If Australian tours could talk, this mammoth one would ask the others “Who’s your daddy?” Adventure, luxury, excitement and enlightenment, make these perfectly-planned 25 days a must for anyone committed to experiencing the native peoples, historic places and modern architectural marvels that make Australia special. Much like the natural phenomenon that is Ayers Rock, a wonder of the world, you’ll feel large and in charge, enabled by surplus fun and interesting, epic-scale activities.
- Days 1-2: Depart for Australia
Fly over the international date line on your way to Australia.
- Day 3: Arrive Sydney
Check into your Travelodge Hotel Sydney after 2.00pm, the rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore. Tonight meet your fellow travellers and get to know them better as we enjoy dinner and a night out in Sydney. Hotel
- Day 4: Sydney to Coffs Harbour
Meet your Contiki crew and before heading across the famous Sydney Harbour Bridge, we’ll make a photostop taking in the harbour and Opera House. Then to the picturesque vineyards of the Hunter Valley to sample some of the local Hunter wines before continuing along the ‘holiday coast’ to our accommodation at Coffs Harbour. Then it’s playtime - a drink, a dip or maybe a stroll along the beach. Resort
- Day 5: Coffs Harbour to Surfers Paradise
Heading northwards, we’ll stop at Cape Byron, Australia’s most easterly point. Then onto trendy Byron Bay where you can shop or swim. By evening, we’ll have crossed the Queensland border arriving at Surfers Paradise. After dinner, try your luck at Jupiter’s Casino! (B) Hotel
- Day 6: Surfers Paradise
So much to do in the name of leisure. Here goes! Relax on 42km (26miles) of white sand beaches, or if you’re feeling adventurous – why not try a tandem skydive or a Harley Davidson ride. All are available in Australia’s biggest playground. Hotel
- Day 7: Surfers Paradise to Country Homestead
First up we’ll take in the sights and sounds of Brisbane, before heading into the fertile farming lands of the Darling Downs. Enjoy a good ol’ Aussie ‘knees-up’ tonight at our Country Homestead. (B,D) Country Homestead
- Day 8: Country Homestead to Fraser Island
Onwards to Noosa Heads with its stunning beaches and great shopping. We’ll continue north along the coast meeting our launch to Fraser Island. (B,D) Eco Lodge
- Day 9: Fraser Island
Now you’re on the largest sand island in the world! What to do? Here are a few clues. Why not take a 4-wheel drive bus tour through the rainforests, a guided bushwalk or a swim in the fresh water lakes? With this many options there’s no chance of going troppo! Eco Lodge
- Day 10: Fraser Island to Capricorn Coast
Returning to the mainland, we’ll travel north to Rockhampton – gateway to the tropics. This evening why not come face-to-fang with huge estuarine crocodiles at the Koorana Crocodile Farm? (B) Hotel
- Day 11: Capricorn Coast to the Whitsundays
On our way to Airlie Beach, gateway to the Whitsundays, we’ll visit Mackay – Australia’s sugar capital. Boarding our launch at Shute Harbour, we make the short journey to Long Island one of the jewels of the Whitsundays. (B,D) Resort
- Days 12-13: Whitsundays
Time to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and great amenities of Long Island. Feeling energetic, why not go bushwalking, play tennis or beach volleyball, take to the water with a snorkel or a jet ski? Want to relax? Then unwind on the palm-lined beach, have a massage, or sip cocktails on the verandah as you watch another perfect sunset. Resort
- Day 14: Whitsundays to Cairns
Today, head north to the cosmopolitan city of Cairns, home to action, the reef and plenty of fun.
Please Note: Today we may substitute the coach travel along the coast with a flight from the Whitsundays to Cairns. When we do this the flight is included in the prices shown. (B) Resort
- Days 15-16: Cairns
For the adventurous a chance to do some white water rafting on the rapids of the Tully River, or take the opportunity to visit the famous Outer Barrier Reef aboard a high-speed catamaran. Why not scuba dive amidst amazingly colourful tropical fish? Or if you prefer, maybe spend the days at leisure doing some shopping in town. In the evening we’ll check out more tropical wildlife at one of Cairns’ nightclubs! (B) Resort
- Day 17: Cairns to Alice Springs
A relaxing start to the day before boarding your flight to Alice Springs to begin your Northern Territory adventure. Hotel
- Day 18: Alice Springs
We take a sightseeing tour of Alice Springs to see ANZAC Hill Lookout and the Desert Park. Just a little further afield we’ll visit Simpson’s Gap and other sights around Alice Springs. Time for a swim before dinner, followed by perhaps a spin at the casino. (B,D) Hotel
- Day 19: Alice Springs to Uluru (Ayers Rock)
An opportunity this morning to join an Aboriginal Bush Tucker tour. We then cross the oldest river in the world, the Finke River, before turning onto the Lassiter Highway. Continuing past amazing Mt Connor, we reach the modern Yulara Resort, our accommodation for the next two nights. Watch the sun set and rise over Uluru and explore this world-famous monolith. (B) Lodge
- Day 20: Uluru
Uluru National Park and the famous ‘big rock’ await. We’ll watch the amazing warm hues of an Uluru sunrise, followed by a visit to the excellent Cultural Center housing a display of information on Aboriginal history and culture. Then why not jump on the back of a Harley Davidson motorcycle to take in more of the Spinifex plains? Maybe take a flight over the area or challenge the vertical and climb Uluru? Later time for a swim and to enjoy a glass of bubbly to toast the Uluru sunset. (B) Lodge
- Day 21: Uluru to Kings Creek Station
A last look at Uluru before we drive to the mysterious rock formations known as Kata Tjuta or the Olgas. Hike through the Valley of the Winds or Olga Gorge. This afternoon we’re off to Kings Creek Station adjacent to Watarrka National Park. A chance to explore this working cattle and camel station by quad bikes. Enjoy food cooked in true outback style, before rolling out your sleeping swag under a blanket of brilliant stars. (B,D) Outback bush camp
- Day 22: Kings Creek Station to Alice Springs
Up early to take in the stunning sights as we wander along the ridge of Kings Canyon and discover the Garden of Eden and the Lost City. Then onwards to Alice Springs. Tonight why not enjoy a ‘drovers blowout’ dinner? Try outback delicacies like crocodile and emu. (B) Hotel
- Day 23: Alice Springs to Tennant Creek
Dreamtime and Devils Marbles. Why not take the opportunity of a lifetime and see the dawn break over the MacDonnell Ranges from a hot air balloon and upon returning to terra firma, feast on chicken and champagne? We’ll cross the Tropic of Capricorn on our way to the Devils Marbles. Then north to Tennant Creek which is the site of the last gold rush in Australia. Remember, not everything that glitters is gold – however here it just might be. All discovered nuggets must be passed onto the Contiki crew! (D) Hotel
- Day 24: Tennant Creek to Katherine
Try a cold beer at the oldest Territory pub. Enjoy a refreshing swim in the crystal waters of Mataranka Thermal Pools or take a look at the Elsey Homestead. Onwards to Katherine for tonight’s get together – because by now you know everyone and everyone knows you! (B) Hotel
- Day 25: Katherine to Kakadu National Park
A morning stop in Katherine then onto Nitmiluk National Park and the sensational Katherine Gorge. Why not take in the beauty of nature’s sculpture with a leisurely boat trip through two of the many ancient gorges. This afternoon we’ll head to Kakadu National Park and Jabiru. Our accommodation is right in the middle of the park and it’s soon time for another romantic sunset at Ubirr Aboriginal rock art site. Relax this evening in a tropical poolside setting. Why isn’t life always like this? (B,D) Lodge
- Day 26: Kakadu National Park
Rise early and you have the chance to see the wonders of Kakadu from the air. This scenic flight will leave you breathless and it’s not the altitude. You really will understand why this is a world heritage region. Then on to Nourlangie Rock, famous for its Aboriginal art. View the wetlands and spend the afternoon on a wildlife cruise. (B) Lodge
- Day 27: Kakadu National Park to Darwin
We’ll head north towards Darwin, the most northerly city in Australia. We visit the Northern Territory Museum then there’s free time this afternoon to shop till you drop or if the pace is getting to you – just drop. Tonight is our last night together. Uh-huh – time to party hard! Try your luck at the casino then dance the night away at one of Darwin’s clubs. (B) Hotel
- Day 28: Darwin to Litchfield National Park
Start planning your next Contiki holiday. Litchfield National Park is 650 square kilometres (255 square miles) of top end treasure, enclosing a spectacular sandstone plateau. We’ll swim at picturesque Florence Falls. All good things must come to an end and so it’s back to our Darwin hotel where our tour – not the friendships made – ends. (B)
