General Information:
DEPARTS: Cairns
FINISH: Sydney
NO OF DAYS: 14 days
TOUR CODE: CONADV
ACCOMMODATION: Accommodated
TRANSPORT: Coach
AGE: Open
GROUP SIZE: 36
DEPARTS: Regular

DAY 1: Cairns
Welcome to the Tropical North! Today we head off to explore the Tropical Rainforest and Kuranda via the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. The Skyrail journey immerses you in an intimate rainforest experience. Tonight in a Connections exclusive, you will meet the local Tjapukai people and see how they showcase their culture in the Tjapukai by Night dinner and show.
Hides Resort

DAY 2: Cairns - Optional Great Barrier Reef
Cairns is the perfect hub for numerous adventure and nature based activities. Try an optional trip to the Great Barrier Reef today aboard a maxi-catamaran with Passions of Paradise, or go crazy with other optional adventures. At day's end, regroup and freshen up for dinner Connections style.
Hides Resort

DAY 3: Cairns to the Whitsundays
Leaving Cairns behind after an early start, we make tracks south along the Bruce Highway to the Whitsundays. With Townsville not far away, we pass the highest mountains in Queensland as the Great Dividing Range looms closer to the coast. Townsville is North Queenslands largest city and the headquarters for the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, James Cook University and Australian Institute of Marine Science. Here we break for lunch then onto the Whitsundays and Club Crocodile Resort Long Island.
Club Crocodile Long Island (Resort)

DAYS 4 and 5: Whitsundays
Two complete days to relax on Long Island and enjoy some of the countless island activities and the facilities of the Club Crocodile Resort. Try one of the many water activities including sailing, snorkelling, perhaps a game of beach volleyball or tennis, learn to scuba dive or just enjoy a cocktail around the pool.
Club Crocodile Long Island (Resort)

DAY 6: Whitsundays to Capricorn Caves
We board our ferry for a short cruise to Shute Harbour where we rejoin our coach for a morning drive to Mackay - commercial centre of Queenslands huge sugar industry. After a short break its on to Capricorn Caves, just north of Rockhampton (beef capital of Australia and Rocky to the locals). These geologically unique, above ground limestone caves can be accessed for an optional candlelit exploration*. Wildlife abounds including kangaroos, echidnas, possums and of course the insectivorous bats.
Capricorn Caves (Lodges Shared facilities)

DAY 7: Capricorn Caves to Fraser Island
Wake up to a very special breakfast with the local native kangaroos, before reuniting with the Bruce Highway and travelling south through Rockhampton towards the Fraser Coast. Once in Hervey Bay we board our ferry to cross the Great Sandy Straight, bound for Fraser Island. Perfectly located at Kingfisher Bay, the Wilderness Lodge accommodation is set in a eucalypt forest at Kingfisher Bay Resort, on the western side of the island.
Wilderness Lodges - share facilities

DAY 8: Fraser Island - Great Sandy National Park
Fraser Island Great Sandy National Park is World Heritage Listed and is the worlds largest sand island. The island has dunes that reach 240 metres in height and about 40 dune lakes half the number in the world. A great way to see this magnificent national park is on an optional 4-wheel drive tour, along the unspoilt surf beaches and to pristine inland freshwater lakes that are ideal for swimming. Whale watching is also an option usually between the months of July and November where you can see hump back whales on their annual migration.
Wilderness Lodges - share facilities

DAY 9: Fraser Island to the Gold Coast
This morning we say our last goodbyes to Fraser Island, and travel south into Queenslands capital city, Brisbane. Hit the Queen Street Mall, stroll along the Brisbane River or kick back in a coffee shop. Heading further south its only a short trip down the freeway to Australias holiday playground The Gold Coast. This region is one of Australias most popular holiday destinations with its great climate and famous surf beaches.
Paradise Resort

DAY 10: Gold Coast
A full day to take in the sights and thrills of Australias Holiday Playground. There are endless beaches that make this stretch of coastline so famous and, as they are only a short walk from our resort, it makes it all so easy to enjoy.
Paradise Resort

DAY 11: Gold Coast to Byron Bay
Enjoy a relaxed start to the morning before we depart Surfers Paradise for the Gold Coasts Hinterland and Springbrook National Park home of Natural Arch. Youll find one of Australias largest glow-worm colonies living beside the track and on the roof of this cave. We then travel south to the resort town of Byron Bay. Renowned for its surfing beaches and beautiful rainforests, Byron Bay enjoys a relaxed and informal lifestyle that has become a favourite for many travellers.
Glen Villa Resort Cabins

DAY 12: Byron Bay
A full day ahead to enjoy what Byron Bay has to offer. Renowned for its great surf beaches and counter culture, we have plenty of optional activities here to keep us busy. The galleries and craft shops are also sure to fascinate, as are the many cafes and alternate cuisines that are available here. A great scenic walk is to the lighthouse at Cape Byron where the views are breathtaking. Its even possible that you may see some dolphins or whales as they pass by. No matter if you do too much or too little here, you are certain to enjoy it.
Glen Villa Resort Cabins

DAY 13: Byron Bay to Myall Lakes
Our journey commences bright and early when we depart Byron Bay southwards along the Pacific Highway. With the Great Dividing Range to our west and the Pacific Ocean on our eastwe continue on through the towns of Coffs Harbourand Kempsey, stopping for lunch along the way before arriving at our secluded Eco-Resort situated on the waters edge of Myall Lake within a National Park. We make the most of this location and hit the water in kayaks before returning for sunset and bbq dinner.
Myall Shores Resort

DAY 14: Myall Lakes to Sydney
Today we say goodbye to this tranquil location and make for the "big smoke"! Our first stop will be the Hunter Valley winery region for a picnic lunch and some wine tasting. We'll then hit the road again crossing the mighty Hawkesbury River and passing the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. Sydney looms large as we take time to stop for a group photo with this gorgeous harbour city as our backdrop before crossing the Harbour Bridge. Its then time to bid our travelling companions farewell as our journey reaches its completion in this great city.