Contrasts of Australia
9 Days Starting in Melbourne, Australia and ending in Sydney, Australia
Visiting: Melbourne, Cairns, Great Barrier Reef, Sydney
Tour operator:
Tour code:
ACANA24
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
16-
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Contrasts of Australia" tour, a captivating journey through the diverse landscapes and vibrant cities of Australia. Begin in Melbourne, exploring its hidden laneways and eclectic street art, before flying to the tropical paradise of Cairns. Experience the awe-inspiring Great Barrier Reef and the lush Wet Tropics of Queensland. In Sydney, delve into the iconic Sydney Opera House and discover the enchanting Wendy's Secret Garden. This tour offers a perfect blend of cultural exploration and natural wonders, with premium accommodations and private airport transfers included. Enjoy the freedom of leisure days to explore at your own pace, with optional activities like the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway or a thrilling Sydney Harbour Bridge climb. With internal flights and centrally located hotels, this tour ensures a seamless and unforgettable Australian adventure.
Highlights
Itinerary
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
Location: Melbourne
Accommodation Name: Crowne Plaza Hotel Melbourne
Join your Travel Director for a city sights tour that includes a private walk through Melbourne's famous hidden laneways. You'll discover the city's eclectic little lanes, arcades, café society and fascinating street art. There's time afterwards to explore the city on your own, enjoy an optional experience or simply relax and watch the world go by.
Day 3: Melbourne - Cairns
Location: Cairns
Accommodation Name: Hilton Hotel Cairns
Go from city to tropics today as you fly north to Cairns, Queensland. On arrival join a private wildlife boat cruise at Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures. There will be time to help regenerate the rainforest particular to the Wangetti Valley in which Hartley’s is located. Feel free to join in as much or as little as you wish with this tree planting project and be a part of keeping the World Heritage listed Wet Tropics alive.
Day 4: Great Barrier Reef
Location: Great Barrier Reef
Accommodation Name: Hilton Hotel Cairns
Meals Included: Lunch
Get ready for an experience of a lifetime - board a high-speed catamaran and cruise out to the Great Barrier Reef. You can snorkel and view this natural living wonder up close (equipment provided) or stay dry and explore the stunning reef from the comfort of a semi-submersible craft, just one metre underwater. On board you'll be treated to a buffet lunch before you cruise back to 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. Be amazed as you travel 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! In the evening meet up with your travelling companions for a dining experience at Ochre Restaurant.
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. 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 sightseeing 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
-
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Visit 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Great Barrier Reef, Wet Tropics of Queensland, and Sydney Opera House.
-
Centrally Located Premium Hotels
Stay in centrally located premium hotels for your comfort.
-
Private Airport Transfers
Enjoy private airport transfers upon arrival and departure.
-
Internal-Holiday Flights
Internal-holiday flights are included in the holiday price.
-
Guided Tour of Sydney Opera House
Discover the Sydney Opera House on a guided tour.
-
Great Barrier Reef Experience
Experience the Great Barrier Reef with snorkeling and a semi-submersible craft tour.
-
Wildlife Boat Cruise
Join a private wildlife boat cruise at Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures.
-
Meals
Enjoy a Welcome Reception and dinner, as well as a Farewell Dinner.
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.
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
1 Select your preferred date
2025 Apr
2025 Jun
2025 Sep
2025 Nov
2025 Dec
2025 Jan
2026 Feb
2026 Mar
2026 Apr
2026 Jun
2026 Aug
2026 Sep
2026 Oct
2026 Nov
2026 Dec
2026 Jan
2027 Feb
2027 Mar
2027
Thursday - Friday
Mar 06, 2025 - Mar 14, 2025Thursday - Friday
Mar 20, 2025 - Mar 28, 2025Thursday - Friday
Apr 10, 2025 - Apr 18, 2025Thursday - Friday
Jun 26, 2025 - Jul 04, 2025Thursday - Friday
Sep 25, 2025 - Oct 03, 2025Thursday - Friday
Nov 27, 2025 - Dec 05, 2025Thursday - Friday
Dec 04, 2025 - Dec 12, 2025Thursday - Friday
Jan 08, 2026 - Jan 16, 2026Thursday - Friday
Jan 15, 2026 - Jan 23, 2026Thursday - Friday
Jan 29, 2026 - Feb 06, 2026Thursday - Friday
Feb 12, 2026 - Feb 20, 2026Thursday - Friday
Mar 05, 2026 - Mar 13, 2026Thursday - Friday
Mar 19, 2026 - Mar 27, 2026Thursday - Friday
Apr 09, 2026 - Apr 17, 2026Thursday - Friday
Jun 25, 2026 - Jul 03, 2026Thursday - Friday
Aug 27, 2026 - Sep 04, 2026Thursday - Friday
Sep 24, 2026 - Oct 02, 2026Thursday - Friday
Oct 08, 2026 - Oct 16, 2026Thursday - Friday
Nov 05, 2026 - Nov 13, 2026Thursday - Friday
Nov 19, 2026 - Nov 27, 2026Thursday - Friday
Nov 26, 2026 - Dec 04, 2026Thursday - Friday
Dec 10, 2026 - Dec 18, 2026Thursday - Friday
Jan 07, 2027 - Jan 15, 2027Thursday - Friday
Jan 14, 2027 - Jan 22, 2027Thursday - Friday
Jan 21, 2027 - Jan 29, 2027Thursday - Friday
Jan 28, 2027 - Feb 05, 2027Thursday - Friday
Feb 04, 2027 - Feb 12, 2027Thursday - Friday
Feb 11, 2027 - Feb 19, 2027Thursday - Friday
Feb 18, 2027 - Feb 26, 2027Thursday - Friday
Mar 04, 2027 - Mar 12, 2027Thursday - Friday
Mar 11, 2027 - Mar 19, 2027Thursday - Friday
Mar 18, 2027 - Mar 26, 2027Thursday - Friday
Mar 25, 2027 - Apr 02, 2027Book 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.