Australia: North Queenland Adventure | 2025 - 2026

Australia: North Queenland Adventure | 2025 - 2026

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9 Days From

$1585

$1262

Australia: North Queenland Adventure | 2025 - 2026

9 Days Starting in Airlie Beach, Australia and ending in Cairns, Australia

Visiting: Airlie Beach, Magnetic Island, Cairns

Tour operator:

Contiki

Tour code:

NQAH25

Specialist Group:

18-30 Somethings

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Medium

Age range:

18-35

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Adventure Tours

Interests:

Cultural, Wildlife Tours

From: $1585 $1262 Operator discount: -$323 -20%

NB: Prices correct on 28-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable journey through North Queensland with the "Australia: North Queensland Adventure" tour. This immersive experience takes you from the tropical paradise of Airlie Beach to the vibrant city of Cairns, with stops at the stunning Whitsunday Islands and the captivating Magnetic Island. Dive into the crystal-clear waters of Whitehaven Beach, explore the ancient Daintree Rainforest, and engage with the rich Aboriginal culture through art and storytelling. Enjoy a unique Bush Food tutorial and dinner, and spot koalas in their natural habitat. With included transport and accommodation at lively backpacker hostels, this adventure offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural insights, and thrilling activities. Optional extras like sea kayaking and skydiving add to the excitement, making this tour a must for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike.

Highlights

  • Explore the stunning Whitsunday Islands and snorkel at the pristine Whitehaven Beach.

  • Discover the captivating Magnetic Island, with its coastal walking trails and koala spotting opportunities.

  • Experience the ancient Daintree Rainforest, the world's oldest tropical rainforest, and learn about Aboriginal culture.

  • Enjoy a unique Bush Food tutorial and dinner in Cairns, guided by an experienced chef.

  • Take a scenic train journey along Australia's East Coast from Townsville to Cairns.

  • Meet the local Kuku Yalanji people and participate in an Aboriginal art class.

  • Optional catamaran trip to the Great Barrier Reef for snorkeling or diving in vibrant marine life.

Itinerary

Expand All

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

Location: Airlie Beach

Accommodation Name: Nomads Airlie Beach (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Is there anywhere in the world more beautiful than the Whitsundays? We think not. 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. This is as close to heaven as you can find on planet earth.

Day 3: Airlie Beach

Location: Airlie Beach

Accommodation Name: Nomads Airlie Beach (or similar)

We've got a free day in Airlie Beach today! This vibrant hub of the Whitsundays is ours to explore. We could get out onto the waters with an optional sea kayaking adventure, take to the sky with a Skydive over Australia's most beautiful drop zone or even a relaxing scenic flight over the Whitsunday islands including Whitehaven Beach and Heart Reef. For those looking for a more relaxed option, kick back on the beach sipping something sweet or explore the cute boutiques, bistros and alfresco restaurants that adorn the seafront. It's a hard life.

Day 4: Airlie Beach To Magnetic Island Via Townsville

Location: Magnetic Island

Accommodation Name: Nomads Magnetic Island (or similar)

Meals Included: Dinner

Is there anything better than the Whitsundays? We think our next destination definitely comes close! We'll board a coach this morning 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, partake in watersports in the bright turqouise waters or meet some of the local marsupials. But this evening, we'll enjoy some champagne and watch the sun set over the bay.

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: Breakfast, 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

  • Meals

    Meals are included on specific days: Day 2 (breakfast), Day 4 (dinner), Day 5 (breakfast), Day 6 (breakfast and dinner), Day 7 (breakfast and lunch), Day 8 (breakfast), and Day 9 (breakfast).

  • Activities

    Activities such as snorkeling at Whitehaven Beach, a day trip to Daintree Rainforest, and a Bush Food tutorial and dinner are included.

  • Transport

    Transport from Airlie Beach to Townsville, ferry to Magnetic Island, and train to Cairns are included.

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation at Base Backpackers, Nomads Airlie Beach, Nomads Magnetic Island, and Gilligans (or similar) is included.

What's Not Included

  • Optional Activities

    Optional activities such as sea kayaking, skydiving, scenic flights, and catamaran trips to the reef are not included.

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as shopping, additional meals, and drinks are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and must be purchased separately.

  • Flights

    International and domestic flights to and from the starting and ending locations are not included.

Dining Summary

  • 3 Lunch (L)
  • 2 Dinner (D)
  • 4 Breakfast (B)

Active

  • 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.

Foodie

  • Cairns: Eat like a local with this chef-guided bush food tutorial and dinner (thankfully, not a witchetty grub in sight!)

Nature

  • Airlie Beach: Grab your new buddies, snorkel round the reef, see ‘the world’s best beach’ and eat lunch on a boat. A proper ‘pinch yourself’ moment.
  • 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

  • Airlie Beach: Grab your new buddies, snorkel round the reef, see ‘the world’s best beach’ and eat lunch on a boat. A proper ‘pinch yourself’ moment.
  • 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

  • What kind of activities are included in the tour?

    The tour includes activities such as snorkeling at Whitehaven Beach, a day trip to the Daintree Rainforest, and a Bush Food tutorial and dinner.

  • Are meals included during the tour?

    Meals are included on specific days: Day 2 (breakfast), Day 4 (dinner), Day 5 (breakfast), Day 6 (breakfast and dinner), Day 7 (breakfast and lunch), Day 8 (breakfast), and Day 9 (breakfast).

  • What transportation is provided during the tour?

    Transport from Airlie Beach to Townsville, ferry to Magnetic Island, and train to Cairns are included.

  • What kind of accommodation can I expect on this tour?

    Accommodation is provided at Base Backpackers, Nomads Airlie Beach, Nomads Magnetic Island, and Gilligans (or similar).

  • Are there any optional activities available during the tour?

    Yes, optional activities such as sea kayaking, skydiving, scenic flights, and catamaran trips to the reef are available but not included in the tour price.

  • Is travel insurance included in the tour package?

    No, travel insurance is not included and must be purchased separately.

  • Can I upgrade to a single or twin room on 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 a single or twin room for the trip duration. However, you can request a paid upgrade to a single or twin room, but confirmation depends on availability.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • 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.

  • 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

Trusted Customer  

Northern Choice plus Kaikoura

16-Jan-2023

The trip ran so smoothly and was well organised! The extra add ons were amazing and all the services were spot on. Food places were reasonable. I'm definitely booking my next contiki trip again soon!

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Sophie  

Exceptional customer service

14-Jan-2023

Contiki were exceptional in providing customer service. They provided me with lots of information and were quick in responding to all my questions. I found that they were super helpful.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Trusted Customer  

First time traveling with Contiki. Highly recommend! You’ll have a blast

17-Jan-2023

First time traveling internationally since Covid and glad I spent the trip with Contiki. The travel, lodging, meals, activities everything was planned effortlessly. Going to Greece in may with contiki. Highly recommend

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Trusted Customer  

Amazing trip. Made great friends and memories. Can’t wait for my next trip

15-Jan-2023

I had 24 people on my contiki and I think it was the perfect number, we all got to know each other well and got along great. Our tour guide was fun and knowledgeable, the hotels were nice and in great locations.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Tanner Stokes  

My amazing trip to Africa

13-Jan-2023

Sherif was an excellent tour guide. He was extremely knowledgeable about every single small detail at each site that we visited. In addition to his great service, he has a glowing spirit that made me feel like I had family with me the entire trip. Anything that I was concerned about, he always had an answer and was there to help. I truly enjoyed my experience and will purchase a tour with him in the future

Feefo Trusted Reviews

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Saturday - Sunday

Apr 19, 2025 - Apr 27, 2025
$1625 $1294

Operator discount: -$331

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May 03, 2025 - May 11, 2025
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Operator discount: -$331

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May 31, 2025 - Jun 08, 2025
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Operator discount: -$331

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Operator discount: -$331

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$1585 $1262

Operator discount: -$323

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Operator discount: -$323

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Operator discount: -$323

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Operator discount: -$323

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Operator discount: -$323

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Sep 20, 2025 - Sep 28, 2025
$1585 $1262

Operator discount: -$323

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Oct 04, 2025 - Oct 12, 2025
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Operator discount: -$323

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Oct 18, 2025 - Oct 26, 2025
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Operator discount: -$323

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Oct 25, 2025 - Nov 02, 2025
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Operator discount: -$323

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$1585 $1262

Operator discount: -$323

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$1665 $1326

Operator discount: -$339

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Operator discount: -$339

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Dec 13, 2025 - Dec 21, 2025
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Operator discount: -$339

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Dec 20, 2025 - Dec 28, 2025
$1665 $1326

Operator discount: -$339

Tuesday - Wednesday

Dec 30, 2025 - Jan 07, 2026
$1665 $1326

Operator discount: -$339

Tuesday - Wednesday

Jan 06, 2026 - Jan 14, 2026
$1665 $1415

Operator discount: -$250

Saturday - Sunday

Jan 17, 2026 - Jan 25, 2026
$1665 $1415

Operator discount: -$250

Saturday - Sunday

Jan 24, 2026 - Feb 01, 2026
$1665 $1415

Operator discount: -$250

Saturday - Sunday

Feb 07, 2026 - Feb 15, 2026
$1665 $1415

Operator discount: -$250

Saturday - Sunday

Feb 14, 2026 - Feb 22, 2026
$1665 $1415

Operator discount: -$250

Saturday - Sunday

Feb 21, 2026 - Mar 01, 2026
$1665 $1415

Operator discount: -$250

Saturday - Sunday

Mar 07, 2026 - Mar 15, 2026
$1665 $1415

Operator discount: -$250

Saturday - Sunday

Mar 14, 2026 - Mar 22, 2026
$1665 $1415

Operator discount: -$250

Saturday - Sunday

Mar 28, 2026 - Apr 05, 2026
$1665 $1415

Operator discount: -$250

Saturday - Sunday

Apr 04, 2026 - Apr 12, 2026
$1665 $1415

Operator discount: -$250

Prices last published on 27-Nov-2024

Book with Confidence

  • 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.

  • Low Deposit

    Contiki requires a minimum deposit of 200 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • 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.

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