Sydney to Cairns via Gold Coast Tour - 14 Days

Itinerary

Day 1 - Sydney to Myall Lakes

Our journey commences bright and early when we depart Sydney via the Harbour Bridge. We’ll stop off to take one last look at the Harbour City – an awesome Kodak moment to start off the tour before returning to the Pacific Highway heading north. Crossing the mighty Hawkesbury River, we travel past Ku-Ring-gai Chase National Park before heading into the well known Hunter Valley wine region. Here we’ll undertake our own hands-on research as to why this region is so well known and enjoy a picnic lunch. We then head north again to Myall Lakes. Here our Eco-Resort is situated on the lake front, in a pristine natural environment. 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 first night on tour! After dinner you can kick back and get to know fellow passengers by a campfire under the stars.

Overnight
Meals – Lunch & Dinner
Myall Shores Resort (Cabins)

Day 2 - Myall Lakes to Byron Bay

Our journey commences bright and early, when we depart this pristine region and make our way northwards along the Pacific Highway. With the Great Dividing Range to our west and the Pacific Ocean to the 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 Grafton and Ballina before reaching the buzzing, 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 to see what the fuss is all about!

Overnight
Meals – Breakfast & Lunch
Glen Villa Resort (Cabins)

Day 3 - 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. Tonight, dinner is “Connections Style” with plenty of time to relax and get to know your travelling companions.

Overnight
Meals - Breakfast & Dinner
Glen Villa Resort (Cabins)

Day 4 - Byron Bay to Gold Coast

Enjoy a relaxed start to the morning before we depart Byron Bay. Our short journey takes us inland via Murwillumbah (originally named "place of many possums" by local aboriginal tribes because of it's abundance of food sources!), Numinbah Valley and across the state border beside Lamington National Park. Here we enter Queensland. We will make a stop at the “Natural Arch” – a natural feature where a spectacular waterfall plummets through a stone archway into a rock pool below. The short walk here is a must. We then travel through Nerang and across to Surfers Paradise and the “Gold Coast”. This region is one of Australia’s most popular holiday destinations with its great climate, famous surf beaches, extreme adventure activities* and well known Theme Parks*. 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 Avenues where you can try some different pubs and clubs.

Overnight
Meals - Breakfast
Sunleisure Paradise Resort

Day 5 - Gold Coast

A full day to take in the sights and thrills of Australia’s Holiday Playground. Take a scenic flight*, hire a jet ski* or surfing equipment*. There are a number of theme parks* here to visit if you choose – Sea World, Movie World, Dreamworld and Wet ‘n Wild; as well as great shopping and cafes. If your legs would like a stretch, head for the World Heritage Listed Lamington National park on an organised bush walk* where you will experience rich plant and animal life in a wonderland of rainforest and volcanic ridges criss-crossed by many walking tracks. Of course there are also the 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. Tonight we will regroup for dinner at our resort.

Overnight
Meals - Breakfast & Dinner
Sunleisure Paradise Resort

Day 6 - Gold Coast to Fraser Island

A short drive this morning to Queensland’s capital city, Brisbane. We will make a stop at Kangaroo Point Cliffs Lookout for the best view of this river city, then crossing the Brisbane River via the Story Bridge we take some time out in the city centre. Hit the Queen Street Mall (last shopping fix for a few 1000 kms!!), relax in a nearby coffee shop or just take a walk around this relaxed city. Heading further north along the Bruce Highway we pass the world famous Glasshouse Mountains, the old gold mining town of Gympie and the heritage township of Maryborough before arriving at Hervey Bay. 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)

Day 7 - 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, why not enjoy a cocktail at the jetty bar, while watching the sun set over the bay.

Overnight
Meals – Breakfast & Dinner
Kingfisher Bay Resort – Wilderness Lodges (Share Facilities)

Day 8 - Fraser Island to Capricorn Caves

This morning we say our last goodbyes to Fraser Island, board our ferry and return to the mainland. Continuing our journey northwards through sugar cane country, we make a stop for lunch then arrive into the beef capital of Queensland - Rockhampton (Rocky). This major regional town is situated on the banks of the Fitzroy River and lies on the Tropic of Capricorn. After a short break for some shopping, we head north some 20 kilometres to our overnight stop at Capricorn Caves. These geologically unique limestone caves can be accessed for an optional candlelit exploration* that many describe as the best value caving you’ll ever come across. Wildlife abounds including kangaroos, echidnas, possums and of course the insectivorous bats. Tonight kick back and relax and enjoy the peace and tranquillity.

Overnight
Meals – Breakfast & Dinner
Capricorn Caves (Lodges - Shared Facilities)

Day 9 - Capricorn Caves to the Whitsundays

Wake up to breakfast with the local native kangaroos, before travelling on to Mackay - commercial centre of Queensland’s huge sugar industry. Here we'll stop for lunch at one of the gorgeous beaches - your first taste of 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. 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! Those who are participating in the 2 night, 2 day Whitsunday sailing option* (see below) will join their yacht here at Airlie Beach. Those staying at Club Crocodile Resort will transfer from nearby Shute Harbour to Long Island, one of the many beautiful islands that make up this very special waterway and our home for the next three nights.

Overnight
Meals – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Club Crocodile Long Island (Resort)

Day 10 & 11 - The Whitsundays

Two complete days to relax on Long Island to enjoy some of the countless island activities and the facilities of Club Crocodile Resort. National Parks and sparkling blue waters surround this tropical island getaway. Lay back under a palm tree or explore the 20 kilometres of bush walks considered to be the prettiest in the Whitsunday Islands group. Try one of the many water activities including sailing*, snorkelling, perhaps a game of beach volleyball or tennis, or just enjoy a cocktail around the pool. A magnificent day trip option* is aboard Camira – one of the world’s fastest, most futuristic sailing catamarans that visits spectacular Whitehaven Beach for a day of swimming, snorkelling and high speed sailing. On the afternoon of Day 11, those who took the 2 Night Sailing Option return to Long Island where they rejoin the group.

Overnight
Meals - Breakfast & Dinner
Club Crocodile Long Island (Resort)

Day 12 - The Whitsundays to Cairns

Our early morning transfer takes us back to the mainland at Shute Harbour. We bid farewell to this paradise and head north to Townsville. We break our journey for some lunch and check out The Strand - made up of 2.5km of beaches, parks, picnic areas and cafes. Then the final stretch of the Bruce Highway unfolds before us on our way to Cairns. We pass through the small community, farming towns of Innisfail and Ingham; and the coastal village of Cardwell, overlooking the largest island National Park, Hinchinbrook Island. With Cairns not far away, we pass the highest mountains in Queensland, as the Great Dividing Range joins the coast. Upon arrival in colourful Cairns, we’ll check in to our hotel and enjoy some dinner. Later tonight, we can visit the night markets or just relax.

Overnight
Meals – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Hides Resort (Hotel)

Day 13 - Cairns - Optional Great Barrier Reef

Cairns is located on the edge of two extraordinary natural environments, the reef and the rainforest, and is the perfect base for a load of activities to suit everyone. Go wild and crazy with optional activities ranging from adventurous white water rafting* on the Tully River or Tandem Skydiving*, to a day trip* to the World Heritage listed Daintree Region. Today you also have the option to discover the world’s largest coral reef, the Great Barrier 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. Once anchored at the reef, slip over the side and explore this underwater paradise at your own pace. You’ll be amazed by wonders of the reef that’s brimming with life! Tonight after your day touring, 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. This is a pretty special and unique way to spend your last night on tour.

Overnight
Meals - Breakfast & Dinner
Hides Resort

Day 14 - Cairns

Today we head off to explore the tropical rainforest and Kuranda via the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. The Skyrail experience, spanning 7.5kms travels over heritage listed, pristine rainforest, allowing 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. You’ll then arrive in Kuranda where you can explore the local arts and crafts of this rainforest village. This is a pretty spectacular way to spend another amazing day. Sadly, it’s then time to head back into Cairns where we will bid our travelling companions farewell as our tour reaches its completion in this tropical location.

Meals – Breakfast

See here for additional information on pre-departure, tour details and optional activities.

Further Information

Notes

* Optional activities at your own expense

See here for additional information including pre-departure and tour details and optional activities

What's Included

2 nights at vibrant Byron Bay, Experience Springbrook National Park & the "Natural Arch", Sightseeing on the Gold Coast, Entrance fee to Forest Glen Wildlife Park, Return ferry crossing to Fraser Island, Visit "“Central Station" and Lake Birrabeen in 4 wheel drive vehicles on Fraser Island, A night at Capricorn Caves Environmental Park, Sightseeing in Brisbane, Return ferry crossing to Long Island, 3 nights in the Whitsundays, Club Crocodile Resort, Long Island, Sightseeing in Cairns