Reefs and Rainforests with Whitsundays Sailing (start Sydney)

Accomodations
* 17 nights twin share accommodation * Breakfasts (B) and Dinners (D) - as per itinerary

The Contiki Difference
* Free Contiki 'Travellers Guide' information book * Free Contiki document wallet

Depart for Australia (2 Days)
Fly over the international date line on your way to Australia.

Arrive Sydney ( Days)
Check in to your hotel and head straight out into Sydney. From the high-energy downtown area to its popular beaches, Sydney has something for everyone.

Sydney to Shoal Bay (Port Stephens) (Dinner Days)
Meet up with your fellow travellers and Tour Manager in Sydney. From the high-energy downtown area to its popular beaches, Sydney has something for everyone. Start your trip with a sightseeing tour around the city with your Tour Manager. First up, we head into the historic district where you’ll get an overview of the glistening harbour from Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, a famous sandstone seat carved by convicts. You’ll soon understand why this is one the world’s most beautiful harbour cities. See the sails of the UNESCO World Heritage listed Sydney Opera House and the iconic Harbour Bridge. This afternoon, we arrive in the popular holiday spot of Port Stephens, known for its boating, fishing and warm hospitality. Here, you can join our optional dolphin cruise tour and get up close to some bottlenose dolphins, or choose our sand-boarding optional and hit the massive dunes. Otherwise stretch your legs with a walk along the beach. Tonight, get to know your group, Tour Manager and Driver over a typical Aussie BBQ dinner and kick back with a few local beers.

Shoal Bay to Coffs Harbour (Surf Village) (Breakfast, Dinner Days)
Chill out on the coach today and chat with your travel buddies as we head north. We stop by the seaside town of Port Macquarie for lunch before heading to Coffs Harbour, home to surf beaches, fishing and banana plantations. This is a chance for a real Aussie experience as we arrive at our Surf Camp. Hit the waves & learn to surf with some professional instructors as you have a go at Australia’s national sport. Our cabins are right on the beach, so soak up the surf vibes and relax by the open fire under the stars.

Coffs Harbour to Surfers Paradise (Breakfast Days)
First up, we visit gorgeous Byron Bay. With a laid-back lifestyle, cute little shops, organic food, alternative therapies and around 30km of pretty beaches, it’s a must see. Byron Bay is also known for its incredible marine life. Head out to Cape Byron, Australia’s most easterly point and see dolphins and humpback whales if you’re lucky, then grab some lunch back in town and maybe take a swim at the beach. Later, we cross over into Queensland and visit the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, where you’ll get up close to Australia’s amazing native animals. Cuddle a koala, feed the kangaroos and see wombats, emus, crocodiles, dingoes, Tasmanian devils and colourful birds. You can feel good about doing this too, as our visits to this not-for-profit organisation go towards the sanctuary’s animal hospital and help over 4000 injured animals every year. Tonight, we pull into legendary Surfers Paradise, the Gold Coast’s party hot spot and home to some of the best surfing beaches in the world. Grab some of your new friends and join the party atmosphere of Surfers Paradise tonight. With loads of restaurants and buzzing nightlife, there’s something for everybody. Head to the happening Orchid or Cavill Avenues, where clubs and bars line the street or shoot some pool at the pub.

Surfers Paradise ( Days)
With a free day, hang out among the bronzed bodies and surfers on the golden sands. Our hotel is only a short walk from the beach. For adrenaline-junkies, there’s an optional tandem skydive, where you can get your thrills and an amazing bird’s eye view over the area. Otherwise, try out some kayaking or even a Harley Davidson ride – your Tour Manager can help you get the most out of your time here. You could also hit the shops – Surfers has some great places to shop and a huge outlet mall for bargains, so get some tips from your Tour Manager. Tonight, there’s the chance to experience ‘Draculas’ – a fun vampire-themed cabaret show and dinner. Watch dancers, singers and comedians perform as you tuck into a three course meal.

Surfers Paradise to Noosa ( Days)
As we make our way up the coast, we make a stop in Brisbane to see what this city is all about. You’ll get a feel for the capital of Queensland’s laid-back atmosphere when we have a look around town. There’s an opal presentation here where you’ll learn all about Australia’s national gemstone, and maybe even pick up a piece of opal to take back home. Noosa is up next. It’s a trendy beach resort town. You could take a stroll through the shops or sunbathe and swim at the beach before we check into our resort. Tonight, go local and enjoy a taste of Aussie as we head to the surf club for dinner and champagne overlooking the beach. Later, if you want to take it up a level, head out into the town & explore Noosa by night.

Fraser Island to Country Homestead (Breakfast, Dinner Days)
Back on the mainland this morning, we continue inland to an authentic country homestead, right in the heart of Queensland’s cattle country. During our time at Langmorn, a working cattle station, you’ll experience a taste of real Aussie country life. The farmer will show you around the enormous property in a behind-the-scenes look at daily life on the farm. Then taste local hospitality tonight as your warm hosts pile your table high with a hearty roast dinner. Later, have a go at whip cracking under night lights and if it’s cool, settle in around the bonfire, kick back with a drink and hang out with your new friends.

Country Homestead to The Whitsundays for Sailing Option (Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Lunch, Dinner, Dinner Days)
Today we drive to Airlie Beach, gateway to the Whitsundays, to board our sailing yacht. Enjoy two days and nights sailing the stunning Whitsunday islands. Swim, snorkel, or laze your way around this tropical paradise, on board a sailing yacht. Your third night in the Whitsundays will be spent relaxing and toasting the sunset on Daydream Island. Please note: There's no twin or single share available onboard the boat.

The Whitsundays to Cairns (Breakfast Days)
After a ferry back to the mainland, we head deeper into the tropics of Australia today when we hit Townsville for some free time. Check out the colonial buildings and get a feel for its maritime past as we drive to the downtown pedestrian-only area where you can grab some lunch. See vistas over Magnetic Island, a National Park and bird sanctuary, before we continue our travels up north. Back on the road, we cruise past waterfalls, waterholes, fruit plantations and thick, tropical rainforests into Tully, home to some of Australia’s best white-water rafting. Then it’s on to the popular traveller’s hub of Cairns. With a colourful tropical setting, vibrant restaurant scene and happening nightlife, this gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and rainforests is one of Australia’s hottest destinations.

Cairns (Breakfast Days)
Wake up to the warm waters of Cairns. For those who are keen for a fun and thrilling ride on the rapids of the Tully River, join our optional white-water rafting adventure activity with our professional Local Guides. There are loads more activities available in Cairns like hot air ballooning, sky diving and bungy jumping – just ask your Tour Manager for some more info. In your free time on the first night, walk around the buzzing night markets. It’s the perfect place for shopping and with everything from fun, kitsch treasures to local crafts like boomerangs and didgeridoos. There’s something for everyone. On Day 2, there’s another chance to experience the Great Barrier Reef on an optional day trip. Put on your snorkel gear and check out colourful fish, turtles, vivid coral and the incredible clear waters. Later, hit the seaside esplanade back in Cairns, sit down with a coffee and people watch. For your last night in this city, there’s a chance to head down to a local hot-spot for a group dinner if you’re up for it.

Cairns to Cape Tribulation (Dinner Days)
We make our way to the rainforest village of Kuranda to join the Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience. Learn about Australia’s indigenous culture, have a go at throwing a boomerang and watch the highly-skilled spear throwing demonstration. Take in a traditional dance performance and listen to stories from the Dreamtime. Sticking to the coast, we follow the Coral Sea past remote beaches and gorgeous scenery. Next up: the lush, tropical Daintree Rainforest. Get back to nature as we walk through this UNESCO World Heritage listed site and head to a stunningly clear swimming-hole in Mossman Gorge, where you can cool off in the waters. We overnight in Cape Tribulation.

Cape Tribulation (Breakfast Days)
Discover Daintree National Park and its ancient rainforests today. Explore the lush greenery and incredibly colourful wildlife on an interpretive walk with your Local Guide, who’ll tell you about the plants and animals unique to this area. You’ll also learn about the Aborigines’ beliefs and why this area is important to them. Enjoy another swim in these fabulous outdoor surrounds at a swimming hole, before heading back to Cape Tribulation, where thick forests grow all the way down to the water’s edge. Keep your camera handy!

Cape Tribulation to Cairns (Dinner Days)
After breakfast, we return to the popular traveller’s hub of Cairns and make our way to the rainforest village of Kuranda to join the Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience. Learn about Australia’s indigenous culture, have a go at throwing a boomerang and watch the highly-skilled spear throwing demonstration. Take in a traditional dance performance and listen to stories from the Dreamtime. Use your free time to explore the quaint village and local markets before our return to Cairns. With a colourful tropical setting, vibrant restaurant scene and happening nightlife, this gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and rainforests is one of Australia’s hottest destinations.

Noosa to Fraser Island (Breakfast, Dinner Days)
This morning you have a few options of how to spend your day. If you like, there’s more time to explore Noosa this morning, before making your way up north to Fraser Island. Fraser Island is a slice of paradise. This UNESCO World Heritage listed site is the largest sand island in the world and is 800,000 years old. Packed with around 40 fresh-water lakes, lush rainforests and diverse wildlife, Fraser Island lives up to its amazing reputation. There’s a regular shuttle from our accommodation down to the main resort area, so you can take off and explore at your own pace. Or if you want to explore as much of the island as possible, you have the option to jump on a full day 4WD tour. Meet your Guide in the morning and they will show you some of the island’s best spots and hidden treasures, taking you through the island’s sandunes, rainforests & freshwater lakes. Make sure you keep your camera handy - this is one of Australia’s most beautiful regions. Tonight, the group will explore Fraser Island by night in an included nocturnal walk with a local Eco-ranger, where you’ll see the wildlife come alive by night.

Depart Cairns (1 Days)
Say a final farewell to your new friends as your trip ends this morning.

Don't miss our current specials: CONTIKI MILITARY DISCOUNT 5% Off for Military Members and Spouses... Valid for any Contiki trip 8 days or longer. Active or non-active members are eligible, as long as a valid military ID is provided for each person applying the discount. Mention promo code MILITARY0910 to redeem. Applies to new bookings only. Verification is required. Good for travel through 12/31/2010 Spouses must be traveling at the same time as the military member to apply the discount. Other restrictions may apply. 5% off for Contiki Alumni So you've experienced your Contiki and are ready to go again?  You lived it up with travelers from around the world and want more Contiki.  Now book another trip 8 days or longer and get 5% off! Offer valid through August 31, 2010. Valid for trips 8 days or longer. Please call uoo-942-3301 for more details. Verification of previous trip required. Travel With Friends and Save Big! Save 5% Get 4 or more people to book at the same time and each save 5% off the land. Save 7.5% Book 7 or more on the same vacation at the same time and score a 7.5% discount per person. Round up 10 friends or more, booking the same trip at the same time, and each person saves 10% OR the 11th person travels for FREE. Book 3 in a room and save 5% on most superior tours. Early Payment and Other Amazing Contiki Discounts Early Payment Discount Offer #1: Save up to US$399 Must book and pay in full at least 12 months prior to trip departure date. Valid for select trips only.   Offer #2: Save up to US$319 Must book and pay in full at least 6 months prior to departure date. Valid for select trips only.   Multiple Trip Discounts - Save $100 Book any 2 Contiki trips 10 days or longer, at the same time & get up to US$100 off the cost of the second tour. Europe Europe – Save US$100 Europe America – Save US$100 Europe + Great Britain – Save US$100 Tours may be in different countries or regions. Australia & New Zealand - Save $100 Book an Australia and New Zealand vacation at the same time and save US$100 off the total cost. Tours must be a minimum of 10 days.   Refer a Friend and You Both Save $100 Share the love! Now that you’ve traveled Contiki and had a great time, it’s time to spread the word and earn some cash! Tell your friends about Contiki and earn up to $100* for each person you refer that books. Your friends score from the deal too – each one that books a trip eight days or longer will receive $100 in excursion vouchers (good for activities like bungee jumping, gondola cruises and wine tasting). You can refer up to 10 friends (which equals $1,000 for you!) Simply complete this form and you're on your way. Remember, no cheating ("me, myself and I" do not qualify.) Terms and Conditions: 1.The referral program is valid for new trips booked as of May 1, 2009. 2.You can refer as many passengers as you’d like! You must provide valid names and e-mail addresses (e.g. you may not enter your own e-mail address or repeat the same address more than once). We will issue up to 10 $100 gift cards per Referrer per calendar year. Referees must be new passengers. Not combinable with Past Passenger discount. 3.Referee must between 18-35 years old at the time of travel. 4.Referee must have been referred online and must mention "Refer a Friend" and Referrer's name when booking their trip. 5.Upon booking their trip, the Referee will receive in their travel documentation $100 in Optional Excursion vouchers. The original Optional Excursion vouchers can be redeemed while on their trip and cannot be exchanged for cash reimbursement. 6.The Referred passenger(s) are responsible for reviewing their travel documentation and making sure they received the Optional Excursion Vouchers prior to their departure from the United States. Contiki will not issue a cash refund to passenger(s) for any Optional Excursion because the Referred passenger(s) paid the tour manager directly, forgot to pack or bring the vouchers on the tour, did not use the entire value of the vouchers, looses the vouchers, or advises us after their travel that they did not receive the vouchers. 7.If booking is made within 14 days of the departure, we cannot guarantee receipt of physical vouchers unless traveler expedites their documents at an additional cost. Scanned copies are not available 8.Contiki is not responsible if a Referrer fails to properly identify a Referee. Contiki will not retroactively record a friend who was not identified at the time of sign-up. 9.Contiki will not allow a Referee to be claimed by more than one Referrer. Once a Referee’s e-mail address has been given, it may not be changed. 10.Cash will be given out in the form of a gift card from a major credit card company with a value of $100. Gift card will be issued to Referrer only after Referee completes travel on their trip of 8 days or longer. If a Referee cancels for any reason, the referral reward is forfeited. 11.Offer is not valid for tour purchases made outside the U.S. 12.Contiki reserves the right to resolve any disputes at its sole discretion. $100 Referral cash will be received as a $100 American Express cash gift card.
Touring Date	Land Only	Land + Air	Single (Land Only)	Single (Land + Air)
8/5/2010 - 8/24/2010	$2,775
8/19/2010 - 9/7/2010	$2,775
9/2/2010 - 9/21/2010	$2,775
9/23/2010 - 10/12/2010	$2,775
9/30/2010 - 10/19/2010	$2,775
10/14/2010 - 11/2/2010	$2,775
10/28/2010 - 11/16/2010	$2,775
11/11/2010 - 11/30/2010	$2,875
11/25/2010 - 12/14/2010	$2,875
12/2/2010 - 12/21/2010	$2,875
12/9/2010 - 12/28/2010	$2,875
12/23/2010 - 1/11/2011	$2,875
12/30/2010 - 1/18/2011	$2,969
1/6/2011 - 1/25/2011	$2,875
1/13/2011 - 2/1/2011	$2,875
1/20/2011 - 2/8/2011	$2,875
1/27/2011 - 2/15/2011	$2,875
2/3/2011 - 2/22/2011	$2,875
2/10/2011 - 3/1/2011	$2,875
2/17/2011 - 3/8/2011	$2,875
2/24/2011 - 3/15/2011	$2,875
3/3/2011 - 3/22/2011	$2,875
3/10/2011 - 3/29/2011	$2,450
3/17/2011 - 4/5/2011	$2,450
3/24/2011 - 4/12/2011	$2,450
3/31/2011 - 4/19/2011	$2,450
4/7/2011 - 4/26/2011	$2,450
4/14/2011 - 5/3/2011	$2,450
4/21/2011 - 5/10/2011	$2,450
4/28/2011 - 5/17/2011	$2,450
5/12/2011 - 5/31/2011	$2,450
5/19/2011 - 6/7/2011	$2,450
5/26/2011 - 6/14/2011	$2,450
6/9/2011 - 6/28/2011	$2,450
6/16/2011 - 7/5/2011	$2,450
6/30/2011 - 7/19/2011	$2,450
7/7/2011 - 7/26/2011	$2,434
7/14/2011 - 8/2/2011	$2,434
7/21/2011 - 8/9/2011	$2,434
8/4/2011 - 8/23/2011	$2,434
8/11/2011 - 8/30/2011	$2,434
8/18/2011 - 9/6/2011	$2,434
8/25/2011 - 9/13/2011	$2,434
9/1/2011 - 9/20/2011	$2,434
9/8/2011 - 9/27/2011	$2,434
9/15/2011 - 10/4/2011	$2,434
9/22/2011 - 10/11/2011	$2,434
9/29/2011 - 10/18/2011	$2,434
10/6/2011 - 10/25/2011	$2,434
10/13/2011 - 11/1/2011	$2,434
10/20/2011 - 11/8/2011	$2,434
10/27/2011 - 11/15/2011	$2,434
11/3/2011 - 11/22/2011	$2,540
11/10/2011 - 11/29/2011	$2,540
11/17/2011 - 12/6/2011	$2,540
11/24/2011 - 12/13/2011	$2,540
12/1/2011 - 12/20/2011	$2,540
12/8/2011 - 12/27/2011	$2,540
12/15/2011 - 1/3/2012	$2,540
12/22/2011 - 1/10/2012	$2,540
12/30/2011 - 1/18/2012	$2,630
1/5/2012 - 1/24/2012	$2,540
1/12/2012 - 1/31/2012	$2,540
1/19/2012 - 2/7/2012	$2,540
1/26/2012 - 2/14/2012	$2,540
2/2/2012 - 2/21/2012	$2,540
2/9/2012 - 2/28/2012	$2,540
2/16/2012 - 3/6/2012	$2,540
2/23/2012 - 3/13/2012	$2,540
3/1/2012 - 3/20/2012	$2,540
3/8/2012 - 3/27/2012	$2,540
3/15/2012 - 4/3/2012	$2,540
3/22/2012 - 4/10/2012	$2,540
Airfare Disclaimer A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link. Documents TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

Sydney
See the Sydney Opera House & Harbour Bridge

Sydney
See the Hawkesbury River & its oyster farms

Sydney
Experience Sydney's famous nightlife

Shoal Bay
See the popular mid-north coast holiday spot

Coffs Harbour
See the Big Banana & banana plantations

Coffs Harbour
Learn to surf the waves or ride a kayak at our beach-side surf camp

Byron Bay
Visit Cape Byron, Australia's most eastern point

Currumbin
Visit the wildlife sanctuary, cuddle a koala and see native Australian animals including kangaroos, emus, crocodiles, dingoes & Tasmanian devils

Surfers Paradise
Visit the 'Gold Coast' beaches

Surfers Paradise
Visit Jupiter's Casino

Cairns
City orientation tour

Brisbane
See the Brisbane River & Southbank

Brisbane
See an Opal demonstration

Noosa
Visit the picturesque seaside town & beach

Noosa
Australian wine tasting at local boutique winery on the Sunshine Coast

Noosa
Sunset Surf Club dinner & champagne at Noosa Beach

Fraser Island
Stay on this World Heritage listed island

Fraser Island
Enjoy the scenic boat trip to the island & enjoy the resort facilities

Fraser Island
Stay in the eco-village & enjoy the resort facilities

Fraser Island
Enjoy a ranger-guided night eco-walk on World Heritage listed Fraser Island

Capricorn Coast
Visit & cross the Tropic of Capricorn

Capricorn Coast
Rockhampton sightseeing tour

Capricorn Coast
Aussie Outback experience; Langmorn Station Special Stopover

Mackay
Visit this major centre of the Australian sugar cane industry

Airlie Beach
Visit the vibrant seaside town

Whitsundays
Transfer boat to Daydream Island

Whitsundays
Stay on Daydream Island and enjoy all the resort facilities

Whitsundays
See native birdlife & wallabies

Tully
Cross the Tully River, home to Australia's best white water rafting

Cairns
Scenic drive into the Atherton Hinterland to Kuranda

Cairns
Visit Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Centre & see Aboriginal dancing

Cairns
Throw a boomerang & see spear throwing

Cairns
Great Barrier Reef marine talk by a qualified marine biologist

Mossman Gorge
Visit & swim in Mossman National Park

Mossman Gorge
Enjoy a walk through the rainforest to the Gorge

Daintree National Park
Visit Cape Tribulation & its unique beach

Daintree National Park
Enjoy a swim in Emmagen Creek

Daintree National Park
Daintree Rainforest flora & fauna boardwalk

Daintree National Park
See the mangrove swamp & Strangler fig

Daintree National Park
Learn about Aboriginal legends of the area

Port Douglas
Visit this luxury holiday resort town

Port Douglas
See the magnificent marina

AJ Hackett Bungy Jump
Visit the famous bungy site

CONTIKI MILITARY DISCOUNT

5% off for Contiki Alumni

Travel With Friends and Save Big!

Early Payment and Other Amazing Contiki Discounts

Refer a Friend and You Both Save $100

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