Cairns to Sydney Tour - 14 Days

Itinerary

Day 1 - Cairns

Welcome to the Tropical North! We meet and greet at our hotel in the heart of Carins before 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. This is a pretty special and unique way to spend your first night on tour.

Overnight
Meals –Dinner
Hides Resort

Day 2 - 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 can 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. There’s Horse Riding*, Quad Biking*, Bungy Jumping*, Hot Air Ballooning* – the list goes on and on!!

Today you also have the option to discover the world’s largest coral reef aboard a maxicatamaran*. 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 & Dinner
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. 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 Townsville not far away, we pass the highest mountains in Queensland, Mt Bartle Frere (1622m) and Mt Bellenden Ker (1580m) as the Great Dividing Range looms closer to the coast. Situated on Cleveland Bay, Townsville is North Queensland’s largest city. Here we break our journey for some lunch and check out The Strand which is made up of 2.5km of beaches, parks, picnic areas and cafes! Then it’s back onto the Highway as we travel on to Airlie Beach – gateway to the Whitsundays! Those who are participating in the 2 night, 2 day Whitsunday sailing option* (see below) will join their yacht here at Airlie Beach’s Abel Point Marina. Those staying at Club Crocodile Resort Long Island will transfer from nearby Shute Harbour by boat 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 4 & 5 - 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, learn to scuba dive* 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 5, 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 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 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 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. Tonight kick back and relax and enjoy the peace and tranquillity.

Overnight
Meals - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
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, over the Tropic of Capricorn and continuing on 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)

Day 8 - 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 & Dinner
Kingfisher Bay Resort – Wilderness Lodges (Share Facilities)

Day 9 - 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
Paradise Resort

Day 10 - 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’s heaps of options to choose from! 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* were 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. We will regroup for dinner at our resort.

Overnight
Meals – Breakfast & Dinner
Paradise Resort

Day 11 - Gold Coast to Byron Bay

Enjoy a relaxed start to the morning before we depart Surfers Paradise for the Gold Coast’s Hinterland and Springbrook National Park – home of Natural Arch. Like a natural bridge (or arch), Cave Creek plunges as a spectacular waterfall through a hole in the cavern. You’ll find one of Australia’s largest glow-worm colonies living beside the track and on the roof of this cave – so the short walk is a must, a stark contrast to the action of Surfers Paradise. We then leave this tranquil environment and travel south, crossing 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)

Day 12 - 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 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 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! After dinner you can kick back and get to know fellow passengers by the campfire under the stars.

Overnight
Meals - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Myall Shores Resort (Cabins)

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 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 & Lunch

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

Further Information

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