Contrasts of Australia

Contrasts of Australia

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9 Days From

$4995

$4576

Contrasts of Australia

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

Visiting: Melbourne, Cairns, Great Barrier Reef, Sydney

Tour operator:

AAT Kings

Tour code:

ACANA24

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Low level of fitness required

Age range:

16-

Tour operated in:

English
From: $4995 $4576 Operator discount: -$419

NB: Prices correct on 08-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

There’s no denying Australia’s diversity. This Melbourne to Sydney tour invites you to glimpse a full range of natural attractions, whether two World Heritage Sites in Cairns (the Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics of Queensland) or the eye-popping, art-clad laneways of Melbourne and architectural marvel of Sydney Opera House. Wherever you venture, expect to discover First Nations culture.

Make Travel Matter

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

Itinerary

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Day 1: Welcome To Melbourne

Location: Melbourne

Accommodation Name: Crowne Plaza Hotel Melbourne

Meals Included: Dinner

Settle into your hotel on the banks of the Yarra River and meet your Travel Director for a Welcome Reception and dinner at the South Wharf riverside pub, The General Assembly restaurant. It's a great opportunity to get to know everyone in a unique setting.

Day 2: Melbourne Sightseeing

Location: Melbourne

Accommodation Name: Crowne Plaza Hotel Melbourne

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. There's time afterwards to explore the city on your own, enjoy an optional experience to Phillip Island to see the nightly ritual of the Penguin Parade. Or simply relax and watch the world go by.

Day 3: Melbourne - Cairns

Location: Cairns

Accommodation Name: Hilton Hotel Cairns

Things start to heat up in Cairns, the heart of Tropical North Queensland. Jump aboard a cruise at Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures to discover some of the wildlife that calls this part of the state home, koalas, wallabies and crocs among them. Now that you’ve appreciated the beauty of the area, you can put your passion into practice helping with a Rainforest Restoration project, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, 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. Talk about a feel-good day. *If you are departing on an early flight from Melbourne, a boxed breakfast will be provided.

Day 4: Great Barrier Reef

Location: Great Barrier Reef

Accommodation Name: Hilton Hotel Cairns

Meals Included: 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 Free Time

Location: Cairns

Accommodation Name: Hilton Hotel Cairns

Meals Included: Dinner

Today is a free day to do as you choose. A great option is the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway to Kuranda, travelling over and through World Heritage rainforest, explore quaint Kuranda village and later board the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway for the return journey (own expense). If you’d prefer to spend the day relaxing by your hotel pool or sitting back at a local café you can do that too! 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.

Day 6: Cairns - Sydney

Location: Sydney

Accommodation Name: Sofitel Wentworth Hotel Sydney

Following a leisurely start to the morning it’s time to switch the tropical vibes back to city highlights as you fly to Sydney. Check into your centrally located hotel and spend the rest of the day and evening exploring as you wish. You could visit Mrs. Macquarie's Chair for views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge or the new Sydney Modern Art Gallery, which are both close by. Ask your Travel Director for sightseeing and dinner suggestions.

Day 7: Sydney

Location: Sydney

Accommodation Name: Sofitel Wentworth Hotel Sydney

Discover one of the great highlights of Sydney, the beautiful Sydney Opera House, on a guided tour inside this iconic building 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 Harbour Bridge. If there ever was a place that slipped from the pages of a fairy-tale, Wendy’s Secret Garden at Lavender Bay is it. Overlooking Sydney Harbour, this pocket of floral paradise is explained by a local volunteer – did you know this was once unused wasteland? 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. Your visit provides a contribution to the ongoing maintenance of the enchanting garden.

Day 8: Sydney

Location: Sydney

Accommodation Name: Sofitel Wentworth Hotel Sydney

Meals Included: Dinner

The day is a free day to explore at your leisure or book one of our hand crafted selection of optional activities. There are so many sights and experiences to be had in this city and further afield. You might choose to visit the Three Sisters in the Blue Mountains, for fresh mountain air and stunning scenery. Or get your adrenaline racing with a thrilling climb up (and over) the Sydney Harbour Bridge (both own expense). This evening you can share your stories of your day with your fellow travellers at your Farewell Dinner.

Day 9: Farewell From Sydney

Location: Sydney

Meals Included: Breakfast

All good things must come to an end. Fill up on your last breakfast before bidding farewell to your fellow travel companions.

What's Included

What's Not Included

  • International Flights

    Flights to and from the start/end of your trip are not included in the trip price.

  • Optional Experiences

    Optional experiences and activities are at your own expense.

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.

Accommodation

Your Guided Holiday includes a range of quality accommodation for your comfort. The accommodation you will enjoy on this tour includes: Crowne Plaza Hotel Melbourne, Hilton Hotel Cairns, Sofitel Wentworth Hotel Sydney.

Mode of Transport

Internal-vacation flights included. Day 1 – flights to arrive prior to 12.30pm into Adelaide Airport. Day 15 – flights to depart anytime from Darwin Airport. Internal-holiday flights: Day 3 Melbourne to Cairns. Day 6 Cairns to Sydney. Return airfares from your home port are not included in the price above. Return airport to hotel transfers are included in the holiday price.

Dining Summary

  • 1 Dinner (D)
  • 8 Full Breakfast (B)
  • 1 Lunch (L)
  • 1 Dinner with Wine (DW)
  • 1 Farewell Dinner (FD)

Cultural Immersion

  • Melbourne’s laneways are a work of art, with street murals, hidden bars, boutiques, and cafés. We’ll show you where to look.

Fitness Requirement

  • Low level of fitness required

Flight information

  • Flights to and from the start/end of your trip are not included in the trip price. Day 1 – flights to arrive prior to 12 noon into Melbourne AirportDay 15 – flights to depart anytime from Sydney Airport Return airport to hotel transfers are included in the holiday price. Internal-holiday flights IncludedPlease note that prices include land and internal-holiday airfares, which AAT Kings will book in order to fulfil the holiday itinerary: Day 3 Melbourne to CairnsDay 6 Cairns to Sydney

Local Connection

  • Discover what lies within the Opera House on a tour. Fall in love with Sydney's Wendy's Secret Garden; a volunteer horticulturalist revealing secret nooks in this floral wonderland.

What to Bring

  • Warm layers in cooler months Camera Comfortable walking shoes Sunglasses, sunscreen and hat Water bottle

World Class Nature

  • It doesn’t matter how many times you splash about in the Coral Sea, the Great Barrier Reef never fails to impress. There are too many world records being broken here to mention.

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of activities are included in the tour of the Sydney Opera House?

    The tour includes a guided exploration inside the Sydney Opera House, uncovering its fascinating history and architecture.

  • What can I expect to see during the visit to Wendy's Secret Garden in Sydney?

    During the visit to Wendy's Secret Garden, you will explore a floral paradise with shrubs, herbs, and towering trees. A local volunteer will explain the garden's history, and you might spot resident parrots, gulls, kookaburras, and wagtails.

  • What is the level of physical fitness required for this tour?

    A low level of fitness is required for this tour.

  • Are there any opportunities to learn about indigenous cultures during the tour?

    Yes, you will have the opportunity to learn about Koorie peoples, cultures, and communities at the Koorie Heritage Trust Gallery.

  • What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    The tour includes quality accommodation at the Crowne Plaza Hotel Melbourne, Hilton Hotel Cairns, and Sofitel Wentworth Hotel Sydney.

  • What activities are available during the free day in Cairns?

    During the free day in Cairns, you can choose to take the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway to Kuranda, explore the Kuranda village, or relax by the hotel pool or at a local café. In the evening, there is a dining experience at Ochre Restaurant.

  • What are the transportation arrangements for the tour?

    The tour includes internal-vacation flights from Melbourne to Cairns and Cairns to Sydney. Return airport to hotel transfers are also included.

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

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

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    It is important to adhere to departure times while on tour for the comfort of everyone on-board, and to make sure no one misses out on the planned experiences. The coach will not be able to wait for you, and in some instances, if you miss a departure time you will need to make your own way to the next destination to re-join the tour.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    AAT Kings operated Guided Holidays have competitive single supplement rates available if you prefer to confirm your own room. Or we can match you to share with a guest of the same gender at no extra cost. If we fail to match you, we will accommodate you in a single room at no extra cost.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Over 100 years

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    We will email your documents to you approximately four weeks before your departure date provided you have completed your pre trip registration using the My Travel Portal. If you’ve booked through a travel agent, your documents will be emailed directly to your agent.

Reviews of this operator

Ann Purcell  

Well worth the money

24-Feb-2023

Absolutely wonderful trip. Tastes of southern Australia. Hotels were good quality. Sightseeing was amazing. Manuela our travel director was lovely. A great trip all round

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Lynda Whittingham  

Particularly loved QUEENSTOWN (jet boat) and plane ride over Mt Cook

18-Feb-2023

Great guide “Dexter” who was pleasant and knowledgeable, skilled and pleasant driver, Aaron, interesting activities, and comfortable hotels in good locations. I have been on organized bus trips in different countries and this company stands out. I would travel with them again. Read less

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Trusted Customer  

Milford Sound , West Coast , Queenstown, Christchurch

22-Feb-2023

The most professional tour group i have ever travelled with. Both tour director (Hope) & driver (Dave) had extensive knowledge of NZ. Highly recommended.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Keith Jones  

Christchurch, Milford Sound and the Franz Joseph Railway journey

02-Mar-2023

Very professional service throughout. Friendly experienced tour guide imparting excellent knowledge and local anecdotes. Friendly professional driver enhanced the overall pleasure. Excellent hotels throughout the holiday.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Allison Cooper  

Wonderful experience, highlight had to be Uluru so spiritual and beautiful

22-Feb-2023

Very professional. Excellent travel director very knowledgeable and a lovely guy. Amazing experience seeing do many great places.

Feefo Trusted Reviews

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Thursday - Friday

Mar 20, 2025 - Mar 28, 2025
$4995 $4576

Operator discount: -$419

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Apr 10, 2025 - Apr 18, 2025
$5378 $4762

Operator discount: -$616

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Jun 26, 2025 - Jul 04, 2025
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Operator discount: -$616

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Operator discount: -$647

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Operator discount: -$647

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Operator discount: -$647

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Operator discount: -$647

Thursday - Friday

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$5588 $4941

Operator discount: -$647

Thursday - Friday

Mar 05, 2026 - Mar 13, 2026
$5588 $4941

Operator discount: -$647

Thursday - Friday

Mar 19, 2026 - Mar 27, 2026
$5588 $4941

Operator discount: -$647

Prices last published on 05-Nov-2024

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    AAT Kings requires a minimum deposit of 100 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

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

    Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.

    At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.

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

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