DAY 1: Depart UK.
Overnight flight to Perth, via Singapore.

DAY 2: Perth.
On arrival in Perth, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for a three night stay. The rest of the day is yours to relax.

DAY 3: Perth. Included sightseeing.
Scenically located on the Swan River and framed by the Darling Mountains, Perth is nicknamed the 'Friendly City' for its sunny atmosphere and glittering, high-rise centre. This morning, our sightseeing tour lets you savour Perth's striking landmarks, taking you to Kings Park with its stunning river views, the University of Western Australia and Old Mill before stopping to feed the Black Swans on Lake Monger. This afternoon, explore in your own way, perhaps strolling through city's Botanic Gardens or unwinding on Scarborough Beach.

DAY 4: Perth.
A day to enjoy this wonderful city at your own pace. Relax on Perth's beaches, shop for souvenirs or visit Freemantle, a colourful port on the banks of the Swan, which brims with waterfront cafés and markets.

DAY 5-6: Perth - Indian Pacific train.
An unforgettable experience awaits as you board the Indian Pacific train (operated by the Great Southern Rail) for one of world's greatest rail journeys. This legendary diesel-powered train travels 1,700 miles between Western and Southern Australia, crossing vast wheat plantations to the prospecting town of Kalgoorlie, before travelling the world's longest stretch of straight rail track - approximately 300 miles - to remote Cook. On your way, watch out for Australia's amazing wildlife, particularly the fine wedge-tailed eagle, the Indian Pacific's traditional symbol. En-route the scenery changes from the desolate, treeless expanse of the great Nullarbor Plain to the majestic mountains and fertile farmland approaching Adelaide. During your journey, enjoy the comfort of your cabin, dine in the elegant restaurant (all meals are included) and relax in the friendly ambience of the lounge car, where stewards are on hand to assist with a choice of refreshments. (B,L,D)
Note: Breakfast is included on day 6 only.

DAY 7: Adelaide - Barossa Valley included winery visit - Adelaide.
After a morning arrival in Adelaide, enjoy an introductory tour of the lovely 'City of Churches', also regarded as Australia's food and wine capital. Overlooking the Torren River, pretty Adelaide has sandstone houses, handsome churches and sweeping gardens set around a modern centre. Afterwards, continue to the magnificent Barossa Valley, one of Australia's famous wine-growing regions, where rolling vineyards are peppered with graceful Bavarian style villages and Baroque style Italianate Chateaux. Breathe in the beauty of this idyllic area before enjoying a sumptuous lunch, and sample some of Australia's premium wines at a local winery. (B, L)

DAY 8: Adelaide.
A day free to savour Adelaide, perhaps visiting its colourful museums and restaurants, shopping in the city's bustling malls or making a trip to the Kangaroo Island - 'one of earth's last unspoiled refuges'.

DAY 9: Adelaide - The Ghan train.
Today brings another spectacular rail trip - your one night voyage on The Ghan (operated by the Great Southern Rail). Travelling in comfort on this famous train - named after the Afghan camel trains that once travelled the route - you'll journey through glorious wheatbelt and the quartz-rock MacDonnell Hills to Australia's awe-inspiring 'Red Centre'. (L, D)

DAY 10: The Ghan - Alice Springs. Included sightseeing.
Arrive in Alice Springs early this afternoon, with time to enjoy the frontier feel of the 'Capital of the Outback'. Set on the often dried-up Todd River, this legendary 'Red Centre' town is surrounded by jaw-dropping landscapes, including the magnificent MacDonnell Ranges, Simpson's Gap and Standley Chasm. Our orientation tour features the Old Telegraph Station, Royal Flying Doctor Service (subject to opening times) and School of the Air, which broadcasts lessons to children living in remote communities. (B, L)

DAY 11: Alice Springs - Ayers Rock. Included sightseeing.
Another highlight today as we travel to Uluru, otherwise known as Ayers Rock. The world's largest natural monolith, this colossal sandstone wonder rises from scrubland and is a sacred Aboriginal site. Wreathed in folklore and famed for its red and orange hues, which change dramatically at sunset and sunrise - its grandeur is astonishing. Afterwards, walk through Mount Olga Gorge, where a natural creek winds through huge domes of rock, before enjoying canapés and champagne at Uluru's 'Sunset Strip' whilst watching its dramatic colour changes.

DAY 12: Ayers Rock - Cairns. Included sightseeing.
Return to Uluru this morning to explore its cave galleries decorated with ancient Aboriginal paintings and carvings, some thousands of years old. Later, fly to Cairns, the gateway to Tropical North Queensland, where the rainforests meet the reef.

DAY 13: Cairns - Great Barrier Reef - Cairns. Included cruise.
Fringed by rainforests, towering mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Cairns is one of Australia's top tourist destinations for its stunning beauty and proximity to the world's largest marine park - the Great Barrier Reef. Boasting approximately 30,000 coral reefs stretching for 1,250 miles, the Barrier is a mecca for divers and outdoor-lovers. Today, take a thrilling catamaran cruise to Green Island, an exquisite, 6,000-year-old tropical cay fringed with white beaches, astonishing coral gardens and sapphire blue waters. Stroll through the island's rainforest, sunbathe, snorkel or enjoy a glass bottom boat ride to view the world's most colourful coral and remarkable marine life in the crystal clear waters. (L)

DAY 14: Cairns.
Set amongst lush rainforests, soaring peaks and the ocean, Cairns is one of Australia's most popular tourist destinations and has many attractions, including the Esplanade, a scenic railway which runs to the picturesque market town of Kuranda and a cable car that glides over Australia's World Heritage listed Tropical Rainforest canopy and deep into the forest. The day is yours to relax or explore.

DAY 15: Cairns - The Sunlander train.
All aboard for another epic rail journey - your 32-hour Sunlander voyage (operated by Rail Australia) to Brisbane along Queensland's majestic coast. Travelling in air-conditioned comfort in The Sunlander's Queenslander Class, you'll glide through green cane fields, mist-wreathed rainforests and the breathtaking peaks of the Glasshouse Mountains, formed between 26-27 million years ago. On board, your comforts include a choice of dining restaurants, relaxing lounge car and your cosy sleeping cabin. (L, D)

DAY 16: The Sunlander - Brisbane - Gold Coast.
Arrive in Brisbane in the afternoon and transfer to the Gold Coast for the next two nights. This spectacular city is renowned for its subtropical climate, expansive waterway and canal systems, boasts sensational surfing beaches (57 km of coastline), exciting theme parks, fantastic shopping, nightlife and glorious rainforest reserves. The rest of the day is free to explore or lounge on the pristine beaches. (B, L)

DAY 17: Gold Coast.
The whole day is free to enjoy the city, relax on the beach or explore the nearby rainforest reserves. Why not visit the city's theme parks including: Dreamworld, Sea World, Warner Bros and Movie World or make your way to the observation deck at the world's highest residential tower - Q1 building offering expansive views of the coast.

DAY 18: Gold Coast - Sydney.
Morning flight to Sydney. After checking into your hotel, the rest of the day is yours to explore or relax.

DAY 19: Sydney. Included sightseeing.
Australia's oldest and largest city, the New South Wales' capital is best known for its stupendous harbour - one of the world's biggest and most beautiful - home to the instantly recognisable Sydney Harbour Bridge and world famous architectural wonder, the Sydney Opera House. This morning, wonder at city's landmarks during our sightseeing tour including colourful Chinatown, Darling Harbour and historical Mrs Macquarie's Chair where you will have a breathtaking view over the dazzling Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Afterwards enjoy an unforgettable harbour cruise, soaking up dramatic views of the Opera House, city skyline and magnificent waterfront homes.

DAY 20: Sydney.
Make the most of your last day by immersing yourself in Sydney's many attractions. Why not book a trip to climb up the soaring Harbour Bridge, enjoy a concert at the Opera House or delve into the city's vibrant museums, restaurants and shops?

DAY 21: Sydney - UK.
Transfer to Sydney airport for your flight to the UK.

DAY 22: Home landing in the UK.