Accommodation

11 nights in Hostels, 2 nights in Hotel, 2 nights in Converted Racing Yacht

Guide

Expert Trip Manager + Local Guides + Captain & Crew

Transport

Coach + Internal Flights + Train

Flights

Internal flights Included

Others

Sydney: Why does the itinerary use dual-names for locations (ie. Warrane/Sydney)? Contiki acknowledges the Traditional and Torres Strait Island owners of the land, sea and waters of the spectacular Australian continent. Dual-naming reflects that, as we explore this remarkable land, we recognise and respect Indigenous custodianship of a unique, ancient culture and country. Gimuy (Cairns): Can I catch a flight the next day after diving at the Great Barrier Reef? It’s best to wait at least 24 hours after your last dive before flying. Yunbenun (Magnetic Island): Can I get a single or twin room upgrade in Magnetic Island? During your 2-night stay in Magnetic Island, you’ll stay in multi-share rooms with the same sex even (if you’ve booked single or twin room for the trip duration). But if you’d like some privacy, you can request a paid upgrade to a single or twin room, but the confirmation would depend on availability.Please note that this is a modular trip. That means you’ll be joining a trip that started 1 week earlier – if you wish to do the full version, please refer to the Ultimate Australia trip. Airlie Beach: What is the sailing boat like in the Whitsundays? Pretty darn epic, if you ask us. It’s a converted racing yacht that sleeps up to 20 people with all the basic amenities. It’s snazzy – perfect if you’re all about fun adventures out on the sea. Sydney: Dramatic scenery. Fresh mountain air filling your lungs. A World Heritage Site. If that’s your thing, prepare to be impressed. Sydney: The Opera House. ANZAC Memorial. Royal Botanic Gardens. It’s all here for you to post on social and make your friends jealous! Sydney: Step onto the golden stretch of one of the world’s most famous beaches. The ultimate sandy nirvana for sun worshippers. Sydney: Passports at the ready folks. Byron Bay: You’re booked in for an afternoon surf lesson. Side note: schedule some chillout time afterwards – you might ache from wrestling the tides. Noosa Everglades: The gateway to tree-lined waterways and ancient rainforests of Noosa Everglades. And if that doesn’t tempt you: there’s a micro-brewery onsite. Noosa Everglades: Our Special Stay Eco Lodges are in the heart of the action. You may even have a jumping joey as a friendly neighbour. K’gari: Sand dunes. Check. Lakes. Check. Rainforest. Check. World’s longest sand highway. Check. Possibly one of the coolest places we know. K’gari: Thanks to the white sand and turquoise waters, you’ll think you’re stranded on a paradise island. K’gari: Ready for some true tranquillity? Today you’ll have the chance to dine and unwind on the simply stunning island of K’Gari (Fraser Island). Brisbane: Whitsunday Islands: Float around the reefs, marvel at rainbow-coloured fish, then chill out on deck (and secretly hope no one brought a ukulele). Whitsunday Islands: Seeing Whitehaven Beach is like seeing a little piece of heaven. With 15 of your new best friends! #lifegoals Whitsunday Islands: Step aboard a converted racing yacht – where your friendly captain trusts you enough to let you try steering it. Whitsunday Islands: The Great Barrier Reef is home to nearly 9,000 species of sea creatures. This means it’ll impress even the saltiest ‘sea dogs’. Townsville: Catch a boat from the mainland to Magnetic Island. Magnetic Island: Pack some comfy shoes and climb up to Hawking’s Point for sundown. Yoga poses for Insta: optional. Magnetic Island: Go koala-spotting, see WWII fortifications, or just have a beer in the sun. There’s something for everyone on this trail. Magnetic Island: Mingle with Magnetic Island’s resident Rock Wallabies at dusk. Just watch these cheeky little guys don’t steal your wallet! Magnetic Island: Catch a boat from Magnetic Island to the mainland. Wave goodbye to your new BFF Reggie the Koala and promise you’ll write. Townsville: Things heat up as the landscape gets even more tropical. Soak up the scenery on this train trip from Townsville to Cairns. Daintree Rainforest: Check out the oldest rainforest in the world, home to frogs, butterflies, bats and more. Noosa Everglades: We’ll say hey to Scottish cows and English pigs. We’ll explore a unique 80-acre farm, where the farmers share a passion for sustainability. We’ll sample food that’s grown using traditional methods and is 100% chemical-free. What ‘moo’ could you ask for? Daintree Rainforest: Tour the world’s oldest rainforest with an expert. Sir David Attenborough called Daintree: ‘the most extraordinary place on earth’. Daintree Rainforest: Learn how ancient ‘Dreamtime’ stories were shared through art. Then unleash your inner Banksy and create a masterpiece at the Janbal Gallery.

Meals

11 Breakfast (B) 5 Dinner (D) 5 Lunch (L) Cairns: Eat like a local with this chef-guided bush food tutorial and dinner (thankfully, not a witchetty grub in sight!)

Not included:

Others

Other activities and services are not included

Insurance

Insurance is not included

Optional

Other activities and services are not included

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Start Warrane (Sydney)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Start Warrane (Sydney)

Welcome to Sydney! Meet up with your brand new travel family and hit the road and head on a day trip to one of Australia’s finest: the majestic Blue Mountains (which aren’t actually blue, but are still beautiful all the same). Out here in the great Aussie Outdoors we’ll be learning about the legends behind the famous Three Sisters rock formation as well as exploring the Jamison Ridge area. We’ll head back to the city and the evening is yours to make the most of.
Day 2 Day 2: Warrane (Sydney)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Warrane (Sydney)

This morning set out to explore this sun-drenched, cosmopolitan and eternally cool city. Your Trip Manager will give you the low down on all of the best bits as you get a tour of the highlights. Check out the Opera House, catch the ferry to Watsons Bay to experience the iconic skyline from a different perspective, then venture over to Bondi Beach where you can spend the afternoon lazing about in the sunshine. If you’ve got a head for heights, an optional Harbour Bridge climb is the best way to see that iconic harbour.
Day 3 Day 3: Warrane (Sydney)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Warrane (Sydney)

With a full free day to choose your own adventure, we have some fab Free Time Add-Ons for you to pick from. Water-lovers can opt for a jetboat across the Harbour or those who prefer the land, can jump on a bike for a tour of the city’s best bits.
Day 4 Day 4: Warrane (Sydney) To Cavvanbah (Byron Bay)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Warrane (Sydney) To Cavvanbah (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, we’ll drop off our bags at the accommodation and start as we mean to go on, heading straight to the beach. Here we’ll unleash our secret talent for surfing with an included lesson. You’ll be a pro in no time!
Day 5 Day 5: Cavvanbah (Byron Bay)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Cavvanbah (Byron Bay)

We’ll continue the surf vibes today with the option to kickstart our morning with sunrise at Australia’s most easterly point. 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 whale watching (seasonal) all on offer - your time here will be nothing short of magic.
Day 6 Day 6: Cavvanbah (Byron Bay) To Noosa Everglades
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Cavvanbah (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 early morning yoga on the beach as you watch the golden sun stretch over the famous bay? Relaxed from our morning on 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.
Day 7 Day 7: Noosa Everglades (Including K’Gari)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Noosa Everglades (Including K’Gari)

Wake up to the sound of birds chirping at our Eco Camp this morning (you might even spot a kangaroo) and grab a quick brekkie before heading out for a day on K’Gari. 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 before you appease your hunger with a tasty lunch. 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.
Day 8 Day 8: Noosa Everglades To Airlie Beach
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Noosa Everglades To Airlie Beach

What better way to say goodbye to The Glades than with an optional Canoeing Excursion on one of only two Everglades in the world? Afterwards we’re on our way to find coastal nirvana at the pristine beaches of the Whitsundays. We’ll hop on a plane for a flight to Airlie Beach. Landing in Airlie Beach, you’ll notice everything starting to look a bit more tropical. Hello Whitsundays! This afternoon is yours for the taking. Head out and enjoy the endless cafes, bars and ocean vistas this backpacker hub has to offer.
Day 9 Day 9: Airlie Beach To The Whitsundays
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: 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.
Day 10 Day 10: The Whitsundays
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: 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.
Day 11 Day 11: Whitsundays To Yunbenun (Magnetic Island) Via Airlie Beach And Townsville
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Whitsundays To Yunbenun (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 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 a drink (our treat) and watch the sunset over the bay. Blissful or what?
Day 12 Day 12: Yunbenun (Magnetic Island)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: Yunbenun (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.
Day 13 Day 13: Yunbenun (Magnetic Island) To Gimuy (Cairns) Via Townsville
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 13: Yunbenun (Magnetic Island) To Gimuy (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 late afternoon after a gloriously scenic journey along Australia’s East Coast. Welcome to the city 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.
Day 14 Day 14: Gimuy (Cairns)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 14: Gimuy (Cairns)

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 we’re not done yet.
Day 15 Day 15: Gimuy (Cairns)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 15: Gimuy (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.
Day 16 Day 16: Gimuy (Cairns)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 16: Gimuy (Cairns)

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. Anyone for bungy jumping?

+13

16 days tour

Australia: Beaches And Reefs (With Sailing, 16 Days, Air Pri

This tour includes:

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Itinerary of your trip Australia: Beaches And Reefs (With Sailing, 16 Days, Air Pri

Day 1: Start Warrane (Sydney)

Day 2: Warrane (Sydney)

Day 3: Warrane (Sydney)

Day 4: Warrane (Sydney) To Cavvanbah (Byron Bay)

Day 5: Cavvanbah (Byron Bay)

Day 6: Cavvanbah (Byron Bay) To Noosa Everglades

Day 7: Noosa Everglades (Including K’Gari)

Day 8: Noosa Everglades To Airlie Beach

Day 9: Airlie Beach To The Whitsundays

Day 10: The Whitsundays

Day 11: Whitsundays To Yunbenun (Magnetic Island) Via Airlie Beach And Townsville

Day 12: Yunbenun (Magnetic Island)

Day 13: Yunbenun (Magnetic Island) To Gimuy (Cairns) Via Townsville

Day 14: Gimuy (Cairns)

Day 15: Gimuy (Cairns)

Day 16: Gimuy (Cairns)

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