Knobs and Bells Pass National Loop

  Australia

• Melbourne: 
Melbourne
• Sydney: 
Sydney
• Adelaide: 
Adelaide
• Gold Coast: 
Gold Coast
• Brisbane: 
Brisbane
• Canberra: 
Canberra
• New South Wales: 
Byron Bay,  Blue Mountains
• Queensland: 
Townsville,  Cairns,  Hervey Bay,  Noosa,  Bundaberg
• Northern Territory: 
Alice Springs,  Ayers Rock

Description: Knobs and Bells Loop Pass - Anticlockwise
(Including Blue Mountains Day Trip)

Pass Price: AUD1515

Local Payments: AUD535

Pay to Oz Experience:AUD445
Includes:
Alice Springs to Adelaide:
- 3 night's multi-share accommodation, 2 nights permanent camp sites
- Meals: 5B, 6L, 5D
- Uluru NP fee, Flinders Ranges park fee, Opal Mine Tour

Adelaide to Melbourne:
- 2 night's multi-share accommodation (incl. bed linen)
- Meals: 2B, 2D
- Park entry fees, entry to Otway Fly Treetop Walk

Melbourne to Sydney:
- 2 night's multi-share accommodation (incl. bed linen)
- Meals: 2B, 2D
- National park fees

Pay to Kroombit Cattle Station:AUD45
Includes:
- 1 night Bunkhouse dorm accommodation, 2 course bush dinner and breakfast

Pay to Mojo Surf Camp:AUD45
Includes:
- 1 night multi-share accommodation, 1 dinner, 1 breakfast

Itinerary:

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 organization dedicated to saving our precious Koala Bears. After a coastal lunch stop we arrive at Surf Camp late afternoon. If you're thinking about a longer stay at Surf Camp let your driver know so he can book you in. We recommend you do. It's 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. It's a lot of high-rise buildings, but it's a lot of fun. Try it out for a couple of days yourself and see...

Gold Coast to Brisbane (zz)
We roll into Brisbane in the early evening. Brisbane's the capital of Queensland. It's 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 there's so much else to do. Rainbows got beaches, great natural attractions like the Carlo Sand Blow and the colored cliffs, and even dolphin feeding. When we arrive at Rainbow we'll go on an exclusive Oz Experience cultural walk around the local area.

Rainbow Beach to Hervey Bay
It's 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 doesn't grow on trees.

Bundaberg to Town of 1770 (zz)
If by now you're 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 don't cost much, the beaches are great, the people are friendly, and it's 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; it's also goat country. From the sea and sand we head to the dust and dirt of Lochenbar Cattle Station. It's 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). Don't 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 it's 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. You'll think you've landed in paradise. Townsville is the gateway to Magnetic Island. There's 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
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 dropoffs. 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 you're lucky you'll see a Cassowary, these are seriously big rare birds with attitude to match.

Mission Beach to Cairns
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 world's oldest living rainforest. Don't 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)
You'll see why it's 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 it's back on the road, get ready to view Uluru (Ayers Rock). Camp at Uluru.

Uluru and Kata Tjuta (zz)
Sunrise at Uluru is worth the early start! Walk partway around the base or climb Uluru if you choose. Check out the Cultural Centre, explore the red domes of Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) and sip a glass of 'Aussie' bubbly as you watch the Uluru sunset. Camp at Uluru.

Uluru to Coober Pedy (zz)
We go underground today, traveling south through the rugged desert country into South Australia, arriving into Coober Pedy in the late afternoon. Stay in an underground bunkhouse tonight.

Coober Pedy to Quorn (zz)
Check out the sights of Cooper Pedy on a town tour, see an opal cutting demonstration and have a go at 'noodling' for opals! Further south there's ancient salt lakes which are remnants of an inland sea and the bus refuels at Glendambo (population 30). Quorn is a quaint historical railway township nestled at the entrance to the Richman Valley. Stay for two nights in private multi-share accommodation at the historical "Mill".

Flinders and Wilpena Pound (zz)
Hike and explore Wilpena Pound; one of Australia's National Landscapes! View Aboriginal rock paintings at Yourambulla Caves and learn about the hardships of sheep farming in the mid 1800's at Kanyaka Homestead. There's an opportunity to spot for the elusive Yellow Footed Rock Wallaby at Warren George.

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, it's a challenge but worth it! Travel south to the coast and Warrnambool and the start of the Great Ocean Road. There's 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 Australia's 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 Australia's southernmost point to Australia's highest point! The Barry Way is an exciting journey and you'll see the Snowy River wind below. We climb high into the Australian Alps to the village of Thredbo. Grab your hiking boots and cameras; we're going to the "Roof of Australia". There's a chairlift (own expense, but we get a great deal!) express up the mountain! You can walk to the summit of Australia's 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 we'll 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.

NOTE:
* (zz) = compulsory overnight stop required
* Itinerary may vary due to seasonal and extreme weather conditions and national park requirements
* Start anywhere on the route finish where you started travel in one direction only
* Itinerary may also operate in reverse direction i.e. clockwise
* Recommended trip time 45 days
* Pass price does not include accommodation unless specified in the kitty inclusions

Cost in US$: from AUD 1,515

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Australia Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Oz Experience's Mission Statement: Oz Experience is about travelling with trained professional guides who make the journey as good as the destination. It's our aim to take you to the hot spots and the 'off the beaten track' highlights. Best of all, it is on a bus tour dedicated to backpackers and travellers generally aged between 18 - 35 like you.