Contrasts of Australia
Deal Number 17686601
Interest Free
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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.
Duration 9 days
Destination Australia
Company Trafalgar
Availability From 25/09/2025 to 03/04/2026
Call 133 133

What's Included?
- An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
- Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
- Porterage where hotels provide this service
- Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
- Must-see sightseeing
- All land transport shown
- All transfers shown
- Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
- Optional Experiences and free time
- Flight A Trafalgar bonus - all Intra-Air Flights: Melbourne to Cairns, Cairns to Sydney
Availability
- From 25/09/2025 to 03/04/2026
Visit Australia
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 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
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).
Dining Summary
3 Dinner (D)
8 Breakfast (B)
2 Lunch (L)
Choice Highlights
Bondi Beach: Rub shoulders with the bronzed, beautiful people of Bondi Beach, as you join a surf lifesaver who will take you through the Members Only facility of Australia's oldest surf lifesaving club, followed by lunch with views over the sparkling Pacific Ocean.
Be My Guest
Bondi Beach: Rub shoulders with the bronzed, beautiful people of Bondi Beach, as you join a surf lifesaver who will take you through the Members Only facility of Australia's oldest surf lifesaving club, followed by lunch with views over the sparkling Pacific Ocean.
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® The Koorie Heritage Trust Gallery
Melbourne: Make a positive impact while you learn about Koorie peoples, cultures, and communities at the Koorie Heritage Trust Gallery in Melbourne
Must-see Highlights
Explore The Sydney Opera House, and Hartley's Crocodile Adventures
Discover Melbourne, Cairns, and Sydney
Visit Eclectic laneways in Melbourne, and Bondi Surf Life Saving Club in Sydney
View Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House from the water
Scenic Cruise On the Great Barrier Reef, and Sydney Harbour
View our great airfares, hotels and travel insurance.
Departure dates and Pricing
Departure Date | Return Date | Availability | Price | Enquire |
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Thu 25th September, 202525/09/2025 | Fri 3rd October, 202503/10/2025 | On Request | Per person from$6796* | Enquire » |
Departure Date | Return Date | Availability | Price | Enquire |
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Thu 9th October, 202509/10/2025 | Fri 17th October, 202517/10/2025 | On Request | Per person from$6796* | Enquire » |
Departure Date | Return Date | Availability | Price | Enquire |
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Thu 27th November, 202527/11/2025 | Fri 5th December, 202505/12/2025 | Sold Out | Per person from$7360* |
Departure Date | Return Date | Availability | Price | Enquire |
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Thu 8th January, 202609/01/2025 | Fri 16th January, 202617/01/2025 | Available | Per person from$7075* | Enquire » |
Thu 15th January, 202616/01/2025 | Fri 23rd January, 202624/01/2025 | Available | Per person from$7075* | Enquire » |
Thu 22nd January, 202623/01/2025 | Fri 30th January, 202631/01/2025 | Sold Out | Per person from$7075* | |
Thu 29th January, 202630/01/2025 | Fri 6th February, 202607/02/2025 | Available | Per person from$7075* | Enquire » |
Departure Date | Return Date | Availability | Price | Enquire |
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Thu 5th February, 202606/02/2025 | Fri 13th February, 202614/02/2025 | Sold Out | Per person from$7075* | |
Thu 12th February, 202613/02/2025 | Fri 20th February, 202621/02/2025 | Available | Per person from$7075* | Enquire » |
Thu 19th February, 202620/02/2025 | Fri 27th February, 202628/02/2025 | Sold Out | Per person from$7075* |
Departure Date | Return Date | Availability | Price | Enquire |
---|---|---|---|---|
Thu 5th March, 202606/03/2025 | Fri 13th March, 202614/03/2025 | Available | Per person from$7075* | Enquire » |
Thu 12th March, 202613/03/2025 | Fri 20th March, 202621/03/2025 | Available | Per person from$7075* | Enquire » |
Thu 19th March, 202620/03/2025 | Fri 27th March, 202628/03/2025 | Available | Per person from$7075* | Enquire » |
Thu 26th March, 202627/03/2025 | Fri 3rd April, 202604/04/2025 | Sold Out | Per person from$7075* |
Terms and conditions
- The following product terms and conditions apply in addition to our Booking Terms and Conditions (available on our website) and terms and conditions of the relevant travel service provider.
- Prices quoted valid for sale until 03 September 2025 for travel during the period specified (if applicable) unless otherwise stated or sold out prior.
- All prices are per person (unless otherwise stated), subject to availability and may be withdrawn or varied without notice. Accommodation (if included) is based on twin share unless otherwise stated.
- Advertised price includes bonus nights and/or stated saving (if applicable).
- Additional supplier conditions and travel restrictions may apply. Please enquire for further details.
- Airfare (including internal flights) is not included unless otherwise stated and, if included, is economy class unless otherwise stated.
- Components of the total price including local payments, "resort fees", "national park fees", "trip kitties" and food funds (if applicable) may be payable direct to the supplier on arrival or to your travel consultant prior to your departure. Where applicable, these payments are included in the total price quoted.
- Gratuities are not included unless otherwise stated.
- Prices shown are fully inclusive of taxes, levies and government charges current at the time of publication.
- Additional levies, government charges & other applicable fees, including additional taxes, surcharges and visa fees specific to your departure date or flight routing, may apply and are beyond our control.
- Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply depending on date of travel.
- Prices shown are for payments made by cash in store or by BPAY.
- Payments made in store by credit card will incur a surcharge (see Booking Terms and Conditions for further details).
- These prices are a guide to the best price and are subject to change without notice, due to matters outside our control, such as adverse currency fluctuations, fuel surcharges, taxes and airfare increases. Please enquire for further details..
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Important Notice
The above information has been obtained from the relevant suppliers and should be considered an indicative guide only as to the prices that may be available for these products. Flight Centre cannot guarantee that any particular product will still be available at the following prices, or for your exact dates of travel. At the time of making your booking, prices may differ to that price displayed on this website. Please contact a Flight Centre travel consultant to obtain the latest up to date information regarding applicable prices, fees and charges, taxes, availability, any blackout dates (such as school holidays), seasonal surcharges and other terms and conditions which may apply.
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