First ever bus to Australia sets off on mammoth trip

The first ever bus service between Ireland and Australia today set off on its mammoth expedition taking it across the world in 13 weeks.

OzBus left Galway this morning and will stop off in London, Prague, Istanbul and a host of other cities as it passes through 22 countries before arriving in Sydney in May.

The 22,000km trip down under will have 39 intrepid passengers on board, all of whom paid out €5,500 each for the trip, among them ten Irish people.

“Until now there’s never been an alternative to flying,” said OzBus founder Mark Creasey.

“Each year thousands of young travellers set off to Australia seeking the thrill of adventure.

“The trouble is most just end up doing the same old thing whilst the closest they come to adventure is watching the airport baggage carousel,” he said.

Highlights of the 13-week journey include the Tiger reserves in India, the Mount Everest region, Bali and Ayers Rock.

Varied terrain ranging from deserts to rain forests and mammoth mountains will make for a trip of a lifetime for the passengers on board, most of whom are aged between 25 and 35 with around eight over 50 years old.

The bus left from Galway this morning before stopping at Dublin’s Guinness Storehouse to pick up the remaining Irish contingent and to allow for pint at the famous brewery.

They will leave for the UK tomorrow morning on the 8am Holyhead ferry before heading to London to collect the remaining passengers, among them two Finnish, one American, one Swedish, over 20 British and one Kiwi.

The oldest is 69-year-old Janice Delaney from the UK while the youngest is 18-year-old Irish girl Anna Cannon.

One Aussie bus driver and a Northern Irish Tour Leader will also be on board.

Among the passengers was 29-year-old Declan Coyle from Garrison, Co Fermanagh.

“I heard about OzBus on the radio about a year ago, I was getting fed up with work, I had a bit of money saved up and decided that if I didn’t do it now I would never do it.

“I have been to Australia before, but this is more about the different countries I will see along the way.

“The place I am most looking forward to seeing and experiencing is Base Camp on Mount Everest. Iran and Pakistan is going to be very interesting as well,” he said.

Further details on OzBus and future expeditions can be found by logging on to their website www.oz-bus.com