Why an escorted tour is the best way to see Australia and New Zealand

Telegraph

26-02-2025

From epic desert vistas to broad sandy beaches, with tropical rainforests and lofty mountains in between, the landscapes of Australia and the two islands that make up New Zealand are truly vast destinations that are home to a dizzying range of land and seascapes you won't find anywhere else on Earth. But if you're planning an adventure to either country, each replete with its own wonders, where exactly should you start? And how can you ensure you get to see and experience everything that's on your bucket list?
The answer is, let the train take the strain. For an immersive, wide-ranging and trouble-free tour of Australia and New Zealand that takes in all the must-sees, book an escorted itinerary with Great Rail Journeys. Not only will you find a selection of carefully curated activities included, you'll also get plenty of free time to explore independently. What's more, you'll have a dedicated tour manager on hand to guide you and ensure you hit all the highlights that await you.
If Australia is on your wishlist, book Great Rail Journeys' 21-day Ultimate Australia tour. You'll depart London Heathrow with your group and begin your tour Down Under in Cairns, for a full-day catamaran trip out over the corals of the Great Barrier Reef, plus some time in the tropical rainforest of northern Queensland. Then it's off to the sacred landscape of Uluru, to view its spectacular colours in the pink glow of sunrise and sunset, before traveling onward to the fascinating Outback town of Alice Springs in the heart of Australia's red centre, before flying south to Adelaide. Alternatively, you can upgrade your trip on selected departures by taking the luxurious Ghan train south instead.
From the city of Adelaide you'll tour the Barossa Valley wine region, visiting wineries and sampling the best at one of Australia's oldest wineries, Seppeltsfield Estate. From there you'll board The Overland train for a romantic day-long ride through South Australia's farmlands and rural towns before reaching the vibrant city of Melbourne. As well as exploring its many highlights, you'll ride the Puffing Billy steam train into the lush wilds of the Dandenong Ranges before travelling the world-famous Great Ocean Road where the rock stacks of the Twelve Apostles are an unforgettable sight. Then it's a first-class train to Sydney, where your final few days are spent in leisurely exploration, journeying into the beautiful Blue Mountains, sinking your toes into the sands of Bondi Beach and taking a sightseeing cruise around Sydney Harbour.
If you'd prefer to explore New Zealand, book Great Rail Journeys' Grand Tour of New Zealand. This 21-day itinerary also departs London Heathrow, flying to Auckland, the country's largest city, via Singapore. First stop is Paihia, gateway to the beguilingly beautiful Bay of Islands, for sea swims, seafood dinners and a catamaran cruise of the bay before heading southwards to the geothermal wonderland that is Rotorua, spiritual home of the Maori, surrounded as it is by glittering lakes, bubbling hot springs and extinct volcanoes. Then it's on to Wellington, the capital, and to get you climb aboard one of the world's greatest rail journeys – the Northern Explorer – with its panoramic windows looking out onto towering volcanos and the verdant valleys, hills and hillocks you'll recognise from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movies.
After that you'll board the Interislander ferry to cross the Cook Strait, where you will explore the wild beauties of South Island from the handsome port city of Christchurch. The vast alpine vistas of Mount Cook National Park, with lunch in the lakeside town of Tekapo, are your next unforgettable adventure, and after an overnight stay under Mount Cook's soaring peaks, you'll stop at the town of Te Anau, gateway to the natural wonders of Fiordland. In this jaw-dropping wilderness of deep blue lakes, thundering waterfalls and soaring mountains you'll take a cruise on the serene glacier-carved fjord of Milford Sound. You'll enjoy a few nights in the resort town of Queenstown, with its wineries and walking routes, taking a cruise on Lake Wakatipu by vintage steamship, before boarding the TranzAlpine train for a scenic rail journey through the Southern Alps to return to Christchurch for your flight home.
Want to combine the two countries? New for 2026 is Great Railway Journeys' Highlights of Australia & New Zealand tour, which encompasses the most incredible locations across both countries over 22 nights. Starting in Melbourne, you'll take a city sightseeing tour and travel the Great Ocean Road, then fly on to otherworldly Uluru for a magical Sounds of Silence dinner, when you'll dine al fresco in the heart of the Outback as the world's most famous rock changes colour at the setting of the sun.
Next up is Cairns, for trips out to the Great Barrier Reef and into ancient tropical rainforest, then on to your final stop in Australia, Sydney, where the highlight is a sunset harbour cruise to take in the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. From here you'll fly to Auckland, travelling south for a Maori cultural performance and tour of the geothermal wonders of Rotorua. After that you'll take the TranzAlpine through the Southern Alps. You'll check out Franz Josef Glacier en route to Queenstown and cruise Milford Sound, before bringing your epic adventure to a close.