5 (3)
Arras
Arras: Australian Western Front Day Tour
720
Overview
Australian - Fromelles-Ypres Day Tour - from Arras lets one walk in the footsteps of Australian soldiers on the Western Front. This tour is perfect for individuals, couples, and small groups wanting to explore historical sites and honor relatives who fought in the war.
On this tour, travelers can expect to visit significant landmarks such as the Pheasant Wood Military Cemetery, where many Australian soldiers are buried, and the Cobbers Statue, a memorial dedicated to the friendships formed during the war. The tour also includes stops at the Christmas Truce Site in Ploegsteert, Messines, Hill 60 Crater, the Island of Ireland Peace Park, and the Zonnebeke (Tyne Cot) Cemetery and Memorial. Visitors will also have the opportunity to visit the In Flanders Fields Museum, Tyne Cot Cemetery, Menin Gate Memorial, and attend the Menin Gate Last Post Ceremony in Ypres (Ieper).
This full-day bus tour includes entry fees and an English-speaking guide. The tour provides an air-conditioned vehicle for comfortable transportation between sites. Meals are not included, allowing participants to explore local dining options. 
Highlights
Walk in the Footsteps of History: Explore key Western Front sites with an expert Australian guide.
Pay Respects at War Memorials: Visit poignant memorials like Tyne Cot Cemetery and Menin Gate.
Small Group Experience: Enjoy a more personal and intimate tour setting.
Comfortable Transportation: Travel in style in an air-conditioned vehicle.
Sentiment Analysis
Customers generally find this tour to be a deeply moving and informative experience, providing valuable insights into Australian military history on the Western Front. The guides are highly praised for their expertise and sensitivity.
Customers appreciate the knowledgeable and passionate guides who bring the history to life.
Many reviewers highlight the emotional impact of visiting the cemeteries and memorials.
The small group size allows for a more personalized and intimate experience.
The tour provides a comprehensive overview of the Australian involvement on the Western Front.
Some reviewers mention that the tour can be emotionally draining due to the nature of the sites visited.
A few customers felt that more time at certain sites would have been beneficial.
The Journey
Pheasant Wood Military Cemetery
Discover Pheasant Wood Military Cemetery, a uniquely significant site as the only Commonwealth cemetery established since the 1960s. It serves as the final resting place for soldiers recovered from a mass grave discovered near the wood, offering a stark reminder of the brutal realities of war and the ongoing efforts to honor the fallen.
Cobbers Statue
Visit the iconic 'Cobbers' Statue,' a powerful depiction of mateship and compassion on the Western Front. The original statue is in the Australian Corps Memorial Park near Fromelles. Its replica stands in Melbourne, symbolizing the enduring bond between soldiers and their unwavering support for one another. A visit here offers a moment of reflection on the human side of conflict.
Fromelles (Pheasant Wood) Military Cemetery
Reflect at Fromelles (Pheasant Wood) Military Cemetery, a unique resting place established post-war for soldiers recovered from No Man's Land. Lacking traditional headstones, 410 rose bushes each represent an unknown soldier, creating a serene yet powerful memorial to the countless unidentified heroes of the Great War. Opened in 2010, it is a very new cemetery in the area.
Christmas Truce Site, Ploegsteert
Stand on the hallowed ground of the Official Christmas Truce Site in Ploegsteert, Belgium, where in 1914, a spontaneous ceasefire saw British and German soldiers emerge from their trenches to exchange greetings, gifts, and even play football. This poignant site offers a glimpse of humanity amidst the horrors of war, a reminder of the shared connections that transcend conflict.
Messines
Drive through the historic town of Messines, a key strategic location during World War I. Its liberation by Allied forces in 1917 marked a turning point in the conflict. Today, Messines offers a glimpse into the past, with preserved landmarks and memorials that tell the story of its wartime significance.
Hill 60 Crater
Walk through the haunting crater of Hill 60, the relic of one of the 19 mines detonated to begin the Battle of Messines in 1917. Made famous by Will Davies' book and movie 'Beneath Hill 60,' this site offers a visceral understanding of the underground warfare that characterized this sector, and is particularly poignant for Australian visitors.
Island of Ireland Peace Park
Visit the Island of Ireland Peace Park, a moving testament to reconciliation and shared remembrance. This memorial is the creation of Johan Vandervalle, a passionate Belgian whose dedication reflects the local gratitude for the sacrifices made. Commemorating all Irish brothers who fought, regardless of their allegiance, this place offers a unique insight into a complex history.
Zonnebeke (Tyne Cot) Cemetery and Memorial
Experience the solemnity of Zonnebeke, the site of the ANZAC Day Dawn Service in Belgium and home to the Australian 5th Division Memorial. Tyne Cot, the world's largest Commonwealth war cemetery, holds the remains of 11,954 servicemen of the British Empire, along with a memorial listing the names of 34,957 missing servicemen whose bodies were never found. It's a powerful place of remembrance and reflection.
In Flanders Fields Museum
Immerse yourself in history at the In Flanders Fields Museum, often hailed as the best museum on the Western Front. Through immersive exhibits and compelling artifacts, the museum brings the realities of World War I to life, exploring the human stories behind the conflict and its lasting impact on the region and the world.
Tyne Cot Cemetery
Pay your respects at Tyne Cot Cemetery, the world's largest Commonwealth Cemetery, a vast and moving tribute to the fallen soldiers of World War I. Rows upon rows of white headstones stretch across the landscape, a poignant reminder of the scale of the conflict and the immense loss of life. The Tyne Cot Memorial to the Missing forms the cemetery's north-eastern boundary, containing the names of almost 35,000 servicemen of the British Empire who were killed in the Ypres Salient and whose graves are unknown.
Menin Gate Memorial
Stand in awe at the Menin Gate Memorial, where the names of the missing from the Commonwealth are commemorated. This imposing structure bears the names of over 54,000 soldiers whose bodies were never recovered or identified, a testament to the enduring grief and the ongoing search for closure. This is a key site for those interested in the history of the British Empire and the First World War.
Ypres (Ieper)
Visit the historic town of Ypres (Ieper), a city that endured unimaginable destruction during World War I and has been painstakingly rebuilt to its former glory. Explore its charming streets, admire the medieval architecture, and delve into the rich history that permeates every corner of this resilient city.
Menin Gate Last Post Ceremony
Witness the moving Last Post Ceremony at the Menin Gate, a tradition performed every day since 1928 (except during WWII). This solemn tribute honors the soldiers of the British Commonwealth who died in the Ypres Salient, a profoundly emotional experience that connects visitors to the past and reinforces the importance of remembrance.
Know Before You Go
This tour includes entry fees, transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, and the services of an English-speaking guide. Meals are not included, so visitors should plan accordingly. Pick-up and drop-off is in Arras.
Hot Tip
Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of walking. Bring tissues, as the sites can be very emotional. It’s a good idea to bring snacks and drinks.
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