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When it comes to dazzling natural attractions, golden beaches and pristine waterways, Australia’s East Coast has the lot.  You’ll be visiting some of these on your journey south over the next 15 days, kicking off your tour with an adventure to the World Heritage Daintree Region.  With plenty of meals included, quality budget accommodation already sorted and heaps to keep you busy – this is the perfect travel option if you want to kick back and relax and enjoy the ride!

DAY 1: DAINTREE WORLD HERITAGE AREA

Welcome to Tropical North Queensland!  It’s an early start for the first day of your tour!  Your Connections crew will introduce you to our Cape Trib specialists who will be looking after you today.  You’ll take a scenic coastal drive up the Cook Highway to Port Douglas – a great start to the day.  You'll visit the Rainforest Habitat Wildlife Sanctuary and see the endangered cassowary along with a myriad of other wildlife including crocodiles and koalas. You pass the colourful village of Mossman on route to Mossman Gorge for a guided walk through the World Heritage Rainforest.  It's then on to the Daintree River where the adventure begins with a river cruise, and the chance to spot some estuarine crocodiles in their natural habitat.  Our lunch today is a picnic lunch at one of the many scenic spots along the way.  You travel on to Cape Tribulation where the rainforest meets the tropical waters of the Coral Sea.  Finally you will make your way back to Cairns.  Tonight, you’re free to do your own thing - grab a meal at one of the many nearby restaurants or cafes in town.

OVERNIGHT        Meals – Lunch

Hides Resort
Cairns

DAY 2:  CAIRNS

Today we head off to explore the nearby tropical Rainforest and Kuranda before returning via the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. The Skyrail Experience, spanning 7.5kms travels over heritage listed, pristine rainforest, allows you to explore the wonders of an ancient tropical rainforest and learn about one of the most botanically fascinating and diverse areas on earth.  Gliding just metres above the rainforest canopy in comfortable six-person gondola cabins, the Skyrail journey immerses you in an intimate rainforest experience where you’ll see, hear, smell and become part of the tropical rainforest environment.  This is a pretty spectacular way to get a good view of the area and the perfect way to kick off your trip. 

Tonight you're in for a real treat as you'll have the chance to meet the local Tjapukai people and see how they showcase their culture.  In an evening tailor-made especially for Connections Adventures, you will be taken on a journey that commences with the effects of European settlement on the Tjapukai people in the History Theatre. You will then be joined by a member of the Tjapukai dance troupe as they engage you in a discussion on the evening’s highlight event– Tjapukai by Night where fire explosions, spectacular special effects, music, dance and giant spirits come to life to take you on a dreamtime journey.  The evening finishes with a sumptuous buffet dinner and performance by the world famous Tjapukai dancers. 

OVERNIGHT        Meals – Breakfast & Dinner

Hides Resort
Cairns

DAY 3:  CAIRNS – OPTIONAL GREAT BARRIER REEF

Cairns is the perfect base to explore North Queensland, with a load of activities to suit everyone.  With both the reef and the rainforest at your doorstep, you choose from a range of optional activities from adventurous white water rafting* on the Tully River or Tandem Skydiving*, Horse Riding*, Quad Biking*, Bungy Jumping*, Hot Air Ballooning* – the list goes on and on so you’ll have some deciding to do!! 

Today one of the popular options is to discover the world’s largest coral reef aboard a maxi-catamaran*.  The day includes lunch, all snorkelling equipment, optional introductory* and certified Scuba Diving* plus the thrill of sailing on a thoroughbred machine. The Great Barrier Reef is a fascinating maze of coral reefs and cays extending over 2000 kilometres along the Queensland Coast. Once anchored at the reef, slip over the side and explore this underwater paradise at your own pace.  You’ll be amazed by the wonders of the reef that is brimming with life - the brilliant colours of the coral and varieties of fish makes this experience unforgettable! On the return journey, stop at a natural coral cay – a fragile and unique ecosystem of brilliant white sand and warm shallow water for some more snorkelling, swimming or diving*, or just chill out – where else would you rather be!!  This evening you're free to visit the night markets, or if you prefer, kick back, relax and enjoy tropical North Queensland in one of the many nearby restaurants, bars or cafes!

OVERNIGHT        Meals - Breakfast

Hides Resort
Cairns

DAY 4:  CAIRNS TO UNDARA OUTBACK EXPERIENCE

Leaving Cairns behind after an early start, we make tracks for the Savannah country, behind the ranges to the West, leaving the coast behind us for a short while. Undara is famous throughout the world for Lava Tubes – plus it’s unique outback style accommodation, gorgeous bush setting and abundance of native wildlife.  As the sunsets you’ll get to experience a Wildlife at Sunset Tour with your Savannah Guide**.  Enjoy a drink as the sun sets over the ranges and spot many of the local native animals at dusk.  Then after dinner kick back by the campfire – feel free to join in the entertainment.  This will be a highlight of your 15 days!

OVERNIGHT        Meals – Breakfast & Dinner

Undara Outback Experience (Permanent Swag Tents – Share facilities)
Savannah Country

DAY 5:  UNDARA TO THE WHITSUNDAYS

Leaving the outback behind it’s an early start as we make our way south on the inland highway back to the coast via Townsville.   It’s then on to Airlie Beach, the heart of the thriving Whitsundays. The town overlooks the beautiful Whitsunday Passage and the 74 nearby tropical islands.  If there’s a heaven on earth, it’s definitely in the Whitsundays so prepare to enjoy!  And the best way to experience this gorgeous region is onboard a boat – your home for the next 2 nights!  You’ll be watching the sunset over the water tonight from the heart of paradise. (For any landlubbers, there is an option to stay in Airlie Beach*)

OVERNIGHT         Meals – Breakfast & Dinner

Liveaboard Sailing - Multi-share (bunk) accommodation (Share facilities)

Whitsundays

NB: Landlubbers Option*

If you’re certain you can’t stay onboard for 2 nights, you do have the option to stay on the mainland and enjoy Airlie Beach, and Club Crocodile Resort.  You’ll have the chance to experience a day cruise to Whitehaven Beach onboard Camira – otherwise you can hang with locals at the gorgeous man-made lagoon and make the most of this idyllic location. (Inc. 2xB, 1xL, 1xD)

DAY 6:  THE WHITSUNDAY ISLANDS

Wake up in one of the many sheltered coves that make up the Whitsundays.  You’ll set sail for golden sandy beaches, snorkel over island coral reefs and soak up the sun in this tropical wonderland.  A visit to the famous Whitehaven Beach and Blue Pearl Bay will also hopefully be an option – depending on the weather.  For the budding sailors, help set the sails and have a turn on the helm as we explore the islands.  By night you’ll star gaze the Milky Way and forget about your life back home. 

OVERNIGHT         Meals – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Liveaboard Sailing - Multi-share (bunk) accommodation (Share facilities)
Whitsundays

DAY 7:  THE WHITSUNDAYS – AIRLIE BEACH

This morning we set sail again for another idyllic location before sadly returning to the mainland and the resort town of Airlie Beach.  Here our Landlubber Friends will rejoin us and we’ll get to experience a night out in “Airlie” – famous for it’s laid back lifestyle, colourful characters and toad racing!!

OVERNIGHT         Meals – Breakfast

Club Crocodile Resort Airlie Beach (Resort)
Airlie Beach

DAY 8:  WHITSUNDAYS TO ROCKHAMPTON

We make a morning drive to Mackay - commercial centre of Queensland’s huge sugar industry.  Here we'll stop for an early lunch at one of the gorgeous beaches - your last real chance to enjoy North Queensland.  This is a great spot for a quick game of football or to take a walk on the beach and stretch your legs.  After a short break it’s on Rockhampton (beef capital of Australia and “Rocky” to the locals).  Tonight we explore the local “Rocky” nightlife – if we’re lucky we’ll check out a real life Rodeo!  Giddy up!!!  Hope you’ve packed your Akubra!

OVERNIGHT        Meals – Breakfast & Dinner

Travelodge Rockhampton Hotel
Rockhampton

DAY 9:  ROCKHAMPTON TO FRASER ISLAND

Today we reunite with the Bruce Highway and travel south through more beef and sugar cane country towards the Fraser Coast.  We make a short stop for lunch and back on the road again to Hervey Bay – beachside resort town and stepping off point for the largest sand island in the world, Fraser Island.  Here 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.

OVERNIGHT        Meals - Breakfast & Dinner

Kingfisher Bay Resort – Wilderness Lodges (Share Facilities)
Fraser Island

DAY 10:  FRASER ISLAND – GREAT SANDY NATIONAL PARK

Fraser Island – Great Sandy National Park is World Heritage Listed and is the world’s largest sand island. It was home to the Badtjala Aboriginal people for some 5000 years and was known as ”K’gari”. This special place supports an extraordinarily diverse rainforest, wildflower heath, mangroves, birds and a large population of dingoes. 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.  At the end of the day, enjoy a cocktail at the bar, while watching the sun set over the bay.

OVERNIGHT        Meals – Breakfast

Kingfisher Bay Resort – Wilderness Lodges (Share Facilities)
Fraser Island

DAY 11:  FRASER ISLAND TO THE GOLD COAST

This morning we say our last goodbyes to Fraser Island, board our ferry and return to the mainland, where we continue our journey south through the old gold mining town of Gympie and past the world famous Glasshouse Mountains. It’s then not long before we head into Queensland’s capital city, Brisbane.  Hit the Queen Street Mall, stroll along the Brisbane River or kick back in a coffee shop and watch the world go by at a relaxed pace.  Heading further south it’s only a short trip down the freeway to Australia’s holiday playground – The Gold Coast, Queensland’s second largest city.  This region is one of Australia’s most popular holiday destinations with its great climate and famous surf beaches. The restaurants and nightlife here are pumping every night of the week, and you are free to explore them this evening!! Take a short walk to Cavill and Orchid Avenue where you can try some different pubs and clubs.

OVERNIGHT        Meals - Breakfast

Vibe Hotel Gold Coast (Hotel)
Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast

DAY 12:  GOLD COAST TO BYRON BAY

Enjoy a relaxed start to the morning before we make the leisurely drive across the New South Wales border towards the popular resort town of Byron Bay, Australia’s most easterly township.  Renowned for its surfing beaches, beautiful rainforests and eclectic lifestyle, Byron Bay oozes a relaxed vibe that "hooks" many a traveller.  Some have been known to visit and never leave.  After checking into our cabins, we head off to explore this vibrant town and see what all the fuss is about!

OVERNIGHT        Meals – Breakfast

Glen Villa Resort (Cabins)
Byron Bay

DAY 13:  BYRON BAY

A full day ahead to enjoy what Byron Bay has to offer. Famous for its great beaches and counter culture, we have plenty of optional activities here to keep us busy. Try a surfing lesson*, go diving* sea kayaking* or just chill out on the beach. 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. It’s 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.

OVERNIGHT        Meals – Breakfast

Glen Villa Resort (Cabins)
Byron Bay

DAY 14:  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 east, you'll travel through some picturesque rural regions today - be sure to keep your eye out for the "Big Banana"!  We travel through the northern rivers towns of Ballina and Grafton before arriving at our secluded Eco-Resort situated on the waters edge of Myall Lake within a National Park.  On arrival we make the most of this location and hit the water - in kayaks!  We'll have half an hour to explore the area before returning to watch the sunset and enjoy a BBQ dinner by the pool.  This is an awesome way to spend your last night on tour! 

OVERNIGHT        Meals – Breakfast & Dinner

Myall Shores Resort (Cabins)

DAY 15:  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 a region famous for some great wines, particularly Semillon and Shiraz.  It's here we’ll undertake our own hands-on research as to why this region is so well known and enjoy a picnic lunch. 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.  It’s then time to bid our travelling companions farewell as our journey reaches its completion in this great city.

Meals – Breakfast 

**Our experienced guides will tailor all of the activities based on seasonal & cultural conditions throughout the year, to maximise your experience and enjoyment.  Any deviation from this itinerary will be made with serious consideration and your best interests and safety our priority.