Australia Summer Program

START Brisbane, Australia |
FINISH Sydney, Australia |
DURATION 4 weeks |
AGES 17 - 22 |
STUDENTS 12

Adventure, wildlife encounters, and meaningful environmental work!

Embark on an unforgettable 4-week adventure through Australia, blending cultural immersion, outdoor exploration, and environmental conservation. Start in Brisbane with a warm welcome and orientation, then head north to Fraser Island for a thrilling 4WD expedition, wildlife encounters, and beach camping. In week two, explore Byron Bay's stunning coastline with a snorkeling adventure with turtles and surf lessons at a laid-back surf camp. Week three brings hands-on conservation work on the East Coast, followed by an adrenaline-pumping canyoning experience in the Blue Mountains. The final week focuses on environmental volunteering, helping to promote sustainability at an outdoor education center, before wrapping up with iconic Sydney sights, including the Opera House and harbor. This unique itinerary offers the perfect balance of adventure, nature, and meaningful experiences.

This Program Contains:

Highlights

Join a dedicated team on a hands-on environmental service adventure in coastal National Parks. You'll contribute toward Australia's coastal conservation efforts with the 'Save our Species' project, gaining invaluable experience tackling real-world issues facing vulnerable wildlife. Whether it's monitoring threatened sea turtle populations, assisting with habitat restoration for endangered birds, or helping remove invasive plant species, your contribution will directly impact the future of these ecosystems. You'll be working alongside passionate conservationists, learning valuable field research techniques, and witnessing the incredible biodiversity of Australia's coastlines in this service learning project.

Unleash your inner explorer and conquer the breathtaking Blue Mountains on our heart-pounding Canyoning adventure! This Australian summer program isn't just about thrills – it's about pushing your limits, discovering hidden gems, and forging unforgettable memories.  You'll be swimming through crystal-clear pools, feeling the rush of adrenaline with daring jumps, and rappelling down cascading waterfalls, all within ancient chasms sculpted by nature for millennia.  Beyond the excitement, canyoning builds confidence, strengthens teamwork, and deepens your connection with this iconic Australian landscape.  Each exhilarating swim, jump, and abseil becomes a testament to your courage and a celebration of the Blue Mountains' raw beauty.

Embark on a three-day 4WD expedition on K’gari Fraser Island, exploring its golden sands and crystal-clear waters. You'll be snorkeling, paddleboarding, and visiting island hotspots with expert guides during your time on the island.

Itinerary

This is a guide to what you can expect to do on program. The order in which the activities occur might vary.

Click download to view the full 4 week sample itinerary.

Download Sample Itinerary

Aboriginal History & Fraser Island Exploration

Welcome to Brisbane, Australia!

We’ll kick off our adventure by spending a few nights in Brisbane, where we’ll get to know each other, explore the vibrant city, and immerse ourselves in a cultural tour. This is the perfect time to get an in-depth orientation about the program, adjust to life "down under," and take part in ice-breaking activities to bond with your new program friends.

Afterward, we’ll head north to Noosa and embark on an exciting three-day 4WD expedition on K’gari (Fraser Island). K'gari Fraser Island is a haven for wildlife, boasting over 350 species of birds, along with unique animals like dingoes and echidnas, and a variety of marine life.

Throughout the day, we’ll explore the island's natural beauty, snorkeling, paddle boarding, and visiting some of the island’s most iconic spots with the guidance of experienced local tour leaders. In the evenings, we’ll gather around a campfire to toast marshmallows, learn the art of throwing a boomerang, and gaze up at the starry skies while staying in cozy beach cabins.

Snorkel with Turtles & Surf Camp!

This week we head south to Byron Bay, a stunning stretch of coastline with a reputation as a laid-back hippie haven since the 1970s, and today, it remains the ultimate surf town. Byron Bay’s beaches, boutiques, and cafes provide the perfect setting to unwind and soak up the relaxed atmosphere.

While in Byron, we’ll embark on a boat trip to Julian Rocks, where we’ll snorkel alongside sea turtles, tropical fish, and, if we're lucky, dolphins or whales that often frequent these waters. For those wanting to dive deeper into the underwater world, there's an optional scuba dive that promises an unforgettable experience in the vibrant marine ecosystem.

Next, we’ll head to a secluded stretch of coast for a stay at a surf camp. Here, we’ll get to work on our surfing skills, learning from expert instructors who will guide us through the local surf breaks. In the evenings, we’ll gather at camp to relax, share stories, and hear some of our instructors' wild tales from the surf. After a fun-filled day, we’ll rest up for another exciting day on the waves!

Program Details

What's Included?
  • All in-program travel and transport, excluding flights
  • All accommodation
  • All meals
  • All expeditions, activities, excursions, volunteer projects and entry fees as described in the itinerary
  • Experienced Program Instructors and local guides
  • Informal lectures from resident experts on conservation and eco-tourism
  • Experiential core curriculum that pushes students to reflect and ask questions of themselves
  • Certificate of Program Completion

 

For full program details, please request the information booklet.

Request Information Booklet

Medium Activity Level

Anyone with an average fitness level and an enthusiasm for the outdoors and new experiences will have a great time on this summer program! You will need to be prepared for some physical work during the volunteer projects on the program, like trail building or the removal of invasive plants.

Low Camping Level

You will only be camping for a couple of nights on this summer program. You will spend most of your time in comfortable hostels and lodges.

Medium Service Learning Level

You will be able to make a difference to the local community during your stay. Be prepared to get your hands dirty and do some hands-on learning about local issues.

Journey Map

Have you got any questions before applying?

Australia Summer Program