Description

A Great Combination of Surf, Service and Adventure
Prepare for an unforgettable adventure in the Land Down Under! This program combines our Aussie Surf and Service program with our Sunshine Coast Service and Adventure program to create the ultimate two-week adventure in Australia. Sample life off the beaten trail one week, and then surf the waves at some of the country's best beaches the next. Explore rural townships and cosmopolitan cities, and camp out at an Aussie bush camp for a couple of nights.

You'll begin to feel like a local as you travel through the hinterland and along the Sunshine Coast. Learn about life in the bush at Rustic Pathways' Australian Base, where the Glasshouse Mountains rise up from the flat plains of Queensland's interior. Then catch a wave at famous surf breaks along the 60 miles of pristine coastline that you will explore. You'll get your adrenaline pumping with optional activities such as skydiving, go-karting, and bridge climbing in the heart of Brisbane. Meet genuine Aussie blokes and sheilas, sample true-blue Aussie tucker, and wag your chin with the locals as you traverse the country's beaches, mountains, and rural farms.

Giving Back To The Community
In true Rustic Pathways fashion, your trip will be much more than a tour through the country. You'll contribute to service projects in rural towns, big cities, and along the coast. Volunteer at a children's hospital, lend a hand at a local farm, and work with special-needs kids at a sports coaching center. You'll also help local environmental organizations with beach cleanups, waterway monitoring and cleaning, and wildlife habitat restoration. Learn about various conservation groups that are preserving this coastal environment and help make sure these places remain beautiful for generations to come.

The Ultimate Aussie Adventure
When you aren't engaged in service projects, you'll be off on various adventures. Hitting all the hot spots in this part of the country, you'll have an authentic Australian experience. Get up close with wildlife at Steve Irwin's Australia Zoo by feeding the kangaroos or cuddling a koala (optional)! Visiting local markets, hiking in spectacular national parks, cable-skiing, and learning how to surf are just a few of the other highlights. You'll also go on a four-wheel-drive trip on Moreton Island, where sand boarding, kayaking, surfing, and fishing are just some of the activities we have planned! Remember to keep an eye out for dolphins in the surf and whales farther offshore! Mix all this with some time relaxing on the beach and hanging out with new friends, and you will be talking about this trip for years to come!

Life on the Coast
Cap your trip off surfing the waves along the Sunshine Coast's miles of pristine beaches. Whether you're refining your skills or just learning how to catch a wave, our expert staff will coach you on the basics, give you personalized training tips, and have you hanging ten in no time. If you have surfed before and are keen to find challenging South Pacific waves, our surf-savvy staff and local friends will happily show you some of the best breaks the Sunshine Coast has to offer. In the evenings, enjoy home-cooked meals at our Aussie Surf House, watch classic surf movies, and share tall tales on the beach as you search the night sky for the Southern Cross. Australia has so much to offer, so come DownUnder and let us share this country with you!

Highlights

LIVE, WORK, and PLAY for two weeks on Australia's famous Sunshine Coast and in the breathtaking Glasshouse Mountains.

GIVE BACK to the community by volunteering at a children's hospital, playing basketball with special-needs children, and working with environmental organizations.

VISIT Steve Irwin's world-famous Australia Zoo, where you will feed the kangaroos and spot a few koalas too.

EXPERIENCE real Outback life at an Australian bush camp and surf sweet waves at some of the country's best beach breaks.

EXPLORE magical Moreton Island and its treasures by four-wheel driving, sand boarding, kayaking, and snorkeling!

Travel Types

• Environmental Studies
• Hiking
• Skydiving
• Student Tours
• Surfing
• Tours
• Volunteering

Qualifications

Students must be 14-years old and up to participate on the program. Additionally, participants must submit an application through the Rustic Pathways website and complete the appropriate documents before traveling on the program.

Type of Programs

• Adventure Travel
• Community Service / Volunteerism

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

USD 3,695

Cost Includes:

• Excursions
• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Travel while in host country
• Written materials abroad
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

The above cost includes all ground transportation in-country, 3 meals a day, housing, staff through the duration of the program, all supplies for the volunteer projects and all excursions on the program itinerary not listed as "optional".

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

• Childcare/children
• Disability Issues
• Environment

Age Range

14-18 years old

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel

in Groups

Typically Participants Work

in Groups of 8-15 students

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Typically The Application Process Time is

1-2 business days

Rustic Pathways's Mission Statement

Rustic Pathways is a pioneer in providing superior quality travel and service programs for students and families in some of the world's most welcoming countries. Rustic Pathways demands professionalism and integrity across all of its operations, insists on quality in all aspects of its programs, and places the safety of its students above all other considerations. We enrich the lives of our students and our staff, benefit the parts of the world we serve, and build cultural bridges that lead to greater global understanding and cooperation.

Year Founded

1983