Itinerary Sydney to Cairns Pass

Sydney to Surf Camp

The first section of the Oz Experience Bruce Pass heads from Sydney to The Surf Camp, you can stop at Coffs Harbour, but the real action is at spot X.

Byron Bay to Rainbow Beach Sector

• See them all in detail here.

Byron Bay

This section of the trip begins with some time spent in Byron Bay, chilling out and soaking up the bohemian lifestyle.  However, if that sounds a little too sedate for you then you can take advantage of the skydive that’s included in your trip – it might only take a few minutes to get from 11,000 feet to the ground but the adrenaline rush will last so much longer!  

Nimbin

The daytrip to Nimbin is the perfect antidote to too much excitement (is that even possible?!).  After being picked up from your accommodation, the Grasshoppers bus will take you through the stunning scenery of Byron Bay to the famous town of Nimbin, Australia’s ‘alternative lifestyle’ capital.  You’ll have around an hour to experience the hippie atmosphere and sample some special cakes before heading off to the explore rainforests and waterfalls, enjoy a pint in an historic Aussie pub and tuck into some food from the barbie.  It’s quite possible that you’ll get to see Koalas and Kookaburras during the trip, and that’s before the beer!

Surfers Paradise

The next part of the bus trip takes you from Byron Bay north to Surfers Paradise – aptly named due to the 3km golden sand beach, right on the Pacific Ocean.  There is something for everyone here, so if you need another shot of adrenaline there is bungy jumping and jet boating, if you’re the sporty type you can enjoy the surfing and beach volleyball, whilst those in need of some relaxation can chill out on the beach or in the cafes and parks of the Northside or West Quay districts.

Brisbane

The next stop for the bus is the city of Brisbane, capital of the ‘Sunshine State’ of Queensland (but where isn’t sunny in Oz?).  So, what can you expect here?  A vibrant nightlife with the abundance of bars and clubs, a bit of culture at the City Hall and Parliament House and the chance to get up close with some of Australia’s most well known natives at the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary.  There is so much indoor and outdoor stuff to do here that you’ll never be bored and being the biggest city in Queensland it can be a good place to stop off for some work.

Noosa

On the way from Brisbane to Rainbow Beach there is a stop off at the town of Noosa, to drop off old friends and pick up new ones.  There is also a chance to have a wander around Wildhorse Mountain National Park, which provides some great photo opportunities of the gorgeous Sunshine Coast area – yet something else to make those friends at home envious about!

Rainbow Beach and Fraser Island

Rainbow beach is a must-stop place to pick up the Fraser Island 4 x 4 tour.  This unique site, the largest sand island in the world, will blow your mind with its beauty – pristine white sand beaches, freshwater lakes and the world’s only sand-dwelling rainforest.  This is definitely one you can tick off the ‘100 places to visit before you die’ list.  Not only does the trip include two nights’ accommodation at Hervey Bay Backpackers, but also two nights camping under the stars, a chance to drive across the endless sands and the opportunity to meet some dingoes (human or canine – depends on who is in your group!)  
Back at Rainbow Beach you can indulge in some more close encounters of the animal kind (we’re talking marine life here) with the opportunity to feed the dolphins.  Plus you can meet some new trip recruits at the Hervey Bay hostel stop.

Rainbow Beach to 1770 Sector

• See them all in detail here

Bundaberg

After pick-ups and drop-offs at Hervey Bay the bus continues on to the towns of Childers and Bundaberg, which are the ideal place to stop off and replenish your dosh by doing some fruit picking.  It’s pretty hard work but well worth it to make sure you’ve got enough funds for extra activities and partying.  However, don’t go too mad on the Bundaberg Rum, or Bundy as it’s known, otherwise that fruit picking will be twice as hard!
The next opportunity for stopping off and chilling out for a few days is the gorgeous little seaside village of 1770.  If you want to spend a bit of time relaxing on golden sands and dipping your toes in the crystal clear turquoise water of the Coral Sea, then this is the place for you.  There is still a ton of fun activities coming up on the trip so make sure you recharge your batteries so you can make the most of it!

1770 to Airlie Beach Sector

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Kroombit

You’ll love this next section of the trip if you fancy a bit of ‘Yee Ha!’  No, not what you’re thinking ;0), this is a chance to leave behind the coast for a little while and experience the Aussie outback at Lochenbar Cattle Station.  You get to see the world famous Kroombit Goat Rodeo and then see how long you can last on the mechanical bull, before jumping on horseback and cracking that whip to round up the goats (optional). After all that physical activity you’ll be glad to know that you get to stay the night and have a laugh around the camp fire.

Airlie Beach

There are quite a few miles to cover between Kroombit and Airlie Beach so on the way there is a stop-off at the town of Sarina for a game of barefoot lawn bowls (your guide will want to show off their skills!) before continuing onto the beachside party town of Airlie Beach and a highlight of the trip – the Whitsundays cruise.  The three night package here includes two nights at the cool Nomads hostel and one night/two days sailing, giving you the chance to experience these unbelievable islands – beaches, rainforest, unusual marine life and a party-to-remember.  Hello sailor!

Airlie Beach to Cairns Sector

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Townsville

The beach theme continues in Townsville, where you’ll be staying at one of the best hostels, right on the gorgeous sand, or on stunning Magnetic Island just off the coast (own expense).  This is the sunniest spot on the Queensland coast, so you can make the most of the outdoor activities – swimming, snorkeling, hiking, koala spotting or just chilling out with your mates.  There is plenty going on at Base Backpackers and when it comes to night-time entertainment look out for the full moon parties – definitely something to remember (or not!).

Mission Beach

White sand beaches, lush rainforest and activities galore await you at the paradise hideaway of Mission Beach.  A few days here can be as sedate or adrenaline filled as you choose and if you didn’t take advantage of the skydive option in Byron Bay, now’s your chance!  You won’t get a better view of the area and long after you touch down on the ground your euphoria levels will still be sky high.  Mission Beach is also home to the impressive Cassowary, a huge flightless bird with very big claws, a sharp beak and bad-ass attitude – you might not want to get too close, but they are certainly a sight to see.

Cairns Sector

You wouldn’t be in Oz if the last part of your Australia adventure didn’t finish with a bang and that’s exactly what you get with the five night Adrenaline Overload tour in Cairns. This is not included, but well worth adding it in to your itinerary!