Sydney Adventure

4 Day trip - All meals, lodging and activities included

Highlights:
• Climb the world-famous Sydney Harbour Bridge
• Camp in safari tents overlooking the harbour at Taronga Zoo
• Go behind-the-scenes with the animals on a night safari
• Learn to surf on Australia's celebrated Manly Beach
• Sea kayak in Sydney's magical harbour
• Stay in the heart of the historic district - with rooftop views of the Opera House

Overview
Itinerary
Inclusions
FAQs

Overview - 4 Day Adventure

Learn to surf at the incomprable Manly Beach!

It's impossible not to embrace adventure in Australia's number one city: it boasts superb surfing beaches--even for beginners--a coastline explorable by kayak and a giant bridge that begs to be climbed. On this four day trip, you'll sample the best adventures Sydney has to offer.

You'll climb arches, ladders and catwalks (no models here!) to the top of Sydney's iconic Harbour Bridge - views to die for and a tick on your Bucket List.

Native animals like wallabies, baby kangaroos, quolls and gliders have the city's best view of the harbour at Taronga Zoo - and you will too on a fun overnight that gets you behind-the-scenes.

And you'll conquer the sea by kayak and by surfboard as you do as the locals do in this sun-soaked corner of the world!

Meals are hearty continental breakfasts, lunches on the town and chef-prepared dinners. Accommodation is in a stylish hostel with private bathrooms, movie nights and unbeatable rooftop terrace views of the Opera House.

This is an exciting way to engage your student group in adventures Down Under.

Day 1: Arrival and Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb

You are greeted by your local guide, a Sydney resident whose love is showing off her city to visitors. With your guide you'll travel from the airport to your accommodation. Your brand-new hostel is located right in 'The Rocks'—the historic district where Sydney began, and location of the famous weekend market. Built above archaeological remnants of colonial Sydney, this hostel combines state-of-the-art facilities with a unique heritage experience of Sydney. All rooms have ensuites and air-conditioning, while the accommodation offers spacious communal areas, internet, on-site grocery store, coffee bar and large rooftop terrace with spectacular views directly to the Sydney Opera House.

After settling in, you enjoy a welcome orientation. Then you'll take in views of the entire city atop the Sydney Harbour Bridge with an incomparable bridge climb. Led by a climb leader, you will "hike" to the summit of this world famous bridge, 134 metres (440 feet) above Sydney Harbour. It is a 3 ½ hour journey to the top of the Bridge along catwalks and all the way to the summit, 134 metres above Sydney Harbour. The steady incline to the summit leaves you free to focus your attention on your Sydney experience, with opportunities to witness 360 degree views of Sydney, including east to the Sydney Opera House, west to the Blue Mountains and the Harbour city surrounds. When you reach the top you will have a sense of achievement that you will remember forever - you've conquered an Australian icon recognized the world over.

[Those who prefer not to climb can do a leisurely walk across the bottom portion of the bridge with our guide and subtract $208 from the trip cost]

In the early evening you have a delicious dinner and a chance to explore the historic Rocks district and the nearby bustling Circular Quay.

Accommodation: Central Sydney hostel
Meals Included: Lunch and Dinner

Day 2: Sea Kayak Sydney Harbour, City Sites and Overnight Safari at The Taronga Zoo

This morning take to the water with a paddle in the famed Sydney Harbour, widely considered to be the most beautiful natural harbour in the world. 240 kilometeres of shoreline mean that beyond the buildings and million-dollar mansions, there are also tracts of parklands, reserves and gardens that decorate the banks.

After learning the basics of sea kayaking (kayaks are state-of-the-art Dagger sea kayaks which are extremely stable in the water and very difficult to capsize) you'll explore the corners of Sydney's inner harbour with a professional guide. If you're lucky you'll meet the friendly dolphins who frolic and play in these waters!

After your paddle, you'll learn more about the city's cultural, historic and natural sites in the care of your guide. You take in sites like the Royal Botanic Gardens (home of the rare Wollemi pine and distinctive flying foxes!) and the labyrinthine historic district as your guide explains where history happened, where movies where filmed, what the locals like to do.

Later this afternoon you hop aboard a ferry to cross Sydney Harbour and then the Sky safari cable car will whisk you to the entrance of Australia's largest zoo – Taronga. Arriving after the park has closed to the public, you are treated to a fun hosted experience of the zoo, up-close animal encounters, a sumptuous roast feast and a stay in architecturally designed safari-style tents. You will savour a sleeping spot with million-dollar views of Sydney Harbour on one side and lions, snow leopards and meerkats on the other.

Accommodation: Taronga Zoo Safari Tents
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 3: Taronga Zoo and Surf Lessons

Wake this morning to the roar of a lion or an elephant trumpeting as you prepare to experience the zoo before the crowds arrive. (You will also have the chance to shower while enjoying the world-famous views!) Feed a giraffe or pat a seal as you go behind-the-scenes to learn the secrets of this famous and fascinating zoo.

Once it opens to the public, you still have time to enjoy the zoo. Walk freely among the emus and kangaroos, and learn more about Australian birds as they swoop down over your heads during the Free Flight Bird Show. Taronga is also home to over 2900 species from all over the world: rare Western Lowland Gorillas, Sumatran Tigers, Snow-leopards, Kodiak Bears, and Chimpanzees, with most the animals living in natural open enclosures. Meet the baby elephants and real Tasmanian devils, or get your photo with a koala! (extra cost)

Next you travel by scenic ferry to the lovely hamlet of Manly. Manly Beach is an Australian icon, world-renowned as one of the most popular beaches in Australia. Nothing soaks in the true spirit of Australia like surfing, and this afternoon you can get your feet wet learning how to catch some waves at the incomparable Manly.

In a small group of no more than 6 beginners, you'll start your lesson with ocean hydraulics, tides, rips and surf-related safety skills. Then you'll learn about proper standing and paddling techniques, surfing etiquette and how even first-time surfers can catch a wave. By the end of the lesson with a little practice, you should be standing and shredding! Perhaps the perfect memento of an Australian holiday – return home knowing how to surf!

Accommodation: Central Sydney hostel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 4: Sydney Options and Departure

This morning you are free to explore the nearby Museum of Contemporary Art, The Sydney Observatory, or the bustling Darling Harbour. You are then transferred to Sydney airport for your flight home or to another destination in Australia.

Meals Included: Breakfast

What's Included:

Small World Journeys local guide
All activities as described in the itinerary
Specialty guides and educators
Sydney airport transfers
2 nights at a Sydney hostel (4 share dorm rooms with private bathroom)
1 nights at Taronga Zoo's safari-tent campground (2- or 4- share tents with bathrooms and showers available)
All breakfasts
All lunches
All dinners
All entrances to attractions
Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb - day time
Pre-trip educational information and reading list
24-hour emergency in-country support
Small World Journeys reusable water bottle for every participant
Risk managment assessment on request
ClimateCare™ carbon offsetting for a carbon-neutral trip

What's not Included:

Airfare
Travel insurance - not required but highly recommended
Optional photo with koala
Ferry to Taronga Zoo and Manly
Personal expenses (phone, internet, laundry, etc.)

Other Destinations in Australia:

Ask us about continuing your Australian adventures in The Red Centre or Cairns!

Where does the trip start?

Your guide will meet you in the Sydney airport domestic or international terminal when you arrive on Day 1 in Sydney.

Who are your guides?

Guides are locals to Sydney who are professional, knowledgeable and have extensive experience as tour guides. They know the city intimately and can assist with logistical issues as well as show you the hidden gems of the city.

For more information, see Our Guides

How do we make sure our educational goals are met?

If you have specific educational goals, or wish to include certain topics or areas of study, please tell us. Guides have a range of knowledge about natural history, colonial history, art, and geography and can tailor this program to include topics your students are studying in school.

Can we change this itinerary to fit our budget or to include different activities?

Yes! This itinerary can be shortened and some activities changed to suit. You can mix and match activities you like and we'll create a custom trip just for your group. We are happy to discuss custom options that are tailored to your budget.

What is the weather like in Sydney?

Sydney has a temperate climate. Summer is warm temperatures at 18-25 degrees celsius/64- 77 degrees Fahrenheit. Rainfall is spread throughout the year. Winters are mild, with average temperatures at 8-16 degrees Celsius/46-60 degrees Fahrenheit.

How is your safety recordl?

Our safety record is immaculate. Yes, we have had students receive minor cuts and bruises, but no injury requiring a hospital visit. We carry a first aid kit in our vehicles, as well as on the guide's person when in remote areas. Safety is absolutely our number one concern at all times. We do everything in our power to make sure each trip is as safe as it can possibly be.

What should we bring with us?

We will provide you with a suggested packing list in your Confirmation Packet. Some important things to remember to bring are a jacket, hat, and sunscreen.

Do you do risk management assessments?

Yes. We will gladly provide a risk management assessment specific to your trip on request. We evaluate the safety of each of our destinations and activities, and an itinerary will be modified or cancelled if the guide feels that conditions are unsafe. Staff also adhere to a comprehensive Risk Management Strategy.

What kind of food will we have?

We understand how important food is to young people – and heaps of it!

A typical breakfast will be a continental breakfast including fruits, cereals, toast & jams (and optional vegemite!) and a typical lunch will be pizza, a beachside cafe lunch or a Sydney food court or market where you have a variety of dishes to choose from, and dinners are a combination of catered salads, pasta, roasts, chicken dishes and desserts.

Where will we sleep?

We have chosen a new and immaculate hostel for lodging on this trip. The hostel is located at a prime spot in the historic district, only a few minutes' walk to Circular Quay, the Opera House, and the Harbour Bridge. Students sleep 4 to a room, and each room has a private bathroom with shower. At no time will students share their room with other travellers or "strangers". The hostel has received the WYSTIC Green Youth Travel Accommodation Award, the BPN Sustainability Award, and the Hostelling International Comfort Award for the highest comfort rated hostel in the world. The hostel has laundry facilities so you may wash your clothes at any point during your trip.

In addition, you will sleep in 2 or 4 person shared safari-style tents with linen provided, separated by gender (and you won't have to share with anyone you don't know) at Taronga Zoo. Bathrooms are shared with available showers.

We have a 24-hour mobile number that parents may ring at any time during their child's trip if there is an emergency, and we will also provide the group coordinator with contact details of where the group is staying each night.

How active will we be on this tour?

You do not have to be an athlete to join this trip; however, our trips are NOT “sight-seeing tours”. Our trips are active, and we will be outside a good part of the day, every day. We can accommodate a range of fitness and skill levels within one trip, and you will always have options.

How do we arrange airfare?

We do not arrange airfare in house, however we do work closely with several travel agents. In Australia, we recommend Kim Salter, our Sydney-based travel agent. Contact Kim at kims@travelmanagers.com.au or call + 61 0433 324 455 or toll free within Australia 1 300 640 821.

Why should we travel with Small World Journeys?

LOCAL SUPPORT & KNOWLEDGE
We offer 24-hour in-country support to answer your questions or if you have an emergency in the middle of the trip.

Local knowledge means we can recommend the best markets at which to shop, where the locals go for the best lunches in Sydney, and how to find the best photo spots that tourists will never find.

ECO-CREDENTIALS
Being an “eco” tour operator means more to us than just offering walks outdoors. It means we pay to offset the carbon emissions from your trip, give a percentage of profits to local environmental and community organizations, plant trees, recycle, and participate in Rainforest Rescue’s Adopt-a-Square program. See 10 Reasons Why We’re Eco for more on what we do for our environment and community.

HUNDREDS OF HAPPY STUDENTS
We could tell you that we provide highly professional customer service, respond attentively and consistently exceed our guests’ expectations. But don’t believe us! Read some of our testimonials or ask us for references from past guests who are willing to tell you all about their experience with Small World Journeys.

GOODIES!
You get a water bottle, carbon offsetting, and a reading list before your trip. Plus you get an unforgettable trip too.

For international groups: do we need a visa to travel to Australia?

All visitors to Australia need a visa, with the exception of visitors from New Zealand. An Australian entry visa, commonly known as an ETA (Electronic Travel Authority) will let you spend up to three months in Australia. In most countries it is easily obtained by the travel agent who issues your ticket, and should be free of charge. You can also get an ETA on line by visiting www.eta.immi.gov.au. There is no need for you to visit an Australian diplomatic office to submit an application, and you do not need a stamp or label in your passport. Upon check in at the airport, the airline agent will be able to confirm your ETA electronically. All visitors will also need a passport, valid for at least six months after the planned return date.


Minimum group size:	12 students
Days:	4 day trip
Dates:	Year round, your choice
Starts/Ends:	Sydney, Australia
Free Teacher:	For every 8 paying students
Topics Covered:	Sea Kayaking Skills Surfing Native Wildlife
For International students:	Add a homestay and/or a local school visit
Options:	This trip is fully customisable!