Location:

Multi-Country Programs, Multi-Country Programs; Byron Bay, Australia; Coffs Harbour, Australia; Sydney, Australia; Brisbane, Australia; Cairns, Australia; Gold Coast, Australia

Program Type:

Volunteer Abroad

Degree Level:

Undergraduate

Work Types:

Animals, Arts, Economic Development, Education, Environment, Social Services

Duration:

1-2 weeks, 3-4 weeks, 1-3 months, 4-6 months, 1 year

Program Overview

Program Description:

Follow the path of migrating whales along the East Coast of Australia, on a journey of exploration, adventure and insight.

Hop onto this 4-week summer abroad program and you’ll go canyoning in the Blue Mountains, surfing in the dazzling NSW National Parks, hiking on the huge sand island of Fraser and Magnetic Islands, boating among the Whitsundays, and snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef. At the heart of surfing is a connection-to-nature philosophy. We get to experience this in a hands-on way by undertaking volunteer conservation work alongside National Parks staff in two coastal National Parks. The project is a three-way collaboration between Pacific Discovery, Surfaris, and the New South Wales National Parks & Wildlife Service. Remember Steve Irwin? You’ll learn about the epic conservation initiative he left behind at The Australia Zoo, and have a go at boomerang throwing and didgeridoo at a fantastic Aboriginal cultural center.

You’ll try whale-spotting at numerous headland walks along our journey. There’s also time to explore vibrant Sydney, Byron Bay and Cairns. Throughout your time on the east coast, you’ll learn an enormous amount about the environmental and ecological history and how that unique history has shaped Australia’s flora, fauna and people. The warm climate, friendly people, unusual wildlife, and dramatic natural beauty make it a fantastic place to experience. 

• Rewarding service-learning conservation project in National Parks on the New South Wales Central Coast
• Exploring Sydney - harbor, beaches, museums
• Try boomerang throwing and didgeridoo at the Tjapukai Aboriginal Culture Center
• Canyoning daytrip - rappelling, scrambling and hiking in the Blue Mountains
• 3-day learn to surf safari at secluded coastal national parks
• Soaking up the ambiance of Byron Bay, Noosa and Cairns
• Visit amazing Australia Zoo and learn about wildlife and the conservation initiatives of the late founder, Steve Irwin, the 'Crocodile Hunter'
• 3-day 4wd and hiking safari exploring Fraser Island National Park
• Experience life on an outback station (farm)
• 3 nights on Magnetic Island – koalas, day hikes, beautiful beaches
• Island-hopping daytrip and snorkeling in the spectacular Whitsunday Islands National Park
• Outer-reef day trip, snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef and experiencing its immense marine diversity
• Informal lectures and discussions on history, culture, society and environment
• Very personalized and supportive small group experience – maximum of 16 students
• Experienced and inspiring Pacific Discovery Program Instructors supported by local guides

Setting Description:

Pacific Discovery programs combine sustainable educational adventure travel, cultural immersion, experiential education, volunteer and community service projects, personal and leadership development, and tons of fun! For gap year and college students, the opportunity to combine this with optional transferable academic credit gives you an unbeatable study abroad or gap year travel experience.

Since 2001, Pacific Discovery has taken hundreds of students and graduates on unique travel study programs abroad, utilizing a staff of experienced and qualified program leaders and faculty.

If you have a thirst for adventure, to explore places you've dreamt of, learning through hands-on experiences and making friends for life, then join us for a life-changing journey.

Cost:

6975 USD. Program fee inclusions
Visa (with optional group flight); All in-country travel and transport; All accommodation; More than two thirds of meals (see ‘meals’ above); All activities, excursions, entry fees and adventure travel as described in the itinerary; Week-long volunteer conservation project; Informal lectures from resident experts on conservation and eco-tourism; Experienced program leader/s and local guides; Online image library for your program. Refer information booklet for internati

Additional Program Information

Scholarships:

Yes