Australia: North Queensland Adventure with Sailing | 2025-2026
Australia: North Queensland Adventure with Sailing | 2025-2026
Australia: North Queensland Adventure with Sailing | 2025-2026
9 Days Starting in Airlie Beach and ending in Cairns
Visiting: Airlie Beach, Magnetic Island, Cairns, Daintree
Tour operator:
Tour code:
NQAS25
Specialist Group:
18-30 Somethings
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
0 - 30
Age range:
18-35
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Beach Tours, Cultural, Gardens & Nature Tours, Wildlife Tours
Activities:
Boat/Cruise Excursion, Hiking, Snorkeling, Swimming, Walking
Tour Overview
Embark on the North Queensland Adventure with Sailing, a thrilling journey through Australia's most stunning landscapes. Begin in the tropical paradise of Airlie Beach, then set sail on a converted racing yacht to explore the Whitsunday Islands, including the pristine Whitehaven Beach and vibrant coral reefs. Continue to Magnetic Island, where you can hike, spot koalas, and relax on sun-drenched beaches. Travel by train to Cairns, the gateway to the Daintree Rainforest, where you'll immerse yourself in ancient Aboriginal culture and breathtaking natural beauty. Conclude your adventure with optional activities like snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef or even bungy jumping. This tour promises unforgettable experiences and new friendships in one of the world's most extraordinary destinations.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Airlie Beach
Location: Airlie Beach
Accommodation Name: Base Backpackers (or similar)
Hello Airlie Beach! This tropical paradise is the perfect place to kick off our adventure. Our trip starts at Base Backpackers where we'll meet our fellow adventurers.
Day 2: Airlie Beach To The Whitsundays
Location: The Whitsundays
Accommodation Name: Prosail (or similar)
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
This morning we'll transfer to the marina and board a converted racing yacht - our home for the next 2 nights - ready to set sail over crystal clear waters. With 74 perfect islands at your fingertips, an open sea calling your name, today you'll get to explore one of the worlds most lusted-after holiday destinations with a day trip to the spotless Whitehaven Beach, including snorkelling. A freshly prepared lunch and dinner are waiting for you back on the yacht. This is as close to heaven as you can find on planet earth.
Day 3: The Whitsundays
Location: The Whitsundays
Accommodation Name: Prosail (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Is there anywhere in the world more beautiful than the Whitsundays? We think not. We'll have more wonders to enjoy today as we spend the day cruising through the islands, enjoying freshly prepared meals on board, with endless opportunities to snorkel, swim and soak up those rays.
Day 4: Whitsundays To Yunbenun (Magnetic Island) Via Airlie Beach And Townsville
Location: Magnetic Island
Accommodation Name: Base Backpackers (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Waking up on board the yacht this morning, we'll make our way to the shore. With our sights set on another beautiful island destination we'll board a coach, heading for Townsville.
Here we'll board the ferry to our next destination.
Magnetic Island is an apt name for this captivating isle, with its coastal walking trails and gum trees teeming with lazy koala bears. We'll have plenty of time to explore, try some water sports in the bright turquoise waters or meet some of the local marsupials. But first things first, we'll enjoy a drink (our treat) and watch the sunset over the bay. Blissful or what?
Day 5: Yunbenun (Magnetic Island)
Location: Magnetic Island
Accommodation Name: Nomads Magnetic Island (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
We have a whole day on this paradise island - lucky us! Check out some of the walking trails - such as the Forts Walk which offers up stunning views of the Palm Island Group as well as WWII fortifications, and the chance to see koalas in the wild - or enjoy some free time at Horseshoe bay, taking a dip on the azure waters and relaxing on the beach. See Magnetic Island's resident Rock Wallabies at dusk before a free evening, where we can watch the sunset and check out some of the local bars.
Day 6: Yunbenun (Magnetic Island) To Gimuy (Cairns) Via Townsville
Location: Cairns
Accommodation Name: Gilligans (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
After breakfast this morning we'll say farewell to our koala friends and depart Magnetic Island on a ferry. But we'll never forget its singular beauty.
Back in Townsville we won't hang around too long, as we're hopping on a train headed to Cairns, where we'll arrive late afternoon after a gloriously scenic journey along Australia's East Coast.
Welcome to the city where rainforests meet reefs. We'll enjoy one of the most memorable meals you've ever experienced today with our interactive Bush Food MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® tutorial and dinner. An experienced chef will guide us through a history of Bush Food as you sample a variety of native spices and fruits, explaining their tastes, origins, and traditional uses before we enjoy our dinner, which features native game. It's an incredible cultural feast, and the perfect way to start our adventure in Cairns.
Day 7: Gimuy (Cairns)
Location: Daintree
Accommodation Name: Gilligans (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Rise and shine, our entire day today is an unforgettable MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® experience, packed with history, heritage and natural beauty, as we enjoy a spectacular a day trip to the oldest tropical rainforest in the world: Daintree. With its ancient ferns and vibrant canopies, this place will take our breath away. There's a reason David Attenborough called it 'the most extraordinary place on earth.' As well as admiring the lush rainforest, we'll also meet the local Kuku Yalanji people and learn about their rich Aboriginal culture and history. We'll get the chance to view a smoking ceremony and take an art class with an Aboriginal artist. We'll also learn about ancient Dreamtime stories, local history and how these are shared through art. Then, we'll get to create our own unique souvenir to take home in the form of a canvas that tells our own stories. What a day; and we're not done yet.
Day 8: Gimuy (Cairns)
Location: Cairns
Accommodation Name: Gilligans (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today you'll have the option to board a catamaran out to the reef to snorkel or dive in the crystal waters and gaze at the colourful coral and even more vibrant marine life. Back on board, the expert marine crew will tell us all there is to know about this stunning, but vulnerable, natural miracle.
Day 9: End Gimuy (Cairns)
Location: Cairns
Meals Included: Breakfast
Our adventure ends this afternoon, but not before we have a chance to escape our comfort zones and try some of the adventurous activities that Cairns is famous for. Anyone for bungy jumping?
What's Included
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Meals
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided on specific days as per the itinerary.
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Transportation
Transfers to the marina, ferry rides, and a scenic train journey along Australia's East Coast are included.
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Activities
Activities such as snorkeling, sailing, koala-spotting, and exploring the Daintree Rainforest with an expert guide are included.
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Cultural Experiences
Interactive Bush Food tutorial and dinner, meeting the local Kuku Yalanji people, and participating in an art class with an Aboriginal artist are included.
What's Not Included
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Optional Activities
Optional activities such as bungy jumping and catamaran trips to the reef for snorkeling or diving are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
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Flights
International and domestic flights to and from the starting and ending locations are not included.
Mode of Transport
Transfers to the marina, ferry rides, and a scenic train journey along Australia's East Coast are included.
Accommodation
Accommodation at Base Backpackers, Prosail, Nomads Magnetic Island, and Gilligans (or similar) is included.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodation is included in the tour?
Accommodation at Base Backpackers, Prosail, Nomads Magnetic Island, and Gilligans (or similar) is included.
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Are meals included in the tour?
Yes, breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided on specific days as per the itinerary.
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What types of transportation are included in the tour?
Transfers to the marina, ferry rides, and a scenic train journey along Australia's East Coast are included.
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What activities are included in the tour?
Activities such as snorkeling, sailing, koala-spotting, and exploring the Daintree Rainforest with an expert guide are included.
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Are there any cultural experiences included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes an interactive Bush Food tutorial and dinner, meeting the local Kuku Yalanji people, and participating in an art class with an Aboriginal artist.
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What optional activities are available during the tour?
Optional activities such as bungy jumping and catamaran trips to the reef for snorkeling or diving are available but not included.
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Are personal expenses covered in the tour?
No, personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Is travel insurance included in the tour package?
No, travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
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Are flights included in the tour package?
No, international and domestic flights to and from the starting and ending locations are not included.
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What will we do on Day 1 of the tour?
On Day 1, you will arrive at Airlie Beach, meet your fellow adventurers at Base Backpackers, and start your adventure.
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What can we expect on Day 2 of the tour?
On Day 2, you will transfer to the marina, board a converted racing yacht, and set sail over crystal clear waters to explore the Whitsunday Islands, including a day trip to Whitehaven Beach and snorkeling.
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What activities are planned for Day 3?
On Day 3, you will spend the day cruising through the Whitsunday Islands, enjoying freshly prepared meals on board, with opportunities to snorkel, swim, and soak up the sun.
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What will we do on Day 4?
On Day 4, you will leave the yacht, board a coach to Townsville, and then take a ferry to Magnetic Island where you can explore, try water sports, or meet local marsupials.
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What is planned for Day 5?
On Day 5, you will have a whole day to explore Magnetic Island, including walking trails, WWII fortifications, and seeing koalas in the wild. You can also relax at Horseshoe Bay and see Rock Wallabies at dusk.
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What will happen on Day 6?
On Day 6, you will leave Magnetic Island, take a scenic train journey to Cairns, and enjoy an interactive Bush Food tutorial and dinner in the evening.
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What is the itinerary for Day 7?
On Day 7, you will take a day trip to the Daintree Rainforest, meet the local Kuku Yalanji people, participate in a smoking ceremony, take an art class, and learn about ancient Dreamtime stories.
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What options are available on Day 8?
On Day 8, you have the option to board a catamaran to the reef for snorkeling or diving, and learn about the marine life from the expert crew.
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What happens on the last day of the tour?
On the last day, you will have the chance to try some adventurous activities that Cairns is famous for, such as bungy jumping, before the tour ends in the afternoon.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
In 1961, a guy called John Anderson founded Contiki in New Zealand. Whilst later bought by The Travel Corporation, the tour company had already been using the name ‘Contiki’ since its inception.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Contiki trips are designed & operated exclusively for those aged 18-35 years. Your travelling companions will be like-minded adventurers within that age range. The age range is adhered to strictly.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® is our commitment to protect people, wildlife and the incredible planet we all share. Powered by The TreadRight Foundation, a non-profit organisation and Contiki’s guiding hand when it comes to making travel matter.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
All documentation will be sent via email around 21 days prior to your trip departure. You can also access information on your trip by signing up to My Contiki via the top right icon of the homepage.
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Low Deposit
Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.
Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
Why book with Barrhead?
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Your flight & hotel package is fully ATOL protected.
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