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Melbourne to Wilsons Promontory
We begin our adventure early, travelling southeast of Melbourne through the pastoral landscape of South Gippsland to hike and explore the Wilsons Promontory National Park. Walk on squeaky beaches, watch the ocean of Bass Strait pound on to the Australian mainland's most southerly point, hike along spectacular granite rock formations with fantastic views and learn about the coastal flora & native wildlife (perhaps sighting emus and wombats!) In the afternoon we travel to the coastal township of Lakes Entrance; Gateway to the Gippsland Lakes and Australia's longest beach - Ninety Mile Beach. (D) |
Wilsons Promontory NP to Snowy River Country
This morning we commence our journey into Snowy River Country, taking a break to fly down the 'zip wire' (optional activity at own expense). Our journey along the scenic Barry Way is spectacular as we watch the Snowy River wind below us and cross the border into NSW. In the afternoon, let the bus do all the work as we climb high into the Australian Alps (seasonal Nov-May). Enjoy a rewarding hike along an alpine track (2½ hour round-trip) absorbing stunning views of the glacial ‘Blue Lake’ and the peak of Mt Kosciuszko (the highest point in Australia). During winter, (Jun–Oct) we visit the ski village of Perisher/Smiggins for fun in the snow (optional hire of toboggans or snow tubes at own expense). Stay overnight at the Lake Jindabyne Hotel where you’ll get to enjoy the mountain life; perhaps a sauna, swim or a drink at the bar while taking in the magnificent view of the lake. (BD)
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Jindabyne to Sydney via Canberra
For early risers, take the opportunity to fish in the lake for trout or hit the water, with optional activities including water skiing and/or wake boarding (summer only and at own expense). Later, we pass through Cooma, learning about Australia's great engineering feat the ‘Snowy Hydro-Electric Scheme. We then continue on to our national’s capital city of Canberra, checking out Parliament House and other highlights before travelling on to Sydney. (B)
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Sydney to Surf Camp
East Coast, here we come… and the first stop is your included surf lesson! On the way, there's lots of bush, cool tunes and sometimes a bus-stop. We arrive at Mojo’s Surf School where you meet the waves for your surf lesson. Tonight we all pull up at Mojo's cool Surf Camp. Stay longer if you reckon surfing’s your thing!
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Surf Camp to Byron Bay
Get up early if you want more wave action, then it’s back on the Pacific Highway, the leg to Byron Bay just takes a few hours. We split off at Ballina, taking the coast road through Lennox Head into Byron Bay. Enjoy! Take a cheap day tour to Nimbin, town of happy hippies (optional). |
Byron Bay to Gold Coast
It’s a short stage today. The Gold Coast... 40 kms of golden sands, a land of theme parks, cheap rent luxury high-rise apartments, beautiful people, tanned wrinklies, nearby Hinterlands and great sushi bars. Try it for yourself and see… |
Gold Coast to Brisbane
We pull over to go zorbing (own expense). You + a big hollow plastic ball, add a hill into the mix and... The trip into Brisbane is quick. Brissie is Oz's #3 city and end of the road for today. Get off our bus. Stay a night. Stay longer. |
Brisbane to Noosa
Heading out of Brissie, stay awake for interesting information from your new driver-guide and gaze out the glass to the west for views of the Glasshouse Mountains, remnants of volcanoes from a long time ago. After a while, we turn for the Sunshine Coast and stop in the yuppie holiday spot Noosa. |
Noosa to Rainbow Beach
Back on the bus, we take a few back roads to rejoin the highway north and then branch off to Rainbow Beach, which has awesome coloured sands (hence the name) and guided walks are possible. You can do Fraser Island trips from here with a 10 minute ferry onto the Island (or keep going for next stop Hervey Bay). At Rainbow Beach there’s a huge range of adventure activities on offer, from hang-gliding, shark diving to sea-kayaking with dolphins. |
Rainbow Beach to Hervey Bay
Not so far to get to Hervey Bay, the other point to access the amazing Fraser Island. Along the way, eyeball the grand old architecture of Maryborough. |
Hervey Bay to Kroombit
Now we go inland via Childers almost into the Outback, to our cattle station overnight at Kroombit. There’s a local payment to cover bush dinner, bunk accomm and brekkie. Don’t go to bed before cracking a whip and getting bucked off the mechanical bull! |
Kroombit to Sarina
We don’t leave the station until the goats are rounded up by horseback (optional extra at own expense), then be part of a real-life mini-rodeo which is loads of laughs. Stay behind for more or get back on the bus. Rock on to Rocky. |
Sarina to Airlie Beach
We're invited to play bare-foot bowls at Sarina Bowling Club. There’s more miles to overcome before 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! |
Airlie Beach to 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. |
Townsville to Mission Beach
After Townsville, the mountains grow higher and move in to be closer to the coast. We detour to Mission Beach, where the rainforest meets the sea. This is one great place to stay over, relax or go skydiving or rafting (optional). If you’re lucky you’ll see a Cassowary, these are seriously big birds with attitude. |
Mission Beach to Cairns
An easy afternoon section completes your Oz Ex trip. After arriving in Cairns you have many options to travel to Cape Tribulation, the world's oldest living rainforest. Don’t forget the Great Barrier Reef! |
Leave Melbourne and head to Wilson's Promontory and the Snowy Mountains and onward to Sydney. Leave Sydney and head north and have a learn to surf lesson at Surf Camp, stay at an Aussie cattle station, barefoot bowling in Outback Queensland on the way to Cairns and much more.
