Australia doesn’t reveal itself all at once. You might trade city streets for the Red Centre, follow the coast until the road runs out, or watch the country change through a train window. A small-group tour can bring these far-flung places together in one journey, with the driving, stays and local knowledge organised along the way. Here’s a look at what a tour of Australia can offer you.
Discover Australia tours
Aerial view of Uluru at sunset
Why Visit Australia?
Australia’s scale can make the planning as involved as the travelling. A guided tour links distant stops, long drives and regional experiences into an itinerary that works, with local guides adding context you might miss on your own. On a small-group tour, you can spend less time sorting logistics and more time in the places you came to see – whether that’s walking around Uluṟu, exploring Tasmania’s national parks or watching the landscape change from a train window.
- Guaranteed departures for two: Only two people are needed to guarantee your departure.
- Small-group travel: Travel with no more than 24 people on eligible tours. Group size may vary by itinerary.
- 4 and 5-star stays: Stay in selected accommodation, ranging from 4-star hotels to distinctive properties, depending on your tour.
- Curated experiences: Explore with itineraries and experiences chosen by travel experts.
- A dedicated tour concierge: Get support from booking through to the end of your tour.
Australian Experiences Worth the Journey
Some Australian experiences are defined by the landscape; others by the way you get there. A few hours on a reef boat, an evening under the bush sky or a rail journey across the continent can each give a different sense of the country. Experiences and inclusions vary by itinerary, so check the tour details for what’s included and what may be optional.
| Experience | Where to experience it | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Walk around Uluṟu | Red Centre, Northern Territory | Guided walks can introduce you to the landscape and its cultural significance. Routes and activities vary; follow local guidance and park rules. |
| See the Great Barrier Reef | Cairns and Tropical North Queensland | Reef excursions are by boat, with time on the water and opportunities to experience the reef. Activities depend on the vessel, conditions and tour. |
| Travel aboard The Ghan | Adelaide, the Red Centre and Darwin | Cross the continent’s interior by rail, with off-train experiences that may include Katherine Gorge or stops around Alice Springs and Coober Pedy. The route and excursions vary by departure. |
| Cross the Nullarbor on the Indian Pacific | Sydney, Adelaide and Perth | Travel east to west across the country, watching the landscape shift from urban and pastoral to the wide, open Nullarbor. Stops and off-train experiences depend on the journey. |
| Explore the Kimberley | Western Australia and Northern Territory | Itineraries may include gorges, waterfalls and remote wilderness areas, with time for guided walks and local cultural experiences. Access and activities may depend on the season and conditions. |
| Discover Tasmania’s wild landscapes | Tasmania | Itineraries can link Cradle Mountain, Freycinet National Park, Port Arthur and the west coast, with time for walks, local produce and regional stays. |
| Meet the wildlife of Kangaroo Island | South Australia | Explore rugged coastlines and look out for native wildlife, including kangaroos, koalas and sea lions. Sightings are never guaranteed and depend on conditions. |
| Enjoy the Flinders Ranges | South Australia | Take in the bush’s geological formations and vast skies, with some tours adding a 4WD excursion or a scenic flight over Lake Eyre. |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I allow for a tour of Australia?
It depends on how far you want to travel. A focused itinerary such as Tasmania or the South Australian bush can take around a week or more; an itinerary linking several regions will take longer. The Ghan and the Indian Pacific are multi-day rail journeys, and are often combined with stays before or after the train.
What should I pack for a tour of Australia?
Pack clothing suited to the regions on your itinerary rather than assuming a single climate. For the Red Centre and the Kimberley, bring sun protection, a reusable water bottle and comfortable walking shoes. Tasmania and the south coast may call for warmer layers and a raincoat. If you’re taking The Ghan or the Indian Pacific, check the baggage limits and cabin details before you pack.
How much walking is involved?
It varies. A small-group tour of Australia may include short guided walks, uneven paths in national parks or longer options at some stops. Check the activity rating and day-by-day itinerary, especially if you have mobility or fitness considerations.
Can I visit Uluṟu and the Great Barrier Reef on the same tour?
Some longer tours of Australia combine the two, but they’re in very different parts of the country and usually involve a flight between regions. Other tours focus on the Red Centre or Tropical North Queensland separately. Check the itinerary for destinations, internal flights and time spent in each place.
What is the difference between The Ghan and the Indian Pacific?
The Ghan travels north to south between Adelaide and Darwin, crossing the Red Centre. The Indian Pacific travels east to west between Sydney and Perth, crossing the Nullarbor. Both offer accommodation and meals on board, but the routes, journey lengths and off-train experiences differ by departure.
Are off-train excursions included on The Ghan and the Indian Pacific?
Excursions are a key part of many rail itineraries, but the selection depends on the route, direction and travel date. Check the inclusions for your departure to see which stops and experiences are included, and whether some require an additional payment or upgrade.
What should I know before travelling to remote parts of Australia?
Distances can be long, mobile coverage limited and services less frequent than in the cities. In regions such as the Kimberley and the outback, routes and activities may also change depending on seasonal conditions. Your itinerary will show the planned transport and accommodation for your tour; follow your guide’s advice at each stop.
