Cairns Sunshine Trail

Australia's East Coast from Surfers Paradise to Cairns

Map & Sightseeing List

15 days

Total Price From* $109 per day: $1639 per person

*Based on twin share.

Meals: 7 3
Transportation: Modern Coach
Accommodation: Hotel, Eco Lodge, Country Homestead, Resort

Daily Itinerary Cairns Sunshine Trail

Depart for Australia Days 1 and 2

Fly over the international date line on your way to Australia.
Surfers Paradise Day 3
Check-in to your hotel after 2pm, then enjoy an afternoon exploring. At 6:00pm meet your Contiki crew, and head into Surfers Paradise for a great night out to meet your tour mates.
- Hotel
Surfers Paradise Day 4
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 5
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 6
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 7
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 8
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 9 and 10
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 9
- Breakfast
- Day 10
- Breakfast
The Whitsundays to Cairns Day 11
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 12 and 13
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 12
- Breakfast
Cairns Day 14

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.
Finish Cairns Day 15

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