Loka Travel have just launched a hop-on, hop-off travel network running between Sydney and Cairns, providing a novel new way to travel Australia’s East Coast. I travelled as far north of Brisbane, just to get a taste….
Loka’s shiny new mini-buses leave from just near Central Station in Sydney early in the morning a few times a week. The first stop departing Sydney is the gorgeous Hunter Valley, where there is usually the opportunity to sample a few wines at one of the many wineries. From here, the bus makes a straight shot up towards the beautiful country town of Gloucester, and the rolling hills of the Barrington Tops. The great part about Loka is that, as it is a hop-on, hop-off system, you can spend as much time at each of the overnight stops as you wish! Here in Barrington, we’re treated to a warm welcome at the Twistops Retreat . While the accommodation is basic, dormitory-style, the view is spectacular—and the outdoor terrace (complete with pizza oven, darts & pool) is sure to be a hit with many a visitor. For the keen, trips are organised to tube down the nearby Barrington River. For those staying a little longer, your hosts at Twistops are all too happy to provide maps for some hiking in the beautiful Barrington Tops.
From here, the Loka bus heads to the coast, to MojoSurf’s Spot X Surf Camp , just north of Coffs Harbour. This ramshackle camp, sharing its space with a caravan park, is every would-be surfies dream. Our room for the night is one of several permanently set up Teepees—which, unexpectedly, provide a fair bit of space. In the morning, we all line up for our included surf lesson. MojoSurf can help you organise longer stays here (even up to a few months if you want to get qualified as a surf instructor at their Surf Academy!). Weather permitting, Loka arranges a night out at a river camp, which you kayak out to. After helping catch your own dinner, you have the choice of Teepees or sleeping under the stars in a swag. Otherwise, if the rain is setting in, you’ll stay an extra night at SpotX—where you can curl up on the couch in their movie room, or just hang out with other travellers.
After waving goodbye to the MojoSurf team, the bus will wind its way north—the destination being the ultra-cool town of Byron Bay. On route, we pull into the town of Yamba, and the Angourie Pools just to the south. Here, there is an amazing swimming hole, right next to the ocean, complete with swing ropes & quite a high cliff-jump into the deep water. We’re dropped off in Byron by mid-afternoon, with a minimum two night stay (which doesn’t mean you can’t stay longer, however!). Byron Bay is a bustling surf town—if you are coming during one of the many festivals that take place in town, book your accommodation early, it fills up! I stayed at the Art Factory Hostel, about a ten minute walk from the centre of town. This hostel started its life as hippie commune, and still proudly displays much of this heritage. A big plus is the brewery & art house cinema just next door as well.
The final leg of this trip takes us from Byron to Brisbane, by way of the Gold Coast & Springbrook National Park, where you can frolic under a waterfall. Loka continues its buses as far north as Noosa, after which it makes use of the Queensland Rail network as far north as Cairns—whilst still including a number of special activities.
It’s your choice how long you take—this section of Loka’s network can be done in anywhere from 6 days to 2 months. The Loka Travel pass is also a great way for backpacker’s to explore—a little more guided than the similar OzExperience passes, where you travel on the Greyhound buses up the coast. Loka really gets to some off the beaten track places—one’s that would be a little harder to reach on a full-sized coach!
Overall, this was a much nicer way to make the trip from Sydney to Brisbane than a 12 hour blatt up the highway! Recommended for backpackers and locals alike, who want to see a little more than the Pacific Highway. Check out the full network at loka.travel
The writer travelled courtesy of Loka Travel as an employee of STA Travel
Categories: australia
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