It’s hard to comprehend the size and impact of these fires – but an area twice the size of Belgium is currently ablaze!

They’ve also created a plume of smoke wider than Europe which has even turned glaciers and mountains in neighbouring New Zealand brown with ash fallout…and they’re 2,000km away

Honestly the Australia PM Scott Morrison has been pretty slow with handling this national disaster (or even admitting there is a problem!) so Australia needs all the help it can get. Heck even Aussie celeb Celeste Barber has raised more cash than the government has pledged!

The easiest way you can help out with the Australia bushfire is to donate to some of the incredible organisations helping on the ground, including wildlife rescue services, the Red Cross and of course the true heroes of it all – the Rural Fire Service.

And if you cant afford to donate give this post a share on Facebook or your social media and help spread the word! Actually do that if you donate too!

Australia Bushfire – How Can You Help? Main Donation Links

Whether you want to help the people, the wildlife or both – here are some of the best official donation links for Australia bushfire appeals so you can make a difference no matter where you are in the world.

I know it’s a pain finding links on Instagram and stuff as the captions aren’t clickable but here are some of the best organisations you can donate to right now.

And of course if you know of any other awesome organisations who are on the ground helping and raising funds add them into the comments!

1. Bushfire Disaster Fund

https://www.communityenterprisefoundation.com.au/make-a-donation/bushfire-disaster-appeal/

2. Redcross Disaster Relief

https://www.redcross.org.au/campaigns/disaster-relief-and-recovery-new-years-eve

3. Salvation Army Disaster Appeal:

https://www.salvationarmy.org.au/donate/make-a-donation/donate-online/?appeal=disasterappeal

4. CFA/VIC Rural Fire Service

https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/about/supporting-cfa#donate-cash

5. Wildlife Victoria

https://www.wildlifevictoria.org.au/donate/donate-to-wildlife-victoria

6. NSW Rural Fire Service

https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/volunteer/support-your-local-brigade

7. Port Macquarie Koala Hospital

https://www.koalahospital.org.au/act-now/donate

8. Australia Travel Industry Redcross Fundraiser

https://fundraise.redcross.org.au/fundraisers/AustralianTravelIndustrysBushfireReliefFund/fundraise-for-disaster-relief-and-recovery?ref=ch_1FxQ4SApob8C59ODudYx51IC

Scary Facts About The Bushfires

• Over 500 millions animals lost
• Including an estimates 1 in 3 koalas
• Over 14 million acres burned
• Including over 3.5 millions acres in New South Wales
• 24 confirmed deaths
• More than 1400 homes lost
• Thousands of people evacuated and now homeless across NSW and VIC
• 48.9 degree – some of the record high temperatures contributed to the fires

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Guardian Australia (@guardianaustralia) on Nov 8, 2019 at 9:45pm PST

Know of any other awesome organisations who need help?

Chuck the links in the comments and I’ll add them in

The post Australia Bushfire – How Can You Help? Donation Links appeared first on RTW Backpackers.

Well why not jump on a Whitsundays catamaran trip?

As well as looking sleek and stylish catamarans offer amazing stability (great for those who haven’t got their sea legs yet!) as well as heaps of deck space to relax, unwind and enjoy the epic views!

Our team have picked out of favourite 4 catamaran Whitsundays sailing adventures for you to choose from – from party vibes and hot tubs to small group luxury….

The Best Catamaran Whitsundays Sailing Adventures

1. Powerplay

If you’re after a more luxurious Whitsundays Sailing Adventure then you can’t go wrong with a trip on board Powerplay.

Sure this catamaran option is a little pricier than Wings or Tongarra – but the trade is a much smaller group size (max 16) and those little touches of luxury that really make this the perfect options for couples and flashpackers.

Indulge in a sunset beer on the on deck spa or grab one of the included SUPs or inflatable kayaks to explore even more.

As with all our catamaran Whitsundays trips expect to take in all the highlights from Whitehaven Beahc, Hill Inlet Lookout and plenty of amazing snorkel spots.

So go on, treat yourself!

Trip duration; 2 day/2 night

Departs; Monday & Saturday

Price from; $535

Max group; 16

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO & TO BOOK

2. Whitsundays Adventurer

Another awesome option for those looking for a smaller group trip – with a max capacity of 12 guests, including 3 double cabins – this is another great option for those looking to splash a bit or go as a couple.

Again boasting an on board spa and itinerary taking in both Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet – a trip on Whitsundays Adventurer fits in everything you want from this iconic part of East Coast Australia.

Trip duration; 2 day/2 night

Departs; Monday, Wednesday and Friday

Price from; $535

Max group; 12

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO & TO BOOK

3. Entice

If you’re looking for an even smaller group trip, or perhaps even a private charter with a crew of friends, then Entice is a solid choice.

One of the newest Whitsundays catamarans it hits up all the must see spots in the Whitsundays and also boasts some epic inclusions like clear bottomed canoe, sea scooter, and stand-up paddleboards.

With a chilled, yet social atmosphere, Entice is great for couples, families and groups of friends.

Trip duration; 2 day/2 night

Departs; Monday, Thursday & Saturday

Price from; $599

Max group; 10

4. On Ice

The sister vessel of Entice, On Ice follows a similar itinerary and vibe, but with some alternative departure days to choose from.

Boasting the same epic inclusions (including plenty of water sports activites On Ice is another firm customer favourite for those seeking a little more luxury.

Trip duration; 2 day/2 night

Departs; Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday

Price from; $599

Max group; 10

We’re Here To Help!

There you have it – 4 of our favourite catamaran Whitsundays sailing adventures with something to suit all styles and budgets!

And if you’re not entirely convinced by a Whitsundays catamaran trip we have a huge range of options – from tall ship sailing to full on party boats!

Just chat to our awesome travel experts and they’d be happy to answer your questions and help find your perfect tripod even pair it up with a Fraser Island tour for one of our epic discounted package deals!

CLICK HERE FOR OUR FULL RANGE OF WHITSUNDAYS TOURS!

The post The Best Catamaran Whitsundays Sailing Adventures appeared first on RTW Backpackers.

The worlds largest sand island is one of the best adventures between Sydney and Cairns – where you can visit dense rainforest, hike along sprawling sand dunes, swim in crystal clear lakes and of course drive along the beach!

So if you’re busy planning your Fraser Island tour here’s 7 handy things to know, before you go…

7 Things You Need To Know Before Your Fraser Island Tour

You Can Drive A 4×4

One of our favourite experiences about Fraser Island is the opportunity to drive a 4×4 during your Fraser Island tour!

Admittedly not every trip offer this – all our favourite like Pippies, Dingos and Nomads Fraser do -but if you’re over 21, with a valid international license you’ll get the opportunity to cruise along beach highways and through more challenging rainforest tracks during your trip which is heaps of fun.

But Not On The Day Trips

Unfortunately though if you only have the time or budget for a day trip you wont get this chance – as these are done with 4×4 tour buses.

The Local Name For The Island Is K’Gari

Fraser Island has long been home to Aboriginals who have lived off the land and natural resources for thousands of years.

And because of that there’s heaps of incredible history, culture and dreamtime stories to learn during your trip. 

If you really want to discover more about the real K’Gari we highly recommend checking out the Dropbear Adventures Tour where you’re knowledgable guides will teach you more about this side of the island.

Camping Is The Most Fun Option

Seriously, if you’re looking of the most fun Fraser Island tour then the camping options are our teams favourite option!

I mean how many times do you have the opportunity to camp on the worlds largest sand island and gaze at the stars from the door of your tent!

Embrace the adventure and check out Pippies, Dingos or Dropbear for some camping goodness

…But You Can Do A Dorm If You Prefer!

If you want a more comfortable nights sleep there are also dorm options too – with Nomads Fraser Island being the most popular as it still offers the opportunity to drive the 4×4. 

In fact Nomads offer both a dorm and camping option on the same trip so you wont miss out on any of the fun!

You Can Leave Your Luggage At The Start Destination

Pretty much all hostels in Rainbow Beach, Noosa or Hervey Bay offer luggage lock up facilities for those heading out to Fraser Island.

This means you can slim your stuff down to a small weekend bag and not have to lug it all around the island!

Just take the essentials (inc a jumper for the evening in the winter months) and embrace the island vibes!

Most Tours Are BYO

Most Fraser Island tours are BYO – which is ideal for backpackers looking to save some money on bar tabs whilst still having heaps of fun!

The overnight camping trips are great for an awesome fireside party, so bring along some cold beers or a couple of boxed of goon to get things started!

…or have a few in the back of the 4×4 if you’re not driving that day!

The main exception to this rule is the Nomads Fraser Island tour, which has a licensed bar on site.

Is Fraser Island on your Aussie bucket list?

What are you most stoked about?

Popular Fraser Island Tours

AUD $195

Fraser Island Day Trip With Discovery Group (From Noosa)

Jump aboard one of our brand new purpose built "Warrior" 4WD Vehicles and experience a great value tour of World

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Dingos Fraser Island Tour (Camping)

3 days of camping fun and cruising around Fraser Island in a 4WD!

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Nomads Fraser Island Tour (Hostel Style) - 3 Day Option

Join one of the best Fraser Island tours for 3 days of cruising around Fraser Island in a 4WD with

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Fraser Island Tour With Pippies Fraser Island (Camping)

3 days of cruising around Fraser Island in a 4WD!

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The post 7 Things You Need To Know Before Your Fraser Island Tour appeared first on RTW Backpackers.

But with so much to see and do it can be tough to figure our the best places to visit in Bali – so we’ve picked the brains of our Bai experts to see which destinations in Bali make the top of their lists.

Time to start planning your perfect Bali adventure…

5 Of Our Favourite Places To Visit In Bali, Indonesia

Canggu

If you’re planning your first trip to Bali then Canggu should be the spot you head to to kick things off and is easily one of the best places to visit in Bali.

This hipster paradise is THE place to be in Bali – with a huge range of hotels, guesthouses, hostels and there are also plenty of Canggu Surf Camps as well if you want to hit the waves.

And the beach is the focus of everything here too, with a variety of surf spots to choose from (for all levels of surfer) or simply kick back and enjoy a sunset Bintang on the beach!

For the foodies out there Canggu is the best place to visit in Bali for food too – with more cafes, restaurants and warungs (local restaurants) than you can imagine. From smoothie bowls and vegan delights to burgers and of course Nasi Goreng.

Canggu is also the start point for most of our Bali Tours too – so check those out if you want to hit up a few spots!

Ubud

Stray away from the beach and head inland to the popular spot of Ubud – another favourite place to visit in Bali. Discover the amazing rice terraces (get up early and head there for sunrise if you can!), brave the Monkey Forest and fill your backpack up with souvenirs from the bustling local markets.

It’s the yoga capital of Bali too, so if you’re keen to get your “om” on then there are plenty go yoga classes and studios that cater for all styles.

Uluwatu

If you surf this has to be top of your list of places to visit in Bali – the world class waves at Uluwatu offer up some incredible barrel rides and it’s a bucket list destination for sure.

If you don’t surf no worries – grab a cocktail and sit back and enjoy the show.

The Sunday sessions at Single Fin are legendary too and one of the bets nights out in Bali – so if you can fit that into your trip it comes highly recommended!

For those looking for a bit more culture on their Bali trip the Uluwatu Temple is a great spot to spend an hour or so wandering around, with the sunset Kecak show being a highlight.

Gili T

Ok ok we know that technically this isn’t part of Bali – but Gili Trawangan (aka Gili T) should certainly be somewhere you try to fit in if you find yourself exploring Bali!

A 4 hour ferry from the mainland this is the spot to head if you’re on the hunt for island vibes, beaches and clear waters.

Famous for the abundance of turtles a morning high tide is the perfect opportunity to swim alongside this chilled creatures and is something you won’t forget in a hurry.

When the sun goes down on Gili T (and this island offers up some truly epic sunsets!) the beach parties kick off and you can dance on the sand until the early hours of the morning.

Nusa Lembongan

Again, we know it’s not technically Bali, but Nusa Lembongan it’s another epic spot you just can’t miss out on!

Much more chilled vibes here than Gili T, this island sits a much shorter 30 minute speedboat trip off of mainland Bali so is perfect for a quick getaway or last minute place to visit in Bali.

Again there are some incredible world class waves (and it’s a favourite stop for people jumping on our Bali Island Hopper Surf Adventure) so whether you paddle out or just enjoy watching make sure you take the time to do so.

The big draw with Nusa Lembongan though is the manta rays – so if you head this way jump into the ocean scuba diving or snorkelling and meet these gentle giants face to face!

If you have a bit longer to spare combine Nusa Lembongan with Nusa Penida for some even more epic adventure and Insta worthy photo stops.

Are you planning a trip to Bali?

What’s top of your places to visit in Bali?

Popular Indonesia and Bali Tours

From AUD $99

Scuba Dive Courses On Gili Trawangan With Big Bubble

Learn to scuba dive and complete your open water dive course on the island paradise of Gili Trawangan near Bali,

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AUD $140

Bali Arrival Pack

Kick start your travels with our Bali Arrival Pack - including VIP airport pickup, accommodation, breakfast and even a massage!

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18 Day Bali And Komodo Adventure Tour With TruTravels

Discover the wonders of Bali and Komodo with this epic 10 day Bali & Komodo Adventure with Tru Travels -

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10 Day Bali Adventure Tour With TruTravels

Discover the wonders of Bali with this amazing 10 day Bali Experience with Tru Travels - covering Canguu, Ubud and

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The post 5 Of The Best Places To Visit In Bali, Indonesia appeared first on RTW Backpackers.

In this guide, we take a quick look at the different ways to learn, share our favourite Aussie surf spots that are perfect for catching your first waves, and round up our team’s pick of the best learn to surf packages available.

Should you go it alone, book a lesson or stay with a surf camp?

Ah the killer question!

There’s actually more to it than just time and money, so let’s take a quick look at the pros and cons of each:

Board hire only

If you’ve surfed before, know what you’re doing, and feel confident in the ocean, renting a board and hitting the waves solo may work well for you. It’s also the cheapest option, happy days!

Book a lesson

If you’ve never surfed before, don’t be tempted to just rent a board and go; surfing is deceptively hard! Spend a few more dollars and get a proper lesson. You’ll have way more fun, be safer, and you’re also much more likely to nail that Instagram shot of you riding your first waves like a pro!

A good surf school will pick out the best spot for the conditions on the day, show you everything you need to know to get you up and riding, plus teach you a little about ocean safety.

A lesson is also perfect if you don’t have long, or want the flexibility of choosing as many or as few days as you need. It’s more expensive than board hire alone, but usually all equipment is included in the price which eases the blow a bit.

Stay at a surf camp

It’s a simple truth that the more you surf, the better you get. If you want to improve beyond getting up on your first white water waves, soak up the surf lifestyle, and make new friends, you can’t beat the experience of a surf camp.

It might be the most expensive option, but you get all the benefits of multiple lessons, plus everything, including meals and accommodation, is taken care of for you. All you need to think about is surfing and chilling!

The best surf spots in Australia for beginners

As a beginner, the best place to learn is at a beach break where you can catch broken waves in waist deep water, with no strong currents. Australia has a mind blowing amount of surf spots and loads that are perfect for beginners. Here are five of our favourites:

Byron Bay, New South Wales

With its laid back hippie vibe and a variety of breaks for all levels, Byron Bay is arguably one of the best places in the world to learn to surf. Check out Clarkes Beach at the Eastern end of Main Beach. It’s usually slightly less crowded, is sandy bottomed, and offers a gentle right-hander that is ideal for beginners.

Yamba, New South Wales

Situated in Northern New South Wales, picturesque Yamba is another classic Aussie beach town. Beginners have a couple of options here with Turners Beach and Main Beach both offering gentle waves, as well as breaks for more advanced surfers.

Spot X Surf Camp, New South Wales

Situated off the beaten track in Solitary Marine Park between Sydney and Byron Bay, Spot X Surf Camp is a dream location. You’ll find amazing waves with breaks suitable for absolute beginners right through to intermediate and advanced surfers.

What really sets Spot X apart from other locations though, is that it’s one of the few places where you can stay right on the beach. The perfect place to immerse yourself in Aussie surf life.

Noosa, Queensland

Noosa is famous as one of the best long boarding spots in the world and also offers a variety of breaks. Noosa Main Beach is one of the few north facing beaches on the East Coast so is well protected and ideal for beginners. Also check out Little Cove, another sheltered spot that is absolutely stunning.

Perth, Western Australia

If you’re hitting up Perth on the West Coast, you’ll still find plenty of opportunities to get some waves. The beginner breaks close to the city such as Cottesloe Beach, can get super crowded so you may find a little road trip pays off.

Lancelin Back Beach, just over an hour away, is beautiful and is usually uncrowded. For the best waves, try straight in front of the car park.

The best learn to surf packages in Australia

It’s not easy choosing between all the different options out there, so to help, we asked the experts (most of our team are die hard surfers!) for their top picks.

Here’s what they recommended…

Sydney to Bryon Surf Adventure with Mojosurf (7, 10 & 14 day options)

A surf camp with a twist, the beauty of this package is that you can use it to travel from Sydney to Byron (or vice-versa), as well as soaking up the surf life in the epic locations of Spot X and Byron Bay.

Spot X’s secluded location means you’ll eat, sleep, and breathe surf. With accommodation right on the beach, you can enjoy long days in the sun and nights around the camp fire with good company. You’ll also have the opportunity to add other activities, like surf rafting, river kayaking or kangaroo golf.

After Spot X, it’s on to the surfing mecca of Byron Bay for more lessons and after-surf fun with your new buddies.

Each package includes your surf lessons and equipment, transport, accommodation, plus all meals while you’re at the camp.

Click here to check out our Mojo Surf Adventures

Mojo Surf Academy and Surf Instructor Course

If a few days stop over in Spot X en route to Byron Bay isn’t enough to get your stoke going then why not take it a step further with the Mojo Surf Academy and spend 4 to 8 weeks enjoying the eat, sleep, surf repeat lifestyle?

You’ll have heaps of time to practice your skills and take your surfing to the next level before heading further up the coast!

Or for those who want to turn the beach into their office the zero to hero Mojo Surf Instructor Course is the way to go. This epic 3 month programme takes you from all the basics of popping and paddling right through to gaining your surf instructor certification – it’s the ideal way to turn your passion into a career even if you don’t have heaps of surf experience!

Click here for more info on the Mojo Surf Academy or the Mojo Surf Instructor Course.

Learn to Surf in Byron Bay with Stoked Surf School

If you’re short on time or funds, a half day adventure with Stoked Surf School could be the answer.

Stoked will take you on a fun road trip to find the least crowded spot with the best conditions on the day. They’ll then run you through some theory on the beach, before (hopefully!) getting you up and riding the waves.

Group sizes are deliberately kept small to make sure you receive enough attention from one of their qualified, experienced instructors, and a photographer comes along on every lesson to capture your best (and worst) moments.

Click here to book a surf lesson with Stoked Surf School

Which surf adventure will you choose?

However you choose to do it, make sure you do it! There’s no place on earth better to get caught up the surf lifestyle than Oz. But don’t say we didn’t warn you, it’s super addictive!

Check out our full selection of Learn to Surf packages in Australia and let us hook you up with an epic Aussie surf experience!

The post Learn to Surf in Australia: A Beginner’s Guide appeared first on RTW Backpackers.

Space is at a premium so deciding what they’ll love and what they’ll leave at home is a tough call!

Luckily for you though we’ve compiled our teams favourite travel gifts – so whatever your traveller loves you’ll be able to get them the perfect present.

10 Epic Gift Ideas For Travellers This Xmas

GoPro

Ok admittedly this isn’t the cheapest item on the list – but if you really want to go all out for xmas a GoPro is one of the best gifts for travellers!

Waterproof, rugged and able to capture some incredible images on the road – it’s something they’ll be able to capture their entire adventure with!

If you want the best of the best the new GoPro Hero 6 is the top end, but the GoPro Hero 5 is almost as good and will save you a chunk of change too!

If you don’t have heaps of cash to splash or they simply don’t need all the functionality of the high end GoPro range the Gopro Hero 5 Session is still a greta option and nearly half the price!

If they already have a GoPro then there are heaps of accessories too – with the GoPro Supersuit Housing and red dive filter being our top pick for anyone into scuba diving!

Travel Insurance

Ugghhhhh yeah we know…this one sounds pretty boring hey? But travel insurance is essential these days and is the perfect way to show you care!

We personally recommend the guys at World Nomads who all of our team insure themselves with and they cover a huge range of activities. Best of all you can insure them AFTER they’ve left for their trip too.

So if you’re panicking that they’re currently bungy jumping through New Zealand without insurance you can get them covered!

Check out our travel insurance page for more info and to get a quick quote.

The Gift Of Travel!

Ok so we’re hugely bias towards this one!

But seriously what better gift to give some who loves to travel than travel itself? All of the trips on RTW Backpackers can be booked as a gift for someone else and best of all we can do that open dated for you too – meaning they can lock in their travel dates when it suits them.

Perfect!

Whether it’s a half day surf lesson or kayaking with dolphins through to a full open water dive course in Thailand or a bus pass in New Zealand we’ve got something for everyone…and more importantly for every budget too!

And if you aren’t quite sure what they want to do, or want to help them out with purchasing that epic East Coast Package then we also have gift cards starting at just $25.

Scratch Map

Help your travel buddy keep track of all their amazing adventures with a scratch map – an awesome visual way to see where they’ve been and how many adventures they still have to go!

From full size wall ones to mini travel editions it’s a great stocking filler and always well received!

Something For Their Passion

If you know this traveller well then something that reflect their passion is always a great way to go at xmas!

From a few block of sex wax for the avid surfer to a Girls That Scuba mask strap or even a shark themed phone case from the scuba diver in your life there’s plenty of budget friendly options packed full of love!

Travel Essentials

Looking for some stocking fillers for your traveller? Well you can’t go wrong with the travel essentials!

They might not be the most exciting, but they’re certainly the most useful – with items like Mozzie spray, first aid kits, padlocks, micro fibre towels, suncream and all those little things you ALWAYS forget to pack…there’s so much to choose from!

A Good Set Of Headphones

When it comes to long haul flights, overnight buses and island hopping ferries a good set of headphones definitely help make life on the road a bit easier!

And if you have a bit more cash to splash on your favourite traveller the Sennheiser PXC 550s  are pretty incredible – with up to 30 hours of battery life and noise cancellation features they really do upgrade your adventures to first class! Check out a full hands on review of the PXC 550s here if you don’t believe us!

A Drone!

Ok ok, so this is a pretty high end gift – but if you really want to help them capture the adventure a drone is the latest must have travel accessory!

For those really into their filming and photography The DJI Mavic Pro is still the top pick for travel drones, with its’ compact size and boasting some seriously high specs without taking up heaps of space.

Or for those getting their first drone the DJI Spark is super easy to fly and most importantly crazy small! It’s also one of the best value drones on the market right now – half the price of the Mavic!

Powerpack

With all this travel technology you’re going to want to make sure they can keep everything charged on the road – and a solid portable charger is an amazing gift for anyone who is bouncing around the globe.

The Anker Powercore 10,000 is super small and can still juice up your smartphone 3 times off a single charge – perfect for life on the road.

A Backpack

If they’re heading off on their first adventure soon then a backpack is one of the most essential items they’ll be needing.

Personally we always recommend the Osprey Farpoint which is the perfect size, super comfortable and most importantly super hard wearing – check out a hands on review of the Osprey Farpoint here.

If it’s just hand luggage they need or the perfect carry on only adventure pack then then Slicks hand luggage backpack is a no brainer. It’s not the cheapest but it’s certainly one of the best and most reliable.

And there you have it – 10 amazing gift ideas for every traveller this xmas! So no matter what they love, where they’re heading or how much you have to spend you can make sure the traveller in your life is smiling this xmas!

The post 10 Epic Gift Ideas For Travellers This Xmas appeared first on RTW Backpackers.

But figuring out how to travel the East Coast of Australia can be a tough one as there’s the factors of time frame, budget and flexibility to consider.

So to help you plan your trip to Australia we’ve decided to compare two of the most popular options for travelling the East Coast – Premier Bus Passes and Greyhound Bus Passes – so you can decide which is the best fit for you…

Premier Bus Pass Australia or Greyhound Bus Pass Australia – Which Is Better?

Both Premier and Greyhound offer the popular hop on, hop off bus passes which are the most affordable and flexible ways to travel along the East Coast of Australia – allowing you to plan your trip online, change bus dates if needed and have all your bus travel sorted in one easy pass.

The only thing you need to keep in mind through is these passes is that you can only travel in a single direction (so no backtracking) however Greyhound also offer a KM Pass which is slightly pricier but does allow you to backtrack if needed.

Premier Bus Pass Australia

Main Pass Options;

Sydney > Cairns – $350

Byron Bay > Cairns – $270

Brisbane > Cairns – $250

Valid For; 6 months

Greyhound Bus Pass Australia

Main Pass Options;

Melbourne > Cairns – $549

Sydney > Cairns – $445

Brisbane > Cairns (includes free return to Byron Bay) – $350

KM Passes (from 1000kms) – from $199

Valid For; 3 months (Hop On, Hop Off Passes) but extendable to 6 months or 12 months for KM Passes

So What’s The Difference Between Premier Bus and Greyhound Bus?

Apart form the price the main difference between Premier and Greyhound is the departures. Premier only offer a single departure per day whereas on most routes the Greyhound Bus Pass will have multiple options to choose from.

For those travelling in low season this wont be a huge deal but in peak season (especially xmas and new year) the multiple options on Greyhound can be a huge lifesaver, especially for those less organised and booking last minute!

Generally speaking the Greyhound Buses are much newer and even boast phone charging points and free wifi (although it’s limited to signal strength and is pretty slow!) – so if you’re looking for comfort then Greyhound often wins out.

The other key things to keep in mind is that Premier only run Sydney to Cairns (or the other way around) whereas Greyhound also runs from/to Melbourne as well. Sure you can also bolt a single Greyhound bus from Sydney to Melbourne onto a Premier Pass, but for convenience it’s something to keep in mind

Which Is Better – Premier Bus Pass or Greyhound Bus Pass?

For Budget – If budget is your main concern then the Premier Bus Pass is the cheapest way to cover the East Coast

For Ease Of Use – both options are easily managed online and you can change your travel dates through this system.

For Flexibility – Greyhound is more flexible, with multiple departure per day and the Greyhound KM Passes also allow you to backtrack and is also well worth checking out if you’re grabbing internal flights too.

Did you go with Premier or Greyhound?

How do you rate them?

The post Premier Bus Pass Australia or Greyhound Bus Pass Australia – Which Is Better? appeared first on RTW Backpackers.

However to help make sure you don’t miss out on the best bits here are 15 East Coast Australia Must Do Activities that you should definitely fit into your travel plans!

15 East Coast Australia Must Do Activities

Learn To Surf

Australia and surfing go hand in hand – so whilst you’re travelling Australia there’s no excuse not to give it a try! Whether you just opt for a half day surf lesson in Byron Bay or go all out with a Mojo Surf Trip up the coast from Sydney or a full blown surf camp in Yamba make sure you get amongst the waves, throw some shakkas and feel the stoke!

Sail The Whitsunday Islands

One of the most popular East Coast Australia must do activities – sailing on the Whitsundays is something you’ll never forget! Snorkel the beautiful reefs and soak up the stunning views from the Hill Inlet Lookout over Whitehaven Beach – whether you just head out on a Whitsundays day trip or jump on board an overnight Whitsundays sailing adventure this slice of Oz will pack your camera full of amazing pictures!

Cruise Around Fraser Island

Along with the Whitsundays, Fraser Island is the other East Coast Australia must do!

Cruise around the worlds largest sand island exploring spots like the world famous Lake Mackenzie, Indian Head Lookout and the Maheno Shipwreck.

For the most adventure a 3 day Fraser Island Camping Safari is the way to go but there are days trips and Fraser Island hostel option too.

Explore Magnetic Island

One of the most under rated stops on the East Coast, Magnetic Island is somewhere that should easily make your East Coast Australia must do list. Situated just off the coast of Townsville this amazing little island is best explored by “Barbie Car or Mote” and it’s only around 30 mins from one side of the island to the other!

Snorkel amazing beaches, take in sunset from epic lookout points, spot wild koalas or even party at the monthly Full Moon Party.

Grab one of our Magnetic Island Package deals for the easiest way to explore the island, which include return ferry transfers, accommodation, snorkel hire, welcome drink and even a koala cuddle at the Bungalow Bay YHA!

The Great Barrier Reef

No trip to Australia is complete without a visit the magnificent Great Barrier Reef and this epic natural wonder should be one of your top stops on the East Coast.

Cairns is the main base for a lot of Great Barrier Reef day trips but if you’re looking for less travel time and less busy snorkel spots then check out the Great Barrier Reef Trips from Mission Beach too.

For those on a budget the snorkel trips are the best value for ticking the Barrier Reef off your bucket list – but it’s also the perfect place for an Introductory Scuba dive or you can even complete your full open water dive course in Cairns too!

Scuba Dive

And talking of scuba diving, the warm tropical waters of Australia are the ideal place to give it a go for the first time – with plenty of options for introductory scuba dives or full scuba dive courses too.

And of course there are a huge array of dive sites and locations for those more experienced scuba divers as well.

Our two favourite spots for scuba diving have to be Byron Bay and The Great Barrier Reef though – with both locations offers heaps of marine life for all levels of diver.

Kayak with Dolphins

Everyone loves dolphins right?! Well why not hit the water and kayak alongside them in Byron Bay? This is one of the top spots in Australia for dolphin spotting and combined with a picturesque paddle around the stunning beaches of the area and an ocean view of the famous lighthouse this is certainly an East Coast Australia must do – and best of all it wont break your budget either!

Whale Watching (June – October)

If you’re travelling the East Coast of Australia during June to October you’ll be lucky enough to have the chance to witness the annual Humpback whale migration – with these gentle giants giving amazing displays all along the coastline.

Hervey Bay and Byron Bay are the best bets for a memorable day whale watching though – but if you’re lucky you’ll also catch them on the Barrier Reef, Whitsundays and Fraser Island too.

The Great Ocean Road

If you love a good road trip then the Great Ocean Road is certainly and East Coast Australia must do – the stretch of road from Melbourne to Adelaide is one of the best coastal drives in the world!

For the best experience hire a campervan and take at least 3 days to explore it, but if you’re pushed for time or on a budget check out some of the amazing Great Ocean Road day trips from Melbourne.

Grab A Selfie At The Sydney Opera House

No trip to Australia would be complete without a visit to the world famous Sydney Opera House and this global icon is selfie heaven!

Wander around Circular Quay for some alternative views or grab the ferry across to Manly Beach and grab some snaps from the water.

Of course if you want to splash out and treat yourself you can also check it out from the Sydney Harbour Bridget Climb too!

Sunsrise Or Sunset At Byron Lighthouse

Byron Bay is the most Easterly Point of Australia and the lighthouse walk is one of the best free actives that the East Coast has to offer.

Wander long the coastal path past famous surf spots like The Pass and Wategos Beach keeping an eye out for dolphins surfing in the waves along the way.

But for the best experience make sure you make it to the Byron Bay lighthouse for sunrise or sunset – it’s well worth the effort!

Skydive

If you want to really get your adrenaline going there’s not much that can beat jumping out of a perfectly good plane and ticking skydiving off your bucket list!

Australia has some epic skydive locations too – with Mission Beach, Airlie Beach and Byron Bay being the top pics, although skydiving Mission Beach is the most popular with amazing views along the coast and a beach landing.

Chill In The Forest At Cape Tribulation 

The only place in the world where two world heritage sites meet – Cape Tribulation is home to the incredible Daintree Rainforest AND the Great Barrier Reef!

Wander through the forests, spot wild crocodiles and laze around on stunning beaches – whether you choose a Cape Tribulation day trip form Cairns or opt to spend a few nights up there exploring a bit more and indulging in activities like kayaking or jungle surfing it’s worth heading that bit further north for.

Swim In A Waterfall

Nothing quite says tropical holiday like a picture swimming in a waterfall does it?!

Well luckily Australia has heaps to choose from and you’ll be spoilt for choice all along the East Coast.

If you want to go all out though a Cairns Waterfall tour through the Atherton Tablelands visits some of the best – including the famous Milla Milla Waterfall which featured in the herbal essences hair flick advert and was even the backdrop for Peter Andres “Mysterious Girl” music video!

Meet The Locals

If you travel Australia and don’t take the time to chill with some of the local wildlife you’re doing something wrong – who doesn’t want to kick back with a kangaroo, come eye to eye with a crocodile, kayak with dolphins or cuddle a koala?

Tick them all off the list with a trip to the famous Australia Zoo, or visit less crowded options like Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary or Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary for an up close and personal experience with some of Australia fluffy or scaly residents!

Need help planning your Australia trip?

Chat to our travel experts and we’d be happy to help or simply fill out our East Coast Custom Package form and create your perfect trip!

Have you explored Australia?

Any other things you’d add to our East Coast Australia Must Do list?

The post 15 Of The Best East Coast Australia Must Do Activities appeared first on RTW Backpackers.