Cairns Sunshine Trail with Whitsundays Sailing (start Cairns) View More Reviews

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Fly over the international date line on your way to Australia.

Check into the Rydges Esplanade Resort & meet your Contiki crew then we're off to town, so you can get a feel of the area you will be spending the next three nights. This evening get to know your new travel buddies over dinner, later on perhaps check out the Cairns night markets, or head out for a night on the town!

Resort Dinner

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.

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.

Resort Breakfast, Breakfast

Today we drive to Airlie Beach, gateway to the Whitsundays Islands and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park to board our sailing yacht. Enjoy two days and nights sailing the stunning Whitsunday islands with your friends. Swim, snorkel, or laze your way around the 74 islands of this tropical paradise, where you will past the lush tropical islands, snorkel or dive the many spectacular coral reefs, laze on the world's best beaches and personally meet an extravagant array of sea life. You can help the crew & learn how to grind the winches & hoist the sails, and try your hand at or just relax and top up your tan in the sun.

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.

Yacht Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch, Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch, Breakfast

After a ferry back to the mainland, plug in you MP3 or chat with friends as we drive through scenic Mackay, with countryside full of vibrant green vegetation and sugar cane plantations. Continue down the Capricorn Coast and head inland to an authentic country homestead, right in the heart of Queensland’s cattle country, for our overnight stay.

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 welcoming 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 Breakfast, Dinner

We drive back out to the coast this morning after breakfast and jump on board a ferry. Enjoy the cruise out to famous Fraser Island, where we’ll stay at an eco-lodge for our time here. Each cabin has its own kitchenette and living room, as well as a balcony – perfect for hanging out & watching the sunset.

Tonight, grab a bite to eat at one of the Resorts restaurants, and follow it up with some dancing or even karaoke at Dingo Bar.

Eco Lodge Breakfast

Experience a slice of paradise on Fraser Island this morning. 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.

If you want to get a taste of the island action, there’s also the option of jumping on 4 wheels on a 4WD adventure through the island’s sandunes, rainforests & freshwater lakes. Our Local Guide will show you some of the island’s best spots and hidden treasures – make sure you keep your camera handy - this is one of Australia’s most beautiful regions.

Once we’re back on the mainland, Noosa is up next. It’s a trendy beach resort town. Enjoy a drink or two with dinner tonight at the local surf club. Later if you want to take it up a level, head out into the town & explore Noosa by night.

Resort Breakfast, Dinner

There’s time to explore Noosa this morning so take a stroll through the shops or sunbathe and swim at the beach before we make our way south. We also stop off in Brisbane today. 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. Maybe pick up a piece of opal to take back home.

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 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.

Resort

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 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 on where’s best to head.

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.

Hotel Breakfast

Your tour ends after breakfast and it’s time to say goodbye to your Contiki crew and friends.

Breakfast