Cairns Sunshine Trail (Reverse)

Cairns Sunshine Trail (Reverse)

Get down on the farm, enjoy the idyllic island life, smile at the crocodiles, snorkel the Whitsundays, dive the Great Barrier Reef, and then dance the night away in Cairns. This extravaganza shows you all that 'Down Under' has to offer. But don't feel you must leave when the tour ends. Why not visit New Zealand and see two more of the South Pacific's feature islands.

Length: 14 days
Accommodations: Resort, Hotel, Eco Lodge
as per itinerary
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
as per itinerary
Sightseeing: Visit Australia's East Coast
Transportation: Modern Coach
Return to Tour

Itinerary

  1. Day Icon-day1 Icon-day2 Depart for Australia

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

  2. Day Icon-day3 Arrive Cairns

    Check into your Cairns Colonial Club Resort,the rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore.

  3. Day Icon-day4 Cairns

    Meet your Contiki crew then we're off to visit Tjapukai and Kuranda to watch traditional aboriginal dancers, learn how to throw a boomerang and to appreciate the beauty of the Atherton Tablelands. This evening get to know your new travel buddies with a night on the town!

  4. Day Icon-day5 Icon-day6 Cairns

    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!

  5. Day Icon-day7 Cairns to Whitsundays

    We'll leave this morning to travel South to Townsville to explore the scenic lookout of Castle Hill. This evening we'll board our launch at Shute Harbour and make the short journey to Long Island - one of the jewels of the Whitsundays.

  6. Day Icon-day8 Icon-day9 Whitsundays

    Time to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and great amenities of Long Island. Feeling energetic, why not go bushwalking, play tennis or beach volleyball, take to the water with a snorkel or a jet ski? Want to relax? Then unwind on the palm-lined beach, have a massage, or sip cocktails on the verandah as you watch another perfect sunset.

  7. Day Icon-day10 Whitsundays to Capricorn Coast

    From Airlie Beach we'll visit Mackay - Australia's sugar capital. This evening why not come face to fang with huge estuarine crocodiles at the Koorana Crocodile Farm?

  8. Day Icon-day11 Capricorn Coast to Fraser Island

    This morning as we leave Rockhampton we will cross the Tropic of Capricorn before hooking up with our launch to Fraser Island.

  9. Day Icon-day12 Fraser Island

    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!

  10. Day Icon-day13 Country Homestead to Brisbane

    From the fertile farming lands of the Darling Downs we'll take in the sights and sounds of Brisbane. The rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy.

  11. Day Icon-day14 Brisbane

    Your trip ends this morning.

Tour Map

Highlights

All these highlights along with city sightseeing are included in your tour price!

Included
  • Cairns: City sightseeing tour; Scenic drive into the Atherton Hinterland to Kuranda; Visit Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Centre & see Aboriginal dancing; Throw a boomerang & see spear throwing
  • Tully: Cross the Tully River, home to Australia's best white water rafting
  • Townsville: City sightseeing tour
  • Airlie Beach: Visit the vibrant seaside town
  • Whitsundays: Transfer boat to Long Island; Stay on Long Island & enjoy all the resort facilities; See native birdlife & wallabies
  • Mackay: Visit this major centre of the Australian sugar cane industry
  • Capricorn Coast: Visit & cross the Tropic of Capricorn; Rockhampton sightseeing tour
  • Fraser Island: Stay on this World Heritage listed island; Enjoy the scenic boat trip to the island & enjoy the resort facilities; Stay in the eco-village & enjoy the resort facilities
  • Noosa: Visit the picturesque seaside town & beach
  • Country Homestead: Stay at a traditional Country Homestead; Farm tour; Enjoy a bush dance evening; See the farm animals & kangaroos
  • Brisbane: City sightseeing tour; See the Brisbane River & Southbank; See an Opal demonstration
Accomodations
  • 11 nights twin share accommodation
  • Breakfasts (B) and Dinners (D) – as per itinerary
Contiki Difference
  • Free Contiki ‘Travellers Guide’ information book
  • Free Contiki document wallet

Optional Excursions

Cairns

AJ Hackett Bungy Jump (A$125 (Bungy); A$69 (Minjin))
Face your fears as you jump from the famous AJ Hackett Bungy Tower! With panoramic views out to the Great Barrier Reef it's a memorable experience. Or tackle the "Minjin" swing through the rainforest at speeds up to 100kph. Note: Prices do not include the A$5 Personal Insurance Levy - paid separately. www.AJHackett.com
Tandem Sky-Diving (From A$260)
Have you ever felt the need to jump out of a light aircraft? Attached to an expert parachutist, who will do all the work while you have all the fun, you'll experience the rush of a freefall before gently floating to earth while enjoying sensational views. Price includes compulsory levy.
Skyrail (From A$38)
Climb aboard for the "World's most beautiful rainforest experience". Skyrail will take you on a cableway ride just above the Rainforest canopy between Cairns and Kuranda. On the way you have the chance to experience the beauty and diversity of the rainforest at floor level at the two interactive stations. Take walks, see the displays at a Rainforest Interpretive Centre or ask questions of the expert local guides.
Scuba Diving (in addition to Outer Barrier Reef Cruise) (From A$70)
Take the opportunity of a lifetime to try scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef. You will be assisted with all equipment and training. Certified dives, and introductory dives for beginners, are available. Anyone is able to participate (subject to medical conditions). Diving is fun and easy - don't miss out!
Outer Barrier Reef Cruise (From A$150)
A full day out to the Great Barrier Reef aboard a luxury high-speed catamaran. Included in your day is snorkelling (all equipment provided), coral viewing by semi-submersible and underwater observatory, marine biologist presentation, plus a smorgasbord lunch with seafood and morning and afternoon teas. Includes Environmental Charge.
Hot Air Ballooning (A$180)
Put your alarm on for an early start! This adventure begins at dawn and with your help, the balloon is filled and made ready for lift off! The next half hour is peacefully spent in mid-air, gazing at the ancient landscape of the Atherton Tablelands, formed by extinct volcanic activity. Once you have landed, enjoy breakfast and a glass or two of cold champagne. Price includes insurance & aviation levies.
Guided Horse & Quad Bike Tours (Horse Riding: A$105; Quad Bikes: A$125)
Experience the Aussie bush and rainforest as you meander on horseback or charge by All-Terrain Vehicle along nature trails. See the awesome views of the gorgeous coastline. For beginners or the more experienced. Prices include Insurance Levy.
White Water Rafting (From A$160)
Enjoy over 4 hours of white water rafting on the Tully River. Excitement builds as you tackle world-famous rapids that take you through spectacular rainforest. A delicious lunch on the riverbank is followed by more first-class rafting. Includes Insurance & Park levies.

Whitsundays

Outer Barrier Reef Cruise (A$185)
Cruise to the Great Barrier Reef aboard an air conditioned, high speed catamaran. On the journey to the Reef, enjoy complimentary tea and coffee while being shown the art of snorkelling and watching educational reef videos. Once on the Reef, take a tour in a glass-bottomed boat and semi-submersible, but the very best way to experience the Reef is to get amongst it by swimming and snorkelling. If you wish, try an optional scuba dive, with instruction and equipment provided and to top off a fantastic day, a sumptuous buffet lunch is provided. Includes Environmental Charge.
Whitsunday Day Sail (A$130)
Sailing the Whitsundays is a must for all visitors. This is an outstanding opportunity to see the Whitsunday Passage in all it's glory. Sail past tropical islands on your way to the pristine water and white sand of Whitehaven Beach (weather dependent), regarded as one of the top ten beaches in the world. Enjoy lunch before returning late afternoon. Price includes an Environmental Management Charge.

Fraser Island

Whale Watching (Aug-Oct only) (A$95)
Take a half-day cruise on Hervey Bay and view the southern humpback whales returning south to Antarctica after calving in the northern waters. Whale watching boats cruise amongst the huge mammals allowing you to view from close range while they rest and play. Available from August to October only.
Fraser Island 4-Wheel Drive Adventures (Full Day A$145, Half Day A$80)
The best way to explore the world's largest sand island is by 4-wheel drive vehicle. You have the choice of either a half or full day 4WD bus excursion, escorted by an expert local guide who will take you to some of the best spots on the island, such as stunning Lake McKenzie, Central Station and Wanggoolba Creek. The full day tour includes lunch.