heated pool, a spa bath and a 24-hour health and fitness centre. Guest rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, safe, minibar, fridge and complimentary toiletries.

Set among indigenous gardens in the Ayers Rock Resort, this 4-Star hotel is located close to the magnificent Uluru. Unwind in the outdoor pool with bar, pamper yourself in the spa or enjoy regional cuisine in the grill restaurant. Air-conditioned guest rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, minibar and tea & coffee-making facilities.

Overlooking Trinity Harbour, this 4-Star plus hotel is located on the Cairns Esplanade, next to the waterfront boardwalks. The Bushfire restaurant serves a buffet breakfast in the morning and award-winning cuisine in the evening. There is a lounge and an outdoor swimming pool. Air-conditioned guest rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, safe, tea & coffee-making equipment, hairdryer and complimentary toiletries.

This 4-Star hotel is set in a heritage building in the centre of Melbourne, a short distance from Southbank, Docklands and the exclusive Collins Street boutiques and arcades. The hotel is just across the road from the Southern Cross Station and a minute's walk to the tram route, so guests have full access to all Melbourne has to offer. Facilities include a fitness centre, while guests can dine in the Curve Restaurant or order from the extensive wine list in the Alexander Bar. Air-conditioned guest rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, laptop safe, minibar, tea & coffee-making facilities, hairdryer and complimentary toiletries.

Located in central Sydney, this 4-Star hotel boasts views of Darling Harbour and the city skyline. On the doorstep are the bars and restaurants of Cockle Bay Wharf, while Sydney Opera House and The Rocks are ten minutes by train. Facilities at the hotel include a fitness centre and a bar, while the restaurant and bistro serve modern Australian cuisine. Air-conditioned guest rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, safety deposit box, ironing equipment, tea & coffee-making facilities, hairdryer and complimentary toiletries.