Contrasts of Australia
Tick off your favorite must-sees along Australia’s stunning East Coast on this journey through cities, sun-drenched beaches, and natural wonders. Discover the similarities and contrasts between cosmopolitan Sydney and artsy Melbourne.
- 25 Jun 2026 – 03 Jul 2026
from $6,500.01 pp twin share * - 27 Aug 2026 – 04 Sep 2026
from $6,768.01 pp twin share * - 24 Sep 2026 – 02 Oct 2026
from $6,768.01 pp twin share * - 08 Oct 2026 – 16 Oct 2026
from $6,607.01 pp twin share * - 05 Nov 2026 – 13 Nov 2026
from $7,052.01 pp twin share * - 19 Nov 2026 – 27 Nov 2026
from $6,770.01 pp twin share * - 26 Nov 2026 – 04 Dec 2026
from $6,883.01 pp twin share * - 03 Dec 2026 – 11 Dec 2026
from $6,308.71 pp twin share * - 10 Dec 2026 – 18 Dec 2026
from $6,770.01 pp twin share * - 07 Jan 2027 – 15 Jan 2027
from $6,770.01 pp twin share * - 14 Jan 2027 – 22 Jan 2027
from $6,308.71 pp twin share * - 21 Jan 2027 – 29 Jan 2027
from $6,770.01 pp twin share * - 28 Jan 2027 – 05 Feb 2027
from $6,308.71 pp twin share * - 04 Feb 2027 – 12 Feb 2027
from $6,308.71 pp twin share * - 11 Feb 2027 – 19 Feb 2027
from $6,883.01 pp twin share * - 18 Feb 2027 – 26 Feb 2027
from $6,770.01 pp twin share * - 04 Mar 2027 – 12 Mar 2027
from $6,883.01 pp twin share * - 11 Mar 2027 – 19 Mar 2027
from $6,770.01 pp twin share * - 18 Mar 2027 – 26 Mar 2027
from $6,883.01 pp twin share * - 25 Mar 2027 – 02 Apr 2027
from $6,308.71 pp twin share * - 08 Apr 2027 – 16 Apr 2027
from $6,317.01 pp twin share * - 06 May 2027 – 14 May 2027
from $6,317.01 pp twin share * - 24 Jun 2027 – 02 Jul 2027
from $6,317.01 pp twin share * - 26 Aug 2027 – 03 Sep 2027
from $6,317.01 pp twin share * - 23 Sep 2027 – 01 Oct 2027
from $6,317.01 pp twin share * - 07 Oct 2027 – 15 Oct 2027
from $6,317.01 pp twin share * - 04 Nov 2027 – 12 Nov 2027
from $6,564.51 pp twin share * - 18 Nov 2027 – 26 Nov 2027
from $6,564.51 pp twin share * - 25 Nov 2027 – 03 Dec 2027
from $6,564.51 pp twin share * - 02 Dec 2027 – 10 Dec 2027
from $6,564.51 pp twin share *
* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.
Itinerary
- 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. - 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 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:
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. - 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. - 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. - 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. - 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. - Day 8 – Sydney Through Your Eyes:
Kick off your last day in Sydney by checking out its sights and sounds any way 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:
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).
Highlights
- Tick off must-see sights along the stunning East Coast.
- Discover the similarities and differences between Sydney and Melbourne.
- Immerse yourself in Australia’s vibrant cities, beaches, and natural wonders.
Tick off your favorite must-sees along Australia’s stunning East Coast on this journey through cities, sun-drenched beaches, and natural wonders. Discover the similarities and contrasts between cosmopolitan Sydney and artsy Melbourne.
Inclusions
- An expert Travel Director and professional Driver.
- Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted.
- Porterage where hotels provide this service.
- Must-see sightseeing.
- All land transport shown.
- All transfers shown.
FAQs
- Crowne Plaza
- Hilton
- Sofitel Sydney Wentworth
- Sofitel Wentworth Hotel Sydney
How long is this journey?
This itinerary runs for 9 days and 8 nights.
When can I travel?
Departures are currently scheduled between 25 Jun 2026 and 31 Mar 2028, subject to live availability.
Are there different departure options?
Yes, multiple departures may be available depending on your preferred travel period.
Are discounts available?
Seasonal or loyalty discounts may be available on selected departures at the time of enquiry.
What is generally included?
Inclusions typically cover guided touring and selected experiences, with exact details listed in the itinerary.
Provided by: Trafalgar ToursFine Print
Terms and conditions apply. Click here for more details.