Description

Ready for an action-packed adventure in the Land Down Under? Prepare to discover extraordinary islands, reefs, deserts and rainforests at four World Heritage sites. We hit all the Aussie highlights!

Slide down huge sand dunes and surf in clear blue waves on the Sunshine Coast. Travel in Toyota Troop Carriers to Fraser Island, the largest sand island in the world that is only accessible by ferry and 4x4 vehicles. Journey inland to the mystical Outback to explore canyons and monoliths in ancient Aboriginal territory. Paddle thrilling rapids on the Russell River and around uninhabited islands in Tropical North Queensland. Hike past giant fig trees in Daintree National Parks towering rainforest. Then plunge underwater to discover the worlds largest reef on a weeklong live-aboard scuba adventure. Aboard the fully-outfitted research vessel Undersea Explorer, we accompany marine biologists and participate in ongoing research. While topics change each trip, past studies include Minke whale migration, nautilus life cycles, reef conservation and the behavior of fascinating but harmless reef sharks. Scuba dive on the magnificent Ribbon Reefs and in the colorful Coral Sea. This is truly the adventure of a lifetime.

Day 1-7: We lose a day crossing the International Date Line. No worries, we'll get it back in the end. Get your first glimpse of the Land Down Under flying into Brisbane. Leaving the big city behind, we head to Noosa beach and adjust to an Aussie lifestyle. Wake up with a refreshing dip in the ocean and a morning surf session. After learning to surf, we hop in our four-wheel drives and head up the beach to Fraser Island and Great Sandy National Park. Beach camp under starry skies and explore the historic Maheno wreck, huge sand dunes, old growth rainforests and freshwater lakes.

Day 8-13: We travel from the white sands of the coast to the Red Center of Australia. The Outback is a vast and ancient playground, and we explore all the highlights. Hike through the mystical Olgas and learn why Ayers Rock is sacred to the Aborigines. Hear stories about Dreamtime, the Aboriginal myth of creation. Explore beautiful gorges and dramatic canyons on an overnight bush trip to the seldom seen areas of Ormiston Gorge and Glen Helen. Adventure abounds at every new site where we have opportunities to rock climb, see Aboriginal rock paintings, discover a hidden palm fringed oasis, walk through mesmerizing canyons and swim at ancient watering holes.

Day 14-18: A short flight to Cairns brings us back to the Queensland coast. From here we take a thrilling adventure through rainforest and over Class III and IV rapids on the Russell River in two-man sport rafts. Next stop is the magnificent coastline of Cape Tribulation where we kayak around tropical islands and get a taste of the beautiful Great Barrier Reef. Dry off just long enough to hike through lush rainforest in Daintree National Park.

Day 19-20: Time to go down under, literally! Explore the world-famous Great Barrier Reef, the most extensive reef system in the world and the only living organism visible from the moon. With 100-foot plus visibility, the Ribbon Reefs are great for pleasure dives with opportunities to spot dog-tooth tunas, loggerhead turtles, moray eels, giant Napoleon wrasse and manta rays.

Day 21-25: Head out farther to the more pristine Northern section of the Great Barrier Reef on a live-aboard dive boat. Snorkel with awe-inspiring Minke whales. Dive alongside a one hundred pound potato cod at the legendary Cod Hole, or drift effortlessly past a forest of hard and soft corals in Dynamite Pass. In the crystal clear waters of the Coral Sea, marvel at the astounding wealth and diversity of marine life as you discover this world-class underwater realm. We wrap up an incredible week in Tropical Queensland with a party. Our farewell dinner puts the final touches on our upside adventure Down Under. Together we reflect on our extraordinary journey and marvel at how much we've accomplished in such a short time.

Highlights

* Multi-sport eco-adventure in Australia
* Outback safari, rainforest exploration and island adventure
* Surfing, sea kayaking, whitewater rafting, bush walking
* Live-aboard scuba diving on Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea
* Minke whale and shark studies on a marine research vessel
* 5 hours of community service
* Grades 9-10 or 11-12; prerequisite: scuba certification or referral

Travel Types

• Camping
• Climbing
• Environmental Studies
• Hiking
• Kayaking (Sea)
• Native Culture Studies
• Rafting
• RainForest Tours
• Scuba
• Snorkeling
• Surfing

Type of Programs

• Adventure Travel

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

Call for details

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel

in Groups

Typically Participants Work

in Groups of 10-14

Typically The Application Process Time is

1-3 days

Year Founded

1993