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Cape to Coast

with Sailing

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The one that takes you through beaches, bushwalks and reefs, with a sailing trip through the wondrous Whitsundays

Travel Style

In-Depth Explorer

Take your time and explore in-detail each destination on this trip. Find out more

  • Duration

    14 days

  • Places

    9 places

  • Meals

    13 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 4 Dinners

  • Team

    Expert Trip Manager, Driver and Local Guides

Cairns, Cape Tribulation, Whitsundays, Noosa Everglades, Byron Bay, Sydney, Fraser Island, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Hosanna Farm

Cape to Coast with Sailing

17 Inclusions

Experiences that are included with your trip

  • Stop at Alexandra Lookout Photo Stop
  • See where the rainforest meets the sea at Alexandra Lookout
  • Lunch time stop Port Douglas (own expense)
  • See Aboriginal culture brought to life through traditional dance, art and interactive demonstrations at Tjapukai on a Dreamtime Experience
  • Tjapukai - Dreamtime Experience
  • Train: Airlie Beach to Cairns
  • Whitsundays Sailing
  • Included Flight: Airlie Beach to Noosa
  • Spend the day on the world's largest sand island: Fraser Island
  • Swim in idyllic Lake Mackenzie on Fraser Island
  • Enjoy a tasty lunch on Fraser Island
  • Visit Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary - and see native Australian animals including kangaroos, emus, crocodiles, dingoes & Tasmanian devils
  • Visit an authentic Aussie working farm for home-cooked damper & billy tea
  • Live out your bohemian dreams with a surfing lesson in Byron Bay
  • Included Flight: Byron Bay to Sydney
  • Sunset Cruise on Sydney Harbour
  • Take a day trip to the Blue Mountains and learn about their cultural significance

15 Free Time Add-Ons

Optional experiences that you can choose from and pay for on your trip

  • Soar through the rainforest canopy on a zipline Jungle Surfing experience at Cape Tribulation A$ 99.00
  • Get the blood pumping with an AJ Hackett bungee jump in Cairns A$ 165.00
  • Feel the thrill of White Water Rafting in Cairns A$ 135.00
  • Take the Skyrail through UNESCO-listed rainforest to the sustainable living haven of Kuranda From A$105
  • Get entry to Cairns Zoom and Wildlife Dome plus one ZOOM activity A$ 45.00
  • Cuddle up to a Koala for a photo at Cairns ZOOM and Wildlife Dome format A$ 28.00
  • Great Barrier Reef Cruise A$189
  • Kayak on the crystal clear waters of Byron Bay A$ 58.00
  • Taste craft beer at the Stone and Wood Brewery in Byron Bay A$ 40.00
  • Phillip Foote Dinner - "Cook your own BBQ" A$ 38.00
  • Taste world class Australian wine at Handpicked Wines Cellar Door A$ 40.00
  • Whizz over the waters of Sydney harbour on a jet boat A$ 60.00
  • Explore the city of Sydney on two wheels with a guided bike tour A$ 70.00
  • Get up close to protected Sumatran tigers, Asian elephants, chimpanzees, giraffes & red kanagaroos at Sydney's Taronga Zoo A$ 47.00
  • See Sydney's skyline at its best as you take the climb of your life up the famous Harbour Bridge A$ 250.00

Where I'll Stay?

Learn more about the accommodation available on this trip

  • 13 nights

    All accommodation is included on this trip

    9 nights in Hostel, 2 nights in Boat, 2 nights in Special Stay - Eco Camp

    Hostel-style accommodation with a Special Stay at an Eco Camp in the Noosa Everglades (complete with kangaroos). With accommodation this centrally located you'll be right in the action and ready to enjoy your days after a comfy night's sleep.

About this trip

Wild nights & wildlife await you on Australia's East Coast. Zip through the rainforest canopies, experience the pristine beauty of sailing the Whitsundays as well as life on a farm, koalas & kangaroos and snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef. Hit up Byron Bay, serving up some of the best surf, sand & beach vibes in the world.

Buy With Confidence

  • Only $99 deposit to book*

    For a limited time, reserve your space now with a deposit of only $99, pay the rest 45 days before departure

  • Pay over time, interest free

    Can't pay in full? We've got you covered with our Part Pay Program

  • No booking fee, no change fees

    Change your travel dates or even your trip for free

  • Financing available with UpLift

    Book now, pay later when you're eligible for Uplift

Map & Itinerary

  • Start location
  • End location
  • Trip day
  • Via location
  • River route
  • Plane route

Nights spent per location

  1. Cairns

  2. 1 1 night

    Cape Tribulation

  3. 4 4 nights

    Cairns

  4. 2 2 nights

    Whitsundays

  5. 2 2 nights

    Noosa Everglades

  6. via via

    Fraser Island

  7. via via

    Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

  8. via via

    Hosanna Farm

  9. 2 2 nights

    Byron Bay

  10. 2 2 nights

    Sydney

+0 more

DAY 1 - Cairns to Cape Tribulation

Cairns

Say hello to your group this morning and head to our first destination as we depart Cairns for Cape Tribulation. We'll stop at Alexandra Lookout for a quick photo op that is almost guaranteed to have the likes rolling in.

Cape Tribulation

Next we'll roll in to the remote coastal point of Cape Tribulation (make sure you ask your Crew how it got it's name) where we'll get to experience a bit more of life off the beaten track. Here you can opt to explore the world's oldest rainforest and zip-line through the canopies, before turning in (or turning it up) for your first night in Aussie.

Stay

PK’s Backpacker Lodge (or similar)

INCLUDED EXPERIENCES

  • Stop at Alexandra Lookout Photo Stop

FREE TIME ADD-ONS

  • Soar through the rainforest canopy on a zipline Jungle Surfing experience at Cape Tribulation

    A$ 99.00

DAY 2 - Cape Tribulation to Cairns

Cape Tribulation

Rise and shine for your second day! After breakfast we'll take a guided walk up to a lookout followed by a visit to Marrdja Boardwalk. Making our way back to Cairns today, we stop in Port Douglas where you'll have free time for lunch and then we're back on the coach for our drive back into Cairns.

Cairns

Arriving back into Cairns in the late afternoon you'll get to meet more new-found friends to share your East Coast adventure with.

Stay

Gilligan’s Hostel (or similar)

INCLUDED EXPERIENCES

  • Guided walk - guided walk up to lookout of Rainforest meets the Reef & Marrdja Boardwalk

  • Lunch time stop Port Douglas (own expense)

DAY 3 - Cairns

Cairns

Good morning Cairns you delightful palm tree paradise. Today we'll take you on a Dreamtime walk at Tjapukai where you can explore the rich history of the world's oldest living culture. After getting your culture fix for the day, why not unleash your inner-adrenaline junkie and take a leap of faith at AJ Hackett Bungy Jumping? Or take to the rapids for an action-packed afternoon of white-water rafting on the Barron River.

Stay

Gilligan’s Hostel (or similar)

INCLUDED EXPERIENCES

  • See Aboriginal culture brought to life through traditional dance, art and interactive demonstrations at Tjapukai on a Dreamtime Experience

  • Tjapukai - Dreamtime Experience

FREE TIME ADD-ONS

  • Get the blood pumping with an AJ Hackett bungee jump in Cairns

    A$ 165.00

  • Feel the thrill of White Water Rafting in Cairns

    A$ 135.00

DAY 4 - Cairns

Cairns

Today could be the perfect chance to sign up for a day trip on the Skyrail. Here you can gain a truly unique perspective of Australia's World Heritage listed tropical rainforest, gliding above the canopy before descending to the forest floor to continue your guided explorational journey in the tropical hippie paradise of Kuranda.  Known for its appreciation of sustainable living and alternate therapies, Kuranda is a unique village in a world of commercialism.  Take the famous Kuranda Railway back to Cairns for a relaxing end to your day.

Stay

Gilligan’s Hostel (or similar)

FREE TIME ADD-ONS

  • Take the Skyrail through UNESCO-listed rainforest to the sustainable living haven of Kuranda

    From A$105

  • Get entry to Cairns Zoom and Wildlife Dome plus one ZOOM activity

    A$ 45.00

  • Cuddle up to a Koala for a photo at Cairns ZOOM and Wildlife Dome

    format A$ 28.00

DAY 5 - Cairns

Cairns

Make the most of your free day here in Cairns and jump on our optional day trip out to Australia's most famous natural wonder, The Great Barrier Reef. Head out to the reef and try your hand at snorkelling, gape at the mindblowingly colourful coral and listen to a marine biologist tell you all there is to know about this wonder. This day is a must-do for any trip to Oz!

Stay

Gilligan’s Hostel (or similar)

FREE TIME ADD-ONS

  • Great Barrier Reef Cruise

    A$189

DAY 6 - Cairns to the Whitsundays

Cairns

Is there anything as spectacular as the Great Barrier Reef...The Whitsunday's sure come close, and luckily it's the next stop on our journey.

Whitsundays

After a scenic train ride along the East Coast of Queensland, we'll arrive in beautiful Airlie Beach. Hello Whitsundays! Head out this evenig and enjoy the restaurants, bars and ocean vistas this backpacker hub has to offer. Next, we'll head to the marina where we'll begin our Whitsundays sailing adventure and meet our crew, before bunking down on our sailing yacht for the night.

Stay

Converted Sailing Yacht

INCLUDED EXPERIENCES

  • Train: Airlie Beach to Cairns

DAY 7 - The Whitsundays

Whitsundays

How often do you get to wake up in paradise? Today we'll spend the whole day cruising the Whitsundays with our crew. Swim, snorkel, eat and repeat as we sail around the Whitsundays. Do as much or as little as you like - help the crew, snorkel some of the best coral reefs in Australia and laze on the fine sands of Whitehaven beach (cue: more pinch yourself moments). Soak it all in and relish living your best beachcomber life.

Stay

Converted Sailing Yacht

INCLUDED EXPERIENCES

  • Whitsundays Sailing

DAY 8 - The Whitsundays to Noosa Everglades

Whitsundays

Have breakie and say goodbye to your sailing crew and the crystal clear waters of The Whitsundays when we hop on a plane for a flight to our next destination - Noosa Everglades.

Noosa Everglades

We'll arrive at our destination and unpack at our Special Stay Eco Camp home for the next two nights and relax with a group dinner in the bistro & bar area, surrounded by the chatter and rustling of local birds and kangaroos.

Stay

Habitat Noosa

INCLUDED EXPERIENCES

  • Included Flight: Airlie Beach to Noosa

DAY 9 - Noosa Everglades - Fraser Island Day Trip

Noosa Everglades

Wake up to the sound of birds chirping at our Eco Camp this morning (you might even spot a kangaroo) and grab a quick brekkie before heading out for a day on Fraser Island.

Fraser Island

Your spirits will be at an all-time high after this day full of sand dunes, scenic lakes and dense rainforests. We'll cruise along the world's longest sand highway before you appease your hunger with a tasty lunch.

Noosa Everglades

It's back to the Eco Camp this evening for our final night here. You have free time to tuck into some food at the bistro, sample the offerings at the CootharaBAR boutique brewery, or just relax and enjoy the lush surroundings of this beautiful protected National Park.

Stay

Habitat Noosa

INCLUDED EXPERIENCES

  • Spend the day on the world's largest sand island: Fraser Island

  • Swim in idyllic Lake Mackenzie on Fraser Island

  • Enjoy a tasty lunch on Fraser Island

DAY 10 - Noosa Everglades to Byron Bay via Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary and Hosanna Farm

Noosa Everglades

It's time to wave goodbye to our Eco Camp this morning and start making our way south to our next destination - Byron Bay!

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

We'll make our way to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary where you'll see koalas, kangaroos and crocodiles up close and personal.

Hosanna Farm

On the way south we'll stop at Hosanna Farm, an authentic Aussie working farm where you'll get the chance to try some traditional Australian tucker - damper & billy tea.

Byron Bay

Still buzzing from our farm & wildlife adventures, we'll arrive at our destination, the hippie haven of Byron Bay where we will be spending the next two nights.

Stay

Wake Up Hostel (or similar)

INCLUDED EXPERIENCES

  • Visit Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary - and see native Australian animals including kangaroos, emus, crocodiles, dingoes & Tasmanian devils

  • Visit an authentic Aussie working farm for home-cooked damper & billy tea

DAY 11 - Byron Bay

Byron Bay

Why not wake up early and catch the sunrise at Australia's most easterly point before the surf vibes begin today with our included surf lesson. Then you have the rest of the day to explore like a local. Start by finding the best smashed avo Byron has to offer - there's no shortage of tasty and organic cafes here. With the afternoon stretched out ahead of you, there's kayaking, relaxing on the beach, whale watching (seasonal) or beer tasting all on offer - your time here will be nothing short of magic.

Stay

Wake Up Hostel (or similar)

INCLUDED EXPERIENCES

  • Live out your bohemian dreams with a surfing lesson in Byron Bay

FREE TIME ADD-ONS

  • Kayak on the crystal clear waters of Byron Bay

    A$ 58.00

  • Taste craft beer at the Stone and Wood Brewery in Byron Bay

    A$ 40.00

DAY 12 - Byron Bay to Sydney

Byron Bay

With Byron satisfaction levels at a high this morning we jump on a plane to our ultimate destination - Sydney!

Sydney

Welcome to Sydney! Once you arrive set out to explore this sun drenched, cosmopolitan and eternally cool city. Your Trip Manager will give you the low down on all of Sydney's best bits as you get a tour of the highlights. After, you could opt to catch the ferry to Watsons Bay to experience the iconic skyline from a different perspective, then venture over to Bondi Beach where you can spend the afternoon lazing about in the sunshine. If this is not enough to satisfy all your Sydney bucket-list needs then join your group for a harbour cruise at sunset.

Stay

Wake Up Hostel (or similar)

INCLUDED EXPERIENCES

  • Included Flight: Byron Bay to Sydney

  • Sunset Cruise on Sydney Harbour

FREE TIME ADD-ONS

  • Phillip Foote Dinner - "Cook your own BBQ"

    A$ 38.00

DAY 13 - Sydney

Sydney

With a full free day to choose your own adventure, we have plenty of Free Time Add-Ons for you to pick from. Wine-lovers can sign up for an Australian wine tasting experience; water-lovers can opt for a jetboat on the harbour abd animal lovers can take a visit to Taronga Zoo.

Stay

Wake Up Hostel (or similar)

FREE TIME ADD-ONS

  • Taste world class Australian wine at Handpicked Wines Cellar Door

    A$ 40.00

  • Whizz over the waters of Sydney harbour on a jet boat

    A$ 60.00

  • Explore the city of Sydney on two wheels with a guided bike tour

    A$ 70.00

  • Get up close to protected Sumatran tigers, Asian elephants, chimpanzees, giraffes & red kanagaroos at Sydney's Taronga Zoo

    A$ 47.00

  • See Sydney's skyline at its best as you take the climb of your life up the famous Harbour Bridge

    A$ 250.00

DAY 14 - Sydney

Sydney

This morning we'll hit the road and head on a day trip to one of Australia's finest: the majestic Blue Mountains (which aren't actually blue, but are still beautiful all the same). Out here in the great Aussie Outdoors we'll be learning about the legends behind the famous Three Sisters rock formation as well as exploring the Jamison Ridge area. Back in Sydney we'll say goodbye to our new-found family as our trip ends on return to the hostel.

INCLUDED EXPERIENCES

  • Take a day trip to the Blue Mountains and learn about their cultural significance

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions group

Are flights included in my trip?

International flights to/from the destination your trip starts and ends in are not included in the cost of the trip, and must be purchased separately. You can book these independently if you want to shop around for the best quote, or through your travel agent.

Any flights you take during your Contiki are included in the cost of your trip. On certain Australian trips we use planes to get you from A to B as quickly as possible, and all of this is included.

What documents do I need to travel?

Depending on your nationality, you may require visas to enter Australia & New Zealand. You are fully responsible for obtaining all necessary visas prior to the departure of your trip. Contiki is not legally permitted to knowingly allow anybody who does not have a valid visa (if required) to join a trip. Visa & other entry & exit conditions such as currency, arrival/ departure taxes, customs & quarantine regulations change regularly, so make sure you stay up-to-date before you travel. See here for more info: https://www.australia.gov.au/information-and-services/immigration-and-visas
https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas/options/visit
It is also essential that you have any necessary vaccinations & comply with all laws of the countries visited.

What are the luggage restrictions?

On our Australia & New Zealand trips, you can bring one bag or suitcase of 73cm x 50cm x 25cm (29” x 20” x 10”), with a max weight of 20kg (44lbs) plus one piece of hand luggage suitable as a carry-on for flights.

What do the Contiki team do?

People are at the heart of everything we do, and our team is what makes our trips the best. Our worldwide On-Road Team, locally based staff & network of Local Guides are all extensively trained & widely travelled, & are the best in the business. But we know it’s not just about training, it’s about passion & our team have it in their blood. 
Your Trip Manager is like your walking, talking guidebook – just for you. They plan your itinerary every day, organise your food and accomodation and book your Free Time Add ons, and because they know everything about where you’re going, you will too. Your Drivers are the experts on getting you from A to B efficiently and safely in Australia & New Zealand. They know their way around like the back of their hands & they’ll drop you at your door & unload your bags for you. Local Guides provide specialist knowledge when you need it, like when you’re journeying into the bush, and will always help you avoid the tourist traps.

How do I redeem the % off deal?

Our great deals and offers are only in market for a limited time are subject to pay in full deadlines. If you cannot pay in full by the specified date shown alongside the offer/deal you can still  lock in the trip date of your choice at our Standard Price where normal payment terms of pay in full 45 days prior to your trip departing apply.  Visit the deals page for the full terms & conditions. Discounts apply to the land portion of your trip price only (this excludes taxes, included flight costs, extra accommodation & optional activities. Your trip price does not include the costs of international flights that start or end your trip).