Overview

 Highlights


  • Challenge yourself with a variety of adventure activities in the UNESCO listed Blue Mountains Wilderness
  • Trek, abseil, canyon and rock climb in stunning settings
  • Complete a conservation program at a Australian Native animal rehabilitation centre
  • Learn about the unique ecosystems that make up Sydney Harbour and the creatures that call it home
  • Camp overnight at Wollermi National Park near Ganguddy on the Wiradjuri cultural program
  • Join a Dhurag and Gundungarra indigenous immersion program
  • Kayak on the stunning Cudgegong River
  • Beautiful scenery of the Sydney Harbour and the Blue Mountains
  • Join Sydney's AMAZING RACE
  • This program is 100% carbon offset. World Expeditions Schools absorb the cost of credits mitigating 100% of the unavoidable carbon emissions as its ongoing commitment to responsible travel

This program is for lovers of adventure and exploration! World Expeditions Schools is excited to welcome you to Sydney on this experiential journey that will see you embark on a voyage of discovery and learning on many levels. On this multi activity adventure the students can expect to learn about the Indigenous Peoples from the area on a number of immersion programs, as well as participating in humanitarian and conservation service and trying their hand at a raft of adventure activities. You will also learn about the Australian bush in the UNESCO listed Blue Mountains and help a local conservation group to maintain its natural beauty and learn of the threats it faces today.

Countries:

Start and Finishing Point:

Melbourne

Activities:

Grading:Introductory   

Addressing:


On arrival in Sydney we will head straight to the UNESCO world heritage listed Blue Mountains. Our first stop will be our Blue Mountains Adventure Company in Katoomba for a trip briefing and to be measured up for any gear required. We then visit the Blue Mountains Cultural Centre and join the immersive "Into the Blue" experience. This experience provides a wonderful background into the wonders of this World Heritage Area. This afternoon we travel to our exclusive accommodation set in a stunning location overlooking the Kanimbla Valley. Tonight we will have the opportunity to enjoy an astronomy session with our large telescope around the campfire weather permitting. Overnight Random Lodge dorms

Meals:  L,D

This morning we rise to the sound of the surrounding forest as we prep for breakfast. After breakfast we meet a local Dharug elder and join an Indigenous Cultural session that will start with Welcome to Country, an ancient ceremony to ensure safe passage for our group during our adventure. We break for lunch and then join the Gundungurra cultural program, giving a deeper understanding of indigenous culture including focusing on environmental education, bush tucker, indigenous art, hunting and gathering and land management. We can debrief as we toast marshmallows around the campfire. Overnight Random Lodge dorms

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning after breakfast we join our expert rope access guides for a beginners abseiling and rock climbing course at Mount York. Mount York is on the traditional lands of the Dharug people and a great place for our activities as it allows us the thrill of abseiling and rock climbing on introductory friendly cliffs up to 25m high. Abseiling, or rappelling as it is known in North America and much of Europe, is commonly practised the world over as a method of descending a rope in a safe and controlled manner. No prior experience is necessary as our world class guides will be providing all the instruction necessary. We will start off on small cliffs moving on to more stunning larger descents as we progress through the day. Then after a delicious, well-earned lunch we try our hand at rock climbing. We provide expert tuition on climbing technique and make sure you get a taste for this exciting sport. Late this afternoon we return to our accommodation where we will have time to freshen up before heading to Katoomba where the students will be able to choose and pay for their own dinner. Tonight weather permitting we will enjoy a night lit walk in Katoomba. Overnight Random Lodge dorms

Meals:  B,L

Today we’ll commence our exploration of the spectacular heights and depths of the Blue Mountains by joining the Centennial Glen Walking Trail. Our spectacular walk includes stunning views overlooking the Kanimbla Valley. The area is frequented by rock climbers for reasons that will become apparent during our explorations. The walk combines many of the trails that weave amongst the escarpments and rainforest gullies, such as Porters Pass and Colliers Causeway to create a memorable walk. The area is easily accessible however not as busy as other nearby Blackheath walks. The highlights are varied, with a taste of a classic Blue Mountains canyon, open heathland with wildflowers and bird song, rainforest gullies and the towering sandstone escarpments. We return to our accommodation in the afternoon and prepare for dinner. Overnight Random Lodge dorms

Meals:  B,L,D

Canyons are deep ravines between pairs of escarpments or cliffs and are most often carved from the landscape by the erosive activity of a river or creek over millions of years. The Blue Mountains has the world’s greatest concentration of vegetated slot canyons. Canyoning, is the adventurous activity of travelling through canyons and often involves a variety of activities including swimming, wading, jumping into pools (‘water-jumps’), abseiling through waterfalls, bushwalking and scrambling over rocks and boulders. The grandeur and pristine beauty of the canyons almost defies description and are unique to the Blue Mountains of NSW. We visit Juggler Canyon, a fantastic canyon for visiting all year round, this adventure through Juggler Canyon is the perfect introduction to the beauty and excitement of canyoning. Overnight Random Lodge dorms

Meals:  B,L,D

Today is a special day as we head West towards Kandos-Rylstone and Ganguddy on the fringes of the Wollemi National Park. This afternoon we kayak along the Cudgegong River, where the shoreline is dotted with remarkable pagoda rock formations, soaring sandstone escarpments and winding river valleys. This kayak provides a peaceful and spectacular paddle with your experienced and knowledgeable guide providing interpretation and fascinating facts about the natural and cultural history of the area. We will learn about the areas enduring and significant indigenous history and the Dabee People’s connection to the land, the first European settlement, a notorious 'lady bushranger' and the incredible tale of the building of the weir that formed the beautiful waterway as it exists today. After our kayak we take the 4km trek to Frank's Breakaway campsite. Tonight we set up camp near the river for a night under canvas. Overnight wilderness camping

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning we wake to the sound of birds and stunning views over the valley. After breakfast we break camp and head to Lithgow and the Secret Creek Sanctuary native wildlife sanctuary. Here we will join a behind the scenes program learning about conservation management including animal rehabilitation. The overall goal of Secret Creek Sanctuary is to save endangered native species. Many animals roam free in their natural environment within the sanctuary. We aim to see how the sanctuary helps animals like Brush-tailed Rock-wallabies, Long-nosed Potoroos, Rufous Bettongs, Parma wallabies, Red-necked Pademelons, Red-necked Wallabies, Swamp Wallabies and Emus. Some animals are held in purpose-built facilities including the predators: Tasmanian Devils, Eastern Quolls, Spotted-tailed Quolls, Alpine Dingoes and also Koalas and Mountain Pygmy Possums. This afternoon we will remain at Secret Creek Sanctuary to actively support their post-bush fire bush regeneration project with a hand's on tree planting activity. Late this evening we will return to our accommodation for dinner and campfire stories about our day. Overnight exclusive Random Lodge dorms

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning we pack our bags and say goodbye to the Blue Mountains as we head back towards Sydney to our accommodation at spectacular Lands Edge. Here we will have a safety and trip briefing about our time in Sydney. This afternoon we will settle in and familiarize our self with the local surroundings including Clifton Gardens Beach Overnight Lands Edge dorm accommodation

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning we will join an indigenous program at the culturally significant Barangaroo Reserve. The reserve is Sydney’s newest Harbour foreshore park – marking the transformation of one of the city’s oldest industrial sites into a spectacular, six-hectare headland culturally significant space. We join Aboriginal educators as we learn about the Aboriginal people, plants and history of this area. This afternoon we will participate in a coastal walk to be determined by our team depending on the weather and explore Sydney outskirts. We will walk one way and catch the ferry the other way. Late this afternoon we return to Lands Edge accommodation.

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we have a scheduled conservation activity including snorkeling with a marine biologist in and around the Sydney's Middle Harbour. Marine Health and Ecosystem Dynamics Program o Comparative study of the abundance and diversity of sea urchins and kelp as an indicator of marine health. o Participants will be involved in the following activities; ? Introductory snorkel session ? Snorkel survey to gather data on ecosystems ? Marine biologist led data collection and discussion ? Comparison and analysis of data and impacts on marine ecosystems We have the rest of the day to explore our stunning surroundings and participate in team building activities. Overnight Lands Edge

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we will split into groups and embark on a great amazing race! You will have to catch public transport and answer questions to get to the next clue. This is a game of team work and decision making using mental and physical dexterity as well as a great fun learning experience! Today students will be responsible for choosing and purchasing their own lunch. Tonight we can have a trip de-briefing and pack in preparation for our return to Melbourne tomorrow. Overnight Lands Edge dorm accommodation

Meals:  B,D

This morning you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Melbourne.

Meals:  B


Addressing the UN Sustainable Development Goals

Good Health And Well-being:  Ensuring healthy lives and promoting the well-being for all at all ages is essential to sustainable development.

Sustainable Cities And Communities:  There needs to be a future in which cities provide opportunities for all, with access to basic services, energy, housing, transportation and more.

Climate Action:  Climate change is a global challenge that affects everyone, everywhere.

Life On Land:  Sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation, halt biodiversity loss


Learning outcomes for students

A World Expeditions Schools adventure is a unique learning experience. Our journeys are designed to encourage thriving and positive youth development along with leaving the communities and environments where we travel in a better condition than when we arrived.
The programs are designed to enhance the following life skills that will help you grow as an individual:
• the confidence to lead a group and make decisions
• the value of working together as a cohesive team to achieve a common objective
• the ability to face mental and physical challenges
• the ability to adapt to new environments outside of their 'comfort zone'
• to appreciate and care for the natural environment. The environments we trek through are beautiful and often pristine, invariably the students will gain a deeper appreciation and understanding about how their individual actions impact on the environment
• build strong friendships and bonds with their peers and also the local peoples
• basic outdoor skills obtained on trek such as personal hygiene, pitching a tent, helping to prepare meals
Importantly our adventures help increase general well-being and build resilience in young citizens to help them deal with adverse situations in life.


Inclusions

  • Flights Melbourne to Sydney return
  • Teachers from St Leonard's College accompanying the group
  • 11 nights school group accommodation
  • All meals as per the detailed itinerary (one student choice lunch and dinner not included)
  • All transfers and transportation in air-conditioned private modern coaches (types of vehicles depending on the number of pax)
  • Expert tour guides
  • 24 hour on call assistance
  • All activities and entry fees as listed in the itinerary
  • Costs associated with the conservation project.

Grading

Introductory


Customise your program

We can fully customise a School Travel Program to suit your students' learning objectives and budget. Whether you require a Service Learning program, physical challenge, cultural immersion or certain curriculum targets - talk to one of our educational travel experts about the elements you need in your itinerary. We pride ourselves on developing unique itineraries to meet the learning requirements for schools.

World Expeditions Schools is a division of one of the world's leading adventure travel companies, World Expeditions. We can develop itineraries in any destination that is offered by World Expeditions, which is to every continent on earth.

Use our simple Expedition Design Form to contact us with your requirements and an educational travel expert will be in touch to assist.


Why travel with us

Why travel with us

Assisted over
14,000 Students Worldwide

Since the 1980's, we have helped students from around the globe to experience the world's most exciting destinations, allowing them to travel, give, grow.

400+ Service Learning
Programs

Together with students, we have completed over 400 Service Learning programs in developing countries. We will always continue to support causes including social justice, animal welfare, the environment and more.

Fully Customised
School Travel Programs

Want to include service learning, your school curriculum and a physical challenge, or any of the above? Contact us and we can design a program fully catered for your students and budget.

Safety and
Support - Our #1 Priority

Every school receives a detailed risk management plan that is guided by government advisories and the local partners we work with. We never compromise on the safety of your students to reduce the price of the program.

Testimonials


Want to find out more?

Our educational travel experts are ready to help you tailor an itinerary or service learning project to suit your school’s needs and budget. Contact us today to receive a free consultation.


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