Picture this: A tour that puts you so close, so often to Australia's famed beaches and reefs that you and the fish communicate on a first-name basis. If that sounds like exaggeration, perhaps it is. It's also our promise of intense, oceanic intimacy, and priceless, timeless moments that become scorched into your memory. You'll swim, snorkel, jet ski and surf, and perhaps, you'll even towel off for some shopping, bushwalking, and tandem skydiving.
| Length: | 17 days |
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| Accommodations: | Resort, Surf Village, Hotel, Eco Lodge, Country Homestead as per itinerary
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| Meals: | Dinner, Breakfast as per itinerary
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| Sightseeing: | Visit Australia's East Coast |
| Transportation: | Modern Coach |
Depart for AustraliaWe fly over the international date line on our way to Sydney, in Australia.
Arrive SydneyCheck into your Travelodge Hotel Sydney after 2.00pm, the rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore.
Sydney to Shoal Bay (Port Stephens)Meet your Contiki crew and before heading across the famous Sydney Harbour Bridge, we'll make a photostop taking in the harbour and Opera House. Then we drive north to Port Stephens where you can choose cruise with dolphins, or why not take a tour through the sand dunes and try your hand at sandboarding.
Shoal Bay to Coffs Harbour (Surf Village)Today we continue along the scenic 'holiday coast' to our Surf Village near Coffs Harbour. Here we give you the option to try the iconic Aussie sport of surfing, and be taught by the best in the business! If you're not into surfing - maybe a drink, a dip or a stroll along the beach.
Coffs Harbour to Surfers ParadiseThis morning we'll stop at Cape Byron, Australia's most easterly point. Then onto trendy Byron Bay where you can shop or swim. By evening, we'll have crossed the Queensland border arriving at Surfers Paradise. After dinner, try your luck at Jupiter's Casino!
Surfers ParadiseSo much to do in the name of leisure. Here goes! Relax on 42km (26miles) of white sand beaches, or if you're feeling adventurous - why not try a tandem skydive, Tigermoth joyflight or Harley Davidson ride. All are available in Australia's biggest playground.
Surfers Paradise to Fraser IslandFirst up we'll take in the sights and sounds of Brisbane, before heading to Noosa Heads with its stunning beaches and great shopping. We'll continue north along the coast meeting our launch to Fraser Island.
Fraser IslandNow you're on the largest sand island in the world! What to do? Here are a few clues. Why not take a 4-wheel drive bus tour through the rainforests, a guided bushwalk or a swim in the fresh water lakes? With this many options there's no chance of going troppo!
Fraser Island to Country HomesteadWe travel north to the heart of Australia's beef industry on the Capricorn Coast, and our unique Aussie experience at our Country Homestead. Enjoy a hearty meal and hospitality the Australian way!
Country Homestead to the WhitsundaysOn our way to Airlie Beach, gateway to the Whitsundays, we'll visit Mackay - Australia's sugar capital. Boarding our launch at Shute Harbour, we make the short journey to Long Island, one of the jewels of the Whitsundays.
WhitsundaysTime to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and great amenities of Long Island. If you're feeling energetic why not go bushwalking, play tennis or beach volleyball, or take to the water with a snorkel or a jet ski? If you prefer to relax then unwind on the palm-lined beach, have a massage, or sip cocktails at the bar as you watch another perfect sunset.
Whitsundays to CairnsIt's north to Townsville to explore the scenic lookout of Castle Hill, overlooking Magnetic Island. This evening we'll check into our Cairns hotel, situated in a lush tropical setting.
CairnsFor the adventurous, a chance to do some white water rafting on the rapids of the Tully River, or take the opportunity to visit the famous Outer Barrier Reef aboard a high-speed catamaran. Why not scuba dive amidst amazingly colourful tropical fish? Or if you prefer, maybe spend the days at leisure doing some shopping in town. In the evening we'll check out more tropical wildlife at one of Cairns' nightclubs!
CairnsOur final morning is spent with a visit to Tjapukai and Kuranda to watch traditional aboriginal dancers, learn how to throw a boomerang and to appreciate the beauty of the Atherton Tablelands. What a way to finish...see you next time! Say a final farewell as your tour ends upon our return to Cairns at midday.
All these highlights along with city sightseeing are included in your tour price!