Itinerary
Day 1: Sydney to Coffs Harbour - Over the coathanger:
Before heading across
the famous Sydney Harbour Bridge, we'll make a photostop taking in the
harbour and Opera House. Then north 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. Hotel
Day 2: Coffs Harbour to Surfers Paradise - 2 states in 1 day:
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! Hotel (B)
Day 3: Surfers Paradise at Leisure - The choice is yours:
So much to do in
the name of leisure. Relax on 42km 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 4: Surfers Paradise to Farmstay - Get down on the farm:
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 farmstay near Toowoomba. Farmstay (D)
Day 5: Farmstay to Fraser Island - The Sunshine Coast:
Heading down the
mountain we'll visit the koalas and kangaroos at the Forest Glen Wildlife
Sanctuary. Onwards to Noosa Heads with its stunning beaches and great
shopping. We'll continue north along the coast meeting our launch to Fraser
Island. Eco Lodge (B,D)
Day 6: Fraser Island at Leisure - Idyllic island life:
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 is no chance
of going troppo! Eco Lodge
Day 7: Fraser Island to Capricorn Coast - Smile at the crocodile:
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? Hotel (B)
Day 8: Capricorn Coast to the Whitsundays - Shute across to paradise:
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. Resort
(B,D)
Day 9: Whitsundays at Leisure - Your own 'fantasy island':
Time to enjoy the
relaxed atmosphere and great amenities of Long Island. Feeling energetic?
Why not go bush-walking, 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 10: Whitsundays at Leisure. Continued.
Day 11: Whitsundays to Cairns - All ashore:
It's north to Townsville to
explore the scenic lookout of Castle Hill, overlooking Magnetic Island. This
evening we'll check into our Cairns hotel, situated in a lush tropical
setting. Resort (B)
Day 12: Cairns at Leisure - Are you game:
For the adventurous a chance to do
some white water rafting on the rapids of the Tully River. If rafting's not
your thing, time to relax and check out the delights of Cairns. Resort
Day 13: Cairns at Leisure - Reef residents:
Again your choice . either relax
in Cairns, or jump on board as we head this morning to Port Douglas. You
could spend the day at leisure or take the opportunity to visit the famous
Outer Barrier Reef aboard a high-speed catamaran. Why not scuba dive,
snorkel amidst amazingly colourful tropical fish? Tonight we'll check out
more tropical wildlife at one of Cairns' nightclubs! Resort (B)
Day 14: Cairns to Alice Springs - Not by coach:
A relaxing start to the day
before boarding your flight to Alice Springs to begin your Northern
Territory adventure. Hotel
Day 15: Alice Springs - Starting from the Resort:
We take a sightseeing tour
of Alice Springs to see the Royal Flying Doctor Base, Anzac Hill Lookout and
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. Hotel (B,D)
Day 16: 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. Lodge (B)
Day 17: Uluru at Leisure - Sunrise and sunset:
Uluru National Park and the
famous 'big rock' await! We'll watch the amazing warm hues of the Uluru
sunrise. Then why not get on a Harley and take in more of the Spinifex
plains? Maybe take a scenic flight over the area or challenge the vertical
and climb Uluru? Later, time for a swim and to enjoy a glass of champagne to
toast the Uluru sunset. Lodge (B)
Day 18: 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 how food is meant
to taste cooked in true outback style, before rolling out your sleeping swag
under a blanket of brilliant stars. Outback bush camp (B,D)
Day 19: 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. Hotel (B)
Day 20: 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 - 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! Hotel (D)
Day 21: Tennant Creek to Katherine - The coldest and the oldest:
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! Hotel (B)
Day 22: Katherine to Kakadu - Gorgeous gorges:
A morning stop in Katherine
then onto Nitmiluk National Park and the sensational Katherine Gorge. Why
not take in the beauty of nature's sculpting on 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? Lodge (B,D)
Day 23: Kakadu National Park at Leisure - Kakadu and you:
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'll
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. Such a magnificent day - why not finish it in style
dining out on a Territorial banquet at the Gagudju Crocodile Hotel? Lodge
(B)
Day 24: Kakadu National Park to Darwin:
We'll head north towards Darwin, the
most northern city in Australia. 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. Hotel (B)
Day 25: Darwin - Litchfield National Park - Start planning your next Contiki
holiday:
Litchfield National Park is 650 square kilometres 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 Darwin where our tour (not the friendships made) ends. (B)
- Twin share supplement: £295 per person
- Tour starts on a Wednesday
- Depart 7.30am and Finish 6.00pm
- Tour starts in DARWIN ends in SYDNEY
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