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Amalfi coast

Australia: Beaches & Reefs | 2025

2026

This tour has other variations available

Everyday Price From

$3,513

$3,680

16 days

No Countries

Overview

Ahh, the famous East Coast, where you can expect wildlife tours and bushwalks between beaches and sunsets. Kicking things off in Sydney, you’ll sleep at an Eco Camp in the Noosa Everglades, learn to surf at Byron Bay and gaze out over the Whitsundays from Airlie Beach. This is a one way ticket to wanting to live the Aussie lifestyle for good.

Locations Visited

Sydney, Byron Bay, Noosa Everglades, K’Gari (Fraser Island), Airlie Beach, Townsville, Magnetic Island, Cairns

Countries Visited

Australia

Travel Style

Accommodations

15 nights included

Age Requirements

Social travel experiences for 18-35 year olds

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Itinerary

COLLAPSE ALL EXPAND ALL

Day 1

Sydney

Welcome to Sydney (Warrane)! Meet up with your brand new travel family and hit the road and head on a day trip to one of Australia's finest: the majestic Blue Mountains (which aren't actually blue, but are still beautiful all the same). Out here in the great Aussie Outdoors we'll be learning about the legends behind the famous Three Sisters rock formation as well as exploring the Jamison Ridge area. We'll head back to the city and the evening is yours to make the most of.

  • Accommodation

    Wake Up (or similar)


Highlights

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Day Trip to the Blue Mountains

Dramatic scenery. Fresh mountain air filling your lungs. A World Heritage Site. If that’s your thing, prepare to be impressed. 

This morning set out to explore this sun-drenched, cosmopolitan and eternally cool city. Your Trip Manager will give you the low down on all of the best bits as you get a tour of the highlights. Check out the Opera House, catch the ferry to Watsons Bay to experience the iconic skyline from a different perspective, then venture over to Bondi Beach where you can spend the afternoon lazing about in the sunshine. If you've got a head for heights, an optional Harbour Bridge climb is the best way to see that iconic harbour.

  • Accommodation

    Wake Up (or similar)


  • Meals

    Breakfast

Highlights

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Guided Walking Tour of Sydney

The Opera House. ANZAC Memorial. Royal Botanic Gardens. It’s all here for you to post on social and make your friends jealous!

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Find a Spot on Bondi Beach

Step onto the golden stretch of one of the world’s most famous beaches. The ultimate sandy nirvana for sun worshippers. 

A full free day to spend just how you like? Yep! Water lovers can opt for a jetboat across the Harbour. But if staying on land is your thing, Sydney's beautiful sights are equally as exciting.

  • Accommodation

    Wake Up (or similar)


  • Meals

    Breakfast

With satisfaction levels at a high this morning we jump on a plane to Byron Bay where all your hippie dreams can come to life.

Landing in Byron Bay (Cavvanbah), we'll drop off our bags at the accommodation and start as we mean to go on, heading straight to the beach. Here we'll unleash our secret talent for surfing with an included lesson. You'll be a pro in no time! 

  • Accommodation

    Wake Up (or similar)


Highlights

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Fly to Byron Bay

Passports at the ready folks.

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Ride out the Waves with a Surf Lesson

You’re booked in for an afternoon surf lesson. Side note: schedule some chillout time afterwards – you might ache from wrestling the tides.

We'll continue the surf vibes today with the option to kickstart our morning with sunrise at Australia's most easterly point. Then you have the rest of the day free to explore like a local. With the afternoon stretched out ahead of you, there's kayaking, relaxing on the beach and an evening bike tour to see glow worms in their natural habitat all on offer - your time here will be nothing short of magic.

  • Accommodation

    Wake Up (or similar)


It's time to wave goodbye to Byron Bay and head up the coast to Noosa Everglades. But first, why not opt for early morning yoga?

Relaxed from our time at the beach, we'll head to our next destination, the Noosa Everglades. Here we'll unpack at our Special Stay Eco Lodge home for the next two nights and relax with a group dinner in the bistro & bar area, surrounded by the chatter and rustling of local birds and kangaroos.

  • Accommodation

    Kangarooms Noosa Everglades (or similar)


  • Meals

    Breakfast

    Dinner

Highlights

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See (and Consume) Things Differently at ‘The Farm’ MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience

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?

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Chill at an Eco Lodge in Noosa

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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Spot Kangaroos from your Cabin

Our Special Stay Eco Lodges are in the heart of the action. You may even have a jumping joey as a friendly neighbour.

Wake up to the sound of birds chirping at our Eco Camp this morning (you might even spot a kangaroo) and grab a quick brekkie before heading out for a day on K'Gari.

Your spirits will be at an all-time high after this day full of sand dunes, scenic lakes and dense rainforests. We'll cruise along the world's longest sand highway before you appease your hunger with a tasty lunch.

It's back to the Eco Camp this evening for our final night here. You have free time to tuck into some food at the bistro, sample the offerings at the CootharaBAR boutique brewery, or just relax and enjoy the lush surroundings of this beautiful protected National Park.

  • Accommodation

    Kangarooms Noosa Everglades (or similar)


  • Meals

    Breakfast

    Lunch

Highlights

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Explore K’Gari (Fraser Island)

Sand dunes. Check. Lakes. Check. Rainforest. Check. World’s longest sand highway. Check. Possibly one of the coolest places we know.

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Float around Lake Mackenzie

Thanks to the white sand and turquoise waters, you’ll think you’re stranded on a paradise island.

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Eat Lunch on a World Heritage Island

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).

What better way to say goodbye to The Glades than with an optional Canoeing Excursion on one of only two Everglades in the world? Afterwards we're on our way to find coastal nirvana at the pristine beaches of the Whitsundays. We'll hop on a plane for a flight to Airlie Beach.

Landing in Airlie Beach, you'll notice everything starting to look a bit more tropical. Hello Whitsundays! This afternoon is yours for the taking. Head out and enjoy the endless cafes, bars and ocean vistas this backpacker hub has to offer.

  • Accommodation

    Nomads Airlie Beach (or similar)


  • Meals

    Breakfast

Is there anywhere in the world more beautiful than the Whitsundays? We think not. 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. This is as close to heaven as you can find on planet earth.

  • Accommodation

    Nomads Airlie Beach (or similar)


  • Meals

    Lunch

Highlights

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Day Trip to the Whitsundays

Grab your new buddies, snorkel round the reef, see ‘the world’s best beach’ and eat lunch on a boat. A proper ‘pinch yourself’ moment. 

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Snorkel Australia’s Best Reefs

The Great Barrier Reef is home to nearly 9,000 species of sea creatures. This means it’ll impress even the saltiest ‘sea dogs’.

We've got a free day in Airlie Beach today! This vibrant hub of the Whitsundays is ours to explore. We could take to the sky with a Skydive over Australia's most beautiful drop zone or even a relaxing scenic flight over the Whitsunday islands including Whitehaven Beach and Heart Reef. For those looking for a more relaxed option, kick back on the beach sipping something sweet or explore the cute boutiques, bistros and alfresco restaurants that adorn the seafront. It's a hard life.

  • Accommodation

    Nomads Airlie Beach (or similar)


Is there anything better than the Whitsundays? We think our next destination definitely comes close! We'll board a coach this morning 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, partake in watersports in the bright turqouise waters or meet some of the local marsupials. But this evening, we'll enjoy the sunset over the bay.

  • Accommodation

    Nomads Magnetic Island (or similar)


  • Meals

    Dinner

Highlights

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Catch a Local Ferry to Magnetic Island

Catch a boat from the mainland to Magnetic Island.

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Watch a Magnetic Island Sunset

Pack some comfy shoes and climb up to Hawking's Point for sundown. Yoga poses for Insta: optional. 

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.

  • Accommodation

    Nomads Magnetic Island (or similar)


  • Meals

    Breakfast

Highlights

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Hike Magnetic Island Fort Walk

Go koala-spotting, see WWII fortifications, or just have a beer in the sun. There’s something for everyone on this trail. 

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Spot Rock Wallabies at Dusk

Mingle with Magnetic Island's resident Rock Wallabies at dusk. Just watch these cheeky little guys don’t steal your wallet! 

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.

  • Accommodation

    Gilligans (or similar)


  • Meals

    Dinner

Highlights

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Catch a Local Ferry to Townsville

Catch a boat from Magnetic Island to the mainland. Wave goodbye to your new BFF Reggie the Koala and promise you’ll write. 

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Ride the Railway to Cairns

Things heat up as the landscape gets even more tropical. Soak up the scenery on this train trip from Townsville to Cairns. 

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Dig into Quality ‘Bush Tucker’ MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience

Eat like a local with this chef-guided bush food tutorial and dinner (thankfully, not a witchetty grub in sight!)

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. 

  • Accommodation

    Gilligans (or similar)


  • Meals

    Breakfast

    Lunch

Highlights

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Discover Daintree Rainforest

Check out the oldest rainforest in the world, home to frogs, butterflies, bats and more.

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Do Daintree with a Guide MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience

Tour the world’s oldest rainforest with an expert. Sir David Attenborough called Daintree: ‘the most extraordinary place on earth’. 

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Immerse yourself in Aboriginal Art MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience

Learn how ancient ‘Dreamtime’ stories were shared through art. Then unleash your inner Banksy and create a masterpiece at the Janbal Gallery. 

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.

  • Accommodation

    Gilligans (or similar)


  • Meals

    Breakfast

Our adventure ends this afternoon, but not before we have a 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 the trip.

  • Meals

    Breakfast

Highlights

FAQs

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • It’s best to wait at least 24 hours after your last dive before flying.

  • 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.

  • 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. 

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Terms & Conditions

Trip Notes:

  • ​Please note that airfare to and from your start/end destinations are not included in the cost of your trip.
  • Call 1-877-456-0527 for great deals from the USA to & from all start/end cities for your selected itinerary.
  • Internal flights as specified on individual trip itineraries are included as part of the trip price.
  • Travel to Europe from the USA often requires an overnight flight. Please arrange flights to arrive on or before Day 1 of your itinerary start date.

Terms & Conditions:

  • ​Prices listed are land only & do not include airfare to and from the start/end of the tour.
  • Prices listed are per person, based on twin or multi-share. If you’re traveling solo, we can pair you with a same-sex roommate at no extra cost or you can upgrade to a single for an additional cost, based on availability.
  • For departure points and stay longer accommodation options call 1-877-456-0527 for more details.
  • ​​'Exclusive Costco Member Price' is available upon member login. 
  • 'Price with Current Deals' reflects current applicable 'Last Minute Deals.' Last Minute Deals are available on select departures only and only available to travelers departing from the United States; not combinable with any other promotional offers; full payment due at time of booking. 
  • All discounts are for new bookings only, subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Call or request a quote for complete details.
  • ​​​Trip prices and information are correct at the time of the products going live, however are subject to confirmation - please confirm all details at time of quote and booking.
  • For full details, please refer to our Terms & Conditions or FAQs page.
  • For Travel Insurance, please refer to our Travel Insurance page.
  • Other conditions may apply. CST#1001728-20