LONDON TO SYDNEY ITINERARY

ENGLAND – FRANCE - BELGIUM - GERMANY - CZECH REPUBLIC - AUSTRIA - HUNGARY - ROMANIA - BULGARIA - TURKEY - IRAN - PAKISTAN - INDIA - NEPAL - MYANMAR - THAILAND - MALAYSIA - INDONESIA -
EAST TIMOR - AUSTRALIA

London to Sydney is the ultimate overland adventure. In 13 weeks we cross from one side of the world to the other. Our route spans 20 countries and every type of landscape imaginable. From deserted beaches to rainforests, waterfalls to deserts, and medieval villages to futuristic cities.

Highlights

Bruges
Prague
Vienna
Budapest
Transylvania
Gallipoli
Istanbul
Cappadocia 
Esfahan
Bam
Lahore
Taj Mahal
Corbett Tiger Reserve Varanasi
Kathmandu
Mount Everest
Bangkok
Ko Samui
Penang
Sumatra
Bali
East Timor
Kakadu National park
Ayers Rock (Uluru)
Sydney

Below is our proposed itinerary giving you a rough idea of the route we will be taking. Due to the unpredictability of political and environmental conditions, the route can be subject to change. Either way we will get there!

Days 1 - 11

France, Belgium, Germany, Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary, Romania & Bulgaria.

Kicking off in London and heading east, we pass through northern France to Belgium, with our first night stop in medieval Bruges. Then onto Germany, visiting historic Heidelberg before arriving in the beautiful city of Prague in the Czech Republic. After a day or two exploring its ancient castles and stunning palaces (not to mention tasting its famous beers) we continue east to Austria and the sophisticated city of Vienna.

Passing lush vineyards and medieval villages, we arrive in Hungary, where the familiar west starts to take on a more Eastern European feel.

 

A goulash in Budapest (actually two cities, Buda & Pest separated by the river Danube) and we’re back on the road, passing through the dense forests of the Transylvanian mountains in Romania, Home to Europe’s largest population of bear, wolf and lynx.

A night camping close to Dracula’s castle (once the residence of Vlad the Impaler!) and we are ready to move on to the medieval city of Brasov followed by capital city Bucharest.

Only Bulgaria and the Balken mountains now separate us from Istanbul and Asia!

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Days 12 - 32

Turkey & Iran

Istanbul, the gateway between Europe and Asia is a city that has everything. We spend a couple of days in this fascinating city exploring its markets and tasting the local cuisine. A day trip to Gallipoli can be organised for anyone wishing to pay their respects to the men who fell here during the famous WW1 battle.

We leave the city behind and head east into Turkey’s mountainous heart. This is wild country, off the tourist trail. It is here that we visit the wonderful lunar landscape of Cappadocia.

 

Heading east past Erciyas Volcano and onto Mt Nemrut, famous for its giant statues built before Christ. Take an early morning hike up to the summit to see the sunrise over the mountains. We’re a long way from civilisation here. After skirting Lake Van we find ourselves at the border town of Doğubeyazıt (also affectionately known as Doggy Biscuit!) which is a good excuse for a party as alcohol is prohibited over the border. 

Crossing the Iranian border in the North West of the country, we head for the town of Tabriz with its stunning blue mosque and lively bazaars. Journeying south the country becomes a mixture of mountains and salt desert. After the hustle and bustle of Tehran, we move onto the town of Qom and its holy shrines.

The next city of note is Esfahan, the former capital of Persia. A city known for its abundance of historical buildings and life giving river the Zayandeh-Rood. Replenished from bargain hunting in the city’s lavish bazaars we continue south passing through the stunning Zagros mountains.

Further east our final stop is Bam. The city claimed the world’s largest mud brick ruins. Strolling among its mud towers is a great way to spend a day and a spectacular end to our time in Iran.

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Days 33 – 53

Pakistan, India & Nepal

Almost immediately a distinct change takes effect as we leave the Middle East and enter the Indian sub continent.

Pakistan is the site of some of the earliest human settlements, home to ancient civilisations rivalling those of Egypt and Mesopotamia, and the crucible of two of the world’s major religions, Hinduism and Buddhism.

Our first taste of Pakistan is to traverse the lonely Baluchistan Desert before reaching the vibrant frontier town of Quetta. From here it’s a mountainous climb over the Bolan Pass, along the old silk route  to the Indus Valley and onto Pakistan’s second city, the bustling Lahore.

Crossing the Indian border in the North West of the country we arrive at Amristar, with its spectacular golden temple and home of the Sikh religion.

Next stop is the Corbett Tiger Reserve.

Nestled in the foothills of the Central Himalayas this diverse park is home to among other things, panthers, leopards, elephants and crocodiles. This tranquil park is the perfect tonic to counter the hustle and bustle of Delhi.

India’s capital is like nowhere else on earth. Home to over 10 million, this chaotic city offers a glimpse of the entire country’s diversity.

 

A short drive south and we visit one of the wonders of the world, and certainly a highlight of any journey, the Taj Mahal.

The holy city of Varanasi on the banks of the river Ganges is one of the oldest living cities in the world. For over 2500 years it has attracted pilgrims eager to wash away their sins in the holy water. Keep your eyes open for floating bodies as the dead are often cast out downstream!

Nepal, a medieval mini kingdom, is a mountainous wilderness offering tremendous diversity for such a small country. Its vast forests, rich in wildlife include the Bengal tiger, leopards and even a few Asiatic rhinoceroses! Kathmandu is a backpackers’ haven and the gateway to the Himalayas.

We travel to Nagarkot, view point for Mt Everest and hike down the valley in front of the awesome Annapurna range. There is also a chance to take a light plane flight around Everest and Mt Lhotse, or go White Water Rafting.

Chill out with a Sherpa or try some Yak stew! You’re now at the roof of the world!

After Kathmandu, we head across Nepal, back into India and up to Darjeeling. Once home to the British Raj where the region's temperate climate led to its development as a hill station for British residents to escape the heat of the plains during the summers. It is also close to the 3rd highest mountain in the world Mt Kangchenjunga, and the famous view point at Tiger Hill.

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Days 54 - 68

Myanmar (Burma), Thailand & Malaysia

Next we travel to the mystical land of Myanmar (formerly Burma) where the impressive modern city of Yangon is contrasted by the country’s Buddhist temples and pagodas. Isolation has been paramount in it’s history, and it was once described as unlike any other country you can visit.

The world renowned Bagan is one of the true highlights of the trip, once the capital of the powerful Burmese empire, it boasts over 13,000 temples and is a photographers dream. OzBus is proud to be associated with a small local operator in Myanmar which ensures much needed income reaching local hands.

Due to the unpredictability of the Indian / Myanmar border crossing there may be a short flight involved in this section.

Crossing into Thailand we reach the country’s capital city, Bangkok. Thailand’s sprawling metropolis is often referred to as sin city! It may be hot, crowded and polluted but it’s still not to be missed.

Whilst in Bangkok it is possible to make a couple of excursions visiting the ‘Khao Yai National Park’ and also the famous floating markets where the locals still conduct their daily business afloat!

Still further south we follow the coastal road around the Gulf of Thailand. This is a simply stunning part of the country, palm fringed beaches and crystal clear lagoons abound. We make sure to spend time here relaxing and if we can time it correctly, take in a full moon beach party!

Malaysia is a vibrant and ethnically complex nation. Traversing its west coast we pass yet more stunning coastal scenery visiting the island of Penang, the first British settlement in Malaysia, before continuing south through tropical rain forest to the cooler climates of the Cameron highlands.  

Refreshed, we arrive at the futuristic city of Kuala Lumpur. From colonial mansions and the bustle of Chinatown to the modern magnificence of the Twin Towers, Kuala Lumpur is one of the most lively and vibrant cities in Southeast Asia.

At the historic port of Melaka we board the ferry for the short ride across the Selat Melaka to the Indonesian island of Sumatra.

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Days 69 - 78

Indonesia & East Timor

Indonesia is a fascinating country, comprising over 13000 islands, we start at the largest, Sumatra. One of the world’s last frontiers, it is an island of lush tropical rainforests, extraordinary flora and fauna, and active volcanoes.

Home to the Sumatran tiger, the island is a haven for nature lovers.

Crossing the short stretch of water to the island of Java, our first stop is the sprawling metropolis Jakarta. Leaving the capital city behind and striking east, Java offers us a diverse experience. From ancient temples and bubbling mud pools to volcanoes and paddy fields, Java is truly an island of contrasts.

In central Java we visit the world famous Borobudur temple. The Buddhist monument built around 788AD, was “discovered” in 1814 buried in volcanic silt. Its restoration now complete it now holds world heritage status.

The impressive volcano Mt Bromo is worth a sunrise climb, before we head onto Bali with exquisite arts, stunning landscape, beautiful beaches and literally thousands of temples, it is a living cultural museum.

Kuta is the island’s party town, with an array of pubs, clubs and restaurants catering to the pleasure seeker.  Further north the arty town of Ubud surrounded by lush rolling paddy fields offers welcome respite from Kuta’s excesses.

The last island we visit is the newly formed country of East Timor.

This recovering war zone has had mixed fortunes since independence, and remains a country in transition. However there is plenty to see in this former Portuguese colony including rugged mountains and a lush interior. It’s from here that we take a short flight to Darwin, Australia - our last continent to conquer!

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Days 79 - 91

Australia

Darwin in Australia’s Northern Territory, is our first taste of western culture for some time.
A modern, relaxed yet cosmopolitan town with a tropical atmosphere, Darwin serves as a great base to visit the nearby Kakadu National Park, known for its aboriginal rock art and incredible wildlife which includes the huge saltwater crocodile.

To the west is the 180,000 hectare Katherine Gorge National park. The park features 13 interwoven river gorges and can be explored by boat or on foot. (please remember this is crocodile country!)

 

Travelling south along the Stuart Highway we head towards Australia’s heart, the forbidding Outback. The sheer vastness of the Outback makes for an incredible experience. At night we camp under clear starry skies, by day we enjoy endless sunbaked horizons.

After a slight detour to visit the geological wonders that are the Devils Marbles we eventually arrive at Australia’s centre, Alice Springs. From here we detour again, this time west to explore the truly awesome Uluru (Ayers Rock) and the Olgas.

Entering South Australia we arrive at one of the states most unusual places, Coober Pedy. This small opal mining town is known for its unique style of underground living where residents escaping the hot outback sun reside in underground cave houses!

Crossing the magnificent Flinders Range, an area steeped in aboriginal dreamtime, we start to leave the harsh desert environment behind as we make our way to the attractive city of Adelaide. With stunning beaches and the world famous Barossa Valley wine making region nearby, we enjoy a glass or two and refresh ourselves before striking east along the Murray River in to the Australia’s rural heartland.

Our final leg of the journey brings us to New South Wales. Hugging the Murray river we visit traditional Australian country towns such as Mildura and Cowra as we pass through farming communities and goldfields until crossing the journeys last natural hurdle, the Blue Mountains.

Next stop is our final destination, Sydney.

With its stunning harbour, opera house, harbour bridge and Bondi Beach, Sydney is one of the world’s greatest cities. This is a great way to end an unforgettable experience. You can count yourselves as one of the few people ever to cross the entire world overland, you did it. London to Sydney!!

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Alternative Routes

Do be aware that due to the unpredictability of local conditions – notably the Iran/Pakistan & Tibet areas, the given route can be subject to change. Use the buttons below to check details of alternative routes.

There are always alternative routes available and we will make it one way or other.

Alternative route to Iran/Pakistan