Accommodation

6 nights in Hostels, 2 nights in Converted Racing Yacht

Transport

Coach, Sailing Boat and Train

Hygieneprotocol

All guests travelling with Contiki through December 31, 2022 are required to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19, which may include a booster shot to keep the vaccination status current and valid, depending on the travel destination. Children not eligible for vaccination and/or booster at the time of travel must provide a verifiable and negative Covid-19 test result, taken within 72 hours prior to the start of the tour (taking time zones into consideration) for all tours departing until December 31, 2022. For guests travelling with Contiki from 1 January 2023, Covid-19 vaccinations and boosters are highly recommended, but no longer required. Please note that regardless of time of travel guests will need to comply with specific vaccine and/or booster requirements imposed by airlines and/or authorities in the destination visited, as well as requirements for accessing restaurants and venues, which may be more restrictive than above. It is guests’ responsibility to ensure that they comply at all times with these requirements. No refunds will be given if guests are unable to undertake some or all of their vacation due to their failure to comply with these requirements.

Others

Sydney: Why does the itinerary use dual-names for locations (ie. Warrane/Sydney)? Contiki acknowledges the Traditional and Torres Strait Island owners of the land, sea and waters of the spectacular Australian continent. Dual-naming reflects that, as we explore this remarkable land, we recognise and respect Indigenous custodianship of a unique, ancient culture and country. Gimuy (Cairns): Can I catch a flight the next day after diving at the Great Barrier Reef? It’s best to wait at least 24 hours after your last dive before flying. Yunbenun (Magnetic Island): Can I get a single or twin room upgrade in Magnetic Island? During your 2-night stay in Magnetic Island, you’ll stay in multi-share rooms with the same sex even (if you’ve booked single or twin room for the trip duration). But if you’d like some privacy, you can request a paid upgrade to a single or twin room, but the confirmation would depend on availability.Please note that this is a modular trip. That means you’ll be joining a trip that started 1 week earlier – if you wish to do the full version, please refer to the Ultimate Australia trip. Airlie Beach: What is the sailing boat like in the Whitsundays? Pretty darn epic, if you ask us. It’s a converted racing yacht that sleeps up to 20 people with all the basic amenities. It’s snazzy – perfect if you’re all about fun adventures out on the sea. Whitsunday Islands: Float around the reefs, marvel at rainbow-coloured fish, then chill out on deck (and secretly hope no one brought a ukulele). Whitsunday Islands: Seeing Whitehaven Beach is like seeing a little piece of heaven. With 15 of your new best friends! #lifegoals Whitsunday Islands: Step aboard a converted racing yacht – where your friendly captain trusts you enough to let you try steering it. Whitsunday Islands: The Great Barrier Reef is home to nearly 9,000 species of sea creatures. This means it’ll impress even the saltiest ‘sea dogs’. Townsville: Catch a boat from the mainland to Magnetic Island. Magnetic Island: Pack some comfy shoes and climb up to Hawking’s Point for sundown. Yoga poses for Insta: optional. Magnetic Island: Go koala-spotting, see WWII fortifications, or just have a beer in the sun. There’s something for everyone on this trail. Magnetic Island: Mingle with Magnetic Island’s resident Rock Wallabies at dusk. Just watch these cheeky little guys don’t steal your wallet! Magnetic Island: Catch a boat from Magnetic Island to the mainland. Wave goodbye to your new BFF Reggie the Koala and promise you’ll write. Townsville: Things heat up as the landscape gets even more tropical. Soak up the scenery on this train trip from Townsville to Cairns. Daintree Rainforest: Check out the oldest rainforest in the world, home to frogs, butterflies, bats and more. Daintree Rainforest: Tour the world’s oldest rainforest with an expert. Sir David Attenborough called Daintree: ‘the most extraordinary place on earth’. Daintree Rainforest: Learn how ancient ‘Dreamtime’ stories were shared through art. Then unleash your inner Banksy and create a masterpiece at the Janbal Gallery.

Guide

Expert Trip Manager + Captain & Crew

Meals

4 Lunch (L) 4 Dinner (D) 6 Breakfast (B) Cairns: Eat like a local with this chef-guided bush food tutorial and dinner (thankfully, not a witchetty grub in sight!)

Not included:

Flights

International flights are not included.

Insurance

Travel insurance is not included.

Others

Other activities and services are not included.

Optional

Airlie Beach Skydive $209.00 Reef and Island Scenic Flight $249.00 Scuba Diving (in addition to Outer Barrier Reef Cruise) from A$65 (certified dive); from A$100 (introductory dive) Great Barrier Reef Cruise A$200 AJ Hackett Giant Jungle Swing or Bungy Jump A$95/ A$135 Cairns Skydive From A$209 Journey up on the scenic cable car Skyrail returning to Cairns on the famous Kuranda Railway A$115 Take the Skyrail through UNESCO-listed rainforest to the sustainable living haven of Kuranda, returning to Cairns by transfer From A$105 Feel the thrill of White Water Rafting in Cairns A$ 145.00

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Airlie Beach
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Airlie Beach

Hello Airlie Beach! This tropical paradise is the perfect place to kick off our adventure. Our trip starts at Base Backpackers where we’ll meet our fellow adventurers.
Day 2 Day 2: Airlie Beach To The Whitsundays
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Airlie Beach To The Whitsundays

This morning we’ll transfer to the marina and board a converted racing yacht - our home for the next 2 nights - ready to set sail over crystal clear waters. With 74 perfect islands at your fingertips, an open sea calling your name, today you’ll get to explore one of the worlds most lusted-after holiday destinations with a day trip to the spotless Whitehaven Beach, including snorkelling. A freshly prepared lunch and dinner are waiting for you back on the yacht. This is as close to heaven as you can find on planet earth.
Day 3 Day 3: The Whitsundays
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: The Whitsundays

Is there anywhere in the world more beautiful than the Whitsundays? We think not. We’ll have more wonders to enjoy today as we spend the day cruising through the islands, enjoying freshly prepared meals on board, with endless opportunities to snorkel, swim and soak up those rays.
Day 4 Day 4: Whitsundays To Yunbenun (Magnetic Island) Via Airlie Beach And Townsville
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Whitsundays To Yunbenun (Magnetic Island) Via Airlie Beach And Townsville

Waking up on board the yacht this morning, we’ll make our way to the shore. With our sights set on another beautiful island destination we’ll board a coach, heading for Townsville. Here we’ll board the ferry to our next destination. Magnetic Island is an apt name for this captivating isle, with its coastal walking trails and gum trees teeming with lazy koala bears. We’ll have plenty of time to explore, try some water sports in the bright turquoise waters or meet some of the local marsupials. But first things first, we’ll enjoy a drink (our treat) and watch the sunset over the bay. Blissful or what?
Day 5 Day 5: Yunbenun (Magnetic Island)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Yunbenun (Magnetic Island)

We have a whole day on this paradise island - lucky us! Check out some of the walking trails - such as the Forts Walk which offers up stunning views of the Palm Island Group as well as WWII fortifications, and the chance to see koalas in the wild - or enjoy some free time at Horseshoe bay, taking a dip on the azure waters and relaxing on the beach. See Magnetic Island’s resident Rock Wallabies at dusk before a free evening, where we can watch the sunset and check out some of the local bars.
Day 6 Day 6: Yunbenun (Magnetic Island) To Gimuy (Cairns) Via Townsville
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Yunbenun (Magnetic Island) To Gimuy (Cairns) Via Townsville

This morning we’ll say farewell to our koala friends and depart Magnetic Island on a ferry. But we’ll never forget its singular beauty. Back in Townsville we won’t hang around too long, as we’re hopping on a train headed to Cairns, where we’ll arrive late afternoon after a gloriously scenic journey along Australia’s East Coast. Welcome to the city where rainforests meet reefs. We’ll enjoy one of the most memorable meals you’ve ever experienced today with our interactive Bush Food MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® tutorial and dinner. An experienced chef will guide us through a history of Bush Food as you sample a variety of native spices and fruits, explaining their tastes, origins, and traditional uses before we enjoy our dinner, which features native game. It’s an incredible cultural feast, and the perfect way to start our adventure in Cairns.
Day 7 Day 7: Gimuy (Cairns)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Gimuy (Cairns)

Rise and shine, our entire day today is an unforgettable MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® experience, packed with history, heritage and natural beauty, as we enjoy a spectacular a day trip to the oldest tropical rainforest in the world: Daintree. With its ancient ferns and vibrant canopies, this place will take our breath away. There’s a reason David Attenborough called it ’the most extraordinary place on earth.’ As well as admiring the lush rainforest, we’ll also meet the local Kuku Yalanji people and learn about their rich Aboriginal culture and history. We’ll get the chance to view a smoking ceremony and take an art class with an Aboriginal artist. We’ll also learn about ancient Dreamtime stories, local history and how these are shared through art. Then, we’ll get to create our own unique souvenir to take home in the form of a canvas that tells our own stories. What a day; and we’re not done yet.
Day 8 Day 8: Gimuy (Cairns)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Gimuy (Cairns)

Today you’ll have the option to board a catamaran out to the reef to snorkel or dive in the crystal waters and gaze at the colourful coral and even more vibrant marine life. Back on board, the expert marine crew will tell us all there is to know about this stunning, but vulnerable, natural miracle.
Day 9 Day 9: Gimuy (Cairns)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Gimuy (Cairns)

Our adventure ends this afternoon, but not before we have a chance to escape our comfort zones and try some of the adventurous activities that Cairns is famous for. Anyone for bungy jumping?

9 days tour

Australia: North Queensland Adventure (Sailing, 9 Days)

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Australia: North Queensland Adventure (Sailing, 9 Days)

Day 1: Airlie Beach

Day 2: Airlie Beach To The Whitsundays

Day 3: The Whitsundays

Day 4: Whitsundays To Yunbenun (Magnetic Island) Via Airlie Beach And Townsville

Day 5: Yunbenun (Magnetic Island)

Day 6: Yunbenun (Magnetic Island) To Gimuy (Cairns) Via Townsville

Day 7: Gimuy (Cairns)

Day 8: Gimuy (Cairns)

Day 9: Gimuy (Cairns)

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