We are interested in a tour in Australia for January 2027. Could you please provide more information on the itinerary, inclusions, and types of accommodations for this tour?

This tour showcases Australia's diverse landscapes and cultural highlights, with visits to Sydney, Cairns, Uluru, and Melbourne. Guests will enjoy guided sightseeing, cultural experiences, and opportunities to explore natural wonders such as the Great Barrier Reef and Ayers Rock (Uluru). Inclusions: • Quality hotel accommodation throughout the tour • Daily breakfasts and selected dinners • Transportation by motorcoach • Services of a professional Travel Director and local specialists Accommodation: Guests stay in comfortable, well-reviewed hotels. Specific hotel names may vary depending on availability, but Trafalgar ensures centrally located or scenic properties to enhance the experience.

I am booked on the Contrasts of Australia tour and I am looking at the international airfare tickets. Right now it looks like possibly a 0930 arrival time on the 26th which is the first day of the tour, where the only thing on the schedule is dinner. Do you foresee any problems with that for an arrival time? Do you know what time we could check into the Crowne Plaza?

The tour is scheduled to begin in Melbourne (MEL) at 15:00 on March 26, 2026, so flights should arrive prior to 12:00 noon. With a 09:30 arrival, you'll have plenty of time and there should be no issues joining the tour later that day. Regarding hotel check-in, official times vary by property, but rooms are typically available from 2:00–3:00 PM. If you arrive at the hotel earlier, your room may not yet be ready. While hotels do their best to accommodate early arrivals, check-in times cannot be guaranteed. In the meantime, the Crowne Plaza staff will be happy to suggest ways to spend your free time whether sightseeing, relaxing, or enjoying local restaurants until your room is prepared.

Could you kindly let us know about your availability for late February?

February 12, 2026 is currently open for booking. Once booked, it will be placed on request status, and confirmation or notice of unavailability may take 3 - 4 business days. Please be aware that availability and pricing are subject to change until your booking is made.

Is there an option to scuba at the Great Barrier Reef? We have 2 certified divers

Optional experience for scuba diving is offered for AU$198.00 per person. Optional experiences cannot be pre-booked and will be offered by Travel Director at the beginning of trip.

Is a visa required for U.S. passport holders traveling to Australia?

Yes, U.S. passport holders need an ETA or Electronic Travel Authorization for Australia.

Wondering about available dates for december 2025 closer to christmas and new years. Need a triple room for client traveling with two minors.

Only available departure date for December 2025 is December 4. No other departures in December 2025 closer to Christmas and New Year's. Happy to help find alternative tours in other destinations if interested.

What is the price for this trip with the single supplement? Can additional days be added at the beginning and/or end of the trip?

The Single Supplement cost is 1,350.00, which would bring the cost to a total of USD 6,317.51 in a Single Room. We can definitely arrange pre and post accommodation for you at the start and end of the tour with breakfast already included.

What kind of accommodation options are available on the tour?

You have the option to either have your own room or share a room with the same sex as you and of a similar age.

Can we customize this tour package for Sydney and Cairns.

For tour customization, it's only possible if they're given a free time or if they choose not to do our optional experiences to do their own activity. However, most of the time this tour will be guided, and they have a planned itinerary to follow.

Can we get a room with either a queen or King bed? We do not want twin beds. What is the cost for flights between cities?

Regarding the bed size, we can certainly request a king or queen bed for you; however, please note that this is subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed. Additionally, internal flights for this trip will be automatically added upon booking, costing $1,273.01 per person. This brings the total cost to $5,150.01 per person for a twin room.

From

$4,185

US $3,767 per person

Contrasts of Australia

9 days

•

From Melbourne to Sydney

5.0

3 traveler reviews

View all
Great trip! The only thing I would Recommend is booking restaurants with more of a vegetarian variety.
None, traveled in November
5.0
View all

From

$4,185

-10%

US $3,767 per person

+ $845 additional upfront costs

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

Select Date

1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Best price guarantee Learn More

Plan your adventure:

Platinum Operator: Trafalgar
Nature & Wildlife: Explore untamed landscapes teeming with wildlife
Group Tour: Join a group and forge lifelong friendships
Fully Guided: An experienced guide will be with you for the entire tour
Low Intensity: Travelers can expect some light physical activities
Guided in English
Group Size 20 - 50
All Ages Welcome

Image of a map showing the route of the tour

Itinerary

Day 1
Melbourne
Meals
Dinner (Popular restaurant on the Yarra River's South Wharf)
Accommodation
Hotel (Crowne Plaza)
Landmarks
Yarra River
South Wharf
Day 2
Melbourne
Accommodation
Hotel (Crowne Plaza)
Included Activities
- Guided walk through Melbourne's laneways, arcades, and cafes
- MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience tour and walk learning about Koorie peoples, cultures, and communities
Optional Activities
- Viewing of Little Penguins on Phillip Island
Landmarks
Phillip Island
Day 3
Melbourne to Cairns
Meals
Breakfast (Boxed breakfast provided if departing on an early flight from Melbourne)
Accommodation
Hotel (Hilton)
Included Activities
- Private wildlife boat cruise at Hartley's Crocodile Adventures with Local Specialist
- Rainforest regeneration experience in Wangetti Valley
Landmarks
Hartley's Crocodile Adventures
Wangetti Valley
Cairns Marina
Cairns Night Markets
Day 4
Cairns
Meals
Lunch (Buffet lunch on board catamaran), Snack (Afternoon tea and coffee)
Accommodation
Hotel (Hilton)
Included Activities
- Full day exploration of Great Barrier Reef on high-speed catamaran
- Snorkel experience or semi-submersible underwater observatory viewing (equipment provided)
- Guided interpretation of reef, fish, and plants
Landmarks
Great Barrier Reef
Day 5
Cairns
Meals
Dinner (Australian cuisine at Ochre Restaurant featuring best local produce)
Accommodation
Hotel (Hilton)
Optional Activities
- Kuranda Scenic Railway through forests, gorges, ravines, and waterfalls to Kuranda village
- Exploration of Kuranda's trails, wildlife sanctuaries, shops, and markets within World Heritage rainforest
- Skyrail Rainforest Cableway return journey above the canopy
Landmarks
Kuranda
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
Ochre Restaurant
Day 6
Cairns to Sydney
Accommodation
Hotel (Sofitel Wentworth Hotel Sydney)
Landmarks
Mrs. Macquarie's Chair
Sydney Opera House
Sydney Harbour Bridge
Circular Quay
The Rocks District
Day 7
Sydney
Meals
Lunch (Be My Guest experience: Lunch at Bondi RSL Club hosted by Surf Club member with views of the Pacific Ocean, infused with local flavour)
Accommodation
Hotel (Sofitel Sydney Wentworth)
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Sydney Opera House
- Behind-the-scenes visit to Bondi Surf Life Saving Club with local guide
- Be My Guest experience: Lunch at Bondi RSL Club hosted by Surf Club member with views of the Pacific Ocean
- Sydney Harbour cruise viewing Opera House and Harbour Bridge from the water
Landmarks
Sydney Opera House
Bondi Beach
Bondi Surf Life Saving Club
Bondi RSL Club
Sydney Harbour
Day 8
Sydney
Meals
Dinner (Celebration dinner with travel mates)
Accommodation
Hotel (Sofitel Sydney Wentworth)
Optional Activities
- Blue Mountains day trip for fresh mountain air and stunning scenery
- Sydney Harbour Bridge climb experience
- Walking through Royal Botanic Garden along harbor foreshore
Landmarks
Blue Mountains
Sydney Harbour Bridge
Royal Botanic Garden
Day 9
Sydney
Meals
Breakfast
Landmarks
Sydney Airport

Landmarks
Yarra River
South Wharf

Landmarks
Phillip Island

Landmarks
Hartley's Crocodile Adventures
Wangetti Valley
Cairns Marina
Cairns Night Markets

Landmarks
Great Barrier Reef

Landmarks
Kuranda
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
Ochre Restaurant

Landmarks
Mrs. Macquarie's Chair
Sydney Opera House
Sydney Harbour Bridge
Circular Quay
The Rocks District

Landmarks
Sydney Opera House
Bondi Beach
Bondi Surf Life Saving Club
Bondi RSL Club
Sydney Harbour

Landmarks
Blue Mountains
Sydney Harbour Bridge
Royal Botanic Garden

Landmarks
Sydney Airport

What's Included

Expand All

Accommodation
Guide
Meals
Additional Services
Transport

What's Not Included

Flights
Insurance
Optional
Additional Services

Where You'll Stay

All accommodations are subject to change

Crowne Plaza
Hotel
Days 1, 2
Hilton
Hotel
Days 3, 4, 5
Sofitel Wentworth Hotel Sydney
Hotel
day 6
Sofitel Sydney Wentworth
Hotel
Days 7, 8

Operated by

Trafalgar

Platinum Operator

Rating: 4.5(2,230 reviews)
Response time: 8 hours
Response rate: 96%
Cancellation policy

Traveler Moments

Traveler Reviews

5.0

Overall rating based on 3 Reviews

Itinerary
4.0
Transport
5.0
Guide
5.0
Accommodation
5.0
Food
3.5
Tour Operator
4.5

Iveta
January 10th, 2024
Everything was Excelent
Traveled in December 2023
Reply from: Trafalgar
Thank you for taking the time to provide us with your feedback and positive rating. It was our pleasure hosting you, and we hope to welcome you back again.
Show more
None
November 28th, 2023
Nellie was an amazing tour guide and I had the best time ever! Great trip! The only thing I would Recommend is...
Nellie was an amazing tour guide and I had the best time ever! Great trip! The only thing I would Recommend is booking restaurants with more of a vegetarian variety but everything was great! My favourite part was swimming the Great Barrier Reef I was nervous but Nellie took me out and showed me and stayed with me until I was comfortable! Thank you for such a great experience!Show more
Traveled in November 2023
Reply from: Trafalgar
Thank you for taking the time to share your review with us. We sincerely appreciate your feedback and are delighted to hear you had a great experience with us. Our Travel Directors are highly committed to providing exceptional service and professionalism to our customers, and we're thrilled to learn that they delivered on that promise during your trip. We also want to thank you for your food recommendation. Our Product Team will review it and take necessary actions. We would like to express our gratitude for choosing Trafalgar as your travel partner, and we look forward to the pleasure of welcoming you on tour again.
Show more
Michael
February 22nd, 2020
A wonderful trip with a knowledgeable, personable guide. Enjoyed all the stops and excursions.
Traveled in January 2020
Reply from: Trafalgar
Thank you for putting through such great feedback as well as your lovely photos. Our Travel Directors are trained to the highest standards and pride themselves on the care and consideration that they provide to our guests at all times. With that being so, it's wonderful to read that you enjoyed our hand-picked destinations and activities, while your thoughtful Travel Director helped to provide a truly memorable experience. It was certainly our pleasure to welcome you on this journey, and we hope that you will join us for another shared adventure soon.
Show more

Dates & Availability

Select departure month and travellers

Select Date

1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Upcoming departures

Hurry, deals only available for a limited time!

Ends on 1 Jul, 2026

From Thursday
27 Aug, 2026
To Friday
4 Sep, 2026
This departure date is not available or sold out
Sold out
From:
US $4,179 per person
Additional Upfront
$845
Sign up and save up to $251
See Similar Tours For These Dates
From Thursday
24 Sep, 2026
To Friday
2 Oct, 2026
English
Almost Sold Out
Check the availability with the operator
Departure on request
From:
US $4,179 per person
Multiple Room Types
Additional Upfront
$845
Sign up and save up to $251
Instant Confirmation
From Thursday
8 Oct, 2026
To Friday
16 Oct, 2026
English
Filling Fast
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
US $4,060 per person
Multiple Room Types
Additional Upfront
$845
Sign up and save up to $245
From Thursday
5 Nov, 2026
To Friday
13 Nov, 2026
English
Almost Sold Out
Check the availability with the operator
Departure on request
From:
US $4,394 per person
Multiple Room Types
Additional Upfront
$845
Sign up and save up to $261
Instant Confirmation
From Thursday
26 Nov, 2026
To Friday
4 Dec, 2026
English
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
US $4,311 per person
Multiple Room Types
Additional Upfront
$845
Sign up and save up to $257
Instant Confirmation
-10%
From Thursday
3 Dec, 2026
To Friday
11 Dec, 2026
English
From:
$4,269
US $3,842 per person
Multiple Room Types
Additional Upfront
$845
Sign up and save up to $234
From Thursday
7 Jan, 2027
To Friday
15 Jan, 2027
This departure date is not available or sold out
Sold out
From:
US $4,185 per person
Additional Upfront
$845
Sign up and save up to $251
See Similar Tours For These Dates
Instant Confirmation
-10%
From Thursday
14 Jan, 2027
To Friday
22 Jan, 2027
English
Filling Fast
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
$4,269
US $3,842 per person
Multiple Room Types
Additional Upfront
$845
Sign up and save up to $234
From Thursday
21 Jan, 2027
To Friday
29 Jan, 2027
This departure date is not available or sold out
Sold out
From:
US $4,185 per person
Additional Upfront
$845
Sign up and save up to $251
See Similar Tours For These Dates
Instant Confirmation
-10%
From Thursday
28 Jan, 2027
To Friday
5 Feb, 2027
English
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
$4,269
US $3,842 per person
Multiple Room Types
Additional Upfront
$845
Sign up and save up to $234

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What our customers ask about this tour

The content in our FAQ section is subject to change.

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S
Stephen
Asked on April 7th, 2026
We are interested in a tour in Australia for January 2027. Could you please provide more information on the itinerary, inclusions, and types of accommodations for this tour?
Accommodation
Tour Details
- TrafalgarOperator•Written April 2026
  This tour showcases Australia's diverse landscapes and cultural highlights, with visits to Sydney, Cairns, Uluru, and Melbourne. Guests will enjoy guided sightseeing, cultural experiences, and opportunities to explore natural wonders such as the Great Barrier Reef and Ayers Rock (Uluru).
  
  Inclusions:
  
  • Quality hotel accommodation throughout the tour
  • Daily breakfasts and selected dinners
  • Transportation by motorcoach
  • Services of a professional Travel Director and local specialists
  
  Accommodation:
  Guests stay in comfortable, well-reviewed hotels. Specific hotel names may vary depending on availability, but Trafalgar ensures centrally located or scenic properties to enhance the experience.
L
Lori
Asked on January 12th, 2026
I am booked on the Contrasts of Australia tour and I am looking at the international airfare tickets. Right now it looks like possibly a 0930 arrival time on the 26th which is the first day of the tour, where the only thing on the schedule is dinner. Do you foresee any problems with that for an arrival time? Do you know what time we could check into the Crowne Plaza?
Accommodation
Flights / Transfers
- TrafalgarOperator•Written January 2026
  The tour is scheduled to begin in Melbourne (MEL) at 15:00 on March 26, 2026, so flights should arrive prior to 12:00 noon. With a 09:30 arrival, you'll have plenty of time and there should be no issues joining the tour later that day. Regarding hotel check-in, official times vary by property, but rooms are typically available from 2:00–3:00 PM. If you arrive at the hotel earlier, your room may not yet be ready. While hotels do their best to accommodate early arrivals, check-in times cannot be guaranteed. In the meantime, the Crowne Plaza staff will be happy to suggest ways to spend your free time whether sightseeing, relaxing, or enjoying local restaurants until your room is prepared.
C
Craig
Asked on November 27th, 2025
Could you kindly let us know about your availability for late February?
Price / Availability
- TrafalgarOperator•Written November 2025
  February 12, 2026 is currently open for booking. Once booked, it will be placed on request status, and confirmation or notice of unavailability may take 3 - 4 business days. Please be aware that availability and pricing are subject to change until your booking is made.
L
Lorraine
Asked on July 27th, 2025
Is there an option to scuba at the Great Barrier Reef? We have 2 certified divers
Tour Details
- TrafalgarOperator•Written July 2025
  Optional experience for scuba diving is offered for AU$198.00 per person. Optional experiences cannot be pre-booked and will be offered by Travel Director at the beginning of trip.
A
Ali
Asked on March 8th, 2025
Is a visa required for U.S. passport holders traveling to Australia?
Visa
- TrafalgarOperator•Written March 2025
  Yes, U.S. passport holders need an ETA or Electronic Travel Authorization for Australia.
R
Ronald
Asked on March 3rd, 2025
Wondering about available dates for december 2025 closer to christmas and new years. Need a triple room for client traveling with two minors.
Accommodation
Tour Details
- TrafalgarOperator•Written March 2025
  Only available departure date for December 2025 is December 4. No other departures in December 2025 closer to Christmas and New Year's. Happy to help find alternative tours in other destinations if interested.
A
Adrian
Asked on February 7th, 2025
What is the price for this trip with the single supplement? Can additional days be added at the beginning and/or end of the trip?
Price / Availability
Single supplement
- TrafalgarOperator•Written February 2025
  The Single Supplement cost is 1,350.00, which would bring the cost to a total of USD 6,317.51 in a Single Room. We can definitely arrange pre and post accommodation for you at the start and end of the tour with breakfast already included.
H
Hans Alfred
Asked on January 16th, 2025
What kind of accommodation options are available on the tour?
Accommodation
- TrafalgarOperator•Written January 2025
  You have the option to either have your own room or share a room with the same sex as you and of a similar age.
C
Cathy
Asked on October 24th, 2024
Can we customize this tour package for Sydney and Cairns.
Tour Details
- TrafalgarOperator•Written October 2024
  For tour customization, it's only possible if they're given a free time or if they choose not to do our optional experiences to do their own activity. However, most of the time this tour will be guided, and they have a planned itinerary to follow.
L
Liam
Asked on August 28th, 2024
Can we get a room with either a queen or King bed? We do not want twin beds. What is the cost for flights between cities?
Accommodation
Flights / Transfers
Price / Availability
- TrafalgarOperator•Written August 2024
  Regarding the bed size, we can certainly request a king or queen bed for you; however, please note that this is subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed. Additionally, internal flights for this trip will be automatically added upon booking, costing $1,273.01 per person. This brings the total cost to $5,150.01 per person for a twin room.

From

$4,185

-10%

US $3,767 per person

+ $845 additional upfront costs

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

Select Date

1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Best price guarantee Learn More

Plan your adventure:

Good to Know

Tour ID: 87582

Currency
$
Australian Dollar
Australia
Plugs & Adapters
As a traveler from USA, Canada, England, South Africa you will need an adaptor for type I.
Type I
Australia
Vaccines
- These are only indications, so please visit your doctor before you travel to be 100% sure.
- Yellow fever - Certificate of vaccination required if arriving from an infected area for Australia. Ideally 10 days before travel.
- Japanese B encephalitis - Recommended for Australia. Ideally 1 month before travel.
Visa
- Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
- Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
Payment information
- For any tour departing before September 27th, 2026 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after September 27th, 2026, a minimum payment of $200 is required to confirm your booking with Trafalgar. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 95 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
- Some departure dates and prices may vary and Trafalgar will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
- The following cards are accepted for "Trafalgar" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
Cancellation Policy
- Your money is safe with TourRadar, as we only pay the tour operator after your tour has departed.
- TourRadar is an authorized Agent of Trafalgar. Please familiarize yourself with the Trafalgar payment, cancellation and refund conditions.
Accessibility
Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveler, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team, who are ready and waiting to help you.
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