Student Leadership Camp: Team‑Building & Adventure

• Build rafts & play a “survivor” game on a tropical island
• Help each other over and through obstacles on a fun challenge course
• Build courage while abseiling and optional “canyoning”
• Snorkel at the Great Barrier Reef
• Swim under waterfalls and discover the rainforest with an Indigenous guide
• Participate in an interactive leadership workshop with Small World Journeys’ owner
• OPTIONAL – Navigate Grade III rapids as a team on the Barron River

15+ students: $1296 AUD per person (inc GST)
10-14 students: $1335 AUD per person (inc GST)

Includes:

• • Risk assessment
  • All activities as described in the itinerary
  • Cairns airport transfers
  • Transportation to activities
  • Small World Journeys guide Days 1-4
  • 2 nights at Cairns 3-star hotel (2, 3 or 4-share rooms)
  • 1 night Cairns Highlands cabins (single gender dorm-style rooms)*
  • All breakfasts
  • All lunches
  • All dinners
  • Snacks
  • Mask, fins, and snorkel hire for Great Barrier Reef day
  • Lycra suit hire during summer season
  • 101 Animals of the Great Barrier Reef field guide for each student
  • National Park and Marine Park taxes and levies
  • Materials for community service project
  • Small World Journeys BPA free 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 through Reforest

*Cairns accommodation – 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 supplement is charged if an additional private room is required for the trip (please ask us for pricing). 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, 2027 outside of peak travel times.

Peak times: 1-7 April  | 21 June – 13 July | 19 September – 6 October 2026

• Airfare to Cairns
• Travel insurance (highly recommended)
• Personal expenses (souvenirs, laundry, etc.)

• Whitewater rafting the Barron River (minimum age is 13): $175 AUD per person
• Canyoning (minimum age is 8): $279 AUD per person

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 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.

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

Our 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: 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.

The presentation room is equipped with chairs, and chairs with armrests are available on request for guests who may benefit from additional support when sitting down or standing up.

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: 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 1:  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:  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.

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. The Highlands cabins, abseiling, raft-building activity, rainforest walk and reef boat do not cater to people using wheelchairs or mobility devices.  In all locations except for the reef boat, there are spot on site where a person who is neurodivergent could find a quiet space with reduced stimuli. As the presentations and information about leadership, team-building activities, raft-building and obstacle course are given verbally, there is limited support for people with hearing impairments. Our guides will be able to assist those with vision impairments.

Departure at Airport

VISUAL AND WRITTEN STORY GUIDES: 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.

Excursion Safety & Compliance Checklist

1. Check Small World Journeys Safety Record

• ☐ Demonstrated excellent safety record with thousands of high school students – both Australian students and international students

• ☐ Teacher safety references available on request

• ☐ Proven experience delivering school excursions and educational tours

2. Risk Management & Documentation

• ☐ Written risk assessment completed for every excursion

• ☐ Risk assessment provided to organising teacher prior to departure

• ☐ Activities governed by documented Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

• ☐ Crisis Management Plan in place and available to schools

• ☐ Daily risk review conducted by guides during the program

3. Student Safety Briefings

• ☐ Mandatory student safety briefing delivered during program orientation

• ☐ Briefing addresses local environmental hazards and regional risks

• ☐ Clear expectations for student behaviour and group safety

4. Transport Safety

• ☐ All buses fitted with seatbelts for every passenger

• ☐ Vehicles exceed Queensland minimum legal requirements

• ☐ Daily vehicle safety checks conducted by guides

• ☐ Buses undergo Department of Transport inspections every 12 months

5. Guide Qualifications & Child Safety

• ☐ All guides hold current Senior First Aid certification

• ☐ All guides hold current CPR certification

• ☐ Valid Driver’s Authority held by guides when driving

• ☐ Valid Working With Children Check (Blue Card)

• ☐ Guides have undergone thorough background screening

• ☐ Guides trained in duty of care, code of conduct with teenagers and risk management

6. Supervision & Duty of Care

• ☐ Appropriate student-to-guide supervision ratios

• ☐ Teachers supported by experienced trained guides

• ☐ Clear lines of responsibility for student wellbeing and incident response

7. Compliance Assurance

• ☐ Program aligns with school excursion policies and approval requirements

• ☐ Documentation suitable for principal approval and risk review

• ☐ Ongoing communication with schools before and during the excursion

Arrive Cairns:

Welcome to the tropics! On arrival in Cairns, you are met by a Small World Journeys staff member and welcomed with an orientation outlining the program, expectations, and the exciting leadership journey ahead.

Group Initiatives & Games:

You begin with a series of dynamic group initiatives and team-based challenges designed to develop leadership and collaboration skills. Through problem-solving games facilitated by your guide, you explore the importance of communication, adaptability, trust, and shared responsibility. Each activity is followed by a guided debrief, allowing you to reflect on group dynamics, personal strengths, and how effective leaders support and empower others.

Fundamentals of Leadership Workshop:

Your first formal workshop dives into the core principles of leadership through interactive activities, self-reflection tools, and engaging discussions. You explore ten key qualities of effective leaders, identify leadership skills you already possess, and uncover your own unique “leadership superpowers.” The session is led by Small World Journeys owner and founder Laurie Pritchard—2017 Cairns CBWC Small Businesswoman of the Year and Institute of Managers & Leaders (IML) Regional Owner/Entrepreneur Award winner. Drawing on nearly two decades of hiring and mentoring experience, Laurie also shares valuable insights into what employers look for, common interview mistakes young people make, and how to stand out in the workplace. The workshop is fast-paced, practical, and empowering.

Highlands Cabins:

Later, you settle into your dorm-style accommodation nestled beside a picturesque waterfall in the Atherton Tablelands. Student cabins with shared bathrooms are separated by gender, while teachers enjoy nearby private cabins with ensuites, a small refrigerator, and tea and coffee facilities—providing a comfortable and peaceful rainforest retreat.

Platypus Spotting and Glowworms:

Near sunset, you join your guide to search for the elusive platypus in the property’s creek—one of Australia’s most unique native animals. After dark, you take a gentle rainforest walk to discover glow worms, whose bioluminescent lights sparkle across the forest floor, offering a magical insight into nocturnal rainforest life.

Campfire & Leadership Discussion:

In the evening, you gather around the campfire for a reflective leadership discussion. Guided prompts encourage you to talk openly about overcoming fears, building confidence, stepping outside comfort zones, and the challenges you’ve faced on your leadership journey. This relaxed, supportive setting helps consolidate learning, strengthen group bonds, and encourage personal growth.

Accommodation: Highlands Cabins
Included: Lunch, Dinner

Team-Building Obstacle Course:

This morning continues with high-energy team-building activities designed to strengthen cooperation, communication, and leadership. A major highlight is tackling an army-style obstacle course in small teams, where success depends on problem-solving, trust, and working together under pressure. The course challenges agility, coordination, and resilience, reinforcing the idea that strong teams rely on collaboration rather than individual performance alone.

Abseiling:

Guided by a qualified instructor, you are introduced to the exhilarating sport of abseiling—a controlled descent down a vertical surface using ropes and safety equipment. Often more mentally challenging than rock climbing, abseiling is a powerful confidence-building activity. First-time participants are carefully supported, and students quickly learn how encouragement and trust from teammates can help overcome fear and self-doubt.

Josephine Falls:

Later, you visit Josephine Falls in Wooroonooran National Park, one of the most stunning locations in the UNESCO-listed Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. A short rainforest walk leads you to cascading waterfalls and a crystal-clear swimming hole, complete with smooth granite boulders and a natural rock waterslide—an unforgettable tropical experience and a favourite with students.

Future of the Reef Talk:

Back in Cairns this evening, you attend an engaging presentation on the future of the Great Barrier Reef. Led by a marine naturalist, the session explores the current state of the reef, dispels common myths about coral bleaching and climate change, and examines the realities of reef tourism. You learn about the four major threats facing the reef, innovative research such as assisted evolution, and—most importantly—practical ways you can help protect the reef and become an advocate for positive environmental change when you return home.

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

Travel to the Great Barrier Reef:

This morning you board a ferry bound for beautiful Fitzroy Island, set within a national park on the inner Great Barrier Reef. Surrounded by fringing reefs and crystal-clear waters, Fitzroy Island is renowned for its exceptional marine biodiversity and protected rainforest landscapes—an ideal setting for learning, teamwork, and adventure on the reef.

Raft Building:

After an island orientation, you divide into teams for a high-energy raft-building challenge. Using a limited selection of materials, each group must design and construct a floating raft that demonstrates creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork. Rafts are assessed on innovation, collaboration, and their ability to safely support three team members. With full supervision, you then test your design on the water and work together to paddle back to shore.

Team Strategy Activity:

Using your completed rafts as a base, you take part in a “lost at sea” scenario that challenges strategic thinking and group decision-making. Teams must share ideas, prioritise resources, and justify choices to maximise survival chances. Your final decisions are compared against official Coast Guard standards, highlighting the value of communication and collective reasoning under pressure.

Snorkelling:

With snorkel gear available for the remainder of the day, you can step straight into the ocean to explore the vibrant reef surrounding the island. Just offshore, a dazzling array of marine life awaits—colourful coral gardens, parrotfish, lionfish, turtles, cuttlefish, rays, and giant clams—offering unforgettable encounters with the Great Barrier Reef ecosystem.

Optional Evening Activity – Documentary Film:

In the evening, you may choose to watch an optional environmental documentary. These films complement the themes of the day, sparking discussion, reflection, and inspiration for action—at no additional cost.

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

Community Service Project: This morning you take part in a meaningful community service project supporting people experiencing homelessness in Cairns. Working with a local charity, you create practical care bags using upcycled materials—reducing waste while saving costs. Each bag is filled with essential food and hygiene items needed by people living on the street. The packs are distributed by Rosies Friends on the Street, a respected not-for-profit organisation. Through this experience, you learn about the causes of homelessness in the local community and how small, practical actions can restore dignity and make a real difference. No craft skills required—this hands-on activity is simple, inclusive, and genuinely rewarding.

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

Included: Breakfast

Rafting the Barron River: 

Travel from Cairns to your put-in at Barron Gorge National Park. The Barron River ranks high with rafting enthusiasts around the globe for its stunning course through national parklands, Class III rapids, and its reliable year-round flows. First timers and experienced rafters alike are spoiled by the Barron’s fun paddling and gorgeous pristine wilderness. At the river you are fitted with a life jacket and helmet and after a safety briefing you are on the water. In 6-person rafts, you paddle through UNESCO World Heritage rainforest and below waterfalls that tumble from the walls of the gorge. Rousing rapids with evocative names like Cheese Churn, Rooster Tail and Hells Gate punctuate your route as you paddle the spectacular canyon.

Extra Cost of $175 per person

-OR-

Canyoning: Get ready to get wet! This adventure activity is called “canyoning”, which has you following a waterway through a gorgeous tropical canyon.  You learn to abseil beside waterfalls, slide and jump into clear pools, and hook in to a fantastic zip line over the gorge.  Suitable for ages 8 and above, this is the perfect activity to face your fears and join together in adventure!

Extra Cost of $279 per person