- All transport along the route
- Guidance from local guide and access to Loka web app
- Guided walk at Barrington Tops National Park
- Wine tasting in the Hunter Valley
- Koala hospital visit
- Chill time at Spot X Surf Camp
- Kayaking (summer only) or headlands walk at Solitary Island Marine reserve
- Angourie Blue Pools
- Danger Point Border Crossing walk
- Byron Bay orientation drive
What's Included
What's excluded
- Accommodation cost
- Meals
Why do we love this
"We love Loka because they are all about being authentic. These guys work with local operators and communities so that you have a proper Aussie experience!"
WHAT TO EXPECT
This flexible travel pass allows you to backpack from Sydney to Brisbane at your own pace! You'll get the chance to stop off at some major East Coast highlights including Hunter Valley, Spot X and Byron Bay. We'll also take you off the beaten track so you get to know some proper Aussie locals. Plus, we'll give you amazing discounts on accommodation and activities along the way!
Travel Day: Sydney — Barrington Tops (Special stop)
MEETING: Outside 'Wake Up' hostel at 8 am or outside Nomads (if confirmed) at 8.10 am
We leave Sydney and head to the Hunter Valley wine area for a tasting at one of Australia’s most famous vineyards. We then travel across the backcountry and make a stop on the edge of Barrington Tops National Park (World Heritage Listed). We will have our own private lodge overlooking the Barrington River to stay at. You have the option to ride an inner tube down a scenic part of the river or go mountain biking (both additional cost). Spend the evening enjoying a few drinks and relaxing in the hot tub.
SLEEPING: Lodge at Barrington Tops, set price for dinner, bed and breakfast.
Travel Day: Barrington Tops — Spot X Surf Camp
MEETING: At the lodge
We start our day with a morning walk. Take in the stunning scenery and the abundant wildlife (kangaroos, various birds and even platypus). We will then visit a Koala hospital. Learn all about their efforts in preserving Koalas and find out what we can do to help. Our journey continues to our waterfront accommodation at the Spot X Surf Camp, where we will arrive in the early evening.
SLEEPING: Spot X accommodation, set price for dinner, bed and breakfast.
Travel Day: Spot X Surf Camp — River Retreat (Special Stop)
MEETING: Stray Bus
We will have a relaxing morning at Spot X. Chill on the beach or take a group surf lesson (additional cost), you can also decide to hop off to do a Surf & Stay. In the afternoon, we will travel to our River Retreat and go for a guided canoeing trip (or bush walk), spotting wildlife along the way. Spend the evening having a few drinks and/or playing volleyball or petanque. We sleep in beds in wilderness cabins or in swags under the stars.
SLEEPING: Cabins or camping swags
Travel Day: River Retreat — Byron Bay
MEETING: At camp
We will start our day early, hop on the bus and head to the famous surf town of Byron Bay. We will have a lunch break in the picturesque town of Yamba. Walk around or swim in the Angourie Blue Pool. An orientation drive on the way to Byron Bay will give you a first impression of the town.
SLEEPING: Your choice of Byron accommodation. You can use the Stray Mate to get the latest deals on accommodations.
Free Day: Byron Bay
Explore, learn to surf, party, do adolphin kayak trip, visit the alternative town of Nimbin (additional costs), or just relax and take in the laidback, hippy vibe. We recommend taking a walk to the lighthouse to view the Australian mainland's most easterly point.
SLEEPING: Your choice of accommodation, bookable via Stray Mate app
Travel Day: Byron Bay (via Gold Coast) - Brisbane
MEETING: Main bus stop on Jonson St or Arts Factory hostel (please confim)
We continue or journey towards the New South Wales/Queensland border and hop out at Danger Point to stretch our legs and check out the view of one of Australia's best surf spots Snapper Rocks. Then we will drive on to the Gold Coast. You may want to get off here to enjoy some lovely sunshine, sand, and high-rises of the most developed beach resort in Australia. You will be dropped off in Brisbane CBD, the final destination of your unforgettable journey.
SLEEPING: Your choice of Brisbane accommodation, bookable via Stray Mate app
*Please ask to see Loka bus passes prior to booking*
Note: Accommodation and food are not covered by the Loka pass. You can break your itinerary at any stop and on any travel day. After you can just connect with a later Loka bus or rail departure (guided or unguided). Accommodation can be pre-booked by using the Loka web app, or your guide will help you to book it. There are two options usually: a bed only option (around $32/person/night), or a twin/double option (around $100/room).