Day 1
Our journey commences bright and early when we depart Sydney via the Harbour Bridge. 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!

Day 2
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!

Glen Villa Resort Cabins

Day 3
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.

Glen Villa Resort Cabins

Day 4
Enjoy a relaxed start to the morning before we depart Byron Bay. Our short journey takes us up the highway 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, meter maids, and awesome laid-back lifestyle. 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.

Paradise Resort

Day 5
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. 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.

Kingfisher Bay Wilderness Lodge - Share Facilities

Day 6
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.

Kingfisher Bay Wilderness Lodge - Share Facilities

Day 7
This morning we say our last good-byes 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. 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!

Sundowner Rockhampton

Day 8
It's a big day today as we head off for the gorgeous Whitsundays where you’re in for a real treat. We travel on to Mackay - here we'll stop for lunch at one of the beaches - your first taste of North Queensland. 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* - meals and itinerary vary - please contact Connections for further information.

Tall Ship Sailing - Multi Share Bunks

Day 9
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. You’re in heaven!

Tall Ship Sailing - Multi Share Bunks

Day 10
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!!

Club Crocodile Resort Airlie Beach

Day 11
It's a big day today as we leave the sand behind us and head for the outback and Savannah country! We’ll have an early start from Airlie Beach and make our way north through the small town of Bowen (home of the new Baz Luhrman Movie, Australia) and onto Townsville for a quick lunch break. Then it's back on the road, heading inland over the Great Dividing range to the Great Inland Way and north to our outback experience like nothing you’ve seen before! 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**. After dinner kick back by the campfire – feel free to join in the entertainment. This will be a highlight of your 14 days!

Undara Outback Experience - Swag Tents Share Facilities

Day 12
This morning you have a few options – take one of the Lava Tube Tours* and learn more about this intriguing natural formation, check out the many nearby bush walks or simply chill out in the pool. We then make our way back to Cairns. 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.

Hides Resort

Day 13
Today you also have the option to discover the world's largest coral reef, the Great Barrier Reef, aboard a maxi-catamaran*. You’ll be amazed by wonders of the reef that's brimming with life! Tonight after your day touring, you'll have 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.

Hides Resort

Day 14
Today we head off to explore the tropical rainforest and Kuranda via the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. 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.