Description

The Tropical North
Are you ready for a unique adventure exploring some of the most beautiful parts of Australia? Based in the tropical north of Queensland, this program is packed with incredible experiences that can only be found in the Land DownUnder. Put on your bush hat and grab your camera  you won't want to miss a minute of this fantastic tropical adventure!

From your gateway city of Brisbane, you'll fly two hours north up the Australian coast to Cairns, where your trip will be based for the week. The weather is warm, the local vibe is exciting, and there's a distinctly Australian twist to this small and cosmopolitan city. Settle into a lodge and start getting acquainted with the relaxed Aussie lifestyle before heading out to explore everything this adventure center has to offer.

In the mountains behind Cairns, the charming town of Kuranda will reveal unique markets where you can buy everything from stuffed crocodiles to kangaroo-skin wallets. Meet some friendly local characters , buy an authentic boomerang and enjoy the markets before you take the Skyrail cable car (optional) back down the mountain and head to the cable ski park (optional) to test your skills at wakeboarding.

The Magnificent Great Barrier Reef
There's no time to waste, and the next day you'll be out on the Great Barrier Reef! We'll head out to two magnificent locations on a luxury catamaran yacht and spend the full day snorkeling the reef. There are options for scuba diving, a glass bottom boat tour, and stop at a stunning white-sand island cay. With 1,500 species of fish and one-third of the world's soft coral, the reef offers an underwater experience unlike any other!

And if this doesn't provide enough excitement, then jumping out of a plane from 14,000 feet (optional) certainly will. Feel the rush as you take in breathtaking views of rainforest, mountains, and reef while free falling for 60 seconds! Farther up the coast, visit the resort town of Port Douglas and the breathtaking Mossman Gorge. The road continues over the Daintree River (look out for crocs!) and through the World Heritage Daintree Rainforest to the secluded town of Cape Tribulation. With the rainforest growing right down to the pristine white-sand beaches, this place is a true paradise. Soak up the sun by day, and then hang out on the beach at night and gaze up at the Milky Way in the magnificent starry skies.

Experience Traditional Aboriginal Life
Indigenous Australians have lived off this land for over 60,000 years. Learn hunting and gathering techniques from locals whose families first settled this area thousands of years ago. Walking through the mudflats with a spear in hand, you'll search for mud crabs and gather mussels and periwinkles. When you emerge from the mangroves, fresh seafood will never have tasted so good. Expect great photos and a great feast as well!

So what are you waiting for? Come and experience the adventure DownUnder in tropical Northern Australia!

Highlights

SNORKEL or scuba dive (optional) in Australia's magnificent Great Barrier Reef and hear about its incredible diversity of life from expert marine biologists.

LEARN about traditional life from Aboriginals during a coastal walk, catch your own seafood lunch, and play the didgeridoo with indigenous Australians.

GET TO KNOW Australia's unique wildlife, tour a croc farm, and shop at an eclectic market in the rainforest.

SWIM in the pristine waters of Mossman Gorge and explore the magical beaches of Cape Tribulation, where the oldest rainforest on earth meets the sea.

VISIT the famous resort town of Port Douglas, experience the vibrant city of Cairns and enjoy the serenity of the Daintree rainforest.

MAKE the most of optional activities including bungee jumping, skydiving, cable skiing and sea kayaking (all optional)!

Travel Types

• Kayaking (Sea)
• Scuba
• Skydiving
• Snorkeling

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 2,695 + 450 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 itinerary not listed as "optional".

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

• Environment
• Teaching
• Volunteering

Age Range

14-18 years old

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel

in Groups

Typically Participants Work

in Groups of up to 20 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