International Student Tropical Adventure

• Make friends with other international exchange students who are studying in Australia!
• Stay on an outback cattle station – learn to crack a whip, milk the cows and more
• Plunge down a natural waterslide and swim under waterfalls
• Snorkel at The Great Barrier Reef
• Choose from water skiing or wakeboarding at an aquapark
• Enjoy night activities like 10-pin bowling and laser tag
• Learn about Aboriginal culture whilst doing an art project
• Gaze up at starry outback skies around a campfire
• No long bus rides

• All activities as described in the itinerary
• Cairns airport transfers
• Transportation to activities
• Small World Journeys guides Days 1-5 – totally supervised tour
• 3 nights at Cairns hotel (2 or 4 share rooms)*
• 1 night outback cattle station (basic single gender dorm-style rooms)*
• All continental breakfasts
• All lunches
• All dinners except day 3 (free choice in town)
• Snacks
• Mask, fins, wet/lycra suit, and snorkel hire for Great Barrier Reef trip
• 101 Animals of the Great Barrier Reef field guide for each student
• Small World Journeys reusable water bottle and cloth shopping bag
• National Park and Marine Park taxes and levies

• Airfare to Cairns
• Dinner on arrival day
• Personal expenses (phone, laundry, etc.)

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.

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:

Ten-Pin Bowling

The bowling centre has direct wheelchair access to the lanes, special bowling ramps to help you direct and bowl your ball with ease and a range of lightweight balls. The toilet is accessible. The centre is quiet noisy and there is not a spot on site where a person who is neurodivergent could find a quiet space with reduced stimuli. People with vision impairments can also take advantage of the special bowling ramps available.

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.

Great Barrier Reef Trip

• The boat cannot accommodate persons using wheelchairs and 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.
• Assistance dogs are permitted, but must be confirmed with the reservations team prior to the trip.
• 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 company also has risk snorkel assessment forms in Japanese & Chinese for those nationalities.
• The distance from the Reef Fleet terminal to the vessel is approximately 150 metres; unfortunately no assistance is available for guests with mobility impairments.
• Lunch catering is sourced from a third party contractor who supply very detailed ingredient lists on request. Most dietary restrictions (gluten or lactose free, vegan, nut-free) can be accommodated.
• Although the boat itself does not have a specific low-stimulus quiet area, there are places on the island that could serve in this capacity.
• The island has dirt tracks and uneven terrain to get to the turtle rehab centre, and the beach front is mostly coral rubble

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.

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.

BOOKING

Please read all of the terms and conditions on this page to decide if you want to participate, and ask your parent(s) to read them as well.  Please note that before we can accept your booking it is a mandatory requirement that you/your parents accept these terms and conditions.

Then we will need from you & your HOME COUNTRY PARENTS no later than 35 days before the trip start:

1) BOOKING FORM (accessed on our website)

2) SIGNED RELEASE, DISCHARGE AND INDEMNITY FORMS (also accessed on our website) HOME COUNTRY parents must read and e-sign before any money is paid.  (Please ask us if you require the waiver in your native language)

3) PAYMENT OF $150 DEPOSIT.  This amount comes off the total balance due. Until this deposit is received, your place on the trip is not confirmed. We advise you not to make any travel plans or book flights until you have received our confirmation.

4) Once the trip is confirmed at 30 days prior to the trip, you then PAY THE BALANCE DUE.

If you are the home country parent/guardian of a minor student, you will need to e-sign the Release, Discharge and Indemnity Form BEFORE remitting any payment to Small World Journeys. You are agreeing to the terms and conditions of this agreement and that it is a legally binding agreement between Small World Journeys and you.

If you are a participant 18 years old or over, you understand that you are entering into this agreement electronically and that by clicking “Submit Form”, you are agreeing to the terms and conditions of this agreement and that it is a legally binding agreement between Small World Journeys and you. You must agree to these terms and conditions BEFORE remitting any payment to Small World Journeys.

PAYMENT

At time of booking…………………….$150 AUD deposit due (If you cancel before 35 days before the trip, this deposit is refunded.  Within 35 days of the trip, the deposit is non-refundable)

30 days prior to departure………………Balance is due

If you sign up for a trip within 30 days of trip departure, full payment is due at the time of booking.

If your balance payment is not received when due, Small World Journeys reserves the right to consider the reservation cancelled and you will be forfeiting your deposit.

For payment, we accept direct deposits, MasterCard and Visa.

CANCELLATIONS FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

IF YOU CANCEL

Accidents happen; emergencies occur. For this reason we strongly recommend travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you should an emergency happen that prevents you from participating on your Small World Journeys trip.

If it is necessary for you to cancel your trip, you must notify us in writing by email immediately. If we are unable to find a suitable alternative trip or trip date, we will refund you the cost of your trip less the following, per person charges:

35 days or more prior to departure………………………………..full refund of $150 deposit

34-30 days prior to departure…………………………………………$150 deposit retained

30 days or less prior to departure…………………………………..No Refund

Your refund will be calculated on the day we receive your written cancellation.

COVID-19 special policy:

If an individual on a group trip must cancel his or her trip up to the date of departure due to a positive COVID-19 diagnosis (or having been required to quarantine because of exposure to someone who has tested positive to COVID-19), then Small World Journeys shall refund the trip cost to that individual, less the $150 per person deposit.  A letter from a doctor or clinic will be requested, and refund will be issued once the letter has been emailed to Small World Journeys. If an individual discovers s/he has COVID-19 during the course of the Small World Journeys trip and must return home, then we will attempt to refund any unused portion, keeping in mind most payments are made to suppliers in advance so we therefore cannot guarantee any refund once the trip has begun.

COVID-19 special policy:

If you postpone your trip more than 48 hours prior to trip departure date because Queensland and or/your home state impose state border or regional border restrictions that make it not possible to travel, we will be happy to transfer your monies paid to another Small World Journeys trip or different departure date within 12 months of the original trip start date.  Please note that if the postponed trip occurs in the new tourism year (April-March), a requote may be necessary to account for suppliers price increases. If cancelling completely, the cancellation fees above will apply.

FOR ALL PARTICIPANTS:

IF WE CANCEL YOU TRIP

Small World Journeys may cancel a trip due to logistical or operational issues, insufficient sign-ups or any other cause that makes the trip unfeasible for us to operate.  If we do not find an alternative for you that is acceptable, you are entitled to a full refund and that will constitute full settlement.

We may also cancel departures if forced to do so by circumstances such as war, civil or political unrest or what is commonly referred to as force majeure.

Force Majeure
In the case of Force Majeure (meaning a circumstance beyond Small World Journeys’ reasonable control including, but not limited to, war or threat of war, riot, civil strife, terrorist activity, industrial dispute, disease, industrial or nuclear disaster, adverse weather conditions, fire and strikes), Small World Journeys will not be liable for any delay, change or cancellation of trips.

Small World Journeys normally makes significant payments to its suppliers (hotels, outfitters, etc.) far in advance of the scheduled departure date. If a trip is cancelled due to force majeure, Small World Journeys will promptly refund the portion of the trip cost not already advanced to suppliers. Small World Journeys may, in its discretion, recover from its suppliers a refund of money paid in respect of any trip cancelled due to Force Majeure. Where this occurs, a refund will be given. Otherwise, Small World Journeys will not be liable to refund money paid in respect of a cancelled trip.

Please note Small World Journeys is also not responsible for expenses incurred while preparing for a cancelled trip (e.g., nonrefundable advance purchase air tickets, special equipment, visa fees, loss of enjoyment, etc.) or for any additional arrangements made before or after the cancelled trip.

REFUNDS

Prices are quoted as a package, and in many cases are based on group participation. Therefore, Small World Journeys does not give refunds for unused services, activities or meals. Additionally, no refund will be given if you voluntarily leave a trip for any reason after the trip has begun.  Refunds will be at the discretion of Small World Journeys should you be forced to leave a trip for any reason.  No refunds will be given to a participant in a group who cancels less than 30 days prior to the trip (please consider travel insurance for this reason)

PRICING

We reserve the right to change our prices without prior notice, due to factors beyond our control. Price increases are not passed on to participants who have already paid a deposit, unless the trip is postponed to a new tourism year (which starts 1 April).

ITINERARIES & CHANGES

We will take every measure to ensure the accuracy of the website, promotional literature, itineraries and prices, but conditions can change and errors can occur. Circumstances beyond our control may also necessitate changes to our itineraries. In this case, guests should refer to the tour itinerary included on the trip website (details on logging in to the trip website portal will be emailed to you or your organising teacher).  Changing conditions in the field may also necessitate itinerary modifications after the trip has departed.

PRE-TRIP MATERIALS

Once you have signed up for a trip, Small World Journeys will send you a link to a special website with additional information to help you prepare for your trip.

You will have access to a special website with the following information:

• General Information document which includes visa, travel agent and travel insurance information, reading list, information on climate, cultural etiquette, and other helpful information
• Suggested Packing List
• Videos and other educational resources

COMPLAINTS

Small World Journeys takes guest satisfaction and feedback quite seriously. This is why we give every guest who travels with us an Evaluation Form so that he or she may give us honest feedback, and if applicable, lodge a formal complaint with Small World Journeys.

Before you enter the state of Queensland, and as a condition of booking, we ask you to read our Complaints Policy, found in our Terms & Conditions document. We will provide a copy of this Policy in your first language if requested.

Should you have any complaints about any aspect of Small World Journeys’ operations or our suppliers, please inform us in writing. We will address your complaint in a prompt and professional manner within 5 working days of having received the complaint, and if appropriate, take remedial action.

You may contact us by email: info@smallworldjourneys.com.au  or by post: PO Box 6267, Cairns, QLD 4870. If you are dissatisfied with the conduct of Small World Journeys, you may contact the Commissioner of the Office of Fair Trading on 131 304 or via email at www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au/complaint-general.htm.

At no point will this dispute resolution process affect you from exercising your rights to other legal remedies.

INSURANCE

We strongly recommend you purchase insurance coverage to protect you in the event of trip cancellation, protection to baggage, possessions and valuables and to cover against personal accident.  Travel insurance should cover you if you become sick or injured before your trip, thus preventing you from travel.

For more information on travel insurance, please contact our travel agent Sandy Siriani at MTA Travel Ph: 0408 006 921 or by email: ssirianni@mtatravel.com.au

We will not be responsible for any loss, damage, or theft of your baggage, possessions or valuables under any circumstances.

RESPONSIBILITY OF THE CLIENT

You are responsible for:

1. Choosing a trip appropriate to your physical abilities and interests. Guests are responsible for being in sufficiently good health to participate on their trip and may be required to obtain a medical practitioner’s clearance. Once a trip has been confirmed medical circumstances will not be considered as exceptions to our cancellation policy. Small World Journeys takes no responsibility regarding medical advice, medications or vaccinations that you or your doctor feel is necessary for your safe participation. All journeys are undertaken at your own risk and we reserve the right to refuse your participation in a particular activity or a complete journey if we believe it is for your own safety and the safety of other passengers.
2. Providing Small World Journeys with correct information regarding your personal details. This includes name, address, email, medical conditions and flight details. We will not be responsible for losses incurred due to incorrect, incomplete or inaccurate information.
3. Providing Small World Journeys with a signed Release, Discharge and Indemnity Waiver prior to trip departure (You will not be permitted to join a trip without this information on file)
4. Studying the pre-departure information sent to you, and arriving at the trip start with the recommended clothing and gear as specified on the Packing List.
5. Respecting the laws and customs of Australia.
6. Following the leader’s directions in accordance with environmental guidelines and regulations. This includes abiding by Leave No Trace Environmental Ethics as instructed by the trip leader.
7. Respecting the rights and privacy of other trip members. Any cause of danger, distress or annoyance to the group will be acted upon. You may be asked to leave a trip if the guide feels that your continuing participation may prove detrimental to yourself or to the safety or well-being of other guests. Any expenses incurred from removal from a tour will be your responsibility.
8. (If you are travelling to Australia from overseas) Having a valid passport for international travel. Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond the date which you expect to return home. You are responsible for arranging visas or travel permits, if applicable. We regret we cannot accept any liability if you are refused entry to Australia.
9. (If you are travelling to Australia from overseas) Appreciating that in Australia, level of service, local customs, etiquette, food, living standards and accommodation may differ from those in the your home country. In Cairns especially, the pace of life and service can differ significantly from other Westernized nations.
10. Informing Small World Journeys if–either whilst ON the trip or any time in the two weeks prior to the trip–you are feeling unwell; if you have any flu-like symptoms; if you have been exposed to anyone known to be infected with COVID-19, if you have been advised to self-isolate; or if you suspect you may have COVID-19.  You will then be recommended not to attend the trip until you test negative for COVID-19.
11. You also need to inform Small World Journeys if you are considered vulnerable or “at-risk” to COVID-19. Vulnerable customers (those who identify as ‘at-risk’) are recommended not to attend the trip. Vulnerable (those who are considered “at risk”) customers who are comfortable participating on the trip are advised to take your own additional safety precautions, understanding that Small World Journeys cannot guarantee your safety.

RESPONSIBILITY OF SMALL WORLD JOURNEYS

LIMIT OF LIABILITY

Small World Journeys will take all reasonable steps expected of a tour operator to ensure your safety and well being.

Some days or activities and certain trips listed in this catalog are operated by local tour operators contracted with Small World Journeys. We assume no liability or responsibility in connection with any injury, death, loss, accident, damage, cancellation, delay or inconvenience to person or property which may result through the acts of any company or person engaged in carrying out arrangements of the trip or resulting directly from the following: acts of God, detention, annoyance, terrorism, thefts, pilferage, force majeure, civil disturbances, government restrictions or regulations, strikes, delays and expenses arising from quarantine, failure of any means of conveyance to arrive or depart as scheduled, discrepancies or change in transit or hotel services beyond the control of Small World Journeys.

Extreme care is taken in the contracting of all services, however we cannot be responsible for the errors or omissions of the suppliers or services. In the unlikely event that a supplier fails to honour their contract with us, we reserve the right to alter, change or cancel such services which are outlined in our website and promotional material. If and when such a change occurs, we will attempt to substitute a comparable service. However, we will not be liable for any difference in the quality or enjoyment.

Small World Journeys reserves the right and trip participants agree to allow Small World Journeys to take photographic or film records of any of our trips and trip participants, and may use any such records for promotional and/or commercial purposes. You acknowledge that during the trip which you are choosing to participate in you are subjecting yourself to certain risks including, but not limited to: forces of nature, travel in remote areas and wilderness terrain, and transportation by coach. You recognise that such risks may be present at any time during the trip.

Small World Journeys reserves the right and trip participants agree to allow Small World Journeys to take photographic or film records of any of our trips and trip participants, and may use any such records for promotional and/or commercial purposes.

COVID-19 Safety Clause

The novel coronavirus, COVID-19, has been declared a worldwide pandemic by the World Health Organization. COVID-19 is extremely contagious and is believed to spread mainly from person-to-person contact. As a result, federal, state, and local governments and federal and state health agencies recommend social distancing.

Small World Journeys has put in place preventative measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19; however, Small World Journeys cannot guarantee that you or your child(ren) will not become infected with COVID-19. Further, participating in a Small World Journeys tour could increase your risk and your family’s risk of contracting COVID-19.  Vulnerable (those who are considered “at risk”) customers who are comfortable participating on the trip are advised to take your own additional safety precautions, understanding that Small World Journeys cannot guarantee your safety.

By agreeing to these terms & conditions, I acknowledge the contagious nature of COVID-19 and voluntarily assume the risk that my child(ren) and I may be exposed to or infected by COVID-19 by participating in a Small World Journeys tour and that such exposure or infection may result in personal injury, illness, permanent disability, and death. I understand that the risk of becoming exposed to or infected by COVID-19 on a Small World Journeys tour may result from the actions, omissions, or negligence of myself and others, including, but not limited to, Small World Journeys’ employees, volunteers, and program participants and their families.

Payment of your deposit represents your acceptance of the above terms and conditions.

Click on this links and follow the descriptions: https://trips.smallworldjourneys.com.au/trips/904d099ed8

Please note:

• Apply before 13 March
• Pay your $150 deposit before the 14th of March
• There is a minimum of 12 students
• Do NOT purchase your airfare before you have had confirmation from Small World Journeys

Meeting at Airport: Welcome to the tropics! You arrive in Cairns in the late afternoon or evening and are warmly greeted by your guides at the airport. You are then transferred to your accommodation for introductions and get-to-know-you activities. (Plan to arrive between 12 noon – 3 pm)

Accommodation:You stay at a 3-star hotel in the center of Cairns’ restaurant and shopping district, and only two blocks from the waterfront.  The hotel features an outdoor pool, 24 hour reception, BBQ facilities, guest laundry and free Wi-Fi.  Student rooms are 3 or 4-share with ensuites.

Bowling: You also get to know one another further with a fun 10-pin bowling activity tonight after dinner.

Accommodation: Cairns Hotel
Meals included: Dinner

Art project: This morning you participate in an art project that reflects the spirituality and ties to land that the Gimuy Wallabura Yidinji  people are connected to.  The painting you do today echoes the unique style of Aboriginal art, and your piece becomes a souvenir to take home.

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 for 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 tonight.

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

Cattle Station Life: 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 efforts made for humane animal treatment. You also learn what this robust rural family does to survive flooding, drought and economic hardships.

Cow Milking, Animals and Whip Cracking: You can visit the goats and chickens, learn how to milk the cows the traditional way (the station family still rely on their fresh milk daily form their best cows!) and crack a whip properly in true cowboy style. You also take a walk back through time on the homestead to the age of the early Australian pioneers, and you can touch the old furniture, trinkets and memorabilia all well-preserved by the family.

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.

Later 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.

Night Markets:  Tonight you have a free choice of dinner in town and you also have time for shopping at the Cairns Night Markets.  Featuring over seventy retail outlets, this is the place to find a bargain. 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

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.

Snorkeling: Upon arrival, you dock at a floating pontoon, and an underwater universe greets you. Here 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”.

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.

Semi-Sub and Glass Bottom Boat: A semi-submersible craft and glass bottom boat allow you to see the reef from a different perspective.

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 one else does…a long and fun slide that finishes in the waters of the reef.

Evening Activity: Tonight you split into colour teams for games of laser tag.  Inside a purpose-built labyrinth of walls, forts, ramps and caves, you compete for your team to score the most points.  This is an exhilarating activity that will have you all laughing!

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

Cable Skiing and Water Park: In the morning, you participate in a fun session cable skiing at the unique Cairns Cable Water Ski Park (only one of four in Australia!). No experience is necessary and available for your participation is waterskiing, wakeboarding and kneeboarding. This is a unique watersport experience and a lot of fun!  While you are waiting for your turn to ski, you also enjoy the water park with its giant inflatable slide, marine trampoline and floaty “obstacle course”.

You then return to Cairns and are transferred to the airport for your flight home.  (book your flight at 2 pm or after)

Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch