Answer the call of the Coral Sea as you set sail on a converted racing yacht through the Whitsundays’ 74 islands. Drop anchor at Whitehaven Beach to walk powder-fine silica sands and wade in luminous shallows, then snorkel fringing reefs alive with parrotfish and soft corals.

Between swim stops, learn the ropes or even take the helm alongside your skipper. With fresh meals served on deck and sunset lighting up the islands, this is Australia’s dream cruising ground delivered in full colour.

Clip in for the bucket-list Harbour BridgeClimb and ascend the great steel arch for sweeping 360-degree views. From atop the span, the Sydney Opera House, harbour islands and Pacific horizon unfold in breathtaking detail.

Hear stories of the 1932 opening, the bridge’s riveted engineering and the crews who maintain it. This is an optional experience at additional cost, bookable on tour, with expert guides and all safety gear provided.

Board a rugged 4WD to explore K’gari (Fraser Island), the world’s largest sand island. Cruise the hard-packed runway of 75 Mile Beach, then cut inland through rainforest to swim the glassy blues of Lake McKenzie.

Learn how perched dune lakes form atop compacted sand and why the island’s ecosystems are so unique. This full-day adventure is optional and at additional cost, typically including a picnic lunch on tour.

Glide silently as you canoe the Everglades, where tea-tinted waters create mirror-like waterways reflecting paperbarks and sky. Your paddle dips are the loudest sounds in this tranquil wetland.

One of only two Everglades systems on Earth, it’s a haven for kingfishers, egrets and pelicans—let the birdsong guide your gaze. Optional and at additional cost, with expert guides leading routes suited to conditions.

Make tracks to Bondi Beach, the city’s sandy stage for swimmers, surfers and sunseekers. Feel the fine, pale sand underfoot and watch red-and-yellow-flag patrols in action, or linger by the ocean-fed Icebergs pool as waves crash against its seawall.

Absorb the rhythm of Bondi’s cafes and join the salt-sprayed coastal walk toward Tamarama for cliff-top views of the Tasman Sea. With sea breeze on your skin and surf culture all around, it’s a quintessential slice of Sydney’s outdoor lifestyle.

Visit The Farm Byron Bay, an 80-acre working farm championing regenerative practices. Wander paddocks of heirloom crops, meet Highland cattle and heritage pigs, and sample fresh, chemical-free produce grown with soil health front and centre.

This MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience supports local growers and community initiatives while showcasing low-impact food systems. Hear how crop rotations, composting and pollinator habitats restore biodiversity, and taste how sustainability translates into bright, seasonal flavours straight from the source.

Hike the Forts Walk, a gently rising trail to WWII lookouts with wide panoramas over the Coral Sea and the Palm Island Group. Eucalyptus branches often cradle dozing marsupials—keep eyes peeled to see koalas in the wild among whispering gum leaves.

Along the ridge, restored WWII fortifications hint at Australia’s wartime story while granite headlands tumble to turquoise bays. It’s a rare blend of tropical scenery, history and wildlife on a compact, rewarding circuit.

Make for Geoffrey Bay as the light softens and watch agile Rock Wallabies emerge among giant granite boulders. Their sure-footed hops and curious glances offer charismatic company as the sea turns copper and pink.

Guides share respectful wildlife etiquette—no bread or processed snacks, only approved pellets—and the best spots to observe from a distance. With the golden-hour light igniting the headlands, cameras and quiet patience are richly rewarded.

Delve into Indigenous foodways in a chef-guided bush food tutorial. Crush native spices, taste bright rainforest flavours and learn how Country informs cuisine, before sitting down to a seasonal dinner highlighting game and native botanicals.

Hear First Nations foodways come to life through stories of seasonal harvesting and smart land management. Expect zesty lemon myrtle, finger lime and wattleseed in tasting plates that honour ancient knowledge while celebrating modern Australian cooking.

Gather pre-dawn to witness sunrise over Uluru as its sandstone shifts from inky violet to glowing ochre. The quiet of the desert amplifies each colour change and the sweep of spinifex plains around the monolith.

Learn how Anangu culture sees this landscape through Tjukurpa (law and story), and reflect on a formation some 700 million years in the making. It’s a contemplative, visually striking start to your Red Centre discoveries.

Explore the many-domed wonder of Kata Tjuta, following the cool corridor of Walpa Gorge and sections of the Valley of the Winds trail. Towering conglomerate cliffs rise above desert oaks and hardy shrubs shaped by arid winds.

Sacred to the Anangu, these immense rust-red forms hold cultural stories and ecological niches alike. Your walk reveals textures, scent of warm rock, and sweeping vistas that shift with every curve in the path.

Fuel up on a hearty Big BBQ Brekkie at Kings Creek Station, then set out on the iconic Kings Canyon Rim Walk. Traverse beehive domes and sandstone ledges as cliffs plunge to a palm-dotted gorge far below.

Descend into the shaded Garden of Eden, where a permanent waterhole shelters ancient cycads. Back atop the rim, the desert opens in vast panoramas—an uplifting finale to one of Australia’s most celebrated hikes.

Raise a toast as the sun sinks and colours ripple across the rock during sunset over Uluru. A glass of bubbles in hand, watch shadow and light sculpt the monolith into ever-deeper reds and violets.

The desert horizon seems to stretch forever, inviting quiet reflection on Tjukurpa stories and the day’s adventures. It’s a graceful, celebratory close amid vast Outback skies.

Settle into the Red Centre with a convivial welcome dinner that brings your group together over regional flavours. Share first impressions of the desert light as you plan the days ahead.

Menus often showcase native herbs and hearty outback fare, pairing perfectly with cool evening air and a star-filled sky. Expect relaxed conversation and an easy introduction to life in this fabled landscape.

Skim across glittering water on a jet boat ride packed with high-speed turns, power spins and drifts. Spray flies as you zip past harbour highlights and feel the city’s iconic skyline rush by.

Thrill meets sightseeing on this adrenaline-spiked circuit of Sydney Harbour, often passing Fort Denison and headland lookouts. Optional and at additional cost, it’s a fast, fun way to see the harbour from sea level.

Leap into blue skies on a tandem skydive, experiencing up to 60 seconds of freefall before your canopy opens to serene coast-to-city views. Feel the rush, then float to a soft landing with your instructor.

Operators are highly certified, with optional photo and video packages to capture the moment. This is an optional experience at additional cost, bookable on tour and weather dependent.

Join locals for a surf lesson on Byron’s mellow breaks and learn to pop up with confidence. Coaches choose the best beach for conditions, so you spend more time riding green waves than battling whitewater.

All equipment is provided, and beach briefings cover safety and etiquette. Immersed in Byron Bay surf culture, you’ll finish salty-haired, sun-kissed and stoked. Optional and at additional cost, bookable on tour.

Walk the headland trail to Cape Byron Lighthouse and watch dawn break at Australia’s most easterly point. Sea cliffs glow, seabirds wheel and the beam of the 1901 tower fades with the rising sun.

From June to November, keep watch for migrating humpbacks cresting offshore. This sunrise outing is optional and at additional cost, with time to enjoy the panoramas before the day warms.

Pedal quiet backroads on a guided night bike tour to see glow worms sprinkle constellations across damp rock walls. Switch to low-impact lamps and let the rainforest soundtrack replace daytime buzz.

Learn how the larvae’s bioluminescent glow lures prey, and why pristine streams protect these delicate colonies. Optional and at additional cost, it’s a magical, science-rich adventure after dark.

Choose your pace at Horseshoe Bay—grab a paddleboard or kayak to skim over turquoise shallows, or throttle up on a jetski for a salt-sprayed circuit.

Coral-fringed coves, granite headlands and balmy trade winds set the scene for pure island time. Rentals are available on site; this experience is optional and at additional cost, with conditions dictating activity choice.

Venture into the ancient Daintree Rainforest for a day of nature and culture. Join a cleansing smoking ceremony, hear Dreaming stories and create artwork in a class led by Kuku Yalanji artists.

Walk beneath fan palms and strangler figs in the world’s oldest tropical rainforest, learning how traditional knowledge safeguards Country. This experience is optional and at additional cost, bookable on tour.

Sail by fast catamaran to reef sites and snorkel or dive among coral gardens, giant clams and rainbow fish. Water entry platforms and attentive crew make exploring easy, whether you’re a first-timer or seasoned.

Onboard talks by a marine biologist deepen understanding of this living wonder, with optional guided dives available. This is an optional experience at additional cost (local reef levies may apply), bookable on tour.

Glide along Trinity Inlet on a tranquil sunset cruise, threading mangrove-lined channels as the city skyline silhouettes against a tropical sky. Gentle breezes and pastel reflections set an unhurried pace.

Captains point out birdlife and historic waterfronts while you sip a cool drink from the bar. Optional and at additional cost, it’s Cairns at golden hour from its most relaxing vantage point.

Dial up the adrenaline with a rainforest bungy jump or tackle Grade 3–4 rapids on a whitewater rafting run. Each option pairs big thrills with lush tropical scenery.

Professional guides, safety briefings and quality gear keep the focus on fun, not fear. This experience is optional and at additional cost, bookable on tour and weather
iver-level dependent.

Soar above rainforest canopies on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, stepping off at boardwalk lookouts over Barron Falls. Return on the heritage Kuranda Scenic Railway, its vintage carriages threading hand-cut tunnels and stone bridges.

Between rides, browse Kuranda’s craft markets and street music for a laid-back village interlude. Optional and at additional cost, this pairing shows the tropics from canopy to forest floor in one satisfying loop.

Stroll through a desert canvas of 50,000 stems shimmering in the Field of Light, artist Bruce Munro’s solar-powered installation unfurling beneath a starry desert night. Colours pulse softly across the spinifex plain.

Inspired by wildflower blooms after rain, this immersive artwork heightens the Red Centre’s sense of space and stillness. It’s an optional evening add-on at additional cost, bookable on tour.

Cover more ground on a Segway guided tour around sections of the Uluru base, pausing to examine rock textures, waterholes and ancient rock art. Guides share Tjukurpa stories that connect culture to landscape.

With helmets and instruction provided, the focus stays on discovery and respectful access. This experience is optional and at additional cost, bookable on tour and subject to local conditions.

• 7 Breakfast (B)
• 6 Dinner (D)
• 2 Lunch (L)

• Sydney: A modular trip means fellow travellers will join and leave at various locations. There’ll be some goodbyes, sure, but there’ll also be plenty of hellos with new like-minded travellers.
• 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.
• Yunbenun (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.
• Gimuy (Cairns): It’s best to wait at least 24 hours after your last dive before flying.
• Airlie Beach: 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: Your Trip Manager will hand out a 2-day Opal Card on your first day of the trip. Which means, access to the city’s trains, buses, ferries and light rail. Beach this morning, harbour views by afternoon, hidden neighbourhoods by night – it’s all on the cards. 
• 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.
• 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: 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: Our Special Stay Eco Lodges are in the heart of the action. You may even have a jumping joey as a friendly neighbour.
• Brisbane: Time to take to the sky. Airlie Beach, here we come!
• Whitsunday Islands: Set sail from Airlie Beach for two nights of pure Whitsundays magic. Think snorkelling, hiking, and sunset vibes (with a top crew and experienced skipper leading the way). All decked out with delish food – brekkie, lunch, dinner, and dessert – plus all the snorkelling equipment you’ll need.
• 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: Visit the World’s Best Beach!! 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!)
• 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.

Contiki

Join a guided orientation walk to Sydney’s glittering waterfront, taking in the sculptural sails of the Sydney Opera House, bustling Circular Quay and the green calm of the Royal Botanic Garden. Your Trip Manager points out vantage points for the Harbour Bridge and shares local tips for neighbourhoods to explore.

Gain a sense of the city’s spirit as you pause by the ANZAC Memorial and hear how Sydney grew from colonial outpost to creative, outdoors-loving metropolis on Gadigal Country. Expect sweeping harbour views, grand civic spaces and an easy primer to navigate the city like a local.