Ultimate Australia | With Sailing | From Apr '27 | 2027 - 2028

Sydney

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)

Sydney

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)

Sydney

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)

Sydney 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)

Byron 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)

Byron 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)

Noosa 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)

Noosa 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)

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.

• Meals Included:
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodations:  Prosail (or similar)

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.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodations:  Prosail (or similar)

Whitsundays 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)

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.

Accommodations:  Nomads Magnetic Island (or similar)

Magnetic 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)

Cairns (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)

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. It's our final night together, so make the most of it!

Accommodations:  Gilligans (or similar)

Cairns

Today we have the 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 your day.

Accommodations:  Gilligans (or similar)

Cairns to Uluru

We’ll start bright and early today with a flight to Uluru which should get us there by mid morning. Say goodbye to some of your Contiki crew for now. Don't worry, there'll be more joining us in Uluru.   Here in Uluru, you’ll have the chance to join an optional activity which will check out the Field of Lights: a spectacular art installation. Afterwards, you’ll enjoy a delicious included dinner with the group.

• Meals Included:
• Dinner
Accommodations:  Voyages Outback Hotel & Lodge (or similar)

Uluru

It's time to explore the majesty of Uluru. And what better way to start the day than witnessing the rock bathed in the golden glow of sunrise? A sacred site for the local aboriginal tribe, this imposing rock is actually a staggering 700 million years old. We'll then get right into the heart of the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park with a hike to the Walpa Gorge and Valley of the Winds, where boulders bigger than skyscrapers dominate the landscape. This afternoon you'll have a chance to try out your skills with an optional Segway tour.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
Accommodations:  Voyages Outback Hotel & Lodge (or similar)

Uluru (Including Kings Canyon)

Grab your sneakers, camera and your sense of adventure - it's time for a day trip! Our first stop is an included Big BBQ Brekkie at Kings Creek Station, then we're ready to go. Your guided hike around the imposing King's Canyon awaits. Wonder at the lunar-like landscape as you hike through the canyon and take respite from the sun in the shady space at the bottom of the climb, The Garden of Eden.  It's as idyllic and mythical as it sounds and is home to its own unique ecosystem in this barren landscape. Finish the day off with a glass of bubbles in hand and the sunset casting a glow over the Outback's most picturesque backdrop, there's no better way to spend your final evening in Uluru.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
Accommodations:  Voyages Outback Hotel & Lodge (or similar)

Uluru

This morning it's time to say our sad farewells to our Contiki family. Australia, it's been real. We may shed a tear, but we'll never forget what we've experienced together in this spectacular land. And just remember, it's not goodbye, just see you soon.