Best of Australia

• Walks with Indigenous guides in Sydney and the Daintree Rainforest
• Feed wild dolphins when they show up for their nightly visit
• Wildlife park and cuddle a koala
• Sail, snorkel and dive at The Great Barrier Reef
• Go sand dune boarding on a Moreton Island desert safari
• Natural rainforest waterslide and swim under waterfalls
• Outback cattle station: wild kangaroos, whip cracking and boomerang throwing
• Icons of Australia: Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and the Sydney Opera House

• Risk assessment
• Sydney, Brisbane and Cairns airport transfers
• Small World Journeys guide on Days 1, 2, 7, 8 and 9 and on other days specialty guides, educators and dedicated boat crew
• All activities and entrance fees as described in the itinerary
• Transportation to activities
• 2 nights Sydney budget accommodation (4 share rooms)*
• 2 nights Moreton Island resort (2 or 3 share rooms)*
• 4 nights Cairns 3-star hotel (2 or 3 share rooms)*
• 1 night outback cattle station (single gender dorm-style cabins)
• All breakfasts
• 6 lunches
• All dinners
• 101 Animals of the Great Barrier Reef field guide for each student
• Mask, fins, snorkel, stinger suit or wetsuit hire on the reef trip
• Pre-trip educational information
• National Park fees and levies
• Donation made to Rainforest Rescue on behalf of your group (we give you a certificate on your trip)
• Reusable water bottle and cloth shopping bag
• Donation made to Reef Restoration Foundation to the “Care for Coral” program on behalf of your group (we give you a certificate on your trip)
• NEW: we offset the carbon emissions from your trip activities AND your flight to Cairns!

*Two teacher rooms (private twin or triple share rooms) are included in the trip price for groups of 15 students or more. For trips with low numbers (10-14), one teacher room is included. A single supplement  is charged if an additional private room is required for the trip. If teachers are happy to share a room, no additional costs are incurred.

Small World Journeys reserves the right to change the order of activities for logistical reasons. Prices are valid for travel until 31 March, 2026.

• International and domestic airfare
• Travel insurance (highly recommended)
• Three lunches
• Personal expenses (phone, laundry, etc.)

• Optional Surfing Lesson at Bondi Beach
• Optional water activities on Moreton Island
• Photo with koala
• Intro SCUBA diving at the reef
• 1 x day room upon arrival in Sydney to freshen up

Planning Your Trip

ACCESSIBILITY MENU: Small World Journeys’ website provides an accessibility menu. Visitors to our website can click on the “person” icon on the right side of the screen to bring up this menu. Options include increasing/decreasing font size, increasing/decreasing contrast, dyslexia-friendly fonts, and the ability to hide images, among other things.

BOOKING FORM: On our online booking form, we ask all participants to list any special needs they have, be them medical, dietary, or accessibility needs. We also offer free sensory packs to our guests who are neurodivergent, which include headphones, a timer for transitions, a squeezy fidget toy, and other treats to appeal to the senses like flavoured lip balm.

WAIVER FORMS: We understand that not all of our participants’ parents have a strong command of written English and therefore understanding and signing our on-line waiver may prove challenging. We therefore have our wavier form available in the following languages on request: Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese and Spanish.

Arrival & Departure at Sydney Airport

ACCESSIBLE TOILETS & DRINKING FOUNTAINS: Public toilets are located throughout the terminals. Each toilet facility includes an accessible toilet suitable for wheelchair access. View or download our terminal maps to view their locations. Wheelchair accessible drinking fountains are located throughout the terminals.

Google Maps Indoor Live View is now available at Sydney Airport. Indoor maps is a new augmented reality feature on Google Maps – available in both international and domestic terminals – designed to help passengers find gates, baggage claims, retail outlets, dining options, restrooms, ATMs and more.

For any wheelchair or accessibility passengers, please select the ‘Wheelchair accessible’ preference to find wheelchair, pram and suitcase friendly paths. You can also turn on audio navigation prompts, in addition to visual cues.

TGSI and HEARING LOOPS: The Sydney Airport makes use of Tactile Ground Service Indicators (TGSI) and Hearing Loops to assist people with vision impairments and hearing difficulties, respectively. For example, tactile ground surface indicators are also used within the terminal to provide people who are visually impaired, indication of changes of surface conditions. Look for the International Symbol, which is used to indicate that a hearing loop has been installed. More information about hearing loops can be found here.

If you are a blind or low visibility traveller, you can use a free service to help you navigate your way through Sydney Airport’s International and Domestic terminals. Please visit the Aira website to find out more.

If you are deaf, or have a hearing or speech impairment, you can contact Sydney Airport via the National Relay Service. Provide the NRS with the Sydney Airport Customer Care number, 133 793.

ASSISTANCE ANIMALS: Assistance animal toilet and watering facilities are available at the T1 International terminal after security on the arrivals level. A temporary animal relief facility is now open at T2, located on arrivals level, opposite baggage reclaim carousel 2.

HIDDEN DISABILITIES: Wearing a sunflower lanyard at Sydney Airport enables staff to recognise that you have a hidden disability. If you would like to identify your hidden disability, you can pick up a hidden disabilities lanyard at one of the following locations:

• The Airport Services Centre located on Level 3 (Administration) at T1 International terminal
• The Ambassadors information desk on Arrivals level at T2 Domestic terminal
• The oversized luggage counter on Departures level at T3 Domestic terminal

At security screening and passport control this lets staff know that you may need more time and support through processes. Where possible, staff will facilitate you through the special assistance lanes. Note this lanyard does not give you fast track access through security or passport control.

Arrival & Departure at Cairns Airport

ACCESSIBLE TOILETS: Public toilets are located throughout the terminals. Each toilet facility includes an accessible toilet suitable for wheelchair access.

TGSI and HEARING LOOPS: The Cairns Airport makes use of Tactile Ground Service Indicators (TGSI) and Hearing Loops to assist people with vision impairments and hearing difficulties, respectively.  For example, Braille is included on toilet doors/signs to assist a person with vision impairment locate the correct facility.

ASSISTANCE FOR HIDDEN DISABILITIES: If you or someone you are travelling with has a hidden disability, you can request a hidden disability lanyard through a form here.  Wearing a sunflower lanyard when you are at Cairns Airport is a discreet way for you to indicate to the airport team that you may need a little extra help, guidance or time with the airport processes. The airport team has been trained to recognise the lanyard and provide the assistance and support you may need. Some of the airport staff will also be wearing a Sunflower badge on their shirts or lanyards to help you feel a little more at ease.

VISUAL AND WRITTEN STORY GUIDES: Visual Story Guides are available for Domestic Arrivals and have been designed to help you to understand how an airport works and what to expect. Written Story Guides are also available for Domestic Arrivals.  Visual Story Guides are available for Domestic Departures and have been designed to help you to understand how an airport works and what to expect. Written Story Guides are also available for Domestic Departures.

Our Safety Talks

Our arrival safety talk is done verbally but is supported by cards that illustrate the main talking points. Similarly, our snorkelling safety talk is done in the same manner, supported by cards with pictures and illustrations.

We can provide a transcript of our safety talk to any hearing-impaired guest.

Transport

For Sydney, please let us know in the planning phase of your trip if you have a member of your group using a wheelchair or mobility device and we can arrange for accessible transport options.

In Cairns, Cur buses have two steps up of approximately 40 cms to get inside. There is no lift for a wheelchair or mobility device. Similarly, on occasion we hire large coaches for bigger groups and those buses also have two steps up of about 40 cms to get inside. All buses are equipped with seatbelts.

Presentations & Workshops

OUR OFFICE & PRESENTATION SPACE: In Cairns we use the Small World Journeys office space for presentations, workshops and some community service projects. There is a rise of approximately 2 cm to enter the presentation room. We have one accessible, gender-neutral toilet block with shower.

In the outside area of our office, planes fly overhead frequently and the noise can be startling and confronting. However, as part of the terms of construction, the entire building has sound mitigation devices (double glazed windows, etc.) which creates the opportunity for multiple breakout spaces for neuro-divergent people who desire a quiet space with reduced stimuli.

Our presentations are designed to appeal to both visual and auditory learners.   We can provide a transcript of our presentations to any hearing-impaired guest.

NOVOTEL PRESENTATION SPACE: In Cairns we also use Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort for presentations at dinnertime.

Overall accessible resort information:

• All entries to the hotel are wheelchair-accessible
• 2 accessible spaces in the on-site car park, near lifts
• 1 accessible toilet in hotel lobby (hand rail | grab bar)
• Most walkways within the hotel are wheelchair-accessible
• Well-lit main areas
• All meeting rooms are accessible
• Braille call buttons for lifts on each floor (external)
• On-site restaurant & breakfast buffet is mostly accessible – Please ask for assistance at hot food station.

Hotels

FLEXIBILITY WITH ACCOMMODATION: We have flexibility with the accommodation we choose; therefore if we know in advance that we have a guest with a wheelchair, mobility scooter or is short statured, we can choose hotels that cater accordingly.

PREFERRED HOTEL (SYDNEY): The entire property is accessible for wheelchair and mobility device users. There are accessible rooms as well: the shower is a roll-in shower with a flip-down shower bench. The accessible accommodation is suitable for up to three people. There are lifts in the building to get to rooms and to street level. There are spots on site where a person who is neurodivergent could find a quiet space with reduced stimuli or retreat to his/her room.

PREFERRED HOTEL 1 (CAIRNS):  One of our preferred Cairns hotels is centrally located and one block from the waterfront.  The reception and breakfast room are widely accessible through a double automatic door as there are no steps or thresholds. Accessible guest rooms are all on the ground level.  The staff are happy to move the furniture around if required, and the rooms are fitted with a zipped-together queen bed or two single beds depending on preference. The under-bed clearance is 40mm, and there’s around 1000mm of space between the side of the bed and the wall. Unfortunately, the balconies have sliding door tracks and may not be completely accessible. Light switches are all large dish-style type and located 1000mm from the floor in accessible locations. The air conditioning can be remotely controlled. Moving into the bathroom: the hotel boasts accessible showers and toilets that are hobless and fitted with a fold-down seat. Both horizontal and vertical grab rails are fitted and the shower is home to a hot and cold flick mixer tap. The lifts which provide access to the third accessible room provide ample space for wheelchairs, and also boast buttons fitted with Braille.

PREFERRED HOTEL 2 (CAIRNS):  A second preferred hotel is also centrally located.  With accessible rooms that boast a double bed and a single bed, the staff at Coral Tree Inn are also happy to move the room furniture around to suit guests who use a wheelchair or mobility device. With a coffee and tea making space and a small bar fridge at hand, the TV can also be controlled by the remote. It’s worth noting that at this hotel the air conditioning unit cannot be operated by a remote. There is an accessible combined toilet and shower facility fitted with grab rails and a fold-down set. The shower is also hobless for added accessibility. Unfortunately, the balconies have sliding door tracks and may not be accessible to all guests, and there are also no designated accessible parking bays. However, there is ample room for drop offs immediately in front of reception.

Entering the reception may also be a little difficult as the door is manual, but staff are always happy to assist (and man the desk 24 hours). There are wide paths that lead from the reception to every area of the resort, including the BBQ area, the pool and the adjoining dining room.

PREFERRED HOTEL (DAINTREE): Wheelchair users will be pleasantly surprised by how accessible the property is. The two Escape Cabins are especially convenient. There are no lifts to these two cabins, no stairs, the room is large and the light switches are low. The bathrooms is suitable for wheelchair access. There are spots on site where a person who is neurodivergent could find a quiet space with reduced stimuli or retreat to his/her room.

Meals & Restaurants

FLEXIBILITY WITH RESTAURANTS & CATERING: We have quite a bit of flexibility with the restaurants we choose; therefore if we know in advance that we have a guest with a wheelchair, mobility scooter or is short statured, we can choose restaurants that cater accordingly.

We offer flexible menu options for people who have food allergies or intolerances, and in many cases religious requirements relating to food.

Guests are given space on our online booking form to specify their allergy, intolerance or religious requirement. On arrival we then give them a bag containing, for example, lactose-free milk, nut-free cereal and snacks, and/or other food items that cater to this allergy or intolerance. Unfortunately, we are not able to guarantee catering for preferences like low carb meals or FODMAP.

Similarly, we inform all caterers and restaurants of our guests’ food allergies or intolerances.  Breakfast is typically served at the hotel, whilst lunches are often boxed lunches as we move around quite a bit on our tours.

Activities

If we are informed in the planning phase of your trip about  any participants or (potential participants) who have disabilities or special needs, we can suggest certain activities over others or suggest certain boats to the reef.  For example, one boat that travels to the reef has a lift for a guest in a wheelchair to get in and out of the water which is a great choice for guests with wheelchairs or mobility devices. Conversely, we know that the facilities on the boat that travels to the Fitzroy Island reef is not well set up for those with wheelchairs or mobility devices.  We also can include activities such as the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, which recognises and supports the Sunflower program for people with hidden disabilities.

On this particular trip, there are quite a few activities:

Bondi Beach

Bondi park and promenade can be accessed from the main entrance on Campbell Parade, access to the beach is from the northern end of the beach via the accessible ramp. The promenade provides level access to view the surf and beach, attend an event or visit a local cafe.  The sand can be accessed by booking a beach wheelchair, or by using the beach access mat. Beach mat is available all year round on; Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays for people who prefer to use their own wheelchair.

Toilets
Accessible and ambulant toilets are located at the North Bondi amenities, close to the accessible ramp and beach wheelchair storage.

Showers
An outdoor shower is located alongside the beach wheelchair storage locker to enable people to wash away the sand before transferring back into their own wheelchair. An accessible shower and Changing Places facility are also located in Bondi Pavilion.

There are limited spots at this busy beach and esplanade site where a person who is neurodivergent could find a quiet space with reduced stimuli.

Sydney Opera House

Sydney Opera House has a selection of Auslan Interpreted, Audio Described and Captioned programs. Theatres have limited wheelchair-accessible seating – to ensure appropriate seating is allocated, advise us when booking. There are limited spots on site where a person who is neurodivergent could find a quiet space with reduced stimuli.

Audio Described

Audio description is a live commentary for people who are blind or have low vision of the visual elements of a performance which is relayed to the patron via a free headset and receiver linked to the FM radio system.

A pre-show Tactile Tours may be available allowing hands on access to costumes, props and stage set in order to capture the atmosphere of the work. Tactile Tours usually occur before the Audio Described performance.

Auslan Interpreted

Experienced Auslan theatre interpreters stand to the side of the stage and translate what the actors are saying or singing into Auslan. A block of seats is reserved for users of this service to ensure a good view of the interpreter and the stage.

Captioned

Captions are text descriptions that display a films dialogue, identify speakers, and describe other relevant sounds that are otherwise inaccessible to people who are deaf or hearing impaired. Open Captions (OC) are displayed on a screen and Closed Captions (CC) are available to watch via an app on your personal device (phone or i-pad)

Relaxed

Relaxed performances are open to everyone including people who are autistic, people with disabilities that create sensory sensitivities and anyone who would benefit from a more relaxed environment. There is an open-door policy allowing for movement in and out of the venue and staff will be able to direct patrons who require a quiet, low sensory space to a suitable location in the foyer area. A social story is provided in advance for reference about the journey to the venue and the elements of the show itself.

Moreton Island

Mossman Gorge Walk

The Visitors’ Centre and toilets are accessible for wheelchair or mobility devices. People using a wheelchair or mobility device can access the   the river track & first 500m to the look-out on board walk. Groups can be kept to under 10 people for guests with mild to moderate hearing impairments so guide can project their voice loud enough for guest to hear; guides like to have one on one conversations & questions if guests needed.  There are many quiet spots in the park where people who are neurodivergent can rest.

The Outer Reef Trip

• Accessible toilet facilities are available on the main deck
• Due to the movement of the tides and the necessity to occasionally move to different decks for embarkation and disembarkation, the boat is not well equipped to accommodate wheelchairs or mobility devices.
• Safety instructions are given verbally (no written instructions available).
• The captain is the first point of call for any questions or queries in regards to accessibility and/or special requirements that guests may have on the day.
• The boat uses pictogram signs (for example a pictogram showing feet standing on coral with a red line through it) to assist people with low literacy levels or who speak English as a second language.
• The distance from the Reef Fleet terminal to the vessel is approximately 150 metres;  there is a wheelchair available from our check-in counter to assist with commute from terminal to vessel for distance walking if required.
• Most dietary restrictions (gluten or lactose free, vegan, nut-free) can be accommodated.
• There are limited spots where a person who is neurodivergent could find a quiet space with reduced stimuli on the boat; however once docked the majority of guests are on the pontoon which means a the boat has more quiet space.

Wooroonooran National Park: Josephine Falls

The toilets, picnic shelter and picnic tables in the car park area are wheelchair and mobility device-accessible. Wheelchair and mobility device access is available to the viewing platform at the top area. Stairs lead to the bottom pool where swimming takes place. People with hearing impairments can read the interpretive panels at the falls. There is a spot on site where a person who is neurodivergent could find a quiet space with reduced stimuli.

Millaa Millaa Falls

Millaa Millaa Falls in the lower carpark at the base of the falls which has an accessible viewing platform nearby. There is no access to the swimming area at the falls, with no provisions for people who use a wheelchair or mobility device. There are accessible toilets adjacent to the car park.  There is a spot on site where a person who is neurodivergent could find a quiet space with reduced stimuli. People with hearing impairments can read the interpretive panels at the falls.

Outback Cattle Station

The property has an accessible toilet and shower. Bunk houses are suitable for people using a wheelchair or a mobility device. Eating area is located on a rock & slate surface, which is relatively smooth but slightly uneven in some places. The pioneer homestead and the hay truck (for wildlife viewing on the property) is not accessible for people using a wheelchair or a mobility device. There are many places on site where a person who is neurodivergent could find a quiet space with reduced stimuli. People with hearing impairments can receive safety instructions for cow milking, boomerang throwing and other activities in a visual format. People with vision impairments can receive verbal safety instructions for cow milking and other activities in a visual format, however boomerang throwing is not recommended.

Crocodile and Wildlife Park

The park is about 98% fully accessible for wheelchair and mobility device users. Wheelchairs are available free of charge from Admissions (need to be pre-booked). The pathways to Gondwana Gateway and Cassowary Walk are moderately steep and assistance may be required. The only area not suitable for a person in a wheelchair is the Crocodile Farm Tour as they cannot see into the pens; however they can still listen to the information given on croc farming.  Ambulant access toilets are located at Lilies Restaurant and at our Gallery of Living Art. People with hearing impairments can read the interpretive panels at the different areas of the park.  Support dogs for people with vision impairments have limited access to certain area’s i.e.: restaurant, shop and limited croc area, but some areas with wallabies, kangaroos, koalas and birds the dogs are forbidden access; clients CAN leave the dog with us in the air-conditioned office.

Skyrail

The entire Skyrail experience is wheelchair accessible and can accommodate most standard wheelchairs. Due to size restrictions and loading requirements, some types of wheelchairs cannot be carried on the cableway. Skyrail also provides complimentary use of wheelchairs (subject to availability) during your Skyrail experience. Certified support dogs and assistance animals are permitted to travel on Skyrail, subject to conditions. Skyrail is located within the Barron Gorge National Park (a World Heritage Area) hence operates in accordance with strict environmental legislation, laws and obligations as prescribed by the Queensland Government including Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS).

Skyrail is part of the Sunflower Program for hidden disabilities. If you or someone you are travelling with has a hidden disability, you can request a hidden disability lanyard through a form here.  Wearing a sunflower lanyard when you are on The Skyrail is a discreet way for you to indicate to the airport team that you may need a little extra help, guidance or time with the airport processes. The Skyrail team has been trained to recognise the lanyard and provide the assistance and support you may need.

Arrival: Welcome to Sydney! On arrival you are greeted by your local guide who has an intimate knowledge of Sydney’s back streets, icons, and best-loved sites. With your guide you travel from the airport to your accommodation and receive an orientation on what to expect in Australia.

Walking Tour: With your guide you learn more about the cultural, historic and natural sites of Sydney as you walk the city streets, cobblestone alleys and seaside paths of this attractive city. Your walking tour follows in the steps of colonists and convicts, and you learn of the city’s history, local hangouts and favourite sites.

Sydney Opera House & Royal Botanic Gardens: Later you walk with your guide to get up close to one of the world’s most recognizable buildings, and an icon of Australia – The Sydney Opera House. Your visit to Australia is not complete without a photo in front of this majestic building, and a walk in the Royal Botanic Gardens takes you to the perfect lookout.

Accommodation: Sydney Budget Accommodation
Meals Included: Dinner

Bondi Beach: With your guide you enjoy the morning at Australia’s most famous beach – Bondi! You will have plenty of time to soak up the sun and surf, learn about Aussie beach culture and lifeguards and enjoy the fun people watching. You can also do the coastal cliff walk between Bondi and Coogee Beach. The trail weaves along the coast, giving you the opportunity to whale watch (seasonal) and view Aboriginal rock carvings in Marks Park.

OPTIONAL Surf Lessons: In a small group you start your lesson with important surf and safety rules and covering all the basics from warm-up to paddling, catching waves and standing. By the end of the lesson with a little practice, you should be standing and shredding!  Perhaps the perfect memento of an Australian coastal holiday – return home knowing how to surf! (Extra cost, pre booking required)

Opera House Performance: As a special treat tonight, get “poshed up” and attend a live performance in the Sydney Opera House – from opera to circus, rock and cabaret – in one of the busiest performing arts venues in the world.

Accommodation: Sydney Budget Accommodation
Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner

Fly to Brisbane and Transfer to Moreton Island: Later today you are transferred to the Sydney Airport for your flight to Brisbane (flight not included– please book a flight that arrives in Brisbane no later than 3 pm). You arrive in Brisbane airport where you are greeted by your driver guide and then transferred to the Brisbane Wharf for your ferry ride. You then travel to Moreton Island, the world’s third largest sand island and traditional home of the Morrgunpin Aboriginal people.

Island Resort: On arrival you check into the family-operated resort, where facilities include 2 swimming pools, guest laundry, ATM, internet kiosk and WiFi, tennis courts, massage hut, Marine Education and Conservation Centre, and nightly activities like bingo and karaoke. Eco Rangers conduct education programs and nature-based tours to enhance your awareness of the surrounding ecosystems.

Evening Dolphin Feeding: A highlight is the evening dolphin interaction. Every evening at sunset a pod of up to nine local bottlenose dolphins swim to the beach in front of the resort. You then have a chance to watch their behaviour and feed them, an activity supervised by the Tangalooma Marine Education and Conservation Centre. This is truly a special interaction with wild dolphins you could never get at a wildlife park.

Accommodation: Moreton Island Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Desert Safari and Sand Tobogganing:  Today you take a 4WD bus on a trip through the Aussie “bush” and learn about the history, geology, and natural features–like the coloured sands–of this unique island. You arrive at the Tangalooma Desert, where the massive sand dunes that stretch to the sky are perfect for sand tobogganing.  The “toboggans” are pieces of masonite which when waxed, fly down the sand dunes.

Free Afternoon Options: Options in the morning and late afternoon include tennis and table tennis, archery, squash, educational presentations and animal feedings like fish and the laughing kookaburra!

Optional Marine-based activities:  With 15 purposely sunk shipwrecks, the bay promises a paradise teeming with reef fish and corals that have formed on the wrecks since 1963.  You can expect to see wobbegongs, trevally, kingfish, dugongs, sea turtles, yellowtail, dolphins, tuna and an abundance of tropical reef fish in a truly unusual environment. Activity choices include kayaking and snorkelling, paddle boarding and “banana boat” rides. (extra cost – book activities on your own once on the island)

Evening Dolphin Feeding: For those students who didn’t get a chance to feed the dolphins last night, tonight is your chance!

Accommodation: Moreton Island resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Ferry to Mainland: This morning after breakfast you leave Moreton Island by way of ferry, and then you are transferred to the Brisbane airport. It is then approximately 2.5 hours to fly to tropical Cairns.

Arrival in Cairns: Here you are met by our staff at the airport and you have a brief orientation on what to expect in Cairns.

Future of The Reef Talk: In the evening back in Cairns you attend a unique presentation on the future of the Great Barrier Reef.  Your marine naturalist teaches you the facts about the state of the reef, dispelling myths about bleaching and climate change, and relays the good, the bad and the ugly about reef tourism. During this talk, you learn the four key threats to the reef and how scientists are trying “assisted evolution” by breeding corals that are resistant to bleaching under higher temperatures.  Perhaps most importantly, you gain ten tips on how you yourselves can help save the reef and continue campaigning when you return home.

Accommodation: Cairns 3-star hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner

Boat Ride to Reef: Your day begins with an air-conditioned catamaran ride to the outer Great Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World-Heritage site and one of the most biodiverse spots on the planet.  Your boat crew provides an optional introduction to snorkelling talk to prepare you for your experience.

Snorkelling: Upon arrival, you dock at a floating pontoon, and an underwater universe greets you. You can expect to see a rainbow of hard and soft corals, turtles, and a variety of fish species including butterfly fish, giant Maori Wrasse, parrot fish, and the ever-popular clown fish, also known as “Nemo”.

Lunch today is a tropical buffet served on the boat.

Field Guide: 101 Animals of The Great Barrier Reef, written by Dr. Martin Cohen, helps you to better understand the underwater world and is yours to keep.

Observatory: There is an underwater observatory at the pontoon, as well as a small marine life touch tank. Floating “noodles” and life jackets are available as well.

Slide into the Reef: You may like to finish your day by celebrating with a few slides into the Great Barrier Reef; your double storey pontoon has something that no other boat does….. A long and fun slide that finishes in the waters of the reef.

Semi-Sub and Glass Bottom Boat: A semi-submersible craft and glass bottom boat allow those who prefer not to swim to still enjoy viewing the marine life at The Great Barrier Reef.

OPTIONAL SCUBA Diving: Snorkelers can also opt to learn about SCUBA diving one-on-one from the dive instructor—an intro dive is a fantastic way to see the reef without having a certification.  (Extra cost and medical restrictions apply; see inclusions tab).

Optional Evening Activity – Documentary Film: Documentary films can inspire discussion and action, in addition to complementing the content of your trip. Tonight you have a choice to view one of several optional documentary films that relate to the environment (no extra cost).

Accommodation: Cairns 3-star hotel
Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Today you enter Wooroonooran National Park – a diverse part of the UNESCO Wet Tropics World Heritage Area which hosts some of the oldest continually surviving rainforest in the world.

Josephine Falls: One of the most picturesque places in the entire Wet Tropics! You take an easy walk through the jungle, listening for the call of the king parrot and the bowerbird and emerge at Josephine Falls, where Josephine Creek plunges down a gorgeous set of cascades. Below the falls, boulders surround a fun swimming hole and a natural water slide down a smooth sloping rock face.

Millaa Millaa Falls: Millaa Millaa (meaning “plenty of water” in the local Aboriginal language) is the icon of tropical north Queensland and one of the most photographed natural sites in the region. The waterfall flows over pure basalt rock thousands of years old in a dramatic burst. There is a fantastic swimming hole at the base of the falls, and you can climb on the peculiar columnar basalt for a unique perspective of the falls from behind.

Outback Cattle Station and Wildlife: As you cross the Great Dividing Range, you enter outback country, where the dirt turns red and gum trees prevail. Here you are welcome guests at a traditional working cattle station and homestead, opened to your group. On arrival, you hop in the hay truck to trace a route through the station–much of which has been set aside as a sanctuary for wildlife—and look for the kangaroos and crocodiles that roam the property.

Aussie BBQ and Stargazing: After a classic Aussie “barbie”, you have a fire under starry outback skies. From this remote outback station, views of the southern hemisphere stars are phenomenal. You’ll learn how to find southern constellations—including the Southern Cross—most of which cannot be seen at all from the northern hemisphere. Students sleep in single-gender dorm-style bunk houses, while teachers sleep in single cabins tonight.

Accommodation: Outback Cattle Station
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Farm Activities: This morning you get a sample of true outback life on a cattle station. You visit the cattle yards to learn about the cattle musters and branding, and what this robust rural family does to survive flooding, and drought. You can channel your inner Indiana Jones by learning to crack a whip, and ride on the farm’s hay truck to look for kangaroos and crocodiles in the wild. On the homestead, old trinkets, furniture and memorabilia that you can touch also take you back to the age of the early Australian pioneers.

Boomerang Throwing: Yes, they actually come back to you! Your guide teaches you the significance of the boomerang and how they were cleverly used for hunting. You learn proper throwing technique and what makes them return.

Skyrail Rainforest Cableway: You experience Cairns premier eco-attraction and winner of numerous ecotourism awards – the Skyrail. You are transferred to this unique rainforest cableway for a fantastic journey over Australia’s World Heritage listed tropical rainforest canopy and deep into the forest.  Spanning 7.5 kilometres over Barron Gorge National Park, the Skyrail experience includes a scenic cableway ride and stops at two rainforest mid-stations. You can descend from the cableway onto rainforest boardwalks, where interpretive information is provided through guided boardwalk tours, signage and an interpretive centre.

Cairns Night Markets:  The nearby Night Markets opens at dusk, where you can find opals, pearls, silver, clothing, massage oils, t-shirts, arts, crafts, Australian food products, toys, and plenty of souvenirs and gifts.

Accommodation: Cairns 3-star hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Wildlife Park: This morning your guide takes you to a wildlife immersion park that is made up of three open and interactive environments (the Rainforest, the Wetlands and the Grasslands) for guests and animals to mingle in a natural setting. Hundreds of animals are housed on the property, including kangaroos, wallabies, laughing kookaburras, goannas, quolls, snakes, lorikeets, tree kangaroos, owls, koalas and an assortment of other Aussie animals, all of which need proper enclosures, feeding and care.

Optional Photo – You and a Koala! If you have always wanted to get a quintessential photo with a koala- here’s your chance (extra cost).

Rainforest Discovery with Indigenous Guide: The Kuku Yalanji are one of the only tribal rainforest people in Australia who still have their own culture and language, and this afternoon you are welcomed by an Aboriginal guide for a walk to see the Daintree rainforest through indigenous eyes. Beginning with a traditional smoking ceremony, you wander rainforest paths, discovering with your guide how these Aboriginal people found their way through dense rainforest, made shelter and learned which native plants were tasty to eat and those that served as weapons and medicine.   As your guide shares his stories, you learn how the seasons dictated life, what falls under men’s and women’s “business”, how to make fire in the rainforest and how to make fish very easy to catch.   You then sample billy tea and wattle seed damper (bread) made on the fire topped with jam from rainforest berries.

Beach BBQ Party: In the afternoon, you head to the beach for music, games and a BBQ cookout.  This is a great way to end your week in Australia!

Accommodation: Cairns 3-star hotel
Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

After breakfast this morning you have free time for last-minute shopping or souvenir purchases.  If you leave later in the day, you can choose one of the following option:

Optional Service Project: Alternatively, you can participate in a service project for the homeless by making special bags for a local charity using upcycled materials (which helps them save money!) You then put it the bags food and hygiene items most needed by those living on the street.  A local not-for-profit organisation will then distribute the packs you make.  In addition, a representative from the charity will speak to you about how members of the Cairns community become homeless, and how your gift will help. No worries if you aren’t the best at arts and crafts – the bags are easy to make, and you’ll feel good doing it too.

Later you are transferred to the Cairns airport for your flight home.

Included: Breakfast