Entdeckungsreise Australien & Whitsundays

Day 1: Darwin
Meet up with your fellow travellers and Contiki team before heading out on a Darwin City orientation tour. You’ll visit the East Point Military Reserve and Darwin Museum to find out about the history of the Northern Territory’s capital. Later you have the chance to come face to face with a 5m crocodile. This is Australia’s only crocodile dive where you are safely housed in a perspex cage while a crocodile lazes, swims and even feeds just inches away. Get ready for a night out on the town as you get to know your group.

Accomodation: Travelodge Mirambeena Resort Darwin or similar

Included activities:
- Visit the Darwin Museum & see the Cyclone Tracy display
- See the harbour & East Point Military Reserve

Optional activities:
- Crocosaurus Cove Entry A$30
- Cage of Death (including entry to Crocosauras Cove) A$123

Day 2: Darwin to Kakadu National Park
Today you’ll head out to stunning Litchfield National Park. But - why rush? Best make the most of our day and check out the enormous termite mounds and thick rainforest of Litchfield National Park. Here we'll hit the famous Florence Falls – four waterfalls pouring over a wide plateau into deep, picture-perfect waterholes surrounded by thick rainforest. Grab those swimmers and take a dip in the transparent waters. Cool, fresh, bliss.

Accomodation: Aurora Kakadu South Alligator or similar
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Included activities:
- See the termite mounds
- Enjoy a swim at Florence Falls

Day 3: Kakadu Nationalpark
A Kakadu National Park adventure awaits today, complete with swamps, rainforest, wetlands, woodlands, plants, insects and 75 different types of reptiles to uncover. We’ll head to a Cultural Centre and Nourlangie Rock to learn about thousands of years old rock art, then jump on a wildlife boat cruise with one main mission – croc spotting. With 20,000sq km of World Heritage-listed goodness to explore, Kakadu delivers every time.

Accomodation: Aurora Kakadu South Alligator or similar
Meals: Breakfast

Included activities:
- Visit a Cultural Centre
- Hike to see the Aboriginal rock art at Nourlangie Rock and Ubirr

Day 4: Kakadu National Park to Katherine
Today we head towards Katherine, resting up so we can head deep into the bush region in the morning to check out ancient rock art dating back almost 20,000 years and learn about the areas deep Aboriginal past. After all that dry desert time we'll be digging this afternoon's new scene of riverside Katherine. Pool hangs and team dinner, anyone?

Accomodation: Ibis Styles Katherine
Meals: Breakfast

Included activities:
- Visit Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge & see the sheer rock walls and wildlife

Optional activities:
- Katherine Gorge Cruise A$79

Day 5: Katherine to Tennant Creek
Today we venture further South towards Tennant Creek. Nothing heals a tired travelling body like swimming in 34 degree thermal pools. Mataranka - we're coming in cool, so do your worst. Next up we get uber vintage in the Daly Waters pub - it's been serving booze and hosting country ruckus since 1893 and is local outback life at it's very best. Filled with lively Aussie characters and memorabilia of days gone by, it's the perfect lunch break en route to our next stop. Tonight we take things totally rural, staying in the 'true blue' Tennant Creek - the only point of contact for the million-acre cattle stations of the surrounding area.

Accomodation: Renner Springs or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Included activities:
- Swim at the Mataranka thermal pools
- Visit the historic Daly Waters pub

Day 6: Tennant Creek to Alice Springs
This morning we leave Tennant Creek and its barren ways behind and head north, cutting through the Renner Springs that divide the red desert of Australia's centre & the tropics of the north. Stop one falls in the spooked out category - Australia's UFO capital. With only a few permanent residents, Wycliffe Well is little more than a roadhouse in the middle of no man's land, though many people venture here with aliens on the brain. Less of the spooky and more of the weird, Devils Marbles boasts two boulders that look a little like giant potatoes on a chopping board. Go figure. Tonight it's all about getting experimental with Aussie meat. Kangaroo, crocodile, camel & steak while listening to Aussie folk songs and rubbing shoulders with some local Aussie characters - this is the optional night out at the Overlander Steakhouse, where the term "I'm so full" will be taken to all new levels.

Accomodation: Ibis Styles Alice Springs or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Included activities:
- Visit the unique rock formation known as Karlu Karlu
- Visit Australia's UFO capital, Wycliffe Well

Day 7: Alice Springs to Kings Creek Station
Move over Bear Grylls, as by the time we’ve finished this morning’s Aboriginal ‘Bushtucker’ tour we’ll be all over knowing how to survive in the bush. Your Local Guide will give you the 101 on insect eating and plant sampling, and there’ll even be real life bushtucker treats to get stuck in to (if you dare) – witchetty grubs and kangaroo tails for breakfast, yes please...
The authentic Aussie experience continues this evening as we bed down for the night under the desert stars at Kings Creek Station, an outback camel and cattle station. We’ll be sleeping like babies after an afternoon spent exploring the land. “Going bush” (sleeping outdoors) is pretty much as Aussie as they come, so snuggle down in your swag and gaze into the Milky Way with the squad.

Accomodation: Kings Creek Station Alice Springs or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Included activities:
- Aboriginal Dreamtime 'Bushtucker' tour in Alice Springs
- Stay at a cattle & camel station
- See the desert night sky & stars
- Sleep in a traditional Aussie 'swag' at an outback bush camp

Day 8: Kings Creek Station to Uluru
Our day's intermittence is in the creamy orange plains of the mighty Kings Canyon. Grab your sneakers, your camera and your sense of adventure – you’re guided hike awaits. We’ll be visiting landmarks like the ‘Garden of Eden’ waterhole and the ‘Lost City’, all the while gazing in astonishment at landscapes where blue and orange stretch as far as the eye can see. With Kings Canyon off the list, our next majestic spot is one you’ve been waiting for - Uluru. Discovered completely by accident on 18 July, 1873, it's hard to believe this imposing rock region wasn’t spotted sooner. Prepare to be amazed...Uluru is a staggering 700 million years old. Yes, you read that right. We’ll spend our afternoon walking through Uluru’s neighbour Kata Tju?a, aka 'The Olgas', before arriving at our eco-friendly outback resort for some well-deserved chill time by the pool.

Accomodation: Voyages Outback Pioneer Hotel & Lodge or similar
Meals: Breakfast

Included activities:
- Wake up to a bacon & egg breakfast
- See the 700 million year old Mt. Conner & Lake Amadeus
- Hike through Kata Tju?a (The Olgas)
- Hike to the "Garden of Eden" waterhole and the "Lost City" at Kings Canyon

Day 9: Uluru
Get that bucket list back out and prepare to throw a red tick on page one - this morning we watch the sunrise at Uluru. We’ll learn why the site is of such spiritual significance to the Aboriginal people, and there’s even the chance to see the area from a completely different angle – Scenic flight, anyone? Just as we love a good sunrise, we’re suckers for a sunset, so tonight we’ll be raising a glass of champagne at Uluru, toasting our Aussie adventure, naturally.

Accomodation: Voyages Outback Pioneer Hotel & Lodge or similar
Meals: Breakfast

Included activities:
- Visit Uluru Cultural Centre
- See Uluru at sunrise
- Toast Uluru at sunset with drinks & nibbles

Optional activities:
- Uluru & the Olgas Scenic Flights from A$140

Day 10: Uluru to Cairns
It’s time to hit the skies with an included flight. Just when we thought it couldn’t get better, we wave goodbye to the red centre we’re hitting the beaches in the Sunshine State so let’s dust off the swimwear and get ready for some adventure...Queensland here we come! Get some rest the crystal clear waters of the reef are calling at Cairns.

Accomodation: Gilligan's Backpackers Hostel Cairns or similar
Meals: Breakfast

Included activities:
- Flight from Alice Springs to Cairns

Days 11-12: Cairns
Well good morning Cairns you delightful palm tree paradise. We have two days here to get deep - which may even mean a scuba dive on one of the 7 natural wonders of the world. You game?

On day 2, for those who are keen for a fun and thrilling ride, join our optional whitewater rafting adventure activity with our professional Local Guides. There are loads more activities available in Cairns like sky diving and bungy jumping – just ask your Trip Manager for some more info. Catch up with your new buddies to swap stories on your day at a local hot spot. The food and entertainment is sure to leave a lasting impression!

Accomodation: Gilligan's Backpackers Hostel Cairns or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner, Breakfast

Optional activities:
- Outer Barrier Reef Cruise from A$190
- White Water Rafting A$130
- AJ Hackett Minjin Swing or Bungee Jump A$110 / A$155

Day 13: Whitsundays Sailing
Ready for some coach time fun? Damn right you are when your end destination is the Whitsundays. Bring it! Tropical Townsville never fails to impress with its Colonial buildings and checkered maritime history. We'll get orientated with the city and grab some lunch before kicking on to Airlie.
Pack your towel and swimmers as we get onboard our private boat and set sail off around the 74 Islands.

Please note: Accommodation on board the yacht is multishare only.

Accomodation: Yacht, Prosail Whitsundays Airlie Beach
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Included activities:
- Townsville city orientation

Day 14: Whitsundays Sailing
Arrive Whitsundays and jump on board the yacht. Swim, snorkel, eat & repeat is pretty much today’s vibe as we make our way around the 74 islands that make up the Whitsundays. Do as much or as little as you want – help the crew wince the sails, snorkel some of the best coral reefs in Australia, laze on the fine silica sands of Whitehaven Beach (cue more pinch yourself moments) – today is all about soaking in the moment and relishing the finer things in life.

Accomodation: Yacht, Prosail Whitsundays Airlie Beach
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Included activities:
- Chill on Whitehaven beach one of the worlds top 10 beaches

Day 15: The Whitsundays to Farmstay
Rollin’ down the Capricorn Coast we’ll drive through the beef farming capital of Rockhampton and pass through the sugar cane plantations of Mackay before reaching The Old Station, a working cattle station that dishes up true Aussie farm life. Tonight may just go down in the history books, with past passengers citing it the best night of their trip...

Honest Australian hospitality knows no bounds at our farmstay, and you’ll be blown away by farm owner Nan and the rest of the family as they welcome you into the fold, country style. Fill up on Nan’s famous home cooked damper cake, an outback speciality, then it’s on to the tractor to meet some of the farm’s larger residents. Tonight is all about partying outback style – tuck in to a huge dinner feast, try whip cracking, then grab the karaoke mic and bust out those dancefloor moves.

Accomodation: Country Homestead , Creed Grazing Go or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Included activities:
- Meet the cattle station owners
- Check out the farm & animals on a hay wagon ride, then try whip cracking!

Day 16: Farmstay to Noosa
Just one night on The Old Station will have you hooked on outback life and wishing you could stay forever. But with Noosa on our horizons, things are only going to get even better from here. Welcome to the good life, otherwise known as the Sunshine Coast. As we make our way into Noosa, soak in the abounding natural beauty of this picture perfect seaside town. Get in those zzz’s tonight, tomorrow promises to be a big one...

Accomodation: Eco Lodge
Meals: Breakfast

Day 17: Noosa
Rise and shine beach babes! We're heading to a UNESCO World Heritage site and the world's largest sand island. Sitting in the sea with over 800,000 years of natural history in its grains, our included Fraser Island day trip will be filled with sand dunes, pretty lakes & dense rainforests. See those Instagram likes roll in with a snap of Lake Mackenzie, known for its silky silica sand and intense glassy blue water, then appease the hunger growls with a tasty lunch. Keep an eye out for dingoes as we cruise the world’s longest sand highway, then it’s back to Noosa tonight for a legit Aussie dinner at the Surf Club.

Accomodation: Resort
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Included activities:
- Take a locally guided 4WD trip across Fraser Island & indulge in a delicious lunch
- Drive along Australia's only sand highway

Day 18: Noosa to Surfers Paradise
Adieu Noosa, we’ve got a party town to hit up, and it goes by the name of Surfers Paradise... Before we sail our way into Queensland's next much-loved surf and party hub, we’ll stop for a bite in the state's capital, Brisbane. Grab a slice of the city’s well known laid-back urban lifestyle whilst roaming South Bank & Queen Street Mall, then it’s on with our journey to the Gold Coast. Shake off those mellow beach vibes – Surfer’s Paradise is all about partying in style. Sitting up there with Vegas as one of the top party spots in the world thanks to its insane number of clubs in one area, Surfers is where we get our swank on. Let’s do this!

Accomodation: Alpha Sovereign Hotel or similar
Meals: Breakfast

Included activities:
- See the Brisbane River, South Bank & visit Queen Street Mall
- See the Glass House Mountains
- Nightclub entry

Day 19: Surfers Paradise / Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
This morning is all about chilling, hitting the beach, and getting a little R'n'R after the night before. We're nice like that. But remember, you're not in Surfer's forever, so do this thing right - don't stay in bed when there's a parachute with your name on it at the nearby skydiving centre. How's that for a rush of adrenaline? In the afternoon just make sure you're back (on earth) in time for some serious koala cuddling sessions at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.

CURRUMBIN: All animal cuteness goals can easily be achieved in this neck of the woods. The Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is undeniably a must-see destination if you've made it as far as Surfer's Paradise. Here's your chance to see how cute koalas really are, feed a kangaroo & see a crocodile up close (but not too close, obvs). Best of all, it's a non-for-profit set up, so our visit supports the sanctuary's animal hospital and gives back to Oz's furry friends. Soak up on all the cuteness this place has to offer before we head back to Surfer's for a relaxing night by the resort pool or choose to  live it up in one of the many nightclubs this city has to offer.

Accomodation: Alpha Sovereign Hotel or similar
Meals: Breakfast

Included activities:
- Visit Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary - and see native Australien animals including kangaroos, emus, crocodiles, dingoes & Tasmanian devils

Day 20: Surfers Paradise to Byron Bay
We're up & on the road early to the iconic Byron Bay for a day full of cheeky tanning with a beer in hand, some serious surfing or just exploring this cute ocean town. Opt for kayaking if you're feeling extra adventurous today. When you're done wiggling your toes in the sand maybe it's time to sate your hunger at one of the delicious local cafes and restaurants. Venture through the streets and soak up the hippie vibes.

Accomodation: Nomads Byron Bay or similar
Meals: Breakfast

Day 21: Byron Bay to Coffs Harbour
After a night of boho bliss (or maybe some table top dancing, Cheeky Monkey’s style) our open road adventure continues. Next stop, Coffs...

Your surf bum dreams are all about to come true as we shack up for the night in our Coffs Harbour surf camp. Sitting right on the beach, a constant stream of swims and beach hangs are the norm, then come night fall it’s all about an open fire, great chats with your new wolf pack, and occasional star gazing. Perfection much?

Accomodation: Coffs Harbour Surf Camp or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Included activities:
- Learn to surf the waves or ride a kayak at Coffs Harbour

Day 22: Coffs Harbour to Sydney
Time to say good-bye to those surf camp vibes as Sydney is calling. We'll break up our journey to Sydney with a lunch stop in Port Macquarie. This pretty seaside town sits at the end of the Hastings River and gives us a taste of life on the New South Wales mid coast.

Accomodation: Wake up Sydney or similar
Meals: Breakfast

Included activities:
- See the famous 'Big Banana' & banana plantations
- Stop in the seaside resort town of Port Macquarie

Optional activities:
- Harbour Bridge climb from A$222

Day 23: Sydney
Today we have one main mission – to explore the sun drenched, eternally cool city of Sydney. Your team will give you the down low on all of Sydney’s  best bits as you take a tour of the highlights, including a ferry ride across the world famous harbour. Beach hangs in Manly & the chance to climb the Harbour Bridge are all in a days work. Tonight’s our last night of the trip, so let’s eat ourselves silly with a cook your own BBQ dinner.

Accomodation: Wake up Sydney or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Included activities:
- Experience Darling Harbour, Mrs Macquarie's Chair Lookout & The Rocks
- Cruise across Sydney Harbour on a ferry to Manly
- Cook your own BBQ dinner

Optional activities:
- Sydney Opera House Tour A$37

Day 24: Sydney & Blue Mountains
There’s no need for the Kleenex yet, there’s still more to do and we’re going to make it count. Goodbye city, we’re ending our trip with a bang at the majestic Blue Mountains (which aren’t actually blue, but are still damn beautiful), one of Aussie’s must-do experiences.

Meals: Breakfast

Included activities:
- Day trip out to the stunning Blue Mountains