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Great Barrier Reef Highlights
With Sailing (From April 2022)
The one that explores Queensland's paradise isles, sailing the Whitsundays & visiting Magnetic Island
Travel Style
In-Depth Explorer
Learn about our travel styles.
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Duration
6 days
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Places
4 places
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Meals
4 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 4 Dinners
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Transport Style
Coach, Ferries, Train
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Group Size
Maximum 30 people
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Average Group Age
18-35
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Team
Trip Manager, Skipper & Crew
Airlie Beach, Whitsundays, Magnetic Island, Townsville
How Contiki works
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STEP 1
Pick your destination & book
Picking where to go out of 150 countries worldwide is the hardest part. Booking is easy with complete flexibility, & confidence that your money is secure.
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STEP 2
Book 7 hotels, try figuring out public transport in a foreign language, get into an argument with your taxi driver, lose your passp… -
STEP 2
Turn up to your dream trip
Everything has been sorted for you. Cool, convenient accom, smooth transport from place to place - plus a bunch of meals and travel experiences all locked in.
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STEP 3
Have the time of your life
Your Trip Host has designed every trip to be packed with incredible, local experiences, made even more amazing as you share it with other incredible 18-35 year old travelers.
About this trip
Looking for a spot of paradise closer to home? There's a reason the Whitsundays are one of the most sought after holiday destinations in the world. On this sunkissed adventure you and your crew of seadogs will get to explore them in all their glory as you sleep aboard a converted racing yacht and hop from paradise isle to paradise isle (the general vibe being: snorkel, sunbathe, sleep, repeat). Then onto Magnetic Island, where you'll get meet the local koalas and go on epic coastal walks, before ending your adventure - with glowing skin and a wide smile - in either Townsville or Cairns.
Book With Confidence
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Reserve your space now with a deposit of only $200, pay the rest 45 days before departure
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Change your travel dates or even your trip for free
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Trip Variation
Customize the itinerary of your trip depending on yours preferences
Compare Trips Variations-
Without Sailing
Option 1
On this version of the trip you'll spend a night at a hostel at Airlie Beach, instead of sailing the Whitsundays and overnighting on a yacht. You'll still have the option to book your own day sailing excursion from Airlie Beach if you choose.
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With Sailing (Until March 2022)
Option 2
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With Sailing (From April 2022)
Option 3
Map & Itinerary
- Start location
- End location
- Trip day
- Via location
- River route
- Plane route
DAY 1 - Arrive Airlie Beach
Airlie Beach
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. Then we'll bond over a delicious welcome dinner before a free night to explore this laid-back tropical town.
DAY 2 - Airlie Beach to Whitsundays
Airlie Beach
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.
Whitsundays
That's right - we're wasting no time getting out on the crystal-clear waters to board a converted racing yacht - our home for the next 2 nights. A delicious dinner is included tonight as we bond and swap stories under the starlit skies.
DAY 3 - The Whitsundays
Whitsundays
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 - The Whitsundays to Magnetic Island via Townsville
Whitsundays
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 train, heading for Townsville.
Townsville
After soaking up some East Coast scenery on our train journey, we'll hop on a ferry headed towards the spellbinding Magnetic Island.
Magnetic Island
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 - Magnetic Island
Magnetic Island
We have a whole day on this paradise island - lucky us! We'll waste no time meeting the locals, with a chance to eat an unlimited chef-cooked breakfast with some Koalas at the Bungalow Bay Koala Village. Then we can 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 WWI fortifications, and the chance to see more 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 - Magnetic Island to Townsville
Magnetic Island
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.
Townsville
Our trip ends this morning back in Townsville, however an optional train to Cairns with the rest of the group is available - chat to your Contiki Expert or Travel Agent to add this on. This adventure may be over, but we'll never forget the friends and memories we made.
Travel your way
These trips have flexible itineraries, so whether you want to sleep aboard a sailboat in the Whitsundays or prefer to stay on dry land, the choice is always yours
Where You'll Stay
Learn more about the accommodation available on this trip
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Base Backpackers
Magnetic Island, Australia
Located right on Magnetic Island’s beach with an outdoor deck, a swimming pool and hammocks, it’s the perfect place to either kick back or party, depending on your mood
2 nights
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5 nights
All accommodation is included on this trip
3 nights in Hostel, 2 nights in Yacht
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