Rainbow Beach to Byron Bay

Southbound
For the correct pick up time and place see the relevant Timetable.

Rainbow Beach to Byron Bay -

OPTIONAL HOP OFFS:
> Mooloolaba
> Noosa
> Brisbane
> Surfers Paradise

RECOMMENDED ACCOMMODATION:
> Palace Backpackers (Brisbane)
> Tinbilly backpackers (Brisbane)
> YHA Brisbane (Brisbane)

Transfer to Australia Zoo
Australia Zoo: home and resting place of the world famous ‘Crocodile Hunter’, Steve Irwin, his equally crazy mates, and also a great deal of animals. There’s a courtesy coach from Noosa and Mooloolaba - It is essential to book the courtesy bus. For further information call (07) 5436 2000.

Bus Departs Noosa and Mooloolaba:
8:30am - Noosa Heads Bus Stop (Noosa Parade)
9:25am - River Esplanade bus stop, Mooloolaba
Bus Departs Australia Zoo:
4:00pm - Depart Australia Zoo (Entrance)

Noosa The key to any understanding of Noosa Heads is to recognise that it is a little piece of exclusive city suburbia located on the Sunshine Coast and, as one cynic observed, 'a true holiday home for yuppies': where the young and the wealthy come to get away from it all.
Of course it wasn't always like this. Noosa, located 146 km north of Brisbane, was originally a sleepy little village beside the sea known only to a few fishermen and beachcombers. The first European to come to Noosa to 'get away from it all' was the convict 'Wandi' (David Bracefell) who managed to escape from Moreton Bay with almost monotonous regularity. Each time he escaped he fled north and lived with the Noosa Aborigines. Between 1828 and1839 he escaped four times. He accompanied Henry Russell Petrie's exploration of the coast in 1842 and was involved in the rescue of Eliza Fraser on Fraser Island (more about her later…).

Noosa National Park
The Noosa National Park, located on the headland beyond Little Cove which is only a short walk from the Noosa town centre, is a small coastal park of 382 ha in which birds and small mammals find refuge in the native flora. The bushwalks, beautiful scenery, the string of bays, the noted and swimming surfing beaches and the picnic spots all stand in sharp contrast to the urbanity of the nearby Noosa shopping centre.
Five walking tracks of varying length start from the park entrance at the end of Park Rd where there is an information centre, car park and picnic area.

Brisbane Feeling worse for wear in the best possible way we then head into ‘Meannjin’ aka Brisbane aka Brisvegas. Although a large and vibrant city, Brisbane also has the laid back nature of a country town. The people, over a million of them, are cruisy and friendly. The city is well known for its parks and gardens, which thrive in the subtropical climate. While you’re there check out Southbank, the old 1988 World Expo site, an arts and exhibitions precinct. Things to do & reasons to stay: Brisbane Moreton & Tangalooma Islands: Just off the coast of Brisbane, Moreton Island offers wild dolphin feeding, surfing lessons, sand boarding. Also excellent beaches and secluded bays, rugged headlands. Experience a day tour or overnight trips. With no sealed roads on the Island, a 4WD tour is essential in getting you to the best locations. Ask your Guide about some of the options.
- If you want to abseil, rock climb, kayak or experience an aboriginal performance experience check out River Life. The Riverlife Adventure Centre can be found in parkland in the original Naval Stores located at the base of Kangaroo Point Cliffs on the edge of the Brisbane River.
- Story bridge Climb. Take on this 2 ½ hour climb with uninterrupted 360 degree views of the surrounding area. There are only 4 bridge climbs in the world and this one crosses over the Brisbane river near downtown.
- Brisbane is a great place to get off and work if you have the applicable visa. There are plenty of opportunities and it’s cheaper than living in Sydney or Melbourne
- For a list of the best free stuff in Brisbane check out http://www.ourbrisbane.com/whatson/freebies/ This website is also a great resource for anything you need to know about Brisbane.
Stuff to do at night: Brisbane The Down Under Bar at Palace Backpackers goes off every night - Zi bar has some tasty cocktails and a relaxed vibe before you kick onto the Down Under Bar
Tinbilly’s Bar (at Tinbilly’s Hostel) – has a good open to the street feel for a cold beer on a warm night
- Fortitude Valley – my mate Murray who lives in Brisbane reckons the Zoo, Birdee Num Nums and the Troubadour are awesome spots for a night out there. There’s definitely something for everyone in the ‘Valley.
- The XXXX Brewery is a bit of an institution. You’ll drink it somewhere in Queensland so a good idea to see how it’s made.

For general info on the Brisbane and Queensland Backpacking scene check out http://www.backpackingqueensland.com.au Heaps of helpful info!

Brisbane to Byron Bay

OPTIONAL HIGHLIGHT:
> Zorbing
OPTIONAL HOP OFF:
> Surfers Paradise (Gold Coast)
RECOMMENDED ACOMMODATION:
> Aquarius Backpackers (Surfers Paradise)
RECOMMENDED ACCOMMODATION:
> Backpackers Holiday Village
> Arts Factory

Daylight Saving Time
During summer, as we cross the New South Wales/Queensland border, please be aware that northbound buses gain one hour, while southbound buses lose one hour and this may affect the activities you do on this day.

Zorbing
Today we stop at the Zorb site for an optional Zorb, just outside of Surfers Paradise. Zorbing was dreamed up by our Kiwi cousins and has been brought to Australia where you can experience it between Surfers Paradise and Brisbane. A Zorb is a gigantic inflatable ball about 15ft in diameter. Inside it is another smaller ball, suspended into position by over a thousand nylon strands. The art of Zorbing simply involves you and a couple of friends climbing inside, a bit of warm water pumped in, and the zorb being rolled down a steep hill with you becoming even better friends with your mates until you come to a soft stop at the bottom, and you squeezing out with a smile on your face! Sounds kwazy? Well, it's certainly the silliest thing you'll probably do in Australia but also one of the most memorable. And we have some special rates for you, cheaper than anywhere else in the world including NZ. So get your mates together, let’s roll!
Prices:
Single Ride - $50
Double Ride (2 riders) - $35 per person
Triple Ride (3 riders) - $25 per person

Surfers Paradise
Next up we head into Surfers Paradise, which is the centre of the Gold Coast. The Gold Coast is virtually 3.5km of high-rise buildings and commercial development fronted by 42km of golden sandy beaches, waterways and canals. It is the most commercialised resort town in Australia and is a popular spot for many tourists. If you’ve got money to blow try Jupiter’s Casino, Queensland’s first legal casino - open 24 hours. The Gold Coast is famous for its numerous, international standard theme parks. Check out Dream world (home to the Big Brother studio), Warner Bros Movie World, Sea World or Wet & Wild. There’s a lot more to do from Surfers Paradise and in the region generally than the obvious in your face attractions.

How about these for some suggestions:
- Make the trip to South Stradbroke Island
- Check out the Gold Coast hinterland with Mountain Trek Adventures. Take a 4WD adventure tour into the Rainforests & Volcano regions of Queensland's Gold Coast. Half day and full day tours that are great fun, educational & hands on (hand feeding parrots, bower birds, pademelon wallabies etc).
- Time your trip to coincide with the Quiksilver pro surfing comp or the Indy cars
- Party hard at the many clubs, bars, restaurants in the area

For happening on the Gold Coast check out http://www.adventuregc.com

Byron Bay
Byron Bay is mainland Australia’s most Easterly point. Home town of Paul Hogan, it is a small, relaxed seaside town where locals enjoy a variety of alternative lifestyles. It has one of the best surf beaches on the East Coast and Dolphins are frequently spotted off the coast. In the months of July to October whale watching is possible, simply by making the effort to walk or ride up to Cape Byron and then staring east. Australia’s most powerful lighthouse sits on top of Cape Byron and is in walking distance (3km) from Byron Bay’s centre. There is heaps to do in Byron with its good number of cafes, different craft shops, bistros, vegetarian restaurants, bars and weekend parties to keep travellers occupied. The Byron Bay market (Butler Street) is on the first Sunday of every month. It is crowded, bustling and colourful, selling everything from healing crystals to punk earrings, foot massages and homemade muesli. That sarong you packed will be handy here. Byron Bay is the sort of place you end up staying for a while! There’s heaps of interesting night spots, and Cheeky Monkeys Party Restaurant is a favourite of Oz buses that have just arrived. It’s a great place to get to know your fellow travellers that little bit better, over a meal, some drinks, some dancing, some dancing on the tables… the night is yours!
Every Oz Experience traveller who shows their ‘Ticket to Ride’ gets a free meal at Cheeky Monkeys.

If you are around over the Easter break, don’t miss the internationally acclaimed East Coast Blues and Roots festival held annually with performers such as Ben Harper and Jack Johnson playing a few tunes! OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES – ask your Guide for more details

Byron Bay Skydive
During your flight, you will be able to see beautiful north coast beaches stretching as far as the eye can see, including our lovely Cape Byron. Out to the west, you can see the breath-taking Tweed Valley mountain ranges, including the famous Mount Warning. The drop-zone is renowned as one of the most scenic Drop Zones on the planet!

Nimbin Day Trip
Nimbin would have to be the most colourful village in Australia, with its murals, street cafes, alternative lifestyles and stunning scenery. In fact, Nimbin is the only community in which the counter culture is the dominant culture. If you’re visiting in September then you can see the Spring Arts Festival, or in May you can join in the annual Mardi Grass festival. The Grass festival celebrates the joys of cannabis with the Hemp Olympics judging the fastest and most artistic joint rolling. Take a Day trip there with Jim’s Alternative Tours. Oz Experience travellers can get an exclusive deal from their Guide

Rainforest Mountain Biking
This exciting full day Rainforest tour offers a trip to remember in Byron’s stunning hinterland. Biking or hiking through one of the most bio-diverse National Parks in Australia with this award winning local tour operator. As challenging or relaxing as you choose to make it. Tour price includes transport to and from Park, all entrance fees, hire of all biking and safety equipment, morning coffee and lunch as well as a donation to Rainforest Rescue. A fantastic opportunity to see the incredible wildlife, waterfalls and unwind in the natural swimming holes.
This unique Byron Bay rainforest tour is the first of its kind. Have a great day out and help the rainforest with a donation at the same time!

Others:
- Go for another surf lesson or get your kit off on the awesome Byron Beach
- Horse riding, Bushwalking and Kayaking available.
- Climb nearby Mt Warning at sunrise.