Contrasts of Australia

Day 1: Welcome to Melbourne!

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

Day 2: Melbourne Sights

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

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 partake in regenerating the rainforest particular to the Wangetti Valley which Hartley’s is located in. Feel free to join is 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

Day 4: Great Barrier Reef

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.

Day 5: Cairns ‘Free Time’

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.

Day 6: Cairns to 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. 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: Hyatt Regency Darling Harbour, 3 nights

Day 7: Sydney’s vibrant Inner West and Be My Guest Lunch

Enjoy a later start to the day, perhaps you’ll take an early morning stroll or simply make the most of a slow start. Today we explore the vibrant Inner West suburbs of Sydney. Tour Newtown, a community rich with lively culture and home to numerous street art sites that will surprise you. Continue through the suburb of Marrickville, recently crowned the 10th “coolest” and most livable neighborhood in the world before arriving at Dear Delicious Café. Meet the owner Greg in his sustainable garden and learn about how he has brought urban farming to the community before enjoying a tasty meal made with fresh local produce for your Be My Guest Lunch. After lunch you will meet Andrew the founder of Batch Brewery. Take part in a masterclass on site and learn how they combine creatively inspired limited release batches with sustainable practices. Later take some free time to do some shopping or enjoy an Optional Experience with free time this evening.

Day 8: Beautiful Sydney Harbour

Visit Wendy’s Secret Garden at Lavender Bay, overlooking Sydney Harbour. Meet a local volunteer and learn the story of how the garden was formed from unused wasteland and how it is beautifully maintained by a group of volunteer gardeners. Most importantly, your visit to the garden provides a contribution to the ongoing maintenance of the enchanting garden. Take the opportunity to walk along the Sydney Harbour foreshore and make the most of some free time. This evening join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a farewell dinner on the harbourfront.

Day 9: Farewell from Sydney

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