Joey Travel 1 Trip Pass (Noosa / Byron Bay / Brisbane / Gold Coast)

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A JOEY hop-on hop-off pass with 1 trip on the small backpacker bus that runs every day between Noosa, Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Byron Bay. Each trip takes you between any two stops in either direction, so Byron Bay to Noosa in one go still uses just one trip.

Days

Pass valid 6 months from first trip

Age

18 and over

Start / finish

Noosa / Brisbane / Gold Coast / Byron Bay, either direction

Return

See itinerary for details

Tour style

Hop-on hop-off bus pass, 1 trip

Accommodation

Not included; the pass covers bus seats only

Transport

Small backpacker bus, up to 20 seats

Meals

No meals are listed as included

Route

Map of Joey Travel 1 Trip Pass (Noosa / Byron Bay / Brisbane / Gold Coast)

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Included experiences

Noosa to Byron Bay — the full coast run in about 5.5 hours, no change of bus
Brisbane — hop off in the city centre on Albert Street
Surfers Paradise — stop on the Gold Coast
Rainbow Beach — gateway to K'gari, four days a week

Joey Travel 1 Trip Pass (Noosa / Byron Bay / Brisbane / Gold Coast)

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Itinerary

Map

HOW YOUR PASS WORKS

Your pass holds one ride, so it suits a single run up or down the coast. Ride all the way from Byron Bay to Noosa without getting off and it still counts as one trip. Once the pass is in your JOEY account, you pick a date and book a seat for each ride. The buses are small, with no more than 20 seats, and plenty of the people on board are travelling solo, so it's an easy way to meet others heading the same way. Buses run every day in both directions, and you can add more trips to your account later.

MORNING: NOOSA TO BRISBANE

Heading south, the bus collects in Noosaville and Noosa Heads in the morning. Noosa sits inside the Noosa Biosphere Reserve, recognised by UNESCO in 2007 for the way the shire protects its rivers, beaches and forest. The run down the Bruce Highway takes about two hours and passes the Glass House Mountains, volcanic plugs that Captain Cook named in 1770 because they reminded him of the glass furnaces of Yorkshire. Watch for Mount Beerwah, the tallest at 556 metres. Around midday the bus pulls in on Albert Street in Brisbane, Queensland's capital, for about half an hour.

AFTERNOON: SURFERS PARADISE TO BYRON BAY

From the city centre the bus heads south to Surfers Paradise, where the Q1 tower rises 322 metres over the beach; it was the world's tallest residential building when it opened in 2005. Then it's over the border into New South Wales. In summer that means the clocks jump forward an hour, because Queensland doesn't use daylight saving. The run ends at the bus interchange in Byron Bay in the late afternoon, a short walk from Main Beach. Above the town, Cape Byron is the most easterly point of mainland Australia, and its white lighthouse has stood there since 1901.

THE NORTHBOUND RUN AND RAINBOW BEACH

Heading north, the bus does the same run in reverse, leaving Byron Bay in the morning and reaching Noosa in the afternoon, about five and a half hours with no change of bus. On some days of the week it carries on another 1.5 to 2 hours to Rainbow Beach, named for the cliffs of coloured sand that run along its shore, stained by iron oxides over thousands of years. It's the jumping-off point for K'gari (Fraser Island), the largest sand island on earth, which you can visit on a tour booked separately.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Noosaville (Bounce Hostel, Mary Street), Noosa Heads (Pardons Fruit Market, Cooyar Street), Brisbane (Albert Street, CBD), Surfers Paradise, Byron Bay (bus interchange, Butler Street) and Rainbow Beach (Spectrum Street). Stops and times are confirmed when you book each ride.
Departure time: Morning departures from Noosa and from Byron Bay every day; be at the stop at least 20 minutes before.
Minimum age: 18. Photo ID may be checked when you board.
Suits: Backpackers, solo travellers and pairs moving up or down the coast at their own pace.
Please note: The pass does not reserve a seat; book each ride through your JOEY account. A trip is counted once it is booked, and a missed bus uses that trip. No alcohol on board.

What to bring

Photo ID (passport, driver's licence or student card)
Snacks and a drink

What is included

1 trip on any JOEY route segment you choose
Your seat on the bus, with no booking fees
One standard suitcase or backpack plus one carry-on
Free date changes up to the day before travel
Pass valid for 6 months from the first trip
Bring one travel buddy on any trip (uses an extra trip)

Not included

Accommodation
Food and drink (bring your own snacks)
Surfboards and other bulky items ($20 each, space permitting)
Day trips and K'gari tours (booked separately)

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.