Contrasts of Australia

Contrasts of Australia

Melbourne

Melbourne, Flinders Street

Days 1-2
Cairns Esplanade Lagoon
Cairns

Cairns Esplanade Lagoon

Day 3
Great Barrier Reef

Great Barrier Reef

Day 4
Fitzroy Island
Cairns

Fitzroy Island

Day 5
Sydney

Sydney Harbour Bridge

Days 6-9
Sydney Opera House
Sydney Opera House

Sydney Opera House

Day 7

Map
109 Views
9 Days From

$5378

$4968

Tour Overview

Embark on the "Contrasts of Australia" tour, a captivating journey through the vibrant cities and natural wonders of Australia. Begin in Melbourne, exploring its eclectic laneways and the Koorie Heritage Trust Gallery. Fly to Cairns for a thrilling encounter with wildlife at Hartley's Crocodile Adventures and a breathtaking cruise on the Great Barrier Reef. In Sydney, marvel at the iconic Opera House and Harbour Bridge, and enjoy a unique wine-tasting experience at an urban winery. This tour offers a blend of cultural insights, scenic cruises, and free time to explore at your own pace. With luxury accommodations and expert guidance, this adventure promises unforgettable memories across Australia's diverse landscapes. ...more ...less

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
  • Visit Melbourne's eclectic Laneways and the Koorie Heritage Trust Gallery, and Urban Winery in Sydney
  • 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®

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

Be My Guest

Sydney: Owner & head winemaker Alex Retief hosts a tour through his urban winery. Alex shares his story as to how he ended up operating his winery in this unique urban environment in the middle of Sydney. Learn about the wine making process while enjoying a selection of wines, where he walks you through wines from local wine regions of NSW where he sources his grapes. Enjoy a charcuterie and cheese platter paired with the wines as you explore the various wines on offer.

Places You'll See

Palm Cove

Palm Cove

Manly Beach

Manly Beach

Sydney Opera House

Sydney Opera House

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Melbourne, Capital of Victoria

Melbourne Cricket Ground
Flinders Station, Melbourne
Melbourne, Australia

Location: Melbourne

Accommodation: Crowne Plaza

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 dinner at The General Assembly restaurant, in the modern pub on the Yarra River’s South Wharf. It’s a delicious introduction to Melbourne’s cosmopolitan vibe. ...more ...less

Day 2: Uncover Melbourne's Laneways

Melbourne Cricket Ground
Flinders Station, Melbourne
Melbourne, Australia

Location: Melbourne

Accommodation: Crowne Plaza

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. 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.

Day 3: Tropical City of Cairns

Fitzroy Island
Palm Cove
Cairns
Cairns
Cairns Esplanade Lagoon

Location: Cairns

Accommodation: Hilton

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. 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 specialties. 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: Hilton

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

Fitzroy Island
Cairns
Palm Cove
Cairns
Cairns Esplanade Lagoon

Location: Cairns

Accommodation: Hilton

Accommodation Name: Hilton

Meals Included: Dinner

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.

Day 6: Breathtaking Sydney

Sydney
Sydney
Royal Botanic Garden Sydney
Sydney
Manly Beach
Sydney Opera House

Location: Sydney

Accommodation: Sofitel Wentworth Hotel Sydney

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

Sydney
Manly Beach
Sydney Opera House
Sydney
Sydney Opera House
Royal Botanic Garden Sydney
Sydney

Location: Sydney

Accommodation: Sofitel Sydney Wentworth

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. After free time for lunch, visit Urban Winery Sydney for a tour and tasting of wines from around the state. Unlock the art of winemaking on your Be My Guest tour as the head winemaker shares the art of the wine making process before tasting selection of wines from different wine regions of NSW. The evening is yours to check out the sites of the inner city or relax before another big day.

Day 8: Sydney Through Your Eyes

Sydney Opera House
Royal Botanic Garden Sydney
Sydney
Sydney
Sydney
Manly Beach

Location: Sydney

Accommodation: Sofitel Sydney Wentworth

Accommodation Name: Sofitel Sydney Wentworth

Meals Included: 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 dinner with your newfound friends and travel mates.

Day 9: Farewell Sydney

Royal Botanic Garden Sydney
Sydney
Sydney Opera House
Sydney
Manly Beach
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 cherry-picked hotels that are tried and trusted.

  • Porterage where hotels provide this service

    Porterage is included where hotels provide 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 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.

  • Dining Summary

    The tour includes 1 Dinner, 8 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 1 Regional Dinner, and 1 Farewell Dinner.

What's Not Included

Insurance

Travel insurance is not included in the tour package.

Dining Summary

  • 3 Dinner (D)
  • 8 Breakfast (B)
  • 1 Lunch (L)

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?

    The tour includes all land transport and transfers shown, with a luxury air-conditioned coach equipped with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation such as rail journeys. Additionally, all intra-air flights from Melbourne to Cairns and Cairns to Sydney are included as a Trafalgar bonus. ...more ...less

  • What kind of accommodation can I expect on this tour?

    The tour offers cherry-picked hotels that are tried and trusted. Specific accommodations include the Crowne Plaza in Melbourne, Hilton in Cairns, and Sofitel Sydney Wentworth in Sydney.

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    Yes, the tour includes breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals. Additionally, there is a Welcome Reception dinner, a Regional Dinner at Ochre Restaurant, and a Farewell Dinner.

  • What unique experiences are included in the tour?

    The tour includes a variety of unique experiences such as a guided walk through Melbourne's laneways, a private boat cruise at Hartley's Crocodile Adventures, a scenic cruise on the Great Barrier Reef, and a Sydney Opera House tour. Additionally, there is a 'Be My Guest' experience at Urban Winery Sydney where you can learn about winemaking and enjoy a wine tasting. ...more ...less

  • Is there any free time during the tour for personal exploration?

    Yes, the itinerary includes free time for personal exploration. For example, on Day 2 in Melbourne, you have the afternoon to relax or explore on your own. Similarly, Day 5 in Cairns and Day 8 in Sydney are largely free for you to enjoy as you wish.

  • 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. ...more ...less

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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

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Thursday - Friday

Oct 09, 2025 - Oct 17, 2025
$5378 $4968 (USD)

Operator discount: -$411 (USD)

Prices last published on 16-Mar-2025

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.

Enquire for Extra Savings

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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:

ACANAFM25

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Low

Tour operated in:

English

Interests:

Cultural, Wildlife Tours

From: $5378 $4968 (USD) Operator discount: -$411

NB: Prices correct on 16-Mar-2025 but subject to change.

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