Australia: North Queensland to Uluru | with Sailing
- Overview
- Itinerary
- What's Included
- FAQ
- Dates
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Australia with the "North Queensland to Uluru | with Sailing" tour. Begin your adventure in the tropical paradise of Airlie Beach, where you'll meet fellow explorers before setting sail on a converted racing yacht to the stunning Whitsunday Islands. Experience the pristine beauty of Whitehaven Beach and snorkel in crystal-clear waters. Continue your journey to Magnetic Island, where you can explore coastal trails and spot koalas. Travel to Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and the ancient Daintree Rainforest, where you'll immerse yourself in Aboriginal culture. Conclude your adventure in the heart of the Outback at Uluru, witnessing breathtaking sunrises and exploring the majestic landscapes of Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon. This tour offers a perfect blend of natural wonders, cultural experiences, and thrilling activities, making it an ideal choice for in-depth explorers seeking an authentic Australian adventure.
Highlights
- Airlie Beach: Start your adventure in this tropical paradise, meeting fellow adventurers.
- Whitsunday Islands: Sail on a converted racing yacht, explore Whitehaven Beach, and snorkel in crystal clear waters.
- Magnetic Island: Discover coastal walking trails, spot koalas, and enjoy the sunset over the bay.
- Daintree Rainforest: Experience the world's oldest tropical rainforest and learn about Aboriginal culture with the Kuku Yalanji people.
- Cairns: Dive or snorkel in the Great Barrier Reef and explore the vibrant marine life.
- Uluru: Witness the sunrise over this sacred site and explore the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.
- Kings Canyon: Hike through the canyon and visit the Garden of Eden, a unique ecosystem in a barren landscape.
Mode of Transport
Dining Summary
- 3 Lunch (L)
- 5 Dinner (D)
- 9 Breakfast (B)
Active
- Whitsunday Islands: Float around the reefs, marvel at rainbow-coloured fish, then chill out on deck (and secretly hope no one brought a ukulele).
- 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’.
- Magnetic Island: Go koala-spotting, see WWII fortifications, or just have a beer in the sun. There’s something for everyone on this trail.
- 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.
Culture
- 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: Chill with your new BFFs over dinner at Uluru.
- 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.
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.
- Sydney: What does a modular trip mean? 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.
- 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.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.
- 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
- 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
- Whitsunday Islands: Float around the reefs, marvel at rainbow-coloured fish, then chill out on deck (and secretly hope no one brought a ukulele).
- 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’.
- 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.
- Gimuy (Cairns): Time to take to the sky. Uluru, here we come!
- Uluru: Chill with your new BFFs over dinner at Uluru.
- 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.
Nature
- Whitsunday Islands: Seeing Whitehaven Beach is like seeing a little piece of heaven. With 15 of your new best friends! #lifegoals
- 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’.
Accommodation
Optional Activities
Room Upgrades
Field of Lights Tour
Destinations
- Australasia
- Australia
Tour Types
- Boat/Cruise Excursion
- Snorkeling
- Wildlife Tours
- Walking
- Adventure Tours
- Sailing
Location: Airlie Beach, Australia
Hello Airlie Beach! This tropical paradise is the perfect place to kick off our adventure. Our trip starts at Nomads where we'll meet our fellow adventurers.
Accommodation Name: Base Backpackers (or similar)
Location: Airlie Beach, Australia, The Whitsundays, Australia, Whitehaven Beach, Australia
This morning we'll transfer to the marina and board a converted racing yacht - our home for the next 2 nights - ready to set sail over crystal clear waters. 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. A freshly prepared lunch and dinner are waiting for you back on the yacht. This is as close to heaven as you can find on planet earth.<br/>
Accommodation Name: Prosail (or similar)
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Location: The Whitsundays, Australia
Is there anywhere in the world more beautiful than the Whitsundays? We think not. We'll have more wonders to enjoy today as we spend the day cruising through the islands, enjoying freshly prepared meals on board, with endless opportunities to snorkel, swim and soak up those rays.<br/>
Accommodation Name: Prosail (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Location: Whitsundays, Australia, Airlie Beach, Australia, Townsville, Australia, Magnetic Island, Australia
Waking up on board the yacht this morning, we'll make our way to the shore. With our sights set on another beautiful island destination we'll board a coach, 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, try some water sports in the bright turquoise waters or meet some of the local marsupials. But first things first, we'll enjoy the sunset over the bay. Blissful or what?
Accommodation Name: Base Backpackers (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Location: Magnetic Island, Australia
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.<br/>
Accommodation Name: Nomads Magnetic Island (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
Location: Magnetic Island, Australia, Townsville, Australia, Cairns, Australia
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 Name: Gilligans (or similar)
Meals: Dinner
Location: Daintree Rainforest, Australia
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 our time in Cairns isn't over yet.
Accommodation Name: Gilligans (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Location: Great Barrier Reef, Australia
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.<br/>
Accommodation Name: Gilligans (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
Location: Cairns, Australia, Kuranda, Australia, Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, Australia, Kuranda Scenic Railway, Australia
Today we have the 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 your day.<br/>
Accommodation Name: Gilligans (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
Location: Cairns, Australia, Uluru, Australia, Field of Lights, Australia
We’ll start bright and early today with a flight to Uluru which should get us there by mid morning. Here in Uluru, you’ll have the chance to join an optional activity which will check out the Field of Lights: a spectacular art installation. Afterwards, you’ll enjoy a delicious included dinner with the group.
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: Voyages Outback Hotel & Lodge (or similar)
Meals: Dinner
Location: Uluru, Australia, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Australia
It's time to explore the majesty of Uluru. And what better way to start the day than witnessing the rock bathed in the golden glow of sunrise? A sacred site for the local aboriginal tribe, this imposing rock is actually a staggering 700 million years old. We'll then get right into the heart of the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park with a hike to the Walpa Gorge and Valley of the Winds, where boulders bigger than skyscrapers dominate the landscape. This afternoon you'll have a chance to try out your skills with an optional Segway tour.
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: Voyages Outback Hotel & Lodge (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
Location: Kings Creek Station, Australia, King's Canyon, Australia, Garden of Eden, Australia, Uluru, Australia
Grab your sneakers, camera and your sense of adventure - it's time for a day trip! Our first stop is an included Big BBQ Brekkie at Kings Creek Station, then we're ready to go. Your guided hike around the imposing King's Canyon awaits. Wonder at the lunar-like landscape as you hike through the canyon and take respite from the sun in the shady space at the bottom of the climb, The Garden of Eden. It's as idyllic and mythical as it sounds and is home to its own unique ecosystem in this barren landscape. Finish the day off with a glass of bubbles in hand and the sunset casting a glow over the Outback's most picturesque backdrop, there's no better way to spend your final evening in Uluru.
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: Voyages Outback Hotel & Lodge (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
Location: Uluru, Australia
This morning it's time to say our sad farewells to our Contiki family. Australia, it's been real. We may shed a tear, but we'll never forget what we've experienced together in this spectacular land. And just remember, it's not goodbye, just see you soon.<br/>
Meals: Breakfast
Included
-
Sailing in the Whitsundays
-Experience sailing on a converted racing yacht in the Whitsunday Islands.
-
Whitehaven Beach Visit
-Enjoy a day trip to the pristine Whitehaven Beach, including snorkeling.
-
Magnetic Island Exploration
-Explore Magnetic Island with opportunities for water sports and wildlife spotting.
-
Daintree Rainforest Tour
-Tour the world's oldest tropical rainforest and learn about Aboriginal culture.
-
Uluru Sunrise Experience
-Witness the sunrise over the majestic Uluru.
-
Kings Canyon Hike
-Hike through Kings Canyon and visit the Garden of Eden.
Not Included
-
Optional Activities
-Optional activities such as bungy jumping, skydiving, and Segway tours are not included.
-
Room Upgrades
-Upgrades to single or twin rooms on Magnetic Island are not included and depend on availability.
-
Field of Lights Tour
-The Field of Lights art installation tour at Uluru is an optional activity.
| Dates | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
26-Jul-2025
for 0 Nights |
Multi-share (Mixed sex) | £2270.00 | |
|
26-Jul-2025
for 0 Nights |
Single | £3187.00 | |
|
26-Jul-2025
for 0 Nights |
Twin | £2570.00 | |
|
09-Aug-2025
for 0 Nights |
Multi-share (Mixed sex) | £2270.00 | |
|
09-Aug-2025
for 0 Nights |
Single | £3187.00 | |
|
09-Aug-2025
for 0 Nights |
Twin | £2570.00 | |
|
20-Sep-2025
for 0 Nights |
Multi-share (Mixed sex) | £2327.00 | |
|
20-Sep-2025
for 0 Nights |
Single | £3244.00 | |
|
20-Sep-2025
for 0 Nights |
Twin | £2627.00 | |
|
25-Oct-2025
for 0 Nights |
Multi-share (Mixed sex) | £2327.00 | |
|
25-Oct-2025
for 0 Nights |
Single | £3244.00 | |
|
25-Oct-2025
for 0 Nights |
Twin | £2627.00 | |
|
08-Nov-2025
for 0 Nights |
Multi-share (Mixed sex) | £2327.00 | |
|
08-Nov-2025
for 0 Nights |
Single | £3244.00 | |
|
08-Nov-2025
for 0 Nights |
Twin | £2627.00 | |
|
06-Dec-2025
for 0 Nights |
Multi-share (Mixed sex) | £2425.00 | |
|
06-Dec-2025
for 0 Nights |
Single | £3390.00 | |
|
06-Dec-2025
for 0 Nights |
Twin | £2740.00 | |
|
30-Dec-2025
for 0 Nights |
Multi-share (Mixed sex) | £2327.00 | |
|
30-Dec-2025
for 0 Nights |
Single | £3244.00 | |
|
30-Dec-2025
for 0 Nights |
Twin | £2627.00 | |
|
06-Jan-2026
for 0 Nights |
Multi-share (Mixed sex) | £2425.00 | |
|
06-Jan-2026
for 0 Nights |
Single | £3390.00 | |
|
06-Jan-2026
for 0 Nights |
Twin | £2740.00 | |
|
17-Jan-2026
for 0 Nights |
Multi-share (Mixed sex) | £2425.00 | |
|
17-Jan-2026
for 0 Nights |
Single | £3390.00 | |
|
17-Jan-2026
for 0 Nights |
Twin | £2740.00 | |
|
07-Feb-2026
for 0 Nights |
Multi-share (Mixed sex) | £2425.00 | |
|
07-Feb-2026
for 0 Nights |
Single | £3390.00 | |
|
07-Feb-2026
for 0 Nights |
Twin | £2740.00 | |
|
14-Feb-2026
for 0 Nights |
Multi-share (Mixed sex) | £2425.00 | |
|
14-Feb-2026
for 0 Nights |
Single | £3390.00 | |
|
14-Feb-2026
for 0 Nights |
Twin | £2740.00 | |
|
07-Mar-2026
for 0 Nights |
Multi-share (Mixed sex) | £2425.00 | |
|
07-Mar-2026
for 0 Nights |
Single | £3390.00 | |
|
07-Mar-2026
for 0 Nights |
Twin | £2740.00 | |
|
14-Mar-2026
for 0 Nights |
Multi-share (Mixed sex) | £2425.00 | |
|
14-Mar-2026
for 0 Nights |
Single | £3390.00 | |
|
14-Mar-2026
for 0 Nights |
Twin | £2740.00 | |
|
04-Apr-2026
for 0 Nights |
Multi-share (Mixed sex) | £2425.00 | |
|
04-Apr-2026
for 0 Nights |
Single | £3390.00 | |
|
04-Apr-2026
for 0 Nights |
Twin | £2740.00 |
