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The
Connections Adventures Tours (Australia)
Extended
Tours
Selection
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Island Suntanner 14 Days
Sydney
to Cairns
Tour Code: JQL14
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Queensland: This is Australia’s holiday state. Home
to 3.5 million lucky locals, it encompasses stunning coastline,
untouched national parks and tropical rainforest. The path
up the Coast, starting at Surfers Paradise, then onto Airlie
Beach and Cairns was created for people that want to combine
partying with exploring, especially on (or under) the crystal
blue waters of the Pacific Ocean
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Tour
Prices:
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| 1st
Apr 2007 - 31st Mar 2008 |
JQL14
- Ex Sydney |
| Twin/Double |
AUD
$2340.00 |
| Single |
AUD
$3245.00 |
| Quad
(4 shared - same gender) |
AUD
$1890.00 |
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All
prices are in Australian Dollars
SPECIAL-
Conditions apply:
BOOK this tour and receive a 5% discount of the recommended
price.
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| Tour
Depart Dates: |
| 2007
- 25Aug-07Sep |
2008
– 05Jan-18Jan |
| 2007
- 25Aug-07Sep |
2008
– 12Jan-25Jan |
| 2007
- 15Sep-28Sep, 22Sep-05Oct |
2008
– 02Feb-15Feb, 09Feb-22Feb |
| 2007
- 13Oct-26Oct, 20Oct-02Nov |
2008
– 01Mar-14Mar, 08Mar-21Mar, 29Mar-11Apr |
| 2007
- 10Nov-23Nov, 17Nov-30Nov, 21Nov-04Dec |
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| 2007
- 08Dec-21Dec, 15Dec-28Dec |
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| Tour
Departs: |
a) 7.00am: Wake Up!, 509 Pitt Street, Sydney
b) 7.15am: Travelodge Sydney, 27-33 Wentworth Avenue, Sydney
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| Tour
Finishes: |
a)
2.00pm: Hides Hotel, 87 Lake St, Cairns
b) 2.30pm: Cairns Beach House, 239 Sheridan St, Cairns |
| No.
of People: |
36 |
| What
to Bring: |
Suggestions:
Towel, water bottle, torch (flashlight), toiletries & items
of a personal nature, hat, sturdy walking shoes, sun screen,
camera and film, warm clothing in winter months and wet
weather gear.
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| What's
Included: |
*Kayaking
on Myall Lake
*Lunch in the Hunter Valley wine region
*2 nights in colourful Byron Bay
*Experience Springbrook National Park & 'Natural Arch'
*Sightseeing on the vibrant Gold Coast
*Return ferry crossing to Frasel Island
*2 nights on Fraser Island in Wilderness Lodges
*A night at remote Capricorn Caves Environmental Park
*Sightseeing in Brisbane
*Return ferry transfer to Long Island
*3 nights in the Whitsundays at Club Crocodile Resort, Long
Island
*Sightseeing in tropical Cairns
*Skyrail Rainforest Cableway experience between Cairns and
Kuranda
*Tjapukai by NIght Dinner & Show plus exclusive meet
& greet with members of the Tjapukai Dance Troupe
*Meals as indicated: 13 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 11 Dinners
Note: Some activities are dependent on weather conditions
and the observance of cultural traditions.
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| What's
Not Included: |
Passenger's
spending money, visas, personal travel insurance, porterage,
transfers to/from the airport, medical fees, flights including
internal flights, pre/post tour accommodation, departure
taxes, and optional excursion costs.
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| Do
I need an adventurous budget? |
We
have developed itineraries that include something for everyone
but it's common that you will want to pack as much adventure
into this holiday as possible. We're frequently asked 'how
much should I budget for the optional meals and adventure
activities whilst on tour?'. The answer depends largely on
your interest and inclination. Be sure that you clearly note
how many meals are included and be sure to provide for the
dinners out and snacks along the way. Optional activities
can vary greatly in cost so we strongly recommend that you
print out our Pre-post information booklet from the individual
tour pages. These provide a comprehensive guide to optional
activities and your costs, so you can effectively plan your
budget. |
| Tour
Code: |
CA/JQL14 |
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Itinerary:
Island Suntanner 14 Days
Sydney to Cairns
Experience the east coast of Australia on a 14 Day Island
Suntanner group tour with Connections Adventures from Sydney
to Cairns.
Itineraries may vary due to seasonal weather conditions.
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DAY
1: Sydney to Myall Lakes
We depart Sydney via the Harbour Bridge and head to the
Hunter Valley for a picnic lunch and some wine tasting before
travelling further north to Myall Lakes. On arrival we hit
the water in kayaks before returning to watch the sunset and
a bbq dinner.
Myall Shores Resort
Lx1 Dx1 |
DAY
2: Myall Lakes to Byron Bay
We travel through some picturesque regions along the East
Coast to Byron Bay today. Renowned for its surfing beaches,
beautiful rainforests and eclectic lifestyle, you'll soon
get into the swing of things! After checking into our accommodation
you're free to explore this coastal town to see what all the
fuss is about!
Glen Villa Resort Cabins
Bx1 Lx1 |
DAY
3: Byron Bay
A full day to enjoy what Byron Bay has to offer. Renowned
for its great surf 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. It’s even possible that you may see some dolphins or
whales as they pass by. Tonight, dinner is “Connections Style”
with plenty of time to relax.
Glen Villa Resort Cabins
Bx1 Dx1 |
DAY
4: Byron Bay to Gold Coast
Our short journey today takes us inland via Murwillumbah
and across the state border beside Lamington National Park,
where we stop at the “Natural Arch”. We then travel through
the Numinbah Valley to Surfers Paradise. 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.
Paradise Resort
Bx1 |
DAY
5: Gold Coast
A full day to take in the sights and thrills of Australia’s
Holiday Playground. There are 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.
Paradise Resort
Bx1 Dx1 |
DAY
6: Gold Coast to Fraser Island
short drive this morning to Queensland’s capital city
Brisbane, where we have some time for sightseeing. Heading
further north we travel on to Hervey Bay. Here we board our
ferry to Fraser Island and our Wilderness Lodge accommodation.
Wilderness Lodges - Share Facilities
Bx1 Dx1 |
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DAY
7: Fraser Island
Fraser Island – Great Sandy National Park is World
Heritage Listed and is the world’s largest sand island.
The best way to see this magnificent national park is on
our optional 4-wheel drive tour, taking us along the unspoilt
surf beaches and to pristine inland freshwater lakes that
are ideal for swimming.
Wilderness Lodges - Share Facilities
Bx1 Dx1
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DAY
8: Fraser Island to Capricorn Caves
Today we board our ferry and continue our journey northwards
through sugar cane country to our remote overnight stop
at Capricorn Caves. These geologically unique limestone
caves can be accessed for an optional candlelit exploration.
Capricorn Caves Lodges - share facilities
Bx1 Dx1
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DAY
9: Capricorn Caves to Whitsundays
Reuniting with the Bruce Highway, we make the journey to Airlie
Beach, the heart of the thriving Whitsunday coast. We transfer
from nearby Shute Harbour to Long Island and Club Crocodile
Resort, one of the many beautiful islands that make up this
very special waterway and our home for the next three nights.
Club Crocodile Resort Long Island
Bx1 Lx1 Dx1 |
DAY
10 & 11: Whitsundays
Two complete days to relax on Long Island and enjoy some of
the countless island activities and the facilities of the
Club Crocodile Resort. 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. (Bx2, Dx2)
Club Crocodile Resort Long Island
Bx1 Dx1 |
DAY
12: Whitsundays to Cairns
Our transfer takes us to Shute Harbour. Here our coach awaits
for our journey to Townsville. Here we break for some lunch
at the Strand to take in the view. We then travel on to the
colourful city of Cairns, where we check in to our resort
and enjoy some dinner.
Hides Resort
Bx1 Lx1 Dx1 |
DAY
13: Cairns
Cairns is the perfect hub for numerous adventure and nature
based activities. Try an optional trip to the Great Barrier
Reef today aboard a maxi-catamaran, or go crazy with other
optional adventures. At day's end, exchange your adventure
stories over dinner during our exclusive Tjapukai by Night
experience.
Hides Resort
Bx1 Dx1 |
DAY
14: Cairns
Today we head off to explore the Tropical Rainforest and Kuranda
via the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. 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 spend another amazing
day. Sadly, it’s then time to bid our travelling companions
farewell. Bx1 |
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| About
your trip and Connections Adventures |
Who
are Connections Adventures?
Connections Adventures started as a small family run business
in Tasmania some 30 years ago. Through a great deal of hard
work Connections Adventures has become Australasia's premier
youth tour operator. In 2000 the business was acquired by
The APT Group of Companies and became an integral part of
the Youth & Adventure division. Whilst we maintain the size
and feel of a small family business we have the security and
backing of Australia's finest touring operation. Today the
division is simply known as Connections. |
| What’s
Included In Our Prices: All coach transportation as outlined
in our itineraries. Services of a Driver/Tour Leader and Host/Cook.
(Mini-coaches - 18 seats have a Driver/Tour Leader only).
All accommodation costs incurred during the tour. All meals
as specified in our itineraries. All camping equipment on
applicable tours excluding sleeping bags. All entrance fees
to places of interest as outlined in the "What’s Included"
sections of each tour page. All ferry crossings and launch
cruises as outlined in our itineraries. |
Suitability
for Connections Adventure Tours:
Our passengers come from around the globe, including many
from both Australia and New Zealand. We get an even balance
from the Northern and Southern hemispheres with an equally
balanced mix of men and women. Our passengers will be in the
18 to 35 year old age group, young and adventurous like you.
Our style of adventure: Our culture has always been
based on three key ingredients fun, adventure and involvement.
We firmly believe that to experience the adventure is far
better than to be a bystander. You will travel with like-minded
people Am I an Adventurous type? Well only you can
answer that. The great thing about Connections is that if
you like adventure we have an enormous amount to share with
you. If on the other hand you're not too sure then we can
suggest alternatives that suit your own sense of adventure.
Either way we're the company to help you "Connect to Adventure"
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Level
of fitness required:
Are there fitness requirements? Our tours are designed for
active, independent travellers between 18-35. Our passengers
will be in the 18 to 35 year old age group, young and adventurous
like you. Clients must inform Connections Adventures of any
pre-existing medical problems. In certain circumstances Connections
Adventures may request a doctor's certificate certifying fitness
to travel. |
Getting
there and back:
Connections Adventures, have secured special fares with Qantas
and McCafferty’s Coaches. These fares are only available when
booked in Australia and used in conjunction with a Connections
Adventures holiday. These fares are also subject to availability
and have strict conditions imposed by the respective carriers.
For further information on these fares, contact your Travel
Agent or nearest Connections Adventures booking office. |
Will
I be collected and dropped off at my accommodation?
Connections have designated pick up and drop off locations,
these can be found in both the brochure and on the web site.
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Where
will I stay?
Our accommodation varies depending on the location and availability
of suitable facilities. At the top of the range you can expect
3.5 to 4 star hotels and resorts e.g. Rydges Lakeland Resort
Queenstown and Palm Royale in Cairns. Alternatively in more
remote locations we stay on working cattle stations or in
authentic swags under the stars. No matter what style we've
selected you can be assured it's the best value option for
that location. Do I have to share a room? Our tours
are costed on multi-share accommodation, that is four people
of the same gender to a room. We'll do our very best to ensure
that you are sharing with like minded people of the same gender.
If however you wish to share either a twin, double or simply
stay on your own then we can accommodate your request at the
time of booking. Just let us know your preference and we will
provide you with the price for alternate accommodation configuration.
Sleeping Bags: A sleeping bag (Not required for our
NT tours) is required for West Australian tours only, which
is indicated on the appropriate tour page. If you do not have
a sleeping bag please advise us when making your reservation
as these may be hired for $25 AUD per person per tour. A travelling
rug (blanket) and inflatable pillow are also useful on camping
tours. |
I
cannot speak English will there be a translator?
Our tours are all conducted in English, some of our Tour Leaders
can speak a second language but we do not promote it as an
inclusion. It is highly likely that given our diverse nationalities
that one of the other passengers may be able to assist. |
What
Do I Eat?
An adventurous feast Our Host/cook will keep you vitalised
and full of energy to enjoy the many activities throughout
your holiday. You will find that Connections includes most
meals, with a selection and variety that will leave you stunned.
If the meal is not included then we'll point you in the right
direction to sample the best on offer at our overnight stay.
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What
about special dietary requirements?
Our talented cooks can cater for just about anything, so
long as they have enough advance warning. Just let us know
what it is you require and we'll confirm our ability to
meet your needs.
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How
much water do clients need to drink?
Some Doctors advise that between 2 and 3 litres (10-12 glasses)
of water per day is essential when travelling in Northern
Australia. All vehicles carry adequate water supplies. |
What
are the vehicles like?
Our fleet of modern air-conditioned vehicles feature reclining
seats, video, and compact disc player, plenty of luggage space
and spacious windows to take in the scenery. Depending on
the tour and itinerary these vehicles may range from 18 seater
Toyota Coaster in Tasmania up to our largest vehicles, the
34 seater mid size coaches we use for most of our other tours.
No matter what the size they all share the same creature comforts
to ensure a smooth pleasant ride. |
How
much free time will there be?
We know that holidays are about relaxation. We also know that
you want to see and do as much as possible. Accordingly we
have planned as much free time as possible, basically there
will always be a choice to do as little or as much as you
like. The one thing we cannot change is that both New Zealand
and Australia have an awesome amount of great things to see
and to get to most of them there will be some days that involve
travelling in the coach. Where possible we have punctuated
these days with two or three night stopovers at key locations
so you can kick back and relax! |
The
nightlife:
Both Australia & New Zealand feature simply amazing nightlife.
The southern skies are filled with the most amazing light
shows each and every night. Whether you're under the myriad
of natural splendor in the outback or the dazzling streetscape
of a sophisticated city centre, there is always plenty to
see and do on a Connections Adventure. |
Luggage:
Less is best. We know that travelling the world can mean
bringing along all your worldly possessions however if at
all possible try to store all unnecessary items for the duration
of your tour. Pack light and travel easy. Each passenger is
requested to limit their luggage to one small/medium soft
bag or suitcase weighing no more than 16 kilos, and a small
day pack. This is particularly relevant for New Zealand tours
as our vehicles are required to abide by strict weight restrictions
by law. Passengers are strongly encouraged to store or courier
excess luggage whilst on tour.
A tip if you're travelling the East Coast - bring along a
day pack that you can use for overnight island stays (eg.
Fraser Island/Long Island). The islands impose strict weight
limitations which means you can only take limited luggage
- so be prepared to 'down size' for those nights.
Will my bags be delivered to my room each night? If you
expect porterage, then this probably isn't the adventure program
for you. We'll generally try and assist where and if it's
completely necessary but many of our accommodation houses
are not designed for this kind of service. |
What
to bring: A sleeping bag is required for West Australian
tours only, which is indicated on the appropriate tour page.
If you do not have a sleeping bag please advise us when making
your reservation as these may be hired for $25 AUD per person
per tour. A travelling rug (blanket) and inflatable pillow
are also useful on camping tours. A suggested clothing list
can be viewed on our web-site: www.connections1835.com.au.
Clients have also present a valid ticket
from us 'Australia 4 Wheel Drive Rentals' for travel to the
guide at departure. |
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Do
clients need to reconfirm their tour? Yes, passengers
must contact the Reservations Department nominated on their
ticket quoting their 6 digit booking number before 4pm the
day prior to travel with both the name of their accommodation,
room number and pick up time.
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Children:
This tour is not design for children |
| Insurance:
Please consider it an important service to your clients to
encourage them to purchase comprehensive travel insurance
before leaving home. We strongly recommend that all passengers
be fully covered by insurance. Liability: Whilst we
make every effort to safeguard our clients and their belongings,
we cannot be held responsible for personal injury or loss
due to events which are beyond our control. Passengers should
note that adventure travel involves a higher than normal risk
and a signed release will be required from all participants
before tour departure. You are required to take out travel
insurance to cover for loss of deposit, cancellation charges,
medical expenses, damage to luggage and additional expenses.
Your nearest Connections Adventures booking office or Travel
Agent will be happy to arrange your insurance cover. You will
not be accepted on a holiday unless you have arranged insurance
cover. |
Terms:
Please note that all itineraries are a guideline only and
are subject to change. Conditions
of Travel:This tour company reserves the right to alter
the route or itinerary of any of its tours and arrange alternative
carriers to those advertised if necessary. No refunds will
be given in these circumstances or in the event of any delay,
curtailment or alteration of a trip resulting from any cause
including severe weather conditions or mechanical failure.
A minimum number of passengers is required to operate each
tour. It may therefore be necessary to cancel a scheduled
departure and to offer an alternative or full refund for that
tour. Adventure Tours can't guarantee pick up or drop off
times and are not liable for passenger failure to connect
with other services. We accept no responsibility for loss
or damage to personal belongings or baggage.
Smoking & Drinking: Australian Government regulations
prohibit smoking and the drinking of alcohol inside tourist
vehicles in Australia (smoking and drinking should be limited
to stops along the route). |
| Cancellation
fees |
| Outside
42 Days |
Loss
of deposit $200 person + 15% of Gross Fare Plus Deposit |
| 29-41
Days |
40%
of Gross Fare (or $200 fee, whichever is greater) Plus Deposit |
| 14-28
Days |
55%
of Gross Fare (or $200 fee, whichever is greater) Plus Deposit |
| 07-13
Days |
70%
of Gross Fare Plus Deposit |
| 02-06
Days |
85%
of Gross Fare Plus Deposit |
| Within
24 hours |
100%
of Fare Including Plus Deposit |
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| Weather
Reports and Currency
Conversion Guide for your use. |
| Booking
Conditions: Payment in full is required for this tour
at the time of booking. |
| 2004
Australia4tours Website by RAB 2005 |
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MISSION
STATEMENT
As
one of the Northern Territory's leading small group safari
specialists "Australia 4 Wheel Drive Rentals (incorporating
www.australia4tours.com) , we seek out tours to some of
Australia's most famous landmarks including Uluru
(Ayers Rock) and Kakadu National Park. From the tropical
Top End to the spiritual heart of the Red Centre, from Aboriginal
Culture to abundant wildlife - then onto Adelaide and Cairns
we have sourced an excellent range of tours for your next
vacation in Australia.
Our
experienced staff will help you discover the best of these
unique and special tours offers across Australia. Get connected
to where you’re going. Australia is an amazing country with
vast open spaces and incredible scenery in every region.
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