Sailing Whitsundays & Great Barrier Reef
Explore paradise on this once in a lifetime sailing experience
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Group Size: Maximum 30
Trip code: CTNQ
Duration: 9 days
All aboard a bucket list adventure! Glide around the gorgeous Whitsundays on a converted racing yacht for 2 nights before adventuring up to Cairns for a buzzing city and the once in a lifetime experience snorkelling with the intricate ecosystem on the Great Barrier Reef. This group adventure makes this a social experience like no other as you will have a ready-made group of mates to explore the stunning East Coast of Australia. Learn about the country’s rich history with fascinating lessons about Bush Food and Aboriginal art. You’ll spend ample time in the tranquil sea, wandering on untouched sands and soaking up some rays. Have the opportunity to end the trip with some heart-racing adventures, including skydiving and white water rafting!
Trip highlights
- Sail on a converted racing yacht travelling around the Whitsundays
- Swim in clear seas and explore sandy beaches including Whitehaven Beach
- Enjoy a freshly cooked breakfast with Bungalow Bay’s Koalas
- Learn about Aboriginal culture and art from local Kuku Yalanji people
- Swim with the wonderful marine life on the Great Barrier Reef
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- 7 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 5 dinners
- Breakfast in Bungalow Bay Koala Village
- Bush food tutorial and dinner
- 7 nights of accommodation in hostels
- 2 nights aboard a converted racing yacht
- All in trip transport, including coach, boat and train
- Expert guide, captain and crew
- Day trip to Daintree
- Help with onward travel
- 24-hour support
- Airport transfers
- Visas
- Insurance
- Flights
- Optional activities
Day 1: Airlie Beach. Welcome to paradise! Airlie Beach is the perfect place to kick off the next 9 days as you meet your new group and get to know each other with a lovely welcome dinner. Enjoy a free night to explore this coastal town’s tranquil waters and buzzing nightlife.
Day 2: Airlie Beach to The Whitsundays. Get ready to set sail! We’ll head to the marina and get ready to make our converted racing yacht your home for the next 2 nights. There is no better place to glide around than the Whitsunday Islands, catch some rays up on deck and enjoy a freshly prepared lunch and dinner - sounds perfect, doesn’t it?
Day 3: The Whitsundays. Don’t get to pack your snorkel! You won’t be able to resist a dip in the sea and the marine life is stunning! We’ll stop off on the picture perfect Whitehaven beach and all your meals will be prepared ready for you to revitalise.
Day 4: The Whitsundays to Magnetic Island. Wake up early to catch a stunning sunrise reflecting off the water before hopping back to shore. A train journey packed with the best Aussie East Coast views will take us to Townsville, where we’ll board a ferry to magical Magnetic Island. Take some time to explore the island’s lush nature and wildlife as we treat you to a delicious dinner and a drink as the sun sets.
Day 5: Magnetic Island. Start off this amazing day with an unlimited freshly cooked breakfast with some special guests, Koalas! You’ll be spoilt for choice on how to spend your day - enjoy the gorgeous views of the Palm Island Group on the Forts Walk, visit WWII fortifications or soak up the rays on the beach with a beer in hand. Hang out with Rock Wallabies and spend the evening with a perfect sunset, hanging out in local bars.
Day 6: Magnetic Island to Cairns. Wave goodbye to your new Koala besties, hop back on the ferry, back to Townsville and then continue along the coast, ready for an afternoon in the wonderful Cairns. Get ready for a Make Travel Matter tutorial and dinner from an experienced chef, a more than ideal way to set up the next few days!
Day 7: Cairns. Today is loaded up as a memorable Make Travel Matter day! Enjoy one of a kind tour of Daintree, the oldest tropical rainforest in the world. This place is brimming with luscious greenery and an abundance of ancient canopies. If you’re not already sold, David Attenborough named it ‘the most extraordinary place on earth' so it truly is special. Get educated on Aboriginal culture and craft a special souvenir that you can keep as a reminder of this epic day!
Day 8: Cairns. If you’re missing the ocean, take the opportunity today to hop aboard a catamaran over the world famous Great Barrier Reef! Jump in with a snorkel to see the wonderful ecosystem, with the marine crew informing you on all you need to know about marine life.
Day 9: Cairns. Tick off some bucket list experiences as an epic end to this trip! What’s a better way to say goodbye to your new friends than soaring through the jungle on a giant swing or bungee jumping off the world famous AJ Hackett Bungy Tower. Take a dive out of a plane, hang above the rainforest on a Skyrail, or speed down Barron River White Water Rafting. Cairns is famed for these thrill seeking activities and you won’t want to miss out! Say your goodbyes to your group and start prepping your next trip down under!
Please note that all activities, inclusions and itineraries are subject to change.
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Online booking is unavailable for this trip
Online booking isn't currently available but if you'd like to enquire please use the form below. Alternatively if you'd like to discuss alternate trips or if you have any other questions please don't hesitate to contact us.Proserpine Airport (PPP), located just 26 kilometres southwest of Airlie Beach is the closest airport if you are wanting to fly into the Whitsundays. Proserpine Airport has direct flights from major cities such as Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne.
You will need to make your own way to the starting hostel. It takes approximately 35 minutes and it's very easy to get a taxi or an airport shuttle.
Accommodation
This trip provides 6 nights in a variety of Hostels and 2 nights in a Converted Racing Yacht.
An example of hostels you can stay in are provided below. Please note all accommodation is subject to change.
- Airlie Beach - Base Backpackers
- Magnetic Island - Base Backpackers
- Cairns- Gilligans
Meals
You will be provided with 7 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 5 dinners. The remainder of the meals you will need to provide yourself, which provides the opportunity to try out authentic and local cuisines.
This trip is designed for travellers aged 18-35 years old.
All visitors to Australia (excepting those from New Zealand) will need a visa or e-visa/ETA to enter. These must be applied for before departure, and if you’re planning on working in Australia whilst you’re out there you’ll need a Working Holiday Visa. If you’re just heading to Australia for fun however, an ETA will be fine. Both visas can be applied for online.
Visa rules and regulations are subject to change. Please check the relevant embassy websites for up to date information.