Contiki Aussie Explorer 25 Day Tour Sydney to Darwin

A great value Contiki Tour departing Sydney and going all the way to Darwin.

(This tour is also available in reverse - please call for details)

Day 1
Sydney to Shoal Bay (Port Stephens)
Resort

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. (D)

Day 2
Shoal Bay to Coffs Harbour
(Surf Village)

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. (B,D)

Day 3
Coffs Harbour to Surfers Paradise
Hotel

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! (B)

Day 4
Surfers Paradise
Hotel

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.

Day 5
Surfers Paradise to Fraser Island
Eco Lodge

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. (B,D)

Day 6
Fraser Island Eco
Lodge

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!

Day 7
Fraser Island to Country Homestead
Country Homestead

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! (B,D)

Day 8
Country Homestead to the Whitsundays
Resort

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. (B,D)

Day 9 - Day 10
The Whitsundays
Resort

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. (B)(B)

Day 11
The Whitsundays to Cairns
Resort

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. (B)

Day 12 Day 13
Cairns
Resort

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! (B)

Day 14
Cairns to Alice Springs
Hotel

A relaxing start to the day before boarding your flight to Alice Springs to begin your Northern Territory adventure.

Day 15
Alice Springs
Hotel

We take a sightseeing tour of Alice Springs to see ANZAC Hill Lookout and the Desert Park. Just a little further afield we'll visit Simpson's Gap and other sights around Alice Springs. Time for a swim before dinner, followed by perhaps a spin at the casino. (B,D)

Alice Springs to Kings Creek Station Day 16 Outback bush camp

Strike out West to rugged Kings Creek Station, a working camel station, and tonight do as the real Aussie 'bushies' do and sleep under the stars in a comfy swag. (B,D)

Day 17
Kings Creek Station to Uluru
Lodge

Up early to take in the stunning sights as we wander along the ridge of Kings Canyon and discover the Garden of Eden and the Lost City.Then we'll drive past amazing Mt Connor, to reach the modern Yulara Resort, our accommodation for the next two nights. Watch the sun set and rise over Uluru and explore this world-famous monolith. (B)

Day 18
Uluru
Lodge

Uluru National Park and the famous 'big rock' await. We'll watch the amazing warm hues of an Uluru sunrise, followed by a visit to the excellent Cultural Center housing a display of information on Aboriginal history and culture. Then why not jump on the back of a Harley Davidson motorcycle to take in more of the Spinifex plains? Maybe take a flight over the area or challenge the vertical and climb Uluru? Later time for a swim and to enjoy a glass of bubbly to toast the Uluru sunset. (B)

Day 19
Uluru to Alice Springs
Hotel

Today we visit a traditional roadhouse on our way to Alice Springs. Maybe join us for dinner tonight to try outback delicacies like crocodile and emu. (B)

Day 20
Alice Springs to Tennant Creek
Hotel

Why not take the opportunity of a lifetime and see the dawn break over the MacDonnell Ranges from a hot air balloon, and upon returning to terra firma feast on chicken and champagne? We'll cross the Tropic of Capricorn on our way to the Devils Marbles. Then north to Tennant Creek which is the site of the last gold rush in Australia. (D)

Day 21
Tennant Creek to Katherine
Hotel

Try a cold beer at the oldest Territory pub. Enjoy a refreshing swim in the crystal waters of Mataranka Thermal Pools or take a look at the Elsey Homestead. Onwards to Katherine for tonight's get together - because by now you know everyone and everyone knows you! (B)

Day 22
Katherine to Kakadu National Park
Hotel

This morning we are out to Nitmiluk National Park and the sensational Katherine Gorge. Why not take in the beauty of nature's sculpture with a leisurely boat trip through the ancient gorges. This afternoon we'll head to Kakadu National Park. Our accommodation is right in the middle of the park and it's soon time for another romantic sunset at Ubirr Aboriginal rock art site. Relax this evening in a tropical poolside setting. Why isn't life always like this? (B,D)

Day 23
Kakadu National Park
Hotel

Rise early and you have the chance to see the wonders of Kakadu from the air. This scenic flight will leave you breathless and it's not the altitude. You really will understand why this is a world heritage region. Then on to Nourlangie Rock, famous for its Aboriginal art. View the wetlands and spend the afternoon on a wildlife cruise. (B)

Day 24
Kakadu National Park to Darwin
Hotel

Today we head to Darwin, the most northerly city in Australia. We visit the Northern Territory Museum, and there's free time this afternoon to shop till you drop! Tonight is our last night together. Uh-huh - time to party hard! Try your luck at the casino or dance the night away at one of Darwin's clubs. (B)

Day 25
Litchfield National Park & Darwin

Litchfield National Park is 650 square kilometres (255 square miles) of top end treasure, enclosing a spectacular sandstone plateau. We'll swim at picturesque Florence Falls. All good things must come to an end and so it's back to our Darwin hotel where our tour - not the friendships made - ends. Start planning your next Contiki holiday! (B)

For the best price call Ozhorizons
Australia: 07 41249943 - International +61 7 41249943