Instructor intro: Jess Thomas

G'day Pacific Discovery Summer Family! Hoping you've all had a brilliant start to the year, and know that's it's just going to keep getting better! I'm Jess and am very much looking forward to being your program instructor for the Australia Summer Program along with Susy.

I'm currently in the northern hemisphere staying with a television presenter in the highlands of Guatemala whilst on a cycling trip through Central America. However, I am really missing vegemite toast, pavlova, wearing my thongs (flip flops) and watching the kangaroos hop around in the paddock at dusk. I just can't wait to get home and experience this journey together.

We are going to have an absolute ball hiking, kayaking, animal-spotting, snorkeling, surfing, volunteering and expanding our worldview on our way up the most staggeringly beautiful coastline of Australia.

I grew up on the south east coast of Australia, camping and hiking, swimming and surfing, laughing and exploring under the strong Aussie sunshine. Don't expect sun all the time though - you won't believe it till you see it but the famously sunburnt country can get seriously chilly! Bring those layers for the beginning of the trip.

So a bit about me: I have the travelling bug. During a few years in the Australian Army and a drawn out degree in International Studies, I have managed to make my way around the world (mainly by bike). However, it is such a privilege to be able to take you over my home soil for this upcoming adventure.

Susy and I are here to answer any questions you might have, from packing secrets to Aussie slang. In saying that, try to stick to the packing list and go by the mantra 'less is more' (unless you have some great additions like speakers or games to bring for entertainment).

Sitting here in my lycra bike pants and dirt caked top, I want to stress there's no need to dress to impress on this unique adventure. We all know family don't mind if you wear the same pants every day. And hopefully that's what we will be soon enough - one big family!

It would be fantastic if everyone could post an introduction to start getting to know each other via the Facebook page, as we all know anticipation is one of the most exciting parts of travel. So let's get it started!

Happy packing and safe travels getting the long way Down Under,

- Jess

PS. Pacific Ocean sunrises are unbeatable.