Australia 23 Days
Join us on an unforgettable Australia student travel program! Explore the land down under with breathtaking views and thrilling experiences. Discover the world’s largest sand bar on Fraser Island, SCUBA dive and snorkel with marine life along the Great Barrier Reef, visit the iconic Australia Zoo, climb to the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and tour the famous Sydney Opera House. Each day is better than the last on this fantastic high school adventure.
Teens on this trip participate in the first 23 days of the longer Australia plus Hawaii program.
An adrenaline-filled trip with the coolest activities, picture-perfect landmarks and a close group bond.
Hotels, Resorts & a Lodge.
Includes breakfast and dinner daily, plus 4 lunches.
Air-conditioned, professionally-driven motor coaches and vans, plus flights between Brisbane, Cairns, and Sydney.
Teens travel in compatible co-ed age groups.
On this program, all airfare is arranged by Westcoast Connection.
Varies from 26 to 42 participants.
Includes all recreation & activities listed.
We can accommodate most dietary preferences and allergies.
Start your program with an overnight flight across the International Date Line to Brisbane. You'll lose a day here, but don't worry, you'll get it back at the end of the trip! Once you land, your orientation will officially begin with some of our favorite icebreakers and “get to know you” activities.
Welcome to the Land Down Under and its famous Gold Coast! Learn to master the waves with professional surfing lessons near Australia’s premier resort area. Ride the day away at Dreamworld Amusement Park. Wind your way through the amazing Infinity Light Show and Maze. Kayak and snorkel on pristine blue waters and stop to search for thousands of sub-tropical fish and incredible marine life such as dolphins, turtles, and stingrays.
Travel by catamaran to the world’s largest sand bar! Jump on a 4×4 ranger-guided eco-tour through a tropical rainforest and discover incredible wildlife. Experience unique foods from the rainforest and outback through a ranger-led Bush Talk and Taste. At night enjoy a bonfire on the beach, stargaze at the Southern Sky and look out for the creatures of the night like sugar gliders – the inspirations for the extreme sport called "Wingsuiting".
Take a ride on the Wheel of Brisbane and get a better view of the spectacular city below. Immerse yourself in a day at Australia Zoo, discovering Australia’s unique wildlife. Explore interactive exhibits and learn about vital conservation efforts dedicated to protecting the country’s remarkable species.
Discover Cape Tribulation with an unforgettable adventure into the world's oldest tropical rainforest - the Daintree Rainforest! Check into your lodge, surrounded by breathtaking scenery. You will be welcomed by your Indigenous guides in a special cultural ceremony and learn about the traditions and conservation efforts to protect this unique land. Then, dive into a snorkeling adventure on the Great Barrier Reef—keep an eye out for sea turtles!
Whitewater raft the Mighty Tully River, one of the best rafting adventures you can experience with more than 45 rapids. Go cable wakeboarding or kneeboarding on a man-made lake designed for this incredible sport. Relax at one of Cairns’ amazing northern beaches.
Learn about the Great Barrier Reef in an educational session led by a local expert, then explore the world’s most extensive reef system. Discover sea turtles and countless vibrant species of fish as you snorkel or SCUBA dive at this incredible natural wonder, the largest structure created by living organisms. (For your safety, all SCUBA operators restrict participants with certain medical conditions. Please ask about your own circumstances if applicable.)
Spend a morning with local Indigenous Rangers and Guides on their traditional lands. Cruise from Cairns Harbour for exclusive access to an Indigenous Protected Reserve. Join the Mandingalbay Yidinji People for an unforgettable experience, exploring their rich culture and deep connection to the land. Throughout the day, immerse yourself in their history and traditions, gaining a profound appreciation for their unique relationship with the environment.
Hang ten with a surf lesson on Bondi Beach. Gaze from atop the 1,001-foot Sydney Tower. Take a thrilling once-in-a-lifetime climb up the Sydney Harbour Bridge for stunning views. Check out the renowned Sydney Opera House on your guided tour. Check out the city views from the Wild Ropes course at Taronga Zoo. Explore the scenic area of Darling Harbour. Get ready for spins, slides, power-break stops, and fishtails as you jet boat through Sydney Harbour. Cheer like a local at a rugby game if there is one in town. Enjoy a farewell dinner to Australia – look back on a remarkable adventure through the Land Down Under and the best time of your life!
Say farewell to your new friends as you part ways for your return home. You'll be flying back over the International Date Line, so here's where you get your day back!
The summer might be over, but all the memories you’ve made will last a lifetime!
Surfer’s Paradise, Australia
Enjoy the Mantra On View, located on the Gold Coast in the heart of Surfers Paradise. The hotel is a block from the beach and surrounded by shops, restaurants, cafes, nightlife and attractions. Relax at the pool and workout in the gym.
Fraser Island, Australia
Nestled within the rainforest on the world’s largest sand island, the Kingfisher Bay Resort is the only eco-resort on Fraser Island. Designed to be integrated into the beautiful scenery and world heritage surroundings of the island, the hotel has all the amenities you would expect, including a heated pool and hot tub.
Cape Tribulation, Australia
Ferntree Rainforest Lodge is an eco-lodge nestled in the heart of the Daintree Rainforest. Surrounded by lush greenery and native wildlife, it offers a comfortable and immersive rainforest experience with easy access to nearby beaches and walking trails. Enjoy a blend of relaxation and adventure in this stunning, natural setting.
Cairns, Australia
Beautiful tropical surroundings and modern contemporary style is waiting for you at the Pullman Cairns International. Featuring a resort-styled swimming pool, fitness center, and lush tropical gardens. The city location is ideal with easy access to the award-winning Esplanade and Cairns attractions.
Sydney, Australia
Location, location, location! Stay at the Mantra on Kent which is ideally located in the heart of Sydney – just a short walk to amazing Darling Harbour and stunning Circular Quay. The hotel offers large spacious suites and modern amenities.
Flights: On this program, all airfare is arranged by Westcoast Connection.
Flight to Brisbane, Australia
We begin this trip with a chaperoned flight from Los Angeles to Brisbane. For those coming from the New York area, we have a chaperoned NY to LA flight to connect to the escorted overseas flight. Our trip leaders greet you at the airport and are with you for the duration of the flight to Australia. Because of the International Dateline, you will lose a day, but you’ll make it up on the return flight when you get the very cool opportunity to live part of the same day twice. For participants outside North America, please reach out to us to discuss your flight options.
Return Flight Home from Sydney, Australia
For the return flight, our leaders help you to check-in and remain in the airport until flights have departed as they will fly with the group to Hawaii to remain with the group for the duration of the longer 27-day program and chaperone that group flight home. Depending on the number of students departing after 22 days, one staff may chaperone that flight as well.
Australia Entry Regulation
Participants require an entry visa for Australia. The Australian government has a strict entry requirement and without the proper travel authorization, participants will not be permitted to enter the country. This requires the completion of an e-visa that must be purchased prior to departure from North America and must be presented upon check in for your flight. Information will be sent to all families approximately 6 weeks prior to departure.
Food and Meals
Savor the tastes of Down Under, where every meal is an adventure in itself! We raise the bar for teen dining experiences with our group dinners at hibachi-style grills, authentic Australian BBQ, and popular local eateries. For lunch and some dinners, you will enjoy eating in smaller groups and choosing from local hot spots with a variety of different cuisines. The selection of food is diverse and abundant from burgers and sushi, to Italian and Mediterranean cuisine. For those who are adventurous, there are also opportunities to try more local fare such as kangaroo, crocodile, emu or the Aussie staple, vegemite! Cap off some meals with dessert at delicious local establishments where you can find countless gelato flavors to choose from, pavlova, bush honey & macadamia tart, yoyo biscuits, fairy bread, and a variety of other sweet treats. And of course everyone comes home loving chocolate Tim Tams!
We have satisfied the choosiest of eaters and gladly accommodate most special dietary requests including vegetarian, anaphylactic food allergies, lactose intolerance, celiac disease, and kosher style. We welcome discussing your individual requirements with you and have extensive experience in this area.
Rooming
Accommodations are chosen based on safety, security, amenities, comfort and location. Rooms vary from dorms, triples and doubles. Triples may contain two beds and a rollaway or be a suite style with a sofa bed. Each trip member has their own bed.
Laundry
You will only need to bring one week’s worth of clothing as outlined in the packing list that will be sent to you prior to departure. We visit local laundromats weekly and we will supply the detergent and dryer sheets. Don’t worry if you’ve never done laundry before, we’ll show you the ropes. Parents, we know the thought of your children doing laundry is making you smile!
What’s Included
Included in your program tuition is all lodging, breakfast and dinner daily plus four lunches, recreation & entertainment listed, airport transfers in designated times, internal flights, gratuities & taxes.
Not included is transportation to and from the program, cost of entry visa to Australia, lunches, snacks, personal spending money for souvenirs, and laundry. We also make available optional travel insurance that is not included, but highly recommended.
Please contact us with any questions. We are happy to hear from you!
Who are the staff and what are their qualifications?
Our staff are educators, guidance counselors, coaches, college and university students, former camp counselors, residence life coordinators, community volunteers, world travelers, and other leaders with diverse backgrounds. Many are former participants themselves who couldn’t get enough of the Westcoast experience! Learn more about our summer leaders.
What if I need to contact my teen during the program?
Participants may bring their cell phones so parents may call and message their kids directly. You may also contact our Communication Centers which serve as the official link between programs on the road and parents. We are staffed every day during the summer and have somebody on call for after hours emergencies ready to assist you 24/7.
What is the difference between an Active Teen Tour and a Global Adventure program?
Our Active Teen Tours offer larger group sizes (generally 35-48 participants) and travel in deluxe motor coaches. Accommodations include quality hotels and occasional fun college residences.
Global Adventures are smaller group experiences (generally up to 26 participants on all itineraries other than the 17, 20 or 25-day Greece & Italy, 20-day Greece & Portugal or 10-day Greek Islands, which varies from 24-36 participants.)
Groups travel by private motor coaches and occasional public transportation internationally, and use passenger vans in the USA. Select European programs travel exclusively by train and public transportation. While these programs have a slightly bigger focus on adventure travel, we stay in quality hotels and lodges, always ensuring a good night’s rest.