Tour itinerary
Day 1 Cairns:
Meet your Contiki crew then we're off to visit Tjapukai and Kuranda to watch traditional aboriginal dancers, learn how to throw a boomerang and to appreciate the beauty of the Atherton Tablelands. This evening get to know your new travel buddies with a night on the town!
Day 2 - 3 Cairns:
Wake up to the warm waters of Cairns. For those who are keen for a fun and thrilling ride on the rapids of the Tully River, join our optional white-water rafting adventure activity with our professional Local Guides.
There are loads more activities available in Cairns like hot air ballooning, sky diving and bungy jumping – just ask your Tour Manager for some more info.
In your free time on the first night, walk around the buzzing night markets. It’s the perfect place for shopping and with everything from fun, kitsch treasures to local crafts like boomerangs and didgeridoos. There’s something for everyone.
On Day 2, there’s another chance to experience the Great Barrier Reef on an optional day trip. Put on your snorkel gear and check out colourful fish, turtles, vivid coral and the incredible clear waters.
Later, hit the seaside esplanade back in Cairns, sit down with a coffee and people watch. For your last night in this city, there’s a chance to head down to a local hot-spot for a group dinner if you’re up for it.
Day 4 Cairns to the Whitsundays:
Relax on the coach as we cruise past thick, tropical rainforests into Tully, home to some of Australia’s best white-water rafting.
Slowly leaving the tropics behind us, we hit Townsville for some free time. Check out the colonial buildings and get a feel for its maritime past as we drive to the downtown pedestrian-only area where you can grab some lunch.
See vistas over Magnetic Island, a National Park and bird sanctuary, before we continue our travels south and board a boat out to stunning Daydream Island in the Whitsundays.
As we cruise, soak up the crystal clear waters, white sands and mountain peaks of the islands.
Day 5 - 6 The Whitsundays:
After an included continental breakfast, day 1 is a free day to enjoy the picture-perfect Whitsundays.
If you’re keen to explore further afield and see the UNESCO listed Great Barrier Reef first hand, choose our optional trip to the Outer Barrier Reef. Our fun Local Guides will kit you out with snorkel gear and show you around this natural wonder.
Otherwise, slow the pace down, kick back and make the most of the fantastic facilities available at the resort. Go for a rainforest walk, swim in the pool, get into some beach or water sports, try your hand at fish-feeding, catch a film at the big outdoor cinema or laze about on the beach. Resort (B)
On day 2, get away from it all with our optional day sail. Check out some of the Whitsunday’s 74 islands from the boat - you’ll soon understand why this region is so famous. Experience what is known as one of the top ten beaches in the world, the uninhabited Whitehaven Beach.
Swim off the boat and play beach volleyball or cricket with the local skipper and crew before enjoying a tasty lunch and a few drinks on the way back to Daydream Island.
Day 7 The Whitsundays to Country Homestead:
After a ferry back to the mainland, plug in you MP3 or chat with friends as we drive through scenic Mackay, with countryside full of vibrant green vegetation and sugar cane plantations. Continue down the Capricorn Coast and head inland to an authentic country homestead, right in the heart of Queensland’s cattle country, for our overnight stay.
During our time at Langmorn, a working cattle station, you’ll experience a taste of real Aussie country life. The farmer will show you around the enormous property in a behind-the-scenes look at daily life on the farm. Then taste local hospitality tonight as your welcoming hosts pile your table high with a hearty roast dinner.
Later, have a go at whip cracking under night lights and if it’s cool, settle in around the bonfire, kick back with a drink and hang out with your new friends.
Day 8 Country Homestead to Fraser Island:
We drive back out to the coast this morning after breakfast and jump on board a ferry. Enjoy the cruise out to famous Fraser Island, where we’ll stay at an eco-lodge for our time here. Each cabin has its own kitchenette and living room, as well as a balcony – perfect for hanging out & watching the sunset.
Tonight, feast on our included buffet dinner at the Dingo Bar with the group and follow it up with some dancing or even karaoke.
Day 9 Fraser Island:
Experience a slice of paradise on Fraser Island today. This UNESCO World Heritage listed site is the largest sand island in the world and is 800,000 years old. Packed with around 40 fresh-water lakes, lush rainforests and diverse wildlife, Fraser Island lives up to its amazing reputation.
There’s a regular shuttle from our accommodation down to the main resort area, so you can take off and explore at your own pace.
With optional Fraser Island day tours, our Eco-Rangers will show you some of the island’s best spots and hidden treasures – make sure you keep your camera handy - this is one of Australia’s most beautiful regions. Head along 75 Mile Beach and make a stop at the gorgeous freshwater lake, Lake McKenzie, where you can have a swim.
If its whale season and the conditions are right, there’s a half day tour out on Hervey Bay, where you can see these incredible animals in their natural habitat.
With a free night, you could join your Tour Manager for drinks at sunset and a meal down by the water.
Day 10 Fraser Island to Surfers Paradise:
Once we’re back on the mainland, Noose is up next. It’s a trendy beach resort town. You could go local and grab some fish’n’chips to take down to the beach for lunch or head to the Surf Club for a bite to eat.
We also stop off in Brisbane today. You’ll get a feel for the capital of Queensland’s laid-back atmosphere when we have a look around town.
There’s an opal presentation here where you’ll learn all about Australia’s national gemstone. Have a go at rock-cracking and maybe even pick up a piece of opal to take back home.
Tonight, we pull into legendary Surfers Paradise, the Gold Coast’s party hot spot and home to some of the best surfing beaches in the world.
Grab some of your new friends and join the party atmosphere of Surfers Paradise tonight. With loads of restaurants and buzzing nightlife, there’s something for everybody. Head to the happening Orchid or Cavill Avenues, where clubs and bars line the street or shoot some pool at the pub.
Day 11 Surfers Paradise:
With a free day, hang out among the bronzed bodies and surfers on the golden sands. Our hotel is only a short walk from the beach.
For adrenaline-junkies, there’s an optional tandem skydive, where you can get your thrills and an amazing bird’s eye view over the area. Otherwise, try out some kayaking or even a Harley Davidson ride – your Tour Manager can help you get the most out of your time here.
You could also hit the shops – Surfers has some great places to shop and a huge outlet mall for bargains, so get some tips from your Tour Manager.
Tonight, there’s the chance to experience ‘Draculas’ – a fun vampire-themed cabaret show and dinner. Watch dancers, singers and comedians perform as you tuck into a three course meal.
Day 12 Surfers Paradise to Coffs Harbour (Surf Village):
This morning, we visit the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, where you’ll get up close to Australia’s amazing native animals. Cuddle a koala, feed the kangaroos and see wombats, emus, crocodiles, dingoes, Tasmanian devils and colourful birds. You can feel good about doing this too, as our visits to this not-for-profit organisation go towards the sanctuary’s animal hospital and help over 4000 injured animals every year.
Next up: gorgeous Byron Bay. With a laid-back lifestyle, cute little shops, organic food, alternative therapies and around 30km of pretty beaches, it’s a must see. Byron Bay is also known for its incredible marine life. Head out to Cape Byron, Australia’s most easterly point and see dolphins and humpback whales if you’re lucky, then grab some lunch back in town and maybe take a swim at the beach.
Later we arrive in Coffs Harbour, home to surf beaches, fishing and banana plantations. This is a chance for a real Aussie experience – we’re staying at a Surf Camp. Our cabins are right on the beach, so soak up the surf vibes and relax by the open fire under the stars tonight.
Day 13 Coffs Harbour to Shoal Bay (Port Stephens):
Jump start the day by hitting the waves & learning to surf with some professional instructors as you have a go at Australia’s national sport in a fun optional activity.
This afternoon, we arrive in the popular holiday spot of Port Stephens, known for its boating, fishing and warm hospitality. Stretch your legs with a walk along the beach. Tonight, toast your travels with your group, Tour Manager and Driver over a typical Aussie BBQ dinner and kick back with a few local beers.
Day 14 Shoal Bay to Sydney:
This morning you can join our optional dolphin cruise tour and get up close to some bottlenose dolphins, or choose our sand-boarding optional and hit the massive dunes.
It’s onto Sydney. From the high-energy downtown area to its popular beaches, Sydney has something for everyone. Get familiar with the city on a sightseeing tour with your Tour Manager. First up, we head into the historic district where you’ll get an overview of the glistening harbour from Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, a famous sandstone seat carved by convicts. You’ll soon understand why this is one the world’s most beautiful harbour cities. See the sails of the UNESCO World Heritage listed Sydney Opera House and the iconic Harbour Bridge and maybe even get a feel for the sun and surf lifestyle of Bondi Beach.
Then the tour ends here and it’s time to say farewell to you new friends.