Route: Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast and Noosa, the hinterland at Booloumba Creek, then Moreton Island
How is safety managed, and where do students stay?
Rustic Pathways prioritizes student safety with a written risk management plan for every program. Students stay at three camps, a night in Brisbane, and three nights on Moreton Island.
Supervision and safety
- Supervision Median 4.37:1 student-to-staff ratio, maximum 7:1. Program Leaders are housed on site and available overnight.
- Emergencies Enrolled families receive a 24/7 emergency number for use during programs and travel days.
- Medical Dr. William R. Smith, a board-certified emergency physician, supports leaders and families. Teams keep lists of medical facilities for every major program location, and a Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certified staff member is with the group.
- Water safety Safety briefings are held before surfing, snorkeling, and kayaking, and students must complete a swim test before entering the water.
- Program Leaders Background checks through Sterling, more than 80 hours of training (40+ in person), CPR and First Aid certified. Rustic Pathways staff members completed Viristar’s month-long Risk Management for Outdoor Programs certification course.
- Transport Every owned, leased, rented, or contracted road vehicle used to transport students is licensed or registered as required in the country where it operates. Staff who drive students hold a valid in-country driver’s license and pass a motor vehicle background check.
Where they stay
Students move between three camps, a night in Brisbane, and three nights on Moreton Island.
- Sunshine Coast camp · 3 nights A lakeside camp on the Sunshine Coast.
- Noosa Everglades bush camp · 1 night A riverbank bush camp, reached by kayak.
- Booloumba Creek camp · 3 nights A camp at Booloumba Creek in the Queensland hinterland.
- Brisbane · 1 night One night in Brisbane before the ferry to Moreton Island.
- Moreton Island · 3 nights Three nights on Moreton Island.
- Gender-separated sleeping areas
- Program Leader supervision
- Roommate requests accepted
Accommodation can change by session and availability. We confirm where each group stays before departure.
What a week looks like
Days are spent outdoors and in the water: a surf lesson, a kayak trip into the Noosa Everglades with a night at a bush camp, field research with the Noosa Biosphere Foundation, and keeper-led care at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital. Researchers share the questions they are working on, such as where the whales go and how the water moves. Queensland Ecosystems and Wildlife Conservation is new for summer 2027.
The 2027 Program Leaders are confirmed closer to departure.
Who runs it
Teryn Williams
Delivery Coordinator
Teryn manages operations in Australia and has been with Rustic Pathways since 2022.
Students in their own words
Alumni describe the wildlife, the road and going so far from home.
“I learned I could survive something as scary as being on the other side of the world away from my parents as a fourteen-year-old.”
“Let’s go see what’s next. What’s around the corner? I’ve never been there; let’s go do that.”
Read Christopher’s story
“This program showed me that when you get out of your comfort zone and really push yourself, you become comfortable pretty much everywhere and really grow and mature.”
Before you enroll: what parents ask
Most asked
What is the student-to-staff ratio?
Rustic Pathways maintains a median of one staff member per 4.37 students (4.37:1), with no program exceeding 7 students per staff member (7:1).
New Program Leaders go through a four-month selection process, and every Program Leader holds current CPR and First Aid certification.
How can I stay in touch with my child?
In June and July, Queensland is 14 hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Time.
- After the final scheduled activity of the day, students have their phones, where there is a connection.
- Routine help: call +1 440-975-9691, Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET.
- Emergencies: use the 24/7 number in your pre-departure materials.
If a student has an urgent, medical, or significant personal need during activities, a Program Leader helps them contact home.
Do students come alone or with friends?
Most students join on their own, and some join with friends or siblings. Roommate requests are accepted during enrollment for students coming together. Program Leaders run icebreakers on day one, and friendships form quickly.
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellations within 24 hours of enrollment receive a refund of all amounts paid to Rustic Pathways.
Cancellations before midnight ET on March 31, 2027, receive a full refund of the program tuition. The enrollment fee and any airfare already booked become non-refundable.
For cancellations after March 31, 2027, see the enrollment terms.
If your family experiences a serious, documented emergency, contact us. We review these situations on a case-by-case basis.
Flights
How do flights work?
U.S. students can join a chaperoned group flight from Los Angeles (LAX) to Brisbane (BNE), and home from Brisbane, with a Rustic Pathways Flight Leader. It is booked separately from tuition. Families can also book their own flights into and out of Brisbane (BNE).
Program Leaders meet every student at Brisbane Airport. Flights, including the group flight, are not included in tuition; airport transfers during the program are included.
Flying independently? See the arrival and departure dates below.
Who books each flight?
Whichever option you choose, Rustic Pathways staff meet every student at Brisbane airport on the arrival date and see them off on the departure date.
Option 1: the chaperoned group flight
Cost: Chaperoned group flight fee, plus airfare.
- A Rustic Pathways chaperone meets students at Los Angeles (LAX) and flies with the group to Brisbane (BNE), and home from Brisbane (BNE) to Los Angeles (LAX) on the departure date.
- Getting to and from Los Angeles (LAX): Rustic Pathways can book the connecting flights between your home airport and Los Angeles (LAX), or your family can. Students fly that leg on their own, with an airline unaccompanied-minor service if the airline requires one.
- Every student on the group flight pays the chaperoned group flight fee, even if your family books the connecting flights.
Option 2: independent flights with support
Cost: Flight Support Fee, plus airfare.
- You choose the flights and Rustic Pathways books them, into and out of Brisbane (BNE).
- Students fly on their own, and you get 24/7 travel support if plans change.
Option 3: book your own flights
Cost: No Rustic Pathways fee, just airfare (for students not on the group flight).
- Your family books and manages the flights, into and out of Brisbane (BNE).
- Students fly on their own. Changes and rebooking are between your family and the airline.
Arrival and departure windows
Students who are not on the group flight land within the arrival window and leave within the departure window, about four hours each. Your Personal Travel Advisor shares the exact times before you book. Flights outside the windows carry an additional fee.
What are the arrival and departure dates for students flying independently?
Dates on this page run from the day students leave the U.S. to the day the group leaves Australia. Students land in Brisbane two days after they leave the U.S.
| Session dates | Arrive Brisbane (BNE) | Leave Brisbane (BNE) |
|---|---|---|
| Jun 16 – Jun 29, 2027 | Fri, Jun 18 | Tue, Jun 29 |
| Jul 14 – Jul 27, 2027 | Fri, Jul 16 | Tue, Jul 27 |
When your student flies independently, book flights that arrive and leave on these dates. Flight times can change, so contact your Personal Travel Advisor before you book.
Before you book
- Fly into Brisbane (BNE). Staff meet students there. Double-check the airport code before you pay.
- Stay within the arrival and departure dates and times. Your Personal Travel Advisor shares the exact windows. Flights outside them carry an additional fee.
Where does the program start and end?
At Brisbane Airport (BNE). The group transfers to the Sunshine Coast on arrival, and on the last day takes the ferry from Moreton Island back to the mainland and transfers to the airport.
Do U.S. citizens need a visa for Australia?
Yes. U.S. citizens need authorization to enter Australia before travel. U.S. passport holders can apply for an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA, subclass 601) using the Australian ETA app.
Other passports may need a different visa: the Australian government’s ETA page lists the passports that can use the ETA.
Cost & enrollment
What is the enrollment fee?
The enrollment fee is a one-time fee, separate from tuition, covering enrollment, pre-departure advising, and trip planning. It begins at $100 and increases closer to the departure date.
The enrollment fee is refundable for cancellations within 24 hours.
Does Rustic Pathways offer payment plans?
Yes. Rustic Pathways offers a 4-Pay payment plan that splits program tuition into four payments over six weeks. This plan is only available for enrollments more than 90 days before departure and only for U.S. bank accounts.
Rustic Pathways also offers scholarships and grants for eligible candidates. Explore Financial Aid at Rustic Pathways.
What insurance do we need?
Medical insurance with coverage in Australia is required. Travel insurance is strongly recommended, not required.
Neither is included in program tuition. Rustic Pathways recommends Arch RoamRight: get a quote.
How much spending money does my child need?
$150 to $200 per week is recommended for shopping, snacks, or souvenirs. Meals, scheduled activities, and gratuities are included in program tuition. Australia uses the Australian dollar (AUD).
Safety & wellbeing
Are rooms gender-separated?
Yes. Student sleeping areas are gender-separated, and Program Leaders are housed on site and available overnight.
How are medical needs handled?
Personal Travel Advisors review all medical forms and plan with families to manage medication, allergies, and dietary requirements on the program.
Program Leaders are first-aid and CPR certified, and teams keep lists of medical facilities for every major program location.
How is my child supervised during the program?
Rustic Pathways Program Leaders supervise students from the moment staff meet them at Brisbane airport until they depart for their flight home.
- A median student-to-staff ratio of 1 staff member for every 4.37 students, never exceeding 7:1.
- Program Leaders are housed on site and available overnight.
- Two-Deep Leadership: No staff member is ever alone one-on-one with a student.
- Each student has a personal check-in with a Program Leader within 24 hours of arrival.
- Families receive a Safe Arrival email within 12 hours of arrival in Australia.
Will my child have any unsupervised time?
Students may get independent free time to shop and explore.
Students must stay in groups of at least three, and Program Leaders set boundaries and a meeting place and time. A staff member stays at the meeting point at all times while others patrol and monitor the area.
Everything else is structured activities.
At night, students stay in their rooms with their roommates. Program Leaders are housed on site and conduct nightly room checks.
What is the phone and smart device policy?
Rustic Pathways follows Trip Before Scroll: staff store phones and connected devices securely during daytime programming and hand them back after the final scheduled activity.
Students keep them overnight, subject to quiet-hours and lights-out rules, and on travel days; medical and accessibility exceptions apply. Wi-Fi is available at most stops, but connection varies between the camps, Brisbane, and Moreton Island.
Does Rustic Pathways support neurodiverse students?
Rustic Pathways welcomes all students and works with families to provide appropriate support. Learn about Rustic Pathways’ inclusion policy.
The group
What is the group size and age range?
Each session is limited to 18 students, ages 14 to 18.
Can non-U.S. students join this program?
Yes. Non-U.S. students can join this program. International students fly to Brisbane Airport (BNE) to arrive within the designated arrival window for their session.
Rustic Pathways staff meet them at the airport and ensure safe departure within the designated window at the end of the program.
Visa requirements depend on the passport, so ask an advisor.
Day to day
What conservation work will students do?
Field research and hands-on conservation across several ecosystems: wetlands research in the Noosa Biosphere, a session on whale and dolphin research at the University of the Sunshine Coast, and a session on traditional land management with a Wakka Wakka Traditional Custodian.
Students also take part in keeper-led animal care at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital, visit the Twinnies Pelican and Seabird Rescue Centre, and study marine ecology and sustainable tourism on Moreton Island.
How physically demanding is the program?
Active. Expect surfing, hiking, kayaking, creek swimming, snorkeling, and bush camping, including a two-day kayak and camping section in the Noosa Everglades.
Can dietary needs and allergies be accommodated on program?
Yes. Vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, and other diets, plus common food allergies can be accommodated. Dietary needs and allergy information are collected after enrollment and shared with meal providers and project partners in advance.
Can the itinerary change?
Yes. The itinerary may change due to weather, safety concerns, transportation issues, or site availability. Program Leaders may adjust activities and schedules to keep students safe and ensure a positive program experience.
Ready, or one question first?
$6,350 at checkout ($6,250 Program Tuition + $100 enrollment fee), about $454 a day with lodging and all meals. Full refund within 24 hours.
What happens after you enroll
- You have 24 hours to change your mind for a full refund, including the enrollment fee.
- Rustic Pathways calls every family for a welcome call.
- Fill in the traveler details form. That opens your MyRustic family portal, with your payment schedule, forms to complete, the full itinerary and the packing list.
- Before departure, MyRustic adds the flight itineraries and the Wheels Up packet: arrival instructions, contacts and the program emergency number.
- During the program, you get daily photo updates. After it, Rustic Pathways calls every family.
Rather talk first? Call Scott Ingram at +1 (440) 975-9691, schedule a call, or ask an advisor.
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