10 Day Contrasts of Australia extended Itinerary

Crowned "The World's Most Liveable City" for seven years in a row, friendly Melbourne is the perfect place to begin your Australian self-drive adventure.

This compact, diverse metropolis is begging to be explored after settling into your comfortable accommodation. There are hidden charms around every corner, beautiful Botanic Gardens and chic city squares where you can soak up the atmosphere to your heart's content.

Here are some of our favourite things to do in Melbourne:

• Lose yourself in cobbled laneways lined with tempting coffee shops, chic boutiques and cozy bars.
• Admire the always-evolving street art covering every inch of Hosier Lane
• Take a tram to St Kilda beach's historic esplanade and drop into Acland St's irresistible cake shops.
• Make a sporting pilgrimage to the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground
• Grab a bite to eat at Queen Victoria Market - it's the largest market in the Southern Hemisphere
• Choose from a dizzying array of restaurants & eateries — you're in Australia's foodie capital.

Accommodation: Melbourne - 2 Nights

Discover amazing coastal scenery, adventure and wildlife on a full day coach tour along the famous Great Ocean Road.

Great Ocean Road - One of the World's Greatest Drives

Experience and enjoy the breathtaking Great Ocean Road: every twist and turn exposes you to stretches of broad, uninterrupted beaches, dramatic coastlines and the lush rainforest of the Otway Ranges. This remarkable scenery provides an amazing backdrop for a day that will be etched in your memory forever.

Visit Australia’s oldest surviving lighthouse at Apollo Bay, enjoy a typical Aussie BBQ lunch, take a rainforest walk in the Otway Ranges and see the world famous limestone rock stacks — the 12 Apostles – at the western end of the Great Ocean Road.

There are plenty of opportunities to see the native wildlife in its natural habitat including koalas and a variety of Australian birdlife.

Bid farewell to the city and fly to Australia's Red Centre for your first glimpse of magnificent Ayers Rock, or Uluru as it is also known.

Ayers Rock stands 348 metres above the ground and reaches over 700 metres underground. Uluru is also home to the World Heritage listed Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, which is of extreme importance to the local Aboriginal people.

Settle into your self-catering apartment at Ayers Rock Resort and prepare to witness the most epic sunset you can imagine over Uluru: it's a moment the whole family will remember forever.

Accommodation: Ayers Rock - 2 Nights

Marvel  at this desert spectacle of 50,000 glass spheres of Bruce Munro's amazing Field of Light installation.

The Magical "Field of Light"

After your camel ride ends, you will be welcomed at a raised viewing area for canapés and chilled sparkling wine to the sounds of a didgeridoo.

As the sun slowly sets, the coloured lights of 50,000 glass spheres come to life before you. Created by internationally acclaimed artist Bruce Munro, this magical installation has to be seen to be believed.

 Uluru (Ayers Rock) Scenic Flight

Experience the beauty of Uluru on a dramatic scenic flight. Soaring over Uluru and the incredible rock formations of Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) gives you amazing views of the area from a whole new perspective.

Fly from Ayers Rock to Cairns

With its close proximity to the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest, Cairns is a haven of scuba diving, snorkelling, reef cruises, fishing, rainforest walks, native bird and wildlife watching.

Sun-seekers and locals alike flock to Cairns Esplanade's swimming lagoon on the city’s foreshore. There are picnic areas, birdwatching viewpoints, free barbecues and fitness equipment along the boardwalk, perfect for unwinding after your flight.

Accommodation: Cairns - 3 Nights

Enjoy a full day cruise to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and the tropical island paradise of Green Island.

Great Barrier Reef: Full Day Cruise

Climb aboard the Ocean Free - a 16.5 metre sailing schooner - and set sail for Green Island in the Great Barrier Reef, where the beautiful coral gardens of Pinnacle Reef are begging to be explored.

A delicious smorgasbord lunch is served on board the boat to fuel you up for your adventures, and how you choose to spend your day is entirely up to you! Wander the rainforest tracks, snorkel or scuba the pristine waters, or relax on the beach and sip cocktails from the island bar. This is a fantastic day tour experience at the heart of one of the great natural wonders of the world.

Today is free to enjoy the Cairns region at your leisure. With some of the planet's oldest rainforests just a short drive away, we strongly recommend paying them a visit!

Suggested Activity: Full Day Daintree Rainforest 4WD Safari

Cross the Daintree River on a Cable Ferry, eat lunch with local wallabies (you can even hand-feed them!), stroll along the elevated rainforest boardwalk and learn about Aboriginal culture from knowledgeable local guides.

Suggested Activity: Day Trip to Kuranda, The Village In The Rainforest

Surrounded by World Heritage Rainforest and perched at the top of a mountain, vibrant Kuranda is home to a kaleidoscope of colourful characters and natural beauty. You’ll learn about the ancient rainforest, the local Indigenous culture, and the native wildlife of Australia. Includes Kuranda Scenic Railway and Skyrail Rainforest Cableway.

Fly onwards to Sydney, the oldest and grandest of Australia's big cities. Blessed with a glorious natural harbour, golden beaches and a blissful climate, this incredible metropolis makes a stunning final destination on your Contrasts of Australia Tour.

Sydney Harbour Dining Cruise

Tonight's Sunset Dinner Cruise on the Harbour shows off Sydney in style. Sparkling wine in hand, enjoy spectacular views of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge as you dine.

Accommodation: Sydney - 2 Nights

Enjoy some free time to discover Sydney in depth, at your own pace.

Take a ferry to Manly for a laid-back beach day, or cruise to Taronga Zoo, where both animals and visitors alike can enjoy jaw-dropping harbour views.
Adventurers can climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge or tackle the Bondi to Bronte walking trail along the rugged sandstone cliffs.

Foodies will love visiting the Sydney Fish Market, where you can pile your plate high with freshly caught & cooked seafood and take your haul outside to eat on the pier.

However you choose to spend your day, Sydney is guaranteed to win your heart.

Your 10 Day Extended Contrasts of Australia family adventure ends here in Sydney today, and we know you will leave with magical memories of a truly exceptional Australian experience as you board your onward flight.