RACV Logo
Members save more on over 100,000 hotels worldwide
Unlock savings
Unlock member discounts
Unlock exclusive discounts and inclusions
Members only pricing
Bonus hand-picked inclusions

Contrasts of Australia - 09 Apr 2026 to 25 Mar 2027

click to save
Operated by AATKings
Tripcode: ACANA26
Overview
Destination:
Australia
Start:Melbourne, Australia
Finish:Sydney, Australia
Duration:9 days
Type:Group tour (max 45)
Travel Period
April 2026 - March 2027
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.
Standard inclusions
  • 3 Dinner (D)
  • 8 Breakfast (B)
  • 2 Lunch (L)
  • Enjoy a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at Koorie Heritage Trust Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures Wildlife River Cruise Enjoy a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience - Hands-On Tree Planting Activity with Rainforest Rescue Cruise out to the Great Barrier Reef – a UNESCO World Heritage Site Explore the flora and fauna of the Wet Tropics of Queensland – a UNESCO World Heritage Site Behind the scenes guided tour of the Sydney Opera House Exclusive visit to Bondi Surf Life Saving Club Be My Guest Lunch at Bondi RSL Club Cruise around Sydney Harbour and see the famous Sydney Harbour Bridge
Already with RACV?
Tell us your Member details to unlock discounts.
Unlock
Itinerary
Expand all Collapse all
Welcome to Melbourne
Settle into your hotel on the banks of the Yarra River and meet your Travel Director for 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.
Melbourne Sightseeing
Get out and see the sights today on a guided walk with your Travel Director discovering the little lanes, arcades, and café society of stylish Melbourne. Gaze up at the beautiful Victorian façades lining grand boulevards. Stroll past famous, edgy street art that shows a stylish contrast to federation buildings and churches as Melbourne’s coffee aroma wafts overhead. Discover more of Melbourne over a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience tour and walk at Koorie Heritage Trust Gallery. Make a positive impact while you learn about Koorie peoples, cultures and communities. There's time afterwards to explore the city on your own, enjoy an optional experience to Phillip Island to see the nightly ritual of the Penguin Parade (own expense). Or simply relax and watch the world go by.
Melbourne - Cairns
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. Now that you’ve appreciated the beauty of the area, you can put your passion into practice helping with a Rainforest Restoration project, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, to protect the natural wonder of the nearby Notophyll Vine Forest, an area older than the Amazon. By jumping in and helping the team plant trees, you’re supporting the protection of this rare type of dry rainforest from development and restoring it to an important wildlife corridor of native birds. Talk about a feel-good day. *If you are departing on an early flight from Melbourne, a boxed breakfast will be provided.
Great Barrier Reef
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.
Cairns Free Time
Today is a free day to do as you choose. A great option is the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway to Kuranda, travelling 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! 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.
Cairns - 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. You could visit Mrs. Macquarie's Chair for views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge or the new Sydney Modern Art Gallery, which are both close by. Ask your Travel Director for sightseeing and dinner suggestions.
Sydney Sightseeing
Sydney is home to many famous landmarks, with the Sydney Opera House being one of the most notable. You will take a guided tour of this unique building to learn about its architecture and the renowned artists who have performed there.  Next a visit to Bondi Beach and a special behind-the-scenes tour of Bondi Surf Life Saving Club. This members' only club has granted us special access. You'll be shown around the club and learn about the club's history and lifesaving operations. Following this, your Surf Life Saving guide will host a Be My Guest lunch at the Bondi RSL club with views across this famous beach and out to the Pacific Ocean. Afterwards, enjoy a Sydney Harbour cruise to view the Opera House from the water, along with sights like Circular Quay, Shark Island, impressive mansions, beaches, and parks. The cruise also takes you under the Sydney Harbour Bridge, offering a memorable experience.
Sydney
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 dinner.
Farewell from Sydney
All good things must come to an end. Fill up on your last breakfast before bidding farewell to your fellow travel companions.
Departure dates

Select your preferred date or enquire

Enquire now

Travellers

Important Information
*Terms and conditions
Please note: We are proud to be an independent agent to travel providers of hotels, flights and other related services. We are not a tour operator. Details and information on the offer are provided by 3rd party businesses and although we do our best to verify the information, we cannot guarantee its accuracy on all occasions. These offers are not available in conjunction with any other offer unless otherwise stated. Pricing and availability are subject to change without notice. For more information, please see Terms of Use
Book now
Need help?
Price from
$6,707 *
Member price from
$6,371*
per person
8 nights
Check departures
Speak to one of our friendly consultants, available during business hours.
Mon to Fri · 9am - 5pm AEST
Can't find the answer you're looking for? Get in touch with our friendly Travel Consultants.
Speak to an expert in-store
Prefer to plan in person? Make an appointment at our Travel Store to speak with one of our experts
b3b11bdbf9a11999509c01460982a6e1
Facebook Pixel RACV Social