Budget

Sydney on a Budget

Day 1

  • Arrive in Sydney
  • Shuttle transfer from Airport to City hotel/ Backpacker
  • Accommodation x 3 Nights Room only
  • You will find in your travel documents a Day pass on City
  • Sightseeing Sydney and Bondi.
  • City Sightseeing's premier southern hemisphere open top tourist bus service. You'll get spectacular views of the famous Opera House and Harbour Bridge from the top deck and there's also an opportunity to take a tour of Bondi Beach This pass is valid for 24 Hours and you can hop on and off as much as you like.( Better to be used when you have a full day to experience Sydney) English commentary on board.

Day 2

  • Today you have the day to explore Sydney. You will also find in your travel wallet a Magistic Cruisesmart pass so you can see the splendour of the world 's most beautiful harbour, aboard our multi-million dollar Australian owned and built catamarans.
  • This one hour cruise glides by the harbour 's major attractions. This is your best option and best value cruise on the harbour, without compromise.
  • Cruisesmart is Sydney's most popular sightseeing cruise with the worlds first GPS commentary system. The cruise also includes a map tracking system similar to what you would see on an aircraft.
  • Cruise Departs Circular Quay every hour.
  • You also have admission to Sydney Aquarium and Wildlife World so you can see some of our native animals without having to leave the city.

Day 3

Day at Leisure. You may like to take a Train to Katoomba and see the magestic Blue Moutains - Once you get off the train you can walk through Katoomba town and head towards Echo point and maybe do a Bush walk or simply emjoy the View.

Day 4

  • Depart Sydney
  • Shuttle transfer from Hotel to Airport

Back to Top

Cairns on a Budget

Day 1

  • Arrive in Cairns.
  • Shuttle transfer to Hotel or Backpacker. ( Depending on your arrival time )
  • We have included a Day pass to Skyrail and Kuranda.
  • Approx 10.30 am pick up from your hotel and head towards Skyrail for 11 am departure and enjoy amazing views of the rainforest, the Coral Sea and the Barron Gorge on your Skyrail Rainforest Cableway Experience from Caravonica to Kuranda. Glide just metres above World Heritage Tropical Rainforest before descending through the canopy to two stations on the forest floor. At Red Peak explore the boardwalk and enjoy a Ranger guided tour. Experience the best views of the gorge and falls from lookouts at Barron Falls Station, where the Rainforest Interpretation Centre provides an insight into the evolution of this ancient forest. Skyrail is approximately a 1.5 hour experience including 20 minutes at each station.
  • Free time to explore Kuranda town.
  • 1530 Return to Cairns from Kuranda on the Scenic Railway
  • Board the train 10 minutes before departure at Kuranda Railway Station for your journey to Freshwater. You will enjoy a photo stop at Barron Falls before continuing on a historic journey along the rim of the Barron Gorge, over the curved Stoney Creek Bridge and through hand-carved tunnels.. Transfer back to hotel or city centre. ( This can also be done the following day if your flight arrives after 10.00 am )

Day 2

  • Great Barrier Reef Cruise.
  • Ocean Free is a 16.5m sailing schooner carrying 35 guests daily to the Great Barrier Reef and Green Island. (Surveyed for 53).
  • Boards Cairns (A Finger no 4 , Marlin Marina, Cairns) at 07.30 Returns Cairns (A Finger no 4 ,Marlin Marina , Cairns) at 5.00 pm
  • Green Island and Great Barrier Reef Sailing
  • Inclusions: Tea and coffee in am, Snorkelling Tuition
  • Top quality Snorkelling equipment (masks, flippers, snorkel)
  • Buoyancy snorkel vests, Transfers to and from Green Island
  • Exclusive mooring on Pinnacle Reef , Reef Talk by Marine Interpreter, Over 4 and 1/2 hours on the Reef + Island, Large smorgasbord lunch Platters of tropical fruit, cheese and crackers and cake on way home (Prescription masks available for hire)

Day 3

  • Day at leisure
  • Today you may like to spend the day in Cairns or maybe do a Hot
  • Air Balloon Ride or even white water rafting.

Day 4

  • Depart Cairns
  • Transfer by shuttle from hotel to Airport.

Back to Top

Red Centre on a Budget

Day 1

  • Arrive in Alice Springs
  • Shuttle transfer from Airport to Hotel.
  • Accommodation for night Budget hotel or Backpacker
  • Evening Dinner and show a highly authentic, traditional and contemporary Aboriginal performance featuring dancing, weaponry, interaction, didgeridoo playing and cultural history.
    To enter the site, guests are taken through the new Desert Room Gallery where there are displays of Aboriginal art work, tools & weaponry. These items are also for sale.
    The undercover area offers sheltered seating and overlooks the magnificent MacDonnell Ranges. The stage is just below the Ranges with the stage lights shooting up against the rock face making it a spectacular backdrop. Look out for the native Black-footed Rock Wallabies that visit the venue!
  • Return hotel transfers, 3 course dinner, Wine and Soft Drinks.

Day 2 Alice Springs to Yulara

Departing Alice Springs, we head south, stopping for a short visit at the Outback Camel Farm and then heading straight to Yulara and our permanent campsite for lunch. The afternoon is spent exploring Uluru. Join your knowledgeable guide for a base tour of Uluru, exploring ancient caves where Aboriginal paintings can be seen, learning about the oldest culture in the world. At sunset, you will appreciate the spectacular colour changes of Uluru. Later we return to camp for a traditional Aussie meal. Accommodation at Ayers Rock Resort Permanent Campsite ( Lunch and Dinner included )

DAY 3 Yulara to Alice Springs

It 's an early rise for an exciting morning with breathtaking views of sunrise at Kata-Tjuta (The Olgas). Go for a walk to appreciate the beauty of the 36 magical domes and learn about unique fauna, flora and fire management of the national park. We return to the campsite for lunch and farewells. This afternoon we return to Alice Springs (arriving approx. 7pm) or if you wish, finish the tour at Ayers Rock Resort at 1pm.

Back to Top

Top End ( Kakadu ) on a Budget

Day 1 Arrive in Darwin.

  • Shuttle transfer from Airport to hotel
  • Accommodation in Budget Hotel or Backpackers

Day 2 Darwin to Kakadu

After pick up from your accommodation and meeting your Safaris guide, we head out to Kakadu National Park. Our first adventure is a crocodile spotting cruise. We cross the South Alligator River before heading to Ubirr Rock where we see classic examples of Aboriginal rock art and spectacular 360 degree views. At the end of the day we travel to our comfortable permanent campsite in Kakadu and enjoy a hearty dinner.

Accommodation Kakadu Permanent Campsite Lunch and Dinner included

Day 3 Kakadu to Darwin

After breakfast we head out to explore the National Park with an opportunity to swim in cool clear water, walk and explore spectacular sandstone country. After lunch we visit the Aboriginal art galleries at Nourlangie Rock and the fascinating Bowali Centre, Kakadu National Park Headquarters. We return to Darwin at approximately 7:00pm. ( Breakfast, lunch and dinner included )

Accommodation in Budget hotel or Backpacker

Day 4 Depart Darwin

Shuttle transfer from Hotel to Airport.
( Option to upgrade to a 3 day tour including Katherine or Licthfield )

Back to Top

Island Getaway on a Budget

Brampton Island - Whitsundays- Queensland

Located at the southern end of the world-renowned Whitsunday Island Passage, Voyages Brampton Island offers a holiday escape with fantastic value. This large and beautiful National Park Island is surrounded by sparkling azure waters, twelve white sandy beaches, coral gardens and an array of National Park walking and jogging tracks - each affording spectacular views and the perfect spot to stop for a picnic.

Brampton offers a huge variety of activities - from fast and furious water sports, hiking, golf and tennis, to relaxing by the pool or enjoying a rejuvenating massage. As the sun sets, the fun continues with theme nights and live entertainment. For couples or groups, friends or family, Brampton Island has accommodation and activities to suit everyone.

How to get there?
Fly to Mackay or Hamilton island and connect to a flight to Brampton island

Back to Top

Sailing The Whitsundays

SV Whitehaven 2 Day to 2 Night Social Cruise

An Advanced Eco Certified Safari, Cruise tropical waters in style and comfort with Big open decks, seating and shade. Ideal safari boat with emphasis on snorkelling . Eco guided island exploration of The Whitsundays Adventure packed, informative and fun ( Share room or private cabins available )

Island Dive Cruise Wings 2- 2 Days - 2 Nights Active and Social Cruise

16.7 in length with a towering sailing rig and powerful engines to take you to the best dive and snorkel destinations in the Whitsundays. A maximum of 25 passengers and 4 great crew with private double and share cabins available. All the modern comforts below deck with DVD, PC system for dive photos and a huge home theate movie screen. Visit Whithaven Beach and discover the beauty of the underwater world around the Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
Wings endeavours to stop at the best dive destinations around the Whitsunday Islands and The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. She is fully equipped for Scuba Diving with 2 on board dive instructors to take beginners or certified divers. All dive gear is included in the dive prices and professional dive photos are available to buy on disk. ( Share rooms or Private cabins available )

Back to Top

Sydney to Cairns - Social and Young at heart

DAY 1: Sydney to Myall Lakes

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! Myall Shores Resort Dx1

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! Glen Villa Resort Cabins Bx1

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.
Glen Villa Resort Cabins Bx1

DAY 4: Byron Bay to Gold Coast

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 laidback 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.
Vibe Hotel Gold Coast Bx1

DAY 5: 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. 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 Bx1 Dx1

DAY 6: Fraser Island

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 Bx1

DAY 7: Fraser Island to Rockhampton

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. 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!
Travelodge Rockhampton Bx1 Dx1

DAY 8: Rockhampton to the Whitsundays

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.
Sailing Yacht - Multi Share Bunks - share facilities Bx1 Dx1

DAY 9: Whitsundays Sailing

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!
Sailing Yacht - Multi Share Bunks - share facilities Bx1 Lx1 Dx1

DAY 10: 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!! Club Crocodile Resort Bx1

DAY 11: Airlie Beach to Undara

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 Bx1 Dx1

DAY 12: Undara to Cairns

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.
Hides Resort Bx1

DAY 13: Cairns

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 Bx1 Dx1

DAY 14: Cairns

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. Bx1

Back to Top