« Back to Vacations

Contrasts of Australia
from $5,745 pp

  • Duration: 9 Days
  • Destinations: Australia
Ticking off favourites along the East Coast, this Australia sightseeing tour explores dazzling cities, sundrenched shores, and stunning scenery. Cruise to the Great Barrier Reef, on Sydney Harbour, and experience the similarities and differences between Sydney and Melbourne.
Call to Book 1-800-529-3222
Included With Your Trip
  • 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 and surprise extras 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 A Trafalgar bonus - all Intra-Air Flights: Melbourne to Cairns, Cairns to Sydney
Additional Information

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 a Welcome Reception at The General Assembly restaurant, in the modern pub on the Yarra River's South Wharf. It's a delicious introduction to Melbourne's cosmopolitan vibe.
Hotel: Crowne Plaza

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 facades 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.
Hotel: Crowne Plaza

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 specialties. Note: If departing on an early flight from Melbourne, a boxed breakfast will be provided.
Hotel: Hilton

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.
Hotel: Hilton

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 a Regional Dinner at Ochre Restaurant and enjoy Australian cuisine featuring the best local produce.
Hotel: Hilton

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.
Hotel: Sofitel Wentworth Hotel Sydney

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 a Farewell Dinner with your newfound friends and travel mates.
Hotel: Sofitel Sydney Wentworth

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).

Departure Dates
Start: April 9, 2026
End: April 17, 2026
Price: $5,745 pp
| Land Only

Price My Trip
Start: June 25, 2026
End: July 3, 2026
Price: $5,745 pp
| Land Only

Price My Trip
Start: August 27, 2026
End: September 4, 2026
Price: $5,745 pp
| Land Only

Price My Trip
Start: September 24, 2026
End: October 2, 2026
Price: $5,745 pp
| Land Only

Price My Trip
Start: November 5, 2026
End: November 13, 2026
Price: $5,950 pp
| Land Only

Price My Trip
Start: November 26, 2026
End: December 4, 2026
Price: $5,950 pp
| Land Only

Price My Trip
Start: December 3, 2026
End: December 11, 2026
Price: $5,950 pp
| Land Only

Price My Trip
Start: January 14, 2027
End: January 22, 2027
Price: $5,950 pp
| Land Only

Price My Trip
Start: January 28, 2027
End: February 5, 2027
Price: $5,950 pp
| Land Only

Price My Trip
Start: February 11, 2027
End: February 19, 2027
Price: $5,950 pp
| Land Only

Price My Trip
Start: March 4, 2027
End: March 12, 2027
Price: $5,950 pp
| Land Only

Price My Trip
Start: March 18, 2027
End: March 26, 2027
Price: $5,950 pp
| Land Only

Price My Trip
Start: March 25, 2027
End: April 2, 2027
Price: $5,950 pp
| Land Only

Price My Trip
Price My Trip
Product Code: TTUSAS-ACANAM26

All pricing and offers for accommodations and other non-air travel are per person, based on double occupancy, capacity controlled and subject to availability and change without notice. Pricing does not include taxes, fees, fuel surcharges, gratuities, resort fees, or airfare unless otherwise noted and is valid on new bookings only. Prices, fees, and other restrictions are subject to supplier policies. All offers, including but not limited to, bonus amenities, upgrades, prices, and group benefits are based on select dates, resorts, room categories, and/or fare codes. Specialty pricing may require proper identification. Cancellation penalties, blackout dates, and other restrictions may apply. When traveling outside the United States a valid passport is required. It is the sole responsibility of the passenger to have the proper documentation and identification required by the United States and other governments at the time of travel. When passports are required, it must be valid for a minimum of six months past your date of return. AAA strongly recommends the purchase of Travel Insurance. Usage of a credit card for travel arrangements may provide additional protection, please consult your credit card policies. Under certain circumstances the package price may be subject to supplemental price increases imposed by the supplier. Price increases include, but are not limited to fuel surcharges, taxes or fluctuations in foreign exchange markets that may be imposed after the date of purchase. Air-inclusive prices do not include government imposed taxes and fees, including but not limited to a September 11th Security Fee, U.S. or international government imposed taxes and fees, Federal Excise Fees, among others. Some carriers charge additional fees for checked bags, fuel surcharge, meals, etc. Please check the carriers website for details. Air-inclusive pricing is based on select departure cities. Prices from other cities may vary. AAA Oregon/Idaho acts solely as a sales agent for travel suppliers and is not responsible for the actions or inactions of such suppliers. We monitor all of the information presented on our website; however, we do not assume responsibility for any errors or omissions in the content of the offers displayed. Review full Travel Disclosure and Consent at time of booking.