North QLD Adventure (with sailing)

DAY 1 - ARRIVE AIRLIE BEACH

Hello Airlie Beach! This tropical paradise is the perfect place to kick off our adventure. Our trip starts at 4 pm at Base Backpackers where we'll meet our fellow Aussie adventurers before transferring to the marina. 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.
Stay - Converted racing yacht - Prosail

INCLUDED EXPERIENCES Included Dinner - Spend 2-nights on a converted racing yacht in the Whitsundays

DAY 2 - THE WHITSUNDAYS

Is there anywhere in the world more beautiful than the Whitsundays? We think not. With 74 perfect islands at your fingertips, an open sea calling your name, today you'll get to explore one of the worlds most lusted-after holiday destinations with a day trip to the spotless Whitehaven Beach, including snorkelling. This is as close to heaven as you can find on planet earth.
Stay- Converted racing yacht - Prosail

INCLUDED EXPERIENCES - Sail across the breathtaking Whitsundays on a day trip, including a visit to idyllic Whitehaven Beach, snorkelling and lunch. Snorkel some of the best coral reefs in Australia

DAY 3 - THE WHITSUNDAYS

We'll have more wonders to enjoy today as we cruise through the Whitsundays until the mid-afternoon, with opportunities to snorkel, swim and soak up those rays. Then, we'll get to enjoy a free night on Airlie Beach, admiring the lush rainforests of the Whitsundays Coast. It's not hard to get into holiday mode in this place, with its boutiques, markets and seafood cafes - and of course that beautiful blue lagoon.

DAY 4 - THE WHITSUNDAYS TO MAGNETIC ISLAND VIA TOWNSVILLE

Is there anything better than the Whitsundays? We think our next destination comes close. We'll board a train this morning 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 some champagne (our treat) and watch the sunset over the bay. Blissful or what?
Stay - Base Backpackers Magnetic Island

INCLUDED EXPERIENCES - Watch the vibrant sunset on Magnetic Island at Hawking's Point

DAY 5 - 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.
Stay - Base Backpackers Magnetic Island

INCLUDED EXPERIENCES
Enjoy an unlimited chef-cooked breakfast while meeting and learning about Koalas at Bungalow Bay Koala Village
Spot native koalas alongside WWII fortifications on a Magnetic Island Fort Walk
See Magnetic Island's resident Rock Wallabies at dusk

DAY 6 - MAGNETIC ISLAND TO CAIRNS VIA TOWNSVILLE

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
Back in Townsville, we won't hang around too long, as we're hopping on a train headed to Cairns, where we'll arrive late afternoon after a gloriously scenic journey along Australia's East Coast.
Cairns
Welcome to the city where rainforests meet reefs, lagoons meet luxury hotels and boardshorts and business suits live side by side. We'll enjoy an included interactive Bush Tucker tutorial and dinner at Ochre restaurant. An experienced chef will guide us through the history of Bush Tucker as you sample a variety of native spices and fruits, explaining their tastes, origins, and traditional uses before we enjoy our dinner, which features native games. It's an incredible cultural feast, and the perfect way to start our adventure in Cairns.
Stay - Gilligan's Backpackers

INCLUDED EXPERIENCES
Chef Guided Bush Food Tutorial & Dinner at Ochre Restaurant
A scenic train ride along the East Coast of Australia from Townsville to Cairns

DAY 7 - CAIRNS

Rise and shine, today is a day packed with history, heritage and natural beauty, as we take a day trip to the oldest tropical rainforest in the world: Daintree. With its ancient ferns and vibrant canopies, this place will take our breath away. There's a reason David Attenborough called it 'the most extraordinary place on earth.' As well as admiring the lush rainforest, we'll also meet the local Kuku Yalanji people and learn about their rich Aboriginal culture and history. We'll get the chance to view a smoking ceremony and take an art class with an Aboriginal artist. We'll also learn about ancient Dreamtime stories, local history and how these are shared through art. Then, we'll get to create our own unique souvenir to take home in the form of a canvas that tells our own stories. What a day; and we're not done yet.
Stay- Gilligan's Backpackers

INCLUDED EXPERIENCES
Day Trip to the Daintree Rainforest
Experience the Daintree Rainforest with an experienced Aboriginal guide for an interpretive rainforest walk through this ancient environment
Learn ancient Dreamtime stories, local history and see how these are shared through art with an Aboriginal artist
Create your own unique piece of art at the Janbal Gallery

DAY 8 - CAIRNS

Today you'll have the option to board a catamaran out to the reef to snorkel or dive in the crystal waters and gaze at the colourful coral and even more vibrant marine life. Back on board, the expert marine crew will tell us all there is to know about this stunning, but vulnerable, natural miracle.
Stay - Gilligan's Backpackers

DAY 9 - DEPART CAIRNS

Our adventure ends this afternoon, but not before we have a chance to escape our comfort zones and try some of the adventurous activities that Cairns is famous for. Anyone for bungy jumping?