Sydney to Surf Camp
Northbound
| Sydney to Surf Camp - |
For the correct pick up time and place see the relevant Timetable.
ACTIVITY INCLUSION:
> Surf Lesson
HIGHLIGHTS:
> Surf Camp
> Surf Instructors
OPTIONAL HOP OFFS:
> Coffs Harbour
> Surf Camp
For all you aspiring surfers or those who just want to get out and give it a go, we will give you the best introduction to surfing. We hook up with Mojo Surf who are going to turn all of you into world class surfers (or at least try to!). Mojo Surf was started up by three mates – Kim, Dan & Nat who all had the same dream to enjoy a life of surfing and travel! Through a lot of determination and passion they created Aussie Surf Adventures, later to become Mojo Surf. The Mojo Surf instructors all hold accreditations with surfing NSW, bronze medallion – A.S.L.S.C and first aid certificates.
We thought we’d let Nat from Mojo Surf tell you all about the experience you’ll get:
"The lesson starts at the surf camp where you will be taken through a theory session which includes the equipment you will be using, from wetsuits to surfboards. We then touch on the history of surfing in Australia, where waves come from and type of waves, the effect of the ocean elements on wave formations, understanding how to read the ocean and the dangers of the ocean, we then go through the correct procedures to follow in the case of being caught in a rip or ocean current. After we have covered these areas we have everybody put on a wetsuit that fits well. Give them a surf board to suit their ability and head for the beach.
Depending whether the surf conditions are good for learning straight out the front or if the gang have to move for shelter from the swell or wind to the north or southern end of the beach. At this point we start the practical part of the lesson. Which includes correct paddling and standing techniques, good safety techniques while attached to a surf board, we then go through a few 'pop ups' on the beach to ensure every body has the correct technique to get standing.
We then take the group through a warm up and prior to taking the boards out we explain where the rips are, which way the current is moving and where the sand bars are. At this point we take everybody into the water and teach them how to body surf. We explain how body surfing helps with timing approaching waves, wave selection and can save your life if you are ever caught in a rip outside of our classes while travelling Australia.
We then attach leg ropes and accompany our new surfies into the water, working from one traveller to the next to ensure every body is catching waves, having fun, safe and surfing. Instructor ratios are not more than 1 to 8 or 10 as per council permits.
After 1 hr in the water some people take a break and the keen ones keep charging. After the lesson the boards are packed up, wetsuits washed and hung out to dry and the guys have a few laughs with the new surfers.
I am confident that our lesson format is the most educational and the best in the business. No ones safety is compromised and we expect 100% from our staff. We know every body has been safely inducted into the world of surfing. Most people will be up and standing at the end of the lesson. I won't try to explain the feeling and exhilaration this will bring you - you'll just have to get on down and experience it all for yourself"
After an afternoon of surfing, it’s time to unpack and chill out at the Mojo Beach House. If you think you had an awesome day on the beach, wait till you check out your accommodation. This place rocks! They are absolute beachfront cabins, exclusive to Mojo surf. It’s a stones throw away from the Pacific Ocean, you’ll feel like you’ve escaped everything! Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring or chilling out. One Mojo guide will be hanging with you for your surf lesson so you can ask him/her some more questions, have a beer or two or crash out after your surf efforts! Make sure you check out the stars after dark, as they are out of this world!
Note: At Surf Camp you will have to pay for your dinner and breakfast and your night of accommodation – total $45. At Surf Camp there isn’t the opportunity for everyone to cook independently, its part of the social atmosphere of Surf Camp to eat together and it’s important for the Mojo Surf guides to know everyone is well nourished because surfing is a physical activity in cool water that takes your energy quickly.
If you want to stay longer this is possible. Multiple night accommodation and meal packages are available. Just ask your Guide. Guides also have exclusive deals for additional Surf Lessons in Byron Bay with Mojo Surf.
Surf Camp to Brisbane
Northbound
| Surf Camp to Brisbane - |
For the correct pick up time and place see the relevant Timetable.
Surf Camp <> Byron Bay
OPTIONAL HIGHLIGHTS:
> Nimbin Day Tour
> Byron Bay Skydive
> Rainforest Mountain Biking
RECOMMENDED ACCOMMODATION:
> Backpackers Holiday Village (Byron Bay)
> Arts Factory (Byron Bay)
> Palace Backpackers (Brisbane)
After a delicious breakfast, we head off to Byron Bay, a short way up the coast, where you probably hang for several days and take in the chilled out atmosphere, get into some more surfing and other water sports! For those who loved surfing far too much (which will most likely be all of you!) you have the option to do further lessons with the Mojo crew. Just ask your Guide for more details. But just a small warning – some passengers went on for a further 6 day surf camp and ended up staying 6 months… you’ll be hooked!
Did you know surfing was introduced to Australia in 1914? The Duke, an Olympic medallist swimmer who won gold at the Stockholm games, met some Aussie swimmers who then invited him down under to show them and the country how to surf! So the Duke cruised down under and gave a demonstration, and the first waves to be surfed in Australia in 1914 were on Freshwater Beach (north of Manly); and the first Aussie ever to surf was a chick, Isabelle Latham! And so, the trend of hot Aussie female surfers continues with the likes of Layne Beachley (female world champ surfer).
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
Byron Bay <> Brisbane via Gold Coast (Surfers Paradise)
OPTIONAL HIGHLIGHT:
Zorbing
OPTIONAL HOP OFF:
> Surfers Paradise (Gold Coast)
RECOMMENDED ACOMMODATION:
> Aquarius Backpackers (Surfers Paradise)
> Palace Backpackers (Brisbane)
> Tinbilly backpackers (Brisbane)
> YHA Brisbane (Brisbane)
> Bunk Backpackers (Brisbane)
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.
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
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
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 Hervey Bay via Noosa and Rainbow Beach
Northbound
| Brisbane to Hervey Bay via Noosa and Rainbow Beach - |
For the correct pick up time and place see the relevant Timetable.
OPTIONAL HOP OFFS:
> Mooloolaba
> Noosa
> Rainbow Beach
> Hervey Bay
RECOMMENDED ACCOMMODATION:
> Frasers on Rainbow (Rainbow Beach)
> Palace Backpackers (Hervey Bay)
> Beaches Backpackers (Hervey Bay)
Leaving Brisbane we head north past the Glass House Mountains, an eerie looking group of 13 volcanic peaks, formed by giant cores of long-extinct volcanoes. They were so named because when first sighted by Captain Cook on his exploration of Australia the light reflected off them so brilliantly he thought they looked like glass houses back home in England. Continuing further, past the wacky and famous Ettamoogah Pub, we arrive at the Sunshine Coast where we have some brief stops in Mooloolaba and Noosa.
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.
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)
Rainbow Beach
Imagine Byron Bay 25 years ago, and you will get an idea of Rainbow Beach. Rainbow Beach gets its name from the towering sand-cliffs that stretch for over a kilometre along its uncrowded, white beach. These ‘Coloured Sands’ are part of an Aboriginal legend that tells of Yiningie - the spirit of the Gods represented by a rainbow - who was killed in a fight over a woman and crashed into the cliffs, forever colouring them with his spirits.
Rainbow Beach is the gateway to some of the most amazing natural attractions to be found anywhere in the world.
The nearby Carlo Sand Blow’s unique sand mass covers over 15 hectares and overlooks the towering coloured sands. It’s an excellent spot to watch the sunrise or sunset. The 360 degree views are spectacular, with magnificent views of Fraser Island, Inskip point, Tin Can Bay and the ocean where one can often see the migrating whales from August to October.
Rainbow Beach is a tiny coastal town with a laid-back atmosphere. The main street in the centre of Rainbow Beach, where the hostels are located are only 100 metres from the main beach.
Rainbow Beach is only 10 minutes by ferry to World Heritage listed Fraser Island. Rainbow Beach is fast becoming the gateway to Fraser Island but also has much to offer in its own right.
Fraser Island is the world's largest sand island, almost 110 km long with rainforests growing on the sand dunes, unlike any other sand island. Over the last 15 years Fraser Island has become the number two destination for all backpackers visiting the East Coast of Australia, second only to the Whitsundays.
Activities & Attractions from Rainbow Beach:
• Check out the Coloured Sands - 72 colours ranging from white through to rich reds and darkest black
• Enjoy sunset and spectacular 360º views from Carlo Sand Blow (a huge naturally created sand mass)
• Sea Kayak with dolphins, turtles and whales (seasonal) at Double Island Point
• Try your hand at Boogie boarding in the rolling surf
• Hand feed wild dolphins at Tin Can Bay
• Horse ride through beautiful bushland and along the beach
• Sky Dive enjoying awesome views of Fraser Island, Carlo Sand Blow and the Coloured Sands
• Hand Glide or Paraglide from the top of Carlo Sand Blow
• Dive with Grey Nurse Sharks at Wolf Rock, voted in the top 10 of Australian dive sites
• Enjoy fantastic fishing - beach, rock, estuarine or reef - take your pick!
• Discover Fraser Island with a self-drive camping adventure or fully guided accommodated trip (see the ‘Fraser Island Safaris’ in the next pages about the differences)
Hervey Bay
Our final stop for the night is Hervey Bay, another gateway to Fraser Island and also a nice kind of place in its own right, with a great beach and Esplanade. Another drawcard would be around 3000 mammals weighing up to 40 tonnes each! These Humpback whales divert from their 5000km migration from the warm water of the north to the icy water of Antarctica, for what appears to be a little R&R. The viewing season goes from the end of July to the end of October, with early September being the best time. Fraser Island Safaris.
There are two popular ways for the traveller to see Fraser Island from Rainbow Beach or Hervey Bay. These include:
- Self Drive Safaris
- Guided Safaris
Self Drive Safaris
These are designed for the individual travellers wishing to join a group of like minded people. This adventure promotes the true Aussie ‘take it easy’ experience giving travellers the opportunity to create their own experiences on Fraser Island. Travelers are given a suggested itinerary on how to explore the World Heritage listed natural wonders of the world however are encouraged to design an adventure that best suits their travelling style, whether it be laid back or active. The beauty of this style of travel is the fact that travellers experience a real adventure as they get to drive the car, camp under the stars, cook and have fun in a natural wonderland without being on a strict program.
Different operators have different vehicles with their own unique features. Generally, they all offer power steering, specific sand driving tyres, upgraded suspension. Group sizes are limited to ten people only. Camping equipment supplied (depending on the operator) includes tents and cooking equipment. Generally these are three day safaris so you have the time to see everything, although two day options are available.
Guided Safaris
These give you the best of both worlds – action-packed days discovering all the wonders of World Heritage Fraser Island and fun nights enjoying great meals and partying in the resort bar and a fully accommodated tour with no extras apart from what you drink. An inclusive tour is a great way to discover Fraser...no tents, no sleeping bags, no cooking, no driving, no hidden charges...no worries! You’ll have an experienced guide doing the driving and telling you about everything there is to know about Fraser Island
At night you’ll sleep in the Wilderness Lodge or Eurong resort, set in a eucalypt forest. All-inclusive guided Fraser Island tours offer 3 day 2 nights or 2 day 1 night options including return catamaran transfers, resort accommodation, ranger-guided 4WD tours and all meals (buffet dinners and breakfasts with picnic lunches on tour).
Other free stuff to do:
• Whale perving when in season: July - October Fraser Island
The world’s largest sand island, this World Heritage wilderness features towering rainforest, massive sand blows, beautiful freshwater lakes and continuous beach. Stretching over 123 kilometres along the southern coast of Queensland, Fraser Island (184 000 hectares) is the largest sand island in the world, and was inscribed on the World Heritage List in recognition of its natural values as an outstanding example representing significant ongoing ecological and biological processes and as an example of superlative natural phenomena. The island is a place of exceptional beauty, with its long uninterrupted white beaches flanked by strikingly coloured sand cliffs, its majestic tall rainforests and numerous freshwater lakes of crystal clear waters.
The massive sand deposits which make up the island are a continuous record of climatic and sea level changes over the last 700 000 years. Fraser Island features complex dune systems which are still evolving, and the array of dune lakes is exceptional in terms of number, diversity and age. The highest dunes on the island reach up to 240 metres above sea level. Forty perched dune lakes (half the number of such lakes in the world) can be found on the island. These lakes are formed when organic matter, such as leaves, bark and dead plants, gradually builds up and hardens in depressions created by the wind. The island also has barrage lakes, formed when moving sand dunes block a watercourse, and ‘window’ lakes, formed when a depression exposes part of the regional water table. A surprising variety of vegetation types grow on the island, ranging from coastal heath to subtropical rainforests. It is the only place in the world where tall rainforests are found growing on sand dunes at elevations of over 200 metres.
Birds are the most abundant form of animal life seen on the island. Over 320 species of birds have been recorded. It is a particularly important site for migratory wading birds. Few mammal species are present on the island. The most common are bats, particularly flying foxes. The dingo, Australian native wild dog, population on the island is regarded as the most pure strain of dingoes remaining in eastern Australia. The lakes on Fraser Island are poor habitats for fish and other aquatic species because of the purity, acidity and low nutrient levels of the water. Some frog species have specially adapted to survive in this difficult environment. Appropriately called ‘acid frogs’, these frog species are able to tolerate the acidic condition characteristic of the lakes and swamps on Fraser Island.
Called K’gari by its Aboriginal inhabitants, the island shows evidence of Aboriginal occupation of at least 5000 years, although it is possible that further archaeological work may reveal evidence of earlier occupation. Early European reports indicated that Fraser Island was heavily populated by Aboriginal people, but subsequent research suggests that there was a small permanent population of 400 - 600 which swell seasonally to perhaps 2000 - 3000 in the winter months, when seafood resources were particularly abundant. Fraser Island contains many sites of archaeological, social and spiritual significance. Middens, artefact scatters, fish traps, scarred trees and camp sites bear witness to the lives of the original inhabitants. Early European contact, initiated by Matthew Flinders in 1802, was sporadic and limited to explorers, escaped convicts and shipwreck survivors. In 1836 a number of survivors of the shipwrecked Stirling Castle lived for about six weeks on the island before being rescued. During these six weeks, hostility and aggression developed between the Europeans and the Aborigines. One of the survivors was Eliza Fraser, the wife of the captain of the Stirling Castle, Captain James Fraser, after whom Europeans named the island. Day-to-day management of the island is primarily the responsibility of the Queensland Department of Environment and Heritage through the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service.
Information courtesy of Australia’s World Heritage published by the Department of the Environment, Sport and Territories, Commonwealth of Australia, 1995, World Heritage Unit and Cool Dingo, Palace Adventures and Frasers on Rainbow.
Hervey Bay to Kroombit
Northbound
| Hervey Bay to Kroombit - |
For the correct pick up time and place see the relevant Timetable.
ACTIVITY INCLUSIONS:
Included Goat Rodeo, Mechanical Bull, Whip Cracking
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES:
Horse Riding (Goat Muster), Clay pigeon Shooting
OPTIONAL HOP OFFS:
Bundaberg (northbound only), Fingerboard Roadhouse (northbound) / Miriam Vale (southbound) for the Town of 1770
LOCAL PAYMENT:
$40 – 1 night dorm accommodation, dinner and breakfast at Kroombit Cattle Station
ITINERARY – Hervey Bay <> Kroombit:
The town of 1770 / Agnes Waters
The township of 1770, is the site of James Cook’s historic landing on 24 May 1770, and known as the ‘birthplace of Queensland’. It is also the closest southern access point to the Great Barrier Reef and the last surf beach available if you are travelling north. Located on similar latitude to Hawaii, it’s cool in summer and warm in winter, the beaches are clean and unspoilt, the waterways teem with fish, the scenery and natural environment is outstanding: magnificent estuaries, ancient tropical rainforests, palm lined deserted beaches, dramatic sunsets and pure, clean air. It was the last piece un-developed coast between Sydney and Cairns. A road to the coast here was only put through in the 1970s and electricity only arrived in the 1980s when the land was by private interests. The first policeman was only stationed in the town in the last 3 years! Now, it’s a bustling holiday location.
1770’s most colourful Great Barrier Reef destination is Lady Musgrave Island, visited by 1770 Reef Cruises on Tuesday, Thursday & Sunday. Visit the lagoon of pristine coral reef, snorkel, scuba diving and glass bottom boat coral viewing, it’s a special way to discover the world heritage listed Great Barrier Reef. There are also trips to Fitzroy Reef with diving options, trips on the pink amphibious LARC vehicle (travels on land and in water), sea kayaking and many other activities available.
If you wish to go to 1770, you need to let your guide know and they will drop you off at Fingerboard Roadhouse (northbound) and Miriam Vale (southbound). Oz Experience does not stop at 1770 - unfortunately it’s just a little bit too far off the beaten track for us. There is, however, an independent Shuttle service to 1770 from some nearby drop off points depending on which direction you are travelling in. Ask your guide to book the Shuttle for you if you are getting off – please give him/her enough notice. It’s your own responsibility to book the shuttle and to organise to be picked up again by Oz Experience.
If you are travelling Northbound, the service costs $14 each way the drop off point from Fingerboard Roadhouse (which is about a 25 minute drive from 1770) and $28 each way if you are travelling Southbound from the drop off point at Miriam Vale (45 minute drive from 1770). The hop on/hop off times for Fingerboard Roadhouse and Miriam Vale are on the Timetable.
Whilst the cost of getting to 1770 might put some people off, the shuttle charge can be absorbed when you consider these discounts you get for taking the shuttle service – basically, you can get the cost of the shuttle back through discounts with key services you’ll be using in 1770 including the pub!
The discounts include:
2 pots (glasses) of beer for the price of 1 at the Agnes Tavern!
$2 off first night at Cool Bananas and 1770 Backpackers
$2 off second night at any hostel Cool Bananas and 1770 Backpackers
$5 off Scooteroo tour – get on scooters and see kangaroos in the wild
$5 off 1770 Liquid Adventures guided sea kayak tour
$5 off any all day Surfboard Hire at the Surf Shop
10% off clothing at the Surf Shop
10% off at the Latino Cafe (food only)
For more information about 1770/Agnes waters region, check out
http://www.townof1770-agneswater.com.au
Kroombit
Our final stop for the day is Kroombit, a working cattle station in outback Capricorn Country. Immerse yourself in country Australia, where men are men and cattle is beef. We’ll then light up a fire and you can feast yourself on a two course bush meal which is not just eating while being in the bush, its fair dinkum tucker the same as what the drovers used to eat. Kroombit is renowned for its Camp oven-style meals cooked on the open fire over-looking the unique outdoor dining area where the table & stools have been made from the trunk of the blue gum tree.
A $40 local payment will cover your 1 night dorm accommodation and, camp oven dinner and breakfast. This is paid direct to Kroombit upon arrival.
After dinner test your rodeo potential by jumping on the mechanical bull. Don’t worry it won’t trample you, but if you’ve had some beers first it does enjoy bucking you off further! There’s never a shortage of starters to stay on the longest. If that’s not your thing there’s also whip cracking lessons (always a good skill to have up your sleeve). After a busy day unwind in the atmosphere of the Wagon Bar!
We could take you to a Cattle Station and show you cattle but we thought goats are way more interesting! We've built a yard and introduce you to farm life by explaining some of the routine animal handling duties on a farm. You'll be told about how to catch a goat safely and humanely, how to gently hold it, basically you will become one with the goat! It's kind of a crazy scene and something unique to Kroombit and Oz Experience. It's all highly supervised and you can see you have to wear helmets when in action. Reckon you can team up with a mate from the bus and catch a goat, milk it and drink it?! There's also whip cracking practice - the stock whip is used to make a loud 'cracking' sound not to hit the animals (always a good skill to have up your sleeve). It’s harder than it looks but after some expert help from a skilled hand, Alan will show you how it’s done.
Last but not least there’s the Mechanical Bull.
Don’t worry it won’t trample you, but if you’ve had some beers first it does enjoy bucking you off further! There’s never a shortage of starters to stay on the longest.
After you've had your bush dinner, there's no tv to watch or PS2 to turn on out in the Aussie bush. We have to amuse ourselves and you one way or another so instead of rushing in to ride a Real Bull we've set up a Mechanical Bull. The guys and gals from the Cattle Station will show you how it's done first of all (it really is all about technique, you don't have to be strong just keen to have a go) and then everyone will have a turn. Hopefully you'll stay on for the famed 8 seconds and maybe you'll find your new career on the night. If you fall off there's inflated padding to cushion your fall and everyone wears a helmet as well. It's a real hoot and if you get cocky we can really crank the bull up to top speed - just watch the locals at full speed and you'll be in awe.
After a busy day unwind in the atmosphere of the Wagon Bar!
Sydney to Jindabyne
South
| Sydney to Jindabyne - Apr, Sep – Mar: Mon Wed Sat May – Aug: Wed Sat |
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| Kings Cross |
Bus Stop, Cnr Macleay & Orwell st |
6.30am |
| Town Hall |
477 Kent Street |
6.45am |
| Central |
Oz Experience Office 804 George St |
7.00am |
| Canberra |
Joilmont Centre |
1.00pm |
| Canberra |
Victor Lodge, 29 Dawes st Kingston |
1.00pm |
HIGHLIGHTS: Canberra, Jindabyne, Snowy Mountains, Lakes Entrance, Wilson’s Promontory
OPTIONAL HOP OFFS: Canberra, Lakes Entrance, Foster (Wilson’s Promontory_
LOCAL PAYMENT: $75 – Accommodation: 2 nights multi share (incl bed linen). Meals: 2 breakfasts, 2 Dinner Other: National Park Fee
RECOMMENDED ACCOMMODATION:
> Sydney – Wake Up!, base Backpackers, Chilli Blue
> Canberra – YHA
> Lakes Entrance –
> Wilson’s Promontory – Foster Caravan Park
> Melbourne – base Backpackers St Kilda, Nomads Industry, YHA Queensberry Hill, Hotel Bakpak
The ride between Sydney and Melbourne is a very diverse trip with stunning mountain national parks and rugged coastline. This sector is run by ATA operations and offers unique, remote stops exploring each area along the way, and cool, remote overnight accommodation.
Experience Canberra Package - $69 for 2 nights including:
• Dorm Accommodation - four-bed dorm mixed (or single sex - subject to availability)
• Continental breakfast at on-site café
(Tea, coffee, toast, condiments, cereal, fruit, juice & yoghurt.
Upgrade to cooked b’fast for extra $5)
• Laundry – large wash & dry clothes
• ½ price bike hire
• Buy 1 hr internet and receive 30 mins free
• All drinks at The Transit Bar at happy hour prices
Prices:
$69 for 2 nights
$102 for 3 nights – the above inclusions + 1 extra night accommodation
$135 for 4 nights – the above inclusions + 2 extra nights accommodation
Our award-winning guide, Luke aka ‘Gollum’, (his fellow guides gave him the Best Victorian Guide award in 2006 which makes it even more special), has worked the Melbourne <> Sydney for the last 3 years. He tells us why these are his favourite spots on these 3 days:
Snowy Mountains – It’s always surprising to see the changes of the seasons and the differences in the environment as the altitude changes. Travelers are always find the extreme changes to the environment in this region – weather, altitude, flowers, sky - interesting.
Lakes Entrance – Having a wicked coffee and watching the big Pelicans on the foreshore. It’s a simple but rewarding pleasure.
Wilson’s Promontory – I love body surfing at the quiet beaches at the ‘Prom. It’s great seeing how amazed people are when they are lucky enough to see wild Wombats on the beach.
Kroombit to Airlie Beach
Northbound
| Kroombit to Airlie Beach - |
For the correct pick up time and place see the relevant Timetable.
Kroombit Cattle Station <> Airlie Beach
ACTIVITY INCLUSION: Barefoot Bowling
HIGHLIGHTS: Your guides music collection for the drive (let’s hope he/she’s not a country and western fan!)
OPTIONAL HOP OFFS: Rockhampton
RECOMMENDED ACCOMMODATION:
> Koalas Backpackers (Airlie Beach)
> Beaches Backpackers (Airlie Beach)
Rockhampton Next up is Rockhampton for a brief stop. It is the beef capital of Australia and there are over 3 million cattle in the region. Beyond cattle dating, ‘Rockie’ as it is known up here can offer you the quintessential cowboy experience. Yes, those boys with big hats, big belts and bandy legs can be seen any day of the week in this town. Even the pub, the Great Western Hotel, right in the centre of town has a real live rodeo ring where the beer garden should be! You can practice your bull riding every Wednesday and the rodeo happens every second Friday. If you want even more bull, on weekdays you can experience the quaint, unique Cattle Auctions at the Gracemere Sale yards and witness the yakka of the auctioneers and get to know our unique cattle breeds. Rockhampton is located smack-bang on the Tropic of Capricorn. It is the access point for Yeppoon, the gateway to Great Keppel and other islands. Great Keppel Island is one of the cheapest and easiest Queensland islands to reach and offers you a large range of activities to choose from, both in and out of the water. From Rocky visit the rugged Berserker Range where you’ll see spectacular limestone caves, or visit the open-cut gold and copper mine at Mt Morgan. Today is the longest day on the road, but don’t worry your guide will be sure to keep you entertained!
ACTIVITY INCLUSION: Barefoot Lawn Bowls
Throw off your shoes, call your Grand-dad for some tips and get ready for a strange sense of joy at a Lawn Bowls Club. It’s no wonder that grey-heads are always playing bowls, it gets you as excited as a kid yet you can also just sit around, chat and drink. There’s genuine 1972 prices for the beer!
Then back on the bus where we head through Mackay, the sugar capital of Australia. The sight of the cane fields burning at dusk is an attraction during the crushing season from June to December. Mackay has the largest bulk sugar-loading terminal in the world. It became a major port in 1939 when some smart dude built an ingenious breakwater that made Mackay one of the biggest ports in Australia. Just as well, because not too far away is heaps of coal which, when mined, finds its way via coal railways to Mackay. It is shipped off to other parts of Australia but mainly finds a home in the furnaces of our foreign neighbours. Besides sugar and coal there is an abundance of fruit, which spells jobs for travellers who don’t mind fruit picking. Airlie Beach and The Whitsunday Islands
Airlie Beach, doorway to the world-famous, and also extremely beautiful, Whitsunday Islands. The Whitsunday’s’ 74 islands are located within 100 nautical square miles. This is a place where you’ll no doubt want to spend time. You’ve come a long way, so make the most of it!
Bordered by the Great Barrier Reef and cradled by the calm waters of the Coral Sea, the Whitsunday’s lie midway along the Queensland coast. Its tropical mainland spans from the beautiful beaches of Bowen in the north to the cane fields and sugar mills of inland historic Proserpine to the gorgeous golf greens of Laguna Whitsunday’s to the south. Its 74 islands – only eight of which are inhabited – are surrounded by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
The town of Airlie Beach, situated 25km north-east of Proserpine, is considered the gateway to the Whitsunday’s and is a place where you’ll want to spend time. This geographically small, but booming, place is a hive of activity year-round, with its focus the tourist industry and the main departure point for ferries, day cruises and sailing adventures to the nearby islands for snorkelling, diving and island exploring. There is only a small beach at Airlie Beach but the town has a spacious man-made lagoon, great for swimming and sunbathing and complete with showers and barbecue area.
‘Airlie’ - as it’s known to the locals - boasts an impressive array of accommodation (from backpacker to deluxe), delis, restaurants and bars, boutiques and booking agents. Some bars even hold cane toad racing. Overall, the atmosphere is a laidback one in Airlie Beach.
Things to do & reasons to stay:
However you choose to explore the Whitsunday’s, make sure it includes time on the water for an overall experience as these are some of the most beautiful and enjoyable sailing waters in the world. In fact, the majority of travellers to the area claim the best way to experience the Whitsunday’s is to get out on the water.
There are day cruises to the outer reef, day sailing trips or overnight sailing adventures that last from one to three nights. You can choose from catamarans, banana-type boats, historic yachts and modern-day racing maxis, adventure sailing aboard a tall ship or cruising on a luxury yacht. You can even learn to sail and master your own yacht and chart your own course on a ‘bareboat’ charter. Best of all, there are a number of sailing operators in the area who offer a variety of packages to suit your budget and time-frame.
Most people get on board a sailing trip, it’s what the Whitsunday’s are all about. Ask your guide for more details on a boat to suit you and your friends – no sailing experience necessary as all boats are fully crewed.
If sailings not your thing, tear it up at more than 30knots and go Ocean Rafting to explore the islands and beaches at a much faster pace.
For the rest of you (or even if you’ve done both) there’s always the man-made Lagoon (walk around Airlie beach, the town with no beach) and you’ll see it soon enough.
Be sure to include an aquatic trip to Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island, voted one of the best beaches in the world. The 2006 State winner of the Keep Australia Beautiful Clean Beach ‘Protection of the Environment Award’, Whitehaven Beach is known for its spectacular white silica sands which stretch on for seven kilometres.
Lastly, ensure that you take time to snorkel or leave to dive while you are visiting the Whitsunday’s. Various companies head to the likes of Blue Pearl Bay, Luncheon Bay, Manta ray Bay on Hook Island, or out to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park outer reefs of Hardy, Bait, Hook, Line and Knuckle, among others, where you will discover the region’s many marine wonders.
Other things to see and do:
• Go on a day - or overnight trip - to the resort islands of Hamilton Island, Hayman Island, Daydream Island, Brampton Island, South Molle Island, Long Island, Lindeman Island or Hook Island. Shop, swim, golf, play volleyball, hike the islands or simply relax with a cocktail or two on the beach.
• Visit one of the many island National Parks for bushwalking, bird watching or beachcombing. For those on a budget, camping is available on a number of the islands, but you will need to contact Queensland National Parks and Wildlife Service for camping permits.
• Go whale watching between July and September.
• Take a scenic flight via chartered helicopter or seaplane to the outer reef.
• Go trail riding, fishing, hire a quad bike, go parasailing, sea kayaking or Jet Skiing.
• Cruise the boardwalk from Airlie Beach to nearby Cannonvale and back.
Airlie Beach to Townsville
Northbound
| Airlie Beach to Townsville - |
For the correct pick up time and place see the relevant Timetable.
OPTIONAL HOP OFFS:
> Bowen
> Ayr
> Townsville
>Magnetic Island
RECOMMENDED ACCOMMODATION: base Backpackers (Magnetic Island)
ITINERARY: Airlie Beach <> Townsville
Next stop: city of Townsville for Magnetic Island. Stay aboard or jump bus for 2 or 3 days, take the ferry and relax, try sea kayaking, go for a walk… it’s chilled out here. Magnetic Island is the sunniest spot on the QLD coast. (More than 320 sunny days a year!) You’ll think you’ve landed in paradise. Get out for some hikes or try and spot koalas in their natural habitat.
Our first stop is the historic Bowen the first settlement in North Queensland. It is famous for its tomatoes and mangoes, in season from November till January, and for the man who wears his undies outside his trousers. It is probably the fruit picking capital of the north coast and in season hundreds of travellers converge on the area to pick, grab and stuff fruit and vegies. We arrive into Townsville for those wanting to go to Magnetic Island. We pull up at the Ferry Terminal.
Magnetic Island gives you that island experience without the costs. Picture this: you, good accommodation, a bunch of mates, swimming by day, a bit of a tan (slip, slop, slap though), and party in the evening! Yes, you’ll know you’re on holiday when you hit Magnetic Island.
Oz Experience has a wicked package to make it easy for you to get to Magnetic Island. You can purchase from your guide this package:
2 Nights @ base Magnetic island, return ferry transfer, return bus transfer on Island, 1 x hot breakfast, 1 x free dinner, 1 hour free kayak hire, 1 x hour free internet for $79 Save $35!
There is always something going on at base, and if it’s the right time of the month, you could stay longer for the base Backpackers Full Moon party right on the beach! The parties regularly feature noted DJ’s and performers.
Things to do & reasons to stay: Magnetic Island Get around the island by renting a bike or Moke - Set off on foot for some great walks including seeing the WW2 gun placements on the Forts Walk
- sit under a tree in a hammock. Catch some Zzzz’s and relax, you’ve earnt it!
Get wet on a jet ski or a sea kayak
Horse riding Toad racing! Dive courses and diving experiences with Reef Safari, located at base Backpackers
Townsville to Mission Beach
Northbound
| Townsville to Mission Beach - |
For the correct pick up time and place see the relevant Timetable.
Townsville <> Mission Beach
OPTIONAL HOP OFFS:
> Tully
> Mission beach
RECOMMENDED ACCOMMODATION:
> Scotties Beach House (Mission Beach)
Townsville
Townsville is the capital of North Queensland - a tropical, beachside city with a unique blend of history and natural beauty. It has an abundance of arts, crafts, food and Aboriginal art (check out Flinders Mall every Sunday). The Strand is the city’s beachfront promenade providing examples of some of north Queensland’s oldest buildings, a man-made waterfall and gardens, as well as night markets on the first Friday of each month. There’s plenty to do if you decide to spend more time here. You can get a breathtaking view of the area from the top of Castle Hill, go to Townsville Common and see over 260 species of birds that gather to nest from late December to April in their natural habitat. If you are into diving check out the Yongala wreck, it is Australia’s best dive and the 6th best in the world. Walk the Aboriginal plant trail that is self-guided, or visit Bowling Green Bay National Park and stay and camp. There are tracks and magnificent waterfalls in season. Check out the brand new Museum of Tropical North Queensland where you can explore the story of the infamous Mutiny on the Bounty and the wreck of the Pandora. Last but by no way least check out Reef HQ. It’s awesome with all the underwater habitats specific to the Great Barrier Reef. Just wait til you see the Predator tank! Eek!
The drive from north will take you through some of the most lush pastures and farms you will ever see, not to mention some of the most crystal clear swimming holes, spectacular waterfalls and rainforest national parks in Queensland. We will go through the beautiful towns of Ingham and Cardwell (gateway to Hinchinbrook Island, the nature lover’s Mecca). Tully We have a brief stop at Tully, the major contender for the Golden Gumboot award, the title given to the wettest place in Australia. It has a rainfall of around 450cm each year. The high rainfall is a good thing because it means a lot of water pumping into the Tully River. Rafting companies like Raging Thunder do most of their rafting down the Tully River, which runs wet and wild down through some awesome rainforest.
Cassowaries
The road leading into Mission Beach is known as the Cassowary Drive. Signs frequently warn the driver to beware of these beautiful birds. However the cassowary population of the area is such that you can live there for months without actually seeing one.
Cassowary Drive is an enchanting road which passes through areas of dense rainforest. In fact Mission Beach's claim to fame is that it is one of the last areas on the north Queensland coast where tropical rainforest actually reaches down to the shoreline. The rainforest is the habitat not only of the elusive cassowary but of parrots, wallabies and some of the most beautiful butterflies imaginable.
Mission Beach
Your mission, (should you choose to accept it), is to travel to Mission Beach in Tropical North Queensland and have an experience of a lifetime! Two hours drive south of Cairns, and two hours north from Townsville, Mission Beach has the most beautiful, wide, sandy beaches of the entire region – 14 golden kilometres of it. It was named after an Aboriginal Mission, which blew over in a cyclone in 1918. No high-rises, just plenty of coconut palms and just off shore lie’s Dunk Island.
Take a walk through the tropical rainforest, short walks for the casual trekker or walks suited for the serious hiker, some deep in the rainforest, some with glorious views across the Coral Sea. Mission Beach has the closest access point to the Great Barrier Reef along the Eastern sea-board, with the islands of Dunk, Bedarra and the Family Group just a few kilometres off shore.
Try white water rafting on the mighty Tully River the greatest location in Australia for white water rafting, tough rapids, waterfalls, tropical rainforest, a true life Jurassic Park for you to enter via a raft. Or take the ultimate challenge and really push your adventure buttons and go tandem skydiving landing on paradise. Mission Beach. Hire a bike or scooter and explore the four beaches villages that make up Mission Beach, find a quiet spot for fishing or just chill out on the beach. Plenty of cafes and internet cafes for that afternoon latte. In the evening head out for a party, beach style, at a range of bars, bistros and restaurants.
Your mission, Don’t miss Mission Beach, Tropical North Queensland, Australia!
Two optional things you’ll regret not doing if you’ve left Mission Beach and haven’t done them:
> Tandem Skydive
The tandem skydive masters will guide you out of our plane for a tandem skydive above one of the most beautiful scenes in the world. You will have views of 14km of golden beaches, lush rainforest, the Great Barrier Reef and tropical islands. You have the choice of Skydiving from 2 different altitudes; 10,000 feet will give you 30 seconds of freefall skydiving and 14,000 feet will have you freefall skydiving for 60 seconds! All with the safety of being strapped to one of our tandem sky dive masters. Get ready to let the adrenaline flow through your body!
> White Water rafting -
Raging Thunder Adventures pioneered rafting in Queensland, Australia in 1984 their first commercial trip consisted of three nervous passengers on the Tully River. Even today we still raft the Mighty Tully River, because is regarded as the best rafting river across Australia and New Zealand. This awesome adventure is located in spectacular rainforest surroundings.
Mission Beach to Cairns
Northbound
| Mission Beach to Cairns - |
For the correct pick up time and place see the relevant Timetable.
RECOMMENDED CAIRNS ACCOMMODATION:
> Calypso Backpackers
> Serpent Hostel
> Bohemia Resorts
> Caravella 149
> YHA Central
Finally we bring you to the end of your east coast trip and drop off at select hostels in Cairns. But it’s not quite the end: are you ready for the most fun you’ve ever had?
Tonight there’s a special deal at the Woolshed Bar & Bistro for you and all your east coast buddies and guides where you can get together again, everyone ends up here. The welcome to Cairns is usually a big one, so get ready to party! Don’t be shy to get on stage, no one else will be!
You’ll probably chill out in the Lagoon tomorrow (just follow someone else with a towel over their shoulder and sun screen in their hand) since it’s the main place to swim, right in the heart of town on the promenade over looking the ocean. Perfect for socialising or working on that tan before heading home to freezing cold where ever you are from.
Bungy Jumping
What better a way to get yourself ready for the Adventure Capital Cairns than to go BuNgY JuMpInG!!! At AJ Hackett, you can fulfil your desire to scare the S*#@ out of yourself by jumping off a perfectly good 50m tower in the middle of the rainforest, or take the only slightly less S*#@ packing Minjin Swing through the jungle. Bungy and Minjin swing is optional.
Which way will you jump?!! AJ Hackett Cairns is the only site in the world with a Unique Bungy Jump Menu – Psycho Back Dive, The Elevator, Fruitbat, Handstand, Roof Jump and more!! If you’ve jumped before, try something crazy!! It’s also the home of the Minjin Jungle Swing – 120km p/h in 3.5 seconds!
Cairns is all about the reef and rainforest (more on that in the Cape Tribulation section of this mag). To get to the reef you’ve got a few options to get there and what to do there:
- If you want to go diving there are many options from day cruises and live aboard trips for the snorkeller and diver, as well as learn-to-dive courses through all levels from Open Water to Instructors. If you want to do a specialist dive course you don’t want to compromise quality & safety over price. There are plenty of operators in town (every second person seems to own a boat or is advertising dive trips) but we recommend Cairns Dive Centre
- If you want to live life fast then ask your Guide about ‘Thunderbolt’. The crew at raging Thunder tell us the Thunderbolt craft is the first of its kind on the Great Barrier Reef and travels at 80 km an hour, and will have your from Fitzroy Island (an easy connection from Cairns) to the Outer Reef in just 24 minutes!! Oh and you can go snorkelling out there as well, certainly you’ll have plenty more time to enjoy it.
If you’ve not jumped at Byron Bay or Mission Beach then have one last crack at Cairns Skydive.
For more of a taste about what Cairns is all about check out
http://www.mostfun.tv
Cairns to Mission Beach
Southbound to Mission Beach
| Cairns to Mission Beach - |
For the correct pick up time and place see the relevant Timetable.
RECOMMENDED MISSION BEACH ACCOMMODATION:
> Scotties Beach House
ITINERARY: Cairns <> Mission Beach
East Coast, here we come… We head to Mission Beach, where the rainforest meets the sea. This is one great place to stay over. If you’re lucky you’ll get to see a Cassowary, these are big birds with attitude.
Mission Beach
Your mission, (should you choose to accept it), is to travel to Mission Beach in Tropical North Queensland and have an experience of a lifetime! Two hours drive south of Cairns, and two hours north from Townsville, Mission Beach has the most beautiful, wide, sandy beaches of the entire region – 14 golden kilometres of it. It was named after an Aboriginal Mission, which blew over in a cyclone in 1918. No high-rises, just plenty of coconut palms and just off shore lie’s Dunk Island.
Take a walk through the tropical rainforest, short walks for the casual trekker or walks suited for the serious hiker, some deep in the rainforest, some with glorious views across the Coral Sea. Mission Beach has the closest access point to the Great Barrier Reef along the Eastern sea-board, with the islands of Dunk, Bedarra and the Family Group just a few kilometres off shore.
Try white water rafting on the mighty Tully River the greatest location in Australia for white water rafting, tough rapids, waterfalls, tropical rainforest, a true life Jurassic Park for you to enter via a raft. Or take the ultimate challenge and really push your adventure buttons and go tandem skydiving landing on paradise. Mission Beach. Hire a bike or scooter and explore the four beaches villages that make up Mission Beach, find a quiet spot for fishing or just chill out on the beach. Plenty of cafes and internet cafes for that afternoon latte. In the evening head out for a party, beach style, at a range of bars, bistros and restaurants.
Your mission, Don’t miss Mission Beach, Tropical North Queensland, Australia!
Two optional things you’ll regret not doing if you’ve left Mission Beach and haven’t done them:
> Tandem Skydive
The tandem skydive masters will guide you out of our plane for a tandem skydive above one of the most beautiful scenes in the world. You will have views of 14km of golden beaches, lush rainforest, the Great Barrier Reef and tropical islands. You have the choice of Skydiving from 2 different altitudes; 10,000 feet will give you 30 seconds of freefall skydiving and 14,000 feet will have you freefall skydiving for 60 seconds! All with the safety of being strapped to one of our tandem sky dive masters. Get ready to let the adrenaline flow through your body!
> White Water rafting -
Raging Thunder Adventures pioneered rafting in Queensland, Australia in 1984 their first commercial trip consisted of three nervous passengers on the Tully River. Even today we still raft the Mighty Tully River, because is regarded as the best rafting river across Australia and New Zealand. This awesome adventure is located in spectacular rainforest surroundings
Cassowaries
The road leading into Mission Beach is known as the Cassowary Drive. Signs frequently warn the driver to beware of these beautiful birds. However the cassowary population of the area is such that you can live there for months without actually seeing one.
Cassowary Drive is an enchanting road which passes through areas of dense rainforest. In fact Mission Beach's claim to fame is that it is one of the last areas on the north Queensland coast where tropical rainforest actually reaches down to the shoreline. The rainforest is the habitat not only of the elusive cassowary but of parrots, wallabies and some of the most beautiful butterflies imaginable.
Mission Beach to Townsville
Southbound
| Mission Beach to Townsville - |
For the correct pick up time and place see the relevant Timetable.
OPTIONAL HOP OFF:
> Tully
RECOMMENDED ACCOMMODATION:
> base Magnetic Island
ITINERARY: Mission Beach <> Townsville
(with optional Magnetic Island)
Next stop: city of Townsville for Magnetic Island. Stay aboard or jump bus for 2 or 3 days, take the ferry and relax, try sea kayaking, go for a walk… it’s chilled out here. Magnetic Island is the sunniest spot on the QLD coast. (More than 320 sunny days a year!) You’ll think you’ve landed in paradise. Get out for some hikes or try and spot koalas in their natural habitat.
Tully We have a brief stop at Tully, the major contender for the Golden Gumboot award, the title given to the wettest place in Australia. It has a rainfall of around 450cm each year. The high rainfall is a good thing because it means a lot of water pumping into the Tully River. Rafting companies like Raging Thunder do most of their rafting down the Tully River, which runs wet and wild down through some awesome rainforest.
The drive from south will take you through some of the most lush pastures and farms you will ever see, not to mention some of the most crystal clear swimming holes, spectacular waterfalls and rainforest national parks in Queensland. We will go through the beautiful towns of Ingham and Cardwell (gateway to Hinchinbrook Island, the nature lover’s Mecca).
Townsville Townsville is the capital of North Queensland - a tropical, beachside city with a unique blend of history and natural beauty. It has an abundance of arts, crafts, food and Aboriginal art (check out Flinders Mall every Sunday). The Strand is the city’s beachfront promenade providing examples of some of north Queensland’s oldest buildings, a man-made waterfall and gardens, as well as night markets on the first Friday of each month. There’s plenty to do if you decide to spend more time here. You can get a breathtaking view of the area from the top of Castle Hill, go to Townsville Common and see over 260 species of birds that gather to nest from late December to April in their natural habitat. If you are into diving check out the Yongala wreck, it is Australia’s best dive and the 6th best in the world. Walk the Aboriginal plant trail that is self-guided, or visit Bowling Green Bay National Park and stay and camp. There are tracks and magnificent waterfalls in season. Check out the brand new Museum of Tropical North Queensland where you can explore the story of the infamous Mutiny on the Bounty and the wreck of the Pandora. Last but by no way least check out Reef HQ. It’s awesome with all the underwater habitats specific to the Great Barrier Reef. Just wait til you see the Predator tank! Eek!
We arrive into Townsville for those wanting to go to Magnetic Island. We pull up at the Ferry Terminal.
Magnetic Island gives you that island experience without the costs. Picture this: you, good accommodation, a bunch of mates, swimming by day, a bit of a tan (slip, slop, slap though), and party in the evening! Yes, you’ll know you’re on holiday when you hit Magnetic Island.
Oz Experience has a wicked package to make it easy for you to get to Magnetic Island. You can purchase from your guide this package:
2 Nights @ base Magnetic island, return ferry transfer, return bus transfer on Island, 1 x hot breakfast, 1 x free dinner, 1 hour free kayak hire, 1 x hour free internet for $79 Save $35!
There is always something going on at base, and if it’s the right time of the month, you could stay longer for the base Backpackers Full Moon party right on the beach! The parties regularly feature noted DJ’s and performers.
Things to do & reasons to stay: Magnetic Island Get around the island by renting a bike or Moke - Set off on foot for some great walks including seeing the WW2 gun placements on the Forts Walk
- sit under a tree in a hammock. Catch some Zzzz’s and relax, you’ve earnt it!
Get wet on a jet ski or a sea kayak
Horse riding Toad racing! Dive courses and diving experiences with Reef Safari, located at base Backpackers
Townsville to Airlie Beach
Southbound
| Townsville to Airlie Beach - |
For the correct pick up time and place see the relevant Timetable.
OPTIONAL HOP OFFS:
> Bowen
> Ayr
RECOMMENDED ACCOMMODATION:
> Koalas Backpackers (Airlie Beach)
> Beaches Backpackers (Airlie Beach)
ITINERARY: Townsville <> Airlie Beach
We make our evening arrival into Airlie Beach, access point for the Whitsunday Islands and a not-to-be-missed 2 or 3 day sailing trip (optional) followed by the traditional night on the town. This is Airlie Beach after all.
Our first stop is the historic Bowen the first settlement in North Queensland. It is famous for its tomatoes and mangoes, in season from November till January, and for the man who wears his undies outside his trousers. It is probably the fruit picking capital of the north coast and in season hundreds of travellers converge on the area to pick, grab and stuff fruit and vegies.
Airlie Beach and The Whitsunday Islands
Airlie Beach, doorway to the world-famous, and also extremely beautiful, Whitsunday Islands. The Whitsunday’s’ 74 islands are located within 100 nautical square miles. This is a place where you’ll no doubt want to spend time. You’ve come a long way, so make the most of it!
Bordered by the Great Barrier Reef and cradled by the calm waters of the Coral Sea, the Whitsunday’s lie midway along the Queensland coast. Its tropical mainland spans from the beautiful beaches of Bowen in the north to the cane fields and sugar mills of inland historic Proserpine to the gorgeous golf greens of Laguna Whitsunday’s to the south. Its 74 islands – only eight of which are inhabited – are surrounded by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
The town of Airlie Beach, situated 25km north-east of Proserpine, is considered the gateway to the Whitsunday’s and is a place where you’ll want to spend time. This geographically small, but booming, place is a hive of activity year-round, with its focus the tourist industry and the main departure point for ferries, day cruises and sailing adventures to the nearby islands for snorkelling, diving and island exploring. There is only a small beach at Airlie Beach but the town has a spacious man-made lagoon, great for swimming and sunbathing and complete with showers and barbecue area.
‘Airlie’ - as it’s known to the locals - boasts an impressive array of accommodation (from backpacker to deluxe), delis, restaurants and bars, boutiques and booking agents. Some bars even hold cane toad racing. Overall, the atmosphere is a laidback one in Airlie Beach.
Things to do & reasons to stay:
However you choose to explore the Whitsunday’s, make sure it includes time on the water for an overall experience as these are some of the most beautiful and enjoyable sailing waters in the world. In fact, the majority of travellers to the area claim the best way to experience the Whitsunday’s is to get out on the water.
There are day cruises to the outer reef, day sailing trips or overnight sailing adventures that last from one to three nights. You can choose from catamarans, banana-type boats, historic yachts and modern-day racing maxis, adventure sailing aboard a tall ship or cruising on a luxury yacht. You can even learn to sail and master your own yacht and chart your own course on a ‘bareboat’ charter. Best of all, there are a number of sailing operators in the area who offer a variety of packages to suit your budget and time-frame.
Most people get on board a sailing trip, it’s what the Whitsunday’s are all about. Ask your guide for more details on a boat to suit you and your friends – no sailing experience necessary as all boats are fully crewed.
If sailings not your thing, tear it up at more than 30knots and go Ocean Rafting to explore the islands and beaches at a much faster pace.
For the rest of you (or even if you’ve done both) there’s always the man-made Lagoon (walk around Airlie beach, the town with no beach) and you’ll see it soon enough.
Be sure to include an aquatic trip to Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island, voted one of the best beaches in the world. The 2006 State winner of the Keep Australia Beautiful Clean Beach ‘Protection of the Environment Award’, Whitehaven Beach is known for its spectacular white silica sands which stretch on for seven kilometres.
Lastly, ensure that you take time to snorkel or leave to dive while you are visiting the Whitsunday’s. Various companies head to the likes of Blue Pearl Bay, Luncheon Bay, Manta ray Bay on Hook Island, or out to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park outer reefs of Hardy, Bait, Hook, Line and Knuckle, among others, where you will discover the region’s many marine wonders.
Other things to see and do:
• Go on a day - or overnight trip - to the resort islands of Hamilton Island, Hayman Island, Daydream Island, Brampton Island, South Molle Island, Long Island, Lindeman Island or Hook Island. Shop, swim, golf, play volleyball, hike the islands or simply relax with a cocktail or two on the beach.
• Visit one of the many island National Parks for bushwalking, bird watching or beachcombing. For those on a budget, camping is available on a number of the islands, but you will need to contact Queensland National Parks and Wildlife Service for camping permits.
• Go whale watching between July and September.
• Take a scenic flight via chartered helicopter or seaplane to the outer reef.
• Go trail riding, fishing, hire a quad bike, go parasailing, sea kayaking or Jet Skiing.
• Cruise the boardwalk from Airlie Beach to nearby Cannonvale and back.
Airlie Beach to Kroombit
Southbound
| Airlie Beach to Kroombit - |
For the correct pick up time and place see the relevant Timetable.
ACTIVITY INCLUSION: Barefoot Bowling, Mechanical Bull
HIGHLIGHTS: Your guides music collection for the drive (let’s hope he/she’s not a country and western fan!)
OPTIONAL HOP OFFS: Rockhampton
Today is the longest day on the road, but don’t worry your guide will be sure to keep you entertained!
We get on the bus where we head through Mackay, the sugar capital of Australia. The sight of the cane fields burning at dusk is an attraction during the crushing season from June to December. Mackay has the largest bulk sugar-loading terminal in the world. It became a major port in 1939 when some smart dude built an ingenious breakwater that made Mackay one of the biggest ports in Australia. Just as well, because not too far away is heaps of coal which, when mined, finds its way via coal railways to Mackay. It is shipped off to other parts of Australia but mainly finds a home in the furnaces of our foreign neighbours. Besides sugar and coal there is an abundance of fruit, which spells jobs for travellers who don’t mind fruit picking.
ACTIVITY INCLUSION: Barefoot Lawn Bowls Throw off your shoes, call your Grand-dad for some tips and get ready for a strange sense of joy at a Lawn Bowls Club. It’s no wonder that grey-heads are always playing bowls, it gets you as excited as a kid yet you can also just sit around, chat and drink. There’s genuine 1972 prices for the beer!
Rockhampton Next up is Rockhampton for a brief stop. It is the beef capital of Australia and there are over 3 million cattle in the region. Beyond cattle dating, ‘Rockie’ as it is known up here can offer you the quintessential cowboy experience. Yes, those boys with big hats, big belts and bandy legs can be seen any day of the week in this town. Even the pub, the Great Western Hotel, right in the centre of town has a real live rodeo ring where the beer garden should be! You can practice your bull riding every Wednesday and the rodeo happens every second Friday. If you want even more bull, on weekdays you can experience the quaint, unique Cattle Auctions at the Gracemere Sale yards and witness the yakka of the auctioneers and get to know our unique cattle breeds. Rockhampton is located smack-bang on the Tropic of Capricorn. It is the access point for Yeppoon, the gateway to Great Keppel and other islands. Great Keppel Island is one of the cheapest and easiest Queensland islands to reach and offers you a large range of activities to choose from, both in and out of the water. From Rocky visit the rugged Berserker Range where you’ll see spectacular limestone caves, or visit the open-cut gold and copper mine at Mt Morgan.
Kroombit
Our final stop for the day is Kroombit, a working cattle station in outback Capricorn Country. Immerse yourself in country Australia, where men are men and cattle is beef. We’ll then light up a fire and you can feast yourself on a two course bush meal which is not just eating while being in the bush, its fair dinkum tucker the same as what the drovers used to eat. Kroombit is renowned for its Camp oven-style meals cooked on the open fire over-looking the unique outdoor dining area where the table & stools have been made from the trunk of the blue gum tree.
A $40 local payment will cover your 1 night dorm accommodation and, camp oven dinner and breakfast. This is paid direct to Kroombit upon arrival.
After dinner test your rodeo potential by jumping on the mechanical bull. Don’t worry it won’t trample you, but if you’ve had some beers first it does enjoy bucking you off further! There’s never a shortage of starters to stay on the longest. If that’s not your thing there’s also whip cracking lessons (always a good skill to have up your sleeve). After a busy day unwind in the atmosphere of the Wagon Bar!
Last but not least there’s the Mechanical Bull.
Don’t worry it won’t trample you, but if you’ve had some beers first it does enjoy bucking you off further! There’s never a shortage of starters to stay on the longest.
After you've had your bush dinner, there's no tv to watch or PS2 to turn on out in the Aussie bush. We have to amuse ourselves and you one way or another so instead of rushing in to ride a Real Bull we've set up a Mechanical Bull. The guys and gals from the Cattle Station will show you how it's done first of all (it really is all about technique, you don't have to be strong just keen to have a go) and then everyone will have a turn. Hopefully you'll stay on for the famed 8 seconds and maybe you'll find your new career on the night. If you fall off there's inflated padding to cushion your fall and everyone wears a helmet as well. It's a real hoot and if you get cocky we can really crank the bull up to top speed - just watch the locals at full speed and you'll be in awe.
Kroombit to Rainbow Beach
Southbound
| Kroombit to Rainbow Beach - |
For the correct pick up time and place see the relevant Timetable.
ACTIVITY INCLUSIONS:
> Goat Rodeo
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES:
> Horse Riding (Goat Muster)
> Clay pigeon Shooting OPTIONAL HOP OFFS:
> Miriam Vale (southbound) for the Town of 1770
> Childers
RECOMMENDED ACOMMODATION:
> Palace Backpackers (Hervey Bay)
> Beaches Backpackers (Hervey Bay)
> Frasers on Rainbow (Rainbow Beach)
ACTIVITY INCLUSIONS: Goat Rodeo
We could take you to a Cattle Station and show you cattle but we thought goats are way more interesting! We've built a yard and introduce you to farm life by explaining some of the routine animal handling duties on a farm. You'll be told about how to catch a goat safely and humanely, how to gently hold it, basically you will become one with the goat! It's kind of a crazy scene and something unique to Kroombit and Oz Experience. It's all highly supervised and you can see you have to wear helmets when in action. Reckon you can team up with a mate from the bus and catch a goat, milk it and drink it?! There's also whip cracking practice - the stock whip is used to make a loud 'cracking' sound not to hit the animals (always a good skill to have up your sleeve). It’s harder than it looks but after some expert help from a skilled hand, Alan will show you how it’s done.
The town of 1770 / Agnes Waters
The township of 1770, is the site of James Cook’s historic landing on 24 May 1770, and known as the ‘birthplace of Queensland’. It is also the closest southern access point to the Great Barrier Reef and the last surf beach available if you are travelling north. Located on similar latitude to Hawaii, it’s cool in summer and warm in winter, the beaches are clean and unspoilt, the waterways teem with fish, the scenery and natural environment is outstanding: magnificent estuaries, ancient tropical rainforests, palm lined deserted beaches, dramatic sunsets and pure, clean air. It was the last piece un-developed coast between Sydney and Cairns. A road to the coast here was only put through in the 1970s and electricity only arrived in the 1980s when the land was by private interests. The first policeman was only stationed in the town in the last 3 years! Now, it’s a bustling holiday location.
1770’s most colourful Great Barrier Reef destination is Lady Musgrave Island, visited by 1770 Reef Cruises on Tuesday, Thursday & Sunday. Visit the lagoon of pristine coral reef, snorkel, scuba diving and glass bottom boat coral viewing, it’s a special way to discover the world heritage listed Great Barrier Reef. There are also trips to Fitzroy Reef with diving options, trips on the pink amphibious LARC vehicle (travels on land and in water), sea kayaking and many other activities available.
If you wish to go to 1770, you need to let your guide know and they will drop you off at Fingerboard Roadhouse (northbound) and Miriam Vale (southbound). Oz Experience does not stop at 1770 - unfortunately it’s just a little bit too far off the beaten track for us. There is, however, an independent Shuttle service to 1770 from some nearby drop off points depending on which direction you are travelling in. Ask your guide to book the Shuttle for you if you are getting off – please give him/her enough notice. It’s your own responsibility to book the shuttle and to organise to be picked up again by oz Experience.
If you are travelling Northbound, the service costs $14 each way the drop off point from Fingerboard Roadhouse (which is about a 25 minute drive from 1770) and $28 each way if you are travelling Southbound from the drop off point at Miriam Vale (45 minute drive from 1770). The hop on/hop off times for Fingerboard Roadhouse and Miriam Vale are on the Timetable you will find on
http://www.ozexperience.com
Whilst the cost of getting to 1770 might put some people off, the shuttle charge can be absorbed when you consider these discounts you get for taking the shuttle service – basically, you can get the cost of the shuttle back through discounts with key services you’ll be using in 1770 including the pub!
The discounts include:
2 pots (glasses) of beer for the price of 1 at the Agnes Tavern!
$2 off first night at Cool Bananas and 1770 Backpackers
$2 off second night at any hostel Cool Bananas and 1770 Backpackers
$5 off Scooteroo tour – get on scooters and see kangaroos in the wild
$5 off 1770 Liquid Adventures guided sea kayak tour
$5 off any all day Surfboard Hire at the Surf Shop
10% off clothing at the Surf Shop
10% off at the Latino Cafe (food only)
For more information about 1770/Agnes waters region, check out
http://www.townof1770-agneswater.com.au
Hervey Bay
Our final stop for the night is Hervey Bay, another gateway to Fraser Island and also a nice kind of place in its own right, with a great beach and Esplanade. Another drawcard would be around 3000 mammals weighing up to 40 tonnes each! These Humpback whales divert from their 5000km migration from the warm water of the north to the icy water of Antarctica, for what appears to be a little R&R. The viewing season goes from the end of July to the end of October, with early September being the best time. Fraser Island Safaris.
There are two popular ways for the traveller to see Fraser Island from Rainbow Beach or Hervey Bay. These include:
- Self Drive Safaris
- Guided Safaris
Self Drive Safaris are designed for the individual travellers wishing to join a group of like minded people. This adventure promotes the true Aussie ‘take it easy’ experience giving travellers the opportunity to create their own experiences on Fraser Island. Travelers are given a suggested itinerary on how to explore the World Heritage listed natural wonders of the world however are encouraged to design an adventure that best suits their travelling style, whether it be laid back or active. The beauty of this style of travel is the fact that travellers experience a real adventure as they get to drive the car, camp under the stars, cook and have fun in a natural wonderland without being on a strict program.
Different operators have different vehicles with their own unique features. Generally, they all offer power steering, specific sand driving tyres, upgraded suspension. Group sizes are limited to ten people only. Camping equipment supplied (depending on the operator) includes tents and cooking equipment. Generally these are three day safaris so you have the time to see everything, although two day options are available.
Guided Safaris give you the best of both worlds – action-packed days discovering all the wonders of World Heritage Fraser Island and fun nights enjoying great meals and partying in the resort bar and a fully accommodated tour with no extras apart from what you drink. An inclusive tour is a great way to discover Fraser...no tents, no sleeping bags, no cooking, no driving, no hidden charges...no worries! You’ll have an experienced guide doing the driving and telling you about everything there is to know about Fraser Island
At night you’ll sleep in the Wilderness Lodge or Eurong resort, set in a eucalypt forest. All-inclusive guided Fraser Island tours offer 3 day 2 nights or 2 day 1 night options including return catamaran transfers, resort accommodation, ranger-guided 4WD tours and all meals (buffet dinners and breakfasts with picnic lunches on tour).
Other free stuff to do:
• Whale perving when in season: July - October Fraser Island
The world’s largest sand island, this World Heritage wilderness features towering rainforest, massive sand blows, beautiful freshwater lakes and continuous beach. Stretching over 123 kilometres along the southern coast of Queensland, Fraser Island (184 000 hectares)is the largest sand island in the world, and was inscribed on the World Heritage List in recognition of its natural values as an outstanding example representing significant ongoing ecological and biological processes and as an example of superlative natural phenomena. The island is a place of exceptional beauty, with its long uninterrupted white beaches flanked by strikingly coloured sand cliffs, its majestic tall rainforests and numerous freshwater lakes of crystal clear waters.
The massive sand deposits which make up the island are a continuous record of climatic and sea level changes over the last 700 000 years. Fraser Island features complex dune systems which are still evolving, and the array of dune lakes is exceptional in terms of number, diversity and age. The highest dunes on the island reach up to 240 metres above sea level. Forty perched dune lakes (half the number of such lakes in the world) can be found on the island. These lakes are formed when organic matter, such as leaves, bark and dead plants, gradually builds up and hardens in depressions created by the wind. The island also has barrage lakes, formed when moving sand dunes block a watercourse, and ‘window’ lakes, formed when a depression exposes part of the regional water table. A surprising variety of vegetation types grow on the island, ranging from coastal heath to subtropical rainforests. It is the only place in the world where tall rainforests are found growing on sand dunes at elevations of over 200 metres.
Birds are the most abundant form of animal life seen on the island. Over 320 species of birds have been recorded. It is a particularly important site for migratory wading birds. Few mammal species are present on the island. The most common are bats, particularly flying foxes. The dingo, Australian native wild dog, population on the island is regarded as the most pure strain of dingoes remaining in eastern Australia. The lakes on Fraser Island are poor habitats for fish and other aquatic species because of the purity, acidity and low nutrient levels of the water. Some frog species have specially adapted to survive in this difficult environment. Appropriately called ‘acid frogs’, these frog species are able to tolerate the acidic condition characteristic of the lakes and swamps on Fraser Island.
Called K’gari by its Aboriginal inhabitants, the island shows evidence of Aboriginal occupation of at least 5000 years, although it is possible that further archaeological work may reveal evidence of earlier occupation. Early European reports indicated that Fraser Island was heavily populated by Aboriginal people, but subsequent research suggests that there was a small permanent population of 400 - 600 which swell seasonally to perhaps 2000 - 3 000 in the winter months, when seafood resources were particularly abundant. Fraser Island contains many sites of archaeological, social and spiritual significance. Middens, artefact scatters, fish traps, scarred trees and camp sites bear witness to the lives of the original inhabitants. Early European contact, initiated by Matthew Flinders in 1802, was sporadic and limited to explorers, escaped convicts and shipwreck survivors. In 1836 a number of survivors of the shipwrecked Stirling Castle lived for about six weeks on the island before being rescued. During these six weeks, hostility and aggression developed between the Europeans and the Aborigines. One of the survivors was Eliza Fraser, the wife of the captain of the Stirling Castle, Captain James Fraser, after whom Europeans named the island. Day-to-day management of the island is primarily the responsibility of the Queensland Department of Environment and Heritage through the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service.
Information courtesy of Australia’s World Heritage published by the Department of the Environment, Sport and Territories, Commonwealth of Australia, 1995, World Heritage Unit and Cool Dingo, Palace Adventures and Frasers on Rainbow.
Hervey Bay <> Brisbane via Rainbow Beach & Noosa
RECOMMENDED ACCOMMODATION:
> Frasers on Rainbow (Rainbow Beach)
Rainbow Beach
Imagine Byron Bay 25 years ago, and you will get an idea of Rainbow Beach. Rainbow Beach gets its name from the towering sand-cliffs that stretch for over a kilometre along its uncrowded, white beach. These ‘Coloured Sands’ are part of an Aboriginal legend that tells of Yiningie - the spirit of the Gods represented by a rainbow - who was killed in a fight over a woman and crashed into the cliffs, forever colouring them with his spirits.
Rainbow Beach is the gateway to some of the most amazing natural attractions to be found anywhere in the world.
The nearby Carlo Sand Blow’s unique sand mass covers over 15 hectares and overlooks the towering coloured sands. It’s an excellent spot to watch the sunrise or sunset. The 360 degree views are spectacular, with magnificent views of Fraser Island, Inskip point, Tin Can Bay and the ocean where one can often see the migrating whales from August to October.
Rainbow Beach is a tiny coastal town with a laid-back atmosphere. The main street in the centre of Rainbow Beach, where the hostels are located are only 100 metres from the main beach.
Rainbow Beach is only 10 minutes by ferry to World Heritage listed Fraser Island. Rainbow Beach is fast becoming the gateway to Fraser Island but also has much to offer in its own right.
Fraser Island is the world's largest sand island, almost 110 km long with rainforests growing on the sand dunes, unlike any other sand island. Over the last 15 years Fraser Island has become the number two destination for all backpackers visiting the East Coast of Australia, second only to the Whitsundays.
Activities & Attractions from Rainbow Beach:
• Check out the Coloured Sands - 72 colours ranging from white through to rich reds and darkest black
• Enjoy sunset and spectacular 360º views from Carlo Sand Blow (a huge naturally created sand mass)
• Sea Kayak with dolphins, turtles and whales (seasonal) at Double Island Point
• Try your hand at Boogie boarding in the rolling surf
• Hand feed wild dolphins at Tin Can Bay
• Horse ride through beautiful bushland and along the beach
• Sky Dive enjoying awesome views of Fraser Island, Carlo Sand Blow and the Coloured Sands
• Hand Glide or Paraglide from the top of Carlo Sand Blow
• Dive with Grey Nurse Sharks at Wolf Rock, voted in the top 10 of Australian dive sites
• Enjoy fantastic fishing - beach, rock, estuarine or reef - take your pick!
• Discover Fraser Island with a self-drive camping adventure or fully guided accommodated trip (see the ‘Fraser Island Safaris’ in the next pages about the differences)
Rainbow Beach to Byron Bay
Southbound
| Rainbow Beach to Byron Bay - |
For the correct pick up time and place see the relevant Timetable.
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.
Byron Bay to Surf Camp
Southbound
| Byron Bay to Surf Camp - |
For the correct pick up time and place see the relevant Timetable.
ACTIVITY INCLUSION:
> Surf Lesson
HIGHLIGHTS:
> Surf Camp
> Surf Instructors
For all you aspiring surfers or those who just want to get out and give it a go, we will give you the best introduction to surfing. We hook up with Mojo Surf who are going to turn all of you into world class surfers (or at least try to!). Mojo Surf was started up by three mates – Kim, Dan & Nat who all had the same dream to enjoy a life of surfing and travel! Through a lot of determination and passion they created Aussie Surf Adventures, later to become Mojo Surf. The Mojo Surf instructors all hold accreditations with surfing NSW, bronze medallion – A.S.L.S.C and first aid certificates.
We thought we’d let Nat from Mojo Surf tell you all about the experience you’ll get:
"The lesson starts at the surf camp where you will be taken through a theory session which includes the equipment you will be using, from wetsuits to surfboards. We then touch on the history of surfing in Australia, where waves come from and type of waves, the effect of the ocean elements on wave formations, understanding how to read the ocean and the dangers of the ocean, we then go through the correct procedures to follow in the case of being caught in a rip or ocean current. After we have covered these areas we have everybody put on a wetsuit that fits well. Give them a surf board to suit their ability and head for the beach.
Depending whether the surf conditions are good for learning straight out the front or if the gang have to move for shelter from the swell or wind to the north or southern end of the beach. At this point we start the practical part of the lesson. Which includes correct paddling and standing techniques, good safety techniques while attached to a surf board, we then go through a few 'pop ups' on the beach to ensure every body has the correct technique to get standing.
We then take the group through a warm up and prior to taking the boards out we explain where the rips are, which way the current is moving and where the sand bars are. At this point we take everybody into the water and teach them how to body surf. We explain how body surfing helps with timing approaching waves, wave selection and can save your life if you are ever caught in a rip outside of our classes while travelling Australia.
We then attach leg ropes and accompany our new surfies into the water, working from one traveller to the next to ensure every body is catching waves, having fun, safe and surfing. Instructor ratios are not more than 1 to 8 or 10 as per council permits.
After 1 hr in the water some people take a break and the keen ones keep charging. After the lesson the boards are packed up, wetsuits washed and hung out to dry and the guys have a few laughs with the new surfers.
I am confident that our lesson format is the most educational and the best in the business. No ones safety is compromised and we expect 100% from our staff. We know every body has been safely inducted into the world of surfing. Most people will be up and standing at the end of the lesson. I won't try to explain the feeling and exhilaration this will bring you - you'll just have to get on down and experience it all for yourself"
After an afternoon of surfing, it’s time to unpack and chill out at the Mojo Beach House. If you think you had an awesome day on the beach, wait till you check out your accommodation. This place rocks! They are absolute beachfront cabins, exclusive to Mojo surf. It’s a stones throw away from the Pacific Ocean, you’ll feel like you’ve escaped everything! Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring or chilling out. One Mojo guide will be hanging with you for your surf lesson so you can ask him/her some more questions, have a beer or two or crash out after your surf efforts! Make sure you check out the stars after dark, as they are out of this world!
Note: At Surf Camp you will have to pay for your dinner and breakfast and your night of accommodation – total $45. At Surf Camp there isn’t the opportunity for everyone to cook independently, its part of the social atmosphere of Surf Camp to eat together and it’s important for the Mojo Surf guides to know everyone is well nourished because surfing is a physical activity in cool water that takes your energy quickly.
Did you know surfing was introduced to Australia in 1914? The Duke, an Olympic medallist swimmer who won gold at the Stockholm games, met some Aussie swimmers who then invited him down under to show them and the country how to surf! So the Duke cruised down under and gave a demonstration, and the first waves to be surfed in Australia in 1914 were on Freshwater Beach (north of Manly); and the first Aussie ever to surf was a chick, Isabelle Latham! And so, the trend of hot Aussie female surfers continues with the likes of Layne Beachley (female world champ surfer).
Surf Camp to Sydney
Southbound
| Surf Camp to Sydney - |
For the correct pick up time and place see the relevant Timetable.
OPTIONAL HOP OFFS:
> Coffs Harbour
> Surf Camp
ITINERARY: Surf Camp <> Sydney
