Australia: North Queensland Adventure | 2024-2025
Australia: North Queensland Adventure | 2024-2025
Australia: North Queensland Adventure | 2024-2025
9 Days Starting in Airlie Beach and ending in Cairns
Visiting: Airlie Beach, Townsville, Yunbenun (Magnetic Island), Gimuy (Cairns)
Tour operator:
Tour code:
NQAHH24
Specialist Group:
18-30 Somethings
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
0 - 30
Age range:
18-35
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the North Queensland Adventure, a thrilling journey through Australia's most stunning landscapes. Start in the tropical paradise of Airlie Beach, where you'll snorkel around the Great Barrier Reef and visit the pristine Whitehaven Beach. Travel to Magnetic Island to explore coastal trails, spot koalas, and mingle with rock wallabies. Continue to Cairns, the gateway to the ancient Daintree Rainforest, where you'll learn about Aboriginal culture and create your own art. Enjoy a chef-guided bush food dinner and have the option to snorkel or dive in the vibrant coral reefs. This adventure promises unforgettable experiences and breathtaking scenery.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Airlie Beach
Location: Airlie Beach
Accommodation Name: Base Backpackers (or similar)
Hello Airlie Beach! This tropical paradise is the perfect place to kick off our adventure. Our trip starts at Base Backpackers where we'll meet our fellow adventurers.
Day 2: Airlie Beach
Location: Airlie Beach
Accommodation Name: Nomads Airlie Beach (or similar)
Meals Included: Lunch
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.
Day 3: Airlie Beach
Location: Airlie Beach
Accommodation Name: Nomads Airlie Beach (or similar)
We've got a free day in Airlie Beach today! This vibrant hub of the Whitsundays is ours to explore. We could get out onto the waters with an optional sea kayaking adventure, 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.
Day 4: Airlie Beach To Yunbenun (Magnetic Island) Via Townsville
Location: Airlie Beach, Townsville, Yunbenun (Magnetic Island)
Accommodation Name: Nomads Magnetic Island (or similar)
Meals Included: Dinner
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 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 some champagne and watch the sun set over the bay.
Day 5: Yunbenun (Magnetic Island)
Location: Yunbenun (Magnetic Island)
Accommodation Name: Nomads Magnetic Island (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 6: Yunbenun (Magnetic Island) To Gimuy (Cairns) Via Townsville
Location: Yunbenun (Magnetic Island), Townsville, Gimuy (Cairns)
Accommodation Name: Gilligans (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
After breakfast 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 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.
Day 7: Gimuy (Cairns)
Location: Gimuy (Cairns)
Accommodation Name: Gilligans (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
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.
Day 8: Gimuy (Cairns)
Location: Gimuy (Cairns)
Accommodation Name: Gilligans (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 9: End Gimuy (Cairns)
Location: Gimuy (Cairns)
Meals Included: 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. Anyone for bungy jumping?
What's Included
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Meals
Meals are included on specific days: Day 2 (breakfast), Day 4 (dinner), Day 5 (breakfast), Day 6 (breakfast and dinner), Day 7 (breakfast and lunch), Day 8 (breakfast), and Day 9 (breakfast).
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Transport
Transport includes coach travel from Airlie Beach to Townsville, ferry to Magnetic Island, and train from Townsville to Cairns.
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Guided Activities
Guided activities include a day trip to Whitehaven Beach with snorkeling, a Bush Food tutorial and dinner in Cairns, and a day trip to Daintree Rainforest with cultural experiences.
What's Not Included
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Optional Activities
Optional activities such as sea kayaking, skydiving, scenic flights, and catamaran trips to the reef for snorkeling or diving are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
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Flights
International and domestic flights to and from the starting and ending locations are not included.
Mode of Transport
Transport includes coach travel from Airlie Beach to Townsville, ferry to Magnetic Island, and train from Townsville to Cairns.
Accommodation
Accommodation at Base Backpackers, Nomads Airlie Beach, Nomads Magnetic Island, and Gilligans (or similar) is included.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodation is included in the tour?
Accommodation is included at Base Backpackers, Nomads Airlie Beach, Nomads Magnetic Island, and Gilligans (or similar).
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Are meals included in the tour?
Meals are included on specific days: Day 2 (breakfast), Day 4 (dinner), Day 5 (breakfast), Day 6 (breakfast and dinner), Day 7 (breakfast and lunch), Day 8 (breakfast), and Day 9 (breakfast).
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What types of transport are provided during the tour?
Transport includes coach travel from Airlie Beach to Townsville, ferry to Magnetic Island, and train from Townsville to Cairns.
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What guided activities are included in the tour?
Guided activities include a day trip to Whitehaven Beach with snorkeling, a Bush Food tutorial and dinner in Cairns, and a day trip to Daintree Rainforest with cultural experiences.
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Are there any optional activities available during the tour?
Yes, optional activities such as sea kayaking, skydiving, scenic flights, and catamaran trips to the reef for snorkeling or diving are available but not included in the tour price.
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Is travel insurance included in the tour package?
No, travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
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Are flights included in the tour package?
No, international and domestic flights to and from the starting and ending locations are not included.
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What can I expect to see and do on Magnetic Island?
On Magnetic Island, you can explore coastal walking trails, see koalas in the wild, partake in watersports, and enjoy the sunset with champagne. You can also visit WWII fortifications and see Rock Wallabies at dusk.
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What cultural experiences are included in the Daintree Rainforest trip?
In the Daintree Rainforest, you will meet the local Kuku Yalanji people, participate in a smoking ceremony, take an art class with an Aboriginal artist, and learn about ancient Dreamtime stories and local history.
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What activities are available in Cairns on the last day of the tour?
On the last day in Cairns, you have the option to try adventurous activities such as bungy jumping.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
In 1961, a guy called John Anderson founded Contiki in New Zealand. Whilst later bought by The Travel Corporation, the tour company had already been using the name ‘Contiki’ since its inception.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Contiki trips are designed & operated exclusively for those aged 18-35 years. Your travelling companions will be like-minded adventurers within that age range. The age range is adhered to strictly.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® is our commitment to protect people, wildlife and the incredible planet we all share. Powered by The TreadRight Foundation, a non-profit organisation and Contiki’s guiding hand when it comes to making travel matter.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
All documentation will be sent via email around 21 days prior to your trip departure. You can also access information on your trip by signing up to My Contiki via the top right icon of the homepage.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Contiki allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform contiki, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Contiki requires a minimum deposit of 200 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of contiki charges.
Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 25% of booking price.
At 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions