2 Day Australian Tour – from Arras

If you’re interested in exploring the Western Front through the eyes of Australia’s contribution during World War I, this 2-day Australian Tour from Arras offers a comprehensive and deeply moving experience. Priced at $705.03 per person, this tour is perfect for history enthusiasts, especially those eager to walk through authentic trenches and visit significant memorials. The tour features small groups of up to seven participants, ensuring an intimate setting and personalized attention. The journey starts in Arras, with air-conditioned transportation, and takes you through some of the most important battlefields, cemeteries, and museums in France and Belgium.

What sets this tour apart is the detailed itinerary that covers key Australian sites, including the Australian National Memorial in Villers-Bretonneux and the mass grave at Pheasant Wood. The tour includes entry to all sites, free bottled water, and an engaging guide, making it ideal for those who want a well-organized, emotionally impactful exploration of WWI history. Keep in mind that meals and accommodation are not included, so plan accordingly for the full experience.

Key Points

• Price and Duration: This 2-day tour costs $705.03 per person and covers approximate two days of visits.
• Small Group Experience: Limited to 7 participants, ensuring personalized attention and a more engaging tour.
• Comprehensive Itinerary: Includes visits to key Australian battle sites, memorials, cemeteries, and museums like Tyne Cot and the Sir John Monash Centre.
• Authentic Battlefields: Walk on remaining WWI battlefield ground and through authentic trenches at sites like Beaumont-Hamel and Lochnagar Crater.
• Emotionally Impactful: The tour features memorial visits such as Menin Gate and the Last Post Ceremony, creating memorable and poignant moments.
• Practical: Includes pickup, admission fees, and bottled water, with flexible cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

A Closer Look at the Itinerary and Key Stops

Starting in Arras with the Largest Commonwealth Cemetery

The tour begins at Serre Road Cemetery No. 2, the largest Commonwealth cemetery in the Somme. This stop provides an immediate sense of the scale of the conflict, with thousands of graves marking the sacrifices made. The visit lasts around 20 minutes and is free of charge, setting the tone for the emotional journey ahead.

Authentic Trenches at Beaumont-Hamel

Next is the Memorial Terre-neuvien de Beaumont-Hamel, where the battlefield remains untouched, and visitors walk through original trenches used on the first day of the Battle of the Somme. This 30-minute stop offers a visceral connection to the intense fighting Australian soldiers experienced. The site is free to visit, allowing a quiet moment for reflection.

Honoring the Missing at Thiepval Memorial

The Thiepval Memorial is a powerful site that commemorates over 73,000 missing British soldiers with no known graves. This 30-minute visit emphasizes the scale of loss and the importance of remembrance. The memorial’s somber statue and inscriptions make it a highlight of the tour.

The Highest Concentration of Australian Fallen

The fields of the Somme contain the highest number of Australian casualties, making this tour particularly meaningful for those with ancestral ties or an interest in Australia’s WWI history. The guide provides context about the battles fought here, especially at Pozieres and Fromelles.

The Sacred Ground of the Tank Corps Memorial

At the Windmill Site, the Tank Corps Memorial stands as a tribute to Australian soldiers who fought here. This 20-minute stop grants insight into the warfare tactics used and the significance of tank warfare in WWI.

The 1st Australian Division Memorial and Lochnagar Crater

Visitors see the 1st Australian Division Memorial, marking the battleground where Australian forces suffered heavy losses at Pozieres. Then, at Lochnagar Crater, they observe the largest visible scar on the Western Front, created by an underground mine explosion that opened the Battle of the Somme in 1916.

The Australian National Memorial and Sir John Monash Centre

In Villers-Bretonneux, the Australian National Memorial stands as a central tribute to Australians fallen in France. Nearby, the Sir John Monash Centre offers an interactive, informative experience about Australian actions in WWI, allowing visitors to better understand the strategic significance of their sacrifices.

Exploring the Victoria School and Australian Corps Memorial

The Victoria School at Villers-Bretonneux memorializes Australians forever remembered here, with the Australian Corps Memorial at Le Hamel highlighting tactics introduced by General Monash that changed the war’s course.

From Pheasant Wood to Belgian Battlefields

Discovering Recent Discoveries at Pheasant Wood

On the second day, the tour visits the Pheasant Wood Military Cemetery, where Australians recently found in a mass grave are now buried. This 20-minute stop allows reflection on the ongoing discoveries that connect past sacrifices to the present.

The Iconic Cobber’s Statue at Australian Memorial Park

The Australian Memorial Park in Fromelles is home to the famous Cobber’s Statue, honoring those who fought and fell in one of Australia’s deadliest battles. This 20-minute stop is both respectful and educational.

VC Corner and No-Man’s Land

The VC Corner Australian Cemetery, located on no-man’s land, commemorates 1,299 missing Australians from the Battle of Fromelles. The 20-minute visit emphasizes the tragic scale of that engagement.

The Historic Christmas Truce Site

The Christmas Truce Memorial marks the site of the 1914 Christmas Truce, when soldiers paused fighting to celebrate together. This 20-minute stop offers a poignant reminder of moments of humanity amid war.

Walking Through Hill 60’s Crater

The massive crater at Hill 60, dug by 19 Allied mines in 1917, is a striking visual and historical feature. The 30-minute walk here allows visitors to see the landscape altered forever by underground warfare.

Memorials to Brothers in Arms and Polygon Wood

The Brothers in Arms Memorial honors those who fought side by side, while the Buttes New British Cemetery at Polygon Wood features the 5th Australian Division Memorial and the site of the ANZAC Day Dawn Service in Belgium. These 30-minute stops deepen understanding of Australian and Allied efforts.

The Passchendaele Museum and Tyne Cot Cemetery

The Passchendaele Museum is considered one of the best WWI museums, offering detailed exhibits, though admission is not included. The Tyne Cot Cemetery, the largest Commonwealth Cemetery in the world, is a solemn site where visitors spend about 30 minutes reflecting on loss.

Final Ceremony at Menin Gate

The tour concludes with the Last Post Ceremony at Menin Gate in Ypres, an emotional event performed daily since 1928. The 40-minute ceremony leaves a lasting impression and honors the memory of the missing.

Logistics and Practical Details

This private tour departs from Arras at 9:00 am. The pickup is included, and transportation is in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle. All entry fees to sites are covered, and bottled water is provided. Since the tour is limited to seven participants, it offers a more personalized experience.

Meals and accommodation are not included, so travelers should plan accordingly. The tour is suitable for most people, with confirmation received immediately upon booking. Cancellation is free if made more than 24 hours in advance.

Why Choose This Tour?

This 2-day Australian Western Front tour delivers a thorough and emotionally powerful look at Australia’s role in WWI. The combination of authentic battlefield walking, memorial visits, and museum insights makes it ideal for those wanting an in-depth, respectful exploration.

The small group size and expert guide ensure a comfortable, engaging experience, particularly appreciated by history buffs and those with personal or familial connections to the battles. The inclusion of iconic sites like Lochnagar Crater, Tyne Cot, and Menin Gate offers a rundown of the Western Front from an Australian perspective.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is each day of the tour?
The tour lasts approximately two days, with each day packed with visits and walking, starting at 9:00 am and ending in the late afternoon or early evening.

Is this tour suitable for children or those with limited mobility?
While most travelers can participate, some stops involve walking on uneven ground or standing for periods. It’s best suited for those comfortable with walking distances and standing.

Are meals included in the tour?
No, meals are not included, but bottled water and entry fees are covered.

What is the maximum group size?
The tour is limited to seven participants, providing a more personalized experience.

Can I visit sites not listed in the itinerary?
The tour follows a set itinerary with specific stops; customized visits are not part of this package.

Is this a private tour?
Yes, it is a private tour/activity, ensuring only your group participates.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the start of the tour for a full refund.

Do I need to bring anything special?
Comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and a camera are recommended; no special equipment is necessary.

Is there a guide included?
Yes, a knowledgeable guide accompanies the tour, providing detailed explanations at each site.

How is this tour different from other Western Front tours?
This tour focuses specifically on Australian battle sites and memorials, offering insights into Australia’s WWI history in an intimate group setting.

This 2-day Australian WWI Western Front tour from Arras offers a detailed, respectful, and emotionally resonant look into the sacrifices and stories of Australian soldiers. Its well-structured itinerary, expert guide, and small-group intimacy make it a compelling choice for those eager to honor history and connect with the past in a meaningful way.