Meet your Contiki crew and before heading across the famous Sydney Harbour Bridge, we’ll make a photostop taking in the harbour and Opera House. Then we drive north to Port Stephens where you can choose cruise with dolphins, or why not take a tour through the sand dunes and try your hand at sandboarding.

• Resort

• Dinner

Today we continue along the scenic ‘holiday coast’ to our Surf Village near Coffs Harbour. Here we give you the option to try the iconic Aussie sport of surfing, and be taught by the best in the business! If you’re not into surfing – maybe a drink, a dip or a stroll along the beach.

• Surf Village

• Breakfast
• Dinner

This morning we’ll stop at Cape Byron, Australia’s most easterly point. Then onto trendy Byron Bay where you can shop or swim. By evening, we’ll have crossed the Queensland border arriving at Surfers Paradise. After dinner, try your luck at Jupiter’s Casino!

• Hotel

• Breakfast

So much to do in the name of leisure. Here goes! Relax on 42km (26miles) of white sand beaches, or if you’re feeling adventurous – why not try a tandem skydive, Tigermoth joyflight or Harley Davidson ride. All are available in Australia’s biggest playground.

• Hotel

First up we’ll take in the sights and sounds of Brisbane, before heading to Noosa Heads with its stunning beaches and great shopping. We’ll continue north along the coast meeting our launch to Fraser Island.

• Eco Lodge

• Breakfast
• Dinner

Now you’re on the largest sand island in the world! What to do? Here are a few clues. Why not take a 4-wheel drive bus tour through the rainforests, a guided bushwalk or a swim in the fresh water lakes? With this many options there’s no chance of going troppo!

• Eco Lodge

We travel north to the heart of Australia’s beef industry on the Capricorn Coast, and our unique Aussie experience at our Country Homestead. Enjoy a hearty meal and hospitality the Australian way!

• Country Homestead

• Breakfast
• Dinner

It’s north to Townsville to explore the scenic lookout of Castle Hill, overlooking Magnetic Island. This evening we’ll check into our Cairns hotel, situated in a lush tropical setting.

• Resort

• Breakfast

A relaxing start to the day before boarding your flight to Alice Springs to begin your Northern Territory adventure.

• Hotel

We take a sightseeing tour of Alice Springs to see ANZAC Hill Lookout and the Desert Park. Just a little further afield we’ll visit Simpson’s Gap and other sights around Alice Springs. Time for a swim before dinner, followed by perhaps a spin at the casino.

• Hotel

• Breakfast
• Dinner

Strike out West to rugged Kings Creek Station, a working camel station, and tonight do as the real Aussie ‘bushies’ do and sleep under the stars in a comfy swag.

• Outback bush camp

• Breakfast
• Dinner

Up early to take in the stunning sights as we wander along the ridge of Kings Canyon and discover the Garden of Eden and the Lost City.Then we’ll drive past amazing Mt Connor, to reach the modern Yulara Resort, our accommodation for the next two nights. Watch the sun set and rise over Uluru and explore this world-famous monolith.

• Lodge

• Breakfast

Uluru National Park and the famous ‘big rock’ await. We’ll watch the amazing warm hues of an Uluru sunrise, followed by a visit to the excellent Cultural Center housing a display of information on Aboriginal history and culture. Then why not jump on the back of a Harley Davidson motorcycle to take in more of the Spinifex plains? Maybe take a flight over the area or challenge the vertical and climb Uluru? Later time for a swim and to enjoy a glass of bubbly to toast the Uluru sunset.

• Lodge

• Breakfast

Today we visit a traditional roadhouse on our way to Alice Springs. Maybe join us for dinner tonight to try outback delicacies like crocodile and emu.

• Hotel

• Breakfast

Why not take the opportunity of a lifetime and see the dawn break over the MacDonnell Ranges from a hot air balloon, and upon returning to terra firma feast on chicken and champagne? We’ll cross the Tropic of Capricorn on our way to the Devils Marbles. Then north to Tennant Creek which is the site of the last gold rush in Australia.

• Hotel

• Dinner

Try a cold beer at the oldest Territory pub. Enjoy a refreshing swim in the crystal waters of Mataranka Thermal Pools or take a look at the Elsey Homestead. Onwards to Katherine for tonight’s get together – because by now you know everyone and everyone knows you!

• Hotel

• Breakfast

This morning we are out to Nitmiluk National Park and the sensational Katherine Gorge. Why not take in the beauty of nature’s sculpture with a leisurely boat trip through the ancient gorges. This afternoon we’ll head to Kakadu National Park. Our accommodation is right in the middle of the park and it’s soon time for another romantic sunset at Ubirr Aboriginal rock art site. Relax this evening in a tropical poolside setting. Why isn’t life always like this?

• Hotel

• Breakfast
• Dinner

Rise early and you have the chance to see the wonders of Kakadu from the air. This scenic flight will leave you breathless and it’s not the altitude. You really will understand why this is a world heritage region. Then on to Nourlangie Rock, famous for its Aboriginal art. View the wetlands and spend the afternoon on a wildlife cruise.

• Hotel

• Breakfast

Today we head to Darwin, the most northerly city in Australia. We visit the Northern Territory Museum, and there’s free time this afternoon to shop till you drop! Tonight is our last night together. Uh-huh – time to party hard! Try your luck at the casino or dance the night away at one of Darwin’s clubs.

• Hotel

• Breakfast

Day trip to Litchfield National Park – 650 square kilometres (255 square miles) of top end treasure, enclosing a spectacular sandstone plateau. We’ll swim at picturesque Florence Falls. All good things must come to an end and so it’s back to our Darwin hotel where our tour – not the friendships made – ends. Start planning your next Contiki holiday!

• Breakfast