OZ Experience Whipper Snapper Loop, Essential InfoPrice beater: remember if you find a cheap Oz experience pass for less, let us know and we will beat the price.
With out a doubt the best backpacker bus network in Australia The Oz expereince takes some beating. Buy it before you get out there and you save money. Thats a Fact. Buy your Oz experience pass with us, and you get even more. Buying your OZ Experience Pass through Xtreme Gap saves you A LOT of money so if you are looking for a cheap Oz experience pass talk to us!
Not only this we also give you 20% off a Mad Card (great discount card to accompany the OZ ex with $2000 of discounts included) and a 5% discount on a range of xtreme gap year Australia programmes! The Whipper Snap Loop is the Oz expereince pass for you if you want to travel the South Coast from either Adelaide along the Great Ocean Road or start in Melbourne and travel via Wilson's Promontory and the Snowy Mountains to Sydney.
Take time out and do an included a Blue Mountains Day tour from Sydney. Get back on the bus for the East Coast between Sydney and Cairns for the perfect gap year adventure..
Accommodation The tour is including some accommodation, see what's included
Getting ThereThe programme starts in Cairns, If you would like assistance with your flights, we can assist with sourcing the best value flight options, just indicate on your booking form.
When To GoIt is always a good time to come to Australia, it is summer from September to February, but in winter from March to August the waves are better.
Why Xtreme Gap?
We have a price beater in effect, if you find it cheaper we will beat the price and give you a night in a hostel in Sydney or Cairns on us.
Buying your OZ Expereince Pass through Xtreme Gap saves you loads of money. See for yourself on their website.
Not only this we will give you:
- 20% off a Mad Card (great discount card to accompany the OZex with $2000 of discounts included)
- 5% discount on a range of gap year programmes in Australia too!
Price and Dates
- 899
- Local Payments $570 Australian Dollars
Included
- Darwin Kakadu safari: 1 night permanent camp site
- Meals: 1B, 2L, 1D
- Melbourne to Sydney: 2 nights multi-share accommodation (incl. bed linen),
- Meals: 2B, 2D,
- National park fees
- Adelaide to Melbourne: 2 nights multi-share accommodation (incl. bed linen),
- Meals: 2B, 2D, Park entry fees,
- Entry to Otway Fly Treetop Walk
- Uluru Safari: 1 night permanent camp site,
- Meals: 1B, 2L, 1D,
- Uluru National Park fee
Alice Springs to Darwin:
- 2 nights permanent camp site,
- Meals: 2B, 3L, 2D
Payment to Kroombit Cattle Station:
- 1 night Bunkhouse dorm accommodation
- 2 course bush dinner and breakfast
Payment to Surf Camp:
- 1 night multi-share accommodation,
- 1 dinner, 1 breakfast
Excluded
- All flights
- Visas
- Accommodation
- Spending money Local payments
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ITINERARY
This is the pass for you if you want to travel the South Coast from either Adelaide along the Great ocean Road or start in Melbourne and travel via Wilson's Promontory and the Snowy Mountains to Sydney. Take time out and do an included a Blue Mountains Day tour from Sydney. Get back on the bus for the East Coast between Sydney and Cairns.
Adelaide to Grampians National Park (zz)
Cross the Murray River and pass through small country towns. Hike the Grampians, including Hollow Mountain, MacKenzie Falls and sunset views from The Balconies and Reeds Lookout. Stay in private multi-share accommodation near Halls Gap.
Grampians National Park via the Great Ocean Rd to Princetown (zz)
Hike to the Pinnacle, its a challenge but worth it! Travel south to the coast and Warrnambool and the start of the Great Ocean Road. Theres lots to see discover: the Bay of Islands, Bay of Martyrs, London Bridge and Lock Ard Gorge then sunset at the Twelve Apostles gorgeous!
Princetown to Melbourne
Take a helicopter ride over the amazing Twelve Apostles (optional) or climb down the Gibson Steps to the beach. Walk in the tree tops at the Otway Fly (entry included) and spot for koalas near Lorne. Check out the surf at world famous Bells Beach and the surf shops at Torquay.
Melbourne to Wilsons Promontory National Park and Lakes Entrance (zz)
Spend a lot of today exploring Wilsons Promontory National Park, mainland Australias most southerly point. Gleaming beaches, stunning ocean views, amazing granite rock formations and loads of coastal flora and native wildlife. You might even see emus and wombats! Stay in multi-share accommodation at Lakes Entrance.
Lakes Entrance to Thredbo Alpine Village* (zz)
From Australias southernmost point to Australias highest point! The Barry Way is an exciting journey and youll see the Snowy River wind below. We climb high into the Australian Alps to the village of Thredbo. Grab your hiking boots and cameras; were going to the Roof of Australia. Theres a chairlift (own expense, but we get a great deal!) express up the mountain! You can walk to the summit of Australias highest mountain, Mt Kosciuszko, or to the viewing point. *In ski season (Jun-Sep) we stay in Jindabyne and during winter, have time to play in the snow at the ski resort of Perisher/Smiggins (optional toboggan hire or snow tube at own expense). (BD)
Thredbo to Sydney via Canberra (zz)
Leaving Thredbo, we pass through Cooma, learning about the historically important Snowy Hydro-Electric Scheme. Next stop is the capital city of Australia Canberra - where the Prime Minister hangs out. See for yourself how a custom-made capital city is built as you take in the view from Mt. Ainslie, take a tour of Parliament House, check out a few embassies and see other city highlights. Travel throughout the afternoon to the stunning city of Sydney. (B)
+ Blue Mountains Day Tour from Sydney
We head out of Sydney past the Sydney Olympic site to our first stop where we view wild Eastern Grey Kangaroos in native bush habitat. These 'roos are pretty big and you can get up close and personal.
We do a 2-3 hour loop walk near Wentworth Falls to see this waterfall, lookout points and surround. You will walk through changing vegetation, hanging swamps, and under rock ledges giving you an overview of the dramatic Blue Mountains environment.
Lunch is included - you'll eat a nutritious lunch, everything from fruit, sandwiches, salads & more.
After lunch, we walk down the historic Furber Stairs into Jamison Valley through lush rainforest, past picturesque Katoomba Falls and view the incredible 3 Sisters rock formations.
From the bottom of the Jamison Valley, board the Scenic Railway (fare included), the steepest railway in the world and ride up to the valley rim.
For those staying longer well drop you off in Katoomba at the award-winning YHA @ 5.00pm and pick up others. The YHA is an impressive heritage building and you can experience some local nightlife in this historic town.
We cruise back into Sydney after an action packed day and drop you off at 7.00pm (approx.) at the Oz Experience office where we picked you up.
Sydney to Spot-X Surf Camp (zz)
East Coast, here we come! Our overnight stop tonight is Spot-X which is located at
Spot-X; secret surfer talk for a mystery surfing spot. On the way we visit the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital: this a charitable organisation dedicated to saving our precious Koala Bears. After a coastal lunch stop we arrive at Surf Camp late afternoon. If youre thinking about a longer stay at Surf Camp let your driver know so he can book you in. We recommend you do. Its a great beach spot to chill.
Surf Camp to Byron Bay
Surfs-up this morning! Its time for your 3-hour surf lesson this is included in your ticket and all gear is supplied: wetsuits, surfboards, professional surf instructors, water, sunshine, and lots of fun. Surfing can be addictive so you may wish to stay and enjoy the tranquil and uncrowded Spot X surf beaches. For those continuing north to Byron Bay we leave around midday for the short drive to Byron.
Byron Bay to Gold Coast
Shortly after leaving Byron we cross the state border into sunny Queensland. Our first drop-off point is Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast: golden sands, theme parks, and great bars and clubs. Its a lot of high-rise buildings, but its a lot of fun. Try it out for a couple of days yourself and see
Gold Coast to Brisbane (zz)
WARNING! Discounted Drop Zone Location!
We roll into Brisbane in the early evening. Brisbanes the capital of Queensland. Its a laid back city, and a great place to stop and look for work
Brisbane to Noosa
Brisbane disappears behind us as we head north to the sunny Sunshine Coast. We pass the Glasshouse Mountains, the name of which will be fully explained by your guide, before arriving in Noosa to drop-off and pick-up more Oz Experience beachgoers. On the way we take a break at Wildhorse Mountain National Park for a walk and panoramic views of the Sunshine Coast area. Crikey! Anyone want to visit Australia Zoo? We can drop you off here. Just make sure you have booked your return Australia Zoo free shuttle bus to Noosa.
Noosa to Rainbow Beach (zz)
Rainbow Beach is the shortcut to Fraser Island so the best place to start your guided or self-drive four wheel drive island adventure. We think the really cool thing about Rainbow is that once your back from Fraser Island theres so much else to do. Rainbows got beaches, great natural attractions like the Carlo Sand Blow and the coloured cliffs, and even dolphin feeding. When we arrive at Rainbow well go on an exclusive Oz Experience cultural walk around the local area.
Rainbow Beach to Hervey Bay
Its an early start today for those going on the cruise to feed the wild dolphins; or those going for a few days four-wheel-driving on Fraser Island. After this amazing wildlife experience we board the bus to Hervey Bay for hostel drop-offs and pickups.
Hervey Bay to Childers and Bundaberg
If its cash you need then the fruit-picking towns of Bundaberg or Childers may be your next stop. Its hard work, but money doesnt grow on trees.
Bundaberg to Town of 1770 (zz)
If by now youre feeling a little tired and in need of a holiday within your holiday then Town of 1770 is the place to stop. 1770 is special: the activities dont cost much, the beaches are great, the people are friendly, and its that ideal place to chill out and recharge your batteries before heading to Far North Queensland. We recommend a few days. There are great beaches and activities on offer
Town of 1770 to Kroombit (zz)
Leaving 1770 we travel west to coal and cattle country; its also goat country. From the sea and sand we head to the dust and dirt of Lochenbar Cattle Station. Its not far to Kroombit and we arrive just before lunch. We then enjoy the original and world famous (in Kroombit) Goat Rodeo. Another great option is the goat muster on horseback (own expense).
Dont go to bed before cracking a whip and having a ride on the mechanical bull! Kroombit is a great taste of life in the Australian outback.
Kroombit to Sarina
We head back towards the ocean today, to the sailing paradise known as the Whitsunday Islands. Along the way we stop for a game of barefoot lawn bowls at the Sarina Lawn Bowling Club. Your guide will show you how its done!
Sarina to Airlie Beach (zz)
There are a few more miles to cover before our evening arrival into Airlie Beach. For the next 2-3 days most of you will say goodbye Oz Bus and hello sunshine and sailing boats
a highlight of the east coast trip. One we hope you remember after the traditional end-of-sailing party.
Airlie Beach to Townsville / Magnetic Island (zz)
Magnetic Island is the sunniest spot on the Queensland coast with more than 320 sunny days a year! Our chosen hostel Base Magnetic Island - is right on the beach. Youll think youve landed in paradise. Townsville is the gateway to Magnetic Island. Theres an additional ferry cost or you can buy a base STEAL DEAL package from your guide that includes the ferry. On the island you can chill by the pool or in the ocean, get out for some hikes or try and spot koalas in their natural habitat. Look out for the full-moon parties at base backpackers they are mega-popular. On the way to Magnetic Island we travel via Bowen, which is a great place to stop and earn some money picking fruit or vegetables.
Magnetic Island / Townsville to Mission Beach
WARNING! Discounted Drop Zone Location!
As we leave Townsville the mountains grow higher and the forests greener as we approach the lush rainforests of Far North Queensland. We drive into Mission Beach for pickups and drop offs. Mission is one great place to stay over for a few days. The beaches are superb. Relax or go skydiving or white water rafting (optional). If youre lucky youll see a Cassowary, these are seriously big rare birds with attitude to match.
Mission Beach to Cairns
WARNING! Discounted Drop Zone Location!
An easy afternoon section completes your Oz Ex trip. But not before we stop in Innisfail to visit some seriously big bad crocodiles (optional). Get right up close to these remarkable reptiles. But not too close because we want you to get to Cairns fit and ready for some amazing experiences. This place is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef one of the seven natural wonders of the world; and Cape Tribulation, the worlds oldest living rainforest. Dont forget to visit the legendary Woolshed and Rhino Bars while in Cairns
(Make your own way to Alice Springs, flying or travelling overland)
Alice Springs Kings Canyon Uluru (zz)
Youll see why its called the Red Centre as you travel to Kings Canyon. Hike the full rim of the canyon and see the North and South Walls, the Amphitheatre, the Lost City and the lush, inviting Garden of Eden. In the afternoon its back on the road, get ready to view Uluru (Ayers Rock). Camp at Uluru.
Uluru to Alice Springs
Sunrise at Uluru is worth the early start! Walk partway around the base or climb Uluru if you choose. Be fascinated by the red domes of Kata Tjuta (The Olgas). Return to Alice Springs in the late afternoon. (This safari is included in the Whipper Snapper pass.)
Alice Springs to Tennant Creek (zz)
We cross the Tropic of Capricorn then pull over at Ti Tree for the opportunity to purchase authentic Aboriginal art. Next stop is the Barrow Creek Pub where we view the historic Telegraph Station. Further up the track we explore the Devils Marbles; precariously balanced granite boulders sacred to the traditional owners, before arriving at Banka Banka Cattle Station where we camp overnight. Weather permitting - take a dip in the picturesque waterhole.
Tennant Creek to Katherine Gorge (zz)
We head further north to the famous outback pub at Daly Waters, the oldest pub in the Northern Territory and first international airport in Australia! After lunch we travel to Mataranka to enjoy a relaxing afternoon in the crystal clear thermal springs. Late afternoon we travel towards the magnificent Katherine Gorge for our overnight camp.
Katherine Gorge to Darwin (zz)
Spend half a day canoeing or cruising (at own expense) the spectacular gorge. There is also the chance for a scenic helicopter flight (at own expense) to appreciate the vastness of the gorge system. After lunch we head into Darwin via Edith Falls and Adelaide River.
Darwin to Kakadu (zz)
Spot crocs (and other wild creatures!) on a cruise along the fresh waters of the Mary River Wetlands. Discover more about the land and its stories at the Bowali Visitor Centre. The whole of Kakadu is spread out before you at Ubirr Rock, where we spend the afternoon. Camp in Kakadu National Park.
Kakadu to Darwin
Jim Jim Falls is our first stop today, and its a stunner! Youll feel a bit dwarfed by the towering cliffs as we hike to the base of the falls. This afternoon the spectacular gorge of Twin Falls is experienced onboard a National Park operated boat and along the boardwalk (seasonal and fees apply). Unwind for a bit on the sandy banks before we trek back to Darwin.
NOTE:
(zz) = compulsory overnight stop required
Itinerary may vary due to seasonal, extreme weather conditions and national park requirements
Prices valid for passes purchased on or before 31st October 2009
Itinerary may also operate in reverse direction i.e. Depart Darwin
Recommended trip time 43 days
Pass price does not include accommodation unless specified in the kitty inclusions
2009 revised pass price includes 2 day 4WD Kakadu Safari. Camping fees & equipment, 1 b/fast, 2 lunches, 1 dinner is included. Park fee of AUD$12.50 is payable (seasonal). |
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