Toorak College Queensland Adventure 2023

Great Barrier Reef

Cape Tribulation

Daintree not for use

The Great Barrier Reef where the Maori Wrasse are huge | Natasha Worm

Code: SOG7440

Overview

Highlights

Kuranda conservation program
Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation exploration
Snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef
Explore Fitzroy Islands Turtle Rehabilitation Centre
Prepare hygiene packs service program
Challenging trek in Dinden National Park
Aquaponics food production program
Mandingalbay Yidinji indigenous immersion expereince
Expert local qualified and licensed guides including marine biologist
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

No other region of the world is like far North Queensland. An area that includes the Great Barrier Reef, the ancient Daintree Rainforest and Fitzroy Island. This program is a stunning and engaging learning experience encompassing marine biology, biodiversity, indigenous learnings, geology and sustainability along with physical challenges. Our journey will combine engaging activities with conservation programs with an exploration of North Queensland's most famous National Parks.

Countries:

Activities:

Grading:Introductory

Addressing:

Group One itinerary
Group Two itinerary

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Day 1
Fly Melbourne to Cairns, Welcome to country and Indigenous art project

After all the planning and preparation the wait is finally over! Today we fly to Cairns where on arrival we will be met at the airport by our experienced guide and taken to our hotel to check in. Here we will have a full trip and safety briefing for your adventure. This is a great time to ask any questions you may have regarding your journey. We then meet with a local Aboriginal elder to join a welcome to country before he guides the group on a rainforest walk. On the walk we learn about connection to country and the significance of plants, bush tucker and story places important to the Gimuy Wallabura Yidinji peoples. Tonight we join a local indigenous artist to participate in an art project that reflects the ties to land that the Gimuy Wallabura Yidjini peoples have. Overnight Cairns Hotel

Meals: L,D

Day 2
Copperlode Dam SUP and kayak, travel to Dinedin National Park, set up camp

This morning we travel to Copperlode Dam. The dam is surrounded by World Heritage-listed rainforest and offering exclusive access to some of the most amazing wildlife encounters that Cairns has to offer, with sightings of cassowaries common. You take to the water this afternoon in either a double kayak or atop a stand-up-paddle board (your choice) and discover this spectacular reservoir. This afternoon we head to Dinedin National park and set up camp before we have a safety briefing and gear check ahead of the challenging trek tomorrow. Tonight the students will help with food prep and cooking. Overnight wilderness camping

Meals: B,L,D

Day 3
Challenging trek to Turtle Rock, return to Cairns

This morning we rise in our tents and prepare breakfast, ensuring a good meal is enjoyed before starting our challenging trek. The Lamb mountain range overlooks Cairns and provides some of the best hikes in the tropics. The park supports a number of endemic flora and fauna including the rare tapping green eyed frog, the Queensland Maple and the Northern Bettong. Today we will complete a challenging trek to Turtle Rock. The trail leads us through a Wet Tropics World Heritage Areas featuring stunning rainforest, open Eucalypt forest, wetlands and mangrove forest. Our trail passes exotic ferns, giant Oriana palms and Orchids. The walk is a loop walk and we rturn to our camp after lunch were we will do a camp pack down before making our way back to Cairns. A great team effort is required today as our group work together and complete the trek as a team! Overnight in Cairns

Meals: B,L,D

Day 4
Aquaponics and sustainability workshop

This morning after breakfast we travel to a property owned by a aquaponics gardener for a fun, hands on look at how to produce organic fruits, herbs, veggies and fish in a sustainable way in your school or backyard. Today is a very hands on experience where you will make your own mini aquaponics system that you can replicate at home of back in your school to produce your own food. Today is a creative exercise that will spark discussion about global themes of agriculture, food security, hunger issues and sustainability. Late this afternoon we return to Cairns. Overnight Cairns

Meals: B,L,D

Day 5
Kuranda conservation, Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation

This morning we rise for breakfast before heading North to the Daintree Rainforest on what is described as one of the most scenic drives in Australia! Our first stop is Kuranda. Toting our shovels and gloves, we join a Cairns not for profit organisation helping to plant native trees to revitalize areas that have been degraded by agriculture or development. Planting trees helps to moderate temperature and humidity and to create niches for other plants and animals. The area where we're working is a ‘hotspot’ for biodiversity and our service work here is helping to protect a buffer zone to a World Heritage area. This is also the remaining habitat for the endemic and critically endangered Myola frog (also known as the Kuranda frog) which enthusiastic locals are working hard to prevent from going extinct. By working with seedlings, digging, propagating plants, planting, and watering, we get to support these hard working local volunteers, help the environment, and contribute to the community. This afternoon we travel to our accommodation located in the Daintree Rainforest at Cape Tribulation. This is a magical area hosting the oldest continually growing rainforest on earth. Your lodge for the night has a swimming pool and BBQ area located in a beautiful section of the rainforest. Overnight Rainforest Lodge

Meals: B,L,D

Day 6
Daintree Rainforest exploration, Mossman Gorge, making hygiene comfort packs for the needy

This morning we wake to the sounds of the rainforest and have breakfast at our lodge. We have the opportunity to walk to a nearby watering hole before we head to Mossman Gorge, an area sacred to the Kuku Yalanji people. Here we trace ancient forest pathways alongside a tumbling river as we weave our way through one of the most complex ecosystems on earth, hearing about connection to country and how the local people have lived in harmony with the environment for thousands of years. We then bid farewell to our hosts and return to Cairns. This afternoon we will learn how to make special bags from upcycled materials to put hygiene items in for the local needy community. Overnight Cairns Hotel

Meals: B,L,D

Day 7
Fitzroy Island Great Barrier Reef Coral data collection and restoration program, Turtle Rehabilitation Centre

Today is a special day! This morning after breakfast we transfer to the pristine Fitzroy Island. A fringing coral reef surrounds the island, part of the inner Great Barrier Reef, providing a sheltered home for a wide range of marine life. We join a marine naturalist for a safety briefing and background on the island and its inhabitants before we walk straight into the water to explore the reef system. After some exploration we will join a Coral watch and data collection program along with a reef restoration program, addressing climate change and coral bleaching. The data collected goes to the University of Queensland's Coral watch scientists who analyse the results. All students will receive a graph of their findings. This afternoon we visit the Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre on Fitzroy Island. The CTRC is a volunteer operated, non-profit organisation dedicated to the rehabilitation of sick and injured turtles. The Great Barrier Reef is home to six of the world’s seven species of marine turtles. A number of these are seriously threatened by a diverse range of natural and, more significantly, human induced factors. We will meet some of the volunteers and see hands on the great work being done here. Overnight camping Fitzroy Island

Meals: B,L,D

Day 8
Explore Great Barrier Reef snorkelling and data collection

This morning we will join a marine biologist aboard a catamaran on the Great Barrier Reef, a UNESCO listed World Heritage Site and one of the most bio diverse places on the planet! The Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest coral reef system composed of over 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands stretching for over 2,300 kilometres over an area of approximately 344,400 square kilometres. Our boat will dock at a floating pontoon as we embark on a snorkeling tour with our specialist guides. Our marine biologist will explain about the importance of the reef and its hidden creatures in marine ecosystems. We hope to see a rainbow of hard and soft corals, turtles, butterfly fish, clown fish (think Nemo!), parrot fish and giant Maori Wrasse. We will receive training and join the Eye of the Reef data collection program run by the Great Barrier Reefs Marine Park Authority Rapid Monitoring Team to help maintain and manage the long term sustainability of this special place. Today we can also participate in a semi submarine and glass bottom boat ride, underwater observatory and marine life touch tank. Overnight Cairns Hotel

Meals: B,L,D

Day 9-10
Overnight indigenous culture immersion and bush camping, cuisine culture night, cooking for the homeless

Over the next two days we join the Mandingalbay Yidinji people to explore their country straddling the wet tropics and Great Barrier Reef World Heritage areas and learn about their culture. We join a boat ride across the inlet, past mangroves, and are welcomed to country with a traditional smoke ceremony. We set up camp and listen to our hosts stories about their spiritual and cultural connection to country before joining a range of immersion programs and activities including bush tucker, maintaining land with local aboriginal rangers and preparing a "Kup Murri" earth oven dug into the ground. We will have plenty of time to discuss totems and the protection of animals, native title acts and biodiversity studies as well as spirituality and connection to country. At the end of day 10 we break camp and return to Cairns. This evening back in Cairns we have a special treat: a migrant now living in Cairns shares her story and her love of cooking with us. We learn how to prepare a delicious meal from her home country, and armed with the recipe we can also re-create this meal when we return home. We will make additional supplies of this meal that we will package up to be distributed to local charities Rosie's on wheels and Anglicare who will distribute them to local peoples in need. In a time when the plight of migrants is widely discussed, this activity will allow you to understand circumstances in the world that cause people to flee their countries and will humanise this struggle. We gain some culinary skills, feast on a fantastic meal, and get to help the local homeless peoples at the same time. Day 9 Overnight bush camping Day 10 Cairns Hotel

Meals: B,L,D

Day 11
Wildlife Dome, Transfer to the airport, fly to Melbourne

This morning we rise for breakfast and pack our gear before we head out to the local Cairns Wildlife Dome, a great facility in the heart of Cairns. We then assemble for lunch before we are transferred to the airport for our flight home.

Meals: B

Expand all | Collapse all

Day 1
Fly Melbourne to Cairns, Welcome to country and Indigenous art project

Meals: L,D

Day 2-3
Overnight indigenous culture immersion and bush camping, cuisine culture night, cooking for the homeless

Over the next two days we join the Mandingalbay Yidinji people to explore their country straddling the wet tropics and Great Barrier Reef World Heritage areas and learn about their culture. We join a boat ride across the inlet, past mangroves, and are welcomed to country with a traditional smoke ceremony. We set up camp and listen to our hosts stories about their spiritual and cultural connection to country before joining a range of immersion programs and activities including bush tucker, maintaining land with local aboriginal rangers and preparing a "Kup Murri" earth oven dug into the ground. We will have plenty of time to discuss totems and the protection of animals, native title acts and biodiversity studies as well as spirituality and connection to country. At the end of day 3 we break camp and return to Cairns. This evening back in Cairns we have a special treat: a migrant now living in Cairns shares her story and her love of cooking with us. We learn how to prepare a delicious meal from her home country, and armed with the recipe we can also re-create this meal when we return home. We will make additional supplies of this meal that we will package up to be distributed to local charities Rosie's on wheels and Anglicare who will distribute them to local peoples in need. In a time when the plight of migrants is widely discussed, this activity will allow you to understand circumstances in the world that cause people to flee their countries and will humanise this struggle. We gain some culinary skills, feast on a fantastic meal, and get to help the local homeless peoples at the same time. Day 2 Overnight bush camping Day 3 Cairns Hotel

Meals: B,L,D

Day 4
Copperlode Dam SUP and kayak, travel to Dinedin National Park, set up camp

Meals: B,L,D

Day 5
Challenging trek to Turtle Rock, return to Cairns

This morning we rise in our tents and prepare breakfast, ensuring a good meal is enjoyed before starting our challenging trek. The Lamb mountain range overlooks Cairns and provides some of the best hikes in the tropics. The park supports a number of endemic flora and fauna including the rare tapping green eyed frog, the Queensland Maple and the Northern Bettong. Today we will complete a challenging trek to Turtle Rock. The trail leads us through a Wet Tropics World Heritage Areas featuring stunning rainforest, open Eucalypt forest, wetlands and mangrove forest. Our trail passes exotic ferns, giant Oriana palms and Orchids. The walk is a loop walk and we return to our camp after lunch were we will do a camp pack down before making our way back to Cairns. A great team effort is required today as our group work together and complete the trek as a team!

Meals: B,L,D

Day 6
Fitzroy Island Great Barrier Reef Coral data collection and restoration program, Turtle Rehabilitation Centre

This morning after breakfast we transfer to the pristine Fitzroy Island. A fringing coral reef surrounds the island, part of the inner Great Barrier Reef, providing a sheltered home for a wide range of marine life. We join a marine naturalist for a safety briefing and background on the island and its inhabitants before we walk straight into the water to explore the reef system. After some exploration we will join a Coral watch and data collection program along with a reef restoration program, addressing climate change and coral bleaching. The data collected goes to the University of Queensland's Coral watch scientists who analyse the results. All students will receive a graph of their findings. This afternoon we visit the Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre on Fitzroy Island. The CTRC is a volunteer operated, non-profit organisation dedicated to the rehabilitation of sick and injured turtles. The Great Barrier Reef is home to six of the world’s seven species of marine turtles. A number of these are seriously threatened by a diverse range of natural and, more significantly, human induced factors. We will meet some of the volunteers and see hands on the great work being done here. Overnight camping Fitzroy Island

Meals: B,L,D

Day 7
Explore Great Barrier Reef snorkelling and data collection

Meals: B,L,D

Day 8
Aquaponics and sustainability workshop

This morning after breakfast we travel to a property owned by a aquaponics gardener for a fun, hands on look at how to produce organic fruits, herbs, veggies and fish in a sustainable way in your school or backyard. Today is a very hands on experience where we will make our own mini aquaponics system that we can replicate at home or back in school to produce our own food. Today is a creative exercise that will spark discussion about global themes of agriculture, food security, hunger issues and sustainability. Late this afternoon we return to Cairns. Overnight Cairns

Meals: B,L,D

Day 9
Hygiene comfort packs for the needy, Mossman Gorge Indigenous lead walk, Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation

This morning we rise for breakfast before we will learn how to make special bags from upcycled materials to put hygiene items in for the local needy community. We then board our vehicle and head North to the Daintree Rainforest on what is described as one of the most scenic drives in Australia! This afternoon we travel to our accommodation located in the Daintree Rainforest at Cape Tribulation. This is a magical area hosting the oldest continually growing rainforest on earth. We have the opportunity to walk to a nearby watering hole before we head to Mossman Gorge, an area sacred to the Kuku Yalanji people. Here we trace ancient forest pathways alongside a tumbling river as we weave our way through one of the most complex ecosystems on earth, earing about connection to country and how the local people have lived in harmony with the environment for thousands of years. Our lodge for the night has a swimming pool and BBQ area located in a beautiful section of the rainforest. Overnight Rainforest Lodge

Meals: B,L,D

Day 10
Daintree Rainforest exploration, Kurunda Conservation program, return to Cairns

This morning we wake to the sounds of the rainforest and have breakfast at our lodge before we explore our surroundings. Once we pack up and depart the lodge we head to Kuranda. Toting our shovels and gloves, we join a Cairns not for profit organisation helping to plant native trees to revitalize areas that have been degraded by agriculture or development. Planting trees helps to moderate temperature and humidity and to create niches for other plants and animals. The area where we’re working is a ‘hotspot’ for biodiversity and your service work here is helping to protect a buffer zone to a World Heritage area. This is also the remaining habitat for the endemic and critically endangered Myola frog (also known as the Kuranda frog) which enthusiastic locals are working hard to prevent from going extinct. By working with seedlings, digging, propagating plants, planting, and watering, we get to support these hard working local volunteers, to help the environment and to contribute to the community. Overnight Cairns Hotel

Meals: B,L,D

Day 11
Wildlife Dome, transfer to the airport, fly to Melbourne

Meals: B

Addressing the UN Sustainable Development Goals

Quality Education: Obtaining a quality education is the foundation to improving people’s lives and sustainable development.

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

What's included

Flights Melbourne to Cairns return
All meals as per itinerary
Expert experienced guides, educators and specialist instructors
Teachers from Toorak College accompanying each group
10 nights accommodation in basic hotel, beach lodge and bush camping
All transfers and transportation in private vehicles
24 hour on call assistance
All activities and permits as listed in the itinerary
Supplies for all community service programs
Mask, fins and snorkel hire for inner and outer Great Barrier Reef trips
National Park and Marine Park taxes and levies

What's not included

Bottled water or aerated drinks
Items of a personal nature such as souvenirs, soft drink, extra snacks etc
Travel insurance (Provided by Toorak College)
Sleeping bag

Grading

Introductory

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