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Day 1:
Sydney to Shoal Bay (Port Stephens)
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. Resort
(D) |
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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) |
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Day 3: Coffs Harbour to Surfers Paradise
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! Hotel
(B)
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Day 4: Surfers Paradise
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
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Day 5: Surfers Paradise to Fraser Island
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 (B,D)
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Day 6: 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! Eco
Lodge
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Day 7: Fraser Island to 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! Country
Homestead (B,D)
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Day 8: Country Homestead to the Whitsundays
On our way to Airlie Beach, gateway to the
Whitsundays, we'll visit Mackay - Australia's sugar
capital. Boarding our launch at Shute Harbour, we make
the short journey to Long Island, one of the jewels of
the Whitsundays. Resort
(B,D)
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Days 9-10: Whitsundays
Time to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and great
amenities of Long Island. 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
(B)(B)
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Day 11: Whitsundays to Cairns
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
(B)
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Days 12-13: 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! Resort
(B)
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Day 14: Cairns to Alice Springs
A relaxing start to the day before boarding your
flight to Alice Springs to begin your Northern Territory
adventure. Hotel
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Day 15: Alice Springs
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. Hotel
(B,D) |
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Day 16: Alice Springs to Kings
Creek Station
Cross the Finke River, the oldest river in the world,
to Kings Creek Station to experience a working camel
station. Tonight, sleep under the stars in true outback
style. Outback bush camp
(B,D) |
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Day 17: Kings Creek Station to Uluru
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. Lodge (B)
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Day 18: Uluru
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. Lodge
(B)
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Day 19: Uluru to Alice Springs
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. Hotel
(B)
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Day 20: Alice Springs to Tennant Creek
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. Hotel (D)
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Day 21:
Tennant Creek to Katherine
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!
Hotel (B)
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Day 22:
Katherine to Kakadu National Park
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? Hotel
(B,D)
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Day 23: Kakadu National Park
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. Hotel
(B)
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Day 24: Kakadu National Park to Darwin
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. Hotel
(B)
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Day 25:
Darwin to Litchfield National Park
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)
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