Contiki Holidays Australia eBrochure 2015/16 (AUD)

Australia 15/16

Including diving, sailing & festival options

001-052 Australia Cover_AUD.indd 3

31/03/2015 16:08

002-003 No Regrets_AUD.indd 1

31/03/2015 16:25

- RACHEL WOLCHIN

THE

#NOREGRETS PHILOSOPHY

This is your youth. You only get to live it once, but if you do it right once is more than enough Live life on your own terms - create the stories now that you’ll recount for decades to come Make new friends from new places Travel a lot. It’s the only thing you’ll buy that’ll make you richer

002-003 No Regrets_AUD.indd 2

Celebrate individuality, diversity, connections & a little bit of craziness Find comfort outside your comfort zone See the world through youthful eyes, a little bit of naivety & a truckload of optimism Live for the moment. Have #NOREGRETS, just memories And above all... Make every moment count.

31/03/2015 16:25

CONTENTS

04

Where we go Ways to go What you’ll get Why choose Contiki?

The Contiki facts Deals, deals, deals ME Time Into the rainforest Uni holiday departures Be part of the Contiki story Contiki Cares

06 08 10 12 14 15 16 18 19 20 21

IN-DEPTH EXPLORER TRIPS Outback Adventure Rock & Red Alice & Kakadu Tropical Wonder Island & Rainforest

23 26 28 29 30 31

HIGH ENERGY TRIPS City to Surf The Sun Seeker

32 33 34

DISCOVERY PLUS TRIPS The Big Walkabout Beaches & Reefs Reefs & Rainforests Sunsets & Surf

36 37 38 40 41

FESTIVALS & SHORT STAYS Sydney NYE Splendour in the Grass

42 43 44

SAILING & DIVE TRIPS Diving Whitsundays Sailing

46 47 48

Got a question?

Booking conditions How to book

50 51 52

CONTIKI.COM

004-005 Contents-Contiki diff_AUD.indd 1

31/03/2015 16:24

THE CONTIKI DIFFERENCE 18-35s ONLY Your boss, that crazy aunt… they’re great people but chances are you don’t want to be travelling with them.

Our trips are 18-35s only. So you’ll only ever be exploring with young, like-minded travellers just like yourself.

LOCAL EXPERTS With your nose stuck in a map, you’ll miss out on the best parts of Australia. Every Contiki trip comes with an awesome team bursting with local knowledge – a Trip Manager to take care of the logistics, a Trip Driver to take you to all the hotspots without the hassle, plus Local Guides in some destinations to give you an authentic insight into the places you visit.

LOCAL EXPERIENCES Australia has one of the world’s most unique cultures, so we help you discover everything you want & need to know (and more). Get to know the Aboriginal history & art, it’s all about up-close experiences you’ll never forget. And it doesn’t stop with people! Get up close to some of this country’s furrier friends, like koalas & kangaroos!

CHOICE, CHOICE & MORE CHOICE Five amazing ways to travel – there’s something for everyone. Choose a Discovery Plus trip & see & do it all, or an In-Depth Explorer trip to really get under the skin of this amazing country. Each travel style is designed with a different type of traveller in mind, so which type of traveller are you?

MORE INCLUDED Our trips include everything you need to have the best travel experience of your life. We take care of all the boring logistics like booking hotels, finding the best spots for dinner & getting you from place to place. And the sights? You’ll get VIP access to the icons, so try not to look too smug when you’re sipping champagne in front of Uluru! One thing’s for sure, it’s amazing value you won’t find anywhere else – see pages 10 & 11 for more details on what’s included.

ULURU

004-005 Contents-Contiki diff_AUD.indd 2

AUSTRALIA 2015/16

05

31/03/2015 16:24

CAPE TRIBULATION With white sand beaches, turquoise water & endless rainforest, Cape Tribulation is an incredible destination like no other. Let us show you why we love this unique part of Oz.

DARWIN KAKADU N.P. KATHERINE

TENN N TENNANT CREEK

NORTHERN TERRITORY KINGS CA A CANYON

KAKADU N.P. Connect with the oldest living culture on earth at Australia’s largest National Park.

Explore the gorgeous landscapes, wildlife & arguably Australia’s best Aboriginal rock art.

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

ULU U ULURU

ALICE SPRINGS

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

WHERE WE GO WE VISIT SOME PRETTY INCREDIBLE PARTS OF AUSTRALIA, FROM THE CULTURE RICH RED CENTRE, TO THE BREATHTAKING BEACHES OF THE EAST COAST. WITH AN ENDLESS AMOUNT OF EXPERIENCES TO BE HAD, THE ONLY QUESTION IS – WHERE WILL YOUR ADVENTURE TAKE YOU?

06

THE OUTBACK Unimaginable landscapes, Uluru sunsets & Aboriginal culture – the Outback has it all.

Sleep under the stars, experience the mindblowing Kata Tjuta rock formations & toast a drink at Uluru as the sun goes down.

CONTIKI.COM

006-007 Map_AUD.indd 1

31/03/2015 16:23

THE WHITSUNDAYS Home to the most beautiful beach in the world (Whitehaven) & the Great Barrier Reef, the Whitsundays are without a doubt a mustsee. Sit back, relax & enjoy the heavenly white beaches & crystal clear waters.

cape tribulation CAIRNS

WHITSUNDAYS (Daydream Island)

QUEENSLAND

C CATTLE STATION FRASER ISLAND

BYRON BAY Head to legendary Byron Bay for the ultimate laid-back surfer vibe.

This town will leave you wanting more, home to some of the best surf spots, sandy shores for topping up those tans, amazing food & a great nightlife.

NOOSA SURFERS PARADISE BYRON BAY COFFS HARBOUR

NEW SOUTH WALES SYDNEY

VICTORIA

TASMANIA

SYDNEY With the famous Harbour Bridge, iconic Opera House & beautiful beaches, Sydney has it all. Head to the quirky cafés, funky boutiques or make a splash in the ocean. Or if you’re looking for something faster paced, embrace the city streets & late nights in some of the city’s great hotspots.

AUSTRALIA 2015/16

006-007 Map_AUD.indd 2

07

31/03/2015 16:23

5 WAYS TO GO DISCOVERY PLUS 4 TRIPS, 12–25 DAYS See & do it all as you experience a lot of Oz in the time you’ve got. With lots of experiences included & cool ways to stay, it’s adventure-filled days from Sydney to Darwin & everywhere in-between.

• See more • Do more • More included • Unique accommodation experiences • Central overnights

HIGH ENERGY 2 TRIPS, 7–10 DAYS Sun, sights & action is what makes these shorter trips a snappy experience of East Coast faves. Late nights, all the sites, & so much more.

• Epic sights • Amazing nightlife 08

CONTIKI.COM

008-009 Ways to go_AUD.indd 1

• A high energy experience

31/03/2015 16:22

1 INCREDIBLE COUNTRY, 15 TRIPS, FROM 3 - 25 DAYS. WE MAKE GETTING AROUND THIS EPIC COUNTRY EASY, AND PACK IT WITH ALL THE HIGHLIGHTS.

IN-DEPTH EXPLORER

SAILING & DIVE

5 TRIPS, 5–11 DAYS

Learn to dive in the famous Great Barrier Reef, or if you’re already a pro then get right into the action!*

2 TRIPS, 3–5 DAYS

Dive deep into these unique Aussie areas as you find out what really makes them tick.

Local Guides & less travel time make these trips all about getting into the heart of the destination.

When you’re in Oz you can choose to get out on the water in the incredible Whitsunday Islands, an un-missable experience.

• More Local Guides • More 2-night stays • Less travel time

FIND OUT MORE AT CONTIKI.COM/ WAYSTOTRAVEL-AUSTRALIA

FESTIVALS & SHORT STAYS 2 TRIPS, 4–5 DAYS From a music festival that rocks to ringing in NYE in one of the world’s greatest cities, let us take you there while we take care of the hassle.

• Breakfast included • Choice of ways to stay • Festival & NYE experiences

*Important info: For the Learn to Dive trip, an Australian diving medical certificate may be needed. Please read your pre-trip documentation carefully for more details. Note: Some taxes are payable directly to Pro Dive at the end of the course including the Environmental Management charge at a cost of A$60.

AUSTRALIA 2015/16

008-009 Ways to go_AUD.indd 2

09

31/03/2015 16:22

WHAT YOU’LL GET ALICE SPRINGS

ME TIME

It’s all about the freedom & flexibility to explore your way, and we have a range of amazing ME Time optionals for you to choose from, including the Harbour Bridge Climb in Sydney or Outback Ballooning in Alice Springs. Look for the M symbol on your trip itineraries for a taste of what’s available & find out more at contiki.com/metime

ULURU

THE BEST INCLUSIONS

We’ve scouted the best parts of each destination & included them in the cost of the trip so there’s no way you’ll miss out on the iconic gotta-see’s or local secrets. Like the best view of the incredible Kakadu landscape or the perfect place to watch the sunset over Uluru.

Important: ME Time optional activities are not included in the price of your trip. They are run by 3rd party operators & on occasions, for some of the activities, travellers may be required to sign a waiver to participate.

Before you leave, it’s important that you check your insurance includes your participation in adventure activities & be aware that some of our optionals can be physically demanding & may involve some risk.

10

CONTIKI.COM

010-011 What You'll get_AUD.indd 1

31/03/2015 16:21

FOUR WHEEL DRIVING ON FRASER ISLAND

BETTER WAYS TO TRAVEL

Getting from A to B can be a bit of a headache if you don’t know Australia, let’s be honest. Make sure you don’t turn your exciting adventure into an exhausting one. Choose to travel with us & keep it easy. We get you from place to place the quickest way possible in our modern, air-conditioned coaches, giving you more time to explore a new city & less time fumbling with a map.

WHITSUNDAYS

UNBEATABLE VALUE

Contiki is all about the best sights, more inclusions, culture, epic memories & no hassle. It’s pretty simple – you can’t do what we do, for less, and with your own exclusive team. Head to contiki.com/compare to see how Contiki measures up going it alone in Australia vs travelling with us.

AUSTRALIA 2015/16

010-011 What You'll get_AUD.indd 2

11

31/03/2015 16:21

w

GREAT BARRIER REEF

12

CONTIKI.COM

012-013 Compare contiki_AUD.indd 1

31/03/2015 16:20

WITH CONTIKI

GOING IT ALONE

Loving the hotel, super central in Sydney. (Included)

Ouch, Sydney is expensive!

(A$140 per night)

BREAKFAST

Waking up to breakfast just downstairs is so easy. (Included)

Now…where do I go for breakfast…? (A$17)

TRANSPORT

Coach right outside – yes please.

Loving being shown around the city.

(Included)

Now where is the train station again?

Urgh I’m lost. (A$23 per day)

Aussie cook your own BBQ. (Included)

The food here is amazing – but expensive! (A$50)

Loving my Trip Manager and Driver team. (Included)

Concierge told me where the bus & train stations were, so I guess that’s a start.

The BridgeClimb – it’s a MUST! All pre-booked for a great price with Contiki. (A$198)

Been saving up to do the Harbour BridgeClimb – the view up here is amazing! (A$248)

Opera House, Darling Harbour, Mrs Macquarie’s Chair & Chinatown, the Blue Mountains – including a hike at Wentworth Falls…incredible.

(All included)

There’s this place called Manly that apparently is THE place to people watch local surfers… but how do I get there? (A$14.80 return ferry ticket) What else… Blue Mountains!

Need a car for that. (A$140)

Trip from A$189* per day plus (A$198) for BridgeClimb.

A$237 per day (average cost per day for 2 days)’ plus A$248 for BridgeClimb.

ACCOMMODATION

MEAL EXPERIENCES

YOUR TEAM

ME TIME

SIGHTSEEING

TOTAL

CONTIKI TRIPS FROM A$189 P/D

GOING IT ALONE FROM A$237 P/D

CHECK OUT CONTIKI.COM/COMPARE FOR EVEN MORE Prices and exchange rates validated at 9th January 2015 at the locations stated. Actual costs may change without notice. Sightseeing cost comparison is based on activities similar to those included in a Contiki trip price. Contiki Australia pricing based on the Reefs & Rainforests trip (p.40) visiting Sydney.

AUSTRALIA 2015/16

012-013 Compare contiki_AUD.indd 2

13

31/03/2015 16:20

IS ALL WE DO

SAVE YOU TIME TRAVEL PIONEERS We’re the original travel company for young explorers & after 53 years, we’re still the original & the best

ALL ACCOMMODATION INCLUDED, EVERY NIGHT! No researching on TripAdvisor necessary with Contiki!

HERE’S A LITTLE SNAPSHOT OF WHY TRAVELLING WITH CONTIKI IS AN EXPERIENCE UNLIKE ANY OTHER.

1000

CONTIKI.COM/COMPARE

Say NO to wasting precious travel time. Take to the destinations like a pro & let us take care of the hassle.

No waiting for transportation, no lining up for tickets, no looking for tourist info centres, ATMs, or bathrooms

TRANSPORT INCLUDED From comfy coaches to boat rides, it’s all about experiencing a range of ways to explore your chosen destination

Contiki Team members around the world

GOLD SEAL PROTECTION ME TIME = FREE TIME The only thing fixed is your destination – the rest is up to you

14

Our Gold Seal means that if you cancel your trip 24 hours before the day of your trip departure, we won’t charge you a cent. And if you’re ill or have to leave the trip early for personal reasons, Gold Seal will refund you A$40 for each day that you miss on your Contiki trip. See more on p.50.

YOU CAN DO IT! 50% of our travellers go solo. It’s all about a great blend of groups, couples & friends – all like-minded explorers

CONTIKI.COM

014-015 Infographic_AUD.indd 1

31/03/2015 16:19

CHANGE DIRECTION

BOOK EARLY & SAVE

BOOK WITH FRIENDS You could save up to A$150 when you take a Contiki Australia trip with a different departure city (travel on one of the itineraries in reverse order).

Look out for the ‘Your choice’ box on trip pages.

We believe in the principle of the more the merrier!

Start early & get your friends on board for an amazing adventure.

HERE’S HOW YOU CAN SAVE, IT’S REALLY PRETTY SIMPLE • 4 OR MORE – everyone saves 5% • 7 OR MORE – everyone saves 7.5% • 10 OR MORE – everyone saves 10% (or…invite an 11th & bring them, or yourself, for free!)

Check contiki.com/deals for great ways to save throughout the year when booking your trip

TRAVELLING AGAIN?

PART PAY

CHECK OUT THE BEST DEALS ON CONTIKI TRIPS AT Travelled with us or one of our sister companies before? Welcome back to the family with 5% additional discount

CONTIKI.COM/DEALS

Once you’ve booked, register online, share it with your family & friends & pay off your trip over time!

BOOK 2 OR MORE TRIPS

MIX & MATCH

Can’t get enough of Contiki? We know the feeling.

Book 2 trips of 7+ days & get A$50 off your second trip!

Combine Australia & New Zealand trips of 7+ days with Contiki & save A$50

The facts: All these discounts apply to the land portion of your trip price only (this excludes taxes, included flight costs, extra accommodation, any applicable food funds & optional activities. Your trip price does not include the costs of international flights that start or end your trip). You can combine loyalty discounts (‘Travelling Again’) , group discounts (‘Book with Friends’) multi trip discounts (‘2 or more’) on trips of 7 days or longer. Group discounts (‘Book with friends’) is available on all trips.

AUSTRALIA 2015/16

014-015 Infographic_AUD.indd 2

15

31/03/2015 16:19

ME TIME It’s your trip, which is why we include lots of ME Time to give you the freedom to create your perfect Australian experience.

Do your own thing: chill out on the beach, check out quirky boutiques in Sydney’s Surry Hills or enjoy a beer in the sunshine.

Choose a ME Time optional: whether it’s climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge, white water rafting in Tully or getting a bird’s eye view of the desert from a hot air balloon, we’ll keep you entertained!

And ask your Trip Manager for helpful tips and advice to get the most from your adventure.

ME TIME BUCKET LIST • Snorkel or dive, Great Barrier Reef • BridgeClimb, Sydney • Ziplining, Cape Tribulation • Tandem Skydive, Surfers Paradise • Outback Ballooning, Alice Springs • Helicopter flight over Uluru • Kayaking Safari, Byron Bay • Sailing, Whitehaven Beach • Harley ride, Uluru

Important: ME Time optional activities are not included in the price of your trip. They are run by 3rd party operators & on occasions, for some of the activities, travellers may be required to sign a waiver to participate.

Before you leave, it’s important that you check your insurance includes your participation in adventure activities & be aware that some of our optionals can be physically demanding & may involve some risk.

16

CONTIKI.COM

016-017 ME Time_AUD.indd 1

31/03/2015 16:18

FREE TIME IN BONDI BEACH

ME TIME OPTIONAL IN SYDNEY

VISIT CONTIKI.COM/METIME FOR WHAT YOU COULD FREE TIME IN BYRON BAY

GET UP TO

ME TIME OPTIONAL IN KINGS CANYON

AUSTRALIA 2015/16

016-017 ME Time_AUD.indd 2

17

31/03/2015 16:18

w

CAPE TRIBULATION & THE DAINTREE RAINFOREST SOME CALL IT LUSH SOME CALL IT PARADISE… WE CALL IT UNMISSABLE.

Discover this UNESCO World Heritage site, packed with flora & wildlife, with mountain ranges to one side, and the Great Barrier Reef bordering the other, this place is unique to say the least. Get cosy with nature, as you explore this area that’s packed with plants, animals & is the home of the Kuku Yalanji Aboriginal people.

18

While you’re here why not try a rainforest bungy jump, zip lining or a nature park for those who prefer to keep their feet on the ground. And with a bunch of other young explorers at the ready, why would you choose to explore it any other way?

Experience it on: • Island & Rainforest (p.31) • Reefs & Rainforests (p.40)

CONTIKI.COM

018-019 Uni Dates/Rainforest_AUD.indd 1

31/03/2015 16:17

GOLD COAST

BYRON BAY

w WHITSUNDAYS

SCHOOLS OUT! “I HAD A GREAT HOLIDAY AT HOME…” SAID NO-ONE EVER. Say no to FOMO, plot your Uni holiday escape & do something awesome.

With so much to see in this great land, why take it international?

Make tracks to Cairns, the Whitsundays & the Rainforest, take a beach break on the East Coast, or head to the heart of the Red Centre & see what all the fuss is about. All while travelling with a bunch of travellers your age & mindset, that are bound to become some of your new BFFs. We’ve kept it easy, look out for the symbol on our trip itineraries for Uni holiday departures, and get planning.

Oh, and travelled with us before? We’ll welcome you back to the family with a 5% discount.

AUSTRALIA 2015/16

018-019 Uni Dates/Rainforest_AUD.indd 2

19

31/03/2015 16:18

pinterest.com/contiki instagram.com/contiki youtube.com/contiki facebook.com/contiki twitter.com/Contikiaus

20

contiki.com/app

CONTIKI.COM

020-021 ContikiCares_AUD.indd 1

31/03/2015 16:17

CONTIKI CARES CONTIKI HAS AN INSATIABLE APPETITE FOR DISCOVERING NEW THINGS IN EVERY NOOK & CRANNY OF THE WORLD.

VISIT TREADRIGHT.ORG TO CHECK OUT OUR EXCITING NEW PARTNERSHIPS WITH WILDAID AND ALLIANCE FOR ARTISAN ENTERPRISE

To continue sharing our discoveries with young travellers for decades & centuries to come, we need to respect & protect those places through everything that we do.

Powered by the Treadright Foundation, Contiki Cares is on a very exciting journey; a journey to create a community of young & passionate people who simultaneously live with conscience & live to travel.

Visit Contiki.com/contikicares for more info on our projects & what we do.

TIMELINE OF CONTIKI CARES PROJECTS Since 2011, Contiki has partnered with some incredible ocean-based organisations and people, including Céline Cousteau, providing support for sustainability and conservation initiatives and educating travellers through Earth Month expeditions.

2012

2014

MAR Leadership

Sea Turtle Conservancy

2011

2012

2013

2014

Sustainable Coastlines

Oceana

Shark Savers

Surfrider Australia

Check out contiki.com/storytellers to see our latest expedition.

5 WAYS TO TREAD LIGHTLY WHEN TRAVELLING

1. Bring a reusable water bottle and reduce the use of plastics.

2. Explore cities by foot, bike or public transport on your ME Time to reduce your carbon footprint.

3. Switch off when you’re not in your hotel room to conserve energy.

4. Buy local – you’ll support the communities you visit and help reduce shipping from other countries.

5. Conserve water in hotels by turning off the taps when not in use – water is a scarce resource in many of the countries we visit.

Did you know coach travel has been proven to reduce congestion and cause less pollution per passenger km than any other transportation option?

Contiki’s coach fleet is efficient & complies with AU emissions standards.

AUSTRALIA 2015/16

020-021 ContikiCares_AUD.indd 2

21

31/03/2015 16:17

MY FAVOURITE THING IS TO GO WHERE I’VE NEVER BEEN 022-023-Brand Page / IndepthExplorer_AUD.indd 1

31/03/2015 16:15

IN-DEPTH EXPLORER

DISCOVER AUSTRALIA’S MULTICULTURAL PAST & EXPERIENCE LIFE AS AN ADVENTURER ON AN IN-DEPTH EXPLORER TRIP. SPEND LONGER IN EACH DESTINATION, TREK THROUGH RAINFORESTS, SWIM IN SECRET CREEKS & LEARN ABORIGINAL HISTORY. 5 TRIPS / 5-11 DAYS

INCLUDED

Outback Adventure ......................... p.26

• 2 night stays in most destinations • Multi share rooms with twin & single options available for a little extra privacy • Breakfast every day, plus included dinners at hotels & local restaurants • A Trip Manager & Driver team who will be your oracle on all things Australia

Rock & Red ......................................... p.28 Alice & Kakadu.................................. p.29 Tropical Wonder ............................... p.30 Island & Rainforest ......................... p.31

Contiki.com/in-depth-explorer-australia

• Get around on our modern, air-conditioned coaches with power points, movies & a killer sound system!

• More included activities such as an Aboriginal experience at Mossman Gorge, a visit to the Uluru Cultural Centre & a hike through Kings Canyon • ME Time – your chance to explore on your own or take advantage of our awesome optional activities

We Love WiFi – stay connected with WiFi at most overnight stops

AUSTRALIA 2015/16

022-023-Brand Page / IndepthExplorer_AUD.indd 2

23

31/03/2015 16:15

noun

SWAG A sleeping bag used by bushmen when sleeping out under the stars

MPARNTWE= The original name for Alice Springs

IN 1997 IT

ACTUALLY SNOWED ON ULURU

24

CONTIKI.COM

The hottest temperature ever recorded on 17/02/92

1,420,970 KM² The size of the Northern Territory

THE AUSSIE OUTBACK HAS GOT TO BE SEEN TO BE BELIEVED. FROM ITS MASSIVE NATURAL FORMATIONS & THEIR INCREDIBLE SUNSETS, TO CLASSIC LOCALS AND AN ANCIENT ABORIGINAL PAST, THIS IS ONE DESTINATION THAT NEEDS TO SHOOT RIGHT TO THE TOP OF ANY TRAVELLERS LIST.

600 SPECIES OF NATIVE PLANTS & ANIMALS AT KINGS CANYON

The longest fence in the world is the 5531 km dingo fence that runs from South Australia through NSW to Queensland.

The Outback is the only place where Australian Aborigines still live in a completely traditional way.

3.5 HOURS The time it takes to walk around Uluru

Covers an area of 3.3 sq km, and is 9.4 kilometres around its base, rising 345m high.

AUSTRALIA 2015/16

25

AUSTRALIA

IN-DEPTH EXPLORER

11 DAYS - FROM A$1789 PP*/A$163 P/DAY* SAVE

FOR GREAT SAVINGS VISIT CONTIKI.COM/DEALS

1 DARWIN 2 KAKADU N.P.

Litchfield N.P.

1 KATHERINE Mataranka Daly waters INDIAN OCEAN

GULF OF CARPENTARIA

NORTHERN TERRITORY

1 TENNANT CREEK Devil’s Marbles Wycliffe Well

Ti Tree

Simpsons Gap

KINGS CANYON 1 The Olgas

2

Queensland

2 ALICE SPRINGS

ULURU

Western Australia

2 World Heritage sites visited 1

KINGS CANYON

1

Places visited Nightstops 1 or more nights at Special Stays

South Australia

New South Wales

SNAPSHOT

OUTBACK ADVENTURE

NIGHTS ACCOMMODATION

ITINERARY & SIGHTSEEING

14

Day 1: Alice Springs. Meet your Contiki Team this afternoon & check out ‘The Alice’, famous for its remoteness, classic Aussie locals & Aboriginal art.

Maybe hold a snake or lizard at our reptile park experience (if you’re game). Hotel (D) Catch a look at the MacDonnell Ranges from Anzac Hill See the stunning Aboriginal site at Simpsons Gap See the dry Todd River which hosts the annual Henley on Todd Regatta Hands-on reptile park experience

• • • •

Day 2: Alice Springs to Kings Creek Station. Gear up to try some ‘bush tucker’, meet members of the Walpiri Aboriginal community & learn to throw a boomerang! Later, it’s on to Kings Creek Station for our cool overnight – go local like Aussie ‘bushies’ & sleep under the stars in a comfy swag. (B,D) Outback Special Stay Hike through Kings Canyon to the ‘Lost City’ & desert oasis ‘the Garden of Eden’ Sleep under the stars in a traditional Aussie ‘swag’ M Quad bike through an outback station

• •

Day 3: Kings Creek Station to Uluru. Australia’s pin-up icon is next as we make tracks to Uluru. Take a walk through its neighbour – the Olgas before cooking up an optional BBQ dinner. Lodge (B) Wake up to the smell of fresh cooked bacon & eggs, just how you like it See the 700 million year old Mt Conner & Lake Amadeus Hike through ‘Kata Tjuta’ (The Olgas)

• • •

Day 4: Uluru. Don’t miss the changing colours of an Uluru sunrise, then if you’re up for it, take a walk around ‘The Rock’ for some close up angles & hear stories of this amazing area & its Aboriginal rock art.

Tonight, toast the trip & catch a legendary Uluru sunset while sipping a glass of bubbly. Lodge (B) Visit the Uluru Cultural Centre See Uluru at sunrise Drink a toast to Uluru at sunset

• • •

Day 5: Uluru to Alice Springs. Say goodbye to Uluru - Kata Tjuta National Park as we head back to Alice Springs. Hotel (B) Indulge in a yummy BBQ ‘Big Brekkie’ M Overlander Steakhouse Dinner – try kangaroo, emu, crocodile & camel!

•

Day 6: Alice Springs to Tennant Creek. Our ‘Top End’ adventure begins today – we’ll cross the Tropic of Capricorn to Aussie’s old mining town, Tennant Creek. Hotel (B,D) Keep your eyes peeled for UFOs at Wycliffe Well Visit the ‘Devil’s Marbles’

• •

Day 7: Tennant Creek to Katherine. Stop & ‘knock one back’ at the Territory’s oldest pub before making a splash in Mataranka thermal pools. Later, it’s on to the lush river town of Katherine & its famous gorge. Hotel (B) Chill out & swim at the Mataranka thermal pools Hear stories from ‘We of the Never Never’ Homestead, made famous by the book of the same name

• •

Day 8: Katherine to Kakadu National Park.

Hike, walk, or take an optional boat trip to see the massive Katherine Gorge up close. This afternoon we’ll hit the road to Kakadu National Park via Edith Falls for a swim. Hotel (B,D) Visit Katherine Gorge Cool off in Edith Falls before heading into World Heritage listed Kakadu National Park

• •

Day 9: Kakadu National Park. Explore Kakadu today – its variety of gorgeous landscapes, wildlife & arguably Australia’s best Aboriginal rock art at Nourlangie Rock will seriously impress. Hotel (B) Keep your eyes peeled for crocs on a wildlife cruise See the Aboriginal rock art Visit Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre M Scenic flight over this World Heritage Listed area

• • •

Day 10: Kakadu to Darwin. Wave Kakadu farewell as we head to Darwin. Don’t forget to pick up a didgeridoo & meet some local Aboriginal artists before you leave. Stop off en route for a swim in the famous (& gorgeous) Florence Falls in Litchfield National Park. Hotel (B) Enjoy a swim in Florence Falls (seasonal)

•

Day 11: Darwin. Get your bearings on a city tour of Darwin & visit East Point Military Reserve & the local museum to learn about its historical past. Then it’s time to say farewell to your travel buddies & swap email addresses. (B) Visit the Darwin Museum Guided city tour of Darwin

• •

10

Unique Special Stay: 1 night Kings Creek Station Outback Bush Camp, & 7 nights in hotels, 2 nights in a lodge

Code: TEADD 2015/16 Code: TEDAD 2015/16 Start A.Springs

Finish Darwin

Total Cost A$ pp*

Sep Oct Nov Dec

1839 1839 1789 1789

2015 Sep Oct Nov Dec

13 11 8 6

Finish A.Springs

Total Cost A$ pp*

30 ■ Oct 10 28 Nov 7 25 Dec 5 23 Jan 2

1839 1839 1789 1789

10 breakfasts (B), 4 dinners (D)

2015 23 21 18 16

2016 Jan Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep

Start Darwin

INCLUDED MEALS

3 Jan 13 31 Feb 10 28 Mar 9 27 ■ Apr 6 24 May 4 22 Jun 1 19 Jun 29 17 Jul 27 14 Aug 24 11 Sep 21

Sep Oct Nov Dec

2016 1789 1789 1789 1789 1919 1919 1919 1895 1895 1895

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Aug

20 Jan 30 17 Feb 27 16 Mar 26 13 Apr 23 11 May 21 8 Jun 18 6 ■ Jul 16 3 Aug 13 31 Sep 10

1789 1789 1789 1919 1919 1919 1895 1895 1895

* Prices above are based on maximum quad-share.

Single room supplement add A$995/add A$345 for second person twin-share.

TEADD: Start A.Springs 11:30am & end Darwin 5:00pm.

TEDAD: Start Darwin 7:30am & end A.Springs 9:00am.

■ These departures are during Australian University holidays.

For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/staylonger. For travel insurance see p.50.

INCLUSIONS • An experienced & professional Trip Manager & Driver team • Modern, air-conditioned coach with powerpoints for charging • Sightseeing tours of all major cities plus orientation tours of all other destinations • National park fees, local taxes & service charges

EXCLUSIVE INCLUSIONS • Alice Springs Aboriginal Dreamtime ‘Bush tucker’ tour • Alice Springs Reptile Centre experience • Uluru sunset drinks & nibbles Plus all of the inclusions in the itinerary marked with •

KAKADU

ME TIME OPTIONS M Dawn hot air balloon flight over the desert & MacDonnell Ranges in Alice Springs M Guided helicopter flight over Uluru & Kata Tjuta See itinerary & visit contiki.com for even more

LOCAL CULTURE Get your camera at the ready & head to Nourlangie Rock at Kakadu National Park for spectacular views of this stunning natural site.

VISIT CONTIKI.COM/ OUTBACK

YOUR CHOICE ULURU

It’s your choice – travel from Alice Springs to Darwin, or from Darwin to Alice Springs.

AUSTRALIA 2015/16

27

IN-DEPTH EXPLORER

ALICE SPRINGS

SNAPSHOT

Western Australia NORTHERN TERRITORY

ROCK & RED

4

NIGHTS ACCOMMODATION

Unique Special Stay: 1 night Kings Creek Station Outback Bush Camp, & 1 night in a hotel, 2 nights in a lodge

Simpsons Gap

KINGS CANYON 1 The Olgas

5 DAYS - 1 COUNTRY FROM A$915 PP*/A$183 P/DAY* SAVE

FOR GREAT SAVINGS VISIT CONTIKI.COM/DEALS

2

1 ALICE SPRINGS

ULURU

1 World Heritage site visited 1 1

Places visited Nightstops 1 or more nights at Special Stays

South Australia

6 INCLUDED MEALS

ITINERARY & SIGHTSEEING

4 breakfasts (B), 2 dinners (D)

INCLUSIONS • An experienced & professional Trip Manager & Driver team • Modern, air-conditioned coach with powerpoints for charging • Sightseeing tours of all major cities plus orientation tours of all other destinations • National Park fees, local taxes & service charges

EXCLUSIVE INCLUSIONS • Alice Springs Aboriginal Dreamtime ‘Bushtucker’ tour • Alice Springs Reptile Centre experience • Uluru sunset drinks & nibbles Plus all of the inclusions in the itinerary marked with •

ME TIME OPTIONS M Helicopter flight over Uluru & Kata Tjuta See itinerary & visit contiki.com for even more VISIT CONTIKI.COM/ROCK

Day 1: Alice Springs. Meet up with your Contiki Team & explore the Outback’s unofficial capital, ‘The Alice’, famous for its remoteness, classic Aussie locals & Aboriginal art. Maybe hold a snake or lizard at our reptile park experience (if you’re game). Hotel (D) Catch a look at the MacDonnell Ranges from Anzac Hill See the stunning Aboriginal site of Simpsons Gap See the dry Todd River which hosts the annual Henley on Todd Regatta Hands-on reptile park experience

• • • •

Day 2: Alice Springs to Kings Creek Station.

Gear up to try some ‘bush tucker’, meet members of the Walpiri Aboriginal community & learn to throw a boomerang! Later, it’s on to Kings Creek Station for our cool overnight – go local like Aussie ‘bushies’ & sleep under the stars in a comfy swag. (B,D) Outback Special Stay Hike through Kings Canyon to the ‘Lost City’ & desert oasis ‘the Garden of Eden’ Sleep under the stars in a traditional Aussie ‘swag’ M Quad-bike adventure

• •

Day 3: Kings Creek Station to Uluru. Australia’s pin-up icon is next as we make tracks to Uluru. Take a walk through its neighbour – the Olgas. Lodge (B) Wake up to the smell of fresh cooked bacon & eggs, just how you like it See the 700 million year old Mt Conner & Lake Amadeus Hike through ‘Kata Tjuta’ (The Olgas)

• • •

Day 4: Uluru. Don’t miss the changing colours of an Uluru sunrise, then if you’re up for it, take a walk around ‘The Rock’ for some close up angles & hear stories of this amazing area & its Aboriginal rock art. Tonight, toast the trip & catch a legendary Uluru sunset while sipping a glass of bubbly. Lodge (B)

Code: AEDAD 2015/16 Code: AEADD 2015/16 the Uluru Cultural Centre • Visit Uluru at sunrise • See • Drink a toast to Uluru at sunset M Scenic Helicopter flight Day 5: Uluru to Alice Springs. Say farewell to Uluru Kata-Tjuta National Park & take the option of leaving from Uluru this morning or continue to Alice Springs where your trip ends this afternoon. (B) Indulge in a yummy BBQ ‘Big Brekkie’

•

Start A.Springs

Finish A.Springs

Total Cost A$ pp*

Oct Nov Dec Jan

935 915 915 915

2015 Oct Nov Nov Dec

5 2 30 28

Finish A.Springs

Total Cost A$ pp*

Sep Oct Nov Dec

17 15 12 10

935 935 915 915

3 Jan 7 31 Feb 4 28 Mar 3 27 ■ Mar 31 24 Apr 28 22 May 26 19 Jun 23 17 Jul 21 14 Aug 18 11 Sep 15

915 915 915 915 975 975 975 965 965 965

2015 9 6 4 1

2016 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep

Start A.Springs

25 Jan 29 22 Feb 26 21 ■ Mar 25 18 Apr 22 16 May 20 13 Jun 17 11 Jul 15 8 Aug 12 5 Sep 9

Sep Oct Nov Dec

13 11 8 6

2016 915 915 915 975 975 975 965 965 965

Jan Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep

* Prices above are based on maximum quad-share.

Single room supplement add A$435/add A$159 for second person twin-share.

AEDAD: Start A.Springs 1:30pm & end A.Springs 9:00am.

AEADD: Start A.Springs 12:00pm & end A.Springs 5:00pm.

■ These departures are during Australian University holidays.

For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/staylonger.

For travel insurance see p.50.

Litchfield N.P.

1 DARWIN 2 KAKADU N.P. 1 KATHERINE Mataranka Daly waters

GULF OF CARPENTARIA

NORTHERN TERRITORY

1 TENNANT CREEK Devil’s Marbles Wycliffe Well

Ti Tree

Alice Springs

1 World Heritage site visited 1

Places visited Nightstops ALICE SPRINGS

SNAPSHOT IN-DEPTH EXPLORER

5

NIGHTS ACCOMMODATION

ALICE & KAKADU

5 nights hotel accommodation

7 INCLUDED MEALS

6 DAYS - 1 COUNTRY FROM A$1129 PP*/A$189 P/DAY* SAVE

5 breakfasts (B), 2 dinners (D)

FOR GREAT SAVINGS VISIT CONTIKI.COM/DEALS

INCLUSIONS

ITINERARY & SIGHTSEEING Day 1: Darwin & Litchfield National Park. Delve into the Northern Territory’s best-kept secret, Litchfield National Park & plunge into the cool pool of water below Florence Falls. Head back to Darwin & get ready for a night out on the town. Hotel See the unique, huge termite mounds See Litchfield’s rainforests & sandstone formations Enjoy a swim at Florence Falls (seasonal)

• • •

Day 2: Darwin to Kakadu National Park. Today, hit the streets of tropical Darwin, an exotic, diverse place that combines East & West & attracts people from all over the country. Later we’ll wind our way to Kakadu National Park. Hotel (B,D) Darwin city tour See Darwin Harbour & the East Point Military Reserve Visit Darwin Museum, home to the Cyclone Tracy display Wildlife cruise to see crocodiles & native birds

• • • •

Day 3: Kakadu National Park. Be stunned by the ecological ‘jewel’ of Kakadu & its variety of superb landscapes, abundance of wildlife & arguably Australia’s best Aboriginal rock art found at places like Nourlangie Rock. Hotel (B) Walk & see the Aboriginal rock art Visit the Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre M Scenic flight over this World Heritage listed area

Code: AKDAD 2015/16 Code: AKADD 2015/16 M Locally guided cruise of beautiful Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge Day 5: Katherine to Tennant Creek. Chill out with a refreshing swim at Mataranka before stopping & ‘knocking one back’ at the oldest pub in the Territory. Tonight, stay in Tennant Creek surrounded by million-acre cattle stations & local Aboriginal communities. Hotel (B,D) Swim in the Mataranka thermal pools Visit Elsey, the historic ‘We of the Never Never’ homestead Visit Daly Waters – famous outback pub Stay in the ‘true blue’ Aussie outback town of Tennant Creek

• • • •

Day 6: Tennant Creek to Alice Springs.

Experience the age-old, mythological Devil’s Marbles rocks before crossing the Tropic of Capricorn & arriving in Alice Springs where the trip ends & it’s time to say farewell to your new friends. (B) Maybe sight a UFO in Wycliffe Well!

See Aboriginal art & didgeridoos in Ti Tree’s local art gallery

• •

FLORENCE FALLS

Start Darwin

Finish Total A.Springs Cost A$ pp*

2015

Finish Darwin

Total Cost A$ pp*

Oct 21 Nov 18 Dec 16

1155 1129 1129

2016 Jan 8 Jan 13 Feb 5 Feb 10 Mar 4 Mar 9 Apr 1 ■ Apr 6 Apr 29 May 4 May 27 Jun 1 Jun 24 Jun 29 Jul 22 Jul 27 Aug 19 Aug 24 Sep 16 Sep 21

1129 1129 1129 1205 1205 1205 1205 1189 1189 1189

2015

30 ■ Oct 5 28 Nov 2 25 Nov 30 23 Dec 28

1155 1155 1129 1129

2016 Jan 20 Jan 25 Feb 17 Feb 22 Mar 16 Mar 21 Apr 13 Apr 18 May 11 May 16 Jun 8 Jun 13 Jul 6 ■ Jul 11 Aug 3 Aug 8 Aug 31 Sep 5

1129 1129 1129 1205 1205 1205 1189 1189 1189

Sep Oct Nov Dec

Start A.Springs

Oct 16 Nov 13 Dec 11

* Prices above are based on maximum quad-share.

Single room supplement add A$499/add A$155 for second person twin-share.

AKDAD: Start Darwin 7:30am & end A.Springs 2:00pm.

AKADD: Start A.Springs 9:00am & end Darwin 6:00pm.

■ These departures are during Australian University holidays.

For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/staylonger. For travel insurance see p.50.

• An experienced & professional Trip Manager & Driver team • Modern, air-conditioned coach with powerpoints for charging • Sightseeing tours of all major cities plus orientation tours of all other destinations • National Park fees, local taxes & service charges

ME TIME OPTIONS Look for the M symbol in the itinerary & visit contiki.com for even more

LOCAL CULTURE The Aboriginal people have lived in Kakadu for more than 50,000 years & are the oldest culture on Earth! Check out the amazing rock art dating back over 20,000 years.

VISIT CONTIKI.COM/ KAKADU

• •

Day 4: Kakadu National Park to Katherine.

Continue on, via Edith Falls, to the lush river town of Katherine. On the way, stop & walk, or take an optional boat trip for an up close experience with dramatic Katherine Gorge. Hotel (B) Visit mighty Katherine Gorge & see the sheer rock walls & wildlife

•

YOUR CHOICE It’s your choice – travel from Darwin to Alice Springs, or from Alice Springs to Darwin.

AUSTRALIA 2015/16

29

CAIRNS

GULF OF CARPENTARIA

SNAPSHOT

CORAL SEA

2 CAIRNS

4

NIGHTS ACCOMMODATION

SAVE

4 breakfasts (B), 2 dinners (D)

INCLUSIONS • An experienced & professional Trip Manager & Driver team • Modern, air-conditioned coach with powerpoints for charging • Sightseeing tours of all major cities plus orientation tours of all other destinations • National park fees, local taxes & service charges

ME TIME OPTIONS M Whitewater rafting in Cairns M Bungy jump in Cairns See itinerary & visit contiki.com for even more

LOCAL CULTURE Fun fact: the Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest reef system, roughly half the size of Texas & can be seen from outer space!

VISIT CONTIKI.COM/WONDER

(Daydream Island)

2 World Heritage sites visited

5 DAYS - 1 COUNTRY FROM A$875 PP*/A$175 P/DAY*

INCLUDED MEALS

4 breakfasts (B), 1 lunch (L), 3 dinners (D)

2 WHITSUNDAYS

TROPICAL WONDER

6

INCLUDED MEALS (SAILING OPTION)

GREAT BARRIER REEF

Townsville

QUEENSLAND

Airlie Beach

4 nights hotel and resort accommodation Sailing option: substitute 2 nights in resort with 2 nights on a yacht

8

Tully

IN-DEPTH EXPLORER

FOR GREAT SAVINGS VISIT CONTIKI.COM/DEALS

ITINERARY & SIGHTSEEING Day 1: Cairns. Meet up with your Contiki Team & travel buddies, then head out & experience Cairns’ best!

From shopping, great nightlife & endless adrenaline activities like rafting, skydiving & exploring the reef, you’re spoilt for choice. Tonight, there’s your chance to try some kangaroo if you’re up for it. Hotel (D) M Great Barrier Reef cruise & lunch Day 2: Cairns. Feed your inner adrenaline junkie or relax? It’s your choice with another free day to do what you’re into. Hotel (B) M Tandem skydive M Scuba diving Day 3: Cairns to The Whitsundays. See Airlie Beach before a quick ferry ride to paradise on Daydream Island. Resort (B,D) Pass through Tully, home to Australia’s best whitewater rafting Pass Hinchinbrook Island – Australia’s largest island national park Check out Townsville on a city tour Stop at Airlie Beach

• • • •

1

a

Code: NWCSD 2015/16 Start Cairns

Finish W’suns

Trip Trip & only sailing A$ pp* A$ pp*

Sep Sep Oct Oct Nov Nov Dec Dec

16 23 14 21 11 18 9 16

875 875 875 875 915 915 915 915

1175 1175 1175 1175 1215 1215 1215 1215

Jan Jan Jan Jan

6 13 20 27

915 915 915 915

1215 1215 1215 1215

Day 3 - 4: Sailing Whitsundays option Want to get on the water in true Whitsundays style? You can. Choose to hit the blue waters & try your hand at sailing on our private sailing adventure, cruising some of the Whitsundays’ 74 islands including Whitehaven Beach. See p.48 for more info & the price panel for costs.

Multi-share accommodation. Yacht (B,D)(B,L,D) Code: NWCWD Day 4: The Whitsundays. This place is the ultimate way to relax. So take time to chill or get into some water sports & good times at Daydream Island. Resort (B) M Sailing trip to Whitehaven Beach & lunch (weather dependent) Day 5: The Whitsundays. The trip ends after breakfast & it’s time to say farewell to your new friends. (B)

2015 Sep Sep Oct Oct Nov Nov Dec Dec

12 19 10 17 7 14 5 12

Jan Jan Jan Jan

2 9 16 23

Start Cairns

Finish W’suns

Trip Trip & only sailing A$ pp* A$ pp*

Feb Feb Mar Mar Apr May Jun Jul Jul Aug Aug Sep Sep

915 915 915 915 915 915 915 895 895 895 895 895 895

2016

2016

Jan Feb Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Jul Aug Aug Sep Sep

30 6 27 26 ■ 23 21 18 16 23 13 20 10 17

3 10 2 30 27 25 22 20 27 17 24 14 21

1215 1215 1215 1215 1215 1215 1215 1195 1195 1195 1195 1195 1195

* Prices above are based on multi-share.

Single room supplement (trip only) add A$485/add A$175 for second person twin-share.

Single room supplement (trip + sailing) add A$225/add A$85 for second person twin-share. (Boat cabins multi-share only).

Start Cairns 7:00am & end Whitsundays 8:00am.

■

WHITSUNDAYS

Places visited Nightstops

This departure is during Australian University holidays.

For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/staylonger.

For travel insurance see p.50.

GULF OF CARPENTARIA

1 CAPE TRIBULATION Mossman Gorge

Port Douglas

CORAL SEA

3 CAIRNS Tully

Northern Territory QUEENSLAND

Townsville Airlie Beach

GREAT BARRIER REEF

2 WHITSUNDAYS (Daydream Island)

FRASER ISLAND

SNAPSHOT 2 World Heritage sites visited 1

6

Places visited Nightstops

NIGHTS ACCOMMODATION

IN-DEPTH EXPLORER

3 nights in hotel, 2 nights in resort, 1 night in a lodge Sailing option: substitute 2 nights in resort with 2 nights on a yacht

ISLAND & RAINFOREST

8 INCLUDED MEALS

7 DAYS - 1 COUNTRY FROM A$1355 PP*/A$194 P/DAY* SAVE

6 breakfasts (B), 2 dinners (D)

FOR GREAT SAVINGS VISIT CONTIKI.COM/DEALS

ITINERARY & SIGHTSEEING Days 1 - 2: The Whitsundays. Meet up with your Contiki Team & new travel buddies before heading into true paradise for the beaches, water sports & good times at Daydream Island in The Whitsundays.

Resort (D)(B) M Sailing to Whitehaven Beach Day 1 - 2: Sailing Whitsundays option Want to get on the water in true Whitsundays style? You can. Choose to hit the blue waters & try your hand at sailing on our private sailing adventure, cruising some of the Whitsundays’ 74 islands including Whitehaven Beach. See p.48 for more info & the price panel for costs.

Multi-share accommodation. Yacht (B,D)(B,L,D) Codes: ex W’suns: FNSWD ex Cairns: FNCWD Day 3: The Whitsundays to Cairns. Today, we’ll head to tropical North Queensland, known for its rainforests & as the gateway to the World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef. Tonight, there’s your chance to try some kangaroo if you’re up for it. Hotel (B,D) Check out Townsville on a city tour See Magnetic Island

• •

10 Code: FNSCD 2015/16 Code: FNCSD 2015/16

Hinchinbrook Island – Australia’s largest • Pass island national park through Tully, home to Australia’s best • Pass whitewater rafting Days 4 - 5: Cairns. With 2 free days, you can experience Cairns’ best! From shopping, cool bars & amazing nightlife, to the endless adrenaline activities like rafting, skydiving & exploring the reef, you’re spoilt for choice. If you’re up for a night out, then your Trip Manager can tell you the best spots to head to. Hotel (B)(B) M Snorkel or dive on an outer Great Barrier Reef cruise & lunch Day 6: Cairns to Cape Tribulation. Get an insider look at ancient Aboriginal culture & maybe try the unusual flavours offered at the local ice creamery, before heading north to Cape Tribulation. Lodge (B) Aboriginal experience at Mossman Gorge.

•

Day 7: Cape Tribulation to Cairns. We visit Cape Tribulation beach & then check out the mangroves on a walk with our Local Guide. This afternoon it’s back to Cairns where your trip ends at 5:00pm. (B) Visit Port Douglas Mangrove boardwalk with our expert Local Guide

• •

RAINFOREST EXPERIENCE ON DAYS 6 & 7 Get geared up for 2 days in paradise! With huge mountain ranges & rainforest stretching right to the ocean, the lush Daintree area is where the tropics meets the world-famous Great Barrier Reef. This World Heritage Site is packed with ancient plants & animals & is the home of the Kuku Yalanji Aboriginal people – it’s ready to be explored & a must-do in this part of the world. Come see it with us.

Start W’suns

Finish Cairns

Trip Trip & only sailing A$ pp* A$ pp*

15 6 13 3 10 1 8 29

Sep Oct Oct Nov Nov Dec Dec Jan

21 12 19 9 16 7 14 4

1355 1355 1355 1425 1425 1425 1425 1425

1655 1655 1655 1725 1725 1725 1725 1725

2016 Jan 5 Jan 12 Jan 19 Jan 26 Feb 2 Feb 23 Mar 22 Apr 19 May 17 Jun 14 Jul 12 Jul 19 Aug 9 Aug 16 Sep 6 Sep 13 Oct 4

Sep Sep Oct Oct Nov Nov Dec Dec Dec

10 17 8 15 5 12 3 10 31

Sep Sep Oct Oct Nov Nov Dec Dec Jan

16 23 14 21 11 18 9 16 6

1355 1355 1355 1355 1425 1425 1425 1425 1425

1655 1655 1655 1655 1725 1725 1725 1725 1725

Jan Jan Jan Feb Feb Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Jul Aug Aug Sep Sep Oct

11 18 25 1 8 29 28 25 23 20 18 25 15 22 12 19 10

1425 1425 1425 1425 1425 1425 1425 1415 1415 1415 1395 1395 1395 1395 1395 1395 1395

1725 1725 1725 1725 1725 1725 1725 1715 1715 1715 1695 1695 1695 1695 1695 1695 1695

2016 Jan 7 Jan 14 Jan 21 Jan 28 Feb 4 Feb 25 Mar 24 Apr 21 May 19 Jun 16 Jul 14 Jul 21 Aug 11 Aug 18 Sep 8 Sep 15

Jan Jan Jan Feb Feb Mar Mar Apr May Jun Jul Jul Aug Aug Sep Sep

13 20 27 3 10 2 30 27 25 22 20 27 17 24 14 21

1425 1425 1425 1425 1425 1425 1425 1415 1415 1415 1395 1395 1395 1395 1395 1395

1725 1725 1725 1725 1725 1725 1725 1715 1715 1715 1695 1695 1695 1695 1695 1695

2015 Sep Oct Oct Nov Nov Dec Dec Dec

Start Cairns

Finish Trip Trip & sailing W’suns only A$ pp* A$ pp*

INCLUDED MEALS (SAILING OPTION) 6 breakfasts (B), 1 lunch (L), 3 dinners (D)

2015

* Prices above are based on multi-share.

Single room supplement (trip only) add A$679/add A$235 for second person twin-share.

Single room supplement (trip + sailing) add A$419/add A$145 for second person twin-share. (Boat cabins multi-share only).

FNSCD: Start W’suns 5:00pm & end Cairns 5:00pm.

FNCSD: Start Cairns 7:00am & end W’suns 8:00am.

YOUR CHOICE It’s your choice – travel from The Whitsundays to Cairns, or from Cairns to The Whitsundays.

INCLUSIONS • An experienced & professional Trip Manager & Driver team • Modern, air-conditioned coach with powerpoints for charging • Rainforest adventure on days 6 & 7 • National park fees, local taxes & service charges

EXCLUSIVE INCLUSIONS • Aboriginal guided experience at Mossman Gorge Plus all of the inclusions in the itinerary marked with •

ME TIME OPTIONS M Sailing trip to Whitehaven Beach & lunch M Cairns tandem skydive See itinerary & visit contiki.com for even more VISIT CONTIKI.COM/ ISLAND

AUSTRALIA 2015/16

31

HIGH ENERGY

LIFE’S A BEACH ON A HIGH ENERGY TRIP. EXPLORE AUSTRALIA’S MOST ICONIC COAST LINES THEN PARTY THE NIGHT AWAY AT TOP NIGHT SPOTS WITH THE TRAVEL STYLE THAT’S ALL ABOUT EPIC SIGHTS, ONCE IN A LIFE TIME MOMENTS & CARE FREE LIVING. 2 TRIPS / 7-10 DAYS

INCLUDED

City to Surf ......................................... p.33

• Sightseeing of all major cities plus orientations in all other destinations • A Trip Manager & Driver team who will be your oracle on all things Australia • Breakfast every day, plus included dinners at hotels & local restaurants • Get around on our modern, air-conditioned coaches with power points, movies & a killer sound system!

The Sun Seeker ................................. p.34

Contiki.com/high-energy-australia

• More included activities such as a ‘learn to surf’ lesson, a day trip to the Blue Mountains & nightclub entry • Multi share rooms with twin & single options available • ME Time – your chance to explore on your own or take advantage of our awesome optional activities.

We Love WiFi – stay connected with WiFi at most overnight stops

BONDI BEACH QUEENSLAND

SURFERS PARADISE 2 Currumbin

BYRON BAY 1 COFFS HARBOUR 1 Port Macquarie

NEW SOUTH WALES

2 SYDNEY TASMAN SEA

Victoria

1 World Heritage site visited 1 1

Places visited Nightstops 1 or more nights at Special Stays

SNAPSHOT

HIGH ENERGY

6

CITY TO SURF

NIGHTS ACCOMMODATION

7 DAYS - 1 COUNTRY FROM A$1389 PP*/A$199 P/DAY*

Unique Special Stay: 1 night Coffs Harbour Surf Village, & 4 nights in hotels & resorts, 1 night in a hostel

SAVE

FOR GREAT SAVINGS VISIT CONTIKI.COM/DEALS

8 INCLUDED MEALS

ITINERARY & SIGHTSEEING Day 1: Sydney. Meet up with your Contiki Team & travel buddies this morning. We’ll head to the Blue Mountains & learn about this amazing landscape including the Three Sisters. Frame up some shots as you hike Wentworth Falls, before heading back to Sydney for dinner overlooking Darling Harbour. Hotel (D) Day trip to the Blue Mountains See the Three Sisters Hike at Wentworth Falls Cook your own BBQ steak

• • • •

Day 2: Sydney. Today we hit the streets & icons of Sydney, including the spot to see the city’s best views of the Harbour Bridge & Opera House. If you’re up for it, get a different view & head to the top of the Harbour Bridge! We’ll drive to Manly Beach for lunch & a swim. Hotel (B) Take a tour of Kings Cross, Chinatown, Darling Harbour, Macquarie Street & The Rocks Visit The Rocks Markets (weekends) or Paddington’s chic shopping area Ferry from Manly with time for lunch & a swim M Climb the Harbour Bridge

• • •

Day 3: Sydney to Coffs Harbour. It’s out of the city & into the cool surfer vibes that Oz is famous for at our Surf Village. (B,D) Surf Village Special Stay Stop in the seaside resort town of Port Macquarie Pass the famous ‘Big Banana’

• •

Day 4: Coffs Harbour to Byron Bay. Get yourself onto the waves on our surf lesson! With their tricks of the trade, our pro surfer guides will have you up on a board in no time. So grab your towel, sunnies & iPod & hit the beach for the ultimate chill. This afternoon, we head to legendary Byron Bay. Hostel (B) ‘Learn to surf’ lesson Visit Australia’s most easterly point & Cape Byron lighthouse

• •

Code: BSSBD 2015/16 into Byron’s organic lifestyle, galleries, • Get amazing food & cool night life

Start Sydney

M Kayak tour of the Marine Park to spot dolphins, turtles & whales (seasonal)

2015

Day 5: Byron Bay to Surfers Paradise. There’s time to top up your tan this morning before heading north into Queensland to Surfers Paradise.

We’ll stop in at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary where you can see wombats, feed a kangaroo & cuddle up to a koala. Resort (B) Visit Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary & see iconic Aussie animals Stay at a resort located right by the beach

• •

Day 6: Surfers Paradise. With a free day, explore the way you want. With great shopping it’s the perfect place for retail therapy, hit the skies on a skydive, or head to the beach & chill. Tonight, get into the party capital of Oz. Resort (B) Nightclub entry Relax on some of Australia’s famous beaches M Locally guided 4WD national park rainforest tour

• •

Day 7: Surfers Paradise. The trip ends after breakfast & it’s time to swap email addresses & say farewell to your new friends. (B)

Finish Surfers P.

Total Start Cost Sydney A$ pp* 1389 1389 1389 1389 1459 1459 1459 1459 1459

2016 Jan 3 Jan 9 Jan 10 ● Jan 16 Jan 17 ● Jan 23

1459 1459 1459

6 Sep 27 ● ■Oct 4 Oct 25 ● Oct 1 Nov 22 ● Nov 29 Dec 20 ● Dec 27 Jan

Finish Total Surfers P. Cost A$ pp*

2016 12 3 10 31 7 28 5 26 2

Sep Sep Oct Oct Nov Nov Nov Dec Dec

6 breakfasts (B), 2 dinners (D)

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Jul Jul Aug Aug Sep Sep

24 ● Jan 14 ● Feb 13 Mar 10 Apr 8 May 5 Jun 3 ● ■ Jul 10 Jul 31 ● Aug 7 Aug 28 ● Sep 4 Sep 25 ● ■ Oct

30 20 19 16 14 11 9 16 6 13 3 10 1

1459 1459 1459 1455 1455 1455 1429 1429 1429 1429 1429 1429 1429

* Prices above are based on multi-share.

Single room supplement add A$719/add A$189 for second person twin-share.

Start Sydney 7:00am & end Surfers Paradise 8:00am. ● These departures will not stay in Contiki’s Surf Village Special Stay.

■ These departures are during Australian University holidays.

For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/staylonger. For travel insurance see p.50.

INCLUSIONS • An experienced & professional Trip Manager & Driver team • Modern, air-conditioned coach with power points for charging • Sightseeing tours of all major cities plus orientation tours of all other destinations • National park fees, local taxes & service charges

EXCLUSIVE INCLUSIONS • Visit the famous Blue Mountains • Surf lesson or kayak in Coffs Harbour • Visit Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary Plus all of the inclusions in the itinerary marked with •

BONDI BEACH

ME TIME OPTIONS M Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge See itinerary & visit contiki.com for even more VISIT CONTIKI.COM/SURF

AUSTRALIA 2015/16

33

AUSTRALIA

HIGH ENERGY

10 DAYS - FROM A$1929 PP*/A$193 P/DAY* SAVE

FOR GREAT SAVINGS VISIT CONTIKI.COM/DEALS

GULF OF CARPENTARIA

CAIRNS 2 Tully Townsville

Northern

Airlie Beach

Territory

2 WHITSUNDAYS (Daydream Island) Mackay

QUEENSLAND

CATTLE 1 STATION

Capricorn Coast

Fraser Island

2 NOOSA Brisbane

South

SURFERS PARADISE 2

Australia

New South Wales

3 World Heritage sites visited 1

FRASER ISLAND

1

Places visited Nightstops 1 or more nights at Special Stays

Victoria

SNAPSHOT

THE SUN SEEKER

9

NIGHTS ACCOMMODATION Unique Special Stay: 1 night Langmorn Outback Cattle Station & 8 nights in hotels & resorts Sailing option: substitute 2 nights in resort with 2 nights on a yacht

ITINERARY & SIGHTSEEING Day 1: Surfers Paradise. Meet up with your Contiki Team & head into the bright lights of Surfers Paradise for a great night out with your new travel buddies! Resort Stay at a resort located right by the beach Day 2: Surfers Paradise. With a free day, explore the way you want. With great shopping it’s the perfect place for some retail therapy, or hit the skies on a skydive, head to the beach with a book & some beats, & chill. Tonight, get into the party capital of Oz. Resort (B) Nightclub entry Relax on some of Australia’s famous beaches M Tandem skydive Day 3: Surfers Paradise to Noosa. Take a peek at Brisbane’s sights before we make our way to the chic beach town, Noosa. Resort (B) See the Brisbane River, Royal Botanical Gardens & visit Queen Street Mall See the stunning Glasshouse Mountains Day 4: Noosa. Today we head to Fraser Island for an incredible day trip by 4WD. Stroll along Rainbow Beach, drive through the rainforests & sand dunes & dip in the freshwater Lake McKenzie. Bliss!

Resort (B,L,D) Visit the largest sand island in the world Drive along Australia’s only sand highway Indulge in a gourmet BBQ lunch with drinks Watch the sunset over mainland Australia Dine beachside at Noosa Surf Club Day 5: Noosa to Farmstay. Head through the Great Dividing Range & into cattle country for a truly unique local overnight at our outback station, where you can even flex your skills at whip cracking! (B,D) Cattle Station Special Stay Stop at Childers, known for its heritage & farming history Check out the farm & animals on a hay wagon ride Meet the station owners

•

Days 6 - 7: Farmstay to The Whitsundays. Today we’ll jet through sugar cane country & into true paradise for the beaches, watersports & good times at Daydream Island in the Whitsundays. Resort (B,D)(B) Cross the Tropic of Capricorn See Rockhampton – the beef capital of Australia Stop at Airlie Beach M Day sailing trip to famous Whitehaven Beach & lunch (weather dependent)

• • •

Day 6 - 7: Sailing Whitsundays option

• •

Want to get on the water in true Whitsundays style? You can. Choose to hit the blue waters & try your hand at sailing on our private sailing adventure, cruising some of the Whitsundays’ 74 islands including Whitehaven Beach. See p.48 for more info & the price panel for costs.

Multi-share accommodation. Yacht (B,D)(B,L,D)

• •

• • • • •

• • •

Codes: ex Surfers P: BTSWD ex Cairns: BTCWD Day 8: The Whitsundays to Cairns. Today, we’ll head to tropical North Queensland, known for its rainforests & as the gateway to the World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef. Hotel (B) Townsville city tour See Magnetic Island Pass Hinchinbrook Island – Australia’s largest island national park Pass through Tully, home to Oz’s best white water rafting Days 9 - 10: Cairns. With 2 free days, experience Cairns’ best! From shopping & great nightlife to endless adrenaline activities, you’re spoilt for choice.

Here is your chance to try some kangaroo if you’re up for it. Then it’s time to say farewell as your trip ends at 5:00pm on day 10. Hotel (B,D)(B) M Snorkel or dive on an outer Great Barrier Reef cruise & lunch… or stay dry with coral viewing by semi-submersible

• • • •

Code: BTSCD 2015/16 Code: BTCSD 2015/16 Start Finish Surfers P. Cairns

Trip Trip & only sailing A$ pp* A$ pp*

2015 Sep Oct Oct Oct Nov Nov Dec Dec Dec

10 1 ■ 8 29 5 26 3 24 31

7 14 21 28 18 17 14 12 9 7 ■ 14 4 11 1 8 29 ■

Finish Trip Trip & sailing Surfers P. only A$ pp* A$ pp*

INCLUDED MEALS 9 breakfasts (B), 1 lunch (L), 4 dinners (D)

2015 Sep Oct Oct Nov Nov Dec Dec Jan Jan

19 10 17 7 14 5 12 2 9

1969 1969 1969 1969 2069 2069 2069 2069 2069

2269 2269 2269 2269 2369 2369 2369 2369 2369

Jan Jan Jan Feb Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Jul Aug Aug Sep Sep Oct

16 23 30 6 27 26 23 21 18 16 23 13 20 10 17 8

2069 2069 2069 2069 2069 2069 2059 2059 2059 2025 2025 2025 2025 2025 2025 2025

2369 2369 2369 2369 2369 2369 2359 2359 2359 2325 2325 2325 2325 2325 2325 2325

2016 Jan Jan Jan Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Jul Aug Aug Sep Sep Sep

Start Cairns

14

Sep Sep Oct Oct Nov Nov Dec Dec

12 19 10 17 7 14 5 12

Sep Sep Oct Oct Nov Nov Dec Dec

21 28 19 26 16 23 14 21

1929 1929 1929 1929 2029 2029 2029 2029

2229 2229 2229 2229 2329 2329 2329 2329

Jan Jan Jan Feb Feb Feb Mar Apr May May Jun Jul Aug Aug Aug Sep Sep

11 18 25 1 8 15 7 4 2 30 27 25 1 22 29 19 26

2029 2029 2029 2029 2029 2029 2029 2029 2019 2019 2019 1985 1985 1985 1985 1985 1985

2329 2329 2329 2329 2329 2329 2329 2329 2319 2319 2319 2285 2285 2285 2285 2285 2285

2016 Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan Feb Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Jul Aug Aug Sep Sep

2 9 16 23 30 6 27 26 ■ 23 21 18 16 23 13 20 10 17

* Prices above are based on multi-share.

Single room supplement (trip only) add A$1035/add A$335 for second person twin-share.

Single room supplement (trip + sailing) add A$775/add A$245 for second person twin-share. (Boat cabins multi-share only).

BTSCD: Start Surfers P. 4:30pm & end Cairns 5:00pm.

BTCSD: Start Cairns 7:00am & end Surfers P. 8:00am.

■ These departures are during Australian University holidays.

16 INCLUDED MEALS (SAILING OPTION) 9 breakfasts (B), 2 lunches (L), 5 dinners (D)

INCLUSIONS • An experienced & professional Trip Manager & Driver team • Modern, air-conditioned coach with powerpoints for charging • Sightseeing tours of all major cities plus orientation tours of all other destinations • National park fees, local taxes & service charges

EXCLUSIVE INCLUSIONS • Noosa Surf Club dinner • Locally guided 4WD trip across Fraser Island with lunch & drinks Plus all of the inclusions in the itinerary marked with •

ME TIME OPTIONS M Tandem skydive M Whitewater raft the mighty Tully River See itinerary & visit contiki.com for even more

VISIT CONTIKI.COM/SEEKER

YOUR CHOICE It’s your choice – travel from Surfers Paradise to Cairns. Or save up to A$40 if you travel from Cairns to Surfers Paradise.

AUSTRALIA 2015/16

35

DISCOVERY PLUS

WANT TO SPOT DINGOES PLAYING ON FRASER ISLAND OR SIP CHAMPAGNE WHILST WATCHING THE SUN SET OVER ULURU? PREPARE FOR ICONIC EXPERIENCES & ACTION FUELLED ADVENTURES – MORE CHOICE, MORE FREE TIME, AND ULTIMATE COMFORT. 4 TRIPS / 12-25 DAYS

INCLUDED

The Big Walkabout.......................... p.37

• Sightseeing tours of all major cities plus orientations in all other destinations • A Trip Manager & Driver team who will be your expert on all things Australia • Breakfast every day, plus included dinners at hotels & local restaurants • Get around on our modern, air-conditioned coaches with power points, movies & a killer sound system!

Beaches & Reefs ............................... p.38 Reefs & Rainforests ......................... p.40 Sunsets & Surf................................... p.41

Contiki.com/discovery-plus-australia

• More included activities such as a surf lesson at Coff’s Harbour & sunset at Uluru • A mix of hotel & Special Stay accommodation, including an outback cattle station & a surf village • ME Time – choose to discover this great country in your own time or get involved in our ME Time optionals

We Love WiFi – stay connected with WiFi at most overnight stops

1 DARWIN 2 KAKADU N.P. 1 KATHERINE

Litchfield N.P.

Mataranka

GULF OF CARPENTARIA

ULURU

Daly Waters

NORTHERN TERRITORY

3 CAIRNS

1 TENNANT CREEK

Tully

Devils Marbles

SNAPSHOT

GREAT BARRIER REEF

Townsville

Wycliffe Well

Airlie Beach

2 WHITSUNDAYS

24

(Daydream Island)

NIGHTS ACCOMMODATION

Mackay Simpsons Gap

KINGS CANYON 1 The Olgas

2

QUEENSLAND

2 ALICE SPRINGS

ULURU

Unique Special Stays: 1 night Coffs Harbour Surf Village, 1 night Langmorn Outback Cattle Station, 1 night Kings Creek Station Outback Bush Camp, 18 nights in hotels & resorts, 1 night in a hostel, 2 nights in a lodge

Capricorn Coast

CATTLE 1 STATION

Fraser Island

NOOSA 2 Brisbane

SURFERS PARADISE 2

South Australia

1 1

Places visited Nightstops 1 or more nights at Special Stays

Sailing option: substitute 2 nights in resort with 2 nights on a yacht

Currumbin

BYRON BAY 1

6 World Heritage sites visited

COFFS HARBOUR 1

35

NEW SOUTH WALES Port Macquarie

INCLUDED MEALS

SYDNEY 2

24 breakfasts (B), 1 lunch (L), 10 dinners (D)

TASMAN SEA

Victoria

DISCOVERY PLUS

37 INCLUDED MEALS (SAILING OPTION)

THE BIG WALKABOUT

24 breakfasts (B), 2 lunches (L), 11 dinners (D)

25 DAYS - 1 COUNTRY FROM A$4869 PP*/A$195 P/DAY* SAVE

INCLUSIONS

FOR GREAT SAVINGS VISIT CONTIKI.COM/DEALS

Day 24: Kakadu to Darwin. Wave Kakadu farewell as we head to Darwin. Hotel (B) Enjoy a swim in Florence Falls (seasonal)

•

• An experienced & professional Trip Manager & Driver team • Modern, air-conditioned coach with powerpoints for charging • Flight from Cairns to Alice Springs (Ayers Rock to Cairns for EXDSD) • Sightseeing tours of all major cities plus orientation tours of all other destinations • National park fees, local taxes & service charges

Day 25: Darwin. It’s time to say farewell to your travel buddies & swap email addresses. (B) Guided city tour of Darwin Visit the Darwin Museum

EXCLUSIVE INCLUSIONS

ITINERARY & SIGHTSEEING Day 1: Sydney. Meet up with your Contiki Team before we hit the road. Hotel (D) Trip to the Blue Mountains Day 2: Sydney. Get the best views of the Harbour Bridge, Opera House & drive to Manly. Hotel (B) M Climb the Harbour Bridge Day 3: Sydney to Coffs Harbour. It’s out of the city & into the cool surf vibes. (B,D) Surf Village Special Stay

•

Day 4: Coffs Harbour to Byron Bay. Get into the waves on a surf lesson! Hostel (B) M Kayak tour of Byron Bay’s Marine Park Day 5: Byron Bay to Surfers Paradise. Visit Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. Resort (B) Day 6: Surfers Paradise. With a free day, hit the shops, do a skydive or head to the beach!

Resort (B) Nightclub entry

•

Day 7: Surfers Paradise to Noosa. Take a peek at Brisbane before we hit the road to Noosa. Resort (B) Day 8: Noosa. Today we head to Fraser Island for an incredible day trip by 4WD. Resort (B,L,D) BBQ lunch Dine beachside in Noosa

• •

Day 9: Noosa to Farmstay. Head through the Great Dividing Range & into cattle country. (B,D) Cattle Station Special Stay Days 10 - 11: Farmstay to The Whitsundays.

Welcome to Daydream Island. Resort (B,D)(B) Stop at Airlie Beach M Sailing to Whitehaven Beach

•

Day 10 - 11: Sailing Whitsundays option.

Choose to hit the water on our private sailing adventure. See p.48 for more info & the price panel for costs. Multi-share accommodation.

Yacht (B,D)(B,L,D) Codes: ex Sydney: EXSXD ex Darwin: EXDXD

Day 12: The Whitsundays to Cairns. Today, we head to North Queensland. Hotel (B) Townsville city tour Days 13 - 14: Cairns. With 2 free days, experience shopping, great nightlife & adrenaline activities.

Hotel (B,D)(B) Day 15: Cairns to Alice Springs. Today we head to the Outback! Hotel (B,D) See the MacDonnell Ranges & Simpsons Gap Reptile park experience Day 16: Alice Springs to Kings Creek Station.

Try ‘bush tucker’ & meet the Walpiri Aboriginal community. (B,D) Outback Special Stay Hike through Kings Canyon Day 17: Kings Creek Station to Uluru. Next we make tracks to Uluru. Lodge (B) Hike through ‘Kata-Tjuta’ (The Olgas) Day 18: Uluru. Catch the Uluru sunrise, walk around ‘The Rock’ & see Aboriginal rock art. Lodge (B) Visit Uluru Cultural Centre Toast Uluru at sunset Day 19: Uluru to Alice Springs. Say goodbye to Uluru as we head to Alice Springs. Hotel (B) Indulge in a BBQ ‘Big Brekkie’ Day 20: Alice Springs to Tennant Creek. Cross the Tropic of Capricorn to Tennant Creek. Hotel (B,D) Visit the ‘Devil’s Marbles’ M Dawn hot air balloon flight Day 21: Tennant Creek to Katherine. Stop at the Territory’s oldest pub & swim at the Mataranka thermal pools. Hotel (B) Day 22: Katherine to Kakadu National Park.

Hike, walk, or take a boat trip to see Katherine Gorge. Hotel (B,D) Cool off in Edith Falls Day 23: Kakadu National Park. Explore Kakadu today. Hotel (B) Wildlife cruise Visit Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre

•

• • • • • • • •

• • •

M Scenic flight

• •

Code: EXSDD 2015/16 Code: EXDSD 2015/16 Start Sydney

Finish Trip Trip & Darwin only sailing A$ pp* A$ pp*

2015 Sep 27 ●■ Oct Oct 25 ● Nov Nov 22 ● Dec Dec 20 ● Jan

21 18 16 13

4869 4869 5115 5115

5169 5169 5415 5415

2016 Jan 17 ● Feb Feb 14 ● Mar Mar 13 Apr Apr 10 May May 8 Jun Jun 5 Jun Jul 3 ●■ Jul Jul 31 ● Aug Aug 28 ● Sep Sep 25 ●■ Oct

10 9 6 4 1 29 27 24 21 19

5115 5115 5115 5095 5095 5095 5015 5015 5015 5015

5415 5415 5415 5395 5395 5395 5315 5315 5315 5315

Start Darwin

Finish Trip Trip & sailing Sydney only A$ pp* A$ pp*

2015 Sep 30 ■ Oct 28 Nov 25 Dec 23

Oct Nov Dec Jan

23 20 18 15

4719 4719 4965 4965

5019 5019 5265 5265

2016 Jan 20 Feb 17 Mar 16 Apr 13 May 11 Jun 8 Jul 6 ■ Aug 3 Aug 31

Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Jul Aug Sep

12 11 8 6 3 1 29 26 23

4965 4965 4965 4945 4945 4945 4865 4865 4865

5265 5265 5265 5245 5245 5245 5165 5165 5165

* Prices above are based on multi-share.

Included flights: This trip includes flights as specified on the map above as part of the trip price. Please see ‘Included flights’ on p.50 for important info.

Single room supplement (trip only) add A$2595/add A$815 for second person twin-share.

Single room supplement (trip + sailing) add A$2335/add A$725 for second person twin-share. (Boat cabins multi-share only).

EXSDD: Start Sydney 7:00am & end Darwin 6:30pm.

EXDSD: Start Darwin 7:30am & end Sydney 5:00pm. ● Departures will not stay in Contiki’s Surf Village Special Stay.

■ Departures are during Australian University holidays.

• Sydney Harbour ferry cruise • Noosa Surf Club dinner • 4WD trip across Fraser Island • Alice Springs Aboriginal Dreamtime ‘Bush tucker’ tour • Uluru sunset drinks & nibbles Plus all of the inclusions in the itinerary marked with •

ME TIME OPTIONS M Helicopter ride over Uluru See itinerary & visit contiki.com for even more VISIT CONTIKI.COM/ WALKABOUT

YOUR CHOICE It’s your choice - travel from Sydney to Darwin. Or save up to A$150 if you travel from Darwin to Sydney (this trip will be 24 days long).

AUSTRALIA 2015/16

37

AUSTRALIA

DISCOVERY PLUS

14 DAYS - FROM A$2739 PP*/A$196 P/DAY* SAVE

FOR GREAT SAVINGS VISIT CONTIKI.COM/DEALS

GULF OF CARPENTARIA CORAL SEA

2 CAIRNS Tully

GREAT BARRIER REEF

Townsville Airlie Beach

2 WHITSUNDAYS (Daydream Island)

Mackay

QUEENSLAND Capricorn Coast

CATTLE 1 STATION Fraser Island

2 NOOSA Brisbane

SURFERS PARADISE 2 Currumbin

1 BYRON BAY

South Australia

1 COFFS HARBOUR

NEW SOUTH WALES Port Macquarie

2 SYDNEY

4 World Heritage sites visited 1

WHITSUNDAYS

1

Places visited Nightstops 1 or more nights at Special Stays

TASMAN SEA

Victoria

SNAPSHOT

BEACHES & REEFS

13

NIGHTS ACCOMMODATION Unique Special Stays: 1 night Coffs Harbour Surf Village, 1 night Langmorn Outback Cattle Station, & 10 nights in hotels & resorts, 1 night in a hostel Sailing option: substitute 2 nights in resort with 2 nights on a yacht

ITINERARY & SIGHTSEEING Day 1: Sydney. Meet up with your Contiki Team & travel buddies this morning. We’ll head out of the city & into the Blue Mountains to learn about this amazing landscape including the Three Sisters.

Frame up some shots as you hike Wentworth Falls, before heading back to Sydney for dinner overlooking Darling Harbour. Hotel (D) Day trip to the Blue Mountains See the Three Sisters Hike at Wentworth Falls Cook your own BBQ steak

the sunset over mainland Australia • Watch • Dine beachside in Noosa

Day 2: Sydney. Today we hit the streets & icons of Sydney, including the spot to see the city’s best views of the Harbour Bridge & Opera House. If you’re up for it, get a different view & head to the top of the Harbour Bridge! We’ll drive to Manly Beach for lunch & a swim. Hotel (B) Take a tour of Kings Cross, Chinatown, Darling Harbour, Macquarie Street & The Rocks Ferry from Manly with time for lunch & a swim M Climb the Harbour Bridge

Days 10 - 11: Farmstay to The Whitsundays.

Enjoy the beaches & watersports in paradise at Daydream Island in The Whitsundays.

Resort (B,D)(B) Cross the Tropic of Capricorn See Rockhampton – the beef capital of Australia Stop at Airlie Beach M Day sailing trip to famous Whitehaven Beach & lunch (weather dependent)

• • • •

• •

Day 9: Noosa to Farmstay. Head through the Great Dividing Range & into cattle country for a truly unique local overnight at our Outback Station, where you can even flex your skills at whip cracking! (B,D) Cattle Station Special Stay Stop at Childers, known for its heritage & farming history Check out the farm & animals on a hay wagon ride & meet the station owners

• •

• • •

Day 3: Sydney to Coffs Harbour. It’s out of the city & into the cool surfer vibes that Oz is famous for at our Surf Village. (B,D) Surf Village Special Stay Stop in the seaside resort town of Port Macquarie Pass the famous ‘Big Banana’

Day 10 - 11: Sailing Whitsundays option.

Want to get on the water in true Whitsundays style? You can. Choose to hit the blue waters & try your hand at sailing on our private sailing adventure, cruising some of the Whitsundays’ 74 islands including Whitehaven Beach. See p.48 for more info & the price panel for costs.

Multi-share accommodation. Yacht (B,D)(B,L,D)

• •

Day 4: Coffs Harbour to Byron Bay. Get yourself onto the waves on our surf lesson! With their tricks of the trade, our pro surfer guides will have you up on a board in no time. So grab your towel, sunnies & iPod & hit the beach for the ultimate chill. This afternoon, we head to legendary Byron Bay. Hostel (B) ‘Learn to surf’ lesson Visit Australia’s most easterly point & Cape Byron lighthouse Get into Byron’s organic lifestyle, galleries, amazing food & cool night life M Kayak tour of Byron Bay’s Marine Park

• • •

Day 5: Byron Bay to Surfers Paradise. There’s time to top up your tan this morning before heading north into Queensland to Surfers Paradise.

We’ll stop in at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary where you can see wombats, feed a kangaroo & cuddle up to a koala. Resort (B) Visit Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary & see iconic Aussie animals Stay at a resort located right by the beach M 4WD National Park rainforest tour

• •

Day 6: Surfers Paradise. With a free day, explore the way you want. With great shopping it’s the perfect place for some retail therapy, hit the skies on a skydive, or head to the beach with a book & some beats, & chill. Tonight, get into the party capital of Oz. Resort (B) Nightclub entry Relax on some of Australia’s famous beaches

Codes: ex Sydney: BRSWD ex Cairns: BRCWD Day 12: The Whitsundays to Cairns. Today, we’ll head to Tropical North Queensland, known for its rainforests & as the gateway to the World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef. Hotel (B) Check out Townsville on a city tour See Magnetic Island Pass Hinchinbrook Island – Australia’s largest island national park Pass through Tully, home to Australia’s best white water rafting

• • • •

Code: BRSCD 2015/16 Code: BRCSD 2015/16 Start Sydney

Finish Cairns

Trip Trip & Start only sailing Cairns A$ pp* A$ pp*

2015

Trip Trip & only sailing A$ pp* A$ pp*

2015

6 Sep 27 ●■Oct 4 Oct 25 ● Nov 1 Nov 22 ● Dec 29 Dec 20 ● Jan 27 Jan

19 10 17 7 14 5 12 2 9

2819 2819 2819 2819 2965 2965 2965 2965 2965

3119 3119 3119 3119 3265 3265 3265 3265 3265

2016 Jan 3 Jan Jan 10 ● Jan Jan 17 ● Jan Jan 24 ● Feb Feb 14 ● Feb Mar 13 Mar Apr 10 Apr May 8 May Jun 5 Jun Jul 3 ■ Jul Jul 10 ■ Jul Jul 31 ● Aug Aug 7 Aug Aug 28 ● Sep Sep 4 Sep Sep 25 ●■Oct

16 23 30 6 27 26 23 21 18 16 23 13 20 10 17 8

2965 2965 2965 2965 2965 2965 2949 2949 2949 2905 2905 2905 2905 2905 2905 2905

3265 3265 3265 3265 3265 3265 3249 3249 3249 3205 3205 3205 3205 3205 3205 3205

Sep Sep Oct Oct Nov Nov Nov Dec Dec

Finish Sydney

12 19 10 17 7 14 5 12

Sep Oct Oct Oct Nov Nov Dec Dec

25 2 23 30 20 27 18 25

2739 2739 2739 2739 2885 2885 2885 2885

3039 3039 3039 3039 3185 3185 3185 3185

2016 Jan 2 Jan 9 Jan 16 Jan 23 Jan 30 Feb 6 Feb 27 Mar 26 ■ Apr 23 May 21 Jun 18 Jul 16 Jul 23 Aug 13 Aug 20 Sep 10 Sep 17

Jan Jan Jan Feb Feb Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Jul Aug Aug Sep Sep Sep

15 22 29 5 12 19 11 8 6 3 1 29 5 26 2 23 30

2885 2885 2885 2885 2885 2885 2885 2885 2869 2869 2869 2825 2825 2825 2825 2825 2825

3185 3185 3185 3185 3185 3185 3185 3185 3169 3169 3169 3125 3125 3125 3125 3125 3125

Sep Sep Oct Oct Nov Nov Dec Dec

* Prices above are based on multi-share.

Single room supplement (trip only) add A$1485/add A$469 for second person twin-share.

Single room supplement (trip + sailing) add A$1225/add A$379 for second person twin-share. (Boat cabins multi-share only).

BRSCD: Start Sydney 7:00am & end Cairns 5:00pm.

BRCSD: Start Cairns 7:00am & end Sydney 5:00pm. ● These departures will not stay in Contiki’s Surf Village

Special Stay.

■ These departures are during Australian University holidays.

For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/staylonger. For travel insurance see p.50.

Day 13: Cairns. With a free day, experience Cairns’ best! From shopping, great nightlife & endless adrenaline activities like rafting, skydiving & exploring the reef, you’re spoilt for choice. Tonight, there’s your chance to try some kangaroo if you’re up for it. Hotel (B,D) M Great Barrier Reef scuba diving for beginners & certified divers

13 breakfasts (B), 1 lunch (L), 6 dinners (D)

22 INCLUDED MEALS (SAILING OPTION) 13 breakfasts (B), 2 lunches (L), 7 dinners (D)

INCLUSIONS • An experienced & professional Trip Manager & Driver team • Modern, air-conditioned coach with powerpoints for charging • Sightseeing tours of all major cities plus orientation tours of all other destinations • National park fees, local taxes & service charges

EXCLUSIVE INCLUSIONS • Visit the famous Blue Mountains • Sydney Harbour ferry cruise from Manly • Surf lesson or kayak in Coffs Harbour • Visit Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary • Noosa Surf Club dinner • Locally guided 4WD trip across Fraser Island with lunch & drinks Plus all of the inclusions in the itinerary marked with •

M Tandem skydive in Surfers Paradise See itinerary & visit contiki.com for even more

Day 7: Surfers Paradise to Noosa. Take a peek at Brisbane’s sights before we make our way to the chic beach town, Noosa. Resort (B) See the Brisbane River, Royal Botanical Gardens & visit Queen Street Mall See the stunning Glasshouse Mountains

LOCAL CULTURE

• •

• • •

INCLUDED MEALS

ME TIME OPTIONS

Day 14: Cairns. Feed your inner adrenaline junkie or relax? It’s your choice with another free day to do what you’re into. Later, it’s time to swap emails & numbers as your trip ends at 5.00pm. (B)

• •

Day 8: Noosa. Today we head to Fraser Island for an incredible day trip by 4WD. Stroll along Rainbow Beach, drive through the rainforests & sand dunes, and dip in the freshwater Lake McKenzie. Bliss! Resort (B,L,D) Visit the largest sand island in the world Drive along Australia’s only sand highway Indulge in a gourmet BBQ lunch with drinks

20

SYDNEY

Random fact: it is estimated there are 1,500 species of fish, 30 species of dolphins & whales, 360 species of coral & 17 species of sea snakes in the Great Barrier Reef.

YOUR CHOICE It’s your choice - travel from Sydney to Cairns. Or save up to A$80 if you travel from Cairns to Sydney.

VISIT CONTIKI.COM/ BEACHES

AUSTRALIA 2015/16

39

GOLD COAST

SNAPSHOT

15

GULF OF CARPENTARIA

NIGHTS ACCOMMODATION

1 Mossman Gorge

CAPE TRIBULATION CORAL SEA

Port Douglas

CAIRNS 3

Unique Special Stays: 1 night Langmorn Outback Cattle Station, 1 night Coffs Harbour Surf Village, & 11 nights in hotels & resorts, 1 night in a lodge, 1 night in a hostel

Tully

GREAT BARRIER REEF

Townsville

2 WHITSUNDAYS

Airlie Beach

Sailing option: substitute 2 nights in resort with 2 nights on a yacht

(Daydream Island)

Mackay

QUEENSLAND

22

Capricorn Coast

CATTLE 1 STATION

DISCOVERY PLUS

INCLUDED MEALS 15 breakfasts (B), 1 lunch (L), 6 dinners (D)

Fraser Island

2 NOOSA

REEFS & RAINFORESTS

24 INCLUDED MEALS (SAILING OPTION)

16 DAYS - 1 COUNTRY FROM A$3019 PP*/A$189 P/DAY*

15 breakfasts (B), 2 lunches (L), 7 dinners (D)

SAVE

FOR GREAT SAVINGS VISIT CONTIKI.COM/DEALS

Brisbane

SURFERS PARADISE 2

a

Currumbin

1 BYRON BAY

• An experienced & professional Trip Manager & Driver team • Modern, air-conditioned coach with powerpoints for charging • Rainforest adventure on days 1 & 2 • Sightseeing tours of all major cities plus orientation tours of all other destinations • National park fees, local taxes & service charges

1

EXCLUSIVE INCLUSIONS • Aboriginal guided experience at Mossman Gorge • Locally guided 4WD trip across Fraser Island with lunch & drinks • Noosa Surf Club dinner • Visit Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary • Surf lesson or kayak in Coffs Harbour • Sydney Harbour ferry cruise from Manly • Visit the famous Blue Mountains Plus all of the inclusions in the itinerary marked with •

ME TIME OPTIONS M Whitewater raft the mighty Tully River in Cairns M 4WD national park rainforest tour in Surfers Paradise See itinerary & visit contiki.com for even more VISIT CONTIKI.COM/REEFS

2 SYDNEY Places visited Nightstops TASMAN SEA 1 or more nights at Special Stays

ITINERARY & SIGHTSEEING Day 1: Cairns to Cape Tribulation. Meet up with your Contiki Team & hit the road! Lodge Aboriginal experience Day 2: Cape Tribulation to Cairns. Visit Cape Tribulation Beach & then check out the mangroves on a walk with our Local Guide. Hotel (B) Visit Port Douglas Days 3 - 4: Cairns. With 2 free days, experience the shopping, great nightlife & adrenaline activities.

Hotel (B,D)(B) M Great Barrier Reef cruise Day 5: Cairns to The Whitsundays. See Airlie Beach before a ferry ride to Daydream Island. Resort (B,D) Pass Tully & Hinchinbrook Island Day 6: The Whitsundays. Take time to chill or get into some water sports at Daydream Island. Resort (B) M Day trip to Whitehaven Beach (weather dependent)

• •

•

Day 5 - 6: Sailing Whitsundays option.

Choose to hit the waters on our private sailing adventure. See p.48 for more info & the price panel for costs. Multi-share accommodation.

Yacht (B,D)(B,L,D) Codes: ex Cairns: BWCWD ex Sydney: BWSWD Day 7: The Whitsundays to Farmstay. Jet through sugar cane country to our true Aussie farmstay. (B,D) Cattle Station Special Stay Day 8: Farmstay to Noosa. Head back out to the coast before we reach Noosa. Resort (B) Stop at Childers Day 9: Noosa. Head to Fraser Island for an incredible day trip by 4WD. Resort (B,L,D) Gourmet BBQ lunch with drinks Dine beachside at Noosa Surf Club Day 10: Noosa to Surfers Paradise. Get into the chic vibes of Noosa, then check out Brisbane before reaching Surfers Paradise! Resort (B)

• • •

Port Macquarie

4 World Heritage sites visited

1

INCLUSIONS

1 COFFS HARBOUR

NEW SOUTH WALES

2015/16 Code: BWCSD 2015/16 Code: BWSCD

• Stay at a resort located right by the beach

Day 11: Surfers Paradise. With a free day, explore the way you want. Resort (B) Nightclub entry Day 12: Surfers Paradise to Byron Bay. See wombats, feed a kangaroo & cuddle up to a koala at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary! Hostel (B) M Kayak tour of Byron Bay’s Marine Park Day 13: Byron Bay to Coffs Harbour. Get yourself onto the waves on our surf lesson. (B,D) Surf Village Special Stay Visit Australia’s most easterly point Day 14: Coffs Harbour to Sydney. Say farewell to Coffs as we head to Sydney. Hotel (B) Experience Sydney’s famous nightlife M Climb the Harbour Bridge Day 15: Sydney. Take a tour of Sydney’s hot spots before driving to Manly Beach for lunch & a swim.

Hotel (B,D) Cook your own BBQ steak Day 16: Sydney. See the Blue Mountains & hike Wentworth Falls, before heading back to Sydney.

It’s then time to say farewell as your trip ends at 5:00pm. (B) Day trip to the Blue Mountains

•

• • • • •

TRY OUR RAINFOREST EXPERIENCE ON DAYS 1 & 2 Get geared up for 2 days in paradise! With huge mountain ranges & rainforest stretching right to the ocean, the lush Daintree area is where the tropics meets the world-famous Great Barrier Reef. This World Heritage Site is packed with ancient plants & animals & is the home of the Kuku Yalanji Aboriginal people – it’s ready to be explored & a must-do in this part of the world. Come see it with us.

Start Cairns

Finish Sydney

Trip Trip & only sailing A$ pp* A$ pp*

10 17 8 15 5 12 3 10 31

Sep Oct Oct Oct Nov Nov Dec Dec Jan

25 2 23 30 20 27 18 25 15

3019 3019 3019 3019 3175 3175 3175 3175 3175

3319 3319 3319 3319 3475 3475 3475 3475 3475

Sep Sep Oct Oct Nov Nov Nov Dec Dec

6 Sep 27 ●■ Oct 4 Oct 25 ● Nov 1 Nov 22 ● Dec 29 Dec 20 ● Jan 27 Jan

21 12 19 9 16 7 14 4 11

3119 3119 3119 3119 3275 3275 3275 3275 3275

3419 3419 3419 3419 3575 3575 3575 3575 3575

2016 Jan 7 Jan 14 Jan 21 Jan 28 Feb 4 Feb 25 Mar 24 Apr 21 May 19 Jun 16 Jul 14 Jul 21 Aug 11 Aug 18 Sep 8 Sep 15

Jan Jan Feb Feb Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Jul Aug Aug Sep Sep Sep

22 29 5 12 19 11 8 6 3 1 29 5 26 2 23 30

3175 3175 3175 3175 3175 3175 3175 3159 3159 3159 3109 3109 3109 3109 3109 3109

3475 3475 3475 3475 3475 3475 3475 3459 3459 3459 3409 3409 3409 3409 3409 3409

2016 Jan 3 Jan Jan 10 ● Jan Jan 17 ● Feb Jan 24 ● Feb Feb 14 ● Feb Mar 13 Mar Apr 10 Apr May 8 May Jun 5 Jun Jul 3 ●■ Jul Jul 10 Jul Jul 31 ● Aug Aug 7 Aug Aug 28 ● Sep Sep 4 Sep Sep 25 ●■ Oct

18 25 1 8 29 28 25 23 20 18 25 15 22 12 19 10

3275 3275 3275 3275 3275 3275 3259 3259 3259 3209 3209 3209 3209 3209 3209 3209

3575 3575 3575 3575 3575 3575 3559 3559 3559 3509 3509 3509 3509 3509 3509 3509

2015 Sep Sep Oct Oct Nov Nov Dec Dec Dec

Start Sydney

Finish Cairns

Trip Trip & only sailing A$ pp* A$ pp*

2015

* Prices above are based on multi-share.

Single room supplement (trip only) add A$1815/add A$545 for second person twin-share.

Single room supplement (trip + sailing) add A$1555/add A$455 for second person twin-share. (Boat cabins multi-share only).

BWCSD: Start Cairns 7:00am & end Sydney 5:00pm.

BWSCD: Start Sydney 7:00am & end Cairns 5:00pm. ● These departures will not stay in Contiki’s Surf Village Special Stay.

■ These departures are during Australian University holidays.

For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/staylonger. For travel insurance see p.50.

GREAT BARRIER REEF

Airlie Beach

2 WHITSUNDAYS (Daydream Island) Mackay

QUEENSLAND

CATTLE 1 STATION

BYRON BAY

Capricorn Coast

SNAPSHOT

Fraser Island

NOOSA 2

11

Brisbane

SURFERS PARADISE 2

NIGHTS ACCOMMODATION

Currumbin

BYRON BAY 1 COFFS HARBOUR 1

Unique Special Stays: 1 night Coffs Harbour Surf Village, 1 night Langmorn Outback Cattle Station, & 8 nights in hotels & resorts, 1 night in a hostel,

NEW SOUTH WALES Port Macquarie

SYDNEY 2

Sailing option: substitute 2 nights in resort with 2 nights on a yacht

3 World Heritage sites visited 1

DISCOVERY PLUS

1

17

Places visited Nightstops 1 or more nights at Special Stays

INCLUDED MEALS 11 breakfasts (B), 1 lunch (L), 5 dinners (D)

SUNSETS & SURF

19 INCLUDED MEALS (SAILING OPTION)

12 DAYS - 1 COUNTRY FROM A$2399 PP*/A$200 P/DAY* SAVE

FOR GREAT SAVINGS VISIT CONTIKI.COM/DEALS

ITINERARY & SIGHTSEEING Day 1: Sydney. Meet up with your Contiki Team & travel buddies. Head to the Blue Mountains & hike Wentworth Falls, before heading back to Sydney for dinner overlooking Darling Harbour. Hotel (D) Day trip to the Blue Mountains See the Three Sisters Cook your own BBQ steak

• • •

Day 2: Sydney. Today we hit Sydney. See the city’s best views of the Harbour Bridge & Opera House.

We’ll drive to Manly Beach for lunch & a swim.

Hotel (B) Take a tour of Kings Cross, Chinatown, Darling Harbour, Macquarie Street & The Rocks M Climb the Harbour Bridge

•

Day 3: Sydney to Coffs Harbour. It’s out of the city & into the cool surfer vibes. (B,D) Surf Village Special Stay Day 4: Coffs Harbour to Byron Bay. Get yourself onto the waves with our surf lesson! This afternoon, we head to legendary Byron Bay. Hostel (B) ‘Learn to surf’ lesson Visit Australia’s most easterly point & Cape Byron lighthouse

• •

Day 5: Byron Bay to Surfers Paradise. Head north into Queensland to Surfers Paradise. We’ll stop in at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary where you can see wombats, feed a kangaroo & cuddle up to a koala. Resort (B) Stay at a resort located right by the beach

•

Day 6: Surfers Paradise. With a free day, explore the way you want. It’s the perfect place for some retail therapy, hit the skies on a skydive, or head to the beach & chill. Resort (B) Nightclub entry

•

Day 7: Surfers Paradise to Noosa. Check out Brisbane’s sights before we make our way to the chic beach town, Noosa. Resort (B) See the stunning Glasshouse Mountains

•

11 breakfasts (B), 2 lunches (L), 6 dinners (D)

Code: SQSCD 2015/16 Code: SQCSD 2015/16 Day 8: Noosa. Today we head to Fraser Island for an incredible day trip by 4WD. Stroll along Rainbow Beach, drive through the rainforests & sand dunes & dip in the freshwater Lake McKenzie. Resort (B,L,D) Visit the largest sand island in the world Drive along Australia’s only sand highway Indulge in a gourmet BBQ lunch with drinks Watch the sunset over mainland Australia Dine beachside at Noosa Surf Club

• • • • •

Day 9: Noosa to Farmstay. Head through the Great Dividing Range & into cattle country, where you can even flex your skills at whip cracking! (B,D) Cattle Station Special Stay Stop at Childers, known for its heritage & farming history Check out the farm & animals on a hay wagon ride

• •

Days 10 - 11: Farmstay to The Whitsundays.

Enjoy the beaches & watersports in paradise at Daydream Island in The Whitsundays. Resort (B,D)(B) Cross the Tropic of Capricorn See Rockhampton – the beef capital of Australia Stop at Airlie Beach M Day sailing trip to famous Whitehaven Beach & lunch (weather dependent) M Snorkel or dive on an outer Great Barrier Reef cruise with lunch

• • •

Start Sydney

Finish W’suns

2015 Sep 6 Sep 27 ● Oct 4 Oct 25 ● Nov 1 Nov 22 ● Nov 29 Dec 20 ● Dec 27 2016 Jan 3 Jan 10 ● Jan 17 ● Jan 24 ● Feb 14 ● Mar 13 Apr 10 May 8 Jun 5 Jul 3 ■ Jul 10 ■ Jul 31 ● Aug 7 Aug 28 ● Sep 4 Sep 25 ● ■

Trip Trip & only sailing A$ pp* A$ pp*

Sep Oct Oct Nov Nov Dec Dec Dec Jan

17 8 15 5 12 3 10 31 7

2439 2439 2439 2439 2575 2575 2575 2575 2575

2739 2739 2739 2739 2875 2875 2875 2875 2875

Jan Jan Jan Feb Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Jul Aug Aug Sep Sep Oct

14 21 28 4 25 24 21 19 16 14 21 11 18 8 15 6

2575 2575 2575 2575 2575 2575 2559 2559 2559 2519 2519 2519 2519 2519 2519 2519

2875 2875 2875 2875 2875 2875 2859 2859 2859 2819 2819 2819 2819 2819 2819 2819

Start W’suns 2015 Sep 14 Sep 21 Oct 12 Oct 19 Nov 9 Nov 16 Dec 7 Dec 14 2016 Jan 4 Jan 11 Jan 18 Jan 25 Feb 1 Feb 8 Feb 29 Mar 28 ■ Apr 25 May 23 Jun 20 Jul 18 Jul 25 Aug 15 Aug 22 Sep 12 Sep 19

Finish Trip Trip & sailing Sydney only A$ pp* A$ pp* Sep Oct Oct Oct Nov Nov Dec Dec

25 2 23 30 20 27 18 25

2399 2399 2399 2399 2535 2535 2535 2535

2699 2699 2699 2699 2835 2835 2835 2835

Jan Jan Jan Feb Feb Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Jul Aug Aug Sep Sep Sep

15 22 29 5 12 19 11 8 6 3 1 29 5 26 2 23 30

2535 2535 2535 2535 2535 2535 2535 2535 2519 2519 2519 2479 2479 2479 2479 2479 2479

2835 2835 2835 2835 2835 2835 2835 2835 2819 2819 2819 2779 2779 2779 2779 2779 2779

* Prices above are based on multi-share.

Single room supplement (trip only) add A$1289/add A$395 for second person twin-share.

Single room supplement (trip + sailing) add A$1029/add A$305 for second person twin-share. (Boat cabins multi-share only).

SQSCD: Start Sydney 7:00am & end W’suns 8:00am.

Day 10 - 11: Sailing Whitsundays option

SQCSD: Start W’suns 5:00pm & end Sydney 5:00pm.

Choose to hit the waters on our private sailing adventure, cruising some of the Whitsundays’ 74 islands including Whitehaven Beach. See p.48 for more info & the price panel for costs. Multi-share accommodation. Yacht (B,D)(B,L,D) Codes: ex Sydney: SQSWD ex W’suns: SQCWD

●

Day 12: The Whitsundays. The trip ends after breakfast, so it’s time to say farewell to your new friends. (B)

Departures will not stay in Contiki’s Surf Village Special Stay.

■ These departures are during Australian University holidays.

YOUR CHOICE It’s your choice – travel from Sydney to The W’sundays. Or save up to A$40 if you travel from The W’sundays to Sydney.

INCLUSIONS • An experienced & professional Trip Manager & Driver team • Modern, air-conditioned coach with powerpoints for charging • Sightseeing tours of all major cities plus orientation tours of all other destinations • National park fees, local taxes & service charges

EXCLUSIVE INCLUSIONS • Visit the famous Blue Mountains • Sydney Harbour ferry cruise from Manly • Surf lesson or kayak in Coffs Harbour • Visit Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary • Noosa Surf Club dinner • Locally guided 4WD trip across Fraser Island with lunch & drinks Plus all of the inclusions in the itinerary marked with •

ME TIME OPTIONS M Kayak tour of Byron Bay’s Marine Park & waves to spot dolphins, turtles & whales (seasonal) M Tandem skydive See itinerary & visit contiki.com for even more VISIT CONTIKI.COM/ SUNSETS

AUSTRALIA 2015/16

41

FESTIVALS & SHORT STAYS

WITH WALL TO WALL SUNSHINE, STUNNING BACKDROPS & WORLD CLASS MUSIC ACTS, IT’S FAIR TO SAY AUSTRALIA IS OUR NEW FAVOURITE FESTIVAL DESTINATION. GET IN ON THE ACTION AT SPLENDOUR IN THE GRASS OR CELEBRATE NYE SYDNEY STYLE. 2 TRIPS / 3-4 DAYS

INCLUDED

Sydney NYE........................................ p.43

• Breakfast every day (check out itineraries for dinner inclusions) • A range of accommodation types to suit your budget – choose from comfy hotels, convenient hostels or freestyle camping • A Trip Manager & Driver on short stays & day trips

Splendour in the Grass ................... p.44

Contiki.com/festivals-short-stays-australia

• A festival crew on festival trips • Get around on our modern, air-conditioned coaches with powerpoints, wifi (on some coaches), movies & a killer sound system!

• Awesome inclusions – think orientation tours in cities & little known hot spots

SYDNEY

SHORT STAY

SYDNEY NEW YEAR 4 DAYS - 1 COUNTRY FROM A$1245 PP*/A$312 P/DAY* SAVE

FOR GREAT SAVINGS VISIT CONTIKI.COM/DEALS

ITINERARY & SIGHTSEEING Day 1: Sydney This afternoon check in to the hotel. Later, meet up with your Trip Manager & group & get to know your new travel buddies over a drink & dinner.

Hotel (D) Day 2: Sydney With sightseeing this morning you’ll get to see all that Sydney has to offer, including some of its eastern beaches, like Bondi. Tonight, get ready to ring in the New Year from a different angle, as you board a Sydney Harbour cruise. See a light show & the city’s famous fireworks explode across the sky,

Code: SNYED 2015/16 complete with canapes, dinner, alcoholic & nonalcoholic drinks & there’s even an on-board DJ so you can dance the night away! Hotel (B) Day 3: Happy New Year!

Today is yours to chill out. Have a late ‘recovery’ lunch then later in the afternoon you could venture to Bondi Beach to soak up some sun & get into the buzzing vibe of this sunny city.

Hotel (B) Day 4: Sydney Your New Year’s adventure ends after breakfast & it’s time to say farewell to your new friends. (B)

Start Sydney

Finish Sydney

Total Cost A$ pp*

Jan 2

1245

2015 Dec 30

*

Price above is triple-share.

SNAPSHOT

3

NIGHTS ACCOMMODATION

Twin & single supplements available. If you are travelling solo, we can set you up with a same sex roommate at no extra charge.

3 nights triple-share centrally located hotel accommodation

Trip starts at 5:00pm, check in from 3:00pm.

4

Climb Sydney’s most famous icon, the Sydney Harbour Bridge (essential to pre-book at bridgeclimb.com)

INCLUDED MEALS 3 breakfasts (B), 1 dinner (D)

INCLUSIONS • An experienced & professional Trip Manager • Harbour cruise to watch the New Year fireworks, with included canapes, dinner, alcoholic drinks & a DJ • Half-day guided sightseeing tour of Sydney including Bondi Beach • Local taxes & service charges

VISIT CONTIKI.COM/ SYDNEY-NEW-YEAR

AUSTRALIA 2015/16

43

24, 25, 26 JULY, 2015 MUSIC LOVERS! JOIN US IN BEAUTIFUL BYRON BAY FOR THE 15TH ANNUAL SPLENDOUR IN THE GRASS FESTIVAL – ALWAYS A HOT TICKET & THE EASIEST WAY TO WARM UP YOUR WINTER!

44

CONTIKI.COM

044-045 Splendour Intro_AUD.indd 2

31/03/2015 16:02

Don’t miss Australia’s hottest annual music, arts & culture festival. SPLENDOUR’S atmosphere is unique. Add in an unparalleled line-up of international & local bands, giving you an experience that is second to none on the Australian festival circuit.

Contiki will have you sorted with SPLENDOUR’S event tickets & accommodation included.

All you need is a festive attitude & be ready for some good times with an amazing crew.

KEEP YOUR EYES PEELED ON CONTIKI.COM/SPLENDOUR FOR DETAILS ON TICKETS, TRIP INFO & WATCH OUR VIDEO AUSTRALIA 2015/16

044-045 Splendour Intro_AUD.indd 3

45

31/03/2015 16:02

SAILING & DIVE

LEARN TO DIVE IN THE FAMOUS GREAT BARRIER REEF, OR IF YOU’RE ALREADY A PRO THEN GET RIGHT INTO THE ACTION! WHEN YOU’RE IN OZ YOU CAN CHOOSE TO GET OUT ON THE WATER IN THE INCREDIBLE WHITSUNDAY ISLANDS – AN UN-MISSABLE EXPERIENCE. SAILING & DIVE TRIPS Diving ................................................... p.47 2 trips / 3 or 5 days

Whitsundays Sailing ....................... p.48 7 trips / 5-25 days

INCLUDED ON SAILING TRIPS • Breakfast & dinner both days plus one lunch • Comfortable multi-share accommodation

• A stop-off at Whitehaven Beach, one of the top 10 beaches in the world

• A dedicated skipper & crew team ready to teach you all the sailing tricks of the trade

• ME Time optionals including introductory & certified dives

Contiki.com/sailing-cruise-australia

046-047 Sailing & Dive Intro_AUD .indd 2

31/03/2015 16:00

SNAPSHOT

2

NIGHTS ACCOMMODATION 2 nights twin-share accommodation on boat

7

INCLUDED MEALS

DIVE

DIVE TO ADVENTURE

2 breakfasts (B), 3 lunches (L), 2 dinners (D)

3 DAYS FROM A$715 PP*/A$239 P/DAY* SAVE

FOR GREAT SAVINGS VISIT CONTIKI.COM/DEALS

INCLUSIONS

ITINERARY & SIGHTSEEING This 3 day live aboard dive & snorkelling adventure will show you the very best of the Outer Great Barrier Reef. It’s also unmatched for value – you’ll participate in up to 11 dives over 16 exclusive dive sites.

Day 1: Cairns to the dive boat. An early pickup (5:55am) this morning & it’s off to the dive boat & out to the Great Barrier Reef to start your adventure.

The sites you’ll visit have been selected for their variety & quality of coral & marine life as well as great visibility. Boat (L,D) Day 2: Dive boat. Today gives you the opportunity to explore this World Heritage listed underwater playground, but also to relax & really enjoy yourself diving & snorkelling. Back onboard, it’s good fun with

your fellow divers, stories, shared experiences, great food & a spectacular sunset. Boat (B,L,D) Day 3: Dive boat. There’s more diving or snorkeling in different areas of the reef today & later, return to Cairns in the late afternoon where there’s an included transfer back to your hotel. (B,L) Important Info: You must hold a minimum of an ‘open water dive’ certificate to take this trip. Some taxes are payable directly to Pro Dive at the end of the course including the Environmental Management charge at a cost of A$60. Call Pro Dive in order to arrange your transfer on day 1 (prodivecairns.com or 07 4031 5255). Safety dictates that you can’t fly or go to an altitude of 300m+ within 24 hrs of your last dive (approx. 12:00noon). A 3 day snorkeling package is also available at a cost of A$635 plus A$60 EMC payable locally – see contiki.com/snorkel. Package is open age, unescorted & operated by a third-party.

• Transfers from Cairns accommodation to boat • 11 dives incl. 2 night dives (weather permitting) • Dive & snorkelling equipment • Dive Insurance CODE: CDTA

VISIT CONTIKI.COM/ DIVE-ADVENTURE

SNAPSHOT

4

NIGHTS ACCOMMODATION 2 nights in a hostel (multi-share), 2 nights on a dive boat (twin-share)

7

INCLUDED MEALS

DIVE

2 breakfasts (B), 3 lunches (L), 2 dinners (D)

LEARN TO DIVE 5 DAYS FROM A$1015 PP*/A$203 P/DAY* SAVE

FOR GREAT SAVINGS VISIT CONTIKI.COM/DEALS

INCLUSIONS

ITINERARY & SIGHTSEEING This 5 day course takes you to 9 of the Great Barrier Reef’s best dive sites & features 2 days of classroom & in-pool training, then it’s on to the live aboard boat for some actual reef diving. There’s also plenty of time to snorkel, relax & just enjoy the reef experience too.

Days 1 - 2: Cairns. The first 2 days of the course are spent at Pro Dive Cairns training centre learning the theory & practical skills of scuba diving. Each day finishes around 5:30pm. Hostel Days 3 - 4: Cairns to the dive boat. The next 3 days & 2 nights are spent living on board a premium dive vessel. You’ll have the opportunity to participate in 9 dives on a variety of our 16 exclusive dive sites on the outer Great Barrier Reef. Your first 4 dives will complete your open water certification & then as a certified diver

you are able to take up to 5 more recreational dives. One of these dives is a guided night dive! These extra dives will be a highlight of your course & a truly memorable experience. Boat (L,D)(B,L,D)

• Transfers from Cairns accommodation to training centre & boat • PADI ‘Open Water’ certificate & manual • Log book & scuba equipment CODE: CLTD

Day 5: Dive boat to Cairns. Return to Cairns in the late afternoon where there’s the option to join your new mates & crew for a farewell dinner. (B,L) Important Info: Some taxes are payable directly to Pro Dive at the end of the course including the Environmental Management charge at a cost of A$60. Course is open age & unescorted. You will need to contact Pro Dive in order to arrange your transfer on Day 1 (prodivecairns.com or 07 4031 5255). Safety dictates that you can’t fly or go to an altitude of 300m or over within 24 hours of your last dive (approx. 12:00noon). An Australian diving medical certificate may be needed. Prior to commencing your Learn to Dive Course you are required to complete the self-assessment Entry Level Student Dive Medical Declaration & bring with you on day 1. Package is open age, unescorted & operated by a third-party.

VISIT CONTIKI.COM/DIVE

AUSTRALIA 2015/16

046-047 Sailing & Dive Intro_AUD .indd 3

47

31/03/2015 16:01

48

CONTIKI.COM

048-049 Whitsundays_AUD.indd 2

31/03/2015 15:59

WHITSUNDAYS SAILING ADVENTURE SEE THE WHITSUNDAYS ON OUR OWN PRIVATE YACHT! THIS SAILING OPTION IS A GREAT ALTERNATIVE TO SPENDING 2 NIGHTS AT DAYDREAM ISLAND RESORT, WITH THE CHANCE TO SPEND 2 DAYS & NIGHTS OUT ON THE WATER.

The Whitsundays is part of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area, with over 90 mostly uninhabited National Park islands, heavenly white beaches & crystal clear waters. And sailing on converted racing yachts is a great way to see it all.

If you want to learn about sailing, the crew will teach you how to hoist the sails & grind the winches, but if you’d prefer to relax, sunbake & soak up the atmosphere – you can leave the hard work to them. Swim, snorkel, or laze your way around this tropical paradise. The highlight will definitely be a visit to Whitehaven Beach (weather dependent). The trip returns to Airlie Beach on the final morning.

2 NIGHTS

AVAILABLE ON THESE TRIPS

Multi-share accommodation (no single or twin-share)

• Tropical Wonder (p.30) • Island & Rainforest (p.31)

5 INCLUDED MEALS

• The Sun Seeker (p.34)

2 breakfasts (B), 1 lunch (L), 2 dinners (D)

• The Big Walkabout (p.37)

INCLUSIONS

• Beaches & Reefs (p.38)

• Dedicated & professional on-board crew

• Reefs & Rainforests (p.40) • Sunsets & Surf (p.41)

• Snorkelling equipment

VISIT CONTIKI.COM/SAILINGWHITSUNDAYS

AUSTRALIA 2015/16

048-049 Whitsundays_AUD.indd 3

49

31/03/2015 15:59

GOT A QUESTION? Answers to frequently asked questions & things you need to know: HOW DO I PAY? You pay on your trip with major credit cards, debit cards or cash (A$ in Australia).

PAST TRAVELLER 5% DISCOUNT Eligibility for this discount is based on clients having booked & travelled with Contiki (or one of our Travel Corporation sister brands, visit thetravelcorporation.com for details) within 5 years of their last trip. Clients must have completed a trip before they can redeem the discount on a subsequent trip booking. A deposit must be received before the discount can be applied to the booking. It is not available on pre & post-trip accommodation rates & other selected products. The discount applies to brochured prices only & cannot be combined with any nonbrochured special market promotions.

WHAT’S INCLUDED? • Coach, ferry transport, internal flights as listed in the Exclusive Inclusions section.

• Accommodation & meals as listed in the Snapshot section on trip pages.

• Sightseeing listed in the Exclusive Inclusions section in each trip itinerary. Unless specified, entrance fees to these locations are included.

• Experienced Contiki Trip Manager & Driver & local guides on some sections of Northern Territory trips.

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED? • Air & ferry transfers to trip departure point.

• Personal expense money.

• Visas, personal insurance, medical fees.

• Sightseeing, visits & entrance fees other than those specified on trip pages.

• Optional excursions & activities such as whitewater rafting, helicopter flights, bungy jumping, hot air ballooning, etc.

• Lunches (unless specified under Snapshot section) & some dinners.

INCLUDED FLIGHTS Flights as specified on individual trip itineraries are included as part of the price. As detailed within our Booking Conditions (p.51) under ‘General’, we rely on international conventions regarding air travel and other transportation as specified. Through enrolment and payment for your trip you acknowledge and accept such.

Individual electronic tickets may not be issued to you prior to travel due to the group nature of the air/flight booking. In such circumstances you acknowledge that by receipt of any applicable boarding pass and/or by boarding the aircraft you have accepted the airlines terms & conditions of travel, and the application of all relevant international conventions and applicable national and international law governing air transportation.

WILL I GET MORE INFORMATION? Upon receipt of final payment, your trip documentation will be released 21 days prior to your departure. Make sure you visit contiki.com for our travellers guide. It’s packed full of essential info for your holiday. You’ll also receive a comprehensive day-by-day itinerary including full details & costs of all optional activities available on your trip. Your free Contiki document wallet* & luggage tag will be sent to you with your travel documents. The wallet is a safe place for your tickets & passport. * Contiki reserves the right to substitute an alternative travel accessory for the Contiki document wallet.

050-51 Q&A_Booking_Cons_AUD.indd 2

HOW MUCH LUGGAGE CAN I BRING? Luggage is restricted to a maximum suitcase size of 73cm x 50cm x 25cm (29” x 20” x 10”) & maximum weight of 20 kg (44lbs) plus one small hand/day bag that can go on the coach with you.

On trips which include Whitsundays Sailing, a small bag suitable for the extremely limited luggage space is required. Your regular luggage will be stored during this time. No external metal frame backpacks please. Contiki reserves the right to refuse to accept larger suitcases on a trip.

Baggage is carried at the owner’s risk & baggage insurance is strongly recommended. Remember, if your trip includes a flight you are also subject to airline baggage restrictions.

Note: Contiki is not responsible for any fees incurred as a result of overweight luggage.

HOW MUCH MONEY DO I NEED? You should be able to use debit & credit cards for most items. You’ll need to allow enough money to cover lunches, some dinners, souvenirs, shopping, drinks, optional activities, entrance fees to attractions & evening entertainment.

It is advisable to start your trip with some cash in your destination’s local currencies such as A$.

WHAT SHOULD I PACK? Comfortable, casual clothing for day wear & ‘smart casual’ for dining & those nights out.

Remember that in Autumn/Winter you will need warmer clothing as well as a raincoat/jacket.

A pair of comfortable walking shoes is essential.

Some activities in Australia require swimwear & a towel. For further details, please go to contiki.com/travel-resources.

OUR TRIPS Some of our longer Australia trips are made up of shorter modules, meaning more choice & flexibility for our travellers as they explore.

This means more friendships & even more fun as you discover Australia’s best & make every moment count!

ME TIME OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES WHEN DO I CHOOSE? Optionals are arranged & paid for on your trip.

By leaving the final decisions until then you can choose at the same time as your new friends.

You’ll get great value as we get you great rates & your Trip Manager can offer personal advice.

Some activities are seasonal & weather dependent as well.

BROCHURE AUTHENTICITY We have put a great deal of effort into producing this brochure. The information given & literature produced by Contiki has been compiled with care & is published in good faith. Sometimes, because of circumstances outside our control, we have to alter some activities due to seasonal closing or repairs to buildings, etc., especially early or late in the season.

If this happens, alternatives will be arranged.

DO I NEED VACCINATIONS? At the time this brochure went to press (March 2015), no vaccinations were necessary. However, it is wise to check up-to-date information with your travel agent or Contiki prior to departure.

Don’t forget to bring with you any medication that you may require en route, such as antihistamines or antibiotics.

SEASONALITY & CLIMATE Being such a large land mass, Australia is prone to seasonal climate changes. This will mean that at certain times of the year some of our brochured itineraries may need to be slightly changed. For example: northern Australia itineraries during the wet season (December to April).

NO COMPULSORY TIPPING - REWARD ONLY EXCELLENCE! Every country in the world has different tipping customs & in Australia, within service industries, tipping is common practice. Tipping is totally optional & only given if you feel the service has exceeded your expectations.

If you think your Contiki Team have done an exceptional job then you may wish to tip them.

This is entirely discretionary – it’s completely up to you. No compulsory tipping – reward only excellence!

BOOKING SECURITY Contiki has been running trips for young people since 1962 & is a member of the Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA). The members include all the major tour operators who are financially bonded for your security & who maintain the highest standards. With the guarantees of these organisations, you know your holiday & money are secure with Contiki.

MANAGE BOOKING Ready, set, go! You’re booked & it’s nearly go time, however just like when you’re taking a flight, it’s important you provide us with your all your details before you can travel. Check out contiki.com/managebooking to log into your booking.

TRAVEL INSURANCE Cancellation, unexpected medical expenses, injuries, theft, lost luggage or money can significantly disrupt & ruin your holiday. Contiki very strongly recommends that you take out comprehensive insurance cover for cancellation, medical expenses, evacuation & repatriation expenses, personal accident, personal baggage, money & public liability before you travel. In some instances, you may not be accepted on a Contiki holiday unless you have arranged satisfactory insurance. You also agree to indemnify us against all third-party claims, actions, damages & remedies against us arising from your participation in your holiday. For insurance details, please speak to your travel agent or Contiki when you are booking your trip.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION Security is a major concern to all of us and the situation globally is constantly changing. Events around the world, coupled with the ‘Travel Advisories’ put out by various governments, may at times necessitate changes to the accommodations and itinerary or even trip cancellation. Please refer to our Terms and Conditions for further information in this regard.

You must accept these risks involved in travel to any country that may experience security difficulties and accept responsibility for your own travel decisions.

GOLD SEAL PROTECTION Coverage for Trip Cancellation: Most trip operators are interested in their passengers only after they reach their destination. With Contiki, however, you get a great deal even before you leave home.

Pre-paid Cancellation Option A$99 per person: By paying A$99 per person Cancellation Option fee with your deposit, the full amount of your deposit &/or payment to Contiki Holidays will be refunded should you cancel your trip for any reason 24 hours prior to the trip departing. This cancellation option covers the land arrangements made by Contiki Holidays only.

On Your Trip: Should you, or your travel companion, leave at any time during the trip for personal sickness reasons or be required to end your trip early due to injury, sickness or death, you & your companion will be refunded A$40 per person per day for the unused portion of the trip. (Please note that in some cases hotels require a one night cancellation fee). A Doctor’s certificate is required.

The Cancellation Option Fee is not refundable for any reason. * Medical certificates as proof of all illness claims must be supplied.

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS Photos courtesy of © Jungle Surfing Canopy Tours p.6 Jungle Surfing. Photos courtesy of © Splendour in the grass p.9, p.43 & p.44 Festival. Photos courtesy of © Outback Ballooning p.10 Hot air Ballooning.

Photos courtesy of © Pauls Xtreme Skydiving p.16 Skydiving. Photos courtesy of © Bridge Climb Sydney otto Holdings (Aust) Pty Limited p.17 Sydney Harbour Bridge. Photos courtesy of © ProDive Cairns p.30 Snorkelling. Photos courtesy of © JRaging Thunder p.36 Whitewater Rafting.

31/03/2015 15:58

BOOKING CONDITIONS Once Contiki accepts your booking by confirmation thereof a contract is made between Contiki & you upon the terms & conditions set out below.

OUR RESPONSIBILITIES 1. YOUR HOLIDAY RESERVATION On receipt of your deposit, subject to availability & at our discretion, Contiki will reserve your place on your selected holiday. A contract is only made between you & us upon your booking being confirmed & accepted by us & our confirmation thereof to either you or your travel agent.

2. PRICE GUARANTEE Prices in this brochure are based on costs & exchange rates as at 9th January, 2015. Should these costs change, it may be necessary to make a surcharge on the price of your holiday. Should the total trip price increase by more than 10% you will have the right to cancel within 7 days of notification without penalty. No surcharge in respect of cost or currency fluctuations will be made once payment of the deposit for your land trip has been received. This guarantee excludes fuel surcharges & does not apply to any taxes, charges or levies imposed by any government or their agencies. In exchange for these guarantees, no refund will be made if costs are reduced.

3. IF WE CANCEL OR CHANGE YOUR HOLIDAY 3.1 Contiki reserves the right to change or cancel your booking in accordance with operating requirements or circumstances beyond its control.

3.2 Should change or cancellation prove necessary we will give you reasonable notice thereof, in the circumstances, & where available, offer you a comparable alternative.

3.3 If an alternative is not available or acceptable you will be entitled to either a full refund of monies paid by you to us or transfer to another Contiki holiday without payment of any transfer fee.

3.4 If the change or cancellation is due to force majeure (i.e. circumstances like political unrest, war or threat of war, riots, civil strife, closure of airports or ports, industrial disputes, terrorist activity, natural & nuclear disasters, fire, epidemic or health risk, Acts of God, adverse weather conditions or other similar events beyond Contiki’s control) we will give a full refund of any monies paid to us less reasonable expenses incurred by us in respect of your booking.

3.5 Contiki is not responsible for the costs of any other travel arrangements affected due to our cancellations or rescheduling of any trip departure.

4. HOLIDAY DETAILS & CONDITIONS 4.1 The information in our brochure is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of going to print (March, 2015) but we cannot guarantee that any item or amenity mentioned will be available especially where we have no direct control over it.

4.2 Contiki will do their best, at their discretion, to select accommodation, sightseeing trips & transportation to give you good value for money.

4.3 Contiki will guarantee to match you up with someone of the same sex when booked in a share room configuration.

4.4 Contiki constantly strives to improve trip itineraries & features.

If such improvements can be made, or unforeseen circumstances beyond our control make changes necessary, we reserve the right to vary itineraries & to substitute hotels. Contiki is not responsible for any other travel arrangements affected due to our changes or cancellations.

4.5 We reserve the right to alter or substitute the type, the size of vehicle and/or the style of transport mentioned in the brochure, resulting in occasionally having to utilise transport without some of the features promoted.

5. LIABILITY 5.1 Your travel agent or Contiki Specialist shall, on the receipt of any monies, hold such monies for you until the booking is confirmed at which time those monies shall be remitted promptly by your travel agent or Contiki Specialist to us. All such monies received by us will be deposited as required by law.

5.2 We will be entitled to keep for our account any interest earned on such monies.

5.3 All monies paid by you to us through your travel agent or otherwise, whether in respect of the deposit or full payment, may be disbursed by us as & when we see fit, in respect of the services to be provided &/or fees payable under the trip programme. The payment of a deposit or any other monies in respect of your trip shall be deemed to be an authorisation for disbursement thereof as aforesaid.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES 1. BOOKING YOUR HOLIDAY 1.1 In order to reserve your holiday, a deposit of A$200, per person per trip, or the full amount payable if the booking is made within 45 days of your departure from Australia, must be submitted to Contiki by you in respect of that holiday. This payment is in addition to any deposit required by your travel agent. The deposit is accepted as a first instalment of the holiday price by Contiki only once the booking has been confirmed in writing by Contiki or your travel agent.

1.2 Your land reservation will be confirmed on receipt of a nonrefundable deposit of A$200 per person per trip which must be within 7 days of booking or the reservation will automatically be cancelled.

1.3 Any special meal requirements will be made on a request basis only. Contiki cannot guarantee special meal requests nor will it assume any responsibility or liability if travellers’ special meal requirements are not fulfilled.

2. PAYING THE BALANCE 2.1 Credit Card Bookings: Contiki should be advised of your credit card number when making your reservation directly with us. For security purposes, we are required to collect the card expiration date and the customer verification code. A surcharge of 1% will be applied at the time of payment.

2.2 The balance of the holiday must be paid no later than 45 days prior to your departure date from Australia which shall be by the due date stated on the confirmation issued to you by Contiki. When making multi-trip bookings, full payment is due no later than 45 days prior to your departure date from Australia.

2.3 If payment isn’t made by the due date, Contiki may assume that you have cancelled & cancellation charges in accordance with clause 3 below will be levied by Contiki.

2.4 Tickets & other documents won’t be forwarded until full payment has been received by us. The documentation will be sent approximately 21 days prior to your departure from Australia.

2.5 In the case of Late Bookings made within 45 days of your departure date from Australia, the full cost of the holiday will be payable immediately on booking & we reserve the right to provide all travel documents at the holiday departure point.

2.6 Contiki reserves the right to cancel the booking & apply cancellation charges should payments not be received within the above specified periods.

3. IF YOU CANCEL 3.1 Notice of cancellation must be made in writing to Contiki.

3.2 If you cancel more than 45 days before departure, your A$200 deposit will not be refunded, nor can it be credited to any other booking.

3.3 Upon cancellation you will be liable to pay a fee to cover the estimate of cost & expenses incurred by us in the terms of the schedule set out hereunder. This is expressed as a percentage of the holiday price & is calculated as follows: PERIOD OF NOTICE CANCELLATION FEE Over 45 days notice: ............................................Deposit is forfeited 45-22 days:........................................................... 27.5% of trip fare 21-8 days: ................................................................ 33% of trip fare 7-1 days: .................................................................. 55% of trip fare Day of departure: ................................................... 100% of trip fare Where the percentage cancellation fee is less than the trip deposit, the cancellation fee will equal loss of deposit. If the reason for cancellation falls within the terms of any holiday insurance policy which you hold, then any such charges may, subject to the terms of your insurance policy, be refunded to you by the insurance company. All Cancellation policies valid as at 6th March 2015, and are subject to change. Final policy will be confirmed at time of booking.

3.4 Any cancellation of additional services booked prior to & after your trip booking, such as pre & post accommodation & transfers, that are cancelled within 14 days of the trip departure incur a 100% cancellation fee.

3.5 These cancellation fees are in addition to any cancellation fees that may be levied by your travel agent.

3.6 GOLD SEAL PROTECTION 3.6.1 By paying a non-refundable A$99 per person Cancellation Option fee with your deposit, the full amount of your deposit &/ or payment to Contiki Holidays will be refunded should you cancel your trip for any reason 24 hours prior to your trip departure. This cancellation option covers the land arrangements made by Contiki Holidays only 3.6.2 On Your Trip: Should you, or your travel companion*, booked under the same booking number leave at any time during the trip for personal sickness reasons due to injury, sickness or death, you & your companion will be refunded A$40 per person per day for the unused portion of the trip. (Please note that in some cases hotels require a one night cancellation fee).

A Doctor’s certificate is required. * Travel companion must be booked under the same booking number and only one companion can be nominated. * Medical certificates as proof of all illness claims must be supplied.

4. IF YOU CHANGE YOUR BOOKING 4.1 If after your booking has been confirmed & more than 45 days prior to trip departure, you wish to change to an alternate departure date or you wish to change to a different Contiki Trip within this brochure, you may do so subject to availability & provided the new trip or date alteration is also in this brochure.

4.2 A fee of A$35 per person, will be charged for any revision or alteration made to a reservation after the booking is confirmed unless the change increases the value of the booking. A change of trip date, trip itinerary booking within 45 days of trip departure will be treated as a cancellation, & normal cancellation fees will apply except when the change is to an earlier departure date of equivalent or greater value in which case a A$35 per person amendment fee will be charged.

5. HOLIDAY DETAILS & CONDITIONS 5.1 Please read the brochure carefully for those items included in the price. No allowance or refund can be made for meals, accommodation, excursions, etc. that you elect not to take, or when museums, shops, etc. are closed. Hotel facilities may vary from place to place. Meals may vary in style.

5.2 Legislation in various states in Australia has highlighted the issue of Age Discrimination. In terms of style & content, all of Contiki’s worldwide holidays are specifically designed for a particular age group. This fact should be recognised when you book one of our holidays.

5.3 Contiki strives to provide a safe, enjoyable & memorable travel experience for all travellers. Contiki welcomes travellers with special needs or disabilities. However, please note the following: • Travellers are required to advise Contiki, in advance, of any physical, medical or other special needs that require accommodation.

• All travellers must ensure they are medically & physically fit for travel. Contiki may impose safety requirements necessary for the safe operation of the trip. Contiki may also exclude an individual from participating in a trip or an activity if that individual’s participation poses a direct threat to health or safety.

• Contiki does not provide personal devices (such as wheelchairs, hearing aids or prescription eye glasses) or services of a personal nature (such as pushing a wheelchair or assistance in eating, toileting or dressing). A companion capable of providing such assistance must accompany any traveller who requires services of a personal nature.

• Contiki does not employ medical personnel. Any necessary medical attention will be provided by a local facility at the traveller’s expense. Contiki is not responsible or liable for any losses or costs incurred as a result of medical services obtained while on trip, or for the quality of the care or services received.

• Travellers should be aware some trips include rough terrain, extensive walking over uneven pavement, steps & locations which may not be easily accessible or accessible by wheelchair.

During the trip, Contiki may make arrangements with carriers, hotels & other independent suppliers to provide travel services.

These parties are independent entities over which Contiki has no control. Accommodation on international trips may differ from those in Australia. Contiki cannot guarantee disability access or accommodation for travellers travelling on international trips.

• Contiki may, at its sole discretion, decline the booking of any traveller or remove any traveller who cannot comply or refuses to comply with Contiki’s terms & conditions. Contiki is not responsible for any costs incurred in the event a traveller is removed from a trip. Travellers agree not to hold Contiki or any of its related entities liable for any actions taken under these booking conditions.

5.4 You are responsible for all travel arrangements & costs to/from the point of commencement/conclusion of the holiday.

5.5 There may be times when the Contiki representative has to make a decision in your best interests or the best interests of their group. You agree to comply with the authority & decisions of the appointed Contiki Representative & the laws of the country in which you are travelling. If you do not so comply or if, in the Contiki Representative’s opinion, you are not compatible with the general enjoyment & well being of other members on the holiday or smooth operation of the holiday itself, we reserve the right to refuse to let you continue with the holiday. We do not tolerate the possession or carriage of illegal or restricted substances (drugs). Furthermore, you agree that your fellow travellers & any Contiki Representative has the right to travel/work in a safe environment. Any threats to their safety, well being or inappropriate behaviour by you, whether verbal or physical, will be taken extremely seriously & may result in the immediate termination of your holiday. In either event, you will be responsible for your own repatriation & related costs & have no claims against us.

5.5.1 You are responsible for any costs incurred as a result of damage or excess cleaning fees related to your accommodation.

You are advised to immediately report any pre-existing damage in your room to hotel staff &/or a Contiki Trip Manager as soon as it is discovered.

5.6 Where the traveller occupies a motorcoach seat fitted with a safety belt, neither the operator or service providers, agents or co-operating organisations shall be liable for any illness, injury or death or any loss or damages or claims whatsoever arising from any accident or incident, if the safety belt is not being worn at the time of the accident or incident.

5.7 It is your responsibility to have a valid passport and all visas, permits and certificates required for your selected holiday before your departure as well as any necessary vaccinations and to comply with all applicable laws. Contiki is not responsible for any costs incurred as a result of failing to obtain necessary visas. Any costs whatsoever regarding obtaining, replacing or changing visas whilst on trip (including accommodation, meals, flights and transfers incurred due to associated delays) are at your own expense.

5.8 You agree that our Contiki Trip Managers or representatives may take photographs & films of you while you are on holiday & that these may be used in our brochures &/or advertising or publicity material without obtaining any further consent or payment in respect of such photographs &/or films.

5.9 Should you have a complaint in respect of the holiday, you should inform the Contiki Trip Manager or Contiki Representative during the course of the holiday & if the matter cannot be resolved after the representative’s best endeavours to do so during the holiday, your complaint should be made in writing to Contiki as soon as is reasonably possible after the holiday but within 42 days thereof so that your complaint can be investigated. Any claims made after the 42 day period will not be considered by Contiki. If you choose to write to Contiki via the Internet, please provide your home address so that we are able to reply to you in writing.

5.10 The contract & all matters arising in respect hereof shall be subject to Australian Law, unless we agree otherwise in writing.

5.10.1 If any provision of this contract is held invalid or unenforceable by any court of competent jurisdiction, that provision shall be deemed to be re-written to give effect to the same purpose within the permitted limits of the law. The validity & enforceability of the other provisions shall not be affected.

5.10.2 If you are unsuccessful in any legal action instituted against us, you agree to pay all our costs, including but not limited to, attorney/traveller costs.

6. INSURANCE Contiki very strongly recommend that you take out comprehensive insurance cover for cancellation, medical expenses, personal accident, personal baggage, money & public liability before

embarking on a Contiki holiday. Please check that the insurance covers all of the activities that you are going to be participating in.

Some policies exclude certain adventure activities. This should be arranged at the time of payment of the deposit & will, in certain circumstances, cover you against loss of deposit or cancellation fees from the date of confirmation of your booking, as shown in the insurance policy. You also agree to indemnify us against all thirdparty claims, actions, damages & remedies which may be brought against us in respect of your participation in the holiday.

7. ILLNESS OR ABSENTEEISM In the event of your withdrawal from a holiday after the commencement as a result of illness, you must obtain a medical certificate in support of any insurance claim. No refunds will be made for any absence from the trip.

8. WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED IN THE HOLIDAY PRICE Airfares to & from your holiday destination, airport taxes, passport & visa fees, insurance, laundry, phone calls, beverages, personal expense money, medical fees, sightseeing, visits & entrance fees, meals not detailed in the itinerary, tips to Trip Managers & Drivers, items of a personal nature, excess baggage, optional excursions & anything else not listed in the ‘what’s included’ section of the itinerary pages within this brochure.

9. WEATHER CONDITIONS Under no circumstances can we be held responsible for snow or weather conditions, nor can any holiday be cancelled or amended by you at any time on the basis of snow or weather conditions.

GENERAL 1. CONTRACTING PARTIES 1.1 The Booking Conditions detailed herein contain the entire contract between you & Contiki. No representation, term, warranty or condition can be expressed or implied by reference to any other writing, advertisement or conversation. This contract may only be varied in writing by a duly authorised officer or director of Contiki.

1.2 Your contract is with us as the trip operating company. At any time & at our complete discretion we may nominate to you in writing any other company or person to have the benefit of some or all of those provisions of this contract, which we may then specify, as if you had agreed the provisions concerned directly with that company or person in the first place as well as agreeing them with us. We may at our complete discretion assign all or any rights & liabilities arising under or by virtue of this or any other contract with you.

1.3 Transportation companies, airlines etc. are not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event during the time travellers are not on board planes, transportation or conveyances. We rely on international conventions, national and international law, which may apply to the services provided by us, our suppliers or agents with respect to any claim of any nature brought by you against us as a result of the provision of those services. International conventions which apply may include: Warsaw Convention 1929, (as amended

by Hague Protocol & Montreal Protocol) in relation to air travel, or Montreal Convention; the Berne Convention for rail travel; Athens Convention 1974 for carriage by sea; the Geneva Convention for carriage by road & the Paris Convention 1962 for Hotels. We are to be regarded as having all benefit of these conventions on limiting our liability in relation to any claim for death, injury, loss, damage & delay to travellers & luggage. Enrolment in & payment for a trip shall constitute agreement & acceptance by the traveller of the terms & conditions set forth in this brochure which cannot be varied except in writing by an officer of the Company.

1.4 Contiki is not a carrier or hotelier nor does it own aircraft, hotels or coaches. All bookings with carriers, hoteliers & other service providers are subject to the terms & conditions & limitations of liability imposed by those carriers, hoteliers, & other service providers. Please note that some of these limit or exclude liability in respect of death, personal injury, delay & loss or damage to baggage. Whilst we cannot accept any responsibility for any loss as a result of such actions or as a result of any act or omission of any such third-parties, we will give every reasonable assistance in helping to resolve any reasonable dispute. Please also note that Contiki cannot be held responsible for the failure of any of these parties to provide facilities or services for disabled travellers (see also 5.3 under Holiday Details & Conditions).

1.5 Please note that no airline or carrier depicted or recommended in this brochure by virtue of their endorsement of this brochure represent themselves either as contracting with any purchaser of a holiday from Contiki or as having any other legal relationship with any such purchaser.

1.6 Every effort is made to ensure brochure accuracy at the time of going to print, however Contiki cannot be held responsible for printing or typographical errors, or errors arising from unforeseen circumstances.

2. VALIDITY The programmes advertised in this brochure are valid from September 2015 to September 2016.

3. OPERATING COMPANIES The programmes advertised in this brochure are operated by Contiki Holidays (Australia) Pty Ltd and Contiki Holidays (New Zealand) Limited.

4. CONTIKI IS REPRESENTED IN: Australia, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, China, Costa Rica, Germany, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Singapore, South Africa, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, United Kingdom and USA. Contiki is a registered trademark of Contiki Tours International Ltd, Guernsey.

This brochure was published in March 2015 and supersedes any other current brochure in the market.

Please see contiki.com for complete & up to date terms & conditions.

AUSTRALIA 2015/16

050-51 Q&A_Booking_Cons_AUD.indd 3

51

31/03/2015 15:58

THE ORIGINAL

SINCE '62 TO BOOK CALL 1300CONTIKI UP LATE? US TOO! CALL US WHEN IT SUITS YOU WITH OUR EXTENDED CUSTOMER SERVICE HOURS. Mon to Fri: 9am-Midnight AEST Sat: 9am-9pm AEST

VISIT CONTIKI.COM OR VISIT YOUR LOCAL TRAVEL AGENT CONTIKI HOLIDAYS (AUSTRALIA) PTY LTD

TRAVEL AGENT RESERVATIONS

1300 CONTIKI (1300 266 845) www.contiki.com.au hello@contiki.com.au 35 Grafton Street Bondi Junction NSW 2022 Licence number 2TA00 1868 ABN - 18 002 525 340 IATA - 023 06496

Sydney metro - 02 9511 2222 Other areas - 1300 301 835 Fax - 02 9511 2210 www.contiki.com.au/agents reservations@contiki.com.au

SAVE A TREE, PASS THIS TO YOUR FRIEND

THE TRAVEL CORPORATION Contiki is backed by The Travel Corporation, one of the world’s most successful family-owned travel companies.

Our passion and commitment for giving our travellers life changing experiences is in our blood. It also means you get the peace of mind that comes from a financially strong group with global scale. But don’t take our word for it, check out the awards we’ve won at thetravelcorporation.com.

DRIVEN BY SERVICE

© Copyright 2015. All rights reserved. Printed in Australia.

Contiki provides you with holidays & experiences of a lifetime.

YOUR CONTIKI TRAVEL EXPERT IS:

1st Edition

001-052 Australia Cover_AUD.indd 2

31/03/2015 16:08