From the Land Down Under
About this blog
The Pre-trip itinerary in Australia and Study Abroad in Sydney
Day 1: Cairns to Mission Beach
We will be collected at our accommodation in Cairns at 7.30am. Our day in the Atherton Tablelands begins at Lake Eacham, and then a trip to beautiful Millaa Millaa Falls before the famous Johnstone River Crocodile Farm to learn more about the most feared animal in Northern Australia; the estuarine or saltwater crocodile. At Lacey Creek we search for the elusive Cassowary, a prehistoric bird up to 2m high, on an interpretive rainforest walk. Accommodation: Scotties Hostel www.scottysbeachhouse.com.au Activities: Skydiving, Sea kayaking, Jet skiing, Scuba diving, Snorkeling, Horseback Riding, Fishing, Hiking, Croc spotting, Sailing and more...
Day 2: Mission Beach to Magnetic Island
We then drive to Townsville where we take the ferry to Magnetic Island, so named by Captain Cook because his compass went crazy when he sailed past in 1770. Welcome to the Great Barrier Reef! We will be transferred to our accommodation and we'll spend the afternoon sea kayaking and snorkeling for wildlife in the stunning Marine Park waters (all equipment provided, including 'stinger' suits). Accommodation: Base Backpackers http://www.stayatbase.com/base-magnetic-island- hostel/ Meals included: Breakfast Activities: Anythinginvolvingwater!Scooterrental,ATVandmore...
Day 3: Magnetic Island to Airlie Beach
We catch the local bus this morning and take a 11⁄2 hour guided interpretive walk searching for local Koalas. We depart Maggie (learn the lingo!), collect the bus and continue on to the "Gateway to the Whitsunday's", beautiful Airlie Beach. After we check-in we will visit the Southern Cross office and check in for our 3 day Whitsunday Island sailing voyage that starts tomorrow! Accommodation: Koalas Hostel - www.koalaadventures.com Meals: Breakfast Activities: Sailing, Snorkeling, Scuba Diving, Bike Riding, Jet Skiing and more...
Day 4-6: Whitsunday sailing - 3 days on a Maxi Yacht
Today we will meet our crew for the 3 day sailing trip of the Whitsunday's. We will have the opportunity to sun-bathe, snorkel and swim whilst exploring the idyllic Whitsunday Islands on a crewed yacht worth millions of dollars. We will visit arguably the most beautiful beaches in the world with their white sand and barefoot trails. We visit many beaches, coves and islands, with the opportunity to hoist the sails and even take the wheel. We will pack light in a soft bag with just the bare essentials, e.g., hat, suncream, change of clothes, beach towel, swimmers, flip flops because when we are at sea, the bare essentials is all we'll need! Accommodation: Overnight on the sailing vessel. We will sleep on the boat, moored in quiet coves. Meals: Breakfast & The all of the meals onboard the yacht. Activities: Aboard the Maxi Yacht.
Day 7: Airlie Beach to Kroombit Cattle Station
Up early this morning we travel to Sarina, a small sugar township where we try our hand at 'barefoot bowling'; lawn bowls Aussie style and make time for a cold beer and perhaps a game of pool. Leaving the coast we head inland, traveling through "beef country" to Kroombit Cattle Station. Here we experience genuine outback living with a whip cracking lesson, try our hand at Goat Mustering and take the opportunity to ride a mechanical bull. Just before dinner we'll take a guided sunset walk to view the property before we taste a traditional camp oven dinner. Accommodation: Kroombit Cattle station - www.kroombit.com.au Meals: Breakfast & Dinner at Kroombit Cattle Station Activities: Goat Mustering, Horseback Riding and more...
Day 8: Kroombit to Rainbow Beach
After a hearty bush breakfast we head eastwards to Rainbow Beach, a vibrant young town, with a relaxed atmosphere, here we hit the coast for the first time in four days! On the way back to the coast we pass through the tiny coastal township of '1770' (the year of Captain Cook's first arrival). Traveling through 'sugar cane' country we pass through Bundaberg before arriving into Rainbow Beach. In the afternoon, take part in a cultural demonstration from your guide, learning about the didgeridoo, boomerang and spear throwing and the Rainbow Serpent. Accommodation: Rainbow Beach Hostel - http://www.frasersonrainbow.com/ Meals: Breakfast Activities: Sky Driving, ATV, Rafting, City Tour, Beach or Day on your own and more...
Day 9 - 10: Fraser Island
This morning we will catch the ferry to Fraser Island. With an area of 184 000 hectares it is the largest sand island in the world. We'll also take a dip in a few of over the 100 fresh water lakes on the island. We then spend the next two days exploring Fraser Island on a ranger guided 4WD safari. We will drive along Seventy-Five Mile Beach, visit Lakes' Wabby and Mackenzie, Eli Creek, the Maheno Wreck and climb Indian Head. Accommodation: Overnight Fraser Island- TBA Meals: Breakfast & the all of the meals on Fraser Island Activities: 2 day 4WD safari included.
Day 11: Rainbow to Brisbane
This morning we catch the early ferry back to Hervey bay at and they can either walk to ferry or catch a shuttle bus. Collect bus. We travel back to Rainbow Beach and go for hike to explore the beautiful colored sands. Continuing on, we break at the resort township of Noosa Heads and pass through Mooloolaba before arriving into Brisbane. Accommodation: Brisbane Backpackers Resort http://www.brisbanebackpackers.com.au Meals: Breakfast Activities: Majorcitytourandjustaboutanythingelseyoucanthingof.
Day 12: Brisbane to Byron Bay
We pass through Surfers Paradise and the famous 40km stretch of golden beaches known as the Gold Coast this morning. Then we head inland through the Gold Coast Hinterland, exploring Springbrook's Purlingbrook Falls on a two hour walk and swim. We venture on to Nimbin; a picturesque, alternative village. Late afternoon we arrive at Byron Bay. Accommodation: Byron Bay YHA http://www.yha.com.au/hostels/details.cfm?hostelid=13 Meals: Breakfast Activities: ExploreNimbin.
Day 13: Byron Bay
A FREE DAY to soak up the Byron Bay atmosphere! Here we have the option to take surfing lessons at one of the many famous Byron Bay Surf Schools. At night don't forget to check out the famous Cheeky Monkey Bar and Grill. Accommodation: Byron Bay YHA http://www.yha.com.au/hostels/details.cfm?hostelid=13 Meals: Breakfast Activities: Surfing, Parasailing, Jetskiing, Biking and more...
Day 14: Byron Bay to Port Stephens
This morning we will depart Byron Bay and make our way to Port Stephens. Port Stephens is a beautiful Port only two and a half hours drive north of Sydney. There are many wonderful bays and beaches along the coastline hosting beautiful landscape views. Therearemanywonderfulwalksaroundthearea,especiallyalongthemany coastal paths where you guide will take you during the day. It is possible to get a great view of the bay and further out to sea from the Tomaree and Yacaaba headlands. There are also various historic buildings and museums well worth visiting during the day. Meals: Breakfast Accommodation: Port Stephens YHA http://www.yha.com.au/hostels/details.cfm?hostelid=221 Activities: Dolphin and Whale Watching ,City Tours, Shark and Sting Ray Centre, Wine Tasting, Horse Riding, Fishing, Boat Cruises, 4WD ATV Sand Dunes and Beach Tours and more...
Day 15: Port Stephens to Sydney
Port Stephens is home to around 165 bottlenose dolphins, which live in the Port itself, here the group will be able to participate in a boat trip to see these amazing dolphins in their natural environment, the tour includes free tea, coffee and biscuits. After the boat tour we will depart and make our way to Sydney! Meals: Breakfast Accommodation: Base Backpackers http://www.stayatbase.com/base-backpackers- sydney-hostel/
Day 16-44: Sydney for Study Abroad
I will be participating in a cross-culturing teaching abroad in Sydney for four weeks where I will earn 6 graduate credits in two teacher education classes. This program will allow me first-hand experience teaching with children living in Australia. I will also learn valuable information from several Australian educators. I will develop lessons with the collaborating teacher, co-teach, and then finally teach classes independently under the supervision of the teacher.
I will live with an Australian family to obtain a first-hand understanding of the communities in which I will live and teach. Regular meetings with the instructors will serve to interpret and expand on the practical knowledge learned in the classroom, and relate it to previous knowledge of the U.S. educational system. I will experience lectures and discussions by Australian educators, observation and interaction in a variety of educational settings, travel to sites of historical, cultural and ecological importance, travel to a sanctuary of Australian-native animals, a show at the Sydney Opera House, and several other activiities.
There are no entries for this trip yet.
