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Australia & Bali Gap Semester | Pacific Discovery logo

Australia & Bali Gap Semester | Pacific Discovery

by: Pacific Discovery

4.75 (12)VerifiedSince 2001

Embark on a 10-week journey through Australia and Bali designed to challenge, inspire, and transform. Explore wild coastlines, vibrant cultures, and rich biodiversity while gaining confidence, purpose, and lifelong friendships. Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef, surf Bali’s iconic waves, and take part in hands-on conservation and community projects led by trusted local partners. Dive into Indigenous and Balinese traditions through food, dance, and meaningful service, gaining real insight and cultural connection beyond tourism. Along the way, participate in leadership workshops, daily reflection, and immersive group experiences that support your personal growth and self-discovery. Whether you’re on a gap year, seeking an alternative to traditional study abroad, or building real-world skills for your future, this program offers a powerful combination of adventure, impact, and intentional learning. Travel with purpose—and return with clarity. Reach out to learn!

Program Highlights

Learn to ride waves from surfing-guru instructors during not one but two surfs camp.

Learn to cook your favorite Balinese dish or get an introduction to making traditional Batiks.

Canyoning adventure in the Blue Mountains (swimming, jumping, and abseiling through waterfalls).

Island-hopping in the spectacular Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef.

Hike, swim and spot koalas on Magnetic Island.

Quick Details

Locations:
  • Blue Mountains, Australia
  • Bali, Indonesia
Starts At: $1500-2000
Availability
Year(s) Offered: Year RoundDuration:
  • 9-12 Weeks
Age Requirement: 18-25
Types & Subjects
Adventure Types:
  • Backpacking
  • Camping
  • Climbing
  • Ecology
  • Hiking
  • Nature Tours
  • Rafting
  • River Kayaking
  • Scuba
  • Snorkeling
  • Surfing
  • Trekking
  • Yoga
Causes:
  • Animal Welfare
  • Community Development
  • Conservation
  • Culture
  • Eco-Tourism
  • Economic Development
  • Education
  • Environment
  • Marine Conservation
  • Organic Farming
  • Parks
  • Renewable Energy
  • Tree Planting
  • Water Projects
Types:
  • Adventure Travel
  • Animals
  • Experiential Learning
  • Self-Discovery
  • Volunteering
  • Wilderness
Guidelines:
  • All Nationalities
See all program details
Last Updated: May 20, 2026

Awards

GoAbroad Top Rated Provider 2025 - Gap Year2025 Finalist - Innovation in DiversityGoAbroad Top Rated Provider 2024 - Gap Year AbroadTop Rated Provider 2023 - Gap YearPeople’s Choice Award 2023 FinalistInnovation in Sustainability 2023 FinalistInnovation in Sustainability 2023 WinnerTop Rated Gap Year Provider 2022Innovative New Program – Volunteer Abroad Finalist 2022Innovation in Marketing & Digital Media Finalist 2022Top Rate Organization 2021 - Gap Year

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about the programs

Overall Rating

4.75

Total Reviews

12

An amazing program of self discovery and adventure

November 18, 2025by: Avalyn Haven
5

Pacific Discovery truly was an amazing program of self discovery and adventure. I could not have asked for a better experience with the lasting connections and memories I have made through my program.

Every day is a new adventure and journey.

November 18, 2025by: Dylan Gray
5

Pacific discovery has been the most thrilling and fun trip I have done in my lifetime. Whether it be the people I’ve met or the countless activities we have done every day is a new adventure and journey.

An adventure of a lifetime

November 18, 2025by: Dylan Mallon
5

If you want to go on an adventure of a lifetime with people that you will never forget, don’t wait to discover pacific discovery. This program will not only be exhilarating, but will challenge you in just the right way.

Once in a lifetime experiences

November 18, 2025by: Julius Hagen
5

Pacific Discovery offers programs that are not only unique, but once in a lifetime experiences. If you want to see as much as possible of a country and deep dive into different cultures, Pacific Discovery is just for you!

Made memories that will stick with me for my entire life

April 18, 2025by: Evan Huff
5

10/10 would recommend, made memories that will stick with me for my entire life and made some amazing friends

Some of the best times and memories of my life

April 09, 2025by: Lauren LeMena
4

Traveling Australia and Bali with an amazing group of people for 10 weeks were some of the best times and memories of my life. I learned so much about myself and the world, and I feel like I am leaving the program a more confident version of myself!

Experience to grow and learn

April 09, 2025by: Megan Norton
5

Hands down the coolest way for students to travel and experience the world safely and in a group dynamic. Extremely happy our daughter had this experience to grown and learn and live!

Super great experience

April 04, 2025by: Oli Jaramillo
4

This was a super great experience and allowed me to mature and find myself in a safe and immersive environment

I grew both mentally and physically

April 26, 2023by: Ava Pisha
5

I grew both mentally and physically by being out in different situations that were outside of my comfort zone! I would recommend PD to people because there is a lot of learning we do throughout program and a lot of new experiences as well. Take chances even with knowing the unknown! I would say that my overall experience was amazing especially with all of the different wildlife encounters that came with it!

It gives you once in a lifetime opportunities

April 18, 2023by: Freya Lutz Mountain
4

I'd recommend this program to others because it gives you once in a lifetime opportunities to immerse yourself in extraordinary culture. You learn how to travel responsibly and you create great friendships and learn how to have healthy communication.

I have become more patient

April 13, 2023by: Seth Demattio
5

I have become more patient with my decisions and learned to think them through. Also to live in the moment and take everything life has to offer as I experience it. Lastly, I have become more confident in independent travel after visiting and exploring the places we’ve been to.

I absolutely adored my time

April 07, 2023by: Sophia Goddard
5

I absolutely adored my time on the Australia / Bali semester with Pacific Discovery. It was a perfect mix of adventure, cultural immersion, service and personal development mixed in with a bit of city time. I have never grown so much as an individual as I did on this trip. I am more confident in myself and my relationships, more independent and ultimately have a better perspective on life and the world. If you’re thinking about doing a PD trip, take the risk and go for it! You won’t regret it.

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Blue Mountains, Australia
  • Bali, Indonesia

Types and Subjects

  • Adventure Types
  • Backpacking
  • Camping
  • Climbing
  • Ecology
  • Hiking
  • Nature Tours
  • Rafting
  • River Kayaking
  • Scuba
  • Snorkeling
  • Surfing
  • Trekking
  • Yoga
  • Causes
  • Animal Welfare
  • Community Development
  • Conservation
  • Culture
  • Eco-Tourism
  • Economic Development
  • Education
  • Environment
  • Marine Conservation
  • Organic Farming
  • Parks
  • Renewable Energy
  • Tree Planting
  • Water Projects
  • Types
  • Adventure Travel
  • Animals
  • Experiential Learning
  • Self-Discovery
  • Volunteering
  • Wilderness

Availability

Years Offered: Year Round

Duration:
  • 9-12 Weeks
Gap Year Timing:
  • After College
  • Post High School
  • During College

Age Requirement

18-25

Guidelines

All Nationalities

Starts At

$1500-2000

Program Cost Includes

  • Tuition & Fees
  • Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
  • All Program Activity Costs
  • Weekday Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
  • Weekend Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Accommodation Options

  • Group living

Qualifications & Experience

      Accepted Education Levels

    • Any/All Education Levels Accepted

    Application Procedures

    • Online Application
    • Phone/Video Interview
    • Written Application
    • Other
    Pacific Discovery

    Pacific Discovery

    4.75Verified

    Ready to Learn More?

    Embark on a 10-week journey through Australia and Bali designed to challenge, inspire, and transform. Explore wild coastlines, vibrant cultures, and rich biodiversity while gaining confidence, purpose, and lifelong friendships. Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef, surf Bali’s iconic waves, and take part in hands-on conservation and community projects led by trusted local partners. Dive into Indigenous and Balinese traditions through food, dance, and meaningful service, gaining real insight and cultural connection beyond tourism. Along the way, participate in leadership workshops, daily reflection, and immersive group experiences that support your personal growth and self-discovery. Whether you’re on a gap year, seeking an alternative to traditional study abroad, or building real-world skills ...

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