Contrasts of Australia and New Zealand

Stylish and friendly Melbourne extends a warm welcome to your epic tour (flights to arrive prior to 12pm). You’ll soon see you’re staying right in the heart of the action on the banks of the Yarra River, the perfect springboard for your time in the city. After settling into your hotel, get to know your Travel Director and fellow travellers over dinner at a popular restaurant perched on the Yarra River’s South Wharf, a great introduction to Melbourne’s cosmopolitan vibe.

Delve into the city this morning on a walk with your Travel Director to discover the little lanes, arcades, and cafe society of stylish Melbourne. View its famous, edgy street art - in the striking contrast to federation buildings and churches that Melbourne is known for - and immerse yourself in the city’s robust coffee aroma, admiring the exquisite Victorian façades 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. With a vison to ensure the rich cultural heritage, history and knowledge systems of First Peoples are valued, celebrated and an active part of society, the Koorie Heritage Trust is an organisation you’ll be happy to support. Afterwards, the day is yours to relax back at your hotel, go for a scenic stroll, do a little souvenir shopping, or find a spot on the banks of the Yarra River to grab a drink. 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.

Get ready for a change of scenery and “locals” today as you fly north to Cairns. Then get right in the action meeting a Local Specialist for a private wildlife encounter at Hartley's Crocodile Adventures on a boat cruise through, where the crocs are the stars of the show popping up from the murky waters or lazing on the bank. Safe in your boat, your local guide will give you the inside scoop on the life and habits of these Cairns’ area locals. Inspired by your introduction to wildlife, you’ll love your next experience helping take part in a Rainforest Restoration project to protect the natural wonder of the nearby Notophyll Vine Forest, an area older than the Amazon. Your helping-hand planting trees supports the protection of this rare type of dry rainforest from development and restores it to its former glory as an important wildlife corridor rich with native birds - a mission you’ll feel good contributing to. Back in town, enjoy your evening on your own visiting the Cairns Night Markets. *If you are departing on an early flight from Melbourne, a boxed breakfast will be provided.

No matter where you hail from, today is a bucket list experience exploring the tropical waters of the Great Barrier Reef as we set sail on a high-speed catamaran - and you have a full day to do it. Kick off the day, then don your mask and fins for a snorkel (equipment provided) exploring this underwater wonderland up close. You’ll think you’re inside an aquarium as you wind your way through the rainbow of reefs and fish. Or, stay dry in your semi-submersible, air-conditioned craft with an underwater observatory to view the tropical species that live in the world’s largest coral reef system. Your local guide shares all their insights on the reef and its ecology. Learn about the colourful fish and plants that call the reef home and why it’s so important to protect this beautiful and fragile ecosystem. Refuel with a tropical buffet lunch and afternoon tea and coffee under the glorious Aussie sunshine before you cruise back into the city, all smiles after an amazing day.