hi, i have booked the connections adventues 26 day grand aussie tour through STA travel, and was wondering if people have had any experience of the company or this tour, as i am wondering what to expect. and would like to hear from people who have done the tour, or similar ones and what there experiences are

also according to connections site, they send a personalised itinery, does anyone know how long this usually takes to arrive? also at the end of the tour, i have about 6 days in darwin, have been advised by some people there is not much in darwin, is this the case, does any one have any recommendations on what we can do in darwin after the tour has ended?

also prior to arriving in australia, i have booked a week in contiki's bali resort, does any one know if the IK to Australia plug adapters will work in bali, or will i have to get a seperate one?

For those of us who aren't familiar with your itinerary, it would be helpful to know what you will and won't be seeing -- and presumably from that we'll know the kinds of things you like to do. You do NOT want to spend all those days in Darwin but which direction to point depends in large part on knowing where you've already been.

If your tour has already taken you to Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks - then I guess you will just have to chill out. There is enough in the city to occupy you for 2-3 days - and you could always visit the Bathurst and Tiwi Islands (which I have never done).

But wonder what your 26 day tour comprises. How many days, if any, will you spend in Kakadu?

If it's just one, then you could go back there. Another suggestion would be to head down to Alice Springs - does your tour go there?

It would be really interesting, and would help people make suggestions, if you could come back and tell us what that 26 days covers. And then something about what interests you.

thanks for your replies so far, this is the tour itinery


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
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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
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DAY 3: 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
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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
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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
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DAY 6: 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 - Share Facilities
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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
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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 overnight stop at Capricorn Caves. These geologically unique limestone caves can be accessed for an optional candlelit exploration.
Capricorn Caves Lodges - share facilities
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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
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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
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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
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DAY 13: Cairns
Cairns is the perfect hub for numerous adventure and nature based activities. Try an optional trip the Great Barrier Reef today aboard a maxi-catamaran, or go crazy with other optional adventures. At day's end, exchange stories over dinner during our exclusive Tjapukai by Night experience.
Hides Resort
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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 before we bid farewell to Queensland.
Hides Resort
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DAY 15: Cairns to Alice Springs
Today you make your own way to Alice Springs - the heart of Australia's Red Centre - where you'll meet your 'Territory' crew. The day is yours free to explore at your own pace. At sunset, check out the Rock Wallabies that live amongst the rocks, as they come out to feed. (note internal flight not included in tour price)
Heavitree Gap Outback Lodge
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DAY 16: Alice Springs to Ayers Rock Resort
We travel south on our way to Uluru - Kata Tjuta National Park, home of mighty Uluru (Ayers Rock). After meeting those passengers joining the tour at Ayers Rock Airport, we make tracks to the Cultural Centre. Next a short drive to the Sunset Viewing area and witness the fascinating change of colours as an outback sunset.
Ayers Rock Resort
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DAY 17: Ayers Rock Resort to Kings Canyon
We spend the morning at Uluru before we join the road again, this time bound for Watarrka National Park and Kings Canyon, a wonder of the Outback. We will settle into our campsite at Kings Creek Station, enjoy some lunch and then prepare for our walk.
Kings Creek Station Campsite
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DAY 18: Kings Canyon
We walk the track that takes us above massive sandstone cliffs overlooking the valley floor. Along the walk we can see some unique and ancient vegetation, tranquil water holes and some amazing examples of nature’s own geological handiwork. We return via the other side of the Canyon.
Kings Creek Station Campsite
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DAY 19: Kings Creek to Alice Springs
A relaxing start to the day as we take breakfast in the morning sun. For those with a desire to experience some optional outback adventures you'll be spoilt for choice here. We then return to Alice Springs where we take time to visit Anzac Hill. Our next stop is The Royal Flying Doctor.
Heavitree Gap Outback Lodge
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DAY 20: Alice Springs
The chance exists early this morning for a breath taking hot air balloon ride. Then we venture out amongst the Western MacDonnell Ranges. We return to Alice Springs with time to grab some lunch and explore the town centre.
Heavitree Gap Outback Lodge
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DAY 21: Alice Springs to Banka Banka Station
We cross the Tropic of Capricorn soon after leaving Alice Springs and make for Ti Tree. Our afternoon highlight is a visit to the amazing rock formations known as the Devils Marbles. Then to Tennant Creek, a township that owes its prosperity to gold and copper deposits. Tonight we sleep under the stars!
Banka Banka Station Campsite
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DAY 22: Banka Banka to Katherine
Our first stop is at the Territory’s most famous outback pub, Daly Waters. On to Larrimah and then Mataranka, an oasis for weary travellers. A short drive further north brings us to the town of Katherine, the third largest town in the Territory and situated on the banks of the Katherine River.
All Seasons Katherine
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DAY 23: Katherine to Kakadu
A short distance away is Nitmiluk National Park, land of the traditional Jawoyn Aboriginal people. Here we discover the impressive Katherine Gorge. Either a cruise into the gorge system or share a canoe and paddle along this tranquil waterway. We then head to Leliyn (Edith Falls). This is a great place for a midday swim. It’s then on to Kakadu National Park. Our first stop will be at the rock-art site of Nourlangie before heading to the village of Jabiru.
Kakadu Lodge
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DAY 24: Kakadu National Park
Kakadu National Park is World Heritage Listed and has enormous cultural and natural significance. There is plenty of time today to partake in some special optional activities that will enhance your experience here. A visit to the Bowali Visitors Centre can give a better understanding and help us appreciate the unique qualities of this diverse Park as well.
Kakadu Lodge
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DAY 25: Kakadu to Darwin
An early morning wildlife cruise on Yellow Water Billabong is an amazing start to our day. Our journey from here takes us to another beautiful site that of Ubirr and a visit here is next on our agenda. The outlook from here over the surrounding Kakadu wetlands is simply stunning. Next stop Darwin - capital of Australia's Northern Territory and a modern, tropical city set on a harbour twice the size of Sydney's.
Mirambeena Tourist Resort
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DAY 26: Litchfield National Park
To Litchfield National Park just south of Darwin where waterfalls cascade from the sandstone plateau of Tabletop Range and create beautiful pools and pockets of rainforests. Highlights of our visit to the Park include the giant termite mounds, Florence and Wangi Falls and refreshing swims in their natural pool. We then return to Darwin to farewell our Outback companions!

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thanks for the replies, i appreciate it

"...does any one know if the IK to Australia plug adapters will work in bali, or will i have to get a seperate one?"

anna, did you mean to type "UK" instead of "IK"? If so the answer is "no". In Bali you'll need the European style plug - 2 round pins side by side. If you did mean to type "IK" you've lost me.

What a shame that they have such a short time in and around Cairns and then leave you with 6 days in Darwin. 2 days in Cairns is nowhere near enough time to explore what that area has to offer.
Unless you want to add something onto your trip ( you don't say when you are doing it which makes it hard for us to make suggestions) you probably will have died of boredom in Darwin after 6 days so the adapter question for Bali won't be an issue. NB I like Darwin and I have lived there but 6 days is far too long!

You'll have lots of places under your belt by the time you get to Darwin! Why are you in Darwin for 6 days? Could you take a trip from there to maybe Arnhem Land with Aborigine guides? Or a flight to Broome? Maybe after 26 days on the road, you will want to just chill out, so being in a relatively uneventful place would be OK. There are lots of boats around there--how about trying for a sailing adventure for a couple of days? Or the islands off of Darwin might be interesting. I wish I had 6 extra days on our itinerary!!!
Sally

we have the extra 6 days due to the flight availability coming back home, however it may be good for us to spend a few days in one place for a while as the tour we are going on is pretty full on, so staying on one place before we fly back home may help us wind down a bit and reflect on the trip

and sorry Neil_Oz i did mean UK plug, did not notice the mistype earlier