Description

Come and discover the frontier of Australia with Rustic Pathways and our Australian staff. Led by expert guides with an intimate knowledge of this great country, this program is a rare opportunity to uncover the REAL Australia. While Australia is well-known for its beaches and cities, it is incredibly diverse and has much to offer the adventurous traveler. Stepping away from the east coast and heading into the Outback, this program will forever change the way you think of Australia.

Upon arrival in Brisbane, you'll transfer to a domestic flight and continue on to Darwin. This northern capital is a small city with a wealth of history and is home of the famous Sunset Beach markets. Once you've had time to acclimate to the hot northern tropics, our journey will begin in 4x4's as we travel south to the spectacular Katherine Gorge. A truly one-of-a-kind gorge and river, this scenery is only a preview of what's to come. Your journey will continue west through the Outback, crossing into the Western Australian border and reaching the township of Kununurra in Eastern Kimberly.

Of the 22 million people in Australia, indigenous populations only number 560,000 (or approximately 2.6% of the total population). Unbeknown to many international visitors, Aboriginal Australians live with some of the world's lowest standards of living. Indigenous health, education, and employment are some of the many challenges facing Australia, and the complexities involved with these issues make finding solutions extremely difficult. In a new relationship between Rustic Pathways and local community organizations, our students will be directly supporting Aboriginal youth through contributing to ongoing projects that are making a difference.

When not engaged in community service work, you will be exploring the wonders of this spectacular part of the world. You will spend time on a working cattle ranch and see cattle being wrangled by helicopter, visit the second largest damn in Australia at Lake Argyle which contains over 70 islands that create a desert fjord. You'll also rappel down cliffs, swim in breathtaking waterholes, fish for the famous barramundi, and see massive crocs in their natural environment. A scenic helicopter flight (optional) will take you over the Bungle Bungle ranges - a landscape that has to be seen to be believed. Your amazing experience ends when you fly back to Darwin and return to Brisbane.

This is the ultimate Rustic Australian adventure for those searching for an experience like no other. Come and experience the REAL Australia that only Rustic Pathways can show you.

Highlights

VENTURE into the Outback by 4x4 and explore breathtaking gorges, waterfalls, cliffs, and hot springs.

LEARN about the challenges faced in remote Australia and document the stories of the people you meet.

SUPPORT Aboriginal Australian students through camping and cross-cultural exchange programs.

EXPERIENCE a working cattle ranch, photograph crocs, rappel down cliffs, and fly over the stunning Bungle-Bungle Ranges (optional).

DEEPEN your understanding of Australia and its people in the Eastern Kimberly region where the movie Australia was filmed.

STEP AWAY from the cities and beaches and discover the REAL Australia.

Travel Types

• Native Culture Studies
• Student Tours
• Tours

Qualifications

Students must be 15-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

• Community Service / Volunteerism
• Student Tours

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

USD 3,695 + 675 Internal Airfare

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.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

• Eco-tourism
• Economic Development
• Education

Age Range

15-18 year olds

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel

in Groups

Typically Participants Work

in Groups of 10-16 students

Scholarships are Available

Scholarships are available annually for students interested in Rustic Pathways programs on an application basis. The scholarships are for all Rustic Pathways programs across the world and not only for this particular program. Applications for scholarships are available starting in late January or early February for students and interested parties should contact Rustic Pathways directly to learn how to apply.

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