Australia

From the wide open spaces of the outback to beautiful white sand beaches on the coasts, Australia's warm climate, friendly people, unusual wildlife and dramatic natural beauty makes it a fantastic destination. With a landmass comparable to the United States, but a population of only 20 million people, Australia is sparsely populated, and home to some of the world's most livable cities.

The first Australians arrived more than 40,000 years ago via land bridges and short sea crossings from present-day Southeast Asia. Most of these Aboriginal people were hunter-gatherers with a complex oral culture and spiritual values based on reverence for the land and a belief in the Dreamtime.  Australia was settled by Europeans in the late 1700s when a penal colony was established in present-day Sydney. Today more than 90% of Australians are of European descent, and have evolved an easy-going and informal culture.

Australia's natural diversity is staggering - the world's largest coral reef, Great Barrier; stunning desert landscapes such as Uluru/Ayers Rock and the Olgas; lush rainforests; and arguably the world's most beautiful beaches. Wildlife is abundant, colorful and visible - kangaroos, koalas, flocks of raucous parrots, sea turtles and colourful reef fish.

Australia student programs, small group tours and travel

Pacific Discovery offers the following student programs and small group adventure travel tours in Australia. Alternatively, if you are interested in a custom tour for your high school group, university group, family or special interest group, then please contact us, as we are happy to work with you to develop an itinerary that incorporates experiences and excursions to suit your group and focus.

Australia Summer Program

Conservation volunteering, cultural immersion and adventure travel through Australia

An incredible month travelling up the East Coast of Australia from Sydney to Cairns doing volunteer conservation work on a national park island in the Great Barrier Reef, learning to surf, kayaking with dolphins, adventuring in the Blue Mountains and Whitsunday Islands National Parks, and exploring vibrant Sydney, Byron Bay, Brisbane and Cairns.
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New Zealand & Australia Semester Program

Conservation volunteering, adventure education and travel through New Zealand and Australia

This educational travel semester offers an amazing summer 'down under' with three week-long volunteer conservation projects in different areas of New Zealand; multi-day outdoor expeditions - a surfing camp, a canoeing journey, a backpacking trip; and overland adventure travel through New Zealand and Australia’s stunning mountain, forest and beach environments.
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Australia Travel Resources

Official Australia Tourism Site - Heaps of useful information about Australia
Destination Australia - Australia travel information from Lonely Planet
Australia news

Map of Australia