Contiki is encouraging Millennials and Gen Z to check out their own backyards with the launch of a blockbuster 14 new ‘Aussie Adventures’.

The iconic youth travel provider said a recent survey found that young people are craving unique experiences, and social travel when choosing a domestic holiday, which is unsurprising, given they have been couped up under COVID-19 restrictions for the past few months.

In fact, 61 per cent are ‘raring to go’ and want to take their next break as soon as the restrictions ease, and 47 per cent are looking to travel domestically.

The new trips, crafted “for locals, by locals and with locals”, will range from four to 11 days and tackle top destinations such as North Queensland, Kakadu and Uluru’s Field of Lights; plus all-new destinations including Western Australia’s Rottnest Island and Margaret River and the ultimate road trip via the Great Ocean Road through to the wineries and wilderness of South Australia.

“There’s nothing more empowering than getting outside of your ‘bubble’, meeting new people and making new friends,” Belinda Ward, managing director of Contiki, said.

“We know most Millennials and Gen Z want the opportunity to travel together again with the freedom and flexibility to be social whether travelling solo, with friends or a partner – and leave with memories that will stay with them forever.”

As a Travel Corporation brand, Contiki has been working alongside government authorities to bolster its hygiene standards and protocols to put your client’s minds at ease.

“We are absolutely committed to the wellbeing of our travellers, only working with trusted partners and are very selective when choosing hotels, restaurants, ground handlers and venues that meet the expected guidelines, standards and specifications,” Ward said.

With all the details sorted, travellers can explore via coach, trains and sailing; and stay in comfy hostels, eco-lodges or glamping. Expect lots of included local, cultural, foodie, wellness, active and conscious travel experiences.

“We can’t wait to showcase the beauty of this diverse country, mixed in with some local magic to make these trips so unique, and importantly – it’s an opportunity to give back to the communities we visit and keep the economy moving,” Ward concluded.

Here’s a taste of what’s on offer:

North Queensland Adventure (with sailing) (nine days from $214 per day)

Who needs Greece when the crystal-clear waters and spotless sands of Queensland are calling? This sun-soaked escapade kicks things off in the paradise of Airlie Beach before sailing along the Whitsundays on a converted racing yacht. Head to Magnetic Island, meet some of the local koalas, before ending on a high in Cairns to get even closer to that wonder of the natural world: the Great Barrier Reef.

Great Ocean Road Trip (eight days from $236 per day)

Your client can experience Melbourne to Adelaide via the Great Ocean Road and Kangaroo Island. Designed for the conscious traveller, they can make travel matter with Contiki Cares by visiting a wildlife experience on Kangaroo Island, plus meet the Maremma Dogs Middle Island Penguin project.

Sunshine, Beaches & Breweries (11 days from $200 per day)

Travellers can soak in the sunshine between Brisbane, Noosa, Noosa Everglades, Fraser Island, Byron Bay, Gold Coast and Lamington National Park. They will visit the popular Lost Palms and Stone & Wood breweries, cruise along the white sands of Fraser Island in a self-drive 4×4, canoe in the pristine Noosa Everglades, and mix in the activity of a rainforest walk, ziplining, sea kayaking, surf lessons and beachside yoga bliss for an action-packed holiday to remember.

Rottnest Island & Margaret River (eight days from $207 per day)

Your client can journey from Perth to Rottnest, Dunsborough and Margaret River for wine tasting, with an option to skydive or take a helicopter ride over Rottnest Island. No trip to WA would be complete without beach hopping along the coast, sunset dinners, and quokka spotting.

Featured image source: 10play.com.au