Well if you want the city, then either AEA grand or Stamford on Kent should be a great place.
Here are some other places you may want to go
These would be musts for me – Gold Coast, Frasier Island, Whitsundays Islands, and Cairns
- Gold Coast (2 nights – this is a great beach city – the beach goes on for miles and miles – it’s like a never-ending beach
- Frasier Island (1 night max) this is the worlds largest sand island – it’s pretty cool – they do a 4 wheel drive trip around the island – we stayed there in cabins for one night but you can probably make it a day trip and then stay on the mainland in a nicer accommodation.
- Whitsundays Islands (2 nights – these are beautiful islands – you should try and book the sailing trip I did on the Ragamuffin sail boat, and make sure to get to Whitehaven beach which has the whitest and finest sand you’ll probably ever see… maybe not considering you will be seeing lots of beaches that year, but I wouldn’t miss out on this)
- Cairns (2 to 4 nights depending on what you actually do – depends on how much scuba/snorkeling you want to do – this is where the great barrier reef is, and you should also do a day trip up to Cape Tribulation, and a rafting trip on the Tully River (the rafting is awesome)
Other possibilities -
- Byron Bay (1 to 2 nights Max) – wasn’t a big fan but the weather was shitty - it’s definitely a backpackers town – I remember hearing something about a place close by this where everyone went to smoke weed – it is like a weed town.
Below is the full itinerary I did leaving from Sydney. It was good but above were definitely my highlights. What I might do if I were you is spend like 3 weeks in Sydney, and then get a separate cheap domestic flight up to Cairns and do things in reverse driving back to Sydney. You can also save a lot of time and fly place to place, which is how I would do it if I were going again. You may also just want to do a fly by of Ayers rock which is something I missed out on. But come on… it’s a freak’n rock in the middle of the desert and I wasn’t going to spend 5 days covered in mesquitos going out to see a rock… but you may want to, or you can just do fly by just so you can say you saw it.
DAY 1: Sydney to Byron Bay We depart Sydney via the Harbour Bridge and begin our trek northwards travelling through the towns of Kempsey, birthplace of the “Akubra” hat, and Coffs Harbour, the Banana growing capital! We finally arrive in Byron Bay, Australia’s most easterly township. This is the perfect first stop on tour. After checking into our cabins, we head off to explore this vibrant town and grab some dinner. Glen Villa Resort Cabins Lx1
DAY 2: Byron Bay A full day ahead 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 3: 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 Lx1
DAY 4: 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 5: Gold Coast to Fraser Island A 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 Bx1 Dx1
DAY 6: 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 Bx1 Lx1 Dx1
DAY 7: Fraser Island to Capricorn Caves Today we board our ferry and continue our journey northwards through sugar cane country to our overnight stop at Capricorn Caves. These geologically unique limestone caves can be accessed for an optional candlelit exploration. Capricorn Caves Lodges Bx1 Dx1
DAY 8: 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 Bx1 Dx1
DAY 9 & 10: 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. Club Crocodile Resort Bx1 Dx1
DAY 11: 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 and a quick stroll to 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. Palm Royale Resort Bx1 Dx1
DAY 12: 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. Palm Royale Resort Bx1 Dx1
DAY 13: Cairns Another fabulous day to explore all that tropical North Queensland has to offer – the world is your oyster! If you want some time out, the centre of Cairns has some great cafe’s and shopping. The swimming lagoon is close by and is a great place to cool off. This evening, freshen up for dinner and a night out in town. Palm Royale Resort Bx1
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. Palm Royale Resort Bx1 Lx1
DAY 15: Daintree Rainforest It’s an early start today! Your Connections crew will introduce you to our Cape Trib specialists who will be looking after you today. You’ll board your 4WD and take a scenic coastal drive up the Cook Hwy to the Daintree River. Here the adventure begins with a river cruise. You travel on to Cape Tribulation where the rainforest meets the Coral Sea and the chance for another swim. Finally you will make your way back to Cairns and the end of your adventure.
Here are some other places you may want to go
These would be musts for me – Gold Coast, Frasier Island, Whitsundays Islands, and Cairns
- Gold Coast (2 nights – this is a great beach city – the beach goes on for miles and miles – it’s like a never-ending beach
- Frasier Island (1 night max) this is the worlds largest sand island – it’s pretty cool – they do a 4 wheel drive trip around the island – we stayed there in cabins for one night but you can probably make it a day trip and then stay on the mainland in a nicer accommodation.
- Whitsundays Islands (2 nights – these are beautiful islands – you should try and book the sailing trip I did on the Ragamuffin sail boat, and make sure to get to Whitehaven beach which has the whitest and finest sand you’ll probably ever see… maybe not considering you will be seeing lots of beaches that year, but I wouldn’t miss out on this)
- Cairns (2 to 4 nights depending on what you actually do – depends on how much scuba/snorkeling you want to do – this is where the great barrier reef is, and you should also do a day trip up to Cape Tribulation, and a rafting trip on the Tully River (the rafting is awesome)
Other possibilities -
- Byron Bay (1 to 2 nights Max) – wasn’t a big fan but the weather was shitty - it’s definitely a backpackers town – I remember hearing something about a place close by this where everyone went to smoke weed – it is like a weed town.
Below is the full itinerary I did leaving from Sydney. It was good but above were definitely my highlights. What I might do if I were you is spend like 3 weeks in Sydney, and then get a separate cheap domestic flight up to Cairns and do things in reverse driving back to Sydney. You can also save a lot of time and fly place to place, which is how I would do it if I were going again. You may also just want to do a fly by of Ayers rock which is something I missed out on. But come on… it’s a freak’n rock in the middle of the desert and I wasn’t going to spend 5 days covered in mesquitos going out to see a rock… but you may want to, or you can just do fly by just so you can say you saw it.
DAY 1: Sydney to Byron Bay
We depart Sydney via the Harbour Bridge and begin our trek northwards travelling through the towns of Kempsey, birthplace of the “Akubra” hat, and Coffs Harbour, the Banana growing capital! We finally arrive in Byron Bay, Australia’s most easterly township. This is the perfect first stop on tour. After checking into our cabins, we head off to explore this vibrant town and grab some dinner.
Glen Villa Resort Cabins
Lx1
DAY 2: Byron Bay
A full day ahead 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 3: 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 Lx1
DAY 4: 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 5: Gold Coast to Fraser Island
A 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
Bx1 Dx1
DAY 6: 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
Bx1 Lx1 Dx1
DAY 7: Fraser Island to Capricorn Caves
Today we board our ferry and continue our journey northwards through sugar cane country to our overnight stop at Capricorn Caves. These geologically unique limestone caves can be accessed for an optional candlelit exploration.
Capricorn Caves Lodges
Bx1 Dx1
DAY 8: 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
Bx1 Dx1
DAY 9 & 10: 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.
Club Crocodile Resort
Bx1 Dx1
DAY 11: 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 and a quick stroll to 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.
Palm Royale Resort
Bx1 Dx1
DAY 12: 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.
Palm Royale Resort
Bx1 Dx1
DAY 13: Cairns
Another fabulous day to explore all that tropical North Queensland has to offer – the world is your oyster! If you want some time out, the centre of Cairns has some great cafe’s and shopping. The swimming lagoon is close by and is a great place to cool off. This evening, freshen up for dinner and a night out in town.
Palm Royale Resort
Bx1
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.
Palm Royale Resort
Bx1 Lx1
DAY 15: Daintree Rainforest
It’s an early start today! Your Connections crew will introduce you to our Cape Trib specialists who will be looking after you today. You’ll board your 4WD and take a scenic coastal drive up the Cook Hwy to the Daintree River. Here the adventure begins with a river cruise. You travel on to Cape Tribulation where the rainforest meets the Coral Sea and the chance for another swim. Finally you will make your way back to Cairns and the end of your adventure.