Gold Coast to Cairns Coastal Journey - 11 Days

Itinerary

Day 1 - GOLD COAST

The “Gold Coast” 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*. This is therefore a fantastic place to kick-start your adventure with us. Meet the crew at the Resort this afternoon after you've had time to explore the area. The restaurants and nightlife here are pumping every night of the week, and you are free to explore them this evening after you meet up with your group of fellow travellers!! Take a short walk to Cavill and Orchid Avenues where you can try some different pubs and clubs.

Overnight
Paradise Resort, Gold Coast

Day 2 - 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. Those passengers who participated in the Optional Rainforest Jungle Camp will rejoin us this afternoon. We will regroup for dinner at our resort.

Overnight
Meals - Breakfast & Dinner
Paradise Resort, Gold Coast

Day 3 - 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 4 - 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 5 - 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 tranquility.

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

Day 6 - 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 the 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 7 & DAY 8 - 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 8, 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 9 - 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 Ingham and Innisfail; 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 10 - 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 11 - 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

Further Information

What's Included

All ferry transfers to Fraser Island and Long Island, Entrance fee to Forest Glen Wildlife Park, Visit “Central Station” and Lake Birrabeen in 4 wheel drive vehicles on Fraser Island, Sightseeing in Brisbane, Sightseeing Gold Coast, A night at Capricorn Caves Environmental Park, 2 nights Fraser Island, Sightseeing in Cairns, 3 nights in the Whitsundays, Club Crocodile Resort, Long Island, All meals as follows:10 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 9 Dinners

Optional Activities

All activities marked with an asterisk (*) are optional activities no included in the tour price