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Australia: Beaches & Reefs | With Sailing | From Apr '27 | 2027 - 2028
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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
APR 10, 2027 to MAR 25, 2028
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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).No
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Special Interest(s)
18-to-Thirtysomethings
Contiki tours are only available for 18- to 35-year olds., Lite
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.
$3,698.94
Overview
Chase the sun along East Coast Australia. This one’s got Sydney icons, Byron surf, Noosa Everglades, K’gari dunes, Whitsundays sailing and Magnetic Island sunsets, all without the big spend. Experience reef dives, lazy beach days and all the unforgettable moments in between, with enough free time to explore your own way. Then step ashore into the Daintree and enjoy cultural moments that go way beyond the postcard.
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) | Whitsunday Islands (Australia)
Dates, Offers & Prices
Tour Itinerary
More Details
Dates, Offers & Prices
The following are Australia: Beaches & Reefs | With Sailing | From Apr '27 | 2027 - 2028 tour dates available from Contiki. Select a bonus offer graphic to view its details, including its terms.
Tour Itinerary
Contiki Tour Code 2-2674
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Day
1Sydney
Welcome to Sydney! After meeting your Trip Manager and fellow travellers, we’ll head out on an orientation walk to get our bearings and tick off some of the city’s most iconic sights. Then the rest of the day is yours to explore. We’ll sort you out with a 2-day transport pass, making it easy to reach Sydney’s beaches, neighbourhoods and harbourfront hotspots. Stretch out on Bondi Beach, hit the shops or simply see where the day takes you. Tonight, you’re free to head out for dinner and discover the local food scene at your own pace.
Accommodations: Wake Up (or similar) -
Day
2Sydney
Today is yours to explore Sydney your way. Make the most of your included transport pass as you discover hidden neighbourhoods, track down your next great coffee, relax by the harbour or revisit your favourite beach. Looking for a serious bucket-list moment? You can choose to take on the famous Harbour Bridge Climb and see the city from a whole new perspective. Whatever's on your Sydney hit list, today's the perfect chance to tick it off.
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.
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 you'll have the chance to unleash your secret talent for surfing with an optional 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 get limber and kickstart our day with an early morning yoga session. 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 an early morning sunrise at Australia's most easterly point? We’ll also visit “The Farm” for a meaningful MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, where you’ll directly support the incredible work being done to sustain local farming and community initiatives. 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)
Rise and shine! Today you’ll have the option to join a full-day adventure on K’gari (Fraser Island). If you’re joining, we’ll be up nice and early this morning (maybe even before the sun), so grab your brekkie and get ready for a day of epic island exploration.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, float in the crystal-clear waters of Lake Mackenzie, then appease our hunger with a tasty lunch on the world's largest sand island.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
Accommodations: Kangarooms Noosa Everglades (or similar) -
Day
8Noosa Everglades to Airlie Beach
What better way to wrap up The Glades than with an optional canoeing excursion through one of only two Everglades in the world? After we say goodbye to some of the group, we’re swapping still waters for the pristine beaches of the Whitsundays. Next stop: Airlie Beach. Touching down in Airlie Beach, things start looking a whole lot more tropical. This afternoon is yours to roam - cafes, ocean views and laidback backpacker energy included. Tonight, grab your favourites for dinner with your crew (some old, some new).
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Accommodations: Base Backpackers (or similar) -
Day
9Airlie 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.
- Meals Included:
- Lunch
- Dinner
Accommodations: Prosail (or similar) -
Day
10The 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.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Accommodations: Prosail (or similar) -
Day
11Whitsundays to 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 (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, try some water sports in the bright turquoise waters or meet some of the local marsupials, or maybe even hike to Hawkings Point Lookout. Oh, and of course end the day with a stunning sunset over the bay.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Accommodations: Base Backpackers (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.
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 early evening 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. Learn about the history of Bush Food as you sample a variety of native spices and fruits, exploring 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 (Including Daintree Rainforest)
Rise and shine. Today you’ll have the option to join an unforgettable MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, packed with history, heritage and natural beauty, as we take a spectacular day trip to the oldest tropical rainforest in the world: the 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.
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. It's our final night together, so make the most of it!
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.
More Details
Contiki is informing us of the following additional details regarding their Australia: Beaches & Reefs | With Sailing | From Apr '27 | 2027 - 2028 tour:
Travelers Notes
* AUSTRALIA: USA passport holders require a visa for Australia. Visa must be obtained prior to departure. We recommend applying 30-60 days prior to departure.* IMPORTANT: Please see important visa details sent with your invoice.* DAY 1: The trip starts in Sydney at Wake Up! Sydney at 8:00am. Kick-start meeting will be held at 8:00am. It is not recommended to book flights arriving on the first day of the trip due to the early start time.* DAY 16: The trip ends in Cairns at Gilligan's Backpacker Resort at 5:00pm.* PLEASE NOTE: Our multi-share rooms accommodate a maximum of 6 people of the same gender and our special 2 night sailing trip onboard a converted sailing yacht will have communal sleeping arrangements and shared facilities.* WHITSUNDAYS SAILING: Accommodation onboard the Whitsundays Sailing option is multi-share only. Both Females and Males share the open-plan sleeping quarters. The boat is a converted sailing yacht, not a luxury yacht. Due to limited space on the 2-night Sailing passengers will be required to carry only a small carry-on bag on board the boat. The main luggage will be stored securely for these two nights.* ROOMING: Single and Twin supplement do not apply in Magnetic Island. If either a Twin or Single room has been booked for the trip, the 2-night stay at Magnetic Island will be in Multi-share only. * NOTE: Travelers have the option to pre-book an evening Sydney Bridge Climb FTA. These can be added to the booking via associated products.* INSURANCE: Comprehensive Travel Insurance is required for your Contiki trip.
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.