Day 1: Depart for AustraliaFly over the international date line on your way to Australia.Accommodations:
Day 3: Arrive SydneyCheck in to your hotel and head straight out into Sydney. From the high-energy downtown area to its popular beaches, Sydney has something for everyone.Accommodations: Hotel
Day 4: Sydney to Coffs HarbourMeet up with your fellow travellers and Tour Manager in Sydney, and start your trip with a sightseeing tour around the city. 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. Chill out on the coach today and chat with your travel buddies as we head north. We stop by the seaside for lunch before heading to Coffs Harbour, home to surf beaches, fishing and banana plantations. This is a chance for a real Aussie overnight as we arrive at our Special Stay experience at our Aussie Surf Camp. Maybe get to know your Contiki team & travel buddies over a few drinks. Our cabins are right on the beach so soak up the surf vibes and relax by the open fire under the stars.Accommodations: Surf VillageMeals: Breakfast (1) day, Dinner (1) day
Day 5: Coffs Harbour to Byron BayThis morning wake up to one of our Aussie highlights, a surf lesson! An awesome Aussie experience – hit the waves & learn to surf with some professional instructors as you have a go at surfing! Join some of the coolest people on the planet as you get involved with Australia’s beach culture. It’s a fun way to learn how to surf as our professional local instructors show you just how it’s done. The perfect Aussie experience & will top off your Coffs Harbour stay! Later, it’s time to hit the road for our next overnight stop, gorgeous Byron Bay – one of Australia’s gems & a great place to hang out! 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 & soak up the hippy vibes & easy going atmosphere.Byron Bay is situation on a marine park also known for its incredible marine life. Head out to Cape Byron, the mainland Australia’s most easterly point and see the local pod of dolphins and if you’re lucky the seasonal humpback whales. Grab some lunch back in town and maybe take a swim at the beach. There are loads of other things on offer here too, like a sea kayaking adventure where you catch up with a family of dolphins at Wategos beach, their curiosity often brings them right up next your kayak, and snorkeling at Middle reef home to turtles, rays, corals, eels, starfish and sharks. Accommodations: HostelMeals: Breakfast (1) day
Day 6: Byron Bay to Surfers ParadiseThis morning we cross over into Queensland and visit 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 visit to this not-for-profit organisation goes towards the sanctuary’s animal hospital which helps over 4,000 injured animals every year.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 tonight. With heaps of restaurants and a 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 a pub.Accommodations: ResortMeals: Breakfast (1) day
Day 7: Surfers ParadiseWith a free day, hang out among the bronzed bodies, bikini babes and surfer dudes on the golden sands. Check out what Surfers is most famous for, the three kilometers of gorgeous natural beaches. Kick back and spot some locals showing off their talents in the waves. If you want to get amongst the action there’s so much happening in Surfers Paradise you are spoilt for choice. You could head up into the Hinterland Mountains on a 4WD trip, visit South Stradbroke Island on a kayaking safari or spend all day at Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin's Zoo, Australia Zoo.For adrenaline-junkies, there’s an optional tandem skydive or Tiger Moth biplane flight, where you can get your thrills and an amazing bird’s eye view over the Pacific Ocean and myriad of rivers and estuaries that make up the area. Our hotel is only a short walk from both the beach and downtown Surfers Paradise so 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 on where’s best to head. Accommodations: HotelMeals: Breakfast (1) day
Day 8: Surfers Paradise to NoosaAs we make our way up the coast, we make a stop in Brisbane to see what this city is all about. You’ll get a feel for the capital of Queensland’s laid-back atmosphere when we have a look around town. Noosa is up next. It’s a trendy beach resort town. You could take a stroll through the shops or sunbathe and swim at the beach before we check into our resort. Tonight, go local and enjoy a taste of Aussie as we head to the surf club for dinner and champagne overlooking the beach. Later, if you want to take it up a level, head out into the town & explore Noosa by night.Accommodations: ResortMeals: Breakfast (1) day, Dinner (1) day
Day 9: Noosa to Fraser IslandThis morning you have a few options of how to spend your day. If you like there’s more time to explore Noosa this morning, before making your way up north to Fraser Island.Fraser Island is a slice of paradise. 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.If you want to explore as much of the island as possible, you have the option to jump on a full-day 4WD tour. Meet your Local Guide in the morning and be shown some of the island’s best spots and hidden treasures, taking you through the island’s sandunes, rainforests & freshwater lakes. Make sure you keep your camera handy - this is one of Australia’s most beautiful regions. Accommodations: Eco Lodge
Day 10: Fraser Island to FarmstayBack on the mainland this morning, we continue inland to an authentic country homestead, right in the heart of Queensland’s cattle country. During our time at Langmorn, a working cattle station, you’ll experience a taste of real Aussie country life. The owners will show you around the enormous property in a behind-the-scenes look at daily life on the farm. Taste local hospitality tonight as your welcoming hosts pile your table high with a hearty roast beef and vegetables (like you've never tasted before) followed by an indulgent home made decadent desert. Later, have a go at whip cracking an authentic leather stock whip under night lights before heading back inside for traditional Aussie bush dancing. Have some fun and a giggle with some evening karaoke. See if you can spot the 'Southern Cross' amongst a chandelier of stars, a constellation only visible in the southern hemisphere & featured on the Australian flag. Accommodations: Country HomesteadMeals: Breakfast (1) day, Dinner (1) day
Day 11: Farmstay to Whitsundays SailingToday we drive to Airlie Beach, gateway to the Whitsundays Islands and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park to board our sailing yacht. Enjoy two days and nights sailing the stunning Whitsunday islands with your friends. Swim, snorkel, or laze your way around the 74 islands of this tropical paradise, where you will past the lush tropical islands, snorkel or dive the many spectacular coral reefs, laze on the world's best beaches and personally meet an extravagant array of sea life. You can help the crew & learn how to grind the winches & hoist the sails, and try your hand at or just relax and top up your tan in the sun. Your third night in the Whitsundays will be spent relaxing and toasting the sunset on Daydream Island.Please note: There's no twin or single share available on board the yacht.Accommodations: Resort ( Day 3 ) Yacht ( Day 1, 2 )Meals: Breakfast (3 days), Lunch (2 days), Dinner (2 days)
Day 14: The Whitsundays to CairnsAfter a ferry back to the mainland, we head deeper into the tropics of Australia today when we hit Townsville for some free time. Check out the colonial buildings and get a feel for its maritime past as we drive along the esplanade and into town where you can grab some lunch. See vistas over Magnetic Island, a National Park and bird sanctuary, before we continue our travels up north. Back on the road, we cruise past waterfalls, waterholes, fruit plantations and thick, tropical rainforests into Tully, home to some of Australia’s best white-water rafting. Then it’s on to the popular traveller’s hub of Cairns. With a colourful tropical setting, vibrant restaurant scene and happening nightlife, this gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and rainforests is one of Australia’s hottest destinations. In your free time on the first night in Cairns, 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.Accommodations: ResortMeals: Breakfast (1) day, Dinner (1) day
Day 15: CairnsWake 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 in the evening, 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.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 with the group in this city, there’s a chance to head down to a local hot-spot for dinner if you’re up for it.Accommodations: ResortMeals: Breakfast (2 days)
Day 17: Finish CairnsSay a final farewell to your new friends as your trip ends this morning. Accommodations: Meals: Breakfast (1) day
Coffs HarbourSee the famous 'Big Banana' & banana plantationsOnly Contiki: Learn to surf the waves or ride a kayak at our beachside surf camp
Byron BayVisit Australia's most eastern point & Cape Byron lighthouseGet into Byron's organic lifestyle & cool nightlife
CurrumbinOnly Contiki: Visit Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary - cuddle a koala and see native Australian animals including kangaroos, emus, crocodiles, dingoes & Tasmanian devils
Surfers ParadiseStay at a resort located right by the beachRelax on some of Australia's most famous beaches on the Gold CoastVIP nightclub entry
BrisbaneSee the Brisbane River, South Bank, Royal Botanical Gardens & visit Queen Street Mall on a city tourSee the Glass House Mountains
NoosaVisit the picturesque seaside town & beach of NoosaOnly Contiki: Dine beachside at Noosa Surf Club & meet a lifesaver
Fraser IslandStay on the world's largest sand island, a UNESCO World Heritage siteStay in an eco-village & enjoy the resort facilitiesEnjoy the scenic boat trip to the island & enjoy the resort facilities
Capricorn CoastOnly Contiki: Aussie Outback experience: Langmorn Station Special Stopover
Airlie BeachVisit the vibrant seaside town of Airlie Beach
WhitsundaysRelax on the famous white sands of Whitehaven BeachJump off the back of the boat & snorkel amongst the Whitsunday IslandsOnly Contiki: Fish Feeding & Great Barrier Reef marine talkStay on Daydream Island and enjoy all the resort facilities
TownsvilleTownsville city orientationSee Magnetic Island
TullyPass Hinchinbrook Island - Australia's largest island national parkPass through Tully, home to Australia's best whitewater rafting