Ultimate Australia with Kakadu Dreaming & Sailing | 2024 - 2025

What's Included

• Sydney City Tour

  Explore the Opera House, ANZAC Memorial, and Royal Botanic Gardens.

• Blue Mountains Day Trip

  Learn about the legends behind the famous Three Sisters rock formation and explore the Jamison Ridge area.

• Surf Lesson in Byron Bay

  Enjoy an afternoon surf lesson in Byron Bay.

• Noosa Everglades Eco Lodge Stay

  Stay at a Special Stay Eco Lodge in Noosa Everglades.

• K'gari Day Trip

  Experience sand dunes, lakes, and the world's longest sand highway on K'gari.

• Whitsunday Islands Sailing

  Float around reefs and marvel at rainbow-colored fish while sailing in the Whitsunday Islands.

• Magnetic Island Visit

  Go koala-spotting and see WWII fortifications on Magnetic Island.

• Daintree Rainforest Tour

  Tour the world's oldest rainforest with an expert.

• Uluru Sunrise Experience

  Enjoy the sunrise over Uluru and explore the Valley of the Winds.

• Kings Canyon Hike

  Hike around Kings Canyon and visit the Garden of Eden.

• Kakadu National Park Tour

  Explore Kakadu National Park and meet local Indigenous people at Pudakul.

• Katherine Gorge Cruise

  Take a cruise and explore the world-famous Katherine Gorge.

• Litchfield National Park Visit

  Visit Litchfield National Park and see the enormous termite mounds and Florence Falls.

What's Not Included

• Optional Harbour Bridge Climb

  The Harbour Bridge climb in Sydney is not included.
  
  

• Jetboat Ride in Sydney

  The jetboat ride across Sydney Harbour is not included.
  
  

• Bike Tour in Sydney

  The bike tour of Sydney is not included.
  
  

• Early Morning Yoga in Byron Bay

  The early morning yoga session on the beach in Byron Bay is not included.
  
  

• Canoeing Excursion in Noosa Everglades

  The optional canoeing excursion in Noosa Everglades is not included.
  
  

• Segway Tour in Uluru

  The optional Segway tour in Uluru is not included.
  
  

• Scenic Flight in Kakadu National Park

  The scenic flight over Kakadu National Park is not included.
  
  

• Sunset Yellow Waters Cruise

  The optional Sunset Yellow Waters cruise in Kakadu National Park is not included.
  
  

• Adventure Activities in Cairns

  Bungy jumping, skydiving, and whitewater rafting in Cairns are not included.
  
  

• Skyrail and Kuranda Railway Trip

  The day trip on the Skyrail and Kuranda Railway is not included.
  
  

Mode of Transport

Travel across Australia with a mix of flights, coach transfers, and ferry rides. Enjoy a scenic train journey from Townsville to Cairns and sail on a converted racing yacht in the Whitsundays. Experience the convenience of organized transport throughout the tour.

Accommodation

Experience a variety of accommodations including eco lodges in Noosa Everglades, backpacker hostels in Airlie Beach and Magnetic Island, and a converted racing yacht in the Whitsundays. Enjoy stays at the Voyages Outback Hotel & Lodge in Uluru and the Travelodge Resort in Darwin.

Dining Summary

• 18 Breakfast (B)
• 7 Dinner (D)
• 5 Lunch (L)

Active

• 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.
• Whitsunday Islands: Float around the reefs, marvel at rainbow-coloured fish, then chill out on deck (and secretly hope no one brought a ukulele).
• Magnetic Island: Go koala-spotting, see WWII fortifications, or just have a beer in the sun. There’s something for everyone on this trail.
• 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’.
• Kata Tjuta: Walk around this sacred site. See the Valley of the Winds and Walpa Gorge, with its towering domes that change colour in the sunlight.
• Kings Canyon: Climb the 'stairway to heaven' to the aptly named Garden of Eden, Kings Canyon.
• Kakadu National Park: Climb to the top and be rewarded with a sunset to rival the African savannas. You’ll half-expect a lion to walk into the frame!

Culture

• Sydney: Passports at the ready folks.
• 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.
• 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.
• Uluru: Start the day the right way – by enjoying the sunrise over Uluru. This should be on everyone’s #lifegoals list.
• Uluru: Salute this sacred landmark with drinks and nibbles as you watch the sun set. A moment you’ll replay in your mind forever.
• Uluru: Chill with your new BFFs over dinner at Uluru.
• Darwin: We’ll uncover the very best of this cultural hotspot, with a local guide on hand to answer all our burning questions.
• Kakadu National Park: See the work of Aboriginal artists and craft-makers and learn more about the indigenous tribes.
• Kakadu National Park: Some Aboriginal art on Nourlangie Rocks has been around for 20,000 years! It makes our nan look like a spring chicken.

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.
• 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

• 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?
• 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).
• Cairns: Eat like a local with this chef-guided bush food tutorial and dinner (thankfully, not a witchetty grub in sight!)
• Uluru: Does it get any better than a 'Big Brekkie' cooked up on the BBQ? We think not.

Included Experience

• 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: 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?
• 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).
• 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.
• 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’.
• Uluru: Start the day the right way – by enjoying the sunrise over Uluru. This should be on everyone’s #lifegoals list.
• Kata Tjuta: Walk around this sacred site. See the Valley of the Winds and Walpa Gorge, with its towering domes that change colour in the sunlight.
• Uluru: Does it get any better than a 'Big Brekkie' cooked up on the BBQ? We think not.
• Uluru: Salute this sacred landmark with drinks and nibbles as you watch the sun set. A moment you’ll replay in your mind forever.
• Kings Canyon: Climb the 'stairway to heaven' to the aptly named Garden of Eden, Kings Canyon.
• Gimuy (Cairns): Time to take to the sky. Uluru, here we come!
• Uluru: Chill with your new BFFs over dinner at Uluru.
• Darwin: We’ll uncover the very best of this cultural hotspot, with a local guide on hand to answer all our burning questions.
• Kakadu National Park: Immerse yourself in Aboriginal culture at Pudakul. Meet a local family in their home and learn about the significance of the Didgeridoo.
• Kakadu National Park: Climb to the top and be rewarded with a sunset to rival the African savannas. You’ll half-expect a lion to walk into the frame!
• Alice Springs: Off we soar to our next destination.
• Kakadu National Park: See the work of Aboriginal artists and craft-makers and learn more about the indigenous tribes.
• Kakadu National Park: Some Aboriginal art on Nourlangie Rocks has been around for 20,000 years! It makes our nan look like a spring chicken.
• Katherine: Kick back and take a refreshing dip in the crystalline plunge pools, surrounded by monsoon forest. Pure bliss!
• Litchfield National Park: One for the bucket list. Take it easy in the relaxing plunge pools, or swim under the cascading Florence Falls.
• Litchfield National Park: Check out this weird but unmissable highlight at Litchfield National Park.

Nature

• Sydney: Dramatic scenery. Fresh mountain air filling your lungs. A World Heritage Site. If that’s your thing, prepare to be impressed.
• Sydney: Step onto the golden stretch of one of the world’s most famous beaches. The ultimate sandy nirvana for sun worshippers.
• 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.
• 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’.
• Whitsunday Islands: Seeing Whitehaven Beach is like seeing a little piece of heaven. With 15 of your new best friends! #lifegoals
• Katherine: Kick back and take a refreshing dip in the crystalline plunge pools, surrounded by monsoon forest. Pure bliss!
• Litchfield National Park: One for the bucket list. Take it easy in the relaxing plunge pools, or swim under the cascading Florence Falls.
• Litchfield National Park: Check out this weird but unmissable highlight at Litchfield National Park.

Special Stay

• 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.