9 Day Fully escorted Battlefield Tour Incorporating Dawn Service at Australian National Memorial, Villers Bretonneux
19 – 27 APRIL 2026

Twin Share – $5,999 per person
Single Room Supplement – $1,340

Escorted by Australian military history expert and battlefield guide, Paul Moggach

Our tours, now in their 29^th year, provide you with a complete understanding of Australia’s involvement in World War One.

The itinerary is designed by the most experienced and respected historians, and curators in Australia and tells what was planned to happen, what did happen and why it happened.

There is plenty of time to explore the sites; to stand where our men stood, with the views that they had so long ago, making this both a commemorative and educational journey into our past and, for some, a personal pilgrimage.

• Our Australian military history expert and battlefield guide will escort you each day while on tour
• Attend the official Dawn Service at Australian National Memorial, Villers Bretonneux
• Attend the Anzac Day service at Digger Memorial, Bullecourt
• Visit the Sir John Monash Centre and the Australian National Memorial Villers Bretonneux
• Explore the 1916 Fromelles battlefields
• Attend the moving Last Post service at the Menin Gate
• Visit Tyne Cot Cemetery, Polygon Wood, Hill 60 and other important sites relevant to the terrible Third Battle of Ypres
• Discuss the final months of the war in 1918 and visit the Australian Corp Memorial, Hamel
• Conveniently begin and finish the tour in Paris, staying in deluxe centrally located accommodation
• Should your tour be of a personal pilgrimage, we invite you to advise us of any particular interest, such as relatives who took part in the campaign, for research to ensure, where possible, that you visit the relevant site for further discussions.

Offering personalised service to every tour member, we are the most experienced battlefield tour specialists in Australia having operated tours to Gallipoli and the Western Front for nearly 30 years.

We invite you to contact our expert battlefield tour agents, Michelle and Alyssa on 1800 035 350 to discuss our itinerary and inclusions further.

Visit the World War One Somme and Flanders battlefields OF France and Belgium where the AIF suffered thousands of casualties during 1916-1918.

Highlights include:

• Attend the official Anzac Day Dawn Service at the Australian National Memorial, Villers Bretonneux
• March with the local villagers of Bullecourt and attend the Anzac Day service at the Digger Memorial
• Participate in the Last Post Ceremony at Menin Gate – a never to be forgotten experience
• Visit the main Somme battlefields where the AIF suffered thousands of casualties in several short weeks
• Visit the Sir John Monash Centre and the Australian National Memorial Villers Bretonneux
• Visit the Fromelles battlefields, the site of the disastrous action 19/20 July 1916
• Retrace the steps of the terrible Third Battle of Ypres and the former battlefields of Hill 60, Menin Road, Polygon Wood and many other sites of key interest.

Your Battlefield Tour Includes:

• Fully escorted by an expert Australian historian and battlefield guide.
• All battlefield sites, scenic drives and museums as described in the itinerary.
• 2 nights deluxe accommodation in central Paris
• 6 nights centrally located four star accommodation in Ypres and Amiens
• Ground transport in luxury air-conditioned coaches
• All meals as listed on the itinerary
• Services of a local Tour Director throughout the tour.
• All entrance fees as per the itinerary.
• Boronia Travel Centre tour cap, ticket wallet and luggage tags
• Tour reference book with plenty of maps and relevant information

Extras:

• Single Supplements are available
• Boronia Travel Centre uses Singapore Airlines for all their tours, and has access to the most competitive discounted Economy, Premium Economy, Business and First Class airfares available from Australia.
• International Travel Insurance, is strongly recommended and never more so than now
• Spend more time in Paris with one of our accommodation packages available at discounted rates. AWM tour member discounts available.

Meals Included: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

Day 1 – Sunday 19 April – ARRIVE PARIS
Following a mid-afternoon check-in to our hotel, you are invited to join our Tour Director, our Battlefield guide and fellow tour members for a welcome drink in the hotel. Afterwards you are free to explore the city or turn in for an early night.
Overnight: Le Meridien Hotel Paris Arc de Triomphe, France

Day 2 – Monday 20 April – TO IEPER, BELGIUM
This morning, we travel north to Fromelles where the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) conducted its first major action on the Western Front that inflicted a terrible toll on the Australian 5^th Division in the disastrous action on night of 19/20 July 1916. We will visit the “Cobbers” Memorial and VC Corner Cemetery, and then explore the Battle of Fromelles Museum before visiting Pheasant Wood Cemetery specifically dedicated to those disinterred from the nearby mass grave site discovered 17 years ago.

We then cross the border into Belgium travelling to Ieper, a fascinating and ancient town, known to have been raided by the Romans in the first century BC and renowned for its linen trade with England. The medieval Cloth Hall has been reconstructed to its original and imposing magnificence following its near total destruction during the First World War. This evening, we attend the Last Post ceremony at the nearby Menin Gate Memorial during which we will participate in the wreath laying ceremony. Every evening since 1928, traffic around the imposing arches of the Menin Gate Memorial is stopped while the Last Post is sounded beneath the gate by the local firemen. This tribute is given in honour of the memory of British Empire soldiers who fought and died there and particularly those who have no known grave. The remainder of the evening is free for you to wander the local restaurants and pubs.   B L
Overnight: Novotel Centrum, IEPER, Belgium

Day 3 – Tuesday 21 April – IEPER Battlefields
Today we concentrate on the Australian experiences in the terrible Third Battle of Ypres (or simply “Passchendaele”); here the AIF suffered more than 38,000 casualties over several weeks during late 1917.  For the AIF this was the costliest year of the war.

Firstly, we explore the former battlefields at Hill 60 to see the Australian Tunnelling Corps Memorial, then to Polygon Wood where the 5^th Division Memorial stands followed by lunch at Cafe de Dreve, whose owner Johan Vandewalle conceived the ‘Brothers in Arms’ memorial project and is a local expert on the First World War particularly in relation to the ‘Underground War’.

Afterwards we travel to the village of Passchendaele to visit The Passchendaele Museum with its reconstructed trenches and dugouts and interesting collections from the battles of 1917. We then visit the Tyne Cot Cemetery and Memorial to the Missing, the largest Commonwealth War Cemetery, it contains over 11,000 graves including two Australian VC recipients. Finally, we visit Langemark German Cemetery before returning to Ieper. Dinner will be own arrangements.  B L
Overnight: Novotel Centrum, IEPER, Belgium

Day 4 – Wednesday 22 April – AMIENS
Following breakfast and check out of our hotel, we depart Ieper and travel south to Beaurains near Arras and explore the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Visitor Centre learning about the scale of the Commission’s work in commemorating the fallen around the globe.

Afterwards we travel to the Underground City of Naours, an interesting network of caves marked with thousands of graffiti drawings made by soldiers during the Great War. Lunch can be had at the on-site café before moving onto the   nearby village of Vignacourt and tour the 14-15 Photographic Interpretive Centre where local farmers, Louis and Antoinette Thuillier, photographed thousands of servicemen during the war. Their glass plate negatives were stored in the attic of the farmhouse and remained lost for more than a century before being discovered and preserved. More than 800 of these glass-plate negatives feature Australian soldiers.

We will end the day by travelling to your new home for the next four nights in Amiens. We will enjoy an evening meal together at a local restaurant located on the picturesque canal waterfront.  B D
Overnight: Mercure Cathedral, AMIENS, France    

Day 5 – Thursday 23 April – AMIENS
Today we will explore a number of sites where Australians served around the Somme River between 1916 and 1918. We begin at the Australian National Memorial to explore the cemetery and perhaps climb to the top of the memorial for an overview of the Somme battlefields below. We’ll also visit the Sir John Monash Centre, located underneath the memorial – a modern interpretive centre depicting Australia’s involvement throughout the Western Front campaigns. We then make our way to Villers Bretonneux, recaptured by Australian soldiers after a short German occupation in April 1918. The town displays many signs of the local people’s appreciation of the Australian efforts there. We’ll visit the Franco-Australien Museum situated in the Ecole Victoria (the Victorian School), rebuilt in the 1920s with funds donated by the Australian public.

This afternoon, learn of the major Australian actions of 1918 on the Somme. Begin at the village of Hamel, where the Australian Corps under the command of Lieutenant General Sir John Monash conducted a brilliant attack that had wider implications for the conduct of future operations on the Western Front. Discuss the action overlooking the battlefield from the impressive Australian Corps Memorial commemorating over 100,000 Australians who served with the Corps in France during the First World War. The evening will be free to explore the many cafes and restaurants in the charming town of Amiens. B L
Overnight: Mercure Cathedral, AMIENS, France    

Day 6 – Friday 24 April – AMIENS
Today we focus on areas where Australians served with distinction during the terrible battles around the Somme River in 1916, beginning with the battles around the village of Pozières. Over a period of six weeks, the Australian 1^st, 2^nd and 4^th Divisions suffered more than 23,000 casualties in battles fought in and around the village of Pozières, and at nearby Mouquet Farm. We will visit Lochnagar Crater—created by one of the many mines detonated on 01 July 1916 to mark the beginning of the Battle of Somme—and the Windmill site at Pozières, with its chilling pronouncement, Australian troops… fell more thickly on this ridge than on any other battlefield of the war and Mouquet Farm. We’ll then visit Thiepval where the great British memorial to the ‘missing’ stands.

Following lunch at a nearby café, we will then visit the Newfoundland Park Visitors Centre at Beaumont Hamel. This extraordinary site is run by the Government of Canada and preserves much of the original battlefield from 1916. We will then briefly visit the Australian 3^rd Division memorial and the Crash Site of the Red Baron before returning to Amiens for the evening. Dinner will be by own arrangements in Amiens. B L
Overnight: Mercure Cathedral, AMIENS, France    

Day 7 – Saturday 25 April – ANZAC DAY
We will make an early departure from the hotel to attend the official Anzac Day Dawn Service at the Australian National Memorial near Villers Bretonneux. As the sun rises over the Memorial and the Last Post and Reveille sound out over the surrounding fields, we will reflect on the momentous events that took place at Gallipoli 111 years ago and the subsequent service by Australians in Europe and the Middle East. After the service we will return to Amiens for a late Breakfast and rest.

To conclude our commemorations on this special day, we will travel to Bullecourt to participate in the Town Wreath Laying Service before joining local veterans and their families in a march through the village to the Australian Service at the ‘Digger’ Memorial – an everlasting experience you will cherish with great fondness! We will then return to Amiens where you will be free to explore on our last night in Amiens. B
Overnight: Mercure Cathedral, AMIENS, France    

Day 8 – Sunday 26 April – AMIENS TO PARIS
After checking out of our hotel, we follow the Australian actions in the Advance to Victory, during the last one hundred days of the war. Travel to Mont St Quentin, the capture of which was considered by some British commanders to be the finest feat of arms by the Australians in the entire war. Discuss the action there, before viewing the distinctive 2nd Australian Division Memorial.

Then to the medieval town of Peronne and explore the Historiale de la Grande Guerre (Museum of the Great War) located in the castle on Etang du Cam lake, a modern museum portraying conditions on the Western Front during the war. Following time for lunch at a local boulangerie, we will board our coach and depart for Paris.

After checking into our hotel, the remainder of the afternoon is free for personal sightseeing. This evening, join our farewell dinner for a cruise along the Seine, seeing the beautiful sights of Paris and Notre Dame Cathedral by night. B D
Overnight: Le Meridien Hotel Paris Arc de Triomphe, France         

Day 9 – Monday 27 April
The tour comes to an end following breakfast and check out. B

Please Note: Itinerary subject to change according to prevailing circumstances.

Le Meridien Etoile, Paris

Le Meridien Etoile is just across the street from Le Palais des Congrès de Paris convention centre and mall. This sleek hotel is 1.3 km from the Arc de Triomphe. In this stylish property with modern decor, all air-conditioned rooms have private bathrooms, Wi-Fi access and flat-screen TVs.

The rooms are soundproof and room service is available for all meals. The Jazz Club Etoile is on the ground floor of the Méridien Etoile. It is a well-known Paris jazz club and hosts some of the world’s best musicians. The club overlooks the interior courtyard. It also has a terrace in the interior garden, where you can enjoy snacks and cocktails.

Mercure Cathedral, Amiens    

Located in the heart of Amiens, just 50m from the cathedral, which is a Unesco World Heritage Site, the Mercure Amiens hotel is the perfect destination for leisure. The historic Saint Leu district, the floating gardens and Jules Verne’s house are all just a stone’s throw from the hotel. Airy, modern rooms include free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, as well as work desks. Upgraded rooms and suites have Nespresso coffeemakers, iPhone/iPad docks and/or pull-out sofas, while some suites add private terraces and cathedral views. Amenities include a contemporary French restaurant and an all-day cocktail bar.

Our tour members depend on us to provide a once in a lifetime battlefield experience combined with exceptional customer service. We do our best to meet and exceed their high standards, which is what you’d expect from Australia’s leading battlefield tour company. Here’s what our past passengers say about our efforts…

Western Front – Anzac Day Tour 2018
“Firstly we must apologise for the time it has taken us to thank you for such a great adventure. As you knew we came home via Amsterdam and Singapore and we are now only getting our feet back under the desk after catching up on stuff that occurred whilst we were away. Well, what can we say, the experience far exceeded our expectations. We have travelled with Insight before and their level of service, coaches and commitment to service can not be faulted. But this trip had two extra bonus, Nick Fletcher on one bus and Graeme Beveridge, one our bus, and what an absolute gentleman. His knowledge of the Australian/Commonwealth involvement within the Western Front is second to none, his compassion and commitment in ensuring that everyone was able to be involved, yet was sensitive enough to allow people to have their own special time.

From the minute we stepped off the plane in Paris till the time we said our goodbyes at the conclusion, the trip was fantastic, a once in a lifetime experience. Both the two tour directors, John in our bus and Brad in the other ensured that we travelled as a group with a little bit of banter and fun between the two groups which made for a great journey.

Peter seemed to be there but not be there if that makes any sense. He made sure if we needed any assistance in any way, he was the go to man, he was a joy to travel with. All we can say is that we are very glad we chose Boronia Travel for this trip as the memories will remain with us for as long as we live. You have a very well organised travel adventure and we can not find a single recommendation for improvement. Well done to the whole team.”
Colin Bird & Sue Buckingham

Western Front – Anzac Day Tour 2018
“I’d like to thank the Boronia Travel Centre team for having organised such a wonderful tour. My original intent in committing to go was to “fill in” what I had missed in July 2016 and attend the Villers Bretonneux 100th commemorations. What you provided was all of those and more and for that I am very grateful. The planning and execution was spot on for which you, Brad and Nick are to be congratulated. Nick Fletcher’s input was just outstanding. His knowledge and preparedness to provide responses to all of the questions thrown at him made for fantastic background information for all those on the bus.”
Andrew Brownlie

“Just a quick note to say how much I enjoyed the Western Front Tour with Aaron Pegram and John. The itinerary was well planned, Frank the bus driver was exceptional and the accommodation fine.

As the Tour Director, John did a terrific job managing us all in a very friendly manner and his insights and commentary on the local areas was very good.

A special mention for Aaron. His historical knowledge made it all came alive for me and it was terrific how he was able to meet everyone’s needs and requests on the tour. Nothing was ever too much trouble and he got the balance just right between enough information and information overload. A great experience I will never forget.”
Mark Luby

“Howard and I have been very remiss in not contacting you to tell you how much we enjoyed our trip to the Western Front with Boronia Travel this year. It was all we were hoping for, and more. The “more” was because of the people. Graeme and John, the tour historian and tour leader, were so generous with their time and knowledge and were the ultimate professionals, making our travel experience one of ease and extraordinary interest. Jean-Michel, our bus driver, was a legend and our fellow tour companions completed the experience. Thank you.”
Rae King and Howard Gibbon

“I write to commend and thank you for the marvellous Guide we had in Aaron Pegram on the recent Western Front tour in April. Aaron was not only extremely knowledgeable about all aspects of the War but he ensured that everyone who had a personal interest in a battlefield, cemetery or memorial had the opportunity to visit the site and was given time for quiet reflection.

Although the Tour participants had a collective interest in the Western Front, we were a diverse group of people and Aaron managed us all with great sensitivity and aplomb. Once again, thank you for such a great Tour”.
Lesley Kerr

Our customers depend on us to provide a once in a lifetime battlefield experience combined with exceptional customer service. Visit our page full of client testimonials.