Overview

 Highlights


  • 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
  • Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation exploration
  • Snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef
  • Explore Fitzroy Islands Turtle Rehabilitation Centre
  • Migrant speaker and cooking lesson
  • Remote indigenous women service project
  • Indigenous immersion experience
  • Kayaking, paddle boarding at Copperlode Dam
  • Enjoy a beach party organised and designed by the students
  • Expert local qualified and licensed guides including marine biologist
  • Aquaponics service program
  • Meal preparation for local community

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 journey includes stunning and engaging hands on service programs, marine biology, biodiversity, indigenous learnings, geology and sustainability along with physical challenges. Our journey will combine engaging activities with humanitarian and conservation service programs with an exploration of North Queensland's most famous National Parks.

Countries:

Activities:

Grading:Introductory to Moderate   

Addressing:


On arrival in Cairns you will be met by our experienced guide and taken to your centrally located hotel. Here we will have a full trip and safety briefing as we discuss all aspects of your journey including the details required for the planning of the student run BBQ and beach party on the last night. This afternoon we will start our first service program, learning to make “Moon Sick Pads” to distribute to Indigenous women who live remotely. These pads provide women with a healthier, more sustainable and cost-effective alternative to disposable sanitary products. During this activity you master some basic sewing skills, gain an understanding of the complex cultural barriers that affect women in remote communities in the world, and learn about the environmental and social benefits of reusable sanitary products. Overnight Cairns Hotel

Meals:  L,D

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! On arrival we join a local indigenous guide and discover the Daintree Rainforest at Mossman Gorge, an area important to the Kuku Yalanji. Beginning with a traditional smoking ceremony, you wander rainforest paths, discovering with your guide how these Aboriginal people found their way through dense rainforest, made shelter and learned which native plants were tasty to eat and those that served as weapons and medicine. As your guide shares his stories, you learn how the seasons dictated life, what falls under men’s and women’s “business” and connection to country. You then sample billy tea and wattle seed damper (bread) made on the fire topped with jam from rainforest berries. Afterwards, you traverse the main section Daintree National Park, which hosts the oldest continuously growing rainforest on earth. Your guide teaches you about this special place, and you go for a refreshing swim among the giant boulders. We then travel to Cape Tribulation and our accommodation for the night at the Ferntree Rainforest Lodge. Your lodge is located in a superb location in the rainforest and sleeps 4 people per cabin. You can sleep with the sounds of the jungle surrounding you. Overnight Ferntree Rainforest Lodge.

Meals:  B,L,D

After a night sleeping at our lovely lodge in the rainforest we wake to the sounds of birdcalls before walking to a nearby rainforest swimming hole, the perfect place to cool off! After breakfast we then head to the Daintree Discovery centre in the heart of the UNESCO listed rainforest. The Daintree Discovery centre is an award winning world class interpretive facility that allows access to this unique rainforest wilderness at canopy height via a 23 metre high canopy tower and boardwalk. In the company of our guide we will engage in a range of activities including the bush tucker trail, the flight of the Blue Ulysses Butterfly and search for the giant endangered Cassowary. This afternoon we return to Cairns and our hotel. Overnight Cairns Hotel

Meals:  B,L,D

Over the next two days we will travel to a property owned by a aquaponics gardener and learn how produce organic fruits, herbs, veggies and fish in a sustainable way that can then be implemented in your school or backyard. The first day we learn how to make the systems and trial a number of methods whilst on the second day we join teachers from the local school so they can install the systems in their school and houses. This will help the local families in need grow their own food along with encouraging self sufficiency. This is a very hands on creative exercise that will spark discussion about global themes of agriculture, food security, hunger issues and sustainability. This afternoon we assemble in the kitchen to put our culinary skills to great use as we prepare a meal for the homeless and needy. During the food prep we also learn how to make special bags from upcycled materials to put hygiene items in for the local needy community. A wonderful day for the students of Seymour College as well as the local community. Overnight Cairns Hotel

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we continue our aquaponics workshop and install the systems we have created in the homes of local residents and establishments. This will enable the needy to be able to grow their own food and continue the program after you have left. A wonderful legacy to leave after your journey has departed. This afternoon we return to Cairns and our hotel. This evening back in Cairns you have a special treat: a migrant now living in Cairns shares her story and her love of cooking with you. You learn how to prepare a delicious meal from her home country, and armed with the recipe you can also re-create this meal when you return home. 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 humanize this struggle. You gain some culinary skills, feast on a fantastic meal, and perhaps make a new friend. Overnight Cairns hotel

Meals:  B,L,D

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. The reef is magnificent and we have the opportunity to see a kaleidoscope of marine life like turtles, cuttle fish, parrot and lionfish, rays and giant clams. Over the next two days we will join a Coral watch and data collection program along with hearing about the work being done at 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 the students will set up camp on the beach just steps away from the beach. There is a BBQ area and pergola for our meals and ablution block with toilets and showers we can access. All snorkelling gear will be safety checked and provided for students. Overnight camping.

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning we rise early and join the lighthouse trek. The walk is a stunning, and steep!, rainforest track that gives way to dry open forest and scenic vistas. At the trail's end stands a historic lighthouse where views of the sparkling Coral Sea stretch to the horizon. Depending on time we can push on to the summit of the island for stunning 360-degree views. After our hike and breakfast we continue our snorkelling sessions and learn about Reef Restoration Foundation (RRF). RRF is a not-for- profit social enterprise that is establishing offshore nurseries at Fitzroy Island. The project aim is to accelerate the recovery of damaged reefs, and strengthen resilience to future bleaching events. The process mimics nature and allows damaged reefs to re-open faster. Today we are given an overview of how the project has been established at the island and the success story so far. We have sponsored one of the ‘coral trees’ that is a part of the coral nursery, and is proud to be involved with this first of breakthrough solution within Australia. 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. Late this afternoon we return to Cairns. Overnight Cairns Hotel

Meals:  B,L,D

The Lamb mountain range overlooks Cairns and provides some of the best hikes in the tropics. We travel to Dinden National park which supports a number of endemic flora and fauna species including the rare tapping green eyed frog, the Queensland Maple and the Northern Bettong. We join a challenging hike to Lambs Head summit. 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 as we reach one of Queensland's highest peaks at 1300mtrs. A great team effort is required today as our group work together to reach the summit as a team! We are rewarded by incredible views over the range into the Coral Sea. This afternoon we return to our Cairns accommodation. Overnight Cairns Hotel

Meals:  B,L,D

Today’s service project involves working together in groups to protect waterways, ocean and reef. By stencilling messages on drains, you contribute to raising awareness of urban stormwater pollution and its impact on the local marine environment. Every hour, 1580kg of plastic waste enters Australian oceans – much of this makes its way from land through our drains and creeks. There are more than 260 drains and waterways in the Cairns Region that flow out to the Great Barrier Reef. When it rains a variety of rubbish, oils, pesticides, and fertilisers are carried down the drains and into our local creeks that flow to the ocean. This stormwater is not treated, nor sieved for items that shouldn’t be in there, like plastic. The colourful and creative designs are a pleasant way to remind the community that all rubbish drains to the ocean. This afternoon 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. Late in the afternoon all the groups will come together for a student run beach BBQ and party with a MasterChef theme. The students will be responsible for planning the night, the menu, obtaining the food and running the night. Overnight Cairns Hotel

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning we rise for breakfast and have some time to relax by the pool or explore Cairns before heading to the airport for our for our flight to Adelaide

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 men and women to help them deal with adverse situations in life.
CARBON NEUTRAL
World Expeditions Schools absorbs the cost of credits mitigating 100% of the unavoidable carbon emissions. This is our commitment to being part of the solution to climate crises.


Inclusions

  • Flights Adelaide to Cairns return
  • All meals as per itinerary (students are responsible for organising final night beach BBQ)
  • Expert experienced guides, educators and specialist instructors
  • Two teachers from Seymour College accompanying each clan
  • 9 nights accommodation in basic hotel, rainforest lodge and beach 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

  • Bottled water or aerated drinks outside of meal time
  • Items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry, email etc
  • Travel insurance
  • Sleeping bag (can be hired for $15)

Grading

Introductory to Moderate


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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