Boarding now… the bus to Sydney
The world’s longest “regular” bus journey was launched yesterday, leaving London on the 15,000-mile (24140 kilometres), 84-day trip to Australia.
For some of the 38 travellers watching their last London sunrise for months, the OzBus offers the long and scenic way home; for others, a spectacular beginning to a career break. But as the pioneering passengers stood waiting yesterday to board for the world’s longest bus ride, one phrase kept being repeated: “The trip of a lifetime”.
Each of the passengers has paid £3,750 for accommodation, most meals and transportation – though the hop between Bali and Darwin in northern Australia will cost them another £175; the bus is to be shipped by cargo vessel, while the passengers fly.
The route from London to Sydney passes through some unforgettable locations
Prague
The first substantial stop on the route, the party will be given a chance to stretch their legs in the historic Czech capital, before losing them again on the city’s famous beer.
Transylvania
Travelling through Austria and Hungary, the landscape takes on a more Eastern European feel. Passing through the dense Transylvanian forest, passengers may spot a bear, a wolf, or even a lynx.
Istanbul
The gateway between Europe and Asia will be a welcome stop for the coach-weary crew, who can sample the local bazaars and explore the city’s renowned Ottoman architecture.
Gallipoli
Passengers will stop to pay their respects at the site of a First World War battle of deep significance to Australians and New Zealanders.
Bam
Just before the Pakistani border lies what is left of the Unesco World Heritage Site city of Bam. The ancient mud-walled metropolis is 2000 years old and a breathtaking place to visit.
Taj Mahal
No world adventure is complete without visiting the Taj Mahal, the ultimate architectural expression of love, built by Moghal emperor Shah Jahan for his favourite wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died giving birth
Everest
Once they have made it across the Nepal-China border to Tibet (no mean feat in itself), the crew face a dicey journey to the base camp of the tallest mountain in the world.
Sumatra
Passing through Malaysia, the bus stops off at Sumatra, the largest of the 13,000 islands that make up Indonesia, with lush rainforest, indigenous tigers and active volcanoes.
Uluru (Ayers Rock)
This is a photo moment that no trip to Australia ignores. The most recognisable icon of Australia’s scenery, this epic russet-coloured sandstone form is almost a kilometre high.
Sydney
Picking its way along the last stretch of undeveloped coastline, the bus takes in Sydney harbour, and the journey is complete.
Source: The Independent
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we read a story in Inglish newspaper when it started. When did the trip arrive in australia?