Travelling from Sydney to Cairns and want the flexibility of a hop on, hop off bus pass but with the opportunity to meet heaps of new travel buddies and have an awesome guide help you out?
Well then the Loka Travel Nat Pass is for you!
The Loka Travel Collective is one of the freshest and best ways to travel the East Coast of Australia – combining all the ease and fun of an organised tour with the flexibility of a hop on, hop off bus pass.
Travelling between Sydney and Byron Bay on the Loka Travel mini buses (max 24 passengers) you’ll stop off at some incredible stops – including Barrington Tops National Park and Spot X Surf Camp.
Taste amazing wines in Hunter Valley, go tubing down the river rapids, learn to surf, watch sunset from a hot tub, visit the koala hospital or grab a selfie at the famous “Big Banana”…there’s heaps to do en route!
It’s the perfect way to kickstart your East Coast adventure, meet some awesome new travel buddies and have some incredible adventures – much more fun than an overnight bus from Sydney to Byron Bay!
Day 1
Sydney — Barrington Tops (Special Stop)
MEET: outside Wake Up hostel at 8am or outside Nomads (if confirmed) at 8.10am
We depart the big city and head to the Hunter Valley wine area for a tasting at one of Australia’s most famous vineyards. We then travel through the backcountry to our stunning stop on the edge of Barrington Tops National Park (a World Heritage Listed Area). We stay in our own private lodge overlooking the Barrington River. You have the option to ride an inner tube down a scenic part of the river (additional cost), then in the evening have a few drinks and relax in the hot tub.
SLEEP: $60 for dinner, dorm bed and breakfast at Twistops Retreat.
Day 2
Barrington Tops — Spot X Surf Camp
MEET: at the lodge
In the morning you can go mountain biking (additional cost) or go for a walk around the property to spot some of the amazing wildlife. We then head north, stopping to visit a Koala hospital to learn about their efforts in preserving Koalas, before travelling onto our waterfront accommodation at the Spot X Surf Camp, arriving in the early evening.
SLEEP: $35 for shared accom at Spot X.
Day 3
Spot X Surf Camp — River Retreat (Special Stop)
MEET: at Loka bus
We have the morning at leisure at Spot X. You can relax on the beach or we recommend taking part in a group surf lesson (additional cost). In the afternoon we travel to our River Retreat and go for a guided kayaking trip, spotting wildlife along the way. In the evening have a few drinks and toast marshmallows around the campfire. We sleep in beds in a tipi or swags under the stars. Note: in winter we stay in cabins.
SLEEP: $60 for camping/dorm bed, dinner and breakfast at River Retreat.
Day 4
River Retreat — Byron Bay
MEET: At camp
We leave our camp early, hop in our bus and head up towards Byron Bay, Australia’s famous surf and arts town. We stop in the picturesque town of Yamba along the way for lunch where you can have a walk around or a swim in the Angourie Blue Pool. We have an orientation drive on the way to Byron Bay to help you get your bearings.
SLEEP: Your choice of Byron accom, you can book through the Loka web app.
Day 5
Free Day in Byron Bay
Explore, learn to surf, party, visit the alternative town of Nimbin (additional cost), 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. We have an orientation drive on the way to Byron Bay to help you get your bearings.
SLEEP: Your choice of Byron accom*.
Day 6
Byron Bay (via Spot X) – Sydney
We express down to Sydney getting in early evening with drop offs to selected Sydney central hostels.
Note: Food and accommodation are not included in your Loka pass. You can break your journey at any of the stops through any of the travel days and just connect with a later Loka bus or rail departure (guided or unguided).
You can pre-book your own accommodation via our web app or your guide will book it for you, you will usually get a bed-only option (averaging $32 per person per night), or a twin/double option (averaging $100 per room).
The Nat Pass includes:
- All transport including the Loka bus between Sydney and Byron Bay
- Guidance from fun, local guide and access to Loka web app,
- Hunter Valley wine tasting
- Koala Hospital visit
- Barrington Tops scenic walk
- Kayaking at Spot X
You have the flexibility to break your journey to do the things you want to along the way.
Our own fun, local guides travel with you on our buses and on public transport, to give you the best advice and access to the attractions over the routes.
Unique, authentic experiences hunted out by us, our customers and locals over our routes — all established and supported in a sustainable manner.
Passes are valid for 12 months.
Departs at least 2 times per week from the Jonson Street bus stop and the Arts Factory. Current departure days are Sunday, Wednesday, Friday at 8am. Please confirm your departure point when booking.
Accommodation and food are not included. We offer a range of bed options in most stops ranging from hostel shared dorm rooms at about $32 per person per night, to ensuited basic motel rooms from about $100. The exceptions are our Country Campout and Indigenous Camp stay, for which there is a set price for each activity, these need to be paid direct to the operator:
Country Campout
Farm Experience, Swagman’s dinner (vege/GF free options available), Camping in swags, Breakfast, Dinner before overnight train departure. Day guest at Emu’s Beach resort, including all facilities & Bluff Point Walk = $75.
Dorm only at Emu’s Beach resort = $30
Indigenous Camp
Indigenous Rainforest Experience, Dinner, Breakfast, Camping, Spotlighting Wildlife, Transfers and Interpretative Walk = $120.
Dorm only at Mt Tyson Hotel = $35
Passes are valid for 12 months from the date of your departure. Travel is in Loka’s 24 seat mini coaches between Byron Bay and Noosa/Rainbow Beach (Cooroy train station), and local bus and train (plus ferry to Magnetic Island) between Noosa/Rainbow Beach and Cairns. Loka’s guides travel on all routes on the set departure days – but you can travel on the train on other days without a guide.
By purchasing your Loka pass you are agreeing to Loka’s Terms & Conditions
Provider Details
Loka Pty Ltd
Phone: 0266984901
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