Australian – Out in the Somme Day Tour – from Arras

The Australian – Out in the Somme Day Tour from Arras offers a compelling journey through some of the most significant sites of Australian military history on the Western Front. Priced at $314.51 per person, this full-day tour lasts approximately 8 to 9 hours, making it an immersive experience packed with history, stunning viewpoints, and meaningful memorials. One of its standout features is that it is led by the only Australian guide operating in France, providing a uniquely Australian perspective on the battlefield sites. This tour is ideal for those who want to explore the Western Front through the eyes of Australians, with a focus on authentic locations, personalized storytelling, and a small-group format that enhances the experience.

This tour is best suited for singles, couples, or small groups seeking a detailed and personal exploration of the Australian contribution during World War I. With pickup options and included entry fees, it offers convenience and value, though it does exclude lunch, which can be purchased locally for about 15-20 euro per person. The group size is limited to 7 travelers, ensuring a more intimate and engaging journey through history.

Key Points

• Led by the only Australian guide in France, offering a uniquely Australian perspective on the Western Front.
• Includes 11 significant stops, from cemeteries and memorials to battlefields and museums.
• Comprehensive itinerary with visits to key sites like Villers-Bretonneux, Le Hamel, and the Lochnagar Crater.
• Small-group tour with a maximum of 7 travelers for personalized attention.
• Tour duration of 8-9 hours, with pickup included and free entry to all sites.
• Ideal for history buffs interested in Australian military history and World War I battles.

The Tour Starts in Arras with Convenient Pickup

The tour departs from Arras at 9:00 am, with pickup options available. The small-group setting ensures a comfortable and personalized experience. The air-conditioned vehicle transports guests smoothly between stops, allowing for a relaxed day of exploration. The tour’s timing ensures the group can comfortably visit each site without feeling rushed, making this a good choice for those who prefer a paced and detailed itinerary.

Visiting Serre Road Cemetery No.2: The Largest Commonwealth Cemetery

The first stop is the Serre Road Cemetery No.2, the largest Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery in the Somme. Here, visitors spend 20 minutes in a tranquil setting that honors countless fallen soldiers. Admission is free, and this site offers a powerful beginning to understanding the scale of the conflict. The cemetery’s size and well-maintained grounds set a respectful tone for the day.

Exploring the Memorial Terre-neuvien De Beaumont-hamel

Next, the tour visits the Memorial Terre-neuvien De Beaumont-hamel, a dedicated park for the Newfoundland Regiment. Visitors walk through authentic trenches used on July 1, 1916, the first day of the Battle of the Somme. This site, where the battlefield has been preserved as it was, allows a vivid connection to the soldiers’ experiences. The 40-minute stop provides both historical insight and a chance to reflect on the sacrifices made in this intense fight, with free admission.

The Significance of the Thiepval Memorial

The Memorial de Thiepval stands as a somber tribute to over 73,000 missing soldiers from the British Army, primarily from 1916. Visitors spend 40 minutes here, encountering a vast monument that conveys the enormity of the loss. The memorial’s towering structure and detailed inscriptions make it a moving highlight of the tour, emphasizing the scale of the Battle of the Somme.

Standing at the Windmill Memorial: The Highest Point in the Somme

At the Windmill Memorial, the highest point in the Somme, the tour pauses for 15 minutes to take in sweeping views of the surrounding farmland. The triangle of fields facing this site contains the greatest concentration of Australian fallen across all Western Front battlefields. This vantage point offers not only a scenic outlook but also a clear sense of the terrain where many pivotal battles unfolded.

The 1st Australian Division Memorial at Pozieres

The Pozieres site is where the Australian 1st Division first entered battle on the Western Front, on 23 July 1916. This 10-minute stop highlights a key moment in Australian military history. The memorial provides insight into the division’s early engagement and the significance of this location in Australia’s wartime narrative.

Witnessing the Lochnagar Crater

The Lochnagar Crater is the largest land scar created by underground mining on the Western Front, blown on 1 July 1916 to initiate the Battle of the Somme. Visitors spend 20 minutes here observing the enormous crater. Its scale offers a tangible sense of the underground warfare tactics that characterized the conflict, with free admission.

The Australian 3rd Division Memorial

Just north of Viller-Bretonneux, the 3rd Australian Division Memorial commemorates the division led by General John Monash, credited with helping to halt the German last push in 1918. The 10-minute stop emphasizes Australia’s critical role in preventing a German breakthrough at a crucial period in the war.

Villers-Bretonneux Military Cemetery and the Australian National Memorial

The Villers-Bretonneux Military Cemetery is the final resting place for over 11,000 Australian soldiers, many of whom are unknown graves. The 30-minute visit brings a poignant focus to the sacrifice of Australian troops. The adjacent Australian National Memorial further memorializes those missing in action, forming a powerful tribute.

The Sir John Monash Centre: Australia’s War Memory

The Sir John Monash Centre offers an in-depth, multimedia experience about Australia’s military actions on the Western Front. The 1-hour visit is a highlight, providing detailed context and personal stories that bring the battlefield sites to life. Admission is free, and the centre is regarded as a must-see for Australians interested in their WWI heritage.

Visiting the Franco-Australian Museum in Villers-Bretonneux

The Franco-Australian Museum showcases the enduring friendship between France and Australia, born during battles around ANZAC Day 1918. Although admission is not included, the 30-minute stop offers insights into local history and the mutual remembrance that continues today. The town itself reflects this special relationship, with many local schools and residents actively commemorating Australian sacrifices.

The Australian Corps Memorial: The Battle of Le Hamel

The tour concludes with the Australian Corps Memorial, highlighting General Monash’s innovative tactics at the Battle of Le Hamel. This 20-minute stop emphasizes how a carefully planned assault helped bring the war to a close just months later, illustrating Australia’s military prowess and strategic thinking.

Final Thoughts on the Out in the Somme Day Tour

This specialized tour offers a detailed, respectful, and personal look at Australia’s role on the Western Front. Guided by the only Australian in France, it provides a unique narrative that enhances each site’s significance. The small-group format and comprehensive itinerary ensure an engaging and insightful experience, perfect for those with a keen interest in WWI history and Australian military heritage.

While it does not include lunch, the tour’s entry fees are covered, and the pickup service adds convenience. Its length of nearly 9 hours allows sufficient time at each stop, but it is best suited for those prepared for a full day of walking and sightseeing. This tour stands as a meaningful tribute and an educational journey that vividly brings history to life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is lunch included in the tour?
No, lunch is not included, but there are local cafes and restaurants nearby where meals can be purchased for about 15-20 euro.

How many people are in each tour group?
The tour is limited to a maximum of 7 travelers, ensuring an intimate experience.

What is the duration of the tour?
The full tour lasts approximately 8 to 9 hours, including travel time and visits to each site.

Is pickup available?
Yes, pickup is offered, making it easy to start the tour comfortably from Arras.

What sites will I visit?
Major stops include Serre Road Cemetery No.2, Beaumont-Hamel, Thiepval Memorial, Windmill Memorial, Pozieres, Lochnagar Crater, Villers-Bretonneux Cemetery and Memorial, Sir John Monash Centre, Villers-Bretonneux Museum, and the Australian Corps Memorial.

Are all site entries free?
Yes, all entry fees are included in the tour price.

Can the tour be cancelled?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start.

Who operates this tour?
The experience is provided by Sacred Ground Tours.

Is this tour suitable for all physical abilities?
While specific accessibility details are not provided, the stops involve walking through cemeteries, memorials, and battlefields, so some mobility is required.

Why choose this tour over others?
Its key strength is the Australian-led narration and focus on sites that memorialize Australian soldiers, making it ideal for those especially interested in Australia’s military history during WWI.