Ultimate Australia with Kakadu Dreaming & Sailing | 2025 - 2026

What's Included

• Sydney City Tour

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

• Blue Mountains Day Trip

  Enjoy a day trip to the Blue Mountains, including learning about the Three Sisters rock formation and exploring the Jamison Ridge area.

• Surf Lesson in Byron Bay

  Experience 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

  Enjoy a day trip to K'gari, including sand dunes, lakes, and the world's longest sand highway.

• Whitsunday Islands Sailing

  Sail on a converted racing yacht for 2 nights, including a day trip to Whitehaven Beach and snorkeling.

• Magnetic Island Visit

  Visit Magnetic Island, including a sunset drink and exploring the island's walking trails and wildlife.

• Bush Food Tutorial and Dinner in Cairns

  Enjoy an interactive Bush Food tutorial and dinner in Cairns.

• Daintree Rainforest Day Trip

  Experience a day trip to the Daintree Rainforest, including meeting the local Kuku Yalanji people and participating in an art class.

• Uluru Sunrise and Valley of the Winds Hike

  Witness the sunrise at Uluru and hike to the Walpa Gorge and Valley of the Winds.

• Kings Canyon Day Trip

  Enjoy a guided hike around Kings Canyon, including a Big BBQ Brekkie at Kings Creek Station.

• Kakadu National Park Cultural Tour

  Take an immersive cultural tour with local Indigenous people at Pudakul in Kakadu National Park.

• Katherine Gorge Cruise

  Explore Katherine Gorge with a cruise, spotting waterfalls and ancient aboriginal rock art.

• Litchfield National Park Visit

  Visit Litchfield National Park, including the 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.
  
  

• Kayaking in Byron Bay

  Kayaking in Byron Bay is not included.
  
  

• Whale Watching in Byron Bay

  Whale watching 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 Sunset Yellow Waters cruise in Kakadu National Park is not included.
  
  

• Bungy Jumping in Cairns

  Bungy jumping in Cairns is not included.
  
  

• Skydiving in Cairns

  Skydiving in Cairns is not included.
  
  

• Whitewater Rafting in Cairns

  Whitewater rafting in Cairns is not included.
  
  

• Skyrail Day Trip in Cairns

  The Skyrail day trip in Cairns 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 as you explore diverse landscapes and iconic destinations.

Accommodation

Experience a variety of accommodations including eco lodges in Noosa Everglades, backpacker hostels in Airlie Beach and Magnetic Island, and the unique Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel. Enjoy stays at the Travelodge Resort Darwin and the Voyages Outback Hotel & Lodge, offering comfort and convenience throughout your adventure.

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.

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Rated 5* on Trust Pilot & ABTA Protected.