Animal Encounter Tours

Entertainment Tours for Seniors

 

Welcome to Connect Coaches, your ultimate partner in connecting you with the best zoos and animal parks in the state.

Whether you're a wildlife enthusiast or simply looking to spend a fun day with family and friends, our comfortable 16-seat mini-coach is the perfect choice for day tours, providing a cozy and enjoyable journey for all passengers.

At Connect Coaches, we take you on an incredible adventure, visiting some of Sydney's greatest animal parks, including Taronga Zoo, Sydney Zoo, Featherdale Wildlife Park, Australian Reptile Park, Hunter Valley Zoo, Moggo Zoo, Canberra Zoo, and the famous Dubbo Zoo.

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of diverse species and experience up-close encounters with some of nature's most fascinating creatures.

But our adventure doesn't end there. We also take you to lovely privately owned animal farms, where you can get up close and personal with adorable Alpacas, charming Miniature Donkeys, and other friendly farmyard friends. It's a perfect opportunity to connect with these gentle creatures and create cherished memories.

Join us at Connect Coaches, and let us connect you to a world filled with wonder, excitement, and unforgettable animal encounters.

Book your tour today and embark on a journey that will delight everyone, from young children to the young at heart.



Upcoming Animal Encounter Day Tour's

Banana Cabana Monkey Sanctuary - sold out

Embark on a captivating adventure with Connect Coaches on their Public Day tour to Banana Cabana Primate Sanctuary, departing from the Central Coast. The journey begins with a convenient home pick-up service within our advertised home pick up area, ensuring a stress-free start to the day. As you travel to Dural, where the sanctuary is locate...

Category: Animal Encounters - Day Tours
Start Time: 8:00 AM
Date: Thursday 6th February 2025
Venue: Dural
Phone Enquiries: 43254053
Email Enquiries:  admin@connectcoaches.com.au
Home Pick Up service: 

Connect Coaches offers convenient home pick-up and drop-off services in many suburbs on the Central Coast.

Please click here to view our Pick up area Map

Tour Inclusions: 
  • Home pick-up and drop-off service (within our advertised pick up/drop off area)
  • Comfortable coach transportation
  • Morning tea (provided by the venue)
  • Entry fee into the sanctuary
  • Lunch (assorted sandwiches & a cool drink)
Itinerary: 

7:45am-8:45am: Home pick up service

9:00am: Depart Kariong

10:30am - 1:30pm: Morning tea upon arrival at Banana Cabana Sanctuary. This will be followed by a guided tour & quality time spent with these fascinating primates. A picnic lunch will be enjoyed before departing for the Central Coast.

3:00-3:30pm: Arrive back at Kariong & begin home drop off service

Bookings: Please complete an Expression of Interest Form. If we have a seat available, we'll book you in. We have also made another booking on 15th April.


Irukandji Shark & Ray Encounter + Cookabarra Restaurant - sold out

Today, Connect Coaches will be visiting Irukandji Shark & Ray Encounter at Port Stephens to get up close & personal with these interesting creatures.
Experience the true nature of sharks & rays and get to know the weird and wonderful world of the ocean. You can choose to stay on the edges of the pools to observe th...

Category: Animal Encounters - Day Tours
Start Time: 7:30 AM
Date: Friday 7th February 2025
Venue: Anna Bay
Phone Enquiries: 43254053
Email Enquiries:  admin@connectcoaches.com.au
Home Pick Up service: 

Connect Coaches offers convenient home pick-up and drop-off services in many suburbs on the Central Coast.

Please click here to view our Pick up area Map

 

.

Tour Inclusions: 
  • Home pick-up and drop-off service (within our advertised pick up/drop off area)
  • Comfortable coach transportation
  • Morning tea
  • Entry fee into venue, tour & **shallow water animal encounter
  • Lunch at Cookabarra Restaurant

 

** The shallow water encounter is included in your entry fee - Wearing your own clothing and staying (mostly) dry, you can wade in the sandy shallows of the new beach style lagoons, or sit on the rocks, feeding and petting the beautiful animals. For those not wanting to get wet, you are welcome to feed & pat the animals from dry land.

For those who dare, there is the option to pay an extra $10 to hire a wetsuit & get right in the water to feed and interact with the animals while your Irukandji tour guide offers a wealth of information about marine life and ocean conservation

 

 

.

Itinerary: 

7.30-8.30am - Home pick up service within our advertised pick up/drop off area

8.30am - Depart Tuggerah after a comfort stop

9.45-10.15am - Morning tea at Grahamstown Dam

10.45am - Arrive at Irukandji Shark & Ray Encounters in Anna Bay & prepare to have fun, learn lots about the amazing sea life at this venue & get wet (but only if you want to!)

12.30pm-2pm - Lunch at Cookabarra Barramundi Farm before heading back to Tuggerah to begin our home drop off service



Hunter Valley Wildlife Park - Friday 28th March, 2025

           Summary: The coach departs Tuggerah Westfield at 9:00am following our home pick up service (see our pick up map for details).  Following a quick comfort stop at Tuggerah, we make our way up to the Hunter Valley Wildlife Park where you will have a couple of hours to wander arou...

Category: Animal Encounters - Day Tours
Start Time: 8:00 AM
Date: Friday 28th March 2025
Venue: Hunter Valley
Phone Enquiries: 4325 4053
Email Enquiries:  admin@connectcoaches.com.au


Starline Alpaca Farm - Monday 7th April 2025

Join us as we travel up to the beautiful Hunter Valley to visit the gorgeous animals at Starline Alpaca Farm. Complimentary morning tea will be enjoyed upon arrival when we arrive at the venue, located in Broke. We will meet, greet & hand feed this farm's curious & adorable alpacas. After spending ti...

Category: Animal Encounters - Day Tours
Start Time: 7:30 AM
Date: Monday 7th April 2025
Venue: Central Coast Area
Phone Enquiries: 0243254053
Email Enquiries:  admin@connectcoaches.com.au
Home Pick Up Area Map: Please Click here of pick up area Map & Information


Banana Cabana Monkey Sanctuary - 15th April 2025 - sold out

Embark on a captivating adventure with Connect Coaches on their Public Day tour to Banana Cabana Primate Sanctuary, departing from the Central Coast. The journey begins with a convenient home pick-up service within our advertised home pick up area, ensuring a stress-free start to the day. As you travel to Dural, where the sanctuary is locate...

Category: Animal Encounters - Day Tours
Start Time: 8:00 AM
Date: Tuesday 15th April 2025
Venue: Dural
Phone Enquiries: 43254053
Email Enquiries:  admin@connectcoaches.com.au
Home Pick Up service: 

Connect Coaches offers convenient home pick-up and drop-off services in many suburbs on the Central Coast.

Please click here to view our Pick up area Map

Price: $135
Tour Inclusions: 
  • Home pick-up and drop-off service (within our advertised pick up/drop off area)
  • Comfortable coach transportation
  • Morning tea (provided by the venue)
  • Entry fee into the sanctuary
  • Lunch (assorted sandwiches & a cool drink)
Itinerary: 

7:45am-8:45am: Home pick up service

9:00am: Depart Kariong

10:30am - 1:30pm: Morning tea upon arrival at Banana Cabana Sanctuary. This will be followed by a guided tour & quality time spent with these fascinating primates. A picnic lunch will be enjoyed before departing for the Central Coast.

3:00-3:30pm: Arrive back at Kariong & begin home drop off service

Bookings: Please complete an Expression of Interest Form. If we have a seat available, we'll book you in.


Pine Ridge Miniature Donkeys - Monday 12th May 2025

Join us as we head to Pine Ridge, a 25 acre boutique farm nestled in the beautiful NSW Southern Highlands. At Pine Ridge, they breed American Miniature Mediterranean Donkeys, Boer goats and alpacas. You will get to meet, greet & feed the animals & explore the farm. Date: Monday 12th May 2025 Itinerary: 7.15 - ...

Category: Animal Encounters - Day Tours
Start Time: 7:15 AM
Date: Monday 12th May 2025
 Repeating On specific dates
Venue: Southern Highlands
Phone Enquiries: 0243254053
Email Enquiries:  admin@connectcoaches.com.au


Where Pigs Fly Farm Sanctuary - Friday 13th June 2025

Where Pigs Fly Farm Sanctuary provides care and shelter to farm animals rescued from cruelty, neglect and abandonment. They also promote the concept of compassion and provide a humane education programme to the community. Set on 100 acres in the beautiful lower Hunter Valley, visitors to the sanctuary can come face-to-face with the anim...

Category: Animal Encounters - Day Tours
Start Time: 7:00 AM
Date: Friday 13th June 2025
Venue: Laguna
Phone Enquiries: 02 43254053
Email Enquiries:  admin@connectcoaches.com.au


Sydney Zoo Day Tour - Monday 23rd June 2025

Sydney Zoo is home to over 4,000 animals and located in the heart of Western Sydney. The zoo is accessible to all visitors with no hills or steps & has open planned habitats to experience some of the world's most incredible animals Connect Coaches is providing you with the opportunity to visit Sydney Zoo. Our p...

Category: Animal Encounters - Day Tours
Start Time: 8:00 AM
Date: Monday 23rd June 2025
 Repeating On specific dates
Venue: Bungarribee
Phone Enquiries: 43254053
Email Enquiries:  admin@connectcoaches.com.au
Pick up Area Map: Please click here to view our pick up/drop off area map.
Terms & Conditions: Please Click Here


 

Introducing the sleek and spacious 2020 Mercedes Benz Sprinter. With 14 comfortable reclining seats, air conditioning, tinted windows, a PA system, Bluetooth stereo, Apple Play, and trailer equipment, this versatile vehicle is perfect for everyone. Get ready to ride in style and luxury.

 

 

Introducing the 2019 Iveco Daily Mini Bus. It features 15 reclining leather seats with seatbelts, air conditioning, tinted windows, and a range of entertainment options including a DVD player, Bluetooth stereo, and PA system. Additionally, the bus offers luggage racks, ample storage space, and is equipped to tow a trailer. Perfect for all your transportation needs.

 

 

Introducing the 2017 Model Yutong Mini Coach. This mini coach is perfect for everyone, with its 16 leather seats that come with seatbelts and can recline. It is equipped with air conditioning, tinted windows, a PA system, DVD player, Bluetooth stereo, and Apple Play. Additionally, it has a storage area and is trailer equipped.

 


Day Tour Frequently Asked Questions

TERMS OF SERVICE

CONFIRMATION OF DETAILS

It is the responsibility of all patrons to ensure that all details are correct. Connect Coaches must be notified prior to departure if any alterations are required.

In the event of an emergency, outside of business hours, please contact a staff member on 0243254053 or 0417281545 in cases of emergencies.

 

CONDITIONS OF SALE

  • There are no refunds or exchanges on any ticket/tour except as provided in the Entertainment Industry Code
  • If a ticket/tour is re-sold by Connect Coaches on your behalf, a per person cancellation fee of $10.00 per ticket/tour will apply
  • In the event of cancellation on a Coach Accommodation Holiday please refer to the specific Terms & Conditions provided on your booking confirmation.
  • It is the responsibility of all patrons to be at the pickup location at the correct times. Any patrons who fail to board are advised to make their own arrangements to the event where your tickets will be left at the box office. No refund applicable
  • Patrons boarding the Coach at any Club are reminded that the Coach will not enter the Club Carpark, the coach will pick up outside the main entrance. Patrons will not be paged inside the club premises
  • Connect Coaches reserves the right to remove any person/s not conducting themselves in a proper manner or behaving to the detriments of others
  • No eating or drinking (water accepted) or smoking is permitted on board any Connect Coaches Tours Coach
  • Should it be necessary for a particular departure to be cancelled by the promoter or Connect Coaches, where possible Connect Coaches will offer an alternate departure date or issue a full refund

At Connect Coaches, the safety and well-being of everyone on our Day Tours is our top priority. We strictly adhere to both Federal and State Government requirements regarding the wearing of face masks. Rest assured, we are committed to creating a safe and enjoyable experience for all our passengers.

 

 

 

 

 

Welcome to our website! We have exciting news and updates about our upcoming day tours that we would love to share with you. Stay up to date with all the latest information by signing up for our newsletter. It's the best way to ensure you never miss out on an incredible adventure. Simply click below to receive regular updates about our upcoming tours, and get ready to embark on unforgettable experiences with us. Join now and be a part of the adventure!

Newsletter

 

Connect Coaches offers home pick up and drop off services for Senior Public Day Tours from various Central Coast suburbs

The Home Pick up service pick up from the following suburbs

 Bateau Bay - Bensville - Berkeley Vale - Blackwall - Blue Bay - Booker Bay - Chittaway Bay - Chittaway Point - Daleys Point - Davistown - East Gosford - Empire Bay - Erina - Erina Heights - Ettalong Beach - Forresters Beach - Fountaindale - Glenning Valley - Glenworth Valley - Gosford - Green Point - Holgate - Kangy Angy - Kariong - Killarney Vale - Kincumber - Kincumber South - Koolewong - Lisarow - Long Jetty - Matcham - Narara - Niagara Park - North Gosford - Ourimbah - Palm Grove - Palmdale - Phegans Bay - Picketts Valley - Point Clare - Point Frederick - St Huberts Island - Saratoga - Shelly Beach - Springfield - Tascott - Terrigal - The Entrance - Toowoon Bay - Toukley - Tuggerah - Tumbi Umbi - Umina Beach - Wamberal - West Gosford - Woy Woy - Wyoming - Yattalunga

Connect Coaches offers convenient transportation services from various retirement villages in Central Coast.

Sometimes, Connect Coaches may need to choose a different pick-up location if they feel the original spot is unsafe for the bus or its passengers, or if there is a risk of damage to property. This is done to ensure everyone's safety and well-being.

For Further information regarding our Home pick up service for our public Day tours please click the link below

Home pick up area map & Information

At Connect Coaches, we understand that transportation can be a challenge for everyone, including those residing in retirement villages on the Central Coast. That's why we offer a convenient Home Pick up and drop of service for our Public Day tours. Our goal is to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to explore and enjoy the beautiful sights and experiences our tours offer, making travel accessible and hassle-free for all.

Some of the villages that we pick up from are 

  • Adelene Village ,Brentwood Village
  • Glengara Retirement Village , Greenlife Erina
  • Henry Kendall Gardens Ingenia Lifestyle Ettalong Beach , Ingenia Lifestyle Ettalong Beach ,Ingenia Lifestyle Ettalong Beach
  • Karalta Court Erina , Kiah Lodge Retirement Community , Terrigal Sands - Over 55s Lifestyle Community , Living Choice Alloura Waters , Living Choice Broadwater Court , 
  • Kincumber Nautical Village
  • Living Choice Deepwater Court Retirement Village
  • Levande Wamberal Gardens ,  Levande The Cove
  • Pine Needles Lifestyle Estate
  • Tarragal Glen Retirement Village , The Rise at Wood GlenWood Glen Retirement Village
  • Terrigal Waters Village ,  Terrigal Sands , Pine Needles Lifestyle Estate ,Woodport Retirement Village , Waterford
  • Yallambee village
  • The CoveUniting Nareen Gardens Bateau Bay
  • Southern Cross Care Reynolds Court Residential Care
  • Brisbane Water (NSW) Legacy , Cooinda Village
  • Hammond Care Erina
  • The Orchards Aged Care
  • Aubrey Downer Memorial Orange Homes
  • BaptistCare Orana Aged Care Centre
  • Wesley Seniors Social Hub Central Coast
  • Levande Wamberal Gardens
  • Peninsula Village
  • The Bungalow's Village Park
  • BlueWave Living
  • integratedliving Australia
  • Broadwater Court Retirement Village, 
  • Uniting Nareen Gardens Lodge
  • Bayside Gardens Lifestyle Village

Due to the challenge of locating addresses in some retirement village, we might need to gather at a central spot like the clubhouse or the gated community's entrance for convenience.

Connect Coaches, the leading provider of Day Tours, is pleased to offer their latest Public Day Tours brochure to passengers. Whether you're a solo traveler or a group of friends, our diverse range of tours promises to cater to everyone's preferences. Click the link below to request your free brochure and embark on your next memorable adventure.

Please click here to request a brochure

Connect Coaches offers public day tours, utilizing their fleet of mini buses to conveniently pick up passengers within the designated pick-up area. To easily locate the pick-up and drop-off points, click on the provided link to access the map. Join us for an unforgettable tour experience!

Central Coast pick up area Map

Our pick up service vehicles will pick you up and drop you off as close to your front door as possible. When passengers live in a retirement village, it is often necessary to nominate a central pick up point within the village.

 

Welcome to Public Day Tours! We offer a range of exciting tours for everyone to enjoy. To make booking and payment convenient, we accept payments through various methods. You can pay by cheque, credit card or bank transfer. Once you book a tour, we will send you an invoice via email or post. The invoice will have a due date indicating when payment should be received. You also have the option to pay with a credit card over the phone by calling 4325 4053.

 

No worries! Just contact Connect Coaches at 4325 4053 to get an extension or pay with your credit card over the phone.

At Connect Coaches, we empathize with the fact that sometimes unforeseen circumstances, such as falling ill, can disrupt travel plans. If you find yourself in a situation where you need to cancel a public day tour due to illness, please don't hesitate to get in touch with our office. Whether you prefer to call us at 43254053 or send an email to admin@connectcoaches.com.au, our team will be more than happy to assist you. Depending on the situation, we may be able to issue a credit note for your next tour, subject to the discretion of Connect Coaches..

Please see our Terms & Conditionspage for more details.

Our vehicles are not wheelchair accessible but have enough space for individuals using walkers. Our priority is the comfort and safety of all passengers.



 

Sign Up for

Newsletter

Request a

Charter Quote

Driver

Training

Airport & Cruise

Transfers

 

Keep Updated

Bus Trips

Posted by Liam Green on 6 January 2017
Bus Trips
Connect Coaches - connecting people with places.Connect Coaches are a small, family owned coach company based on the Central Coast. Connect Coaches...
Posted in:Liam GreenBus TripsDay ToursCruise Ship TransfersAirport TransfersShows , Events & Concerts   Comments

Cruise Connect

Posted by Liam Green on 5 January 2017
Cruise Connect
Our reliable and comfortable transfers to cruise ship terminals are perfect for all travelers. We only book one group or family per transfer for pr...
Posted in:Cruise Ship TransfersAirport TransfersNorthern BeachesLake MacquarieNorth ShoreNewcastle SuburbsCentral Coast Suburbs   Comments

Change of Business Name

Posted on 26 November 2016
Central Coast Driver Training, as of 1st December 2016, will be changing its name to Connect Coaches. It still will be providing training bu...
  Comments

What our Client’s Say About Us

great days training learnt a lot I am now mor...

Danny Austine
Bookmark SiteTell a FriendPrint