Great Barrier Reef Highlights with Sailing

Hello Airlie Beach! This tropical paradise is the perfect place to kick off our adventure. Our trip starts at 5pm at Base Backpackers where we'll meet our fellow Aussie adventurers. Then we'll bond over a delicious welcome dinner before a free night to explore this laid-back tropical town. (D) Stay: Base Backpackers Airlie Beach

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, plus a chance for a skydive or scenic flight over the islands. 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. (D/L)

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. (B/L/D)

Waking up on board the yacht this morning, we'll make our way over the crystal clear waters back to Airlie Beach, admiring the lush rainforests of the Whitsundays Coast as we arrive on shore. With our sights set on another beautiful island destination we'll board a train, heading for Townsville.

After soaking up some East Coast scenery on our train journey, we'll hop on a ferry headed towards the spellbinding Magnetic Island. 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, try some water sports in the bright turquoise waters or meet some of the local marsupials. But first things first, we'll enjoy some champagne (our treat) and watch the sunset over the bay. Blissful or what? (B/D) Stay: Base Backpackers 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 the Bungalow Bay 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 WWI 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. (B)

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. Our trip ends this morning back in Townsville, however an optional train to Cairns with the rest of the group is available - chat to your Contiki Expert or Travel Agent to add this on. This adventure may be over, but we'll never forget the friends and memories we made. (B)