Contrasts of Australia

Contrasts of Australia

121 Views
9 Days From

$4995

$4432

Contrasts of Australia

9 Days Starting in Melbourne, Australia and ending in Sydney, Australia

Visiting: Melbourne, Cairns, Great Barrier Reef, Sydney

Tour operator:

Trafalgar

Tour code:

ACANA2M24

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

20 - 50

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

5-99

Special diets catered:

Please advise request

Tour operated in:

English
From: $4995 $4432 Operator discount: -$419 Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$144 -11%

NB: Prices correct on 31-Oct-2024 but subject to change.

See local operators tour description
- Sign In

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on the "Contrasts of Australia" tour, a captivating journey through the vibrant cities and natural wonders of Australia. Begin in Melbourne, where you'll explore its eclectic laneways and enjoy a welcome dinner by the Yarra River. Fly to Cairns to experience the tropical beauty of Hartley's Crocodile Adventures and contribute to rainforest restoration. Dive into the Great Barrier Reef's underwater paradise, then unwind in Cairns with optional excursions like the Kuranda Scenic Railway. In Sydney, marvel at the iconic Opera House and Harbour Bridge, and discover the hidden charm of Wendy's Secret Garden. Enjoy a scenic cruise on Sydney Harbour and savor local cuisine at a farewell dinner. With expert guidance, cherry-picked accommodations, and seamless transfers, this tour offers a perfect blend of cultural exploration and natural beauty, ensuring an unforgettable Australian adventure.

Must-see Highlights

  • Explore The Sydney Opera House and Hartley's Crocodile Adventures with a Local Specialist
  • Discover Melbourne, Cairns and Sydney
  • Visit Melbourne's eclectic Laneways, and Wendy's Secret Garden in Lavender Bay
  • View Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House from the water
  • Scenic Cruise on the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland, and Sydney Harbour

Make Travel Matter®

Sydney: You'll learn who was the inspiration behind this secret garden on the Sydney Harbour foreshore.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Melbourne, Capital Of Victoria

Location: Melbourne

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Crowne Plaza

Meals Included: Dinner

Melbourne extends a friendly welcome! (Flights to arrive prior to 12pm). Lucky for you you’re staying in the heart of it all on the banks of the Yarra River. Check into your hotel and meet your Travel Director and fellow travellers over a Welcome Reception at The General Assembly restaurant. At this modern pub on the Yarra River’s South Wharf, you’ll feast on a three-course dinner, washed down with your choice of local wines and beers on tap. It’s a delicious introduction to Melbourne’s cosmopolitan vibe.

Day 2: Uncover Melbourne's Laneways

Location: Melbourne

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Crowne Plaza

Meals Included: Breakfast

Get out and see the sights today on a guided walk with your Travel Director discovering the little lanes, arcades, and café society of stylish Melbourne. Gaze up at the beautiful Victorian façades lining grand boulevards. Stroll past famous, edgy street art that shows a stylish contrast to federation buildings and churches as Melbourne’s coffee aroma wafts overhead. After your orientation, the day is yours to relax back at your hotel, go for a scenic stroll, do a little souvenir shopping, or find a spot on the banks of the Yarra River to grab a drink. Or choose to venture outside of the city on an Optional Experience such as the viewing of the incredible Little Penguins on Phillip Island. On this rare wildlife viewing experience you’ll watch the tiny, adorable penguins make their daily trek from the sea to burrows on the beach.

Day 3: Tropical City Of Cairns

Location: Cairns

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hilton

Meals Included: Breakfast

Go from city to tropics today as you fly north to sunny Cairns. At Hartley's Crocodile Adventures you’ll team up with a Local Specialist for a private, wildlife-rich boat cruise. They will give you the inside scoop on the life and habits of the crocs you’ll see popping up from the murky waters or lazing on the bank. Now that you’ve appreciated the beauty of the area, you can put your passion into practice helping with a Rainforest Restoration project to protect the natural wonder of the nearby Notophyll Vine Forest, an area older than the Amazon. By jumping in and helping the team plant trees, you’re supporting the protection of this rare type of dry rainforest from development and restoring it to an important wildlife corridor of native birds - a mission you’ll feel good contributing to. After a day in the wild, you’ll travel back to Cairns for a free evening to try some of the city’s famous seafood around the Cairns Marina. If you’re looking to browse among a lot of options, visit the Cairns Night Markets and have your pick of over 70 open-air stalls of local specialities. Note: If departing on an early flight from Melbourne, a boxed breakfast will be provided.

Day 4: Great Barrier Reef, A Natural Wonder

Location: Great Barrier Reef

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hilton

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Go from city to sea today on a full day bucket list exploration of the world’s largest coral reef system in the Great Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Set sail on a high-speed catamaran for these tropical waters then explore this underwater wonderland up close donning your mask and fins for a snorkel (equipment provided). You’ll feel like a fish in an aquarium weaving through the rainbow of reefs and fish. Or, choose to stay dry in your semi-submersible, air-conditioned craft with an underwater observatory to have a different view of these tropical species. However you choose to explore, you’ll love learning the insights on the reef the colourful fish and plants that call it home from your local guide. On board you’ll be treated to a buffet lunch and afternoon tea and coffee to soak up the Aussie sun before you cruise back into Cairns.

Day 5: Cairns, All Yours To Enjoy

Location: Cairns

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hilton

Meals Included: Breakfast

Your last day in Cairns is all yours to kick back at the hotel pool, check out more of the city sites, or venture out of town for more adventures. One popular Optional Experience is taking the Kuranda Scenic Railway through a lush forests, past gorges, ravines, and waterfalls to Kuranda’s 'village in the rainforest.' After an epic train ride, you have time to explore this quaint village’s trails, wildlife sanctuaries, shops, and markets all within a World Heritage rainforest, before returning to the lowlands soaring above the canopy on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. After a big day out or in town, meet up with the group for a Regional Dinner at Ochre Restaurant and enjoy Australian cuisine featuring the best local produce.

Day 6: Breathtaking Sydney

Location: Sydney

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Sofitel Wentworth Hotel Sydney

Meals Included: Breakfast

Your Australia sightseeing takes an exciting turn as you leave Cairns’ beaches for Sydney. Settle into your centrally located hotel, before taking to the streets. You could walk to Mrs. Macquarie's Chair for views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, which is close by. Your evening is at leisure, so take the opportunity to explore Circular Quay and the Rocks District. Ask your Travel Director for dining suggestions.

Day 7: Different Views Of Sydney

Location: Sydney

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Sofitel Sydney Wentworth

Meals Included: Breakfast

Kick off your Sydney exploring day with a Sydney Opera House Tour with a Local Specialist before experiencing the beauty of the city aboard a Harbour Cruise sailing past Circular Quay, Shark Island, magnificent homes, beaches and parkland, and the iconic white sails of the Opera House. Discover another side of the city, literally, soaking in the beautiful blooms of Wendy’s Secret Garden at Lavender Bay. At this tucked away retreat overlooking Sydney Harbour, meet a local volunteer and learn the story of how the garden was transformed, beginning in 1992 from unused railway land at the foot of founder Wendy’s house into a beautiful, whimsical secret spot. Take a walk around the grounds among the shrubs, herbs, and towering trees lining meandering paths, eyes peeled for the resident parrots, gulls, kookaburras and wagtails. Take a moment to enjoy the serenity of the garden, knowing that your visit, proudly a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, helps by contributing to the ongoing maintenance by volunteer gardeners of this enchanting garden. The rest of the day is yours to check out the sites of the inner city or relax before another big day.

Day 8: Sydney Through Your Eyes

Location: Sydney

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Sofitel Sydney Wentworth

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Kick off your last day in Sydney by checking out its sights and sounds anyway you want on this free day. You might choose to wander further afield on an optional experience to the Blue Mountains, for fresh mountain air and stunning scenery. Get your adrenaline racing with a thrilling climb up (and over) the Sydney Harbour Bridge. For something more down to earth, you could wander along the harbor foreshore through the Royal Botanic Garden. Then it’s time to celebrate your travels over a Farewell Dinner with your newfound friends and travel mates.

Day 9: Farewell Sydney

Location: Sydney

Meals Included: Breakfast

It’s been a glorious nine days of Australia sightseeing, but all good things must come to an end. Fill up on your last breakfast before bidding farewell to your travel mates and your transfer to the Sydney airport (flights anytime).

What's Included

  • An expert Travel Director and professional Driver

    The tour includes the services of an expert Travel Director and a professional Driver.

  • Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted

    Accommodation is provided in carefully selected and trusted hotels.

  • Porterage where hotels provide this service

    Porterage is included at hotels that offer this service.

  • Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals

    Daily breakfast and up to half of your evening meals are included.

  • Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras

    The tour includes must-see sightseeing experiences and surprise extras.

  • All land transport shown. All transfers shown

    All land transport and transfers as shown in the itinerary are included.

  • Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)

    Travel in a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation such as rail journeys.

  • Optional Experiences and free time

    The tour offers optional experiences and free time for personal exploration.

  • A Trafalgar bonus - all Intra-Air Flights: Melbourne to Cairns, Cairns to Sydney

    All intra-air flights from Melbourne to Cairns and Cairns to Sydney are included as a Trafalgar bonus.

What's Not Included

Dining Summary

  • 1 Welcome Reception (WR)
  • 8 Breakfast (B)
  • 1 Lunch (L)
  • 1 Regional Dinner (RD)
  • 1 Farewell Dinner (FD)

Mode of Transport

Travel in style with luxury air-conditioned coaches, enjoy scenic rail journeys, and benefit from all land transport and transfers shown. Intra-Air Flights from Melbourne to Cairns and Cairns to Sydney are included for a seamless travel experience.

Accommodation

Stay in comfort at cherry-picked hotels like the Crowne Plaza in Melbourne, Hilton in Cairns, and Sofitel Sydney Wentworth, ensuring a trusted and relaxing experience throughout your journey.

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of wildlife experience can I expect at Hartley's Crocodile Adventures?

    At Hartley's Crocodile Adventures, you will join a Local Specialist for a private, wildlife-rich boat cruise where you will learn about the life and habits of crocodiles as you see them in their natural habitat.

  • What activities are available during the visit to the Great Barrier Reef?

    During the visit to the Great Barrier Reef, you can explore the underwater world by snorkeling with provided equipment or stay dry in a semi-submersible, air-conditioned craft with an underwater observatory. A buffet lunch and afternoon tea and coffee are also provided on board.

  • What is the MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience in Sydney?

    The MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience in Sydney involves visiting Wendy's Secret Garden at Lavender Bay, where you will meet a local volunteer and learn about the garden's transformation. Your visit helps contribute to the ongoing maintenance by volunteer gardeners.

  • What optional experiences are available in Cairns?

    In Cairns, you can choose to take the Kuranda Scenic Railway through lush forests to Kuranda's 'village in the rainforest' and return via the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. Another option is to view the Little Penguins on Phillip Island.

  • What is included in the tour's dining summary?

    The dining summary includes 1 Welcome Reception, 8 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 1 Regional Dinner, and 1 Farewell Dinner.

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    The beauty of taking a guided holiday with us is that you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Vaccination against Covid-19 is not mandatory to travel with Trafalgar. However, we strongly recommend that guests are vaccinated before travelling. Please note that airlines and/or other authorities may have different requirements. It is the guest's responsibility to comply with these requirements at all times.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1947

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Trafalgar is a founding partner of the TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation established in 2008. So far, the charity has donated more than US$2 million to help underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism around the world.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

Reviews of this operator

Renato Arrieta  

Best tour I joined so far

14-Jan-2023

My first time with Trafalgar and I see no reason why I should not join them again.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
King Ng, Lafayette, California  

Very well planned trip with timely breaks during the coach ride..

08-Nov-2021

It was a well organized tour group and we hit lots of interesting and beautiful scenes. Like our previous trips with Trafalgar, tourists were treated with well manner and professional tour guide/director, making our trip very enjoyable and delightful!

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Trusted Customer  

Best of Egypt

14-Jan-2023

We really did see the best of Egypt and beyond. Our tour guide, Mohammad, guided us through the rich history and the urban and rural life of such a unique and delightful country. We felt very safe and pampered.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Marshal Daguio  

Wonderful Best Of Turkey

06-Nov-2021

It was my first time with Trafalgar Tour and I had a wonderful trip from day 1 till the last day. The Tour Director, Yocel Atik is very knowledgeable and Excellent. The health director and coach driver are helpful and supportive as well. The hotels selected were comfortable especially Rixos Hotel and Movenpick Hotel. The Best of Turkey is better than I expected.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Barbara, Canada  

Irish Experience

09-Nov-2021

I am single and travel alone. I always feel secure and well-looked after when I travel with Trafalgar

Feefo Trusted Reviews

Save on this tour

Request your exclusive discount code now and unlock savings for your next adventure!

Send me one now.

1 Select your preferred date

Thursday - Friday

Mar 06, 2025 - Mar 14, 2025
$5205 $5041

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$164

Thursday - Friday

Mar 20, 2025 - Mar 28, 2025
$4995 $4432

Operator discount: -$419

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$144

Thursday - Friday

Apr 10, 2025 - Apr 18, 2025
$5378 $4811

Operator discount: -$411

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$156

Thursday - Friday

Jun 26, 2025 - Jul 04, 2025
$5150 $4612

Operator discount: -$388

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$150

Thursday - Friday

Sep 25, 2025 - Oct 03, 2025
$5150 $4612

Operator discount: -$388

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$150

Thursday - Friday

Nov 27, 2025 - Dec 05, 2025
$4941 $4785

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$156

Thursday - Friday

Dec 04, 2025 - Dec 12, 2025
$4941 $4785

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$156

Thursday - Friday

Jan 08, 2026 - Jan 16, 2026
$4941 $4785

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$156

Thursday - Friday

Jan 15, 2026 - Jan 23, 2026
$4941 $4785

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$156

Thursday - Friday

Jan 29, 2026 - Feb 06, 2026
$4941 $4785

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$156

Thursday - Friday

Feb 12, 2026 - Feb 20, 2026
$4941 $4785

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$156

Thursday - Friday

Mar 05, 2026 - Mar 13, 2026
$4941 $4785

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$156

Thursday - Friday

Mar 19, 2026 - Mar 27, 2026
$4941 $4785

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$156

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Trafalgar requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of trafalgar charges.

    Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.

    At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

Why book with tourhub?

Safe & Secure

Your money is held in a dedicated client account until you travel.

Visa logo Mastercard logo
apple pay icon google pay icon

100% Guaranteed Refunds if your trip is cancelled.


The safest way to make overseas, multi-currency payments.

Guaranteed Best Value

Industry leading discounts, we won't be beaten on price.


No cancellation or amendment fees from tourhub.

(Operator terms may apply)

Expert Knowledge

Reliable & unbiased advice from travel experts.


Direct contact with the tour operator via our messaging service.


Inspiration & advice from a community of 6000+ real travellers, influencers & content creators.

Trusted Service

Official partners & licensed agents of 1000+ tour operators worldwide.


Don't just take our word for it...

"Tourhub: Friendliness, Professionalism & Integrity I would happily give tourhub a 6* review if I could..."

Similar Tours

Travel Guru Features

Our Reviews