Simple stays with essential amenities. Typically guesthouses, hostels or hotels rated below 3 stars — clean, no-frills, and great for value-conscious travelers.
Comfortable and reliable 3-star stays. Expect private rooms, en-suite bathrooms, and solid amenities — a great balance between comfort and cost.
Upscale 4-5 star hotels and lodges. Enjoy high-end service, refined comfort, and premium locations — ideal for travelers seeking extra indulgence.
Guide Types
Start & End Location
Price
USD 203USD 11,785
Get a customized trip to Cairns in December 2025
Plan a multi-country or regional adventure across Cairns in December 2025, with help from a local expert.
Embark on an incredible 9-day journey starting in Brisbane and concluding in Cairns. Relax at Airlie Beach and Mission Beach, discover the colourful corals and marine life of the Great Barrier Reef with a snorkelling excursion and sail around the blissful Whitsunday Islands. Discover the scenic Atherton Tablelands, explore the ancient Daintree Rainforest and Mossman Gorge on foot and from above, and enjoy a thrilling crocodile cruise, plus lots more!
CruiseSnorkeling
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Resort
Age Range
18-80 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Brisbane, Cairns, Port Douglas
Brisbane, Cairns, Port Douglas, Airlie Beach, Mission Beach
Explore Australia’s beautiful northeastern corner – home to rainforests, coral reefs and white sand beaches. This 13-day adventure starts strong with a dose of serenity in Noosa, before whisking you to the stunning surroundings of K’gari (formerly Fraser Island) and the ancient wilderness of the Daintree Rainforest. Explore the expanse of the iconic Great Barrier Reef and the bliss of the Whitsundays and enjoy free time in Airlie Beach, Hervey Bay, Mission Beach and more – on this whirlwind through north Queensland, you’ll have plenty of opportunity to kick back on the warm sands with a good book or get right in on the action.
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Brisbane, Cairns, Hervey Bay, Ma
Brisbane, Cairns, Hervey Bay, Mareeba, Cape Tribulation, Airlie Beach, Townsville, Mission Beach
Weave your way from Sydney to Cairns along Australia’s breathtaking east coast on this 14-day adventure. Start by sampling some of Australia’s best wines in the Hunter Valley, get up close and cuddly with koalas in Dorrigo National Park and soak up the vibes of Byron Bay. The good times keep rolling over state lines, as Queensland offers the beautiful Whitsundays, the wilderness of the Atherton Tablelands and the sublime scenery and vast golden beaches of K’gari (formerly Fraser Island). By the time you wrap up in Cairns, you’ll have had a truly all-Australian experience.
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Cairns, Sydney and NSW, Cessnock
Cairns, Sydney and NSW, Cessnock, Airlie Beach, Townsville, Mission Beach, Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour, Byron Bay, Brisbane, Hervey Bay
Explore Australia’s sun-kissed east coast from Queensland's capital Brisbane to the tropical hub of Cairns on an epic oceanic trip that offers one coastal paradise after another. Take an off-road adventure across the undulating dunes of K'gari (formerly Fraser Island), snorkel through the dazzling tropical waters of Whitehaven Beach, flop and drop on the palm-fringed sands of laidback Mission Beach, soak up the energy and nightlife of Airlie Beach after sunset and explore colourful underwater worlds in your free time. On this eight-day road trip, you’ll get wet and wild in waterfalls and rainforests and salty and sandy on islands and beaches – what could be better?
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Brisbane, Cairns, Hervey Bay, Ai
Brisbane, Cairns, Hervey Bay, Airlie Beach, Townsville, Mission Beach
22% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
This 3-day escorted tour from Cairns takes in the lush scenery and exotic wildlife of the ancient Daintree Rainforest. Ride a gondola over the tropical forest, embark on a guided rainforest walk and keep your eyes peeled for crocs and cassowaries! Explore Mossman Gorge, visit spectacular Cape Tribulation and enjoy a scenic nature cruise, ending your journey in Cairns.
Rainforest and jungle visits
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
14 days. Countless memories. This Sydney to Cairns trip is designed to give you a leisurely, expansive view of one of the world’s great coastlines. You’ll explore all the iconic hot spots, of course – Sydney’s famous harbour, snorkelling with sea-life at the Great Barrier Reef, the glittering sand at Whitehaven beach, and meeting koalas – but you’ll also get the hidden gems that only locals know about. And of course, out-of-this-world food and wine. Ready to discover the east coast?
No hidden cost on our tours. Look closely at the value for money with our amazing inclusions below!
SnorkelingBeach
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Resort
Age Range
14-90 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Sydney and NSW, Sydney, Whitsund
Sydney and NSW, Sydney, Whitsunday Islands, Mission Beach, Cairns, Great Barrier Island, Newcastle, Port Macquarie, Byron Bay, Noosa, Fraser Island, Brisbane, Airlie Beach
Quick question: Where did Sir David Attenborough describe as “the most extraordinary place on earth”. If you said Queensland’s Daintree Rainforest give yourself a pat on the back. Discover exactly why the legendary biologist describes this lush vegetation as “quite unlike any other rainforest in the world” on this short but epic adventure. You’ll explore the rainforest with the help of a passionate local guide – expect to see crocodiles, birds and other amazing local wildlife on a trip tailor-made for nature fans.
No hidden cost on our tours. Look closely at the value for money with our amazing inclusions below!
Nature and bush walks
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Resort
Age Range
14-90 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Cairns, Port Douglas, Brisbane and South Queensland
Cairns, Port Douglas, Brisbane and South Queensland
Start in Sydney, finish in Cairns and leave no stone unturned on this 19-day adventure along Australia’s diverse east coast. You’ll tour all the postcard-perfect spots – snorkel at the Great Barrier Reef and the corals of the Whitsundays, go on a 4WD drive adventure in K’gari (formerly Fraser Island) and immerse yourself in the ancient wonder of Daintree Rainforest. With stops at wineries in the Hunter Valley, the beachside vibes of Byron Bay, Mission Beach, Hervey Bay and more – this is a true-blue intro to everything Australia.
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Cairns, Sydney and NSW, Cessnock
Cairns, Sydney and NSW, Cessnock, Airlie Beach, Townsville, Mission Beach, Mareeba, Cape Tribulation, Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour, Byron Bay, Brisbane, Hervey Bay
This 10-day adventure from Brisbane to Cairns is perfect for those seeking the natural beauty of Queensland with a small group of new friends. You’ll explore the popular town of Noosa, home to the Coastal Walk, Sunshine Beach and Hell’s Gate lookout. Bliss out with a full free day to take an optional eco-safari and canoe adventure in the Everglades or maybe hop in 4WDs for a guided tour of K’gari. Then, spend two-nights sailing the Whitsundays, where you’ll be snorkelling, swimming and visiting secret beaches. Couple these with a tour of Mungalla Station with a local First Nations guide, a full day to explore the lush Magnetic Island and a free afternoon on Mission Beach, and you’ve got a pretty epic adventure along the east coast!
Adventure
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hostel, Hut
Age Range
18-35 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Brisbane, Cairns, Noosa, Airlie
Brisbane, Cairns, Noosa, Airlie Beach, Whitsundays, Magnetic Island, Mission Beach
22% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
Absolute banger of a time! I've always wanted to go to Australia for many years now and going with Contiki, especially with on the North Queensland to Uluru, was totally worth it! I couldn't speak for the sailing version of the trip, but the land stay in Airlie beach was really a nice bit. I would recommend going in the drier seasons because it rained and was quite windy during our stay in Queensland but nonetheless, a really exciting opportunity for everyone. If it's your first time going to Australia like it was for me, this is absolutely the trip to go, as you'll be seeing the natural highlights of the continent!
BeachChill outCity sightseeing
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge
Age Range
18-35 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Uluru Kata-Tjuta National Park
Uluru Kata-Tjuta National Park, Airlie Beach, Uluru, Magnetic Island, Cairns
16% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
If you love the ocean, the rainforest and Australian wildlife, this 17-day journey from Sydney to Cairns might just be for you. On this trip, you’ll walk in Crowdy Bay National Park, meet koalas at the Koala Hospital in Port Macquarie and feast on a barbeque in Red Rock. Go stand-up paddleboarding with the Gumbaynggir community and learn about local Aboriginal culture. Chill out in Byron Bay and hike in lush Lamington National Park before some free time to explore Brisbane. Hit the beach in Noosa and spend two-nights sailing the Whitsundays with your new friends, where you’ll be snorkelling, swimming and visiting secret beaches. Tour Mungalla Station with a First Nations guide, look for more koalas in scenic Magnetic Island and spend a free afternoon on Mission Beach with your feet in the sand. End it all in Cairns and toast to an epic adventure along the East Coast.
Adventure
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hostel, Hut, Lodge
Age Range
18-35 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Cairns, Sydney and NSW, Sydney
Cairns, Sydney and NSW, Sydney, Noosa, Airlie Beach, Whitsundays, Townsville, Magnetic Island, Mission Beach, Port Macquarie, Byron Bay, Lamington National Park, Brisbane
18% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
Journey through some of Australia’s greatest natural wonders on this five-day trip through Queensland. Take the Skyrail over the tropical rainforest and mountain town of Kuranda, relax on the warm sandy beaches in Port Douglas and explore the Daintree Rainforest – the oldest living rainforest in the world. Look out for crocodiles on a wildlife-spotting boat tour on the Daintree River and spend a full-day snorkelling at one of the Seven Natural Wonders of theWorld, the Great Barrier Reef. Then, walk through Mossman Gorge with a local Aboriginal guide, where you’ll learn about the area and its links with Dreaming. With an Intrepid leader by your side, you can get closer to some of Australia's favourite places, no matter how much time you have.
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Embark on an unforgettable adventure to the Great Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage site teeming with vibrant marine life. Snorkel among coral gardens or explore the reef by semi-submersible and glass-bottom boat. Next day, board the Kuranda Scenic Railway and travel through lush rainforest, past waterfalls and rugged mountains to Kuranda, where you can browse the Heritage Markets for unique crafts and indigenous artwork. Then, glide above and through the World Heritage-listed rainforest on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, stopping for breathtaking views along the way.