Beaches and Reefs

Australia's East Coast from Sydney to Cairns

Map & Sightseeing List

18 days

Total Price From* $106 per day: $1920 per person

*Based on twin share.

Meals: 9 5
Transportation: Modern Coach
Accommodation: Hotel, Resort, Surf Village, Eco Lodge, Country Homestead

Daily Itinerary Beaches and Reefs

Depart for Australia Days 1 and 2

Fly over the international date line on your way to Australia.
Arrive Sydney Day 3
Check into the Holiday Inn Potts Point hotel & spend the rest of the free day exploring Sydney.
- Hotel
Sydney to Shoal Bay (Port Stephens) Day 4
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
Shoal Bay to Coffs Harbour (Surf Village) Day 5
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
Coffs Harbour to Surfers Paradise Day 6
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
Surfers Paradise Day 7
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
Surfers Paradise to Fraser Island Day 8
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
Fraser Island Day 9
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
Fraser Island to Country Homestead Day 10
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
Country Homestead to the Whitsundays Day 11
Pass through Mackay & its sugar cane fields en route to Airlie Beach – gateway to the Whitsunday Islands. A quick ferry ride & you’ll find yourself in a slice of heaven on tropical Daydream Island.
- Resort
- Breakfast
- Dinner
The Whitsundays Days 12 and 13
Time to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and great amenities of The Whitsundays. If you’re feeling energetic why not go bushwalking, play tennis or beach volleyball, or take to the water with a snorkel or a jet ski? If you prefer to relax then unwind on the palm-lined beach, have a massage, or sip cocktails at the bar as you watch another perfect sunset.
- Resort
- Day 12
- Breakfast
- Day 13
- Breakfast
The Whitsundays to Cairns Day 14
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
Cairns Days 15 and 16
For the adventurous, a chance to do some white water rafting on the rapids of the Tully River, or take the opportunity to visit the famous Outer Barrier Reef aboard a high-speed catamaran. Why not scuba dive amidst amazingly colourful tropical fish? Or if you prefer, maybe spend the days at leisure doing some shopping in town. In the evening we’ll check out more tropical wildlife at one of Cairns’ nightclubs!
- Resort
- Day 15
- Breakfast
Cairns Day 17
The morning is spent with a visit to Tjapukai and Kuranda to watch traditional aboriginal dancers, learn how to throw a boomerang and to appreciate the beauty of the Atherton Tablelands. Then return to Cairns for an afternoon of free time and your last night in the city.
- Resort
Finish Cairns Day 18

Say a final farewell to your new friends as your trip ends this morning.