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Day 1
Darwin
Meet up with your fellow travellers and Contiki team before heading out to stunning Litchfield National Park. On the way, we stop by the termite mounds, a local natural curiosity. These mounds are up to 4 metres (13ft) high and are literally magnetic – your Tour Manager will fill you in on the details.
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Day 2
Darwin to Kakadu National Park
Today, we hit the Darwin Museum and find out about the past of the Northern Territory’s capital.
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Day 3
Kakadu National Park
We spend the day exploring some of this 20,000 sq km World Heritage-listed site. It’s packed with swamps, rainforest, wetlands, woodlands, plants, insects and 75 different types of reptiles.
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Day 4
Kakadu National Park to Katherine
Kick start the day by cooling off in the swimming hole at Edith Falls, deep in the heart of the national park.
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Day 5
Katherine to Tennant Creek
This morning, we pull into Mataranka Thermal Springs where you can have a swim in the thermal pools at a bush resort, where the mineral waters are a comfortable 34°C/93°F.
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Day 6
Tennant Creek to Alice Springs
As we leave the site of Australia's last gold rush, we're on to Karlu Karlu (the Devils Marbles). This afternoon we arrive in Alice Springs for a visit to the Alice Springs Reptile Centre where you hear about some of Australia’s the unique outback reptiles, and if you're brave enough, hold a python!
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Day 7
Alice Springs to Kings Creek Station
Jump start the day by learning about surviving in the bush with our included Aboriginal 'Bushtucker' tour. Our expert Aboriginal Guide will fill you in on the dos and don’ts of life in the bush, and you’ll even get to taste insects and plants if you’re adventurous.
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Day 8
Kings Creek Station to Uluru
Today we make tracks to Ulu?u!
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Day 9
Uluru
Start off the morning nice and early and watch the sun rise over this iconic natural wonder from the viewing area.
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Day 10
Uluru to Cairns
Your Tour Manager will cook up a storm for breakfast, so load up on bacon & eggs! After you'll board your flight to Cairns to meet your new Tour Manager & begin your East Coast adventure.
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Day 11
Cairns
Wake up to the warm waters of Cairns where there’s something for everyone. This is your chance to experience the Great Barrier Reef on an optional day trip.
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Day 13
Cairns to Whitsundays Sailing
Relax on the coach as we cruise past thick, tropical rainforests into Tully, home to some of Australia’s best whitewater rafting. Slowly leaving the tropics behind us, we hit Townsville for some free time. Check out the colonial buildings and get a feel for its maritime past as we drive along the esplanade and into town where you can grab some lunch.
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Day 15
The Whitsundays to Farmstay
Today you head back to the mainland, plug in you ipod or chat with friends as we drive through scenic Mackay, with countryside full of vibrant green vegetation and sugar cane plantations. Continue down the Capricorn Coast and head inland to an authentic country homestead, right in the heart of Queensland’s cattle country, for our overnight stay.
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Day 16
Farmstay to Fraser Island
After breakfast we drive back out to the coast and jump on board a ferry. Enjoy the cruise out to famous Fraser Island, where we’ll stay at an eco-lodge for our time here. Each cabin has its own kitchenette and living room, as well as a balcony – perfect for hanging out and listening to the sounds of the bush surrounding your lodge.
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Day 17
Fraser Island to Noosa
Experience a slice of paradise on Fraser Island this morning. This UNESCO World Heritage-listed site is the largest sand island in the world and is 800,000 years old. Packed with around 40 fresh-water lakes, lush rainforests and diverse wildlife, Fraser Island lives up to its amazing reputation.
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Day 18
Noosa to Surfers Paradise
There’s time to explore Noosa this morning so take a stroll through the shops or sunbathe and swim at the beach before we make our way south. We also stop off in Brisbane today. You’ll get a feel for the capital of Queensland’s laid-back atmosphere when we have a look around town.
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Day 19
Surfers Paradise
With a free day, hang out among the bronzed bodies, bikini babes and surfer dudes on the golden sands. Check out what Surfers is most famous for, the three kilometers of gorgeous natural beaches. Kick back and spot some locals showing off their talents in the waves.
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Day 20
Surfers Paradise to Byron Bay
This morning, we visit the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, where you’ll get up close to Australia’s amazing native animals. Cuddle a koala, feed the kangaroos and see wombats, emus, crocodiles, dingoes, Tasmanian devils and colourful birds. You can feel good about doing this too, as our visits to this not-for-profit organisation go towards the sanctuary’s animal hospital and help over 4000 injured animals every year.
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Day 21
Byron Bay to Coffs Harbour
This morning you’ll wake up to more good times in Byron Bay. Maybe head to the beach for a swim or a wander round town before it’s time to leave the chilled out atmosphere behind after lunch.
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Day 22
Coffs Harbour to Sydney
This morning, chill out on the coach and chat with your travel buddies as we head south. We pass the iconic 'Big Banana' in Coffs Harbour, before heading to Port Macquarie for lunch. Relax with your travel buddies...it’s a chilled out day before reaching Sydney.
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Day 23
Sydney
First up today - get in the know on Sydney as your Tour Manager points out all the hottest spots & icons of this harbourside haven. From the babes on the beaches of Manly, the buzzy Kings Cross & its colourful characters to Chinatown & Darling Harbour, the sights & sounds are as varied as its residents & we’re here to uncover it all. We’ll also take you to Macquarie Street & The Rocks, for undoubtedly the city’s best views of the Opera House & Harbour Bridge in one go (so it’s perfect for some of those legendary Sydney snaps).
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