Australia: North Queensland Adventure with Sailing | 2024-2025
Australia: North Queensland Adventure with Sailing | 2024-2025
Australia: North Queensland Adventure with Sailing | 2024-2025
9 Days Starting in Airlie Beach, Australia and ending in Cairns, Australia
Visiting: Airlie Beach, Magnetic Island, Cairns
Tour operator:
Tour code:
NQASS24
Specialist Group:
18-30 Somethings
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
18-35
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through North Queensland with this thrilling adventure tour, perfect for those seeking a blend of natural beauty and cultural immersion. Begin your exploration in the tropical paradise of Airlie Beach, setting sail on a converted racing yacht to the stunning Whitsunday Islands, where snorkeling and sunbathing on Whitehaven Beach await. Discover the charm of Magnetic Island, home to koalas and scenic walking trails, before heading to Cairns. Here, delve into the ancient Daintree Rainforest, guided by the local Kuku Yalanji people, and participate in an Aboriginal art class. Enjoy a unique bush food dining experience and explore the vibrant marine life of the Great Barrier Reef. With included transfers, meals, and accommodations at lively hostels, this tour offers a perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and cultural discovery.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Airlie Beach
Location: Airlie Beach
Accommodation Name: Base Backpackers (or similar)
Hello Airlie Beach! This tropical paradise is the perfect place to kick off our adventure. Our trip starts at Base Backpackers where we'll meet our fellow adventurers.
Day 2: Airlie Beach To The Whitsundays
Location: Whitsunday Islands
Accommodation Name: Prosail (or similar)
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
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 3: The Whitsundays
Location: Whitsunday Islands
Accommodation Name: Prosail (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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 4: Whitsundays To Magnetic Island Via Airlie Beach And Townsville
Location: Magnetic Island
Accommodation Name: Base Backpackers (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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 a drink (our treat) and watch the sunset over the bay. Blissful or what?
Day 5: Magnetic Island
Location: Magnetic Island
Accommodation Name: Nomads Magnetic Island (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
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 6: Magnetic Island To Cairns Via Townsville
Location: Magnetic Island, Cairns
Accommodation Name: Gilligans (or similar)
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
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.
Day 7: Cairns
Location: Cairns
Accommodation Name: Gilligans (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
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 8: Cairns
Location: Cairns
Accommodation Name: Gilligans (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
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 9: Cairns
Location: Cairns
Meals Included: Breakfast
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?
What's Included
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Meals
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided on specific days as per the itinerary.
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Transportation
Transfers to the marina, ferry rides, and a scenic train journey along Australia's East Coast are included.
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Activities
Activities such as snorkeling, sailing, koala-spotting, and exploring the Daintree Rainforest with an expert guide are included.
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Cultural Experiences
Interactive Bush Food tutorial and dinner, meeting the local Kuku Yalanji people, and participating in an art class with an Aboriginal artist are included.
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Accommodation
Accommodation at Base Backpackers, Prosail, Nomads Magnetic Island, and Gilligans (or similar) is included.
What's Not Included
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Optional Activities
Optional activities such as bungy jumping and catamaran trips to the reef for snorkeling or diving are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
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Flights
International and domestic flights to and from the starting and ending locations are not included.
Dining Summary
- 4 Lunch (L)
- 4 Dinner (D)
- 6 Breakfast (B)
Active
- 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: 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’.
- Magnetic Island: Go koala-spotting, see WWII fortifications, or just have a beer in the sun. There’s something for everyone on this trail.
Culture
- 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: 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.
FAQs
- 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.
Foodie
- Cairns: Eat like a local with this chef-guided bush food tutorial and dinner (thankfully, not a witchetty grub in sight!)
Nature
- Whitsunday Islands: Seeing Whitehaven Beach is like seeing a little piece of heaven. With 15 of your new best friends! #lifegoals
- Daintree Rainforest: Check out the oldest rainforest in the world, home to frogs, butterflies, bats and more.
- Daintree Rainforest: Tour the world’s oldest rainforest with an expert. Sir David Attenborough called Daintree: ‘the most extraordinary place on earth’.
Included Experience
- 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.
- Cairns: Eat like a local with this chef-guided bush food tutorial and dinner (thankfully, not a witchetty grub in sight!)
- Daintree Rainforest: Check out the oldest rainforest in the world, home to frogs, butterflies, bats and more.
- 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.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
The tour includes accommodation at Base Backpackers, Prosail, Nomads Magnetic Island, and Gilligans, or similar establishments. These accommodations are typically shared, but upgrades to single or twin rooms may be available upon request, depending on availability.
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What activities are included in the tour?
The tour includes a variety of activities such as snorkeling, sailing, koala-spotting, and exploring the Daintree Rainforest with an expert guide. Cultural experiences like an interactive Bush Food tutorial and dinner, meeting the local Kuku Yalanji people, and participating in an art class with an Aboriginal artist are also part of the itinerary.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Meals are provided on specific days as per the itinerary, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The dining summary includes 4 lunches, 4 dinners, and 6 breakfasts.
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What transportation is provided during the tour?
Transportation includes transfers to the marina, ferry rides, and a scenic train journey along Australia's East Coast.
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Can I participate in optional activities during the tour?
Yes, there are optional activities available such as bungy jumping and catamaran trips to the reef for snorkeling or diving. However, these are not included in the tour package and would incur additional costs.
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What cultural experiences are part of the tour?
Cultural experiences include an interactive Bush Food tutorial and dinner, meeting the local Kuku Yalanji people, and participating in an art class with an Aboriginal artist. You will also learn about ancient Dreamtime stories and how they are shared through art.
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What is the sailing experience like in the Whitsundays?
The sailing experience in the Whitsundays involves boarding a converted racing yacht, which will be your home for two nights. The yacht is equipped with basic amenities and can accommodate up to 20 people, offering a fun and adventurous experience on the sea.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
In 1961, a guy called John Anderson founded Contiki in New Zealand. Whilst later bought by The Travel Corporation, the tour company had already been using the name ‘Contiki’ since its inception.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Contiki trips are designed & operated exclusively for those aged 18-35 years. Your travelling companions will be like-minded adventurers within that age range. The age range is adhered to strictly.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® is our commitment to protect people, wildlife and the incredible planet we all share. Powered by The TreadRight Foundation, a non-profit organisation and Contiki’s guiding hand when it comes to making travel matter.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
All documentation will be sent via email around 21 days prior to your trip departure. You can also access information on your trip by signing up to My Contiki via the top right icon of the homepage.
Reviews of this operator
Book with Confidence
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Contiki allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform contiki, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Contiki requires a minimum deposit of 60 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of contiki charges.
Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 25% of booking price.
At 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.