Tour Beaches And Reefs (16 Days)

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Sydney: Dramatic scenery. Fresh mountain air filling your lungs. A World Heritage Site. If that’s your thing, prepare to be impressed. Sydney: The Opera House. ANZAC Memorial. Royal Botanic Gardens. It’s all here for you to post on social and make your friends jealous! Sydney: Step onto the golden stretch of one of the world’s most famous beaches. The ultimate sandy nirvana for sun worshippers. Byron Bay: You’re booked in for an afternoon surf lesson. Side note: schedule some chillout time afterwards – you might ache from wrestling the tides. Sydney: Passports at the ready folks. Noosa Everglades: The gateway to tree-lined waterways and ancient rainforests of Noosa Everglades. And if that doesn’t tempt you: there’s a micro-brewery onsite. Noosa Everglades: Our Special Stay Eco Lodges are in the heart of the action. You may even have a jumping joey as a friendly neighbor. K’gari: Sand dunes. Check. Lakes. Check. Rainforest. Check. World’s longest sand highway. Check. Possibly one of the coolest places we know. K’gari: Thanks to the white sand and turquoise waters, you’ll think you’re stranded on a paradise island. K’gari: Ready for some true tranquillity? Today you’ll have the chance to dine and unwind on the simply stunning island of K’Gari (Fraser Island). Brisbane: 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’. Airlie Beach: Think you’ll catch some zzzzs on the train to Townsville? Think again. You won’t want to miss a moment. 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. Noosa Everglades: We’ll say hey to Scottish cows and English pigs. We’ll explore a unique 80-acre farm, where the farmers share a passion for sustainability. We’ll sample food that’s grown using traditional methods and is 100% chemical-free. What ‘moo’ could you ask for? 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.

Accommodation

16 nights: Multi-share hostel-style accommodation with a Special Stay at an Eco Camp in the Noosa Everglades (complete with kangaroos), as well as two nights on a converted sailing yacht. With accommodation this centrally located you’ll be right in the action and ready to enjoy your days after a comfy night’s sleep.

Meals

11 Breakfast (B) 3 Dinner (D) 3 Lunch (L) Airlie Beach: Grab your new buddies, snorkel round the reef, see ‘the world’s best beach’ and eat lunch on a boat. A proper ‘pinch yourself’ moment. Magnetic Island: Enjoy a chef-cooked breakfast at Selina Koala Village, where you’ll meet these furry little guys and learn what makes them tick. Cairns: Eat like a local with this chef-guided bush food tutorial and dinner (thankfully, not a witchetty grub in sight!)

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.

Guide

A highly trained Trip Manager who brings your adventure to life and occasional Local Guides who make tourist traps a thing of the past. This is your team. Smart, friendly, fun, and integral to everything we do.

Transport

Mini-Coach + Internal flights + Train

Not included:

Flights

Flights are not included

Insurance

Insurance is not included

Optional

Other activities and services are not included

Others

Other activities and services are not included

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Start Sydney
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Start Sydney

Welcome to Sydney! Meet up with your brand new travel family and hit the road and head on a day trip to one of Australia’s finest: the majestic Blue Mountains (which aren’t actually blue, but are still beautiful all the same). Out here in the great Aussie Outdoors we’ll be learning about the legends behind the famous Three Sisters rock formation as well as exploring the Jamison Ridge area. We’ll head back to Sydney and the evening is yours to make the most of.
Day 2 Day 2: Sydney
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Sydney

This morning set out to explore this sun-drenched, cosmopolitan and eternally cool city. Your Trip Manager will give you the low down on all of Sydney’s best bits as you get a tour of the highlights. Check out the Opera House, catch the ferry to Watsons Bay to experience the iconic skyline from a different perspective, then venture over to Bondi Beach where you can spend the afternoon lazing about in the sunshine. If you’ve got a head for heights, an optional Sydney Harbor Bridge climb is the best way to see that iconic Harbor.
Day 3 Day 3: Sydney
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Sydney

With a full free day to choose your own adventure, we have some fab Free Time Add-Ons for you to pick from. Water-lovers can opt for a jetboat across the Sydney Harbor or those who prefer the land, can jump on a bike for a tour of Sydney’s best bits.
Day 4 Day 4: Sydney To Byron Bay
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Sydney To Byron Bay

With Sydney satisfaction levels at a high this morning we jump on a plane to Byron Bay where all your hippie dreams can come to life. Landing in Byron Bay, we’ll drop off our bags at the accommodation and start as we mean to go on, heading straight to the beach. Here in Byron we’ll unleash our secret talent for surfing with an included lesson. You’ll be a pro in no time!
Day 5 Day 5: Byron Bay
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Byron Bay

We’ll continue the surf vibes today with the option to kickstart our morning with sunrise at Australia’s most easterly point. Then you have the rest of the day free to explore like a local. With the afternoon stretched out ahead of you, there’s kayaking, relaxing on the beach and whale watching (seasonal) all on offer - your time here will be nothing short of magic.
Day 6 Day 6: Byron Bay To Noosa Everglades
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Byron Bay To Noosa Everglades

It’s time to wave goodbye to Byron and head up the coast to Noosa Everglades. But first, why not opt for early morning yoga on the beach as you watch the golden sun stretch over the famous bay? Relaxed from our morning on the beach, we’ll head to our next destination, the Noosa Everglades. Here we’ll unpack at our Special Stay Eco Lodge home for the next two nights and relax with a group dinner in the bistro & bar area, surrounded by the chatter and rustling of local birds and kangaroos.
Day 7 Day 7: Noosa Everglades - Fraser Island Day Trip
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Noosa Everglades - Fraser Island Day Trip

Wake up to the sound of birds chirping at our Eco Camp this morning (you might even spot a kangaroo) and grab a quick brekkie before heading out for a day on K’Gari (Fraser Island). Your spirits will be at an all-time high after this day full of sand dunes, scenic lakes and dense rainforests. We’ll cruise along the world’s longest sand highway before you appease your hunger with a tasty lunch. It’s back to the Eco Camp this evening for our final night here. You have free time to tuck into some food at the bistro, sample the offerings at the CootharaBAR boutique brewery, or just relax and enjoy the lush surroundings of this beautiful protected National Park.
Day 8 Day 8: Noosa Everglades To Airlie Beach
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Noosa Everglades To Airlie Beach

What better way to say goodbye to The Glades than with an optional Canoeing Excursion on one of only two Everglades in the world? Afterwards we’re on our way to find coastal nirvana at the pristine beaches of the Whitsundays. We’ll hop on a plane for a flight to Airlie Beach. Landing in Airlie Beach, you’ll notice everything starting to look a bit more tropical. Hello Whitsundays! This afternoon is yours for the taking. Head out and enjoy the endless cafes, bars and ocean vistas this backpacker hub has to offer.
Day 9 Day 9: Airlie Beach
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Airlie Beach

Is there anywhere in the world more beautiful than the Whitsundays? We think not. 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. This is as close to heaven as you can find on planet earth.
Day 10 Day 10: Airlie Beach
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Airlie Beach

We’ve got a free day in Airlie Beach today! This vibrant hub of the Whitsundays is ours to explore. We could get out onto the waters with an optional sea kayaking adventure, take to the sky with a Skydive over Australia’s most beautiful drop zone or even a relaxing scenic flight over the Whitsunday islands including Whitehaven Beach and Heart Reef. For those looking for a more relaxed option, kick back on the beach sipping something sweet or explore the cute boutiques, bistros and alfresco restaurants that adorn the seafront. It’s a hard life.
Day 11 Day 11: Airlie Beach To Magnetic Island Via Townsville
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Airlie Beach To Magnetic Island Via Townsville

Is there anything better than the Whitsundays? We think our next destination definitely comes close! We’ll board a train this morning 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, partake in watersports in the bright turqouise waters or meet some of the local marsupials. But this evening, we’ll enjoy some champagne and watch the sun set over the bay.
Day 12 Day 12: Magnetic Island
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: Magnetic Island

We have a whole day on this paradise island - lucky us! We’ll waste no time meeting the locals, with a chance to eat an unlimited chef-cooked breakfast with some Koalas at Selina Koala Village. Then we can 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 more 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 13 Day 13: Magnetic Island To Cairns Via Townsville
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 13: Magnetic Island To Cairns Via Townsville

After breakfast 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 14 Day 14: Cairns
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 14: 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 15 Day 15: Cairns
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 15: 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 colorful 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 16 Day 16: End Cairns
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 16: End 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?

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16 days tour

Beaches And Reefs (16 Days)

This tour includes:

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Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Beaches And Reefs (16 Days)

Day 1: Start Sydney

Day 2: Sydney

Day 3: Sydney

Day 4: Sydney To Byron Bay

Day 5: Byron Bay

Day 6: Byron Bay To Noosa Everglades

Day 7: Noosa Everglades - Fraser Island Day Trip

Day 8: Noosa Everglades To Airlie Beach

Day 9: Airlie Beach

Day 10: Airlie Beach

Day 11: Airlie Beach To Magnetic Island Via Townsville

Day 12: Magnetic Island

Day 13: Magnetic Island To Cairns Via Townsville

Day 14: Cairns

Day 15: Cairns

Day 16: End Cairns

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