First Choice
Internal-vacation flights included
Internal-vacation flights included

Contrasts of Australia

9 Day Guided Vacation | Melbourne to Sydney

There’s no denying Australia’s diversity. This Melbourne to Sydney tour invites you to glimpse a full range of natural attractions, whether two World Heritage Sites in Cairns (the Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics of Queensland) or the eye-popping, art-clad laneways of Melbourne and architectural marvel of Sydney Opera House. Wherever you venture, expect to discover First Nations culture.

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$4192

Adult Twin i A person 16 years and over (note a person 16–17 years must be accompanied by a person 18 years and over). All prices are per person, land only unless otherwise indicated.
Above lowest price is based on 2024-04-11 departure

$5302

Single i A person, who must be 18 years and over, travelling alone, must pay the single room price. All prices are per person, land only unless otherwise indicated.
Above lowest price is based on 2024-04-11 departure
Prices above are per person in USD
Single rooms are limited and subject to availability
Child prices may be available on request

*Internal-vacation flights: Please note that prices include land and internal-vacation airfares, which AAT Kings will book in order to fulfil the holiday itinerary.

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Trip Details

trip-details-whats-includedWhat's included

  • • 2 UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Great Barrier Reef, Sydney Opera House
    • Centrally located premium hotels
    • 8 included attractions/experiences
    • Arrival and departure private airport transfers

trip-details-diningDining

  • • 2 Dinners with Wine
  • • 8 Full Breakfasts
  • • 1 Lunch
  • • 1 Farewell Dinner

trip-details-flight-infoFlight Information

  • Day 1 – flights to arrive prior to 12.30pm into Adelaide Airport
    Day 15 – flights to depart anytime from Darwin Airport
    *Internal-vacation flights: Please note that the price above
    includes land and internal-vacation airfares, which are required
    to be booked in order to fulfil the vacation itinerary.
    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.
     

trip-details-what-to-bringWhat to Bring

  • • Water bottle
  • • Warm layers in cooler months
  • • Camera
  • • Comfortable walking shoes
  • • Sunglasses, sunscreen and hat

trip-details-fitness-level-requirementsFitness Requirements

    Low level of fitness required

Itinerary Generating PDF...

image map

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. It's a great opportunity to get to know everyone in a unique setting.

  Hotel: Crowne Plaza Hotel Melbourne

  Included Meals: Dinner with Wine

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.

  Hotel: Crowne Plaza Hotel Melbourne

  Included Meals: Breakfast

Things start to heat up in Cairns, the heart of Tropical North Queensland. Jump aboard a cruise at Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures to discover some of the wildlife that calls this part of the state home, koalas, wallabies and crocs among them, before helping protect their habitats by planting trees as part of our Rainforest Restoration project. Talk about a feel-good day.

  Hotel: Hilton Hotel Cairns

  Included Meals: Breakfast

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 lunch before you cruise back to Cairns.

  Hotel: Hilton Hotel Cairns

  Included Meals: Lunch, Breakfast

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. 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.

  Hotel: Hilton Hotel Cairns

  Included Meals: Dinner with Wine, Breakfast

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.

  Hotel: Sofitel Wentworth Hotel Sydney

  Included Meals: Breakfast

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.

  Hotel: Sofitel Wentworth Hotel Sydney

  Included Meals: Breakfast

The day is yours 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. This evening you can share your stories of your day with your fellow travellers at your Farewell Dinner.

  Hotel: Sofitel Wentworth Hotel Sydney

  Included Meals: Farewell Dinner, Breakfast

All good things must come to an end. Fill up on your last breakfast before bidding farewell to your fellow travel companions. 

  Included Meals: Breakfast

Please note: This itinerary may be subject to change.


Contrasts of Australia

First Choice

9 Day Guided Vacation

Melbourne to Sydney

There’s no denying Australia’s diversity. This Melbourne to Sydney tour invites you to glimpse a full range of natural attractions, whether two World Heritage Sites in Cairns (the Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics of Queensland) or the eye-popping, art-clad laneways of Melbourne and architectural marvel of Sydney Opera House. Wherever you venture, expect to discover First Nations culture.

Highlights

Local Connection

Discover what lies within the Opera House on an insiders tour. Fall in love with Sydneys Wendys Secret Garden; a volunteer horticulturalist revealing secret nooks in this floral wonderland.

Cultural Immersion

Melbourne’s laneways are a work of art, with street murals, hidden bars, boutiques, and cafés. We’ll show you where to look.

Sustainable Footprints

Cairns is the gateway to World Heritage listed rainforest. Ensure its protection by helping plant trees with our Rainforest Restoration project.

Wildlife & Nature

It doesn’t matter how many times you splash about in the Coral Sea, the Great Barrier Reef never fails to impress. There are too many world records being broken here to mention.

Accommodation

Your Guided Holiday includes a range of quality accommodation for your comfort.
The accommodation you will enjoy on this tour includes:

Trip Details

trip-details-whats-includedWhat's included

  • Specialist team of two highly experienced Travel Director and Driver Guide
  • 2 UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Great Barrier Reef, Sydney Opera House

trip-details-diningDining

  • • 8 Breakfasts
  • • 2 Lunches
  • • 3 Dinners with wine
  • • 1 Farewell Dinner

trip-details-flight-infoFlight Information

  • Day 1: Flights to arrive prior to 12.00pm into Melbourne Airport
  • Day 9: Flights to depart anytime from Sydney Airport
  • *Internal-holiday flights: Please note that the price above includes land and internal-vacation airfares, which are required to be booked in order to fulfil the vacation itinerary. Day 3 Melbourne to Cairns (VA1293) Day 6 Cairns to Sydney (VA1418)
  • Return airfares from your home port are not included in the price above

trip-details-what-to-bringWhat to Bring

  • • Warm layers in cooler months
  • • Water bottle
  • • Sunglasses, sunscreen and hat
  • • Comfortable walking shoes

trip-details-fitness-level-requirementsFitness Requirements

  • • Low level of fitness required -

Itinerary

Welcome to Melbourne! On arrival you will be transferred to your hotel. This evening join your Travel Director for a welcome reception and dinner at the South Wharf riverside pub, The General Assembly. It's a great opportunity to get to know everyone in a unique setting.

  Hotel: Crowne Plaza Hotel Melbourne, 2 Nights

  Included Meals: Dinner with Wine

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.

  Included Meals: Breakfast

This morning you will be transferred to Melbourne Airport for your flight to Cairns, Queensland. On arrival join a private wildlife journey at Hartley's Crocodile Adventures. Enjoy a boat cruise and encounter koalas, wallabies, birds, crocodiles and more! There will be time to take part in regenerating 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 can with this tree planting project and be a part of keeping the World Heritage listed Wet Tropics alive. This evening is free for you to choose from the numerous restaurants that Cairns has to offer.

  Hotel: Hilton Hotel Cairns, 3 Nights

  Included Meals: Breakfast

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. Enjoy a tropical buffet lunch before you return to Cairns.

  Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

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 Kuranda Scenic Rail for this historic rail journey. 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 re-join your travelling companions for a dining experience at Ochre Restaurant.

  Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Following a leisurely start to the morning, it’s time to switch the tropical vibes back to city highlights as you fly to Sydney. What a way to kick off your arrival to Sydney with a dinner cruise enjoying the famous Sydney Harbour! You’ll pass under the Harbour Bridge, cruise past the Opera House and see many magnificent waterfront homes, beaches and parklands.

  Hotel: Sofitel Wentworth Hotel Sydney, 3 Nights

  Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Discover one of the great highlights of Sydney, the beautiful Sydney Opera House, on a guided tour inside this iconic building. If there was ever 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? Your visit provides a contribution to the ongoing maintenance of the enchanting garden. Explore Sydney’s inner west and enjoy a lunch with the locals at the pub. Then drive through Sydney's hip inner west to Batch Brewery where you will take part in a masterclass and learn how they combine creatively inspired limited release batches with sustainable practices.

  Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

The day is yours to explore at your leisure or book one of our hand-crafted selection of optional experiences. There are so many sights and activities to be had in this city and further afield. Enjoy your farewell Dinner tonight with your fellow travellers

 

  Included Meals: Breakfast, Farewell Dinner

Bid farewell to your fellow traveller when your holiday comes to an end after breakfast.

  Included Meals: Breakfast

Please note: This itinerary may be subject to change.


Contrasts of Australia

First Choice

9 Day Guided Vacation

Melbourne to Sydney

There’s no denying Australia’s diversity. This Melbourne to Sydney tour invites you to glimpse a full range of natural attractions, whether two World Heritage Sites in Cairns (the Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics of Queensland) or the eye-popping, art-clad laneways of Melbourne and architectural marvel of Sydney Opera House. Wherever you venture, expect to discover First Nations culture.

Highlights

Local Connection

Fall in love with Sydney’s Wendy’s Secret Garden; a volunteer horticulturalist revealing secret nooks in this floral wonderland.

Insider Knowledge

Meet the team behind a hip Sydney craft brewery, with a masterclass on making beer that represents the community.

Cultural Immersion

Melbourne’s laneways are a work of art, with street murals, hidden bars, boutiques, and cafés. We’ll show you where to look.

Sustainable Footprints

Cairns is the gateway to World Heritage listed rainforest. Ensure its protection by helping plant trees with our Rainforest Restoration project.

Wildlife & Nature

It doesn’t matter how many times you splash about in the Coral Sea, the Great Barrier Reef never fails to impress. There are too many world records being broken here to mention.

Accommodation

Your Guided Holiday includes a range of quality accommodation for your comfort.
The accommodation you will enjoy on this tour includes:

Optional Experiences

To ensure your holiday is filled with memorable experiences, we have included a range of quality Optional Excursions for you to choose from and partake in, if you wish, during your holiday. The excursions can be booked on tour through your Travel Director.

Phillip Island - Penguins, Koalas & Wildlife

Adult Price: AUD 199.00
Child Price: AUD 139.00

If you’re curious about our native wildlife or just love animals, we’ve got you covered today! Start the day off with a visit to the Koala Conservation Reserve where you’ll join an experienced park Ranger and explore the tree top boardwalks to see the koalas up close in their natural habitat.Then there is the main attraction – The little penguins waddling up the sand to their dune burrow homes returning from their daily fishing excursion. Arrive at Phillip Island Parade Visitors Centre and learn about the life cycle of the little penguins and learn of the environmental and conservation initiatives in place to ensure the wildlife and vulnerable geology of Phillip Island remains protected.  As the sun goes down, head to the beach and watch as the Little Penguins battle the surf and make their way to their dune burrows. See the Little Penguins up close as they return to their nests to greet their families.

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Great Adventures Introductory Dive

Adult Price: AUD 184.00

For an underwater adventure to remember, experience an introductory dive! It’s fun and no experience is necessary to take a fully supervised introductory dive. Professional and experienced instructors will guide you through every aspect of your dive, allowing you to have a relaxed, enjoyable experience.

Nautilus Aviation

Adult Price: AUD $199

Take to the sky on a 10-minute scenic flight. You will have the best seat to witness the iconic Great Barrier Reef from above.

Hot Air Cairns - 40 Minute Flight

Adult Price: AUD 440.00 + flight levy (Weekday), $495.00 + flight levy (Weekend)

Experience the fun & unique sensation of being in a Hot Air Balloon, flying gently high above the Atherton Tablelands, Australia. The balloon takes off from Mareeba on the Atherton Tablelands. Enjoy the picturesque landscape at dawn, floating in your Hot Air Balloon, time to really breathe in the wide-open spaces! We have Australia's largest fleet of Hot Air Balloons and a fun and highly trained crew to maximise the enjoyment of your balloon flight. It's just like a balloon festival, every day!

*Additional $30.00 insurance levy to be paid direct to Hot Air Cairns applies.

** If your tour ends in Cairns, you must have post tour accommodation or a late departing flight. Ask us for details

Skyfeast at Sydney Towr Restaurant Dinner

Adult Price: AUD 100.00
Child Price: AUD 45.00

Enjoy a memorable evening perched high above the city with uninterrupted revolving views. This delicious buffet dinner includes over 40 freshly prepared dishes across a range of international cuisines including a selection of fresh seafood, salads, hot dishes and desserts.

Adult Price: AUD $198.90 Child Price: AUD $104.40

Enjoy this historical rail journey to Kuranda, with breathtaking views across the cane fields of Cairns, to the tropical rainforest of Kuranda. Upon arrival you will have around one hour to explore this fascinating village of colourful and interesting arts and crafts. At 11.30am, make your way directly to the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway to experience this iconic rainforest. After arriving at the Smithfield Skyrail Terminal, the coach will transfer you to Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures. Explore the park, including the unique eco experience of the Wetlands cruise through the ecologically significant Melaleuca wetlands; the domain of the saltwater crocodile. (Operates Daily)

Blue Mountains & Australian Wildlife (J15)

Adult Price: AUD 243.00
Child Price: AUD 171.00

Explore the World Heritage listed Blue Mountains. Stretching over one million hectares, the Blue Mountains is an inspiring mix of rainforest, canyons, tall forests and heathlands. Visit the famous Three Sisters rock formation up close from Echo Point before arriving at Scenic World where you can witness the vastness of the Blue Mountains as you join the Scenic Railway, Cableway and Skyway. These rides are a great way to see the steep valleys and canyons and follow the boardwalk along the valley floor. Stop in picturesque Leura at lunchtime and grab a bite to eat at one of the many cafés. Encounter koalas, kangaroos, wombats and other native animals.

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Bridge Climb

Adult Price: AUD 344.00
Child Price: AUD 149.00

The Bridge Climb is a 3 1/2 hour guided journey to the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. It takes you along the outer arch of the Bridge on catwalks and ladders all the way to the summit, 134 metres above Sydney Harbour. Climbing in groups of up to 14 people, you’ll be led by one of BridgeClimb’s professional Climb Leaders on an adventure of the world’s most recognisable Bridge. Various tours available and prices from:
FITNESS REQUIREMENTS / NEED TO KNOW: A general level of fitness is required. Guests aged 75 years of age or older require a Certificate of Fitness signed by a medical professional. To download the certificate template and view all health and safety advice, please visit https://www.bridgeclimb.com/plan-your-visit/pre-climb-checklist.
Down Under Tours Daintree Dreaming With Ngadiku Walk

Adult Price: AUD $306 Child Price: AUD $275

A cultural journey taking you from coast to rainforest experiencing natural beauty and ancient culture.
Learn traditional hunting and gathering skills as you search for bush tucker of mud crabs, fish and mussels before tasting and sharing what you have caught and gathered. A short drive away is the lush rainforest of Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre. Here you will experience the splendour of the World Heritage listed Daintree Rainforest. Enjoy a guided interpretive walk through the ancient rainforest and along the banks of the pristine waters of the Mossman Gorge. Lunch & damper included.
Dinner and Harbour Cruise on Spirit of Cairns

Adult Price: From AUD 119.00
Child Price: From AUD 69.00

A Cairns Dinner Cruise is the perfect way to end a perfect day in paradise. Step aboard the luxury catamaran Spirit of Cairns for a 2.5 hour evening cruise through the calm water inlet and waterfront precinct of Cairn. Enjoy fabulous dining and live music with the lights of Cairns City and mountain silhouettes as your backdrop.

Hands On Country Eco Tour

Adult: $149.00 AUD
Child: $79.00 AUD

Travel in a small group fully hosted by Traditional Owners on their traditional Country discovering a stunning wetland environment just 10 minutes cruise from the Cairns City. In the distance, rainforest clad mountains soar – today’s destination. Turn up Hills Creek, where salty sea and mountain freshwaters meet, arriving to a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony. Visit a working Indigenous Ranger base from where the Mayi Bugan Rainforest Trail begins. Join your Indigenous Guides to discover native foods and bush medicines, as well as ancient Aboriginal traditions, customs, and artefacts. Enjoy light refreshments surrounded by the sounds of nature before returning to the Cairns Harbour arriving at the Marina close to the CBD, shops, restaurants and cafes.

Deadly After Dark Sunset Cruise

Adult: $99.00 AUD
Child: $59.00 AUD

As the sun begins to get low over the Great Dividing Range to the west of Cairns, met your Mandingalbay Yidjinji guide and push off from Cairns Marina in our new, covered River Cruise vessel, bound for wetlands and mangrove forests of East Trinity Reserve. Discover an Indigenous Protected Area where ancient knowledge meets latest science to deliver world-first conservation programs. Cruise along an avenue of ancient mangrove forests. Upon arrival at the Stingray Shelter, enjoy the ancient Mandingalbay custom of a Welcoming to Country and Smoke Cleansing Ceremony. Listen to our Mandingalbay Yidinji rangers speak of ancient language, practices and traditional implements that are still made and used.

Down Under Tours Kuranda Skyrail and Scenic Railway

Adult Price: AUD $186Child Price: AUD $98

Join your Down Under Tours coach transfer to Smithfield Station. Here you join Skyrail and marvel at the World's Most Beautiful Rainforest Experience, including time at both Red Peak and Barron Falls stations, both with spectacular lookouts. On arrival in Kuranda, the Village is yours to explore. The vibrant and colourful Heritage markets take place daily. Your return to Cairns is aboard the famous Kuranda Scenic Rail. Winding around curves, across bridges and through hand-hewn tunnels, this amazing engineering feat is a tribute to our pioneers. Upon arrival at historic Freshwater Station, you will board your coach back to your accommodation.

Sydney Heli Tours  - 20min Flight

Adult Price: AUD 240.00
Child Price: AUD 240.00

This is the best way to see Sydney in all its glory. See full panoramic views of the Harbour Bridge, Opera House, Manly Cove and Sydney’s spectacular Harbour and city skyline. This tour will leave you breathless! Throughout your 20 minute flight your pilot will be providing you with expert commentary via voice activated headsets. The photo opportunities are once in a lifetime on this journey in the sky.

If your tour ends in Sydney, you must have post tour accommodation or a late departing flight. Ask us for details

Sydney Heli Tours (30 mins)

Adult: $360.00 AUD
Child: $360.00 AUD

This is the best way to see Sydney in all its glory on an extended flight. See full panoramic views of the Harbour Bridge, Opera House, Manly Cove, Sydney’s spectacular Harbour and city skyline and as far north as Long Reef. This tour will leave you breathless! Throughout your 30 minute flight your pilot will be providing you with expert commentary via voice activated headsets. The photo opportunities are once in a lifetime on this journey in the sky.

The Rocks Pub Walk

Adult Price: From AUD 115.00

Tread in the footsteps of the convicts, larrikin gangs & locals of the past as you share a drink in four of Sydney's oldest pubs. Between watering holes, your guide will take you through the alleys & cobbled streets of The Rocks as they share the gossip, shouts and stories of Australia's first European settlement. Tour includes: A choice of a beer (285ml/10oz), house wine or soft drink at each pub. 2.5 hours in duration. Runs 2:30pm & 6.30pm daily. Commences from Harts Pub, Essex St & Gloucester Street, The Rocks.

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