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Bruce pass – Melbourne to Cairns
or Sydney to Cairns
Recommend minimum trip time 26 days (minimum trip time 13)
Pay on board fee approx £55 (includes 3 nights accommodation, 10 meals, national park fee, ferry fee, fuel levy).
Melbourne to Wilsons Promontory NP and Foster
Travel to Wilson Promontory NP to spend the afternoon hiking & exploring the 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 coastal flora and native wildlife (maybe emus and wombats if you’re quiet!)
Wilsons Promontory NP to Snowy River Country
Today we visit Lakes Entrance and Australia’s longest beach - Ninety Mile Beach. Relax on the beach then enjoy a bush walk (seasonal choice) later, as we head into Snowy River High Country. Here you can soak up the tradition of the Snowy Mountains on horse back or fly down the zip wire (both at own expense). Go searching for Aussie wildlife then finish the day around the fire for a few long tales.
Snowy River Country to Jindabyne
We drive along scenic ‘Barry Way’ this morning, crossing the border into New South Wales and entering the Kosciuszko NP to Jindabyne. 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’ & the peak of Mt Kosciuszko (the highest point in Australia). During winter, (Jun–Oct) visit the ski villages of Perisher/Smiggins for fun in the snow (optional hire of toboggans or snow tubes at own expense).
Jindabyne to Sydney via Canberra
Early risers – try your hand at fishing for trout in the lake or hit the water, with optional activities including water skiing and/or wake boarding (all at own expense and seasonal). 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 cruising into Sydney.
Sydney to Barrington Tops
We head to beautiful Barrington Tops to explore the sub-tropical rainforest of the Barrington River on an interpretive walk. Participate in optional activities including horse riding or unique night river kayaking.
Barrington Tops to Surf Camp (Arrawarra or Crescent Head)
Today we head to our secluded surf camp where we hook up with the Mojo Surf crew (some of Australia’s best surf instructions) who will take you on an afternoon surfing lesson (all gear included) starting with a theory lesson then its straight out to the beach to get you on a board. If surfing isn’t for you – either sun bake on the crystal white sands or take a walk around the beautiful headland.
Surf Camp to Byron Bay
After a delicious breakfast, hit the beach again for your morning surf lesson. By now you should have the basic surf techniques sorted and some aspiring surfers amongst you will be turning at the base of clean breaking waves by the end of the lesson! Everyone who participated in the surf lessons will be given a progressive surf certificate before heading north up the coast to chill out at Byron Bay.
Byron Bay to Brisbane
Discover the unique town of Nimbin where hemp and hippy communes are a part of everyday life. Take the time to explore the town including Candle Factory, Hemp Embassy, Nimbin Museum and other points of interest. In the afternoon travel through to the 40km of golden sands known as the Gold Coast, cruising through Surfers Paradise for a swim and on to Brisvegas (Brisbane).
Brisbane to Hervey Bay
Check out the coastal town of Noosa along the way, or feel free to hop off and experience the destination for longer. At Rainbow beach learn how to circular breath and play the ‘didge’, view a boomerang and spear-throwing demo and hear cultural stories. This interactive cultural experience will teach you about Aboriginal way of life. After a few hours at Rainbow Beach we head to Hervey Bay. You have the choice to jump off in either Rainbow Beach or Hervey to visit Australia’s own giant sandpit – Fraser Island.
Hervey Bay to Kroombit Cattle Station
Today we head inland passing through Bundaberg to Kroombit Cattle Station to immerse you into Australian life with an over-night stay on a working Australian cattle farm. Experience outback life and a guided sunset walk to view the property, chow down on an Australian outback camp over dinner and test your skills with a ride on the mechanical bull. Kroombit is a great place to get off the bus and participate in a whole range of other great optional activities.
Kroombit Cattle Station to Airlie Beach
After a bush breakfast travel through Australia’s heart of cattle country, Rockhampton. Go bare foot bowling in the sleepy township of Sarina and then continue on to Airlie Beach.
Airlie Beach to Magnetic Island.
After a short drive and ferry ride from Townsville we have you at the Base Resort on Magnetic Island by mid afternoon. Later we hopefully view koalas on their natural habitat on the “Forts” walk later afternoon, then last but not least settle down for a chilled out beer overlooking the sea! Bliss!
Magnetic Island to Mission Beach
Take part in a guided kayak tour from the shores of the resort and view marine life in the crystal clear waters. We then make tracks for Mission Beach, where bush meets beach. Learn about the unique flightless Cassowary bird (up to 2 metres tall) on an hour-long interpretive walk through local bush tracks.
Mission Beach to Cairns
Today enjoy a guided day trip of the Atherton Tablelands, including bush walking through towering rainforest, tropical farmland and swimming in crater lakes and waterfalls. In the late afternoon visit the AJ Hackett bungy site to finish your trip on a high with a bungy or Minjin swing (optional). Note that on the southbound route the bungy site is not visited.
Programme Cost
Melbourne to Cairns - £319
Sydney to Cairns - £229
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