Day 1 – Sydney to Central Coast (Surfing)
The trip begins with a very early start, up at 5.30am navigating around a dark Kings Cross dorm room to get our bits together and meet in Sydney Central for a 6.30am departure. Our heads were still very foggy but we were greeted by our vibrant Xtreme gap guide and driver, Brad. Brad had a typical Aussie grin, from ear to ear, it would be impossible not to instantly warm to him. From our experience, considering the history behind Xtreme gap and what we have heard about the tour company during this trip I am certain that all guides will have the same levels of infectious happiness! I would highly recommend going with Xtreme gap.
Brad told us all we needed to know about what was ahead, introduced us to Heidi (our beautiful bus, aptly named being a Mercedes) and more details on this first day. As our driver and guide Brad spoke to us as we went along, from some general history of Australia to specific facts on some of Sydney’s key landmarks. It was all very interesting. After the first toilet stop every member of the “family” was invited to come up to the front and introduce themselves – getting to know names, travel stories, claims to fame and embarrassing stories; a real giggle. Initially a daunting experience but everybody seemed to get right into it. I think this was thanks to the comfort that Brad installed into everyone. The trip already has a really great feel to it, we have two weeks together doing some amazing things and all faces are glowing with excitement. I can’t wait.
The drive up the coast, cutting through the Great Dividing Range was beautiful and a very smooth ride compared to the roads and quality of buses that we were used to from 5 months in SE Asia. We were in safe hands with Brad and Heidi. It is a beautiful day and I think everybody is keen to feel between their toes the sand of Australia’s amazing beaches.
Lunch stop was at Crescent Head where we got our first glimpse of the beautiful coastline. A quick 5 minute drive and we arrived at the wonderful Surfaris surf camp. After dumping our bags we headed straight for the beach for our first lesson. Ross (owner, driver, photographer) and Blacky (chief instructor) are great. They got the whole group comfortable with surfing, even the non-swimmers, and gave us heaps of interesting information. Paddle, paddle, paddle are the three key steps to remember. They pride themselves on you having a good time, and you will! We were also blessed with the presence of a whale showing itself a number of times just a few hundred metres out, magical!
Vegetarian Burritos that first night were well earned, with everyone pretty tired. The food was delicious, all home-made, the tastiest we have had for some time (and I’m a meat lover!). After some marshmallows around the camp fire and a fun pool competition inside it was quite an early night for most; up at 6am on day 2 for surfing.
Day 2 – Central Coast to Byron Bay
There were naturally some moans and groans when the wake-up call came around but once we all reached the beach there was a massive buzz in the air. Blacky and the team had reached the weather patterns the night before and taken us to the perfect spot. The waves were perfect and gave everybody the opportunity to get up and really surf. What an exhilarating experience! We spent the morning in the surf, most not wanting to leave. It was a truly amazing experience that will never be forgotten.
It was a shame to have to leave Surfaris camp, the place and people are beautiful. As we departed for the drive up to Byron Bay Blacky shouted a memorable, teasing quote: “Guys, keep surfing… why not quit your jobs and come back, you won’t earn much money but you will have an amazing lifestyle”, Tempting. Crescent Head will remain on my list as one of those places that I would love to return to.
Day 3 – Byron Bay
Byron Bay has a great feel to it. The government has kept the cool, chilled image of the area intact by prohibiting buildings from being greater than three stories and locked out the big name fast-food chains. On the way in we were also lucky enough to spot a few groups of kangaroos. Byron Bay is a lovely place and we feel blessed to have been there.
There were lots of options for us on our free day from relaxing beachside to hang gliding. We decided to use the opportunity to go skydiving – why not! The feeling was out of this world and I doubt there are many better locations in the world, the views were amazing. Other people enjoyed the sea kayaking where they caught a glimpse of dolphins. Another great experience was the sunset walk up towards the Cape Byron lighthouse, the most easterly point of Australia. If you take the walk up to the lighthouse you are surrounded by wildlife; large numbers of hedgehogs, kangaroos and lizards.
We stayed on a quiet little camp site in self contained cabins and all got together for a BBQ in the evening followed by some fun, dancing, games and table dancing in Cheeky Monkeys. There is good nightlife in Byron with a night to suit any mood. I would definitely return to Rails, the old railway station converted into a bar – top live music and great food and atmosphere.
Day 4 – Byron Bay to Gold Coast
After a short trip up the coast into Queensland we arrived on the Gold Coast, in particular Surfers Paradise. Everybody was a little out of fuel so decided to spend the day on the gorgeous beach and exploring the grid of great shops. There was the option to spend the day at a theme park but then you would miss out on the Gold Coast itself. Sticking to the beach was the best bet if you ask me. Make sure you test you stability with a swim (or scamper) in the surf, between the lifeguard safety flags of course. The tide is so strong; it is a real battle to stay on your feet – great fun. If you are into keep fit also make sure you go for a jog barefoot along the beach.
After checking into our 4 star hotel and making use of the pool and hot tub area we all got together for ten pin bowling and pizza. The bowling was bossed by Brad, I think he has done this route too many times! After that we went into the karaoke room for some giggles fueled by terrible singing. After this it was onto Sin City nightclub to cut some shapes on the dance floor. It was a big night for most and the later start the next morning was much appreciated.
Day 5 – Gold Coast to Noosa
As we depart from the Gold Coast we passed the theme parks. They do look really great, whether it is Wet n’ Wild water park, Movie World or Dream World. If I do return to this part of Australia I would definitely get to one of these.
risbane is an impressive city and seeing it from the river was definitely the best way. Some of the properties on the river are incredible and the history alongside it is very interesting. I don’t think it will be the highlight of anybodies trip, we are all too keen on the beaches! Watch out for the Bull Sharks in the river… luckily we didn’t have an encounter.
Arriving in the coastal town of Noosa for the evening was nice, everybody excited at the potential of spotting wild koalas on one of the National Park walks. Brad and I went for a run down to beach and along one of the paths and were fortunate enough to spot a lone koala chomping away high in a eucalyptus tree.
I felt very upper class jogging along this route as I heard it is where Richard Branson runs. He actually bought the local fruit smoothie bar as it previously would not be open early enough for his morning post-jog fruit juice, now it opens when he wants. There is plenty of shopping in the form of boutique shops and lots of choice for good food. Noosa is also a great spot to test out your surfing skills.
Day 6 – Fraser Island
Another early start for our trip to Fraser Island but it was worthwhile for all of the beauty we would see in particular the early morning sun emphasizing the colours of Rainbow Beach. The 4WD truck was a bumpy ride but good fun and the prelaunch swim in Lake McKenzie was very refreshing to say the least.
Lunch was delicious, choice of BBQ fish or steak or an option for the vegetarians. We also got to see a wild dingo and a well-known local at work using a special, complex technique for catching beach worms – they’re over a metre in length and sell as fishing tackle for $1.30 each.
Lake McKenzie was beautiful and the perfect spot for a pre-lunch swim, the waters are crystal clear. All in all it was a very interesting day learning lots about the history of Fraser Island but I think everybody would have liked to spend more time at certain spots taking in the beauty. But we are aware that this is a taster tour and we must move on the see as much as possible. The list of places that we want to return to is quickly accumulating. Nearly half way through and this tour has already been incredible.
Day 7 – Noosa to Kroombit Cattle Station
From Noosa we travelled to Kroombit Cattle Station, the first time we head inland into the outback. Kroombit is an old school cattle station where kangaroos and peacocks wander and everybody is suited in jeans, a check shirt, bandana and ‘cowboy’ hat.
The first part of the afternoon was taken up by lasso practice broken up by clay trap shooting for those who wanted to have a go. I would recommend everyone to have a go; the girls were often better than the guys. After this it was time for the highlight of the afternoon – Goat Rodeo. Here teams of three entered a pen full of angry looking goats (they were harmless!) to lasso one and brand it (the branding iron is not hot, just painted red!) before removing it from the pen by its horns. It was a fun competition with the female trio named the Raunchy Rodeo Rangers taking first place.
As the sun dropped away the group walked up the beautiful, and aptly named, sunset hill. As is common with this Xtreme gap tour Brad gave us some more interesting facts and stories, learning about the local snake selection, the most venomous in the world. Those afraid shouldn’t avoid the walk, there is little danger of getting bitten as they hear your footstep vibrations from a long distance and get well away. We also learned of the steps to take to avoid being bitten should you come across one – freeze! Snakes are blind and have a memory of 30 seconds so forget you were even there. The views of the Australian bush are amazing, feels like scenes from the movie Australia, a real traditional cattle station experience.
After a bumping drive down to the station in the back of a pickup truck it is time to ‘get bucked at Kroombit’. There was no showering tonight, everybody getting into the outback experience and straight down for a beer around the camp fire. We were told a few tales and the history of the farm – a very interesting chat. We then all had a go at cracking the whip, making that thrilling sonic boom sound. Then after dinner we hopped onto the Mechanical Bull. It was a great day with a combination of action activities and a taste of the peaceful outback.
Day 8 – Kroombit Cattle Station to Emu Park
An early morning start but everybody soon perked up with an amazing cooked breakfast. Delicious bacon, eggs and Kroombit caviar (beans) cooked over a wood fire. A hearty way to start the day which was very appropriate with lots of energy needed for the activities. There was the choice of goat mustering on horseback or quad bike trailing around the property or you could just chill at the swimming pool. Quad biking was loads of fun! We got to see lots of the property and you can really get some speed up in places.
After an amazing BBQ lunch we jumped back onto Heidi to travel up to Emu Park, a relaxed coastal spot. On the way we passed through Rockhampton, the Beef Capital of Queensland, and crossed the Tropic of Capricorn going from the temperate zone to tropic zone. Arrival at Emu Park brought big smiles all faces. The accommodation was lovely, welcomed by all after the farm bunks at Kroombit.
The group enjoyed the last of the warm evening sun around the pool before getting stuck into another hearty meal, a Reef and Beef dinner close to the Beef Capital of Queensland and right by the ocean. It doesn’t get much better than this. The remainder of the night was pretty fun too; everybody dressed up in a single bed sheet for a Toga party. There were more fun drinking games (those not drinking alcohol certainly still involved) and dancing to end another wonderful day, they just keep on rolling!
Day 9 – Emu Park to Whitsundays (Sailing)
Having heard great things about the Whitsunday Islands I anticipated this to be one of the highlights of the trip and it didn’t disappoint. We boarded motor powered dinghies to reach our boat moored up out of the marina.
We soon learned that this was no ordinary boat as we boarded the around-the-world race winning yacht, the British Defender. Sailing to the islands, tracking the sun over the glistening ocean, gives you an amazing feeling of adventure. After chipping in as deck hands to get the sails flying high we experienced high-siding the yacht – cutting through the waves at a 45 degree angle, everybody was clinging onto a solid surface with excited grins from ear to ear.
We dropped anchor at a silent, smooth spot of ocean in a cove near the islands. Everybody chilled up on the deck amongst the stars and enjoyed a delicious meal before settling down in snug cabin bunks.
Day 10 – Whitsundays (Whitehaven Beach)
Whitehaven Beach, Whitsundays – wow! This place really is heaven on earth. Firstly we took the bush walk up to the viewpoint to see what would be coming next; the whitest sand you’ll ever see and icy clear blue waters. We couldn’t wait to get down to the near on 100% silica sand – it is illegal to remove any sand from the beach, carrying a $50,000 fine. The only organisation allowed to take sand was NASA who used it to make the glass for a complex lens. The sand does have some other uses – exfoliation, your skin comes out as smooth as silk. Give it a go.
After scrubbing skin we explored the shallows getting up close to big sting rays and, if you are lucky, small (harmless) sharks. Next we moved onto an area of the coral reef for some snorkeling. This was the first time I had snorkeled amongst a tropical world and it was out of this world! The shapes, textures and colours are crazy. You see things that you did not know existed, the colours are brighter than any artificial colouring I have seen and these are living creatures – incredible.
Everybody should experience this, even those who cannot swim (with the aid of floats), it was a magical experience and I feel very lucky.
As another scrumptious meal is served on the yacht we sail towards nearby South Molle Island. We were lucky enough to see whales breach nearby and also fed the remaining sausages to swooping eagles.
Our resort for the next 2 nights is set in a perfect location. A quiet, private bay surrounded by beautiful bush walks and wildlife. Sit out on the jetty early in evening or morning and you are likely to spot a turtle among plenty of other amazing sealife.
Day 11 – Whitsundays (South Molle Island)
Today we explored the island with a bushwalk up to Spion Kop, which was voted as one of the best island walks. You soon find out why, walking tracks bordered by signs of aboriginal history and ending at the most incredible viewpoint looking out over the Whitsundays. The photographs that you will take are picture postcard perfect. If it is the right time of the year you are also in the perfect position for spotting whales
There were also plenty of other activities going on, with the choice of fish feeding, coconut husking, volleyball, kayaking, paddle boarding, 9 holes of golf, swimming, snorkeling, feeding the Rainbow Lorikeets or just relaxing by the pool doing very little. There was plenty for everyone
Day 12 – Whitsundays to Cairns
It was an early start with a ferry back to the mainland and a long day on the road in order to reach Cairns. This was the first time during the trip that the time in the bus felt long, but only to the extent expected. The travelling on this trip is broken down really well, plus time on the bus is always fun – movies, games, singing, Brad’s history lessons, watching everyone’s skydive DVDs and lots more giggles.
The city has a great transient feel about it with many cultures coming together. It is the perfect place when it comes to dining, there must be something covering all major cuisines of the world. Cairns is also a bit of a party town and we all had a good night after some great grub.
Day 13 – Cairns
This was a free day where we could decide between a wide range of activities. You can do almost anything. Our group covered skydiving, the great barrier reef boat trip, white water rafting, hot air ballooning and a girly day’s pampering. A lot of us went for the great barrier reef boat trip and it was a top choice. The trip includes snorkeling at two great spots, morning tea, a lovely lunch and afternoon tea. They run a free 15 minute introductory scuba dive where you can learn the basics needed to dive accompanied by an instructor. At the end of this you can choose (with an underwater thumbs up or thumbs down) whether to continue and dive for another 30 minutes. Most of us couldn’t refuse.
Diving (and snorkeling, as you can do both) was truly amazing, out of this world. We saw lots of amazing tropical fish, including clown fish (“Finding Nemo”), sting rays, reef sharks, turtles and much more.
Most of us who went diving or snorkeling hired an underwater camera and got some good shots to support the memories from the great barrier reef.
It was a problem that this was the first time we had tried scuba diving as the team were very professional and excellent at what they do. You feel so safe and can enjoy the experience to the maximum. Passions Tour Company were really great, I highly recommend them.
Day 14 – Cairns
There were a few fuzzy heads on this final morning after another good night on the town. We hopped on the bus for our final excursions, heading an hour up the coast to Port Douglas. We were told to try and stay awake for the drive and we found it was definitely worth while, the coastal road provided some really beautiful views over the ocean
Our first stop after a drive through tour of Port Douglas was at the residence of local Kuku Yalanji people where we got to experience some of the traditional aboriginal ways of living. We all had a go at spear throwing before taking those skills to the shallow waters for spear fishing. Disappointingly none of the group caught anything (perhaps the hangovers were to blame) but the guides manage to skewer some small fish, three crabs of varying size and most significantly a small shark – it was only about half a metre long.
After this we walked back through the mangroves learning more of the uses of local flora and fauna. Be prepared to get grubby, sinking knee deep into mud, but it is all good fun. We foraged small oysters from the underwater roots of trees, saw how one tree could provide a mild anesthetic, strong rope, fishing line and a very good fire starting tool. We also learned the origin of the saying “being as pissed as a parrot” – parrots and lorikeets often chew on the leaves of trees which give them a real buzz (the source of the anesthetic) and then fall off branches to the ground.
Once we returned to their home the guides cooked up the catch using traditional recipes. The shark was one of the tastiest fishes I have eaten – no wonder there is an increasing concern with regard to the overfishing of shark.
For the afternoon there was the choice of exploring or chilling Port Douglas or visiting the Habitat. We went to the Habitat, which was kind of like a zoo except you could get more up close to the animals. There were tons of birds, kangaroos and wallabies as well as emus, lizards, crocodiles and koalas. It is here where you can get yourself photographed holding a koala – a strange experience.
By 4pm we were back in Cairns where we would all say goodbye. We all thanked Brad and Sammie for making the two weeks the best two weeks’ vacation many had ever had. This really is a taster of the east coast of Australia, you get to see and do so much and cover a lot of ground. Xtreme gap do well in ensuring that it does not feel too rushed and there is always something for everyone, you’ll never be stuck doing something that you don’t want to do.
Xtreme gap will be our first contact should we want to go on a similar trip somewhere else around the world. This trip will not be forgotten and we will certainly look to return to our favourite spots in the future.
THE END
Lewis & Marie
