From Western Australia to the Great Barrier Reef

Itinerary

Days 1 to 4 – Dubai

Morning flight from Manchester Airport with Emirates, arriving in Dubai that evening. Private transfer to the Marriott Marquis Hotel for 4 nights on a B&B basis. Free time in Dubai with lots to see and do. Explore its amazing modern architecture from the famous Burj Khalifa to the Palm Jumeirah and wander around the contrasting traditional quarters. Rrelax by the hotel pool or stroll along the beaches, enjoy some retail therapy in some of the most impressive shopping malls in the world or take a desert tour. Ffestiniog Travel can help arrange sightseeing options.

Days 5 to 8 – Perth

Another morning flight with Emirates to Perth, Western Australia, arriving just after midnight when a private transfer will take you to the city’s Melbourne Hotel for a 4-night B&B stay. Perth sits on the beautiful Swan River where you can enjoy walks or a river cruise. Visit the nearby beaches such as Cottesloe, especially at sunset. A great view of the city skyline can be seen from Kings Park and nearby Rottnest island and historic Fremantle are worth a visit.

Days 9 to 11 – Melbourne

Early evening flight to Melbourne with Virgin, arriving just before midnight when a private transfer will take you to the Mecure Welcome Hotel for a 3-night B&B stay. A great way to explore Melbourne is via its free City Circle Tram which covers all the essential sightseeing stops and provides a great introduction to this wonderful city. If you enjoy steam trains consider a day’s excursion on the fabulous Puffing Billy Steam Railway, a scenic journey that travels from Belgrave through the Dandenong Ranges to Gembrook and return.

Days 12 & 13 – Plane & Spirit of Queensland Train to Cairns

A short morning flight from Melbourne to Brisbane with Virgin. On arrival in Brisbane make your own way from the airport by local taxi to Brisbane Railway Station for your onward journey by rail on board the Spirit of Queensland Train to Cairns. The train departs mid-afternoon and is a 24 hour journey. Your Rail Bed accommodation offers a comfortable seat by day that converts to a lie-flat bed with mattress topper and linen provided. A flat screen provides on-demand entertainment or enjoy the stunning scenery you pass through on this comfortable and charming modern rail journey. On arrival in Cairns check in to the Rydges Plaza Cairns for 4 nights on a bed and breakfast basis.

Days 14 to 16 – Cairns & Great Barrier Reef

During your stay in Cairns enjoy a full-day’s Green Island Reef Cruise where you can experience the beauty of Green Island, part of the Great Barrier Reef. You can choose to snorkel, dive, stay dry or view the spectacular underwater reefs in a semi-submarine or glass bottom boat, or simply laze on the white sandy beach. The friendly crew will help organise your activities to make the most of your time on Green Island. Green Island is a Marine National Park, a beautiful coral cay on Australia's Great Barrier Reef which boasts unique rainforest, surrounded by white sandy beaches and magnificent coral reefs and abundant marine life.

Days 17 & 18 – Hong Kong

Early morning flight with Qantas via Brisbane to Hong Kong for a 2-night B&B stay at the Royal Plaza Hotel. There will enough time to get a flavour of this bustling metropolis with its ‘out-of-this-world’ view of skyscrapers, the glittering harbour and the green hills of the distant New Territories. Lots to see and do from taking the Victorian tram to Victoria Peak, visiting the Tian Tan Buddha or simply shopping and tasting the varied cuisine.

Day 19 – Homeward Bound

Private transfer from your hotel to the airport for a return morning flight to Manchester via Dubai with Emirates, arriving early evening.