Contrasts of Australia

4.8Based on

Carbon neutral

9 daysDuration

Group TourJoin a group of travelers

48 peopleMaximum group size

5 - 99 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Easy

Light physical activity suitable for most people with average fitness levels.

Starts

Melbourne, Australia

Ends

Sydney and NSW, Australia

Highlights

Bondi Beach: Rub shoulders with the bronzed, beautiful people of Bondi Beach, as you join a surf lifesaver who will take you through the Members Only facility of Australia's oldest surf lifesaving club, followed by lunch with views over the sparkling Pacific Ocean.

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER The Koorie Heritage Trust Gallery

Melbourne: Make a positive impact while you learn about Koorie peoples, cultures, and communities at the Koorie Heritage Trust Gallery in Melbourne

Explore The Sydney Opera House, and Hartley's Crocodile Adventures

Discover Melbourne, Cairns, and Sydney

Visit Eclectic laneways in Melbourne, and Bondi Surf Life Saving Club in Sydney

View Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House from the water

Scenic Cruise On the Great Barrier Reef, and Sydney Harbour

Visit Eclectic laneways in Melbourne, and Bondi Surf Life Saving Club in Sydney

View Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House from the water

Scenic Cruise On the Great Barrier Reef, and Sydney Harbour

Itinerary

Journey along Australia’s east coast with the "Contrasts of Australia" city sightseeing tour—a 9-day adventure for experienced travelers seeking a harmonious mix of urban excitement and natural splendor. From the cosmopolitan streets of Melbourne to sun-soaked Sydney and the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef, this trip is a tapestry of dazzling cities, iconic beaches, and breathtaking coastal scenery. What makes this tour truly special is its seamless blend of cultural highlights and natural marvels, all enjoyed with the comfort of expert guidance and inclusive amenities.

day 1 - Melbourne, Capital of Victoria

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 dinner at a popular restaurant on the Yarra River's South Wharf. It's a delicious introduction to Melbourne's cosmopolitan vibe.

Meals:Dinner

Location Visited:Melbourne

Accommodation:Crowne Plaza

day 2 - Uncover Melbourne's Laneways

Get out and see the sights today on a guided walk with your Travel Director discovering the little lanes, arcades, and cafe society of stylish Melbourne. Gaze up at the beautiful Victorian faades lining grand boulevards. Now make a positive impact while you learn about Koorie peoples, cultures, and communities on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience tour and walk. You'll love discovering the importance of Koorie peoples as part of a broader 21st century community. Afterwards, the day is yours to relax back at your hotel, go for a scenic stroll or do a little souvenir shopping. 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.

Meals:Breakfast

Location Visited:Melbourne

Accommodation:Crowne Plaza

day 3 - Tropical City of Cairns

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. There will be time afterwards to help regenerate the rainforest particular to the Wangetti Valley in which Hartley's is located. 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.

Meals:Breakfast

Location Visited:Melbourne, Cairns

Accommodation:Hilton

day 4 - Great Barrier Reef, a Natural Wonder

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.

Meals:Breakfast, Lunch

Location Visited:Cairns, Great Barrier Reef, Cairns

Accommodation:Hilton

day 5 - Cairns, All Yours to Enjoy

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 dinner at Ochre Restaurant and enjoy Australian cuisine featuring the best local produce.

Meals:Breakfast, Dinner

Location Visited:Cairns

Accommodation:Hilton

day 6 - Breathtaking Sydney

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.

Meals:Breakfast

Location Visited:Cairns, Sydney

Accommodation:Sofitel Wentworth Hotel Sydney

day 7 - Savour the Sights of Sydney

Take a guided tour of the Sydney Opera House and uncover the stories behind its iconic sails and world-renowned performers. Then head to Bondi for a behind-the-scenes visit to the Bondi Surf Life Saving Club, where a local guide shares what it takes to patrol one of the world's most famous beaches. Your Be My Guest experience is hosted at the Bondi RSL Club by a Surf Club member, with views of the beach and a chance to share stories over a meal infused with local flavour. Later, cruise Sydney Harbour to take in the Opera House and Harbour Bridge from the water, a fresh perspective on the city's most iconic landmarks.

Meals:Breakfast, Lunch

Location Visited:Sydney

Accommodation:Sofitel Sydney Wentworth

day 8 - Sydney Through Your Eyes

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 dinner with your newfound friends and travel mates.

Meals:Breakfast, Dinner

Location Visited:Sydney

Accommodation:Sofitel Sydney Wentworth

day 9 - Farewell Sydney

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).

Meals:Breakfast

Location Visited:Sydney

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What's Included

Accommodation

Cherrypicked hotels, all tried and trustedPorterage where hotels provide this service

Meals

Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals

Transport

All land transport shown. All transfers shownLuxury airconditioned coach with WiFi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)Flight A Trafalgar bonus all IntraAir Flights: Melbourne to Cairns, Cairns to Sydney

Guide

An expert Travel Director and professional Driver

Others

Mustsee sightseeingOptional Experiences and free time

What's Excluded

Customer Reviews

Read what other travelers have to say about Contrasts of Australia

4.8

based on 15 reviews

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What are customers saying about Bookmundi

4.67/5

Excellent based on 812 customer reviews from

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Prompt reply to my questions which was helpful.

1 day ago

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