Contrasts of Australia

Settle into your hotel on the banks of the Yarra River and meet your Travel Director for dinner at a popular South Wharf riverside restaurant. It's a great opportunity to get to know everyone in a unique setting. (D) Stay: Crowne Plaza Hotel Melbourne

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 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. (B)

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. (B) Stay: Hilton Hotel Cairns

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. (B/L)

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 cafe 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. (B/D)

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. (B) Stay: Sofitel Wentworth Hotel Sydney

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. (B/L)

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. (B/D)

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