Adventure Tours in Blue Mountains, Australia

I grew up in New York City surrounded by bright lights and skyscrapers. I found myself longing for nature. I wanted something new: I wanted to immerse myself in a new way of life. I was drawn to Australia’s unique culture and breathtaking landscapes. I decided to sign up for Pacific Discovery’s summer program in Australia. I was really nervous before my trip because I had little experience hiking and camping. Looking back on my experience, I had nothing to worry about. I was welcomed with open arms and nothing but positive smiles. My group traveled up the coast of Australia, starting in Sydney and ending in Cairns. My favorite memories include surfing in Crescent Head and skydiving over the Great Barrier Reef. My group worked alongside National Parks staff in endangered landscapes. We participated in bush regeneration projects and numerous beach cleanups. We also learned about Australia’s unique environmental and ecological history, emphasizing the lasting presence and influence of aboriginal people. The trip would not have been the same without our amazing group leader, Tari Kumari. She is a constant source of positive energy. She pushed me outside my comfort zone and helped me grow to become the individual I am today. I could not have asked for a more perfect mentor. Her enthusiasm, selflessness, and kind heart are inspiring. When I grow up, I hope to be like Tari. I can truly say that I came back from Australia as a more open-minded and open-hearted individual. The trip gave me a positive outlook on life that I carry with me every day. I long for adventure and more experiences like the one that Pacific Discovery gave me. Thank you for everything Tari and Pacific Discovery. I highly recommend this trip!

When I went into this semester I was expecting things to be easy breezy and for us to just travel around look at some kangaroos and laugh. While that did make up a lot of the time this semester, I was happily surprised at the challenges that were presented to me during this semester. I was challenged physically through backpacking in Nelson Lakes in the middle of a wind and rain storm, I was challenged mentally with learning how to coexist with 14 other people who I had never meet before. Through all these challenges I learned so much about myself and my limits and about other people and how to respect but also push there limits a bit. I met some people on this trip who continue to impact my life, I stay in touch with lots of them and have even traveled to visit them here in the US. My instructors, Richard and Karlee, have also continued to influence me even after leaving the program. The Australia and New Zealand semester really brought me down to my raw form and the help rebuild me into someone who I wanted to be and I am so incredibly grateful for the opportunity to meet all these people and see all these things because without that experience I know I wouldn't have the courage to go after the things I want now.