Contrasts of Australia
Tour Type: Country Explorer
Brochure Type The Australia and New Zealand Book 2026 V1
Ticking off favourites along the East Coast, this Australia sightseeing tour explores dazzling cities, sundrenched shores, and stunning scenery. Cruise to the Great Barrier Reef, on Sydney Harbour, and experience the similarities and differences between Sydney and Melbourne.
Dining Summary
Brochure Type The Australia and New Zealand Book 2026 V1
Ticking off favourites along the East Coast, this Australia sightseeing tour explores dazzling cities, sundrenched shores, and stunning scenery. Cruise to the Great Barrier Reef, on Sydney Harbour, and experience the similarities and differences between Sydney and Melbourne.
Dining Summary
- 1 Regional Dinner (RD)
- 1 Dinner (D)
- 1 Lunch (L)
- 8 Breakfast (B)
- 1 Farewell Dinner (FD)
- Melbourne Make a positive impact while you learn about Koorie peoples, cultures, and communities at the Koorie Heritage Trust Gallery in Melbourne.
- 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
- Explore The Sydney Opera House and Hartley's Crocodile Adventures with a Local Specialist
- Discover Melbourne, Cairns and Sydney
Call 856-983-8110 for more information or to book today! Mention code 19020577
- Tour Operator
- Trafalgar Tours
- Duration
- 9 Days
- Escorted
- Escorted - Yes
| Day | Destination | Description |
| Day 1 | Melbourne | 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 a Welcome Reception 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. Accommodations: Crowne Plaza |
| Day 2 | Melbourne | 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 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. Accommodations: Crowne Plaza |
| Day 3 | Cairns | 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 specialties. Note: If departing on an early flight from Melbourne, a boxed breakfast will be provided. Accommodations: Hilton |
| Day 4 | Cairns | 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. Accommodations: Hilton |
| Day 5 | Cairns | 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 a Regional Dinner at Ochre Restaurant and enjoy Australian cuisine featuring the best local produce. Accommodations: Hilton |
| Day 6 | Sydney | 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. Accommodations: Sofitel Wentworth Hotel Sydney |
| Day 8 | Sydney | 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 a Farewell Dinner with your newfound friends and travel mates. Accommodations: Sofitel Sydney Wentworth |
| Day 9 | Sydney | 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). Accommodations: |
- Dates/Pricing
- Disclaimer
- Twin prices are per person.
- These prices are correct at the time of the website going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking.
- All tour information is correct at time of tours going live, however is subject to change, please confirm all details at time of booking.
- For full terms and conditions, please refer to our Conditions page.
- Hotel Class Key: D: Deluxe SF: Superior First Class F: First Class
