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Australia: Beaches & Reefs | 2026 - 2027
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Length
16 Days
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Quality
This indicates the overall quality of the tour operator's products. A low rating does not mean it is not good - it just means that it does not include as much, or perhaps is of a more standard quality than the higher quality tours. For example, a 3 star quality rating means that it is a more standard/economical tour, while 5 stars is a very luxurious tour that often includes a lot of amenities. -
Starts in
Sydney (Australia)
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Ends in
Cairns (Australia)
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Available Tour Start Dates
MAY 9, 2026 to MAR 27, 2027
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Activity Level
No Rating Provided
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Language
English
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Guaranteed Date(s)
Yes means that there is at least one tour date that the vendor guarantees will occur. No means that there is not at least one tour date that the vendor guarantees will occur, which usually means that the vendor wants a certain amount of reservations on each tour in order for each one to occur. Of course, the terms and conditions of the vendor do allow for the vendor to cancel guaranteed tour dates for certain reasons (for example, a natural disaster).Yes
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Special Interest(s)
18-to-Thirtysomethings
Contiki tours are only available for 18- to 35-year olds.
From
Pricing listed is per person, based on double occupancy, and is the least expensive price for at least one departure date of this tour. Price is for the tour only. Additional items, including but not limited to, airfare (unless noted otherwise), travel insurance, and more, are additional.
$3,605.20
Overview
Ahh, the famous East Coast, where you can expect wildlife tours and bushwalks between beaches and sunsets. Kicking things off in Sydney, you’ll sleep at an Eco Camp in the Noosa Everglades, learn to surf at Byron Bay and gaze out over the Whitsundays from Airlie Beach. This is a one way ticket to wanting to live the Aussie lifestyle for good.
Visited During Tour
Airlie Beach (Australia) | Byron Bay / Cavvanbah (Australia) | Cairns / Gimuy (Australia) | Daintree Rainforest (Australia) | Fraser Island / K'gari (Australia) | Magnetic Island / Yunbenun (Australia) | Noosa Everglades (Australia) | Sydney (Australia) | Townsville (Australia)
Dates, Offers & Prices
Tour Itinerary
More Details
Dates, Offers & Prices
The following are Australia: Beaches & Reefs | 2026 - 2027 tour dates available from Contiki. Select a bonus offer graphic to view its details, including its terms.
There is at least one departure that the vendor is advising is Not Available for the selected year. Click here if you would like such tours to be included below.
Tour Itinerary
Contiki Tour Code 2-1683
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Day
1Sydney
Welcome to Sydney (Warrane)! 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 the city and the evening is yours to make the most of.
Accommodations: Wake Up (or similar) -
Day
2Sydney
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 the 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 Harbour Bridge climb is the best way to see that iconic harbour.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Accommodations: Wake Up (or similar) -
Day
3Sydney
A full free day to spend just how you like? Yep! Water lovers can opt for a jetboat across the Harbour. And sky lovers can opt for an epic skydiving experience. But if staying on land is your thing, Sydney's beautiful sights are equally as exciting.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Accommodations: Wake Up (or similar) -
Day
4Sydney to Byron Bay
With 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 (Cavvanbah), we'll drop off our bags at the accommodation and start as we mean to go on, heading straight to the beach. Here we'll unleash our secret talent for surfing with an included lesson. You'll be a pro in no time!
Accommodations: Wake Up (or similar) -
Day
5Byron 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 an evening bike tour to see glow worms in their natural habitat all on offer - your time here will be nothing short of magic.
Accommodations: Wake Up (or similar) -
Day
6Byron Bay to Noosa Everglades
It's time to wave goodbye to Byron Bay and head up the coast to Noosa Everglades. But first, why not opt for early morning yoga? Relaxed from our time at 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.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Accommodations: Kangarooms Noosa Everglades (or similar) -
Day
7Noosa Everglades (Including K'Gari)
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. 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.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Accommodations: Kangarooms Noosa Everglades (or similar) -
Day
8Noosa 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.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Accommodations: Nomads Airlie Beach (or similar) -
Day
9Airlie 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.
- Meals Included:
- Lunch
Accommodations: Nomads Airlie Beach (or similar) -
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10Airlie Beach
We've got a free day in Airlie Beach today! This vibrant hub of the Whitsundays is ours to explore. We could 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.
Accommodations: Nomads Airlie Beach (or similar) -
Day
11Airlie 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 coach this morning heading for Townsville. Here we'll board the ferry to our next destination. Magnetic Island (Yunbenun) 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 the sunset over the bay.
- Meals Included:
- Dinner
Accommodations: Nomads Magnetic Island (or similar) -
Day
12Magnetic 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.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Accommodations: Nomads Magnetic Island (or similar) -
Day
13Magnetic Island to 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 of Cairns (Gimuy), 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.
- Meals Included:
- Dinner
Accommodations: Gilligans (or similar) -
Day
14Cairns
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 our time in Cairns isn't over yet. Tonight, we’ll keep the magic going with the option of a sunset boat cruise.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Accommodations: Gilligans (or similar) -
Day
15Cairns
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.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Accommodations: Gilligans (or similar) -
Day
16Cairns
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 - think bungy jumping, skydiving and whitewater rafting. Or, sign up for a day trip on the scenic cable car, Skyrail. Gain a unique perspective of Australia's World Heritage listed tropical rainforest, gliding above the canopy before descending to the forest floor to continue your guided journey in the tropical hippie paradise of Kuranda, a village known for its appreciation of sustainable living and alternate therapies. Take the famous Kuranda Railway back to Cairns for a relaxing end to the trip.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
More Details
Contiki is informing us of the following additional details regarding their Australia: Beaches & Reefs | 2026 - 2027 tour:
Travelers Notes
* DAY 1: Travellers to arrive into Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD). Pre night is recommended in Sydney.* DAY 16: Travellers to depart from Cairns International Airport (CNS). It is not recommended to book flights arriving on the last day of the trip. Post night is recommended in Cairns.* TRANSFERS: Both complimentary and chargeable transfers are not offered through Contiki. Travellers should make their own way from/to the airport at their own expense. * AUSTRALIA: USA passport holders require an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) for Australia. It must be obtained on-line prior to departure from the Country of Origin. We recommend applying 30-60 days prior to departure. * IMPORTANT: Please see important visa details sent with your invoice.
Pricing listed above for tours is per person, in US Dollars, and is based on double occupancy. Pricing may change for other occupancy types. Pricing is based on the last time the vendor electronically sent us pricing data, which varies by vendor (usually occurs overnight or multiple times throughout each day).
Pricing and availability are subject to change and must be confirmed by one of our travel advisors, who can contact the vendor to do so. Intra-vacation air (also referred to as internal air) is usually based on economy class seating (do not assume otherwise, unless explicity noted otherwise) and may be 100% non-refundable at time of final payment. Air quotes (including intra-vacation airfare) may be subject to change until final payment has been received by the vendor. Flight confirmation may be based on availability. Air reservations may not be able to be confirmed until a passport copy is received by the vendor. The following charges are not included in the vacation price unless otherwise noted: airfare to and from the start of your vacation; airline baggage fees including checked and/or excess baggage fees; Federal inspection fees for the Federal U.S. Customs and Immigrations; International Air Transportation tax; agricultural tax; other per person taxes imposed by government entities; airport taxes and fees, including the September 11th Security fee, passenger facility charges, Federal domestic flight segment fees, and U.S. and international arrival and departure and other government-imposed fees added by the airline and applicable at time of booking; port taxes; passports; visas and vaccinations; tips to your Cruise Director, Local Host, driver, Local Guides, and/or ship's crew; gratuities on ferries, trains, and cruise ships; laundry; telephone; minibar; alcohol, beverages, and food outside of the contracted menu as presented at a hotel or restaurant or onboard your vessel (these extra items will be billed to you before leaving the hotel, ship, or restaurant); airport transfers on non-qualifying flights; optional excursions; additional activities and excursions purchased online; porterage at airports and train stations; Travel Protection; and all other items of a personal nature. Itinerary details are provided by the vendor. Vendors may reserve the right to change itineraries, even on existing reservations. There may be instances where the name of a tour contains a tour length in it, but where there is a version of the tour that is a different number of days in length. You can check the true length of a tour by referring to the length value listed in association with that tour. Destination images displayed on this web page, some which are supplied by the related vendor and some which are not, are intended to simply give a general representation of the region of the world being visited during the tour. Such images are not necessarily of the exact areas being visited during the tour. Hotel details (including, but not limited to: rating/class, descriptions, images, amenities and addresses) are provided by Contiki. Hotel amenities may be communicated in shorthand by Contiki (for example, if "Laundry" is listed that may only mean that the hotel has an optional fee-based service that would allow for your laundry to be done by their staff). We reserve the right to correct errors.