Australia: North Queensland to Uluru | with Sailing
Australia: North Queensland to Uluru | with Sailing
$2805
Australia: North Queensland to Uluru | with Sailing
13 Days Starting in Airlie Beach, Australia and ending in Uluru, Australia
Visiting: Airlie Beach, Magnetic Island, Cairns, Uluru
Tour operator:
Tour code:
NQUS25
Specialist Group:
18-30 Somethings
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
18-35
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable adventure through Australia, from the tropical paradise of North Queensland to the iconic Uluru. This tour offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and thrilling activities. Begin your journey in Airlie Beach, setting sail on a converted racing yacht to explore the stunning Whitsunday Islands, including the pristine Whitehaven Beach. Discover the vibrant marine life while snorkeling and enjoy freshly prepared meals on board. Continue to Magnetic Island for koala-spotting and scenic walks, then head to Cairns for a unique Bush Food tutorial. Experience the ancient Daintree Rainforest, learn about Aboriginal culture, and create your own art masterpiece. Conclude your journey at Uluru, witnessing breathtaking sunrises and exploring the majestic Kings Canyon. With guided tours, sailing, and cultural encounters, this tour promises an enriching and exhilarating Australian adventure.
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
Accommodation Name: Gilligans (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we have the 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 your day.
Day 10: Cairns To Uluru
Location: Cairns
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: Voyages Outback Hotel & Lodge (or similar)
Meals Included: Dinner
We’ll start bright and early today with a flight to Uluru which should get us there by mid morning. Here in Uluru, you’ll have the chance to join an optional activity which will check out the Field of Lights: a spectacular art installation. Afterwards, you’ll enjoy a delicious included dinner with the group.
Day 11: Uluru
Location: Uluru
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: Voyages Outback Hotel & Lodge (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
It's time to explore the majesty of Uluru. And what better way to start the day than witnessing the rock bathed in the golden glow of sunrise? A sacred site for the local aboriginal tribe, this imposing rock is actually a staggering 700 million years old. We'll then get right into the heart of the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park with a hike to the Walpa Gorge and Valley of the Winds, where boulders bigger than skyscrapers dominate the landscape. This afternoon you'll have a chance to try out your skills with a optional Segway tour.
Day 12: Uluru (Including Kings Canyon)
Location: Uluru
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: Voyages Outback Hotel & Lodge (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Grab your sneakers, camera and your sense of adventure - it's time for a day trip! Our first stop is an included Big BBQ Brekkie at Kings Creek Station, then we're ready to go. Your guided hike around the imposing King's Canyon awaits. Wonder at the lunar-like landscape as you hike through the canyon and take respite from the sun in the shady space at the bottom of the climb, The Garden of Eden. It's as idyllic and mythical as it sounds and is home to its own unique ecosystem in this barren landscape. Finish the day off with a glass of bubbles in hand and the sunset casting a glow over the Outback's most picturesque backdrop, there's no better way to spend your final evening in Uluru.
Day 13: Uluru
Location: Uluru
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning it's time to say our sad farewells to our Contiki family. Australia, it's been real. We may shed a tear, but we'll never forget what we've experienced together in this spectacular land. And just remember, it's not goodbye, just see you soon.
What's Included
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Meals
Meals are included as specified in the itinerary, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner on certain days.
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Transport
Transport is provided for all transfers and travel between destinations as per the itinerary.
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Guided Tours
Guided tours are included for various activities such as the Daintree Rainforest tour, Uluru sunrise, and Kings Canyon hike.
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Activities
Activities such as sailing on a converted racing yacht, snorkeling, koala-spotting, and a Bush Food tutorial and dinner are included.
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Accommodation
Accommodation is provided at various locations including Base Backpackers, Prosail, Nomads Magnetic Island, Gilligans, and Voyages Outback Hotel & Lodge.
What's Not Included
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Optional Activities
Optional activities such as dot painting, Field of Lights, Segway tour, bungy jumping, skydiving, whitewater rafting, and the Skyrail are not included.
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Flights
Flights to and from the starting and ending locations 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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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Visas and Entry Fees
Visas and entry fees to certain attractions are not included.
Dining Summary
- 4 Lunch (L)
- 5 Dinner (D)
- 9 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.
- 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.
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.
- Uluru: Chill with your new BFFs over dinner at Uluru.
- 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.
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!)
- Uluru: Does it get any better than a 'Big Brekkie' cooked up on the BBQ? We think not.
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.
- Gimuy (Cairns): Time to take to the sky. Uluru, here we come!
- Uluru: Chill with your new BFFs over dinner at Uluru.
- 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.
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’.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?
Accommodation is provided at various locations including Base Backpackers, Prosail, Nomads Magnetic Island, Gilligans, and Voyages Outback Hotel & Lodge.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Meals are included as specified in the itinerary, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner on certain days.
-
What types of transport are used during the tour?
Transport is provided for all transfers and travel between destinations as per the itinerary, including a coach, ferry, and train.
-
What activities are included in the tour?
Included activities are sailing on a converted racing yacht, snorkeling, koala-spotting, and a Bush Food tutorial and dinner.
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Are there any optional activities available during the tour?
Yes, optional activities such as dot painting, Field of Lights, Segway tour, bungy jumping, skydiving, whitewater rafting, and the Skyrail are available but not included in the tour package.
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Is travel insurance included in the tour package?
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
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What is the sailing experience like in the Whitsundays?
The sailing experience in the Whitsundays is on a converted racing yacht that sleeps up to 20 people with all the basic amenities, offering a fun adventure out on the sea.
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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, subject to availability.
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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.
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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 200 USD 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.
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Terms and Conditions
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