Australian Nature at its Finest

Combine City, Outback and Beach by Train

DAY 1 International Flight

Today you will fly from London to Melbourne. There are several airlines flying this route - all with connections - so we can recommend the most suitable carrier and times for you. Whichever you opt for the flight time is likely to be around 23 hours and have you arriving tomorrow.

DAY 2 To The Outback

Today you will head away from the city to the brilliantly barren Red Centre. You'll be transferred to the airport for the three-hour flight to Ayers Rock airport, where you will be collected and transferred to your new lodge. Spend some time getting to know your surroundings with a stroll around the lodge grounds this afternoon, and perhaps cool off with a dip in the pool. Then, as the sun starts to set, head to the signature restaurant which overlooks iconic Uluru (as Ayers Rock is now known) itself. As you watch the sun set you'll be served a delicious four course meal and a bottle or two of famously good Aussie wine.

DAY 3 Early Bird

You saw Uluru yesterday afternoon, but there's something even more special about seeing it in the morning light which makes getting up early for the second day in a row well worth it. As well as exploring the site and taking in its beauty you will also stop for a picnic breakfast. The afternoon is then yours to relax and enjoy your last few hours in the Red Centre. In the early evening you'll be transferred to the train station in Alice Springs from where you will board the famous Ghan Train for an overnight journey to Darwin.

Settle into your comfortable and traditional cabin and enjoy a delicious dinner on board as you start the journey northwards.

DAY 4 To Darwin

Wake up to a change of scene this morning as you find yourself heading towards the Top End of the country. After a fresh breakfast in the dining carriage the train stops for a few hours to let you get off and explore the rugged terrain along the banks of the Katherine River. Take a boat cruise through the gorge, learning about the indigenous Jawoyn people as you drift. Alternatively, you could opt to visit a working cattle station and enjoy a live demonstration of the art of horse-breaking, watch the Riverboyne Dog Team working cattle, goats or ducks in harmony and even be treated to a performance of some live music. You can also upgrade your Outback afternoon with a scenic flight over Kakadu and Nitmiluk National Parks.

Afterwards it's back on the train as you continue the journey towards Darwin with lunch and some time to relax on board first. When you arrive in Darwin in the evening a driver will meet you at the station and transfer you to your hotel.

DAY 5 To Kakadu

Wake up and meet your driver in reception this morning to begin the journey to Kakadu National Park, which will take around two hours. Kakadu National Park is a nature lovers paradise, with varied landscapes that include waterfalls, rocky escarpments and lush rainforests, all which are still incredibly unspoilt. As you arrive at your lodge, settle in for the next few days and then go out on a walk to get to know the area, perhaps even spotting a few crocodiles.

DAY 6 Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and the only living organism that can be seen from space, so it really should be on your bucket list. Today, venture out to see some of this world-famous reef aboard a luxury catamaran. You'll set off from Port Douglas and sail for an hour until you reach the Low Isles, twin islands set in a Great Barrier Reef lagoon. The white sandy beach and clear, calm lagoon waters here are perfect for sunbathing and snorkelling and you can happily while away several hours enjoying life above and below water. In particular you'll want to keep your eyes peeled for clownfish and turtles, which the accompanying marine biologist will help you spot.

Lunch will be served on board at some point and you'll be back at your hotel in time for dinner.

DAY 7 Daintree & Cape Tribulation

As today is your last day we've organised a fun-packed full-day guided tour to Daintree Rainforest with a guide. You'll be collected from your hotel to begin the day. Start the fun with Mossman Gorge and Daintree River where you'll spot crocodiles, butterfly's and stunning birdlife on a cruise. Next see the view from Alexandra Lookout which sweeps from the Daintree River Estuary to the Coral Sea. Your lunch spot is at Cape Tribulation and you then head on to Noah Valley, a World Heritage protected private property which supports some of the most spectacular, pristine rainforest found anywhere in the world. Wander through the forest with your guide, stopping for a swim in the stream that runs through it and learning all about the myriad plants and their herbal uses.

On the way back to your lodge there will be a brief ice cream stop and then you can freshen up before your final holiday supper.