Australia - Beaches, Reefs and Rainforests

Australia...the land of endless beaches, unique wildlife, the Great Barrier Reef and friendly Aussies is a place like no other and we are heading "down under" for three weeks of adventure and good times.

This trip will allow you to experience some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.  You will snorkel with fish on the Great Barrier Reef, surf waves on the Sunshine Coast, star gaze at night from the deck of a sailboat in the Whitsunday Islands, zipline through the World Heritage Rainforest of Cape Tribulation, and learn about Aboriginal Culture on a Dreamtime walk . You will return home with unforgettable memories, amazing new friendships, and a better understanding to why everyone loves Australia!

Surfers Paradise - Gold Coast
The trip begins in Brisbane where we meet and then make our way to the famed sun kissed beaches of the Gold Coast to stay in the lively area of Surfers Paradise. For the next two days, it’s all about jet lag recovery and getting to know one another. There will be beach time with swimming and beach activities, time to explore the area and a chance to go Zorbing.  Nothing says “group bonding” like Zorbing, which is rolling down a hill inside a giant inflatable ball with your friends….it's an experience you won't forget.
Accommodation – Holiday Apartments

Noosa – Sunshine Coast 
After our time on the Gold Coast it is off to the Sunshine Coast. Along the way we stop at the Australia Zoo to get up close and personal with Australia’s wildlife. After the zoo, it is on to Noosa, a gorgeous laid back beach town were we have surf school!  Noosa is an ideal place for surfing as it offers gentle wave breaks for the beginners as well as bigger breaks for the more experienced. When not surfing or on the beach, experience a very thrilling boat ride with Ocean Rider....it may be the ride of your life!  Also explore Noosa’s amazing coastal National Park, Hasting Street and have fun with your friends at the resort.  Accommodation - Resort 

Fraser Island 
Fraser Island is one of the true gems of Australia and is the largest sand island in the world. Explore this incredible location on a two day, four wheel-drive, guided eco- tour.  Drive along the beautiful 75 Mile Beach, swim in the crystal clear lakes, float down Eli Creek, run (or roll) down sand slopes into Lake Wabby, learn about the ancient forests, look for dingoes and visit Indian Head to watch for whales and dolphins.  Accommodation - Dormitories 


Whitsunday Islands 
The Whitsunday Islands is one of the most beautiful places in Australia. With over 70 tropical islands, warm turquoise water, palm fringed beaches and endless coral reefs, it’s a true paradise. For the next three days and three nights, sail around these islands and visit the Outer Great Barrier Reef onboard a 101 ft sailboat.  Snorkel, swim and explore the many islands and beaches. Introductory scuba dives will also be available.  Visit one of the top rated beaches in the world – Whitehaven - and after seeing it you will understand why...it’s amazing!  Accommodation - Sailboat 

Atherton Tablelands 
Another new adventure is ahead of us as we go inland to the Atherton Tablelands. On a fantastic tour, spend a very full day visiting this temperate rainforest and swimming in numerous waterfalls. In the evening go platypus spotting and take part on a guided, night canoe paddle to look for nocturnal wildlife.  Accommodation – Lodge 

Mossman Gorge 
After the Tablelands, head further north to the World Heritage Daintree Rainforest. Along the way, visit Mossman Gorge to take part in a Dreamtime walk with an Aboriginal guide.  Learn about their dreamtime legends, traditional plant uses, bush tucker, cave paintings and their special relationship with the rainforest.  At the end of this fascinating walk, you will be treated to a didgeridoo performance.

Cape Tribulation / Daintree Rainforest 
Our last few days in Australia are spent in the tropical wonderland of Cape Tribulation in the Daintree National Park. This is the only place on the planet where two World Heritage sites meet (the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef) and the moment you arrive, you know it’s special. Visit its stunning beaches, zipline through the rainforest, kayak in Cape Tribulation Bay, experience a spectacular sunrise, visit the Bat House to become acquainted with a flying fox,  and to learn about one of the most diverse eco systems in the world. Also, take part on a crocodile cruise to see the famous Salt Water Crocodiles on the Daintree River. After hopefully many crocodile sightings, head back to Cairns for our last night.  Accommodation: Huts in the rainforest    

Cairns
After spending three weeks together and sharing in so many new experiences and adventures, we knew that our farewell night had to be amazing. This is why we have organized one last adventure for the group – night bungy jumping in the rainforest!!  In the evening, we head to the very reputable AJ Hackett bungy site where we have the facilities to ourselves. After a delicious BBQ, it is time for some adrenalin filled fun. With the rainforest lighted below, you will have a chance (with a friend if you'd like) to to take the plunge from a  50m/160 foot jumping tower.  You will also have a chance to ride the thrilling Minjin Jungle Swing.  If these activities aren’t for you, you will still have a fantastic evening enjoying the lush grounds and cheering on your friends.  Accommodation -  Hotel

To check out the sailboat that we will be on - Anaconda 3 - click on the link  to view a walk through of the boat: www.youtube.com/watch



    
 

REGISTRATION HAS CLOSED FOR THE SUMMER 2010 TOUR - please check back in the fall for our 2011 dates

Beaches, Reefs and a Rainforests

Length of trip:     20 Days 

Dates:                   July 29 to August 17, 2010

Cost:                     $ 7,175 USD plus airfare to Australia

Ages:                     15 & 16 years old (by the end of 2010) 

Begins / Ends:      Brisbane, Australia / Cairns, Australia
16 participants maximum and four leaders

We stay in a variety of accommodation styles - hotels, hostels, resorts, motels, cabins, holiday apartments, sailboat

There will be a supervised flight to and from Australia.