Broadreach's Australia Down Under Program

  Australia

• Great Barrier Reef: 
Great Barrier Reef
• Queensland: 
Sunshine Coast,  Fraser Island,  Noosa,  Cape Tribulation
• Northern Territory: 
Kakadu

Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Dates: 25-day trips in June and July

Description: Ready for an action-packed adventure in the Land Down Under? Prepare to discover extraordinary islands, reefs, deserts and rainforests at four World Heritage sites. We hit all the Aussie highlights!

Slide down huge sand dunes and surf in clear blue waves on the Sunshine Coast. Travel in Toyota Troop Carriers to Fraser Island, the largest sand island in the world that is only accessible by ferry and 4x4 vehicles. Journey inland to the mystical Outback to explore canyons and monoliths in ancient Aboriginal territory. Paddle thrilling rapids on the Russell River and around uninhabited islands in Tropical North Queensland. Hike past giant fig trees in Daintree National Parks towering rainforest. Then plunge underwater to discover the worlds largest reef on a weeklong live-aboard scuba adventure. Aboard the fully-outfitted research vessel Undersea Explorer, we accompany marine biologists and participate in ongoing research. While topics change each trip, past studies include Minke whale migration, nautilus life cycles, reef conservation and the behavior of fascinating but harmless reef sharks. Scuba dive on the magnificent Ribbon Reefs and in the colorful Coral Sea. This is truly the adventure of a lifetime.

Day 1-6
We lose a day crossing the International Date Line. No worries, well get it back in the end. Get your first glimpse of Australia flying into Brisbane. Leaving the big city behind, we head to Noosa Beach, famous for its great waves, surfing and white sandy beaches. Adjusting quickly to an Aussie lifestyle, we wake up with a refreshing dip in the ocean and a morning surf session. After learning to surf, we hop in our four-wheel drives and head up the beach to Fraser Island and Great Sandy National Park. The worlds largest sand island offers countless opportunities for adventure, and we explore the historic Maheno wreck, old growth rainforests, meandering creeks and crystal clear freshwater lakes. At night we camp among the dunes, listening to the rhythm of the Pacific and marveling at the Southern Cross in the star-filled sky.

Day 7-12
We travel from the white sands of the coast to the Red Center of Australia. The Outback is a vast and ancient playground, and we explore all the highlights. Hike through the mystical Olgas and learn why Ayers Rock is sacred to the Aborigines. Hear stories about Dreamtime, the Aboriginal myth of creation. Explore beautiful gorges and dramatic canyons on an overnight bush trip to the seldom seen areas of Ormiston Gorge and Glen Helen. Adventure abounds at every new site where we have opportunities to rock climb, see Aboriginal rock paintings, discover a hidden palm fringed oasis, walk through mesmerizing canyons and swim at ancient watering holes.

Day 13-17
A short flight to Cairns brings us back to the Queensland coast. Here an abundance of rain brings life to the forest and energy to the rivers. Ready for exhilarating whitewater? A short hike through the rainforest leads us to the Russell River and the thrill of taking on miles of adrenaline pumping rapids in two-man sport rafts. We hone our paddling skills further on the magnificent coastline, where we glide in sea kayaks around tropical islands and camp on deserted beaches. Then we hike through the oldest living rainforest on earth in Daintree National Park on our way up to Cape Tribulation.

Day 18-23
Time to go down under, literally! Live-aboard diving is the only true way to explore and gain full access to the world-famous Great Barrier Reef, the most extensive reef system in the world and the only living organism visible from the moon. A specially equipped marine research vessel is our home for the next week. Participate in ongoing field studies with marine biologists, from snorkeling with friendly Minke whales to diving with harmless, awe-inspiring reef sharks. With 100-foot plus visibility, the Ribbon Reefs are great for pleasure dives with opportunities to spot dog-tooth tunas, loggerhead turtles, moray eels, giant Napoleon wrasse and manta rays. In the crystal clear waters of the Coral Sea, marvel at the astounding wealth and diversity of marine life as you discover this world-class underwater realm.

Day 24-25
We wrap up an incredible week on the Undersea Explorer with a party at sea and Quiz Night. Show off all youve learned from the researchers and crew with a competitive game of marine bio Jeopardy. As we turn back towards land, you reflect on your voyage and marvel at how much you and your friends accomplished in such a short time. Back in Cairns a farewell dinner puts the final touches on our upside adventure Down Under.

Highlights:
- Multi-sport eco-adventure in Australia
- Outback safari, rainforest exploration and island adventure
- Surfing, sea kayaking, whitewater rafting, bush walking
- Live-aboard scuba diving on Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea
- Minke whale and shark studies on a marine research vessel
- 10 hours of community service
- Grades 9-10 or 11-12; prerequisite: scuba certification or referral

Cost in US$: $5,580

This Program is open to World Wide Participants.

Participants Travel to Australia in Groups

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 10-14

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Physical Exam/Health Records

Broadreach Summer Adventures / Academic Treks's Mission Statement: Broadreach offers experiential summer adventures for teenagers and young adults including scuba, sailing, marine biology, academic and wilderness programs that span the globe. Broadreach's educational adventures provide opportunities for students to learn new skills and explore the world in an active, hands-on environment that fully immerses the participant in the experience. Combining the thrill of discovery, the pride of accomplishment and the excitement of exploration, Broadreach programs focus on individual initiative, group dynamics and genuine participation in the world. Academic Treks is the academic adventure and community service division of Broadreach Summer Adventure Camps for Teenagers. Our educational summer camps and high school study abroad programs provide excellent alternatives to traditional summer camps and summer school. Lastly, Academic Treks College is the university division of Broadreach Summer Adventures. Our college study abroad programs provide unique opportunities to study a single topic in multiple countries around the world.

Year Founded: 1993