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Australia

Australia: Reef and Rainforest — Custom School Trips

Groups of 8+ | Custom Dates | Fully Supported | 4.9 on GoOverseas

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Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef and explore the beautiful rainforests of Eastern Australia. Whitewater raft down the Tully River, hike through lush trails, and enjoy downtime on beautiful Mission Beach. This is a nature- and adrenaline-packed adventure that will show you the beauty of what Coastal Australia has to offer while creating a bonding experience for your group and showcasing the diversity of this great island nation.

Custom School Trip

Contact us for a custom quote

Custom dates & duration. Groups of 8+.

Response within 1 business day

Anna Beckerman

Anna Beckerman

Head of School Group Travel

Dartmouth · 15 years at Rustic

321+ school partners since 2010

Not sure yet?

Email Rustic Pathways

Talk to a personal travel advisor: +1 (440) 975-9691

Schedule a call

View program itinerary

What Does a 9-Day Program Include?

A typical program. Daily activities are subject to change based on group logistics and weather.

1

Departing Home Aiport

Meet up with your group at a pre-selected location at your home airport. Once everyone has arrived, check your bags and go through security as a group. From here you will board your flight and depart for your international flight to Australia. This first day is counted as a full day of travel because the standard travel time to this destination exceeds 12 hours. This may change depending on your departure location. Flight Details: Rustic Pathways will be happy to book your flight as an add-on service.
2

Crossing the International Date-Line

Due to Australia's location in the South Pacific, you will likely cross the International Date Line while traveling. This means that you will lose a day in-transit on the way to the start of your program, don't worry, you will regain this time when you return home.
3

Welcome to Australia!

Arrive into Cairns Airport (CNS) and meet your Program Leaders who will be with you for the duration of the program. Head to your hostel and settle in, relaxing after your long flight, and join the group for an orientation discussion about the week ahead, expectations for your adventure, and an introduction to the local culture. Enjoy a barbeque dinner by the lagoon as you soak up the lively atmosphere along the esplanade.
4

Ferry to Fitzroy Island

Take a ferry to Fitzroy Island, known for its coral reef and its lighthouse. Visit the Fitzroy Island Turtle Rehabilitation Centre, one of the biggest in Australia, where we’ll take a tour and attend an educational talk. Once the tour is over, it’s time to wear your swimmers and jump in the water! That’s right - you will be exploring the reef on a snorkeling session this afternoon. A visit to Fitzroy Island isn’t complete without swimming in the turquoise waters straight off the shore of spectacular coral beaches.
5

Explore the Tablelands

Explore the Kuranda, the tablelands that border Cairns. Spend the day exploring this village in the rainforest as you hike along crystal clear creeks and see the magnificent Barron Gorge. To get your heart pumping, join the Mountain Bike tour for some downhill challenges. In the evening, head to the Cairns Night Market to pick up some local souvenirs and see the local artists and creatives of the region.
6

The Great Barrier Reef

Sail out to the magical Great Barrier Reef! With the world’s largest reef system as your playground, there’s no telling what you may see. Snorkel – or add-on a scuba dive – at two different sites during the day, giving you ample opportunity to spot fish, turtles, reef sharks, and clownfish! Learn from marine biologists about the reef system and put this unique ecosystem into a global context, understanding the importance and delicate nature of this beautiful corner of the world.
7

Whitewater Rafting and Mission Beach

It’s an early start this morning, spending the whole day navigating your way down the Tully River on an epic whitewater rafting adventure through this rainforest, declared a World Heritage Site. After a day packed with adrenaline, head to Mission Beach where you will stay at a cozy beachside hostel. Spend the rest of the day playing cricket or throwing a frisbee on the beach and enjoying the laid back atmosphere of this beautiful town.
8

The Great Barrier Reef, Round 2

Head out on a second snorkel and dive day trip to the outer Great Barrier Reef, exploring new corners and getting better at spotting the shy ones. Once back on the mainland, you’ll head back to Cairns and out for your final group dinner on the esplanade. At the end of each program, students reflect on their experiences and the issues they engaged with, and talk about how to apply this new understanding to their own worlds. During or after their closing discussion, groups participate in Rustic Ties, a unique and powerful activity that allows students to capture the memories and learning moments of their program to process and share with their communities back home.
9

Catch You Later, Australia!

This morning, get ready to grab your final adrenaline fix with bungee jumping & the Jungle Swing. Bungee jump dressed as a hot dog, ride a BMX off the roof of the bungee tower or try your luck at the world's fastest Jungle Swing! Today will be full of fond farewells as you say goodbye to new friends and prepare for your journey home. We hope you are returning home full of valuable and unforgettable memories and that you had an amazing time in Australia!

Total: 9 calendar days / 8 nights. International flights are not included.

How Does Rustic Pathways Handle Safety?

24/7 Support

In-person staff + US emergency line

Trained Program Leaders

Background-checked, first-aid certified, deep local knowledge

Licensed & Insured Transport

Risk management plans for every program

Customizable Itinerary

Custom dates and duration

Learn more about Rustic Pathways safety protocols.

Australia

What Do School Organizers Ask?

Flights & Cost

How do flights work?

School groups can arrange their own flights, or Rustic Pathways can arrange them as an optional add-on. In either case, teachers fly with students, and Rustic Pathways coordinates airport pickup and handles all in-country logistics.

What's included in the price?

Included: Lodging, all meals, in-country transport, all activities, 24/7 staff.
Not included: International airfare, travel insurance, personal spending ($150–200).

Is travel insurance required?

Travel insurance is not included in the program fee. Rustic Pathways recommends that families purchase travel insurance. Get a quote from our recommended provider →

Supervision & Safety

Who supervises the students?

Rustic Pathways Program Leaders complete a four-month vetting process, and programs maintain a 7:1 student-to-staff ratio. All Program Leaders are first-aid certified, and most have led multiple Rustic Pathways programs. Leaders range from 25 to 35 years old.

Are rooms gender-separated?

Yes. Students room with same-gender peers. Staff stay in adjacent rooms.

What about medical emergencies?

All Program Leaders are first-aid certified. Nearest hospitals are mapped out in all locations. Our health & safety team reviews all medical forms before departure and works with families to plan medications, allergies, and dietary needs.

Communication

Can students contact home?

Yes. Rustic Pathways’ policy is that students can call, text, or WhatsApp anytime. Rustic Pathways is happy to defer to established school policies instead.

How do families stay informed?

Rustic Pathways sends daily photo updates throughout the program.

Group & Logistics

How big is the group?

Group size varies based on the school’s needs. Contact Rustic Pathways for a custom quote.

Can friends room together?

Yes. Rustic Pathways provides a room list prior to travel. Schools can assign rooming allocations or allow students to choose their roommates.

Program Details

Will students have unsupervised time?

Structured independence with staff nearby. No unsupervised time in public areas.

Can Rustic Pathways accommodate food allergies? 

Yes. Dietary needs are collected during enrollment and shared with all meal providers.

How much spending money should students have?

$150–200 recommended. Tipping is included, no extra cash needed.

Support

What if a student gets homesick?

Homesickness can be common during the first few days; Rustic Pathways is well-prepared. See how staff support students through homesickness

Does Rustic Pathways support neurodiverse students?

Rustic Pathways welcomes all students. Read how Rustic Pathways supports neurodiverse students.

What Should Teachers Know?

Which students thrive on this program?
Students who are curious, adaptable, and open to new experiences. No prior travel experience is required.
What will students do each day?
Each day includes a mix of structured activities, cultural experiences, and group time. See the itinerary above for a day-by-day overview.
Australia offers a unique combination of cultural richness, safety, and meaningful engagement opportunities for student groups. Rustic Pathways has operated programs here for years and maintains strong local partnerships.
How Do Flights Work?
School groups can arrange their own flights, or Rustic Pathways can arrange them as an optional add-on. In either case, teachers fly with students, and Rustic Pathways program leaders meet the group at the arrival airport and manage all in-country logistics from there.
What Meals Are Included?
All meals included. Dietary needs accommodated.
Included:
  • All lodging
  • All meals
  • In-country transport
  • All activities and excursions
  • 24/7 staff support
Not Included:
  • International airfare
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal spending money

What Other Program Types Are Available?

Australia Oceania Adventure
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