Australia: North Queensland Adventure with Sailing
Overview
Itinerary
Hello Airlie Beach! This tropical paradise is the perfect place to kick off our adventure. Our trip starts at Nomads where we'll meet our fellow adventurers. Stay: Base Backpackers (or similar)
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. (L/D) Stay: Prosail (or similar)
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 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. But first things first, we'll enjoy the sunset over the bay. Blissful or what? (B/D) Stay: Base Backpackers (or similar)
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. (B) Stay: Nomads Magnetic Island (or similar)
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. (D) Stay: Gilligans (or similar)
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. (B/L)
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. (B)
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. (B)
Hello Airlie Beach! This tropical paradise is the perfect place to kick off our adventure. Our trip starts at Nomads where we'll meet our fellow adventurers. Stay: Base Backpackers (or similar)
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. (L/D) Stay: Prosail (or similar)
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 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. But first things first, we'll enjoy the sunset over the bay. Blissful or what? (B/D) Stay: Base Backpackers (or similar)
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. (B) Stay: Nomads Magnetic Island (or similar)
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. (D) Stay: Gilligans (or similar)
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. (B/L)
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. (B)
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. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Swim, Snorkel, Eat, Repeat – Float around the reefs, marvel at rainbow-coloured fish, then chill out on deck (and secretly hope no one brought a ukulele).
- Visit the ‘World's Best Beach – Seeing Whitehaven Beach is like seeing a little piece of heaven. With 15 of your new best friends! #lifegoals
- Sail an Ex-Racing Yacht – Step aboard a converted racing yacht – where your friendly captain trusts you enough to let you try steering it.
- Snorkel Australia's Best Reefs – The Great Barrier Reef is home to nearly 9,000 species of sea creatures. This means it'll impress even the saltiest ‘sea dogs'.
- Catch a Local Ferry to Magnetic Island – Catch a boat from the mainland to Magnetic Island.
- Watch a Magnetic Island Sunset – Pack some comfy shoes and climb up to Hawking's Point for sundown. Yoga poses for Insta: optional.
- Hike Magnetic Island Fort Walk – Go koala-spotting, see WWII fortifications, or just have a beer in the sun. There's something for everyone on this trail.
- Spot Rock Wallabies at Dusk – Mingle with Magnetic Island's resident Rock Wallabies at dusk. Just watch these cheeky little guys don't steal your wallet!
- Catch a Local Ferry to Townsville – Catch a boat from Magnetic Island to the mainland. Wave goodbye to your new BFF Reggie the Koala and promise you'll write.
- Ride the Railway to Cairns – Things heat up as the landscape gets even more tropical. Soak up the scenery on this train trip from Townsville to Cairns.
- Dig into Quality ‘Bush Tucker' (MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience) – Eat like a local with this chef-guided bush food tutorial and dinner (thankfully, not a witchetty grub in sight!)
- Discover Daintree Rainforest – Check out the oldest rainforest in the world, home to frogs, butterflies, bats and more.
- Do Daintree with a Guide (MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience) – Tour the world's oldest rainforest with an expert. Sir David Attenborough called Daintree: ‘the most extraordinary place on earth'.
- Immerse yourself in Aboriginal Art (MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience) – Learn how ancient ‘Dreamtime' stories were shared through art. Then unleash your inner Banksy and create a masterpiece at the Janbal Gallery.
- 6 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 4 Dinners
- 6 nights in Hostels, 2 nights in Converted Racing Yacht
- Expert Trip Manager, Captain, Crew
- Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
- Swim, Snorkel, Eat, Repeat – Float around the reefs, marvel at rainbow-coloured fish, then chill out on deck (and secretly hope no one brought a ukulele).
- Visit the ‘World's Best Beach – Seeing Whitehaven Beach is like seeing a little piece of heaven. With 15 of your new best friends! #lifegoals
- Sail an Ex-Racing Yacht – Step aboard a converted racing yacht – where your friendly captain trusts you enough to let you try steering it.
- Snorkel Australia's Best Reefs – The Great Barrier Reef is home to nearly 9,000 species of sea creatures. This means it'll impress even the saltiest ‘sea dogs'.
- Catch a Local Ferry to Magnetic Island – Catch a boat from the mainland to Magnetic Island.
- Watch a Magnetic Island Sunset – Pack some comfy shoes and climb up to Hawking's Point for sundown. Yoga poses for Insta: optional.
- Hike Magnetic Island Fort Walk – Go koala-spotting, see WWII fortifications, or just have a beer in the sun. There's something for everyone on this trail.
- Spot Rock Wallabies at Dusk – Mingle with Magnetic Island's resident Rock Wallabies at dusk. Just watch these cheeky little guys don't steal your wallet!
- Catch a Local Ferry to Townsville – Catch a boat from Magnetic Island to the mainland. Wave goodbye to your new BFF Reggie the Koala and promise you'll write.
- Ride the Railway to Cairns – Things heat up as the landscape gets even more tropical. Soak up the scenery on this train trip from Townsville to Cairns.
- Dig into Quality ‘Bush Tucker' (MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience) – Eat like a local with this chef-guided bush food tutorial and dinner (thankfully, not a witchetty grub in sight!)
- Discover Daintree Rainforest – Check out the oldest rainforest in the world, home to frogs, butterflies, bats and more.
- Do Daintree with a Guide (MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience) – Tour the world's oldest rainforest with an expert. Sir David Attenborough called Daintree: ‘the most extraordinary place on earth'.
- Immerse yourself in Aboriginal Art (MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience) – Learn how ancient ‘Dreamtime' stories were shared through art. Then unleash your inner Banksy and create a masterpiece at the Janbal Gallery.
- 6 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 4 Dinners
- 6 nights in Hostels, 2 nights in Converted Racing Yacht
- Expert Trip Manager, Captain, Crew
- Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
Brochure
Contiki Worldwide (2025)
Dates & Pricing
USD
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Inquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Contiki. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
