2 Day Australian Tour – from Arras

Exploring the Western Front: A 2-Day Australian Tour from Arras

If you’re a history enthusiast eager to walk in the footsteps of Australian soldiers on the Western Front, this 2-day guided tour from Arras offers a compelling way to connect with the past. Priced at around $705 per person, the tour is designed for small groups—max seven participants—and promises a deeply personal and immersive experience. Led by knowledgeable guides, you’ll visit iconic sites like Villers-Bretonneux, Somme, Pozieres, Fromelles, and Ypres, with a focus on Australia’s significant sacrifices.

What excites us most about this experience are the authentic battlefield walks—including trenches used during WWI—and the opportunity to pay respects at the largest Commonwealth Cemetery —Tyne Cot. Plus, the inclusion of a dedicated Australian memorials’ visit and the Sir John Monash Centre makes it a comprehensive journey through Australia’s military history in France and Belgium.

One possible consideration is the cost—at just over $700, it’s an investment, but many feel the value of the access to private sites and expert guides makes it worthwhile. This tour suits history buffs, family groups, and small circles of travelers who want an in-depth, personal perspective on WWI’s Western Front, especially relating to Australian forces.

Key Points

• Small group size ensures a personalized experience and more authentic interactions.
• Authentic battlefield visits include trenches and scarred landscapes that are still visible today.
• Expert guides make history come alive with detailed explanations.
• Visit to Tyne Cot Cemetery and other memorials deepen understanding of sacrifices made.
• Comfortable transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle simplifies logistics.
• Focus on Australian contributions offers a unique perspective not always covered in broader WWI tours.

The Itinerary in Detail

Day 1: Walking Through The Somme

Your adventure begins early in Arras with a 9:00 am pickup, setting the tone for an engaging two days. Each stop is carefully chosen to highlight different aspects of WWI history, especially Australia’s significant role.

Serre Road Cemetery No.2 is your first site—it’s the largest Commonwealth cemetery in the Somme, and, as one reviewer noted, a poignant place to start. It’s a peaceful but powerful reminder of the scale of loss. You’ll spend about 20 minutes here, soaking in the atmosphere and paying respects.

Next, Memorial Terre-neuvien De Beaumont-hamel offers the chance to walk through trenches untouched since WWI, giving you an authentic sense of the conditions soldiers faced. This site is particularly emotional, with reviews mentioning how “very emotional” and “eye-opening” it was. Walks here are about 30 minutes, with guides providing context about the battles fought.

Thiepval Memorial is another moving stop—over 73,000 British soldiers with no known graves are commemorated here. The scale of the memorial and the stories it holds make it a key highlight for visitors wanting to grasp the human cost of WWI.

The tour continues to the Fields of Australian fallen, giving insight into the high concentration of Australian casualties at Pozieres. The Tank Corps Memorial at Windmill Site is a sacred ground where Australians fought hard, and guides explain the significance of these underground mines and the scars they left on the land.

A personal favorite for many is the 1st Australian Division Memorial, which honors the division that suffered more men at Pozieres than anywhere else. It’s a visceral reminder of Australian resilience. Then, the Lochnagar Crater—a gigantic visible scar on the landscape—stands as one of the most striking remnants of WWI underground mining.

The day wraps up with visits to Australian national memorials and finally the Sir John Monash Centre, where a wealth of information is available about Australian actions during WWI. Many reviews praise the centre as “a must-visit,” offering vivid stories and multimedia exhibits.

Day 2: From Fromelles to Ypres

Day two opens with sites linked to the recent discovery of Australians in a mass grave at Pheasant Wood Military Cemetery—a somber but vital piece of recent history. The Australian Memorial Park and VC Corner Cemetery reinforce the scale of the losses at Fromelles, with 1,299 Australians missing from the disastrous battle.

The Christmas Truce Memorial offers a rare moment of peace and humanity amid war’s chaos—an event that still resonates with visitors. You’ll also walk through the Hill 60 crater, a massive underground explosion site from 1917, famously depicted in the film “Beneath Hill 60.”

The tour continues through Polygon Wood, where the Buttes New British Cemetery and the Australian Division Memorial sit among the trenches and craters. Here, the Passchendaele Museum is highly recommended—many travelers consider it the best WWI museum on the Western Front, although admission isn’t included.

The day ends at Tyne Cot Cemetery, the largest Commonwealth cemetery in the world, and the iconic Menin Gate in Ypres, where the daily Last Post ceremony has been performed since 1928. Travelers rave about this emotional tribute, and it’s the perfect way to conclude your journey.

Why This Tour Offers True Value

While the price of $705 may seem significant, it covers entry fees, transportation, and the expertise of guides who bring the sites to life. Many reviewers emphasize how their guides, especially Phil, made the experience memorable, knowledgeable, and emotionally resonant. The small group size ensures a more personal connection and the chance to ask questions and go off the beaten path.

The tour’s focus on Australian battle sites and memorials fills a unique niche, especially for those interested in how Australia shaped its national identity through WWI. The inclusion of authentic trenches and scarred landscapes allows you to connect physically with history, rather than just reading about it.

The comfort of air-conditioned transport and well-planned itinerary mean you’re not exhausted before the end of each day. It’s a well-paced experience that balances emotional impact with practical logistics.

The Value in Context

For travelers wanting a deep, meaningful look at WWI from an Australian perspective, this tour offers an immersive, well-organized experience. The expert guides make history accessible and engaging, with many reviews highlighting how their knowledge and storytelling made a difference.

If you’re looking for an educational journey that respects the gravity of the history while providing comfort and small-group intimacy, this tour is an excellent choice.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for history buffs, families with older children, or small groups of friends who want to learn about WWI in a personal and respectful way. If you appreciate authentic battlefield sights and want to pay special tribute to Australian soldiers, you’ll find moments here that will resonate deeply.

It’s best suited for those who are comfortable with a full two-day tour involving walking, standing at memorials, and absorbing detailed stories about the battles. Travelers seeking a comprehensive, guided approach will appreciate the expert commentary and the chance to visit both famous and less-known sites.

FAQ

How long is the tour each day?
Each day involves a full itinerary starting at 9:00 am, with various stops lasting between 10 and 40 minutes, plus some longer visits like the Sir John Monash Centre and Passchendaele Museum. Overall, expect to be on the move most of the day.

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour includes air-conditioned vehicle transport throughout both days, making it easy to relax between sites and focus on the history.

What’s the group size?
This is a small group tour, limited to seven participants, which enhances the experience with more personalized attention from guides.

Are entrance fees included?
Entry to most sites and memorials is included, but not all—such as the Franco-Australian Museum and Passchendaele Museum. You might want to budget a bit extra for these.

Can I trace my own relatives’ actions?
Yes, the tour is flexible enough that you can focus on specific battle sites or personal family histories if relevant.

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, but given the walking and standing involved, it’s best suited for older children and adults interested in history.

What’s the best time to book?
Most travelers book about 114 days in advance. Planning ahead ensures you get a spot, especially during peak seasons.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour, making it flexible if plans change.

Final Thoughts

This 2-day Australian WWI tour from Arras offers a deeply moving and educational experience for those interested in the Western Front’s history. The carefully curated itinerary, combined with the insights of knowledgeable guides, makes for a meaningful journey into the past. The focus on authentic battlefield sites and memorials provides a tangible connection to the sacrifices made by Australian soldiers, making this tour stand out from more generic battlefield visits.

While it requires a significant time and financial commitment, many travelers find that the emotional and historical depth they gain makes it well worth the price. The small-group setting and expert storytelling ensure that each visitor leaves with a personal understanding of this crucial chapter in world history.

This tour is best suited for those who crave a respectful, detailed, and personal exploration of WWI, particularly from an Australian perspective. If you’re looking to truly understand the significance of the battles and sacrifices, this experience will surely leave a lasting impression.